We made you an index because there was so much we couldnt put in that video you just watched.

(And if you havent, go watch it.)

In Order of Appearance

Whipped Cream 12 seconds Alexei Ratmanskys ballet is as absurd on the surface as its set designs indicate. The plot is thin and lighthearted, but critics have found the production to be pure bliss. Alastair Macaulay, reviewing the ballet in The New York Times, called it an exuberantly nutty piece that made its New York debut with high-spirited success.

Snow Yak 14 seconds Artists have a rich tradition of dipping their toes into the world of theater. Whipped Cream features set and costume designs by Mark Ryden. Some of the visual motifs in his darkly comedic paintings have made their way into the show, including this snow yak, below. One dancer stands for the front legs and head; another is in the back, operating the yak and an oversize baby that rides on it with a flag. (It makes sense not to overthink it.)

Mark Ryden/ABT

Cory Stearns 49 seconds Spot him in the back of the first ballet class. Hes a principal dancer and one of the companys go-tos for princely roles. (Look at his face, and youll see why.)

White Swan with @heeseoabt at the #hollywoodbowl this past summer. We'll be performing the full length Swan Lake at the #kennedycenteroperahouse this Wednesday. A post shared by Cory Stearns (@cory_stearns) on Jan 23, 2017 at 8:31pm PST

Vladilen Semenov, Ballet Master 58 seconds Many ballet masters and mistresses are former dancers. Mr. Semenov was a Soviet-era star of the Kirov Ballet  now known as the Mariinsky  in Russia. Heres a video of him dancing, in 1969.

Archive 1 minute, 7 seconds The Mets archive is filled with catnip for opera fans. It offers a trip through more than 150 years: the tenure of the great maestro Arturo Toscanini, a needlepoint of the soprano Amelita Galli-Curci and a small sculpture from the forging scene in Wagners Siegfried. One of the recent additions to this wall is a portrait of Robert Tuggle, the beloved archivist who died last year at age 83.

Poker Room 1 minute, 36 secondsOne of the Met Operas traditions that seems encased in amber, and a bit anachronistic, is the intermission poker game among members of the orchestra. A production with two intermissions could mean more than an hour of downtime in the musicians lounge. Still, theres not enough time to change chips, so everyone plays with cash.

Wig shop 2 minutes, 12 seconds A wig takes about 40 hours to make. Some of these wigs will eventually make their way onstage in a new production of Bellinis Norma, a bel canto tragedy that ends with the title character throwing herself onto a pyre. (Its not the only time this happens in opera.)

Misty Copeland 2 minutes, 54 seconds One of the most famous ballerinas in the world, who in 2015 became the first black woman to be named a principal dancer in American Ballet Theaters history, was taking it easy during this class because of an injury. She is back onstage now, and continues to sell out the Met Operas cavernous house. You might also recognize her from this Under Armour ad:

Nancy Raffa 3 minutes Ms. Raffa is another dancer-turned-ballet teacher. (You can see her disciplined movement in action through her repeat-after-me mode of instruction.) Here, she is in Twyla Tharps The Little Ballet, alongside Mikhail Baryshnikov in the 1980s.

Esa-Pekka Salonen 3 minutes, 54 seconds This Finnish composer and conductor, who was a longtime music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, wowed the critics last season at the Met Opera with Richard Strausss challenging Elektra. He returned this year to lead the Met Orchestras annual concert series at Carnegie Hall.

Hiroyuki Ito for The New York Times

Symphony No. 1 by Gustav Mahler 3 minutes, 55 seconds Mr. Salonen and the Met musicians were rehearsing this for their first Carnegie Hall concert. The performance ended up in The New York Timess weekly list of best moments in classical music, in particular this remarkable, circuslike feat: Esa-Pekka Salonen lost his baton while signaling a downbeat during the hellfire finale of Mahlers First Symphony. Miraculously, he grabbed a new one off the podium in the same sweeping motion, and didnt miss a beat.

David Hallberg 4 minutes, 27 seconds Mr. Hallberg, a principal dancer with American Ballet Theater, is a global star and in 2011 was the first American to join the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia. But an injury in 2014 kept him off stage until late last year. The premiere of Whipped Cream this spring was his return to Ballet Theater.

Madama Butterfly 5 minutes, 04 seconds Anthony Minghellas staging of this Puccini opera, for all its atmospheric simplicity, is full of flowers. Act I ends with a love duet surrounded by falling petals and a slowly descending curtain made of flowers on strings like popcorn garland. Later, in one of the operas more heartbreaking moments, the character Cio-Cio-San lays out these flowers as she happily awaits her husbands return  not knowing the tragedy that awaits.

Tosca 5 minutes, 12 seconds Many longtime Met Opera fans were enraged when, in 2009, the company replaced Franco Zeffirellis lush and beloved staging of Puccinis Tosca with one that was more spare and sexual. Next season, at the annual New Years Eve gala, the Met is to unveil a new production, by David McVicar, which restores some of Mr. Zeffirellis sense of spectacle  and grand set pieces like a re-creation of SantAndrea della Valle, the church in Rome, for Act I, and the top of the Castel SantAngelo for Toscas fatal leap in Act III.

James Whiteside 5 minutes, 55 seconds Ballet Theater regulars are most likely already familiar with Mr. Whiteside, the principal dancer who regularly slips into chivalrous roles. What they may not know are his off-hours alter egos: the drag queen Uhu Betch, for example, or the sassy rapper JbDubs.

Alexei Ratmansky 6 minutes, 53 seconds Choreographers, like playwrights and directors, can often be found in the audience at their own performances. Mr. Ratmansky, one of the most widely respected and sought-after dancemakers in the world, is no exception. Audience members can expect to see more of him in the future: This spring, Ballet Theater announced the Ratmansky Project, a five-year fund-raising drive to support at least one new work a year by him.

The Building The Metropolitan Operas home at Lincoln Center opened 50 years ago, and it is more or less the same place. Sure, there used to be a penthouse restaurant called Top of the Met, and you see less black-tie fashion these days, but the buildings sheer scale and the daily traffic backstage  conveyed here in Donald A. Mackays illustration, which The New York Times published in 1966  hasnt changed much at all.
What do New Yorkers think of their city? These 44 maps represent their attitudes on a host of issues spanning city life.

Percent saying excellent or good

For a metropolis as diverse as New York, there is quite a lot of agreement among residents about city life. According to a new citywide survey of resident satisfaction, New Yorkers tended to give high marks to fire services, emergency medical services, garbage pickup and neighborhood life regardless of where they lived. They were also nearly unanimous in their low opinion of the citys services for the homeless, public housing and use of their tax dollars.

In general, New Yorkers are happiest with programs and services that directly affect their neighborhood and least happy with issues that relate to the citys overall performance. (Most of the surveys questions asked readers directly about their neighborhood, but also asked respondents for their views on citywide issues, like traffic and homeless services.)

Its kind of like the idea that I love my representative but I hate Congress, said Maria Doulis, vice president of the Citizens Budget Commission, the organization that sponsored the survey this year.

These maps also highlight the uneven distribution of New Yorks opportunities. Satisfaction with cultural activities, crime and neighborhood cleanliness are hugely unequal between neighborhoods and tend to closely follow neighborhood income.

The survey shows how satisfaction has changed since 2008, when the city government originally conducted the same survey. As a whole, New Yorkers are just about as happy  or unhappy, depending on your perspective  as they said they were nine years ago, with about half of New Yorkers saying they thought the city was a good or excellent place to live.

The borough that has grown less happy with New York City over all is Staten Island, whose residents reported a 9 percentage point decline in positive opinion. The borough that reported the greatest increase in positive opinion was Brooklyn.

See What People in Each Neighborhood Said

Some elements, like traffic, tended to be poorly rated everywhere, while others, like neighborhood cleanliness, varied widely. By default, were showing the neighborhood that New Yorkers are most satisfied with: Manhattans District 7, which includes the Upper West Side, Lincoln Square and Manhattan Valley. Residents there tended to rate New Yorks services higher there than they did anywhere else.

Use the search box to explore how your neighborhood compares.
I visited Washington, DC for the first time in 1980. I was 13. Jimmy Carter was the president.

My family only had one day to see the sights. As I remember it, we went through what seemed a somewhat sketchy neighborhood (I was a country boy, so it may have just been nerves about The Big City), turned onto Pennsylvania Avenue, and drove past the White House and Capitol before taking in selected bits of the Smithsonian and visiting Arlington National Cemetery. Then we proceeded to Andrews Air Force Base, where my brother was stationed, and just for fun drove past Air Force One.

I saw a lot of really neat stuff that day, but right now I'm thinking about the stuff I didn't see, or at least didn't notice.

I don't recall seeing a single police officer anywhere, although I'm sure I must have. The only man with a gun I noticed at Andrews was the gate guard, who checked my brother's ID and waved us through. Nobody seemed to give us a second glance as we passed within a few hundred feet of the president's plane. I don't recall any security checkpoints, barricades or traffic barriers along Pennsylvania Avenue, and I think I would have remembered those.

This was in the middle of the Iran hostage crisis and only a few months after the Unabomber's attack on American Airlines Flight 444 as it flew into DC from Chicago. Central America was in the throes of successful and unsuccessful revolutions and the US wasn't terribly popular there. Carter was preparing to re-institute draft registration in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

And yet (aside from a surplus of marble monuments), Washington seemed on the whole to be a normal, American city.

When did the East Germans take over?

You can't drive past the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue today. It was "temporarily" closed to motorized traffic after the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and that closure was officially made permanent after 9/11. Seldom a week passes without breathless reports of a "security incident." Someone touched the White House fence (everyone panic!) or was shot to death by police after making a wrong turn or panicking at a random roadblock. Air Force One? You can still see it. On TV, anyway.

You can still visit Washington, but if you plan to fly in, count on multiple instances of being required to show your papers and get felt up at the airports. My own kids can't remember a time without metal detectors, bag searches and dire warnings even at the entrances to such attractions as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

I guess every generation of adults feels like things have gone downhill since they were kids. But as someone a little too young to have understood Vietnam or Watergate and just exactly old enough to have exuberantly celebrated the nation's bicentennial, these days I find each 4th of July to surpass the last as an occasion for mourning an America that no longer exists.
From Consortium News

The New York Times has finally admitted that one of the favorite Russia-gate canards -- that all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies concurred on the assessment of Russian hacking of Democratic emails -- is false.

On Thursday, the Times appended a correction to a June 25 article that had repeated the false claim, which has been used by Democrats and the mainstream media for months to brush aside any doubts about the foundation of the Russia-gate scandal and portray President Trump as delusional for doubting what all 17 intelligence agencies supposedly knew to be true.

In the Times' White House Memo of June 25, correspondent Maggie Haberman mocked Trump for "still refus[ing] to acknowledge a basic fact agreed upon by 17 American intelligence agencies that he now oversees: Russia orchestrated the attacks, and did it to help get him elected."

However, on Thursday, the Times -- while leaving most of Haberman's ridicule of Trump in place -- noted in a correction that the relevant intelligence "assessment was made by four intelligence agencies -- the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Security Agency. The assessment was not approved by all 17 organizations in the American intelligence community."

The Times' grudging correction was vindication for some Russia-gate skeptics who had questioned the claim of a full-scale intelligence assessment, which would usually take the form of a National Intelligence Estimate (or NIE), a product that seeks out the views of the entire Intelligence Community and includes dissents.

The reality of a more narrowly based Russia-gate assessment was admitted in May by President Obama's Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and Obama's CIA Director John Brennan in sworn congressional testimony.

Clapper testified before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee on May 8 that the Russia-hacking claim came from a "special intelligence community assessment" (or ICA) produced by selected analysts from the CIA, NSA and FBI, "a coordinated product from three agencies -- CIA, NSA, and the FBI -- not all 17 components of the intelligence community," the former DNI said.

Clapper further acknowledged that the analysts who produced the Jan. 6 assessment on alleged Russian hacking were "hand-picked" from the CIA, FBI and NSA.

Yet, as any intelligence expert will tell you, if you "hand-pick" the analysts, you are really hand-picking the conclusion. For instance, if the analysts were known to be hard-liners on Russia or supporters of Hillary Clinton, they could be expected to deliver the one-sided report that they did.

Politicized Intelligence

In the history of U.S. intelligence, we have seen how this selective approach has worked, such as the phony determination of the Reagan administration pinning the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II and other acts of terror on the Soviet Union.

CIA Director William Casey and Deputy Director Robert Gates shepherded the desired findings through the process by putting the assessment under the control of pliable analysts and sidelining those who objected to this politicization of intelligence.

The point of enlisting the broader intelligence community -- and incorporating dissents into a final report -- is to guard against such "stove-piping" of intelligence that delivers the politically desired result but ultimately distorts reality.

Another painful example of politicized intelligence was President George W. Bush's 2002 National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq's WMD that removed State Department and other dissents from the declassified version that was given to the public.

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Democratic Donkey - Caricature

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Writing in Politico, Bruce Bartlett complains the Republican Party has lost its way because it has ceased to champion ideas; he says the GOP has become the Party that panders "to the lowest common denominator in American politics." What Bartlett says is true, but the Democratic Party has also lost its way. Not because its ceased to champion ideas but rather because Democrats have forgotten who they are, they've lost touch with their soul.

Bruce Bartlett is a historian who served in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush Administrations. His Politico article (http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/06/24/intellectual-conservatives-lost-republican-trump-215259?) savages Trump: "He has instituted policies so right wing they make Ronald Reagan... look like a liberal Democrat... Trump is what happens when a political party abandons ideas, demonizes intellectuals, degrades politics and simply pursues power for the sake of power."

Bartlett dates the GOP decline to the 1994 ascension of Newt Gingrich: "In power, Republicans decided they didn't need any more research or analysis; they had their agenda, and just needed to get it extended." But there's another equally viable explanation: Republicans came under the control of a small number of billionaire conservatives, such as Charles and David Koch and Robert Mercer. After Gingrich came to power, new conservative initiatives originated not from GOP congress members but instead from conservative think tanks (such as the American Legislative Exchange Council [ALEC]) funded by the billionaires.

Over the course of two decades, the Republican Party became the Oligarchy Party. It didn't abandon ideas but rather turned the conservative intellectual process over to a small number of billionaires. Republican congress members became tools of the oligarchs. Inevitably, this produced the situation where Donald Trump cut his biggest deal; Donald became President of the United States after agreeing to let the oligarchs guide his domestic and foreign policy after accepting millions in financial support.

Democrats have not responded effectively to this change.

The rise of the oligarchs has had two direct impacts on the American political process: first, it has savagely increased the impact of big money. Elected officials now have to spend a huge percentage of their time raising money for the next election. Over time this has vastly increased the impact of big donors and lobbyists. The Republican Party is now run by oligarchs but, to a worrisome extent, the Democratic Party is also influenced by big money.

When Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren talk about the political system being "broken" or "rigged" this is what they are talking about. Wealthy Americans have too much influence in the political process. Democrats acknowledge this but they haven't done anything about it.

The second impact of the rise of the oligarchs has been the increase of partisanship in American politics -- the death of "comity." The current debate about "Trumpcare" is emblematic of this situation: in 2009, when the Affordable Care Act was being discussed, Democrats had lengthy discussions with Republicans and incorporated many of their ideas in the legislation (even though most Republicans ended up not voting for the Affordable Care Act). In 2017, when Trumpcare was being discussed, Republican Senators made no effort to consult Democrats.

There's considerable research (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/12/upshot/why-americans-vote-against-their-interest-partisanship.html?) that indicates voters in the last election voted more because of partisan sentiments than because of ideas discussed by the candidates. Trump prevailed because he motivated his base with "white male identity politics." Trump prevailed because he was perceived as an outsider who could "shake up the system." (He's definitely done that.)

Even though Hillary Clinton was widely believed to be the most qualified candidate to ever run for President, she wasn't popular. Voters didn't have the visceral sense of attachment to her that eight years before they had had with Barack Obama. There are a lot of reasons why voters didn't like Hillary: the fact that she is a woman; her reputation as an intellectual; the email scandal; and on and on. But if we compare Clinton in 2016 to Obama in 2008, there's one word that jumps out: soul. Obama had soul and Clinton didn't.

in 2008, millions of voters believed that Obama would transform the system. (Remember "the audacity of hope"?) In 2016 few voters believed that of Clinton. (Trump supporters believe he would blow up the system.) Obama had soul and Clinton never did.

That was a problem for Clinton in 2016 and a continuing problem for Democrats. Voters don't see much difference between the two Parties. If you ask a typical American, "In the difficult days ahead, which Party has got your back?" They'll probably answer, "Neither. Politicians are only in it for themselves."

At the moment, the most popular US politician is Bernie Sanders who is neither a Democrat nor a Republican. He's a Socialist who runs as an Independent.

But it's not his Party affiliation that generates Bernie support, it's his authenticity. Bernie has gained respect by telling it like it is. He recognizes the system is broken and the oligarchs are winning. He's willing to stand up and tell the unvarnished truth. Bernie has soul.

Not so long ago, Democrats distinguished themselves as "the Party with a soul." That's what they need to do now. Democrats need to follow Bernie Sanders.
From Other Words

The record to date: an immensely unpopular health bill, big tax breaks for Wall Street, a longer war in Afghanistan.



Enemy of truth and liberty - protester in Whitehall during the anti-Trump ban march in London.

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Apparently President Trump wonders why he's getting the lowest job-approval ratings from the public in modern presidential history. Maybe he should actually look at the policies he's pushing.

For example, the GOP's draconian health care scheme is so ugly that only 17 percent of Americans support it -- and even Trump, who originally said he was "100 percent behind this," now calls the bill "mean."

Then there's his promise to invest a trillion dollars in hiring people to repair America's collapsing infrastructure. That turns out to have been a Trump scam.

His actual plan is to give $200 billion in tax breaks to high-roller Wall Street investors, hoping they'll put some of it into infrastructure projects. It's like promising to feed the sparrows by putting oats in the horse feed, hoping they'll pass through some seeds for the birds to peck out.

Also, remember his promise to crack down on Wall Street greedheads? No go. Now, he and Congress are pushing a bill to coddle the banksters by removing existing consumer protections that restrict Wall Street greed.

But he is creating new jobs for 4,000 or so lucky Americans. In Afghanistan. The 16-year war there has been an unequivocal disaster for the US and our troops.

But rather than being a commander-in-chief, Trump has washed his hands of that presidential responsibility, becoming a wimpy delegator-in-chief by handing off responsibility to the military brass. They're now shipping 4,000 more troops into a hellish war the American people do not support.

Trump's overriding failure, however, is that he has no vision, no big ideas, no moxie -- just a slogan. Any gasbag can say "Make America Great" over and over again. But doing it takes real leadership, and he and his White House gang of incompetents clearly don't have that in them. Sad.
From Reader Supported News



Donald Trump

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Donald Trump is a poor loser. He is that kid who will take the only ball in the neighborhood home with him if he doesn't get his way. Trump and the Republicans are having a difficult time coming up with a replacement for Obamacare. It was easy to repeal it over and over when President Obama was there to veto the repeal. Now the votes mean something, and Republicans don't have a viable replacement.

You can see that spoiled brat side of Donald Trump coming out as he threatens to sabotage the nation's healthcare system from within. For the past few months, the Trump administration has refused to commit to continuing to make payments to health insurance companies that are used to subsidize payments from low-income Americans.

When I first heard this, I wondered how he could get away with violating the law. I thought, how could that not be impeachable? Sadly, it might be a move he can get away with to bring down the Affordable Care Act. It would indeed, as he has threatened to do, destabilize the markets. Millions of Americans could lose their healthcare, and for someone like me, it could result in my death.

Well, maybe not in my case, since I have the option to go on Medicare early because of my kidney failure. But without the Medicare option, which is not there for most illnesses, I would not be able to afford the treatments for my disease.

The sad truth is the subsidies are part of a legal battle that could result in their demise at any time, and the Trump administration might be able to end them at any time legally. However, throwing millions of Americans off their healthcare would be immoral, if not illegal.

The Kaiser Foundation estimates that one correction to the lost subsidies would be everyone would face a 19% increase in premiums across the board. So much for, how does Donald say it?

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From Paul Craig Roberts Website



Why Conservatives Should Watch Al Jazeera

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In the event you have noticed the hullabaloo about Qatar and wonder what it is about, it is about Al Jazeera, a news organization, established by the Emir who rules the oil and gas sheikdom on the Persian Gulf. Al Jezeera is far more professional than any news organization in the West. Al Jazeera's problem is that it covers the actual news and tells the truth. This is unacceptable to the Saudis, the United Arab Emirates, and to Washington.

At the time of the US invasion of Iraq, the Crown Prince of the UAE requested that Washington bomb Al Jazeera so that the Arab world would not be inflamed by truthful reporting of the US attack on Iraq. In April 2003 Al Jazeera's Baghdad office in Iraq was struck by a US missile, killing one journalist and wounding another. Of course, Washington claimed it was just a mistake.

Qatar has the highest per capita income in the world -- $129,700 in 2016 -- a sum to which American per capita income compares very poorly.

Qatar also hosts the largest US military base in the Mideast. This fact makes the list of demands or else that Saudi Arabia has handed to Qatar perplexing. Essentially, the Saudis accuse Qatar of "supporting terrorism" because the Emir permits Al Jazeera to tell the truth. The second demand on the list is that Qatar close down Al Jazeera.

The Emir is proud of Al Jazeera, and he should be. On the other hand Qatar shares a land border with Saudi Arabia. But the Saudis are bogged down as Washington's proxie in a war with Yemen. Does Saudi Arabia want a second front? What would Washington's response be to a Saudi attack on a country that hosts Washington's largest military base in the Middle East?

Is Qatar to be incorporated into Saudi Arabia? If so, the problem returns of the infidel having military troops in the country that protects the holy shrine of Mecca. What is certain is that Washington is not going to let go of its largest base in the Middle East.

Still, Washington hates Al Jazeera. So, can we expect that Washington will pressure the Emir to comply with the Saudi demand? What if the Emir instead ordered Washington out and installed the Russians, or the Iranians with whom the Emir is on speaking terms? If the Emir could evade the CIA assassination attempts, he could single handedly change the course of history.

Only the corrupt Saudi monarchy and the idiots in Washington could create such an opportunity for a mere Emir. If I were the Emir, I would be on the telephone with Vladimir Putin.
Its peak season in Iceland and you can find extremely cheap airfare to get yourself there.

Icelandair is selling round-trip, nonstop flights to Reykjavik starting from $245, according to Thrifty Traveler.

Youll score the cheapest tickets flying out of Toronto, which are going for $245 round-trip. You can fly out of Chicago or Minneapolis for $353, or you can leave from Denver or Portland for $394 round trip. These lower fares from Icelandair can be found from September through December of this year.

The Airfare Spot has found tickets for $288 round-trip from Boston, Washington D.C. and New York City. Airfarewatchdog also found cheap tickets to Reykjavik for this summer if youre looking to go to Iceland before this fall. They found tickets for $390 round-trip from Baltimore in July, and flights from LA for only $300 in August (both with WOW Air).

Airfare this cheap is often only found during the winter months. During the incredible summer season, travelers will get 21 hours of daylight during their stay in Iceland and can enjoy all the outdoor activities the country only has to offer during summer months.

Main and lead photo by Theo Crazzolara/Flickr CC by 2.0

Madison Gable is a freelance writer based out of Athens, Georgia.
Every person who has passed through Serbia can testify to two things: 1) Serbian food is delicious; and 2) Serbias hospitality is unparalleled. Some believe that that famously welcoming spirit is due to ancient pagan beliefs. Serbs use to believe that a host will not gain any favors from the Gods if he doesnt offer a bed and food to a guest.

Whatever the case may be, Serbs still insist on maintaining their reputation as good hosts. As such, they spoil their guests with incredible food and drink. When traveling to Serbia, pack pants that are two sizes too big. Dont worry, youll fill them out in no time.

Here are 10 Serbian delicacies you must try:

Serbs are not exactly like Swedes when it comes to coffee consumption, but they still love to sip a cup of this warm drink every day. People call it domestic coffee or Turkish coffee. The first coffee shops in the city, better known as kafanas originate from the Ottoman Empire and one of the oldest ones is called Question Mark.

This dairy dish is a popular appetizer. It is very similar to clotted cream and its mostly eaten with bread or with some dishesusually pljeskavica (Balkan burger) or in pita bread with cevapi (a grilled dish with minced meat). Lepinja sa kajmakom (bun bread with kajmak) is a specialty in Zlatibor region. Nowadays you can buy kajmak in any large supermarket but youll find the best one at farmers markets across the country.

Serbs love their ajvar and they produce 640 tons of it each year. It is a spread made of red bell peppers and it may also contain garlic, chili peppers or eggplant. Its mostly eaten on flat bread or as a side dish. There are two kinds of ajvar: one is made from roasted red peppers and the other has a more spicy kick to it as they add hot peppers.

Rakija is a fruit brandy with 40% of alcoholic content. It is mostly made out of grapes but other fruits such as peaches, pears, cherries, figs, quince are also commonly used. Some of them are sometimes mixed with herbs, honey or walnuts. People drink it as aperitif, at parties, in bars and at weddings. An average Serbian grandmother uses it as a cure against heartburn, sore throat and pretty much everything else.

In my opinion you must try these three types: 1) honey rakija: medovaca 2) raspberry rakija: malina 3) apricot rakija: kajsija.

This vegetable salad consists of tomatoes, cucumbers and onions and is seasoned with olive oil, salt and a hot pepper called feferon. Salads in Serbia are usually eaten as a side dish along with roast meat or other dishes.

Karadjordjes steak is probably one of the main reasons Serbians are rated high for suffering from cardiovascular diseases. It is a rolled veal or pork steak, stuffed with kajmak, and then breaded and fried. It is served with roasted potatoes and tartar sauce.

It was made by accident by a famous Serbian chef Mica Stojanovic who cooked for the likes of Tito, Queen Elizabeth II and Gaddafi. He had a guest that ordered the Chicken Kiev but he didnt have all the ingredients and he improvised and created Karadjordjes steak. When he garnished the steak he noticed an uncanny resemblance to the order of the Star of Karadjordje, which is how the dish got its name.

Possibly the most popular dish on our list is sarma. This old Serbian dish has been around as long as anyone can remember. Sarma is a cabbage roll with minced meat and rice. There are many versions of sarma, some prefer to make roles out of chard with rice and tuna. Usually its served with a side of sour cream.

Burek is the most common breakfast order in any bakery in Serbia. The French have croissants and the Serbians have this incredible pastry with think flaky dough. Its usually filled with minced meat or cheese. The best place to try it is in the city of Nis, where it originated here as early as 1498. It was introduced to Serbia by a Turkish baker called Mehmed O?lu.

Podvarak is an easy dish to prepare, but what makes it incredible is the quality of its ingredients. Serbians mostly eat only seasonal. In the winter there isnt much variety in farmers markets, so they prepare large quantities of food preserves. In this case, barrels of fermented cabbage. Every family has at least a barrel of fermented cabbage, they use it throughout the year to prepare sarma, cooked cabbage or podvarak. Usually made from fermented cabbage, smoked pork and some other type of meat such as pork ribs or sausages.

In most Serbian households when they welcome a stranger to their home they greet them with a spoonful of slatko and a glass of water. Slatko meaning sweet in Serbian is a homemade fruit preserve. Most popular fruit preserves are made from quince, white cherries or blackberries. If youre keen on acquiring a jar to take back home, visit any local farmers market.

Zorica Loncar is an author behind EuroTribe, a website that showcases European destinations, great local experiences, off the beaten path destinations and budget travel advice. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Sony has had plenty of hits in the mobile tech world, but none of them have been recent. In the US, Sony has struggled to recapture the glory of the 70s and 80s when its industrial design was seen as second to none.

As long as Sony has been making Android smartphones, it just hasnt managed to stand out from the crowdat least, not in terms of flagship phones here in the US. Sony doesnt seem to follow the trends that come out of China and South Korea, but instead walks by the beat of its own drumfor good or bad.

The Xperia XZ Premium is the latest in Sonys flagship phones, a line that has always been premium. But with the XZ Premium, the company really wants us to know that its a premium device, built with the most advanced technology. So is that really true? We take a look below to see how it holds up:

In some ways, its strange to call the design of the XZ Premium outdated. When you see it in person or hold it in your hand, its not that there is one element in particular that makes it feel like a phone from a couple years ago. After all, its got that extremely shiny, mirror finish, which is all kinds of glamorous.

Speaking of which, its hard not to give Sony props for trying something new. Just when you thought everything had been tried in terms of materials, textures, and finishes, you get something like this is which is completely unique. However, unless youre someone who loves the idea of having a mirror on the back of your phone at all times, the finish is a distraction. Its obviously a massive fingerprint magnetmore than any phone Ive ever used. However, it definitely attracts looks in public in the same way an expensive piece of jewelry or clothing would. Perhaps for a certain demographic, that kind of thing is an attractive premise.

But even if having a mirror for a phone sounds cool to you, there are a number of design choices here that combine to make it feel outdated. The most noticeable ones are the harsh edges, the large bezels, the lack of a fingerprint scanner, and the wide shoulders of this thing. Its the heaviest flagship smartphone youll find on the market and the lack of a home button or fingerprint scanner make the bezels feel even larger.

Speaking of the fingerprint scanner, its a real shame that this device doesnt have one. Sony has been doing this for years now in the US, but this core piece of technology really has become standard in most smartphones, especially if youre going to call yourself a premium device. In the rest of the world, youll get a fingerprint scanner on the front of the device, but in the US, it seems as if Sony locked itself up in how it sells unlocked phones in American markets. We dont know the specifics of the details, but whatever deal Sony made or didnt make with US carriers is still haunting them.

A lot of these elements have been a part of what Sony has done with the Xperia smartphone line for years and years, which make them feel more like an intentional choice rather than laziness or stubbornness. Some people will refer to the design as a classic Sony design, but sitting next to phones like the Galaxy S8 and the iPhone 7, it seems downright old-school.

Even next to something like the Google Pixel or the OnePlus 5, which feel pretty standard at this point, the Xperia XZ Premium is a large, bulky deviceespecially considering its display is only 5.5 inches. Its even slightly thicker and heavier than the companys previous effort, the Xperia Z5 Premium.

That being said, it does come with that great-looking IPS LCD display with its insane 3840  2160 resolution and eye-popping color reproduction. Thats rightits a 4K HDR smartphone with a ridiculous 807 ppi (pixels per inch). It ties the companys 2015 Xperia Z5 Premium, which was highest resolution smartphone ever made, by a long shot. This is what we mean when we say Sony operates on its own playing field: its pushing way ahead in certain areas and completely lagging behind in others.

Before we give Sony too much credit though, it should be noted that you may not notice the difference between a 4K smartphone, a 2K smartphone (such as the Galaxy S8 or the LG G6), or even an HD smartphone (such as the Google Pixel or the OnePlus 5). There are a couple of situations where you might notice the difference, such as when using a VR headset or when watching Amazons HDR video content, which does look really sharp. As for VR content, youre not getting true 4K graphics since many of the apps and games dont render in 4K, but the super-high pixel density does make Daydream VR experiences sharper and more immersive.

The XZ Premium actually only switches to true 4K when its applicable to ensure that its not wasting precious battery life when it doesnt matter. It has a fairly large 3230 mAh battery to power all of those pixels, though its smaller than what was on the Xperia Z5 Premium. If youre coming from something like the Galaxy S8, the 3230 mAh battery is a number that will please many. From my time with the phone, I consistently got a full days worth of heavy usage, topped off with the phones own Stamina Mode when needed.

In terms of other specs, you really are getting a premium device: the latest SoC in the Snapdragon 835 and 4GB of RAMall waterproof IP68 certified. Its probably not going to blow away anything you find on rival devices in terms of performance, but the XZ Premium was definitely a speedy machine in our testing with various apps and games. According to GeekBench, it doesnt quite match the performance numbers of the Galaxy S8, but it fares well enough against other similar flagships and held up well with every task we threw at it.

Like so many smartphone manufacturers, Sony is riding quite a lot on its phones camera to draw interest. The XZ Premium come with 19-megapixel shooter on the back and a 13-megapixel on the front. As with most smartphone cameras, the numbers dont mean much when it comes to actual performance.

For stills, I found the rear camera to be suitable, though nothing special. Im sure Sony has a totally capable lens here, but the delicate balance that is image processing isnt quite right. Especially in Auto mode, the processing seems to be doing a bit too much when in comes to exposure. On bright sunny days, the Auto mode tends to overexposeand while in low light situations it fares a bit better, youll still end up with a bit of noise on your photos. The lens does a decent job of focusing in macro shots, and while its a little inconsistent, I was impressed by some of the macro shots I was able to take.

Sonys camera app overall is a bit disappointing. You cant do HDR in Auto mode for starters, so for the most part, youll want to do things in Manual mode, which can be really clunky. Other than that, there are a couple more missteps here that dont make much sense, especially given the price of this phone. First is that the XZ Premium doesnt come with optical image stabilization, which is now even featured in the 4.7-inch iPhone 7. It makes a huge difference in image quality and theres just not really a good excuse for not including it here. Secondly, the phone has no support for RAW images. Thats not going to matter for most people, but since Android now supports the file format (and other phones like the OnePlus 5 have adopted it), its a bit weird that Sony has turned it off.

Despite how Sony sells the phone, if you want the best Android camera, youll have to look elsewhere. However, if its an amazing slo-mo camera that you want, look no further.

Outside of the HDR display, Sonys Super Slo-Mo video mode is the headlining feature. Weve had slo-mo video on the iPhone and the Galaxy phones for years now, but what Sony has done with the XZ Premium is a mile ahead of the competition. The phone shoots slow motion video in 960 frames per second, while results in some pretty amazing slo-mo moments if you can capture it. It all looks really professional, until you have to view it in 720p, which is a bit of a letdown. Overall though, if really cool slo-mo video is what you want, the XZ Premium is your best choice by far.

The Xperia XZ Premium comes with Android 7.1 Nougat, which is the freshest version of the operating system. However, Sony has done a number of things here to make it not feel like thats what youre getting. Its got its own skin over the OS and while its nothing overly intrusive, it does make the experience feel a bit outdated.

These are going to sound nitpicky, but things like refusing to change the Home button or app drawer are just silly. Other small changes that bother me are the enlarged status bar and navigation bar, as well as the enlarged notifications. And no offense to people who like Swype, but can someone explain why you wouldnt include the beautiful Google Keyboard as the stock keyboard? Maybe its just the vanilla Android fan in me talking, but these sorts of changes seem distracting and unnecessary in my eyes.

The part most people will be talking about are the host of Sony apps that come pre-installed, most of which will be ignored by most people. One thing I didnt mind is that recommended apps page in the app drawer that is actually pretty helpful and convenient.

Fortunately, Sony leaves the most important parts of Nougat intact, most notably notifications, the app switcher, Google Now, and Google Assistant. Unlike with Samsung, we dont have a second assistant to make things unnecessarily confusing. There are plenty of Android skins out there that do far worse things, so the XZ Premium gets a pass here. Theres always an opportunity to add features that are actually helpful in these skins, but I have to give Sony credit for restraining itself when it comes to the software.

Most importantly, Sony has done a decent job of getting timely Android updates out to older devices. Well have to wait and see how Sony does getting Android O and Android P onto the XZ Premium.

After the delay of the follow-up to the Xperia Z5 Premium, some fans were hoping that Sony was going to reboot the line to modernize some of the design and features. Instead, the XZ Premium is a double-down on what Sony has been doing for years now. The 4K HDR display and the Super Slo-Mo camera are more than gimmicks, but theyre not quite features that will sell phones.

The real problem with the Xperia XZ Premium isnt the phone itself, its the competition that it stands against. When your pricetag is $799, you better be ready to compete against phones like the Galaxy S8, the iPhone 7, and even the LG G6. If Sony really wants to do something significant in the smartphone space, its time the Xperia line gets a rebootand please, no more Xs and Zs this time.
The Rohingya are still being persecuted by their country. Although the government of Myanmar has taken a step back from most blatant and flagrant public persecutions, the unjust oppression of these people continues apace. Their schools are destroyed, they are slandered and denied from every corner. Now the far-right Hindu nationalists of India threaten them with death.

Three days ago, an alleged Rohingya paramilitary group attacked two Burmese villagers on two separate occasions. The government of Myanmar is on high alert. There is a chance that the national authorities will use this occasion to injure or kill many Rohingya under the cover of crackdown and reprisal. The government has a long history of using the actions of a few Rohingya to devastate the rest. As Reuters reminds us,

Rohingya insurgents attacked Myanmar border guard posts in October, provoking a military crackdown in which hundreds were killed, more than 1,000 houses burned down and some 75,000 Rohingya Muslims forced to flee to Bangladesh.

The Rohingya are a Muslim minority in the country of Myanmar, formerly Burma. The country is liberalizing, but slowly. And the same authoritarian prejudices obtain. The hateful strain is still there. Bit by bit, the state has been stripping away rights from the Muslims of Myanmar. Until the rest of the world intervened, the Rohingya were well on their way to becoming entirely stateless in every senseas in, their right to live would be questioned too.

The Rohingya are considered illegal immigrants by the authorities of Myanmarthe offshoot of migrants who came into the nation in 1948 and 1971. Scholars and the Rohingya disagree, of course. There are 1.3 million of these people, mostly in the Rakhine state. 100,000 of them live in camps where they are kept by the authorities. Slave labor and execution are used under Burmese rule. In 2009, a UN spokeswoman described the Rohingya as probably the most friendless people in the world.

It is odd, that the government of Myanmar is so sure that the Rohingya are newcomers. After all, there have been Muslims in Rakhine since the 15th century. Which is more likely: that all the Rohingya lie, or that the government finds some explanations more convenient? Governments have even been known to dissemble, from time to time.

About that October attack on the police forts. What most commentators miss about the Rohingya is this was not an even contest. The officials say that Arsa, an armed Rohingya resistance movement, is a terrorist cell. Violence is never the answer, and it is not excused on behalf of the Rohingya, but what did the Burmese expect? Grind people down into the dirt, and some of them will act out unjustly. The Rohingya are mercilessly hassled under the sanction of law. Desperation is their lot. Myanmar is a Buddhist-majority country, and the monks and other leaders of that countryincluding the State Counselor herself, the much-celebrated Aung San Suu Kyiseem to delight in marginalizing them.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon has spoken of their plight:

I am not an expert in politics or international law, said Cardinal Bo. I am moved by human suffering The enormous suffering of the population of Rakhine is one of my great concerns. Cardinal Bo said that the government of Myanmar to move away from position that do not favor peace and to work with the international community to investigate the crimes reported by the UN in a truly independent manner that leads to justice.

Pick any week, and theres some new incident displaying the indifference of Myanmar to its Muslim citizens. On the second of June, Myanmar charged three Muslim men for holding Ramadan prayers in the street. Forget for a moment the oddity of arresting people for practicing their religion. This happened because a larger crowd of about fifty Muslims were worshiping on a road in Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon). Why were they praying in the street? Why, because ultra-nationalist Buddhist mob shut down the local madrassah.

Two officers tried to stop AFP journalists from filming when they visited one of the madrasas on Friday. Its our mosque as well as our school. We dont know when it will be reopened, Khin Soe, a local resident in his 50s, said as he set off to pray in another part of town.

And these bigotries are not limited to Myanmar alone. India supports its share of nastiness. Thanks to Myanmars crimes, tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled abroad, citizens of nowhere. Many of them end in Bangladesh. Quite a few of them live India now. Some of these Rohingya took sanctuary in Jammu City five years ago. Most of them work as unskilled laborers. But the ruling government of India does not want them there. According to TRT World,

... circumstances turned unpleasant soon after the Hindu far-right Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won Indias national elections in 2014 and formed the government in India, replacing a secular Congress Party. ... The citys trade union has echoed [a conservative politicians] demand and allegedly threatened to kill Rohingyas if they dont clear the area soon. Several billboards have sprung up across the city. Some of them read: Wake up Jammu. Rohingyas and Bangladeshis. Quit Jammu. And the others carry a rallying cry to unite and save the history, culture and identity of [the] Dogras.

Muhammad Younis, a Rohingya, is forty-one. He lives in a hut, and works as a construction worker in the city.

Witnessing this growing hostility, Younis is unable to sleep at night. There are 1,200 Rohingya families living in the city and they are feeling equally vulnerable. We are not living illegally here, Younis says. We have the UNHCR cards. How can these parties threaten us when we have gone through all the legal formalities?

The UN, according to Al-Jazeera, has appointed a three-member team to investigate alleged abuses by security forces against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. This is not enough. The UN acknowledges this:

Minorities all over the world are facing persecution. The situation of the Rohingya community in Myanmar is especially deplorable because they face the risk of a genocide, Indira Jaising, heading the UN mission, told Al Jazeera by telephone.

Awareness of their lot must be made public, and these facts must repeated over and over again. World Refugee Day was on June 20th. We must do better than merely recognizing their pain. The Rohingya are suffering, and their fate stands on the edge of a knife. A moment, a volatile impulse by the government, and they could be wiped away. We must do more, do better, and do it soon.
The US-Africa Business Centre has released its maiden Investor Confidence Indicator for Africa (ICIFA) in Washington, ranking Ghana among the best countries in Africa in terms of convenience of doing business.



Ghanas overall score was 59.4 per cent which placed it in the first quartile of overall performers in Africa.

The report, which was released on June 12, is a tool created to inform investment destination choices and influence policy making.





The ICIFA uses 12 international evaluations to create a composite score for each nation that measures the ease of doing business there. Factors that determine a nation's score include security, development, and good governance grounded in the rule of law, as well as media freedom, and human development.



In an address to launch the report, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Alan Kyerematen, urged US companies to take advantage of the opportunities Ghana had to offer to invest in the country.



He further assured investors of governments commitment to improve the ease of doing business in Ghana, adding, Our goal is to make Ghana the best place to do business on the continent and in that light, we have taken bold regulatory reforms to improve the ease of doing business.



Report objective



"The Investor Confidence Indicator for Africa can be a useful tool for government and industry leaders alike as they make policy and investment decisions that drive economic growth across the continent and here in the United States," the president of the US-Africa Business Centre, Scott Eisner, said, adding, "The factors that foster good government and a strong society are the same that create a positive investment climate for businesses."



The scoring



The ICIFA assigns an overall score to each nation based on its performance in 12 bellwether international evaluations on essentialities for promoting security, development and good governance rooted in the rule of law  the cornerstones of a strong society and vibrant business environment. Based on that aggregate score, the indicator assigns colour codes reflecting each countrys position relative to one another  dark green reflects those countries that place in the top quartile of overall performers in Africa; light green those in the second quartile; yellow those in the third quartile and red those in the fourth quartile.



In a related development, the US-Africa Business Centre also released its policy recommendations for the Trump administration on how to advance the US-Africa trade relationship.



The recommendations include enhancing US-Africa bilateral and regional engagements; improving the ease of doing business for US companies; focusing on infrastructure; boosting Africa's digital transformation; adding value to Africa's agricultural sector and advancing trade facilitation and customs modernisation.

Source: Daily Graphic









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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has reiterated that unless the economies of African countries industrialise, with the goal of adding significant value to its primary products, they cannot create the necessary numbers of good-paying jobs that will enhance the living standards of their peoples.



According to the President, raw material producing economies do not create prosperity for their people. The way to that goal, the goal of ensuring access to prosperity, is value addition activities in a transformed and a diversified modern economy.



President Akufo-Addo was speaking at the opening of the 53rd Zambia International Trade Fair, on Thursday, June 29, 2017, the last day of his official State Visit to that country, when he made this known.



Speaking on the theme Innovation for Industrialisation, the President stated that it is for this reason that one of the flagship programmes of his government is the one district, one factory initiative.



Through public-private partnerships, President Akufo-Addo told his Zambian audience that his government aims to establish at least one industrial enterprise in each of the 216 Districts of Ghana, and ensure that Ghana no longer becomes a retailer of cheap imported goods.



The establishment of these factories will mean that each district becomes an economic growth pole, the centre for the creation of jobs, and, thereby, halt the phenomenon of rural-urban migration of our nations youth, he added.



However, the process of value-addition to Africas raw materials, the President stressed, starts with adding value to our human capital through an education system that provides every child with the skills to realize their full potential.



Africa, he explained, needs a confident, educated workforce to be able to compete effectively in the global economy.



This is why, for my part, I have made education one of the foundations of my vision to build a knowledge-based, industrialised economy in Ghana. Access to free, universal, quality, basic education is the key to participation in the new global economy, he said.



Africas problems present us with opportunities



With Africas hopes for prosperity and attaining a proper place among the comity of nations remaining unfulfilled, President Akufo-Addo stated that the problems confronting the continent are largely the result of the failure of leadership.



You could, if you were so minded, look on the extent of the problems that face our continent and region and feel overwhelmed. We should not be. These problems, in my view, present us, in Africa, with opportunities to bring progress and development to our continent, he said.



He continued, With the aid of science and technology, the promotion of enterprise, innovation and creativity, and the spread of democratic values, we can construct a new era of prosperity for all the peoples of Africa.



President Akufo-Addo also stressed the crucial importance of small and medium scale enterprises to the economies of Africa, with nearly 95% of all businesses on the continent being small-scale enterprises.



They are the heartbeat of our economy, and are at the core of Africas private sector. In every city, town, village or hamlet in our respective countries, these small and medium scale enterprises support the livelihoods of our communities. At the national level, they contribute significantly to our gross domestic product and taxes. Indeed, the survival of most countries on the continent is directly anchored in the success of small and medium-scale enterprises, he added.



Promoting access to digital technology for SMEs, particularly for our youth, he stressed, will enable them realise their full potential, the ripple effects of which would see huge economic gains in the shortest possible time.



In concluding, the President reiterated his conviction that Africa can engineer its transition from poverty to prosperity in a generation.



We are determined to do that in our generation, and ensure that succeeding generations will be neither victims nor pawns of the international economic order, he added.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The government of Iraq has declared that the Islamic State has fallen after they recaptured the mosque where the so-called caliphate was declared three years ago.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the capture of the Grand al-Nuri Mosque marks the end of the Daesh state. Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, told state television that their fictitious state has fallen, according to Reuters.

However, ISIS still controls the group still controls territory west and south of Mosul, which includes hundreds of thousands of people. Nonetheless, the fall of Mosul essentially spells the end of the Iraqi half of the caliphate.

Iraq declares fall of ISIS as military retakes landmark al-Nuri mosque in #Mosul https://t.co/gRWyuJt80w pic.twitter.com/1xX7ihxN5c  NieuwsBlog (@nieuwsblog) June 29, 2017

Its stronghold on the Syrian side of things, Raqqa, is also close to falling. Islamic State territory has been reduced by 60 percent from its peak two years ago. Their finances have also taken a massive hit  now theyre only pulling in about $16M a month.

They still occupy an area bigger than Belgium, but either way theres no question this is a pretty big hit for the Islamic State.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

Photo: Getty Images.
Spanish Poker Festival Summer Edition Begins Friday at King's Casino

June 29, 2017 Jason Glatzer Editor

The 2017 Spanish Poker Festival Summer Edition has just begun, taking place at King's Casino, located on the German border in Rozvadov, Czech Republic from June 29 to July 10.

The festival includes many tournaments that should be affordable to all players ranging from 50 to 600 and will award at least 400,000 in guaranteed prizes.

The action kicks off with the 185 Spanish Opening Event featuring a huge 100,000 guarantee from June 29 to July 1. Players will have plenty of opportunities to bag chips with four opening flights, each allowing unlimited re-entries.

Shortly after, the 115 Spanish Cup takes place on July 2-5, featuring a 50,000 guaranteed prize pool. The event features three opening days, each with unlimited re-entries, with players bagging chips competing on one final day until a winner is crowned.

Players with a bigger budget can enjoy the 600 Spanish High Roller Tournament with a 25,000 guaranteed prize pool on July 5-6. Players can re-enter as often as they would like until the late registration period closes after Level 10 or the second blind level of the final day.

The event all players have their eyes on begins July 6. The 300 Spanish Main Event, which boast a generous 200,000 guaranteed prize pool, features four opening flights on July 6-8 with unlimited re-entries throughout each opening flight. Players can also buy-in or re-enter up until the end of Level 13 or the conclusion of the first blind level of Day 2 on July 9. Players bagging chips on Day 2 will compete on the final table on the final day on July 10.

There are many other tournaments with smaller guarantees on the schedule. Head to the King's Casino website for more information.
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Altamira Gold Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, BC (FSCWire) - Altamira Gold Corp. (TSX Venture:ALTA). has issued a press release with the following headline:Altamira Gold Corp. Announces Completion of Debt Settlement, Issues Options.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 Altamira 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/Altamira Gold Corp.Source: Altamira Gold Corp. (TSX Venture: ALTA, WKN: A12CWK, ISIN: CA29458R2054, FWB: T6UP, OTC Pink: EQTRF)Date: June 30, 2017Time: 4:20 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Altamira 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 American Manganese Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, BC (FSCWire) - American Manganese Inc. (TSX Venture:AMY). has issued a press release with the following headline:American Manganese Inc. Closes Second Tranche 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 American Manganese 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/American Manganese Inc.Source: American Manganese Inc. (TSX Venture: AMY, OTC Pink: AMYZF, FWB: 2AM, WKN: A0YJSR, ISIN: CA02735A1057)Date: June 30, 2017Time: 7:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of American Manganese 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.)
An electric heating cable is a wire cable that produces heat, also referred to as heat trace cable amongst the industry

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Flat No.10, Wing C, S. No. 245/4/2+245/5/1Baner, Pune-411045Digital Marketing Executive+91 7507349866

An electric heating cable is a wire cable that produces heat, also referred to as heat trace cable amongst the industry. It is used for a wide range of applications including heat loss replacement, pipe tracing, freeze protection, viscosity control, temperature process maintenance, roof and gutter, and much more. In this report, it mainly focuses on the industrial applications.Ask for sample copy @ http://www.researchtrades.com/request-sample/1091300 Scope of the Report: This report focuses on the Electric Heating Cable 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 Raychem, SST, Anhui Huanrui, Thermon, Bartec, Wuhu Jiahong, Emerson, Anbang, Eltherm, Heat Trace Products, Anhui Huayang, Chromalox, Isopad, King Manufacturing..Buy a copy of this report for single user price of 3480 USD @ http://www.researchtrades.com/checkout/1091300 Market 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 Self-regulating Heating Cable, Constant Wattage Heating Cable, Mineral Insulated Heating Cable. Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into Industrial, Residential, Commercial, OthersKey Chapters for this report:There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Electric Heating Cable market.Chapter 1, to describe Electric Heating Cable Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Electric Heating Cable, with sales, revenue, and price of Electric Heating Cable, 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 Electric Heating Cable, 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, Electric Heating Cable market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Electric Heating Cable sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceBrowse this report @ http://www.researchtrades.com/report/global-electric-heating-cable-market-by-manufacturers-countries-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022/1091300 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.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-30 09:04:27

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# 755 Words

ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926

LONDON, June 26, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB, is pleased to announce that Australian Securities and Frankfurt Stock Exchange listed iSignthis Ltd (ASX:ISX / FRA:TA8) (iSignthis), the global leader in remote identity verification, payment authentication and payment processing, has signed a direct License Agreement to process JCB transactions in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The partnership couples JCB card services with iSignthis RegTech services to offer card acquiring, settlement and processing services to EU/EEA merchants, creating new opportunities to generate sales with JCB's 106 million cardmembers worldwide. With this agreement in place, iSignthis services will be on-boarded to JCB during Q3'17 with JCB acceptance going live before the end of 2017.JCB is rapidly increasing its acceptance footprint across EMEA by expanding its merchant acceptance network, particularly with e-commerce retailers, to support Japan as the 4th largest B2C global market for e-commerce by engaging directly with fintech payment processors. Currently JCB cards are accepted at merchants worldwide. iSignthis provides an end-to-end customer due diligence and on-boarding service for merchants, with a unified payment and identity service via its Paydentity(TM) and ISXPay(R) solutions, offering global reach to any of the world's 3.5Bn 'bank verified' card or account holders.iSignthis will offer the new service to EU/EEA based merchants, incorporating JCB card acquiring into Paydentity(TM), further extending both iSignthis' merchant reach to Asian customers, and JCB acceptance with EEA merchants. iSignthis' merchants include some of the world's largest regulated fintech companies, in addition to technology and online ecommerce merchants.Mr. Tsuyoshi Notani, Managing Director of JCB International (Europe) Ltd, said, "A true testament to our willingness and ability to engage with cutting-edge fintech businesses, this partnership with iSignthis is a significant step forward for JCB as we expand across every European market. As a gateway to the East, we offer European acquirers the ability to engage with Asian consumers, giving JCB cardmembers greater freedom and flexibility when it comes to enjoying our services internationally." John Karantzis, CEO of iSignthis, said, "We are honored to be partnering with JCB, a leading issuer in Japan and a major international scheme. JCB is one of the world's most trusted providers of payment technologies, which have been deployed to 106 million users. The JCB partnership is a further validation and extension of the Paydentity(TM) technology and its capabilities covering KYC remote identity, payment processing and authentication. The ISXPay JCB service will be offered to all eligible EU based merchants and fintech, seeking to access the JCB network of cards and credit solutions. At the same time, iSignthis will offer JCB card holders access to these merchants in a secure and verified environment. We plan to have JCB integrated by Q3 of this year, and transactions processing before the end of 2017. We are excited to be bringing this highly regarded Asian brand to the European fintech sector." 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. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ or www.jcbeurope.eu About iSignthisAustralian Securities Exchange listed iSignthis Ltd (ASX:ISX) as the global leader in remote identity verification, payment authentication and payment processing to meet AML/CFT requirements. iSignthis provides an end-to-end on-boarding service for merchants, with a unified payment 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 3.5Bn 'bank verified' card or account holders, that can be remotely on-boarded to regulated merchants in as little as 3 to 5 minutes.iSignthis Paydentity 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, trading as ISXPay(R), is an EEA authorised eMoney Institution, offering card acquiring in the EEA, Australia and New Zealand.For more information, please visit: https://www.isignthis.com/ ContactJCB International Co., Ltd.Kae MitsudaGlobal Business PlanningTel: 81-3-5778-7963Email: jcbinternational-pr@ info.jcb.co.jp
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-30 02:32:38

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# 591 Words

ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926

Joint-Stock Bank Almazergienbank, one of the major regional banks in the Russian Far East and JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co. Ltd, announced the launch of JCB card issuance and acceptance in Yakutia.Almazergienbank provides innovative and convenient banking services to its clients. JCB card issuance is a logical development for the bank, the third in Russia to issue JCB cards.JCB is an international brand that has been successfully expanding its payment brand business in the world market since 1981. JCB was founded in Japan in 1961, and it is now one of the leading payment brands in the world, with a wide card acceptance network. There are more than 105 million cardmembers and more than 33 million merchants* accepting the JCB brand card around the world.JCBI and Almazergienbank signed an agreement on acquiring and issuing in the spring of 2016, and project preparation entered the final stage last month. Almazergienbank started issuing JCB cards and accepting JCB cards at Almazergienbank's ATMs and POS terminals in June 2017.Almazergienbank issues JCB Standard and JCB Gold grade cards. The JCB card is a perfect choice for international travelers:- Convenient payment abroad - the card is accepted all over the world;- Clients get 1% cash back for any purchases made abroad;- The wide network of JCB partners offers discounts at hotels, restaurants and shops.Almazergienbank will also be issuing co-badged Mir-JCB cards, which are accepted as Mir card in Russia and as JCB card abroad.Chairman of the Board Lyudmila Nikolaeva pointed out: "For Almazergienbank, cooperation with our Japanese partner is highly promising in terms of both commercial and international relations. We believe our cooperation will strengthen existing and create new mutually beneficial economic relations between our countries. We are pleased that Almazergienbank as a regional bank representing Yakutia was honored to become one of the first bridges between Japan and Russia." Takashi Suetsugu, General Director of JCB International (Eurasia) said: "We are seeing high potential in developing the cooperation with Almazergienbank since it is one of the leading banking organizations in the Far East of Russia, serving one third of the population of the Sakha republic. We are positive that implementation of JCB card acceptance in both POS and ATM network will support expansion and enhancement of banking services and will contribute to developing inbound tourism to the region. Yakutia is a unique region, which has huge natural wealth, multinational culture, dynamics of growth and latest technologies. Both Russian and non-Russian JCB cardmembers coming to Yakutia on business or travelling as tourists will be able to pay for goods and services with an accustomed and convenient tool. The start of JCB card acceptance is especially important for maintaining JCB card issuance by Almazergienbank." *Total number of contracts including other payment related services.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. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ or http://www.ru.jcb/ru/ Note: Statistics 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
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-30 08:33:01

's-Hertogenbosch, 30 June 2017

From today, Van Lanschot's official name will be Van Lanschot Kempen, with its Euronext ticker symbol changing from LANS to VLK as of 4 July. Its Van Lanschot, Kempen and Evi brands will continue to be the names by which clients know the company. Karl Guha, Chairman of the Executive Board, will this morning sound the gong to open Euronext trading in celebration of the holding company's new name and brand.

Karl Guha comments: "What connects us across our group is that we always aim to stay one step ahead of changes in the world around us, in order to do the very best for our clients. Our new brand reflects our ambition to create quality, value and growth for our clients and other stakeholders. Van Lanschot, Kempen and Evi will use the group brand in their communications, to symbolise their connection with a group that has focused on the future since 1737."

Shareholders agreed to the name change from Van Lanschot NV to Van Lanschot Kempen NV at the Annual General Meeting of 18 May 2017 and the company's Articles of Association have been changed accordingly.

Van Lanschot Kempen's corporate web address will be vanlanschotkempen.com from today. Its ticker symbol will change to VLK per 4 July 2017, but its shares will retain their ISIN code: NL0000302636.

Media Relations: +31 20 354 45 85; mediarelations@vanlanschotkempen.com

Investor Relations: +31 20 354 45 90; investorrelations@vanlanschotkempen.com

About Van Lanschot Kempen

Van Lanschot Kempen, a wealth manager operating under the Van Lanschot, Evi and Kempen brand names, is active in Private Banking, Asset Management and Merchant Banking, with the aim of preserving and creating wealth for its clients. Van Lanschot Kempen, listed at Euronext Amsterdam, is the Netherlands' oldest independent financial services company with a history dating back to 1737.

vanlanschotkempen.com



Disclaimer

This document does not constitute an offer or solicitation for the sale, purchase or acquisition in any other way of or subscription to any financial instrument and is not an opinion or a recommendation to perform or refrain from performing any action.

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: Van Lanschot Kempen via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-30 01:58:12

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Published by

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# 387 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Peekaboo Beans Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---VANCOUVER, BC (FSCWire) - Peekaboo Beans Inc. (TSX Venture:BEAN). has issued a press release with the following headline:Peekaboo Beans Completes Second Closing and Provides Corporate UpdatesTo 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 Peekaboo Beans 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/Peekaboo Beans Inc.Source: Peekaboo Beans Inc. (TSX Venture: BEAN)Date: June 29, 2017Time: 7:58 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Peekaboo Beans 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: 2017-06-30 08:17:09

Press Information

Barista Supplies

11/76 Rushdale Street Knoxfield Victoria, Australia, 3180



Barista Supplies

Owner

03 8288 2399

email

http://www.baristasupplies.com.au/





# 519 Words

11/76 Rushdale Street Knoxfield Victoria, Australia, 3180Owner03 8288 2399

Barista Supplies, Australias coffee experts and provider of barista tools, is promoting pour-over coffee brewing this month. Products that are on show include the server, dripper, filter paper, filter cone, drip decanter, arm stand, coffee maker and bamboo stirrer. Barista has also announced a special sale of the Yama Pour Over Kit.Manual coffee-making has its own tools. Baristas meets the needs of professional baristas and at-home aficionados for tools such as the server, dripper, filter paper, filter cone, drip decanter, arm stand, coffee maker and bamboo stirrer. Their products from the Pour-Over category include the Yama brands 600ml Glass Coffee Server, 2-4 Cup Glass Cone Dripper, Stainless Steel Filter Cone, Silverton Dripper and the Yama Pour Over Kit.Products from the Hario brand are also available at Barista Supplies. Hario products include the V60 Coffee Dripper range, the 1 Cup V60 Plastic Dripper, the 2 Cup V60 Plastic Dripper, the 2 Cup V60 Black Metal Dripper, the 2 Cup V60 Silver Metal Dripper and the 2 Cup V60 Copper Dripper.The 600ml Yama Glass Server is microwave-friendly and can be used as part of any pour over coffee brewing equipment or separately to serve all kinds of beverages. Made of ultra-quality borosilicate glass, the coffee server has measuring lines (cups and ml), making it easy to brew coffee for 2 to 6 people with each cup containing 130ml. This Yama glass server costs $21.90.The 2-4 Cup Glass Cone Dripper Yama is perfect for use at home or commercially. Each unit is hand blown from borosilicate glass and is dishwasher & microwave safe as well as heat resistant. It fits the Hario V60 02 filters and costs $29.90. The Yama Stainless Steel Filter Cone is a washable & reusable permanent filter for 2-4 cup drippers. It also includes an ultra-fine mesh micro filter so no filter paper is needed. This filter cone is perfect for use with the Yama 2-4 Cup Glass Cone Dripper & also fits the Hario 2 cup glass dripper. This filter cone costs $34.90.The Yama Pour-Over Kit is on sale at Barista. This Pour-Over Kit is the perfect starter pack for brewing coffee and can be used by beginners as well as professional baristas. This kit contains a 2-4 Cup Glass Cone Dripper, a Stainless Steel Filter Cone and a 600ml Glass Server. Paper filters are not required as the stainless steel cone filter has an ultra-fine mesh micro filter. This kit is worth $86.70 and is now available for only $79.90.All coffee lovers, experts or amateurs, will find whatever they need at Barista Supplies. They keep everything from coffee accessories, brewing gear, coffee tampers or cleaning and maintenance items. Barista takes pride in keeping themselves updated with the latest developments in coffee brewing technology. They have every kind of gadgets, hand-tools or coffee equipment for day-to-day cleaning and brewing in their showroom. They sell the best barista kits and coffee accessories from the worlds leading manufacturers in the industry.For enquiries regarding Barista Supplies, their products or showroom call (03) 8288 2399 or email info@ baristasupplies.com.au For information on the Pour Over products of Barista Supplies, visit their website:
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-30 13:00:47

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# 398 Words

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Renaissance Gold Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---White Rock, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Renaissance Gold Inc. (TSX Venture:REN). has issued a press release with the following headline:Renaissance Gold Signs Option Agreement on Silicon Project with AngloGold AshantiTo 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 Renaissance Gold 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/Renaissance Gold Inc.Source: Renaissance Gold Inc. (TSX Venture: REN, ISIN: CA75971J1057, WKN: A1C7Z0)Date: June 30, 2017Time: 7:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Renaissance Gold 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: 2017-06-30 08:17:17

Press Information

Telechnics

U1/ 352 Chisholm Rd, Auburn, NSW, 2144, Australia







(02) 9644 3422

email

http://www.telechnics.com.au



Published by

Cam Wilkes

006499503888

e-mail

https://www.pureseo.co.nz







# 436 Words

U1/ 352 Chisholm Rd, Auburn, NSW, 2144, Australia(02) 9644 3422Cam Wilkes006499503888

Telechnics is a name that is synonymous with two way radio systems technology. For over 25 years they have been delivering a complete range of radios, accessories and services for everything from handheld portable radios to dedicated on-site telecommunications systems. Their hard work and partnership with most major manufacturers and distributors has made them one of Australias primary two way radio specialists. This month Telechnics is promoting Vertex Handheld Portable Radios.Vertex Standard is a world leading provider of professional, affordable two-way radio solutions that enhance business productivity and public safety across a broad spectrum of industries. The company exclusively focuses on offering a broad portfolio of analogue and digital two-way radios with the reassurance of extensive after-sales service and support  for total customer satisfaction.Among the Vertex products being promoted by Telechnics this month, are the Vertex Portable Handheld, VX-450 Series. This series includes built-in Emergency and Lone Worker alerts. Emergency notification is user-initiated with a press of a button for the radio to switch to a designated channel and send an alert for help. Lone Worker mode is a built-in timer that requires the user to reset at a predetermined interval.The Vertex Portable Handheld VX-820 Series is made to withstand harsh environments. Rain, snow, fire suppression spray and dust are no problem for these radios which have been manufactured to strict IP ratings. The VX-820 series meets international waterproofing standard IP57 where water does not harm the radio when submersed to a depth of 1 metre for up to 30 minutes. The VX-820 series offers a choice of Li-Ion battery power up to 3000 mAh for over 20 hours of battery life giving it long lasting power.The Vertex Portable Mid-Band Vhf Handheld VX-920 Series includes DTMF paging and unmatched flexibility in scanning features that are designed to optimise operation in a wide variety of environments. In addition to basic scan, it also has Priority, Dual Watch, Follow-me, Follow-me Dual Watch and Talk Around scanning with a programmable home channel function built-in.Other products of Vertex on offer at Telechnics are Vertex CB Handheld VX456-CB, Vertex DMR Handheld EVX-530 Series, Vertex DMR Handheld EVX-530 Series, Vertex Digital Mobile EVX-5400, Vertex Analogue Repeater VXR-9000 and Vertex Digital Repeater EVX-R70 among others.Telechnics has a Head Office in Sydney and Branch Office on the Gold Coast. They are always ready to provide all the products, assistance and support for their customers. Those who wish to contact Telechnics may call (02) 9644 3422 or send an email to sales@ telechnics.com.au To know more about the Vertex products available at Telechnics visit this link
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-30 09:17:01

KESKO PRESS RELEASE 30.06.2017 AT 10.15 1(1)

Konekesko Ltd, a Kesko Corporation subsidiary, has sold its Yamarin boat business to Inhan Tehtaat Oy Ab, a subsidiary owned by Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. At the same time, the transfer of the representation of Yamaha's recreational machinery in Finland from Konekesko Ltd to Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. was also completed.

On 19 December 2016, Kesko Corporation announced in a press release that it would sell its Yamarin boat business and Yamaha representation in Finland. The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) announced on 20 April 2017 that it would approve the transaction. There were no conditions imposed on the completion of the transaction in the decision.

The transaction includes Konekesko Ltd's Yamarin boat business, the import of Yamaha products and the representations of certain other brands. In 2016, the aggregate pro forma net sales of the operations being sold amounted to 61 million. The parties have agreed that the transaction price will not be disclosed.



Further information:

Investors and analysts: Kia Aejmelaeus, VP Investor Relations, tel. +358 105 322 533, kia.aejmelaeus@kesko.fi

Media: Riikka Toivonen, Head of Financial Communications, tel. +358 105 323 495, riikka.toivonen@kesko.fi

DISTRIBUTION

Main news media

www.kesko.fi





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: Kesko Oyj via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-30 10:32:01

Wolters Kluwer Recognized as Category Leader in Chartis IFRS 9 Technology Solutions Report

Wolters Kluwer

Paul Lyon, +44 20 3197 6586

Mobile: +44 77 6539 1824

Director of International Corporate Communications

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Paul.Lyon@wolterskluwer.com

Wolters Kluwers Finance, Risk & Reporting business today announced that Chartis Research has named the company a Category Leader in its International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 9 Technology Solutions: Market Update 2017 report. Chartis uses in-depth research and a clear scoring system to determine which IFRS 9 technology solutions in the marketplace can best meet an organizations needs. Last year Chartis also named Wolters Kluwer as a Category Leader for the financial services industry in its FinTech Quadrant on IFRS 9 Technology Solutions.

The report from Chartis evaluates IFRS 9 technology solution providers on two key factors completeness of offering and market potential. According to Chartis, Category Leaders, such as Wolters Kluwer, are risk technology vendors that have the necessary depth and breadth of functionality, technology, and content, combined with the organizational characteristics to capture significant market share by volume and value. Category Leaders offer best-in-class solutions and deep domain knowledge addressing the needs of very large clients with complex risk management and technology requirements, as well as addressing the needs of smaller clients with standardized requirements looking for integrated solutions from a single vendor.

IFRS 9, in all likelihood, will reduce financial institutions (FIs) profits and retained earnings, increase their loan loss provisions, and have a negative impact on their regulatory and economic capital. To mitigate these impacts, FIs will have to rely heavily on the rigor of their data management and the quality of their data, and on the application of Expected Credit Loss (ECL) modeling and overall governance  not to mention the systems that manage this. But implementing an IFRS 9 system is set to be more challenging than FIs had originally anticipated, said Hugh Stewart, Research Director at Chartis. Category Leaders such as Wolters Kluwer provide a proven and successful combination of resources to address these demanding implementation challenges, as well as comprehensive software and support services to achieve customers desired outcomes that include increased organizational profitability, operational efficiency and successful financial performance.

There are just six months until the implementation of IFRS 9 and upgrading or replacing systems to meet requirements is a momentous and transformational event for all financial institutions, said Jeroen Van Doorsselaere, Vice President of Risk & Finance, EMEA, for Wolters Kluwers Finance, Risk & Reporting business. We are delighted that Chartis has, once again, recognized our deep IFRS 9 capabilities and will continue to work with our clients on strategic roll outs that meet the challenges of compliance with the standard.

In the past few months leading banks from every corner of the world have implemented the companys OneSumX solution for Regulatory Reporting, Risk and Finance (including IFRS 9 solutions). Major financial services providers to have recently announced their use of Wolters Kluwer include Nordea, BBVA, CIBC, Australias Queensland Treasury Corporation and The Swedish Export Credit Corporation, which is specifically using OneSumX for IFRS 9.

About Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk & Compliance

Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) is a division of Wolters Kluwer which provides legal, finance, risk and compliance professionals and small business owners with a broad spectrum of solutions, services and expertise needed to help manage myriad governance, risk and compliance needs in dynamic markets and regulatory environments.

Wolters Kluwer N.V. (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. Wolters Kluwer reported 2016 annual revenues of 4.3 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide.

About Chartis Research

Chartis is the leading provider of research and analysis on the global market for risk technology and is part of the Insight division of InfoPro Digital, which includes market leading brands such as Risk and Waters Technology. Chartis' goal is to support enterprises as they drive business performance through better risk management, corporate governance and compliance and to help clients make informed technology and business decisions by providing in-depth analysis and actionable advice on virtually all aspects of risk technology.

RiskTech Quadrant, RiskTech100 and FinTech Quadrant are registered trademarks of Chartis Research (http://www.chartis-research.com).

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201706300050
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.




AIRON Logistics is an affiliated company of Basak Logistics Group basing in Istanbul.

Media Contact

ACEX Group Press Center

e.valeeva@acex.net ACEX Group Press Center

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-- AIRON Logistics headquarters is based in Istanbul. A new member of ACEX alliance is an expert at providing transportation that requires maintenance of temperature control to and from Europe and CIS countries by LTL or FTL carriers.AIRON Logistics owns bonded warehouses with total area of 10 000 m3000 mwarehouse is 8 meters height and it allows to store hazardous cargo with total insurance coverage and 24 hours video surveillance.7000 mcustoms warehouse provides full technical support and automated storage of general cargo and allows packaging and labeling with its further tracking.," Selen Melis Oman, Business Development Manager at AIRON Logistics comments on signing of the agreement. "."AIRON Logistics is a member of IATA and it provides airfreight and sea freight services.," states Denis Bobrakov, BSSS Commercial Director, ACEX member in Novorossiysk. ". "AIRON Logistics profile is available at ACEX alliance web-site.Founded in 2014 ACEX alliance has united companies from various regions of Russia and international freight forwarders who are interested in development of business relations on the transportation market of Russia.Under the fierce competitive conditions the members of Alliance have committed themselves to the development of overall competences and extension of services rendered to the final consumer.Details at http://acexgroup.net/ en/partners/ news/1796/ ACEX Group Press Center pr@acex.net
CARGO-EXPRESS, ACEX member in Moscow has delivered exhibits to the State Historical Museum for the 140th anniversary of the Russian-Turkish War for the Liberation of Bulgaria.

Relics1

Media Contact

ACEX Group Press Cente

e.valeeva@acex.net ACEX Group Press Cente

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-- ACEX group has a thorough experience of import and export under the ATA Carnet, among various goods transported under ATA Carnet there are equipment, automobiles and tools; transportation of historic relics has also been experienced firsthand. However it was the first time when ACEX Group dealt with such ancient relics.The exhibition features weapons and uniforms, awards of famous and unknown heroes, regimental banners, award-winning silver pipes, documents, maps, books, trophies, pictures of famous artists, crosses and icons found on the battlefields, as well as memorial items. Among them  the uniform of Emperor Alexander II and two icons presented to him in 1877 in Bulgaria, the uniform of Grand Duke Alexander Alexandrovich (future Emperor Alexander III) and his autograph, saber and personal belongings of General MD.Skobelev, Anninsky weapon "For Bravery" of Prince NS. Shcherbatov, who later became director of the Imperial Russian Historical Museum.The relics has been shipped from the Bulgarian city Pleven, the shipment was under the auspices of the President of Bulgaria, therefore experts from CARGO-EXPRESS were in close contact with the representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Moscow., " as Evgeniya Vidulina, ACEX Agency Network Coordinator says, "."Among CARGO-EXPRESS duties were import execution In Sheremetyevo airport and transportation to the museum, the customer was a Bulgarian company FLEXCARGO.The exhibition called "For Our Friends" and it is dedicated to the unprecedented in sacrifice "for one's own friend" in the Russian history. Russia had paid very high price for the liberation of Bulgaria, independence of Romania, Serbia and Montenegro. Tens of thousands of Russian soldiers are six feet under in Bulgaria. A large exhibition project prepared by the Historical Museum is devoted to this memorable date.The exhibition will take place from May, 26 to September, 4, 2017 and anyone interested may immerse into the history and connect with historic relics by virtue of ACEX expertise.Details at http://acex.net/ en/press_center/ 2648/ ACEX Group Press Center pr@acex.net
A few days before France's President Emmanuel Macron welcomes the President of the United States for Bastille Day

1 2 3 4 5 France says "Merci!" to the US for entering WW1 Eugene Bullard. First African-American Fighter Pilot in History Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford & Charlie Chaplin doing WW1 propaganda meetings American Women played a key role during WW1 In the Aisne (France), Franco-American Camp # 8

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-- On July 1, France will thank the people and Armed Forces of the United States and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States entering World War 1.France's official "Mission du Centenaire de la Premiere Guerre Mondiale" () is organizing a series of events in Central Park, New York, a few days before France's president Emmanuel Macron welcomes the President of the United States for the Bastille Day parade on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, celebrating the unwavering Franco-American friendship.Earlier in the day, thewill reach New York as part of "The Bridge Project 1917-2017". Celebrating a century of fraternity between the two nations, this first-ever nautical race gathers some of the world's fastest sailing ships to challenge theon its well-known route across the Atlantic Ocean.At 3 pm, on Saturday July 1, at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park, aThe Grand Chancellor of the Order, General Puga, and Ambassador Araud will bestow upon them France's highest military decoration, the Legion of Honor.The day will conclude with a, reminding us that Jazz was introduced in France during WW1 when the US contingents arrived.: Saturday July 1, 2017 from 3.00 pm to 10.00 pm: Naumburg Bandshell on the Mall at Central Park (entrance at 72nd St & 5th Ave)to the events (VIP seating available by guest list, for retired and active US Armed Forces)
Extend the life of your mattress with under mattress firmer Mattress Helper. Coming to Canadian shoppers through BedBath&Beyond!

Contact

Colleen M. Franken

colleen@mattresshelper.com

9542886356 Colleen M. Franken9542886356

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-- Mattress Helper is a Patented under mattress support with unique spacing to provide comfortable firmness and support. Easily placed between the mattress and box spring in the area that needs firmness, Mattress Helper guarantees it will make any mattress look and feel newer again.Also available at BedBathandBeyond.com USA for several years receiving a 5 Star Rating, this best-selling product is now coming to their Canadian site responding to the increased demand for Mattress Helper in Canada.Why spend thousands of dollars on a new mattress and box spring when it will only fail with time, compressing in the area where you sleep night after night? Mattress Helper will restore the support comfortably because of its unique intermittent spacing in the high density foam design which prevents pressure point pain of other hard solid products on the market. See what our happy customers are talking about today and sleep better tonight!Medical Doctors tested and recommended on our website - Proudly Made in America!Sleep innovation at its best! Save money and sleep better tonight with the Mattress Helper! Available everywhere online and in stores today!www.mattresshelper.comCheck out our video https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9vLGcT0mDdQ
Solsoft utilizing Parascript check processing and signature verification processes to expand their offerings throughout Central America.

By: Parascript

Parascript logo

Media Contact

Mary Garrett

mary@mgpublicrelations.com Mary Garrett

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-- Parascript announces Solsoft's end-to-end transaction solutions, which integrate Parascript check processing and signature verification technologies, will expand from Ecuador to countries throughout Central America. Solsoft provides specialized software to extract relevant information in checks and verify signatures automatically to enhance the business process and increase efficiency. For decades, Solsoft has provided comprehensive software and hardware transaction processing solutions across Ecuador."Over time, Procurement Departments from financial institutions have come to see the importance of transaction processing automation, and Solsoft has won many new projects," said Fernando Riofrio, Director and Co-Founder of Solsoft. "So, it's natural to expand our solutions and services to help new customers."Solsoft has deep roots in Ecuador. Twenty-five years ago, Fernando Riofrio and his sister Martha Riofrio established Solsoft as a company. The idea to build their own business came from a former manager, according to Fernando. Before starting their company, Fernando worked as a partner with another firm and decided to branch off to grow the business."We started when personal computers arrived on the market," Fernando explained. "We've always focused on developing software and selling devices to the financial industry."Today, Solsoft is working with 23 companies. Having Parascript technologies integrated into their overall solution helps ensure Solsoft offers the most accurate, quality check processing and signature verification solutions currently available. Mark Gallagher, VP of Sales at Parascript, commented, "We are very pleased to be partners with Solsoft as they help their customers address the tough problems of branch transformation and the growth of digital channels, especially mobile."Solsoft provides two primary solutions: check processing and automated transaction processing. The evolution of both processes evolved over the years from a manual check processing application to today, an automatic check truncation process with a variety of images coming from different banks. Solsoft provides specialized software that reads the relevant information on checks and verifies signatures automatically to enhance the business process and be more efficient.By processing checks and remittances, the Solsoft platform provides the necessary information to the Central Bank of Ecuador for processing compensation and depositing checks into accounts. One of the unique achievements of Solsoft is that they distribute both the software and the hardware. Solsoft is growing and evolving in the market and they are committed to staying current on latest product releases. The company is working on a mobile application for check deposit through a mobile device."We see bank branch transactions decreasing because customers want the mobility and convenience of mobile transactions. We are looking forward to providing a smooth process for bank clients to deposit checks without going into a branch," said Fernando.About Solsoft Cia Ltda.Solsoft Cia Ltda. is headquartered in Ecuador with over 25 years of experience providing IT analysis and functional and technical specifications development, programming, quality assurance, production support and training to financial institutions. Solsoft offers state-of-the-art software solutions that ensure timely, flexible and quality service in delivering accelerated systems integration across multiple platforms, credit systems services, image management, check processing and database administration. VisitAbout Parascript, LLCParascript automates the interpretation of meaningful, contextual data from image and document-based information to support transactions, information governance, fraud prevention, and business processes. Parascript Artificial Intelligence (AI) software processes any document with any data from any source with its easy-to-use, image-based analysis, classification, data location, and extraction technology. More than 100 billion documents for financial services, government organizations, and the healthcare and life sciences industry are analyzed annually by Parascript software. Parascript offers its technology both as software products and as software-enabled services to our partners. Our BPO, service provider, OEM and value-added reseller network partners leverage, integrate and distribute Parascript software in the U.S. and across the world. Visit
Netflix, YouTube and Facebook must register their over-the-top (OTT) streaming services with Thailands national communications regulator by 22 July, or face potential advertising bans.





Some 24 digital terrestrial TV channels and 11 OTT operators have already fulfilled the registration request of National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC). Other such as the US video streaming and social media giants, have been given 30 days to comply with the mandatory order, The Bangkok Post reports.Under these plans, foreign OTT platforms are required to establish and register a local office in Thailand, which would make them liable to corporate income tax. The offices must be led by executives authorised to issue service directives and clarify any problems that emerge in Thailand.Any OTT provider who misses the NBTCs 22 July deadline for registration may have an advertising or other ban imposed on it to limit its revenue stream. However, the regulator has no intention to fine or shut down the local operations of those companies who fail to comply, for fear of inconveniencing users, says the daily newspaper The NBTC chairman Colonel Natee Sukonrat has previously said that major digital platform owners, such as Facebook and YouTube, have a responsibility to work with the NBTC to ensure that unsuitable content and illegal advertisements are not on their sites.
In March 2017, when the UK Government formally notified the European Commission of the 21st Century Fox acquisition of the pay-TV giant, Bradley noted that the deal, which will see 21st Century Fox make a second attempt to buy the shares in Sky that it does not already own, had potential public interest issues , namely, with regards to plurality of media ownership and commitment to broadcasting standards. She requested UK telecoms regulator Ofcom to report by 16 May 2017 on the effects of the proposed transaction on two public interest grounds: media plurality, and commitment to broadcast standards. This process was delayed by the UK General Election.Having seen Ofcoms report Bradley indicated that with regards to plurality of media ownership, she was minded-to refer for a fuller investigation and has invited further representations from the parties to the merger.Ofcom was asked to consider whether there would be sufficient plurality of persons with control of the media enterprises; and whether the parties would have genuine commitment to the attainment in relation to broadcasting of standards objectives. Its report concluded that the proposed transaction raises public interest concerns relating to media plurality. In addition, Ofcom noted that the deal as it stood contained a risk of increased influence by members of the Murdoch Family Trust over the UK news agenda and the political process, with its unique presence on radio, television, in print and online. Ofcom considered these concerns may justify a reference by the Secretary of State to the Competition and Markets Authority.On the question of genuine commitment to broadcasting standards, Bradley was minded-not to refer to a further investigation.Commenting on the adjudication, Sky said that it welcomed the announcement of Ofcom's decision and that it would continue to be a fit and proper holder of its broadcast licences under full ownership of 21st Century Fox, continuing to operate its business as usual. 21st Century Fox added: "While we welcome the Secretary of States decision on broadcasting standards, we are disappointed that she does not accept Ofcoms recommendation stated in its report that '....the proposed undertakings offered by Fox to maintain the editorial independence of Sky News mitigate the media plurality concerns.' " 21st Century Fox made official its takeover bid for the European pay-TV giant on 10 December, with Skys independent directors confirming that the company had received an approach from the Rupert Murdoch-owned US media company, reaching agreement on an offer price of 10.75 per share in cash. Skys directors advised shareholders to accept the deal, Murdochs second attempt to take over Sky after the first attempt floundered in the wake of the phone hacking scandal.
Turners TNT, Clarins El Trece and Cablevision, and Pol-Ka have continued to strengthen their content alliance with the addition of the miniseries El Maestro.





The 12-episodes series, which is already being filmed, will premiere on the Argentinian free-to-air (FTA) channel El Trece and Cablevisions video-on-demand (VOD) service Flow. Besides, the series will be added to Turners TNT line-up across Latin America.El Maestro is part of Turner, Clarin and Pol-Ka Producciones 10-years partnership , which saw its first production, La Fragilidad de los Cuerpos, premiering last 7 June in Ultra HD across Argentina. he Pol-Ka miniseries , starring Julio Chavez, Ines Estevez, Juan Leyrado and Carla Quevedo, is being directed by Daniel Barone. It tells the story of a retired ballet dancer that keeps teaching in a small school and the relationship with his son and his grandson.
Arianespace has marked its 80th consecutive Ariane 5 launch success after it placed in orbit Indias GSAT-17 satellite and the condosat or dual payload of Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S European Aviation Network (EAN).





Greek satellite Hellas Sat 3, part of a fleet majority-owned by Arabsat, will provide direct-to-home (DTH) TV broadcast and telecommunications services, as well as the distribution of high-definition (HD) and Ultra HD video content in Europe, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.The Hellenic Space Organisation has retained a minority stake in the satellite operator HellasSat, after Greek telco OTE sold off its satellite arm to Arabsat in 2103 for 208 million.Following the launch from Europes Spaceport in French Guiana, the Greek Minister of Digital Policy, Communications and Media Nikos Pappas said: With the establishment of the Hellenic Space Organisation and the expanded technological capabilities of Hellas Sat 3 our country is recovering from a field that has been abandoned for years. Today, we turn the page in Greeces space policy. We are exploiting the possibilities offered by the existence of a satellite in the Greek orbital position both commercially and scientifically-research for commercial benefit and for the whole of the Greek society.The fixed satellite services (FSS) and broadcast satellite services (BSS) of Hellas Sat 3 will include a cross-strap service between Europe and South Africa. It will be positioned it geostationary orbit at 39 Degrees East. Meanwhile, the Inmarsat S EAN payload comprises the space segment of a new hybrid system, integrating satellite-based services with a ground network developed by Deutsche Telekom. When the service launches later this year, it expects to offer a seamless inflight Wi-Fi service for Europes airlines and their passengers.GSAT-17 is the 21st satellite orbited by Arianespace for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It will provide both fixed and mobile satellite services , and also handle data transmission and search & rescue services. Todays launch was the 80th success in a row for Ariane 5 over a period of 14 years  an exceptional performance that anchors its position as the most reliable commercial launcher in the marketplace, said Stephane Israel, CEO of Arianespace.
YouTube, Facebook, Netflix and other over-the-top (OTT) platforms will lose local advertising revenues if they fail to register their services in Thailand, the telecommunications regulator has warned.





On 27 June, the regaultor announced that the video services had by 22 July to register their streaming services, establishing a local office in Thailand, thus mkaing them liable to localcorporate income tax. The offices must be led by executives authorised to issue service directives and clarify any problems that emerge in Thailand. The regulator warned that failure to do so risked potential advertising bans.The OTT committee of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) met with representatives of 47 advertisers on digital platforms to advise them they must only place ads on registered sites.The companies we invited today are major OTT sponsors. They all have social responsibility and good corporate governance. Im convinced they would cooperate with us to support only the providers complying with Thai laws, NBTC vice chairman Natee Sakonrat is quoted as saying in the Bangkok Post While legal action would be a last resort, Natee Sakonrat said that the Stock Exchange of Thailand would be informed about any platform provider that fails to abide by Thai law, and condemn the companies that continue to advertise on them.However, industry body the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC)  which comprises Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Apple, Twitter, Yahoo, Line and Rakuten  has expressed concern about the move in Thailand to regulate OTT servicesservices The proposed regulations do not put Thai businesses and innovators first; they instead increase their regulatory burden and potentially limit their ability to grow. The rules cold also prevent millions of Thai people and enterprises from using open global platforms to build their businesses online, said Jeff Paines, managing director, AIC. We are also concerned that the rules may be at odds with Thailands international agreements.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declared that Kherson is "ours after his special forces entered the strategic southern city following the retreat of Russian troops, marking another dramatic battlefield victory in Kyivs drive to recapture territory occupied by Russia since the start of its unprovoked invasion.

The Ukrainian military also said on November 11 that its troops had advanced all the way to the western bank of the Dnieper River in some areas of the Kherson region as Moscow said its forces had completed their withdrawal to the eastern bank in the face of Ukraines powerful counteroffensive.

"Our people -- Ours. Kherson," Zelenskiy wrote in a Telegram post that also included what appeared to be a video of Ukrainian troops celebrating with local residents.

Today is a historic day, Zelenskiy said in the post. We are returning Kherson. As of now, our defenders are on the approaches to the city. But special units are already in the city.

Various videos on social media from Kherson showed resident cheering and waving flags as the first Ukrainian troops reached the center of the city, the only provincial capital captured by Russian forces following their February 24 invasion.

"Kherson is returning to the control of Ukraine," the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said earlier in the day. "Units of the armed forces of Ukraine are entering the city."

"The Russian occupiers' routes of retreat are under the direct fire of the Ukrainian Army," the statement added. "Any Russian soldier who resists will be killed."

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet that "Ukraine is gaining another important victory right now and proves that whatever Russia says or does, Ukraine will win." The tweet included a video purporting to show Kherson residents removing a billboard that proclaimed "Russia is here forever."

Serhiy Khlan, a deputy for the Kherson Regional Council, said a Ukrainian flag had been raised in Kherson, as multiple videos circulating on social media purportedly showed Ukrainian soldiers planting their yellow-and-blue flag on administrative buildings in the city and local residents celebrating.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it had finished the pullout from Kherson city and the region at 5 a.m. on November 11 and that no military equipment had been left behind, in an another embarrassing blow to Moscow's war effort, which it refers to as a "special military operation."



"In total, more than 30,000 Russian servicemen, about 5,000 pieces of hardware, and military equipment and materiel have been withdrawn," the ministry said. "Not a single piece of military equipment or weaponry was left on the right (western) bank," he added, although the report could not immediately be confirmed.

Khlan said some Russian soldiers had been unable to leave the city and had changed into civilian clothing and urged local residents to stay at home while Ukrainian troops cleared the city.

"The number of these people is not known," he told a news briefing, without citing evidence for the claim.

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.

Khlan also said, without citing evidence, that many Russian troops had drowned attempting to flee across the river.

The head of the joint coordination press center of the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine, Natalya Humenyuk, said Russian troops "have been changing into civilian clothes for two weeks."

"This should focus our forces as it means saboteur operations cannot be ruled out," Humenyuk told a separate briefing.

"Because of this, we are not rushing to announce our successes in other directions and in other towns."

Russia did not immediately comment on Khlan's or Humenyuk's remarks.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on November 10 that it would take Russia at least a week to withdraw, telling Reuters in an interview that Russia had 40,000 troops in the Kherson region and that it still had forces in the city.

Kherson controls both the only land route to Ukraine's Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula and the mouth of the Dnieper, which bisects Ukraine.

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.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's public broadcaster quoted local residents as saying on November 11 that the Antonivskiy Bridge, the only nearby road crossing from Kherson city to the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnieper, had collapsed.

The Suspilne broadcaster published a photograph showing whole sections of the bridge missing. The next road crossing across the Dnieper is more than 70 kilometers from Kherson city.

It was not immediately clear what had caused the collapse.

Recapturing the city could provide Ukraine a launching pad for supplies and troops to try to win back other lost territory in the south.

The Ukrainian 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.

Elsewhere, 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.

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.

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 Mykolayiv regions.

In his nightly address late on November 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr 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 had been liberated.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and dpa
Ukrainian firefighters are battling to contain a forest fire inside the irradiated exclusion zone around the Chernobyl nuclear plant, officials say.

The fire erupted around midday on June 29 during tree cutting works at the Lubyanskoye Forestry and spread to an area of some 25 hectares by early June 30, the emergency services said.

More than 100 firefighters and scores of trucks and aircraft were dispatched to the area, a statement said.

It is not the first wildfire to break out near the site of the 1986 reactor explosion and fire, the world's worst civilian nuclear disaster.

In 2015 alone, fires engulfed some 400 hectares of forests in the exclusion zone.

With reporting by TASS
Syrian sculptor Nizar Ali Badr has been capturing the story of refugees from his country, using pebbles from his local beach. His art has become the inspiration for a unique film -- the concept of Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer, who asked Georgian animator Sandro Kancheli to bring the stone figures to life along with his music. (RFE/RL's Georgian Service; producers Eka Kevanishvili and Toma Begiashvili)
After eight months of fighting Islamic State militants in the city of Mosul, Iraqi forces say they are on the verge of victory. Civilians have been fleeing in their thousands as battles with hundreds of remaining militants raged around the Old City's grand mosque, where IS had declared their caliphate in 2014. (Reuters)
A special prosecutor in Macedonia has charged more than 90 people, including former senior officials, in connection with a 2-year-old wiretap scandal that brought down the previous government.

Special Prosecutor Katica Janeva told reporters at a news conference in Skopje on June 29 that her office had filed charges against 94 people and seven legal entities in 17 cases.



She said the evidence would be handed to a court that would decide on filing indictments.

The small Balkan nation plunged into political turmoil in 2015, when opposition parties accused former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and his counterintelligence chief of masterminding the wiretapping of more than 20,000 people.



The European Union brokered a deal to end the crisis, which included early elections and the appointment of a special prosecutor to probe the content of the wiretaps.



The crisis was the worst since Western diplomacy helped drag the country of 2.1 million people back from the brink of civil war during an ethnic Albanian insurgency in 2001, promising it a path to membership in the European Union and NATO.

Janeva did not disclose the names of any of those charged, but said she was considering asking authorities to detain 18 people including a party leader.



Among those 18, according to Macedonian media, are Gruevski and former Interior Minister Gordana Jankulovska.



Gruevski, leader of the main opposition VMRO-DPMNE party, dismissed the prosecutors allegations and accused the ruling Social Democrats of trying to destroy his party and Macedonia.

This is a political, not a legal process, Gruevski said at a news conference on June 29. If they think the VMRO-DPMNE will take this lightly, they are deeply mistaken, he warned.



Gruevski stepped down last year as part of the EU-brokered deal to allow early elections to take place, ending 10 years of VMRO-DPMNE rule.



In those snap elections in December 2016, the VMRO-DPMNE won 51 seats to the Social Democratic Union's 49.



Neither party was able to form a government without including parties representing ethnic Albanians, who make up about one-quarter of the population.



The VMRO-DPMNE tried but failed to form a coalition with Albanian parties. The Social Democrats, however, succeeded.

In February, Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev submitted to President Gjorge Ivanov the signatures of 18 deputies from ethnic Albanian parties, saying he had enough support to form a new government.

Nationalists, including VMRO-DPMNE, charge the coalition deal could divide the country along ethnic lines if more autonomy is given to ethnic Albanians.



The ethnic Albanian parties had made their support for Zaev's coalition government conditional on the enactment of a law backing broader use of their language in Macedonia.

Albanian is currently an official language only in areas where Albanians account for more than 20 percent of the population.

With reporting by RFE/RLs Macedonian Unit, AP, AFP, and Reuters
The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) summit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a phone call on June 30.

In a statement, the Kremlin said the two leaders discussed the Paris climate accord and "several issues of bilateral cooperation."

The Kremlin press service said the phone conversation was "at the initiative of the German side.

Merkel and Putin spoke a day after the White House confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin would meet for the first time on the sidelines of the G20 summit, which is being held in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7 and 8.

It will bring together the heads of state and government from the worlds leading economic powers to discuss the fight against terrorism, climate change, free trade, and other issues.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on June 28 that it was especially important for Putin and Trump to discuss the war in Syria.

Lavrov also said there were no plans for talks on Ukraines conflict under the so-called Normandy Four format -- which would bring together the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany.

Based on reporting by Reuters, Interfax, and TASS
WASHINGTON -- British and U.S. officials on June 30 urged Russian authorities to ensure that all people involved in organizing or ordering the murder of vocal Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov are brought to justice.

A Moscow court on June 29 convicted five Chechen men of the 2015 killing of Nemtsov, although his relatives criticized authorities for not identifying the real masterminds of the murder.

In a statement, the U.S. State Department said it welcomed the convictions but called "once more on the Russian government to ensure that all involved in the killing of Boris Nemtsov, including anyone involved in organizing or ordering the crime, are brought to justice."

A spokesman for Britain's Foreign Office said it "supports Boris Nemtsovs family in their call for a fuller investigation into who ordered his murder."

"Responsibility for his murder goes further than those already convicted, and we call on the Russian government to bring the perpetrators to account," the spokesman said.

Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister, was a critic of Putin and of Kremlin-installed Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

He was shot in the back while walking on a bridge near the Kremlin on February 27, 2015.

"They still haven't found any of the persons who ordered the attack or any of the organizers," Vadim Prokhorov, a lawyer representing the Nemtsov family, said after the verdict.

"This is a complete fiasco, of course," Prokhorov said. "It is completely obvious that the government did not have any intention over these past two years to find real organizers and instigators.
Ilya Novikov, a deputy head of the Open Russia civic movement, says he has temporarily left Russia amid what he describes as large-scale persecutions against those engaged in any political action.

Novikov wrote on social network VKontakte on June 29 that he had left to an unidentified country in Europe following constant attempts by police to conduct searches at his workplace.

He also said the authorities were trying to punish him for his political activities and prevent him from criticizing the government.

Novikov is also the head of Open Russias Tatarstan office.

Open Russia was established by exiled former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

In April, the Russian Prosecutor-General's Office declared Open Russia "undesirable and accused the nongovernmental organization of conducting antigovernment activities.

After that, rights watchdog Amnesty International accused the Russian authorities of laying the groundwork to completely ban the group from Russia.

Once Russia's wealthiest tycoon, Khodorkovsky served 10 years in Russian prisons after being convicted of tax evasion and other charges widely seen as politically motivated.
A 12-year-old Pakistani girl was killed by her family after she eloped with a boy, villagers and officials in the northwestern tribal district of Khyber say.

Local official Niaz Muhammad told RFE/RL on June 30 that the girl, named Naghma, left her house in Kadey village on June 23 before being stopped by security officials.

Muhammad said Naghma was handed over to her family, which promised she wouldnt be harmed.

But the official said the girl was killed -- "probably" on June 27 -- in what he described as an "honor killing" over perceived damage to the family's honor.

A local resident said Naghma was shot dead.

Muhammad said the alleged killers -- one of Naghmas uncles and his son -- were detained along with two members of the boys family.

Hundreds of "honor killings" are reported in Pakistan every year..


PARACHINAR, Pakistan -- A week-long protest in a northwestern tribal region of Pakistan came to an end on June 30 after army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa agreed to the demands of demonstrators for greater security.

Thousands of protesters -- most of them from Pakistan's Shi'a minority -- have been staging the sit-in demonstration in Parachinar since a twin bombing in a market there on June 23 that killed 75 people.

In a statement, Pakistans military spokesman Major-General Asif Ghafoor says Bajwa had met the security demands of the demonstrators.

Sajid Touri, a lawmaker in Pakistans National Assembly who represents Parachinar and has been involved in the protests, told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal on June 30 that the demonstrators are satisfied because Bajwa had accepted all of their demands.

That includes promises to bolster security, greater government compensation for relatives of the bombing victims, and the accountability of military officers and soldiers responsible for firing on protesters.

"We have ended the sit-in demonstration," Touri told Radio Mashaal. "We are satisfied with [Bajwas] actions and promises."

Touri said that, even before Bajwa visited Parachinar on June 30 and met with protest leaders, senior army officers in the region had agreed to the demands.

"But our youth insisted that they will end the sit-in after the army chief visited Parachinar," Touri said.

At least three demonstrators were reportedly killed earlier in the week when security forces fired on the crowd in an attempt to force the protesters to disperse.

The demonstrators had demanded that the commander of the paramilitary regiment responsible for firing on the protesters be dismissed.

They also demanded that a new security plan be enforced in the district of the Kurram tribal agency near the border with Afghanistan and that local leaders have some input in the new plan.

Another demand concerned greater compensation payments for the families of those killed in the twin bombing and that local tribesmen be inducted into paramilitary forces that provide security in the district.

With reporting by Al-Jazeera, Reuters, and AP


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Protests continued for a sixth consecutive day following blasts that killed around 75 people in a largely Shi'ite town in Pakistan. Protesters accuse the government of providing lax security and poor compensation for the Shi'ite community. (RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal)
Russia says it is suspending its financial contributions to the Council of Europe over a dispute regarding Russian delegates who were stripped of their authority following the annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula by Russia.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed the Council of Europe's Secretary-General Thorbjorn Jagland of the decision in a phone conversation, the Foreign Ministry said on June 30.

It quoted Lavrov as telling Jagland that the payments would not resume until the "unconditional total restoration" of the rights of Russia's delegation to the organization.

In April 2014, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) deprived the delegation of voting rights in the wake of Moscow's illegal annexation of the Ukrainian region.

Russia was reportedly to contribute about 33 million euros ($38 million) for the year to the 47-member body that focuses on democracy and human rights across Europe.

Russian Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said this month that Moscow still had about 11 million euros ($13 million) to pay.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters


WASHINGTON -- Shareholders of defunct Russian oil giant Yukos, which was dismantled and absorbed by a state-owned rival in contentious legal actions, are taking a new tack in their multibillion-dollar fight with the Russian government.

The former owners have alleged that lawyers at a powerful U.S. law firm helped Russia's Rosneft manipulate an Armenian court ruling in a parallel case that they say bears on a $50 billion judgment handed down in 2014.

The action, now unfolding in U.S. federal court, is the latest front in a convoluted battle that erupted early in Vladimir Putin's presidency and helped entrench the state's dominance in Russia's economy.

The law firm, Baker Botts, has denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations false.

Once Russias largest oil company, Yukos was systematically pared down in the early 2000s through a series of bankruptcy proceedings that legal experts have said were rife with inconsistencies.

Assets, including huge Siberian oil fields, were acquired mainly by Rosneft, the government-owned company run by Igor Sechin, a former intelligence officer and close ally of Putin.

Yukos was built up by Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was later prosecuted for financial crimes after purportedly crossing Putin in the early 2000s. After a decade in prison, Khodorkovsky fled Russia and he now funds opposition political groups from abroad.

In July 2014, an arbitration court in The Hague ordered Russia to pay $50 billion to compensate Yukos shareholders, one of the largest such awards in history.

Moscow, however, persuaded a Dutch district court nearly two years later to set aside that judgment.

The former stakeholders -- banded together in a holding company called GML -- have asked a Dutch appeals court to overturn the lower court's ruling as they try to seize assets in multiple countries.

Last week, lawyers for GML alleged in a motion filed with the U.S. District Court in Washington that Rosneft tampered with Armenian court rulings that might have affected the Dutch decision.

"The Petitioners believe the evidence sought in this application will show efforts by the Russian Federation to manipulate Armenian courts, so as to influence proceedings before the Dutch courts," the motion states.

According to court filings, Rosneft filed suit in Armenia in the late 2000s seeking possession of one of Yukos's far-flung subsidiaries, Yukos CIS, which was located there. In 2011, Rosneft won possession of the subsidiary.

'Ordered' To Issue Judgement

About a year later, one of the key Armenian judges involved in the rulings gave sworn written testimony in a related Yukos case in a U.S. federal court in California. Surik Ghazaryan alleged that his superiors had ordered him to issue a judgment favorable to Rosneft, and even provided a flash drive with what he claimed was a pre-written copy of the judgment.

Ghazaryan said he fled Armenia fearing reprisal for his refusal to comply with other related instructions from his superiors.

"Every Armenian judge in charge of proceedings having to do with 'Yukos' has received a clear and unambiguous signal: either you follow directions from above and hand down judgments in favor of 'Rosneft' and against 'Yukos,' or you face serious consequences," he said in his written testimony.

There was no way to independently corroborate Ghazaryan's claims; his lawyer did not respond to an e-mail and phone message seeking comment.

'Every Court, Judge Is Fair Game'

As Rosneft took control of Yukos's assets, shareholders sought compensation for Yukos's dismantling. Khodorkovsky is not party to the legal fight, though his former partners are.

In the filing in U.S. district court, the Yukos shareholders assert that two lawyers from Baker Botts, working out of the firm's Moscow office, were involved in drafting the suspect Armenian court judgments.

The shareholders submitted copies of purported Baker Botts e-mails as part of the filings. They also asked the Washington court to order that the lawyers be questioned under oath, with an eye to introducing the statements once the Dutch appeals court takes up the question of the $50 billion judgment as early as December.

Baker Botts, the shareholders said, may have "possession, custody or control [of] evidence that relates to efforts by the Russian Federation, both directly and through its agents, to interfere with and manipulate foreign judicial proceedings for the benefit of the Russian Federation."

As of June 29, Baker Botts, whose global headquarters are in Houston, Texas, had not responded to the U.S. court filings.

"The events that took place in Armenia reveal just how far Russia goes to undermine the rule of law: every court or judge is fair game," GML chief executive Tim Osborne said in a statement to RFE/RL. "The evidence we hope to obtain will make that even clearer."

The issue of Rosneft's alleged court tampering surfaced in 2015 when another Dutch court hearing a parallel case about Yukos CIS accepted shareholders' arguments. That case was ultimately settled, with the shareholders receiving about $400 million in compensation.

In November, after a Dutch newspaper published some of those e-mails, Baker Botts denied the allegations, which it repeated in a statement to RFE/RL on June 30.

"Any suggestion that Baker Botts lawyers perverted justice in Armenia is false. At all times Baker Botts lawyers acted lawfully and ethically," the firm said.

For its part, Rosneft said: "The Armenian issues with allegations of impropriety made by both parties against each other were fully briefed in court and settled...as part of an overall settlement. Discussions of separate episodes are futile."

Small Victory

The allegations of court tampering raise the stakes significantly in the $50 billion arbitration fight. If the shareholders succeed in deposing Baker Botts lawyers and the Dutch appeal court hearing the arbitration case agrees to consider that evidence, it could deal a substantial blow to Rosneft and the Russian government.

The shareholders won a small victory on June 22 when a U.S. judge in California authorized subpoenas of Edward Mouradian, another lawyer who allegedly was involved in the Armenian court cases on behalf of Rosneft.

Under Dutch law, new evidence can be introduced in the appeals court hearings.

"It's clearly become an issue of whatever you can to undermine the credibility of the other party, and this only confirms that this is a highly political case and the Yukos claimants hopes that the appeals court will see it in those terms, said Gus Van Harten, who studies international arbitration law at the Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto.

He said the Yukos case has taken on overt political tones, both internationally and domestically, far beyond how arbitration disputes typically are sorted out.

"What classically might have been a legal or political dispute, within a country, is morphing into a larger international dispute," he told RFE/RL.
Six Afghan police officers were killed when Taliban militants stormed a security outpost in western Farah Province in the early hours of June 30, officials say.

Farah police spokesman Eqbal Baher said the attack in the Sheb Koh district was repelled after government forces sent reinforcements to the area.

Abdul Marouf Folad, the provincial police chief, said nine Taliban fighters were killed in the gunbattle.

Five Taliban militants were also killed and nine others wounded a few hours later in a separate clash in Farahs Poshte Koh district, according to Baher.

There were no casualties among government troops in the second incident, the spokesman added.

Taliban frequently attack Afghan security forces and other government targets across the country.

Meeting in Brussels on June 29, defense ministers from NATO member states vowed to provide more forces to help train Afghanistan's embattled military, although they did not set out exact numbers.

Based on reporting by dpa and tolonews.com
Ukrainian authorities have detained two men identified as Russian security agents after they came ashore in a small boat on Ukrainian-government controlled territory along the Black Sea, officials of both countries say.

Ukraines border police on June 30 said the two men claimed to be Federal Security Service (FSB) personnel who became lost in the waters of the Black Sea during a training exercise.

Russia's state-run Interfax news agency quoted the FSB as confirming that the men were with the agency. The FSB said the men had taken a "wrong route" during "drills."

The statement also said the FSB hoped the men would be returned to Russia "in the near future."

Ukrainian border guard spokesman Oleh Slobodyan said the men had been jailed for 15 days.

It was not immediately clear where the men washed ashore, but officials said they were detained near the city of Armyansk.

Tensions have been high in Ukraine's occupied Crimea region since Russia illegally annexed the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.

Russia also has supported pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine, leading to a prolonged conflict that has left more than 10,000 people dead.

Western nations have imposed sanctions on Moscow in response to its interference in Ukraine.

Based on reporting by Reuters, Interfax, and Newsweek
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley lambasted the Security Council for failing to take any action against Iran, which she said had "repeatedly and deliberately violated" sanctions imposed by the body.

"The Security Council has failed to even take minimal steps to respond to these violations," Haley told a council meeting on June 29. "We must...show Iran that we will not tolerate their egregious flaunting of UN resolutions."

Most UN sanctions were lifted 18 months ago under a deal Iran made with world powers to curb its nuclear program. But Iran is still subject to an arms embargo and other restrictions, which are not technically part of the nuclear agreement.

UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman briefed the council on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' third report on implementation of the remaining sanctions against Iran, enshrined in resolution 2231.

"The secretary-general's report makes clear that Iran is in violation of the Security Council resolution 2231 and so the question becomes 'what is the Security Council going to do about it?'" Haley said.

"Iran's destructive and destabilizing role in the Middle East goes far beyond its illicit missile launches," Haley said. "From Syria to Yemen and Iraq to Lebanon, Iran's support for terrorist groups continues unabated. Iran's weapons, military advisers, and arms smugglers stoke regional conflicts and make them harder to solve."

No council members have proposed taking any action against Iran, however. Diplomats say Russia and China, which both have the power to veto council actions, were unlikely to agree to more measures.

Russia questioned some of the findings of Guterres's report at the meeting.

The report addresses a weapons seizure by the French Navy in the northern Indian Ocean in March 2016. Feldman said the UN is "confident that the weapons seized are of Iranian origin and were shipped from Iran."

The report also looked at Iran's January 29 launch of a ballistic missile but said there was no consensus within the Security Council on how to respond to the launch.

Despite the lack of agreement on what to do about the missile tests, Guterres in the report called on Iran to "avoid such ballistic-missile launches, which have the potential to increase tensions."

A year ago, Guterres's predecessor, Ban Ki-moon, described ballistic-missile launches by Iran as "not consistent with the constructive spirit" of the nuclear deal.

Under the UN resolution, Iran is "called upon" to refrain from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons for up to eight years. Tehran and Moscow argue that language does not make it obligatory.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is reviewing the nuclear deal, which Trump has branded a "disaster." But Haley said that "until that review is completed, we will comply with our commitments and we expect Iran to do the same."

Other UN council members, including some of the United States' closest allies, praised the nuclear deal as historic and applauded Iran for complying with it.

British Deputy UN ambassador Peter Wilson called the agreement "one of the most important diplomatic achievements in recent memory."

In remarks that appeared aimed at the Trump administration, he said all parties to the deal should "uphold their commitments, including ensuring that the Iranian people gain further tangible benefits from sanctions relief."

European Union Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida said the agreement is a "pillar of the international nonproliferation agenda" that "needs to be preserved and fully implemented."

"The rigorous implementation of commitments by all sides continues to be the best way to build trust," he said. Without the deal, "the world would not be a safer place."

German Ambassador to the UN Harald Braun called the deal an "outstanding success."

"The deal is working. All participants are keeping their commitments. This is an important contribution to security and stability in the region," he said.

But Britain's Wilson agreed with Haley that Iran's violations of bans on missile testing and arms transfers should be addressed.

Haley said the United States won't "turn a blind eye" to such violations in the future, and will interdict cargo shipments prohibited under the UN resolution as well as continue to impose its own sanctions on Iran.

"The continuance of the Iranian regime's destructive, destabilizing behavior will prevent them from ever having a normal relationship with the United States and the rest of the world," she said. "And the regime's continued oppression of its own people speaks volumes about its true nature."

With reporting by AP, AFP, dpa, and Reuters
Honda Cars India Limited manufactures cars and components at two plants situated in the north of India. The first was set up at Greater Noida, U.P. and the newer plant at Tapukara, Rajasthan, about an hours drive from Gurgaon. Car manufacturing at the Tapukara plant started in 2014.

Tapukara plant Phase I operations dealt with parts production for engine components back in 2008. Vehicle manufacturing was started in Feb 2014. Cumulative production at both plants stand at 2.4 lakh units.

Installed production capacity at the Tapukara plants stands at 1.2 lakh units at present, and can be scaled upto 1.8 lakh units. Employees work in two shifts, and car manufacturing is undertaken in batches, i.e., 120 units of Honda Jazz, then 120 units of WR-V, and so on.

The Tapukara facility spans 400+ acres. With ample open space, more than 25,000 trees have been planted. Staying green is supported by large sheds that allow natural lighting. Giant sized air circulation fans keep work areas cooler. Theres also a 1200 KW solar power plant. All water is recycled making it a zero discharge plant. 97% rainwater is harvested through recharge wells and rainwater harvesting pond.

Honda manufactures City, Jazz, BR-V, and WR-V at Tapukara. The plant stands in its present form after an investment of INR 5,441 crores, and provides employment to 5,901 employees. Daily output is pegged at 490 units, with a new car rolling out every two minutes. Time taken to build a single car is about 20 hours.

The Honda Tapukara plant also holds other distinctions. It is Hondas largest manufacturing facility for manual transmissions, and diesel engines, both of which constitute huge export volumes for Honda, globally. Components are supplied to over 15 global markets. For India, HCIL manufactures the 1.2-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol, 1.5-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol and 1.5-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder diesel engines here. CVT units are imported from Indonesia.

With 90% localization in car manufacturing, the plant houses units to manufacture parts in-house. Various functionalities are undertaken at the forging (cylinder blocks, engine blocks and crankshafts) section, machining line (pistons and piston rods), powertrain  engine components (transmission cases) unit, Press Shop (Body panels), Weld shop, and Paint shop. Plastic Moulding, Engine assembly, and Frame Assembly are also undertaken in-house.

We saw the forging line first. The line is largely automated with a tag time of 9 seconds between processes. Starting life as an iron billet, forging a crankshaft requires passing through a myriad of machines in extreme temperature, and under huge pressure (4500 tonne press). This includes chambers heated to 1250 C and finally a chamber of 100 C.

Each unit is manually inspected and passed from station to station, before finally being barcoded and stored for export, or for use at the plant. Its fascinating to see blocks of metal take on the form of integral parts under the watchful eye of floor inspectors who keep a keen eye on temperature maintenance, and machining faults, if any.

At the onset, the process looks easy but heres where automation has excelled to keep human contact at a minimum to prevent any accidents in the heart of furnaces. The die-casts set precedence while automated robotic arms make the actual transfer from station to station overseen by floor managers. The pattern is set and repeated to perfection day after day.

With diecasts for every process of machining and building, its only a matter of following set systems to ensure error free production meets daily capacity targets. Whether its engine blocks, pistons that facilitate an engines heartbeat, or car body parts, door panels or more, the blueprint is of essence. Depending on output and process, human intervention across floors varies.

Transmission (CVT and manual) production facility has two manufacturing lines, and a capacity of 2,000 units per day. The Press Shop takes care of car body panels (roof, doors, fenders), and it all starts out with a single metal sheet. Once cleaned and trimmed, they are enclosed in the press area. The machines used are capable of exerting pressure between 1,000  1,500 tonnes.

As each car takes shape and moves from one shop to another, the transfer is done through a series of overhead conveyor belts, and then moved across stations on ground level attached to a conveyor. Once all parts are machined to life, theyre racked and kept in specified storage areas before being transferred to different welding lines to create the car framework attached to pillars. All scrap from machining is automatically loaded onto a conveyor belt for collection at a specified area, so, at no time are dangerous jagged edged metal bits found left behind at any shop floor.

At the welding shop, the underbody comes on board first after which the side panels and roof are attached forming a skeletal framework. Next, the boot, doors and hood are welded onto the framework.

Engines are put together at the Engine Assembly line. Honda Tapukara plant is charged with manufacturing the 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. A diagnostic system scans each engine block as soon as its loaded onto the work station. This automatically notifies workers as to which engine parts are required for the engine block at hand. Pistons are placed, and it moves station to station as more parts and wires and pipes are attached to help it grow into the giant beast it finally turns into before being hung from overhead conveyor belts and inspected for perfection.

In the meantime the skeletal form is fortified and painted to precision for its debut. Once returned to the assembly line, the doors are detached so workers can enter the vehicle at ease as it passes through various stations for interior fitments. With the car having taken shape, its raised for the engine to be fitted ground up into the chassis. Suspension and brakes are next, followed by connecting the steering, functions, and engine once wiring, pedals and levers are placed. Along the way liners and seats are fitted before the doors are reattached. Tyres are sent to the alloy fitment counter before taking the long route through an underground travelotor to reach the assembly line.

Each car is rigorously tested at the engine testing facility, test course and hot & cold test chambers before being approved for sales. Below is a short video from the plant.

Photos

Canteen. Media Group Photo.

(Disclosure: My visit to the plant was sponsored by Honda Cars India.)
Sales of Toyota Cars India have largely been impacted due to the implementation of GST by the government of India. Due to this new tax structure, prices of large cars (like SUVs) are going to decline. This is the reason many buyers have not purchased their car in the month of June 2017.

Average sales of Toyota India stands at over 12,000 units. But, in the month of June 2017, Toyota Kirloskar Motor sold just of 1973 cars in the domestic market. This is among the lowest ever sales registered by the brand in recent years.

Commenting on the monthly sales, Mr. N. Raja, Director & Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, The uncertainty surrounding the GST implementation with regard to the passenger vehicles has impacted the retails as the customers are postponing their plan of purchasing the vehicle post GST roll out. Thus, in line with our Customer First philosophy Toyota Kirloskar Motor has taken a conscious decision to lower the volumes of vehicles sold to dealers this month. We believe that our dealers are our first customer who cater to the requirements of our end customers.

This strategy has been undertaken to ensure that there is minimum burden on our dealer partners and they can focus on clearing the existing stocks at the dealerships. Our dealers are our allies and play a vital role in our sustained business. We at Toyota always strive to support them through any business challenges. Thus, closely monitoring the customer sentiments we have taken this step to lessen any impact of the differential tax post GST roll out effective 1st July 17. Putting the dealers needs ahead of everything else has been our first priority to ensure quality products and provide good service.

We are optimistic that the GST implementation will be fruitful for the growth of the Indian auto industry. With the change in prices we hope to see positive sentiments amongst the consumers in the month of July. We think the industry will break into double digit territory this year.
One stroke is dangerous, and a second, even more so. One important risk factor for that perilous second stroke is an irregular heart beat called atrial fibrillation.

If doctors could identify the stroke patients who are most likely to experience atrial fibrillation, they could start treatments that would help prevent a second stroke.

But which stroke patients are at risk for the condition has been hard to predict without costly 24/7 monitoring for the hundreds of thousands of people who have a first stroke every year.

Now, a team led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center has used electronic medical records to predict the likelihood of a person experiencing atrial fibrillation after either of two kinds of strokes: a cryptogenic stroke or a transient ischemic attack.

A paper describing their findings will be published online June 28 in Cardiology. The senior authors are Nigam Shah, MBBS, PhD, associate professor of biomedical data science at Stanford, and Susan Zhao, MD, of Valley Medical Center. Stanford graduate student Albee Ling and Valley Medical Center internist Calvin Kwong, MD, share lead authorship.

"This work resulted from a unique collaboration," said Shah, "where a need for risk stratification was identified by Dr. Susan Zhao, and followed up jointly by an informatics student and a clinical fellow to derive a risk estimate for a population for which we don't have good scoring methods."

A need to rank stroke patients by risk

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Stroke patients are typically monitored for atrial fibrillation while they're in the hospital. "But once they go home -- after about a week -- clinicians aren't usually too vigilant about monitoring them for atrial fibrillation," said Kwong. But if doctors monitor stroke patients for even 30 days after they go home, atrial fibrillation can be picked up if it's happening. And, indeed, the American Heart Association recommends 30 days of heart rhythm monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation within six months of an initial stroke. The problem, said Kwong, is that such monitoring is expensive and not appropriate for every patient.

Shah and his colleagues decided they needed a way to predict which patients should be monitored. There had to be a way to tell the patients who were at high risk for atrial fibrillation and should be monitored from the ones who were at low risk and didn't need to be monitored.

List of seven risk factors

The team did a retrospective cohort study using data from thousands of stroke patients from Stanford's Translational Research Integrated Database Environment. Of the 9,589 stroke patients in the database, 482 of them, or 5 percent, went on to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

The team had already developed a text-processing pipeline for analyzing clinical data and clinical-diagnosis coding. Using that pipeline, the team extracted information from clinical notes, flagging, for example, phrases such as "ruled out stroke" and classifying data according to whether it referred to the patient or came from a family history section. The result was a list of biomedical facts about each patient -- including age, body mass index and so on.

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Then, by ranking the clinical attributes of patients whose medical records indicated they went on to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the team was able to assemble a set of seven risk factors that, when combined, predicted which stroke patients were the most likely to develop the condition and should be monitored after hospitalization. The risk factors -- age, obesity, congestive heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and disease of the heart valves -- are the basis of a scoring system that assigns patients to one of three risk groups.

Scoring system online

"The scoring system we developed is simple to use and the results could help physicians tailor treatment to individual patients," said Ling.

It can help physicians decide which patients to monitor. Once it's known that patients have a high risk of atrial fibrillation, they can wear a heart monitor at home to see if they actually are experiencing bouts of atrial fibrillation and then, if they are, treated with the appropriate drugs to try to prevent a second stroke.

"Our system needs to be further validated in studies using other independent data sources," said Ling. She said she expects that clinicians and researchers will further validate and improve the scoring system and that, hopefully, it will one day be adopted in everyday practice. "On the other hand, there will surely be more clinical studies conducted using electronic health records, not just at Stanford but in other medical institutions, as well," she added.

The study 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.

Studies like this one can be done quickly using preexisting patient data in just a matter of days, and provide a way to score patients' individual risk so that treatment can be partly customized.
Almost everything we do -- walking, talking, or drinking coffee -- is completely dependent on accurate timing when activating many muscles at once. The prevailing theory has been that the exact timing of this type of movement is not voluntarily controlled, and the timing has therefore been assumed to be fully automated when learning movements. However, researchers at Lund University in Sweden now argue that this may be wrong. A new study shows that people are fully capable of controlling their blinking with a time precision that was previously believed not to be possible.

It has long been known that both animals and humans, through a type of learning known as eyeblink conditioning, can learn to blink in response to a tone with a precision of some tens of milliseconds. Previous studies have shown that eyeblink conditioning is dependent on the cerebellum and, so far, it has been assumed that the precise timing is completely automatic.

When researchers Anders Rasmussen and Dan-Anders Jirenhed performed laboratory studies as part of their teaching at the medical programme at Lund University, they discovered that the theory was incorrect in practice.

Rasmussen and Jirenhed tested 21 medical students at Lund University and could see that the students were able to control the exact timing of their blinking with unexpected accuracy. The researchers' results, now published in Scientific Reports, question whether previous studies on human eyeblink conditioning have, in fact, studied purely automated learning or if the test subjects also voluntarily controlled their their blinking.

"Our results are an important step in understanding how the human brain can control the timing of our movements -- and to what extent we can influence them at will," says Anders Rasmussen.

The fact that the movements can be controlled at will also shows that the cerebral cortex, perhaps through cooperation with the cerebellum, can play an important role in terms of timing.

"This type of study can help us understand how different parts of the brain work together to generate precisely timed movements. This, in turn, can lead to a better understanding of diagnoses which are believed to be related to the brain's timing mechanisms, such as ADHD. Studies like this can also lead to insights on how to train to become even better at timing our movements," says Dan-Anders Jirenhed.
Suppressing insects that spread disease is an essential public health effort, and scientists are testing a possible new tool to use in this challenging arena. They're harnessing a microbe capable of controlling insects' reproductive processes.

The microbes, called Wolbachia, live inside the cells of about two-thirds of insect species worldwide, and they can manipulate the host's reproductive cells in ways that boost their own survival. Scientists think they can use Wolbachia's methods to reduce populations of insects that spread disease among humans.

A Switch to Control Fertility

Wolbachia have evolved complex ways to control insect reproduction so as to infect increasing numbers of an insect species -- such as those prolific disease-spreaders, mosquitos. One method Wolbachia uses is called cytoplasmic incompatibility, or CI. The end result of CI, basically, is that the sperm of infected male insects cause sterility in uninfected females.

Wolbachia that have infected male insects can insert proteins that produce a kind of infertility switch into the host's sperm. When the sperm later fuses with an egg from an uninfected female, the switch is triggered and renders the egg sterile. If the female is already infected, her eggs will contain Wolbachia, which can turn off the switch and allow the egg to develop. This trick ensures that more Wolbachia-infected insects will survive and continue to reproduce, while uninfected ones will be less successful.

Already, some states and countries are releasing Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes into wild mosquito populations that carry disease-causing viruses to test this strategy for insect control. Males carrying a Wolbachia strain that strongly induces infertility in uninfected females should reduce the numbers of mosquito eggs that mature, leading to fewer mosquitos.

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How the Switch Works

Scientists are learning more about the mechanisms behind CI in Wolbachia-infected insects. Their goal is to develop even more precise tools for limiting the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika and dengue.

Researchers at Yale University, led by Mark Hochstrasser, for instance, found a pair of genes in Wolbachia that seem to be responsible for the infertility switch used by some Wolbachia strains. One gene, cidB, makes a protein that clips a piece off other proteins important to insect embryo development. This change hampers a host cell's ability to function and could cause a fertilized egg to stop developing. The other gene in the pair, cidA, produces a protein that binds to the cidB-created protein and can prevent its clipping activity. So, in infected females, Wolbachia in the eggs can deploy cidA to keep cidB from producing sterile eggs.

The Yale scientists have also noticed that different strains of Wolbachia may rely on different infertility switches. A female insect infected with one strain that has mated with a male infected with a different strain may not have the genes necessary to rescue her eggs from being sterile. The Yale scientists believe this is a result of mutations in the gene pairs that build up over time in Wolbachia. This is good news for insect control: Wolbachia-infected insects could still be rendered infertile by a Wolbachia gene set that generates a different infertility switch.

A New Tool

To learn whether the cidA-cidB gene pair really is the key to CI, the Yale scientists tested whether this gene pair could cause sterility in insects not infected by Wolbachia. Using sophisticated genetic techniques, they produced fruit flies (Drosophila), a widely used research organism, that express the gene pair from birth but are not Wolbachia infected. When the cidA-cidB males mated with normal, or wild-type, females, the eggs were sterile. These eggs even showed the same defects in the cell division cycle that happen in Wolbachia-caused CI. The methods used in Drosophila would likely work in other insects, including mosquitos.

Applying Wolbachia's infertility-switch strategy -- and perhaps employing the cidA-cidB gene pairs responsible for it -- could be effective additions to the public health efforts to control disease-carrying insects without causing damage to other wildlife or humans.

This research was funded in part by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences under grant R01GM053756.
If aliens sent an exploratory mission to Earth, one of the first things they'd notice -- after the fluffy white clouds and blue oceans of our water world -- would be the way vegetation grades from exuberance at the equator through moderation at mid-latitudes toward monotony at higher ones. We all learn about this biodiversity gradient in school, but why does it exist?

Even Charles Darwin wondered. Though the pattern is striking, it is difficult to explain. Since it is global in scale, the initial tendency was to suspect long-term or large-scale mechanisms, such as climate stability (no glaciers in the tropics), rates of speciation (higher in the tropics) or rates of extinction (lower in the tropics according to the fossil record).

In 1970 and 1971, two ecologists independently proposed a radically different mechanism, one that operates at scales not of kilometers but of meters. Daniel Janzen and Joseph Connell suggested that host-specific natural enemies which kill seeds and seedlings clumped near parent trees might keep locally common species from dominating a forest and give locally rare species space to flourish.

The Janzen-Connell hypothesis is now nearly 50 years old, but it has been hard to evaluate, especially at the global scale. Few studies have explicitly looked at the connection between self suppression and species diversity, and no study has looked at this relationship across temperate and tropical latitudes.

A year ago, however, Jonathan Myers, an assistant professor of biology at Washington University in St. Louis, and Joe LaManna, a postdoctoral research associate at Washington University's Tyson Research Center, proposed a test of the Janzen-Connell hypothesis to the principal investigators of an international network of long-term forest dynamics research sites called the Smithsonian Center for Tropical Forest Science-Forest Global Earth Observatory (CTFS-ForestGEO).

Over the next year, LaManna analyzed the data from 24 research plots, including one at Washington University's Tyson Research Center. Together these plots are home to more than 3,000 tree species and roughly 2.4 million trees. The analysis provided the first evidence that the Janzen-Connell effect contributes to the biodiversity gradient across tropical and temperate latitudes. The paper, which has 50 authors from 12 countries, was published in the June 30, 2017, issue of the journal Science

"This is the first time we've had the data to do this kind of in-depth analysis and to look across temperate and tropical latitudes," said LaManna, who is the corresponding author on the paper.

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The analysis also provided a delicious twist on the hypothesis, namely that the plant predators that kill rare species may also keep them from going extinct. "When species get too rare, their enemies also thin out, and they have what is known as a rare species advantage," Myers said. So the specialized predators ultimately stabilize rare species instead of wiping them out.

"We were able to show for the first time that this stabilizing effect may be stronger for rare species in the tropics; this may explain why rainforests harbor so many rare trees," LaManna said.

What's eating you?

The scientists emphasize that what they see in the data is the signature of the Janzen-Connell mechanism but that the data are agnostic about the mechanism itself. In other words, it doesn't point a finger at particular plant enemies.

The mechanism requires that the enemies be host specific rather than generalists, however. "That means the FBI (fungus, bacteria and invertebrates)," LaManna said, "the very tiny organisms that are evolving rapidly and are more likely to be host-specific."

These pathogens are everywhere even though they usually escape our notice. Scientists at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis who worked at the Tyson Research Center discovered more than 100 different species of insect herbivores that feed just on the adults of white oak, Myers said.

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Both scientists mention the work of Scott Mangan, an assistant professor in the department of biology at Washington University and a co-author on the paper. Mangan has done both greenhouse and field experiments (on Panama's Barro Colorado Island) showing that soil pathogens alone -- disregarding nutrients, insects, mammals or above-ground diseases -- suppress the growth of seedlings strongly enough to explain the maintenance of biodiversity.

But other studies have documented suppression by other enemies, so the question of mechanism remains open.

Close relatives make bad neighbors

The key observation on which the Janzen-Connell hypothesis is based is that seedfall is heaviest under a parent tree but the young tend to do better away from their parent.

The effect of pathogens on trees is similar to the effect of pathogens on people. We're more likely to catch and die from a disease such as scarlet fever or typhus if we're packed in tenements than if we're living in rural isolation. So, at least without the benefits of modern medicine, we are also self suppressing.

The new study exposed two key aspects of self suppression. "We find that self suppression is on average stronger in a tropical forest than a temperate one," Myers said, "and that it changes systematically with latitude. This is big result number one."

Two aspects of the CTFS-ForestGEO network gave the data the necessary power, Myers said. One is that the forest plots are large enough that they contain decent numbers of rare species, the other is that all of the trees in the plots have been tagged, mapped, measured and identified down to a small size class. "No other globally coordinated forest plot network combines large plots with censuses that go down to 1-centimeter in diameter," he said.

The second result is that, in the tropics, self suppression is stronger for rare species than for common ones. In the temperate zone rare and common species are equally affected, Myers said, or in some cases self suppression actually flips and is stronger for the common species than the rare ones.

The scientists find this result exciting because it may explain a puzzling characteristic of tropical forests: Their diversity is due not to large numbers of species in general but rather to large numbers of rare species.

"How can you pack more than a thousand species in a 50-hectare plot in the tropics if the rare species are being negatively impacted by these specialized enemies?" Myers asks. "You'd think that if these species are rare they'd be more likely to go extinct, so what maintains them in the system?"

The answer is their enemies. "Paradoxically, enemies can be beneficial," LaManna said. "Yes, they kill, but by killing they prevent population booms and busts. If you have no enemies, you're going to have exponential population growth followed by a crash. If you add an enemy that tracks abundance, over time the population stabilizes. It's never going to become large, but the flip side is it's never going to crash. And so these enemies are a stabilizing force."

Darwin might have savored the ironies here. Tiny organisms that live and die within a few square meters establish patterns that cover ten thousand kilometers. And organisms that kill trees also are their benefactors and prevent them from blinking out entirely.
The South Caucasus -- home to the countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan -- geographically links Europe and the Near East. The area has served for millennia as a major crossroads for human migration, with strong archaeological evidence for big cultural shifts over time. And yet, surprisingly, ancient mitochondrial DNA evidence reported in Current Biology on June 29 finds no evidence of any upheaval over the last 8,000 years.

Mitochondria are passed from mothers to their children. Therefore, the study of mitochondrial genomes enables scientists to trace the unique history of females over time.

"We analyzed many ancient and modern mitochondrial genomes in parts of the South Caucasus and found genetic continuity for at least 8,000 years," said Ashot Margaryan and Morten E. Allentoft from Centre for GeoGenetics at the Natural History Museum of Denmark. "In other words, we could not detect any changes to the female gene pool over this very long time frame. This is highly interesting because this region has experienced multiple cultural shifts over the same time period, but these changes do not appear to have had a genetic impact -- at least not on the female population."

The researchers were interested to study this part of the world because of its position as a cultural crossroads since ancient times. It's also known as an important area for the potential origin and spread of Indo-European languages.

To shed light on the maternal genetic history of the region, the researchers analyzed the complete mitochondrial genomes of 52 ancient skeletons from present-day Armenia and Artsakh, an unrecognized republic bordering Armenia and Azerbaijan. Those specimens span 7,800 years of history. Allentoft's team combined this new data with 206 mitochondrial genomes of modern Armenians and previously published data representing more than 480 individuals from seven neighboring populations.

Their analyses suggest that the population size in the region rapidly increased after the last glacial maximum, about 18,000 years ago. The researchers also used several sophisticated analyses to test five different demographic scenarios that could explain the formation of the modern Armenian gene pool. Despite well-documented cultural shifts in the South Caucasus across the time period in question, their results strongly favor genetic continuity in the maternal gene pool, the researchers report.

The findings imply that the female population in at least some parts of the South Caucasus has been highly stable through many cultural shifts that have occurred over thousands of years. They also suggest that documented migrations into this region during the last 2,000 to 3,000 years have had little genetic impact on the local female population.

Margaryan says the findings suggest either that cultural shifts occurred primarily through the exchange of ideas or that it was primarily men who moved into new territories, bringing new cultural ideas along with them.

The researchers say the next step is to explore these questions in whole-genome data to see if it tells the same story. They also hope to expand the study by including both modern and ancient samples from neighboring countries, which could involve collaborations with researchers in Georgia and Azerbaijan.
Laws that require increasingly older kids to sit in car safety seats appear to have limited impact, new research has found.

The same parents who already were buckling up kids appear most likely to switch to safety seats, leaving the same number of kids unrestrained, found a study published in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management.

"These laws can be very appealing for legislators to pass, but our research calls into question their value," said Lauren Jones, lead researcher and assistant professor of consumer sciences at The Ohio State University.

"Our study suggests that safety-conscious parents are likely to do what makes their child the safest but these laws don't have much effect on other parents."

Furthermore, higher fines (which reached as much as $500 as of 2016) didn't appear to make much difference in raising the likelihood parents and other drivers complied with the laws, the study found.

In the last four decades, laws throughout the United States have steadily increased mandatory safety seat restraint ages. In the 1980s and 1990s, safety seat laws were the norm for kids up to age 2 or -- at most -- 3. By 2012, the average upper age requirement was 6 years old.

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About 17 percent of children 7 years old and younger were in car safety seats before new laws expanded age requirements. That percentage jumped from 27 percent to almost half after stricter laws took effect, the researchers found.

But the percentage of unrestrained children -- those with neither a seatbelt on nor strapped into a car seat -- barely moved.

The new study found evidence that the laws saved lives, but that data was limited, Jones said. A best-case estimate showed that between one and 39 children may have survived annually because of safety seats.

"I think the laws have probably reduced fatalities, but probably not as much as most parents would assume," Jones said. "Thank goodness childhood car crash deaths are something that happens relatively infrequently, but that also makes it harder to evaluate."

Importantly, this study did not examine injuries or severity of injuries before and after passage of stricter laws. It's possible that children's injuries have declined because of more widespread use of safety seats, Jones said.

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Jones and Nicolas Ziebarth of Cornell University used a national database of fatal crashes from 1975 to 2011 to examine "before" and "after" restraint use and fatalities.

To improve the quality of their evaluation, they analyzed law-mandated child safety seat use against use in three other groups: children in different states in the same year, children in the same state in different years and older children in the same state during the same year.

Regardless of the analysis, there was no evidence that safety seat laws significantly changed the percentage of children who go unrestrained, prompting Jones to conclude that resources might be better spent elsewhere.

The research estimates the net annual cost of the safety seat laws at $377 million. The researchers factored in 39 saved lives at an estimated value of $390 million per year and a cost of $200 per safety seat, or $767 million a year. Their rough estimate does not include other potential safety benefits, including reduced injury rates.

"It's not a costless piece of legislation, especially for low-income families," Jones said. "Education, particularly of young parents, and resources to help them afford seats could be more impactful policy tools."
Even in healthy individuals, the skin plays host to a menagerie of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Growing scientific evidence suggests that this lively community, collectively known as the skin microbiome, serves an important role in healing, allergies, inflammatory responses and protection from infection.

In a new study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have shown for the first time that, not only can infection with the Leishmania parasite alter the skin microbiome of affected mice, but this altered microbial community can be passed to uninfected mice that share a cage with the infected animals.

Mice with the perturbed microbiome, or dysbiosis, had heightened inflammatory responses and more severe disease when they were subsequently infected with Leishmania. The findings are published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe.

"To my knowledge, this is the first case where anyone has shown that a pre-existing skin microbiome can influence the outcome of an infection or a disease," said Elizabeth Grice, co-senior author and assistant professor in the departments of Dermatology and Microbiology in Penn's Perelman School of Medicine. "This opens the door to many other avenues of research."

In addition, when the researchers examined samples from human Leishmania patients, they found similar patterns of dysbiosis as in the infected mice, a hint that the findings may extend to people.

"The transmission of dysbiosis in the skin from one animal to another is a key finding," said Phillip Scott, professor of immunology in the Department of Pathobiology in Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine and co-senior author on the study. "And the fact that we saw similar patterns of dysbiosis in humans suggests there could be some very practical implications of our work when it comes to treating people with leishmaniasis."

Grice and Scott collaborated with researchers from Penn Medicine and Penn Vet, including lead author Ciara Gimblet, a Ph.D. student in Scott's lab, and colleagues from Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.

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Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a tropical disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by the bite of a sand fly. The disease results in sores on the skin, which can sometimes become severe and disfiguring. There is no vaccine for the disease and the limited drugs available often fail to provide a complete cure.

Curious about the influence of the skin microbiome on the disease, the Penn-led team swabbed the skin of 44 Leishmania patients, analyzing the microbiota not only of their lesions but also the area around them and a portion of skin on the opposite side of the bodies as the lesion. They noticed that the lesion samples contained less bacterial diversity than the samples of other skin sites. But not all of them were the same; they found three distinct community types: one dominated by Staphylococcus, one by Streptococcus and one that was mixed.

To get a clearer picture of how these microbiome shifts were connected to the disease, the researchers turned to a mouse model of Leishmania infection. Mirroring the findings in humans, the team found that infection with the Leishmania parasite induced a change in the skin microbiota in mice. They also found an association between the microbiota community type and disease severity. In mice that eventually resolved their infections, Staphylococcus dominated in the lesions, while Streptococcus was the dominant species in lesions on mice with a persistent, severe form of the disease.

A major discovery was that these shifts in microbiota were transmissible not only to other parts of the same mouse but to cage mates. When they kept mice infected with Leishmania in the same cage as uninfected mice for six weeks, the uninfected mice acquired a perturbed skin microbiome "profile" that resembled the infected mice.

The researchers hope to see whether the sharing of perturbed microbiota happens not just in mouse cages but also in households.

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"I think an important next step will be to see if this sharing of microbiota occurs in people, and whether that could be a factor in affecting the severity of infections in humans," Grice said.

A final question was to determine whether this naturally transmitted dysbiosis would predispose the uninfected animals' response to an enhanced inflammatory response. And indeed, when infected with Leishmania, these mice had more severe inflammation and skin ulcers than mice with unperturbed skin microbiota. In a more general assay, the researchers used a contact hypersensitivity assay, which uses a skin irritant to elicit an immune response, on the mice that had been housed with Leishmania-infected mice. These dysbiotic mice, too, had a heightened inflammatory response.

To follow up on their findings, the researchers hope to examine whether sharing of a dysbiosis occurs in other infections and whether the resulting alteration in skin microbiota affect processes such as wound healing.

In addition, the Penn researchers will be working with their colleagues in Brazil to further examine the connections between the microbiome and leishmaniasis. Specifically, they hope to determine whether there is a connection between the type of skin microbiome present in Leishmania lesions and the severity of disease, or the responsiveness to treatment.

If true, "this may make us rethink the role of antibiotics in treating leishmaniasis," Scott said.

Though previous studies are mixed about the effectiveness of antibiotics in alleviating the disease, additional information about the microbes that exacerbate inflammation could lead to more tailored therapies to tame skin lesions.
To date, the exact purpose of Paleolithic cave paintings is unknown. Evidence suggests, however, that these ancient works of art are more than mere decorations. Cave paintings may have played a role in Paleolithic man's religious rituals. Alternatively, some suggest that caves with many detailed paintings of animals might have served as spaces for hunting groups to bond and prepare for their hunts.

One popular theory proposes that the would-be painters of the Paleolithic era chose the places where they painted based on the acoustics of those locations in the caves. The originators of that theory reported a causal connection between the "points of resonance" in three French caves and the position of Paleolithic cave paintings. It was further hypothesized that music or chants played an integral role in cave rituals 20,000 years ago.

David Lubman, an acoustic scientist and fellow of the Acoustical Society of America, became interested in the subject due to his published expertise in sound reverberation. Lubman will share some of the insights from his research during Acoustics '17 Boston, the third joint meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and the European Acoustics Association being held June 25-29, in Boston, Massachusetts.

"Many structures throughout history featured reverberant spaces because reverberant sound can be awe-inspiring. With that said, there is currently not enough evidence to suggest that these Paleolithic artists deliberately chose reverberant spaces for their paintings," Lubman said.

"The main problem is that paintings on porous stone do not last, so we don't know if such paintings existed and were lost over time or were never painted in the first place," Lubman said. "Conversely, paintings on non-porous stone do persist and coincidentally spaces composed of non-porous stone walls are good spaces for sound reverberation. It's important to note, however, that this does not mean that that these spaces were deliberately chosen for paintings because sound reverberates well in them. Correlation, after all, does not imply causality. As the old saying goes, crowing roosters do not cause the sun to rise."

To answer the question, Lubman proposes a more systematic acoustic study of the reverberation in these caves.

"It can be challenging to use the human ear alone to identify the difference between reflection, which occurs when sound bounces back off a surface like a non-porous stone wall, and reverberance, which occurs when sound lingers long after an initiating action has been completed. That's why it would be so helpful to have trained technicians with modern acoustical equipment testing these spaces," Lubman said.

"If a significant degree of correlation between the location of the reverberant spaces and the presence of paintings were to be found, this alone would be an important discovery and opens up the possibility for new explanations," Lubman said. "It could, for example, be entirely possible that Paleolithic cave artists initially chose spaces with non-porous stone because they were good canvasses for paintings -- and then subsequently discovered that they were also great locations to generate reverberant sound."

"If the expected correlation is not found, however, this would also be a vital step in helping clarify our understanding of what actually transpired in these caves," Lubman said.

"Either way, the benefits of acoustical scientists and archaeologists collaborating on such studies are clear," Lubman said. "Together, we can work towards developing a deeper understanding of our past."
Grisons, 241 million years ago -- Instead of amidst high mountains, a small reptile suns itself on an island beach in a warm shallow sea, where many fish and marine reptiles frolic. This is the story told by an excellently preserved new discovery of the reptile Eusaurosphargis dalsassoi studied by paleontologists from the University of Zurich.

About 20 centimeters in length, the Swiss reptile was small and juvenile, but its skin was already strongly armored with variously formed smooth, jagged or even thorny osteoderms. Its skeleton indicates a life on land, even though the animal was found together with fish and marine reptiles in the 241 million year old calcareous deposits of the Prosanto Formation near Ducanfurgga at an altitude of 2,740 meters south of Davos in the canton Grisons, Switzerland. The Swiss-British team of researchers led by Torsten Scheyer, paleontologist at the University of Zurich, and James Neenan from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History therefore assumes that it was washed off a nearby island into the sea basin and became embedded in the finely layered marine sediments after death.

Skeleton and appearance reconstructed

14 years ago, the species Eusaurosphargis dalsassoi was described using a partially preserved, completely disarticulated sample from the vicinity of the Swiss-Italian UNESCO World Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio. The new find from the Grisons Mountains, on the other hand, is very well-preserved, allowing researchers to reconstruct the skeleton and outward appearance of the animal for the first time.

In the process, they discovered something astonishing: Externally, Eusaurosphargis dalsassoi looks very similar to girdled lizards (Cordylidae), a group of small, scaled reptiles (Lepidosauria) that usually live in the dry regions of southern Africa. Some of the more strongly armored girdled lizard species could have served as the basis of mythical dragon legends due to their appearance. "This is a case of convergent development as the extinct species is not closely related to today's African lizards" , Scheyer explains.

Related to Helveticosaurus

An exact examination of the phylogenetic relationships rather confirms that its closest relatives are marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs (Ichthyosauria or "fish lizards"), sauropterygians (Sauropterygia "lizard flippers") or even Helveticosaurus, a marine reptile that is unique to Switzerland, all of which have been found at Monte San Giorgio. The skeleton of Eusaurosphargis, however, shows neither a streamlined body structure, nor arms and legs that have transformed into flippers, as well as no tail fin, which would indicate a life at sea.

Discovery initially identified as fish remains

The astonishing fossil was originally discovered 15 years ago by amateur paleontologist and fossil preparator Christian Obrist during systematic fossil excavations of the University of Zurich under the leadership of Heinz Furrer, which were sponsored by the Natural History Museum of the Grisons in Chur and by the Grisons canton. It took more than a decade for the scientific value of the exceptional discovery to gradually be recognized as a result of elaborate preparation. The fossil was namely initially identified as simple fish remains. "The excavations at Ducanfurgga are still in progress today and will hopefully reveal other spectacular discoveries in the future," Furrer says.
New light has been shed on a misclassified vine species in the Ryukyu Islands of East Asia. This plant was first discovered in 1917 in Taiwan, when it was provisionally identified as Kadsura japonica. The plant was recently spotted again after 100 years, and further investigation proved that it was in fact a different species: Kadsura matsudae. The findings were published on June 30th in the online edition of Phytotaxa.

The discovery was made by Project Associate Professor SUETSUGU Kenji (Graduate School of Science, Kobe University), Mr. HSU Tian-Chuan (Taiwan Forestry Research Institute), independent botanical researcher Mr. TOMA Tsugutaka, Associate Professor MIYAKE Takashi (Faculty of Education, Gifu University) and Professor Richard Saunders (School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong).

The Kadsura genus is an evergreen climbing plant of the Schisandraceae family. There are 16 known species of this genus, and until now K. japonica was the only species reported in Japan. K. japonica is also known as the kadsura vine or kadsura, and in the past its resin has been used for hair styling.

Independent botanical researcher Mr. Toma Tsugutaka realized that the Ryukyu Islands variety may be a different species after noticing that the kadsura vines in Okinawa often have yellow stamens, as opposed to the red stamens of kadsura in the rest of Japan. Mr. Toma notified Project Associate Professor Suetsugu, who then collaborated with Mr. Hsu, Associate Professor Miyake and Professor Saunders to examine specimens from the region. They discovered that the plants known as K. japonica included specimens with male flowers that were clearly different from the standard. In K. japonica, the anthers of adjacent stamens are connected, but in samples collected on Okinawa, Taiwan and other parts of the Ryukyu Islands, they discovered individuals without connections between the anthers of adjacent stamens.

After further investigation, they found that a plant with free-standing anthers had been reported in 1917 in Taiwan as K. matsudae. However, the original description of K. matsudae was brief and inaccurate, and since it did not mention the features of the stamen, it was provisionally classified as K. japonica. In this study, researchers used the specimen collected in Taiwan 100 years ago and newly-discovered specimens to carry out detailed analysis on a molecular level, including DNA barcoding. The results showed that this was a completely different plant from K. japonica.

Botanical surveys and research are advanced in Japan, and only a few new species are discovered each year. The discovery of a new woody vine species is particularly unusual.

The Ryukyu island chain stretches from Kyushu in southern Japan to Taiwan, and its subtropical and tropical ecosystems provide habitats for many species. Last year the Yanbaru forest of Okinawa was designated as part of the Yanbaru National Park, and the reclassification of Kadsura matsudae follows recent discoveries of two new orchid species in the area: Gastrodia nipponicoides and Gastrodia okinawensis. These findings further illustrate the importance of the Yanbaru forest's diverse ecosystem.
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When a small asteroid fell to Earth over the city of Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013, the speeding space rock exploded midair and created a shock wave powerful enough to damage thousands of buildings and injure more than 1,200 people. The blast from the Chelyabinsk explosion shattered glass windows up to 58 miles (93 kilometers) away.

Just in time for Asteroid Day (June 30), NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office has released a supercomputer simulation of a Chelyabinsk-like asteroid burning up in Earth's atmosphere. Simulations such as this one "help first responders and other agencies to identify and make better informed decisions for how best to defend against life-threatening asteroid events," NASA officials said in a statement.

Using the Pleiades supercomputer at NASA's Ames Research Facility in California's Silicon Valley, researchers are modeling hypothetical asteroid-impact scenarios like this one to learn more about how dangerous space rocks crumble into pieces after entering Earth's atmosphere. These supercomputer simulations harness NASA's Cart3D aerodynamic design software and the ALE3D modeling software developed by Lawrence Livermore National Lab. [Gallery: Chelyabinsk Explosion of 2013]

"The NASA team was able to run large-scale simulations of the Chelyabinsk asteroid event on Pleiades to produce many impact scenarios quickly, because Cart3D is dozens of times faster than typical 3-D numerical modeling used for aerodynamic analysis," NASA officials said in the statement. "The detailed simulations allowed the team to model the fluid flow that occurs when asteroids melt and vaporize as they break up in the atmosphere."

Experts with the Asteroid Threat Assessment Project at NASA's Ames Research Facility share this research with universities, national labs and government agencies around the world to help people come up with plans for dealing with the threat of asteroid impacts.

Learn more about the Chelyabinsk event from the Science@NASA video series:

Editor's Note: Space.com senior producer Steve Spaleta contributed to this report.

Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The star Vega, like Earth, has a rocky asteroid belt. On Asteroid Day, scientists around the world consider how Earth could defend itself from such celestial bodies.

Today is Asteroid Day, when colleges, museums and observatories across the globe are striving to raise awareness about the wonders and potential dangers of asteroids. From online broadcasts and lectures to hands-on activities, a number of events are happening worldwide.

Here is just a sampling:

The University of Arizona will host a weekend-long event with members of NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return team.

At Kennedy Space Center in Florida, former NASA astronaut Tom Jones will examine the potential dangers asteroids.

Imperial College London will utilize a 3D projection system to study astronomical images.

The National Autonomous University of Honduras will present asteroid art and impact simulations.

At the Brockton Public Library in Massachusetts, there will even be asteroid cookies!

The first Asteroid Day kicked off in 2015, after astrophysicist Brian May, best known as a guitarist for the rock band Queen, introduced director Grigorij Richters to the B612 Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit advocacy agency with the goal of protecting Earth from asteroid impacts through early prevention. Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart and Danica Remy  founder and chief operations officer of B612, respectively  joined May and Richters as co-founders of Asteroid Day. [Near-Earth Asteroids: Famous Space Rock Flybys and Close Calls (Infographic)]

"The more we learn about asteroid impacts, the clearer it became that the human race has been living on borrowed time," May noted on the official Asteroid Day website. "Asteroid Day would [be] the vehicle to garner public support to increase our knowledge of when asteroids might strike and how we can protect ourselves."

Every day, Earth is bombarded by tons of dust-size particles that burn up in the atmosphere. According to NASA, an automobile-size asteroid hits Earth's atmosphere about once a year, burning up before it reaches the ground. A larger object that would be capable of threatening the planet's civilizations collides with Earth once every few million years, the agency estimates.

To prepare for the risk of catastrophe, NASA has developed a Planetary Defense Coordination Office. Other space agencies have developed similar programs. On NASA's Planetary Defense FAQ, the agency writes that deflecting an asteroid would require changing its velocity by less than an inch per second years in advance of a potential collision. NASA is working to develop a so-called kinetic impactor, which would hit an asteroid slightly with an object to slow it, and a gravity tractor, which would put a large mass near an asteroid whose gravity would tug at it enough to change its path.

Both systems would require knowledge of an asteroid's deadly trajectory years in advance. "An asteroid on a trajectory to impact Earth could not be shot down in the last few minutes, or even hours, before impact," NASA officials wrote in the FAQ. "No known weapon system could stop the mass because of the velocity at which it travels  an average of 12 miles per second [19 kilometers per second]."

Because changing the course of a deadly asteroid requires advance notice, stopping a disastrous collision requires spotting the threat early on. International Asteroid Day was established to raise public awareness of the potential danger and how to avoid it.

"Early warning is the essential ingredient of planetary defense," Schweickart said.

Another way to prevent collisions is for scientists to gain a better understanding of the properties of asteroids and how they move. In 2016, NASA launched the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission to the asteroid Bennu. Set to arrive in August 2018, the spacecraft will orbit the asteroid, studying it for two years before scooping up a sample of dust and pebbles that will return to Earth in 2023. While it will be NASA's first asteroid sampling mission, it won't be the world's first; Japan's Hayabusa mission returned an asteroid sample to Earth in 2010.

Together, these initiatives should help scientists and engineers prepare for potential dangers from asteroids. You can prepare by attending one of the many Asteroid Day events, found on the website here. But don't despair if you can't attend. The site will be broadcasting video clips, panels and even a movie all day today. And Space.com has a slideshow of asteroid movies you might enjoy.

Asteroid Day rocks!

Follow Nola Taylor Redd on Twitter @NolaTRedd or Google+. Follow us at @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
L loyds Banking Group on Friday admitted it has fallen well behind its own timetable for compensating victims of the HBOS Reading branch fraud.

The bank is dealing with 67 cases where small firms were victimised by a criminal gang of HBOS bankers who bled them of cash.

In April Lloyds set aside 100 million to deal with the claims and said it anticipated customers would have received compensation offers by the end of June.

Today it admitted that just seven offers have been made with a further eight in the final stages of assessment.

Adrian White, chief operating officer for commercial banking, said: We are disappointed that getting to offers is taking longer than we had hoped. Lloyds says customers are taking longer than expected to provide the information needed to assess claims.

One of the victims is TV celebrity Noel Edmonds who claims to be owed 73 million.

Lloyds has made interim payments to 13 customers of 35,000 each on average.

Two customers have opted out of the Lloyds review and are seeking legal redress separately.

This year a judge dished out lengthy jail terms to the HBOS bankers who lived the high life on the back of what he called an utterly corrupt scheme. Lynden Scourfield, a former HBOS manager, got 11 years and was told he sold his soul for sex bling and for swag.
D octors are setting up a confidential clinic for Grenfell Tower survivors who are too scared to seek medical help over fears they may be arrested or deported if they give personal details.

Volunteer medics claim some undocumented migrants and asylum seekers who lived in the tower are not coming forward to get help  even if they have serious injuries  because they fear being referred to Home Office immigration teams.

It comes despite Theresa Mays assurances that survivors and relatives of victims will not face immigration checks while accessing services.

Today volunteers from charity Doctors of the World were opening a pop-up outreach clinic close to the tower.

Dr Paquita de Zulueta, a GP and lecturer in public health and primary care at Imperial College, has been helping survivors in the Westway centre and said: In a situation like this you need to remove all barriers to getting help. Were talking about people who have lost everything  some dont even have proper clothes.

This fire highlights a shocking example of something widespread across the UK: vulnerable people are not getting basic healthcare because they are too afraid.

In a Commons statement on the Grenfell fire, Mrs May said: We will not use this tragic incident as a reason to carry out immigration checks on those involved.

However, Doctors of the World said the Government had not provided any assurance about how an exemption would work, or whether personal details given by survivors now will be used to trace them in the months or years to come.

It has written to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and local NHS hospitals urging them to publicly state that survivors will not be subject to ID checks or hospital bills, or have their details shared with the Home Office.
T he mosque targeted in the Finsbury Park terror attack has received death threats and racist hate mail in the wake of the atrocity.

Makram Ali, 51, was killed and nine other people injured when a van ploughed into worshippers who had just attended Ramadan prayers at the Finsbury Park Mosque on June 19.

Members of the mosque targeted in the attack now fear further violence after a stream of hate mail was sent to the mosque.

One letter even said the attack would be followed by a river of blood in the streets.

One anonymous letter, seen by Vice News, said: "The attack using the van was only the beginning.

"The fun will continue this August. There will be rivers of blood flowing down the streets, I will make sure of this. None of you vermin will survive.

"I mean who would survive being gassed, or beheaded, or blown up."

Mohammed Kozbar, chairman of the mosque, said there has been a rise in Islamophobic incidents since the attack.

"After the attack we received a lot of solidarity and support from friends and people in the community but also some nasty and offensive messages," he added.

"It's threats to the mosque and to the community and it's quite nasty threats.darren osborne

"It's worrying for the safety of our community, we're in talks with the police to see what measures and actions have to be taken to keep us safe.

"I'm sure something more can be done in terms of what's happening for safety and protection."

He added: "There has been a rise and it's worrying, the numbers are up 70%."

Another message demanded the mosque pay for damages to the van that mowed down victims, Vice reported.

The postcard read: "(The driver) was not insured unfortunately and in these times of austerity we all need as much cash as possible."

Darren Osborne has been charged over the attack in Finsbury Park / Facebook

Mr Kozbar said worshippers have been individually targeted, especially women, and added: "They are visible and the most vulnerable and more affected.

"Some of them can't use public transport and can't go out at night.

"This is worrying for our community, we're living in the UK which is a very advanced country and safe and it's unfortunate some people have had such horrible experiences."

Darren Osborne has appeared in court accused of murder and attempted murder over the incident.

Makram Ali was killed in the attack / Metropolitan Police

The 47-year-old, from Cardiff, is charged with killing Mr Ali and the attempted murder of others at the scene.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Ryan, of the Met Police, said: "The mosque has reported a number of incidents of hate crimes since the attack and we are working hard to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

"Officers in Islington work closely with Finsbury Park Mosque and have regular meetings with them to help understand their concerns and to encourage them, and members of the community, to report hate crime.

"Over the last few weeks, more police officers have been patrolling London and reassuring those who attend places of worship. They are also there to encourage anyone affected to report any incidents of hate crime, including Islamophobia to police."
A mail firm halted deliveries to a street after a postman was repeatedly attacked by a mischievous crow.

Canada Post refused to deliver letters to a Vancouver neighbourhood after the bird swooped on the worker, leaving him bleeding.

The notorious crow, known as Canuck, first found fame last year after his search for shiny objects led to steal a knife from a crime scene.

The crook rook's reign of terror over the citys mail carriers has now further cemented his reputation as a trouble-maker.

Shawn Bergman, who maintains a Facebook page chronicling Canucks exploits, said he and two neighbours stopped receiving post for two months after the postman was attacked in April.

He said he believed the crow had been defending his nest, writing: Canuck encountered the mail carrier one day and proceeded to bite him a few times causing broken skin and bleeding.

I felt horrible when I found out that Canuck had caused harm to someone. But I understand Crow nesting season and the perils that come with it.

This lasted for a couple of days until Canada Post stopped mail delivery to my home and to two other homes.

Canuck's behaviour had led to the bird receiving "death threats", Mr Bergman added.

Canuck has become infamous for his exploits / Canuck and I/Facebook

A Canada Post spokeswoman confirmed to the BBC: "Unfortunately, our employees have been attacked and injured by a crow in that Vancouver neighbourhood while attempting to deliver the mail.

"Regular mail delivery was suspended to three homes due to it being unsafe for our employees.

"We are monitoring the situation when delivering the mail to other residents on the street. If our employees believe it is safe to deliver to those three addresses, they do so."

On Wednesday Mr Bergman said mail deliveries had resumed in his street.

In May last year Canuck swooped to steal a blade allegedly used by a knifeman to threaten police officers.

Constables gave chase and the bird-brained thief dropped the evidence before flying away.

His exploits have catapulted him to infamy, with Canuck appearing on TV and in news stories across the globe as well as attracting nearly 60,000 followers to his Facebook page.
H undreds of imported boxes of breakfast cereal Weetabix were seized by officials in New Zealand after rival Weet-Bix complained.

A grocery shop for UK expats in Christchurch called A Little Bit of Britain ordered 300 boxes of the popular cereal but the shipment was stopped by customs officials.

Rival Australian cereal brand Sanitarium, which makes high-fibre and low-sugar wheat biscuits under the name Weet-Bix, said it would only release the Weetabix boxes if the brand name was blanked out.

In a letter to Lisa Wilson, one of the owners of family-run A Little Bit of Britain, Sanitarium demanded stickers had to be placed over the word Weetabix on every box in her shop.

Although other British expat shops have agreed to obey Sanitariums orders, Ms Wilson said she will fight the bullying company.

Rival: Cereal giant Sanitarium's Weet-Bix product.

Weet-Bix has been been long been one of the main breakfast cereals in Australia and New Zealand.

According to the Guardian, Ms Wilson said: They [Sanitarium] walk in and slap an agreement down and it is quite daunting for a very small business ... they are trying to bully the small guys.

They are trying to force us to do what they want because they are a multimillion-dollar company, but we are not willing to bow to Sanitariums demands as we dont believe there is a case of trademark infringement here and we are standing up for that principle.

People around the world have reacted to the row over trademark infringement, with the hashtag #freetheWeetabix being launched and a petition set up.

One man said online: Wont buy any of Sanitariums products in Oz until the Weetabix is freed in NZ. Ridiculous stance by corporate bullies.

The UKs Weetabix, which is made in Northamptonshire, was originally a British version of the Australian Weet-Bix.

Bennison Osborne, an Australian, originally founded Weet-Bix in the mid-1920s, but sold the company to Sanitarium before setting up Weetabix and starting production in England in 1932.

According to Ms Wilson, her shop sold around seven boxes of Weetabix a day.

Sanitariums general manager in New Zealand, Rob Scoines, said in a statement: The Weet-Bix brand is protected by international law and in turn it is often precluded from being sold in other global markets due to the Weetabix trade mark.

In this instance, we have offered the importer a solution which enables them to sell their product while protecting our Weet-Bix brand. We are actively seeking their response.

Weet-Bix are slightly different to the UK version, with larger flakes and square corners.

The brand has also been a longtime supporter of the All Blacks rugby team, with star players regularly appearing on promotional boxes.

Its current advertising campaign for the Lions tour is called Dare to Dream with fact cards about the current All Blacks.
J ay-Z has responded to the alleged cheating accusations sparked by his wife Beyonce on his new album.

The US rapper dropped 4:44, the follow up to 2013s Magna Carta, on June 30, and fans were quick to pick apart the lyrics.

Beyonce sang about Becky with the good hair on her 2016 album Lemonade leading fans to speculate as to whether Jay-Z was unfaithful during their nine year marriage.

Jay-Z appears to address the accusations  and his altercation with his sister-in-law Solange  on several of his new songs including Kill Jay-Z where he raps: You almost went Eric Benet / Let the baddest girl in the world get away/ You egged Solange on / Knowin all along, all you had to say you was wrong.

Speaking about the song to iHeartRadio, Jay-Z said: The first song is called Kill JAY-Z and obviously, its not to be taken literal. Its really about the ego. Its about killing off the ego, so we can have this conversation in a place of vulnerability and honesty.

Fans were convinced the lyrics were proof of infidelity while others said they couldn't bare to relive the accusations.

The Grammy winners 13th studio album, which was released exclusively on Tidal and US phone network Sprint, also discusses fame, wealth and race in America.

Fans waiting four years for a new body of work from the rapper, real name Shawn Carter, were impressed, with one hailing it as magnificent.

Another tweeted: Jay-Z is a mastermind! Boy still got..Album is fuego yikes! #4:44.

A third wrote: 4:44 is the best album Jay-Z has released since American Gangster. Also...NO I.D. I AM HELLA IMPRESSED! Flawless production!

Others were less than impressed with one branding it very dull.

Another tweeted: I'd rather be hitting 4:44 on my microwave to reheat some leftovers than listen to Jay-Z's new album.
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In northeastern Congo near the South Sudan border the Ugandan LRA (Lords Resistance Army) revealed that it is not quite gone just yet, even though Uganda considers this rebel group defunct. LRA bands have apparently conducted several raids (for supplies, loot and slaves) in this remote border area. One attack, however, was quite significant. On June 7 some LRA rebels attacked a mining area near the Garamba National Park (Haut-Uele province) and kidnapped 61 people. The LRA released the captives after forcing them to help carry loot away from the area. There are also reports that LRA fighters are poaching elephants in the national park. The Regional Task Force (RTF) dedicated to destroying the LRA was disbanded earlier in 2017. At first it was thought these reports of LRA rebels were local bandits trying to hide their identity and scare local police. The LRA has a more fearsome reputation than any other armed group in this part of the world. Further investigation revealed details of these raiders and they apparently are one of the lost remnants of the LRA. This group of Ugandan tribal rebels first showed up in Congo back in mid-2005. Peacekeepers (Nepalese) were sent to verify the reports (which Uganda doubted) and it was discovered that some LRA passed through Congo on their way to Sudan, where they had some government support. By the end of 2005 there was evidence that several hundred LRA rebels were in Congo and so began over a decade of military and police operations to keep these foreign marauders out. Like so many other rebel groups in this part of the world, LRA evolved into a name for a bandit gang. Sort of a brand that assists in recruiting and maintaining a scary image. Theres a lot of that going on in eastern Congo these days.

June 29, 2017: In southwest Congo gunfire was heard in the capital (Kinshasa) that triggered a security alert because the gunfire was apparently in the vicinity of a jail. There have been many attacks on jails recently, usually to release specific prisoners and these attacks often turn everyone loose and are a continuing embarrassment for the government. This alert was apparently a false alarm. Theres a lot of crime in Kinshasa that involves guns but that is only news if the shooting is near a newsworthy location (like a heavily guarded government building or mansion belonging to a politician).

June 27, 2017: In the southwest, across the Congo River on the west bank is the other, smaller, nation also called Congo where another group of extinct rebels is active again. This other Congo is often called Congo (Brazzaville) after the name of its capital, which is located near the same part of the Congo River that Kinshasa, the capital of the larger Congo is located on the east bank. Now the UN is seeking emergency funding to provide assistance for refugees fleeing violence in the Pool region of Congo (Brazzaville). At least 80,000 have fled Congo (Brazzaville) since the government there launched a military offensive in the thickly forested region (nicknamed "the pool") southwest of Brazzaville. The government claims it is attempting to stop a new insurgency by followers of 1990s rebel leader Pastor Ntumi. For over a decade the Brazzaville government has had to deal with renewed fighting by pool based rebels who were supposed to have been part of the peace deal for a civil war that officially ended in 2003. Most of the continued problems have been in the Pool which was the center of the ninja rebellion during the civil war. The ninjas officially fought as an anti-government militia from 1998 to 2003, ignoring the truce of 1999. For the pool based rebels the 2003 peace deal was very tentative. Since 2003 reports of ninja bandit attacks continued to appear despite the disarmament and reintegration program that bought back rebel weapons and offered other benefits to rebels who accepted the amnesty. Most rebels had done so by 2009. Yet the Pool continues to boil over occasionally reminding everyone living or travelling through the area that the ninjas are still active.

June 26, 2017: Diplomats in central Africa, Europe and North America are welcoming Angolas intensifying criticism of Congolese president Joseph Kabila. The Angolan government was once a staunch Kabila ally. However, Angola is now taking steps to politically isolate Kabila. Angola is Congos largest and most populous neighbor. Now this southern neighbor openly agrees that the current Congo leader still occupies the office of president, but he does so illegally. He was supposed to leave office in December 2016 but didnt. Instead, he stymied attempts to hold a national election. This unconstitutional action risks reigniting Congos civil war which is something Angola does not want. The first indication that Angolan policy was changing came in December 2016 when Angola decided to withdraw Angolan military trainers aiding the Congolese Army. Fighting in near the border in Congos Kasai region has also sent a surge of refugees into Angola because, as the Angolans see it, the current Congo government has completely mismanaged the situation in Kasai. So far the fighting in Kasai has displaced an estimated 1.3 million people. Angola also supports demands for an international inquiry into the murder of two UN investigators in the Kasai region. The Congo leadership is adamantly opposed to an international inquiry.

June 25, 2017: In eastern Congo (North Kivu province) a new round of firefights broke out between soldiers and a Mai-Mai militia in North Kivu province. Two soldiers and four militiamen died in the firefights. The army claimed the militia attacked its position near the city of Kaseghe (population 150,000) which is adjacent to the Beni area where clashes between the government and militias have occurred for over a year.

June 22, 2017: In eastern Congo (North Kivu province) at least 12 people were killed in an intense firefight between the soldiers and a militia group near the city of Beni. The militia group calls itself the National Movement of Revolutionaries (MNR) and the government claims the militias in Beni are really anti-Kabila rebels. The militia claims it is a local defense organization but its name suggests something more.

June 21, 2017: The UN confirmed that the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) will withdraw its 650 soldiers serving as peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR). Many Congo-Brazzaville soldiers have been accused of sexual exploitation and abuse. The UN statement discreetly referred to "systemic problems in command and control" involving the Congo contingent.

June 20, 2017: In Congo the Catholic Church released a report that 3,383 people have been killed in southwest Congo (Kasai) since October 2016. The Churchs report called the killings brutal and claimed that they were committed by the army, the pro-government Bana Mura militia and the rebel Kamuina Nsapu militia. The report did not say how the statistics were compiled but the Catholic Church has a presence throughout the country and is widely respected by Congolese citizens.

In CAR (Central African Republic) battles between a Christian anti-balaka (anti-machete) militia and a faction of the old Seleka rebel group erupted in the town of Bria. At least 100 people were killed and several dozen were wounded. Foreign aid workers operating in reported that the situation remains dangerous and confused. The battles erupted the day after a supposed peace agreement was signed in Italy by 13 of the CARs 14 major armed groups. The Seleka movement was a predominantly Moslem movement that often used machetes to kill Christian civilians.

June 16, 2017: Many veteran UN officials and African leaders agree that Congos instability has become an acute political crisis that could trigger a renewed civil war in the Congo that would destabilize the whole of central Africa.

June 15, 2027: In Burundi security forces and pro-government militias are continuing to torture and kill opponents of the unpopular president. The government denies the allegations if such bad behavior.

June 12, 2017: In eastern Congo (North Kivu province) gunmen attacked the Kangbayi prison in the city of Beni and freed an estimated 900 prisoners. Local journalists claimed the Ugandan rebel Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) conducted the attack. Others suspect a local militia group.

June 9, 2017: The UN is calling for an international inquiry into the massacres in southwest Congo (Kasai). So far 42 mass graves have been found in the area. The Congo government is opposed to any kind of inquiry. The death toll estimate in May 2017 was over 600 but that looks to be low. The conflict erupted in August 2016 when government forces killed a traditional local chief, Jean-Pierre Mpandi, who objected to government interference and called on locals to resist it. The government had appointed individuals (supporters of president Kabila) from outside the region to local government posts. The locals complained that those posts were for local leaders. Thats why the Kamuina Nsapu militia accused Kabila and his government of seeking unjust political domination in the Kasai region.

In Uganda the government revealed that a tribal feud over land flared up again with an attack on a village in an area where there has been growing violence between members of the Acholi and Madi tribes. This attack was directed at a village called Juka where most of the people are Acholi. About a hundred homes were burned down and four people were killed plus 21 wounded. The Madi attackers were armed with spears, machetes and bows and arrows.

June 6, 2017: The UN peacekeeper commander in the CAR has asked the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) soldiers be withdrawn. The Republic of Congo soldiers are accused of numerous crimes, to include sexual abuse and fuel theft.

In Burundi the government insisted that Burundian soldiers serving as peacekeepers in Somalia will receive their salaries. The soldiers have gone unpaid for a year. The EU (European Union) provided pay six months worth of salaries but refused further payments as a way to bring pressure on the Burundian government. At first Burundi threatened to withdraw its troops from Somalia but as news the corruption scandal spread the government changed its mind. Stealing pay and other money provided by the UN for peacekeepers is not an unusual even with African contingents.

The Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) has convicted and sentenced Daring Dissaka, one of Africas most wanted elephant poachers and ivory smugglers to jail for five years. Dissaka ran a criminal organization called the Daring Network. He was indicted earlier this year and arrested in May. The investigation that caught him was led by Congo-Brazzavilles Wildlife Crime Unit (WCU) which had been tracking Dissaka since late 2016.
While the popularity of the CD saw many proclaim the demise of vinyl in the late 1980s, sales have been on the increase for around ten years now. As a result, industry giant Sony music is once again preparing to manufacture the plastic records - the first time it will have done so since 1989.

The BBC reports that the company will resume in-house domestic vinyl production in a factory southwest of Tokyo by March 2018.

As music slowly transitioned from CD to digital downloads and streaming, vinyl started to look like it was going the way of the video cassette tape. But demand from a nostalgic older generation and younger audiences discovering the format for the first time has seen vinyl press plants across the world struggle to keep up with orders. Interestingly, 17.2 million Vinyl records were shipped in the US last year, 70% of which went to consumers who were 35 or younger.

Not only do vinyl fans enjoy being able to own a physical copy of their favorite songs and albums, but many love the sleeve artwork that the format is famous for. Most of all, aficionados will always argue that vinyl gives a warm, softer sound you simply don't get with digital music.

Sales of vinyl hit a 25-year high in 2016. Numbers were up 53 percent compared to a year earlier and were likely spurred on through the deaths of musical legends such as David Bowie, who was the bestselling vinyl artist of 2016, according to The Guardian.

Sony's plant already has the record-cutting equipment installed, and it is trying to find former engineers to help with the process. "Cutting is a delicate process, with the quality of sound affected by the depth and angle of the grooves," writes the Nikkei Asian Review. "And Sony is scrambling to bring in old record engineers to pass on their knowledge."

No word on the type of music Sony plans to release on Vinyl, but the Nikkei writes that it will include popular Japanese songs from the past, including Sony-owned titles, as well as chart-topping contemporary albums.
Police in Dubai will soon have a new tool in their arsenal in the fight against crime - miniature, self-driving police cars that'll act as mobile surveillance units.

The autonomous vehicles are being built by Singapore-based OTSAW Digital. Known officially as O-R3, they will come equipped with biometric hardware like 360-degree cameras and software capable of scanning faces in crowds to seek out wanted criminals and "undesirables." The surveillance device can also detect suspicious objects (presumably weapons like guns and knives).

About the size of a child's electric toy car, the self-driving vehicles can recharge themselves and will even be capable of launching a rear-mounted aerial drone. Both the vehicle and drone will be monitored by police at a local command center.

Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, commander of the Dubai Police Force, said they seek to augment operations with the help of technology such as robots. The goal, the commander added, is for streets to be safe and peaceful even without heavy police patrol.

With any luck, the units will make nefarious folks think twice about causing trouble in the first place.

Dubai is leading the way in advanced robotic technology. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the city's firefighters are using water-powered jetpacks to help douse blazes. The local government is also developing robotic law enforcement agents and plans to deploy a self-flying taxi service by the end of the year.
RadioShack creditors claim in a recently filed lawsuit that Sprint is largely responsible for the company's second bankruptcy. They're seeking $500 million in damages as a result of what they describe as breach of contract on Sprint's part.

In 2015, the iconic electronics store filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As part of a comeback plan, Sprint partnered with RadioShack on a co-branding strategy involving 1,400 or so retail stores.

In the lawsuit, RadioShack's creditors claim that Sprint didn't make good on promises to provide inventory and staff for the co-branded stores. Furthermore, the creditors allege that Sprint used confidential RadioShack information to determine which retail stores received the most business and subsequently opened 200 competing Sprint stores nearby.

The suit claims that Sprint's actions destroyed nearly 6,000 RadioShack jobs.

David Tovar, a spokesperson for Sprint, said his company was disappointed by the creditors' actions, adding that the telecom plans to defend itself vigorously.

Sprint, meanwhile, has been keeping busy with other business ventures.

In January, it was announced that Sprint would acquire 33 percent of streaming music provider Tidal for around $200 million. The nation's fourth largest wireless provider will also be the exclusive US carrier for Essential's upcoming smartphone and is in the process of hammering out a spectrum licensing deal with Charter and Comcast in which the cable providers would use Sprint's network to offer their own branded wireless service.

Image courtesy Paul Moseley, Star-Telegram
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Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on London Offices and Retail around the UK. We own or manage a portfolio valued at 13.7bn (British Land share: 10.3bn) as at 30 September 2020 making us one of Europe's largest listed real estate investment companies. Our strategy is to provide places which meet the needs of our customers and respond to changing lifestyles - Places People Prefer. We do this by creating great environments both inside and outside our buildings and use our scale and placemaking skills to enhance and enliven them. This expands their appeal to a broader range of occupiers, creating enduring demand and driving sustainable, long term performance. Our Offices portfolio comprises three office-led campuses in central London as well as high quality standalone buildings and accounts for 65% of our portfolio. Our Retail portfolio is focused on retail parks and shopping centres, and accounts for 31% of our portfolio. Increasingly our focus is on providing a mix of uses and this is most evident at Canada Water, our 53 acre redevelopment opportunity where we have plans to create a new neighbourhood for London. Sustainability is embedded throughout our business. Our places, which are designed to meet high sustainability standards, become part of local communities, provide opportunities for skills development and employment and promote wellbeing. In April 2016 British Land received the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, the UK's highest accolade for business success for economic, social and environmental achievements over a period of five years.
Nursery Rhyme, 1971, by Honore Sharrer. Photo: Collection of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin, on loan to the Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio Photo: Ralphoto/Alan Geho; Honore Sharrer  Adam Zagorin

The late artist Honore Sharrer is best known for her bold, hyperreal paintings of working Americans in the 1940s. Using jewel-tone pigments, she created surrealist images of everyday life and portrayed women outside traditional domestic roles. Nude women in her work stare confidently at the viewer without a trace of seduction. In the painting Resurrection of the Waitress, an angel pulls a drowning housewife into the sky with an eggbeater.

In Philadelphia, Sharrers work is back in the spotlight in the exhibition Subversion and Surrealism in the Art of Honore Sharrer, opening today at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The show includes 45 paintings and dozens of associated works, tracing decades of political artwork. Sharrer was a social realist amid the rise of anti-communist sentiment at the time; in her 20s, during World War II, she worked as a welder in shipyards in California and New Jersey. In 1949, Sharrer gained national attention as Mademoiselle magazines Woman Artist of the Year. She later moved to Canada because of her outspoken communist beliefs, which manifested in her paintings as social critiques from a leftist perspective.

Her most famous work is Tribute to the American Working People, a five-paneled polyptych of a factory worker surrounded by scenes of ordinary people. While Sharrers contemporaries like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko moved on to Abstract Expressionism, her work remained grounded in traditional techniques. She modernized her subjects with an innovative use of odd proportions and unusually placed objects like bent forks, steaks, electrical cords. Click ahead to preview works in the exhibition.

Subversion and Surrealism in the Art of Honore Sharrer is on view at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts until September 3.

Photo: Honore Sharrer / Courtesy of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin

Reception, 1958.

Egg tempera and oil on panel, 22  x 30 inches. On loan to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, from the Collection of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin. Photo: PAFA/ Barbara Katus Honore Sharrer  Adam Zagorin

Photo: Honore Sharrer / Courtesy of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin

Self-Portrait with Still Life, 1955.

Oil on board, 10 x 6 inches. Collection of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin. Photo: Mark Geluzian Honore Sharrer  Adam Zagorin

Photo: Honore Sharrer / Courtesy of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin/Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Archer and Unliberated Woman, 1987.

Oil on canvas, 14 x 16 inches. Collection of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin. Photo: PAFA/ Barbara Katus Honore Sharrer  Adam Zagorin

Photo: Honore Sharrer / Courtesy of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin

Nursery Rhyme, 1971.

Oil on canvas, 49 x 89 inches. Collection of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin, on loan to the Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio. Photo: Ralphoto/Alan Geho Honore Sharrer  Adam Zagorin

Photo: Honore Sharrer / Courtesy of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin

Resurrection of the Waitress, 1984.

Oil on canvas 22 x 22 in. Collection of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin. Photo: Mark Geluzian Honore Sharrer  Adam Zagorin

Photo: Honore Sharrer / Courtesy of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin

Meat, 1974.

Oil on canvas, 62 x 56 inches. Collection of Adam Zagorin and the late Perez Zagorin, on loan to the Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio Photo: Ralphoto/Alan Geho. Honore Sharrer  Adam Zagorin
One of the first Canadian books we picked up as school kids was likely Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Or Mordecai Richlers Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang, perhaps, or The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz.

More recently, we might have picked up Mariko Tamakis This One Summer or Lawrence Hills The Book of Negroes.

These books are important because they gave us some of our first glimpses into the way we see ourselves portrayed in our own literature. To mark the countrys 150th anniversary, we asked five of our frequent reviewers to pick the three Canadian books they think are must-reads. There were no date, era or genre restrictions, no need for them to be part of a vaunted CanLit canon  just books they thought were seminal to how we see ourselves. Heres what they chose.

Toews tackles a difficult and deeply personal subject in her sixth book: suicide. Toews father and sister committed suicide 12 years apart, and while she wrote about her fathers case in the form of memoir, she chose fiction to memorialize her sister. Set in Winnipeg, Toews writes about two sisters, Yolandi, a writer, and Elfrieda, a gifted pianist, who are both sensitive, intense and love each other deeply. The plot is heartbreakingly simple  Yoli tries to convince Elf to not kill herself. Toews take a gut-wrenching story and injects quirky humour in every bit of it, all while asking larger questions about how mental health is treated in Canada and the place of assisted suicide in cases like her sisters.

 Sadiya Ansari

This novel is not for the faint-hearted. A sprawling story told over 603 pages is set in an unnamed Indian city in the mid-1970s, when the country was undergoing political turmoil during the state of emergency declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Mistry creates four characters that form an unlikely bond  a widow, a student shes taken on as a boarder and two tailors she hires to help her out after she starts losing her eyesight. Mistry weaves in the impact that human rights violations committed by the government (such as forced sterilization) has on characters, but also the cruelties inherent in a deeply hierarchical society that makes it difficult to allow the bond between these four character to hold. This was the Bombay-born, Toronto-based Mistrys second novel, earning him a Man Booker nomination, the Giller Prize, Governor Generals Award and the most important stamp of approval required to reach the masses  it became the first Canadian selection for Oprahs Book Club.

 Sadiya Ansari

Published last year, Thiens story follows the families of two talented musicians in China, through their experiences during Chinas Cultural Revolution, the brutality of Tiananmen Square, and for one of them, escaping the past and settling in Vancouver. Thien traces their lives to their daughters, who meet in Vancouver after both of their fathers have died and try to uncover the connection. The prose is beautiful, the characters are unforgettable and the plot is fascinating. While the historical context of the book demands the type of specific details Thien uses to convey the brutality endured by her characters, the themes she draws out are universal: living in exile, family secrets and intergenerational trauma. Born in Vancouver and based in Montreal, this was Thiens third novel, which was nominated for the Man Booker Prize and won the Scotiabank Giller Prize and Governor Generals Award.

 Sadiya Ansari

Love Medicine and One Song by Gregory Scofield (1997)

Years ago, when I first started writing, I came across Gregory Scofields gorgeous and spellbinding book of poetry Love Medicine and One Song. In these lush, celebratory poems, Scofield weaves tales of desire and interconnectedness  to the land, to those who have come before us, to each other. Written in Cree and English, these are poems that transcend human language and speak of the sacred bonds between all creatures, the thrumming energy that travels through all living beings. These are truthful poems of love and gratitude, of hunger and thirst, the miracle of a lovers body. These are poems of silence, of bearing witness to the cycle of life and death, of being attuned to the rhythms of the universe that move through us like ecstatic secrets.

 Trevor Corkum

Already regarded as one of the countrys foremost poets when she published her debut novel twenty years ago, Dionne Brands In Another Place, Not Here has earned its place as one the most innovative and important Canadian books of the past few decades. Told through the lives of Verlia and Elizete, In Another Place, Not Here explores themes of political liberation, migration, and the tenuous diasporic threads connecting Toronto to the Caribbean islands. Brands prose is lush, and her narratives sweeping, covering the charged history of revolutionary Marxist, feminist, and Black liberation politics in 1970s Toronto. An important and critical study of the brutal underside of Torontos multicultural promise, in particular for racialized working class women, Brands novel is also fiercely queer, both in its political analysis and in its haunting and gorgeous explorations of female same-sex desire.

 Trevor Corkum

Theyre all dead now, begins Ann-Marie MacDonalds sprawling, epic first novel, a playful, harrowing jaunt through five generations of the Cape Breton Piper clan. Shape-shifting and extraordinary, MacDonalds debut won accolades around the world for her virtuoso ability to spin a damn good tale. Following the peaks and valleys of the early twentieth century, Fall On Your Knees sets is sights on the First World War, the burgeoning New York jazz scene, and the boom and bust of coal country on mythic Cape Breton Island. Rife with sordid family secrets, shocking plot twists, and tragic romance, its a novel that also examines the invisible scars of intergenerational trauma and the grim, exploitative realities of the company town.

 Trevor Corkum

Watsons influential, onion skin of a novel is considered by many to be Canadas first real foray into experimental modernism and its as confounding and intriguing today as it was when it was first published in the late fifties; perhaps more so, given that Canadian fiction has been dominated so long by serviceable but uninspired realism. A story of social collapse and redemption set in a remote B.C. community, it invokes murder, myth, and mayhem through language that conjures both the bible and Samuel Beckett. The resulting murk is part of the appeal; its good to get lost in the woods every once in a while.

 Emily Donaldson

From a Seaside Town by Norman Levine (1970)

In 1958, Ottawa-born Levine wrote a long, excoriating book about Canada that marginalized him in literary circles. Notwithstanding some fierce admirers, he remains underappreciated, despite being one of our best short-fiction writers. From a Seaside Town, his second and last novel, uses a brilliant, frugal blend of wit and wretchedness to tell the story of a Jewish-Canadian war vet and travel writer now living in an English seaside town. Out of work and money, he finds himself reluctantly grappling with events from his past, a crumbling marriage, and that most Canadian of preoccupations: his own identity.

 Emily Donaldson

Mavis Gallant considered the eponymous novella that anchors this book of post-Second World War-set stories to be her best, and its hard to disagree. It is told from the point of view of a young woman who, returning by train from Germany by to Paris with her insufferable fiance and his spoiled child, imagines, or channels  it's not entirely clear which  the personal stories of the passengers around her. Ernst In Civilian Clothes, about two German ex-prisoners of war, one of which is about to be deported home from France, also stands out as a subtle feat of empathy and imagining.

 Emily Donaldson

Almost any title by Alice Munro would fit comfortably on a Canadian must read list, but Open Secrets, the authors eighth book, gets my vote. Published in 1994, Open Secrets is the first of her great late-career quartet of story collections, in which Munro did nothing less than expand the boundaries and narrative possibilities of the contemporary short story form. Though all written in the realist mode, the collections eight stories seamlessly interweave the biographical facts of ordinary lives with fantasy, dream, rural legend, ghosts, bodily dismemberment, and Gothic romance.

 James Grainger

Thomas Kings ambitious novel remains stubbornly resistant to synopsis almost 25 years after its publication. A manically funny fusion of the oral and the written, as well as First Nations and European storytelling traditions, Green Grass, Running Waters tells four concurrent stories that loosely converge on the structure of a dam in rural Alberta. Along the way, King introduces readers to a cast of both wholly imagined characters often and such mythical figures as the trickster god Coyote, the Lone Ranger and Robinson Crusoe. Not nearly as highbrow as it sounds, and far funnier, the novel was also the inspiration for Kings much-beloved radio series, The Dead Dog Cafe.

 James Grainger

Who says CanLit cant be as violent, gritty and bleakly funny as American and British fiction? Eden Robinsons debut story collection introduced a unique literary sensibility to the world, one as influenced by the white-knuckled page-turning techniques of Stephen King and Elmore Leonard as the cultural traditions of the Haisla community in B.C. where the author was born and raised.

 James Grainger

Canada lost a literary treasure with the death this year of author Richard Wagamese. Even a work of fiction would be hard-pressed to match the heartbreaking yet inspirational story of Wagamese himself  from homeless youth to self-made cultural icon  his 1994 debut novel is a powerful preview of the master he would become. The story of Garnet Raven as he reconnects with his Ojibway family after being raised in foster care and jail, Keeper n Me is more than a little bit autobiographical and a poignant testament to the power of place.

 Dene Moore

Despite the headlines and a sweeping public inquiry, most Canadians still know little about residential schools and why they have had such an impact on the recent history of Indigenous people. Sellars personal memoir of her experience at St. Josephs Mission in the 1960s is a compelling account of the abuse and its lifelong consequences. It is also an ultimately hopeful account, given that Sellars overcame the trauma to earn a law degree and become chief of her community.

 Dene Moore

Stunning and stark, the debut novel of Manitoba Metis poet Vermette is a glimpse into the effects of the intergenerational trauma of residential schools, racism and poverty. It is also a tribute to the strength and spirit of Aboriginal women who have survived and thrived in spite of it all. Centred around a violent rape in the Aboriginal neighbourhood of Winnipegs North End, the novel explores the issue of violence against Aboriginal women, in its many forms.

 Dene Moore

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Publishing houses from coast to coast have joined in the celebration of our 150th, with each bringing out a number of titles commemorating the event.

Ingenious: How Canadian Innovators Made the World Smarter, Smaller, Kinder, Safer, Healthier, Wealthier, and Happier, by David Johnston and Tom Jenkins

We all know about Canadas role in the invention of insulin, the Canadarm, the telephone and peacekeeping. But David Johnston (yes, the Governor General) and Tom Jenkins (former CEO of OpenText) have delved deep and discovered other surprising discoveries with a Canadian provenance. Some changed the world  nuclear physics and forensic science, for example. Others changed a small corner of it  duck decoys and snowmobiles, for starters. A terrific book for ardent Canadaphiles.

Turning Parliament Inside Out: Practical Ideas for Reforming Canadas Democracy, edited by Michael Chong, Scott Simms and Kennedy Stewart

This is an all-party effort, with authors Michael Chong (Conservative), Scott Simms (Liberal) and Kennedy Stewart (NDP), all sitting MPs, assembling eight essays on the evergreen project of parliamentary reform and increasing citizen involvement. Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party, kicks things off with a call for equal treatment of all MPs. Other essays deal with fixing Question Period, empowering the backbench, engaging voters through social media, and more.

You Gotta Go Here!, John Catucci and Michael Vlessides

John Catucci is a comedian and host of the Food Networks You Gotta Eat Here!, and in this cross-country roundup he travels from Burnaby, B.C. (check out the sausages at Fraser Park Restaurant) to Victoria-by-the-Sea, PEI (the haddock special is recommended). Generally speaking, Catuccis favourites tend not to be highfalutin spots so much as good, honest family-friendly eats. Catucci is the smiling chap in the plaid shirt; co-writer Vlessides provides the writing muscle.

They Desire a Better Country: The Order of Canada in 50 Stories, by Lawrence Scanlon, translated by Daniel Poliquin

Its Canadas 150th, and its also the 50th anniversary of the countrys highest civilian honour, the Order of Canada, awarded to around 7,000 individuals since 1967. A committee of seven judges, themselves recipients of the order, chose 50 recipients to represent the diversity and excellence of those who have been honoured (and they decided to add a 51st, David Johnson, the current Governor General). Its a splendid book  with stunning photographs and illuminating text  of some of the men and women who have shaped this country.

150 Years of Stats Canada! A Guide to Canadas Greatest Country, by Andrew Bondy, Julia Davidovich, Sam Montgomery and Eric Taylor

150 Years of Stats Canada! is brought to you by the folks at the Twitter account @stats_canada, which has somewhere north of 600K followers and is guaranteed 100.6% not affiliated with Statistics Canada. The volume focuses on 150 Things to See and Do in Canada, including instructions on how to Text Like a Canadian, Cut Your Hair Like Wayne Gretzky, See Someone Who Was on Degrassi and Visit the Property Brothers First Flip. As with all humour compilations  were talking well in excess of 140 characters  its uneven, but nevertheless has a good handle on Canadians greatest pastimes (including the ever-present Bundle Your Services With Rogers).

Sarah Murdoch, smurdoch49@gmail.com

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How did I know as a little girl that I was Canadian?

No, this is not the start of a good joke, with the answer being: My first full sentence was Im sorry. Or When I learned the alphabet it was eh, b, c.

I am saying that I, born and raised in Canada, really dont remember being overtly told I was Canadian, or even questioning what it meant to be Canadian. I just somehow knew it meant me.

I tell you this for obvious reasons: were celebrating Canada Day this weekend, and a special one at that. The red and white merchandise is everywhere  including Canada 150 wine bags.

Ive recently read some pretty assertive pieces, in both local and international media, telling me that as a Canadian I am grumpy, modest, maybe more racist than I used to be, that I lack pride in my country, and that like everyone else here I find the whole idea of overt patriotism distasteful.

None of which is true for me. What about you?

Maybe the writers of these declarative Canada pieces can be gently reminded about cultural appropriation: please dont tell me what it means for me to be Canadian. That is not a job for outsourcing, thanks very much.

My thoughts about Canada are pretty simple: I love being Canadian, and feel incredibly grateful to be a citizen of one of the most diverse and peaceable nations in the world. I also feel relieved and happy that were not roiling with misery and distrust of each other, like our friends to the south.

Why wouldnt I celebrate that?

This week I found myself in an elementary school, perusing some bright and happy Canada Day themed art work on a bulletin board  a whole month of days devoted to Canadian activities.

My three favourites were get a bever (sic). (Was that the animal or short for beverage?) Also: Go canoeing. And eat red and white cupcakes.

All of which sound perfectly splendid.

There was no Canada Day holiday when I grew up  it only came into being in 1982, after the Canada Act proclaimed us a sovereign nation.

Before that it was Dominion Day, which didnt lend itself to much partying in my Toronto neighbourhood. However, lining a main street to see the Royals on tour? That I remember.

The immigrants on our street and in our schools then were Latvians, Macedonians, and Italians. It never occurred to me to question whether they belonged. They were there, just like I was.

But it would have been nice to have gotten together with our families and waved the flag, so to speak. Kids are lucky today to be invited to think and talk about this country we all inhabit. And to know there is a special day to celebrate it.

What is a foreigner by the way? I recently engaged with that question on a whole new level when I was talking to a dinner guest in my home, a young Chinese woman who apologized to me for her English.

I asked about her friends here. Well, I dont have many foreigners as friends, she replied. After a pause I said, Wait, am I a foreigner? And we both laughed because that is exactly what she meant.

That seems to me to be a helpful concept  we are all foreigners to each other until we get to know each other on a more than superficial level.

Who gets to tell our stories? At a recent Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) gala celebrating journalistic excellence, two Indigenous journalists Julian Brave NoiseCat, a member of the Canim Lake Band Tsqescen in B.C. and a graduate of Columbia University, and Lenard Monkman, co-founder of Red Rising Magazine and a CBC associate producer, accepted Indigenous journalism fellowships that will help them pursue stories about issues that matter to them.

As Monkman pointed out in his acceptance speech, There is a growing class of Indigenous youth that are articulate, that are brilliant, that are beautiful and were here to tell our own stories.

His words  proud, celebratory, hopeful, defiant  stuck in my mind. I hope we are as ready to hear those stories as they are to tell them.

My own story of what it means to be Canadian is continually evolving. For years, I never questioned our national anthem. Now I will not sing it the way its currently written.

A group of senators this week held up the bill to change the lyrics in our national anthem to make them gender neutral. Instead of True patriot love/in all they sons command, the changed line would have read In all of us command.

As I suggested in a 2013 column, no daughter refers to herself as a son, and women are fighting and dying for this country as well as holding up half its economy. Give me a break. Acknowledge our patriot love, too. It is unprogressive and sexist to deny the change, which was already approved by the House of Commons.

I think of that little girl I was who barely gave a thought to being Canadian. Now a grown woman, I am aware of being Canadian all the time.

I may not see a bever on Canada Day but I would love to eat red and white cupcakes. And our bright yellow canoe stands ready.

Onward.

Judith Timson writes weekly about cultural, social and political issues. You can reach her at judith.timson@sympatico.ca and follow her on Twitter @judithtimson

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A Toronto couple who found refuge from a devastating earthquake in the home of perfect strangers on the other side of the world is playing host to their benefactors and relishing the chance to keep building a firm foundation for a friendship begun on shaky ground.

Hershi Kirshenbaum and Martin Fallick found themselves caught in the chaos and tragedy of the deadly earthquake that ravaged Christchurch, New Zealand in February 2011.

The couple found safety in the home of the Wikaira family, who said they felt called upon to shelter the stranded tourists due in part to the tenets of their Maori heritage.

Six years after they opened their home, the Canadians returned the favour when Maia Wikaira and her parents Martin and Rachel came to North America.

The reciprocal visits and blossoming friendship, both families said, have helped reframe a natural disaster in a much more positive light.

Sometimes when some things come out of perceived disasters, you make the best of them, Martin Wikaira said in a telephone interview. I think that the relationship that we have formed not only with Canada but with in particular this family, thats going to be the legacy.

Members of both families were just visitors in Christchurch when disaster struck on Feb. 22, 2011.

Maia Wikaira, fresh from law school, was attending an international conference, while Kirshenbaum and Fallick were simply enjoying a vacation.

The Canadian couple were hunting for a local map when the quake struck, ultimately killing 185 people and causing widespread damage throughout the city.

In that moment, everything just started to fall apart, and we were thrown up into the air, Kirshenbaum recalled. We watched a cathedral crumble in front of us.

Fallick grabbed Kirshenbaum and held her against a light post while they waited for the ground to stop shaking, but the quake and ensuing aftershocks never seemed to stop.

Kirshenbaum and Fallick then shifted their attention to making it out of the city to safety, but soon realized doing so would not be an easy feat.

The hotel containing their belongings and passports was deemed unsafe for entry, and the airport where they hoped to find a flight back home was closed to all but a single military transport plane.

On board, however, were Maia Wikaira and the other international delegates whod had their conference disrupted by the quake.

The group was considered a high priority for evacuation because of high-ranking officials from the United States who were in attendance, she said, adding Fallick had managed to talk his way into joining the group and securing seats on the plane.

Maia Wikaira was by now in communication with her frantic father, who was watching events in Christchurch unfold from the family home in the capital city of Wellington.

Telling him of the Canadian couple she had recently met, she explained to him that they planned to try and find a hotel.

But Martin Wikaira said the idea flew in the face of a Maori tradition known as manaaki ki te tangata, which means to look after your own people.

She explained to me that she had met a couple of people...and they were asking about a hotel, and I just remember saying to her, Maia, we dont do that. You know that, he said.

Sure enough, after Fallick borrowed Maia Wikairas phone to try and make accommodation arrangements in Wellington, she acted on the family tradition.

I said to Maia, Im sorry, but theres just no rooms, heres your phone, thank you for lending it to me, Fallick said. She said, Thats OK, youre coming home with us tonight.

They spent the next several days there obtaining new passports and other necessities for their return to Canada. Kirshenbaum said the Wikairas unreserved hospitality helped them process the traumatic ordeal theyd gone through.

It was so nice to be there and be with them, she said. Maia and her dad were the only ones there at that time, and it felt like we were home.

After returning to Toronto, the retired couple kept in touch with the Wikairas.

When they learned that Martin and Rachel were planning a visit to North America to watch Maia graduate from Stanford with a masters degree, they decided it was time to return the favour.

The two families spent the last week in June together, this time at the Canadians home.

Rachel Wikaira said they had a chance to not only take in a host of Canadian attractions, but also to meet Fallicks and Kirshenbaums children.

Those meetings, she said, have set the stage for the friendship between the two families to extend to future generations.

Weve met their children, and theyre all talking excitedly about maybe one day coming to New Zealand, she said. It may just continue. It may not be Martin and I, it might be our daughter and our sons who meet with them and see them again. One little thing has led to lots.

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MONTREALIn the city that Ive called home for the past 20 years, one would be hard-pressed to find signs that Saturday is a special Canada Day. A bicycle ride across town on the eve of the countrys 150th anniversary elicits no Maple Leaf flag  except at various hotel and official venues.

Quebec leases expire on July 1. Year in and year out, Canada Day in Montreal is marked by a ballet of moving vans. This year is no exception. The city has spent the past six months celebrating its 375th anniversary. And last week was the June 24 Fete nationale. It is not as if we were suffering from a deficit of history or festivities.

But for those of us who are old enough to have been there the contrast between this sedate sesquicentennial weekend and Canadas last significant birthday in 1967 could not be more striking.

I was entering adolescence at the time of Expo 67. My family had moved from Hull (now Gatineau) to Toronto the previous fall. My English was still a work in progress. Our neighbours French even more so.

On our street, the family that lived next door was among the first to trek to Montreal to visit Expo. They did not know that the Quebec short form for excusez-moi is scuse. Expo 67 being the crowd scene that it was, it was a word they heard many times a day. At least one child came home wondering if the expression was a code of some sort.

My mother had relatives on the south shore of Montreal. The seven of us  two parents and five kids including a toddler  camped there for our Expo week. My aunt and uncle lived in a leafy empty nest. They shed crocodile tears when we departed.

Like many of my generation, my first passport was the Expo version. That is probably where I picked up a lifelong travel bug. But the world I encountered on the man-made islands was an artificial paradise.

A very popular pavilion belonged to Czechoslovakia. It featured leading edge multimedia presentations as well as puppet shows. It was a magic place that spoke to us of a magic land. By the following summer, Prague was under Soviet occupation for having tried to cut a hole in the Iron Curtain.

An entire section of the United States pavilion was devoted to the conquest of space. The first walk on the moon would take place two years later. There was no trace of the American civil rights movement.

In the politically correct francophone fashion of the time, my parents took us to Frances pavilion and gave the U.K.s showcase a wide berth. We had migrated to the cottage by the time French president Charles de Gaulle generated diplomatic havoc by saluting a free Quebec. We all sat around the radio to listen to the live broadcast of his Montreal speech.

Little did most visitors know that the face Canada put forward at Expo was about to be transformed. Trudeaumania was less than a year away from seizing the country. Talks that would lead to the founding of the Parti Quebecois were underway.

There are those who pine for the innocence of Canadas Centennial Year. But it was largely based on ignorance.

If you are reading this column and/or have read me in the Star for the past number of years, know that few could have fathomed my journalistic path at the time of Expo 67 and not just because women did not take up much space in its Man and his World thematic environment.

On the day I was offered this column almost two decades ago, I was taken aback by the fact that a non-Quebec media organization like the Star would make a francophone one of its top national politics writers.

It was a few years later that I joined CBCs nascent At Issue panel in a similar role.

At the time of Expo 67, competing soliloquies passed for a national dialogue. The reporting of Canadian politics took place in language silos. Today those silos are no longer as hermetic. The temptation to pigeonhole voices remains rampant but in an increasingly diverse media coop, it cannot endure.

Breaking down some of those barriers is one of Peter Mansbridges main contributions, not so much to broadcasting as to a more authentic national conversation.

Saturday is Mansbridges last broadcast as CBCs chief correspondent. The next time all hell breaks loose, someone else will walk us through the minefield of breaking news. As my former column-mate the much-missed James Travers would say: Fly straight, Peter . . . .

Chantal Hebert is a national affairs writer. Her column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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Annual anti-Black racism training for police, Tasers for all front-line officers and the collection of race-based data were among the key recommendations delivered by the jury Friday at the coroners inquest into the death of Andrew Loku.

Before handing down its 39 recommendations, the five-person jury also declared Lokus death a homicide, although that finding carries no legal weight. The 45-year-old father of five was shot and killed by Toronto police Const. Andrew Doyle on July 5, 2015.

Other non-binding recommendations delivered by the jury Friday include:

Provincial collection of race-based data relating to all interactions involving police and persons in crisis, as well as funding for research and analysis of the data. The results of the analysis should be made public.

Exposing officers in training to the perspectives and lived experience of racialized communities, the Black community and individuals with mental health issues and/or addictions.

Amending the annual use-of-force recertification to include qualification in areas including mental health, anti-racism, and particularly anti-Black racism.

A continued emphasis on alternative methods of communication and de-escalation when an individual does not comply with the police challenge.

A 24/7 telephone crisis support line for individuals living in supportive housing and in mental health and addictions programs.

Additional funding for more nurses in order to staff mobile crisis intervention teams in each Toronto police division, 24 hours a day.

Additional funding for 911 operators to allow them to begin the de-escalation process during 911 calls.

Funding and supporting the participation of members of the mental health and addictions community, racialized communities and the Black community in training at police colleges.

Read more:

Police officer who shot Andrew Loku describes the last 21 seconds of his life: DiManno

Video shows moments before Andrew Loku was shot by police

Andrew Loku 911 call released: 'Oh my god, there was gunshots

Ontarios police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, declined to lay criminal charges against Doyle last year, finding the use of force to be justified. The decision and the lack of transparency around the SIUs investigation were met with outrage and sparked a protest outside police headquarters by Black Lives Matter Toronto that lasted 15 days.

After weeks of pressure, the government released a heavily redacted copy of the SIU report into Lokus death, and appointed Court of Appeal Justice Michael Tulloch to conduct a sweeping review of police oversight bodies.

If the police had followed the training, if the police had de-escalated, if the police had taken a bit more time then Andrew would still be here and there wouldnt be the need for these types of recommendations, Loku family lawyer Jonathan Shime said Friday.

That being said, we heard about three weeks of evidence that covered a broad range of issues, and I think the jury listened very well, and most importantly, they really got that this proved to be another case  one more, too many  of a Black man dying at the hands of the police.

The reality is, statistically, Black men are dying disproportionately at the hands of police in Toronto and Ontario, and police forces across the province need to figure out why that is and come to terms with that and ensure there are zero deaths of anybody, Black or white, at the hands of the police.

The inquest had featured a long list of participants, including lawyers for Toronto police and its board, the Toronto Police Association, the Black Action Defence Committee (BADC), the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's Empowerment Council, and Across Boundaries, a mental health organization serving racialized communities.

The parties were sometimes at odds about the purpose of the inquest, with tensions rising around the role racism may have played in Lokus death.

While overseeing coroner Dr. John Carlisle had allowed for implicit, or unconscious bias to be part of the scope of the inquest, racism was not  leading to an 11th hour motion to allow for the explicit mention of racism.

If these recommendations are adopted and put into force, I think we can avoid future deaths like Andrews, said Across Boundaries lawyer, Howard Morton, who urged the government and police to immediately begin implementing the recommendations.

This jury really got it. Right from the get-go, you could tell they were attentive, they asked very relevant questions, and they were completely open to our suggestion that anti-Black racism was clearly within the scope of this inquest.

Black Lives Matter Toronto co-founder Sandy Hudson told the Star that some recommendations were promising, but highlighted that many have already been proposed before at previous inquests, attracting little or no action on the part of the police and government.

This is the issue with the whole inquest process, where these recommendations are merely suggestions that police officers and the powers-that-be can choose to listen to or not listen to, and weve heard over the inquest process that they choose not to listen to them, she said.

In more than two weeks of witness testimony and evidence, the jury heard the detailed circumstances of Lokus 2015 fatal shooting, including from the officer who pulled the trigger.

Doyle, a 13-year police veteran, testified that he shot Loku as he advanced toward him, hammer raised, in the hallway of his apartment building, which is leased by CMHA to house people with mental health challenges.

Both Doyle and the rookie officer he was mentoring, Const. Haim Queroub, said they had been shouting at Loku to drop the hammer prior to the shooting.

In his closing address to the jury, Shime had stressed that Loku did not have to die, and was shot because they let their fear of a black man with a hammer (8.5 metres) away overcome what should have been a compassionate and humane response.

If only they had let compassion guide them instead of fear, if only they had let good sense and training guide them instead of panic, if only they had followed a multitude of recommendations made by previous inquests, then Andrew would be alive today.

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Hundreds of people gathered at an outdoor prayer service in North York on Thursday evening to pray for a Canadian pastor serving a life sentence in a North Korean prison.

During the service at Mel Lastman Square, leaders of Mississaugas Light Presbyterian Church called upon the Canadian government to further its efforts to secure the release of Rev. Hyeon Soo Lim, who has been detained for close to two and a half years.

The efforts of our Canadian government thus far, although appreciated, have failed to capture the seriousness of this issue, said Richard Ha, a spokesperson for the church.

Lim, 62, travelled to North Korea on Jan. 31, 2014, on a regular humanitarian mission where he supports an orphanage, a nursing home and a nursery. Earlier reports said that Lim made more than 100 trips to North Korea, and his trips were apolitical and intended to help people.

Lim was arrested in February 2015 and charged with harming the dignity of the supreme leadership. He was sentenced to life in prison and hard labour.

Feb. 16 marked his third birthday spent in detention.

Thursdays gathering started with a traditional Korean drum display and included prayer songs throughout. Pastors from various Toronto Korean churches led the community in prayers for the government, wisdom and Lims health.

They also prayed for the family of Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old student who died earlier this month in a Cincinnati hospital after being detained for 17 months in North Korea and flown back to the U.S. for medical reasons

Until now, Lims church has been working behind scenes by communicating with his family, the government and human rights organizations, according to senior pastor Jason Noh.

But we sense now is the time for our entire community in the GTA to rally together in terms of uniting and praying together, Noh said, calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to get directly involved.

Ha said the church knows Lim has been to a hospital in North Korea and they continue to send medicine.

Its been very difficult and I think for us to hear about his deteriorating health is a really big concern, especially for his family, but also for the community, said Ha. Its been too long.

Global Affairs Canada spokesperson John Babcock said in an emailed statement that due to the absence of a Canadian diplomatic mission in Pyongyang, Canada has been working with the local Swedish embassy, which acts as Canadas protecting power in North Korea.

He said further details could not be shared due to privacy considerations.

The Government of Canada is very concerned about the health, well-being, and continued detention of Mr. Lim, Babcock stated. This case is absolutely a priority for us . . . The Government of Canada will continue to work with the Lim family on the release of their father. We will continue to use all available means to reach this goal.

Lisa Pak, a spokesperson for Lims family, said last week the family was assured that he was in acceptable health following the Swedish ambassadors most recent visit many months ago, but there has been no update since.

Pak said the family is particularly concerned following Otto Warmbiers death.

We are heartbroken at the news of Ottos passing. What has happened is tragic, Lims family said in a statement provided by Pak. We strongly urge the Canadian government to place more attention on Reverend Lims case. We are desperate to see our husband and father home, and we are pleading for an active escalation in diplomatic efforts.

Ha said the church appreciates the Canadian governments efforts thus far, which included sending a delegation to meet with Lim in December, but that more must be done.

The frustration, the bottom line, is hes not home yet, Ha said.

With files from Hina Alam

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The number of Black children placed in foster or group home care in Toronto dropped by about 8 per cent last year, as the citys largest child-protection agency began an organizational rethink to address anti-Black racism within its ranks.

Of the 541 children removed from their families due to neglect or abuse in 2016-17, about 37 per cent  or 202  had at least one parent who was Black, according the Childrens Aid Society of Toronto. That is down from about 45 per cent of the 617 kids taken into care the previous year.

However, the rate at which Black children are being taken into care is still four times higher than the percentage of Black children in Torontos overall population.

Just 8.2 per cent of Torontos population under age 18 is Black.

Through the efforts of our staff, we are seeing a noticeable decline in the numbers of Black youth being admitted to care as we are doing more to support families in their communities, says the societys annual report, released last week.

The decrease is a result of the societys efforts to be more conscious and thoughtful about its interactions with the Black community, said the societys CEO David Rivard.

Front-line staff are offering more support to Black families so their children can remain at home. And when that isnt possible, the society is placing children with extended family and friends on an informal and formal basis, so they can remain connected to their community, Rivard said in an interview.

There has been an active look at the placement and the length of time Black youth are in our system, he said.

The shift was sparked, in part, by an ongoing Star investigation of Ontarios child protection system that found a disproportionate number of Black children in the Toronto area are being removed from their families by childrens aid societies.

In August 2015, almost a year after the Stars first report, the Toronto society became the first in the province to release its race-based data. Last summer, all societies pledged to collect and publicly report race-based data as part of a provincial push to address the overrepresentation of Black children in foster and group home care, a problem that has been raised by the Black community for more than a decade.

The collection and public reporting of race-based data has since been enshrined in law as part of new provincial child protection legislation passed in June.

During an interview last fall on G98.7 FM, Torontos only Black-owned radio station, Rivard admitted the child welfare system including our own agency, has a long legacy of oppression and systemic racism.

The society is committed to removing systemic barriers, eliminating discrimination and putting in place the right organizational structures, Rivard and board chair Sheila Jarvis say in the societys 2016-17 annual report.

On an individual level, volunteers, board members and senior and front-line staff need to deepen our knowledge and understanding of intersecting oppressions and racism, reflect upon our position of power and privilege, and check our personal assumptions toward those marginalized communities, they add.

A committee of 14 leaders from Torontos African Canadian community was appointed last fall to advise the societys board of directors. Advisory committee meetings are held quarterly and both Rivard and Chief Operating Officer Mahesh Prajapat attend.

Just having the advisory committee there and actively involved certainly has had an impact, I think, in how we are dealing with the Black community, Rivard said.

Prajapat, who was hired from Peel CAS two years ago to lead the transformation, said the society is really trying to flip the system on its head.

More Black staff are being hired and the society is switching its focus from protecting children from their families to helping families protect their own children, he said.

Staff are being asked to examine assumptions, biases and stereotypes when dealing with Black families, said Nicole Bonnie, who was hired last fall as director of diversity and inclusion.

And the society is having courageous conversations with school boards and police who are the largest source of referrals to childrens aid, Bonnie said.

Were not saying its a perfectly well-oiled machine, she said. But we are on the journey. And we are committed in a different way.

Quammie Williams, a board member with Young and Potential Fathers, an agency hired by the society to work with fathers whose children are in the system, said the drop in Black kids taken into care last year is a positive development.

I think they have definitely made some strides and should be encouraged. But we have to remain vigilant, said Williams whose agency operates Ujima House, believed to be the first father-focused parenting centre in the country.

We are happy to collaborate with them, he said. But we need more collaboration among more organizations serving our community.

The Catholic Childrens Aid Society of Toronto is also working to improve services to African Canadian families, said Executive Director Janice Robinson.

According to its 2016-17 annual report, 31 per cent of investigations involve Black children and 37 per cent are admitted into care. Just 9 per cent of Catholic children in the GTA are Black. They are working with Toronto childrens aid to get more comparable data.

We are working closely with Black community partners to deliver more culturally appropriate services, said Dionne Martin, strategic lead for the agencys African descent service priority program. A pilot project with the African Canadian Community Services, a new agency lead by Margaret Parsons, head of the African Canadian Legal Clinic, is scheduled to begin in the fall, she said.

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On Friday morning, hundreds of volunteer lawyers and advocates gathered in major airports across the country to assist travellers affected by a subset of U.S. President Donald Trumps travel ban, which took effect on June 29.

The new travel restrictions tighten any entry to the United States of citizens from six Muslim-majority countries. Citizens of Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen who already have visas will be allowed into the U.S.; but, people from those countries who want new visas will have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with a school or business in the U.S.

According to Corey Shefman, coordinator of the Pearson Airport team of lawyers, there was a lot of confusion the last time the travel ban was ordered.

No one knew how to implement it, said Shefman. Airlines were making decisions about visas, when, really, its not up to Air Canada but customs.

Shefman and his team of 400 volunteer lawyers have been at Toronto Pearson since 4 a.m, working shifts, ready to respond if something happens. They were there to provide support to travellers, provide information and make everyone aware of their presence.

Airports and agents are pleased to see us, said Shefman. Together, they have created a much more organized response and come up with a plan to deal with any issues that may become apparent.

Ottawa-based lawyer, Ronalee Carey, spent close to three hours at the airport briefing security and airline agents from Air Canada and United. They even left literature on the travel ban near custom forms.

We really didnt know what to expect. There was a lot of inconsistent information being released the night before, said Carey. This was echoed by the team of lawyers in Toronto and Vancouver as well.

Homeland securitys website did provide clarification later on, which specified what constituted as a close family relationship. (Grandparents, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles dont count.)

What family means is different in different cultures, said Shefman. In the cultures where this ban is taking most effect, family is often more expansive than the governments interpretation.

Both Shefman and Carey clarified that even under the new restrictions no one travelling with a current visa and/or with a Canadian passport would be affected, regardless of their country of origin.

I wouldnt be surprised if it happened. Last time Canadians were affected even though they werent meant to be, said Shefman.

Being at the airport, equipped with information packages and connected to lawyers in the U.S who are fighting the ban, is a way to be prepared.

Id rather get there and have nothing to do then not go and there be someone who is stuck and is having difficulty and needs help, said Carey. Were ready to go back if and when necessary.

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The Ryerson Students Union (RSU) at Ryerson University is protesting Canada 150 events, asking students to be critical as the nations sesquicentennial approaches.

The RSU represents all students at Ryerson and cannot tell anyone not to celebrate Canada 150, however, we do strongly encourage it, read part of a statement released by the union on Thursday.

The statement described policies that prevented Indigenous people from voting, the criminalization of their cultural practices, and the implementation of residential schools, promoted by the universitys namesake, Egerton Ryerson, as reasons against celebrating Canada 150.

Canada 150 is incorrectly celebrating the fact that Canada has existed for 150 years, said Susanne Nyaga, president of the union. The land we occupy has been around for hundreds of years as Indigenous communities have been living here for centuries.

We stand with Indigenous students and Indigenous communities therefore we will put their lives above the need to celebrate a holiday.

Phyllis McKenna, an Indigenous student at Ryerson, supports the unions decision.

To spend half a billion dollars on Canada 150, while, Indigenous communities are without basic necessities such as clean drinking water or safe adequate housing . . . where is the reconciliation?

McKenna stated that the federal government is not committed to reconciliation, but if it was to show commitment, she is sure we would have something to celebrate.

When that day comes, I will be more than happy to acknowledge that. But as it stands, I stand with and for Indigenous folks who feel that there is nothing to celebrate at this time.

The union protested the events on their Facebook page, calling Canada 150 Colonialism 150 and writing posts in a Countdown to Colonialism series that explain aspects of Indigenous culture and history.

The unions stance has angered some students, with many writing comments criticizing the union for its position, and stating that the union does not represent all Ryerson students with their views.

The fact that there is resistance demonstrates that Indigenous communities still face continuing acts of colonization and racism on their own land, Nyaga said, in response to the criticism. Student unions have always taken stances on political issues. We are here for our students and the reality is that in order to support some students we need to be political.

The unions Facebook page received more than 100 one-star ratings out of a possible five stars since Monday, when the union began its protest.

Johanna VanderMaas, Ryerson Universitys manager of public affairs, said in an email that the university respects the independence of the RSU and has no response to their stance.

The RSU is not alone in refusing to celebrate Canada 150. The union at Algoma University, the site of a residential school until 1970, will not participate either. On Friday, the Graduate Students Association at Laurentian University also passed a motion to not celebrate Canada 150.

The RSUs decision was supported by the Canadian Federation of Students and the University Graduate Students Association.

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A suspected Kensington Market ghost hotel has been temporarily shut down, pending the outcome of an investigation by home-sharing service Airbnb.

These listings have been suspended from Airbnb while we continue to investigate. Hosting is a big responsibility and those who fail to meet our expectations will be subject to suspension or removal, said Lindsey Scully, spokesperson for Airbnb in Canada, in a statement emailed on Friday.

The nine units in question, formerly three large apartments, were located inside what was once described as a vibrant artist and student community, at 38 Kensington Place.

Former tenants allege they were squeezed out by illegal rent hikes and intimidation tactics, so the landlord could turn a higher profit on the building.

Airbnb is opposed to the practice of evicting tenants in order to list a property on our platform and we believe any home-sharing regulations should uphold this principle, wrote Scully.

Paralegal Peter Balatidis, who has represented property owner Claude Bitton at the Landlord and Tenant Board, has said his client will not speak with the media.

At this time my clients and I decline to make any comment, said Balatidis, via email, after being informed of the suspension Friday.

The transformation of 38 Kensington Place was the subject of a story published online on June 19. Scully told the Star that day that the listings were being investigated.

The listings were pulled offline on Thursday, she said.

Scully said an investigation can result in a range of penalties from a warning to suspension or removal from our community.

Ghost hotels are buildings where apartments have been converted into short-term rentals, effectively turning a residential building into a hotel.

The building containing the suspended Airbnb units is one of five Kensington Market properties purchased by Bitton in 2016.

Tenants, at the time, said Bitton asked for rent hikes as high as 50 per cent. Bitton told the Stars Jessica Botelho-Urbanski that he was simply seeking to negotiate new leases and only wanted fair market rent.

The Airbnb units were created by dividing up what were once three-storey apartments into smaller units. Some tenants remain in the building, but at least three large apartments had been converted into Airbnb rentals, based on listings viewed by the Star and interviews with former tenants.

The Star viewed one unit after it was rented out by tenant advocacy coalition Fairbnb, for $127 a night, plus $65 cleaning and $24 service fees, for a total of $216.

The listing boasted that up to four could sleep in a neighbourhood known for art and famous graffiti artists everywhere, full of food and bohemian charm.

All nine units were advertised as belonging to Marina, originally from Moscow.

Former tenant Chris Leithead said hes disheartened by what he sees as a lack of regulations around rental housing.

I grew up in Toronto, said Leithead. I dont know if I can continue to live in the city I grew up in because this is happening all over.

In Toronto, landlords are not allowed to arbitrarily transform apartment buildings into hotels. The rise of Airbnb rentals has resulted in proposed regulations for short-term rentals. Public consultations are underway and a final report is due back to the citys executive committee this year.

Thorben Wieditz, with Fairbnb said the fact the account was still active this week is not exactly confidence boosting for people facing evictions or involved in the fight against ghost hotels.

He said once regulations are passed the city will have the tools needed to actually act, rather than waiting for a short-term rental platform to do their own investigation, said Wieditz.

It just speaks to the need for coming up with regulations soon, to avoid situations like these.

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One of the unwritten rules about interviewing politicians is that the dumbest questions often get the smartest replies. Similarly, what may seem like the easiest questions can prove to be the most difficult to answer.

This is what happened on the way to a Canada Day feature, when I set out to ask Canadas former prime ministers what I thought was a pretty easy question. We wanted to know, in honour of the nations 150th birthday, where the ex-PMs had felt most Canadian  what place (not Parliament Hill) had most stirred their patriotic pride.

While a number of them didnt want to answer at all (and no, the reluctant ones werent the ones youd expect,) the ex-PMs who did reply were incapable of narrowing their answers down to one location.

The current prime minister, also surveyed, had the same problem. Justin Trudeau said he felt most Canadian when chatting to fellow citizens in an informal setting, such as hiking in the Gatineau Hills, grabbing a Triple O burger in Vancouver (or) watching the northern lights by a campfire.

Former prime minister Paul Martin, meanwhile, had one wonderful answer. He said that when he was growing up in Windsor, Ont., in the 1960s, he always felt most Canadian when looking across the river at Detroit, where riots and civil-rights marches were taking place. You wondered what the heck had gone so wrong over there, he said.

But then Martin wanted to add a few more locations to this initial reply. Martin said he also felt his Canadianism very acutely in his Montreal riding in 1995 on Quebec referendum night, when the federalist side eked out a narrow win over the separatists.

More recently, he said, he was doing a question-and-answer session while abroad in Berlin, and several people in the audience asked him how Canada remained an open, multicultural country, welcoming to refugees and immigrants. It was another great Canadian moment. Later, some Canadian students at this same event asked him whether he was proud of this global view of Canada these days  wasnt it great that Canada had that kind of reputation?

Martin agreed it was flattering. But he also warned these students against smugness. Canada is not perfect, he told them it still has a long way to go in terms of reconciliation and righting historic wrongs with Indigenous people.

Martins multiple-part answer was perfectly, politically typical (and some might say, especially typical for a prime minister known for having too many priorities). In fact, this is what it is like to be in politics, especially these days.

Picking one place would just be too risky. Former prime minister Kim Campbell, for instance, proposed writing about her 1993 Canada Day tour across the country, which started on Signal Hill in Newfoundland and ended in Vancouver that evening.

Celebrating Canadas birthday is even perilous, with all the heightened attention to indigenous protests  the voices saying that we cant mark the birthday of this federation this year without acknowledging the shadows of the past. Martins answer, well notice, covered all those bases.

Risk aversion is a job prerequisite for people in politics. Its why politicians are rarely funny and very definitely not sarcastic or ironic. Its hard to do comedy without taking some risks. Stephen Harper was actually pretty funny in private, for instance, but he was decidedly dour and humourless in public. (Harper, by the way, was willing to take part in this survey of most-Canadian places, reportedly keen to do so, but wed abandoned the idea before he had a chance to send us anything.)

The humourless, risk-averse side of politics isnt new, for veterans of the business. Just look at how Trudeau has become a master of saying absolutely nothing in his public pronouncements since he became PM.

But whats different today is how social media has made us all public figures  and thus, increasingly operating under the same, strict rules about being funny or taking chances.

Ive been urging many people to read a long essay by former Walrus editor Jonathan Kay, published in the National Post last weekend, about how mob censure is changing the intellectual landscape. What Kay describes, in my view, is true and disturbing. It is a world in which every utterance can potentially cause offence, and therefore should probably remain unsaid. Welcome to the world of politicians  even former politicians.

The 150th anniversary of Canada becoming a nation doesnt have to be controversial. Saying Happy Canada Day doesnt mean that were airbrushing our history.

At the risk of offending someone, Im hoping that people all over the country  even former prime ministers  are spending this weekend in their favourite place, feeling very Canadian on this significant anniversary. Happy birthday, Canada.

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Few people were more familiar with Washingtons corridors of power than Daniel Peterson.

From his perch high on the scaffolding of the Capitol buildings, he watched members of Congress, bureaucrats and presidents come and go over more than a decade. And all the while his paint brushes restored a timeless grandeur to centuries-old structures.

Peterson, who was based in Toronto, died of cancer June 19 near his home in Little Italy at the age of 61. One of the worlds leading restorers of historic architectural decorative design, he was married to documentary filmmaker Shelley Saywell.

Tall, bearded and strapping, Peterson considered his last work, the Brumidi Corridors of the U.S. Senate, one of his greatest challenges. The lushly ornate murals designed by Italian master Constantino Brumidi in the 1850s mingled verdant nature with classical gods and goddesses and symbols of American of temporal power.

I recognized immediately as I watched (Daniel) work that he had a century of experience in the mastery of decorative painting, said conservator Christiana Cunningham-Adams, who hired him for her team in 2012, after viewing his earlier work in the Capitol.

His extraordinary skills in designing and executing ornamentation styles from antiquity onward reflected a deep understanding of the nature and use of artistic embellishment throughout history.

Petersons life, and work, spanned continents and began far from the seat of American power.

Born in Kobe, Japan, in March 1956 to American Presbyterian missionary parents, he grew up speaking Japanese as a first language. Young Daniel became the first non-Japanese student accepted into a Japanese elementary school, and soon received an art award.

Japan shaped him, Saywell says. He had a Japanese sense of craftsmanship and understood the way Japanese people work at preserving their centuries of ancient skills. He understood patience, and took a long view of things that is now out of time, in a beautiful way.

Before art, his first love was music. After graduating from high school in 1973  fluent in Japanese and Mandarin  Peterson headed for the United States, attended University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and landed in Nashville, where he joined a band, playing rock guitar and bluegrass. He spent a decade as a session guitar player on some of the major albums of the day.

The advent of disco put a chill on his music career. He bought a house in Black Mountain, N.C., and by chance met a group of Polish and English conservationists working on the Biltmore Estate, a fabled 250-room French Renaissance chateau constructed in 1895. They offered him a job as an apprentice.

I never went to art school, I just learned by hand, Peterson told the Star in a 2013 interview. A quick study, he widely read art history and restoration techniques. By the 1990s he struck out on his own, working in projects throughout the United States, including in state capitals and Washingtons Library of Congress.

His philosophy was not to recreate the past, Disneyland style, but to interpret the faded images of yesteryear in a way that could be understood by viewers today. A restorer cannot remove all historical context and passage of time, he said. Its all imbued in the walls in a wonderful historical drama.

In 1996, after winning an award for restoring the Utah governors mansion damaged by fire, he moved to Salt Lake City and opened a rapidly expanding company, DP & Co. There he became the only non-Mormon to work on restoring Mormon temples. His fame attracted churches worldwide and brought him to Nigeria, Samoa, Australia, Bolivia and other countries.

In Washington, he worked on the corridors outside then House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office in 2010. The top Democrat saw Republican red when she moved in, and insisted that they be redone. She just couldnt stand the colour, Saywell says. But underneath were some beautiful murals that Daniel restored.

Petersons connection with the more recent past brought him to Canada. As teenagers, he and Saywell had met in a Canadian-run high school in Japan, where she had moved as a student with her mother and father Bill Saywell, an Asia expert who was later president of Simon Fraser University.

It was love at first sight, she says. But their parents firmly objected to a Romeo-and-Juliet marriage between the two 17-year-olds. Separated when the Saywells returned to Canada, they later wed others and divorced. But in 2002, when Shelley sent out a curiosity-driven message to Daniel on classmates.com, she got an immediate reply. The reunited couple became engaged three days after he sent her a ticket to Utah.

They married in November 2004, and Peterson moved to Toronto permanently in 2006, becoming a Canadian citizen in 2015, and commuting to Washington to continue his work on the Brumidi corridors.

Life in the corridors of power held plenty of drama. The Capitol was on lockdown three times after bomb scares and potential terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, ugly political arguments echoed under the scaffolding as politics became more bitter and polarized.

But on March 6, 2015  Petersons birthday  the visiting Dalai Lama stopped to chat with him about his work, and later returned to give him a personal blessing.

In 2016, he was awarded a citation for his work on the Brumidi Corridors by the United States Capitol Historical Society. The restored murals are now part of America's cultural legacy, on display for generations to come. However, one of Peterson's proudest achievements was Canadian citizenship.

Although his family tree was deeply rooted in American history and included U.S. presidents Woodrow Wilson, William Henry Harrison, Benjamin Harrison and the legendary Indigenous heroine Pocohantas, he no longer felt at home in what he saw as a darkening political environment.

Given a voluminous maple leaf T-shirt to mark his Canadian citizenship ceremony, he quipped, no size is too large to contain my relief.

He is survived by his wife Shelley Saywell, son Cameron Peterson, his parents Catherine and Lyle Peterson, sister Ann Peterson and brother Richard Peterson.

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Measured against the exuberance of Expo 67, todays birthday feels strangely subdued  as much a day of reflection as celebration.

How very Canadian. A half century after our centenary we are less celebratory and more understated than ever.

But at 150, Canada is not just older and wiser than in 1967, it is immeasurably better. For our centennial year turned out to be the calm before the storm, and we are only now reborn.

My childhood memories of Expo 67 mirrored the emotions of the grown-ups around me: Limitless wonder about our achievements and endless optimism for the future.

But our airy hopes were misplaced, our self-awareness circumscribed in a mostly white, predominantly English nation. We celebrated Expo 67 under the aegis of our last unilingual prime minister, Lester B. Pearson, whose successor, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, would soon propose the assimilation of our Indigenous peoples, before facing separatist and terrorist crises. These days, Trudeaus son, Justin, presides over a period of calm with Quebec and has struck a tone of accommodation with Indigenous people in Canada.

As a country we are far more rounded, grounded and grown-up. We have reinvented multiculturalism, and begun a belated journey of reconciliation.

But Indigenous dissents and protests have freighted our festivities with a sense of historical hand-wringing this July 1. It is often said that those who do not learn from the mistakes of history are condemned to repeat them. Yet it can also be said that those who dwell excessively on the mistakes of history can become prisoners of the past, blinded to future possibilities.

Canada is a country conflicted over its past conflicts. But Canadians  whether of Indigenous or immigrant descent  forget that such tensions and tragedies are universal in a world of human migration, interaction, assimilation and segregation.

Nothing puts Canadas tensions in perspective quite like witnessing other peoples conflicts abroad, as I did while at the Toronto Stars bureau in Jerusalem in the late 1990s. Our own historical dialogue reminds me of the dialectic in the Middle East, weighed down by duelling histories  biblical and political  unlike any place on earth.

Israels majority Jewish population celebrates the anniversary of their countrys founding as the rebirth of their people in the aftermath of the Holocaust. But many Israeli Arabs, and millions of Palestinians in the occupied territories, mark it as al-Nakba  the Catastrophe.

It is an analogy to our own duality. What we celebrate nationally as Canada Day is seen, notionally, as a day of mourning by many Indigenous people.

It is difficult to undo the past, or right historical wrongs  but worth the effort to understand it. Covering conflict abroad, it often felt liberating that we Canadians were unburdened by historical baggage because we barely knew our own story.

We are a country with a long history, populated by a people with short memories and minimal festivities. Many immigrants like to leave their tortured histories behind when they begin a new one in Canada.

It is easier to unlearn and relearn your history if you never learned much of it in the first place. Perhaps that gives Canadians a head start in the journey of truth and reconciliation.

Indigenous ambivalence on Canada Day forces us to rethink our own celebration. But it should be possible to acknowledge past injustices without denying or decrying all that Canada has achieved along the way  giving sanctuary to Black slaves, embracing diversity, withstanding separatism and pioneering gay marriage. No longer are Jews barred from immigrating, Chinese burdened by a head tax, or ethnic Japanese interned.

No people are perfect. Name any supposed Buddhist paradise and I will show you a purgatory within  be it the Himalayan ideal of Bhutan (which mistreats its ethnic Nepalese), or Burma under Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi (which mistreats its Muslims). Remember that bitter reality as refugees flee war abroad, flocking to our country of peace, order and good government.

Canada has always been light on jingoism, chauvinism and patriotism. But do not mistake the muted enthusiasm of today for a lack of idealism about tomorrow.

At 150, Canada is a far better place, in a far better space than ever before  in a world that grows only worse.

Martin Regg Cohns political column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. mcohn@thestar.ca , Twitter: @reggcohn

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BERLINIn forceful remarks before Germanys Parliament on Thursday, Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed to defend the international climate agreement spurned by the Trump administration, anticipating a difficult meeting of the leaders of the worlds major economies next week in Hamburg.

Despite the withdrawal of the United States, the worlds second-largest polluter, the EU remains committed to the Paris climate accord, she said. But she was blunt about the obstacles posed by American retreat from the deal, which was signed by 195 nations in an attempt to forge global consensus around limiting greenhouse gases.

Since the U.S. announced that it would exit the Paris agreement, we cannot expect any easy talks in Hamburg, Merkel said, referring to the Group of 20 summit scheduled for July 7-8. The dissent is obvious and it would be dishonest to cover it up.

Read more:Justin Trudeau addresses the Merkel-Trump rift

G7 leaders agree to fight protectionism, but U.S. still out on Paris Agreement END

A big mistake: Trumps Paris pullout sparks protests, new climate pledges

Without naming him, Merkel appeared to lament U.S. President Donald Trumps uncertainty about human-induced climate change, saying, We cant, and we wont, wait until the last person on Earth is convinced of the scientific evidence for climate change.

She said talks in Hamburg must serve the substance and aims of the Paris accord and insisted that she would not countenance calls to revise the agreement. She deemed the pact irreversible.

Her pledge echoed a rare joint statement from Germany, France and Italy rebuking Trumps call to revise the agreement, which he said would have paralyzed American businesses and prevented the U.S. from conducting its own domestic affairs.

A chasm separates Merkel and Trump  and not just on climate  as they head into the conference in the northern German port city of Hamburg. The German leader has said she also intends to make free trade and the shared burdens of managing the global refugee crisis focal points of discussions. These principles stand in uneasy relationship with the doctrine of America first that guides Trumps foreign policy.

One of her goals, Merkel said, would be to send a clear signal for free markets and against isolationism, adding: Whoever believes that the worlds problems can be solved by isolationism and protectionism is making an enormous error.

Merkel, who heads Europes most powerful economy, was preparing for the annual summit by hosting European heads of state in Berlin. In her speech Thursday morning, she reviewed the results of the European Council meeting last week in Brussels, where leaders began the protracted process of cutting Britain loose from the EU.

But she looked past that undertaking to affirm the strength of the European bloc  the longevity of which has been tested over the past year  and other multilateral institutions. The long-serving German chancellor was adamant that the business of strengthening the continent would not be bogged down by negotiations over the terms of the British exit.

Especially important, she said, were avenues opened up by Franco-German co-operation, including new ideas to stabilize the euro zone. Merkel has said she is receptive to some of the ideas offered by French President Emmanuel Macron, such as installing a single finance minister and common budget for the euro zone.

Elmar Brok, a member of the European Parliament and a close ally of Merkels, said working with France is critical to each of her European objectives  from reform of the economic union to greater co-operation in security and defence.

Trumps election and the decision of British voters to leave the EU were repudiations of Merkels vision of a liberal, integrated West. But they may end up giving new impetus to her longer-term European aims, Brok said.

She has a great chance right now, said Brok, a member of the European Parliaments committee on foreign affairs and its former chairperson. There is a new European consciousness that we have to be stronger.

At the same time, these efforts must be coupled with a sustained commitment to a close partnership with the United States, said Jurgen Hardt, foreign policy spokesperson for Merkels ruling coalition in Parliament.

Hardt said Merkels speech was not a rejection of Trumps government but a rebuttal of his idea that the American people are best served by an inward-looking policy.

Its not a fight against the U.S. but a fight for common values, he said, noting that Germany still depends on the United States to buy its exports and defend it militarily. We want a trustful partner in the U.S. on security but also on trade and economic issues  to the benefit of U.S. citizens and European citizens.

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MOSUL, IRAQHundreds of civilians fled Mosuls Old City on Friday as Iraqi forces slowly squeezed the last pockets of Daesh resistance, and the UN warned that the intense and concentrated fighting put innocent lives in even greater danger.

People climbed over mounds of rubble and through narrow alleys as gunshots and explosions rang out nearby. The neighbourhoods where government forces are fighting have been under siege for months as gruelling urban warfare drew out the operation to retake Iraqs second-largest city.

For the civilians held as human shields by the extremists, supplies have run low and drinking water is scarce, according to residents interviewed at screening centres and clinics by The Associated Press.

Read more:

Iraqi prime minister declares end to Daesh caliphate as troops retake Mosul landmark

Fight for Iraqs Mosul comes at high cost as homes, streets turned to rubble

Daesh destroys Mosuls Great Mosque, one of Iraqs most famous landmarks

The battles came a day after Iraqi forces made significant gains against the militants and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared an end to the groups self-proclaimed caliphate.

After a dawn push on Thursday, Iraqi forces retook the symbolic site where the al-Nuri Mosque once stood. It was from the pulpit of the 12th century mosque, which the militants blew up last week along with its famous leaning minaret, that their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had proclaimed the caliphate in 2014.

During the evening, al-Abadi announced that the full liberation of Mosul was near and that Iraqs brave forces will bring victory.

Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab al-Saadi said that by Friday afternoon, the special forces were within 700 metres of the Tigris River, which roughly divides Mosul into eastern and western halves.

The operation to retake Mosul, backed closely by the U.S.-led coalition, began in October, with the Iraqi government initially vowing the city would be liberated in 2016.

Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, now holds a small patch of territory in Mosuls Old City along the Tigris that measures less than two square kilometres. The terrain is dense, and the UN estimates tens of thousands of civilians are trapped there.

We dont feel the end yet, to be honest. Its still full on, said Frederic Cussigh, head of the UNHCR Irbil office. About 1,400 people fleeing the Old City have been registered at screening centres in the past two days, he added.

Regardless of the outcome of the battle, the humanitarian situation will be critical for a lot longer than we anticipated, Cussigh said.

The high numbers of displaced civilians and the extensive destruction will mean more people will have to stay in camps for longer periods, requiring food, water and other aid, he said. Cussigh expects the humanitarian fallout from the fight for Mosul to last into 2018.

The clashes have displaced more than 850,000 people since the operation to retake Mosul was launched, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Daeshs media arm, the Aamaq news agency, reported fierce fighting on the outskirts of Mosul and in the neighbourhoods of Bab Jadid, al-Mashahda and Bab al-Beidh, saying its fighters killed more than 50 Iraqi soldiers.

Though Daesh claims are often exaggerated, the fact that the reports made no mention of the Old City was significant and could be interpreted as indirect confirmation of losses there.

Another Daesh media outlet, the weekly al-Nabaa, on Thursday quoted an unidentified militant commander as saying that the battle for Mosul is a fight either to achieve victory or die as a martyr.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani tweeted his congratulations Friday to the citys residents and the Iraqi people on the breeze of freedom in Mosul after three years of occupation, violence and killing.

Daesh also is under increased pressure in Syria, where its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa is encircled by an array of forces, closely backed by the coalition. Despite a series of recent losses in both Iraq and Syria, al-Baghdadis fate remains unknown.

Ali Shirazi, a representative of Irans supreme leader in the powerful Revolutionary Guard, suggested that al-Baghdadi had been killed, the official IRNA news agency reported. He did not elaborate.

Earlier this month, Russia said he may have been killed by one of its airstrikes in May on the outskirts of Raqqa. Russian officials stressed, however, that the information was still being verified. Russia and Iran are staunch allies of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

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HONG KONGWhen Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule two decades ago, the city was seen as a model of what China might one day become: prosperous, modern, international, with the broad protections of the rule of law.

There was anxiety about how such a place could survive in authoritarian China. But even after Beijing began encroaching on this former British colonys freedoms, its reputation as one of the best-managed cities in Asia endured.

The trains ran on time. Crime and taxes were low. The skyline dazzled with ever taller buildings.

Those are still true. Yet as the 20th anniversary of the handover is marked on Saturday, that perception of Hong Kong as something special  a vibrant crossroads of East and West that China might want to emulate  is fading fast.

Never-ending disputes between the citys Beijing-backed leadership and the pro-democracy opposition have crippled the governments ability to make difficult decisions and complete important construction projects.

Caught between rival modes of rule  Beijings dictates and the demands of local residents  the authorities have allowed problems to fester, including an affordable housing crisis, a troubled education system and a delayed high-speed rail line.

Many say the fight over Hong Kongs political future has paralyzed it, and perhaps doomed it to decline. As a result, the city is increasingly held up not as a model of Chinas future but as a cautionary tale  for Beijing and its allies, of the perils of democracy, and for the opposition, of the perils of authoritarianism.

More and more, there is a sense of futility, said Anson Chan, the second-highest official in the Hong Kong government in the years before and after the handover to Chinese rule. She blames Beijings interference for the citys woes. We have this enormous giant at our doorstep, she said, and the rest of the world does not seem to question whatever the enormous giant does.

Others spread the blame more broadly. They point to the oppositions reluctance to compromise and policies that weaken political parties, including multi-seat legislative districts that allow radical candidates to win with a minority of votes.

This kind of a political atmosphere will disrupt many of the initiatives that may come along, said Anna Wu, a member of the territorys executive council, or cabinet.

A high-speed rail station planned for Hong Kong is a half-finished shell  years after every other major city in China has been linked by bullet trains.

Hong Kong ranks only after New York and London as a centre of global finance, but it has no world-class museums. After 15 years of delays, construction of a cultural district intended to rival Lincoln Center has started, but funding from the legislature could be disrupted in the coming days.

Widespread complaints about test-obsessed schools leaving students ill-equipped to compete against those in mainland China have not led to education reform. Nor has the government found a way to address simmering public anger over skyrocketing rents and housing prices.

Hong Kong was once known for the speed and efficiency with which it built huge planned communities with ample public housing every several years. But it has not managed to do so since Britain returned it to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997.

Hong Kong is still a gem in many ways, a place that is hard not to love, and for its 7.4 million residents, hard to leave.

Narrow ribbons of oceanfront skyscrapers are backed by wooded hillsides protected as country parks. Steel and concrete fade into sylvan trails that wind past lakes and waterfalls, all of it not too far from the citys cavernous and efficient airport, part of a renowned transport network of subways, buses, trams and ferries.

But the airport was built by the British before they left. So were the institutions that really distinguish the city: the independent courts, the widely respected civil service, the freewheeling press.

Those were preserved under the one country, two systems formula that promised Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy when Britain returned it to China. But they have been weakened as the Communist Party increasingly meddles in the citys affairs, intimidating and even abducting people seen as challenging its interests.

The Umbrella Movement demanding free elections that seized control of downtown streets for 11 weeks in late 2014 is just a distant memory. But sullen resentment of mainland China has spread as Hong Kongs democratic evolution has stalled.

This spring, a new chief executive for the territory, Carrie Lam, was selected by a committee of about 1,200 residents  mostly allies of Beijing following its instructions.

Her predecessors tiptoed around tough issues, wary of both offending the Chinese leadership and provoking the public. At the same time, critics say, limited public accountability has allowed incompetence and even graft to spread among officials. The top two government officials from a previous administration have been tried on corruption charges.

Beijings allies have a majority in the legislature because half the 70 seats are selected by interest groups mostly loyal to the mainland government. But the other half is elected, and lawmakers who favor greater democracy have won a majority of those seats. The result is gridlock.

Both sides agree that the city will become ungovernable without some kind of political change. But they cannot agree on what to do.

The democrats want a clear road map to universal suffrage  which Beijing promised in 2007 may be implemented in 2017  starting with direct elections for the chief executive. Only when the government is accountable to the public will it have a mandate to tackle the challenges facing the city, they say.

But supporters of Beijing say the problem is too much democracy, not too little.

Lam, who will be sworn in Saturday, acknowledged a certain degree of truth in the argument that the lack of a political overhaul was making it more difficult to address issues like housing, education and infrastructure.

But she added, If we were to have universal suffrage tomorrow, would all these problems disappear? I dont think so.

Three years ago, Beijing presented Hong Kong with a proposal to allow residents to elect the chief executive, but only from a slate of candidates approved by a nomination committee under its control. The pro-democracy forces rejected the offer, holding out for free elections without such a limit, and Beijings refusal to budge prompted the Umbrella Movement protests.

It was a pivotal moment for Hong Kong, with all sides letting a chance at compromise slip by and digging in for what has been a prolonged stalemate.

The pro-democracy camps biggest mistake may have been believing that President Xi Jinping intended to guide China toward a more pluralistic future.

After nearly five years in power, he has proved to be a committed authoritarian who considers political liberalization a threat.

There seems little hope that Beijing will make Hong Kong an offer better than the one it put forward three years ago. Jasper Tsang, the recently retired president of the legislature and a longtime ally of Beijing, said the attitudes of the Chinese leadership toward the city had hardened.

People are telling me there wont be a second chance, he said.

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PARISSimone Veil, a survivor of Nazi death camps and a European Parliament president who spearheaded abortion rights as one of Frances most prominent female politicians, died Friday at 89, her family said.

A funeral ceremony with military honours is to be held on Wednesday at Les Invalides, site of Napoleons tomb, the presidential Elysee Palace said. In a measure of the nations esteem for Veil, French flags will be dressed in black ribbons and European flags will fly at half-staff.

May her example inspire our compatriots, President Emmanuel Macron tweeted.

France has lost a figure that history rarely produces, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said, as tributes to the centrist Veil poured in from across the political spectrum.

Veil said it was her experiences in the Nazi concentration camps that made her a firm believer in the unification of Europe.

The idea of war was for me something terrible, she told The Associated Press in a 2007 interview. The only possible option was to make peace.

Her own rise from a former deportee to the head of the European Parliament was a potent symbol of that sought-after peace, she said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, offering condolences in a message to Veils son, said she was very grateful for Veils commitment to European unification.

We will also remember her tireless ... commitment to the survivors of the Holocaust, whose fate she shared, Merkel wrote.

A two-time Cabinet minister, Veil was best known in France for leading the heated battle to legalize abortion in the 1970s. Frances abortion rights law is still known four decades later as the Loi Veil, and she called it her proudest accomplishment.

In a country where many women are hesitant to call themselves feminists, Veil embraced the label. She saw herself as an advocate for the downtrodden and devoted much of her early career to improving conditions in French prisons. Later, she became one of the most visible faces of Frances dwindling community of Holocaust survivors and spoke passionately about the need to keep the memory alive.

Born Simone Jacob in the Mediterranean port of Nice on July 13, 1927, she was one of four children. Her father worked as an architect until a 1941 law by Frances collaborationist Vichy government forced him  and other Jews  out of the profession.

In March 1944, the Gestapo arrested and deported Veil, her parents and all but one of her siblings. The 16-year-old Veil, her sister and her mother ended up at the death camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Her father and brother were sent to a camp in a Baltic country. They were never seen again.

I found myself thrown into a universe of death, humiliation and barbarism, Veil wrote in the preface to a 2005 book on the Holocaust. I am still haunted by the images, the odours, the screams, the humiliation, the blows and the sky, ashen with the smoke from the crematoriums.

Young and healthy when she entered Birkenau and with striking chestnut plaits, Veil caught the eye of a Polish woman who helped run the camp. The woman took her aside, telling her in broken French: You are too pretty to die here. I am going to find some way so you can survive, Veil told the AP.

The woman sent Veil, her mother and sister to work at a Siemens factory outside the camp. Later, Veil was transferred to work in an SS kitchen, where she was able to pilfer bits of food for her mother.

Her efforts were in vain. Veils mother died of typhus at the Bergen-Belsen camp. Veils sister survived the camp, returning to France along with Veil after the war.

Upon her return, Veil pursued a law degree at Paris prestigious Institut dEtudes Politiques. There she met Antoine Veil, a public servant, and the two married in 1946.

Simone Veil became a judge and worked for seven years in Frances department of corrections, where she fought to improve prison conditions.

Having had my freedom taken away gave me a real sense of empathy for prisoners, Veil said.

In 1974, centre-right President Valery Giscard dEstaing plucked her out of relative obscurity, appointing her health minister  to her surprise. The appointment thrust her into the centre of the fight over abortion, which Giscard dEstaing had pledged to legalize.

The most visible proponent of the controversial legislation, Veil quickly became the target of vicious, personal attacks as the battle over the bill raged in the legislature. One anti-abortion lawmakers comment that Veil wanted to send children to the ovens famously reduced her to tears.

Veil again served as French health minister from 1993-1995 under Prime Minister Edouard Balladur.

In 1979, Veil ran in the European Parliaments first popular elections on the Center for Europe party ticket. Fellow lawmakers elected her president, making her the first woman to head the legislature. She served as president until 1982 and remained in the Parliament until 1993.

Veil returned to Auschwitz to commemorate the 60th anniversary of its liberation in January 2005. By then, Auschwitz was just a bunch of crumbling buildings, she told the AP. Without the people doing the killing, it was no longer a frightening place.

Veils political popularity took a bruising when she came out in support of conservative Nicolas Sarkozy in the 2007 presidential election. Critics lashed out at Veil for endorsing a candidate known for his tough stance on illegal immigration and who created a Ministry of Immigration and National Identity.

Veil said she was surprised by the attacks but largely shrugged them off. More than 30 years after the abortion battle, she said she still got hate mail on the issue.

I am used to such abuse, Veil said.

In 2010, she was inducted into the Academie Francaise, becoming the sixth woman to join the guardian of the French language since it was founded in 1635.

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A mari usque ad mare.

Canadas official motto  Latin for from sea to sea.

Emblazoned prominently on our coat of arms and lifted artfully from the Bible  Psalm 72:8 to be precise  our motto is more prominent than you might expect.

Aside from the coat of arms, it has appeared on Canadian currency bills, passports, and federal proclamations and laws.

What strikes me, on this our 150th birthday, is that our forefathers carefully and deliberately defined Canada in terms of our land. Not, as others have done, by lofty principles of democracy, liberty, equality or unity.

But rather by the land we inhabit. And what an exhilarating, extraordinary and evocative land it is.

As I continue on my 2017 odyssey to visit as many Canadian national parks as possible  19 of 46 to date  I am seized by the land. It is almost mesmerizing.

But how well do Canadians know the land? Are we able to visit and explore as we like?

Are we good stewards of its beauty and mostly pristine nature? Do we care?

The vastness of Canada  second largest country on the planet  is a given. That, in itself, makes getting to know it highly problematic.

As a seasoned traveller and veteran of covering many political campaigns, I thought I knew Canada quite well.

Wrong. The cities, yes. But the land  thats another question. This past six months have exposed me to more nooks and crannies than I knew even existed.

From the venerable Kicking Horse railway pass, to tundra on Hudson Bay, to Quebecs storied North Shore of the St. Lawrence, to the oh-so-charming village of Wasagaming in central Manitoba, to the mysterious peaks of northern Labrador, my eyes have been opened.

Furthermore, in travelling to parks, the serendipity of sudden encounters has been constant.

From the vastness of Ungava Bay, to the statue of groundhog Wiarton Willie, to a museum dedicated to gifts presented to former prime minister Jean Chretien, to Albertas breathtaking Highway 22 along the foothills of the Rockies, to the moving and majestic monument to Terry Fox just outside Thunder Bay, the surprises have been non-stop.

Another revelation has been the multiplicity of mighty rivers. We know about the Mackenzie, the St. Lawrence, the South Saskatchewan and the Fraser. But take Quebec alone. I have now crossed or seen the Saguenay, the George, the Moose, the Saint Maurice, the Moisie and the Koksoak, each one of which is grand by any measure. And this list is very far from complete.

Consider also that our motto links us to two seas and salt water. Indeed, we are an ocean nation.

Eight of 10 provinces and all three territories are adjacent to salt water. Our coastline, at roughly 200,000 kilometres, is said to be the longest in the world. Within our boundaries, our oceans cover about 7 million square kilometres  70 per cent of the size of our land mass.

Yet do Ontarians  whose only adjacent salt water is James and Hudson Bays  really think of themselves as living on the sea, as say most Maritimers? I doubt it. Are we concerned or feeling responsible for the devastation of Newfoundlands cod fishery?

Not likely.

Rather, we are much more concerned about cleaning up the Great Lakes, which is probably as it should be.

Speaking of sea water, our three northern territories have proposed that our motto should be expanded to from sea to sea to sea, reflecting our adjacency to the Arctic Ocean. Most federal politicians have already adopted this parlance.

And, surely the Psalmist who crafted these words centuries ago didnt have Canada in mind. Thus, a geographic correction would appear to be in order.

But all of this brings us back to the fundamental question: what is it about Canada, Canadians and our land?

We return to the reality that most of us have a very scant knowledge or experience with vast stretches of it. Even in communities close to some of the more remote national parks, I have been struck by how so few have visited them even once. Why? Because it is so remote and expensive to do so.

On the other hand, I have also been struck by the virtual reverence Canadians have for their physical home and native land. That reverence may not cover a huge area, but it is reverence nonetheless.

That passion has certainly been adopted by Parks Canada in its administration of the parks. Restrictions, limited flyover rights, mandatory previsit orientation and strict access rights are the norm. As they should be.

Ecological protection of special places was the original intent of the park system. A second goal has been to encourage public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of our natural heritage. Where these two intersect has often become a matter of intense debate.

The extraordinary jump in visits linked to the elimination of entrance fees to all national parks this year certainly provides a clue to Canadians yearning to know their land better.

Put together, the national parks cover more than 300,000 square kilometres and constitute more than three per cent of our land mass. In other words, theres bound to be one less than a days drive away from most Canadians.

Ultimately, they are who we are.

From sea to sea to sea.

John Honderich is chair of the board of Torstar Corporation.

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What does a woman with thousands of years of Yellowknife Dene Nation identity have in common with an aging white guy whose decades-old journey to truly understand Indigenous issues still comes up short?

We both find the fervour over the 150th celebrations of Canadas founding lacking in sensitivity to what took place before and after confederation. Make no mistake, there is much to celebrate regarding Canadas birth and first century and half of progress. But context is critical.

The use of Canadas birthday to brand government and private goods and services is ubiquitous. The Canadian project is a noble and promising one, but one seriously stalled by deeply grave lapses in moral purpose. Post-confederation setbacks are numerous and include the Chinese head tax and railroad building exploitation. The internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War was another blow to Canadas efforts to become a more authentic beacon of fairness for the world to behold.

But the biggest obstacle to Canadas progress as a nation remains the treatment of Indigenous peoples, who were here well before July 1,1867. The recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report provides 94 Calls to Action that strongly encourage Canadians to honestly come to grips with a past defined by the devastating consequences of taking Indigenous children from their families to assimilate them into the Canadian way.

The TRC noted that dealing directly and genuinely with Canadas cultural genocide is necessary if we are to move forward together in respectful harmony, finally rid of this historical blight on Canadas journey to date. It seems to us that too many are moving to versions of reconciliation before dealing with the truths of the past.

Sure, the TRCs engaging process has moved public opinion a bit forward; increasingly, educational institutions are Indigenizing their curriculum to enhance deeper respect for Indigenous knowledges.

Many Canadian students and the population at large are now learning for the first time about what Canada brought upon Indigenous peoples beginning with permission to do horrific things as a result of Canadas Indian Act of 1876, just nine years after the date Canadians are about to celebrate. More are aware that this piece of legislation eliminated what was left of First Nations self-government that made them wards of the newly minted Canada. This in turn begat the beginning of residential schools in the 1870s.

But there is much more to do to ensure the TRC doesnt fade away into a checklist of false starts.

Why is it that Canada Day and Fete Nationale in Quebec are statutory holidays and National Aboriginal Day isnt? The recent name change doesnt cut it. Shamefully, not only have the Feds failed to respond to the Human Rights Tribunal decision requiring equitable child welfare funding for First Nations children, they just filed a court application to quash the tribunals decision. Justice delayed, justice denied.

And why are teenagers from Northern Ontario reserves seeking a high school education in Thunder Bay, winding up literally, dead in the water?

And what about the absence of potable water on far too many reserves?

Simply put, the underbelly of racism remains too widely prevalent. TRC co-chair, now Senator Murray Sinclair, has often stated that each public or private organization or individual should take on one of the 94 Calls to Action; move something along that takes us all to a better place.

Our hope is that more and more Canadians, especially those in positions of power, connect the big birthday bash with the TRCs vision for a better Canada. What better way to celebrate a more promising Canadian future than to brand sesquicentennial events with the TRCs Calls to Action?

We would have more to celebrate if we all honour both the best Canada has been while ensuring its worst moments are truthfully understood so genuine reconciliation catapults Canada to a place that a troubled world needs more than ever.

Suzanne L. Stewart is a member of the Yellowknife Dene First Nation. She is director of Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health and associate professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto.

Charles E. Pascal is professor of applied psychology and human development at OISE-University of Toronto and a former Ontario deputy minister.

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I will celebrate Canada Day on Saturday.

I will celebrate it although our history of nation-building includes the usual mixture of bad-faith dealing, intolerance and greed.

I will celebrate it even if some of my compatriots among the countrys Indigenous peoples do not.

On Wednesday, a group of Indigenous protestors began what they called a reoccupation of Parliament Hill in order to make the point that Canada has not worked for them.

I understand and respect their view. But I will celebrate anyway.

I will celebrate the delightfully prosaic nature of a federation that in large part was created for the practical business purpose of financing railways.

I will celebrate the paucity of jingoes in a country that, at times, seems embarrassed about showing its patriotism.

I will celebrate Canada because this is my place.

I have no other. I choose no other.

That this year marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation is of secondary importance. The melding of four British colonies into one self-governing Dominion in 1867 was a key event in the development of the country we now call Canada. But there were others.

We could date our beginning from the time, centuries ago, when the first humans crossed the Bering Strait into North America.

Or we could date it from 1775, when French Quebecers refused to rise up against the British and join an American Revolution that was reconfiguring the continent.

Or perhaps from 1812 when Indigenous warriors under Tecumseh joined forces with British-led troops to attack American invaders.

Or perhaps from the peace treaty that ended that War of 1812 yet granted nothing to Indigenous peoples for these efforts  one of many betrayals.

We have long been a work in progress. We didnt win the right to conduct an independent foreign policy until 1931. Our highest court of appeal rested in Britain until 1949. Our Constitution was not patriated until 1982.

At times, we have resisted becoming a country. New Brunswick was dragged kicking and screaming into Confederation in 1867. So was Newfoundland in 1949. Quebec has come close to leaving twice.

The Metis of what is now Manitoba were one of the few peoples who petitioned (successfully) to join Canada. They were rewarded by being fleeced of their land.

By modern standards, Canada has not always acted in an enlightened fashion. It locked up Ukrainian-Canadians without trial during the First World War and did the same to alleged foreign Reds in the years following.

During the Second World War, it incarcerated Japanese-Canadians purely on the basis of race.

Far too often its treatment of Indigenous peoples has been shameful. But not always. In recent decades, the courts in particular have been mindful of Indigenous rights.

This is all part of our history. We have to recognize it and deal with it.

None of this means we have to give up on the country.

So I will celebrate Canada on Saturday. Being Canadian, I will probably do so quietly. I will remember the things we have done wrong in the past but also the things we have done right.

I will support the right of Indigenous people to protest on Parliament Hill  on land, incidentally, that is claimed by competing First Nations. I will wish them well and hope they reciprocate.

I am not surprised that some of these protestors say they do not feel Canadian. I understand why.

Maybe those feelings will change over time as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples become reconciled to one another.

But even if they dont, I will continue to celebrate this odd and diffident country. It is my home. It is my homeland.

Thomas Walkoms column appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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Its taken decades of dithering. But Queens Park is finally committing to cleaning up the mercury-polluted waters that have poisoned generations of people living on the Grassy Narrows and Whitedog First Nations.

It wont be cheap. It comes at a price tag of $85 million. Thats a far cry from the $2-$3 million it would have cost if the government had followed its own environment ministers advice to clean up the English-Wabigoon River system back in 1984 after the now-defunct Reed Paper dumped 10 tonnes of mercury into it from 1962 to 1970.

But it didnt. And since then, government after government has shamefully ignored the devastating effects of the mercury poisoning on the 1,500 residents of the two reserves.

In the end, it took a whistleblower, the persistence of First Nations leaders, shocking studies from top scientists, and an explosive series of stories on the contamination and its effects by the Stars Jayme Poisson and David Bruser to shame the government into action.

Now the province must do the right thing and make sure its commitment is not just an empty promise that can be overturned by a future government.

Understandably, after all his community has gone through, Grassy Narrows Chief Simon Fobister is nervous about that. And with voters headed to the polls on June 7, 2018, he has reason to worry.

Environment Minister Glen Murray is adamant the money is committed. And he says the joint governance of the fund by the province and Grassy Narrows and Whitedog First Nations makes it very hard for someone in the future to mess with. Still, Fobisters suggestion that the funds be put into a trust is a good one.

History has given his community reason to doubt the good will of future governments.

As Murray rightly pointed out, mercury dumping would never have been permitted in waters near Toronto. It just horrifies me that we actually allow these things to happen and it speaks to the systemic racism and the colonialism in our society, he said.

Nor has any previous government been willing to invest in cleaning up the river system no matter what information came to light  including a study that found 90 per cent of residents from the two reserves tested in 2014 had at least one symptom of mercury poisoning. Those can include loss of muscle co-ordination, slurred speech and tunnel vision.

I have never seen a case of such gross neglect, Murray admitted. I am embarrassed as a Canadian that this ever happened and I cant understand how people for 50 years sat in that environment office knowing this was going on as a minister and simply didnt do anything about it.

To be fair, up until May of last year, the Wynne government, too, argued the river system would clean itself up. Thankfully, it has finally changed its tune. Now it must make sure that its commitment can't be reversed.

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Afifa Charles has endured unspeakable grief since her 14-year-old daughter Shyanne was killed on Danzig St. during Torontos worst mass shooting almost five years ago.

But on Thursday her tears were of joy and pride as Charles prepared for her son Devante, the second of her four children and Shyannes younger brother, to walk across the stage as a high school graduate.

Im overwhelmed  everything he went through and hes graduating on time, she said. I want other kids to know it doesnt matter where you grew up, what youve faced in life. If you set your mind to it, it can be done, and he did it.

Graduation isnt just new to Devante, 17, one of 131 students to receive his diploma Thursday evening. The ceremony at Georges Vanier Secondary School is also the first one his mother has ever attended and a landmark event for several generations of their family.

I told him, you accomplished something I didnt, says Charles, who dropped out in Grade 10 when she was pregnant. Hes the first in our family to get his high school diploma on time and walk across the stage.

Devante listens quietly as his mother bristles with excitement. But he doesnt miss a beat.

I think that deserves a car, he says with a straight face.

But asked seriously about how he feels to be a graduate, he flashes a smile.

Super proud.

Teachers and a crew of 17 family members were eager to celebrate Devantes achievement in the wake of a tragedy that devastated a neighbourhood and dominated headlines in its aftermath.

Shyanne was one of two people killed and 22 wounded when shooters opened fire on each other at a community barbecue on July 16, 2012. Joshua Yasay, 23, also died at the scene. Afifa Charles was also at the barbecue but Devante and his two other siblings were not.

Shyannes smile glows from giant portraits in the family home, and thoughts of her loom large on momentous occasions like this one.

It was a lot of pressure and weight on the shoulders, Devante says. I just tried to do what she couldnt.

Charles says her daughter would have been thrilled. Shed be screaming louder than I will, she says.

It was a goal for him. He accomplished it for himself and especially for his sister.

Devante and his mom spoke to the Star in the North York townhouse where theyve lived since Shyannes death. Its the home Afifa Charles grew up in and the place she fled to immediately. Her father Tyrone Charles, living there at the time, has since moved into his own place.

Devante started Grade 8 that fall but transferred from his Scarborough school after two weeks because it was too far, and attended Woodbine Middle School where he stayed for Grade 8 and 9. He went to Vanier for high school.

His mother recalls being scared about how angry and withdrawn he seemed in those first few years.

I didnt want him to hate the world and stop living.

Her father and the rest of their big Trinidadian family were a huge source of support. So were the long talks between mother and son, she says.

I realized he was just like me, he kept everything in.

Devante remembers the first year of high school as a time of feeling gloomy and alone. Hed come home and hide out in his room listening to music.

I didnt even go outside on weekends.

Support through Boost Child and Youth Advocacy Centre made a difference, and so did attentive school staff like guidance counsellor Zenobia Omarali, who Devante says helped him discover subjects like aerospace, electronics and tech design that appealed to his abilities as a hands-on learner.

Ive always liked working with my hands and fixing things, says Devante. Realizing he could do that in school turned around his attitude.

Things started to change when I took the chip off my shoulder, he says.

His interest in mechanics, along with a five-month co-op placement in an auto centre this year, gave him a focus and pathway that makes a lot of sense to his mom.

Car was his first word, says Charles. Ever since he could talk hes been obsessed with cars.

In January, he plans to start the automotive technician course at Centennial College, with the help of an outside scholarship he received for victims of violence.

Im going to have tears in my eyes too when I see him walk across that stage, Omarali said before the ceremony.

Vince Furlin, who taught Devante three courses in the aeronautics and aviation program said he was one of his favourite students because he took responsibility for his work and used every opportunity to improve.

He gave an effort. Im very proud to see that he graduated. Its a really good day.

It turned into even a better day when Devante was presented with the Perseverance and Personal Achievement award at the ceremony.

Charles calls her son a role model and says she is very grateful to his amazing teachers who helped him and motivated him.

He could have been a statistic, mad at the world, hating everybody. Im so glad he didnt turn out that way.

By statistic, says Charles, she means one of the disproportionately high number of Black youth, especially boys, who dont graduate, including many of Devantes friends who he says ran out of gas and just stopped coming.

Instead, his mom points out he is setting an example for his sister Iyanna, who just graduated from Grade 6, his 9-year-old brother Isaiah and other kids facing difficult circumstances.

On graduation day, Devante had other things on his mind. Like going to the barber, getting his black dress shirt and pants ready and feeling kind of nervous.

Gliding across the stage discreetly was never going to be an option though, with a huge cast of relatives on hand bearing signs and a bash featuring his grandfathers home cooking afterwards.

When the excitement is over, Devante has a few things in mind for the summer. He hopes to find work at the auto centre where he completed his co-op. And given his passion for cars, he figures its about time to get his drivers permit too.

SHARE:
Shares of Dollar Tree (DLTR) - Get Free Report were up by more than 1% to $69.98 on Wednesday morning, following a bullish analyst note from Loop Capital.

The firm set a "buy" rating and a price target of $86 on the discount retail chain. That is an upgrade from the firm's previous "hold" rating and price target of $80.

The firm notes that the company's Family Dollar unit has been struggling lately, but it believes the company will be able to find a way to generate shareholder value from the business again.

Loop Capital sees either a turnaround for Family Dollar, or expects Dollar Tree to sell the business. Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar in 2015.

What's Hot On TheStreet

The stock market may be overvalued: Now may be the time to pay extra attention to red-hot tech stocks such as Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report and Facebook (FB) - Get Free Report . As TheStreet first reported Tuesday afternoon, asset valuations are somewhat "rich" by standard metrics, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said in London during a conversation about economic issues with British Academy President Lord Nicholas Stern. Yellen's comments on equity valuation and bank strength closely mirrored Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer's from an IMF event held earlier in the day.

The iPhone has changed how you make money: TheStreet's Scott Gamm is out with a piece that will really get you thinking. Apple's iPhone will turn 10 years old on Thursday. The device not only turned Apple into one of the world's most valuable companies, helping to boost its stock price more than 700%, it also changed the way we invest and trade stocks Gamm points out.

In fact, the original iPhone -- and the current versions -- have an internal stocks app, allowing users to check the broader market indexes and individual stock prices. Having this in your pocket was a big deal 10 years ago.

"I think it's actually made the life for a typical investor much easier," Angelo Zino, an analyst with CFRA Research, told TheStreet. "I think they've been able to tap news flows much quicker."

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Sky plc (SKYAY) soared in midday trading in London, after the U.K. Culture Secretary said she was 'minded' to refer for Twenty-First Century Fox Inc's (FOX) - Get Free Report proposed deal to buy the broadcaster to the regulator on public interest concerns.

Sky shares were up 2.72% to 925.50 pence at 12:13 BST, which is below Fox's offer of 1,075 pence a share.

U.K. Culture Secretary Karen Bradley, Thursday, June 29, said she would now seek further evidence on the deal, before making a decision on whether to refer the deal to the regulator. Parties, including Sky and Fox, have until July 14 to address the public interest concerns.

Bradley told the House of Commons that she was minded to submit proposed takeover to a further 24-week inquiry by the Competition and Markets Authority on the grounds of media plurality.

Bradley said that Fox could off undertakings in lieu to avoid reference to the CMS.

She stressed that these were not her final decision.

Bradley had asked Ofcom, the U.K.'s communication watchdog, and the Competition and Markets Authority to decided where the deal was in the public interest. She also tasked Ofcom with deciding whether Fox was a "fit and proper" owner.

Ofcom, however, concluded the company created by Fox and Sky would meet broadcasting standards and would not refer for a further inquiry.

Fox argued that it no longer holds any U.K. newspaper assets, after a 2013 restructure put them under the News Corp. umbrella, a separate company, where the majority of shareholders and board members are independent.

Ireland approved the merger this week and the European Commission on April 7 gave unconditional approval for the merger after concluding it would not raise competition concerns in Europe.

The decision was delayed in April, after U.K. Prime Minister called a snap election for June 8.

The New York-based company made a play for Sky in December when it sought to acquire the 61% of the company that it does not already own.

Fox's offer is for 1,075 pence per share, which represents a 40% premium to the pre-offer price, and has been recommended to investors by the Sky board.

The deal give's Murdoch control over one of the most powerful pay-TV distribution platforms in Europe.
Alibaba (BABA) - Get Free Report always claims that it's not China's version of Amazon.com (AMZN) - Get Free Report , but the Chinese e-commerce giant is making the comparison hard to miss with the reported pending release of a Chinese-language home device to rival the Amazon Echo.

The device would only speak and understand Mandarin and would be for sale in China only, The Information reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The device has been kept under wraps but could come out as soon as next week, according to the unnamed sources.

"I have said for a while that Alibaba is trying to follow Amazon's model," Tigress Financial Partners CIO Ivan Feinseth said about the device.

Alibaba declined to comment on the report.

While both companies are considered the dominant e-commerce platforms in their respective countries, Alibaba CEO Jack Ma has said that Amazon is more like an empire because it wants to control everything themselves, whereas Alibaba is more like an ecosystem that empowers small businesses. "Our philosophy is, using internet technology we can make every company become Amazon," Ma said at the World Economic Forum in January.

Despite the different business models, Alibaba is keeping up with Amazon, Maybank Kim Eng head of Asia Internet and telecom equity research Mitchell Kim said. This device shows that Alibaba is serious about integrating AI into its platform, he noted. "We are beginning to see some of Alibaba's R&D," he said. "Hard to see how anyone could overtake BABA."

The Amazon Echo came out in 2014, but it's taken rivals time to come out with competing devices.

The other major smart speaker competitors come from two other big U.S. tech names: Google Home from Alphabet's (GOOGL) - Get Free Report Google unit, and the recently announced HomePod from Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report . The Amazon Echo led the way with its launch in 2014; Google Home followed in 2016 and the HomePod is scheduled to arrive later in 2017.

These home devices aren't so much about the actual hardware as they are about giving customers access to software that encourages e-commerce activity and connectivity for The Internet of Things (IOT), Feinseth pointed out. These companies want to surround their consumers and create greater brand loyalty.

Alibaba and Amazon are also both trying to disrupt the supermarket industries in their respective home markets with the use of big data to figure out how to better stock stores, and through their massive distribution networks that allow for quick and convenient home delivery.

But even as Alibaba is getting serious about connecting with business partners in the U.S. with its conference for small businesses and farmers held in Detroit this month, the company's executives are maintaining that Amazon is not a direct competitor. Alibaba President Michael Evans told TheStreet this month that Alibaba is focused on Asian and developing markets, while Amazon is focused on Europe and the U.S.

"We're very different," Evans claimed. "I think people compare us to Amazon sometimes because they don't actually understand what we do."

Alibaba's stock was up 0.4% early Friday afternoon to $141.37 per share. Shares of Alibaba are up almost 60% year-to-date. Barclay's analyst Gregory Zhao said this week that his sum of the parts (SOTP) analysis values shares of Alibaba at $200 per share.

Apple and Alphabet are holdings in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL or GOOGL? Learn more now.
NuStar Energy LP (NS) - Get Free Report won approval from the U.S. State Department for construction and operation of three pipelines crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

The San Antonio-based energy company received two permits to continue operation at existing pipelines and one permit to build a new pipeline called New Burgos. The New Burgos pipeline will deliver 108,000 bpd of refined petroleum products and cross the border near Penitas, TX.

The State Department said the pipeline will support the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Mexico. Approval for the pipeline comes as President Trump promotes a policy of U.S. "energy dominance."

NuStar shares closed up in Thursday trading.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Get ready Tesla fanboys: Tesla Inc. (TSLA) - Get Free Report CEO Elon Musk said Friday there would be "news on Sunday" about the company's much anticipated Model 3. While that's all fine and good, what Musk won't tell people is how his electric car company may be speeding toward a monopoly.

Tesla's master plan may hold the key for saving the future of the auto industry, a Moody's Analystics researcher told TheStreet.

With the advance of self-driving vehicles, Tony Hughes, managing director at Moody's Analytics, argued it is not the cars themselves that could lead to the decline in the automotive industry but ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. The plan CEO Elon Musk has laid out to create a fleet of self-driving Tesla vehicles for ride-sharing purposes could be the way to save automakers from a demise.

A VIP gives his market outlook: Nobel Prize winning-economist Robert Shiller told TheStreet's Anders Keitz that U.S. equities markets are "quite high" currently but may go even higher in coming months, and that's why he's not exiting the market completely. Indeed there's another thing that could have an unpredictable effect on the market Shiller explains: The narrative around Donald Trump.

"Short-run forecasting of the market is very hard," said Shiller. "I think it's a time for caution, but it could go up substantially."

Apple iPhone 8 pictures leak: Apple's (AAPL) - Get Free Report iPhone 8 looks kind of cool. That is if yet another photo leak is to be believed. Noted Apple information leaker Benjamin Geskin tweeted photos of an alleged iPhone 8 finished prototype on Thursday evening (head here to see). Suffice it to say, Apple is gearing up for the mother of all product launches. And consumers look ready to respond.

About 92% of iPhone owners say they are "somewhat likely or "extremely likely" to upgrade their smartphone in the next 12 months, according to a note from Morgan Stanley. The loyalty rate is up sharply from 86% one year ago.

Nike managed to excite Wall Street: After a major restructuring announcement, Nike (NKE) - Get Free Report was able to boost Wall Street's views on the company's prospects. On an earnings call Thursday evening, Mark Parker, Nike CEO and board chairman, said its pricey new Air VaporMax sneakers drove sales in the quarter and that there will be new styles coming to the brand sometime this summer. There are also "a few more surprises along the way," Parker said.

As TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhouse reports, Nike also confirmed that it teamed up with Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report to sell certain products on the e-commerce conglomerate's site. The company is also selling directly to consumers via Instagram.

Appleis aholding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio.Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now.
After testing in Miami and Istanbul, Uber Technologies Inc launched its UberBOAT speedboat service connecting major tourist spots along the Adriatic coast in Croatia Friday, Reuters reported.

The service offers speedboat-hailing, much like Uber's well-known ride-hailing, for groups of up to 12 via the Uber app in Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar. The price of moving eight people to Hvar from Split is about $400.

"UberBOAT offers two different services - transfer between the mainland and the island or speedboat rent for half-day or whole-day trips," Uber said in a statement. Users can make their own itinerary or opt into scheduled events at popular tourist destinations.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Get ready Tesla fanboys: Tesla Inc. (TSLA) - Get Free Report CEO Elon Musk said Friday there would be "news on Sunday" about the company's much anticipated Model 3. While that's all fine and good, what Musk won't tell people is how his electric car company may be speeding toward a monopoly.

Tesla's master plan may hold the key for saving the future of the auto industry, a Moody's Analystics researcher told TheStreet.

With the advance of self-driving vehicles, Tony Hughes, managing director at Moody's Analytics, argued it is not the cars themselves that could lead to the decline in the automotive industry but ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. The plan CEO Elon Musk has laid out to create a fleet of self-driving Tesla vehicles for ride-sharing purposes could be the way to save automakers from a demise.

A VIP gives his market outlook: Nobel Prize winning-economist Robert Shiller told TheStreet's Anders Keitz that U.S. equities markets are "quite high" currently but may go even higher in coming months, and that's why he's not exiting the market completely. Indeed there's another thing that could have an unpredictable effect on the market Shiller explains: The narrative around Donald Trump.

"Short-run forecasting of the market is very hard," said Shiller. "I think it's a time for caution, but it could go up substantially."

Apple iPhone 8 pictures leak: Apple's (AAPL) - Get Free Report iPhone 8 looks kind of cool. That is if yet another photo leak is to be believed. Noted Apple information leaker Benjamin Geskin tweeted photos of an alleged iPhone 8 finished prototype on Thursday evening (head here to see). Suffice it to say, Apple is gearing up for the mother of all product launches. And consumers look ready to respond.

About 92% of iPhone owners say they are "somewhat likely or "extremely likely" to upgrade their smartphone in the next 12 months, according to a note from Morgan Stanley. The loyalty rate is up sharply from 86% one year ago.

Nike managed to excite Wall Street: After a major restructuring announcement, Nike (NKE) - Get Free Report was able to boost Wall Street's views on the company's prospects. On an earnings call Thursday evening, Mark Parker, Nike CEO and board chairman, said its pricey new Air VaporMax sneakers drove sales in the quarter and that there will be new styles coming to the brand sometime this summer. There are also "a few more surprises along the way," Parker said.

As TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhouse reports, Nike also confirmed that it teamed up with Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report to sell certain products on the e-commerce conglomerate's site. The company is also selling directly to consumers via Instagram.

Appleis aholding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio.Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now.
Hain Celestial Group Inc. (HAIN) - Get Free Report shares were up 8.9% to $38.95 in morning trading Friday after activist investment group Engaged Capital urged the consumer goods manufacturer to sell itself, the New York Post reported.

Engaged Capital recently revealed a 9.9% stake in the company. Engaged said that it has been in talks with the company and has submitted seven candidates for the company's board.

Last Week Hain filed a year's long backlog of financial statements after the company said that it needed to review how it recorded the timing of its revenues.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Get ready Tesla fanboys: Tesla Inc. (TSLA) - Get Free Report CEO Elon Musk said Friday there would be "news on Sunday" about the company's much anticipated Model 3. While that's all fine and good, what Musk won't tell people is how his electric car company may be speeding toward a monopoly.

Tesla's master plan may hold the key for saving the future of the auto industry, a Moody's Analystics researcher told TheStreet.

With the advance of self-driving vehicles, Tony Hughes, managing director at Moody's Analytics, argued it is not the cars themselves that could lead to the decline in the automotive industry but ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. The plan CEO Elon Musk has laid out to create a fleet of self-driving Tesla vehicles for ride-sharing purposes could be the way to save automakers from a demise.

A VIP gives his market outlook: Nobel Prize winning-economist Robert Shiller told TheStreet's Anders Keitz that U.S. equities markets are "quite high" currently but may go even higher in coming months, and that's why he's not exiting the market completely. Indeed there's another thing that could have an unpredictable effect on the market Shiller explains: The narrative around Donald Trump.

"Short-run forecasting of the market is very hard," said Shiller. "I think it's a time for caution, but it could go up substantially."

Apple iPhone 8 pictures leak: Apple's (AAPL) - Get Free Report iPhone 8 looks kind of cool. That is if yet another photo leak is to be believed. Noted Apple information leaker Benjamin Geskin tweeted photos of an alleged iPhone 8 finished prototype on Thursday evening (head here to see). Suffice it to say, Apple is gearing up for the mother of all product launches. And consumers look ready to respond.

About 92% of iPhone owners say they are "somewhat likely or "extremely likely" to upgrade their smartphone in the next 12 months, according to a note from Morgan Stanley. The loyalty rate is up sharply from 86% one year ago.

Nike managed to excite Wall Street: After a major restructuring announcement, Nike (NKE) - Get Free Report was able to boost Wall Street's views on the company's prospects. On an earnings call Thursday evening, Mark Parker, Nike CEO and board chairman, said its pricey new Air VaporMax sneakers drove sales in the quarter and that there will be new styles coming to the brand sometime this summer. There are also "a few more surprises along the way," Parker said.

As TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhouse reports, Nike also confirmed that it teamed up with Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report to sell certain products on the e-commerce conglomerate's site. The company is also selling directly to consumers via Instagram.

Appleis aholding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio.Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
President Donald Trump insisted on imposing tariffs on steel imports at a meeting with cabinet officials and Vice President Mike Pence in the White House this week, Axios reported.

While no decision has been made, the move could spark a trade war with China which is one of the largest steel exporters to the U.S., Axios reported, adding that Trump is strongly leaning towards imposing the tariff despite opposition by the majority of his cabinet.

Sources said that 22 of the 25 people in the room were opposed to imposing tariffs.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Get ready Tesla fanboys: Tesla Inc. (TSLA) - Get Free Report CEO Elon Musk said Friday there would be "news on Sunday" about the company's much anticipated Model 3. While that's all fine and good, what Musk won't tell people is how his electric car company may be speeding toward a monopoly.

Tesla's master plan may hold the key for saving the future of the auto industry, a Moody's Analystics researcher told TheStreet.

With the advance of self-driving vehicles, Tony Hughes, managing director at Moody's Analytics, argued it is not the cars themselves that could lead to the decline in the automotive industry but ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. The plan CEO Elon Musk has laid out to create a fleet of self-driving Tesla vehicles for ride-sharing purposes could be the way to save automakers from a demise.

A VIP gives his market outlook: Nobel Prize winning-economist Robert Shiller told TheStreet's Anders Keitz that U.S. equities markets are "quite high" currently but may go even higher in coming months, and that's why he's not exiting the market completely. Indeed there's another thing that could have an unpredictable effect on the market Shiller explains: The narrative around Donald Trump.

"Short-run forecasting of the market is very hard," said Shiller. "I think it's a time for caution, but it could go up substantially."

Apple iPhone 8 pictures leak: Apple's (AAPL) - Get Free Report iPhone 8 looks kind of cool. That is if yet another photo leak is to be believed. Noted Apple information leaker Benjamin Geskin tweeted photos of an alleged iPhone 8 finished prototype on Thursday evening (head here to see). Suffice it to say, Apple is gearing up for the mother of all product launches. And consumers look ready to respond.

About 92% of iPhone owners say they are "somewhat likely or "extremely likely" to upgrade their smartphone in the next 12 months, according to a note from Morgan Stanley. The loyalty rate is up sharply from 86% one year ago.

Nike managed to excite Wall Street: After a major restructuring announcement, Nike (NKE) - Get Free Report was able to boost Wall Street's views on the company's prospects. On an earnings call Thursday evening, Mark Parker, Nike CEO and board chairman, said its pricey new Air VaporMax sneakers drove sales in the quarter and that there will be new styles coming to the brand sometime this summer. There are also "a few more surprises along the way," Parker said.

As TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhouse reports, Nike also confirmed that it teamed up with Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report to sell certain products on the e-commerce conglomerate's site. The company is also selling directly to consumers via Instagram.

Appleis aholding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio.Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
Brazilian energy company Petrobras ADR (PBR) - Get Free Report reported normal operations in its business segments Friday amid a country-wide workers strike.

The company reported that activities at its deep sea platforms have not suffered disruptions, though there were disruptions at the company's refining facilities.

Unionized workers are striking across Brazil Friday in order to spur talks on labor reform. A bill on labor reform is headed to the country' Senate floor for a vote after receiving the necessary votes at the Constitution and Justice Commission on Thursday.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Get ready Tesla fanboys: Tesla Inc. (TSLA) - Get Free Report CEO Elon Musk said Friday there would be "news on Sunday" about the company's much anticipated Model 3. While that's all fine and good, what Musk won't tell people is how his electric car company may be speeding toward a monopoly.

Tesla's master plan may hold the key for saving the future of the auto industry, a Moody's Analystics researcher told TheStreet.

With the advance of self-driving vehicles, Tony Hughes, managing director at Moody's Analytics, argued it is not the cars themselves that could lead to the decline in the automotive industry but ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. The plan CEO Elon Musk has laid out to create a fleet of self-driving Tesla vehicles for ride-sharing purposes could be the way to save automakers from a demise.

A VIP gives his market outlook: Nobel Prize winning-economist Robert Shiller told TheStreet's Anders Keitz that U.S. equities markets are "quite high" currently but may go even higher in coming months, and that's why he's not exiting the market completely. Indeed there's another thing that could have an unpredictable effect on the market Shiller explains: The narrative around Donald Trump.

"Short-run forecasting of the market is very hard," said Shiller. "I think it's a time for caution, but it could go up substantially."

Apple iPhone 8 pictures leak: Apple's (AAPL) - Get Free Report iPhone 8 looks kind of cool. That is if yet another photo leak is to be believed. Noted Apple information leaker Benjamin Geskin tweeted photos of an alleged iPhone 8 finished prototype on Thursday evening (head here to see). Suffice it to say, Apple is gearing up for the mother of all product launches. And consumers look ready to respond.

About 92% of iPhone owners say they are "somewhat likely or "extremely likely" to upgrade their smartphone in the next 12 months, according to a note from Morgan Stanley. The loyalty rate is up sharply from 86% one year ago.

Nike managed to excite Wall Street: After a major restructuring announcement, Nike (NKE) - Get Free Report was able to boost Wall Street's views on the company's prospects. On an earnings call Thursday evening, Mark Parker, Nike CEO and board chairman, said its pricey new Air VaporMax sneakers drove sales in the quarter and that there will be new styles coming to the brand sometime this summer. There are also "a few more surprises along the way," Parker said.

As TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhouse reports, Nike also confirmed that it teamed up with Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report to sell certain products on the e-commerce conglomerate's site. The company is also selling directly to consumers via Instagram.

Appleis aholding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio.Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
HSBC Holdings PLC (HSBC) - Get Free Report won regulatory approval to operate a majority-owned joint-venture securities company based in China, the Wall Street Journal reported.

HSBC will join with state-owned financial company Qianhai Financial Holdings Co. Ltd to operate a new venture based in Shenzhen called HSBC Qianhai Securities Limited.

HSBC announced plans for the deal in November 2015. It is the first foreign bank to win approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission for a majority stake in a joint venture with a local brokerage firm. The deal is part of an arrangement between Hong Kong and the mainland to encourage trade and economic development.

The new securities company will conduct stock research, underwrite stocks and bonds, and advise on domestic and international deals starting by the end of the year.

HSBC shares were down in mid-afternoon trading.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Get ready Tesla fanboys: Tesla Inc. (TSLA) - Get Free Report CEO Elon Musk said Friday there would be "news on Sunday" about the company's much anticipated Model 3. While that's all fine and good, what Musk won't tell people is how his electric car company may be speeding toward a monopoly.

Tesla's master plan may hold the key for saving the future of the auto industry, a Moody's Analystics researcher told TheStreet.

With the advance of self-driving vehicles, Tony Hughes, managing director at Moody's Analytics, argued it is not the cars themselves that could lead to the decline in the automotive industry but ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. The plan CEO Elon Musk has laid out to create a fleet of self-driving Tesla vehicles for ride-sharing purposes could be the way to save automakers from a demise.

A VIP gives his market outlook: Nobel Prize winning-economist Robert Shiller told TheStreet's Anders Keitz that U.S. equities markets are "quite high" currently but may go even higher in coming months, and that's why he's not exiting the market completely. Indeed there's another thing that could have an unpredictable effect on the market Shiller explains: The narrative around Donald Trump.

"Short-run forecasting of the market is very hard," said Shiller. "I think it's a time for caution, but it could go up substantially."

Apple iPhone 8 pictures leak: Apple's (AAPL) - Get Free Report iPhone 8 looks kind of cool. That is if yet another photo leak is to be believed. Noted Apple information leaker Benjamin Geskin tweeted photos of an alleged iPhone 8 finished prototype on Thursday evening (head here to see). Suffice it to say, Apple is gearing up for the mother of all product launches. And consumers look ready to respond.

About 92% of iPhone owners say they are "somewhat likely or "extremely likely" to upgrade their smartphone in the next 12 months, according to a note from Morgan Stanley. The loyalty rate is up sharply from 86% one year ago.

Nike managed to excite Wall Street: After a major restructuring announcement, Nike (NKE) - Get Free Report was able to boost Wall Street's views on the company's prospects. On an earnings call Thursday evening, Mark Parker, Nike CEO and board chairman, said its pricey new Air VaporMax sneakers drove sales in the quarter and that there will be new styles coming to the brand sometime this summer. There are also "a few more surprises along the way," Parker said.

As TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhouse reports, Nike also confirmed that it teamed up with Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report to sell certain products on the e-commerce conglomerate's site. The company is also selling directly to consumers via Instagram.

Appleis aholding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio.Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now.
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter on Friday, June 30, sued Purdue Pharma, Allergan plc (AGN) - Get Free Report , Teva Pharmaceutical's (TEVA) - Get Free Report Cephalon and Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ) - Get Free Report Janssen Pharmaceuticals, alleging that they engaged in misleading marketing practices that fueled the state's opioid epidemic.

"These companies have waged a fraudulent, decade-long marketing campaign to profit from the anguish of thousands of Oklahomans," Hunter said in a news release. "These companies have made in excess of $10 billion a year, while our friends, family members, neighbors and loved ones have become addicts, gone to prison or died because of the opioid epidemic."

The lawsuit follows a suit filed by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine in May against Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions (ENDP) - Get Free Report , Janssen, Cephalon and Allergan, alleging that they contributed to the opioid crisis by misrepresenting the addictive nature of their painkillers.

John Puskar, a spokesman for privately held Purdue, said in an email on the heels of the Oklahoma lawsuit on Friday that while the company vigorously denies the allegations, "we share the attorney general's concerns about the opioid crisis and we are committed to working collaboratively to find solutions.

"OxyContin accounts for less than 2% 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 -- all important components for combating the opioid crisis."

Allergan spokesman Mark Marmur said in an e-mail that the company "has a history of supporting -- and continues to support -- the safe, responsible use of prescription medications." They include opioid medications, "which when sold, prescribed and used responsibly, play an appropriate role in pain relief for millions of Americans," Marmur said.

A source familiar with the company said that as part of Allergan's sale of its Actavis generic drug business to Teva last year, all generic opioid products that were made and marketed by Actavis were transferred to Teva, along with the liability for those products. The source added that although Allergan retained rights to two branded opioid-containing pain relievers, they have not been promoted by Allergan since 2012 and accounted for about 0.2% of Allergan's sales in 2016.

Meanwhile, Janssen spokesman William Foster said in emailed comments that while Janssen recognizes that opioid abuse is a serious public health matter that must be addressed, "we firmly believe Janssen has acted responsibly and in the best interests of patients and physicians with regard to these medicines, which are FDA-approved and carry FDA-mandated warnings about possible risks on every product label."

Foster added that Janssen is committed to providing healthcare professionals with complete and accurate information on how to prescribe its opioid medicines.

According to Janssen, it has not actively promoted opioid pain medications since 2015.

A Teva representative did not immediately return a request for comment.

Shares of Allergan closed at $244.04 on Friday, down 0.4%; Teva's American depository receipts closed at $33.22, up 1.2% and Johnson & Johnson shares finished the trading session at $132.29, down 0.3%.

Jim Cramer and the AAP team share their thoughts on Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.'s (WBA) - Get Free Report deal to buy 2,186 Rite Aid Corp. (RAD) - Get Free Report stores. Find out what they are telling their investment club members. Get a free trial subscription to Action Alerts PLUS.



Meanwhile, over on Real Money, Jonathan Heller writes that Monomoy Capital Partners, which is buying West Marine Inc. (WMAR) for $12.97 per share in a deal announced June 29, "is getting a heck of a bargain at that price."
Suncor Energy Inc. operates as an integrated energy company. The company primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands; explores, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines, and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; markets petroleum and petrochemical products under the Petro-Canada name primarily in Canada. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Corporate and Eliminations segments. The Oil Sands segment recovers bitumen from mining and in situ operations, and upgrades it into refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blends the bitumen with diluent for direct sale to market. The Exploration and Production segment is involved in offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea; and operating onshore assets in Libya and Syria. The Refining and Marketing segment refines crude oil and intermediate feedstock into various petroleum and petrochemical products; and markets refined petroleum products to retail, commercial, and industrial customers through its other retail sellers. The Corporate and Eliminations segment operates four wind farms in Ontario and Western Canada. The company also markets and trades in crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power. The company was formerly known as Suncor Inc. and changed its name to Suncor Energy Inc. in April 1997. Suncor Energy Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft engages in the development and production of systems and components for the food processing industry worldwide. The company operates through five divisions: Separation & Flow Technologies, Liquid & Power Technologies, Food & Health Technologies, Farm Technologies, and Heating & Refrigeration Technologies. It provides separators, decanters, homogenizers, valves, and pumps; and process solutions for the dairy, food, beverage, chemical, and other industries. The company also offers solutions for food processing and pharmaceutical industries, which includes preparation, marinating, and processing of meat, poultry, seafood, vegan products, pasta production, baking, slicing, packaging, and confectionary, as well as frozen food processing; and granulation systems and tablet presses. In addition, it provides integrated customer solutions for milk production and livestock farming, such as automatic milking, feeding systems, conventional milking solutions, manure handling, and digital herd management tools; and sustainable energy solutions for an array of industries including food, beverage, dairy, and oil and gas in the field of industrial refrigeration and temperature control. The company was formerly known as mg technologies ag and changed its name to GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft in 2005. GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1881 and is headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany.
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides government-sponsored managed care services. The company operates in three segments: Medicaid Health Plans, Medicare Health Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs). The Medicaid Health Plans segment offers plans for beneficiaries of temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental security income, and aged blind and disabled residents; and other state-based programs, such as children's health insurance programs and long-term services and supports programs for qualifying families who are not eligible for Medicaid. The Medicare Health Plans segment provides Medicare, a federal program that provides eligible persons aged 65 and over, as well as some disabled persons with a range of hospital, medical, and prescription drug benefits; Medicare Advantage, a Medicare's managed care alternative to the original Medicare program, which offers individuals standard Medicare benefits directly through Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and coordinated care plans that are administered through health maintenance organizations and require members to seek health care services and select a primary care physician from a network of health care providers. The Medicare PDPs segment provides Medicare part D PDP plans to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. Its PDP plans offer national in-network prescription drug coverage, including a preferred pharmacy network. As of December 31, 2018, the company served approximately 5.5 million members in the United States. WellCare Health Plans, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
We're seeing some of the best tech deals of the year this month. With back to school season right around the corner, retailers are ramping up the number of tech deals they're offering.

That means we're seeing aggressive laptop deals, Chromebook deals, gaming deals and more. So if you're looking for the best tech deals online and in stores, you've come to the right place. We're hand-picking the best tech deals you can get today.

Amazon Hardware

(opens in new tab) Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen: was $49 now $29 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

The Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen is our all-time top-rated smart speaker. For a limited time, save $20 on this Alexa-enabled smart speaker.

(opens in new tab) Echo Dot w/ Clock: was $59 now $39 @Amazon (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)Amazon's Echo Dot with Clock is a revamped 3rd-gen Echo Dot now with a built-in LED display. The Echo Dot with Clock can show time, temperature or a timer.

(opens in new tab) Amazon Echo Show 5: was $89 now $49 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

The Echo Show 5 is a good smart display at its discounted price. The 5.5-inch screen is perfect for checking the weather, managing to-do lists, or video calls.

(opens in new tab) Amazon Echo Show 8: was $129 now $79 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

The Echo Show 8 features an 8-inch display and a camera shutter that blocks its lens when it's not in use.

(opens in new tab) Fire HD 8 Tablet: was $79 now $59 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)The Fire HD 8 is Amazon's best overall tablet. It offers good battery life, solid performance, and access to Amazon's Alexa assistant.

Top Tech

(opens in new tab) MacBook Air 13" 2020: was $999 now $949 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

The new MacBook Air features a (2560 x 1600) 13.3-inch Retina display, a Backlit Magic Keyboard, Touch ID, a 10th Gen Core i3 CPU and Intel Iris Plus graphics. Save $50 on this latest Apple laptop.

(opens in new tab) Apple iPad Pro 11" 2020: was $899 now $849 @ B&H Photo (opens in new tab)

If you've been wanting to get your hands on Apple's new iPad Pro, B&H is taking $50 off. It packs a 11"Liquid Retina (2732 x 1668) multi-touch display, Apple's new A12Z CPU and 256GB of storage.

(opens in new tab) MacBook Pro 13.3" 2019: was $1,499 now $1,349 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

Arguably the best Apple laptop for most users, the MacBook Pro gives you loads of power in a super-portable chassis. This model has two Thunderbolt 3 ports and 256GB of storage.

(opens in new tab) AirPods 2 with Charging Case: was $159 now $139 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)You can get the 2nd-gen AirPods with a standard charging case for $139 at B&H. These earbuds buds are comfortable, deliver good sound, and have twice the talk time of the 1st-Gen AirPods.

(opens in new tab) Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones: was $299 now $189 @ Newegg (opens in new tab)

Beats Solo3 wireless headphones give you booming sound and 40 hours of battery life. Get these stylish, bass-heavy 'phones for $110, which is one of the best discounts we've ever seen on these Beats 'phones.

(opens in new tab) Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Headphones: was $349 now $242 @ Newegg (opens in new tab)

At $110 off, the Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones are priced to move. They offer signature Sony sound, industry leading noise-cancellation, and 30 hours of battery life.



(opens in new tab) Bose QC 35 II Wireless: was $349 now $249 @ eBay (opens in new tab)

We gave the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones the Editor's Choice award for its above average sound and superior noise-cancellation. For a limited time, you can snag the international version for $249 at eBay.

(opens in new tab) Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds: was $229 now $177 @ Newegg

(opens in new tab)The Sony WF-1000XM3 are a wireless triumph. They offer stellar sonics, impressive noise cancellation, and a plethora of features like built-in Alexa for easy voice access to music, news, and more. They're currently at their lowest price ever.

Smartwatches

(opens in new tab) Apple Watch 5 (GPS/44mm): was $399 now $384 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

The new Apple Watch Series 5 features an always-on display that dims itself when not in direct view. It also has a built-in compass and faster S5 processor.

(opens in new tab) Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: was $299 now $229 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is far better than than any other Android smartwatch and a worthy Apple Watch rival. For a limited time, you can score one for $70 off at B&H.

Unlocked Phones

(opens in new tab) Galaxy S10 Plus: was $999 now $629 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

The powerful Galaxy S10 Plus is now $370 off at B&H. It's still worth buying though the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus and Galaxy S20 Ultra are on the way.

(opens in new tab) Google Pixel 4 XL: was $899 now $659 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

Google's Pixel 4 offers one of the best smartphone cameras ever in a compact design along with swift performance and Android 10 software. And you can get it now on the cheap.

Cameras

(opens in new tab) Canon EOS Rebel T7i Camera: was $899 now $799 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

With its 24.2-megapixel CMOS (APS C) sensor and EF S 1855mm f/456 IS STM Zoom Lens, the EOS Rebel T7i is a solid choice for beginner and professional photographers.



(opens in new tab) Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera w/ 15-45mm Lens Video Creator Kit: was $749 now $649 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

This Camera bundle includes: a Canon EOS M50 mirrorless camera body, a Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens, a Rode VideoMic GO On-camera microphone and a 32GB SDHC memory card.

(opens in new tab) Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Mirrorless Camera: was $799 now $497 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

This 4K mirrorless camera lets you capture and record professional grade high resolution images and videos. Amazon currently has this interchangeable lens camera on sale for $300 below its regular price.



(opens in new tab) Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Mirrorless Camera: was $799 now $499 @ B&H (opens in new tab)

This 4K mirrorless camera features a versatile Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III with 14-42mm lens, a 5 axis image stabilization, a 16MP Live MOS sensor and a TruePic VIII image processor.



Games & Consoles

(opens in new tab) NBA 2K20: was $59 now $26 @ GameStop (opens in new tab)

NBA 2K20's enhanced MyCareer mode packs a star-studded cast including Idris Elba, Rosario Dawson. And for the first time, all 12 WNBA teams and over 140 players are in the game and ready to run in Play Now and Season modes.

(opens in new tab) God of War: was $29 now $14 @ GameStop (opens in new tab)

Sony's breathtaking God of War reboot is one of the best PlayStation games ever made. For a limited time, GameStop has it on sale for $14.

(opens in new tab) NBA 2K20: was $59 now $29 @ GameStop (opens in new tab)

NBA 2K20's enhanced MyCareer mode packs a star-studded cast including Idris Elba, Rosario Dawson. And for the first time, all 12 WNBA teams and over 140 players are in the game and ready to run in Play Now and Season modes. eBay offers the same price (opens in new tab).

(opens in new tab) Red Dead Redemption 2: was $59 now $29 @ GameStop (opens in new tab)

Red Dead Redemption 2 (opens in new tab) is this sequel to the wildly popular first person game. It's a must have for your game library. Get it now for $30 cheaper than its regular price.

(opens in new tab) Animal Crossing: New Horizons: for $59 @ eBay (opens in new tab)

Animal Crossing is about building furniture, collecting trinkets, reshaping landscapes and making friends. And it's cute!

(opens in new tab) Mortal Kombat 11: was $59 now $24 @ Newegg (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)MK11 is the biggest, bloodiest, and best Mortal Kombat yet. This latest installment of the series features an overhauled fighting engine and an immersive story mode. Get it now for $35 off at Newegg.
Gulf International Bank (GIB), a leading bank in the Middle East region, said it has been granted a conventional retail banking licence by the Central Bank of Bahrain.



Bahrain-based GIB is owned by the governments of the six GCC countries, with Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund being the principal shareholder of 97.2 per cent. In addition to the GCC operations, it has branches in the US and the UK.



The licence is an important milestone for GIB as it will help boost the banks presence in the kingdom and pave the way for further expansion across the GCC, said a statement from the bank.



Lauding the Bahraini authorities for the support, chairman Jammaz bin Abdullah Al Suhaimi said GIB had been a major contributor to the kingdom's financial services sector over the last 40 years. He also highlighted the banks' continued commitment to diversify and further strengthen its operations in Bahrain and the region.



GIB initially launched its retail banking products and services under the brand name Meem, in Saudi Arabia in 2015, it said.



Meem is aimed at modernising retail banking in the region combining online and mobile banking with ultramodern physical store locations; it offers convenience, freedom of choice, and exceptional value for money, said the statement.



Meem customers can open accounts online in minutes, and conduct day-to-day transactions through its online e-banking channel, supported by a wide range of communication channels, including telephone, mobile devices, e-mail, web chat and social media, said a statement.



Khalid Al Rumaihi, chief executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: We are delighted that GIB has been granted a retail banking licence for Meem in Bahrain.



The FinTech industry has the potential to greatly influence how consumers and companies engage, and can positively disrupt economies in a way that allows for even further growth. However, in order to truly realise the potential, Bahrain has to have the right ecosystem in place, he noted.



The launch of the service Meem by GIB demonstrates the kingdoms willingness to embrace this disruption and we look forward to seeing more banks grow their FinTech activities, he added.



GIB's chief executive Abdulaziz Al Helaissi said: "We are very pleased with this new venture. Meem in Bahrain will be the first digital bank in the region.



The favourable regulatory environment in Bahrain facilitates the establishment of digital banking platforms. We intend to launch Meem services and products in the kingdom in 2018 and we are confident that Meem will play an important role in the development of the FinTech ecosystem in Bahrain and the region, he added.- TradeArabia News Service
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President Trump will unleash America's "vast energy wealth." Just watch.

Smokestacks used to be symbols of prosperity and industrial might. Back in the Reagan era the New York Times wrote about The Twilight of Smokestack America and its decline. In 1983 Peter Kilborn wrote:

For two decades now, more awesome, glacier-like forces have been at work in the American economy, rolling across the nation's industrial landscape, burying neighborhoods, factories and the once-secure skills of millions of American workers. [Robert Reich described how the] deindustrialization of America, the United States economy, which to generations of Americans seemed invincibly secure and ever more prosperous, has undergone an irrevocable change. The emblems of its wealth -- the heaving smokestacks of giant industries, the calloused hands of its armies of factory workers -- have given way to new emblems of stagnation and decline, the cadavers of urban factories and the lines of the permanently unemployed.

That was so 34 years ago, and Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton, Bush 2, and Obama couldnt fix it. But Trump, alone, can; he is firing up the smokestacks again. According to Bloomberg, Trump has vowed to unleash the vast energy wealth of the USA, and will return the nation to energy dominance.

 Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images

"We are now on the cusp of a true energy revolution," Trump told a crowd of executives, lobbyists and laborers at the Energy Department on Thursday. "We are a top producer of petroleum and the No. 1 producer of natural gas. We have so much more than we ever thought possible. We are really in the drivers seat." Trump is celebrating growing U.S. energy exports he says are leading to "millions and millions of jobs" and acting as a force for peace around the world.

And coal? If you cant burn enough coal in America, remove restrictions on exports.

The Donets Basin in Ukraine is the beating heart of the Soviet Union/Public Domain

America is even exporting coal to Ukraine, which is literally like shipping coal to Newcastle; Ukraine has 10 billion tonnes of the stuff in the Donets field that used to be the beating heart of the entire USSR. Rick Perry says coal exports to Ukraine "will have more to do with keeping our allies free and building their confidence in us than anything Ive seen. VP Mike Pence is thrilled, saying "Coal miners are actually going back to work, and the War on Coal is over.

Its easy; just get rid of environmental regulations, pull out of the Paris agreement, sell oil and gas rights in the Arctic and Pacific, drill and frack everywhere. Life is wonderful if you ignore climate change, water pollution, air quality and every other environmental restriction since the days of Teddy Roosevelt.

The heaving smokestacks of giant industries, the calloused hands of its armies of factory workers will all be back; just watch.
Kenyan Newspapers Review: Njuguna Ndung'u Hints Gov't Will Introduce More Taxes to Fund Ruto's Manifesto

Kenyans who are already grappling with the high cost of living will pay more taxes to fund the next budget. CS Njuguna Ndung'u wants more revenue collected.
- Laikipia county has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Senator

- Senator GG Kariuki died Friday June 30 at a Nairobi hospital where he had been admitted following an illness

- The Senator who had declared he would not seek reelection has been missing from public functions for some time before his demise

- He was the only surviving MP in Kenya to have served in the first Parliament having been elected in 1963 at the age of 23

- GG Kariuki was the oldest Senator in the current Parliament

Laikipia Senator Godffrey Gitahi Kariuk popularly known as GG Kariuki has died at a Nairobi hospital following an illness.

The long time serving politician died aged 79 just two years after he graduated with a PhD in International Relations from the University of Nairobi.

Kariuki was elected to Parliament in 1963 and served for 20 straight years before losing the seat in the 1983 snap elections.

READ ALSO: Babu Owino speaks about poisoning his opponent who collapsed at a rally

Senator GG Kariuki. Image: Citizen TV.

READ ALSO: Top ODM governor graduates amid heightened academic fraud among politicians

He was then nominated to Parliament in 1993 serving up to 1997 when he lost the seat but recaptured it in 2002.

He was then elected senator in the March 2013 election.

The veteran politician was a long time serving MP for Lakipia West constituency and was the only surviving MP in Kenya to have served in the first Parliament before his demise on Friday June 30.

READ ALSO: Two constituencies in Kenya where no MP has ever been re-elected since 1992

He also held several ministerial posts in both the Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi's governments.

The late Senator was born in December 1938 at Lariak Estate in Lakipia and was fluent in several local languages including Gikuyu and Maa among others.

This is the only way Uhuru Kenyatta will win the August 8 elections.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
- Nyamira county became a battle zone on Friday, June 30 after IDPs engaged police in running battles

- One IDP was shot in the incident'

- They were demonstrating in frustration of the KSh 470 million that was allocated to them as a compensation package

1 person was shot and several others injured as Internally displaced Persons in Nyamira county engaged in violent protests.

Reports reaching TUKO.co.ke indicate that the IDPs were protesting against delayed compensation by the Jubilee government.

Protests turned violent as police attempted to disperse the irate residents, and one of the IDPs was shot.

Nyamira South Police boss Riko Ngare was among two police chiefs who were injured in the mayhem.

READ ALSO: Aspirant writes to police over Alfred Mutua's plot to burn govt buildings

Uhuru Kenyatta, on June 7, toured Nyamira county with a hefty compensation package for the IDPS., with residents being allocated KSh 470 million.

READ ALSO: Bitter rivalry in Busia hots up after Otuoma's uncle backs Ojaamong

The money is however yet to be disbursed to the IDPs.

More to follow...

Have anything to add to this article or suggestions? Share with us on news@tuko.co.ke

Watch an analytical view on how Uhuru can beat Raila Odinga:

Source: TUKO.co.ke
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.
Prominent businessman, Gregory Laing, was freed this afternoon after being kidnapped early this morning.

Details of his release are still limited at this time, but police confirmed his release.

+2 Gregory Laing, owner of Puff n' Stuff kidnapped The owner of Puff n Stuff bakery was kidnapped outside his business, and a ransom is being demanded for his return.

According to reports, Laing's kidnappers demanded two million dollars for his safety, but as far as TV6 is aware, only part of the money was paid.

Officers of the Anti Kidnapping Unit and other arms of the Trinidad and Tobago, combed various areas of the Port of Spain district in search of Laing, but the location of his release has not been disclosed.
President of the United States Donald Trump is ready to sell "millions and millions of tons of coal" to Ukraine.

Trump announced his plans to export coal to Ukraine. "Ukraine already tells us they need millions and millions of metric tons (of coal)," Trump said at an event at the Department of Energy, Reuters reports.

"Right now, there are many other places that need it too and we want to sell it to them and to everyone else all over the globe who need it," he added.

The US President also announced the "golden age" of the country's energy business and announced his intention to increase the exports of natural gas, oil and coal to the markets of Eastern Europe and Asia.

"We will export American energy all around the world," Trump said.

Trump plans to promote U.S. LNG exports at a meeting next week in Warsaw with a dozen leaders from central and eastern Europe, a region heavily reliant on Russian supplies.

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On 28 June 2017, EU ambassadors endorsed the agreement reached between the Presidency and the European Parliament on temporary autonomous trade measures in favour of Ukraine, according to the official website of the EU Council.

Yesterday [June 28], the EU Council approved an agreement with the European Parliament on temporary additional trade preferences for the import of our agrarian and food products to the EU. This is economic and political support for our country, as well as a positive result of our joint work with European colleagues, representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We are very grateful to the European side for their support and hope for further active cooperation in this direction, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine for European Integration Olga Trofimtseva commented on the approved agreement.

The official decision will be posted on the website of the European Parliament and will come into effect in autumn 2017.

Additional annual import quotas are set at zero tariff for the following agricultural products ('tariff rate quotas' at 0%): natural honey  2,500 tonnes; Processed tomatoes  3,000 tonnes, grape juice - 500 tonnes, oats  4,000 tonnes, wheat  65,000 tonnes, maize  625,000 tonnes, barley  325,000 tonnes, groats and pellets of certain cereals  7,800 tonnes

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In 2016-2017, the imports from China have accounted for about 12% of total imports to Ukraine.

This is reported by the press service of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine.

"According to the customs statistics, the imports from China in 2016-2017 have accounted for about 12% of total imports to Ukraine. For five months of 2017, 674,503 tons of goods of Chinese origin were imported to the customs territory of Ukraine with a total customs value of $1.982 billion," the report reads.

As noted, the experts of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine has recently met with the representatives of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ukraine and reached the agreement to intensify bilateral cooperation, create an effective mechanism for exchange of information and specific proposals for deepening cooperation between the customs authorities of Ukraine and China in order to give a new impetus to bilateral relations.

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More than 50% of Ukrainians do not support the initiative of introducing visa regime with the Russian Federation.

This is evidenced by the results of the nationwide poll conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Centre. The results were presented today by Director of the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, Iryna Bekeshkina, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The majority of the population of Ukraine  51%  does not support the possible introduction of visa regime with the Russian Federation; 33% of respondents support this decision, 16% are undecided," Bekeshkina said.

According to her, the negative attitude to the possible visa regime is reasoned by the fact that 51% of Ukrainians have relatives and friends who live in Russia.

The poll was conducted on June 9-13, 2017. 2,018 respondents were interviewed in all the regions of Ukraine, except for Crimea and the occupied territories in Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

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UNICEF/Romenzi

BAGHDAD, 29 June 2017  Thousands of children continue to be trapped in relentless violence in West Mosuls Old City neighborhoods as the fighting heavily intensified over the past hours.



Children are facing multiple threats to their lives. Those stranded in the fighting are hiding in their basements, fearful of the next onslaught. Those who try to flee, risk being shot or wounded. Hundreds of civilians have already been reported killed and used as human shields.



Boys and girls who have managed to escape show signs of moderate malnutrition and carry psychosocial scars of the conflict, as a consequence of what they have been through.



The plight of these children and their survival must remain a top priority now and in the weeks and months to come.



UNICEF reiterates its call on all parties to the conflict to protect children at all times. Children must be kept out of harms way no matter the circumstances.



###
Iran's parliament is considering a proposal to spend nearly $550 million to bolster security and expand the country's missile program.

The proposal follows an Iranian rocket strike on Islamic State in Syria that analysts called retaliation for twin terror attacks in Tehran and a warning to regional rivals.

The bill would raise the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) budget to $8 billion, in addition to an already approved five-year development plan that requires the government to earmark at least 5 percent of the national budget to defense, particularly development of the multidimensional missile program.

The June 18 strike  the first time Iran fired missiles outside its borders in 30 years  hit IS command centers in the eastern Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor and a bomb-manufacturing facility outside the city, the IRGC said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the "Islamic Republic will respond more decisively to any future terrorist attack on Iran's soil."

And former IRGC chief General Mohsen Rezai wrote on Twitter, "The bigger slap is yet to come."

A parliament correspondent in Tehran, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there was little doubt the bill would pass because it projected patriotism and some legislators are retired IRCG commanders or have strong ties with the force.

Symbol of pride

Although Iran's defense budget is less than those of many of its Arab neighbors, the missile program is considered a symbol of national pride and deterrence.

Iran has surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, including the Zolfaghar, the kind Iran used to hit IS in Syria. The military also has missiles with a range of 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles), long enough to reach Israel and U.S. bases.

Hojatoleslam Mohammad Hassan Aboutorabi, former deputy speaker of parliament, has called the missile program one of the major pillars of sovereignty.

Babak Taghvaee, a Malta-based Iran military expert, said the additional fund for missile development "would probably be spent on the domestically produced Ya-Ali cruise missile, which was long awaited for financial sources."

"I assume a big chunk of this money is going to be dedicated to [research and development] on anti-jamming and target-error-correcting technology," he said. The money would be insufficient to push Iranian missile capability close to that of Chinese or Russian weapons, but it would help the Iranians "enhance their progress in terms of making missiles more accurate."

Still, the timing of the bill, which will be considered in the coming days, and the agility to be able to spend such a large amount are very important factors to consider, analysts say.

U.S.-Saudi deal

U.S. President Donald Trump sealed a $110 billion arms deal last month with Iran's chief rival in the region, Saudi Arabia, and Tehran was stung by the IS-claimed June 5 attacks on parliament and the mausoleum of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, that killed 17 people.

"The quick reaction of parliamentarians in putting together the bill and accelerating country's missile program projects the level of insecurity Tehran feels from its southern neighbors teaming up with the United States under the Trump administration," said retired Iranian Admiral Houshang Aryanpour, now based in Virginia.

"The successful missile strike, which was also a real-time test for them, was a great victory for IRGC to be rewarded after that huge frustration of the Tehran attacks," Aryanpour said. "This bill carries, for sure, a propaganda aspect within and serves domestic public opinion."

The U.S. and Israel are rankled by Iran's increasing missile activity, which they see as a threat to regional stability.

'Bad behavior'

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Iran this year over what it called "bad behavior" with respect to Iranian missile tests, and on Thursday the U.S. urged the United Nations to closely watch Iran's missile buildup.

The U.N. said Thursday that Tehran was in compliance with its obligations under an international nuclear deal, but U.S. envoy Nikki Haley disputed that.

Under Security Council Resolution 2231, Iran is "called upon" to refrain from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons for up to eight years. Tehran and Moscow argue that the language does not make such restraint obligatory. The U.S. and Israel strongly objected to an Iranian missile test in March 2016 that they said violated the U.N. resolution.

"Iran's destructive and destabilizing role in the Middle East goes far beyond its illicit missile launches," Haley said. "From Syria to Yemen and Iraq to Lebanon, Iran's support for terrorist groups continues unabated. Iran's weapons, military advisers and arms smugglers stoke regional conflicts and make them harder to solve."
As the push to recapture Mosul from Islamic State (IS) enters its final days, Iraqi forces say they will soon launch an assault on Hawija, the terror group's last stronghold in the country.

Iraqi forces say IS's self-proclaimed caliphate is crumbling after three years of brutal control, although the militants are considered likely to persist as an insurgent force even after they are forced out of Hawija, roughly 160 kilometers (99 miles) south of Mosul.

Iraqi forces say they do not expect a difficult battle given that IS fighters in Hawija have been encircled and isolated for weeks by Iraqi forces, Kurdish peshmerga and Shi'ite militias.

Our preparation for the Hawija operation is complete and a plan to liberate the city is ready, Muhammad al-Khazary, a spokesman for the Iraqi Defense Ministry, told VOA.

Al-Khizary declined to be specific on when the offensive will start to make it a surprise for IS but said it will come soon after Mosul is fully liberated.

Taking ground

The U.S.-backed Iraq forces on Thursday declared a major victory against IS in Mosul when they announced they had taken control over the rubble of the historic al-Nuri mosque, where IS leader Abu Bakir al-Baghdadi declared the caliphate in mid-2014.

IS militants blew up the 850-year-old mosque and its landmark leaning minaret last week to keep Iraqi forces from seizing it intact.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi described the action as an official acknowledgement of defeat by IS and its recapture by Iraqi forces a major achievement for his country's war on terror.

We are seeing the end of the fake Daesh state; the liberation of Mosul proves that, al-Abadi said in a tweet Thursday, using an Arabic acronym for IS. We will not relent, our brave forces will bring victory.

Hawija is a Sunni-majority district consisting of a town of the same name and 500 villages in Kirkuk province, 45 kilometers (28 miles) west of Kirkuk and 210 kilometers (130 miles) north of Baghdad.

It had a population of 500,000 before IS took control in mid-2014. That number has reportedly shrunk by half as many residents fled IS violence. IS is forcing those who remain to serve as human shields to inhibit airstrikes, Iraqi forces say.

The Iraqi air force earlier this week dropped thousands of leaflets on the town, urging residents to stay away from IS locations ahead of the looming operation.

The Iraqi armed forces will start to storm your area very soon, said the leaflet, posted by Iraqi activists on social media. Protect yourself and your family by staying inside homes and staying away from IS sites such as headquarters, checkpoints, artillery sites and barracks because they will be our targets.

Officials in Kirkuk, where most displaced Hawija residents have taken refuge, say they expect more civilians to try to flee as the Iraqi operation starts.

Refugees, safe routes

Aso Dalo, a police officer in Kirkuk, told VOA the city government has prepared refugee camps while security forces open up safe routes.

We are prepared for all scenarios, Dalo said.

Kurdish peshmerga forces, who have controlled the Hawija's northern borders and its four gates since August 2016, say they are prepared to cooperate with the Iraqi army to oust IS. They say removal of the militants will improve the security of nearby Kurdish areas.

Kurdish commander Lt. Col. Himdad Omar told VOA that most IS fighters in the town are expected to fight to the death. He said it was unknown how many militants are in the city, but that the majority are foreign fighters.

The foreign fighters have controlled all matters in the city and consider local fighters inferior, Omar said. This has led to arguments and even clashes between them recently.

Experts say the start of an operation and the ultimate removal of IS from Hawija will mark a major military victory for Iraq. But they warn IS may linger long after losing territory and turn to violent insurgency.

IS will lose militarily, but its political and ideological influence will remain for a long time, Mazin Bilah, an Iraqi analyst, told VOA. They will turn back to sleeper cells, which have proven very effective for them, rather than confronting an army in the battlefield.

VOA's Balen Salih contributed to this report.
The military judge overseeing Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's case says prosecutors can try the soldier on a rare charge alleging he endangered comrades by walking off his post in Afghanistan in 2009.

The judge, Col. Jeffery Nance, rejected a defense motion Thursday to dismiss the charge of misbehavior before the enemy, which carries up to a life sentence.

Bergdahl also faces a desertion charge, punishable by up to 5 years, at trial in October.

Defense lawyers said prosecutors used faulty logic to charge Bergdahl with a crime more serious than his underlying actions.

The judge acknowledged that case law is "scarce" because the misbehavior charge is so rarely used, but he said a soldier who leaves his post alone and without authorization should be aware he could face punishment.
A former employee of a New York City hospital opened fire with an assault rifle inside the building on Friday, killing one doctor and wounding six other people before fatally shooting himself in a burst of violence that appeared to be workplace related, officials said.

The assailant, wearing a white, medical-style lab coat and armed with an assault rifle, stalked the 16th and 17th floors of the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, and apparently tried to set himself on fire at one point, they said. Police who swarmed the building found him dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a search, they said.

One physician was shot to death in the course of the bloodshed, and six other people were injured, five seriously, including one who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, Police Commissioner James O'Neill said at a news conference.

"One doctor is dead and there are several others who are fighting for their lives right now," Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters.

The mayor characterized the shooting as an "isolated incident" that appeared to be "workplace-related." Authorities did not immediately identify the gunman or any of his victims.
Prumsodun Ok, a Cambodian-American born to refugee parents, knew he wanted to be an apsara dancer from the age of 4, when he was entranced by a performance captured on one of his familys home movies.

No matter that the dance dated back to the seventh century, or that traditionally apsaras were beautiful, heaven-born females, destined to entertain gods and kings at the Angkor temples in the ancient Khmer Empire, modern-day Cambodia. Ok focused on the stylized grace of the dancing and thought little about the fact that the dancers were women, because he was a kid and he had a dream.

But he put that on hold for 12 years.

Growing up in Long Beach, California, home to 20,000 Khmer immigrants, Ok was bullied because he was different. He recalls being branded as gay and kteu  Thai or Cambodian slang for someone who is born male but acts or looks female  when he was 5. That name calling led him to self-identify as gay in his teens.

I dont know when I knew, Ok said about realizing that he was gay, but I can say that I only became comfortable in my latter years of high school. This is me, this is who I am, and no one can change that or take that away from me.

That was about the time when, after years of watching his younger sister practice traditional Khmer dances, that he found the courage to approach her dance master.

A rising star among dance students

I really love dance. Can you please teach me? Ok pleaded, and Sophiline Cheam Shapiro agreed. Teenager Ok quickly became a rising star at her Khmer Arts Academy in Long Beach, which is affiliated with an arts ensemble in Cambodia.

The school, founded by Shapiro, teaches traditional arts to Cambodian-Americans. Shapiro was one of the first graduates from Phnom Penhs School of Fine Arts after the fall of the Pol Pot regime and is revered as one of Cambodias leading contemporary dance choreographers.

In 2015, Ok, now 30, moved to Cambodia and established Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA, the countrys first gay dance company. Male dancers ages 18 to 24 fill roles traditionally performed by women. The troupe stages Khmer classical dances as well as new works that Ok creates.

What Im doing is drawing from our traditions and using these traditions in ways that people could never imagine to create a more inclusive and compassionate and just Cambodia, he said.

Coming from a long tradition of people who are in the service of society ... of humanity, Ok said he has learned that service is not just about being comfortable: those who are comfortable are not always necessarily right.

Cambodian societys tolerance

Srun Srorn, 36, the founder of CamASEAN and a human rights activist, told VOA Khmer that while the majority of LGBTQ Cambodians are marginalized and discriminated against, society is more tolerant of their role in the arts.

Oks group is more professional, so I think it will bring the positive [response] from the community, Srorn said. So far, this part of the art  performing  is not getting any negative reaction from the public.

Ok says his role as a teacher of dance goes beyond the classroom.

Getting them to learn how to see, getting them to have the courage to ask questions, getting them to have the bravery to explore things on their own, he said. Those are the most essential things that a teacher of any art form, or discipline or medium, needs to inspire in their students.

Choung Veasna, 19, of Phnom Penh, says Ok gave him confidence: Ive learned from my teacher that no matter what people say about you, it doesnt matter.

Tes Sokhon, 24, from Pailin province, the oldest dancer in the group, says his teacher is inspiring.

Hes more than my idol, Sokhon said. Hes the first teacher to train me in classical dance. He provides us with income and makes our lives better.

Combination of beauty and tradition

The troupes passion for classical Khmer dance has not gone unnoticed.

Craig Dodge, director of sales and marketing at Phare, the Cambodian Circus performance troupe in Siem Reap, said: When I watched the video on their homepage and heard the young men talk about what performing has meant to them, their identity and their self-esteem, it made me cry.

Courtesy Prumsodun Ok and NATYARSA

Dodge worked with Ok to make the troupes Siem Reap debut in Cambodias artistic center a reality, by tapping into the citys strong sense of community, which he describes as the perfect place for nurturing and presenting traditional and new Cambodian creative expression.

Resident Darryl Collins, an art historian, is providing the venue without charge because the combination of beautiful and traditional 100-year-old Khmer houses with an elegant contemporary form of classical dance seemed an exciting collaboration.

Other Siem Reap businesses are pitching in with free accommodations, transportation, security and are helping stage the performances July 14 and 15.

Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA is scheduled to perform three dances: PRUM x POP, ranging from Khmer classical dance to pop music; Beloved, which explores a 13th century Khmer kings love for his land; and Robam Santhyea Vehea, a tale of love and marriage of two men.

Ok hopes an open-minded audience will see the performance as a measure of how LGBTQ people can create art in their communities.

I want the company to be a model for compassion, for bravery, for beauty, he said.
Chinese censors have taken the unprecedented step of shutting down three major live streaming services, including one owned by Sina Weibo, the Twitter-like social media giant with 300 million users in both text and video format.

The action came ahead of a major Communist Party meeting that will have some significant changes in top leadership positions later this year. But media experts said the reason for this decision may be much bigger than the immediate political need and include the party's concerns about videos proving to be a stronger social media voice than text.

More bandwidth has given people more access to video, said Nick Admussen, Cornell University's assistant professor of Chinese literature. "I understand why they [Chinese officials] feel that this is something that they need to manage because more people are using it, and videos can travel more quickly, he said.

Two other companies affected by the latest round of restrictions include Phoenix Televisions ifeng.com and AcFun, who were ordered to undergo rectification and help create a cleaner cyberspace.

Explaining the reason behind the shutdown, the government said the video platforms were operating without licenses and showing content that violated the standards laid down by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

"It is not uncommon in China for companies to violate rules that they dont think will be enforced and be able to get away with it for a long time," said Scott Kennedy, Director, Project on Chinese Business & Political Economy at the Center for Strategic & International Studies.

"{A] Lot of it is about actual inappropriate sexual content, not inappropriate political content. What basically they are looking at is content and looking for people who are behaving like television stations even though they are not," said Jacob Cooke, CEO of Web Presence in China, a Beijing based consultancy.

Media control



All television, radio and newspaper media is state controlled in China. But a section of live streaming platforms, which are run independently, had began to rob state TV of a big chunk of audience both because they reported real time events without waiting for clearances from high officials and they showed salacious and sexually provocative content. Authorities have a reason to fear they might emerge as independent TV far beyond government control even if they did not show much political news, analysts said.

Users of Chinese live streaming facilities constitute a virtual world of 325 million people. A significant number of people make videos, mostly with their phone cameras recording real life events or organizing special shoots before uploading them to some 200 portals.

The government decision still leaves a large section of live streaming services operational. They include major players like Huya, Panda.tv, Yinke, YY Live, Douyu and Huajiao. But Beijing's move will force these platforms, which often test the patience of censors with sexually and otherwise provocative content, to tone down their programming and cut out political discussion, analysts said.

This will likely mean a smaller audience seeking and running after TRPs resulting in the business death spiral for several platforms, analyst said. One such portal, Guangquan, which was once valued at $70 million, collapsed recently because of intense competition and high operating costs.

What went wrong



Industry watchers are debating how social media companies, which are known to be closely connected to the Communist party, went wrong and ended up being on the other side of the red line.

"I do think they are connected pretty deeply with the State, and that doesn't mean you can't have a squabble inside the family or different sides. It probably means that the authority will win out in one way or the other," Admussen said.

He said clearly, the government felt these companies were not doing enough to comply with government standards. "Media should have the surname of the party. They are just one family," Admussen said.

But the government may also lose quite a lot if it curtails the freedom of live streaming companies and social media outlets like WeChat and Weibo beyond a certain extent. Social media has become the eyes and ears of the authorities, telling them what is going on in this giant sized country, analyst said.

"Authorities also rely on WeChat and Weibo to take the pulse of public opinion on hot-button issues, and they cant do that if they totally kill off the platforms liveliness and drive away users," said Christopher Cairns, a scholar at Cornell University.
China has built new military facilities on islands in the South China Sea, a U.S. think tank reported Thursday, a move that could raise tensions with Washington, which has accused Beijing of militarizing the vital waterway.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said new satellite images show missile shelters and radar and communications facilities being built on the Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs in the Spratly Islands.

The United States has criticized China's buildup of military facilities on the artificial islands and is concerned they could be used to restrict free movement through the South China Sea, an important trade route.

Last month, a U.S. Navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in a so-called freedom of navigation operation, the first such challenge to Beijing's claim to most of the waterway since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

China has denied U.S. charges that it is militarizing the sea, which also is claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Trump has sought China's help in reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and tension between Washington and Beijing over military installations in the South China Sea could complicate those efforts.

China has built four new missile shelters on Fiery Cross Reef to go with the eight already on the artificial island, AMTI said. Mischief and Subi each have eight shelters, the think tank said in a previous report.

In February, Reuters reported that China had nearly finished building structures to house long-range surface-to-air missiles on the three islands.

On Mischief Reef, a very large antennae array is being installed that presumably boosts Beijing's ability to monitor the surroundings, the think tank said, adding that the installation should be of concern to the Philippines due to its proximity to an area claimed by Manila.

A large dome recently was installed on Fiery Cross and another is under construction, indicating a sizeable communications or radar system, AMTI said. Two more domes are being built at Mischief Reef, it said.

A smaller dome has been installed near the missile shelters on Mischief, "indicating that it could be connected to radars for any missile systems that might be housed there," AMTI said.

"Beijing can now deploy military assets, including combat aircraft and mobile missile launchers, to the Spratly Islands at any time," it said.
The U.S. governments approval Thursday of $1.42 billion in advanced weaponry for Taiwan risks a stiff backlash from China after a year of strained relations between Beijing and the self-ruled island, which sees the mainland as its chief military rival.

China's foreign ministry protested Friday to the U.S. and asked that the arms deal be canceled. The ministry called it damaging to Chinese sovereignty.

Experts believe the proposed arms sale, a first from the United States to Taiwan since the approval of an $1.83 billion package in December 2015, is likely to anger China, which has tried since April to get along with President Donald Trump despite a rocky start. China sees self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and resents other countries for helping arm it.

Mainland China will not be happy about todays notification, but Taiwan has a right to its self-defense, said Sean King, senior vice president of New York political consultancy Park Strategies.

China and the United States have tried to get along since Trump met his counterpart Xi Jinping in Florida in April. Trump voiced support for Beijings view that Taiwan belongs to China in February after coming under Chinese fire for accepting a phone call in December from Taiwans president.

Trump set aside the Taiwan issue in April to work with China on containing North Koreas missile program, but he expected more from Beijing, analysts in Taiwan say.

The proposal Thursday to sell arms also follows a decline in China-Taiwan ties over the past year. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who took office in May 2016, rejects Beijings condition for dialogue that both sides view themselves as part of one China. The two sides had talked regularly over the previous eight years.

During Tsais term, an increasingly bristly China has established ties with two countries that once recognized Taiwan diplomatically and pressured others to remove Taiwans legal name from overseas trade offices. It passed an aircraft carrier around Taiwan in December and January. Last year, the number of group tourist arrivals from China dropped by about 18 percent over 2015.

Security concerns



Those moves, plus Beijings military buildup  including a new aircraft carrier and a 10,000-ton naval destroyer over the past three months  are raising concerns in Taipei about military defense. China has the worlds third largest armed forces compared to Taiwans, which research database Globalfirepower.com ranks at No. 19.

President Trump after just five months in office has announced his first arms package to Taiwan, an ample gesture of attention to Taiwans security, said Taiwan foreign ministry spokesperson Eleanor Wang. This not only helps strengthen peace and stability [with China], but it will also help security in the Asia Pacific.

The arms package, which must get approval from the U.S. Congress to take effect, calls for selling eight items, including MK-48 torpedoes, Taiwans defense ministry said in a statement. The torpedoes would cost $250 million. Washington also proposes selling high-speed anti-radiation missiles for $147.5 million, early warning radar surveillance technical support for $400 million, and at least four other items.

Chinas protested the previous two U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

Beijing suspended military exchange visits with the United States in 2010 after the U.S. government approved a $6.4 billion sale to Taiwan. After Washington approved a $1.83 billion package in December 2015, China issued a protest statement to the United States.

Retaliation



Some Taiwanese worry about tough retaliation from China against their island now given todays strained relations. But most people want a stronger military in case Beijing gets angrier, Taiwan legislator Lee Chun-yi said.

Its for defense, protecting ourselves, said Chu Chen-tsai, a 57-year-old worker in Taipei, when informed about the proposed sale. You cant just do nothing because they oppose it. Whatever should be done, lets do it.

China also may retaliate against Taiwan by further restricting its foreign diplomacy, scholars in Taipei have said. More than 170 countries recognize China, and 20 recognize Taiwan.

Public sentiment



Some Taiwanese will feel ambivalent about the arms sales, Chiang said, as they want stable relations with China, said Alex Chiang, international relations professor at National Chengchi University in Taipei. China remains Taiwans top trading partner, with imports and exports totaling about $118 billion in 2016.

The Chinese president is currently in Hong Kong for the 20th anniversary of the former British colonys return to China.

But Taiwans defense ministry said in the statement it would talk with U.S. officials as soon as possible to work out prices, quantities of weapons and timelines for receiving them. It expects progress within a month.
President Xi Jinping inspected troops based in Hong Kong Friday as he asserts Chinese authority over the former British colony China took control of 20 years ago.



Xi rode in an open-top jeep past rows of soldiers lined up on an airstrip on his visit to the Peoples Liberation Army garrison. He called out Salute all the comrades and Salute to your dedication as he rode by 3,100 soldiers arranged in 20 formations.



Armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles, helicopters and other pieces of military hardware were arrayed behind the troops.



It was a rare display of the Chinese militarys might in Hong Kong, where it normally maintains a low-key presence.



Xi, whos also chairman of the Central Military Commission, wore a buttoned-up black jacket in the steamy heat during his 10-minute review of the troops at the Shek Kong base in Hong Kongs suburban New Territories. Its part of a visit to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs handover, when Britain gave up control of the Asian financial hub to China on July 1, 1997.

Lam inaugural Saturday

Hong Kong was granted the freedom to run most of its affairs after it came under Chinas control under the one country, two systems principle. However, Beijing is in charge of the citys defense and foreign affairs and the troops based in the city are deployed from the mainland.

The Chinese military has its headquarters in a former British base downtown and has other installations around the city but troops are typically confined to base.



Xis three-day visit to mark the anniversary includes presiding at the inauguration of the citys new leader, Carrie Lam, Saturday.

Protesters released



Security has been tight for his visit as authorities brace for protests.



Some 26 people, including young activist leader Joshua Wong, have been released on bail after being arrested for protesting Wednesday. The department said Friday the activists have not been charged but are required to report back to police in September.



The activists, some of whom were detained more than 30 hours, had climbed onto a giant flower sculpture that was a gift from Beijing and is near the hotel complex where Xi is staying.



Pro-democracy supporters fear Beijing is tightening its grip on Hong Kong and undermining guarantees of wide autonomy under one country, two systems. U.S. officials said they were concerned that Chinas communist leaders werent sticking to their promises.



Looking ahead to the remaining 30 years of one country, two systems, we cannot allow Hong Kong to go the way of Beijings failed authoritarianism, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said in a statement.
Democratic Republic of Congo officials are denying a report that security concerns led them to cancel the annual military parade.

Congo celebrated 57 years of independence Friday, but the country is grappling with militia violence in the central Kasai region, a Kinshasa prison break that freed 4,000 inmates last month and political tension over the delay in the presidential election.

President Joseph Kabila's deputy chief of staff said there would be no parade Friday because of "security reasons," according to the report from the Reuters news agency.

Government spokesman Lambert Mende and Congo's deputy interior and security minister, Basile Olongo, denied that report in separate interviews with VOA.

Olongo, talking to VOA's French to Africa Service, noted the parade has been cancelled before and implied that dominance by foreign powers played a role in this year's decision. "When you are no longer considered a sovereign country, it is high time to stop and think," he said, without elaborating.

Mende, speaking to VOA English to Africa, denied allegations from opposition parties that Kabila is procrastinating on holding the election. The president's second term expired in December 2016, but he has remained in office. The government says the delay is due to slow voter registration and a lack of funding.

Mende said the electoral commission has now registered 30 million of 42 million prospective voters.

A December 2016 political deal between Kabila and opponents calls for elections to be held by the end of this year.
A New York jury ruled Thursday in federal court that a skyscraper with apparent ties to the Iranian government can be seized by the U.S. government, in what prosecutors are calling the single largest terrorism-related civil forfeiture case in American history.

The jury found that the Alavi Foundation, which owns about 60 percent of the 36-floor building, funneled money to the Assa Corporation, a shell company for Iran's state-controlled bank that owned the remaining 40 percent of the building.

The defense argued that the Alavi Foundation, founded as a charity by the shah of Iran in the 1970s, had been tricked into believing that Assa had been sold to private investors after the 1995 implementation of U.S. sanctions on Iran.

"It's really difficult to understand why you can be held accountable for the knowledge that you were trying to get, but you were lied to about," defense attorney John Gleeson said during closing arguments, according to The New York Times.

Prosecutors asserted that officials from the Alavi Foundation lied, hiding and shredding documents in an attempt to erase guilt.

"The owners of 650 Fifth Avenue gave the Iranian government a critical foothold in the very heart of Manhattan through which Iran successfully circumvented U.S. economic sanctions," Joon H. Kim, a lawyer from the prosecutor's office, told French news agency AFP.

Situated on New York City's posh Fifth Avenue, the building is valued at between $500 million and $1 billion. The court has decided to distribute the proceeds from its sale to the victims of Iran-sponsored terrorist attacks.

In particular, victims of the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks attack and of the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia will receive benefits. Tehran has consistently denied involvement in either of the attacks.

In 2013, a lower court decided the case in the U.S. government's favor, but the decision was stayed on appeal.
President Donald Trump's commission investigating alleged voter fraud in the 2016 elections has asked states for a list of the names, party affiliations, addresses and voting histories of all voters, if state law allows it to be public.

A Wednesday letter from the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity gives secretaries of state about two weeks to provide about a dozen points of voter data. That also would include dates of birth, the last four digits of voters' Social Security numbers and any information about felony convictions and military status.

Some Democratic officials refused to comply, saying the request invades privacy and is based on false claims of fraud.

Trump lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton but has alleged, without evidence, that 3 to 5 million people voted illegally. In addition to the voter information, the letter asks state officials for suggestions on improving election integrity and to share any evidence of fraud and election-related crimes in their states.

The data will help the commission "fully analyze vulnerabilities and issues related to voter registration and voting," vice chairman and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach wrote.

On Thursday, California's secretary of state and Virginia's governor, both Democrats, responded that they will not share the information and that attention would be better spent upgrading aging voting systems or focusing on Russia's alleged election meddling. Trump has alleged "serious voter fraud" in both states.

"California's participation would only serve to legitimize the false and already debunked claims of massive voter fraud," Democratic Secretary of State Alex Padilla said in a statement.

Clinton won California by about 3 million votes.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said there is no evidence of voter fraud in the state.

"At best this commission was set up as a pretext to validate Donald Trump's alternative election facts, and at worst is a tool to commit large-scale voter suppression," he said in a statement.

Trump created the commission through an executive order in May.

The panel is seeking "public information and publicly available data" from every state and the District of Columbia, said Marc Lotter, a spokesman for Vice President Mike Pence, who is chairing the commission. Lotter described the intent of the request as "fact-finding" and said there were no objections to it by anyone on the 10-member commission, which includes four Democrats.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat, said he is not sure whether he will share the data because of privacy concerns. Vermont's top election official, Democrat Jim Condos, said it goes beyond what the state can publicly disclose.

In Missouri, Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said he is happy to "offer our support in the collective effort to enhance the American people's confidence in the integrity of the system." Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams, a Republican, said he'll provide what state law allows.
President Donald Trump spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Friday to discuss the ongoing feud between Qatar and several Arab states, a conflict that some are calling the worst Gulf Arab crisis in years.

Trump and Erdogan talked by phone to discuss how to resolve the dispute "while ensuring all countries work together to stop terrorist funding and to combat extremist ideology," the White House said in a statement.

Turkey has been a supporter of Qatar, whose ties with some of its Gulf and Arab neighbors were severed after Qatar was accused of funding terrorism and fomenting regional instability. Qatar denies the accusations. Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates cut ties with Qatar.
The U.N. refugee agency warns renewed violence in the Central African Republic is threatening thousands of civilian lives, forcing many to flee and destroying villages and camps for displaced people.

United Nations officials describe a chaotic scene of attacks by rival warring groups in different parts of CAR. UNHCR spokesman Andreij Mahecic tells VOA that violence has broken out near the capital of Bangui, in central parts of the country, and close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"It is of concern to us because it in many places affects the population that has been displaced already  most likely more than once  and these are the most vulnerable," Mahecic said. "And, as you know, there is a plethora of armed groups within the CAR.  It is very concerning that we have recorded this escalation of violence over the past days and weeks."

While clashes are going on between self-defense groups and other armed groups, the UNHCR says civilians and humanitarian workers also are being targeted.

In Zemio, a town near the border of DRC, the agency says houses close to its office were burned down. It says more than 1,000 people fled their homes, and many refugees in a nearby camp returned to DRC in fear for their lives.

Mahecic says clashes in the town of Bria were so violent that all 2,400 inhabitants of a camp for internally displaced people fled, leaving it empty.

"Indiscriminate attacks in Bria have left some 136 people dead and 36 wounded, with 600 houses burned and an additional 180 looted," he said. "These are conservative estimates. People fleeing the violence speak of having witnessed brutal attacks, killings, robberies, lootings and kidnappings."

It has not been possible to assess the full extent of damage or displacement from the recent violence because of the ongoing dangers, Mahecic says. The UNHCR reports more than five years of civil war in CAR has uprooted more than half a million people inside the country and sent nearly as many fleeing across borders.
The European Union has pledged to support Italy as it continues to admit thousands of migrants who are crossing the Mediterranean every day from North Africa.

So far this year nearly 80,000 people have made the journey, and more than 2,000 have died

Poor health

Most of the tens of thousands of people plucked from the Mediterranean this week have been taken to ports on the Italian coast. They are severely dehydrated, usually malnourished and suffering from infections and skin diseases. But there are other troubling signs.

Marcella Kraay of Doctors Without Borders spoke to VOA via Skype from the groups rescue ship, Aquarius, as it disembarked more than a thousand migrants at the Italian port of Corigliano Calabro.

We also see the results of people actually being physically assaulted, sexually assaulted, tortured, Kraay said.

Help from EU

Italys representative to the European Union has warned the situation is unsustainable, and threatened to stop vessels of other countries from bringing migrants to its ports.

Kraay sympathizes with Italys position.

We have not in any way formally been informed of this by the Italian government. But my first impression of this is that the main thing here is that it is actually a cry for help coming from the Italian government. And it would be actually good for other EU member states to take a bit more responsibility.

EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos offered Italy his support.

Italy is under huge pressure and we are not going to leave this country alone.

Italy legally bound

But Italy is obliged to take in the migrants, says refugee law expert Professor Geoff Gilbert of the University of Essex, also via Skype.

The law of the sea, international refugee law, and international human rights law are all coming into play together. While I have a lot of sympathy for the Italian situation, I do not believe Italy can send back boats, even boats that are seaworthy, into the Mediterranean.

Gilbert says Rome is likely trying to force the implementation of the 2015 EU agreement to share refugees across the bloc, which has so far made little progress.

This week more than 400 migrants in Italy clashed with police at the French border, demanding to be allowed through.
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season has arrived. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there's a 45 percent chance that this year's activity will be above normal, with up to four major hurricanes. VOA's George Putic visited the wind tunnel at the nearby University of Maryland to experience the hurricane-strength wind and check out the latest in the science of predicting the stormy weather.
Mexico's scandal of high-tech spying against journalists and human rights defenders widened Thursday, with experts confirming that leading members of a main opposition party were also targeted by Israeli-made spyware sold exclusively to governments.

The conservative National Action Party, or PAN, had asked internet watchdog Citizen Lab to investigate suspicious messages after the University of Toronto-based cybersleuths exposed the scandal last week.

On Thursday, Citizen Lab released a research note saying it had determined that the cellphones of the party president, its chief spokesman and the party's leader in the Senate were all sent text messages containing links to the same malware.

The spyware, known as Pegasus, is made by NSO Group, which says it sells only to government agencies for use against criminals and terrorists. It turns a cellphone into an eavesdropper with the ability to remotely activate its microphone and camera and access its data.

"This case makes it crystal clear that NSO has been used widely and recklessly across a swath of Mexican civil society and politics," said John Scott-Railton at Citizen Lab. "Once again we see 'government-exclusive' spyware being used for seemingly political ends."

Probe promised

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto last week dismissed allegations that his government was responsible and promised an investigation. Local media have reported that documents show the Mexican government bought rights to use the spy software.

The PAN is the party of former Mexican Presidents Vicente Fox and Felipe Calderon. The report says its Senate leader, Roberto Gil Zuarth, received three messages in June 2016 with links designed to surreptitiously plant Pegasus on his cellphone.

"As cases continue to emerge, it is clear that this is not an isolated case of misuse, but a sustained operation that lasted for more than a year and a half," Scott-Railton said.

Like other attempts against journalists and consumer and rights activists, the messages sought to entice the intended victim into clicking on an irresistible message. One message to Gil Zuarth was about a news article mentioning him. Another announced a death. The PAN president, Ricardo Anaya, received one message around the same time. About one month later, party spokesman Fernando Rodriguez Doval got a message.

"This is something an authoritarian regime would do," Rodriguez Doval said. "It must be investigated thoroughly and those responsible must be punished."

While the report reached no specific conclusions about who was responsible, it noted that anti-corruption legislation was being debated in Congress around the time the victims' phones were targeted.

Government critics targeted

Citizen Lab said in a June 19 report that while it had no proof of government involvement in the sending of 76 text messages targeting 12 prominent journalists and rights activists in Mexico, the targets were all investigating or critical of the government. Some had uncovered corruption.

Anaya said at a news conference two days later that PAN politicians also had been targeted. Out of caution, he said, none had clicked on the links.

"What is clear is that they tried to upload spyware onto our phones, to spy on us," Anaya said.

On Thursday, Anaya placed the blame squarely on the government.

Anaya said in a statement, "It is absolutely unacceptable for the government to spy on people, invading their privacy to this degree." He added, "We are not going to rest until those responsible resign their posts, are put on trial and are jailed."

The Centro Miguel Agustin Pro Juarez, a human rights group that has investigated a number of high-profile human rights cases, has said its staff members were targeted. Other targets included well-known journalists Carmen Aristegui and Carlos Loret de Mola.

In February, Citizen Lab and its Mexican partners published a report detailing how Mexican food scientists and anti-obesity campaigners who backed Mexico's soda tax were also targeted with Pegasus.

Last year, the watchdog group exposed the use of Pegasus to spy on a prominent human rights activist in the United Arab Emirates.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of a Chinese railroad workers strike in the United States as they were building the Central Pacific Railroad in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. Historians are still uncovering details of what led to the strike and what happened afterward. VOA's Elizabeth Lee reports from San Diego, California, the home of a descendant of one of the railroad workers.
The U.S. House of Representatives took the first steps toward fulfilling two of President Donald Trump's signature campaign promises Thursday, passing bills strengthening penalties on undocumented immigrants who return to the U.S. after having been deported and cutting federal funds to sanctuary cities.

By a 257-167 vote, the House passed "Kate's Law," a bill named after Kate Steinle, 32, who was shot and killed in San Francisco in July 2015. Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, a felon who had been deported five times, is facing murder and other charges in connection with the shooting. The bill increases prison penalties for undocumented immigrants who return to the U.S. after having been deported.

The House also passed, 228-195, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, blocking so-called sanctuary cities from receiving federal grant money and expanding the federal government's capability of making them comply with immigration enforcement.

Trump greeted passage of the first bill with the tweet, "Good news, House just passed #KatesLaw. Hopefully Senate will follow."

Campaign issue

He had emphasized tougher immigration enforcement throughout his campaign and often featured family members of victims at his campaign rallies.

During his convention speech in which he accepted the Republican presidential nomination, Trump highlighted the story of Sarah Root, 21, who was killed in Omaha, Nebraska, in January 2016 when a vehicle slammed into her car at a traffic light. An illegal immigrant from Honduras, Edwin Mejia, is wanted for motor vehicle homicide in the case, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mejia was charged with felony driving under the influence of alcohol but was released on bail and subsequently disappeared. He remains at large.

"One more child to sacrifice on the altar of open borders," Trump said in the July 2016 speech.

The president's support was "amazing," Root's mother told VOA this week.

"I was never going to lay down and let it go down without a fight. She deserved that," said Michelle Wilson-Root, who recently started the group Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime.

"We would love to not have one more illegal alien commit a crime, but it's unrealistic. I would love to never have another drunk driver kill someone, but it's unrealistic. So we have to take steps," Wilson-Root said.

Wilson-Root and others find comfort in tougher penalties, but according to a March 2017 Cato Institute study, there is no evidence that illegal immigrants commit more crimes than the general population.

Also, it remains to be seen whether illegal immigrants would be deterred by the new law.

"It's much more effective to increase the certainty that people will be caught coming here illegally then to threaten them with a long sentence that they probably don't even know about," Molly Gill, the director of federal legislative affairs at Families Against Mandatory Minimums, told VOA.

Democrats push back

House Democrats said the bills were part of an anti-immigrant push by the Trump administration.

"Guess what [Kate's Law] does? Send them [illegal immigrants] to jail for 20 years for trying to come back for their children," said Representative Luis Gutierrez, an Illinois Democrat.

Opponents have criticized the bill for not differentiating between undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes and those who do not.

Democrats also pushed back on the characterization of sanctuary cities as gathering places for criminals.

"It is a safety net for people that are part of our family. They take care of our children, they wash our dishes, they take care of our elderly, they pick our crops. This is an anti-American bill," said Representative Adriano Espaillat, a New York Democrat.

During a heated debate over the bills on the House floor Thursday afternoon, Republicans said their votes were in support of law and order  one of the president's campaign promises.

"President Trump is cracking down on immigration crime. Illegal border crossings are down, and arrests and deportation of criminal aliens are up, just as Americans demanded last November," Representative Scott DesJarlais, a Tennessee Republican, said during the floor debate.

In a statement issued after the vote, Trump urged the Senate "to take up these bills, pass them, and send them to my desk. I am calling on all lawmakers to vote for these bills and to save American lives."

Earlier versions of the bills failed to pass in the Senate.
Bipartisan leaders on the House Intelligence Committee are threatening a subpoena if the White House doesn't clarify whether any recordings, memoranda or other documents exist of President Donald Trump's meetings with fired FBI Director James Comey.

The panel had previously set a June 23 deadline for the White House to respond to its request. The day before, Trump said in a series of tweets that he did not make, and do not have, any such recordings but also said he has no idea if tapes or recordings of his conversations with Comey exist.

The White House then responded to the committee request by referring to Trump's tweets.

The committee had asked for any recordings after Trump suggested there may be tapes. He did so just days after he fired Comey, who was leading an investigation into Trump associates' ties to Russian officials. Trump has disputed Comey's assertion that the president asked him for a pledge of loyalty during a dinner meeting they had.

When news of Comey's account broke, Trump tweeted that Comey better hope that there are no tapes of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!

Letter requests tapes or documents

A letter Thursday from Republican Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, who is leading the Russia probe, and Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California says Trump's June 22 Twitter statement stops short of clarifying whether the White House has any tapes or documents.



Conaway and Schiff said in a statement that the letter makes clear that should the White House not respond fully, the committee will consider using compulsory process to ensure a satisfactory response.

The panel is investigating Russian intervention in the 2016 elections, including any possible links to the Trump campaign. Interviews set for July include former national security adviser Susan Rice, who asked government analysts to disclose the name of Trump associates documented in intelligence reports. She has firmly denied that she did anything inappropriate, but Trump has said she may have committed a crime.



On Thursday, Rice spokeswoman Erin Pelton said Rice is cooperating with the bipartisan Russia investigations conducted by the intelligence committees, as she said she would.

Sessions under fire



Also Thursday, Democrats on two House committees asked the Justice Department's inspector general to investigate whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions violated his recusal from the Russia probe by taking part in Comey's May firing.



House Oversight and Judiciary Committee Democrats urged Inspector General Michael Horowitz to examine a lapse in judgment.

Sessions insisted in an appearance before the Senate intelligence committee this month that he had not violated his decision in March to recuse himself from any investigation related to inquiries involving Trump's 2016 campaign. During his testimony, Sessions said it would be absurd to suggest a recusal from a single investigation would render him unable to manage leadership of the FBI.
The United Nations said Thursday that Tehran is in compliance with its obligations under an international nuclear deal, but U.S. envoy Nikki Haley disputed that.

"Today's meeting of the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 2231 is taking place against a backdrop of steady implementation, cooperation and progress," U.N. political chief Jeffrey Feltman said in his semi-annual briefing on the subject.

The resolution was adopted in July 2015, endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that aims to ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons. The five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany negotiated the deal with Iran.

Since implementation of the plan on Jan. 16, 2016, "the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] has issued seven reports documenting continued implementation by Iran of its nuclear-related commitments," Feltman said, referring to the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency.

That verified compliance led last year to the Security Council lifting an array of financial sanctions on Iran that had been in place for years and the unfreezing of billions of dollars.

Feltman said there had been no reports regarding the supply, sale or transfer to Iran of nuclear-related items. However, he did note that a January ballistic-missile launch by Tehran had evoked concern from some member states. He said U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Iran to avoid such launches, which have the potential to increase tensions.

He also reported that the U.N. had examined a shipment of weapons seized in March 2016 by France from an unregistered vessel in the Indian Ocean. The arms, which included 2,000 assault rifles and 64 sniper rifles, were believed to be heading to Somalia or Yemen.

"After examination of the weapons and analysis of information provided, the Secretariat is confident that the weapons seized are of Iranian origin and were shipped from Iran," Feltman said.

U.S. Ambassador Haley said the secretariat's report was "filled with devastating evidence of the nature of the Iranian regime."

"Iran's destructive and destabilizing role in the Middle East goes far beyond its illicit missile launches," Haley said. "From Syria to Yemen and Iraq to Lebanon, Iran's support for terrorist groups continues unabated."

She said the United States would not ignore such behavior and would continue to enforce the resolution, including interdicting prohibited cargo and imposing unilateral sanctions on those who help violate resolution 2231.

During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump said the nuclear agreement was "the worst deal ever negotiated" and he would tear it up. In April, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. was considering pulling out of the deal because of Iran's support for terrorism.

"The United States is now undertaking a comprehensive review of this policy," Haley told council members. "Until that review is completed, we will comply with our JCPOA commitments and we expect Iran to do the same."

Several other council members, as well as the representatives of the European Union and Germany  who are parties to the agreement  said the world is much safer because of the nuclear agreement and urged all parties to stay committed to it.
India is set to rollout a momentous tax reform at midnight Friday that will transform the country of 1.3 billion people into a single market.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will replace an entanglement of more than a dozen confusing levies with a single tax and bring down barriers between states.

But the transition is bringing upheaval. The new tax has sparked strikes, protests and concerns it could disrupt many businesses unprepared for a leap into the digital economy.

In markets across the country, confusion and chaos prevail among millions of small shopkeepers and traders, who have for decades maintained records in dusty ledgers and issued paper receipts to customers. Some are hurriedly investing in computers as new rules require all but the smallest businesses to submit online taxes every month.

Calculator to computer

Suresh Kumar, who runs a family owned store in a bustling neighborhood market in New Delhi, has never operated a computer and does not have an Internet connection in his shop. His customers mostly pay in cash and a calculator on his counter is the only modern gadget he has used since he opened this shop 47 years ago.

How will I pay the salary of an accountant? I can barely cover the costs of these three men who help me, Kumar said, pointing out that stores like his run on wafer-thin profit margins to stay in business.

The archaic accounting systems that were the method of operation of thousands of shops and traders also kept them out of the formal economy.

But as GST draws them into the tax net, government revenues are expected to get a huge boost in a country where tax compliance has been very low.

Growing pains

The government agrees there will be growing pains due to the scale of the task ahead but points to long-term advantages. Over time, the new tax is expected to add about 2 percent to gross domestic output and vastly improve business efficiencies in the worlds fastest growing economy.

Economists say the GST will be a benefit for manufacturers, because it will free up domestic trade by cutting through a gigantic bureaucracy that involved a myriad of tax inspectors and checkpoints at state borders.

At the moment, trucks transporting goods lose an estimated 60 percent of transit time as they wait at state borders. Paying bribes was a fact of life accepted by businesses.

The tax will also make Indias $2 trillion economy more attractive to investors as it makes the economy more transparent.

More time needed

But in recent weeks many businesses have called for a postponement of the July 1 rollout, saying they did not get enough time to prepare.

K.E. Raghunathan, president of the All India Manufacturers Organization, said businesses need more time to adjust.

The way it is being implemented, it is bound to create lots of chaotic conditions, he said.

Underlining concerns of millions of small and medium manufacturers, he said, they neither have the wherewithal to understand the sudden implementation and if they approach chartered accountants or consultants, it costs lots of money.

A big concern is that the GST being rolled out by India is far more complex than that introduced by other countries where a single rate prevails. There will be four layers of taxation with rates of 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent.

Manufacturers and traders complain the different levels are creating confusion.

More than 50,000 textile traders went on strike this week. Thousands of other traders shut businesses Friday.

Many big and small retailers worried about the switchover have been offering massive discount sales across the country to get rid of their inventories.

Government pushes ahead

But the government has brushed aside concerns about businesses not being prepared for the switchover.

If he is still not ready, then I am afraid he does not want to be ready, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley recently as he rejected calls for a delay of the rollout.

Businesses say the tax rollout is the second disruption they have faced, coming months after Prime Minister Narendra Modis radical move to scrap 86 percent of the countrys currency, which slowed the economy.

As customers pour into his shop to buy stationery and other items, New Delhi shopkeeper Vimal Jain wonders whether he will handle customers or enter transactions in a computer starting Saturday.

Now this is another headache, he said. We had barely begun to recover from demonetization and now this sword hangs over our head.

The tax will be ushered in at a grand midnight ceremony in parliament, but even that has become contentious. Calling it a publicity stunt, the main opposition Congress Party and several other parties have said they will boycott the special session.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto will meet with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump next week at the G-20 summit in Germany, the Mexican foreign ministry said on Thursday via Twitter.

The election of Trump and his early days in office sent U.S.-Mexico relations to a new low due to his threats to slap tariffs on Mexican-made goods and a plan to build a wall on the southern U.S. border to keep out illegal immigrants.

The foreign ministry said the two leaders would review progress in various aspects of the bilateral relationship, and that more details would be published in due course.

In late January, a planned meeting between the presidents was canceled following a Twitter dispute over Trump's pledge to make Mexico pay for the wall. The American president has since shied away from that demand.

Trump's administration also moved toward talks to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), toning down earlier threats to pull out of the pact with Mexico and Canada.

This month, the U.S. and Mexican governments resolved a long-standing dispute over the sugar trade, while agricultural ministers from the three NAFTA countries met and said there were "relatively few" differences over farm trade to resolve in talks.
Myanmar's government says it will instruct its embassies around the world to bar members of a U.N.-approved fact-finding mission from entering the country to investigate alleged human rights violations by security forces against the Muslim Rohingya minority and other groups.



Deputy Foreign Minister Kyaw Tin said Thursday in parliament that the government will not cooperate with the mission, reiterating the position taken by the country's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, that its work would be counterproductive.



The U.N. Human Rights Council approved the mission in March in response to international pressure after Myanmar's army was accused of human right abuses in the course of counterinsurgency operations in Rohingya areas of the country's western state of Rakhine. Predominantly Buddhist Myanmar denies the Rohingya population many civil rights.
The state of Idaho is famous for its potatoes. But its also known as a haven for rock-climbers, who come from all over the world to the City of Rocks National Reserve.

Granite City

Granite spires, ranging from 10 to almost 200 meters high, tower over a vast expanse of rock formations of various shapes and sizes. They jut from the ground -- seemingly out of nowhere -- creating a stark, yet beautiful vista.

The rocks were once buried underneath the ground, but erosion over millions of years exposed them creating the surreal landscape.

National parks traveler Mikah Meyer explained, It's difficult to capture on film, but all these rocks, when you move even just 10 feet in one direction, completely change their shape based on whatever angle you're looking at them from.

Natures sculptures

Mikah especially liked seeing the smaller rocks, which he called carve outs from larger boulders, framed by the snow-capped mountains behind them, off in the distance.

It really shows the diversity of rock types and views that you can have here at City of Rocks, he said.

Mikah enjoyed a scenic hike to one of the reserves most popular sites, Window Arch, which he described as the most interesting rock formation Ive seen here at City of Rocks.

Window Arch is a great example of weathered granite; a result of the powerful forces of nature, which create beautiful, graceful forms.

History rocks!

The ancient landscape also has a colorful, more recent history. In the 1840s and 50s, American settlers traveled through the City of Rocks as they headed west with their wagons. In 1852 alone, some 52,000 people passed through the towering boulders on their way to the California goldfields. Those wagon routes were largely abandoned when the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.

Mikah says the scenic landscape at the reserve has something for everyone.

If your hope is to see amazing vistas and interesting views, definitely stick to the main road and areas of wide-open grassy spaces. If your goal is to climb and climb in seclusion, get onto the trails where youll find many rocks that allow you to have it all to yourself.

Mikah, whos on a mission to visit all 417 units within the National Park Service, invites you to learn more about his travels across America by visiting him on his website, Facebook and Instagram.
France is known worldwide for its wine, food and culture, but under its new president, the French are aiming to be the new global hub for tech startups.

President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants to build a version of Silicon Valley in France. His administration has launched pro-business initiatives that are loosening government restrictions and encouraging entrepreneurs to launch their startups in the country.

The tradition has been in Europe and in France to invest in big, traditional companies and not specifically [in] tech startups. So we will dedicate a 10 billion fund to the investment in tech startups in France, said Mounir Mahjoubi, French Minister of State for Digital Affairs.

Both public and private investments will factor into Macron's vision of France as a "country of unicorns"  the term popularly used for tech startups valued at $1 billion or more, said Mahjoubi, who recently was in New York City for La French Touch conference, where he discussed France's strategy for attracting the tech world's best and brightest.

In the French tech world, all eyes are on the privately financed Station F, which is set to open this summer in Paris. Billed as the world's biggest startup campus, the 34,000-square-meter space already has major tech companies like Microsoft, Facebook and Ubisoft signed on. The companies will develop their products, as well as host and mentor startup founders in incubator programs. One thousand individual startups are expected to set up shop at Station F.

Seeking global appeal

Silicon Valley has attracted tech talent from all over the world. Now France hopes to do the same for those beyond its borders. Initiatives like the French Tech Ticket and more recent French Tech Visa are designed to bring startup founders, employees and investors to the country through a combination of mentorships, grants and subsidized work spaces. The French Tech Visa fast-tracks a process for participants to obtain a renewable, four-year residence permit.



Not to be left out are the locals in France's poorer, outer suburbs, the banlieue. The new administration is aiming for social diversity through inclusion initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, said Mahjoubi.

We decided to create hubs in the private area[s] of France, said Mahjoubi. There might be entrepreneurs over there that believe that it's not for them, because they couldn't afford to not having a salary for a year of entrepreneurship ... we created the condition so they could receive money from the state, to have a salary during these 12 months [to] push their project to the highest level they can.

Unemployment at 9.5 percent

The encouragement of entrepreneurship is a novel sentiment in a country where traditional attitudes and strict labor laws have long dominated work culture. With a national unemployment rate of 9.5 percent, venturing out on one's own to start a business can seem too risky.

But with the success of French unicorns like ride-sharing service BlaBlaCar and network provider Sigfox, attitudes appear to be shifting; 68 percent of French people aged 18 to 25 aspire to run their own business one day, according to a 2015 Ernst & Young survey.

I think the ecosystem, the government, have done a very good job to do some marketing about entrepreneurship and I think it's very important because when we compare our situation to the U.S., in the U.S. there is a lot of storytelling, everyone is super enthusiast[ic] and it brings a momentum that is super beneficial," said Francois Wyss, co-founder of French startup DataBerries.

Funding available

Wyss and his co-founders recently secured $16 million in their first round of funding for his digital marketing startup.

There is a lot of funding now in France, so it's great. We have the chance to have world-class engineers, which are far cheaper than in the U.S. So a lot of companies are developing their core product and R&D in France before exporting it overseas, said Wyss.

French tech is all about having roots in France and having a vision for the world, said Mahjoubi. The French tech startup scene is an international startup scene.
News earlier this week that jailed Chinese Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer is casting a shadow over the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China from British rule. Some see a striking similarity between Liu's plight and concerns about China's tightening grip over the port city's affairs. VOA's Bill Ide has this report from Hong Kong.
Despite diplomatic activity in Washington this week, the blockade of Qatar by its Persian Gulf neighbors continues. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with top officials from Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, calling for negotiations to end the crisis. But Saudi Arabia says its demands on Qatar are non-negotiable, and Qatar says it will negotiate, but will not give up its sovereignty. VOA Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.
Qatars foreign minister says Doha is interested in negotiating an end to the standoff with regional forces, as long as it doesnt interfere with the countrys sovereignty.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke at the Arab Center in Washington this week, two days after meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson regarding the tiny Gulf nations growing dispute with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and several other nations.

Watch: Qatar Willing to Negotiate, Will Not Give Up Sovereignty

On June 5, the Saudi-led group suspended all relations and accused Qatar of supporting extremist groups and destabilizing the region. Qatar has denied all such claims.

Al Thani said Qatar is willing to sit down for negotiations with the other regional forces, so long as there is no interference in its sovereignty.

Qatar and the U.S. agreed that the best way is to pursue a negotiating path, not ultimatums, he added.

A busy round of diplomatic meetings

The U.S. has played a vital role for Qatar, Al Thani said, adding that he hopes Washington will exert pressure on the Arab states blockading Qatar, and get them to negotiate, not dictate, to their smaller neighbor.

Its been a busy week in Washington, as Tillerson also has met with top officials from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to urge on negotiations to end the crisis.

In the background of those talks at the State Department, another voice was heard from Capitol Hill earlier in the week. Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he would be willing to block U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and their neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation Council, if that would push them toward ending their standoff, since all are important American allies in the region.

Before we provide any further clearances during the informal review period on sales of lethal military equipment to the GCC states, we need a better understanding of the path to resolve the current dispute, Corker said in a letter to Tillerson.

The threat to block weapons deals may help Tillersons efforts to persuade the feuding parties to move toward an agreement.

Tillerson: Get issues on the table

Our role has been to encourage the parties to get their issues on the table, clearly articulated, Tillerson said, so that those issues can be addressed and some resolution process can get under way to bring this to a conclusion.

The Saudi-led coalition, however, has shown no willingness to ease the 13-point list of demands that the group sent to Qatar. Among other things, the Saudis and their partners insist Qatar must downgrade its relations with Iran and close the Qatari-state-funded Al Jazeera news network.

Steve Grand, executive director of Middle East Strategy Task Force at the Atlantic Council, said such demands appear to be unrealistic.

The kind of demands that have been made of Qatar, and the way in which those demands were made, would not produce the kind of results that is desired, Grand said. I dont think the Qataris are just going to accede to the many demands that have been placed upon them, he added.

He argued that the current disunity within the Gulf Cooperation Council, which had until recently been a model of positive regional cooperation, is harmful to both the Gulf states and to U.S. interests in the region.

Qatar, on the Arabian Peninsula, hosts the largest U.S. military base in the region, Al Udeid Air Base, with about 11,000 U.S. military personnel, while Bahrain, which is allied with Saudi Arabia in its anti-Qatar stance, is home port for the U.S. Fifth Fleet.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday warned Western nations against destabilizing the political situation in Macedonia.

His comments to a Moscow news conference came less than two days after the European Unions enlargement commissioner, Johannes Hahn, visited Skopje in another bid to help break a political deadlock that has left the countrys parties unable to form a government since an election in December.

The crisis has sparked inter-ethnic tension, as three ethnic Albanian parties push for Albanian to be designated a second official language as a condition to joining any coalition government. That has led to daily protests for three weeks.

The current situation in Macedonia  Id even call it a crisis, in many respects provoked artificially  is leading to the situation when attempts are made to split the society, Lavrov said, adding the West should realize the danger of such attempts.

He also said he found it perplexing that Russias activities in the Balkans were considered provocative. Russian relations with Balkan nations shouldnt be a cause for concern in the West, he said.

Official: West should be concerned

In an apparent rebuke, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki told VOA that the West should be very concerned.

We can perfectly imagine that a global power like Russia would have interests pretty much everywhere around the world, he told VOAs Macedonian service after spending a day meeting with U.S. legislators in Washington.

What really matters is what would be in the interest of the countries in the region, he added. Regarding Macedonia, we are clear that EU and NATO membership are our priority. And we would like to achieve these objectives because we believe that this is the best recipe for peace, stability and economic prosperity in our region. We remain committed to these goals.

European Union leaders and analysts have said the mounting political confrontation in Macedonia could spin out of control, adding to increasing ethnic tensions across a destabilizing Balkans.

Clear message urged

Last week, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic warned of serious consequences if the European Union does not give western Balkan countries a clear message about joining the bloc, citing growing nationalism and pro-Russian sympathies in the region.

On Wednesday, Serbian Defense Minister Zoran Djordjevic called for joint Serbian-U.S. military exercises.

On Monday, Montenegros Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic said U.S.-led NATO allies have been supportive of an investigation into what Montenegrin prosecutors are calling a pro-Russian plot to overthrow the countrys pro-Western government to prevent it from joining the European military alliance.

US Senate's approval needed

Montenegros bid to join NATO is awaiting approval from the U.S. Senate.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Wednesday that Montenegros accession to NATO would create a contiguous border along the Adriatic coast.

Since Montenegro borders five other Balkan nations, including NATO allies Croatia and Albania, its NATO membership will support greater integration, democratic reform, trade, security and stability with all of its neighbors, he said.

The Montenegrin, Serbian and Macedonian ministers were in Washington for a State Department conference of the global coalition to defeat Islamic State.

This report was produced in collaboration with VOAs Macedonian and Serbian services. Some information is from AP.
An investigation by the international chemical weapons watchdog confirmed Friday that sarin nerve gas was used in a deadly April 4 attack on a Syrian town, the latest confirmation of chemical weapons use in Syrias civil war.



The attack on Khan Sheikhoun in Syrias Idlib province left more than 90 people dead, including women and children, and sparked outrage around the world as photos and video of the aftermath, including quivering children dying on camera, were widely broadcast.



I strongly condemn this atrocity, which wholly contradicts the norms enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu said in a statement. The perpetrators of this horrific attack must be held accountable for their crimes.

The investigation did not apportion blame. Its findings will be used by a joint United Nations-OPCW investigation team to assess who was responsible.



The U.S. State Department said in a statement issued Thursday night after the report was circulated to OPCW member states that The facts reflect a despicable and highly dangerous record of chemical weapons use by the Assad regime.



President Donald Trump cited images of the aftermath of the Khan Sheikhoun attack when he launched a punitive strike days later, firing cruise missiles on a Syrian government-controlled air base from where U.S. officials said the Syrian military had launched the chemical attack.



It was the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Trumps most dramatic military order since becoming president months before.



Syrian President Bashar Assad has denied using chemical weapons. His staunch ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, said earlier this month that he believed the attack was a provocation staged by people who wanted to blame him (Assad) for that.



Both the U.S. and the OPCW were at pains to defend the probes methodology. Investigators did not visit the scene of the attack, deeming it too dangerous, but analyzed samples from victims and survivors as well as interviewing witnesses.



The Syrian government joined the OPCW in 2013 after it was blamed for a deadly poison gas attack in a Damascus suburb. As it joined, Assads government declared about 1,300 tons of chemical weapons and precursor chemicals, which were subsequently destroyed in an unprecedented international operation.



However, the organization has unanswered questions about the completeness of Syrias initial declaration, meaning that it has never conclusively been able to confirm that the country has no more chemical weapons.
The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Thursday to cut the peacekeeping mission in Sudan's Darfur region by nearly 30 percent.

The British-sponsored resolution was sparked by the evolving security situation in Darfur and U.S. pressure on the U.N. to slash $600 million from peacekeeping operations.

The reduction in Darfur will be carried out in phases.

Human rights experts said conditions in Darfur were still far from quiet and a U.N. withdrawal could put many civilians in danger.

The Security Council will still keep a close watch on the situation in Darfur. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to report to the council by the end of the year on whether more cuts are needed.

Darfur has been plagued by nearly 15 years of misery since a tribal uprising against the Sudan government brought an armed response by government forces, backed by Arab militias. About 300,000 people have been killed and more than 2 million have been forced to flee their homes.

Drought and famine have added to the suffering.
Mines believed to have been planted by Islamic State killed seven civilians Friday in the eastern region of Afghanistan.

The Nangarhar governor's office told VOA that five civilians, including women and children, were injured in the explosion when a pickup truck in the Achin district was hit by a roadside bomb  apparently placed by IS militants.

No one has claimed responsibility.

Officials at the local Ghani Khil hospital told VOA the wounded civilians are in stable condition.

IS militants are active in the Achin district, where U.S. forces in April dropped the "mother of all bombs," the largest non-nuclear weapon, in an effort to root them out and destroy some of their tunnels.
Almost a half-million displaced Syrians have returned to their homes since the beginning of the year, mostly to check on property and relatives, according to estimates from the United Nations.

The U.N. refugee agency said Friday it had seen a "notable trend of spontaneous returns" this year, and estimated that more than 440,000 internally displaced Syrians and another 31,000 refugees who left the country had returned home.

Andrej Mahecic, a spokesman for the agency, told reporters Friday in Geneva that it marked "a significant trend and a significant number." He said people returning home were "seeking out family members, checking on property, and, in some cases, a real or perceived improvement in security conditions in parts of the country."

He cautioned, though, that the returnees are "only a small fraction" of the roughly 5 million Syrian refugees estimated to have fled the country.

More than 320,000 people have been killed since the Syrian civil war began in 2011.
New research suggests that the ability of children in Africa to perform well in school could be dramatically improved through basic malaria education and treatment. While less fatal among older children, malaria infections often reduce a child's ability to concentrate, as Henry Ridgwell reports.
Senate Republicans are working to revive efforts to pass a health care overhaul bill, a key pledge they made with then-candidate Donald Trump during last year's presidential election campaign.

Trump suffered a political setback when Senate Republican leaders put off a vote on a health care bill after it was clear they could not bridge the divide between moderates and conservatives. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had pushed for a vote this week, but has delayed the effort until after the July 4 holiday recess.

Trump: 'Very tough'

Despite the delay, Trump maintains he is committed to his campaign pledge to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's signature health care law, known as Obamacare, although he acknowledged it could be "very tough."

"We are looking at a health care that would be a fantastic tribute to our country, a health care that would take care of people, finally, for the right reasons and also at the right cost," Trump said at a White House meeting. It was necessary to act, he added, because "Obamacare is melting down."

The decision to put off the vote came amid protests at the Capitol and in the face of a united front of opposition put forward by Senate Democrats.

Watch: High Stakes for Trump in Republican Stumble Over Health Care

Schumer: 'Rotten at the core'

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the Republican proposal was "rotten at the core" and noted recent polls that show support for the Republican bill has plummeted.

"The American people are not for big tax breaks to the wealthiest of Americans, nor are they for dramatically cutting their health care," Schumer told reporters at the Capitol. "That's why the bill has about 17 percent popularity in America and even Trump voters don't like it."

Several recent polls show the bill with approval ratings of below 20 percent, and that has fueled rumblings of political concern among many Republicans in the Senate and widened the divide between moderates and conservatives.

Republican split

Moderates worry that Republicans will be held politically liable if millions of Americans lose their health insurance coverage. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected that figure could rise to 22 million people over a 10-year period.

"I don't think there is any doubt that if this legislation were to become law, there would be very large reductions in the number of people with insurance coverage," said Matthew Fiedler, an expert on health care policy with the Brookings Institution in Washington. "My personal view is that would ultimately have serious political consequences for Republicans down the road."

Conservative Republican senators are eager to follow through on the promise of a complete rollback of Obamacare, a core demand that has united the party for the past seven years.

"Obamacare is a bus that is going off a cliff," said Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming. "Democrats are saying, 'Stay on board.' We are trying to rescue the American people from this bus that they are on."

A generation of debate

Spending on health care represents about one-sixth of the U.S. economy, and political efforts to reform the system have confounded both parties for a generation. Former President Bill Clinton launched a major effort in 1993, led by then-first lady Hillary Clinton, only to be blocked once Republicans won control of Congress the following year.

Democrat Obama made health care reform a central part of his 2008 presidential campaign, and as president, he signed what become known as his signature legislative achievement in 2010. That, in turn, fueled the rise of Tea Party activists around the country, which helped Republicans win back control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Now it is President Trump and the Republicans in Congress who will be held to account by their voters beginning in next year's midterm congressional elections and the presidential race in 2020.

"We want to see whether voters feel that President Trump has lived up to his hype and expectations and whether or not he has been able to keep his promises," said Emory University political scientist Andra Gillespie.

Trump and his Republican allies in Congress have been counting on a major deficit savings from the health care bill to set up their next big priority: tax reform.
Officials from 10 states are calling on the administration of President Donald Trump to end an Obama-era program that granted temporary immunity to undocumented young people who were brought to the United States as children.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the officials urged the administration to end the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program or risk being taken to court.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, nine other attorneys general and one governor signed the letter.

"We respectfully request that the Secretary of Homeland Security phase out the DACA program," Paxton wrote. He was joined by the attorneys general of Arkansas, Alabama, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia, as well as Idaho Governor C.L. Otter.

DACA has deferred deportation and granted work permits for a renewable two-year period for at least 750,000 recipients nationwide.

In a June 15 memo rescinding the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program, the secretary of DHS wrote that DACA would remain in effect, although its future was uncertain. Trump says he has not decided what to do about DACA.

DAPA blocked

DAPA never took effect. Twenty-six states challenged the program in a federal district court in Texas, which called the program an overreach by the administration of former President Barack Obama and blocked its implementation. That ruling was upheld on appeal, and a further appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2016 ended in a split decision, which left the initial ruling in place.

In rescinding DAPA, DHS said the agency saw no way to effectively argue the case.

The original Texas lawsuit has not been dismissed, and Paxton wrote that if the administration did not rescind DACA, "the complaint in that case will be amended to challenge both the DACA program and the remaining expanded DACA permits."

The letter gave the Trump administration a deadline of September 5 to decide.
Suicide bombers targeted Lebanese soldiers conducting raids on refugee settlements along the Syria-Lebanon border Friday, wounding seven troops but killing only themselves, the military said.

According to the army statement, the soldiers were raiding a settlement in the border town of Arsal on Friday morning when the attacks took place.

There were five suicide bombers and another man, who threw a hand grenade at soldiers as they conducted manhunts in the refugee settlements.

One man blew himself up as soldiers raided the al-Nour refugee camp, wounding three soldiers. Four soldiers were wounded when one of the militants threw a grenade at them. The other four suicide bombers exploded themselves without causing harm to anyone else, the army said.

The refugee camps along the border near Arsal have served as a haven for militants coming from the battle in Syria.

The Lebanese army has been stepping up security along its border with Syria, as the country continues to struggle in a brutal civil war.

Local media reports said more than 100 people were arrested during the raid.

There have been several clashes in recent years between Lebanese forces and militants in the Arsal area. In 2014, 30 soldiers were abducted by Islamic State jihadists and taken back to Syria.

The jihadists executed four of those hostages and eventually released another 16 in exchange for Islamist prisoners held in Lebanon. One of the hostages died of wounds he suffered during the initial skirmish, while nine are still being held.
A Japanese court has begun a trial of three former executives of Tokyo Electric Power Co., operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant, on charges of professional negligence resulting in death and injury. All three have pleaded not guilty in connection with the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, saying they could not have predicted the enormous tsunami that flooded the plant.

I apologize for the tremendous trouble to the residents in the area and around the country because of the serious accident that caused the release of radioactive materials, said Tsunehisa Katsumata, former chairmen of TEPCO. He added, however, I believe I dont have a criminal responsibility in the case.

If convicted, Katsumata and former vice presidents Sakae Muto and Ichiro Takekuro face up to five years in prison and a fine up to $9,000.

The charges against the executives are linked to the deaths of 40 hospital patients who were evacuated from the Fukushima area and later died.

The 2011 earthquake and tsunami killed 20,000 people in northeastern Japan. Not only did the disaster trigger the meltdown of three reactors at the Fukushima power plant, it also reignited debate about the risks of nuclear energy.

Communities around the plant, and even those hundreds of kilometers away, were evacuated. Some areas remain uninhabitable.

Ruiko Muto, the leader of a group that urged officials to take the executives to trial, told the French news agency that since the nuclear accident, nobody has been held responsible, nor has it been made clear why it happened.
In a major boost to Thailand's transportation infrastructure, the military government is set to sign a more than $5 billion agreement with China for a high-speed rail network.

The first stage of the rail, the 252 kilometers from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, is a key step in a line that, once complete, will stretch more than 1,260 kilometers to Kunming, in China's Yunnan province. The next stages will reach the Thai border with Laos.

Analysts see the rail line as an extension of China's One Belt, One Road initiative, expanding regional trade and investment. The project also highlights China's growing regional influence.

The agreement, expected to be signed in July, follows almost two years of delays in negotiations, with final details of the contract still to be made public.

The deal has also raised widespread criticism of the government's use of powerful clauses in an interim charter.

Economic boost for Thailand

Economists say investment in Thailand's rail infrastructure needs to be a priority.

Pavida Pananond, an associate professor of business studies at Thammasat University, said general improvements to Thailand's transportation network are welcome.

Several other countries, including Japan and South Korea, have put forward transportation plans and proposals for rail systems in recent years.

"It's good for Thailand and it's good for Thai business. I would say a clear 'yes' because Thailand is in dire need of better infrastructure, especially with regard to transport," Pavida said.

Thailand, she said, faces high transportation logistics costs due to a reliance on roads.

Talks surrounding the Sino-Thai rail agreement have been bogged down for over two years due to disputes over land access to China, debate over interest charges on loans from Chinese banks, and the eligibility of Chinese engineers and architects to work on the project.

Professor of economics Somphob Manarangsan said the rail project offers the region significant economic potential and a boost in Chinese foreign direct investment.

He said Thailand is also looking to China to invest in the government-backed Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) that is targeting regional foreign investment.

"Thailand wants them [China] to move their regional supply chain outside of China to the mainland of ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] area, which has Thailand at the hub, connecting to CLMV [Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam]," he told VOA.

The rail network includes a 410-kilometer section through Laos, in which China is contributing 70 percent of the total $5.8 billion cost. Laos sees the rail line as vital to enable it to export goods to the Thai seaport of Laem Chabang, near Bangkok.

Special powers raise concern

But the project has come under increasing criticism in Thailand after the military government, in power since May 2014, insisted on using powers under Section 44 of the interim charter that give the government absolute authority in policy application.

The government claims the use of the special power was to ensure Chinese investment, expertise, technology and equipment.

Former army chief and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told local media the use of the charter powers was to clear legal hurdles in the Thai-Sino rail project, "not a special favor to China but to Thailand's benefit."

But the use of the laws was challenged by organizations of Thai professional engineers and architects who said Chinese engineers were not registered to work in Thailand.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, in a commentary, said Thailand should press for open bidding on the project to ensure the country ended up with the "best bid with the best value."

"Instead, opting for the Chinese plan is poised to violate a slew of Thai laws and undermine the government's own good governance agenda," Thitinan said.

Besides exemptions to Chinese engineers and architects working on the project, the charter articles also exempt state procurement laws and environmental regulations covering forest reserves, which will be set aside for the line's construction.

Thammasat University's Pavida said other concerns include levels of transparency on the agreement.

"People don't know the details. People haven't seen much information on the potential benefit, and partly, this is because the feasibility study has been done by the Chinese," she said.

"So, if you look at that and the Chinese try to sell their technology and then we let them do the feasibility study, so they would say, 'yes, it is feasible.' So that's one of the reasons why people do not have trust in the rush into this," she said.

Analysts said the government's push to sign an agreement comes as Thai's Prayut is due to visit China in September to attend meetings of the BRICS  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  forum in Xiamen.
President Donald Trump's first, temporary ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations was short-lived, but it sparked confusion, panic and anger that lasted through months of court rulings. The Supreme Court is now taking up the case in the fall. In the meantime, the government can enforce parts of a second version of Trump's order.



So what's new this time?

BANNED FOREIGNERS

Old order: Three-month ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries, including those who had valid visas but were outside the United States when the ban was signed.

Supreme Court version: Iraq has been dropped from the ban.



For 90 days, the government can bar new visa applicants from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Iran and Libya who can't prove they have a "bona fide relationship'' with close relatives or a business in the United States. The State Department says valid relationships include a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling already in the United States. Journalists, students, workers or lecturers who have valid, formal invitations or employment contracts in the U.S. will also be welcome.

Refugees hoping to come to the United States who aren't already approved for travel must now also prove one of these relationships. Otherwise, they'll be barred for 120 days.

SYRIANS

Old order: Syrian visitors, immigrants and refugees were barred from the United States indefinitely.

Supreme Court version: Syrians will be treated in the same manner as citizens of the other five designated countries.

REFUGEES

Old order: Four-month halt to refugees entering the United States.

Supreme Court version: The refugee ban will be in place for 120 days. But refugees already vetted and approved for travel through July 6 will be allowed to move to the United States. The "bona fide relationship'' standard applies after a cap of 50,000 refugees that Trump set for the fiscal year is met. That is likely to happen soon. The new rules will most likely affect refugees in the next fiscal year, which starts in October. The Supreme Court will hold a hearing on the ban that same month.

TIMING

Old order: The January 27 order was immediately put into place, causing chaos and panic at airports as the Homeland Security Department scrambled to figure out who was covered by the order and how it was to be implemented.

Supreme Court version: It goes into effect about 8 p.m. Eastern time Thursday, more than 72 hours after the Supreme Court issued its opinion.
President Donald Trump on Thursday promoted a "golden era" of the U.S. energy business by seeking to assert power abroad through a boost in natural gas, coal and petroleum exports.

In what he called a policy of "energy dominance," Trump re-branded efforts to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to markets in Eastern Europe and Asia that had been set in motion during the previous presidential administration.

The United States also will offer to export coal to Ukraine, where energy consumers often have suffered from cuts in natural gas supply by Russia.

"We are here today to unleash a new American energy policy," Trump said at an event at the Department of Energy attended by oil and coal executives and union members who build pipelines. "We will export American energy all around the world."

Trump plans to promote U.S. LNG exports at a meeting next week in Warsaw with a dozen leaders from central and eastern Europe, a region heavily reliant on Russian supplies.

Trump then will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in Germany, in the first meeting between the two leaders, coming amid rising tensions over interference in the 2016 U.S. election.

After decades of being a major importer of natural gas, the United States is set to become a net exporter of gas later this year or in 2018 thanks to the boom in fracking in states such as Texas and Pennsylvania.

There is currently one operating U.S. LNG exporting facility in Sabine Pass, Louisiana, with four others currently under construction that are expected to become operational between 2018 and 2020.

As the United States aims to boost LNG exports, it will compete for markets with Australia, Qatar and Russia, other major gas producers.

U.S. crude oil exports have also risen after former president Barack Obama signed a law in 2015 allowing the shipments.

'Hell of a Lot More Friends'

While many of Trump's opponents have said his plan to pull the United States out of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate has the potential to harm the country's relations around the world, Energy Secretary Rick Perry said at the event that energy exports will strengthen ties with allies.

The United States is in a position "to be able to clearly create a hell of a lot more friends by being able to deliver to them energy and not being held hostage by some countries, Russia in particular," Perry said.

Whether it is sending LNG to Poland or Ukraine, "the entirety of the EU totally get it that if we can lay in American LNG ... we can be able to have an alternative to Russia," for natural gas sales to Europe, Perry said.

Earlier this month, Cheniere Energy Inc delivered the first U.S. cargoes of LNG to Poland and the Netherlands.

The Energy Department on Thursday approved additional LNG exports from the Lake Charles project in Louisiana, which is under development.

Trump announced plans to offer coal exports to Ukraine, as well as lift restrictions on U.S. lending for coal projects overseas.

"Ukraine already tells us they need millions and millions of metric tons (of coal)," he said. "Right now, there are many other places that need it too and we want to sell it to them and to everyone else all over the globe who need it."

The Trump administration will launch a review of the ailing nuclear power industry, which has experienced a slew of closures due to stagnant electricity demand and low natural gas prices.

Trump's 2018 budget included $120 million for addressing nuclear waste at Nevada's Yucca Mountain and other projects, but most of the state's politicians oppose that project.

In addition, the State Department issued a permit for a NuStar Logistics LP for its New Burgos Pipeline oil product pipeline from the United States to Mexico with a capacity of up to 180,000 barrels per day.

In 2016, the United States exported about 879,000 barrels of petroleum products daily to Mexico, more than any other country, according to the Energy Department.

For the year, the United States exported 4.7 million barrels a day of products  including gasoline, diesel and other refined products  around the world, making it the world's largest exporter of refined petroleum products.
South Korea's new president, Moon Jae-in, is in Washington for talks with President Donald Trump. The meeting could reveal disagreements over issues including trade, defense ties, and how to handle North Korea.

During the campaign, Trump regularly accused Seoul of ripping off the U.S. on trade and threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from South Korea.



"We pay for South Korea, 28,000 soldiers on the line, and we pay," Trump declared.



At one point, Trump suggested he'd have North Korean leader Kim Jong Un assassinated, a threat he's since walked back.

More recently, Trump has said he would be willing to meet Kim face-to-face, under the right circumstances.

Still, his approach to the North stands in stark contrast to that of Moon, a liberal human rights lawyer who advocates engagement with Pyongyang. But the two leaders' strategies aren't as contradictory as they may seem, according to Gary Samore, an Obama White House official, who spoke to VOA via Skype.



"Trump has said many different things about North Korea, but I think the overall strategy is pressure to create conditions for engagement," Samore said. "And that's something that President Moon has actually endorsed."



Disagreements could also arise over the deployment of the THAAD U.S. anti-ballistic missile system in South Korea. Moon paused the deployment, pending an environmental review, a move that angered Washington.

But those disagreements won't necessarily surface publicly this week cautions Bruce Klingner of the Heritage Foundation, who also spoke to VOA via Skype.



"Since their election, both presidents seem to have taken a great deal of care to send reassurances, either directly or through senior envoys, so I think both presidents are going to be trying to put their best face forward on this summit," Klingner said.



A senior White House official this week said the THAAD deployment will be discussed as what he called a "routine point of housekeeping", but stressed, overall, he expects the talks to be "frank" but "friendly."
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Republican U.S. senators on Friday to repeal Obamacare immediately if they cannot agree on a new health care plan to take its place.

Republican leaders have set Friday as the goal for working out changes to Senate legislation that would repeal extensive parts of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the law dubbed Obamacare that expanded health insurance coverage to 20 million people.



Their efforts were complicated on Thursday by a Congressional Budget Office report that said the Senate proposal would cut spending on government Medicaid for the poor by 35 percent come 2036.



"If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date!" Trump wrote in an early morning Twitter post.



U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a Republican who has often clashed with Trump, welcomed the suggestion. Sasse said this week he was not satisfied with the Senate healthcare legislation.



"Sounds great, Pres. @realDonaldTrump," Sasse wrote in a response on Twitter. "We are agreed. We need to break the logjam."



Trump promised as a presidential candidate to do away with the Affordable Care Act but crafting a plan acceptable to Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, has proven easier said than done.



Republicans would like to make progress on that issue to clear the way for other priorities such as tax reform.


Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has told Greek Cypriots to stop dreaming that 35,000 Turkish forces will leave the divided island.

"This is their dream. They should wake up from this dream and they should abandon this dream," he said Thursday at U.N.-sponsored peace talks in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Cavusoglu said the current round of talks should be the last attempt to resolve the decades-old dispute over Cyprus.

"We cannot continue negotiating forever," the Turkish diplomat said.

His Greek counterpart, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, said the Turkish side has been repeating the same positions over and over.

The Greek Cypriots' demand that Turkish forces go home is one of the major roadblocks to a deal to reunify the Mediterranean island after 43 years.

Turkish troops invaded Cyprus in July 1974, after a coup in Nicosia that was aimed at unifying the island with Greece. Cyprus has been divided since then between separate administrations  Greek Cypriots in the south and Turkish Cypriots in the north  kept apart by U.N. peacekeepers.

Only Turkey recognizes the north, while the Greek south enjoys international recognition and European Union benefits.

Turkish Cypriots want Ankara's troops to stay on for their security; Greek officials in Nicosia say the continuing presence of the Turkish army is a threat to stability.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to join the talks in Switzerland on Friday in the hope of moving the negotiations forward.
The leader of the United Nations has joined the reconvened Cyprus negotiations to encourage the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to grasp the opportunity for peace and end a stalemate that has kept their island divided for more than four decades.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres got off the plane from New York early Friday morning and immediately set to work at the negotiating table.

As cheer leader in chief, Guterres says he is encouraged by the determination and commitment of the participants to find a solution to this thorny problem. He says the conference offers an historic opportunity to reach a comprehensive settlement to the conflict that has divided Cyprus for far too long.

The road back to Switzerland has not been easy. But, the path to lasting peace never is, Guterres said. To get to this point, the leaders have overcome significant challenges and are making unprecedented progress. I salute their determination and common vision, which has led them here.

Alpine village hosts talks

Conference participants include the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders, representatives of the three guarantor powers  Greece, Turkey, and Britain, and senior European Union officials. The talks are taking place in the Alpine village of Crans-Montana, chosen for its seclusion and beauty.

Guterres says he firmly believes that through determination and political will, it will be possible to clear the final hurdles. He says the participants have declared their readiness to find a solution.

They have also demonstrated an awareness of this historic opportunity and the responsibility they share for a successful outcome. Guterres said. And, I call on the leaders and the other participants in the conference to heed the call for peace of thousands of Cypriots at rallies on the island this week. The voices in support of a solution are indeed getting louder.

Turkish troops a sticking point

Guterres notes some sensitive and difficult issues remain to be resolved. Chief among them are guarantees of safety for each of the divided communities.

The major sticking point is the 35,000 Turkish troops stationed in north Cyprus. The Greek community views them as a danger and wants them to leave. On the other hand, the Turkish Cypriots see the troops as a guarantee of their safety.

Guterres says compromises will have to be worked out. But, he adds the security of one community cannot come at the expense of the other.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast ended Friday, 13 years after it intervened to implement a peace agreement as the West African economic powerhouse was split in two by civil war.

While many praise the mission's success in stabilizing the country after years of conflict and postelectoral violence, others point to a recent series of army mutinies as a sign that peace remains tentative.

"The departure of UNOCI shows the remarkable progress that has been accomplished in Ivory Coast on the path to peace, lasting stability and economic prosperity," said Aichatou Mindaoudou, the U.N. secretary-general's special representative for the country.

U.N. peacekeepers first worked to maintain a cease-fire between the rebel-controlled north and the government-controlled south after an attempted coup in 2002 led to civil war. A peace deal in 2007 ultimately brought key rebel leaders into the administration, but deep divisions remained.

Gbagbo balks

The country again came close to civil war in 2011 when then-leader Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat after losing the election and 3,000 people were killed in the violence that followed. Current President Alassane Ouattara was later installed with the help of his former rebel allies and the international community.

About 6,900 uniformed personnel were authorized under the original U.N. peacekeeping mission resolution, but that number had fallen to roughly 2,600 at the end of last year. Most recently, the mission was costing $153 million a year.

The U.N. Security Council in April 2016 voted unanimously to end the mission, and the council on Friday commended its "remarkable achievements."

For many Ivorians, the departure of the peacekeepers is a positive sign, even as worries flare about the recent military tensions. Many recall it was only six years ago that postelectoral conflict claimed so many lives.

"The U.N. mission should stay in place a few more years during the process of reconciliation and restructuring the army," said Firmin Kouakou, a student in the financial capital, Abidjan. "The seeds that led to the previous crisis are gradually re-emerging."

Gbagbo, the former president, is still awaiting trial on war crimes charges at The Hague along with his ally Charles Ble Goude, and critics have accused Ouattara's administration of prioritizing the human rights abuses perpetrated on his supporters.

Vacuum ahead

While the last election in 2015 was peaceful and saw the incumbent re-elected, Ouattara is constitutionally barred from running again. Observers say that vacuum could create more uncertainty about the country's political future.

Disgruntled soldiers have launched a series of mutinies in recent months, paralyzing commerce and raising concerns about further unrest. The recent discovery of an enormous cache of weapons in the former rebel stronghold of Bouake has created even more alarm in a country with a long history of conflict. Authorities have said they are investigating.

Human rights groups are urging the government to do more as the U.N. mission departs.

"The vast majority of the commanders and leaders implicated in a decade of serious human rights violations  on both sides of the military-political divide  have not been held to account," said a statement released Friday by Human Rights Watch and others.

Drissa Traore, the vice president of the International Federation for Human Rights, said that "it's too early to say whether the recovery is sustainable."

Traore added: "The peace dividends that the United Nations has contributed to could be reversed unless the Ivorian government addresses pervasive immunity and the army's lack of discipline."
The United States blacklisted a small Chinese bank on Thursday, accusing it of laundering money to boost North Korea's nuclear weapons development.

The U.S. Treasury Department called the Bank of Dandong a primary money-laundering concern and proposed removing it from the U.S. financial system after a 60-day review period.

In addition, the U.S. slapped sanctions on a Chinese shipping company, the Dalian Global Unity Shipping Company Ltd., and two Chinese nationals, Sun Wei and Li Hong Ri, it said had facilitated illegal activities in North Korea.

Treasury chief Steve Mnuchin said at a White House briefing that the action was chiefly aimed at the bank, not at the Chinese government. President Donald Trump has sought to push Chinese President Xi Jinping to rein in Pyongyang's military ambitions, although Trump last week said in a Twitter comment that while he appreciated Beijing's efforts, it has not worked out.

Mnuchin said in a statement, The United States is sending an emphatic message across the globe that we will not hesitate to take action against persons, companies and financial institutions who enable (the North Korean) regime.

Mnuchin, while not spelling out the details, told reporters that the U.S. had specific intelligence about the activities of the bank. The financial conduit is located in Dandong  a northeastern Chinese city on the North Korean border  that is a gateway for trade with the isolated communist country, much of whose financial support comes from China.

We will follow the money and cut off the money, Mnuchin said. We will cut off the money to North Korea until they behave properly.

The United States, and much of the world, has condemned North Korea's repeated violations of United Nations edicts to halt its test missile launches and nuclear weapons tests. But renewed sanctions have failed to stop Pyongyang's weapons development.

Mnuchin's announcement came hours before Trump was set to meet new South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House to discuss security on the Korean Peninsula and the threat that North Korea poses.
Brett McGurk, the U.S. envoy to the coalition fighting Islamic State, flew into Ankara Friday in the latest efforts by Washington to calm mounting tensions involving key allies in the war against IS.

Those tensions threaten to derail efforts to capture the Syrian town of Raqqa, the militants' self-declared capital.

McGurk's visit comes the same day that President Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

An indication of the difficulty of McGurk's task on this visit: he only met with senior Turkish officials. On previous visits, he met with government ministers and Erdogan himself; but, Erdogan has called for McGurk's removal and accuses him of being too close to the YPG Kurdish militia.

After his meetings Friday, McGurk only said the discussions were about joint efforts to destroy Islamic State. Earlier in the week, McGurk had made clear the U.S. is concerned by Turkish activity in Syria, saying, It is certain that we wouldn't anything to disrupt the Raqqa campaign.

Ankara threatens to attack the Syrian enclave of Afrin, which the YPG holds. Turkey's government accuses the YPG of being linked to the PKK, a Kurdish group waging an insurgency in Turkey.

Buildup near Afrin

Turkish forces continue to build up around Afrin both in Syria and Turkey; but, YPG forces make up a large component of the Syrian Democratic Force. U.S. forces are backing the SDF in the fight to capture Raqqa.

YPG commanders have warned an attack by Turkey could push them to redirect their forces away from Raqqa. Despite that warning, Turkish ministers this week stepped up the tough talk. The Afrin region needs to be cleared of terror elements and terrorists, Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak said this week.

Ankara accuses the YPG of launching military operations in Turkey. Turkish security forces Friday said eight Kurdish militants captured in the city of Gaziantep included YPG members, and they were planning to carry out a major attack. The YPG denied allegations it is targeting Turkey.

Until now, Ankara's ability to hit the YPG has been restricted, because both Moscow and Washington support the group.

Turkey is squeezed between Russia and the U.S. in Syria and its options are limited as it tries to demonize and criminalize the YPG, said Semih Idiz, a columnist with Al Monitor website.

Ankara, however, senses an opening with Moscow's fury after the U.S. downed a Syrian government jet in mid-May.

Obviously there is increasing tension in Afrin and that is probably due to changing balance between Russia and U.S. in Syria, said Aydin Selcen, a former senior Turkish diplomat, who is an expert on Kurdish affairs.

Turkey sees a window of opportunity. If Turkey can make a deal with Damascus and Moscow like it did with the Al Bab operations, at least it can push back YPG elements. Moscow is trying to pull the YPG back toward Damascus and also to peel away Turkey away from its main ally the U.S.

Stressing Russian role

Last year Turkish troops backed Syrian opposition forces in ousting IS from the Syrian town of Al Bab.

Ankara appears keen to stress the importance of Moscow in the current tensions. Shortly after Erdogan's phone call with Trump Friday, he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Any Turkish operation against Afrin, however, carries risks. It would pit Turkey against American-supported forces that are fighting with America against IS, and IS is a major target for America, and so this will be a disaster as far as Turkish-American relations are concerned, Idiz said.

Washington is eager to avoid that, so is expected to intensify its diplomatic efforts.

Even if Turkey moved toward Afrin, it's not clear its forces could capture the whole enclave.

Afrin is difficult, if not impossible, because of the demographic structure being overwhelmingly Kurdish, as well as it being mountainous, points out Selcen, the former diplomat. But they [Turkish forces] can push to control some strategically important towns ... there could be a push by Turkey to fully isolate Afrin.

Selcen suggests the latest tension over Afrin is part of the jockeying for position for the end of the fighting.

There will be a final push for control for these spheres of influence in Syria,and then hopefully there will be a table for all sides to sit around in which they exchange something against something else. For example, a political agreement in exchange for territory. That's why all sides are trying to control as much terrain, he said.
President Donald Trump's modified travel ban has been implemented with little immediate protest as immigration lawyers gathered at U.S. airports to aid travelers from six affected countries.

The U.S. activated the new rules Thursday evening, requiring visa applicants from six majority-Muslim nations to have a "bona fide" relationship with a family member or business in the U.S. to be admitted into the country.

Before the rollout, senior administration officials explained how consular officials should proceed with the visa applications for people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Anyone in transit to the U.S. with travel scheduled before July 6 will be allowed to enter. Those with travel booked after that date will be addressed "later," according to senior administration officials.

Previously scheduled visa application appointments will not be canceled, administration officials said, but all new applicants will have to prove their bona fide relationship to a family member or business in the U.S. in addition to passing traditional screening.

Acceptable close family relationships include a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling who already is in the United States.

Relationships that do not meet the requirement include grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, fiance or other extended family. The officials said these distinctions were based on those included in the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

First court suit

Late Thursday, the Trump administration added fiance to the acceptable list after Hawaii filed an emergency motion in federal court, asking a judge to clarify that the ban can't be enforced against relatives, including fiances, not mentioned in the administration's guidelines.

U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson ordered the Justice Department to respond by Monday and gave Hawaii until July 6 for a rebuttal.

"I think the Supreme Court actually laid it out very clearly," New York Immigration Coalition Director of Political Engagement Murad Awawdeh told VOA. "A bona fide relationship is anyone who has a relationship with anyone in the United States or an American entity. And for the department of state to come out with such a new version of what that word actually means, it is kind of disheartening."

He added that the Trump administration is trying to "redefine what family means."

Awawdeh spoke Thursday at an anti-travel ban protest of about 150 people in New York's Washington Square.

Also at the protest was Yemeni American Widad Hassan, who says that choosing between family and country is nothing new. Her sister-in-law and newborn nephew are in Yemen, while her brother is in the U.S., unable to reunite with his family.

"Do they leave to join their family in Yemen or do they stay here? So, that is pretty much how the ban has impacted us," said Hassan, adding that the battle is a recurring one. "It is just mentally and emotionally draining, especially when you have family members who are being directly impacted by it."

"Hey hey! Ho ho! Syrian refugees have got to go!" shouted an older white man, hoisting a black-and-white "Keep Syrians Out" poster outside a #NoMuslimBanEver Emergency Town Hall in New York.

Travel ban supporter Pauline Pujol told VOA, "I think Donald Trump is 100% correct. He is protecting the country. A president is supposed to protect the country; there is nothing racist about it. It's about security."

Refugee numbers

A 120-day ban on refugees and yearly cap of 50,000 total refugees coming to the United States also went into effect Thursday evening; however, any refugee who can prove a relationship to a family member in the U.S. may be allowed entry.

Senior administration officials said 49,009 refugees had been admitted to the U.S. in fiscal year 2017 as of Wednesday night, nearing the cap three-quarters of the way through the fiscal year that begins in October. But the cap is likely to be exceeded as additional refugees are accepted on the basis of family ties. Officials said about half of refugees admitted to the U.S. have family in the country.

The Supreme Court partially reinstated the president's executive order limiting travel after it was halted by two lower courts. The high court will hold its own hearing on the legal challenges in October.

Trump says the order is necessary to protect national security, with the entry freezes meant to give the government time to strengthen vetting procedures.
Venezuela's chief prosecutor asked the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for protection Friday, days after the Supreme Court barred her from leaving the country and ordered her bank accounts frozen.



Tensions between Luisa Ortega Diaz and President Nicolas Maduro's socialist administration have been steadily escalating since she contested a Supreme Court decision in late March that dissolved the opposition-controlled National Assembly and sparked a deadly wave of unrest.



Since then, she has become one of the few critical voices within the government  other than the sidelined congress  challenging Maduro's push to rewrite the constitution and pressing charges against officers responsible for deaths during anti-government protests.

Chief of Intelligence Promoted

On Friday, Ortega Diaz's office announced it was summoning the chief of Venezuela's feared Sebin intelligence agency, Gustavo Gonzalez, to appear on suspicion of "committing grave and systemic violations of human rights.''



Prosecutors said they are investigating incidents of illegitimate detentions, arbitrary raids and cases in which people have remained imprisoned despite court orders that they be freed.



Maduro responded hours later by promoting Gonzalez to head the nation's military. He called Gonzalez and Antonio Benavides Torres, another high-ranking official under investigation by the state prosecutor, "brave patriots.''



"They have defended the peace of the republic and have all my support,'' Maduro said.



Gonzalez is the second high-ranking official Maduro has rewarded after being accused of abuses against the opposition this week. On Thursday, the president decorated a colonel seen forcefully pushing the president of the National Assembly.

Turbulent Week



The developments capped perhaps the most turbulent week yet in Ortega Diaz's struggle to assert her office's authority in a country where nearly every branch of the federal government is filled with Maduro allies.



Earlier this week, the government-stacked Supreme Court ruled that a number of responsibilities long the exclusive jurisdiction of the state prosecutor's office would also be assigned to the pro-government public ombudsman's office. The decision was drafted as a rogue police pilot flew a stolen helicopter over the Supreme Court, dropping several grenades and fleeing.



"This is yet another step against the democratic institutions and autonomy of the Venezuelan public prosecutor,'' Diego Garcia Sayan, the United Nation's special investigator on the independence of judges and lawyers, said Friday.

Request for protection



Ortega Diaz announced on Twitter she was seeking the protection of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for all workers at the state prosecutor's office, but provided no further details.



The Washington-based body, which is an agency of the Organization of American States, is responsible for protecting human rights throughout the hemisphere. It did not respond to a request for comment.



In recent weeks, Maduro and his allies have stepped up their criticism of the prosecutor.



Vice President Tareck El Aissami told state broadcaster VTV on Friday that Ortega Diaz "acts like a militant for the opposition.'' He said the Supreme Court's restrictions on her movements were warranted.



"They are necessary measures of justice,'' he said.



The National Assembly is the only entity that can remove Ortega Diaz from office under the current constitution, but observers suspect Maduro supporters will try to change that when they draft a new charter.



Ortega Diaz is a longtime supporter of the socialist government installed by the late President Hugo Chavez, whom she frequently quotes in defending positions that run counter to Maduro's own assertions. More recently, however, she has become a thorn in the president's side as he attempts to proceed with a constitution rewrite that she has roundly dismissed.



"I don't recognize these decisions,'' she said this week in denouncing the Supreme Court's move to allow the ombudsman to carry out criminal investigations. "I will defend Venezuela's constitution and democracy even if it costs me my life.''

Relatives threatened, harassed



Ortega Diaz has reported that relatives have been threatened and harassed.



Three months of political upheaval in Venezuela triggered by the March Supreme Court decision have left at least 77 people dead, hundreds injured and thousands detained. On Friday, opposition leaders denounced the detention of more than a dozen student protesters who were loaded into the back of a truck as tear gas launched nearby drifted into the vehicle and the doors were closed.

Students Detained



Student leader Daniel Ascanio said 29 students were detained Thursday for participating in the protests. It was unclear what charges if any they are facing, though Ascanio said some had been able to speak with relatives and appeared "physically well.''



"We are living at a time when the national government detains youths just for expressing our desire for a different country,'' he said.



Demonstrators are demanding new elections, but Maduro has vowed instead to resolve the crisis by convoking a special assembly to rewrite the constitution. The election is slated to take place in late July though polls indicate it has little public support.
Drawing inspiration from Ukraine's 2013-14 revolt, Venezuela's young protesters are donning Viking-like shields in battles with security forces and eagerly watching a film on the Kyiv uprising.

Foes of Venezuelan socialist President Nicolas Maduro are holding public showings of Netflix's Winter on Fire documentary about the three-month standoff in Ukraine that led to 100 deaths and the exit of then-president Viktor Yanukovich.

In Venezuela's anti-government unrest, where 80 people have died since April, youths bear colorfully decorated homemade shields akin to those used in Kiev's Maidan Square.

The young Venezuelans make their shields from satellite TV dishes, drain covers, barrels or any other scraps of wood and metal they can find. Some supporters also make and donate shields.

The protesters use the shields to form walls, or even beat on them in unison, as Roman soldiers and Norsemen used to do going into battle. Fellow demonstrators cheer as the self-styled Resistance members link arms to walk to the front lines and face off with National Guard troops and police.

The shields don't stop bullets, but they do protect us from tear gas, rubber bullets and stones, said 20-year-old law student Brian Suarez, wearing a gas mask and carrying a shield depicting Maduro in the sights of a rifle target.

Shields with a point

Other shields carry quotes and images of Venezuela's constitution, paintings and religious symbols, depictions of the faces of slain protesters, or slogans saying SOS!, No More Dictatorship! or Murderer, Maduro!

While the protesters say they are fighting against tyranny in the South American oil producer, Maduro accuses them of seeking a violent coup with U.S. support.

Manuel Melo said he was on the front line of protests, hurling stones and protecting other marchers with his blue plastic shield, until one day he was caught by a water cannon.

The 20-year-old graphic design student lost his kidney from the impact.

Nevertheless, he wants to go back.

It's an important role being a shield-bearer because you know that everything they throw goes straight at you, he said while recovering from his home in Caracas. Im not out there because I like it, but for the common good.

Am I in Ukraine?

Winter on Fire, by Russian director Evgeny Afineevsky, shows tens of thousands of Ukrainian protesters braving snow and baton attacks from riot police to barricade themselves in Maidan Square.

It has been discreetly shown around Venezuela, including at bookshops, a university, a public square and an arts cinema.

Forums and discussions are held afterward.

Hearing a Ukrainian and seeing the tears in their eyes, you ask yourself: Hold on, am I in Ukraine or in Cafetal? said university professor Carlos Delgado, referring to an upper-class part of Caracas that has vigorously supported the protests.

Delgado, 48, recently participated in a screening and forum about Winter on Fire at Venezuela's Catholic University, where opposition to Maduro is also strong.

Many have also spread the word on social media.

This documentary is unmissable, Venezuelan actress and author Ana Maria Simon exhorted on her Instagram account. All Venezuelans should see it, especially those who are tired, especially those close to losing faith.

In both countries, protesters have opposed presidents they consider repressive, and the clashes turned increasingly violent. But differences abound, too.

Protesters watch weather, clock

While Ukraine's protesters endured freezing conditions day and night, Venezuela's thin out quickly when rain starts, and they go home in the evening and enjoy balmy Caribbean weather.

The Venezuelans point out that criminal gangs make the streets dangerous at night. And with their economy in meltdown, they are often short of medicine, food and other needs, whereas the Ukrainians had a good supply line.

Hans Wuerich, who became famous for stripping in front of an armored car with a Bible in Caracas, said Winter on Fire made him think Venezuela's Resistance needed to escalate tactics.

It's time to take the protests to another level, the 27-year-old reporter said in Caracas' Altamira Square, a focus of the demonstrations. But we need to be organized if we're going to take the streets day and night, if it's really about a point of no return.
South Africa's ruling African National Congress has opened a major policy conference, an event the party holds every five years to set priorities and programs ahead of the next elections.

But this year's meeting in Johannesburg is overshadowed by the major political drama haunting the long-dominant ANC, as an increasingly unpopular President Jacob Zuma faces a no-confidence vote in parliament.

The vote was sparked by Zuma's decision earlier this year to fire a well-respected finance minister and reshuffle his Cabinet. That political upheaval prompted a major ratings agency to downgrade the nation's sovereign credit rating, which has negatively impacted the economy.

Zuma's political troubles come as the country grapples with record unemployment  which stands at nearly 30 percent  and an economy in recession.

Calls for Zuma to resign have even come from prominent members of his own party, which has long prided itself for maintaining a unified front.

'We will never engage'

At the conference's opening on Friday, Zuma brushed aside the storm clouds over his head.

Many of us have controlled ourselves not to respond to these comrades, because we know them, he told the crowd of ANC representatives. Some of them are not as strong as they project themselves, he said, a comment that triggered laughter.

We know them. But because we are keeping to the discipline of the organization, we are not engaging them in public, and we will never engage them, he said.

This meeting precedes a major ANC political conference in December, at which point the party will choose a new leader to replace Zuma, whose term as president ends in 2019.

Next leader?

That new leader is likely to become South Africa's next president, and he or she would have the authority to pardon Zuma over the 783 counts of corruption he is currently facing. Already this battle has been painted by experts as a showdown between Zuma's favorite  his ex-wife, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma  and Zuma's increasingly critical and outspoken deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Political analyst Judith February says the thing to really watch this week is who comes out on top of the political heap.

Essentially, this policy conference will be a proxy for the December leadership battle, she told VOA. And there will be horse-trading going on behind the scenes, there will be provinces, branches, trying to influence the process. And so, actually, I think policy will end up taking a backseat, and that this really is about the politics.
The first-ever deaf woman leader of a U.S. university for deaf students is touring Africa, hoping to learn and to teach institutions here how to provide for hearing-impaired students. In South Africa, an estimated one-fifth of the disabled population is hard of hearing. Anita Powell reports.
The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have fully encircled Raqqa, which serves as the de-facto capital of the Islamic State group in Syria, cutting off the jihadist groups last route out of the city, according to a monitoring group.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Thursday that SDF forces captured two villages on the southern bank of the Euphrates River, effectively cutting off the last IS escape route.

"They thereby cut the last route IS used to withdraw from Raqqa towards territory it controls in the Syrian desert and in Deir Ezzor province," the Observatory said.

A spokesman for the U.S. mission to defeat IS said on Twitter the SDF had this week cleared nearly 20 square kilometers of territory once held by IS jihadists, and that the SDF "now control all high-speed avenues of approach" into Raqqa.

"[IS] fighters, abandoned by their leadership, are being pressured by the [SDF] from multiple axes around the city," he wrote.

Watch: US-led Forces Tighten Ring Around IS Stronghold in Syria

The SDF, backed by U.S. airstrikes, has been battling the Islamic State fighters along the outskirts of Raqqa for several months. It first entered the city in early June and has since captured districts throughout the city.

IS jihadists took control of Raqqa in 2014, claiming it as the capital of its self-proclaimed caliphate in Syria and Iraq. The city became notorious as the site of some of the extremist group's most heinous atrocities, including public beheadings, and also is believed to have been a hub for planning international attacks.

United Nations estimates say that up to 100,000 civilians are still trapped in the city. Islamic State uses civilians as human shields, and kills those trying to escape.

In New York, U.N. Humanitarian Chief Stephen O'Brien told the Security Council that reports from inside Raqqa are "extremely dire" and that the remaining civilians have "limited access to food, water and basic services."

O'Brien said residents fleeing the city face personal danger, including retaliation from Islamic State fighters, threats from land mines, and forced recruitment, including of children, at checkpoints.

"People are terrified and they do not know where to go for safety," O'Brien said. "We must do more to see civilians caught up in this fight protected."

Many civilians are heading north as they leave the city, toward the Turkish border, where there are U.N.-supported transit sites inside Syria. From there, most find shelter with relatives or friends in safer areas of Syria.
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Twenty-two million more Americans would be uninsured under the Senate Republicans health-care bill than under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, by 2026, according to the Congressional Budget Offices report released on June 26. But that loss would fall much harder on some states than others, according to a new analysis from the Urban Institute and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

West Virginia would see its uninsured rate more than quadruple by 2022. In Kentucky and Arkansas the uninsured rate would more than triple. All three states strongly supported Donald Trump in the presidential election.

Rust Belt states, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, would also see large increases in the uninsured rate. Many of those states narrowly supported the president, but have historically leaned left.

But senators positions on the bill, by and large, dont reflect how their state would be affected. Of Kentuckys two senators, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) is spearheading the repeal effort, and Rand Paul (R) is objecting to the bill for not going far enough to end the ACAs regulations and spending. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) voiced concerns about the bill early on but wasnt outright against it until after McConnell called off the vote.

The early moderate defectors, Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.), come from states with sizable, but much smaller, coverage losses. They both cited coverage loss among their objections.





The bill would save the federal government a lot of money, a big selling point for Republicans. Over the next decade, the CBO projected, the federal government would spend nearly $800 billion less on Medicaid and $400 billion less on marketplace tax credits than under the ACA.

And much like the coverage losses, those spending cuts would affect some states more than others. States that expanded Medicaid would tend to lose more, because the bill would roll back the expansion. That would leave such states as Kentucky, where huge swaths of the population enrolled under the expansion, losing half of their funding or more.





The Senate bill would also cause premiums to spike nationwide, according to a separate analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The increases would disproportionately affect older Americans, those with low and moderate incomes and those who live in rural areas, where health-care costs tend to be higher.

This would hit especially hard in Alaska, where health-care costs are much higher than in other states because of its rural geography, among other things. Alabama would also see a big increase, in part because of its high population of low-income people.

[See where the Senate health-care bills subsidy cuts will affect Americans most]

The increases are so large, people may opt out of buying insurance altogether. According to the CBO report, Many [low-income] people ... would not purchase any plan.

At this point, its unclear whether the Senate GOPs bill will pass. Republicans will need almost all of their members to support it, but several senators have already expressed concern or outright opposition. A vote was expected Thursday but was then pushed back until after the Senates Fourth of July recess.

Sources: Coverage and budget data from a study put out by the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Premium data from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
For so many of us, a thriller is the quintessential summer read. The suspense, the intrigue the adventure  these books are escapist in the best way. And yet with so many thriller and mystery books out there, its hard to know which are worth loading into your beach bag.

For some help, we scoured our reviews from this year and compiled a list of 17 that our reviewers have loved so far.

Camino Island , by John Grisham (Doubleday). An entertaining departure from Grishams legal thrillers, Camino Island is about a heist of F. Scott Fitzgerald manuscripts from Princeton Universitys main library, a bookish thief and a struggling young novelist.  Mike Rosenwald

Defectors , by Joseph Kanon (Atria). Kanon uses the tangled ties between two brothers to explore the world of espionage at the height of the Cold War. Kanon, the author of The Good German, and The Prodigal Spy, among others, is a master of the spy genre, and here delivers a book that will appeal to fans of The Americans and Bridge of Spies.  Patrick Anderson

Endgame , Ahmet Altan (Europa). Guns go off early in this seaside noir. An implicit critique of Turkeys corrupt justice system, Endgame is also a comic and charmingly absurd novel whose author is on trial for links to last years failed coup.  Nathan Scott McNamara

Every Night I Dream of Hell , by Malcolm Mackay (Mulholland). Plunge into the world of hit men employed by a Scottish mob. As gangs and factions make moves and countermoves in this fast-paced tale, Mackay provides sardonic insights into the thuggish life.  Dennis Drabelle

Fateful Mornings , by Tom Bouman (Norton). With convincingly suspenseful turns of the screw, Bouman provides an original, terrifying take on the serial-killer theme. What begins as a search for a missing young woman in a rural Pennsylvania town grows into a network of secrets whose uncovering will shock a region.  Michael Sims

The Force , by Don Winslow (William Morrow). At the center of this cinematic tome is a powerful New York City police detective. Hes arrogant, corrupt, smart and violent. He steals a lot of cash and heroin from a drug bust. Things get complicated. Malone gets tossed in the slammer. If this sounds like a good pitch for a summer blockbuster, thats because it is.  Neely Tucker

I See You , by Clare Mackintosh (Berkley). In ex-cop Clare Mackintoshs smashing second novel, I See You, unsuspecting women using the London subway system are targeted by a madman.  P.A.

Little Deaths , by Emma Flint (Hachette). A moody thriller based on the true story of Alice Crimmins, who was convicted of murdering her children in Queens in 1968, but whose role in their deaths remains uncertain.  Maureen Corrigan

The Long Drop , by Denise Mina (Little, Brown). Celebrated for her Garnethill suspense trilogy, as well as for her Alex Morrow police procedural series, here Denise Mina trains her moody sensibilities on an episode from the career of Scotlands most infamous serial killer.  M.C.

Magpie Murders, by Anthony Horowitz (Harper)

Magpie Murders , by Anthony Horowitz (Harper). British author Anthony Horowitzs sleek, fun, cunning work is a novel-within-a-novel, a flawless imitation of the Golden Age mysteries of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh and Margery Allingham.  Charles Finch

Not a Sound , by Heather Gudenkauf (Park Row). Theres minimal blood and zero sexual depravity in Gudenkaufs psychological suspense story. Think Mary Higgins Clark or Lisa Scottoline, accented with a dash of inspiration from that vintage Audrey Hepburn movie Wait Until Dark.  M.C.

Proving Ground , by Peter Blauner (Minotaur). A New York civil rights lawyer is found murdered, and his son, a soldier just returned from the war in Iraq, seeks to find his killer  and cope with deep-seated personal demons  P.A.

Prussian Blue , by Philip Kerr (Marian Wood/Putnam). The 12th Bernie Gunther mystery is as brisk and agile as its German police detective protagonist. It moves back and forth between Nazi Germany in 1939 and the French Riviera in 1956, with two suspenseful tales that for a while seem unconnected but arent.  D.D.

Quicksand , by Malin Persson Giolito (Other). This Swedish import takes us deep into the life of Maja Norburg, who is 18, blessed with beauty, brains and rich parents  and on trial for mass murder. What we dont know is whether the story will end with Maja going to prison.  P.A.

Since We Fell , by Dennis Lehane (Ecco). Lehanes 14th novel takes the author back to his old New England stomping grounds, that fertile place of Mystic River and Shutter Island. A pleasantly twisted character study and a love story, it turns, down to the last page, on the captivating heart of a disgraced television journalist.  N.T.

The Switch, by Joseph Finder (Dutton)

The Switch , by Joseph Finder (Dutton). It could happen to any of us: accidentally grabbing the wrong laptop off the security conveyor belt at the airport. For the hero of Joseph Finders propulsive novel The Switch, this innocent mishap puts him in the middle of a dangerous scenario involving lies, leaks and threats to our liberties.  Carol Memmott

Testimony , by Scott Turow (Grand Central), Attorney Bill ten Boom, the narrator of Scott Turows smart, demanding thriller, accepts an invitation to be a special prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. His assignment? To learn exactly what happened in 2004 at a refugee camp in Tuzla, Bosnia, where 400 Roma were allegedly buried alive, its unclear by whom.  D.D.

Nora Krug is an editor and writer in Book World.
At this strange moment in history, any journalistic error can have extremely serious consequences.

Three CNN journalists found that out last week when they resigned under pressure after reporting, editing and publishing a story  based on a single anonymous source  that the network says didnt go through the proper review channels.

When the story came under fire (it tied a Trump transition team member to a Russia-related investigation), CNN not only retracted it but sent the journalists packing.

Some hailed the move as welcome accountability, if a draconian form of it.

James Risen of the New York Times, though, saw it as a cowardly, panicked move. CNN brass was easily intimidated by Trump, he told me.

CNN doesnt seem willing to show the kind of courage required to back up your people who do difficult investigative reporting, said Risen, one of the nations most prominent investigative reporters. Risen won a Pulitzer Prize in 2006 for a story co-written with one of the fired journalists, Eric Lichtblau, whom he called one of the finest reporters Ive ever worked with.

If the effort was intended to mollify CNNs chief critic  President Trump  it certainly backfired.

Trump and his surrogates took the opportunity to bash the network and the rest of the mainstream media more vociferously than ever. The accustomed cries (and tweets) of FAKE NEWS played at an especially high decibel level. And the bashing took on a physical aspect in a widely circulated old video clip showing Trump pummeling an opponent, updated to give the other wrestler the CNN logo for a head.

CNNs head honcho, Jeff Zucker, has told his troops that they have to play error-free ball.

Indeed, one poorly executed story can offset a hundred good ones: the near-constant flow of well-reported scoops that have prompted multiple members of the administration to lawyer up and a special prosecutor to be appointed. But heres the problem: Theres no such thing as error-free journalism.

 To err is human is not confined to journalism, nor is journalism exempt from it, said Richard Tofel, president of ProPublica, the investigative-journalism nonprofit organization.

That reality is at the heart of modern free-press protection under our Constitution, he said. When talking about public affairs, innocent mistakes are protected, knowing mistakes are not.

Scratch any longtime reporter or editor  this one included  and theyll bleed their past mistakes: errors in fact, in judgment, in process. And, of course, those errors need to be acknowledged and corrected.

The Post has had its share; so has the New York Times, which recently had to correct an editorial that wrongly connected ads run by Sarah Palins political action committee to the 2011 shooting of then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).

CNN has made a major effort to build an investigative reporting unit, hiring aggressively and bringing in stars such as Lichtblau and BuzzFeeds Andrew Kaczynski.

The team has had some hits  breaking stories about Russian meddling in the 2016 election and Russias ties to Trump allies. But it also had one earlier high-profile misstep  in predicting that former FBI director James B. Comey would deny that he told the president that he was not under investigation.

When Comey publicly stated the opposite, CNN quickly issued a correction.

The White House and pro-Trump media dont hold themselves to remotely the same standards of accuracy as CNN and the rest of us do, said Ben Smith, editor in chief of BuzzFeed. Sean Hannity is still working at Fox News after perpetuating disgraceful conspiracy theories. Bret Baier, after forecasting a likely indictment against the Clinton Foundation just before the election, carries on at the network, too. (And even at CNN, the painfully awful Trump surrogate Jeffrey Lord has managed to keep his gig.)

Smith offered empathy: Building an investigative reporting culture is really hard and I dont envy having to build it under the kind of intense and unfairly politicized scrutiny they face.

There are, of course, firing offenses in journalism: Plagiarism, fabrication, serious conflicts of interest or, as in a recent Wall Street Journal reporters firing, making business deals with a source.

But failing to go through channels on a thinly sourced story  the substance of which has not been proved wrong?

The punishment certainly doesnt seem to fit the crime, Lydia Polgreen, editor in chief of HuffPost, told me. And thats likely to have a chilling effect on a lot of other reporters who are trying to get as close to the truth as possible.

If theres more to this situation, CNN should tell the public, modeling the same kind of transparency the news media wants from government officials. (CNN spokesman Matt Dornic, when I asked for more explanation of the harsh discipline, said only this: They no longer work at CNN because they violated critical editorial procedures that are in place for a reason.)

Washington is rife with Watergate comparisons these days. So lets recall the time that famed Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein got a front-page story wrong: That a witness had testified to the Watergate grand jury implicating President Richard M. Nixons chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman.

The episode, for a time, cast doubt on the larger investigation. Woodward later recalled it as one of the worst days of his life: In fact, I dont think Ive had one that bad, because it was just flat-out wrong.

But the papers executive editor, Benjamin C. Bradlee, stood behind the reporters in public  however he may have scorched them behind closed doors. He certainly didnt fire them; and the rest is history.

Now, in this new moment of white-hot scrutiny and red-hot disparagement, news organizations have to ask themselves what they are trying to do, Polgreen said.

Are you there to serve your audience  or to keep powerful people happy?

For more by Margaret Sullivan visit wapo.st/sullivan
1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process.

2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive.

3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents.

4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance.

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Members of the Wallenda Family Troupe perform their high-wire act at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

If youre a Wallenda, you join the circus. Thats just how it goes.

For us, its quite normal, said Tino Wallenda, 66. Its what my family did before me and their family before them.

Wallenda, along with his children, their spouses and his grandchildren, exhibited the familys trademark tightrope skills Thursday at the opening day of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, part of which is devoted this year to a celebration of the circus arts. Equipped with balance poles and decades of experience, the performers took turns walking a high wire set up on the Mall, finishing with a three-person chair pyramid.

Circuses may be an endangered species, as evidenced by Ringling Brothers going out of business this spring, but Wallenda doesnt plan to change a thing about his familys old-school act.

We represent the traditional family element of the circus, said Tino Wallenda. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

Our job here is that we represent the traditional family element of the circus, he said. Im the sixth generation, and then there are my children and grandchildren. Were representing three generations of circus legacy here.

Tinos grandfather Karl was born into a German circus family and founded his own troupe in the 1920s. The Flying Wallendas, as they came to be known, were lauded for their daring stunts and pitied for a series of tragic mishaps. One of Karls in-laws fell to her death; another suffered a fatal shock when he came into contact with a live electric wire during his act. Karl himself died, at age 73, in a fall from an open-air tightrope on a windy day in Puerto Rico.

The most haunting incident came when the troupe performed its signature seven-person chair pyramid in January 1962 at Detroits State Fair Coliseum  a stunt that required four performers to stand on the tightrope while balancing two others on their shoulders, who themselves carried yet another Wallenda, wobbling on top in a chair. The acrobats toppled that day, killing two and paralyzing a third  Tinos uncle Mario.

The family continues to form chair pyramids to this day, but only if its 100 percent, insists Tinos daughter Alida, 43.

The safety precautions that we take are just hours and hours of practice, a lot of repetition, she said. We know what were doing.



Aurelia Wallenda on her cloudswing rope. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

Alex Wallenda doing his juggling routine. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

Thursdays performance began with Tinos daughter Aurelia Wallenda, 33, doing trapeze-like acrobatics in a dangling loop of rope, a routine known as the cloudswing. Her brother, Alex, 29, and his wife followed with a juggling act, during which he performed a comic monologue about a jugglers four worst enemies: wind, sun, gravity and lawsuits.

But the crowd, filled with eager tourists, had come for the risky tightrope act. One by one, the red-jumpsuited or leotard-clad Wallendas walked across the 40-foot wire, which was strung 25 feet off the ground. Tino and Alex both stopped to lean down and carefully balance on their heads.

When it came time for the pyramid, Alidas husband, Robinson Cortes, 49, stepped ahead, with Alex a few feet behind, a sturdy pole braced between them. And then, somehow, the family patriarch, his brow furrowed, managed to climb on top, balanced in a chair straddling the pole, to a loud round of applause.



On the Mall, the Wallendas did a smaller version of the chair pyramid act that led to tragedy 55 years ago. The casualty rate of driving cars is much greater than tightrope walkers, Tino Wallenda said with a shrug. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

If it seems like the Wallendas are everywhere these days  well, there are a lot of them by now. After nearly a century as a brand name, the acrobats in the family have split off into groups: Tinos immediate family performs as the Wallenda Family Troupe, while his nephew Nik Wallenda and Niks aerialist wife, Erendira, have made names for themselves with their TV-friendly daredevil stunts. (Both have dangled by their teeth from trapezes hanging from helicopters, Nik 250 feet above a Missouri theme park and Erendira 300 feet above Niagara Falls in June.)

Niks act tends to veer from the familys tightrope roots. But I feel that theres a place for everything, his cousin Alida said. Theres a place for the modern, theres a place for the traditional.

Even if the traditional carries an unusually high occupational hazard rate. Tino said he recognizes the constant potential for death but gives a shrug.

The casualty rate of driving cars is much greater than tightrope walkers, and theres lots of tightrope walkers, he said. You just have to be careful about what you do.



Visitors to the Folklife Festival watch the Wallendas perform 25 feet off the ground. The family troupe has moved beyond circuses to find work at festivals, state fairs and grand openings. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

If the familys accident-filled past werent enough to deter them from proceeding with their stunts, they wont let the declining circus economy do it, either. Tinos mother, Jenny  Karls daughter  wanted him to attend college and become a lawyer or doctor. Theres no future in the circus business, Tino recalls her saying. But circuses arent their only outlet anymore; to keep the family business going, the Wallenda Family Troupe has taken gigs at a broad range of events  festivals, grand openings and state fairs among them.

Well, Ive survived until now, Tino Wallenda said.  My children are surviving, and my grandchildren are going into it as well. Its what we do. Its something you do from your heart.

Because the Wallendas tend to perform well into their golden years (not until I drop, but probably until I cant anymore, Tino said), theyve often married others in the same business who understand their lifestyle.

Alida and Alex Wallenda performed alongside their spouses on Thursday. Cortes as well as Alexs wife, Claire Kuciejczyk-Kernan Wallenda-Zoppe, 25, came up as circus people themselves and were quickly branded as seventh-generation Wallenda performers in their own right.

If theyre just not into it, said Aurelia, of bringing relatives into the act, were not going to force them. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

We do a lot of traveling eight to 10 months out of the year, so with a lot of people, its difficult to get up and go, Aurelia said. You pack a suitcase, you get in your trailer, you go to a hotel  thats moving almost every day. She brought her 1-year-old son, Marcus, to the festival.

Though she joked about Marcus joining the family business in a few years, its fair to assume that hell at least try it out. Alidas three children  Ysabella Cortes, 15; Lucas Cortes, 7; and Tomas Cortes, 5  joined the show on Thursday, and young Tomas even sat on his fathers shoulders as he walked the high wire.

We dont ever push or pull somebody to do something, Aurelia said. We do practice and encourage, but if theyre just not into it, were not going to force them. That makes it a safety hazard for the person and the people around them.

Alida added: We dont let our kids up there until they realize that risk. They have to get a respect for it  its not a fear, its more of a respect that we try to instill in them  knowing that they can do anything they want to do, but they have to be careful and pay attention.

The Wallenda Family Troupe will be performing every day of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which is on the Mall through July 9. Closed July 5. A detailed schedule is available online at festival.si.edu.
THE DISTRICT

Suspect arrested in beating death

D.C. police on Friday arrested a suspect in the beating death Wednesday of a 29-year-old man whose body was found on the front porch of a rowhouse in the Trinidad neighborhood in Northeast.

Tavon Maurice Davis, 22, of Southeast, was charged with second-degree murder, police said.

Davis is charged in the killing of Michael Vest, who lived a few streets from where his body was found shortly before 8 a.m. Wednesday in the 1300 block of Trinidad Avenue NE.

Police did not discuss a possible motive.

 Peter Hermann

Police arrest suspect in 2016 death in SW

D.C. police on Thursday arrested a suspect in the November shooting death of a 24-year-old Maryland man in Southwest Washington, according to authorities.

Troy Souder, 26, of Northeast Washington, was charged with second-degree murder while armed. Police said Souder is charged with killing Marcus Barnes, of Temple Hills, about 11 p.m. on Nov. 30 in front of an apartment building in the 100 block of Irvington Street SW. Authorities did not provide a motive.

 Peter Hermann

Maryland

Va. woman found with loaded gun at BWI

A Virginia woman arrested Thursday at Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport when she tried to board a flight carrying a loaded pistol told officials her son placed the firearm in her purse, federal authorities said.

The Transportation Security Administration said officers at a security checkpoint found the .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with five bullets in the womans handbag after she placed her carry-on items on the X-ray conveyor belt.

Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) police said they arrested Vicki Tambellini, 57, of Kilmarnock, a town in Lancaster County in Virginias Northern Neck. Tambellini was charged with a state weapons charge, police said.

TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said the agency did not have further information about the incident.

 Luz Lazo

VIRGINIA

Man charged with murder after dispute

A man has been charged with murder in the death of a man following a dispute early Friday morning at the Springfield Plaza Shopping Center, Fairfax County police said.

Jay Fasick, 30, of Springfield, was taken into custody in the death of Kieron Hart, 29, of Springfield.

Fairfax County police were called to the 7200 block of Commerce Street in Springfield around 2:10 a.m. Friday for a report of a man lying outside, police said. Officers found Hart in an alley with severe injuries to his upper body. He was pronounced dead shortly before 3 a.m. at a hospital, police said. The unspecified dispute between Hart and Fasick began at Revolution Darts and Billiards in the shopping center, before moving outside, police said.

Police said it is not known whether Hart or Fasick knew each other.

 Justin Jouvenal

Sentencing in fire department theft

A former employee of the Alexandria Fire Department who embezzled more than $200,000 will spend a year in prison.

Monique Jackson Asante, 49, of Woodbridge, pleaded guilty last year to money laundering. For six years, she filed fraudulent invoices for five friends and relatives, pretending they were vendors for the department. Four co-conspirators also pleaded guilty to felonies; one was found guilty at trial.

A co-conspirator exposed the scheme to fire officials, according to prosecutors. Asante was immediately fired; she then cooperated with police against the others.

She was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison, with 14 years suspended on condition of good behavior and restitution of $219,000.

A complex criminal scheme to steal significant amounts of money is a serious crime. It is exponentially more serious when an employee steals from her employer, and made worse yet again when the theft is committed by a public employee, Alexandria Commonwealths Attorney Bryan Porter said.

 Rachel Weiner
Wayne Turnage, pictured in 2011, leads the D.C. health care finance agency that sparked a controversy when it decided not to renew MedStars contract to manage Medicaid patients. (Bill O'Leary/WASHINGTON POST)

MedStar is set to lose a lucrative contract to manage care for Medicaid beneficiaries in the District, prompting a lobbying blitz in city hall and a bid protest to keep its business.

The D.C. Department of Health Care Finance in May announced plans to select three companies for a five-year managed care contract, renewing AmeriHealth Caritas and Trusted Health Plan but replacing MedStar with Amerigroup, one of the nations largest managers for patients on government health plans.

It was a blow for MedStar, which has been in the program since 2013 and is one of the regions largest employers. It also operates the citys largest hospital. Last year, MedStar Family Choice reported $16.2 million in profit for managing about 54,000 D.C. residents on Medicaid and the locally-funded Alliance program.

City insurance regulators say MedStar has been charging taxpayers more and has a higher rate of hospital admissions than the other two managed care organizations with Medicaid contracts.

It raises questions about whether they can deliver management of beneficiaries in a way that provide same access to quality care, but at a lower cost, said Wayne Turnage, the director of the D.C. Department of Health Care Finance.

In one year, MedStar incurred expenses that averaged $317 per-member, per-month, about 17 percent higher than AmeriHealth, which manages sicker patients, according to the city.

MedStar maintains it brought its costs under control, and argues that Amerigroup has a major blemish on its record  the company pulled out of a D.C. Medicaid contract in 2008 amid a lawsuit from the city attorney generals office alleging fraud in how the company charges taxpayers. Amerigroup denied wrongdoing and ultimately settled the lawsuit.

Eric Wagner, MedStars executive vice president for insurance and diversified operations, questioned how a bidder who has that kind of track record in the District could get the contract, particularly when you stack that up against MedStar Family Choice, a key piece of the Districts most-respected health care delivery system.

The impact of the change in contractors on MedStars 58,000 enrollees is unclear, although the company says it could disrupt the delivery of care and that patients could lose access to their current doctors.

Amerigroup is still assembling its provider network, and a spokesman said the company hopes to include MedStar physicians and facilities, as it already does in Maryland. The two companies have not discussed such a partnership while the contract dispute continues.

MedStar lobbyists persuaded some members of the D.C. Council, which approves large contracts, to intervene. Six members of the 13-person body signed onto a resolution which temporarily blocked the city from awarding the contract while lawmakers received more information on the change.

We are replacing a local company, MedStar, with a company Ive never heard of and [that] has no local presence, said Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) at a Tuesday lawmaker breakfast.

But Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D) did not bring up a resolution blocking AmeriGroups contract for a vote, effectively allowing the process to proceed. Council members, who often debate whether to get involved in technical contracting decisions, showed little appetite to delve deeper into this one.

We got lobbyists running around this building saying there are flaws. What are the flaws? said Council member Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), who chairs the health committee, at the Council breakfast. This is an enormously complicated financial issue.

MedStar has filed a formal protest with the city Contract Appeals Board, alleging the bidding process was unfair.

In a statement, Amerigroup said MedStars complaint had no merit.

Through our innovative approach and customized services, we are confident that we will help improve health care services and reduce costs to Medicaid members throughout D.C, the company said. In addition, we remain committed to working collaboratively with the District and ensuring a successful launch in October of our comprehensive health care services.

Turnage, the city insurance regulator, said he couldnt comment on the details of the procurement decisions. His agency has sought permission to proceed with the new managed care contracts, set to take effect in October, while the appeal is pending.

Responding to concerns from Council members about dropping a well-known local company, Turnage said at least half of Amerigroups District workforce must be city residents.

Advocates for low-income people say the choice of Medicaid manager isnt necessarily a big deal for patients, as long as the companies are competent and patients are alerted if they have to switch doctors.

When we have a change in [managed care organizations], often times clients dont find out until they come for a medical visit, said George Jones, executive director of Bread for the City. We are a little agnostic about [managed care organizations]. We want them to be good and functional.

The Districts Medicaid program was embroiled in controversy in 2013, when MedStar joined.

Chartered Health Plan, the dominant player that managed 100,000 residents, was placed into receivership amid financial woes and stopped paying some of its claims. Its owner Jeffrey Thompson was at the heart of a federal corruption probe into illegal financing of Grays 2010 mayoral bid, and was eventually sentenced to three months in prison.
Immigrant rights advocates, worker's unions and allied organizations join with immigrant families in Miami last year to protest the Supreme Court's split decision that denied the implementation of President Barack Obama's immigration relief program known as DAPA. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Top Republican officials in 10 states are threatening to take legal action against the Trump administration if it does not end an Obama-era program that has granted deportation reprieves to nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants who arrived in this country as children.

In a letter sent to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the group of attorneys general  plus Idaho Gov. C.L. Butch Otter  gave the administration until Sept. 5 to begin phasing out the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, before they take up the issue in federal court.

This request does not require the Executive Branch to immediately rescind DACA or Expanded DACA permits that have already been issued, the letter sent Thursday states. And this request does not require the federal government to remove any alien.

On Friday, a Justice Department spokesman said the department is reviewing the letter and would not comment.

Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly said DACA would remain in place two weeks ago when he rescinded President Barack Obamas 2014 memo authorizing the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents program. The latter program, which had been blocked in court, had no credible path forward, Kelly said.

The officials now demanding the end of DACA were plaintiffs in the federal court case in Texas that successfully stopped the rescinded program, known as DAPA, which sought to shield about 4 million parents of U.S. citizens and green-card holders from deportation.

Groups seeking tougher immigration laws argue that the Trump administration would have an equally tough time defending DACA in court.

This program was improper under the Obama administration, and its still improper and, in our view, unconstitutional under the Trump administration, said Jessica M. Vaughan, director of policy for the Center for Immigration Studies. Congress is the branch of our government that has the authority to decide who gets to stay in this country as a legal immigrant, not the president.

Advocates for undocumented immigrants argue that the president has the authority to defer immigration enforcement for specific people, which is what DACA does, while granting two-year work permits that can be renewed.

Since President Trump was inaugurated, the program has grown slightly, adding 17,000 recipients during his first three months in office, according to federal data.

Even so, the DACA advocates said, they are worried that Trump  who overall has intensified immigration enforcement and, as a candidate, promised to end the program on his first day in office  now will use the threat of legal action as an excuse to kill it.

This will potentially force the Trump administration to review its stance on this or have to defend something that they were originally in favor of rescinding themselves, said Michael Jarecki, who practices law in Chicago and is part of the American Immigration Lawyers Association advocacy committee.

Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, legal director of the Legal Aid Justice Centers Immigrant Advocacy Program in Northern Virginia, said that people were starting to breathe a little easier after Kelly said the program would not change. Now this has really pulled the rug out from under everybody.
Mrs. Veil speaks about the abortion law before the the French National Assembly in 1974. (Eustache Cardenas/AP)

Simone Veil, a French survivor of the Holocaust who became one of her countrys most influential stateswomen, shepherding the 1975 law that allowed abortion in France, pushing prison reform and other social causes, and promoting continental unity as the first female president of the European Parliament, died June 30. She was 89.

Her death was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron. French media reported that she died at her home in Paris. The cause was not immediately available.

Mrs. Veil (pronounced vay) stood at the center of French politics for more than four decades, ever since President Valery Giscard dEstaing elevated her from the civil service to become health minister from 1974 to 1979. It was in that role that she overcame political obstacles and, at times, personal insults to establish abortion rights with the provision still today commonly called the Veil law.

She led the European Parliament from 1979 to 1982  a role that made her, along with Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher of Britain and Indira Gandhi of India, among the highest-ranking elected women in the world at the time. She returned to serve again as health minister from 1993 to 1995 under Prime Minister Edouard Balladur.

Mrs. Veils titles, however vaunted, were insufficient to convey her importance in French and European society. She rose to political power at a time when most governments, including her own, were dominated by men.

Mrs. Veil meets with then-First Lady Hillary Clinton of the United States in 1994. (Wilfredo Lee/AP)

It was also a time of reckoning, as much of Europe confronted the slaughter of 6 million Jews that had taken place during the Holocaust. The process was particularly searing in France, where the Vichy regime had collaborated with Nazi Germany.

Mrs. Veil, who was Jewish, had been deported at 16 to Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp located in Poland, with much of her family. She represented the reconciliation both of French and West Germans and of European Christians and Jews, a Washington Post reporter wrote when Mrs. Veil became parliament president.

Her experiences during the war years informed her political positions, particularly her efforts to improve the lives of prisoners, with whom she said she identified, and to defend children and the mentally ill, two classes among those targeted by the Nazis.

She spoke compellingly of the need to never forget the crimes of the Holocaust. But it was often noted that she tended to wear long sleeves to cover the number, 78651, that had been tattooed on her forearm when she arrived at Auschwitz. It was perhaps a too-constant reminder of a darker Europe.

The idea of war was for me something terrible, she told the Associated Press in 2007. The only possible option was to make peace.

Simone Annie Jacob was born in Nice, on the French Riviera, on July 13, 1927. Her father was an architect but was expelled from the profession by anti-Semitic Vichy regulations.

Simone, her parents, a sister and a brother were arrested in 1944. The women were deported to Auschwitz and later transferred to Bergen-Belsen in Germany, where Simones mother died shortly before the camp was liberated in 1945. Simones sister survived, as did another sister who had served in the Resistance and was interned at Ravensbruck in Germany. Their father and brother were sent elsewhere and did not return.

I found myself thrown into a universe of death, humiliation and barbarism, she once wrote. I am still haunted by the images, the odors, the screams, the humiliation, the blows and the sky, ashen with the smoke from the crematoriums.

After the war, she studied law at the Institute for Political Studies in Paris, where she met Antoine Veil, a future businessman, whom she married in 1946. She raised their three sons while pursuing her career, first as a magistrate and then in the civil service. She was an unexpected choice for Giscards cabinet but quickly established herself as a powerful centrist force.

She helped increase access to contraception before addressing the matter of abortion. It was an explosive issue in France, which is largely Roman Catholic, engendering often explosive rhetoric.

A French lawmaker, quoted by the New York Times, demanded of Mrs. Veil, So, Madame Minister, do you want to send children to the ovens? Mrs. Veil was said to have welled up in tears.

The law  the first legalizing abortion in a Catholic country  passed the National Assembly by a vote of 284 to 189. It allowed the procedure in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, mandating that it be performed in a medical facility and that minors obtain parental permission.

Abortion is never a victory, Mrs. Veil told the Times when the law passed. I would rather say this is progress.

In foreign affairs, Mrs. Veil used her moral authority to speak out on behalf of victims of communist oppression in the Soviet Union, rightist oppression in Latin America and the boat people of Vietnam.

She confessed to having faced challenges as a woman in public life, referring to political parties in France as mens clubs.

Its difficult for a woman to be a figure of authority, she told The Post in 1980, because the very thing people admire in men becomes a point of criticism in women.

She nonetheless continued to hold high posts, serving for nearly a decade on Frances Constitutional Council, until her retirement in 2007. In 2008, she joined the Academie Francaise, the French literary academy.

Her husband died in 2013. Their son Claude-Nicolas Veil died in 2002. Survivors include her two other sons, Jean Veil and Pierre-Francois Veil.

As a Jew, as a concentration camp survivor, as . . . a woman, you feel very much that you belong to a minority that has been bullied for a long time, Mrs. Veil told the Associated Press when she became president of the European Parliament.

As for the deportation, what remains with you most is the memory of humiliation, and thats a feeling many women have too, of trampled dignity, she continued. If this Parliament has a Jew, a woman, for its president, it means everyone has the same rights. That means a lot to me.
Batool Mahmud, shown at a June 21 vigil for a slain Muslim teen in Virginia, said of wearing a hijab: This is identity for a Muslim woman, this is what shows people that youre Muslim. (Sharif Hassan/The Washington Post)

The first time Noorulain Iqbals aunt urged her not to wear a hijab was about three years ago, when Iqbal began donning the head covering worn by some Muslim women.

Wait, her aunt told her, youre too young.

At 23, Iqbal was old enough to make the decision, but her aunt was masking her real worry, Iqbal recalled recently: She fretted that the headscarf would make it harder for her niece to socialize and make friends.

In the wake of the recent slaying of 17-year-old Nabra Hassanen near a Virginia mosque, Iqbals aunt and older sister, who do not cover their heads, again beseeched her to stop wearing a hijab, this time for safety.

[Funeral, vigil for Muslim teen killed in attack near mosque draw throngs]

Tazkiya Smith, left, and Myiesha Jones, right, during a vigil in Reston on June 21 marking the death of Nabra Hassanen near a Virginia mosque. (Sharif Hassan/The Washington Post)

Iqbal has kept her scarf, even as she had changed other routines to be more cautious in public.

I stopped running outside at night. I am scared to go outside, said Iqbal, who lives in Fairfax County. But, she added: It is my identity. I dont think that I am ever going to take it off. No matter how scared I am.

Nabra, who lived in Reston, was killed as she and a group of fellow teenagers returned to a Virginia mosque June 18 after a late-night meal during Ramadan.

A man has been charged in the attack, which Fairfax police have said was an incident of road rage as a driver approached the group walking and biking along a street in Herndon about 4 a.m. near the All Dulles Area Muslim Society.

Darwin Martinez Torres is accused of chasing, beating and killing Nabra before dumping her body in a pond near his apartment in Sterling in Loudoun County, police have said.

Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. and Commonwealths Attorney Raymond F. Morrogh have said they will pursue the case as a hate crime if new evidence points in that direction.

But for some Muslim women, the killing of a Muslim girl wearing a hijab and a long dress known as an abaya near a mosque is alarming, no matter the motivation. And the attack has stirred conversations in families about clothing that speaks to faith and identity.

Mourners head to the funeral prayer service for Nabra Hassanen June 21 near Sterling, Va. (Katherine Frey/AP)

Batool Mahmud, 23, a dental hygienist, said her mother is worried about her wearing a hijab while walking. She knows what it feels like to be singled out over the headscarf: In middle school in Delaware a decade ago, she said, a group of teens pulled her hijab from her head.

But I am not scared, she said at a vigil in Reston after Nabras funeral last month. Hundreds attended, including many like Mahmud who did not personally know Nabra.

This is identity for a Muslim woman, this is what shows people that youre Muslim, so if you are taking it off, it is showing them that youre afraid, Mahmud said.

Her resolve holds even amid reports on bias incidents targeting Muslims.

FBI statistics show that 257 anti-Muslim hate crimes with 307 victims were reported in 2015, the most recent statistics available. More than 2,200 bias incidents against Muslims were recorded by the Council on American-Islamic Relations in 2016, up 57 percent over 2015.

And there is some suggestion that Muslim women may bear the brunt of that harassment, according to a 2017 survey of about 800 Muslims nationwide by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), which studies American Muslim communities in the United States.

It found more Muslim women than men said they feared for their safety, with 47 percent of women surveyed compared with 31 percent of the men.

It is quite likely that because many Muslim women wear hijab, they are more visible and therefore bear the brunt of Islamophobic incidents, said Dalia Mogahed, an author of the survey, who also oversees ISPUs research center in Washington.

Two men were fatally stabbed and one was injured, police said, after they tried to stop Jeremy Joseph Christian from shouting anti-Muslim rants at two Muslim women in Portland, Ore., in May. And a video of a woman harassing a Muslim woman at a Trader Joes store in Reston went viral, also in May. I wish they didnt let you in the country, the woman told the victim, who was filming her.

[Final act of bravery: Men were fatally stabbed trying to stop anti-Muslim rants]

Those attacks have strengthened Wardah Khalids commitment to please God by wearing a hijab, she said. More than a dozen other Muslim women recently interviewed in the District, Virginia and Maryland echoed her views.

I think this is a time to actually assert our Muslimness, said Khalid, 31, co-founder and president of the Poligon Education Fund, an organization that works to increase Muslim American participation on Capitol Hill. She was at prayers at the same Virginia mosque on the night Nabra was killed, she said.

Khalid also was among hundreds at a memorial last month for the teenager in Dupont Circle, one of several throughout the country held to bring attention to Nabras death.

This is not a time to cower away and back away and fear. If youre attacked for wearing it, then God will reward you, she said.

As Muslims  and Muslim women  have a greater presence in the United States, clothing lines, including outlets such as H&M, Dolce & Gabbana, and DKNY, are responding to the demand for scarves and dresses that Muslim women wear. Nike has launched a hijab collection for female athletes.

[Maine high school to provide sports hijabs]

There were about 2.75 million Muslims in the United States in 2011, according to a Pew Research Center estimate. The number jumped to 3.3 million in 2015, or about 1 percent of the U.S. population, and Pew estimates that it will double by 2050.

Yet with that growth also comes increasing assimilation and women who give up their scarves  not out of fear, but from a sense of feeling more integrated into a larger community.

Bahar Heravy came to study in the United States in 2011. In her home country of Afghanistan, she had to dress in traditional clothing. But she stopped wearing it six months after she arrived.

It was a big obstacle on my way to integrate into a new society, the 29-year-old D.C. resident said.

Recent attacks on Muslim women, Heravy said, have given her one more reason not to wear a headscarf: personal security.

They are brave, she said, referring to women who wear a hijab.

Iqbal is not fearless, but wary  shes taking precautions but also saying she remains firm about her decision to wear a headscarf.

At the Reston vigil, 51-year-old Ismael Rivera overheard Iqbal talking and leaned in as she finished.

I am raised as a Christian, he said, his voice shaking with emotion. He added, I love you, referring broadly to Muslims.

She looked at him and shook her head, saying simply: It is getting worse.
D.C. police on Friday arrested a suspect in the beating death Wednesday of a 29-year-old man whose body was found on the front porch of a rowhouse in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington.

Tavon Maurice Davis, 22, of Southeast was charged with second-degree murder. Police Chief Peter Newsham announced the arrest at a news conference Friday.

Davis is charged in the killing of Michael Vest, who lived a few streets from where his body was found shortly before 8 a.m. Wednesday in the 1300 block of Trinidad Avenue NE.

Police did not discuss a possible motive. Authorities said Vest died of trauma to his head.
Weeks before he was charged with espionage, former CIA officer Kevin Mallory voluntarily went to his old co-workers and told them he had been in touch with Chinese intelligence.

On that point, both sides in the Alexandria federal court case agree. But while Mallorys defense attorneys argue their client was trying to be helpful, prosecutors say he was trying to cover his tracks.

Mallory, 60, was arrested last week and accused of selling top secret and other classified documents to Chinese intelligence officials.

We are here because Mr. Mallory repeatedly sought out government agents to provide information, public defender Geremy Kamens said in a hearing Thursday. It makes no sense, if Mr. Mallory sought to secretly betray his government. . . . These are not the actions of someone who is trying to hide. 

Prosecutors countered that Mallory had been expecting to meet CIA officers, not FBI agents, when he sat down to a meeting in Washington in May. When he let the agents search a device given to him by Chinese operatives, they say he was surprised that the classified documents and conversations about them had not been erased.

He tried to claim he was being cooperative, he was reaching out to people, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gibbs said in court. But he lied repeatedly to the FBI.

Left unexplained by Gibbs was Mallorys motivation for going to the CIA. But Customs agents conducting what court documents say was a routine search upon Mallorys return from Shanghai in April found $16,500 in his bags. Mallory had claimed not to be carrying more than $10,000. That interaction may have spooked Mallory.

Gibbs did suggest that debt led Mallory to allegedly sell secrets. He said the $25,000 paid to Mallory by the Chinese agents was his only income this year.

The Leesburg resident was let out on a $10,000 bond after the hearing, over the governments objections. He will be monitored by GPS, is restricted in his use of the Internet and cannot leave the area without permission.

Gibbs suggested the Chinese government could help Mallory sneak out of the country.

He understands how to . . . change identities, to leave places quickly and covertly, Gibbs said.

A search of Mallorys home found wigs and fake mustaches, Gibbs said, but he was cut off by Judge Ivan Davis from further discussing the search.

Members of Mallorys church, a Chinese-speaking Mormon congregation, vouched for him in letters and came to court in support.

Mr. Mallory is the straightest of straight arrows, Kamens argued.
A man walks across the seal of the Central Intelligence Agency at the lobby of the Original Headquarters Building at the CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia are fighting the release on bond of a former CIA officer accused of selling classified documents to the Chinese government.

A magistrate judge Thursday ordered Kevin Mallory, 60, to be released on a $10,000 bond. The government is appealing that decision, arguing that GPS monitoring and other restrictions are not enough to keep a desperate, experienced spy in the country.

Someone with the defendants training and experience is unlikely to be confined by a detention order requiring him to stay in a house that he is having trouble paying for, when he has a life sentence in prison hanging over his head, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gibbs wrote in his motion.

A search of Mallorys house revealed wigs, fake mustaches, and theatrical makeup, Gibbs wrote, that could help him conceal his identity.

Mallory sold four documents to Chinese intelligence operatives earlier this year, according to prosecutors, and had plans to sell four more. One was classified as top secret; two were marked secret. All eight were found on an SD computer memory card in his bedroom closet, wrapped in foil, according to court documents.

He also told a Chinese agent of his plans to type my notes, according to prosecutors, suggesting that he had more intelligence to offer.

His Chinese contacts would have a great incentive to help him flee the country, both to conceal their activities in recruiting him to become a spy for [China], and to learn any additional classified information that he may possess, Gibbs wrote.

Judge Ivan Davis granted a hold on Mallorys release while the appeal goes forward, although he expressed skepticism about the defendants ability or desire to flee.

Do you think hes more interested in China than he is in his family here in the United States? Davis asked Thursday.

Gibbs replied that he did. Moreover, he argued that if Mallory fled to China, his family could join him there.

But defense attorney Geremy Kamens argued in court Thursday that his client has no intention of fleeing.

He has ample reason to clear his good name, Kamens said.


The H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse is a courthouse of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC. (Keith Alexander/TWP)

Seven months after a detainee in a cellblock of D.C. Superior Court sexually assaulted another inmate, the Justice Departments Office of the Inspector General determined that the U.S. Marshals Service had not ensured that regular checks of inmates were conducted and documented.

Jerome Holliway, 37, who pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual abuse, was sentenced last month to 17 1 /2 years in prison for the Nov. 11 attack.

A cellblock security video showed Holliway, of Southeast Washington, dragging the other inmate across the floor before beating and choking the victim and tearing off his jail jumpsuit.

Holloway then sexually assaulted his cellmate. When it was over, the naked victim lay on the floor, curled into a fetal position.

[D.C. man sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for cellblock sexual assault]

The attack, which lasted 12 minutes, prompted questions about how the crime could be carried out without attracting the attention of U.S. marshals, who handle security in the courthouse. Marshals entered the cell five minutes after the assault had ended and found the victim.

After the incident, according to the three-page Inspector Generals report that was released late Thursday, the Marshals Service proposed adding two new positions  one tasked with roaming the cellblocks and another to monitor the area via closed circuit TVs in the marshals security booth.

The Inspector General made two additional suggestions after its own review.

According to the report, there was no policy in place that identified a supervisor whose job it would be to ensure that the cellblock observations were carried out every 30 minutes.

Such a position, the report said, would provide increased accountability for compliance with the policy and remove potentially confusing assumptions about which marshal within a cellblock ultimately bears responsibility for the checks.

The report also found that there was no log sheet for the marshals to document their findings after each half-hour review. A supervisor should ensure the log sheet is up to date and observations are documented, the report said.

Robert Brandt, a spokesman for the Marshals Service, declined to discuss the attack or recommendations Friday.

Jerome M. Holliway. (D.C. Superior Court) (D.C. Superior Court)

USMS will continue to review its existing practices in relation to the recommendations, Brandt said in a statement.

To maintain proper operational security, USMS does not discuss specific security measures. However, we constantly assess our security posture and stand ready to respond to changing circumstances. The incident that was the basis for the OIGs recommendations is currently the subject of litigation, and the USMS cannot comment on the specifics of any pending litigation.

Geoffrey Allen, an attorney for the victim, said 30-minute observations are not frequent enough and would not have prevented the attack. Somebody has to be there constantly monitoring those inmates, not just every 30 minutes, Allen said.

Holliway was in court the day of the attack after he was arrested in connection with making threats against his ex-wife and violating the terms of his parole. He was placed in a cell with his 27-year-old victim, who was awaiting a court-ordered psychological evaluation after his arrest for allegedly attacking a man with a box cutter in a Northwest Washington liquor store.

In an earlier interview with The Washington Post, the victim said: I thought I was going to die. I tried to fight back. He continued: I tried to scream for help. I was panicked. He was hospitalized for two days after the attack.

The victim also told The Post that he heard three marshals who were working that day announce that they were leaving for a lunch break before the attack.

Spencer Hsu contributed to this report.
It started as an argument over traffic cones between two men. A single punch was thrown causing one of the men to fall backward, hitting his head on the street.

That man, 41-year-old Desmond Joseph of Northeast Washington, died of his injuries. And Friday his assailant, Paul Hagans Jr. of Waldorf, pleaded guilty in D.C. Superior Court to involuntary manslaughter in Josephs death. As part of the plea deal, Hagans faces five years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 8.

According to prosecutors, the two men got into an argument around 3:40 p.m. on March 2, when Hagans, 37, was working as a construction flagger in the 200 block of Rhode Island Avenue NE. Joseph, while driving his truck, approached Hagans in an effort to get to a building where he worked. Joseph then got out of his truck and moved one of the traffic cones so his truck could pass.

Witnesses told authorities that Hagans confronted Joseph about moving the cone. Hagans then punched Joseph in the head, causing Joseph to fall backward and strike his head on the street. Joseph, who was unarmed, suffered a hematoma and later died.
D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) announced she has met with the chief of the U.S. Park Police and said he understands that his officers controversial handcuffing of teens for improperly selling water on the Mall last week could have a lasting impact on their lives.

But in a statement issued Thursday, Norton stopped short of saying the chief, Robert D. MacLean, either apologized or said he would order a change in policy. Norton said MacLean told her he would remind officers that they have great discretion when dealing with juveniles and others who are caught vending illegally on the Mall.

That echoes a similar conversation that D.C. Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) said he had with MacLean earlier this week. In describing that conversation Allen said, I dont think its fully resolved but I got a sense he understands how urgent and how important this needs to be.

MacLean has come under fire since plainclothes officers seeking illegal vendors on June 22 detained a 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds who were selling water without a valid permit. The youths were handcuffed and searched and then ordered to sit during an investigation and background check. They were later released with no charges or citations field.

A tour guide took a picture of the three black teens and posted it on social media. Allen said at the time he doubted we would have seen little girls in pigtails handcuffed on the ground.

[Council Member condemns Park Police for detaining youths on Mall]

MacLean has not responded to several interview requests made through his spokeswoman, Sgt. Anna Rose, who issued statements explaining the detention but not the rational for it. She promised a more detailed report would be made available this week, but nothing was issued as of Thursday afternoon. She could not be reached on Thursday.

[Teens were seeking jobs when they got detained for selling water without permit]

Norton said in her statement that MacLean recognize that juveniles encounters with police have long and lasting impacts on their lives. The congresswoman said she told the chief that verbal warnings should be used whenever possible, particularly for first-time offenders, who may not be aware of the prohibition on vending.

Norton said it is critical the Park Police uses appropriate action to confront it and prevent what happened last week from occurring again.

Allen, who chairs the D.C. Councils committee on public safety and the judiciary, declined to discuss what MacLean told him but indicated that the chief stressed that handcuffing suspects during an investigation is done to ensure their safety and the safety of the officers.

But Allen said it is awfully strange to have an undercover operation going after three young people selling bottles of water. I think it can be done with a uniformed officer who comes up, informs them of whats going on and can even offer to confiscate the items. Theres so many ways it couldve been handled that wouldnt lead to young men in handcuffs on the ground.

Allen added, I fully respect that the U.S. Park Police have a job to do. But it matters a lot how they do their job, not just that they do their job.


A photo released by Prince Georges County police shows people who allegedly rode ATVs and dirt bikes in illegal ways in the Washington region on Sunday. (Prince Georges County Police Department)

Less than a week after nearly 100 dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles caused chaos at National Harbor and downtown Washington by flooding streets and ripping across sidewalks, police released images of some riders suspected of operating the vehicles illegally.

The pictures, captured from surveillance cameras, cellphones and dashboard-camera video, will be the first wave of images police plan to release as they seek the publics help in identifying the riders who roared through the Washington region Sunday.

We need you to help us identify these individuals responsible for creating this malicious behavior down at the harbor, Prince Georges County Police Deputy Chief George Nichols said.

The riders who choked the streets of National Harbor on Sunday rode against the flow of traffic, buzzed on sidewalks and wove in and out of traffic, police said. Its the same group that was reportedly seen rolling through downtown Washington earlier in the evening.

D.C. police released on Friday 54 images related to the dirt-bike and ATV riders from the weekend.

D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham at a news conference Friday termed the event terrorizing and illegal and reckless and said the behavior is not going to go unchecked.

Newsham said that his agency has gathered images from surveillance cameras and social media and those efforts have paid off.

D.C. police have arrested 21 people and recovered 10 ATVs and dirt bikes in connection with illegal rides this year, the department said.

[Dozens of illegal dirt bikes, ATVs choke the streets of National Harbor]

Police said theyll be ramping up enforcement around National Harbor and around the county over the holiday weekend to avoid a repeat performance of rogue riders.

We will have our aviation unit down here, Deputy Chief Chris Murtha said. They will be on standby to monitor and follow these ATVs should they decide to show up.

At National Harbor on Friday, flashing signs around the area warned that authorities were enforcing rules banning off-road vehicles on public streets. The area boasts about 150 surveillance cameras to capture illegal activity, authorities said.

All-terrain vehicles are illegal to operate on public roads in Maryland and the District. But every summer, police in the Washington region have been battling swarms of joyriders who disrupt traffic. Enforcement against illegal riders is tricky for police, who for safety reasons dont chase joyriders who often ignore attempted traffic stops.

Were not talking about individuals engaged in recreational behavior, Nichols said. Were talking about people who are engaging in deliberate endangerment.



A photo released by Prince Georges County police shows people accused of riding ATVs and dirt bikes in illegal ways in the Washington region on Sunday. (Prince Georges County Police Department)

The pictures, captured from surveillance cameras, cellphones and dashboard-camera video, will be the first wave of images police plan to release as they seek the publics help in identifying the riders. (Prince Georges County Police Department)

In a separate incident, police are investigating the attempted robbery of a 17-year-old who was trying to sell his dirt bike via social media on Wednesday.

The teenager, who legally owned the bike, had invited someone he believed to be a prospective buyer to his grandparents home for a sale. But when the person who responded to the ad arrived Wednesday night, he and two other men robbed the teen at gunpoint.

The men tried unsuccessfully to get the dirt bike into the back of a car before one of them simply hopped on the bike and sped off.

Police said theyre aggressively pursuing arrests in both the robbery and National Harbor incidents to send a message.

We intend to change the culture of the ATV dirt-bike-riding folks in Prince Georges County, Nichols said.

Police are asking anyone with information about individuals in the photos released or the illegal riding over the weekend to call D.C. at 202-727-9099 or Prince Georges at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Kim Pham LaRocque has been charged with murder in the shooting death of her husband. (Fairfax County Police)

The moment in a Fairfax County courtroom had been coming for two years, since Kim Pham LaRocque said she found her husband white as a tissue in a bedroom soaked with blood and called 911.

Detectives had accused Kim, 36, of firing a bullet into the back of Eric LaRocques head as he slept in their Vienna home on that day in July 2015. But from the start, Kim had been adamant that she was innocent. The sparring continued through a months-long investigation and special grand jury and culminated this week as she took the stand in her own defense at her trial on a first-degree murder charge.

Kim stared across the courtroom at prosecutor Robert McClain as he attempted to poke holes in her testimony about alleged affairs by her husband and herself that formed the backdrop of the case. Eventually, he turned to the slaying. McClain wondered how it could be that Kim failed to ask first responders about Erics condition or what might have happened to him.

You didnt ask any of those questions cause you knew what happened, McClain said, raising his voice some.

Kim responded coolly, as she had during earlier questioning: I dont know what happened.

The exchange came near the end of the two-week trial, which is now in jury deliberations. If convicted, Kim faces up to life in prison.

In his closing argument Thursday, McClain said that Kim was desperate to leave a husband who repulsed her so much that she once washed the sheets after sleeping in the same bed. McClain told the jury that Kim had kindled a relationship with a co-worker at Fannie Mae and wanted to be with him, so she killed her husband as their children slept in nearby rooms.

This defendant laid down in a bed with Eric LaRocque with a gun a foot away and pulled the trigger, McClain told the jury.

Defense attorney Peter Greenspun countered in his closing that Kim was a successful accountant who had no debt or other reasons to kill 33-year-old Eric. She had fully answered every question posed to her by detectives without an attorney present, he said, and investigators too quickly had settled on her as the culprit without exploring other avenues.

They have made up their mind in the first five hours of the investigation, Greenspun told the jury. Tunnel vision.

Kim testified for more than five hours, offering her first public account of the harrowing discovery of her dead husband and the romantic entanglement prosecutors say prompted Erics killing. She spoke with composure and without tears as she unspooled the events of that day and parried prosecutors pointed questions. The jury listened intently.

Kim and Eric appeared outwardly successful. Her career was on the upswing, and he did well as an engineer with Dewberry consultants. They had a son and daughter and a comfortable home on a quiet cul-de-sac. The children are now 3 and 4.

Kim testified that Eric had gone grocery shopping on the night of July 30, 2015, before returning home and turning in for the night at about 10 p.m. Eric woke at about 4:30 or 5 a.m. and puttered around the house, saying at about 6 a.m. that he was feeling ill, Kim testified. Eric, who enjoyed the outdoors, had planned to go kayaking that day with a friend before work.

He was going to sleep it off and rally later, Kim testified.

Kim went to work, leaving her husband in bed, she testified. During the day, Kim texted a relative who knocked on the door of the bedroom where Eric was supposedly sleeping and got no response. Kim returned home at about 6:30 p.m., greeted the kids, made her way to the bedroom to change and was shocked by what she found, she testified.

He was about as white as a tissue, Kim said. There was a lot of blood.

Eric was dead in bed, she said, and dresser drawers were pulled out as if a burglary had occurred. Kim testified that she left the room, pulling the door shut so that her children could not see. She went to the kitchen and called 911, touching off a major police response. Kim denied involvement in her husbands death when officers arrived.

The prosecution built a circumstantial case, attempting to knock down that account. McClain asserted in his closing that Kim had killed Eric sometime after he went to bed July 30. Kim was home alone with Eric and the kids because relatives of hers who lived with the family went out to a casino all night. McClain said that there were no signs of forced entry in the home and that Eric never called in sick to work July 31 or told the friend he wasnt going to go kayaking.

Whats more, Eric was killed with a .40-caliber gun, the same type Eric had borrowed from Kims brother before his killing, McClain said. The murder weapon was never recovered, and Kims brother testified that it had not been returned.

Prosecutors said they found a motive for a killing in voluminous text messages Kim exchanged with a co-worker, which they showed to the jury.

The man also testified, saying that he and Kim had struck up a relationship after meeting at Fannie Mae. Beyond a handful of kisses and inappropriate touches, the affair was largely carried out via the texts and phone calls, the co-worker testified. The chatter often turned to problems with their respective marriages and was sometimes raunchy, using code words such as Sudoku, Connect 4 and driveway for sex acts and body parts.

Kim and the co-worker testified that they never planned for it to turn into anything more, something the defense asserted showed it was not motive enough for Kim to take Erics life.

Kim testified that the relationship was inappropriate, but she turned to the man after Eric confided to her that he had had his own affair with a woman named Justine. Kim testified that she and Eric had drawn up a separation agreement. But prosecutors said detectives could not find any evidence of Justine or the separation agreement, which McClain implied that Kim may have made up to elicit sympathy from the co-worker.

At the beginning of Kims testimony, Greenspun asked her to look jurors in the eye and tell them whether she took part in Erics killing.

I did not, Kim answered.
A Fairfax County jury acquitted a Vienna woman of first-degree murder Friday in the killing of her husband, who a prosecutor said was shot execution style in the bed they shared in 2015.

The verdict in the trial of Kim Pham LaRocque, 36, came after a day and a half of deliberations and after jurors earlier told a judge they thought they were hopelessly deadlocked. The family of the victim, Eric LaRocque, 33, sat in stunned silence in the courtroom as the decision was read. Some family members wept while others doubled over as if hit with a punch.

Kim LaRocque betrayed little emotion, as her defense attorney Peter Greenspun patted her on the back. A relative of hers smiled broadly.

Kim and her family are thrilled, Greenspun said afterward. They are grateful to the jury, who were attentive to the law and came to the correct verdict.

Kim LaRocque, Fairfax County prosecutors and Eric LaRocques family all declined to comment. If she had been convicted, she would have faced up to life in prison.

The verdict followed a two-week trial, during which prosecutors portrayed Kim LaRocque as a woman repulsed by her husband and who wanted to get him out of the way because she had become infatuated with a co-worker at Fannie Mae.

Eric LaRocque was shot execution style as he slept in a bed in his home, which should have been a safe spot for him, said Fairfax County Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Robert McClain in his closing statement.

Kim LaRocque countered that narrative in more than five hours of exhaustive testimony in her own defense. She repeatedly turned aside prosecutors attempts to poke holes in her account of the events of July 31, 2015, and reiterated what she has maintained from the beginning: her innocence. When Greenspun asked her to look the jury in the eye and say whether she had taken part in the killing of her husband, she said simply: I did not.

[Prosecutors say this young mother killed her husband to be with another man; she testifies she is innocent]

On that day nearly two years ago, Kim LaRocque called 911 to report finding Eric unresponsive in a blood-soaked bedroom after arriving home from work around 6:30 p.m. Kim LaRocque told the jury during her testimony her husband was alive, but sick, when she left home in the morning and she did not know how he ended up dead.

Prosecutors attempted to cast doubt on that story, building a circumstantial case against Kim LaRocque.

McClain said Kim LaRocque had the opportunity to kill Eric, an engineer at Dewberry consulting, the night before she reported him dead. She was home alone with him and their two children after relatives who stayed with the family had gone out to a casino all night. On the morning of July 31, McClain said Eric LaRocque never called in sick to work and didnt contact a friend with whom he was supposed to go kayaking. Kim LaRocques relatives, who were home on July 31, never heard a gunshot.

Authorities determined Eric LaRocque was shot with a .40-caliber gun, but the murder weapon was never recovered. McClain told the jury Eric LaRocque had borrowed a .40-caliber handgun from Kim LaRocques brother before the killing. Kim LaRocques brother testified during the trial that the gun was never returned to him and he did not know where it was.

McClain had argued that numerous text messages between Kim LaRocque and a co-worker revealed what prosecutors put forward as a possible motive: She wanted to leave her marriage to be with the man. Kim LaRocque and the co-worker discussed their troubled marriages but also exchanged racy messages that used code words like Sudoku, Connect 4 and driveway for sexual acts and body parts.

Kim LaRocque and the man both testified the relationship never progressed to anything more physical than a handful of kisses and inappropriate touches. Kim LaRocque called it inappropriate but said she had turned to the man after Eric LaRocque revealed he had an affair with another woman named Justine. However, prosecutors said detectives were never able to find Justine and doubted her existence.

The killing devastated two families and shocked friends of the couple. Kim LaRocque was on an upward path in her career and Eric LaRocque enjoyed hiking, biking and other outdoor activities. They had a comfortable home in Vienna, Va., and a son and daughter. The children are now 3 and 4 and have been in the custody of Eric LaRocques parents, who live in New York.

Greenspun said previously Kim LaRocque hopes to regain custody of her children and resume her life.
A former employee of the Alexandria Fire Department who embezzled more than $200,000 will spend a year in prison and pay back the stolen funds.

Monique Jackson Asante, 49, of Woodbridge, Va., pleaded guilty last year to money laundering. For six years, she filed fraudulent invoices for five friends and family members, pretending they were vendors working for the department. Four of them also pleaded guilty to felonies; one was found guilty at trial.

One of the co-conspirators called into the fire department and exposed the scheme, according to prosecutors. Asante was immediately fired; she then cooperated against the others.

She was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison, with 14 years suspended on condition of good behavior and restitution of $219,000.

A complex criminal scheme to steal significant amounts of money is a serious crime. It is exponentially more serious when an employee steals from her employer, and made worse yet again when the theft is committed by a public employee, Alexandria Commonwealths Attorney Bryan Porter said in a statement.
Virginia State Police identified a 23-year-old woman who died in a crash on the Capital Beltway early Monday morning, a spokeswoman said.

Investigators believe that Cierra M. Bijous car was struck by a truck after her 2013 Nissan Maxima suddenly stopped on the highway, said Corinne Geller, a State Police spokeswoman. Geller said Bijou, of Accokeek, Md., then walked onto the highway and was fatally struck by a car.

She died at the scene of the collisions, which happened just minutes apart from one another.

[All lanes of Beltways inner loop reopen after 2 crashes caused four-hour closure]

Geller said the first crash happened around 4:55 a.m. Monday in the westbound lanes of the Beltway. Bijous Maxima was stopped on the highway and a Chevrolet Silverado heading west was unable to avoid it, and hit the car from behind, according to a State Police press release.

The impact sent Bijous car off to the left side of the highway, and authorities said her car struck the Jersey wall before coming to a stop on the shoulder.

Geller said after the crash with the Silverado, Bijou got out of her car and started walking in the Beltways travel lanes. She was in the left center lane around 5:03 a.m. when she was struck by a westbound 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, the release said. Authorities said the Malibu was unable to avoid hitting the 23-year-old.

Police said both the driver of the Malibu, a 33-year-old Waldorf man, and the driver of the Silverado, a 49-year-old Frederick man, were not injured in the collisions.

Geller added that authorities do not know why Bijous car was stopped on the highway.
On Thursday evening, it was a tale of two Metros.

As hundreds of Metro administrative workers fanned out to every station in the system during the evening commute to offer free coffee coupons to beleaguered Metro riders, the effort was met with mockery over the Internet.

Id have to urge you to try a little harder, one rider quipped on Twitter.

I dont want free coffee, tweeted another. I want competent mediocrity from my public transport system.

The coupons, good for a free coffee from McDonalds, were intended as a thank-you to riders for enduring 13 months of SafeTrack maintenance work. (Never mind that there is more work planned for next month.) For some, the peace offerings were received as an act of aggression.

#WMATA trying to bribe me with free coffee just makes me angrier than before, declared one rider.

But in person, as grim-faced passengers encountered coupon-bearing employees from Metros headquarters near the fare gates of each of Metros 91 stations, the response was positively . . . civil.

Ill take it, said 33-year-old Juan Gonzalez, smiling as he was handed a coupon at the Rosslyn station. After a long day at work, this is great.

[What SafeTrack fixed and didnt fix]

Gonzalez, who commutes to Pentagon City, said SafeTrack had been an inconvenience but that Metro had done a good job of letting us know ahead of time.

When Chelsea Adams got her coupon outside the Rosslyn station, she headed straight for the McDonalds across the street. Adams, 21, rides the Metro from Rosslyn to Farragut West.

Its a pleasant surprise, Adams said as she stood in line for her coffee.

At the McPherson Square station, General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld stood at the bottom of the escalator with a stack of coupons in hand. One rider grabbed a coupon from him, but then she stopped, somewhat confused, and frowned a little as she tried to make out what the coupon said. She looked up. Then, an epiphany.

Are you the general manager? 40-year-old Rasika Kalamegham asked Wiedefeld incredulously.

Yes, he said.

Kalameghams face lit up.

I love you, youre amazing, she told Wiedefeld. I thought you were amazing when you ran BWI. . . . It was my favorite airport.

After taking a photo with Wiedefeld  This is going on Instagram, she declared  Kalamegham, a D.C. resident of 10 years, explained why she continues to carry so much enthusiasm for the challenge-prone transit agency.

Metro is the lifeblood of D.C., and people under-appreciate this public resource, she said. The root of the problem, she said, lies with Congress. It is a lack of funding that causes chronic problems, and she wishes people were more civic-minded when it came to appreciating the tough job that WMATA faces.

Of course, not every reaction from riders was quite so effusive. A few scoffed as they glanced at the coupon cards. At Rosslyn, wary passengers seemed to miss the fact that Metro staff were there to say thank you. They passed by Metro employees holding the coupons as if they were attempting to sell, rather than give away, a product.

One woman, who was handed a coupon from Wiedefeld, took it and glanced at the text. On the back was a note, from the general manager himself, acknowledging that this has not been an easy journey for our customers and we appreciate your loyalty.

Seriously? she said, glaring, then kept walking toward the platform.

And ATU Local 689, Metros largest union, dispatched volunteers to all stations to hand out their own fliers  and a warning: Dont drink the Kool-Aid.

The union wanted people to know that it thinks the system still has its problems, said Anthony Garland, international representative for ATU Local 689.

We need real solutions to bring people back, Garland said. We cant survive business as usual.

[Mark your calendars: Metro rail and bus riders will see fares rise, schedules change on June 25]

Just before 6 p.m., Valeria Hill, 64, grabbed her second free coffee coupon from a Metro employee at Fort Totten.

Shell take what she can get, she said.

Holding an empty bag of what used to be free coffee coupons, Richard Mance Jr., a supervisor for the department of elevators and escalators, watched as about a dozen riders swiped out of the Fort Totten station.

I wish we had more, said Mance, 53, who volunteered to help out to show his appreciation for riders.

Mance doesnt drink coffee, but he enjoyed handing out the coupons and telling passersby to have a great day.

They mightve wished it was Starbucks, but McDonalds was pretty good, Mance said.

But for Abhimanyu Kompella, an 18-year-old college student with a summer internship in the District, the brand of coffee wasnt the problem. When he moved to the United States from India to attend college, Kompella expected an improvement from New Delhis metro system. But his ride from Shady Grove to Rosslyn each day costs him $12 round trip. It would cost him about 25 cents in India.

The Indian metro system is so much more reliable than the D.C. Metro system, Kompella said, adding that when SafeTrack closed the Shady Grove and Rockville stations earlier this month, it took him bloody 2 hours to go back home.

[Metro to launch new series of maintenance blitzes once SafeTrack ends. But dont call it SafeTrack 2.0.]

As an apology, he said, the coffee coupon wasnt going to cut it. But outside the Metro system, Haagen-Dazs had set up a stand, handing out complimentary ice cream to passersby on a hot summer evening. He picked up a cup of mint chocolate chip.

Now that, he said, is a quality freebie.

Ellie Silverman and Rachel Siegel contributed to this report.
THE DISTRICT

Man is fatally shot

in Northeast

A Virginia man was fatally shot in Northeast Washington early Thursday, police said.

About 12:15 a.m., officers responded to the 800 block of 46th Street NE for the report of the sounds of gunshots, D.C. police said in a statement. They found 33-year-old Jeffery Lawrence King, of Woodbridge, dead at the scene.

 Justin Wm. Moyer

Man fatally beaten in NE

A man whose body was found Wednesday on the porch of a home in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington had been beaten and his death has been ruled a homicide, according to D.C. police.

The victim wasidentified as Michael Vest, 29, of Northeast.

Vests body was found shortly before 8 a.m. in the 1300 block of Trinidad Avenue NE. Police said he had suffered trauma to his head and was pronounced dead an the scene.

Police at first thought he had been shot, but later determined otherwise. No arrests had been made as of Thursday morning.

 Peter Hermann

MARYLAND

Man is slain in

Upper Marlboro

A man was fatally shot Wednesday evening in Upper Marlboro authorities said.

Police identified the man as Jerelle Burnett, 25, of Temple Hills.

The shooting happened about 8 p.m. in the 6400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue near the Capital Beltway.

 Dana Hedgpeth

Teens drowning

said to be accidental

Authorities said Thursday that a teenagers drowning in Montgomery County this month was accidental.

On June 17 about 5:10 p.m., officers responded to Maple Lake near Washington Grove Lane in Gaithersburg after a groundskeeper discovered personal belongings near the lake, Montgomery County Police said in a statement.

They found 14-year-old Kodjo Jean-Claude Ayewou, 14, of Gaithersburg in the water, the statement said, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy determined the cause of death was an accidental drowning, according to police.

 Justin Wm. Moyer

Two are arrested

in liquor thefts

Authorities said two men stole an estimated $21,769 worth of alcohol in thefts from trucks parked at the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control warehouse in Gaithersburg.

The thefts, seven in all, happened over the past few months, according to Montgomery County police. Authorities identified the suspects as Jean Auguste, 27, of Lanham, and Kelvin Eugene Snowden Jr., 31, of Gaithersburg.

After one of the thefts, on May 28, security personnel at the warehouse saw a man in a video surveillance recording and called police. When an officer arrived, he saw a Chevrolet Suburban parked in the lot of a nearby school, police said. In the vehicle, police said, were several boxes of alcohol, later found to have been stolen from the warehouse facility.

Auguste was charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree burglary and theft. Snowden was charged with malicious destruction of property and theft offenses.

 Dana Hedgpeth
Virginia Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax) was behind a new law that wrests control of the ticket resale market from Ticketmaster. A missed Iron Maiden concert was the self-described metalheads inspiration. (Bob Brown/AP)

Maryland can claim a first on Saturday, when it stands ready to pay Planned Parenthood clinics for their services if Congress defunds the organization.

Next door in Virginia, the day will bring good news for ticket scalpers and people with unpaid court fines, but bad tidings for university boards that want to jack up tuition while no one is looking.

A slew of new laws are coming to both states, some consequential, some quirky, all united by their July 1 effective date.

Among them is Marylands first-in-the-nation offer to repay Planned Parenthood clinics for health-care services, including cancer screenings and family planning, if the federal government no longer funds them. The law takes effect as Congress debates a health-care bill that would slash Medicaid funding for the organization.

Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery), the lead sponsor of the Maryland law, said it will ensure that Planned Parenthood remains open and viable. . . . They are so important to the health care of so many women, especially poor young women of color.

State Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery) was the lead sponsor of Marylands first-in-the-nation Planned Parenthood funding bill. (Evelyn Hockstein/for The Washington Post)

The state estimates that reimbursement could cost about $2 million a year.

Other new Maryland laws will address the opioid epidemic, the school-to-prison pipeline and the state transit system.

Local school districts will be required to teach students, beginning in third grade, about the dangers of heroin and opioid addiction as part of their drug prevention programs. Schools will also be required to stock naloxone, an overdose-reversal drug, and have staff trained to administer it.

According to state data, drug- and alcohol-related overdoses killed 2,089 Marylanders in 2016, an increase of 66 percent from 2015. Earlier this year, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued a state of emergency to address the opioid crisis.

Another new Maryland law prohibits school districts from suspending and expelling 4-year-olds and limits the expulsion and suspension of students in kindergarten through second grade.

According to state figures, more than 2,200 students in that age group were suspended or expelled last year, many because they were disruptive or disrespectful.

Maryland is also repealing a state requirement that bus and rail systems cover at least 35 percent of their operating costs through ticket revenue.

New court rules that overhaul the states bail policies also become effective Saturday.

Hoping to reduce the number of poor people stuck in jail until their trials, the state Court of Appeals in February changed its rules on issuing bail. Judges will be required to consider a persons ability to make bail when deciding on conditions for pretrial release.

In Virginia, Saturday marks a new sort of Independence Day  independence from Ticketmaster, which will lose its grip on the resale market.

The company will no longer have the right to block ticket holders from reselling tickets. The aim is not to help scalpers, though it likely will, but people like Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax), a self-described metalhead who had Iron Maiden tickets he bought on Ticketmaster and couldnt use, and found out he could not resell them or even give them away.

State-funded colleges and universities planning to increase tuition will not be able to do so in the dark under a law meant to boost transparency in higher education. Proposed by Sen. J. Chapman Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax City), the measure requires university governing boards to provide 30 days notice to students and the public before boosting undergraduate tuition or mandatory fees. The notice must include a projected range for the increase, a rationale for it, and the date and location for the vote.

As in Maryland, the opioid crisis has inspired new laws in Virginia, including those that ease the distribution of naloxone.

A law sponsored by Sen. Richard H. Black (R-Loudoun) outlaws female genital mutilation of minors. Those who perform the procedure could face misdemeanor charges. So would parents who consent to having their daughters undergo it.

Homicides that claim young victims  such as 17-year-old Nabra Hassanen of Reston, who was killed recently as she was returning to her Sterling mosque  will be handled differently under a new law. If the victim is a minor, law-enforcement agencies will be prohibited from releasing the name or other identifying information without the written consent of next of kin.

Criminal defendants will get a little more time to pay overdue court fines and restitution under a law backed by Del. G. Manoli Loupassi (R-Richmond) and Sen. William M. Stanley Jr. (R-Franklin). If defendants are unable to pay, judges must offer them an installment option.

Under another new law, victims of revenge porn could get revenge of their own in civil court. It is already illegal under Virginia law to share explicit images of another person without their consent, but there was no avenue for victims to sue for damages or emotional distress, said Sen. Jennifer T. Wexton (D-Loudoun), who sponsored the legislation. The new law allows them to sue.

Antonio Olivo contributed to this report.
From pursuing voter fraud in the George W. Bush Justice Department to policing polling places on the Fairfax County Electoral Board, Hans von Spakovsky has been a national lightning rod on the issue of voter integrity.

Now that President Trump has named the Virginia lawyer to the new Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, the man the New Yorker magazine called the source of the voter-fraud myth has perhaps his greatest chance to influence Americans access to the polls.

Von Spakovsky, 58, a senior legal fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, said in an interview Friday that he does not enter this role with the assumption that voter fraud is a nationwide epidemic.

I think the answer to that is what we hope to find out, he said. What I would say is that I think its a danger to the way our democratic system works anytime people are either kept out of the polls or their vote is stolen through fraud.

But his appointment has drawn deep skepticism from many who view the commission itself as a chilling effort to control the voting process in states.

(Patrick Martin/The Washington Post)

I think there are a number of people who have been active in promoting false and exaggerated claims of voter fraud and using that as a pretext to argue for stricter voting and registration rules, said Rick Hasen, an election law expert at the University of California at Irvine. And von Spakovskys at the top of the list.

After von Spakovskys appointment was announced Thursday, Hasen wrote on his blog that it was a big middle finger from Trump to people who are serious about fixing problems with our elections.

Over the years, von Spakovsky has been accused of masterminding widespread efforts to suppress voting by marginalized populations, particularly African Americans and immigrants, who tend to vote for Democrats.

Von Spakovsky argued against renewing the Voting Rights Act while serving in Bushs Justice Department. Bush later named him to the Federal Election Commission with a recess appointment, but so many senators objected that von Spakovsky eventually withdrew.

Similarly, after he served as vice chairman of the three-member Fairfax County Electoral Board between 2010 and 2012, Democrats objected to his reappointment. Local judges, who name the panel based on recommendations from the party of the current governor  who at the time was Republican Robert F. McDonnell  took the unusual step of not renewing von Spakovskys appointment.

The problem with him is that his default position was always to make it harder for people to vote, said John Farrell, who was general counsel to the Fairfax Democratic Committee and petitioned the judges not to reappoint von Spakovsky.

He said that von Spakovsky had stopped the League of Women Voters from putting free, nonpartisan election guides in the county elections office and that he voted against providing election materials in Spanish.

 Controversial would be a generous description of his nature, Farrell said. Hes a voter-suppression advocate, and he cant deny that with a straight face.

Of course, von Spakovsky does deny that. He said Fairfax Democrats didnt like it when he pursued legal action against some 300 residents who indicated on drivers license applications that they were noncitizens, even though they were registered to vote.

That kind of fraud  though nothing ever came of the Fairfax charges  is what von Spakovsky has been trying to quantify at the Heritage Foundation and will pursue with Trumps commission, he said.

Were supposed to take a look at and investigate the state of the election process in America, he said. I believe that means looking at everything from the voter registration process to the election process itself  voting, etc.  to see whether there are any problems that need to be fixed.

In many ways, he said, the commissions task will be to update the work done in 2012 by the Pew Center on the States, which found evidence that nearly 2 million dead people nationwide were still on voting rolls.

The commissions request for information from states  which was immediately rejected by some governors, including Virginias Terry McAuliffe (D)  was simply a research query, like that sent out by Pew, von Spakovsky said.

He has spent his career on such efforts because of his upbringing, he said. Im a first-generation American. My mother grew up in Nazi Germany. My father was Russian  he fought the communists in his homeland and fought them in his adopted country of Yugoslavia. I grew up in a household where I was told just how precious our democracy was here and just how fortunate we are to have it.

When he was a boy, he said, his parents always took him along with them to vote. Basically it imbued in me the belief that I had a duty to vote and that if I didnt vote, I was betraying all the people in countries around the world who cant do that. It just gave me a real interest in working to make sure we have a fair process.

Brian Schoeneman, a Republican who replaced von Spakovsky on the Fairfax electoral board, said he is uniquely qualified for the national commission. He knows everything there is to know about the law, said Schoeneman, who edits the Bearing Drift conservative blog.

He said von Spakovsky is not someone who sees massive fraud everywhere he looks. While there is a belief in my party that it is endemic and everywhere, thats not true, Schoeneman said. It is by no means endemic, and by no means as bad as the president claims it is.

I think Hans has struck a happy medium. . . . I know he gets a lot of criticism, but thats just the typical demonization of anybody who wants to argue that voter fraud is an issue.


Rusty Lee, 34, and his wife, Tierra Jolly, 34, have a two-month-old daughter, Rocket Josephine Lee, who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Millions of Americans of all ages and needs would be affected if Republicans in Congress succeed in overhauling major parts of the Affordable Care Act. And the latest maneuvering is only intensifying concerns.

But with Senate GOP leaders trying to retool parts of their bill  which was pulled back this week after support for a fast vote eroded  it isnt easy sussing out exactly how an individual might benefit or lose. Would an uninsured home-care worker in Ohio get a tax credit that would make private health coverage affordable? Would the big changes envisioned for Medicaid funding cut out a New Mexico house painter with emphysema? What about the medical services a young West Virginia boy might require for the rest of his life?

Those with health care on the line are thinking a lot about the future, many with real anxiety. Here are some of their stories.



Tierra Jolly touches her daughters foot as husband Rusty Lee cradles 2-month-old Rocket. Given the childs significant congenital health issues, the couple hope to get Medicaid coverage for her. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

A new mother worried for her babys medical needs

Tierra Jolly considers herself lucky: Two months ago, she gave birth to a beautiful little girl named Rocket. Shes smart and tough, Jolly says. And shes a really easy baby.

But Rocket, born with Down syndrome, has serious health challenges. She has a heart defect that will require at least one operation. And her Down syndrome puts her at increased risk of leukemia, hearing loss and other problems down the road, including Alzheimers disease.

All of that increases the stakes for the insurance decisions facing Jolly and her husband, Russell Lee, who live in the District.

Jolly, who is on leave from a teaching position, currently pays the full insurance bill of $1,500 a month for herself and her daughter. That coverage will end soon; Jolly is staying home this fall because of her daughters medical needs. Lee is adding his wife to his insurance plan, which will kick in once he begins working in August at a local charter school. The question is how to best protect Rocket and the care shell need.

For financial and long-term reasons, Jolly and Lee think it might be better to have the baby covered by Medicaid. She wouldnt qualify based on income  the familys is too high given Lees job  but she might through a special program used by the District and all states to help children with disabilities or complex medical needs.

Were 34 years old, and were not going to be here for her whole life, Jolly said. We dont know yet if shell ever have a job, let alone a job that offers health insurance.

The new mother is apprehensive as she follows Republicans plans. The Senate legislation, like a House bill, would impose funding limits on Medicaid that would result in billions of dollars in projected cuts over the next decade.

Under a Senate carve-out for medically complex children, the proposed spending caps arent supposed to apply to someone like Rocket. Critics say such a carve-out is meaningless. Andy Schneider, a Medicaid expert at the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, said the intense competition for those dollars will force states to look for ways to slash program spending  either by reducing provider payments or services or by eliminating coverage for optional groups. The latter move would threaten resources for children like Rocket.

We shouldnt have to worry about all this, Jolly said. We just want to make sure our daughter is taken care of.

A businessman fed up with paperwork

The Affordable Care Act mandates are a waste of time, says Dave Ratner, a business owner who nonetheless supports providing health care to most employees. (Courtesy of Dave Ratner)

Dave Ratners unlikely path to success started in 1975, when he bought an old gas station in Hadley, Mass., and started selling sodas out of the garage. Not long after, he expanded the operation to sell pet food. Today, Daves Soda and Pet City is a mini-chain of seven sprawling pet-supply stores with about 160 employees.

Ratner prides himself on being a good boss, so he says he could adjust when the ACA required him to extend health insurance to workers who put in 30 hours or more a week. He already was doing that for employees who clocked 35 hours, as required by a Massachusetts law.

Then came the paperwork  to prove a company is offering health insurance, to identify workers who have coverage through other means, to match an employee and dependents. Ratner hired a part-time human resources employee just to deal with the reporting requirements.

All these mandates, theyre just a waste of time, a waste of energy and expensive, he said from his home town of Agawam, Mass.

Theyre not the only gripe the 65-year-old businessman has about the ACA. Hes convinced that the cost of the companys insurance has skyrocketed because of the law  although some experts think premiums would be even higher without the ACA. He switched from the Blue Cross plan he offered employees when its rate went up 35 percent. The cost of the Cigna plan he substituted also raised rates but by a relatively modest 15 percent, and Ratner absorbed the difference because I knew my folks who are making 15 or 16 dollars an hour just couldnt do it.

Republicans in Congress have pledged to torpedo the employer mandate, along with some administrative requirements. They also want to give states more flexibility on the benefits insurers would have to cover, which ostensibly would drive down costs.

Ratner is optimistic that Republicans will improve matters by returning some control to the states. He remembers the Massachusetts health-care law that predated the ACA  Romneycare, named for former governor Mitt Romney  as a well-run program that provided affordable options for businesses like his.

I think it was a good system for the citizens of Massachusetts, Ratner said.



Elizabeth Alcorn has health issues and concerns that she and her husband wont be able to get insurance coverage in the future. (Norm Shafer/For The Washington Post)

A couple reach an age where stuff happens

Dentist Elizabeth Alcorn sold her practice in Charlottesville this spring because severe arthritis in her hands made it tough to work on patients. But she and her husband, Gerald Corridon, decided to stay on the businesss small-group plan until early next year. Although the premiums cost almost $2,000 a month, their out-of-pocket costs are reasonable and their doctors are in-network. Next year, who knows?

They are already worrying about future coverage given whats happening on Capitol Hill. Both are too young for Medicare; shes 56, and hes 61. Both also have significant health problems; besides her arthritis, he is dealing with a recurrence of prostate cancer. She wonders whether those medical conditions will prevent them from getting another plan  and how much it will cost.

Elizabeth Alcorn and her husband, Gerald Corridon (Norm Shafer/For The Washington Post)

The answer is not straightforward. The Senate measure would bar insurers from rejecting consumers or charging them more based on preexisting conditions. At the same time, it would allow states to waive the essential health benefit standards that dictate which services must be covered. Those 10 categories  such as hospitalization, prescription drugs and lab services  are designed to ensure that insurance is high quality, but critics say they drive up premiums by requiring benefits that some people dont need.

That is not Alcorns view. At our age, we use prescriptions, outpatient services, labs, preventive tests like colonoscopies, she said from her home in Stanardsville, Va. Were at the age where stuff happens.

The Senate bill also could mean higher premiums, if she wants a plan that is comparable to her current one. Thats because insurers would be allowed to charge five times more for older consumers than for young ones. Under the ACA, the ratio is 3-to-1.

More older people are going to get priced out of the market, said Karen Pollitz, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.

Alcorn might be able to buy cheaper coverage than she and Corridon have now, but it would probably come with less-comprehensive benefits and a higher deductible. Regardless, with him still working as a general contractor, they wouldnt be eligible for premium subsidies because their income would be above the cutoff.

Ive been really upset, said Alcorn, whose concerns include her mother, now in a nursing home because of a recent stroke. The Senate legislation is a disaster for my family.

A former addict working hard to stay clean

Christine Ferguson focuses these days on her 5-month-old daughter, Reanna, and the treatment that is helping her stay off drugs. (Courtesy of Christine Ferguson)

After 13 years of battling addiction to pills, heroin, alcohol, LSD and cocaine, Christine Ferguson says she is clean.

That achievement has come with the help of 101 days of inpatient care and 10 months of intensive outpatient treatment. Three days a week, she still heads to the First Step Home not far from downtown Cincinnati, where she has counseling sessions and classes.

Medicaid has paid for it all, sometimes seven or eight classes a day, during which Ferguson says she has learned why she always returned to drugs, the behaviors she must avoid, the warning signs that she is slipping into old habits.

The Senate GOP health-care bill threatens to undermine the fragile foundation she is building. Medicaid now spends more than $900 million to treat opioid addictions and overdoses, and many people contend that the Senate bills proposed funding changes are dangerous given the nations burgeoning epidemic.

I would lose the therapy and the people I talk to now, Ferguson said. Theyre like my sense of security right now. I can always check in with them. Theyre what keeps me sober, really.

Ferguson, 33, said she became hooked on prescription opioids after injuring her neck in a car accident at 18. Life was one long downhill slide after that: using and selling drugs, other crimes, emergency room visits, running the streets. She had two children and another who was stillborn, saw a boyfriend murdered in her arms, lost a brother to a work accident and a cousin to an overdose.

The drugs and alcohol were all that mattered. You have no one, you have nothing and it comes to where whatever youre addicted to, thats what rules you, she says. Whatever you have to do to get it, thats what you do, because its the only thing that makes you feel normal.

In 2015, a drug court judge sent her to an inpatient program, where she got sober and began to learn new coping strategies. She says she has been off drugs for two years except for a brief relapse nine months ago. She gave birth to a third child in January, and she and her daughter, Reanna, are living with family.

She has no idea what the future holds, especially if she loses her cocoon of support.

I couldnt say whether I could make it or not, she said. I can never say that I got this, or that Ill never go back to using or not.



Cheryl Kinsey gets a kiss from her son, Jensen, in between his play on the familys trampoline. Kinsey stresses over the familys future health-insurance options  and costs. (Tammy Shriver/Times West Virginian)

A remarkable recovery, now 6 years old

Jensen Kinsey was born prematurely at 27 weeks, weighing just over two pounds. The delivery team rushed him to a ventilator so quickly his mother didnt even know whether her baby was a boy or a girl.

He then spent the next 15 months in the neonatal intensive care unit of the childrens hospital at West Virginias largest academic medical center, WVU Medicine. He needed a breathing tube, a feeding tube, even surgery to crack his skull and give his brain room to grow.

Now 6, Jensen lives in a town about 20 miles to the south with his older sister and parents. Jeb Kinsey, 43, is a carpenter whose unions Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance covers only a portion of Jensens care. Cheryl Kinsey, 45, works part time at a clothing store and an assisted-living facility. Neither job provides health coverage.

Jensen Kinsey still has significant health conditions stemming from his premature birth. (Family photo)

Medicaid fills in the gaps for the little boy, whose many health conditions stemming from his prematurity will require years of complex medical services, involving a host of specialists. If the programs funding is capped, as the Senate Republican bill proposes, he may not be able to get all the care he needs, his parents and others fear.

Hes made a remarkable recovery, said one of his doctors, Lisa Costello. But he needs to have close follow-up.

His mother knows that if the Senate legislation passes, its going to affect us. Her husband recently was laid off, and his current job only runs through the summer. Stressful? Oh my gosh, yes, Cheryl Kinsey said. Just to not know when or if were going to keep our insurance.

Jensens breathing tube is gone, but he still gets winded easily. Medicaid pays for allergy medicines and the two inhalers he needs to keep his airways open. And he still receives all his nutrition through a button on his stomach because he never learned to swallow. His fathers insurance doesnt cover the formula that provides that nutrition, six-packs that cost almost $10 each. He goes through about four a day, according to his mother, totaling about $14,600 a year.

When Jensen was in intensive care, Kinsey recalled seeing other babies with serious medical conditions. Some of the mothers were teenagers who only had Medicaid to help care for their children.

What about those other babies? How are their families going to survive? she said. I just couldnt imagine.

Eric Jette, right, standing with a friend last winter, has health coverage for the first time in years because of the Affordable Care Act. (Courtesy of Eric Jette)

A house painter turned grateful patient

For most of his adult life, Eric Jette was an uninsured house painter. That changed in 2014 after his state of New Mexico, spurred by the extra funding made available through the ACA, expanded its Medicaid program to cover 240,000 additional low-income residents.

In Sante Fe, Jette began seeing doctors for the first time in years. The former smoker eventually was diagnosed with emphysema, plus an inherited disorder that can cause lung disease as well as liver problems.

Today he takes several medications a day, uses inhalers and round-the-clock oxygen, and gets a weekly drug infusion for his genetic condition. He works out as much as he can. If it werent for the ACA, said Jette, 57, Id be dead.

But the Medicaid expansion that rescued him is jeopardized by the Senate health bill, which would begin to sharply reduce funding for both traditional and expansion beneficiaries within several years.

This is a tremendous cost shift to states, and they dont have the bandwidth to make up these gaps, said Jesse Cross-Call, a senior health policy analyst at the nonprofit Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Within the first year or two, states would make difficult decisions and would start rolling back coverage.

Still, Jette might escape initial cuts. In late 2015, a few months after being diagnosed with emphysema, he was ruled disabled by the Social Security Administration. That shifted him to the traditional part of Medicaid.

He remains very anxious about the future since the Senate plan  like the House bill  would turn to either per capita or block grant funding for both the conventional and expanded programs. No one can tell him what changes might occur in benefits, eligibility or the quality of health care.

They are cutting a lot deeper than just the expanded Medicaid, he said. And anyhow, I have always managed to fall through the cracks.



Dante Ficeti became uninsured when he surpassed the age limit for his parents health plan. He hopes Senate Republicans eliminate the Affordable Care Act penalty for going without coverage. (Dustin Franz)

A home-care worker hopes for good days ahead

Dante Ficeti likes his job. As a home-care worker who assists the elderly, the 26-year-old gets to spend a lot of time with aging veterans talking about his favorite subject, history.

But at $10 an hour, and not quite full time, its not the highest-paying position. And lucrative jobs arent easy to come by when you lack a college degree and live in a Rust-Belt town in northern Ohio, where finances are so tight that the local pool hasnt been open for years. So for Ficeti, health insurance has seemed like a luxury he couldnt afford.

Ideally, I would like to have insurance if its cheap enough to buy, he said. But if I cant fit it into my budget, Id like to avoid it at all costs.

The problem with that logic: Under the ACA, most Americans must carry health insurance or they are charged a fine come tax time. Ficeti thinks he might be on the hook this year for hundreds of dollars.

At his age, with no real health issues, he doesnt worry much about being uninsured. But sometimes he does wonder: What if I get into a car wreck? What if I need a blood transfusion? And as a gay man, he said, the fear of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases hovers in the background.

When he aged out of his parents insurance plan last year, his mother checked the ACA marketplace and got a shock: Coverage would cost him $300 per month  an untenable sum, although he probably could have qualified for a big premium subsidy.

Senate Republicans have said they want to ease the burden on young, healthy people who opted out of getting insurance. Whether that would mean a better price for Ficetis coverage is unclear.

His main gripes with the ACA are the mandate and tax penalty, which he considers an unfair burden on those who are already financially strapped. Its part of a broader disillusionment. His town used to be propped up by the steel industry, with strong unions that advocated for working people, but thats in the past. If the Senate health-care bill can help him a little bit, hell consider it a victory.

I have quite a bit of faith, he said. I have a feeling that something good will come of this.
Health-care activists with Planned Parenthood and other groups protest the Republican health-care bill on Capitol Hill on June 28. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)

Four Planned Parenthood clinics in Iowa plan to shutter on Friday, following then-Gov. Terry Branstads approval of a budget in May that stripped the organization of its Medicaid funding.

Planned Parenthood officials said the closures will affect one-third of its clinics in Iowa and will cut off access to essential health-care services like cancer screenings and annual checkups for nearly 15,000 women.

The nonprofit organization  which provides birth control, breast cancer screenings and other womens health services but has become a political lightning rod for its abortion services  says the closures foreshadow what could happen across the country should Republicans health-care bill become law. The Senate bill contains a provision, which closely mirrors the Iowa law, that would eliminate Planned Parenthoods Medicaid funding for one year. Some clinics could lose as much as 40 percent of their funding.

Whats happening in Iowa is heartbreaking, Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in an email. If Trumpcare is passed into law, well see that kind of devastation happen nationwide, with far too many women simply going without the health care they need. 

[Planned Parenthood defunded for one year under GOP health bill]

Community members, Planned Parenthood staff and patients held vigils on Thursday over the closing of the clinics in Burlington, Quad Cities, Keokuk and Sioux City.

More than half of Planned Parenthood patients are insured through Medicaid, according to the organization.

Its devastating, said Burlington resident Laura Blanchard, who has used Planned Parenthood services. She said she knows of only one other reproductive health-care option in her town targeted to low-income women and women on Medicaid.

This community cannot afford to lose a health-care provider like Planned Parenthood, she said.

The Planned Parenthood clinics in Burlington, Sioux City and Keokuk provided health care and contraceptives to 80 percent or more of the women in the area, said Beth Lynk, Planned Parenthoods state policy press officer. Women in Keokuk, a small town located in rural Lee County, will be an hour away from the nearest low-cost family planning provider.

Proponents of defunding Planned Parenthood argue that other providers can absorb Planned Parenthood patients that need family planning services. The state plans to funnel about $3.3 million into a program that would fund family-planning clinics that dont provide abortions, according to the Des Moines Register.

Branstad, a Republican who is now the U.S. ambassador to China, endorsed the plan during his Condition of the State address in January, saying the budget proposal redirects family planning money to organizations that focus on providing health care for women and eliminates taxpayer funding for organizations that perform abortions.

In April, Iowans for Life Executive Director Maggie DeWitte told the Register she supported shifting funds to such community health centers.

I would say this is fantastic news for women and families in the state of Iowa, DeWitte said of the Planned Parenthood closures. We have said from the very beginning that there are many, many other qualified health centers that provide comprehensive health care for women.

The budget cuts to Planned Parenthood were unpopular among Iowans. In February, a poll conducted by the Des Moines Register found that 77 percent of adults surveyed were in favor of continued funding for the clinics. Additionally, 62 percent of Iowa Republicans surveyed were also in favor of continued funding.

Iowans sentiments are on par with attitudes nationwide, with 80 percent of Americans and 67 percent of Republicans opposed to cutting Planned Parenthood funding, according to a recent Quinnipiac University poll.

As the nations largest abortion provider, the 100-year-old nonprofit has sustained attacks at both the state and federal level, although the clinic does not use Medicaid funding to provide abortion services.

[Planned Parenthood to Close 10 Clinics in Midwest, Southwest]

Planned Parenthood is planning to close six more clinics in Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. The closures were not a result of funding cuts, but concerns over political attacks played a role in the decision, officials said. The clinics also suffered from declining revenue under the Affordable Care Act, which expanded Medicaid to some patients who had previously paid out-of-pocket, officials said. Medicaid reimburses the clinics at a lower rate, they noted.

Once the clinic in Wyoming closes the state will become one of two in the country without a Planned Parenthood clinic, along with North Dakota.

In 2011, the Texas legislature effectively defunded Planned Parenthood by reducing the two-year budget for family-planning funding from $111 million to $38 million. As a result, one out of every four clinics in the state closed.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled the locations of two Planned Parenthood clinics that closed in Iowa. They were the Keokuk and Quad Cities locations.
Tony Alameda, right, places flowers at a makeshift memorial at the San Antonio police headquarters, Friday, June 30, 2017. Two police officers were wounded critically and a suspect was killed in a shootout on a street just north of downtown. (Eric Gay/AP)

TEXAS

Court rules against same-sex benefits

The Texas Supreme Court on Friday threw out a lower-court ruling that said spouses of gay and lesbian public employees are entitled to government-subsidized same-sex marriage benefits. The states highest civil court unanimously ordered a trial court to reconsider the case.

As part of a case challenging Houstons benefits policy, the Supreme Court suggested a landmark ruling legalizing same-sex marriage does not fully address the right to marriage benefits. Justice Jeffrey Boyd, writing on behalf of the court in a 24-page opinion, said theres still room for state courts to explore the reach and ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Courts 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.

We agree with the Mayor [of Houston] that any effort to resolve whether and the extent to which the Constitution requires states or cities to provide tax-funded benefits to same-sex couples without considering Obergefell would simply be erroneous, Boyd wrote.On the other hand, we agree . . . that the Supreme Court did not address and resolve that specific issue in Obergefell.

 Texas Tribune

CALIFORNIA

2 hurt when plane crashes on freeway

A small twin-engine plane dropped out of the sky and exploded in flames on a busy freeway near a Southern California airport Friday morning, injuring the two people aboard but clipping only one passing vehicle, a fire official said.

The Cessna 310 aircraft crashed on Interstate 405, just short of a runway at John Wayne Airport in Costa Mesa around 9:30 a.m., said Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration.

The pilot declared an emergency shortly after taking off from the airport and was trying to return when the crash occurred, Gregor said.

The two people aboard the plane, a man and a woman in their 50s and 60s, were taken to a hospital with traumatic injuries, Orange County Fire Capt. Larry Kurtz said.

 Associated Press

MICHIGAN

Snyder vetoes Choose Life license plate

Republican Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed legislation on Friday to require Michigan to create and sell an antiabortion fundraising license plate, saying the politically contentious bill would have divided residents.

The measure approved by the GOP-controlled legislature would have required the Choose Life plate to be issued by next June.

The Choose Life license plate is a political message that has the potential to bitterly divide millions of Michiganders and that, in my view, is not appropriate for a state-issued license plate, Snyder said in a letter to lawmakers.

Michigan has fundraising plates for public universities and 14 special causes such as breast cancer awareness that cost drivers $35 initially and $10 each time they are renewed.

 Associated Press

MILITARY

Searchers wounds part of Bergdahl trial

Serious wounds to a soldier and a Navy SEAL who searched for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl can be used at the sentencing phase of his upcoming trial, a judge ruled Friday, giving prosecutors leverage to pursue stiff punishment against the soldier.

The judge, Col. Jeffery Nance, ruled that the service members wouldnt have wound up in the firefights that left them wounded if they hadnt been searching for Bergdahl, so their injuries would be relevant to his sentencing if hes convicted of misbehavior before the enemy at trial in October.

The charge, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, alleges that Bergdahl endangered fellow service members by leaving his remote post and triggering search missions across Afghanistan.

 Associated Press
President Trumps voting commission stumbled into public view this week, issuing a sweeping request for nationwide voter data that drew sharp condemnation from election experts and resistance from more than two dozen states that said they cannot or will not hand over all of the data.

The immediate backlash marked the first significant attention to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity since Trump started it last month and followed through on a vow to pursue his own unsubstantiated claims that voter fraud is rampant and cost him the popular vote in the presidential election. The White House has said the commission will embark upon a thorough review of registration and voting issues in federal elections, but experts and voting rights advocates have pilloried Trump for his claims of widespread fraud, which studies and state officials alike have not found. They say that they fear the commission will be used to restrict voting.

Those worries intensified this week after the commission sent letters to 50 states and the District on Wednesday asking for a trove of information, including names, dates of birth, voting histories and, if possible, party identifications. The letters also asked for evidence of voter fraud, convictions for election-related crimes and recommendations for preventing voter intimidation  all within 16 days.

[Trumps voter-fraud commission wants to know voting history, party ID and address of every voter in the U.S.]

While the Trump administration has said it is just requesting public information, the letters met with swift  and sometimes defiant  rejection. By Friday, 25 states were partially or entirely refusing to provide the requested information; some said state laws prohibit releasing certain details about voters, while others refused to provide any information because of the commissions makeup and backstory.

(Patrick Martin/The Washington Post)

This entire commission is based on the specious and false notion that there was widespread voter fraud last November, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) said in a statement. At best this commission was set up as a pretext to validate Donald Trumps alternative election facts, and at worst is a tool to commit large-scale voter suppression.

California, a state Trump singled out for serious voter fraud, also refused to participate. Alex Padilla, the California secretary of state, said providing data would only serve to legitimize the false and already debunked claims of massive voter fraud.

On Saturday morning, with news stories circulating about officials unable or unwilling to hand over all the requested data, Trump lashed out at them for refusing to give information to the very distinguished VOTER FRAUD PANEL. He also suggested these states may have nefarious purposes for refusing to participate.

What are they trying to hide? he asked in a statement on Twitter.

[White House launches a commission to study voter fraud and suppression]

Vice President Pence, who is chairman of the commission, hosted a conference call with the groups members Wednesday morning, three weeks before they are scheduled to have their first meeting in Washington. During the call, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (R), the vice chairman, told the other members about the letters.

A spokesman for Pence defended the letters, noting they seek information that is available publicly under state laws.

The commission very clearly is requesting publicly available data in accordance with each states laws in an effort to increase the integrity of our election system, Jarrod Agen, the spokesman, said in a statement. The commissions goal is to protect and preserve the principle of one person, one vote because the integrity of the vote is the foundation of our democracy.

The request for records drew a new round of scrutiny to Kobach, a candidate for governor of Kansas in 2018 and an intellectual and political leader among conservatives who want to crack down on illegal immigration and the perceived threat of voter fraud.

In 2009, announcing his first bid for secretary of state, Kobach said that registration fraud by the defunct community organizing group ACORN made Americans wonder whether the next elections going to be stolen. In office, Kobach aggressively pursued cases of potential fraud and promoted the Crosscheck system to see whether voters had registered in multiple states. But he frequently lost in court, as judges warned that measures meant to keep noncitizens off the rolls were ensnaring too many legitimate voters.

It looks like theyre putting together a database of who people voted for, said Jason Kander, a former Missouri secretary of state who runs the nonprofit group Let America Vote. Democrat, Republican, independent, everybody should be outraged by that. This is from the same people, from Kris Kobach to Donald Trump, whove tried to make it harder for people to vote, and this seems like a step in the process. If the Obama administration had asked for this, Kris Kobach would be holding a press conference outside the Capitol to denounce it.

[Analysis | Kris Kobach says he cant comply with Kris Kobachs voter data request]

The idea of collecting all national voter data for an audit has traveled through conservative circles for years. True the Vote, a group that promoted the fear that bogus voter registrations led to stolen votes in the 2008 election, also advanced the theory that millions of illegal votes denied Trump a popular mandate.

True the Vote itself has struggled to keep up momentum from the Obama era. Catherine Engelbrecht, the groups president, told supporters in a video message last week that True the Vote was not getting the donations necessary to meet its ambitions. The dream of a grass-roots national voter audit was simply not going to happen.

We have gathered 2016 voter rolls; weve gathered information from thousands of resources, Engelbrecht said. For us, its never been about the headlines, or the promised presidential commissions, or the make-believe Russian hackers.

Two Democratic members of the commission said in interviews Friday that they were surprised by the backlash to the requests this week.

We didnt think thered be this heartburn over it, said Arkansas lobbyist David Dunn. We were asking for information that, in most states, is considered public.

In West Virginia, Wood County Clerk Mark Rhodes said that he is confused by the angry reaction from some states.

The request that went out is asking for public information, not any confidential information, he said. If you want to make a match, you want to make sure you have enough data to avoid a false positive. In previous data matches, you might be Mark D. Rhodes on your drivers license and Mark Douglas Rhodes on your voter registration, and youve got a problem.

Experts described the request as unprecedented in scope, a recipe for potential voter suppression and troubling for the privacy issues it raises.

This is an attempt on a grand scale to purport to match voter rolls with other information in an apparent effort to try and show that the voter rolls are inaccurate and use that as a pretext to pass legislation that will make it harder for people to register to vote, said Rick Hasen, an election-law expert at the University of California at Irvine.

Hasen said he has no confidence in whatever results the committee produces. He said the commission and its request create a number of concerns, including that it is an election group created by one candidate for office  Trump, who already is campaigning for reelection  and headed by Pence, another political candidate.

Its just a recipe for a biased and unfair report, Hasen said. And its completely different from the way that every other post-election commission has been done.

Justin Levitt, an elections expert at Loyola Law School, pointed to the request about voters party affiliations, which he said violates the federal Privacy Act of 1974. Critics also said that because of varying state laws, the commission wont be able to make an apples-to-apples comparison with the data it collects, which could undermine its eventual conclusions.

The most acute worry Friday was about what the groups expected report in 2018 will recommend.

It could end up leading to trying to create a justification for more state laws that restrict voting in very serious and what are proven to be unlawful ways, said Vanita Gupta, who headed the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division during the Obama administration. And thats through all kinds of cuts, through restrictive voter ID laws, through cuts in early voting [and] same day registration.

Experts also expressed concerns about Trumps appointment of Hans von Spakovsky, a former Justice Department official and a longtime voter integrity advocate, to the commission. Gupta said that he, like Kobach, has had a single-minded agenda to diminish voter participation and to fight voting rights, and to make voting harder.

Kobachs office did not respond to requests for comment; other members defended the letters.

You meet people who say: I dont want to vote, because my vote doesnt count, said Dunn, the Arkansas lobbyist. This commission has been broad-brush painted  and maybe rightly so  as some kind of voter suppression. But I dont feel like thats what Im part of.

[Trumps pick to investigate voter fraud is freaking out voting rights activists]

On Friday, as states said they would not participate, White House deputy White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders called that pushback a political stunt.

The White House bristled Friday at states refusing to cooperate with the commission.

I think that that is mostly political stunt, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a White House spokeswoman, said when asked about the pushback. This is a commission thats asking for publicly available data and the fact that these governors wouldnt be willing to turn that over  this is something that has been part of the commissions discussion, which has bipartisan support and none of the members raised any concern whatsoever.

Other states have said that they do plan to hand over information, albeit less than the broad sweep outlined in the letters. Wisconsins elections commission administrator said that the state would give the public information for the standard $12,500 fee, but was not allowed to release other details such as dates of birth. Ohio Secretary of State Jon A. Husted, a Republican, said his state would be handing over most of the requested information  noting that it is publicly available  though he said they would not provide portions of Social Security numbers and drivers license numbers because those are not.

Husted said in an interview Friday that his office had conducted reviews after previous elections, saying that these investigations have determined that voter fraud exists, its rare and we hold people accountable when we catch them.

Earlier this year, Husted announced that his office found 82 noncitizens of the United States who illegally voted in a recent Ohio election. According to his office, more than 5.6 million people cast ballots in last Novembers general election.

Jenna Johnson and Christopher Ingraham contributed to this report.
President Trump launched personal attacks against us Thursday, but our concerns about his unmoored behavior go far beyond the personal. Americas leaders and allies are asking themselves yet again whether this man is fit to be president. We have our doubts, but we are both certain that the man is not mentally equipped to continue watching our show, Morning Joe.

The presidents unhealthy obsession with our show has been in the public record for months, and we are seldom surprised by his posting nasty tweets about us. During the campaign, the Republican nominee called Mika neurotic and promised to attack us personally after the campaign ended. This year, top White House staff members warned that the National Enquirer was planning to publish a negative article about us unless we begged the president to have the story spiked. We ignored their desperate pleas.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

The presidents unhealthy obsession with Morning Joe does not serve the best interests of either his mental state or the country he runs. Despite his constant claims that he no longer watches the show, the presidents closest advisers tell us otherwise. That is unfortunate. We believe it would be better for America and the rest of the world if he would keep his 60-inch-plus flat-screen TV tuned to Fox & Friends.

For those lucky enough to miss Thursdays West Wing temper tantrum, the president continued a year-long habit of lashing out at Morning Joe while claiming to never watch it. During his early-morning tirade, Mr. Trump spit out schoolyard insults about low I.Q. Crazy Mika, Psycho Joe and much worse. He also fit a flurry of falsehoods in his two-part tweetstorm.

Mr. Trump claims that we asked to join him at Mar-a-Lago three nights in a row. That is false. He also claimed that he refused to see us. That is laughable.

The president-elect invited us both to dinner on Dec. 30. Joe attended because Mika did not want to go. After listening to the president-elect talk about his foreign policy plans, Joe was asked by a disappointed Mr. Trump the next day if Mika could also visit Mar-a-Lago that night. She reluctantly agreed to go. After we arrived, the president-elect pulled us into his familys living quarters with his wife, Melania, where we had a pleasant conversation. We politely declined his repeated invitations to attend a New Years Eve party, and we were back in our car within 15 minutes.

Mr. Trump also claims that Mika was bleeding badly from a face-lift. That is also a lie.

Putting aside Mr. Trumps never-ending obsession with womens blood, Mika and her face were perfectly intact, as pictures from that night reveal. And though it is no ones business, the presidents petulant personal attack against yet another womans looks compels us to report that Mika has never had a face-lift. If she had, it would be evident to anyone watching Morning Joe on their high-definition TV. She did have a little skin under her chin tweaked, but this was hardly a state secret. Her mother suggested she do so, and all those around her were aware of this mundane fact.

More significant is Mr. Trumps continued mistreatment of women. It is disturbing that the president of the United States keeps up his unrelenting assault on women. From his menstruation musings about Megyn Kelly, to his fat-shaming treatment of a former Miss Universe, to his braggadocio claims about grabbing womens genitalia, the 45th president is setting the poorest of standards for our children. We were heartened to hear a number of Republican lawmakers call out Mr. Trump for his offensive words and can only hope that the women who are closest to him will follow their examples. It would be the height of hypocrisy to claim the mantle of womens empowerment while allowing a family member to continue such abusive conduct.

(Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

We have known Mr. Trump for more than a decade and have some fond memories of our relationship together. But that hasnt stopped us from criticizing his abhorrent behavior or worrying about his fitness. During the height of the 2016 presidential campaign, Joe often listened to Trump staff members complain about their bosss erratic behavior, including a top campaign official who was as close to the Republican candidate as anyone.

We, too, have noticed a change in his behavior over the past few years. Perhaps that is why we were neither shocked nor insulted by the presidents personal attack. The Donald Trump we knew before the campaign was a flawed character but one who still seemed capable of keeping his worst instincts in check.
RADWAN ZIADEH embodies the hopes that Syrians had when they first rose up against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. He is a secular liberal activist who not only dreams of a Syrian democracy, but also for years did his best to promote one through organizations he founded. A fixture on Washingtons foreign policy circuit, Mr. Ziadeh was a go-to ally for the Obama administrations State Department when it sought to create an alternative to the Assad regime. He responded by organizing a series of conferences in Turkey that produced a 238-page Syria Transition Roadmap.

Now, inexplicably, Mr. Ziadeh is being threatened with deportation from the United States, where he has lived for the past decade and where his three children were born. In response to his request for asylum, the Arlington office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services found this month that he is, in fact, a refugee deserving protection. Yet it issued a preliminary notice of intent to deny him asylum on grounds that he had provided material support to an undesignated terrorist organization  namely, members of the same U.S.-backed rebel groups that attended those conferences.

The blinkered judgment is a gross violation of common sense and an embarrassment to the federal government bureaucracy. It ought to be reversed before it has a more damaging impact on the faltering U.S. effort to find a formula for peace in Syria.

The facts are undisputed. Two of the conferences Mr. Ziadeh organized in 2012 and 2013 in Istanbul were for a security working group contributing to the overall transition plan. The attendees were nominated by Salim Idriss, the U.S.-backed head of a Syrian opposition coalition. Their expenses for attending the conference were covered by Mr. Ziadehs organization with funding from an institute affiliated with the Canadian government. The whole point, according to former U.S. ambassador Frederic Hof, who worked on planning for Syria, was to support a democratic and peaceful political transition.

The Asylum Office nevertheless found that Mr. Ziadeh engaged in terrorist activity because some of those who attended the meetings were members of the Free Syrian Army and Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, which, it noted, used weapons with the intent to endanger the safety of Syrian government officials. The fact that the United States itself provided some of the FSAs weapons and fully supported its attempt to endanger the Assad regime somehow failed to impress the Asylum Office. In effect, Mr. Ziadeh is being accused of terrorism because he acted at U.S. urging (and with Canadian funding) to bring together U.S.-backed Syrian leaders.

More than the personal safety of one dedicated Arab freedom fighter is at stake. By appearing to repudiate and persecute Mr. Ziadeh, the U.S. government sends a message to Syrias remaining anti-Assad forces that even Washingtons closest allies are subject to betrayal. The contrast between Vladimir Putins unwavering defense of the blood-soaked Assad clique and the pending refusal of the United States to grant Mr. Ziadeh safe harbor is stark  and sickening.
Michael Green is an associate professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the author of several books on the Civil War era, including Lincoln and the Election of 1860, and on Nevada history.

It was no small feat that Abraham Lincoln was able to maneuver his reelection in 1864. The last president to win a second term, Andrew Jackson, did so in 1832 with his party united and without the weight of a a bloody, three-year-old war. Lincoln was, in the words of Doris Kearns Goodwin and others, a political genius.

Sidney Blumenthal would agree. Blumenthal, a longtime journalist who worked for a president who won two terms, believes that Lincoln accomplished what he did because he was a politician from his toenails to the top of his stovepipe hat. How Lincoln balanced politics and principle is central to Wrestling With His Angel, the second of Blumenthals projected four volumes on Lincolns political career. It follows last years A Self-Made Man, which examined Lincolns first 40 years.

In that volume, Lincoln was a mostly a local politician who tried to stick to his partys principles while broadening its appeal, as Blumenthals former boss Bill Clinton sought to do in the Democratic Party of the 1990s. Lincolns efforts proved less successful. In 1849, he returned to Illinois as a one-term congressman, a capable lawyer and a minor cog in a creaky Whig political machine that soon disintegrated.

BECOME A WHIG RIGHT NOW! And 6 other vintage parties we should bring back

Wrestling With His Angel: The Political Life of Abraham Lincoln Vol. II, 1849-1856, by Sidney Blumenthal (SIMON AND SCHUSTER)

But just as Winston Churchill had his wilderness years to ready himself for bigger things, so did Lincoln. In 1860, five years after the Whig Party collapsed, Lincoln was elected president. How he emerged from that wilderness  how he entered his wilderness years a man in pieces and emerged on the other end a coherent steady figure  is the story Blumenthal tells with panache and understanding.

Lincoln grasped that when the events changed he had to change to align himself with them. As Blumenthal puts it, The self-made man educated himself in the politics of democracy, apprenticed in logrolling, studied peculiar nuances of power that could not be commanded by fiat and belonged to the first American generation innovating in party organization, mass media, and public opinion.

Blumenthal knows that world better than anyone else who has examined Lincoln. Two political figures  Sen. Albert Beveridge, an early 20th-century Progressive and biographer, and George McGovern, who carried the baggage of a PhD in history when he ran for president  have written biographies of Lincoln, but they did not focus, as Blumenthal does, on Lincoln as the political operative who also wrote editorials and financed newspapers. Blumenthal has spent his life in the interconnected worlds of politics and journalism, and it shows: He grasps that political genius in ways others could not, making Lincoln more politically plausible.

In explaining Lincolns transition from just another Whig to a rising Republican, Blumenthal keeps the man himself off the stage. Indeed, Lincoln was in the wings, watching and analyzing events as they unfolded. Blumenthal explains those developments and the personalities at the center of them, from the rigid and manipulative Jefferson Davis (Blumenthal clearly delights in discussing Daviss herpes, which caused serious vision problems, and his extramarital affair with an Alabama politicians wife) to the ceaselessly pandering Stephen Douglas, the longtime political rival whom Lincoln (and Blumenthal) disdained.

Blumenthal begins his story by explaining cholera, which ends up being crucial to Lincolns  and Americas  political evolution. In 1849, a cholera epidemic killed Mary Lincolns father, Robert Todd, requiring Lincoln to go to Kentucky for a lawsuit over his estate. At the time, Kentucky was debating a new constitution. Pro-slavery forces defeated efforts for gradual, compensated emancipation led by allies of Henry Clay, Lincolns beau ideal of a statesman and a friend of Marys father.

[How war brought cholera and polio back to the Middle East]

Lincoln lost the estate case to some of those pro-slavery politicians. Blumenthals understanding of politics leads him to the logical conclusion that losing the legal battle to those waging the political battle hardened Lincolns views. Lincoln was broodingly silent but smoldering for years about the case. The tragic death of his father-in-law as he was attempting to preserve the old Kentucky, the aggressive triumphalism of the pro-slavery forces in destroying it, and the definitive loss of the Todd family estate to the leader of that movement, fused in Lincolns mind.

President Zachary Taylor died during that same cholera epidemic in 1850. His death empowered Whigs who supported slavery or were willing to compromise on its expansion. When Clay died in 1852, Lincoln, increasingly conscious of the key issue, gave a eulogy that made the Kentuckian sound more anti-slavery than he really was. But, writing to a Kentucky lawyer shortly afterward, Lincoln privately called Clays view of slavery bankrupt.

Lincolns letter, Blumenthal observes, transformed the Revolution into a slave revolt and the Declaration of Independence into a kind of Emancipation Proclamation. Indeed, Lincoln showed signs of emancipating himself from his partys attempts to compromise on slavery.

Ironically, Douglas enabled Lincoln to break his old shackles by brooking no compromise. In 1854, hoping to gain support from the increasingly rigid South, Douglas drove Congress to pass the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which obliterated existing limits on slavery and permitted it to extend north and west. He split the Democratic Party and prompted Northern anti-slavery men to plan a new party.

When Lincoln responded to Douglas in a speech at Peoria, Ill., in October 1854, he claimed the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence on behalf of abolition. Many had undoubtedly been spectators before at his amusing, sharp, and clever performances, Blumenthal writes. But it was at this moment that the perception of Lincoln altered. Blumenthal calls it a transfiguration, but the politician survived. Blumenthal shows how Lincoln maneuvered himself and others toward the new Republican Party without entirely leaving the Whigs, at least at first. Still a political warhorse, Lincoln mapped campaigns that seemed to benefit others more than himself.

Lincoln once said, I am slow to learn and slow to forget that which I have learned. During the first half of the 1850s, he continued to learn about politics and about himself. Blumenthal guides us through what Lincoln learned and how he learned it as he wrestled with slavery and politics, and matured into someone who could find the better angels of our nature.
As a journalist who occasionally travels abroad, Ive had the chance to see how foreign countries commemorate important historical milestones. Inevitably, they look backward, to important pivot points in their pasts. Americans recall the Revolutionary War and the Civil War; Washington freed the American colonies from foreign rule, and Lincoln, who freed the slaves, ended a conflict that killed 1 in 50 Americans and set brother against brother. In France, they celebrate the storming of the Bastille and the liberation of Paris from the Nazis. In Taiwan, they celebrate their decades of freedom from both Japanese occupation and mainland communism. In Israel, its the War of Independence (as they call it) and the Six-Day War. In August, India and Pakistan will both  in their very separate ways  commemorate the 70th anniversary of an act of partition that ended colonial rule in South Asia, displaced more than 10 million people, killed hundreds of thousands more, and set in motion a series of wars that are still being fought, in some form, to this day.

Its one of the constants of our species, going back to the Iliad: When we take stock of our past, we focus on those moments when history narrowed to a knife edge  when the fate of whole nations, or even whole categories of human beings, depended on a single battle, an act of politics, the judgment of God or a single human soul, such as Nelson Mandela or Winston Churchill. These acts of collective memory can be lurid, self-aggrandizing and even profoundly ahistorical. But they have value as instruments of national bonding. They help convince citizens that their country has some purpose in the grand sweep of history, that it is not just an organizing principle for stamps and bank notes that originated as a random accident of mapmakers and politicians.

Canadas national identity crisis  on full display as we celebrate our 150th birthday this weekend  is rooted in the fact that there is nothing in the past that allows us to celebrate history in this way. The most consequential military battle in our history was fought on the Plains of Abraham, more than a century before Canada even came into existence. And because of the accommodations that emerged between English and French, many of us consider it bad form to talk about it too much in mixed company. Its our anti-Gettysburg.

Nor was Canada the site of any sort of sustained or systematic struggle against British rule. (Indeed, much of my own province, Ontario, was populated by loyalists to the crown who fled the American colonies.) Canadians eventually did part ways with the Brits  but reluctantly and gradually, the way a semi-employed 30-year-old moves out of his parents basement after his mother tells him theyre downsizing to a condo.

In the lead-up to Canada Day on Saturday, there has been an enormous focus in Canadas media on the sins visited upon the countrys original peoples. Our national broadcaster, in particular, has focused repeatedly on the narratives of indigenous men and women who see nothing to celebrate in Canada 150. The principal excitement of our sesquicentennial so far has been the fury of national self-critique it has inspired, Canadian novelist Stephen Marche wrote in the New York Times. Why is Canada so bad at celebrating itself?

Marche answers the question, in part, by saying that the virtues of this country are mostly negative. . . . Canadas real glories are its hospitals and its public schools, but those, unlike the Marine Corps, cannot be paraded. Canada is, according to several international surveys, the most tolerant country in the world. But its absurd to celebrate not being quite as insane as the rest of the world.

My own view is that it goes far deeper than Canadas current virtues: Our whole history is so lacking in drama as to defy celebration. On the entire planet, what other country has led such a blandly charmed life as my own? Iceland? New Zealand? Switzerland, perhaps? Its a short list.

In its 150-year history, Canada has never been the scene of large-scale civil war or foreign invasion, revolution, coup, violent religious schism or even epic natural disaster. The big military battles in every modern war weve fought have been thousands of miles away. And so the usual narrative that binds nations together  our enemies came for us, but they could not defeat us  has no relevance. The closest Canada ever came to breaking up was in a referendum (over the state of Quebec). In true Canadian style, we responded to the crisis with a densely argued Supreme Court judgment that codified the legal criteria governing the result.

But Canadian history is the very opposite of bland and peaceful if you look at the countrys roots from the point of view of, say, the Beothuk people of Newfoundland  who were declared extinct as Canada was coming into being.

No matter what you think about the best way forward for indigenous peoples in Canada, you cannot dispute that the past four centuries of history have been, for them, largely a long series of slaughters, forced migrations, botched efforts at assimilation and, in some cases, complete eradication. This isnt just sad and horrible and cruel. It is dramatic, in the way that all stories of tragedy  and attempts at rescue and redemption  are dramatic.

It is this imbalance in drama between Canadas story as a nation and the story of its indigenous peoples  and not any cynical effort on the part of the media or the left  that is causing this moment to feel sour for those hoping for a more traditionally patriotic 150th birthday party.

Much of this crystallized for me when I was visited recently by a Polish magazine writer who wanted to interview me about the state of Canada on its sesquicentennial. Everyone in Poland is tired of articles about Justin Trudeau, she said. What fascinates us now is this issue of cultural appropriation [of the heritage of Canadian indigenous peoples] that everyone here is talking about. This is not something people understand in Europe. No one knows why Canadians are getting so upset about it.

She seemed legitimately confused. Just an hour before our conversation, Governor General David Johnston apologized after Canadian Twitter went into an uproar over comments hed made about indigenous peoples who were immigrants as well, 10, 12, 14,000 years ago.

While such controversies over word usage were making national headlines in Canada, my guest explained, Poland was being swept up in a far more frightening  and, in her view, more consequential  national discussion. The countrys ruling Law and Justice party openly baits Muslims and fuels nationalist paranoia. In one recent episode, locals called the police to report a terrorist; he turned out to be a Portuguese journalist with darker skin and so was suspected of being a Turk. During a visit to Auschwitz, the countrys prime minister used the occasion to make comments interpreted as an attack on refugees. Amid reports of spiking anti-Semitism, Polands public broadcaster continues the countrys efforts to play down the crimes committed by Poles against Jews during World War II. As in other countries in the region, conservatives fret over the supposed hidden hand of the Jewish financier George Soros, who exists in anti-Semitic propaganda as a sort of universal Jew. The overarching theme in all cases is that Poland is the victim of conspiracies and that foreigners, Jews and Muslims are corroding the proud Polish nation from within.

Compared with Poland and its paranoid fantasies, the visiting journalist told me, Canada seemed to lack tribalized conflict between religions and political sects. So why are its intellectuals fretting over comparatively minor, or simply historical, sins?

Explaining this to her was a challenge  not only because I am not indigenous myself but also because, with scattered exceptions (such as the Sami communities of northern Scandinavia), indigenous peoples in Europe were completely assimilated or exterminated centuries ago. Most Europeans have little understanding of North American indigenous peoples as they now exist. They still imagine our continents First Nations as characters out of old-fashioned spaghetti Westerns.

That explains the gap in perspectives. In Europe, the collective narrative is one of national survival and resilience in the face of external threats from foreign enemies  such as the Nazis and Soviet communism. Where historical commemoration is concerned, the Polish (like many European peoples) swing in the opposite direction from Canada: They focus closely on the periods when they were victimized and slaughtered  but persevered. And it grates on many of them when that narrative is reversed and historians explore the crimes committed by Poles themselves, such as the murder of Jews during the Nazi occupation. The result is a form of nationalistic historical celebration that often seems infused with defensiveness and xenophobia. We see this, too, in Russia, China, Japan, Turkey and even the United States.

For non-indigenous Canadians, there is no equivalent of these narratives of invasion and survival. And so we have been drawn strongly into the moral orbit of the indigenous peoples who do have those narratives: First Nations, Metis and Inuit. It is only in recent years that Canadian writers and academics have learned to pay proper respect to the legends, stories and research compiled by indigenous scholars. And on this 150th birthday, many of these facts and narratives are pouring into the public conversation about Canadas national history and character.

Given how much positive attention Canada is now getting on the world stage, thanks to Trudeau and his rejection of populism and xenophobia, it seems strange that the dominant mood within our own borders is guilt. That joke about how Canadians are always apologizing: Is it just a stereotype, or is perpetual contrition etched onto our national soul?

My view is that the current mood in Canada should be seen as a symptom of our nations historical good fortune. In the bloodlands of Eastern Europe, where history has been full of violence, it is difficult for nations to look back and see anything beyond their trauma and scars  which is why nationalists in those countries often react hysterically when historians deviate from a patriotic script. Canadians, by contrast, have the moral luxury of examining their past from the perspective of the least fortunate and most brutalized.

When it comes to Canadas national political discourse, its successful immigration policies, and, yes, its health-care and education systems, we do have much to celebrate  even if such celebrations seem dull and earnest. And thats the Canada my Polish visitor sees. But for Canadians themselves, a big number like 150 makes us look at the newsreel of our past. And as with a scene from a dramatic film, the viewers eye is drawn not to the tasteful drapes and furniture we inherited from our British and French forebears, but to the bloodstains on the carpet and to the urgent question of where they lead.

Twitter: @jonkay

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I have an Independence Day tradition: I like to listen to songs about America. My favorites tend to be critical of this country in some way, such as Woody Guthries This Land Is Your Land or Bruce Springsteens Born in the USA. These arent the flag-waving anthems their titles suggest; theyre searing indictments of a nation that failed its citizens by leaving them poor, stuck and feeling  as Springsteen sings  like a dog thats been beat too much. On our day of national pride, when celebratory words such as freedom and liberty are hurled about like Roman candles, it feels important to remain clear-eyed about our faults.

But at some point in the day, perhaps after taking in a greed-bashing punk tune or Nina Simones burning civil rights lament Mississippi Goddam, I have a secret favorite: Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA. Its a song my fellow liberals love to hate. I love it.

Yes, it is overwrought and jingoistic. It glorifies war. It trumpets self-righteousness. Theres a reason Greenwood was invited to perform the song at the inaugurations of the last four Republican presidents, including Donald America First Trump.

Im proud to be an American, where at least I know Im free, the song famously declares. Its exactly the kind of vapid Independence Day rhetoric I cant stand. Not everything about our country is rainbows and unicorns. What about government surveillance? Institutionalized racism? Children whose futures are determined by the Zip codes where theyre born?

And yet I still find myself moved by this song. Maybe its because I grew up surrounded by soldiers in Camp Zama, a U.S. Army base in Japan. I remember visiting home from college and seeing a soldier I knew sing the song one night at the local VFW, where my friend was a bartender. The soldiers voice, unexpectedly beautiful, gave me chills.

Or maybe its because even though my mother is from the Philippines and my father is from India, I have always identified first as American. Or maybe its simply the line, so magnificent in its crescendo:  Cause there aint no doubt, I love this land.

Because despite the nations flaws, I do love this land. I am proud to be an American. And God Bless the USA, despite its flaws, beautifully captures that sentiment. The melody is an earworm, the swells are triumphant, and the emotion  though a bit syrupy  is authentic. I am impressed by its rawness, its conviction that we are one people and that we should be free. I admire its unabashed enthusiasm, its soft solemnity.

[Patriotism has always divided us. National memory can unite us.]

Im reminded of a story about another Independence Day standard: America the Beautiful. Ray Charless enduring version appears on the album A Message From the People, released in 1972, not long after the height of the civil rights movement.

Charles revised the songs lyrics, leaving out phrases such as pilgrim feet and alabaster cities . . . undimmed by human tears. He later explained: Some of the verses were just too white for me, so I cut them out and sang the verses about the beauty of the country and the bravery of the soldiers. Then I put a little country church back beat on it and turned it my way.

When a black magazine criticized Charles for selling out by singing the song, he said his attitude toward America was like that of a mother chastising a child: You may be a pain in the ass, you may be bad, but child, you belong to me.

I know that feeling. It is a sense of immense love, even if that love is sometimes tinged by disappointment. When Greenwood sings in God Bless the USA that hed gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, its easy to understand where that sentiment comes from. You fight for what you love.

I adore God Bless the USA, but, like Charles, I want to offer my own variation of the song  to turn it my way. Its clearly a tribute to the armed forces, and I dont deny the honor in that. But when I listen this Independence Day, Ill also be thinking of the men and women who defended this country and its values in other ways: people like Edward R. Murrow, the broadcaster who risked his career to confront the demagogic Sen. Joe McCarthy; Harvey Milk, who helped pass gay rights legislation in San Francisco before he was assassinated; and Rosa Parks, whose courageous defiance was a spark for the civil rights movement, in which many were killed.

I think, too, of James Baldwin, who wrote in Notes of a Native Son that I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.

For that, as the man says, Ill gladly stand up.

Twitter: @atemkar

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On June 16, in a move that shook the grocery industry, Amazon agreed to purchase Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. Yet just a day before, Jeff Bezos, Amazons founder (and the owner of The Washington Post), made an announcement that could prove an even greater disruption to a different sector: philanthropy. Bezoss philanthropic activity has been surprisingly modest, at least relative to his vast wealth; the Whole Foods revelation boosted his net worth and vaulted him into second place in Forbess rankings of the worlds billionaires.

But in a tweet, Bezos hinted that he was reassessing his philanthropy strategy and asked his more than 222,000 followers for advice on how to implement it. His goal was particularly striking, different from the long-term investments  in The Post and in Amazon, for instance  that had occupied much of his time. For his giving, he sought a short term focus. I want much of my philanthropic activity to be helping people in the here and now . . . at the intersection of urgent need and lasting impact, he declared. Bezos cited a homeless shelter in Seattle, Marys Place, to which Amazon recently granted rent-free space in one of its headquarters buildings, as an example.

For many within the philanthropic sector, which I study, this was crazy talk. Philanthropists are supposed to pursue systems change, long-term impact and the extirpation of root causes. Think, for instance, of Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chans $3 billion effort to cure all disease in our childrens lifetime. As one philanthropic consultant insisted in an online column in Forbes, short-term giving has never led to lasting social change, and Bezoss flawed strategy is based on a longing for instant personal gratification that clouds judgment. Or as another Forbes writer argued, The problem with the short-term perspective is that it positions philanthropy as charity rather than a mechanism for shaping a more just, equitable world.

For at least a millennium, charity  the effort to relieve immediate suffering through almsgiving or corporeal works of mercy  was understood to be the way to use material resources to do good in the world. Yet by the 16th century, as the ranks of the poor grew throughout Europe, many commentators from a rising mercantile elite began to insist upon traditional charitys inadequacies. By the time modern philanthropy emerged at the turn of the last century in the United States, with large-scale fortunes channeled into private foundations, its champions declared its supremancy over charity.

Whereas charity was wasteful and prompted by sentimental impulses, modern philanthropy would be efficient. Whereas charity tended to symptoms, philanthropy would address root causes. Charitys imperatives were religious, while philanthropy borrowed its logic from the laboratory and the boardroom. Charity was parochial, while modern philanthropy would turn its attention to regional, national and even global problems. Charity might temporarily improve the condition of the poor, but philanthropy would abolish poverty itself.

That critique has kept much of its power in the present day. Many of the most sophisticated analysts of contemporary philanthropy maintain that it must root its legitimacy in a willingness to take risks and maintain a long-term vision; that is, it must distinguish itself from charity, as well as from government and the private sector.

But Bezoss tweet is one intimation that charity might be making a comeback. This probably wont mean that homeless shelters around the nation will soon be flush with money. But it does suggest a mounting challenge to philanthropys moral hegemony by a powerful, alternative ethic.

One of the reasons for the possible rehabilitation of charity is especially paradoxical, given philanthropys technocratic pretensions. Over the past decade, as groups have become more sophisticated at assessing the impact of their work, and as digital payment systems have advanced throughout the developing world, a number of carefully designed field experiments have affirmed the effectiveness of unconditional cash transfers to the poor. Such charitable transfers challenge assumptions, dating back centuries, that impoverished recipients will squander money given directly to them. It turns out that the poor often know much better than outside experts how to improve their own condition.

A century ago, charitys indiscriminate nature was considered one of its greatest liabilities. Yet cash transfers are effective not because they are radical acts of solidarity but because they address perverse incentives in welfare systems. And though research is not yet available on the long-term effects of direct cash transfers (the charity GiveDirectly has begun a 12-year basic-income study in Kenya that should tell us more), we have enough evidence of positive short-term results  including increased school attendance, improved health measures, and higher savings and investment  to suggest that they might sit at the intersection of urgent need and lasting impact. Both the former U.N. secretary-general and the International Rescue Committee have called for shifting toward more cash transfers.

The rising popularity of cash transfers as a humanitarian instrument is linked to another reason behind charitys resurgence, one for which Bezos and other Internet moguls might harbor a special affinity: the allure of disintermediation. One of the attractions of direct cash transfers, and of the universal basic-income schemes to which they are related, is the way they bypass the philanthropic establishment.

Rooted in Catholic theology, the traditional ethic of charity has placed as much emphasis on the human relationship established between giver and receiver as on the value of the gift itself. Since the Enlightenment, defenders of philanthropy have dismissed that partiality as sentimental and selfish (often with a dash of anti-Catholic sentiment thrown in). Charitys apologists have responded that while philanthropists might claim to love mankind, they often dont seem to show much love for man in particular.

The social-media age has brought donors and recipients much closer together, which is why crowdfunding brought in more than $34 billion in 2015, up from around $880 million in 2010. The growth of GoFundMe, specializing in vivid and immediate appeals, suggests as much: The company took five years to raise $1 billion for campaigns on its site, nine months to raise the next $1 billion and seven months to raise the next billion, a spokeswoman said. According to the Pew Research Center, 68 percent of crowdfunding users report having contributed to a project to help an individual facing some sort of hardship or financial challenge. Nearly half the money GoFundMe has raised since its 2010 launch has gone to medical campaigns.

The desperation behind such efforts suggests another reason for charitys rise: increased social distress in the wake of recession and governmental retrenchment. Confronting those needs, leaders of the philanthropic sector face a predicament. Most reject the voluntarism fantasy that maintains that private giving can substitute for governmental funding. And they worry that channeling money to basic human services might relieve pressure on politicians to spend on such programs. Yet they cannot disregard the scale of the suffering around them. In the midst of the Great Recession, even as total charitable giving fell, donations to food banks spiked. In a 2010 survey, 40 percent of foundations reported that they increased their funding to safety net activities and vulnerable populations. The founder of GoFundMe, Rob Solomon, has called his site a digital safety net, which underscores the need to catch those who fell through the fraying public one. If the holes werent huge and gaping, GoFundMe wouldnt need to exist.

Post-credit-crisis frustration with Western capitalism points to a final reason behind charitys possible resurgence. Traditional charity has long operated outside the rules of the marketplace. This is, in fact, one reason modern critics have dismissed its ministrations: They believe it too often encourages idleness. On the other hand, during the Gilded Age, philanthropy became associated with the contributions of the financial elite and so was increasingly implicated in the economic systems in which their wealth was produced. Recently, the coupling has been consecrated with a neologism: philanthro-capitalism, which describes the belief, as the coiners of the term explained, that the rich can save the world  by channeling market forces toward philanthropic ends.

Given those associations, charity can be cast in opposition to capitalism. It is not surprising that one of most powerful critics of the deified market, Pope Francis, is also one of our ages most passionate defenders of traditional charity. (In case you are wondering whether the pope thinks you should give to panhandlers, the answer is always yes.)

This suggests a striking ideological reversal. Charity, especially as practiced by its Catholic acolytes, could claim both conservative and radical modes (see, for instance, the complex politics of Dorothy Day). But it was often understood by its critics as fundamentally reactionary, opposed to efforts at social transformation and rooted stubbornly in the belief that the poor ye always have with you.

Although its unlikely that Bezos had them in mind when he issued his call for advice on Twitter, charitys radical possibilities are now coming to the fore. Premised on the proximate encounter with human suffering, staked to the fundamental dignity of those in need and humble in the immediacy of its ambitions, charity stands against the powerful forces of contemporary life that feel distant, hubristic, bureaucratic and unresponsive. In that sense, charity, despite its limits  because of its limits  can be disruptive.

Twitter: @BenSoskis

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Initiative 71 brought sweeping change to the District, but because of federal regulation, many longtime residents feel left out of the new District of Cannabis. In 2014, residents voted to legalize possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, growth of up to six plants and indoor use for everyone 21 or older, but like everything in the District, its not that simple.

Not everyone can actually smoke or medicate at home. Home use and home-grow are controlled by property owners. Marijuana use policies are set by landlords, so renters should be careful to check marijuana-smoking policies in their lease terms before signing away their rights under Initiative 71. Tenants in public housing dont get to choose a cannabis-friendly lease and are forced to take the restrictions of the federal government, unless they want to risk becoming homeless.

The federal government still treats cannabis as a dangerous Schedule I drug and forbids possessing, consuming or growing marijuana in public housing. Federal housing residents cant smoke outside either because public use was banned by the D.C. Council, and they cant go to a cannabis lounge because the council banned social use, too. So even after legalizing marijuana in the District, the 20,000 residents whose landlord is the federal government are stuck living under draconian, drug-war policing and dont have a safe place to smoke or medicate in or out of their home.

Homeowners, however, are under no such restrictions and can take full advantage of the Initiative 71 liberties to consume and grow cannabis in their homes in the District. Given the high prices of the medical marijuana program, many low-income cannabis patients would prefer to save money by growing their own medicine at home, but they cant.

The unfortunate result is that access to Initiative 71 freedoms functions as a system in which the rich can afford to exercise their rights in the privacy of their homes that they own, and low-income residents are locked up or locked out by the nanny state. At a recent meeting in a Northeast public library, members of the community group DCMJ aired their frustration about current marijuana policies in public housing.

One DCMJ member who lives in a subsidized unit in Southeast reported that she was greeted the day after the annual April 20 marijuana holiday to a big orange memo from building management notifying residents that marijuana use was prohibited in and around the property. The notice explained that if tenants break this rule, they have one chance to correct the violation, but if they receive federal housing subsidies, then they are subject to a one strike rule and could be evicted immediately without a chance to appeal. In todays Washington, money buys leniency and the freedom to avoid the threat of eviction and harassment for marijuana, and if you cant pay, youre in trouble.

The DCMJ member noted that after she spoke up about black mold in the building, she was intimidated by the management of her building for using marijuana, even though she has a medical card for her fibromyalgia. Many of the residents on the block smoke, and she is worried that the management will target residents who use marijuana and encourage neighbors to report on each other so that it can continue to neglect maintenance issues. The resident also worries that developers might be setting the stage for mass evictions as the area gentrifies from the Anacostia extension of the D.C. Streetcar.

For people receiving federal housing vouchers, Initiative 71 is irrelevant. Thats not fair. There should not be different sets of rules for those who can pay and those who cant. The District needs one set of laws. Initiative 71 was supposed to provide liberty for all, not just privileges for some.

The writer proposed Initiative 71, which D.C. voters approved in 2014.
The Democratic Party has reacted to its series of recent election losses by once again concluding that it needs a better economic message. As Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said Sunday, Democrats need a strong, bold, sharp-edged and common-sense economic agenda. The only disagreement within the party is about how sharp-edged and left-wing that agenda should be. But it is increasingly clear that the problem for Democrats has little to do with economics and much more to do with a cluster of issues they would rather not revisit  about culture, social mores and national identity.

The Democratic economic agenda is broadly popular with the public. More people prefer the partys views to those of Republicans on taxes, poverty reduction, health care, government benefits, and even climate change and energy policy. In one recent poll, 3 in 4 supported raising the minimum wage to $9. Seventy-two percent wanted to provide pre-K to all 4-year-olds in poor families. Eight in 10 favored expanding food stamps. It is noteworthy that each of these proposals found support from a majority of Republicans.

The Democracy Fund commissioned a comprehensive study of voters in the 2016 presidential election, and one scholar, Lee Drutman, set out his first key finding: The primary conflict structuring the two parties involves questions of national identity, race, and morality. Focusing on the people who voted for President Barack Obama in 2012 and then Donald Trump in 2016, Drutman found that they were remarkably close to the Democratic Party on economic issues. But they were far to the right on their attitudes toward immigrants, blacks and Muslims, and much more likely to feel people like me are on the decline.

The Public Religion Research Institute and the Atlantic also conducted an important study to analyze the most powerful predictors of whether a white working-class American would vote for Trump. The top predictor was if someone identified as a Republican, a reminder that party loyalty is very strong. But after that, the two best predictors were fears of cultural displacement and support for deporting undocumented immigrants. Those who felt their economic conditions were poor or fair were actually slightly more likely to vote for Hillary Clinton.

Its worth considering how much the Democratic Party has changed over the past 25 years. Bill Clintons party was careful to come across as moderate on many social issues. It had a middle-of-the-road position on immigration and was cautiously progressive on subjects such as gay rights. The Democrats eventually moved boldly leftward in some of these areas, such as gay rights, out of an admirable sense of principle. On others, such as immigration, they did so largely to court a growing segment of Democratic voters, a process that Peter Beinart nicely explains in the most recent Atlantic issue. But in a broader sense, the Democratic Party moved left because it became a party dominated by urban, college-educated professionals, and its social and cultural views naturally mirrored this reality.

(McKenna Ewen,Whitney Leaming,Whitney Shefte/The Washington Post)

The partys defense of minorities and celebration of diversity are genuine and praiseworthy, but they have created great distance between itself and a wide swath of Middle America. This is a cultural gulf that cannot be bridged by advocating smarter policies on tax credits, retraining and early-childhood education. The Democrats need to talk about Americas national identity in a way that stresses the common elements that bind, not the particular ones that divide. Policies in these areas do matter. The party should take a position on immigration that is less absolutist and recognizes both the cultural and economic costs of large-scale immigration. On some of the issues surrounding sexual orientation, it can and should affirm its principles without compromise. But perhaps it is possible to show greater understanding for parts of the country that disagree. California recently enacted a travel ban that now prohibits state-funded travel to eight states with laws that  in Californias view  discriminate against LGBT people. Meanwhile, California has no problem paying for employees to travel to such havens of tolerance as China, Qatar and Russia.

The more I study this subject, the more I am convinced that people cast their vote mostly based on an emotional bond with a candidate, a sense that they get each other. Democrats have to recognize this. They should always stay true to their ideals, of course, but yet convey to a broad section of Americans  rural, less-educated, older, whiter  that they understand and respect their lives, their values and their worth. Its a much harder balancing act than one more push to raise the minimum wage. But this cultural realm is the crossroads of politics today.

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The European Union, whose parliament meets here on the French border with Germany, has not exactly been popular in recent years.

Complaints about unelected bureaucrats, lack of transparency, compromised sovereignty, unrestricted migration and costly member obligations have all fueled Euroskepticism.

But it seems the E.U. has finally gotten its groove back.

Two new surveys find that over the past year, citizens of E.U. member countries have decided that maybe this whole European idea  the ambitious postwar project to promote continental peace and prosperity  isnt so terrible after all.

The first survey, from Pew Research Center, polled people in 10 E.U. countries. In all but one, fond feelings for the union increased, most by a sudden huge amount. Here in France, favorability rose from 38 percent last year to 56 percent this spring (an increase of 18 points). Across the border in Germany, it went from 50 percent to 68 percent. Even in Brexiting Britain, positive sentiment for the E.U. climbed from 44 percent to 54 percent.

The other survey, from the European Commissions Eurobarometer, also found an upswing in the share of European citizens who view the E.U. positively and have trust in it. Again, the upswing occurred in virtually every country.

Whats going on? How did the E.U. turn its reputation around?

To some extent, Europeans may simply be realizing that the grass isnt actually greener on the other side  the other side being, in this case, life outside the European Union.

Britains upcoming exit has led to political chaos and economic uncertainty, not to mention sagging consumer confidence and departing jobs. Tens of thousands of jobs may leave Londons financial sector alone.

The same Pew survey found that majorities of nearly every country say Brexit will be bad for both the E.U. and Britain. Even a plurality of Brits believe Brexit will end badly for them. (Greece, which was threatening to Grexit the euro zone before departure portmanteaus were cool, is the only surveyed country in which a plurality believes Britain will be better off.)

Perhaps other E.U. members have watched Britains isolationist dysfunction and started to better appreciate the European project, even with its many flaws.

Not just coincidentally, in no country that Pew surveyed did a majority of respondents say they want to leave the European Union. This finding jibes with other recent polls.

Nonetheless, even though they dont want to leave, in nearly all of the countries at least half of respondents still want to hold a referendum to vote on whether to leave.

This may seem peculiar, given that Britain got such an unwelcome surprise when it held its own referendum. But this desire to hold a vote may reflect frustration with the lack of say in what happens in Strasbourg (and Brussels, Luxembourg and Frankfurt, where other major E.U. business gets done). A referendum could be viewed as a way to gain more leverage over E.U. officials, even if the vote is really a bluff.

People think that voting will empower them, says Luigi Zingales, a University of Chicago professor who has studied economic and public opinion trends in the E.U. Most Europeans are happy with the idea of some form of European integration and the common market. They just want more voice in the process.

Zingales also argues that a force bigger than Brexit may be more important in reviving the E.U.s reputation: the fact that finally, a decade after the global financial crisis struck, so many European economies are actually improving.

Zingales notes that in the Pew data, only his home country of Italy hasnt started feeling more warmly toward the E.U. Italy also happens to be the only surveyed country whose citizens are more pessimistic about their economy today than they were a year ago.

When things go poorly, you blame everybody: your government, the E.U. government, probably also the United Nations, he says. When things go well, maybe youre now sort of okay with everything.

Lending credence to this theory is that trust in the E.U. government and trust in national governments have been rising in virtual lockstep, according to the Eurobarometer data.

In other words, a healing economy may lead to less scapegoating, more political stability. As things get better, people realize they overreacted, and their far-right, anti-immigrant, anti-internationalist, burn-it-all-down feelings subside.

If economics are indeed whats driving the retreat from insularity in Europe, that bodes well for the United States, too. Our recovery, after all, is light-years ahead of most of Europes. Maybe our fever will break soon as well.
If you want to look at the bright side of things, at least weve learned that the nation can survive for half a year without a sane, functioning presidency.

Weve had nothing of the sort since Inauguration Day. The man who works in the Oval Office is a walking, talking, tweeting advertisement for Ritalin and perhaps some calming therapeutic activity such as yoga. We are fortunate, in a sense, that President Trumps lack of focus and his anger-management issues keep getting in the way of his policy agenda, given that the agenda is so wrongheaded. But that is an awfully thin silver lining in a very thick cloud.

As Ive written before, Im not qualified to assess Trumps mental health. But there are moments when it would be dishonest not to raise questions about his stability. If the commander in chief of the most powerful military force in history has a problem with impulse control, the whole world has a problem.

Thursday morning, Trump wrote the following tweets: I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (dont watch anymore). Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Years Eve, and insisted on joining me. She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!

The president was referring to Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, co-hosts of MSNBCs Morning Joe (a show on which I appear regularly). The viciousness and sexism of Trumps very personal attack are obvious. That the president of the United States would say such things publicly is beyond disturbing. Its downright scary.

(Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

To their credit, three Republican senators used Twitter to react quickly and appropriately. Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.) wrote: Mr. President, your tweet was beneath the office and represents what is wrong with American politics, not the greatness of America. Susan Collins (Maine) tweeted: This has to stop  we all have a job  3 branches of govt and media. We dont have to get along, but we must show respect and civility. Ben Sasse (Neb.) added: Please just stop. This isnt normal and its beneath the dignity of your office.

I take issue with one thing Sasse wrote: This sort of thing is normal for Trump. And the president demands that the whole White House follow suit.

Deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked on Fox News about Trumps Morning Joe screed and actually defended it. Look, I dont think that the presidents ever been someone who gets attacked and doesnt push back, she said. There have been an outrageous number of personal attacks, not just to him but to frankly everyone around him. People on that show have personally attacked me many times. This is a president who fights fire with fire and certainly will not be allowed to be bullied by liberal media and the liberal elites within the media or Hollywood or anywhere else.

There is some political intention behind those words; Trump believes that attacking the liberal media and elites and Hollywood helps him with his base. But since he demands that his aides back him all the way, Sanders couldnt even allow that perhaps this time the president had gone too far.

One doesnt need a degree in psychology to wonder if the president suffers from some deep-seated insecurity. I cant help but think about that Cabinet meeting this month in which the top officials of our government, one by one, obsequiously told Trump what a privilege and a blessing it was to serve him. According to widespread news reports, Trump spends hours each day watching cable news and railing against his critics. He sees the various investigations into Russian meddling in the election as attacks on his legitimacy as president  yet what really undermines his legitimacy is his propensity to go off the rails.

Whats truly alarming is the self-defeating nature of Trumps spasms. At the moment, he is trying desperately to get GOP senators to agree on a health-care bill. Did a sexist attack against Brzezinski help him with Collins or Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) or Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), who happened to be on Morning Joe on Thursday? Not on your life.

The obvious question: What happens if there is an international crisis and Trumps delicate ego is threatened? Can those around him contain his worst instincts?

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.

Theyd better be able to. Not since Richard Nixons final days in the White House have I been so worried about a presidents grip on reality.

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Today, niceness is not a word that most people associate with Americans. The bombastic chauvinism of the Ugly American seems to be everywhere, as personified by our president, who called MSNBC presenters Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski Psycho Joe and low I.Q. Crazy Mika in a Thursday morning Twitter rant. This was only the latest in a long line of insults the president has leveled at rivals, enemies and other public figures.

And yet President Trump has insisted on numerous occasions that he is actually a nice person  a friendly kind of guy you would like if you knew him.

The paradox of Trumps insisting on his own niceness even while engaging in distinctly nasty conduct (political and otherwise) has a long history in the United States. In fact, Trump epitomizes the conventional version of American niceness, which assumes that Americans are fundamentally decent and benevolent people with the best of intentions, whose acts of aggression are reluctant and defensive necessities designed to protect us. (Or, as the office of first lady Melania Trump put it in response to the presidents latest Twitter tirade: When her husband gets attacked, he will punch back 10 times harder.)

In a sense, this is quintessential American niceness: a tendency to insist on ones own affability and friendliness while dismissing all unwarranted or unnecessary acts of cruelty as necessary evils. This is the kind of amiability that obscures the shadowy side of American life. On the other hand, Americans have also historically attempted to transform our niceness into a national attitude rooted in justice and mutual respect by acknowledging American cruelty and using it as an impetus to live up to an ideal of moral integrity based on the courage to tell the truth.

In the 1830s, Alexis de Tocqueville was among the first to comment on American amiability, comparing it with the unsociable mood of the English. In the 1840s, Charles Dickens, who couldnt imagine an Englishman being happy living in the United States, nonetheless described Americans as friendly, earnest, hospitable, kind. By the end of the 19th century, the link between Americans and niceness had become accepted tradition, with Rudyard Kipling noting in 1891: It is perfectly impossible to go to war with these people, whatever they may do. They are much too nice.

Americans themselves regarded their famed niceness as the cornerstone of a democratic personality. The actress and writer Kate Field remarked in 1873: To try to please everybody, is democratic; to be indifferent to everybody is aristocratic: consequently, Americans, men and women, are the best bred people in the world. As a refreshing alternative to European stuffiness, American niceness conveys democratic informality while sustaining the myth of American exceptionalism: Americans are not just nice but the nicest people on earth. As Walt Whitman once put it, Americans are the peaceablest and most good-natured race in the world.

Since the 19th century, Americans belief in our own niceness has never wavered. Yet even then, American niceness obscured a tendency to refuse accountability for aggression and offense  and even unspeakable cruelty.

In 1814, Gen. Andrew Jackson supervised the mutilation of the corpses of more than 800 Creek Native Americans killed at Horseshoe Bend in Alabama during the Creek War. The desecration of the bodies involved cutting off the tip of each Indians nose to count the number of victims, and taking long strips of skin from the dead to use as bridle reins.

Infuriated at these abuses, American author Washington Irving demanded that white America blush with shame at its ongoing legacy of Indian-hating. Likewise, in 1836, William Apess, a Methodist minister of mixed Anglo-Pequod ancestry, electrified his Boston audience, stating: No gratitude to Indians is shown, from people saved by them alone. Like Irving, Apesss Eulogy on King Philip understood American brutality toward Native Americans as not only unjust but un-American in its cruelty: It was, after all, a betrayal of Indian hospitality. Taught how to grow corn and catch eel, the Puritans survived thanks to their Native American neighbors. Thus the mistreatment of Indians wasnt only a political problem but a profound failure on white Americans part to live up to their Christian reputation for courtesy, respect and kindness.

This same conflict could be seen in the issue of slavery. In the 19th century, pro-slavery sentiment had long claimed that the practice in the United States was milder than in the Caribbean. Southern niceness, as imagined under slavery, fed this myth of American exceptionalism, leading Northerners such as the physician Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. to claim that slavery in the United States was practiced in its best and mildest form.

Yet former slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass dismissed the myth of the kind slaveowner as most absurd. How can kindness play any role in slavery, Douglass asked, when one is robbed of wife, of children, of his hard earnings, of home, of friends? If kindness were the rule in the master-slave relationship, Douglass argued, then Southern newspapers would not be filled with runaway-slave notices describing branding with irons and scarring from whips.

What lessons do these different versions, one self-serving, the other truth-telling, of American niceness have for us today? One is based on historical forgetting, on empty gestures and cliches, on refusing to own up to American errors; the other connects niceness with ethics and justice by recognizing Americans failures to be the kind people we imagine ourselves to be, both in the past and the present. If the legacy of the former can be seen in Trumps self-image as a nice guy who happens to harass people on Twitter and promote ruthless policies at home and abroad (such as the latest incarnation of his travel ban, which doesnt consider fiances or grandparents to be close family), then the latter is evident in the grass-roots reaction against such policies.

Soon after the election, pop star Lady Gaga tweeted: Stand up for kindness, equality and love. Nothing will stop us. At mass protests such as the Womens March, signs read: Empathy, Be Nice, Make America Kind Again. As author and model Padma Lakshmi put it when referring to the Womens March: This is not an anti-Trump rally for me. This is about decency and having a moral core.

In Letter From a Birmingham Jail, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. famously described how we are all connected in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. In our current climate, when cruelty and cavalier meanness seem increasingly common, it is more important than ever to emphasize that Americans can and should live up to our long-standing self-image as kind, open, democratic people.

In 2016, we witnessed veterans at Standing Rock apologizing to the Lakota people for the atrocities that the U.S. military had committed against them, while Native Americans continued their tradition of hospitality by greeting thousands of protesters demonstrating against the Dakota Access pipeline. These actions of pure kindness  neither compelled nor transactional  continue the legacy of American niceness. Today, we must protect that legacy as if our future depends on it. Because it does.

outlook@washpost.com

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The first tweet contained the typical name-calling fare from President Trump, the kind of attacks that no longer surprise most people  labeling MSNBCs Morning Joe as poorly rated and calling its hosts low I.Q. Crazy Mika and Psycho Joe.

But the second tweet, landing about six minutes later, caused an immediate and sustained uproar, as it contained a deeply personal and vulgar attack on Mika Brzezinski.

She was bleeding badly from a face-lift, the president tweeted Thursday morning, claiming that months earlier, Brzezinski and co-host Joe Scarborough tried to spend time with him at his private club in Florida. I said no!

Those words amounted to perhaps the most caustic insult that Trump has publicly hurled at another American since taking office, going beyond his usual name-calling and flame-throwing. More than three dozen Republicans and Democrats in Congress issued tweets of their own expressing disgust, calling the remark unpresidential, vile, sexist and unbecoming of an American leader, divisive, unhinged and shameful and amazingly graceless. Even some of the presidents close allies warned that he needed to act like a president and stop getting into distracting fights.

And by going after a powerful female journalists appearance and mental health, Trump not only distracted the country from his legislative agenda for a full news cycle, but also added yet another data point to the argument that he treats women differently from men.

(Elyse Samuels/The Washington Post)

It is really not normal that the president of the United States and the commander in chief would be tweeting about somebodys face, said Liz Mair, a longtime Republican strategist and critic of the president. It does not conform with the norms that we expect and we treat as pretty set in stone in this country, but its also just strange.

[Trumps Mika tweet underscores a dark reality: For him, its always about gender]

Trumps staff quickly came to his defense, saying that Brzezinski and Scarborough have said far worse things about the president and his staff.

Look, I dont think you can expect someone to be personally attacked day after day, minute by minute, and sit back, deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters at the White House. Look, the American people elected a fighter. . . . They knew what they were getting when they voted for Donald Trump.

Trump once had a chummy relationship with Morning Joe, regularly calling in for lengthy interviews, referring to Brzezinski and Scarborough as supporters and offering to officiate at their wedding. But the hosts have become increasingly critical. For months, Brzezinski has raised questions about the presidents psychological health, calling him possibly unfit mentally and saying that he is such a narcissist, its possible that he is mentally ill in a way.

On Thursday morning, Brzezinski said that if someone took over NBC and acted as Trump has  tweeting wildly about peoples appearances, bullying people, talking about people in the competition, lying every day, undermining his managers  that there would be concern that perhaps the person who runs the company is out of his mind.

Sanders pointed to such rhetoric in her defense of Trump. The things that this show has called him  and not just him, but numerous members of his staff, including myself and many others, Sanders said. Its kind of like were living in the Twilight Zone. They do this day after day after day, and then the president responds and defends himself, and everybody is appalled and blown away.

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.

[Mr. President, please grow up: Lawmakers slam Trumps shocking Mika Brzezinski tweets]

Later in the day, Sanderss father, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, said in a Fox News Channel interview that the president makes my daughters job very difficult with tweets like that.

Less than half an hour after Trump fired off the tweet, Brzezinski responded by tweeting a photo of a Cheerios cereal box including the caption: Made for Little Hands. The message seemed to be aimed at mocking the size of the presidents hands  a sensitive topic for Trump that has dogged him for decades and even came up during a GOP presidential debate.

Mark Kornblau, the NBCUniversal News Groups senior vice president for communications, tweeted: Never imagined a day when I would think to myself, it is beneath my dignity to respond to the President of the United States.  The company later released a statement saying: Its a sad day for America when the president spends his time bullying, lying and spewing petty personal attacks instead of doing his job.

The tweet marked a new low in presidential history, said Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian at Rice University.

We make a big deal that Harry Truman told off a newspaper critic for writing a bad review of his daughters music concert, he said. How G-rated is that compared to what Donald Trump has done?

Dozens of lawmakers from both parties, activists, political pundits and others rushed to condemn the presidents comments. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) tweeted: This has to stop  we all have a job  3 branches of govt and media. We dont have to get along, but we must show respect and civility.

The tweets also came up in news conferences and interviews on Capitol Hill, where most lawmakers would have much rather discussed immigration and health-care legislation.

Obviously, I dont see that as an appropriate comment, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) said during a news conference. What were trying to do around here is improve the civility and tone of the debate, and this obviously does not do that.

Nicolle Wallace, an MSNBC host who was George W. Bushs communications chief, used her Thursday afternoon show to urge women working in the White House to go on the record and condemn your bosss comments. She challenged the women who are defending Trump and asked how mothers can raise their sons to be good men if the most powerful man in the world gets away with this.

As someone who once proudly called myself a Republican, the party will be permanently associated with misogyny if leaders dont step up and demand a retraction, Wallace said.

Laura Ingraham, the conservative commentator who has considered working in Trumps administration, tweeted: MESSAGE DISCIPLINE! She added that the White House should have spent Thursday focused on two immigration-related bills that passed in the House and not cable TV hosts.

Bill OReilly, a former Fox News personality and a longtime friend of Trump, said on Ingrahams radio show that the president is undermining his own message. Its kind of discouraging for Americans who want important things to get done to be sidetracked by something like this, he said.

[How Trumps relationship with Morning Joe went downhill]

The president claimed in his tweets that Brzezinski and Scarborough tried to spend time with him at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., over three days around New Years Eve. The two were spotted by journalists at Trumps New Years Eve party at the private club, and Scarborough said at the time that they were there to set up an interview with the president-elect. A routine-looking photo of Brzezinski from that night circulated on Twitter on Thursday showing her smiling broadly.

The presidents tweet was reminiscent of other comments that he made about women on the campaign trail  including his rival, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, whom he accused of not looking presidential and lacking the stamina needed for the job. He made fun of GOP rival Carly Fiorinas face; tweeted a side-by-side comparison of his wife and the wife of then-rival Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.); and lashed out at Megyn Kelly of Fox News, saying that she had blood coming out of her whatever as she questioned him about comments he had made about women during a debate. Since becoming president, Trump has also continued to call Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) Pocahontas in mocking a controversy over her ancestry.

Although Trump has boasted about the level of support he has received from female voters, he is much more popular among men. Many of the protests during his presidency have been led by women, including hundreds of thousands who rallied in cities around the world the day after his inauguration for the Womens March.

For Republicans who opposed Trump during the campaign, the episode has felt like a sickening moment of I told you so, Mair said.

Personally, thats a pretty demoralizing feeling, Mair said. A lot of people hoped that things would be different once he got into the office, but the guys been on this earth for seven decades. You cant really change his behavior after all that.

As of Thursday evening, Trumps wife and daughters had not publicly reacted.

Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for the first lady, referred reporters to comments that Melania Trump made on the campaign trail about her husband needing to defend himself. At an April 2016 rally in Milwaukee, she said: When you attack him, he will punch back 10 times harder. No matter who you are, a man or a woman, he treats everyone equal.

Scottie Nell Hughes was among the few female defenders to appear on national television in October after The Washington Post unearthed an Access Hollywood video that featured Donald Trump bragging about groping women without their permission. Hughes said Thursday that it is definitely a struggle for his supporters to defend him in such cases.

I personally would never attack a woman and her looks, and I dont like that at all, said Hughes, who is now the spokeswoman for a pro-Trump political action committee, the Committee to Defend the President. But America wanted a fighter, and thats why we elected him, hes fighting back  not exactly how I would choose to do it, but hes defending himself.

Paul Farhi contributed to this report.

For a video, go to wapo.st/trumpattack
To President Trump, no place is more comfortable than the middle of a fight.

This week had it all: Vicious tweets, nasty nicknames, an entrenched foe in the mainstream media and the reprisal by Trump of one of his favorite roles  the victim.

Sure, Trumps health-care push stalled on Capitol Hill, his energy week went largely unnoticed and the president faced almost universal condemnation for an unpresidential attack on MSNBC anchor Mika Brzezinski.

But to many inside the White House, as well as outside allies, what looked like a public relations debacle amounted to an abundance of winning  a Trumpian catchphrase playfully repeated Friday by some West Wing officials, even as they were discomfited by the Brzezinski broadside.

Trump spent the week at war with what he calls the fake news media, attacking some of the news organizations reporting most aggressively on Russian interference in the 2016 election. CNN gave him fresh ammunition with the resignations of three investigative journalists over a retracted story connected to the Russia probe.

(Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

For Trump and his legions of loyalists, the media has become a shared enemy.

They like him, they believe in him, they have not to any large degree been shaken from him, and the more the media attacks him, the more it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy on the side of the Trump supporters who fervently believe the media treat him unfairly, said Tony Fabrizio, the chief pollster for Trumps campaign. Its like, Beat me with that sword some more! 

Stoking the base was hardly a preplanned strategy. Instead, some White House officials described it as an inadvertent upside of the presidents impulse to punch back at critics in the media.

West Wing aides showed little support for Trumps Thursday morning tweet about Brzezinskis appearance. Deputy White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended it forcefully, but other top officials privately voiced disapproval and dismay at what they saw as a gratuitous and unnecessary swipe by their boss.

Trump labeled Brzezinski low I.Q. Crazy Mika, and called her co-host and fiance, Joe Scarborough, Psycho Joe. The president charged that Brzezinski and Scarborough visited Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Years Eve, and insisted on joining me. She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!

[It is really not normal: Both sides condemn Trump for vulgar tweet about TV host]

Trumps attack was roundly condemned by more than three dozen congressional Republicans and Democrats, as well as by Brzezinski and Scarborough, who responded to the president on their show Friday and in a column in The Washington Post.

(Elyse Samuels/The Washington Post)

President Trump launched personal attacks against us Thursday, but our concerns about his unmoored behavior go far beyond the personal, the couple wrote in The Post. Americas leaders and allies are asking themselves yet again whether this man is fit to be president. We have our doubts, but we are both certain that the man is not mentally equipped to continue watching our show, Morning Joe. 

Fabrizio estimated that just a quarter of Americans know who Brzezinski is and predicted that conservatives would instinctively side with Trump, as they did when he attacked then-Fox News Channel anchor Megyn Kelly and other media personalities during last years campaign.

Everybody inside the Beltway knows who she is, but the average working guy doesnt know who she is, Fabrizio said of Brzezinski.

Jason Miller, a former Trump campaign adviser who is close to the White House, said, It does energize the base. . . Certainly a big part of the success the president had last year was this sweeping, counterculture pushback against information being dictated to the American people.

Roger Stone, a former Trump adviser and longtime confidant, likened Trumps attacks on the media to the strategy employed by former president Richard M. Nixon to discredit organizations such as The Post that were breaking stories on the Watergate investigation.

The difference is Nixon had no Internet-based alternative media [that] would aggressively cover his side of the argument, Stone said. He added that the Trump constituency has deep distrust for the media as well as all political institutions, arguing that lopsided coverage of the president causes his voters to become angrier and more distrustful.

The media can serve as an easy scapegoat, although that tactic is ultimately unlikely to pay long-term dividends, said Frank Sesno, a former CNN Washington bureau chief who is now the director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University.

The White House appears to have decided that one of its key talking points is going to be its war with the media, and this is an ongoing campaign that explains the presidents misfortunes, rallies the base and gives some kind of meaning to the narrative of this presidency, Sesno said. It may resonate with the base or at least some of the base, but it is utterly misguided. It will prove to be counterproductive, and I think it shows both the shallowness and the fundamental disrespect the White House has for the media and a free press.

In a White House where the special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs widening Russia probe seems to have infused everything from the daily rhythms to the presidents mood, the news about the three CNN journalists who had exited the network drew cheers.

[Trump is struggling to stay calm on Russia, one morning call at a time]

CNN came under fire after publishing a story alleging ties between Russia and Trump transition official Anthony Scaramucci that was retracted because the network said it did not meet CNNs editorial standards.

West Wing officials viewed CNNs mistake as a public vindication that the Russia investigation  and its ensuing media coverage  is simply a witch hunt, as Trump has labeled it. Trump and his aides also sought to publicize undercover videos released this week by a conservative group showing CNN employees saying disparaging things about the president and his supporters.

Some White House advisers said they were frustrated that the Brzezinski feud  which continued to unfurl throughout the day Friday with accusations and counteraccusations  overtook the presidents fight with CNN, which seemed in their eyes to have clearer villains and heroes.

One senior White House official said Trump would prefer not to battle with the media but has grown exasperated by what he considers to be gross negligence and near-constant disparagement by The Post and the New York Times, as well as five of the six major television news channels: ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC and NBC. By contrast, Trump lavishes praise on Fox News, especially its popular morning show, Fox & Friends, which reliably trumpets the presidents point of view.

Everyone would much prefer not to be at war, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly address the presidents mind-set. I think we would much rather be getting covered fairly and not be in this constant, very hostile environment where things escalate very quickly between both sides.

The official disputed the notion that the White Houses hostility toward the news media has been an intentional strategy to rally Trump supporters.

This isnt just us looking to be at war because its appealing to our base, the White House official said. I would much rather appeal to our base with positive news stories about all the things hes doing. I dont think hell ever be treated fairly. I dont think he ever was treated fairly.

But Trump has been short on major political wins and remains mired at historically low levels in public opinion polls. Health-care legislation, for instance, is stalled in the Senate, with senators heading home for the July 4 recess without holding a vote as originally expected. The administration has yet to unveil detailed proposals for tax reform or infrastructure, two other domestic priorities.

Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president, said on Friday that the media discussion about Trump has become a one-way conversation of toxicity.

Its incredible to watch people play armchair psychologist, outright ridiculing the presidents physicality, his mental state, calling him names that you wont want your children to call people on a playground, Conway said on Fox & Friends. You would punish them for doing that, and then all of a sudden feigning shock when he wants to fight back and defend himself and hopefully change the conversation.
The dispute within the Republican Party over health care widened further Friday as President Trump joined with two conservative senators in calling for an outright repeal of the Affordable Care Act if the party fails to agree on an alternative plan by the end of the July Fourth recess.

The reemergence of what has for much of the year been a fringe idea within the GOP revealed not only the partys philosophical divide over how to revise Obamacare, but also senators growing anxiety that they are headed home to see their constituents with little to show them.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)  who has said he cannot yet support the current draft of the Senate bill, because of the effects its cuts in Medicaid funding would have on his state  received a blistering reception at a Baton Rouge town hall Friday. As he sought to discuss flooding issues, an attendee interrupted to mention Medicaid, prompting others to chant, Health care! Health care!

If you wish to chant and stop others from being able to speak or be heard, that is not civil, Cassidy retorted.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) continued to work on forging a compromise that could garner sufficient support once his colleagues return to Washington on July 10. But Trumps suggestion that Republican senators should switch gears and immediately try to repeal the ACA if compromise is elusive could embolden conservatives, making it harder for McConnell to broker a deal.

View Graphic See where the Senate health-care bills subsidy cuts will affect Americans most

An early-morning tweet was Trumps first public statement since taking office in favor of bringing down Obamacare with no replacement system in place  a move that could send the U.S. health-care system into deep turmoil.

If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date! Trump tweeted.

Health industry officials have warned that overturning the existing law, which has extended insurance to roughly 20 million Americans and changed the rules under which insurance is offered across the country, would create chaos in a sector that accounts for one-sixth of the U.S. economy.

Robert Laszewski, president of Health Policy and Strategy Associates, said repealing the ACA without a replacement would be a trauma for an insurance market that needs regulatory clarity to set premium rates.

There would be absolutely no certainty, whatsoever, about anything, Laszewski said.

A June 2015 Congressional Budget Office analysis projected that such an outright repeal would add $137 billion to the federal deficit between 2016 and 2025 and leave 24 million non-elderly adults without health coverage between 2021 and 2025.

Two GOP senators who espouse this approach, Rand Paul (Ky.) and Ben Sasse (Neb.), welcomed Trumps suggestion. But some of the high-ranking Republicans who have been working on the legislation rejected it as impractical, noting that it might force them to fashion a substitute with Democrats.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

An even larger group of Senate Republicans suggested Friday that McConnell should scale back or cancel the chambers month-long August recess, given the lack of progress they have made on not just health care but a tax-code overhaul, spending bills, the debt ceiling and a budget resolution.

Senate Republicans David Perdue (Ga.), Steve Daines (Mont.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), John Neely Kennedy (La.), James Lankford (Okla.), Mike Lee (Utah), Mike Rounds (S.D.), Luther Strange (Ala.), Dan Sullivan (Alaska) and Thom Tillis (N.C.) sent McConnell a letter Friday asking him to shorten or cancel the August recess so they can get more done.

Delivering meaningful results was never assumed to be easy, but the millions of Americans who placed their confidence in our leadership expect our full and best effort, the 10 senators wrote.

Republicans are steeling themselves for attacks on their health-care negotiations over the July Fourth recess, with progressive activists planning to pressure any members of Congress they see at public events. Most GOP senators were keeping their plans close to their vests, though a handful, including Cassidy, Ted Cruz (Tex.), Susan Collins (Maine), Jerry Moran (Kan.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) have announced town halls or parade visits.

Collins, a vocal critic of the current Senate draft, had publicized just one scheduled appearance  in the 1,300-person town of Eastport, Maine, near the Canadian border.

At Cassidys town hall at the Living Faith Christian Center in Baton Rouge, he tried to make the case for transitioning Medicaid recipients into private insurance. But constituents interrupted him repeatedly, prompting him to chastise them for being rude.

Ill tell you whats rude  kicking 22 million people off of health care in this country, said a man in the front row after the senator recognized him to speak.

The audience erupted into cheers.

Reminding Cassidy, a medical doctor, of his stint treating patients at a hospital for the uninsured, the man continued: You worked at Earl K. Long for many years. You know what people are like at their lowest.

Senate Democrats are staging events aimed at highlighting how the Senates draft bill could hurt health-care delivery in their home states. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) is visiting at least two rural hospitals over the break to underscore the impact of proposed funding cuts.

McConnell is trying to tweak his original proposal, which would make deep cuts in Medicaid while providing tax cuts to companies and wealthy Americans. The changes are part of an effort to bring on a handful of conservative and centrist senators who have questioned parts of the bill.

[GOP health-care talks center on stark question: Help vulnerable Americans or help the rich?]

While it is unclear what specifically prompted Trumps tweet, an aide to Sasse said that the senator had discussed the idea of a straight repeal privately with White House officials in recent days. On Friday, Sasse released a letter to the president suggesting that if an agreement is not reached by the day that members return from their week-long recess, the president should call on Congress to repeal the ACA and work through August to craft a replacement by Labor Day.

Paul, who retweeted Trump on Friday morning, later fired off a second tweet saying he had spoken to Trump and Senate GOP leadership about this and agree. Lets keep our word to repeal then work on replacing right away.

And Americans for Prosperitys chief government-affairs officer, Brent Gardner, whose conservative group is funded by Charles and David Koch, said the approach has real merit.

Deputy White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump did not see July 10 as a deadline to pass legislation. She added: Were still fully committed to pushing through with the Senate, at this point, but were, you know, looking at every possible option of repealing and replacing Obamacare. We are focused on doing that.

Asked for the majority leaders response to Trumps Friday tweet, a McConnell spokeswoman said she did not have any new announcements.

Senate Republicans, along with their House counterparts, have repeatedly voted to abolish Obamacare without putting anything in its place, including as recently as 2015. In that Senate vote, only two Republicans dissented: Collins and Mark Kirk (Ill.), who lost his reelection bid last year.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Tex.) dismissed Trumps suggestion that Congress could simply repeal parts of the ACA then go back and replace them later.

That doesnt achieve what President Trump set out to do, he said during an episode of C-SPANs Newsmakers set to air Sunday. I really think the Senates approach  certainly in the House  of not simply repealing but starting to put into place the elements that can make health care affordable . . . that should continue to be our goal.

If Republicans use special budget procedures known as reconciliation to skirt a Democratic filibuster in the Senate to repeal the ACA, they could not immediately use the same procedures to replace it  meaning they would have to negotiate with Democrats.

Democrats, no doubt, would obstruct any fair opportunity to replace the Affordable Care Act in the future, Brady said. So the very best opportunity to begin this good, thoughtful transition to affordable care is right now in reconciliation.

But the calls for repeal reflect the anger that Trump and many conservatives feel about the measure McConnell crafted behind closed doors, which would cut $772 billion over 10 years from Medicaid, the public insurance program that covers nearly 70 million Americans, while providing $541 billion in tax cuts.

Chip Roy, who directs the Texas Public Policy Foundations Center for the Tenth Amendment Action and once worked as an aide to Cruz, said he believed that Trumps tweet Friday was indicative of his frustration with whats going on on Capitol Hill.

Senate leaders are rewriting their bill to provide $45 billion to combat opioid addiction and provide more financial assistance to low- and moderate-income Americans. They hope to win over conservatives by eliminating many of the ACAs insurance mandates and allowing higher tax deductions through expanded health savings accounts.

But they have not settled on how they would finance all these changes, since conservatives oppose the centrists push to preserve one of the bills current taxes as a way of funneling more money to those who cannot afford health coverage on their own.

McConnell had hoped to get his proposed revisions to the bill to the CBO by the end of the week. By late Friday, the bulk of the anticipated changes resulting from the weeks negotiations had been sent to the office for review, two Republicans with knowledge of the process confirmed.

On Friday, Brady joined the chorus of conservatives who object to maintaining a 3.8 percent tax on investment income for high earners as a way of providing more money to low-income Americans in the health bill. The current draft repeals or delays all the taxes imposed by the ACA.

Keeping the tax, Brady said, would be a tough red flag if the bill comes back to the House.

Given the impasse, the bill continues to come under attack from the GOPs right and center.

On a Friday conference call with reporters, officials with several conservative advocacy groups said it does not repeal the ACA forcefully enough.

We believe that real repeal means full repeal, said Andy Roth, vice president for government affairs at the Club for Growth. Root and branch doesnt mean trimming the hedges, as is currently the case.

Ashley Cusick in Baton Rouge and Mike DeBonis, David Weigel and Ed OKeefe in Washington contributed to this report.

Read more at PowerPost
The words from Pakistans top foreign policy adviser could not have been clearer. At a news conference welcoming Chinas foreign minister to the Pakistani capital this week, Sartaj Aziz declared, Pakistans relations with China are the cornerstone of our foreign policy.

It was a blunt signal of change by a country that has long been a key ally and aid recipient of the United States, from the nations Cold War alliance against Soviet meddling in Afghanistan to a more recent, uneasy partnership in the fight against Islamist terrorism in the region. Today, Pakistan continues to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. annual support.

But Islamabads political pivot from Washington to Beijing, already its dominant investor and increasingly important global interlocutor, is hardly surprising, experts said.

Pakistani officials have been worried for months that the Trump administration will put heavy pressure on their government, possibly by cutting aid or even declaring it a state sponsor of terrorism  a giant black mark  because of complaints by Afghan authorities, U.S. military officials and members of Congress that Pakistan continues to harbor anti-Afghan insurgents.

[Pakistans army launches first nationwide anti-terrorism operation]

At the same time, Islamabad has been concerned about Washingtons emerging friendship with India, Pakistans much larger, nuclear-armed rival and neighbor. This weeks upbeat state visit to Washington by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was received enthusiastically by President Trump, raised new alarm bells here.

On Thursday, Pakistani newspapers featured a photo of Trump and Modi hugging goodbye accompanied by anxious headlines and a testy statement from Pakistans Foreign Ministry that called a joint statement by the two leaders singularly unhelpful in achieving stability in South Asia and said it aggravates an already tense situation. The ministry also said China had endorsed Pakistans view.

Pakistan was especially upset that Modi and Trump spoke about the importance of reining in regional terrorism  referring indirectly to Pakistans alleged support of anti-Afghan insurgents  but ignored Pakistans denunciations of human rights abuses by Indian forces against protesters in the contested border region of Kashmir, as well as its charges of Indian support for anti-Pakistan militants.

Those who seek to appropriate a leadership role in the fight against terror are themselves responsible for much of the terror unleashed in Pakistan, the Foreign Ministry said, referring to India. Pakistani commentators suggested that Washington, in turn, was trying to please India by suddenly placing Syed Salahuddin, the longtime Pakistan-based leader of a Kashmiri Muslim rebel group, on a list of global terrorists. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said the United States had begun speaking Indias language.

Pakistani officials and commentators also expressed concern about new agreements between India and the United States on sales of Predator drones and other American defense equipment, as well as commercial aircraft. Pakistan has had a long-standing military and intelligence relationship with the United States, and it has fought three limited wars with India since the 1960s.

[Pakistan, accused of terrorist infiltration, starts to fence its border with Afghanistan]

But the more immediate concern for Pakistan is Afghanistan. In recent months, as the Trump administration debates policy options in the region, Pakistani officials have attempted to shake Afghan accusations of promoting cross-border insurgents and have been quick to send sympathetic messages for Afghan terrorism victims, but their gestures have so far been rebuffed.

At this point, officials in Washington appear likely to send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan but have given few hints about how they will approach Pakistan amid a chorus of calls for them to punish or isolate it. India, in sharp contrast, is a close ally and benefactor of Afghanistan, which is appreciated in Washington but seen by Pakistanis of all political stripes as a direct threat to Pakistans influence.

Trump has no business giving India an interventionist role in Afghanistan when, unlike India, it is Pak that shares a border with Afghanistan, Imran Khan, the leading political opponent of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, tweeted Thursday. The joint statement by Trump and Modi, he said in a follow-up tweet, has removed the fig leaf of morality and justice in U.S. foreign policy.

Frustrated that the world fails to see its point of view and that Washington may be pulling away from a relationship Pakistan considered permanent if strained, Pakistan has now enlisted Chinas help as a mediator with Afghanistan, the main issue that brought Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Islamabad this week, after first stopping in Kabul.

In the news conference here, Wang said Pakistan was playing a vital role to bring peace and stability to the region, and a spokesman for his office declared that Pakistan has been at the front line of the counterterrorism fight. Aziz, in turn, described Pakistans relationship with China as strategic, multidimensional and all-weather.

Some Pakistani commentators have warned that Pakistan is becoming too economically dependent on China and has pinned too many hopes on a relationship that may be driven largely by Beijings search for profitable investment returns and for platforms to display its global influence.

But so far, Chinas foray into the mistrustful thicket of Afghan-Pakistani relations appears to have been low-key and helpful. It previously helped advance proposals by Pakistan to arrange peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, although they eventually foundered, and it is now undertaking some shuttle diplomacy between the two capitals.

Wangs recent visits to Kabul and Islamabad led to three-way statements calling for greater cooperation on a variety of topics, a crisis mechanism to avert confrontations, a three-way dialogue among the countries foreign ministers, and a revival of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group that originally tried to arrange the Taliban peace talks.

Given the terse and angry tone of recent exchanges between Afghan and Pakistani officials, such small steps and bland language sound almost like a diplomatic coup.

Read more

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Pakistan defeats India in proxy war between batters and bowlers

Pakistans prime minister, having survived Supreme Court corruption ruling, now faces pressure

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Pro-China demonstrators rally in Hong Kong on June 30 as the city marks the 20th anniversary of the city's handover from British to Chinese rule. (Damir Sagolj/Reuters)

Call it President Trumps hamburger diplomacy.

On Friday, U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and a clutch of American cattlemen in 10-gallon hats gathered at a chic hotel in Beijing to sip champagne and celebrate the return of U.S. beef after 14 years.

The servings of American cattle at the event were a product of the 100-day plan negotiated when Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in April. Trumps message then was: You help us rein in North Korea, and the rest is on the table in trade talks.

But the message is changing  and so is the mood.

Just hours before the ceremonial return of U.S. beef, the White House announced two moves that could spoil the U.S.-China party: the latest round of arms sales to Taiwan and fresh sanctions on North Korea that target a Chinese bank.

U.S. flags and branding are seen on American beef samples during a promotional event in Beijing on June 30, 2017. (Fred Dufour/AFP/Getty Images)

China quickly denounced the Taiwan weapons deal as a slap at Beijings sovereignty and framed the sanctions as disruptive overreach by Washington.

Both moves show the Trump administration coming to terms with the challenges of getting China to tighten the screws on its client state North Korea, where the regime of Kim Jong Un depends on Beijing as its lifeline.

[Opinion: Sorting out Trumps tweet on China]

As Trump tweeted June 20, It has not worked out.

Clearly, Trump is frustrated. And now, so are the Chinese.

At a news briefing Friday, Lu Kang, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said Beijing has launched solemn representations with the United States over the arms sale. He also spoke out about the sanctions, warning of consequences to U.S.-China ties.

The U.S. wrong moves go against the consensus achieved at Mar-a-Lago, he said.

(Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

The Chinese Embassy in Washington said in a statement: The Chinese government and Chinese people have every right to be outraged over Taiwan.

The island has received U.S. arms for more than three decades, but the current Chinese anger appears amplified by feelings that Trump might have taken a difference course after his talks with Xi.

Despite all the talk of cooperation, China and the United States clearly disagree on how to pressure North Korea to retreat from its nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile development. China has repeatedly stressed that it opposes unilateral moves, saying sanctions should be handled by the United Nations, not the United States.

By moving ahead with fresh sanctions, the United States has done what Beijing feared.

Trump may have misunderstood how much China can affect North Korea, said Ni Feng, deputy director of the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

He might have had some unrealistic expectations, he said, which may have led to some disappointment.



The sanctions announced by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin aim to cut off Chinas Bank of Dandong from U.S. financial markets in an effort to block millions of dollars in transactions that funnel money into North Korea.

U.S. citizens also will be prohibited from doing business with two Chinese business executives accused by Washington of establishing and running front companies on behalf of North Korea, and with Dalian Global Unity Shipping, which is accused of transporting 700,000 tons of freight annually between China and North Korea.

[Trump signals shift on North Korea after death of U.S. student]

Mnuchin insisted that the United States is in no way targeting China with these actions and that U.S. officials look forward to continuing to work closely with the government of China to stop the illicit financing in North Korea.

Beijing does not buy that. Chinas ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, said China opposed any U.S. use of domestic laws to impose long-arm jurisdiction, state media reported Friday.

The arms sale adds an even bigger wrinkle.

For Taiwan, news of the sale comes as a relief after significant back and forth under Trump.

When the United States opened diplomatic relations with China in 1979, it broke off formal ties with Taiwan. Under the one-China policy, Washington acknowledges Chinas position that there is only one Chinese government but does not endorse it, and it maintains strong unofficial relations with Taiwan.

Not long after the U.S. presidential election, Trump surprised many, including China, by taking a call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and later suggesting on Twitter that he might change the U.S. position on Taiwan. Then he changed course, moving to reassure Beijing.

The arms sale is worth $1.4 billion and includes technical support for early-warning radar, anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and components for SM-2 missiles, a surface-to-air defense system.

While the deal was the first such sale to Taiwan since Trump took office, it marks a continuation of U.S. policy.

This package appears to be unchanged since last year under Obama, said Bonnie S. Glaser, a senior adviser for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

Still, she said, the sale demonstrates that the Trump administration will not forgo necessary steps to bolster Taiwans defense to get Chinas cooperation on North Korea.

Simon Denyer in Hong Kong and Shirley Feng and Yang Liu in Beijing contributed to this report.

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China staged the territorys largest military parade ever Friday for the benefit of visiting President Xi Jinping  and as a none-too-subtle reminder to its residents of whos their boss.

China is marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs handover from British rule with three days of official celebrations. But many people here are not inclined to join in the fun, believing that a promise to grant the territory greater democracy has been broken and that the values that Hong Kongers hold dear have been steadily eroded in recent years.

[Analysis: 20 years ago, China promised Hong Kong 1 country, 2 systems. So much for promises.]

In 2014, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets for several weeks to demand greater democracy in what became known as the Umbrella Revolution. When those demands were rejected out of hand, some young people began to say the unsayable, arguing that Hong Kong would be better off independent of China.

But Fridays military parade, and a subsequent speech by Xi, served to underline Chinas main argument  that the people of Hong Kong really have no choice but to accept the reality of life as part of a powerful nation under Communist Party rule.

Greetings comrades, a stony-faced Xi said as he was driven in an open-top jeep past more than 3,000 Peoples Liberation Army troops who are garrisoned here, massed in 20 divisions. Comrades, you have worked hard.

Greetings, Chairman! the troops bellowed back over and over, saluting Xi in his role as chairman of the countrys military commission  their supreme military commander. Serve the people!

Behind the troops, the red flags of China flew in the breeze, while tanks, helicopters, armored personnel carriers and air-defense missiles stood in massed array.

On Chinese state television, anchors and experts gushed over the impressive display of Chinas sovereignty over Hong Kong and a garrison that has traditionally kept a lower public profile.

But for the people of Hong Kong, the event was also meant to show Chinas resolute power and confidence to combat the separatist movement, said Edmund Cheng, an assistant professor at Hong Kong Baptist University. The message, he said, is simple: Sovereignty is absolute, and the national security threat must and will be handled properly and decisively.

Later, Xi was in a more rhetorical mood as he delivered an address to the territorys elite, recalling his emotions 20 years before when Hong Kong returned to China like a long-separated child coming back to the warm embrace of his mother.

He told Hong Kongers to believe in themselves as part of a time-honored Chinese civilization that under Communist Party leadership has again taken its place as a leading global nation, to believe in Hong Kong with its free and open economy, and to believe in the motherland, which will always give strong backing to Hong Kong.

China has made great strides forward: first managing to stand on its own two feet, to becoming prosperous and strong, he said, calling it the worlds second-largest economy and the worlds biggest contributor to economic development. When our country does well, Hong Kong will do even better.

Under the terms of the handover from British rule, China promised to maintain Hong Kongs values and way of life for 50 years under a model known as One Country, Two Systems.

The handover July 1, 1997, came eight years after the Communist Party violently crushed pro-democracy protests in Beijings Tiananmen Square, and the model was supposed to assuage Hong Kongers doubts and win their loyalty. It was also seen as a model that might one day attract the island of Taiwan back into the national fold.

And for the first decade, it seemed to work: Beijing took a hands-off approach, Chinas economy boomed and more people here began to describe themselves as citizens of China first and Hong Kong second.

In the past decade, though, the opposite has happened.

Beijing tried to push through the National Security Law, resulting in half a million people taking to the streets to counter a threat to their cherished freedom of speech; it tried to ram through a program of patriotic education that served only to politicize high school students; and it reneged on a promise to deliver greater democracy.

And as Hong Kongers resisted, China responded by getting ever tougher.

By 2014, the promise of a high degree of autonomy gave way to the idea that China has comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong. One country, officials began to explain, took precedence over two systems.

Anson Chan, who served as the territorys top bureaucrat during British and Chinese rule, said that the impression that Beijing increasingly gives to the people of Hong Kong is that what little autonomy we have is for them to give and take away at will.

At the same time, the economic benefits from reunification seemed to flow toward tycoons rather than ordinary people, while a flood of Chinese immigrants and tourists made many locals feel overwhelmed.

Suddenly, more and more Hong Kongers discovered an identity of their own.

Two years after the Umbrella Revolution petered out, the previously taboo idea of an independent Hong Kong was supported by nearly 1 in 6 Hong Kongers, according to a poll by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Support for independence has since ebbed, but the Chinese governments hard-line response continues to alienate many people here. A recent poll by Hong Kong University found just 3 percent of 18-to-29-year-olds describe themselves as broadly Chinese, down from nearly 32 percent two decades ago.

Meanwhile, the idea that Hong Kong could serve as a model for Taiwans eventual reunification seems far-fetched, and deeply unattractive to most people in Taiwan.

In a statement to mark the anniversary, the U.S. State Department expressed concerns about infringements on civil liberties in Hong Kong, including intrusions on press freedoms, and called on China to respect Hong Kongs autonomy as set out in the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984.

That, and a similar British statement, prompted a furious response from Beijing  a response that served only to underline the hardening of Chinas stance.

Now that Hong Kong has returned to the motherland for 20 years, the Sino-British Joint Declaration as a historical document no longer has any realistic meaning, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said. It also does not have any binding power on how the Chinese central government administers Hong Kong.

But Michael Davis, a law professor at Hong Kong University, said China had promised under the agreement to maintain Hong Kongs autonomy for 50 years after the handover.

That obligation, he said, cannot possibly be fulfilled until the 50 years pass, adding that Chinas claim clearly ignores the Chinese governments international legal obligations under a binding treaty duly registered with the United Nations.

Hong Konger Andy Chan Ho-tin said he had never taken an interest in politics before the Umbrella Revolution. As a business and engineering student, he saw a traditional career path ahead of him. But on the streets, he found a new identity and a new belief.

I realized we were not asking for democracy from the Hong Kong government. I realized we were asking for it from Beijing, he said. I realized the Hong Kong government is just a puppet. We need our own government. Then we can have democracy.

Chan later gave up his career as an engineer to form the small pro-independence Hong Kong National Party, but he was not allowed to register it nor to stand in elections. An application to stage a small rally Friday night was refused by the police, who accused him of violating the territorys mini-constitution, or Basic Law. The venue where it was supposed to take place was fenced off and guarded by police, and Chan was warned that he would be arrested if he tried to go ahead.

We have to tell the world that Hong Kong is Chinas colony, he said. But I cant run an election, register a party or even open a personal bank account. They make it sound like I am a terrorist.

Luna Lin contributed to this report.

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A Libyan coast guardsman stands on a boat Tuesday during the rescue of 147 migrants attempting to reach Europe off the coastal town of Zawiyah, 28 miles west of the capital, Tripoli. (Taha Jawashi/AFP/Getty Images)

More than 12,000 immigrants have been rescued in the blue seas of the Mediterranean in the past four days, a spike that has some overwhelmed Italian policymakers threatening to partly bar their ports to rescue ships.

The drastic step would, in theory, force ships bearing people fleeing wars and economic deprivation to find other places to dock, shifting some of the burden of Europes grinding migration crisis to nations such as France and Spain. Both nations are on the Mediterranean Sea, but they are far more distant from Libya, through which nearly all the migrants are passing.

The proposal probably is a bargaining position taken ahead of a meeting of European migration ministers next week to discuss the continents challenges.

But it is also a reflection of Italys years on the migration front lines with little help from the rest of Europe. More than 82,000 people have arrived in Italy this year, a 20 percent increase over the same period last year, according to the United Nations refugee agency. Migrant flows into Greece from Turkey have mostly dried up, meanwhile, a result of a March 2016 deal with Ankara to halt the traffic.

With this frequency and these numbers we can easily tell that, soon enough, we wont be able to handle it any longer, said Nicola Latorre, the chairman of the defense committee of the Italian Senate. We need to act now, and what can immediately be done is to allow vessels that are not flying the Italian flag to carry those migrants to their respective countries.





We risk reaching a point when we wont be able to authorize any landing any longer, a dramatic situation, he said.

[Migrant boat traffic from Libya to Europe is surging  and turning deadlier]

Under current E.U. rules, asylum seekers are supposed to apply for protection in the first E.U. country that they enter. At the height of the migration crisis in late 2015, E.U. leaders set up a quota system to try to distribute some of the migrants from the main arrival nations of Greece and Italy, but it has barely gotten off the ground.

The influx has strained Italian infrastructure  and the goodwill of Italian voters.

Italian citizens, once relatively friendly to migrants, rejected many politicians seen as soft on immigration in local elections Sunday. Anti-immigration hard-liners were much more successful, putting pressure on the countrys ruling center-left Democratic Party to be seen to ease the crisis.

The message is that of a country that is not breaking the rules, but is coming under pressure and is asking for a concrete contribution from its European counterparts, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said Thursday alongside other European leaders in Berlin as they prepared for the Group of 20 summit of world powers next week.

The migrant influx is not stopping. Unless you help us, the danger is that the populists will win the next general election in Italy, Gentiloni said, according to Italys La Stampa newspaper.

Gentiloni has special ammunition in his effort to convince other European leaders to ease pressure on Italy  the specter that euroskeptic populist parties could seize power in a national election due to be held by spring 2018. The ruling party has been slipping in opinion polls.

Italy and Greece cannot be left alone in this refugee crisis, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters Friday in Tallinn, where he was meeting senior officials as Estonia takes up the rotating six-month presidency of the European Union. Commission officials have been sympathetic to Italys request that other nations accept rescue boats, although it is unclear whether Italy could actually bar its own ports legally or practically. One alternative proposal is that the E.U. channel more funding toward Italian migration efforts.

[Turkeys Erdogan warns Europe that political snubs could set off new migrant crisis]

Europe has also been training the Libyan Coast Guard  an effort made more difficult by the chaotic state of Libyas government. And Italy signed a deal with Libya to turn back some migrants to Libyan camps, a step that has been criticized by migrant advocates because of the dangerous conditions in those largely lawless centers.

Although this years numbers are higher than last years, they are not unmanageable, refugee advocates say. But many of the rescues have clustered together, partially because of weather on the sometimes choppy Mediterranean and partly depending on the pace that smugglers can procure boats to pack with migrants.

The spikes can pose a challenge for rescue boats, which are a motley collection of Italian Coast Guard vessels, private ships hired by aid organizations and a five-ship effort by Frontex, the European border guard agency.

It is really a challenge to save all these people, because they are pushed out at sea all together in a massive way, said Carlotta Sami, a spokeswoman for the U.N. refugee agency in Rome.

Some policymakers have criticized the rescue organizations, saying that their efforts to send ships to patrol the Mediterranean have actually become a key enabling step for smugglers, since no ships actually make landfall on Italy.

Rescue organizations reject that reasoning, saying that conditions in home countries tend to be more important in determining whether someone will try to make the journey to Europe than the number of ships plying the Mediterranean. The organizations say they have a moral duty to do everything they can to save lives.

More than 2,000 people have died so far this year as they tried to cross the Mediterranean, according to U.N. figures.

We think rescuing human life is paramount, said Joel Millman, a spokesman for the International Organization for Migration. He said that at moments in recent years when there were fewer rescue ships at sea, there was no change in the pattern of sea arrivals.

Pitrelli reported from Rome.

Read more

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Anti-immigrant, anti-euro populists gain ground in Italy as prime minister resigns

E.U. boosts power of border agency to deport migrants

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A sign reading Marriage for all stands outside the German Parliament before a session to vote on legalizing same-sex marriages in Berlin on Friday. (Clemens Bilan/European Pressphoto Agency)

Germany on Friday recognized the right of same-sex couples to wed, a major step for gay women and men living in a country split between conservative, Christian customs and new values that have made its cosmopolitan capital a haven for dissident lifestyles.

The German Parliament voted 393 to 226 to modify the countrys civil code, reshaping the institution of marriage with little fanfare but enormous significance as Germany prepares to join much of the Western world in codifying marriage equality. After clearing a path for lawmakers to approve the measure, Chancellor Angela Merkel ultimately opposed it.

Its a joyous turning point, said Volker Beck, who has campaigned for gay rights for decades, as a spokesman for the Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany before entering Parliament as a member of the Green Party. Equality and civil rights have been achieved.

For some, the surprise was only how long it took in a country often seen as a progressive model for the region. Notable, also, was how quickly the matter moved forward once it was brought up this week.

At the same time, some conservative lawmakers said constitutional change was required, meaning the debate may not be fully settled. But Heiko Maas, the justice minister, told a public broadcaster this was not absolutely necessary.

At issue was a web of dynamics, including Nazi-era repression and the way in which political parties have derived their power from religious groups. Over time, however, church attendance has waned, and polling suggests that a comfortable majority of the public supports same-sex marriage.

Since 2001, Germany has allowed civil partnerships, which afford many of the same benefits accruing to married couples, with the notable exception of the right to joint adoption.

Electoral pressures facing Merkel also appeared central, leading some gay Germans to wonder whether they were political instruments for the German leader as she runs for a fourth term in September.

The result is wonderful, but it makes me a bit angry that the gays are just a voting group to be won, said Michael Rupp, 31, who works for an IT company.



[Heres why Germanys left has dwindling hopes of unseating Merkel]

Merkel, who has blocked consideration of gay marriage for more than a decade, suddenly set the ball in motion Monday. The daughter of a Protestant pastor, she said at an event sponsored by a womens magazine that she would like to see the issue considered as a question of conscience, freeing members of her center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to vote based on their personal convictions.

Marriage was becoming a wedge issue, and by easing her resistance, Merkel swept it away from her opponents. The Social Democrats, a center-left group forming part of the chancellors governing coalition, had declared future cooperation contingent on same-sex marriage. Smaller parties on whom Merkel might depend should she be reelected in the fall, such as the Greens, said the same.

The chancellor often has made leftist causes, from wages to nuclear power, her own. In this case, however, she kept the issue at arms length. After enabling its consideration, which all but guaranteed passage, she ultimately voted no.

Her rationale was that she had met a lesbian couple looking after eight foster children in her Baltic Sea constituency and that her concerns about adoption had been assuaged. But she said Friday that she had not changed her mind about the fundamental question of marriage.

For me, marriage in the constitution is marriage between man and woman, and therefore I did not vote in favor of this bill, she said.

Her personal reservations could ease backlash from the conservative wing of her party and its Bavarian counterpart, the Christian Social Union, which is staunchly Catholic. The German Bishops Conference opposed the vote in a statement condemning the hasty procedure for overriding the Christian concept of marriage.

I think Merkel herself was the most surprised by the developments of this week, said Jens Spahn, a gay member of the CDU. Of course some colleagues are angry, but in the end, everybody recognizes that the time is ripe for a decision.

Few realized how quickly the issue would come to a vote, as the Social Democrats rushed to put it on the agenda after Merkels offhand remark. Even advocates were taken by surprise.

At times we didnt think there could be equality for marriage because of our constitution, which clearly was only intended for opposite-sex couples when it was written in 1949, said Axel Hochrein, a board member of the Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany. Parliament seemed the only route.

Protest mounted in the early 1990s. In 1994, a statute criminalizing homosexual acts between men was erased.

Civil partnerships in 2001 were a major step, Hochrein said, followed by decisions of the Federal Constitutional Court granting mostly equivalent privileges over the next 16 years. Meanwhile, discrimination based on sexual orientation was made illegal throughout the country.

The uneasy advancement of gay people in the European Unions largest country reflects vast social differences within Germany, as well as its tortured past.

Berlin and some of the conservative villages in the south of Germany  they exist on different planets, said Andreas Krass of the Center for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies at Humboldt University in Berlin.

It was in Berlin that the gay rights movement began at the turn of the 20th century, with the founding of the first gay rights organization, said Robert Beachy, author of Gay Berlin: Birthplace of a Modern Identity.

But the capital wasnt back in its glory, he said, until reunification in 1990, as homosexuality was as dangerous in the postwar period as it had been under the reign of the Third Reich. Just last week, Parliament voided convictions under an anti-sodomy law sharpened by the Nazis and then preserved by West Germany.

Today, Beachy said, Berlin is again a mecca of an experimental form of gay life. But Jens Petersen, a spokesman for an AIDS-prevention organization in Berlin, said there is still work to be done. Some 3,000 new HIV infections are detected annually across Germany, he said, a number that has barely budged over the past several years.

He said his spirit is not dampened, however. Petersen, who is in a civil partnership, said he plans to formalize his marriage the first day it is possible, which is likely to be Nov. 1.

Read more:

Poll shows a generational divide in white evangelical views of same-sex marriage



Supreme Court to take case on baker who refused to sell wedding cake to gay couple



Charges against Vatican cardinal revive questions about handling of child sexual abuse



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The man who shot and killed three police officers in Baton Rouge last summer had searched for the addresses and phone numbers of two other officers involved in the killing of Alton Sterling, whose videotaped shooting sparked unrest in the city, according to an investigative report released Friday.

Gavin Long, 29, of Kansas City, Mo., never used the biographical information he gathered on the officers involved in Sterlings killing to attack them, though he did target police in his shooting rampage, according to the report. The report said investigators found evidence of the searches on Longs laptop.

In a suicide note, Long wrote that he saw his actions as a necessary evil intended to create substantial change within Americas police force.

Therefore I must bring the same destruction that bad cops continue to inflict upon my people, upon bad cops as well as good cops in hopes that the good cops (which are the majority) will be able to stand together to enact justice and punishment against the bad cops b/c right now the police force and current judicial system is not doing so, Long wrote.

[In Baton Rouge, 10 minutes of terror leave three officers dead and three more wounded]

Longs suicide note and the investigative report about the incident were released Friday by East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III, whose office had been investigating the shooting. Moore concluded that officers were justified in shooting and killing Long amid a rampage in which Long killed three of their own: Baton Rouge Police Officer Montrell Jackson, 32; Baton Rouge Police Officer Matthew Gerald, 41; and East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Deputy Brad Garafola, 45.

The report offers one of the most detailed accounts to date of the June 17, 2016, incident  though Longs actions and possible motives had been public for some time. Long had an expansive presence online indicating that he was eager for black people to take a strong physical stance against mistreatment by authorities.

His attack came at a time of significant tension between law enforcement and minorities. Less than two weeks before the shooting he perpetrated, another attacker had shot and killed five police officers in Dallas. Long seemed to praise that incident in an online video.

Im not gonna harp on that, you know, with a brother killing the police. You get what Im saying? Long said, according to a video posted online. Thats, its justice.

[What we know about the shooter in Baton Rouge]

Long, who had spent five years in the Marine Corps, ultimately targeted Baton Rouge officers and deputies who he encountered by chance, though his searches of the particular officers involved in Sterlings death perhaps indicates why he chose the city he did.

The two officers  Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake  were caught on video scuffling with Sterling, 37, when he was shot. The incident, which occurred less than two weeks before Long perpetrated his mass shooting, prompted protests in Baton Rouge, as many felt the killing was unjustified.

A little less than two months ago, the U.S. attorney in Baton Rouge announced that neither officer would face federal charges, as investigators were not able to determine whether Sterling was reaching for a gun when an officer yelled that he was.

Investigators also found in Longs vehicle a printout from an Islamic holy book  which the district attorney said was particularly noteworthy evidence because it indicated a premeditated attack on law enforcement that Long did not plan to survive.

The document included a prayer passage that said repeating the prayer and dying on the same day would guarantee that the person goes to paradise, according to the report. An autopsy determined that Long had methamphetamines and alcohol in his system when he died.
It was March 2020, and the world was closing down as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. At first, the news of...
AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
Corning Incorporated engages in display technologies, optical communications, environmental technologies, specialty materials, and life sciences businesses worldwide. The company's Display Technologies segment offers glass substrates for liquid crystal displays and organic light-emitting diodes used in televisions, notebook computers, desktop monitors, tablets, and handheld devices. Its Optical Communications segment provides optical fibers and cables; and hardware and equipment products, including cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware and connectors, optical components and couplers, closures, network interface devices, and other accessories. This segment also offers its products to businesses, governments, and individuals. Its Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide material formulations for glass, glass ceramics, crystals, precision metrology instruments, software; as well as ultra-thin and ultra-flat glass wafers, substrates, tinted sunglasses, and radiation shielding products. This segment serves various industries, including mobile consumer electronics, semiconductor equipment optics and consumables; aerospace and defense optics; radiation shielding products, sunglasses, and telecommunications components. The company's Environmental Technologies segment offers ceramic substrates and filter products for emissions control in mobile, gasoline, and diesel applications. The company's Life Sciences segment offers laboratory products comprising consumables, such as plastic vessels, liquid handling plastics, specialty surfaces, cell culture media, and serum, as well as general labware and equipment under the Corning, Falcon, Pyrex, and Axygen brands. The company was formerly known as Corning Glass Works and changed its name to Corning Incorporated in April 1989. Corning Incorporated was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Corning, New York.
Jenoptik AG engages in the optics and photonics business in Germany and internationally. The company operates through Light & Optics, Light & Production, and Light & Safety divisions. It offers imaging solutions and cameras, including microscope and thermographic camera, imaging modules, polymer-based camera modules, and digital microscope subsystem; laser and laser technology, such as laser ablation, scoring, cutting, welding, and distance meters and sensors, as well as laser OEM solutions comprising diode laser and disk laser technology, diode pumped disk lasers, laser systems, and LK heat sink; and optical modules and components for light detection and ranging sensors. The company also provides optics and optical systems, including objective lenses for laser material processing, system partner for optics, customized and standardized objective lenses, optical measuring systems, and precision optical components; optical shaft measuring systems, optical 3D measurement technology, optical in-line inspection, vision-systems, and ultra-fast opto-electronic probe card; and optoelectronics and optoelectronic systems comprising system partner for optoelectronic systems, customized-specific optoelectronic systems, optoelectronics assemblies and subsystems, light modulation, and photodiodes and LEDs. In addition, it offers road safety solutions, such as speed enforcement, average speed cameras, red light cameras, evaluation software, and traffic services; and civil security solutions, including automatic number plate recognition and data analysis software, border security, combating organized crime, protecting public places, and monitoring suspect vehicles. The company serves automotive, defense and security, electronics and information technology, healthcare and life science, industry and mechanical engineering, semiconductor equipment, and public safety sectors. Jenoptik AG was founded in 1846 and is headquartered in Jena, Germany.
The following companies are subsidiares of D.R. Horton: 10700 Pecan Park Austin Inc., 11241 Slater Avenue NE LLC, 2 C Development Company LLC, 8800 Roswell Road Bldg. B LLC, 91st Avenue & Happy Valley L.L.C., ANN & 215 LLC, Austin Data Inc., BP456 Inc., C. Richard Dobson Builders Inc., CH Funding LLC, CH Investments of Texas Inc., CHI Construction Company, CHM Partners L.P., CHTEX of Texas Inc., CV Mountain View 25 Inv LLC, Cane Island LLC, Continental Homes Inc., Continental Homes of Texas L.P., Continental Residential Inc., Continental Traditions LLC, Crown Operating Company Inc., Cypress Road L.P., D.R. Horton - CHAustin LLC, D.R. Horton - Colorado LLC, D.R. Horton - Crown LLC, D.R. Horton - Emerald Ltd., D.R. Horton - Georgia LLC, D.R. Horton - Hawaii LLC, D.R. Horton - Highland LLC, D.R. Horton - Indiana LLC, D.R. Horton - Iowa LLC, D.R. Horton - MV LLC, D.R. Horton - Nebraska LLC, D.R. Horton - Permian LLC, D.R. Horton - Regent LLC, D.R. Horton - Terramor LLC, D.R. Horton - Texas Ltd., D.R. Horton - WPH LLC, D.R. Horton - Wyoming LLC, D.R. Horton BAY Inc., D.R. Horton CA2 Inc., D.R. Horton CA3 Inc., D.R. Horton CA4 LLC, D.R. Horton Commercial Inc., D.R. Horton Cruces Construction Inc., D.R. Horton Inc. - Birmingham, D.R. Horton Inc. - Chicago, D.R. Horton Inc. - Denver, D.R. Horton Inc. - Dietz-Crane, D.R. Horton Inc. - Greensboro, D.R. Horton Inc. - Gulf Coast, D.R. Horton Inc. - Huntsville, D.R. Horton Inc. - Jacksonville, D.R. Horton Inc. - Louisville, D.R. Horton Inc. - Midwest, D.R. Horton Inc. - Minnesota, D.R. Horton Inc. - NNV, D.R. Horton Inc. - New Jersey, D.R. Horton Inc. - Portland, D.R. Horton Inc. - Torrey, D.R. Horton Inc. Foundation, D.R. Horton Insurance Agency Inc., D.R. Horton LA North Inc., D.R. Horton Life Insurance Agency Inc., D.R. Horton Los Angeles Holding Company Inc., D.R. Horton Management Company Ltd., D.R. Horton Materials Inc., D.R. Horton Realty LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Atlantic County LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Central Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Delaware LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Georgia Inc., D.R. Horton Realty of Melbourne LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Northwest Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Southeast Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Southwest Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Tampa LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Virginia LLC, D.R. Horton Seabridge Marina Inc., D.R. Horton Serenity Construction LLC, D.R. Horton Urban Renewal LLC, D.R. Horton VEN Inc., D.R. Horton  Corpus Christi LLC, DBC54 LLC, DHI Commercial - Lakeview LLC, DHI Commercial - Signal Butte LLC, DHI Commercial - Tamarron LLC, DHI Commercial Inc., DHI Communities Construction LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Arizona LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Colorado LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Florida LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Iowa LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Nevada LLC, DHI Communities Construction of North Carolina LLC, DHI Communities Construction of South Carolina LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Texas LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Utah LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Virginia LLC, DHI Communities II LLC, DHI Communities Inc., DHI Engineering LLC, DHI Insurance Inc., DHI Mortgage Company, DHI Mortgage Company GP Inc., DHI Mortgage Company LP Inc., DHI Mortgage Company Ltd., DHI Ranch Ltd., DHI Realty of Alabama LLC, DHI Realty of Mississippi LLC, DHI Title GP Inc., DHI Title LP Inc., DHI Title of Alabama Inc., DHI Title of Arizona Inc., DHI Title of Florida Inc., DHI Title of Minnesota Inc., DHI Title of Nevada Inc., DHI Title of Texas Ltd., DHI Title of Washington Inc., DHI Verandah South Shores Communities LLC, DHIC - 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The German Chancellor stressed in a speech to the German parliament the EU stands fully behind its commitment to the Paris climate change agreement: Getty

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU is more determined than ever to make the Paris accord against climate change a success following the US decision to withdraw from the agreement, and insisted she would not overlook tensions with America on Donald Trumps first attendance at the G20.

Ms Merkel stressed in a speech to the German parliament that the EU stands fully behind its commitment to the agreement.

We cannot expect easy discussions on climate change at the G20 summit, she said. Our differences with the US are clear."

She added that the Paris agreement is irreversible and it is not negotiable.

The German Chancellor will host the summit of leaders of the Group of 20 economic powers in Hamburg on 7 and 8 July.

Ahead of that summit, she is hosting a meeting of the European leaders who will take part in the summit later on Thursday at the chancellery in Berlin.

We are convinced that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, an existential challenge, she told the German parliament. We cannot wait to act until the science has convinced every last doubter.

She said she had agreed a plan with France's newly elected President Emmanuel Macron to deepen cooperation in the European Union and the Eurozone, adding that the EU needed to take on more responsibility for tackling security concerns it faced, including a threat from terrorism.

The blocs remaining members would remain united in their negotiations with Britain over its planned departure from the EU, she added in Thursdays speech to lawmakers.

The German Chancellor also said she hoped for a clear signal from the summit in favour of free markets and against isolationism.

She told the German parliament protectionism cannot be a solution to the worlds problems.

The Trump administrations America first approach to trade has caused widespread concern elsewhere, as has its decision to withdraw from the Paris accord on climate change.

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Ms Merkel said discussions about climate issues in Hamburg won't be easy and there is no point glossing over disagreements.

She added that those talks must serve the substance and aims of the Paris accord.
Social media reacted with surprise when conservative political commentator Ann Coulter ripped into Fox News anchor Sean Hannity. Coulter criticized Hannity on her blog Wednesday, writing that he has the "zealotry of those who came late to the Trump party," and would go to great lengths to defend the president.

"Sean Hannity, bless his heart, has the zeal of the late Trump convert," Coulter wrote in a post entitled "Even Trump Can't Make Goldman Sachs Popular," adding that the conservative television and radio pundit would "endorse communism if Trump decided to implement 'The Communist Manifesto.'"

Some on Twitter welcomed the two prominent voices in conservative media attacking each other while others were surprised to find themselves agreeing with Coulter, who usually draws the ire from liberal-leaning users on social media.

It's a weird feeling when u find yourself agreeing w/ anything Coulter is spouting  ledoshuffle (@jledo67) June 28, 2017

deplorable on deplorable violence  kp dawes (@kpdawes) June 28, 2017

A wild-eyed zealot accusing a spineless yes-man of intellectual dishonesty...and is correct.  Big Eaters Club (@Big_Eaters_Club) June 28, 2017

First thing I've ever agreed with coulter on  Ockham'sToothbrush (@gotravelgear) June 28, 2017

Damnit! I hate myself for agreeing with @AnnCoulter ! It'll take weeks to wash this stink away  ATX Steve M (@atxsteve17) June 29, 2017

READ: Ann Coulter '14' Tweet Controversy: Neo-Nazis On Twitter Are Excited But Post Could Be About Obama

Trump supporters rushed to defend Hannity, denouncing Coulter's attack on the longtime Fox News personality as an attack on the president. One user asked Hannity to not have her on his show anymore and compared her to the New York Times.

Sean, please do not have Ann on your show anymore. We are all tired of her crappy attitude. She is failing like the NYT. Thank you Sean.  Christie ____ (@ChristieChats2) June 28, 2017

.@AnnCoulter is a provocateur. I have enjoyed many of her books, but.. she deliberately insulted you, and my #President. I don't like it.  Rhonda Kazmierski (@KazmierskiR) June 29, 2017

Totally agree with you! She's so petulant. Needs to keep her snarky mouth shut and not insult @POTUS !  BuilderBrad (@brad7743me) June 29, 2017

Sean Hannity

Photo: Getty Images/AFP/Nicholas Kamm

READ: Ann Coulter Praises 'Very Macho' Paris Police For Shooting Hammer Attacker In 'Thorax'

Hannity responded to the attack over Twitter on Wednesday with a series of postings defending himself and saying that she bores him.

"Ann, u fall in and out of love with Christie Romney Trump and how many others," he wrote on Twitter. "Frankly you just bore me."

Ann, u fall in and out of love with Christie Romney Trump and how many others. Frankly you just bore me. https://t.co/ERf1TUUk8U  Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) June 28, 2017

Fact Not late to @realDonaldTrump Proud to defend @POTUS @AnnCoulter maybe mirror? Im so over the insanity. https://t.co/hGm8dmqnRl https://t.co/8Iyk9ywp3n

 Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) June 29, 2017

Many users, however, seemed content to sit back and watch as the two conservative political personalities battled it out over social media.

Ann Coulter

Photo: Getty Images/Alberto E. Rodriguez

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By Andrew Chung

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. federal appeals court on Friday threw out a lawsuit by the families of two Yemeni men allegedly killed as innocent bystanders in a U.S. drone strike in 2012.

The unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Washington upheld a lower court's finding that it lacked the authority to question decision-making by the government over the missile strike.

The case began in 2015 when the families of Salem bin Ali Jaber, an imam, and Waleed bin Ali Jaber, a police officer, filed a "wrongful death" suit against the U.S. government, then President Barack Obama and other U.S. officials.

They claimed the deaths were collateral damage in an August, 2012 Hellfire missile attack by a U.S. drone in the eastern Yemeni village of Khashamir targeting three extremists, court papers said.

Salem had recently preached against al Qaeda and brought Waleed, his nephew, along for protection to a meeting requested by the other three, the papers said. All five men were killed in the strike.

The families sought a court declaration that the strike violated international and U.S. law. The lawsuit did not seek monetary relief.

The United States has been conducting counterterrorism operations in Yemen for years against militant groups like al Qaeda. In 2013, Obama set tighter rules on drone strikes and promised greater transparency.

Monday's ruling tossing the suit said that, based on legal precedent, judges cannot second-guess the government's military judgment. It is "the Executive, and not a panel of the D.C. Circuit, who commands our armed forces and determines our nation's foreign policy," the ruling said.

Circuit Judge Janice Rogers Brown, who wrote the decision, also issued a rare separate opinion calling for greater oversight over the drone program.

She said the legal doctrine preventing courts from reviewing the decision-making by the president and Congress in foreign policy or national security matters may be "deeply flawed" because it blocks any court supervision of the use of sophisticated new military technologies like drones.

Story continues

"Of course, this begs the question: if judges will not check this outsized power, then who will?" said Brown, who was appointed to the appeals court bench by Republican former President George W. Bush. She called congressional oversight "a joke -- and a bad one at that."

The other two judges on the panel, both appointed by Obama, did not join her separate opinion.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Frances Kerry)
For months, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders have privately counseled their more militant members to forswear talk of impeaching President Trump, telling them the political support for such a step simply doesnt exist in the GOP-controlled Congress.

But 25 House Democrats, including the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, are now pushing an equally radical alternative: They are backing a bill that would create a congressional oversight commission that could declare the president incapacitated, leading to his removal from office under the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

At 12:56 p.m. Thursday, barely four hours after Trump tweeted attacks against MSNBC cable host Mika Brzezinski in crude, personal terms, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the chief sponsor of the bill, sent out an email to his colleagues, urging them to get behind the measure, writing it was of enduring importance to the security of our nation.

In case of emergency, break glass, Raskin told Yahoo News in an interview. If you look at the record of things that have happened since January, it is truly a bizarre litany of events and outbursts. Asked if Trumps latest tweets attacking Brzezinski and her co-host Joe Scarborough  which were roundly condemned by members of both parties as beneath the dignity of his office  strengthened the grounds for invoking the 25th Amendment, Raskin replied: I assume every human being is allowed one or two errant and seemingly deranged tweets. The question is whether you have a sustained pattern of behavior that indicates something is seriously wrong. After Trumps Thursday morning tweets, four more Democrats signed on to Raskins bill, his office said Friday. (Brzezinski and Scarboroughs response to Trumps tweets ran in todays Washington Post under the headline, The President is not well. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended Trumps tweets Thursday, saying he fights fire with fire.)

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President Trump (Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters)

To be sure, even Raskin acknowledges Congress and the country are in largely uncharted waters. The 25th Amendment was adopted in 1967 in response to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and past presidential medical crises  including the heart attacks of Dwight Eisenhower and the illnesses of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson  to deal with instances where presidents become incapacitated and unable to perform the duties of their office.

One of its provisions, known as Section 4, empowers the vice president along with a majority of the Cabinet to make a determination that a president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, and then provide it in writing to Congress, resulting in the presidents removal. Its a step that has never been taken.

But Raskin, a former constitutional law professor, has seized on some largely overlooked language in Section 4 as the basis for his bill. It turns out it doesnt have to be the Cabinet that makes a finding of presidential incapacity. The section also permits such other body as Congress may by law provide  along with the vice president  to reach the same conclusion.

Yet in the 50 years since the 25th Amendment took effect, Congress has never set up such a body. Raskins bill would do so. It calls for the creation of an Oversight Commission on Presidential Capacity. The commission would be a nonpartisan panel appointed by congressional leaders composed of four physicians, four psychiatrists and three others  such as former presidents, vice presidents or other former senior U.S. government officials. The commission, if directed by Congress through a concurrent resolution, would be empowered to conduct an examination of the president to determine whether the president is incapacitated, either mentally or physically.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., speaks at the March for Truth protest in Washington, D.C., June 3. (Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images)

The 25th Amendment itself says nothing about the guidelines for making such a determination, much less what kinds of perceived mental illnesses would make a president unable to perform his duties. But Raskin, who first introduced his bill in April, said that hes been getting increased interest in the legislation among colleagues, including Republicans who have privately approached him about it on the House floor. Ive had tons of inquiries, and lots of colleagues have been talking to me about it, he said. Im convinced most Americans believe we are living in a very strange reality.  The question is, what are the escape routes we have, and the 25th Amendment is one of them.

Raskins bill so far has been quietly picking up support in the Democratic caucus. Among the co-sponsors who have signed are Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee (and the only member of Congress who was around when the 25th Amendment was enacted), and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., the former chair of the Democratic National Committee.

But despite some talk of the 25th Amendment option in conservative circles  New York Times columnist Ross Douthat recently urged that it be considered and National Review contributing editor Andrew McCarthy tweeted about it Thursday  so far no Republican members of Congress have signed on to the idea. Its really a political decision, said Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., who has also co-sponsored Raskins bill. While many of his GOP colleagues are, in the privacy of the House cloakroom, shaking their heads and embarrassed by the president, they cant say anything publicly given the core support Trump has so far retained among their base, he said.

Indeed, in some respects, the political obstacles to executing the 25th Amendment are even greater than impeachment, notes Joel K. Goldstein, a professor of law at St. Louis University. Under its provisions, if a president challenged a finding of incapacity and demanded that he or she be reinstalled in office, it would require two-thirds of both chambers to block the commander in chief from doing so. (By contrast, it only takes a majority of the House to impeach a president, although two thirds of the Senate must vote to convict and remove the president.)

Moreover, as Goldstein notes, even if Congress were to create the body called for in Raskins bill, it couldnt act to declare the president incapacitated without the concurrence of the vice president. That means Vice President Mike Pence could effectively block any move to invoke the 25th Amendment option. The vice president is a necessary party. He effectively has a veto, said Goldstein. Hes a deal breaker.

Still, Raskin is undeterred. The question is, where are we going to be six months, 12 months, 18 months from now? The presidency is considered extremely stressful for people with the strongest mental health. We need to be prepared for all eventualities.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Photo credit: John W. Ferguson / Getty

From Delish

One week ago, Buddy Valastro got the call no child wants to hear. He had to come home, quickly - his mother's health had taken a turn, and there wasn't much time left. The Cake Boss star dropped everything to head back to New Jersey to be with his mom, Mary Valastro, in her final moments.

After eight years battling the neurodegenerative disease ALS, her fight was over. Buddy shared the news with fans on Instagram last Thursday: "She left for heaven this morning, surrounded by the family," he wrote. "She is no longer suffering, and I hope she's dancing to 'I Will Survive' with my dad right now."

While Mary retired from filming episodes of TLC's Cake Boss in 2012, she has been a central part of the Valastro family business. To honor her memory and the impact she had on everyone around her, Valastro announced that he's closing all Carlo's Bakery stores worldwide on June 27. The shops, which include several across the U.S. and one in Brazil, will be back up and running with their normal hours on Wednesday, June 28.

Our Carlo's Bakery family is filled with deep sadness as we acknowledge the passing of Momma Mary. She was full of life and love; her energy could be felt throughout the entire bakery the moment she came in the door and we know that energy will stay with us forever. A post shared by Carlo's Bakery (@carlosbakery) on Jun 22, 2017 at 11:05am PDT

Buddy took over the family business in 1994, after his father passed away. In the years that followed, his mother remained a constant source of support. Mary's battle with ALS inspired him to create the Momma Mary Foundation, in hopes of finding a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease.

"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," he told People in a 2014 interview. "And I think that's the part that kills her the most, because she was the matriarch. She did so many things for everyone."

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Watching "We Will Survive" season 5 episode 30th... you will be missed Momma Mary A post shared by Carlos Bakery Dallas (@carlosbakerydallas) on Jun 26, 2017 at 6:33pm PDT

Fans from all over the world have flooded Buddy's and the Carlo's Bakery Instagram accounts with comments expressing their condolences and sharing their memories of Mary. "She was a great woman, a fighting mother, loving and incomparable, charismatic like none, but always with a smile that contagious all," wrote one fan, NahoJ25. "My condolence to the Valastro family ... from Venezuela accompanying them in their pain."

In a post last night, Buddy shared a recent photo of his mother, surrounded by the Cake Boss's family. "The light of our lives," he captioned it.

Light of our lives. A post shared by Buddy Valastro (@buddyvalastro) on Jun 26, 2017 at 5:42pm PDT

Others have shared clips from the show, sharing their favorite moments of Momma Mary. "We'll always remember her like this, HAPPY!" wrote the Carlo's Bakery team in Texas.

Thanks to @valastro_fampage for posting this video of Momma Mary.... We'll always remember her like this, HAPPY!  #MaryValastro A post shared by Carlos Bakery Dallas (@carlosbakerydallas) on Jun 26, 2017 at 7:21pm PDT

As the family takes this day to celebrate Mary's life, Buddy has asked everyone to be patient and respectful during this difficult time.

Follow Delish on Instagram.

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A woman and her boyfriend, reportedly living out of their SUV, were arrested in Rancho Cordova, California after the womans 3-year-old daughter was found dead in the car, CBS-affiliate KOVR reported Wednesday.

Authorities found the girl on Wednesday because the couples Toyota Rav-4 was parked the wrong way. The girls biological mother, 27-year-old Angela Phakhin, and her boyfriend 46-year-old Untwan Smith, were arrested after police discovered Smith had an outstanding warrant in Arkansas.

When police searched his car, they found the Phakhins 3-year-old daughter wrapped in blankets. A Sacramento County Sheriff press release described her as unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Read: How 'Baby Doe' Bella's Father Responded After Michael McCarthy's Murder Trial

There were no obvious signs of trauma, so theyre still in the beginning stages of this death investigation. These child cases arent as cut and dry as other death investigation cases, Sacramento County Sheriff Sgt. Tony Turnbull said.

He continued, Usually, it takes an autopsy, cause and manner of death to be determined by the coroner, along with the investigation and working with the district attorney before decisions can be made whether there are criminal charges to be found.

sacramento county sheriff's department

Photo: Sacramento County Sheriff's Department

Authorities stated they believe the couple arrived in California in February 2017. According to a statement released by investigators, they believe child endangerment may have had a role in the girls death.

California Penal Code 273a PC listed child endangerment as a California domestic violence, according to Shouse California Law Group. For someone to be accused of child endangerment in the state of California, they must have caused or permitted a child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering; willfully caused or permitted a child in their care to be injured or willfully caused or permitted a child to be placed in a dangerous situation.

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California placed an emphasis on being criminally negligent in their definition of child endangerment. Unlike with the crime of child abuse, in the state of California, a person can be convicted of child endangerment even if the child was not injured. However, that was not the case with Phakhins daughter  the child endangerment charge is stronger because the girl died.

The couple was questioned by detectives at the Sacramento County Child Abuse Bureau and the Coroner. Phakhin and her boyfriend were charged with child endangerment and conspiracy. Their bail was set at $1,000,000 each and they will be arraigned on Friday in Sacramento Superior Court.

Read:Whats Next For Michael McCarthy? 'Baby Doe' Bella Bond Murderer To Be Sentenced

According to a fact sheet by the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention (CFRP), more than 1,700 children in the United States die of child abuse and neglect yearly. Children under the age of four comprised 81.6% of these deaths. The report also stated that when fatalities occur, a combination of poverty, domestic violence and substance abuse are commonly responsible.

Fatal child abuse may involve repeated abuse over a period of time, or it may involve a single, impulsive incident, said a 2015 study conducted by the Child Welfare Information Gateway. In cases of fatal neglect, the childs death results not from anything the caregiver does; rather, it results from a caregivers failure to act.

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A Chinese aircraft carrier is steaming towards Hong Kong for celebrations marking 20 years since Britain gave back the former colony, in a clear display of China's military might.

China's national defence ministry said Thursday that the Liaoning was part of a flotilla on a "routine training mission" and would make a port of call in Hong Kong.

The Liaoning, a secondhand Soviet ship built nearly 30 years ago and commissioned in 2012, will arrive at a time when fears are growing that Beijing is tightening its grip over the semi-autonomous city.

President Xi Jinping arrived on Thursday amid tight security in the normally throbbing city where officials are anxious to ensure nothing taints his high-profile visit or the festivities.

The Liaoning will participate in activities marking the 20th anniversary of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) entering the city, defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters.

The PLA has a garrison in central Hong Kong and is responsible for defending the city, but only recruits mainland Chinese citizens.

Hong Kong does not have its own separate army.

After the handover in 1997 some feared the PLA would be heavy-handed, given the army's crackdown on student protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989.

Instead they have maintained a very low profile and are barred from interfering in local affairs.

The Liaoning left the Chinese city of Qingdao on Sunday, the official Xinhua news agency reported earlier.
India condemned a new road that China is building on the rivals' Himalayan border on Friday, saying it raises "serious security" concerns.

The two sides are trading increasingly stern diplomatic warnings over the new hotspot, a remote scrap of territory where the frontiers of China, India and Bhutan meet.

Beijing made a formal protest this week, accusing Indian border guards of crossing from the northeastern state of Sikkim into its Tibetan territory to stop the road building.

India's foreign ministry said Friday that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops entered the area to "unilaterally" construct the road.

"India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India," a ministry statement said.

"India cherishes peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas. It has not come easily," it said, urging Beijing to resolve the skirmish through dialogue.

India and China have long disputed parts of their Himalayan border, and regularly accuse each other of making illegal troop encroachments.

Bhutan has also lodged a formal protest to China, saying the road violated a bilateral agreement.

Bhutan, which does not have diplomatic relations with China, still disputes sovereignty of the land. And the showdown is part of a wider friction between India and China over the 4,057 kilometer (2,520 mile) border.

China has insisted several times this week that India withdraw troops who are "trespassing" on its side of the frontier.

It insists that it has every right to build the road and that it controls the territory under an 1890 accord made with Britain when it was colonial power in the region.

"We can tell you that the Chinese people hold a friendly and goodwill relations to the Bhutan people but our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Friday.

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"The nature of this standoff is quite clear, its a trespass by the Indian side to the Chinese border. So the obvious thing is their withdrawal from the Chinese side."

- 'Chicken neck' -

India and China's ties have been dogged by mistrust stemming from a brief war in 1962 over the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh which has a large ethnic Tibetan population.

Flare-ups around Sikkim are rare. It is the least populous and second smallest of India's states, but its location gives it strategic importance.

India's seven remote northeastern states are connected to the rest of the country by a narrow sliver of land known as the "chicken's neck". Sikkim is wedged between Nepal, Bhutan and China.

"The Chinese have realised that India is vulnerable at the 'chicken neck' so it could be a way to test the reaction of the Indian establishment," said Sameer Patil, a defence and security analyst at the Mumbai-based Gateway House think-tank.

Tensions along the frontier rose in 2014 when Chinese soldiers moved into territory on the Sikkim-Tibet border claimed by India, sparking a two-week stand-off.

Hundreds of Indian and Chinese troops faced off on the de facto border, overshadowing a visit by China's President Xi Jinping.

The latest border "scuffle" was triggered after PLA soldiers damaged two old Indian bunkers, according to Indian media.

China has reportedly since stopped pilgrims crossing into Tibet to visit a mountain shrine to the revered Hindu god Shiva because of the showdown.

India has a number of disputes with China. It is angry at China for proposing to finance Pakistan infrastructure in disputed Kashmir, which India also claims.

It also blames China for blocking its efforts to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the international club that controls the global nuclear trade.
Chinas largest supplier of fuel to North Korea has halted sales amid growing pressure on Pyongyang, according to Reuters.

State-owned oil giant China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) reportedly suspended exports, citing worries that agents will not be able to provide the up-front payments it requires. Banks and companies involved with North Korean trade are now under increased scrutiny, though it is not clear if sanctions are related to CNPCs decision.

The isolated northeast Asian country imports almost of its oil and gas from China; most of that comes through CNPC. The risks of doing business with North Korea have grown steadily in recent months as the United States has ratcheted up pressure in response to Pyongyangs frequent missile launches. CNPCs move to stop fuel sales results from business risk, according to the Reuters report, rather than from a change in official Chinese policy.

Frequent missile tests and advances in North Koreas nuclear capabilities have put regional states on edge and created a major foreign policy test for U.S. President Donald Trump. U.N. sanctions forbid the sale of rocket, jet, and certain kinds of aviation fuel, though oil and gas for civilian purposes has not faced restrictions. U.S. officials have floated the idea of an oil embargo as one possible measure to force the rogue regime to roll back its nuclear program.

Without Chinese oil, North Korea would not survive on its own for three months and everything in North Korea would be paralysed, Cho Bong-hyun, a specialist on the North Korean economy at Seouls IB Bank, told Reuters in April.

The United States might hope to bring Pyongyang to its knees, but for China that would be a nightmare scenario. The last thing Beijing wants is a destabilized nuclear-armed North Korea and millions of destitute refugees pouring over its northern border.

Still, temporary cuts to fuel exports is one way for Beijing to send a clear message to its neighbor. China has previously used such messages to pressure Pyongyang.

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In 2003, China closed an oil pipeline supplying North Korea for three days. Chinese officials said the closure was due to technical problems, but diplomats said that the true intent was to put pressure on Pyongyang amid heightened tensions with the United States over its nuclear program. A few months later, North Korea joined six-party talks with the United States.

Beijing has worked to bring its coal-hungry importers in line with U.N. sanctions, essentially banning the import of North Korea coal in February.

But overall trade between China and its northern neighbor actually grew in the first quarter of 2017 despite U.S. pressure. Trump, who had made China the center of his approach to pressuring North Korea, has reportedly grown frustrated with Beijings refusal to wield its full influence over Pyongyang.

Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Washington (AFP) - If the United States fails to take decisive measures to combat climate change, it will become a poorer country facing more dramatic inequality, according to a study.

The poorest third of US counties could see income drops as great as 20 percent if current trends continue, according to the worst-case projection of the study, published in the journal Science.

An interdisciplinary team of climatologists and economists based its findings on economic models and 116 projections of the impact of climate change.

The study comes just weeks after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris accord aimed at combating climate change.

His move drew intense international criticism, but Trump insisted on Thursday he was "proud" of having pulled out from the agreement, saying the move would save US jobs and protect American sovereignty.

The new study, however, predicts large-scale economic losses and potentially the greatest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in American history, according to Solomon Hsiang, professor of public policy at the University of California at Berkeley, the study's principal author.

Southern states and those in the lower Midwest that already tend to be hot and relatively poor have the most to lose if economic activity migrates to the North and West, the study said.

"In the absence of major efforts to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience, the Gulf Coast will take a massive hit," said Robert Kopp, a professor of Earth and planetary sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick in New Jersey, a co-author of the study.

"Its exposure to sea-level rise -- made worse by potentially stronger hurricanes -- poses a major risk to its communities," he said.

"Increasingly, extreme heat will drive up violent crime."

Hsiang said climate change would seriously affect Americans' economic potential for decades to come.

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Some regions stand to gain, however.

Cooler and richer counties, along the northern border with Canada and in the Rocky Mountain area, could benefit as the costs of medical care, agricultural products and energy decline.

The study team analyzed the potential impact of rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, more intense storms, and continuing sea-level rises on a wide array of fields, including agriculture, criminality, health, energy demand, the labor market and coastal economies.

The researchers estimate that for each 0.55 degree Celsius of global warming, the US economy will lose about 0.7 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with each additional degree of warming costing more than the one before.
Pro-immigration activists hold signs as they gather in front of the US Supreme Court on 18 April 2016 in Washington, DC: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Donald Trump has reversed his position on deporting hundreds of thousands of immigrant children from deportation, but their parents could still be sent to their home countries.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly quietly announced the programme created to protect young people who came to the US as undocumented immigrants as children, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). will "remain in effect."

These children are often referred to as 'Dreamers.' The program was launched in 2012 by President Barack Obama and has protected about 787,000 young immigrants from deportation.

The program does not give them residency status, but temporarily protects them from deportation and allows them to work legally. The protection can be revoked at any time and some young immigrants have lost their DACA protections after being arrested for a crime.

A senior White House official said that though DACA is in place for now, it is unclear if the administration is still reviewing the programme.

The information about DACA was almost a footnote to the main announcement about the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programme to protect parents of Dreamers from deportation as well.

DAPA was never implemented and the administration has said it would it will not do so.

That programme, like the one for Dreamers, was created with a policy memo and not legislation. Both require that participants meet certain conditions, including not having a history of serious crimes.

DAPA was blocked by a federal judge in Texas after 26 states sued. Republicans saw it as a "backdoor amnesty" and argued that Mr Obama overstepped his authority by protecting a specific class of immigrants living in the United States illegally.

As a candidate, Trump pledged to "immediately terminate" both programmes  what he called "President Obama's two illegal executive amnesties." Yet as president, he repeatedly expressed empathy with Dreamers.

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Mr Trump has made immigration enforcement a top priority. Arrests of immigrants inside the U.S. have increased under the Trump administration, but deportations are slightly down as fewer people have been caught crossing the Mexican border into the United States illegally.

Mr Trump continues to push the now-infamous border wall with Mexico, which he repeatedly claimed would be paid by Mexico, in order to stem illegal immigration into the US from Central America.

The nearly 2,000 mile border currently has various fences, sections of walls, checkpoints, and guards. The administration has not recently a cost estimate for the entire wall but has included a request for $1bn for it in Mr Trumps proposed federal budget.

In an Associated Press interview in April, Trump said his administration is "not after the dreamers, we are after the criminals" and that "The dreamers should rest easy."

A senior White House official also said quite frankly, immigration is something that needs to be resolved by Congress.
Donald Trump Jr. tweeted Wednesday that there was a "first time for everything" when he said he agreed with CNN commentator and political activist Anthony Kapel "Van" Jones who said out of context that the Russia story was a big "nothing burger."

I'm with Van on this one... there's always a first time for everything. https://t.co/jsBMBo4kmF  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 28, 2017

Jones was "caught" making the statement in a sting video by conservative viral video provocateur James O'Keefe, for his second installment of "Project Veritas." The video showed the liberal-leaning and outspoken anti-Trump talking head from CNN making an offhand comment to a hidden camera and unidentified interviewer.

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Photo: (Leigh Vogel/Getty Images)

However, the lack of context and the questionable journalistic process didn't stop Donald Jr. and others from conservative media from spreading the story as proof that CNN is intentionally pushing a false narrative about Russia and the Trump campaign. It also spawned a new set of images that attacked CNN.

READ: What Is 'Whitelash'? Video Of CNNs Van Jones Creating Word After Donald Trump Wins Presidency

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@CNN ...one to go. No facts. No truth. Heavy on the lies. And I'd like a side of smugness to go with it. pic.twitter.com/WBYHBTHk8F  Brian Cox (@BrianCox_gab_ai) June 28, 2017

Race baiter extraordinaire Van Jones will probably blame the video on 'racism'..Years of 'oppression' have forced him to LIE his brains off! pic.twitter.com/srPxbTwemJ  TheRighToExist (@TheRighToExist) June 28, 2017

The first video in the "Project Veritas" series was an undercover video with CNN supervising producer John Bonifield released on Wednesday. Bonifield told an unidentified interviewer that Trump was good for business and that the story was "mostly bulls---."

Like the video with Van Jones, these out-of-context statements were pushed as vindication by supporters of Trump that CNN used the story that Russia colluded with Trump to manipulate viewers.

READ: Donald Trump Jr. Rallies Indiana Republicans: Stay Active, 'I'm Not Sick Of Winning'

During the White House Press Conference, Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders urged the reporters in the room to watch the first video with Bonifield.

"Theres a video circulating now, whether its accurate or not, I dont know, but I would encourage everyone in this room and frankly everybody across the country to take a look at it," Sanders said before taking the opportunity to slam CNN.

"If it is accurate, I think its a disgrace to all of media, to all of journalism. I think that we have gone to a place where if the media cant be trusted to report the news, then thats a dangerous place for America," she said.

President Donald Trump has long called the investigation into his campaign's meddling with Russia a "witch hunt" and decried CNN as the "Clinton News Network" during the campaign and "Fake News" in the subsequent months.

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Photo: (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn walk to speak with the media after they and other Senate Republicans had a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House: AP

Senate Republican leaders are trying to send a revised version of their healthcare bill to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) by Friday, so its impact can be assessed.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had originally been aiming to hold a vote on the measure to repeal and replace Obamacare this week. But he was forced to change his schedule in the face of growing opposition from members of his own party.

Mr McConnell is now under pressure to get the Republicans healthcare overhaul passed before Congress's August recess  as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer works to keep the Democrats mobilised to defeat the legislation.

The majority leader is apparently trying to move quickly so that the nonpartisan CBO has time to measure the revised bills impact on coverage levels and federal spending by the time senators return to Washington DC in mid-July after the 4 July recess.

Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that healthcare is working along very well...we're gonna have a big surprise. We have a great healthcare package.

When asked what that meant, Mr Trump responded: We're going to have a great, great surprise.

Mr Trump summoned all 52 Republican senators to the White House on Tuesday afternoon to discuss how to proceed after the vote postponement, with the vast majority attending.

During his opening remarks, the President declared that Obamacare is melting down, adding that Senate Republicans and the White House are "getting very close" to reaching agreement on a path toward getting the votes needed to pass the latest healthcare bill.

This will be great if we get it done, Mr Trump said. But appearing to recognise the opposition the bill faces, he added: And if we don't get it done, it's just going to be something that we're not going to like. And that's okay, and I understand that very well.

It is still unclear which parts of the bill, officially titled the Better Care Reconciliation Act, are being revised.

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Republican legislators' overlapping concerns and competing interests have presented Mr McConnell with a balancing act. Moderate senators worry that millions of people would lose their insurance, while conservatives assert that the bill does not do enough to erase Democratic former President Barack Obama's signature domestic legislation.

Acknowledging demands from fellow Republicans for increased input into retooling the legislation, Mr McConnell said on the Senate floor: Senators will have more opportunities to offer their thoughts as we work toward an agreement.

With Democrats unified against it and Republicans controlling the Senate by a slim 52-48 margin,Mr McConnell can afford to lose only two Republican senators. At least 10 Republican senators - including moderates, hard-line conservatives and others - have expressed opposition to the current bill, although some have said they want to vote for it if certain changes are made.

Mr McConnell, with his reputation as a strategist on the line, met with a procession of Republican senators in his office, including some who have criticised the bill. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said the party leadership would be talking to every Republican senator who had concerns about the bill or was undecided.

Mr Cornyn said it would be optimal to have changes to the legislation worked out by Friday so a new version could be analysed by the CBO. The CBO forecast on Monday that the existing bill would lead to some 22 million people losing medical insurance by 2026 than under Obamacarewhile - while cutting the federal deficit by $321 billion.

The prospect of so many people losing insurance is unpalatable to moderates such as Senator Susan Collins, a key opponent of the draft legislation. She said it would be very difficult to reach agreement on the bill by Friday.

Mr Trump rebuffed a proposal by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer for the Republican President to call all 100 senators to the Blair House, across the street from the White House, to craft a bipartisan healthcare bill to fix, not gut, Obamacare. Mr Trump said he did not think Mr Schumer was serious.

The bill has drawn protesters, including cancer survivors and people with disabilities, to the offices of several Senators, trying to convince them to reject the Senate bill. Capitol Police said they had arrested 40 people on charges of crowding and obstructing the offices.

Tinkering isnt going to work, from my perspective. There would have to be a major overhaul of the bill  to win my support. said Ms Collins said.
President Donald Trump welcomes South Korean President Moon Jae-in to the White House: AP

Donald Trump has said that the US "has many options" for dealing with the threat from North Korea, as he meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Mr Trump, who said earlier this week that North Korea was a problem that should be "dealt with rapidly," is set to discuss the issue of the isolated nation as well as trade with South Korea's new leader, whose pro-engagement stance toward the North could clash with the US administration's intent to crank up sanctions.

The US and North Korea's regional neighbours have expressed dismay about the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.

Mr Trump welcomed South Korean President Moon for formal talks at the White House. The two leaders had their first meeting over dinner Thursday, shortly after the Treasury Department blacklisted a Chinese bank accused of conducting millions in illicit business with North Korea.

"We accomplished a lot having to do with our thoughts on North Korea and very much our thoughts on trade," Mr Trump told reporters on Friday in the Oval Office. "We are renegotiating a trade deal right now with South Korea, and hopefully it will be an equitable deal. It will be a fair deal for both parties. It's been a rough deal for the US, but I think that it will be much different and will be good for both parties."

"We're also in the process of discussing our frankly many options. We have many options with respect to North Korea," Mr Trump added.

Mr Moon told reporters that his discussions with Mr Trump have been a great opportunity to further the trust between him and the US leader.

"It was also an opportunity to reconfirm that the US and Korea are walking together on the same path towards a great alliance," Mr Moon said. "Last night, at the dinner with President Trump, we discussed various issues through a diverse scope and very honest discussions and on issues to include the North Korean nuclear issue and other issues of mutual interest."

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The South Korean leader has sought to make clear to the US that he is serious about dealing with his neighbour's threat, despite his inclination to restart dialogue with the North to address its nuclear weapons development.

Mr Moon did not mention trade in his remarks to the press in the Oval Office. After Mr Trump scuttled the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a landmark 12-nation trade pact proposed and finalised by former President Barack Obama, China and South Korea  both of which were not members of the TPP  were said to be joining trade talks with TPP member states in Washington's absence.

Mr Moon appeared to try to break the ice early on during Thursday's dinner, telling Mr Trump that he also suffers from fake news coverage, prompting laughs. Trump has used the term to describe media reports he doesn't like.

Mr Trump also wrote on Twitter that they had a very good meeting and that they discussed North Korea and trade. Those discussions are expected to continue on Friday.

Ahead of the meeting, US National Security Adviser HR McMaster confirmed that US military options for North Korea have been prepared.

"What we have to do is prepare all options because the President has made clear to us that he will not accept a nuclear power in North Korea and a threat that can target the United States and target the American population," McMaster said during remarks at a Washington think tank.

He also said the South Koreans were being "held hostage" by the North Korean regime.

"The threat is much more immediate now. We can't repeat the same failed approach of the past," Mr McMaster said. "The President has directed us to not do that and to prepare a range of options, including a military option, which nobody wants to take."

North Korea so far has executed five nuclear tests and a series of missile tests, defying UN Security Council and unilateral resolutions. In January, Kim Jong-un said that North Korea had entered the final stage of preparation for a test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, which would have the capability of reaching the US. Trump tweeted in response at the time: "It wont happen!"

Earlier this month, the American student Otto Warmbier died after having been detained in North Korea for more than a year. He was transferred back to the US in a coma, but had showed signs of severe neurological decline.
Thinking of moving to the City of Angels to get your big break in showbiz? I say, do it. Hollywood is exactly as glamorous as you have been led to believe, and you will be instantly rewarded with all the trappings of fame and glory. I have the story to prove it.

Lets go back to 2010. President Barack Obama was in year two of his first term. People were busy going to movie theaters over and over again to see Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Estonia was closing in on its deal to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It was a big year for all those reasons and one more: I was on billboards in New York, California, and Florida promoting Season 1 of Parenthood.

A billboard from Parenthood Season 1 (Photo Credit: NBC)

Parenthood, which aired on NBC from 2010 to 2015, is now known as a show that didnt score massive ratings but had a devoted, passionate fanbase and critical acclaim. However, before its premiere episode aired, the network thought it might become a hit show in the way This Is Us did in 2016. This line of thinking led them to heavily promote Parenthood  with commercials, magazine ads, and, of course, billboards.

A series of billboards were placed featuring the main cast members in scenes that were meant to capture awkward and/or frustrating moments that parents have. For instance, Erika Christensen and Sam Jaeger were shown in a bed with their child jumping on it, along with text that read, Putting sex on your to-do list. Having 911 on speed dial accompanied a scene of Peter Krause and Monica Potter dealing with Max Burkholder stuck in a staircase railing. And there was one titled, Wishing you had knocked first, with Lauren Graham walking in on her daughter, Mae Whitman, about to kiss some guy. I was some guy.

I didnt appear in one second of Parenthoods five seasons, nor am I a professional model (already ignoring your comments about that statement). The reason the side of my face was blown up to billboard size was because of a friend. NBCs marketing team had hired someone to play the part of some guy, but they didnt like how the final product turned out. They wanted to replace him, but given a tight deadline, they needed someone as quickly as possible. My friend there asked me if I would be interested. Of course, I was.

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Now, if youre imagining me palling around with A-listers like Graham and Whitman on a photo set, stop right there. Its even better than that. I wasnt on some cool set, and I wasnt in the company of any actors from the show. Instead, my photo shoot happened amid the glamorous trappings of a gray-painted utility closet on the now-defunct NBC studio lot in Burbank, Calif. Instead of making kissy faces at the lovely Mae Whitman, I made them to a photographers assistant whose name escapes me. Lets say his name was Buck.

For maybe a half-hour, I sat in front of a nondescript background and puckered up to Buck so that I could have an eye line. After the shoot was done, they Photoshopped me in. I waited a couple of weeks, and then bam! If you lived in Los Angeles, you could see my giant face on the Sunset strip. If you were visiting Universal Studios in Orlando, my dumb face was there too. The creme de la creme was an appearance in Times Square. My parents, living in Westchester County at the time, made a trip down there to see it, which honestly was actually pretty cool.

The billboard in Times Square in New York (Photo Credit: My Mom)

Its definitely an odd feeling to see your face inches away from a stars face on a gigantic billboard. I couldnt help but wonder if Mae Whitman ever saw that and thought, Hey, who the f**k is that guy? I wondered if Lauren Graham, already a huge star and accustomed to seeing her face plastered on signs, even noticed the change.

I never dared to dream that I would ever be in a setting where I could discuss this with my billboard co-stars, but that all changed last month when Yahoo TV welcomed Graham to our Los Angeles studios to discuss her other beloved show, Gilmore Girls.

After we wrapped her interview, I approached her with a printout of the billboard. At first, Graham thought I was using it to prove that she was in Parenthood, as though she mightve forgotten. I then managed to mumble to her that actually I was on the billboard with her and got it nice and awkward when I tried to reenact it for her.

Why did I do this? (Photo Credit: Yahoo)

Graham was as gracious and pleasant as I could have ever hoped she would be in the situation and then offered to take a photo of our reunion. She blocked my face with her hand.

Me standing next to Lauren Graham, who is holding a picture of Graham standing near me (Photo Credit: Yahoo)

I could take this time to summarize my experience or again encourage you to become a world-famous star like I am now, but instead Im going to use this space to be petty. Whats the deal, Mae Whitman? Why havent we reunited? Sure, you dont know who I am. Sure, its unreasonable for me to expect you to have any knowledge of what happened after you were done shooting. I dont care  I want a photo with you now. Lets make this happen, Whitman.

Read more from Yahoo TV:
A U.S. senator is demanding answers after news broke that Scott Pruitt, head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), spoke with the CEO of Dow Chemical in March  just weeks before Pruitt rejected a petition to ban the company's pesticide.

SEE ALSO: Trump might pick a non-scientist to be USDA's 'chief scientist'

Chlorpyrifos  which is sprayed on U.S. crops like corn, wheat, and strawberries  can potentially cause impaired brain function in children and lead to acute poisoning of farm workers, according to the EPA's own scientists. Dow Chemical says the science is inconclusive.

In a June 29 letter, Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), the ranking member on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that oversees the EPA's budget, asked Pruitt to explain why he found other studies to be "more robust" than that of his own agency, especially in light of the chemical's potential risks.

An activist protests outside of the Harvard Club where EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt was scheduled to speak on June 20, 2017 in New York City. Pruitt abruptly canceled his appearance.

Image: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Udall sent the letter after the Associated Press reported that Pruitt spoke with Dow CEO Andrew Liveris on March 9, which was 20 days before Pruitt rejected a petition filed by two national environmental groups asking the EPA to ban all uses of chlorpyrifos.

AP has since corrected its June 27 report.

Pruitt and Liveris were scheduled to meet on March 9 for about 30 minutes at a hotel in Houston, according to records obtained by the AP through several Freedom of Information Act requests. Both men were there to speak at a major energy industry conference.

EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman said the meeting was canceled, though Pruitt and Liveris did have a "brief introduction in passing," AP clarified on July 1.

Bowman previously told the AP that Pruitt was "briefly introduced" to Liveris at the conference but that the two men did "not discuss chlorpyrifos."

Weeks after that introduction, on March 29, Pruitt upheld agricultural use of the chemical, citing the need for "regulatory certainty" and "sound science in decision-making."

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Donald Trump, then president-elect, introduces Dow CEO Andrew N. Liveris.

Image: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Pruitt's decision reversed the former Obama administration's finding that the 52-year-old pesticide is potentially too risky to keep spraying on our crops.

EPA scientists reached that conclusion last year after extensively reviewing studies that pointed to the pesticide's potential health problems, including learning and memory declines in people who are exposed through drinking water and other sources.

One of those studies, by Columbia University researchers, found that children exposed to effects of chlorpyrifos in the womb had persistent "disturbances" in their brains throughout childhood.

The EPA banned the chemical for most household settings in 2000, after finding the pesticide  used in common products like Raid sprays and Black Flag ant killer  posed an "unacceptable" health risk, particularly to children.

Yet about 40,000 farms in the U.S. still use the chemical on about 50 different food crops.

A woman harvests strawberries.

Image: FAROOQ KHAN/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

In 2007, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Pesticide Action Network petitioned the EPA to ban food uses of chlorpyrifos. Later, they sued the agency to compel a ruling on their petition. After the Obama administration proposed a ban in 2015, a court order compelled the agency to issue a final rule by March this year.

That forced Pruitt to make a decision, and he acted in Dow's favor. According to the EPA's website, the agency will "continue to review the science addressing neurodevelopmental effects and complete our assessment by October 1, 2022."

Disturbing. Which is more important to PruittDow Chemical or childrens health? EPA must act now to ban Chlorpyrifos. https://t.co/Y8A7pgnISX  Tom Udall (@SenatorTomUdall) June 27, 2017

Sen. Udall urged the EPA to act immediately to stop use of chlorpyrifos, writing: "Delay will only result in additional and unnecessary exposures by farm workers and children who continue to have chlorpyrifos experimented on them while the rest of the scientific community has determined there is reasonable cause for danger."

UPDATE: July 2, 2017, 11:20 a.m. EDT The Associated Press said it erroneously reported that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt met with Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveris for about a half-hour at a Houston hotel. This story has been updated to reflect the AP's correction.
By Kate Kelland LONDON (Reuters) - Two major studies into how bees are affected by a group of pesticides banned in Europe gave mixed results on Thursday, fuelling a row over whether the chemicals, called neonicotinoids, are safe. The studies, one conducted across three European countries and another in Canada, found some negative effects after exposure to neonicotinoids in wild and honeybee populations, but also some positives, depending on the environmental context. Scientists who conducted the European research - in Britain, Hungary and Germany - told reporters their overall findings suggested neonicotinoids are harmful to honeybee and wild bee populations and are "a cause for concern". But scientists representing companies who funded the work - Germany's Bayer and Switerland's Syngenta - said the results showed "no consistent effect". Several independent experts said the findings were mixed or inconclusive. The European Union has since 2014 had a moratorium on use of neonicotinoids - made and sold by various companies including Bayer and Syngenta - after lab research pointed to potential risks for bees, crucial for pollinating crops. But crop chemical companies say real-world evidence is not there to blame a global plunge in bee numbers in recent years on neonicotinoid pesticides alone. They argue it is a complex phenomenon due to multiple factors. A spokesman for the EU's regulator, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), said it is assessing all studies and data for a full re-evaluation of neonicotinoids, expected in November. EFSA's scientific assessment will be crucial to whether the European moratorium on neonicotinoid use remains in place. The two studies published on Thursday, in the peer-reviewed journal Science, are important because they were field studies that sought to examine the real-world exposure of bees to pesticides in nature. Researchers who led the Canadian study concluded that worker bees exposed to neonicotinoids - which they said often came from contaminated pollen from nearby plants, not from treated crops - had lower life expectancies and their colonies were more likely to suffer from a loss of queen bees. On the findings of the European study, researchers told a briefing in London that exposure to neonicotinoid crops harmed honeybee colonies in two of the three countries and reduced the reproductive success of wild bees across all three. They noted, however, that results from Germany showed a positive effect on bees exposed to neonicotinoids, although they said this was temporary and the reasons behind it were unclear. "This represents the complexity of the real world," said Richard Pywell, a professor at Britain's Center of Ecology and Hydrology who co-led the work. "In certain circumstances, you may have a positive effect ... and in other circumstances you may have a negative effect" Overall, however, he said: "We are showing significant negative effects on (bees') critical life-cycle stages, which is a cause for concern." Several specialists with no direct involvement in the study who were asked to assess its findings said they were mixed. Rob Smith, a professor at Britain's University of Huddersfield, said the results were "important in showing that there are detectable effects of neonicotinoid treatments on honeybees in the real world", but added: "These effects are not consistent between countries and ... appear to be both positive and negative in different places." Norman Carreck, an insect expert at Britain's Sussex University, said: "Whilst adding to our knowledge, the study throws up more questions than it answers." (Reporting by Kate Kelland; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Almost two years after two Florida teenagers went missing at sea, investigators are still piecing together the details of their final moments. When Perry Cohen and Austin Stephanos took a small boat out July, 24, 2015, it appeared they were headed for the Bahamas, according to a court document obtained last week by WPLG-TV.

By putting together social media activity and interviews with friends and family, investigators were able to discern where the 14-year-olds may have been headed that day.

Read:Federal Lawsuit Filed In Case Of Florida Boys Lost At Sea

Me and Austin r crossing to the Bahamas tomorrow come with us, Cohen wrote in an Instagram message to a friend Jul. 23, 2015, according to the court document. We wouldnt check in.

florida-boys

Photo: United States Coast Guard

The not checking in appeared to be in reference to avoiding customs officials on the way to the Bahamas.

In addition, Stephanos posted a Snapchat photo the day they left. The picture showed fishing poles on the boat alongside the caption Peace Out Jup.

Usually, when we say Peace Out Jup, we mean going to the Bahamas, a friend of the boys told investigators.

The social media activity was discovered after Stephanos iPhone was recovered almost eight months after the boys disappeared. The phone, their life vests and the 18-foot boat were eventually found, though no trace of the teens themselves was ever located.

The boys mentioned to at least one other friend that they were thinking about heading to the Bahamas, but eventually Austin said it was too rough, the friend told investigators.

The boys intended to take the boat out quite a distance, a girlfriend of a Stephanos family member told investigators, noting she had seen them with two extra gas cans before leaving.

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Interviews with Stephanos grandfather also led officials to believe the boys had their sights set on the Bahamas. Richard Kuntz told investigators he gave his grandson $100 to buy gas for their fishing trip.

And thats when they starting talking about going to the Bahamas, ya didnt, he was just there, he knows you need a passport, he didnt have any money and he knows, two engines to go, minimum, or two boats, never by yourself with one engine and one battery, Kuntz said, according to the court document. The one battery, he wouldnt think about, but one engine, he would, and 40 gallons of gas, no.

Read: Plane Disappears Over Bermuda Triangle, 2 Adults, 2 Toddlers Missing

Cohens stepfather also told investigators that Cohen asked to borrow a boat GPS the night before leaving, telling him that Stephanos wanted to buy one.

I said, What are you going to do with it? he told investigators. You guys fishing or what are you going to do with it? Besides that, how are you going to hook it up? No mount. No wire. Perry said No, he has some wires there, he really wants to try. And I go, Perry, its not going to work, but if [you] need to satisfy your curiosity, go ahead.

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By Yeganeh Torbati and Mica Rosenberg WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration reversed a decision late on Thursday and said fiances would be considered close family members and therefore allowed to travel to the United States as its revised travel ban took effect. The U.S. State Department concluded "upon further review, fiances would now be included as close family members," said a State Department official who requested anonymity. The Trump administration had previously decided, on the basis of its interpretation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, that grandparents, grandchildren and fiances traveling from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen would be barred from obtaining visas while the ban was in place. The 90-day ban took effect at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT Friday), along with a 120-day ban on all refugees. On Monday, the Supreme Court revived parts of Trump's travel ban on people from the six Muslim-majority countries, narrowing the scope of lower court rulings that had blocked parts of a March 6 executive order and allowing his temporary ban to go into effect for people with no strong ties to the United States. A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security, who also requested anonymity, said it would be updating its guidance to state that fiances would not be barred from obtaining visas while the ban was in place. The Supreme Court exempted from the ban travelers and refugees with a "bona fide relationship" with a person or entity in the United States. As an example, the court said those with a "close familial relationship" with someone in the United States would be covered. The state of Hawaii asked a federal judge in Honolulu on Thursday evening to determine whether the Trump administration had interpreted the court's decision too narrowly. Hawaii said in a court filing that the U.S. government intended to violate the Supreme Court's instructions by improperly excluding from the United States people who actually have a close family relationship to U.S. persons, echoing criticism from immigrant and refugee groups. Hawaii called the refusal to recognize grandparents and other relatives as an acceptable family relationship "a plain violation of the Supreme Court's command." Hawaii's Attorney General Doug Chin asked U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu, who blocked Trump's travel ban in March, to issue an order "as soon as possible" clarifying how the Supreme Court's ruling should be interpreted. Watson ordered the Justice Department to respond to Hawaii's request by Monday, and said he would allow Hawaii to reply by July 6. 'KEEP FIGHTING' A senior U.S. official did not answer directly when asked how barring grandparents or grandchildren would make the United States safer, but instead pointed to Trump's guidance to pause "certain travel while we review our security posture." The U.S. government expected "things to run smoothly" and "business as usual" at U.S. ports of entry, another senior U.S. official told reporters. A handful of immigration lawyers gathered at Dulles International Airport outside Washington on Thursday in case of any problems. "We're going to keep fighting this ban, even if it applies very narrowly," said Sirine Shebaya, a senior staff attorney at Muslim Advocates. "It's still a Muslim ban, and its still trying to send a message to a whole community that they're not welcome here." The administration said refugees who have agreements with resettlement agencies but not close family in the United States would not be exempted from the ban, likely sharply limiting the number of refugees allowed entry in coming months. Hawaii said in its court filing it was "preposterous" not to consider a formal link with a resettlement agency a qualifying relationship. Refugee resettlement agencies had expected that their formal links with would-be refugees would qualify as "bona fide." The administration's decision likely means that few refugees beyond a 50,000-cap set by Trump would be allowed into the country this year. A U.S. official said that, as of Wednesday evening, 49,009 refugees had been allowed into the country this fiscal year. The State Department said refugees scheduled to arrive through July 6 could still enter. Trump first announced a temporary travel ban on Jan. 27, calling it a counterterrorism measure to allow time to develop better security vetting. The order caused chaos at airports, as officials scrambled to enforce it before it was blocked by courts. Opponents argued that the measure discriminated against Muslims and that there was no security rationale for it. A revised version of the ban was also halted by courts. The State Department guidance, distributed to all U.S. diplomatic posts on Wednesday evening and seen by Reuters, fleshed out the Supreme Court's ruling about people who have a "bona fide" relationship with an individual or entity in the United States. It defined a close familial relationship as being a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling, including step-siblings and other step-family relations. A department cable said grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, fiances, "and any other 'extended' family members" were not considered close family. The guidelines also said workers with offers of employment from a company in the United States or a lecturer addressing U.S. audiences would be exempt from the ban, but that arrangements such as a hotel reservation would not be considered bona fide relationships. (Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed, Lawrence Hurley and Susan Heavey in Washington, Gabriella Borter in New York, Fatima Bhojani in Virginia and Dan Levine in San Francisco; writing by Amanda Becker; Editing by Jonathan Oatis, Grant McCool and Paul Tait)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli troops on Wednesday shot and killed a Palestinian gunman who fired at them during a raid to uncover an arms cache in the occupied West Bank town of Hebron, the Israeli military said. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the death of the man but did not immediately release details of his identity. The military released a photo of a makeshift automatic weapon lying on the ground that it said belonged to the gunman. The Israeli military frequently carries out patrols and searches in Palestinian areas looking for suspects and munitions and arrests suspects. A wave of Palestinian street attacks that began in October 2015 has slowed in recent months but has not stopped. At least 254 Palestinians and one Jordanian citizen have been killed since the violence began. Israel says at least 172 of those killed were carrying out attacks while others died during clashes and protests. Thirty-eight Israelis, two American tourists and a British student have been killed in Palestinian stabbings, shootings and car-rammings. Israel blames the violence on incitement by the Palestinian leadership, while the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, says desperation over Israeli occupation of land sought by Palestinians for a state is the cause. U.S.-brokered peace talks between the sides broke down in 2014. Palestinians want to establish an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East War. U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to try to reach a "historic deal" between the sides and his envoys met Israeli and Palestinian leaders last week to try to facilitate the restart of talks but there has been no indication when they might actually resume. (Additional reporting by Ali Sawafta in Ramallah; Writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Jared Leto of Thirty Seconds to Mars at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis, June 13, 2017. (Photo: James Coletta/Getty Images for Interscope)

America means a great deal to me. Ive been the recipient of an enormous amount of reward in this country, and Im acutely aware of that. I was born to a single mother and raised on her hard work and food stamps, and so I have my own particular view of this country and the promise within it.

So says Jared Leto, a man who clearly seems to be living the dream, as one of the few actor/musicians to have genuine credibility and success in both the film and music worlds: He won an Oscar for his stunning portrayal of a transgender woman in 2013s Dallas Buyers Club, and his ambitious alt-rock band with his brother Shannon, Thirty Seconds to Mars, has sold 15 million albums worldwide.

But, as he notes, life was not always easy for Leto  his biological absentee father committed suicide when Leto was 8, and in his 2014 Academy Awards acceptance speech, Leto spoke of his young mothers struggles, saying, In 1971, in Bossier City, La., there was a teenage girl who was pregnant with her second child. She was a high school dropout and a single mom, but somehow she managed to make a better life for herself and her children. She encouraged her kids to be creative, to work hard and do something special. That girl is my mother, and shes here tonight. And I just want to say, I love you, Mom. Thank you for teaching me to dream.

Leto has never stopped dreaming, and these experiences, along with his extensive touring with 30STM as an adult, have shaped his perception of the American dream. And to celebrate the Fourth of July, he is asking his fans to share their own perceptions in a new film, A Day in the Life of America. On July 4, 30STMs camera crews in all 50 states, as well as in D.C. and Puerto Rico, will chronicle the entire day; this footage will be supplemented by curated, fan-shot footage from across the country and even across the globe. Fans can submit their videos by posting content on social using the hashtag #ADayInTheLifeOfAmerica or by visiting www.ThirtySecondstoMars.us.

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What does America mean to you? What does the American dream mean to you? What is the state of the country today? What are you afraid of? What are your hopes and dreams? These are questions Leto is asking of his fan base in a new open letter.

Its an incredible opportunity to document the USA during a very important time in our country. And we need your help, Leto writes. We are asking you to film whats important, impactful, challenging or inspiring to you. It can be a single shot, a person, an entire event, or a compelling story  we want to see your America in all its imperfect glory. When shooting, please try to be as brave, bold and creative as possible.  Thank you for joining us on this incredible and amazing adventure, we cant wait to see America through your eyes.

Yahoo Music caught up with Leto to discuss this project, politics, the state of the nation, and the station of the upcoming fifth 30STM album, due out later this year.

YAHOO MUSIC: What inspired you to do this A Day in the Life of America project?

JARED LETO: Well, I was a kid, I saw a book about a day in the life of America  National Geographic made it. It was 1986. There were photos from all over the country in a single day, and I really just thought that was an incredible idea. And when I was working on this new album of mine, the Thirty Seconds to Mars album, I started to think that there are certain themes and ideas in the album that are pervasive, that made it timely and appropriate to follow this idea that Ive always had, which is making a film about a day in the life of America.

Is the next Thirty Seconds to Mars album going to be a political album?

I wouldnt say that. And this [film project] specifically is apolitical. We want to hear from everybody. We want to know what America is to you. I think its an incredibly important time to tell the story of America, and I think that we want to make it as diverse in every way, culturally and politically, as we can.

When you say this is an important time in America, what do you mean?

I think its an important time in politics. I think its an important time economically. I think its an important time in terms of our environment. I think theres a lot of concern and a lot of thought about who are we, what are we, what is America, whats the American dream, whats in store for us in the future. Thats what I mean by an important time.

Its obviously an interesting time to be an artist. Do you feel a responsibility, as a musical artist, to speak out or to chronicle whats going on in the world?

I dont believe an artist has any obligation to anything. An artist has no rules, no obligation, no mandate. An artist should live as freely and create as freely as possible. An artist should listen to their heart, their gut, their intuition, their intellect, their mind, whatever, and follow their muse. But that being said, there is an opportunity, and if youre so inclined to take a stance or make a statement, regardless of whatever your views are, theres an incredible power in that. Artists and art are a mirror for society and help us understand, help challenge us and provoke us, and help us think about who and what we are.

What are you hoping to see from your fans in the finished film?

Im hoping to be surprised, inspired, provoked. We want to include all of the beauty, the conflict, the unity that I see. Im on tour right now, and, you know, I see a lot of unity at the shows. I see people coming together at our concerts. I was onstage the other night in front of 20,000 people, and there wasnt a disagreement in the entire place. Its fascinating to see how music can bring people together like that. People who may disagree on a variety of topics can put aside all of that and share and celebrate.

So, what does America mean to you?

Well, Im not going to answer every one of [the letters] questions now, because I do want to save it for the film! [laughs] But theres no shortage of conversation when Im asked these questions. Theres a lot on my mind, and I think a lot on all of our minds. I think theres an entire new generation of people that have been activated politically. I think that there are a lot of questions that we all have and answers that we want to share, so thats why Im really excited.

Can you tell me about the next Thirty Seconds to Mars album, and more about how its making inspired you with this film project?

Well, therere some songs in particular, and the album as a whole, that touch on these topics. It seemed to go hand-in-hand with this project and the concept overall. So, I wouldnt have done it if I had made a polka album, or an album that had to do with a particular topic or something. It all came together. It was synergistic.

Will the next album be another concept album of sorts, like the last one, Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams?

I wouldnt call it that. But I do think there are clear themes that are very, very timely.

With Thirty Seconds to Mars, youve done so much touring. How has touring the world with the band shaped your view of America?

It shaped it, actually, in a really impactful way. I dont think you can really understand America until you talk to the rest of the world about America. And Ive done that. Its been interesting, and its something that Ive come back to over the years, as well as this idea of America and American dream. Ive interviewed people abroad, talked to people quite extensively about this for other projects that Ive done. If people are overseas and theyre not in the U.S., they can still participate [in A Day in the Life of America]. They can answer a couple other questions: What does America mean to you? And what does the American dream mean to you, from your perspective? Because I dont think we can really understand who we are unless we get other peoples thoughts and ideas about it as well.

Jared Leto at the 2017 Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Del., June 18, 2017. (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Firefly)

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Superstar Jennifer Lopez has unveiled the dramatic cover art for her latest single - complete with custom couture and shot against the scenic backdrop of the idyllic Florida Keys.

The image reveal via Instagram comes ahead of the single's release  titled "Ni Tu Ni Yo"  which is slated to drop on Tuesday and forms part of the artist's forthcoming Spanish language album.

The single cover shoot, styled by Rob Zangardi and oozing 1960s glamour, features Lopez in Islamorada, Florida framed by a cobalt sea and sky, and draped in a billowing yellow gown  custom-made by Michael Costello with earrings by Rebecca de Ravenel made of tiered orbs in the same vibrant hue (via WWD).

The forthcoming album, which will feature "Ni Tu Ni Yo", takes the star back to her Litin roots and will mark her ninth studio album, and second fully in Spanish, with the music expected to be filled with up-tempos and a mix of genres, including salsa, Caribbean, and reggaeton.










The hosts of late-night responded to President Trumps tweets attacking TV host Mika Brzezinski. On The Late Show, Stephen Colbert began his monologue by saying, Im going to say something I didnt think was possible anymore: Im shocked by something Donald Trump said.

Trump attacked the host of Morning Joe, on Twitter. Here are his tweets.

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

On The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon said, Trump accused Mika Brzezinski of getting plastic surgery. Which is odd, cause thats the only thing covered by his health care plan.

Colbert later said during his monologue, I mean, turning them away from your hotel during the middle of winter is literally the story of Christmas

On Late Night, Seth Meyers was so blown away by the pettiness of the tweets that he introduced a new segment named, I Cant. In it, Meyers simply said, I mean  I just cant.

Several politicians have admonished Trumps tweets including Senator Lindsey Graham. Here is his tweet.

Mr. President, your tweet was beneath the office and represents what is wrong with American politics, not the greatness of America.  Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) June 29, 2017

To that, Stephen Colbert responded, This is not whats wrong with American politics. You dont see Paul Ryan throwing shade at Chuck Schumer for his eye job. This is whats wrong with the American president.

Story continues

Watch: Stephen Colbert Slams Gwyneth Paltrows Goop for Endorsing Expensive Wellness Stickers

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The great news about Denise Richards joining OnlyFans is that shes been cranking out the content to keep her subscribers happy. Shes been teasing some of the super sexy photos on her Instagram account to perhaps entice more of her followers to join her on the other platform. This time around she shows off stunning []
A young man posted a video of himself diving into the water at Oyster Plant Park, Washington and catching a shark with his bare hands on Wednesday.

Read:WATCH: Sharks Surprise Tourists In Shallow Water At Florida Beach

The video showed the man, identified by his Instagram account as Alex Winn, standing on docks and preparing to jump in the water where a small shark was swimming. He was surrounded by a crowd of screaming people. After he entered the water, he grabbed the shark with his bare hands as the people on the docks cheered him on. A dog tried to move closer to Winn, still in the water with the shark. Winn then threw the shark onto the dock, causing the shark to writhe around because sharks are fish that rely on their gills to breathe underwater. Several dogs appeared to try and approach the shark as Winns friends recorded the events.

Gone fishin _ I let it go right after the vid and made sure he swam off __ A post shared by Alex Winn (@alexftwinn) on Jun 28, 2017 at 12:17pm PDT

After Winn grabbed the shark from the docks, the video ended. He captioned the video, I let it go right after the vid and made sure he swam off. Since he posted the video 20 hours ago, it has received over 13,000 views and over 1,000 likes. The type of shark shown in the video is unknown.

Winn received many comments on his video, with Instagram users writing things such as, You are a legend, he could have eaten it but he let it go and Post this on facebook so everyone in the world can share it. Several users commented wondering if Winn let the shark back into the water. One user said, This is only cool if you put it back man, I hate to be that guy.

One of the people present on the dock commented on Winns Instagram, saying, Of course he put it back. We arent savages was out of the water for like 30-45 seconds.

gw shark

Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/GettyImages

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In a 2015 National Geographic article titled How to Rescue a Great White Shark on the Beach, Greg Skomal, shark expert with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, explained that the first step to saving a shark is putting water on its body to resuscitate its gills. In the instance he described, the great white shark, which washed up on Chatham, Massachusetts shores, struggled to breathe for an hour. Sharks are a type of fish, therefore they rely on gills to breathe underwater.

Despite its rarity, scientists follow a pretty standard protocol when dealing with beached sharks, Skomal said as reported by National Geographic.

Read: Shark Near Majorca Beach Panics Beachgoers

It was reported that the amount of time sharks can last out of water varies. Factors such as the species of the shark, the strength of its gills and the weight of the shark contribute to whether or not it can be saved. According to Skomel, the shark would have died if its gills were dry and it was not breathing.

The users who commented on Winns video asking about the sharks health had a valid reason to be worried. If the shark had stayed out of water long enough for its gills to dry it could have died.

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(WEST GOSHEN, Pa.)  A man driving down a Pennsylvania highway shot a recent high school graduate in the head, killing her, as the two tried to merge into a single lane, authorities said.

Bianca Roberson, 18, was shot in West Goshen on Wednesday, the Chester County District Attorneys office said. Her car veered off the road and was later found in a ditch, he said. The shooter fled in a red pickup truck.

Roberson had just graduated from Bayard Rustin High School. She was headed to Jacksonville University in Florida in the fall.

Bianca had her whole life ahead of her, said West Chester Area School District Superintendent Jim Scanlon. What should be a time of great joy and celebration in a young persons life has turned into a horrible tragedy.

We were all excited for her, her father, Rodney Roberson told WCAU-TV. She was excited. We were just happy for her.

District Attorney Thomas Hogan called the shooting road rage and a totally random, senseless act of violence.

Authorities said the driver is man of medium build, 30 to 40 years old with blond or light brown hair. His truck was described as a small, red Chevrolet pickup with faded paint.

Every cop in three states is looking for this red pickup truck, Hogan said.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Goshen police.

To that man who fired that shot, turn yourself in now, Hogan said. Every second you are out there you are only making this worse for yourself and making this worse for this young ladys family.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany) (AFP) - Pentagon chief Jim Mattis accused Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday of making international "mischief" and said America's commitment to NATO remains unwavering.

Speaking to students in Germany to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Marshall Plan to rebuild World War II-ravaged Europe, Mattis said Russia had chosen to challenge the "secure and peaceful" post-war order.

The Russian people's "leader making mischief beyond Russian borders will not restore their fortunes or rekindle their hope," he said, in an apparent reference to the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's alleged meddling in the US electoral process.

Mattis' visit to Germany is his fourth to Europe since becoming US defence secretary in January.

Jittery European partners have looked to him for reassurance about America's international intentions after President Donald Trump on the campaign trail repeatedly questioned long-established alliances.

Matters haven't improved much since Trump entered the White House, with his administration embroiled in a simmering scandal about alleged ties to Russia.

The US president further stoked concerns when he visited NATO and the G7 summit in Europe last month, where he upbraided allies over their levels of military spending.

Any message of reassurance his presence was intended to provide was overshadowed by images of the billionaire tycoon shoving his way to the front of a NATO summit "family photo" shoot in Brussels.

- 'Iron-clad' commitment -

But Mattis stressed that America and Trump should be judged by their actions.

He pointed to continued US support through 2020 for NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence in the alliance's east to counter Russia.

And he said Trump had requested a huge increase for the European Reassurance Initiative, up from $3.4 billion last year to $4.8 billion this year.

"Beyond any words in the newspapers, you can judge America by such actions," Mattis said.

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Speaking at the same event, German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen credited the transatlantic bond for bringing peace and stability to Europe, but also said it was time for the continent to do more to ensure its own security.

"As Europeans, we do want to take on more responsibility, but without ever forgetting where we have come from," she said, noting Europe needed to "pool its resources" as it works towards building a greater defence union.

She also spoke in favour of Germany spending two percent of GDP to meet NATO pledges.

"Being partners, we need to have a fair burden sharing within NATO. That means we Germans need to do more for our security," she said.

Mattis also pointed to Article 5, NATO's mutual defence guarantee, calling US commitment to the measure "iron-clad".

Mattis is a former four-star Marine Corps general who fought with NATO and Western allies in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Marshall Plan was named after General George Marshall, who was chief of staff of the US Army during World War II.

He was secretary of state from 1947 to 1949 and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for his post-war rebuilding efforts.
Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that she was considering how to protect "strategic" EU industries from Chinese investment, drawing closer to the position of French President Emmanuel Macron.

"Europe must work hard to defend its influence and above all to speak with one voice to China," Merkel told business weekly WirtschaftsWoche.

"Seen from Beijing, Europe is more like an Asian peninsula. Obviously, we see things differently," she added.

While the Chinese and European economies were increasingly intertwined, Merkel said, there remain points of contention about strategic industries and government procurement.

Citing the example of recent German investment in microchip manufacturing, Merkel argued that "if countries like China then want to buy up what has been built with large subsidies, we have to react," possibly by defining some industrial branches as having strategic significance for Europe.

Equally, "we are willing to allow the Chinese to take part [in bids for government contracts] in Europe, but then we want access in the other direction to their procurement," she said.

"We have to deal with China's claims and demands in such a way that there is a harmonious development to everyone's advantage."

At an EU summit last week, leaders failed to agree on handing more power to Brussels to control foreign investments in strategic European industries, despite a charm offensive by the recently-elected French leader.

But Merkel, who has closed ranks with Macron in a bid to revive the traditional Franco-German "motor" of the EU following Britain's decision to quit the bloc, noted that heads of government would soon discuss the idea again.

The chancellor welcomes leaders of industrialised and emerging economies to the northern port city Hamburg next week for a G20 summit.

She has been straining to unite European neighbours around free-trade and climate-friendly policies as a counterweight to United States President Donald Trump.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sought to champion both topics since Trump took office, aiming to align more closely with Europe.

But Merkel's comments Thursday suggest there could be more frost than expected ahead of the G20 next week, when Xi joins the chancellor to unveil two pandas loaned by Beijing to Berlin zoo in a sign of friendly ties.
Berlin (AFP) - European leaders vowed Thursday to defend the landmark Paris climate pact at a G20 summit next week, setting them on collision course with US President Donald Trump at what is expected to be a stormy meeting.

Leaders of Germany, France, Italy and other EU economies acknowledged their long standing ties with Washington but said they would not give in on "existential" threats like global warming.

They also stressed the importance of keeping markets open, warning that the protectionism and isolationism symbolised by Trump's "America First" stance won't solve global problems.

On the biggest challenges, Europe was now "a reference point," said EU Council President Donald Tusk after the G20 preparatory meeting hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The EU stood for a rules-based international system, he said, vowing that "we speak with one voice" at the G20 summit.

Merkel, who will host the July 7-8 summit in her birth city of Hamburg, said she "knew that we could not expect discussions to be easy" after Trump announced in early June that the US would withdraw from the Paris deal.

"The differences are obvious and it would be dishonest to try to cover that up. That I won't do," she said.

Trump's exit from the 2015 Paris pact had made Europe "more determined than ever" to make the accord a success, she stressed.

The German leader won strong support from her European allies, with France's President Emmanuel Macron saying: "On climate, we reaffirm clearly our very strong engagement for the Paris accord and our willingness to go forward."

"And for me personally, I hope that the others can be brought back to their senses," he added.

- Don't isolate anyone -

Also on the G20 guest list are Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Arabia's King Salman -- meaning other minefield issues include the Syrian war, Ukraine conflict and the diplomatic shut-out of Qatar.

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Germany Thursday said it had turned down Erdogan's request to make a speech to ethnic Turks on the sidelines of the G20, sparking criticism from Ankara and threatening another headache for the host country.

China's President Xi Jinping and Merkel will next Wednesday unveil a pair of pandas lent as a goodwill gesture to Berlin's zoo -- but Merkel also pointed to tensions with the Asian export giant.

Even though Beijing has emerged as an ally to Europe in preaching free markets and climate protection, Merkel warned against unfettered Chinese economic expansionism.

"Europe must work hard to defend its influence and, above all, to speak with one voice to China," Merkel told business weekly WirtschaftsWoche.

"Seen from Beijing, Europe is more like an Asian peninsula. Obviously, we see things differently."

Underlining Merkel's scepticism of China's intentions on free trade, Macron said that "Europe, I believe, is the only hope in really defending the vision of a just free trade, multilateralism, that is both against protectionism and all forms of dumping or the non-respect of international trade rules".

While also taking aim at Trump over his trade policy, Macron stressed that the EU was not seeking to isolate any G20 member.

"It's pointless to isolate a country," he said. "Mr Trump expressed himself very clearly and we reacted rapidly that we do not share his vision."

But he said the EU hopes to get the US to take a longer-term view on the climate issue.

"It's very important to voice disagreement sometimes, and to not cede when defending the right position such as in the case of the climate. But at the same time, we should not drop discussions which are ... indispensable for global balance."




It is unbelievably alarming that this president is so easily played by a cable news host, said Mika Brzezinski on Fridays Morning Joe, the morning after Donald Trumps offensive, weird tweets about MSNBC hosts Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough. The tweets  which included references to low I.Q. crazy Mika and Psycho Joe  had dominated the news cycle on Thursday at a time when the president was in the midst of trying to pass a health care bill and meeting with the leader of South Korea. Speaking about Trump, Brzezinski said, He appears to have a fragile, impetuous, childlike ego. Said Scarborough: We have friends in the White House, and theyre getting more concerned about the presidents mental state. (The co-hosts wrote a piece for Fridays Washington Post with the headline, Donald Trump Is Not Well.)

On Thursdays Late Show, Stephen Colbert said, Lets stop pretending Trump is a symptom of something: Hes the disease. When he showed Melania Trumps tweet saying that her husband, when attacked, will punch back 10 times harder, Colbert said, As the first lady says, When they go low, we go 10 times lower.

I never have much use for Morning Joe, easily the most lightweight and squawky of MSNBCs squawk shows, and it was a bit of a challenge sitting through the self-righteousness of Brzezinski and Scarborough plus a panel including Willie Geist, Katty Kay, and Donny Deutsch, who looked at the camera and said, Donald, if youre watching, Ill meet ya in the schoolyard. Big talk from a man who needs to wear extra-big horn-rims to play a smart guy on TV.

Were OK, said Brzezinski, assuring their fans, [but] the president is not. You could reasonably say that the newly engaged co-hosts are playing this controversy for their own ratings and career gain. But no matter how cynical you are about them, you have to admit that the person in the White House who inspired their spasm of self-righteousness ought to be above this kind of insult-trading.

Morning Joe airs weekdays at 6 a.m. on MSNBC.

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The North Carolina Starbucks supervisor who mysteriously disappeared during a work break has been seen on video stopping at a gas station shortly after walking off the job.

It was an encouraging sign in the search for 24-year-old Allison Cope, who has not been heard from since Monday, when she walked off the job at the coffee bar located within Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Read: Starbucks Worker Mysteriously Vanishes While Taking a Break

In surveillance video from the Wake Forest Shell gas station about 25 miles away from the airport, Cope is still wearing her Starbucks shirt as she casually parks at a pump and walks inside the shop.

RDU police said in a statement that Cope does not appear to be in trouble or under any distress. In addition, theres no evidence that a crime has been committed.

Cope showed up at the gas station at about 4:15 p.m., about an hour after punching out for her break, taking her debit car and car keys as she left. She left her bag and cell phone behind.

Read: Cop Who Lost Starbucks Lawsuit: 'I Thought the Facts Would Speak for Themselves'

Cope is about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and has blonde hair and blue eyes. She is driving a 2014 Ford Fusion with license plate number EHA 2771.

RDU police are working in conjunction with the Raleigh Police Department and the FBI.

Anyone with information on Copes whereabouts is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency or Raleigh-Durham Airport police at 919-840-7510.

Watch: Starbucks Barista Flips Out Over Creating Hyped-Up Unicorn Frappuccinos

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Donald Trump took to Twitter Thursday morning to blast Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, calling the duo "Psycho Joe" and "Low I.Q. Crazy Mika."

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

Trump also claimed that Brzezinski and Scarborough insisted on visiting Mar-a-Lago, his resort in Palm Beach, Fla., around New Years Eve and claimed she was bleeding badly from a facelift.

Read: Trump Goes Off on 'Morning Joe' Hosts Joe Scarborough and 'Girlfriend' Mika Brzezinski: '2 Clowns!'

"Its a sad day for America when the president spends his time bullying, lying and spewing petty personal attacks instead of doing his job," MSNBC said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

Shortly after the presidents tweets, Brzezinski evoked the long-running joke about the size of Trumps hands, posting a photo of a Cheerios box that says Made For Little Hands.

Trump and the Morning Joe hosts, who are reportedly engaged, have had a long running love/hate relationship.

On the campaign trail last year, Trump called the hosts "two clowns" after they criticized his speech at the Republican National Convention.

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Earlier this week, Scarborough defended CNN, which was subjected to a firestorm by Trump and right-leaning pundits over a botched story about Trumps ties to Russia.

@CNN has more integrity on its worst day than Donald Trump has on his best, Scarborough tweeted Tuesday.

@CNN has more integrity on its worst day than Donald Trump has on his best. #RealNews https://t.co/1Dmb3wwXmq  Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) June 27, 2017

Since Trumps tweets, Scarborough has retweeted colleagues and friends defending him and Brzezinski, including CNNs Jake Tapper and NBCs Michael Beschloss and Mark Kornblau.

This reminds me: how is @FLOTUS's campaign against cyber-bullying going? https://t.co/X4xmyreGLH  Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 29, 2017

George Washington wrote John Adams in 1789 that a President of the United States must "maintain the dignity of Office."  Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) June 29, 2017

Never imagined a day when I would think to myself, "it is beneath my dignity to respond to the President of the United States."  Mark Kornblau (@MarkKornblau) June 29, 2017

Watch: President Trump Called Out for Singling Out Irish Reporter in Oval Office: 'Just Creepy'

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North Korea threatened on Wednesday to impose the death penalty on the South's former president Park Geun-Hye over an alleged plot to assassinate its leader Kim Jong-Un.

Park had "pushed forward" a supposed plan by Seoul's intelligence services to eliminate the North's leadership, Pyongyang's security ministries and prosecutors said in a joint statement carried by its official Korean Central News Agency.

"We declare at home and abroad that we will impose death penalty on traitor Park Geun Hye," it said.

The former director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) Lee Byung-Ho would meet a similar fate, it added, along with "their groups".

They "can never make any appeal even though they meet miserable dog's death any time, at any place and by whatever methods from this moment".

The declaration comes after the killing of Kim's estranged half-brother Kim Jong-Nam by two women using the banned nerve agent VX at Kuala Lumpur international airport in February.

Both Malaysia and South Korea have blamed the North for the assassination, which retorts that the accusations are an attempt to smear it.

Last month Pyongyang's powerful ministry of state security said it had foiled a plot by the US and South Korean spy agencies to kill Kim using a biochemical weapon.

The lurid accusations came amid continuing high tensions over the North's nuclear and missile programmes and with Washington considering whether to re-designate Pyongyang as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Park is currently in custody and on trial in Seoul on charges of bribery and abuse of power related to the sprawling corruption scandal that saw her impeached.

Wednesday's statement from Pyongyang demanded that Seoul hand her over along with the other accused "without delay" as "organisers of the hideous international terrorist crimes".

The demand came with Park's successor, new South Korean President Moon Jae-In  who backs engagement with the North - on his way to Washington for a summit meeting with Donald Trump.

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In a statement, the South's National Intelligence Service said: "As we have repeatedly clarified, the North's allegations are groundless."

It added: "It is intolerable that the North openly threatens the lives of our people."

- 'Dirty bodies' -

When Pyongyang announced in May it had uncovered the alleged plot it said the CIA and NIS had suborned, bribed and blackmailed a North Korean citizen which it identified only as Kim to carry out the attack.

Possible locations included the mausoleum where Kim Jong-Un's father and grandfather -- the North's founder -- lie in state, or a military parade.

"The villains even thought about disguising the operation as car or train accident," it added Wednesday.

Any such operation would be extremely difficult to prepare and carry out successfully. The North's leader is surrounded by tight security at all times, and Pyongyang maintains a gigantic surveillance system over its own population that is ingrained at every level of society, where open dissent is unknown.

In May, analysts said the accusations could be a pre-emptive attempt to try to dissuade Washington from any attempt at a surgical strike on its leadership, as suggested by some commentators.

Leader Kim was "a symbol of the dignity and might of the DPRK and it represents the life and destiny of the army and people of the DPRK", Wednesday's statement said, using the acronym for North's official name.

Its army and people were determined to "ferret out" those who would harm the supreme leadership "wherever they might be on the earth", it added, "and mercilessly cut their dirty bodies to pieces".

Experts had warned Park that regime change will be difficult in the North, it claimed, but she had examined and directly signed the alleged NIS "secret operational plan".

The United Nations and rights groups accuse the North of widespread abuses, including an absence of fair trials.

Pyongyang has a history of overseas killings. As well as the Kim Jong-Nam murder, 21 people including four South Korean government ministers were killed in a bombing in the Myanmar capital Yangon in 1983 targeting Seoul's then president Chun Doo-Hwan.

North Korean commandos also infiltrated Seoul in January 1968 in a failed attempt to assassinate its then leader Park Chung-Hee. Bullet holes are still visible on a tree above the presidential Blue House.
Caracas (AFP) - An elite cop-turned-film star became the man of the hour Wednesday in the disaster movie that is Venezuela's political crisis.

With his tan and muscles, 36-year-old Oscar Perez may seem to have more in common with action fantasy idols like Vin Diesel than with your average Venezuelan cop.

Now Venezuela is wondering whether his alleged "coup" attempt in a stolen helicopter in the skies over Caracas on Tuesday night was scripted or real.

- Action man -

In a country enduring deadly political violence, Perez has cast himself as a real-life action man in interviews and photographs on his Instagram account, which show him doing shooting stunts.

"I am a helicopter pilot, combat diver and free-fall parachutist," he was quoted as saying by the newspaper Panorama.

That was in an interview ahead of the release of "Suspended Death," a film in which he appeared.

"I am also a father, friend and actor... I am a man who goes out into the street without knowing whether he will come back home again, because death is part of evolution."

- Branded 'terrorist' -

Perez is accused by the government of leading a band of renegade policemen who dropped grenades on the Supreme Court and fired bullets at the interior ministry.

President Nicolas Maduro called it a "terrorist" act and part of an attempted coup, after months of opposition efforts to remove him from office. He accused Perez of working for the CIA.

Foreign Minister Samuel Moncada called Perez a "psychopath." Vice-president Tareck El-Aissami called him a "deserter, fanatic and traitor to the homeland."

Perez himself appeared in a video released online admitting he was part of an aerial "deployment."

Reading from a written statement with an intense frown, he called for Maduro to quit power so elections could be held.

He introduced his band as "warriors of God" and called on Venezuelans to turn against Maduro.

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"We are a coalition of military, police and civilian public servants... opposed to this transitional, criminal government," said Perez, flanked by four masked figures in black, two of them holding rifles.

Perez's whereabouts were unknown on Wednesday. The government found the helicopter and said it was hunting for him.

- 'Suspended Death' -

The 2015 movie was based on the real-life story of a kidnapping of a Portuguese businessman in Caracas in 2012.

Perez co-produced the film and played one of the police detectives in the case.

He said in interviews that he had been inspired to do the film in order to discourage children from getting into crime.

"Once the show is over, I want you to reflect for a moment," he said in a promotional appearance for the film, aimed at young people.

"The message that television sends, that the gangsters triumph, is not true."

Before acting, he was an inspector in the airborne division of Venezuela's criminal investigation department.

He has also been a police dog trainer.

- Scripted 'coup' -

Pressure on the socialist president has peaked over the past three months as opponents have staged daily street marches against him. Unrest has left 77 people dead, according to prosecutors.

Maduro has for months been accusing the center-right opposition and the United States of plotting a coup against him.

The spectacle of Tuesday's helicopter incident and Perez's video and film background have raised suspicions among Maduro's critics.

For some, whether true or not, the larger-than-life incident was just another sign that Venezuela's crisis has gone too far.

"Some people say it is a hoax, some say it is real," opposition legislative speaker Julio Borges told reporters.

"Whatever it is, it is very serious. It all points to one conclusion: that the situation in Venezuela is unsustainable."
Vatican City (AFP) - Australia's move to bring sexual assault charges against Cardinal George Pell is the latest chapter in a damaging saga of abuse that the Catholic church has struggled to draw a line under.

Pell has been ordered to appear on July 18 before a Melbourne judge to answer unspecified multiple counts arising from his country's extensive inquiry into decades of abuse in institutions dealing with children.

The 76-year-old is the most senior cleric yet to be directly implicated in a multi-faceted scandal that has plagued the Church for decades but has never before come so close to its highest ranks.

As head of a powerful economic department, Pell is one of Pope Francis's closest advisors, his point-man on cleaning up Vatican finances and the number three in the Holy See's hierarchy.

As such he is a much higher-profile figure than Keith O'Brien, the former archbishop of Edinburgh who renounced his rights as a cardinal in 2015 after admitting misconduct in relation to alleged drunken sexual assaults on young priests.

Pell has admitted errors in managing abuse by priests under his authority but denies any personal wrongdoing and Francis has offered him strong support.

But regardless of its outcome, the impending court case seems likely to further tarnish the image of a global institution long accused of complacency over a cancer in its midst.

Francis came to office promising a zero tolerance approach and an end to the kind of cover-ups portrayed in "Spotlight", the Oscar-winning 2015 drama about how the Boston Globe uncovered widescale, unpunished abuse in the local diocese in the early noughties.

- Shameful blocking of reforms -

Critics say Francis's record has been patchy at best with his handling of some high-profile cases under scrutiny and attempts at institutional reform stalled by internal resistance.

Francis won praise in 2014 when he established an advisory panel on combating abuse that included two former victims.

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But Ireland's Marie Collins and Britain's Peter Saunders have both since quit the commission.

Collins left in March, accusing Vatican officials of "shameful" blocking of reforms, months after Saunders said he felt betrayed by Francis and was sidelined.

The final straw for Collins came when officials in the Vatican Curia refused to guarantee that all letters from victims/survivors would receive a response, or cooperate with the commission on developing safeguarding guidelines.

Other panel members responded that reformers had to be patient, describing change as a "long-term education job."

The Vatican has since pledged to ensure complaints are responded to in the way Collins had demanded and Vatican watcher Iacopo Scaramuzzi says two senior officials have been sidelined for obstructionism.

"It is not true to say the pope is doing nothing. But there is a lot to do and it is an issue the Church has still to resolve," he told AFP.

In 2016, Francis issued a decree intended to allow bishops to be removed from office if they failed to deal correctly with abuse cases. But the order was never passed down after being deemed surplus to requirements by the department in charge of implementing it.

- Crime and sin -

In the case of O'Brien, Francis was criticised for allowing him to keep his title of cardinal and failing to publish details of an internal Church investigation.

Similar issues arose in the case of Mauro Inzoli, an Italian priest convicted in 2012 of sexually abusing minors.

Inzoli was finally defrocked only last month after Francis had initially reversed his predecessor Benedict's order to expel him from the priesthood.

Italian prosecutors had been severely critical of the Vatican's refusal to hand over details of the Church's own investigation of the priest.

And abuse survivors say Francis's desire to display mercy to the likes of Inzoli betrays a dangerous ambivalence about the nature of his actions.

"The pope needs to remember there is a difference between crime and sin," said Joelle Casteix of the US survivor network SNAP.

Scaramuzzi said Francis had missed a trick by not writing an obligation to hand over abusers to civilian authorities into canon law, the Church's internal set of rules.

Despite the criticism, some say Francis has made a decent fist of addressing an issue most societies have struggled to deal with.

In Ireland, one of the countries where the clerical abuse scandal has had the most profound impact, then-premier Enda Kenny said in March that Francis deserved praise for his efforts.

In 2011, Kenny had accused the Vatican of "dysfunction, disconnection and elitism" on the issue.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi leaving her weekly press conference at the Capitol on June 22. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Theres nothing quite so thankless as being the nominal leader of a leaderless party, especially if that party is bereft of power and doesnt have much to offer by way of an agenda, except for maybe keeping the other party from destroying the country.

When the majority party fails, your supporters say its only because the president is an evil buffoon and everyone has figured it out. When the majority succeeds, they say its your fault, because obviously you failed to make clear to people what an evil buffoon the president really is.

So it goes for Nancy Pelosi, whos come under withering criticism (again) since Democrats got clobbered in two more special elections for Congress last week. Facing calls for her resignation, the longtime House leader acknowledged that shes something of an easy target for Republican ad makers who want to portray the party as a bunch of coastal elites.

And yet, she wryly told reporters at the Capitol, I think Im worth the trouble.

To be clear, Pelosi had almost nothing to do with the Democrats recent losses, all of which came in conservative districts the party had no business winning, anyway. But that quote said a lot about the way she and her aging contemporaries think about themselves.

Pelosi should leave the stage not because shes controversial, but because what Democrats desperately need, more than any new branding strategy or slogan, is a turnover in talent. Which is why the rest of the partys oldster luminaries should follow her to the exit, too.

Heres a question for all you trivia buffs to ponder. Who do you think was the last nonincumbent Democrat over 55 to win the White House? Im not talking about Harry Truman or Lyndon Johnson, both of whom inherited the job, but someone running against a sitting president or at the end of an eight-year term.

Heres a hint: You werent alive, and neither were your parents.

The answer is Woodrow Wilson, who ran so long ago that you could still be both a progressive and a white supremacist and not have everyone find that completely bizarre.

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Why is that? Its not because there werent any older candidates to vote for, or because America was somehow ageist. From Wilsons time to today, the country elected no fewer than five new Republican presidents who were at least that old. In fact, before George W. Bush, the last nonincumbent Republican under 55 to win the White House was Herbert Hoover.

No, its because Democrats win when they embody modernization. Liberalism triumphs only when it represents a reforming of government, rather than the mere preservation of it. Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama  all of them, in one way or another, offered a stark departure from the orthodoxies of the past.

Americans dont need Democrats to stand up for nostalgia and restoration. They already have Republicans for that.

Of course, all the Democratic presidents I mentioned had assists from older, long-serving leaders in Congress. Having a 77-year-old House leader doesnt necessarily doom a party to irrelevance.

Except that never in its history has the Democratic Party been so thoroughly dominated by the loud voices of its oldest generation. If Republican candidates werent so gleefully featuring Pelosi in their ads, theyd be going after Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren or Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton, none of whom seems remotely interested in yielding the floor.

(Really the only younger Democrat you could fairly call a national spokesperson for the party is its 55-year-old chairman, Tom Perez, whose big idea this week was to form a human chain around the Capitol. Or maybe Im just remembering an episode of The Simpsons. I cant be sure.)

Anyway, its not just that all these iconic Democrats are older; its that their vision for the party  with the possible exception of Biden, whos pro-trade and pro-growth  is relentlessly backward-looking. Theyre for government-run health care, expanding Social Security benefits (even for the wealthy) and free college for everyone. Theyd pay for all of it with tax increases that magically cover the cost.

Basically, they want everything the 60s generation always wanted, without any acknowledgment of what public money has failed to achieve, or of how technology might transform the institutions of government.

They persist in using the same tired language from the same consultants  working families, playing by the rules, fighting for you  that has already numbed most Americans to the point of tuning out political rhetoric altogether.

In any publicly held business where the leaders were this old and grounded in the past, the CEO would probably be judged, in part, on how well he or she had planned for succession. But theres no succession plan among the Democratic Partys septuagenarian elite. Theyre determined to replay the 60s on an endless loop, for as long as they can. Theyre worth the trouble.

Even if Pelosi were to step aside, her most likely successor would be Steny Hoyer, who might have made for an excellent party leader at one time, but who is himself 78. Behind him comes James Clyburn, who is one of my all-time favorite politicians to interview, but who is about to turn 77.

Theres no chance for a younger talent like Ohios Tim Ryan, who has already challenged Pelosi and failed, and who is almost certain to run for governor instead of hanging around. Theres likely not much future in leadership for a guy like Adam Schiff, the California congressman whom millions of Americans now know as the partys chief investigator of President Trump in the House.

Theres no clear path to national office for a younger senator like Kirsten Gillibrand or Michael Bennet, or even a celebrity like Cory Booker, continually eclipsed by their higher-decibel, nostalgia-peddling elders.

Certainly how old you are isnt as important here as your mindset. There are Democrats approaching retirement age  Virginia Sen. Mark Warner and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper come to mind  who are nonetheless modernists by outlook and could infuse the party with a sense of newness and evolution.

And certainly you can lay some of the blame for the current stasis on younger Democrats, some of whom are good enough orators to excite the partys base, but who have thus far failed spectacularly to offer any reformist agenda to match the moment. If you dont have a competitive governing vision, you dont have much to complain about.

But the bottom line is that Democrats squander their historical advantage by rallying around elders who would build a better time machine than their Republican rivals. Liberalism doesnt need its own version of Make America Great Again; it needs a vision to make America new again.

A party that revolves around Pelosi and Sanders and Warren  not to mention the lingering Clintons and their entire campaign apparatus  is a party that could actually manage to deliver America, for a second time, into the clutches of Trumpism.

Trust me: No ones worth that kind of trouble.
Oh hey, would you look at that? Pete Souza is trolling the president again!

This time, the Insta-shade came in the form of two photos of former president Barack Obama speaking to a group of women in the oval office.

SEE ALSO: Pete Souza shares adorable, perfectly-timed photo of the Obamas

The caption on the first photo is simple, but a major jab at Donald Trump for his latest Twitter spectacle. It reads, "Respect for women."

Respect for women. A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on Jun 29, 2017 at 9:53am PDT

Some people might say the photo isn't so respectful, because it looks like Obama's lecturing the women in the room, but it still got significant love online.

Souza posted more photos later in the day.

Respect for women, 2. A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on Jun 29, 2017 at 12:10pm PDT

Respect for women, 3. (President Obama greets US troops after secret all-night flight to Afghanistan in 2010). A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on Jun 29, 2017 at 1:28pm PDT

Respect for women, 4. (Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco updates President Obama on the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013). A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on Jun 29, 2017 at 3:11pm PDT

Trump found himself in a bit of a predicament Thursday morning, after tweeting about MSNBC "Morning Joe" co-host Mike Brzezinski. Hint: it was totally uncool, hence the Souza trashing.

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

Of course, Mika hit back at Trump not too long after.

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And lots of people on social media, including politicians on both sides of the aisle, expressed how unhappy they were with Trump's tweet.

MSNBC responded to Trump soon after, too.

"It's a sad day for America when the president spends his time bullying, lying and spewing petty personal attacks instead of doing his job," the statement reads.

Souza is known for trolling Trump through photos of the Obama administration on his Instagram account. It's just one of those things that never gets old.

Updated June 29 4:12 pm PT with more Souza posts.
By Tommy Wilkes and Roli Srivastava NEW DELHI/MUMBAI (Reuters) - Protests were held in cities across India on Wednesday against a wave of attacks on Muslims by mobs that accuse them of killing cows or eating beef. The protests follow the stabbing to death last week of a 16-year-old boy accused of possessing beef on a train. Several people have been arrested. On Tuesday, a man was beaten and his house set on fire by a mob that accused him of slaughtering a cow in eastern Jharkhand state. Waving "Not in My Name" banners and "Stop Cow Terrorism" placards, actors, writers and young mothers cradling babies braved monsoon rains in Mumbai, Kolkata and other cities, while in Delhi a cast of intellectuals and activists were joined by relatives of recent lynching victims. "I feel afraid. I don't even know if I will be able to reach home safely," Bashruddin Khandawali, a 24-year-old cousin of Junaid Khan, who was killed last week on the train, told Reuters next to a huge "Lynch Map of India" banner. Critics accuse right-wing Hindu groups, some linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, of fomenting or not doing enough to stop violence against Muslims and lower-caste Hindus who eat beef or work in the meat and leather industries. Modi denies the accusation and has publicly criticized so-called cow vigilantes. Many Hindus worship the cow as sacred to their religion. Almost all of the 63 attacks since 2010 involving cow-related violence were recorded after Modi and his Hindu nationalist government came to power in 2014, IndiaSpend, a data journalism website, said in a report. Twenty-eight Indians - 24 of them Muslims - have been killed and 124 injured since 2010 in cow-related violence, IndiaSpend said. Modi's information minister, Venkaiah Naidu, called the killing of Khan "atrocious" and said local authorities must take action. Pratap Bhanu Mehta, a leading commentator, this week described the lynchings as "a protracted riot in slow motion". "What makes this violence chilling ... is that it is acquiring an atmosphere of a religious communion about it," he wrote in the Indian Express. Anjali Arondekar, a professor visiting from California, said she had attended the Mumbai protest because "nobody seems to care any more that a young Muslim man is being killed." India's history is pockmarked by Hindu-Muslim communal clashes, although the vast majority of people live peacefully together. Community leaders called on Modi to do more to protect the 14 percent of India's 1.3 billion people who are Muslim. "I fear that if this goes on, there will be a counter-reaction that would be dangerous for peace and tranquillity," said Navaid Hamid, president of the All India Muslim Majlise-Mushawarat. (Additional reporting by Nita Bhalla in NEW DELHI, Jatindra Dash in BHUBANESHWAR and Subrata Nagchoudhury in KOLKATA; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
Qatar, currently isolated by a host of other Persian Gulf states, will pursue legal action as a way out of the diplomatic stalemate, Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said in Washington on Thursday.

He was responding to a question from Foreign Policy about just how Qatar will respond to Saudi assertions this week that Qatar will remain isolated unless it gives in to a list of tough demands presented by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar is not isolated, Al-Thani said. Qatar is part of the international community. What they are imposing is a blockade. Its not an isolation. Pointing to what Doha maintains is an illegal blockade, al-Thani said he wants the law implemented against the countries blacklisting Qatar since early June.

Al-Thani did not specify what sort of legal action in particular Qatar will pursue. The Qatari Embassy in Washington, D.C. clarified that they are still discussing with lawyers which avenue they should pursue. Hours before, Qatars National Human Rights Commission said it would hire a Swiss law firm to seek compensation for those impacted by the severing of diplomatic ties, saying Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain would be responsible for providing the compensation.

Arab states that cut diplomatic ties with Qatar maintain that it is not a blockade because only Qatari airlines are prevented from using their airspace or territorial waters. But Qataris counter that they can only access air and sea travel through Iran  with whom, in a twist, the other Arab states demand Qatar downgrade relations.

A U.S. State Department official did not comment on the foreign ministers statement, offering that they are not going to get ahead of current diplomatic discussions.

More than three weeks after the crisis began, both sides appeared deadlocked, and the United States has been unable to break up the logjam. The Gulf states list of demands for Qatar are hard for Doha to meet  the list includes closing Al Jazeera, opening Qatar up to audit, and ditching close ties with Iran.

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The Gulf states, led by Saudi Arabia, say the demands are non-negotiable. Qatar says it wants to talk, not give in out of the gate.

We believe Qatar has lots of allies and lots of friends, which keep it away from isolation, al-Thani said. Doha will try to finesse its way out, rather than give in to what it calls an ultimatum that sets a precedent in the region, and maybe in the world.

Update, June 29, 2017, 4:57 pm ET: This post was updated to include comment from the Embassy of Qatar in Washington, D.C. and State Department comment.

FPs Robbie Gramer contributed to this post.

Photo credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images




An ambulance responding to a call in Point Pleasant, W.Va. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va.  A few months ago, Dylan Handley and another paramedic were responding to a medical alert here in rural Mason County when he noticed one of the back tires of their ambulance had gone flat. When the call turned out to be a false alarm, they pulled the vehicle over and were getting ready to change the tire when a man drove up and offered to help.

One of his employees was a mechanic and could change the tire quickly, the man said. And as promised, the mechanic was soon on the scene, lifting up the ambulance with a forklift and removing the tire so quickly that, as Handley recalled, It was like watching a NASCAR pit stop.

After expressing deep gratitude, Handley and his colleague were soon back on their way, but within minutes, a 911 call came from the other side of the county  a call they likely would have missed had they been stuck fixing the flat on their own. When they arrived, they found a situation that has become all too familiar here in recent years: A young girl, her breath so faint that her skin had turned blue, passed out from an apparent drug overdose.

Mason County is the epicenter of an opioid epidemic that has overtaken much of West Virginia. So Handley did what he and his team at the Mason County EMS now do two or three times a day, on average. He administered oxygen and gave her a shot of Narcan, an opioid blocker. Within minutes, the girl was awake and talking, apologizing profusely for what she had done. She insisted she had been clean for months, but had slipped up  an line EMTs hear a lot in Mason County. As she gave Handley her drivers license so he could fill out paperwork, she thanked the paramedics profusely for saving her life. But like many overdose patients here, she declined to be taken to the hospital. She felt fine and didnt want anybody else to know what had happened. She insisted she would be OK with no further treatment.

When he looked at the last name on the license, Handley suddenly froze. Who is your dad? he asked the girl. When she told him, he couldnt believe it. Her father was the mechanic who had just fixed their flat tire. I know she would have died had he not helped us fix that tire, Handley recalled. I told her that she didnt have to thank us but that shed better get on her knees and thank God and then go home and thank her dad, because if it hadnt been for him, we would have still been stuck there on the side of the road, and we wouldnt have gotten to her in time.

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Roadside crosses in Mason County, W.Va., a region that has been hard hit by the opioid epidemic (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

When people ask Handley what its like being a paramedic in a county awash in opioids, where drug overdoses have become more prevalent than murders, car crashes and even heart attacks, he tells that story  a tale so unbelievable, he admits he probably wouldnt believe it had he not been there to see it for himself.

But for Handley, who heads up the Mason County EMS and has worked as a medic in the region for 20 years, the story encapsulates everything about the drug epidemic that has overwhelmed his hometown: How it has touched everything and everybody in this small county of roughly 27,000 people and how he and his team, as first responders, are on the frontlines every day, racing to keep people alive against a scourge that seems to have no end.

People have this idea of what they think someone who abuses drugs is, that its some deadbeat. But every day we are treating people we know, people you see in church or that you went to high school with or are honor students from good families, he said. Youd look at them and never know. But nobody has been spared.  And the worst part is that you see them again and again. They get caught up in the grips of this thing, and it consumes them. They cant get out.

In the past 12 months, Handley and his team have responded to more than 150 calls related to drug overdoses  roughly double the number of calls reported between June 2015 to June 2016, the agencys reporting year. According to the West Virginia Health Statistics Center, which monitors the states vital records, 13 people died in Mason County from drug overdoses in the calendar year 2016. That was more than double the six fatalities reported in 2015 and one of the highest per capita drug death rates in the state of West Virginia, which reported 879 overdose deaths overall  one of the highest totals in the nation.

If there is an upside to what has happened to Mason County, and Handley is always desperately looking for one, its that more people havent died. But many here wonder how much longer than can last. As the crisis grows, the opioid war has taken a major financial toll on rural health care providers, including the local hospital and the Mason County EMS, which receives little public funding and has been barely making ends meet. It pays the bills largely through patient insurance  which in this mostly poor, rural area is Medicaid, a program that could see massive cuts under the health care bill championed by Senate Republicans anxious to deliver on their campaign promise of repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Dylan Handley, head of the Mason County (W.Va.) EMS. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

Already on the financial brink because of reimbursement cuts, the Mason County EMS is also bracing for potential disaster on another front. In September, a state grant that has been reimbursing the service for its use of Narcan, the opioid-countering drug credited with saving scores of lives here, is set to expire with no prospect of renewal. Just $12 a vial two years ago, Narcan has quadrupled in price to nearly $50 a shot amid high demand. Price gouging, Handley called it. And with some addicts now switching from opioids to heroin laced with synthetic drugs, which is cheaper than prescription drugs and dangerously stronger, some overdose victims in Mason County are now requiring as many as five shots of Narcan to be revived. While Mason County hasnt run out of the anti-overdose drug yet, other parts of the state have. Thats led to complaints that addicts are abusing the drug as a get out of jail free card, as one local official here put it, continuing to use and assuming someone will always be there to Narcan them out of harms way.

Between the Senate health care bill and the end of the Narcan grant, Handley frets about a looming disaster for the Mason County EMS, one of the few rural ambulance services left in the region. In West Virginia, more than 40 ambulance services across the states 55 counties have shut down in recent years because of financial troubles, and Handley believes Mason County could be next. If there are more Medicaid cuts, and no other help, this would be catastrophic for us, he said last week. I dont know if we could survive. We are talking about a potential situation where people would call 911, and there would be no one to help, whether its an overdose or a heart attack or a car accident or a broken hip. There would be no one. Can you imagine?

Its hard to ignore the politics at play. Mason County was unquestionably Donald Trump country, a remote area where residents strongly identified with his populist message and appeal to Americans who had been left behind by economic progress. But the Republican effort to gut Medicaid may be stirring the first real signs of disaffection with Trump among the supporters most responsible for his unlikely path to the White House.

Mason County is located on the far western side of West Virginia, about an hour north of Huntington. It is nestled deep in a winding, hilly landscape that runs along the Ohio River in purest Appalachia. It used to be a place teeming with industry, like farming, steel and coal mines and even a flourishing lumber industry that, among other things, was the primary supplier of timber for wooden ships long before the arrival of steel vessels and barges. It is an area that remains deeply committed to evangelical Christianity, with countless roadside crosses and tributes to Jesus Christ, including signs admonishing people to Love Thy Neighbor.

Dylan Handley, head of the Mason County EMS, holds a vial of Naloxone, better known as Narcan, which is administered to prevent drug overdose. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

During World War II, the area was home to military facilities that manufactured and stored TNT  ordnance that was kept in concrete igloos that still dot the landscape outside Point Pleasant. When the facility was closed in 1945, the TNT area, as it is known, became the subject of local legend; residents reported seeing what they described as a large, winged figure haunting the woods. The red-eyed bird man was soon christened the Mothman, a celebrated figure in local folklore that became the subject of a book as well as a 2002 film starring Richard Gere that attracted tourists who were curious about the supernatural. According to local lore, the figure is only seen when things are about to get really bad, and after a decades long absence, sightings of the Mothman have suddenly started up again, beginning last November. Some local believers openly wonder if it was a foreshadowing for the rocky few months to come.

The area has been in steady decline for a few decades. Hard hit by factory and plant closures that have plagued other Rust Belt states, the unemployment rate in Mason County has been steady at around 12 percent for years  though it could be much higher, since many residents long ago gave up looking for jobs, a depression (both economic and psychological) that many blame for the rise in drug abuse.

One of the biggest blows came in 2015 when the Philip Sporn power plant, located in the northern part of the county in New Haven, closed. The coal-fired plant had struggled for years amid the rise of natural gas, reducing its workforce from a high of 350 in the 1970s to just 70 workers. Two years ago, the owner, Appalachian Power, announced it would close the plant because it did not comply with new clean-air rules passed by the Obama administration, a decision that did not win the president many fans.

So when Trump came along, campaigning on a message of dialing back Obama-era regulations on the coal industry, creating jobs and helping what he called the forgotten people in America who had not enjoyed the economic resurgence experienced by other parts of the country, people here strongly latched on to his message. Add to that his promises of doing more to stave off the opioid crisis, and Mason County was firmly Trump country. Though most voters in the county are registered Democrats, Republican presidential candidates have tended to triumph here, winning with a little over half the vote. But last November, Trump won 75 percent of the vote  one of the highest percentages in a state that strongly supported his unlikely candidacy  and people here have been anxious to see him deliver on the promises he made to the region.

A church advertises a Day of Sobriety in Point Pleasant, W.Va. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

These days, support for Trump here is somewhat muted compared to even a few months ago. Driving around the county on a recent Friday, nobody wanted to own up to backing Trump last November. In the parking lot of the local Dairy Queen in Point Pleasant, a woman who had a Make America Great Again bumper sticker on her car demurred when asked about the president. Why didnt she want to talk? The day before Senate Republicans had unveiled their version of health care reform, which like the House bill passed in the spring, detailed massive cuts to Medicaid. I like Trump, but I guess I am disappointed, the woman, who declined to give her name, said. I dont think Obamacare is perfect, but I dont think throwing the whole thing out is smart either. That hurts us here. What are people going to do?

Its a question that has vexed elected officials, including the states junior senator, Shelley Moore Capito. The centrist Republican backed Trump last year and has been critical of Obamacare but has also been cagey about Republican efforts to repeal the ACA because of how it would impact her constituents in a state that has strongly benefited from the law.

According to U.S. Census Bureau numbers cited by Politifact, the number of uninsured individuals between the ages of 18 and 64 went from an average 21 percent between 2008 and 2013 to 9 percent in 2015 in West Virginia after the ACA  one of the biggest declines in the country.

West Virginia was among the 31 states took advantage of a provision in the ACA that allowed states to expand Medicaid to grant coverage to millions of low-income adults who could not otherwise afford health care. But the Senate bill would gut Medicaid  cuts that could be potentially devastating to West Virginia and especially its efforts to combat the opioid crisis.

Not only are rural health care providers heavily dependent on Medicaid, many of those covered by Medicaid are the ones being treated for drug abuse. According to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, roughly 50,000 of those who are covered through the Medicaid expansion were treated for substance abuse last year  a number many state officials expect to increase amid a drug crisis that appears to be getting worse by the day.

After Senate leaders delayed a vote on the bill, Capito announced she was against the current legislation as it is written. But she continues to be seen as a pivotal figure in the debate, a swing vote who has been lobbied intensely by people on both sides of the issue.

Point Pleasant, W.Va. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

Among those who have lobbied her  or tried to  has been Handley, who says he has repeatedly called Capito and others in the West Virginia congressional delegation to warn that EMS could be forced to close if the proposed cuts to Medicaid are approved. It feels like it falls on a deaf ear, he said. They all like to get on MSNBC and Fox and talk about how theyre there to help their constituency, but I think when you get down to the brass tacks of it, if they would look at their constituency, theyre not doing a very good job.

The Mason County EMS offices are located just outside Point Pleasant, on a patch of land next to a mobile home park not far from the banks of the Ohio River. In one building is the countys emergency operations center  a building built after 9/11 that is constructed to withstand bombs and severe weather. But its the silent creep of drugs that has proven to be the more terrorizing element here, the one that threatens to break the back of health care.

As head of the EMS, Handley has an alert on his phone for every 911 call that comes in to the dispatch center. Though hes consumed with budgets and trying to find ways to pay the bills, including the $80,000 a month payroll he has for his small team of paramedics, Handley still often goes out on calls determined to see for himself what his staff is coming up against.

Positioned right along the Ohio border, Mason County is believed by some to be the major transportation point into West Virginia for drug dealers bringing their product into the state. And Handley can often tell when they arrive, as overdose calls begin to dot the map along the key highways around the county  north towards New Haven and south towards Huntington and Charleston.

The service has four ambulances available at any given time, each staffed by two paramedics, which would seem to be enough for a small area like Mason County. But with the uptick in overdoses, Handley worries constantly about the nightmare scenario where they cant respond in time. In recent months, they have come close to being overwhelmed. In April, a bad batch of heroin prompted 14 overdose calls in less than five hours, prompting Handley to call on help from neighboring counties. Miraculously, nobody died, thanks in large part to Narcan and quick thinking from the countys emergency operations center which posted a message on Facebook warning people about the bad drugs  a social message that appeared to work since the overdose calls suddenly stopped.

A dispatcher in Mason Countys 911 center. On many days, most calls are for drug overdoses. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

Just last week, Handley and his team responded to six overdoses in a few hours in a single day  prompting concern that another bad outbreak was happening. But the calls soon slowed down, and no one died. My biggest fear is not getting to someone, he said. Can you imagine having six people die or 14 people die in a single day? In a small community like ours? Can you imagine how catastrophic that would have been?  Thats what we would define as a mass casualty incident. I cant imagine what kind of toll that would take locally.

While health statistics suggest that more people than ever in West Virginia are seeking help for substance addiction, one of the problems in a place like Mason County is that treatment facilities and counseling have not kept up with the number of addicted, and many have wait lists that are months long. And in Handleys experience, many of those hes helped save from an overdose are too embarrassed to seek help and are falsely convinced they can kick the habit on their own.

Unlike Ohio, where overdosing on drugs is against the law and can result in arrest or forced treatment, there is no such law in West Virginia. And many times, when the Mason County EMS treats someone, the patient declines to be transported to the hospital. And we see them, again and again, Handley said. Its terrible.

A few weeks ago, he responded to a 911 call about a young girl passed out in a car. He recognized her as an honor student, the daughter of parents he often saw at church, and now here she was, being Narcanned and respirated back to life, on some dead-end street. Why are you doing this to yourself, he asked her. She told him she, at the encouragement of friends, had tried heroin at a party a few weeks earlier and now couldnt get enough. She refused to go to the hospital. Its just so sad, he said, shaking his head. Someone who had such a promising path, and now her life is probably derailed.

Driving around Mason County, you would never know it was the center of an opioid crisis. Unlike other states, like Montana and Kentucky, where antidrug billboards dot the landscape, there is almost no sign anywhere of the drug crisis, save for a sign advertising a Day of Sobriety in front of a local church on the main stretch through Point Pleasant.

Roadside signage in Mason County, W.Va., a region that has been hard hit by the opioid epidemic (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)

But look a little harder and you can see how the issue preoccupies this community. The debate over drugs rages on social media, including Facebook, where people often post messages on the Mason County EMS page  and sometimes even on Handleys personal page  arguing about the ambulance services financial crisis and pinning it entirely on drug abusers  which is part, but not all, of the problem.

People often say, Why are we wasting money buying Narcan for these losers? Why are we spending money trying to save them? Handley said. I think people dont realize that what is happening is happening to people they know.

He often thinks about the girl and her father who fixed his ambulances flat tire and replays in his mind what would have happened had he not reached her. Many months later, he has no idea if the daughter ever told her father what happened, how his small act of kindness paid it forward in a remarkable way.

I havent seen her again, he said. And I pray thats a good thing.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Beirut (AFP) - Islamic State group jihadists recaptured an eastern district of their Syrian bastion Raqa on Friday, a monitor said, rolling back the advance of US-backed fighters.

"IS fully retook Al-Senaa, which was the most important neighbourhood taken by the Syrian Democratic Forces," said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"IS fighters attacked the SDF with suicide bombers and (weaponised) drones, and also used tunnels," he told AFP.

The densely built-up neighbourhood was the closest that the SDF and allied Arab fighters known as the Elite Forces had come to the city centre.

On Thursday, dozens of jihadists disguised in SDF uniforms launched an attack on Al-Senaa from the city centre, carrying out three suicide car bomb attacks and overrunning six SDF positions.

By Friday, the SDF and its allies withdrew from Al-Senaa to the adjacent neighbourhood of Al-Meshleb.

"They are now reinforcing their defensive positions in Al-Meshleb," Abdel Rahman said.

An IS statement published on social media early Friday said its fighters had been locked in "hours-long" clashes with the SDF in Al-Senaa and Al-Meshleb.

The SDF broke into Raqa on June 6 after spending months chipping away at jihadist territory around the city.

With the loss of Al-Senaa, the SDF is left in control of Al-Meshleb and two districts in the west of the city.

On Thursday, the SDF cut off the last escape route for IS from Raqa, trapping the besieged jihadists inside their de facto Syrian capital.

Around 2,500 jihadists are fighting inside Raqa, according to British Major General Rupert Jones, a deputy commander of the US-led coalition backing the SDF.

The United Nations estimates some 100,000 civilians remain in the city, with the jihadists accused of using them as human shields.

Raqa became infamous as the scene of some of the worst IS atrocities, including public beheadings, and is thought to have been a hub for planning attacks overseas.
Moscow (AFP) - Russia on Thursday mocked Britain's brand new HMS Elizabeth II aircraft carrier, saying it was above all a "convenient target" for Moscow's forces.

The Russian defence ministry described as "arrogant" comments by British defence minister Michael Fallon, who labelled Russia's only aircraft carrier the Admiral Kuznetsov as "dilapidated" and said Moscow would look at the UK's new vessel "with a little bit of envy".

Fallon's comments "prove a clear lack of naval knowledge," ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

"Unlike the Admiral Kuznetsov, which is equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine missiles and especially Granit missiles to hit ships, the British aircraft carrier is nothing but a big, convenient target in the sea," he added.

"With this in mind, it is in the interest of the British Royal Navy not to show off the 'beauty' of its aircraft carrier in open waters any closer than from several hundred miles."

HMS Queen Elizabeth, a 280-metre (919-foot), 65,000-tonne vessel, is the largest and most powerful ship ever built for the Royal Navy and set off for its first sea trial on Monday.

It cost A3.0 billion (3.4 billion euros, $3.8 billion) to build.

The Soviet-era Admiral Kuznetsov was involved in Moscow's air campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria but suffered several high-profile mishaps.

The ship is now back in Russia and set to undergo costly refurbishments at a port in the northern city of Murmansk.

Relations between former Cold War foes Russia and Britain have slumped to their lowest point in decades over the Ukraine conflict.
(This June 28 story has been refiled to correct spelling of climbers last names.) ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani rescuers were searching on Wednesday for a Spanish man and an Argentinian who went missing on a notoriously treacherous Himalayan peak known as "Killer Mountain", an official said. A ground team began searching for Alberto Zerain Berasategi from Spain and Mariano Galvan from Argentina but helicopters could not join the search effort due to poor weather, said Karrar Haidri, spokesman for the Alpine Club of Pakistan. The two men, who were part of a 13-strong expedition that set out last month to climb the 8,126 meter Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth highest mountain, were last heard from on Saturday. The rest of their party had returned to base camp, Haidri confirmed. "In such weather conditions and without adequate food supply, survival appears unlikely but there was the case of Tomaz Humar a few years ago," Haidari said, adding that rescue officials are doing everything possible to find the men. Slovenian mountaineer Humar was trapped on Nanga Parbat for six days in 2005 before army helicopters found him trapped under a ledge at a height of nearly 6000 meters. Pakistan rivals Nepal for the number of peaks over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) and is home to the world's second-highest mountain, K2, as well as three others which are among the world's 14 summits higher than 8,000 meters. In 2013, gunmen dressed as police officers shot 10 foreign mountaineers and a local guide at Nanga Parbat's 4,200-metre base camp. The attack, later claimed by the Taliban, resulted in a major decrease in climbing expeditions, wrecking communities dependent on climbing tourism for income and depriving Pakistan's economy of much-needed dollars. (Reporting by Saad Sayeed; Editing by Nick Macfie)
By Laila Kearney and Melissa Fares NEW YORK (Reuters) - A doctor who lost his job at a New York City hospital opened fire with an assault rifle inside the building on Friday, killing another physician and wounding six other people before taking his own life in a burst of apparent workplace-related violence, officials said. The gunman, wearing a white medical lab coat, stalked two floors of the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, and apparently tried to set himself on fire, officials said. Police found him dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound as they searched the building, they said. One physician was shot to death, and six other people were injured, five seriously, including one who was shot in the leg, Police Commissioner James O'Neill said at a news conference. "One doctor is dead and there are several others who are fighting for their lives right now," Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters. O'Neill said the gunman was armed with an "assault rifle." The mayor characterized the shooting as an "isolated incident" that appeared to be "workplace-related," saying the gunman was a former employee of the hospital. He said investigators had ruled out terrorism. Neither the mayor nor police immediately identified the suspect or any of his victims. But Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz told WABC News in an interview that the gunman, Dr. Henry Bello, had been fired by the hospital. Other media reports described Bello as a 45-year-old physician who specialized in family medicine. WNBC television in New York, citing unnamed sources, reported he had resigned from the hospital in 2015 to avoid termination. Details about the carnage were still sketchy. Authorities said the rampage unfolded shortly before 3 p.m. when the gunman went a shooting rampage on the 16th and 17th floors of the hospital. Adding to the pandemonium was a blaze he apparently set, triggering fire alarms that halted elevator service in the hospital, hampering efforts by first responders to reach victims and to evacuate the building. One ambulance worker, Robert Maldonado, told WCBS television in New York that he and his partner were forced to carry a bleeding patient down nine flights of stairs to safety, applying pressure to the man's wound on the way down. "Even in the midst of his horror, there were many, many acts of heroism," de Blasio said. "All of the personnel at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, whose day went from normal to horrifying in a matter of seconds - the doctors the nurses, all the personnel, responded with extraordinary bravery, cool professionalism. They protected each other. They protected their patients." Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, about one mile (1.6 km) north of Yankee Stadium, describes itself as the largest voluntary, non-profit health care system serving the South and Central Bronx, as well as among the largest providers of outpatient services in New York City. (Additional reporting by Peter Szekely, Writing by Steve Gorman, Editing by Daniel Wallis and David Gregorio)
President-elect Donald Trump and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. Kobach is behind a controversial voter-data request. (Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Over a dozen states are pushing back on a White House commissions request to obtain data on registered voters.

Earlier this week, the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity  created to address the presidents persistent claims of voting fraud in the 2016 election  requested that every state provide the federal government with the names, birthdates and Social Security information for registered voters going back a decade.

The request was made by Kris Kobach, Kansass secretary of state and vice chairman of the commission. Vice President Pence chairs the commission, which was established in May via executive order.

The idea is to have the best data possible, Kobach told the Kansas City Star in an interview. The purpose of the commission is to quantify different forms of voter fraud and registration fraud and offer solutions. And so you have to have this data in order to do any meaningful research.

The ACLU issued a statement Friday calling the data request a nationwide assault on the rights of voters and attacking Kobachs record.

King of Voter Suppression Kris Kobach and the Trump administration are launching a nationwide assault on voting rights. That Kobach  who has been successfully sued many times for voter suppression  is now asking for details on every single voter in the U.S. is deeply alarming and raises significant privacy concerns, said Dale Ho, director of the ACLUs Voting Rights Project. States are right to balk at turning over massive reams of personal information in what clearly is a campaign to suppress the vote.

President Trump started planting the seeds of suspicion he would later use to validate this initiative before the 2016 election, repeatedly saying on the campaign trail that the election would be rigged.

In the aftermath of the election, where Trump won the Electoral College but not the popular vote, he claimed that millions had voted illegally for his rival Hillary Clinton, mentioning it in meetings with legislators of both parties. Despite White House officials repeatedly claiming they have evidence of voter fraud, no information has been offered and few cases have been reported. Multiple studies have found little evidence of fraud, with a large report in 2014 finding 31 instances of credible fraud out of one billion votes cast.

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Critics of Kobach  who has announced his intention to run for governor in Kansas in 2018  claim that he is attempting to combine a purge of voter registration rolls and the passage of strict voter registration policies in order to make it more difficult for Americans to vote. The ACLU has referred to Kobachs commission as a sham.

Kobach was fined by a judge earlier this month for patently misleading representations over a document he was photographed carrying into a November meeting with Trump. The ACLU had sued to obtain the document, which addressed amending the National Voting Registration Act.

Pences home state of Indiana said Friday it would not comply due to state law, but that some of the information was available to the public. Later Friday, Kobach said state law prohibited him from giving the last four digits of Kansas voters Social Security numbers to his own commission.

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla released a statement Thursday explaining why he did not intend to comply with the request.

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, said Padilla in the statement. The Presidents Commission is a waste of taxpayer money and a distraction from the real threats to the integrity of our elections today: aging voting systems and documented Russian interference in our elections. The Presidents appointment of Kobach  who has a long history of sponsoring discriminatory, anti-immigrant policies including voter suppression and racial profiling laws  sends a clear and ominous message. 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.

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes echoed those sentiments Thursday night.

I do not intend to release Kentuckians sensitive personal data to the federal government, wrote Grimes. The president created his election commission based on the false notion that voter fraud is a widespread issue  it is not.

Indeed, despite bipartisan objections and a lack of authority, the president has repeatedly spread the lie that three [million] to five million illegal votes were cast in the last election, she continued. Kentucky will not aid a commission that is at best a waste of taxpayer money and at worst an attempt to legitimize voter-suppression efforts across the country.

They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi is a great state to launch from, said Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann in a statement on Friday. Mississippi residents should celebrate Independence Day and our states right to protect the privacy of our citizens by conducting our own electoral processes.

Connecticuts Secretary of State, Denise Merrill, said that she would comply with parts of Kobachs request but noted his history of voter disenfranchisement.

In the spirit of transparency we intend to share publicly-available information with the Kobach Commission while ensuring that the privacy of voters is honored by withholding protected data, said Merrill in a statement. In the same spirit of transparency, we will request that the Commission share any memos, meeting minutes or additional information as state officials have not been told precisely what the Commission is looking for. This lack of openness is all the more concerning, considering that the Vice Chair of the Commission, Kris Kobach, has a lengthy record of illegally disenfranchising eligible voters in Kansas. (See, for example, Fish v. Kobach, No. 16-3147, 10th Cir. 2016). The courts have repudiated his methods on multiple occasions but often after the damage has been done to voters. Given Secretary Kobachs history we find it very difficult to have confidence in the work of this Commission.

The Fish v. Kobach case mentioned by Merrill is a lawsuit filed by the ACLU last year on behalf of thousands of Kansans who were denied voter registration. Kobach and the ACLU reached an agreement that allowed nearly 20,000 citizens the ability to vote in advance of the 2016 election.

At publication time, over a dozen states have said they would not comply (or could not, due to state law) with at least part of the request, including Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont and Wisconsin. Gizmodo reported Thursday that the email address the White House had requested states use to submit voter data was not secure.

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Donald Trump's Immigration chief says the President is wrong about undocumented immigrants and crime: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

The Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said that Donald Trump is wrong about undocumented immigrants - they do not commit more crimes than those born in the US.

Thomas Homan was speaking during an off-camera news briefing, according to CNN.

The comment contradicts Mr Trump's nearly two years of campaign and White House rhetoric that the presence of undocumented immigrants in the US is a matter of safety to Americans.

At off-cam WH briefing acting ICE dir. Horman concedes undocumented immigrants do not commit more crimes than native born Americans.  Jim Acosta (@Acosta) June 28, 2017

The President started his campaign in June 2015 by saying: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best...Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."

Mr Trump made families of victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants a constant on the campaign trail and has now done so in the White House, hosting some on 28 June.

Mr Homan himself testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee that undocumented immigrants, predominately but not exclusively from Central America, "need to be worried".

"If youre in this country illegally and you committed a crime by being in this country, you should be uncomfortable, you should look over your shoulder". In fact, under the Trump administration, ICE reported 40 per cent more arrests in the first quarter of this year compared to 2016.

President Obama however did deport 2.5 million people in the period between 2009 to 2015, prompting some to call him the "Deporter in Chief."

Mr Trump has made it more difficult for people who entered the country and now remain without proper documentation, often fleeing their home countries due to violence and poverty.

The government's own census data from 1980 to 2000 showed though that US-born men aged 18 to 39 were two to five times more likely to be incarcerated than undocumented immigrants in the same demographic, according to Newsweek.

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A study from libertarian think tank Cato Institute also showed that undocumented immigrants have an incarceration rate .85 per cent compared to 1.53 per cent for the general American-born population.

The crime rhetoric also extends to terrorism for the Trump administration. Mr Trump's latest travel ban on citizens from Syria, Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen is supposedly to stem a threat to national security.

In reality, the majority of terrorists who carry out and plan attacks on US soil are not Muslim and if they are only one per cent of "perpetrators or alleged perpetrators" come from one of the six countries in the ban.

The House also voted into law two pieces of legislation regarding undocumented immigrants.

Kate Steinle was fatally shot in 2015 by an undocumented immigrant who was deported, but re-entered the US with seven criminal convictions. Named "Kate's Law," the new legislation institutes larger penalties on deported criminals who return to the US and commit a crime.

The second bill requires local police to detain undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes longer in jails in order to leave time for ICE to pick them up for deportation as well as ensures these people are detained during deportation proceedings.

Mayors of cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York have declared themselves "sanctuary cities" because under the bill federal grants would be withheld from local law enforcement agencies that do not comply. Local police have largely been ignoring ICE priorities, considering it out of their bounds of responsibility.

The bills now go to the Senate for a vote.

Earlier this month, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly quietly announced the programme created to protect young people who came to the US as undocumented immigrants as children, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). will "remain in effect."

These children are often referred to as 'Dreamers.' The programme was launched in 2012 by Mr Obama and has protected about 787,000 young immigrants from deportation.

The information about DACA was almost a footnote to the main announcement about the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programme to protect parents of Dreamers from deportation as well.

DAPA was never implemented and the administration has said it would it will not do so.
3:30 pm: This post has been updated with additional tweets.

President Donald Trump drew an immediate blowback from Twitter Thursday after he attacked MSNBC's "Morning Joe's" co-anchor Mika Brzezinski. The president described rejecting the co-host at his Mar-a-Lago Hotel and alleged she was "bleeding badly from a facelift." This prompted users on Twitter to start the hashtag "StandWithMika."

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

The hashtag "StandWithMika" originated to denounce the insulting tweets.

@realDonaldTrump What a cowardly bully you are. You can't stand or respect an intelligent woman You're a sad #ManToddler #standwithmika  bleuwolf paintings (@stephaniebleuwo) June 29, 2017

Ultimately, @realDonaldTrump can only view women in terms of physical appearance. Women can do anything w/ their bodies #StandWithMika  Anna Morrison (@annasmorrison) June 29, 2017

I'm sure flotus is taking the cyber bullying you experienced this AM seriously as it is her signature cause as First Lady. #standwithmika  Morgan (@MLCrt01) June 29, 2017

Brzezinski responded to the tweet on Thursday morning posting a picture of a Cheerios box with the words "made for little hands" on it.

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READ: Donald Trump Dismisses Allegations That Putin Kills Journalists And Political Opponents On 'Morning Joe'

Members of the media, particularly from women hosts and journalists from MSNBC, rallied to denounce the president's insults and defend Brzezinski. Joy Reid, an anchor on the network, said she was "deeply embarrassed" for the country.

Doesn't the President of the United States have anything better to do?  Katy Tur (@KatyTurNBC) June 29, 2017

I'm angry for my colleague @morningmika. I'm deeply embarrassed for our country.  Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) June 29, 2017

Additionally, the networks CNN and MSNBC have denounced the president's remarks and said that they stand with the "Morning Joe" anchors.

Its a sad day for America when the president spends his time bullying, lying and spewing petty personal attacks instead of doing his job.  MSNBCPR (@MSNBCPR) June 29, 2017

Republicans lawmakers denounced the attacks and pleaded for the president to stop. The son and brother of Republican presidents also weighed in.

Please just stop. This isn't normal and it's beneath the dignity of your office.  Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 29, 2017

This is not okay. As a female in politics I am often criticized for my looks. We should be working to empower women. https://t.co/sV6WDE0EUD  Lynn Jenkins (@RepLynnJenkins) June 29, 2017

Users on Twitter were shocked by the insults. Some called the tweets "unhinged" while others called it a temper tantrum.

Wow. Not only are you questioning someone's IQ - which in itself is laughable coming from a man with "the best words"...  Mike P Williams _ (@Mike_P_Williams) June 29, 2017

Anybody who criticizes the President ends up crazy, psycho, failing, poorly rated, crooked, etc. How do his supporters not see this pattern?  Adam Best (@adamcbest) June 29, 2017

I'm a little out of the loop with the news, so may have missed something, but that tweet from Donald was just, well, a bit unhinged.  Verity Milligan (@Vemsteroo) June 29, 2017

The only way they make sense to me is from the perspective of a child having a temper tantrum on the playground  Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) June 29, 2017

The Washington Post ran an article Thursday morning with the headline: "Trumps latest attack on Mika Brzezinski is dripping with sexism."

READ: Trump Twitter Use: President Stopped Morning Tweets As He Is No Longer Watching Morning Joe, Aide Says

Scarborough represented the 1st District of Florida from 1995 to 2001 before hosting "Morning Joe" on MSNBC in the morning. Brzezinski, his co-host, is the daughter of the late Zbigniew Brzezinski, the National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter and senior aide to President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Scarborough and Brzezinski announced earlier in 2017 that they were engaged, prompting a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live.

Morning Joe

Photo: Getty Images

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President Trump took credit on Friday for a new initiative to stop gun violence in Chicago. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: AP, Getty)

President Trump announced early Friday morning that he was sending federal help to Chicago in an effort to quell the citys gun violence.

Crime and killings in Chicago have reached such epidemic proportions that I am sending in Federal help. 1714 shootings in Chicago this year! he tweeted.

According to Chicago Police Department (CPD) records, there have been 1,360 shooting incidents and 1,703 shooting victims in the city so far in 2017.

The CPD and the Department of Justices Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced the launch of the new Chicago Crime Gun Strike Force Friday afternoon at a press conference.

Preventing crime and reducing gun violence wont be solved by one strategy. Its about working together as a city, as a state and as a country to focus our efforts on smart and effective solutions, First Deputy Supt. Kevin Navarro said at CPD headquarters.

The specialized team will include Chicago police officers, Illinois state troopers, federal agents and intelligence analysts, as well as federal and state prosecutors. Their mission will be to stop the illegal gun trafficking in Chicago and bring repeat gun offenders to justice.

Police guard the scene where a man was shot several times on May 27, 2017, in Chicago. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Law enforcement leaders from city, state and federal levels presented the new strike force as a multifaceted, ongoing and collaborative effort  not the effort or idea of one person.

When asked if Trump is correct in taking credit for these initiatives, Navarro said that conversations about the new strike force started under former President Barack Obama.

One thing I can say regarding that is these discussions with the superintendent have gone back to actually November, so weve had two administrations that the superintendent has been dealing with in terms of getting extra assistance from ATF, he said.

CPD credited ATF Special Agent in Charge Celinez Nunez with developing the concept of the strike force after Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson met with Justice Department officials in Washington, D.C., earlier this year.

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Tim Jones, the commander of the newly formed strike force, confirmed that ATF has already taken several steps to move resources and personnel, including 20 ATF agents, to Chicago for this effort: We are a service-oriented agency and we are excited to help in any way we can.

Photo: Jim Young/Reuters

When contacted by Yahoo News, a CPD spokesperson said he could not comment on the accuracy of the presidents claim that he sent federal help to Chicago.

Regardless of his role in the new undertaking, Trump has made Chicagos gun violence a fixture in his campaign rallies, television interviews and Twitter feed. He would regularly blame the citys cycles of violence on its strict gun-control laws and what he perceived to be Obamas ineffectiveness. White House deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Friday she thinks crime in Chicago is driven by morality more than anything else.

Last year was the deadliest in Chicago in nearly two decades. According to data from the CPD, there were 762 murders, 3,550 shooting incidents and 4,331 shooting victims. Police say 2017 has seen 14 percent fewer shootings so far.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joel Levin, speaking at the strike force announcement, said there are two things upon which everyone assembled can agree: Significant progress has been made to stop violence in Chicago, but it still continues at an unacceptable level.

It is a battle that can only be fought with all hands on deck. That is state, federal and local law enforcement, he said. As a representative of federal law enforcement, we very much appreciate the important role that we have in this effort.

Chicago police at the scene where a boy was killed in a shooting and a woman was injured, July 2015. (Photo: Anthony Souffle/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images)

According to Johnson, this is not just a new strategy or tactic, but a foundational change for crime fighting throughout Chicago. He wants to hold accountable the small subset of individuals and gangs disproportionally driving violence.

From the new tech-based nerve centers in police districts which leverage gunshot detection technology, crime cameras and predictive analytics; to stiffer penalties for repeat gun offenders and a new prosecution model for homicides which will create stronger criminal cases; CPD is committed to making every neighborhood in Chicago safer, Johnson said in a statement.

The law enforcement officials declined to criticize Trump when journalists further questioned whether Trump deserves credit for the strike force. But they did repeatedly emphasize that it is a collaborative effort across various levels of law enforcement.

After the press conference, Attorney General Jeff Sessions released a statement praising Trump for his commitment to enforcing our laws and keeping our communities safe.

The Trump administration will not let the bloodshed go on; we cannot accept these levels of violence. Thats why, under President Trumps strong leadership, we have created the Chicago Gun Strike Force, Sessions said.

Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel at a June 26, 2017, press conference announcing the use of a mobile ATF ballistics lab in Chicago. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

On the campaign trail, Trump promised that he would swiftly stop the street violence throughout the U.S. if elected president.

Law and order became a major theme of Trumps campaign last summer. The killing of five police officers in Dallas was fresh in the nations mind when he accepted the Republican Partys nomination in July 2016.

I have a message for all of you: the crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon, and I mean very soon, come to an end, Trump told the crowd. Beginning on January 20th of 2017, safety will be restored.

At a campaign rally in Charlotte, N.C., on Aug. 18, he vowed: If Im elected president this chaos and violence will end and it will end very, very quickly.

In January, Trump promised on Twitter that he would send in the Feds if Chicago couldnt fix the horrible carnage plaguing its streets. This was just one of many tweets in which Trump lamented the violence and pushed for law enforcement  either at the local or federal level  to take more decisive actions.

Crime is out of control, and rapidly getting worse. Look what is going on in Chicago and our inner cities. Not good!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2016

Seven people shot and killed yesterday in Chicago. What is going on there  totally out of control. Chicago needs help!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2017

Chicago murder rate is record setting  4,331 shooting victims with 762 murders in 2016. If Mayor can't do it he must ask for Federal help!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2017

If Chicago doesn't fix the horrible "carnage" going on, 228 shootings in 2017 with 42 killings (up 24% from 2016), I will send in the Feds!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 25, 2017

Dwyane Wade's cousin was just shot and killed walking her baby in Chicago. Just what I have been saying. African-Americans will VOTE TRUMP!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2016

The organized group of people, many of them thugs, who shut down our First Amendment rights in Chicago, have totally energized America!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2016

Obama should work on a ceasefire in Chicago as well as Gaza.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2014

The most stringent gun laws in the U.S. happen to be in Chicago  and look what is happening there!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2014

"@Trutt78: @realDonaldTrump  you want to do something nice for Chicago and they shoot you down. Piss on Rahm. He is just an Obama lap dog."  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2014

ATF unveils its mobile ballistics van in March 2017 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Bill OLeary/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

ATF police investigate a shooting at a Chicago elementary school in which two girls were hit by bullets from a car. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Police investigate the scene of a shooting on May 27, 2017, in Chicago. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Read more from Yahoo News:
By Jeff Mason and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump will press South Korean President Moon Jae-in to solve trade differences over cars and steel in meetings in Washington focusing on the nuclear threat from North Korea. Concerns about the U.S. military's THAAD missile defense system and China's role in the region also are likely to come up in talks between Trump and Moon at the White House. Moon, making his first trip to the United States since becoming his country's president in May, joined Trump and his wife, Melania, for dinner in the White House State Dining Room on Thursday evening ahead of further talks on Friday. "I know you've been discussing with our people some of the complexities of North Korea and trade and other things, and well be discussing them all as we progress, and it could be very well late into the evening," Trump told Moon. "Id like to also congratulate you upon your election victory. It was a great victory, and you did a fantastic job. A lot of people didn't expect that, and I did expect it. I thought that was going to happen." Both men have an interest in building a strong relationship but tensions could puncture that effort. Trump has spoken harshly about U.S. trade imbalances with South Korea and threatened to tear up a trade agreement with the country. Moon has taken a wary stance on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system that the United States deployed in South Korea in March. "I think theyll have a friendly and frank discussion about the trade relationship," a White House official told reporters on Wednesday, noting concerns about barriers to U.S. auto sales and surplus Chinese steel that arrives in the United States via South Korea. After the dinner, Trump tweeted that he had a "very good meeting" with Moon and that "many subjects (were) discussed including North Korea and new trade deal!" The U.S. goods trade deficit with South Korea has more than doubled since the KORUS pact took effect in 2012, from $13.2 billion in 2011 to $27.7 billion in 2016. It was forecast to boost U.S. exports by $10 billion a year but they were $3 billion lower in 2016 than in 2011. In an interview with Reuters in April, Trump called the 5-year-old trade deal "horrible" and said he would either renegotiate or terminate it. During remarks at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Moon said unfair trade practices would be eradicated and factors that limited competition, such as market entry barriers and price regulations, would be re-evaluated under his administration. Trump has made challenging trade agreements a hallmark of his administration since taking office in January. NORTH KOREA FOCUS Despite tensions over that issue, his meetings with Moon are likely to focus largely on North Korea. Moon has said he wants to form a friendship with the former New York businessman and find common ground on how to resolve the crisis over North Koreas nuclear and missile programs. Trump wants to build ties with an important new leader in the region as he grows frustrated that his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping has not resulted in stronger action by Beijing to rein in Pyongyang. The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Chinese citizens and a shipping company for helping North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and accused a Chinese bank of laundering money for Pyongyang. The Trump administration also announced it plans to sell Taiwan about $1.42 billion in arms. Moon told Reuters in an interview last week he wanted to discuss a two-phased approach to resolving the North Korean nuclear issue, starting with a freeze on North Koreas nuclear and missile development followed by complete dismantlement. I am planning to have frank and open discussions with President Trump on the step-by-step approach, he said. The THAAD defense system could be a sticking point. Moon, who has advocated a more moderate approach toward Pyongyang, expressed shock late last month upon learning that four more launchers for the controversial system had been brought into the country. He ordered an investigation after his Defense Ministry failed to inform him of the move. The system, whose installation irritated China, is meant to counter the threat from North Korea's missile program. The White House said it did not expect THAAD to be a major point of conversation and Moon is expected to assure Washington that his recent decision to postpone full THAAD deployment to conduct an environmental review was a measure to follow domestic law. Despite potential areas of disagreement, the two leaders are expected to express common resolve over threats from North Korea. "The similarities in our approaches are already evident," the White House official said, noting that both men had expressed willingness to engage with Pyongyang under the right conditions. "Even once the conditions may present themselves, to enter into dialogue we must maintain and actually increase pressure on North Korea. Thats President Moons approach; its President Trumps approach." (additional reporting by James Oliphant; Editing by Bill Trott and Tom Brown)
The identities of a teenage couple, dubbed the Twilight Killers, who murdered two people were revealed, according to The Sun June 9. Lucas Markham and his girlfriend Kim Edwards, both 14 at the time, took a bath, had sex and watched Twilight after murdering Edwards mother and sister in April 2016. The murders occurred in Spalding, U.K.

Markham pleaded guilty to murder. Edwards pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but not to murder. They were both found guilty of murder at the end of their 8-day trial.

A judge allowed their identities to be revealed in June after a documentary about the incident aired Monday on Channel 5. The documentary featured Markham speaking about the act he and his girlfriend committed.

Read:Who Is Rachelle Bond? 'Baby Doe' Bella's Mother To Be Sentenced In Daughter's Murder

I went into her mums room and stabbed her in the neck while she was asleep on her side and smothered her face with a pillow, he told the police at the time. After I knew she had gone, I went into Katies room  which is the same room as Kims  and I thought I stabbed her, but Im not a hundred percent sure if it was her or the mattress and then I smothered her face with a pillow.

mugshot

Photo: Lincolnshire Police

The teens murdered Edwards family members because they thought Elizabeth Edwards wanted them to break up. Justice Haddon-Cove sentenced the two to a minimum of 17 years at Nottingham Crown Court, as reported by news.com.au. In November 2016, they were originally sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison, but an appeal reduced the time. According to Haddon-Cove, the couple had a toxic relationship, which caused them to behave in a grotesque manner.

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Dr. Indranit Chakrabarti told the court that Edwards adjustment disorder caused her to be unable to make any rational judgment.

According to Psychology Today, almost half of teenage girls 14-17 who murder their mothers, committing matricide, have an accomplice  either a friend or a boyfriend. The average age for girls to commit matricide is between 14-17, said Kathleen Heide, a professor at the University of South Florida who has researched matricide. The reasons for matricide are largely unknown, as Heide said, boys outnumbered girls seven-to-one in the killing of mothers. Another unusual factor in Edwards case was that only about 17 percent of people who committed parricide, the act of murdering a parent, were under the age of 18.

The two are Britains youngest double murderers.

Prior to the murders, Markham asked Edwards if she definitely wanted to go through with the act. She told the police that the plan had originally been a joke, but it escalated. She described how she gave Markham a backpack with a black t-shirt and four knives in it.

Read: What Is Uxoricide? A Look At 'Romantic Ideology' After New Dehli Man Kills Wife

I was okay with it. My mum does not have to deal with me anymore being suicidal, and she does not have to wake up worrying every morning to see if Im still alive, she said. My sister does not have to go through all the heartbreak and like just all the emotional stuff.

The couple has not been in contact since their trial.

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(Reuters) - Two workers were killed and four injured in a mishap while they were performing routine maintenance on a tank at a Tampa-area coal power plant on Thursday, rescue and company officials said.

The workers were carrying out maintenance on a tank containing slag, a byproduct of coal, when the incident occurred at Tampa Electric's Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, Tampa Electric and Emera Company spokeswoman Cherie Jacobs told a news conference.

"The details on how this happened, we don't know," she said.

Rescue workers received a call at about 4:20 p.m. local time about a possible explosion at the plant. They found two workers dead and four injured when they arrived, said Corey Dierdorff, a spokesman for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

The injured workers were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, he said.

"They would be categorized as very severe," he said, according to the New York Times.

Coal produces slag when it burns, which falls into a water tank at the plant where it cools and crystallizes. The substance is then recycled to be used for sandblasting and roofing industries, Jacobs said.

The dead workers were covered in slag, which can reach temperatures higher than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius), authorities told the New York Times.

Power service was not interrupted and all other workers were accounted for, Jacobs said.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Paul Tait)
By Joel Schectman and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Chinese citizens and a shipping company for helping North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and accused a Chinese bank of laundering money for Pyongyang. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said at a press conference that the actions were designed to cut off funds that North Korea uses to build its weapons program. "We will follow the money and cut off the money," he said. A Treasury statement named the bank as the Bank of Dandong and the firm as Dalian Global Unity Shipping Co Ltd. It named the two individuals as Sun Wei and Li Hong Ri. The sanctions imposed on the two Chinese citizens and the shipping company blacklists them from doing business with U.S.-tied companies and people. Mnuchin said U.S. officials were continuing to look at other companies that may be helping North Korea and may roll out additional sanctions. U.S. foreign policy experts say Chinese companies have long had a key role in financing Pyongyang. But Mnuchin said the action was not being done to send China a message. "This wasn't aimed at China. We continue to work with them," he said. U.S. officials told Reuters this week that President Donald Trump was growing increasingly frustrated with China over its inaction on North Korea and bilateral trade issues, and is now considering possible trade actions against Beijing. On Wednesday, a senior White House official told reporters China was "falling far short of what it could bring to bear on North Korea in terms of pressure." The United States will discuss efforts to choke off funding for North Korea's nuclear and missile programs with China and other countries at next week's Group of 20 summit in Germany, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Thursday. The U.S. move came as U.S. President Donald Trump was due to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House on Thursday to discuss steps to push North Korean to abandon its weapons programs, which have become an increasing threat to the United States. In a notice published online Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department said the Bank of Dandong had served as a gateway for North Korea to access the U.S. financial system. Authorities said 17 percent of Dandong's customer transactions in the bank's U.S. accounts had ties to North Korea. Anthony Ruggiero a former senior Treasury official in the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, said the action against Bank of Dandong is the first time U.S. authorities sought to punish a Chinese bank accused of helping North Korea. The action would immediately cause western firms to cut off any transactions with Bank of Dandong, he said. And it may also cause financial institutions in Western Europe and the United States to further scrutinize whether their Chinese business could have links to North Korea. "The designation will make reputable Western banks ask questions about larger financial institutions in China," said Ruggiero, now a senior fellow at the non-profit Foundation for Defense of Democracies. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Joel Schectman; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason; editing by Diane Craft)
Beirut (AFP) - The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces on Thursday sealed off the last route used by the Islamic State group to flee an offensive on its Syrian bastion Raqa, a monitor said.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, SDF fighters captured the villages of Kasrat Afnan and Kasab on the southern bank of the Euphrates River.

"They thereby cut the last route IS used to withdraw from Raqa towards territory it controls in the Syrian desert and in Deir Ezzor province," said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.

Backed by US-led air strikes, the SDF spent months chipping away at IS territory around Raqa.

It first broke into the city on June 6, and has since captured two eastern and two western districts while bearing down on the north.

But their progress on Raqa's southern approach had been much slower.

With Thursday's advance, "the SDF has been able to completely encircle Raqa," Abdel Rahman said.

IS overran Raqa in 2014, transforming it into the de facto Syrian capital of its self-declared "caliphate," which it declared three years ago on June 29.

The city became infamous as the scene of some of the group's worst atrocities, including public beheadings, and is thought to have been a hub for planning attacks overseas.

The United Nations has expressed concern for up to 100,000 civilians it says are still trapped in the city.
Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump's ban on refugees and travelers from six mainly Muslim countries went into effect late Thursday, after a Supreme Court decision allowed it to go forward following a five-month battle with rights groups.

The Trump administration says the temporary ban is necessary to block terrorists from entering the country, but immigrant advocates charge that it illegally singles out Muslims.

The 90-day ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and a 120-day ban on refugees, will allow exceptions for people with "close family relationships" in the United States.

But activists said the government has defined that too narrowly, excluding relationships with grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles and others.

And many were concerned about a possibly chaotic rollout of enforcement of the ban, like that in January when it was first announced.

Immigration rights activists and lawyers were waiting to help arrivals at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and other airports to be sure those from the six countries with valid US visas were allowed in after the ban went into effect at 8 pm Thursday Eastern time (0000 GMT Friday).

The Department of Homeland Security, which was heavily criticized for mishandling many arrivals when the ban was first attempted in January, promised a smooth rollout this time.

It stressed that anyone with a valid visa issued before the ban begins would still be admitted, and that all authorized refugees booked for travel before July 6 will also be allowed.

"We expect business as usual at the ports of entry starting at 8 pm tonight," said a DHS official. "Our people are well prepared for this."

The Trump administration insists the ban was necessary to protect the country from terror threats, and to give immigration authorities more time to tighten vetting of travelers and refugees.

"As recent events have shown, we are living in a very dangerous time, and the US government needs every available tool to prevent terrorists from entering the country and committing acts of bloodshed and violence," a senior administration official told reporters Thursday.

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- Trump claims political victory -

But implementing it, even with exceptions, was also claimed as a political victory by Trump, after federal appeals courts twice blocked his order saying it violated constitutional protections of religion and overshot his own presidential powers.

Immigrant rights groups and Democrats in Congress continued to label Trump's order "illegal" and said the exemptions provided in a Supreme Court ruling on Monday remained unfair.

According to guidelines issued by the State Department, people with "close family relationships" would be exempt from the ban. It defined that to include parents, spouses, children, sons- and daughters-in-law, siblings and step- and half-siblings.

But "close family" does not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, fiances and any other "extended" family members, the guidelines say.

People with formal relationships with a US entity -- who have for instance been offered a job or been accepted to study or lecture at a university -- will also qualify for visas during the ban. But a hotel reservation, even if already paid for, does not qualify.

Even as travel officials across the US were making final preparations for putting the ban into place, opponents were preparing new legal maneuvers.

Late Thursday, Hawaii asked federal district Judge Derrick Watson to clarify the scope of the travel and refugee bans in the Pacific island state -- and who, specifically, the ban refers to when stating that only an immigrant's close family members can travel to the US.

"In Hawaii, 'close family' includes many of the people that the federal government decided on its own to exclude from that definition. Unfortunately, this severely limited definition may be in violation of the Supreme Court ruling," Attorney General Douglas Chin, said in a statement.

- 'Redefining family' -

Democratic legislator Bennie Thompson blasted the government for a "lack of preparation and transparency" in putting the ban into place.

"Just hours before the president's unconstitutional and misguided travel ban takes partial effect tonight, administration officials briefing Congress were unwilling or unable to provide meaningful answers about how they determined whom the ban would affect," said Thompson, the senior Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee.

Rama Issa, executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, said the government is redefining what a family is.

"I was raised by my grandparents, so the idea of grandparents not being part of a family is very foreign to me," she said at Kennedy International, preparing to help arrivals after the ban takes effect.

"I'm engaged to get married. I have family who lives in Syria today -- not only my father, but my aunts and uncles who I would love to be at this wedding, and unfortunately are not going to be able to be here."
Earnings reports don't get much bigger than the fiscal third-quarter report that Walgreens Boots Alliance (ticker: WBA) issued Thursday. In addition to typical market-moving information such as earnings, revenue and guidance, Walgreens finally closed the book on its two-year pursuit of Rite Aid Corp. ( RAD).

Walgreens reported third-quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.33 on revenue of $30.1 billion. While both numbers topped consensus Wall Street expectations of $1.30 and $29.75, respectively, the big news for investors was the termination of the Rite Aid buyout.

After nearly two years of butting heads with antitrust regulators over a full buyout of Rite Aid, Walgreens agreed to a new deal to acquire 2,186 Rite Aid stores for $5.175 billion.

"We believe this new transaction addresses competitive concerns previously raised with respect to the prior transaction," Walgreens CEO Stefano Pessina says.

[See: 9 Ways to Buy Stocks That Everyone Needs.]

Investors certainly viewed the earnings beat and modified deal as a big win for Walgreens. Its shares surged more than 3 percent in early Thursday trading, while Rite Aid stock tumbled 23 percent.

The Walgreens-Rite Aid saga began Oct. 27, 2015, when Walgreens agreed to purchase Rite Aid for $17.2 billion, or $9 per share. The deal faced intense regulatory scrutiny from the beginning, requiring Walgreens to pursue aggressive asset divestment.

Shares of Fred's ( FRED) skyrocketed 81 percent in December when the company announced it would be acquiring 865 Rite Aid stores as part of Walgreen's divestment plan. Fred's shares fell 26 percent Thursday after the termination of the Walgreens buyout also nullified the Fred's deal.

Walgreens will pay Fred's $25 million in cash as reimbursement for expenses related to the deal. Walgreens also owes Rite Aid a $325 million termination fee.

Looking ahead, Walgreens is the clear winner from the ordeal. Management says it expects its new deal with Rite Aid to close within six months.

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Walgreens is also returning a significant portion of the money it saved from the original buyout deal to its shareholders. On Thursday, Walgreens authorized a new $5 billion stock buyback program.

[See: The Best ETFs Retirees Can Buy.]

Furthermore, the company issued strong full-year earnings guidance now that the Rite Aid deal is settled. Walgreens expects full-year EPS to fall to the $4.98 to $5.08 rage, topping consensus Wall Street estimates of $4.96.

Wayne Duggan is a freelance investment strategy reporter with a focus on energy and emerging market stocks. He has a degree in brain and cognitive sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and specializes in the psychological challenges of investing. He is a senior financial market reporter for Benzinga and has contributed financial market analysis to Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha and InvestorPlace. He is also the author of the book "Beating Wall Street With Common Sense," which focuses on the practical strategies he has used to outperform the stock market. You can follow him on Twitter @DugganSense, check out his latest content at tradingcommonsense.com or email him at wpd@tradingcommonsense.com.
G20 meeting of two presidents could see Russia regain access to diplomatic compounds blocked after interference in 2016 US election, say former officials

A t-shirt featuring Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on sale at a souvenir shop in St Petersburg. Photograph: Mladen Antonov/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump has told White House aides to come up with possible concessions to offer as bargaining chips in his planned meeting next week with Vladimir Putin, according to two former officials familiar with the preparations.

National security council staff have been tasked with proposing deliverables for the first Trump-Putin encounter, including the return of two diplomatic compounds Russians were ordered to vacate by the Obama administration in response to Moscows interference in the 2016 election, the former officials said. It is not clear what Putin would be asked to give in return.

There is strong resistance in the NSC and state department to one-sided concessions aimed simply at improving the tone of US-Russian relations. There is also opposition within the administration to Trumps preference for a formal bilateral meeting with Putin at the G20 summit in Germany, as first reported by the Associated Press.

Some officials argue the meeting should be a brief and informal pull-aside at the two-day summit, which starts next Friday in Hamburg, in view of the fact that Trump is under multi-pronged investigations into his campaigns relationship with Moscow. The sceptics also argue there has been no let-up in Russias military intervention in Ukraine, which was the trigger for the bulk of the sanctions.

The NSC spokesman, Michael Anton, said the meeting between the two leaders is not set in any format yet, but he did not respond to a question about the request to NSC staff to propose potential bargaining chips for the meeting.

They have been asked for deliverables, but there is resistance to offering anything up without anything back in return, said one former official familiar with the debate inside the White House.



One possible gesture under consideration is the restoration of access to two diplomatic compounds, in Maryland and New York, from which Russian officials were ejected by the Obama administration in December as part of a package of punitive measures for Russian hacking of the 2016 elections.

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Obama said the compounds were used by Russian personnel for intelligence-related purposes. He also expelled 35 Russian officials he described as intelligence operatives.

The Trump administration was contemplating handing back the compounds in early May, initially in exchange for the Russian government lifting a freeze on construction of a new US consulate in St Petersburg, according to the Washington Post. That link was reportedly dropped a few days later when the secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, met his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Washington on 10 May.

When he took the job, Tillerson backed moves to improve relations with Moscow and arranged for Lavrov to meet Trump in the Oval Office. But a former official said the former oil executive felt burned by that incident, of which the Russian government published photographs without the US administrations permission, and where Trump disclosed classified information about counter-terrorist operations. Tillerson has since become more adamant in his opposition to the relaxation of sanctions without substantial changes to Russian behaviour.

So far, however, no agreements have been reached on the fate of the compounds, which Russian diplomats have made a priority in their discussions with the administration.

On Wednesday, the Russian foreign ministry said retaliatory measures were being prepared for closure of the compounds, but did not describe the measures.

The Russian Kommersant newspaper has reported that the Kremlin could seize US diplomatic property in Russia or impose restrictions on an Anglo-American school there.

Asked on Wednesday about a Trump-Putin meeting in Hamburg, Lavrov told journalists: We assume that contact will take place, as the two presidents will at the same time be in one town, in one building, in one room.

Trump made significant efforts to lift sanctions on Russia in his first weeks in office but was thwarted by resistance from allies as well as from former Obama officials and state department staffers.

When Theresa May visited the White House a week after Trumps inauguration, one of her priorities was to dissuade the new president from relaxing sanctions imposed on Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea and covert military intervention in eastern Ukraine.

The Brits did push for that, but its hard to say how much difference their intervention made, said a former official, who was working at the state department at the time.

Two outgoing state officials, Daniel Fried and Tom Malinowski, lobbied Congress to pass legislation to codify the sanctions and lock them in place. Their intervention was first reported by Yahoo News.

On 14 June the Senate passed a bill, with a 98-2 vote, that would strengthen sanctions on Russia and require congressional approval for any administration attempt to roll them back. The bill has since been stalled in the House over technicalities amid reports that Trumps allies are seeking to water it down.

If the bill is passed it would mean that in one important respect, Russian active measures will have failed, Malinowski, Obamas assistant secretary of state for human rights, said. He also pointed to the Treasurys move last week to broaden existing restrictions on Russia as an indication the sanctions machinery is working normally and on schedule.

Evelyn Farkas, who was deputy assistant secretary of state in the defence department for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, said the closure of the Russian compounds and the expulsion of suspected spies were intended to be only the first step in the punitive measures against Moscow for its election meddling.

If President Trump starts to undo any of those measures, including giving back the facilities in Maryland and New York then the Russian government will believe  they got away with what they did to us and believe me, theyll try it again, Farkas said. Putin himself uses that phrase all the time: With the eating grows the appetite.

With Congress and most of his administration set against concessions to Russia, Trump has been hemmed in so far in his overtures to Moscow. His encounter with Putin next week, however, will offer him the opportunity to remake policy on the spot.

The big wild card in all this is the person holding the position of president of the United States, Malinowski said. We dont know what he will say when he meets the master-manipulator from the Kremlin.
President Donald Trump shows off an executive order reviving the National Space Council. NASA astronaut Alvin Drew, Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin and Vice President Mike Pence, the councils chairman, are at far right. (Shannon Augustus / C-SPAN via Twitter)

After months of foreshadowing, President Donald Trump today signed an executive order to revive the National Space Council, a move thats likely to open the way for space policy changes that have been largely put on hold during the White House transition.

The order was signed at a White House ceremony on the eve of a long Fourth of July weekend. Among those in attendance: members of Congress, Boeings Dennis Muilenburg and other aerospace executives, and astronauts including Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin.

Todays announcement sends a clear signal to the world that we are restoring Americas proud legacy of leadership in space, Trump said.

Vice President Mike Pence will serve as the councils chairman, and the members will include top-level administration officials including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis, the heads of the Commerce, Transportation and Homeland Security departments and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

At least two of the spots on the roster, for NASAs administrator and the Office of Science and Technology Policys director, are in limbo. Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot has been in charge of the space agency in a caretaker role, and the OSTP directorship is considered vacant.

The National Space Council was last active during the George H.W. Bush administration, with a similar membership and Vice President Dan Quayle as chair. It was disbanded in 1993 during the Clinton administration, and its functions were taken over by the National Science and Technology Council.

President Trump signs executive order reinstating the National Space Council -and yes, that's Buzz Aldrin to the right. pic.twitter.com/CiIo0uaFsU  shannon A (@shogustus) June 30, 2017

Reviving the space policy council had been a long-expected move: During an Oval Office ceremony in March, Pence said that Trump would do so in very short order.

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At that ceremony, Trump signed a bill into law that laid out a blueprint for sending astronauts to Mars by 2033. The council is likely to endorse that goal and fill in the details.

It could also recommend actions on initiatives ranging from the establishment of a Deep Space Gateway in the vicinity of the moon, to a re-examination of the Outer Space Treaty, a 50-year-old pact that puts limitations on sovereignty claims in space.

Todays executive order also establishes a Users Advisory Group, composed of industry representatives and other experts on aeronautics and space activities from outside the federal government.

Historical precedent suggests the National Space Councils impact on policy will be dependent on how its recommendations are received by Trump and Congress. When Quayle headed the council, its top issue was how to build a base on the moon and send humans to Mars for less than $400 billion.

Almost 30 years later, missions to the moon and Mars are still in the talking stage, despite a succession of committee reports.

Back in 2005, Pence chaired a Republican Party study committee that recommended canceling President George W. Bushs initiative to send astronauts to the moon. That initiative ended up being canceled, but by President Barack Obama, who endorsed an initiative to send astronauts to a near-Earth asteroid instead.

The asteroid initiative was heavily modified in the course of Obamas tenure, and faced heavy criticism from the GOP. Now that Trump is in the White House, NASA is closing down whats now known as the Asteroid Redirect Mission.

That doesnt mean the space effort is dead: Since becoming vice president, Pence has shown no inclination to go against Trumps desire to see American footprints on distant worlds.

Trumps advisers have voiced support for commercial initiatives, such as the plan to have SpaceX and Boeing ferry astronauts to the International Space Station. Theyve also signaled support for sending Americans beyond Earth orbit, to the vicinity of the moon and onward to Mars.

Phil Larson, who served as a space policy official in the Obama White House, told GeekWire in a texted message that hes not inherently negative on a space council.

Adding a layer of bureaucracy may not speed solutions, but the councils usefulness largely depends on the policy it implements, said Larson, who is now an assistant dean at the University of Colorado-Boulders College of Engineering and Applied Science.

John Logsdon, professor emeritus at George Washington Universitys Space Policy Institute, agreed that the councils impact depends on where the path leads.

It could lead to a positive effect on the space effort, or it could, as in the past, end up not being a very important addition to U.S. space policy, he told GeekWire. I hope for the former.

NASA Watchs Keith Cowing reported that Scott Pace, the Space Policy Institutes director, is widely expected to be named the National Space Councils executive secretary. Pace declined to comment on the executive order when contacted by GeekWire today.

More from GeekWire:
Spain must stop funding anti-Israel NGOs, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid told the Spanish Congress of Deputies in Madrid on Wednesday.

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Addressing a special session of the Spanish parliament, Lapid presented lawmakers with a comprehensive report showing millions of euros that have been used to finance Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions (BDS) groups that have aligned themselves with terror organizations responsible for murdering Israeli civilians.

Yair Lapid

Israel faces terrorism in the form of knives and guns, always aimed at the weakest members of our society but in Europe, the weapon is lies, Lapid said, referring to claims made about Israel by BDS activists.

In 2015, nearly 5.1 million euros were transferred to sub-organizations affiliated with terrorist organizations, and we identify the names, the sub-organizations, the addresses, and you have the ability to stop it, stated Lapid. It is up to you. It is your country, and it is your money.

The report, Spanish Funding to NGOs Active in the Arab-Israeli Conflict, was published last month by NGO Monitor, a Jerusalem-based watchdog, and ACOM, a pro-Israel Spanish group that has pressed charges against pro-BDS groups citing Spains anti-discrimination laws. The report details organizations that call for boycotting Israel, and emphasizes the groups ties with violence.

Yair Lapid in the Spanish parliament

The patterns of Spanish funding  point to a distinct ideological trend against Israel, manifest in calls for its isolation, endorsement of violence against civilians, and the promotion of libelous distortions against Israeli entities and individuals, says the report.

All the Spanish NGOs (mentioned in the report) support BDS campaigns that target Israel economically, culturally, and academically, and all but one collaborate with Palestinian NGOs associated with the PFLP terrorist organization," it continued.

Unfortunately, such hostile narratives are supported by government funding, and also amplified and legitimized via active participation of Spanish government officials and politicians in virulent events, under the banner of human rights and development, the report states in its closing sentences.

In this manner," it concludes, "Spanish commitment to development cooperation is exploited for the sake of regional political agendas, in clear defiance of official Spanish foreign policy objectives and universal principles of foreign aid.
Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning to visit during his upcoming trip to Israel next week the child of parents who were murdered in the 2008 terror attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai.

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The visit will be part of Modis agenda during his three-day stay in what will be the first ever trip by any Indian prime minister to Israel as the two countries further consolidate what has blossomed into a cooperative relationship on numerous fronts, including agriculture, water and security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: EPA)

In recent months, India and Israel have signed bilateral agreements amounting to billions of dollars.

In the attack, six people, including Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivkawho ran the Jewish outreach center which also offered support to drug victimswere killed when four terrorists entered the premises and began spraying occupants with bullets.

Rivka was five months pregnant when her life was ended. However, the couples son Moshe, who was 2 years old at the time, survived the attack after his Indian nanny Sandra Samuel managed to remove him from the carnage and bloodletting.

Moshe, now 10 years old, was later sent to Israel where he was taken in and raised by his grandparents. Sandra, who was related to him, left her birthplace after the attack and also headed for Israel where she received an Israeli identity card. Since then, she has been assisting in Moshes treatment.

Modis meeting with Moshe will take place in the Tel Aviv Convention Center and will also be attended by his grandparents and Sandra.

The Indian premier, who has shown conspicuous support for forging relations with Jerusalem, will also be visiting Yad Vashem and cemetery in Haifa which serves as the burial site for Indian soldiers who fought for the British during World War II.

In addition, Modi will meet with President Reuven Rivlin and opposition leader Isaac Herzog. During his visit, he will put his signature to another series of cooperative agreements comprising a spanning across an array of fields.
An effort to find a solution to the electricity crisis in the Gaza Strip. The UN envoy to the Middle East Nickolay Mladenov met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and a number of senior officials in the Gaza Strip on Thursday to try to bridge the gap between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

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Mladenov specifically spoke with Haniyeh and a number of senior Hamas officials to work out a way out of the crisis between Gaza has been in, with the PA's suspension of Gaza's electricity payments, the PA's demand that Hamas pay it for the services the PA provides to Gaza and the amount paid by Hamas for patients leaving Gaza for treatment in Israel or the West Bank.

A darkened Gaza (Photo: Photo: EPA)

Gazans have been trying to cope with the lengthy outages, whose ramifications Hamas has called "catastrophic." The poor have been relying on battery-operated lights, the middle class on communal generators and the few wealthy families have turned to solar energy. Abbas's demand that Israel reduce Gaza's electricity has put Israel in the tough spot of having to choose between siding with Hamas in the internal Palestinian struggle or risking a humanitarian crisis in the impoverished coastal strip.





Photo: EPA

The Al-Hayat newspaper reported Friday that Mladenov had suggested to Hamas's leadership that the European Union pay the excise tax on diesel fuel entering the Gaza Strip to operate its power plant, which Hamas and the Palestinian Authority refuse to pay. In return, the EU will be allowed to erect an oversight body in Gaza.

Mladenov (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

It was also reported that Mladenov is working to find a solution for the payment of electricity lines to the Gaza Strip from Israel.

Photo: EPA

The electricity crisis began almost three months ago after the Palestinian Authority informed IDF Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, that it will no longer pay for the electricity it supplies to Gaza. The announcement came against the background of the power struggle between President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar: in return for a payment for electricity, the Abbas-led Paletinian Authority demands to receive control over the Gaza Strip and border crossings, as well as receiving tax payments from the Gaza Strip for the services and goods it provides its citizens. After Hamas rejected the demands out of hand, Abbas decided to reduce the supply of electricity in the Gaza Strip until he regained control of it.
Nearly a half-million people who were displaced within Syria by the war have returned to their homes, the UN refugee agency said Friday, pointing to a "notable trend of spontaneous returns" this year.

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UNHCR says aid agencies estimate that more than 440,000 internally displaced people and another 31,000 refugees who had fled abroad have returned home. The agency's spokesman, Andrej Mahecic, says "this is a significant trend, and a significant number" but cautioned that this was "only a fraction" of an estimated 5 million Syrian refugees abroad.

Syrian refugees (Photo: AP)

Mahecic said those returning have gone back mostly to Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Damascus and other governorates, mainly to seek out family members, check on property or benefit from "a real or perceived improvement in security conditions."

In comments to the UN Security Council this week, the UN envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, noted a recent decline in overall violence in Syria.

Mahecic said international diplomatic efforts in Geneva and Astana, Kazakhstan, to help bring peace to Syria after more than 6 years of war had provided hope to some displaced Syrians, but added it would be "premature" to link the peace efforts to the recent returns.

"The decisions are very individual and based on people's own perceptions of the situation in their areas of origin," he said in an email.

Kevin Kennedy, the UN regional humanitarian coordinator for the Syria crisis, stressed that the Syrian people "remain in grave difficulty," with just under 14 million of the 18 million people in the country in need of some form of humanitarian assistance.

"That's 70-75 percent of the population," he said.

Photo: Reuters

Over one-third of Syria's people are displaced within the country, some forced to move many times, while about 5 million Syrians have fled mainly to Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, Kennedy told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.

He said 4.5 million people in besieged or hard-to-reach areas "are in the most desperate need" of aid.

Both Kennedy and UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien criticized the difficulty in getting food and especially medicine to the needy. O'Brien told the UN Security Council on Thursday that "although the most egregious bureaucratic restrictions are from the government of Syria, we are increasingly seeing other groups operating in non-government controlled areas also implementing procedures that slow or impinge upon humanitarian principles."

Photo: AFP

O'Brien said local agreements have led to two besieged areas being removed from the UN listMadaya and the al-Waer district of Homs.

There are now 11 besieged locations with a total population of 540,000compared to almost 975,000 besieged people last November, he said.

O'Brien cautioned that while these local agreements often mean increased freedom of movement "they usually also include the relocation of those who fear reprisal or conscription, often to areas where they face serious security and protection concerns."
The Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiiga says that the restoration of the Kasubi tombs has been delayed by insufficient funds.

Meeting clan heads at Bulange Mengo, the Katikkiro says there is a comprehensive plan to restore all tombs including those in Kasubi which is expected to be completed come next year but the project has derailed because of the limited funds and cultural norms to be followed.

He says before the ban of the ettafali campaign people managed to contribute over 400 million shillings, and that now there is a big gap.

He is now calling for the more contributions from all stake holders to have work finished.

Omega Construction Company was contracted to work on the Kasubi tombs that were burnt two years ago.

Speaking at the same meeting, head of Clan leaders, Allan Nakirembeka Waligo reechoed the call to have the kasubi tombs report released.
By Abubaker Kirunda

President Yoweri Museveni has blamed the high price for sugar in the county on the laziness of Uganda Investment authority officials.

Museveni said Uganda investment authority is supposed to sit down to calculate the costs involved in sugar production to protect cheating of any party involved but the officials do not care about it.

He said the price of sugar in the country is not supposed to be above the world price which investment authority monitors but no concern has been taken by those in charge resulting into cheating of people by factories producing sugar in the county.

Museveni who was speaking from Busoga region where majority of factories producing sugar are found said he will convene a meeting to discuss the issue of sugar factories competing for sugar canes resulting into less sugar produced to get a solution.

Ends item.
By Moses Kyeyune

Parliament has this evening lifted the deadline for mandatory vehicle inspection just a day to the due date.

According to arrangements by government, all vehicles were supposed to undergo the mandatory checks by a private company, Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS). Before the commencement of the new financial year 2017/18 which starts this Saturday.

The decision by parliament follows complaints raised by Mukono South MP Johnson Muyanja Senyonga about unclear guidelines used in the face of the fast approaching deadline.

Muyanja also convinced Parliament that there is no guarantee that many vehicle owners risk having their vehicles impounded while others would simply bribe the officers in charge to bypass the checks.

The government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa has told the house that the deadline although not communicated had been lifted by government.
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WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump was standing on the banks of the Ohio River, and as barges loaded with West Virginia coal floated by, he noted that half the United States steel is produced within 250 miles and told the crowd that soon the steel folks are going to be very happy.

Within that same distance lies the bulk of the U.S. auto industry, which the president also has promised to protect. But carmakers are dreading what Trump apparently was alluding to: plans to impose significant punitive tariffs or quotas on steel imports.

Trump has promised to crack down on unfair foreign traders and restore the fortunes of American manufacturing. Few industries are as important as steelmaking, and Trump sees steel as an emblem of industrial power as well as being vital to the countrys national security.

But the president faces a conundrum: Making good on his Cincinnati pledge earlier this month may help domestic mills by restricting foreign steel and boosting U.S. steel prices. But that same action almost certainly will mean higher costs for American makers of cars, appliances, machinery and construction materials, and for many other manufacturers that cut, bend and otherwise fabricate steel. That could lead to higher prices for consumers and job losses.

Im sympathetic to American steel mills, but if they protect domestic steel, theyre going to be hurting steel fabricators, which employ a hundred times more people, said Drew Greenblatt, chief executive of Baltimore-based Marlin Steel Wire Products, which buys only U.S.-made steel. Greenblatt has been paying more for the metal since Trumps election, as prices have risen partly in anticipation of coming measures.

Others, such as Fontana, Calif.-based California Steel Industries and the Port of Los Angeles, have voiced opposition to blanket restrictions on steel imports, saying the kinds of slab steel that are important for their businesses and employment are not readily available from domestic producers. Nor do analysts think tariffs will address the key problem  excess steel output in China that has caused a global glut and downward pressure on prices.

None of that may matter to Trump and his trade officials. Two months ago, the president ordered a study of foreign steel shipments, and its findings and recommendations could be issued soon, giving him the green light to put his America first policy into action and remake a global trading system he thinks has undercut the U.S.

Itll be the first big one, said William Reinsch, a veteran trade specialist in Washington, D.C., noting that till now, Trumps tough talk on trade has been just that, mostly talk.

If Trump follows through as expected, history suggests U.S. steel prices will go higher, domestic steel producers will be happier and some workers laid off from mills will be called back  at least for a while. U.S. steel manufacturing has gone through waves of restructuring and is more productive today, but the industry shed 14,000 steel jobs in the prior two years, thanks to excess global production and unfair trade, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute, a trade group for 18 producer companies. The industry now employs about 140,000, the group said.

Tariffs on steel imports are nothing new, but this time, they could carry even greater political and economic risk. Trump aims to slap tariffs on steel imports, which he claims constitute a threat to U.S. national security, using a rarely invoked power granted the president under a 1962 trade law.

Steel imports accounted for about 25 percent of the metal used in the U.S. last year, down slightly from the prior two years. Analysts note that U.S. steel mills currently churn out more than whats needed for the Defense Department and its programs for fighter aircraft, submarines, tanks and other military equipment.

But the Trump White House has suggested that it will be defining national security much more broadly and that ensuring the ability to make ample supplies of domestic steel is critical to safeguarding the nations economic security.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has said that the country has just one domestic maker of transformers, an essential part needed for the nations electrical grid. That constitutes a legitimate national security issue, he told a recent Wall Street Journal conference.

Gary Hufbauer, a trade expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, called the national-security provision, Section 232, the nuclear option as it would basically allow Trump to circumvent legal challenges under domestic trade rules. Foreign parties could bring a complaint to the World Trade Organization, but the global adjudicating body may be reluctant to intervene, given the long acceptance of a national security exception in international trade, however seldom it has been used.

Analysts worry what might happen next. Should Trump clamp down on steel imports, other countries could strike back by taking similar action on American goods. They, too, could justify such measures in the name of national security. All of that could spark a trade war and destabilize the international trading order.

I think Europe will for sure retaliate, Hufbauer said.

In March 2002, President George W. Bush levied tariffs of up to 30 percent on various types of imported steel. Like Trump, Bush had promised on the campaign trail to come to the aid of U.S. steel producers and workers who had been ailing amid rising imports and depressed prices. Bush took the action, which was supposed to last for three years, on the more common basis that a surge of imports had caused injury to the domestic industry.

U.S. steel prices rose immediately, jumping nearly 70 percent by mid-summer, according to data from S&P Global Platts. But Bush lifted the tariffs 16 months before they were scheduled to expire, shortly after the WTO ruled the action illegal and Europe threatened to retaliate with tariffs of its own  on citrus from Florida, motorcycles made in Wisconsin and other U.S. goods.

Bush claimed that the protective measures were a success in allowing the domestic industry to get back on its feet, but by some estimates, the steel tariffs cost some 200,000 domestic jobs in 2002, about one-fourth of them in metal-making, machinery and transportation equipment and parts sectors.

Today American farmers, among others, worry that any new steel tariffs will spill over to them. U.S. Wheat Associates, in written comments to the Commerce Department, said it was extremely concerned and urged the Trump administration to consider the fallout if other countries follow suit and impose restrictions on U.S. wheat or other products as a result of their own national security concerns, whether real or imagined.

U.S. wheat growers, like producers of corn, soybeans and other farm goods, are heavily dependent on exports and are considered particularly vulnerable in a trade war. Disruption of critical food supplies would have ripple effects globally, Wheat Associates said, suggesting that in protecting steel, the Trump administration could threaten the flow of food shipments that may be as integral to national security as steel production.

Another tough question facing Trump is how broadly would any such steel tariffs apply. Which countries would feel the sting of its measures?

Most of the steel imports come from countries that have long been among Americas closest allies, including Canada, South Korea, Japan, Germany, France, Britain and Australia. In his 2002 steel tariffs, Bush excluded Canada and Mexico, and analysts expect the same from Trump, especially as the U.S. is gearing up to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The U.S. already has in place some tariffs on various steel from China and some other countries, for selling products below cost or with the unfair benefit of government subsidies. As a result, steel from China accounted for just 3 percent of total U.S. steel imports last year, although that does not tell the whole story. Steel shipments to the U.S. from Turkey, for example, have doubled since 2013, and the American steel industry says Turkey has been buying cheap Chinese steel billets, turning them into products and then loading them onto boats to America.

Its one thing to impose tariffs on China and even Turkey, a NATO partner, but quite another if Trump decides to apply tariffs or quotas broadly, on friends and allies alike, said Reinsch, the trade expert at the Washington, D.C.-based Stimson Center think tank.

Were doing this at the same time were trying to get Korea to make operational the U.S. anti-missile system, he said. Were going to push them on steel at the same time were trying to get Japan to negotiate a free-trade agreement, and EU the same thing. There will be consequences, he said.

Greenblatt, the CEO of Marlin Steel Wire, said its hard enough already competing with European rivals. If Trump imposes tariffs, he reckons he will be paying even more for American steel, while Germany and others may continue to buy China-made steel at a cheaper price, making it even tougher to win business in the global market.

My heart bleeds for the steel mill guys, he said. But the steel fabricators are going to get their heads handed to them if everybody else buys from China.
Known as a pretty neat small town, Spring Grove grows in size every 10 years as past residents return to celebrate Homecoming.

Cousins, children, long lost relatives and Spring Grove-born celebrants travel anywhere from other Minnesota cities to Seattle to Delaware to Phoenix back to Spring Grove.

My aunt is coming from Houston, Minn., said Millie Halverson, Homecoming organizer. She graduated from the Spring Grove High School class of 1936.

Founded in 1852, Spring Grove is the first Norwegian settlement in Minnesota. The town has been celebrating Homecoming since 1907. The celebration was made up in the town and does not have a Norwegian origin, unlike many of the other Spring Grove events.

The 10-year celebration features long days filled with alumni dinners, tours of the Spring Grove High School, paintball, live music and night swims among other attractions and events. The festival lasts five days. This years celebration was June 21-25.

The two alumni dinners attract crowds up to 400 people. In a town of 1,296 people, the meatball dinner is prepared for 800 guests. According to Homecoming organizer Lorilyn Dehning, the meatball dinner will sell out.

It takes two years to plan, Halverson said. Its a lot of work. We sent a letter to every alumni from the high school.

This is the first year that the Homecoming planning committee has been able to offer online pre-sales for popular events like the alumni dinner.

A lot of Spring Grove-raised celebrants use Homecoming as an opportunity to get the family together.

People who grew up like to come back and be a part of the community again, said Laurel Gatz, a Spring Grove native who now lives in Bloomington, Minn.

Some people use Homecoming as an opportunity to show their kids and grandkids where theyre parents are from.

I left for college in 1958, Gatz said. In all the commotion, all the cousins like to get together and then we have the class reunion then the big family reunion.

Gatz, whose maiden name is Ness, participates in the Ness family reunion every year with or without the back drop of Homecoming.

People like the heritage of Homecoming, Dehning said. Its a small town so you have to look out a little because most people are related in some way.

Although both Halverson and Dehning have moved back to Spring Grove after leaving the tight-knit community, they believe that the trend to leave has been changing.

A lot of millennials have been coming back, Halverson said. They want to raise their family here. We may be a small town but we are a vibrant town.

One of the more popular times of year to visit, Spring Grove Soda Pop opened their old fashioned Sugar Shack during this years celebration. The RockFilter Distillery, a whiskey distillery and cocktail room, also took advantage of Homecoming to open their doors.

We decided to open during Homecoming because lots of people come back, said Bob Hansen, owner of Spring Grove Soda Pop.

Spring Grove-themed merchandise is sold to those who want to remember Homecoming 2017.

Homecoming unites the people in Spring Grove, Dehning said. Were Minnesota Nice ... You can be a stranger but well still talk to you for a half hour.
Dane DeVetters work in international studies has brought him full circle.

The grandson of a German immigrant, DeVetter will move to Germany this summer for 10 months as a teaching assistant in the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program. He was accepted in April 2017.

When I was in middle school, my brother Curt had a German exchange student. That really boosted my interest in German affairs, DeVetter said.

The German language had not been passed down to DeVetter because his grandfather, Arno Weigand, had made a point to not speak German in his home.

When my father immigrated to the United States he did not speak any English. He learned English by sitting in kindergartner classes. He never spoke German again unless he was swearing in it, said Claudia DeVetter, Danes mother.

The Fulbright program offers research, study and teaching opportunities to recent graduates and students. There are programs in over 140 countries in the world.

The 2008 La Crescent-Hokah High School graduate is fluent in both German and Arabic; the latter he picked up in college.

In college they teach you how they speak Arabic on the news. A very stylized version that can be understood at home by people who speak many different dialects. Im fluent in that modern dialectic. Learning the Syrian or the Iraqi dialectic is a challenge, Dane said.

Dane will work with Syrian refugees and immigrants in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg. His work will be part-time at a German gymnasium, or high school.

His language-based interest encouraged Dane to earn a degree in in international studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a masters in international affairs from Marquette College.

Its great that Dane is participating in this program, said Curt DeVetter, Danes brother. Its an important aspect in global affairs to make that transition easier for immigrants. Germany has done a relatively good job showing people that they care and that they want to make that connection.

As refugees have fled their homes in Africa and the Middle East in the last few years, Germany has opened their doors and welcomed large numbers of refugees. Syrian refugees have been a large portion of that population as they have fled Syrian President Bashar Al-Assads regime.

Dane will leave his home in Milwaukee in August to visit family in Germany before the program begins in September. He will return at the end of June 2018.

Im excited to get more experience as a language teacher. I enjoy learning so its an opportunity to see if I am cut out to be a teacher, he said.

Since the position is only part-time, Dane plans to spend his free time volunteering within the community and working with refugees.

I want to get in as much activities in the community as I possibly can, he said.

Dane is not new to traveling. He participated in a four-week exchange program in Russia, studied abroad in Egypt for three weeks before the program was cut short due to the Arab Spring in 2011. He has also studied abroad in Morocco.

When I was in Morocco, I heard about a friends experience doing research under Fulbright. It sounded like something I would want to do, he said.

Dane visited Germany for the first time in 2012 for a family reunion.

His grandfather, Weigand, who was from Soviet-occupied East Germany, had to cut ties with his family in Germany until the wall fell in 1989.

Danes family is very proud of his work.

Everyone is from somewhere, Claudia said. Thats what makes America great. Its a lovely stew.
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BROOKLYN, N.Y.  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.

From her Brooklyn apartment, the 27-year-old Litman co-founded a group called Run For Something, which encourages people under age 35 to do just that. Thousands have signed up, many of them political novices.

Love, a 40-year-old attorney, took to Facebook and virtually overnight created Lawyers for Good Government, now a coast-to-coast army of legal experts battling Trump on issues such as immigration and a ban on travelers from six Muslim-majority countries.

Bosworth, 38, helped start a network that steers donors and activists in Democratic-leaning states like California toward legislative contests in more Republican redoubts, on the theory that their actions can have a greater impact where resources are scarce.

The idea is to build a pipeline of candidates and create incubators for policy that can eventually take the national stage, said Bosworth, who plans to leave her job as a San Jose public defender soon to work full time for her organization, the Sister District Project (as in sister cities).

Powered by social media and fired up by deep antagonism, Bosworth and others have produced a movement seemingly without precedent: artists, doctors, lawyers, scientists, software engineers and others organizing themselves to seek elected office, flood congressional town hall meetings and agitate on a broad range of issues.

Their numbers are unknowable; for many, a good part of the appeal of the do-it-yourself movements is the lack of rigid structure or top-down management.

But seemingly every week brings a new group with new designs: academics giving advice, librarians raising their voices, quilters taking up their sewing needles.

It turns out Trump, a president loathed by Democrats, is a far greater spur to liberal activism than the revered Barack Obama, a former community organizer who hoped to inspire a wave of officeholders and Democratic idealists. Instead, he presided over the hollowing-out of his party.

In November last year, being a politician was the last thing I would have ever, ever, ever intended to do, said Kellen Squire, a 32-year-old emergency room nurse in central Virginia, who, helped by Litmans group, is waging an uphill fight for a seat in the state House of Delegates. But I saw whatever was going to come down the pike was going to be so jacked up, I wasnt going to just take it. I had to stand up, yell, scream and holler.

Not all of the incipient energy is being directed toward the electoral arena.

A group calling itself the Resistance Media Collective has assembled 200 animators, graphic designers, videographers and other volunteers to live-stream anti-Trump protests and produce materials such as a cartoon brochure titled A Preparedness Guide for Undocumented Families.

Its tips, in English and Spanish, include finding a U.S. citizen to act as a childs legal guardian and advice on navigating the court system. Our goal  very, very simply  is to amplify the resistance, said Kathryn Jones, 48, a former actress in New York City and one of the groups leaders.

Much of the effort is aimed at revivifying a Democratic Party that lost hundreds of gubernatorial, congressional and legislative seats under Obama, slumping to its weakest position in decades.

But many involved have purposely kept their distance from the national party and also tried to steer clear of lingering resentments over who backed Clinton or Bernie Sanders in 2016.

Its not a Bernie thing or a Hillary thing or an Obama thing, said Alex Wall, a Democratic communications strategist and one of dozens of volunteers working together to help the anti-Trump opposition hone its message and broaden its reach on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. Its about speaking with one voice.

Party leaders say they welcome the freelancing. Were all united in the same message, said Sabrina Singh, a spokeswoman for the Democrat National Committee. We want to elect Democrats that reflect our values and the values of the states theyre running in.

Litman, a product of the Washington, D.C., suburbs, started walking precincts in Virginia as a 16-year-old. She went from Obamas political operation to directing Clintons 2016 email program. After her queasy election night, she binged on Netflix and traveled to Costa Rica, where she devoured a history of Emilys List, the Democratic group that promotes women running for office.

She contemplated a life away from campaigns. During an interview with a New York publishing house, however, she found her thoughts drifting to the imagined horrors of a Trump presidency and passively watching from the sidelines.

That just seemed pathetic, she said, as she headed to her office for the day, a table and chair at a Lower Manhattan wine bar renting work space in the off hours.

Running up her credit cards and digging into savings, Litman worked with Democratic consultant Ross Morales Rocketto, the husband of a Clinton campaign co-worker, to launch Run For Something. Their idea was to tap thousands of political contacts and share that knowledge base with a fresh generation of candidates.

They launched on Inauguration Day, and within a week 500 people had visited their website and expressed interest. The number, Litman said, has since climbed to more than 10,000.

The most common question  what should I run for?  is easily answered, she told about 20 potential donors and candidates gathered beneath a leafy canopy at a backyard party in New Yorks Brooklyn Heights. Decide the problem you want solved and the best place to do so, she said.

For many, that means local offices, such as school boards and city councils, which are easier to win than seats in Congress, and where results can be more immediate than in gridlocked Washington. Theyre affordable, Litman said, as though peddling a line of practical footwear, and so, so, so important.

Candidates who pass a screening  they must be Democratic-leaning, personable and committed to the time and effort a campaign requires  are offered a buffet of free advice from political pros: how to file for office, write a news release, design a Website.

Heather Ward, 21, a recent college graduate running for a school board seat outside Philadelphia, was counseled on door-to-door canvassing: Polish a crisp message; leave a note if no ones home. With guidance from her tutor, who helped run Clintons North Carolina campaign, she finished atop a field of four candidates and reached the November runoff.

Like any start-up, theres a freedom that comes with low overhead and minimal expectations. No fat cat donors to appease, no anxious incumbents to allay, so the group can look beyond a single election cycle.

The hope, of course, is to win wherever and whenever possible, Litman said, but more important is grooming a stable of newcomers who can step up years from now to run for governor or U.S. Senate.

Or, she posited, the ultimate post-Trump fantasy: A 2032 presidential candidate who started with us.
Sen. Bernie Sanders is back at the same old stand, railing against Republican health-care proposals before cheering crowds and television audiences. But beyond the attention and the adulation, the fiery Vermont independent has been encountering resistance from the voters.

Since the start of Donald Trumps presidency, Sanders has compiled an even worse electoral record than House Democrats have in losing four of five special congressional elections. And now he faces a potential legal problem in his home state of Vermont.

Sanders supporters lost three special congressional elections, in California, Kansas and Montana. Backers of his 2016 insurgency lost heated fights to chair the national and California Democratic parties. And so did Tom Perriello, for whom Sanders campaigned in Virginias high-profile Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Besides, Sanders was hardly helpful in the Georgia congressional race, giving Democrat Jon Ossoff a halfhearted endorsement after complaining he was insufficiently progressive. His only victories have been in scattered local contests.

The irony is that, at a time Democratic grass roots are aflame with desire for even stronger stands against Trump, Democratic voters may be confirming the more centrist course they took in rejecting Sanders for Hillary Clinton in 2016.

In so doing, they may be sending a positive signal for the future, since the last thing Democrats probably need is to veer too sharply left to counter Trumps extreme turn to the right.

And while Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren have advocated a more reflexively ideological course, two Clinton White House veterans, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Bruce Reed, are arguing persuasively that a more pragmatic response would help Democrats repeat their 2006 success of retaking the House during a Republican presidency.

Democrats, they wrote in The Atlantic, must not only pick their fights carefully, they also need to choose credible candidates who can win them. That means candidates who closely match their districts  even if they dont perfectly align with the national partys activist base.

Some such candidates may face liberal challengers. For example, some activists have talked of primary contests against Sens. Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Joe Manchin of West Virginia on grounds they are insufficiently liberal, though a more liberal candidate would likely have less chance of winning their relatively conservative states.

As for himself, Sanders has foresworn any talk now of a 2020 presidential rerun, when he will become 79. No serious rival has yet emerged to his 2018 re-election in Vermont. But he faces possible home-state problems stemming from a simmering investigation of his wife Janes management of the college she once ran.

According to the independent VTDigger, the FBI is looking into allegations initially made by a top Vermont Republican that Sanders office pressured a local bank into granting a $6.7 million loan for Burlington College to purchase a lakefront campus. The paper said three donors said their pledges were misrepresented in the loan documents; the college closed in 2016 with officials citing its debt from the land purchase.

Sanders told Burlington, Vt., television station WCAX last month that any suggestion his office applied pressure was nonsense and has repeatedly said the investigation was initiated by Donald Trumps campaign manager, a reference to attorney Brady Toensing, vice chair of the state GOP.

When CNNs Erin Burnett raised it Tuesday night, Sanders declined to discuss details, angrily defending his wife as about the most honest person I know and adding, When they go after your wife, peoples wives, that is pretty pathetic. VTDigger and Politico reported Bernie and Jane Sanders have hired two attorneys to represent them in the probe.

The FBI probe could have additional political fallout for Sanders. His office declined to say if his wifes financial dealings were one reason he has been so reluctant to issue his annual tax returns. That had little impact in 2016 but could become a bigger issue if he runs again, especially if Trump continues to withhold his tax returns. Sanders released a summary of his 2014 return but never fulfilled a promise to issue his 2015 return.

And pending California legislation would require candidates to release tax returns for the five most recent years to qualify for the presidential primary ballot.

Meanwhile, Sanders continues to expand his political efforts, adding a think tank called The Sanders Institute to the political organization, Our Revolution. Both are headed by Sanders loyalists from his 2016 campaign.

But his ultimate success will depend on being able to persuade Democratic voters. Thats a fight he lost in 2016 and one where he is still encountering some resistance.
Committees created by local governmental bodies in Wisconsin are themselves governmental bodies subject to the states open meetings law, the state Supreme Court said Thursday in a unanimous decision.

The court said that the Appleton School District violated the states open meetings law by failing to give public notice of a committee that the district established to review books read by district students. The committee had been granted authority by the School Board, and was not simply teachers and curriculum specialists exercising their own more limited authority, the court ruled.

Justice Michael Gableman, writing for the court, reversed decisions issued in Outagamie County Circuit Court and the state Court of Appeals, finding that the districts Communication Arts 1 Materials Review Committee meets the definition of governmental body under the states open meetings law.

Gableman wrote that in instances where a governmental body adopts a rule authorizing the formation of committees, and gives them the power to take collective action, they are deemed created by rule under state law and subject to the open meetings law.

The lawsuit that the court decided was brought by the parent of an Appleton student who said that CAMRCs meetings should have been open to the public.

The critical thing about todays decision is that it affirms Wisconsins open meetings law is to be construed and applied liberally, said Rick Esenberg, president and general counsel of the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, which represented the parent, John Krueger, in the case. The school district here strained to find reasons not to follow the law. Today the court made clear the presumption is to be in favor of transparency.

WILL called the decision a victory for open and transparent government in Wisconsin.

Esenberg said he did not believe that the decision would create an added burden for governmental bodies in their daily functions, because in this case the courts decision refers to groups formed at the behest of leadership in the organization, not ad hoc groups of employees.

I dont think this is going to hamstring or interfere with the operation of government, he said.

The case was closely watched by open government advocates including the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, the Wisconsin Newspapers Association and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, which filed a brief advocating for open meetings. The state Department of Justice also filed a brief arguing that the school district violated the open meetings law.

Transparency is essential for good government and Im glad to see the Supreme Court weighed in on the side of openness, state Attorney General Brad Schimel said in a statement.

Bill Lueders, president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, called it a good decision. It affirms that public officials cannot create committees without making them subject to the open meetings law.

Lueders said he never understood why the committee in this case didnt simply let Krueger into its meetings. It would not have been obligated to let him speak, Lueders said, but it still would have been better to let him in.

District Superintendent Lee Allinger wrote in a statement published on the districts website Thursday that the district disagrees that the committee was formed at the direction of the School Board, and that it was never the intent of the School Board to circumvent the state open meetings law by delegating its authority to work committees.

While I am certainly disappointed with the decision by the Supreme Court, Allinger wrote, the district appreciates the clarification provided by the Supreme Court, and the district will certainly take all necessary measures to ensure our practices will be in complete compliance with the Supreme Courts decision, now and on a going forward basis.

Justice Shirley Abrahamson wrote separately, joined by Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, in a concurring opinion that still picked at points made in the majority opinion.

Gableman wrote that in this case, a School Board rule provided that the review of educational materials should be done according to the School Board-approved handbook. The handbook, Gableman wrote, authorized the formation of committees with defined memberships and the power to review educational materials and make recommendations to the School Board.

Because CAMRC was formed as one of these committees, pursuant to the authority designated from the board, he wrote, it was created by rule and therefore was a governmental body under state open meetings law.

Krueger raised concerns in 2011 about references to suicide and sex in the book The Body of Christopher Creed, which students in a freshman communications arts class read. He asked that an alternative class be offered that included books with no profanity, obscenities or sexualized content.

Appletons school superintendent asked two members of the districts Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction Department to respond to Kruegers concerns, and they ultimately decided to review books used by the class to determine whether different books would resolve Kruegers concerns. They formed a 17-member committee of administrators, teachers and staff to review books.

The group met nine times, and in April 2012 the School Boards programs and services committee adopted the 23-book recommendation list. The School Board adopted the list later that month.

Krueger sued, arguing that the committees meetings were subject to public notice. Subsequent court rulings found that the committee was not a governmental body subject to the open meetings law.

Krueger said Thursday that he no longer has children in the district, but plans to remain involved and attend district meetings.
Westby freshman classes toured Country Coon Prairie Cemetery, one of the areas oldest burial sites located south of Westby. A prepared curriculum worksheet packet made by History Alive Project, Inc. volunteer, Dave Amundson, guided the students to find the gravestones for various notable names in Westbys history such as Dahl, Bekkedal, Thoreson, Halvorsen, Hektoen, Bratlie, Ramsrud, Gullord, Schreiner and Holum. At each of the grave stone markers the Amundson shared a short bio of the deceased buried there provided a photo of each.

Mentor teachers, Andy Hulst and Brian Huebner, said the cemetery field trip really brought together all the work done over the past school year teaching students about the rich immigrant history of the area.

The Amundsons also included a short history of the Country Coon Prairie Church that stands to the north of the oldest part of the Cemetery. The stately building is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.

Before leaving the cemetery students made a tracing or rubbing to lift the letters and engraved designs that embellished some gravestones. The tracings were made using blank newsprint paper and crayons. Some students chose stones belonging deceased relatives and friends.
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On Nov. 1, Linn Benton Food Shares warehouse in Tangent received two truckloads of food and household supplies arranged by the local branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Happy 4th of July! For immigrants celebrating, the 4th of July has an added meaning. We celebrate what the United States has given us. The freedom for education, work and pursuing our dreams.

On this date we all celebrate the 13 colonies coming together to establish this great nation. A nation where immigrants can prosper and work hard to help their families. On this date, we celebrate by coming together with our family and friends to make carne asada or hamburgers, to watch the fireworks and celebrate our independence.

I remember attending my first 4th of July celebration, it reminded me of my home country, Guatemala. It was the first time since I came from Guatemala that I had seen fireworks. In Guatemala, we celebrated Christmas, New Years and any big celebration with fireworks. Whenever I think of fireworks I think of home, the anticipation of a celebration, knowing that something big is happening.

My parents were able to buy a house close to Kirkpatrick Memorial Park, where we can watch the fireworks from our front yard. I remember our whole family eating carne asada, talking about the latest chisme and listening to cumbias. For me, the meaning of the Fourth of July is enhanced by the fact that I get to celebrate living in the U.S.

For our recently naturalized citizens, the meaning can bring tears to your eyes. Being a new citizen, having the ability to vote and be recognized by the country that has given you so much is a true blessing. We may be different by the way we look, but we carry the same pride of this land as much as anybody. Immigrants know that the United States is a great country and all we want to do is contribute our hard work ethic, continue our education and hope to hand down a better life for our children.

This year, try something new. Try inviting your neighbor over. Share a taco or two. Celebrate that we live in Lexington, Nebraska, one of the most diverse cities in Nebraska. Celebrate our differences and how we can come together, regardless of where we are from--be it the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba or Somalia. Share our successes and our failures. Share how much you have learned since your arrival or birth here and how much we look forward to the future.

Let us celebrate this great nation and the ability to share it with our neighbors.
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In an interview broadcast last Sunday by TDM, scholar Hao Zhidong, who is leaving the University of Macau (UM), claimed that academic freedom is shrinking in Macau and mentioned that the UM has demanded that its staff report on private visits to Taiwan.

Newspaper Hoje Macau reported yesterday that the new rules were causing a stir within the institution.

When they get into ones private life, including people who do not engage in any political action, then this is no longer the second system. There is something very wrong in all this, a UM professor, who requested to remain unidentified, told the Portuguese-language newspaper.

The Times attempted to obtain a comment from the University Communications Office but there was no response by press time.

According to claims reported by the press this week, UM teachers and other staff members who wish to travel to Taiwan on private trips are obliged to report and justify such trips to the institutions board of directors, and must also issue a detailed report on activities undertaken during their visit.

Furthermore, Hoje Macau reported that these requirements were not initiated by the UM, but had been imposed on it by an undisclosed government department.

The purpose for which the rules were created is also unclear. RM
Indonesian officials say a German hiker who went missing last week while climbing a dormant volcano has been found dead.

Search and rescue official Budiawan said the body of Wolter Klaus was discovered yesterday by five university students who were camping on Mount Sibayak in western Indonesia.

Klaus, from Oldenburg city, registered his name on June 21 when he began what should have been a day hike up Mount Sibayak. He was reported missing a day later by his hotel after he failed to return from the 2,200-meter mountain, one of about 130 volcanoes in Indonesia.

Budiawan, who uses one name, said rescuers were on the way to recover the body. AP
Chinas foreign minister told his Philippine counterpart yesterday that Beijing is ready to provide more aid to the Southeast Asian country, as ties between the former antagonists continue to improve.

The relationship has increasingly overshadowed the Philippines longstanding ties with the United States. Beijing this week donated emergency aid, sniper rifles and other weaponry to help the Philippine military drive out Muslim rebels who overran the southern city of Marawi.

At a news conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the sides would continue to improve our mutual trust and control our differences so as to maintain the peace and stability of the South China Sea.

The two countries have overlapping territorial claims in the strategic waterbody and feuded bitterly under Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes predecessor, Benigno Aquino III.

Duterte has pledged to steer Manila closer to Beijing while consistently blasting the U.S., which has criticized his brutal war against mostly small-time drug dealers and addicts.

Beijing has seized on that opportunity and Wang said the relationship will definitely become wider and [] more solid. The road in the past was a dead end.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano also articulated a more Asian-centric approach.

We should think less in national borders, less that we are Chinese, we are Filipino, we are Japanese, we are Korean, we are Thais or Indonesians, and start thinking that we are Asians and that peace and stability in our region will give us the leverage we need to be able to develop our nations and our people.

Separately, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian appeared to indicate that the shipment of arms delivered on Wednesday was only a start.

The Chinese side has always opposed firmly any form of terrorism and opposes any person who carries out or supports terrorist activities under any name, Geng said at a monthly news briefing.

We stand ready to work with regional countries including the Philippines to step up counterterrorism operations against violent terrorist threats, he said.

Despite Dutertes criticism of Washington, the U.S. military has been providing intelligence and logistical support for Philippine troops as they fight to clear Marawi of militants aligned with the Islamic State group. AP
A vote on David Nye's confirmation as Idaho's newest federal judge could happen as soon as July 10.

Nye was nominated by President Barack Obama last year for the vacancy created by U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge's retirement, with the support and involvement of U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both R-Idaho. The Judiciary Committee approved his nomination last summer, but he never got a full Senate vote.

Senate Judiciary approved his nomination again a couple of weeks ago, and on Wednesday Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filed for cloture on the nomination, a parliamentary move aimed to limit debate before an upcoming vote.

"The cloture puts the Senate on notice that it is coming up," Crapo spokesman Lindsay Nothern said.

The Senate will be out next week for its week of July 4 recess, but will be back on the evening of the 10th. Nothern said Nye's nomination could come up then.

Nothern said there are two ways the vote could happen. The first is a "hotline," where the leadership sends a message to every senator's office that it will pass by unanimous consent unless someone objects. The second, which Nothern believes to be more likely, is that it would be brought to the floor for a voice vote, in which case it would then pass unless a senator objects and forces a recorded vote.

"He was unanimous out of committee, so we're hoping for the best," Nothern said.
TWIN FALLS  After nearly four months in the hospital, a baby born weighing just one pound will likely head home to Hansen soon.

Rainna Crabb was born in March at 24 weeks old at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls. She weighed just 1 lb., 1 ounce and was 11 inches long.

She was flown to St. Lukes Childrens Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit in Boise. Parents Samantha and Steven Crabb have been staying with their daughter.

Crabbs original due date was July 2. She doesnt have a hospital release date yet, said Hazelton resident Kindra Perez, the babys aunt.

Shes doing really good, Perez said Friday. So hopefully shell get to come home within the next couple of weeks.

As of last week, Rainna weighed 5 pounds, 6 ounces  up significantly from her birth weight.
TWIN FALLS  An autopsy revealed no obvious cause in the death of a 10-month-old baby left for hours last week inside a hot car.

The initial autopsy performed in Boise ruled out any physical abuse or illness that may have contributed to the girls death, Twin Falls County Coroner Gene Turley said Thursday. Turley hopes forensic toxicology tests will reveal more.

Meanwhile, no arrests have been made and Twin Falls Police have not released the names of the baby or her parents. But Don Patterson of Twin Falls told the Times-News on Monday that the infant was his granddaughter, Natalie Ross, and said she had been left in a car strapped into her car seat Friday evening. Patterson said his granddaughter died that night.

Twin Falls Police responded just before midnight Friday to the 500 block of Highland Avenue for a call about a baby not breathing. Officers found the girl was unresponsive. She was taken to St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center for treatment, but efforts to revive her failed.

Officers learned the baby had been left unattended inside a parked vehicle for several hours during the afternoon and evening hours, a police statement said Monday afternoon.

Turley said blood, urine and other bodily fluid samples sent out of state for testing may indicate how hot the interior of the vehicle got Friday. He expects the results to take four to six weeks.

Pattersons daughter, Eva Ross, was working at her parents fireworks stand Friday while her husband, Richard Ross, was with their baby, Patterson said. Her husband was to pick her up at 9:30 p.m., but didnt show up, he said. Ross got a ride home and found the police at her house just before midnight, Patterson said.

Twin Falls Police are still investigating the death, Lt. Terry Thueson said Thursday. Thueson directed further questions to Prosecuting Attorney Grant Loebs.

Loebs said hes awaiting the results of the investigation before more details are released.
RALEIGH, N.C.  Serious wounds to a soldier and a Navy SEAL who searched for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl can be used at the sentencing phase of his upcoming trial, a judge ruled Friday, giving prosecutors significant leverage to pursue stiff punishment against the soldier.

The judge, Col. Jeffery Nance, ruled that the service members wouldnt have wound up in the firefights that left them wounded if they hadnt been searching for Bergdahl, so their injuries would be relevant to his sentencing if hes convicted of misbehavior before the enemy at trial in October.

The charge, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, alleges that Bergdahl endangered fellow service members by walking off his remote post and triggering search missions across Afghanistan. Bergdahl also is charged with desertion, punishable by up to five years.

Bergdahl, who is from Hailey, Idaho, has been assigned to desk duty at a Texas Army base pending the outcome of his legal case.

Bergdahls attorneys have argued that he cant be held responsible for a long chain of events that included many decisions by others on how to conduct the searches after he left his remote outpost in June 2009.

But the judge ruled that neither service member would have been wounded doing what they were doing but for the actions of the accused, assuming he is found guilty. Nance previously ruled that the injury evidence wont be allowed at the guilt-or-innocence phase of the trial, but the sentencing phase has a different evidence standard.

Defense attorney Eugene Fidell said he was reviewing the Friday ruling to determine his teams next step.

Scores of military members searched for Bergdahl, who was captured within hours and would be held captive by the Taliban and its allies for five years.

The former Navy SEAL, Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer James Hatch, suffered a career-ending leg wound when he was sprayed with AK-47 fire while chasing enemy fighters on a July 2009 search mission. He testified he nearly bled to death and has endured 18 surgeries since then.

On a separate search mission that month, U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. First Class Mark Allen was shot in the head, suffering a traumatic brain injury that left him in a wheel chair and unable to communicate.

Bergdahl told a general during a preliminary investigation that he left his post intending to cause alarm and draw attention to what he saw as problems with his unit.

Defense attorneys wanted the misbehavior charge thrown out, arguing that the underlying actions werent independently criminal and that the sentence could be overly harsh.

But the judge sided with prosecutors who argued that Bergdahls decision to leave his post was criminal enough to trigger the more serious charge. Military members must hold to a high standard of discipline to maintain order on the battlefield, and serving as a soldier isnt like most other jobs, he reasoned in a separate ruling this week.

Unlike the recalcitrant Wal-Mart employee, a service member really can earn himself a federal criminal conviction for repeatedly being late to work, the judge wrote.

The misbehavior charge has rarely been used in recent decades, though there were hundreds of cases during World War II. Legal databases and media accounts turn up only a few misbehavior cases since 2001, when fighting began in Afghanistan. The judge found only a few relevant cases  one from the Korean War, the other from Vietnam, as precedents for the charge against Bergdahl.

Two ancient cases are all that are available of superior court guidance as to the meaning of these words, Nance wrote.

A legal scholar not involved in the case, former Army lawyer Eric Carpenter, said the judges decision to allow evidence about his searchers injuries would give prosecutors a strong hand at sentencing.

Carpenter, who teaches at Florida International University, said the issue required careful attention because military jurors might severely punish Bergdahl for second and third order effects of what he did, rather than focusing on his blameworthiness for leaving his post.
TWIN FALLS  Paul Melni was getting dozens of phone calls Thursday, as visitors from California to New York were asking about boat rentals with AWOL Adventure Sports.

Our reservations are through the roof, Melni said. Friday is almost booked up.

He expects this holiday weekend to be busier than last year, with an influx of out-of-town visitors. Its likely to happen, as AAA projects Fourth of July travel volume to be the highest on record  with 44.2 million Americans traveling from Friday to Tuesday.

Those travelers will include an estimated 221,000 Idahoans, about 89 percent of whom will be driving, despite an uptick in gas prices over the past month.

An improving job market, high consumer confidence and relatively affordable gas prices will motivate many Americans to visit loved ones for food, fireworks, and fun this year, AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde said in a statement.

On Thursday alone, Melni had received calls from people all over Idaho, Nevada, California and Florida. Friday was the most reserved day so far, while the Fourth of July (Tuesday) had the fewest reservations.

At Jeromes KOA Holiday Campground, Friday was also the most popular day for reservations, but some sites were still available. Manager Michael Carranza said he generally gets a lot of last-minute reservations from visitors coming to town.

AAA reports that in the last four years, overall travel has grown by 10 percent.

The average price for a gallon of gas in Twin Falls Thursday was $2.59  an increase of 21 cents from 2016. Idaho ranked seventh highest in the nation for gas prices.

This area has seen substantial growth population-wise, but what we havent seen is a real change in our supply, Conde said.

Supplies in the U.S. are abundant, and prices will eventually come down in the West, he said.

Even though prices arent great for gas this year, theyre close enough that they shouldnt break anyones budget going into the holiday, Conde said. People are just very optimistic.
BOISE  The Association of Idaho Cities honored former Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice and Attorney General Jim Jones for his service to the state at its conference last week.

The AIC gave Jones its Ken Harward Award, which is meant to recognize exceptional contributions benefiting the State of Idaho and its communities, according to a news release from the AIC. It is named for former Nampa city official Ken Harward, whose planning work led to several major developments there such as the Nampa Recreation Center and the Idaho Center.

AIC is pleased to honor Jim Jones exceptional legacy of public service to the State of Idaho, said AIC President and Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad. As a veteran, Attorney General and Supreme Court Justice he has served the state with courage, independence of thought and strong personal integrity.

Jones, who was born in Twin Falls and grew up on his familys farm near Eden, served as state Attorney General from 1982 to 1990 and was on the state Supreme Court from 2004 until he retired last year. He was chief justice during his last year on the court.

Since retiring, he has been active in writing newspaper op-eds and speaking his mind on many political issues, most of them being areas where he bucks the views of many others in his Republican Party. He has spoken out defending refugees, called on the state Legislature to repeal the exemption that shields parents who believe in faith healing from prosecution if their kids die, opposed the health-care bill the congressional GOP is trying to pass, urged Republicans to take a stronger stance on Russian interference in last years election and condemned fears of Shariah law, calling it a non-issue.
JEROME  For nearly 20 years, Bob Thompson has been selling aerial and non-aerial fireworks in Jerome County.

Thompson said an opinion released from the Idaho Attorney Generals Office left many of his customers confused. The opinion released Tuesday said it is illegal for people to buy aerial fireworks in Idaho without a special use permit.

Thompson said he called the Attorney Generals office on Tuesday to confirm Idaho laws hadnt changed.

The AGs Office released a clarification Wednesday saying the opinion was a legal analysis requested from a lawmaker and does not change any laws. The state doesnt prohibit the sale of aerial fireworks, but they are illegal to set off in Idaho.

My office does not enforce Idahos fireworks laws, the clarification says. Enforcement is handled by county sheriffs, prosecutors, and city police departments.

The legal analysis was sent to the lawmaker on June 21 and was made public by the Boise Fire Department on Tuesday, the statement says.

The common practice of selling aerial fireworks has been that buyers can purchase them as long as they promise not to use them in Idaho, the Associated Press reported.

Thompson said before they can buy aerials from his stand, his customers are required to sign a waiver that says the fireworks will be transported out of the state of Idaho. He also requires customers to show proof they are 18 or older to buy any type of fireworks. He operates his Interstate Fireworks stand near Con Paulos Chevrolet in Jerome.

Sales have been slow, but Thompson didnt blame it on the opinion, though hes had to field a lot of questions.

I dont blame it on that, he said. Maybe its just the week and Fourth of July is on a Tuesday. Im looking forward to the weekend.

In 2015, the city of Jerome changed its ordinance banning the sale and possession of certain dangerous fireworks. Fireworks sales are limited to temporary fireworks stands, and possession of dangerous fireworks is allowed only with a permit.

Some law enforcement agencies may agree with the analysis and change their enforcement policies, the clarification says. Others may ignore it. I encourage these entities to review it and consult with their respective attorneys on how they should proceed.

Jerome County Sheriff Doug McFall said he read the opinion but not the clarification sent out Wednesday. Typically, the fire marshal oversees the safety requirements for fireworks stands and the Sheriffs Office responds to complaints of fireworks, he said.

Nothing at this point is going to change, McFall said. Id say unless there is come outcry from the public and the county commissioners want to pursue something different than what weve done in the past.

If aerial fireworks were to become illegal, Thompson said, buyers would just go to Wyoming or tribal reservations.

Its not going to stop anything, Thompson said. We have to change our product line and they have to drive farther.
TWIN FALLS  Band members hadn't even started to tune their instruments when people started arriving with folding chairs in tow, staking out their usual spots.

Listening to the Twin Falls Municipal Band at the Twin Falls City Park is a 112-year tradition with lots of new followers. Cousins Fern Allen and Darla Shirley held dogs on their laps under the shade of a nearby tree. Their friend Shirley Brill had also joined them. A cooler containing hamburgers for the women and their dogs was next to Allens chair.

The three always meet and sit in the same spot on Thursday nights in the summer.

We claim that tree, Shirley said.

Well, we share, Allen replied.

All three sat chatting as a cool breeze let just a little bit of sunlight peek through the trees leaves. On the band shell stage, some members of the band wearing red shirts began setting up music stands.

For the past three years, the three women have listened to the melodies of the Twin Falls Municipal Band. Raised in Burley, Shirley didnt know of the band until she moved to Twin Falls.

We enjoy it, Allen said. Its a good way to meet friends, and we love the music.

Brill, who used to live in Boise, said she often listened to the band there, but prefers her hometowns band.

This group has that group beat, Brill said.

Joanne Anderson was hunched over reading a book in her lap as she sat alone. Shes lived in Twin Falls for four years and attended her first band performance last year. She was so impressed she decided to return Thursday night.

I thought, My goodness sakes, this is something, Anderson said. Its really incredible this is here.

As more musicians emerged, the sounds of trumpets and horns practicing scales started to flow from the band shells core.

Caitlyn Probasco attended her first Twin Falls Municipal Band performance at the age of 7.

She was interested in music but never thought shed be one of the musicians on stage one day.

Now at 22, shes in her third season with the band. Shes been playing the trombone for 11 years. She is a music student at the University of Idaho with the hopes of one day earning a living as a professional musician.

Its good to play with community and its a good thing to do when Im home from school, Probasco said.

In the audience, Steven Knott took a seat on the metal benches with his two young daughters. He waved to his wife, Sue Knott, after spotting her on stage. Sue has been a member of the band for 10 years, playing the piccolo and flute. She introduced Steven to the Thursday night performances and now he brings their daughters, Sunny, 5, and Sophie, 2, to watch their mother play.

Its outdoors and free, Steven said. Its nice to get out and about and see someone you know in the crowd.

Sunny cradled a Hello Kitty doll while her younger sister clutched a gray and white kitty stuffed animal. The theme of Thursday nights performance was Bears, Beasts and Beatles and the girls brought their stuffed animals with them to dance with during the song Teddy Bears Picnic.

But it was the first song that brought Steven to his feet.

When Cant Buy Me Love started to play, he picked up Sophie, still holding her kitten, as he started to sway back and forth with her in his arms.
The following editorial appears on Bloomberg View:

Its easier for American tourists to travel to North Korea than to Cuba. Its also more dangerous, as the death this week of college student Otto Warmbier after 17 months of North Korean captivity shows.

But never mind the absurdity of President Donald Trumps reimposition of travel restrictions to a relatively open and safe island 90 miles off the American coast. To prevent future deaths and protect U.S. national security, Congress should ban U.S. tourist travel to Kim Jong Uns reclusive police state.

True, North Korea is not exactly a popular destination for U.S. tourists. Of the 100,000 foreigners who visited North Korea in 2016, slightly more than 1 percent were American (most were Chinese). North Koreas efforts to spark a tourist boom  including by loosening its restrictions on U.S. tourists in 2010  have been a bust.

What U.S. travelers to North Korea have provided the regime, unfortunately, is a ready supply of hostages. These Americans are then used as pawns in diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. Over the last decade, at least 17 U.S. citizens have been detained in North Korea, and three remain in captivity.

A bipartisan bill in the House would ban U.S. tourist travel and penalize those who seek to arrange it. (Travel for other purposes  humanitarian assistance, for instance  would still be possible on a case-by-case basis.) Congress should pass it speedily.

The U.S. should also make clear to South Korea that, under current conditions, plans to use a North Korean ski resort in the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics in Seoul would be seen less as a peace gesture to the North than as a slap in the face to Americans.
The Washington Post reports:

Visitors from six predominantly Muslim nations will be denied visas to the United States under new guidelines that take effect Thursday night unless they can prove very close family ties to someone already in the country or an institution such as a workplace or university.

The rules sent to diplomatic posts worldwide Wednesday prompted immediate criticism for the narrow and somewhat quirky definition of close family. A son-in-law or a step-daughter can get in, but a grandmother or uncle cannot. Senior administration officials said they drew up the list of close relationships based on the definition of family in the Immigration and Nationality Act passed almost 50 years ago.

You might chalk this up to mindless bureaucratic rulemaking (not so different than picking the seven countries in the first Muslim ban because they were lumped together in the Obama administrationfor an entirely different purpose). You might conclude that the Trump people, to borrow a term, are just plain mean. A grandmother who helped raise you is dying but you cant go visit her? Pshaw, say the Trumpkins. You lived with your aunt and uncle when your parents were deployed overseas and now cant go to their wedding anniversary party? Too bad! You might instead reach the conclusion that there is nothing more important to the Trump crowd than throwing red meat to the base, which often entails demonizing and persecuting minorities. These are not mutually exclusive explanations.

Can one imagine what the values-voter crowd would have said had President Barack Obama promulgated some such rule? Theyd scream that he was attacking family voters and lacked an appreciation of the importance of extended family. Theyd point out that this is what happens when a big, coldhearted bureaucracy starts meddling in peoples lives for spurious reasons. Now, they say nothing.

Republicans have long claimed the value of freedom. Freedom not to buy health care. Freedom not to pay much in taxes. Freedom to run your business as one sees fit. (But of course these can become nonsensical in the real worldthe freedom to lose Medicaid; the freedom to live in a country that passes on debt because it wont pay for services it demands; and the freedom to pollute. Really, people, thats your ideal?) Ironically, the whole Muslim-ban farceand we know its a farce because we have passed the time necessary to develop extreme vetting, the stated excuse for the bantramples on two fundamental rights. Republicans used to understand that freedom of religious expression protected all faiths. Republicans used to believe that freedom to travelwhich is inseparable from the right to make your life as you see fitis essential. Now they are in the business of deciding what real family is and which life events one can miss. (Its only Grandpas funeral!?) This is big government run amok.

The family-values crowd is mute, leaving it to civil liberties and immigration groups to stand up for families. The Post reported:

Defining close family to exclude grandparents, cousins, and other relatives defies common sense, said Johnathan Smith, legal director of Muslim Advocates, a civil rights group that plans to send monitors to Dulles International Airport on Thursday night.

Cornell University Law School professor Stephen Yale-Loehr, who has written volumes of legal books on immigration law, said the travel ban would have barred many refugees who came to the United States years ago and have caused no problems. Among them are the Lost Boys of Sudan and children orphaned by famine and war.

Similarly, why can a stepsister visit the United States but not a grandmother? he asked. The State Department should vet visa applicants on a case-by-case basis for terrorism concerns, not impose overly broad categories that prevent innocent people from coming to this country. . . .

Amnesty International called on Congress to overturn the travel ban and said it will dispatch monitors to airports to observe whether anyone is denied entry. Separating families based on these definitions is simply heartless, Naureen Shah, director of campaigns for Amnesty International USA, said in a statement. It further proves the callous and discriminatory nature of Trumps Muslim ban.

The GOP and its evangelical conservative helpmates could learn a thing or two about family by listening to these groups.
This week the Attorney Generals office released an opinion in which they stated buying, not just lighting, aerial fireworks is illegal in Idaho. Now fireworks retailers and revelers alike are finding themselves in a quandary.

For as long as many can remember, there has been ambiguity around Idahos aerial fireworks law. Until this week, most believed you could buy them, as long as you did not light them. Now that is akin to giving a 5-year-old a lollipop and telling him not to eat it.

We dont think the Attorney General was trying to damper anyones festivities this Tuesday. While some think his timing was suspect, his office issued the opinion at the request of Democratic Rep. Mat Erpelding of Boise. Erpelding was concerned about the risks and damage caused by the skyward rockets. And rightfully so.

Fires caused by fireworks are serious in a desert climate such as ours. It takes only a few seconds and we can suddenly see our backyards scorched. Fighting these fires and paying for the resulting damage can be costly. Just ask a 19-year-old Ada County man who was court ordered to pay $391,000 in damages for a fire he started last year in the Boise foothills. That turned out to be one expensive Roman candle.

There is also the fact that for every fire caused by fireworks, a firefighters safety is put in jeopardy. We applaud the life-saving work these public servants do, and we believe in doing all that we personally can do to keep them safe. It seems that using common sense in choosing fireworks is a small price to pay to support their efforts.

The Idaho Legislature discussed closing the loop-hole this past session, and nothing happened. But we dont need legislation to decide what is safe and sane when it comes to our dazzling displays. While we celebrate this countrys independence with picnics and family time, we hope that we can also do it responsibly when it comes to lighting pyrotechnics. Play it safe  there is no amount of sparkle, flash and bang that is worth risking property damage and the safety of those who have to fight the fires.
The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a new resolution, 2362, authorizing the checking of high sea vessels suspected of smuggling Libyan oil while extending the weapon embargo, other sanctions that impose travel bans and the freezing of assets.

The resolution does not however prevent Libyan authorities from requesting military supplies to continue the fight against terrorism. The members of the Security Council believe that Libya still poses a threat to international peace and have decided to extend the presidency of the group of experts established in 2011 during a NATO-backed uprising against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

The Libyan authorities recognized by the U.N. is the Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Prime Minister-designate Fayez Serraj. The military prowess of the GNA is limited compared to the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar who is loyal to the Tobruk-based House of Representatives.

The North African country has been unstable and it is believed that its oil is being used to finance the chaos that has been ongoing for the past six years. It is unclear how the smuggling of oil will be controlled especially along the Oil Crescent. A Libyan oil source revealed to Reuters on Thursday that production is close to reaching 1 million bpd and it would stabilize at the higher end of the range very soon. Libya produced more than 1.6 million bpd before a 2011 uprising, and average production has not exceeded 1 million bpd since July 2013.

Among the latest victims to subdue the countrys insecurity were seven members of a U.N. mission in Libya. Their convoy was attacked around 50 kilometers west of the capital on Wednesday before being held hostage but they have been reportedly freed safely and in good health before any negotiations.
The killing of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State, has been confirmed by Ali Shirazi. The representative of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamaneis to the Revolutionary Guards  Quds Force was speaking to online news site Asr-e Iran when he stated that the death of the extremist groups caliph has been verified through multiple channels and can affirm that terrorist Baghdadi is definitely dead.

Shirazis statement came two weeks after Russians claimed that they killed Abu Bakr Baghdadi alongside Abu al-Khadji al-Mysri, Ibrahim al-Naef al-Khadj and Suleiman al-Shauah in an air raid on a high-level meeting of Islamic State leaders on the southern outskirts of Raqqa in Syria. The Quds Force is in charge of operations outside Irans borders by the countrys elite Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Russian military carried out the attack on May 28 but only announced it a fortnight ago after verifying it through various channels.

ISIS has not yet commented on the matter. A video footage or audio of Baghdadi is yet to be released to deny the Russian claim which has prompted Senator Ozerov of Russia to think that this information is close to 100% accuracy.

There have been numerous claims by the U.S.-led air campaign of eliminating the ISIS leader before he usually resurfaces again. Pentagon has refrained from denying or confirming Russias claim of killing Baghdadi. Colonel Ryan Dillon nevertheless noted Baghdadi will not be able to influence what is going on now in Raqqa, Mosul, or ISIS in general due to the enduring losses while admitting that have no concrete evidence of whether he is alive or dead.

Elsewhere, Russia, Turkey and Iran are working on finalizing de-escalation border zones in Syria ahead of the next talks in Astana.
The World Bank has granted a loan of $ 60 million (34.6 billion CFA francs) to Benin to improve the energy performance in the west-African tiny nation.

The loan was provided under a development aid fund put in place the international development association (IDA), an arm of the institution, which gives loans to the poorest nations at a very low rate or none.

The loan will support the Benin Energy Improvement Project (PASE) through the countrys Electric Power Company (SBEE) in charge of electricity distribution in the country.

This new project will help the Beninese government to meet an urgent demand to improve the reliability of energy services and, in the longer term, develop the sector in a sustainable manner, a statement said.

The project will contribute more specifically to optimizing the operational performance of the Benin Electrical Energy Company (SBEE) by limiting commercial and technical losses, maintaining a positive momentum for the biomass sub-sector and drawing up a roadmap for the progressive development of sustainability of the energy sector while strengthening the capacities of the main actors.

The funds will also be used to improve access to energy in the peri-urban areas of Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Parakou and Natitingou.

Benin has been in an unprecedented energy crisis in the recent years. Only one major hydroelectric power plant currently functions.

The country however has a large hydroelectricity potential, but 85% of its electricity needs are answered by imports from Ghana, Cote dIvoire and Nigeria.
Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has been named the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate.

Dr. Adesina, whose name was selected in Washington, D.C, becomes the 46th recipient and the sixth African to be so honoured.

Through his roles over the past two decades with the Rockefeller Foundation, at the newly established Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and as Minister of Agriculture of Nigeria, Dr. Adesina has been at the forefront of galvanizing political will to transform African agriculture through initiatives and new policies.

Announcing the new Laureate, Amb. Kenneth Quinn, the President, The World Food Prize, The Hall of Laureates, described Adesina as someone who grew out of poverty, but whose life mission is to lift up millions of people out of poverty.

Since 2015, Akinwumi Adesina has initiated a serious shift towards the development of African agriculture through the agricultural strategy of the financial institution called Nourrir lAfrique (2016-2025).

The AfDBs number one sees the agricultural sector in Africa not only as a means of reducing poverty but also as a commercial activity on its own right to improve the conditions of the populations, especially young people.

The prestigious 250,000 dollars prize is given annually to a person who has worked to advance human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world.
Edouard-Pierre Valentin, father of Sylvia Bongo, the wife of President Ali Bongo, was attacked by some Gabonese activists in the French capital Paris, local media reported.

According to a video circulating on social media, dozen men were showed shouting and banging on a table on which Ali Bongos father-in-law and a former minister sat at a Paris cafe.

The activists accused Edouard-Pierre Valentin of overseeing a fraudulent reelection of his son in law that led to a political crisis in the central African oil-rich nation last year. It took the intervention of Paris police to bring the almost violent situation under control.

Local media reported that Ali Bongo summoned the ambassador to France with strict instructions that his father-in-law be given more robust security.

Bongos re-election last August by just a few thousand votes led his main challenger Jean Ping to accuse the administration of electoral fraud.

Violence broke out days after the election, and opposition says more than 50 people were killed in clashes.

Gabons constitutional court rejected the allegations vote-rigging, but international observers have also criticised the poll and the European Parliament in February called the results extremely doubtful though stopped short of imposing sanctions.

The International Criminal Court team was in the central African nation to investigate claims of post-election violence by Ping and 15 non-governmental organizations.

http://info241.com/l-ambassade-du-gabon-en-france-vole-au-secours-du-beau-pere-d,2905

http://www.africanews.com/2017/06/29/ali-bongo-s-father-in-law-attacked-at-paris-cafe-by-gabonese-men/
For picture posts from 2010 and earlier, see the Earlier Picture Posts Page
HELENA  Montana's attorney general is jumping into the legal battle over Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's decision to lift the moratorium on coal-mining leases on federal land.

Zinke signed the order reversing the Obama administration's pause on issuing new coal mining leases on March 29. It was quickly challenged in federal court by environmental groups.

Montana Attorney General Tim Fox, a Republican who was re-elected to a second term last November, is seeking to join the suit supporting Zinke because Fox says Montana's economy relies heavily on taxes paid by coal mining operations.

In fiscal year 2016, Montana received $15.4 million in coal royalties paid on federal lands. Montana is the sixth largest coal-producing state, accounting for 4.7 percent of all U.S. coal. The state has an estimated 25 percent of the nations recoverable coal reserves.

In addition, said Eric Sell, Fox's communications director, the lawsuit filed by the environmental groups is based on shaky legal ground.

Even before the moratorium, Montana had seen coal production drop drastically. Through the first four months of this year, production is a third less than two years ago. Last year the state saw the lowest production levels in decades.

Sell said coal as a revenue source is in decline from what it has been historically, but it still has a significant impact in the state.

Whether or not that is going to go away 10 to 15 years from now, I dont know, I dont have a crystal ball, Sell said.

Utilities are looking more to natural gas, which is less expensive than coal, to produce electricity. That fuel recently overtook coal as the countrys most-used energy source, according to the Energy Information Administration. Consumers are also increasingly asking for fuel produced from renewable sources like solar and wind, and utilities in Oregon and Washington, which buy power from a coal-fired plant in Colstrip, are required to lower the amount of electricity they get from coal in coming years.

Though coal may still produce revenue for the state, there may be associated costs for the state health care system. Sulfur dioxide, a pollutant linked to the burning of fossil fuels, has been linked to asthma and other lung diseases, according to DPHHSs Asthma Burden Report from March 2017. About 47 percent of asthma hospitalizations in 2011 were paid for by Medicaid, Medicare, or some other governmental source, totaling approximately $4.7 million in 2011.

I think when you look at any type of energy production  coal, natural gas, wind, solar  (each has a) positive and negative economic impact, Sell said.

Weighing those pros and cons for coal production should be something done by legislators and policy makers, Sell said. What the attorney general is weighing in on is whether what Zinke did was legal, and Fox believes it was, Sell said.

President Donald Trump ran on the promise of bringing back coal mining jobs, which have been in decline for decades as underground East Coast mines have become more expensive to operate. Montana, which has mostly less-expensive-to-operate strip mines, has seen relatively stable levels of coal-mining jobs, though a drop is anticipated as utilities rely more on cheaper natural gas.

The lawsuit challenging Zinke's lifting of the moratorium was filed by Citizens for Clean Energy, EcoCheyenne, Montana Environmental Center, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, the Sierra Club and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

The Northern Cheyenne have large coal reserves on their reservation, but have expressed concerns over the environmental impacts of mining it. The neighboring Crow Tribe has mined on its reservation but struggled to realize economic benefits.

The defendants include the U.S. Department of the Interior, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

The state of Wyoming also has weighed in on behalf of Zinke in the suit, which is before U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris in Great Falls.

Fox will allocate some staff resources to fighting the lawsuit, Sell said.

The plaintiffs say that Zinke's decision puts the environment at risk and violates the National Environmental Policy Act, the Administrative Procedures act, the Mineral Leasing Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.

States including New Mexico, California, New York and Washington have joined the plaintiffs in seeking to reverse the March 29 order.

 Reporter Holly Michels contributed to this story.
LOLO  When the bucket truck lifted a couple of intruders up to the nest with three chicks, Harriet the osprey protested.

She flew up and called out.

The bird even swooped down over the researcher and other invader and dive bombed them.

"Oh, poor thing," said one spectator.

"Sorry, girl," said another.

Despite the hazing delivered by Harriet, the people in the bucket scooped up the three chicks, placed them in a large tub with a towel and ice packs to keep them cool, and whisked the parcel to a blanket set on one side of a corral at Dunrovin Ranch.

Researchers from the University of Montana landed on the guest ranch Thursday to band the three chicks and tell school children in summer camp a little bit about them. UM and its partners also worked on a project to develop curriculum for middle school students based on osprey.

SuzAnne and Sterling Miller own the ranch, and a web cam is trained on Harriet's nest with followers from around the world.

SuzAnne Miller said the banding offers critical feedback about the osprey, and the more people understand about the birds, the better they know how to steward them. The Millers invite the children to observe the activity because the experience opens their eyes to their environment.

"If you care about something, if you have a personal connection, it makes it real," Miller said. "They'll never look at another osprey the same way again."

This year, it's especially heartening to know the chicks in Lolo are alive, Miller said. The chicks in the Hellgate Canyon at the Riverside Health Care Center starved to death because high and muddy waters made it difficult to fish the Clark Fork River.

The ones at the ballpark didn't hatch at all.

Climate change means more stormy weather, but the recent tempests haven't affected the Bitterroot River quite as much, Miller said. Hal, Harriet's mate, has been able to fish and feed the babies.

"These osprey live on the edge, always on the environmental edge," Miller said.

***

When Rob Domenech of Raptor View Research and Dalit Guscio of UM pulled the first chick out of the tub, the children exclaimed.

"Wow. They're big."

The birds hatched on June 1, 2 and 4, and their wings are still growing. They haven't yet learned to fly or fish.

Domenech and Guscio banded the birds one at a time, one federal metal band and one colored identifier, and they weighed them. They clipped feather samples and took blood from the two largest birds.

The scientists placed a cloth over the chicks before putting them on the scale, and that elicited a question from one youngster.

"Why do you have to put that over its head?"

"Because it will struggle," said Domenech, who is collaborating with UM.

The largest chick just looked around with piercing eyes as the researchers worked, but the smaller ones rebelled. The tiniest one wiggled and squealed, and Miller, who has seen the larger chicks peck at it, was encouraged to see the creature put up a little fight.

"He's holding his own. He's a little scrapper. I hope he makes it," Miller said.

Domenech ventured a guess: "I have a feeling that this one is going to be alright."

***

As the scientists worked, Miller told the school children the story of how the osprey family ended up there and how the chicks earned their names.

The nest was on the property 20 years ago when the couple arrived, although Northwestern Energy moved the 350-pound structure from one of the company's power poles to a pole on the guest ranch.

"They've really gone a great distance to help osprey," she said of the energy company.

In 2011, the Millers fired up the web cam, and Harriet has been returning at least since then. Osprey are constantly molting, so they're difficult to identify with the markings on their feathers, but Miller knows Harriet by the pattern of flecks in her eyes.

Miller writes about the ranch in her online magazine and community forum, "Days at Dunrovin," and she wrote about the naming and related bird drama there.

"First, we had a goose lay an egg on the very day that Harriet arrived," Miller wrote.

"After Harriet chased her off, a raven solved the problem of what to do with the goose egg by stealing it. No sooner had the goose/raven episode settled down than Harriet was attacked by a great horned owl."

Well, Miller said, the web cam watchers wanted her to give the chicks alliterative names that started with H, so she did. One is called Honk, for the goose who laid the egg. One is named Hoot, for the owl. And one is called Hero.

"The raven is the hero of the story. He took the egg," Miller told the kids.

Hal, by the way, was named after the death of Harriet's mate Ozzie.

"We were so glad when she found a mate, we said, 'hallelujah,' and we called him Hal," Miller said.

The onlookers listened to the story and watched the researchers band, clip and weigh, and they quickly became experts.

"This osprey smells like a fish," Domenech said.

"Of course it does," said one child.

Stephanie Potts, youth program coordinator with the Montana Natural History Center, said the opportunity for the children to see the osprey up close is invaluable. The students see role models, she said, and they learn that being a scientist might mean taking a ride in a bucket truck.

It's a rare and wonderful experience, she said: "Who gets to see baby osprey?"

***

UM professor and wildlife biologist Erick Greene said a $50,000 grant from NASA through the state's Montana Space Grant Consortium is supporting a pilot project to show middle school teachers how to use osprey in lessons. He said a $500 grant from the Five Valleys Audubon Society leveraged the larger award.

In Montana, 95 percent of schools are one mile from an osprey nest, Greene said. The project teaches middle school teachers lessons in biology, the environment, chemistry, physics and math to take back to their students. The target audience includes middle school girls, who can be dissuaded from the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

The school teachers, who applied to be in the program, also observed the banding at the ranch, but Greene said the lessons are going both ways.

"We're learning as much from them," Greene said.

It's been roughly a decade since the Milltown Dam came down, and Greene said one question the chicks help answer is how much heavy metals are in the rivers. He said the "Big Five"  copper, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and zinc appear at low levels.

But mercury is a concern.

The osprey are at the top of the food chain, and before they've flown, the chicks are eating fish that comes only from nearby rivers. As such, the information the researchers glean from them shows the health of local waters.

One observation Greene has made in his work along the rivers is that osprey eggs hatch in areas where mercury levels are low. However, in places where mercury levels are high, he has a different experience.

"I come home with buckets of dead eggs," Greene said.

At the ranch, he passed around a couple of eggs that didn't hatch this year from the nest at the ballpark. They were speckled with brown spots, a little bigger than a chicken's egg.

"Aren't they pretty?"
HELENA  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana and Life Flight Network have reached a network agreement to provide air ambulance service in southwestern Montana, the companies said Thursday.

As part of the agreement, Life Flight Network will base one of its helicopters in Bozeman. The Oregon-based company already has a helicopter in Missoula and both a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft in Butte.

Blue Cross Blue Shield, which covers nearly 300,000 members in Montana, already had network contracts with hospital-based air ambulance services in Billings, Kalispell and Great Falls, as well as a cooperative in northeastern Montana.

The agreement is retroactive to April 1. It was reached after the 2017 Montana Legislature passed a bill that required health insurance and air ambulance companies to negotiate settlements of air ambulance bills, on a case-by-case basis if necessary, leaving patients responsible only for their copays and deductibles.

The legislation came out of a working group created to research the issue after Montana residents complained to state insurance regulators that they were getting hit with bills for tens of thousands of dollars for out-of-network medical flights.

"This will substantially reduce the chances that our members will have to worry about the financial burden of a large bill during a health crisis," said Monica Berner, chief medical officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana.

Insurers complained that private air ambulance companies would not negotiate in good faith or explain their rates. Air ambulance companies said insurers were making low "take-it-or-leave-it" contract offers. And patients were stuck in the middle with costly bills.

The federal Airline Deregulation Act does not allow states to regulate routes, services or prices of air carriers, and courts in several states have ruled that efforts to regulate air ambulance costs violated the act.

Earlier this month, Pacific Source Health Plans announced it had reached a network agreement with REACH Air Medical Services, which has aircraft based in Helena and Bozeman. Pacific Source previously had a network agreement with Life Flight.
Marsy's Law will not go into effect July 1 to give the Montana Supreme Court time to hear arguments on whether the law should be thrown out.

The Montana Supreme Court issued an order Friday staying the implementation of Marsy's Law, which would create additional rights for victims of crime.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, the Montana Association of Counties, Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a county attorney and a victims rights advocate filed suit to block the law on June 20. They argue it is constitutionally flawed and would place on onerous burden on local governments.

The judges have asked the petitioners as well as Attorney General Tim Fox and Secretary of State Corey Stapleton to file briefs and will move on an expedited schedule. The arguments must be submitted by Aug. 10.

Friends of the court briefs by interested parties must be written and submitted to the court by July 27, according to the order.

The state agreed with the petitioners that implementation should be delayed while the court reviewed the petition. Eric Sell, communication director for Fox, said the matter needed to be put on pause while all the information was considered by the court. Thursday evening, Sell said it made little sense to require cities and counties to implement the law since there is the chance it could be voided.

Alex Rate, legal director for the ACLU of Montana, praised the court's decision.

The ACLU lawsuit argued that since the initiative amended multiple sections of the Montana Constitution, it required a separate vote for each amendment, Rate said. The lawsuit asked the court to void the enactment of Marsy's Law, halt all enforcement and decertify its passage.

Chuck Denowh, one of the prime supporters of Marsy's Law for Montana, had said any delay would "create confusion, and most importantly, deprive victims of the rights that an overwhelming majority chose to provide."

Marsy's Law was passed last November by Montana voters through a ballot initiative.
A heaping helping of huckleberries for the surest sign that summer has arrived in Montana: the opening of Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road. And a giant thank you to the crews that worked to clear the snow and rocks, making it possible for the rest of us to safely drive through one of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States.

An equally abundant bowl of chokecherries to the Yellowstone National Park tourists  and all their fellow tourists  who fail to heed the warnings to stay away from wild animals in our national parks. Fortunately, the injuries the Utah couple sustained when they were butted by bison were not deadly. But tourists behaving badly is, unfortunately, also becoming a sign that summer has arrived.

Deeply tinted huckleberries to the Missoula Public Library for showing the foresight to order extra eclipse glasses to keep viewers safe when 92 percent of the sun in Missoula is obscured on Aug. 21. The library ordered 1,000 pairs of the special glasses to allow people to safely watch the moon passing in front of the sun in the first total eclipse visible in the U.S. in more than 90 years. People may pick up the glasses, along with information on watching the eclipse, at the library beginning Aug. 1. A watch party is scheduled for Kiwanis Park.

Chokecherries to the House Republican leadership for rewarding Rep. Greg Gianforte with an assignment on the Natural Resources Committee, which oversees, among other things, legislation affecting public lands, Native Americans, wildlife and mining. Giving Gianforte his top committee pick in the wake of his criminal behavior diminishes all Republicans, but particularly the House GOP leaders who publicly embraced him with this assignment.

Monumental huckleberries to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke for removing the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument from the federal review list. Now if he would just dispense with the reviews for the rest, we could all get back to enjoying them and spending our tourist dollars to do so.

A festive bunch of huckleberries to the Tannenbaum spotters searching for the perfect tree in the Kootenai National Forest to become this year's Capitol Christmas Tree. They've identified eight candidates so far, but will keep taking suggestions until the Capitol architect arrives the week of July 16 to make the final decision on which tree will grace the nation's capital.
Here in Montana, summertime always reminds us why we care about clean water. Thanks to the Clean Water Act, many of the places we go swimming, fishing or boating  like the Clark Fork River  are now cleaner.

Thats why I was so appalled to learn this week that the EPA is proposing to repeal key protections for Montanas waterways. Finalized in 2015 with widespread public and scientific support, the Clean Water Rule restored federal protections to 63 percent of Montanas streams, which feed waterways like the Clark Fork and help provide drinking water to 234,219 Montanans. The rule also protects wetlands, which help filter out pollutants and provide wildlife habitat.

More than 800,000 Americans  including doctors and nurses, businesses, mayors, farmers and local organizations  urged the EPA to adopt the Clean Water Rule. Yet the new EPA is now proposing to dismantle it.

Repealing this rule turns the mission of the EPA on its head: instead of protecting our rivers, lakes and streams, the Trump administration would leave them open to pollution. It defies common sense, sound science and the will of the people of Montana.

EPA should reconsider this reckless repeal and stand up for Montanas waterways.

Skye Borden,

Director, Environment Montana, Missoula
Concern over how the Environmental Protection Agency is overseeing the heavy metals cleanup in Anaconda led to a contentious, three-hour long Superfund Task Force meeting in Anacondas courthouse Wednesday evening.

Most of the meeting focused around the lead cleanup in residents homes and yards now underway in East Anaconda, a neighborhood relatively close to the long-defunct Washoe Smelter. The smelter closed in 1980. The 565-foot stack sent tons of heavy metals into the air for close to 80 years.

EPA has begun to clean specifically for lead in both attics and yards this year. Around 10 to 15 years ago, EPA oversaw a cleanup in residents' yards for arsenic. EPA believed that excessive amounts of lead would be removed in the process. But EPA found that lead needed to be further addressed with a second round of sampling and soil removal.

EPA has made additional changes to this second cleanup. This time, attic dust is now also being tested and cleaned if residents use the attic or are planning to remodel. EPA is also cleaning up to a deeper depth, going to 12 inches instead of two.

But critics of Anacondas cleanup question why its taken EPA 34 years  since much of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County was declared a Superfund site  to address all the lead.

EPAs Anaconda project manager Charlie Coleman responded by saying that EPA is learning as it goes along and said the agency welcomes the feedback. He also stressed that EPA is always trying to do better.

Roughly 10 people attended the meeting, which is only the second one for the newly formed Anaconda Superfund Task Force. Consisting of three members of the public and two county officials, the group met for the first time in mid-June.

During the discussion, County Planning Director Chas Ariss shared with the public the sample results he received this month on the amount of lead and arsenic in his attic.

Dust in his attic contains almost six times the amount of arsenic and lead that sets off alarm bells for EPA.

His attic contains 1,480 parts per million of arsenic and 2,320 parts per million of lead, according to test results. The trigger that initiates a cleanup in Anaconda is 250 parts per million for arsenic. For lead, that trigger has been established at 400 parts per million in Anaconda.

Anything below those triggers is considered safe for Anaconda residents.

EPA says these trigger points establish a baseline of whats OK for Anacondas soils and are based on various studies and assessments made around whats considered safe. The Atlanta-based Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry did a review of EPAs work in Anaconda in the mid-2000s and concluded that EPAs cleanup plan is protective of human health.

Ariss also shared the sampling results he got back on the loft space in his garage. Normally garages are not checked for heavy metals in the cleanup process, but Ariss said he works out of his garage and insisted his loft space in his garage needed to be sampled as well.

The arsenic level came back OK, but the amount of lead was concerning. With 2,870 parts per million, it was more than seven times the trigger point established for lead in Anaconda.

Ariss expressed frustration over the length of time it took  from August 2016 until May 2017  to get his attic sampled. He also brought up a concern that basement furnaces could be blowing contaminated dust into the interior of homes.

Coleman said, These are all great suggestions. At another point in the meeting he said he would be "taking back" the community's comments to the agency.

Toward the end of the meeting, the county provided maps showing the results from testing it performed on various public play areas this month. This effort was in response to the county getting Benny Goodman Park tested in late April and finding out in May that a sand play area was hot with high levels for both arsenic and lead.

Ariss said after the meeting that a second hot spot in the topsoil in Benny Goodman Park, which he described as a play area, has also been cleaned up this month.

But some areas the county tested this month, such as the Little League Complex at Tammany and Juniper in Anaconda, showed levels of arsenic and lead that are well below the standard EPA has established as safe for Anaconda. Washoe Park, on Washoe Park Road, had five spots that are concerning, but all are below the topsoil. Yeoman Softball Complex at Harrison and Montana in Anaconda had nine spots that require further investigation, but those hot spots are also below the topsoil. The county is discussing these sites with EPA, said Ariss.

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Chief Executive Bill Everett asked what health precautions Anaconda residents should take in the meantime.

Coleman said the ATSDR is the federal agency better prepared to answer health questions, but he added that Anaconda residents should make sure their kids wash their hands after playing in the dirt and residents should practice good hygiene.

If you eat that stuff, its going to be bad. If its not getting into your system, its probably not a concern, Coleman said.

Community member Rose Nyman said shes seen a lot of cancer in Anaconda and she worries its due to heavy metal contamination.

I saw in The Montana Standard that Sen. Tester spoke about the Berkeley Pit (during EPA Administrator Scott Pruitts hearing before a Senates subcommittee on appropriations Tuesday). Everybody knows you cant go swimming in the pit or drink the water. Were dealing with contamination we cant see. I urge everyone to call his offices and express concern. We need attention on a national level.
Talen Energys Butte office will lose all but three employees when a layoff goes into effect on Friday, according to multiple sources at the company who asked for anonymity pending finalized severance agreements.

The exact number of affected employees is unclear; numbers reported to The Montana Standard ranged from 11 to 14 layoffs.

The cuts were reportedly announced to employees in April.

Talen representatives from company headquarters in Pennsylvania did not respond to repeated requests from The Montana Standard for comment during the past three weeks. The local Talen office also declined to make a public statement.

Talens Butte office, 45 Basin Creek Rd., is responsible for trading energy generated by the coal-powered Colstrip plant, which Talen Energy operates and partly owns. Retail sales of energy from the plant go primarily to industrial users, including Buttes REC Silicon.

Tom Michelotti, a real-time trader and one of the employees being laid off from the company, said Thursday that retail sales will continue to be based in Butte for now along with the development of operating plans for the Colstrip plant.

Wholesale transactions of power to consumer-facing energy utilities, which make up the bulk of Talens sales, will be contracted to the Houston office of EDF Energy Services, Michelotti said. A representative from EDF North America declined to comment on any impending changes but confirmed that EDF is contracted with Talen Energy to provide energy trading services.

Michelotti completed the hiring process at EDF and will relocate to Houston to work there, the only Talen employee to do so, he said.

"It's a shame to see good paying jobs leave Butte," said Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive Dave Palmer.

At least seven cut employees will be retiring, according to one source, who praised the generous severance package but added that none of them had been planning to leave the workforce just yet and that they loved the company.

Its been sad, very sad. People that have worked together for approximately 15 to 20 years are seeing the end, said one current employee. Its very solemn. Its very sad to see this talented group of people who had worked so long now finding themselves at the end of the road.

State Rep. Jim Keane, D-Butte, said that he feels terrible about the loss of jobs in Butte but that he is even more concerned about what's ahead for Colstrip and the Butte businesses that rely on it.

After operating it since 2015, Talen announced last year that it would cease operating the Colstrip plant in May 2018 and that the other five owners would need to find a new operator.

Units 1 and 2 of the plant are slated to close by July 2022 per a settlement with the Sierra Club and the Montana Environmental Information Center in a lawsuit over Clean Air Act violations. Unfavorable market conditions and anti-coal legislation in Oregon and Washington, which purchase most of Colstrips power, have created uncertainty about whether the units will be able to remain open until that deadline.
HELENA  Montana's secretary of state won't release voters' birthdays or social security numbers to the president's commission on election integrity, the state elections director said Friday.

Earlier this week, the vice chairman of President Donald Trump's commission and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach sent a letter to all 50 states asking for information from their voter rolls, including names, voting history, birthdays, and the last four digits of their Social Security numbers.

Montana has not received that letter, said director of elections and voter services Derek Oestreicher on Friday.

Montanas voter file information is public information, but it does not contain information like birth dates or Social Security numbers.

The information in the states voter file includes a voters first name, last name, registration status, if they are active or inactive, and the reason the voter is designated as active or inactive.

Our office will not release any personal or confidential information, Oestreicher said.

Voter information does not include party affiliation because Montana has an open primary system and voters do not register under any specific party. Voter information also does not include how a person voted.

Its information the public can request at any time and was requested by some members of the media before the November election to look at the voting history of candidates.

Trump has promised a commission looking at fraud in the country's elections, though there is no evidence or history of widespread fraud in any state.

The president made claims, with no evidence to back him up, of voter fraud both before and after his election. At one point he said, without any proof, that 3 million and 5 million people voted illegally for Hillary Clinton during the election last fall.

Montana has seen its own struggles with claims of voter fraud, though there has been no evidence the state has problems with its elections administration.

During the legislative session this spring, several measures were introduced to limit who is able to collect absentee ballots. That came in response to worries by some residents that people who offered to turn in ballots for others had not done so, though there was no evidence that actually happened.

Only one bill, which would put restrictions on who can turn in absentee ballots, was passed as a referendum and will be decided on by voters in 2018.

Secretary of State Corey Stapleton said earlier this month there was a single occurrence of mail ballot fraud in Missoula during May's special election, but county elections administrator Rebecca Connors said the issue involved just one ballot and that it was a clerical error, not fraud. The elections office accepted a ballot with a signature that did not match the one on file.

Many states around the nation release voter files similar to Montanas at no charge, Oestreicher said, but Montana charges a fee that, depending on the scope of the request, could range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand.
Now that the House and Senate have introduced bills repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, it is clear that both versions include deep cuts to the federal-state Medicaid program. These cuts will jeopardize critical care for older adults and directly affect their caregivers. Should the Senate adopt these changes to Medicaid, this could have devastating consequences for older adults and families in every state.

Most people think of Medicaid as our nations safety net health care program, and that it only serves low-income children and mothers, and increasingly low-income working adults. In reality, the majority of Medicaid spending provides services and support programs to help people with disabilities and older adults simply live their lives.

For older adults and their caregivers, Medicaid is the countrys only guaranteed provider of the critical long-term care services that most of us will need as we age. Nearly two-thirds of the long-term care provided in nursing homes is paid for by Medicaid. With nursing home costs averaging nearly $90,000 per year, without Medicaid, millions of older adults and families would be financially overwhelmed.

Medicaid is important to helping our country address the challenges of a rapidly aging nation. The population of older adults is growing at an historic pace, and over 90 percent of older adults say they would rather age at home and communities, where care is often less expensive and more effective. While less expensive than nursing home care, in-home services are often cost prohibitive for families as well.

For more than 30 years, states have increasingly moved toward providing waiver services that allow Medicaid-eligible older adults to get the care they need in their homes instead of in institutions. These services, which are often a fraction of the cost of nursing home care, can include, but are not limited to, in-home help with bathing, meal preparation and other daily life activities. Several Medicaid programs have also successfully moved tens of thousands of people from institutional settings back into their homes, offering consumers more independence while saving taxpayer dollars.

Unfortunately, the House and Senate bills would slash long-term Medicaid funding by $834 billion over 10 years by capping the federal governments share and pushing these costs on to states. States will have to make terrible choices that will hurt those who depend on Medicaid for their health and safety. Older adults could lose the amount of in-home care they receive or be required to pay for services despite being poor enough to qualify for Medicaid. Families seeking care for a loved one will encounter long wait lists for services, and cuts to provider rates will harm the long-term care workforce.

It makes no sense to undermine the only long-term care option available to most Americans just as our country undergoes a transformational demographic shift to an aging nation. If we really want to save federal health care dollars, we should expand the most cost-effective care options instead of eliminating them. Not only do these Medicaid-funded programs preserve the dignity and independence of older adults, they also save tax payers tens of billions of dollars each year in nursing home costs.

Older adults deserve better. We encourage Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester to not only reject the House and Senate bills cuts to Medicaid, but to start over and engage in a bipartisan, collaborative process to address the real health care challenges that we face. You can help, too. Get in touch with our senators, and tell them to reject any Medicaid cuts that will be devastating to older adults and families in Montana.

-- Lawrence L. White, Jr. is Missoula Aging Services Governing Board Chair.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Laws limiting Iowans opportunity to sue over medical malpractice, shoddy home construction and smelly livestock facilities take effect July 1.

But they will be able to enjoy a cocktail when they visit Iowa's craft liquor distilleries. Thats because state legislators agreed that unlike lawsuits against doctors, contractors and farmers, cocktails are good for economic development.

Another new law requires school officials to report to the state Board of Educational Examiners any teachers who show up at school or school events under the influence of alcohol.

Also going into effect July 1 are Senate File 51 expanding infant screening in cases when a newborn has hearing loss. The bill would require a baby be tested for congenital cytomegalovirus, or CMV, before the child is 21 days old. CMV can cause serious health problems for people with weakened immune systems, as well as babies infected with the virus before birth.

These are among the 174 bills approved by Iowa lawmakers during the 2017 session. Several major pieces of legislation  legalizing fireworks, banning abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy, expanding gun rights, nullifying local minimum wage rates and the use of medical cannabis  went into effect when they were passed.

Among the most significant law going into effect July 1 is a hotly debated reduction of workers compensation as part of majority Republicans efforts to improve the states business environment. House File 518 will cut the amount of benefits and limit eligibility, according to the Legislative Services Agency analysis.

The impact of HF 516, the voter integrity bill, wont be until Jan. 1. Poll workers will begin asking for government-issued IDs, but they wont be required until January 2019. The bill also reduces the length of the absentee voting period before Election Day from 40 days to 29.

Passage of SF 465 will limit medical malpractice lawsuits by capping awards for pain and suffer and other noneconomic damages at $250,000, and screening out frivolous lawsuits by requiring a certificate of merit and establishing standards for expert testimony.

Changes in the statute of repose law limit the time homeowners have to sue over construction defects. That will lower construction costs, according to supporters of SF 413.

SF 447 will allow farmers to present an affirmative defense if sued by neighbors who claim odors or other aspects of an animal feeding operation is a public nuisance and interferes with their enjoyment of life.

Iowa craft distillers will be able to offer visitors cocktails at their manufacturing facilities as a result of HF 607. The change puts distilleries on a level playing field with wineries and breweries, proponents said.

Some parts of HF 291 went into effect upon enactment, but the full rollback of public employee collective bargaining will begin July 1. Most negotiations will be limited to wages, and union dues will no longer collected by payroll deduction. Wage increases won through arbitration would be limited to 3 percent or the increase in the consumer price index, whichever is lower.

Among other laws going into effect are:

Establish civil damages for physical/emotional distress from abortion (SF471)

Create a harassment crime for so-called revenge porn situations (HF526)

Repeal the prohibition on unattended vehicle with motor running (HF312)

End the election campaign income tax checkoff for the 2017 tax year (HF242)

Establish first-time home buyer savings accounts (SF426)

Expand private-sector employee drug testing to include hair samples (SF32)

Give schools more funding flexibility (HF564/HF565)

Eliminate the child health care provision on the Iowa income tax return (SF495)

Ban government entities from installing video/audio monitoring devices in public bathrooms (SF499)

Shift the burden of proof/make other changes to civil asset forfeiture (SF446)

Enhance criminal penalties for using GPS to stalk/harass (HF263)

Give schools limited home rule authority like cities/counties (HF573)

Adopt computer science education standards for schools (SF274)

Expand the theft statute to include rental property (SF403)

Set parameters for bass fishing tournaments in public waters (SF257)

Protect utilities critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks (HF445)

Require a job impact statement for administrative rules (SF1)

Expand public disclosure of fatal/near-fatal child abuse cases (HF545)

Ban mandated project labor agreements for public construction projects (SF438)

Authorize DOT officers to issue traffic citations (HF463)

Equalize how the counties pay for regionalized mental health services (SF504)

Protect doctors who use alternative treatments to treat Lymes Disease (HF577)

Strike future repeal of the property assessment appeal board (HF478)

Allow ATV trails to cross highways (HF464)

Allow drivers to make double turns against red lights (HF372)

Enhance parental rights termination for safety/security concerns (SF275)

Allow electrical work on farms without permit or inspection (SF357)

Move school board elections from September to same November date of city elections (HF566)

Allow use of straight wall cartridge rifles for deer hunting (HF475)

Allow certified peace officers to carry a weapon on school grounds (HF517)

Remove $6,000 limit on tuition grants (SF349)

Repeal election campaign fund income tax checkoff effective Jan. 1, 2018 (HF242)

Shield state/county fairs from damages for pathogen transmissions (SF362)

Allow right-to-try medical treatments for terminally ill patients (SF404)

Require licensing of genetic counselors (HF444)

Make confidential peace officers personnel records (SF445)

Allow city council members to serve as volunteer firefighters (HF264)

Issue high school equivalency diploma based on demonstrated competence in core areas (HF473)

Eliminate the Iowa emergency response commission (SF351)

Increase health insurance premiums for legislators (SF230)

Create a step therapy override (HF233)

Require insurance companies to cover autism spectrum disorder treatment for minors (HF215)

Change the rules for Iowans who file asbestos-related lawsuits (SF376)

Provide landowner immunity for injury to a trespasser (SF260)

Allow voluntary exclusion from entering an Iowa-licensed casino (SF442)

Require vehicles involved in minor accidents to be removed from roadway (HF313)

Extend maximum length for single trucks on highway to 41 feet (HF218)

Classify Palmer amaranth super weed as a noxious weed (HF410)

Change statute of repose for property improvements (SF413)

Change simple misdemeanor trespassing fine to a scheduled violation (HF69)

Allows two of five soil conservation commissions to reside in same township (HF469)

Alter assessment of student progress on core indicators (SF240)

Modify process for jury selection master lists (SF466)

Enhance crime of sexual exploitation by a school employee (SF238)

Declare child in need of assistance in drug-related situations (HF543)

Restrict access to insurance proceeds for convicted felons (SF467)

Increase funding for workforce housing incentives (SF488)

Change state alcohol policies to reflect changing market conditions (HF607)

Enact sentencing reforms dealing with mandatory minimum terms (HF579)

Bar state restrictions for hunting on private property (SF258)

Authorize primary road fund moneys for county/city transportation projects (HF203)

Strengthen re-employment protections for Iowa National Guard soldiers (SF373)

Allow the consolidation of election precincts (HF471)
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 []
Alibaba founder Jack Ma is reportedly set to visit Kenya.

Mr. Ma will be in Nairobi on July 19, in his capacity as UNCTAD special adviser on youth entrepreneurship. This will be his first trip to Africa.

Together with UNCTAD Secretary General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Jack Ma will meet with young entrepreneurs to find ways in which they can be included in the global trade.

In his 3 day trip to Africa running from July 19  21st, Jack Ma will also visit Rwanda where he is the keynote speaker at Youth Connekt Summit, also organized by UNCTAD in conjunction with UNDP and Government of Rwanda.

Jack Ma is the second richest person in China with a net worth of $28 billion according to Forbes. He is currently the executive chairman of Alibaba Group, a holding company that owns popular eCommerce websites like Alibaba.com, Taobao, TMall and popular mobile web browser UCWeb.
A man has moved to court seeking to have National Super Alliance (NASA) flagbearer Raila Odinga barred from vying for the presidency in the August 8, 2017 polls.

According to Citizen, Charles Ndungu Mwangi wants the court to order Cabinet Secretary for Education Fred Matiangi to table in the court Railas primary and secondary school certificates and engineering degree.

Mr Ndungu argues that Raila is not above the law and should make public his academic credentials.

The opposition leader is not above the constitution and the laws of Kenya and is supposed to respect, uphold and defend the constitution, failure to do that would amount attempting to establish an unlawful government, argues the petitioner.

Respondents in the case include IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati, EACC chairman Eliud Wabukala, Inspector General of Police Joseph Bionett, Attorney General Githu Muigai and the Education CS.

Mr Ndungu claims that Fred Matiangi failed to provide the public with Railas true education details.
Branding, communication and public relations have never been Nasas strong areas. This was quite clear on Tuesday during the launch of their manifesto.

The previous day, several Nasa bloggers were castigating Jubilee for launching their manifesto at night. It was quite obvious the following day that they had not been informed that Nasa would too be launching theirs at night.

The reasoning behind this was quite sound actually. Most Kenyans are watching TV at night, and that guarantees maximum eyeballs. However, Nasa got it wrong again.

While Jubilee on Monday night paid every major TV station to show the event live, Nasa was not ready to part with any cash.

All stations had their OB vans ready at the venue, and once the monetary commitment was made, they would have swung into action. KBC even showed the first hour or so live, before going back to their normal broadcasting.

Eventually, only Citizen TV carried most of the event live. Its unclear whether they paid for this service or it was a personal favour by SK Macharia who is backing Railas election.

[showad block=6]

While it can be argued that Nasa does not have as much money as Jubilee, I wouldnt say they are broke. They can cut back on other expenses, but manifesto launch is supposed to be the most important day. And since theyve been paying for other events, it makes no sense whey they did not pay for the main event.

And surely, these TV stations make most of their money during prime time. Nasa didnt really expect them to sacrifice that for free coverage.

As if that was not enough, the launch itself was accused by many as being colourless and boring. Of course this is everyones personal opinion. But no matter how much you may wish it away, hype and colour is very critical in campaigns especially when it comes to building momentum that leads to high turnout in your strongholds. Trump is in office because of this.

Away from the manifesto launch, there is more bad news for Nasa on social media.

Their graphics design department has been churning out beautiful posters which are in turn distributed by their bloggers. Some of these posters are accompanied by quotes apparently from Kenyans disappointed by Jubilee.

However, some keen people have now found out that the people and messages depicted in these posters may be non-existent.

At least 3 Nasa posters have been identified as using stock photos readily available on the internet. The persons in the pictures are then given Kenyan names and a quote attributed to them.

When such a thing is discovered, it will be very difficult to convince us that those quotes are also not cooked up.
Sheila R. Allen passed away in her home from natural causes on June 14, 2017, she was 74. Sheila was born in Pacific Grove, CA, in 1943. Sheila moved around with her family from the central coast of California, then to Washington, and finally back to the central valley in CA. She attended UC Davis in the 1960s then returned to school in the 1970s where she received her nursing degree from Napa Valley College. Sheila met her husband, Donald R. Allen, at a party, while attending UC Davis in the 1960s, they moved to Sonoma, CA, in 1969. Sheila moved to Napa in 1989. She worked at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa for 30 years, first as a floor nurse, then moving to Intensive Care then finally into Case Management. She retired in 2011. She was a wonderful caregiver, and devoted nurse, she said that she went into nursing to give back and help people. In her long career she provided excellent care for her patients and also happily passed on her knowledge to new nursing employees. She continued to give back after retiring by mentoring a nursing student. Before her knee surgeries in 2009, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. More recently Sheila delighted in the time she spent with her 18 month-old granddaughter, Zoe. Sheila leaves behind her daughter, Wendy Allen of Napa, son Todd Allen of Fremont, CA, daughter-in-law Gloria Allen of Fremont, and 18-month old granddaughter Zoe Allen. In lieu of a memorial service, her family plans to have a celebration of life at Sheilas home on Saturday, July 22.
MOSCOWThey have come to pray for the health of loved ones. They have come to ask for help to pass a tough exam, or to just get by in hard times. But mostly, they have come to be part of a once-in-a-millennium spiritual event: Saint Nicholas has come to town.

Since relics of Russias most beloved saint were brought to Moscow on May 21, more than a million people have waited in lines lasting as long as 10 hours to spend just an instant at the gilded ark that holds one of his ribs.

This mass act of devotion provides a snapshot of how important the Orthodox Church has become to Russians contemporary sense of identity.

Lines to see the saint Russians call the miracle worker have stretched up to five miles from the giant, onion-domed Christ the Savior Cathedral, a reconstruction of a cathedral demolished by the Soviets in 1931.

Some waited to pray for a miracle to Saint Nicholas, whose life inspired the legend of Santa Claus. But for many, the arrival of the relics, on loan for the first time from the Italian city where they rested for 930 years, was in itself a miracle worth witnessing.

Its important to be close to the grace of Saint Nicholas, said Denis Knyazyev, 32, who drove four hours from his home west of Moscow to stand in line for Saint Nicholas last week. All saints are special, but this is the one most dear to us.

What they see at the ark is an icon of Saint Nicholas under a panel of bulletproof glass, with a crescent-shaped opening in the middle through which the bone is visible. As priests and burly security guards look on, a choir chants a harmonious prayer that echoes through the cavernous, ornate cathedral. But the music is drowned out by the stentorian instructions of volunteers in fluorescent green vests.

They warn worshipers to cross themselves before they reach the ark and to have their prayers ready, to avoid backing up the line. As soon as the faithful bend to kiss the glass, a volunteer grabs them by the shoulders and nudges them, usually lightly, toward the exit. Those who linger get a special shove and an order to move on. Another volunteer wipes the glass with a cloth.

But if this brusque treatment bothered anyone, it did not show. People coming out of the cathedral on a recent Friday expressed something resembling a combination of bliss over what they had seen and relief that they had survived the ordeal.

We were so afraid we wouldnt make it, a pregnant woman said in tears, as her husband comforted her.

Danila, a 14-year-old Muscovite, said he had a magical feeling. His mother, who like many of the people who visited the relics did not give her name to an American reporter, added that it was like God had heard me.

More than 70 percent of Russians identify themselves as Orthodox Christians, more than double the number at the time of the 1991 Soviet collapse. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has aligned his vision for his country as a bastion of conservative values with that of the Russian Orthodox Church, visited the relics the day they arrived in Moscow.

But many Russians consider themselves only partially religious, said Natalya Zorkaya, a researcher for the Levada Center, Russias independent pollster. The interest in the relics represents a desire to become part of the process, to participate in an event organized not just by the Orthodox Church but also by the state.

Russia is slowly starting to come out of a recession, and people frustrated by low living standards or corruption-ridden government are always looking for somewhere to turn. About 2 million wrote letters to Putin for his annual Direct Line call-in show this month to ask for things such as higher salaries, better roads and improved health care.

But people go to see Saint Nicholas not just because they are frustrated and hoping for a miracle that Putin cant give them. The experience really appears to make them feel like they are part of something bigger.

Zorkaya, the pollster, agreed, saying, This is a manifestation of a certain state identity with religious coloring.

The government-linked VTsIOM polling agency found that 10 percent of visitors to the relics ask for something more specific than good health for themselves and loved ones. One of those was Ruslan, 20, a law student who said that he had come because Im in the middle of exams and I hope it goes well. Another woman who rushed by quickly said she was praying to get by in times like these.

Russians have stood in lines by the hundreds of thousands to witness religious relics. More than 3 million people saw a belt thought to have belonged to the Virgin Mary when it came to Russia in 2011.

But Saint Nicholas is special, said Maria Korovina, head of the Orthodox Churchs media center for special events, because of the role he plays in Russians livesand the way these relics got here.

For 930 years, no one has seen them, she said. This is as though Saint Nicholas himself has come to Moscow.

Nicholas, who died in A.D. 343, was the bishop of Myra, which is now in southern Turkey. One legendary attribute that led to the story of Santa Claus was his habit of giving gifts in secret.

Believers say his remains produce a liquid called manna, said to have healing powers. In 1087, Italian sailors spirited the bones to Bari, Italy, where the remains have been kept in a crypt ever since.

The decision to remove a rib and send it to Russia was the result of a historic meeting last year between Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox leader Patriarch Kirill, the first such encounter since the 11th century Great Schism that divided Christianity.

The remains will be taken to St. Petersburg on July 12 and returned to Italy at the end of the month.

On a recent Sunday evening, as the line meandered along a fenced-off sidewalk on the Moscow River embankment, through well-guarded police checkpoints and past well-stocked food kiosks and portable toilets, people wrote down prayers for the health of their loved ones to while away the hours.

Some fretted over whether they would get in before the cathedral closed for the night. But there was no need to pray for a miracle. The doors stay open until the last worshiper in line has made it inside.
Napa police are asking for public help in locating a white Cadillac Escalade that struck a pedestrian late Thursday, leaving him in critical condition in a local hospital.

Officers were called to the area of Redwood Road, west of Solano Avenue, around 10:22 p.m. and found 57-year-old Andrew Lynch lying in the roadway, suffering from major head injuries.

Witnesses said Lynch was on foot when he was struck by the Cadillac Escalade, police said. The driver, described as a thin Hispanic or Asian female wearing workout attire, stopped, got out of the vehicle, approached Lynch on the ground, then got back in and drove away.

The vehicle was last seen driving south through the Redwood Shopping Center. Police say the vehicle probably sustained major damage to the front end in the collision.

Anyone with information should contact Traffic Division Officer Aaron Medina at 707-257-9560.
The Trump administration on Thursday announced secondary sanctions against Chinese entities accused of aiding North Korea's illicit nuclear and missile programs. The action is a sharp turn in President Donald Trump's approach to China and the beginning of a new and unpredictable effort to use sticks instead of carrots with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The new sanctions against one Chinese bank, one Chinese business and two Chinese individuals are not a total surprise. Last week, Trump tweeted that he appreciated Xi's efforts on North Korea but "it has not worked out."

Trump officials presented the new sanctions as focused on North Korea and not Beijing. "We are in no way targeting China with these efforts," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said at a news conference Thursday. "We appreciate their work and hope they will continue to work with us." He said administration officials would be meeting with Chinese officials on the sideline of the Group of 20 meeting to discuss further ways to stop North Korea's illicit activities.

But behind the scenes, officials said that the decision to unveil the new sanctions came after a good faith effort to identify Chinese firms the United States believes are undermining international sanctions against the Kim Jong Un regime and press Xi's government to take action.

The United States submitted a list of such firms to China and gave Beijing 30 days to respond, officials said. Beijing did respond, with a report on actions it claimed to be taking, but the Trump administration found the response to be insufficient. Today, the Treasury Department was set to announce it was moving forward without Beijing's cooperation.

"Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced a finding that Bank of Dandong, a Chinese bank that acts as a conduit for illicit North Korean financial activity, is a foreign bank of primary money laundering concern, and FinCEN has proposed to sever the bank from the U.S. financial system," the Treasury Department said in a notification.

In addition, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Chinese individuals and one Chinese company "in response to North Korea's ongoing WMD development and continued violations of UN Security Council resolutions," the notification stated.

Lawmakers and experts praised the move as a sign that Trump's previously announced policy of "maximum pressure" on Pyongyang was now materializing.

"It's a great step forward and this shows that maximum pressure is not just rhetoric," Senate Foreign Relations East Asia Subcommittee Chairman Cory Gardner, R-Colo., told me. "I hail this first decision, but there are more sanctions that need to be done. This is a dial that now we've started turning and we need to amp it up."

Last year, the Obama administration placed sanctions on and indicted the chief executive of Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development, a company accused of undermining North Korea sanctions. But Thursday's actions mark the first time the Trump administration has directly confronted Chinese sanctions busting.

The goal is still to convince Xi that working with the United States to increase pressure on North Korea is in China's interest, experts said. So far, Xi hasn't shown signs he agrees and these limited efforts are not likely to change his overall calculus.

"The reality is that China has not taken what is the most important step, which is shutting down North Korean access to Chinese banks and front companies that enable them to launder money and continue their illicit activities," said Bonnie Glaser, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "The secondary sanctions are not enough, we still need China to act."

These sanctions are more symbolic than anything else, she said, but show that the Trump administration has changed course and is now heading down the road of increasing pressure on third-party countries that allow their people and businesses to do illicit transactions with the North Koreans.

"The real problem with these banks in Northeast China is, you can shut them down and they just pop up somewhere else and we'll just be playing whack a mole," said Glaser.

And although the Trump administration may be thinking that confronting China on North Korea can be accomplished without upsetting other parts of the U.S.-China relationship, that is not likely what will happen. That's because other contentious bilateral issues are also heating up, including the South China Sea and Taiwan.

"There will be a much more contentious relationship going forward," said Glaser. "The trajectory of the relationship is going to be towards more strategic competition."

But supporters of the policy place the blame for that potential development squarely on the Chinese side. Asked if Trump's actions will threaten greater tension in the U.S.-China relationship, Gardner said: "That's a risk that China has apparently deemed is OK."
Policy experts, diplomats and military representatives met on Friday (30 June 2017) to discuss maritime cooperation between NATO and the European Union. The meeting, hosted at Norway House in Brussels, was designed to draw lessons for future cooperation at sea, building on NATO-EU experience in countering piracy in the Indian Ocean and working side-by-side in the Mediterranean. Participants discussed all aspects of maritime cooperation: from planning through execution and post-crisis management, as well as legal considerations and the contributions of industry.

NATO and the European Union have built a solid track record of effective cooperation in the maritime domain. NATOs Operation Ocean Shield and the EUs Operation Atalanta worked side-by-side for several years, fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia. NATO and the EU have also worked together in the Mediterranean. Since February 2016, NATO ships have been supporting the EU in tackling illegal migration in the Aegean Sea. In July 2016, NATO launched a new maritime operation, Sea Guardian, which supports some of EU Operation Sophias activities in the Mediterranean Sea.

The seminar is part of 42 cooperation measures which NATO and the EU agreed in December 2016. The event is organised with the support of the Mission to Norway to the EU and the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the EU.

NATO and the European Union reinforce each other in a wide range of areas, from cooperation at sea, through resilience to hybrid threats, to helping build the defence capacities of partner countries. In a joint report, presented yesterday to NATO Ministers of Defence, NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg and EU High Representative / Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini confirmed that this cooperation is developing well and will continue, potentially expanding to new areas.
The shipyards administration demonstrated corvette manufacturing facilities and showed the export version of the Project 20382 Tigr class corvette in conjunction with the United Shipbuilding Corporation and the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau and under the aegis of Rosoboronexport.



"The sides discussed the prospects of the participation of the Northern Shipyard in the construction of ships at Brazilian manufacturing facilities. Shipyard CEO Igor Ponomaryov suggested considering the construction of one or two ships at the Russian shipyard and their further serial production in Brazil," the press office said.



The delegation demonstrated interest in enhancing the Project 20382 corvettes performance and integrating foreign-made weapons into it. The Project 20382 corvette is an export version of the baseline Project 20380 ship.



Ships of the type can be armed with the Yakhont (NATO reporting name: SS-N-26 Strobile) anti-ship or Kalibr (SS-N-27 Sizzler) missile system, two Kashtan-M antiaircraft missile/gun systems and the A-190 100mm gun. They can also carry a Kamov Ka-27 (Helix) helicopter.



 Copyright 2017 TASS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


As the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway continue to work to advance trilateral maritime security cooperation, this agreement establishes a framework for further cooperation in areas such as readiness, enhancing defense capability, and interoperability.







Based on Boeings Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A offers advanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.



The U.S. Navy accepted its 50th P-8A Poseidon Based on Boeings Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A offers advanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.The U.S. Navy accepted itsin January this year. The U.S. Navy P-8A program of record calls for a total requirement for 117 of the 737-based anti-submarine warfare jets. In July 2016, The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the deal to purchase nine P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for the Royal Air Force. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence announced in November 2016 its intent to replace its ageing fleet of six P-3 Orion (four P-3C for ASW & two P-3N for SAR) and its three Dassault DA-20 ECM aircraft with five Boeing P-8A Poseidon MPA.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway will continue to work together and with other NATO Allies to improve North Atlantic security efforts.
The ship can withstand storms of force 6-7 on the Beaufort scale (strong breeze/near gale).

The helicopter carrier is planned to be equipped with a gas-turbine main propulsion plant. The ships crew totals about 400. The vessel can transport 500-900 marines, about 50 infantry fighting vehicles and up to 10 tanks.

Up to 12 military transport and search and rescue helicopters can be based on the Priboy ship. It can also carry six landing boats with a cargo-carrying capacity of 45 tons and six assault boats on davits.

 Copyright 2017 TASS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
AN/SLQ-32(V)3 Electronic Warfare Systems for Kee Lung-class destroyers

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States to upgrade the AN/SLQ-32(V)3 Electronic Warfare Systems in support of four (4) ex-KIDD Class (now KEELUNG Class) destroyers. This sale will include AN/SLQ-32(V)3 upgrade hardware, software, support equipment and parts, publications, training, engineering and technical assistance.



The proposed sale will improve operational readiness and enhance the electronic warfare capability onboard the ex-KIDD Class destroyers. The recipient will have no difficulty in absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.



In 2001, the U.S. authorized the reactivation and sale of the four Kidd-class destroyers to Taiwan. All four have been transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy under the Kuang Hua VII program. The deal included upgraded hardware, overhaul, activation, and training, as well as 148 SM-2 Block IIIA and 32 RGM-84L Block II Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
Anna Beanie Little Eric Michelle Nicholas Sisters Anna and Michelle , and their brothers Beanie , Little Eric , and Nicholas , are very affectionate babies who love giving you kisses. We rescued their pregnant mother, a Cocker Spaniel named Mary Poppins from a government-funded shelter. She had reportedly been bred with a Scottish Terrier. We placed Mary Poppins in a loving foster home and she gave birth to these five angels and raised them there. Mary Poppins is going to be adopted by her foster family. Her puppies are now 3 months of age, spayed/neutered, and ready for adoption. Please carefully puppy-proof your home and yard for their safety and protection.
08:59

United States President Donald Trump will have a first face-to-face meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Germany next week on the sidelines of the G-20 leadership summit, the White House said.

The agenda of the meeting is still being worked out, officials said, adding that Trump is planning to have bilateral meetings with a host of other world leaders on the sidelines of the G-20 summit.

"The President has asked us to work together across all departments and agencies to do, really, three things: to confront Russia's destabilising behaviour -- whether it's cyber threats, whether it's political subversion here in

Europe and elsewhere," US National Security Advisor, Lt Gen H R McMaster told reporters at a White House news conference.

"The second is to deter Russia. Because nobody wants a major power war, right? So what is it that we have to put in place to be able to deter conflict. Then the third thing is to foster areas of cooperation," he said.

There are a lot of problems in the world that can be discussed during the meeting. North Korea, for example, is one of them; the fight against transnational terrorist organisations is another, said the US National Security

Advisor.





In Germany, he said, Trump would hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, China, Mexico, Indonesia, and Singapore.

There could be more. In G-20, the primary objectives are to promote American prosperity, to protect American interests, and to provide American leadership.

"These three objectives tie together every engagement President Trump has with foreign leaders, whether here in the White House, as you saw with the strengthening of our strategic partnership with India during Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's visit on Monday and we will see tonight and tomorrow with the strengthening of our alliance with South Korea during President Moon (Jae-in)'s visit," McMaster said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-29 16:53:22|Editor: MJ

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NEW YORK, June 28 (Xinhua) -- With the full support of the central government in Beijing, "One Country, Two Systems" puts Hong Kong in a prime position to capture the economic opportunities arising from the reform, development and opening-up of the Chinese mainland, said Clement Leung, Hong Kong Commissioner to the United States.

While making full use of the opportunities, Hong Kong can still retain its autonomy to make its own laws and determine its own trade and economic policies, he noted.

"This has given businesses the trust, confidence and predictability to thrive in the region," said Leung at a Gala Dinner to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Wednesday at a hotel in downtown New York.

CONFIDENCE CRISIS

Leung recalled when the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong was signed in 1984, "there was a lot of anxiety. There's no historical precedent for 'One Country, Two Systems.' People were not sure whether the concept would work."

"Back then, we had a confidence crisis: thousands of middle class professionals emigrated to foreign countries. Some Hong Kong companies moved their domiciles abroad," he said.

Fortune magazine even pronounced the "Death of Hong Kong" in a 1995 cover story which said "Hong Kong's future can be summed up in two words: It's over."

"What's indisputably dying is Hong Kong's role as a vibrant international commercial and financial hub," Fortune declared.

STILL THE SHINING BEACON

"This has been an amazing journey for us. Over the past two decades, there were ups and downs. Hong Kong took its challenges in stride and emerged stronger after each crisis," Leung said.

Hong Kong continues to be successful as the premier international business center in Asia and it is ranked as the freest and the most competitive economy of the world, he said, adding "we achieve a state of full employment in our labor market, lowest crime rate in 44 years. And our life expectancy is longer than that of Japan."

Not only have Hong Kong emigrants returned from Canada, Australia and Britain, but the Pearl of the Orient now has a strong inflow of expatriates with its American population having nearly doubled and the French population tripled since the handover, Leung said.

Hong Kong is still that shining beacon of free trade, open markets, and the rule of law, with low taxes, a level playing field for local and foreign companies alike, a high degree of transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption, Leung said.

Hong Kong has also been maintaining a robust relationship with the United States, the commissioner said.

"We continue to enjoy a strong bilateral relationship with the United States, being the ninth-largest export market for American goods and a close law enforcement partner."

Other than Hong Kong's pillar sectors of trade, finance, tourism and professional services, new sectors and opportunities have emerged. These include the development of Hong Kong as the largest center for off-shore RMB business, implementation of the Stock Connect programs that enable international investors to access the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets, Hong Kong's vibrant innovation and technology start-up ecosystem, wine auction and distribution, arts, culture and creative industries, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative.

FUTURE BRIGHT, CHALLENGES REMAIN

He expressed his confidence in the future of Hong Kong because "successive generations of Chinese leaders want Hong Kong to succeed and our people continue to have this 'can do' spirit to get things done, because the rule of law is rock solid and our judiciary is fiercely independent."

But he said "While we can be solidly united for a common purpose, we can be sharply divided and polarized on sensitive political and livelihood issues. Such differences are exacerbated by generational divides and income disparity."

"Remember that we just had a heart transplant? While the transition was smooth, we need time and space to adjust to this new constitutional order, particularly on issues involving the interface of the Hong Kong system with the mainland system," he said.

Leung also asked people to bear in mind that Hong Kong, like anywhere else, is not perfect. "While we have done a lot of things right, we make mistakes and occasionally we fumble. Often times, we do not explain ourselves very well, and that is why we have our share of negative coverage."

"But that makes 'One Country, Two Systems' more authentic and real. You should be more worried about Hong Kong if all you hear is good news from us," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-29 18:14:27|Editor: Liangyu

An Iraqi soldier patrols in the street near al-Nuri mosque in the Old City of Mosul on June 29, 2017. Iraqi army recaptured Mosul's historical al-Nuri mosque and its leaning minaret on June 29. Built in 1172 A.D. and located at the heart of Mosul's Old City, al-Nuri mosque and its famous leaning minaret are considered as landmark building of Mosul, but it was destroyed by Islamic State militants on June 21.(Xinhua/Wei Yudong)

MOSUL, Iraq, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi government forces battling Islamic State (IS) militants on Thursday retook control of Mosul's historical al-Nuri mosque and a nearby neighborhood in the old city in the western side of Mosul, the Iraqi military said.

"The Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) forces drove out the extremist IS militants from al-Nuri mosque and its leaning al-Hadbaa minaret, in addition to the adjacent Sarijkhanah neighborhood in the heart of Mosul's old city center," Abdul-Amir Yarallah from the Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a brief statement.

On June 21, the extremist IS group bombed al-Nuri mosque, as Iraqi forces were pushing closer toward the mosque and the surrounding area, amid fierce house-to-house battles in some nearby alleys.

The mosque was built in 1172 A.D. with its famous leaning minaret, which gave the city its nickname "al-Hadbaa" or "the hunchback."

It was the place where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the cross-border "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria in his sole public appearance in July 2014.

A few hours after the bombing of the mosque, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said "blowing up the al-Nuri mosque and the al-Hadba minaret is an official declaration of defeat by the Islamic State."

The day after the bombing, Abadi pledged, in a press conference, to rebuild the mosque and its minaret and other archaeological sites that were destroyed by the terrorist group such as Nimrud and Hattra in Iraq's Nineveh province.

A JOC statement said Tuesday that until Tuesday evening, the troops liberated some 50 percent of the old city in the western side of Mosul.

The CTS forces, federal police and the interior ministry's special forces, known as Rapid Response, have also been fighting inside the old city, but the troops are making slow progress due to 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 and narrow alleys of heavily-populated neighborhoods.

According to recent UN reports, some 100,000 civilians are still trapped in the IS-held areas in the old city center and the adjacent al-Shifaa neighborhood. The extremist group is using the civilians as human shields.

Mosul, 400 km north of Iraq's capital Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-29 19:40:06|Editor: ying

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PYONGYANG, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Thursday criticized South Korean President Moon Jae-in for yielding to pressure from the United States by adopting a hostile attitude towards the north.

A spokesman for the National Peace Committee of Korea, an official organ of the DPRK dealing with inter-Korean ties, said South Korean military and U.S. forces staged joint drills of bombing the nuclear facilities of the DPRK in both South Korea and the U.S. mainland and a "unification drill in 2017" recently.

The Korean Central News Agency quoted the spokesman as saying, without naming the South Korean president, that the "South Korean chief executive" and his top officials also made anti-DPRK remarks during visits to military bases at the front lines and missile launching sites recently.

"The South Korean chief executive talked about 'high-pitched growth of the north's missile provocation' ... while personally inspecting the test-fire of a ballistic missile aimed at the DPRK on June 23," he said.

The official daily Rodong Sinmun said Thursday South Korea should not ask the DPRK to stop its nuclear and missile tests as a precondition for holding dialogues aimed at improving ties between the two sides.

Moon embarked on a five-day visit to the United States Thursday, during which he is expected to coordinate policy towards the DPRK in talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
 

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 01:04:28|Editor: Liangyu

Director of Center for New Structural Economics at Peking University Justin Yifu Lin speaks at an African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) event in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, on June 28, 2017. Africa is hopeful to achieve quick development like East Asia did after the World War II, said Justin Yifu Lin during an interview with Xinhua on Thursday. (Xinhua/Lyu Tianran)

KIGALI, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Africa is hopeful to achieve quick development like East Asia did after the World War II, said Justin Lin, professor at Peking University in China on Thursday.

"Since independence around 1960s, African countries started pursuing modernization, but have been unsuccessful," said Lin, Director of Center for New Structural Economics at Peking University, during an interview with Xinhua in Rwandan capital city Kigali.

If African countries could, through China-Africa cooperation including 'Belt and Road,' get assistance from China to improve infrastructure, and at the same time receive labor-intensive industries from China, African countries could hopefully achieve quick development like East Asia made after the World War II, said Lin, who is also a former chief economist and senior vice president of the World Bank.

This could "change Africa's destiny," he said on the sidelines of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) events.

According to the professor, achievements of China-Africa cooperation are emerging, like Africa's first transnational electrified railway connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti and Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway in Kenya. China is also providing assistance to Africa in the areas of road and electricity. Those help poverty eradication in Africa and remove development bottleneck of Africa.

"There are also many successful cases of China-Africa industrial cooperation," said Lin, citing a Chinese shoe making company in Ethiopia as an example. The success of the company named Huajian proved that Ethiopia is feasible to develop modern manufacturing industry and export products to international markets.

He also mentioned that Ethiopia and Rwanda are very hopeful to become examples of success for Africa countries, as both countries have stable society, strong development will from the government, and have good momentum of economic development.

During Wednesday's plenary session of Afreximbank events, Lin called on African countries to capture the opportunity of industrialization from the pending relocation of light manufacturing due to rising wages in China and other emerging market economies.

A series of events hosted by Afreximbank for its annual general meeting kicked off Wednesday in Kigali. The four-day events hoped to act as a catalyst to boost the African trade agenda with more than 100 speakers, academics, and African and global trade experts participating.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 01:55:02|Editor: huaxia

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RABAT, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on Thursday granted Morocco 120 million U.S. dollars to financing a water conservation project in northern part of the country, official news agency Maghreb Arab Press reported.

The project consists of building a 135 km primary transmission pipe from the Mdez dam to the Saiss plain in northern Morocco, the report said.

It aims to replace water abstraction from the local aquifer and water resources of the Saiss plain, which is currently overexploited, according to the news agency.

It said over 7,000 peasants are expected to benefit from this project. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 02:55:50|Editor: huaxia

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VILNIUS, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian parliament (the Seimas) has approved on Thursday the state university optimization plan which could cut the number of universities in half, amid efforts to boost the quality of education in the country.

The government's plan stated that Lithuania's biggest cities -- Vilnius and Kaunas -- should each have one classical university, covering a wide range of study programs. According to the plan, Vilnius and Kaunas would retain their technology, health sciences and art universities.

Lithuanian Education and Science Minister Jurgita Petrauskiene said the parliament's decision had paved the way for one of the most important reforms in the country.

"The Seimas finally turned the key and started the engine of the higher education reform in today's voting," Petrauskiene was quoted as saying in an announcement.

However, the parliament refrained from naming which universities should be merged following recent resistance on the part of academic society.

Opponents to the plan, such as opposition MP and former education and science minister Gintaras Steponavicius, said "This plan clearly lacks ambition; it's not specific enough," news website vz.lt quoted him as saying.

More details of the universities' "optimization" are to become clear later. The parliament proposed the government to prepare measures and legislation for the implementation of the reform by Dec. 1.

Currently, the Baltic state has 14 state universities and a population of less than three million people. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recently urged the country to reform its higher education system. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 03:05:43|Editor: huaxia

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RIGA, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The leader of the Latvian Medical Association is considering asking general practitioners to postpone their strike, due to begin next Monday, until parliament has had a chance to vote on a bill that concerns health care funding in July.

Association leader Peteris Apinis, whom Latvian Health Minister Anda Caksa has tasked with mediating negotiations between the health ministry and the medics, told reporters that progress had been achieved in Thursday's talks with the government.

If everything went as planned, Latvia's tax reform bill, which also provides the necessary funding for the health sector, should pass in the second reading in parliament on July 22, he said.

"If we get that assurance, we would be very glad to postpone the strike," the leader of the medical association said.

"We have discussed our demands and made headway on very many issues. We believe that family physicians have to be the key medical structure and its funding has to be strictly defined. If we manage to secure the necessary information and guarantees tomorrow, we will ask to postpone the action until July 22," Apinis said.

Meanwhile, public radio reported that representatives of the Latvian Association of Family Physicians, which called the strike for July 3, said they knew nothing about the proposed postponement.

Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis had invited Caksa and leaders of two general practitioners' associations -- one of which was the Latvian Association of Family Physicians -- for Thursday's talks, but the association's representatives did not turn up as it insisted on forming a strike committee for such negotiations.

The Latvian Association of Family Physicians announced the strike on June 12 after negotiations with government over medics' pay and health sector funding failed. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 03:05:44|Editor: Liangyu

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BERLIN, June 29 (Xinhua) -- China and Germany share common stance on major issues, and their cooperation is playing an increasingly positive role in the world.

Shi made the remarks ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Germany in early July. Xi will also attend the G20 summit in Hamburg.

Shi said China and Germany are working closely in cooperation in multiple fields, and have made fruitful achievements.

Amid new international situation, such as the Brexit and the rise of far-right politics and populism, the two countries share common stance on major global issues, such as the embrace of economic globalization and multilateralism, opposition of trade protectionism and commitment to Paris climate agreement.

Both of the world's two major economies focus on real economy and structural reform to promote economic growth. The two countries are also advocates of a more efficient world economic and financial governance system, according to Shi.

No country can address the global issues singlehandedly. The world needs cooperation partners like China and Germany, said Shi, adding that China-Germany cooperation is playing a positive role in global issues.

Shi said huge potential still exists in China-Germany cooperation, such as business opportunities in China's economic structural reform, industrial upgrading and urbanization, as well as the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The coupling of the two countries' development strategy, the "Made in China 2025"and Germany's "Industry 4.0," are benefiting industries and research institutes of both countries.

China and Germany are also exploring patterns for their cooperation in third-party markets which have achieved success in Brazil and the United States, showing that the world has enough market space to accommodate the joint development of the two countries, Shi added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 03:10:58|Editor: Liangyu

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ROME, June 29 (Xinhua) -- China's ZTE Corp will make Italy its European hub for the development of 5G wireless technology, the company confirmed on Thursday.

Fifth-generation or 5G is the next mobile wireless standard, and will make telecoms faster and more powerful. The company announced its plans in a meeting with Lombardy regional officials in Milan.

ZTE intends to open 13 new research & development centres in Italy, said its CEO for Western Europe, Hu Kun. "The 5G network will be ready by next year," said Hu who also serves as president of ZTE Italy, adding "The pre-5G phase is in full swing."

5G development at the Italy tech hub "will be the most important experimentation, at the European level, in the telecoms field," Hu told the Italian Institute for Asia and the Mediterranean (IsiameD), one of its digital technology partners in Italy, in an interview posted on the IsiameD website.

Founded in 1985, ZTE operates across 140 countries and employs over 30,000 researchers in 18 R&D centers, according to its corporate website.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 03:36:09|Editor: Zhou Xin

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Minister of Information and Broadcasting Kampamba Mulenga speaks during a press conference in Lusaka, Zambia, June 29, 2017. Zambia will switch off all analogue television services in urban areas with effect from October 1 as the southern African country moves to digital television, Kampamba Mulenga said on Thursday. She has since directed TopStar Communication Company, a joint venture contracted to facilitate the migration from analogue to digital broadcasting, to enhance its marketing campaigns in all the towns which will be affected by analogue switch-off. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

LUSAKA, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Zambia will switch off all analogue television services in urban areas with effect from October 1 as the southern African country moves to digital television, a senior government official said on Thursday.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Kampamba Mulenga has since directed TopStar Communication Company, a joint venture contracted to facilitate the migration from analogue to digital broadcasting, to enhance its marketing campaigns in all the towns which will be affected by analogue switch-off.

The Zambian minister, who revealed that the country was making steady progress towards migrating from analogue to digital television, said analogue services will be switched off on all urban cities along the line of rail.

The government has also directed its information and technology regulator, the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), to take all the necessary measures to ensure that there was adherence to the analogue switch-off date.

The government was committed to ensuring that the whole country migrates from analogue to digital terrestrial television before the end of this year, she added.

The TopStar Communication Company is currently installing equipment for digital migration in remote parts of the country to ensure smooth switch to digital television.

Leo Liao, the firm's chief executive officer said the firm was working with relevant government agencies to ensure that digital television signal was distributed to all parts of the country using the highest quality technology.

About 273 million U.S. dollars has been invested towards the construction of modern transmission lines and construction of provincial broadcasting stations in all parts of Zambia, he added.

TopStar is a joint venture created by state broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, and Africa's leading digital television technology provider StarTimes Group.

The firm has been assigned by the Zambian government as the authorized body to help realize the digitalization program.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) had set June 17, 2015 as the deadline for countries to migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial television migration.

Zambia partially met the deadline but the country has been running simulcast television services in urban areas.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 04:06:25|Editor: Liangyu

Ana Brnabic (1st L, Front) and new cabinet members take the oath of office at the Serbian Parliament building in Belgrade, Serbia, on June 29, 2017. Serbian parliament on Thursday elected the new government of Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, which afterwards took the oath of office and assumed duty in front of Members of Parliament (MPs). (Xinhua/Predrag Milosavljevic)

BELGRADE, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Serbian parliament on Thursday elected the new government of Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, which afterwards took the oath of office and assumed duty in front of Members of Parliament (MPs).

The government of Brnabic, the first woman to become prime minister of Serbia, was elected with 157 out of 250 MP votes.

Brnabic, who had served since August 2016 as minister of public administration and local self-government, was nominated to form the new government on June 15 by newly-elected Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

Brnabic's government will have 18 ministries, two more than the previous government -- the ministry of European integration and the ministry of environmental protection.

It will also keep all of the ministers from the previous government led by Vucic.

Brnabic announced in her keynote speech to Parliament on Wednesday that the new government would continue the policy of economic reforms and European integration of the former government, as well as stimulating entrepreneurship.

Born in 1975, Brnabic left her native Belgrade to study in the United States and Britain. Returning to Serbia as a management expert, she worked for U.S. consultancy firms. In 2013, she became a director of Continental Wind Serbia, a U.S. company dealing in the development of wind farms.

"I entered politics from the private business sector because of the love I feel towards Serbia, where I returned 15 years ago. It is an honor to serve Serbia and watch it as it improves for the better," she said in her keynote address.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 04:11:29|Editor: huaxia

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TALLINN, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Grand opening events were held here on Thursday to serve as a kick-off for the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1 until Dec. 31 this year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony with the attendance of President Kersti Kaljulaid, Prime Minister Juri Ratas said the next six months for Estonia is "the time to show who we are, what we can do and how we live."

"However, it is also a time to listen carefully to what others have to say. Let us use these moments wisely and let us all make a contribution. The more familiar Europe is with our way of life and thinking, the greater Estonia is. The better we understand others, the more united Europe is," said Ratas.

In his speech, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, hailed Estonia's determination and creativity in realizing the vast project of digitalization as "an example to follow for all Europeans with aspirations", terming the country "the leader of the IT revolution on a global scale".

For his part, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, expressed his belief that the first ever Estonian Presidency will "contribute to a more prosperous and more secure future for all Europeans".

Under the theme of "Unity through balance" for the EU Presidency, the opening ceremony and concerts offered traditional Estonian songs as well as modern Estonian heavy metal music.

Ratas, Tusk and Juncker also attended the public opening concert held at Freedom Square at the city center.

After the Brexit vote in 2016 and Britain's subsequent relinquishment of its scheduled presidency in the Council of the European Union, Estonia takes over the Britain's six-month slot instead for the second half of this year. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 05:01:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council Thursday decided to renew the mandate of the African Union/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in Sudan till June 30, 2018.

In a unanimously-adopted resolution, the council noted that "the overall security situation in Darfur remains precarious" due to activities of militia groups, prevalence of weapons and other factors, and decided to extend the mandate of the peacekeeping mission.

According to the resolution, the authorized ceiling of the troops and police of UNAMID shall be reduced to 11,395 military personnel and 2,888 police personnel respectively within six months.

The war in Darfur is a major armed conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan that began in Feb. 2003 between government forces and rebel groups.

UNAMID was established on July 31, 2007 with the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution.

The mission of UNAMID focuses on military protection, explosive remnants of war clearance and emergency relief in the Jebel Marra area.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 05:22:19|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ANKARA, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Some German politicians' remarks on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Hamburg to attend the G20 Summit are "unacceptable," Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin said on Thursday.

Ankara submitted a formal request Wednesday for Erdogan to address Turkish citizens during the G20 summit in Hamburg on July 7-8. But the request was rejected by Berlin.

On Thursday, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that such request would be "inappropriate" for the purpose of the summit.

Turks living in Germany are part of society, with most of them having German citizenship, and other countries should not be allowed to bring their domestic conflicts to Germany, Gabriel said at the 14th Conference of Russian and German Partner Cities in Russia's southern city of Krasnodar.

Describing Berlin's move as "provocative and malevolent," Kalin said hindering Erdogan's meeting with Turkish citizens by citing "thin excuses" does not comply with the friendship relation between two countries.

"We hope that German authorities will not repeat grave mistakes made during the referendum process," he said.

Germany-Turkey relations have been strained over the past months. In March, several German cities banned rallies held by Turkish officials ahead of the April 16 referendum which expanded the president's powers.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 08:33:17|Editor: Yamei

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SUVA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) was granted a casino license under Fiji's recently announced 2017/2018 National Budget on Thursday.

The casino will be at the Momi Bay Resort in Western Fiji.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, minister for economy, said the casino license was exclusive to FNPF.

"The casino will then support the members of the fund. The FNPF will further diversify its portfolio and pull in higher returns for its 340,000 members, the ordinary workers of Fiji," the minister said.

Fiji has had several attempts to set up a casino earlier.

The business community was upset when the country's casino project had fallen over but was confident the government would get it right later as it was still alien a few years ago.

The tourism industry of the country has always said a casino will help Fiji compete on a global scale.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 09:59:28|Editor: Liangyu

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YANGON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- India handed over six donated cargo vessels to Myanmar to support the joint Myanmar-India Kaladan Multimodal Transportation Project, said a press release from the Inland Water Transport (IWT) late Thursday.

Handed over at the Sittway Port in Myanmar's western Rakhine state, the six cargo vessels, worth 81.29 million U.S. dollars, are in readiness to transport goods and passengers along the river.

Dredging will be underway for the heavy vessels to embark at the port which will accommodate goods from Rakhine and other states at the end of this year, said the statement.

The 45-meter-long and 9.5 meter-wide vessels, each having a cargo capacity of 300 tons, were built at Dala, Dagon Seikkan and Dawbon dockyards in Yangon.

Meanwhile, two industrial zones will be built in Haka and Paletwa in Chin state next year by the Chin state government as part of the Kaladan project, according to a statement by the Information and Public Relations Department.

The Myanmar-India Kaladan multi-model transportation project, which nears completion, will boost trade between the two countries and help Myanmar trade not only with India but also with other foreign countries, officials said.

The 480-million-U.S. dollar Kaladan project is being implemented in three phases with the first phase including construction of Sittway Deep Seaport and Paletwa Jetty, dredging the Kaladan waterway and construction of six vessels, while the second phase covers construction of 109 km-long road to link Paletwa with the border region and the third phase comprises construction of a 60-km highway between Laungtalai, India's Mizoram State and Myanmar's Chin state.

The completion of waterway and highway project passing through Myanmar's Rakhine and Chin states will help support better transport and trade between the regional countries.

Myanmar and India signed the contract on Kaladan transportation project in 2008.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 11:00:41|Editor: Liangyu

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MINSK, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Belarus has received the fourth tranche of a loan from the Eurasian Stabilization and Development Fund, the financial institution's press service said on Thursday.

The decision to disburse the tranche, valued at 300 million U.S. dollars, was made by the Fund's council on 26 June on the basis of the fact that all related conditions are met, except for one control indicator, for which a waiver was granted.

Meanwhile, several indicators were added to be met for disbursing the sixth and seventh tranches, the EDB said.

Belarus has so far received 1.4 billion dollars in loan funds, out of a total sum of 2 billion dollars. The funds are required to support economic policy measures and structural transformation.

In April, Belarus received 300 million dollars in the loan's third tranche.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 11:15:43|Editor: Liangyu

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MADRID, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Temperatures of the seas around Spain have reached record highs in June, according to an article published in the English version of the El Pais newspaper on Thursday.

The report said that measurements for the first three weeks of June taken by a network of deep sea buoys around the Spanish coast showed an increase in water temperature of between 0.5 and 2.5 degrees centigrade for the period between 2007 and 2017.

The biggest increase in water temperature is in the Mediterranean, where a buoy off the coast of Tarragona registered a 2.5-centigrade increase over the past 10 years, reaching a record of 27 degrees in 2016.

Another buoy off the coast of Cabo de Gata in southeast Spain measured temperatures of 24.3 degrees centigrade, 2.4 degrees centigrade higher than 10 years ago.

However, it is not just in the Mediterranean that sea temperatures are rising. A buoy close to the city Bilbao on the north coast of Spain has recorded water temperature of 23.5 degrees, while the water is 1.25 percent warmer off Cape Silleiro in the northwestern region of Galicia.

Ana Casal, a climatologist with the Spanish state meteorological agency AEMET, explained that sea temperatures were likely to rise further during the summer. Although it takes time for the water to retain heat, once it has warmed up, it also "takes time to cool down."

Jose Luis Acuna, a marine environmentalist at the University of Oviedo, said that warmer seas off the north coast meant that "seaweed forests have virtually disappeared in the last 10 years," while there is also an increased risk of the arrival of invasive species attracted by the warmer water.

"In the Cantabrian, we are starting to see fish that are traditionally seen in the south of Spain," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 13:11:23|Editor: Liangyu

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MAIMANA, Afghanistan, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan army personnel repelled a Taliban attack in the country's northern province of Faryab on Friday, killing four militants, an army source said.

"Unkown number of Taliban militants attacked an army security checkpoint in Qurraish village of Dawlat Abad district at early hours of Friday. The army soldiers fought back the attackers. As a result four militants were killed and five others wounded," Major Nastraullah Jamshidi, a press officer of army's Corps 209 Shaheen based in the region, told Xinhua.

Several militants' motorcycles were also destroyed and no army soldier was hurt during the clashes, he added.

Faryab and the neighboring Jawzjan province has been the scene of heavy clashes over the past couple of months as the Taliban has been trying to challenge government forces in the once relatively peaceful region.

The violence has been on the rise as Afghan security forces fight against a surge in attacks by anti-government fighters since the drawdown of foreign forces over the past two years.

Taliban has yet to make comments.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 13:26:41|Editor: Liangyu

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by Carlos Acat

LIMA, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The Pacific Alliance, a Latin American trade bloc founded by Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru in 2011, stands to outperform its regional counterparts and contribute to the continent's closer ties with Asia, Peruvian economist Carlos Aquino has said.

Acquino, an Asia expert and director of the Economic Research Institute at the National University of San Marcos in Lima, told Xinhua in a recent interview that the strength of the Pacific Alliance (AP) lies in the fact that its members not only share a common goal, but also are fundamentally similar.

The AP is holding its 12th meeting in Cali, Colombia, Thursday through Friday.

"Of all the Latin American integration blocs, such as the Community of Andean Nations (CAN) or the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), it's the one that can succeed the most, because it is a homogeneous group of representative democracies with market economies and an interest in Asia," he said.

According to Aquino, the four nations within the AP have already established free trade between each other, and 92 percent of the goods trade are duty free. "The remainder will be liberalized in 15 years at the latest," he added.

The main weakness of the bloc -- which has 52 observer countries, including China -- is that it is fairly new, the expert said, adding that insufficient transport and communication infrastructure has hindered intra-bloc flow of people as well as trade ties with Asia.

"Here, China can help," said Aquino, who pointed out that Chinese investment, the extension of the Belt and Road Initiative into Latin America, as well as increased air routes and e-commerce platforms are all needed to help local companies connect with Asia.

"Of the AP's four members, except for Colombia, the other three are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, and that has led to increased trade with Asia in recent years," he said.

Noting that another factor holding back Latin America's trade with Asia is the lack of quality education in the region, Aquino particularly called for expanded access to the Internet.

"You need a digitally literate population, and for that you need the Internet to reach the majority and at low cost, and you need to improve educational infrastructure."

As far as specific industries are concerned, the expert recommended that the four countries tap into their respective comparative advantages,such as the agriculture industry in general, auto and electronics industries in Mexico, and mining and fishing industries in Chile and Peru.

He said the countries should promote the transformation of their natural resources into value-added goods, "with the member countries forming value chains."

Juan Varilias, president of the Peruvian delegation in the AP Business Council, said bloc members should coordinate policies, programs and laws to promote integration and boost competitiveness.

"As business owners, we don't see the AP as just a bigger and freer market for selling. It is an opportunity to get together and work on diverse strategies that will allow us to become more competitive," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 13:41:47|Editor: An

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Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai speaks to the press in Washington D.C., the United States, June 29, 2017. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and sanctions against some Chinese entities and individuals undermine the mutual confidence between China and the United States, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said here Thursday. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, June 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and sanctions against some Chinese entities and individuals undermine the mutual confidence between China and the United States, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said here Thursday.

"And all these actions - sanctions against Chinese companies and especially arms sales to Taiwan - will certainly undermine the mutual confidence between the two sides and runs counter to the spirit of the Mar-a-Lago summit," Cui told reporters.

Stressing that China is always firmly opposed to arms sales to Taiwan, which, Cui said, violate the one-China principle as well as the three joint communiques between China and the United States.

On the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, China is implementing UN Security Council resolutions "fully and effectively," said Cui.

"If there is any Chinese entity or individual that violates UN sanctions, we'll conduct our investigation and we'll pursue the case in the court with the Chinese law," said Cui.

"But we are against this kind of so-called long-arm jurisdiction by the U.S. side," added Cui.

The U.S. State Department confirmed on Thursday that it had formally notified the U.S. Congress of arms sales to Taiwan valued about 1.42 billion U.S. dollars.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday also announced sanctions against a Chinese bank, a Chinese company and two Chinese individuals for allegedly helping the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 15:07:24|Editor: An

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RIO DE JANEIRO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China and Brazil have a solid foundation of cooperation in the energy sector, and they need to boost cooperation on clean energy, Chinese ambassador to Brazil, Li Jinzhang, said Thursday.

In addition to oil and electricity, "we need to boost cooperation on technology and investments in new, renewable energy. We put a lot of trust in this cooperation," Li told Xinhua.

While attending the South American Seminar on the Belt and Road Development and Global Energy Interconnection held here Thursday, the Chinese ambassador stressed that there are potential for Brazil-China cooperation on global energy interconnection, especially on clean energy.

Li highlighted that Brazil has a clean energy matrix, with a lot of natural resources which accommodate extensive exploration of hydroelectric, wind and solar power.

Talking about Brazil's role in the energy cooperation in Latin America, the Chinese ambassador said, "the Brazil-China cooperation is a strong role model for Latin America and the entire world."

Representatives in the field of renewable energy from four countries -- China, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile -- participated in the meeting.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 15:12:28|Editor: Zhou Xin

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KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Xinhua) -- While Malaysia, the world's second largest producer of crude palm oil (CPO), is seeking to export more palm oil to China following Prime Minister Najib Razak's visits to China, it may be a tall order this year, as soybean supplies remain ample and Indonesia, another major CPO producer, still has its competitive advantage over Malaysia.

"China's demand for palm oil depends on how competitiveness is CPO price against soybean oil, the availability of domestic edible oils in China as well as the release of rapeseed oils reserves by the government," Ivy Ng, the regional head of agribusiness of CIMB Investment Bank, told Xinhua.

According to Bloomberg data, CPO trades at about 80 U.S. dollars per ton lower than that of soybean oil currently, which is below its 10-year historical average discount of 140 U.S. dollar per ton.

"From historical standpoint, the discount is not as wide or attractive relative to historical average discount. It does not make it very attractive for them (Chinese) to buy more than historical average consumption now," Ng added.

According to a recent report written by UOB Kayhian Research, soybean planting is expected to continue increasing to meet growing demand from China as meat consumption soars.

This is a long-term negative to palm oil industry as ample soybean supplies will put a lid on soybean and soybean oil prices, it said.

Soybean has recorded five consecutive years of good production. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has forecasted that total cropland for soybean cultivation will exceed 1 billion hectare worldwide in the next decade.

UOB Kayhian also noted that there is an increasing soybean demand from China as more than 80 percent of China's soybean imports are crushed for soymeal, which is the animal feed for chicken and hogs.

In comparison, China's demand for palm oil has been stagnant for the past 10 years at the level of 5 million to 6.6 million tons.

"Even though China's edible oil import could continue to increase, Indonesia's competitive pricing could well give it a competitive edge over Malaysia," OCBC Bank's economist Barnabas Gan told Xinhua.

Gan listed an Indonesian export revision, with amounts due expressed in dollars rather than a percentage of the price, as one factor that has enhanced the competitiveness of Indonesian palm oil.

Currently, Indonesia still commands the lion's share of palm oil exports to China. The world's largest palm oil producer exported 1.3 million tons to China, versus Malaysia's 650,000 tons from January to May. Last year, Indonesia also dominated palm oil exports to China (2.6 million tons), in contrast with Malaysia's export (1.8 million tons).

Malaysian Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Mah Siew Keong said earlier that the Malaysian government hoped to reclaim the country's position as the world's major exporter of palm oil to China.

According to Gan, Malaysia's export of palm oil and its products have recovered since August last year after nine months of contraction (excluding March 2016's growth of 7 percent).

"Chinese commodity demand has been healthy year-to-date, but Malaysia's palm oil export growth to China could possibly decelerate into the second half as the low base effect fades," Gan added.

He also noted that the total palm oil import demand in Malaysia is set to fall this year as Europe moved to restrict imports of unsustainable palm oil.

With supply growth likely to accelerate into 2017 and seasonal demand fading after the Ramadan celebrations, he expects the downward trend of CPO prices will continue in the second half.

"Given the weaker prices of late, we downgrade our palm oil price target to 2,250 ringgit (524 U.S. dollars) per ton at year-end," he said.

According to Malaysian Palm Oil Board, CPO price has fallen to 2,543 ringgit per ton as of June 29, from its peak of 3,344 ringgit in February.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 15:22:44|Editor: Zhou Xin

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CANBERRA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- After attending the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Belgium on Thursday, Australia's Minister for Defence Marise Payne confirmed on Friday the Australian government's continuing commitment to the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

In a statement released to the media on Friday, Payne said Australia would continue to support NATO in its mission to advise and train the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, as part of the ongoing mission to fight terrorism in the region.

Payne said the Australian government had agreed that an additional 30 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel would be deployed in Afghanistan on top of the nation's annual support fund.

"The government remains committed to enhancing the security of Afghanistan, which is why we agreed to increase the Australian Defence Force contribution to the Resolute Support mission from around 270 personnel to around 300 personnel," Payne said.

"This commitment comes on top of Australia's annual contribution of 100 million U.S. dollars towards Afghan security sector sustainment which will continue until at least 2020."

The Resolute Support mission has been ongoing in Afghanistan since late 2014. More than 13,500 NATO troops are currently stationed in the war-torn nation assisting with the peace process.

The meeting of defense ministers was held at NATO headquarters in Brussels, where Payne also met with counterparts from France, Ukraine and Turkey.

The minister also announced that she had signed the International Partnership and Cooperation Program between NATO and Australia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 15:27:48|Editor: Zhou Xin

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CANBERRA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has announced that a new cyber warfare division with offensive capabilities will go online from July 1 to ensure the country remains at the "cutting edge" of the cyber security landscape.

Making the announcement in Canberra on Friday, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security Dan Tehan said the new Information Warfare Division would conduct both offensive and defensive cyber attacks, in a move he said was necessary due to the changing nature of modern warfare.

"From tomorrow, Australia will have an Information Warfare Division within the Defence Department," Tehan told the press.

"This is a result of the changing character of contemporary conflict. The division will have the responsibility for military cyber operations, military intelligence, joint electronic warfare, information operations and our military's space operations.

"It will integrate existing operations across our forces to protect and support our Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and systems, and the division is authorized to conduct self-defence, passive defence, active defence and offensive operations."

The minister said Australia's defence personnel were among the best in the world, and that under the new cyber warfare division, they would be able to stay "ahead of the curve" to keep Australians, businesses and governments safe from cyber attacks.

"This is about ensuring we keep level with other countries. This isn't about catching up, it's about ensuring we're at the cutting edge. The only risk we run is if we don't give our intelligence agencies the capability," said the minister.

Earlier, in a statement provided to News Corp, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull defended the move to arm the new division with offensive capabilities, saying that Australia's "response to criminal cyber threats should not just be defensive."

"We must take the fight to the criminals," Turnbull said, "The use of offensive cyber capabilities will add to the government's crime-fighting arsenal and form part of our broader strategy to prevent and shut down safe havens for offshore cyber criminals."

In response to the new division, intelligence expert Professor John Blaxland from the Australian National University (ANU) said it was an important step for the government to take considering the changing landscape of warfare and cyber espionage.

Meanwhile Opposition Leader Bill Shorten applauded the move by the government, telling the press that cyber warfare is the "new front line."

"I think cyber warfare is the new front line for cyber security," Shorten told the press on Friday morning. "I think the Australia Signals Directorate (ASD) is outstanding -- the center for cyber warfare is world class. But we need to give them the resources to work with industry, especially for softer targets (such as small businesses and hospitals)."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 15:32:40|Editor: Zhou Xin

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MELBOURNE, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Seven members of an international drug ring have been arrested after cocaine worth 23 million U.S. dollars was found in a shipping container in Melbourne.

The seven men, four from Australia, two from Canada and one from Britain, were arrested in police raids on multiple properties across Melbourne on Friday, three days after the cocaine was discovered on Monday.

John Beveridge, a commander from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said Friday the cargo arrived on a vessel coming from Panama at the Port of Melbourne on Monday night.

"The particular container we were interested in possessed three black duffel bags placed inside the container with a duplicate seal," Beveridge told reporters.

"Each bag contained 26 boxes of cocaine. The amount of cocaine is estimated at a street value of (23 million U.S. dollars)."

Police said the syndicate had used aerial drones to conduct counter-surveillance on police throughout the investigation process.

"The syndicate was using a drone when they were holding their meetings, to conduct counter-surveillance, to see if anyone, like law enforcement, was watching," Beveridge said.

The major bust coincided with the release of an Australian Crime Intelligence Commission (ACIC) which stated that Victoria had become the Australian capital of illicit drugs.

The AFP worked with law enforcement from around the world to make the arrests on Friday.

"We've been acting with our counterparts in North and South America and throughout Asia throughout this investigation," Beveridge said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 15:52:58|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIRUT/CAIRO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Five suicide bombers blew themselves up Friday during raids on two refugee camps in eastern Lebanon near the border with Syria, injuring seven soldiers, the army said.

The attack happened in the morning when soldiers were conducting raids in the border town of Arsal.

The raids are still underway, said the army, to arrest terrorists and seize weapons.

Militants have thrived along Lebanon's border with Syria since the Syrian civil war broke out six years ago.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Lebanon is currently hosting 1.03 million Syrian refugees who fled their war-torn country since the rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad started in March 2011.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 16:08:15|Editor: An

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FUKUOKA, Japan, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China and Japan agreed to launch an air and maritime contact mechanism as early as possible at their seventh round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs held here from Thursday to Friday.

Officials from the two countries' ministries on foreign affairs, defense, security, transportation, agriculture, environment, energy and aquatic product attended the talks.

A plenary meeting and separate meetings of four working teams on politics and laws, maritime defense, maritime law enforcement and security, as well as maritime economy were held, with attendants exchanging views on issues related to the East China Sea and discussing concrete ways of conducting maritime cooperation.

The two sides agreed to launch a maritime and aerial communication mechanism between their defense departments as soon as possible and to further enhance communications in the defense area.

Based on memoirs signed by both sides, the Border Control Bureau of China's Ministry of Public Security and the Japan Coast Guard, further exchanged views on enhancing information exchange and law enforcement cooperation in cracking down on transnational crimes including smuggling, human smuggling and drug trafficking.

The China Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard, while recognizing the role played by current contact mechanism, agreed to strengthen their communication through information and people-to-people exchanges so as to further enhance mutual trust. They also exchanged views on cooperation between maritime law enforcement institutions of both countries.

The two sides also spoke highly of the 1st China-Japan Experts Dialogue Platform Meeting on Marine Debris Cooperation in Dalian, China in March 2017, and agreed to have the second meeting in Japan in 2018. They also agreed to hold a maritime debris seminar in Shanghai in November, and to conduct a joint investigation on marine debris within the year.

The two sides reconfirmed the importance of signing a bilateral maritime search and rescue agreement and agreed to continue cooperation in this regard under bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

They agreed to have relevant departments of both countries cooperate on ship safety and pollution prevention at sea. They also confirmed the importance of enhancing fishery resource protection and management and agreed to improve fishery cooperation.

They also exchanged views on the principled consensus on East China Sea issue and agreed to continue discussions on the issue.

They agreed in principle to hold the eighth round of high level consultations on maritime affairs in China later this year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 16:18:22|Editor: Zhou Xin

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LOS ANGELES, June 29 (Xinhua) -- A decade ago, not many people considered the clumsy and expensive first generation of the iPhone a fan favorite. Nowadays, few people would deny its great influence on everyday life as the iPhone turns 10 this week.

A poll conducted by Xinhua News Agency via its Twitter account on Wednesday showed nearly half of respondents think the iPhone has been the greatest smartphone in the world over the past decade.

The poll also showed that 66 percent think the iPhone has "absolutely" or "somewhat" made their lives better, 26 percent thought "not at all" and 8 percent think it has made their lives "worse."

"It is truly remarkable that in the 10 year span of the iPhone being on the market, it has disrupted the telecom industry, the music industry, the television industry, the video industry, the computer industry, the communications industry -- and that's just a start," analyst Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies was quoted by CNN as saying.

Apple has sold more than 1 billion iPhones since June 29, 2007, according to a Reuters report.

Even though most of the world's smartphones now run on Google's Android mobile operating system, Apple still garners most of the profit in the industry with its generally higher-priced devices, the report said.

However, the iPhone had a rocky start ten years ago. The first iPhone, which launched without an App Store and was restricted to AT&T's EDGE network, was limited compared to today's version.

"The business model for year one of the iPhone was a disaster," Tony Fadell, one of the Apple developers of the device, told Reuters. "We pivoted and figured it out in year two."

The iPhone's success has had a halo effect on other products and industries. Apple went on to make the iPad, a tablet version of the iPhone. It added an App Store to iOS in 2008. Developers that have built careers and billion-dollar companies on iPhone apps have earned more than 16 billion U.S. dollars, the CNN report said.

Apple releases a new version of the device every year, sprinkling on new features like water resistance or a fingerprint sensor to entice people to upgrade. All of the specs have been radically improved over the years, from the chip to the camera resolution.

However, for three years, the iPhone's exterior design has remained mostly unchanged, cutting into demand for upgrades.

Xinhua's polls showed a divided attitude toward the level of innovation of each generation of the iPhone. Forty-two percent of people think iPhone's improvements are "small," 36 percent think improvements are "obvious," 13 percent think there is "no improvement at all" and 9 percent think iPhone has "regressed."

Apple reported last year its first ever decline in iPhone sales. The iPhone slump continued in the following two quarters, which led to Apple's first annual sales decline since 2001.

A latest Apple report said it sold 50.8 million iPhones in the first quarter, down from 51.2 million units sold in the same quarter last year.

Analysts say users would hold off on purchasing new iPhones ahead of the much-hyped 10th anniversary phone expected this fall.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 16:43:21|Editor: Zhou Xin

Chinese Consul General in Chicago Hong Lei (1st L) poses for photos with guests in Chicago, the United States, June 29, 2017. The China General Chamber of Commerce - Chicago (CGCC) held its second annual gala celebrating relations between the U.S. Midwest and China here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

CHICAGO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The China General Chamber of Commerce - Chicago (CGCC) held its second annual gala celebrating relations between the U.S. Midwest and China here on Thursday.

The gala included an award ceremony recognizing individuals and corporations that have contributed significantly to increasing Chinese industry and relations in the Midwest.

The CGCC recognized corporations such as Boeing, SAIC USA, and Wanxiang for bringing industry, innovation, and jobs to the Midwest region.

BOOMING CHINA-U.S. TRADE

In his opening remarks, CGCC Chairman Ni Pin introduced that in the past 16 years, Chinese companies have invested 20.3 billion dollars in nine U.S. Midwest states, creating over 45,000 jobs.

China is the largest trading partner and the third largest export market for the United States. According to the U.S.-China Business Council, China is the fastest-growing market for U.S. exports, with services to China growing by 301 percent and U.S. exports of goods increasing by 114 percent from 2006 to 2015.

"These are exciting times for U.S.-China relations, and it is crucial that both sides continue working together," Ni said.

"I hope that this event can help provide positive outcomes for both the U.S. and China business communities, creating more jobs and trade to boost economic growth in both countries."

100-DAY PLAN BETWEEN CHINA & U.S.

A "New Era - Opportunities & Challenges in the U.S.-China Economic Cooperation" forum was also held during the gala, which falls within the timeframe of the 100-day plan agreed on by Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump that focuses specifically on promoting U.S. export to China, boosting trade cooperation, and attracting Chinese investment into the U.S. Midwest region.

"The two leaders have pointed a clear direction and laid the foundation for China-U.S. economic cooperation in the new era," Chinese Consul General in Chicago Hong Lei said.

"The political and business communities from both sides have focused on deepening economic cooperation between our two countries, carried out in-depth and pragmatic exchanges of view, and achieved a number of positive results," he said.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has focused on increasing Chinese investment into Chicago during his time in office. Since becoming mayor, Emanuel traveled to China twice, signing economic agreements with eight Chinese cities, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Chengdu.

"This agreement makes Chicago and the eight (Chinese) cities gateways for investment between the two countries. I've worked hard to make this agreement successful and I'm pleased we have seen record-breaking investment from Chinese companies each year since it was signed," Emanuel said.

Along with business opportunities, Emanuel made an effort to promote Chinese culture in Chicago.

"From opening two new tourism offices in Chengdu and Guangzhou, elevating Chicago's Chinese New Year celebration with the goal of making it the biggest celebration in the U.S., to hosting numerous Chinese officials, including Vice Premiers Wang Yang and Liu Yandong, I have worked to make Chicago as friendly to China as possible," he said.

"The U.S.-China relationship is simply too important not to get right. We have no choice but to succeed in this critically important economic new balancing endeavor, and for that we are going to need all hands on deck," Senior White House Commercial Advisor Eric Branstad said at the gala.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross sent his remarks to Ni explaining that he and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin have been working to develop the 100-day plan between the United States and China with specific action items for the short term.

"The plan has already yielded an 'early harvest' on the issues of exports of American beef, liquefied natural gas, and agricultural biotech products, along with market access for American financial service providers," Ross wrote.

Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson was awarded Outstanding Contribution to U.S.-China Relations for his work with China's top political and business leaders.

COMPANIES AWARDED

Leading commercial jetliner manufacturer Boeing won the award for Best Export Company. Nearly 500 Boeing 737 jets, including the 191 that went to Chinese airlines in 2015, are serving China's growing middle class that is already as large as the U.S. population.

Boeing expects that over the next 20 years 6,800 planes will be sold in China. Boeing plans on investing and creating jobs in China, as well as transferring technology to a Chinese state-owned company.

SAIC Motor won the award for Best Chinese Company for Innovation. SAIC USA covers international trade, logistics, manufacturing, investment, research and development. In North America, SAIC USA established branches in Michigan, California, Texas, and Mexico.

SAIC USA also set up an innovation center at Silicon Valley, collaborating with Stanford University and MIT, investing in technology startups, and developing advanced technologies like automated vehicles and artificial intelligence.

Another global player in the automotive and technology industries is Wanxiang Group, which won Best Chinese Company for Community Service. Wanxiang America invests in automotive, clean energy, and real estate markets, and employs over 18,000 people.

Wanxiang participated in the "100,000 Strong" initiative started by then U.S. President Barack Obama, sponsoring high school and college students in the Unite States to study Chinese language and culture, as well as to learn clean energy sciences. Wanxiang has also supported over 1,000 U.S. students to study in China, partnering with Chicago Public Schools and 15 other schools and organizations in nine U.S. states.

The China General Chamber of Commerce - USA said it expects the gala to return to Chicago next year at a bigger venue as relations between the United States and China continue to grow, especially in the Midwest.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 17:09:05|Editor: Zhou Xin

Photo taken on June 30, 2017 shows a view of the rally "Marriage for All" in front of the German Chancellery in Berlin, capital of Germany. Germany's federal parliament, or Bundestag, on Friday passed the bill legalizing same-sex marriage. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

BERLIN, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Germany's federal parliament, or Bundestag, on Friday passed the bill legalizing same-sex marriage.

According to the bill, homosexual couples in Germany will now be able to marry and adopt children.

Germany currently allows civil partnerships, but not full marital rights, which would include the possibility to jointly adopting children.

The bill passed by 393 to 226, with four abstentions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel voted against the bill, although she paved the way for the vote.

Merkel on Monday unexpectedly swerved from her party's official line to oppose same-sex marriage on the grounds of child welfare. Instead she said she could envision a "decision of conscience," granting parliamentarians a free vote on the sensitive matter.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 17:09:07|Editor: MJ

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BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes the U.S. arms sale to Taiwan and urged the United States to stop any weapons deal with Taiwan, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Friday.

Lu Kang told a daily press briefing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the U.S. weapons sale to Taiwan violates the international laws as well as the basic norms of international relations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 17:34:27|Editor: MJ

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ANKARA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Armed Forces bolsters its military deployment near Afrin town in northern Syria as the region is getting heated with exchange of fire between Turkish military and Syrian Kurds who control the Kurdish enclave across Turkey's border.

"Afrin needs to be cleared of terrorists with regard to both Turkey's security and the region's security. Turkey is continuing to work with its counterparts to achieve this end," Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak said on Wednesday.

"Otherwise nobody can guarantee the security of Azaz, Mare, al-Bab and Idlib. Turkey's diplomatic efforts are continuing to this end," Kaynak noted.

Tension between Turkey and the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) group has escalated around Afrin in recent months as Turkish army turns up the heat on the group both from within Syria but also through sustained shelling from the Turkish side of the border.

Turkey increases pressure on the Syrian Kurds as they began to expand the eastern control area to Azaz and Tell Rifaat in the east of Afrin.

Turkish forces have crossed the Syrian border and were headed toward the rebel-held border town of Azaz, roughly 20 km northeast of Afrin, Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said last week. The army also reportedly deployed new 400-kilometer range artillery units in the region.

Turkish military retaliated with an artillery fire on late Tuesday and destroyed YPG militia targets after the group's machine-gun fire targeted Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) elements in the Maranaz area south of the town of Azaz in northern Syria, Turkish armed forces said. Azaz town is one of the main military hubs of Turkish army in northern Syria.

Elaborating on the reinforcement of military troops in the region, Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin last week said the Turkish government was taking "necessary security measures because Turkey is fighting against the PKK and the Islamic State (IS) on border regions."

He also revealed that Turkey and Russia could jointly deploy soldiers to Idlib province, as monitoring forces for de-escalation zones in Syria.

The deployment of Turkish troops in Idlib will likely put pressure on Afrin, the mainly Kurdish enclave.

Turkish army along with the Free Syrian Army took control of Azaz, Mare and al-Bab in Syria and liberated around 2,000 square km from the IS jihadists through the Euphrates Shield Operation launched in August 2015.

The operation was not only aiming to dislodge the IS from the region, but also containing the Syrian Kurds.

Turkey wanted to secure a large foothold in northwest Syria to stop the YPG connecting their cantons and creating a de facto Kurdish mini-state along its frontier.

Afrin is the westernmost of three cantons of Rojava, proclaimed by the Kurds in the north of Syria.

Syrian Kurds suggest that Turkey aims to take control of Tell Rifaat town in order to hamper plans by Syrian Kurds to link Afrin and Kobane cantons in northern Syria.

Tell Rifaat is the closest spot to Manbij region south of Kobane canton, which has been under the control of the YPG group.

In March, Russia deployed ground forces to Afrin after Turkey staged attacks at the YPG targets in isolated northwestern Syrian town.

The YPG group is also allied to the United States in the fight against IS and plays a key role in the U.S.-backed offensive against jihadist group's urban stronghold of Raqqa.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 17:59:40|Editor: MJ

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by Denis Elamu

JUBA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Friday dismissed any rift with its recently recalled diplomats from seven foreign missions, saying they are now responding to the foreign ministry order.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Mawien Makol said the affected diplomats from Uganda, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Germany and Britain will soon be replaced.

This came after media reports emerged that some of the recalled diplomats were delaying arrival to Juba demanding payment of outstanding salaries and also citing no ready replacements at the foreign missions.

"Nobody has refused to come. This is just rumors. It (recall) has to be respected by all," he told Xinhua in Juba.

"Their term has ended and they have to be replaced by others. It is not a punishment," he added.

Last year, the war-torn country threatened to close 32 of its foreign missions, downsize staff due to economic crunch amid the ongoing more than three years of violence.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 18:34:59|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SINGAPORE, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has to reorganize to respond to terrorism threat, said Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen at the SAF Day Interview.

"Now the reorganization occurs at a backdrop of changing assumptions, in which attacks that could occur in Singapore may increase in scale, frequency and impact," the minister told media earlier this week.

He said the SAF will train more National Servicemen to deal with homeland security and will open a dedicated training institution called the Island Defense Training Institute (IDTI) in July, which has a mission to train National Servicemen to conduct joint operations with the Home Team.

Each year, about 18,000 full-time and operationally ready National Servicemen will be trained for capabilities for homeland security, he added.

The minister said SAF will also improve measures for maritime security around Singapore, to respond to possible seaborne terrorist attack. Its navy will be deploying more unmanned assets for that purpose.

"We have two fully autonomous Mine Countermeasure (Unmanned) Surface Vessels (USVs) that are undergoing operational testing, and the Navy will have fully autonomous USVs for maritime security by 2020," he said.

As for air defenses, Singapore deployed an unmanned platform that allows it to have early warning and better air situational awareness. Singapore has also added new Multi-Mission Radars to pick up terrorism threats in the air domain. Besides, Singapore has upgraded the air situational computer systems that automate and advise soldiers and commanders what the key responses are.

The minister added that the SAF will strengthen its capabilities to work with the Ministry of Home Affairs, also called as the Home Team, in homeland security operations. It is developing a common command and control information system with the Home Team so that the coordination time will be shortened and various units will know what to do when multiple attacks occur.

"Now just as terrorism has gone from wholesale to retail, we need to have those capabilities for our own self-defense at the retail level," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 18:40:15|Editor: Zhou Xin

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PYONGYANG, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Saturday condemned the "trafficking in persons" report presented earlier this week by the United States, saying the Unite States should clean up its own land first.

The Korean Central News Agency quoted a spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying that the Unite States again talked nonsense about fabricated situation of "trafficking of persons" of other countries.

"The U.S., unanimously condemned by the international community as the world's worst wilderness of human rights and kingpin of human trafficking crime, behaved impertinently as if it were a human rights judge," said the spokesman.

The spokesman condemned U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for "making abusive remarks about the DPRK whenever he opens his mouth."

Tillerson presented a "2017 Trafficking in Persons Report" in Washington earlier this week.

"This time he (Tillerson) uttered malicious words such as 'forced labor' about DPRK workers who are serving abroad under the legal contracts with respective countries," said the spokesman.

"The U.S. should clean its own filthy land, the den of evils, where all sorts of crimes including murder, mugging and human trafficking are rampant, instead of running foolish and amuck to preach the world with the bunch of rubbish," said the spokesman.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 18:45:10|Editor: Zhou Xin

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KABUL, June 30 (Xinhua) -- A local Taliban leader was killed after Afghan Special Operation Forces carried out an airstrike in southern Uruzgan province, the military said on Friday.

Based on a specific tip-off, Afghanistan Operational Coordination Group (AOCG) conducted the raid in Khas Uruzgan district of Uruzgan province at 10:32 a.m. local time Thursday and the strike killed Mullah Abdullah alias Jihadyar and his accomplice Amin Ullah alias Omar, AOCG or command of Special Forces said in a statement.

Abdullah was leading a Taliban unit named Qaitah-e-Surkh in the province, 370 km southwest of the Afghan capital of Kabul, according to the statement.

The elimination of the two militants would further improve the public security in the restive region, it noted.

Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations recently as the Afghans have been witnessing a surge in attacks by Taliban militants and Islamic State (IS) affiliates across the country.

The Taliban has yet to make comments.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 19:35:33|Editor: Zhou Xin

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HELSINKI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Young Finns are less able to face hardships in life than previous generations, as results of a research made the by Academy of Finland and the Institute for Occupational Safety have shown.

The conclusions published by the institutions this week were reported by Finnish media on Thursday and Friday.

Researcher Anna Kuokkanen wrote on the website of the Occupational Safety Institute that young employees may choose to stay at home because of a broken relationship or the death of a cat.

"Medical doctors who have done a long career said that at least in the 1970s it would have been unthinkable that an employee would have reported sick due to the death of a pet," she said.

Researcher Kuokkanen noted the change reflects the new attitude towards work among younger generations. "They demand more from work and from workrelated wellbeing", she said.

On the other hand, young employees are also more prone to seek help in mental symptoms, before the problems turn serious. "This is a positive change, but it places new demands to the employers", she noted.

In Finland, an employee can usually take sick leave based on his or her own decision, for at least a day or even three days. Acceptance by a medical professional is obtained afterwards.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 19:35:36|Editor: An

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BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The revised civil and administrative procedure laws will take effect on July 1, allowing all prosecutors to institute public interest litigation.

The amendments to the Civil Procedure Law and the Administrative Procedure Law mainly target government offenses related to the protection of environment, natural resources, public lands and assets.

Some authorities have abused their power or made bad decisions that cause over exploitation of natural resources, illegal transfer of public land, damage to the environment, or infringement upon national and public interests.

But citizens, corporations and organizations were previously not able to file lawsuits as plaintiffs because they are not considered direct victims.

Now the revised laws entitle prosecuting authorities nationwide to act as plaintiffs and launch litigation against any act that directly or indirectly compromises public rights and interest.

In July 2015, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) began a two-year pilot program allowing prosecutors in 13 provincial divisions to institute public interest litigation in administrative and civil cases.

Now the revised laws will help solve cases that have long bothered the general public, SPP spokesperson Xiao Wei said on Friday.

The amendments were adopted at a bimonthly session of China's top legislature earlier this week.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 19:55:55|Editor: An

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspects Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, south China, June 30, 2017, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

HONG KONG, June 30 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), ordering the troops to "firmly safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability."

Xi, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the troops at Shek Kong barracks in the company of Tan Benhong, commander of the PLA Garrison in the HKSAR.

Riding in an open-top camouflage jeep, Xi repeated praises of "Salute to you, comrades!" and "Comrades, thanks for your hard work!" as he rode by each of the 20 troop formations.

The troops responded in unison; "Hail to you, Chairman!" "Serve the people!"

Altogether, over 3,100 officers and soldiers took part in Friday's review.

More than 100 pieces of military equipment, including air defense missiles, wheeled armored vehicles and military helicopters, were arrayed behind the troops.

About 4,000 flag-waving spectators from all walks of life in Hong Kong were also present during the review. ( Xi ordered the troops to firmly implement the principle of "one country, two systems," the Basic Law of the HKSAR and the HKSAR Garrison Law of the People's Republic of China.

The troops must resolutely protect national sovereignty, security and development interests, and firmly safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, he said.

After the review, Xi was briefed on the work of the PLA Garrison in the HKSAR.

"The garrison is an important embodiment of national sovereignty, an important force to safeguard 'one country, two systems,' and an important cornerstone of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," Xi said.

Xi ordered the troops to improve the awareness of political integrity, state power and the overall situation, and firm up the responsibility for and commitment to safeguarding "one country, two systems."

He urged the garrison to make efforts to enhance "combat readiness" so as to fulfill its role as a powerful stabilizing force.

Xi spoke highly of the garrison, saying it has steadfastly carried out decisions and instructions of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, and conscientiously implemented the principle of "one country, two systems," the Basic Law and the Garrison Law over the past 20 years.

"The garrison has done an excellent job in fulfilling all defense-centered tasks, demonstrating the PLA's image as a mighty and civilized force and winning wide praise from Hong Kong compatriots," he said.

Xi called for efforts to build a highly centralized and unified military force, and run the military in accordance with law to forge a strong force with ironclad belief, faith, discipline and responsibility.

Xi's inspection at Shek Kong barracks came on the second day of his three-day trip in Hong Kong. He will also attend celebrations marking Hong Kong's 20th return anniversary and the inauguration of the HKSAR's fifth-term government.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 20:10:52|Editor: An

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Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Junior Police Call (JPC) members when visiting the JPC Permanent Activity Center and Integrated Youth Training Camp in Hong Kong, south China, June 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

HONG KONG, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on Hong Kong youths to choose the right path and serve Hong Kong and the country, a day before the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Xi made the remarks when visiting the Junior Police Call (JPC) Permanent Activity Center and Integrated Youth Training Camp, where he talked with JPC members and asked about their life, study and training.

Youths are the future and the hope of the country, he told JPC members.

"There would be no promising future for the country without the healthy growth of the youths," Xi said.

"Every generation of youths has its own historic missions and opportunities. Contemporary youths of Hong Kong shall seize the historic opportunities, and choose the right path forward to serve Hong Kong and the country," he said.

The president also praised Hong Kong's over 30,000 police officers, saying they had played a key role in safeguarding the rule of law and maintaining Hong Kong's stability and prosperity over the past 20 years.

Noting that the Hong Kong police attaches great importance to law-related education among the youth, Xi said it is a far-sighted move.

Affiliated to the Hong Kong Police Force, the JPC is a major youth organization in Hong Kong with a membership of more than 180,000.

Xi called on the JPC to make further efforts to cultivate a new generation of youths in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) who love both the country and Hong Kong.

HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying accompanied Xi during the visit.

Also on Friday, Xi's wife Peng Liyuan visited an elderly center in the company of Leung's wife Regina Leung Tong Ching-yee.

At the TWGHs Jockey Club Sunshine Complex For the Elderly, Peng asked the senior residents about their life, daily routine and rehabilitation treatment. She also joined them in making handicrafts and expressed her wishes for their happy life.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 20:26:12|Editor: Zhou Xin

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ISTANBUL, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Participants from around the world gathered in Istanbul on Friday to explore means to promote mediation as a prominent conflict prevention and resolution method.

At the fourth Istanbul Conference on Mediation that focused on "surge in diplomacy, action in mediation," the emphasis was laid on the need for a holistic and integrated approach to peaceful settlement of disputes that can take better account of today's needs.

"We have come to sadly witness extreme tendencies in various forms of political, social and religious animosities," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a video message to the conference.

The minister referred to the rise in attacks in Europe against Muslims and migrants as a case that requires specific attention, stressing that "prevention is key."

"To fully resolve the conflicts that have already turned violent causing unacceptable human suffering, mediation is a vital and cost-effective part of our efforts along the peace continuum," the minister said.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also conveyed in his video message similar meaning, saying he is "personally committed to search of diplomacy."

While praising UN's efforts in sustaining peace around the world, Finland Foreign Minister Timo Soini called on the member states to exert continuous support.

"We are willing to discuss any further measures that are needed to improve the effectiveness of policies and actions on the ground," Soini said in his video message.

The attendants also highlighted the need for training more mediators, including having youth and more women on the team and equipping them with the right tools.

Substantial progress has been achieved in raising awareness about mediation and promoting its effective and wider use since Turkey and Finland launched the "Mediation for Peace" initiative at the UN in 2010, according to Cavusoglu.

Turkey also co-chairs with Finland the "Group of Friends for Mediation" that was established under the initiative and has drawn in 45 countries and eight international and regional organizations including the UN.

A similar group has been set up under the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and is being co-chaired by Turkey, Finland and Switzerland.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 20:31:03|Editor: An

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BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has extended congratulations to British Prime Minister (PM) Theresa May on her consecutive term in office.

In his congratulatory message, Li said that he highly appreciates May's commitment to enhancing China-Britain relations since she was inaugurated as British PM in July last year.

China and Britain are two major countries with international influence, and China attaches great importance to developing China-Britain ties, he said.

China is happy to have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges, deeper practical cooperation in various fields and flourishing cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, said the Chinese premier.

China is willing to work with Britain's new government to take the opportunity of the 45th anniversary of ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations to push forward China-Britain ties and practical cooperation for greater development, he said.

Li said he is looking forward to May's visit to China and the annual meeting between the premiers of the two countries later this year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 20:41:14|Editor: An

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CHONGQING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- When the Mongolian army swept across Central Asia and into Europe in 1259, it seemed that nobody could stop them from conquering the world, until unexpected news arrived from the east.

Supreme leader Mongke, the Great Khan, had died in a battle near modern-day Chongqing in southwest China. The news caused the army to panic and led to a feud between Mongke's brothers. It resulted in the overall military withdrawal that may have saved the European and Arab civilizations.

Fast-forward 700 years, and the site of Mongke's death, Diaoyu Fortress on a hill in Chongqing's Hechuan District, is in the running for UNESCO World Heritage Site listing.

Excavations since 2012 have discovered the defensive headquarters of a 4,600-strong Chinese army -- the last stand against the invading Mongolians.

"A powerful army led by Mongke advanced on the Song dynasty from the north into Sichuan, the strategic backyard of the then-Chinese empire. Resistance could only be organized in the mountains surrounding Chongqing," said Yuan Dongshan, head of Chongqing Cultural Heritage Research Institute, who is in charge of the excavation.

Archaeologists have excavated 20,000 square meters of the site and found government offices, garrisons, warehouses, and banquet halls. The architecture was designed for war, according to Yuan.

The Song (960-1279) was one of China's more culturally and economically developed dynasties, which saw the invention or popularity of the compass, gunpowder, paper and printing, and which subsequently spread to the rest of the world along the Silk Road.

Archeologists have also found artifacts from the Tang dynasty (618-907) when China was one of the strongest countries in the world.

According to Yuan, the war only slightly changed the course of history, but fundamentally altered the development of the East. If Mongke had not died, his brother Kublai may not have become the Great Khan who ruled China, established the Yuan Dynasty in 1271 and built Dadu in modern-day Beijing, accelerating the fusion of different cultures and ethnic groups within east Asia.

Back in Chongqing's Hechuan District a 12.5-meter Buddha statue, one of the largest in China, sits among thousands of Buddhist grottoes, proving communication existed between China and India more than 1,000 years ago.

During World War II Chongqing was the temporary capital and a base for allied forces in Far East Asia. The Japanese bombed Hechuan nine times, killing hundreds of civilians.

A total of 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed and wounded in the war against Japanese invasion from 1937 to 1945. Their sacrifice helped prevent millions of Japanese troops from pouring into the Pacific to attack the Americans.

Lu Bo of Hechuan committee of the Communist Party of China, said people now understand something of the city's history and its place in the world. Rather than threatening historical sites, the district's healthy economy has financed their protection.

It was Chongqing that bore the brunt of the chaotic Cultural Revolution. The local economy was destroyed as well as many antiquities, but the district, home to over 1.5 million people, is embracing new opportunities.

Ten years ago, Hechuan's primary industry was agriculture, a major center of pig breeding. It has now metamorphosed into a major industrial base, with automobile, medical, and information industries.

Teng Ran, vice president of Chongqing Hengxin Tianji Science and Technology, said the company has made products worth five billion yuan (735 million US dollars) since it opened in Hechuan early this year. Its main product is a device which is carried into remote areas by drone and provides information on forest fires and other natural disasters. They are also working communication technology based on quantum encryption algorithms, he said.

"Hechuan's CPC leadership understand the importance of development. The district has 10 vocational schools training 12,000 technicians every year," Teng said.

Hechuan's automobile and information industries will soon generate 100 billion yuan (14.7 billion US dollars) a year each.

"The change has been amazing. China was quite poor 30 years ago, but now it contributes 30 percent of world economic growth," said Zhang Yun of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The changes are no longer a consequence of war, but political successes which will surpass the feats of the Tang and Song dynasties and once again change the course of world history, he said.

Chongqing, the largest metropolis in west China is home to 30 million people and a focus of rejuvenation. The municipality has reported China's fastest economic growth for the past three years. More than 200 of the world's top 500 enterprises have branches in the city.

The first China-Europe freight train left Chongqing in 2011 and the railway has since been incorporated into the Belt and Road Initiative.

Last month, trains began rolling along Chongqing-Singapore railway line, which links China's hinterland with Southeast Asia.

Teng's company will soon move to a site near Hechuan railway station on the Chongqing-Europe rail line to make it easier to get their products to international markets.

The route the Mongolians advanced along hundreds of years ago now includes 60 percent of the world's population and generates 30 percent of the world's GDP, is being renewed by investment, trade, commerce, tourism and cultural activities.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 20:41:16|Editor: Zhou Xin

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KIGALI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Africa has to find ways to maintain its trade-driven growth even as protectionism rises in traditional markets, president of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) said Friday in Kigali.

As Asian developing economies narrowed their technological gap and became more competitive, many advanced economies had "resorted to subtle 'anti-market' policies to contain rising external imbalances," said Benedict Oramah.

These results together with recent global financial and economic shocks, caused global and African trade to slow significantly in 2015 and 2016, he said, adding that Africa's economic activities also slowed with real GDP growth rate falling below 3 percent for the first time in about two decades.

"It is unlikely that the tendency towards protectionism would wane in the near term given the political price that leaders in major developed economies can pay if they ignore it," the president said during an event for Afreximbank's annual general meeting.

"Trade restrictive and protectionism measures have been on the rise recently, most notably in the United States and Europe, which had previously been the leaders of free markets, advocating the free movement of capital, goods and labor," Rwanda's Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Claver Gatete said Friday at another event for Afreximbank annual general meeting.

"The implementation of protectionist policies aimed at limiting trade among countries has expanded rapidly over the last few years, at the same time when African countries are taking steps to accelerate the process of structural transformation of their economies with a view to diversifying exports and integrating into the global economy," said the minister.

These growing protectionist measures may have profound implications for Africa by limiting access to export markets and undermining the demand for the continent's exports and its efforts to integrate into the global value chains, he said.

Africa has all the ingredients required for a big economic push and to accelerate African trade, according to Oramah.

"Relative low intra-African trade provides room for growth in a context of contraction of global trade and creeping protectionism."

To accelerate trade, Africa now has the political will, diverse natural resources and abundant labor, pan-African and sub-regional trade finance banks, fairly developed financial system and a number of emerged African companies that create manufacturing capacities and fostering the emergence of regional and continental supply chains, said the Afreximbank president.

Recognizing that challenges remain, Oramah said the lack of knowledge of the African continent and limited access to trade information among African businesses remain major constraints to cross-border trade.

Adequate and sustainable finance remains the main constraint to trade promotion in Africa, according to Gatete.

In addition, tightening of global financial regulations due to the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 have led to the withdrawal of some international financial institutions from the continent's trade finance space, said the minister, adding that Africa's current trade financing gap is estimated at about 120 billion U.S. dollars.

Foreign reserves held by the African central banks are largely invested or domiciled offshore, rendering them unavailable to fund viable trade, project and developmental needs of African, Gatete said.

According to him, foreign reserves of the central banks grew rapidly over the past 20 years rising from 42 billion dollars in 1995 to a peak of 550 billion dollars in 2013.

The Afreximbank's events will conclude on July 1 with the formal annual general meeting of the bank's shareholders.

More than 100 speakers, academics, and African and global trade development experts are discussing how to unlock Africa's trade potential, with insights and solutions for accelerating trade diversification.

Afreximbank was established in 1993 by the African governments, African private and institutional investors as well as non-African financial institutions and private investors for the purpose of financing, promoting and expanding intra- and extra-African trade.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 20:51:29|Editor: Zhou Xin

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades (L), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci (R) and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pose for a photo during the new round of the Conference on Cyprus under the auspices of the United Nations in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, June 30 2017. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in the Swiss Alpine town of Crans-Montana in an effort to push forward the going peace talks on the reunification of Cyprus. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan)

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland, June 30 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived here Friday in a bid to push forward the ongoing peace talks on the reunification of Cyprus.

The UN chief is supposed to meet in the Swiss Alpine town with participants of the conference from all sides and then chair a session for discussions on related issues.

The new round of the Conference on Cyprus under the auspices of the United Nations started here Wednesday morning, and the UN official described this as "a constructive and good start."

UN Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide on Wednesday said that the conference provided the "best chance" for a solution to the Cyprus problem, and after the first session he felt even better about this chance.

Jeffrey Feltman, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the Conference on Cyprus, told reporters that the ongoing Conference is a "historic opportunity" to solve a decades-old problem.

Participants of the conference include Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades, as well as foreign ministers and senior representatives from Turkey, Greece, Britain and the European Union (EU).

The talks at Crans-Montana took place in two separate "tables," one dealing with the key issue of security and guarantees, which involves the guarantor countries, and the other tackling bi-communal issues like governance and power-sharing.

UN officials have said that among the six major chapters of the negotiation, security and guarantees is "where the positions are diametrically opposed," or "at least traditionally have been diametrically opposed."

The UN said that the four chapters, namely governance and power sharing, property, economy and EU matters, have been largely completed and the two sides have made unprecedented progress on the territory chapter.

According to the UN arrangement, the planned end date of the conference is July 7. But if necessary, the conference could end earlier or continue after July 7 if agreed by all sides.

Cyprus was divided when Turkey launched a military operation in 1974 in response to a Greek-inspired coup, resulting in the occupation of 37 percent of the island's territory.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 20:56:31|Editor: Zhou Xin

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DUBAI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- An United Arab Emirates (UAE) official praised on Friday in several tweets "the Egyptian revolution on June 30," referring to anti-government demonstrations in Cairo which led to the overthrow of Egypt's former President Mohammed Morsi on July 3, 2013.

On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the day, Anwar Gargash, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs tweeted "The revolution of the Egyptian people on June 30 is an important step in restoring the balance ... and despite of the difficulty of the path of stability and prosperity, popular support remains the largest balance."

In 2015, June 30 was declared an annual public holiday in Egypt. June 30 was essential for the region, Gargash pointed out in his series of statements in social media.

"We won't be able to maintain the Arab world without success of Egypt and without its stability and development," he tweeted.

The Muslim Brotherhood movement, organized in the "Freedom and Justice Party," under then Islamist Morsi was removed on July 3, 2013 by Egyptian army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who later was elected president in May 2014.

After the events, the Muslim Brotherhood has been forbidden and branded a terrorist organization in Egypt by the al-Sisi administration, a move that is backed by most Arab Gulf states around Saudi Arabia.

As a staunch Saudi ally, Egypt has joined Saudi Arabia, along with Bahrain and the UAE in cutting diplomatic relations with Qatar on June 5 and thereafter imposing an air, sea and land transport embargo against the gas-rich fellow Gulf state, accusing it of harboring and supporting Muslim Brotherhood insurgents in Egypt and elsewhere.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 21:06:37|Editor: An

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BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China's securities regulator has approved the establishment of two joint venture (JV) securities firms between the mainland and Hong Kong businesses.

The two JVs, HSBC Qianhai Securities Ltd. and East Asia Qianhai Securities Ltd., were approved under the framework of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, Deng Ge, spokesperson for the China Securities Regulatory Commission, told a press conference Friday.

HSBC Qianhai Securities Ltd., with a registered capital of 1.8 billion yuan (265.9 million U.S. dollars), is the mainland's first securities firm controlled by an overseas shareholder, Deng said.

HSBC, in partnership with state-owned Qianhai Financial Holdings, holds a 51-percent stake in the JV.

Teaming up with the Qianhai Financial Holdings and two other mainland companies, the Bank of East Asia owns 49 percent of the JV, which has a registered capital of 1.5 billion yuan.

Both JVs will be based in the city of Shenzhen.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 21:11:53|Editor: Zhou Xin

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LUSAKA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Zambia will not leave the International Criminal Court (ICC), a senior Zambian official said on Friday, citing the will of the majority of citizens.

Minister of Justice Given Lubinda said the country will not pull out of the ICC after public hearings were conducted.

"This is the position we are going to present to the African Union," he said in a ministerial statement presented in parliament.

He said over 91 percent of the 3,489 submissions made in 30 districts across the country were against pulling out of the international court.

The Zambian minister said stakeholders stated in their submissions that the country needed to make its own decision as a sovereign state and not be forced by other countries.

The government conducted public hearings between March 27 and April 20 to get views from citizens on whether the country should remain or leave the ICC.

This was after the African Union (AU), at its 28th Summit in January, resolved a non-binding recommendation to pull out of the ICC after alleging that it was only targeting African leaders.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 21:32:04|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SKOPJE, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Macedonia's Special Prosecution's decision to file lawsuits against 94 officials has sparked strong reactions here, especially in the camp of the current opposition VMRO-DPMNE, local media reported Friday.

The accused included former and incumbent government officials and party leaders, such as VMRO-DPMNE leader and former prime minister Nikola Gruevski, and many former government ministers.

Gruevski said late Thursday that the accusations against him were a mere political attack.

Gruevski has been accused of misuse of public funds during the election campaign and threatening the right to vote, and many of the accused reportedly are likely to be imprisoned.

"VMRO-DPMNE has been attacked as never before in Macedonia. The aim is to break VMRO and weaken Macedonia, but they will not succeed," Gruevski told a press conference.

"Such classical political persecution has not occurred in the history of Macedonia, but also in Europe. Hundreds of individuals who are part of VMRO-DPMNE's bodies or their supporters are persecuted so that the party is destroyed or silenced," said Gruevski.

He said that Macedonia's Special Prosecution is at the service of the ruling party SDSM led by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.

Hundreds of VMRO-DPMNE supporters protested Thursday night in front of the Criminal Court in Skopje, asking the court not to imprison Gruevski.

Macedonia's Special Prosecution announced Thursday that it had filed lawsuits against 94 officials over alleged abuse of institutional capacities by individuals and organized groups, abuse of office and violation of legal proceedings in public procurements.

The Special Prosecution said that they had solid evidence of serious abuses committed by these persons, including party leaders and incumbent and former government officials.

The wiretapping scandal came up in 2015 when then opposition leader and current Macedonian Prime Minister Zaev accused then prime minister Gruevski of wiretapping some 20,000 people, including politicians and journalists.

At that time, Zaev said the recordings revealed high-level corruption. The government led by Gruevski denied the accusations and in return filed charges against Zaev, accusing him of spying and attempting to destabilize the Balkan country.

High tensions arose and Gruevski stepped down, forming a caretaker government until the elections on Dec. 11, 2016.

A special prosecution was later set up to investigate the accusations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 21:32:09|Editor: Zhou Xin

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JALALABAD, Afghanistan, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Seven civilians were killed and five others wounded after a van hit a roadside bomb in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar on Friday, the provincial government said.

The incident occurred in Achin district of the province, 120 km east of Kabul at around midday, it said in a statement.

No woman or child were among the victims and the injured were shifted to a hospital in neighboring Ghani Khel district, the statement added.

It blamed the Islamic State (IS) militants for planting the bomb in the district which is a known IS stronghold.

About 715 civilians were killed and over 1,460 others injured in conflict-related incidents across Afghanistan in the first three months of the year, according to figures released by the UN mission in the country.

The mission has attributed 62 percent of the casualties over the period to the Taliban and other insurgent groups, 21 percent to security forces while the rest 17 percent were unattributed to or caused by explosive remnants of war.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 21:43:35|Editor: Zhou Xin

Armored personnel carriers pass by a town on their way to Marawi city, Philippines on June 30, 2017. The Armed Forces of the Philippines sent more troops to the battle zone of Marawi to flush out members of Islamic State-inspired terrorists that are still occupying four villages in the city. (Xinhua/Stringer)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 21:42:01|Editor: Zhou Xin

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WELLINGTON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith on Friday released a draft education strategy for consultation.

The draft International Education Strategy sets out the government's proposed vision, goals and immediate priorities for international education through to 2025.

International education has grown rapidly to become New Zealand's fourth biggest export earner, valued at 4.5 billion NZ dollars (3.3 billion U.S. dollars), creating around 33,000 jobs, Goldsmith said.

"It is important that New Zealand international education delivers on its promise to international students - an education to be proud of," Goldsmith said.

The draft strategy aims to ensure New Zealand continues to benefit from international education through a high-quality and sustainable international education sector, he said, adding that the government will work with the sector to encourage the development of innovative products and services, and continue to diversify the markets and to support regional economic growth.

"This means that we need to ensure that unethical or illegal activity is prevented, and that New Zealand education providers attract students who are motivated by study," Goldsmith said.

The government is now seeking feedback from education providers and others about how the proposed strategy aligns with their priorities. Consultation will close on Aug. 31 and a final strategy is expected to be published later in the year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 21:42:02|Editor: An

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Sanpower Group, a private Chinese conglomerate, announced Friday the completion of its acquisition of Dendreon, from Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. for 819.9 million U.S. dollars in cash.

At the heart of the deal is Dendreon's lead product, Provenge, the only cellular immunotherapy approved so far by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Sanpower, headquartered in Nanjing, capital of China's eastern Jiangsu Province, said it intends to keep Dendreon's current U.S. team and facilitate its continued growth by promoting Provenge's market penetration outside the United States, starting with China and Southeast Asia.

Dendreon, a biotechnology company based in Seattle, a city in Washington state of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, received FDA approval for Provenge in April 2010 and since has reportedly treated more than 20,000 prostate cancer patients with the therapy to curb tumors and prolong life expectancy.

As an example of Dendreon's "rationally designed therapeutic process" to break immune tolerance to disease specific proteins, namely prostatic acid phosphatase and its signalling component GM-CSF, Provenge consists of a mixture of the patient's own blood cells that have been incubated with the Dendreon PAP-GM-CSF fusion protein.

The agreement for Sanpower to acquire Dendreon from Valeant, a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in Laval, Quebec, Canada, was signed in January this year in San Francisco, Northern California. The deal was sealed at a time, according to Sanpower, when the incidence of prostate cancer in China has increased by 10 times within the past 20 years.

Yuan Yafei, chairman of Sanpower Group, said Friday in a statement that "Dendreon will be well served in joining the Sanpower family, where it will be better positioned to accelerate growth and access attractive new markets."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 21:52:08|Editor: Liangyu

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, who came here to attend celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, in Hong Kong, south China, June 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

HONG KONG, June 30 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), who came here to attend celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

The Macao SAR government has made positive and effective efforts in implementing the "one country, two systems" principle, administering prudently and safeguarding national security, said Xi.

"The central government fully recognizes these efforts," Xi told Chui.

The overall situation in Macao is now good and work on all fronts have made new progress, Xi said.

He expressed hope that the Macao SAR government would actively promote appropriate economic diversification, safeguard social stability, and consolidate Macao's good situation through pragmatic and prudent governance.

Chui, for his part, thanked Xi and the central government for the care and support for the Macao SAR.

He said Macao will seize the opportunities offered by the country's implementation of major strategies and earnestly carry out the central government's preferential policies to Macao.

The SAR will steadily advance the cause of "one country, two systems" through combining serving national development with improving its own development capacities, Chui said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:02:13|Editor: An

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WELLINGTON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The first export consignments of chilled meat have left New Zealand shores bound for China as part of a six-month trial, New Zealand Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said on Friday.

"The air-freighted consignments from Alliance Group and Greenlea Premier Meats mark a significant step towards enabling permanent access for New Zealand chilled meat to China," Guy said.

Chilled meat is a premium, high value and high growth product so this is great news for farmers, producers and the wider red meat industry, Guy said, adding that it is also welcome news for Chinese consumers.

These are the first of many more shipments expected to be exported to China as part of the trial, which is "a big step forward for our work to expand access to China for a range of meat products," he said.

"New Zealand produces high-quality chilled meat, and this trial is an exciting opportunity to add to our already significant frozen meat exports to China," Guy said, adding that this is the kind of product that will end up in high-end retail stores and white table cloth restaurants.

New Zealand's frozen red meat exports to China represented 1.14 billion NZ dollars (835 million U.S. dollars) in trade for the year ending 31 March 2017.

The start of the trial adds to recent successes, such as the agreement of formal access for New Zealand bovine blood products last week.

The chilled meat trial initially involves 10 New Zealand meat premises.

The meat industry and the Ministry for Primary Industries are working hard to ensure the trial is a success and access can be opened up to all eligible premises at the end of the six-month period, Guy said.

"The trial is another demonstration of the very strong positive relationship we share with China," he said, adding that the rapidly increasing air links with China will also help with this trade.

Since 2012, the number of services Chinese airlines can offer each week under arrangements between New Zealand and China has risen from seven to 59.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:07:15|Editor: An

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BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- As a historical document, the Sino-British Joint Declaration has no binding force on the central government's administration of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Friday.

Lu made the remarks, in response to British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's comments regarding Hong Kong, at a daily press briefing.

Johnson said Thursday that the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a free media have all been central to Hong Kong's success.

He said the SAR's continued success will depend on the rights and freedoms protected by the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which was signed in 1984.

In a press statement released Thursday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said "the United States remains concerned about any infringement of civil liberties in Hong Kong, including intrusions on press freedoms, and we support the further development of Hong Kong's democratic systems."

Commenting on the remarks from both Johnson and Nauert, Lu stressed that Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, and therefore Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs.

He said Hong Kong's success has already been proven during the 20 years since it's return to China, and outsiders should not make incorrect remarks regarding that.

The 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration made clear the respective obligations and responsibilities of both China and Britain on China's resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong and arrangements for the transitional period, he said.

Since Hong Kong returned to the motherland 20 years ago, the declaration, as a historical document, no longer has any practical significance nor any binding force on the central government's administration of Hong Kong SAR, he added.

Britain has no sovereignty over, no governance of, and no superintendence over Hong Kong since it returned to China in 1997, Lu said, adding that the related individuals should recognize this reality.

Under the strong support of the central government and the motherland, all sectors of the Hong Kong SAR have achieved comprehensive development, he said.

From 1997 to 2016, Hong Kong's GDP grew at an average annual rate of 3.2 percent, ranking among the top advanced economies, Lu said.

Hong Kong has been ranked as the world's freest economy in the Index of Economic Freedom of The Heritage Foundation for 23 consecutive years, he said.

Hong Kong was rated the most competitive economy for the second year in a row in the 2017 World Competitiveness Yearbook released by the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, Lu said.

Some people may have mixed feelings about the successful practices of the "one country, two systems" principle, the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and the peaceful living and working situation of Hong Kong residents, but the residents of Hong Kong are satisfied, Lu said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:17:39|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BRAUNAU, VIENNA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The expropriation of the birthplace of Adolf Hitler in Braunau is valid and not unconstitutional, the Austrian Constitutional Court ruled on Friday.

The Austrian Constitutional Court rejected a lawsuit appeal from its former proprietor, reaffirming its consistent stance of "the uncompromising rejection against Nazi a basic and fundamental principle of the Republic of Austria, since it was re-established in 1945".

The Republic of Austria bears a "special responsibility" in the fighting against the new Nazi Symptom, Gerhart Holzinger, president of the Austrian Supreme Court, announced in a statement.

Despite having been nominally returned to the former owners in 1952, the house, located in Braunau in upper Austria, had been rented by the Austrian government on various purposes, as the house had been latest used as a day-time Health Care and Life-Assistance center until 2011, since then it was left empty.

On account of the necessity to forestall the property from any involvement into new Nazi's resurgence, the Interior Ministry announced that the house would be renovated and returned to social use for the livings help, after an special law with regard to the expropriation of the house was passed and took effect, on Jan. 14, 2017.

The lawyer of the former proprietor of the house, Gerhard Lebitsch, brought in a lawsuit, contradicting the expropriation as problematic and abnormal not in line with fair legal procedure.

Austrian Supreme Court rejected the alleged infringement of the right to a fair trial, claiming it neither "recognizes any abuse of the legality, nor in violation of the right to property", on contrary, "it is necessary in the public interest", according to Holzinger.

He emphasized Austria must observe its obligations under international law and the Treaty of Vienna, bear "a special responsibility" in vigilance against the resurgence of the Nazi's ideology in whatever forms or under whatever disguises.

Hitler's birthplace had a unique feature that it would be suitable to be visited as a kind of "pilgrimage" or a place of identification for the care of the new Nazi thoughts, Holzinger said, adding the State is obliged to ensure that misuse of whatever forms of "specific symbol" must be rooted out, in such a case, "the need for expropriation" stands valid.

The amount of the compensation will have to be determined after negotiations by the Interior Ministry with the legal representatives of the former proprietor, explained Holzinger.

"In terms of preservation of historical relics, it is not applicable in this constitutional jurisdiction, while this is a very unusual case because it concerns about combating against Nazi repression," he said, stressing the Supreme Court had be always consistent in its line of judgments on Nazi-related cases.

The Austrian government had previously tried to purchase the property many times but ended up with nothing in the past.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:17:40|Editor: An

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BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang will travel to Strasbourg, France, as a special envoy of President Xi Jinping to attend a memorial ceremony for former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Friday.

Wan, also vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, will attend the ceremony on Saturday held by the European Union, said spokesman Lu Kang.

The envoy was invited by European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and European Parliament President Antonio Tajani.

Kohl died, at the age of 87, on June 16 at his home in Ludwigshafen in Germany's western state of Rhineland-Platinate.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:25:53|Editor: MJ

Youngsters set up tents at a Hangzhou international youth camp in Dongqiao township of Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, June 30, 2017. With an area of more than 1,100 Mu (about 73 hectares), the camp was designed to attract young people to take training sessions on independent life, surviving skills, military experience and so on. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:32:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KATHMANDU, June 30 (Xinhua) -- After Nepal opened door for foreign investors to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs), a growing number of Chinese investors have shown interest in setting up such areas in the Himalayan country, a senior government official said.

Nepal's SEZ Act introduced in August 2016 has opened the door for foreign direct investment for the development of SEZ in the country with the provision that such zones could be established under public-private partnership as well as sole investment of private sector only.

The Nepali government is considering allowing foreign investors to establish SEZs under joint venture arrangement.

"Four Chinese groups of investors have approached us so far regarding the establishment of SEZ in northern bordering districts," Chandika Prasad Bhatta, executive director of SEZ Development Committee, a government office overseeing the SEZ affairs, told Xinhua on Friday.

A year ago, Ping An Insurance Group of China in partnership with Lhasa SEZ had sought permission to conduct feasibility study of potential areas where a SEZ could be established and run.

"Three more Chinese groups have approached us in the last few weeks," said Bhatta, declining to name them because formal proposals are yet to be submitted.

"They have shown interest in developing SEZ particularly in Nuwakot, a district in central Nepal which borders China."

Nepal and China had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop cross border SEZs last month.

Nepal has planned to develop SEZs in 17 locations. Nepal specifically aims to attract export industries inside SEZs and more foreign investment.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:37:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) is taking various measures to realize the Continental Free Trade Area in Africa (CFTA), which officials say will bring immense benefits to the continent's young population.

The AU summit in 2012 decided to establish a CFTA by 2017, and also endorsed the Action Plan on boosting intra-Africa trade, which the AU hopes to double by 2021.

The Africa CFTA aims to achieve objectives among others creating a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business people and investments.

In 2015, AU launched the CFTA negotiations which, according to the pan-African bloc, covers the liberalization of trade in goods, trade in services, competition as well as investment and intellectual property rights.

According to Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry, the negotiations, which are moving in the right direction at desired pace, are held in two phases, the first one on trade in goods and services, the second one on competition as well as investment and intellectual property rights.

AU has said CFTA would create many opportunities, in particular employment opportunities for Africa's young population.

The AU commissioner states that African youth benefit most from the increased investment flows following the establishment of CFTA, which in turn helps diminish the pressure on youth to migrate out of Africa, hence reducing associated danger of exposing Africa's youth to criminal syndicates involved in human trafficking.

Marie Ngha from Mali is one of few young intern and volunteers who joined the AU Department of Trade and Industry as an industry and policy analyst two months ago.

Ngha looks the CFTA as a good platform that will bring many opportunities for the youth on the continent, including employment opportunities and access to technologies as CFTA eases movement of people across the continent.

"The CFTA has many opportunities for us. When we talk about CFTA, we mean job creation for youth, access to technologies for the youth and also promotion of peace and security," she said on Friday during an event organized in the framework of the 29th AU summit in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

Muchanga said AU is working on the establishment of CFTA as Africa faces the challenges of massive unemployment, underemployment, poverty and climate change among others.

The CFTA is one of the attempts to address some of the challenges, by creating an environment which can be exploited to empower African youth and improve their welfare, according to the AU official.

"By creating a large harmonized market, the CFTA will transform Africa into major global investment hub, especially taking into account the fact that the economic prospects for Africa in the period 2017 to 2021 look bright," said the AU commissioner.

"With investments will come new skills through transfer of technology and increased employment prospects for our youth."

Over 40 percent of Africa's population is under the age of 15, and a further 20 percent are between the ages of 15 and 24.

It is expected that the number of the African youth between 15 and 24 will double to over 400 million by 2045, which will make Africa a young continent where the median age is 19 years.

"In creating the CFTA, we are also keenly aware of the rapid transition of the world towards the fourth industrial revolution. With their talents to harness modern technology with confidence and ease, our young men and women will be better placed to acquire the digital skills that they would acquire to competitively participate in the digital economy which demands that every person be an innovator and entrepreneur in their own right as well as potential generator of jobs," said the AU official.

The CFTA on the continent brings a combined population of more than 1 billion people and a combined GDP of more than 3.4 trillion U.S. dollars.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:38:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BERLIN, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Traffic stood still and fire departments were being called to thousands of individual missions on Friday after torrential rains swept over the German capital.

Numerous streets and cellars were flooded in Berlin after parts of the city were inundated with 150 liters of rain per square meter in less than 24 hours. A speaker of the Berlin water authority described the weather as a once in a hundred years event, noting that the city's annual precipitation only amounted to 580 liters per square meter on average.

Images and videos on social media showed cars and buses trapped by the masses of water. Some Metro services are still interrupted. Parts of one of Germany's busiest motorways, the A 100 were closed to the south of the city.

Passengers travelling in and out of Berlin's Tegel and Schoenefeld airports experienced severe delays. The ban on nighttime flights at Tegel airport was lifted in an exceptional measure to allow stranded individuals to continue on with their journeys.

The local fire department had declared a state of emergency as early as Wednesday, but expected the storms to continue. In the course of Friday, the current weather pattern is expected to gradually move northwards away from the capital towards the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg and Lower Saxony.

Berlin firefighters on Thursday confirmed 2000 deployments by 8:25 pm local time, a number usually only reached on New Years' Eve.

A house in the district of Charlottenburg was temporarily evacuated after authorities became concerned it could collapse. All inhabitants were able to return to their homes again on Friday.

Before the violent rainstorm, June had been an unusually warm and sunny month in Germany with temperatures measuring 2.6 degrees Celsius higher than the historical average. In total, the month was the fourth warmest measured since the beginning of regular recordings in 1881.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:47:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HELSINKI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The sentences received by five Cuban volleyball players last year for sexual crimes in Finland were reduced, said appeals court in Turku, southwestern Finland on Friday.

A district court in Tampere, central southern Finland had sentenced the Cubans for aggravated rape that had taken place in a hotel in Tampere during competitions in the summer of 2016.

In the verdict by the Turku appeals court, prison time was reduced and charges against Luis Tomas Sosa Sierra, 22, were dismissed. He was ordered to be released immediately. He had earlier been sentenced three and a half years in prison.

Abrahan Alfonso Gavilan, 22, was sentenced now for sexual assault and given one year and three months imprisonment. In the district court, he had been given five years for aggravated rape.

The sentence for Rolando Cepeda Abreu, 28, changed from aggravated crime and five years in prison to plain rape and two and a half years in prison.

The longest sentences were given to Osmany Santiago Uriarte Mestre, 22, and Ricardo Norberto Calvo Manzano, 20. Mestre got four years imprisonment for aggravated rape and Manzano three and a half years for aggravated rape.

The sentences given last autumn had been longer than usual, Finland's national broadcaster Yle reported.

The appeals court determined that there were two separate entities of action, whereas the district court had considered the actions as one entity that the sentenced persons were jointly responsible, newspaper Turun Sanomat reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:58:11|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CAPE TOWN, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The South African government reaffirmed on Friday that commercial international trade in rhino horns remains prohibited despite the planned domestic sale of rhino horns by private rhino owners.

South Africa is party to the international protocols that ban international trade in rhino horns, particularly the Convention on International Trade in Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) said.

The DEA made the statement in response to reports that South African rhino breeder John Hume is planning to sell part of his massive stockpile of horns in a global online auction, scheduled for August 21. Hume won a series of court battles earlier this year to overturn the eight-year-old moratorium on the domestic sale of rhino horns.

The reports sparked concern that this could undermine the 40-year-old international ban on rhino horn trading.

The DEA "has noted with concern misrepresentation of facts on aspects associated with rhino horn trade," DEA spokesperson Albi Modise said.

"The department wishes to place on record that the planned sale of rhino horn by private rhino owners is for domestic trade only," said Modise.

But domestic trade in rhino horn is subject to the issuance of the relevant permits in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004, its regulations and applicable provincial legislation, he said.

He reiterated that commercial international trade in rhino horns would not be authorized in terms of any domestic regulations, he said.

South Africa, home to about 90 percent of the world's rhino population, bears the brunt of rhino poaching, loosing 1,175 rhinos to poaching in 2015.

The government introduced the moratorium on rhino horn trade to curb poaching. But private ranchers say that the moratorium has failed to stop the scourge, and therefore should be lifted.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 22:58:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MANILA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte entered the second year in office on Friday after having laid a foundation for a prosperous Philippines with a population of over 100 million people.

"The first 12 months of the Duterte administration has been an extraordinary year - highly audacious, very productive and marked by political will, making the nation the real winner," Duterte's office said in a statement.

Duterte, who hails from Davao City, took office on June 30 last year to become the first president of the country who comes from the southern Philippines.

As he entered in his second year in office, the statement said Duterte "has laid the foundation to sustain current successes and transform the Philippines to a prosperous, predominantly middle class society."

The statement said Duterte introduced several anti-poverty initiatives, including the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, a blueprint for the country's development.

Under the Duterte administration, the Philippine economy registered three quarters of economic expansion.

"Gross domestic product (GDP) posted a 6.4-percent growth in the first quarter of 2017, making the country one of the strongest performers among major emerging economies in Asia," the statement said.

It added that foreign direct investments (FDI) registered 1.6 billion U.S. dollars in net inflows in the first quarter of 2017, 16.6 percent higher than in the same period last year. "This signifies investors' confidence in the country's leadership," it said.

To sustain the country's growth momentum, the Duterte administration launched the Build-Build-Build Infrastructure Plan that could usher the country in a "Golden Age of Infrastructure."

To cap his first year in office, the statement said Duterte has approved 11 infrastructure projects, cumulatively worth some 304 billion pesos (6 billion U.S. dollars), for implementation in its June 27 cabinet meeting.

"The infrastructure plan of the Duterte administration is not only limited to a network of roads, bridges and highways," the statement said.

To ensure economic prosperity, Duterte also addressed the country's lawlessness and waged a campaign to stamp out corruption in the government.

"The public is fully aware that the spread of prohibited drugs has reached an alarmingly high level, the rationale behind the (Duterte's) centerpiece program of law and order," the statement said.

Indeed, Duterte fought the spread of illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.

"More than a security problem, the Duterte administration treats the drug situation in the Philippines as a public health issue. A year has passed and the Filipino people are seeing the fulfillment of his promise achieving many firsts in the fight against illegal drugs," the statement said.

"The unprecedented anti-drug crusade taken by the Duterte administration has led to the decrease in crime rates by 27.02 percent from July 2016 to May 2017," it added.

Citing a recent Pulse Asia survey, the statement said a total of 82 percent of residents in Metro Manila feel safer because of the intensified illegal drugs crackdown by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The anti-drug campaign also led to the voluntary surrender of 1,304,795 drug personalities for the period July 1, 2016 to June 6, 2017, and the confiscation of 2,340.74 kilos of "shabu" (metamphetamine) with street value of 12.1 billion pesos (239.6 million U.S. dollars) for the period July 1, 2016 to June 6, 2017, the statement said.

Apart from halting illegal drug trade and criminality, it said the Duterte administration's law and order agenda is also designed to regain the people's trust in government. "It spearheaded innovative initiatives to make the government accountable, open and transparent and the delivery of government services efficient," it said.

The 72-year-old leader also acted as a peacemaker, reopening the peace table with the Muslim rebels. Duterte is also looking at the possibility of resuming stalled peace talks between the government and the local communist party.

"Much has been done (during the first of his six-year term of office) but much more would be achieved in the next five years," the statement said.

It said Duterte hopes to launch food security initiatives to increase rice and fish production.

Another is that Duterte also wants to create a separate department for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and to set up an OFW Bank.

"He likewise wishes the continuing upgrade of military hospitals such as in Quezon City and Jolo, Sulu, among others, the procurement of more modern equipment and assets and the establishment of education fund for soldiers' children," the statement read.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 23:18:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BERLIN, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The German Federal Parliament (Bundestag) approved the same-sex marriage in an historic vote on Friday.

"This is an historic day. Not just for lesbians and gays, but also for a more just and democratic society. Whether or not one has the right to marry in Germany is no longer determined by gender, but instead by love, solidarity and the promise to support one another in good times and bad," the German Association of Lesbians and Gays (LSVD) told Xinhua when asked for comment.

A majority of 393 out of 623 parliamentarians approved the motion "marriage for all" which was launched by the Social Democrats (SPD), Liberal Democrats (FDP), Greens (Gruene) and Left party (Linke).

The bill received cross-bench support, including from members of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Merkel voted against marriage equality, she told press after the event.

Early into the parliamentary session on Friday, SPD, LPD, Greens and the Left party had narrowly passed changes to the legislative schedule to allow for a vote on marriage equality. A total of 38 minutes were allocated for related debate.

"That we are making a decision today may not be good for the coalition, but it is good for the people," head of the SPD faction Thomas Opperman said as he took the floor. The comments were in reference to the tensions caused by the vote between the governing coalition partners SPD and the CDU-Christian Social Union (CSU).

Green parliamentarian Volker Beck, who dedicated much of his life to campaigning for LGBT rights, was visibly moved as he witnessed the vote on his last day in parliament.

"The age of tolerance is over, the age of acceptance has come," he stated.

Green party faction leader Katrin Goering-Eckardt congratulated Beck for his long-standing efforts and described the vote as his "life's work."

Head of the CDU faction, Volker Kauder said there were "different perspectives" on the issue but emphasized his respect for both sides. Kauder said he viewed marriage as the union of man and wife but also acknowledged that as a Christian, one could arrive at a new opinion.

In contrast, CDU parliamentarian Jan-Marco Luczak had urged his own faction that "the time for the opening of marriage has arrived today."

Speaking against the motion, CSU politician Gerda Hasselfeldt insisted that registered civil partnerships for homosexuals were of "equal value" but not "identical" to marriage. Marriage remained the foundation for family she said.

Friday's vote marked the culmination of a week of heated political debate, which was prompted by a surprising U-turn made by Angela Merkel on the subject of marriage equality.

Speaking to the women's magazine Brigitte, Merkel had unexpectedly swerved from her party's official line to oppose same-sex marriage on the grounds of child welfare. Instead she said she could envision a "decision of conscience," granting parliamentarians a free vote during the next legislative period.

The SPD interpreted Merkel's words as having released the party from the coalition pact not to raise the issue while in government with the CDU/CSU and quickly called for an immediate vote.

The development sparked outrage and bitter infighting amongst German conservatives, some of which accused Merkel of having overwhelmed her fellow party members with a unilateral decision.

CDU politician Johannes Singhammer warned against a subsequent granting of equal adoption rights to homosexuals, voicing the opinion that "children need a mother and a father."

Several conservative politicians also complained that the issue was being rushed through parliament and raised questions over the constitutionality of such legislation.

CDU legal counsel Hans-Peter Uhl told the newspaper Passauer Neue Presse that marriage equality was "not compatible with our constitution."

"The federal constitutional court attaches two conditions to marriage: It is a lasting community of responsibility and it is geared towards producing children. This can only occur with a man and a woman," Uhl said.

Such concerns were rejected by Federal Justice Minister Heiko Maas (SPD). Maas saw no need for a constitutional change and explained in Bild newspaper that there was "...a transformation of the traditional understanding of marriage which, given the creative freedom of lawmakers, constitutionally enables the introduction of marriage for all."

"Our law must be the same for all," Maas said.

Merkel's decision to vote against the bill, despite expressing confidence in the parenting abilities of homosexuals in the Brigitte interview, may be read as an attempt to appease critical voices amongst Germany's conservatives.

When asked to explain her opposition to the bill, the Chancellor responded that she interpreted marriage as defined in the German constitution as being between "a man and a woman."

She claimed that questions over adoption rights did not play a role in her decision making and affirmed the belief that homosexuals should receive equal legal standing to heterosexuals when it came to adoption.

Friday is the last ordinary session before the current Federal Parliament dissolves. A new German assembly will be formed following a two-month summer break in July and August and national elections in September.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 23:18:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KHARTOUM, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The United States expressed deep concern Friday over the human rights record in Sudan due to what it termed as restrictions on religious and media freedom.

"The United States remains very concerned about Sudan's human rights record, including the continued closing of political space, and restrictions on religious freedom, freedom of expression, including press freedom," said the U.S. embassy in Khartoum in a statement.

The embassy's statement came few days ahead of an expected U.S. decision to fully lift the economic sanctions on Sudan on the condition that it fulfills certain terms in human rights fields.

The statement claimed continuous monitor of Sudan's government "in the five key areas noted in Executive Order 13761 to determine if it has met the order's requirements for the lifting of certain sanctions in July 2017."

It also said that the annual Human Rights Report have included the concerns in detail, adding that "the protection of human rights is deeply intertwined with peace and security."

The embassy further expressed hope that the Sudanese government would achieve stronger progress in human rights fields.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama issued a decision on Jan. 13, 2017, to cancel two executive orders imposing economic sanctions on Sudan.

Reports must be presented by July 13, 2017 indicating that the country is committed to certain terms including combating terrorism and fulfilling its commitments to ceasing hostilities at conflict zones, therefore to fully lift the sanctions on Sudan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 23:28:32|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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STOCKHOLM, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Sweden and Finland on Friday have joined a UK-led high-readiness force tasked with tackling threats and responding to crises globally, according to a statement from the British government.

On Friday, British Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon welcomed the two Scandinavian nations to the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) during an official signing event at Karlberg Castle, in Stockholm, alongside Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist and Finnish Defence Minister Jussi Niinisto.

Launched in 2015, the joint force has continued to develop and will become fully operational next year, which could mean the mobilisation of 10,000 troops to respond quickly to a range of issues, using combat power, deterrence or humanitarian support, according to the statement.

Spearheaded by Britain, Sweden and Finland will make the JEF a nine-nation-strong pool of forces, alongside Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Norway. The JEF builds on many years of experience between Britain and these countries, according to the statement.

The JEF concept is distinct from existing international organisations, and can operate alone, but has the ability to integrate with other multinational high-readiness forces, and can support NATO, EU, and UN forces.

"In an uncertain world, the UK is spearheading this high-readiness joint force, which will help us tackle growing threats. Together, we pack a more powerful punch," Fallon said, "This is a Force of Friends, and alongside Sweden, Finland, and our other partners in this force, we remain committed to security, in Europe and around the world."

"The JEF will complement our bilateral and multilateral cooperation focusing both on our close vicinity and a broader global agenda." said Minister for Defence of Sweden Peter Hultqvist.

"Both Sweden and the UK are important partners for Finland and joining JEF gives our cooperation yet another dimension. We believe that the cooperation will enhance our national defence capability and deepen cooperation with our partners," said Minister of Defence of Finland Jussi Niinisto.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 23:33:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOSCOW, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Russia, China and the United States are able to come to terms on cooperation in addressing international problems, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.

The three countries should work together instead of making alliances and competing with one another, Lavrov said at the Primakov Readings International Forum.

"It is impossible to say that the model in which the United States and China unite against Russia, or Russia and China unite against the United States will be productive," he said.

"But I believe it is quite realistic for our three countries to understand, taking into account their influence on world affairs and the world economy, how they can help solve international problems," he added.

Lavrov also expressed hope that Russia and the United States could "clarify" their bilateral relations during a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, at the G20 summit to be held next week in the German city of Hamburg.

"We expect that the meeting between our presidents in Hamburg, which was announced, will bring clarity to the issue of the prospects of Russian-U.S. cooperation," he said.

The Primakov Readings International Forum, which started in 2015 in memory of late former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, kicked off Thursday and is due to conclude later Friday.

Aimed at establishing a platform dedicated to issues related to the world economy, politics and security, this year's forum focuses on Russia-U.S. relations, Russia-Europe relations and the Ukraine crisis.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 23:38:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TUNIS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The Tunisian Ministry of the Interior said two German tourists, a mother and her daughter, were stabbed earlier Friday in Nabeul, a coastal town in northeastern Tunisia.

The incident is "not a terrorist attack" and the aggressor "has been suffering from psychological disorders since 2011," said Yasser Mosbeh, the spokesman of the ministry.

The two Germans, accompanied by the father, were attacked in a craft tourist area in Nabeul's city center, according to the ministry.

The injured daughter, 27, is still under medical care while her mother has been discharged from hospital, local media reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 23:38:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ULAN BATOR, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat said Friday that Mongolia's economic recession has been completely halted and the foundation for the sustainable development of the domestic economy laid.

This was achieved after Mongolia began implementing the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s Extended Fund Facility program, Erdenebat told the plenary session of the State Great Khural, the country's parliament.

"We are able to halt the devaluation of the national currency and protect the purchasing power of citizens for consumer goods by increasing foreign exchange reserves, improving fiscal discipline, pursuing macroeconomic stabilization policies and restoring investor confidence," he said.

As a result of the support of international organizations and due to the implementation of the correct monetary and fiscal policy, Mongolia plans to reduce the state debt below 60 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2021 and even lower in the future, he said.

The growth of Mongolia's economy in 2012 was 17 percent, but was followed by a fall towards the third quarter of 2016 when it saw a 1.6 percent growth.

Yet since then, Mongolia's economy has gradually recovered thanks to the adoption of timely operational measures. Mongolia's real economic growth already reached 4.2 percent in the first quarter of 2017.

The Mongolian prime minister expressed confidence that Mongolia's economy will continue to develop vigorously, and Mongolia will become a country that attracts the attention of businessmen and investors.

The Central Bank of Mongolia received an initial fund of 38.6 million U.S. dollars from the IMF under an enhanced financing program on May 25, 2017.

After the implementation of the above-mentioned program, Mongolia will receive a soft loan of 434.3 million dollars from the IMF to help stabilize the country's economy and support its economic reforms.

In May, the IMF approved a three-year, 434 million-dollar loan for Mongolia as part of a wider 5.5 billion-dollar IMF-led aid package which is also supported by Japan, South Korea, China, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

The agreement was reached after the IMF admitted that Mongolia had met some of its demands, including raising taxes and cutting spending.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 23:48:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ZAGREB, June 30 (Xinhua) -- American app-based transportation platform Uber introduced a private boat transfer service UberBoat to Croatia on Friday.

With over 1,000 islands, the southeastern European country was chosen to be the first place in the world to see the launch of the UberBoat service. At the beginning, UberBoat will be available at three Croatian locations, namely Split, Island Hvar and Dubrovnik, the most famous tourist destination in the country.

Via UberBoat, users now have access to two separate services, a transfer from island to island and a half-day or full-day excursion.

About the charges, a 33.5-nautical-mile ride on an eight-passenger speedboat from Split to Hvar costs around 350 euros, while the price for a larger XL boat with a maximum accomodation of 12 persons is around 450 euros.

Currently, there are about 100 UberBoats with eight or 12 seats. The company also has about 200 skippers.

Davor Tremac, Uber Director for Southeast Europe, told Croatian media Friday that the service will be available through summer months, while later it will depend on weather conditions.

Tremac said that this type of service is already being sought by guests in other Croatian coastal cities and that there is plenty of room for expansion. If the service justifies expectations in Croatia, it could be extended to other countries that have a lot of islands, such as Greece, Spain, France and Thailand.

Tremac believes that UberBoat won't have any legal problems in the country, as they do have with Uber cars. Last week, taxi drivers blocked the center of Croatian capital Zagreb, protesting against Uber whose operation is illegal in the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 23:48:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, on Friday issued a document pinpointing tasks for each government department to streamline administration, delegate power and improve regulation and services.

To lower the threshold for starting a business, the State Administration for Industry & Commerce will merge different forms of certification into one certificate before the end of October, according to the government website.

The National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce will be in charge of expanding use of the negative-list approach to market access in preparation for a national roll out in 2018.

To reduce the burden on market entities, tax authorities and other departments should raise transparency, fully implement structural tax reduction, and clear away unreasonable fees and charges, the document said.

Detailed division of government work was also set in the document to encourage investment, create a fair business environment and make public services more efficient.

The document was issued to implement the priorities set during a teleconference on cutting red tape and improving government services on June 13.

Government departments and local authorities should supervise the implementation of those tasks, and are encouraged to be "bold" in the process, the document said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-30 23:53:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOSUL, Iraq, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi government forces battling Islamic State (IS) militants on Friday retook control of a neighborhood as the troops continued their advance to dislodge IS militants from three more areas in the old city in the western side of Mosul, the Iraqi military said.

The Iraqi army's 16th Infantry Division liberated al-Farouq al-Thaniyah neighborhood in the northern part of Mosul's old city, Abdul-Amir Yarallah from the Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a brief statement.

Also in the day, the commandos of the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) forces freed al-Sha'areen commercial area and an adjacent area, where the mosque of Prophet Gorges is located, in the central part of the old city, in addition to Abed-Khoub area in the northern part of the old city, Yarallah said in a separate statement.

Meanwhile, Gen. Ma'an al-Sa'di, a CTS commander, told reporters in Mosul that the commandos are pushing in the central part of the old city and the troops are only 400 meters away from the Tigris River that bisects Mosul.

In addition, the federal police forces continued back and forth battles with the IS militants on three fronts in the southern part of the old city, a federal police source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The battles came a day after the CTS forces drove the IS militants out of al-Nuri mosque and its leaning al-Hadbaa minaret, in addition to the adjacent Sarijkhanah neighborhood in the heart of Mosul's old city center.

On June 21, the IS blew up al-Nuri mosque, as Iraqi forces were pushing closer to the mosque and the surrounding area amid fierce house-to-house battles in some nearby alleys.

The mosque was built in 1172 AD along with its famous leaning minaret, which gave the city its nickname "al-Hadbaa" or "the hunchback."

It was where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the cross-border "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria in his sole public appearance in July 2014.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Thursday that the capture of historical al-Nuri mosque in the old city of Mosul marks the end of the self-styled Islamic State in Iraq.

"The blowing up of al-Nuri mosque and its al-Hadbaa minaret by Daesh (IS group) and bringing them (mosque and minaret) back to the homeland today is a declaration of the end of the illegitimate Daesh state," Abadi said during his visit to the JOC headquarters in Mosul, where he met with the military commanders and discussed with them the developments of the battles to liberate the western side of Mosul.

Mosul, 400 km north of Iraq's capital Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
A Chinese lamp maker introduces his products to a Kenyan businessman at the China Trade Week in Kenya, June 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Baishun)

by Ronald Njoroge

NAIROBI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The third edition of China Trade Week Kenya opened its doors on Thursday with the hope of boosting Sino-Kenya trade.

Organizers MIE Events Managing Director David Wang told journalists in Nairobi that China is already Kenya's top trading partner.

"The China Trade Expo will further boost Sino-Kenya trade by providing an opportunity for Kenyan businesses to interact with their Chinese counterparts without travelling out of Kenya," Wang said.

"The aim for the event is for Kenyan and East Africa traders to find suppliers of quality Chinese products," he said. Over 400 Chinese exhibitors will be at the three day event.

Chinese manufacturers from diverse sectors as manufacturing, construction materials, ceramics, automotive parts and consumer products will showcase their products.

He noted that Kenya's business community typically has to travel to China in order to interact with Chinese manufacturers.

"But with the expo, even the small traders who can't afford to travel to China can now link with the best Chinese manufacturers in the world," he added.

Wang noted that Chinese manufacturers are attracted to Kenya due to its favorable business climate coupled with a growing middle class.

Former Kenyan Ambassador to China Julius Sunkuli said that China has emerged as Kenya's top trading partner largely because it is a source of quality and affordable products to Kenyan consumers.

Sunkuli noted that as a result of the cordial Sino-Kenya relationship, Chinese firms have played a visible role in Kenya's development.

In 2016, the event brought together 400 exhibitors and over 16,500 visitors. Similar events will also be held in Ghana, South Africa and Ethiopia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 00:08:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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PARIS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Front (FN) party, was placed under formal investigation on Friday over the alleged use of a European parliament fund to pay her party's staff, according to local media.

"In accordance with her commitments made during the presidential campaign, Marine Le Pen complied with the judges' summons," news channel BFMV quoted her lawyer as saying.

On Monday, Le Pen is to appeal the investigating magistrates' decision which "violates the principle of the separation of powers," according to the defense lawyer.

The European Parliament has accused Le Pen of paying party staff working in France with European Union (EU) funds worth 340,000 euros (387,690 U.S. dollars), after she claimed they were European parliamentary assistants.

In December 2016, the French prosecutor opened an investigation for breach of trust, fraud and forgery following the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) initial findings.

Le Pen's chief of staff Catherine Griset was put under formal investigation on Feb. 22 after a day of questioning over the alleged misuse of EU funds to pay parliamentary assistants. Her bodyguard was also questioned but was later released without being placed under investigation.

Le Pen, who is gaining popularity in France that helped her to enter the National Assembly for the first time, dismissed any wrongdoing. (1 euro = 1.14 U.S. dollar)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 00:18:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano in Beijing, capital of China, June 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The shared interests of China and the Philippines far outweigh the differences, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday.

"The restoration of China-Philippine relations serves the fundamental interests of both countries and regional peace and stability," Li said when meeting with visiting Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

The Chinese government supports the Philippines' effort to achieve national and economic development and maintain stability, Li said.

Li called on both sides to respect and treat each other as equals, consolidate political trust, deepen cooperation in infrastructure and other key areas and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

Stressing that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a diplomatic priority for China, the premier said China supports the Philippines to work as rotating chair of the ASEAN this year and hosting of the East Asian Leaders' meetings on cooperation.

"China will work with relevant parties to comprehensively and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and continue dialogue and cooperation based on the agreed framework of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea," Li said.

Li said China will work with parties to maintain regional peace, stability and prosperity, expressing hopes that the Philippines will play an active role in promoting China-ASEAN relations.

Cayetano said high-level exchanges have laid a solid foundation for the improvement of bilateral relations, pledging that the Philippines seeks a stronger relationship with China.

As ASEAN rotating chair, the Philippines will work to further ASEAN-China relations and host the East Asian Leaders' meetings on cooperation to send signals of maintaining regional peace and stability, Cayetano said.

Cayetano expressed condolences to China over the casualties caused by the landslide in southwest China's Sichuan Province last week. Li said the Chinese government is going all out in disaster relief and coping with the aftermath.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 00:24:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HARARE, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Friday made an impassioned plea for the ruling ZANU-PF party to shun factionalism and remain united as the nation gears for elections next year.

Addressing his third presidential youth interface rally in Masvingo, the veteran leader lamented growing disunity in the party, some along tribal lines.

He said all the party's 10 provinces were ridden with divisions as members fight along factional and tribal lines.

"I will never accept division on the basis of tribe. That is not how we built our party. The so-called factions must be silenced," Mugabe said.

The veteran leader expressed frustration with the growing infighting, and said members not happy were free to leave ZANU-PF.

"We cannot continue with this factionalism. We have been quite tolerant and this party is built on the blood and suffering of many," said Mugabe.

Mugabe has since been confirmed by his ZANU-PF party as its presidential candidate for the 2018 polls when he will be 94.

Mugabe warned senior party leaders against misleading youths through giving them money and other favors.

He also berated people in the party and government who are attacking the government's command agriculture program which he said had resulted in the country recording a bumper maize harvest this year.

Higher Education Minister Jonathan Moyo is one of the people who have attacked the program.

Mugabe urged the party to start preparing for next year's polls by mobilizing more people to register to vote, particularly the youths.

Zimbabwe will compile a new voters' roll for the 2018 elections after adopting a new constitution in 2013.

He also warned the nation to remain vigilant against the West's machinations to effect regime change in the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 00:29:15|Editor: An

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Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong (R front) and Secretary at Nepali Ministry of Home Affairs Lok Darshan Regmi (L front) sign documents during the handover ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal, June 30, 2017. China on Friday handed over an aid project of the National Armed Police Force (APF) Academy to Nepal following the completion of construction. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma)

KATHMANDU, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday handed over an aid project of the National Armed Police Force (APF) Academy to Nepal following the completion of construction.

Amid a special ceremony at the APF headquarters in Kathmandu, the delivery and acceptance certificate was signed and exchanged between Secretary at Nepali Ministry of Home Affairs Lok Darshan Regmi and Chinese Ambassador Yu Hong.

The function was witnessed by Nepali Home Minister Janardan Sharma, heads of security agencies and officials from both Nepal and Chinese government.

The National Armed Police Force Academy, the first of its kind in Nepal, has been built under the Chinese grant assistance.

"The Armed Police Force Nepal will be highly benefited from this project. These infrastructures will definitely play a significant role to enhance the organizational capacities and to develop the skilled and professional manpower that the force desperately needs," Lok Darshan Regmi, secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, said.

He further expressed belief that the academy will be able to tackle the emerging security challenges by producing highly competent professionals.

The full-fledged extensive training academy has been built by China Railway 14th Bureau Group Co. Ltd. The construction of the academy, located in Chandragiri municipality of Kathmandu, began on April 16, 2015, just few days ahead of a devastating earthquake.

On her part, Chinese Ambassador Yu said that the academy can make a significant contribution to national security.

"I am hopeful that Nepal can train more armed police force talents and make a sustaining contribution to building a team that guarantees the security and safety of the country," the Chinese Ambassador said. "China is always willing to conduct pragmatic cooperation with Nepal in the field of talents, development and national security."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 00:29:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KATHMANDU, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army Rajendra Chhetri left for the United States on Friday to participate in a UN troops contributing countries conference.

The Nepali army chief is scheduled to meet UN under secretary-general of the directorate of peacekeeping force and military adviser of the UN secretary general during the visit, the Army said in a statement.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is among the dignitaries who will be addressing the UN Chief of Defense Conference of Troops Contributing Countries to be held on July 7.

The Nepali army chief will also be travelling to the Britain at the invitation of Chief of General Staff Nicholas Patrick Carter, the Army said.

Chhetri is scheduled to meet Britain's chief of defense and visit the Regional Command and Army Headquarters.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 00:34:20|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NICOSIA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Several Cypriot environmentalist groups slammed Cyprus's parliament on Friday after it passed a controversial bird trapping bill, accusing it of punching loopholes into the drive to stop illegal bird trapping.

Cypriot lawmakers, with the exception of handful of them, passed an amendment bill which critics said introduced relaxations in the existing legislation which had been approved after pressure from the European Union and international wild life organizations.

The bird-catching legislation is aimed at stamping out the practice of catching millions of songbirds on mist nets and lime sticks during their migrating season in autumn each year.

The birds, locally known as "ambelopoulia" or "sikalides" because of their habit to feed on grapes and figs, are consumed as a delicacy in restaurants.

Poachers are estimated to pocket up to 2 million euros each season.

The House legal affairs committee chairman, Adamos Adamou, claimed that the new law, which introduces on-the-spot fines instead of sending offenders before a court, will effectively tackle bird poaching.

Supporters of the bill also claimed that by allowing the catching of birds using a maximum of up to 72 lime sticks will allow villagers to practice a centuries-old pastime.

Using more than 72 lime sticks was made an offence punishable with an on-the-spot fine of several hundred euros for each additional lime stick or bird found in the possession of trappers.

But Bird Life Cyprus said in an emailed statement that the on-the-spot fine for all offenses is a clear relaxation compared to the existing legal framework, where offenders are taken to court.

It said game wardens are frequent targets of bomb and arson attacks by poachers and their safety is likely to be endangered.

Bird Life, speaking also on behalf of several other environmental groups, cited a warning by the two main trade unions of Cyprus which said ahead of the vote that "the amendment will negatively impact the work being done (by game wardens) and above all their safety".

It also criticized the new legislation as it introduces a discrimination between catching birds on lime sticks and on mist nets.

The amended legislation also bans cooking of songbirds in restaurants, but it allows bird catchers to take pre-cooked birds for consumption in a restaurant.

Bird Life said this would make it impossible to effectively control the species of birds and method for catching the birds taken into restaurants, thus making possible the illegal offer of birds.

The Association of Restaurateurs also condemned this provision, saying it will give law breaking restaurants further ground to work at the expense of legal business.

Bird Life warned that illegal bird trapping in Cyprus continues to be on the rise, with trapping levels remaining "tragically high".

It also said that while the current legal framework provides for fines of up to 17,000 euros or up to three years of imprisonment of both, in practice the sentences handed down are anything but deterrent or punishing.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 00:44:23|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NAIROBI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's world renowned scenic attractions that include wildlife and sandy beaches have always thrilled Francois Jia, the Manager of Baoding Tianzhou Machinery Company Limited based in China's Hebei Province.

The savvy entrepreneur was excited by the prospect of visiting the East African nation for the first time to participate in the China-Kenya trade week taking place in the capital, Nairobi.

Jia's company deals with agricultural machinery whose demand in Kenya is growing thanks to concerted efforts by the government, industry and even smallholder farmers to modernize food production systems in the country.

Speaking to Xinhua on Friday at his exhibition stand, Jia said Kenya is an ideal market for agricultural machinery given the positive feedback he received from potential clients.

"Kenya is a promising market for agricultural machinery and equipment and we are keen to be part of a transformation in this sector that employs so many people," Jia remarked, adding that negotiations with local distributors are at an advanced stage.

Baoding Tianzhou Machinery Company Limited is a leading manufacturer and exporter of farm equipment like rice and maize mills, water pumps, pipes and water tanks.

The company is also a leading exporter of spare parts for farm machinery in many parts of the world.

Jia told Xinhua his company regards Kenya as a springboard to enhance its penetration to an expanding regional market for agricultural machinery and equipment.

"We look forward to a regional presence aware that mechanization of agriculture to achieve food security is a priority in many African countries," said Jia.

The three-day China-Kenya trade week has attracted hundreds of enterprises from the Asian giant dealing with merchandise that cuts across different sectors of the economy.

Chinese firms participating in this mega trade fair are drawn from construction, retail, health, telecommunications and clean energy sectors.

Vivian Wei, the General Manager of Seven SS Stars, a leading manufacturer of solar water heating equipment, said both individual and corporate clients in Kenya have expressed interest in her company's flagship products.

"We have already made an impact in the Middle East and Latin America and look forward to a huge presence here in Kenya. The market for solar equipment in Kenya is growing and our list of potential clients include hotels, resorts, hospitals and schools," Wei told Xinhua.

She revealed that Seven SS Stars has already established a godown in Nairobi to facilitate expansion in the local and regional market.

"The use of solar energy in homes and industries has gained traction in Kenya and we are ready to offer technologies that would enable the country realize its green goals," said Wei.

She added that solar water heating equipment manufactured by Seven SS Stars can last up to 20 years while their cost is friendly to low and middle income earners.

Kenya has become an attractive destination for Chinese enterprises given its friendly investment climate, macro-economic stability and rising purchasing power among the country's urban middle classes.

Linda Bin, the General Manager of Guangzhou Binz import and export trading company limited, a leading manufacturer of high end art ceramic, said Kenya presents a lucrative market for accessories used in interior design.

"Kenyan clients are responding well to our custom made art ceramic that can be used to decorate homes, hotels and office blocks," said Bin.

She revealed that her company was prospecting for a local agent to distribute high end tiles to retail and corporate clients.

Bin added that Chinese enterprises have been motivated to venture into the African market thanks to the Belt and Road initiative, which is expected to revitalize economic ties with the world's second largest continent.

Over 400 Chinese exhibitors are showcasing their products at the third edition of China-Kenya trade week that ends on Saturday.

Products on display at the largest China-Kenya trade fair in recent history include construction materials, fast moving consumer goods, electronics, clothes and ceramics.

Kenyans from all walks of life who visited the exhibition confessed their admiration of Chinese manufactured goods, terming them an ideal alternative that guarantees value for money.

Johnson Otiende, a Nairobi based laboratory technician said he was keen to purchase floor tiles to add sheen to his father's house in rural western Kenya.

"So far, I have visited many stalls that are displaying exquisite tiles which I intend to purchase and have them installed in my father's house. Their price range is reasonable," said Otiende.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 00:59:26|Editor: Liangyu

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Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, who is also head of the State Council Leading Group of Poverty Alleviation and Development, presides over a plenary meeting of the group in Beijing, capital of China, June 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang on Friday urged solid efforts be made for people in poverty-hit regions.

Wang made the remark at a meeting of the State Council leading group on poverty relief.

He said that it is essential to stick to the goal of targeted poverty alleviation, meaning appropriate resources should be used on the right people, in the right place, at the right time.

Areas suffer from abject poverty are prioritized in receiving funds and projects, according to Wang, who heads the group.

There were still 43 million people in rural areas living in poverty at the end of 2016. China aims to help all of them out of poverty by 2020.

This year, China plans to reduce poor population by over 10 million, including 3.4 million through relocation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 01:19:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland, June 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that the positions of the two conflicting communities in Cyprus were showing "increased flexibility", but the most important things are still to be agreed upon.

Guterres arrived at the Swiss Alpine town of Crans-Montana on Friday morning in an effort to push forward the ongoing peace talks on the reunification of Cyprus.

"There is no doubt that some sensitive and difficult issues remain to be resolved," the UN chief said during a press briefing after holding a session with all parties, adding that "the security and guarantees chapter" was of crucial importance for a comprehensive solution.

He said that the reconvening of the conference offered an historic opportunity to reach a comprehensive settlement to a conflict that had divided Cyprus for too long.

"The road back to Switzerland has not been easy, but the path to lasting peace never is," he said.

He called on Cypriot leaders and other participants at the conference to heed the call for peace coming from thousands of Cypriots at rallies on the island this week.

"The UN is here to support the parties, and we are not impatient. What we want is the result to be positive and sustainable; we don't want a false agreement that would not last," he said.

The new round of the Conference on Cyprus under the auspices of the UN started Wednesday morning here, which the UN official described as having "a constructive and good start."

Participants of the conference include Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, as well as foreign ministers and senior representatives from Turkey, Greece, Britain, and the EU.

The talks at Crans-Montana take place in two separate "tables", one dealing with the key issue of security and guarantees, which involve the guarantor countries, and the other tackling bi-communal issues like governance and power-sharing.

UN officials have said that among the six major chapters of negotiation, security and guarantees was where the positions were diametrically opposed.

The UN said negotiations involving the four chapters -- governance and power sharing, property, economy, and EU matters -- were largely finished and the two sides had made unprecedented progress on the territory chapter.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey occupied part of the country's territory in reaction to a coup by the military rules of Greece at the time.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 01:19:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOGADISHU, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Somali and African Union forces on Friday recaptured Janale town and other key areas from Al-Shabaab militant group during a heavy fighting in lower Shabelle region southern Somalia, officials said.

Somali government army Col. Hassan Mohamed Abukar told reporters that the joint forces conducted successful operation in the region and liberated several locations including Janale town.

"We conducted successful operation in Lower Shabelle region, and recaptured Janale town and Mushani location, a stronghold of the militant group. There was resistance from the militants but we did not record any casualties so far," Abukar said.

He added the operation which was still underway will not stop until militants complete liberation from the whole region.

Al-Shabaab militants also claimed victory over the latest confrontation in the region, saying they killed some AU and Somali soldiers near Janale town earlier Friday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 01:24:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KHARTOUM, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Friday expressed regret over putting its name in Tier 3 countries of the U.S Trafficking in Persons Report.

"Sudan's Foreign Ministry expresses regret over putting Sudan's name in Tier 3 countries of the U.S. 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report without any facts or evidences," the ministry said in a statement Friday.

"The report ignored most of the nation's efforts to combat this heinous crime, which has received great appreciation from other countries, regional and international organizations," it noted.

The ministry said the report depended on secondary sources from non-official organizations and other parties that "have kept on fabricating enmity against Sudan for political motives."

The ministry also reiterated Sudan's commitment to combating human trafficking.

Sudan has witnessed an increase in human trafficking and illegal immigration. The country is considered one of the thoroughfares for human trafficking and illegal immigration.

In October 2014, Sudan hosted an international conference on combating human trafficking and illegal immigration which included the participation of African and European countries.

European countries had previously vowed to support Sudan in combating human trafficking after Khartoum asked for logistical air and maritime support to pursue the multi-national human smugglers.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 01:34:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's President Michel Aoun warned Friday that Syrian refugee camps in the country are turning into safe havens for militants planning terror attacks against the country's troops and citizens.

"Displaced Syrian encampments have turned into military camps rather than places for displaced people," said the president in a statement released by his media office.

Aoun's comments came ahead of suicide attacks on Friday at dawn in Lebanon that killed a child and wounded seven troops.

Five militants blew themselves up and a sixth threw a grenade during raids on two refugee camps near the Syrian border, the army said.

A young girl, whose parents are both refugees, was killed.

There have been multiple clashes along the border between the Lebanese army and the Islamic State group (IS) or al-Qaida.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 01:45:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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JAKARTA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- A suspected militant stabbed two policemen Friday night at a mosque near the police headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia's national police spokesman Inspector General Setyo Wasisto said.

The knife-wielding man was shot dead after he attacked the policemen at 19:40 local time (1240 GMT) just after a pray at Falatehan mosque in South Jakarta, the spokesman said.

"Several members of the Police Brigade Corps were praying with others. When the pray finished, suddenly a person took his knife and launched an attack," he told reporters.

The policemen were injured in their chests and faces, while the attacker escaped the mosque, the spokesman said.

Other policemen pursued the man and shot dead the attacker after he waved his knife in a threatening manner, he said.

The two wounded officers were being treated in a nearby hospital, Wasisto added.

Policemen have been chosen as targets of attack by militants recently.

Last week, two militants linked with the global IS terrorist group launched a knife attack at police office in North Sumatra province, killing one police officer.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 01:55:12|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- University lecturers and workers in Kenya's public universities on Friday issued a fresh strike threat to the government over delayed implementation of a salary hike deal agreed in February.

Officials from unions representing university teaching and non teaching staff said the strike will commence on Monday if the government fails to implement a 10 million U.S. dollars salary hike deal covering 2013-2017 by Friday midnight.

The Secretary General of University Academic Staff Union (UASU), Constantine Wesonga said a prolonged industrial strike was inevitable if the government reneges on a pledge to improve remuneration of workers in the institutions of higher learning.

"We are ready to dialogue with the government and university councils to end the stalemate over delays in the implementation of a salary increase agreement," Wesonga remarked.

However, failure to implement the collective bargaining agreement in full will force lecturers and other university workers to down tools upon expiry of June 30 deadline, he added.

Learning was paralyzed for nearly three weeks in all Kenyan public universities in February this year when lecturers went on strike to protest poor remuneration and working conditions.

The strike was called off after the ministry of education signed a return to work formula with the university dons that called for a salary increase that is in line with global best practices.

At the same time, the deal mandated the State to improve working conditions of university lecturers through modest increase in house and medical allowances.

Wesonga slammed the state for delay in the implementation of a salary increase agreement saying it could trigger a fresh round of paralysis in the education sector.

"The country should brace for a serious crisis in the education sector if the salary hike deal awarded to lecturers by the government is not implemented by close of business today," said Wesonga.

His sentiments were echoed by the Secretary General of Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), Charles Mukhwaya who stated that failure by the State to honor a salary increase deal could compromise service delivery in the institutions of higher learning.

A taskforce formed by cabinet secretary for education Fred Matiangi has been reviewing terms of service for university lecturers and workers to avert industrial strikes in future. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 02:15:31|Editor: huaxia

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JUBA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Friday urged humanitarian agencies to closely cooperate with security officials in war zones to avert more aid workers killings that have threatened aid delivery to those in need amid ongoing fighting.

President Salva Kiir's spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny told Xinhua in Juba that aid workers should first seek government security guards when visiting areas experiencing fighting between South Sudan army (SPLA) and rebels.

"The aid workers are advised first to seek government escorts when going to hostile areas," Ateny revealed.

This would help reduce aid workers' death such as the April killing of 6 aid workers along the Juba-Pibor road East of the war-torn country, he added.

The UN often complains of humanitarian hindrances from the warring parties putting to risk over 7 million people on the brink of starvation.

Since the outbreak of conflict in December 2013, the UN says 82 aid workers have been killed amid looting and theft of humanitarian aid.

Aid workers have in the past also been abducted by armed groups and released after negotiations.

"Government is a partner to all humanitarian agencies. We have given unlimited access to local and international NGOs to those in need," Ateny said. "Some humanitarian workers may come under attack and we are blamed," he added.

South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Kiir and his former deputy Machar led to fighting that pitted mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group.

The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital forcing the rebel leader Machar to flee into exile.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 2 million from their homes, and forced more than 1.5 million to flee into neighbouring countries. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 02:15:33|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The 31st Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) kicked off on Friday in the framework of the 29th AU summit in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

In their two-day meeting, the foreign ministers of AU member states deliberate mainly on issues related to peace and security, AU Reform, and migration among others.

In his opening remarks, Moussa Faki Mahamt, Chairperson of the AU Commission, noted that peace and security is one of the top priorities, for which he said that new approach is needed to deal with new forms of violence on the continent.

He said that "no violent crisis in Africa will be resolved by arms," emphasizing the need of dialogue, reconciliation and the search for consensual solutions to the problems.

Faki said that the empowerment of women and youth is an urgent need for any progress on the continent, emphasizing the need to take necessary actions to meet their expectations, which he said are huge and urgent.

"Economic and political governance issues call for more resolute attention. Among the many issues to which this priority refers, the issue of the free trade area, as it facilitates the movement of people and capital, is of prime importance. Investment, particularly private investment, innovative entrepreneurship, job creation and integration depend to a large extent on it. Its implementation procedures need to be accelerated," said the Chairperson.

Reiterating that illegal migration has continued to expose Africans to tragedies, the Chairperson also emphasized the need to act on immediate measures, while accelerating long-term and medium-term policies to combat poverty, exclusion and marginalization on the continent.

Stating that the process of AU Reform is on, Faki also called for concrete measures to speed up the process.

"All the abundant activity on the reform makes us optimistic. The train has left the station. However, it is urgent to propose to our Heads of State and Government concrete measures to speed up the process and to make them robust so that the year 2018 in history of our organization be that of its reform and its second renaissance," said the Chairperson.

In his remarks on the occasion, Abdalla Hamdok, Acting Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), underlined the need to tap Africa's potentials of urbanization and intra-Africa trade as well as the demographic dividend to ensure sustainable economic growth and overcome global shocks.

He also underlined the need to improve macroeconomic management, to increase diversification of the economy, and improve business environment towards Africa's growth resilience.

"Deepening trade and investment ties in Africa, through regional integration is critical. The proposed Continental Free Trade Area together with the Action Plan on Boosting Intra-Africa Trade will further facilitate large gains from trade," said Hamdok. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 02:15:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ABUJA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Ailing Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari is fast recovering in a London hospital, contrary to speculations that he is on life support, the country's governing party said on Friday.

However, only Buhari's doctors abroad can decide when he would be fit to return to the country, the party leadership told reporters here.

John Odigie-Oyegun, national chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) party, said the political group was glad to reveal that "Buhari is recovering in a very robust manner."

"We hope he takes it easy and when he comes back, I have no doubt at all that we will have a new and active period of activities," he added.

Last Wednesday, Ayodele Fayose, the governor of Nigeria's southwestern state of Ekiti, fuelled speculations that the ailing Buhari was on life support in the London hospital where he is receiving medical attention.

The 74-year-old Nigerian leader embarked on the medical vacation on May 7, barely two months after he returned home from a similar trip.

Earlier in the year, Buhari had embarked on a medical trip to London where he spent almost two months "following doctors' advice."

The nature of the president's protracted illness is not yet known.

Last June, Buhari had traveled to the same city to check an ear infection.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 02:20:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Friday commended the remarkable achievements made by Cote d'Ivoire since 2004 as the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) completed its mandate on June 30.

According to a statement by the president of the Security Council, the Security Council welcomed Cote d'Ivoire's successful presidential and legislative elections, conducted respectively in 2015 and 2016, which had helped to consolidate the country's democratic institutions.

The Security Council further welcomed the constitutional referendum held in 2016.

It recognized the important contribution of UNOCI in promoting peace, stability and development in Cote d'Ivoire throughout its 13 years of existence.

The Security Council also commended the contribution of troop- and police-contributing countries and donors to UNOCI, and welcomed the support provided by the French Forces. It welcomed the good cooperation between UNOCI and the Government of Cote d'Ivoire, as well as with bilateral partners, regional and international organisations.

The statement said that the Security Council underlined the crucial contribution of security sector reform to the stability of the country as well as to continued progress in security, national reconciliation and social cohesion.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 02:35:42|Editor: Yamei

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HONG KONG, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday delivered a speech at the welcome dinner held by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The following is the full text of his speech:

Toast at the Welcome Dinner Held by

The Government of

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

30 June 2017

Xi Jinping

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying,

Chief Executive-Elect Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor,

Fellow Compatriots,

Dear Friends,

Good evening! It gives me great pleasure to come back to this beautiful city after an interval of nine years and celebrate with you the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. On behalf of the Central Government and people of all ethnic groups across China, I would like to extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to you and, through you, to all Hong Kong residents.

-- Time keeps rolling on. In the blink of an eye, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is 20 years old. The moving occasion of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997, like a long-separated child coming back to the warm embrace of his mother, is still vivid in our memory. We still recall the solemn ceremony of the transfer of government in Hong Kong, the playing of the stirring national anthem of the People's Republic of China and the raising of the national flag of the People's Republic of China and the regional flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. We still recall the joy and excitement of Hong Kong people who cheered the processions of thePeople's Liberation ArmyHong Kong Garrison despite downpours. And we still recall the festive celebrations across China where people were singing and dancing to hail Hong Kong's return. These historical scenes have become a part of the collective memory of all the Chinese people.

-- All crops grow through cultivation. Over the last two decades, the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong, like the growth of a seedling, has become strong and robust despite wind and rain and yielded many fruits. The SAR system established under the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has operated effectively, and democracy in Hong Kong has been advanced in accordance with law. The multiple indicators of governance of the HKSAR such as government effectiveness and the rule of law are much higher than those before Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Hong Kong enjoys steady economic growth and remains one of the most competitive and free economies in the world. Hong Kong has maintained social stability and scored great progress in various fields of endeavor. Its average life expectancy is one of the highest in the world. While such achievements would not have been possible without the strong support of the Central Government and the mainland, they are primarily attributed to the unity and hard work of the HKSAR Government and people of Hong Kong. Here, I wish to salute you, the people of Hong Kong and all those in Hong Kong who have made such achievements possible.

-- Now is the time to build on past achievements and make new progress. "One Country, Two Systems" is a great pioneering initiative by China. Its practice, featuring socialism in the main body of the country and capitalism in certain regions, is unprecedented in human political history. It is a breakthrough those before us made through exploration and with extraordinary courage. We the succeeding generation should practice and develop "One Country, Two Systems" with firm resolve. The road ahead may not be smooth, but our commitment to "One Country, Two Systems" remains unchanged, and our resolve remains firm and strong. We are fully confident that we are able to "ride the wind and cleave the waves", and achieve even greater success in the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong through persistent and unrelenting efforts like sifting through sand thousands of times to find gold.

On this occasion, I wish to share with Hong Kong compatriots the importance of having confidence in the following three areas:

First, we should have confidence in ourselves. We Chinese are a great people. Our time-honored 5,000-year civilization is the only ancient civilization that has survived with no interruption. For a great part of recorded history, the Chinese nation led the world in economic, scientific, cultural, art and other fields, and contributed much to the progress of human civilization. China lagged behind other countries in modern times, but that has changed since the founding of New China in 1949. The Chinese nation, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and thanks to dedicated efforts of the Chinese people of several generations, has proudly taken its place among the nations of the world.

Thanks to the hard work of several generations of its people, Hong Kong has transformed itself from an unknown fishing village into a world-renowned modern metropolis. The key to Hong Kong's success lies in its people's love of the country and Hong Kong, and their perseverance, pursuit of excellence and adaptability. I want to particularly commend Hong Kong people's participation in and significant contribution to China's reform, opening-up and modernization drive. The Central Government and people across the country have never forgotten what you have done. The people of Hong Kong have the ability and wisdom to administer Hong Kong well and achieve greater development and progress in Hong Kong. I am sure you will continue to do all you can for the development of the country and distinguish yourselves on the world stage.

Second, we should have confidence in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is blessed with many favorable conditions and unique strengths for development. It has a highly free and open economy featuring free flow of factors of production such as personnel, goods and capital, and this is a major factor in both attracting international capital and retaining local capital. With its internationally recognized legal, accounting and regulatory systems, a full-fledged service sector, clean and efficient government and business-friendly environment, Hong Kong has the full confidence of outside investors. Hong Kong is an important international financial, shipping and trade center, a major conduit connecting the mainland and international markets and a two-way service platform for China both to attract foreign investment and enter the international market. Hong Kong is by far the mainland's biggest source of external direct investment and non-local financing platform, and it has grown into the mainland's largest non-local investment destination and the biggest offshore RMB business center in the world. More importantly, the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" has given Hong Kong an institutional advantage, enabling it both to share in the mainland's vast market and development opportunities and serve as a testing ground for the country's new opening-up initiatives, and this gives Hong Kong an edge in pursuing development. Pilot programs of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect have both been launched in Hong Kong, so will be the "Bond Connect". By building on and leveraging these strengths, Hong Kong will surely be able to keep and attract investment and talents, seize opportunities presented by economic globalization and regional cooperation to promote innovative local business start-ups, and develop new growth drivers. The legendary city of Hong Kong by the Lion Rock will surely open a new chapter of development and prosperity.

Third, we should have confidence in our country. The motherland has given and will always give a strong backing to Hong Kong. Thanks to close to 40 years of reform and opening-up, China has made big strides forward: from first managing to stand on its feet to becoming prosperous and strong. China is now the world's second largest economy and its leading manufacturer and trader in goods. China has the world's largest foreign exchange reserves, and it has contributed more to global economic growth than any other country. Its scientific and technological strength is rising, with advanced achievements made that include the high-performance computer, manned spaceflight, lunar exploration program, quantum communications, Beidou Navigation Satellite System and manned deep-sea submersible. China's high-speed railway has entered the world market. The independently-developed C919 airliner made a successful maiden flight. Our circle of friends is growing: The China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank now has 80 approved members, and over 100 countries, regions and international organizations have actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative launched by China. The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was successfully held in Beijing six weeks ago, and China's call to boost global development has added strong impetus to the endeavor of building a community of shared future for mankind. An increasingly prosperous motherland serves as a source of strength for Hong Kong to overcome difficulties and challenges; it also presents a reservoir of opportunities for Hong Kong to break new ground, foster new driving force and create new space for development. When our country does well, Hong Kong will do even better.

Fellow Compatriots,

Dear Friends,

A popular song in Hong Kong has this line: "Self-confidence is so important. Open up your mind and your dream will come true." We should have full confidence in ourselves, in Hong Kong and in our country, fully and faithfully implement the policies of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, abide by the Basic Law of the HKSAR, and make focused and concerted efforts to pursue development. By doing so, we can certainly deliver an even brighter future for Hong Kong.

To conclude, I wish to propose a toast:

To a prosperous and strong China and the great renewal of the Chinese nation;

To the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong; and

To the health of all the friends present and your families.

Cheers!
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai addresses an event marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, June 29, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, June 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and sanctions against some Chinese entities and individuals undermine the mutual confidence between China and the United States, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said here Thursday.

"And all these actions - sanctions against Chinese companies and especially arms sales to Taiwan - will certainly undermine the mutual confidence between the two sides and runs counter to the spirit of the Mar-a-Lago summit," Cui told reporters.

Stressing that China is always firmly opposed to arms sales to Taiwan, which, Cui said, violate the one-China principle as well as the three joint communiques between China and the United States.

On the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, China is implementing UN Security Council resolutions "fully and effectively," said Cui.

"If there is any Chinese entity or individual that violates UN sanctions, we'll conduct our investigation and we'll pursue the case in the court with the Chinese law," said Cui.

"But we are against this kind of so-called long-arm jurisdiction by the U.S. side," added Cui.

The U.S. State Department confirmed on Thursday that it had formally notified the U.S. Congress of arms sales to Taiwan valued about 1.42 billion U.S. dollars.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday also announced sanctions against a Chinese bank, a Chinese company and two Chinese individuals for allegedly helping the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 02:55:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAR ES SALAAM, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania and Norway on Friday agreed to develop the private sector and enhance political diplomacy between the two countries.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam between Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs Augustine Mahiga and his Norwegian counterpart Borge Brende.

Mahiga told a news conference shortly after he had signed the agreement that cooperation between the two countries' cooperation had focused on government level only, but now it also included the private sector and political diplomacy.

"Under the new agreement we have invited Norwegian investors to come to Tanzania and invest in diversified areas that would help raise the country's economy," said Mahiga.

The MoU would also focused on dialogue and cooperation on political diplomacy development.

"Our countries have been cooperating for many decades, and Norway has given support in multiple projects, including infrastructure, education, energy and gas and oil," said Mahiga, adding that a Norwegian company, Statoil, was among the Scandinavian country's companies investing in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

For his part, Brende said Norway has been enhancing cooperation in different fields, including infrastructure and energy, but now they would also lay more emphasis on developing the private sector and political diplomacy.

He said with good governance, Tanzania was on the right track to supporting its own projects through its own revenue sources.

"The public should pay tax and avoid corruption and the government's vision of becoming a middle income country can be achieved," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 02:55:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ROME, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Clergy sexual abuse survivor Marie Collins told Italian newspaper La Repubblica in an interview Friday that the placing on leave of Cardinal George Pell, a senior adviser to Pope Francis, had "come too late."

The Pope placed Pell on leave Thursday, after the Cardinal announced at a Vatican press conference that he was leaving to fight sexual assault charges in Australia.

In an official statement, the Vatican Press Office said Thursday that the Vatican "has learned with regret the news of charges filed in Australia against Card. George Pell for decades-old actions that have been attributed to him."

"The Holy Father, having been informed by Card. Pell, has granted the cardinal a leave of absence so he can defend himself," the Vatican press statement said.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Pell as Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, a powerful post in the Vatican.

"His nomination...was a slap in the face to Australian victims first, and then to those in the (Catholic) Church who combat pedophilia," said Collins, who was sexually abused by Catholic priests as a child in the 1960s, according to her foundation's website.

Collins of Ireland resigned in March this year from a commission Pope Francis established to advise him on the issue of clerical child abuse, citing frustration with the lack of cooperation from the Vatican.

"Pell should not have gone into hiding (in the Vatican)," Collins told La Repubblica, adding that the fact Pell has been placed on leave "while positive, comes too late."

But Cardinal George Pell, Australia's top-ranking Catholic, on Friday maintained his innocence after he was charged with "historic" sex offences by Australian police.

"I am innocent of these charges. They are false. The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me," Pell told reporters in Rome shortly before returning to Australia.

Pell, 76, was on Thursday formally charged with sex offences dating back to his time as a priest in Ballarat, 105 km west of Melbourne, in the 1980s.

Pell, who is now based in the Vatican, is the third highest-ranked Catholic in the world and the most senior figure in the church to be charged over sexual abuse issues which have plagued the institution.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 03:00:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LOS ANGELES, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Fourteen defendants have been charged for allegedly assaulting inmates in Los Angeles County jails on the orders of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, authorities said on Friday.

A series of assaults were allegedly being directed by "facilitators" of the Mexican Mafia prison gang from outside of prison walls. Mafia "facilitators" relayed orders to the so-called "Surenos" or "soldiers" who were already in the LA county jail system, to assault or kill other inmates that were perceived to have violated Mexican Mafia rules, according to a joint news release of the FBI, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

"In one case, prosecutors allege, an individual whom the Mexican Mafia believed to be cooperating with law enforcement was stabbed several times in the head and upper torso after a Mexican Mafia associate allegedly gave an order for the individual to be murdered," according to the news release.

Twelve of the defendants charged in the case were already incarcerated in LA County jails and the remaining two were taken into custody on Thursday from their places of residence.

The investigation into the violence within LA County jails began in July of 2016 by the FBI's San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 03:21:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LUSAKA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The Zambia Police on Friday conferred an award of bravery medal on Senior Colonel Sun Ming, military attache of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia.

Sun received the award from Kakoma Kanganja, the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police, for his exemplary dedication to duty.

The Zambian police chief said it was the first time the award was being awarded to someone who was not a member of the Zambia Police, an indication that it values the contribution that individuals and organizations were making to better the police.

He further lauded the cordial relations that have existed between China and Zambia over the years, saying the police have also benefited from the friendship through various programs such as capacity building for the officers who have been equipped with necessary skills.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming thanked the Zambia Police for the award, saying that it was an indication of the excellent relations between China and Zambia.

He said there was no doubt that the relations between the two countries have blossomed over the years and touches on various spheres of society.

The military attache said the award will encourage him to work hard in enhancing the cooperation between the two countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 03:26:07|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOGADISHU, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Somali diaspora returnees and local communities ended their two-day conference in Mogadishu by resolving to forge unity and help rebuild the Horn of Africa nation.

Participants at the conference, which ended on Friday called for regular dialogue to enhance relations between the two groups to understand each other and iron out the false perceptions that exist among them.

"The outcome of the workshop exceeded our expectations and we intend to hold more discussions as requested by the delegates so that we accomplish the tasks ahead. This will be an ongoing program," said Naima Aden Elmi, the Chairperson of Save Somali Youth Organization (SASOYO).

According to recommendations issued by the Africa Union mission in Somalia, the meeting also agreed to embark on awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of peaceful coexistence and the need for stronger partnerships in rebuilding the country after decades of conflict.

"We have agreed to set up committees in our subsequent sessions. Both sides will be represented in these committees which will be tasked with taking forward the process so that we deepen collaboration and we arrive at a common objective," said Elmi.

The symposium was attended by government officials, members of the civil society, businesspersons, women and youth among others.

During the discussions it was revealed that individuals born and raised in the country view themselves as having more rights than their counterparts returning home from the diaspora, while the latter believe they are better placed to contribute to the peace and stability of the country, owing to their superior education, experience and exposure.

The locals have also accused the diaspora returnees of taking up the plum jobs in government leaving them marginalized but all agreed that such differences can be resolved through dialogue and appreciating the role each group plays in rebuilding Somalia.

AMISOM Political Officer, Dr. Walters Samah, said the mission will continue supporting initiatives aimed at stabilizing and unifying Somalia.

"One of the reasons AMISOM is supporting this great initiative is because cooperation and partnership between Somali diaspora returnees and homeland community is critical for the stability and long-term development of Somalia," Walters said.

A scholar, Professor Abdilatif Egeh urged the participants who were mainly youth to find solutions to the challenges facing Somalia.

"The majority of people here are youth and you will benefit from this country especially if solutions to the challenges facing Somalia come from you. There's a famous saying that when we pull together we can achieve more (united we stand). I urge you to maintain that position," Egeh told the participants.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 03:31:12|Editor: Yamei

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Syrian refugee children are seen at Zaatari Syrian refugee camp near the city of Mafraq, Jordan, on June 19, 2017.(Xinhua/Mohammad Abu Ghosh)

by Hummam Sheikh Ali

DAMASCUS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The defeat of the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq will surely empower the Syrian army in its own battles against the terror group in Syria, if the U.S. stops placing snags in Syrian forces' progress, according to a Syrian analyst.

Previously known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, before shortening the name to the Islamic State only as its followers were dreaming of expanding beyond the two countries, the terror-designated group is losing its original cradle in Iraq.

In the face of the wide-scale offensive of the Iraqi forces and the Hashid Shaabi paramilitary forces, the self-declared caliphate in Iraq has almost fallen in its last stronghold in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

A day earlier, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared that the capture of the famous al-Nuri Mosque marked an end to the IS self-proclaimed caliphate in Iraq.

"We are seeing the end of the fake Daesh state. The liberation of Mosul proves that," al-Abadi said on Twitter, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

"We will not relent. Our brave forces will bring victory," he added.

However, the situation in Iraq is different from that in Syria, as all of the forces fighting IS in Iraq, including the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition, are on the same page.

In Syria, there are several forces fighting IS but they hold enmity toward one another, which constitutes a big obstacle to the victory in Syria.

The U.S.-led coalition in Syria is backing the Kurdish-led group of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is launching an offensive on Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS in the country.

The SDF has made notable gains in Raqqa, managing to lay siege to the entire city after capturing neighborhoods on the eastern and western flanks of it.

Further to the north, Turkish-led Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels fought against IS and captured areas in the northern countryside of Aleppo over the last few months.

To the south, the Syrian army captured key areas and almost ended the presence of IS in the southern countryside of Aleppo and large swathes of the Syrian Desert all the way to the Iraqi borders.

But the three forces hold enmity toward one another, as the Turkey-backed rebels are bracing for offensives against the SDF positions in a border area called Afreen in northern Syria, since Turkey wants less Kurdish influence near its borders with Syria.

Meanwhile, the U.S. shot down a Syrian warplane over Raqqa recently under the pretext that it was threatening the SDF, which released a statement and accused the Syrian army of attacking its forces, while pledging retribution.

The differences among those powers are expected to be more obvious in the post-IS era, but for now, the IS presence in Syria is dwindling.

While the SDF is fighting in Raqqa, the Syrian army and allied fighters are moving to eliminate the terror group in areas under its control in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour near Iraq.

The battle of Deir al-Zour is expected to be larger than that of Raqqa, as the terror group holds significant sway in the countryside of the province and is currently besieging the city which is under the government control.

On top of that, all the IS fighters fleeing Raqqa or Iraq are taking positions in Deir al-Zour.

In order to reach Deir al-Zour and break the IS siege, the Syrian army needs to keep advancing in the desert in the eastern countryside of Homs Province in central Syria and to fortify its positions near the Iraqi borders.

But the move seems not to resonate with Washington, as it also has bases near the Iraqi borders and apparently wants to curb the influence of the Iranian support to the Shiite fighters in Syria and Lebanon, through Iraq.

The Syrian army was struck several times by U.S. warplanes when it was advancing in the desert, close to the Tanf border crossing with Iraq, where the U.S. and Britain have military bases and are training Syrian rebels, as cutting Iran's support from Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon is part of the U.S. and Israel's plan.

However, the Syrian army managed recently to challenge the red lines drawn by the U.S. and reached the Iraqi borders, where the Syrian forces and the Shiite-led Hashid Shaabi forces met.

Of course, the Syrian progress came with the support of Hezbollah and the Russian air force, which raised the ire of the United States.

Over the past few days, the U.S. administration started to float talks about information it has on the Syrian government's preparations to use chemical weapons against the rebels, promising a powerful response.

The Syrian government slammed such accusations as "baseless allegations," noting that the U.S. hopes to use the same pretext to strike the Syrian army as in April when it launched a surprise missile attack on an air base in Syria without carrying out any investigation.

Experts in Syria say playing the chemical weapons card is U.S. warning to both Russia and Syria not to cross red lines, or areas the U.S. considers places of its own interests.

Osama Danura, a Syrian political analyst, who holds a PhD in political science and served as a member of the Syrian government delegation to the Geneva talks, told Xinhua that the Iraqi victory against IS will surely reflect positively on the Syrian military progress if it wasn't hindered by the United States.

"The Iraqi and Syrian fronts in fighting IS are integral and cannot be separated and you cannot defeat IS in Iraq without defeating it in Syria," he said.

The main characteristic of the terror group is the ability to act or react quickly by moving its military gears from one place to another and it can use the Syrian territories as a base to empower itself and launch offensives in Iraq again, if it wasn't defeated in Syria at the same time, according to the Syrian expert.

He said the void left by IS should be immediately filled by the legitimate military forces of the two countries.

Danura said the Syrian army will move to liberate the city of Bukamal and Deir al-Zour in eastern Syria to "end the presence of the most dangerous terror organization in the region, if it wasn't hindered by America."

"We see that the American side is trying to start a new chapter of the chemical weapons play and it's also trying to hinder the efforts of the Syrian army to fight IS," he said.

"All of this indicates that the United States doesn't want to easily let go of IS as its using the presence of this group in Syria to practice pressure on the Syrian government," Danura added.
Combo photo shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) delivers a speech during an awarding ceremony in Moscow, Russia on Nov. 4, 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping (M) speaks at a welcome dinner hosted by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in Hong Kong, south China, June 30, 2017 and U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before signing a new legislation at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 23, 2017. (Xinhua)

MOSCOW, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Russia, China and the United States are able to come to terms on cooperation in addressing international problems, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.

The three countries should work together instead of making alliances and competing with one another, Lavrov said at the Primakov Readings International Forum.

"It is impossible to say that the model in which the United States and China unite against Russia, or Russia and China unite against the United States will be productive," he said.

"But I believe it is quite realistic for our three countries to understand, taking into account their influence on world affairs and the world economy, how they can help solve international problems," he added.

Lavrov also expressed hope that Russia and the United States could "clarify" their bilateral relations during a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, at the G20 summit to be held next week in the German city of Hamburg.

"We expect that the meeting between our presidents in Hamburg, which was announced, will bring clarity to the issue of the prospects of Russian-U.S. cooperation," he said.

The Primakov Readings International Forum, which started in 2015 in memory of late former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, kicked off Thursday and is due to conclude later Friday.

Aimed at establishing a platform dedicated to issues related to the world economy, politics and security, this year's forum focuses on Russia-U.S. relations, Russia-Europe relations and the Ukraine crisis.
Photo taken on April 12, 2017 shows the United Nations Security Council voting on a draft Security Council resolution at the UN headquarters in New York. Russia Wednesday vetoed a Western draft Security Council resolution on an alleged chemical attack in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

MOSCOW, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The latest report released by the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on the use of sarin in chemical weapons attack in Syria was based on doubtful data, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday.

The OPCW said earlier in the day that it had found the use of sarin in chemical incident on April 4 in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in Syria's Idlib province.

"Unfortunately, after the first reading of the mentioned document, we are forced to state that its conclusions are still based on very doubtful data obtained from the same opposition and the same notorious NGOs of the White Helmets type, and not on the site of the tragedy, but in a certain 'neighboring country'," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Therefore, it is not surprising that the content of the report of the OPCW special commission is largely biased, which suggests that the activity of this structure represents a political put-up job," it added.

A chemical attack was launched on Khan Sheikhoun in April and killed dozens of people. The Syrian government has repeatedly dismissed the Western accusations of its responsibility in the incident, saying it had never used chemical weapons in the Syrian territory.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 04:21:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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By Sylvia B. Zarate and Cesar Marino

CALI, Colombia, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Business leaders in the Pacific Alliance (AP) see increasing trade with Asia as the main goal of the four-member Latin American trade bloc.

At a business forum that took place Friday on the sidelines of the AP's 12th summit meeting in Cali, Colombia, business leaders from Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia took part in a panel discussion entitled "the Pacific Alliance as a springboard to get closer to the Asia Pacific."

All agreed the bloc's major challenge is to bolster trade ties with the Asian market.

"This alliance was created so these countries could take advantage of the opportunities of bordering on the Pacific Ocean, where the most developed economies are, and also those with the highest growth in the world," said Alfredo Moreno, president of the Chilean chapter of the AP business council (CEAP) and also president of the council of the Production and Trade Confederation (CPC).

"I think that in the case of our countries, which are smaller, we can seize the opportunities not just individually, but as a group," Moreno told Xinhua.

Of the four member states, Chile has the strongest ties to the Asia Pacific region, especially China, with which it has also developed strong political connections, said Moreno.

"Chile and China have had a very close relationship for many years. In addition, Chile has had a free trade agreement in effect for several years now, which helps make China Chile's leading trade partner. China is by far Chile's largest exporting country in the Asia Pacific region, and similarly, almost half of what we import comes from China. Our main export product, which is copper, goes to China," said Moreno.

According to Moreno, this summit is especially significant, as the leaders of the AP countries are set to announce a new type of associate state status that entails a free trade agreement (FTA) and association agreement between the AP countries and the Asian countries.

"Chile has a free trade agreement with many Asia Pacific countries, but it makes a big difference if one can now also have an FTA as a bloc, because it allows a product that is made partly in Chile, partly in Colombia, partly in Peru and partly in Mexico, to enter those markets that have associate state status," said Moreno.

Miguel Moreno, president of Colombian food processing conglomerate Grupo Nutresa, said his company put in place strategies to win a share of the Asian market decades ago.

"At Grupo Nutresa, we view the Asian market with great interest. We have been taking part in the market, through exports and direct investment, for more than 50 years, specifically in China," said Moreno.

Chinese consumers may be familiar with the company's Colcafe coffee brand, which sells cappuccino mixes and three-in-one coffee blends made of coffee, sugar and cream.

"We are working on brand development," said Moreno, adding "we have our distributor and a local purchasing office that also provides commercial support."

Valentin Diez, president of the Mexico chapter of CEAP and the Mexican Business Council of Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE), says his country's ties with Asia have also been strengthened.

"I think what we have to keep in mind is diversification, and I believe the Asia Pacific represents a great opportunity for all of us," said Diez.

Chile's Moreno underscored the importance of the summit in spurring development and regional integration, with the bloc representing the world's eighth-largest economy and 35 percent of Latin America's gross domestic product.

"It is very important. It gives (the bloc) dynamism, recognition and encourages all the governments and private enterprises to participate," said Moreno.

More than 500 CEOs from AP member states attended the panel discussion.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 04:37:03|Editor: huaxia

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MOGADISHU, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Somalia's Puntland military court on Friday executed seven Al-Shabaab militant behind killing of senior official in the commercial town of Bosasso.

Chairperson of Puntland State courts Awil Ahmed Farah told reporters that five Al-Shabaab militants were captured in Bosaso town in Bari region with explosive elements while the two others were arrested from Galkayo town in Mudug region after killing officials.

"Puntland court executed seven Al-Shabaab terrorist militants here in Bosaso town in Bari region, five of these militants were captured in Bosaso town with a vehicles filled with explosive elements and terrorist attacks and the two others arrested from Galkayo town after murdering several state officials," Farah said.

He added they were all found guilty of the crimes. Puntland State forces are fighting Al-Shabaab and pro-IS militants including pirates in the region. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 04:42:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LJUBLJANA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar claimed Friday Slovenia would send a diplomatic note to invite Croatia to start next week implementing the award made by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague.

The PCA ruling was rejected by Croatia. On Thursday, PCA awarded Slovenia greater part of the disputed waters and a "junction corridor" to the high sea through the Croatian territorial waters.

Croatia was not present in the courtroom of the Peace Palace in The Hague and did not attend the announcement of the ruling.

In Friday's statement, the Slovenian Prime Minister acknowledged that the implementation cannot start immediately, according to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA).

After meeting with the Slovenian mayors of several areas affected by the ruling of the border arbitration tribunal, Cerar reiterated that the arbitration agreement provided six months to get ready for the implementation of the ruling.

The prime minister added that a special Slovenian task force, which has been operating informally already, will be in charge of coordinating the implementation, said STA.

He will discuss the matter with Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic in Ljubljana on July 12. However, Slovenia will not accept reopening talks on the border, only on the implementation of the ruling, Cerar said.

Croatia withdrew from the arbitration process in July 2015, claiming repeatedly it was "irreparably compromised" by Slovenia's illegal actions and making clear it will not accept the ruling and comply with it.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic told the parliament on Wednesday that Croatia would not formally accept the decision of the PCA, but would learn about it online, and that Croatia has no obstacles in protecting its national interests.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 04:47:24|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Africa was the leading destination for Kenya's exports in the first quarter of 2017, a government statistics bureau said on Friday.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the continent accounted for 38.6 percent of total export earnings in the first three months of 2017 and was the leading destination of total exports during the period.

During the period under review, exports to the East African Community (EAC), in which Kenya is a member, dropped by 6.8 percent in spite of an eight percent rise in exports to Uganda.

The statistics body said that total exports to the European Union dropped marginally from 356 million dollars in the first quarter of 2016 to 347 million dollars in the same period in 2017, largely on account of reduced export earnings from Netherlands and Britain, which jointly amounted to 224 million dollars in the quarter under review.

The bureau noted that Pakistan was the leading destination of total exports within Asia with export earnings rising by more than twice from 74 million dollars in the first three months of 2016 to 156 million dollars in a similar quarter of 2017.

According to KNBS, Asia was the leading source of imports in the first quarter of 2017, accounting for 69.4 percent of total imports during the review period with the bulk of imports being from the Far East.

Expenditure on imports from the Far East rose by 26.1 percent to 2.2 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2017 mainly on account of imports from China which nearly doubled in the period under review from 653 million dollars in 2016 to 1.17 billion dollars in 2017. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 04:47:25|Editor: An

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Participants attend the arrival ceremony of the first Volvo block train at Zeebrugge Port in Zeebrugge, Belgium, June 30, 2017. A freight train carrying 123 brand new Volvo cars made in northeast China arrived in the Belgian port of Zeebrugge Friday afternoon, marking a milestone in the history of cargo transport between the two countries. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

BRUSSELS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- A freight train carrying 123 brand new Volvo cars made in northeast China arrived in the Belgian port of Zeebrugge Friday afternoon, marking a milestone in the history of cargo transport between the two countries.

The train was welcomed by government officials, diplomats, business representatives and journalists from both countries after a journey of 9,832 kilometers, which took some 20 days, passing through Russia, Belarus, Poland and Germany.

The shipment carried the S90L, Volvo's flagship model, manufactured in the company's Daqing plant in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

A staff member from the car manufacturer at the site told Xinhua that all the cars have been reserved and will soon be distributed across Europe from the port.

"If we ship the cars by sea it will take up to 60 days, now we can save over 40 days. We also managed to find a balance between saving time and controlling shipping costs," said Yuan Xiaolin, senior vice president of Volvo Car Group attending the welcome ceremony.

Following the arrival of the first train, the Volvo rail cargo service will continue to run at least once a week, and eventually reach the goal of four to five weekly round trips.

Every year the trains are expected to bring 30,000 to 40,000 new Volvo vehicles to Zeebrugge, an open seaport handling over 40 million tons of cargo annually, and ferry Belgian products to China on their return journeys.

Belgian deputy Prime Minister Kris Peeters, who visited the Volvo Daqing plant during his visit to China in May, hailed the arrival of the train as an example of "concrete results of the Belt and Road Initiative".

The initiative aims to build a trade, investment and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road.

Peeters stressed that Belgium is demonstrating strong willingness to participate in the Belt and Road initiative as a partner.

"The 21st Century Silk Road marks a new era for trade and cooperation between Belgium and China. As we see today it provides great opportunities for countries to deepen cooperation," said Peeters.

"We firmly believe that strengthening train connectivity and investing in excellent infrastructural links will be a crucial aspect of Europe's future relations with Asia," he added.

Qu Xing, Chinese ambassador to Belgium, believes that the potential of this new train service is tremendous.

"Belgium has great advantages in carrying out cooperation with China under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative," said the ambassador, underlining that Belgium boasts three of the 10 biggest ports in Europe.

As of early June, over 4,000 cargo train trips have been made between Chinese and European cities since the start of the direct rail freight services six years ago, according to Chinese national operator China Railway Corporation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 04:52:27|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ACCRA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China offered on Friday a support package for Ghana's renewable energy program in off-grid communities.

The package, worth 20 million RMB (about 3 million U.S. dollars) and including 2,000 solar home systems; 1,000 air conditioners, as well as 500 LED solar street lights, were presented to the University of Renewable Energy through the Ministry of Energy by Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Sun Baohong at a ceremony.

In her brief remarks, Sun explained that the support was part of the Chinese government's assistance to developing countries in addressing climate change.

The ambassador reiterated the great importance China attached to climate change as a responsible major developing country, for which reason it had taken concrete measures to develop green and low-carbon economy, achieving gratifying results in abatement and adaptation.

"We have become the largest investor in developing technology of clean and renewable energy. At the same time, China has scaled up the foreign assistance in climate change. China is willing to share with other developing countries the innovation of green technology and development of green economy," she added.

Thomas Akabzaa, Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy, speaking on behalf of the minister, thanked China for "the kind gesture to enhance research and capacity of Ghana to combat the challenges of climate change."

He also thanked the Chinese embassy for facilitating the training for Ghanaian professionals in renewable energy in China.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Harrison Dapaah, said the solar equipment would be installed in communities that were off the national grid, including those that were island communities where electricity could not reach in the absence of sub-marine cables and communities that would not be able to get access to the national grid in the next five years.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 05:07:42|Editor: huaxia

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in the southern highlands of Tanzania on Friday announced measures to address livestock's invasion in Ihefu Basin, the main source of Great Ruaha River, which is a lifeline of Ruaha National Park, the country's largest sanctuary.

Amos Makalla, Mbeya Regional Commissioner unveiled the measures when he visited Ihefu wetland that acts as a natural buffer for the Great Ruaha River, the major source of hydro-electric power as well as pouring water for large scale rice farming in Mbarali District.

The official said that despite the government's efforts of making the basin free from human interactions, some pastoralists have started taking livestock into the area, the action that threatens the survival of Ruaha National Park and people's livelihoods, particularly those who engage in rice cultivation.

"These actions are intolerable. We have changed the fines imposed on defaulters. The government will seize all livestock that will be found in the wetlands. No fine will be charged against the perpetrators," Makala said.

"I am aware that some pastoralists have been taking cattle into the protected area because they can be able to pay fines, but now we've revised the penalties and from now on, all livestock that will be found in the wetland will be confiscated and auctioned," Makalla said.

Alexander Haguma, a conservator from Ruaha National Park said that since 2008, when livestock keepers and their families were forcibly removed from their villages in the Ihefu Basin, in the country's southern highlands, under a government program to protect the wetlands, vegetation cover had started replenishing in the area.

"We've witnessed changes in the wetland," Haguma said, adding that wild animals such as elephants and birds which were disappeared have started coming back into the Ihefu Basin.

"That's why we want supports from local communities and Tanapa to reinforce conservation of the important water source."

Located in Mbeya Region, the wetland, which is the main source of Great Ruaha River, is currently managed by Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa). The river is the lifeline of Ruaha National Park and millions of people living in the water body.

In 2006, Tanzanian government moved in to expand the Ruaha National Park to protect water and local wetlands, reducing the area available for farming and grazing. Enditem
A Kurdish fighter from the People's Protection Units (YPG) fires heavy machine-gun at Islamic State militants in Raqqa, Syria June 21, 2017. (Reuters photo)

DAMASCUS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The defeat of the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq will surely empower the Syrian army in its own battles against the terror group in Syria, if the U.S. stops placing snags in Syrian forces' progress, according to a Syrian analyst.

Previously known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, before shortening the name to the Islamic State only as its followers were dreaming of expanding beyond the two countries, the terror-designated group is losing its original cradle in Iraq.

In the face of the wide-scale offensive of the Iraqi forces and the Hashid Shaabi paramilitary forces, the self-declared caliphate in Iraq has almost fallen in its last stronghold in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

A day earlier, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared that the capture of the famous al-Nuri Mosque marked an end to the IS self-proclaimed caliphate in Iraq.

"We are seeing the end of the fake Daesh state. The liberation of Mosul proves that," al-Abadi said on Twitter, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

"We will not relent. Our brave forces will bring victory," he added.

However, the situation in Iraq is different from that in Syria, as all of the forces fighting IS in Iraq, including the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition, are on the same page.

In Syria, there are several forces fighting IS but they hold enmity toward one another, which constitutes a big obstacle to the victory in Syria.

The U.S.-led coalition in Syria is backing the Kurdish-led group of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is launching an offensive on Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS in the country.

The SDF has made notable gains in Raqqa, managing to lay siege to the entire city after capturing neighborhoods on the eastern and western flanks of it.

Further to the north, Turkish-led Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels fought against IS and captured areas in the northern countryside of Aleppo over the last few months.

To the south, the Syrian army captured key areas and almost ended the presence of IS in the southern countryside of Aleppo and large swathes of the Syrian Desert all the way to the Iraqi borders.

But the three forces hold enmity toward one another, as the Turkey-backed rebels are bracing for offensives against the SDF positions in a border area called Afreen in northern Syria, since Turkey wants less Kurdish influence near its borders with Syria.

Meanwhile, the U.S. shot down a Syrian warplane over Raqqa recently under the pretext that it was threatening the SDF, which released a statement and accused the Syrian army of attacking its forces, while pledging retribution.

The differences among those powers are expected to be more obvious in the post-IS era, but for now, the IS presence in Syria is dwindling.

While the SDF is fighting in Raqqa, the Syrian army and allied fighters are moving to eliminate the terror group in areas under its control in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour near Iraq.

The battle of Deir al-Zour is expected to be larger than that of Raqqa, as the terror group holds significant sway in the countryside of the province and is currently besieging the city which is under the government control.

On top of that, all the IS fighters fleeing Raqqa or Iraq are taking positions in Deir al-Zour.

In order to reach Deir al-Zour and break the IS siege, the Syrian army needs to keep advancing in the desert in the eastern countryside of Homs Province in central Syria and to fortify its positions near the Iraqi borders.

But the move seems not to resonate with Washington, as it also has bases near the Iraqi borders and apparently wants to curb the influence of the Iranian support to the Shiite fighters in Syria and Lebanon, through Iraq.

The Syrian army was struck several times by U.S. warplanes when it was advancing in the desert, close to the Tanf border crossing with Iraq, where the U.S. and Britain have military bases and are training Syrian rebels, as cutting Iran's support from Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon is part of the U.S. and Israel's plan.

However, the Syrian army managed recently to challenge the red lines drawn by the U.S. and reached the Iraqi borders, where the Syrian forces and the Shiite-led Hashid Shaabi forces met.

Of course, the Syrian progress came with the support of Hezbollah and the Russian air force, which raised the ire of the United States.

Over the past few days, the U.S. administration started to float talks about information it has on the Syrian government's preparations to use chemical weapons against the rebels, promising a powerful response.

The Syrian government slammed such accusations as "baseless allegations," noting that the U.S. hopes to use the same pretext to strike the Syrian army as in April when it launched a surprise missile attack on an air base in Syria without carrying out any investigation.

Experts in Syria say playing the chemical weapons card is U.S. warning to both Russia and Syria not to cross red lines, or areas the U.S. considers places of its own interests.

Osama Danura, a Syrian political analyst, who holds a PhD in political science and served as a member of the Syrian government delegation to the Geneva talks, told Xinhua that the Iraqi victory against IS will surely reflect positively on the Syrian military progress if it wasn't hindered by the United States.

"The Iraqi and Syrian fronts in fighting IS are integral and cannot be separated and you cannot defeat IS in Iraq without defeating it in Syria," he said.

The main characteristic of the terror group is the ability to act or react quickly by moving its military gears from one place to another and it can use the Syrian territories as a base to empower itself and launch offensives in Iraq again, if it wasn't defeated in Syria at the same time, according to the Syrian expert.

He said the void left by IS should be immediately filled by the legitimate military forces of the two countries.

Danura said the Syrian army will move to liberate the city of Bukamal and Deir al-Zour in eastern Syria to "end the presence of the most dangerous terror organization in the region, if it wasn't hindered by America."

"We see that the American side is trying to start a new chapter of the chemical weapons play and it's also trying to hinder the efforts of the Syrian army to fight IS," he said.

"All of this indicates that the United States doesn't want to easily let go of IS as its using the presence of this group in Syria to practice pressure on the Syrian government," Danura added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 05:12:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HELSINKI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Public health experts in Finland have welcomed the surprise decision of the parliamentary constitutional committee to dismiss a government plan to transform public primary health care providers into commercial companies.

In a unanimous decision on Thursday, the constitutional committee asked the government to find another way to arrange "freedom of choice" for patients.

However, the committee did not cancel the principle that patients could in the future choose between private and public services providers, at public expense and with the same rates.

The denied government bill had been based on the idea that public services would compete on a equal basis with private health care, and should therefore be turned into companies for reasons of transparency. As independent legal entities, they could have gone bankrupt if their business did not go well.

Local experts warned that public health centers with no experience in commercial operations would have become an easy victim to major commercial health companies. The commercial health sector has attracted capital investors in recent years and has been largely consolidated into a few companies.

The National Institute for Health and Welfare welcomed the committee decision. Deputy director general Marina Erhola said the agency had always been concerned about the incorporation intention.

Strongest criticism came from the Confederation Industries known as a defender of business interests. Director Ilkka Oksala said incorporation would have brought financial savings that were lost now.

Both the centrist Prime Minister Juha Sipila and conservative leader Petteri Orpo disassociated from the original plan some days before the constitutional committee decision. Sipila had been a strong defender of incorporation earlier, but now said he had had doubts about it.

LOBBYIST IMPACT QUESTIONED

The death of the health care bill raised again the debate of poor legal preparation of bills submitted to the parliament.

Kaarlo Tuori, professor emeritus at Helsinki University Law Faculty and one of the key experts heard at the constitutional committee, blamed the current lobbyist culture as a reason for the bill getting this far in parliament until it was stopped.

He said in an interview with national broadcaster Yle that "lobbyists have increasingly entered the corridors of power in Finland, and views from professional experts are not listened to".

Over the last year, several conservative party aides and parliamentarians have left politics to work for the commercial health care industry or in public relations agencies. Tuori said this would amount to "political corruption" in some other countries.

Velipekka Viljanen, a professor of constitutional law at Turku University, told Yle that the committee decision offered a major definition of the scope of public service in Finland.

The killed plan "meant ousting the public sector. The whole primary care would have been transferred out of public control", he said.

The committee decision has reopened the political give-and-take deal of the center and the conservatives in November 2015. In the deal, the center got the provincial autonomy and the conservatives the "freedom of choice" in health care.

The constitutional committee had no complaints about the provincial reform, but the conservatives may not accept its implementation until their health sector goals have been reached as well.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 06:08:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ANKARA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump held on Friday a phone conversation over the resolution of the dispute between Qatar and other Gulf countries.

The two leaders agreed that the ongoing tension should be reduced for the sake of the region's security and stability, state-run Anadolu Agency reported, citing Turkish presidency's press office.

Erdogan and Trump also discussed bilateral ties, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Trump emphasized the importance for all allies and partners to increase efforts to fight terrorism and extremism in all its forms, the White House said in a written statement on Friday.

All countries should "work together to stop terrorist funding and to combat extremist ideology," read the statement.

Turkey, which vows to stand by Qatar, has been calling on Saudi Arabia and other countries to end all diplomatic and economic sanctions imposed on the Gulf state.
Syrian children, who fled their homes in Ghouta's al-Marj town, play amidst the debris of buildings in the town of al-Nashabiyah in the eastern Ghouta region, a rebel stronghold east of the capital Damascus on June 27, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP PHOTO)

UNITED NATIONS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that more than 440,000 internally displaced people and over 31,000 Syrian refugees overseas have returned to their homes in Syria so far in 2017, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a daily briefing here on Friday.

UNHCR noted that due to the notable trend of spontaneous returns of refugees to and within Syria, it has started scaling up its operational capacity inside the country, said Dujarric.

Since 2015, some 260,000 refugees have spontaneously returned to Syria, primarily from Turkey into northern Syria, according to UNHCR.

The Syrian war, now into its seventh year, has taken a toll on the country's population with hundreds of thousands being killed, around 6.3 million being displaced within the country, and 5.1 million being forced to flee as refugees outside its borders.

Over the past months, the situation is particularly dire in Raqqa, where an offensive was launched to take the city from the Islamic State. About 25,000 have reportedly fled the city since military operations started, however as many as 100,000 civilians could still be trapped there.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 06:33:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KIEV, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The massive cyber attacks that hit Ukraine this week have affected more than 2,000 victims across the country, the National Police said in a statement on Friday.

At least 2,108 computer networks in Ukraine have been infected with the virus, which encrypted data on the computers, blocking access until the ransom is paid, the statement said.

A total of 111 government organizations and 309 private companies have submitted formal complaints to the police in the wake the attacks, it said.

A wave of massive cyber attacks has struck targets globally since Tuesday, affecting companies in Ukraine, Russia, European Union states, the U.S. and other countries.

The websites of the Ukrainian cabinet and several ministries, the power distributor, the national railway operator, the largest airport, several banks, and a string of retail and fuel networks have been hit by the attack.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-01 06:33:11|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

Police officers stand guard outside Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York, the United States, on June 30, 2017. A woman's body was found beside the dead suspect, after several people were shot in Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York on Friday, according to the police. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

NEW YORK, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed, including the shooter and a doctor, and six wounded in a shooting rampage in Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York, said the city's Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday.

It was not a terrorist attack, but an isolated incident, said the mayor at a press conference held at the site shortly after the incident.

The shooting began around 2:55 p.m. inside the Bronx Lebanon Hospital, and the male shooter, armed with an assault rifle, opened fire at doctors on the 16th and 17th floors of the hospital, Police Commissioner James O'Neill said at the conference.

"One doctor is dead and there are several others who are fighting for their lives right now," said the commissioner.

The shooter, who was identified as a former hospital employee, was later found dead on the 17th floor, and an assault rifle was found beside him, he said.

The commissioner said that the gunman was wearing a white lab coat,and had tried to set himself on fire.

A female victim was found on the 17th floor, and was pronounced dead. A total of additional six wounded people, including five seriously injured, were found on the 16th floor and were moved to the emergency rooms of the hospital, he said.
Finger squeezed by cash register so...he shot her dead

The sequence of events leading up to Zengs murder on Tuesday night was related by police sources yesterday who said that one of the bandit was masked and the other had no mask and his face was clearly seen in the video recording.

The footage also revealed Zengs husband Pinya Pochntan was about to close the doors of the mini mart at 9.15 pm, when the gunman and his accomplice pushed him to the ground and entered.

Bryan Beckles who rented the property at which Zeng, 33, operated her businessplace, yesterday told Newsday that her funeral will take place today at the Santa Cruz Roman Catholic Church at 9 am and cremation will follow at 11 am at the Crematorium in Long Circular Road, St James.

He added that relatives of Zeng who are from Guangdong in China were informed of her murder on Wednesday but they are unable to come to Trinidad for the funeral. He said Zengs husband and two children have been staying at his home since the murder.

The children, Beckles said, are not aware of their mothers death, believing her to be still warded at hospital.

They will have to be told and soon because they will have to attend her funeral. I am in a quandary as to how to break this news to them, Beckles said
SRP on $10,000 bail

Ottley, 35, who has been an SRP for the past five years and was last assigned to the Mon Repos Police Station, pleaded not guilty to both charged before Senior Magistrate Cherril-Anne Antoine. The charges as read out in court state that Ottley of Golconda, used obscene language and resisted Constable Utam Ramdass, in the execution of his duty, at the San Fernando By-Pass near the roundabout, at about 3 am yesterday.

PC Ramdass of the Southern Division Task Force laid the charges.

Attorney Cedric Neptune represented the accused whom he said is also employed with the National Maintenance Training and Security Company Ltd (MTS). He added that Ottley has no previous conviction and no pending court matters.

Court prosecutor Sgt Denzil Alexander said a State attorney will be appointed to prosecute. Magistrate Antoine granted the accused $10,000 own bail to cover both charges and adjourned the case to September 20.

In another court case, bartender Kimberly Roberts, 33, appeared before Antoine charged with three offences namely disorderly conduct, using obscene language and resisting arrest. PC Avidesh Narine charged Roberts who is a mother of one and who yesterday pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Antoine granted Roberts, who appeared with no lawyer yesterday, $15,000 bail and adjourned the matter.
Mechanic in court for murder

The accused, a mechanic, of Jerningham Junction, Cunupia appeared before Senior Magistrate Jo-Anne Connor in the First Court. In addition to the murder and attempted murder charges the accused was also before the court on a robbery with aggravation charge .

The matters were adjourned to Wednesday July 26. Mills, 61, of Ravine Sable Road, Longdenville and her 25-year-old daughter-inlaw were at their home when an intruder forced his way into the house. Both women were stabbed repeatedly by the man who later grabbed a quantity of jewelry and fled .

The two women were taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope where the elder Mills died. The accused was charged by Ag Cpl Andy Gordon .
Bar owner fined for illegal firearm

Woodland bar proprietor Jason Ragoo, 44, through his attorney Dexter Bailey told Magistrate Cherril-Anne Anotine that he had been robbed four times and in one of those incidents he was badly beaten by the bandits. In desperation, Ragoo acquired the gun to scare away bandits and protect himself. The attorney said that the beating Ragoo received left injuries that were so severe as to be considered life threatening when he sought medical treatment.

Given the fact that the firearm had no ammunition, it meant Ragoo had no intention of using it to cause anyone harm. Ragoo has no previous conviction or pending matters Magistrate Antoine remarked that arming oneself with a firearm is not the best option to deal with the issue as it could lead to other problems. After Ragoo pleaded guilty, court prosecutor Sgt Denzil Alexander related the facts of the charge saying that at about 6.35 pm on Wednesday, police from South-Western Division Task Force went to the bar owners home to execute a search warrant for firearms and ammunition. On arrival, Ragoo told the lawmen, Officers let me be truthful, look in that cupboard behind you. It on top of the shelf. Police found the gun in a brown bag in the kitchen. Ragoo was fined $12,000 and given 14 days to pay it. In default, he will serve three years imprisonment with hard labour.
Jail for stealing car

He pleaded guilty before San Fernando First Court Magistrate Cherril-Anne Antoine. Clarke, a father of four of La Seiva Road in Maraval, is a deportee from the United States. Court prosecutor Sgt Denzil Alexander said that at 12.15 pm on January 13, 2016, Khimraj Ramraj parked his Nissan B15 car outside Guides Funeral Home on Coffee Street, San Fernando. He went into the Home to attend a funeral. When Ramraj returned to the car park at about 2.40 pm, he discovered his $45,000 car missing. PC Ameer Ali of San Fernando CID conducted investigations and on January 25, of that year, arrested Clarke who was driving Ramrajs car along Morne Coco Road in Maraval.

Attorney Frank Gittens yesterday told the court that his client made a poor decision and wishes to turn his life around. The attorney added that at the time of the offence, Clarke was going through, financial hard times. Having already spent two years in custody, Gittens said Clarke suffered some traumatic experiences while at Remand Yard.

In passing her sentence, the magistrate noted the time Clarke spent in custody.

However, as this crime is prevalent in TT, she said, the court must show its disapproval. She then imposed the sentence on Clarke.
Fraud Squad still on Marlenes case

Williams sent a letter to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley indicating that a criminal investigation had been launched into the Calabar Foundation. Newsday understands that the team consists of officers from the Fraud Squad and Anti-Corruption Bureau. Officers from the Police Services legal department were up to yesterday in the process of putting together a file to take to the DPP for further instructions.

Sources revealed that Snr Supt Dookhie has a few loose ends to tie up before presenting his final recommendations to DPP Roger Gaspard. Police have seized documents from the Ministry of Community Development where Minister Mc Donald served and have also requested documents from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Documents were also seized from a private residence.

Mc Donald, her spouse Michael Carew, his brother Lennox as well as officials of the Ministry of Community Development are expected to be interviewed shortly. Bank records will also be sought.

The Calabar Foundation was incorporated on August 24, 2010.

Cheques were issued by McDonald who was then Minister of Community Development: one on May 12, 2010 and collected on May 12, 2010; another in the sum of $375,000, and the third for $200,000 were issued but the requests were made on April 27 and May 4, 2010.

The cheques were deposited to the Calabar Foundation via a Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (RBTT) account on September 9, 2010.

The money was made available to the Calabar Foundation before the company was incorporated and the cash was supposed to be used to build a community centre in the Laventille area.

No such community centre was ever built and it remains unclear if the cheques were ever cashed by members of the Calabar Foundation.

Mc Donald has already stated publicly that she has nothing to hide and will cooperate with the investigation.
Rowley appoints tax expert to Finance Ministry

Yesterday during a Senate break, reporters met new Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Senator Allyson West, a taxation specialist and attorney who up to recently authored Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) annual National Budget analysis.

West said she was reticent about party politics, but sees it as a way of making a meaningful contribution towards improving TTs tax system.

I appreciate that it is a very difficult ministry at a difficult time in the countrys life, so I have a tough task ahead of me, but I have quite a lot of experience in the tax area that will be my focus.

So Im really hopeful that I can make a positive difference. Asked if the public should be fearful that she is a tax expert, West laughed and replied, No. My objective will be to ensure that taxes are properly and fairly applied. I really want to bring the concept of service to the tax area and ensure that we recognise, the administration recognises, that the taxpayers are our clients, so we deal with them more efficiently, we give them their refunds but we collect the taxes that are due to the Government. Asked if she was surprised by her appointment, West replied, Yes and no. I have known the Prime Minister (Dr Keith Rowley) for quite some time, and I do know he appreciates my knowledge in the area, so that didnt shock me. I was hoping to avoid a political post because I have shied away from politics all my life. But he said we need to get it done, so I accepted the job.

Im happy with the Ministry of Finance, but the position of Senator is not something I would have gravitated towards, but I was called to serve and I decided to take up the challenge. Asked her first priorities after being sworn in as a minister today, she replied, I will be gathering information.

I want to see where the Board of Inland Revenue is at, what their challenges are, what their approaches are and determine what we could do differently as soon as possible. We have to consider the issue of the Revenue Authority and where that goes but in the meantime we have what we have.

West said she believes in the idea of the Revenue Authority, but hoped for better remuneration and meritorious promotions for tax officers to stem an exodus from the public service.

Asked her message to the general public, West said many demands are made on Government, that require revenues, adding, Id like the taxpayers to recognise that we all have a responsibility.

If we all play our part the burden is spread more evenly.

So, for example, the issue of increasing tax rates should not arise if everybody pays the correct amount of tax. As to her background, West said she was the tax partner at PWC. Im an attorney at law. Ive spent all my life working in tax, apart from a short stint in teaching. I worked at the Board of Inland Revenue as a State Counsel involved in things like attending court, defending the boards position and prosecuting people. I was part of the implementation team for the VAT system.

So I had a very interesting time at the board. I really enjoyed working there. I do have a commitment to the tax system and to see it working properly.

Then I left and joined Price Waterhouse Coopers, so I saw the other side. Asked her motivating factor to accept the ministerial post, she said, Ive made several comments dealing with the Board of Inland Revenue over the past 20 years or so, that things could be done so much better, could be made easier. Some of our clients want to pay as least as possible, but most people will pay a fair amount of tax but they want fair treatment.  West said that rather than complain, she had opted to help. I will give it my all. Im hopeful, to make a difference for change.
Mixed reviews for Mc Donald,Hinds

While some responded favourably saying her new portfolio as Minister of Public Utilities will enable her to provide jobs for constituents, others described her as a non-performer with an unapproachable disposition.

Resident Rolston Baboolal, a vocal and involved member of the community, said Mc Donalds new role augured well for government and the people.

Marlene Mc Donald is one of the best MPs that I see who is really bright and bring forward many things to the Cabinet and also to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, Baboolal told Newsday along Picadilly Street, mere footsteps away from Mc Donalds constituency office.

He said as Public Utilities minister, Mc Donald will be able to assist unemployed youth in the troubled area.

She will be able to take people behind the bridge and put them in places like WASA and T&TEC. I feel proud for my MP. I have a great love and understanding with her and I am glad she come back an MP. Mc Donald, an attorney, had previously held the housing ministry portfolio after the PNM won the September 2015 general election.

Baboolal, who lives near to the Clifton Street Towers, dismissed the view that Mc Donald was a non-performer.

She is a performer but people dont understand the woman.

I deal personally with Marlene Mc Donald and I am telling you that she will be the next MP and political leader of the PNM.

Once people listen to what she say, everybody will get work in the Port-of-Spain South area. Fifteen months after she was relieved from the Cabinet for her alleged role in the approval of grants to the Calabar Foundation as Minister of Community Development under the former Patrick Manning administration as well as the issuing of a Housing Development Corporation home to her friend, Michael Carew - matters which were before the Integrity Commission - Mc Donald was returned to the Cabinet late on Wednesday, replacing Fitzgerald Hinds as Public Utilities minister.

Hinds has been appointed Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs.
PM: No difficulty with appointment

McDonald replaces Fitzgerald Hinds as Public Utilities Minister with Hinds now a Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General.

At the post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday Rowley said Mc- Donald was first appointed to the Cabinet in 2015 and it was then when people were making disturbing allegations. He said there was one particular block of allegations which caused him to ask McDonald to remove herself as Housing Minister, since it dealt with how she conducted herself at that ministry.

Those investigations to my knowledge have taken place by the authority whose job it is to determine whether a person in public life has conducted him or herself in a manner in keeping with the tenets of the Integrity of Public life Act, Rowley said.

He said that last October, the Integrity Commission indicated to McDonald that they found no basis that she breached the Integrity of Public Life Act and on that finding, he had no difficulty in reappointing her.

On Hinds new appointment he said the main reason behind this move was to assist the Attorney Generals office as there will be a lot of activity in the coming year.

You would have seen that we are pushing through the Parliament a very aggressive legislative programme and in that programme a lot of it has to do with the criminal justice system and also, we have a very big item which should be landing in Parliament at the beginning of the next term. And that is this whole question of Tobagos self government discussions. He said Hinds was very versatile and is a tremendous asset to Government. On former Energy Minister Nicole Olivierres re-emergence as a Parliamentary Secretary in that ministry and whether this was done to assist Energy Minister Franklin Khan who is still recuperating from major surgery, Rowley said, a little way yes. But its more related to the workload of the ministry and assignments the ministry will be undertaking all in the context of doing things that have been left behind for too long, he said. He said the Ministry was not what it used to be in terms of the amount of experience and expertise and as a result, things have fallen by the way side.

(See Page 9A)
Kamla: Explain McDonalds return

In a press release, Persad-Bissessar said: Rowley must explain his re-appointment of Marlene McDonald to his Cabinet, who was the subject of a police investigation over allegations of fraud and misconduct and a probe by the Integrity Commission. In March 2016, after newspaper reports alleged that McDonald played a role in the allocation of an HDC house to one Michael Carew who was described as a friend, Rowley revoked McDonalds portfolio as Housing and Urban Development Minister.

Randall Mitchell was appointed to take her place and police later launched investigations.

Rowleys decision to remove Hinds, whose portfolio was already reassigned from Transport Minister to Minister of Public Utilities, is also being questioned by Persad-Bissessar. He must tell the country what has changed since his removal of the Member from his Cabinet and now her reinstatement in the Cabinet. Further, the Prime Minister should explain why, for a second time, he has removed MP Hinds from a substantive portfolio. The Opposition Leader also accused the Prime Minister of having no economic policies to save the country from collapse other than taxation. Persad-Bissessar said the policy of taxation is now being furthered in Rowleys appointment of Allyson West, a tax expert from PWC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) as a Minister in the Ministry of Finance.

Persad-Bissessar said the reshuffle of Rowleys Cabinet comes in the midst of a crime rate that is spiralling out of control as seen in the vicious double murder of 13-year-old Videsh Subar and Rose Mohammed on Wednesday and yesterdays kidnapping of Gregory Laing, owner of Puff n Stuff bakery in San Fernando.
Fuad: Forgive Sabga-Aboud

In a statement, Khan said the country should not forget that the Sabga- Aboud family was able to build an empire from nothing over the course of several generations and instead of envying them people should instead aspire to achieve similar goals.

He added that the Sabga-Aboud family has created employment for tens of thousands of citizens through years in business and that is the type of cooperation and collaboration which is required in the country to build a better nation. He said it is only through unity the people of this country will succeed and only by forgiving each other they can attain this harmony.

Khan said it was unfortunate that the interview between the Sabga-Aboud family and Bourdain snowballed into another conversation concerning the ethnic divide in the country, rather than one regarding the growing gap between the upper and lower classes.

He said despite the emotional responses which have hijacked the discussion, there was very little said during the programme that was not an accurate depiction of the social class in the nation, including the remarks about the disappearing middle class.
Three former executives of Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), the company that operates the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, pleaded not guilty Friday as they stood trial for their alleged failure to prevent the nuclear meltdown disaster triggered by the 2011 tsunami.

Appearing before the Tokyo District Court for the first criminal trial over the disaster, Tsunehisa Katsumata, 77, then chairman of TEPCO, started with an apology but added, "It was impossible to predict the accident."

Two former vice presidents also pleaded not guilty in line with the expected argument from the former officials' defense -- that there was no way to foresee the massive tsunami waves, triggered by a magnitude-9.0 earthquake, which engulfed the seaside plant and crippled key reactor cooling functions.

It took Fukushima residents and their supporters more than five years to bring the three former key officials before a criminal court, as prosecutors had thrice decided not to charge them.

After a decision by prosecutors was overturned by an inquest of prosecution made up of ordinary citizens for the second time, Katsumata and the two other defendants -- Ichiro Takekuro, 71, and Sakae Muto, 67 -- were finally indicted last year.

They are facing charges of professional negligence resulting in the injury of people at the site as well as in the deaths of dozens of patients forced to evacuate from a hospital near the plant.

The case, overseen by a panel of three judges with a group of specially appointed lawyers acting as prosecutors, is not expected to see a ruling at least until next year.

At the trial, the specially appointed lawyers argued that the three former officials had been able to predict that the plant, located on grounds 10 meters above sea level, could be swamped by tsunami waves as big as those that hit the site on March 11, 2011 following the earthquake.

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Police in Tokyo said Thursday they have arrested an unemployed 20-year-old man on a charge of forcible obstruction of business after he posted a message on the 2channel online bullet board, in which he said a bomb was set to go off at Shibuya Station in Tokyo.

The message, which was posted late on the night of April 3, prompted police to search the station but no explosive devices were found, Fuji TV reported.

According to police, the suspect, Hikaru Otaka, who lives in Hitachiota, Ibaraki Prefecture, has admitted to the charge. Police quoted Otaka as saying he posted the message because he was "pissed off" that day.
An advisory panel to education minister Hirokazu Matsuno recommended Thursday that the enrollment limit at 12 private universities in Tokyo's densely populated 23 wards be allowed to increase overall by 2,183 in fiscal 2018 from the previous year.

The panel's recommendation came after all of the 12 universities rejected the government's request to review their applications to increase their admission capacities.

At a Cabinet meeting on June 9, the government adopted a policy of not permitting hikes in enrollment capacities at universities in the special wards in principle, in order to prevent an excessive flow of students into Tokyo which may cause declining operations at universities in other regions.
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The recourse of the Polisario separatists to third country courts is a desperate attempt to sap efforts under the UN process to settle the Sahara issue, Former Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio said in an article published on Dipulico website.

The former Spanish Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of settling the Sahara issue within the framework of the UN while warning of the Polisarios attempt to derail the process through its resort to foreign courts as a tactical measure that undermines UN efforts to settle the four-decade long conflict.

In the article entitled, A Future for the Sahara, Palacio criticizes the Polisarios propaganda campaigns claiming that the area beyond the security wall is a liberated territory in contrast with the area under de facto Moroccan sovereignty. The area beyond the berm is in fact administered by the UN, she noted.

After the UN Security Council endorsed the call of Guterres to relaunch the negotiation process, the Polisario front pleaded at a civil court in South Africa to hold a ship loaded with phosphates originating from the Sahara, recalled Palacio. Few days later, the same challenge was reproduced in Panama to seize a vessel carrying Sahara phosphates. Except that the Panamanian justice refused the legal challenge, she noted.

The Panamanian court decision to let the vessel continue sailing was dictated by the diplomatic and political nature of the case, she explained, deploring that South African authorities maintain seizure of the ship carrying Moroccan phosphates to New Zealand.

The former Spanish minister denounced the tactics used by the Polisario to plea at civil courts of third countries in a bid to undermine Moroccos economic interests.

She pinpointed to the responsibility of Algeria, which has been called in Security Council Resolution 2351 as a party to the conflict. A solution to the Sahara issue cannot be found without the contribution of all parties- notably the Polisairo and Morocco- but also neighboring countries, especially Algeria, she made it clear.

Ana Palacio, who teaches at the Georgetown University, stressed the need for the international community to attach more attention to the Sahara issue on an equal footing with other territorial disputes in the Eastern China Sea or the Azeri-Armenian conflict on Nagorno Karabakh area.

In her article, she also laid bare Algerias propaganda campaigns against Morocco, saying that she visited the Saharas capital Laayoune last May, which she described as  a vibrant city. She explained that her visit to the Sahara aimed at examining the activities of the OCP (Moroccos state-owned phosphates company) upon recommendations from an international consultancy.

I realized that the OCP is a world-class producer with access to 70% of global phosphates reserves. The OCP operates in the Sahara through its subsidiary Phosboucraa, which represents only 8% of its turnover and nearly 1.6% of its revenues, she said.

This represents a very meagre 6% proportion of overall OCP turnover, contrary to the claims of Algeria and the adversaries of Moroccos territorial integrity who often accuse Morocco of plundering Saharan phosphates.

The Former Spanish Foreign Minister also highlighted the development efforts led by Morocco in the Sahara notably in terms of investments, infrastructure, training and agriculture, noting that Sahara phosphates revenues are invested in the region benefiting the Sharan population.
Leading Japanese car part maker, JTEKT, will set up a plant worth 15 million in Tangier, an investment that will further bolster the automotive ecosystem in the country.

The factory is scheduled to start producing car steering systems and drive parts in 2018, the Tanger-Med Port announced in a statement.

The plant, to be built on an area of 6.5 hectares at the Tangier Automative City Zone, will help meet the growing demands by car makers in the country, added the statement.

The manufacturing facility in Tangier named JTEKT AUTOMOTIVE MOROCCO S.A.S. will respond to the growth expectation of automobile industry in Morocco, the Japanese group said, adding that JAMO will start manufacturing of Electric Power Steering systems (EPS) to respond swiftly and adequately to the customer requirements in Morocco.

Moroccos proximity to the European market, modern infrastructures, free trade zones, qualified cheap manpower, open economy and stability have all contributed to making Morocco a regional car industry hub attracting investments by automotive giants such as Renault and Peugeot in addition to world class car part manufacturers.

The Tangier Renault plant, achieved for a total cost of 1.6 billion, started operating in 2012 and hit a production level of 345,000 cars in 2016 up from 229,000 cars in 2015. Today, 10% of total cars sold by Renault in the globe are made in Morocco, where 73% of production is exported to 73 countries, notably in Europe and the MENA region.

The expanding car industry sector in Morocco has attracted significant PSA Peugeot Citroen investment to build a production plant worth $632 million near Kenitra. Works have already started to build the plant, which is expected to be ready in 2019.

The factory will have an initial annual production capacity of 90,000 vehicles expected to rise to 200,000 as sales pick up. Most of the output will be exported to African markets.

The PSA Peugeot Citroen plant is further drawing car parts makers, such as Canadas Linamar, which announced its plan to build a factory destined to supply engine parts. Following suit, U.S. auto parts maker Delphi Corp. will also set up a new factory making electrical distribution systems and a research and development center in the North African kingdom.

Recently, Italian car part maker, Sogefi, announced the building of a plant to produce engine filters in Tangier for a total investment of 10 million.

The development of the automotive industry in the country will help the government create 90,000 jobs by 2020 in addition to the 100,000 that already exist. The government also aspires to increase the proportion of locally produced components in exported cars from 40% to 65% by the end of the decade.
Cardinal George Pell makes a statement at the Holy See press office, Vatican City, on June 29, 2017. Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images

Well into Pope Franciss pontificate, one of his closest aides, the third-highest official in the Catholic Church, Cardinal George Pell, has now been credibly accused of several acts of sexual assault, including one of rape. Australian police have concluded that the evidence they have is sufficient to move forward, even in cases that happened long ago. Yesterday, Pell was allowed to hold his own press conference at the Vatican to tell us that he spoke with the Pope only a few days ago about a campaign of character assassination against him: Im very grateful to the Holy Father for giving me this leave to return to Australia. The Popes spokesperson defended the Cardinal by saying that it is important to recall that Cardinal Pell has openly and repeatedly condemned as important and intolerable acts of abuse committed against minors. And, of course, we should respect a presumption of innocence before a trial on crimes of this magnitude and depravity.

But it all feels sickeningly familiar. And this denouement comes as absolutely no surprise to anyone who has been following the sex-abuse crisis in the church  including Cardinal Pells own behavior  for the last few decades. A cloud has hung over Pell since he was an Episcopal vicar in a parish in the 1970s that has been described as a pedophiles paradise and a childs nightmare. A full 15 years ago, Pell was accused of molesting a 12-year-old boy but when the church investigated, a retired Supreme Court justice found that there wasnt enough evidence, even though the victim appeared to be speaking honestly from actual recollection. A year later, Pope John Paul II made Pell a cardinal. Several new alleged victims spoke out in a book published only last month.

In 2015, Australias Channel 9 ran a 60 Minutes segment that can only be called horrifying. In it, one of Franciss own appointees to investigate sex abuse, Peter Saunders, described Pells record on sexual abuse as almost sociopathic. Pell had a catalogue of denials  a catalogue of denigrating people, of acting with callousness, Saunders said on camera. I would go as far to say that I consider him to be quite a dangerous individual. The report revealed a pattern of concealment of sex-abuse cases, callousness toward the victims, offers of pathetically small settlements, and testimony demonstrating that Pell moved around a pedophile priest for years who was later convicted of 138 counts of indecent assault and child sexual abuse. That priest, the notorious Gerald Ridsdale, even allegedly raped two of his own nephews. Who was his roommate and close friend in the 1970s? Who publicly accompanied him to his trial in a show of support? One George Pell  who has long insisted he hadnt a clue what his close friend was up to. In fact, Pell once accused the police and an Australian broadcaster of criminal conspiracy against him. As he did yesterday, he responded with outrage that anyone could ever even dream of such a thing.

The evidence is much less conclusive. It emerged, to take just one example, that Pell once told a victim that an internal church investigation had found no evidence of any crime against him, even though it was subsequently revealed that the investigation found the opposite to be true, and Pell knew it. And then there was the testimony of Ridsdales nephew, David, before the Royal Commission on sex abuse. Its hard to get it out of ones mind.

Under oath, David recalled how, between the ages of 11 and 15, his uncle repeatedly raped him. At one point, in desperation, he reached out to George Pell, a family friend. This is how he described the conversation: Nine a.m. on the 2nd February, 1993. I rang George from my home in Bentleigh. My partner at the time was sitting in the room when I made the call. I told George I had been abused by Gerald. His first reaction was, Oh, right. No shock, just a sense of underlying anger, David recalled. Pell then asked him what it would take to keep him silent. David responded: Excuse me, George, what the fuck are you talking about? Pells response, according to David: I want to know what it will take to keep you quiet, to which David said, Fuck you George, and everything you stand for, and hung up. David not only had his partner to witness this conversation, he told two of his sisters immediately about it.

Many historical cases of sex abuse of minors are hard to prove. But it seems to me that multiple accusations of cover-ups and molestations against a Catholic priest from the 1950s through the 1970s should at this point raise, ahem, red flags. Appalling abusers have advanced for years in the church, defending themselves as definitively as Pell has  only to be found guilty. The notorious case of the founder of the Legion of Christ, Marcial Maciel, comes to mind. Protected by Pope John Paul II, coddled by Benedict XVI, he was also defended by an array of theological arch-conservatives as a paragon of virtue. Thats why I find it hard to take seriously George Weigels National Review piece yesterday entitled The Persecution of Cardinal Pell. Weigel also defended Maciels pedophile cult after accusations first emerged.

It has not been easy being a Catholic in the 21st century. For a gay Catholic, it has been close to agony. It comes as no surprise, for example, that Pell has upheld, like Maciel, a highly conservative theology on sexuality  which was why he was so favored by John Paul II and Benedict XVI. He opposed the use of condoms to stop AIDS in Africa, refused to give communion to openly gay people, campaigned strenuously against marriage equality, and described the church sex-abuse scandal as not a function of minor abuse and cover-up but of allowing homosexuals to be priests (a ban on gay seminarians remains formally in place). In his own words: 80 percent of the abuse is with young boys. So I mean its obviously connected with the problem of homosexuality  Weve got to see that [homosexuality] is not tolerated amongst clergy and religious orders. To which I have to echo David Ridsdale: Fuck you, George, and everything you stand for.

What I cannot understand is why Pope Francis chose to advance this man under this cloud so high up the hierarchy. If Pell is found guilty, Francis will have advanced an accused abuser of children to the highest echelon in the Vatican. Far from cleaning the church of this evil, he will have contaminated it at its very apex. Thats why this case is indeed a watershed for Catholicism and Francis himself. If Francis can turn a blind eye to this, we can trust no one.

We were told that this Popes overriding theme was mercy. It would be a tragedy if the exception to this rule were to be any youngster whose life has been ruined, body violated, and soul raped by one of the Popes own right-hand men.

The polls remain dreadful for this joke of a president; the contradictions of Republicanism are being savagely exposed; the legislative agenda of an all-Republican government is careening. And yet I have the sinking feeling that the strategy were seeing from the resistance is defeating itself.

Some of this has to do with the usual Democratic mediocrity. Pelosi has no ability to project a coherent message; Schumer seems entirely reactive; and the base has fixed its sights on a Russian-collusion fantasy that may eventually be revealed as a vegan nothingburger. Can you imagine the victory tour Trump would have then? I just dont know why we cannot simply let Mueller get on with his job, keep our mouths shut for a while, and wait for whatever results.

But its the cultural symbolism that is the most damaging. Yes, I know, Fox News would be scouring the earth for morsels of loony-left excess whatever liberals did. But do they have to make Tucker Carlsons job so easy? Did you notice the role Kathy Griffin played in the recent Georgia special election? Congrats, too, to Johnny Depp for his equally insightful remarks at Glastonbury last week: When was the last time an actor assassinated a president? he asked, alluding to John Wilkes Booth. I want to clarify, I am not an actor. I lie for a living. However, it has been a while and maybe it is time.

And, look, Im a huge defender of experimental theater  but did Shakespeare in the Parks Julius Caesar have to be so crude? Credit also goes to the spoiled, cultish children of Evergreen State College whose racist intimidation of a progressive Jewish professor gave every Trump voter who might be feeling a small spasm of regret another reason to stick with their side. And an honorary mention to the lesbian group whose Dyke March in Chicago banned a rainbow flag with the Star of David on it  while hailing Muslim countries where gay people are lucky not to be lynched every day.

It doesnt help matters that violence is also now associated with resistance. Middleburys postmodern mob resonated with every anti-intellectual fiber among the Trumpians. Ditto Berkeleys. And it certainly doesnt help that the New York Times has now given Sarah Palin a genuine case for libel and CNN has all but handed Trump a Russian bouquet of actual fake news. I have little doubt, moreover, that Trump will prevail in the Supreme Court on his immigration ban  because the president, for good or ill, has extraordinary authority over immigration in the U.S. Constitution.

The lack of any magnanimity among the victors of the culture war was also one of Trumps aces last year. It took two decades to relentlessly persuade the American middle of the benefits of marriage equality  and now half of young evangelicals support those civil rights and support is at an all-time high. But when people who have never been engaged on transgender issues or met trans people have a visceral reaction to the idea of a girl with a dick in a high-school girls locker room, theyre suddenly hateful bigots? Please. Check your leftist privilege. And is it really necessary to coerce an evangelical baker to write a message on a cake that violates his conscience?

The excrescence in the White House is, I know, enough to make anyone lose self-control. But if resistance is going to work, it has to be disciplined. Too much is at stake to fumble this. Make an actual case on issues people care about, as the Labour Party did in Britain, surprising the world. Yes, expose his madness at every turn. But if he is going to become a cautionary experiment that America will never try again  as he must  its the middle of the country we have to persuade. And we wont do that by offending, alienating, and insulting them.

A short update on Trumps mental health. Im not entirely sure if the unraveling is intensifying or if there was anything raveled in the first place. But its important to keep stating the obvious. The great difficulty of living with someone who is seriously delusional is that you eventually acclimate to it, find yourself responding to it, and thereby eventually lose any solid sense of reality itself. So let me just say that there is something profoundly unhinged about someone who creates a fake Time magazine cover about himself, and has the photo framed and hanging in several of his properties, and, when this is revealed, refuses to say anything about it. Its a delusional, absurd form of pathological narcissism and deceit that should, in any sane country, lead to his removal from office. Its of a pattern with his completely psychotic statements about his inaugural crowds, Obamas alleged wiretapping, the various health-care plans he has no understanding of, the tweeting foreign policy that is fast destroying the credibility of his own secretary of State, the invention of intelligence about North Korea, and the simply whack-job, misogynistic attacks on Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough.

There is no precedent for this behavior in the Oval Office in American history, even in Nixons deranged final days. The case for impeachment seems to me, at this point, far less salient than the invocation of the 25th Amendment. If someone this unstable, this delusional, and this unwell cannot be removed from office, who can?

See you next Friday.
People in Berlin celebrate the vote to legalize gay marriage on June 30, 2017. Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

German lawmakers voted by a wide margin to legalize same-sex marriage on Friday, just a week after Chancellor Angela Merkel dropped her opposition to letting parliament consider the matter.

Gay couples in Germany have been allowed to enter into civil partnerships since 2001, but could not marry or jointly adopt children. The German parliament voted 393-226 to legalize same-sex marriage, and according to CNN, the bill is expected to pass in the Bundesrat, Germanys upper house, next week.

For years polls have shown most Germans support same-sex marriage, but Merkels party, the center-right Christian Democratic Union, was among those opposed to the issue. Recently, several left-leaning parties let it be known that they would not form a coalition with CDU after Septembers general election if it remained opposed to Ehe fur alle (marriage for all).

Merkel shifted her stance, saying on Monday at an event hosted by a womens magazine that shed like to see a vote on same-sex marriage that is a question of conscience, meaning members would not be pushed to vote along party lines. From there the vote was scheduled quickly, taking place on the last day before the summer recess, and the start of campaigning in the fall.

Merkel, the daughter of a Protestant pastor, said she voted against the bill. For me and the basic law, its about the marriage of a woman and a man. Thats why I voted against it, she said. I hope that the vote today shows not only the mutual respect for different opinions but that this also leads to more peace and social cohesion as well.

Martin Schulz, leader of the Social Democratic Party, one of the groups that pushed for legalization of same-sex marriage, tweeted that the vote meant progress is possible.

Progress is possible. As the 23rd country on earth, we now have marriage equality in Germany. I'm happy for all the married couples to-be.  Martin Schulz (@MartinSchulz) June 30, 2017

The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, and several other European nations have embraced marriage equality, including Spain, France, and the U.K.
The destroyed al-Nuri Mosque in the Old City of Mosul on June 29, 2017. Photo: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images

In the culmination of a siege that began last October, Iraqi government forces supported by a U.S.-led international coalition finally wrestled back the center of Mosul from the militant group Islamic State (ISIS) on Thursday, capturing the ruined Grand al-Nuri Mosque from which ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed the restoration of the caliphate three years ago, Reuters reports.

Driving home the significance of this symbolic victory, Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi declared ISISs so-called caliphate extinct, saying the capture of al-Nuri Mosque marks the end of the Daesh state of falsehood, using the Arabic acronym for ISIS. The group remains in control of a swath of territory the size of Belgium in Iraq and Syria, and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis remain under its draconian rule. However, ISIS has lost most of its territory in the past two years (this graphic from the BBC illustrates the progress Iraqi and Syrian forces have made in rolling back the jihadists conquests since January 2016) as well as its revenues from taxation, extortion, and black-market oil sales.

At the same time, in a separate campaign launched on June 6, Syrian militias backed by the U.S. have nearly completed the encirclement of Raqqa, ISISs Syrian capital. Although the battle to liberate Raqqa is just getting started, the coalitions commander, Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, told CBS News that coalition forces were in the first 25 or 30 percent of the campaign earlier in the week  besieging the 2,500 ISIS militants holed up in the city leaves them no choice but to surrender or fight to the death. Leaders of the group have reportedly been slipping out of the city, abandoning their soldiers to the siege.

Members of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service rest and regroup while advancing toward the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in the Old City of Mosul on June 29, 2017. Photo: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images

The loss of their Iraqi capital and the impending loss of their Syrian capital are major defeats for ISIS, both materially and symbolically, and raise hopes that ISIS will disappear from the map as a territorial pseudo-state within the year. Yet while this may be the beginning of the end for Baghdadis dream of reconstructing the caliphate, it is far too early to cheer ISISs demise.

The loss of its Iraqi and Syrian territories may be a huge setback for ISISs leadership and core members, but the group has expanded well beyond its base in the Islamic heartland, taking advantage of the proliferation of failed states and effectively ungoverned territory in the greater Muslim world. ISISs Libyan branch has been regrouping after losing ground there, the New York Times reported back in March, taking advantage of that countrys present state of anarchy and copious supply of guns and unemployed young men. In Afghanistan, it has won the allegiance of groups formerly loyal to the Taliban and is establishing itself in a remote, ungovernable area of the north, according to the Times. Opportunities abound to reestablish the caliphate somewhere else.

On top of the limitless supply of hiding spots and power vacuums for ISIS to occupy, precisely what makes this group unlike any previous threat is that it is an amorphous, asynchronous, decentralized, transnational movement that can survive indefinitely, in some form or another, anywhere you can find angry young Muslim men with internet access. Even if ISISs affiliates in Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Egypt, Yemen, Algeria, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, and the Caucasus are all wiped out on the ground, it wont take much work to get the band back together. Defeating its violent, nihilistic philosophy of Islamic chauvinist millenarianism will remain a much taller order.

And to that point, war-torn and traumatized places just like Mosul and Raqqa are exactly the kinds of milieus where militant groups like ISIS are born and bred. Though the cities are on the verge of liberation, the damage ISIS has done to these communities  death, destruction, torture, displacement, brainwashing, and so on  could take a generation to repair. If the people freed from ISISs grasp dont get some support for their shattered communities, economies, and collective mental health (and given the state of things in Syria and Iraq today, they probably wont), its not hard to imagine jihadist militancy making inroads there yet again.

Syria, in particular, remains extremely volatile. Even if ISIS is conclusively defeated there, which is by no means assured, the countrys six-year civil war will remain a multilateral stalemate with no end in sight. As Secretary of Defense James Mattis acknowledged on Monday, the complexity of the battlefield in northern Syria will only escalate if and when ISIS is driven out of Raqqa, as U.S.-backed Arab and Kurdish militias, Iranian-backed Shiite militias, Syrian government forces, and other Islamist insurgents squabble for territorial gains. If President Donald Trumps makes good on his ostensibly non-Pentagon-cleared threats to retaliate if and when the Assad regime uses chemical weapons again, the complexity and danger could be compounded. Perhaps thats why Congress is having second thoughts about letting this president retain unchecked power to wage war there under the 2001 authorization for use of military force.
Photo: David Turnley / Getty Images

*From the January 4, 1993 issue of New York Magazine.

BUSHS SOMALIA ADVENTURE

One of George Bushs final contributions to history will no doubt be his redefinition of the lame-duck presidency. Confounding the assumption that a sitting president who has lost an election is incapable of accomplishing anything during the eleven weeks between his defeat and the inauguration of his successor except pushing through a few last-minute judicial appointments, Bush has been working at a frenzied pace.

Hes pressing Russian president Boris Yeltsin to sign a START II treaty before Clintons inauguration. Hes collaborating with British prime minister John Major on efforts to enforce the ban against Serbian military flights over Bosnia. His aides have leaked the notion that he may even employ U.S. forces in the former Yugoslav republic. And, of course, American soldiers continue to arrive in Somalia, which Bush will visit at New Years.

Never before, in fact, has a lame-duck president initiated a military operation on such a scale in the waning days of his presidency, one that, despite Bushs initial hope of having the troops home by January 20, will continue well into the Clinton administration. That is not the only unprecedented feature of Operation Restore Hope. It has also been portrayed as the first truly selfless and humanitarian enterprise ever conducted by the American military. Morally, a failure to respond to massive human catastrophe like that in Somalia would scar the soul of our nation, Bush said in a mid-December speech at Texas A & M University.

The genuinely charitable impulse to do something about Somalia has tended to chill debate on Bushs plan, since anyone who dares criticize it exposes himself or herself to the charge of being heartless, barbarically indifferent to the images of starving people. But an argument can be made that the entire exercise is ill conceived and even somewhat cynical.

After all, the famine in Somalia has been going on for a year and a half now. Bush could have done something about it months ago. The State Departments Bureau of African Affairs, according to sources, has been urging action since last spring. If Bush had moved earlier, he could have saved some of the 300,000 Somalis who, according to the U.N., have died because of the famine.

Bushs aides have said that if he had intervened before the election, his motivation would have seemed political. It is only because the election is over, they argue, that the president has been free to act in such an altruistic fashion. What this explanation implies is that Bush did not want to go into Somalia before the election because such a step would have been perceived as a ploy to help him get re-electedthe much-anticipated October surprise. And had it been perceived as a ploy, it would actually have hurt his chances for re-election. In other words, Bush decided not to undertake a genuine humanitarian mission during the campaign because to do so would have made him appear cynical.

But much of the criticism Bush might have provoked would have existed in a framework constructed by Bush himself. It was Bush who declared he would do whatever it took to get re-elected, whose aides urged allies to discount as hyperbolic statements he made in the heat of the campaign, who essentially abdicated the presidency when he went into campaign mode after the Republican Convention. While he was in campaign mode, he indicated later, much of what he said and did was not to be taken seriously. Aware that we shouldnt trust him because he was merely trying to get re-elected, Bush felt he could not undertake anything that required our trust.

The distinction Bush has always made between campaigning and governing created a kind of political schizophrenia. Had he not been inhibited by it, Bush might have announced to the nation months ago that, although we were in the midst of an aggressively fought presidential election, Somalias suffering took precedence. He could have said that American troops were needed there immediately and that to avoid any appearance of political maneuvering, he would like to invite Bill Clinton to the White House to review the plans for Somalias rescue, making it a bi-partisan effort and ensuring continuity for the policy in the event Clinton was elected. Anticipating and defusing the criticism that intervention in Somalia was politically motivated could have been a political masterstroke, investing him with the stature he so obviously lacked during the fall campaign. And it would have put him back on his best terrainforeign policy.

Radicals on both the left and the right have criticized Operation Restore Hope for a variety of reasons. Bush is supposedly trying, before he steps down, to replace the image of himself as a nasty but incompetent campaigner with that of a noble statesman. The secret purpose of intervention, according to one preposterous anti-capitalist theory, is to create another market for American agricultural exports. The operation, others charge, is just an excuse to allow the Pentagonspecifically, the Marinesto display its value in the post-Cold War world at a time when Clinton is beginning to look for places to cut the federal budget. Finally, the rescue mission is seen as an attempt to divert attention from White House involvement in the search of Clintons passport files.

But others have argued that whatever its motives, the mission is still justified because it will save Somalis dying of hunger. The main problem in Somalia, however, is not a lack of food. It is the social chaos that prevents food from being distributed. U.N. Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali realizes this, which is why he has repeatedly urged Bush to order that Somalia be disarmed.

The White House has resisted such a difficult, controversial operation. It would doubtless be fiercely resisted by the Somali warlords and could lead to serious loss of American life. There is also the fear that using the military as an actual force rather than as a charitable, if armed, relief agency could result in a Vietnam-style quagmire. But the real problem in Somalia is not that American troops risk getting bogged down there. If things go badly, they will simply pull out, as the Marines did in Lebanon in 1984 after 220 of them were killed in a terrorist bombing.

The real problem is that, as the name of the exercise indicates, it is Operation Restore hope, not Operation Restore Order. And hope is often illusory. To appease Colin Powell and the Pentagon officials who have insisted on a precise mission with clearly defined goals, Bush agreed that the assignment for the troops would be to go in, distribute food to those who were starving, and then pull out when U.N. peacekeepers show up. But in his eagerness to give the military a goal it could accomplish without too much trouble, he ended up giving them oneand this is where the Vietnam analogy is relevantthat fails to deal with the political problems that made military intervention necessary in the first place.

Bush was probably correct in believing that armed intervention in Somalia had to be led by the United States. But this only highlights the predicament. The U.N. is short of funds, overextended, and has never successfully stopped warfare on its own, as opposed to keeping a peace brokered by others.

Television footage of U.S. soldiers passing out food will no doubt enable Bush to leave office on a positive note; a Wall Street Journal poll already shows his approval ratings rising. U.S. envoy Robert Oakley has an ambitious if arguably naive plan to negotiate peace among the warring clans and rebuild the countrys police force and infrastructure. But even now in some Somali towns, once the soldiers distribute the food and pull out, the bandits simply re-emerge. When the futility of this process becomes apparent to everyone a few months from now, it will be up to Clinton to make the difficult decision about whether the soldiers should take the dangerous and sure-to-be-unpopular step of actually disarming the country or simply return home without solving the problems that caused the famine.
Donald Trump and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Photo: George Frey/Getty Images

One of the oddities of the investigation into Donald Trumps relations with Russia is the degree to which he has largely enjoyed a presumption of innocence in the court of public opinion. David Brooks, who has hardly taken a sympathetic line on the administration, wrote recently, it is striking how little evidence there is that any underlying crime occurred  that there was any actual collusion between the Donald Trump campaign and the Russians. Mike Allen observed, if Trump had kept Comey and stopped obsessing about his investigation, his legal troubles might have blown over: No evidence of collusion has emerged.

That line of defense is likely to disappear now that The Wall Street Journal has reported that Peter Smith, a Republican opposition researcher who said he was working for Michael Flynn, colluded with Russian hackers to try to obtain stolen emails from Hillary Clinton. The Journal reports that Smith referred to conversations with Flynn in emails with associates, and that U.S. intelligence has evidence of Russian hackers discussing how to obtain emails from Mrs. Clintons server and then transmit them to Mr. Flynn via an intermediary. The Trump defense does not inspire a lot of confidence. A Trump campaign official said that Mr. Smith didnt work for the campaign, reports the Journal, and that if Mr. Flynn coordinated with him in any way, it would have been in his capacity as a private individual. Obtaining hacked information from Russia for the campaign as a campaign staffer versus doing it as a private individual is a distinction without much difference.

Of course, the notion that there was no evidence of collusion before the Journal report has always been based on a tight definition of what constitutes evidence. It requires assuming that Trumps on-camera request for Russia to hack Clintons emails during the campaign was a joke and that his confidante Roger Stone obtained advance knowledge of the timing of the WikiLeaks publication without any contact from Russia.

This is also not the first evidence of collusion between Russia and other Republican officials in the 2016 campaign. A relatively little-noticed Journal report from May found that Aaron Nevins, a Florida Republican operative, sought and received stolen Democratic voter-turnout files from Guccifer 2.0, a hacker believed by U.S. intelligence to be working for Russia. Whats new is that explicit evidence of collusion may now extend to the Trump campaign itself.

To be sure, the collusion story could still peter out. But Trump collected an inner circle of people whose most striking characteristic was anomalously close relations with Moscow. Before taking a job as Trumps campaign director, Paul Manafort was paid $17 million by a Ukrainian party controlled by Moscow to run a pro-Russian political influence campaign. Foreign-policy adviser Carter Page has worked with a Russian oil firm, fervently defended Russian policy interests in a way very few Americans have, and was targeted for recruitment by Russian spies. Plus, of course, Flynn  for whom Smith allegedly sought the hacked emails  was paid $68,000 by Russian entities that he illegally failed to disclose.

Trump himself has refused to disclose his tax returns, but his son once boasted, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets, and Trump has worked closely with Russian gangsters. (Timothy OBrien reported last week on Trumps shady Russian mob-linked business associates.)

The other oddity is how little effort Trump has made to dispel the impression that he sees Russia as a partner. After the Senate passed a bill to cement into place sanctions against Russia, by a 972 vote, Trump lobbied the House to stymie or weaken the measure. Julian Borger in The Guardian reports today that Trump has told White House aides to come up with possible concessions to offer as bargaining chips in his planned meeting next week with Vladimir Putin, according to two former officials familiar with the preparations.

That is odd, isnt it? Trump normally relies on aggressive negotiation and unrequited demands, and holds special disdain for giving anything of value without winning something in return. If The Guardian report is true, it is odd that he would break from this practice with Russia. Unless he believed Russia had some other leverage.
People protest in Manhattan on June 29 hours before the revised travel ban goes into effect. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

As of 8 p.m. ET on Thursday night, President Trump was finally allowed to reenact his travel ban and continue pursuing his goal of providing additional scrutiny to people from six Muslim-majority nations because the conditions in these countries present heightened threats, as stated in his March executive order. Or rather, Trump was allowed to enact a heavily modified version of the March directive, which itself was a watered-down version of a January executive order.

Though Trumps campaign-trail promise for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the U.S. keeps getting less and less drastic, people were still riled by the ban on certain visitors from Libya, Syria, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan for the next 90 days, and most refugees for 120 days. One particular point of contention was the administrations seemingly arbitrary rules on who counts as a sufficiently close family member. The guidelines issued by the State Department on Wednesday state:

Close family is defined as a parent (including parent-in-law), spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sibling, whether whole or half. This includes step relationships. Close family does not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-laws and sisters-in-law, fiances, and any other extended family members.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert defended the new rules on Thursday, saying they assure Americans that they wont be harmed by foreigners entering the country.

The American public could have legitimate concerns about their safety when we open our doors, she said, and we open our doors to people who go through proper screening measures and who want to be here and be productive members of society.

But theres bad news for those Americans who slept a little easier on Thursday night thinking that they were no longer under threat from Iranian fiances. A short time after the ban went into effect, the betrothed were moved to the yes list. Upon further review, fiance will now be included as close family members, a State Department official said in a statement. They did not explain how they came to the last-minute realization that fiances arent a top safety concern.

The Supreme Court put the Trump administration in the awkward position of grading familial relationships when it ruled on Monday that the travel ban could be partially enacted while we await the courts final ruling in the fall. However, the justices said the injunctions put in place by lower courts would only be lifted for foreign nationals who lack any bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.

Trump administration officials said they took their definition of close family members from the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. But they acknowledged that they added some relations that arent included in the statue, like in-laws. Why? Because one of the plaintiffs in the case that led to a federal judge in Hawaii blocking the travel ban wants his Syrian mother-in-law to be able to visit. In Mondays ruling, the Supreme Court specifically said that she counts as a foreigner who has a bona fide relationship with an American.

Late on Thursday, the state of Hawaii filed an emergency motion asking the same judge who blocked the travel ban in March to issue an order clarifying that the Trump administration cant proclaim that relatives such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles dont count as bona fide relations.

The Government does not have discretion to ignore the Courts injunction as it sees fit, the motion said. The State of Hawaii is entitled to the enforcement of the injunction that it has successfully defended, in large part, up to the Supreme Court  one that protects the States residents and their loved ones from an illegal and unconstitutional Executive Order.

Another rule thats expected to generate legal action is the Trump administrations claim that refugees who have longstanding ties to refugee placement agencies in the U.S. do not have a bona fide relationship with a U.S. entity  despite the fact that the Supreme Court said something as flimsy as an invitation to speak at a U.S. university should allow a foreigner to bypass the travel ban.

The U.S. government is once again unfairly changing the rules on refugees who, after fleeing for their lives, are now struggling to eat and to stay alive while they try to follow those rules, Mark Hetfield, president and chief executive of the resettlement agency HIAS told the New York Times.

Despite these concerns, compared to the massive airport protests sparked by the original ban, the reaction on Thursday was muted. Hundreds protested in New Yorks Union Square, but airports across the country only drew immigration attorneys offering free legal advice, and a smattering of demonstrators.

NYC protest against the #MuslimBan has left union square and is marching up Broadway pic.twitter.com/crvBFCGzCY  Elizabeth Angell (@kitabet) June 29, 2017

Right Now: A table of Immigration Attorneys on stand by at Logan Airport.. as the partial travel ban kicks in. #wcvb pic.twitter.com/f01qp6GbPU  Mary Saladna (@MaryWCVB) June 30, 2017

The scene from @Dulles_Airport after the reinstatement of the travel ban. @DullesJustice says it's here to help anyone in need. (@wusa9) pic.twitter.com/61xTnCZ5tk  John Henry (@JohnHenryWUSA) June 30, 2017
Photo: MTV

Yesterday afternoon, putting on a brave face, the online arm of MTV News announced that it would be pivoting to video. Pivoting to video has become a business strategy for digital publishers common enough in recent months to be a kind of cliche  a slick way to describe something else: layoffs. If your business is video, after all, anyone unfamiliar with Final Cut or Adobe Premiere will be left out in the cold. Such was the case for MTV News, where a number of writers and editors  the same ones whose hiring from sites like Grantland and Rolling Stone had been announced with fanfare by MTV just last year  announced yesterday on Twitter that they had been laid off.

What does pivoting to video even mean? Pivot is a bit of Silicon Valley jargon  its what companies do when their original business plans are failing and they need to change strategy entirely without saying, Our original business plan is failing and we need to change strategy entirely. (Instagram famously pivoted from a check-in app to the filter-happy social network we know today.) Video means just that: more videos, less text. Pivoting to video for media companies means, usually, allocating resources away from written journalism and toward the scripting, filming, editing, and publishing of videos.

The shift toward video began a few years ago, when Facebook changed its News Feed ranking system to weigh videos more heavily than links to outside articles. In other words, a video about the Republican health-care bill has a better chance of showing up in your News Feed than a link to a news article about the Republican health-care bill does. News publishers like Facebook because thats the best place to find an audience; Facebook likes videos because they keep people on Facebook, and because people spend a lot of time watching them.

You know who else likes video? Advertisers. Brands prefer to buy ads against video content than text, the thinking being that consumers are more likely to sit down and pay attention to an ad when it precedes a video they want to watch than they would be if the ad simply appears next to an article theyre reading. All of which is to say: When the companies holding the purse strings suggest that your company starts doing more video content, its only natural to acquiesce, at least a little. Especially since you can charge a higher rate for video, and distribute some of that extra money around the company. (On top of all this, making TV-like content can attract sizable, stabilizing investments from companies like Comcast and Disney and Facebook.) For this reason, most digital-media operations have some video strategy up and running, New York included. More eyeballs presumably means more opportunities to sell ads.

But adding a video department to a healthy written-journalism business is a very different thing from pivoting to video by laying off reporters and editors. The growing pile of editorial corpses generated by the horror stories of MTV, Mashable, and Vocativ (two other companies that have pivoted to video alongside significant editorial restructuring in recent years) has helped shape the ever-present anxiety of people working in journalism, and turned video into a kind of pejorative for the media Twitter set.

The problem is that its not really clear that the lesson to take away from MTV News sudden demise is that written journalism is on its way out and video is on its way in. That didnt stop some people from trying: Last night, one writer, touting his dozen years of experience, declared that nobody wanted to read anything longer than 1,000 words (he got a bit of grief for the stance). Anyone whos seen a traffic report from a healthy digital publisher can tell you how wrong that is in general, and maybe even specifically at MTV. And anyway, much of its best writing came in sub-1,000-word packages, which were smart, taut, and efficient without overstaying their welcome. There may be a lesson in the loud, public fetishization of longform content, which might mislead detractors into imagining that all you produce is lengthy, pretentious essays.

Rather, the lesson of MTV News and its similarly pivoted peers may simply be that profit-seeking start-ups and enormous publicly traded conglomerates like Viacom, which owns MTV, are poor patrons of ambitious, sophisticated, politically driven journalism. More than once over the last year, MTV News became the target of aggressive complaint campaigns from conservatives offended by its content (ironically, the largest controversy came over a video). This headache  and the additional headache of an organizing campaign that saw employees unionize earlier this year  was probably not winning to Viacom executives wondering why their investment was not monetizing as quickly or efficiently as their cable holdings.

This isnt to blame MTV News writers for attempting to assert basic workplace protections, or for voicing their political opinions. But Viacom as a whole is not known as a locus of journalistic integrity or political commitment. Pivoting to video might be, in this case, exactly as cynical as you might imagine, but it can also seem odd to expect anything better.
I hate the off-the-shoulder trend.



The girls look good, as always, but their stylists have made their outfits so interchangeable, that they never stand out to me. They're not memorable.

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that was so stiff and awkward.

they seem lovely and playing with fire is a bop but all the rest of their songs are not my taste and overhyped like them.



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They're all so pretty.

Rose has become my favorite.

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miss jennie looking like she'd rather be anywhere else lmao

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i need them to come to my area

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kpop debuts in Japan are so mediocre and half-ass like literally no effort atleast before they would pretend to try with a few Japanese b-sides or album tracks



but TWICE debut is the laziest effort I have seen yet, I doubt BlackPink will be different

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I figured Twice was going the same route as 2PM did when they debuted in Japan: Release a "best" album, hold a showcase, and then an original Japanese single will be out in a couple months.

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i used to care about jpop songs from korean groups i didn't even stan but yeah nowawadays these groups don't even try



looking forward to when twice release an original jpn song

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Wut. It hasn't even been a year since their debut debut yet. They haven't had a full Korean album or tour....or really done all that much. I like them a lot but...freaking YG

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lisa is soooo cute

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I do love their music, but BOOMBYAH is so hard for me to listen to whenever the yelling part comes on. It's just so racist and makes me cringe every time. If they took that part out of the song, it'd be golden. And the fact they even added that part to their dance in the video just pisses me off even more.



Also, Jonghyun makes the best reaction faces after Suho tbh. Kpop idols are now most of my reaction gifs.



Edited at 2017-06-30 12:55 am (UTC)

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Do you mean the parts in between where they say 'Boombayah'? (if that makes sense lol) Because I heard that song for the first time the other day and parts of it definitely seemed racist, but I was confused as to why there didn't seem to be much backlash about it.

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No, it's the 'woo' parts where they use their hands on their mouth to imitate the sound.

or maybe it's like you mentioned idk I only listened to the song once lol



Edited at 2017-06-30 03:26 am (UTC)

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BOOMBAYAH SOON IN YOUR AREA!!



I still hate that intro video so muuuch ughh





Edited at 2017-06-30 01:51 am (UTC)

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jjooooooooooooooooooooong



I wonder why YG seemingly quit doing Japanese releases for their groups? Like Bigbang put out some fuckin bops in the Japanese market but I guess maybe the company got lazy at some point and figured why bother. I don't think Ikon's even put out any Japanese versions of their songs despite having spent half their life there

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Isn't The Japanese govt actively making it difficult for Korean entertainment to have any leg there as well? It might be too big of a risk

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China is because of THAAD; Japan I don't know. There was some uproar recently about Japan making it more difficult to export their own media, but idk about importing acts from other countries.



To me how Japan vs. Korea has handled the exportation of their entertainment and the impact it's had on culture is really interesting. Like I know they're different in that Japan doesn't really need to care about international markets because their domestic one is so strong but it seems like they want to make Cool Japan more of a thing again since the olympics are coming up but Hallyu has kind of stolen their thunder.

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I'm laughing at the thought that US artists have to train in the language of the country/market in which they'd like to penetrate. Our pop stars are so fucking lazy

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They really are

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right?? fuck, bieber can't even bother to remember the spanish lyrics in ONE song.

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I don't understand how can people listen to BoomBayah. That song is so disappointingly racist.

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I was literally talking about them to my husband 20 minutes ago. He liked Boombayah but every time he hears it he cringes at the yelling part.



Their styling is so boring, they're super interchangeable and there's nothing special about their look either. Their latest song is a really good example because it's like someone took 4 girls who dressed up for a 2NE1 concert and put them on the set of an actual 2NE1 video.



I think about the styling for videos like I AM THE BEST or I Love You and it makes these girls look like someone gave them a secured credit card to use at Forever 21.

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the sad part is, it IS like that.

one of the producers mentioned how he was glad the song made it out cause it was previously for 2ne1.

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I saw that tweet, but even if he hadn't all but confirmed it's a 2NE1 reject, it sounds really dated like something they would have done in 2010. Listening to it, all I can think is, "There's Bom's part, there's Minzy's..."



I really loved 2NE1 and was hoping BP would fill that void for me because 4minute went bust too, but they don't do anything for me. It's like Pops YG went, "Okay let's pick four trainees that can sing 2NE1's parts so we can use our backlog of their rejects without having to do new arrangements!" It's such a disservice to the girls and their hard work for him to shoehorn them into a 2NE1 mold rather than let them be their own thing entirely.

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IA "whistle" made me hopeful





EXID would do well in Japan. But then again South Korea sleeping on them

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This is such an accurate read.



Especially because they also try so hard to sound like how 2NE1 used to vocalize.

And expectedly they seem even more devoid of personality than 2NE1 were (who lets be honest, outside of Dara had no variety or MC-ing skills).

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HONOLULU (AP) -- Hawaii files court challenge to Trump administration's definition of close U.S. relationship needed to avoid travel ban.  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 30, 2017



California Sec. of State: "I will not provide sensitive voter information" requested by the Trump Elections Commission. pic.twitter.com/a68GdbdMIK  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 29, 2017



VA Gov. Terry McAuliffe says Virginia will not provide the voter info requested by the Trump Commission. pic.twitter.com/xF7jITiOdm  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 29, 2017





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yay hawaii! and i know my wack ass shitbag gov abbot would allow this big brother-russia shit

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Oh hell, Abbott...Patrick...Paxton....not many people in the Texas lege that aren't total fuckwits.

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Fuckin Abbott

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Hawaii and Cali remain superior

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TY for protecting us Californians, Alex Padilla!

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Both statements about the voter info are great but I particularly liked Virginia's line, "The only irregularity in the 2016 presidential election centered around Russian tampering.." haha. I am a little confused though because I did think that a lot of that info was publicly available - campaigns I've worked on have lists of names with party registration, how many times they've voted, etc. Are states effectively just saying they're not wasting time/complying in putting that shit together for them?

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Yay at 3 of my states representing!!!! If New Jersey steps up then that will be all the states I've lived in.

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i am quite pleased to have been a hawaii and california resident in my lifetime

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apparently when they were on good terms conald offered to host their wedding at the white house or mar-a-lago?



the country is a mess

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Sadly him shutting the fuck up and actually doing a decent job as commander in chief would be waaayyy more shocking than anything agent orange does nowadays

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I want to punch him

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everyday it seems like Trump is like

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Pretty much.



Did anyone see that batshit insane NRA ad going around? Fucking bonkers.

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that ad made me sick to my stomach

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one of the most under-reported stories is how many more civilians are being killed by US airstrikes under him so this is accurate

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lmao this is scarily accurate

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THIS IS PERFECT

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This sniveling little fuckface. I had to amuse myself for several minutes today thinking about how people will surely vandalize his grave when he's dead.

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I keep thinking about all the people who die young, yet this assface is 71 and still spreading his evil across the world.

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His shitty tweets are well timed to cover up the bigger story.

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i doubt it's on purpose, he's incapable of basic coherent thinking, let alone 4D chess strategy

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nothing matters anymore

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This. It's so damn depressing.

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And I don't think there is recovering any respect or dignity after this. If he's not impeached its 4 years of this. I have to stop myself from thinking about it sometimes.

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I'm a Brit and even I feel like this, can't imagine how it feels to be American.

I can't believe it's only 6 months in!

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i stopped caring. what for? i can't do anything.

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what an embarrassment. i'm still in such disbelief that this, THIS, is what amounts to the leader of the usa.

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it's all a dream and we're going to wake up right? RIGHT?

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This is me everyday.

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i cant believe this is the reality we ended up in out of the infinite multiverse

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Satan and the Grim Reaper need to cash that final Trump Check. Ether his ass!

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I mean, come on. Can't one of the cooks at the WH do some vigilante justice and put antifreeze in his drink or even some strychnine on his burger or something?



*cough* not that I'm suggesting or anything...

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I read that as "enter his ass!" lmao D:

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mte!!! give us the deets Patricia!

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Lol pretty much....

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omg lmao

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nnnn

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Lol was that Spicey's comment about how the Nazis didn't even use chemical weapons?

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This is one of my favorite gifs.

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i know its been every segment

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Rick Scott and Co are shitty human beings

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Then I'd be stuck in Trumpland without any blue states to balance us out! :(

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resistance spy tbh.

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Cascadia would welcome you with open arms!

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well the nra want a civil war going by their latest terrorist propaganda video

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it's time California broke off from the rest of this country tbhhhh.



Edited at 2017-06-30 01:18 am (UTC)

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ever since this election i've really come to support hawaiian sovereignty

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Oil prices are rallying as speculators close out short bets, but as Libya continues to bring production back online, it is unclear how solid these gains are.

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Friday, June 30, 2017

Oil prices posted strong gains this week, largely from speculators closing out short bets. Hedge fund and other money managers had built up a record volume of bearish bets on crude over the past month, and it appears that a liquidation of them has driven crude prices higher. The big question is whether or not that gains will continue. Dennis Gartman of The Gartman Letter told CNBC that the latest rally is a dead cat bounce that wont last. But others are hoping that the recent selloff went too far and that the gains are here to stay.

EIA figures show drop off in production. The weekly EIA data provided a huge boost to the morale of oil bulls this week, showing a massive drop in U.S. oil production by 100,000 bpd. To be sure, the release is one data point, and should be taken with a grain of salt. But if the EIA posts successive production declines in the weeks ahead, it would go a long way to easing the fear among oil traders. The production decline allowed traders to look past the lack of an inventory drawdown  oil prices moved up on the news.

Goldman slashes oil price forecast by $7.50 per barrel. This week, Goldman Sachs lowered its three-month estimate for WTI prices from $55 per barrel to $47.50, citing higher production from Libya and Nigeria, as well as the ramp up in U.S. shale drilling. Nonetheless, the investment bank says that the oil market is still moving towards balance, even if slowly. Inventories are falling, demand is rising, and OPEC could do more to cut  and Goldman says it should. Related: Will Central Banks Derail The Shale Boom?

Asian demand to pick up. Reuters reports that low prices are likely to lead to higher crude purchases from Asia. Oil has piled up in the Atlantic Basin, leading to fears of too much supply, but lower prices will spark greater demand. It is a small sign that things might not be as bad as they seem.

Libyan production approaches 1 million barrels per day. Libyas output has broken a new multi-year high, rising above 950,000 bpd, according to Reuters. Thats up from 935,000 bpd last week. A Libyan source told Reuters that production is fluctuating and coming close to 1 million barrels per day. Rising Libyan output is undermining the effectiveness of the OPEC deal.

Keystone XL no longer needed. The Wall Street Journal reports that TransCanada (NYSE: TRP) is having trouble finding customers for the capacity in its proposed Keystone XL pipeline. TransCanada has already spent $3 billion on materials, land rights and legal fees, with little to show for it. The support from the Trump administration may not matter if it cant ink deals with customers. The 830,000 barrel-per-day pipeline would cost $8 billion and TransCanada says it wants to secure sales for 90 percent of the pipelines capacity before it moves forward. But refiners along the Gulf Coast are not as desperate for high-cost Canadian crude anymore, particularly since the U.S. is awash in oil. Still, TransCanada says it is still confident it can find buyers.

BHP Billiton admits $20 billion shale bet was a mistake. BHPs (NYSE: BHP) chairman said that the $20 billion that the company spent on U.S. shale in 2011 was a bad move. "In terms of shale, if you had to turn the clock back, and if you knew what we knew today, you wouldnt do it," BHPs Jacques Nasser said. "The timing was way off." The mining giant has been under pressure to review its oil and gas holdings, which critics say has bled the company of around $40 billion in shareholder value. We acknowledge that the acquisitions that took us into this business were poorly timed, that we paid too high a price, and that early on the very rapid pace of development was not optimal, BHPs CEO Andrew Mackenzie said on a call last month. It was too quick. And weve learned that lesson.

Imbalance between heavy and light oil markets. OPEC produces a heavier and sourer form of oil while the U.S., Libya and Nigeria produce lighter and sweeter varieties. This difference is leading to tighter supply conditions in the medium sour market while a glut persists in the light sweet market, according to S&P Global Platts. The disparity presents a dilemma for OPEC. Deeper cuts will tighten the medium sour market further, but it would have a diminished effect on global oil prices, which are more closely linked to light oil. Also, global refiners are switching to lighter forms of oil to take advantage of abundant supply, meaning that OPEC risks losing more customers if it makes deeper cuts. Related: Only $60 Oil Can Save The Aramco IPO

North Sea drilling activity is depressed. According to Wood Group, a UK-based oilfield services company, work in the North Sea is drying up with little hope for a rebound. The company reported a significant drop off in projects as the North Sea is a high-cost area for oil production and the prospects for any improvement in that are very limited.

BP writes off $750 million in Angola assets. BP (NYSE: BP) said on Thursday that it will write off $750 million worth of assets in Angola as part of its second quarter figures due to poor exploration results. BP said it would give up its 50 percent stake in a gas discovery.

ISIS on verge of defeat in Mosul. Iraqi and U.S. officials said that ISIS is being driven out of Mosul and is nearly defeated in the whole of Iraq. Security forces recently took control of a mosque where ISIS initially proclaimed a caliphate back in 2014. We are seeing the end of the fake Daesh state, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Twitter, referring to ISIS. The liberation of Mosul proves that. We will not relent. The news is positive for Iraqs stability in the durability of its oil production levels.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

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While all eyes are riveted on how much U.S. shale output is undermining OPECs production cuts and any oil price gains, other non-OPEC producers are also increasing crude production, and most importantlyexports. Rising supply from non-OPEC countries other than the U.S. adds yet another headache to the cartel as it continues to try (with little success so far) to kill the glut and lift the price of oil.

One of those non-OPEC deal producers is Brazil, which is not only growing its production, but is also seeing a surge in crude oil exports.

South Americas biggest economy is trying to emerge from a two-year recessionthe worst in its history. Falling commodity prices and a series of corruption and political scandalsincluding a scandal at state oil firm Petrobrashas crippled the economy and undermined investor confidence in the past few years.

Brazils worst recession on record has led to a slump in domestic oil and fuel demand, and a rise in crude oil exports. Moreover, the country is trying to lure international oil companies to its offshore pre-salt fields with amended legislation, and is launching new projects and tenders. Analysts and international agenciesas well as OPEC itselfsee Brazil as one of the biggest contributors to growing non-OPEC supply this year, albeit at a distant second or third behind U.S. shale.

Brazils oil exports jumped by 94 percent on the year in February this year, beating the previous record from January. In the first quarter of 2017, oil exports jumped by 56 percent compared to the same period last year.

The Q1 2017 surge in Brazils oil exports came after state-controlled Petrobras reported a 6 percent rise in exports and a 30 percent decline in imports for 2016, moving it into net exporter territory. In Q4 2016, Petrobras oil product production in Brazil dropped 3 percent to 1.8 million bpd. Domestic oil product sales decreased 4 percent to 2.0 million bpd, while oil and oil product exports jumped by 13 percent to 634,000 bpd, Petrobras said. Related: Shale Rebound Runs Out Of Steam At $40 Oil

In Q1 2017, Petrobras oil and oil product exports soared 72 percent compared to Q1 2016.

Wood Mackenzie has estimated that Brazilian exports this year will rise to almost 1 million bpd, compared to 798,000 bpd last year.



While exports could improve Brazils foreign trade balance, this is bad news for OPEC, which is trying desperately, and so far not very efficiently, to draw down the global oversupply and prop up oil prices.

Brazil becoming a relevant exporter is complicating OPECs efforts to control prices through supply cuts, former oil regulator Helder Queiroz, a scholar at Rio de Janeiro Federal University, told Bloomberg by telephone.

OPECs latest Monthly Oil Market Report estimated that non-OPEC oil supply in the second half of this year will increase by 500,000 bpd compared to the first half, to average 58.4 million bpd. The U.S. is the main driver behind this higher growth, contributing 760,000 bpd, followed by Brazil and Canada with 120,000 bpd and 60,000 bpd, respectively. On a country-by-country basis, the main contributors to growth in 2017 are expected to be the U.S. with 0.80 mb/d, Canada with 0.26 mb/d, Brazil with 0.21 mb/d and Kazakhstan with 0.13 mb/d, OPEC said.

The June Oil Market Report by the IEA said that Non-OPEC output is seen rising by 660 kb/d this year, a slight upward revision from last month's Report. In 2018, growth will accelerate to 1.5 mb/d, driven by strong U.S. crude production and further gains from Brazil and Canada.

In projections for oil supply until 2022, the IEA expects the countries other than the U.S. with significant growth to be Brazil, Canada, and Kazakhstan, which will see their cumulative output rising 2.2 mb/d by 2022, reaping the rewards of investment decisions taken before oil prices declined. Related: $30 Oil Could Spark Contagion In Energy Markets

Moreover, Brazils pre-salt basin is adding new production, with international oil and gas majors participating in the consortia developing the fields.

The hot oil plays will be U.S. tight oil (the Permian Basin again to the fore) and Brazil pre-salt, both of which have materiality and among the lowest development breakevens globally, Wood Mackenzie said at the beginning of this year in its 2017 global upstream outlook.

Analysts concur that Brazils crude oil production will increase over the next few years. In the short term, Brazilian exports and outputcoupled with U.S. shale and Canada gainsis offsetting a large part of the OPEC cuts.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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A weaker dollar and lower U.S. crude oil production for last week are pushing oil prices up this week to their seventh consecutive trading session in the black, but crude prices have dropped by double digits since the beginning of the year and are set to record their worst first-half performance since the first half of 1998.

At 7:57am EDT on Friday, WTI Crude was trading up 0.73 percent at US$45.26, while Brent Crude was up 0.59 percent to US$47.91.

Since OPEC decided last November to act as the market regulator by drawing down the glut, oil prices enjoyed a good run until around the end of the first quarter this year. But then, the market and investors started growing increasingly concerned that the market was not balancing fast enough and that OPECs production cuts might not be able to kill the glut by the middle of this year.

Seeing that the production cut policy needed more time to translate into significant reduction in oversupply, OPEC decided to extend the cuts into March 2018. The oil market, however, had already priced in that extension and didnt buy OPECs charm that it is doing whatever it takes to reduce the glut.

U.S. shale output has been rising faster than most expectations, OPEC producers Libya and Nigeriaexempt from the cutshave started growing their respective crude outputs, and additional supply is coming from non-OPEC Brazil and Canada. Fears that rising supply elsewhere is effectively blunting the cartels cuts returned to the market and prices dipped, most notably in the middle of last week, when they hit a ten-month low.

Since then, oil prices have been on a seven-day winning streak, and this week they are putting an end to a fifth consecutive losing week.

This week oil prices have been up on a weaker dollar and the EIA data that U.S. weekly crude oil production dropped to 9.250 million bpd in the week to June 23, from 9.350 million bpd the previous week. Related: The Downturn Is Over, But U.S. Oil Companies Face A Huge Problem

The strength is driven by the weak dollar but in light of the rising Libyan production it will be temporary, Tamas Varga, analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil Associates, told Reuters.

Still, the price of oil is set to end a rather grim first half. So far this year, Brent prices have dropped by 16 percent, the worst since 1998, when the price of Brent declined 19 percent in the first half.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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In a bid to modernize environmental assessment and regulatory processes and regain public trust in agencies, Canada is proposing to establish a single government agency responsible for assessments of federally designated projects, a move that could potentially help calm protests that have been stalling major energy projects.

Now Canada has three major federal regulatory bodies that are involved in environmental assessments of projects: the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, the National Energy Board, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

This is all about rebuilding public trust in how we make decisions on major projects that are important to our economy, an official told Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

According to the official, Canada is mulling over empowering the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency with the overall responsibility to review the projects, while the government will have the final say in deciding if a project will go through.

Canadas Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, said in the government discussion paper and call for inputs:

The environment and economy go hand in hand. Thats why our government will deliver environmental assessment and regulatory processes that regain public trust, protect the environment, support reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and ensure good projects go ahead that get resources to market sustainably.



Related: The Downturn Is Over, But U.S. Oil Companies Face A Huge Problem

According to British Columbias oldest public interest environmental law organization, West Coast Environmental Law, The government has fallen short of the next-generation assessment principles agreed to by environmental assessment experts, Indigenous peoples, environmental groups and the general public across the country.

Instead, the government has proposed maintaining the status quo of politicized decisions made behind closed doors, decisions that would allow short-term economic gains to trump human and environmental health, Staff Counsel Anna Johnston said in the press release.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The oil tanker loaded with crude from Kurdistan and thought to be headed to the U.S. before it turned off its tracker after exiting the Strait of Gibraltar a week ago has reappeared 300 miles off Halifax, or around 600 miles from Boston, the FT reported on Friday, citing satellite ship tracking data.



The tanker Neverland was thought to be headed for the United States, further buttressing the semiautonomous regions economic independence as Erbil prepares for a referendum on political independence later this year. An estimated 650,000 barrels of oil, mostly extracted from the Kirkuk field located in Kurdistan, departed the Mediterranean Sea on June 20th, according to Bloomberg data. The oil tankers route indicated a dash towards the American East coast, after a three-year hiatuscaused by a dispute with Baghdad over Washingtons true loyaltieshad ended the transatlantic shipments.

For more than a week no signal was detected from the oil tanker, but now its appearance off the North American coast could potentially urge Iraqs central government to challenge in North American courts the oil sales of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan.

Kurdistans Minister of Natural Resources Ashti Hawrami said on Thursday that Kurdistan had been assured by the buyers of its crude oil that the oil was not headed to the U.S. Hawrami spoke to Reuters just days after the central Iraqi government said it would challenge the legal validity of Kurdish oil exports to the U.S. in American courts in a renewed tension between Baghdad and Erbil over crude oil exports.



Related: Citi: Oil Prices Have Bottomed And Are Now Set To Soar

The biggest commodity tradersincluding Trafigura, Glencore, Vitol, and Petracoas well as Russias Rosneft, are handling Kurdish oil for sale in Europe and Asia, but the Iraqi central government has been opposing sales to North America.

According to Iraq Oil Report, Iraqs oil ministry believes that Vitol is the buyer and shipper of the crude tanker now heading to Nova Scotia. Iraqs central government is preparing for legal action in Canada against Vitol and over what a senior ministry official described as smuggled oil, Iraq Oil Report reported on Friday.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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To boost American energy exports, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has approved the construction of a new petroleum pipeline from the U.S. to Mexico that will go right under the wall, President Trump said on Thursday.

As part of the energy week, which promotes U.S. global leadership and dominance in energy, President Trump announced six initiatives to propel this new era of American energy dominance, he said.

The first initiative is the U.S. to start reviving and expanding its nuclear energy sector. Next, the Department of the Treasury will address barriers to the financing of highly efficient, overseas coal energy plants, President Trump said, mentioning Ukraine as one of the countries that need coal. The third initiative is the petroleum pipeline to Mexico. The fourth step to growing American relevance in global energy is U.S. Sempra Energy signing a deal to start negotiating sales of more American natural gas to South Korea.

The U.S. also approved two long-term applications to export additional natural gas from the Lake Charles LNG terminal in Louisiana, President Trump said, pointing out the fifth initiative. As a sixth initiative, the U.S. is creating a new offshore oil and gas leasing program to open up more areas for offshore development, President Trump said.

We will be dominant. We will export American energy all over the world, all around the globe. These energy exports will create countless jobs for our people, and provide true energy security to our friends, partners, and allies all across the globe, President Trump said in his speech.



Related: $30 Oil Could Spark Contagion In Energy Markets

The U.S. Department of State issued on Thursday three pipeline presidential permits for U.S.-Mexico pipelines. The permit for the New Burgos Pipeline authorizes construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of a new pipeline that has the capacity to deliver up to 108,000 bpd of certain refined petroleum products. The pipeline will cross the U.S.-Mexico border near Penitas, Texas.

New permits for the existing Dos Laredos and existing Burgos pipelines, which cross the border in Texas near Laredo and Penitas, respectively, reflect a change in the name of the permit holder and authorize transport of a broader range of petroleum products than under the previous Presidential permits, the Department of State said.



The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Thursday the approval of the two long-term applications to export additional LNG from the Lake Charles LNG Liquefaction Project in Lake Charles, LA.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Something remarkable happened this week. For the first time ever, a conductor on the WES asked to see my TriMet fare. I rode this commuter rail line for the first time five years ago and wrote about it for the Oregon Catalyst. It baffled me that TriMet has been paying to have actual conductors on the WES line but has not had them do what this anachronistic position was primarily meant to do: inspect fares.

Of course, as a lifelong public transportation commuter, Ive on many occasions seen fare inspectors on TriMets light rail but not since last December. What happened six months ago to make the fare inspectors go away?

Researchers at Portland State Universitys Hatfield School of Government released a study showing that minorities are slightly more likely to be banned from TriMet for repeated fare evasion. The local district attorney offices then quickly announced that they would no longer prosecute fare evasion tickets. TriMet then seems to have ended its random inspections, auditing fares only at major events like concerts and Blazer games. As word got out, no doubt many free rides were given on the steel wheeled mode of mass transit this year.

Then came HB2777 which now gives TriMet the proceeds of fare evasion fine revenue, which comes in at a non-trivial $175 per citation. That seems to have quickly given Oregons largest transit authority the incentive to even get their conductors to ask for proof of payment.

Indeed, on the very day our governor signed this bill into law, TriMets policy change became immediately visible. I was happy to be asked whether or not I have a ticket. Now hopefully the free riders will clear some room for the paying customers, and I can get a seat on my connecting MAX train so that I can pull out my laptop and get some more work done on my daily commute.

Eric Shierman lives in Salem and is the author of A Brief History of Political Cultural Change.
Oregon Democrats are concerned that their abuse of power in the Oregon Legislature could be limited by Oregon voters in November 2018. Today at 3 PM, House Democrats are preparing to pass a set of amendments to SB 229 which are blatantly intended to take Oregonians right to vote on referrals in the November 2018 election (when voter turnout is highest). Instead, Democrats want to create a costly and impractical special election in January.

Secretary of State Dennis Richardson estimates that A special election in January is expected to suppress voter turnout by approximately 14%, thereby excluding over 270,000 Oregonians from the political process. The January special election would likely disrupt the holiday seasons with mailers, robocalls, polls and more.

Finally, the Democrat amendments create an untested and slanted process for drafting ballot titles for these measures. A committee of four Democrats and two Republicans would write the ballot titles. The Supreme Court can review these ballot titles but is barred from rewriting them (which they are currently allowed to do). Instead, the court is forced to refer the ballot title to Oregons Democrat Attorney General.

In a final rejection of wisdom of Oregon voters, the amendments to SB 229 contain an emergency clause. Secretary Richardson and others are urging voters to call Speaker Tina Kotek (503-986-1200) and Governor Kate Brown (503-378-4582) to ask them to stop this manipulation of your democratic right to vote.

Voters can also email members of the House Rules Committee:
Families of Parachinar twin bomb blasts rejected compensation package by Nawaz Sharif

PARACHINAR: The families of victims of Parachinar twin bomb blasts on Thursday rejected a compensation package, announced for them by the prime minister, as the sit-in against Fridays deadly terrorist attack continued for a seventh consecutive day.



Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced Rs1 million as compensation for the family of each deceased, amid criticism that the government was turning a deaf ear to the demands of the victims of the twin bombings in Parachinar.



Payment of Rs1 million each for the martyrs and Rs0.5 million each for [those injured in] the Parachinar blasts has been announced, a spokesperson for the prime minister said in an official announcement, adding that the PM had also issued directions to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra in this regard.



People from different parts of Kurram continued to arrive at the Shaheed Park to join the sit-in and all markets and bazaars in Parachinar remained closed to protest the bombings.



The protesters and victims relatives said the compensation announced by the prime minister for victims of Parachinar did not match the amount announced for the people of other parts of the country.



The prime minister recently announced a compensation package of Rs2 million for people who lost their lives in the Ahmedpur East oil tanker inferno on June 25.



The protesters said the people of Parachinar were citizens of the country, but the government treated them as lesser citizens, and demanded that the package announced for victims in Parachinar be brought on a par with the compensation given to victims from other areas of the country.



They said the sit-in would continue until Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan visited the area and demanded that the government arrest those behind the bombings.



Meanwhile, authorities did not allow a helicopter carrying former interior minister Rehman Malik and former National Assembly deputy speaker Faisal Karim Kundi to land at Parachinar airport. The chopper was denied permission to land and sent back.



Authorities also prevented journalists from other areas to reach Parachinar to meet the protesters. Media teams were stopped at the Chhappari check-post in Kurram and sent back, drawing the ire of protesters who condemned the authorities for denying entry to political leaders and media teams.



The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has also rejected the PMs compensation package for Parachinar victims and demanded that it should be equal to that given to the victims of the oil tanker tragedy.



The rulers must not allow the perception that a dead body in Punjab fetched Rs 2 million, in Sindh Rs1 million, in Balochistan Rs0.5 million but only Rs300,000 in the tribal areas, PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar said in a statement.



The senator has also called for a session of the Senate to discuss the Parachinar attack and the gross mishandling of the situation by the security agencies by firing at the citizens protesting against the states inability to provide them security.



He demanded a judicial probe into the incident and asked that the local Kurram militia be allowed to play its role in restoring peace under the supervision of the security agencies.



Due to its location and history, Parachinar was already over-militarised, Mr Babar said, adding that it was known to have one of the largest concentrations of security check-posts and CCTV cameras with security personnel on constant patrol.



Yet, Parachinar has witnessed repeated militant attacks over the past few months and there was no clue of where militants came from and where they went, he said.



Mr Babar also called for reports of firing on grieving demonstrators to be probed and demanded that the trigger-happy personnel responsible for this excessive use of force be punished.
Nawaz Sharif will now understand what genuine accountability is: Asif Zardari 30 June, 2017



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Ways that Players Used to Take Advantage of Slot Sites NAUSHAHRO FEROZE: Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has criticised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and said the latter will now understand what genuine accountability is.



Addressing gatherings of PPP workers and supporters in Qalander Bux Mubejo village and Bhiria town of Naushahro Feroze district on Thursday, he claimed that Mr Sharif was nervous when his children were being questioned by the joint investigation team (JIT) constituted by the Supreme Court to investigate money laundering allegations against the Sharif family.



He accused the previous governments of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of making fake cases against him and his wife, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and dragging them in courts.



Mr Zardari said he had been kept in prison for 14 years during which he was subjected to severe torture. Now you [Nawaz Sharif] will have to face accountability, he added.



He said it would be difficult for Mr Sharif to hide the alleged corruption of his current and previous governments in this age of information technology. Mian Nawaz Sharif is confused and he has lost courage because the JIT is now questioning him and members of his family, he said, adding that the prime minister now had no chance to escape from accountability.



The former president accused both Mr Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan of not respecting democracy. He said he was a democratic person and would always work for its promotion in the country.



Terming the 2013 general election an election of ROs, he said the PPP accepted its results only for the sake of democracy.



Mr Zardari criticised the PML-N governments economic policies and said the countrys exports were decreasing because of it. He claimed that economic indicators were positive during the previous PPP government.



He also accused the government of PM Sharif of making the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Keti Bandar, Thar Coal and Gwadar port projects controversial.



He expressed concern over the rhetoric used by US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latters visit to the United States and alleged that the PML-N government had no clear policy in this regard. The prime minister was busy protecting himself and his children from allegations of corruption and had no time to think about threats to Pakistan.



The former president claimed that the PPP had always protected the country and brought it out of crises. The partys previous government introduced the 18th Amendment to the Constitution and gave autonomy to provinces, he added.



Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah said that the PPP truly understood politics and the partys mission was to serve people.



He criticised the governments economic policies and claimed that it had failed to create jobs for young people.



He claimed that a number of industrial units in the country were now closed due to poor policies of the government. He said the government had also failed to solve the problem of energy shortage in the country.



He accused the government of threatening judges, JIT members and journalists. The opposition leader said the PPP would win next elections in all the provinces of the country.



Former chief minister of Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Sindh Law Minster Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Syed Nasir Shah and some MNAs and MPAs were present.NAUSHAHRO FEROZE: Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has criticised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and said the latter will now understand what genuine accountability is.



Addressing gatherings of PPP workers and supporters in Qalander Bux Mubejo village and Bhiria town of Naushahro Feroze district on Thursday, he claimed that Mr Sharif was nervous when his children were being questioned by the joint investigation team (JIT) constituted by the Supreme Court to investigate money laundering allegations against the Sharif family.



He accused the previous governments of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of making fake cases against him and his wife, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and dragging them in courts.



Mr Zardari said he had been kept in prison for 14 years during which he was subjected to severe torture. Now you [Nawaz Sharif] will have to face accountability, he added.



He said it would be difficult for Mr Sharif to hide the alleged corruption of his current and previous governments in this age of information technology. Mian Nawaz Sharif is confused and he has lost courage because the JIT is now questioning him and members of his family, he said, adding that the prime minister now had no chance to escape from accountability.



The former president accused both Mr Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan of not respecting democracy. He said he was a democratic person and would always work for its promotion in the country.



Terming the 2013 general election an election of ROs, he said the PPP accepted its results only for the sake of democracy.



Mr Zardari criticised the PML-N governments economic policies and said the countrys exports were decreasing because of it. He claimed that economic indicators were positive during the previous PPP government.



He also accused the government of PM Sharif of making the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Keti Bandar, Thar Coal and Gwadar port projects controversial.



He expressed concern over the rhetoric used by US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latters visit to the United States and alleged that the PML-N government had no clear policy in this regard. The prime minister was busy protecting himself and his children from allegations of corruption and had no time to think about threats to Pakistan.



The former president claimed that the PPP had always protected the country and brought it out of crises. The partys previous government introduced the 18th Amendment to the Constitution and gave autonomy to provinces, he added.



Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah said that the PPP truly understood politics and the partys mission was to serve people.



He criticised the governments economic policies and claimed that it had failed to create jobs for young people.



He claimed that a number of industrial units in the country were now closed due to poor policies of the government. He said the government had also failed to solve the problem of energy shortage in the country.



He accused the government of threatening judges, JIT members and journalists. The opposition leader said the PPP would win next elections in all the provinces of the country.
Pentagon chief briefed NATO on US strategy in Afghanistan

BRUSSELS: Pentagon chief Jim Mattis met North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies on Thursday to brief them on the United States strategy in Afghanistan.



Meanwhile, the head of the alliance of 29 member states said it would bolster troop numbers in Afghanistan to help train local forces fighting a resurgent Taliban insurgency.



NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said he did not expect Mattis to give specific troop numbers.



NATO members are looking to Mattis for fresh insight on US President Donald Trumps intentions in a war that has dragged on for nearly 16 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Even US generals have conceded that at best the Afghan war has been a stalemate.



Ill share with them [NATO] our assessment of the situation and also talk about our strategy including what we are doing to fill in any gaps left so far, Mattis told reporters before as he flew to Europe to attend the NATO meeting.



What we are going to do is to try to construct a capability that fills specific gaps, not just throws numbers against the wall, Mattis was reported as having said.



Diplomatic sources said that the NATO was considering increasing its troops in Afghanistan by another 3,000. Though, the US officials estimated the number of additional troops in consideration to be more than 4,000. Currently, the alliance has 13,500 troops stationed in the war-torn country.



NATO had played the lead role in Afghan security from 2003 to 2014, when it handed frontline duties to the Afghan military and took on its current advice-and-assist mission known as Resolute Support. But just over two years into the new arrangement, NATO commanders now seek more troops in view of recent gains made by Taliban fighters and catastrophic losses inflicted by the latter on the struggling Afghan security forces.



Requests for additional troops have stoked fears that NATO could get sucked back into the Afghan conflict just as it faces a host of new threats including Russia, non-state terrorism and cyber-attacks.



NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that the alliance would increase troop numbers but said that these forces would not be engaged in combat. He said 15 countries had already pledged more contributions and he hoped for more countries to make pledges in coming days. We have to understand this is about training, assistance, advice..., he said, adding that extra troops would not conduct combat operations. Instead, they would help bolster the capability of the Afghan Special Forces, improve Kabuls Air Forces capability to provide ground support and undertake evacuations, and step up officer training, the former Norwegian premier said.



Meanwhile, British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said London would provide additional 100 troops, on top of the 500 already present in Afghanistan. Were in it for the long haul, he said.



Norwegian Defence Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide said her country had just prolonged its engagement in Afghanistan. We expect that other allies will also come around and give the same contributions and match our commitments, she said.



Mattis, a retired Marine general who has fought in Afghanistan, has stressed that his new approach to be presented to Donald Trump by the mid of July will have a broader regional emphasis, and it will not be beholden to any timelines.



Trump has remained remarkably taciturn on Afghanistan, but this month he gave Mattis authority to set troop numbers at whatever level the latter saw fit. The US president has pushed NATO to do more to counter terrorism and urged allies to increase defence spending to ease the burden on Washington.



US troop levels in Afghanistan had peaked at around 100,000 under Barack Obama, who later embarked on a steady drawdown aiming to completely end Americas combat role in the country.



A More Assertive Moscow: Stung into action by Russias intervention in Ukraine, NATO has embarked on its biggest military build-up since the end of the Cold War to face a more assertive Moscow. Against this backdrop, defence ministers also discussed progress on the Baltic front just as four tripwire battalions totalling some 4,000 troops complete their deployment in three Baltic states and Poland.



In a statement to mark the event, the four countries and four lead NATO nations  Britain, Canada, Germany and the United States  said that the battle groups were ready and able to deter and, if necessary, immediately respond to any aggression.



On Wednesday, Stoltenberg had stated that NATO must also step up its defences against cyber attacks after the ransomware hackers caused chaos worldwide. The global terror threat, highlighted by the Islamic State group, also figures high on the ministers agenda after NATO leaders agreed at a summit last month to join the US-led anti-IS coalition.
From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As...
June 30, 1982

June 30, 1871





A Better Than Average 4th of July Weekend Outlook



"All we have of freedom, all we use or know  This our fathers bought for us long and long ago" wrote Rudyard Kipling. My father survived Hitler and Stalin, and built a new life in the USA. He once told me that many Americans take their freedom for granted. "I will never, ever take my freedom for granted" he told me many years ago.



Meteorologists in this country have the freedom to disagree with the official (NOAA) forecast. We can look

at the models, interpret what we see, and try to improve on the government forecast. Try that in other countries and you can wind up in jail.



T-showers bubble up again today (what a shock) but much of Minnesota will be dry over the weekend, with

highs in the 70s to near 80F.





The leading edge of sauna-like heat and humidity may spark stray T-storms over southern Minnesota Monday and Tuesday, but most of the time will be dry, with a touch of humidity in the air.





As I've been warning for a few days - guidance hints at 90s by the end of next week. Our welcome reprieve from heat is coming to an end. Get ready for a hot and steamy Dog Day July!

Real-time wildfire map

Photo credit

Lightning-Caused Fires On The Rise in the World's Largest Forest. National Geographic reviews new research: "

As fire season reaches for its annual summer turning point, the role lightning plays as the culprit in setting fires shows a worrisome trend. Thats not good news for the boreal forest, the worlds largest forest habitat, where virtually all wildfires are ignited by lightning.

Since 1975, the number of fires ignited by lightning has increased between two and five percent, driven by an increase in volatile thunderstorm weather, according to a new NASA study published Monday in Nature Climate Change. In two of the last three years, immense fires in Alaska and Canadas Northwest Territories provided a good case study, says Sander Veraverbeke, the studys lead author and an Earth scientist at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam..." .."

Photo credit : "

This forest fire was caused by lightning, and the problem seems to be on the rise since 1975." Photo by Mark Thiessen, National Geographic Creative.

Siberian wildfire season is off and running with multiple blazes searing the boreal forest and tundra. Its the latest example of the vast shifts happening to the forests that cover Siberia and the rest of the northern tier of the world as climate change alters the landscape. Those forests are burning at a rate unheard of due largely to rising temperatures. They contain vast reserves of carbon stored in trees and soil and when they burn, they send that carbon into the atmosphere. That creates a dangerous cycle of more severe wildfires and ever rising temperatures. in at least 10,000 years due largely to rising temperatures. They contain vast reserves of carbon stored in trees and soil and when they burn, they send that carbon into the atmosphere. That creates a dangerous cycle of more severe wildfires and ever rising temperatures.

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GFS weather model analysis of maximum temperatures in the Middle East Thursday afternoon." (WeatherBell.com).

June 2016 was one of the warmest on record in the U.S. Across most eastern markets, it was also the driest June in five years or more. This boosted overall traffic levels and sales of summer products. This June's cooler and rainier conditions (compared to 2016) will negatively impact comp sales performance for many retailers and restaurants. The less favorable weather is projected to cost restaurants $447 million in sales vs. June 2016. Apparel chains face a $106 million headwind..."

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Weve known that dichloromethane has been increasing in the atmosphere  however, theres not been a concerted effort to assess what the impact of those increases could be for the ozone layer, and in particular for ozone recovery, said the new studys lead author Ryan Hossaini, an atmospheric chemist and research fellow at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom..." ..."

Graphic credit : "

This false-color image shows ozone concentrations above Antarctica on Oct. 2, 2015." (Credits: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center)

Minnesota's Second 100-Megawatt Solar Project Is Up and Running. One of the largest solar energy initiatives in Minnesota, the Aurora project, has been completed, its owner said Tuesday. The Aurora project features 16 separate solar power plants in Minnesota that together will provide electricity to Xcel Energy under a long-term contract. Aurora, which cost $290 million, is owned by Enel Green Power North America and can produce 100 megawatts of power, enough for more than 17,000 homes. A megawatt is 1 million watts..." Star Tribune reports: "..."

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United Parcel Service Inc said on Tuesday it would add more vehicles that run on non-conventional power to its fleet by 2025, as the package delivery company looks to cut its greenhouse emissions.

The company said by 2020 about 25 percent of its vehicles purchased annually will be powered by alternative fuels or advanced technology, up from 16 percent in 2016.

The vehicles could include electric, hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid, or those that run on compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and propane..."

Photo credit

REUTERS/Mike Blake.

A Bonkers Private "Jet" Brings Electric Flight to the Rich. A story at . A story at WIRED.com made me do a double-take: " If youre just coming around to the idea of battery powered cars, prepare for the next onslaught, because the future of flight is electric too. And just as with ground vehicles, nothing pushes along new tech like some sex appeal. Tesla did that for cars, with sleek looks and ludicrous acceleration. Now, Eviation Aircraft wants to do the same for the sky. At last week's Paris Air Show, the Israeli company unveiled a prototype electric light aircraft, a private jet without the jet engines..." ..."





Photo credit : Eviation Aircraft Ltd.

The Aurora project features 16 separate solar power plants in Minnesota that together will provide electricity to Xcel Energy under a long-term contract. Aurora, which cost $290 million, is owned by Enel Green Power North America and can produce 100 megawatts of power, enough for more than 17,000 homes. A megawatt is 1 million watts.

Image credit

Robocalypse Now? Central Bankers Argue Whether Automation Will Kill Jobs. The short answer appears to be - yes. Here's an excerpt from Generally speaking, economic growth is a good thing, Ben S. Bernanke, former chairman of the Federal Reserve, said at the forum. But, as recent political developments have brought home, growth is not always enough. In the past, technical advances caused temporary disruptions but ultimately improved living standards, creating new categories of employment along the way. Farm machinery displaced farmworkers but eventually they found better paying jobs, and today their great-grandchildren may design video games. But artificial intelligence threatens broad categories of jobs previously seen as safe from automation, such as legal assistants, corporate auditors and investment managers. Large groups of people could become obsolete, suffering the same fate as plow horses after the invention of the tractor..." The short answer appears to be - yes. Here's an excerpt from The New York Times : "......"





Photo credit : " Employees of the German online retailer Zalando preparing customer orders for shipping in Erfurt, Germany. Zalando has invested heavily in hubs like the one in Erfurt and increased automation. " Phil Hatcher-Moore for The New York Times.

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Pyrosomes aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessel in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oregon in May." (Hilarie Sorensen/NOAA Fisheries via Reuters).





Map credit

Researchers published a on Thursday that analyzes what climate change will mean for the economies of all 3,144 counties in the U.S. The analysis is the first of its kind, but the results show whats becoming a common refrain when it comes to the impact of climate change: Rising temperatures will cause the poorest to suffer the most, even in the wealthiest nation in the world. landmark study in Science on Thursday that analyzes what climate change will mean for the economies of all 3,144 counties in the U.S. The analysis is the first of its kind, but the results show whats becoming a common refrain when it comes to the impact of climate change: Rising temperatures will cause the poorest to suffer the most, even in the wealthiest nation in the world. Union County is just one of a host of poor counties in the South that will be hit disproportionately hard by the impacts of climate change. In contrast, more wealthy counties in the northern third of the country are likely to be insulated from the effects of climate change and could even make economic gains because of new agricultural land opening up and fewer deaths due to cold weather. The findings have broad implications for county planning and the need for a strong, coordinated response to address climate change at the national level.

Researchers published a on Thursday that analyzes what climate change will mean for the economies of all 3,144 counties in the U.S. The analysis is the first of its kind, but the results show whats becoming a common refrain when it comes to the impact of climate change: Rising temperatures will cause the poorest to suffer the most, even in the wealthiest nation in the world. landmark study in Science on Thursday that analyzes what climate change will mean for the economies of all 3,144 counties in the U.S. The analysis is the first of its kind, but the results show whats becoming a common refrain when it comes to the impact of climate change: Rising temperatures will cause the poorest to suffer the most, even in the wealthiest nation in the world. Union County is just one of a host of poor counties in the South that will be hit disproportionately hard by the impacts of climate change. In contrast, more wealthy counties in the northern third of the country are likely to be insulated from the effects of climate change and could even make economic gains because of new agricultural land opening up and fewer deaths due to cold weather. The findings have broad implications for county planning and the need for a strong, coordinated response to address climate change at the national level.

A Giant Iceberg Is About to Break Off From Antarctica. Details at A massive iceberg is hours, days, or weeks away from separating from Antarcticas Larsen C ice shelf, scientists based in the United Kingdom said Wednesday. When it calves, the Larsen C Ice Shelf will lose more than 10% of its area to leave the ice front at its most retreated position ever recorded," the scientists wrote. "This event will fundamentally change the landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula." The iceberg that forms from the predicted separation could end up being roughly the size of Delaware, making it one of the largest icebergs that scientists have ever observed. The event could trigger a collapse of the entire Larsen C ice shelf, a catastrophe that could raise worldwide sea levels by four inches, researchers estimate..." Details at Fortune : "..."





Image credit : Comparison of speeds between Sentinel-1 image mosaics in early and late June 2017. The early mosaic combines displacements on the inner shelf measured between 6th and 12th June with similar ones on the outer shelf measured between 3rd and 15th June. The recent mosaic combines inner shelf displacements up to 24th June with outer shelf displacements only 3 days later highlighting a significant acceleration over those three days." Project Midas . "."

File photo credit

Graphic credit

Three Years to Ward Off Potential "Climate Catastrophe"? I realize the situation is urgent - we don't know what we don't know, and tipping points are inevitable. I do get a little leary about some of the more strident gloom and doom headlines though, some people just shut down or avoid the topic when they see things like this. We don't have much time, but whether it's 3 years or 15 years - I don't pretend to know. Here's an excerpt from To save world from the climate change apocalypse, we need to start cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, a group of scientists claims. We have just three years to do this, or the planet will warm to levels that kick off irreversible, catastrophic climate changes. To help avoid the worst-case scenario, the scientists set six milestones to reduce carbon emissions across sectors, including energy, transportation, and infrastructure. The goals range from expanding renewables to reducing deforestation, to issuing green bonds to finance climate-mitigation efforts. This position paper appears in the journal Nature, just ahead of a meeting of world leaders in Hamburg, Germany..." I realize the situation is urgent - we don't know what we don't know, and tipping points are inevitable. I do get a little leary about some of the more strident gloom and doom headlines though, some people just shut down or avoid the topic when they see things like this. We don't have much time, but whether it's 3 years or 15 years - I don't pretend to know. Here's an excerpt from The Verge : ".."

Photo credit

Army National Guard vehicles travel through floodwaters Aug. 14, 2016, on LA-442, west of Tickfaw, La., as rescue operations continue after heavy rains inundated the region."

Max Becherer

AP.



Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article158716619.html#storylink=cpy



Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article158716619.html#storylink=cpy Photo credit : " Army National Guard vehicles travel through floodwaters Aug. 14, 2016, on LA-442, west of Tickfaw, La., as rescue operations continue after heavy rains inundated the region." Max Becherer AP



Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article158716619.html#storylink=cpy



Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article158716619.html#storylink=cpy

File image

. June temperatures are running nearly 3 F. warmer than average in the MSP metro.. maximum temperature yesterday in the Twin Cities.. average high on June 29.. high on June 29, 2016.: Frost hits St. Louis County. Kulger Township falls to 27 degrees and Meadowlands bottoms out at 32.: Extremely large hail falls in Meeker County. Some of the stones are 6 inches in circumference, breaking many windows on the north sides of houses.. I hope you've enjoyed the extended break from heat and humidity, because ECMWF (European) guidance shows 80s next week, maybe low 90s by the end of the week with dew points well into the 60s. In less than a week friends and neighbors will be griping about the heat index. Twin Cities data: WeatherBell.. The greatest risk of damaging storms, including large hail and tornadoes, comes from near Tulsa to Joplin later today, with severe storms bubbling up from Indianapolis, Detroit and Cleveland to Syracuse and Burlington.. Some of the storms over the southern Plains and Mid South may dump 2-4"+ rains in a short period of time, increasing the threat of runoff and flash flooding, according to NOAA models.Once again weather systems are in a holding pattern; swarms of strong to severe storms popping up over the eastern 2/3rds of America - strongest over the Mid South and Middle Mississippi Valley into the Ohio Valley and New England later today. Stop me if you've heard this before: the western U.S. stays hot and dry. 84-hour NAM Future Radar: NOAA and Tropicaltidbits.com.As much as 3-5" of rain may soak the central USA into the middle of next week, with 2-3"+ rains stretching from the Midwest and Ohio Valley into New England. Florida is also forecast to see heavy rain from multiple swarms of T-storms, helping to gradually ease a long-term drought.. Long-range GFS guidance is fairly consistent now, showing a semi-stationary bubble of hot high pressure enveloping much of the USA by mid-July. That should mean consistent 90s from the Rockies and Plains to the East Coast, with the only relief coming in the form of stray, late-day pop-up airmass thundershowers. A few 100-degree highs central Plains? I wouldn't rule it out within 2 weeks. The Washington Post has the latest: ".."above: ESRI.com Climate Central has details: "...": "." Credit: NASA Earth Observatory. Capital Weather Gang has details: "...": ". Here's an excerpt from Planalytics: ". The graph above shows CEI, Climate Extreme Index, the percentage of the USA in extreme drought or flood since 1910, courtesy of NOAA NCEI Not sure I agree with the comparison, but there's little question the threat is real, especially to the world's oceans. Here is a clip from The Guardian : "...": "." Photograph: Nic Bothma/EPA. The Washington Post reports: " Associated Press reports: "......" EcoWatch has the awe-inspiring details: "...": SUMR. Reuters has details: ": "A United Parcel Service (UPS) truck on delivery is pictured in downtown Los Angeles, California October 29, 2014."I might hesitate before betting against Elon Musk anytime soon. Here's an excerpt from Ars Technica : "..": SpaceX.It turns out smaller is better and cheaper for imaging our home from low-earth orbit. Here's a clip from Bloomberg : "....". There's a more cost-effective way to deliver local news, but do you lose local institution memory and perspective when the anchors delivering the news are 1,000 miles away? Here's a clip from a story at FTVLive : ".....". Not to mention their relationship. Here's an excerpt from Quartz : "..". Yes, but are they edible? Here's a clip from The Washington Post : "..": "TODAY: Showers and T-storms. Winds: NW 5-10. High: 75: Showers slowly taper. Low: 60: Partly sunny, a drier day. Winds: NW 8-13. High: 74: Mix of clouds and sun, a bit milder. Winds: N 5-10. Wake-up: 62. High: 79: Some sun, stray T-storm possible. Winds: SE 5-10. Wake-up: 61. High: 81: Sunny start, late-day pop-up T-storm. Winds: SE 7-12. Wake-up: 63. High: 84WEDNESDAY: Hot sun, noticeable heat index. Winds: SE 7-12. Wake-up: 65. High: 88THURSDAY: Steamy sunshine, Dog Days are back. Winds: S 10-15. Wake-up: 66. High: 91Northern tier states will fare better, but no state will avoid the impact of increasing climate volatility and weather disruption. It turns out many red states will be getting even redder (hotter) in the years to come. Here's an excerpt from a summary of new research at The Atlantic : "......" New York Times . Kopp, Hsiang, et al. / Science.. It's not something that's 30 years down the road - we're already seeing symptoms of a warmer, wetter world, including more extreme rainfall events, worldwide. Here's an excerpt of a post from Popular Science and Peter Sinclair at Climate Denial Crock of the Week : "......". My first reaction: what's causing the sunnier days? Here's an excerpt from Newsweek : "...": John Sonntag, NASA.Here's a clip from an explainer at The Guardian : "......": "." Illustration: Santer et al. (2017), Nature Geoscience.. Full disclosure: EEN President and former Methodist minister Mitch Hescox is my co-author for the book "Caring for Creation": The Evangelical's Guide to Climate Change and a Healthy Environment." Here's an excerpt of an Op-Ed at The York Dispatch : "..... The Miami Herald reports: ".....": "As recently as 2007 there was little disagreement between Republicans and Democrats about the threat (and opportunity) posed by rapid, man-made climate change. But today the science has been swept up into a partisan political food-fight, argues an Op-Ed at The Tennessean : "......": TechCrunch.. Unusually warm water is melting ice near the coast, which may accelerate ice flows into the oceans, accelerating sea level rise. CNN.com explains: "...". Until we can get clean, renewable energy at scale, we still need nuclear to provide a carbon-free source of energy. An Op-Ed at The Guardian has food for thought: "......" (File image: Shutterstock).We tend to filter out facts that may cause conflict with our friends or larger world-view, argues Eric Holthaus at Grist : "....."
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, on Wednesday co-sponsored anti-bullying legislation Reps. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., and Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., introduced April 5, according to the Library of Congress government information web site.

Schools must be a safe place for our children to learn and grow and be protected from bullying, Sanchez said, in a press release.

The legislation would require states to direct local education agencies to establish policies to prevent and prohibit sufficiently severre and pervasive bullying and harassment in schools.

Local education agencies would also be required to compile reports on incidences and frequency of bullying.

The federal Department of Education would be required to contract for an independent biannual evaluation of programs and policies to prevent bullying and harassment.

More than 150 organizations support the legislation, including the National PTA; Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; American Federation of Teachers; American Library Association; Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network; Human Rights Campaign; National Council of La Raza; Anti-Defamation League; and American Unity Fund, according to Sanchezs office.

The legislation  HR 1957  had 52 co-sponsors, as of Friday  32 Democrats and 17 Republicans.
QUEENSBURY  West Mountain Ski Center operators are once again offering chairlift-assisted mountain biking, starting today, but this latest effort has an emphasis on family fun.

General Manager Sara Montgomery said the mountains previous owners offered mountain biking several years ago, but the trails were primarily for expert downhill enthusiasts.

It was just a group of volunteers that did it, but I guess it was pretty popular with downhillers, Montgomery said. But what makes us so unique now are the cross-country trails as an option. Were trying to find our niche and focus on families.

Montgomery said she envisions families coming for the day, taking the lift to the top several times and riding a mix of both cross-country and more challenging downhill trails. And by using the new Slideshow trail, she said, even novice riders can get back to the base lodge without having to face steep terrain.

The trail system also offers amazing views of the Hudson River, with a particularly striking view coming from the Crows Nest Picnic Area to the south of the summit, she said.

Its absolutely stunning, said Jana Kilgallon, front desk manager who displayed her computer screen, showing a photo she recently shot from the picnic spot.

There are about 10 miles of cross-country trails on top, Montgomery said. And its really pretty flat up there.

The mountain bike venture was made possible in part through bed tax grants over the past two years from the town of Queensbury, Montgomery said.

Steve Lovering, Queensbury Parks and Recreation director, said the mountain received three grants over two years, for a total of $28,000.

Last years grant helped buy hooks for the chairlift to be able to haul bikes to the top, and this years grant helped buy a fleet of mountain bikes and helmets to rent, Montgomery said.

The whole point of those grants is to put heads in beds, bringing more visitors to the area, she said.

Lovering said hes all for more biking options for locals and visitors.

I sit on Warren County Safe and Quality Biking Organization Committee and were trying to make Warren County a destination for cyclists, he said. Were very supportive of organizations and municipalities who want to invest in both road and off-road biking.

Lovering said the town four years ago invested in professionally designed single-track mountain bike trails at Gurney Lane, and they have become extremely popular.

They are being hammered by people from all over, he said. Ive seen people from Vermont, Connecticut, Colorado, New Jersey.

Montgomery is hopeful locals and tourists will be excited about the new trail system at West Mountain as well.

I know people from Vermont wrote on Facebook that they were coming over to try it, she said.

Hudson Falls resident Mike Mullen, who helped cut the original trails at West Mountain and went on to race mountain bikes semi-professionally, said he knows some of the workers who cut the new trails and said hes excited to try them out.

Im going to wipe the dust off my downhill bike, and you can be sure Ill be there at least a couple of times, he said.

On Friday, West Mountain employee Andrew Nichols was testing out the trail system and the Pump Park to the left of the lodge, which is essentially a little BMX playground with a tabletop, bumps and ramps.

After the second time down the Face trail and a few laps around the Pump Park, Fridays humidity was getting to him.

I havent been active since winter, he said through a big smile while catching his breath.

Mountain biking will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Montgomery said.

All-day pass prices range from $15 for those 12 and younger to $30 for those 20 and older. Scenic chairlift rides are also being offered for $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
Take a look back at local history. Here are the top stories for June 30 from one, five and 10 years ago.
WILTON  The tractor-trailer driver who was injured in a crash early Thursday morning on the Northway is in satisfactory condition, according to a Saratoga Hospital spokesman.

The accident happened at about 3 a.m. just north of Exit 16. A 2016 International tractor-trailer being driven north by 68-year-old Rosaire Fleurent of Drummondville, Quebec, drove off the west side shoulder.

The tractor-trailer struck a guide rail, a cement barrier and the bridge support for the Wilton-Gansevoort overpass. It eventually came to rest on its side after overturning.

State Police spokesman Trooper Mark Cepiel said the cause is still under investigation. Tickets are pending.
Twice now, the Congressional Budget Office has provided a clear message to Republicans rolling out health reform legislation: The cures the party has proposed are far worse than the Obamacare ills the bills try to fix.

Late Monday, the CBOs nonpartisan group of economists released its review of the Senate bill that has been crafted with little input from consumers, patients, medical providers or the state leaders who would be forced to grapple with the drastic cuts to Medicaid the legislation calls for. Not surprisingly, the CBOs score of a bill written by politicians for politicians signals that the reforms serve wealthy GOP supporters at the expense of the poor, the seriously ill, early retirees and working-class families struggling to pay for health insurance.

Compared with former President Barack Obamas reforms, 22 million fewer people would have health insurance in 2026. The Senate bill also pulls out $772 billion from the Medicaid program over the same time period, recklessly leaving states, which jointly fund the program, to deal with the fallout. Premiums for consumers buying individual health insurance would rise across the board in 2018 and 2019. After that, most  particularly those who are older or sicker  would pay considerably more to maintain the level of coverage they have under Obama reforms.

On its face, the Senate bills score is slightly better than the CBOs assessment of the previously released House plan, which would result in 1 million more Americans lacking coverage. But the CBO score doesnt reflect the steeper cuts the Senate bill makes to Medicaid after 2026.

Minnesota experts are understandably issuing extraordinary warnings about these steep future cuts. Nursing homes, a lot of them, will probably close because they will not be able to survive, said Lynn Blewett, a nationally respected University of Minnesota health policy expert, at a Saturday health reform forum in Burnsville.

Blewetts concern is justified. Both the House and Senate plans go far beyond rolling back the Obama laws expansion of Medicaid to needy adults. The program, which is jointly funded by the states and the federal government, provides medical care for the poor and, as part of this, pays for the bulk of long-term care for the elderly and disabled. One in two Minnesotans in a nursing home relies on Medicaid, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

In assessing the Senate bills potential damage, its also important to remember the expensive remedy the Minnesota Legislature crafted this year to stabilize the states individual health insurance market, where consumers were hit with soaring price hikes. The solution: a $600 million reinsurance program to offset the cost of patients with costly, ongoing medical needs. In turn, it was hoped that this would reduce by 20 percent the premiums of the roughly 5 percent of Minnesotans who buy insurance on their own.

Many Minnesotans struggling to afford individual policies under Obamacare earned slightly too much to qualify for the financial aid the law made available to discount premiums. But the Senate bill does the opposite of whats needed by significantly lowering the financial eligibility line to qualify for premium assistance. The aid also would be skimpier for many of those who qualify. The result: more individual market consumers unable to afford coverage, leaving legislators in Minnesota and elsewhere on the hook for future rounds of reinsurance or other pricey aid. The skimpier premium aid could also affect MinnesotaCare funding, creating another legislative budget headache here.

The Senate bills path through the chamber is far from assured, even as a vote is expected before August. The CBO has provided a factual analysis raising multiple red flags. Senators ought to heed, not ignore, these concerns.




















Over the past few days, the Russian army has quietly started construction of a new military base in the countryside near Damascus, from scratch, tasked with manning and administering a deconfliction zone in the Syrian south, similar to four others agreed upon earlier in the year by Moscow, Ankara and Tehran. The first zones applied to Homs, Idlib, and the suburbs of Damascus, while the new one will encompass territory extending from Daraa, 13 kilometers north of the Syrian-Jordanian border, to the border itself, including the strategic city of Quneitra on the Golan Heights and al-Suwayda, a mainly Druze city.

Whoever patrols it will also shoulder responsibility for purging the region of non-Syrian forces, in reference to al-Qaeda, Jabhat al-Nusra, ISIS and Hezbollah.

The Jordanian government, a staunch and longtime ally of the United States, is keen on ridding the border region of these non-state players, asking that they are pushed back into Syrian territory by 30km to 50km.









The Russians had originally wanted to restore the Syrian army to the southern front, but this was vetoed by the Americans, Jordanians and Israelis, who argued that a return of government troops would mean the return of Iranian and Hezbollah forces as well. One idea floating in thin air at present is to amend the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), whose troops have been stationed on the Syrian-Israeli border since the mid-1970s, charged with monitoring and recording ceasefire violations.

A more sensible idea, put forth by the Russians, is to let their troops do the dirty work, just like the 600 Russian military police who were deployed to the northern city of Aleppo earlier this year. The Russians have already agreed to restore a Syrian civil authority to administer the new deconfliction zone, meaning government schools and police stations in the city of Daraa but no soldiers, tanks, or warplanes.





The Russians insist that Damascus raise the Syrian flag in Daraa and reopen the Nasib border crossing between Syria and Jordan, which is vital for the two countries bilateral trade, while assuring stakeholders it will no longer bomb these territories nor arrest armed opposition groups who agreed to join forces in the war on terror.









The new Russian base, earmarked to supervise the new deconfliction zone, will be in the town of Khirbet Raes al-Waer, around 50km from the Syrian capital and 96km from the Syrian-Jordanian border. A stones throw from Damascus, it is strategically located 110km south of the Syrian Golan.





All three bases are only accessible to Russian military personnel, and their territory has been leased to the Russian government for a period of 49 years, renewable for an additional 25 years by mutual consent between Damascus and Moscow.









The sophisticated military infrastructure found in the first two bases will likely be copied in Khirbet Raes al-Waer; they include air-defense systems, radars, runways, missile launchers, bunkers, control towers, refueling stations, and housing units for 1,000 Russian soldiers each.





































It appears that Trump has just officially scheduled his first kick-off planning session for the 2020 presidential elections as NBC News has confirmed that, after a bunch of back and forth, Trump and Putin will, in fact, meet next week at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg.





As Bloomberg notes, the meeting was confirmed by White House National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster though he declined to provide any details on the meeting's agenda.









President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putinwill hold their first meeting as heads of state during the Group of 20 summit next week in Hamburg.

White House National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, who announced the meeting Thursday, declined to say whether Trump would raise the issue of Russian interference in last years U.S. election when the two leaders meet. He said there was no specific agenda yet set.





































An official with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the coalition of US-backed militants with the stated goal of creating a secular, democratic, federalized Syria, said that the SDF sees a "big possibility of open, fierce confrontation" with Turkish forces in northwestern Syria. This comes after the two sides exchanged fire on Wednesday. The senior official, Naser Haj Mansour, told Reuters that the SDF would confront the Turks "if they try to go beyond the known lines." Turkish forces are there to support anti-government, primarily Islamist Syrian rebels. Mansour went on to say that a Turkish attack against SDF-controlled areas would do "great harm" to the SDF's efforts against Daesh. The two factions are currently embroiled in a struggle over the city of Raqqa, Daesh's primary stronghold in Syria.

Raqqa may be encircled and Daesh on its way out, but the deterioration of the uneasy detente between the American and Turkish blocs may begin a new wave of violence in Syria. On Thursday, the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the spearhead faction in the SDF, created a military blockade to impede Turkish progress towards the Afrin district in northern Aleppo.





Turkey's deputy prime minister, Numan Kurtulmus, reiterated Ankara's opposition to the US arming YPG combatants, calling it the "wrong path." He also vowed that Turkey would retaliate against any additional YPG attacks against the militant groups Ankara backs.

































Pres. Donald Trumps administration is considering many options, including military, on their response if North Korea carries out another nuclear test according to National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster according to FOX News.









The threat is much more immediate now and so its clear that we cant repeat the same approach  failed approach of the past, McMasters said at the Center for a New American Security conference Wednesday. "What we have to do is prepare all options because the President has made clear to us that he will not accept a nuclear power in North Korea and a threat that can target the United States and target the American population."









Pres. Trump is set to meet the new South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House Thursday. Moon has said he will stand firm with Pres. Trump against North Korea but has favored engagement with the North. He has also suggested talks with Pyongyang in the hopes of getting them to freeze their nuclear tests. China is also pushing talks but Pres. Trump has recently warned that he feels China has not done enough to rein in their neighbor. The U.S. frustration with North Korea is on the rise after the dead last week of university student Otto Warmbier, who spent 17 months in a North Korean prison.





























Colonel Richard Kemp is a former senior UK intelligence official and former chairman of the Cobra Intelligence Group who briefed the British government on secret intelligence. Speaking with BBC Newsnight this week, Kemp said that the 23,000 jihadists MI5 officials have publicly admitted are living in the UK "may be the tip of the iceberg":









The 23,000 number was reported in the days following the Manchester arena attack last month that left 22 victims dead and 250 injured.













Intelligence officers have identified 23,000 jihadist extremists living in Britain as potential terrorist attackers , it emerged yesterday.



The scale of the challenge facing the police and security services was disclosed by Whitehall sources after criticism that multiple opportunities to stop the Manchester bomber had been missed.

About 3,000 people from the total group are judged to pose a threat and are under investigation or active monitoring in 500 operationsbeing run by police and intelligence services. The 20,000 others have featured in previous inquiries and are categorised as posing a residual risk.









But Kemp's stunning admission that these figures on the number of jihadists may be vastly understated lends evidence to the claim that the extent of the threat in the UK may exceed authorities' ability to deal with it.









After the London Bridge attack, London Mayor Sadiq Khan was evasive about where those 400 fighters who had returned from Syria were exactly and why they had been allowed to return:





The problem of jihadists returning home is not a new problem, but it had clearly grown unmanageable.





Exactly how bad the foreign fighter problem had become came to light when it was revealed that more Muslims had joined ISIS than the military in the UK over the same period:





And it was revealed this week that more than 40 known terrorists are living inside the UK but cannot be touched because of human rights laws:
































































































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Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg
Davenport resident Al Ramsey says Scott County Mental Health Court literally saved his life.

Ramsey, 31, spoke with strength and courage to 100 people who gathered on Friday to celebrate the first year of the county Mental Health Court.

The big news on Friday was that Genesis Philanthropy will provide $75,000 as lead funds for the second year of operation. Genesis also funded the first year of the court program.

It was an upbeat news event, and Leslie Kilgannon of Quad-Cities Interfaith said the big gathering that filled the Bob Peterson board room "is a testament to the work we celebrate today." Kilgannon's organization helped to launch the program in 2016.

The event was held at the Seventh Judicial District, Department of Correction Services building at 605 Main St., Davenport. It was filled with people from the state corrections department, county legal and jail system, mental health care practitioners and many others who had a hand in helping program participants.

Rock Island County has operated a mental health court since 2007, and it launched in Scott County on July 1, 2016.

Mental health courts are specialty programs that combine judicial supervision with community mental health treatment and other support services to help reduce crime and improve the quality of life of participants.

Scott County Disctrict Court Judge Mark Smith oversees the program and recognized a number of partners who make it work.

This includes: Quad-Cities Interfaith; Genesis Philanthropy, for providing the funds for multiple years; Scott County Health Department, which helps in the mental health arena; Iowa Department of Corrections, which provides two probation officers who work directly with clients and take phone calls day and night; Scott County Sheriff's Office and two jail employees who provide referrals; Scott County Attorney's Office, which has veto rights over participants but hasn't used one yet; Public Defender's Office, which provides a defense attorney; the Salvation Army and Vera French Housing, which help homeless clients; the Iowa Supreme Court, which, despite state cuts, allows the program to continue with local support; and recent partners, the Davenport Police Department.

"This is a team effort, and it needs the help from all of these individuals," Smith said.

Courtney Stenzel, residential director for Transitions Mental Health Services, is a social worker by training and said it's an honor to be on the Scott County team. Stenzel also works in Rock Island County's program.

Lives have been saved, she said, and changed, as the clients learn how to live purposeful lives.

The program served 19 clients during the past year, Stenzel said. There are 12 now involved, and a 13th one may join soon. He is in the active military.

The participants have attended group meetings, found support they've never experienced before and have stable housing. A majority of them are community volunteers, and Stenzel said there is a fitness component: She and the others will participate in the Quad-City Times Bix 7.

"This program makes a difference," she said.

Ramsey said that without the mental health court, he would be dead or in prison. He was homeless and addicted to drugs before he was arrested and convicted for conspiring to make methamphetamine.

He entered the One Eighty program in Davenport and did well at that, but he went off his medication. He's now on the second step in a five-step program and has learned to manage his medications. He also has learned about the effect that caffeine has on medication management.

Elesha Gayman, a former state legislator, followed Ramsey at the podium and said she deals with PTSD and depression. Gayman called the court program "a huge blessing."

Genesis Philanthropy's Missy Gowey announced the new donation and credited Stenzel and Ramsey, who had made a presentation to the philanthropy's board.

Gowey challenges others to loosen their pockets and make donations, such as to Quad-Cities Interfaith.

The Rev. Clark Olson-Smith, president of Quad-Cities Interfaith, said that mental health is personal to him and many others. He ministers to folks with mental health problems in Clinton County and said his father also has wrestled with mental health issues.

Kilgannon pushed for state or county funding for the Scott County program and asked the audience to contact state legislators or members of the Scott County Board of Supervisors.

Two county board members, Diane Holst and Brinson Kinzer, were at the event and said the county would consider the issue.
The Scott County Board of Supervisors Thursday approved the preliminary plat of a 31-lot residential subdivision submitted by Valley Construction of Rock Island.

But neighbors of the site at Scott Park Road and 270th Street called the unanimous vote a done deal.

It might as well be a rubber stamp, said Becky Andresen, an Eldridge resident and homeowner at 27152 183rd Ave.

Stormwater runoff tops the list of Andresens objections to the development. Narrow roads and cul de sacs in the proposed plat are another concern, she said.

The fire chief in Long Grove spoke at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Andresen said. He said theres no way a 30-foot truck could turn around. Theyd have to back out, and there would be no room for any other emergency vehicles.

Meredyth Andresen questioned the apparent lack of board discussion on the issue.

The vote was the next step to ultimate approval, she said. I dont see how the final plat wont be approved.

I want it clearly stated that this is a preliminary plat and not final, Supervisor Brinson Kinzer said prior to the board vote. The developer will work with neighbors on the drainage issue and make sure thats taken care of.

Kinzer said the question of road maintenance and snow removal also needs to be resolved. Jim Hass of Valley Construction has asked the county to maintain and plow snow on the subdivisions roads. County Engineer Jon Burgstrum recommended the county not accept that responsibility because of staff, equipment and cost concerns.

In other business, supervisors approved by 4-1 vote a memorandum of understanding between Scott County and the Eastern Iowa Mental Health/Disability Services Region regarding the duties and expenses of the regions CEO. Lori Elam will oversee the five-county district and continue as county community services director, effective Saturday.

Supervisor Diane Holst voted against the arrangement that splits Elams time and salary 90 percent to 10 percent between the district and Scott County.

The district asked for a dedicated CEO, Holst said. Its always difficult to answer to two bosses.

Supervisors also agreed to provisions in a letter of response to the city of Eldridges proposal that amends its Urban Renewal Plan. The board supported $7 million in tax increment financing for the expansion of Lewis Machine and Tool Manufacturings facility that will add 50 new jobs but opposed using TIF funding for $2.1 million in infrastructure improvements.
After closing its doors in October 2007, the building at 4656 W. Kimberly Road  once Meadowlawn Nursing Home, housing 60 people  sat vacant for nearly a decade. It slowly deteriorated, and became a target of vandals and the homeless looking for shelter.

But after a $2.5 million renovation, the building is now known as Pine Meadows, a long-term residential 15-bed mental health facility owned and operated by Vera French.

The building and the land on which it sits, about 5 acres, was gifted to Vera French, said Denise Beenk, chief operating officer.

I remember the first time I saw the inside of the building, Beenk told a crowd of about 60 people who gathered at the site Thursday for a grand opening and ribbon cutting. I crawled through a window and was gagging from all the mold and mildew on the walls.

Scott Ward, senior vice president of Russell Construction, said construction on the 15,000 square-foot building began in November 2016 and except for some minor touch-ups the building is ready to be occupied.

Well, almost.

Richard Whitaker Jr., CEO of Vera French, said it was hoped that they could begin moving their residents from the historic Pine Knoll facility on Rockingham Road to Pine Meadows next week or at the latest by July 15. But there have been some glitches getting the cable laid for the phone and internet systems, which hopefully will be resolved, soon, he added.

Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch told the crowd he lives near the building and has watched it deteriorate over the years.

It is so exciting that this great renovation is happening, Klipsch said. I get an opportunity to spend a lot of time opening great new things in Davenport. But its really at the heart of the community that were taking care of the people that are the most vulnerable and I think we have a tendency to concentrate a lot on the great things that are happening in new businesses.

We have to make sure we understand that that safety net of important services, especially those related to behavioral health, are extremely important,  Klipsch said, adding that the jails are not the place to care for people with behavioral health issues.

Whitaker said that just like its Sheridan Springs facility on Sheridan Street in Davenport, Pine Meadow has a look and feel that is inviting.

Its a little bit homelike but also state of the art where treatment can be the very best that can be provided, Whitaker said. Thats what the citizens of Davenport deserve and thats what people with mental illness deserve.

Mental health is more and more becoming the foundation for all health, he said. As we see the importance of mental health and the treatment of mental illness rise, were also going to see more importance given to the things that get us to mental health. Having a community that is mentally well is really a community that is livable. Thats our key. Living in a place where everyone can enjoy friendly neighborhoods and a good environment. And thats what Vera French is all about.

Whitaker said that given the size of the property with its forest area, a park will be created called The Allies for Recovery Memorial Park where patients and people can visit.

We all have things we have to work through from time to time, Whitaker said, adding that the park is in honor of everyone who gets over all of those things in life with which people have to deal, and to those people who help people with those life issues.

It takes a whole community to make mental health work, he said.

Ludalle Jones, of Bettendorf, who is a facilitator with the Suicide Survivors Support Group at St. Paul Lutheran Church, took a tour of the new facility Thursday with her husband, Larry.

Its a beautiful facility and its desperately needed, Ludalle Jones said, adding that those with mental health issues often are just one small step away from suicide.

Beenk said that while the building and the land was gifted, the cost of the construction, furnishings and equipment to make it work were not.

Anyone wishing to donate to Vera French may do so by visiting the organizations website at www.verafrenchmhc.org.
The American Dream for too many families in Illinois has become out of reach.

Gov. Bruce Rauner has turned a statewide budget crisis into a statewide economic crisis as dozens of social service agencies, community colleges, universities and other vital non-profits are teetering on the verge of bankruptcy. In every region of the state, including the Quad-Cities with Western Illinois University-Quad-Cities, our public universities are under assault.

Last Labor Day, I had the honor of meeting Chris Kennedy, son of the late Sen. Robert and Ethel Kennedy at the 49th annual Rock Island County Democratic Partys Salute to Labor picnic. Chris spent time speaking to my mother and to me, in addition to hundreds of area Democrats.

He spoke about his commitment to building a strong economy with better schools in every downstate community. As former chair of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, Kennedy understands the value of higher education in our economy and society. As a leading businessman who has helped recruit and retain businesses, Kennedy understands what it takes to grow the economy and encourage entrepreneurs.

Chris Kennedy moved from Boston to Decatur, Illinois, 30 years ago to join the fight against hunger. Chris and wife Sheila started Top Box Foods, a social non-profit that helps make sure the poor have access to healthy, nutritious foods. The values of the Kennedy family represent what is best about the Democratic Party.

I encourage voters to support Chris Kennedy for governor to restore the American Dream in Illinois.

Louisa Terronez Ewert

Moline

Editors note: Ewert is Rock Island County treasurer
Many businesses and communities in South Dakota rely on general aviation to support economic growth, said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. General aviation supports agriculture, emergency services, law enforcement, and firefighting. We thank Governor Daugaard for the proclamation and for recognizing general aviations important role in the State.
Gov. Pete Ricketts has asked for an agency-wide review of the Nebraska State Patrol after a number of concerns were raised.

Because of that, he said, he believes the state has an opportunity to improve patrol operations.

Those concerns include how a Sheridan County fatal crash in October involving the patrol was handled internally. Another is about a grievance filed by the State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council this week over the safety of some patrol members protective vests and body armor.

Other anecdotal concerns have been raised throughout all levels of the organization that led Ricketts to believe the patrol can do better in how it runs its operations, he said.

State Human Resources Director Jason Jackson will lead the review of policies, procedures, practices, training and leadership conduct, all of which influence overall organizational performance, he said. Jackson, as a former Naval officer, has led several of these reviews of command in the Navy, he said.

Jackson said there are no presumptions of impropriety, but he promised the review would be exhaustive, to ensure the agency is practicing the utmost standards of professionalism and conduct, with recommendations for improvements. Ricketts said it would take several weeks and will be made public.

In all of our organizations were striving for continuous improvement, Ricketts said.

State Sen. Ernie Chambers called for the firing of the patrols superintendent, Col. Brad Rice. He told the Omaha World-Herald that it appears some patrol officers lied about the cause of a fatal crash in Sheridan County in October and that Rice supported them.

Chambers said he also will raise concerns about whether charges of giving false information to a police officer should be filed against those troopers involved in the incident. Chambers said they may have given false information about how fast the trooper was driving and how the patrol vehicle and the suspects vehicle collided.

In October, a trooper saw a 2001 Mercury Sable, with no license plate, run a stop sign on a county road north of Gordon in Sheridan County, the patrol reported. The trooper attempted to stop the car, and it slowed, but then turned and accelerated rapidly down another county road.

Two miles north of Gordon, the patrol car intercepted the vehicle, which crashed into a ditch and rolled.

The driver, Antoine L. Ladeaux, 32, of Pine Ridge, S.D., was ejected and died at the scene of the crash. Three passengers in the vehicle were taken to the Gordon hospital where they were treated and released.

The pursuit lasted approximately five minutes and reached speeds near 80 mph, according to the patrol.

The Sheridan County case went before a Sheridan County grand jury in December, and the trooper involved was cleared of any wrongdoing, said Cody Thomas, patrol spokesman.

Ricketts said Friday he has faith in Rice, who will continue to lead the department throughout the review.

Rice issued a statement saying the patrol has a proud 80-year tradition of serving the state, and throughout those 80 years has always been looking for ways to better serve.

The governors initiative is another important step to uphold that tradition, and to ensure that we achieve our goal of protecting public safety, he said.

On the grievance filed by the troopers union, a number of members said they were issued body armor that was out of date and the manufacturers warranty for ballistic protection expired. The council asked the patrol to replace the vests and body armor, or minimize troopers exposure to danger until safe vests are provided.

Spokesman Thomas said the patrol cares deeply about officer safety, and has moved quickly to resolve the issue.

In February, the patrol initiated the purchase of 78 new protective vests. Those new vests will arrive next week, Thomas said, and will be distributed quickly.

According to the National Institute of Justice, he said, the body armor does not have an expiration date, but the warranty has an expiration date. And the warranty date listed on the vest may not be accurate.

The patrol has created a new system designed to better track the issuance date of body armor to make sure it doesnt happen again and to assist the troopers in knowing when the warranty actually expires, he said.

The cost of those 78 vests was roughly $53,200, at $650 per vest.
After approval by the South Dakota Board of Regents on Thursday, Black Hills State University will rename a pair of campus buildings to honor two influential South Dakota Native American educators.

The Crow Peak Residence Hall, which opened in 2015, will be renamed in honor of longtime Sinte Gleska University president Lionel R. Bordeaux, and the BHSU Center for American Indian Studies will be renamed in honor of retired BHSU associate professor Jace DeCory.

Less than a decade after his graduation from BHSU in 1964, Bordeaux began a career now spanning more than 40 years leading Sinte Gleska, on the Rosebud Reservation in Mission.

With this naming, Bordeauxs influence will inspire students at BHSU for generations to come, said BHSU president Dr. Tom Jackson, in a release.

DeCory retired from BHSU this month after 33 years as an educator, one of the most highly respected professors at BHSU, Jackson said.

She has been the soul of the American Indian Studies program at BHSU and an amazing influence on not just Native students but all students, Jackson said.

Formal naming ceremonies for the Lionel R. Bordeaux Residence Hall and the Jace DeCory Center for American Indian Studies will be held this fall.
A Kyle man was convicted of second-degree murder Friday afternoon for a fatal assault on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in November.

Marlon Iron Crow, 44, faces up to life in federal prison for the death of Craig Charging Crow, 35.

Prosecutors say the men were drinking at a home in Porcupine on Nov. 11 when Charging Crow jokingly told Iron Crow, "I bet you can't knock me out." Iron Crow then punched, kicked and stomped on him with cowboy boots.

An autopsy showed Charging Crow died of a brain injury.

Besides second-degree murder, the jury was given three other offenses in which to potentially convict Iron Crow: voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter and simple assault.

The verdict came at 12:55 p.m., roughly seven hours after a jury in Rapid City federal court received the case mid-afternoon Thursday.

While waiting for a court clerk to read the verdict, Iron Crows lawyer placed a hand on his shoulder. There was no discernible reaction from Iron Crow after the guilty verdict was announced.

Charging Crow's family, who attended all four days of the trial, said the conviction will help them find peace.

This verdict helps to give us closure and helps us to move on. We finally have justice for Craig, the victims mother, Geraldine Charging Crow, said in a statement released through U.S. Attorneys Office spokeswoman Ace Crawford.

The FBI was the lead investigating agency in the case.

After Iron Crow, dressed in a red short-sleeved shirt and blue jeans, was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs, about a dozen of his supporters remained seated in the gallery. One girl wept quietly, another sobbed, while others dabbed at tears. Most kept staring into the distance.

The case has created a fissure in Iron Crows family since his sister, Nicole Morsette, and 12-year-old nephew told federal investigators he assaulted the victim at Morsette's residence. His nephew was considered one of the prosecutions most important witnesses.

The defense argued that Charging Crows brain injury resulted from a fall, when he might have hit a hard surface because of his extreme level of intoxication. Charging Crows blood alcohol content during his autopsy was 0.392 percent, almost five times the legal limit for driving.

Iron Crow admitted fighting the victim but said it was done in self-defense.

His sentencing date, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Jeffrey Viken, has not been scheduled.

Iron Crow's trial was the third murder trial at the Rapid City federal courthouse in two months. Before this year, according to Journal archives, the last may have taken place in 2010, when Vine Richard Marshall was acquitted of aiding and abetting first-degree murder in the death of American Indian Movement activist Annie Mae Aquash in 1975.
Russian businesswoman ordered to pay Depardieu $84,500

MOSCOW, June 30 (RAPSI)  The Moscow Commercial Court has collected five million rubles (about $84,500) of unjust enrichment from businesswoman Yelena Lazareva in favor of film star Gerard Depardieu, RAPSI learnt from the court on Friday.

In May, the Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals upheld the February ruling of the Moscow City Court to recover 591,000 rubles ($9,600) from the defendant. The court granted Depardieus claim and ordered Lazareva to pay the plaintiff 500,000 rubles of unjustified enrichment plus interest.

According to the actors lawyer, Depardieu found the transfer of 500,000 rubles ($8,100) from his account to the defendants account allegedly as a loan. However, Depardieu and Lazareva have signed no agreements. Lazareva has not replied to the information request and further plaintiffs claim.

Earlier, Depardieu has filed three lawsuits seeking in total over 7.2 million rubles ($116,600) from Lazareva. Reportedly, audit conducted during the period from 2013 to 2015 revealed several unconfirmed transactions from the actors account for legal services allegedly rendered him by Lazarevas firm GlavbuhAudit.

Depardieu said in late 2012 that he had decided to renounce his French citizenship ahead of the government's planned implementation of a 75 percent tax rate for the wealthy. In January 2013, he obtained a Russian passport, however, preserving his French citizenship as well. He later obtained permanent residence registration in Saransk, the capital of the Russian region of Mordovia.
Putin signs decree extending Russian countersanctions against number of countries

MOSCOW, June 30 (RAPSI)  Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree extending duration of countersanctions against a number of countries until December 31, 2018, the document published on the official website of legal information reads on Friday.

The decree comes into force today.

On June 28, the European Union prolonged sanctions, targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy, until January 31 of the next year. The economic sanctions targeting the financial, energy, and defense sectors, as well as the sector of dual-use goods, were first introduced on July 31, 2014, for a one-year period and toughened in September 2014.

Later, in March 2015, the European Council linked the end of the sanctions to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements.

In addition to the sanctions, limiting access to EU capital markets for five major Russian majority state-owned financial institutions and three major Russian energy and three defense companies, as well as curtailing access to some sensitive technologies and services related to oil production and exploration, the European Council employed additional measures. Among them are targeted individual restrictive measures against 150 people and 37 entities, which are in place until September 15, 2017, and restrictive measures undertaken in response to the reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia deemed illegal by EU, in place until June 23, 2018.

In the spring of 2014, the EU, the United States and Canada slapped the first sanctions on Russian companies, banks and politicians, freezing their bank accounts, denying them entry and refusing to buy Russian products. The move was linked to the conflict in Ukraine. Among the companies affected by these sanctions are several of top Russian companies: Sberbank, VTB, Gazprombank and others.

In response, in August 2014, the Russian government introduced a year-long ban on agricultural imports from the EU, the US, Canada and several other countries that imposed sanctions on Russia. Blacklisted food imports included meat, fish, dairy, fruit and vegetables. In late June 2015, Russia extended the embargo until August 5, 2016. Last June, the ban was extended yet again until December 31, 2017.
The White House on Thursday nominated Kurt Alme of Billings to be the new U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, following a recommendation from Sen. Steve Daines, Montana's senior Republican congressman.

If confirmed by the Senate, Alme  a former First Assistant U.S. Attorney who now runs the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation  will fill the role vacated earlier this year by Michael Cotter.

In March Cotter, along with 45 other U.S. Attorneys appointed during the Obama administration, was told to resign by President Donald Trump.

In a statement announcing his recommendation, Daines said he looked for someone with experience in federal law enforcement as well as an awareness of the most pressing criminal issues facing our state.

Montanans deserve a U.S. Attorney with public safety and management experience and that person is Kurt Alme. He is the right person for this job, the senator said.

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the largest geographic federal court district in the lower 48 states.

Alme, a Great Falls native who went to high school in Miles City, graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1992 and is a Harry S Truman Scholar. He clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Charles Lovell before joining the Crowley Law Firm in Billings. There he practiced nonprofit law, business and estate planning, and tax law, eventually becoming a partner at the firm.

In 2001, he was named director of the Montana Department of Revenue before joining the U.S. Attorneys office. He left the office in 2010 to become general counsel at the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation  an organization that provides tax and charitable planning to help support the ranch, which works with emotionally troubled youth  and became president in 2013.
Election Commission

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has again urged the political parties, candidates, the representatives of the candidates and all stakeholders to extend necessary cooperation from their side to speed up the counting of votes.

The EC stated that the chief election officers and election officers concerned have already been instructed to speed up the vote counting by forming the required number of vote counting teams in coordination with the political parties and candidates so as to provide the results of the vote counting under the second phase local level elections at the earliest.

EC spokesman Surya Prasad Sharma said that poll results of Kanda and Masta rural municipalities in Bajhang, Pandavgupha rural municipality in Bajura, Chichila and Silichiong rural municipalities in Sankhuwasabha, and Likhupike rural municipality in Solukhumbu have been declared.

Vote counting in all 335 local levels under the second phase of local level elections held on June 28 is underway except in one local level each in Taplejung, Solukhumbu, Gulmi, Dang, Kailali and Bajhang districts and two local levels in Achham district, the Election Commission has stated.

It is said the counting of votes has been delayed in these local levels as ballot boxes from one polling centre is yet to reach the vote counting centre in Taplejung while the process for reaching political agreement for counting was underway in the rest of the districts.

The Election Commisison also stated that voting is taking place in a peaceful manner since 8 am today at Kotahimahi rural municipality -1 and at the Pandu Secondary School polling centre at Jayaprithvi Municipality-3 in Bajhang district, where the voting was suspended on June 28.RSS
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" " A flock of Eurasian crane (Grus grus) flies close to a wind turbine in Germany. Nick Upton/Nature Picture Library/Getty Images

Wind energy is one of the most promising sources of renewable energy out there. Land-based wind farms generate essentially no pollution and have more overall energy-producing and money-saving potential than solar farms. If wind energy has downsides, they are that the turbines cost a lot to build, and that they kill birds. Or at least that's the story.

But how many birds do wind turbines really kill? And is it appreciably more than other sources of power? According to recent research, stats on the number of birds killed annually by collisions with giant, spinning wind turbines is either ambiguous or lower than one might imagine, given the fact that bird-killing is one of the top on the "Cons" side of the "Should We Build a Bunch of Wind Farms To Combat Climate Change?" pros-and-cons list.

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One 2011 study found there's really no telling how many birds are actually taken out by wind turbines, since bird mortalities seem to differ so much between wind farms  suggesting that the location of the farms might have more to do with how many birds they kill than the fact of the turbines themselves. The study examined bird data for various sites before and after the construction of the facilities, and found a weak relationship between how many birds they predicted would die as a result of the wind farm, and the actual mortalities.

A 2013 study found that bird mortality from wind turbines actually differs from place to place (at least in Canada, where the research was conducted) and between species, while a 2009 study found that although, sure, wind turbines might kill some flying vertebrates, the numbers couldn't possibly hold a candle to the bird and bat fatalities caused by other forms of power generation. That study estimates that while U.S. wind farms were responsible for the deaths of about 7,000 birds in 2006, nuclear plants killed around 327,000 and fossil-fueled power plants 14.5 million. The researchers broke up the data proportionally, finding that while each gigawatt-hour (GWh) of energy produced by a wind farm was associated with 0.3 fatalities, about 5.2 birds would die at a fossil-fuel facility for the same amount of energy produced.

Now That's Interesting A 2013 study found that cat predation and collisions with windows, vehicles, and transmission lines are responsible for more than 95 percent of all bird fatalities in Canada.
Report: In 2008-15 Poland was the world leader in the dynamics of business enterprise expenditure on R&D

Poland was the world leader in terms of growth in R&D spending in 2008-2015, according to the recently published Global Innovation Index 2017. But in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2017 we were in the third to last place in the EU.

In the recently published Global Innovation Index 2017 (GII 2017), which analyses 127 economies, Poland has advanced one position from 39th to 38th. At the same time, we were the world leader in the dynamics of business enterprise expenditure on R&D in the years 2008-2015 (increase by 212%). In the case of increased domestic expenditures Poland took third place behind Slovakia and China (107% increase).

According to the report, global expenditures on R&D (GERD) following the 200809 financial crisis have varied considerably. "Some countries - such as China, India, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and Poland - did not decrease their R&D efforts during the crisis and have intensified them further after the crisis, with business expenditures on R&D (BERD) also following the same trend. Other countries saw declining GERD and BERD during the crisis, but above pre-crisis levels in 2015" - reads the report.

The authors of the report have explained that these included traditionally high R&D spending economies, such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, but also Chile and Slovakia.

On the other hand, in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2017, Poland ranks 25th (among 28 EU countries), falling two places compared to last year\'s ranking. Poland is followed by Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania. Despite that, Poland was classified as a moderate innovator.

Partner at Crido Taxand Micha Gwizda noted that in both rankings Poland was behind the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia. Croatia and Romania had lower positions. According to Gwizda, in both rankings Poland\'s position is also unfavourable in terms of the number of international patent applications, which can be considered as a performance measure of spending on innovation.

"From the perspective of advisors supporting companies in the development of innovation and acquisition of R&D funding, we are actually seeing a significant increase in R&D&I spending. It is still a pleasant surprise to hear that we are a global leader in the dynamics of this growth. This bodes well for the future. Now we should ensure that the funds are spent in a way that in the long run will really support building an innovative economy" - Gwizda said.

He pointed out that despite the fact that Poland had climbed 11 positions in the overall ranking of the Global Innovation Index in the past five years, in his opinion not all aspects of the situation look optimistic. "In the Innovation Efficiency Ratio, Poland fell 9 places in the last year (from 39 to 48), which is almost a return to the position it had 5 years ago (49)" - noted partner at Crido Taxand.

He added that over the past five years, the overall innovation index for Poland in comparison to the European average increased by 2 percentage points in the European ranking. In 2010 it was 52.8% EU average, while in 2016 it was 54.8%.

"As in the global ranking, also in the European Innovation Scoreboard Polska has seen a decline in some sub-indices, particularly in the area of SME innovation and the cooperation of the SME sector with other players in the field of innovation" - he said.

Whistler reminded that according to the Polish Statistical Offica data, gross domestic expenditure on R&D in Poland in 2008-2015 increased from PLN 7 billion 706 million to (0.6% GDP) to PLN 18 billion 61 million (1% GDP). As far as business R&D spending in Poland is concerned, it amounted to PLN 2 billion 480 million in 2008, and PLN 8 billion in 411 million in 2015.

According to the partner in Crido Taxand, in addition to indicators related to the level of R&D expenditure, the number of patent applications in the international system (PCT) is an important measure of the innovativeness of the economy. "In this respect, Poland had low positions in both rankings - 47th place in GII and of 24th place in the European ranking" - he pointed out.

According Gwizda, a way to improve this indicator may be the so-called Innovation Box - a preferential tax rate mechanism for revenues generated by the commercialisation of patents and other industrial property rights. Such mechanisms have been used successfully for many years in many countries, including the Netherlands, Hungary and the UK. (PAP)

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When is an origin story not an origin story?

When super-producer Kevin Feige and his brigade of talent behind the unyielding success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe took the creative reins of Sony's third go at Spider-Man in 15 years, they promised not to retell the character's origin for the umpteenth time.

A great call, of course; avoiding a now-tired retread while still nonetheless managing to deliver the central appeal of an origin story. By setting the story just after the events of last year's Captain America: Civil War, and having scored the participation of Robert Downey Jr., Homecoming is freed up to explore Spidey's early-days foray from small potatoes do-gooder into the higher-stakes world of the Avengers.

Peter, with unending wonder and charisma, spends much of the film unlocking the secrets of his cool high tech new suit, which he first wore in Civil War. Turns out it was a gift from ace suitmaker Tony Stark, fully equipped with all manner of high tech bells and whistles. (Not the least of which being a Siri-like "suit lady" a.i., voiced by Jennifer Connelly). Thus, we have the origin-like gee-whiz rush of the discovery of new abilities, with a fresh and fun angle, a lightly lifted and heavily tweaked version of Peter's comic book interactions with Stark in the best-selling Civil War comic book mini-series.

To the shrieking chagrin of online pious purveyors of progressivism, Marvel has opted not to ditch the Peter Parker character in favor of the newer, non-white Spidey of the comics, Miles Morales. It's the right call for now, as the MCU, as good as it's been, has been incomplete without "puny Parker" to kick around. Alongside of him are oodles of ethnic American minorities, making up the most accurately diverse representation of New York City in one of these movies yet. And as a bonus, Morales fans are thrown a referential bone to appease them this time around.

Who would've thought that by placing Marvel's once-flagship character into the hands of its own film studio, that the property would finally break free of its shackles of comic book continuity? Amazingly, Homecoming does just that. By not being beholden to dipping into fifty-plus years of published history, the franchise finds a forward-moving freshness. Spider-Man is still Spider-Man and the supporting cast and locales are intact, but whereas Sam Raimi's and Marc Webb's films bore the weight of being comic book adaptations, this one feels like reading a really fun comic book. The predecessors have all struggled to varying degrees to be true to what Spider-Man has been. This one is true to who he is.

Of course, it takes a hero's share of pieces falling into place to make a film come off as effortlessly as this one does. Director Jon Watts, infamously reeled in for this gig following his micro-budget indie Cop Car, nails and maintains a tone that is at once breezy but also not without stakes. Michael Giacchono delivers a score worthy of any Marvel movie, surpassing most. He's wisely employed Alan Silvestri's Avengers main theme and an orchestral version of the classic Spider-Man cartoon show. The screenplay credits list is chock full of hip and happening writers of mostly not-awful comedies.

The true standout, it must be said, is Tom Holland, who assumes the lead. Holland, so good in The Impossible several years ago, radiates a nervous charm and energy befitting of everyone's favorite wall crawler. His is a Peter Parker we can immediately believe as a selfless hero, fundamentally torn between that responsibility and his fifteen-year-old's desire for a "normal", unobstructed life. He'll go through the effort of taking the girl of his dreams to the homecoming dance, but what are the odds he'll get to stay very long? Such is the plight...

If you happen to hear an unintended scraping sound during the film, it's probably the creative team foraging the bottom of the Spiderverse barrel for heretofore unused villains and supporting characters. Fortunately, the absence of familiar staples such as the Osborn clan, Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson, and the entirety of of Daily Bugle is unnoticeable, as Spider-Man comics have long boasted one of the greatest rogues gallery and THE greatest supporting cast in comics. Plenty of remaining characters to mine. Plus, there's now the entire extended Marvel universe to play with.

Not only is the MCU well represented by the likes of RDJ, Jon Faverau, and several others, Homecoming flies in with a boast that everyone's favorite recent DC Comics movie withheld. Let's just say that there's only one comic book superhero film this summer with an invisible jet, and it ain't Wonder Woman.

Is that a spoiler? Eh, not really. In a movie so packed with satisfying spectacle, relatable angst and charm to spare, the very minor detail that the villainous "Vulture", played by a sneeringly irritable Michael Keaton, at one point commandeers a high tech cloaked plane over the city probably isn't giving away much of anything.

The amount of high powered and mysterious gizmos and gadgets the Vulture and his crew of emerging sinister fiends salvage to illegally sell is almost stream of conscience. The source they are pulling from is both familiar and, it must be said, altogether logical - if also reckless. Keaton takes to the skies in a lethal mechanized version of the old-school old man comic book baddie.

His presence as the film's main antagonist both elevates and helps modulate the locked-in lighter tone of Homecoming. One can't help but think about how Keaton, who darn nearly won an Oscar for playing Birdman - a film that itself took Best Picture for its snarky criticism of modern superhero movies, singling out Robert Downey Jr. in particularly - is now costarring in a film with RDJ's Tony Stark. Sooner or later, the shared universes will lay claim to everyone.

This being a major franchise now enveloped within another far more major franchise, there's no need to kid ourselves regarding who is and isn't calling the shots behind the scenes. But for all the multi-studio moving and shaking that has gone down over this incarnation of Spider-Man, this film, perhaps miraculously, ends up being one homecoming event well worth attending.

The film opens in theaters in wide release in the U.S. on Friday, July 7.
Eduardo Mendoza turned a lot of heads with 2013s The Gospel of The Flesh.

Previously only known for 2005's teen comedy Manana Te Cuento -- which fell into the typical comedy trap of switching out legitimately funny juvenile antics for serious drama, and never recovered -- and its sequel, Mendoza reinvented himself as a serious director with a dark, gritty multi-character drama which owed a bit to Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritus Amores Perros but which was still unmistakably Peruvian; a portrait of Lima, its cultures and beliefs in all their chaotic beauty.

Mendozas growth as a filmmaker continues this year with La Hora Final, which reaches back into Perus recent past.

Set during the early 1990s, its a dramatization of the events which led to the capture of Abimael Guzman, the head of the Shining Path terrorist organization, who at the time hadnt been seen for almost ten years. The story centers on Zambrano (Pietro Sibille) and Coronado (Nidia Bermejo), two agents of the Police Intelligence Service (GEIN for short) who, as part of the mission to hunt down Guzman, have to pass themselves off as a couple. Their units task will bring them to conflict with their own colleagues, terrorists and even the CIA.

Also part of the task force is veteran actor Tono Vega, who starred in 1988s In The Mouth of The Wolf (La Boca del Lobo), which was also about Perus inner war with Shining Path; it is considered a classic of Peruvian cinema, and one of the best films that deals with the conflict.

Going by the trailer, which you can watch below, Mendoza has recreated the hunt for Guzman as a suspense thriller; the material certainly warrants it. Well just have to wait until the movie opens in Peruvian theaters on 14 September to see the end result.
The new trend of speakeasy concepts is increasingly common among San Francisco cocktail bars, most of them employing a Prohibition-era 1920s theme. But the newest entry in the reimagined speakeasy arena is taking a unique tack. Eater reports that upscale Chinatown plaza China Live has opened a hidden cocktail bar called Cold Drinks, adding another attraction to the everything-Chinese-themed retail and food destination and providing a classier option to a neighborhood that otherwise has a pretty modest selection of not-dumpy, not-divey bars.

How Cold Drinks is hidden is not exactly clear, though Eater does note the location is in the upstairs of one of China Lives restaurants. Eaters Ellen Fort visited Cold Drinks to speak with beverage director Duggan McDonnell (formerly of Cantina fame), and she notes that the ambiance and Broadway Street views are lovely, and that scotch whiskey is the places calling card.

There are a lot of people who find scotch inapproachable, McDonnell told Eater. In order for it to be fun, it needs to work with things people like to order  every cocktail needs to be a bridge to a new audience.

Other notable idiosyncrasies include the bartenders all wearing tuxedos, a black marble bar, French and Japanese glassware in a space whose capacity is about 50 people.

Cold Drinks has already soft-opened and theyve been posting on Instagram since February. They open at 4 p.m. daily, a menu of light snacks may be introduced after an official opening whose date has not been announced.

Related: Mr. Bing's Destroyed Into Clean, Normal Bar




A dead body found Thursday near a a San Francisco off-ramp for 280 did not appear to be a victim from a nearby crash, a California Highway Patrol spokesperson says, as the deceased was in a state of decomposition.

CHP officers were called to the San Jose Avenue off-ramp northbound 280 at 1:49 p.m. Thursday on reports of a fatal collision, Bay City News reported at the time.

However, it appears that the crash, itself, wasn't fatal, as the body found near the scene was "decomposing," CHP spokesperson Officer Vu Williams told KRON 4 Thursday evening.

KRON reports that Williams says that "the body may have been that of homeless man, but did not necessarily appear to be related to an earlier collision."

The San Francisco Medical Examiner's Office did not have further details to release on the deceased, including gender, age, or identity, as of publication time.


Following an outpouring of tears and outrage in reaction to Netflix's cancellation of cult favorite series Sense8, it was revealed Thursday that they will be letting the Wachowski sisters give the fans some closure. Co-creator Lana Wachowski penned a public letter to fans on Twitter and Facebook saying, "Improbably, unforeseeably, your love has brought 'Sense8' back to life."

It appears that it was, in fact, all the emails, lamenting tweets, and general caterwauling by devastated fans that changed Netflix's mind about the show's fate, and much the way HBO canceled Looking but allowed the creators to produce a two-hour movie to wrap up their storylines, Netflix is letting the Wachowskis make a two-hour finale for Sense8.

"In this world it is easy to believe that you cannot make a difference; that when a government or an institution or corporation makes a decision, there is something irrevocable about the decision; that love is always less important than the bottom line," writes Lana Wachowski. "But here is a gift from the fans of this show that I will carry forever in my heart: while it is often true that those decisions are irreversible, it is not always true."

Wachowski says that following the announcement of the cancellation she "often found myself unable to open my own email" and that she "fell into a fairly serious depression." She also says that Netflix "loves the show as much as we do but the numbers have always been challenging."

Given the globe-spanning plot lines of the show, things got pretty expensive. As The Verge reports, some estimates put the ticket price of each episode at $9 million.

The two-hour finale will be released sometime next year, Wachowski says. It remains to be seen if any of it, like parts of the first two seasons, will be shot in San Francisco, but maybe!

Death doesn't let you say goodbye. 2 hour finale episode in the works. Tell your cluster. pic.twitter.com/GHZgGuHwS0  Sense8 (@sense8) June 29, 2017

The cancellation of Sense8 after two seasons came alongside the cancellation of two freshmen series at Netflix, the SF-shot Girlboss, and the Baz Luhrman hip-hop drama The Get Down. Speaking generally about the cancellations, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos was quoted as saying, "Relative to what you spent, are people watching it? That is [a] pretty traditional [test]... A big, expensive show for a tiny audience is hard even in our model to make that work very long."

Related: 'Tales Of The City' Is Coming Back, Via Netflix Reboot


A man was attacked and robbed Thursday night, when a pair of women started an altercation with him then stole his medication.

Police say that the incident happened at around 9 p.m. Thursday, on the first block of Sixth Street, which is between Market and Mission Streets.

According to the San Francisco Police Department, the 64-year-old male victim was approached by two women  one who looked to be in her 60s, and another who looked about 20, witnesses say.

The victim "got into a verbal altercation with" the woman, police say, an argument that turned violent when the older woman pepper sprayed the man in the face.

As the man reacted to the attack, the younger woman grabbed a bag he was carrying, police say, which contained a package of laxatives.

The women then fled in foot in an "unknown direction," police say, purgatives in hand. As of Friday morning, they remain at large, and no arrests have been made in the case.
According to the cooperation program, the committee and the national flag carrier will work together to boost investment, trade, tourism and aviation activities promotion by organizing workshops, conferences and seminars.



The two sides will coordinate to publish advertising news and display media publications at communication channels of Vietnam Airlines and the city Peoples Committee.

In addition, they will organize tourist fairs and international tourist events in key potential markets of the citys tourist industry; study and develop domestically and abroad tourist products and routes, air travel packages to and from HCMC; and exploit air routes.

Annually, they will host at least one national or international air travel event to advertise HCMC as an attractive, friendly and safe destination for visitors. Vietnam Airlines provides preferential air fares for HCMC teams of athletes and students to attend international exams and tournaments, and assist business trips of city leaders.

After the signing ceremony, the HCMC Department of Tourism will work with the airline and relevant agencies to implement the agreement, contributing to boost economic, social and cultural development as well as attract visitors and investors to HCMC.

Stating at the ceremony, chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong stressed that the citys tourist potential is very large so relevant agencies should study how to develop tourism into the citys spearhead industry.

At present, meeting incentive conference event and other types of tourism have not been well exploited. So the city should develop unique tourist products to lure visitors back after their first visits to the city.

By QUOC HUNG  Translated by Hai Mien
At a joint press conference following talks between the two leaders in Moscow, the two leaders announced that the investment would be poured into 20 priority projects, including a joint Vietnamese-Russian oil and gas enterprise, the construction of a light industrial zone in Moscow and projects carried out by Vietnamese dairy group TH in some Russian localities.



Another $500 million would be spent on projects with high potentials in new areas of bilateral co-operation like agriculture or medicinal herbs, the leaders said.

The two countries have also set an ambitious target of bilateral trade reaching $10 billion by 2020.

Oil and gas will remain the top priority sector for co-operation between the two countries, Putin said.

Vietsovpetro, a Vietnam-Russia joint venture, accounts for a third of the crude oil extracted in Vietnam.

Putin said Russia was committed to providing Vietnam with cooking gas, petrol and other fuels. He also said Russian enterprises were more than ready to lend a hand in modernising Vietnams power plants and and help the country build new power plants.

The two leaders also agreed to co-ordinate closely with each other in implementing the Vietnam -Eurasia Economic Union Free Trade Agreement in order to fully exploit its advantages for further co-operation in trade and investment.

The FTA, involving Vietnam, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, was signed in May 2015 and took effect on October 5 last year.

Vietnam and Russia are committed to creating favourable conditions for enterprises to step up trading, including signing agreements on food safety management and promoting payment in Vietnamese dong and the Russian rouble, the leaders said.

Joint ventures to assemble and produce cars in Vietnam will soon be set up and co-operation stepped up in energy and infrastructure. The leaders said they will also consider the potential for continuing co-operation in the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

On the East Sea (South China Sea) dispute, Quang and Putin agreed that any border or territorial dispute should be resolved by peaceful means without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with international laws including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS).

They agreed the Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea (DOC) should be implemented fully and effectively, and hoped that the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) will soon be completed.

President Putin affirmed that Vietnam would always be a priority partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region. He said he believed that Quangs visit will provide fresh impetus to the development of the bilateral ties in the coming time.

Quang reiterated that Vietnam has consistently prioritised strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in order to promote further bilateral co-operation in all fields.

The two leaders later witnessed the signing ceremonies for several co-operation projects including the building of a nuclear technology and science centre in Vietnam between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Russian Rosatom Group, a co-operation agreement on anti-money laundering between the State Bank of Vietnam and the Financial Market Relations Regulation Centre, and another between the Vietnam News Agency and the Sputnik.

A memorandum on technical co-operation between the two State treasuries was also signed in the presence of the presidents.

A 2017-22 co-operation programme in aerospace technology between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities and an agreement between the Vietnam Railways Corporation and the Russian Railways Open Joint Stock Company were also signed on Thursday.

Meeting with Russian PM

Vietnam treasures its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia and consistently prioritises the development of bilateral relations to make it more sustainable and effective, President Tran Dai Quang said on Thursday.

Meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow as part of his ongoing four-day official visit to Russia, the President said that Vietnam sees Russia as one of its top important and reliable partners.

He highlighted the strong political ties between the two countries as well as co-ordination between the Vietnam Communist Party and the United Russia Party led by PM Medvedev.

Quang said he was delighted at visiting Russia for the first time since he took office in 2016. His noted with pleasure that his visit also coincided the 100th anniversary of Russias October Revolution.

President Quang and PM Medvedev expressed their high determination to lift the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to new heights. They also agreed on measures to promote and deepen bilateral ties.

The Vietnamese President proposed that the two governments foster co-operation with effective implementation of the Vietnam -Eurasia Economic Union free trade agreement, and by creating favourable conditions for import-export activities between the two countries.

Both sides should encourage co-operation projects, especially in oil and gas, energy, automobile assembly and production, and milch cow breeding and milk processing, he suggested.

He thanked Russia for supporting the Vietnamese community in Russia, and pledged Vietnams assistance in the organisation of the Russian Culture Days in Vietnam this year.

For his part, the Russian PM expressed his fond sentiments for Vietnam, and recalled memories of earlier visits to the country.

Medvedev noted that bilateral ties have grown in all fields, especially economy and trade, and said he hoped both governments will continue their focus on bolstering trade and investment ties. He suggested that the two sides actively seek more co-operation projects.

The leaders expressed pleasures at the close co-ordination between Viet Nam and Russia at multilateral forums, including the APEC.

Medvedev said Russia was willing to work with Viet Nam in successfully organising APEC Year 2017.

Earlier the same day, President Quang and the Vietnamese delegation laid flowers at the Ho Chi Minh Statue in Moscow and planted a tree in Ho Chi Minh Square.

They also laid a wreath at the monument in the Red Square commemorating unknown martyrs who died between 1941 and 1945, and paid tributes to the Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir I. Lenin.

VNS
SIOUX CITY | Sioux City's finance director, who leveled a series of allegations against Superintendent Paul Gausman in February, said Thursday he was not questioned as part of a recently completed school board investigation into the charges.

Through an intermediary, John Chalstrom accused Gausman of creating a hostile workplace and threatening his job if he shared alternative budget proposals with board members outside of regular meetings.

At the end of Monday's board meeting, President Mike Krysl told the Journal the internal investigation was finished and the board found no evidence of wrong doing by Gausman, a former Iowa superintendent of the year.

"(The public) can rest assure that the board did take this seriously and undertook a fact-finding mission of its own....We don't think it is necessary to take any other action," Krysl said Monday.

Chalstrom, who was placed on administrative leave two days after making the Feb.11 allegations, could not be immediately be reached for comment after Monday's meeting. Reached Thursday, Chalstrom confirmed he had not been questioned for the investigation. He declined any further comment.

Krysl refused Thursday to say whether Chalstrom had been interviewed.

"I am not going to comment on the specifics of an investigation. It is a confidential personnel matter and we are going to stand by that," the board president said.

Krysl also declined to specify how many people had been interviewed.

"It was exhaustive enough to look at the merit of each and every allegation that was raised," he said.

The board in April received legal advice from an outside attorney who concluded any records generated by an investigation related to the conduct or performance of a district employee or former employee would be confidential files not subject to disclosure under the states open records law.

In a story first reported by the Journal, Chalstrom intermediary Dan Greenwell shared the list of the finance director's concerns with Krysl and board Vice President Mike McTaggart at a Feb. 11 meeting and in a subsequent series of emails.

Greenwell, a frequent critic of Gausman and his administration, urged the board to investigate the claims.

Gausman has vehemently denied all of the charges.

Greenwell said Thursday he was not surprised Chalstrom was not questioned.

"I thought it was highly predictable the board would not have the confidence to perform an independent, outside investigation," Greenwell said. "In my view, it speaks very loudly on both the continued lack of independence and fear of accountability by a majority of board members."

On April 10, the board, by a 5-2 vote, approved a settlement agreement with Chalstrom. Under the deal, he remains on paid administrative leave until the expiration of his contract on Friday, the end of the district's current budget year. Additionally, he will receive about $35,000 in severance pay through Sept. 30.

At Monday's meeting, the board approved the hiring of Patricia Blankenship as the new director of finance. Blankenship is a partner and CPA at the Sioux City-based firm King, Reinsch, Prosser.
SIOUX CITY | A woman from South Dakota was killed Thursday when she was thrown from an all terrain vehicle in Cedar County in Nebraska.

The Cedar County Sheriff's Office in a Friday release reported the death of Jessi Anderson, 21, of Yankton, South Dakota. The release said Anderson was on a four-wheel ATV, which failed to maneuver the intersection of 897th Road and 560th Avenue.

She was thrown from the ATV, and was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained from the wreck. Sheriff deputies responded to the county intersection after 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
THE MINI: My parents always told me that one is judged by the company they keep. perhaps Governor Reynolds and Senator Grassley should think about that before they appear along side of Donald Trump. --James Weber, Westfield, Iowa
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.
I have a confession to make: I missed my hometown Equality Rally for Unity and Pride in Fort Lauderdale. I was on my way south from gay summer camp when I got caught in a massive tie-up that stopped my car for hours; no surprise to all who have to drive on I-95 from Jacksonville and Miami. Looking back, I could have gone to the Rally in Nashville, which was close to the camp, or even to the National March in Washington, D.C. Or I could have gone to the Rally in West Palm Beach, had I known about it. But I tried to make it home on time, and I failed.

Though I did not attend an Equality Rally, I heard about the Rallies from participants and from media reports. Several hundred people gathered at Huizenga Plaza in the name of Unity and Pride. In some respects, they were united. Participants protested against the political backlash brought about by the Trump Administration; and they mourned the 49 lives lost at the Pulse Nightclub Massacre of a year before.

In other matters, however, there was division. Activists from the Food Not Bombs Group protested the presence of U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and attacked Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler for his campaign against the homeless. Bobby Henry, owner of the African-American newspaper The Westside Gazette, was correct when he urged participants, who gathered together in the name of Unity, to practice what they preached.

Fort Lauderdale was not the only city where dissent and division put a damper on the Pride celebrations. In Washington, D.C. the Capital Pride Parade, held a day before the National March, was interrupted by members of the group No Justice No Pride, who protested Capital Prides lack of board diversity, its reliance on corporate sponsors, and the presence of the Metropolitan Police Department, notorious for its brutal treatment of racial minorities.

In Philadelphia, some palefaces were startled by the appearance of a new rainbow flag that contained black and brown stripes. The flag was created as a means to combat racism and to make LGBTQ people of color more visible. In Los Angeles, some who enjoyed that citys annual Pride Parades were upset when it was replaced by a more politically-focused #ResistMarch that included Resistance groups like Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Black Lives Matter. The National March itself was criticized and boycotted by the Log Cabin Republicans, which is not surprising since the event was billed as an anti-Trump protest.

March organizers and participants made much of uniting our community. Though we are willing to come together for Pride parades and rallies, the fact is that we not united. We have nothing in common but our unorthodox sexual orientation or our transgressive gender identity. We are divided by our race, sex, age, religion, HIV status, physical or mental ability, health, wealth, education level and/or immigration status, among other things.

And we are divided by our politics; especially in a country that is as politically divided as ours is today. And there is no equality. The standard of living of a poor, HIV positive, trans woman of color is different than the standard of living of an affluent, white, married man or woman. This is a fact that no Equality March or Rally for Unity and Pride can deny.

Even within subgroups, we have divisions. Take my own example, as a gay member of the Latinx community. I was born in Havana, and my surname is Monteagudo, so I am obviously Latino. But I am also a light-skinned man of European descent; and my family and I benefitted from the U.S. governments unusual leniency and generosity extended towards Cuban refugees in the 1960s. What do I have in common with a poor, dark-skinned Mexican or Central American trying to enter this country against the might of an anti-immigrant Trump administration?

Growing up in Miami, a city with a large Cuban-American community, I never experienced racism, though I knew some others who did. If I experienced any prejudice, it was from other Cuban-Americans on account of my gay sexual orientation. Thus, as time went by, I drifted away from other Cubans, except for my blood relatives. Today, most of my close friendships are with gay men of Eastern European Jewish descent - my two late partners were Ashkenazi, as is the man that I am currently dating - who are also politically progressive. To be honest, I would rather spend time with a furry Jewish bear who is a Democrat than with Marco Rubio.

We need to unite.

The stakes are too big; and our enemies are too powerful. We must work together against the forces that seek to destroy us or dehumanize us. At the same time, we must recognize and accept our differences and the individual issues that are important to each one of us. You are you and I am who I am; and no call for Unity or Equality will hide that fact.
Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.




As Canada celebrates 150 years of confederation on July 1, Canadas horse racing industry is recognizing an even greater milestone, the 250th Anniversary of Horse Racing in Canada with 23 racetracks in eight provinces taking part in a national celebration over the July 1st weekend.

From British Columbia to Prince Edward Island, tracks holding races between June 30th and July 2nd will raise flags, hold commemorative miles and honour the people, horses and history from their local communities to mark the 250th Anniversary. The July 1st weekend initiative is part of a year-long celebration led by the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in conjunction with Standardbred Canada and Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society.

This anniversary provides the opportunity for the entire horse racing industry across the country to speak with one voice about our incredible history, said Linda Rainey, Managing Director of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. There arent many things in our country that are 250 years old and horse racing has reached that milestone. It is a story anyone who has ever been involved with horse racing can be proud of.

It all began, July 1, 1767, exactly 100 years before our countrys confederation, when a race took place on The Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. The Gazette de Quebec recounted the race as follows:

The horse race for a purse of forty dollars was held on Wednesday, first of the month, on the Hill of Abraham. It was easily won by Captain Prescotts mare Modesty, much to the discomfiture of those who, purporting to know about such things, had wagered against her and were thereby parted from their money.

From that day forward horse racing has been part of the fabric of the country. From coast to coast, generation after generation, people from all walks of life have participated in and enjoyed the sport, whether on grass-root tracks, agricultural fairs, on frozen rivers dotting the countryside, or in todays modern facilities.

Earlier this year a national initiative was launched to complete 250 Miles for 250 Years, with a goal of accumulating 250 commemorative miles honouring the communities, horses and people who have participated in the sport over the past 250 years. Many of those commemorative miles will be held over this official anniversary weekend.

Everyone attending the celebrations is encouraged to share their experience via social media using the #cdnhorseracing250

Participating tracks include:

Funding for the 250th Anniversary of Horse Racing in Canada initiatives has been provided by: Standardbred Canada, Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, HBPA Ontario, Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Alberta Standardbred Horse Association, Harness Racing BC, The Jockey Club as well as individual donations. To support the 250th Anniversary Fund visit the Hall of Fame's Sponsorships and Donations page.

For additional information about the 250th Anniversary of Horse Racing in Canada and the celebrations planned go to canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com or via social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and use the #cdnhorseracing250 hashtag.

Over the Canada Day weekend, Trot Magazine's editor, Darryl Kaplan, will take us on a journey paying tribute to the origins of horse racing in Canada.
Church Leaders Pledge Action Against Hunger in the Horn of Africa

Contact: World Council of Churches Media Office, +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press

GENEVE, June 30, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- The following is submitted by Fredrick Nzwili, freelance journalist, based in Nairobi, Kenya.

A conference discussing how to overcome hunger, and sustain justice and peace in the Horn of Africa, ended in Nairobi, Kenya on 29 June with faith leaders and partner organizations calling for urgent action to tackle famine, a frequent experience in the region.



Photo: Dr Agnes Abuom, moderator of the WCC Central Committee present at the consultation in Nairobi -- Geoffrey Alemba/AACC/WCC



The religious leaders, church agency development officials, practitioners and theologians drawn from countries facing droughts and war met against a backdrop of the hunger crisis in the region.



In February this year, the UN declared famine in South Sudan - the world's youngest nation, where 50 percent of the population will be affected through the summer months. Situations in other countries like Kenya, Burundi, Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda, are being viewed as fragile and worrying.



"The meeting provided updates, helped analyze the situation and planning for the future," said Manoj Kurian, coordinator of the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (WCC-EAA) at a 27-29 June meeting of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) in Nairobi.



According to Kurian, it is a difficult situation in the area, where millions of people - an estimated 20 million in the whole region - are starving.



"We are talking about a very serious problem, it's not just conflict but conflict combined with severe drought  leading to crop failure," he said. "We need to take steps to stop the conflicts, but we also need to find ways to help communities survive."



Drought and climate change is one facet of the crisis. The others are conflict resolution and governance.



The meeting, organized by WCC, AACC and ACT Alliance, World Vision International and the World Food Programme, builds on the unity and momentum gained on 21 May celebrations of the Global Day of Prayer, which sought to highlight the challenges faced in the region following the unprecedented food crisis.



A Call to Action is being finalized from the discussions. It gives clear actions - such as tree-planting, seed distribution and seed banking, strengthened partnerships, better farming methods, and monitoring of policies, among other actions - to help tackle the challenge.



Committing to the document, the leaders say they are also keen to move forward with it, while sharing and communicating their experiences from these actions in their areas.



"The call to action which we have come up with and which now makes sure the church is acting and also engaging political leadership is a key development," noted Nicta Lubaale, general secretary of the Organization of African Instituted Churches.



The leaders note that some emergency response and support is needed to ensure that people don't die of hunger, but also articulate that the solutions are long term.



"The situation is very dire (in South Sudan). Areas have been declared in western Upper Nile and Unity state, but also around Juba and other states. The hunger is very acute," said Bishop Dr Isaiah Dau, the general overseer of the Sudan Pentecostal Church.



At the same time, he is going home convinced of his people's need to engage in agriculture, plant trees and grow own food, rather than wait for relief.

Faith communities mobilize in Nairobi to fight hunger and sustain Horn of Africa

WCC-EAA Food for Life Campaign

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 348 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.
Play at the new site will be free and first come, first served through the...
tech2 News Staff

Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd would launch a product mimicking Amazon.com Inc's "Echo" next week, according to a source familiar with the matter.

"Amazon Echo", launched in 2014, is a speaker which one can leave on all day and give voice commands to, similar to Siri on an Apple Inc iPhone. Alibaba's new product would be made available only in China and speak only Mandarin, the source told Reuters.

Apple and Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc, have unveiled products similar to Echo with the HomePod and Google Home. The Information, a technology website, was the first to report the news on Thursday.

Alibaba did not immediately respond to a request for comment, outside business hours.

According to sources, Amazon is also planning to get its voice-assistant called Alexa online for its customers in India. With the introduction of Alexa Voice Service (AVS) here, launching its smart home speakers like its tiny Echo Dot and the more powerful Echo is a given.

The sources also added that AVS will down the line support more and more regional languages as well. While India awaits the introduction of smart speakers in the market, Amazon will look to price the speakers aggressively.

With inputs from Reuters
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Google's clash with EU antitrust enforcers has echoes of Microsoft's decade-long regulatory battle, a legacy that parent company Alphabet should bear in mind as it considers challenging the Commission, lawyers and fund managers said.

After a seven-year investigation prompted by scores of complaints from rivals, the European Commission hit Google with a record 2.4 billion euro ($2.73 billion) fine for favouring its own shopping service and an order to treat rival services the same way it treats its own products. "When I saw this yesterday, it absolutely rang a bell," said Georg Berrisch, a partner at Baker Botts who advised Microsoft in its EU regulatory dispute while at another law firm.

The European Commission slapped a 497 million euro fine on Microsoft in 2004 and ordered it to take steps to boost software competition. It failed to comply with that decision and was subsequently fined 899 million euros. In total, its battle with the EU in several other investigations cost it more than 2.2 billion euros in penalties. In an oblique reference to Microsoft, which faced nearly two decades of legal scrutiny for antitrust violations, Alphabet Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt told a 2011 U.S. Senate hearing, "We get it. By that I mean, we get the lessons of our corporate predecessors."

#Google fined 2.42 billion for denying companies and European consumers the benefits of competition, genuine choice and innovation. pic.twitter.com/3DLaWAL1Vi  European Commission (@EU_Commission) June 27, 2017

But Google has much to learn, said Stephen Kinsella at law firm Sidley Austin, who advises Google complainant and UK online shopping comparison website Kelkoo. "Years ago Google said they wouldn't make the mistakes that Microsoft did. Instead, they made all of them and came up with a few of their own. The public statements yesterday show they still don't get it," he said.

Google said on Tuesday it disagreed with the EU's findings that it had abused its dominant position and was considering an appeal. It said it looked forward to continuing to make its case."The real danger for Google is to enter into a prolonged battle with the Commission on whether what it has done is sufficient to comply with its decision. It could be quite expensive for Google in the end. This is not the end of the story," Berrisch said.

Underlining Google's task, the Commission on Wednesday, published a tender for technical expertise to assist it with the case. The five-year contract is worth 10 million euros and can be renewed. So far, investors have given Google the benefit of the doubt, with Alphabet ranking just behind Apple as the world's most valuable stock with a $666 billion market capitalisation. But they are taking note.

"The real concern is whether the Commission will manage to force Google to change its business model, its algorithms in a way that could be detrimental to the business," said Wesley Lebeau, a fund manager at CPR Asset Management, an Amundi company. "Search engine is still about 60 percent of Alphabet's valuation so that is a big deal, even though the drivers for future growth are YouTube and all the Alphabet companies, Waymo, NEST, Verily," he said.

Tech titans have benefited so far from the perception that they bring benefits to society, said Freddie Lait, founder at Latitude Investment Management.

"But there is a small chance that, if the shine wears off and you have more of these terrorist videos...and the fine is a huge fine, which sent a message to consumers that there's been wrongdoing," he said. "If the shine comes off, the claws are out from regulators and governments to try and get their pound of flesh out of all of the big tech companies."

Reuters
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Global shipping is still feeling the effects of a cyber attack that hit AP Moller-Maersk two days ago, showing the scale of the damage a computer virus can unleash on the technology dependent and interconnected industry.

About 90 percent of world trade is transported by sea, with ships and ports acting as the arteries of the global economy. Ports increasingly rely on communications systems to keep operations running smoothly, and any IT glitches can create major disruptions for complex logistic supply chains.

The cyber attack was among the biggest-ever disruptions to hit global shipping. Several port terminals run by a Maersk division, including in the United States, India, Spain, the Netherlands, were still struggling to revert to normal operations on Thursday after experiencing massive disruptions.

South Florida Container Terminal, for example, said dry cargo could not be delivered and no container would be received. Anil Diggikar, chairman of JNPT port, near the Indian commercial hub of Mumbai, told Reuters that he did not know "when exactly the terminal will be running smoothly".

His uncertainty was echoed by Maersk itself, which told Reuters that a number of IT systems were still shut down and that it could not say when normal business operations would be resumed.

It said it was not able to comment on specific questions regarding the breach of its IT systems or the state of its cyber security as it had "all available hands focused on practical stuff and getting things back to normal".

The impact of the attack on the company has reverberated across the industry given its position as the world's biggest container shipping line and also operator of 76 ports via its APM Terminals division.

Container ships transport much of the world's consumer goods and food, while dry bulk ships haul commodities including coal and grain and tankers carry vital oil and gas supplies.

"As Maersk is about 18 percent of all container trade, can you imagine the panic this must be causing in the logistic chain of all those cargo owners all over the world?" said Khalid Hashim, managing director of Precious Shipping, one of Thailand's largest dry cargo ship owners.

"Right now none of them know where any of their cargoes (or)containers are. And this 'black hole' of lack of knowledge will continue till Maersk are able to bring back their systems on line."

Back to basics

The computer virus, which researchers are calling GoldenEye or Petya, began its spread on Tuesday in Ukraine and affected companies in dozens of countries.

Maersk said the attack had caused outages at its computer systems across the world.

In an example of the turmoil that ensued, the unloading of vessels at the group's Tacoma terminal was severely slowed on Tuesday and Wednesday, said Dean McGrath, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23 there.

The terminal is a key supply line for the delivery of domestic goods such as milk and groceries and construction materials to Anchorage, Alaska.

"They went back to basics and did everything on paper," McGrath said.

Ong Choo Kiat, President of U-Ming Marine Transport, Taiwan's largest dry bulk ship owner, said the fact Maersk had been affected rang alarm bells for the whole shipping industry as the Danish company was regarded as a leader in IT technology.

"But they ended up one of the first few casualties. I, therefore, conclude that shipping is lacking behind the other industry in term of cyber security," he said.

"How long would it take to catch up? I don't know. But recently all owners and operators are definitely more aware of the risk of cyber security and beginning to pay more attention to it."

In a leading transport survey by international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright published this week, 87 percent of respondents from the shipping industry believed cyber attacks would increase over the next five years - a level that was higher than counterparts in the aviation, rail and logistics industries.

Vulnerable

Apart from the reliance on computer systems, ships themselves are increasingly exposed to interference from electronic navigation devices such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and lack the backup systems airliners have to prevent crashes, according to cyber security experts.

There were no indications that GPS and other electronic navigation aids were affected by this week's attack, but security specialists say such systems are vulnerable to signal loss from deliberate jamming by hackers.

Last year, South Korea said hundreds of fishing vessels had returned early to port after its GPS signals were jammed by North Korea, which denied responsibility.

"The Maersk attack raises our awareness of the vulnerability of shipping and ports to technological failure," said Professor David Last, a previous president of Britain's Royal Institute of Navigation.

"When GPS fails, ships' captains lose their principal means of navigation and much of their communications and computer links. They have to slow down and miss port schedules," said Last, who is also a strategic advisor to the General Lighthouse Authorities of the UK and Ireland.

A number of countries including the UK and the United States are looking into deploying a radar-based back up navigation system for ships called eLoran, but this will take time to develop.

David Nordell, head of strategy and policy for London-based think tank, the Centre for Strategic Cyberspace and Security Science, said the global shipping and port industries were vulnerable to cyber attack, because their operating technologies tend to be old.

"It's certainly possible to imagine that two container ships, or, even worse, oil or gas tankers, could be hacked into colliding, resulting in loss of life and cargo, and perhaps total loss of the vessels," Nordell said.

"Carried out in a strategically sensitive location such as the Malacca Straits or the Bosphorus, a collision like this could block shipping for enough time to cause serious dislocations to trade."

Secretive Industry

Cyber risks also pose challenges for insurance cover.

In a particularly secretive industry, information about the nature of cyber attacks is still scarce, which insurance and shipping officials say is an obstacle to mitigating the risk, which means there are gaps in insurance cover available.

"There has been a lot of non-reporting (of breaches) on ships, and were trying efforts where even if there could be anonymous reporting on a platform so we can start to get the information and the data," said Andrew Kinsey, senior marine consultant at insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty.

There is also a gap in provision because most existing cyber or hull insurance policies  which ensures the ship itself  will not cover the risk of a navigation system being jammed or physical damage to the ship caused by a hacking attack.

"The industry is just waking up to its vulnerability," said Colin Gillespie, deputy director of loss prevention with ship insurer North.

"Perhaps it is time for insurers, reinsurers, ship operators and port operators to sit down together and consider these risks in detail. A collective response is needed - we are all under attack."

Reuters
tech2 News Staff

The recent wave of global malware attacks has affected a large number of people and organisations. The malware attack on 27 June which originated in Ukraine and Russia has spread rapidly and India is the seventh most infected country in the world.

The exact source of the malware is rarely found and authorities struggle to pin the blame on any particular person. Interestingly, a report in The Economic Times states that the Maharashtra police "filed a first information report against unknown people for extorting money" via the NotPetya malware.

The complaint was reportedly filed by Giriraj Deshpande at the Thane police station. His computer was allegedly infected by NotPetya, rendered unusable and a ransom was demanded.

As we reported earlier, NotPetya is very likely to be a cyberweapon and not mere ransomware. Various pointers suggest that the malware was designed specifically to target Ukrainian businesses and to wipe data. The purpose of the ransomware is to destroy data, not holding it to ransom.

In the case of Deshpande, it is unlikely that anything will come off the FIR as the malware is very likely of foreign origin.

The malware is reported to have infected a number of institutions and organisations around the country, most notably a private container terminal operating in Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
tech2 News Staff

The Xiaomi Redmi Pro 2, which has been circulating through the rumour mill for a while now, may come with an LCD panel and 3 GB of RAM, reports GizmoChina, which claims to have the specs sheet of the phone.

The news of a shift to an OLED panel to an LCD one might come as a disappointment for many as previous leaks did suggest that the device would retain an OLED display. The latest report also suggests 3 GB of RAM, though processor details were not mentioned. The dual-camera setup seen on last years Redmi Pro will feature on the Pro 2 as well, as the spec sheet reports two rear camera sensors, comprising of a 12 MP Sony IMX362 main sensor and a 5 MP Samsung S5K4E8 secondary sensor. There is also mention of a 16 MP Samsung S5K3P8 sensor in the front for selfies.

The Redmi Pro 2 was earlier spotted on Xiaomi's website for a short while before being taken down. The Pro 2 was then shown to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 and a large 4,100 mAh battery.

Earlier, it was reported to launch ahead of the company's flagship Mi 6, which was launched in China in April. The Redmi Pro was launched by Xiaomi in 2016 was its first offering with a dual-camera and a 5.5 inch OLED panel.
US-backed forces cut off last ISIS escape route from Raqa

The Syrian Democratic Forces captured two villages on the southern bank of the Euphrates River..

AFP, Beirut :

US-backed forces cut off the last escape route for the ISIS group from Raqa on Thursday, trapping the besieged terrorists inside their de facto Syrian capital.

But ISIS fighters hit back with a counterattack that included several suicide bombings against the Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters trying to seize control of the city.

The SDF captured two villages on the southern bank of the Euphrates River that the terrorists had been passing through to withdraw from the city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"The SDF has been able to completely encircle Raqa," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based monitoring group, which relies on a network of sources on the ground.

It was the latest setback for ISIS, which declared its "caliphate" straddling Syria and Iraq three years ago but has since lost most of the territory it once controlled.

It came too as Iraqi forces announced the recapture of an iconic mosque in ISIS's last major Iraqi bastion Mosul, prompting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to declare "the end" of the "fake" terrorist state.

The SDF, backed by the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, broke into Raqa on June 6 after spending months chipping away at terrorist territory around the city.

Its fighters have since captured two eastern and two western districts of the city and are pushing towards its centre, where ISIS fighters are holding tens of thousands of civilians.

Around 2,500 terrorists are fighting in the city, according to British Major General Rupert Jones, a deputy commander for the US-led coalition.

The SDF had surrounded the terrorists from the north, east and west but they were still able to escape across the Euphrates, which forms the southern border of the city.

Thursday's advance saw SDF fighters capture the villages of Kasrat Afnan and Kasab on the southern bank of the Euphrates, cutting off the route the terrorists were using to withdraw to territory ISIS controls in the Syrian desert and in Deir Ezzor province.

The SDF has "continued to advance eastward south of the Euphrates River, moving to completely encircle ISIS in Raqa," said Colonel Ryan Dillon, spokesman for the US-led coalition.

"The SDF now control all high-speed avenues of approach into Raqa from the south," he added.
Trump 'proud' of leaving Paris climate deal

AFP, Washington :

US President Donald Trump on Thursday strongly defended his decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord, declaring himself "proud" of the move.

"In order to protect American jobs, companies and workers, we've withdrawn the United States from the one-sided Paris Climate Accord," Trump said to applause, during a speech on the future of the US energy sector.

"I will tell you we're proud of it," he said. "And when I go around, there are so many people that say thank you. You saved the sovereignty of our country." "And maybe we'll be back into it someday, but it will be on better terms," he vowed. "It will be on fair terms."

Climate change has become a major bone of contention between the United States and its Western allies, and the issue is set to loom large when Trump meets Group of 20 leaders in Hamburg, Germany next week.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared headed for a collision course with Trump, vowing Thursday to seek a clear commitment to fight global warming from at the July 7-summit, and calling the 2015 Paris deal "not negotiable."
Tiny Bhutan protests to China over border road

The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has found itself dragged into a mounting dispute between India and China over the territorial limit between India\'s Sikkim state and Tibet.

AFP, Sikkim :

The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has protested to its mighty neighbour China over road building in disputed territory that set off new frictions between Beijing and the Indian government on Thursday.

China made a new demand on Thursday that Indian troops return to their side of the border between India's Sikkim state and Tibet on the Chinese side.

Highlighting the widening tensions over the remote mountain zone, Bhutan's ambassador to New Delhi, Vetsop Namgyel, said his government had called on China's People's Liberation Army to stop building the road near where the Bhutan, Indian and Chinese borders meet.

"We have issued a demarche to China through its diplomatic mission here," Namgyel told the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency.

He said the road was "in violation of an agreement between the two countries." Bhutan, which has a population of less than 800,000, and China do not have formal relations but maintain contacts through their missions in New Delhi.

"Doklam is a disputed territory and Bhutan has a written agreement with China that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, peace and tranquility should be maintained," the ambassador said.

There is a dispute over the sovereignty of the district, which China calls Donglang. The showdown is, however, part of a wider dispute between India and China over the 4,057 kilometer (2,520 mile) border through mountain passes.

India's army chief, General Bipin Rawat, travelled to Sikkim on Thursday, just days after Beijing accused Indian border guards of crossing into its territory to stop the construction of the road.

Indian media reports said there had been a "scuffle" between Indian and Chinese troops after PLA soldiers damaged two old Indian bunkers.

China has since stopped pilgrims crossing into Tibet to visit a mountain revered as the home of the Hindu god Shiva because of the showdown, the reports added. The Indian government has not commented on the tensions.

India and China have long disputed parts of their frontier in the Himalayas.

In 1962 there was a brief war over the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. In 2014, Chinese troops moved into Sikkim territory claimed by India sparking a two week standoff.

Sikkim is the least populous and second smallest of India's states, but its location gives it strategic importance.

While India has remained silent over the dispute, China has angrily reinforced its claim that it has every right to build the road despite Bhutan's protests.
Suzana, Selim, Shimu, Apurba work together in Eid play Sorry

Sheikh Arif Bulbon :

National Film Award winner noted actor Shahiduzzaman Selim, Ziaul Faruk Apurba, Sumaiya Shimu and Suzana for the first time worked together in a play.

Directed by Iftekhar Ahmed Fahmi they for the first time worked together in a play titled Sorry. Shooting of the play was done before Eid. They acted in four challenging roles in this exceptional story based play.

While talking about the play its director Fahmi told this correspondent, I have made the play cordially but did not want to disclose its story right now. Because I want viewers watch the play at least attentively.

Actor Shahiduzzaman Selim said, Fahmi has tried to present a nice play for the viewers. We were with him.

Apurba shared his feelings by this way, All of us worked sincerely while working in the play. We believe viewers will enjoy the play.

Sumaiya Shimu expressed her feelings by this way, Earlier I worked under Fahmis direction. There is no need to take make-up while taking part in shooting of his play. It is good in one side because there is no extra pressure to concentrate on receiving make-up during shooting time. As a result, neutrality comes forward by this way.

To work in Fahmis played, I have returned to acting after a break. I have cordially and sincerely worked in his play. I am very much eager to watch my acting on the screen now, Suzana said this while sharing her feelings about the play.

The play Sorry will be aired on Rtv at 11:05pm on seventh day of Eid (Sunday).

Meanwhile, right now Shahiduzzaman Selim is outside the country. Apurba has started shooting from Friday after celebrating Eid and his birthday.

Shimu informed that she is now staying in Coxs Bazar with full family. After enjoying there she will return to Dhaka and will set up her schedules after few days. On the other hand, Suzana is passing days at her mothers residence in the citys Mirpur area now.


Books help refrain youths from militancy, fanaticism

City Desk :

Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar, Justice of the High Court Division of Bangladesh Supreme Court, in a function said reading books could refrain the youths from militancy, fanaticism and superstitions. "There is no alternative to read resourceful and creative books to acquire knowledge and it is possible to build enlightened society and the nation through reading books", he said.

Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar made the comments while addressing an inaugural ceremony of a library namely 'Amader Pathsala' at South

Burail under Udakhali union of Fulchhari upazila in Gaibandha district on Thursday afternoon as the chief guest.

With Fulchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdul Halim Tolstoy in the chair, the function was also addressed, among others, by associate professor of Rajshahi University Purnima Banik, principal of Burail School and College Ibrahim Akand, head teacher of Fulchhari Pilot High School Milon Kumar Barman and president of Fulchhari Press Club Aminul Islam while convener of the pathsala Ashiqur Rahman Moon was the moderator. Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar put emphasis on increasing habit of reading books by all people of all ages particularly the students and the youths to remove ignorance and immortality from the society in a bid to push forward the country towards desired development.

He also asked the local administration and the chiefs of the institutions of the upazila to arrange the competition on reading books among the children to develop their human qualities side by with extracurricular activities for flourishing their latent talents.

Later, Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar formally inaugurated the pathsala through cutting a red tape as the chief guest. A large number of people from all walks of life including local elite and journalists of print and electronic media attended the function.
Statement made by an accused to police during investigation not admissible

Appellate Division :

(Criminal)

Surendra Kumar Sinha CJ

Syed Mahmud Hossain J

Hasan Foez Siddique J

Mirza Hussain Haider J

Tofajjal Hussain (Md ......... Appellant

State........... Respondent

Judgment

July 20th, 2016

Code of Criminal Procedure (V of 1898)

Section 162

A statement made by an accused to a police officer in course of the investigation of a case is not at all admissible. Even a statement made by a witness to a police officer in course of investigation is not also admissible in evidence. It can be used for the purpose of contradiction by the defence. . ..... (17)

Evidence Act (I of 1872)

Section 27

This section is based on the doctrine of confirmation by subsequent facts, that is that where, in consequence of a confession otherwise inadmissible, search is made and fads are discovered which confirmed it in material points, then such discovery is a guarantee that the confession made was true. . ..... (11)

Evidence Act (I of 1872) Sections 25, 26 and 27

Code of Criminal Procedure (V of 1898)

Section 5

Section 162 is confined to statements made to a police officer in course of an investigation. Section 25 covers a confession made to a police officer before any investigation has begun or otherwise not in the course of an investigation. Section 27 seems to be intended to be a proviso to Section 26 which includes any statement made by a person whilst in custody of the police and appears to apply to such statements to whom-soever made, e.g. to a fellow prisoner, a doctor or a visitor. Such statements are not covered by Section 162. Whether to give to Section 162 the plain meaning of the words is to leave the statement still inadmissible even though a discovery of fact is made such as is contem-plated by Section 27 it does not seem necessary to decide. . ..... (15)

Code of Criminal Procedure (V of 1898)

Section 162

Statement of witnesses recorded during investigation can never be used as evidence and can only be used to contradict witnesses. ...... (13)

Code of Criminal Procedure (V of 1898)

Section 162

There is clear bar to taking into consideration any statement made by any person accused of an offence to a police officer in course of investigation as evidence against him. Any statement made to a police officer can be used for the purpose of corroboration or contradiction of the maker of the statement.

...... (8)

Pulukuri Kottayya vs Emperor, AIR 1947 PC 67; Mohmed Inayatullah vs State of Maharashtra, AIR 1976 SC 483; Sukhan vs Emperor, 30 CrLJ 414 (FB); Narayana Swami vs Emperor, AIR 1939 PC 47; Jit Singh vs State of Punjab, AIR 1976 SC 1421 and Rameshwar Dayal vs State of UP, AIR 1978 SC 1558 ref.

ASM Abdul Mobin, Advocate, instructed by Sufia Khatun, Advocate-on-Record-For the Appellant.

SS Sarkar, Deputy Attorney-General, instructed by Mahmuda Begum, Advocate-on-Record-For the Respondent.

Judgment

Surendra Kumar Sinha CJ : A delicate law point is involved in this appeal. The question is whether on the admitted facts the High Court Division is justified in maintaining the appellant's conviction under Section 19A of the Arms Act. Since this question of law will go to the root of the matter, it is necessary to consider the facts of the case and the evidence relied on by the prosecution in support of the charge.

2. Appellant Md Tofajjal Hussain @ Tofajjal Hussain has been convicted by the Special Tribunal, Nilphamari under Section 19A of the Arms Act for allegedly planting a firearm said to have been recovered on 13-12-2004 at about 145 am from the hayrick of A Hoque (PW 6). In support of the prosecution case, it has examined 13 witnesses. Of them, Md Sohrab Ali (PW 1), Md Abu Siddiqui (PW 2), Komal Mohan Chaki (PW.3) and Md Shahidul Islam (PW 4) are police personnel, who seized the arm in question, and Shamsuddin Ahmed (PW 5). A Hoque (PW 6), Istamul Huq (PW 7). Abujar Rahman (PW 9), A Hannan Shah (PW 10), Touhidul Islam (PW 11). Md Abul Hossain (PW 12) and A Baki (PW 13) are local witnesses. Of the said witnesses, PWs 5, 6 and 11 are seizure list witnesses. Other witnesses made hearsay statements.

3. PW1 stated that on the night of occurrence he along with his force went out of the police station for a special drive by recording a GD entry at about 12-30 am on 13-12-2004 and on the gale of the police station, the appellant was found standing, who disclosed his name and stated orally and also by handing over a written information with a sketch map that Abdul Hoque of his village kept a firearm concealing inside his hayrick. In pursuance of the said information, he kept Tofajjal in the police station and went to the house of Abdul Hoque and searched the hayrick located in the compound of Abdul Hoque's house in presence of the witnesses and found one local made pistol with 11 inches barrel that could be used for 0.22 bore bullet. He seized the said firearm and produced Tofajjal and Abdul Hoque in court in pursuance of CD entry No.625 under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. In course of investigation he took Tofajjal on remand and in course of interrogation, Tofajjal disclosed that he had enmity with Abdul Hoque over litigation and before a few days of the said occurrence, Tofajjal Hussain threatened Abdul Hoque saying that he would compel Abdul Hoque to eat jail's food. As a sequel of that enmity, Tofajjal collected the said arm and kept it concealed in the hayrick of A Hoque and gave the information to him. After ascertaining the said fact, he lodged the FIR with the police station on 20-12-2004 against Tofajjal and took up the case for investigation. In course of cross-examination, he stated that at the time of recovery of the arm the accused was not present.

4. PWs 2, 3 and 4 corroborated PW 1 in material particulars. PW 2 could not say the place from where the papers were seized. PW 3 admitted that at the time of recovery of arm, Tofajjal was hot present at Abdul Hoque's house. PW 4 stated in cross-examine that after the recovery of arm, the officer-in-charge returned to the police station and seized the documents. Though, PW 1 claimed that Tofajjal had made over a written statement regarding the possession of firearm in the house of Abdul Hoque, the written document allegedly given by Tofajjal was seized at the police station after the recovery of the firearm.

5. PW 5 stated that the firearm was recovered from the hayrick of Abdul Hoque and he put his signature in the seizure list, and on the following day, he heard that Tofajjal Master along with his son intimated the police regarding the firearm. PW 6 stated that the police officer searched his hayrick as per location shown in the map and recovered the arm from his hayrick, and on reaching the police station, he saw Tofajjal and his son there. PW 7 stated that he got up at mid night on hearing news of recovery of firearm and on the following day he heard that Tofajjal and his son were arrested and that they informed the police about the arms. PW 9 stated that the firearm was found in the hayrick of Abdul Hoque and he heard the same on the following day in the market. PW 10 made similar statement. In course of cross-examination, he stated that he knew that the accused is a good man. He is the former chairman of the local Union Parishad. PW 11 stated that the firearm was recovered from the hayrick of A Hoque PW 12 also made similar statement. In course of cross-examination, he stated that in the morning he heard from his brother that Tofajjal and his son were arrested.

6. If we summarize the above evidence, we find that PWs 5, 6, 7 and 12 introduced a story about the presence of Tofajjal's son at the time of giving information to the police regarding the fire arm although the police personnel did not say anything in this regard. The other fact is that the appellant is a primary school teacher and PW 10 has admitted that he is a good man. It also reveals that there is enmity between Tofajjal and Abdul Hoque from before. Another fact revealed from the evidence is that the recovery of arm was made on 13-12-2008 at mid-night and that the FIR was lodged on 28-12-2004 after 15 days of the occurrence. The explanation given by PW 1 is that in course of investigation it was revealed that the arm was planted by the appellant to mitigate the grudge with Abdul Hoque and that the appellant threatened Abdul Hoque that he would face consequence within a few days and that he would be sent to jail.

7. The evidence that led to the recovery of arm from the hayrick of Abdul Hoque in the manner stated by PW 1 is the reproduction of the FIR story exhibit-3, and these facts have been collected after the investigation of the case. Now question is whether this FIR and the evidence of PWs.1-4 can be legally admissible in evidence. The answer to the question is emphatic no. These facts have been detected after making investigation in pursuance of a GD entry about the recovery of the arm. The prosecution did not produce GD Entry No. 625 dated 13-12-2004 pursuant to which PW1 arrested the appellant in connection with the recovery of the arm.

8. Section 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure states that no statement made by any person to a police officer in course of investigation under Chapter XIV shall be used for any purpose at any inquiry or trial in respect of any offence under investigation at the time when such statement was made whether it was signed by the person making it or it was reduced into writing. There is clear bar to taking into consideration any statement made by any person accused of an offence to a police officer in course of investigation as evidence against him. Any statement made to a police officer can be used for the purpose of corroboration or contradiction of the maker of the statement.

9. Secondly, the arm was recovered as per alleged statement of the appellant but admittedly he was not present at the place of recovery. It is not the prosecution case that the appellant was in police custody for commission of an offence and that the discovery of the arm was of the basis of his information. The accused has not pointed out the place wherefrom the arm was recovered. Therefore the statements of PWs 1-4 cannot be legally admissible in evidence. The learned Deputy Attorney General fails to satisfy us under what provision this recovery can be admissible in evidence. He has drawn our attention to Section 27 of the Evidence Act. Section 27 will not be applicable to this case, inasmuch as, the fact of recovery of arm was not as per showing of the accused appellant and that appellant was not in police custody as an accused at the time of recovery of the arm. Section 27 is reproduced below;

"27. How much of information received from accused may be proved. Provided that, when any fact is deposed to as discovered in consequence of information received from a person accused of any offence, in the custody of a police officer, so much of such information, whether it amounts to a confession or not, as relates distinctly to the fact thereby discovered may be proved".

10. Normally this Section will be applicable against a person in police custody who produces from some place of concealment some object, such as, a dead body, weapon, ornament or any other material object said to be connected with the crime of which the informant is accused (Pulukuri Kottayya vs Emperor, AIR 1947 PC 67). This Section makes an exception against an accused person contrary to the general provisions contained in Sections 2426 which are in his favour. A statement made to a police officer is not admissible, but if in pursuance of the extra judicial confession made by an accused of a fact is actually discovered in consequence of such information that goes to prove the existence of crime charged is admissible as evidence even though such information was contained in a confession which is itself inadmissible. In the alternative, it may be said that the discovery of a fact was made as a result of information given by an accused, the evidence of discovery at the instance of the accused would be admissible against him. Section 25 merely enacts that when an accused person is being tried, a confession, which he, on a previous occasion made to a police officer cannot be used against him. It is not specified that the accused person must have been an accused person at the time of making the statement, or that he has been in police custody. This section will not apply to a case where confessional statement, made by a person, who was not-accused at the time of making the statement is tried subsequently.

11. Section 27 lays down that where an accused is in custody of a police officer and furnishes some information in consequence of which some fact is discovered then so much of such information as relates distinctly to the fact so discovered can be proved, and it would not matter whether such information amounts to a confession or not. This Section is based on the doctrine of confirmation by subsequent facts, that is that where, in consequence of a confession otherwise inadmissible, search is made and facts are discovered which confirmed it in material points, then such discovery is a guarantee that the confession made was true.

12. In this Section the expression 'fact' is used. 'Fact' as defined by Section 3 of the Evidence Act includes not only the physical fact which can be. perceived by the sense but also psychological fact or mental condition of which any person is conscious. The expression 'fact discovered' used by the legislature refers to a material, and not to a mental fact. The fact discovered within the meaning of this Section must be some concrete fact to which the information directly relates. (Suklum vs Emperor, 30 CrLJ 414 (FB). The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Pulukuri Kottaya (supra) did not agree with the views taken by the Full Bench in ILR 58 Mad 642 (FB) and observed that 'It is fallacious to treat the 'fact discovered' within the Section as equivalent to the object produced, the fact discovered embraces the place from which the object is produced and the knowledge of the accused as to this and the information given must relate distinctly to this fact'. This view has been approved by the Supreme Court of India in Mohmed Inayatullah vs State of Maharashtra, AIR 1976 SC 483.

13. Section 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure enacts an absolute bar against the statement made before a police officer being used for any purpose whatsoever. It only enables the accused to rely upon it for a limited purpose of contradicting a witness in the manner provided by Section 145 of; the Evidence Act by drawing his attention; to parts of the statement intended for contradiction. Statement of witnesses recorded during investigation can never be used as evidence and can only be used to contradict witnesses.

14. On construction of Section 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure along with Sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Evidence Act, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Narayana Swami vs Emperor, AIR 1939 PC 47, has held that no statement made by a person while in police custody is admissible. This view has been approved by the superior courts of this subcontinent. In that case the accused in a murder case, made a statement to police in course of investigation regarding the victim. This statement was believed by the trial court and the High Court that the victim arrived at accused's house on previous day of occurrence, The Privy Council rejected the statement as barred by Section 162 of the Code. It held that 'No confession made by any person whilst he is in the custody of a police officer shall be proved as against such person.'

15. Section 27 is a proviso that when any fact is discovered in consequence of information received from a person accused of any offence whilst in the custody of a police officer so much of such information whether it amounts to a confession or not may be proved. It is obvious that the Section 27 of the Evidence Act and Section 162 of the Code can in some circumstances stand together. Section 162 is confined to statements made to a police officer in course of an investigation. Section 25 covers a confession made to a police officer before any investigation has begun or otherwise not in the course of an investigation. Section 27 seems to be intended to be a proviso to Section 26 which includes any statement made by a person whilst in custody of the police and appears to apply to such statements to whomsoever made, e.g. to a fellow prisoner, a doctor or a visitor. Such statements are not covered by Section 162. Whether to give to Section 162 the plain meaning of the words is to leave the statement still inadmissible even though a discovery of fact is made such as is contemplated by Section 27 it does not seem necessary to decide.

16. The Judicial Committee has explained the meaning of expression 'confession' as used in the Evidence Act observing that the word 'confession' cannot be construed as meaning a statement by an accused 'suggesting the inference that he committed' the crime. A confession must either admit in terms of the offence, or at any rate substantially all the facts which constitute the offence. An admission of a gravely incriminating fact, even a conclusively incriminating fact is not of itself a confession. A statement that contains self exculpatory matter cannot amount to a confession, if the exculpatory statement is of some fact which if true would negative the offence alleged to be confessed. However, we are unable to endorse the latter view in its entirety in view of our views taken in this regard but we fully endorse to the views taken by their lordships in respect of Section 162 read with Sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Evidence Act.

17. A statement made by an accused to a police officer in course of the investigation of a case is not at all admissible. Even a statement made by a witness to a police officer in course of investigation is not also admissible in evidence as observed above. It can be used for the purpose of contradiction by the defence.

18. In Vit Singh vs State of Punjab, AIR 1976 SC 1421, the question was whether a site plan prepared by the draftsman proved by a witness relying upon which two witnesses claimed that they saw the occurrence from a distance of 160 feet and another site plan prepared by the investigation officer from which it proved that two witnesses saw the incident could be admissible in evidence. The notes in the site plan were statements recorded by police officer in the course of investigation, and accordingly it was held that the notes were hit by Section 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. These notes could be used only for the purpose of contradicting the prosecution witnesses concerned in accordance with the provisions of Sections 145, Evidence Act, and for no other purpose, but this was not done.

19. In Rameshwar Dayal vs State of Up, AIR 1978 SC 1558, the question was whether the statements made by the investigating officer in inquest report is a statement that can be admissible in evidence. The court was of the view that it is not admissible in evidence. In the first place, the statement is hit by Section 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Any statement made by any witness to a police officer during investigation is clearly hit by Section 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. These notes could be used only for the purpose of contradicting the prosecution witnesses concerned in accordance with the provisions of sections 145 of Evidence Act, and for no other purpose.

20. Even if the statement of the appellant made to the police officer (PW 1) that led to the recovery of the firearm, even if taken to be true cannot be admitted in evidence, inasmuch as, the statement was made by the appellant when he was not an accused in respect of the commission of the office for which he was convicted. It may be taken as a statement of a witness or any person in course of investigation of a case and such-statement is hit by Section 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The recovery of the firearm was made on 13-12-2004 and on that day the appellant was not an accused in a case in connection with the said recovery of the firearm. So, Section 27 has no manner of application in this case. Secondly, the recovery was made not in presence of the appellant and also not as per his showing. The authenticity and weight of the information which led to the discovery of a fact must be clear and beyond doubt. The manner of information, the manner of recovery and the nature of the witnesses examined in support of the recovery of the incriminating material of the offence are taken together irresistibly infer to one conclusion that it is a concocted case.

21. More so, whatever allegations made in the FIR and the statements made by PWs. 1-4 are the result of the investigation and therefore, those statements are hit by Section 162 of the Code. The appellant was not an accused on 13-12-2004 and the recovery of firearm as per his statement is a doubtful story to believe on. After recovery of the firearm, the police officer in course of investigation found that the appellant planted the fire arm in the hayrick of Abdul Hoque. This statement is not admissible under Section 27 of the Evidence Act. The High Court Division has totally misconstrued Section 27 of the Evidence Act and illegally held that the recovery of the firearm was on the basis of the statement made by the appellant with a sketch map 'pointing to an arm which is sufficient to have a knowledge, possession and control by himself and nobody else, even not Abdul Hoque'. This conclusion arrived at is based on misconception of law. There is no legal evidence to prove the recovery of he firearm from the exclusive control or knowledge of the appellant.

The appeal is allowed. The conviction and sentence of the appellant is set aside.
Our dangerously unprotected banking sector

THE country's banking sector is sinking into deeper crisis as per media report. Most state owned banks have already lost their working capital and private banks are now moving toward that direction. Directors of such banks are using them as family business and most money is moving out of the country.

Only safety of depositors' money is at stake forcing the government to recapitalize public sector banks to keep them in business. Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Thursday agreed that the situation is almost out of control.

Highlighting the plight, Swiss National Bank in its latest annual report for 2016 said Bangladesh nationals' deposits in Swiss banks rose by 20.18 percent year-on-year in 2016 to 661.96 million Swiss Francs or Tk 5,575 crore. Deposits by Indian nationals dropped to 664 million Ffrancs last year from 1.2 billion Francs during this period. Capital flight from Bangladesh is regularly taking place to major global business hubs where businessmen are buying real estates and setting up new business.

The open secret is that most money in Swiss Bank accounts was deposited using cleaver mechanism to hedge its source of origin. Needless to say powerful people within the ruling establishments - be it now or in the past - are laundering the country's banks to amass illegal wealth. As per Washington based research organisation Global Financial Integrity (GFI) report capital flight from Bangladesh stood between $6 billion and $9 billion in 2014 alone. The truth is - money is regularly flying out but the government is failing to stop it and there is no serious attempt to stop it either.

This is a dangerous situation that exposes the entire banking sector almost totally unprotected when clever and powerful people are moving out money from the country. The Finance Minister made no secret in Parliament saying the government has no option but to recapitalize state owned banks to avert major disaster in the banking sector. "The entire country may collapse if there is a disaster in the banking sector," he said, as he stood helpless to face the challenge.

Meanwhile, family members of bank directors of private banks are robbing money in bad loans after public banks have been looted of their capital. As four members of a director's family can now sit on the board. They are taking away loans on fake projects that may not be recovered later on.

The situation has worsened at such length that immediate actions are needed to put a brake to exploiting banks and laundering money from them to save the banking sector from falling apart. The country's wealth must be protected to use it for development - to set up new business, create new jobs and make the country prosperous. We must say the government must effectively address the poor governance in the banking sector and stop using political consideration to granting loans. Time is running out to save the banking sector from chaos.
Rice price surge continues

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success in attaining near self-sufficiency in rice production within last few years, but the price of the product has remained higher comparing with the income of the poor people.

The country's about 31 percent of the total population are below the national poverty line of $2 per day i.e. BD Tk 162 only with which it is very hard to maintain a family of four.

The price of coarse variety of rice was Tk 48 per kg at the weekend on Friday in the city. Coarse rice was selling at Tk 45 to 46 in Faridpur Upazila of Pabna district the same day. It is the most consumed rice in the country.

Coarse variety Swarna rice was selling at Tk 50 to 51 per kg in different kitchen markets in the city. It was selling at Tk 48 to 49 in northern districts yesterday.

However, fine variety of rice like miniket was selling at Tk 58 to 63 per kg, while najirshail at Tk 56 to 64. The miniket and najirshail were selling at Tk 56 to Tk 58 at Pabna district town, while at Tk 52 to 54 at Paksey railway town.

There is no relief as yet from stinging price of fish. Butter fish was sold at Tk 600 to 700, tengra at Tk 400-500, shing and magur at Tk 600-700 and shoal at Tk 350 to 450 per kg. River sheat (boal) was selling at Tk 500 to 700, lobster at Tk 450 to 600, shrimp (River) at Tk 350 to 400, puti at Tk 250 to 450 per kg, cultivated koi at Tk 150 to 180 per kg, Fali Chanda (Rupchanda) at Tk 900 to 1100 per kg, lata fish at Tk 250 to 350 and Eel at Tk 450 to 550 per kg, batashi at Tk 400 to 500, koi (river) at Tk 600, Aire fish at Tk 500 to 700, Baila at Tk 400 to 550 per kg, coral fish at Tk 450 to 600 per kg, river Pangas at Tk 350 per kg, cultivated Pangas at Tk 140 per kg, Rajputi at Tk 300 per kg and Telapia at Tk 150 to Tk 200 per kg.

Hilsha was selling at Tk 1000 kg weighing one kg per piece at Pabna district's Faridpur thana and Tk 1400 in Dhaka. At Paksey, rohit was selling at Tk 200 to 250, telapia at

Tk 150, baila at Tk 400 and river shrimp at Tk 300 only.

Of the vegetables, brinjal was selling at Tk 50 to 60 per kg, tomato at Tk 50 to 60, Sajina at Tk 90 per kg, potato at Tk 20 to 25, teasel gourd at Tk 50 to 60, carrot at Tk 60 to 70, bitter gourd at Tk 50 to 60, cucumber at Tk 25 to 35, purbal at 40, spone gourd at Tk 50 to 60, green papaya at Tk 45 to 50, french at Tk 50 to 60, snake gourd at Tk 40 to 50, okra at Tk 40, pumpkin (medium size) at Tk 50 to 60 per piece, bottle gourd at Tk 40 to 50, ash gourd at Tk 30 to 35 per piece, cauliflower at 25 to 30 per piece, coriander leaves at Tk 300 per kg, green chilli at 60 to 70 kg, capsicum (red) at Tk 350 per kg and capsicum (green) at Tk 250 to 280 per kg. Lemon was selling at Tk five to eight per piece in Dhaka. At Paksey, potato was selling at Tk 15 per kilogram, purbal at Tk 10 and onion at Tk 25.

Meanwhile, farm chicken prices showed a slight decline by Tk five and was sold at Tk 150-155 per kg.

Beef was selling at Tk 480-520 per kg and red meat at Tk 750 to 800 per kg, Pakistani chicken was selling at Tk 150 to 225 per piece based on size, egg local at Tk 60 per hali (four piece), farm egg at Tk 35 hali and egg (duck) at Tk 44 per hali only.
Indian minister caught urinating in public, mocked on social media

ARY News, New Delhi :

Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh was caught on camera urinating in the public on Thursday morning, sparking social media storm.

In a photo that has since gone viral, Singh, a strong supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign, was seen peeing on a wall while his security guards stood close-by.

"Amid tight security, the Union Minister of Agriculture gives the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a boost as he inaugurates an irrigation project in a drought-affected state," the text accompanying the images said.

However, Indian Express said it could not independently verify the images.

Several people have reacted to the picture on Twitter and other social networking sites, pointing out that it is not the first time a BJP leader's actions have made a mockery of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Swachh Bharat Mission was officially launched on 2 October 2014, and aims at universal sanitation and open defecation eradication by 2019. Some rather keen observers also pointed out that Singh's official car still has the red beacon on top, even after a government order against it.
KSA extends amnesty for another 30 days

30000 illegal BD workers may return soon

Reza Mahmud :

Around 30 thousand Bangladeshi illegal workers may return home soon from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the Arabian country extended amnesty for another 30 days for illegal foreigners staying there to leave that country.

Those who will fail to avail the opportunity will face legal actions as per the law of the KSA.

Besides, the offenders must be fined and be barred from entering the country again legally.

According to Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, around 50 thousand Bangladeshis took out-pass from the KSA. Out of which around 20 thousand have returned in the meantime and the rest are in queue to quit the country.

Earlier, the KSA announced a 3 month amnesty for illegally staying foreign nationals from 29th March, which ended on June 25.

After the announcement, more than 40 thousand Bangladeshi nationals have taken out-pass from Riyadh, Jeddah and other consulate offices in the kingdom.

"The illegally staying Bangladeshis including workers should take the chance of amnesty," said Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Nurul Islam.

Besides, the Ambassador in Riyadh, Golam Masih said more than 40 thousand Bangldeshis have already taken out-pass before June 25.

"It is an ongoing process. The number is increasing," he said.

Sources said there are around one lakh illegal Bangladeshi nationals in the KSA. But ambassador Golam Masih said the number is lesser.

The extension of amnesty announced by the Directorate General of Passports is in effect from June 25, according to the kingdom's state news agency Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

According to the SPA, the amnesty, applicable for all nationalities, allows violators to leave without paying fines or from being barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia legally.

Saudi's DGP chief Maj Gen Sulaiman Al-Yahya urged the illegal workers, who failed to benefit

from the previous grace period, to immediately visit the reception centres and complete necessary proceedings.

"The 30-day extension is in line with directives of Minister of Interior Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif," said Al-Yahya.

The general amnesty was declared as part of 'A Nation without Violators' campaign in the oil-rich Middle Eastern country.

The SPA said in a report earlier that over 500,000 expatriates of different countries have already left Saudi Arabia under the general amnesty.

According to Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, among them, 19,833 Bangladeshis have so far left the country.

Illegal residents in Saudi Arabia can face a fine of maximum 100,000 Saudi Riyal and up to two years imprisonment if they do not collect out-pass and exit-pass within the stipulated time.

Their fingerprints are preserved to prevent them from re-entering the kingdom in future.

Those who will leave the country lawfully will be allowed to return with legal work permits in the future.

Around 2.5 million illegal expats and labourers left Saudi Arabia since the programme was launched two years back.

The largest destination of Bangladeshi workers, Saudi Arabia, employs 1.3 million Bangladeshi workers, with 60,000 females working as domestic helps.


No chargesheet or autopsy reports on slain militants yet

Sagar Biswas :

Today is 1st July, the first anniversary of Gulshan cafe attack, where armed Islamist militants took lives of 22 persons, including 18 foreigners and two police officers, on the fateful night in the name of Jihad against the unarmed people.

Though one year has gone, the investigation authority could not finish their task for the reasons best known to them. Not only that, they also did not get autopsy report of five slain terrorists till the date, for which the submission of chargesheet is getting delayed.

Interestingly, Chief of Forensic Department at Dhaka Medical College Dr Sohel Mahmud yesterday said that the postmortem reports of five militants, killed in army commando operation the following day, will be handed over to the police today [Saturday].

A source close to the investigation team told The New Nation on Friday that inquiry process will not be completed until three other terrorists are captured; now on the run.

But reliable sources said eight 'dangerous' militants are still out of touch.

The eight are: Abdus Samad alias Mamu, Rashed alias Rawash, Mamunur Rashid Ripon, Shariful Islam Khalid, one of the planners and grenade suppliers Sohel Mahfuz alias Hatkata Mahfuz, explosive supplier Hadisur Rahman Sagor and Mizanur Rahman alias Chhotto Mizan, and fund collector Basaruzzaman alias Chocolate.

One of the prime suspects Hasnat Reza Karim, former teacher of North South University, is now in the jail. The investigators, however, identified 26 persons more, including the mastermind; all are the operatives of banned Islamist militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahedin Bangladesh [JMB], directly or indirectly involved in the bloodshed.

Fourteen operatives, including top ranking militant leader Tamim Chowdhury, two trainers and five attackers, were killed during counter operations by the security agents in the last few months. Four accused militants, including Rajib Gandhi alias Zahangir, have been arrested in the meantime. Three of them, including Mizanur Rahman alias Baro Mizan and Rakibul Hasan Regan, gave confessional statements before the court.

In the statements they said the attack plan was orchestrated at an isolated char land of Gaibnadha district. Police also confirmed that five militants who were directly involved in the attack had got arms training in the camp. And the arms-ammunition and explosives were brought into the country from India through Chapainababganj and Jessore borders.

After the attack, the Amaq News Agency several times released news along with pictures that IS [Islamic State] operatives had taken part in the Jihadi operation. But refuting the claim, Chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit Monirul Islam told the media that they had not got any evidence about the involvement of any international militant outfit in the Gulshan attack.

The CTTC Chief further said the Holey Artisan Bakery was not first preference to the terrorist at the first time. Rather they had preliminarily planned to conduct scattered attacks at Gulshan and Baridhara. Later, they choose the cafe as a 'soft target' due to lack of security where foreigners usually gathered.

Investigators revealed that Major [retd] Zahidul Islam alias Murad alias Rayhan Kabir Tareq gave training to the attackers in Gaibandha char. Of them, Rayhan was killed by security forces in the city's Kalyanpur on July 26 and Zahid killed at Rupnagar in the capital on September 2.

Marking the anniversary, the place of occurrence Holey Artisan Bakery at Plot No-5, Road No-79 Gulshan will remain open four hours from 10:00am to 2:00pm today for the general people to pay homage to the departed souls. A dais has also been set up there to place floral wreaths by the visitors.

Police handed over the place to the owner on November 13 last year after keeping the place under their supervision for long four and a half months. The owners have said the place will not be rented out for business purpose again and they were turning it into a residential house.


ADB-funded projects face hurdles

Badrul Ahsan :

As many as 23 Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded ongoing projects in the country are facing hurdles mainly due to bureaucratic tangles resulting long delay in their implementation.

Delay in procurement, failure to disburse and spend money in time, lack of environmental monitoring reports, delay in handing over of sites to contractors and in consultant selection are the main issues that caused the hurdles.

The ADB and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) have jointly identified the 23 projects recently with a view to finding out ways to overcome the shortcomings.

Of the projects, seven are of energy sector, three on urban development, four on transport sector, five on public and finance, three on agriculture and natural resources, and one on education.

According to officials at the Ministry of Finance, until April of the just concluded fiscal year contracts of projects worth US$444 million were awarded to the executing agencies against the target of $1.021 billion.

During the period, the volume of fund disbursement was $618 million against the target of $771 million.

Presently, some 51 ADB-funded projects are ongoing in Bangladesh.

The project performance is evaluated on five criteria -- contract awards, disbursement, technical soundness, safeguards compliance, and financial management.

The ADB allocates Ordinary Capital Resources (OCR) and the Asian Development Fund (ADF) resources on the basis of project performances.

Documents show that the Gas Transmission and Development Project is facing three problems. These are non-availability of gas in Khulna city gate station, $9.0 million remaining un-contracted and $20.15 million un-disbursed despite expiry of grace period and lack of environment monitoring report.

The Natural Gas Access Improvement Project is yet to make any headway in the southwestern region despite completion of procurement, $40.41 million remaining un-contracted and $54.59 million un-disbursed even six years after the loan approval.

In the Power System Efficiency Improvement Project, $109.3 million remained un-contracted and $153.33 million un-disbursed almost seven years after the loan approval.

The change order for piling remained pending for two years and the development project proposal for solar PV is yet to be approved.

The procurement for the Dhaka Environmentally Sustainable Water Supply Project was delayed while $174 million fund remained un-contracted and $208 million un-disbursed for three and a half years after the project approval.

The land acquisition and resettlement for the SASEC Rail Connectivity Project are yet to be completed alongside delay in reviewing the design.

The project's $145 million remained un-contracted and $434 million un-disbursed for two and a half years after the loan approval.

The establishment of an environmental safeguards unit in the Bangladesh Railway is yet to be completed, documents show.

Officials said even after one and a half years of loan approval, the government could not award contract for the Railway Rolling Stock Project.

Documents also show that work on the Second Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development Project is yet to start even after one and a half years of its approval and the loan effectiveness is now delayed.

It was found that even some grant-funded projects also could not make any headway.

The submission of well-defined capacity development plan of 'Pilot Project on Weather Index Based Crop Insurance' remained pending for long. Some $127,000 of the project remained un-contracted and $784,000 un-disbursed even four years after grant approval.

When contacted, a senior official of the Ministry of Finance said it is very hard to avoid bureaucratic complicacies; efforts are there to find ways to improve capacity for quick implementation of the project.

"We will review performance of the projects soon and take steps to remove the shortcomings," he said.
90 killed in crossfire, custody in 6 months: ASK

UNB, Dhaka :

A total of 90 people were killed in crossfire or custody of law enforcement agencies across the country in the last six months, according to a report of Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK).

Of them, 13 were killed in crossfire with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) while 46 with police, eight with Detective Branch of police and one was killed with joint team comprising police and RAB from January 1 to June 30, said the report.

It said, others were killed in torture and firing by police, and in RAB custody.

The rights body compiled the report based on reports published in different dailies and other media.

Besides, 280 women were raped during the period. Of them, 16 were killed after rape and five committed suicide after being raped. Around 39 women faced rape attempts during the period.

The report said, 201 women became victims of family violence with 144 of them being killed and 23 committing suicide across the country in the last six months.

Seven Bangladesh nationals were killed in firing

by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along Bangladesh-India border while 22 people were killed in mass beating across the country.

A total of 53 journalists became victims of torture and repression as well as received death threat while performing their professional duties during the period.

One journalist was also shot to death allegedly by Mayor of Shahjadpur municipality in Sirajgang, the report said.
Bangladeshis` deposits in Swiss bank rise by 20 pc last year

Staff Reporter :

The Swiss National Bank in its annual report titled "Banks in Switzerland 2016" showed that the deposit of Bangladesh nationals' increased by 20.18 percent in 2016.

The deposit was 661.96 million in Swiss franc or Tk 5,575 crore in 2016.

The amount was Tk 4,423 crore in 2015 and Tk 4,283 crore in 2014, as per the report of the bank.

The deposits went up in case of Bangladesh despite an ongoing global crack down on the famous secrecy wall of Swiss banking system.

Swiss banks have come under global pressure in recent times, as a number of countries, including India, are stepping up efforts to crack down on black money.

A Europe-led clampdown has also been launched on tax evasion and corruption.

Experts, however, say data from the Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a Washington-based

research organisation, gives a comprehensive picture about money laundered out of a country.

Bangladesh lost between $6 billion and $9 billion to illegal money outflows in 2014, according to a GFI report.

A Bangladesh Bank official not to be named told the reporter, deposits in Swiss banks does not mean that money was laundered from Bangladesh only.

Bangladeshis living abroad also deposit their money in Swiss banks, he said.

Bangladesh Bank might bring back the money only when it will be proved that the money was siphoned off of the country, he opined.

Speaking at the Jatiya Sangsad on June 6, Finance Minister AMA Muhith said it was true that money was being laundered, but it was not possible to stop the outflow of money completely.

"What we can do is to lessen the opportunity of siphoning off money. That means taking of measures to stop generation of black money."The government is taking steps in this regard, which would be visible next month, the minister said.

At the same time, Indian nationals' deposits in Swiss banks dropped to 664 million franc last year from 1.2 billion of the previous year.

In November 2016, India became one of a select group of countries to get benefits from an annual automatic exchange of banking information with Switzerland. This would ensure that financial information on bank accounts held by Indian citizens in Switzerland and vice-versa would be shared annually.

Pakistani nationals' deposits in Swiss banks also fell to 1.386 billion franc last year from 1.477 billion franc a year ago.

A country's political neutrality, stability and tradition of bank secrecy have kept their fortunes beyond the reach of national governments and even the most determined tax collectors.

Over the last several decades, Switzerland has provided wealthy families around the globe with a convenient and safe place to stash their money. Offshore accounts are not illegal, but many people use them to hide cash from the tax authorities, say experts.
Youth stabbed dead in city

Staff Reporter :

A youth named Jalal, 30, was stabbed to death by unidentified miscreants on Friday.

The incident took place at the Water Tank area of Wari in the city at 3.30 pm. After stabbing Jalal miscreants had left him moribund on the street. Passers- by found him seriously injured and rushed him to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

When contacted, the DMCH Police box sub-inspector (SI) Bachchu Mian said a woman named Tania came to the DMCH with the injured person and admitted him.

At the time of admission to the hospital, Jalal was injured on his abdominal portion of the body with lethal sharp weapon. The operating doctor has confirmed the death of the victim due to excessive bleeding at 5:00 pm.

The body of the victim has been transferred to the DMCH morgue for autopsy. No case was filed in the Wari Police Station till filing of this report at 9pm.
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Clinton Foundation in foreclosure as foreign donors demand refunds

Hillary Clinton blames YouTube video for unexpected and spontaneous voter uprising that prevented her inevitable move into the White House

Sudden rise in sea levels explained by disproportionately large tears shed by climate scientists in the aftermath of Trump's electoral victory

FBI director Comey delighted after receiving Nobel Prize for Speed Reading (650,000 emails in one week)

U.N. deploys troops to American college campuses in order to combat staggeringly low rape rates

Responding to Trump's surging poll numbers, Obama preemptively pardons himself for treason

Following hurricane Matthew's failure to devastate Florida, activists flock to the Sunshine State and destroy Trump signs manually

Tim Kaine takes credit for interrupting hurricane Matthew while debating weather in Florida

Study: Many non-voters still undecided on how they're not going to vote

The Evolution of Dissent: on November 8th the nation is to decide whether dissent will stop being racist and become sexist - or it will once again be patriotic as it was for 8 years under George W. Bush

Venezuela solves starvation problem by making it mandatory to buy food

Breaking: the Clinton Foundation set to investigate the FBI

Obama captures rare Pokemon while visiting Hiroshima

Movie news: 'The Big Friendly Giant Government' flops at box office; audiences say "It's creepy"

Barack Obama: "If I had a son, he'd look like Micah Johnson"

White House edits Orlando 911 transcript to say shooter pledged allegiance to NRA and Republican Party

President George Washington: 'Redcoats do not represent British Empire; King George promotes a distorted version of British colonialism'

Following Obama's 'Okie-Doke' speech, stock of Okie-Doke soars; NASDAQ: 'Obama best Okie-Doke salesman'

Weaponized baby formula threatens Planned Parenthood office; ACLU demands federal investigation of Gerber

Experts: melting Antarctic glacier could cause sale levels to rise up to 80% off select items by this weekend

Travel advisory: airlines now offering flights to front of TSA line

As Obama instructs his administration to get ready for presidential transition, Trump preemptively purchases 'T' keys for White House keyboards

John Kasich self-identifies as GOP primary winner, demands access to White House bathroom

Upcoming Trump/Kelly interview on FoxNews sponsored by 'Let's Make a Deal' and 'The Price is Right'

News from 2017: once the evacuation of Lena Dunham and 90% of other Hollywood celebrities to Canada is confirmed, Trump resigns from presidency: "My work here is done"

Non-presidential candidate Paul Ryan pledges not to run for president in new non-presidential non-ad campaign

Trump suggests creating 'Muslim database'; Obama symbolically protests by shredding White House guest logs beginning 2009

National Enquirer: John Kasich's real dad was the milkman, not mailman

National Enquirer: Bound delegates from Colorado, Wyoming found in Ted Cruzs basement

Iran breaks its pinky-swear promise not to support terrorism; US State Department vows rock-paper-scissors strategic response

Women across the country cheer as racist Democrat president on $20 bill is replaced by black pro-gun Republican

Federal Reserve solves budget crisis by writing itself a 20-trillion-dollar check

Widows, orphans claim responsibility for Brussels airport bombing

Che Guevara's son hopes Cuba's communism will rub off on US, proposes a long list of people the government should execute first

Susan Sarandon: "I don't vote with my vagina." Voters in line behind her still suspicious, use hand sanitizer

Campaign memo typo causes Hillary to court 'New Black Panties' vote

New Hampshire votes for socialist Sanders, changes state motto to "Live FOR Free or Die"

Martin O'Malley drops out of race after Iowa Caucus; nation shocked with revelation he has been running for president

Statisticians: one out of three Bernie Sanders supporters is just as dumb as the other two

Hillary campaign denies accusations of smoking-gun evidence in her emails, claims they contain only smoking-circumstantial-gun evidence

Obama stops short of firing US Congress upon realizing the difficulty of assembling another group of such tractable yes-men

In effort to contol wild passions for violent jihad, White House urges gun owners to keep their firearms covered in gun burkas

TV horror live: A Charlie Brown Christmas gets shot up on air by Mohammed cartoons

Democrats vow to burn the country down over Ted Cruz statement, 'The overwhelming majority of violent criminals are Democrats'

Russia's trend to sign bombs dropped on ISIS with "This is for Paris" found response in Obama administration's trend to sign American bombs with "Return to sender"

University researchers of cultural appropriation quit upon discovery that their research is appropriation from a culture that created universities

Archeologists discover remains of what Barack Obama has described as unprecedented, un-American, and not-who-we-are immigration screening process in Ellis Island

Mizzou protests lead to declaring entire state a "safe space," changing Missouri motto to "The don't show me state"

Green energy fact: if we put all green energy subsidies together in one-dollar bills and burn them, we could generate more electricity than has been produced by subsidized green energy

State officials improve chances of healthcare payouts by replacing ObamaCare with state lottery

NASA's new mission to search for racism, sexism, and economic inequality in deep space suffers from race, gender, and class power struggles over multibillion-dollar budget

College progress enforcement squads issue schematic humor charts so students know if a joke may be spontaneously laughed at or if regulations require other action

ISIS opens suicide hotline for US teens depressed by climate change and other progressive doomsday scenarios

Virginia county to close schools after teacher asks students to write 'death to America' in Arabic

'Wear hijab to school day' ends with spontaneous female circumcision and stoning of a classmate during lunch break

ISIS releases new, even more barbaric video in an effort to regain mantle from Planned Parenthood

Impressed by Fox News stellar rating during GOP debates, CNN to use same formula on Democrat candidates asking tough, pointed questions about Republicans

Shocking new book explores pros and cons of socialism, discovers they are same people

Pope outraged by Planned Parenthood's "unfettered capitalism," demands equal redistribution of baby parts to each according to his need

John Kerry accepts Iran's "Golden Taquiyya" award, requests jalapenos on the side

Citizens of Pluto protest US government's surveillance of their planetoid and its moons with New Horizons space drone

John Kerry proposes 3-day waiting period for all terrorist nations trying to acquire nuclear weapons

Chicago Police trying to identify flag that caused nine murders and 53 injuries in the city this past weekend

Cuba opens to affordable medical tourism for Americans who can't afford Obamacare deductibles

State-funded research proves existence of Quantum Aggression Particles (Heterons) in Large Hadron Collider

Student job opportunities: make big bucks this summer as Hillarys Ordinary-American; all expenses paid, travel, free acting lessons

Experts debate whether Iranian negotiators broke John Kerry's leg or he did it himself to get out of negotiations

Junior Varsity takes Ramadi, advances to quarterfinals

US media to GOP pool of candidates: 'Knowing what we know now, would you have had anything to do with the founding of the United States?'

NY Mayor to hold peace talks with rats, apologize for previous Mayor's cowboy diplomacy

China launches cube-shaped space object with a message to aliens: "The inhabitants of Earth will steal your intellectual property, copy it, manufacture it in sweatshops with slave labor, and sell it back to you at ridiculously low prices"

Progressive scientists: Truth is a variable deduced by subtracting 'what is' from 'what ought to be'

Experts agree: Hillary Clinton best candidate to lessen percentage of Americans in top 1%

America's attempts at peace talks with the White House continue to be met with lies, stalling tactics, and bad faith

Starbucks new policy to talk race with customers prompts new hashtag #DontHoldUpTheLine

Hillary: DELETE is the new RESET

Charlie Hebdo receives Islamophobe 2015 award; the cartoonists could not be reached for comment due to their inexplicable, illogical deaths

Russia sends 'reset' button back to Hillary: 'You need it now more than we do'

Barack Obama finds out from CNN that Hillary Clinton spent four years being his Secretary of State

President Obama honors Leonard Nimoy by taking selfie in front of Starship Enterprise

Police: If Obama had a convenience store, it would look like Obama Express Food Market

Study finds stunning lack of racial, gender, and economic diversity among middle-class white males

NASA: We're 80% sure about being 20% sure about being 17% sure about being 38% sure about 2014 being the hottest year on record

People holding '$15 an Hour Now' posters sue Democratic party demanding raise to $15 an hour for rendered professional protesting services

Cuba-US normalization: US tourists flock to see Cuba before it looks like the US and Cubans flock to see the US before it looks like Cuba

White House describes attacks on Sony Pictures as 'spontaneous hacking in response to offensive video mocking Juche and its prophet'

CIA responds to Democrat calls for transparency by releasing the director's cut of The Making Of Obama's Birth Certificate

Obama: 'If I had a city, it would look like Ferguson'

Biden: 'If I had a Ferguson (hic), it would look like a city'

Obama signs executive order renaming 'looters' to 'undocumented shoppers'

Ethicists agree: two wrongs do make a right so long as Bush did it first

The aftermath of the 'War on Women 2014' finds a new 'Lost Generation' of disillusioned Democrat politicians, unable to cope with life out of office

White House: Republican takeover of the Senate is a clear mandate from the American people for President Obama to rule by executive orders

Nurse Kaci Hickox angrily tells reporters that she won't change her clocks for daylight savings time

Democratic Party leaders in panic after recent poll shows most Democratic voters think 'midterm' is when to end pregnancy

Desperate Democratic candidates plead with Obama to stop backing them and instead support their GOP opponents

Ebola Czar issues five-year plan with mandatory quotas of Ebola infections per each state based on voting preferences

Study: crony capitalism is to the free market what the Westboro Baptist Church is to Christianity

Fun facts about world languages: the Left has more words for statism than the Eskimos have for snow

African countries to ban all flights from the United States because "Obama is incompetent, it scares us"

Nobel Peace Prize controversy: Hillary not nominated despite having done even less than Obama to deserve it

Obama: 'Ebola is the JV of viruses'

BREAKING: Secret Service foils Secret Service plot to protect Obama

Revised 1st Amendment: buy one speech, get the second free

Sharpton calls on white NFL players to beat their women in the interests of racial fairness

President Obama appoints his weekly approval poll as new national security adviser

Obama wags pen and phone at Putin; Europe offers support with powerful pens and phones from NATO members

White House pledges to embarrass ISIS back to the Stone Age with a barrage of fearsome Twitter messages and fatally ironic Instagram photos

Obama to fight ISIS with new federal Terrorist Regulatory Agency

Obama vows ISIS will never raise their flag over the eighteenth hole

Harry Reid: "Sometimes I say the wong thing"

Elian Gonzalez wishes he had come to the U.S. on a bus from Central America like all the other kids

Obama visits US-Mexican border, calls for a two-state solution

Obama draws "blue line" in Iraq after Putin took away his red crayon

"Hard Choices," a porno flick loosely based on Hillary Clinton's memoir and starring Hillary Hellfire as a drinking, whoring Secretary of State, wildly outsells the flabby, sagging original

Accusations of siding with the enemy leave Sgt. Bergdahl with only two options: pursue a doctorate at Berkley or become a Senator from Massachusetts

Jay Carney stuck in line behind Eric Shinseki to leave the White House; estimated wait time from 15 min to 6 weeks

100% of scientists agree that if man-made global warming were real, "the last people we'd want to help us is the Obama administration"

Jay Carney says he found out that Obama found out that he found out that Obama found out that he found out about the latest Obama administration scandal on the news

"Anarchy Now!" meeting turns into riot over points of order, bylaws, and whether or not 'kicking the #^@&*! ass' of the person trying to speak is or is not violence

Obama retaliates against Putin by prohibiting unionized federal employees from dating hot Russian girls online during work hours

Russian separatists in Ukraine riot over an offensive YouTube video showing the toppling of Lenin statues

"Free Speech Zones" confuse Obamaphone owners who roam streets in search of additional air minutes

Obamacare bolsters employment for professionals with skills to convert meth back into sudafed

Gloves finally off: Obama uses pen and phone to cancel Putin's Netflix account

Joe Biden to Russia: "We will bury you by turning more of Eastern Europe over to your control!"

In last-ditch effort to help Ukraine, Obama deploys Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson's Rainbow Coalition to Crimea

Al Sharpton: "Not even Putin can withstand our signature chanting, 'racist, sexist, anti-gay, Russian army go away'!"

Mardi Gras in North Korea: "Throw me some food!"

Obama's foreign policy works: "War, invasion, and conquest are signs of weakness; we've got Putin right where we want him"

US offers military solution to Ukraine crisis: "We will only fight countries that have LGBT military"

Putin annexes Brighton Beach to protect ethnic Russians in Brooklyn, Obama appeals to UN and EU for help

The 1980s: "Mr. Obama, we're just calling to ask if you want our foreign policy back. The 1970s are right here with us, and they're wondering, too."

In a stunning act of defiance, Obama courageously unfriends Putin on Facebook

MSNBC: Obama secures alliance with Austro-Hungarian Empire against Russias aggression in Ukraine

Study: springbreak is to STDs what April 15th is to accountants

Efforts to achieve moisture justice for California thwarted by unfair redistribution of snow in America

North Korean voters unanimous: "We are the 100%"

Leader of authoritarian gulag-site, The People's Cube, unanimously 're-elected' with 100% voter turnout

Super Bowl: Obama blames Fox News for Broncos' loss

Feminist author slams gay marriage: "a man needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle"

Beverly Hills campaign heats up between Henry Waxman and Marianne Williamson over the widening income gap between millionaires and billionaires in their district

Biden to lower $10,000-a-plate Dinner For The Homeless to $5,000 so more homeless can attend

Kim becomes world leader, feeds uncle to dogs; Obama eats dogs, becomes world leader, America cries uncle

North Korean leader executes own uncle for talking about Obamacare at family Christmas party

White House hires part-time schizophrenic Mandela sign interpreter to help sell Obamacare

Kim Jong Un executes own "crazy uncle" to keep him from ruining another family Christmas

OFA admits its advice for area activists to give Obamacare Talk at shooting ranges was a bad idea

President resolves Obamacare debacle with executive order declaring all Americans equally healthy

Obama to Iran: "If you like your nuclear program, you can keep your nuclear program"

Bovine community outraged by flatulence coming from Washington DC

Obama: "I'm not particularly ideological; I believe in a good pragmatic five-year plan"

Shocker: Obama had no knowledge he'd been reelected until he read about it in the local newspaper last week

Server problems at HealthCare.gov so bad, it now flashes 'Error 808' message

NSA marks National Best Friend Day with official announcement: "Government is your best friend; we know you like no one else, we're always there, we're always willing to listen"

Al Qaeda cancels attack on USA citing launch of Obamacare as devastating enough

The President's latest talking point on Obamacare: "I didn't build that"

Dizzy with success, Obama renames his wildly popular healthcare mandate to HillaryCare

Carney: huge ObamaCare deductibles won't look as bad come hyperinflation

Washington Redskins drop 'Washington' from their name as offensive to most Americans

Poll: 83% of Americans favor cowboy diplomacy over rodeo clown diplomacy

GOVERNMENT WARNING: If you were able to complete ObamaCare form online, it wasn't a legitimate gov't website; you should report online fraud and change all your passwords

Obama administration gets serious, threatens Syria with ObamaCare

Obama authorizes the use of Vice President Joe Biden's double-barrel shotgun to fire a couple of blasts at Syria

Sharpton: "British royals should have named baby 'Trayvon.' By choosing 'George' they sided with white Hispanic racist Zimmerman"

DNC launches 'Carlos Danger' action figure; proceeds to fund a charity helping survivors of the Republican War on Women

Nancy Pelosi extends abortion rights to the birds and the bees

Hubble discovers planetary drift to the left

Obama: 'If I had a daughter-in-law, she would look like Rachael Jeantel'

FISA court rubberstamps statement denying its portrayal as government's rubber stamp

Every time ObamaCare gets delayed, a Julia somewhere dies

GOP to Schumer: 'Force full implementation of ObamaCare before 2014 or Dems will never win another election'

Obama: 'If I had a son... no, wait, my daughter can now marry a woman!'

Janet Napolitano: TSA findings reveal that since none of the hijackers were babies, elderly, or Tea Partiers, 9/11 was not an act of terrorism

News Flash: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) can see Canada from South Dakota

Susan Rice: IRS actions against tea parties caused by anti-tax YouTube video that was insulting to their faith

Drudge Report reduces font to fit all White House scandals onto one page

Obama: the IRS is a constitutional right, just like the Second Amendment

White House: top Obama officials using secret email accounts a result of bad IT advice to avoid spam mail from Nigeria

Jay Carney to critics: 'Pinocchio never said anything inconsistent'

Obama: If I had a gay son, he'd look like Jason Collins

Gosnell's office in Benghazi raided by the IRS: mainstream media's worst cover-up challenge to date

IRS targeting pro-gay-marriage LGBT groups leads to gayest tax revolt in U.S. history

After Arlington Cemetery rejects offer to bury Boston bomber, Westboro Babtist Church steps up with premium front lawn plot

Boston: Obama Administration to reclassify marathon bombing as 'sportsplace violence'

Study: Success has many fathers but failure becomes a government program

US Media: Can Pope Francis possibly clear up Vatican bureaucracy and banking without blaming the previous administration?

Michelle Obama praises weekend rampage by Chicago teens as good way to burn calories and stay healthy

This Passover, Obama urges his subjects to paint lamb's blood above doors in order to avoid the Sequester



White House to American children: Sequester causes layoffs among hens that lay Easter eggs; union-wage Easter Bunnies to be replaced by Mexican Chupacabras

Time Mag names Hugo Chavez world's sexiest corpse

Boy, 8, pretends banana is gun, makes daring escape from school

Study: Free lunches overpriced, lack nutrition

Oscars 2013: Michelle Obama announces long-awaited merger of Hollywood and the State

Joe Salazar defends the right of women to be raped in gun-free environment: 'rapists and rapees should work together to prevent gun violence for the common good'

Dept. of Health and Human Services eliminates rape by reclassifying assailants as 'undocumented sex partners'

Kremlin puts out warning not to photoshop Putin riding meteor unless bare-chested

Deeming football too violent, Obama moves to introduce Super Drone Sundays instead

Japan offers to extend nuclear umbrella to cover U.S. should America suffer devastating attack on its own defense spending

Feminists organize one billion women to protest male oppression with one billion lap dances

Urban community protests Mayor Bloomberg's ban on extra-large pop singers owning assault weapons

Concerned with mounting death toll, Taliban offers to send peacekeeping advisers to Chicago

Karl Rove puts an end to Tea Party with new 'Republicans For Democrats' strategy aimed at losing elections

Answering public skepticism, President Obama authorizes unlimited drone attacks on all skeet targets throughout the country

Skeet Ulrich denies claims he had been shot by President but considers changing his name to 'Traps'

White House releases new exciting photos of Obama standing, sitting, looking thoughtful, and even breathing in and out

New York Times hacked by Chinese government, Paul Krugman's economic policies stolen

White House: when President shoots skeet, he donates the meat to food banks that feed the middle class

To prove he is serious, Obama eliminates armed guard protection for President, Vice-President, and their families; establishes Gun-Free Zones around them instead

State Dept to send 100,000 American college students to China as security for US debt obligations

Jay Carney: Al Qaeda is on the run, they're just running forward

President issues executive orders banning cliffs, ceilings, obstructions, statistics, and other notions that prevent us from moving forwards and upward

Fearing the worst, Obama Administration outlaws the fan to prevent it from being hit by certain objects

World ends; S&P soars

Riddle of universe solved; answer not understood

Meek inherit Earth, can't afford estate taxes

Greece abandons Euro; accountants find Greece has no Euros anyway

Wheel finally reinvented; axles to be gradually reinvented in 3rd quarter of 2013

Bigfoot found in Ohio, mysteriously not voting for Obama

As Santa's workshop files for bankruptcy, Fed offers bailout in exchange for control of 'naughty and nice' list

Freak flying pig accident causes bacon to fly off shelves

Obama: green economy likely to transform America into a leading third world country of the new millennium

Report: President Obama to visit the United States in the near future

Obama promises to create thousands more economically neutral jobs

Modernizing Islam: New York imam proposes to canonize Saul Alinsky as religion's latter day prophet

Imam Rauf's peaceful solution: 'Move Ground Zero a few blocks away from the mosque and no one gets hurt'

Study: Obama's threat to burn tax money in Washington 'recruitment bonanza' for Tea Parties

Study: no Social Security reform will be needed if gov't raises retirement age to at least 814 years

Obama attends church service, worships self

Obama proposes national 'Win The Future' lottery; proceeds of new WTF Powerball to finance more gov't spending

Historical revisionists: "Hey, you never know"

Vice President Biden: criticizing Egypt is un-pharaoh

Israelis to Egyptian rioters: "don't damage the pyramids, we will not rebuild"

Lake Superior renamed Lake Inferior in spirit of tolerance and inclusiveness

Al Gore: It's a shame that a family can be torn apart by something as simple as a pack of polar bears

Michael Moore: As long as there is anyone with money to shake down, this country is not broke

Obama's teleprompters unionize, demand collective bargaining rights

Obama calls new taxes 'spending reductions in tax code.' Elsewhere rapists tout 'consent reductions in sexual intercourse'

Obama's teleprompter unhappy with White House Twitter: "Too few words"

Obama's Regulation Reduction committee finds US Constitution to be expensive outdated framework inefficiently regulating federal gov't

Taking a page from the Reagan years, Obama announces new era of Perestroika and Glasnost

Responding to Oslo shootings, Obama declares Christianity "Religion of Peace," praises "moderate Christians," promises to send one into space

Republicans block Obama's $420 billion program to give American families free charms that ward off economic bad luck

White House to impose Chimney tax on Santa Claus

Obama decrees the economy is not soaring as much as previously decreeed

Conservative think tank introduces children to capitalism with pop-up picture book "The Road to Smurfdom"

Al Gore proposes to combat Global Warming by extracting silver linings from clouds in Earth's atmosphere

Obama refutes charges of him being unresponsive to people's suffering: "When you pray to God, do you always hear a response?"

Obama regrets the US government didn't provide his mother with free contraceptives when she was in college

Fluke to Congress: drill, baby, drill!

Planned Parenthood introduces Frequent Flucker reward card: 'Come again soon!'

Obama to tornado victims: 'We inherited this weather from the previous administration'

Obama congratulates Putin on Chicago-style election outcome

People's Cube gives itself Hero of Socialist Labor medal in recognition of continued expert advice provided to the Obama Administration helping to shape its foreign and domestic policies

Hamas: Israeli air defense unfair to 99% of our missiles, "only 1% allowed to reach Israel"

Democrat strategist: without government supervision, women would have never evolved into humans

Voters Without Borders oppose Texas new voter ID law

Enraged by accusation that they are doing Obama's bidding, media leaders demand instructions from White House on how to respond

Obama blames previous Olympics for failure to win at this Olympics

Official: China plans to land on Moon or at least on cheap knockoff thereof

Koran-Contra: Obama secretly arms Syrian rebels

Poll: Progressive slogan 'We should be more like Europe' most popular with members of American Nazi Party

Obama to Evangelicals: Jesus saves, I just spend

May Day: Anarchists plan, schedule, synchronize, and execute a coordinated campaign against all of the above

Midwestern farmers hooked on new erotic novel "50 Shades of Hay"

Study: 99% of Liberals give the rest a bad name

Obama meets with Jewish leaders, proposes deeper circumcisions for the rich

Historians: Before HOPE & CHANGE there was HEMP & CHOOM at ten bucks a bag

Cancer once again fails to cure Venezuela of its "President for Life"

Tragic spelling error causes Muslim protesters to burn local boob-tube factory

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu: due to energy conservation, the light at the end of the tunnel will be switched off

Obama Administration running food stamps across the border with Mexico in an operation code-named "Fat And Furious"

Pakistan explodes in protest over new Adobe Acrobat update; 17 local acrobats killed

White House: "Let them eat statistics"

Special Ops: if Benedict Arnold had a son, he would look like Barack Obama







AD GOES HERE
BELLEVILLE  During the June 19 presentation of the Illinois Society of Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Award, the Lewis and Clark chapter of the SAR honored fallen Chester Police Officer James Brockmeyer.

Brockmeyer died Oct. 28, 2016, while in pursuit of Jason Stoker, whom he tried to stop earlier that evening. Stoker led Brockmeyer on a chase in rural Randolph County, which resulted in Brockmeyer crashing his police vehicle. He died as a result of the incident. In a news release from the SAR, Brian Cutler, the chapter's law enforcement chairman, said he believed Brockmeyer, despite being new to the job, understood his duty.

I'm certain that Officer Brockmeyer had a complete understanding of public service, duty and sacrifice, Cutler said.

Brockmeyer had also served as part of Chesters fire department and his former fire chief Marty Bert accepted the award on behalf of Brockmeyer and his family.

Bert also weighed in on Brockmeyers service record.

James really enjoyed serving the community, so he eventually became a police officer, and he served the community well, Bert said.
"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."
The buzz of chain saws resonated down Logan Street in Branchville on Wednesday afternoon, three weeks after a huge pecan tree damaged by last fall's Hurricane Matthew fell into the home of Diane Gadson.

Her single-wide mobile home was not totally destroyed when rain that pushed through the area caused the tree to collapse on June 7, but the damage to the residence forced Gadson to live with her mother until something was done about the tree that was draped across it.

We were trying to get somebody to come and remove the tree, Gadson said.

Thats when members of one of the Early Response Teams of the South Carolina United Methodist Conference stepped in to lend her a helping hand. The teams are a sub-unit of the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, one of the denominations most dynamic outreach programs.

The more you give, the more you receive. Everything we do is free, but its just the satisfaction of helping others during their time of need. All of us go through things in life where we need help, said North resident Billy Robinson, who served as the ERT leader.

Gadson said she will be glad to move back into her home, but she realizes it will not be an overnight process.

When the tree was down, you could go into the house, but it was a mess on the inside. The roof and stuff had caved in. You cant stay in there. I got no lights or nothing, she said. She thanked the ERT crew for making the process a little easier.

The team brought in a trailer stocked with tools for the job, including chainsaws and tarp.

When we finish this job, well put a tarp on the roof. We already know its got some puncture holes in it when the tree went through the roof so well put a tarp on the roof to prevent further damage, Robinson said.

He noted, The typical size of a crew we have would be seven to 14 people. We do the early phase (of disaster relief), where we go in and cut trees off of homes and put a tarp on it. If a home is flooded, well try to get all the water and stuff out to prevent further damage, which is our goal.

Barnwell resident Ed Boyles, another ERT crew member, was glad to be a part of his first mission.

People need help. Helping them when they are in need is the Christian thing to do. I retired five years ago and decided to join the mission. Ive heard a lot about it. Its all been real good so I said I wanted to be a part of it, Boyles said.

Surveying the tree-damaged Branchville home, Boyles said, Its amazing that the whole trailer didnt crush in two.

Crew member Hugh Kight said his reason for volunteering was simple.

I know that lady dont want to go to sleep at night with a pecan tree on her house. Theres a lot of people in need. I just got back from Tarboro, North Carolina. I was up there working for a week redoing houses up there, Kight said.

We were working on seven houses, but they got 40-something houses waiting to be done up there," he added. "So theres a lot of work, and all of this is from Hurricane Matthew.

Norman Gavin, who lives about five miles from Gadson, said the help from the ERT in removing the tree was welcomed.

Im glad to see someone come out to move it. They cant cut the lights back on in her house until they get that tree taken off. Taking it off will be a blessing because she has to stay with her mama, Gavin said, noting that he was grateful no one was in the home when the tree fell on it.

That was one good thing. She had went to Orangeburg with her mama. I dont see why they dont take all those old trees down like that. These trees are falling bad this year like I have never seen, and Im 81 years old, he said.

Robinson said he had a couple of personal reasons for wanting to help others by volunteering his time to disaster relief.

My home got flooded in 2013. Id been going out helping people for years and years, and all of a sudden I was a recipient of someone coming to help me. I felt a very helpless feeling. What really started me volunteering was I almost lost my son, William, in a river accident," Robinson said.

I felt that dire need for help and said, You know what? What I want is to help people during their time of need. God put that passion on my heart, he said.

He praised his crew members commitment to service, including military veteran Kevin Douglas.

He gets out here with us and goes as hard and strong as he can until he gets tired, then he goes some more. A lot of our people are retired people, then a lot of them still work like me and come whenever they can, Robinson said.

Gadson said all of the Early Response Team's work is appreciated, adding, Im grateful. God is good all the time."
A Regional Medical Center trustee says hes being blocked in his effort to support doctors who want a stronger voice on the board.

"The chairman is keeping a board member from expressing his ideas on a very important issue to support our Medical Executive Committee," trustee Milton Dufford said. "Nothing more than that. There must be some undercurrent. This is my third try. My voice is not heard."

Duffords comments stem from Tuesdays board meeting.

A motion was made to adjourn, but Dufford wanted to first offer his support for the Medical Staff Executive Committees request to see the composition of the hospital board changed.

"All I was asking is that we get a vote from the board to give support to the Medical Executive Committee and (chairman Melvin Seabrooks) won't let it come to a vote," Dufford said following the meeting.

RMC physician Dr. Daniel Avosso spoke to Orangeburg County Council in April on behalf of the Medical Executive Committee.

At that meeting, Avosso suggested the hospital's board of trustees be composed of eight physicians, eight community leaders and at least one nurse.

RMC is currently governed by a 17-member board representing both Orangeburg and Calhoun counties, which own the hospital. A dozen members are appointed by Orangeburg County Council and three are appointed by Calhoun County Council. Two positions are set aside for doctors.

Currently, there are three medical doctors on the board.

Seabrooks said the composition of the board has always been set by the county councils.

"Our job on the board is governance, policy and procedures," Seabrooks said. "To me, that is not an agenda item. It does not have anything to do with what we are appointed to do."

Dufford's request to continue the meeting was defeated by an 8-7 vote.

Those in favor of adjourning were Matt Stokes, the Rev. Dr. Caesar Richburg, Johnny Mallard, Dr. M.S. Nassri, Gladys Arends, Betty Henderson and Leroy West. Seabrooks voted to break the tie.

Those opposed to adjournment included Dufford, Dr. Arden Weathers, Dr. Frank Coulter, James Amaker, Dr. Oscar Butler Jr., William Wilson and Kenneth Rickenbaker.

In other matters:

 Trustees approved refinancing an existing bond. The terms of the refinancing arrangement were not immediately released.

The SC Jobs-Economic Development Authority has given preliminary approval to a $33 million hospital revenue refunding bond inducement resolution.

Both Orangeburg and Calhoun county councils will also have to approve the refinancing. JEDA is expected to give final approval in late July.

 Trustees gave hospital management the go-ahead to develop plans for a free-standing emergency department for Bamberg and Barnwell counties. The hospital is planning to build an $8.63 million, 20,500-square-foot emergency department.

The facility will be located on 10 acres of land adjacent to Highway 70 between the cities of Denmark and Barnwell.

 RMC Associate Vice President of Acute Care Operations Seth Goldwire informed trustees that of 11 like-sized hospitals, RMC ranked behind Springs Memorial Hospital in Lancaster with 73 percent of patients saying their rooms and bathrooms were always clean, according to a Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems random survey.

Richburg requested that the public bathrooms in the hospital, particularly those near the entrance and elevators, be cleaned more often.

"It probably needs to be visited more," Richburg said. "The floors are constantly wet."

Goldwire said the hospital is looking more closely at its public areas and will seek to increase its cleaning rounds of these areas.

 Trustees approved providing a Disher Medical Scholarship of $25,000 to a local Claflin University student who has been accepted at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg. Officials requested the name of the student be withheld for privacy concerns.

Trustees also recently gave three other local students $25,000 scholarships.

The scholarship was named after Dr. Spencer C. Disher. It is designed to encourage minority students at South Carolina State and Claflin universities to attend a medical school and practice locally.

Nassri, who abstained from the vote, expressed concerns about the scholarship. He said he supports helping students, but wonders if there is any guarantee the students will return to RMC to practice.

"I am at a loss that we are giving out money and we don't ask for them to come back and stay," Nassri said. The hospital provides nursing scholarships, but does require nurses to stay in the area and work at the hospital.

"To me, nobody gives out money like this with no strings attached. It is just not in the best interest of the hospital, Nassri said.

Coulter said if a student has an obligation put upon him or her, it would not be a scholarship but a loan.

"I think most of these people ... are willing to come back," Coulter said.

 Trustees approved $71,112 for capital improvement projects for the month, including five stretchers and 12 vital sign monitors.

 Trustees approved having AM Builders LLC of Orangeburg paint the heating and air conditioning penthouse atop the hospital for $56,000.

The unit has not been painted since the hospital was built in the early 1980s.

 Trustees named William Wilson the Trustee of the Year.
We live in times of hypersensitivity. One way in which collectivism acts against individual freedom is by declaring morally reprehensible  and oftentimes prohibiting  what is deemed offensive. The expression political correctness has come to define this assault on free speech that hides behind the mask of respect for the sensibilities of others.

Any attempt to deviate from this hypocritical abuse of power should be welcome. Which is why we should rejoice at two recent developments.

The first is the decision by the Supreme Court to side with the Asian-American rock band The Slants against the Patent and Trademark Office, which had refused to register a trademark for the group on the grounds that the name is offensive to Asians. This is not the first time the Patent and Trademark Office, armed with a provision against offensiveness in the federal trademark law, has made decisions based on political correctness. It canceled the Washington Redskins trademark in 2014 on the ground that the name offended American Indians.

The second development is the courage shown by South Carolina State University graduate Kara McCullough, Miss USA 2017, a young scientist who works for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in answering two questions during the pageant. She was asked whether affordable health care for all Americans is a right or a privilege. She said that she sees it as a privilege because her own insurance comes from her employment; in order to obtain coverage one should get a job, she added, and we should cultivate an environment in which people can have jobs and therefore health care.

When asked about feminism, she stated that she was more for equalism and associated the other term with not caring about men. Of course, she was massacred in the social media and part of the mainstream media (which, realizing she was not going to back down, subsequently tried to present her comments on the controversy as a retraction).

Of course, neither Kara McCullough nor the Slants had any intention of being offensive. In McCulloughs case, regardless of ones views on the matter, all you have to do is watch her making the original comments to see that she was responding quite honestly based on personal experience. In the bands case, its even more absurd to take offense since the name actually ridicules the stereotype by wearing it as a badge of honor.

John Stuart Mill, who wrote in the 19th century, might as well have been living in our times when he attacked, in the second chapter of his book On Liberty, the idea that offensiveness should be used as an argument against free speech.

The first problem, Mill noted, is where to draw the line (fixing where these supposed bounds are to be placed)  because anyone who finds it hard to counter an argument will accuse their opponent of being offensive (intemperate).

The second problem is that limiting free speech for the sake of political correctness will be unfair to people of perfectly good faith. People who are informed and competent often misrepresent other peoples views or suppress facts and arguments. Who is to say what is a perfect representation of someone elses views? The offended party? That would turn people of good faith into morally culpable beings all the time!

The third problem is that the denunciation of offensive speech, as Mill maintained, usually targets those who defy the prevailing opinion.

Free speech is one of the protections we have, as individuals, against the tyranny of the majority (whether it is truly a majority or not). The world needs more people like Miss USA 2017 and more Supreme Court decisions that defy political correctness.
Vermell Sistrunk of Orangeburg was honored by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health as the 2016 Orangeburg Area Mental Health Center Outstanding Employee of the Year at a June 23 ceremony.

Currently the director of the Adult/Emergency Outpatient Unit at the Orangeburg Area Mental Health Center, Sistrunk has been a state employee for more than 30 years. She is known for her unwavering dedication and devotion to clients, endeavoring to ensure that all are treated fairly and given maximum care.

In reviewing the criteria for the award, SCDMH officials noted that Sistrunk exemplifies the character the award represents, exhibiting empathy, care and concern for people. She is known for staying late and working hard until the job is completed.

Sistrunk is involved in humanitarian efforts at work and in the community. She previously served as a volunteer chaplain at the Regional Medical Center and as a volunteer arbitrator for youth with the Solicitors Office.

A pastor and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Sistrunk is married and has two children and three grandchildren.
Grant Connell provided his services pro bono to an American national and pleaded that the man should not be removed from SVG.

Almost a week after the Court made an order for United States national Mark Archambault to be removed from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, he is now warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, with an illness.





Archambault, a man in his fifties, who has been residing here for the past four years, was charged with overstaying his time. He pleaded guilty when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Bertie Pompey at the Kingstown Magistrates Court last week, and threw himself at the mercy of the Court.





Attorney Grant Connell, who represented Archambault pro bono, requested a very small fine, and that the American be given an extension of time to have his stay here regularized. However, the Court refused the request, and Archambault was kept at the Central Police Station pending his removal from the state. It was during this time he was hospitalized.





When THE VINCENTIAN went to the hospital on Wednesday, to seek an interview with Archambault, he was asleep.





Connell had told the Court in mitigation that Archambault arrived in SVG four years ago from Barbados, where he had operated a restaurant. He was granted a one-month stay, but remained beyond that period because he fell in love with SVG.





Connell stressed that Archambault, who was residing at Chatum Bay, Union Island, never ran afoul of the law, and encouraged visitors to patronize the local craft vendors.





There are some Vincentians who cant wait to leave; they want to go to America, but he loves this place.

"He didnt come here to be used as a mule or to get involved in our local vegetation..

"Sometimes when the tourists come here, they want to see somebody with their accent, and he provided that nexus, Connell reasoned.





He stressed that Achambault did not get involved in criminal activity; all he did was overstay his time.

"Times are hard, the jails are full, coffers are empty, he can help us with our tourism, Connell opined, adding, "There must be something we have that attract persons to this land. It is time that Vincentians be proud of what they have.





Connell also noted that Archambault was injured by someone, and a Court date was set for the person charged with wounding him; that matter is pending.





The Court also heard that there were incidents in which Archambault was taken advantage of.

Prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards told the Court that his concern was that the defendant was not living at any fixed place. He also noted that there was a report of someone wounding him.

"I am asking for a removal order. For us to put him back on the street would be very inhumane, Richards said.

But Connell insisted that Archambault had a place of abode, and has a court date as the virtual complainant in a wounding case.





According to Connell, the nature of the offence did not warrant a removal order because someone who overstayed their time could pay a small fine at the airport.

The lawyer added that, while the law could issue an order for removal, it does not appear that this country has the resources to facilitate that process, and Archambault would have to be kept at the Central Police Station for a long time.





But while Magistrate Pompey contended that he had no pleasure in sending a person to prison, he pointed out that if you breach the laws in the United States there are consequences, so too there are consequences here.

He reprimanded and discharged Archambault on the Immigration charge, but issued the removal order.
Left:Douglas De Freitas, Proprietor of Nice Radio, worked out an amicable agreement with Luzette King. Right:Luzette Kings slot on NICE Radio has been suspended, but she remains committed to ensuring the survival of that radio station, given its enlightening programmes.

PERSONS WHO TUNED into NICE Radio last Saturday (June 24) morning expecting to hear the Call Dat George programme hosted by social activist Luzette King, would have been disappointed.





Not that they would have to wait another week for another in the series, but moreso because they would have learned that the programme had gone on sabbatical.





Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN earlier this week, following a posting on her Facebook page in which she addressed the suspension of Call Dat George, Ms. King said that she is "satisfied with the position of NICE Radio ownership, to suspend the programme.





She confirmed that the decision so to do had been arrived at after a "frank discussion between Douglas De Freitas, proprietor of the station, and herself.





She explained further, "At the end of the day, Dougie and his family are running a business and he is obliged to give an account (remember the word (accountability) to them. Further, because of the enlightening programmes that NICE Radio carries, the ULP administration are hell bent on destroying it along with Dougie and his family.





That said, she made it clear that, "I cannot and do not wish to be a part of augmenting the process of bringing about the demise of NICE Radio.. Hence my support for Dougies decision to relieve the station of what appears to be the main target.





And even as Call Dat George, which came on air in place of the previously slotted Global Highlights and as a tribute to the renowned nationalist George Howard, goes into suspension, Ms. King has appealed to her listenership and followers of her Facebook page, "to please get back on track with the task at hand, which is to help raise the EC$210,000 to satisfy the judgment which has been hanging over NICE Radio for years.





Those who have rallied with Ms. King in the ongoing protest against the general elections results of December 9, 2015 and other causes which she has chosen to herald, have been assured that she "will spend some time to work out ways of continuing my anti-ULP/Ralph Gonsalves work.. All ideas in this regard are welcome, as we must get rid of the most corrupt regime we have ever had in SVG.





Ms King is currently before the Court, having to answer to a charge of "inconveniencing the public, arising from an incident on January 7, 2016, after police took action to remove protestors from in front of the Electoral Office on Bay Street, Kingstown.




Digicel announced yesterday, June 29, the launch of its Home Internet service in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.





According to a release on the same day, the addition of this service "is in answer to the calls from Vincentians for faster, more reliable and more affordable home internet options.





The announcement comes as the company continues to expand its corporate footprint across the business districts, serving over fifty-five corporate customers since it began offering internet service here.





And with plans starting as low as $134.99 per month, inclusive of VAT, Digicel describes the service as one that "opens a world of growth and opportunities for homes and businesses, as customers enjoy a new ease of browsing, streaming and enjoying their favourite content, in the comfort of their homes.





"There is a growing demand for a reliable home internet service in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Of late, the general public has become increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of the service being provided, said Business Solutions Manager, Carlon Browne.





"The needs of the internet customer today have evolved, service providers also need to adapt and be current amidst the changing ICT landscape. Digicel is constantly evolving and is ready to meet the ICT needs of the Vincentian public, he added.





Browne assured that Digicel is committed to always improving on its services as well as finding new and innovative products that are both important and relevant to all Vincentians.





One customer who is already enjoying the reliability of Digicels home internet said, "Digicel has made browsing and using home internet great again! Digicel has saved me from the poor service; I had no choice but to get used to!
From a newspaper article of 21st October 2016, I learnt that our Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment - Luke Browne had assumed the chairmanship of three important regional organisations, on the 1st of October 2016.





They are: CARICOMs Council on Human and Social Development (COHSOD); the Executive Board of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA); and the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP).





The article informed that COHSOD was established by Article 17 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramus, and one of its principal functions is the development and organization of efficient and affordable health-care services in the Caribbean.

Readers were also informed, that as Chairman of the CARPHA Executive Board, "Minister Browne, will provide strategic direction for this organization which is charged with addressing regional public health priorities, such as environmental health issues and matters to do with the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases.

Considering the foregoing, and taking into account our pressing needs here in SVG, it would be good if Mr. Browne could be induced to accept the chairmanship of the Kingstown Town Board, so that he will also provide for our city, "the strategic direction in the addressing of the public health priorities, which are seemingly overwhelming us at this time.





A few of the areas which may be considered for Mr. Brownes immediate attention, as chief officer of the Ktown Town Board, are:





1. The removal of that derelict container, which has for years been rotting in the foreground of the Public Health Departments head office. Certainly that picture of wanton neglect is not an exhibition of pride and decency.

2. That plot of land adjacent to the property of the Kingstown Town Board in Pauls Avenue, has been crying out for attention for over a year. The excuse has been made that the particular plot of land referred to, is private property. But in fact, the perpetrators of this exhibition of "naked wutlessness, are not the owners of the property but other citizens.





I am finding it difficult to understand why, in this age, the Public Health Department seems powerless to address matters, which in the 1940s would not have been tolerated. Mr. Brownes chairmanship of the Kingstown Town Board, should hopefully enhance his capacity as Chairman of the Executive Board of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), "to provide strategic direction for the addressing of regional public health priorities such as environmental health issues and matters to do with the prevention and control of mosquito borne diseases.





3. Another area where the approach of our administration and technocrats is baffling is the seeming assignment of the former British American Insurance office site, as a garbage dump. This has been evident for years! On that "garbage site also, there has been a rotting 30 ft. container for years, not far away from the offices of the Ministry of Health. It almost seems as though the Ministry of Health, could be identified with "rotting containers. Thats a shame!





One can imagine that we could be faced with a major environmental problem even before this Carnival season is ended. The leadership of Mr. Browne will certainly be tested. The Ministry of Health, on the 19th October 2016, pledged their support to Mr. Browne "in all his related endeavour. He will certainly need that!

If the foregoing observations and suggestions are acted upon in good faith, we could well be avoiding ugly embarrassment when Mr. Browne as Minister of Health, is called on to be host to his distinguished Caribbean colleagues of those important regional bodies, of which he is now the chairman.





Responsibility does not rest only on the shoulders of Mr. Browne, the Ministry of Health, to act with firmness and expedition in the correcting of this "primitive wutlessness. Those of us who consider ourselves to be responsible citizens, also have a duty to act in harmony with decency, in the protecting of the environment, "OUR ENVIRONMENT.





LeRoy Providence




Shenika Samuel put all the negatives behind her and carved a road to success for herself and her family.

In 2004 Shenika Samuel graduated from the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School with four passes at the CXC. That did not deter her.





She wrote the CXC again in 2015 and came away with eight subject area passes, after which she enrolled at the Division of Technical and Vocational Education of the SVG Community College..

Two years later, Tuesday 2th June, 2017, she was delivering the Valedictory Address at the graduation ceremony of the Community College.





She was the top performer among 169 students in the Technical and Vocational Education Division, and was chosen from among a total enrollment of 708 to deliver the Valedictory Address.





Shenika was outstanding in her Accounting classes, and received commendation from Deputy Dean Janelle Allen, who described her as an inspiration and the personified of the institutions motto: Nothing limits excellence.

Originally from the North Leeward village of Rose Bank, Samuel moved to Petit Bordel. She attended Pre, Primary and Secondary schools at Troumaca.





If things had been different financially, she would have gone to the Girls High School.

In her valedictory speech, Samuel recalled how she gave birth to a baby girl in 2013.





That baby turned out to be a bundle of joy, but a wake-up call for her. She buckled down, determined to ensure that her daughter was not going to suffer the misfortune she had endured, of money shortage.

"I wanted to give my child a better life, Samuel confessed.





The journey through the Division of Technical and Vocational Education was something of a fairy tale, and she is grateful for the assistance she received from the Mustique Charitable Fund.

Now, with her feet firmly planted on the ground, she has set her eyes on becoming a Certified Accountant.

Samuel is currently employed with the establishment at which she interned during her studies.
Left:Camillo Gonsalves  SVGs Minister of Economic Development, etc., tabled the adjusted CARICOM declaration on behalf of his father, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Right:Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has declared this countrys unequivocal support for the President Nicolas Maduro (also pictured) led government of Venezuela.

WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO have been a unified CARICOM position on the ongoing crisis in Venezuela going into the OAS summit in Cancun, Mexico, was rent asunder last week Monday, because of, according to one Ambassador to the OAS, "Gonsalves backpedaling on the issue.. .





According to Antigua and Barbudas Ambassador to the OAS - Ron Saunders, "CARICOM countries found themselves in the awkward and embarrassing position of having to vote on two drafts  one of which had been intended by CARICOM leaders for negotiation, and the other that had been negotiated with fidelity to the fundamental principles enunciated in the CARICOM leaders draft.





This two-tiered submission by CARICOM members was precipitated when at the eleventh hour in Cancun, other CARICOM members learned that St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not supporting the text of a negotiated compromise draft, despite the fact that no CARICOM country had hitherto raised any objection to the negotiation or language of the agreed proposed draft declaration.





The SVGs eleventh hour position garnered support from at least four other CARICOM members, resulting, in what appeared to be pre-ordained fashion, another SVG position being tabled for discussion at decision.

As such, therefore, as Ambassador Saunders described, there were two CARICOM positions tabled.

Added to the two CARICOM positions was a competing draft declaration backed by a group of 14 countries, led by the US, Canada, Mexico, and Peru.





That draft included a proposal for a group of friends to mediate the political crisis that has engulfed Venezuela, and a call for President Nicolas Maduro to "reconsider an assembly to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution.





In the final analysis, neither one of the CARICOM declarations nor the competing one by 14 other OAS members won the required number of votes for adoption.





And there was further CARICOM disunity as far as voting on the competing declaration was concerned.

Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines voted against the resolution; Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Guyana and St Lucia supported it; and Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Haiti, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago abstained.





Reports clearly pointed to CARICOM finding itself at war with itself on an issue that has hemispheric proportions. Jamaicas Foreign Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, described the embarrassment by saying that CARICOM votes splintered "despite significant efforts to coordinate positions.





"The meeting adjourned, as it began, with no declaration, but with a severely wounded CARICOM and a paralysed OAS, Ambassador Sanders concluded.





St. Vincent and the Grenadines was represented at the OAS Summit by Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, Industry, Internal Trade, Information and Labour. (Source: Caribbean News Now & other regional news agencies)
By Azernews





By Sara Israfilbayova

Baku will host the next meeting of the Azerbaijan-Tajikistan intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation on July 13-14.

The commissions previous meeting was held in Dushanbe in October 2014.

Tajik Ambassador to Baku Zohir Saidov told Trend on June 30 that his countrys delegation will be headed by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Nematullo Hikmatullozoda, who is also the commissions co-chairman from the Tajik side.

Hikmatullozoda aims to meet with Azerbaijani officials and businessmen during the visit and discuss the expansion of economic cooperation.

Meanwhile, it is planned to present Tajikistans investment opportunities during the meeting of intergovernmental commission.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on May 29, 1992. The embassy of Tajikistan in Azerbaijan has been operating since March 23, 2008. The embassy of Azerbaijan in Dushanbe began functioning on September 22, 2007.

Tajikistan imports alumina and petroleum coke from Azerbaijan for the production of aluminum. Annually Ganja combine produces 420,000 tons of alumina, more than 300,000 tons of which are usually exported to Tajikistan. At the same time, Tajikistan imports pomegranate juice, butter, sugar and agricultural products from Azerbaijan.

Moreover, transit transport is an important component of trade and economic relations between the countries. One of the important ways for Tajikistan to deliver products to the world market is the corridor of Turkmenbashi-Baku-Poti.

The countrys trade turnover with Tajikistan amounted to $12.32 million in 2016 as compared to $6.44 million in 2015, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. Azerbaijans export to Tajikistan totaled $12.08 million in 2016, while import amounted to $238,500.
By Azernews





By Sara Israfilbayova

Baku will host an exhibition of Japanese food products for the first time, said Kazuyasu Ishida, the general manager of the Cross Border Club.

Ishida announced about the presentation scheduled for October 27-28 while addressing a workshop for Japanese businessmen in Komatsu, Japan's Ishikawa prefecture.

He highlighted close cooperation between Komatsu and Baku, mentioning that direct cargo flights were launched between the two cities.

Increasing export and import operations between the two countries can strongly influence the intensity of those flights. For this purpose, a first exhibition of Japanese food products will be held in Baku. The event will showcase Japanese food products, drinks, cosmetics and many other products, which will be delivered by direct flights from Komatsu, Ishida said.

The two-day exhibition will showcase about 500 high-quality Japanese products in 80 stands.

The two countries will discuss mutual economic cooperation during a visit of nearly 150 Japanese businessmen.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Japan were established in 1992. A number of important projects are being implemented in Azerbaijan through the financial support of Japan, while very important infrastructure projects had already been commissioned in the country through Japanese government`s loans.

Japan was one of the first countries to support Azerbaijan's forward-looking oil strategy. Today two major Japanese companies Itochu and Impex are involved in the Contract of the Century [signed on September 20, 1994 in Baku, a large-scale international contract on the joint development of three oil fields - Azeri, Chirag, Gunashli in the Azerbaijani Sector of the Caspian Sea].

Leaders of Japanese business, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Marubeni, and Sojits are involved in energy and infrastructure projects in the country.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Japan amounted to $558.97 million in 2015, according to the Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee.








By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

The Japanese Va-Liqa music band has performed in Baku.

Addressing the event, Japanese Ambassador to Baku Teruyuki Katori and Head of Khatai Executive Authority Razim Mammadov highlighted the importance of the concert, Azertac reported.

The officials stressed developing friendly relations and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Japan in recent years.

The speakers noted that both countries are interested in expanding relations, adding such cultural events contribute to further fostering cultural ties.

The group "Va-Liqa", headed by producer Takata Terutoshi promotes Japanese culture in the world. To date, the group has given more than 300 concerts around the world.

"Va-Liga" is also a guest of the Silk Way Festival that takes place annually in Sheki.

Azerbaijan and Japan have very strong political relations and successfully cooperate in scientific, cultural and industrial areas.

Japan was one of the first countries to support Azerbaijan's forward-looking oil strategy. A number of important projects are being implemented in Azerbaijan through the financial support of Japan, while very important infrastructure projects had already been commissioned in the country through Japanese government`s loans.

Last the year Baku hosted Japanese Culture Day, while an exhibition of Azerbaijani and Japanese artists entitled "Azerbaijan meets with Japan took place in Berlin.








By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

The final plenary meeting of Azerbaijani Parliaments extraordinary session was held on June 30.

The agenda included 19 issues, including amendments to the law "On state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2017", Water Code, Migration Code, laws "On execution", "On prevention of domestic violence", "On advertising", "On state duty", "On establishment of orders and medals of the Republic of Azerbaijan".

Finance Minister Samir Sharifov, addressing the discussions on the state budget, said that the increase in the expenditure part of the state budget is related to allocation of additional funds to the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (540 million manats) and the state oil company SOCAR.

Moreover, the Azerbaijani state will allocate four billion manats for restructuring the IBAs foreign liabilities. The allocation of funds for restructuring the IBAs foreign liabilities will significantly enhance the banks stability, strengthen its solvency and positively affect its further privatization, noted the minister.

The increase in state expenditures, according to Sharifov, is also related to regulation of costs of maintenance of state-owned kindergartens, as well as the creation of financial support for new kindergartens in the cities and regions of the country. It is planned to allocate 58 million manats for these purposes.

Following the discussions, the parliamentarians approved the amendments to the Law on State Budget of 2017.

Revenues in the revised state budget are forecast at 16.766 billion manats, which is 511 million manats or 3.1 percent more than the initially approved forecast. Expenditures are expected to stand at 17.941 billion manats, 1.041 billion manats or 6.2 percent more than the initial forecast. Deficit of the state budget is forecast to stand at 1.175 billion manats (an increase by 530 million manats), which accounts for 1.8 percent of the expected GDP of Azerbaijan in 2017.

Meanwhile, the uppermost limit on external loan has been elevated by 4 billion manats  up to 4.5 billion manats  in connection with the issue of Eurobonds by the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA).

The International Bank of Azerbaijan has been operating since 1992 and is one of the countrys two state-owned banks.

The IBA had previously commenced a process of voluntary debt restructuring as part of its rehabilitation. The banks total debt to foreign creditors is $3.3 billion.

The Parliament further considered the issues of appointing judges to different courts.

The First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Ziyafat Asgarov, who is also a member of the Judicial-Legal Council, spoke about the reforms carried out in countrys judicial system.

The parliamentarians further considered and approved the law "On Compulsory Insurance against Unemployment".

The main principles of unemployment insurance will be compulsory, legal equality of unemployment insurance subjects, differentiation of insurance payments depending on the length of insurance and duration of unemployment.

The Parliament also approved establishment of a jubilee medal dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, which will be celebrated next year.

The session also approved the law On ethical behavior of members of the Parliament.



The bill stipulates possibility of depriving the mandate of an MP, who grossly violated the rules of ethical behavior. The document also prohibits the use of offensive phrases and interruption of colleagues' speeches, etc.
By Azernews





By Kamila Aliyeva

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is on an official visit to Paris, held a meeting with Chairman of the French Senate Gerard Larcher on June 29, IRNA reported.

France attaches a lot of significance to bilateral ties with Iran and favors regular political consultations with Iran over regional issues, Larcher said during the meeting.

Zarif, for his part, referred to importance of relations with France, saying that France is one of the major trade partners of Iran.

He also called for removal of banking obstacles between the two countries at the earliest to facilitate mutual economic and trade exchanges.

During the meeting, Zarif welcomed continued political consultations with France and called for more active role by Europe in settlement of regional problems.

Zarif also held talks with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian who described the meeting as essential, saying that his country will continue contacts with Iran.

French and other European companies have returned to Iran since the partial lifting of international sanctions in January 2016, when a landmark nuclear deal with world powers came into force.

However, international banks have not re-established financial contacts with Iran, due to concerns over Washington which has maintained some economic sanctions against the country. In addition, U.S. President Donald Trump has long been known as a main critic of Irans policy and nuclear deal.

Nevertheless, the volumes of French investment in Iran as well as bilateral trade are gradually increasing. About 40 European banks are working with Iran right now, two of which are French. Frances investment in Iran stood at 340 million euros in late 2015. The value of bilateral trade in 2016 was 2.1 billion euros, which shows a 235 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Iran, five permanent UN Security Council members, Germany and the European Union signed the JCPOA in July 2015 to ensure the peaceful nature of Irans nuclear program.

Then, the Islamic republic pledged to refrain from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of sanctions imposed against Iran.
Middle East Global Advisors, a leading financial intelligence platform spearheading the agenda of sustainable and inclusive finance, will convene the second edition of the much-coveted Global Ethical Finance Forum (GEFF) in Edinburgh, Scotland.



Based on a strategic partnership with Islamic Finance Council UK (UKIFC), the Forum will be held under the patronage of the Scottish Government, and will be hosted by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), building upon the legacy of the inaugural Forum held in September 2015.



The theme for GEFF 2017 - Ethical Finance: Merging Profit & Purpose, is in line with the Forums aspiration to serve as a platform of convergence and collaboration across the responsible finance universe, and to forge a vision for a more inclusive and sustainable financial system.



The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) also considered as the apex of unsustainable capitalism, and the subsequent bail-out of too-big-to-fail organizations sent ripples of shock and instability throughout the world. Following the GFC, there was a call greater than ever to focus on a sustainable approach that took long-term profits into account versus the obsession with short-term profits and numbers that culminated in the crisis in the first place. Presently, the financial sector is exhibiting signs of a return to precisely the same risky behaviour that led to the GFC, a finding that was echoed in the latest IMF Global Finance Stability Report.



Corporate short-termism, an obsession with short-term profits owing to frequent reporting cycles, has shown to deteriorate firms competitiveness, increase systematic risk and reduce the long-term potential of the entire economy. Interestingly as per a recent survey, 65 per cent of executives and directors believed that the short-term pressure had increased over the last 5 years while 55 per cent who worked at companies lacking a strong long-term culture also believed that their company would delay new projects in the race to hit quarterly targets even if it involved sacrificing some value (FCLT Global, 2016).



To combat the short-termism in business, Sustainable Capitalism, a conceptual form of capitalism that focuses on long-term financial gains via sustainable means, gained prominence. The manifesto for Sustainable Capitalism, many believe, has been coined by noted American Nobel Peace Prize winner & environmentalist Al Gore.



A recent study by McKinsey Global Institute revealed that from 2001-2014, the revenue of long-term firms cumulatively grew on average 47 per cent more than the revenue of other firms, and with less volatility with long-term firms also showcasing a stronger financial performance over time.



In the light of the numerous disruptive threats the financial world is facing, GEFF 2017 will spearhead an exclusive panel session focusing on the massive potential Sustainable Capitalism harbours. The session aims to assess the social and environmental implications of rehauling the current economic model, the key challenges to mainstreaming sustainable capitalism, and most importantly the key measures that would place the economy on a sustainable path.



Some of these measures involve mandatory integrated reporting, ending the quarterly reporting cycle that incentivizes employees to focus on a short-term outlook and aligning compensation structures with long-term sustainable performance. Discussions at GEFF 2017 are premised on the notion that sustainability is a fiduciary issue.



The session will also delve deeper into the strong link between sustainable capitalism and responsible finance, and aim to assess how the latter can tackle growing inequality and social strife.



Across two power-packed days, GEFF 2017 will spearhead a series of sessions focusing on the massive opportunity that lies in mainstreaming ethical finance, one that requires concerted efforts to build meaningful dialogue across its three segments: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and Islamic/faith-based finance. The forum aims to drive thought leadership across a wide range of topics including green bonds, financial inclusion, ethical banking, amongst others, with the vision of bringing ethics to the forefront of business.



The forum will take place on September 13 and 14 at the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)s prestigious Conference Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland.  TradeArabia News Service
President Mukherjee addresses the special GST launch ceremonyin the Central Hall of Parliament in the presence of PM Modi.

India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday replaced its numerous federal and state taxes with the Goods and Services Tax (GST), designed to unify the country into a single market.

With this move, India's $2 trillion economy is getting its biggest tax reform since the country became independent in 1947.

The historic overhaul of the existing tax legislation was carried out at a special midnight session of parliament under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee.

Speaking at the GST rollout ceremony at the Central Hall in Parliament House in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the GST, in reality, means Good and Simple Tax, reported PTI. "In a short while, India will move towards a new direction. We are deciding Indias future course, the Prime Minister said. GST is such a system which is easy, and will seek to stop black money and corruption, the Prime Minister added. PM Modi also said the tax reform will eliminate compounding effects of multi-layered tax system," he added. India is an example of cooperative federalism. It is the result of long and continuous thought process, the Prime Minister said ahead of the launch during a special ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament. GST is a transparent and fair system that prevents black money and corruption and promotes new governance culture, said PM Modi, highlighting that the GST was a result of combined efforts of all political parties. GST is a result of a long thinking; all states along with Centre discussed for years, said Modi. Invoking Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the countrys first home minister, Modi said, the GST is an economic integration of India just like what Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had done decades back to integrate the country. President Mukherjee, who spoke at the event after the Prime Minister, said the tax reform is a tribute to Indias democracy. GST is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of Indias democracy, said Mukherjee. The President went on to say he was confident that GST tax reform will become a reality in the country. This historic moment is culmination of a 14-year-long journey, President Mukherjee said. I was confident GST is a matter of time, he added. Modi said the new system of taxes, an overhaul 10 years in the making that will turn the country of 1.3 billion people into one market for goods and services for the first time.

From Saturday, all goods and services will be placed in one of five different tax brackets -- from 0 per cent for most agricultural and food products to 28 per cent for items like jewelry and large electronic appliances.

Each product will now attract a single tax rate across the country, at a stroke removing the long delays faced by truck drivers at every state border where they've had to complete multiple forms and pay officials.

Introducing GST will cut red tape and increase tax revenues, fuelling economic growth, reported BBC, citing the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Under the new system, goods and services will be taxed under four basic rates - 5 per cent, 12 per cent 18 per cent and 28 per cent.

Some items like vegetables and milk have been exempted from GST, but will still be subject to existing taxes. The price of most goods and services are expected to increase in the immediate aftermath of the tax.

Analysts expect economic growth to slow down over the next few months, but say it should pick up after the tax is fully implemented.

"No country of comparable size and complexity has attempted a tax reform of this scale," Harishankar Subramanian, of Ernst and Young previously told the BBC.

Many do not even have a computer to register on the GST network.

"We should be looking at this as a really big positive," said Shilan Shah, India economist at research firm Capital Economics. The reform will "boost trade among different states, which will help lift domestic demand," he added.

The International Monetary Fund forecasts that the GST will eventually lift India's gross domestic product growth back above 8 per cent. It slipped to 6.1 per cent last quarter following the country's massive cash ban last year.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has won three awards in the third .GOV Awards, organised by ITP in Dubai, which recognise the use of IT by government organisations.



The awards add to Dewas list of achievements in smart government and smart transformation.



Dewa won the Smart City Initiative of the Year Award for a pilot project that combines autonomous robots with Virtual Reality (VR) and Internet of Things (IoT) to remotely inspect high-voltage cables. This saves time and effort in the maintenance of high-voltage cables compared to conventional methods.



Dewa also won the Public-Private Partnership of the Year Award for Tayseer service, a smart payment platform, in collaboration with Emirates NBD bank. It enables customers to pay their bills instantly by depositing cheques issued by any bank in over 200 Emirates NBD Cash Deposit Machines (CDM), for all customers who have individual or multiple accounts.



Fatima Al Marzooqi, senior officer - Smart Technologies and Business Intelligence at Dewa, won the Young Government IT Professional Award for her active contribution with the Rammas service development team. Rammas is a virtual employee that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to answer customers queries. The service is characterised by its capability to analyse and evaluate questions, understand customer needs, and then make the necessary decision to answer accurately.



Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa, said: We are happy to win these awards, which underline Dewas pioneering role in supporting the Smart Dubai initiative, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the smartest and happiest city in the world.



This is achieved by adopting creativity and innovation and the optimal use and appropriate use of modern technologies. Our efforts support the Dubai Plan 2021, which aims to make Dubai a smart, integrated, and connected city, and Dewas vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility.



Al Tayer noted that Dewa uses the latest technologies and solutions to improve customers' experience and contribute to making Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world. Dewa has made significant progress in the smart transformation using VR, which enhances the efficiency of its operations and supports innovation.  TradeArabia News Service
Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
Casper, Wyoming / November 10, 1924June 25, 2017

Charles W. Chilly Johnson passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 25, 2017 at his home in Casper, WY. He was 92.

Charles was born in Buffalo, Iowa, November 10 1924. He was the only child of Lawrence Bud and Ethel (Harp) Johnson.

He graduated from Buffalo, High School in 1943 and enlisted into the U.S. Army. He met his future wife Margaret Gershpaw while stationed in Denver, CO in basic training. He served two years defending his country in WWII in the European Theater as a B-17 belly gunner and mechanic. He and Margaret were married in Madison, Wisconsin and returned to Denver, Colorado where they had two daughters. He remained in Denver, working for Public Service for thirty years and raised his family.

He and Margaret were avid travelers and were able to visit all but two states. Upon retirement, Charles moved to Casper, Wyoming and remained active in various activities up to the time of his death.

He was a gentle spirit, a dedicated family man and lived the virtue of patience. His motto in life was simply Well take each day at a time.

He was preceded in death by his parents; greatgrandson, Douglas Thomas Leman; his eldest daughter, Sherry Ann Leman; and his wife.

He is survived by his youngest daughter, Dianne (Warren) Carmen of Florida; and numerous grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Casper, WY on July 6th at 10:30 A. M. Father Bill Hill will be officiating. Interment will be at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, July 7, 2017 at Mt. Oliver Cemetery in Denver Colorado. Memorial donations can be made to Meals on Wheels in Casper.
Prosecutors decided not to file charges in the fatal shooting of a man in his Casper home because they could not prove that the shooter, who was also shot, was not acting in self-defense, a new document shows.

Brandon Machado died on Feb. 16 after being shot in his home on North Jackson Street. A woman who also lived in the home was also shot that night, but survived. The two were in a relationship and both lived in the home.

A letter written by Assistant District Attorney Dan Itzen to the lead Casper police detective on the case outlines some of the details of the investigation, including the fact that the woman was shot first. Relatively little information about the shooting was previously made public.

District Attorney Mike Blonigen said Monday that Machados shooting appeared to be a case of self-defense but did not further explain the decision to not file criminal charges in the shooting. The letter sheds further light on that process.

Given the burden placed upon the State, the State cannot disprove (the womans) claim of self-defense, Itzen wrote. The failure of that precludes the State from filing criminal charges at this time.

The night of the shooting

Machados mother received a call from the woman just before 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, according to the letter. The woman told Machados mother that she had been shot and that Machado was dead.

Machados mother, who was in Cheyenne, then called 911 to report the incident.

Casper police arrived at the home minutes after receiving the call. The first officer on scene found the woman on the porch, covered in blood and fading in and out of consciousness. Through the open front door, the officer saw a man lying inside the house.

Both Machado and the woman were taken to Wyoming Medical Center. The woman was later flown by helicopter to a hospital in Denver.

Doctors found that Machado had a gunshot wound to his head that wouldve made it impossible for him to move after being shot. Medical staff also found that Machado had Benzodiazepines in his blood and that his blood alcohol content was .22.

The woman had a gunshot wound near one of her eyes as well as a laceration on her forehead.

Police canvassed the area around the home that night. None of the neighbors reported seeing or hearing anything related to the shooting.

The investigation

Machado and the woman had a volatile and abusive relationship, according to police interviews with family and others. Prosecutors described the relationship as violent.

Machado had called his mother earlier in the day and said he planned to leave the woman and called again that night because the two were fighting. Another person said that Machado once knocked out one of the womans teeth in a fight.

In an interview with police two days after the shooting, the woman said that she arrived home that night about 8 p.m. and that she and Machado later had an argument.

She said that Machado shot her while she was sitting in a leather recliner after she told him he couldnt use her prescription pain medication. She said she then threw up and crawled to the porch.

However, Machado then dragged her back inside, according to her statement to police. Investigators later found indications of drag marks in blood found at the scene, according to the letter.

She said that Machado then placed a gun in her hand and told her to shoot him.

The woman said that the gun fired twice, with one bullet striking Machado. In a separate interview with an insurance agent, the woman said both her and Machados fingers were on the trigger when the shots were fired.

The woman said she then crawled out to the porch, where the arriving officers found her.

Investigators later recovered four shell casings from two guns inside the home. Evidence indicated that at least one bullet went through the front door and ricocheted off the windshield of a vehicle parked nearby.

Police found blood in the living room and a small amount of blood in the bedroom. Forensic analysis showed that DNA in the blood found on a leather recliner and in a partial hand print found on the bed was consistent with the womans DNA.

Investigators also found blood on the bottom of Machados feet indicating that he had walked through blood at some point prior to his death, since he was immediately immobilized after being shot.

Investigators never found evidence that someone had forced their way into the home or that anybody else had been in the house at the time of the shooting.

Legal decision

It appears that prosecutors weighed a charge of second-degree murder, defined by law as the act of killing someone purposely and maliciously, but without premeditation.

In order to successfully convict on that charge, prosecutors would have had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the woman wasnt acting in self defense.

While this relationship was violent at times, it is clear that both of these victims were aggressors at different times, and the times Mr. Machado was the aggressor would come into evidence, Itzen wrote in the letter.

That element, combined with the fact that the woman was shot first and other factors lead prosecutors to decide not to press charges in the case.

Should new information come to light in the future, the State would be happy to review this decision, Itzen wrote in the letter.
Old Sarum, in Wiltshire, England, had seven voters, none of whom lived there, and two seats in the House of Commons. No one had actually lived there for two centuries. Elections were held under a tree in the Election Acre. Old Sarum came to be known as a rotten borough. Manchester had 180,000 people, and not a single seat in Parliament. It was the early 1800s, and this situation was not to be corrected till the Reform Act of 1832. So, what does this have to do with Wyoming? Ill get to that.

Complaining about Big Government has become a major pastime. This big-government complaint, however, misses the real problem, which is Too Much Government. The difference is not just semantics.

The difference involves most of our political organization as a nation. Our random boundaries lead to duplication of efforts, unnecessary expenses and conflicts. The first sign of this is from a glance at a map and seeing all the straight lines. Drilling a gas well or designing a Wilderness Area takes as long as it does primarily because of overlapping jurisdictions.

John Wesley Powell urged that political boundaries, especially in the Rocky Mountain region, follow watershed divides. One of the few places where Powells advice was taken is along the boundary between Idaho and Montana. The mountains, trees and grizzlies work perfectly.

Conversely, the Roaring Fork River in Colorado, where Aspen is, passes through three counties  or, rather, parts of three counties have imposed themselves on an otherwise nice valley. This causes no end to duplication, extra costs and conflict. There is much more on watershed-divide boundaries in Wallace Stegners West of the Hundredth Meridian.

A clear example of duplication of efforts is that we have two Dakotas. Consider, if there were only one, the public would bear the cost of one governor instead of two and only two senators instead of four. Likewise, all government and university costs would be combined and cost less than half.

Extrapolating from this, how would a new map of America look if, say, there were only 12 states? Could Wyoming, as a state, be dissolved? Could its 23 counties mainly follow watershed divides? Could they combine themselves into money-saving and more convenient entities? Pearcys Plan, seriously considered in the 1970s, had 38 states.

If through such realignments, Wyoming were to lose its Washington congressional delegation, what would the loss be? The fossil-fuel industries would lose a few mediocre lobbyists. Would we the people be any worse off?

Do people in more populous states view Wyoming as a fake state, kind of like Old Sarum? Should Californians be blamed if they resent that though they outnumber us 68 to one, we each have two senators? When I was there last, I heard grumblings along these lines.

The eastern states have somewhat more organic boundaries, reflecting their histories, whereas the western states, the big-box states, were drawn on maps before anyone making them had a chance to see the topography.

Its unfortunate that Jedediah Smith died when he did, killed by Comanches near the Santa Fe Trail, at the age of only 33, in the year 1831. He was working on a book about his travels, and upon a map of the West, which he knew phenomenally well. Unfortunately, most of his materials have gone up in flames. People like himself and Powell, and certainly Indian travelers, would have drawn very different boundaries.

In Wyoming, we should keep in mind that our capital, Cheyenne, is nearly a suburb of Denver. The things you can see from the statehouse steps are both in Colorado: the Mummy Range and a big wind farm. The name of our state comes from a little valley in Pennsylvania, and no one knows how it came to be applied here.

All this may lead to some people thinking that I hate Wyoming. That is not the case. I am indifferent to all states. Patriotism is not my drug. What I love are the natural aspects of the Rocky Mountain region: its endless variety of climates, mountains and rivers, forests and wildlife, and our fortuitous situation of vast public lands upon which we can all enjoy these natural aspects.

Alaskas borough system is something to have a closer look at, and perhaps it might help us to lower costs and improve citizen management and representation. Might we at least look into downsizing from a state to a territory? Politically, are we Old Sarum in America, a rotten borough?
In March, my husband and I traveled to Cuba as part of a New York Times Journeys tour. Our mode of travel was a beautiful three-masted sailing ship, Le Ponant, which carried 53 passengers. The shallow draft of this ship allowed us access to small ports and a series of unique experiences.

Among our group were two former Times reporters: Anthony DePalma, an expert on Cuban history and politics; and Erica Goode, who had covered environmental concerns in the region. Their insights and lectures gave us a fuller understanding of what we saw and experienced.

That background, combined with the people-to-people experiences that shaped our itinerary, allowed us to go beyond mere sightseeing to gain a better grasp of the reality of life in Cuba today.

This was a perfect time to experience Cuba before the inevitable impact of increasing numbers of foreign visitors and businesses (even if not from the U.S.) dilutes some of its rich culture and heritage. President Trumps announced changes in policy, undoing the opening created by former President Obama, dictates that most travelers can no longer travel alone. Instead travelers must go with a licensed tour group and be included in one of the 12 categories of authorized travel, including people-to-people exchanges, which will be more strictly enforced.

From the moment we landed in Havana, we entered a time warp of sorts. Just 90 miles across the Straits of Florida we were immersed in a culture and people that, though familiar, are unique and distinctive.

And intriguing. And challenging. And warm and welcoming. And in most ways untouched by American influence since the early 60s. In a sense, it was like visiting a living museum.

Without exception, the Cuban people we met were eager to share their perspectives. Some were proud to be part of the revolution; others were frustrated by their poverty and lack of progress; some saw the United States as an oppressor; others wanted access to what they perceived as our life style. Virtually all welcomed closer ties with our country.

Our first stop was lunch at the elegant Hotel Nacional, on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. This historic art deco hotel dates from the 1930s and is a business and cultural center whose conference rooms are filled with photos of the famous (and infamous) who have stayed there ... a veritable whos who of arts, culture, and politics of the past 85 years, including Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill.

The hotel, though magnificent, could have been anywhere in Latin America until you notice the vintage autos parked in front. The cars are mobile works of art that evoke fond memories for those of us raised in the 60s.

Most are in mint condition  at least on the outside. Just dont look under the hoods at the jerry-rigged engines. Parts have been very hard to come by since the blockade began in the early 1960s. Beyond being points of pride for their owners, theyre also a source of income for Cubans who can now secure licenses to earn some good money as guides for tourists.

Old Havana gave us a better sense of Cuba itself, a country that is filled with contradictions. Narrow streets. Beautifully preserved old buildings. Street cafes and vendors. A magnificent basilica converted into a concert hall and museum with a moving shrine to Mother Teresa. A view of the old lighthouse that welcomes you to the port of Havana.

But there are also droves of decaying buildings. In fact, according to DePalma, one old building collapses each day because of a lack of funds to rehab them.

A large billboard along the highway clearly reminded us again that were in Cuba. It read: Bloqueo: El genocidio mas largo de la historia (Blockade: the longest genocide in history). The final o in Bloqueo is in the shape of a noose.

This bit of hyperbole certainly made the Cuban governments perspective clear, despite the easing of sanctions at that time. As our tour guides frequently told us, Its complicated!

Our first two ports were devoted largely to the governments efforts to preserve fragile ecosystems and species of great importance to Cuba.

At Punta Frances on Isla de la Juventud, a large island off the southwestern coast of Cuba, we visited a fresh water pond surrounded by mangrove trees just a few hundred feet from the ocean. Among the flora our guides pointed out was a small bush whose leaves, according to legend, enhances mens sexual prowess. It was picked practically bare.

We snorkeled over a small reef off shore that Cuban marine conservationists are working to preserve along with the more famous large reef, Jardines de la Reina, which was one of Fidel Castros favorite places to visit, a site whose access is greatly restricted.

Cayo Largo del Sur, a small island east of Juventud, featured rich wildlife, including turtles and a variety of birds. We visited the nearby Conservation and Ecology Center where the director showed us their efforts to protect the endangered Cuban Green Sea Turtle.

The team at the Center harvests eggs laid in nests dug in the sand on the beach each season, then, once the babies have hatched, lovingly herds most of them back to the sea, keeping a few dozen babies to nurture in protected tanks until they reach 18 months of age, when theyre then released to the sea with the greatest chance of survival.

We also learned about limitations of the healthcare system in Cuba from doctors at the local clinic. Although all Cubans have access to free health care, on this tiny island anyone with a serious illness or even a woman about to deliver a baby must be flown to Havana.

A side note from one of DePalmas lectures was an insight into how doctors not only provide preventive care to every Cuban, but also support the Cuban economy.

Education is free in Cuba and thousands of young people become physicians. Most of them are required to spend two years in Venezuela, Brazil, or another country friendly to Cuba; in exchange, the Venezuelan government pays the Cuban government millions of dollars each year for their services. The doctors, however, get only a portion of that money. The rest goes to the Cuban government, which earns an estimated $8 billion a year from this unusual method of exporting one of Cubas natural resources.

We were able to spend some quiet time on these two islands enjoying the pristine and beautiful beaches, a pure white expanse that felt more like baby powder than sand.

But its important to note that even with the more relaxed visa process President Obama established, Americans still couldnt visit Cuba just to spend time at one of the luxury beach resorts along the north shore. Even under President Trumps revised Cuba policy, people-to-people educational programs are a requirement.

The two large towns we visited gave very differing impressions of Cuba. Cienfuegos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site largely because of its layout and design. With a large central square, it is said to be the best example of 19th century urban planning in Spanish America. The square itself is dedicated to Jose Marti, the Cuban poet who was an inspirational leader of the Cuban movement for independence from Spain.

A man sat in the square strumming his guitar and softly singing a tune. Although he seemed to be playing largely for himself, he was most appreciative of my small thank you of a few CUCs, the international monetary unit of Cuba. Its worth far more than the national currency, the CUP, which the locals used among themselves.

Lovely Spanish/Moor influenced buildings lined the waterfront, phenomenal for the intricacy of the exterior patterns and beautifully preserved and maintained.

Santiago de Cuba was more cosmopolitan, with a historic central square bordered by a house dating from 1522, a 16th-century cathedral, a large hotel, and the town hall where Fidel Castro proclaimed the victory of the Cuban Revolution on Jan. 1, 1959.

Santiago de Cuba also preserves the Moncada Barracks, site of an attack led by Castro on July 26, 1953, that is considered to be the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.

For me, though, the heart and soul of Cuba was captured in our visit to the crown jewel of Cubas colonial towns, Trinidad, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cobblestone streets throughout the center of town, galleries and music everywhere, a neighborhood restaurant that roasts a suckling pig each day, history museums and a Russian-made tractor that dates to the 1950s, if not before.

However it was the human interactions that made Trinidad especially touching and educational. We visited a woman whose home is listed on Airbnb. She obtained a license in one of the 201 private business categories the Cuban government allows, which makes it possible for Cubans to legally have a second career in addition to their formal government job.

These licenses also offer new opportunities for income for the 500,000 Cubans whose jobs have been eliminated since 2010. State jobs pay approximately $25 a month, which is hard to live on even when education and healthcare are free. Thats why many are eager for additional income as a street vendor, musician, dancer, restaurant owner, art gallery director. Although they must pay heavy taxes on this additional income, most seemed delighted to have this opportunity.

While in Trinidad, a santero talked with us about his religious practices, which he emphasized were not voodoo, but a mixture of native religion with Catholicism. He found his calling when he had a mystical experience while a student in Paris. Although he told us that as many as 80 percent of Cubans practice Santeria, that figure is likely much lower since about 65 percent of Cubans say they are Catholic.

A performance by the Palenque del Congo was a delight. But perhaps most enlightening was the visit to a local ration store. The decades-long embargo by the U.S. had a major impact on food supplies for the people of Cuba, exacerbated by the inefficiencies of their governmental system that eliminated incentives.

Powdered milk is available for children up to the age of seven, with virtually no fresh milk available in the cities. Each family has a ration book, which entitles them to two bolillos (small bread rolls) per day per person, a small portion of chicken or fish per month, a certain amount of rice, eggs, etc., and not all items are available at every store.

The store we visited would never have meat or fish. The ration store we visited had a list of what was available that day, down to matches.

Visiting Cuba was an adventure but you always have to be prepared for the unexpected.

Our visit to a music school was cancelled; our flight from Santiago de Cuba to Havana was moved to an airport two hours away by bus; our flight from Havana to Miami was cancelled, forcing us to take a different flight several hours later.

But you learn to go with the flow. Believe me, its worth it.

During our week in Cuba we sampled the rich culture and heritage of the many people who make this island nation what it is: a unique country that is changing rapidly and will continue to do so regardless of renewed restrictions on commerce and tightening of regulations on visitors. Visit Cuba sooner, rather than later, to experience a distinctive vibrant culture  and its beautiful, warm, and welcoming people  that will enrich your life.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some June 29 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.
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PHOENIX  Dreamers at the states three universities will continue to pay the same tuition as other Arizona residents, at least for now, despite a court ruling.

The Arizona Board of Regents voted Thursday to continue its policy of interpreting Arizona law to say that those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are entitled to the same legal  and financial  considerations as anyone else who meets state residency requirements.

DACA, created in 2012 by the Obama administration, allows people who arrived in this country illegally as children to remain if they meet certain other conditions. Students enrolled in DACA are known as dreamers; there are less than 300 in Arizonas state university system.

Thursdays vote comes a week after the Arizona Court of Appeals concluded a similar tuition policy at Maricopa community colleges violates Proposition 300. That 2006 voter-approved law says those in the country illegally are not entitled to in-state tuition. The same law prohibits tuition waivers, scholarships or any other aid funded with public dollars.

But regents Chairman Bill Ridenour noted that the Maricopa board voted Tuesday to appeal that ruling to the Arizona Supreme Court. Ridenour said he wants to wait to see what the states high court decides before making any policy changes.

He also noted that students begin returning to campuses for the fall semester in August.

We are very appreciative of the need for some kind of certainty for those students with our universities, Ridenour said. He said there is no reason the current tuition policy, adopted two years ago, should be scrapped unless and until theres a final Supreme Court ruling.

Only Regent Jay Heiler voted against keeping tuition for dreamers at the in-state rate.

We have a Court of Appeals decision founded largely in state law as enacted by the voters, Heiler said. I feel this board needs to honor that.

But Heiler said he would not require DACA recipients to pay the full out-of-state rate.

He pointed out that the board already has a policy allowing students who graduate from Arizona high schools, but do not meet other residency requirements, to pay a differentiated rate.

In essence, this is designed to cover the actual costs of educating students, which would avoid the prohibition against subsidized tuition in Proposition 300. The regents have set that rate at 150 percent of in-state tuition.

Other regents said they were content to leave the tuition for dreamers where it is right now.

I believe that until we have settled law that is contrary to our ability to do this, that its the right thing for us to continue to offer the in-state tuition, said Regent Rick Myers.

Regent Ron Shoopman agreed. One of the things this board strongly believes is that we want to provide access and as low a ... tuition as possible within the confines of the reality that we find ourselves, so all students who attend the universities and especially those that graduate, have better futures guaranteed, he said. We want that for all our young people.

Regent Ram Krishna said theres another fact to consider.

He pointed out that both the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University have programs designed to guarantee incoming students that their tuition will remain unchanged for the four years needed to get an undergraduate degree.

We need to comply with that, Krishna said.

Arizona State University has no such policy but has promised to limit year-over-year increases.

Ridenour, who is an attorney, said after Thursdays meeting that he is making no predictions on what the Supreme Court will conclude.

I think it will be well briefed, he said. Obviously, theres a lot of politics involved. Theres laws involved.

He agreed with Heiler on one key point: The best outcome would be for the federal government to clarify the status of DACA recipients.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich has argued  and the appellate court agreed  that the decision by the Obama administration not to deport dreamers did not give them legal immigration status, making them ineligible for in-state tuition.

During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump vowed to rescind DACA on his first day in office. Five months later, the program remains, but his administration has said its studying what to do next.

In a letter Thursday to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the attorneys general from 10 states urged that DACA be phased out because it was enacted without any statutory authorization from Congress.

Arizonas Brnovich was not among those who signed the letter. But he has argued in court documents, while seeking to deny drivers licenses to dreamers, that there is no legal authority for DACA.
PHOENIX  Prosecutors in the murder case against a Border Patrol agent wont dispute that the teen he shot and killed through the border fence was throwing rocks  and apparently trying to assist drug smugglers.

In new filings in federal court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Wallace Kleindienst told Judge Raner Collins that the government will not dispute at trial that Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez was one of three individuals who ... was throwing rocks over the fence.

Kleindienst said prosecutors also will not contest that the rock throwing by the 16-year-old was apparently done to help two people on top of the fence who were trying to successfully drop down onto the Mexican side of the border after smuggling two bundles of marijuana into the United States.

But he said the question of whether Elena Rodriguez was employed by a drug cartel is simply unknown.

The concessions by the government are significant because it means attorneys for Lonnie Swartz will be able to present that information to a jury at the criminal trial set to begin in October.

Defense attorney Sean Chapman, in his own legal filings, said that information will help jurors understand the situation when Swartz admittedly fired through the fence, hitting Elena Rodriguez, who was on the Mexican side of the border, in the back at least 10 times.

Chapman contends that will show Swartz did not act with malice aforethought, the legal standard to gain a conviction on charges of second-degree murder.

But Kleindienst is arguing that, rocks or no rocks, it does not affect the case he is preparing against Swartz.

This is not a drug trafficking case, he wrote. This is simply a case about whether Elena Rodriguez presented a threat of serious bodily injury or death (to Swartz) regardless of his motives.

In some ways, the government is in no position to deny that there were rocks.

At a hearing earlier this month, prosecutors showed the judge a video that is a combination of actual security camera footage and incident reconstruction, including rocks being thrown. They want his permission to show it at the trial because it provides some evidence that Swartz fired at least 13 times, including stopping to reload.

Chapman is arguing against its admission.

The governments concession about what the teen was doing shortly before he was killed comes amid another series of motions about what jurors can see and be told. That includes a bid by Chapman to have a witness tell jurors about drug smuggling, both overall and in the Nogales area.

The defense attorney said the practices of smugglers were known to Swartz and other agents who work the area. Chapman said that shows that Swartz knew this was an extremely dangerous area of the border.

Drug smugglers tend to be more desperate, more dangerous, and more frequently attempt to assault agents to avoid apprehension, the attorney said. They are most likely to throw rocks and carry weapons.

In fact, Chapman said, prosecutors have disclosed that one of the smugglers on top of the fence when the shooting occurred was seen to have a long double-edged knife in his back pocket.

Chapman also wants to show jurors various Border Patrol training videos that emphasize to agents how dangerous rocks can be.

The jury is not only going to need to understand what occurred in this case but why Agent Swartz reacted as he did, in order to assess Agent Swartzs state of mind, the defense attorney told the judge in his legal filings.

Kleindienst agreed that jurors have to decide if Swartzs actions were reasonable and necessary under the circumstances. He conceded that the agents state of mind is relevant, including whether the rocks constituted a threat of imminent serious bodily injury or death.

But the prosecutor said what Chapman wants to introduce is evidence patently calculated to inflame the jury.

The same is true, Kleindienst said, about what the victim was doing at the time of the shooting.

This is simply a case about whether Elena Rodriguez presented a threat of serious bodily injury or death by throwing rocks into the United States regardless of his motives, the prosecutor wrote.

In a statement last month, attorney Luis Fernando Parra, who represents the 16-year-olds family, denied allegations that the teen was involved in any kind of drug smuggling.

This is an effort to deflect attention from an unlawful killing by the U.S. Border Patrol, he said.

The family has filed a separate wrongful death civil case against Swartz. That case remains on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court rules whether survivors of people who were not in the country when they were killed can file suit in federal courts here.
Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus says a website unfairly characterized the city as a dangerous place based on a misleading reading of federal crime statistics.

Heres what Magnus says about the article by 247wallst.com:

A recent online article was referenced by the Arizona Daily Star in an article entitled, Website says Tucson is the most dangerous city in Arizona. Naturally, articles of this kind generate considerable interest and understandable concern with the public we serve. The safety of our community remains our foremost priority and crime reduction is one of three key performance expectations (along with traffic safety and community engagement) that we have established for our members.

It is unfortunate that the Star only alluded to the insightful analysis and commentary offered by the original reporting site 247wallst.com without informing its readership of what exactly the data was based on or represents. For example, the headline statement Tucson is the most dangerous city in Arizona is misleading and incomplete. Unfortunately, what is lost in this headline is that for the purpose of the article, the term city only includes Arizona jurisdictions with a population of 250,000 or more. At the time of the data collection for this article, that only included three cities: Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa.

When the list is expanded to include all Arizona cities that chose to report their data for 2015, Tucson ranked 10th in violent crime per 100,000 residents. More significantly, compared with like cities in terms of population across the country (FBI Group I subset 500k<1M residents), Tucson is 24.5 percent below the national average rate of violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

It is important to emphasize that these are simply raw statistics, based upon the FBIs Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, which relies upon voluntary reporting of crime data from law enforcement agencies. Unlike Tucson, which reports all crime data, many agencies elect only to report some or none of their crime data. In addition, the FBI steadfastly warns against the misleading perceptions that can occur when UCR statistics are used to create rankings without complete analysis. In fact, the FBI has dedicated pages of the UCR portion of their website to cautioning about just such use of UCR data.

The FBI document Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics: Their Proper Use reads, in part, Data users should not rank locales because there are many factors that cause the nature and type of crime to vary from place to place. Rankings ignore the uniqueness of each locale. The document further states, When providing/using agency-oriented statistics, the FBI cautions and, in fact, strongly discourages, data users against using rankings to evaluate locales or the effectiveness of their law enforcement agencies.

One example of how misleading the use of raw statistical reporting can be is evident when using the rate of homicides per 100,000 residents to determine the relative safety of a city. The raw statistics fail to account for the nature or type of crime categories as they actually occur within a city. In Tucson, for example, the overwhelming majority of homicides are committed by suspects who are known to their victims. In the clear majority of homicide cases in which the suspects and victims did not know each other, victims were engaged in risky and/or criminal behavior that placed them at an elevated risk of becoming victims of crime. Quite simply, a complete analysis of the data shows that the average Tucsonan does not need to live in fear of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Making broad public safety statements based solely on UCR reported data creates confusion. The violent crime figures cited by this report center in large part on crimes which are rarely stranger attacks, but instead are regularly committed by someone known to the victim. Ignoring this reality not only misleads the reader, but contributes to a sense of fear unsupported by actual facts.

Finally, unlike many cities our size, Tucson is a large city where the police still respond to a wide range of crimes to conduct investigations and take reports. In fact, we not only respond to many crimes that other police agencies downgrade, we proactively engage with the public and encourage community members to report all crimes, especially crimes involving domestic violence or sexual assault. As a result, the UCR data reflects a greater number of reported incidents in cities like Tucson compared to jurisdictions which are less accessible or responsive.

The members of the Tucson Police Department take our citys crime rate seriously and have made lowering it among our most critical objectives. This is also the reason we continue to emphasize the importance of increasing our staffing levels and insuring we are able to retain our personnel through appropriate compensation, superior equipment, and high quality training. Effective and sustainable crime reduction requires strong partnerships and a commitment from everyone in our community.
Help India!

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter

Zameeruddin Shah, former Deputy Chief of Indian Army and the former Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University has supported the Not in my name protests happening acrosss the country.

Support TwoCircles



People from different castes, religion and communities have started protesting against mob lynching incidents with the message not in my name, in order to distinguish themselves from the mob which is attacking the people over various baseless allegations.

Lt Gen Zameeruddin Shah (Retd) has been watching the incidents acorss the country, but he could not say anything as he was serving vice-chancellor post of AMU. He said, I was constrained from speaking out earlier because of limitations of being in government service. I have no such restrictions now. I support the movement Not in my Name.

He further said, It is heartening that the majority community, by this movement, have shown their support towards their minority brethren and have rightly protested against the systematic lynching of Indian citizens by self-serving, righteous criminals.

In his statement being circulated widely, Shah mentioned his full name with PVSM, SM, VSM and said, I have purposely mentioned my full name because in the army I am universally known as Gen Zoom Shah. No body talked of my religion. It was private business between me and my maker.

Shah also recalled the Eid celebration in his battalions, I would also like to recall how I attended an Eid function in one of my Battalions. It comprised of two companies Muslim, one Dogra company and one Sikh company. The Eid namaz was performed in a large complex called the House of worship. The non-Muslim commanding officer joined in the Namaz, a purely notional gesture, with immense impact on morale of troops. I had done the same when presiding over Mandir functions when I was commanding my regiment comprising of Rajputs.

After the Namaz, the Granthi gave a short speech followed by Kirtan, followed by the Pandit and a bhajan. The speeches were about amity and service to he country, which all religions profess. All ranks then proceeded to enjoy the feast of sheer and sewain. We are a salad bowl nation..because the minorities are integrated in it just like the constituents of a salad but not assimilated, added Shah.

Shah, who is a veteran of the 1971 Longewala battle and multiple insurgencies happened in the country, further said, In the salad you can still identify the carrot from the peas and cucumber. Similarly the minorities take pride in retaining their distinct religion, ethnicity, language and very important love for their country.

Shah added that government should come forward to put a stop to these public violence, It is time for the government and the silent spectators to speak out against these atrocities and nip the evil in the bud. They should not allow it to spin out of control.
All Conservatives throughout the United Kingdom owe the Democratic Unionist Party a huge debt of gratitude. Only days ago was Jeremy Corbyn bragging that he will become Prime Minister in 6 months' time at Glastonbury and gloating that he can easily overthrow the Government during the Queen's Speech Debate. In yesterday's vote in the House of Commons, the DUP banded together with the Tories and provided them with a majority of 14 to defeat Labour's amendment on scrapping the public sector pay cap. The Government managed to accumulate 323 MPs in support of its measure to defeat Mr.

Corbyn, whereas the latter succeeded in gaining votes from 309 MPs.

'The hypocrisy of the left seems to know no bounds.'

Of course, there is no denying this is not the general election outcome many Conservatives wanted. But already, the DUP have proven to be indispensable allies to the Government and long may this alliance endure as long as it stops Mr. Corbyn from walking into 10 Downing Street. For all of Tim Farron's calls on the Tories' desperation to fund Northern Ireland to keep them in power, thanks to DUP MP Nigel Dodds it is no longer a secret that both Labour and the SNP held talks with the Northern Irish party to form a coalition and outnumber the Tories. Why do you remain silent on this then, Mr.

Farron?The hypocrisy of the left seems to know no bounds. And with Mr. Corbyn's proposal for a magic money tree, there is no doubt he would have offered Northern Ireland even more cash to win power than the fiscally-sound Tories did.

This is proving to be the beginning of a beneficial arrangement and let us hope it lingers until Brexit is finished and then into 2022 to prove Mrs May can deliver strong and stable leadership after all.
US President Donald Trump has found himself in a lot of trouble today. Mika Brzezinski criticised Trump on MSNBCs Morning Joe, of which she is the co-host, talking about his fake Time magazine cover and saying that he is destroying the country, has been lying every day, and has teensy hands. That really set him off and lashed out on Twitter, calling her Crazy Mika and insulting her intelligence, her work, and her appearance. Now, the white house is trying to defend what hes been saying.

This is a President who fights fire with fire

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Deputy White House Press Secretary (read: Sean Spicer with balls, reported to be being groomed as his replacement) has made some attempts to explain Trumps comments.

She says that Trump is a guy who fights fire with fire (these were the words he once used to justify the use of torture  ladies and gentlemen, your President).

Sanders also says Trump will not stand idly by while he is bullied by liberal media. But what about the free press? And what about all the people he bullies? Kind of a double standard, dont you think? Social media users watching the feud were begging Trump to please just stop and leave her alone.
Raffaele Sollecito has today been denied any compensation for the four years he spent in prison, one year on remand, and three years until the final Supreme Court Appeal decision in March 2015.

The problem is, although acquitted, it was on the grounds of 'insufficient evidence' and not a straightforward exoneration.

After having to wait six months for the written reasons, in Sept 2015, Sollecito then had the way clear to put in a claim for compensation, which Italian law allows for.

Wrongful imprisonment

However, the statute that allows compensation for wrongful imprisonment specifically excludes defendants who lie to the police, described as 'gross misconduct'.

In other words, the Florence Appeal Court in January this year dismissed Sollecito's claim for this reason. It deemed that Sollecito had committed 'willful misconduct' or 'at the very least, gravely negligent or imprudent.'

It found it 'implausible' that he could not account for the movements of his then-girlfriend, Amanda Knox. It states that both he and Amanda Knox lied many times and that it was a 'disputable fact of absolute certainty' that Knox was at the murder scene 'when the young Meredith Kercher was murdered'.

Sollecito through his lawyer, Giulia Bongiorno immediately appealed to the Supreme Court, citing the fact of Rudy Guede's shoeprint being mistaken for his. However, this was never the point of law for which Sollecito was refused his demand for the maximum 517,000 compensation.

Court rejects appeal

So, today, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal and the matter ends there.

It means the written reasons of the Florence Court of 10 Feb 2017, stands. It is damning and scathing of the pair's behaviour throughout the investigation.

In effect, it blocks any compensation claim Amanda Knox might have had her eye on from Italy.

Will go to European Court of Human Rights

Sollecito's lawyer, Bongiorno has made a statement that he now plans to take it to the European Court of Human Rights. This would not be an appeal as the ECHR has no jurisdiction to overturn the verdict. Rather, it can make an award should it decide there was unfairness in the procedure.

The average award of the ECHR is circa 3,500-: a far cry from the 517K Sollecito was demanding.

Nonetheless, there is still the suit outstanding Sollecito took out against several judges and officials recently for damages.

He and his ghostwriter, Andrew Gumbel, are also currently being tried for the alleged defamations in Gumbel's book Honor Bound, stayed until the compensation hearing was out of the way.

Word on the street is that he is now keen to 'settle' with prosecutor Mignini, who brought the complaint.
Even though it's been over six months since the end of the 2016 presidential campaign, the results still find their way back into the headlines. After Hillary Clinton made comments about the growing Russian scandal and its impact on her campaign, Donald Trump decided to give his thoughts on Twitter.

Election backlash

When Donald Trump first announced that he was running for president, the consensus was that his candidacy was nothing more than a joke and a cheap attempt to gain more ratings for his reality show. However, after a few months, Trump's popularity increased and he started to pull ahead of the 16 other Republicans running in the primary.

After multiple debates, Trump ended up pulling off the upset and becoming the GOP nominee at the Republican National Convention last summer. Despite Trump's primary victory, he was still considered the underdog in the general election, which is why his win over Hillary Clinton came as a surprise to everyone, including himself. Trump's defeat of Clinton has been surrounded in controversy, especially as the scandal involving Russia's election interference heats up. On Wednesday, Clinton addressed the Russian scandal while appearing at the Code Conference, which resulted in Trump lashing out during a May 31 tweet.

Hillary Clinton: Russian Efforts to Interfere in Election Were 'Guided by Americans https://t.co/kOvJwm1cOr pic.twitter.com/M7mZODmOTD  Mediaite (@Mediaite) May 31, 2017

On Wednesday, Hillary Clinton highlighted the Russian scandal as one of the main reasons for why she was defeated last November.

Clinton noted that over a dozen agencies have concluded that the "Russians ran an extensive information war campaign against my campaign to influence voters in the election." Not stopping there, Clinton went on to state that Russia was likely "guided" by forces inside the United States.

Trump on Clinton

In response to Hillary Clinton's comments at the Code Conference, Donald Trump took to Twitter to fire back.

"Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself, refuses to say she was a terrible candidate," Trump tweeted, before adding, "Hits Facebook & even Dems & DNC."

Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself, refuses to say she was a terrible candidate. Hits Facebook & even Dems & DNC.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 1, 2017

Twitter reacts

Within minutes of Donald Trump's latest Twitter attack on Hillary Clinton, social media users made sure to retaliate with their own thoughts.

"Why are you still tweeting about Hillary?" one of many Twitter users asked.

Also, 3 million people thought she was the better candidate than you  Roland Scahill (@rolandscahill) June 1, 2017

why are you still tweeting about hillary?  Calvin (@calvinstowell) June 1, 2017

"Yeah well she won the popular vote, spells words correctly, and doesn't block people on Twitter because of having thin skin," Tony Posnanski wrote on his Twitter account. In a follow-up tweet, Posnanski added, "She wasn't a terrible candidate. You were. But with help you got it. Bravo! Can't wait for the investigation to keep going."

She wasn't a terrible candidate. You were. But with help you got it. Bravo! Can't wait for the investigation to keep going.  Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) June 1, 2017

 so true. Visuals baby, visuals. It makes up for the lack of brain cells and basic vocabulary.  Jessie E. (@JessQuire24) June 1, 2017

"And you can't admit that covfefe was a mistake rather than saying it has any meaning," Roland Scahill tweeted out, before also adding, "Also, 3 million people thought she was the better candidate than you." The negative reactions continued as the partisan rift between both sides were on display and not looking to be ending anytime soon.
The current Republican health care proposal is sitting in the Senate and is not getting the kind of support that Donald Trump was hoping for. With both liberals and conservatives not pleased with what the GOP has put forward, the president has decided to lash out on social media.

Trump on health care

After Donald Trump announced that he was running for president back in June 2015, he quickly made targeting the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, a central theme of his campaign. Vowing to repeal and replace Obamacare had been a familiar rallying cry and talking point for Republicans for the better part of the last decade, but it sounded different coming from Trump.

Due to his controversial rhetoric and unorthodox approach, the former host of "The Apprentice was able to pull off the upset win and become the new commander in chief. However, since that time, Trump has been unable to get the GOP to fully back his proposal. After initially failing to pass in the House of Representatives, House Speaker Paul Ryan was able to get enough support to move the bill into the Senate. Despite this, the Congressional Budget Office released their negative score last week, much to the chagrin of the White House. As seen during a June 30 tweet, the president is ready to move forward with no answer on the health care.

If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 30, 2017

Taking to his Twitter account on Friday morning was Donald Trump and the president looked ready to throw the towel in on his health care plan.

"If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date!" Trump tweeted.

How The Senate Health Care Bill Could Disrupt The Insurance Market https://t.co/dayoAkVUVP  NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) June 24, 2017

If Donald Trump is able to convince Republicans to repeal Obamacare without putting a replacement in place, tens of millions of Americans would lose access to health insurance, including women, children, senior citizens, and those who are disabled.

While Trump promised to create a "great" health care alternative, he doesn't look too worried about risking the lives of the American people to get his political agenda in place.

Moving forward

After only six months in office, Donald Trump is facing an approval rating that is hovering around just 40 percent. With the negative perception surrounding his heath care bill, in addition to the growing Russian scandal, the backlash to his controversial tweets and executive orders, as well as constant in-fighting within his own administration, only time will tell how the future of his presidency plays out.
In a move that is being compared to the 1947 law that created the Department of Defense, the House Armed Services Committee has voted as part of the 2017 Defense Authorization Bill to create the United States Space Corps. By 2019, the United States Air Force will spin off all of its space warfighting assets to the new branch of the service. The Air Force is not happy with the move.

Why create the Space Corps?

The idea of a separate service branch that conducts war fighting in space has been mulled by politicians and policy experts for a number of years.

The idea is that war fighting in space, which involves reconnaissance, GPS, and communication satellites, the protection of space assets, the attack on an enemys space assets, and space-based missile defense needs a separate service branch that can focus on those functions. The Air Force handles space warfighting currently, but also has a number of other duties and, in the judgment of some in Congress, is not able to focus properly on space.

The idea of splitting a service branch into two is not new. The 1947 law, among other things, spun off the United States Army Air Force into a separate Air Force service branch. Despite some opposition from the Army, the arrangement has worked well ever since.

Some opposition

The United States Air Force has expressed some opposition to creating the United States Space Corps. Even though the Space Corps would still be subordinate to the Air Force, much as the Marines are subordinated to the Navy, the Air Force is loath to lose some of its functions to a new branch. The excuse is that being forced to undergo a reorganization change will slow down some other, much-needed initiatives to recover from the budget cuts of the Obama-era and modernizing weapons systems.

Lets face it, what theyre really doing is creating Star Fleet

The notion that the Space Corps will eventually morph into Star Treks Star Fleet is a beguiling one. But that is not likely to happen for quite some time, many decades at the earliest. Neither the new Space Corps is likely to deploy personnel to space for quite a while.

Besides, the Outer Space Treaty contains severe restrictions on the deployment of military assets in space.

On the other hand, as people start to live off the planet, on lunar bases, Mars colonies, and asteroid mining facilities, they are going to need military protection. By then, the role of the Space Corps is likely to expand.
Passengers from six most Muslim states and refugees will have to prove that they are in close affinity with people living in the United States or to have business and professional links with the US in accordance with the State Department's guidelines. The visas that have already been issued will not be lifted, but according to the guidelines, citizens of Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran, and Yemen who want to travel to The United States will have to prove that they have parents, spouse, brother, sister, son, brothers, half-brothers or half-siblings and similar close relatives.

Grandmothers, grandchildren, etc. do not belong to close relatives

However, the document also states that "close relatives" do not include grandmothers, grandparents, grandchildren, grandchildren, cousins and other members who make an enlarged family".

The same criteria will apply to refugees waiting for their visa. When it comes to business reasons for traveling to the United States, the State Department states that the reason must be "formidable, valid, documented and created on a regular basis rather than just to avoid a ban."

Journalists, students, professors, and workers with valid invitations or employment contracts in the United States will be exempted from the ban. The consular staff will also have the right to issue visas to citizens of the six countries mentioned "who have established important contacts in the United States" and in cases involving children, adopted children and persons in need of emergency medical care.

The new regulations will be in force until the final decision of Supreme Court of the United States.

People who have established important contacts will be granted visas

"As a president, I can not allow people entering our country that want us evil. I want people who can love the US and its citizens and who will be good workers, " Donald trump said in a statement.

"The decision unanimously brought by the Supreme Court is a clear victory for our national security," he said, pointing out that his first responsibility as a supreme commander was to guarantee security for Americans. The Supreme Court's ruling thus remains in force as an executive order temporarily banning entry to the citizens of six Muslim countries - Syria, Libya, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen - to the United States.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced sharper security measures for all commercial flights entering the United States.
As indicated by recent media reports, U.S. forces have sent 10 precision-guided air-to-ground missiles to an airbase in South Korea. America's decision to deploy a deadly precision missile has shocked North Korea and confused South Korea. The North Korean defectors are puzzled about where to point the missiles, to execute Kim's administration. On the other hand, Kim is shocked after U.S. pinpointed towards the homes of North Korean elites. The incident has come to light after North Korea ignored Trump administration's warnings regarding the execution of atomic programs.

10 missiles will cover the scope of 370 kms range

Washington is utilizing the JASSM to strike elite recipients in Pyongyang. As a matter of fact, F-16 fighter jets will range over the scope of 230 miles, inside two meters in South Korea. More than 10 missiles have been conveyed in North Jeolla Province, from where Pyongyang can be targeted easily. The propelled missiles form an execution assault, to target North Korea's elite. At present, work is in progress to recognize potential recipients.

US Deploys 10 Long-Range Air-to-Ground Missiles to South Korea @Diplomat_APAC https://t.co/klP81wd3OT  Brooklinewise (@Brooklinewise) June 28, 2017

The reports claim, that many Senior and military authorities live in certain areas of Pyongyang. Therefore, JASSM targeting poses a serious threat to these elites and their respective homes.

As per, South Korean media reports, USFK, purportedly conveyed a dozen Air-to-ground Missiles to Kunsan Air Base, in Gunsan City, close to the south of Seoul.

USFK might broadcast the JASSM live-fire drill

Numerous Defense sources reported, that the long-range missiles have already been deployed. In addition, U.S. forces want to relay the JASSM live-fire practice in the case of a 6th North Korean atomic test.

As far as anyone is concerned, the USFK considers making open a live-fire drill on the off chance, that North Korea invokes another strategic incitement. The Lockheed Martin AGM-158 JASSM is a radar-evading cruise missile, curated to devastate hostile relocatable targets. JASSM carries out the procedure while keeping aircraft secure and out of range from threatening air defense framework.

US deploys JASSM air-to-ground missiles to South Korea https://t.co/V99AAJbsXE pic.twitter.com/iufaJI9jVI  DefPost (@defpostmedia) June 28, 2017

The operational scope of the missile is equipped with a blast fragmentation warhead, assessed at more than 230 miles. Furthermore, South Korea's air force has not been outfitted with the missiles, to safeguard the technology. For the same reason, the administration in Seoul has outfitted its forces with Taurus long-range air-to-ground missiles, obtained from Germany.
In an interview with CNN producer, John Bonifield an executive producer for the network spilled the beans on CNNs coverage of Russia, the Project Veritas website reports. According to the website, the Russia coverage is only for "ratings," so what happened to reporting the truth? That is what many Americans are asking after viewing the video, shot by one of Project Veritas own reporters. The video starts in the CNN parking lot and, as the reporter follows Mr. Bonifield through the CNN building, he answers many questions that have risen up in the American peoples minds.

As I have written in my previous articles exposing the CNN narrative, during the 2016 election, CNN showed much bias when covering the candidates. As you may recall, CNN was reporting all positive things about Clinton, while trying to drag Trump through the mud. Toward the end of the campaigns, CNN stated that they did all they could do for Hillarys campaign. That alone showed what CNN was about, but, now, we see they never stopped reporting "fake news." They admit that the Russia story is fake, however, they cover the story because it brings the ratings.

Project Veritas says CNN said They Know @POTUS Did not break any laws.. INTERESTING to say the least! pic.twitter.com/imLdjRzVPA  The News Guru (@RealNewsGuru) June 28, 2017

What is Project Veritas?

Project Veritas, known for their undercover videos, has brought to our attention many things that the elite are doing behind closed doors.

They are the ones that secretly record conversations that they believe people need to hear.

According to the Project Veritas manifesto, they were founded by James OKeefe to expose corruption. They do so by placing undercover journalists in strategic places to get the scoop on the corruption of the government and the media.

They vow to keep going until the corruption is exposed, leaders resign, and the corrupt organizations are shut down. Whether you like Project Veritas or not, you should respect their motivation.

CNN CEO Jeff Zucker Corruption

According to the Veritas article, CNN CEO Jeff Zucker is very aware of what CNN is doing. As a matter-of-fact, he is the leader behind it.

During the Paris accord coverage, Veritas reported him saying, "good job everybody covering the Climate Accords, but were done with it lets get back to Russia." In other words, he blatantly directed CNN employees to get off the real story due to lack of ratings and get back on the fake Russia narrative.

Sara Huckabee said in a press briefing earlier this week that if the corruption comes all the way from the top, that is scary. Over the retraction of the last Russia piece, three journalists were forced to resign due to embarrassment. I dont know about you, but if I was labeled as fake news, I would be more that embarrassed. Here is the whole interview.
Sean Hannity unloaded on CNN fake news pusher Jim Acosta in a segment of Hannity. Acosta, according to Hannity, has become a whiny unhinged reporter since Trump took office, whining daily about the treatment of CNN. Sean Spicer, the WH press secretary, usually takes the hit from Acosta but on this occasion, GOP lawmakers are calling for the firing of the journalist.

The Mediaite website reported yesterday how Sean Hannity commented that CNN is working hard to become the world leader in fake news. With this statement becoming true with each passing day, America is getting tired of CNN posing as a news agency and producing, in my opinion, the fakest news of all the networks combined.

It is only a matter of time before President Trump imposes a ban on Acosta from all press briefings. With GOP lawmakers already calling for his firing, the CNN reporter may be just a memory very soon, The Hill reports.

CNN CEO behind the fake news

With a top ranking CEO being behind the waterfall of fake Russian stories coming from the bowels of the organization, what else can we expect from the network? Earlier this week, three CNN writers have resigned following the retraction of yet another fake Russia story from the failing network. According to the Project Veritas website, they did an undercover interview with CNN producer John Bonifield.

In the interview, Bonifield blows the lid off of CNN news cover-ups.

Bonifield exposes the Russia news story that CNN seems to always push as real news. Not only that, but the website also exposes CNN CEO, Jeff Zucker, as pushing the fake agenda. In a statement that Bonifield made, he exposed the CEO as saying, you all did well on the climate change accord, now let's get back to Russia. In the statement, Zucker was talking to the CNN staff.

With Acosta reporting directly to Zucker, the conspiracies just keep piling up.

Project Veritas mission to wake CNN up

In the Project Veritas manifesto, they claim they are on a mission to expose all corruption in high places. In the video that the website published, James Okeefe, the organization's founder said he doesnt believe this will put CNN out of business.

But he hopes it will wake the network up and maybe they will start reporting real news again. In the article, Project Veritas also says that Bonifield also claims that President Trump if probably right to claim that when it comes to him, CNN is on a witch hunt. Bonifield also says that CNN has no proof of Russian Collusion, they only cover the subject for ratings.
According to the Daily Caller, the NewYork Times (NYT) has issued a retraction on yet another fake news story. The NYT has most recently been in the spotlight for printing some whoppers. This one, however, was big. The NYT allegedly claimed that all 17 US intelligence agencies agreed that Russia conducted the attacks, and assisted Trump on winning his presidency. Not only is this believed to be false, but they reportedly printed the story without any credible sources.

With that being said, Americans are asking the question, who do we trust for real news anymore? In my opinion, many of the news agencies that we once trusted such as CNN, MSNBC, NYT, and much more, have sadly proven to be fake news over the past year.

So what gives? Is there an end to the madness? If you are asking this question, you are not alone. According to a Gallup poll, America's trust in the media has dropped since last year. That is counting both republicans and democrats. So how far has trust dropped?

Gallup reports historical statistics

According to Gallup polls, only 32% of Americans still trust the media. That is down 8 percent from 2016. With the rise of fake news being reported almost daily, it is not a surprise that these numbers dominate the statistics these days. Gallop reports that these numbers have never been seen since they have been taking polls.

The percentages of Americans who do not trust MSM news anymore to date!! Not shocking. pic.twitter.com/zoEVMTkMFv  The News Guru (@RealNewsGuru) June 30, 2017

According to Gallup, the election this year may take a role in the sharp decline in numbers.

Republicans trust in the media has dropped from 32% to 14% over the past year. With the liberal media only reporting bad things about Trump, the American people are tired of the fake news. CNN alone has reported 90% negative reports on President Trump since the campaigns. That is appalling if we realize that Jobs are up, unemployment is down, and our country is a little safer to live in since the Obama era.

Democrats trust has also dropped

Democrats trust in the media has dropped sharply from 70% to 51% since 2005.Those are huge numbers when you figure that CNN and MSNBC are liberal news networks. So according to the polls, the Democrats are as equally tired of the fake news as Republicans are. Many say that lately, the two partys cant find equal ground, according to these polls, I believe we have.

So why won't the mainstream media just report the facts?

According to Project Veritas, there are no ratings in the truth. That is coming from the CEO of CNN. So where do we go from here? Many have started boycotting the media outlets. However, if we do that, then who will report all their fake news to the people?
After comedian Kathy Griffin received heavy backlash for posting a picture of herself posing with a mock decapitated head of Donald Trump, she quickly issued an apology. The following morning, Trump decided to give his own thoughts on what took place.

Trump on Griffin

It's no secret that Donald Trump and celebrities out in Hollywood don't see eye to eye. After making his candidacy for president official back in June 2015, many celebrities pushed back, especially after Trump referred to illegal immigrants from Mexico as "rapists" and "murderers." Over the last two years, Trump has engaged in a war of words with many high-profiled names out in Hollywood, including, but not limited to, Alec Baldwin and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Trump has routinely become the butt of a joke for comedians, from "Saturday Night Live," to Stephen Colbert on "The Late Show," to Bill Maher. One of Trump's loudest critics has been Kathy Griffin, who has amped up her criticism of the billionaire real estate mogul ever since his inauguration last January. On Tuesday, Griffin came under fire after posting images of a recent photo-shoot where she posed with a bloody mock decapitated head of Trump. The story quickly took over the headlines and was instantly trending on social media. Griffin apologized, admitting she went "too far," but that didn't stop Trump from giving his thoughts during a May 31 rant on Twitter.

Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday morning, Donald Trump fired back at Kathy Griffin, going as far as accusing her of making life difficult for his 11-year-old son Barron Trump.

"Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself," Trump tweeted out, before adding, "My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick!" As of press time, Griffin hasn't offered a response to the president's tweet, and it's unknown if she will do so.

Kathy Griffin apologizes after backlash over Trump beheading photo https://t.co/QquPjxD204 pic.twitter.com/AL78XH4UVl  The Hill (@thehill) May 31, 2017

Additional tweets

In addition to his post about Kathy Griffin, Donald Trump tackled other issues during his early morning tweetstorm.

Just after midnight, Trump sent out a bizarre tweet, using the term "covfefe" for an unknown reason. In an attempt to spin the message using humor, Trump tweeted, "Who can figure out the true meaning of "covfefe" ??? Enjoy!"

Who can figure out the true meaning of "covfefe" ??? Enjoy!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017

In a follow-up message on Twitter, Donald Trump got serious and decided to blast Democrats over their reaction to the recent firing of James Comey as director of the FBI.

"So now it is reported that the Democrats, who have excoriated Carter Page about Russia, don't want him to testify," Trump wrote on Twitter. In the second part of his tweet, Trump added, "He blows away their case against him & now wants to clear his name by showing 'the false or misleading testimony by James Comey, John Brennan...' Witch Hunt!"

So now it is reported that the Democrats, who have excoriated Carter Page about Russia, don't want him to testify. He blows away their....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017

...case against him & now wants to clear his name by showing "the false or misleading testimony by James Comey, John Brennan..." Witch Hunt!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017

Moving forward

Whether it's issues with a celebrity critic like Kathy Griffin, or the growing Russian scandal, Donald Trump appears backed against the wall in the White House. After just five months in office, the pressure is mounting on the president, but he doesn't look to be giving up at any point in the near future.
Ryan Edwards is ignoring the ongoing rumors claiming he has been hooked on drugs. Although the "Teen Mom OG" star and father of eight-year-old Bentley, has Instagram and Twitter accounts in his name, he has remained silent on social media in recent months as his fiancee, Mackenzie Standifer, does the talking.

In addition to sharing a couple of mysterious tweets in which she addressed the "Teen Mom OG" rumors but didn't necessarily confirm or deny a thing, Standifer has spoken out to The Ashley's Reality Roundup about the on-screen controversy surrounding Edwards.

Let them wonder, let them assume," she said, adding that she doesn't feel the need to defend herself to viewers of "Teen Mom OG."

Standifer went on to say that once viewers walk a mile in her shoes, she may feel the need to explain her situation. However, until then, she has "no respect" for people who put others down.

Mackenzie Standifer requested prayers from her Twitter followers this week

After Ryan Edwards' former girlfriend, Maci Bookout told Catelynn Lowell and Amber Portwood that she feared for his life during the latest episode of "Teen Mom OG," Standifer took to Twitter where she asked fans to pray. Although she didn't reveal what it was that she wanted people to pray for, several fans believed her message was in reference to Edwards' alleged drug problem.

Standifer also shared a couple of tweets regarding the alleged nonsense she's been confronted with on social media. Still, she hasn't directly confirmed or denied her fiance's rumored addiction to drugs.

Will Ryan Edwards go to rehab?

As fans saw during the latest episode of "Teen Mom OG," Bookout, the mother of Edwards' only child, son Bentley, is planning to confront him about the possibility of going to rehab to sort out his alleged issues with substance abuse.

Bookout also said that while her ex-boyfriend would likely be open to the idea of entering into a treatment program, those around him may be against the idea due to their possible denial over the situation.

Also during the episode on Monday night, Bookout spoke to her husband, Taylor McKinney, about Edwards' reported problem, claiming she often fears that her former partner will overdose on something.

To see more of Ryan Edwards and his family, including his soon-to-be-wife, Mackenzie Standifer, don't miss new episodes of "Teen Mom OG," which air every Monday night at 9 p.m. on MTV.
Are Amber Portwood and Matt Baier still together or have they split? Unfortunately, judging by the on-again, off-again couple's social media streams, it is hard to tell. While Portwood recently took to Twitter with a cryptic post about moving on and starting a new beginning, Baier took to Instagram around the same time and confirmed that he and Portwood's relationship was still intact.

On May 31, Baier shared a screenshot of himself and Portwood kissing one another while on vacation in Puerto Rico with their co-stars, Catelynn Lowell, Tyler Baltierra, Maci Bookout, and Taylor McKinney, and in the caption, he revealed Portwood as his selection for "Women Crush Wednesday." He also told the longtime reality star, "I got you Bae."

Baier's Instagram post garnered tons of attention from fans who wanted to know the truth about where he stands with Portwood.

The post also received comments from fans who pointed out that the picture wasn't an actual picture, but rather an image taken from the show from a scene that was filmed several months ago.

Amber Portwood wants to move forward (from something or someone)

Around the time Matt Baier shared his telling post on Instagram, Amber Portwood was on Twitter hinting that their relationship may finally be over for good. In a message to fans on May 30, Portwood wrote, "Ready to move forward and be the woman I've always strived to be with no one holding me back!!" The reality star also added, "New beginning starts now."

In response to Portwood's comments, several fans wrote messages back to her in hopes that her tweet was in reference to a possible split from Baier.

That said, Portwood never confirmed or denied her split from Baier and has shared only a few posts in the days since.

Amber Portwood previously planned to marry Matt Baier last year

As "Teen Mom OG" fans may recall, Amber Portwood and Matt Baier were set to get married in October of last year before they suddenly called off their wedding amid drama surrounding Baier and his children.

In the months since, Portwood and Baier confirmed their plans to get married at the end of this year but recently, they have been plagued by breakup rumors which makes it hard to say whether or not they will ever make it down the aisle.

To see more of Amber Portwood and Matt Baier's strained relationship, tune into new episodes of the second half of "Teen Mom OG" season six on Monday nights at 9 p.m. on MTV.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb said he's proud that Chinese investment has made its way to his state and he's looking forward to a bright future for everyone.

Holcomb made the remarks at the groundbreaking for BeijingWest Industries's (BWI) first US facility on Wednesday in Greenfield, Indiana.

Holcomb welcomed BWI as part of the Hoosier family.

"We find it so important to share our Hoosier story with the rest of the world to ensure companies like BWI know the benefits of doing business in a state that works," said Holcomb.

Indiana adopted the nickname "The Hoosier State" more than 150 years ago. Anyone born in Indiana or a resident is considered to be a Hoosier.

"As we know here in Indiana, the sky's the limit when we work together with our business partners," Holcomb said. "That's why having a company like BWI, with their reach around the world, it can only add to our ability to bring the world back here to Indiana."

The 14th Chinese-owned company to set up shop in the Midwestern state, BWI will invest more than $80 million to build and equip the 274,369-square-foot manufacturing facility in Greenfield, creating about 450 jobs in the years to come.

In 2003, The Vanguard National Trailer Corp, a subsidiary of CIMC USA Inc., which itself is a wholly owned subsidiary of China International Marine Container Group Ltd., completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of HPA Monon Corporation, a semi-trailer and chassis manufacturer, and became the first Chinese-owned business established in Indiana.

"I'm far from surprised that we're able to watch companies from China grow here in Indiana," the governor said, "because folks can do the math and they can see how attractive Indiana is in terms of our tax and regulatory environment.

"Down the road here, they can count on our world-class workforce, to get the products made and delivered, on budget and ahead of schedule. We take great pride in those partnerships. There are so many similarities between our investors and the Hoosiers here," said Holcomb.

Another major Chinese company that chose Indiana as its US home was Nanshan Group, a Shandong-based aluminum company.

In 2011, Nanshan announced it would build and equip a $100 million, 435,000-square-foot aluminum manufacturing facility and office in Lafayette, creating the largest Chinese investment in Indiana.

Nanshan also announced it would give $10 million to Purdue University in support of its international programs, research, training and scholarships.

"We know that once companies and people move to Indiana, they grow deep roots, they don't just stay, but they thrive. It's like a magnet that attracts investment," said Holcomb.

In the months to come, Indiana will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of its sister-state relationship with China's Zhejiang province.

"It's absolutely all about developing the relationships, developing the trust," Holcomb said. "That relationship becomes a partnership."

Holcomb has been to China once, and "it will not be the only time", he said.

"I've been to Beijing, to the Tibetan province, Chengdu," he said. "I look forward, as governor now, to getting over there to continue to say thank you and not just for the investment that has been made, but for the relationships."

"We seek to grow on both sides. When I do next visit China and the leadership, I want to express my desire not just to export but to import as well. It's a balance sheet that we focus on both sides," Holcomb said.

Indiana celebrated its bicentennial last December and as Indiana enters its third century, Holcomb said he is committed to taking Indiana to the next level by strengthening ties with China.

"We will continue building relationships with countries across the globe, including China, sharing both economic and cultural benefits," said Holcomb.

"We will continue to keep our taxes and costs low with minimal regulations so companies like BWI can thrive in Indiana," said Holcomb.

leshuodong@chinadailyusa.com
A Long March 1 rocket is a backdrop for photos on Thursday at a Victoria Park science exhibit. ROY LIU / FOR CHINA DAILY

President's visit demonstrates support for SAR

The central government will as always support Hong Kong in growing its economy and improving the people's livelihoods, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday during his trip to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

The president's remarks received positive feedback from the Hong Kong public, with many people expressing confidence for a better future.

Arriving at the airport, Xi told reporters his three-day Hong Kong trip showcases the support for Hong Kong from the central government, which has offered its strong backing for the past 20 years.

"I believe that through the series of events to be staged in Hong Kong, our determination and confidence in developing and building a better Hong Kong will surely be enhanced," he said.

Xi will attend celebrations for the anniversary and the inauguration of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return from British rule and the establishment of the HKSAR.

Xi congratulated the special administrative region on its great achievements over the 20 years since its establishment, and he encouraged the HKSAR to create new glory.

He also said he will join people from all walks of life in Hong Kong to review the HKSAR's extraordinary 20-year journey, sum up its experience and plan the future to ensure the smooth and long-term successful practice of the "one country, two systems" policy.

"I'm pleased to have set foot in Hong Kong once again after nine years," Xi said. "Hong Kong's development has always pulled at my heartstrings."

Xi's last trip to Hong Kong was in July 2008, when he was the vice-president of China. He visited two local families and talked with the residents about housing prices, mortgage loans and incomes.

The president received a warm welcome and appreciation from the public. Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said the president's visit has shown the central government's support for Hong Kong and the special attention to the "one country, two systems" principle.

She expressed gratitude to Xi for his wishes for Hong Kong. The central government's continuous support for "one country, two systems" has helped and will enhance Hong Kong's cooperation with mainland cities and provinces, which will push forward Hong Kong's development, Lee said.

She said the president's call for planning the future should be seen as a reminder for Hong Kong people to consider how the city can boost competitiveness.

Irons Sze Wing-wai, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, said that Xi's inspection visit is an affirmation of Hong Kong's successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

"I hope that the visit by President Xi will further advance the economic ties and trade cooperation between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, enabling Hong Kong to get aboard the nation's high-speed development train, and join the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area," he said.

Luis Liu and Shadow Li in Hong Kong contributed to this story.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
The family of Liu Xiaobo, a convicted criminal released by China on medical parole, has agreed to take traditional Chinese medicine as a supplementary treatment for Liu, according to an official release on Friday.

Liu is receiving treatment for liver cancer at the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, Liaoning province.

On Thursday morning, two prestigious experts with rich experience in liver cancer treatmentone with the Beijing-based Guang'anmen Hospital under the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and the other from the Longhua Hospital affiliated with the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicinewere invited to the Shenyang hospital for a joint consultation on Liu's sickness.

The experts said the diagnosis of Liu's illness is clear and the treatment is proper, but suggested that TCM could improve the effect of chemotherapy and reduce side effects, according to a release from the Shenyang Bureau of Justice.

Currently, Liu's treatment mainly relies on molecular-targeted drugs and TCM could be used as a supplementary, they said, but whether he takes the medication depends on Liu and his family, the release said.

Liu's wife Liu Xia was briefed about the consultation, and she said she believed the hospital has done all that is possible to treat her husband. Liu Xia agreed to take the TCM advice and expressed gratitude for the medical experts, according to the release.

The First Hospital of China Medical University said its doctors found symptoms of the illness during a physical checkup on May 31 and confirmed Liu's diagnosis on June 7 after consultations with 22 medical experts, according to another release from earlier this week.

The Jinzhou Prison in Liaoning, where Liu Xiaobo has been serving his sentence, said the inmate had hepatitis B before his imprisonment in 2009 and has received annual health checks.

Besides regular checks, the prison said its medics had added tests of hepatitis B and cancer for Liu since 2012 and found no abnormalities.

Liu Xiaobo was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2009 for engaging in activities aimed at overthrowing the government.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010. However, China considers the award reflects poorly on the Nobel Committee, as Liu was convicted of criminal acts against the State before the prize was announced.
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said that US arms sales to Taiwan and sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals will undermine confidence between the two countries.

The US State Department has approved $1.4 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan. It was the first weapons sale to Taiwan since US President Donald Trump took office.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the Trump administration had notified Congress of its intent to approve seven proposed deals now valued at around $1.42 billion.

CBS News quoted anonymous US government officials as saying that the arms sales this time comprise seven items, including technical support for early warning radar, anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and components for SM-2 missiles.

Meanwhile, the National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year 2018 passed by the US Senate Armed Services Committee includes provisions for the re-establishment of regular ports of call by the US Navy at Kaohsiung and other suitable ports in Taiwan.

On Thursday, the US Treasury accused the Bank of Dandong, a local bank in China, for illicit dealings with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"All these actions  sanctions against Chinese companies, especially arms sales to Taiwan, will certainly undermine the mutual confidence between the two sides and runs counter to the spirit of the Mar-a-Lago summit," Cui said, referring to the first summit between Trump and President Xi Jinping in early April in Florida.

Cui said China is always firmly opposed to US arms sales to Taiwan. "We have lodged a strong complaint to the US side, because it violates the One China principle and the three joint communiques between the two countries," he told reporters Thursday evening on the sidelines of a reception at the Chinese embassy marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

On the Korean Peninsula, Cui said China has been implementing UN Security Council resolutions fully and effectively. He said that if an entity or individual violates UN sanctions, China will conduct its own investigation and pursue the case in accordance with Chinese law.

"But we're against such so-called long-arm jurisdiction by the US side," he said.

Cui said China reserves the right for further response to US actions.

He hoped the US side will take actions to correct its approach in order to create favorable conditions for high-level exchange and various cooperation between the two countries in the future.

Xi and Trump are expected to meet again next week on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.
China voiced its strong opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan, and called the US side to revoke its decision, the Chinese embassy in US spokesman said in a statement on Friday.

The statement came after the US State Department announced on Thursday its approval of $1.4 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan. It was the first arms sales to Taiwan since President Donald Trump took office.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said on Thursday the Trump administration had notified Congress of its intent to approve seven proposed deals now valued at around $1.42 billion.

CBS News quoted anonymous US government officials as saying that the arms sales this time comprised of seven items, including technical support for early warning radar, anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes, and components for SM-2 missiles.

"China is firmly opposed to the US arms sale to Taiwan. China's stance is clear and firm," the Chinese embassy statement said.

The US nevertheless made the wrong decision to sell arms to Taiwan, disregarding China's strong representations. It seriously violates the principles of the three Joint Communiques between China and the US, in particular, the August 17, 1982 US-China Communique on Arms Sales to Taiwan, grossly interferes on China's domestic affairs, jeopardizes China's sovereign and security interests, and undermines China's efforts to realize national unification, according to the statement.

"The Chinese government and Chinese people have every right to be outraged. The Chinese side has lodged serious representation to the US side, and reserves every right to take further action," the spokesman said in the statement.

Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai also voiced China's strong opposition on Thursday evening on the sidelines of a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

The spokesman said the wrong move on the US side runs counter to the consensus reached by the two presidents at Mar-a-Lago and the positive development momentum of the China-U.S. relationship.

"It will harm the mutual trust and cooperation between China and the US. We urge the US to immediately revoke the wrong decision and stop the arms sale to Taiwan," the spokesman said.

The statement said the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus and the core principle that the two sides of the Taiwan Straits belongs to one China, and take pro-independence measures in Taiwan.

"The arms sale by the US sends a very wrong signal to the 'Taiwan independence' forces and harms the cross-Straits peace and stability. The US has repeatedly said that it has profound interest in maintaining peace and stability across the Straits. However, its deeds contradicted its words," the statement said.

The statement stressed that Taiwan is a part of China. The One China principle is a norm widely recognized by the international community. Realizing national unification at an early date is a common wish of the Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots.

"It is the aspiration of the people and the general trend that will not be stopped by arms sale to Taiwan by some countries," the spokesman said.

"We are confident and capable to contain the separatist activities of the 'Taiwan independence' forces and defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will never allow anyone to separate Taiwan from the country," the statement said.

--end
President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Netherland's Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg and President of the European Council Donald Tusk attend a Press conference after a meeting of European Union leaders at the Chancellery on June 29, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. [Photo/VCG]

BERLIN - European leaders met here on Thursday, seeking a united front ahead of the G20 Summit in Hamburg on July 7 and 8.

After a meeting hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the leaders of France, Britain, Italy, Spain, Holland, Norway, and the EU said to a press conference that they would work together on climate change and free trade at the summit.

Merkel said European countries wanted to send a message of "determination" at the summit.

Earlier on Thursday, Merkel said in a speech to German Parliament that she would fight for free trade, international cooperation and the Paris climate change accord at the international forum.

"We cannot expect easy discussions on climate change at the G20 summit," Merkel said, pointing to the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

"Our differences with the US are clear," she said.

The US "America First" policy also conflicts with European countries' support for free trade.

Despite the stark differences, European leaders expressed no intention to isolate US President Donald Trump.

French President Emmanuel Macron told the press that it did not make sense to isolate Trump, saying Europe shared "a lot" with Washington, including tackling terrorism. But he hoped the United States would "return to reason."

Merkel also said she would seek to find "common solutions" with Washington.
Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai applauded the great success of Hong Kong in the last 20 years since its return to the motherland.

"Hong Kong's accomplishment is outstanding," he told a crowd of several hundred people on Thursday at a celebration in the Chinese embassy marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Cui said Hong Kong has enjoyed sustained prosperity and stability, remained a global financial, trade and shipping center and led the world in major indicators of social and economic development.

"Today, Hong Kong, the 'Pearl of the East', is shining with ever bright glory in the hand of the Chinese people," Cui said.

The top Chinese diplomat in Washington said the success of "one country, two systems" has earned recognition by the international community.

He said that history has also shown the unbreakable bond and shared future of Hong Kong and the rest of the Chinese nation.

"The past 20 years have witnessed a prosperous and stable Hong Kong, as well as a fast-developing China. Hong Kong supported the growth of the mainland, while the mainland drove Hong Kong's prosperity," Cui said.

He emphasized that Hong Kong and the mainland stood together when facing challenges from the financial crisis to the SARS epidemic and helped each other when struck by natural disasters. "Indeed, Hong Kong's interest is the interest of the motherland, and when the motherland grows, Hong Kong will prosper," Cui said.

"Hong Kong's success in the past 20 years gives us greater confidence in Hong Kong's future," he said.

In the hallway of the Chinese embassy building, a photo exhibition marking the 20th anniversary was held.

Cui also applauded Hong Kong's important role in the cooperation between China and the US. He said Hong Kong has enjoyed growing economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges with the US.

In 2016, two-way trade between Hong Kong and the US delivered a US surplus of $28.9 billion. Thousands of American businesses prosper in Hong Kong, and about 85,000 Americans live in Hong Kong.

"Continued prosperity and stability of Hong Kong is in line with the interest of the US, and contributes to regional and global development," Cui said.

Cui said that China hopes that the US will fully respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, support with concrete actions the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

"We are happy to see that economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges between Hong Kong and the US keep growing, and more and more American people put Hong Kong as a top choice to live, run business or spend vacations.
In New York and San Francisco, a toast to return's anniversary

With the full support of the central government in Beijing, "one country, two systems" enables Hong Kong to be the first-mover to capture economic opportunities from the Chinese mainland's development, while it retains a separate system that "gives us the autonomy to make our own laws and determine our own trade and economic policies", said Clement Leung, Hong Kong Commissioner to the US.

"This has given businesses the trust, confidence and predictability to thrive in the region," Leung said in his remarks on Wednesday in New York at an event organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.

Since Hong Kong's return from British rule to the motherland, not only have Hong Kong emigrants returned from Canada, Australia and the UK, but it now has a strong inflow of expatriates, Leung said. The American population there has nearly doubled and the French population has tripled since 1997.

New sectors have emerged along with the development of the pillar sectors of trade, finance, tourism and professional services, Leung said.

Hong Kong has developed into the largest center for the offshore RMB business, and its Stock Connect programs offer international investors access to the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets.

"I am confident about the future of Hong Kong because successive generations of Chinese leaders want Hong Kong to succeed and our people continue to have this can-do spirit to get things done, because the rule of law is rock-solid and our judiciary is fiercely independent," he said.

On the same day, hundreds of people from the Chinese communities of the San Francisco Bay Area gathered at the Chinese consulate in San Francisco to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to the motherland.

Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco Luo Linquan said he was proud of the successful practice of the "one country, two systems" policy over the past 20 years and pleased with Hong Kong's great economic and social achievements. He said he had full confidence in the bright future of Hong Kong.

Luo said he witnessed the historic reunification ceremony in Hong Kong on July 1, 1997.

"Twenty years has passed in a mere snap of the fingers," he said. "Hong Kong has maintained prosperity and stability, the people of Hong Kong have lived in peace and contentment, and the international community speaks highly of it."

From 1997 to 2016, Hong Kong's GDP increased from $175.5 billion to $319 billion, according to Luo. He said Hong Kong continues to serve as an international financial, trade and shipping hub, and the region's indicators for political stability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law and corruption control are much higher than they were before 1997.

Benefiting from the central government's policies, the number of Chinese mainland tourists has ballooned from 2.36 million in 1997 to 42.77 million in 2016.

Hong Kong continues to interact positively with the mainland, said Luo. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will be completed by the end of 2017, and the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link is scheduled to start operation in the third quarter of 2018, which will substantially shorten the travel time between Hong Kong and the mainland.

"I believe that under the leadership of Madam Lam Cheng Yuet Ngor, Hong Kong people will strive to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, take full advantage of the unprecedented development opportunities of the country, and working together with the people of the mainland, jointly write a new chapter in Hong Kong's history," Luo said.
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HA NOI  Hong Kong smartphone producer Tecno Mobile on Thursday officially entered Viet Nam, targeting users in the middle market segment.

Tecno Mobile introduced four new smartphones  Tecno Camon CX, Camon CX Air, WX4 Pro and L9  each costing VN3-5 million (US$133-222).

Among the four new smartphones, Camon CX is the most outstanding product with a beautiful design and good camera for selfies. The smartphone is expected to be sold in the market next month at a price of VN4.99 million.

Established in 2006, Tecnos main markets are African countries. In 2008, it decided to stop operations in Asia to focus only on Africa.

In recent years, it has returned to the South Asian market, especially India  the second largest market with more than 1.3 billion people.

Tecno produces smartphones and tablets. Notably, it offers a special product for each market.  VNS
HA NOI  Regent Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement with Vietnamese property developer BIM Group on Friday in Ha Noi to manage Regent Phu Quoc - a luxury resort and residential development on Phu Quoc Island.

Regent Phu Quoc, which is expected to be launched in 2019, will increase the global luxury hospitality brands property portfolio to nine, from current properties in Beijing, Berlin, Chongqing and Porto Montenegro, as well as Singapore and Taipei, along with pipeline developments in Jakarta and Harbin.

Located at Bai Truong (Long Beach) on the west coast of Viet Nams largest island, just 10 minutes drive from the airport, Regent Phu Quoc consists of luxury hotel rooms and private residences in three styles - lake villa, beach villa and sky villa - which offer a magnificent sea view and private pool.

The waterfront property, featuring 400 rooms and world-class facilities, combines indigenous design with the luxurious yet understated essence of Regent Hotels & Resorts to provide guests with an exclusive lifestyle accommodation experience.

Regent Phu Quoc is an important construction of BIM Groups Phu Quoc Marina, which has an integrated master plan, being developed to become the future tourist mecca of the island.

oan Quoc Viet, chairman of BIM Group, said the cooperation with Regent Hotels and Resorts would create a property which set new standards for Viet Nams tourism industry.

Steven Pan, chairman of Regent Hotels & Resorts, said Asia was the focus of the groups global expansion plans, given the huge potential for the hospitality industry.

Amid a wave of tourism investment on Phu Quoc Island, Regent with its history of creating benchmarks and new concepts made Regent Phu Quoc stand out due to its exclusivity and uniqueness.

Steven said he was deeply touched with BIM Groups sustainable development value, adding that preserving nature and the environment and doing business in a harmonious way that benefited society were critical for development.

Founded in the 70s by legendary hotelier Robert H. Burns, Regent is the first truly Asian-based global hospitality group encompassing hotels, resorts and residences.

BIM Group is a diversified corporation with real estate development being one of its spearhead. The group has worked with prestigious design houses, reputable contractors and top property operators to implement its projects in Viet Nam and abroad, such as serviced apartments Fraser Suites Hanoi, Halong Marina Urban Development in Quang Ninh Province and Royal Square  a first-class complex in Vientiane.  VNS
HA NOI  Coteccons Construction Corporation (Coteccons) (CTD) plans to raise its foreign ownership ratio cap from 49 per cent to 60 per cent, CTD leaders announced during its 2017 annual shareholders meeting held on Thursday in HCM City.

The board of directors will select the time of implementation as well as procedures related to the expansion. CTDs foreign ownership ratio now accounts for just 3.63 per cent and CTDs stock is currently most preferred by foreign investors. Therefore, the expansion plan is expected to increase liquidity and attract money inflowing into CTD, said Nguyen Ba Duong, CTD Chairman of the Board of Directors.

In 2017, CTD aims at a growth of 30 per cent in revenue, amounting to VN27 trillion (US$1.18 billion). Post-tax profits are estimated to reach VN1.7 trillion.

With strong business results in 2016, CTD decided to pay a cash dividend of 50 per cent in 2016. The company will retain 60 per cent of post-tax profits to supplement the development investment fund scheduled for the investment to the value chain of the construction sector to increase the CTDs profit and maintain its sustainable development.

Regarding corporate governance, Duong said that by the end of June next year, CTD will have officially renewed corporate governance in accordance with the law and international practices.

CTDs total number of employees has reached over 2,000, and the firm therefore needs to reorganise its apparatus in line with international practices to meet development requirements, Duong said.

Accordingly, Coteccons will remove the old supervision board and replace it with a new internal supervision sub-commission, which has been applied this year by the Viet Nam Dairy Products Joint-Stock Company (Vinamilk). Duong was previously elected as a member of Vinamilks board of directors at the companys 2017 annual shareholders meeting.

The company has also established internal boards of economic, investment, financial supervisory and auditing, he added.

Duong said that CTD focuses firmly on human-centred developmen and continues to boost policies that balance benefits between employees and shareholders.

The company has been implementing a shares issuance programme under the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), he said. Recently, CTD has issued a decision to revoke ESOP shares from employees who have quit their jobs.

At the same time, the company has generated policy encouraging key staff who contributed largely to the development of the company in 2016. The incentive value offered for employees was more than VN209 billion, equivalent to the number of ESOP shares of 2.5 million shares, representing 3.36 per cent of total shares circulating in the company.

However, in order to ensure the balance of interests between staff and shareholders, the Board members agreed to adjust the number of ESOP shares to limit the dilution of shares.

Accordingly, instead of issuing 2.5 million of ESOP shares, the company would issue only half of those shares, equivalent to nearly 1.3 million shares at the price of VN40,000 per share. This amount of stock is limited in transfer for two years from the date of issuance, Duong said.

Half of the incentive share amount will be paid in cash, he added.  VNS
HA NOI  The mounting clash between traditional taxi firms and ride-hailing platforms Uber and Grab has raised the question of how to ensure fair competition in the passenger transportation market.

At a Wednesday dialogue between the Ministry of Transport and transport firms, traditional taxies demanded to clarify Ubers and Grabs operations and management policies, adding that traditional cabs face unfair competition form ride hailing services companies. Meanwhile, car-hailing services firms said that their services are not incompliant with the established laws.

Ta Long Hy, chairman of HCM City Taxi Association, proposed that the Ministry of Transport clarify whether Uber and Grab are technology platforms or transportation companies in order to implement appropriate management policies.

Hy said that Uber and Grab are doing things outside the functions of technology platforms.

The booming growth enjoyed by Uber and Grab cars are creating pressure on traffic in major cities, traditional taxi associations said.

o Quoc Binh, chairman of Ha Noi Taxi Association, estimated the total number of taxies, including traditional, Uber and Grab, at 30,000-35,000 at the moment in the capital city, far beyond the planning of 20,000 taxies by 2020.

Under the HCM Citys taxi planning, there should be 12,000 cars by 2020. But now, with Uber and Grab, the number of taxies even already doubles that figure.

Hy proposed the transport ministry halt the pilot project of applying science and technology in transportation and providing logos for contracted cars.

According to Deputy Director of Ha Noi Department of Transport Ha Huy Quang, there is now a shortage of management policies regulating ride hailing services firms like Uber and Grab. This business model must be revised to raise appropriate management policies, Quang said.

Representatives from Uber and Grab at the dialogue said that they are compliant with the established laws and have fully implemented tax obligations.

Nguyen Tuan Anh, CEO Grab Viet Nam, said the companys discount programmes is all registered at municipal departments of industry and trade and transportation. In addition, low fares are based on the application of technology, which has helped improve efficiency.

Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Hong Truong said that the two-year pilot project of applying technology to support the management and to connect passenger transporation by contract cars will be finished at the end of this year. After that, the project will be evaluated to issue better management policies.

Truong said the transport ministry will work with the Ministry of Finance to have better taxation solutions and with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to ensure fair competition.

Truong urged traditional taxi firms to strive to improve services and lower fairs to compete. He also urged Uber and Grab strictly follow Vietnamese laws and regulations.

As of May, nine companies participated in the pilot project, namely Grab Car, V.Car, Thanh Cong Car, S. Car, Vic. Car, Home Car, Uber, Mai Linh Car and Lb. Car.

Recently, the ministry said that the initial application of technology in transportation has been highly appreciated by citizens.  VNS
The bad debt in the real estate sector could be resolved if steps are taken to resume suspended projects, according to the HCM City Real Estate Association (HoREA).  Photo batdongsan.com.vn

HCM CITY  The bad debt in the real estate sector could be resolved if steps are taken to resume suspended projects, according to the HCM City Real Estate Association (HoREA).

Around 500 real estate projects in HCM City have been suspended for various reasons, including problems related to land clearance, land-use payments, and investors weak financial capacity.

The suspended projects have created a big volume of bad debt, severely burdening both property developers and banks as well as the entire economy, the association has said.

The 90ha Phuoc Kien Project in Nha Be District developed by Quoc Cuong Gia Lai Company had been delayed for 10 years, according to a report from Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper.

Eight per cent of the total land for the project has not been cleared.

Nguyen Thi Nhu Loan, the companys chairwoman, told Thanh Nien newspaper that the suspended project had placed her company under pressure as it had invested VN5 trillion (US$220 million).

The company has to pay more than VN500 million ($22,000) each day in bank interest.

The situation has also affected the companys partners, she said, adding that the company had decided to sell the project to a new investor.

The VN5 trillion Saigon One Town in District 1, which has been delayed for six years, has been sold to another investor.

The Kenton project in Nha Be District has resumed after several years of delay after its investor sought an additional VN1 trillion from banks.

Pham Cong Chanh, a real estate expert in HCM City, was quoted in Thanh Nien newspaper as saying that bad debt would be handled if 500 suspended projects resume.

Along with helping companies and banks, it would create a diverse supply in the citys property market, he said.

Chanh added that the authority should focus on projects with high liquidity that can be sold immediately. The others should be divided in different groups with different solutions.

Other experts agree that one solution is not needed for all projects.

Mortgaged projects that have land clearance and building permit problems should be allowed to resume, while projects which have problems related to planning should be in one group, experts said.

Banks should also give more support to developers to solve the problems.

Le Hoang Chau, chairman of HoREA, said that it was important to reduce the number of suspended projects to handle bad debt.

A big cash flow would occur in the market if these projects resumed and more real estate products were put on the market, he added.

He said that it was necessary to create more advantageous conditions to encourage merger and acquisitions (M&A).

If M&A deals are implemented well, more cash would flow to the market and there would no need for funds from the State budget.  VNS
HA NOI  Vinatex, the nations premier garment and textiles group, is targeting an increase in profits this year despite the difficulties forecast for both domestic and global markets.

At its annual general meeting on Thursday, the Viet Nam National Garment and Textile Group (Vinatex), said it expects combined pre-tax profits of VN749 billion (US$33 million) this year, up 9.6 per cent year-on-year. It estimates total revenues at VN16 trillion, down 3.1 per cent from last year.

Revenues of the parent company alone are set at VN1.8 trillion and pre-tax profits at VN345.9 billion this year, respectively up 37.9 per cent and 22 per cent year-on-year.

The group expects to pay a dividend of 6 per cent this year.

Last year was a difficult one for Viet Nams apparel industry with its main markets like the United States, European Union and Japan all experiencing lower import growth.

The Brexit vote and the US Presidential election also had negative impacts on the countrys apparel exports, said Vinatex general director Le Tien Truong.

He said annual apparel imports of the United States decreased 4.8 per cent last year, and that of Japan and South Korea dropped by 1.7 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively.

In addition, major textile exporting countries devalued their currencies at a high rate (about 10 per cent), while the Vietnamese ong depreciated by just 1 per cent, which made the countrys garment products more expensive than those of its rivals.

Many foreign investors who invested in production in Viet Nam with the hope of reaping Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) benefits began to cut orders and move back to their factories.

The pressure to find new customers and alternative orders at Vietnamese enterprises was huge last year, Truong said.

Despite these troubles, Viet Nams textile exports saw an annual expansion of 5.42 per cent in 2016, the highest among the apparel exporting countries. Growth rates in major markets remained positive, including the Unites States (5.03 per cent), EU (5.78 per cent) and Japan (4.9 per cent).

Vinatex reported total 2016 revenues of more than VN16.5 trillion, up 1.1 per cent year-on-year, while the groups pre-tax profit was VN683.5 billion, up 0.9 per cent over the previous year.

Not proactive

Truong also pointed out shortcomings and weaknesses among the Vietnamese garment companies, saying they were not proactive in searching of new customers and markets.

Local businesses were mainly signing contracts with intermediary agents without directly contacting big customers, he said.

More importantly, Vietnamese companies are unable to exercise any supplier power to influence the decision of buyers, and are easily be replaced by other suppliers, he added.

Weak corporate governance and business links among local manufacturers have also reduced the countrys strength in international markets.

Truong said Vinatexs first-half business was similar to 2016 but did not give specific numbers.

Vinatex has registered with the Ministry of Industry and Trade an export growth rate of 10 per cent, equivalent to a turnover of $30 billion, this year

He said the Government has agreed to continue reducing State holdings in the group and will eventually transfer Vinatex to the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) or to a newly-established committee.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam imported US$376 million worth of fruits from Thailand in the first half of this year, which was double the figures of the same period last year.

With the turnover, Thailand has become the leading supplier of fruits to Viet Nam, accounting for over half of Viet Nams six-month fruit imports at $507 million, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

During the reviewed period, Viet Nams fruit imports from other markets such as India and South Korea maintained positive upward growth of more than 85 per cent.

Meanwhile, Viet Nams fruit and vegetable exports in the period between January and June experienced a yearly increase of 44 per cent to $1.7 billion. China, Japan and South Korea remained the top importers of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables, making up nearly 85 per cent of the countrys export turnover.  VNS
HCM CITY  HCM City is ready to work with Samsung to boost the capacity of local enterprises in support industry, said Nguyen Thien Nhan, secretary of the municipal Party Committee.

It will help them qualify for the South Korean groups global supply chain.

He made the remark while receiving Samsung Viet Nams General Director Shim Won Hwan on Thursday.

The official commended the companys significant contributions to Viet Nams export value.

He said the company had responded well to the requests made by Vietnamese leaders asking it to increase the localisation rate in its products, thus creating opportunities for local small- and medium-sized firms to produce spare parts and components for Samsung.

Nhan asked Samsung Viet Nam to continue working with Vietnamese universities and public agencies for the implementation of various educational and construction projects.

On behalf of his companys executive board, Shim Won Hwan thanked the Vietnamese Government for its assistance, which helped Samsung Viet Nam grow substantially and contribute to boosting the ties between Viet Nam and South Korea.

The director underscored the firms intention to expand investment in HCM City and help local enterprises improve management skills and technical competency.

He said Samsung Viet Nam wanted to see more local companies join its supply chain, which would lead to higher localisation rate in the companys products.

Shim Won Hwan pledged to connect with Vietnamese students by holding tours for students to visit Samsungs factories and research centres, while working to boost the capacity of Vietnamese workers at Samsung Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  Domestic automakers must manufacture autos under the Vietnamese brand name, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh inh Dung suggested.

These autos must be of good quality, reasonably priced and have competitiveness in the region and the world, he added.

Speaking with representatives of ministries and auto businesses at a conference on the automobile industrys development in Ha Noi on Wednesday, the deputy PM said the Government was encouraging local, potential and prestigious businesses to co-operate with strategic partners in the world to study, manufacture and assemble autos with Vietnamese brand name.

As for the support industry, Dung said it would not only meet the domestic market but also be competitive enough to take part in the global automobile manufacturing chain. For doing so, it must access and apply advanced technologies in the world.

The industry will expand several automobile industrial complexes and centres by re-organising and re-arranging production; strengthening co-operation among automakers, assemblers and part suppliers, in addition to setting up vocational training centres, and conducting research and application to improve the investment efficiency and specialisation.

To achieve the targets, Dung suggested that auto businesses and Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association must restructure the automobile industry to identify key products that would suit the countrys development trend, as well as the market demand.

Each automaker should invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, raise the capacity of management and trade to cut costs, reduce production price, increase capacity, quality and the competitiveness of the products.

The automakers, assemblers and part suppliers must take initiative, in co-operation with potential foreign partners, to expand manufacturing, as well as to develop the network of auto support industry that would meet international standards.

The deputy PM requested the MoIT to co-ordinate with relevant sectors and ministries to supplement and complete the legal corridor, create an impartially-competitive environment for domestic automakers and importers, and meet the market principles to match with the countrys international commitments.

It must define strategic partners in the automobile and support industries; encourage businesses to increase added value in auto manufacturing, especially of products carrying the countrys brand name; strengthen management and solve trade frauds in auto imports.

The import tax on auto parts and components must also be adjusted.

Dung has assigned the finance ministry to collaborate with relevant ministries to check and adjust import duties on auto parts and components, which would be in line with the Governments orientation and international commitments.

The ministries will study and propose preferential policies on taxes, fees and credit, ensuring the harmonisation of interests of people, the State and businesses. They need to strengthen the management of certificate of origin of complete built-up units, as per import types, which have surged in the recent time.

The transport ministry will check and fulfil the regulations relevant to quality, safety and technologies, in addition to environment protection in manufacturing and assembling vehicles, reform administration procedures, simplify registration procedures for locally-assembled autos and create favourable conditions for businesses, ensuring high standards, while protecting the rights and interests of consumers.

Meanwhile, the planning and investment ministry will work with other ministries to study and propose preferential policies to attract large-scale investment projects to Viet Nam, and encourage the development of products carrying Vietnamese brand names and other products suited to the customers preferences to increase export of autos to other countries of the ASEAN.  VNS
THUA THIEN-HUE  Farmers in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue are protesting a slaughter project proposed to be built in their neighbourhood due to concerns about pollution and the loss of farming land.

Farmers in the provinces Bon Tri Village have sent petitions to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the provincial Peoples Committee to protest the proposal of the slaughter project with capacity to slaughter 7,100 cows, pigs, chickens and ducks per day.

The farmers in their petitions said the project would reduce farming area and pollute the neighbourhood. Further, they believed the slaughter project disrespected the villages former head as it was to be located adjacent to a temple where he was worshipped.

According to a decision by the provincial Peoples Committee, the slaughter house will use 5ha of farming land. Construction is scheduled to start in July. The project is located ahead of the village, where villagers have been cultivating rice and other crops for centuries.

There are no natural means for irrigation in the village, such as rivers, canals or lakes. This means wastewater could flood our neighbourhood, Tran Thi Thuy, a villager, said.

Another villager Chau Van Hoach said the village is situated on low-lying area, with its topography lower than surrounding areas and this meant wastewater could not flow away.

The villagers affirmed that no public consultations, as part of an environmental impact assessment, had been held with the community, whose lives and crop would be heavily affected by the proposed slaughter project.

Phan Ngoc Tho, who is deputy chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee and the decision maker of the slaughter project, promised "a rethink" of the slaughter houses location following protests by villagers.

He was quoted by local newspapers as saying it was still a proposal, not a project, and telling villagers to stay calm.

The project will cost VN59 billion (US$2.6 million), invested by a local company, which has proposed licensing for 50 years.  VNS
Experts from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) have assisted the Viet Nam Environment Administration (VEA) in building circulars on water environment management in river basins.  Photo baotainguyenmoitruong.vn

HA NOI  Experts from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) have assisted the Viet Nam Environment Administration (VEA) in building circulars on water environment management in river basins.

JICA and VEA organised a workshop in Ha Noi on Thursday to discuss building circulars defining the rivers loading capacity and waste discharge quotas.

Nguyen Manh Hung, director of the Department of Waste Management and Environment Promotion, said socio-economic development activities in key economic regions and urban areas in the lower parts of big river basins or coastal estuaries have resulted in pollution of the water environment.

He cited the serious environmental contamination of rivers flowing through urban and industrial areas and craft villages in the basins of the Cau, Nhue, ay and ong Nai rivers.

To implement the Law on Environmental Protection and Government Resolution No 38/2015/N-CP dated April 24, 2015 on waste management, the VEA conducted studies to evaluate the loading capacity of river basins, which will help improve the management of water quality at central and local levels, he said.

JICA will help the VEA build circulars defining the load capacity of rivers and waste discharge quota and stipulating the inspection of wastewater sources within the framework of the project Strengthening the capacity of water environment management in river basins, Hung added.

During the workshop, participants discussed building a database on wastewater to implement the Law on Environmental Protection and Law on Water Resources Management.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Tai Nguyen Company plans to invest US$3 million to build a musical fountain system within its Kenton Node Hotel Complex in HCM Citys Nha Be District.

The Shanghai Jiayue Fountain Engineering Liability Company, considered to be one of the top three musical fountain builders in the world, has been chosen.

The first fountain show is expected to be held on National Day on September 2, Vu Anh Tam, CEO of Tai Nguyen, said.

One show will be held at 8pm on weekdays and two shows on weekends, serving 2,000 visitors per show. The free show will run for three years.

After that, the company will consider upgrading the musical fountain when the Kenton Node Hotel Complex is put into operation.

The HCM City Peoples Committee approved the companys plan to build the fountain, saying it could be a new attraction for waterway tourism.  VNS
Junior high school students with Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N5 (minimum) are invited to learn about furoshiki, a traditional Japanese method of wrapping cloth.

The workshop will be held at Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Viet Nam on Sunday, July 9.

Furoshiki is mostly used for wrapping gifts, carrying goods or just as a decor accessory. A wide variety of designs and sizes are available, so based on your own taste you can choose what design and size you would like to use.

There will be two class sections, 9-11.30am, and 2-4.30pm. Limit: 28 people/class.

Participation fee: VN60,000/person. Register at the reception desk in the library on the first floor. Please pay registration fee directly to the receptionist. Do not sign up by mail, phone.

Note: Please prepare the item you wish to pack with a furoshiki (size 70 by 70cm). Furoshiki cloths will be prepared by the organiser.

The Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange is at 27 Quang Trung Street. Tel: (024) 39447419, ext 145. Email: jfkouza.vietnam@gmail.com.  VNS
SHANGHAI  Chinese authorities have raided toy shops across the country to enforce a ban on a handheld crossbow popular with children that can fire nails and needles, state media said.

So-called toothpick crossbows were designed to shoot just that -- toothpicks -- and in recent weeks became the must-have "toy" for young children in Chinese schools.

But anxious parents said they feared the devices, made of plastic or metal and costing as little as five yuan (US$0.75), could end up blinding somebody after reports that people were swapping toothpicks for metal needles and iron nails.

Now authorities have acted, according to the official Xinhua news agency, which declared late Thursday that the mini crossbow has "vanished from shelves almost as fast as it emerged".

It quoted one worried Beijing parent surnamed Geng saying: "This is more a time-bomb than a toy."

Xinhua also quoted an unnamed inspector with the Beijing municipal bureau of commerce as warning: "Kids are being watched by teachers and parents. Playing with such a toy will not be tolerated. It is too dangerous."

The crossbows have also been pulled from major shopping websites, the agency said, adding that only one injury had been reported in connection with the crossbows in all of China.

In China, crossbows can only be carried around with a permit and failure to do so can result in five days behind bars and a 500 yuan fine, Xinhua said.  AFP
HA NOI  The first double-decker bus to ferry tourists around the city started its trial run in Ha Noi on Friday morning.

The bus, called City Tour, departs from Ha Noi Opera House and runs through Hoan Kiem, Ba inh and Tay Ho districts, taking tourists to popular attractions such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature and Old Quarters.

Each bus, painted a cheerful red, costs between VN7 billion (US$311,100) and VN9 billion ($400,000). It has 14 seats at the lower level and over 30 seats on the open top level, which has a mobile roof that can be closed during bad weather.

Nguyen Cong Nhat, deputy director of Ha Noi Transport Service Company (Transerco), said only one bus has been put on trial run to gather public opinion. The city plans to have more double-decker buses with open roofs. They will better serve tourists and help reduce traffic density, he said.

The bus, designed following all technical safety standards, is equipped with 4G, Wifi, and has supportive devices for the disabled.

The city plans to run the first 10 buses in July. Passengers can either buy tickets for the city tour, or hire the entire bus for different purposes.

Last year, the Prime Minister gave the go-ahead to Ha Noi, HCM City and five other areas to pilot double-decker bus for tourism activities within five years. These buses will start operating in the capital and HCM City in the next two months.

Other countries in the region where double-decker buses are commonly used for city tours include Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong.  VNS
President Tran ai Quang meets with members of the Russia-Viet Nam Friendship Association and the Russia Union of Veterans who formerly worked in Viet Nam in Moscow late on Wednesday.

MOSCOW  President Tran ai Quang met with members of the Russia-Viet Nam Friendship Association and the Russia Union of Veterans who formerly worked in Viet Nam in Moscow late on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Ha Noi-Moscow multifunctional complex, Quang said he was happy to meet Russian war veterans who devoted their youth to the protection of their nation and Viet Nams struggle for the independence and freedom.

The Vietnamese people remember the enormous support that Russia has given to their national liberation and development, he noted.

Despite difficulties over nearly seven decades, the friendship between the two countries people remains warm and is a firm foundation for fostering the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, he said, adding that bilateral relations have bright prospects.

The visiting leader affirmed that the country prioritises developing its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, which has been and always will be a trustworthy friend of Viet Nam.

He also expressed delight at the growth of bilateral ties, noting regular high-ranking delegation exchanges and increasing economic-trade links. The signing of a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will create momentum for Viet Nams trade with EAEU members, especially Russia, to grow.

The President valued the outcomes of people-to-people diplomacy through activities of the Russia-Viet Nam Friendship Association such as exchanges and meetings between friends, former comrades and between Russian teachers and Vietnamese alumni.

He voiced his hope that the Russia-Viet Nam Friendship Association and the Russian Union of Veterans who used to work in Viet Nam, together with the friendship association and the Association of Vietnamese War Veterans, will work harder to link the two countries people and help younger generations better understand each other.

He also asked the association to continue assisting the Vietnamese community in the country.

At the meeting, Russian participants expressed their interest in the country and people of Viet Nam. They also said they want to reinforce the two countries amity.

Also on late Wednesday, President Quang had a meeting in Moscow with representatives of Vietnamese people, students and businesses in Russia.

Education co-operation

Viet Nam and Russia should diversify education co-operation programmes for better results in the field, said Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha during a working session with Russian Minister of Education and Science Olga Yurevna Vasylieva on Wednesday in Moscow.

The meeting was made during President Quangs official visit to Russia from June 28 to July 1.

Lauding the traditional friendship between the two nations and their education ministries, Minister Nha thanked the Russian Ministry of Education and Science for granting nearly 1,000 scholarships to Vietnamese graduates and post-graduates each year.

Those who graduated in Russia will become the core workforce in Viet Nam, he said.

He also asked the Russian side to create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese students in the host country.

For her part, Olga Yurevna Vasylieva asserted that her ministry will promote co-ordination with Viet Nam to enhance training quality.

Russia will increase scholarships for Vietnamese students to 953 in 2018, 93 more than the number granted in 2017, she added.

Also on Wednesday, a Russian scholar said the two countries should enhance economic ties to match their potential.

Professor Vladimir Kolotov, head of the Far East History Department - St. Petersburg State University, made the suggestion in an interview with Vietnam News Agency reporters on the occasion of President Quangs visit to Russia.

He said Viet Nam and Russia are partners and more importantly boast a long-standing friendship, with sound political relations and similar viewpoints on international affairs.

However, bilateral economic ties have yet to live up to expectations, said Kolotov, who is also Director of the Ho Chi Minh Institute.

The two sides need to exert more efforts to disseminate accurate information on the development situation in their respective countries and around the world, he said.  VNS
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted separate receptions in Ha Noi on Thursday for Khaw Boon Wan, Chairman of the ruling Peoples Action Party (PAP) of Singapore. Photo Tri Dung

HA NOI  Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted separate receptions in Ha Noi on Thursday for Khaw Boon Wan, Chairman of the ruling Peoples Action Party (PAP) of Singapore.

Trong said the PAP and Singaporean government have provided valuable assistance in personnel training to the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV).

He wanted both countries to continue implementing their strategic partnership and collaborate closely at regional and global forums, especially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum and the United Nations.

Khaw, also Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister of Transport, informed his host of the outcomes of talks held with Politburo member and head of the Party Central Committees Economic Commission Nguyen Van Binh.

He expressed his partys desire to develop multi-faceted ties with Viet Nam.

The PAP will strive to promote Singapores strategic partnership with Viet Nam, share experiences with the CPV in various areas, co-operate to make Viet Nams hosting of APEC meetings a success.

It will also help realise and foster the ASEAN Community, he said.

Better connectivity

Meeting the PAP leader the same day, PM Phuc called on the both nations to fully tap supplementary strengths of the two economies via the Framework Agreement on Viet Nam-Singapore Connectivity.

Viet Nam needs Singapores assistance in joining global supply chains and attracting investment for infrastructure development and environmental protection, he said.

Khaw said Singapore attaches importance to its ties with Viet Nam, particularly in investment, hi-tech zones, software parks and aviation.

Singapore will continue partnering with Viet Nam at regional and global forums and support Viet Nams hosting of the APEC Summit, he said.

As Chair of ASEAN in 2018, Singapore will join hands with Viet Nam and other ASEAN members to build a strong, united and prosperous ASEAN Community, Khaw added.

During its visit, the PAP delegation held a working session with Party Central Committee member and Minister of Transport Truong Quang Nghia, visited the Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Park in the northern province of Bac Ninh and met representatives from the Party Central Committees Organisation Commission, the Viet Nam Womens Union and the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.  VNS
The Viet Nam embassy in the Republic of Korea has carried out citizen protection measures concerning the recent murder of a Vietnamese citizen in the country, stated Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang on Thursday.  VNA/VNS Photo An ang

HA NOI  The Vietnamese embassy in the Republic of Korea has initiated measures to strengthen protection of the nations citizens following the murder of a Vietnamese woman in the country, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said on Thursday.

Hang said at a regular press briefing that the victim, Bui Cat Ha, was allegedly murdered by her father-in-law in Seouls Seongbuk District. The man has been arrested by local police, she noted.

South Korean press on Wednesday cited the Seongbuk District Prosecutors Office as saying an 83-year-old man surnamed Kim is suspected of repeatedly stabbing his 31-year-old Vietnamese daughter-in-law to death while she was sleeping.

The killing occurred at about 4am on June 2 following a fight between the two during dinner the previous day, the press reported.

The next morning, Has husband found her body and called the police.

The Vietnamese embassy has supported Has family and issued a death certificate for the victim and a permit for her ashes to be brought to Viet Nam, Hang said.

She also said that under direction from the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry, the embassy is monitoring the case to ensure justice is served and the legal rights and interest of Vietnamese citizens are protected.  VNS
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Medicaid spending under the proposed Republican health care bill would be 35 percent lower than under the current law by 2036.



The finding came in an additional analysis, requested by Democrats, released Thursday following Monday's comprehensive review of the plan.



Earlier in the week, CBO reported that Medicaid spending by 2026 would be 26 percent lower than current projections. Senate Democrats asked the office to produce the analysis of the long-term impact of the GOP bill, called the Better Care Reconciliation Act, as scrutiny of the plan's impact on Medicaid intensified.



On Wednesday, President Donald Trump tweeted that Democrats "purposely misstated" Medicaid cuts under the new Senate bill, and that spending "actually goes up."



However, Trump's data only compared spending under the BCRA over the next ten years to the current level of Medicaid spending. While there would be increases under the Republican plan when compared to 2017, the increases are less than those that would come under the current law.



Looking further ahead to 2036 in CBO's Thursday analysis, the gap between Medicaid spending under the current law and BCRA Medicaid spending grows, though the office notes that "beyond the coming decade," "projecting federal spending on Medicaid becomes increasingly difficult because of the considerable uncertainties involved."



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MOSCOW  President Tran ai Quang and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed particular interest in strengthening commercial co-operation, agreeing on investing more than US$10 billion in either country.

At a joint press conference following talks between the two leaders in Moscow, the two leaders announced that the investment would be poured into 20 priority projects, including a joint Vietnamese-Russian oil and gas enterprise, the construction of a light industrial zone in Moscow and projects carried out by Vietnamese dairy group TH in some Russian localities.

Another $500 million would be spent on projects with high potentials in new areas of bilateral co-operation like agriculture or medicinal herbs, the leaders said.

The two countries have also set an ambitious target of bilateral trade reaching $10 billion by 2020.

Oil and gas will remain the top priority sector for co-operation between the two countries, Putin said.

Vietsovpetro, a Viet Nam-Russia joint venture, accounts for a third of the crude oil extracted in Viet Nam.

Putin said Russia was committed to providing Viet Nam with cooking gas, petrol and other fuels. He also said Russian enterprises were more than ready to lend a hand in modernising Viet Nams power plants and and help the country build new power plants.

The two leaders also agreed to co-ordinate closely with each other in implementing the Viet Nam-Eurasia Economic Union Free Trade Agreement in order to fully exploit its advantages for further co-operation in trade and investment.

The FTA, involving Viet Nam, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, was signed in May 2015 and took effect on October 5 last year.

Viet Nam and Russia are committed to creating favourable conditions for enterprises to step up trading, including signing agreements on food safety management and promoting payment in Vietnamese ong and the Russian rouble, the leaders said.

Joint ventures to assemble and produce cars in Viet Nam will soon be set up and co-operation stepped up in energy and infrastructure. The leaders said they will also consider the potential for continuing co-operation in the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

On the East Sea (South China Sea) dispute, Quang and Putin agreed that any border or territorial dispute should be resolved by peaceful means without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with international laws including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS).

They agreed the Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea (DOC) should be implemented fully and effectively, and hoped that the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) will soon be completed.

President Putin affirmed that Viet Nam would always be a priority partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region. He said he believed that Quangs visit will provide fresh impetus to the development of the bilateral ties in the coming time.

Quang reiterated that Viet Nam has consistently prioritised strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in order to promote further bilateral co-operation in all fields.

The two leaders later witnessed the signing ceremonies for several co-operation projects including the building of a nuclear technology and science centre in Viet Nam between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Russian Rosatom Group, a co-operation agreement on anti-money laundering between the State Bank of Viet Nam and the Financial Market Relations Regulation Centre, and another between the Vietnam News Agency and the Sputnik.

A memorandum on technical co-operation between the two State treasuries was also signed in the presence of the presidents.

A 2017-22 co-operation programme in aerospace technology between the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology and the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities and an agreement between the Viet Nam Railways Corporation and the Russian Railways Open Joint Stock Company were also signed on Thursday.

Meeting with Russian PM

Viet Nam treasures its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia and consistently prioritises the development of bilateral relations to make it more sustainable and effective, President Tran ai Quang said on Thursday.

Meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow as part of his ongoing four-day official visit to Russia, the President said that Viet Nam sees Russia as one of its top important and reliable partners.

He highlighted the strong political ties between the two countries as well as co-ordination between the Viet Nam Communist Party and the United Russia Party led by PM Medvedev.

Quang said he was delighted at visiting Russia for the first time since he took office in 2016. His noted with pleasure that his visit also coincided the 100th anniversary of Russias October Revolution.

President Quang and PM Medvedev expressed their high determination to lift the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to new heights. They also agreed on measures to promote and deepen bilateral ties.

The Vietnamese President proposed that the two governments foster co-operation with effective implementation of the Viet Nam-Eurasia Economic Union free trade agreement, and by creating favourable conditions for import-export activities between the two countries.

Both sides should encourage co-operation projects, especially in oil and gas, energy, automobile assembly and production, and milch cow breeding and milk processing, he suggested.

He thanked Russia for supporting the Vietnamese community in Russia, and pledged Viet Nams assistance in the organisation of the Russian Culture Days in Viet Nam this year.

For his part, the Russian PM expressed his fond sentiments for Viet Nam, and recalled memories of earlier visits to the country.

Medvedev noted that bilateral ties have grown in all fields, especially economy and trade, and said he hoped both governments will continue their focus on bolstering trade and investment ties. He suggested that the two sides actively seek more co-operation projects.

The leaders expressed pleasures at the close co-ordination between Viet Nam and Russia at multilateral forums, including the APEC.

Medvedev said Russia was willing to work with Viet Nam in successfully organising APEC Year 2017.

Earlier the same day, President Quang and the Vietnamese delegation laid flowers at the Ho Chi Minh Statue in Moscow and planted a tree in Ho Chi Minh Square.

They also laid a wreath at the monument in the Red Square commemorating unknown martyrs who died between 1941 and 1945, and paid tributes to the Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir I. Lenin.  VNS
MOSCOW  President Tran ai Quang held a meeting with leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) Gennady Zyuganov in Moscow on Thursday as part of his ongoing official visit to Russia.

Highly valuing co-operation between the KPRF and Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), President Quang expressed his belief that with its reputation and experience, the KPRF would continue to promote its role as an important political force of Russia to contribute to national construction and development.

The warm and trusting relationship between Viet Nam and the former Soviet Union had been tested by time and history, he said.

The leader noted that the Vietnamese Party, State and people always kept in mind and treasure sentiments and valuable support of the Russian communists and people to Viet Nam during its struggle for national liberation as well as the present cause of national defence and construction.

He said Viet Nam wished to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a more effective and pragmatic fashion.

President Quang urged the two parties to further enhance political ties and maintain delegation exchanges to increase mutual understanding and trust, while organising exchange programmes between young Party members to educate them about the traditional co-operation between the two parties.

Later the same day, President Quang met with Sidelnikov Nikolai Ivanovich, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and experts of the national scientific research institute for medicines and essential oils.

He praised experts support to Vietnamese officials and doctors in protecting the body of President Ho Chi Minh over the past years.

He also called on Russian experts to continue assisting the management board of President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum through scientific research, technological transfer and training of health workers and technicians to better protect President Ho Chi Minhs corpse.  VNS
Viet Nam and Russia issued a joint statement on the occasion of President Tran ai Quangs official visit to Russia from June 28-July 1.  VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sang

MOSCOW  Viet Nam and Russia issued a joint statement on the occasion of President Tran ai Quangs official visit to Russia from June 28-July 1.

The joint statement noted that during their talks on June 29, the two presidents evaluated the current situation and prospects of the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, while giving measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation in prioritised areas and discussing international and regional matters of shared concern.

The two sides agreed to maintain regular and practical political consultation at all levels, as well as effective meetings through the channels of party, parliament, ministries, sectors, localities and social organisations.

The two leaders stressed the need to seek new growth momentums to ensure dynamic development of economic-trade cooperation, and meet the urgent demands of the tasks on improving two-way trade and completing bilateral trade structure.

Therefore, the two sides concurred to work for the efficient implementation of the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) that was signed on May 29, 2015 and related documents.

President Quang and his Russian counterpart agreed to continue working closely in building the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Viet Nam, and affirmed their support of the cooperation programme between Viet Nam and Russia on the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, which was signed on May 23, 2017 in Ha Noi.

Both sides agreed on positive progress of joint projects in oil and gas, affirming that they will continue creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese and Russian enterprises, including the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group, Gazprom Group, Zarubezhneft, and Rosneft, to carry out activities in the field in the territories of both countries.

The two sides will foster collaboration in promising areas, including oil refinery and petrochemistry, supplying liquefied petroleum gas for Vietnam, producing and selling fuel for gas-fuelled vehicles in Viet Nam.

The two sides agreed to strengthen partnership and expand oil and gas exploration area in Viet Nams continental shelf in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

They also consented to the extension of cooperation in electricity, while sharing the hope for effective affiliation in machinery manufacturing, shipbuilding, aviation, chemicals and light industry, and acknowledging the need to diversify bilateral ties in finance-credit.

The two presidents underscored the importance of cooperation in defence and military technology, as well as coordination of actions in defence-security without harming any third party.

They showed delight at the sustainable increase in the number of Russian tourists to Viet Nam, while sharing support of bilateral partnership in tourism.

President Quang and President Putin concurred to increase coordination among authorised agencies in preventing illegal migration, initially within the Viet Nam-Russia Working Group in the field.

Following the talks, the two sides signed a number of cooperation documents in prioritised areas as well as partnership deals among economic organisations of both countries.

Regarding regional and international issues, the two Presidents affirmed efforts to build an equal international relations and order, based on multilateral principles in settling urgent issues and the supremacy of international law, including the United Nations Charter, which includes the principles of respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and legitimate interests of countries, not using or threatening to use force, and expanding cooperation among nations and linkage mechanisms on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and respect for the goal of consolidating global security, peace, stability, and development.

Viet Nam and Russia held that international security is comprehensive and integral, and no nation is allowed to ensure its security by harming others security, including the expansion of regional and global political-military alliances.

The two countries resolutely rejected every attempt to revisit the history of the second World War as well as any doubt about the decisive role of the Soviet Union in the victory over fascism and militarism.

The two leaders condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, stressing that no terrorist act can be justified be they motivated by political, religious, racial or any other reasons.

The unprecedented spreading of terrorism can only be stopped with the joint efforts made by the international community on the basis of widely-accepted principles and stipulations of international law, first of all the UN Charter, and the respect for sovereignty of nations affected by terrorist acts, they added.

The two leaders applauded Russias efforts to fight terrorism and seek political solutions to the crisis in Syria on the basis of international law and the UN Charter, as well as its efforts at Astana and Geneva negotiation mechanisms.

Viet Nam and Russia agreed to boost collective efforts to build a fair, integral, open, comprehensive and transparent security structure n the Asia-Pacific region on the basis of adherence to international law and the principles of mutual respect, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference into countries internal affairs, no use or threat to use force, including maintaining dialogue within the framework of the East Asia Summit and other regional forums with ASEAN playing the central role.

They shared the view that border and territorial disputes and other conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region should be settled by peaceful means without the use of or threat to use force and on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in order to ensure peace, stability and security and in the region.

The two countries back the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea as well as the early formation of a Code of Conduction in the East Sea.

The Presidents also stressed the necessity to further deepen the dialogue partnership between ASEAN and Russia.

They expressed support of international economic connectivity and trade liberalisation in a fair, sustainable and transparent manner and in accordance with the World Trade Organisations regulations, while affirming the importance of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Both leaders agreed that the official visit to Russia by the Vietnamese President will create a strong driving force for the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.  VNS
The Peoples Court in the south central province of Khanh Hoa on Thursday sentenced Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, better known as Mother Mushroom, to 10 years in prison for conducting anti-State propaganda under Clause 1 of Article 88 of the Penal Code.  Photo vietnamnet.vn

KHANH HOA  The Peoples Court in the south central province of Khanh Hoa on Thursday sentenced Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, better known as Mother Mushroom, to 10 years in prison for conducting anti-State propaganda under Clause 1 of Article 88 of the Penal Code.

Quynh, born July 18, 1979, resided in Vinh Phuoc Ward of Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province. She was arrested by the Investigation Security Agency of the Khanh Hoa Department of Public Security on October 10, 2016.

According to the indictment, Quynh opened a Facebook account in 2010 named Me Nam (Mother Mushroom) which was later renamed Me Nam Gau, Nguyen Nhu Quynh and Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh.

According to the indictment, from 2012 to October 2016, she used her Facebook page to draft, post and share articles with false content that distorted, criticised and defamed the guidelines and policies of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and law of the State of Viet Nam, falsified Viet Nams revolutionary history and split national unity.

The articles gave one-sided views that stirred public worries and affected peoples trust in the Partys leadership and the States governance and management of society and incited people to resist the State, thus harming national security and social order and safety, the indictment said.

From 2013 to 2016, Quynh also gave interviews to foreign press and media outlets, in which she distorted the domestic situation in many fields, from history, economy, politics, defence, diplomacy, law to democracy and human rights.

In 2014, she collected information from online newspapers about 31 people who reportedly died after working with the police and then created a file named Stop police killing civilians to post on her Facebook page.

However, authorities claim Quynh did not thoroughly grasp the official information on these cases provided by authorised agencies and intentionally distorted the truth to make readers misunderstand the issues, insulted and lowered the prestige of the peoples public security force and blighted the relationship between the people and the public security force.

She also organised or took part in activities and events which aimed to incite people to oppose the State, according to the indictment.

A representative of the Peoples Procuracy of Khanh Hoa Province said the charge is subject to sentences of between 3-12 years in prison.  VNS
HCM CITY  The HCM City police have detained restaurant owner Tran Tuan Minh, 22, for allegedly misappropriating nearly VN700 million (US$31,100) from an Australian.

Minh, director of HCM-based Nightfall Restaurant One Member Ltd., has been accused of using digital equipment to misappropriate properties, local media reported.

The incident reportedly took place on August 10, 2016, when Australian national Caracciolo David John, 45, and a group of friends visited Minhs restaurant on Nguyen Sieu Street in District 1, and had dinner and played bar billiards. John used two cards  a Visa and a Master  from two Australian banks to pay the bill, which came to VN20 million (US$890).

However, several days later, after returning to Australia, John discovered that A U$39,429 (VN700 million/US$31,100) had been withdrawn from his accounts.

Investigations revealed that John had paid the restaurant AU$150 and VN2 million (US$89) in cash, and the remaining amount using the two cards.

Minh allegedly got his staff to swipe the cards several times and withdraw more money than Johns bill amount. The next day, he visited the bank and withdrew the money. On his instructions, the staff blamed the point of sale (POS) machine, claiming it was not working properly, for misappropriation of nearly VN700 million.

The suspect told investigators that he wanted to return the money to John, after which Johns representative withdrew the accusation report and decided not to file for criminal penalty.

However, the police said Minhs action was extremely serious and affected the image of the countrys tourism sector, thus further investigation was needed to determine who else was involved.  VNS
HA NOI  Ha Noi Police on Friday launched a criminal investigation into two company directors for trading counterfeit products after police and the Market Watch Division last month confiscated more than 600 water filters illegally labeled Made in US.

The water filters were in fact made in China and bought by two companies  Nhat Quang Company, based in Gia Lam District, and Thanh Huan Ltd Co, based in Hoang Mai District.

The two companies admitted to the police that after buying the Chinese water filters, they re-labeled them as Made in US and sold them for some VN400,000 (US$17.6) each.

Increasingly concerned about food safety and pollution, many consumers in Viet Nam have been looking for quality water filters that they hope will make their drinking water safer.

Major Nghiem Tuan Anh, vice head of the Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Products department under the citys Economic Police said that the fake water filters could pose a threat to users health as they failed to ensure safe water.

He said that the trade of counterfeit goods violates intellectual property law and harms the business of reliable producers.  VNS
QUANG NGAI  The Hang (Cave) Pagoda is a must see destination for visitors to Ly Son, one of the most beautiful islands in the central province of Quang Ngai.

The pagoda is in the north of Thoi Loi Mountain where a crater has helped create a large lake. The path winds around mountains giving visitors views of beautiful landscapes.

The Hang Pagoda was built during the rule of Emperor Le Kinh Tong (1588-1619), and is called so because it is situated inside a large cave.

The pagoda has a large yard with a lotus lake at the centre and a statue of the Goddess of Mercy looking out to sea.

Around the yard are ancient tropical almond trees creating an imposing scene. In front of the pagoda is a well called Heaven.

Visitors often try to get a little bit of water from the stalactites in the cave believing it will relieve them of tiredness.

The main worship hall is in the centre of the main cave. Altars were created from stalagmites and carved with unique patterns.

Traces of the Champa culture are found in the pagoda.  VNS
HCM CITY  Majestic Princess, the newest ship in the US-based Princess Cruises fleet, arrived at Phu My Port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province on its maiden Viet Nam port call with more than 3,500 passengers and 1,340 crew members.

Viet Nam is the second port call made by the cruise ship on its 21-day cruise to Southeast Asia.

In addition to Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Princess Cruises also visited Nha Trang, Chan May (in Thua Thien-Hue and a Nang.

This year Majestic Princess and five other royal-class vessels -- Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess, Golden Princess, Sun Princess and Coral Princess -- will make 35 trips to Southeast Asia carrying 79,000 guests in all.

Sapphire Princess will visit Phu My Port six times and Nha Trang Port four times with over 25,000 passengers.

Majestic Princess will visit Viet Nam three more times with 14,000 passengers.

Diamond Princess, Golden Princess and Coral Princess will make a total of 21 trips bringing more than 40,000 travellers.  VNS
BRASILIA  Brazils Supreme Court on Thursday sent a corruption charge against President Michel Temer to Congress for it to decide whether the president should be put on trial.

Although just a formality, the handover of the case meant one more step forward in the growing crisis that threatens to bring down Temer just over a year after he took power following his predecessors impeachment.

The centre-right leader this week became the first sitting president in Brazils history to be indicted for a crime.

Prosecutors, who have already uncovered a vast network of bribery and embezzlement in top political and business circles, say Temer took bribes from the JBS meatpacking company. Temer denies the allegation, calling it "fiction."

Next, a lower house committee will take up the case, hearing arguments by Temers defence team before voting a recommendation on how to proceed.

The full chamber will then vote on whether to accept the charge. A two thirds majority would be needed to trigger the suspension of Temer for six months and the start of a trial in the Supreme Court.

If that vote fails to carry, Temer would be free to continue his presidency.

Attention will now turn on the committee, whose non-binding vote will demonstrate the political temperature in a legislature where many lawmakers are themselves facing corruption allegations.

Temers main argument is that a package of austerity reforms that he has championed is already bringing the economy back to health after a deep two year recession and that lawmakers should focus on finishing the measures, rather than bringing new instability.

But opponents have been gunning for Temer ever since he took over last year after helping to engineer the impeachment of leftist president Dilma Rousseff on what her supporters saw as flimsy, largely technical charges of breaking accounting rules.

Pro-Temer congressional deputy Carlos Marun said the opposition, which needs 342 votes out of 513 to get the trial started, will fail.

"The opposition will not even get 200 votes," he said. "But their aim is to wear down the president, their clear objective is to paralyse the country."

However, Julio Delgado, a deputy from the PSB party, which recently went into opposition, said that lawmakers will be afraid of being seen supporting the unpopular Temer, given that theres a general election in October 2018.

"Everyone knows that the vote (on Temers case) will be public and that the 2018 elections are just around the corner," he said.

Even if Temer survives a vote on the bribery charge, the prosecutor general, Rodrigo Janot, says that two more corruption charges could follow, meaning the crisis could drag on  reducing Temers survival chances.  AFP
BUCHAREST  The Romanian parliament on Thursday approved the Social Democrat government of new Prime Minister Mihai Tudose, despite controversy over its economic plans.

The incoming government easily won the confidence vote, with 275 deputies and senators backing it, against 102 opposed.

Tudose, the 50-year-old outgoing economy minister, was designated premier on Monday by centrist President Klaus Iohannis, days after the ruling Social Democrats torpedoed its own government following an internal power row.

"This government will work non-stop to catch up," Tudose promised, saying he would "turn the brake into an accelerator" for fresh reforms to boost the economy.

In his speech to parliament Tudose stressed the plan for a "sovereign development and investment fund" aimed at attracting capital to invest in infrastructure projects and the creation of state-controlled enterprises.

The new governments economic programme also includes a "solidarity tax" to be levied on high earners, the details of which are yet to be announced as well as a tax on company turnover to replace the current tax on profits.

These two measures, aimed at boosting state coffers, have been criticised by the centre-right opposition upset at seesawing fiscal policies.

Earlier this month the ruling Social Democrats unexpectedly withdrew its support for the then prime minister Sorin Grindeanu, barely six months after the party swept back to power at the ballot box.

The party accused Grindeau of delays in implementing reforms in the European Unions second-poorest country, after Bulgaria.  AFP
ISTANBUL  In line with the importance Turkey attaches to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and mediation, the fourth Istanbul Conference on Mediation will convene on Friday themed Surge in Diplomacy, Action in Mediation.

Prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts is a central feature of Turkeys foreign policy, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

"Turkey undertakes various efforts in a wide geography from Africa to the Middle East, the Balkans and the Caucasus and has become the most generous nation in the world in terms of per capita humanitarian assistance," he said.

The Istanbul conference on mediation is being held understanding the need to take a comprehensive and holistic approach towards preventing and resolving conflicts and that mediation can be more widely used.

Following UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres Surge in Diplomacy for Peace agenda that ascribes a central role to mediation, a key theme of the conference is ways to strengthen the role of mediation in different phases of conflicts.

Another key question is the use of mediation in addressing extremist tendencies, such as racism, xenophobia and animosity against Islam.

The conference will contribute significantly to the activities of the two Groups of Friends of Mediation that Turkey set up and co-chairs at the UN and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

The UN group, which has become the leading platform at the UN to promote mediation, now has 53 members, including 48 states and five international organisations. The group also contributed to the 2012 United Nations Guidance for Effective Mediation.

In addition to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, the UN Secretary General and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Finland and Switzerland, the other co-chairs at the UN and the OSCE, will address the conference through video messages. The conference will be attended by more than one hundred experts, diplomats, practitioners and scholars from around the world.
Menah Pratt-Clarke had a vision to make Virginia Tech a more inclusive place. She and her team in the Office for Inclusion and Diversity came up with a five-day camp called ExploreVT to bring high school students from underrepresented and underserved populations to campus to showcase what Virginia Tech has to offer.

After beginning her role as vice president for strategic affairs and vice provost for inclusion and diversity in February 2016, Pratt-Clarke began to assess the areas of challenge and opportunity for underrepresented groups at Virginia Tech. Thats when she began thinking about ExploreVT.

The program gave almost 50 students the opportunity to live in a Virginia Tech residence hall, immerse themselves in a college setting, and learn from faculty from all eight of Virginia Techs colleges.

Most of the students were rising juniors in high school, when the conversation about college typically happens.

There was an opportunity this summer for them to begin to understand how their high school curriculum can prepare them and help them be more successful in terms of being able to succeed at Virginia Tech, Pratt-Clarke said. So, whether its certain math classes they need to take or a certain science curriculum or being more engaged in cocurricular activities, theres still a chance to shift what they thought they were going to do to be ready.
WATERLOO  The Womens Day of Union Missionary Baptist Church, 209 Jackson St., will present a Heaven and Hell Pageant at 4 p.m. Sunday .

Special guests include Minnie Gary of Des Moines. The pastor is the Rev. Marvin Jenkins.

For more information, call the church at 235-1213.

WATERLOO  Friends in Faith, the singles ministry of the Catholic parishes in Waterloo, will host a singles picnic and potluck at Jon Steimels home on July 8.

The event starts at 3 p.m.; plan to grill at 5 p.m.

Singles attending should bring a dish to share, meat to grill, beverage and table service. For information and directions, call Steimel, 239-3001.

WATERLOO  The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo will host the 2017 Summer Forum Series. All events will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at COR, 220 E. Fourth St.

The Importance of Mercy in The Lord of the Rings will be presented by Mary Ducey of Mount Mercy University on July 10.

Dave Cushing, director of Adult Formation, will present How Religious Faith Shapes Attitudes on Climate Change on July 17.

David Cochran of Loras College will present The Common Good  the Catholic Challenge to Libertarianism on July 25.

Teresa Culpepper with the Waterloo Human Rights Commission will present Growing Up As a Catholic of Mixed Heritage in Waterloo on Aug. 9.

For more information, go to www.waterloocatholics.org/summer-forum-series.

WATERLOO  The Music Ministry of the Antioch Baptist Church, 426 Sumner St., will host an evening of worship and praise July 8 with the Male Chorus.

It will feature area vocalists and groups from the city.

For more information, contact the church office at 233-2587 or Reatha Phillips at 433-5406.
CEDAR FALLS  The Cedar Falls Lions Club had its Bicycle Built for 10 entry chosen for the 100th Lions International Parade and Convention in Chicago.

The parade on Saturday will represent every country that has a Lions Club  an estimated 10,000 Lions from more 125 countries twill take part. The Cedar Falls club was the only entry picked from Iowa.

The bicycle also appeared in this years Sturgis Falls Parade.

The convention is coming to Chicago to honor the founding of the Lions organization there a century ago.
INDEPENDENCE  The first shot came from behind her, where her husband was, as she sat in her bedroom.

Robin Olsen would later learn the bullet had entered the ceiling above her.

The second shot was right over my head, Olsen said. I could feel my hair move.

Investigators would later find strands of her hair embedded in the bullet hole in the closet door across the room.

Olsen recounted the two gunshots, and the threats and additional shots that followed, Thursday as trial started for her now-ex-husband, 56-year-old Dennis Edgar Chamberlain.

Chamberlain is accused of holding Olsen against her will, threatening her and firing at sheriffs deputies during an hourslong standoff at their Aurora home on Oct. 8.

This is a chaotic situation. There is shooting, yelling, said Jenalee Zaputil, who is prosecuting the case with Buchanan County Attorney Shawn Harden.

Chamberlains attorney, Jeremiah White, declined to outline the defenses case during opening statements but earlier notified the court he could argue Chamberlain suffered from diminished capacity at the time and was unable to form the intent to commit the crimes.

Olsen, who was married to Chamberlain twice and filed for her second divorce from him shortly after the incident, told jurors Chamberlain was upset about a comment her mother made. Olsen had been buying property from her father, who had died, and there was a disagreement with her mother over what she owed, she said.

On Oct. 8, Chamberlain left the house and later returned with a local bartender helping him into the house, Olsen said. She said Chamberlain told her he was going to divorce her and stumbled around the house for a bit, and she went to bed. She said he later woke her by grabbing her hair and showing her a gun.

He told her, If I had a daughter like you, I would have shot you a long time ago, according to Olsens account. She said he threatened her, fired the first two shots while they were in the bedroom and made her call their children and Chamberlains daughter.

He told me to call the kids and tell them goodbye, she said.

The daughter, in turn, called 911, and Buchanan County sheriffs deputies were sent to the scene.

Olsen said she noticed flashlights outside, and Chamberlain forced her into the bathroom with her dog and then fired shots outside. She heard him yell at the deputies and then heard two more shots. During the course of the incident, Chamberlain also threatened to shoot her dog, she said.

A negotiator with the Iowa State Patrol was brought into defuse the situation with the help of relatives.

Jurors also heard a recorded conversation Chamberlain had with 911 dispatcher Brenda Vande Voorde as he told authorities he planned to release Olsen.

In the background, Chamberlain can be heard telling deputies Get off my (expletive deleted) porch or youre going to eat a (expletive deleted) round.

When Vande Voorde told Chamberlain to calm down, he responded I dont have to calm down. Im the one with the (expletive deleted) gun.

During cross examination, Olsen said Chamberlain had earlier undergone back and neck surgeries and suffered from neuropathy, which made it difficult for him to move about. She said he took prescription medication for pain and anxiety. She testified during the threats and shooting, Chamberlain wasnt slurring his words or stumbling, and she said she didnt smell alcohol.

Testimony is scheduled to resume today in Buchanan County District Court in Independence.
Worship and re-dedication service will be at 10:30 a.m., with a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. and an open house from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
In Episode 37 of Understanding Latin American Politics: The Podcast, I talk with Hannah Dreier, who just finished three years as Venezuela correspondent for The Associated Press. She is the recipient of the 2016 James Foley Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism for her coverage of the Venezuelan crisis. In July shell join ProPublica and cover immigration. In particular, we talked about the challenges of being a reporter in Venezuela, the difference between being a foreign and local reporter, and in general the nature of the coverage that Americans consume about Venezuela.



In the podcast, she mentions that this is the story that she "liked" (in the sense of how it conveyed something to reader as opposed to enjoying it) the most.










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Staying out of debt is easier said than done, I know. However, its something you can do, and its something you should be practicing everyday. As Christians, we are in this world, but we are
Jun 29, 2017 | By David

The United States Department of Energy is renewing its funding into nuclear energy, with 3D printing technology set to play a key role in the latest research. A grant of $1.275 million was just awarded to the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering for a collaborative research project, which will be focused on the development of advanced sensors for nuclear reactors. The nuclear sensors will be fabricated using 3D printing, as well as other cutting-edge laser manufacturing technologies.

Improved safety and efficiency were most likely the motivating factors behind the award of this grant by the DoE, which came from the Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET) program, part of the the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP). NEET has recently awarded a total of $66 million to various beneficiaries for projects that will contribute to the advancement of the nuclear industry.

The Swanson School of Engineering will be working in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Reactor Laboratory, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and the National Energy Technology Laboratory. Kevin Chen, the Paul E. Lego Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, will be leading the study.

The aim of the project is to develop radiation-hard, multi-functional, distributed fiber sensors, and sensor-fused components that can be placed in a nuclear reactor core. The group will use 3D printing technology and pioneering laser fabrication methods, hoping to produce both high-temperature stable point sensors and distributed fiber sensors for high spatial resolution measurements in radiation-hardened silica and sapphire fibers.

"This NEET grant will allow our lab to continue its partnerships with leading technological companies and national laboratories to develop solutions to some of the most pressing issues affecting nuclear energy production, said Chen. "Advances in sensor technology can greatly enhance the sensitivity and resolution of data in harsh environments like a nuclear reaction, thereby improving safety operations."

Chen has previously garnered serious acclaim in this field, with his research into optical sensing technology leading to his being presented with a 2017 Carnegie Science Award. The "Innovation in Energy Award" recognized Dr. Chen's contributions to improving efficiency of energy production and safety of transportation infrastructures in the energy industry.

In addition to this recent NEET grant, the program also awarded him a $987,000 grant in 2014, to study high-sensitivity, high-accuracy sensor networks. Fiber optical sensor networks allow nuclear engineers to be much more responsive to problems in nuclear power reactors and other fuel cycle systems, which leads to increased safety as well as reducing operating cost.

According to Chen, "the networks we developed contain up to 100 sensors per meter and can be placed in critical locations to quickly relay information to the plant operators and isolate problems before they spread to other areas."

As for the University of Pittsburgh, it has benefitted from funding from various other parts of the Nuclear Energy University Program besides NEET, adding up to around $2.8 million overall. Between 2009 and 2016, NEUP awarded grants for two research and development projects totalling around $1.7 million, as well as general scientific infrastructure funding of around $300,000. Five fellowships were awarded by the program, coming to around $770,000 in total, as well as $70,000 for 11 scholarships.

This investment in nuclear research should pay off in a major way in the near future, as reliance on fossil fuels and other conventional energy sources is increasingly discouraged due to the undeniable facts of climate change. The role that 3D printing technology has to play in the development of new energy technology is likely to grow accordingly.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Not Elegy, But Eros

for Xulhaz Mannan, LGBT activist murdered

in Bangladesh, April 2016

I have heard the summons. The wind

tossed my hair and wrestled me down

to the earths amorous embrace.

I have lain down among the rushes

and offered myself to whatever it was

within me, calling. Some said dont.

I went wherever the wind blew me.

I fathomed the fall of that abyss, held

only by the thought of one I loved

the arch of his brow, the two-day scruff

of his jaw rasping against my cheek,

the pulsing veins of his slender limbs.

I have loved my brothers and comrades.

I have blessed the new year and painted

the town with all the colors of my love.
David Runciman in the LRB:

One of the better arguments for Britains leaving the EU was that it might reinvigorate and liberate national politics, stifled for too long by the absence of real choice at election time. The EU is a legalistic and treaty-based political institution designed to take some of the heat out of domestic politics. That left people complaining that the EU was generating all the heat. Brexit offered the prospect of a return to two-party politics across Britain, squeezing out the minor parties motivated by single-issue grievances. To a remarkable extent, this is what seems to have happened. The electoral map of Britain in 2017 looks very much as it did in 1970, before we joined the EEC. The two main parties now command well over 80 per cent of the popular vote between them, a figure not reached since the election of 1970. Scotland is no longer another country in electoral terms and both Labour and the Tories can claim to speak for all parts of the Union. This was achieved without either of the main parties cleaving to the centre. The choice on offer at this election was real and the voters embraced it.

It may be one of the better arguments, but that still doesnt make it convincing. No election that results in the prospect of a minority government formed between the Tories and the DUP can be a great advertisement for two-party politics. There are many words that could be used to describe such an arrangement, but reinvigorated and liberated are not among them. British politics feels pinched and insecure after this vote. The prospect of real change hovers in the background but it is still hard to see how we get there from here. This is not 1970. The SNP retains a large bloc of support in Scotland that makes it much more difficult for either of the main parties to forge decisively ahead. Seventy seats in the new Parliament are held by MPs who are not Labour or Tory. In 1970 that figure was 12. Back then, Northern Irish electoral politics were still an extension of what happened on the mainland: the Ulster Unionists, effectively the Northern Irish branch of the Conservative Party, won eight of the 12 seats contested in the province. Now, Westminster politics looks more like an extension of what happens in Northern Ireland. If a return to the early 1970s means British politics being overshadowed by entrenched divisions in Northern Ireland, then here we go again. But that isnt what Brexit was designed to achieve.

More here.
Michael Ralph in Dissent:

In the past decade, the coal-mining region that runs from Ohio to West Virginia has logged nearly 1,000 cases of black lung disease plaguing workers whove faced prolonged exposure to coal dust. But Senate Republicans have stalled legislation that retired coal miners desperately need to access the healthcare plans and pensions they were promised. Donald Trump became the forty-fifth president of the United States in part based on the claim that he would restore jobs by reviving the nations coal industry. But coal embodies capitalisms most telling paradox: that the most lucrative industries are often the most dangerous. From the time it was first discovered in the United States in 1701 in Chesterfield County, Virginia, coal promised to revolutionize the world of energy and transportation. Yet, coal is responsible for untold damage to the environment and has led to the exploitation of workersas laborers and assetsstretching back to the age of legalized slavery.

Two and a half decades after coal was discovered in what is now the Richmond Coal Basin, Abraham and Archibald Woolridge leased land from Major Henry Heth to establish a mining firm. Heth, a British emigre to the United States, had settled near the nations oldest coal mines in 1759. He fought in the American Revolution as part of the 1st Virginia Regiment, shooting through the ranks from captain to major. After the war, Heth became a successful entrepreneur, starting a family business at the Black Heath Coal Pits that was later taken over by his grandson, Confederate general Harry Heth. The end of the transatlantic slave trade and subsequent expansion of U.S. domestic trade enticed Major Heth to make the most of his access to capital in land and slaves. Since slaves could no longer enter the country legally, planters focused on smuggling them in (which was unpredictable), breeding them (a lengthy process), and renting them. In 1810, Heth placed an ad in the Richmond Enquirer soliciting 30 or 40 able bodied Negro Men, for whom a liberal price will be given to be employed in the Coal Mines. From twenty slaves in 1801, Heth successfully acquired 114 slaves by 1812. In addition to the slaves he purchased, Heth would employ scores of enslaved miners rented from nearby merchants at the Black Heath Coal Pits.

Most enslaved persons were subject to harsh punishment and grueling work. Strategies of coercion and intimidation were integral to economic production, especially in the cotton kingdom. Industrial slaves like those operating in Virginia coal mines enjoyed a great deal more flexibility and a different work regimen.

More here.
Although antidepressants have been widely used for their sedative effects, only the tricyclic antidepressant doxepin (Silenor) has been FDA approved for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep maintenance. The mechanism of action is not known but is likely related to antagonism of the histamine H 1 receptor. Compared with placebo, doxepin at doses of 3 and 6 mg improves sleep efficiency and total sleep time, and a 6-mg dose improves sleep latency.36 The adverse effect profile of both doses is favorable in older adults and similar to placebo, even when used long term.18,37 Doxepin is also available in a much less expensive generic formulation in 10-mg capsules. Although safe, this dosage has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia. Doxepin should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Several other antidepressants are also used off-label to treat insomnia, especially trazodone, which is typically prescribed at dosages of 50 to 100 mg at bedtime. However, the evidence for trazodone is weak, and it should not be considered as first-line therapy.38 In addition to trazodone, mirtazapine (Remeron), amitriptyline (Elavil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor) are used off-label for the treatment of insomnia. The evidence for these medications is also limited, and they should be considered only if there is another indication besides insomnia. These medications have anticholinergic effects and should not be used in patients with glaucoma or difficulty with urinary retention.
As a new member of the royal ranks, Diana stepped into her official Princess of Wales role immediately. The pretty princess was barely back from her honeymoon before she was handling royal engagements, both with Prince Charles and alone. What she lacked in self-confidence in those nascent days, she made up with in flair. She could instantly connect with the people who came out in droves to see her, and her photogenic appearance gradually became a huge part of her public appeal. She grew more assured with every outing and quickly became a global sensation, adding some much-needed warmth, youth and modernity to the monarchy.

In 1983, Charles and Diana made their first official international trip, to Australia and New Zealand, where Diana quickly learned the crowd-pleasing ropes. As she made more royal trips, she dazzled in every situation, from gamely "driving" a tank at a Berlin army base to wearing the royal lady "uniform" of colorful dresses and big hats, or a tiara and elegant gown in more formal situations. At first, and especially when photographed with Prince Charles, Diana appeared demure  in Venice, for a spin in a gondola, on a royal tour of Italy; at the British Embassy and the White House, on a visit to the U.S.; on visits to France and Thailand. But on her own in Egypt and Argentina, she really began to shine  smiling, shaking hands, greeting children  discarding the hats for a sunny glow and a wardrobe of formfitting chic clothes. The real Diana, who by 1992 was separating from Charles, began to emerge as a role model for a new era of pop-star royalty.
In flattering, flickering candlelight conjured by cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd, whose muted work echoes Kubricks Barry Lyndon and The Godfathers famous dark palette, a highly civil war is fought around the dinner table, within each pulsing heart and among the rivalrous women desiring Farrell against their principles. When Fanning brags about her cooking, telling Farrell, I hope you like apple pie! we feel the subtext. Few films even try to evoke the Female Gaze the way Coppolas  Sofia and Eleanor  do. Its not about the man, its about the shared inner world of the women, conveyed through shooting glances and cutting words.

Kidman is as ruthless and vulnerable as weve ever seen her. When she bathes the unconscious soldier, her punctiliously proper fingers lose their nerve as they delve southward, but its not played for laughs. Her desire is serious, her propriety more so. Her eyes turn cold and calculating when they have to because the soldiers untamed emotions are a bomb that could blow them all to smithereens. Farrell plays him as a half-calculating Irish charmer, wooing each girl or woman with whatever flavor of blarney works. But hes also helpless before his own eruptive passions, and its not hard to see whos going to win his duel with Miss Farnsworth. In this house, nobody gets away with so much as an erroneous Latin declension.

On the other hand, the eerily talented Fannings teen is clearly destined to be out of control, and given the right guy, Dunsts tightly wound outfit yearns to burst and rain its buttons like impeccable marbles on the plantation floor.

What shall prevail, licentiousness or virtue? Murder or nursing? North or South? Its all up to Miss Farnsworth, who turns out to be the smartest civil warrior on the battlefield of the human heart.

Tim Appelo is AARP's Movies For Grownups editor. Follow him on Twitter: @timappelo
The phrase helps communicate to people that the celebration has a long tradition, said Clark Kolterman, the board chairman of the Seward, Nebr. July 4 Committee. Seward can trace its July 4 events back 149 years, and between 40,000 and 50,000 people pour into the town of about 6,000 people every year for the celebration, he said.

Its a family event. We try to have some traditional events like the apple pie eating contest and the bubble gum blowing contest. We have watermelon and caramel corn  things you might have done or eaten 100 years ago, he said.

Among the dozens of events during the day are a parade, musical performances, dancing, rope-twirling and even a traditional anvil firing, where gunpowder is placed between two anvils and lit. (The resulting explosion may toss the top anvil a few feet, although more explosive efforts elsewhere have blasted anvils 100 feet in the air).

Seward is far from alone. For example, in Aspen, Colo., theres bike decorating, a picnic, a parade and a community street dance. Bridgeport, Calif. spreads its celebration over several days and includes a rodeo and a greased pole climb. Boyne City, Mich. has a Soap Box Derby race and a childrens pie-eating contest.

Almost all of these events promote themselves as family-friendly, and Kolterman said thats a major part of the appeal. In Seward, that goes so far as to give high-school students major roles in helping to plan and run the event.

Ive been involved since 69, when I was a senior in high school, said Kolterman, 66. Now Im teaching high school.

So if an ice cream social (Mackinac Island, Mich.), a bull-riding contest (Granbury, Texas) or a pancake breakfast (Blaine, Wash.) sound like good ways to celebrate the holiday, there might be an old-fashioned Fourth of July event nearby just for you.
For Laurie Merges-Jett, Medicaid has literally been a lifesaver.

In 2015, two months after she lost her job and health insurance when her company downsized, the Lakewood, Ohio, mother of three was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Because her state had decided to expand Medicaid under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, Merges-Jett was able to afford the 16 rounds of chemotherapy she needed to save her life.

Medicaid allowed Merges-Jett to stay alive and be a mother to my children, she said at a Protect Patients First forum in Cleveland this month sponsored by AARP and several major health care organizations.

For more than five decades, Medicaid has provided such critical health care coverage for millions of Americas most vulnerable. The American Health Care Act, passed by the House of Representatives in May, would slash funding for this safety net program by more than $800 billion over 10 years.

The Senate has followed suit, releasing a bill on June 22 that also would put Medicaid on the chopping block. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis found that the Senate measure  the Better Care Reconciliation Act  would cut Medicaid by $772 billion over 10 years, and that 15 million fewer people would be enrolled in Medicaid by 2026. In addition, the CBO reported yesterday that if the bill becomes law there would be even harsher cuts in the second decade.

"Medicaid would experience even more drastic cuts in the second 10-year period, with reductions of over one third of the program, or 35 percent," said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond.

The House and Senate bills would also fundamentally change the federal-state partnership that over the years has maintained a balance between a federal guarantee to help states fund basic Medicaid services and the ability of state leaders to tailor Medicaid coverage to the needs of their populations.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) gave states the option to expand Medicaid to cover many poor and low-income adults who had not been eligible for the program before. As an incentive for states to expand, the law fully funded the expansion through 2016, gradually scaling back the federal match to 90 percent by 2020.

The District of Columbia and 31 states expanded Medicaid. In one of them, Arizona, health experts estimate that hundreds of thousands of Arizonans would lose coverage if the expansion were rolled back as envisioned in both the House and Senate bills.

Real-world impacts

In Maricopa County alone  Arizonas largest county, which includes Phoenix  about 200,000 people would be dropped from Medicaid by 2023, according to Stephen Purves, CEO and president of the Maricopa Integrated Health System.

Purves said coverage losses would have real-world, tangible impacts. For example, someone dropped from Medicaid who stopped taking diabetes medicine could go into a diabetic coma, go to the emergency room and then intensive care, and rack up thousands of dollars in costs that could have been prevented by taking a $50 medication, he said.

Rolling back Medicaid eligibility has already had an impact in one state. In 2005, Tennessee cut back its Medicaid-eligible population, eventually dropping 170,000 low-income beneficiaries from the program.

Those Medicaid reductions have now been linked to more women in Tennessee being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. A new study in the American Cancer Society journal Cancer found that income and the availability of health coverage was a determining factor in cancer diagnoses.

We show that when a large population in a state loses Medicaid coverage, low-income women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at later stages, suggesting that they did not receive screening or other primary care that may have facilitated earlier diagnosis, said Wafa Tarazi of Virginia Commonwealth University, one of the authors of the study. The study found a 3.3 percentage point increase in late-stage diagnosis for women living in low-income ZIP codes, compared to women living in high-income ZIP codes.

The authors also pointed out that late-stage cancer is more costly to treat and carries a higher risk of death than when the cancer is detected and treated earlier.

The Medicaid expansion has affected communities large and small throughout the country. A study released this month by Georgetown University and the North Carolina Rural Health Research Program found that the Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion is having a disproportionately positive impact on small towns and rural areas in several states, such as Alaska, Maine and Louisiana.

Dan Rahn, chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, says that Arkansas decision to expand Medicaid has improved access to health care in rural areas of the state. Families USA estimates nearly 300,000 Arkansans would lose health coverage if the Medicaid expansion were rolled back.

The expansion of Medicaid has been a major factor in the sharp reduction in the number of Americans without health insurance. Since the ACA went into effect, the proportion of uninsured Americans has fallen from 16 percent to under 9 percent. That means 20 million fewer people in the country are without coverage.

Vital services at risk

The cuts and program changes being contemplated for Medicaid on Capitol Hill would affect beneficiaries throughout the nation  not just those in expansion states.

Under federal law, Medicaid guarantees payment for certain services for anyone who meets the programs eligibility requirements. These services include: inpatient and outpatient hospital care; nursing home care; home health care; physician services; and rural health clinic services.

The proposed legislation would fundamentally change the structure of Medicaid, would scale back those guarantees and would mean cuts for other essential services Medicaid provides.

Under both the House-passed bill and the Senates proposed legislation, Medicaid would give states a certain amount of money for each person enrolled  a per capita amount, subject to caps, that would be based on how much a state has historically spent on beneficiaries. States would also have the option of asking for a block grant for Medicaid for some populations  a lump sum of money to fund the program.

Either approach would force states to make up for the loss of federal support by taking one or more of these uninviting paths: Cut how much they pay health care providers, which would cause some of them to stop serving Medicaid patients; raise taxes or cut other state programs; reduce or eliminate Medicaid services; or further restrict eligibility for Medicaid.

Given those difficult choices, its virtually inevitable that states would reduce the so-called optional Medicaid services  services not required by the federal government but ones that states have the option to include in their Medicaid programs.

These optional services include prescription drugs, physical therapy, dental care, private-duty nurses and home- and community-based services. They also include home modifications for ramps and other items, transportation, and home-delivered meals.

Eliminating or reducing these at-risk services would affect millions of poor seniors and people with disabilities.

By enabling people to meet their basic needs and live in a safe, accessible environment, the home- and community-based services that many states provide can be the difference between staying at home  which the vast majority of people prefer  and having to move to a nursing home, an alternative that is two to three times more expensive for Medicaid.

Such cuts would affect people like Clark Wideman, who suffered respiratory failure in 2015 and ended up in a nursing home. Now 70 years of age, Wideman is able to live at his home in Columbus, Ohio, instead of the nursing facility, thanks to the states Passport program. This community-based service allows Medicaid-eligible Ohioans to get the support and services they need to stay in their homes.

For three hours a day, Wideman is connected to an aerosol machine to loosen secretions in his throat. Special garments help keep his legs compressed. Showering is difficult because of his tracheostomy.

Through the Passport program, three home health aides assist Wideman for a total of about 42 hours a week. They help him wash his hair without getting water in his trach. They wrap and unwrap his legs. They help clean the house.

With diminished ability to take care of myself, Id be in a nursing home if people didnt help me, Wideman said. I was the youngest person in the nursing home. I didnt fit. I shouldnt be there.

As of 2015, more than half a million Americans were on waiting lists to receive home- and community-based services, a number that could rise substantially in the face of Medicaid cuts.

An analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that 88 percent of Medicaid spending on optional services went toward older adults and people with disabilities, and of this spending more than half was used for home- and community-based services.

These optional services are most at risk if Medicaid is cut, says Larke Recchie, CEO of the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Patient advocates and health care professionals say they are watching the House and Senate deliberations closely and worry about what would happen to people like Merges-Jett and Wideman if Congress proceeds with a fundamental overhaul of Medicaid.

In mid-June, a coalition of more than 100 health care and social welfare organizations, including AARP, sent a letter to Senate Republican leaders vehemently opposing the changes to Medicaid being contemplated on Capitol Hill.
Many grandparents caring for grandchildren struggle to meet the basic needs of their families. Fortunately there are a number of state and federal public benefits programs that can help out. You may be able to get special assistance if you or your grandchildren's parent has been in the military or if a parent is deceased. There are also tax credits that may help.



See also: GrandFamilies Resources.

To find out if you or your grandchildren qualify for public benefits, you can:
While the pay could be better, benefits of teaching out of this world
OkAntigua.com Brings to Life a More Authentic Experience to Tourists and Expats

Antigua Guatemala is one of the most fabulous travel destinations in Central America and a hot location for people looking to lower their living costs or enjoy an inexpensive exotic vacation. OkAntigua.com gorgeous photos and insightful stories help visitors get to know Antigua Guatemala in depth, providing an authentic perspective of life in Guatemala.

Antigua Guatemala is one of the best destinations in Central America. Because of Antiguas low cost of living, excellent weather, and easy accessibility, it is worth considering it as a potential long-term location to live.  Rich Polanco

Rich Polanco has been traveling in Central America for five years, exploring and documenting local culture. As a former federal investigator, Rich loves to chat up residents to get the best information and behind-the-scenes stories. His Guatemalan wife is his go-to resource to understand local customs and etiquette  which she reminds him to keep working at improving.

Rich has written two popular guides to Antigua Guatemala, both unmatched for content and readability. His Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide gives readers an immersive tour of Antigua Guatemalas history, landmarks, food, and culture, all richly detailed with colorful photos.

His Living in Antigua Guatemala Guide is the premier guide for those considering a short or even long-term move to Antigua Guatemala. This guide is filled with photographs and anecdotes. Rich gives advice that can only come from a resident.

https://www.facebook.com/OkAntigua

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About Us:

Founded in 2016, OkAntigua has been helping tourists and foreign residents find a better experience when exploring Antigua Guatemala as a tourist destination or long term home. OkAntigua focuses on authentic cultural interaction and responsible, independent travel.

For more information, please visit http://okantigua.com and http://facebook.com/okantigua/

It is part of OkGoTravel, a media company covering Central Americas most popular destinations.

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Acquisition from Montezuma Mining Completed

Canberra, June 30, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Pursuant to the binding Terms Sheet with ASX listed Montezuma Mining Limited ( ASX:MZM ) (Montezuma), Alt Resources ( ASX:ARS ) (Alt or The Company) is pleased to advise that it has completed the acquisition of E36/843 and paid Montezuma a cash payment of $4,465.00. Furthermore, 1.25M ARS shares were issued to Montezuma at an issue price of $0.04 cents. Alt will also pay Montezuma a Net Smelter Royalty of 1% for gold produced within the boundary of E36/843, excluding Alt's existing mining leases which are enclosed within E36/843 (see Figure 1 in the link below).



Key Points



- The Company has finalised acquisition from Montezuma Mining Ltd to acquire 100% interest in E36/843



- Pursuant to the Terms Sheet the Company has issued 1.25M ARS shares under listing rule 7.1A and paid Montezuma $ 4,465.00 in cash



- Montezuma retains a 1% net smelter royalty covering the E36/843 area but excluding the Mt Roberts mining leases



E36/843 is currently under application with the Department of Mines and Petroleum, and covers an area of 79km2 (see Figure 1 in the link below). The Company is required to finalise Native Title Heritage and Access agreements to expedite the final grant of the tenement and will progress this aspect with the Native Title representatives as soon as possible.



The Company has approval in place to undertake resource and exploration drilling programmes on the Mt Roberts mining leases. This work is scheduled to commence towards the end of July 2017 with the drilling planned over a 6 week period.



Alt CEO James Anderson commented " The transaction with Montezuma is now completed. We have also had some initial discussions with Gold Fields regarding two mining leases they hold that are contained within the new Mt Roberts exploration licence area. The Company has had a positive initial meeting with representatives of the Tjiwarl people regarding access and heritage agreements. The traditional owners have recently had Native Title determination over the area and have registered a Prescribed Body Corporate providing an opportunity for the Company to discuss a broader agreement covering access, heritage and benefit sharing and we look forward to working closely with the traditional owners".

The Company conducted a very successful first pass RC drilling campaign in October-November 2016, completing 2,088m at the Mt Roberts project (see Note below). High grade gold was intersected during this drilling program, confirming a 200m strike length for mineralisation at the Mt Roberts Workings. Some of the more significant intercepts included (see Note below):



MRRC0003: 3m @ 28 g/t Au, including

1m @ 67.4 g/t Au

MRRC0006: 3m @ 1.95 g/t Au from 17m

MRCC0007: 1m @ 5.59 g/t Au from 29m

MRRC0008: 1m @ 20.3 g/t Au from 49m

MRRC0009: 1m @ 24.4 g/t Au from 64m, and

4m @ 7.96 g/t Au from 78m, including

2m @ 13.75 g/t Au from 82m

MRRC0014: 1m @ 3.57 g/t Au from 51m

MRRC0032: 7m @ 1.66 g/t Au from 35m



The expanded project area is characterised by a tightly folded sequence of altered komatiites, basalts, felsic volcanics, and fine sediments. The 1.9 km Mt Roberts-Rum Punch line of mineralisation (see Figure 2 in the link below) is located on the eastern limb of the Mt White Syncline and the western limb of the Leinster Anticline. Within the expanded project area, the total strike length of known mineralisation along the Mt Roberts shear is approximately 5km. The northern extent of this system lies within adjoining mining leases (see Figure 2 in the link below).



Major NNW-striking shears are located to the east and west with secondary mineralised splays occurring within the licence area, including the Mt Roberts Shear Zone. Gold mineralisation in the area is shear-hosted in quartz veins and occurs near the ultramafic-mafic contact. At Mount Roberts and Rum Punch, mineralisation forms steeply west-dipping lenses along a 1.9 km strike length based on drilling intercepts, and remains open at depth and along strike to the south.



Regionally, crustal-scale shear zones in the Yilgarn Craton host significant gold mineralisation, including Agnew and Vivien, as well as Jundee, Sunrise Dam and Leonora further afield. These shear zones tap metal-bearing fluids derived from altered mantle, and form gold deposits that are characterised by deep, narrow high grade ore shoots (Blewett, 2010). The Mount Roberts Gold Project lies in close proximity to a significant shear zone (see Figure 2 in the link below) and is only 6km north-east of the Vivien gold mine (Ramelius Resources), with 0.19 Moz Au, and lying along a parallel shear zone.



Note: See ARS announcements 16th November, 2016 and 1st December, 2016, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/DM179URK

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/TKM2LF4L



To view figures, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/VWKE8L2Y





About Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd





Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd is an Australian based mineral exploration company that aims to become a gold producer by exploiting historical and new gold prospects across quality assets and to build value for shareholders.
In wake of the violence in Byculla jail which resulted in the death of an inmate, the Bombay High Court on Friday observed that issue of security of jail inmates has become important and it needs to be looked into.

On Thursday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the truth in the Byculla jail violence, involving Sheena Bora murder accused Indrani Mukerjea, would come out soon.

Whatever the truth is, will come out soon, Fadnavis said.

However, the Mukerjeas lawyer demanded the special Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) court to record her statement and to conduct a medical examination.

Mukerjeas lawyer had filed an application in the special CBI court, claiming that she was assaulted by the jail authorities after the death of a convict, Manjula Shetye, sparked a protest in the prison.

Reportedly, over 200 women inmates, including Mukerjea, were booked for rioting and criminal conspiracy inside the Mumbais Byculla jail.

The Nagpada Police also filed an FIR against six women prison staffers, including the jailor for the murder of Shetye.

On August 25, 2015, Mukerjea was arrested by the Mumbai Police in connection with the alleged murder of her daughter in 2012. She was charged under Sections 302, 201 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Since September 2015, Mukerjea has been held in judicial custody at a womens-only prison in Byculla Jail.
Idea Cellular today approved its amalgamation with Vodafone India and Vodafone Mobile Services, a move that will create the countrys biggest telecom services provider with a customer base of over 394 million.

The board of directors of Idea Cellular at its meeting held today approved the scheme of amalgamation of Vodafone India Limited (VIL) and its wholly owned subsidiary Vodafone Mobile Services Limited (VMSL) with the company, Idea said in a regulatory filing.

The transaction is subject to necessary approvals from concerned authorities, including SEBI, Department of Telecom, RBI etc.

Upon the amalgamation becoming effective, the entire business of VIL and VMSL, excluding VILs investment in Indus Towers Limited, its international network assets and information technology platforms, will vest in the company, the filing said.

The turnover of Vodafone India is Rs 5,025 crore and of VMSL is 40,378 crore. Idea Cellulars turnover is Rs 36,000 crore.

The net worth of VIL is 12,855 crore, VMSLs 3,737 crore and of Idea Cellular is Rs 24,296 crore, as per the filing.

Vodafones market share was 18.16 per cent with 204.68 million mobile customers and that of Idea was 16.9 per cent with 190.51 million at the end of December 2016, as per the Trai data.

At present, Airtel with a market share of 23.58 per cent and a customer base of 265.85 million is the countrys largest telecom player.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Cloudy with a few showers. High near 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Brussels (AINA) -- The Assyrian Confederation of Europe, an umbrella organization representing Assyrians in Europe, has issued a statement rejecting the recently concluded conference on the Future of Christians in Iraq, which was held in the European Parliament in Brussels and organized by EU parliamentarian Lars Adaktusson from the Swedish Christian Democratic Party.

The final statement from the conference was posted on Lars Adaktusson's website.

Here is the statement of the The Assyrian Confederation of Europe:

The Assyrian Confederation of Europe confirms that it was neither notified of the existence of the conference nor invited to it. This amounts to a complete and seemingly intentional exclusion of the biggest Assyrian political body in Europe, representing four national federations, tens of local affiliates and tens of thousands of individual members. The Confederation received an offer to take on a role as one of the sponsors of the conference by paying between 5000-10,000 only when an inquiry was sent to Mr. Adaktusson's office after news of the event reached ACE a few days prior to it commencing, which is itself testament to the level of exclusion the Confederation has faced.

The Assyrian Confederation has also taken note of the intentional exclusion of Assyria TV from the conference. This amounts to the silencing of independent media in the heart of the European Union, an institution which prides itself on the promotion of western democratic values.

While the Confederation, certain media as well as other stakeholders have been kept at bay from the conference, several marginal groups with a clear preference for the Kurdish administration in northern Iraq (and its expansion into the Nineveh Plain) seem to have been involved in all levels of the planning process of the conference from day one.

The agenda driven approach of Mr Adaktusson contradicts his stated role as a neutral facilitator and has led to the boycott of the conference by most significant Iraqi actors, including the Assyrian Democratic Movement, the Abnaa Al-Nahrain political party, the Assyrian Patriotic Party, as well as the Chaldean Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East.

Taken together, the actions of Mr. Adaktusson reveal a clear intention to drive the political discussion on the future of the Nineveh Plain in a direction that fits the openly stated aim of the KRG to annex the area. We are therefore forced to conclude that Mr. Adaktusson's credibility has been severely compromised and that he cannot be trusted with the role he has carved out for himself as a mediator.

The Assyrian Confederation of Europe hereby announces that we will begin to explore the possibility of convening an international conference with relevant actors from Iraq to give voice to the will and demands of the Assyrian people and the communities of the Nineveh Plain, and to make that voice heard among the political circles of the international community.

The Assyrian Confederation of Europe

Brussels, June 30, 2017
June 30, 2017

CAIRO  Cairo's ubiquitous street vendors are finally getting a place of their own. Gov. Atef Abdel Hamid, along with the Ministry of Local Development, recently launched Egypt Street, a project that aims to relocate the kiosks and carts of craftsmen and fast-food vendors into an area designated for them.

The governorate announced June 14 it initially has designated a 1,000-square-meter, state-owned plot in al-Nazha neighborhood as an experiment. The site doesn't encroach on residential areas and will be equipped with surveillance cameras for security.

After Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi launched a 2016 development campaign to encourage young Egyptians to establish small- and medium-sized enterprises, the Cairo governorate followed up with this project, which "aims to curb unemployment rates, regulate the work of street vendors, reduce road congestion and supervise the food offered to consumers through these carts," Abdel Hamid told Al-Monitor.

Abdel Hamid said an Egyptian company specializing in exhibitions would be setting up the area designated for kiosks. "The project will serve as a cultural and artistic recreational platform, which appeals to different social segments, so as to attract a large number of daily visitors to Egypt Street," he said. "The assigned company will also inspect the mobile kiosks, ensure compliance with cleanliness and civil protection standards, and collect the monthly fees and send back to the governorate an amount to be agreed upon based on the number of licenses granted to these [young] street vendors."

Street vendors and job seekers must meet certain conditions to receive licenses to take part in the project: They cannot be civil servants and they must be under 30 years old, personally operate the kiosks or carts and reside in the governorate. Priority in granting the licenses is given to the residents of al-Nazha neighborhood, where the project is to be constructed, Abdel Hamid said.

The al-Nazha launch is set for Aug. 1. Officials will assess the pros and cons of the project for three months, and if the outcome is favorable, all Cairo neighborhoods will participate. The governorate will organize an extensive social media campaign to attract consumers and arts patrons.

Hala Abu al-Saad, deputy of parliaments Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises Committee, told Al-Monitor, The project may raise Egyptian youths cultural awareness through the offered cultural and artistic content, including cultural seminars, artistic performances, concerts and art exhibitions." She called for harnessing the country's artistic and cultural potential to promote the project.

Mohamed Abdel Moneim al-Sawy, former minister of culture and founder of El Sawy Culture Wheel, told Al-Monitor the project is a cultural quantum leap by Egyptian standards.

"It is a platform offering diversified artistic and cultural content, such as the most popular music and singing performances and art exhibitions aimed to encourage junior artists," he said. "The project would also include seminars to discuss the problems of Egyptian society and develop relevant solutions, and participants would be allowed to express their views freely. This will substantially raise the citizens' awareness on various social issues."

Commenting on the lack of funding of similar projects, Sawy said, Cultural artistic platforms should be established based on a participatory system between the organizing authority and the exhibitors, so that the revenue, whatever its size, can be split among them. Annual [token] subscription fees may be imposed on the neighborhood's residents. The neighborhoods shops and companies are encouraged to sponsor such projects in return for an advertisement sign at the projects venue.

Mohamed al-Adham, former head of the Street Vendors Syndicate, told Al-Monitor, Most young street vendors will be encouraged by this experiment to obtain the necessary licenses. This would reduce clashes between street vendors and the local police and impose fines [for violations] varying according to the occupancy area and starting at 40 Egyptian pounds [about $2] per [square] meter."

He explained that during the chaos after the January 25 Revolution in 2011, street vendors randomly occupied public spaces, which led to confrontations with police. Since then, Egypts security authorities have clamped down on the vendors. In 2014, the Ministry of Interior tried to expel them from main commercial streets to lands specifically allocated to them, such as a large parking lot close to downtown. However, some of those new locations were abandoned zones that didn't attract customers, and vendors refused to relocate.

Now that the security situation is under control, most of the street vendors are cooperating with the security authorities, Adham said.

Ahmed Hussein, founder of the Street Vendors Syndicate, explained to Al-Monitor that vendors currently sell goods either by roaming the streets or moving around by public transportation.

He added, Now that street vendors are selling their goods to the end consumer in a fixed spot  the syndicate is seeking to make sure these vendors give the state its due rights, such as taxes, rental fees and other duties, while at the same time obtaining from the state all of the rights they are entitled to, such as health care, pensions and decent treatment by the police in charge of protecting public facilities.

Hussein said that the syndicate had submitted proposals for a project like Egypt Street to solve the problem of Egypt's 6 million street vendors based on experiences of other countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil and Turkey.
June 29, 2017

In a recent interview with the European press, newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron outlined some of the key principles that shape his foreign policy regarding Europe, the Middle East and Russia. Macron, who assumed office May 14, is ready to tackle security issues stemming from Middle East instability. His approach may pave the way for a greater convergence between Paris and Moscow.

The June 21 interview at Elysee Palace came three days after the victory of his centrist/liberal political movement, La Republique en Marche, in legislative elections.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met June 20 with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow. They discussed Syria and Ukraine in an atmosphere depicted as constructive by the French press, which emphasized that the objective of Le Drians visit was to alleviate tensions with Moscow on key international issues. The trip was a follow-up to Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to Versailles less than a month earlier.

Both meetings provided a glimpse of what Macrons approach to Russia and the Middle East could look like: more realistic and less biased than actions undertaken during his predecessors tenure.

During his presidential campaign, Macron cautiously abstained from openly adopting any pro-Russia stance, contrary to Marine Le Pen (the candidate of the far-right National Front party) or, to a lesser extent, Francois Fillon (the candidate of the rightist Republicans). This initial caution now allows Macron greater flexibility in his approach to Russia. In his interview, Macron rejected the imported neoconservatism that has guided Frances foreign policy during the past 10 years, especially in the Middle East and North Africa regions.

Since the Arab Spring erupted in 2011, France has been one of the most interventionist countries in Middle East developments. In 2011, Paris and London led the campaign in Libya. In 2013, France was ready to carry out airstrikes in Syria following the use of chemical weapons, while adopting the toughest stance during negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal.

On the issue of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the administration of previous President Francois Hollande adopted the Assad must go approach, which evolved after the 2015 Paris attacks to a neither Assad, nor Islamic State standpoint, and effectively paralyzed Frances role in Syria. Macron slammed the 2011 intervention in Libya, which created chaos and a failed state. In his interview, he outlined a key shift  which he called an update  on the Syrian issue: France officially renounces Assad must go as a precondition for peace talks. Actually, this change toward Assad can be described as a U-turn, to the extent that it means Paris gives up the ultimate goal of regime change in Damascus.

This shift may have been inspired by the conclusions of the Avicenne Report, a 60-page dossier prepared by a group of French diplomats, journalists and experts on Middle East issues. The report was published in March, during the French presidential race, and recommended avoiding interference and intervention that disrupt social cohesion without suitable remedies.

Or the shift could be the result of advice from Dominique de Villepin and Hubert Vedrine, two former foreign affairs ministers known for their Charles de Gaulle-inspired, pragmatic vision of Frances foreign policy. Macron is believed to consult them.

What dividends does Macron expect from this policy update, and how does Russia fit into the picture? France has three main priorities in the Middle East: to reassert French influence, eradicate terrorism and cope with the stream of migrants  an issue that politically undermines not only France, but the EU as a whole. Syria, where Russia is a key military and diplomatic stakeholder, lies at the intersection of all three objectives.

An enhanced partnership with Moscow regarding Syria would help Paris get back into the diplomatic game while also distancing itself from the United States and Saudi Arabia. Compared with the uncertainties of US foreign policy stemming from the election of President Donald Trump, Russias actions in Syria look far more predictable and consistent to France. Moreover, in past years Washington has been reluctant to recognize any political role for France in Middle Eastern issues, especially concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From that perspective, a rapprochement with Russia could provide more room for Paris vis-a-vis Washington. Moreover, some observers have criticized France for its alignment with the Saudi agenda, especially regarding Iran, Syria and Lebanon. Here again, teaming up with Russia would allow the French to offset their partnership with Saudi Arabia.

France and Russia share a set of common goals in the Levant: Both have seen a fair number of their citizens join terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq, both oppose the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction across the region, both are willing to fight terrorism and both have supported the Syrian Kurds. However, these convergences should not be overstated, for they dont indicate that France and Russia share the same strategic agenda: Paris seeks to regain its influence in the region, whereas Moscow has already achieved this goal following its military intervention in Syria. Should Macrons moves bear fruit, they would also provide France with a greater role in Syrias reconstruction.

From Moscows perspective, having Paris onboard could enhance the inclusiveness of Russias diplomatic initiative on Syria, especially regarding representation of Syrian minorities in the future government, a goal shared by Russia and France. Furthermore, it would balance Turkeys place in the peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, as Ankara is today the only sponsor for the Syrian opposition in the ongoing peace talks.

Should a French-Russian rapprochement on Syria succeed, it might reverberate in other regional issues. On the Israel-Palestine conflict, France and Russia support the two-state solution, while pursuing independent but not-contradictory approaches. In Libya, Paris has demonstrated a discrete but growing interest in Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, who leads the eastern government in Tobruk, while Moscow has teamed up with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates to help him fight Islamist groups. Finally, in the Gulf, France and Russia possess complementary levers that could prove useful to foster a constructive dialogue between Iran and the Sunni petro-monarchies.
June 29, 2017

In response to a new US administration that has stated its goal to work toward regime change in Tehran, Irans parliament has introduced new legislation to increase the countrys military budget by $540 million.

Iranian parliamentarian Kazem Jalali, the president of the Majlis Research Center, said June 28 that the proposed bill is primarily in response to Americas aggressive behavior in the region and its hostile policies against Iran. According to Jalali, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would be given approximately half of this additional budget for its missile program. The Quds Force, which is responsible for operations outside of Irans borders and operates under the IRGC, would receive the other half.

Irans overall military budget is approximately $14 billion. Approximately half of that budget is allocated to the IRGC. Various estimates have put the IRGCs overall budget from $7 billion to $8 billion, depending on how the total nonbudgetary income is added.

Jalali also said that with the new legislation, President Hassan Rouhanis administration would be required to provide a comprehensive strategy to counter the threats and terrorist acts of the United States every six months.

Other articles of the legislation would also create a special branch within the judiciary to handle terrorism cases, ask the Rouhani administration to present an up-to-date list of terrorist groups and its members and stipulate more cooperation between Irans various security agencies.

Some articles of the proposed legislation also included symbolic gestures aimed both at the United States and at the Rouhani administration, which has indirectly sought closer ties to the United States. One such article would require the administration to take action against human rights abuses by the United States and specify the punitive measures the United States would face. Other articles would require the countrys economic minister to give priority to economic relations to countries that cooperate with Irans defense industry and that do not have an economic relationship with the United States. The bill would also put forth a budget to help release Iranians arrested abroad for sanctions violations.

The bill will be presented to parliament next week and also given to the parliament's influential National Security and Foreign Policy Commission for review.

This is not the only action being proposed by Irans parliament in response to new US sanctions. On June 11, as a result of new US sanctions against Iran, parliament Speaker Ali Larijani asked the commission to present possible countermeasures.

While that parliamentary session of more than two weeks ago was convened in order to discuss the June 7 Islamic State attack, Larijani addressed new threats emanating from the United States. We have to accept that standing against Iran is a line of terrorists and their supporters, who are led by America, Larijani said. Especially when we witness Americas latest position and the passing of the bill with the Senate, we see that all of their goals and strategies are to slow Iran down. He continued, We will give a firm response to their actions. The Americans must realize that parliament has a strong will in fighting terrorism and supports the IRGC and Quds Force with all its might.
Warner Bros/Parlophone RecordsFormer Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher has shared the track list to his forthcoming debut solo album, As You Were.

The record spans 12 tracks and surprisingly, none of them are called "I Hate You, Noel," or "My Brother Is Terrible." However, it does include a track called "Greedy Soul," and another one called "You Better Run" -- wonder who inspired them?

Last month, Gallagher premiered the lead As You Were single, "Wall of Glass." A second track, "China Town," will arrive on June 30.

Gallagher will play Lollapalooza in August, and he'll embark on his first North American solo tour in the fall, beginning November 13 in San Francisco.

Here is the As You Were track list:

"Wall of Glass"

"Bold"

"Greedy Soul"

"Paper Crown"

"For What It's Worth"

"When I'm in Need"

"You Better Run"

"I Get By"

"Chinatown"

"Come Back to Me"

"Universal Gleam"

"I've All I Need"

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
June 30, 2017

Iranian authorities have rounded up at least 150 people in Tehran and in the Kurdish areas in the west of the country following the June 7 terrorist attacks in the capital, which claimed 18 lives.

The five young attackers who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) in a video released shortly after the attacks appear to have traveled from Kermanshah province to Tehran undetected in early June. The rare but deadly strikes targeted two of the most guarded locations in the capital: the parliament and the mausoleum of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

How these men obtained firearms and explosives to carry out the attacks is not clear, but Iranian officials have admitted that the country's security establishment was taken by surprise. On June 27, parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission held its second closed-door session to examine the June 7 attacks. "In this session, the new plan to maintain the security of the parliament and the ways to confront future possible incidents were discussed and necessary measures were taken," the semi-official Iranian Students' News Agency reported about the meeting. Iran has held IS directly responsible for the attacks, but it ultimately blamed the United States and "regressive" regimes in the Persian Gulf region for supporting the group. As a symbolic gesture, on June 18 Iran fired several missiles from the Kurdish areas in the west of the country, where the attackers came from, at an IS position in northeast Syria. "Our enemies should know that Tehran is not London or Paris; this was a small measure, and if they make another mistake, we will strike them with deadlier attacks," said Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Since the June 7 attacks, security forces have taken no chances and have rounded up a large number of individuals mainly associated with Salafist groups in a bid to crack down on their activities, sources inside Iran and human rights activists from outside the country told Al-Monitor. "More than 50 individual terrorist backers were arrested in Kermanshah province following the terrorist incident in Tehran, and a number of explosive belts, electronic detonators and weapons were discovered," Mohammad Hossein Sadeghi, the prosecutor of Kermanshah province, said on June 25.

"No one has been freed apart from two women," said a source from the town of Paveh, where four of the attackers came from and where the Iranian authorities are said to have arrested more than 50 individuals. At least one of the attackers, Saryas Sadeghi, was reported to have been on the radar of the intelligence services, said sources in Paveh, but it is not clear how he managed to travel to Tehran to carry out the strikes along with four other attackers. "One of Saryas' brothers has been arrested, and he is still in custody," an activist who monitors the human rights situation told Al-Monitor.

In prisons across the Kurdish region, authorities have reportedly taken severe measures even against Salafist prisoners who were imprisoned before the attacks on Tehran.

According to a tally from Hangaw Human Rights News, a web-based organization that documents human rights abuses in the Kurdish areas of Iran, close to 150 people have been detained since the attacks in Tehran. While the real number could be much higher, Hangaw has verified the identity of 45 individuals who have been taken into custody across the Kurdish region in western Iran. "These individuals were arrested on charges of connections with Wahhabi groups, and according to witnesses, they were beaten during the arrests," Hangaw reported, referring to the puritanical Islamic doctrine originating from Saudi Arabia.

On June 24, Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi confirmed that several people have been arrested in the capital and are under investigation in connection with the attacks, but he refused to divulge information about the cases to the press due to "security and intelligence reasons."

While government officials have maintained that terrorists cannot cause damage to the security of the Islamic Republic because of the readiness of the IRGC and other security forces, some officials have admitted that IS took them by surprise. "Given the huge improvement in the level of security in our country in recent years, the Daesh [IS] forces used the element of surprise, but I am confident now that the security and intelligence forces will maintain a safe environment and will not allow another terrorist attack to take place," Seyed Qassem Jassemi, a member of parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said June 26, adding, "If it was not for the defenders of the shrine [Shiite fighters deployed to Syria], no doubt we would have had to fight Daesh [IS] in Kermanshah and Hamedan."

Jassemi's remarks echo claims repeatedly made by Iranian officials that to avoid fighting terrorist groups inside Iran, they need to be fought in Syria and Iraq. To this end, thousands of Shiite fighters from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Lebanon  supported by Iran  have been deployed to Syria since 2011 to shore up President Bashar al-Assad's forces against jihadi groups, including IS. Iran also provides military assistance and advisers to the Popular Mobilization Units in Iraq to fight IS militants in the country.

But while the battles in Syria and Iraq are important for Iran, the attacks in Tehran appear to have been a wake-up call for Iranian officials, reminding them that domestic threats are as important as those from abroad. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly clear that blowback from the military interventions in the region may be a very real and serious prospect. In the meantime, perhaps the most immediate question is whether Iranian security forces have cast too wide a net in the search for terror suspects. If so, it has the potential of causing more trouble than it seeks to thwart.
June 30, 2017

BAGHDAD  With the liberation of most of the city of Mosul in northern Iraq from the clutches of the Islamic State (IS), which took control of the city in June 2014, some of the displaced Christians began returning home. However, many Christians refuse to return, preferring to remain in the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad or abroad, for fear of suffering the same fate of displacement and captivity once again.

Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad Louis Raphael Sako voiced concerns about the Christians return June 18, saying in a press statement, We have security concerns after the liberation of the land.

On Oct. 28, 2016, Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil Rabban al-Qas said, Christians prefer staying in Kurdistan rather than returning. However, over the past few months, several Christian clerics have been calling for the return of Christians to the Ninevah Plains.

According to a field investigation in early 2017, after the liberation of the Ninevah Plains, many Christians were uncertain about going back.

However, this does not mean that some of them are ready to return no matter the situation and the conditions, priest Yaacoub al-Bartali told Al-Monitor. I am longing to return to the city of Bartala in the Ninevah Plains. But strong sentiments are not a sufficient drive to return as I still fear IS and the extremist forces that might seek revenge.

He added, The most important thing that the Christians have lost in their forced migration is not property and land, but the trust in the sons and daughters of neighboring Sunni Arab areas and villages, who have joined IS.

He noted, Some promises made by ecclesiastical organizations and the government have yet to see the light. If it werent for the meager aid of humanitarian organizations, those who live in Mosul today would not have survived.

This appeared clearly through the opinions expressed by Christians living outside the country. Ayad Kule, a young Iraqi who was displaced in 2014 to the Netherlands, told Al-Monitor via Facebook, Returning to Mosul is difficult in light of new social conditions. Many of my neighbors chose to side with IS based on an ideological conviction. I'm working now, and my return to Mosul means I would lose my job.

He added, Iraqis living outside Iraq  including non-Christians  refuse to return even to the areas where security is stable, such as Baghdad and the central and southern regions, let alone Christians.

Since 2003, many Christians have left Iraq, which reduced the number of this community inside the country with about 50%, to 1 million.

Faced with the dilemma of refusing to return, projects and solutions that transcend the financial aspect to social and cultural plans are necessary," Luis Caro, a Christian member of parliament in Iraq, told Al-Monitor.

He said, How is it possible that Christians return home while explosive devices are still planted in their areas. Christians must be informed that the security forces are able to protect them now. The situation is not the same as before when the withdrawal of security forces made them an easy prey for IS.

He added, "Christians will be persuaded to return to Iraq if they receive a financial compensation to restore their destroyed homes and churches.

Caro noted that job opportunities must be provided to those returning to Mosul and the Ninevah Plains. This can be done quickly by recruiting an appropriate number of young Christians in the security forces and deploying them in their places of residence until the security situation is fully restored, he said.

Perhaps this understanding is in line with the actions of Christian armed factions affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU).

On Oct. 23, 2016, these factions raised the cross over the churches of the city of Bartala in the Ninevah Plains after its liberation, asserting that from now on they will defend their cities themselves.

In addition, there are those who believe that the return of the Christians is conditional on the establishment of a Christian province in the Ninevah Plains.

Nizar Abdel Sattar, a Christian Iraqi media figure and author, focused in his book Yuliana on the Christians of Iraq as an integral, deep-rooted part of Iraq and highlighted their suffering throughout history.

He told Al-Monitor, The vast majority of Christians now find sanctuary and work in the Kurdish areas, Europe and the United States. They are very reluctant about returning home, given the absence of any guiding government actions. In general, the Christian community in Mosul is a rural community and Christians generally do not receive the adequate protection and assistance from the legislative and executive branches in Iraq. Therefore, the Christians return today depends on purely social efforts.

Rayan al-Kildani, the secretary-general of the Christian movement Babylon Brigade affiliated with the PMU, told Al-Monitor, The most important thing is to distance Christian areas from political and sectarian conflicts and ward off all forms of demographic changes.

He added, It is necessary to bring about a societal reconciliation that allows coexistence between nationalities and religions and heals the deep psychological scars left by the violent practices of forcing Christians to change their religion.

It seems initiatives in this respect are being launched. On June 7, the youth of Mosul launched an initiative to encourage the return of the city's Christians by cleaning a number of churches and monasteries, while activists raised the largest cross in the city.

A document issued by the office of the governor of Ninevah on April 23 revealed the formation of a supreme committee tasked with stopping the confiscation of Christian homes in Mosul and giving them back to their rightful owners.

Thus, it is necessary to set the appropriate security, social and economic conditions in Christian areas before calling on Christians to return.
June 29, 2017

Dr. Ra'ad Haj Yehia, a member of the Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) organization, returned June 26 from the Gaza Strip. He says he still hasnt recovered from the scenes he saw in the hospitals there. Yehia was summoned to Gaza by medical teams in the Strip who asked the PHRI organization to come and save lives.

Ever since Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas decided to sever the Palestinian Authority (PA) from the Strip and stop transferring money to it in April 2017, the health system in Gaza has been collapsing. The Gaza Health Ministry reported at the end of June on infants and children who died because the PA refused to underwrite life-saving medical treatment for them in Israel or other hospitals in the West Bank.

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Yehia says he has not been able to get back into his routine since his return from Gaza after four intensive days of treating patients. I simply could not bear it; Im going [home] sick. I saw innocent children who died for no reason, through no fault of their own. The situation is unbearable. Yehia lives in Neve Shalom, a collective village near Latrun in which Jewish and Arab families live together. Yehia says that although the trip to Gaza from his house takes only 45 minutes, as soon as he stepped foot in the Strip he felt that he was in a different world.

It is worse than harsh places I had seen in Africa. From the moment you enter [Gaza], your senses are hit with a terrible stench of sewage. Death is in the air, he says. Yehia, who ordinarily works as a pediatrician in Israels Meuchedet HMO, could barely face the mothers of children and infants who begged him to take them to Israel for treatment. They think that we can take them out, he says, adding, There are parents who are so desperate that they told us, Better that our children die  we cant do anything for them anymore.

Yehia says that when he wrote prescriptions for sick children, there were parents who told him not to bother because they have no money to buy the medications. They dont even have money to buy milk, he noted.

The patients who broke his heart more than anything else were those children with cancer. They are not being treated; they are not diagnosed. All are sick with all kinds of complications, he says. The depressing thing is that the parents themselves have given up; they have lost all hope to save their children. Its terrible.

Four additional Arab-Israeli physicians went to the Gaza Strip together with Yehia, including a surgeon, an orthopedic surgeon, a neurologist and a psychologist. They were shocked that Gaza hospitals lack even basic meds. According to Yehia, the inventory level for about 170 types of medications is at zero. All perishable medical equipment has run out completely. Since the electricity in Gaza hospitals is supplied by generators, entire hospital wards were closed in order to use the operating rooms.

Already on their first day in the Strip, the Israeli physicians began to carry out urgent surgeries. The surgeon did five very big operations, Yehia says. And while he worked, he also advised and instructed local surgeons who have not been able to participate in continuing professional training sessions for more than a decade.

PHRI CEO Ran Goldstein tells Al-Monitor that two days before the medical delegation entered Gaza, the organization succeeded in raising about 300 thousand shekels ($85,000) to acquire medical equipment and medicines. According to Goldstein, Gazas health system needs 4 million shekels ($1.14 million) a month to run properly  and the PA only transferred about half a million shekels to Gaza in June. Its doubtful that even this sum or something similar will be transferred in July.

PHRI hopes to raise additional funds to acquire medical equipment and medications, but they know that it is just a drop in the bucket. The chairman of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the Strip told members of the Israeli delegation that there are 321 children in Gaza who have this disease, but they have no way of getting medicine to treat them.

The Gaza residents are aware of the fact that the doctors treating them are from Israel. Yehia says that the residents appreciate them and view them as saviors. They know that we are from Israel and they tell us, If only we could leave [Gaza] with you; if only you could take us with you. Thats how bad the situation is, he says.

But beyond the problem of people sick with severe and untreated illnesses is the overall issue of terrible sanitary conditions of the residents of the Strip. The members of the delegation were shocked at what they saw and the infectious diseases that have spread like wildfire, especially among the children. Yehia tells us that severe intestinal diseases are rife in the Strip due to the contaminated, brackish water coming from the faucets. The diseases cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. You cannot help but be horrified by the terrible poverty and inhuman conditions under which the residents live, he says.

Only recently, professor Eilon Adar of Ben-Gurion University in the Negev had told Al-Monitor that the Strips polluted water has large amounts of nitrates that can interfere with the bloods supply of oxygen to the body. That is what is causing the so-called blue baby phenomenon in the Strip, when the babys skin turns blue due to lack of oxygen.

Meanwhile, no solution is in sight for the struggle between Hamas and the PA. A Palestinian source in Ramallah told Al-Monitor that Abbas is still determined to disengage from Gaza, and nothing will change his mind. It is not logical that Hamas should exist on money transferred to it by the [PA]. Therefore, Abbas has decided to put an end to it, he says.

When asked how he feels in light of the fact that infants and children in Gaza are dying because of the terrible shortage in medicine and medical equipment, the source blamed Hamas for the dismal situation in Gaza. According to him, the gloomy situation of the Palestinians in Gaza, members of his own people, given to the brutal regime of Hamas, keeps Abbas up at night with concern. But he has come to the decision that he can no longer continue to transfer money from the [PA's] account to Hamas.
June 30, 2017

The Hamas government in the Gaza Strip announced June 29 that Israel was denying family visits to Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. A press release by the spokesman from Hamas' prisoners department said, The aim of this decision is to exert pressure on the Hamas leadership regarding the missing and [captive Israelis in] Gaza and is a surrender to the pressure of the [Israeli] soldiers families, who called for the [Hamas] prisoners to be punished. Leaders of the jailed Hamas prisoners also issued a statement to the media, calling the decision a declaration of war. We will not allow this decision to stand, whatever the price may be, the group warned.

The Israel Prison Service has refused to respond to the reports out of the Gaza Strip, but an Israeli security source confirmed that on orders from the political echelon, families from Gaza are no longer allowed to visit their relatives in Israeli jails. The family of Oron Shaul, an Israeli soldier killed in Israels Operation Protective Edge in Gaza in 2014, welcomed the decision, saying it was the right way to free their son as soon as possible. Since the end of the 2014 fighting, the Shaul family and that of another soldier killed in action in Gaza, Hadar Goldin, have been demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu make any dealings with Hamas conditional upon the return of the bodies of their sons, including prohibiting family visits.

The two Israeli families met on June 23 with Jason Greenblatt, President Donald Trumps envoy to the Middle East, for the second time in recent weeks. Following the meeting, the Americans issued a statement of support for the families. Meanwhile, the families said in a statement of their own that the sides had discussed making any humanitarian actions by the international community toward Hamas in Gaza conditional upon the return of the soldiers. The decision suspending family visits followed a week later.

According to data provided by the Hamas prisoners department, the decision affects some 350 prisoners from all the Palestinian factions who are Gaza residents, including 150 Hamas inmates. So far, it remains unclear whether Israel intends to deny visits to Hamas prisoners from the West Bank. An Israeli security source speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity said he had not ruled out such a move and called the current decision an initial step designed to say to Hamas, There are no free meals.

The freezing of family visits comes a month after prisoners belonging to Fatah halted a hunger strike led by a top Fatah official, Marwan Barghouti. One of the prisoners demands was increasing the number of family visits following a 2016 decision by the Red Cross to reduce them from twice to once a month. Hamas did not take part as an organization in the strike called by Barghouti, but the agreement reached with Israel  reinstating two visits per month  applied to all inmates. The compromise was reached after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas committed to obtaining additional funding from the Palestinian Authoritys budget for the families to make the additional visits. (They must be driven back and forth and accompanied to the prison in Israel.)

Official Hamas spokesmen, with the exception of the prisoners representatives, have thus far refused to discuss the Israeli move. In response to a query by Al-Monitor, a senior Hamas official said on condition of anonymity that the organization was weighing its next move and at this stage was leaving the protest to the blessed families and the Palestinian prisoners organizations.

This oblique response, devoid of the type of militant declarations adopted by the prisoners leadership, probably derives from Hamas' chief in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, personally leading the prisoner issue. Sinwar, who was himself jailed in Israel until being freed in a 2011 prisoner exchange for an Israeli soldier held by Hamas, was tasked with responsibility for prisoner issues even before being elected to head the organization in Gaza and assuming office in February 2017. Since then, he is the one who has been blocking progress with Israel regarding the return of the soldiers bodies and of Israeli civilians Hamas is holding.

According to the Israeli security source, over the years Sinwar has presented outlandish demands concerning a prisoner exchange deal with Israel, designed to boost his prestige within the organization. Now, says the source, Sinwar will have to sleep in the bed he made.

Israel knows its decision to stop family visits could deteriorate into an armed confrontation with Hamas, one that will start off with rockets fired from Gaza and expand into a full-scale clash that both sides have openly declared in the past they do not want. Nonetheless, Israel also believes that Hamas is currently at one of its lowest points and will not want to risk another confrontation.

Indeed, in recent months, Hamas leaders in Gaza have been under intense pressure and facing growing fury by the territorys 2 million residents. The electricity crisis and the health services crisis are only part of the reason. Another front, this time with Israel, is probably the last thing Hamas wants.

A Fatah leader in Gaza, formerly one of the top prisoners in Israeli jails, knows Sinwar well from his days imprisoned in the Israeli town of Ashkelon. He told Al-Monitor that Sinwar is under intense pressure by Hamas prisoners families, and the Hamas leadership is demanding that he make a decision. Sinwar, who has made the prisoners issue a top priority and promised the families to bring about their sons release, cannot go back on his word to them or drastically slash the high price he has presented for a deal with Israel.

How will he look if he gives in now? It will be a surrender and loss of leadership, said the Palestinian source speaking on condition of anonymity. Knowing Sinwar, he added, the pressure Israel is trying to exert on Hamas could actually result in a harder Hamas line.

Will Hamas try to extricate itself from this bind by instigating a military confrontation with Israel? According to the Palestinian Hamas source, the atmosphere in Gaza feels like war is imminent. Its not just the prisoner issue, he said. Its a sense that residents mired in such shameful poverty and horrible suffering have nothing to lose. Death doesnt scare them at all. Israel is playing with fire.
June 30, 2017

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Ghassan Salame as his new special envoy to Libya and as the head of the UN mission in the country known as the UN Support Mission in Libya. His appointment came after months of searching for the right candidate.

In February, Guterres attempted to appoint Salam Fayyad, the former Palestinian prime minister. But the United States, a veto-holding UN Security Council member, objected to the appointment, accusing the international body of being unfairly biased in favor of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel, as the US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, saw the matter then.

Salames task is not easy, and four of his predecessors have so far failed to deliver peace and reconciliation to the war-ravaged country.

Right after his first meeting with a group of Libyan politicians, before his appointment, Salame tweeted May 19, Three days of meetings with Libyan leaders has been exhausting but I hope it will help the national reconciliation process  indicating that he knows the difficulties facing him.

Salame is the second Lebanese to take the post after Tarek Mitri who tried his luck with the Libyans in 2012-14, before he was replaced by Bernardino Leon.

Salames predecessor, Martin Kobler, had failed to make the warring Libyan factions accept the UN-brokered peace agreement signed in Skhirat, Morocco, in December 2015. It was during Leons tenure that the breakthrough took place and the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) was signed. That agreement gave birth to the Government of National Accord (GNA), headed by Fayez al-Sarraj. Since then and despite the shuttle diplomacy, nothing has been achieved and much remains to be done.

Since the toppling of its longtime leader, Moammar Gadhafi, on Oct. 20, 2011, Libya has been divided between two quarreling governments and dominated by dozens of armed militias. The country has seen little progress in terms of peace, national reconciliation and economic stability.

What Salame brings to the post is probably his experience being a former Lebanese minister who knows how difficult it is to make quarreling factions agree in the absence of serious national dialogue. In addition, he is a well-known Arab intellectual, academic and author. Before the UN job, he was founding dean of the School of International Affairs, part of the French prestigious Sciences Po think tank and university in Paris.

As the new UN envoy, he should carefully review previous UN efforts in Libya and identify what mistakes were made in tackling the Libyan crisis to avoid repeating them. One major error made by all previous UN diplomats has been the marginalization of two important potential political players: the supporters of the former regime who are a sizeable number in the tribally divided country, and the tribal fabric of the Libyan society, which cant be sidelined for peace to have a chance.

Supporters of the former regime in exile are now organizing themselves to have Seif al-Islam, Gadhafis son, lead them as one group after the young Gadhafi was released from prison June 11. This brings a new dimension to the conflict, since it will be the first time a son of Gadhafi enters the political scene.

As for the tribal fabric of Libya, the majority of Libyan tribes are represented by a broad umbrella group called The Supreme Council of Libyan Tribes and Cities that operates from neighboring Egypt. In the past, tribes have been overlooked by all former UN envoys, a mistake Salame should not repeat.

Another major problem Salame must try to tackle is the outside interference in the Libyan affairs, particularly by regional countries. Such meddling in the internal affairs only contributed to heightened tensions, making the local small sporadic wars more of a proxy war between the United Arab Emirates and Egypt supporting the Tobruk-based government  while Turkey, Sudan and Qatar support other factions in western Libya. With Qatar on retreat, the new envoy might have more room to maneuver.

Salame should not attempt to open up the LPA for renegotiations as many parties call for the UN deal to be rewritten. In fact, what could be renegotiated is only a couple of articles related to the role of the military and downsizing the number of the Presidential Council from its current nine members to maybe three representing each of the countrys three regions: Tripolitania in the west, Cyrenaica in the east and Fezzan in the south.

Salame has good ties with France, which played a leading military role in bringing down Gadhafis regime in 2011 and has ever since been puzzled by the complicated mess Libya is in. He is well-known to French politicians and well-connected to decision-makers, which will help him align whatever plans he has hatched to the larger European Union ideas when it comes to tackling the Libya crisis.

He must make good use of the French veto power in the UN Security Council by making sure that those who disrupt the political process can and will be held accountable before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. A kind of carrot-and-stick tactic will certainly deter many negative moves.

UN Resolution 1973 of March 2011 still applies to Libya calling for the ICC to investigate suspected human rights violations and possible crimes against humanity. However, since 2011, no one has been investigated despite all the small wars and violence Libya has been through.

No UN envoy or mediator has any magic solution and Salame can only do so much. In the end, it is the quarreling Libyan factions that must chose peace if they care about their country and its people as much as they care about their own political interests.
June 30, 2017

The Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas have been engaged in a tug of war for some time now. The dispute entered a new stage April 12, when President Mahmoud Abbas promised during a speech at a conference of Palestinian ambassadors in Bahrain to pressure Hamas to end the division.

During his visit to Washington May 4, Abbas vowed to take painful and unprecedented measures against Hamas, and they have been escalating by the day. Most recently on June 26, nine patients, three of them children, died in the Gaza Strip after being denied travel permits for treatment abroad.

The PA says its goal is to push Hamas to agree to Abbas' conditions for reconciliation. Dissolving the administrative committee it set up in March to run Gaza will allow the national consensus government to work in the Gaza Strip and agreeing to hold presidential and legislative elections within six months. However, Hamas believes the plan is consistent with Israel's plans for Gaza.

The PAs measures began on April 4 with the government deducting 30-50% from the salaries of its employees in the Gaza Strip, followed by suspending social assistance to 630 families and preventing hundreds of cancer patients from accessing treatment in Jerusalem or Israeli hospitals. The PA stopped covering electricity payments to Israel on April 27. On April 28, Abbas approved the early retirement law, which will force an estimated 35,000 military personnel in Gaza to retire early. Most recently in June, the government also cut the financial support for 277 former Hamas prisoners in the Gaza Strip.

The early retirement law, like the other measures, led to an exchange of accusations between Hamas and the PA. Faraj al-Ghoul, the head of the Legislative Committee at the Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza, said on June 14 that the forced early retirement procedures are discriminatory and aim at tightening the noose on the Gaza Strip. The PA denied the accusation in a June 19 press statement by Adnan al-Dumeiri, a spokesman for the security services, claiming that the decision is intended to restructure the security services.

Ahmad al-Majdalani, a close associate of Abbas, chairman of the Palestinian Pension Authority and member of the PLO's Executive Committee, reiterated the claim to Al-Monitor, saying, Early retirement has nothing to do with the PA's actions against Hamas. Its goal is to restructure the security services.

Majdalani added, The measures to pressure Hamas will continue, because the Hamas government in Gaza has to assume full responsibility for the Gaza Strip and the PA cannot finance the coup and its government.

An official PA source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, The measures that will be taken reflect the PAs refusal to finance the government formed by Hamas. Such measures include stopping any purchases that benefit Gaza such as fuel, electricity and medicine, in addition to any tax exemptions or school and university expenses and so on.

There has been growing discussion in the media about Abbas' possible intention to declare Gaza a rebel district as a last resort. However, Majdalani said, This is completely untrue. This issue has not been discussed in any of the Palestinian decision-making circles at all.

Meanwhile, Hamas is trying to minimize damage from the crisis by communicating with the Egyptian authorities and reaching understandings with dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, who has close ties with Egypt. Hamas is seeking solutions for Gazas problems by opening the Rafah crossing and turning to Egypt to ease the electricity crisis. After the PA informed Israel that it will no longer pay the electricity bill, Egypt sent about 1 million liters of diesel to Gaza on June 21, raising the number of hours of electricity provided to Gaza per day from between two and four to six.

The PA sees the rapprochement between Dahlan and Hamas as an effort to avoid reconciliation. Majdalani said, This is a desperate attempt by the two parties, because they are in trouble and each party is trying to exploit the other's issues to improve its own conditions in the Gaza Strip. But our information indicates that the parties supporting Dahlan and Hamas will not allow this relationship to go forward.

Speaking to Al-Monitor, Hamas leader Yahya Moussa attacked Abbas actions against Gaza, describing them as crimes against humanity committed to benefit Israel. Moussa defended the understandings between Hamas and Dahlan, saying, When you live in crisis, you should consolidate all the Palestinian parties and unite them, and when President Abbas closes all avenues, the parties must unite to face the crisis together.

The PA's moves against the Gaza Strip coincided with the US administration's efforts to relaunch the peace process. The timing raised doubt that the measures are the result of Arab and international pressure on the PA, led by US President Donald Trump, to achieve a regional settlement that would end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Hamas-affiliated author Mustafa al-Sawwaf told Al-Monitor, The PAs actions are not to pressure Hamas, but rather to punish the people of Gaza for supporting the movement. The PA wants to pressure Gaza while it works on the regional peace plan, which aims to eliminate the resistance in Gaza and separate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank to settle the Palestinian cause.

Fatah leader Yahya Rabah told Al-Monitor that an Arab alliance is being formed between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, and it is classifying the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas as terrorist organizations, which is why the movement is required to reconsider its political positions. He said, The PA is suggesting inviting Hamas to join the PLO and become part of the legitimate Palestinian movement to save it from the disaster that will soon strike the region.

Rabah added, The president's plan for reconciliation runs counter to the external pressures being exerted on him to consider Hamas a terrorist [group], and it paves the way for the movement to become legitimate."

It seems that in the coming period, the PA can be expected to impose more measures on Gaza to pressure Hamas, which is not likely to respond to any of them. Such steps will, however, limit the movements options: Hamas could either strengthen its cooperation with Egypt and Dahlan to ease the crisis, as it is currently doing, or engage in a new war with Israel. Some Israeli analysts have warned the government about the risk of war after cutting electricity to the Gaza Strip, saying a confrontation could erupt in light of the deteriorating living conditions of Palestinians in Gaza.
June 29, 2017

WASHINGTON  Qatars top diplomat told an audience here today that his country is willing to have a dialogue with Arab Gulf states that have been blockading the tiny country for more than three weeks. But he rejected their ultimatum that Doha agree to a list of non-negotiable demands, from closing Al Jazeera news channel and a Turkish military base to downgrading diplomatic relations with Iran.

We are willing to negotiate with our neighbors, but we wont compromise our sovereignty, Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told journalists and experts at an event hosted by the Arab Center Washington DC.

The blunt remarks confirmed the prevalent mood that the parties remain as far apart as ever despite days of talks in the US capital.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson cleared much of his schedule this week to huddle with Al Thani and Kuwaiti officials trying to mediate the dispute. But the State Department acknowledged today it was unsure when the crisis might get resolved.

Everyone gets it, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said at her press briefing today. This needs to be resolved. When it will be resolved, we are not certain of it at this time.

Nauert said the rival camps need to negotiate.

We hope the parties get together and recognize that there is going to be a negotiation, Nauert said. We are standing by and ready to help.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir earlier this week told journalists at a press briefing that the demands from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are non-negotiable.

It's very simple. We made our point. We took our steps. And it's up to [Qatar] to amend [its] behavior, Jubeir told journalists June 27. And once they do, then things will be worked out. But if they don't, they will remain isolated. If Qatar wants to come back into the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] pool, they know what they have to do."

Without naming Saudi Arabia, Al Thani criticized the remarks. The Qatari envoy said such ultimatums were hard to stomach.

I emphasized [to Tillerson] that suggestions by one party that their demands are non-negotiable are not helpful, Al Thani noted.

If there is a clear tangible request, we have the right to respond through dialogue, Al Thani said. I dont see any other solution [than] to sit down at the table and discuss what kind of grievance each country has.

A Saudi analyst expressed concern about the hyped-up anti-Qatar rhetoric he was seeing on Saudi social media and intolerance for any mildly dissenting viewpoints. He said he feared that, in such an atmosphere, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates might be tempted to overreach in their demands.

[Saudi] social media is campaigning for Qatar Sheikh Tamim [bin Hamad Al Thani] to surrender and kiss the hand  and ask for forgiveness, said the Saudi analyst, speaking not for attribution to discuss politically sensitive topics at home. The only thing left is for Saudi Arabia to risk an operation to remove Sheikh Tamim, and I dont think we can do that.

We lose our cool, the analyst said. Countering views are scarce now in Saudi Arabia.
June 29, 2017

The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee could be standing in the way of a potential $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., sent a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson vowing to block future arms sales to Gulf countries pending a resolution to the regional dispute over Qatar. The letter is widely seen as an effort to give Tillerson more leverage as he tries to negotiate an end to the crisis, which began June 5 when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Doha over its alleged support for terrorism.

The hold applies to all lethal arms sales to Gulf Cooperation Council countries that havent been publicly or informally notified to Congress. It does not, however, cover a $500 million sale of US precision-guided missiles to Saudi Arabia that was narrowly approved by the Senate earlier this month, but could impact swaths of the $110 billion wish-list touted by President Donald Trump during his trip to Riyadh.

Items that havent been publicly notified to Congress but were included in the package include the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense system (THAAD) and 150 Black Hawk helicopters. The package includes letters of interest and intent for weapons sales, which means the buyers and sellers arent yet locked into a signed contract.

Corker was in touch with the Trump administration before Mondays announcement, aides say, but officials would not confirm which agencies were notified. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the Pentagon department that coordinates technical and financial assistance to US military partners, would not publicly comment on lethal assistance that hasnt been notified to Congress.

In fact, whats telling about the Senate statement, some experts say, is the lack of policy-specific detail it provides.

It seems to be almost entirely content-free. It takes a pox on all their houses stance, says Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. Its kind of a primal scream to say this is bad, stop this. What it doesnt do is to help provide the framework of an American policy.

Its not yet clear how Corkers diplomatic salvo could impact prospects for a deal. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert declined Tuesday to give reporters an official assessment as to whether Corkers letter helped or harmed ongoing talks between Qatar and the other Gulf countries.

Tillerson met with Kuwaiti ministers Wednesday and called for the small Gulf nation to continue its efforts to mediate the dispute. Qatar faces a Sunday deadline to adhere to a series of 13 Saudi-led demands that include shuttering the news channel Al Jazeera and diminishing its diplomatic relations with Iran.

While Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir indicated he approved of Corkers plan in a conversation with reporters Tuesday, other observers have been less optimistic about the move.

It isnt a tool, and it isnt going to be a tool. It is a statement of extreme distress from the Senate, and a lack of leadership from the White House, Ibish told Al-Monitor. It seems to be the case that the State Department wants to play a mediating role but doesnt have any sort of green light.

Though Corkers letter would also cover future US weapons sales to Qatar, it would not include a $12 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets signed earlier this year.

And with Gulf countries involved in ongoing military operations throughout the Middle East  including in Yemen  Corkers move could still allow flexibility to countries that need fast supplies of arms and ammunition.

The beauty of this is that this is an informal procedure, said David Des Roches, a former White House and Defense Department official who is an associate professor at the National Defense University in Washington. If it looks like the Saudi forces are going to run out of Patriot missiles, and missiles are aimed at Riyadh, its a phone call and were back to normal. I dont think its Sen. Corkers intention to strip them. This is a political message thats sent with a bit of force.
The Cahaba River is an integral part of our life here in Birmingham--especially in the summer, when people access it for recreational purposes. But what goes into keeping the river safe, clean, and sustainable? We spoke with David Butler, Cahaba Riverkeeper and owner of Canoe the Cahaba, to find out why he does what he does.

Birmingham magazine: Tell me about how you got started working on the Cahaba.

David Butler: I was a finance major at the University of Kentucky and went to work in New York. I produced a financial news show there but just didn't fit in. I came back to go to journalism school at [The University of] Alabama and came here [to Canoe the Cahaba] to buy a boat. I started hanging around on weekends and doing rental trips. The company went out of business, but offered me the rental business. At the time, I was only interested in the recreational aspect, but over time, I started seeing all these different problems and issues--erosion, habitat loss, things I didn't think about before. I started volunteering for environmental groups and eventually the Cahaba Riverkeeper asked if I would become the full-time Riverkeeper. Now, I'm also in law school to practice environmental law.

BM: What does being the Cahaba Riverkeeper entail?

DB: All kinds of stuff. We do pollution response and routine patrols of places on the river that people aren't normally watching, because that's where pollution happens. I was just in Montgomery lobbying to get the state to adopt a plan that when they have sewage overflows, they tell people about it so they can make the choice to swim or not.

We also do water testing--we have a program called Swim Guide, where we take water samples at all recreational access points from Trussville to Bibb county every Thursday and post the results on Friday. Anybody that wants to swim can look at the water quality each week and see where it's safe. There are three wastewater treatment plants along Buck Creek that discharge to the creek and people assumed they were dumping raw sewage, but with Swim Guide we could disprove that.

We are river advocates, so we do a lot of lobbying and promoting the value of what we call swimmable, drinkable, fishable waters. Those three criteria are the values we expect the water quality to have.

BM: How does the environmental law aspect tie into everything?

DB: It's interesting because people think we're tree huggers and we don't think about anything but saving the trees, plants, and fish--and to some degree, that's true. But we had two huge gas spills last year and we worked cooperatively with the pipeline company to ensure it didn't contaminate the river. Typically, when someone has an accident, they keep environmental groups at arm's length because they feel it complicates things. But in this case, within 30 minutes of both of those incidents, they had invited us to contribute to the cleanup. They spilled like 750,000 gallons of gas less than half a mile from the river and we were able to prevent it from reaching the river. It was a great example of what can happen when people work together.

BM: What makes the Cahaba River special?

DB: It's relatively untouched. The Coosa and Warrior [rivers] used to be similar, but they dammed them up. When they dammed the Coosa, it was one of the largest mass extinctions in modern North America because they lost all kinds of fish, mussels, and snails that lived in shallow water. But all the damage we've done to the others has left this river unique among those. I never knew how

special the Cahaba was until I started doing this. People come back and they're fascinated by all the things they see, whether it's birds, fish, snakes, turtles--there's all sorts of stuff people don't see when they drive 70 miles per hour over a bridge.

BM: Tell me more about how the species in the river have been affected by

environmental changes?

DB: The difference between what exists in this river from when our parents were our age to now is tremendous, and it continues to accelerate. People say it's natural for things to go extinct, but the rate that's its happening is so quick. Think about how long it takes a species to develop--millions of years--and in the last 200 years we have eliminated so many species at an alarming rate. There are all these endangered snails and mussels [in the river] and they still don't even know how all those things are connected. When you lose things you don't even understand yet, you don't know what the impact will be. As riverkeepers, our big

commitment to science is to do that research and answer those questions, so you have a realistic idea of what's at risk.

BM: What have been some of the challenges?

DB: It's challenging because you have both extremes: You have the development, growth, economy extreme and then you have the environmental extreme. They don't often have reasonable discussions about the best thing to do. In Alabama, particularly, these groups don't communicate very well and that's what we're working to improve. We want to be reasonable and rational because if things continue, in our lifetime, we will lose a significant percentage of the biodiversity we have here.

BM: How has the community responded?

DB: It's been tremendous. People donate money to us to do the work the state's not doing. If the citizens didn't believe in the work we're doing, then our work wouldn't be funded. We've noticed especially after the election, people have taken a stronger interest in the environment. It's not mandatory, it's not a tax, people choose to support our work.

BM: How have the canoe trips played a role in getting the community on board?

DB: It's kind of like full circle. I started out canoeing for the recreational value, but then I noticed the problems. I became more educated and wanted to translate that to the people I was taking out. So, I started out as the person who now takes my canoe trips. It's natural to feel connected to it when you see it. I've been doing this for 15 years and my wife always asks why I keep doing it, but there's so much value in taking people out and letting them experience it. I'm addicted to it. I just

enjoy it so much.

Details

David Butler offers guided canoe tours, as well as individual tours. He takes out an average of 100-200 people per week in the summer. The most popular canoe tour begins in Old Town Helena and lasts about 2.5-3 hours, covering a distance of approximately five miles. It's popular with beginners, as well as those who want to see the rare Cahaba Lillies that bloom in early summer.

Canoe the Cahaba | 2370 Highway 52, Helena | 205.874.5623 | facebook.com/CanoeTheCahaba

--Photos by Kelsey Freeman

This story appears in Birmingham magazine's June 2017 issue. Subscribe today!
Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

'Living food' concept coming to Pizitz Food Hall

The newest tenant in the Pizitz Food Hall will be a concept new not only to the hall but also to Birmingham: a healthy food concept with a special emphasis on raw fruits and vegetables. But don't think the food at Bitty's Living Kitchen won't be accessible to an Alabama native: Chef-owner Kimberly Brock got her start in the food industry with a classic Southern restaurant.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

Shelby defends NASA spending key in North Alabama

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby said today the commercial space companies NASA is relying on for access to the International Space Station are behind schedule, possibly unsafe and wouldn't be in the astronaut business without NASA's investment. Shelby also signaled support for more money to NASA in 2018, including more for the science programs the Trump White House wants to cut.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

Walgreens buying 2,186 Rite Aid stores

Walgreens Boots Alliance said it is abandoning plans to acquire Rite Aid, opting instead to purchase more than 2,000 locations of the rival drug store chain. Walgreens will pay $5.18 billion in cash for 2,186 Rite Aid stores, three distributions centers and inventory

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

Alabama pharmacists see jump in lifesaving opioid overdose reversal use

It started as an ordinary day last October when Joe Jones unexpectedly saved a life at his pharmacy in the Roebuck neighborhood of Birmingham. A customer had just left Mills Pharmacy when she returned to let Jones know a person was unconscious on the curb outside his business.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

Alabama's largest mansion sells for $4.8 million

Alabama's largest house has sold in a $4.8 million deal. The realtor who sold the house, Pam Ausley of RE/MAX, confirmed that the 15-bedroom estate has sold to Medical Cloud Computing LLC. The property's assessed market value was $12 million in 2016, according to Shelby County public records, with nearly $1.4 million of that attributable to the 27 acres of land it sits on.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

Blue Bell brings 'Cookie two-step' flavor back to shelves

Blue Bell Ice Cream's

Two Step Cookie Dough Ice Cream is back on the shelves.

The Texas Ice Cream maker first introduced the flavor about a year ago in celebration of National Ice Cream Month

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

TNT fireworks recalled for unexpected explosions

A TNT firework designed to emit colorful smoke when lit may explode without warning, prompting a recall by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. American Promotional Events is recalling TNT Red, White, & Blue Smoke fireworks, which are sold in a bag containing one red, one blue and one white canister.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

Fairhope Brewing: Have a beer, save a baby pelican

When they heard that Tropical Storm Cindy had orphaned a bunch of baby pelicans, the folks at Fairhope Brewing Colooked at their tap handles and decided to take action.The brewing company, which uses a pelican in its logos, launched a series of promotions this week to help. On Thursday, June 29, $5 from every pint glass purchase will go to the pelicans. On Friday, June 30, the brewery will donate $1 for every pour.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

AAA Alabama, wrecker services to offer free towing on July 4

AAA Alabama is offering free towing services for July 4 in an attempt to keep impaired drivers off the road. The free Tow-for-Life service is available to both AAA members and non-members. The program begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 and continues until 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5.

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Lawrence Specker | lspecker@al.com

Mobile shipping terminal still in 'manual mode' after cyberattack

International shipping company Maersk said midafternoon Thursday that some of its operations, including the APM container terminal in Mobile, are still working through issues caused by a cyberattack earlier in the week. The "Petya" ransomware attack was first detected in the Ukraine but also affected scattered corporate systems in western Europe and the U.S. Shipping terminal operator APM, a part of Maersk, was affected in numerous ports, including Mobile.

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Bob Carlton | bcarlton@al.com

Bacon food truck coming to Birmingham

Patrick Horn, the executive chef at Satterfield's Restaurant in Vestavia Hills, is leaving the fine-dining restaurant to operate a new, bacon-centric food truck that's coming to Birmingham later this year.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

13 (surprising) Alabama counties with the longest commutes

If you thought drivers in Alabama's most-populated counties face the longest commutes to work, think again. Census Bureau data shows some of the longest commute times are logged by workers in more rural counties, who must travel greater distances to their jobs.

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Jeremy Gray | jgray@al.com

Redstone Arsenal officials address rumors around active shooter scare

Two 911 calls placed Tuesday morning from Redstone's Sparkman Center resulted in a "run, hide, fight" warning across the arsenal, which was locked down for more than two hours. With information about the nature of the lockdown scarce, rumors quickly flew that one - or more - gunman was on the arsenal or that a woman had brought a firearm to the military base in response to a domestic incident.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

Southern Company's $7 billion clean coal plant to run on natural gas

One of the nation's largest utilities, Southern Co., faced with an ultimatum from Mississippi regulators, said Wednesday that it will suspend efforts to complete a first-of-its-kind coal-fueled power plant. The move is a blow in efforts to develop coal plants that emit less carbon dioxide, which could be key to improving the health of the nation's coal industry.

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Lane closures this weekend on Interstate 59/20, I-65

The Alabama Department of Transportation was to close lanes on Interstate 59/20 and I-65 starting on Friday as preparations for the replacement of the Birmingham Central Business District bridges continue. The closures were weather permitting.

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CHRISTINE PRICHARD

Sammy's Gentleman's Club suit claims discrimination against man

A federal agency is suing Sammy's Gentlemen's Club Fort Walton Beach location on behalf of a man who says he was discriminated against for a job because of his sex. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit Thursday on behalf of James Sharp, who applied in person for a position as a bartender at the Fort Walton location in October of 2015.
Five men are indicted for being in the U.S. illegally after having been previously deported, including one who was arrested during a state drug operation in May.

A federal grand jury this week charged the following in separate indictments in U.S. District Court: Daniel Esteban-Mateo, 48; Mariano Martinez-Diego, 31; Jaciel Kiminez-Campusana, 34; Misael Agosttini-Otero, 32; and Celedonio Contrera-Pacheco, 32. They are charged with illegal re-entry into the United States after previous deportation or removal, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Robert O. Posey and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Ray Parmer.

Esteban-Mateo and Martinez-Diego both are from Guatemala; the other three are from Mexico.

Agosttini-Otero was in Jefferson County on May 25 after being removed to Mexico in 2009, five times in 2010 and twice in 2012, according to the federal indictment. In May 2017, he was one of five suspects arrested in a drug probe that yielded nearly $1 million worth of drugs. In that case, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announced the arrests of Agosttini-Otero, as well as four other suspects, all of whom were in the U.S. illegally.

The arrests happened during two raids in the Birmingham area and lawmen seized $920,000 worth of drugs: 140 pounds of marijuana worth $420,000; two pounds of cocaine worth $100,000 and four pounds of meth worth $400,000. Investigators also confiscated $95,000 in cash and two guns.

The indictments also say:

-Esteban-Mateo was voluntarily in the U.S., in Jefferson County, on June 2 after having been removed from the country to Guatemala in September 1996 following a conviction for an aggravated felony.

-Martinez-Diego was found in Marshall County on May 14. He previously was removed from the U.S. in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

-Jimenez-Campusano was found in Madison County on May 26 after being removed to Mexico in November 2011.

-Contreras-Pacheco was in Shelby County on June 10 after being removed from the U.S. in May 2010.

The maximum penalty for illegal re-entry after deportation is two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. ICE investigated the cases, which the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama is prosecuting.
Darcell Walker

A 23-year-old suspect is charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a Bessemer teen who was killed while the two friends were reportedly robbing another man earlier this month.

Darcell Marcellos Walker, of Birmingham, was arrested June 21, according to court records made public this week. He is charged in the June 14 death of Ullesis Keanu Howard, a 19-year-old recent graduate of McAdory High School, whose body was dumped on a Birmingham street.

Howard's body was discovered at 9:47 a.m. that Wednesday on Crawford Avenue in southwest Birmingham. He was shirtless, and face down partially in the roadway. He was not carrying any identification, and was identified through fingerprints.

Investigators said Howard was shot in the 4400 block of Oak Ridge Circle in Brighton, and his body dumped on Crawford Avenue. According to authorities, Walker and Howard were conspiring to commit an act against another man, a struggle ensued and Howard was shot. Court records say that "act" was a robbery.

Walker is not believed to be the shooter, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities said Walker fled the scene with his wounded friend and dumped him on Birmingham's Crawford Avenue.

Under Alabama law, a person can be charged with murder if they are participating in a felony crime that results in death, whether or not that person actually pulled the trigger. It is that law that earlier this year led to a murder charge against 17-year-old Tavares Floyd who didn't shoot anybody but who police say made plans with his friend - Wenonah High School student Isaiah Johnson - for gun deal that ultimately led to Johnson's death.

A man - whose name has not and will not be released - agreed to trade a rifle to Johnson. During the deal, in downtown Birmingham, Johnson pulled a weapon on him first and he shot and killed the teen. The shooter's actions were deemed self-defense and he was not charged, but Johnson's friend was charged under the felony murder law.

Walker is set to have a preliminary hearing on the charges against him in Howard's death next week. Court records show he pleaded guilty in May to possession of cocaine, but was to take part in the county's Drug Court diversion program.

He remains in the Jefferson County Jail with bond set at $75,000.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday continued the cleaning out of her cabinet, firing Mental Health Commissioner Jim Perdue.

"This is a part of the on-going transition and evaluation of the current administration," Ivey's press secretary, Eileen J. Jones, stated in an email to AL.com. "It was a business decision and not a personal one. A new commissioner has been identified and will be announced next week."

Perdue was surprised and disappointed by the move.

"I had no inkling this was going to happen," Perdue told Al.com in an interview Friday afternoon.

Perdue said he had just left the podium at 9:30 a.m. Friday after speaking to a group when Gov. Ivey called him. "She said 'your job as commissioner will end next Friday July 7," he said.

Perdue said he told her he was disappointed. "She said it is 'business' ... no reasons why," he said.

"I love being commissioner. It's a very difficult challenge," Perdue said.

One of the things Perdue said has been looking at most recently is offering to help the Alabama Department of Corrections deal with a federal judge's order last week that says the treatment of mentally ill prisoners was horrendous and unconstitutional. The judge has ordered groups to get together to find a remedy.

While the job of looking after mentally ill inmates wasn't one of the things the Alabama Department of Mental Health was tasked to deal with, Perdue said he had hoped the mental health department could take over much of that responsibility. He said he had even talked with State Sen. Cam Ward, head of the senate judiciary committee, about that idea in the past week.

Perdue said he can only hope the next commissioner will pick up on that idea. He said he doesn't know who will be tapped to become the next commissioner.

Perdue said he is "disappointed" he won't get to continue as commissioner. "I hate it ... I love the people I work with," he said.

It's a great group of "compassionate people" who work at the mental health department, Perdue said. "But it's also politics. It covers every office in the state," he said.

Ivey has replaced the heads of several state agencies who made up her cabinet since she took over in April after former Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley resigned amid a sex scandal.

Perdue was appointed commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health on July 1, 2015 by Bentley.

Prior to his appointment as commissioner, he served as the Probate Judge for Crenshaw County for 12 years, according to his biography on the Alabama Department of Mental Health website. He also served as President of South Central Alabama Mental Health Board and as a member of the Alabama Mental Health Advisory Board of Trustees, according to that bio.

According to the website Perdue is a 1973 graduate of Auburn University.
A Hoover man pleaded guilty Friday to stealing tens of thousands of dollars from two of his former employers, including a non-profit group that supported the University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band.

Randall Sho Woods, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler to two counts of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Robert O. Posey and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David W. Archey.

A federal grand jury in May issued a 24-count indictment against Woods, who was at one time a staff accountant with Ingram's Account & Financial Management Inc. in Tuscaloosa. While working for the company, Woods fraudulently charged more than $30,000 on corporate credit card accounts for personal expenses, according to the charges and Woods' plea agreement.

Another company, Birmingham-based State Traditions, previously employed Woods as an account clerk. While at State Traditions, Woods engaged in numerous fraudulent activities, including stealing from the company's Pay-Pal account and forging the endorsement of one of State Traditions' owners on multiple checks. Combined, Woods stole more than $150,000 from State Traditions, federal authorities said.

Finally, while Woods served as treasurer of the Million Dollar Band Association, he stole more than $28,000 by writing checks payable to himself, according to his plea agreement.

Woods sentencing is set to for Oct.12 in Tuscaloosa. The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum prison sentence for bank fraud is 30 years.

Each wire fraud charge has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum sentence for bank fraud is 30 years each.
President Trump intends to appoint an Alabama woman to lead the Office of Victims of Crime at the U.S. Justice Department.

The Trump administration announced Thursday that Darlene Hutchinson Biehl of Montgomery has been chosen for the job.

Biehl is widely known as a longtime advocate for crime victims.

"It's an enormous honor," Biehl told AL.com on Friday afternoon. "I am so humbled by it but very, very optimistic and excited about the prospect of helping victims around the country and doing what we can to improve services to them and making sure their rights are always protected."

Biehl said she expected it would be about a month before Trump will be able to make the formal appointment. The position once required Senate confirmation, she said, but that changed in 2012.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement that the state District Attorneys Association unanimously passed a resolution in January supporting Biehl for the position.

"Over my 16 years as a prosecutor, I have worked closely with Darlene to protect the rights of crime victims and I know President Trump made the right choice in appointing her to lead the US DOJ Crime Victims Office," Marshall said.

The Office of Victims of Crime was established in 1988 and administers the Crime Victims Fund, which supports an array of programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of crime and continuing support as they rebuild their lives, according to its website.

"The Crime Victims Fund is when criminal defendants pay into it when they are found guilty," Biehl said. "It's not taxpayer money. That's being divided up and sent back to the field to make sure victim services do exist in various states."

According to the announcement from the AG's office, Biehl first became aware of the needs of victims and the inadequacies of the criminal justice system after a stranger kidnapped her at gunpoint from a post office at the age of 20. Blindfolded and bound, she escaped on the second day and led police to the offender, who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and rape and served 20 years in prison.

In making the announcement, the White House lauded Biehl's experience as a victims' advocate.

"Ms. (Biehl) has been a crime victims' advocate more than 20 years, working extensively on legislation and public policy, teaching at police academies, and accompanying victims of all types to court and parole hearings," the White House announcement said. "Ms. (Biehl's) volunteerism includes 10 years with rape crisis centers in Montgomery, Alabama, and Collin County, Texas, as well as seven years as president of a victims' support and advocacy group.

"Ms. (Biehl) has played a key role in the development of Alabama's innovative victim notification system, as well as the passage and ratification of a Victims' Constitutional Amendment in Alabama."

Biehl also worked with legislators on a new law passed last year that required juveniles convicted of capital murder to serve at least 30 years in prison before being eligible for parole.

"They (families) just want some finality. They just want some clarity," Biehl told AL.com last year upon the bill being signed into law.

"Potentially, hundreds of family members of murder victims will have to go back to court many years after they thought their cases were settled," she wrote in a prepared statement on the new law last year. "Public officials often talk about the mental health issues of inmates, which is a legitimate concern, but rarely does anyone think about the mental health of crime victims and what our justice system does to them - heaped on top of the trauma they experience from the crime alone."

In addition to her advocacy work, Biehl has worked 25 years in publishing, including eight years as the editor of law enforcement publications in Alabama, Washington, D.C., and Texas. Plus, she served nearly six years as the Communications and Media Director for the Dallas Bar Association.

"Darlene Hutchinson Biehl is well known as a tireless advocate for crime victims' rights in Alabama and nationwide," Marshall said. "She has an extensive background in fighting for those victimized by violent crime, ensuring they are given a voice in the criminal justice system."

Updated today, June 30, 2017, at 4:13 p.m. with comments from Biehl.
Secretary of State John Merrill said Alabama is examining a request to turn over names, birthdays and voting history to a federal election commission investigating possible fraud in the 2016 presidential election.

Merrill confirmed Friday his office received the commission's letter, which requests all "publicly-available voter roll data including...the full first and last names of all registrants, middle names or initials if available, addresses, dates of birth, political party (if recorded in your state), last four digits of social security number if available, (and) voter history from 2006 onward."

The information, according to the letter sent to all 50 Secretaries of State, will be made available to the public. States were given a deadline of July 14 to comply.

Merrill said Alabama is examining the request, but said he is not sure what information - if any - Alabama will provide and has more questions about the process.

"We want to be helpful. We want to encourage (the commission). We think they are trying to be helpful to the country but we're not sure we're going to provide everything they have asked for. We are not doing it on June 30 and we're not sure if it will be provided by July 14," Merrill said.

"We want to make sure our voter information is protected," Merrill told AL.com. "We want to be helpful but have to make sure information on our constituents is secure."

The letter came from Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, vice chair of the bipartisan Presidential Commission on Election Integrity. The commission, chaired by Vice President Mike Pence, was established via an executive order by President Trump in May. The commission is charged with "reviewing policies and practices that enhance or undermine the American people's confidence in the integrity of federal elections."

The commission will produce a report that will be provided to the president sometime next year.

Kobach's letter also asks Secretaries of States to provide information related to voting laws in their states and for convictions related to election-related crimes since 2000.

Earlier, Merrill said there was no evidence Alabama's election system was compromised, even as reports surfaced that foreign interference during last year's presidential election may have been more widespread than first believed.

Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, said the request should concern every American.

"President Trump's election commission is a sham, led by a Secretary of State whose only qualification is that he disenfranchised more voters over the past decade than any other state lawmaker," said Sewell, Vice Chair of the Commission on Protecting American Democracy from the Trump Administration.

"The commission's request for personal voter data should be alarming for any American who values their privacy, security, or the integrity of our elections. Handing over information on our voters to an Administration that has no respect for the facts will only lay a foundation for national voter suppression efforts," she added.

Not all officials are agreeing to turn over the information. State officials in Virginia, California and Kentucky said they will refuse the request, according to a report in The Hill.

Updated June 30 at 10:46 a.m. to include comments from Rep. Terri Sewell.

Updated June 30 at 11:07 a.m. to clarify Merrill's comment that the state is considering the letter but what data will be submitted has not been determined.
Alabama's rural hospitals would be forced to shutter or cut services to patients if the Senate passes its plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, state Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, said Friday.

Ross is planning on holding town hall meetings on the implications of the Better Care Reconciliation Act, or "Trumpcare." The senator pointed to a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that found 709,000 Alabamians would lose coverage under Trumpcare and the state would lose $1.1 million in Medicaid funding by 2022 if the bill passes Congress.

"At a time when we are already struggling to meet our current Medicaid needs, this new legislation would be devastating to healthcare as we know it in Alabama," Ross said in a statement. "Our already strapped rural hospitals will have to close down or deny vital services to our most rural citizens."

Ross said if Alabama would have chosen to expand Medicaid under Obamacare, it would have received $2.5 billion in federal funding -- dollars that could have been used to blunt the effects of Trumpcare if the legislation becomes law.

The Montgomery senator urged the state's U.S. senators -- Luther Strange and Richard Shelby -- to vote against Trumpcare when it is expected to get a vote after the July 4 recess.

"We must urge Sen. Luther Strange and Sen. Richard Shelby to vote no on this cruel piece of legislation," Ross said.
Sen. Luther Strange dismissed a report Thursday as "fake news" that alleged he was in the room when a Democratic state representative was offered a bribe in exchange for fighting back against the 35th Avenue Superfund site in Birmingham, and called on one of his Republican challengers who repeated the report at a news conference to "hit the confession booth" for spreading "salacious gossip against their brother in Christ."

The Alabama Political Reporter, citing an anonymous source, reported Rep. John Rogers of Birmingham was offered control of a super PAC that Drummond Company would form on his behalf if he spoke out against the superfund designation in north Birmingham. Josh Moon, the reporter who wrote the story, later said on Twitter that at least six people corroborated the unidentified source's account.

The first half came from an impeccable source and was corroborated by at least six people, including a Sen candidate & a legislator /2  Josh Moon (@Josh_Moon) June 29, 2017

Drummond Company was eventually named by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as being among the "potentially responsible parties" that could be liable for damages at the site. Rogers did not confirm the report to the Alabama Political Reporter, but said he did not accept a bribe.

BREAKING GOP Candidate Randy Brinson said Rogers told him Strange was present at failed bribe Rogers says no Strange pic.twitter.com/cxwu1ifYRz  Alan Collins (@fox6alancollins) June 29, 2017

Rogers later told a reporter that he was not in the room during the alleged bribe.

Strange's campaign said the senator has been the victim of "fake news" reports that they said have also plagued President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Strange is running on the premise that he is the candidate best aligned with Trump's values.

"As Alabama's attorney general, Sen. Strange led the national fight against the over-reaching Obama EPA in order to protect jobs in Alabama and across the country," his campaign said. "The allegations in Josh Moon's article are simply not true and smack of the same fake news that President Trump and Jeff Sessions are dealing with. As shown by the recent Veritas videos exposing CNN, too many in the media are unaccountable and have dropped all pretense of having standards, abusing and using the First Amendment as a cover for lying about their political enemies and boosting their ratings. "

The allegations were reiterated by Republican challenger and Christian Coalition of Alabama President Randy Brinson during a news conference Thursday in Birmingham in an attempt to tie the senator to corruption. The Strange campaign hit back, accusing Brinson of spreading unfounded rumors.

"Anyone who desperately spreads salacious gossip against their brother in Christ needs to hit the confession booth," Strange's campaign said in response.

Strange, then Alabama attorney general, was against the Superfund designation, arguing in 2015 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was overstepping its bounds. He said the agency ruled arbitrarily and without consultation from the state, and did not take into account that Alabama would not use state funds to help clean up the site.

The Alabama Political Reporter story claimed that Strange's opposition to the EPA was "odd," pointing out that his campaign accounts benefited from thousands of dollars from Drummond Corporation.

Other than categorically denying the allegations, the statement from Strange's campaign did not explain the donations.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this week states must put both same-sex parents on children's birth certificates. It's a practice already in place in Alabama.

The court ruled 6-3 in favor of two married same-sex Arkansas couples who conceived their children through sperm donations. The couples sued the state after they were told Arkansas would only put the name of the birth mother on the birth certificate and not that of her female spouse.

The court ruled omitting the name of both same-sex partners violates the High Court's 2015 decision legalizing gay marriage. It was that ruling that changed the way Alabama handled birth certificates, officials said.

"As soon as same sex marriage was made law of the land our office instructed hospital staff that if a woman gave birth and was married to another woman, the female not giving birth was to be listed as the second parent on the birth certificate," said Cathy Donald, State Registrar and Director of Alabama Center for Health Statistics.

"Hospital staff with general questions regarding this subject or questions regarding specific cases where instructed to contact our office," she added.

In its argument, Arkansas said same-sex spouses should not be included on birth certificates since the second person was not a biological parent and that the 2015 Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage did not extend to other contexts. Challengers said the practice amounted to treating opposite-sex and same-sex spouses differently, pointing to the fact that the names of both male and female parents are listed on a birth certificate of a child conceived through donor insemination.

Supporters of the birth certificate ruling are optimistic it will play role in other laws involving same-sex couples, including the recent Alabama measure that allows private adoption agencies to follow faith-based policies to not place children with gay couples.

The ruling did leave some requirements in place for the same-sex parent birth certificates: the same-sex couple must be married at the time of the child's birth and the baby has to be conceived via artificial insemination. Arkansas said it will amend birth certificates that have already been issued as long as they show a mother and no father on the document.

The ruling was issued via an unsigned opinion; Justices Neil Gorsuch, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented.
Eight Democrats running for Alabama's Senate seat believe the Republican alternatives to "repeal and replace" of the Affordable Care Act could cause thousands of state residents to lose their health coverage.

And they believe the GOP's plans, unpopular in national polling, will give their party a political opportunity to make a contest out of an election few pundits expect them to have any chance at winning. Alabama hasn't elected a Democrat to statewide office in more than a decade.

Alabama Republican leaders, however, believe voters in this deep red state will reject Democratic attempts to push back against the GOP's reform efforts on Obamacare.

Democrats and Republicans will nominate their party's choice for the Alabama Senate seat during an Aug. 15 primary, followed up with a Sept. 28 runoff if needed. The general election is Dec. 12.

"I think that is what people are worried about, how are they going to pay for their health care, where are they going to go for health care?" said Doug Jones, a Birmingham lawyer and former U.S. Attorney during Bill Clinton's presidency. "I think all of this publicity has heightened that awareness and it's gotten people energized."

Said Jason Fisher, an Orange Beach businessman who is also seeking the nomination: "I absolutely believe that health care is the top issue for Democrats in this U.S. Senate race."

Democrats pounce

National polling is on the Democrat's side. A USA Today/Suffolk University poll found that just 12 percent of Americans support the Senate Republican health care plan that has been initially supported by Strange, the incumbent senator who is trying to stave off his own challenges in the GOP primary.

A NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist poll revealed that only 1 in 5 Americans, or 17 percent, support the Senate's plan. The poll showed that only 1 in 3, or about 35 percent, of Republicans support the Senate plan.

The Senate proposal - called the Better Care Reconciliation Act - will not be considered this week, as initially expected. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said that he plans to bring it back up for consideration after the July 4 holiday.

The Senate plan is deeply unpopular among Democrats. Hoover businessman and Democratic Senate hopeful Charles Nana calls it "super mean" in that it rolls back health care for the poor, elderly and disabled.

But Michael Hansen, a nonprofit executive from Birmingham, said that health care offers political opportunity, as long as Democrats are "dare to be bold."

"The reason Democrats in Alabama have languished in recent years is because we have failed to offer a real contrast with the Republicans and haven't bothered speaking to and persuading those with whom we may not agree," said Hansen, who advocates for a "robust universal coverage" through a single-payer healthcare system. "We keep doing the same things over and over again and are getting lackluster results."

He added, "Everyone wants quality care they can afford. I think we can win on healthcare if we dare to be bold, and inspire voters to think different."

Democrats are also emboldened by the recent Congressional Budget Office analysis of the Senate pitch to "repeal and replace" Obamacare with the new law that rolls back the Medicaid expansion under Obamacare and does away with individual and employer mandates.

That report shows that the Senate version would lead to 22 million Americans losing health insurance coverage over the next 10 years, while reducing the budget by $321 billion over the same time frame.

Alabama could be affected, since approximately one-third of the state's population relies on Medicaid. In some of the state's poorest counties, such as Wilcox, nearly 50 percent of the population is eligible for Medicaid, per month.

"With over 22 million additional citizens expected to lose coverage under Trumpcare, Democrats will be well-served to make it a campaign issue," said Nana.

Said Brian McGee of Lee County, also a candidate: "The largest negatives associated with the bill lie in the massive cuts to Medicaid."

But will the national polling and public nervousness over the GOP's attempts to alter Obamacare matter in an Alabama statewide election? To political pundits, the answer is: Very little.

"One would like to think that Alabama voters would be rational enough to consider their own healthcare before anything else," said William Stewart, a professor emeritus of political sciences at the University of Alabama and a longtime observer of state politics. "However, for most of its recent history, Alabamians have been more concerned with social issues (such as abortion, same-sex marriage) than with their own economic welfare."

Still, Democrats are jumping at the chance to make health care an issue while the Republican field looks to maneuver around a controversial subject, mostly in swing states.

The USA Today/Suffolk University poll shows that 8 in 10 Republicans support doing away with Obamacare even if a replacement health care plan isn't ready.

AL.com conservative columnist J. Pepper Bryars, in a column on Tuesday, noted Strange's awkward position on the bill: He will be seen as a fighter for conservative values if he votes against it, or he will be viewed as a pawn for McConnell and the establishment wing of the Senate if he endorses the measure.

"I think he is going to vote for something that is disastrous for the state," said Doug Jones, the Birmingham lawyer.

Meanwhile, a good number of Republicans support subsidized health care of some form, specifically Medicaid. The CBO estimates that federal spending on Medicaid from now until 2026 would be $772 billion less than what is projected to be spent under Obamacare.

The CBO reported Thursday that the Senate plan will cut overall Medicaid coverage by 35 percent by 2026.

"The proposed deep cuts to Medicaid would be particularly devastating to Alabama, especially our rural communities," said Prichard resident and candidate Robert Kennedy Jr.

Alabama is one of 19 states to refuse an expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare, opting to turn away from federal financial aid that could support more than 250,000 uninsured residents.

McGee said it's not too late for Alabama lawmakers to endorse the expansion, though that appears unlikely after the GOP-dominated Legislature refused to do so last session.

Alabama's health score rankings are also being discussed by Democrats, some of whom point out that the state ranks among the bottom in infant mortality, life expectancy, diabetes and obesity.

"Alabama is one of the unhealthiest states in the country, that is a fact," said Jones. "We are one of the poorest states, and that's a fact. Instead of trying to fix it, they want to repeal and everything we are seeing right now is a complete disaster for the state of Alabama."

GOP counters

Republicans are maintaining that their aim is to reduce the soaring premiums under Obamacare and to thwart a mass exodus of insurers from the marketplace.

In Alabama, only Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Obamacare policies for Alabama consumers on the federal exchange. Two other companies pulled out in 2016.

Strange, in past interviews, said he supports Trump's efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare, while preserving the 1.3 million Alabama residents on Medicaid.

Other leading contenders back more market-based solutions for health insurance.

Moore, who is initially polling strong in the crowded GOP field for the Senate seat, supports a complete and "outright repeal" of the 2010 law, and that the present alternatives will lead to failure.

Rep. Mo Brooks of Huntsville, who supported the GOP's version of the Obamacare alternative, still prefers an outright repeal of the law.

Randy Brinson, a physician and president of the Christian Coalition of Alabama, and Trip Pittman, a state senator from the Eastern Shore of Baldwin County, both favor more market-based solutions with minimal interference from the government.

"The insurance companies are pulling out of the markets, people can't pay their high deductibles or keep their doctor as promised," said Terry Lathan, chairwoman of the Alabama GOP. "They are being forced to pay a tax if they don't comply. The crisis is the signature of the Democrats and now they won't help fix what they burned down? It's unconscionable."

Perry Hooper, who helped chair Trump's campaign in Alabama last year, issued a news release Tuesday blaming Democrats for refusing to "participate in the process" of reforming Obamacare.

Hooper said he believes the Democrat's strategy of "resist" and "obstruct" isn't resonating with the American people, and he pointed to four previous special elections this year - most recently, a U.S. House race in Georgia - all won by Republicans.

"As internal Republican data pointed out, people overwhelmingly want Democrats in Congress to work with the president to find common ground on solutions," said Hooper, noting that in states with a Democratic senator up for re-election in 2018, voters by a margin of 50-60 percent want Democrats to find common ground with Trump.

"We need to work together to develop a new system that will provide better care for millions of Americans who cannot afford to suffer under Obamacare's crippling costs for one more day," Hooper said.

Lathan said Alabama voters, who she believes will focus on policies during the Senate campaign, will continue to reject Democrats and Obamacare.

"Our voters have in record-breaking numbers rejected Obamacare and the havoc it is causing courtesy of the Democratic Party," Lathan said. "If Democrats think on Dec. 12 that we will change our minds and applaud their destruction of our nation's healthcare, they truly have yet to listen to the people."
A 65-year-old man from Loxley, Alabama was arrested on Thursday (June 29) morning for being in possession of child explotation material, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

ALEA spokesman Kevin Cook reported that agents with the State Bureau of Investigation's Special Victims Unit arrested Michael Harvey Oakley after receiving a lead.

Baldwin County Detention Center records show Oakley's most recent address as 23832 Totter Ridge Drive in Loxley.

Cook said he was charged with seven counts of production of child exploitation material and seven counts of possession of child exploitation material.

He said that Oakley was booked into the Baldwin County Detention Center on Friday morning at approximately 4:36 a.m. and had a bond hearing later in the morning.

Baldwin County Detention Center records show that Oakley received seven $15,000 bonds for the possession of pornography material charges and seven $25,000 bonds for the production of pornography charges.

His bonds totaled $280,000 when combined.

Cook said the SVU was assisted by ALEA's Tactical Team, the Baldwin County Sheriff's Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the arrest.

No additional details have been given on the arrest and Oakley remains in jail at this time.
The head of Alabama's third-largest school system says he wasn't concerned with the content of a summer reading list filled with hardline conservative authors promoted by a Spanish Fort High School teacher.

But Superintendent Eddie Tyler, who heads up the 31,000-student Baldwin County School System - which includes Spanish Fort High School, where the reading list was assigned by an AP Government teacher -- said Friday he was more upset with teacher Gene Ponder's "failure" to follow a district policy in getting the list approved.

"Even if the books were authored by other well-known people such as Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or Nancy Pelosi, I would have reacted in the same manner," Tyler said in an email that was forwarded to the district's approximately 3,600 employees. "The problem wasn't the list, the problem was that the list had not gone through the proper vetting process."

Added Tyler: "After speaking with (Ponder), he admitted as much, and I appreciated his honesty."

Ponder has not spoken out publicly on a reading list that includes a swath of conservative media personalities and former public servants such as Michael Savage, Ann Coulter, Mark Levin, Charles Colson, Ron Paul and President Ronald Reagan.

Tyler said he encouraged Ponder - he did not name the teacher by name in the email - to read all of the 31 books on the summer reading list and "if he so chooses" make recommendations on books for students to read to a social studies departmental committee. The committee would then review the books at the appropriate time following the next school year.

"I have asked him to contact me to discuss any concerns he may have with the review process," said Tyler. "However, I believe that any books placed before the social studies departmental committee will be given a thorough review by those educators."

The school system pulled the reading list last week following an outburst of criticism on social media, after initial concern was raised by Spanish Fort resident Elizabeth Denham.

Her blog post, which was published on the Huffington Post, called the list of 31 suggested books as "anti-climate change, anti-liberal, pro-Christian" filled with "not one academic book" and "zero historical/intellectual options." She said it was an inappropriate list for a public school.

Tyler, in a statement last week, said the reading list had not been endorsed by the school system. The school's principal, in a message to Denham, said he was unaware of the list's contents.

Tyler, in his email Friday, said that all students need "a healthy dose of both sides of the political arguments and viewpoints, both conservative and liberal." Denham noted in her blog post that there were only two books suggested in Ponder's reading list that she found acceptable, but she added "they weren't ideal."

"The social studies list does not worry me," Tyler said, adding that there were a "few books on the list which I'd like to read."

He added, "What I worry about is exposing students to a book on Jack and Jane showing up in a second-grade classroom with inappropriate pictures and talking about a subject that might be offensive to parents. I do not want this to happen. When we don't adhere to a process for vetting an official reading list, we find ourselves in jeopardy of placing in appropriate material in the hands of students."

Tyler's comments come after some of the authors whose books were on the list blasted the decision on Twitter last week.

ALABAMA KILLS READING LIST BECAUSE SAVAGE'S BOOKS DOMINATED  Michael Savage (@ASavageNation) June 23, 2017

Surprise. CNN hawks censorship of conservative books. https://t.co/jrfI2H4bJ9  Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) June 25, 2017

"I am very proud of our teachers and the work they do," Tyler said. "I want our teachers to push to think outside the box and consider many perspectives before arriving at the truth themselves. I ask that teachers challenge their students and expose them to different ways of thinking. While I encourage this, we have to keep in mind there is a process in place to allow that exposure to happen."

Denham has noted that the reading list, when first publicized, outraged her Democrat friends. On the Baldwin County Democrats Facebook page, multiple posts were directed at Ponder, who once ran as Republican for lieutenant governor.

Denham, in her blog post, said that Ponder's conservative-heavy reading list "had been used for several years" but noted that like-minded liberals in Baldwin County tended to stay quiet because the county is heavily Republican. Baldwin County, for instance, supported President Donald Trump in the November election by a 76.5-19.4 percent differential over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Tyler's email didn't specify Denham by name. She noted that her 17-year-old son is the incoming Southeast Regional Director for Alabama's High School Democrats of America.

"Many complain that public education relies on too much liberal indoctrination," Tyler said in his email. "I do not believe that to be the case in Baldwin County Public Schools. I encourage our teachers to balance their teachings and political philosophies so they appropriately reflect the real world we live in today. As superintendent, I want our students to have a balanced education."

The following is the text of Tyler's email:

With the 4th of July Independence Day weekend in sight, I find myself reflecting back over the events of last week centered around a 12th grade social studies summer reading list that was posted at one of our schools.

A teacher posted a summer reading list without first presenting the list for approval by the social studies departmental committee at the school. The list was withdrawn, but almost immediately people started complaining and assuming that the reading list was removed because it was comprised of a list of conservative authors.

Responses posted to websites like the Huffington Post and other social media outlets from California and Illinois started complaining that we, the Baldwin County Public School System, were circulating right wing propaganda to our students.

I can honestly say that I am not losing any sleep over what the folks in California think about what we are doing in the Baldwin County Public School System!

As I looked over the list, I recognized several of the authors. In fact, there are a few books on the list which I'd like to read. The content of the list might be of concern to some people, but it wasn't my concern. The failure of the teacher to follow the process was my concern.

The Baldwin County Public School System has a process for approving books that are not on the approved reading list.

Even if the books were authored by other well-known people such as Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or Nancy Pelosi, I would have reacted in the same manner. The problem wasn't the list, the problem was that the list had not gone through the proper vetting process. After speaking with the teacher, he admitted as much, and I appreciated his honesty.

I encouraged the teacher to read all of the books on the list and if he so chooses recommend the books he feels are important for students to read to the social studies departmental committee for review at the appropriate time next year. If he does not think that the books he submits receive a fair review, I have asked him to contact me to discuss any concerns he may have with the review process. However, I believe that any books placed before the social studies departmental committee will be given a thorough review by those educators.

ALL of our students need a healthy dose of both sides of political arguments and viewpoints, both conservative and liberal. Exposing our students to different thoughts and asking our students to consider differing points of view is what education is all about!

This social studies list does not worry me. What I worry about is exposing students to a book on Jack and Jane showing up in a 2nd grade classroom with inappropriate pictures and talking about a subject that might be offensive to parents. I do not want this to happen. When we don't adhere to a process for vetting an official reading list we find ourselves in jeopardy of placing inappropriate material in the hands of students. It is my job as superintendent to not allow this to happen at any grade level!

I am very proud of our teachers and the work they do! I want our teachers to push our students to think outside the box and consider many perspectives before arriving at the truth for themselves. I ask that teachers challenge their students and expose them to different ways of thinking! While I encourage this, we have to keep in mind that there is a process in place to allow that exposure to happen. We must ensure that our efforts are appropriate, peer reviewed and approved.

Many complain that public education relies on too much liberal indoctrination. I do not believe that to be the case in Baldwin County Public Schools. I encourage our teachers to balance their teachings of political philosophies so they appropriately reflect the real world we live in today. As superintendent, I want our students to have a balanced education.

As we pause to celebrate our 4th of July Independence Day, please take time to appreciate that we are free to discuss ALL of these ideas. We should be able to celebrate those things on which we agree as well as argue against those on which we disagree.

This is a testament to the awesome country we live in. I am proud of what we teach our students in the Baldwin County Public School System. We want students to be proud of our country's history and to be able to intelligently engage in discussions on politics.

I am Eddie Tyler, Superintendent of the Baldwin County Public School System and I am BALDWIN PROUD!

This story was updated at 5:23 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2017, to include the complete text of Superintendent Eddie Tyler's email.
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating 60-year-old Susan Mayo of Wilmer.

The MCSO reported that Mayo was last seen by her family members on June 17 in the Wilmer, Alabama area.

No additional details on Mayo have been given at this time.

The MCSO is asking anybody with information in regards to Mayo's whereabouts to contact them at 251-574-8633.
With a few "War Eagle!" chants, Auburn University and the city of Gulf Shores ushered in Friday the start of an 11-month construction project for a new educational campus in coastal Alabama.

The approximately $12.5 million facility is expected to open on Aug. 1, 2018, anchored by a veterinarian medical center. Construction of the 25,000-square-foot educational building - overseen by Volkert Inc. - will begin next week, depending on weather.

"Weather will dictate that," said Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft following a groundbreaking ceremony that occurred outside the city's cultural center because the campus property at the Foley Beach Express and County Road 8 is saturated from recent rains.

"It's farmland. It's wet out there," said Craft. "But they are excited in meeting that goal. With Volkert managing it, they are on time and on budget with a complicated construction schedule."

The campus will sit on 26 acres within a 200-acre parcel the city covets as an educational complex.

Craft said he's hopeful that Coastal Alabama Community College, formerly Faulkner State Community College, will consider locating a facility on site. No plans, however, are imminent.

Veterinary services

Auburn, however, plans to utilize the new building - once its open - for what college officials call a "unique" mix of programs with veterinarian medicine serving as a centerpiece. Other educational disciplines include aviation, research and development and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

"It's quite unique in bringing together multiple disciplines from our university to this part of the state," said B.T. Roberts, an Auburn University trustee.

The College of Veterinary Medicine's referral center will occupy approximately three-fourths of the facility, said Calvin Johnson, the dean of Auburn's College of Veterinary Medicine.

A rendering of the future Auburn University complex in Gulf Shores, Ala. The campus is expected to open on Aug. 1, 2018. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

The veterinary services will include six exam rooms, two operating rooms, intensive and critical areas, a treatment suite and endoscopy room, clinical laboratory, a pharmaceutical dispensing area, imaging capabilities (radiography, MRI, and ultrasound, etc.), infectious disease isolation area, a pet nutrition kitchen and separate canine and feline housing areas.

Johnson said the center won't be a "typical veterinary hospital" in that primary care patients will be seen by local veterinarians in the area.

"We'll be there in a referral basis when there is a case to see a specialist," he said. "We'll return that animal back to (the veterinarians) so they can do a follow up. The intent is that we're a good partner in providing an added opportunity in the highest level of care."

Johnson said that senior veterinary students, in their eighth year of college training, will begin working with the on-site specialists beginning in 2018.

He said there currently are no plans for student housing, but Craft said there is space on the property for private developers to build dormitories if needed.

Johnson, meanwhile, said that the location could also help Auburn University explore future opportunities with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and assist with marine animal care.

"We see that as a next step opportunity for us," he said. "We want to see ... if there is a relationship that is mutually beneficial."

Education focus

The project is largely being financed through revenue bonds that will be paid back through a lease Auburn University has entered into with the Gulf Shores Public Education Finance Authority, which is overseeing construction.

Craft said the facility is part of the city's strategic planning initiative, which includes expanding educational opportunities and diversifying the city's economy beyond tourism.

The mayor had hoped that the 200 acres could be utilized by the Baldwin County Public School System for the future construction of a high school campus. But the defeat of a school construction referendum in 2015, halted those plans and the school system is now moving in a different direction with future school construction.

"We're looking at all different education opportunities in how we might help the county succeed," said Craft. "The city is committed to doing what we can do to make education better."
A Montgomery man was arrested for allegedly making bomb threats on two separate occasions, Montgomery Fire and Rescue said.

Lamar Flynn, 49, allegedly placed the first threat on June 19. He claimed to have placed explosive devices at two locations in the city. These locations were cleared, but no devices were found. MFR initiated a criminal investigation following the threat.

Another bomb threat was called in on June 27. The caller claimed to be a suicide bomber who vowed to blow up police and himself. Authorities said two locations were identified. Those locations were evacuated and no explosives were found.

Authorities were able to identify Flynn as a suspect and took him into custody on Wednesday. He was charged with two counts of making terrorist threats and placed into the Montgomery County Detention Facility on a $30,000 bond.
Mr. Jay Town,

I haven't met you, and you haven't met me, so consider this an introduction.

Recently you were named by the Trump administration to become the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Congratulations, and condolences. It's quite a career step, and God, do I pity you for it.

When the Senate gives its blessing to your appointment (and I have no reason to expect they won't) you will then be in charge of one of the most significant public corruption investigations in Alabama's recent history, and that's saying something in this state.

Former state Rep. Oliver Robinson agreed last week to plea to bribery charges, and career prosecutors in the Northern District say the investigation continues.

But this is a lot bigger than a Birmingham politician getting stung in corruption probe. Of particular interest to authorities is the law firm Balch & Bingham and one of its clients, Drummond Co.

Also, Attorney General Jeff Sessions will be your boss.

And there's the problem. You see, Sessions and the folks in the crosshairs of that investigation have a history. They're close.

First, let's look at the money.

Here are Session's top five campaign donors, according to the watchdog site Opensecrets. Number two is Balch. Number three, Drummond.

It should be noted that Balch's biggest client is the Southern Company's subsidiary here, Alabama Power. Balch even has offices in their building.

But to really explain to you how close Sessions and Balch are, it's probably easier to show you.

This is Jeff Sessions taking the oath at his confirmation hearing.

And this is the same picture cropped a little closer.

And even closer, still. That guy right there, third from Session's left (our right) is Ed Haden, one of three lawyers representing Sessions during those hearings.

In the last two election cycles, he gave $3,700 to Sessions' senate campaigns. Considering that Sessions had no serious opposition during those two campaigns, it was more a gesture of friendship than real support. Sessions didn't need the money.

Haden is a partner at Balch & Bingham. If you wanted to measure the distance between Sessions and Balch, in this picture it's about six feet.

Before he went to work at Balch, Haden was chief counsel for Sessions on Capitol Hill.

And when Sessions had to face the modern inquisition known as Senate confirmation, he hired Haden to get his back.

Haden isn't the only tie between Sessions and Balch.

Working in Sessions' office has been a career stop for many Balch lawyers and lobbyists, including one who recently made the jump back to Washington.

Jeffery Wood worked for Sessions until he left in 2014 to join Balch's environmental and natural resources division -- at least until January, when he left Balch's environmental and natural resources division to again work for Sessions as assistant United States attorney general over the Justice Department's environmental and natural resources division.

The cross-pollination is strong here. That's the same division tied up in the north Birmingham superfund business. (Wood has already recused from that case.)

Now, are you ready to go deeper down this hole?

Session's replacement in the Senate, Luther Strange, has ties to this, too. Until recently his campaign manager and political advisor, Jessica Medeiros Garrison, worked at Balch. She left there in May.

Are you still breathing?

According to the political blog, Alabama Political Reporter, Strange might have ties to the north Birmingham Superfund scandal, too.

Whether that's true or not -- you'll have to figure that one out. But it means you might be making inquiries into a senator who has a say in your appointment.

I sent questions to the Justice Department asking whether Sessions has or will recuse from this investigation. I haven't heard anything back.

I sent questions, too, to Strange's office. No-reply.

Heck, even John Rogers has gone radio silent.

So it's up to you, Mr. Town, to sort it all out.

You'd better be ready, because here's the thing: Of the career prosecutors and investigators who are working this case, there some who are more liberal and some more conservative, but none seems to care about anything but seeing justice done. Over the years I've watched these same folks put away Republicans, Democrats and ne're-do-wells who defy categorization. They don't care about politics. That's the ray of hope here. Good people are doing good work.

This case needs to run its natural course, free from political interference. For that to happen, those career prosecutors and investigators are going to need space, resources and independence.

And it's going to be your job to protect them.

The stakes are high. Pressure will build. Somebody, inevitably, will try to put their big political thumbs on the scales of justice.

And it will be your job, Mr. Town, to keep them off.
Hundreds of refugees fleeing the Sinai conflict have settled in Gaza, where they have been subsisting on handouts.

Quotes in a previous version of this article were incorrectly attributed to an acting spokesman for Egyptians living in Gaza. They have since been removed.

Rafah, Gaza  Surviving in a dirty tent in southern Gaza, Salman Shigan cannot return home across the border to neighbouring Egypt  because his home no longer exists.

We escaped from the unbearable persecution and almost certain death carried out by the Egyptian army, during what they called the counterterrorism operations against jihadist groups in Sinai, the 71-year-old told Al Jazeera.

Shigans family home in northern Sinai was demolished by the Egyptian army in 2015, as soldiers worked to clear areas where armed fighters were alleged to be hiding. The incident prompted him to suffer a heart attack. After partially recovering, he and his family  including 24 children and grandchildren  fled to Gaza through a tunnel used by smugglers.

The Egyptian army has not compensated the family for the destruction of their house. They left us to face unknown destiny with our young children  Now, we live in abominable conditions and hugely suffer to get the basic services of water and electricity, Shigan said.

Egypts Sinai province has been rocked by violence and instability since armed groups stepped up attacks against the army after the 2013 overthrow of Mohamed Morsi, the countrys first democratically elected president. In response, the Egyptian army launched a massive military campaign, which involved the demolition of hundreds of homes. Caught in the crossfire, hundreds of Bedouin tribespeople have fled the region for Gaza.

The flow of refugees from the Sinai has continued into this year, with many telling of how their homes were demolished, their loved ones persecuted and their lives destroyed. But they are not finding much comfort in the Gaza Strip, where a crippling Israeli-Egyptian siege has made life unbearable for many of the territorys two million residents.

Aisha Silmi, 50, finally made it to Gaza in 2016 after many aborted attempts to cross the border. After living for three decades in the Egyptian half of the divided city of Rafah, Silmi and her family were expelled from their town by the Egyptian army.

She recalls the day an Egyptian battalion raided her house, frightening her children and ordering them to leave.

They rigged the corners of my house with explosives and set them off by remote control in front of my eyes, Silmi told Al Jazeera. The ordeal did not stop there; they even started to frantically chase two of my sons, accusing them of having links with the militants.

The Egyptian army ultimately arrested two of her children and brutally beat them before releasing them, she said, noting that the family began preparing to move to Gaza shortly thereafter. They were not compensated for their demolished house and had to start from zero in Gaza. Silmi says that she lives in constant fear over the fate of her relatives remaining in Sinai.

I am so much afraid for them and their destiny there, she said. Not every one of us who wanted to travel to Gaza succeeded, and sadly many are still stranded in the desert.

Ziad Sarafandi, the head of refugees affairs in Gaza, told Al Jazeera that the Egyptians who had fled across the border needed help badly. His office was trying to assist them by securing scholarships for their children to study in local universities, along with coordinating with the United Nations to help provide basic aid.

Those refugees sought shelter in Gaza, which is mainly constituted of refugees, Sarafandi said. Despite the bad conditions here, we can never abandon our Egyptian brothers and sisters.





Meanwhile, those Egyptians who have crossed the border say they are continually haunted by their losses as they struggle to survive in the blockaded territory.

Mohammed  who spoke to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, fearing retaliation from the Egyptian army  said that he was forced to flee Sinai amid fears of being killed or injured in the ongoing conflict.

We escaped from certain death. After my son was captured by the army, tortured and lost one of his eyes, I told my family that we cannot continue to live here for one more day, Mohammed said. We moved to Gaza through the smuggling tunnels. My daughters and my ill wife were very afraid while crossing the tunnels.

The war is so cruel; it stained our childrens minds with very bad memories and experiences, he added. In spite of our pain and loss, we are trying to remain composed and get back on our feet again. But I am looking for a day when the war is over, to turn back and build my house in Sinai with my family.
How Rodrigo Duterte had to cut down on tough talk and quietly accept US military help against ISIL.

[R]eality has a way of catching up, warned former US President Barack Obama during his emotionally charged farewell speech. It was partly an admission of his own shortcomings, but also a subtle, yet poignant, word of caution to populist leaders seeking overnight national transformation based on simplistic slogans and tough-talk alone. Obviously, Obama had no less than his successor, Donald Trump, in mind.

In many ways, political reality is also catching up with other strident populist leaders around the world. A year into office, the Philippines tough-talking president, Rodrigo Duterte, is confronting a full-blown crisis in his home island of Mindanao, which is testing his mettle of leadership like never before.





For almost a month, the Philippine military has struggled to liberate Marawi, the countrys largest Muslim-majority city, from ISIL-affiliated fighters, led by the notorious Maute Group. Utilising improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a sophisticated network of underground tunnels, and deploying snipers in strategic locations across the city, few hundred radical jihadists managed to hold onto several neighbourhoods despite large-scale mobilisation of government troops.

Eager to deny the Maute Group a single inch of territory, the government resorted to expansive air raids, which led to friendly fire deaths and growing concerns over civilian casualties. The bloody siege of Marawi has claimed the lives of close to 400 people, including civilians. After days of continuous bombing and heavy clashes, much of Marawi has been reduced to rubbles, eerily resembling scenes of devastation in Aleppo and Mosul.

As the Philippine military struggled with a full-fledged urban warfare, the Duterte administration was forced to seek US military assistance. In many ways, this was a dramatic volte-face for a country, whose leader has repeatedly insulted US officials and threatened to expel US forces from his country in pursuit of an independent foreign policy.

Uncle Sam is back

Aside from dispatching state-of-the-art drones for real-time intelligence support, the Pentagon also provided a cache of M134D Gatling-style machine guns, M203 grenade launchers, M4 carbines, and Glock 21 pistols to the Philippine military. Washington also deployed a special forces unit to provide training and technical assistance to Filipino troops in Marawi.

As Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the US Pacific Command, told me on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore earlier this month, We are involved in activities in Mindanao to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines take the fight to ISIS in the Philippines.

OPINION: Mindanao crisis  A city on fire

Ironically, the siege of Marawi, and the Philippines growing reliance on American counterterrorism assistance, came right after Dutertes back-to-back visits to Beijing and Moscow. Duterte is yet to agree to visit the White House, despite Donald Trumps open invitation earlier this year.

Though he is the countrys commander-in-chief, Duterte implied that the Philippine military unilaterally made the decision to seek US military backup without his approval. As he half-jokingly lamented, This is really their sentiment, our soldiers are really pro-American, that I cannot deny.

Washington, unlike Duterte's preferred strategic partners Moscow and Beijing, enjoys a long history of interoperability and mutual trust with the Philippine military. by

A more nuanced analysis, however, suggests that the Filipino president has, albeit reluctantly, been open to counterterrorism cooperation with the US. After all, both countries are deeply concerned about the prospect of an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) wilayat (province) forming in Mindanao, especially as foreign fighters from as far as the Russian Caucasus and the Middle East have joined the fray.

Staring into the abyss

Weeks before the siege of Marawi, Duterte, in a speech commemorating Philippine-US military alliance during World War II, underscored the importance of continued cooperation against the menace of terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes in order to defend the common good.

Washington, unlike Dutertes preferred strategic partners Moscow and Beijing, enjoys a long history of interoperability and mutual trust with the Philippine military. Thanks to a package of security agreements, namely the Visiting Forces Agreement and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, the Pentagon also enjoys extensive access to Philippine military bases.

The Philippines is yet to sign any comparable arrangement with China or Russia. Counterterrorism operations, however, arent Dutertes greatest challenge. Post-conflict reconstruction and reviving peace negotiations between the government and major rebel groups is obviously the bigger concern down the road.

READ MORE: The battle for Marawi  Confusion and contradictions

I hope in the soonest time, you will find a new heart to forgive my soldiers, the government, beseeched a visibly distraught Duterte, who sought more patience and understanding from the residents of Marawi, most of whom have been stuck in refugee camps with no clear future in sight.

The Filipino president allocated 20 billion Philippine pesos ($400m) for reconstruction efforts, vowing to make the city beautiful again. During his presidential campaign, Duterte presented himself as the voice of Muslim Filipinos. Throughout his first year in office, he, however, devoted much of his political capital to a heavy-handed crackdown on illegal drugs, while painfully reorienting Philippine foreign policy away from the US in favour of Eastern powers.

To be fair, Duterte inherited an overwhelming set of challenges from his predecessors, who bungled various opportunities to bring about peace and development to Mindanao. Now, as he grapples with a new contagion of terror and violence in his home island, the Filipino president needs to get all the help he can, including from the West, in order to fulfil his election promise to leave behind a Mindanao that is governed in peace.

Richard Javad Heydarian is a specialist in Asian geopolitical/economic affairs and author of Asias New Battlefield: The USA, China, and the Struggle for the Western Pacific.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Last month, Myanmars de-facto leader and former human-rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi convened a conference to try to end the many wars that have wracked the country for more than half a century. Leaders of the military and ethnic armed groups, politicians, and civil society activists descended on Myanmars capital Naypyidaw with the stated aim of achieving what Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) party promised when it came to power in April 2016  national reconciliation. But an end to Myanmars decades-long conflicts remains as distant as ever.





As the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar military spoke at last months conference of his burning desire to bring peace to the country, video footage of Myanmar army soldiers torturing ethnic men dressed in civilian clothes emerged. The clip shows soldiers beating, kicking and threatening with death several bound men. As the commanding officer repeatedly bludgeons one man, he says, Im going to break all your teeth and cut out your tongue.

This is the kind of brutality the Myanmar military continues to use against ethnic communities, and it is nothing new  in December, footage surfaced online showing state security forces in Rakhine State beating ethnic Rohingya men in a similar fashion. Yet Aung San Suu Kyis government has announced they will block a United Nations fact-finding mission aimed at holding those responsible to account. If Myanmars leaders are serious about ending civil war and the culture of impunity in the country, they should do everything in their power to cooperate with the UN mission.

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK: Myanmars democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has lost her voice

On March 24, the UN Human Rights Council passed a landmark resolution mandating a fact-finding mission to Myanmar to establish the facts and circumstances of the alleged recent human rights violations by military and security forces  with a view to ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims.

Suu Kyi's thinly veiled defence of Myanmar's security forces is the latest example of her failure to promote and protect human rights by

Rather than welcome it, last week Aung San Suu Kyi told a press conference with Swedens Prime Minister Stefan Lofven that the fact-finding mission was not in keeping with the needs of the region in which we are trying to establish harmony and understanding. She had previously announced that the government of Myanmar disassociated itself from the resolution because it is not in keeping with what is actually happening on the ground.

Aung San Suu Kyis thinly veiled defence of Myanmars security forces is the latest example of her failure to promote and protect human rights and a feeble justification for precluding the fact-finding mission. Her resistance is particularly problematic given that her unparalleled standing in the country could swing public opinion to push for justice and accountability.

However, her heretofore failure to cooperate should not obscure the real reason for the governments apparent opposition to the fact-finding mission. Behind the scenes, Myanmars military leaders are doing everything they can to frustrate Aung San Suu Kyis administration and keep international eyes away from their crimes, particularly in the countrys north and the west.

The failure of the government to acknowledge and properly investigate recent atrocities by the Myanmar army against Rohingya Muslim civilians in Rakhine State prompted the UN to establish the mission. However, its mandate is broad and is not limited to investigating human rights violations in Rakhine State. This is a good thing for Myanmar  and there is no better time than now for the fact-finding mission to do its work.

OPINION: Aung San Suu Kyis inexcusable silence

Fighting in northern Myanmar has only escalated under Aung San Suu Kyis administration. An estimated 100,000 people have fled fighting in the north since the conflict between the Myanmar military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) resumed in June 2011. Local civil society and my colleagues and I at Fortify Rights have documented extrajudicial killings, rape, torture, forced labour, and other indiscriminate attacks by the Myanmar army in the course of the conflict. Life-saving aid to the displaced has been severely restricted. Thousands of people do not have adequate food, healthcare or shelter.





In Rakhine State, the Myanmar military conducted clearance operations in several villages following an October attack by Rohingya fighters on border guard posts. Since December, Fortify Rights documented cases of Myanmar security forces raping Rohingya women and girls, slitting mens throats, and burning people alive  in some cases killing children and infants. Our findings are consistent with those of a UN report published in February, which concluded that Myanmars security forces were committing crimes against humanity in Rakhine State.

Aung San Suu Kyi and her civilian government are in a delicate spot. Under the 2008 constitution, the military can declare a state of emergency and suspend the elected government. However, there is little likelihood of this happening and such a dark prospect would still not justify wholesale denials of atrocity crimes and active obstruction of justice. Moreover, domestic support for the UN mission is growing: Scores of organisations throughout the country have pressured the government to fully cooperate with the fact-finding Mission.

The footage of the Myanmar armys brutality surfaced as peace conference delegates parted ways and returned home to their respective areas of conflict. A conference billed as a step towards national reconciliation instead served to remind us of the biggest obstacle that stands in its way  impunity for the Myanmar armys crimes. Allowing the UN fact-finding mission unfettered access to investigate human rights violations by military and security forces would help bring that impunity to an end, prevent further violations, and earn much-needed trust from Myanmars long-suffering minorities.

David Baulk is a Myanmar Human Rights Specialist with Fortify Rights. He is the author of a forthcoming report on avoidable deprivations in aid to war-affected communities in Myanmar. Follow him on Twitter @davidbaulk

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Google celebrates one of North Africas most influential writers on what would be her 81st birthday.

Assia Djebar is known as one of North Africas most influential writers.

Born as Fatima Zohra Imalayene in 1936, Djebar was a celebrated author, filmmaker and champion of womens rights.

She published her first book, La Soif (translates literally to The Thirst, but called The Mischief in its English version), at the age of 21.

It was about a westernised French-Algerian girl who grows up in Algeria and seduces her friends husband in an attempt to make her own boyfriend jealous.

Using her pen name, Assia Djebar wrote more than 15 books, including novels, poems and plays. They have since been translated into more than 23 different languages.

Each of my books is a step towards the understanding of the North African identity and an attempt to enter modernity. by Assia Djebar

As the first Algerian and first Muslim woman to be accepted to one of Frances most elite schools in 1955, she left Algeria, only to return after the country won independence in 1962.

She lived in Algeria, the United States and Paris for much of her life.

In 2005, she became the first North African writer to be elected an immortal in the prestigious Academie Francaise.

Upon receiving the honour, she told a French newspaper that she did not consider herself a symbol.

I am not a symbol, she said.

Each of my books is a step towards the understanding of the North African identity and an attempt to enter modernity.

Defender of womens rights

Djebars works often examined and exposed the lack of rights for Muslim women across the Arab world.

She focused on the role of women, which she believed was ignored by other writers, in Algerias struggle before and after independence.

Djebars Women of Algiers in Their Apartment is a collection of short stories that illustrates how little had changed for Algerian women, even after independence.

In 1977, she directed her first filmed which is translated as The Song of Women of Mount Chenoua about a female engineer who returns to Algeria after many years in exile.

Upon her return to France, she told a newspaper there were only men in the streets of Algiers.

Her own life was often the backdrop in her work. Her novel, Algeria White, was a tribute to three men she knew who were killed in the space of a year.

Today's Doodle features novelist, educator & filmmaker Assia Djebar who used her art to encourage the plight of Arab women for independence pic.twitter.com/5yjGgCfVDf  Zain (@xmasri) June 30, 2017

When she died in 2015 at the age of 78, then French President Francois Hollande said she was a woman of conviction, whose multiple and fertile identities fed her work, between Algeria and France, between Berber, Arab and French.

She is celebrated by Google on what would be her 81st birthday in a Google Doodle in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Syrian Democratic Forces say they have seized the last route to Raqqa, and now fully encircle the city.

US-backed fighters have seized the last road into Raqqa, and now say they have completely encircled the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levants (ISIL) de facto capital in northern Syria.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have completely surrounded and besieged the Islamic militants inside al-Raqqa city from all sides, the group said in a statement released late on Thursday.

The Kurdish-led SDF had been advancing from the citys east after they seized a major stronghold in May, and from the west and north.





South of the Euphrates river the SDF now control all high-speed routes into Raqqa, Joe Scrocca, spokesman for the US-led coalition, told the Associated Press.

Moving toward the Euphrates from the east would completely encircle the city and has been the SDF plan from the start, Scrocca added.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors Syria through a network of activists on the ground, said the SDF had seized villages across the river, moving through the Kasret al-Faraj area.

The Observatory described it as a strategic advance that completes the siege around Raqqa.

IS has no other choice now but to surrender or fight to the end, said the Observatory director, Rami Abdelrahman, using a different acronym for the group.

Hours after the advances, ISIL fighters carried out a counter-attack on SDF forces east of the city, regaining control of sections of al-Sinaa and Mashalab neighborhoods, which were captured in the early days of the offensive, Abdelrahman said. He said there were casualties on both sides.

Thursdays development comes as Iraqi forces captured the ruins of the famous and hugely symbolic al-Nuri mosque in Mosul where the Islamic State groups leader first declared the caliphate nearly three years ago.

Nearly three years ago to the day, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made the caliphate announcement in an audio recording, before appearing for the first time in public at the mosque days later.

READ MORE: As ISILs caliphate crumbles, its ideology remains

The declaration ushered in a period of gruesome violence and an attempt by the group to erase borders between the neighbouring states.

Scrocca said Syrian fighters have pushed their way from different axes, isolating the city since the campaign began on June 6.

The coalition has destroyed all the bridges over the river and the Syrian fighters are in control of the two dams, which are the only crossing points remaining, he said. He estimated that 2,500 ISIL fighters remain in the city.

Tightening the noose around Raqqa, the de-facto capital of ISIL since they seized it in July 2014, is another symbolic development in the coordinated fight against the group.

It effectively seals the territory and denies the fighters an escape route to their other stronghold in Deir Az Zor, south of Raqqa.

Speaking in Baghdad, coalition spokesman Ryan Dillon said ISIL fighters have been abandoned by their leadership as a steady stream of leaders attempted to escape the city, some successfully.

He said in the past week, the SDF have cleared nearly 20 square kilometres of territory in and around Raqqa.

The advance toward Raqqa city began last year, as Kurdish-led forces fought to clear ISIL from rural parts of the province.

Backed by air strikes from the international coalition, the Syrian fighters captured the strategic town of Tabqa in May, and seized one of Syrias major dams that lies nearby.

The battle for Raqqa began in earnest on June 6, as the fighters moved in from east, west and north of Raqqa.

The fight on the southern front began later this month. Scrocca warned that the fight for Raqqa city would be lengthy.

There is still much fighting to be done in the city, he said.
Joint exercises, expected to start after Eid al-Fitr, could eventually draw up to 1,000 Turkish soldiers to Qatar.

Qatars ministry of defence has announced the arrival of a new group of Turkish armed forces to the military base where Turkey began its training mission last week.

The forces are set to take part in joint exercises within the framework of a defence agreement signed between Doha and Ankara aimed at raising Qatars defence capabilities, supporting counter-terror efforts, and maintaining security and stability in the region.





Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah arrived on Thursday at Ankara where he is scheduled to meet with his Turkish counterpart Fikri Ishik as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkeys parliament on June 8 approved the 2015 deal with Qatar aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two states, which gave Turkey the right to establish military bases in the emirate and deploy military forces.

The deals approval came three days after Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries severed diplomatic ties with Qatar over allegations that it supports terrorism and is too close to Iran  charges Doha has repeatedly denied.

Five armoured vehicles and 23 military Turkish military personnel arrived in Doha on June 18. At the time, Turkeys Hurriyet newspaper reported that there were already at least 88 Turkish soldiers in Qatar.

The number of Turkish soldiers sent to the Gulf state could eventually reach 1,000, Turkish daily Hurriyet reported, adding that an air force contingent was also envisaged.

Joint exercises were expected to start after the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The Turkish military base in Qatar is a first for Turkey in the Arab World.
Authorities launch drive against military police accused of selling arms and being part of drug trafficking.

Brazilian authorities have issued arrest warrants for 95 rotten police officers in Rio de Janeiro state who they say have sold arms and tipped off drug gangs about future operations, in the largest such effort yet to root out corrupt officers.

At least 70 other warrants were also issued on Thursday for alleged drug traffickers and other criminals as part of the operation.

By midday, about 50 people were arrested, roughly half of them police, authorities said.





Civil police investigator Fabio Barucke told reporters that police being arrested were rotten oranges who would seize weapons in slums and then sell them in other slums.

We are doing a good to society by removing these individuals from the military police, said Barucke.

Its an important institution for the public safety of our state. We have extracted these rotten oranges, these bad policemen, to strengthen the safety of the state.

In Brazil, military police patrol streets and conduct operations. They have a particularly strong presence in Rios hundreds of slums, or favelas.

Residents in favelas routinely complain about corruption and mistreatment at the hands of military police.

Investigators said they were targeting police who maintain ties to the powerful drug gangs that control vast swaths of metropolitan Rio de Janeiro.

Police were accused of selling powerful rifles to gang leaders and tipping them off to police actions that would be carried out in the slums the gangs control in return for bribes.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urges a Saudi-led bloc to drop its demand to shut media outlets funded by Qatar as a condition to lift the blockade against it.

In a letter directed to the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, the CPJ stressed it was not taking sides in the diplomatic dispute in the Gulf.

The CPJ, an independent organisation that promotes press freedom worldwide, said the demand to close the outlets, including Al Jazeera, showed clear contempt for the principle of press freedom.

The media watchdog also pointed out that the demand violated treaty commitments to the rights to free expression and to freely receive and impart information.

[The demands] represent a clear attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries where these media companies operate  under the guise of demanding that Qatar not interfere in other countries internal affairs, thereby limiting the diversity of sources for information and views in the region.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed sanctions on the country on June 5, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

The allegation is rejected by Doha.

READ MORE: UN  Demand to shut Al Jazeera a threat to media freedom

After more than two weeks, the four Arab countries issued a 13-point demand list in exchange for the end of the anti-Qatar measures and gave a 10-day deadline, which expires on July 3.

The demands included the closure of all news outlets that Qatar allegedly funds, directly and indirectly, including Arabi21, Rassd, Al Araby Al Jadeed, Mekameleen and Middle East Eye.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, The New York Times editorial board and The Guardian have all condemned the efforts to pressure Qatar into shutting down Al Jazeera.

David Kaye, the United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, has also rejected the demand to close Al Jazeera, saying that such a move would be a major blow to media pluralism.

READ MORE: Norway press groups protest Al Jazeera closure call

Al Jazeera has described the Saudi-led campaign as nothing but an attempt to silence the freedom of expression in the region and to suppress peoples right to information and the right to be heard.

We are stunned by the demand to close Al Jazeera, Giles Trendle, the acting managing director of Al Jazeeras English-language service said. Of course, there has been talk about it in the past, but it is still a great shock and surprise to actually see it in writing. Its as absurd as it would be for Germany to demand Britain to close the BBC.

Trendle said Al Jazeera is going to continue its editorial mission of covering the world news in a fair and balanced way.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars foreign minister, has said that Al Jazeera Media Network is an internal affair and there will be no discussion about its fate during the diplomatic crisis.
Sixteen more people have died in hospital following Sundays oil tanker explosion on a main highway in Pakistan.

The death toll from an oil tanker explosion in central Pakistan has risen to 190, hospital and government officials said, as 16 more people succumbed to their injuries on Friday.

The oil tanker overturned on Sunday morning on a main highway from the coastal city of Karachi to Lahore while carrying around 40,000 litres of fuel.

It exploded minutes later as crowds from a nearby village gathered to scavenge for fuel, despite warnings by the driver as well as motorway police to stay away.





The death toll from the tanker fire incident is now 190 after expiry of more injured people, Tahira Parveen, medical superintendent of Bahawalpur Victoria hospital, told AFP news agency.

The charred wreckage of dozens of motorcycles and cars could be seen scattered on the highway, along with kitchen utensils, pots, water coolers, jerrycans and buckets which victims had brought to collect the petrol.

Local sources told Al Jazeera that most of the victims were residents of nearby areas who were collecting fuel from the spillage.

Motorway police spokesman Imran Shah said that a government inquiry into the incident found at least five police officials guilty of hiding information.

The tragedy marked a grim start to Eid, the celebrations closing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Analysts said the reaction of the crowds is not surprising, given the problem of fuel shortages and poverty.

Children were among the dead and injured, according to Mohamed Ahmed, a hospital doctor.

People with severe burns were being sent to other cities because the hospital lacked facilities to treat so many patients at the same time, he said.

Rana Sanaullah, Punjabs law minister, told the ARY news channel that DNA tests were being used to identify the dead.

He said the driver of the fuel tanker had survived the crash and been taken into custody.

Nawaz Sharif, Pakistans prime minister, expressed his grief at the accident and ordered authorities to make sure the victims were treated at the best medical facilities, his office said in a statement.
Annual military parade parade schedule to take place on Friday abandoned for security concerns, president adviser says.

Democratic Republic of Congo will not hold its annual independence day military parade on Friday because of security concerns, an adviser to President Joseph Kabila said.

Congos independence day parades, held each of the last three years, are usually festive events that mark the end of Belgian colonial rule in 1960 and have been used to show off the Central African countrys latest arms acquisitions.

Kabilas deputy chief of staff, Jean-Pierre Kambila, told Reuters news agency on Thursday that there would be no military parade on June 30 for security reasons, but did not elaborate.

He said Kabila would likely still give a televised speech.

The parade was also cancelled in 2012 and 2013 during the countrys war with the M23 rebel group.

Rising violence, a growing humanitarian crisis and a spate of prison breaks have unsettled Africas largest copper producer in recent months, adding to an already tense political climate.

President Kabila refused to step down at the end of his mandate in December, increasing instability and raising fears of a backslide to the civil wars of the turn of the century that killed millions.

Thousands of inmates have escaped from jails this year, including about 4,000 from the capital Kinshasas main high-security prison last month. In response, police and army have set up night-time checkpoints in Kinshasas business district of Gombe.

Meanwhile, fighting between government forces and a local armed group in the central Kasai region has killed more than 3,300 people and forced 1.3 million to flee their homes since August.

Opponents accuse Kabila, in power since 2001, of deliberately delaying the next presidential election in order to cling to power, but the government says the delays are due to a slow voter registration process and financing shortfalls.
Landmark vote comes after Chancellor Angela Merkel changes her mind and tells party members to follow their conscience.

Germanys parliament has voted by a wide margin to legalise same-sex marriage after Chancellor Angela Merkel changed her mind and said members of her ruling conservative bloc should follow their personal conscience rather than the party line.

The parliament voted by 393 to 226 on Friday in favour of same-sex marriage.

The reform gives full marital rights for same-sex couples and allows them to adopt children.

Merkel, who will seek a fourth term in a national election in September, told reporters after the landmark decision that she had voted against the measure because she believed that marriage, as defined under German law, was between a man and a woman.

READ MORE: Germanys minor parties  In their own words

But she said her decision was a personal one, adding that she had become convinced in recent years that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children.

I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between the different opinions, but also brings more social cohesion and peace, Merkel said.

Marriage for all

Online, #Ehefueralle (Marriage for all) trended worldwide, with many celebrating the amendment.

Everyone should be able to love the person they want to love. Wonderful news from Germany! #Ehefuralle  pic.twitter.com/vj5l3jlbUa  Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) June 30, 2017

Merkels announcement on Monday that she would allow legislators to vote on same-sex marriage according to their individual conscience angered some in her traditionally Catholic conservative bloc.

But political analysts say the issue will likely have faded from voters minds by the time the September election comes around.

Fridays vote, however, still marks a rare victory for Merkels Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners, who are trailing the conservatives in opinion polls.

Success in passing the marriage for all amendment could provide a sorely needed boost for the centre-left SPD, which has seen a short-lived gain in the polls earlier this year evaporate in recent months.

The measure will likely be signed into law by the president some time after July 7.

Many other European countries, including France, Britain and Spain, have already legalised same-sex marriage.
High Commissioner Zeid Raad al-Hussein says Saudi-led campaign to close the network is extraordinary, unprecedented.

The UN human rights chief has called the demand by a Saudi-led bloc to close Al Jazeera an unacceptable attack on the right to freedom of expression and opinion.

UN High Commissioner Zeid Raad al-Hussein is extremely concerned by the demand that Qatar close down the Al Jazeera network, as well as other affiliated media outlets, Husseins spokesman Rupert Colville said on Friday.

Whether or not you watch it, like it, or agree with its editorial standpoints, Al Jazeeras Arabic and English channels are legitimate, and have many millions of viewers, Colville added.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed sanctions on the country on June 5, accusing it of supporting terrorism, an allegation Doha has rejected as baseless.

Last week, the Saudi-led bloc gave Qatar 10 days to comply with 13 demands to end a major diplomatic crisis in the Gulf, insisting, among other things, that Doha shut down Al Jazeera, close a Turkish military base and scale down ties with Iran.

READ MORE: All the latest updates on the Qatar-Gulf crisis

The demands also included the closure of all news outlets that Qatar allegedly funds, directly and indirectly, including Arabi21, Rassd, Al Araby Al Jadeed, Mekameleen and Middle East Eye.

Colville said that if states have an issue with items broadcast on other countries television channels, they are at liberty to publicly debate and dispute them, adding that to insist that such channels be shut down is extraordinary, unprecedented and clearly unreasonable.

He also said that if a closure were to happen, it would open a Pandoras Box of powerful individual states or groups of states seriously undermining the right to freedom of expression and opinion in other states, as well as in their own.





Al Jazeera has described the Saudi-led campaign as nothing but an attempt to silence the freedom of expression in the region and to suppress peoples right to information and the right to be heard.

Giles Trendle, the acting managing director of Al Jazeeras English-language service, also denounced the demands by the Arab states as an attempt to suppress free expression.

We are stunned by the demand to close Al Jazeera, Trendle said. Of course, there has been talk about it in the past, but it is still a great shock and surprise to actually see it in writing. Its as absurd as it would be for Germany to demand Britain to close the BBC.

He added that Al Jazeera is going to continue its editorial mission of covering the world news in a fair and balanced way.

Growing list of support

Hussein joins the growing list of individuals and organisations that have expressed their support for Al Jazeera.

On Wednesday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged the Saudi-led bloc to drop its demand to shut down Qatar-funded media outlets.

In a letter directed to the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, the CPJ stressed it was not taking sides in the diplomatic dispute in the Gulf.

The CPJ, an independent organisation that promotes press freedom worldwide, said the demand to close the outlets, including Al Jazeera, showed clear contempt for the principle of press freedom.

READ MORE: An Open Letter from Al Jazeera

On Monday, a trade association representing more than 80 media companies voiced its support for Al Jazeera amid the Saudi-led campaign to have the network shut down.

It is vital we value and protect the independence of media organisations and journalists around the world. Any effort to silence journalists or use news organisations as a bargaining chip is an affront to freedom, a statement by the Digital Content Next association said.

Last week, The Guardian newspaper said in an editorial that the demand by the Saudi-led bloc was wrong.

The attack on Al Jazeera is part of an assault on free speech to subvert the impact of old and new media in the Arab world. It should be condemned and resisted, the editorial published by The Guardian on Friday said.

READ MORE: Norway groups slam outrageous call to shut Al Jazeera

Media watchdogs, human rights groups and prominent commentators have also condemned the demand to close Al Jazeera as outrageous, absurd and worrying.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars foreign minister, has said that Al Jazeera Media Network is an internal affair and there will be no discussion about the fate of the Doha-based broadcaster during the diplomatic crisis.

The UAE ambassador to Russia said in an interview with The Guardian newspaper on Tuesday that his country does not claim to have press freedom.

He was responding to a question about whether the demand to close Al Jazeera was reasonable.

We do not promote the idea of press freedom. What we talk about is responsibility in speech, he said.
Five suicide bombers blow themselves up during army raids on two Syrian refugee near Syria border.

A young girl was killed and seven Lebanese soldiers were wounded on Friday when army raids on two refugee camps near the village of Arsal at the Lebanese-Syrian border were attacked by a group of suicide bombers.

Five suicide bombings and a grenade attack targeted the Lebanese Army early Friday in the northeastern border town of Arsal, leaving seven soldiers wounded, the army said in a statement.





Four of the suicide bombers struck in the al-Nour camp near the border town of Arsal, the army said.

A young girl, whose parents are both refugees, was killed and three soldiers wounded, the army said.

A medical source in the provincial capital Baalbek told AFP news agency the girl was two and a half years old.

Troops recovered four explosive devices during the raid.

The army immediately detonated these devices in the places they were planted, the statement said.

Another attacker blew himself up in the nearby camp of al-Qariyeh, and a second attacker threw a grenade at troops, wounding four of them.

The army said its units were continuing with the raids, which are aimed at arresting terrorists and seizing weapons.

Witnesses reported hearing intermittent bursts of gunfire in the area.

The wounded soldiers were airlifted to hospital by a Lebanese army helicopter, Tayyar media reported.

There have been multiple clashes along the border between the Lebanese army and hardline fighters connected to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) or Al-Qaeda.

READ MORE: A voice of horror from Lebanons Arsal

In August 2014, the army clashed with ISIL and al-Qaedas then Syria affiliate Jabhat Al-Nusra in the Arsal area, with hardline fighters kidnapping 30 Lebanese soldiers and policemen as they withdrew back along the border.

After long and arduous negotiations, 16 of the kidnapped men were released in December 2015 in exchange for Islamist prisoners held in Lebanese jail.

The hardline fighters executed four of their hostages while a fifth died of wounds he suffered in the initial Arsal clashes, leaving nine members of Lebanons security forces still in their hands.

About 1,500 fighters are still believed to be operating near the flashpoint town of Arsal, which was overrun by ISIL in 2014.

Across the border, advances by the Syrian army, backed by the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, last year cut off the rebels from the east, leaving them surrounded in an area straddling the border.

About 70,000 Syrian refugees live in camps in and around Arsal, some of the more than one million Syrians who have fled to Lebanon to escape a bloody civil war on the other side of the border.
Islamabad, Pakistan  Thousands of protesters in the northwestern Pakistani city of Parachinar have ended a week-long sit-in following twin blasts that killed at least 72 people, after the military acceded to their demands for better security, according to protest leaders and the military.

The protesters had been holding a peaceful demonstration following twin blasts at a market last Friday, the latest in a series of bloody attacks that have targeted Shia Muslims in the Kurram tribal area.

Earlier, following last weeks attacks, the protesters had come under fire from the governments security forces, in an attempt to force them to disperse. Reports indicate that several were killed in that exchange.

Since then, demonstrators flocked to the scene, with residents arriving to take part in the protest from across the Kurram tribal district, located near the unstable Pakistan-Afghanistan border, about 280km west of the capital Islamabad.

The standoff came to an end on Friday, after a visit by Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa concluded with protest organisers announcing that their demands had been met.

Clearly discriminatory

The demonstrators had demanded that the commandant of the paramilitary regiment responsible for firing on the protesters be dismissed and that a new security plan be enforced for the district with input from local leaders.

Protest leaders also demanded that local tribesmen be inducted into the paramilitary forces that secure the district and that a local militia be officially recognised in the new security plan. Greater compensation for the families of those killed was also demanded, equivalent to that announced for people killed in a devastating oil tanker fire in central Pakistan last week.

The [paramilitary] Frontier Corps policy in Parachinar is clearly discriminatory, reads the list of demands. Instead of providing protection to the people they are involved in murdering them. As a result, the return of the Kurram (Turi) militia be guaranteed and Parachinars security be immediately handed over to them.

Those [demands] related to security, the army chief has immediately given the order for them to be implemented. And you would see the additional army troops that have arrived, Major-General Asif Ghafoor, the militarys spokesman, told reporters on Friday.

History of violence

Parachinar, the capital of the Kurram district, is home mainly to the districts Turi tribe, who are predominantly Shia Muslims. Shia Muslims make up about 20 percent of Pakistans population and have often been the subjects of both targeted killings and large-scale suicide bombings by the Pakistani Taliban and others.

This year, at least 120 people have been killed in three separate improvised explosive device (IED) and suicide attacks on Parachinar, including last weeks attack. Fifteen others were killed in a roadside bombing elsewhere in Kurram in April.

Following that attack, Pakistans army had appeared to attempt to quieten coverage of the protest demonstrations, saying they were an attempt to promote disunity.

Ongoing malicious campaign of enemies of Pakistan which is also unwittingly being spread on social media is highly regrettable and we all need to be cognizant of it, the military said, in a statement released on Wednesday.

Protesters, however, insisted that they were not attempting to create disunity, only to express their dissent from the militarys policies and to demand better security.

However many attacks have happened, we have never been told who carried it out, Shafiq Ahmed Turi, a protest organiser, told Al Jazeera. It seems that whenever a new group is made, we are always the first targets.

On Thursday night, protesters lit hundreds of candles at the site of Fridays twin blasts, to commemorate the dead.

Listen to us

Protest organisers said it was a challenge to feed and shelter the thousands of demonstrators for seven days, but that they were able to do so because the community came together.

One man sent us the Rs25,000 (about $250) that he was saving for his daughters wedding [to pay for food for demonstrators], said Mehdi Hussain Turi, a local government employee. Children and young men are standing out there around the protesters for security  through the heat, through the rain, through everything.

For Shafiq Ahmed Turi, the protest was a last resort, to get the government to pay attention to the needs of Kurrams citizens.

We live peacefully, we bury our dead every time. But this time we were forced to come out to the road, just so that the government and the army chief would listen to us.

Follow Asad Hashim on Twitter @AsadHashim
Reporter Zafar Achakzai is accused of posting illegal material on Facebook, his father and rights groups say.

Islamabad, Pakistan  A Pakistani journalist arrested last week at his home in the southwestern city of Quetta has been charged with allegedly posting illegal material on Facebook, rights groups and his family said.

Armed men, some in paramilitary uniform and others in plain-clothes, broke down the door to Zafar Achakzais home on June 25 and arrested him, Achakzais father told Al Jazeera.

He was handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency on Thursday and charged under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), said Naimat Achakzai.

Provincial government officials did not respond to Al Jazeeras requests for comment on the case.

The detention is the latest in a series of arrests targeting journalists and social media activists for criticising the countrys powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan for roughly half of its 69 years since independence.

The crackdown was ordered by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, according to an interior ministry statement on May 14.

Achakzai said that he believed his son was arrested for criticising security forces regarding their handling of a hit-and-run case where a provincial politician allegedly struck and killed a traffic policeman.

The case went viral on social media after CCTV footage appeared to show the politicians car striking the policeman and driving away.

Naimat Achakzai owns the Daily Qudrat newspaper, an Urdu-language daily with a small print run but a huge following online, with more than seven million followers on Facebook across Pakistan.

Zafar Achakzai, 21, is the newspapers chief reporter, he said.

They broke the door down, they assaulted our family members  They took him from us during this raid, said Naimat, of the raid.

I was asking where they had come from, but they were not telling us. Whoever spoke to them, they would slap them.

Zafars mobile phones and laptop were also taken during the raid, Naimat said. Family members said they have been denied any information on the whereabouts of Zafar Achakzai since his abduction.

Ongoing online crackdown

In a statement, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called for the immediate release of the journalist. Freedom Network, a leading Pakistani media watchdog, said it was concerned by the latest arrest.

We are seeing more and more that people in smaller towns and cities are using social media to express themselves, and this is the last frontier that the government is trying to control, Iqbal Khattak, Freedom Networks safety adviser, told Al Jazeera.

I think they are systematically, slowly and steadily going towards controlling the medium the same way they have almost completely controlled the print and electronic media, Khattak said.

Pakistan has a vibrant media, with dozens of private television news stations and newspapers, but the country consistently ranks low on press freedom rankings, mainly due to censorship around the role of the military in both security and political affairs, and threats from armed groups such as the Pakistan Taliban.

The country slipped to 139 out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index in 2017.

RSF has specifically pointed to the use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) as a means to control the news media. PECA criminalises any online posts that are critical of the countrys military, government and other institutions of the state.

Last month, dozens of political activists were arrested and charged under PECA for allegedly posting material that was critical of the military.

Asad Hashim is Al Jazeeras Web Correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim.
The 72-year-old is still popular with Filipinos despite his leadership being marred by his so-called war on drugs.

It has been one year since Rodrigo Duterte, also known as The Punisher, was elected as Philippines president, after riding a platform of suppressing crime, the spread of drugs and corruption.

Before coming to power, the former mayor had promised a wide range of reforms, including tackling poverty, unemployment and improving the economy.

Despite taking Filipinos on a promised rough ride of drug war killings and foreign policy U-turns, the 72-year-old remains as popular as ever as he marks 12 months in office.





According to pollsters at the Social Weather Stations, 80 percent say they have much trust with his administrations performance.

People like the man, Ricardo Abad, the head of sociology and anthropology at Ateneo University in Manila, told the AFP news agency.

People may disagree with his policies, or are maybe ambivalent towards them, but because they like him, people will tend to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Al Jazeeras Jamila Alindogan, reporting from Manila, said his first year had also been marred by controversies.

He has verbally attacked journalists, challenged the Supreme Court and even threatened international rights groups.

This has led many here to worry that Duterte is running his presidency largely on impulse.

Rough ride

In his inauguration speech, Duterte typically sought not to sugarcoat his plans for the Philippines.

The ride will be rough. But come join me just the same, Duterte said.

The roughest part of the ride had for most of the past year been his crackdown on drugs.

Duterte has drawn global criticism for the campaign which is believed to have claimed more than 7,000 lives and led to a spike in extrajudicial killings and alleged human rights abuses.

Rights groups and other critics warned Duterte may be orchestrating a crime against humanity, alleging he had unleashed corrupt police and vigilante death squads on a campaign of mass murder.

Duterte had made the drug war the top focus of his presidency until May 23, when fighters linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) rampaged through the southern city of Marawi.

He immediately imposed martial law across the southern third of the Philippines, home to roughly 20 million people, to quell what he said was an attempt by ISIL to establish a local caliphate.

But despite a relentless bombing campaign backed by the US, Dutertes military has been unable to dislodge the armed group.

The fighting has claimed more than 400 lives, according to the government, and shows no signs of ending.

Super majority

Another example of Dutertes popularity is his super majority in the lower house of congress, where there are just seven opposition members in the 296-member chamber.

Even one of the opposition politicians, Edcel Lagman, offered grudging praise this week.

Despite his unpresidential demeanour, profane language, abusive rhetoric and flawed policy statements, President Rodrigo Duterte, in his own inscrutable way, has held the nation together, he said.

But Lagman said, with Dutertes promises of change yet to become reality, his popularity had started to slide.

If that is happening, Dutertes super majority could fall apart.

In the Philippines, politicians from parties across the political spectrum typically flock to a popular president in the early stages of his or her term.

But the politicians, driven by self-interest rather than ideology, have also in the past quickly jumped off the bandwagon when approval ratings dropped.
State news repeats claim made in tabloid Okaz that store is keeping details of customers from Saudi, UAE, and Bahrain.

A Saudi state-owned news channel has been mocked on social media after posting an unsubstantiated claim that the Qatar-owned British department store, Harrods, spies on customers from some Arab Gulf countries.

In a tweet posted on Thursday, al-Ekhbariya TV said the popular London-based store, known for its expensive designer collections, was targeting customers from the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

Qatari Harrods is spying on its customers from Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, and Bahrain, for mysterious reasons, read the tweet, which ended with the hashtag Qatari Harrods spies on Khaleejis (Gulf citizens) .

The post appeared without a link to an article or video report further explaining the claim, and there was no mention of the story on al-Ekhbariyas website, as of Friday.

The story appears to stem from a report by the Saudi newspaper Okaz, which cites reliable sources for the claim that an internal memorandum required staff to store credit card purchases for customers from the three countries.

There is no confirmation about the claims from the store itself in the article, but instead what appears to be an automated letter from the Harrods recruitment team, which states the opening times for the companys careers office.

Al-Ekhbariyas tweet drew a big response on Twitter, with more than a thousand replies to the original post, most of which were facetious or scornful of the report.

The hashtag accompanying the tweet was also flooded with cartoons and comments that mocked what many users considered fake news.

In one response a user called Grandma Sarah says I swear Im laughing, later adding It breaks my heart, there are people intent on believing anything.

https://twitter.com/clooov4/status/880431971117092865

Another tweet jokingly says a giant teddy bear guarding the stores entrance hides a camera and forwards personal details about customers to Qatari intelligence officials.

#____

                  pic.twitter.com/CDNwsdwREc     (@Nor__201) June 29, 2017

One user, named Nafoud Al Duhaim, says the chocolates he bought from Harrods contain a microscopic device that fits into peoples stomachs to spy on them.

                

#____ pic.twitter.com/9DrZi9Kwkd     (@nfuodq) June 29, 2017

However, not all users were convinced the reports were fake, with one Saudi account, a customer service official named Ali, asking those mocking the claim to provide evidence it was false.

Prove whats fake about the news, he demands, to which another accounts responds: My brother Ali, as a customer service official, can you explain what type of spying on customers is possible in a store or cafe: can Harrods see how much coffee Khaleejis [Gulf citizens] drink!

                   !        !  Mohammed Al-Saadi (@m_alsaadi86) June 29, 2017

Ali retorts: I as a Saudi believe what my media says, like you believe what your media says.

Harrods, which has not yet responded to Al Jazeeras request for comment, is the subject of a boycott campaign by pro-Saudi accounts on social media.

Earlier in the week, a hashtag called on Middle Eastern tourists to shun the outlet because it is owned by the Qatari governments investment arm, the Qatar Investment Authority.

Qatar bought the department store from Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al Fayed for close to $2bn in May 2010.

The country also holds investments in other iconic London landmarks, including Heathrow airport, the Shard tower, and Canary Wharf.
More than 10,000 people were rescued last week from rickety boats that had set off from Libya.

At least 60 people are missing and believed drowned after the dinghy they were on sank off Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday.

The IOM spokesperson Flavio Di Giacomo wrote on Twitter that 80 people, who had disembarked in the southeastern Italian port of Brindisi, told IOM staff that they were rescued after their dinghy capsized.

80 survivors brought to Brindisi reported to IOM staff that their dinghy with abt 140 people on board capsized: abt 60 migrants went missing  Flavio Di Giacomo (@fladig) June 30, 2017

The inflatable had been carrying 140-150 people including women when it began taking on water five hours after setting off from North Africa on Monday.

They dont know how long it was before help arrived. They clung to bits of the dinghy until it fell dark, then a boat arrived and they were rescued, Di Giacomo told AFP.

The survivors were later transferred to the British military ship HMS Echo, which is currently operating in the Mediterranean as part of the European Unions anti-trafficking Operation Sophia.





They were among 550 people the HMS Echo disembarked in Brindisi on Friday, following an intense week of rescues at sea.

With smugglers taking advantage of a spell of good weather and calm seas, more than 10,000 people were rescued from rickety boats off Libya since Sunday alone.

Nearly 77,000 migrants have landed in Italy since January, up 15 percent on the same period in 2016.

The IOM estimated that 2,169 people have died or gone missing since the start of the year while trying to reach Europe in Mediterranean Sea crossings.
As ban on visitors from six Muslim-majority countries kicks in, US-based families of those affected express resentment.

New York, US  Rama Issa, a Syrian American, was supposed to get married this autumn in New York City.

It was supposed to be a happy occasion but Issa, who has been living in the United States since 2011, had to postpone the event after the Supreme Court reinstated parts of President Donald Trumps ban on travellers from six Muslim-majority countries earlier this week.

That meant some of Issas family members due to join her from abroad would not be able to do so.

Its so stressful to be a bride and organise your wedding and then find out you cant even invite your family, Issa told Al Jazeera outside New Yorks JFK International Airport Terminal 4, where flights from several Middle Eastern countries operate from.





I dont want the government to tell me who is supposed to be part of my family and who is not.

Issa was at the airport to assist other travellers who get mixed up in Trumps temporary ban against travellers from Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Her case highlights a problem raised by the Supreme Courts ruling which allowed Trumps executive order to take effect but narrowed its scope, exempting travellers and refugees with a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the US.

On Wednesday, the State Department said visa applicants from the six nations must have a close US family relationship or formal ties to an American entity in order to be admitted to the country.

State Department guidance on the ban defined a close relationship as being a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling, including step-siblings, and other step-family relations.

Grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, fiances, and any other extended family members are not considered close family, according to the cable.

For Issa, this means her father in Syrias capital, Damascus, can apply for a visa but her aunts and uncles, who endure the same daily hardships in Syrias long-running civil war, are not able to.

A close cousin, who was tortured by the Syrian governments security forces and is now a refugee in Austria, would not be able to celebrate her big day in the US, according to Issa. Neither would another cousin in Lebanon.

The court allowed the ban to go into effect until it can take up the case during its next term starting in October.

OPINION: The Muslim ban: Did Trump really win?

This administration is redefining what family is, said Issa, whose mothers side of the family is based in the US.

Its having a big toll on me psychologically. Were delaying the wedding so that when the Supreme Court comes out with a ruling [later this year], maybe theres some hope to get at least my cousins over for the wedding.

Trump first announced his temporary travel ban after being sworn in as president in January. He called it a counterterrorism measure to allow time to develop better security vetting.

The order caused major confusion at airports as officials scrambled to enforce it and was blocked by federal courts. A revised version of the ban in March was also halted by the courts.

On Thursday, hours before the narrowed version of Trumps order came into effect at 8pm local time (00:00 GMT Friday), New Yorks airports were more orderly.

Camille Mackler, a legal boss for the New York Immigration Council, which supports immigrants in the city, told Al Jazeera that only visas being applied for once the ruling became active would be affected.

But, according to Mackler, there remained a threat for some arriving passengers, whose visas were approved before the courts decision, being stopped and pulled into secondary inspection by over-vigilante US Customs and Border Protection officers.

She was there to ensure nobody is being harmed, said Mackler

Around a 1,000 lawyers have emailed me since Monday. My inbox is overflowing because lawyers say theyre ready to come back out to fight, added Mackler, advising those in need to get in touch with the Muslim Immigration Ban Hotline.

READ MORE: Refugee advocacy groups slam Muslim Ban ruling

Dave Ray, a spokesperson for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which campaigns for tighter rules on entering the US, praised the courts decision as a victory for Trump and those who fret about national security.

Clearly, a better vetting system needs to be in place to ensure those wishing to harm innocent Americans are prevented from entering the US, Ray said.

The ban stirred anger and confusion in parts of the Middle East, with would-be visitors worried about their travel plans and their future.

On Thursday, Emirates Airlines said its flights to the US were operating normally. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said it is allowing nationals from the six countries to board US-bound flights if they have valid travel documents.

Amnesty International said it had sent researchers to airports in New York, Washington and Los Angeles to monitor the implementation of the ban and assist anyone who is unfairly stopped from entering the US.

The president wanted a complete and total shutdown of Muslims entering this country and, unfortunately, he was able to take one step in that direction, Naureen Shah, one of the groups campaigners, said.

For Issa, the damage is already done. Arab Americans in her community of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, feel ostracised and under attack. Her wedding, to a Colombian migrant, has been pushed back to 2018 at least.

We came here with a dream of what America is and were pretty disappointed with everything thats happening, she said.
US president calls for additional sanctions to thwart the Norths nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

President Donald Trump has warned the US patience with North Koreas reckless and brutal regime has run out and called on the international community to back additional sanctions to thwart the Norths nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

During his remarks at the White House alongside South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday, Trump also vowed to strengthen the US-South Korea alliance.

The era of strategic patience with the North Korean regime has failed, said Trump. Frankly, that patience is over.





Our goal is peace, stability and prosperity for the region. But the United States will defend itself  always will defend itself. Always. And we will always defend our allies, he said.

Moon, who has been more dovish than his predecessors on the issue of the North, nonetheless echoed Trump, promising a stern response to any further provocations.

Our two leaders will employ both sanctions and dialogue in a phased and comprehensive approach, Moon said.

Pyongyang views American engagement on the Korean Peninsula  including the presence of 30,000 troops  as a signal Washington is preparing to reignite the 1950-53 Korean War.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis warned the consequences of any military solution would be tragic on an unbelievable scale.

Trump had pinned his hopes on persuading China, North Koreas neighbour and main trading partner, to do more to rein in Pyongyang, although he has lately grown frustrated that Beijing has not taken stronger action.

On Thursday, the United States targeted a Chinese bank and sanctioned Chinese individuals and a firm for dealing with North Korea and approved a $1.42bn arms deal with Taiwan  decisions that angered Beijing.

During his remarks, Trump also said he would work towards levelling the US trade imbalance with Seoul and seek a trade deal thats fair for the United States and fair for South Korea.

Trump said the US was renegotiating what he characterised as a rough trade deal with South Korea agreed to five years ago by his predecessor, Barack Obama.

We will do more to remove barriers to reciprocal trade and market access, Trump said, adding that the two leaders had talked about the thorny trade areas of steel and autos.
Turkish defence minister hopes crisis to be resolved soon on basis of sincere dialogue and respect for Qatars rights.

Turkey has said that the rights of Qatar should be respected in resolving an escalating dispute between Doha and its neighbours.

The current issues between the (Gulf) countries, who are brothers, must be resolved soon on the basis of a sincere dialogue and respect for Qatars rights, Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik said during a meeting with his Qatari counterpart Khaled bin Mohammed al-Attiyah in Ankara on Friday.

The meeting came as Turkey, which has stood by Doha throughout the crisis, resists pressure to shutter a Turkish military base in Doha that Qatars neighbours want to see closed.

READ MORE- Analysis  The implications of the Qatar-Turkey alliance

Earlier in June, Turkeys parliament ratified two deals on deploying troops to Qatar and training its army.

Attiyah said that the focus of his visit is about the Turkish base in Qatar.

Qatar and Turkey maintain historic ties and my visit comes in the context of boosting defence cooperation between the two countries, he said.

Last week, Riyadh and its allies issued 13 demands to Qatar for resolving the crisis, including the closure of the Turkish military base and the Doha-based broadcaster Al Jazeera.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit back at the sweeping Saudi-led demands, saying they were against international law.

He also described the call for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Qatar as a disrespect to Turkey.





Meanwhile, Erdogan and US President Donald Trump discussed the Gulf crisis over the phone on Friday, highlighting the need for negotiations to ease regional tensions.

The leaders agreed that ongoing tension between Qatar and other Gulf countries should be reduced for the sake of the regions security and stability.

Erdogan and Trump also discussed bilateral ties related to economy and defence sectors, and also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
British carrier will use nine Qatar Airways planes and staff during a 16-day cabin crew strike.

Authorities in the United Kingdom have given British Airways the go ahead to use Qatar Airways planes and staff during a planned strike by members of its cabin crew.

UKs department for transport made the announcement on Friday, saying the decision was made on the advice of the countrys civil aviation authority.

The British Airways staff in the mixed fleet crew, which flies short and long-haul routes, plan to go on strike on Saturday for 16 days in a long-running dispute over pay and sanctions on employees.

British Airways said when the strike was announced that it would fly all customers to their destinations during the strike action, as it has done during previous strikes.

On June 21, it applied the British authories approval to use nine Qatar planes and staff in an arrangement with Qatar Airways.

There are already close ties between Qatar Airways and British Airways. Both are partners in the OneWorld alliance and code-share on certain flights, while the Doha-based carrier owns a 20 percent stake in British Airways parent International Airlines Group.
A fact-finding mission by the UNs chemical watchdog, the OPCW, has concluded that sarin or a sarin-like substance was used as a chemical weapon in the April 4 attack in the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun.

The confidential report released on Thursday by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will now be taken up by a joint UN-OPCW panel to determine whether Syrian government forces were behind the attack.

Based on its work, the FFM (fact-finding mission) is able to conclude that a large number of people, some of whom died, were exposed to sarin or a sarin-like substance, said the report, parts of which were obtained by AFP news agency.





The release that caused this exposure was most likely initiated at the site where there is now a crater in the road, it added.

It is the conclusion of the FFM that such a release can only be determined as the use of sarin, as a chemical weapon.

At least 87 people, including many children, were killed in the attack that the United States, France and Britain have said was carried out by President Bashar al-Assads forces.

The US launched a retaliatory cruise missile strike days later against a Syrian airbase from where it alleges the chemical weapons attack was launched.

The OPCW did not visit the Shayrat airbase in Homs or the town of Khan Sheikhoun, where the attack took place, in rebel-held Idlib.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement that she had the highest confidence in the OPCW report.

Now that we know the undeniable truth, we look forward to an independent investigation to confirm exactly who was responsible for these brutal attacks so we can find justice for the victims, she added.

The OPCW-UN joint investigative mechanism (JIM) has already determined that Syrian government forces were responsible for chlorine attacks on three villages in 2014 and 2015, and that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) used mustard gas in 2015.

Its good that the UN agency has come out publicly to say that it was sarin nerve agent that was used, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, chemical weapons adviser, told Al Jazeera.

Its a great disappointment that they havent had the mandate to apportion blame.

READ MORE: Khan Sheikhoun attack survivors recall horror

The Syrian government denied responsibility for the attack. Syrian ally Russia argued after the incident that the victims had died of exposure to toxic agents released when Syrian warplanes hit a rebels chemical weapons depot.

The conclusion that sarin was used had been expected. The OPCW Director-General, Ahmet Uzumcu, said two weeks after the attack that tests carried out on samples taken from victims and survivors indicated they had been exposed to sarin or a sarin-like substance.

The Syrian government joined the OPCW in 2013 after it was blamed for a deadly poison gas attack in a Damascus suburb.

As it joined, Assads government declared some 1,300 tonnes of chemical weapons and precursor chemicals that were subsequently destroyed in an unprecedented international operation.

However, the organisation still has unanswered questions about the completeness of Syrias initial declaration, meaning that it has never conclusively been able to confirm that the country has no more chemical weapons.
Months of unrest and chaos have divided the country, but President Nicolas Maduro remains defiant.

Protests are showing no sign of ending and the economy is spiralling further out of control in Venezuela.

Supreme Court has barred Luisa Ortega, the nations chief prosecutor, from leaving the country and ordered her bank accounts frozen hours after she delivered a scathing critique against President Nicolas Maduro.

The development came hours after a helicopter attack on the Supreme Court.

Who are the protesters supporting the opposition? And can Maduro continue to resist calls for an election to replace him?

Presenter: Richelle Carey

Guests:

Sonia Schott  director of Schott International Consulting; expert in Latin American relations with a special focus on Venezuela

Lucas Koerner  editor of Venezuela Analysis

Antonio Mora  journalist and political analyst specialising in Latin America
Ex-Afghan spy chief on why he blames Pakistan for violence, and we debate democracy in DR Congo.

In this weeks UpFront, we speak to former Afghan spy chief Amrullah Saleh about the US-led war in Afghanistan and why 16, years on, the Taliban continues to have a strong foothold in the country.

In the Reality Check, we explain why conflating Israel with Jewish people is wrong, and how its sometimes Israeli officials who make this assumption.

And in the Arena, we debate whether Joseph Kabila, the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, will keep his promise to hold elections by the end of this year, since he is already past the two-term limit enshrined in the constitution.

Headliner  Is the military strategy in Afghanistan flawed?

This year marks 16 years of unrelenting war in Afghanistan between the US-backed government and the Taliban.

With no end to the war in sight, can the Taliban forces be defeated? Is reconciliation possible?

For Amrullah Saleh, who served in Afghanistan as State Minister for Security Reforms, to defeat the Taliban, US-backed forces must focus on Pakistan instead, calling its southern neighbour the root cause of violence.

Go to the source, and go to the root cause of this, says Saleh, who also served for six years as the leader of Afghanistans spy agency, the National Directorate of Security. What the United States does need is [to] come out with more clarity and tell the Pakistanis: We know what you are doing and we are a superpower, but we do not have super-patience.

In this weeks Headliner, Mehdi Hasan challenges former Afghan security official Amrullah Saleh on why he believes the US needs to change its strategy in order more effectively to combat the Taliban.

For more from this interview, click here.

Reality Check  Anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism and Israels leaders

Anti-Semitism is racism. No ifs, no buts. Its hostility to, or prejudice, against Jews.

There are some who have suggested that anti-Zionism  the opposition to a Jewish-majority state in Palestine  is also a form of anti-Semitism.

While some anti-Zionists do cross the line into anti-Semitism, many, including Jewish anti-Zionists, make clear their criticism is of Israel, not of the Jewish people. They make a distinction between Jewish people and Israels policies.

In this weeks Reality Check, Mehdi Hasan explains why conflating Israel with Jews is wrong, and how its sometimes Israeli leaders who do this conflating.

Arena  DR Congo: Does Kabila intend to stay in power?

The Democratic Republic of Congo was expected to welcome a new president last year, but with elections delayed, President Joseph Kabila remains in office past the two-term limit enshrined in the constitution.

Kabila has promised that elections will be held by the end of this year. So will the country finally be restored to full democratic rule, or could he attempt to remain in power?

For Martin Fayulu, an opposition politician who claims to have been shot in the head by government forces during a peaceful protest, Kabila is not willing to give up power.

Kabila knew clearly that he has to go by the end of last year. But what he did? He tried to manoeuvre not to have elections, says Fayulu, who hopes to replace Kabila. Im not sure that by the end of this year well have that transparent and credible election.

If there is anything Kabila does not want to do, it is to stay in power for ever, says Zihindula Mulegwa, a former spokesman for Kabila. We are involved in voter registration right now and we expect to have elections at the end of this year.

In this weeks Arena, former government spokesman Zihindula Mulegwa and opposition politician Martin Fayulu debate the future of democracy in DR Congo.

Follow UpFront on Twitter @AJUpFront and Facebook.
Dr Marc Lamont Hill is an award-winning journalist and author and is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. Hill is known for his work addressing the intersections of race, justice, politics and culture. His latest best-selling book is We Still Here: Pandemics, Policing, Protest and Possibility which follows on the success of Nobody: Casualties of Americas War on the Vulnerable from Flint to Ferguson. Hill has received numerous prestigious awards from the US National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.
On Friday, the space above the Florida Theater will be almost unrecognizable to fans of electronic music who frequented the former Gallery Ultralounge since opening in January 2016. The club, which received a significant face-lift since classes ended in Spring, is now called Realm.

The opening weekend celebration formally begins Friday with headliner Middath of Claude VonStrokes successful Dirtybird record label. The event will also feature performances from various Over Easy Creative residents and Realm owner Douglas Palmieri under his new alias, Black Cloud.

Partygoers who frequented Gallery can remember that the lounge had white walls, boarded up windows and limited space for DJs to play.

Now, the windows will go uncovered, the once-painted brick will be exposed and performers will take advantage of a large, DJ friendly space adorned by four audio subwoofers.

The newly-painted black walls will reflect and enhance the lighting perfected by Palmieri himself, who owns Gator Sound and Lighting, and has enough equipment to hold an entire concert, said Palmieri.

When guests enter, they will come face to face with a life-sized mural of a tree, courtesy of Jenna Horner of the 352 Walls Project. This will be the club's first indication that Realm has set the tone for a more down-to-earth atmosphere.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now

Lanterns, green lights and vines lining the bar will emphasize the new direction Palmieri intended for the club, which will put a heavy emphasis on an incomparable sound, Palmieri said.

At an electronic show, sound is the most important element, according to Palmieri. He feels that many clubs dont invest the time and money to create the best sound possible for the atmosphere.

The lights  you walk into the room and the manager just flicks on the lights and then goes and disappears. Most places in this town, if you come in at the beginning of the night, thats what the lights are going to look like the rest of the night, and thats all.

Club owners dont know how to control lighting, and they dont care to hire someone to do it. Thats a big issue for me, because I want it to look good. Quality is very important to me, Palmieri said.

Palmieri first opened Gallery when he saw a demand in the Gainesville market for a place electronic music fans could go to feel at home, a need previously fulfilled by Gainesville favorite Motor Room. When he made the change to Realm, he wanted to give people a little something extra, Palmieri said.

Les Voss felt the same need to create a space for electronic music fans that would not be restricted to playing the familiar and overplayed. His company, Over Easy Creative, fulfills the artistic side of the electronic world Palmieri created with Gallery while also providing creative feedback that helped create Realm.

When Doug (Palmieri) opened Gallery, it was what everyone needed. And the fact that it turned into Realm just shows that Doug put his best foot forward with it but he knew he could do better in its second rendition.

What we do, its our craft  Its not so much just playing music and being the head of a party, its really taking the people that are in the room on a journey with the music, Voss said.

Starting Summer B, Realm will hold college nights on Thursdays and theme nights on Saturdays. Fridays show begins at 10 p.m., and the opening weekend special gives a group of five women or more a free bottle of champagne. Cover charge will be $5 before 11 p.m. for those on the guest list, $7 for those who are not. If the event gets particularly packed, cover charge will rise to $10.










English News China should know in 1962 it got away due to treachery of govt & military but will not be so in 2017

Alwihda Info | Par Hem Raj Jain - 30 Juin 2017





Bengaluru, India Sub:- (i)- Military Veterans allowing Modi to constrain India to unnecessarily face martial humiliation at the hands of China (ii)- Rs ~ 1,000 Trillion State-capital if recovered can place both China and Pakistan at their proper place (iii)- Since the days of independence struggle, the martial element of India is interested only in drawing salaries (iv)- People of India will have to inculcate patriotism in martial element and government of India



----In the backdrop of ongoing face-off between India and China on the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction, China on Thursday referred to 1962 war saying that the Indian Army should learn from historical lessons. No doubt during 1962 Indo-China war India suffered humiliating defeat but it was mainly due to treachery of govt & military of India that did not use Indian Air Force which (as per Veteran Vice Air Marshal) was superior to Air Force of China and which if used would have brought resounding victory to India in 1962 Indo-China war.



The loss of 1962 war was due to treachery of govt & military of India. One can understand that then PM Nehru did not fight 1962 war properly because of his background of no-violence which he imbibed from his leader Mahatma Gandhi who was a political humbug as far martial matters are concerned (partition in 1947 left ~ 1 million killed and ~ 10 million displaced in most gory situation so much for the so-called no-violent independence struggle of India led by Gandhi). But military of India (especially its Veterans) also did not inform the people of India during 1962 war about supremacy of Indian Air Force (had they informed, the people of India would have constrained government of India to use Indian Air Force against China).



PM Modi (who on Thursday in a public speech in reference to lynching by cow-vigilantes narrated Gandhi and Vinoba as champions of non-violence and worth emulating) also seems to be suffering from the same malaise as Gandhi as far as meaning of non-violence is concerned. Non-violence can be understood properly by only those who earn their bread and butter by remaining on the right side of the law. Such no-violent people know that without powerful and efficient State the practice of non-violence is impossible and military is the most important element of State. One can become non-violent only by granting monopoly of sanctioned physical coercion to State. Therefore Gandhi and Modi who did / do not understand the importance of competent martial element of the State did / do not know even abcd of non-violence.



[Since the days of independence struggle, the martial element of India is interested only in drawing salaries. Kshatriyas of India happily kept on drawing salaries from Britishers (even after Jaliawalan Bag tragedy the battle hardened ~ 2 million Indians returned from World War I did not raise guns against Brirtishers and allowed a political humbug Gandhi to turn independence struggle into a non-violent one. As if independence can be got by merely challenging civilian element of the regime and not its martial element). During last 70 years Indian military has not retrieved PoK whereas much smaller Pakistan has tried to snatch Kashmir militarily in 1947, 1948, 1965, 1971, during Kargil etc. which as per adverse possession has given better claim / title to Pakistan over entire J&K. In Sri Lanka Indian military left the job half done and India out-sourced the elimination of LTTE etc to Sri Lankan Army which resulted in genocide of Tamilians about which proceedings are pending in UN Human Rights Forum. (In 1971 in Bangladesh of-course Indian military did commendable job but it was essentially a civil war between East and West Pakistan in which India intervened militarily on the side of Bangladesh). About 1962 Indo-China war less said the better].



How much unpatriotic the military Veterans of India are, is evident from the fact that any number of military Veterans are appearing in print and electronic media but (i)- No one either demands from un-patriotic government of India to recover Rs ~ 1,000 Trillion State-capital through Income-Tax as mentioned at http://www.alwihdainfo.com/Now-India-bound-to-get-Rs--1000-Trillion-income-tax-as-Delhi-Police-steps-in_a31456.html which if recovered can solve all the problems of India which are emanating from paucity of funds (including and especially martial problems of India). (ii)- Or no one demands that India should retrieve PoK militarily which will solve Kashmir problem. On the contrary these military Veterans suggest various ways and means to suppress civilians of Muslims Kashmir by training guns (under the protection of AFSPA, SPA etc) on these unarmed helpless citizens of India.



In such a situation the people of India will have to demand from unpatriotic government of India to recover said State-capital of Rs ~ 1,000 Trillion ( $ ~ 16 Trillion) and out of it to make Indian military so powerful that it can place both China and Pakistan at their proper place.



Regards



Hem Raj Jain



(Author of Betrayal of Americanism)



Bengaluru, India



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China, Germany should keep to overall direction of bilateral ties from strategic height: Xi CIIE turns more exhibitors into investors China is ready to work with all countries to practice true multilateralism, build more consensus for openness Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
It has been thought that the unmasking of former Trump National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and the opening of an FBI investigation of all things Russia in which Flynn was a prime target was retaliation for Flynns drumbeat of criticism of the foreign policy of an Obama administration he once served.

The unmasking of Flynn in the Russia probe may indeed be retaliation against Flynn for perceived political sins, but not for what and by whom you might think if reports from the investigative watchdog site Circa News are correct. It seems that Michael Flynn and Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe have a past, and McCabe a possible motive against Flynn. As Sara A. Carter and John Solomon of Circa News report:

The FBI launched a criminal probe against former Trump National Security Adviser Michael Flynn two years after the retired Army general roiled the bureaus leadership by intervening on behalf of a decorated counterterrorism agent who accused now-Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe and other top officials of sexual discrimination, according to documents and interviews. Flynns intervention on behalf of Supervisory Special Agent Robyn Gritz was highly unusual, and included a letter in 2014 on his official Pentagon stationary, a public interview in 2015 supporting Gritzs case and an offer to testify on her behalf. His offer put him as a hostile witness in a case against McCabe, who was soaring through the bureaus leadership ranks. The FBI sought to block Flynns support for the agent, asking a federal administrative law judge in May 2014 to keep Flynn and others from becoming a witness in her Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) case, memos obtained by Circa show. Two years later, the FBI opened its inquiry of Flynn. McCabe eventually became the bureaus No. 2 executive and emerged as a central player in the FBIs Russia election tampering investigation, putting him in a position to impact the criminal inquiry against Flynn. Three FBI employees told Circa they personally witnessed McCabe make disparaging remarks about Flynn before and during the time the retired Army general emerged as a figure in the Russia case.

In legal circles, thats called motive. We have to factor in as well that McCabe and Flynn come from different ends of the political spectrum. Flynn became a key Trump supporter after accusing President Obama of facilitating the rise of ISIS through his policies and inaction. McCabe is a Democratic loyalist whose wife campaigned for state office in Virginia as a Democrat with heavy Democratic financial support. In fact, McCabes efforts on behalf of his wife are now the subject of multiple federal probes:

Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, a central player in the Russia election case, is the focus of three separate federal administrative inquiries into allegations about his behavior as a senior bureau executive, according to documents and interviews. The allegations being reviewed range from sexual discrimination to improper political activity, the documents show. Circa reported Monday that former supervisory special agent Robyn Gritz, a decorated counterterrorism agent, has filed a sexual discrimination and retaliation complaint that names McCabe and other top FBI officials. Gritz also filed a complaint against McCabe with the main federal whistleblower agency in April, alleging social media photos she found show he campaigned for his wifes Virginia state senate race in violation of the Hatch Act. In addition, the Justice Department Inspector General is investigating allegations from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, that McCabe may not have properly disclosed campaign payments to his wife on his ethics report and should have recused himself from Hillary Clinton's email case.

McCabe is probably not a happy camper right now and certainly has no love lost for Michael Flynn, who was a potential witness on behalf of one of McCabes accusers. As PJ Media reports:

In 2014, Flynn, then director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, personally intervened on behalf of Supervisory Special Agent Robyn Gritz by writing a letter vouching for her on his official Pentagon stationary and offering to testify on her behalf. He also supported her case in a radio interview in 2015. The FBI, for its part, claimed that Gritz had become "underperforming, tardy to work, insubordinate, possibly mentally ill or emotional and deserving of a poor performance review." Flynn argued just the opposite in his May 9, 2014 letter: SSA Gritz was well-known, liked and respected in the military counter-terrorism community for her energy, commitment and professional capacity, and over the years worked in several interagency groups on counter-terrorism targeting initiatives.

McCabe did not disclose Democratic contributions to his wifes campaign in Virginia in financial disclosure forms, donations that raise questions about both is integrity and objectivity. As Fox News Politics reports:

The records, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, show FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe left the box blank for wife Dr. Jill McCabe's salary, as a doctor with Commonwealth Emergency Physicians. And there is no documentation of the hundreds of thousands of campaign funds she received in her unsuccessful 2015 Virginia state Senate race. As first reported by The Wall Street Journal, Clinton confidant and Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe urged McCabes wife to run for statewide office shortly after news reports were published that Hillary Clinton used a private email server and address for all her government business while serving as secretary of State. For the reporting period of October through November 2015, McCabe's campaign filings show she received $467,500 from Common Good VA, a political action committee controlled by McAuliffe, as well as an additional $292,500 from a second Democratic PAC.

Connect those dots, Democrats and others looking for Russians hiding under Republican beds. We Have a Deputy FBI Director, Andrew McCabe, campaigning for his wife who receives huge sums of money from the Democratic Party of Clinton political ally Terry McAuliffe. After Clinton blames Russia for her election loss, Flynn becomes a target of an FBI probe in which his identity is illegally unmasked. He was a character witness on behalf of one of McCabes accusers. Was Mrs. McCabes largesse a quid for a future quo? Is all this just McCabes revenge?

Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
On June 27, the European Commission, an agency of the government of the European Union, placed a $2.71-billion fine upon Google, the American technological giant. To indicate the anti-American hostility of the Commission, it related the fine not to Google's annual sales in the E.U., but to Google's worldwide sales.

The anti-trust authorities in a number of other countries could, taking a lesson from the E.U.'s action, fine Google on the basis of its worldwide sales as well. Russia, South Korea, Turkey, and India are among the global enforcers who already have commenced their own investigations.

Google's strong market position in search is based purely upon the high quality of the search results it returns. Its crime is that it makes a better product than anybody else and is trying to profit from that fact. If a better search engine emerges, Google will lose its dominant position.

Economic Warfare against the U.S.

This decision against Google comes in the wake of other decisions by the European Commission against American technological leaders. In 2009, the European Commission looted Intel of $1.45 billion and from 2004-2008 looted Microsoft of about $2 billion. And the European Commission is just getting started. It has already announced plans to loot American technological leader Qualcomm and six major U.S. film studios.

After the looting of Intel, many observers predicted that the E.U.'s next big target would be Google. In fact, we ourselves, back in May 2009, correctly made that prediction. We knew that the E.U. would loot Google, no matter what Google did, simply because "Google is big, dominant, and American."

These record fines against Microsoft, Intel, and Google dwarf the fines that the European Commission levies against European companies for monopolistic violations. The reason for the disparity is simple. Member countries would object if their own companies were looted by the European Commission, a point once made by Wikipedia:

[S]ome analysts assert that the Commission's monopoly policy  has been "largely ineffective," because of the resistance of individual Member State governments that sought to shield their most salient national companies from legal challenges.

So why does the European Commission loot American companies? The E.U.'s antitrust chief, Neelie Kroes, once bragged:

I would like to draw your attention to Intel's latest global advertising campaign which proposes Intel as the sponsors of tomorrow. Well now they are sponsors of the European taxpayers, so to say.

Are Fines of Tech Leaders Economically Legitimate?

Some anti-trust prosecutions are economically legitimate. When Congress passed the Sherman Anti-Trust Act in 1890, some American deal-makers were combining all of the large competing companies in an industry so they could gain the monopoly power needed to raise the prices of their products. Breaking up such trusts was economically justified in order to reduce prices for the consumer.

But there is no economic justification for looting technological leaders in order to prevent them from profiting from the monopolies that their technological leadership earned. These companies make enormous profits, and they invest a large part of those profits into research that drives economic growth.

This observation was first noted by economist J.A. Schumpeter, whose work led to the endogenous growth theory, the dominant modern theory of long-term economic growth. Companies invest enormous amounts in research in an attempt to stay ahead of their competition and also to expand markets for their products.

Schumpeter's favorite example was the Aluminum Corporation of America. Even though its patent protection expired in 1909, it continued to engage in "cost-reducing research, in the economic development of the productive apparatus, [and] in teaching new uses for the product" (note 20, pp. 101-102). It maintained its near monopoly for decades while it simultaneously reduced aluminum prices and expanded aluminum output.

Schumpeter wrote about ALCOA way back in 1943. But the intervening years have shown again and again that he was correct. Since World War II, companies that have had technological monopolies have continued to propel economic growth through their research. These innovative companies have included AT&T, IBM, Xerox, Microsoft, Intel, and Google.

The European Commission is bleeding American technological leaders of the profits that could have been devoted to research. It is putting these companies on notice that they need to spend their effort worrying about government interference instead of researching new inventions.

Is the Prosecution of Google Legally Legitimate?

If the prosecution against Google were legitimate, Google would have been able to avoid prosecution by studying the decisions against Intel and Microsoft and avoiding their so-called "crimes." But the criminal case against Google is simply due to Google being an American technological monopoly, and there was never anything that Google could do to avoid it.

If the prosecution against Google were legitimate, the penalties would correspond with the harm done. Instead, the E.U. calibrates its loot so as to bleed its victims without killing them. That way, it can loot again in the future or force its victim into paying for "protection."

But the most important reason why the E.U.'s prosecution is illegitimate is because the E.U. lacks jurisdiction when it levies fines based upon Google's worldwide sales. If every country could levy fines of five percent upon American companies' worldwide revenues, a few taking such action could put American-based multinationals out of business.

In effect, the E.U. is claiming that Google's operations in the U.S. are subject not just to U.S. law, but to the E.U.'s laws as well. If these actions are allowed to stand, American companies will be held to "full faith and credit" to other nation's laws, making European laws the law in the United States.

There is a basic principle at stake: international law must restrict fines to harm done within the borders of the countries that impose the fines. The European Union cannot be allowed to claim jurisdiction over the entire world.

What Should the United States Do?

The Europeans are taking away future inventions from the United States. They are bleeding the American geese that would have laid American golden eggs. The American government did nothing when Microsoft and Intel were looted. This is economic warfare, but only one side is fighting!

In 2016, the United States had a $93-billion trade deficit in goods and services with the European Union, partly produced through actions like this looting. Balancing our trade deficit with Europe would create about 700,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs. At the very least, we should promulgate a retaliatory trade-balancing tariff against European Union products.

Also, we are negotiating a multi-country treaty with the Europeans called the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). We need to tell the European Union that we consider fines levied on U.S. multinationals on the basis of sales outside Europe to be invalid and that such fines must be returned as a pre-condition for further negotiations.

The United States desperately needs a government that fights back against foreign looting of American companies. We protect Europe, while Europe loots us. We need to let the Europeans know that we are mad as hell and will not be taking this anymore.

The Richmans co-authored the 2014 book Balanced Trade, published by Lexington Books, and the 2008 book Trading Away Our Future, published by Ideal Taxes Association.
No immigrant who has come to America has had an easy beginning. The difficulties are reflected in learning a different language with its mind-boggling idioms, understanding a new culture, and ultimately needing to be self-sufficient. Often education in the immigrant's country is insufficient or completely lacking. Even those who are well educated in their birth country need to return to school to become properly licensed according to American standards.

Yet "[b]etween 1850 and 1930, about one million Asians from China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and India came to the United States. But by the second half of the 19th century a backlash had developed [.]" The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act created increasingly restrictive laws against Asians. At one point, a law passed by the California State Legislature and signed by the governor created a $50 tax per head for Chinese entering Californian ports that was to be paid within three days. The California Supreme Court later ruled the law unconstitutional.

This discrimination was not limited to the Chinese. In the early 20th century, "[h]otels and clubs refused Jews admittance, and universities established Jewish enrollment quotas. Industrialist Henry Ford, a popular public figure, openly expressed anti-Semitic sentiments." A notorious incident of anti-Semitism took place in Georgia in 1913, when Leo Frank, a Jewish factory superintendent, was convicted, on circumstantial evidence, of murdering a young girl and was lynched.

Then there was the "[d]iscrimination against Roman Catholics in the U.S. [which] began in the Colonial era, when Catholics were few in number. However, in the 1840s, the Catholic population expanded significantly when thousands of Irish Catholics immigrated to the U.S. following Ireland's potato famine. In the late 1800s, a second flood of Catholic immigrants came from Eastern Europe and Italy. Protestants feared Catholics, coming from customs which included communal religious hierarchies, would not adapt to the individualism promoted by democracy."

Furthermore, "[a]mong the Italian immigrants arriving in the late 1900s were large numbers of young men from southern Italy who hoped to earn money for the impoverished families they left behind. Discrimination against southern Italians was rampant. Newspapers fostered theories that Sicilians and other southern Italians were intellectually inferior to northern Europeans."

So, sadly, discrimination has existed against many groups who eventually became Americans and shared in the American dream.

There are never excuses for the irrationality of prejudice. The latest shift in this country is where whites are now demonized in subtle and blatant ways just for being white. It is an idea being fostered in the halls of higher learning.

In the Pacific Standard Magazine of March/April 2017, an essay titled "The Mexican American Dream" begins with the following: "Despite the rhetoric and hate crimes, Mexican immigrants are poised to reframe American culture, if white people would only let them." Clearly a provocative opener, it sets the stage for the "us against them" mentality that seems to be propelling all conversations these days. The narrative has become a brown-black vs. white storyline and has taken on a decidedly nasty racist overtone.

With this backdrop, the reader is supposed to feel an emotional angst for the protagonist of the article, named Vianney, who was born to "undocumented" parents. Her father had a drinking problem, and there was domestic violence. Despite drinking, taking drugs, and almost "flunking out of school," Vianney was propelled into the Music Academy at the Colburn School in L.A., where she excelled. Noting the differences between the "world she had grown up and the [white] world of privilege, wealth, and status," at one point, she "really wanted to be white." Eventually, she "stopped trying to make herself seem white and started to embrace her Latina heritage."

The author, Sarah Menkedick, maintains that "[w]hat these young Latinos become will be determined not only by their own struggles and achievements, but also by the willingness of many Americans to rethink their fundamental conceptions of Americanness, to recognize the dangerous fiction of an essential, unchanging America defined solely by white culture."

What "dangerous fiction" is the author asserting? America is great because it has welcomed people from all over the world and, accordingly, we enjoy the food, dance, music, art, and religious rituals of others.

And, what is "white culture?" Is it hillbilly culture, Southern culture, cowboy culture?

Is this all-encompassing vague category an excuse to malign and divide America? Or is it, as Carrington Tatum maintains, a culture "centered on individualism ... the basis of our values of freedom and justice[?] While it was constructed by white philosophers, the philosophy was reinforced, reworked and retained by a variety of minority cultures."

What all parties misunderstand is that it has nothing to do with race; it has to do with a belief system, or the foundational ideas that created America.

According to Menkedick, one view of assimilation was when immigrants "would gradually be allowed into white, Protestant, Anglo-Saxon, middle-class clubs and institutions, and would ultimately identify with and marry into the dominant group. In this theory there is no mutuality, no fusion. Assimilation is a one-way train to the cookie-cutter suburbs of Kansas, Applebee's, Kmart, and the NFL." It is "progressive, complete, and irrevocable, a gradual, generational act of erasure." Thus, "[t]o understand the challenges faced by second-generation Mexican Americans, it is necessary to understand the pervasiveness of this fiction of an essential national identity based on the norms of white privilege, and the prevalence of the fear of brownness and differentness [sic] that underlies it."

Consequently, instead of embracing the ideas, values, and ideals of America, apparently, "[a]ll of these factors render it ... extremely difficult and increasingly undesirable for second-generation Latinos to blend into a white cultural mainstream. The conflicted Americanness they carry with them  even when in Mexico  is not an Americanness those so accustomed to proclaiming the country's greatness would recognize or understand."

Menkedick asserts that "[it] is an Americanness based less on a mythical, traditional foundation than on constant re-invention, the twinning and fusing of seemingly opposed forces: resistance and celebration, hope and skepticism, inclusive patriotism and ethnic pride. It is an Americanness that, by valuing inquisitiveness and adaptability, has the potential to heal social rifts and transform the nation."

Nowhere does she write about truly identifying as an American.

In the Claremont Review of Books, Fall 2013, William J. Bennett writes that "[i]n particular, Latinos, by far the largest group of immigrants, do not seem eager to identify themselves as Americans." In fact, "a 2011 Pew Research Center survey of Latinos showed just one in four (24 percent) think of themselves as Latinos while a majority (51 percent) prefer to identify themselves with the country of their origin. (One in five describe themselves as Americans.) Asked whether all Latinos living in America share a 'common culture', nearly seven in ten Hispanics said they did not."

In addition, "[r]eferencing a new paper ('America's Patriotic Assimilation System Is Broken') co-authored by John Fonte and Althea Nagai, National Review Online noted, 'By roughly 31 points (81.2% to 49.5%), the native-born are more likely than naturalized citizens to believe that 'our schools' should focus on the 'rights and responsibilities of citizenship and pride in being part of America' rather than on 'each student's ethnic identity' and their 'pride in their own heritage and ethnic group.'" Bennet claims that "[t]he problem is clear: Immigrants aren't identifying as Americans in ways they used to. But, at the same time, America also isn't turning immigrants into Americans."

In the same Claremont issue, Angelo M. Codevilla writes that "Abraham Lincoln voiced the fundamental truth about immigration in America: 'perhaps half our people ... are not descendants at all of [our Founders]; they are men who have come from Europe  German, Irish, French and Scandinavian  men that have come from Europe themselves, or whose ancestors have come hither and settled here, finding themselves our equals in all things.'" Codevilla asserts that what "bound them all was this 'moral principle.'"

Today, that has changed as the founding principles of this country are ignored or scorned and no longer taught with reverence and respect, if at all.

When "generation after generation of Americans tightened that very cord [of moral principle] around each new wave of immigrants, this country made good Americans out of persons previously civilized as Chinese, Sicilians, Finns, Basques, etc."

So the Menkedick article merely reflects what has been happening far too often: "admitting people as members of sectors and as recipients of privileges, likelier to dissimilate into subjects than to assimilate into citizens."

It is aided and abetted by a rampant historical illiteracy, left-wing propaganda and indoctrination, and screams of "white privilege" with the end result that the rifts in this country will increase if we don't return to educating people about the exceptional nature of America.

Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com.
A North Carolina man has been sentenced to life in prison for planning mass murder in support of ISIS. At a press conference after the sentencing, Keri Farley, the FBI's assistant special agent in charge of North Carolina, said "homegrown violent extremists" are becoming harder to stop.

Charlotte Observer:

"Identifying a terrorist before an attack happens is one of the most difficult challenges we face," Farley said during a press conference with Rose after Sullivan's sentencing. "It's harder than finding a needle in a haystack; it's like finding a needle in a stack of needles. But that's exactly what happened in this case." ... Before sentencing Sullivan, U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger said the planned massacre was similar to the 2016 attack in Orlando, Fla., where a lone gunman killed 49 people. Sullivan is among the 126 people arrested in the United States over the last three years for ISIS-related acts or conspiracies, according to the Program on Extremism at George Washington University. As with Sullivan, 90 percent of those charged have been male. The average age is 27. Some 45 percent were arrested as they attempted to join ISIS fighters overseas. About 30 percent have been accused of plotting to carry out attacks on U.S. soil. Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the extremism program, says nearly nine out of 10 of those arrested are either Americans or permanent legal residents. None of these defendants likely would have been affected by the Trump administration's controversial travel ban, which has been resurrected by the Supreme Court and temporarily bars most residents of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the country. Hughes says while the travel ban has drawn more public debate, the "vast, vast majority" of domestic terrorism cases raises the question of "What is the major threat?" "Based on the numbers, we should be looking at home-grown terrorists, not necessarily individuals coming from the outside in. Sullivan is typical. He was born and raised here," he said.

Those 1,000 investigations prove that there are a lot of "known wolf terrorists" in the U.S. No doubt they are hard to keep track of and stop before they act to kill a lot of people.

So the metaphor of trying to find "a needle in a stack of needles" is not entirely accurate. We know what to look for and whom to look at; it's a question of having the resources to devote to keeping tabs.

Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, and other E.U. countries have up to five times the number of ISIS supporters in their countries. The problems they have had in interdicting and prevent terrorists from attacking wherever they choose are well documented. This despite enormous state resources devoted to keeping track of them.

In the U.S., the FBI is operating shorthanded. Agents have to pick and choose which ISIS sympathizers might be the most dangerous because they simply don't have the manpower to do a better job. In the case of the North Carolina ISIS wannabe, they succeeded in stopping a mass-casualty attack. But for every Justin Sullivan, there are a dozen or more who are basically flying below the FBI's radar.
Dignitaries from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Middle East are preparing to participate in the annual Iranian convention in Paris on July 1, 2017.

The Free Iran convention is especially important, as, in the past months, Iran has become a source of escalating tension with the United States and the countries of the Middle East region. In the recent Riyadh Summit, participants underscored the need for an international alliance to counter Iran's meddling in the region as well as its ballistic missile program and state-sponsored terrorism.

In the Free Iran convention, tens of thousands of Iranians from across the world, hundreds of politicians, and parliamentarians from dozens of countries will present political perspectives from across the spectrum and deliver key speeches.

Human rights and women's activists will also have a place, in addition to religious leaders from various faiths.

Last year, more than 100,000 people took part in the Free Iran convention, and the event garnered the support of U.S. politicians from both sides of the aisle.

In remarks to this convention, dignitaries and M.P.s from Canada were particularly prominent and have sent messages of solidarity.

The Honorable Alexandra Mendes, member of Federal Parliament in Ottawa, said:

I congratulate the National Council of Resistance of Iran and its President-elect Madam Rajavi for her ten point plan that will bring genuine change to Iran and hopefully Iran can once again find its place in the international arena. As a woman, it is heartening that gender equality and separation of state and religion is a cornerstone of this plan, setting an example for all countries in the region. This year, as we celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation, we reinforce the values that are so dear to us all. Your quest for the same values in your July 1st gathering in Paris is an aspiration I support wholeheartedly. May you have the best of gathering.

The Honorable. Wayne Easter, member of Parliament, former solicitor general of Canada, said :

May I pass my respect to the Iranian people as you strive to attain democracy in your homeland. One thing that we are so fortunate to have in Canada is equality of opportunity, the separation between religion and state, gender equality, and those are ideas I know many Iranian people strive for as well. So I just want to offer my support as you work with effort every day to try to achieve those goals. As a global community, we have a responsibility to ensure that freedom is attained for all people around the world. It is a global responsibility and an opportunity for others around the world to support you in your cause. And I want to show my respect in that regard. In Canada this year we celebrate Canada 150. It is 150 years since Canada came in to be as a nation. And that's what I hope others around the world to achieve as well although you might be much older in terms of your country, in terms of time and decades, we believe what we have gained. Many countries, many people, want to achieve as well. Might I say as well to those that are gathered in Paris, we are with you in spirit and we wish you all the best in your struggle to attain democracy and freedom in your country.

The Honorable Judy A. Sgro, member of Parliament and former minister of immigration, said:

As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada's confederation, I recall our founding principles of peace, order and good governance in a pluralist system. Our democratic institutions would not be possible without the assurance of fundamental human rights for all Canadians. So I am encouraged by the National Council of Resistance under Madam Rajavi and future Iran's commitment to fundamental human rights. Mrs. Rajavi's 10-point plan highlights this commitment and I believe it will bring around genuine change for women's rights, religious rights, and voting rights. Freedom of expression particularly universal suffrage is one of the most critical rights in a democracy. The infringements of this right on any demographic, whether by gender or by nationality, is a violation of the spirit of democracy. We will not sit idly by as women, and as individuals of different nationalities while they are deprived of their rights in Iran. I stand in solidarity with you and the people of Iran and we will continue our work to ensure an equal, just and free Iran.

Hassan.mahmoudi M.Sc., California State University, Sacramento: A human rights advocate and member of journalism for human rights, he writes for American Thinker. He is up to date with all current affairs, including political and economic issues on Iran and the Middle East. He tweets at @hassan_mahmou1.
The logic supporting government-mandated minimum wages just got stood on its head in the Great State of Maine. As Caitlin Dewey reports for the Washington Post:

As the Maine House voted on a bill to reduce the minimum wage for tipped restaurant workers, Jason Buckwalter and a dozen fellow servers huddled in a back room listening to the vote call at the Bangor steakhouse where they work. They all hoped to hear one thing: that state legislators had voted to lower their wages. Some cried with relief, Buckwalter said, when the final vote ended at 110 to 37  overwhelmingly in their favor.

The legislators were voting on a minimum wage reduction because of an earlier referendum that sweepingly revised the state's minimum wage laws, increasing them over time, and that deleted a former provision that allowed restaurant employers to count tips as up to 50% of the minimum wage. In other words, the restaurant could pay 50% of the minimum wage and pass the legal test because tips were assumed to cover the rest.

Removing that provision and increasing the base wage raised the labor cost for restaurants to levels that obviously would have cost jobs. The workers themselves realized what the consequences would be, and thus lobbied to prevent the drastic job losses that would inevitably follow.

[S]ervers actively campaigned to overturn the results of a November referendum raising servers' hourly wages from $3.75 in 2016 to $12 by 2024, saying it would cause customers to tip less and actually reduce their take-home income.

This all took place before the release of a study that found that Seattle's minimum wage had seriously harmed low-wage workers there.

This incident illustrates that people who actually have to live with the regulations have a far deeper understanding of their consequences than do bureaucrats, legislators, or even voters. Special interest groups, especially labor unions with contractual wages specified as "minimum wage + X, " can spin fantasies of helping hardworking poor people without raising taxes and win referenda when legislators and governors won't cooperate.

But the transaction in which labor is exchanged for compensation actually can be very complex, so the meat cleaver approach of minimum wage regulation kills off valuable arrangements voluntarily agreed to. Consider apprenticeship, in which the acquisition of skills is part of the compensation received. The United States currently faces a labor force crisis, in which jobs go begging because there are no skilled workers to fill them. Part of the problem is that organic approaches such as informal apprenticeships cannot be launched easily in the current environment of labor regulation. A major source of Germany's industrial strength is its highly institutionalized apprenticeship programs.

Minimum wage laws are a perfect example of feel-good statism, in which the professed goal is noble, but the execution inevitably fails and makes things worse. The state can no more repeal the law of supply and demand than it can the law of gravity.

But don't tell that to the Seattle City Council, which just commissioned a new study intended to get the answer it wants, from a scholar who has contended, in effect, that supply and demand don't really work at the bottom of the wage scale. The wonderful thing about working with numbers is that by choosing baselines, time periods, and sample bias, you can find almost whatever you want. As a graduate student who got a Ph.D. in sociology, I saw this clearly and was sickened by people openly proud of the ways in which they got to the conclusions they wanted for ideological reasons. Nobel laureate Ronald Coase famously summed it up: "If you torture the data long enough, it will confess."

Hat tip: Michael Nadler
A couple of years ago, many of my local friends were curious about traveling to Cuba. They seemed fascinated by the idea of traveling to an island isolated from reality for 50-plus years. I would often hear this expression: "I want to see it for myself."

Some of my friends went, and others never got to go. The ones who went all seem to be singing the same tune: "Beautiful beach, okay hotel, but the internet does not work and the people are not happy."

We learned today via the Miami Herald that Southwest Airlines is canceling flights to Cuba:

The announcement comes less than two weeks since President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on travel to the island. Americans can no longer go on individual people-to-people trips, and are barred from doing businesses with entities that are owned and controlled by Cuba's military. Exactly how the policy works will depend regulations that have yet to be released. However, Southwest stressed that the decision to discontinue its Varadero and Santa Clara flights was due to the challenge of stimulating demand in a new market like Cuba, said spokesman Brad Hawkins in a statement. "The decision to discontinue these flights is not tied directly to the recent policy announcement, but follows many months of reviewing our performance in the Varadero and Santa Clara markets," Hawkins said. "Unfortunately, we do not see a pathway to sustainably serving these markets due primarily to the continuing prohibition in U.S. law on tourism to Cuba by American citizens." Varadero in particular, a town in the northwestern coast of Cuba, is known for its resorts and pristine beaches  not the cultural, people-to-people experiences in which American travelers are allowed to participate. Under rules established under the Barack Obama administration, Americans are not allowed to travel to Cuba for "tourism" but must travel under one of 12 approved categories of travel that include family visits, educational and religious activities.

Don't blame this one on President Trump, the embargo, or even President Obama. This is on Cuba's leadership, or a country that never got out of 1962. Before Castro or communism, Cuba had a highly developed tourism industry. Thousands of visitors went to Cuba to enjoy the beach, or the many historic places like colonial Trinidad, or Havana's nightlife.

Contrary to Godfather II, or the worst teacher of Cuban history other than the regime's propaganda. the island was not run by the Mafia, nor did people run to their boats the night Batista left, nor were suicide bombers willing to die for the revolution. Yes, there were gambling places and prostitutes. There were also thousands of Americans who went to Cuba for their honeymoons or just to enjoy the place.

Furthermore, not a single American who went to pre-Castro Cuba complained about hot water or lousy hotels. Instead, they stayed at private hotels run by Cuban families who knew how to make tourists happy and return for more.

So the thrill is gone, and Americans are not eager to see Cuba. It would be nice if the regime were gone soon so that the island could be restored to the prosperous place that communism destroyed.

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) (YouTube) and follow me on Twitter.
Seth Williams had a really good thing in Philadelphia. A graduate of elite Georgetown University's law school, he was seen as a trailblazer in Philadelphia, the first black district attorney in the city's history. But then he got divorced, picked up financially troubles, and started accepting gifts that he didn't report. Two weeks ago, he was put on trial for a 29-count indictment of corruption, bribery, and fraud charges.

As CBS Philadelphia reports:

The 50-year-old Williams was accused of illegally accepting gifts from two businessmen in exchange for legal favors. He was also charged with fraudulently using thousands of dollars from his campaign fund for personal expenses, misusing city vehicles and misappropriating money intended to fund his mother's nursing home care.

But it was not exactly a day to celebrate for the D.A.:

"I'm very sorry," Williams told the court, choking up as he acknowledged he would resign. U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond said he was not inclined to trust Williams' assurances about appearing for sentencing set for Oct. 24, so ordered him immediately jailed. He was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. Diamond said he was appalled by the evidence he heard during the jury trial, and had concluded Williams "sold" his office.

One thing going for Williams is that he will be serving time in a federal pen rather than in a state one, to which he would have sent a number of criminals in his two terms as D.A. The U.S. attorney's offices have stocked the federal prisons with inmates, so at least he won't have to deal in the prison yard with people he convicted.

I suspect that Williams learned a lesson by observing the fate of fellow Philadelphia black politician Chaka Fattah, who fought all counts of his 29-count indictment and lost on all counts. His crimes were strikingly similar to Williams's:

Chief among his crimes  according to prosecutors Eric Gibson, Paul Gray, and Jonathan Kravis  was his theft of funds from an education nonprofit to repay an illegal $1 million campaign loan. ... Through cash payments to the congressman's children, college tuition payments for his South African au pair, and $18,000 given to help purchase a vacation home in the Poconos, prosecutors said, Vederman bought Fattah's support in seeking appointment by the Obama White House to an ambassadorship.

Like Fattah, Williams remained in his elective office until his trial concluded, at which point he resigned.

After hearing damaging testimony in his own trial, Williams evidently decided that he was going to be convicted, and so the best course would be to go for a shorter prison sentence. He then decided to plead guilty to one count out of the 29, and apparently, he won at least part of his gamble when Judge Paul Diamond of the U.S. District Court accepted his plea and dismissed the 28 other counts.

Although 28 counts were dismissed, a prosecutor said in court that Williams admits he committed all the conduct, Philly.com reported.

I hope he survives the prison term that lies ahead. I make no excuses for Williams but must note that he was the D.A. who indicted and convicted abortion doc Kermit Gosnell (and was even sued by him after the convicton). I wonder if any of his enemies acquired then had anything to do with his fate.
Former Democratic National Committee chairman and Hillary Clinton campaign manager John Podesta blew up at Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo after the latter asked him some obvious questions about his side deals with the Russians, which had been revealed through hacked emails during the election of 2016.

Breitbart's Charlie Spiering reports:

"[Y]ou're picking through my emails that were stolen by the Russians and released by Wikileaks, and creating a story that is not true," Podesta said in an interview, insisting that he did not get any shares from a Russian company. Podesta sat on the board of Joule, an American company that attracted investments from the Russians. As Breitbart News Senior Editor-at-Large Peter Schweizer has reported, the company received $35 million from a Putin-connected Russian government fund, while Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was working in the Obama administration. Podesta tried in vain to distance himself from the Russia connections. "Maybe you're looking at widely reported information from Infowars," Podesta sneered, as Bartiromo defended her sources as coming from the Wall Street Journal, Politico, and the New York Times. "Well look, you're talking to the wrong guy," Podesta continued, turning the conversation back to Presdient Donald Trump. "You should be talking to his people about whether they colluded."

It sounds as though Podesta protests too much. "Talking to the wrong guy?" It sounds like something a mobster would say.

Podesta, in fact, was in bed with the Russians in ways nobody on Team Trump ever was. More to the point, there's a lot of there there with just why Podesta got his emails hacked and others didn't. He was doing business deals with Anatoly Chubais, a Putin enemy and crony oligarch. That may be at the root of the hackings, not the election. I looked into the matter earlier here and here.

Podesta's response is worth some though here, too. Why did he blow up at Bartiromo?

It's probably because her normal journalist questions were like a bucket of cold water on him. For years, Podesta and his Democratic Party coevals have been succoring the lapdog press, giving them their talking points and reading their copy before it makes its way to editors. They've coordinated echo-chamber blurbs and gotten away with every manner of media manipulation in the dark.

Bartiromo shined a light on his doings, and naturally, he went bonkers, unable to take it. He'd grown so flabby on manipulating the press that he forgot what it's like to have a real journalist ask him a question.

Times are changing, it seems. The free-ride gravy train from the press is coming to a close.
The Nashville Metro Council seemed poised to pass a bill that would make the city a sanctuary for illegal aliens. On June 20, the council passed a bill, the "Nashville Together" ordinance, by a vote of 25-8. A final vote on the measure was scheduled for July.

But an unfavorable legal opinion by the city director of law and pressure from state Republicans forced the council to withdraw the bill.

Daily Caller:

Although the term "sanctuary city" is not mentioned in the bill's draft language, it would effectively prohibit all voluntary cooperation with immigration officials. If passed, the measure would have prevented Metro employees, including police officers, from requesting information about a person's immigration or citizenship status. It also would have blocked the Davidson County Sheriff's Office from honoring immigration detention requests from immigration authorities  commonly known as "detainers"  unless they came with an arrest warrant issued by a federal judge. After passing the second of three Metro Council votes, the bill came under fire from Republicans in the statehouse, who accused city lawmakers of flouting an existing statewide ban on sanctuary cities and promised a swift legislative response. State Sen. Jim Tracy said state law would "overtrump" whatever measure emerged from the Council. "Obviously, the Metro resolution is contradictory of the state prohibition," Tracy told WGNS News Radio the day after the city council approved the bill. "The first response, should the ordinance pass, is to request an Attorney General's opinion. Then if any further legislative action is needed, it will be filed immediately." Further resistance came from Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, who panned the bill as a threat to public safety and insisted he had the final word on the operation of county jails. Law Director Cooper agreed with that assessment, telling the Metro Council that it could not keep Hall from cooperating with federal authorities on immigration. Facing doubts about the bill's legality and the threat of retaliation from state Republicans, Nashville Mayor Megan Berry on Tuesday urged the council to "rethink" its upcoming vote. Her suggestion appears to have killed any remaining momentum the proposal had in the Metro Council. Councilman Colby Sledge, one of the bill's co-sponsors, promised to continue the push toward a more "welcoming" policy on immigration. "Whether or not there is legislation, we have to continue working on this," he said. "There's no choice here." "Unfortunately, we've had a lot of voices come from outside tell us who Nashville is, and that's not who we are," he added.

If the lawmaker could promise to keep all illegal aliens in the city of Nashville, "who we are" might be relevant. Instead, criminal illegals not being deported when they are arrested endangers cities and towns around Nashville. People in those municipalities did not vote to allow criminal illegals to come to their communities.

President Trump's immigration policies have encouraged pushback against advocates for illegal aliens who want to legalize their stay in America. I doubt very much there would have been this kind of opposition during the Obama years. In fact, it would have been unheard of.

Tennessee's law that bans sanctuary cities is similar to a Texas law currently being challenged in court. Can a state tell a city what its policies will be relating to immigration? It will be interesting to see how these cases are decided.
(ANSA) - Tallinn, June 30 - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker reiterated Friday that Italy and Greece needed extra help from the EU to cope with the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis. "Next week I'll meet the premiers of Italy and Greece (to talk about) what supplementary efforts the European Commission can make to alleviate the efforts of these two countries in their heroic battle," he said. Italy took a formal step to protest the emergency with Brussels Wednesday and said that foreign ships may be stopped from docking in Italian ports unless the situation improves, with thousands of people arriving every day. Rome said the situation, with its impact on social and political life, was "unsustainable" and "at the limit".

Premier Paolo Gentiloni on Thursday demanded the EU deliver "a concrete contribution" at a press conference at the end of a preparatory meeting in Berlin ahead of the G20.

Estonian Interior Minister Andres Anvelt, however, said Friday that at next week's informal EU interior ministers meeting in Tallinn "we will not give any answer (to Italy's migrant demands), but we will listen to what Italy says have been the changes in the last week" to see "how to address the question of protecting borders, ports and relations with Libya".
(ANSA) - Tallinn, June 30 - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker reiterated Friday that Italy and Greece needed extra help from the EU to cope with the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis. "Next week I'll meet the premiers of Italy and Greece (to talk about) what supplementary efforts the European Commission can make to alleviate the efforts of these two countries in their heroic battle," he said. Italy took a formal step to protest the emergency with Brussels Wednesday and said that foreign ships may be stopped from docking in Italian ports unless the situation improves, with thousands of people arriving every day. Rome said the situation, with its impact on social and political life, was "unsustainable" and "at the limit".

Premier Paolo Gentiloni on Thursday demanded the EU deliver "a concrete contribution" at a press conference at the end of a preparatory meeting in Berlin ahead of the G20. Italy has found an ally in Germany but less of one in its neighbour France.

German Government Spokesperson Steffen Seibert said Friday that the countries worst-hit by the asylum-seeker crisis "must not be left alone" when asked about Italy's request for assistance.

French President Emanuel Macros has said that France will only help with bona fide refugees and not the economic migrants that make up some 80% of the arrivals across the Mediterranean from Libya.

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani on Friday called for "solidarity" from France, saying Paris, too, "must do its part".

Former European Commissioner Romano Prodi, the two-time former Italian premier said "Italy is not enough when it comes to 6,000 arrivals a day".

Prodi said that Marcon's position was "concerning". If current trends continue, Italy is on track to receiving more than the record 180,00 migrants who landed in the whole of last year.

Italy's call for more help and its threat to stop foreign NGOS from docking will be discussed at an informal EU interior ministers' meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, on July 6-7.

Estonian Interior Minister Andres Anvelt said Friday that at next week's meeting "we will not give any answer (to Italy's migrant demands), but we will listen to what Italy says have been the changes in the last week" to see "how to address the question of protecting borders, ports and relations with Libya".


(ANSA) - Rome, June 30 - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker reiterated Friday that Italy and Greece needed extra help from the EU to cope with the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis. "Next week I'll meet the premiers of Italy and Greece (to talk about) what supplementary efforts the European Commission can make to alleviate the efforts of these two countries in their heroic battle," he said.

Juncker also said that "the reform of the European asylum system has taken too long", expressing the hope that "unity will be demonstrated" over "the next six months" under the Estonian duty presidency of the EU.

Juncker made the statement during a visit to the college of commissioners to kick off the Estonian presidency of the Council of the EU.

Italy took a formal step to protest the emergency with Brussels Wednesday and said that foreign ships may be stopped from docking in Italian ports unless the situation improves, with thousands of people arriving every day. Rome said the situation, with its impact on social and political life, was "unsustainable" and "at the limit".

Premier Paolo Gentiloni, of the ruling centre-left Democratic Party (PD), on Thursday demanded the EU deliver "a concrete contribution" at a press conference at the end of a preparatory meeting in Berlin ahead of the G20. Italy has found an ally in Germany but less of one in its neighbour France.

German Government Spokesperson Steffen Seibert said Friday that the countries worst-hit by the asylum-seeker crisis "must not be left alone" when asked about Italy's request for assistance.

French President Emanuel Macros has said that France will only help with bona fide refugees and not the economic migrants that make up some 80% of the arrivals across the Mediterranean from Libya.

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani on Friday called for "solidarity" from France, saying Paris, too, "must do its part".

Former European Commissioner Romano Prodi, the two-time former Italian premier said "Italy is not enough when it comes to 6,000 arrivals a day".

Prodi said that Marcon's position was "concerning". If current trends continue, Italy is on track to receiving more than the record 180,00 migrants who landed in the whole of last year.

Italy's call for more help and its threat to stop foreign NGOS from docking will be discussed at an informal EU interior ministers' meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, on July 6-7.

Estonian Interior Minister Andres Anvelt said Friday that at next week's meeting "we will not give any answer (to Italy's migrant demands), but we will listen to what Italy says have been the changes in the last week" to see "how to address the question of protecting borders, ports and relations with Libya".

Interior Minister Marco Minniti, who turned around from a US-bound flight to cope with more than 20,000 arrivals earlier this week, will report to parliament on the emergency Wednesday.

The migrant emergency was a big issue in last Sunday's mayoral run-offs across Italy in which the PD fared poorly, losing several strongholds, and the anti-immigrant Northern League did well.


(ANSA) - Tallinn, June 30 - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker reiterated Friday that Italy and Greece needed extra help from the EU to cope with the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis. "Next week I'll meet the premiers of Italy and Greece (to talk about) what supplementary efforts the European Commission can make to alleviate the efforts of these two countries in their heroic battle," he said.

Juncker also said that "the reform of the European asylum system has taken too long", expressing the hope that "unity will be demonstrated" over "the next six months" under the Estonian duty presidency of the EU.

Juncker made the statement during a visit of the college of commissioners to kick off the Estonian presidency of the Council of the EU.

Italy took a formal step to protest the emergency with Brussels Wednesday and said that foreign ships may be stopped from docking in Italian ports unless the situation improves, with thousands of people arriving every day. Rome said the situation, with its impact on social and political life, was "unsustainable" and "at the limit".

Premier Paolo Gentiloni on Thursday demanded the EU deliver "a concrete contribution" at a press conference at the end of a preparatory meeting in Berlin ahead of the G20. Italy has found an ally in Germany but less of one in its neighbour France.

German Government Spokesperson Steffen Seibert said Friday that the countries worst-hit by the asylum-seeker crisis "must not be left alone" when asked about Italy's request for assistance.

French President Emanuel Macros has said that France will only help with bona fide refugees and not the economic migrants that make up some 80% of the arrivals across the Mediterranean from Libya.

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani on Friday called for "solidarity" from France, saying Paris, too, "must do its part".

Former European Commissioner Romano Prodi, the two-time former Italian premier said "Italy is not enough when it comes to 6,000 arrivals a day".

Prodi said that Marcon's position was "concerning". If current trends continue, Italy is on track to receiving more than the record 180,00 migrants who landed in the whole of last year.

Italy's call for more help and its threat to stop foreign NGOS from docking will be discussed at an informal EU interior ministers' meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, on July 6-7.

Estonian Interior Minister Andres Anvelt said Friday that at next week's meeting "we will not give any answer (to Italy's migrant demands), but we will listen to what Italy says have been the changes in the last week" to see "how to address the question of protecting borders, ports and relations with Libya".


IOM presents 'Granma' at Rome's Casa del Cinema Short film from interior min's 'Aware Migrants' campaign

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 30 - The latest work by Italian director Gianni Amelio, called 'Granma', will be presented at Rome's Casa del Cinema on July 4.



It was shot in Nigeria and is an attempt to raise awareness on the risks of migration among both African and European audiences.



It was made as part of an information campaign by the Civil Liberties and Immigration Department of the Italian interior ministry and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) called Aware Migrants. The screenplay and directing were entrusted to the Italian Daniele Gaglianone and the Nigerian Alfie Nze - based on an original work by Gianni Amelio - was shot between the Nigerian city of Lagos and the Badagry village, with a Nigerian cast and crew. The film was invited to be part of the official selection of the 70th Locarno Festival (August 2-12), where it will be screened for the first time in public. ''When we launched Aware Migrants last year with the interior ministry,'' Federico Soda, IOM coordination office director for the Mediterranean, said, ''we immediately said that the campaign intended to inform potential migrants on risks and dangers linked to crossing the desert and the Mediterranean Sea, during which many become victims of violence and abuse and thousands lose their lives every year.'' Having grown considerably and spreading in many countries of origin, he continued, ''the campaign has been able to raise awareness among the European public opinion on the tragedies of irregular migration.'' The film Granma is based on this and ''aims to contribute to the cultural debate on the issue of migration and is addressed to the European and African cultural spheres.'' Director Gianni Amelio will be present at the July 4 presentation, as will vice prefect Carmelita Amendola for the interior ministry, Migration Managament Unit chief Giulia Falzoi for IOM, and the directors of the film, Daniele Gaglianone and Alfie Nze. (ANSAmed).




Serbia: exports up by 13.4% in first five months of 2017

(ANSAmed) - BELGRADE, 30 JUNE - The total volume of Serbia's external trade rose by 14% to 13.98 bln euros in the first five months of 2017, with exports rising by 13.4% to 6.09 bln euros year-on-year, the national statistical office announced on Friday.



In the same period, total imports stood at 7.88 bln euros - 14.4%up compared to the same period last year.



The deficit was 1.79 bln euros - 18% up compared to the same period of 2016. The export-to-import ratio was at 77.3% - below the 78.0 pct in the same period last year. (ANSAmed)
ROME - The 2017 edition of Blue Sea Land, the Expo of Mediterranean, African and Middle Eastern Clusters, is to take place in the Sicilian fishing town of Mazara del Vallo and its historic casbah from September 28-October 1. The event, promoted by the Mazara del Vallo Fisheries district and Crescita Blu and now in its sixth consecutive year, takes the theme Green and Blue Economy's development aiming to the Circular Economy. The streets of the historic centre will be lined with gastronomic stands presenting the meat- and seafood-based dishes typical of the Mediterranean. Visitors can also participate in a programme of scientific meetings, B2B, C2C, debates, cultural events and performances, promoted by public and private entities, institutions and non-profit organizations.



"Blue Sea Land is a meeting place, a workshop in cultural, scientific and gastronomic diplomacy," Mazara del Vallo fisheries district Giovanni Tumbiolo said. "It is also a chance for us to export the cluster model and the philosophy of the blue and green economies. But also an opportunity to build dialogue and peace." Sicily "now returns to playing a central role in cooperation in the Mediterranean, Africa and the Middle East," Sicilian regional councilor for agriculture and fisheries Antonello Cracolici said.



Mazara, "the most Middle Eastern city in Europe" also represents "a big bridge between cultures  for integrating people and not just taking them in", he added. The Sicily Region is committed to growing Blue Sea Land year by year. In Mazara "the Maghreb and Africa find a point of reference for increasing their technological skills in order to manage the integrated cycles of the blue economy and especially for an idea of our Mediterranean that is different, peaceful, tollerant and cooperative," said Foreign Undersecretary Vincenzo Amendola. Blue Sea Land "sends a strong message concerning the strength of our country with respect to issues of economic productivity and environmental sustainability," he added.



Last year Blue Sea Land drew 100,000 visitors, 350 companies and 1,500 B2B meetings. It also won a Guiness World Record Prize for the longest cubbaita, a typical Mediterranean sweet dish, measuring 789,30 m. This year it will try again with the typical Sicilian cassata. (ANSAmed).
TALLINN - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker reiterated Friday that Italy and Greece needed extra help from the EU to cope with the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis. "Next week I'll meet the premiers of Italy and Greece (to talk about) what supplementary efforts the European Commission can make to alleviate the efforts of these two countries in their heroic battle," he said.



Juncker also said that "the reform of the European asylum system has taken too long", expressing the hope that "unity will be demonstrated" over "the next six months" under the Estonian duty presidency of the EU.



Juncker made the statement during a visit of the college of commissioners to kick off the Estonian presidency of the Council of the EU.



Italy took a formal step to protest the emergency with Brussels Wednesday and said that foreign ships may be stopped from docking in Italian ports unless the situation improves, with thousands of people arriving every day. Rome said the situation, with its impact on social and political life, was "unsustainable" and "at the limit".



Premier Paolo Gentiloni on Thursday demanded the EU deliver "a concrete contribution" at a press conference at the end of a preparatory meeting in Berlin ahead of the G20. Italy has found an ally in Germany but less of one in its neighbour France.



German Government Spokesperson Steffen Seibert said Friday that the countries worst-hit by the asylum-seeker crisis "must not be left alone" when asked about Italy's request for assistance.



French President Emanuel Macros has said that France will only help with bona fide refugees and not the economic migrants that make up some 80% of the arrivals across the Mediterranean from Libya.



European Parliament President Antonio Tajani on Friday called for "solidarity" from France, saying Paris, too, "must do its part".



Former European Commissioner Romano Prodi, the two-time former Italian premier said "Italy is not enough when it comes to 6,000 arrivals a day".



Prodi said that Marcon's position was "concerning". If current trends continue, Italy is on track to receiving more than the record 180,000 migrants who landed in the whole of last year.



Italy's call for more help and its threat to stop foreign NGOS from docking will be discussed at an informal EU interior ministers' meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, on July 6-7.



Estonian Interior Minister Andres Anvelt said Friday that at next week's meeting "we will not give any answer (to Italy's migrant demands), but we will listen to what Italy says have been the changes in the last week" to see "how to address the question of protecting borders, ports and relations with Libya".


- Istanbul - A political solution involving international actors is needed to end the crisis between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours, Qatari foreign minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdurrahman al San has said. "So long as there is no violation of our independence and national sovereignty we are ready to sit with our neighbours and address all the problems," he is quoted by Anadolu agency as saying. Doha is "very grateful" to Turkey, which has "supported the country with a chain of supplies during the embargo and invites the sides to dialogue" with the other Gulf countries.


Russia to discuss Syrian reconciliation committee at Astana UNHCR says 500,000 displaced have returned

(ANSAmed) - MOSCOW/BEIRUT, JUNE 30 - Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu said the creation of a Syrian national reconciliation committee is one of the topics planned for discussion at the upcoming peace talks in Astana on July 4 and 5.



Shoygu said Russia, Turkey, and Iran are "finalising the documents that define the de-escalation zone borders, control, and modes of operation".



Meanwhile, ISIS has effectively been driven out of Aleppo in northern Syria after a more than three-year presence there, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). It said Syrian government forces and affiliated militias have prevailed against the final jihadist efforts along the Khanaser-Ithriya-Tabqa road in southeast Aleppo.



UN Refugee Agency UNHCR said the first months of 2017 saw a "significant trend of spontaneous reentry of refugees in Syria".



In the first six months of the year, more than 440,000 internally displaced Syrians have returned to their homes, while 31,000 Syrian refugees in neighboring countries returned to their home country, it said.



It calculated that since 2015 at least 260,000 refugees have "spontaneously returned" to Syria, mainly from Turkey.(ANSAmed).




If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is getting busier. Last year, the airport handled a record 83.6 million people and, in January 2017 alone, monthly throughput reached an all-time high of eight million passengers, according to the traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports.

With that backdrop in mind, it is no surprise that Dubai Airports initiated a project to expand the number of code F (A380) contact stands available on concourse C.

The airport and its base carrier, Emirates, were challenged with how to increase capacity without building any additional major infrastructure.

DXB is the worlds largest airport in terms of the number of A380 contact stands with a total of 37 code F gates. The number of A380 gates at DXB is set to increase to 47 by 2018 with the start of a project to more than treble the number of code F gates at concourse C (from 3 to 13).

Approximately 800 metres long, concourse C is connected to Terminal 3 through concourse B.

Concourse C, home to flagship carrier Emirates, is undergoing a major upgrade, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2018, and this includes the expansion of code F gates.

Emirates now has 93 A380s in its fleet and a further 49 on order. As such, DXB hosts the largest and one of the fastest-growing A380 fleets in the world. In order to maintain this position, and to accommodate the growth in passenger traffic, we need to expand our capacity for not only A380s but other aircraft in Dubai, explained Bryan Thompson, SVP for development at Dubai Airports.

Upgrade works have been on-going since last year. The current concourse [C] was not designed for these types of aircraft, Thompson said. In order to accommodate the A380 he pointed out there was a need to change a number of systems.

Starting out on the airfield, larger aircraft needed to be accommodated on the taxiways leading to the concourse. We have to reconfigure the aircraft parking stand, fuelling system, aircraft parking guidance system and roadways.

Once this is complete, Thompson said the airport would have to replace the passenger loading bridges and gate lounges as the number of passengers were far greater on the 380s. Together with this, we are changing the shopping and food and beverage outlets inside the terminal. The planning and design for the concourse C refurbishment has taken years to complete; this should assist us in a short execution phase and minimise any disruptions on the airport.

Preparing for the A380 meant airports had to adapt their airside infrastructure. Upgrading runways and taxiways, relocating taxiways and even relocating aircraft stands and buildings to provide sufficient wingtip clearance, are examples of the works that several airports may need to carry out for aircraft of this size.

For airports that will see the A380 frequently, such changes to the infrastructure may be reasonable. When an airport operates close to its full capacity, efficiency of operations is a prime factor as well as safety.

The airside infrastructure requirements for aircraft with a wingspan up to 80 metres (code F) are given by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Annex 14, Volume 1. These requirements are a sound basis for new airport design or future airport expansion but, in most cases, impractical for determining changes to existing infrastructure.

While ICAO member states are encouraged to fully implement the new code F requirements for the development of their airports, it has also become clear that many countries will have difficulties in complying with the specifications for the upgrade of existing facilities.

For this reason, ICAO developed a circular for new larger aeroplane operations (NLAs) at existing aerodromes. It identifies all issues relevant to NLA operations and proposes possible mitigation measures for accommodating them at those airports that are unable to comply with annex 14, code F provisions.

The circular does not specify what is acceptable and what is not; the responsibility remains with the local authority.

On aircraft stands along concourses, there are sometimes difficulties if they are equipped with fixed installations like passenger bridges and light poles. It is sometimes easier to park the A380 on a remote apron, or even the cargo apron, as these have fewer restrictions on aircraft size.

Thompson said the airport operator follows a stringent master planning process, which is conducted by Dubai Airports Engineering Projects (DAEP)  an engineering organisation responsible for the design, master planning, infrastructure development and construction of Dubais aviation sector.

The foresight in the plan has allowed for a seamless expansion of the concourse, he said.

The DXB plus programme, as its formally known, ties in directly with the gate expansion project. The focus of DXB plus is to integrate the sectors efforts to meet airline demand and ensure a world-class customer experience from cloud to curb  vital for delivering unconstrained sector growth.

For the next 10 years, as Dubais aviation hub, DXB needs to meet rising customer expectations and growing demand for capacity.

With little room for any further major infrastructure on the airport, Dubai Airports is joining forces with its key stakeholders to design product innovation and operational improvements that will deliver on the sectors ambition and ensure on-going contributions to Dubais economy.

DXB plus as a programme of work is a very challenging opportunity to make sure that we can continue to grow at the forecast rate to 2025, Thompson explained.

He said the programme focuses on a limited amount of infrastructure projects, which will allow for the demand to be met. It is, however, more focused on how we become more productive and innovative with the assets which we have. It relies on better performance across the board at all our touch-points, not only to improve our throughput, but also and more importantly to improve the experience of our customers at the same time.

The A380 remains central to Emirates future growth. To that effect, the newly updated signature Emirates A380 on-board lounge made its first public appearance at ITB Berlin 2017.

In March, the carrier celebrated a successful first year on the worlds longest A380 non-stop route  connecting Dubai and Auckland in New Zealand. The route was first flown with a 266-seat Boeing 777-200LR and then, since October last year, the service switched to the A380, providing up to 491 seats.

Back firmly on the ground and when complete, concourse C will be able to accommodate 13 code F (A380) aircraft and 10 code E (B777) type aircraft  but thats just one facet of the project.

Thompson said: Concourse C is not only an upgrade of our stand capacity and gate capacity, we are also changing the duty free, specialty retail and food and beverage offers. The project is also focused on improving the customer experience with improved seating and toilet designs.


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State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn is urging the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) to approve a proposed 522-megawatt wind farm he says will bring clean energy, economic investment, and jobs to the state.

Xcel Energy, the nations top utility wind energy provider for the past 12 years, is investing nearly $900 million in New Mexico in order to develop the Sagamore Wind Project, located 20 miles southeast of Portales in Roosevelt County.

At a meeting Friday in Santa Fe, PRC Commissioner Patrick Lyons, R-Cuervo, said he was unsure of the need for the effort and that the commission would be looking at the proposal real close. The PRC had originally scheduled an Aug. 15 hearing on the matter but has requested a postponement of that hearing and a shifting of the approval deadline from December to March 21, 2018.

The commission said part of the reason for that request is that the Public Utility Commission of Texas is expected to issue a ruling on a similar Xcel proposal in August, and the PRC wishes to evaluate their decision.

It surprises me that, considering the level of energy consumption in the United States, a member of the PRC is asking Xcel Energy to prove there is a need for more sources of renewable energy, said Dunn. This single wind farm will power 260,000 homes, schools, and businesses with clean energy; not to mention the 300 construction jobs and 20 to 30 full-time positions the project will bring to the region.

In an effort to diversify the State Land Offices portfolio and encourage investment in New Mexico, Dunn is currently reviewing seven wind energy applications and one solar energy application, which together cover 138,474 acres of State Trust Lands.

Chicago-based Invenergy LLC, which will develop the wind farm for Xcel Energy, has applied for a State Land Office business lease covering 18,000 acres of State Trust Lands.

Furthermore, the State Land Office has recently developed a new wind energy lease template which will provide for additional revenue early-on in the project and includes additional protections regarding reclamation.

Xcel Energy is a tremendous asset to New Mexico and I appreciate them doing business with the State Land Office, said Dunn.

Xcel Energy, through our Southwestern Public Service Company subsidiary, has been a partner in New Mexicos development since 1904, said David Hudson, president of Xcel Energy  New Mexico, Texas. Our planned investment of $865 million in new wind resources in Roosevelt County is characteristic of what weve been doing for years  building value in the state by growing the tax base and providing safe, reliable and reasonably priced energy to grow the economy.

Xcel Energys overall proposal will save New Mexico and Texas customers about $2.8 billion over 30 years, demonstrating our commitment to delivering customer value.
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The Artesia City Council reviewed three possible options for the Water Department drive-through payment lane at Tuesdays meeting, ultimately electing to make their final decision in July.

The council had originally planned to eliminate the lane as part of the ongoing Texas Avenue renovation project between Seventh and Fourth streets in order to establish additional parking on the west side of City Hall.

Opposition was voiced, however, after local residents learned of that plan. Many said the payment lane is a convenience they dont wish to see removed.

Local disabled veteran Michael Maurer was in attendance at the councils last meeting and told of the hardship the lanes removal would cause him. Other residents, particularly the elderly, contacted the Daily Press to express that not everyone is willing or able to pay online or by mail, and having to walk into City Hall or up to a drop box would be an inconvenience.

Maurer, who is wheelchair bound, particularly noted that City Halls lack of automatic doors made it difficult for him to reach the Water Department in person.

Infrastructure Director Byron Landfair said Tuesday that one of the best things to come of the debate was the city recognizing the need to install handicap-accessible doors at City Hall, and that such doors were on the way and should be installed within the next 60 days.

Landfair also presented the council with a trio of proposals regarding the drive-through lane. He said that regardless of which proposal the council chooses, a drop box for after-hours payments would be installed either as a stand-alone object or into the north wall of City Hall.

The first proposal, which Landfair listed at a cost of $65,000 and as his recommended choice, would eliminate the current lane and access through the lot to Sixth Street, curbing the west edge of the lot for parking, with additional angle parking opposite the lot along Sixth.

Traffic would move into the lot from Texas and exit through the alley.

Landfair noted a drive-up, stand-alone drop box for Water Department payments could be included but noted concerns regarding the potential for vandalism were the box to stand alone. A drop box integrated into the north wall of City Hall would require drivers to exit their vehicles and walk up.

The second proposal, listed at $70,000, would be the same as the above with the exception that traffic would move the opposite direction  entering through the alley and exiting onto Texas Avenue  with two additional parking spaces created against the west edge of the building.

The third, which was listed with a $94,000 price tag, would essentially leave the lot as-is, with the drive-through lane remaining and traffic moving in from Texas and out onto Sixth as it did before the project began.

That, Landfair said, would eliminate some of the parking spaces from the west lot and along Sixth, and would also, he told the council, include the lanes removal and lots revision when the day comes that the city fulfills its intention to construct a new building to the east across Fifth Street.

As the council had listed the drive-through update for discussion rather than action, it elected to make its final decision at the July 11 meeting. All three proposals are pictured above.

The council had limited other business to conduct Tuesday.

Community Development Director Jim McGuire gave an update on the Roselawn Manor affordable housing project at the site of the old Artesia General Hospital, which he says is coming along ahead of schedule.

It was noted the owners are currently accepting occupancy applications with a projected move-in date of late September.

McGuire said 132 participants have registered for the City of Artesias Summer Recreation Program at the Artesia Center, with an average attendance of 84 daily, and that participation in the summer lunch program, conducted by the Changing Lives Coalition at the Center, is growing as word spreads, with most days averaging 83 participants and the peak day bringing in 228.

McGuire also told the council the citys new electrical inspector, Paul Klontz, started Monday and all the in-town electricians are just thrilled to death.

And even the state is thrilled to death, McGuire said, that they dont have to do the inspections.

Councilor Luis Florez asked Fire Chief Kevin Hope about the legality of aerial fireworks, stating he had been contacted by concerned constituents.

Hope said that determination is based on the diameter of the airborne object but did note that bottle rockets are explicitly illegal.

Mayor Phillip Burch and Mayor Pro-Tem Terry Hill also alerted the council to progress being made with petitions currently circulating the city that seek to require Eddy County to put to a vote its recent decision to pass a trio of tax increases. The increases, should they take effect Jan. 1, 2018, as planned, would place Artesia amongst the highest sales tax rates in southern New Mexico.

Its extremely important, especially to the City of Artesia, Hill said.

City Clerk Aubrey Hobson also sought and obtained permission from the council to begin sending out letters to individuals with delinquent utility accounts, as well as to remove outstanding bad debts from the year 2012-13 from the citys accounts.

Hobson noted that removal from the accounts did not mean a cancellation of the debts, which would remain in the system. He told the council bad debts from that year included $159,000 in ambulance fees and $14,822.25 in utilities.

The council, at the mayors request, postponed approval of an Internal Controls Policy to its July 11 meeting in order to allow further review.

As part of its consent agenda, the council granted permission for:

 the retirement of Clifford Steece, solid waste equipment operator, effective June 12.

 the resignation of Guy Chavarria, police corporal/bailiff, effective June 13.

 the retirement of Pete Esquibel, mechanic, effective June 30.

 one police employee to attend the KEL-TEC Armorers course in Immokalee, Fla.

 one police employee to attend grants management training in Albuquerque.

 one police employee to attend AR-15/M16 Armorer courses in Santa Fe.

 one executive employee to attend the NMML Resolutions Committee meeting in Albuquerque.

 one wastewater employee to attend Microsoft Excel training in Roswell.
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FOR reasons I cant entirely figure out or explain, continental Europeans have not had much luck with rock music, not matter how you define the term. (And no, the Scorpions are not excepted.) Why the average blues band from Birmingham or Belfast can typically do better than the finest combo in Rome or Frankfurt is a mystery I may never understand. The Swedes started to break the rule a decade or so ago, but there is simply no one among European rock bands to compare to Air, as they demonstrated at a career-retrospective show at LAs Greek Theatre the other night that was simultaneously low-key and triumphant.

Twenty years ago, when I moved to Los Angeles, I almost immediately began hearing about a new French electronica band from my music and journalism friends. The as-yet-album and its singles started to seep through my world, much like the movie LA Confidential. By the spring of 1998, a few months after Moon Safari came out, Air seemed to be everywhere: On the radio, at parties, at the cooler cafes. I remember h aving a beer at a Los Feliz bar with a girl I fancied, and the entirety of Moon Safari played on the jukebox that afternoon. Their mix of mellow keyboards, gentle female vocals, Euro kitsch, and something that sounded like Gallic irony was fresh and real, and electronica groups like Zero 7, Thievery Corporation, Sia and other masters of downtempo would soon borrow a bit of the groups groovy cool. (Not everybody got it: I played Moon Safari for an older friend on a visit back East: This sounds like an Italian porn soundtrack! he exclaimed.)

New albums, including a score for Sofia Coppolas Virgin Suicides, appeared, and Air never really ventured too far from Moon Safaris melange. For a lot of us, the French group that turned us on around the turn of the 21st century seemed to recede into memory? Had those guys gone back into architecture? Were they doing European movies now or something? (The duos latest LP is the retrospective Twentyears.)

This is all to say that their Greek show reminded me  and, judging from the response of the crowd  how perfect the bands original combination had been. With Airs two members out front and supporting musicians in shadows behind, the group paid homage to its two decades, with an emphasis on classic songs like Kelly Watch the Stars, La femme dArgent, and Sexy Boy. Beck even came out to sing harmony in a number. A light show gave it an even deeper connection to 70s planetarium culture: Perhaps Air are Gen Xs Pink Floyd.

For complex reasons Id not been to the Greek  the 1929 amphitheater tucked into the edge of Griffith Park  in a few years, and what a lovely place to see a band that place is. There were few surprises the other night, but this was a near-perfect California evening that seemed to bring together Another Green World-era Brian Eno with the Francophone weirdness of Daft Punk. Long may their French flags fly.
Myanmar: Trade in construction materials, hospital equipment and agricultural goods opened to foreign companies

Foreign companies will now be allowed to engage in both retail and wholesale trade in construction materials, hospital equipment, and agricultural goods such as seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. Previously, overseas firms were allowed to trade in these commodities only if they entered into a joint venture with a local company. The Myanmar ministry of commerces latest decision to open these sectors to foreign wholly foreign-owned enterprises (WFOEs) comes as part of its bid to make the domestic market more competitive.

According to the commerce ministry, there have been complaints from local traders about the presence of poor quality products smuggled from across the countrys land borders. The liberalization of trade in these sectors is expected to lead to the availability of better-quality equipment and materials in Myanmar. However, foreign companies have been urged to comply with prescribed health and safety codes and internationally accepted trade procedures. They will also be required to open bank accounts in Myanmar with foreign capital.

RELATED: Corporate Establishment Services from Dezan Shira & Associates

Thailand: Preferential excise tax introduced to promote electric vehicles

In its bid to promote the countrys electric vehicle (EV) industry, Thailands Board of Investment (BOI) has introduced preferential excise tax rates for the sector. Under the new tax regime, the excise tax for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will be cut from 25% to 5% based on CO2 emissions, while battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will be taxed at 2%, a sharp drop from the former 10% rate.

These tax incentives will only be available for vehicles produced locally and up to 2025. EVs are among the governments 10 targeted industry clusters, proposed to be developed in the countrys upcoming Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). In addition, the BOI announced corporate income tax (CIT) exemption for firms manufacturing 10 key EV components. These include batteries, traction motors, battery management services, DC-to-DC converters, inverters, portable electric vehicle chargers, electrical circuit breakers and EV smart charging systems.

Cambodia: Central Bank announces new rules to regulate fintech sector

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), the countrys central bank, has issued new regulations for the countrys emerging fintech sector. As per a Prakas released on 20 June, all payment service providers (PSPs) will now be required to obtain a licence before operating in the country. This will apply even to banks and other financial institutions, which provide digital payments services in the country. The licence will be valid for six years, and will be subject to an annual fee of Riel 20 million (US$ 5000).

Previously, even non-financial companies were allowed to offer digital payments services on the basis of a third party processor (TPP) licence. Now companies will have to demonstrate a minimum registered capital of Riel 8 billion (US$ 2 million) and deposit 5% of their paid up capital with the NBC to qualify for the new operating licence. The governments latest move comes as part of its bid to regulate the countrys fintech sector and make digital payments more secure by reducing the role of intermediary third party processors.

About Us Asia Briefing, a subsidiary of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, the Silk Road & Vietnam. For editorial matters please contact us here and for a complimentary subscription to our products, please click ASEAN Briefing is published by, a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates . We produce material for foreign investors throughout Asia, includingthe. For editorial matters please contact usand for a complimentary subscription to our products, please click here Dezan Shira & Associates provide business intelligence, due diligence, legal, tax and advisory services throughout the ASEAN and Asia. We maintain offices in Singapore, as well as Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, and maintain Alliance offices in Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Manila as well as throughout China, South-East Asia, India and Russia. For assistance with ASEAN investments into any of the featured countries, please contact us at provide business intelligence, due diligence, legal, tax and advisory services throughout the ASEAN and Asia. We maintain offices in Singapore, as well as Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, and maintain Alliance offices in Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Manila as well as throughout China, South-East Asia, India and Russia. For assistance with ASEAN investments into any of the featured countries, please contact us at asean@dezshira.com or visit us at www.dezshira.com

Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure

Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide.

An Introduction to Doing Business in ASEAN 2017

An Introduction to Doing Business in ASEAN 2017 introduces the fundamentals of investing in the 10-nation ASEAN bloc, concentrating on economics, trade, corporate establishment, and taxation. We also include the latest development news for each country, with the intent to provide an executive assessment of the varying component parts of ASEAN, assessing each member state and providing the most up-to-date economic and demographic data on each.

Payroll Processing and Compliance in Singapore

In this issue of ASEAN Briefing, we discuss payroll processing and reporting in Singapore as well as analyze the options available for foreign companies looking to centralize their ASEAN payroll processes.We begin by discussing the various regulations that impact salary computation, and tax and social security calculation in Singapore. We then explore the potential for Singapore to emerge as a premier payroll processing center in ASEAN. Finally we consider the benefits of outsourcing payroll  both Singapore-based and ASEAN-wide  to a reliable third-party payroll processing provider.
New Delhi: A planned $15 billion safety overhaul of India's ageing rail network is facing delays as the country's state steel company is unable to meet demand for new rails, according to two government documents seen by Reuters.

State-owned Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has promised to meet only around 78 per cent of demand in the year to end-March 2018, prompting Indian Railways to escalate the problem to the office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, communications between the railways and the steel ministry show.

The shortfall means upgrades of the accident-prone network could move at a slower pace than the five years initially planned, and underscores the problems facing Modi as he tries to modernize India's infrastructure. Supplies of rails are only expected to improve next year.

"(The) ambitious programme of capacity augmentation undertaken by railways and track renewal, the foremost priority in the recently created (railway safety fund) ... crucially hinges on the supply of rail," Railways Board Chairman A.K. Mital wrote in a letter to Steel Secretary Aruna Sharma on May 19.

"Unless SAIL steps up supply, the whole programme will be at risk."

The state rail operator is in the middle of a $130 billion, five-year overhaul to modernise the world's fourth-biggest network.

The government in February launched an additional $15 billion fund to tackle a 25 per cent rise in train accidents due to track defects over the past two years.

Loss-making SAIL, whose revival is being managed by the steel ministry, supplied about 620,000 tonnes of rails in the fiscal year to end-March, well short of demand of 1 million tonnes. In a meeting called by Modi's office on Feb. 14, SAIL told the railways that supplies would fall well short of demand this fiscal year too, according to the letter.

For 2017/18, it has committed to provide 1.14 million tonnes, against a request for 1.46 million tonnes as demand ramps up to meet the safety programme.

This represents about 78 per cent, but the rate of supplies for the first two months suggested SAIL would struggle to meet even its own reduced target, Mital said in the letter.

"The shortfall needs to be made good quickly and supply rate accelerated to meet the committed quantity (for this fiscal year)," Mital wrote.

SAIL and Modi's office did not respond to requests seeking comment. The railways had no immediate comment and Mital did not respond to a request for comment.

Indian Railways have considered ending SAIL's monopoly on supplying rail, but Modi's cabinet in May made the use of local steel mandatory for government infrastructure projects, ruling out the use of imports.

Local firm Jindal Steel and Power Ltd has tried for years to win a rail supply contract, but is battling a long-standing preference by Indian policymakers for state companies over private firms for big-ticket government projects.

Executives at SAIL, which has lost money in the last seven quarters, have said a surge in demand to replace old tracks and lay new ones meant it was struggling to meet supply targets, despite a rise in production from its existing plant.

Steel secretary Sharma wrote to SAIL on May 29, in a letter seen by Reuters, noting that the railway upgrade was a "very important national project" and that "any shortfall in rail supplies to this project would be taken seriously".

Sharma told Reuters a new SAIL mill at Bhilai, in eastern India, will help the steelmaker boost capacity, which should ease the rails deficit. SAIL has targeted total capacity of 2 million tonnes per year from its Bhilai plant.

"We are conscious about the concerns of the railway ministry but we have enough rail manufacturing capabilities within the country," she said.
Gadkari said that of course, there will be teething trouble in GST launch , but the government is ready to tackle the challenges.

New Delhi: The rollout of the much-awaited GST regime will end 'Inspector Raj', weed out black money from the system and end corruption, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said today.

"The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) will hugely benefit the country's economy by weeding out black money and introducing transparency," Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Gadkari said today.

Addressing the India Today Midnight Conclave - Tryst with Tax, Gadkari said it will end the prevalent 'Inspector Raj' and red-tapism, and bolster economic growth. GST will increase revenue of the state governments and the Centre, and had petrol and diesel included in it, states would have benefitted tremendously, he said.

"Overall, the GST will benefit the economy. Flow of black money will be stifled. Seventeen taxes and 22 other cess will be abolished after the GST comes into effect," Gadkari said.

He added that of course, there will be teething trouble in GST launch, but the government is ready to tackle the challenges. He said even the US President Donald Trump has praised GST.

"To say that GST is being hurried upon is absolutely wrong. The process started long back. The Congress governments in the past have also been part of it," he said in reply to a query. He said, "Congress is opposing the midnight GST launch event at Parliament just for the sake of it. They are just doing politics".

Asserting that the the lower middle class will not be affected by the GST on packed food products, he said, "We are working for the benefit of the people. We need to take some harsh steps. There will be some hiccups initially, but they will be sorted out. I don't claim people will not face trouble, but things will improve in two-three months of GST launch. Some hard steps are needed to be taken but it will ultimately have a positive impact," Gadkari said.
Govt hiked the GST rate for the construction sector to 18 pc from 12 pc but removed land value from computation of tax liability.

New Delhi: Housing prices will come down after the GST rollout, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said, while expressing confidence that the landmark tax regime along with property law will bring big relief to home buyers.

Naidu, the minister for Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, said only fly-by-night operators and habitual tax evaders are opposing the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"GST plus Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act (RERA) will definitely bring big relief to house owners. There is no scope for evading anything in the GST. Input credit will also be transferred," he said at the Aaj Tak-GST conclave.

The RERA regulations, which came into force from May this year, are such that there is no way to escape, he added.

"As a Urban Development and Housing Minister, I am the happiest man that with the GST, prices of houses will definitely come down," Naidu said. "If anybody is opposing the GST, it is habitual tax evaders. Larger builders community is happy, except fly-by- night operators," he said.

The minister emphasised that the Centre and states need to implement the new real estate law in an effective manner.

"Land and housing are state subjects. States are implementing agency," he said, but quickly added that he was not shying away from his responsibilities.

The minister was responding to a query about significant delays in housing projects in the national capital region, causing distress to home buyers and investors. Naidu said he will discuss the issue with the Uttar Pradesh government.

Yesterday, the government hiked the GST rate for the construction sector to 18 per cent from 12 per cent but removed land value from computation of tax liability.

The GST Council had in May decided to levy 12 per cent GST on construction of a complex, building, civil structure or intended for sale to a buyer, wholly or partly. The value of land was to be included in the amount on which tax was to be calculated.
Nearly 82 per cent or 1.7 lakh traders have registered under the new single tax system.

GST in various slabs will be implemented throughout the country abolishing the old tax structures.

Hyderabad: Trade and industry bodies want the government to be lenient for at least one year on filing of returns as many more businesses come under the GST regime for the first time from midnight today.

The Centre is all set to roll out the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at an event planned in the Central Hall of Parliament at midnight today. The GST in various slabs will be implemented throughout the country abolishing the old tax structures.

According to Ravindra Modi, president of the Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, there are several slabs under GST and that it should be called one commodity-one tax, and not one nation-one tax.

He said it would take at least six months for the trade to get accustomed to the new regime as there are several confusing elements which even some of the government officials are not well versed with.

"The implementation of GST is historic for our country. This is one of the bold reforms that the government undertook after independence. But there are some issues that need clarity. We will learn about it only after implementation," Modi told PTI.

"Many more new traders and service providers will now come under the tax fold. They need some time to become familiar with the taxation and filing systems. So, the government should be lenient for at least one year in order to facilitate all the small traders to get accustomed to the system," he said.

Citing an example, he said the sweets fall under five per cent slab while the confectionery comes under 18 per cent bracket, leaving some confusion on the category products.

Telangana Finance Minister E Rajender yesterday said the state is ready to migrate to GST though it is looking up to the Centre for some solace with regard to revision of tax rates on about 35 items.

According to him, nearly 82 per cent or 1.7 lakh traders have registered under the new single tax system. Though he indicated that the state may lose Rs 2,000-Rs 4,000 crore annually, a senior official said the Telangana may lose about Rs 600 crore, based on the growth of the tax revenues last year.

The state registered 17.9 per cent growth in tax collections last year. The Telangana government submitted a representation to the GST Council seeking lenient view on some of the state government projects and also the beedi industry.
Congress declared on Thursday that it will not be attending the launch of the Goods and Services Tax on June 30.

New Delhi: It is "unfortunate" that the Congress party decided to boycott Friday's midnight GST session, said Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday, claiming "sooner or later it will repent" its decision.

On Congress describing the session as "grand self-promoting tamasha", the information and broadcasting minister said "it is a silly, cheap comment" which "need not be replied to in detail".

"It is unfortunate that Congress party and some allies have decided to boycott the meeting. What is the reason, I do not understand...The only reason for boycott, I feel could be that the country should not credit them for the historic, revolutionary taxation reform," Naidu told reporters here.

Stating that Goods and Services Tax (GST) is "not a sudden innovation" of the NDA or the BJP, Naidu stressed that the process for the "revolutionary taxation" system was initiated in 2000. He said Finance Minister Arun Jaitely has talked a number of times with all political parties on GST and all had extended their support to it.

"Congress has also said that it is our initiative. All the states approved it except Jammu and Kashmir. Kerala went to the extend of approving it through ordinance," he said, asking why Congress party suddenly developed this idea of boycotting the session.

"I feel they have no issues. They are having dearth of issues. That is why they have invented this...they are giving no reason for it also...I am sure, they will sooner or later repent besides paying a heavy price for the same," he said.

On Congress' statement that midnight events in Parliament had always been linked to India's freedom, Naidu said Central Hall is the "centre of activity of democracy" in which various decisions are taken. "Central Hall meeting elected Manmohan Singh as the prime minister, Narendra Modi as the prime minister...What is this silly reason? You can hold party meeting also," he said.

Naidu said the event planned in the Central Hall of Parliament at midnight on June 30 is "not a celebration". "It is a symbolic and solemn event reflecting the historic nature of the occasion of launch of transformative GST regime, for realisation of which efforts have been made for over a decade," he added.

Stressing that NDA government or the BJP never tried to take credit for launch of GST, Naidu said even the prime minister has been "telling that it a collective effort by all parties". Naidu said he hoped that Congress would "revise its decision" and join the session. "Even now it is not too late. Let them realise. There is still time. I am happy that some of their friends have chosen not to follow them in the larger interest of the country. I hope Congress also realises and then revises its decision," the minister said.

On West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's reported criticism that Modi was not doing enough on cow vigilantism, Naidu said, "she is doing lip service to the reforms and opposing it (session on GST roll out)."

On All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi's criticism, he said, "What credential does the fundamentalist have? Do we need a certificate from him? The prime minister said the right thing".

Owaisi had earlier today termed as "mere lip service" the prime minister's statement against violence in the name of cow protection and said the BJP and Sangh-affiliated outfits have put a lower premium on human life. Naidu said these problems were "not generated today" and have been there in the society from so many years.

"Why Congress was not able to bring social integration over the years when they have ruled the country for more than 50 years? Because they pursue vote bank politics and they tried to look at the people as vote banks, not as citizens," he said.
Katrina will be in Malta, and may directly head to New York for the IIFA event.

Katrina Kaif may have been in a hurry to get to Malta for the shoot of Thugs of Hindostan, but she wanted her clothes to be perfect for the upcoming IIFA awards next month. She will not only will be walking the red carpet but also will be performing on stage as well. So, she made sure that she wrapped up her work and promotion for her film Jagga Jasoos and headed to her favourite designer Manish Malhotra.

Manish had kept a small dinner for his friends Kareena Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Malaika Arora, Neha Dhupia and Sophie Chaudhry. Once the other girls left, Katrina dropped in. Katrina reached in her work clothes, casuals and jeans because she wanted to discuss her costumes, quoted her spokesperson.

Katrina will be in Malta, and may directly head to New York for the IIFA event on July 14 which incidentally coincides with the release date of Jagga Jasoos. Hence, she will not be participating in the promotions any further.

Perhaps Kat also wanted to discuss the attire for her birthday on July 16 during the IIFA weekend? Only Manish Malhotra can tell.

 Sanskriti Media
The actor will be next seen in Tamil thriller 'Vikram Vedha', written and directed by Pushkar and Gayathri.

Mumbai: Romantic drama 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' is one of the most re-watched romantic movies but actor R Madhavan believes his days as a chocolate boy hero are over.

The actor will be next seen in Tamil thriller 'Vikram Vedha', written and directed by Pushkar and Gayathri.

"I'm done with chocolate boy roles. Although my mind is still young, my body is not the same. When I run on screen, my body runs like a 48-year-old man. I even told my directors Pushkar and Gayathri that we should head to Switzerland and shoot a colorful movie like a Yash Raj Films production. I would love to play those roles, but I'm not quite sure now," the actor told reporters here at the press meet of 'Vikram Vedha'.

The gangster-cop thriller has Madhavan essaying the role of a rugged encounter specialist 'Vikram.'

The actor says people in the Hindi film industry have watched the trailer for the movie, thanks to Shah Rukh Khan who released it on his Twitter page recently.

"Since Shah Rukh Khan released the trailer of 'Vikram Vedha,' it has already grabbed the attention of Bollywood filmmakers. The entire industry has watched it, and everyone unanimously appreciated composer Sam's effort."

Madhavan said he did not have enough time to shoot the film simultaneously in Hindi but he is open to take it to Bollywood.

Heaping praise on his co-star Vijay Sethupathi, who plays the role of a gangster in the movie, Maddy said it was a great honour to collaborate with him.

"I feel proud to have worked with Vijay Sethupathi. I've shared the screen with greats like Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan. Usually, in multi-starrers, I make it a point to meet my co-stars during rehearsals. But I met Vijay for the first time on the movie set."

The actor said despite being pitted against each other in the film, they got along really well off the screen.

"We got along really well. He's a fantastic guy. We had a great relationship. He's the most intelligent actor that I've ever worked with."

Sethupathi said he was initially nervous about working with Madhavan, but the actor turned out to be really friendly.

"Initially, I was quite nervous since Maddy is a big star and has worked with a lot of legends. But he is really sweet. Despite him being a senior actor, I never had any second thoughts about giving my opinion to him on a scene," he said.

Also starring Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Kathir and Shraddha Srinath in pivotal roles, 'Vikram Vedha' is produced by YNOT Studios and is slated for release on July 7.
As per the latest position, Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a face-off in the area, but there has been no combat situation.

New Delhi: Amid a border flare-up with China over its bid to build a road in Bhutanese territory, New Delhi on Friday told Beijing that its recent actions have serious security implications even as Defence Minister Arun Jaitley hinted that the neighbour should not to underestimate the countrys military might.

Sending a strong message to China after its threat that New Delhi should not forget the historical lessons of the 1962 war, Jaitley said: If they are trying to remind us the situation in 1962 was different and India of 2017 is different.

On a day when Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar reviewed the situation in the Sikkim sector following the Chinese belligerence, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said it is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese Government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.

The MEA broke its silence for the first time after the Indian Army made its first military intervention of sorts two weeks ago on behalf of Bhutan by physically blocking Chinese troops from constructing a road in the Bhutanese Doklam area border territory near Indian border defences.

As per the latest position, Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a face-off in the area, but there has been no combat situation. With the Chinese dragon breathing fire, India also said it was engaged diplomatically with Beijing on the matter.

The Bhutan government had issued a statement yesterday in which it made it clear that the land in question belonged to Bhutan. It is located near Indias land. There is an arrangement between India and Bhutan for giving security, the defence minister was quoted as saying.

On Thursday, China asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong as a precondition for a meaningful dialogue to settle the boundary issue, warning that the Indian Army should learn historical lessons, in a reference to the 1962 war.

The road that the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) wanted to build would have ended extremely close to Indian defences which is why New Delhi was so anxious to prevent the construction.

New Delhi is also upset since the area is at a trijunction of India (Sikkim), China and Bhutan. Beijing had agreed earlier that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries and that any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding.

Bhutan had also on Thursday accused China of violating their agreement of not undertaking unilateral action pending resolution of the Bhutan-China boundary dispute.

But the developments have once again highlighted how close Bhutana sovereign nation-is to India, with the Bhutan asking India for help once their requests to the Chinese PLA not to go ahead with the construction fell on deaf ears.



On 16 June, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity. The Ambassador of the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) has publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese Government through their Embassy in New Delhi on 20 June, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, RGOB and the Government of India have been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments. In coordination with the RGOB, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La (Sikkim), approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue, the MEA added.

In this context, the Indian side has underlined that the two Governments had in 2012 reached agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries. Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding, New Delhi said.

The matter has been under discussion between India and China at the diplomatic level in the Foreign Ministries since then, both in New Delhi and Beijing. It was also the subject of a Border Personnel Meeting at Nathu La on 20 June, the ministry said.
The central hall of Parliament will hold the special midnight session for the announcement of GST, first of its kind after Independence.

The launch of GST or one nation, one tax will see President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and leaders from various political parties. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The seventeen-year wait for the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) will come to an end on Friday night. GST will be rolled out at midnight on July 1 with the sounding of a gong.

The central hall of Parliament House is ready to hold the special midnight session for the announcement of GST, the first of its kind after Independence.

The launch of GST or one nation, one tax will see President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and leaders from various political parties.

Two former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Dewe Gowda, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan are also expected to grace the event.

After the speech of President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a 10-minute documentary on GST will be screened for the gathering.

MPs of both houses of the Parliament, chief ministers, finance ministers of all the states have been invited.

The main opposition party of Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party (SP) has declared its stand on the historic inauguration programme of GST saying it would attend the meeting.

SP leader Naresh Agarwal said that the party does not support GST but would still be present for the launch so as not to disrespect the President. He made further claims of rolling back GST as soon as SP returns to power.

Both the factions of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have extended their support and for GST.

However, there are a number of political parties who have decided to skip the grand launch of GST.

The main Opposition party, Congress, will boycott the midnight launch of GST. Satyavrat Chaturvedi, a party leader has confirmed their stand saying, "The party has decided not to attend GST midnight session on June 30 in Parliament."

While a section of the Congress party disagrees with the partys decision to skip the launch, the other few think that being a part of the programme could have ensured Congress claim on modern Indias biggest example of tax reform.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) was the first party to announce its decision to skip the GST launch. TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her strong reservations over the implementation of the GST from July 1.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee described GST as "an epic blunder" after demonetisation drive.

Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad made it clear that his party will not attend GST launch on Friday. However, the ruling party in Bihar, Janta Dal (United) JD(U), which happens to be RJDs alliance partner, will attend the programme.

Left parties will also not partake in Fridays special midnight meeting on GST. CPI leader, D Raja said that the party will keep away from the launch keeping in mind the protests staged by traders, weavers, small and medium scale entrepreneurs against the way GST is being implemented.

"The informal sector creating 80 per cent of the jobs in the country, will be affected by the way GST is being initiated, allegedly without preparation," D Raja added.

Reiterating CPIs stand of skipping the special GST rollout meeting, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac said that they are free to not join the event.

The atmosphere in the country is not suitable for such a celebration. There is anguish throughout the country on the killings in the name of cow. Its not an announcement of economic freedom, its only extension of earlier rules like VAT, said Kerala Finance Minister and member of GST council Thomas Isaac.

In Tamil Nadu, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) will follow the suit of TMC, Congress, Left and RJD and will not be attending the session.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi said that launch of GST would only trigger chaos, quite similar to the scenario that prevailed after demonetisation of high value notes in 2016, as said in media reports. He also expressed his doubts regarding the organised implementation of such a tax reform.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) termed GST a good idea with poor implementation. It said that GST, involving high tax levies, would rather help tax evasion leading to a growth of grey market.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, Traders are scared, the common man is scared and you (the central government) want to celebrate.
The GST, which is slated to roll out today midnight, will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket.

New Delhi: Hours before the midnight rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that it is a reform that holds great potential, but is being rushed through in a half-baked spectacle by an incompetent government.

"A reform that holds great potential is being rushed through in a half-baked way with a self-promotional spectacle #GSTTamasha," Gandhi tweeted.

A reform that holds great potential is being rushed through in a half-baked way with a self-promotional spectacle #GSTTamasha  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 30, 2017

Hitting at the Central Government, he further said that the GST is being executed by an incompetent and insensitive government without planning foresight and institutional readiness.

"Unlike demonetisation, GST is a reform that @INCIndia has championed & backed from the beginning," Gandhi asserted.

Unlike demonetisation, GST is a reform that @INCIndia has championed & backed from the beginning  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 30, 2017

He added that India deserves a GST rollout that does not put crores of its citizens and traders through difficult time.

India deserves a #GST rollout that does not put crores of its ordinary citizens, small businesses & traders through tremendous pain &anxiety  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 30, 2017

The Congress Party on Friday said that it would boycott the midnight meeting, convened by the government, on the implementation of the GST.

Besides Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have also decided to boycott the event.

Ahead of the historic rollout of the GST that is scheduled to take effect from midnight, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu earlier in the day urged the Congress Party to 'realise and rethink' their stand and join the government for the midnight Parliament session.

The GST, which is slated to roll out today midnight, will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket.
The poll body had written to the Centre asking it to amend the election laws so that it can use the Contempt of Court Act against such parties.

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi, along with Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat, addresses a press conference announcing the schedule for the upcoming vice president poll, in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Defending its decision to seek powers to initiate contempt proceedings against political parties levelling allegations against the Election Commission without evidence, the poll body on Thursday said it is the best way to defend itself against such unfounded claims.

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said it is not a question of seeking powers to punish somebody under the Contempt of Court Act, but a question of levelling unfounded allegations.

The commission can go for defamation if it wants, but having contempt of court powers is the best way out, Mr Zaidi said when asked why the commission wrote to the Centre seeking powers to initiate contempt proceedings against those who have questioned the neutrality of the body.

The poll body had written to the Centre asking it to amend the election laws so that it can use the Contempt of Court Act against such parties.

On the office of profit case against 20 AAP MLAs, Mr Zaidi said a decision would be taken on the next date of hearing. The commission earlier said it would hear the pleas of the AAP legislators despite the Delhi high court setting aside their appointment as parliamentary secretaries.

The CEC also said it would decide on the issue of the AIADMKs symbol war after going through the documents filed by both factions.
The formal launch of this consolidated tax system is expected to greatly benefit the majority of Indias population.

The Central Hall of Parliament will play host to the GST launch which will be attended by President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice president Hamid Ansari and Finance Minister Arun jaitley among others. (Photo: Twitter | Lok Sabha)

Mumbai: 17 years since its inception, Indias biggest indirect tax reform  the Goods and Services Tax will finally go on floors as the clock strikes 12 on July 30.

The Central Hall of Parliament will play host to the GST launch which will be attended by President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice president Hamid Ansari and Finance Minister Arun jaitley among others.

Big names like Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar and Ratan Tata will also be gracing the occasion.

The formal launch of this consolidated tax system is expected to greatly benefit the majority of Indias population as it takes away the cascading effect of multiple taxes and introduces input tax credit for traders.

The following is the timeline of todays mega launch:

10:55 pm: President arrives at Parliament House, received by dignitaries

10:59 pm: Announcement by Marshal

11:00 pm: President arrives in Central Hall

11:01 pm: Playing of National Anthem

11:02 pm: Felicitation and Introductory remarks by Finance Minister

11:10 pm: Film/Presentation on GST

11:15 pm: Address by Prime Minister

11:45 pm: Address by President of India

12 midnight: Launch of GST (including Film)

12:03 am: Announcement by Marshal

12:04 am: Playing of National Anthem

12:05 am: President leaves
The ED issued a summon to Mr Geelani in March, asking him to appear before the agency in Srinagar.

New Delhi: Tightening the noose around Kashmiri separatist leaders, the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday issued a show cause notice to senior Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for illegal possession of foreign currency to the tune $10,000 in 2002.

The notice issued under different sections of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) is in connection with foreign currency seized by the income tax authorities during a 2002 raid at Mr Geelanis Hyderpora house in Srinagar. The ED issued a summon to Mr Geelani in March, asking him to appear before the agency in Srinagar. However, Mr Geelanis lawyer filed a written submission denying seizure of foreign currency from his house.

But ED has now clarified that Mr Geelanis chartered accountant failed to provide evidence of any legitimate source of the foreign currency, making him liable for action under FEMA. The ED has asked Mr Geelani to explain to the adjudicating officer within 30 days as to why the currency should not be seized.
The GST, which is slated to roll out on Friday midnight, will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket.

New Delhi: With many political parties boycotting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) launch event, the Samjawadi Party on Friday finally decided to participate in the function, scheduled on Friday midnight.

"We oppose the GST. It's a black law but since President Pranab Mukherjee will attend launch, we will go as we do not want to create controversy," Samajwadi Party Naresh Agrawal confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has backed the GST and questioned as to why the political parties are creating fuss over its launch event when they unanimously passed the uniform tax regime in the Parliament.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will also not attend the event. However, senior leader and Bihar Energy Minister Bijender Prasad Yadav will represent the Janata Dal (United) on his behalf.

The Congress Party yesterday said that it would boycott the midnight meeting, convened by the government, on the implementation of the GST.

Besides Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have also decided to boycott the event.

Ahead of the historic rollout of the GST that is scheduled to take effect from midnight, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu earlier in the day urged the Congress Party to 'realise and rethink' their stand and join the government for the midnight Parliament session.

The GST, which is slated to roll out on Friday midnight, will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket.
The finance ministry is also examining the economic security aspect of the IT system.

The GST Network would act as the main information technology (IT) component of the new indirect tax regime which is going to be introduced from July 1.

New Delhi: A day before the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), described as the biggest financial reform in the countrys history, home ministry sources said the security clearance for the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) was in the final stages and likely to be granted shortly. The Centre has roped in the home ministry, the Intelligence Bureau and the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) to conduct a detailed security audit of the GSTN before clearing it.

However, the security clearance to the GSTN will in no way impact or delay the implementation of GST as finance minister Arun Jaitley had said a few days ago that this was merely a procedural matter. The GST Network would act as the main information technology (IT) component of the new indirect tax regime which is going to be introduced from July 1. The GSTN is already functional and the security clearance was a procedural matter. These are all procedural matters and they go on, but that doesnt defer the GST rollout, the finance minister had said on an earlier occasion.

Since the GSTN is a non-government private company, the home ministry and its intelligence agencies are running a detailed check on all stakeholders, and the IT system to ensure that there was no threat to the national security and the system was completely foolproof. The finance ministry is also examining the economic security aspect of the IT system.

While Centre has a 24.5 per cent stake in GSTN, all States including Puducherry and Delhi along with the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers put together have another 24.5 per cent. The remaining 51 per cent equity is distributed among non-Governmental financial institutions including LIC Housing Finance Ltd, ICICI Bank, NSE Strategic Investment Co, HDFC and HDFC Bank.

It is mandatory for the Home Ministry and intelligence agencies to give security clearance to all FDI proposals or new companies in which the Government and private entities have a joint stake.

`` The process of granting security sanction is in the final stages and should be coming any time soon. Most of the work on checking background of office bearers and other stakeholders along with some technical aspect related to the IT system has been completed. But this will not delay the implementation of GST and if some changes or additional safety measures are required to be made in the IT system these can be done over the next few days of the rollout also, a senior intelligence official said.
Even on the occasion of Eid-ul Fitr, the Pak army fired small arms, automatic weapons and shelled mortars along the LoC in J&K's Rajouri.

On Thursday, 2 Indian Army jawans were injured when Pak troops fired from small arms and shelled mortars on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in J&K's Poonch district. (Photo: File/Representational)

Jammu: The Pakistan army violated ceasefire for the third consecutive day on Friday by targeting Indian posts and civilian areas with mortar bombs, small and automatic weapons along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

One civilian was reportedly injured in the attacks.

This is the 23rd incident of ceasefire violation in June. "The Pakistan army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing from small arms, automatic weapons and mortars from 0415 hours on Friday on the Indian Army posts along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali (BG) sector," a Defence spokesman said.

The Indian troops returned the fire strongly and effectively, he said. On Thursday, two Indian Army jawans were injured when Pakistani troops fired from small arms and shelled mortars on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch district.

On June 27 (Wednesday), the Pakistani army violated ceasefire by unprovoked and indiscriminate firing and shelling along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali (BG) sector in Rajouri district from 1445 hours till late that night.

In June, there have been 23 ceasefire violations by the Pakistani army in Poonch and Rajouri districts besides a cross-LoC attack and two infiltration bids in which four people, including three jawans, have been killed.

On June 26, the occasion of Eid-ul Fitr, the Pakistani army fired small arms and automatic weapons and shelled mortars along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali sector of Rajouri.
Opposition parties dismisses PMs statement as lip-service.

New Delhi: At a time when the country is erupting with both anger and despair over lynchings by cow vigilantes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi came down heavily on them and warned that killing in the name of cow protection will not be tolerated.

Delivering a speech after visiting Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the Prime Minister said that killing people in the name of gau bhakti is not acceptable.

Speaking at an event organised to mark 100 years of the Sabarmati Ashram and the 150th birth anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandraji, a guru of Mahatma Gandhi, the Prime Minister said that Gandhiji and he would never have approved of such incidents We belong to a land of non-violence. Violence is nor the solution to any problem.

Lets all work together, create the India of Mahatma Gandhis dreams, create an India our freedom fighters would be proud of, he added.

Opposition parties dismissed the Prime Ministers stern message to cow vigilantes as lip service.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi tweeted, Too little too late. Words mean nothing when action outdo them. Trinamul Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee followed suit and said, Words are not enough.

Taking a jibe at the Prime Minister for invoking Mahatma Gandhi to condemn cow vigilantes, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said, We are aware of Gandhis principles. We do not want him (Narendra Modi) to remind us. We want to know what the Prime Minister proposes to do.

Hours after Mr Modis statement, a man was killed in Jharkhand for allegedly carrying beef and his van was set on fire.

The Prime Ministers strong indictment and warning came a day after thousands of people across the country took to the streets in a citizens protest, called Not in My Name, against the recent incidents of mob killings. Last Thursday, a 16-year-old Muslim boy, Junaid Khan, was killed by a group of about 20 men on a Mathura-bound train.

Junaid was returning home after Eid shopping when the group of men first called him a beef eater and, after beating him up, stabbed him to death. Five people have been arrested so far.

The Prime Minister said that it made him angry that people are running shops in the name of cow protection.

Hitting out at the self-styled cow rakshaks, he said, Some people carry out anti-social activities at night and during the day they masquerade as cow protectors.

For Mr Modi, if anyone wants to save cows, they should ensure that the cows do not eat plastic.

In August last year, the Prime Minister had issued a similar warning after a succession of brutal attacks on dalits and Muslims by cow vigilantes were reported from several states. These people are hell bent on destroying the society these people are trying to create a conflict in the society in the name of gau raksha, the Prime Minister had said while inaugurating an NTPC superthermal power project at Medak in Telengana.

According to the website IndiaSpend, In the first six months of 2017, 20 cow terror attacks were reported  more than 75 per cent of the 2016 figure, which was the worst year for such violence since 2010.
Launching her presidential campaign from Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, Meira Kumar said she wishes that people of Gujarat make progress.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat): Opposition candidate Meira Kumar on Friday launched her presidential election campaign from Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati ashram in Gujarat and said her fight is for take forward the ideology of the Father of the Nation.

Incidentally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also visited the ashram on Thursday to mark its centenary. It was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 and from Sabarmati he led the Indian Independence movement.

Kumar spent around 40 minutes in the ashram on Friday along with state Congress leaders Bharatsinh Solanki and Shankarsinh Vaghela.

She will contest against NDA's Ram Nath Kovind in the July 17 presidential election.

"The battle which I am fighting at present is for the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi. We have to take forward the ideology of Gandhi," Kumar said launching her campaign.

"I have come to gain some power from this place. I spent some time at the 'Hriday Kunj', Gandhiji's home in the ashram. I have gained lot of energy today to take forward this

battle," the 72-year-old Congress veteran said, adding that coming to the ashram gave her peace.

"I wish prosperity for the people of Gujarat and especially those who are marginalised," she said.

Kumar also tried her hands on the 'charkha' (spinning wheel) in the ashram.

She was chosen as the opposition's nominee for the presidential election after NDA declared Kovind, a Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh, as their candidate. Kumar is the

daughter of late Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram.

Upon her arrival at the airport in Ahmedabad Thursday night, Kumar had said, the election is a "battle of ideologies" and not a "Dalit versus Dalit" fight.

"Attempts are being made by some to project the election as a Dalit versus Dalit fight. It was from Gujarat that the ideology of Gandhiji spread across the country and the world.

That is why I have come here to make the people realise that we fight for our ideologies," she had said.

Kumar is scheduled to meet state Congress leaders later on Friday.

She had earlier appealed to MPs and MLAs, who constitute the electoral college, to vote in the presidential election as per their conscience, even as the numbers seem to be stacked against her.
China had asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong area as a precondition for 'meaningful dialogue' to settle boundary issue.

New Delhi: The India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962, Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley asserted on Friday, hitting out at China for asking the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons".

A day after China's oblique reference to the war the two countries had fought 55 years ago, the defence minister also said the current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim sector was triggered by Beijing. Bhutan, he added, had made it clear that the land in question belonged to it.

"The situation in 1962 was different and India of 2017 is different," Jaitley said when asked about China's warning on Thursday.

China had asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong area as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to settle the boundary issue. It warned that the Indian Army

should learn "historical lessons".

"Bhutan government had issued a statement yesterday in which it made it clear that the land in question belonged to Bhutan. It is located near India's land. There is an arrangement between India and Bhutan for giving security," Jaitley told Aaj Tak news channel.

The defence minister said the Bhutan government had made its stance clear and China was trying to alter the status quo in the area.

"I think after this the issue has become very clear," Jaitley said.

The genesis of the flashpoint was China's attempts to build a road in the strategically key area of Donglong. Its link to the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction could give China

a major military advantage over India.

The Indian Army had blocked construction of the road by China in Donglong, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release on Friday that Indian was "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".

A 220-km section of the 3,488-km India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh falls in Sikkim.

Official sources said China had removed an old bunker of the Indian Army in Donglong by using a bulldozer after the Indian side refused to accede to its request, triggering the present troubles.
The brother of the victim caught the accused forcing himself on his sister and informed the police.

According to police officials, the victim is being counselled. (Photo: File/Representational)

New Delhi: A man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 10-year-old mentally-ill girl for almost a week at outer Delhi's Mianwali Nagar, the police said on Thursday.

The accused was the owner of the house in which the victim stayed with her family members as tenants, they added.

The incident was reported to the police on Wednesday. The brother of the girl caught the accused forcing himself on his sister and informed the police.

There was a change in the behaviour of the mentally-ill girl of late, the family members told the police. When her brother returned home on Wednesday, the girl was not there.

He sensed something fishy after his calls to the accused went unanswered. Subsequently, the brother of the victim went to the accused's room and saw him attempting to sexually assault his sister, the police said.

The victim is being counselled, they added.
The BJP lambasted Khan, saying his remarks on the Army would lower their morale.

Lucknow: Reacting strongly to the flak he received for his controversial statement on the Army, senior SP leader Mohd Azam Khan on Thursday said that he is the item girl of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

I am the BJPs item girl because they dont have anyone else to talk about. They even fought elections here (Uttar Pradesh) focusing on me, he said on Thursday.

It may be recalled that Mr Khan had faced considerable flak for insinuating that the Army personnel are molesting women, which is why women terrorists were chopping off their private parts. A video clip of his speech went viral on the social media on Wednesday.

He said: The statement has come out of the pain that I feel in my heart. It is being projected in a wrong manner. I was the first to question the PMs visit to Pakistan after a soldier was beheaded. But what I have said is a fact.

The BJP lambasted Mr Khan, saying his remarks on the Army would lower their morale. Its condemnable. It has become a fashion for some leaders to make statements showing the Armed Forces in poor light. Azam Khan is a habitual offender in this. This kind of atmosphere is not good for the country. The Congress, CPI(M) and SP have made such attacks on the morale of the Army earlier also, the BJP had said.
The WHO has already recommended low-dose aspirin for the prevention of pre-eclampsia.

Washington: Would-be-mothers, who are at risk of pre-eclampsia, can reduce the chances of premature delivery by taking a low-dose aspirin in first trimester of pregnancy. The study found an 82 percent reduction in the rate of early preeclampsia, resulting in delivery before 34 weeks.

Pre-eclampsia causes the flow of blood through the placenta to be reduced, restricting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the foetus which could restrict growth. Professor Kypros Nicolaides from King's College London said that the results of the trial offered 'definitive proof' of the effect of aspirin.

"This extensive study is definitive proof that women can take simple measures in the first trimester of pregnancy to significantly reduce their chances of developing pre-term preeclampsia," Nicolaides added. The double blind, placebo-controlled trail of 1,776 women at high risk for pre-term pre-eclampsia found a lower incidence of developing the disease in women taking aspirin than those taking a placebo.

The pregnant women were given a dose of 150mg per day from between 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy up until 36 weeks. Pre-term preeclampsia occurred in 13 participants (1.6 percent) in the aspirin group, compared to 35 (4.3 percent) in the placebo group.

The results prompted calls for low-dose aspirin to be routinely prescribed to women at risk of the disease. Professor David Wright from the University of Exeter Medical School said that the results show that aspirin can prevent pre-eclampsia in high risk pregnancies. I hope that they will alter clinical practice and improve pregnancy outcomes for mothers and their babies.

An analysis of more than 30 trials investigating the benefit of a dose of 50 to 150 mg of aspirin per day for the prevention of preeclampsia showed that such therapy resulted in a 10 percent lower incidence of preeclampsia. The World Health Organization (WHO) already recommends low-dose aspirin for the prevention of pre-eclampsia in women at high risk and recommends it be started before 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia is usually characterised by a sudden increase in blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can occur after the 20th week of pregnancy and often results in pre-term birth. The research appeared in the journal of Medicine.
First time in decades that endangered seal has birthed in densely populated area

This Thursday, June 29, 2017 photo shows a Hawaiian monk seal and her newborn pup on a Waikiki beach in Honolulu. The pup, born late Wednesday or early Thursday, is the first seal to be born in the densely populated tourist district since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began keeping track in the 1970s. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)

Honolulu: An endangered Hawaiian monk seal has given birth on a Waikiki beach - the first such birth in at least several decades.

The seal was born late Wednesday or early Thursday, said Angela Amlin, coordinator for the Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Program.

Mother and pup attracted dozens of onlookers as they rolled around on the sand. Volunteers kept people at a safe distance behind a rope barrier.

The mother, known as RH58 and nicknamed Rocky, has lived on and around Oahu since 2002. But she would return to Kauai, where she was born 17 years ago, to give birth. This time she had her pup at Kaimana, an area in Waikiki popular with Honolulu residents.

It's the first seal to be born in the densely populated tourist district since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began keeping track in the 1970s, Amlin said.

Amlin says monk seals normally like to give birth in quiet spots so it's rare that pups appear in a congested place like Waikiki.

Monk seal pups usually nurse for about five to seven weeks. Mothers are protective of their pups during this time. Officials are urging people to keep their distance so they don't disturb the pair.

Hawaiian monk seals are an endangered species. There are about 1,400 in the wild.

Separately, NOAA officials said a Hawaiian monk seal conservation volunteer on Kauai captured rare video of one of the animals giving birth.

The seal known as RO28 had her pup on Kauai's north shore on June 18.
BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa also supported the governments move and said it is an important issue.

New Delhi: A resolution seeking 85 per cent reservation in admission for the city students in 28 DU colleges that are funded by the AAP government was adopted by the Delhi Assembly on Thursday. Rising beyond their political differences, all the legislators pledged to raise the issue with the Centre, L-G and the university administration.

The House also adopted another resolution demanding an amendment in the Delhi University Act (1922), according to which no other university in Delhi is legally authorised to give affiliation to any college. If the amendment is made by Parliament, varsities other than DU can also be affiliated to any other college. Both the resolutions, moved by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, were passed by voice vote.

During a discussion on reservation of city students in 28 colleges on the second day of the Assemblys special session, Mr Sisodia said there are over 2 lakh students who pass out from schools in Delhi every year.

Many of these students are struggling to get admission in higher education institutions. These 28 colleges are funded partially or fully by the Delhi government. The money of taxpayers from Delhi is being used to fund these colleges. And it is our responsibility to safeguard the interest of Delhi students, Mr Sisodia said.

However, Mr Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, clarified that through this dem-and, the Delhi government does not want to promote regionalism. People from across the country come to Delhi in search of employment and they start residing here. We want to ensure that their children get admission in DU colleges.

We should not politicise this issue. We all MLAs will meet the HRD minister, lieutenant-governor and DU vice-chancellor to raise this demand, the deputy chief minister said.

BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa also supported the governments move and said it is an important issue and that all MLAs should demand reservation for city students.
Ankit Kawatra is the founder of Feeding India, an organisation that aims to eradicate hunger and food wastage in India.

The award recognising the 25-year-old's exceptional work towards solving hunger and malnutrition in India was presented to him by Queen Elizabeth II. (Photo: LinkedIn)

London: Anti-hunger activist Ankit Kawatra was awarded the Queen's Young Leaders Award for 2017 at a ceremony in the Buckingham Palace here.

The award recognising the 25-year-old's exceptional work towards solving hunger and malnutrition in India was presented to him by Queen Elizabeth II late last night. Kawatra is the founder of Feeding India, an organisation that aims to eradicate hunger and food wastage in India.

"Getting this honour from the Queen herself at the Buckingham Palace is a huge honour, something that I could not even dream of. I also believe that this is a landmark for both countries, especially since UK and India have a shared history on so many fronts.

"An Indian's presence at the Buckingham Palace today symbolises the long way the two countries have come, and proves once again, how we can do so much more if we work together peacefully," Kawatra said.

Having begun with merely 5 people in 2014, Feeding India presently functions across 43 Indian cities with 4,500 volunteers serving 8 million meals to the needy by rescuing excess food.

Kawatra also attended a 10-day residential program before receiving the award, during which he stayed at the University of Cambridge.

A United Nations Young Leader for the SDGs, Kawatra, at the workshop, highlighted the importance of solving the problem of hunger and encouraging people to take action towards the "725 million people around the world who do not even have basic food and nutrition."

"Undernourished people fight hard to get three meals a day and cannot fight for themselves, let alone fight for their human rights," he said. During the visit, he also engaged in networking with leading business heads and philanthropists at political events.

Established by The Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Trust, the Royal Commonwealth Society and Comic Relief, the awards mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne and six decades of service to Commonwealth nations.

Queen's Young Leader Awards are designed to "discover, celebrate and support 60 exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth, aged 18-29, who are taking the lead in making a lasting difference in their communities and using their skills to transform the lives of others".

"We recognise not only what these amazing young people have achieved, but also their potential in changing people's lives for the better in the countries and communities in which they live," Astrid Bonfield, chief executive of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, said.
India must prove that the history China crows about does not necessarily repeat itself but can be rewritten.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi was being received with high honours by US President Donald Trump in Washington on June 26, China ratcheted up pressure on India along the sensitive Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet trijunction of the 4,057-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Beijing harshly denounced New Delhi for violation of Chinese sovereignty through illegal trespass by the Indian Army into the Doklam Plateau to halt construction of a road by the Peoples Liberation Army and obstruct Chinese border troops normal activities. It also blocked access to Indian pilgrims headed for the Kailash Mansarovar journey through the Nathu La pass until India unconditionally withdrew forces from Doklam.

In the context of the first Modi-Trump one-on-one, China ominously reminded India that the latter cannot afford a showdown with China on border issues because it lags far behind China in terms of national strength and the so-called strategic support for it from the US is superficial.

Although tension between Indian and Chinese forces on the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet border had been mounting for a while owing to Indian concerns that China wants to cut off Indias access to its Northeast via the Chickens Neck, it was Mr Modis successful visit to the US which broadened the stakes of the Doklam standoff and sharpened Beijings belligerence.

The jingoistic Chinese state-owned publication, Global Times, went down memory lane to narrate how India isnt able to balance China and that whenever the US or the Soviet Union played the India card to check China, it boomeranged on India. In typical condescending tone, China advised India to learn from historical lessons and correct its errors, alluding to the defeat in the 1962 war when neither the US nor the USSR came to New Delhis rescue.

An unflattering cartoon showing the Indian elephant being moved by an American hand as a pawn on a chessboard and references to New Delhi being snared into a geopolitical trap by Washington rounded off Chinas overall verdict of the Modi-Trump summit and its linkage to the jostling between the two armies in Doklam.

Beijing always views New Delhis willingness to behave proactively on the land border or in the vast maritime waters of the Indian Ocean and the West Pacific Ocean in terms of some extra-regional actor instigating or encouraging it. If India stands up for its small, unprotected neighbour, Bhutan, which has firmly objected to the road building in Doklam by the PLA in disputed territory, it is interpreted in Beijing as bravado by New Delhi boosted by Americas strategic embrace. If the Indian Navy engages in military exercises with Vietnam, Japan or Australia, again the perception in China is that there is an American hand behind such manoeuvres.

Obsessed with the notion of India serving American designs to contain it, China magnifies incidents like the Doklam dispute into bigger proportion. What has also riled China in this particular flashpoint is that the Indian Army is bolstering the cause of tiny Bhutan, which has been facing tremendous Chinese pressure to concede territory in Doklam. Thimphu has protested the PLAs unilateral action, or use of force, to change the status quo of the boundary in Doklam, enraging Beijing because puny Bhutan is resisting mighty China by relying on Indian security assurances and troop backup.

The Chinese foreign ministrys criticism of India as a third party, which is interfering and disrespecting the sovereignty of Bhutan, demonstrates how peeved Beijing is at New Delhis assertiveness to defend the rights of its small, lightly-armed neighbour sandwiched between China and India. And lurking behind this anger is Beijings belief that Mr Modi is challenging China with a swagger due to his successful meeting with Mr Trump.

While all bets are off whether the American President, who is a master of flip-flops, would continue Barack Obamas policy of attempting to contain China, Beijing is apprehensive of the headway Mr Modi has made in striking new defence deals with the US. The agreement for India to acquire 22 aerial surveillance Guardian drones worth $2 billion from the US is aimed at improving Indias naval monitoring capabilities in the Indian Ocean and beyond where the PLA Navy has been prowling with submarines and aircraft carriers.

Specific mention in the Modi-Trump joint statement of India and the US expanding engagements on shared maritime objectives and reiteration of their joint call for respecting freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific have not gone down well in China since these moves impinge on Chinese military objectives.

Until recently, Beijing seemed to have won over Mr Trump by dangling the carrot of cooperation to curb North Koreas missile and nuclear programmes. The distinct lack of American pushback on the PLA Navys lording over the South China Sea, Mr Trumps inward-looking isolationist instincts, and his open praise for China had suggested that Beijing would have a freer rein in Asia than before.

All that is now muddled by Mr Modis breakthrough with the Trump administration. The designation of Pakistan-sheltered Syed Salahuddin of the Hizbul Mujahideen as a global terrorist by the US, and Mr Modi and Mr Trumps explicit demand that Pakistan should ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries are further indirect blows to Beijing. China prefers that Pakistan remain active and unfettered to pin down India in Kashmir and thereby prevent India from attaining the status of what the Modi government terms as a leading power in world affairs.

Chinas lame defence of Pakistans record on terrorism after the Modi-Trump joint statement indicates that the old pattern of anxiety in Beijing over India-US bonhomie has not gone away despite Mr Trumps iffiness. Chinas military mobilisation and posturing over the Doklam row must be read in this global backdrop. Beijing rarely goes public with a bullhorn over Indian troops incursions into its side of the LAC. This time is different as the dragon is enraged at Indias rise and the plethora of global partnerships being strengthened by Mr Modi.

Undeterred by Chinese bellicosity, India must keep developing its border infrastructure, speeding up deployment of its Mountain Strike Corps, and doing more for imperiled neighbours like Bhutan, while guarding against Chinese retaliation in the Ladakh or Arunachal sectors of the LAC. India must prove that the history China crows about does not necessarily repeat itself but can be rewritten.
The move is being seen as part of the Trump administrations effort to prevent North Korea from obtaining nuclear weapons and missiles.

Washington: The US has blacklisted a Chinese bank and slapped sanctions on two Chinese individuals accused of illegally trading with North Korea.

The move is being seen as part of the Trump administrations effort to prevent North Korea from obtaining nuclear weapons and missiles.

The department of the Treasury is committed to protecting the US financial system from North Korean abuse and maximising pressure on North Korea until it abandons its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, said treasury secretary Steven T Mnuchin. While we will continue to seek international cooperation on North Korea, the United States is sending an emphatic message across the globe that we will not hesitate to take action against persons, companies, and financial institutions who enable this regime, he said.

Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Net-work (FinCEN) anno-unced a finding that Bank of Dandong, a Chinese bank that acts as a conduit for illicit North Korean financial activity, is a foreign bank of primary money laundering concern.
North Korea shows no sign of wanting to restart talks on abandoning its nuclear weapons program.

South Korean protesters take part in a demonsration against N. Korea in Seoul. (Photo: AP)

Washington: South Koreas new leader vowed to stand firmly with President Donald Trump against North Korea, playing down his past advocacy of a softer approach toward the nuclear-armed nation as he made his first visit as president to Washington.

President Moon Jae-in offered an emotional tribute on Wednesday to Marines who fought in a fierce battle in the Korean War that helped in the mass evacuation of Korean civilians, including his own parents.

Mr Moon said that without those American sacrifices, he would not be here today. Together we will achieve the dismantlement of North Koreas nuclear programme, peace on the Korean Peninsula and eventually peace in Northeast Asia, Mr Moon said, after laying a wreath at a Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, as he began his first overseas trip since taking office last month.

A monument at Quantico commemorates the 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, when outnumbered American forces fought a rearguard action against advancing Chinese communist troops.

Mr Moon was underscoring his personal commitment to the US- South Korean alliance in the face of questions over whether his inclination toward engagement with North Korea despite its rapidly advancing nuclear capability could lead to strains in relations with Washington.

Moons conservative predecessor, who was impeached in a bribery scandal, took a hard line toward North Korea, similar to Trump. Despite

Moons softer stance, the Norths rapid tempo of missile tests has continued, deepening US fears that the American mainland could soon be within range.

Trumps national security adviser, HR McMaster, said Wednesday that the US is preparing all options for North Korea, because the president has made clear to us that he will not accept a nuclear power in North Korea and a threat that can target the United States.

The talks between Moon and Trump, which begin with dinner on Thursday night and then formal talks on Friday, come amid intense wrangling over North Korea.

China is pushing the United States to start negotiations with the North. That prospect appears unlikely as Trump grows frustrated over Beijings level of economic pressure on the North, its wayward ally.

North Korea shows no sign of wanting to restart talks on abandoning its nuclear weapons program.

Although Moon hopes to forge a personal bond with Trump, theres little in common between them: one a brash American tycoon-turned-populist president, the other a former human rights lawyer who received an elite education but opted for grassroots activism.
Bin laden was killed on May 2, 2011 by US Navy SEALs during a raid in Pakistans Abbottabad.

Washington: A US lawmaker has asked Islamabad to free Shakil Afridi, the hero doctor who helped the CIA to trace out Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

Pakistan claims to be United States number one counterterrorism ally, yet they hypocritically hold this hero in a Pakistani prison. Pakistan is no friend of the US, Congressman Ted Poe said on the floor of the US House of Representatives.

They are on the wrong side on the war on terror. Pakistan hid Osama bin Laden from the world, the Congressman said in his remarks on Monday.

The Republican lawmaker from Texas said Dr Afridi deserves a medal for aiding the elimination of Osama bin Laden, not life in prison.

Pakistan should free him, and it is time to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism. And that is just the way it is, Poe said.

Mr Speaker, the day that Osama bin Laden, the worlds number one terrorist, met his maker was a great day in the war on terror. But finding Americas most wanted terrorist hiding in Pakistan was no easy feat, he said.

Bin laden was killed on May 2, 2011 by US Navy SEALs during a raid in Pakistans Abbottabad.

Mr Poe assured Muttahida Qaumi Movements Pakistan Coord-ination Committee Convener Nadeem Nusrat that he will sit quiet and calm over these inhuman acts and would play his role to seek an end to these atrocities and injustices, which the Mohajirs are victims of, a media release said.

MQM Convener informed Poe in detail about multi-faceted agony of Mohajirs in Karachi, the alleged atrocities on them from Pakistans security forces under state repressive actions.
Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy but China sees it as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if necessary.

Washington: Donald Trump's administration has approved $1.42 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan, a US government official said Thursday, in a move likely to provoke the ire of Beijing which considers the island a rebel province.

The US official emphasized that there is "no change to our longstanding 'One China' policy" -- stating that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of it -- which Beijing says is a prerequisite for maintaining relations.

Announcement of the sale comes at a sensitive moment for the US and China, as President Trump is working to establish a partnership over trade differences and efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy but China sees it as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if necessary.

The US is the island's most powerful ally and arms supplier despite having no official relations with Taipei after switching recognition to Beijing in 1979.

The latest plans are consistent with terms of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the US official said, under which Washington keeps trade ties and sells Taipei weapons to "maintain a sufficient self-defense capability".

Taiwan thanked the US for its continued commitment under the legislation and said the deal "increases Taiwan's confidence and ability to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait".

"We will continue to seek constructive dialogue with Beijing, and promote positive developments in cross-strait relations," said a statement from Taiwan's Presidential Office.

"At the same time, we will continue to increase our defense investments, including in indigenous defense industries and defense-related research, in order to demonstrate our commitment to Taiwan's self-defense," it added.

The defense ministry said the sales will boost the island's air and sea combat capabilities.

The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of the defense sales comprised of seven parts, the US official said, which are "based on an assessment of Taiwan's defense needs" and include upgrading defense systems from analog to digital.

Meanwhile, Chinas embassy to the United States urged Washington to immediately revoke its wrong decision and halt $1.42 billion worth of planned arms sales to Taiwan.

The Chinese government and Chinese people have every right to be outraged, the embassy said in a statement release late on Thursday, adding that the sale sends a very wrong message to Taiwan independence forces.

The United States is the sole arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems its own. It has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert on Thursday told reporters the administration had told Congress of seven proposed sales, the first such sale under the administration of Donald Trump.
State Department confirms plan for the sale which will be the first since the $1.83bn sale under Obama in December 2015.

The US is legally obligated to sell weapons to Taiwan for its self-defence. (Photo: Representational/ AP)

Washington: The United States plans to sell Taiwan $1.42 billion in arms, the first such sale under the administration of Donald Trump and a move sure to anger China, whose help the president has been seeking to rein in North Korea.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters the administration had told Congress of the seven proposed sales on Thursday. "It's now valued about $1.42 billion," she said.

The State Department said the package included technical support for early warning radar, high Speed anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and missile components.

Nauert said the sales showed US "support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defence capability," but there was no change to the United States' long-standing "one China" policy.

The sale, which requires congressional approval, would be the first to Taiwan under Trump and the first since a $1.83 billion sale that former President Barack Obama announced in December 2015, to China's dismay.

The previous package included two Navy frigates in addition to anti-tank missiles and amphibious attack vehicles.

US officials said in March the administration was crafting a big arms sale to Taiwan, but such talk died down as Trump sought to persuade Beijing to do more to rein in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, an increasing threat to the United States.

Earlier on Thursday, China responded angrily and said it had protested to Washington after a US Senate committee approved a bill calling for the resumption of port visits to Taiwan by the US Navy for the first time since the United States adopted a one-China policy in 1979.

US officials told Reuters this week that Trump who alarmed Beijing after assuming office by breaking with decades of precedent and talking to Taiwan's president was becoming increasingly frustrated with China over its inaction on North Korea and trade.

According to the officials, Trump is now considering trade actions against Beijing, despite having heaped praise on Chinese President Xi Jinping after an April summit.

Also on Thursday, Washington stepped up pressure on Beijing by imposing sanctions on two Chinese citizens and a shipping company for helping North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and accusing a Chinese bank of laundering money for Pyongyang.

Trump plans to meet Xi on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Germany next week, US National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster told reporters.
On the African continent, where around 30 countries ban homosexuality, only in South Africa can gays legally marry and adopt children.

About 15 western European countries allow same-sex couples to adopt children, whether within marriage or civil partnerships. (Photo: Representational/ AP)

Paris: Germany legalised gay marriage on Friday, which now is authorised in about 20 nations around the world, the majority of which are in Europe.

In April 2001 the Netherlands became the first country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in a civil ceremony.

Twelve European countries followed Belgium, Britain (except Northern Ireland), Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

In Germany, the upper house had already approved the bill, and the measure is now expected to enter into force before the end of the year. Some European countries only allow same-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships, including Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta and Switzerland.

In October 2014, Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to authorise this type of civil union. Many eastern European countries including Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia deny homosexuals the right to marry or enter into unions.

In December 2015, Slovenians voted in a referendum against efforts by their national parliament to legalise gay marriage. About 15 western European countries allow same-sex couples to adopt children, whether within marriage or civil partnerships.

They include Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. Other countries, including Finland, Germany and Slovenia, let gay people adopt the children of their partners.

Canada led the way in North America, authorising same-sex marriage and adoptions in June 2005. In the United States, a Supreme Court decision in June 2015 legalised gay marriage nationwide.

Mexico's federal capital led the way in Latin America, authorising civil unions in 2007 and full marriages in 2009. Same-sex marriages are also legal in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay. Chile's civil union law recognises same-sex couples, and Costa Rica allows them to share health and pension benefits.

On the African continent, where around 30 countries ban homosexuality, only in South Africa can gays legally marry and adopt children. In the Middle East, Israel leads in terms of respect for homosexual rights, recognising gay marriages performed elsewhere even though such marriages are not performed in Israel itself.

Gay couples can jointly adopt children. In the Asia-Pacific region, the only country that allows gays to marry is New Zealand, which passed a law in April 2013. Several Australian states practice civil unions, which are not recognised nationwide. But adoptions by gay parents are legal.

In May, Taiwan's constitutional court ruled against laws that prevent same-sex unions and gave the government two years to draft new legislation.
PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Israel next week is expected to meet Moshe, survivor of 2008 Mumbai 26/11 terrorist attack.

Jerusalem: Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who was just two years old when he lost his parents in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, is looking forward to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who in a special gesture, will meet the boy during his visit here next week.

Modi's decision to meet Moshe, now 10, has been welcomed by the child's family which said that the gesture made them realise that Indians share their pain and they have not been forgotten.

Modi will also meet Moshe's Indian nanny Sandra Samuels, who managed to escape with him from the Nariman House which came under attack by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists, and his grandparents Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg. "I could not believe my ears when I got a call from the Indian envoy saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to meet us. My immediate thoughts were that we have not been forgotten and that Indians share our pain," Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg said.

"I am deeply moved and can't explain how good I feel at this gesture from the Indian Prime Minister. We are looking forward to that opportunity," Rabbi Rosenberg added. Asked what he would tell Modi when he meets him, Rosenberg said that he wanted to do his grandson's 'bar mitvah', a ceremony performed for Jewish boys at the age of 13 which Indian scholars in Israel compare with upnayana or the thread ceremony, in Mumbai for which he would invite Modi.

"We feel we have a home in Mumbai and that we have a family there. I would like to do Moshe's bar mitvah there in two and a half years and will ask Prime Minister Modi to attend it," the Rabbi said.

Moshe was barely two years old when his parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg, serving as emissaries of Chabad in Mumbai, were killed along with six others by LeT terrorists at the Nariman House, also popularly known as Chabad House, in Mumbai attacks in 2008 in which 166 people were killed.

The Nariman House was one of the five places targeted by the terrorists. Moshe now goes to a yeshiva (religious school). He is still very attached to his nanny Sandra who works in Jerusalem and joins the family over the weekends.

"He is always overjoyed when he sees her and plays with her the whole weekend," the grandfather said. Israel honoured Sandra, who risked her own life to save then two-year-old Moshe from the clutches of death, with an honorary citizenship in September, 2010.

She works with young kids in Jerusalem during the week and joins the Rosenberg family in the north during the Sources said that the time and venue of the meeting with Modi on July 5 has not been decided yet but it will happen in Jerusalem.
Baghdadi has frequently been reported killed or wounded since he declared a caliphate to rule over all Muslims in 2014.

Russia said on June 17 its forces might have killed Baghdadi in an air strike in Syria. (Photo: AP)

Tehran: Irans state news agency quoted a representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday as saying Islamic States leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was definitely dead.

Terrorist Baghdadi is definitely dead, IRNA quoted cleric Ali Shirazi, representative to the Quds Force, as saying, without elaborating. IRNA later updated the news item, omitting the quote on Baghdadis death.

The Quds Force is in charge of operations outside Irans borders by the countrys elite Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian Foreign Ministry officials were not available to comment on the report of Baghdadis death.

Read: ISIS chief al-Baghdadi's death near 100 per cent certain: Russian media

The secretive Islamic State leader has frequently been reported killed or wounded since he declared a caliphate to rule over all Muslims from a mosque in Mosul in 2014, after his fighters seized large areas of northern Iraq.

Russia said on June 17 its forces might have killed Baghdadi in an air strike in Syria. Washington said on Thursday it had no information to corroborate such reports. Iraqi officials have also been sceptical in recent weeks.
A Qatar statement said that they could not sever links with ISIS, al-Qaeda and Hezbollah because no such links existed.

Sheikh Mohammed has called the demands by the four Arab countries 'unreasonable' and said setting a deadline impinged on Qatar's sovereignty. (Photo: AP)

Doha: Qatar said on Thursday it was working with the United States and Kuwait to respond to a list of demands presented by Arab states who have accused Doha of supporting terrorism, an allegation that ignited a regional crisis between the US allies.

The feud erupted on June 5 when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and travel links with Qatar, accusing it also of courting regional foe Iran. Qatar denies the allegations.

Doha was ready to discuss "legitimate issues" with Arab states to end the crisis but some demands were impossible to meet because the underlying accusation was untrue, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said in a statement earlier on Thursday.

Read: Gulf crisis: Qatar slams Saudi's refusal to negotiate demands

"We cannot 'sever links with so-called Islamic State, al-Qaeda and Lebanese Shia terrorist group Hezbollah' because no such links exist," the statement said. "And we cannot 'expel any members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard' because there are none in Qatar."

The four countries have sent Doha a list of 13 demands, including closing the state-funded Al Jazeera television station and reducing ties to Iran, an official of one of the four countries said. They gave Doha 10 days to comply.

The deadline is expected to expire on Sunday. Kuwait, which retained ties with Qatar, is trying to mediate in the dispute with the support of the United States.

In Washington on Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told reporters that Qatar, together with the Americans and Kuwaitis, was preparing responses.

"We have to set the conditions first in order to pursue these negotiations," Sheikh Mohammed said.

At a later event, Sheikh Mohammed said the future of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council could be at risk. The security group comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

Read: Qataris quit Gulf states today as isolation move comes into effect

"We believe this is a big question mark for the future of the GCC," the foreign minister said in response to a question.

The group was formed to guard against external threats, he said, adding: "When the threat is coming from inside the GCC, there is a suspicion about the sustainability of the organization."

Sheikh Mohammed has called the demands by the four Arab countries "unreasonable" and said setting a deadline impinged on Qatar's sovereignty.

Doha was ready to discuss "legitimate issues" with Arab states to end the crisis but some demands were impossible to meet because the underlying accusation was untrue, the foreign minister said in a statement earlier on Thursday.

"We cannot 'sever links with so-called Islamic State, al-Qaeda and Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah' because no such links exist," the statement said. "And we cannot 'expel any members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard' because there are none in Qatar."

The director of Qatar's World Trade Organization office, Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, said Qatar was considering a complaint at the WTO against a "blockade" by the Arab states.

The UAE ambassador to Russia has said Qatar could face fresh sanctions if it does not comply with the demands. The Gulf states could ask their trading partners to choose between working with them or Doha, he said in a newspaper interview.

NATO ally Turkey has backed Doha in the rift. Qatar's defence minister is due to visit Ankara on Friday and will hold talks with his Turkish counterpart, sources at Turkey's defence ministry said.

A new contingent of Turkish forces had arrived in Doha, Al Jazeera reported.
Credit: Jeff ForneyThe expansion of Avenged Sevenfold's album The Stage continues with a cover of "Retrovertigo," a song originally recorded by Mr. Bungle, one of Faith No More frontman Mike Patton's many side projects. You can listen to the track, and watch its accompanying video, now via NME.com.

"We're massive fans of Mr. Bungle," says frontman M. Shadows. "'Retrovertigo' is one of their softer songs and a particular favorite of ours and we thought it'd be a fun twist to make a heavy version."

"We hope this song encourages the uninitiated to dig a little deeper into the brilliant world of Mr. Bungle," Shadows continues. "Mike Patton is one of the greatest vocalists of our generation and it was pretty daunting for me to sing one of his songs, but we had a great time recording this track."

The "Retrovertigo" cover is Avenged Sevenfold's second addition to The Stage, which the band is turning into a "living piece of art." The first was a rendition of the Mexican folk song "Malaguena Salerosa," which features Shadows singing in Spanish.

Avenged Sevenfold will resume their tour opening for Metallica July 5 in Orlando. They'll also play a number of headlining and festival dates throughout the summer.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Chinese Foreign Ministry said the Indian troops 'trespassed' the recognised delineated boundary between China and India on June 18.

Beijing: China on Friday said the diplomatic channels with India are "unimpeded" for talks over the stand-off in the Sikkim sector but for any "meaningful dialogue" the Indian troops must withdraw from the Doklam area over which Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty".

"The diplomatic channels for the communication between Chinese and Indian sides remained unimpeded," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here.

He said the Indian troops "trespassed" the recognised delineated boundary between China and India on June 18. This is the first time China came out thewith precise date about Indian troops entering the disputed Doklam area (referred by China as Donglong) near Sikkim allegedly to stop Chinese troops from constructing a road.

"So the most pressing issue should be the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. So it is the pre-condition for any meaningful dialogue," he said when asked whether any talks were going on between the two countries over the issue.

He said in additions to the photographs of alleged Indian "incursion" into Donglong area, the Chinese foreign ministry will also upload a map on its website to provide a "better understanding of the reality".

He also refuted Bhutan's allegation that Chinese troops' attempts to build the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly.

Lu said China has "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area." He claimed that the Doklam area was under Chinese administration from emperor Qing dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China established in 1636.

Lu said the area where Chinese side undertook road construction "totally belongs to the Chinese territory" and offered to release details on this on foreign ministry's website.

"From historical evidence we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area," he said.

Before the 1960s, if the Bhutan residents around the border wanted to graze their cattle they had to get the approval from China, he said. "The Tibetan dynasty and Qing dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border," he said.

"In addition to the jurisprudential evidence, the historical convention in 1890 (the Sinio-British treaty) has clearly defined it as the crossing point between China, Bhutan and Indian boundary.

"The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," he said.

He claimed that the evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side. "Even though China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relationship we always maintain traditional friendship. We can tell you that Chinese people are friendly and want good relations with Bhutan people," he said.

"But our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," he said. A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong.
by Kamel Abderrahmani

The event is set for 8-14 July in European cities touched by terrorism like Paris, Brussels and Nice. Some 60 imams will join in along with ordinary Muslims, members of other religions and even atheists. Islam has to finally dot the i's and cross the t's and distance itself from Islamism. A strong message is needed against terrorists trying to divide the people of Europe.

Paris (AsiaNews)  After so many Islamist attacks in several European capitals and cities, after so many victims murdered in the name of Islam, Western Muslims have woken up and decided to march next month from Berlin to Paris, passing through Brussels, St Etienne-du-Rouvray, Toulouse, and Nice.

This march by Muslims is against Islamist terrorism, against those who took Islam hostage and allow themselves to kill in his name. This march is an important step to avoid the generalisations that follow every terrorist attack. This march will achieve two things: either Muslims will stand against Islamism and Islamist terrorism or they will unmask themselves.

Last week, Germany saw Muslims rally against Islamist terrorism, with few participants because Germanys largest Muslim association opposed it. Let me ask a question: Do they agree with the crimes committed in the name of Islam? As the saying goes, "Silence gives consent! How can you not expect Westerners not to be afraid of Islam? I think the time has finally come to dot the i's and cross the t's.

The great march will take place in July across Europe. The great idea of organising the march goes to the imam of Drancy, Hassan Chalghoumi, a very modern imam who advocates an Islam of values and spirituality. I consider this as a march to salvage what is left of our honour. Mr Eric Gozlan, executive director of Union des Peuples pour la Paix (Union of Peoples for Peace) and French writer Marek Halter will take part in the organisation.

The march will be like a sort of pilgrimage, between 8 and July 14. It will go through European cities that have recently been touched by Islamist terrorism: Paris, Nice, Saint Etienne-du-Rouvray, Toulouse, Brussels, Berlin and London. In the various cities, the march will be welcomed by important figures and leaders, like the German Chancellor, the Belgian Prime Minister, and the French President.

It is noteworthy that the Muslim march against Islamist terrorism will involve more than 60 French imams alongside practicing and non-practicing Muslims. They will not be alone to denounce terrorism committed in the name of religion; Catholics, Jews, secularists, atheists and various associations, including Ni putes, ni soumises (Neither whores, nor submissive), will walk along with Muslims as a token of solidarity, unity and fraternity. This is a very strong message against Daesh (Islamic State) and the terrorist groups that are trying to divide the people of Europe.

The initiative is backed by Dr Mohamed Izzat Khatab, president of an NGO and a Franco-Syrian businessman who does a lot for peace in the Middle East. Help is also coming from many other places, without which the march would not be possible according to organisers.
by Kamran Chaudhry

Prayers and protests in front of the Press Club. In 2016, more than 30 attacks on Islamic sects. The Shiites ignored by the prime minister and the army chief. Lower compensation for Shiite victims of petrol tanker tragedy. Christians and Hindus solidarity with the Shiite community.

Lahore (AsiaNews) - As Muslims around the country reel from Eid al-Fitr hangover[the feast for the end of Ramadan, marking the conclusion of the holy month of fasting and prayer - ndr], thousands of Shias spent their week observing hunger strikes against recent bombings in a tribal town.

It is our right to live here in Pakistan. We demand army to return to their barracks and hand over the security to local people who know mountainous terrains and routes. Our people are in acute inferiority complex, neither prime minister nor army chief has visited the bomb victims, Muhammad Asghar Askari Deputy Secretary General Majlis e Wahdat Muslimeen, a Shiite Political organization, told AsiaNews.

Askari is among several clerics who have been leading prayers and protests at Islamabad press club since twin bombings rocked Parachinar, the largest city of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas [Pakistani province located on the northwestern border of the country , Ndr]. The death toll had reached 75 since June 23 attack near a bus terminal. The second explosion targeted rescuers and bystanders who rushed to aid the injured.

The attacks on Parachinar, where 96 percent of 50,000 population are Shias, mark the third time the city has been rocked by an act of terrorism. This March 31, 23 died in a car bomb blast near an Imambargah (a hall of congregation for Shia ceremonies). In January, 25 people were killed and 87 others suffered injuries when a bomb exploded in a vegetable market in the city.

Meanwhile government is gearing up for crackdown on social media as local activists post videos against army. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has directed the cybercrime wing of Federal Investigation Agency FIA to trace the elements behind the malicious campaign and take strict action against them.

Askari also condemned the blackout by mainstream electronic media. Seven more Shias were killed when FC, a paramilitary force in Parachinar, opened fire on protestors hours after the blast. The news of headshots was also ignored, he said, adding 20 lakh rupees (16713.36 euros) were announced for those who died in a recent oil tanker inferno in Punjab but families of deceased Shias will be given only 3 lakh. The state should stop this discriminatory attitude. The sit in will only end after PM or army chief visit Parachinar.

Religious minorities including Christians and Hindus are also expressing solidarity with Shia community. More than 20 Christians held a candle vigil for the bomb victims at Lahore press club on third day of Eid. Pakistan Hindu Council PHC also addressed the situation in a statement issued on June 28. After army operations, the panicked terrorists have started tacking out the easy targets. Those spreading sectarianism are not well-wishers of the country. There may be outside forced involved in terror attacks on Parachinar city. The enemies want to tear apart the national unity, stated Ramesh Kumar Vankwani Member National Assembly and Patron in Chief PHC.

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan HRCP argues that Shiites have increasingly become a target of militant intolerance and extremism. The Commission's annual report for 2016 states that last year militants carried out more than 30 attacks on Islamic sects, including Shiite.
The guardian of the Latin parish receives honour dedicated to the memory of the Polish lawyer and activist. Card Dziwisz handed over the award stressing the Franciscans devotion to the pastoral ministry of his city and people. Even today people in Aleppo suffer from the lack of water and electricity, from malnutrition and the lack of adequate medical facilities and care.

Aleppo (AsiaNews)  "Being a sign of hope in a dead city, destroyed and 'without a future', means to draw hope from the Source of Life and Hope that is Jesus Christ. Indeed, many times, our eyes have seen the cruel reality [. . .]. In these very difficult moments, only the hope in God who loves human being, created in His image and likeness, who by His fidelity doesnt abandon His creature but tenderly cares for her strength to move forward, said Fr Ibrahim Alsabagh, a 44-year-old Franciscan, guardian and parish priest of the Latin Parish of Aleppo, who won the Jan Karski Eagle Award for 2017, a prize dedicated to the memory of the famous Polish lawyer and activist.

The award ceremony (pictured) was held a few days ago in Krakow, Poland, in the presence of the local archbishop emeritus. Card Stanisaw Dziwisz, the former personal secretary to Saint John Paul II during his long pontificate.

According to the official motivation, the clergyman received the award for bringing hope in a world where theres no hope left.

The prize was established by Jan Karski's expressed wishes in 2000, shortly before his death, and has been assigned to individuals for outstanding "humanitarian service" to others.

Historian, lawyer, diplomat, during the Second World War, the Polish activist was among the first to report Poland's tragedy under Nazi rule, in particular the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto, and the mass deaths in German concentration camps.

In his thanksgiving speech, sent to AsiaNews, Fr Ibrahim noted that the prize is "an encouragement for me in this battle for my people, in my mission to bring help, consolation, hope".

He stressed that he felt a "moral duty" during this period to "make known to the whole world the tragic situation" of the Syrian people by offering "my life and all that I have".

For a long time, the clergyman served as a witness and a voice of the Syrian conflict and Aleppos tragedy. For years, the city was the epicentre of the Syrian conflict, split into two separate sectors, until the final liberation last December.

Fr Ibrahim turned his thoughts to Poland, " a country that has become very close to him because of the holy and beloved personality of His Holiness John Paul II.

With his personal history, he added, he followed the history of the immense suffering of an entire people, and the history of a Church persecuted for its fidelity to its Master.

"In my path to defend hope in Aleppo, the person of Jan Karski is close to me because of his sensitivity to the suffering one."

The history of the Syrian people is quite similar to the history of the Polish people, which suffered for a time. [. . .] Many [. . .] Syrian people and families have lost everything, like Job in the Bible, in one moment, the completion of their entire lives: home, family, their health.

About 70 per cent of families are displaced, without shelter. . . The war around the city continues. At night, we hear the bombing and the noises of the shootings . . . from time to time the main road leading to Aleppo is cut off by the fighting.

Even today people suffer from the lack of water and electricity, from malnutrition and the lack of adequate medical facilities and care.

Before the war, Aleppo was Syrias largest industrial town, providing 60 per cent of the country's output. Today, it is "paralyzed" and unemployment is high.

Ninety-three per cent of families need help to survive. The greatest price of this war is paid by the most vulnerable, the most fragile: children. Some of them know no other life than war.

As he handed the award to Fr Ibrahim, Card Dziwisz noted that, apart from considering the role and duties of the awarded as a priest and a man of God, the prize is being awarded for his bringing hope in a world where theres no hope left.

The cardinal added that "although he was offered a safe place in Europe, he decided to go back to his motherland, to a Syria being trapped into a war in years. He has returned, putting his own life in peril, to consecrate his existence to doing pastoral care in Aleppo, which is yet a Syrian city bombed and shelled day and night, virtually without all that is necessary to survive.

Fr Ibrahims decision, said the archbishop emeritus of Krakow, was based not on patriotism only, but mostly on the belief that, as a priest and a shepherd, he couldnt abandon his flock in need. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. (DS)
The first Laotian cardinal talks about his election and the life of the Catholic Church in Laos. The latter endures persecution and bears witness to its faith amid many adversities. It has 45,000 members, 20 priests, 98 religious and 218 parishes. The cardinal was a prisoner of the government for three years. I accepted it, as it was true. They were right, I was promoting Jesus. It was a correct accusation, he said. The government exercises tight controls over religions. Relations between Church and State are difficult. We can change the government's way of thinking that we are not its enemy."

Belleville (AsiaNews) - "[O]ur poverty, suffering and persecution are the three columns that strengthen the Church, said Card Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun, apostolic vicar of Pakse, citing Pope Francis, to explain the reasons that led the pontiff to appoint the first Laotian prelate in the history of the Church.

On 21 May, at the end of Regina Caeli, the Holy Father announced the unexpected nomination of five new cardinals, including Mgr Ling, who will be elevated in today's consistory.

On 16 and June 17, about 350 Hmong, Kmhmu, Lao and Karen Catholics gathered in Belleville (Illinois, US) to experience and celebrate the 17 martyrs of Laos, their native country, with gratitude and thanksgiving for their exemplary life of faith.

The cardinal attended the event, where he gave an interview to the National Catholic Reporter on his election and on the life of the Catholic Church in Laos.

During the conversation, the prelate expressed his immediate astonishment and the following wave of congratulations from all over the world following his nomination.

Asked about the motives that led the Holy See to choose him, Cardinal Ling said the ad limina visit of the bishops of Laos and the meeting with Pope Francis on 26 January played a role.

"[D]uring the visit, the pope told us that the strength of the Church resides in the local Church, especially the Church that is small, the Church that is weak, and the Church that is persecuted. This is the backbone of the universal Church. I was a little puzzled.

The next day we celebrated Mass with the Holy Father, and again he reiterated the same theme in his homily. It made me wonder. I came to a conclusion from what he said that the strength of the Church came from patience, perseverance and the willingness to accept the reality of faith. This made me think that our poverty, suffering and persecution are the three columns that strengthen the Church.

Laos has about 45,000 Catholics, less than 1 per cent of the population of 6.4 million people, served by 20 priests and 98 religious in 218 parishes. In an interview with AsiaNews in 2015, Ling described the Laotian Church as a "baby" church, still growing from the first proclamation, especially among tribals and animists.

The Laotian Church experiences the persecution and bears witness to her faith amid many adversities. After the Communist Pathet Lao took over in 1975, foreign missionaries were expelled and Catholics were persecuted. Priests and monks were imprisoned or sent to re-education camps, including the cardinal.

I was detained for three years. The arrest and eventually incarceration frightened me in the beginning. I thought to myself, why would they arrest me? Later, they told me the reason for the arrest. You are promoting Jesus Christ. I accepted it, as it was true. They were right, I was "promoting" Jesus. It was a correct accusation.

Today, Laos has opened up to the outside world. However, despite economic reforms, the country remains poor and dependent on foreign aid.

The government still tightly controls religions and the mass media. The difficult relationship between Church and State, including the ban on Church education, is particularly true at the local level.

[E]ach region or city carries out this provision of religious liberty differently. Priests can go around to say Mass. At any village that there is already an existing parish or church, there is no problem.

However, there is a problem if you are building a new church because that is something new. But such a problem can be discussed with local government officials. We need to establish relationship with them and talk with them. It is easy at one place, but might not be easy at another place.

For the local Catholic community, the appointment of the first Laotian cardinal is a reason to hope in better relations between the Vatican and the Government of Laos.

Look at the diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Southeast Asian countries. [. . .] Only Laos does not have diplomatic relations with the Holy See, the cardinal said.

We can change the government's way of thinking that we are not its enemy. We are a friend. We need to build up friendship. If both parties are working together, we foresee a better relationship ahead.

With respect to relations with other religions in the Buddhist majority country, There is no problem with relations with our Buddhist brothers and sisters. But between Catholics and other Christians, there might be some problems, the cardinal said.

" Each of us has a different way of evangelization. Our Christian brothers may have a developed program of evangelization and can draw a lot of numbers. Our program, on a contrary, is simple and low-key.

The problem lies between the understanding of tradition and culture. For example, we think a baci ceremony [tying of wrists and praying over someone] is a traditional event of people gathering to pray upon certain individual on a different occasion. Other Christian groups might see such a ceremony as adhering to animism. Well, each one has a different way of thinking on the matter, so a dialogue just does not solve anything.
Trump has pledged to step up pressure on Pyongyang. Moon does not want to put diplomacy and humanitarian aspects aside. In the background, the creation of Thaad, the American missile shield in South Korea that enrages Beijing.

Washington (AsiaNews / Agencies) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump had a frank discussion at last night's dinner at the White House on the Korean peninsula's situation, including North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

In a message posted on his Twitter account, Trump wrote that the summit also produced "a new trade agreement." Moon wrote in the White House guests book on his arrival: "Korea-US Alliance: a great journey towards peace and prosperity ". Details of the talks between the two have not been disclosed. However, the President of the United States and his South Korean counterpart agreed on intent to halt nuclear testing in North Korea but disagreed on sanctions and the total isolation of the Pyongyang regime with the possible consequences on the population.

"The two heads of state have agreed on the need to further develop the alliance of their countries by promoting the denuclearization of North Korea and establishing peace on the entire peninsula on the basis of their alliance," explained Yoon Young-chan, press officer for the South Korean Presidency, without giving away any details.

Seoul officials explained that establishing a close and personal relationship between leaders was a key goal for South Korea before passing on measures to contain the North Korean President Kim Jong-un. In this regard the news reports refer to a brief private encounter. There was an unscheduled divergence from the agenda in the afternoon when Trump invited Moon to visit his private apartment located on the third floor of the White House. A gesture outside of formal protocol and out of the ordinary for Trump.

"Tonight we will have great discussions," Trump anticipated before dinner, alongside his wife Melania and Moon at his right. Sitting beside Moon at the elegant table decorated with flowers was his wife Kim Jung-sook. There were also members of Trump's cabinet and of the Korean delegation.

Trump's administration has pledged to step up pressure on Pyongyang and its nuclear program by acting on China, the main diplomatic ally of Kim Jong-un and Moon, who instead intends to pursue the policy of aid to the North's population. Moon met representatives of republicans and Democrats Paul Ryan and Nancy Pelosi yesterday. "We share the concerns and threats facing both of our nations from North Korea," said Ryan. The South Korean President replied by saying that when it comes to humanitarian issues, "we must cross borders and overcome all divisions to seek unity".

Trump and Moon will continue their talks today. On the agenda there is the controversial US missile defense system that was installed in South Korea for the protection of missiles from the North. Although parts of the high-altitude area defense system (Thaad) are already operational, Moon suspended the program's further expansion following Beijings threat of economic sanctions and diplomatic protests.
Three years after the proclamation of the "Caliphate", the Arab-Kurdish coalition takes control of the place of worship. Iraqi Prime Minister: The recapture of the site marks the end of the "false Daesh state". US military spokesman: The fall of the city is a matter of "days, rather than weeks".

Mosul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Iraqi security forces have regained the area where the great mosque of al-Nouri and the leaning minaret, one of the most important sites of worship in Mosul recently destroyed by the Islamic State (IS , formerly Isis). However, the area has still not been secured of snipers and mortars launched by jihadist militias. Commenting on military success, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the retaking of the site marks "the end of the false Daesh state".

The mosque is a symbol of the rise of the Islamic State and is where its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made his only public appearance, proclaiming the birth of the so-called "Caliphate." An announcement made on June 29, 2014; Yesterday, after three years, the Arab-Kurdish forces protagonists of the offensive against Sunni militias fundamentalist retook the building.

In recent weeks, the Islamic State has registered a series of military defeats on the ground in Iraq and neighboring Syria, where coalition forces have also cut the last access to Raqqa, the country's jihadist stronghold. A spokesman for the Arab-Kurdish alliance in Iraq said Daesh "lost about 84,000 square kilometers of territory"; Up to 4 million people have been released from the yoke of the "Caliphate".

Recent studies published by IHS Markit show that al-Baghdadi militia still control about 36,000 kmq of territory between Syria and Iraq. Average revenue from the sale of oil and other goods collapsed from $ 81 million in the second quarter of 2015 to 16 million this year.

Witnesses report that, at the moment, only a few hundred Mosul fighters would be left, concentrated in less than one square kilometer within the Old City. Along with them there would be up to 50,000 civilians, used as human shields and with few supplies of food and water to survive. According to well-informed sources, the Iraqi army is preparing for "the final battle" to eradicate the last extremist cells from the northern metropolis.

Confirmation also comes from the spokesman for the United Nations anti-jihadist international coalition spokesman in Iraq. US Colonel Ryan Dillon has confirmed that the "complete recapture" of Mosul "will be done by the Iraqi government" and will be a matter of "days rather than weeks".

The Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako commented recently on the Islamic State devastation of Christian and Muslim places of worship, of human lives and of buildings. The primate of the Iraqi Church has relaunched the efforts for the reconstruction of Mosul and Nineveh, along with the revival of the country according to criteria of citizenship, justice and unity.
The role of Trade Unions in a modern society, their need to distinguish themselves from politics and for a new social pact for young people. "It's a crippled and short-lived society that forces older people to work too long and forces an entire generation of young people not to work when they should work for themselves and for everyone."

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "Contemporary capitalism does not understand the value of the labor union because it has forgotten the social nature of the economy," but Trade Unions must be prophetic in defending the rights of "the most fragile workers", foreign workers, those left to last as well as those excluded from the world of work who "are also excluded from rights and democracy". The role of labor unions in a modern society, their need to distinguish themselves from politics and for a new social pact for young people were summed up by Pope Francis, who this morning received the delegates from the Confederation of Italian Workers' Unions (CISL) before the general audience at the end of their XVIII National Congress on the subject: "For the person, for work".

"A very good motto," commented the Pope. "The Person and work - he added - are two words that can and should be together. Because if we think and speak of work without the person, work ends up becoming something inhuman, forgetting the person and losing its meaning. But if we think of a person without a job, we are also speaking of something partial, incomplete, because the person realizes his or herself when he or she becomes a worker. Because the individual becomes a person when he opens to others, to social life, when he flourishes in the workplace. Work is the most common form of cooperation that humanity has generated in its history. Every day, millions of people cooperate simply by working: educating our children, operating mechanical appliances, sorting out practical matters in an office ... Work is a form of civil love: it is not a romantic love or intentional love, but it is a true, authentic love, that makes us live and carries the world forward.

Of course, the person is not just work, because we do not always work, and we do not always have to work. Children do not work, and should not have to work. We do not work when we are sick, we do not work when we are old, "but when we must recognize a just pension ". "Just because neither too poor nor too rich: 'Golden pensions' are no less an offense to serious work than too poor pensions, because they render the inequalities of a working lifetime perennial. Or when a worker becomes ill and is discarded by the workforce in the name of efficiency. "

"A stubborn and myopic society," he said, forces older people to work too long and forces an entire generation of young people not to work when they should, for themselves and for everyone. When young people are outside the world of work, businesses lack energy, enthusiasm, innovation, joy of living, which are precious common goods that improve economic life and public contentment. A new social pact for work is urgently needed, which reduces the working hours of those in the last season of their working life, to create jobs for young people who have the right-duty to work. The gift of labor is the first gift of fathers and mothers to sons and daughters, it is the first property of a society. It is the first dowry to help them take flight in their adult life.

I would like to point out two epochal challenges that today the trade union movement must face and overcome if it wants to continue to play its essential role for the common good.

The first is prophecy, and concerns the very nature of the union, its true vocation. The union is an expression of societys prophetic profile. The union is born and reborn all the time that, like the biblical prophets, gives voice to those who do not have it, denounces the poor 'sold for a pair of sandals' (cf. Amos 2,6), discovers the powerful trampling the rights of the most fragile workers, defends the cause of the foreigner, of the last, of the 'scraps'. As the great tradition of CISL also demonstrates, the trade union movement has its great season when it is prophecy. But in our advanced capitalist societies the union risks losing this prophetic nature, and becoming too similar to the institutions and powers that it should criticize. The union over time has ended up being too much like politics, or rather political parties, their language, their style. But if this typical and different dimension is lacking, action in companies also loses strength and effectiveness.

Second challenge: innovation. The prophets are sentinels, who keep watch. The union must also watch over the city's workplace, as a watchman who looks and protects those within the workplace, but also looks and protects those outside the city walls. The union does not play its essential role in social innovation if it only watches those who are in it, if it only protects the rights of those who are already working or are retired. This is to be done, but it is half your job. Your vocation is also to protect those who do not yet have rights, who are excluded from work and who are also excluded from rights and democracy.

The capitalism of our time does not understand the value of the union, because it has forgotten the social nature of the economy, enterprise, life, ties and patents. But perhaps our society does not understand the union because it does not see it fight enough in the 'not yet' rights places: in the existential suburbs, among the discarded laborers, among the immigrants, the poor who are under the city walls; Or simply it does not understand why corruption has sometimes entered the heart of some trade unionists. Do not let this be blocked. "

"There is no good company without a good trade union, and there is no good trade union that does not re-emerge every day in the peripheries, which does not turn the stolen stones of the economy into corner stones. Syndicate is a beautiful word that comes from the Greek syn-dike, that is, 'justice together'. There is no justice together if it is not with the excluded. "
Tensions flare up between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping one week before the G20 summit in Hamburg. The US is pushing China to isolate North Korea. China instead is trying to isolate Taiwan. The US has been selling weapons to Taiwan since 1979. The last deal was signed by Barack Obama in 2015.

Washington (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United States has decided to boost defence co-operation with Taiwan. This has prompted an angry response from China, which has slammed the latest US-Taiwan arms deal announced yesterday.

Chinas ambassador to Washington, Cui Tiankai, told reporters that China firmly opposed the deal. We have expressed firm opposition to the US and we will reserve our right to take further action, the South China Morning Post quoted him as saying.

This follows the Trump administrations approval of arms sales to Taiwan worth a total of US$ 1.42 billion, a week before Chinese President Xi Jinpings planned meeting with the US president on the side-lines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.

Todays notifications are consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act and our support for Taiwans ability to maintain a sufficient self-defence capability, a US State Department official said in an email.

The US Congress had been notified of the sale. In fact, the announcement came after the US Senate Armed Services Committee approved a bill that would allow regular stops by US naval vessels to Taiwans ports as part of an annual defence policy measure.

China responded to the bill with anger. We are strongly concerned about and firmly opposed to the bill approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee, Lu Kang, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, said on Thursday.

The Taiwan question bears on Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, and belongs to Chinas domestic affairs, Lu added. We urge the American side to abide by its commitment to the Chinese side with regard to the Taiwan issue and stop military contacts with Taiwan, so as not to cause damage to the relations between the two militaries and the two countries.

The previous US arms sales to Taiwan was approved by Barack Obama in 2015. The US sold about US$ 1.8 billion worth of equipment, including frigates, missiles and amphibious assault vehicles.

Every US president has approved arms sales to Taiwan since the Taiwan Relations Act became law, starting with Jimmy Carter in his last year in office.

The Taiwan Act, which guarantees US support for the self-governing islands defence capacity, was signed in 1979 by Jimmy Carter. The law requires the US to intervene militarily if Taiwan is threatened.

The arms deal comes at a time that Beijing is trying to isolate further Taiwan. At present, only 20 countries have diplomatic relations with the island. Panama is the latest to switch side after striking closer trading relations with China.

Meanwhile, North Korea continues to be a major issue. The US is pushing China, North Koreas only international partner, to isolate it.

China however has rejected US interventionism, especially with respect to the deployment the THAAD -ballistic missile defence system, whose range covers Chinese territory.
by Paul Wang

Soldiers from Shenzhen also participated in the military parade. Demosisto members chain themselves to the bauhinia monument. Waking Star for Liu Xiaobo's Release. 26 activists arrested and then released.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived yesterday in Hong Kong to attend the ceremonies on the occasion of the 20 years since the return of the territory to the motherland and the end of the British colonial government.

Much of the population of Hong Kong is pessimistic about its future: they claim that the principle that was to lead the coexistence between Hong Kong and China, "one nation, two systems", has been widely betrayed by the Chinese and local governments .

In his speech on arrival, Xi said he "Hong Kong is always in my heart". In fact, Xi often visited the territory before becoming president, party secretary and chief of the military commission.

And with this last charge, he inspected the Liberation Army troops stationed in Hong Kong for 20 years. Soldiers from Shenzhen also joined the parade, highlighting the "one nation" element and Hong Kong military submission to China.

For their part, activist groups demonstrated in various ways, defending the "two systems" element and above all that of "freedom" for Hong Kong.

On the eve of Xi's arrival, some Demosisto party youths, including 18-year-old Joshua Wong, one of the initiators of the Occupy Central movement, chained themselves to the Golden Bauhinia monument, gifted by China and inaugurated on July 1, 1997. Along with many others, they demonstrated in the center of the island for the release of the great dissident Liu Xiaobo, now in his last days.

The police arrested dozens of them, at least 26, but yesterday they released them on bail.

Xi's program is intense: today he is set to participate in a banquet and then at a show; Tomorrow he will attend the wearing in ceremony of the new government along with the new head of the executive, Carrie Lam. Activists have planned other events, including one on July 1st, which has been held since 2003, with more than 500,000 people attending, to refuse attempts to impose a national security law on Hong Kong.

For his part, Xi has committed himself to maintaining the principle of "one nation, two systems", but also praised the local government for stopping the self-righteous. He has not responded to journalists requests for news on Liu Xiaobo's fate.
By Paul Haskell-Dowland, Associate Dean (Computing and Security), Edith Cowan University

EPA/ROB ENGELAAR

The WannaCry ransomware was barely out of the headlines when another cyberattack took down computer systems around the world.

This time, a piece of malware dubbed NotPetya is to blame. And unlike WannaCry, it has no clear kill switch as it spreads across infected networks.

NotPetya has reportedly hit several global organisations so far, including the American pharmaceutical company Merck and, in Australia, Cadbury.

The attack was initially classed as ransomware: malicious software that holds a user to ransom by encrypting their files and blocking access without a key. It was a reasonable assumption given the threatening message displayed to victims  but the picture is more complicated.

NotPetya is distinct from WannaCry in a number of important ways  particularly, money doesnt seem to be its end goal.

1. Its about disruption not profit

Unlike other ransomware incidents, NotPetya seems to be aimed at disruption rather than criminal profiteering (or perhaps just bad design).

First, the amount requested by the ransomers is relatively small  only US$300. This seems to place a low value on the loss of access that the malware causes.

Secondly, infected machines direct the user to make payment to one Bitcoin account. Users are also referred to a single email address to obtain the keys necessary to decrypt their data. Unfortunately, many users have now discovered that the email account has been closed by Posteo, the email provider.

This means that, even having made payment for the ransom, end users are unable to recover their data. Locking yourself out from your victims with a fixed address in this manner just doesnt make good business sense.

This points either to amateurish implementation, or to the fact that NotPetya may have another purpose.

Some reports suggest the ransom demands may be a media lure to maximise public attention, while other researchers question whether recovery of encrypted data was ever possible.

In some circles, this attack has been classified as a wiper (in which data or even entire disks are deleted or modified beyond repair), but this is still to be firmly determined.

Whatever the case, if the perpetrators wanted to make money they have gone about it all wrong.

2. Ukraine seems to be the centre of the damage

Unlike WannaCry, which made headlines after it shut down the computer systems of British hospitals among other organisations, the largest number of NotPetya incidents have been reported in Ukraine.

The malware uses an exploit  a tool that can take advantage of a specific vulnerability on a computer  to remotely execute code on vulnerable Windows operating systems. This vulnerability, called MS17-010, was patched by Microsoft in March. The instances of compromised systems suggests that many organisations and individuals have failed to install the patch.

One possible explanation for high levels of non-patched systems could be the prevalence of pirated software in Ukraine.

Another distribution mechanism used by the malware appears to be a software updater linked to the Ukrainian tax accounting software, M.E.Doc.

While there is no clear evidence pointing to the perpetrators of this attack, its motivations could be political. Unlike WannaCry, NotPetya is seriously disrupting businesses rather than making money, or else is masking its other intentions.

3. It may not even be ransomware

While NotPetya uses an edited version of the same EternalBlue software exploit as the WannaCry ransomware to remotely run code on the victims Windows computer, it differs in many key ways.

Whereas WannaCry only encrypted certain files (typically users most important data), NotPetya also prevents access to the entire operating system. It does this by writing over key parts of the hard disk as well as encrypting users files.

Traditional encryption ransomware typically has a key available to recover your files. With NotPetya, there is no key to facilitate recovery (despite the promises shown on screen). There is evidence that the allegedly unique ID shown to the victim is actually random data that could never result in a decryption key being provided.

While it is still too early to provide a definitive analysis of this cyberattack, it is clear this is a new twist in online warfare.

The code has been carefully designed to take advantage of vulnerable systems while the user is duped into believing that its possible to recover their files. The ransomware distraction may have been a careful misdirection to hide the true intentions of the mayhem.

We can expect this trend to continue and that organisations (and individuals) need to be more proactive in keeping their operating systems up to date and their data backed up.

Paul Haskell-Dowland is affiliated with the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) Technical Committee 11 and is a member of the ACS and BCS.

Originally published in The Conversation.
The 2018 Honda CR-V will get a diesel engine, sleek and modern looks, seven seats and loads of tech.

The Honda CR-V had all the ingredients for a popular SUV in the Indian market, except for one little problem  it came with only a petrol engine. In a country where diesel engines are ubiquitous even in hatchbacks, the lack of a gas burner under the hood severely crippled the CR-Vs market success. Come 2018 and that is set to change; Honda will bring the fifth-generation CR-V to India with, finally, a diesel engine on offer. Bring yourself up to speed with what to expect from it:

1. Theres a diesel engine:

The 2018 CR-V will come with two engine options  the 2.4-litre petrol unit it currently gets as well as a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel unit. While the petrol engine will put out 190hp, the diesels output will be 158hp at 4,000rpm and 350Nm at 2,000rpm. Both engines will come mated to automatic gearboxes, with the diesel getting a nine-speed unit from ZF. Both models are expected to come with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option.

2. It will seat seven this time around:

The CR-V, till date, has been a five-seater in India. The fifth-gen CR-V, at least for Asian markets, departs from that with a seven-seat layout. With 41mm more between the axles and better interior packaging, the CR-V will result in better cabin space as well as a bigger boot.

3. Styling is cleaner, more in line with other Honda models:

The 2018 CR-V features cleaner, more angular and more modern styling than its predecessor. The nose section, in particular, is similar to other current Honda models such as the Civic and BR-V. That said, the CR-V is generously littered with SUV styling cues such as all-round body cladding and large, flared wheel arches. The 2018 CR-V will also be more aerodynamic, featuring automatic shutter grille tech.

4. Itll be tech-laden:

The 2018 CR-V will get a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system replete with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It will also be laid out with high-quality soft-touch material. Additionally, it will get 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.

5. Expect competitive pricing:

The 2018 CR-Vs diesel engine will be locally assembled in India, helping Honda price the SUV competitively. The 2018 CR-V will compete with the Hyundai Tucson, the upcoming Jeep Compass and the recently launched Volkswagen Tiguan.
Photo by Airtuna08 at en.wikipedia.

A new report from Allstate concludes that Kansas City, Kan., has the safest drivers in the U.S. overall, based on claims data. Brownsville, Texas, which finished in the No. 1 spot in last years report, came in second and Madison, Wis., finished third.

The average Kansas City driver is about 32% less likely to experience a collision than the average U.S. driver, according to the report.

The 13th annual Allstate Americas Best Drivers Report also had good news for New Yorkers. New York City climbed 27 spots from last years position to reach the 116th spot. Anchorage, Alaska, was the most improved city, thanks to a 35-spot jump to number 34 this year.

We congratulate the drivers in cities that top this years report, said Glenn Shapiro, Allstates executive vice president of claims. Heading into the holiday weekend, we urge everyone to make safety their number one priority whenever theyre behind the wheel.

The 10 safest-driving cities, according to this year's Allstate America's Best Drivers Report.

For the third straight year, the Allstate Americas Best Drivers Report also analyzed the correlation between collisions and hard-braking events in more than 100 cities, using data collected by Allstates Drivewise offering. Drivewise technology enables consumers to monitor their driving habits to improve safety and gain rewards on their insurance.

A hard-braking event is defined as slowing down eight miles per hour or more over a one-second period. According to national Drivewise data, the average American driver will experience approximately 19 hard-braking events for every 1,000 miles driven. Allstate found a correlation between hard-braking and collision frequency. Drivers in cities with fewer hard-braking events per 1,000 miles also tended to have fewer auto property damage claims.

The 2017 Best Drivers Report found drivers in the following cities experienced the fewest hard-braking events per 1,000 miles: Kansas City, Kan. (9.9); Madison, Wis. (9.9); Mobile, Ala. (11.9); Wichita, Kan. (12.0); and Anchorage, Alaska (12.1).
New-vehicle sales through the first six months of 2017 are expected to be down 2.3%, and high quality off-lease vehicles may be part of the reason why, according to Kelley Blue Book.

By the end of this year, 3.6 million off-lease vehicles will return to market, compared to 3 million in 2016, according to Cox Automotive data. By 2020, the number of off-lease vehicles returning to market is expected to rise to 4.6 million.

These off-lease vehicles are coming back to the used market as low-mileage, relatively new vehicles and are providing would-be new-vehicle buyers with an affordable and appealing used alternative, the company added.

We are moving into a post peak period for the U.S. auto industry, said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for Cox Automotive. Many of the tailwinds that took the market to record sales in 2015 and 2016 are slowly becoming the headwinds that will keep new-vehicle sales in check through the end of the decade.

Looking at various manufacturers performance, Subaru has been among the best performing brands this year. Through the first five months, the brand has gained the most market share among all brands without relying on heavy incentives  which has been a trend among many manufacturers lately.

Nissan is also expected to gain market share, thanks in part to model refreshes, including an all-new Rogue Sport aimed to compete in the popular crossover segment. Fleet sales and higher incentive spending have also been part of the brands growth strategy.

Nissan is gaining market share by piling on incentives and eating up fleet demand others abandoned, said Rebecca Lindland, KBB executive analyst. As long as profitability holds up, theres no reason to believe the brand will change strategy in the second half of the year.

Brands that are expected to struggle this year are Chrysler, Ford, and Jeep.

KBBs forecast for full-year new-vehicle sales is 17.1 million, down 2.5% from the record 17.5 million sold last year. Although that marks a decline, Smoke still believes that the automotive market is healthy. A 17.1 million new-vehicle sale year would still be one of the best years recorded in the auto industry, he noted.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wants to consolidate some of its office space and is looking to move part of its operations to St. Petersburg.

NOAA considering St. Pete for new fishery headquarters location

Move could bring dozens of high-paying jobs to St. Pete

Decision has not been made, but St. Pete still in running

That means moving its fishery headquarters and bring dozens of high-paying jobs to St. Pete.

We would get a major facility here, 45-50,000 square feet. Somewhere between 150 to 200 jobs, high paying jobs located right in our port district," Alan Delisle, the City Development Administrator, said.

The interest stems from reports that NOAA is looking to relocate its facility that is currently in Miami.

Delisle said initially, they didnt even know the sunshine city was under consideration.

We understand that NOAA has done some research and some studies about St. Pete being a viable opportunity for them, so we received that word. We want to work on a proposal for them, Delisle said.

The plan is to build a site along St. Petersburgs port, putting it in arms reach of other marine life industries including NOAAs already existing regional office.

In a statement emailed to Bay News 9, a spokesman for NOAA states, NOAA Fisheries completed a facilities strategic plan for the Southeast Fisheries Science Center in 2015. We do not have any developments to report at this time.

Delisle said, We understand that there is a process that has to occur at the federal level that is in their hands. Not in our hands, and at some point if we get a call, were ready.

There is no word on exactly when NOAA will make a decision on where they will move their fishery headquarters. Until then, city officials hope that they can maintain their position at the top of NOAAs list.

More than 140 NOAA employees currently work in the St. Petersburg regional office.
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A 16-year-old Lake Charles teen who ran away from home Sunday was found late Thursday in Colorado with a 35-year-old sex offender.

Alexis Paige Taylor, 16, and Stephen J. Broussard, 36, were found near a national park by Boulder County law enforcement, according to KATC.
Melissa Weik, RN, administrator of Center Lancaster, Pa.-based North Pointe Surgery, spoke with Becker's ASC Review about the important metrics to consider before tacking on a new procedure.

Note: These responses have been slightly edited for style and clarity.

Question: How should ASC administrators evaluate which procedures they should add to an ASC and what metrics should they employ?



Melissa Weik: There are two things to consider: profitability and surgeon convenience.



[For profitability], conduct a preliminary case costing analysis done. Surgeons should be able to provide supply list, length of time in operating room and then staffing through the continuum. Comparing the estimated total expense against all contracted reimbursement will determine if the case will be profitable.



[Surgeon convenience] At our ASC that is 100 percent physician owned, we do cases that are not very profitable or are done at a loss because it is easier to have the surgeon at one place (our center) for a full day; then to have him start at the hospital with the nonprofitable case and then come to the center. Increased case volume drives down the fixed costs.



Q: Which procedure is your center eyeing currently?

MW: We have not added any new procedures in the last two years. We will be adding new procedures in the very near future when a fellowship trained foot/ankle surgeon joins our sister group. These cases were not part of the budget/forecasted revenue, expenses or income, so anything that he does will be a positive to the bottom line.



Q: What procedures do you see more surgery centers adding in the future?



MW: I foresee a shift of hospital outpatient department-only or even inpatient-only procedures to the ASC setting. ASCs are saving insurance companies and federal programs tons of money. Insurance companies are going to help drive the shift.

Learn more from Ms. Weik at the 24th Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs in October 2017. Click here for more information.




Here are 29 revenue cycle management portfolio expansions involving healthcare vendors and providers in June.

1. Harmony Healthcare, a Tampa, Fla.-based provider of healthcare revenue cycle management strategies and human capital solutions, updated its website to include new service offerings.

2. Salucro, a Phoenix-based cloud-based payment platform, will provide users payment plans from Sausalito, Calif.-based health finance startup Parasail Health.

3. Professional services firm Baker Tilly Virchow Krause will use Bedford, Mass.-based Datawatch Corp.'s self-service data preparation platform as part of its revenue cycle innovation service offering.

4. Altruis, a revenue cycle management provider, partnered with Orb Health, a collaborative care technology company that focuses on chronic care management, to facilitate revenue cycle performance for healthcare providers treating chronically ill patients.

5. Change Healthcare, a Nashville, Tenn.-based healthcare technology company, featured new solutions and services aimed at revenue cycle management improvement during the Healthcare Financial Management Association's annual meeting, ANI 2017, from June 25-28 in Orlando, Fla.

6. New York City-based Deloitte unveiled its Care Intellect product.

7. Minneapolis-based health IT company Ability Network partnered with Redmond, Wash.-based Cantata Health, a healthcare software and services provider for long-term care providers.

8. Recondo Technology, a Denver-based revenue cycle solutions company, added an authorization tool, AuthInitiate, to its revenue cycle platform.

9. CarePayment, a patient financial engagement company in Nashville, Tenn., and DCS Global, a software solutions firm in Plano, Texas, agreed to partner.

10. The Healthcare Financial Management Association's MAP App clients have a new data service at their disposal.

11. Plymouth Meeting, Pa.-based ECRI Institute launched a new capital budgeting service, CapitalNavigator, to facilitate the decision-making process for capital expenditures related to medical technology.

12. Clinicient, an outpatient rehabilitation solutions provider, launched a platform to maximize bundled payment arrangements by integrating a number of tools aimed at improving patient outcomes and lowering costs.

13. The Carrell Clinic, a Dallas-based orthopedic medical group, tapped Windsor, Conn.-based Meridian Medical Management for revenue cycle management, robotic process automation and analytics support.

14. HealthEdge, an integrated financial, administrative and clinical platform provider, and Remedy Partners, a bundled payment company, collaborated to develop a platform to execute a health insurance benefit plan based on episodes of care and bundled payments.

15. Recondo Technology partnered with Mechanicsburg, Pa.-based HealthPay24.

16. Norcross, Ga.-based Armco Partners, a provider of revenue cycle management and health information management services, expanded its RCM offerings with the purchase of Radius Healthcare Solutions' medical coding services business.

17. Seattle-based SCI Solutions, a provider of patient scheduling technology, added support for multistate health systems, worklist security and insurance management functions to its patient-scheduling solution.

18. Patientco, an Atlanta-based healthcare payments technology company, said it will expand accessibility and functionality by enhancing Epic EHR integration with its patient payment platform.

19. MedAptus, a healthcare technology company based in Boston, partnered with South Paris, Maine-based Mingle Analytics, which focuses on Medicare quality reporting, to help hospitals achieve Medicare reimbursement bonuses and avoid penalties under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act's Merit-based Incentive Payment System.

20. University of Toledo (Ohio) Physicians deployed PatientKeeper's charge capture software.

21. Infinx, a revenue cycle management solutions provider in San Jose, Calif., updated its cloud-based patient access platform, iBridge.

22. Innovaccer, a healthcare analytics company based in Silicon Valley, launched its Healthcare Model Evaluator tool.

23. Muncie, Ind.-based Ontario Systems, an accounts receivable and healthcare revenue cycle management software and services provider, will soon unveil a new RCM solution, Insurance Hold Manager.

24. Encoda, a patent technology developer, acquired Tampa, Fla.-based MedCo Data's revenue cycle management division, which services billing needs of dermatologists and single-specialty groups nationwide.

25. Vericred, a healthcare data services company based in New York City, unveiled a provider-network notification service.

26. Vizient members will have access to iMedX medical transcription services under an agreement between the two entities. Vizient is a member-driven healthcare performance improvement company with offices in Irving, Texas, and Chicago. iMedX is a health information and medical documentation solutions company based in Atlanta.

27. Ability Network's revenue cycle management app, Ability | Ease All-Payer, will integrate with PointClickCare's EHR platform. PointClickCare is a cloud-based software platform focused on senior care. Ability Network is a Minneapolis-based health IT company.

28. Westborough, Mass.-based Virtusa Corp., a global provider of business consulting and IT outsourcing, launched its tool to aid payer-provider relationship management.

29. Philadelphia-based Data-Core Systems partnered with GE Healthcare on an integrated revenue cycle management solution.
Milwaukee-based Children's Hospital of Wisconsin received a $1.2 million donation from the Windhover Foundation to support ongoing research at the Herma Heart Center, according to Milwaukee Business News.

The gift, from the foundation established by the family of the late Quad/Graphics founder Harry Quadracci, will be used to advance research on eradicating congenital heart disease and improving quality of life for heart patients.

The $1.2 million backs a challenge gift from the Herma family, who pledged to match every donation to the hospital's heart center up to $8 million.

"The fact that Milwaukee  can boast having one of the leading pediatric hospitals in the country is something we cannot take for granted. Every dollar donated to the hospital makes a direct impact on our community. I look forward to seeing the advancements the hospital makes through this effort inspired by the Herma family," Joel Quadracci, president and CEO of Quad/Graphics, told Milwaukee Business News.
A number of hospitals and health systems are using automation to reduce costs and streamline revenue cycle management processes.

This is particularly true as the healthcare industry continues to undergo changes, such as the shift to value-based care and the move from ICD-9 to ICD-10. Organizations must keep pace with these changes while trying to maintain financial footing and clinical quality.

Some organizations already use business process automation tools to help reduce costs and improve efficiency, but there are also newly available technical solutions that can help improve RCM, according to Mike Duke, principal in the healthcare consulting practice of Chicago-based firm Baker Tilly.

Mr. Duke recently answered questions from Becker's Hospital Review about business process automation, technical solutions and their potential effect on the revenue cycle.

Question: What role do business process automation tools play in revenue cycle management?

MD: Unfortunately, in the vast majority of current revenue cycle management operations, there is not a lot of true business process automation even though several point solutions and enterprise wide vendors in the industry would like healthcare providers to believe otherwise. This issue comes from the fact that very few healthcare providers understand the options available to them with business process automation or they allow specific vendors to define what is possible. However, as the industry evolves in the near future, business process automation will play a significant role in revenue cycle management as vendors become more process centric and begin to develop legitimate solutions to drastically improve revenue cycle automation.

We at Baker Tilly believe that the industry is very close to a tipping point in revenue cycle management approaches and that there is significant opportunity to deploy a variety of interconnected automation solutions that will dramatically reduce the cost of performing revenue cycle activities. Furthermore, while business process automation will affect how the work tasks are completed, the increased analytic capability related to the process centric granular data and continual refinement of automation opportunities will drive higher outcomes over the next several years.

Q: What are some newly available technical solutions for enhancing RCM?

MD: There are some very exciting options in the market now that are beginning to drive real outcome improvements. While this isn't an all-inclusive list, some of the more interesting are:

Machine learning authorization determination and obtainment: These technologies first determine if an authorization is required either through a library of known authorization requirements or through data learning that occurs from payer denial activity. They then use webbot capabilities to interact with payer websites to obtain the authorization information.

Exception based patient responsibility determination and propensity to pay: These tools will first determine the patient responsibility estimate and then use that estimate and other publicly available data to determine if that patient can pay and how much. This allows for the automated flow of accounts depending on their propensity tiers and more effectively work with the patient to either find funding options or setup payment terms in advance of treatment as appropriate.

Advanced claim status determination including auto-account correction and resubmission: While claim status tools have been generally available, they have been limited in nature due to the information that the payer would provide on an X12 277 inquiry return. Through the use of webbot technologies, these solutions can now return not only better data that allows for increased automation of account activity, they can also provide some automated solutions around correcting the claim if in error and resubmit for payment.

Intelligent third party call management: These solutions also use intelligent protocols that determine from historical performance the amount of time provider representatives are on hold waiting to interact with a live payer representative. They then dial the payer based on account information, navigate through various interactive voice response options and when the time is appropriate, route the call to the provider representative so that the hold times are not a limiting factor on productivity. This will dramatically improve individual performance.

Rules based, data driven automated workflow management: These solutions allow for automated task routing based on the needed next step and will route accounts to the next available knowledge worker that is the right individual to address the appropriate next step for resolution.

Q: What are the benefits of these technical solutions?

MD: Early returns on these point solutions have driven interesting returns. The general belief is that there will be a serious impact to net revenue through the reduction in avoidable write-offs and improvements in cash flow, but even more dramatic returns from a cost control perspective. If these business process automation tools are fully integrated into an exception based workflow toolkit, the combination of these types of improvements are expected to target the neighborhood of 40 percent or higher reductions in personnel costs.

These resources can then be deployed throughout other areas of the organization as applicable to further drive down overall operating cost by reducing things such as overtime. Additional hidden financial improvements are typically derived as automation is deployed by reducing the need for outsourced vendors.

Q: Overall, how do you see these technical solutions affecting RCM in the future?

MD: It is our opinion at Baker Tilly that significant results will only be achieved with truly innovative approaches to automating revenue cycle management. Several of these point solution technologies will need to be incorporated into enterprise revenue cycle solutions that will work in conjunction with major EHR systems in the market today. We truly believe the basic infrastructure and business objectives of the large vendors will not be sufficient nor flexible enough to fundamentally incorporate business process automation solutions into their platforms. If providers do not make a conscious choice to fundamentally change their revenue cycle management operations, drastic results will not be achieved. It is also our opinion that if business process automation is not embraced by the industry, value-based reimbursement models will have a negative impact on provider organizations' financial performance. Finally, without the use of innovative business process automation solutions, sustainable financial improvements will be difficult to achieve.

More articles on healthcare finance:

Surgical hospital owner, operator files for bankruptcy

Centegra to end acute inpatient care at Illinois hospital as losses mount

Stocks slide after Senate delays vote on healthcare bill
Here are 12 recent news updates on health IT companies.

Accenture and Microsoft presented a blockchain-based digital identification program prototype at the United Nations headquarters in New York City June 19.

CipherHealth, a software service healthcare provider, incorporated IBM Power Systems infrastructure to streamline its patient engagement platform.

Facebook will join forces with Grand Circus, a Detroit-based education firm focused on computer coding, to sponsor free training programs across Michigan.

Fitbit is pivoting from the fitness segment to the medical market. The company is reportedly building a monitor to aid in the diagnosis of sleep apnea.

Google added "confidential, personal medical records of private people" to its removal policy, signaling the company's first step to eliminating sensitive health information from its search results.

Baxter International teamed up with Epic to integrate its DoseEdge Pharmacy Workflow Manager with the Epic Willow Inpatient Pharmacy System to improve pharmacy safety and efficiency.

Epic entered into an agreement with Mediware Information Systems, a provider of blood management and cellular therapy software applications.

Headspace, an app focused on guided meditation, named former Twitter executive Ross Hoffman its first chief business officer.

IBM will build an artificial intelligence supercomputing system for the U.S. Air Force Research Lab.

Medtronic  a Dublin, Ireland-based medical technology company with operational headquarters in Minneapolis  is working to bring its IT systems back online after a global computer outage affected multiple Medtronic systems.

Omada Health, a digital health company in San Francisco, laid off roughly 20 of its 250 employees just after raising $50 million in its most recent round of funding.

Royal Philips upgraded its Xplore application, a web-based informatics platform that aims to accelerate drug research for personalized medicine.
Amit Serper, a security researcher at Boston-based Cybereason, discovered a fix to aid computers infected by Petya June 27. However, he emphasized the solution is only a "workaround," not a killswitch.

Here are four things to know about Mr. Serper's discovery.

1. Petya, which charges its targets $300 to unencrypt their files, appears to leverage the same Windows vulnerability used in the worldwide WannaCry ransomware attack in May. The ransomware variants both exploited a vulnerability developed by the National Security Agency, which was released online by the hacker group Shadow Brokers in April.

2. However, unlike WannaCry, Petya also used two additional methods to spread its ransomware  including "stealing victims' credentials," according to The New York Times. Security experts note the enhanced strategy means users who updated their computer networks with the Microsoft patch prior to the Petya attack might still be vulnerable to the ransomware.

3. Mr. Serper discovered what several experts have called a "vaccine" for computers infected by Petya, NPR reports. Mr. Serper encouraged targets to create a file named "perfc," with no extension name, in the C:\Windows\ folder. This fix will reportedly protect an infected computer from running the ransomware.

4. Mr. Serper took to Twitter June 27 to emphasize "This is not a generic Killswitch like @MalwareTechBlog found, it's a temporary workaround." In May, a 22-year-old U.K. security researcher  who goes by the online name "MalwareTech"  discovered a 'kill switch' in the WannaCry software's code, which stopped the ransomware from distributing to new devices.
Princeton (W.Va.) Community Hospital will replace nearly 1,200 hard drives after it fell victim to a ransomware attack Tuesday, MetroNews reports.

The source of the attack has not been confirmed. The hospital is taking precautionary measures, such as rebuilding its network from scratch, to prevent against potential computer reinfection, Rose Morgan, the hospital's vice president of patient care services, told MetroNews.

Ms. Morgan said hackers did not obtain any vital patient information Hospital employees have reverted to paper records while they wait for computers to be restored.

"We are unable to actually document in the system at this time," Ms. Morgan told MetroNews. "But we're able to look at important information like allergies, medications, past medical history, things like that."

Ms. Morgan told MetroNews the hospital will work on restoring computers throughout the next week.

More articles on health IT:

Viewpoint: 10 steps to protect health data

Windows 10 web browser helps detect malicious websites, downloads

Ability Network aims to streamline physician scheduling with new app
Major healthcare associations and hospitals  including the American Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals and the Catholic Health Association  are funding a television ad campaign worth at least $1 million against the Senate healthcare bill, according to a report from Bloomberg Politics.

"Congress is debating plans that could dramatically reduce health coverage for millions of Americans," the ad tells viewers. "Who are they? Our families, friends, neighbors, hard working Americans, plus some of our most vulnerable  children, the disabled, people with chronic conditions and millions of Americans who suffer from opioid addiction. They could lose the lifeline that could save their lives."

The participating healthcare groups helped fund the Coalition to Protect America's Health Care, which pays for the ad. This is the second ad of its kind  the first launched in early June against the House's American Health Care Act. Both ads call for constituents to contact their senators and ask them to vote no.

The coalition's fundraising honor roll includes more than 50 hospitals and health systems, eight national health associations, 27 state hospital associations, eight metropolitan and regional hospital associations and a handful of healthcare businesses.

The advertisements are already running and will continue indefinitely, an AHA spokesperson told Bloomberg.

Read the full story here.

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President Donald Trump nominated Jerome Adams, MD, the current Indiana State Health Commissioner and an anesthesiologist, for U.S. surgeon general.

Dr. Adams serves as state health commissioner, a role he started in 2014 under then-Governor Mike Pence. As state health commissioner, Dr. Adams' support for needle exchanges is credited with helping stop an HIV outbreak in rural Scott County, according to a profile in The New York Times. As an anesthesiologist, Dr. Adams has also voiced concern about the risks of opioids, making him a fit for surgeon general amid the current opioid crisis, according to the report. If appointed, Dr. Adams will be the second health official from Indiana in the White House  President Trump also tapped Seema Verma, a health policy consultant and architect of Indiana's Medicaid expansion, for CMS administrator.

Dr. Adams previously served as staff anesthesiologist and an assistant professor of anesthesia at Indianapolis-based Indiana University School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree. Dr. Adams also earned a master's degree of public health from University of California, Berkeley.

If confirmed, Dr. Adams will serve a 4-year term and will replace Rear Adm. Sylvia Trent-Adams, PhD, RN, who was appointed acting surgeon general after the removal of Vivek Murthy, MD, the surgeon general appointed by former President Barack Obama.

More articles on leadership and management:

Hospital groups launch $1M ad campaign against BCRA

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As US maternal mortality rates rise, California's fall: 3 takeaways
A district attorney indicted a 30-year-old man on two counts each of first-degree murder, armed robbery and kidnapping by confinement, and one count of armed home invasion for the deaths of two Boston physicians last month, according to WCVB-5 News.

Bampumim Teixeira was arrested and charged in connection with the deaths of Richard Field, MD, and Lina Bolanos, MD, May 5. Dr. Field was an anesthesiologist at Beverly, Mass.-based North Shore Pain Management, while Dr. Bolanos was a pediatric anesthesiologist at Boston-based Massachusetts Eye and Ear and an instructor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. The two physicians were engaged.

Drs. Field and Bolanos were found dead by police inside the penthouse of their luxury condominium building in South Boston May 5. Both had their hands tied and their throats cut. Police said the suspect had allegedly filled a backpack with jewelry. They also allegedly found "a knife and a second bag containing a replica gun and personal property belonging to the victims" just outside the doorway of the condominium, WCVB-5 reports.

Police previously claimed Mr. Teixeira was in the condo at the time police responded to the call, but said during a press conference May 8 there was "no evidence whatsoever at this stage that [Mr. Teixeira] had a personal relationship with either Dr. Field or Dr. Bolanos," according to prior reports by The Boston Globe. However, various reports suggest Mr. Teixeira may have worked as a concierge in the couple's condominium complex.

Mr. Teixeira was reportedly injured in the altercation with police and taken to Boston-based Tufts Medical Center for treatment. He was arraigned at the hospital May 8 and has since been held without bail, according to WCVB-5 News.
Nearly 3 million people in the U.S. are registered nurses, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and most of them (61 percent) work in a hospital setting. Creating a healthy work environment for those millions of nurses should be a top priority for employers, according to Mary Jo Assi, DNP, associate CNO of Press Ganey.

Dr. Assi recently joined Press Ganey from the American Nurses Association, and strengthening nurse resilience and engagement are among her primary goals at Press Ganey.

Some of the biggest issues in nursing today  recruitment, retention, burnout and bullying, for instance  can be addressed by focusing on creating a healthy work environment for clinicians, she posits.

A healthy work environment in a hospital is "one in which any clinician is able to do the work that they've really signed up to do," Dr. Assi says. There are several characteristics of a healthy work environment for nurses, including:

Sound staffing levels

Access to healthy food

Autonomy in practice and working at the top of licensure

Scheduling that allows for proper rest

Well-laid out units

Leadership support

Shared decision-making

Far too often, however, the hospital environment is not conducive to nurses' needs, and therefore does not promote resilience and engagement. In addition to negative effects on overall well-being, nurse burnout and disengagement can adversely affect patient care. Hospitals must do more to identify the environmental factors that contribute to nurse burnout and alleviate them, according to Dr. Assi.

Burnout and work environment

Burnout is cited by many nurses as the reason they want to leave the profession. To combat this, several healthcare organizations are starting to focus on building nurse resiliency, and building a healthy work environment can help in that regard.

For instance, rest is an important factor in a healthy work environment. "Individuals that are working 12-, 14- or 16-hour shifts, it's really difficult for them to be up and on and where they need to be," Dr. Assi says. "We need to make sure people are getting sufficient rest to recharge and renew."

Staffing, breaks and vacation time are all ways that hospitals can make sure nurses have adequate time to recharge.

"People need [time to] disconnect from work  [They] can't be tied in 24/7 and be expected to be resilient and able to handle high levels of stress," Dr. Assi says.

Bullying and work environment

Nurse bullying  nurses bullying each other, or "eating their young," as well as nurses being bullied by other clinicians  is also a pervasive problem in hospitals that could be addressed by thinking about the work environment as a whole.

"I would say that incivility, bullying and violence  is connected in some ways to what is happening in the healthcare [work] environment," Dr. Assi says.

Nursing can be inherently stressful, and stress can lead to people being rude to one another. "Where you have high stress levels  people are less likely to be [as] civil to one another as we would expect them to be," Dr. Assi says.

Understanding that the environment in a hospital could contribute to nurses experiencing incivility and bullying is half the battle. To combat this issue, leaders must "develop a standard of behavior [and] protocols that say it is not acceptable in this environment," according to Dr. Assi.

Not only can having a healthy work environment address burnout and bullying, it can also have a positive effect on patient outcomes and HCAHPS scores.

"We know a healthier and stable workforce has better patient outcomes," she says  which is why creating a healthy work environment should be a top priority for hospitals moving forward.

Click here to see a 2015 Press Ganey whitepaper with more information.
The former general counsel for WellCare, a managed care health plan in Tampa, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to Florida's Medicaid program June 26.

Thaddeus Bereday faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for his role in a fraud scheme involving four other individuals. Mr. Bereday and former WellCare CEO Todd Farha, former CFO Paul Behrens, and former WellCare employees William Kale and Peter Clay were indicted March 2, 2011, for allegedly submitting fraudulent documents to Florida's Medicaid program to inflate the costs of behavioral healthcare services. Federal prosecutors claim the scheme took place between summer 2003 and the fall of 2007.

A federal jury in Florida convicted the four other individuals following a 13-week trial in 2013. However, Mr. Bereday did not take part in the trial due to health-related issues.



In his plea, Mr. Bereday admitted he knowingly submitted false claims to the Medicaid program in 2006. A sentencing date has yet to be set.
A Los Angeles man was arrested in the northern California city of Gilroy for impersonating a nurse, according to NBC Bay Area.

Jeremy Daniel Griffin is accused of faking his identify and nurse's license to try and obtain job placement from Aya Healthcare, a traveling nurse company. Aya found inconsistencies between his license and application information and notified authorities of the fraud. Investigators at the Department of Consumer Affairs worked with Aya to stage an orientation at Gilroy-based Saint Louise Hospital in order to draw Mr. Griffin in and arrest him.

Mr. Griffin faces four felony charges. He was previously arrested from stealing from physicians in the Los Angeles area.

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Anchorage-based Alaska Regional Hospital temporarily shuttered its primary care clinic in Mountain View, which opened last December, according to the Alaska Dispatch News.

Hospital officials attributed the closure to financial losses and high-acuity visits.

Hospital CEO Julie Taylor, RN, MSN told Alaska Dispatch News the hospital initially opened the clinic to give community members a local primary care option and reduce emergency room visits. However, the clinic saw more patients for complex needs than for primary care. Specifically, only about 10 percent of the hundreds of logged appointments were primary care visits, according to Ms. Taylor.

"Rather than sore throats, we have been treating patients with multiple issues like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, in addition to mental health disorders," Ms. Taylor said in a statement obtained by Alaska Dispatch News. "These are diagnoses that require a significant amount of attention and long-range support."

The clinic also faced financial problems. Ms. Taylor told Alaska Dispatch News the clinic spent "hundreds of thousands of dollars beyond what we projected," partly due to decreased Medicaid reimbursement and an "unexpected need" for onsite security.

Ms. Taylor noted the hospital is devoted to reopening the facility at some point in the future.

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Medtronic PLC reportedly informed investors that it's close to settling lawsuits pertaining to its bone morphogenetic protein product Infuse, according to the Star Tribune.

Here are five things to know:

1. The company reached an agreement to settle "substantially all" of the lawsuits related to Infuse, totaling around 6,000 actual and threatened suits in a securities filing.

2. The settlement amounts are confidential. However, the company set aside $300 million for legal fees.

3. The attorneys general in five states sent subpoena documents and requests for information on the sale and marketing of Infuse, and Medtronic has cooperated with the requests; the company set aside funds for inquires last year as well.

4. Last December a St. Louis judge paved the way for a jury trial alleging personal injuries from Infuse, which would reveal the sealed internal documents.

5. The company continues to deny allegations associated with the lawsuits filed by patients, investors and employee whistleblowers.

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Atif Babar Malik, MD, of Frederick, Md.-based American Spine Center, will face two separate trials for allegedly receiving kickbacks and participating in a tax fraud scheme, The Frederick News-Post reports.

Here is what you need to know:

1. On June 28, 2016, Dr. Malik and four others were indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly participating in a $1.37 million kickback scheme.

2. Prosecutors will argue Dr. Malik accepted $244,000 from the kickback scheme, which involved a Linden, N.J.-based urine lab testing company paying the physicians for referrals. American Spine Center required patients prescribed pain medications to give urine samples for medication and narcotic monitoring. Between the spring of 2011 and August 2012, the center sent between 700 and 1,000 urine samples monthly for testing.





3. In April 2017, Dr. Malik's attorneys asked for two separate juries, noting the jury would be swayed when deciding whether he properly reported his taxes if they also heard he had been involved in illegal activity.

4. On June 22, 2017, U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis decided to give Dr. Malik two trials.

5. Sandeep Sherlekar, MD, co-founder of American Spine Center, was among those indicted in 2016. Dr. Sherlekar died by suicide in September 2016, according to Frederick police. His arraignment was planned for Oct. 7, 2016.





6. Prosecutors will argue Drs. Malik and Sherlekar billed for procedures inappropriately, claiming they performed anesthesia services and nerve blocking procedures as two separate services requiring two physicians when the procedure only requires one physician. By naming two physicians on the bill, they received higher reimbursements.

7. Konstatin Bas, CEO of the urine lab testing company, pled guilty and may see a sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced Dec. 5.

8. Mubtagha Shah Syed, a marketing agent who worked on behalf of the lab company to solicit medical practices to send blood and urine specimens for testing, pled guilty to administering the deal between American Spine Center and the urine lab testing company.

9. Muhammad Ahmad Khan, CEO of American Spine Center, was also among those indicted.
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Stormont Castle clock strikes 4pm marking an end to the talks deadline given by Secretary of State for parties to agree a solution for a return to devolved goverment

The Government has given the DUP and Sinn Fein another three days to agree a deal to save power-sharing at Stormont.

Downing Street said that yesterday's 4pm deadline would be extended until Monday when Secretary of State James Brokenshire will make a statement to Westminster about the future of the talks.

If no deal is reached, Mr Brokenshire's options include setting yet another deadline, calling a second Assembly election in the autumn, or reimposing some form of direct rule from London.

Both the DUP and Sinn Fein are blaming each other for the deadlock, with an Irish Language Act being the main stumbling block in the negotiations.

Sinn Fein wants stand-alone legislation whereas the DUP supports a hybrid Act that would include Ulster-Scots.

DUP negotiator Edwin Poots said that if a deal didn't materialise soon, his party would prefer direct rule ministers taking over the running of Stormont departments because Northern Ireland was "in paralysis".

Mr Poots said: "The talks will continue, Sinn Fein know what they need to do. At this stage we aren't close to an agreement.

"There is considerable work to be done and we believe the ball is in the court of Sinn Fein in the main in dealing with a series of outstanding issues."

However, Sinn Fein negotiator Conor Murphy insisted it was "make your mind up time for the DUP".

He said that there had been ample time to strike a deal but he claimed that the Tories' agreement with Arlene Foster's party had exacerbated the situation.

"The (Conservative) alliance with the DUP has emboldened their anti-rights and anti-equality agenda, has increased their intransigence and that isn't acceptable or sustainable," he said.

He said there had been "limited progress" in "closing the gaps" between the parties.

"We want to get it done quickly and on a sustainable basis," he added.

Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann said that it was a time for "cool heads" and not "grandstanding or knee-jerk reactions".

He described the Stormont stalemate as "extremely disappointing", adding: "It's not what we wanted and it's not what the people of Northern Ireland wanted.

"The majority of people voted at the last Assembly election for local politicians to take local decisions.

"Everyone should recognise that if a functioning Executive and Assembly are not in place and we go to direct rule, then they should not expect either to be back in place anytime soon."

Alliance leader Naomi Long said that she was "extremely frustrated and disappointed" at the lack of progress.

"This Assembly has often been criticised and held in low esteem," she said.

"We do ourselves no favours when we continue to let deadline after deadline slip."

She claimed it was inexcusable that a row over the name of an Irish Language Act was halting progress. "That is ludicrous after six months of negotiation and debate on the issue," she added.

"Those parties with the largest mandates need to now also accept the size of their responsibilities and deliver for those who voted for them.

"Get the deal done, get the Assembly re-established and get the ministers back into office."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "Political leaders now need to be challenged to show some courage and get this across the line. There is too much at stake to allow our institutions to fall.

"The deadline may have passed but we still need to get the deal done.

"We cannot allow Northern politics to fall into a permanent status quo of huge frustration."

TUV leader Jim Allister said that yesterday's missed deadline showed yet again that Stormont didn't work and that direct rule was the only solution.

"Having had 20 years of these farces, we are surely at the point where time should be called on Humpty Dumpty politics," he said.

"Seeking to put a fundamentally failed system back together again after it repeatedly falls apart will always fail to deliver the stable devolution Northern Ireland needs."

Mr Brokenshire and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney yesterday insisted that a deal was "possible and achievable".

But in their joint statement at Stormont Castle, they gave no firm indication on the way ahead if Monday's deadline wasn't met.

Mr Brokenshire said: "I believe a resolution can be found, and I'm urging the parties to continue focusing all of their efforts on achieving this.

"The UK Government will work with the parties toward their critical objective of forming an Executive.

"But I've made clear to party leaders that it is for them to reach agreement."

Mr Coveney said that he had been encouraged by the discussions.

But he added: "There still remain gaps to be bridged on some key issues."
The DUP has been given a commitment from the Conservatives to back its bid to get compensation for terror victims from the Libyan authorities.

In a letter from the DUP to Docklands bomb victim Jonathan Ganesh, signed by Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, it is revealed that the party raised the issue of victims in two separate meetings and emphasised that this must be dealt with in the current parliamentary term.

The letter follows calls for the party to use its new-found influence with the Tories to press for adequate support for terror victims.

The DUP letter states: "We have secured a commitment from the Government to convene a further meeting involving the relevant Minister(s) to discuss how we might take the matter forward, including on the issue of frozen Libyan assets in the UK. We are establishing a Coordination Committee between our two parties that will enable this type of issue to be addressed at Ministerial level.

"The reason this matter is not explicitly mentioned in the Agreement between the DUP and the Government is because we have not yet reached an agreed position or established legal basis for accessing Libyan assets, given that these are the subject of international sanctions and covered by international law.

"Frankly, it is unfair of lawyers to expect us to resolve in the hectic two-week post-election period legal issues that they as lawyers have not been able to unravel in many years.

"We remain committed to supporting the wider campaign by innocent victims to secure recompense and reparation from Libya and will seek to use our influence to secure a positive outcome."

In May the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee published a report recommending that a compensation fund for victims be established by the end of this year, regardless of what progress is made with the Libyan government.

Mr Ganesh told the Belfast Telegraph that the DUP is "carrying the hopes" of all the victims of Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism and other terror atrocities.

"This is a unique opportunity for the DUP - they promised they would support us and said they wanted equality for British and Irish victims of Libyan terrorism with the French and American victims," he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"The Americans received millions of pounds in compensation; we have had victims who have had to sell their houses to pay for care.

"It's not about money, it's about equality and surviving. Mr Donaldson said our case was mentioned and implied that this was one of the top priorities."
The IFA have confirmed Josh Robinson will play with Linfield but Crusaders, who claim they had also signed the former York City defender, are now seeking legal advice.

The IFA released a statement on Friday evening clarifying the position after the two Irish League clubs both announced they had snapped up the footballer.

The organising body said it received Standard Professional Contract forms for Josh Robinson from both Linfield FC, at 7.56pm and Crusaders FC , at 10.56pm on Thursday, the IFA statement said.

"Having considered the documentation received from both clubs, and based upon Irish FA regulations regarding priority of registrations, the Irish FA can confirm that the player is successfully registered with Linfield FC," the statement concluded.

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On Friday afternoon, Linfield posted a picture of Josh Robinson at Windsor Park with manager David Healy.

Linfield first tweeted that they had signed the player at 10.33pm on Thursday, with Crusaders following at 11.32pm.

Healy wrote on the club's Facebook page: "Josh is coming home from York City and his addition will add real quality to our squad."

On Crusaders' website it was earlier announced that the player had signed a four-year contract in what would have been a return to his former club.

Reacting on Friday night, the club said the events of the last 24 hours must not go unchallenged for fear of setting a precedent.

Crusaders said Robinson trained with the club earlier this week.
There was anger from anti-abortion campaigners after the DUP's Westminster deal with the Conservatives unexpectedly led to a shock announcement that free NHS terminations for women from Northern Ireland would be provided in England.

However, the pro-choice sector welcomed the move - an unintended consequence of the DUP's promise to back the Tories in yesterday's vote on the Queen's Speech.

Chancellor Philip Hammond made the announcement as pressure mounted on the Government, which is reliant on the support of the DUP.

The move saw off the threat of Tory MPs helping to pass an amendment by Labour's Stella Creasy to the Queen's Speech, which would have put the DUP in an awkward position in the final Commons vote on the legislative programme.

If the amendment had passed, the DUP would have been forced to either back free abortions in England for women arriving from Northern Ireland, or renege on its deal with Theresa May's Tories. Downing Street said that the estimated annual cost of funding abortions in England for women from here was around 1m, but it would pay more if it was necessary.

DUP MP Ian Paisley told the Commons: "This is not a matter for Belfast, it is a matter for NHS England."

But the relaxation of the rules infuriated churches, pro-life activists and social conservatives here. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland said it was "deeply saddened and puzzled" by the move.

And retired Free Presbyterian minister Rev David McIlveen said he was "very disappointed with the decision of the Westminster Parliament".

While he was reluctant to blame the DUP-Tory deal, he added: "I do think it will have very sad consequences, in terms of people's confidence in decision-making from Westminster."

Right-wing blogger David Vance said "it's a new world of politics", and suggested the DUP deal could inadvertently lead to the liberalisation of other laws.

"Whether it likes it or not, the DUP will have its fingerprints on socially liberal legislation which the Tories will necessarily have to push through Parliament - otherwise Corbyn gets in," he said.

"The DUP will not be able to stop that. They will have to bite their lips and put up with it in the broader interest of the arrangement they have entered into."

Director of Precious Life Bernadette Smyth admitted: "No one was prepared for this. This was unprecedented. We knew that an amendment was being considered, we certainly didn't foresee today's outcome."

She added: "We await to hear the DUP MPs voice their outrage at this decision."

She said she was now concerned that the 1967 Abortion Act could be extended to Northern Ireland by similar means.

But reacting to the news, a spokeswoman from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service said it was "absolutely delighted" at the move.

"Clearly this is not the solution to the gross injustice whereby women in Northern Ireland are denied access to abortion care at home, and we look forward to seeing progress on that front," it added.

And abortion provider Marie Stopes UK said: "This is a hugely positive step forward, but there is no reason why these services shouldn't be provided in Northern Ireland, saving women the cost and stress of travelling to Britain."
The UK's 999 emergency call-out services - the oldest in the world - are celebrating their 80th birthday having been launched in London back on 30 June 1937.

The service was set up following the tragic deaths of five women in a fire at a London doctor's surgery in November 1935, following the recommendations of a government committee.

Now, BTs Portadown emergency call centre handles 640,000 calls each year, coming in from Northern Ireland and across the UK.

Speaking about the anniversary Mairead Meyer, managing director of networks in BT in Northern Ireland said: "Recent events in the UK mean people are acutely aware of the work of the emergency services and the value of the 999 service.

"I am extremely proud of the BT operators in Portadown and throughout the rest of the UK and their role in 999.

"They are an extremely capable and committed team working at the sharp end of the most important communication services in the country. Countless lives have been saved over the years because of their professionalism and dedication."

Workers at the centre in Portadown were involved in handling emergency calls from the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Northern Ireland was the last region in the UK to get an emergency response service, with hubs opening in September 1946 in Ballymena, Belfast, Enniskillen, and Derry.

During its initial years uptake for the service was fairly low, with less than 100 calls being made weekly in major cities like Liverpool and Edinburgh.

The service now takes around 560,000 calls each week across the UK - around 30 million calls a year. More than 97% of these calls are answered within five seconds.

Originally different numbers were considered by the committee responsible for introducing the service, including 707 which would spell out 'SOS' on a phone's keypad, and 333.

In the end, 999 was settled on as the most practical number.

From the start the service was plagued by prank and unnecessary calls, including a complaint about bagpipes being played outside a house and a dispute between a neighbour and a local coalman.

The busiest time of the week for the 999 service is around midnight on Friday and Saturday, with around 5,000 calls being made each hour, and the busiest time of year are the early hours of New Year's Day, when the service can expect to receive around 9,000 calls an hour.

Amazingly, more than one-third of all the emergency calls answered by BT each year are not calls for help. Most of these are made by children playing with home phones and accidentally dialing 999 or the European emergency number 112.
Loyalists have painted the kerbstones outside Holy Cross primary school in Ardoyne red, white and blue.

Graffiti declaring it 'LA' - which residents believe stands for 'Loyalist Ardoyne' - has also appeared at the entrance to the school.

Local SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said that pupils and their parents would find the graffiti and painted kerbstones very intimidating.

"This is completely unacceptable," he said.

"Everybody knows the trauma that the school went through in the past.

"They don't deserve this."

Mr McCusker said that he had contacted the DUP to see if anything could be done and he urged that party to "show leadership".

He also said he had spoken to Transport NI and Belfast City Council, asking them to remove the paint from the road.

However, the SDLP councillor said he was told that this couldn't be done without consultation with the wider community.

"There has been so much good work in recent years to improve community relations and build bridges so this is a very negative development," he said. "This matter must be resolved in a peaceful, dignified manner that doesn't ignite tensions further."

Residents' group, the Greater Ardoyne Residents' Collective (GARC), called on the council to remove the paint outside a school "that has suffered already from many years of loyalist attacks and intimidation".

However, Dale Pankhurst, a former chairman of the DUP's North and West Belfast youth branch, tweeted that the kerbstones were painted for years.

He accused GARC of attempting to heighten tensions "in the run-up to our community's enjoyable celebrations".

Mr Pankhurst added that it would be "pathetic and sad" if the council removed the paint.

During the 2001-02 Holy Cross Primary School protests, Catholic children were subjected to a daily gauntlet of abusive and often violent protest by loyalists.

They claimed nationalists had attacked their homes and that a parent of a schoolgirl had attacked a man erecting a loyalist flag opposite the building.

Riot police and Catholic clergy had to escort terrified schoolgirls and their parents through a torrent of abuse on their journey to and from school in a dispute that ran for months.

In May 2014, loyalist youths painted outside the gates of Holy Cross.

Following discussions with the PSNI, community workers attempted to persuade the youths to remove the paint from the kerbs outside the school, but to no avail.
Stormont parties were back early yesterday for one last attempt to clinch a power-sharing deal.

But within a few hours it became increasingly apparent that, as expected, they would not reach agreement.

MLAs began to turn up only seven hours after they had left in the wee hours around 2am yesterday.

There was a flurry of activity when Secretary of State James Brokenshire arrived back late from Northern Ireland Questions in the House of Commons and an expectation the talking would go on all night. It didn't.

Instead, they were starting to gather again not long after 9.30am with the strict deadline for an Assembly meeting looming.

At around 10.30am the business committee that sets the Assembly agenda met and decided to push back the start time until 2pm, giving a little more space to reach agreement before the supposed 4pm deadline.

So rather than being in the nice dry Assembly chamber, shortly after noon Mr Brokenshire and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney came out together to effectively extend the deadline, apparently indefinitely.

Mr Brokenshire spoke of "much progress" and Mr Coveney, still only a fortnight into his post, talked of "significant progress", although both acknowledged there were issues which were proving difficult to resolve.

The Secretary of State said: "I believe a resolution can be found, but I've made clear to party leaders that it is for them to reach agreement. That prize remains achievable."

Mr Coveney said: "Like the Secretary of State, I believe that an agreement is still within reach, an agreement that would allow a power-sharing Executive to be formed on a sustainable basis."

After their short statement the two moved off without taking any questions. Neither had mentioned the 4pm deadline they had been putting so much emphasis on over previous days. It was as if it no longer existed.

Journalists were left to examine and interpret their words as best they could and concluded there would be no decision on a return to direct rule in the short to medium term.

Instead, as he had said on Tuesday, Mr Brokenshire was refusing to countenance any outcome other than the return of a local Executive.

A quarter-of-an-hour later a Sinn Fein team headed by Conor Murphy appeared and said it had told Mr Brokenshire it would not countenance a return of direct rule.

The senior party figure said limited progress had been made, but it was now "make your mind up time" for the DUP.

Officials and some Press officers had headed off for their lunch, but quickly returned, still hungry, when it was announced the DUP was, well, coming out.

Edwin Poots, heading a trio of DUP MLAs, insisted just the opposite to Mr Murphy - it was Sinn Fein who had "work to do" in responding to a number of papers which had been put to it. The rancour and recriminations were under way, just as the two biggest-by-far Stormont parties held their first one-on-one meeting of the day.

Mr Murphy said the British Government's alliance with the DUP has deepened its intransigence and arrogance and emboldened its "anti-rights, anti-equality agenda".

Mr Poots said: "If Sinn Fein think they can collapse the institutions, get all they want and go back into government, they have another think coming."

And echoing his party leader Arlene Foster's controversial depiction of republicans as crocodiles, Mr Poots repeated her mantra: "That is not how we do business."

The former Health Minister also insisted his party had been prepared to propose a First Minister, presumably Mrs Foster, and other ministers, but Sinn Finn was not playing ball.

Ex-Sinn Fein Culture and Arts Minister Caral Ni Chuilin in turn said the meeting of the Assembly was being postponed at the request of the DUP.

With the blame game well under way, it emerged Mr Brokenshire had earlier told the parties he would take time to reflect over the weekend and was making a statement in the House of Commons on Monday.

Most of the parties immediately seized on that as the next effective deadline, although it appears unlikely the DUP will agree to continue negotiations on a Sunday.

A few minutes later came the confirmation from the Assembly Office that the meeting now planned for 2pm was being cancelled altogether.

Alliance leader Naomi Young was incandescent. It was, she insisted, a "breach of trust" between the parties that would test the public's patience beyond breaking point.

"This Assembly has often been criticised and held in low esteem. We do ourselves no favours when we continue to let deadline after deadline slip," she said.

Ostensibly, it all seemed to be falling apart, but, almost in the background, the parties returned to Stormont Castle and bedded down for more talks.

It was only 3pm and the talk was they were staying to midnight, though some said they might not come back for Friday.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said time wasn't the main factor. Some progress had been made. "The deadline may have passed but we need to get the deal done," he added. And UUP leader Robin Swann stressed while there had been no breakthrough, there had been no breakdown either.

"We need to inject some trust into this process or we are going to end up farther back than where we started," Mr Swann said.

The 'high noon' showdown was to result in a showpiece - a brand new devolved government.

Instead, the show was left as tradition dictates it must - going on.
Locked gates at Stormont as talks on restoring powersharing are set to continue (Niall Carson/PA)

Prime Minister Theresa May has spoken to DUP leader Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland Michelle ONeill, as negotiations at Stormont Castle are set to resume on Saturday.

A No 10 spokesperson said Mrs May spoke on the phone to Mrs Foster on Friday evening about the UK Governments priority to restore devolved Government to Northern Ireland as soon as possible and our commitment to doing everything we can to work with the parties to reach a successful conclusion.

On the ongoing talks, the Prime Minister said it was encouraging to see discussions continuing and it was important that momentum is maintained so an Executive can be restored", the spokesperson said.

"They both agreed that this was in the interest of everyone in Northern Ireland.

In a separate call, Mrs May spoke to Mrs ONeill about the importance of re-establishing a power-sharing Executive as soon as possible and how the UK Government remains steadfast in our commitment to making sure Northern Ireland has the political stability it requires.

They both agreed on the need for the Executive to be restored for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland, the spokesperson said.

Earlier, Sinn Fein called for the Prime Minister and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to intervene in the talks as a "matter of urgency".

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Sinn Fein negotiator John O'Dowd urged the two governments to press the DUP to give ground.

Mr O'Dowd claimed the DUP had become "emboldened" by its parliamentary deal with the Conservative Party at Westminster and had entrenched its stance at Stormont as a result.

"After weeks of negotiations the DUP have still not agreed to the rights-based society that we require," he said.

Mr O'Dowd said the main sticking points were related to his party's demands for an Irish Language Act, a Northern Ireland specific Bill of Rights and legalisation of same sex-marriage in the region.

"The DUP's relationship with the Tory government has emboldened them, it has entrenched their positions in regards all those measures that need to be resolved," he said.

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Responding DUP negotiator Edwin Poots said: "I think Sinn Fein can do the business very quickly, they know what's required of them - they don't need anybody to hold their hands.

"They just need to sit upstairs, make the decisions that need to be made and come and tell us of those decisions so we can get on with the business."

He told Sinn Fein to "get moving so we can get government back in place".

Earlier a No 10 statement said Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire was the UK government's representative in the talks.

"James Brokenshire is on the ground in Belfast and will be continuing to engage intensively with the parties - today and over the weekend," it said.

The UK Government has extended the talks process until Monday, despite Stormont parties missing Thursday's statutory deadline.
Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd has urged Theresa May and Leo Varadkar to become involved

DUP's Edwin Poots (right) and Christopher Stalford speaking to the media at Stormont Castle on Friday June 30, 2017. David Young/PA Wire

The Democratic Unionists have ridiculed a Sinn Fein call for the Prime Minister and Taoiseach to intervene in Stormont's crisis talks, insisting the republicans "don't need anyone to hold their hands".

DUP negotiator Edwin Poots was responding to the party's demand that Theresa May and Leo Varadkar engage as a "matter of urgency" to inject the "step change" needed to secure an agreement.

No 10 said Mrs May had been in touch with the parties during the process but Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire was the UK government's representative in the talks.

After further negotiations at Stormont Castle on Friday - the day after Thursday's deadline for agreement came and went - Mr Poots said: "I think Sinn Fein can do the business very quickly, they know what's required of them - they don't need anybody to hold their hands.

Talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein at Stormont apparently broke abruptly and acrimoniously tonight. Agreement a long way away.  David Young (@DavidYoungPA) June 30, 2017

"They just need to sit upstairs, make the decisions that need to be made and come and tell us of those decisions so we can get on with the business."

Accusing the DUP of refusing to budge on central issues, Sinn Fein negotiator John O'Dowd earlier urged the two governments to press the main unionist party to give ground.

Mr O'Dowd claimed the DUP had become "emboldened" by its parliamentary deal with the Conservative Party at Westminster and had entrenched its stance at Stormont as a result.

"After weeks of negotiations the DUP have still not agreed to the rights-based society that we require," he said.

Mr O'Dowd said the main sticking points were related to his party's demands for an Irish Language Act, a Northern Ireland specific Bill of Rights and legalisation of same sex-marriage in the region.

"The DUP's relationship with the Tory government has emboldened them, it has entrenched their positions in regards all those measures that need to be resolved," he said.

DUP negotiator Edwin Poots stresses budgetary consequences of Stormont stand-off. Tells Sinn Fein to get back to government. pic.twitter.com/eaV6GZjVFZ  David Young (@DavidYoungPA) June 30, 2017

He added: "The British government need to remove their partisan approach and set aside their relationship with the DUP if these talks are to succeed."

Mr O'Dowd suggested any progress that had been made had been "snail" like.

He said: "We will stay here as long as there is a glimmer of hope that there will be success in these talks, but we are realists and we are experienced negotiators and we know there needs to be a step change in these talks - hence the reason we are calling on the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister to become directly involved.

Mr Poots said his party wanted Sinn Fein to compromise on issues including the Military Covenant and "confidence building" proposals to reform the workings of the Stormont institutions.

"Whilst we understand that Irish language is hugely important to Sinn Fein - health, education, jobs, the economy, infrastructure, the environment, agriculture - all of these issues are hugely important to us, hugely important to the public," he said.

He told Sinn Fein to "get moving so we can get government back in place".

Expand Close Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd (left) and Declan Kearney speaking to the media at Stormont Castle, Belfast, as talks aimed at restoring powersharing in Northern Ireland continue. David Young/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd (left) and Declan Kearney speaking to the media at Stormont Castle, Belfast, as talks aimed at restoring powersharing in Northern Ireland continue. David Young/PA Wire

In response to the Sinn Fein call, a No 10 statement said: "James Brokenshire is on the ground in Belfast and will be continuing to engage intensively with the parties - today and over the weekend. The Prime Minister has met with all five parties and will continue to have close engagement with the Northern Ireland Secretary and the Taoiseach, who she spoke with earlier this weekend."

The UK Government has extended the talks process until Monday, despite Stormont parties missing Thursday's statutory deadline.

Discussions are set to continue over the weekend.

Mr Brokenshire will make a statement to the House of Commons on Monday outlining the Government's intentions going forward.

In the absence of agreement, the options open to Mr Brokenshire include setting another deadline for the talks process, calling a second snap Assembly election or re-imposing some form of direct rule from London.

If a deal was to materialise over the weekend, the Government could pass legislation to retrospectively change Thursday's missed deadline to enable a new executive to be formed without recourse to another election.

In a hastily arranged 2nd press conference (Stormont Castle press centre was already closed), Sinn Fein's @conormurphysf rebutts DUP claims. pic.twitter.com/EoowJKAghy  David Young (@DavidYoungPA) June 30, 2017

The institutions imploded in January when DUP leader Arlene Foster was forced from office after Sinn Fein's then deputy first minister, the late Martin McGuinness, quit.

That was in protest at the DUP's handling of the renewable heat incentive (RHI), a scheme that left the administration facing a 490 million overspend.

His move triggered a snap Assembly election in March.

In a sign of the discordant mood inside Stormont Castle, Sinn Fein hastily arranged a second press conference on Friday evening to respond to claims by Mr Poots that its stance was impacting on the delivery of public services in Northern Ireland.

Conor Murphy rejected the remarks and accused the DUP of "burying their head in the sand".

The Sinn Fein Assembly member said: "I have to say the DUP are in absolutely no position to lecture anyone in relation to the provision of public services when they have taken a decision to keep in power a government which has taken more than a billion pounds off our ability to finance public sector services."

In another development, the outgoing head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Sir Malcolm McKibbin is set to continue his role as the independent chair of the talks process.

While Sir Malcolm formally retired on Friday, the parties asked him to stay on to help steer the negotiations.

Sinn Fein said the talks concluded on Friday evening with an agreement still proving elusive. Discussions will resume on Saturday.

Mrs May spoke with both DUP leader Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill, in telephone calls on Friday evening.

The PM told Ms Foster the Government would do "everything we can" to help the parties reach a successful conclusion.

A Number 10 spokeswoman added: "On the ongoing talks, the Prime Minister said it was encouraging to see discussions continuing and it was important that momentum is maintained so an Executive can be restored and they both agreed that this was in the interest of everyone in Northern Ireland."

Mrs May spoke separately to Ms O'Neill, telling her the UK "remains steadfast in our commitment to making sure Northern Ireland has the political stability it requires".

"They both agreed on the need for the Executive to be restored for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland," the spokeswoman added.

"The Prime Minister recognised that constructive discussions had taken place between the parties and urged them both to come together reach a collective agreement so that devolved government could be restored in Northern Ireland."
Chuka Umunna has vowed to carry on working with pro-European MPs from across Parliament (Victoria Jones/PA)

Labour has been plunged into a new bout of infighting over Brexit after 50 MPs defied the leadership to back a Commons motion calling for Britain to remain in the single market.

Supporters of the Jeremy Corbyn rounded on the rebels accusing them of indulging in the worst kind of gesture politics, undermining party unity.

The Labour leader sacked three shadow ministers who joined the revolt, while a fourth announced he was quitting the front bench.

However the rebels ringleader, former shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna, vowed to carry on working with pro-European MPs from across Parliament to prevent a hard Brexit.

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The row erupted as the Commons voted on Thursday to approve the Queens Speech with the Democratic Unionists (DUP) supporting the Conservatives, giving Theresa May a majority of 14.

But it passed only after ministers rushed out an announcement of extra funding for women in Northern Ireland to have abortions on the NHS in England, to head off a threatened revolt by Tory MPs.

There was frustration within the Labour leadership that focus was once again on the partys divisions on Europe, just as it appeared to be coming together after its unexpectedly strong showing in the general election.

Forty-nine Labour MPs voted for Mr Umunnas amendment calling for the UK to continue membership of the European single market and the customs union, while a 50th acted as one of the tellers.

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Union boss Dave Prentis said it was totally inappropriate for MPs to create a split over Europe just as the Government was coming under pressure over public sector pay.

Parliament was just seven votes shy of overturning the Governments cruel pay cap, yet instead of keeping up the pressure, some seem determined to let the Conservatives off the hook, the Unison general secretary said.

Undoubtedly Europe is and will remain an important issue, but when unity is so important in the Labour Party, it is utterly self-defeating to become bogged down in the worst kind of gesture politics.

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson said the vote had been unnecessary and that he was very disappointed with Mr Umunna for moving it.

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To break away like that is politically unhelpful at a time when the entire Labour Party is buzzing because we did far better in the general election, he told Channel 4 News.

I just hope we can come back together very quickly.

In the event the amendment was defeated by 322 votes to 101 with the rest of the Labour Party abstaining.

But with the SNP and Liberal Democrats backing the amendment, Mr Umunna said the fight against a hard Brexit would continue.

What it shows is that pro-European backbench MPs of all parties are not going to simply submit to a hard Brexit, he said.
Michael Fallon said earlier this week that Russia will look at the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth with envy

Moscow has angrily lashed out at a dismissive comment about a Russian aircraft carrier made by Britain's defence secretary, arguing that its ageing ship is better than the new British carrier.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said earlier this week that Russia will look at the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth with envy, pointing at Russia's "dilapidated" Admiral Kuznetsov carrier.

Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov fired back on Thursday, arguing that unlike the British ship that relies on escort ships for protection, the Russian carrier can stand by itself with an array of offensive and defensive weapons.

He dismissed the British carrier as just a "conveniently large sea target" that should stay close to US protection.

The Soviet-built Kuznetsov recently visited the eastern Mediterranean as part of Russia's campaign in Syria.

AP
Indian police clash with members of the Revolutionary Students and Youth Front during a protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a ban on the sale of cows for slaughter, in Chennai, May 31, 2017.

Updated at 7:28 a.m. ET on 2017-06-30

In his strongest statement against violence targeting minority Muslims across India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday deplored a spate of killings of people in the name of protecting cows, which are seen as sacred in the Hindu-majority nation.

The leader of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued his remarks a day after thousands of citizens protested in several cities across the country against recent attacks on Muslims by self-styled cow vigilantes.

Killing people in the name of cow protection is not acceptable. No person in this nation has the right to take law into his or her hands, Modi said during a visit to Mahatma Gandhis Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, the prime ministers home state. Violence never has and never will solve any problem.

Cattle slaughter and consumption of beef is banned in most states of India.

This [the violence] is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve of. We are the land of non-violence. We are the land of Mahatma Gandhi. Why do we forget this, Modi said in a speech to mark the centennial celebration of Sabarmati Ashram, where Gandhi lived for about 12 years.

Another act of the violence that Modi condemned took place on the same day of his speech.

On Thursday, a Muslim man was beaten to death by a mob in Jharkhand state on suspicion that he was carrying beef in his vehicle, police said.

Kilshore Police Superintendent Kaushal told reporters that about 30 people surrounded a van bearing a West Bengal plate, pulled out its driver and attacked him, according to the news agency Press Trust of India.

On Tuesday, a 200-strong mob attacked a Muslim dairy farmer and tried to set his house ablaze in the eastern state of Jharkhand after villagers found a dead cow in the vicinity, police said, adding that they were forced to fire shots into the air to control the mob.

The dairy farmer is out of danger. We are trying to identify the suspects who partook in the violence, a police official said on condition of anonymity.

The attack followed two similar incidents of mob violence last week that claimed the lives of four Muslims, one of them a teenager, in West Bengal and Haryana.

The hounds have already tasted the blood

A social media campaign that started under the hashtag #NotInMyName turned into a mass movement Wednesday, with thousands of Indian citizens, including celebrities, gathering in different cities to protest what they called a sharp increase in violence related to cow protection since Modis right-wing BJP swept to power three years ago.

About 97 percent of the 63 cases of beef-related violence recorded during the last seven years occurred after the BJP came to power in May 2014, according to statistics released Thursday by Indiaspend, a New Delhi-based data journalism initiative.

It said that among the 28 people killed in the attacks, 24 were Muslims. About 14 percent of India's 1.3 billion people are Muslims, while Hindus make up 80 percent.

In 23 attacks, the attackers were mobs or groups who belonged to Hindu groups with affiliation to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), BJPs ideological mentor, it said.

Government critics said Modis speech against recent incidents of mob violence was merely hogwash.

He never once said that his government will make efforts to stop this violence, political analyst Pradip Bhattacharya told BenarNews. He is just a stooge in the hands of the RSS, which is encouraging these cow vigilantes to attack any suspected cattle smuggler or beef eater that belongs to the minority communities.

This was the second time since his partys landslide victory in 2014 that Modi has spoken out against beef-related violence.

Last August, Modi castigated the actions of self-styled cow protectors who were attacking suspected cattle thieves and beef eaters. The prime minister also asked all states to prepare dossiers on cow vigilantes.

But there are no reports of even a single state doing so, Bhattacharya said. Modis words are nothing but lip service, it seems.

Patricia Mukhim, editor of The Shillong Times in northeastern state of Meghalaya, which is Indias top beef consumer, described Modis speech as too little, too late.

The hounds have already tasted blood. And no one is actually trying to rein them in, Mukhim told BenarNews.

Even some BJP supporters came out on the streets Wednesday to protest incidents of mob violence.

I am a proud Hindu, Raj Pathak, a social activist from New Delhi, told BenarNews. But I stand against anyone getting violent with another person in the name of religion.
Erwin Mappaseng, chief of Indonesian police detectives, holds a picture and map showing the route allegedly traveled by Hambali after a bomb exploded in North Sumatra in December 2000, Aug. 21, 2003.

Updated at 10:55 a.m. ET on 2017-06-30

Fourteen years after detaining him, the United States says it will file terrorism charges against the once powerful Indonesian militant, Hambali, in a move that Jakarta says will provide him transparency and legal certainty.

Hambali, detained at the U.S. militarys Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba, was notified last week that prosecutors are making preparations to charge him before a military commission at the U.S. base in Cuba, according to the Pentagon.

No firm date has been given for hearing the case against Hambali, once the most powerful Southeast Asian leader of the al-Qaeda terror network led by Osama bin Laden who masterminded the 9/11 attacks in the United States that left nearly 3,000 people dead.

At point in time, no charges have been forwarded to the Convening Authoritys office, so I will be unable to provide any sort of confirmation statement, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Ben Sakrisson told BenarNews in an email response.

The Convening Authoritys office, among groups within the Pentagon responsible for the overall management of the military commissions process, is in charge of referring charges to trial.

Hambali is acccused of terrorism and murder, among other charges, including conspiring with Al-Qaeda leaders in a spate of attacks, notably the Bali bombings in October 2002 that killed 202 people.

Indonesia notified

The Indonesian government is aware of the charges against Hambali, an official told BenarNews, and has been in contact with Hambalis lawyer through its embassy in Washington to closely monitor the legal process.

The Indonesian government regards this as a U.S. government internal process, Ahmad Rizal Purnama, the embassys political counselor, told BenarNews.

For Indonesia, Hambali being charged by military prosecutors would provide him transparency and legal certainty, he said. The Indonesian government would ensure that his legal rights are met and continue to communicate with Hambalis lawyer.

Based on the charge sheet provided to BenarNews by the Office of the Chief Prosecutor of Military Commissions, Hambali is accused of murder in violation of the law of war, attempted murder in violation of war, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, attacking of civilians, attacking civilian objects [and] destruction of property, in violation of the law of war.

He allegedly orchestrated the Bali bombings and an August 2003 attack that killed 11 people at the J.W. Marriott hotel in Jakarta.

Australia suffered the largest number of casualties in the Bali bombings  88 dead  followed by Indonesia with 38. The charge sheet names all the victims, including seven Americans who were killed.

Marine Corps Brig. Gen. John Baker, the chief defense counsel, said in an email that he was notified prosecutors do not intend to seek the death penalty even though some of the charges are potentially capital offenses, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

Baker said he would be submitting a request for additional resources to effectively represent Hambali but the decision to not seek the death penalty means he will not have to find experienced capital attorneys, the AP report said. Such lawyers are typically civilians.

In October 2016, the Guantanamo Periodic Review Board, tasked with cutting the number of inmates at the facility, rejected Hambalis appeal for release, saying in a statement that he remained a significant threat to the security of the United States.

Indonesian officials reportedly said then that if Hambali were to be released, they would be reluctant to accept his repatriation for fear his return could spark a revival among domestic terror cells.

Hambali, whose birth name is Encep Nurjaman and who is also referred to as Riduan Isomudin, is among 41 prisoners at Guantanamo.

If the U.S. presses a case against him, he would be the first charged under President Donald Trumps administration.

Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata in Jakarta contributed to this report.
Credit: Julie GardnerNeil Young has just released a brand-new song called "Children of Destiny," which he recorded with his recent collaborators Promise of the Real and that's available at various digital retailers and streaming services. An accompanying video for the tune will premiere today at 2 pm. ET/11 a.m. PT on Young's official Facebook page.

Neil and his son Micah Nelson will appear on Facebook Live to introduce the video. Promise of the Real is led by one of Willie's other children, Lukas Nelson. It's not clear what involvement Micah had in the new song.

Young recorded "Children of Destiny" at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, along with Promise of the Real and a 56-piece orchestra.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Residents of the battered southern Philippine city of Marawi pray at noon at the Masjid Islamic Center mosque, June 23, 2017.

Philippine officials on Friday said they were verifying intelligence information indicating that a Malaysian militant who is believed to have bankrolled the Marawi siege may have been killed in the fighting.

There was also indication that one of the two Maute brothers who were identified as among those who planned the siege with the Abu Sayyaf militant group was slain, military officials said.

Malaysian terrorist Mahmud Ahmad has been possibly killed in Marawi, said Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander of military forces in eastern Mindanao, the southern Philippine island where Marawi is located.

Mahmud is alleged to have funded the Marawi attacks and was seen in a video recovered by the army last month where he plotted with Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the self-described local Islamic State (IS) leader.

Also seen in the video clip was Omarkhayam Maute, who with his brother, Abdullah, backed up Hapilon. The military earlier put up bounties of 5 million pesos (U.S. $101,250) for each of the Maute brothers, and twice that for Hapilon.

In addition, the United States has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the capture of Hapilon, who is on Washingtons list of most-wanted foreign terrorists.

Also on Friday, Australia said the Philippines accepted its offer to send two AP-3C Orion surveillance aircraft to assist the Filipino soldiers in the battles in Marawi.

The regional threat from terrorism, in particular from Daesh and foreign fighters, is a direct threat to Australia and our interests, said Australian Defense Minister Marisa Payne, referring to IS by its Arab name. Australia will continue to work with our partners in Southeast Asia to counter it.

American forces also are assisting Filipino forces in intelligence gathering in Marawi, but they are barred from actual combat.

Military intelligence information said Omarkhayam Maute was slain in the gun battles in Marawi, which has been emptied of its 200,000 inhabitants as government forces continued to drop bombs in a small area where the militants are believed to be holding out.

Gapay said Mahmud was believed wounded in the fighting and later died. But troops have yet to recover his body, as well as that of Omarkhayam. Their deaths, if true, would be a significant blow to the gunmen who are believed to have rallied other IS militants  including from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Middle East  to Marawi.

Gapay said Mahmud was among about 40 foreign terrorists monitored to have entered the Philippine through its porous borders in the south.

Some of these foreign fighters had been neutralized in Marawi, according to military reports.

We assess that most of these foreign terrorists have slipped inside the country through the backdoor, Gapay said. Based on the latest intelligence report, there are some 40 foreign terrorists in the country now.

Intelligence officials said Mahmud was a former university professor who trained in Afghanistan. He was a former teacher of Islamic studies in Malaysia, who also studied in Pakistan where he got inducted into the militancy espoused by Osama bin Ladens al-Qaeda.

He is believed to have wired money to Hapilon and the Maute brothers, whose family is relatively rich by Marawi standards, army intelligence officials said.

Contacted in Kuala Lumpur about the Philippine military's claim on Mahmud's death, Malaysian Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar told BenarNews, So far, it has not been confirmed. We are in the midst of verification.

Not yet able to confirm, Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, head of the Royal Malaysia Police counter-terrorist special branch, separately told BenarNews.

Concrete blocks and debris splatter from buildings targeted by Philippine troops in a section of southern Marawi city, where security forces are engaged in firefights with Islamic State-inspired militants, June 23, 2017. Jeoffrey Maitem/BenarNews

Intelligence reports

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, the spokesman of the military campaign on the ground, said they had received intelligence reports that Omarkhayam, had been killed. This however could also not be independently confirmed because troops had yet to advance in the four Marawi villages controlled by the gunmen.

Our report is that he was killed in one of the four conflict areas that we have been talking about, Herrera said, We cant say what day he was killed, what firearm had killed him or where his cadaver was buried.

However, he said, there was strong indication pointing to Omarkhayams death.

Marawi has since been vacated, with the death toll exceeding 300 people, including 26 civilians and 69 soldiers and policemen.

On Thursday, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to coordinate in combating terrorism. There had been fears that IS was moving to establish a regional base in Marawi, and officials and security analysts said there was a need for a more concerted effort to combat the rise of the militants.

The focus of the military operations remains, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said, adding that the terrorists continue to pose pockets of resistance to the advancing troops.

He said the gunmen were also increasingly getting desperate, torching houses and establishments in areas of the besieged city.
Lt. Gen. Piyawat Nakwanich (left) flew in a Black Hawk helicopter to Narathiwat province to take into custody an unidentified insurgent (wearing a black shirt), who surrendered to authorities under Thailands Bring People Home program, April 18, 2017.

Thailand will purchase four Black Hawk helicopters from the United States through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to complete a full squadron, the nations army chief said Thursday.

Gen. Chalermchai Sitthisart told reporters in Bangkok that Thailand wants to add the helicopters to 12 Black Hawks already in service and purchased prior to the May 2014 military coup that brought Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha to power. Since then, U.S. weapons sales to Thailand have slowed.

Following the coup, the U.S. suspended military assistance valued at 119 million baht ($3.5 million) to Thailand but continued to participate in a scaled down annual Cobra Gold training exercise.

Currently we are processing the purchase through the 2018 budget the parliament already approved. It is under the FMS program, Chalermchai said, without disclosing the purchase price.

In 2012 Thailand purchased four Black Hawk helicopters, equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of 8 billion baht (U.S. $235 million), according to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

We want a total of 16 Black Hawk tactical helicopters to mobilize a company of frontline troops. It is called airborne unit. We already have 12 Black Hawks but the additional purchase hit a snag when the National Council for Peace and Order took power, he said, using the official name of the junta.

The U.S. embassy in Bangkok confirmed the planned sale, adding the two nations had a long-standing security relationship, according to Reuters news agency.

Diplomatic ties between the two nations began 184 years ago, which makes Thailand the oldest American ally in the Asia-Pacific region. The kingdom is also a major non-NATO ally who fought alongside U.S. forces during wars in Korea and Vietnam.

Prayuth plans to travel to Washington

The announcement came amid reports that U.S. President Donald Trump invited Prayuth to visit the White House next month. The date of the visit has not been released.

Earlier this week, Thai Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Kongcheep Tantrawanich said the deputy prime minister told the armed forces to inventory their weapons prior to Prayuths trip so he could discuss with Trump the potential for more purchases, according to news reports.

Kongcheep said Thailand seeks to balance military ties with and dependency on the United States and China, according to reports. He said Thai officials told the U.S. envoy they wanted to buy U.S. weapons.

Besides Black Hawks, Thailand expects to replace some of its fleet of Vietnam War-era UH-1 (Huey) helicopters with 30 UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopters. The first batch of six ordered before the coup was delivered last year but one crashed in bad weather.

Since 2014, Thailand purchased weapons from other countries including China, Russia and Ukraine. Among major purchase projects are Chinese submarines and main battle tanks.

On May 5, the government signed a contract to purchase a Yuan Class submarine from China with expected delivery in 2020, according to the Royal Thai Navy. Thailand plans to buy three submarines valued at 36 billion baht ($1.05 billion) over the next decade.

In addition, Thailand purchased 49 Chinese battle tanks valued at 4.9 billion baht ($142 million) to be delivered over the next four years.
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The Bible has been under attack in the western world for over 200 years but never more intensely than today. These attacks have taken different forms and have come from many different corners of the academic world, from philosophers, to scientists, to textual critics. In the specialized world of archaeology the attacks have increased dramatically in the past 50 years. Once a specialization filled with Bible believing individuals, the field of archaeology is now overrun with atheists and skeptics, agnostics and those committed to the destruction of the Bible as a source of true historical information.

These attacks on the Bible are a part of a sweeping movement in western culture. Spearheaded by academic elitists in the university and the public educational system, the news and popular media, and the entertainment industry, these revisionists cloak themselves with supposed objectivity, purity of motives, and the superiority of science over the "uninformed", "unscientific", religious community.

They regularly mock those who question their world-view and their conclusions by name-calling and the worst forms of anti-Bible and anti-Christian propaganda. They have powerfully infected the church by turning Bible believing Christians against the very Scripture which is the foundation of truth and life in this world. Instead of contending for the Bible, Christian academics, pastors, and lay-persons are making egregious accommodations to these destroyers of faith and truth.

In these days of intense spiritual battle, God has called ABR to step into the gap to contend for the truth and to assist the church in this critical hour. ABR is a non-profit ministry dedicated to demonstrating the historical reliability of the Bible and to give answers to questions being asked by believers and non-believers alike. We do this by using original archaeological fieldwork and research along with studies in other apologetic disciplines. We take on the bold claims of skeptics and critics. We challenge the bizarre anti-biblical propaganda that is purveyed upon the public as gospel through television and print media. We uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is God's message for the salvation of all mankind!
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For Immediate Release, June 30, 2017 Contact: Brett Hartl, (202) 817-8121, bhartl@biologicaldiversity.org Court: EPA Must Consider Harm to Endangered Species When Approving New Pesticides WASHINGTON A federal court ruled today that the Environmental Protection Agency must consider harm to protected plants and animals before approving new pesticides. The ruling came in response to a challenge by conservation groups of the agency's registration of cyantraniliprole, a novel and untested insecticide with deadly impacts on endangered butterflies and other native pollinators. This ruling makes clear that the EPA can't ignore the well-known harms pesticides pose to endangered species, said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity, a plaintiff in the case. This is an important victory offering common-sense protection from pesticides to some our most threatened pollinators. The three-judge panel found that the EPA failed to follow the law during its pesticide review and registration process and ordered the agency to assess harm to native species and report back to the court every six months on its progress. Use of cyantraniliprole will continue during the agency review. For four years the EPA has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to assess pesticides' harms to endangered species and to develop reasonable, on-the-ground conservation measures to protect species. Earlier this year Dow Chemical, which contributed $1 million to the Trump inauguration, requested that the agencies abandon their work and simply ignore the requirements of the Endangered Species Act to protect wildlife harmed by pesticides. There are no more excuses. The EPA has to address the dangers these highly toxic pesticides pose to endangered wildlife, said Hartl. Regardless of what Dow, or any other pesticide maker, wants, the EPA can no longer sidestep its responsibility to prevent pesticides from pushing Mitchell's satyr butterflies, Hines emerald dragonflies, California red-legged frogs and other wildlife to extinction. The opinion, Center for Biological Diversity et al v. EPA, is available here. 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.
Opinion | 04 November 2022 | Interviews

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The modalities of the project will be worked out by senior officials of the Ministry for Chemicals and Fertilisers and Ministry of Railways.

To ensure easy accessibility of quality and affordable medicines to common man, Indian Railways will soon open generic medicine stores, or Janaushadhi Kendras, at stations and other Railways establishments.

An in-principle decision in this regard was arrived at after a meeting beween Minister for Chemicals & Fertilisers and Parliamentary Affairs Ananthkumar and Railways Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu recently.

The decison is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of making affordable and quality medicines accessible to all citizens of the country under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

Currently more than 1,600 such stores are operating in over 450 districts across India. The modalities of the project will be worked out by senior officials of the Ministry for Chemicals and Fertilisers and Ministry of Railways.

India is a global leader in generic medicines, which are equivalent to branded products in dosage, strength, quality and performance, and are available at affordable costs.

As cost of medicine forms a considerable proportion of out-of-pocket healthcare expense of common man, the government had recently asked doctors to prescribe medicines by their generic names.
The Ministry of Environment Award is the highest honour given in the environmental Sector every year jointly by the Ministry of Environment, Japan; National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan and The Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun.

An Indian Agricultural Microbiologist Dr. Shrihari Chandraghatgi, President & CEO, EcoCycle Corporation, has been conferred with Ministry of Environment Award for 2017 in Japan for developing cutting edge technologies to address burning environmental problems. Dr. Shrihari is the first foreigner to be given this Ministry of Environment Award, the highest award in environmental sector in Japan.

The Ministry of Environment Award is the highest honour given in the environmental Sector every year jointly by the Ministry of Environment, Japan; National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan and The Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun (a media group). The award was given away to Dr. Shrihari on June 08, 2017 by State Minister of the Environment, Japan Mr. SEKI Yoshihiro at a ceremony at Kasumegaseki, Tokyo in presence of dignitaries including Mr. Imizu Haruhiro, President of The Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun; Mr. Watanabe, President of NIES and some eminent scientists from Japanese universities.

Dr. Shrihari Chandraghatgi, a native Siddapura in the Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, residing in Tokyo for almost 2 decades has done commendable work in the field of Environmental Biotechnology and has over a dozen patents against his name. An agricultural microbiologist, Dr Shrihari has developed cutting edge technologies by exploring the capabilities of natural microorganisms for environmental remediation. These patented technologies have been applied over 400 sites in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, India, China and the US. These technologies are the cheapest available alternatives of remediation.

Mr. SEKI Yoshihiro, State Minister of the Environment, Japan, presented the award to Dr. Shrihari Chandraghatgi and stated that rapid economic development and exploding population in Asia has created severe environmental challenges. The country needs and appreciates environmental firms to develop new technologies to meet these challenges. This Minister of Environment award is being conferred in recognition of Bioremediation Technology developed by the President and CEO, EcoCycle Corporation. NIES, Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun and Ministry of environment also appreciates the exceptional effort of and results in environmental restoration and preservation by him and his team and honour with this award.

Accepting the award, Dr. Shrihari expressed that he is delighted to receive the highest award in environmental sector in Japan and this gives him the motivation to aggressively work on newer technologies that will have profound bearing on solving environmental nightmares that are only increasing at an alarming rate globally. Further, he took this opportunity to thank all Family, Teachers, Engineers & Scientists at ECO Cycle Corporation for making this journey memorable. He plans to work in India where large scale health problems are reported because of consuming toxic groundwater. If any organization, government or NGO, wants to take up such cause with concern of public health I am ready to provide my technology and vast experience free, he said.

Born in a humble family, Dr. Shriharis father was an air force officer who was involved in 1961 Goa liberation and 1971 Bangla liberation, and mother was a teacher. After schooling at his native Siddapura, in Kannada medium he graduated from University of Agricultural Sciences College, Dharwad in 1992. Armed with a Junior Research Scholarship awarded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, Shrihari completed his Masters in 1994 and PhD in Agricultural Microbiology in 1997 in the same university, both with Gold Medal. In 1998 he obtained Monbusho fellowship (Ministry of Education, Japan) and joined as a researcher at Chiba University, Japan. Subsequently in 2000 he started his professional career as Scientist at EcoCycle Corporation and in 2005 became President and CEO of EcoCycle Corporation. In April 2017, He formed a joint venture, EcoChem Environmental Technologies in Shanghai to explore Chinese environmental market. He is currently helping Ministry of Industry, Thailand in forming environmental regulations and educate with remedial technologies. In 2017 he established a NGO, Kibono Hikari literally means Ray of Hope to help under privileged children in India with educational and medical support.
The success of the Cape Town-based Honest Chocolate over the past three years, following a crowdfunding venture, has encouraged the company to expand to Johannesburg, also through crowdfunding.

Honest Chocolate started with a bit of experimentation with raw cacao. Anthony Gird made a few simple chocolates from raw cacao powder as a healthy treat for himself and friends and when they were polished off in seconds, with demands for more, he knew he was onto something. Over the next few months, he taught himself more about the art and science of chocolate making, an endeavour that eventually developed into Honest Chocolate.

Meanwhile, Michael de Klerk was also experimenting with raw chocolate in London, with similar results; so on his return to Cape Town, when the opportunity came to join Gird on his chocolate adventure, the decision was not all that difficult.

Crowdfunding the cafe

After four years of crafting organic artisan chocolate in Cape Town, the Honest Chocolate team embarked on a new journey with the aims of expanding their business by opening a cafe dedicated to their craft. To make this dream a reality, they needed funding and turned to crowdfunding.

In July 2014, Honest Chocolate launched its crowdfunding campaign with Thundafund.com. The campaign was a success, closing in August 2014 raising a total of R66,675 to fund the new business venture with the help of 147 backers. The money raised through crowdfunding efforts allowed the team to buy all the necessary equipment needed to set up the cafe.

A post shared by honestchocolate (@honestchocolate) on Jun 10, 2017 at 12:56am PDT

Expansion of offerings

Honest Chocolate, located on Wale Street, offers dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free and Paleo options, as well as coffee made by a barista using locally roasted beans. The cafe has grown in terms of its retail offerings and now has products ranging from chocolate slabs to spreads and hot chocolate powders. In addition to its range of chocolate-based offerings, the team has used its success to expand, turning the courtyard into a gin bar after hours. The Gin Bar launched in 2015 and is a hot spot on Cape Town's famous First Thursdays.

The company's next crowdfunding campaign will soon be up on Thundafund.com to help launch its first Joburg chocolate cafe.
RCS Group, owned by BNP Paribas Personal Finance, a consumer finance business in Europe, hosted two sessions of its inaugural Retail Summit in Cape Town and Johannesburg. RCS partnered with Echangeur, the business unit of BNP Paribas Personal Finance, to bring South African retailers the latest retail and customer experience innovations.

The Retail Summit focused on two themes, Commerce Reloaded and Innovation of Services. The event also included a New Tech Village showroom, where attendees were able to test some of the latest technologies, from virtual reality to facial recognition technology, and discover how they can be integrated into the retail experience.

Innovation based on customer understanding

With some 40 technological partners, 200 business cases studies and 12,000 consumers interviewed per year, Echangeur believes that retailers need to understand their customers correctly in order to innovate effectively.

We analyse technological and marketing trends in customer relations, in order to anticipate transformations and patterns in the commerce of tomorrow, said Nicolas Diacono, technological trends expert for Echangeur. The company's shopping network partners, including Massmart, Edcon, Pick n Pay and Sanlam, amongst others, attended the session.

Regan Adams, RCS Group CEO and BNP Paribas PF SUN region CEO, Benoit Cavelier.

We are in the midst of the digital revolution, said Regan Adams, CEO of the RCS Group. In the next three to five years, we will see more change in the retail space than we have seen in the last few decades combined. The RCS Retail Summit aims to support our business partners by changing the way that they look at their business with the view to enhance their customer experience.

The key takeout from the session was the fundamental role that customer experience plays in the retail space and the importance of investing in this area to distinguish a retailer. In a competitive market, price is no longer the only differentiator. It is through building and sustaining key customer relationships that will ultimately lead to an increased brand following.

Various trends such as mobile personal assistants, the use of artificial intelligence in-store, and drone delivery of product, amongst other innovations were showcased.
Mara Delta, the only pan-African property fund listed on the JSE, is set to be worth close to R8bn following a well-supported rights offer, according to CEO Bronwyn Corbett.

The company announced that it raised $121.22m through the rights offer.

"We are very encouraged by the support received from our shareholders, especially as the issue price was at a premium to the current share price and given the quantum of the raise," said Corbett. She said that the capital raise was one of the largest for an African-focused property company.

"We have introduced a number of new shareholders to Mara Delta and expect that the fresh capital will support liquidity in the share.

"The proceeds will allow us to settle current pipeline acquisitions, taking the number of income-producing assets in Mara Delta's portfolio from 12 to 18," Corbett said.

In the three years since listing, Mara Delta has grown its asset portfolio from $140m to more than $600m after the pipeline transfers.

Corbett said the property fund would acquire a stake in a development company.

"Since Mara Delta doesn't take development risk, our investment will be through a shareholder loan, attracting an interest of 7.5% per annum, said the CEO.

"At the same time, Mara Delta has a right of first offer on any asset developed, allowing us to not only participate in the development upside, but have access to a high-quality and strategic portfolio as well."

Chris Segar, of Ivy Asset Management, said that the company had a clear strategy, which was being rolled out after initial challenges.

"Mara Delta have carried out their mandate effectively, achieving long-dated leases from blue chip tenants andhave shown that they can achieve dollar-based distribution growth of a few percent," Segar said.

Mara Delta is invested in Mauritius, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique and Zambia.

Source: Business Day
2016 was a positive year for South Africa's hotel sector, with further growth forecast over the next five years. This is the finding of PwC's 7th edition of the, which features information on hotels through a synopsis of historical performance for 2016 and to forecast revenue and other key trends for the 2017 - 2021 period.

Increase in visitors

The hotel market is affected by local and global conditions, but despite a volatile economic climate, there is growth going forward, says Pietro Calicchio, hospitality and gaming industry leader for PwC Southern Africa. The main reason is inbound travellers which has led to increased visitor numbers.

This increase in visitor numbers saw 2016 room revenue in South Africa increase by 12.2% to R15.9 million. This also pushed up the average room rates by 8.9%, while for the first time in years, occupancy rates were also over 60% (at 61.2% vs. 59.6% in 2015).

South Africa saw an increase of nearly 13% in foreign visitor numbers. This is due to the amendment in visa regulations and the devaluation of the rand which has made the country a more attractive destination, as well as added routes form London, Frankfurt, Doha and Addis Ababa, says Calicchio.

Visits from Africa increased, in particular from East and Central Africa. The top 10 non-African sources of travel also increased by 17%, compared to the over 10% decrease in 2015. The real stars are China (38%) and India (22%) whose visitor numbers increased significantly. However, their levels are still not what they were in 2013.

Hotel revenue

Three-star hotel revenue for 2016 increased by 7.6% to R4.9b and the occupancy rate was nearly 65% (2015: nearly 64%). Revenue increased by over 14% to R5.7b for four-star hotels with a 65.5% occupancy (2015: 62.5%) rate.

Five-star hotels boasted a revenue of R2.4b - nearly 15% up in the previous year with an occupancy rate for nearly 80%. Revenue for 2021 is forecast at R4.2b with an occupancy of 88%. This is because no five-star hotels will be added to the market.

Cape Town leading

Cape Town is the countrys leading tourist destination and increased its guest nights by seven percent and room revenue by 20%. Durban saw guest nights rise by four percent and room revenue increased 12%. The forecast for both cities are positive.

Johannesburg, however, showed a decline in guest nights against the previous year, but still managed to offset this and overall room revenue rose nearly five percent. The direct flights to Cape Town and Durban could be one of the reasons why Johannesburg has declined, says Calicchio.

The future looks rosy

The future looks rosy as investment into the sector will continue, with a further 63,900 rooms becoming available in 2021 of which 55% of this additional capacity will be in Cape Town. We also forecast that guest nights will increase at a 1.8% compound annual rate to 15m in 2021 from 13.7m in 2016. The total room revenue will expand at 9.3% compound annual rate to R24.8b in 2021 (from R15.9b in 2016).

Last year tourism contributed 10% to South Africas GDP, up one percent from 2015. This is partly due to government supporting the tourist industry with increasing funding while 40% of business travellers to the country who attend a convention or conference return within five years as tourists says research conducted by the National Convention Bureau, he says. In addition, foreign overnight visitors will increase by 5.6% this year.

While Airbnb is starting to have an impact, he says business travellers are not doing Airbnb yet. In South Africa, many guest houses are using Airbnb as a platform. However, we will see Airbnb having a bigger impact in the future, he adds.
The City of Cape Town's Naming and Nomination Committee considered the report on the outcome of the public participation process regarding the proposed heritage project to commemorate the life and work of Madiba and those were involved in South Africa's transition to democracy. The committee recommended to the Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille, that the City commence with the proposal to install a life-size statue of the late former president, Nelson Mandela, and a permanent exhibition at City Hall - the initiatives form part of the broader revitalisation of the Grand Parade and surrounds as a tourist destination.

"We have discussed the report and have recommended to the Executive Mayor that the City accept the donation of a life-size statue of the late former president, Nelson Mandela, from the Western Cape Government. Should the mayor and full council agree with the recommendation, the statue will be installed on the balcony at the City Hall where Madiba delivered his first public address after his release from prison on 11 February 1990," said the Chairperson of the Citys Naming and Nomination Committee, Councillor Brett Herron.

Turning a historic landmark into a prime cultural tourism destination

The committee supports this project as it is key to the citys vision to redevelop City Hall and the Grand Parade as civic spaces.

"City Hall and the Grand Parade have great potential as tourist attractions and could contribute significantly to local job creation and economic opportunities. Those who have recently visited the Grand Parade, in particular, will be aware of the challenges we face in keeping the area clean and attractive. Given its location next to the Castle and opposite City Hall, we now have the opportunity to turn this historic landmark into prime cultural tourism destination," said Herron.

The proposed project is a joint effort between the City and the Western Cape Governments Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the Sport Department.

"Any investment that will boost our local tourism sector by extending the tourist season, creating special destinations in Cape Town itself, and which will encourage tourists to spend more time and money in our city, is worth every cent. Our residents need jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities and we will leave no stone unturned in pursuing this objective," said Herron.

The Grand Parade and City Hall have been the theatre of many national and local events and activities. The area has presided over civic protests and public jubilation. "Constructed in 1905, the City Hall is a major public heritage asset. It is one of South Africas most imposing early 20th century buildings, an exemplary building of its type and an important visual icon of Cape Town. Set against Table Mountain, it forms a dramatic backdrop to the Grand Parade  the Citys main place of public gathering which we also intend to revitalise through this project," said Herron.

falco via pixabay

The Nelson Mandela statue - part of the National Liberation Heritage Route

The Western Cape Government will fund the Nelson Mandela statue which is to be donated to the City, should the Mayor and Council concur with the Naming and Nomination Committees recommendation.

"Thus, the procurement of the proposed statue will be at no cost to Cape Towns ratepayers. The city has, however, budgeted approximately R1.3m for the operational costs, inclusive of the ongoing maintenance of the exhibition and statue. The R1.3m must be seen as an investment in the neglected area adjacent to Darling Street. All of us  be it job seekers, artists, entrepreneurs, tourists or ordinary Capetonians  will share in the long-term benefits of uplifting and redeveloping these spaces," said Councillor Herron.

The memorialisation and permanent exhibition at the City Hall form part of the National Liberation Heritage Route, an initiative of the National Heritage Council and the National Department of Tourism.

It is proposed that the permanent exhibition at the City Hall will consist of interpretive panels, audio-visual equipment, and interactive displays, to commemorate Madibas legacy and to honour the organisations and people who were involved in the liberation struggle, the events leading up to Mandelas release, and the transition to democracy.

"The City Hall falls within the National Liberation Heritage Route, but little has been done to date to highlight its prominence and the significant events that took place here in 1990. The permanent exhibition will assist us to mine the full potential of the City Hall by turning it into a popular tourist attraction where visitors can visualise the events and have a full experience of our journey to democracy. Numerous people and organisations had a hand in one of our nations most historic moments and we want to honour them as well," said Herron.

Madiba legacy route

The development of a Madiba legacy route is included in the Western Cape Governments Project Khulisa which intends to add approximately 100,000 jobs to the local tourism sector. The Madiba legacy project traces former President Mandelas footsteps in the Western Cape and City Hall counts among one of the four significant sites in the province.

"Counting among the main pillars of the Citys new Organisational Development and Transformation Plan is to create a city based on integrated communities, economic inclusion and access to opportunities. The proposed exhibition and statue of Madiba will give the area and surrounds a much-needed economic injection and assist with job creation," said Herron.
Business Day editor Tim Cohen and the newspaper's editor-at-large, Peter Bruce, were threatened and assaulted by members of the Gupta-linked Black First Land First movement, who descended on Bruce's house in Parkview, Johannesburg, yesterday.

Hurling insults and holding placards, the group of about 20 vandalised Bruce's garage door, writing "land or death" in big black and blue letters on the roller-door.

They told Bruce to pack his bags and go back to Europe, saying they wanted to occupy his home, which they claimed had been built on stolen land. Cohen, who has been the editor of the paper since February last year, was manhandled when he arrived at Bruce's house.

"My intention was to go to check if Peter was alright because he's a columnist for Business Day. Upon my arrival, I took out my cellphone to take a photograph of the protesters and they just went nuts," said Cohen.

"The police separated us and then Peter came out so it was clear he was OK. I decided not to inflame the situation so I left."

Bruce said he had no doubt that the attack was linked to an opinion piece that appeared in Business Day yesterday in which he wrote that he had been targeted by the Gupta family for writing articles critical of them.

There was a passing mention of Black First Land First leader Andile Mngxitama in the column.

Tiso Blackstar Group, formerly Times Media, which publishes Business Day, said: "We are appalled by the attempted intimidation of Peter Bruce. It is an outright threat to journalism that we should not laugh off as [the work of] a handful of lunatics making a noise. It is part of a concerted campaign to intimidate that should be condemned in the strongest terms by anyone who supports the freedom of the press.

"As a media company in the forefront of exposing state capture and, most recently, revelations from the Gupta emails leak, we will not be bowed by these bullying tactics."

SA National Editors' Forum director Chris Kabwato said the forum "condemns unreservedly the intimidation and threats against journalist Peter Bruce [and Tim Cohen]. Media freedom is protected by the constitution and Bruce has exercised his right to express himself.

"We also condemn the invasion of Bruce's personal life as part of a cowardly act to silence him.

"We encourage Bruce to report the perpetrators to the police. Journalism is not a crime. State capture is."

Black First Land First accused Bruce of racism.

"He is selective when he writes his opinion piece. He does not write what is truthful, factual and he doesn't investigate. He just writes what is in his racist mind and we don't accept that as black people and also as the BLF movement," said Thandiswa Yaphi, treasurer of the organisation.

Image credit: Abigail Javier / TimesLive.co.za
NEWSWATCH: This week saw another global ransomware attack spread across the globe affecting big companies such as multinational advertising and public relations company WPP, Danish shipping company, Maersk, and FedEx, among many others...

 jes2ufoto via 123RF

According to a report on AdAge earlier this week, WPP employees arrived at work to locked PCs and a digital ransom note saying that files had been encrypted and that it would cost more than 300 in bitcoin (around $600,000) to restore them.

Comments Carol Gallarelli, chief marketing officer at Ogilvy & Mather South Africa - a WPP company: As you will have seen, IT systems at a number of WPP companies, but not all, have been affected by the global cyberattack. WPP have taken appropriate precautionary measures and are continuing to assess the situation. We are doing everything possible to return to normal operations as quickly as possible.

A number of Maersk's 76 container terminals were affected and were forced to run on manual systems, AP Moller Maersk chief operating officer Vincent Clerc told AFP, refusing to specify which terminals were impacted because of the "fluidity of the situation."

The company has since reported that most of its operations were now up and running again.

Shipping giant FedEx said on Wednesday that deliveries were slowed at its Dutch unit TNT Express after the firm was hit by the cyberattack.

FedEx said TNT's operations were "significantly affected" by the information system virus, which was causing delays at TNT Express' domestic, regional and inter-continental services.

"While TNT Express operations and communications systems have been disrupted, no data breach is known to have occurred," the company said in a statement.

Similarities with WannaCry

According to the European police agency, the wave of cyber attacks hitting Europe and North America is similar to last month's WannaCry ransomware havoc, but appears potentially "more sophisticated."

Describing it as "another serious ransomware attack," Europol said "critical infrastructure and business systems" were being targeted "with a new wave of ransomware, which is an updated version of Petya."

"There are clear similarities with the WannaCry attack, but also indications of a more sophisticated attack capability, intended to exploit a range of vulnerabilities," Europol director Rob Wainwright said in a statement.

Petya has been around since 2016, but it does not just encrypt files on infected devices it also overwrites the master boot record. This has the effect of rendering the computer useless and prevents users from recovering any information, Europol said. It warned that unlike WannaCry "this attack does not include any type of 'kill switch'."

Perhaps a completely new ransomware

Kaspersky Labs analysts are investigating the new wave of ransomware attacks and its preliminary findings suggest that it is, in fact, not a variant of Petya ransomware as publicly reported, but a new ransomware that has not been seen before. While it has several strings similar to Petya, it possesses entirely different functionality. The company has named it ExPetr.

The companys telemetry data indicates around 2,000 attacked users so far. Organisations in Russia and the Ukraine are the most affected, and it has also registered hits in Poland, Italy, the UK, Germany, France, the US and several other countries.

This appears to be a complex attack, which involves several vectors of compromise. It has confirmed that modified EternalBlue and EternalRomance exploits are used by the criminals for propagation within the corporate network.

The most significant discovery to date is that the Ukrainian website for the Bakhmut region was hacked and used to distribute the ransomware to visitors via a drive-by-download of the malicious file. To our knowledge, no specific exploits were used in order to infect victims. Instead, visitors were served with a malicious file that was disguised as a Windows update. We are investigating other leads in terms of distribution and initial attack vector.

Kaspersky Lab experts will continue to examine the issue to determine whether it is possible to decrypt data locked in the attack  with the intention of developing a decryption tool as soon as they can.

It advises all companies to update their Windows software: Windows XP and Windows 7 users can protect themselves by installing MS17-010 security patch.

Sources
Growthpoint Properties has launched a healthcare property subsidiary that owns four hospitals and a medical suite, as it looks to boost its domestic income streams.

MD Estienne de Klerk said that he wanted to grow Growthpoint Healthcare to be worth R10bn in about five years, after which it could be listed separately. The separate company has been launched with a R2.5bn portfolio comprising two hospitals in Cape Town and two in Durban.

"SA's healthcare industry is very large. There are three large hospital operators and then quite a few up-and-comers.

"Many of these smaller, new groups have access to operating licences, but not to the capital they need to achieve the scale they want.

"We have recognised the opportunity to acquire hospital properties and then rent them out to these various operators," said De Klerk. Growthpoint Healthcare would invest in hospitals, step-down facilities and medical suites, he said. These assets could attract long leases and tended to be defensive.

Evan Robins, the listed property manager of Old Mutual Investment Group's MacroSolutions boutique, said if Growthpoint "got it right", a healthcare property company could be desirable for investors.

"A healthcare property fund could certainly be an attractive proposition," said Robins.

But Fayyaz Mottiar, head of listed property at Absa Asset Management, expressed concern about Growthpoint being an external manager of the healthcare group, saying that it was not in the interests of good governance.

"The whole industry has moved away from listed companies acting as external manager. We want to align the interests of management with those of shareholders," he said.

Growthpoint is the largest locally based real estate group in SA and its assets are worth R120bn on a consolidated basis including 100% of Growthpoint Australia. The company is trying to increase its exposure to defensive property assets.

Recently, it invested in eastern Europe for the first time, when it spent 186m (about R2.7bn at the time) on a 26.9% interest in Globalworth Real Estate Investment.

Earlier this month, CEO Norbert Sasse said the company's shopping centres were under some pressure due to retailers struggling through tough economic conditions.

"Retailers are under pressure. Many are seeking shorter leases. This can change when they choose to close branches. So overall, these are tough times for retailers. At least many of them are pulling back regarding developments, so we won't increase the oversupply of retail," said Sasse.

Growthpoint had implemented strategies aimed at increasing the contribution to its earnings by offshore assets from 19% to 30% within the next three to five years, he said.

Source: BDpro
Tanzania's passport is the second most powerful travelling document in East Africa after Kenya, according to The Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index 2017. The country's document, according to the index, enables a Tanzanian to travel 65 countries visa-free and is ranked at 75th position on the global travel freedom index. Kenya passport leads in the region as it can travel to 69 countries visa-free and was ranked at 68 positions globally.

This means, according to the analysts, citizens of Kenya and Tanzania have the most travel freedom among East Africans, with visa-free access to 69 and 65 countries respectively.

The Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index 2017, ranks each country and territory in the world by the number of countries that their citizens can travel to visa-free. Uganda passport was number three in EAC where its citizens could travel to 61 countries in the world without a visa. It was ranked at 75 slots globally. In Africa, Kenya was among top ten at number six while Tanzania in 11th position and Uganda 15th. Rwanda on other hand is fourth in EAC at where its passport could enter 51 destinations and ranked 85th position globally.

At fifth position was Burundi where its citizen could enter visa-free 44 nations and ranked 91th on the global index. At the bottom in EAC is the youngest nation in the world, South Sudan. Juba's passport could travel to 37 countries without a visa and ranked 96th globally. South Sudan, according to the index, was on top of Sudan--ranked at position 97 traveling to 36 countries.

Strongest on the continent

The number one strong traveling document in Africa was Seychelles where its citizens enjoy similar visa-free traveling privilege as Europeans. Seychelles ranked 29 in the world and it passport was accepted visa-free to 137 countries.

The second in Africa was Mauritius at position 33 in the world, as its document accepted without a visa in 131 nations. The third in Africa was South Africa ranked 55 which could travel to 98 countries.

SADC member states are dominating the list of top ten in Africa where eight countries are at the top. Apart from three top countries in Africa being from the SADC bloc, Botswana is in the fourth position followed by Namibia in fifth, Lesotho and Malawi tied on seventh, and Swaziland at ninth position.

The bottom of the list in Africa was Somalia ranked 100 above Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The global number one strong passport was Germany, where its citizens could travel to 176 countries visa-free.

The second was Sweden document traveling 175 countries, followed by Denmark, Finland, Italy, Spain and United State at the third position and their passports travel to 174 destinations.
According to Check Point's latest Threat Index, African nations continue to top the list of countries prone to cyber attacks.

Zambia has the highest risk profile, with Nigeria in second position. Uganda, Malawi, and South Africa are ranked 7th, 8th, and 9th respectively. South Africa, in particular, demonstrated a significant jump in ranking, having moved up from 22nd position since last month.

The Index also revealed that more than one in four organisations globally was affected by the Fireball or WannaCry attacks during May.

Two of the top three malware families that impacted networks globally were zero-day, previously unseen attacks. Fireball impacted one in five organisations worldwide, with second-placed RoughTed impacting 16% and third-placed WannaCry affecting nearly 8% of organisations globally. The two malware variants, Fireball and WannaCry, rapidly spread worldwide throughout the month of May.

The most prevalent malware highlight the wide range of attack vectors and targets cyber-criminals are utilising, impacting all stages of the infection chain. Fireball takes over target browsers and turns them into zombies, which it can then use for a wide range of actions including dropping additional malware, or stealing valuable credentials.

RoughTed

By contrast, RoughTed is a large-scale malvertising campaign, and WannaCry takes advantage of a Windows SMB exploit called EternalBlue in order to propagate within and between networks. WannaCry was particularly high profile, bringing down a myriad of networks worldwide.

In addition to the top three, there were also other new variants of malware seen within the top ten of the index including Jaff (8th) another form of ransomware, demonstrating how profitable this particular attack vector is proving for malicious parties.

May 2017's top three 'most wanted' malware:

*The arrows relate to the change in rank compared to the previous month.

 Fireball - Browser hijacker that can be turned into a full-functioning malware downloader. It is capable of executing any code on the victim machines, resulting in a wide range of actions from stealing credentials to dropping additional malware.

 RoughTed - Large-scale malvertising used to deliver various malicious websites and payloads such as scams, adware, exploit kits and ransomware. It can be used to attack any type of platform and operating system, and utilises ad-blocker bypassing and fingerprinting in order to make sure it delivers the most relevant attack.

 WannaCry - Ransomware that was spread in a large scale attack in May 2017 utilising a Windows SMB exploit called EternalBlue in order to propagate within and between networks.



In mobile malware, Hummingbad returned to the top of the list and was closely followed by Hiddad and Triada:

Top three 'most wanted' mobile malware:

Hummingbad - Android malware that establishes a persistent rootkit on the device, installs fraudulent applications, and with slight modifications could enable additional malicious activity such as installing a key-logger, stealing credentials and bypassing encrypted email containers used by enterprises.

Hiddad - Android malware which repackages legitimate apps and then releases them to a third-party store. Its main function is displaying ads, however it is also able to gain access to key security details built into the OS, allowing an attacker to obtain sensitive user data.

Triada - Modular Backdoor for Android which grants superuser privileges to downloaded malware, as this helps it to get embedded into system processes. Triada has also been seen spoofing URLs loaded in the browser.



Commented Rick Rogers, area manager for East and West Africa at Check Point Software Technologies: "Organisations need to remember that the financial impact from cyber attacks goes way beyond the initial incident. Restoring key services and repairing reputational damage can be a very long and expensive process. As such, organisations in every industry sector need a multi-layered approach to their cybersecurity. Our SandBlast Zero-Day Protection and Mobile Threat Prevention, for example, protect against the widest range of continually evolving attack types, and also protect against zero-day malware variants."

Check Point's Global Threat Impact Index and its ThreatCloud Map is powered by Check Point's ThreatCloud intelligence, the largest collaborative network to fight cybercrime which delivers threat data and attack trends from a global network of threat sensors. The ThreatCloud database holds over 250 million addresses analysed for bot discovery, more than 11 million malware signatures and over 5.5 million infected websites, and identifies millions of malware types daily.
PARIS, France: Paris has taken a step closer to fulfilling its ambition of becoming Europe's technology capital with president Emmanuel Macron having inaugurated Station F, the world's largest startup incubator. on the banks of the Seine.

The 34,000 square metre (366,000 square foot) facility, which entirely fills an old railway depot, is being bankrolled by billionaire Xavier Niel, who revolutionised the French internet and mobile market with his low-cost Free service and is now on a crusade to put French technology on the map.

The cavernous concrete and glass hub, which aims to house up to 1,000 startups, will be a "very visible place that creates a strong image for Paris", Niel told AFP. "The idea is to create a place that acts like a beacon and helps others," he added.

Station F is situated in the fast-changing 13th district - an airy neighbourhood of modern high-rises, shops, and cinemas that is home to the national library.

"American college campus feel"

The space has been designed to create the feel of an American college campus, with entrepreneurs paying 195 euros ($221) a month for a spot in the hub, which is divided into three areas: "create", "share" and "chill".

The incubator is the biggest of around 40 that have sprung up in the French capital, which is competing with London and Berlin for the title of Europe's technology leader.

The 39-year-old Macron, who won election at the head of a liberal grassroots movement often likened to a startup, has pledged to promote entrepreneurship and quash perceptions that France is "unfriendly" to business.

"I want France to be a startup nation. A nation that thinks and moves like a startup," he said earlier this month at a tech conference in Paris, where he announced the creation of a 10-billion-euro ($11.3-billion) fund for innovation.

Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft mentors

Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft have already come onboard Station F, to mentor the startups.

The entrepreneurs will also partner on-site with top French universities and venture capital funds.

Niel, who launched a no-fees school for computer coders in Paris in 2013 that broke the educational mould, has invested 250 million euros of his own money in Station F. He envisages a day when "people from the world over will come to create their startup in Paris."

Currently, London has the lead in luring international talent. The French are hoping the pendulum will swing across the Channel when Britain leaves the EU.

In the first half of 2016, France squeaked by Britain for the number of start-up financing operations, the EY consultancy found.

By the amount raised, however, Britain was far in the lead at 34 percent, with France in second place at 16 percent, although that was still over one billion euros.

Among those to have received huge capital injections from US investors are BlaBlaCar -- valued at over 1.0 billion euros, making it what is known in the tech sector as a "unicorn" -- and online advertising firm Criteo.

"The dinner table conversation has gone from French bashing to French tech," according to 29-year-old Remy Rousset.

Rousset's startup Wivaldy, which helps consumers control their electricity consumption, is one of the companies that will occupy a berth in Station F.

"It's good to be part of an ecosystem, where everyone is in the same mindset and wants to grow very, very fast," he said.

An engineer by training, Rousset said the business climate for entrepreneurs in France had changed "enormously" since he graduated in 2009, thanks to the growing network of incubators.

"Back then many dreamed of one thing: going abroad and working for a big group. Now, when you talk to students they want to stay in France and join a startup. It's a golden age!"

For more, go to www.stationf.co

Source: AFP
Got a question or tip? Contact us at bizmojoidaho@gmail.com.
Gen. Museveni

Violence begets violence.

Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni acquired power through a violent conflict waged in Central Uganda. To be specific, in Luwero triangle, the heart of Buganda land, one of the largest ethnic groups in Uganda.

Museveni rode on the acrimonious relationship between Buganda and the UPC government dating back to mid 1960s to mount his war against Dr. Milton Obote's government from 1980 to 1985. Before that, Museveni had participated in the war of national liberation against Gen. Idi Amin through his military outfit, Front for National Salvation Army (FRONASA).

It was noted with curiosity that Museveni, instead of joining the larger fighting group of Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF), the exile army backed by Tanzania, he chose to use his own military organization to participate in the liberation war of 1979. In hindsight, it is clear that Museveni was already preparing an army to wage war and seize state power in the future. As a student, Museveni wrote his degree thesis espousing the idea of employing violence to seize state power.

These bear testament to the values, beliefs and psyche of a young man who eventually wages war to seize nd monopolize state power in Uganda. These values, beliefs and psyche do not stop at orchestrating violence to seize power. They go a long way in informing his methods of consolidating and retaining absolute power as well. That is why for the last 31 years that Gen. Museveni has been in power he has always fomented or resorted to violence to manage any form of dissent.

Soon after he took power, he mounted a military operation against the people of the resource-rich northern part of Uganda that saw hundreds of civilians unfairly incarcerated and many killed. This left the people with no other option than resisting these arbitrary arrests and killings. He unleashed a war of extermination that lasted through 2006. In Eastern Uganda, Museveni's soldiers burnt hundreds of unarmed, innocent civilians in a train wagon at a place called Mukura.

In the Ruwenzori region, Western Uganda, his soldiers recently murdered thousands of civilians; Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for an independent investigation. People there, left with no option, have declared war against his government so as to be safe. Gen. Museveni's atrocities and mass killings are designed to instill fear in the people of Uganda so as to discourage any resistance to his illegitimate military rule having again stolen the presidential election last year. Through mass killings, detentions and torture, Gen. Museveni consolidated his military authority in Uganda. It has rewarded him and his family handsomely. Gen. Museveni has presided over a predatory, kleptocratic, abusive and murderous regime for more than three decades.

Gen. Museveni thrives from violence. He does not believe in debate or dialogue and places no value in human lives apart from his family's. His life and his rule are anchored on violence. That is why he has sown mayhem and aggression across the Great Lakes' region. He waged war in Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, and Kenya. Now, in South Sudan he is supporting the regime of Gen. Salva Kiir --having even used cluster bombs-- to murder his own citizens without remorse.

Then, he dupes the world by shedding crocodile tears about the South Sudanese refugees, even hosting an international conference to raise funds. His regime, given its record on corruption and embezzlement, which the U.S. ambassador to Uganda Deborah Malac criticized last year, is poised to siphon hundreds of millions of dollars being mobilized for these refugees who have fled the nightmare he helped create. This is the definition of blood money. Domestically, he has mastered the art of divide-and-rule like a good student of colonialism. Gen. Museveni uses the same violence that helped him seize power to prolong his regime.

The armed forces and police are his private enforcers. They mete violence to the citizens and taxpayers whom they are constitutionally mandated to protect. The different ethnic groups in Uganda that have been living together in peace and harmony for centuries are today arch enemies who are slashing each other with machetes and swearing by the sword never to live together again.

That is why the Bakonjo people were recently massacred. That is why, the Bakiga and the Banyoro who lived together for ages in Kibaale, Hoima and Masindi districts respectively, can never live together again in peace. That is why, in 2009, Gen. Museveni rejected the attempt by the king of Buganda, Kabaka Ronald Mutebi, to visit parts of his administrative domain, Kayunga. Dozens of Baganda people who protested were killed in Kampala, the capital. The Itesot and the Jap' Adhola who have been living together for hundreds of years in Tororo district, Eastern Uganda, are up in arms.

Since the armed forces owe allegiance to Gen. Museveni, not Uganda, he is the only one that can make "peace" by ordering an end to violence. He sows violence which can only be ended by him. This makes him the ultimate problem starter, and, solver. The alpha and omega. In stirring these violent eruptions, he exploits the selfishness and ineptitude of the pawns in his regime who hardly think beyond their political survival in parliamentary constituencies and ministerial appointments.

This is the tragedy of Uganda.

In Apaa, in the northern part of Uganda, Gen. Museveni's acolytes foment violence over land between the Acholi people and Madi. This is designed to force people to flee so land can be seized for himself and his family and foreign investors. The two ethnic communities will slash each other's necks. After appropriate level of blood is shed and people have fled both Acholi and Madi will lose the land. It is a historical fact that the Acholi and Madi lived together for ages in Apaa in harmony long before Museveni was even born.

He has divided people in Uganda and exported the genocidal policy to Rwanda and South Sudan with his invasions, respectively, in 1990 and 2013, of those neighbors. The war he launched in Rwanda led to massacres four years later between Hutus and Tutsis after the assassination of President Juvenal Habyarimana; the South Sudan invasion has sparked killings between Dinkas and Nuers. He promotes regional chaos so deflect attention from domestic tyranny. His control over Rwanda ended when Gen. Paul Kagame crushed his army in Kisangani, Congo, August 1999 and in June, 2000.

The citizens of any country that shares a border with Uganda are at peril before sunset for this African vampire.
Farmers said that the potato market in Shan State may disappear due to the new Military Council agreement to allow potatoes grown in China to be...
A recent crackdown by Thai authorities against illegal foreign workers has resulted in the closure of several Myanmar migrant schools in Tak Province, according to the Burmese Migrant Teachers' Association (BMTA).

BMTA secretary U Naing Naing Tun told KIC News on June 29 that migrant school teachers have been spooked by the crackdown over the past week so are not coming to school.

Most of the teachers only have identification cards issued by the Thai Ministry of Education. The police can arrest them if they dont have residency documents, he said.

Some of the teachers are too afraid to come to school so we have to temporarily close the schools down.

It was not immediately clear how many of the 69 Myanmar migrant schools at the Thai-Myanmar border have been closed.

The Thai police launched the crackdown on June 22 after a new foreign labour law concerning migrant workers in Thailand was enacted on June 20.

Over 1,400 undocumented foreign workers  including over 1,000 Myanmar workers  have been arrested so far, according to the Joint Action Committee for Burmese Affairs (JACBA)s chairman U Moe Gyo.

They started the crackdown two days after it was enacted [so] the Thai government has shamelessly violated human rights [principles], he claimed.

Although the police have not made any arrests at migrant schools, they are arresting migrant workers on the streets and in markets, according to officials from the BMTA.

BMTA officials said this also means that some undocumented Myanmar migrant parents are also not allowing their children to attend school.

But vice-chair of the BMTA Mann Shwe Hnin remained optimistic: I believe the situation wont deteriorate since we have always [been able to negotiate].
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Steve Jennings/WireImageLive will reissue their 1991 album Mental Jewelry on August 11 in honor of its recent 25th anniversary. Along with a remastered version of the original record, the reissue will include a bonus disc of a live show recorded at the Roxy in Los Angeles July 16, 1992.

From that show, you can listen to the band's performance of the single "Pain Lies on the Riverside" now via RollingStone.com.

"I was really surprised to hear and experience again how fully formed we were as a young band by the time we played the Roxy show," frontman Ed Kowalczyk tells Rolling Stone.

"I recall Ed and I randomly meeting Little Richard in front of our hotel earlier that day," adds guitarist Chad Taylor. "He was in full makeup at 10 a.m. -- it was definitely a wake-up call to the fact that we were about to perform in Hollywood. We boldly invited him to attend the show and offered to put him on our guest list; he said, 'Don't worry, they know who I am!' I guess that's the perfect reply from one of the fathers of rock music."

After leaving the band in 2009, Kowalczyk re-joined Live in 2016. The band has been touring the festival circuit this summer, and they're opening for Guns N' Roses for two U.S. dates in August.

Here is the Mental Jewelry reissue track list:

Disc One:

"Pain Lies on the Riverside"

"Operation Spirit (The Tyranny of Tradition)"

"The Beauty of Gray"

"Brothers Unaware"

"Tired of 'Me'"

"Mirror Song"

"Waterboy"

"Take My Anthem"

"You Are the World"

"Good Pain"

"Mother Earth Is a Vicious Crowd"

"10,000 Years (Peace Is Now)"

"Born Branded"

"Pain Lies on the Riverside (Club Remix)"

"Negation"

"Heaven Wore a Shirt"

Disc Two (Live at the Roxy July 16, 1992):

"Show Intro"

"Waterboy"

"Take My Anthem"

"Pain Lies on the Riverside"

"Susquehanna"

"Negation"

"You Are the World"

"Tired of Me"

"Heaven Wore a Shirt"

"Operation Spirit"

"Good Pain"

"Beauty of Gray"

"Peace Is Now"

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.


C-17 Globemaster III. Photo: Boeing.

WASHINGTON (PTI): The US' decision to sell one C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft to India will improve its capability to meet current and future strategic airlift requirements, the Pentagon has said.



The proposed sale of C-17 transport aircraft by Boeing at an estimated cost of is USD 366.2 million includes one missile Warning System, one Countermeasures Dispensing System, one Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponder and precision navigation equipment.



"The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet current and future strategic airlift requirements," Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a notification to the Congress on Monday.



"India lies in a region prone to natural disasters and will use the additional capability for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," the agency said.



In addition, through this purchase India will be able to provide more rapid strategic combat airlift capabilities for its armed forces.



India currently operates C-17 aircraft and will have no difficulty absorbing this aircraft into its armed forces, the agency said adding that the proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.



The Congressional notification said that a determination has been made that India can provide substantially the same degree of protection for the sensitive technology being released as the US.



"This proposed sale is necessary to the furtherance of the US, foreign policy and national security objectives outlined in the Policy Justification," the Pentagon said.



According to the Pentagon, the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military airlift aircraft is the most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the US Air Force fleet.



The C-17 is capable of strategic delivery of up to 170,900 pounds of personnel and/or equipment to main operating bases or forward operating locations.



Noting that the aircraft is also capable short field landings with a full cargo load, it said the aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions as well as transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuation when required.



A fully integrated electronic cockpit and advanced cargo delivery system allow a crew of three: pilot, co-pilot, and loadmaster, to operate the aircraft on any type of mission, it said.


This weeks attack on Europes computer networks marked the beginning of a sinister all-out war on business data with no chance of recovery, according to one of Irelands top cyber security experts.

The payment system associated with the GoldenEye ransomware attack was shut down within hours, meaning that no infected business can recover its data, according to cyber security expert James Canty, of Magnet Networks.

For the first time we are seeing an attack that is not about gain, but criminal destruction of data and bringing networks to a halt, said Canty.

This latest cyber attack has all the appearances of normal ransomware, with significant difference.

Mr Canty went on: This attack is much more about destroying files and information than making money and only $12,000 has been paid in ransom so far.

If a business owner uses an online portal to process their payroll, and their network is compromised by the Golden Ransomware attack, all their payroll records are held to ransom until they click on the link and pay the $300.

In previous ransomware attacks they would simply pay the money, get their files back, process their payroll and continue on with their business.

However, the GoldenEye ransomware attack was designed to destruct and destroy, and the payment mechanism included was disabled within hours.

Even if they wanted to pay to rescue their business files, they cant  all the compromised data is gone.

James Canty of James Canty of Magnet Networks

The cyber secuity expert suggested that while most ransomware attacks are for monetary gain, there are more sinister reasons for launching a GoldenEye-like attack  wiping information.

Cyber crime is only going to get worse. Right now these attacks are making headlines but this happens at a business level every day.

Unfortunately, we are finding that just because you have a box in the corner that the IT department calls a firewall doesnt mean you are protected.

Software patches and security updates are what make traditional anti-virus solutions ineffective as they are constantly playing catch up, leaving unsecure software vulnerable to attack.

Mr Canty said companies need to have a next generation application-aware firewall along with advanced endpoint protection and local real-time analysis on each machine.

No business using this system, which Magnet Networks employ, would have been affected in any way by the recent cyber attack.

Nearly all computers or devices with an unsecured internet connection are potentially victims of ransomware, which is a more urgent concern with the rise of the internet of things (IoT) and the proliferation of additional devices, such as wearable tech and home appliances.

Ransomware acts quickly and it is imperative that businesses act and deploy zero-day protections and controls that mitigate or prevent attack.

Education and awareness are key as most attacks are triggered by unsuspecting individuals opening either exe files or documents, which can look quite convincing.

These have no known signatures or behaviours so that most existing enterprise security systems must allow the malware to run, so they can then recognise them and are effectively playing catch ups with cyber criminals.

There are certain stages that malware must go through in able to function, and businesses need to employ real time protection that can identify, isolate and educate on each new piece of malware as it happens.

Mr Canty also said business owners also need to ask if their IT departments can provide reports showing all the activity on the network, on the basis that if you dont know what is coming in and out of the business, then how can you protect yourself?

If needed, system administrators should be able to see a report detailing all activity on a per user basis across the network.

Businesses should also look at reviewing their network drive permissions to minimise the impact a single user can have, and ensure that administrators are assigned separate normal restricted accounts separate from their highly privileged accounts.
Irish street name campaigners have renewed their call for the removal of names that stem from British colonialism.

The Cork Street Names Campaign is objecting to the use of names like 'Victoria' in public places.

Cllr. Diarmaid O Cadhla

Campaign spokesman Cllr. Diarmaid O Cadhla said that he is getting a lot of support.

"It's an ongoing plan," he said.

"Proposals were submitted to the City Council there before Christmas and the Mayor at the time refused to even accept the proposal, so the issue escalated.

Which members of @CorkCityCouncil will STOP this utter disrespect of Tomas Mac Curtain's memory? Vulgar Victoria must go! #1847 #1916 pic.twitter.com/W3Y1QHAyAG  Diarmaid O CADHLA (@GraTire) February 12, 2017

"But the basic issue is that, for example, in the name of 'Victoria', there are approximately 10 streets in Cork city named after Victoria, and in the whole of Cork city, would you believe, there is not a single monument to The Famine, An Gorta Mor," he said.

However, some Cork locals have complained about the campaign, saying that it sends a negative message to British tourists in particular.

C103s Cork Today show received calls earlier this week regarding signs in relation to Queen Victoria appearing on street poles across Cork City.

Listener Nancy said: I was walking around the city centre yesterday and I was disgusted to see posters up about the name Victoria and these posters referring to Irish History and Queen Victoria.

What is worse I came across a group of British tourists that took photos of these posters.

I feel this is so embarrassing for Ireland and Cork as we are trying to attract tourists and with Brexit this is the last thing we need.
Detectives trying to solve the disappearance of a man two years ago have called into question the motive of a letter writer who claimed he had been murdered.

Barry Corcoran, from Wicklow town and the unemployed father of a young girl, was last seen on July 6, 2015, after going to a friend's house in Ballyfermot, Dublin.

He had been due to meet the mother of his child the following day to give her money for their daughter's school uniform.

The alarm was raised when he failed to arrive.

In the weeks after his disappearance a letter was sent to his brother William, who he lived with in Wicklow, which claimed Mr Corcoran had been murdered and his body buried.

As a new appeal for information was issued by Crimestoppers and gardai, Detective Inspector Colm O'Malley said questions remain unanswered over the letter writer's intentions.

"The information has been looked at and investigated and it has not given us any new lead," the officer said.

"So we would question the motive of the person. Was it intended to give us information or mislead the investigation? Was it to assist or distract the investigation?"

Mr O'Malley said Mr Corcoran's family are hopeful that he is still alive and have appealed for him to make contact.

No arrests have been made but a number of people have been interviewed in relation to Mr Corcoran's disappearance, including in connection with the letter.

A dig and searches in a derelict property near the Grand Canal near Clondalkin found nothing.

Mr Corcoran, who had used drugs and been involved in minor drug-related incidents, has been described as docile.

It is understood no evidence has been uncovered to support reports that he had run up drug debts.

He was 39 when he disappeared and is described as 5'11" tall, of thin build, with short grey hair and blue eyes. He walked with a slight shuffle.

Mr Corcoran had an old scar on the bridge of his nose and was known to friends as Rubber Nose.

When last seen he was wearing a dark rain jacket, blue jeans and black Puma running shoes.

On July 6, 2015, Mr Corcoran went by bus from Wicklow town to Dublin to meet his friend in Fitzgibbon Street in Dublin but he failed to turn up and travelled out on the Luas to Kylemore Road near Ballyfermot.

He was last seen that day at 6.44pm in the Aldi on Ballyfermot Road and went to the friend's house, where they drank.

Mr Corcoran was known to be in the friend's house until midnight or 1.30am.

The following morning when the friend and his partner got up, Mr Corcoran was gone.

CCTV in the Ballyfermot area has been examined and the family said one man seen on footage is not their brother.

Gardai have appealed for information on the movement of vehicles in the Cremona Road area of Ballyfermot around the time Mr Corcoran was last seen.

Superintendent Brendan Connolly urged anyone with information to call Crimestoppers anonymously or any Garda station.

"We are confident that someone knows what happened to Barry. If you are a friend or acquaintance of Barry and have any information that could help locate him please call Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25," he said.
A man who allegedly drove the wrong way along the N18 while attempting to evade gardai, has had his hopes of holidaying in the seaside town of Kilkee dashed after a judge refused to vary his bail terms today, writes David Raleigh.

Liam Keane, (aged 32), had planned to spend two weeks on the well-known 'Clare Riviera', referred to as "Little Limerick" because of its popularity with Limerick masses, from July 1-15.

However, after hearing there was no specific house number at the address where Keane wished to stay, the application was refused by Judge Tom ODonnell at the Circuit Court.

Keane, of Singland, Ballysimon, attended today's brief court hearing with a female acquaintance, believed to be his girlfriend.

He is alleged to have recklessly put the lives of other motorists in danger, when driving along the fast lane of the N18 for a distance of two miles, on the wrong side of the road, and against the flow of traffic.

Keane is charged with10 counts relating to alleged serious offences on the main Limerick to Galway road, including four counts of hit-and-run; three counts of dangerous driving; one count of reckless endangerment; one count of driving without insurance; and one count of failing to stop for gardai.

The 10 offences are alleged to have occurred on the evening of April 23, 2016.

Keane was granted bail in 2016 after appearing before the district court.

The bail conditions ordered by the court are, that he must obey a daily curfew (11pm-7am); that he sign on daily at Henry Street garda station, Limerick; and that he refrain from driving a mechanically-propelled motor vehicle.

The State, in opposing the application, argued that Keane had not given them a specific house number for an address in Kilkee.

Keane's legal counsel stated he planned to stay at an address at Atlantic View, Sea View, Kilkee, and that if a house number was available it would be provided to gardai.

Judge Tom ODonnell, presiding, refused the application.
Germany's parliament has voted to legalise same-sex marriage.

It comes after the measure was brought to a vote in today's session of the Bundestag, the last before September elections,

Members of the Bundestag in Berlin voted 393 for legalising "marriage for everybody" and 226 against, with four abstentions.

Mrs Merkel herself voted against the measure, but paved the way for Friday's vote after saying on Monday that politicians could take up the issue as a "question of conscience" - freeing members of her conservative coalition, which has been against same-sex marriage, to individually vote for it.

Germany has allowed same-sex couples to enter civil partnerships since 2001, but same-sex marriages remained illegal.

All of Mrs Merkel's potential coalition partners after the September 4 election, including the centre-left Social Democrats of her challenger, Martin Schulz, have been calling for same-sex marriage to be legalised.

AP
Political leaders from three US states have said they will refuse to hand over extensive voter records requested by President Donald Trumps Commission on alleged voter fraud.

Time Magazine has reported that Kris Kobach, vice chair of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, has asked for names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security information, voting history and military status, among other information dating back to 2006. States are to submit the data by July 14.

New York, California and Virginia have said they will refuse to comply, and Connecticut has stated that it intends to withhold protected data.

The electoral process is sacred and New York law has strong safeguards in place to prevent sharing of sensitive voter data and harassment against those who exercise their right to vote, said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in a statement.

"New York refuses to perpetuate the myth voter fraud played a role in our election. We will not be complying with this request and I encourage the Election Commission to work on issues of vital importance to voters, including ballot access, rather than focus on debunked theories of voter fraud."

NY refuses to perpetuate the myth voter fraud played a role in our election. We will not comply with this request.https://t.co/eQC6ORV0v1  Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 30, 2017

Californias Secretary of State Alex Padilla said: I will not provide sensitive voter information to a commission that has already inaccurately passed judgment that millions of Californians voted illegally.

California's 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.

The President's Commission is a waste of taxpayer money and a distraction from the real threats to the integrity of our elections today: aging voting systems and documented Russian interference in our elections.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe also refused to co-operate with the request, stating: This entire commission is based on the specious and false notion that there was widespread voter fraud last November.

At best this commission was set up as a pretext to validate Donald Trumps alternative election facts, and at worst is a tool to commit large-scale voter suppression.
Chair of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Diana Abdel-Rahman rejected the government's rationale that introducing a university level english requirement and providing applicants with just three chances would have any impact on national security.

That was the concerned message of multicultural community leaders in Canberra rallying against proposed changes to the citizenship test at public forum held at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre on Wednesday.

"We are concerned for those that come after us. It's not enough to say we got through the gates and to hell with the rest."

"What really irks me about all of this is some of the politicians who are pushing for a citizenship test actually are the children of migrants," she said. "Their families would not have spoken English when they arrived to Australia. That's the hypocrisy of it all."

She said her father arrived from Lebanon by boat in 1951 with just a handful of phrases he'd picked up in conversation with ANZAC soldiers. He learnt English without instruction whilst running several successful businesses.

The legislation, if enacted, would fundamentally change how Australia defined itself, Federation of Ethnic Community Councils Australia director Emma Campbell said.

"Australia's multicultural society is successful and harmonious because it welcomed people as citizens early on in their migration journey," she said.

"This replaces that successful model ... with a model that has failed in Europe. Where you have generations of people who are a permanent underclass because they are not ethnically German, because not enough of their generations have been born in Switzerland."
Developer Nick Antos is caught in the middle of a new development tax, rushing to submit an application for a new eight-unit Braddon development by Friday's 5pm cut-off to avoid paying an extra $192,500 in tax.

From Saturday, Mr Antos and other developers will have to pay $30,000 a unit for developments on residential blocks, instead of the $5000 to $7500 per unit charged now. Developers who get applications in by Friday will avoid the tax, but because Mr Antos is not ready to lodge a full DA, he is lodging an initial application instead, in the hope of being assessed under the old rules.

Developer Nick Antos, who is planning to redevelop a block on Torrens St in Braddon, says the latest changes in the budget increase the cost by $240,000. Credit:Rohan Thomson

The new tax, a surprise announcement in the June budget, has left the building community up in arms, saying it threatens the viability of small-scale townhouse and unit developments.

Mr Antos bought the block in Torrens Street, Braddon, in May, and said he did feasibility work based on the costs and charges at the time. The jump in change-of-use charge from about $47,500 to $240,000 was "a little bit hard to absorb", he said.
Canberrans with chronic diseases will get a little extra help to adjust after a stint in hospital as part of a new one year trial.

The "transitions of care" pilot program, staffed with an occupational therapist and two registered nurses, was set up to people to better manage their condition after hospital.

A pilot program will help people with chronic illnesses better manage their health after leaving hospital. Credit: supplied

It is run by the Capital Health Network to help patients aged 40 years or older with chronic diseases, particularly during the days and weeks after leaving a hospital ward.

That period is often a fraught one for patients, particularly older people, with new medications to take at specific times and other routines adjust to and a need to learn about their conditions.
The Australian Federal Police's Child Exploitation Assessment Centre has this year experienced a "tsunami" of reports of child exploitation, Commander Lesa Gale has told an international forum.

AFP Commander Lesa Gale who recently spoke at the World Congress on Children's Rights and Family Law about efforts to stop child exploitation. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Commander Gale delivered a powerful speech to the World Congress on Family Law and Children's Rights, in Ireland, emphasising that the issue of child exploitation could no longer be a taboo subject but must be talked about freely in a bid to stop the sexual abuse, torture and murder of children for an online audience.

"In 2016 we received more than 8000 reports of child exploitation," Commander Gale told the congress in Dublin.
Models include the Scrambler 50, Predator 50, Outlaw 50 and the Ace 150. The Polaris Sportsman 110 is also subject to the national recall. Credit:Polaris "Polaris itself cannot deny the extent of this asbestos issue...but they seem to care more about their bottom line," the source said. "This week I discovered that not only have we lied about the recall count for the countries we've already approached, we've still been selling our asbestos-laden inventory to some countries since we first learned of this issue months ago. To say this infuriated me would be an understatement." Australia has been a focus for the recall, due to strict laws that have prohibited the use or importation of asbestos since 2004.

According to the source, the asbestos contamination is mostly in the brakes and brake pedals of a majority of units supplied over the past 20 years. Some gaskets have tested positive as well. "Most brakes and affected gaskets had chrysotile [a type of asbestos] measurements of 20-30 per cent. Some in the immediate recalls contained up to 70 per cent. "Tremolite [asbestos] measurements of 7-10 per cent were common and very frightening. These amounts are especially dangerous for people who do their own repairs of physically handle their vehicle parts," the whistleblower claims. The World Health Organisation recognises exposure to different types of asbestos, including chrysotile, can cause cancer of the lung, larynx and ovary, mesothelioma (a cancer of the pleural and peritoneal linings) and asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs). But Polaris Industries' Australian country manager Alan Collins disputed the chrysotile and tremolite measurement results, arguing that third-party expert testing commissioned by the company had found riding the vehicles did not result in exposure to the rider.

"In terms of the asbestos measurement results, the numbers [cited] are inconsistent with the evaluation of our third-party experts, and are significantly higher than their findings," he said. "Third-party experts have also concluded that servicing gaskets found in the affected vehicles does not pose a threat to health, and servicing brakes with asbestos has not been shown to pose a threat to health. However, Polaris intends to replace any affected parts, in accordance with the recall, at no cost to customers." Mr Collins would not provide the third-party results to which he referred. He said the issue was supplier-related, describing it as an instance of a "particular supplier's vendor not meeting our quality standards[when] we learned of the issue, we began working with our partner to better understand how it occurred and to develop a solution." All contaminated parts are understood to have come from one Taiwanese supplier, Aeon Motor, with whom Polaris has reportedly halted all incoming orders.

Aeon Motor declined Fairfax Media's request to comment. Asked whether Polaris would launch recalls in other countries around the world, Mr Collins said varying asbestos regulations meant "vehicles in the US, Canada and other countries" were not affected. "We anticipate the total number of affected vehicles in the affected countries to be approximately 40,000." It is understood Polaris was first informed of the issue when a shipment to Australia was rejected this year. A Department of Immigration and Border Protection spokesman said seven consignments of Polaris quad bikes had been held at the border over the past six months to test for asbestos, which was discovered in some brake pads.

"The Australian Border Force is working with the importer to ensure all future products entering Australia comply with Australia's strict asbestos border controls," he said. "We commend the company for proactively reporting these results and moving quickly to ensure affected vehicles are recalled and made safe." Asbestos detections on Australia's border have increased in the past year, with 55 to date in 2016-17, largely in motor vehicle parts, brake pads and individual vintage vehicles. Consumers who own a recalled vehicle are encouraged to contact their nearest authorised Polaris dealer to arrange the safe replacement of affected parts. Customers with concerns should contact Polaris directly. The formal recall notice can be found here.
Receivers are set to be appointed to Network Ten, which has been in administration for two weeks.

Well placed sources on Friday afternoon said an announcement was imminent that the Commonwealth Bank of Australia would appoint PPB Advisory as receivers over the stricken network.

Meanwhile, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been keeping an eye on the company in relation to potential breaches of media ownership laws.

"The ACMA is continuing to actively monitor the developments in relation to Network 10," a spokeswoman told Fairfax Media
Business groups have welcomed the return of chief executives to the skilled occupations list, which will give them access to a four-year temporary visa and pathway to permanent migration.

On Friday, Minister for Immigration Peter Dutton released an updated occupations lists for temporary and permanent skilled visas effective from Saturday.

Mr Dutton said changes to the lists would protect Australian workers and allow employers to recruit overseas workers in occupations facing skills shortages.

"The government recognises the importance of enabling Australian businesses to tap into global talent to remain internationally competitive and support a strong national science and innovation agenda," Mr Dutton said.
Over the past two months, some 1000 part-time workers for DBS Group Holdings have fanned out across Singapore's famed food courts, trying to entice mom-and-pop hawkers to use the bank's digital payments service, called PayLah!

"Hawkers need speed, and they are afraid that using PayLah! may not be fast enough when the queues are very, very long," 19-year-old Erica Chiang, who has signed up 50 food vendors in her seven weeks working for DBS, said on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon. "Once they know the product, they become interested."

Actress Scarlett Johansson and Alibaba Group chairman Jack Ma at the Singles Day online shopping festival in Shenzhen. Credit:AP

Chiang is on the front lines of a push consuming banks across Southeast Asia these days: defending against Jack Ma's Alibaba Group Holding and its payments affiliate Ant Financial, which are targeting the region as a major growth market.

Southeast Asia's banks have long been spared the competitive onslaught that saw their peers in China cede that nation's giant payments market to Ant Financial and Tencent Holdings. That's about to change, as Ma lines up partnerships across the region to win over some of the estimated 450 million people with limited access to banking services - and then use that position to go after the lenders' core customers.
However Kerr's pals informed PS that she regularly received extravagant gifts from various admirers around the world. "She's been showered in diamonds from wealth sheikhs in the Middle East to James Packer ... a lot of men have been keen to show their affection over the years ... I know of some serious pieces from Cartier one of them sent her a few years back," one of Kerr's oldest Sydney acquaintances informed PS on the grounds of anonymity. Keeping her valuables in a bank vault is a wise move for Kerr. Back in 2009 she became a victim of Hollywood's "Bling Ring", a group of young burglars targeting the likes of Paris Hilton and stealing their jewels, artworks and expensive designer clothes. When Kerr moved in with her then boyfriend Bloom their Hollywood home was pillaged after thieves stole a large amount of high fashion-label clothing, as well as Bloom's Rolex watch collection, Louis Vuitton luggage, and artworks, all totalling nearly half a million dollars. Just weeks ago Kerr married for a second time, to billionaire Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel. So far she has yet to provide any comment on how or why she received the jewels from Jho Low, or shed any light on how she knew him.

Priscilla creator's new movie is a whale of a tale Stephan Elliott bluntly sums up his present state of mind: "Absolutely shattered". Ever since filming wrapped on his new film Flammable Children, the man who gave the world Priscilla Queen Of The Desert has been deep in post-production on what he hopes will be one of the great Australian cinematic classics of the future. "But to be honest I'm absolutely shattered ... I have not stopped for months, we have been going at it at a frantic pace but I can now start to see a light at the end of the tunnel ... I'm quietly confident with how it is all going, but I don't want to get too confident," Elliott confided to PS. "I keep saying to people that it will probably just go straight to DVD  that way, anything else is a bonus. We have managed to pull of a miracle with the budgets we had, and everyone is incredibly passionate about the project."

Flammable Children has also seen Elliott reunite with some of his old Priscilla crew including Oscar-winning production designer Colin Gibson, and costume designer Lizzie Gardner. Set in 1975 in the beach suburb of Nobbys Beach, Flammable Children revolves around surf mats, baby oil, boxed wine and the new miracle of Kentucky Fried Chicken. And just as Priscilla did, Flammable Children will also lean heavily on a soundtrack of classic hits from the era. The central character is 14-year-old Jeff, who tries to find his feet in a world changing faster than his hormones and deal with his crush on shy and sensitive girl-next-door, Melly. However, when the beach town suddenly hits the spotlight after the body of a 200-ton whale is washed ashore, Jeff and Melly think it's the biggest thing that ever happened in their lives. Meanwhile, two of their eccentric parents, played by Guy Pearce and Kylie Minogue, are catching up with the sexual revolution that has also washed up on Australia's beaches. The film will also feature Asher Keddie, Rahda Mitchell, Julian McMahon and Jack Thompson.

Guy Pearce and Kylie Minogue in Credit:Vince Valitutti "Kylie kept asking me ...'what are you doing to me'. But you know she was great, she just went with it and for the first time she has been given a role where she is not playing Kylie Minogue ... I think people will be pleasantly surprised," Elliott added. Flammable Children is due for release towards the end of the year with a red carpet premiere being planned for Sydney. Corporate high-flyer v former mother-in-law He is one of Sydney's corporate high-flyers, regularly dropping millions of dollars on mega property deals around the country, but banker Michael Rothner, a leading figure in the city's Jewish community and president of the powerful Central Synagogue in Bondi, is embroiled in a legal fight with his aging former mother-in-law over a comparatively modest $135,000 loan.

Rothner's company is claiming his former mother-in-law now owes an additional 15 per cent compound interest on the original loan first made eight years ago, though she claims she was assured at the time that no interest would be applicable and believed the loan was from her son-in-law and her daughter. In recent weeks Rothner, principal of the elite Ashe Morgan investment bank, has received some unwanted publicity over claims about his "hard partying lifestyle". The bank made front page news as one of his colleagues, Ashe Morgan's financial gatekeeper Hans Borgelt, appeared in court a fortnight ago to oppose an AVO application from his estranged wife who claimed he forced her to watch porn so that she could learn to perform daily sex acts on him. Rothner, an associate of Rodney Adler, Malcolm Turnbull and the all-powerful Lowy family, recently split with his wife, Lisa Rothner, having sold the lavish family home the couple poured millions of dollars into building in Darling Point, pocketing a cool $23.5 million from the sale in 2015. The Rothners old home in Darling Point. A statement of claim was filed in the Queensland Supreme Court in 2015 around the same time his marriage to the mother of their three young daughters ended.

Rothner, who drives a luxurious Aston Martin, is now living in a multimillion-dollar apartment at Bondi's swanky Pacific building, while bitter divorce proceedings against his ex-wife, who lives with the couple's children, have ensued. A company called MCR Nominees, of which Rothner and his Ashe Morgan business partners Alton Abrahams and Michael Moss are listed as directors, is also claiming up to 15 per cent interest on the money that was originally handed over to Lisa Rothner's mother, Linda Dalley, in 2009. Rothner's company is claiming Dalley had approached him for a "loan" as she was experiencing "serious cash flow problems" and was in the process of selling her property but was not able to cover interest repayments on her mortgage. A mediation order was made by the court for the parties to meet before September in an effort to resolve the issue. Neither Rothner nor Dalley responded to PS's calls this week.

How Boy George dodged his Sydney fans in 1984 Boy George and his band Culture Club announced they will be touring Australia in December, their third tour in just 18 months. And while Australia clearly remains a fairly profitable market for the band, Culture Club no longer gets the sort of crowds it once did, though that is probably a good thing. Boy George, lead singer of Culture Club performs on stage at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. Credit:Wayne Taylor This week PS' Spotlight shines on a young gender bender who washed up at the now demolished Sebel Town House in 1984 wearing dreadlocks, heavy make up, fingerless gloves and oddball clothes.

Back than, pop bands didn't get much bigger or avant garde than Culture Club, with hundreds of screaming fans following Boy George and his bandmates around town during their brief visit here. He would be showered with hand-made dolls made in his image, while legions of teenage girls (and a few boys) did their best to emulate his look, much to their parents' horror. Indeed the fans had become such an issue that Boy George had to be smuggled past the saucepans and chefs working in the Sebel's kitchen and taken out the back door in order to evade the frenzied mob that waited for him  hour after hour  outside the hotel's front door. These days Boy George is living with his nieces in rented digs overlooking Centennial Park, having taken a lease on former Channel Seven boss David Leckie and his wife's Skye's home Lactura while he's been in town shooting The Voice for Channel Nine. Sadly, there's been no signs of any screaming middle-aged fans lurking about, though Skye Leckie has been threatening to hold a karaoke night in his honour. Bloom family's story attracts Hollywood heavy-hitters

Sydney couple Cameron and Sam Bloom have enlisted one of Australia's top screenwriters to help bring their story about a visiting magpie which helped save their family in its darkest hour to the big screen. Shaun Grant, the man who wrote the screenplays for Jasper Jones, Deadline Gallipoli and Snowtown, has signed on to adapt the book Penguin Bloom, written by Bradley Trevor Greive, which documented the Bloom family's ordeals after Sam fell from a balcony while on holiday in Thailand, and was left paralysed from the chest down. Around the same time an injured Magpie chick, which the Bloom clan called Penguin, entered their lives. Shaun Grant with Sam Bloom at the Bloom home in Newport Beach. Credit:Cameron Bloom Having already spawned a successful Instagram page, Penguinthemagpie, last month the book took out the Australian Illustrated book of the year award. In December Hollywood heavy-hitters Naomi Watts, Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea optioned the film rights to the book and are in full swing to produce a major film with Sydney-based Emma Cooper. Watts is set to play Sam Bloom in the movie, due to be shot in the northern beaches next year. The first draft of the screenplay is due at the end of August, and Cameron Bloom told PS the whole experience had provided the family with "a much needed distraction during a very dark time in our lives". New Seven show 'awful' PS has been hearing murmurs about the new Channel Seven program Instant Hotel, which insiders say has not been going too well. Billed as a show that will tap into the worldwide trend of home owners renting out their properties as holiday accommodation, Instant Hotel will be hosted by Luke Jakobz with former Vogue Australia editor Juliet Ashworth signing on as a judge. It will see home owners vie for the title of best "instant hotel". However, a recent meeting of all staff on the production indicated that the show's content was "awful" and there was some doubt raised if the show will ever make it to air.
Centrelink is using controversial high-tech phone-breaking devices to reveal secrets hidden by suspected fraudsters in their smart phones.

The agency says it uses the technology in strict accordance with the law and only when it has obtained a warrant when investigating cases of serious fraud.

The Department of Human Services, which oversees Centrelink, has spent $32,249 on Cellebrite products in the 2016 / 2017 financial year. Credit:Bradley Kanaris

But experts have warned the use of the 'Universal Forensic Extraction Devices' is jeopardising the communications security of Australians.

The welfare agency has joined other government outfits including the Australian Taxation Office and the Employment Department in using the extraction devices, which allow users to bypass security features on smart phones and extract data, including messages and call logs.
The new hotel, which opened on Friday, is the first in Sydney by the Spicers Retreats group, which is owned by Jude Turner, the wife of Flight Centre founder Graham Turner.

"There needs to be small boutique, high quality hotels offering great service in the mix," said Carol Giuseppi, the CEO of Tourism Accommodation Australia. "The greater the diversity of accommodation we can offer, the better it is for our visitors. They always need to have choice."

Jude Turner has overseen the transformation of three old buildings into a luxury hotel at Spicers Potts Point. Credit:Anna Kucera

Three rundown 1870s terraces in Potts Point have undergone a multimillion-dollar makeover to become Sydney's newest luxury boutique hotel, the latest in a slew of old buildings turned into designer digs.

"Hopefully it will do something great for Sydney, show off the area and attract even more visitors," said Ms Turner. "We've been very respectful of the heritage aspects of the buildings and the history of the area."

Spicers Potts Point  with bed and breakfast starting at $359 a night  is one of a number of new, small deluxe hotels springing to life from the bones of old buildings.

In Sydney, recent arrivals include Hotel Harry in Surry Hills with 20 suites in an unrenovated 1912 Victorian pub; Hotel Palisade in The Rocks with eight rooms decorated with marine murals; and a new 40-room hotel from the 8Hotels group in a remodelled three-storey heritage building also in Surry Hills.

In Paddington, the Mrs Banks Boutique Hotel in the former Commonwealth Bank building next to St John's Church will have 30 rooms when it is finished.

The NSW small hotel indulgence movement began with chef-restaurateur Rick Stein who showed, with Bannisters at Mollymook, what could be done with a renovation of an old rundown motel, with prices trebling overnight. Bells at Kilcare was a former motel reinvented into an exclusive weekender.
A Queensland public sector worker is accused of getting a job by using fake academic qualifications, after allegedly being involved in similar fraud interstate.

The example is among several allegations of dodgy hiring in the public sector within a new Crime and Corruption Commission report.

The Crime and Corruption Commission has conducted an audit of allegations of corrupt conduct in recruiting in the public sector.

The CCC audit included government departments, health services and universities.

In the man's application, he claimed to have completed several degrees and training courses but the claims were not checked before he was offered a job.
Former prime minister Paul Keating has told media outside the funeral of Con Sciacca why he picked the Sicilian-born MP to serve in Veterans' Affairs despite possibly putting war vets offside at the time.

Labor and Liberal heavyweights, lawyers, business people and family paid tribute to Mr Sciacca, a former federal politician, in a state funeral at the Cathedral of St Stephen in Brisbane on Friday morning.

Former federal member for Bowman Con Sciacca has been remembered at a state funeral in Brisbane. Credit:Jim Rice

After the moving Catholic service, Mr Keating said he knew some people would have grumbled about Mr Sciacca having landed the Veterans' Affairs portfolio in his cabinet.

"Because Con was larger than life, he had this huge personality  I knew some vets would say, 'oh, he was Italian', and they fought the Italians in the Second World War, but I thought, the personality is so big, he'll win all these people, which he did," he said.
Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital could be insulated with potentially dangerous non-fire-retardant cladding.

The announcement came more than a week after police confirmed the insulating cladding recently installed on the Grenfell Tower building in London had quickly burst into flames in a fire safety test.

Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said an inquiry had discovered the possibility of non-conforming or non-complying cladding on the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Buranda.

Security has been increased at the hospital.
The stabbing murders of two women in a Portland hairdressing salon 26 years ago remain unsolved, after a coroner ruled she couldn't be sure the man police charged had killed the two women.

Robert Penny was in 2015 charged over the deaths of his wife, Margaret, and her hairdresser, Claire Acocks, who were attacked in the Old London Coiffure Hairdressers on the afternoon of May 3, 1991.

Robert Penny leaves the Supreme Court in April 2015 after being granted bail. Credit:Justin McManus

Mrs Penny, 58, and Mrs Acocks, 49, both died of stab wounds.

Mr Penny was charged with two counts of murder but died aged 83 last year, with his case due to return to Melbourne Magistrates Court.
An international criminal syndicate allegedly busted smuggling cocaine worth $30 million into Australia attempted to use a drone to make sure their meetings weren't being watched by police.

However the plan appears to have crashed to earth, after a joint police operation moved in and arrested seven men over the 92-kilogram haul, which arrived at the Port of Melbourne by sea earlier this week.

A drone was used by a drug syndicate to keep an eye on police. Credit:Paul Rovere

On Monday evening, police discovered three black duffel bags each holding 26 blocks of cocaine concealed in a shipping container on board the Spirit of Shanghai from Panama.

Officers from the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police executed search warrants on Thursday across Melbourne and arrested seven people in connection with the alleged plot. Police also seized $580,000 in cash.
Today is the entry deadline for the 2017 Australian Mortgage Awards Click here to view the full list of the 27 award categories open for entry and submit your nomination(s) online now.The nomination process is simple but the potential reward is priceless. Winning an Australian Mortgage Award is a career-defining moment for the best in the mortgage and finance industry. Past winners have used the award to boost their industry profile, stand apart from competitors and showcase their achievements to their clients.There is no cost to enter and you can submit nominations in multiple categories. View this short video to find out more about the event.Finalists will be notified directly and announced in the September issue of MPA magazine and online. If selected as a finalist, you will have the opportunity to provide more information to support your nomination, which will be reviewed by an independent judging panel.The Australian Mortgage Awards will return to The Star Sydney on Friday 27 October. For more information and to enter visit www.australianmortgageawards.com.au
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Call it a tower play.

Boerum Hill residents turned out in force on June 28 to voice their opposition to two huge towers with unprecedented density proposed for the edge of their brownstone-lined nabe. Plans for the mega-development include a new elementary school and rebuilt high school, but locals said they should not have to watch skyscrapers rise just to get necessary infrastructure.

The fact that the proposed plan would bring super-tall buildings is unacceptable, and the community should not be burdened in a trade-off for much needed benefits, said Howard Kolins, president of civic group the Boerum Hill Association. We need a lot of things, but towers are not one of them.

Builder Alloy Development revealed plans in April for 74- and 38-story towers on the triangular block bounded by Flatbush Avenue, Third Avenue, and State Street.

The proposal also included a new 350-seat elementary school and a new building for the already-on-site Khalil Gibran International Academy, which would expand its occupancy from 330 to 350 students.

The citys Educational Construction Fund  which uses money from developers to build public schools in new developments  hosted the meeting to get community input before it moves ahead with an environmental impact study that will assess how the project will affect the neighborhood.

Residents demanded the city expand the study area from its current perimeter of just 400 feet around the development to a half-mile, in order to better measure the changes the project would bring to a nabe where at least three new high-rises are going up or newly-opened already.

The city needs to approve re-zoning the land for the developer to build higher and with more density than what is currently allowed, and some neighbors said the schools are merely a way to sneak the skyscrapers through, since Alloy will not build the educational facilities without the upzoning.

Its nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to pierce the zoning envelope, said George Canvas, an area resident for 40 years. It does so by using an existing public school  otherwise a Trojan Horse.

But the principal of Khalil Gibran  which currently occupies a decrepit former Civil War infirmary  pled a much different case.

He told the room how his students dont have an auditorium, a gymnasium, or proper electricity, that when anyone uses a copy machine an entire floor blacks out, and that the school cant have microwaves because they will fry the system.

And he said many of his students come from the Middle East, where they did not have access to schools, and now have to learn in a crummy building.

Most of my kids come from Yemen, the last time they went to school was sixth grade because their school was blown up, Winston Hamann said. Im losing students every single time I go to a high school fair because we dont have a gym, or sports, because the building is so run down.

The president of social service agency the Arab American Support Center also spoke in favor of the project, echoing Hamanns concerns about the current crumbling building.

Other locals said they understood the need to upgrade Khalil Gibran, but that the city should fund fixing its schools, not rely on private developers money.

Lets not use the towers as an excuse to right the citys wrong, said Fort Greene resident Lucy Koteen. Its disgusting the city cant take care of its schools.

Alloys head honcho, an area resident of 18 years, said his company will continue to converse with community members throughout the re-zoning process, claiming his project will bring many benefits to locals, including below-market-rate housing, schools, and office space.

Unlike most developers, we only pursue projects that we think will have an enduring, positive impact on their surrounding communities, said Jared Della Valle. Our goal here is no different, and to do that, we want to engage.

Locals can submit comments to the Educational Construction Fund until July 10, after which a document with the studys final scope will be released to anyone who requests a copy.
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This parade never gets old!

Patriotic Brooklynites swarmed a 15-block stretch of Court Street to watch military veterans, community group members, and musicians march by as part of a local organizations 112th annual Independence Day parade on June 24, but the most captivating procession participants passed on wheels, not legs, according to attendees.

My son really enjoyed the parade because it had a lot of vintage cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles, said Frank Shephard, of Red Hook, who attended the event with his family.

A line-up that included marching bands, bagpipers, color guards, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and decorated veterans joined the hot wheels in the parade, which was hosted by Brooklyns Knights of Columbus Long Island Assembly 703 and snaked from St. Pauls Church, on Court Street near Bergen Street, to St. Mary Star of the Sea, on Court Street near Luquer Street.

This years procession honored one of the local Knights chapters fallen members, Steven McDonald, a former New York Police Department Detective whose wife was on hand to accept an award on his behalf.

And McDonalds son, NYPD Sargent Conor McDonald, led the parade  New York Citys oldest annual Fourth of July march  whose participants and spectators showed an inspiring American spirit, according to the events spokesman.

Its inspiring to see people going down Court Street carrying big American flags, and to see children with small American flags on the sidewalks, said Ted General. It reminds people what the country is all about.
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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October 31, 2022

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Guest Post by Denver Limo & Party Bus

Denver is one of the most eccentric cities in the country that seems to be evolving more by the minute. Even if youre a long time resident, there is probably a corner that youve yet to explore. If you are new to the area, youre in for one pleasant surprise after the other. Each street is filled with possibility for fun, and thats something to celebrate! Theres a little something for everybody to enjoy here, whether youre on the search for something family friendly or youre into the wild night life scene. The diversity is what makes this city so special! Youll make great memories enjoying food and drink from local businesses.

All of the vibrant districts that make up the nightlife selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs will impress anybody who enjoys going out on the town. There is one thing that stands true when it comes to checking out the city, and thats the fact that the addition of a limousine or party bus makes all of the difference! Being prepared for a night out involves a bit of planning. Youll want to think about how many people will be involved and where youll be going. Its worthy to note that if you rent a limo or party bus, youll be able to travel to multiple destinations in one night without worrying about traffic or finding directions. Plus, you arent going to have to pause the fun to find a designated driver so that everybody gets home safely. Using Denver Luxury Transportation means you can bar hop from Howl at the Moon to the Cruise Room, La Rumba, the Grizzly Rose, and beyond! The itinerary is completely up to you.

Are you looking forward to attending a concert or outdoor movie with the family at Red Rocks Amphitheater? This is an especially worthwhile venue to keep up with because they offer a variety of different experiences, and you never get used to the beautiful scenery that surrounds this open air theater. How about checking out some brand new breweries like Bruz Beers and Briar Common Eatery? Winery and brewery tours can be made into a convenient experience when you use professional transportation. Its always a good idea to call ahead to assure that these destinations have enough space to handle a larger vehicle.

Checking out bars and restaurants isnt your only option for enjoying night life in Denver. The festivals, concerts, and community events are constantly going on year round, so theres always a good excuse to go out. Some of the most popular events happen to be Pridefest, Downtown Denver Arts Festival, Juneteenth, Colorado Irish Festival, and the Fourth of July Spectacular. From Jefferson Park to River North Arts District, Five Points and beyondits safe to say that you will find an atmosphere that calls out to you when youre out and about in this area. When its all said and done, youll be thinking about when youre able to plan your next night out with friends!

Limo Find is a great way to start your plans to a great night on the town!

What would be your perfect night in Downtown Denver?
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
Courtesy of Ogunquit PlayhouseA new stage musical about Elvis Presley's early life called Heartbreak Hotel will premiere on August 30 at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine. The production was written and directed by Floyd Mutrux, co-creator of Million Dollar Quartet, the hit Broadway musical inspired by Presley's famous 1956 jam session with fellow Sun Records artists Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash.

Heartbreak Hotel serves as a sequel to Million Dollar Quartet and focuses on Presley's rise to superstardom. The new musical was developed by Elvis Presley Enterprises -- the company that oversees Elvis' estate -- in partnership with Heartbreak King Productions, which was founded by Mutrux and a number of Tony Award-winning producers.

The production dramatizes an 18-month period in Presley's life during which he works on his first recordings with help from Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, and his longtime manager Col. Tom Parker begins to guide his career. The show features a variety of classic Elvis hits, as well as other memorable early rock 'n' roll tunes, including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Tutti Frutti" and "Shake, Rattle and Roll."

"Floyd has created another incredible musical with this rich piece of rock 'n' roll history and the greatest music ever recorded," says Heartbreak Hotel co-producer Scott Prisand. "We can't wait to debut this show at Ogunquit and then tour it around the world."

Heartbreak Hotel is scheduled to run at the Ogunquit Playhouse through September 30. Visit OgunquitPlayhouse.org to purchase tickets.

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A meeting of parents at Highbridges King Alfred School has been held this week to discuss Ofsteds latest report, which found the school to be inadequate.

There was a very high level of attendance of parents for this weeks meeting, which was chaired by Eur Ing H Mackay (Chair of Governors) and led by Mr Wells (Executive Headteacher), Mrs Hurr (Headteacher) and Mr S Faull (Senior Secondary Adviser, SCC).

Mrs Hurr stressed to the meeting her disappointment at the Inadequate Ofsted judgement, which was reported here last week.

With the school being at the heart of the community in which she resides herself, she said she felt deeply disappointed for the families and their children.

She went on to say that the school is committed to making the improvements required, in conjunction with colleagues from the Clevedon Learning Trust.

Mrs Hurr asked for the parents support and for help in starting up a PTA to work alongside the school.

Mr Wells said that he had been commissioned by the Local Authority to make rapid improvements over the forthcoming months.

The Senior Leadership Team have been restructured and using the Schools Be Proud Plan the staff and students are now clear on his expectations when they are in school, which he insisted are non-negotiable.

He said confidently that the Be Proud Plan will ensure that teachers are delivering consistently good teaching.

The homework timetable has been changed and there are more rigorous systems in place for monitoring and evaluation. Mr Wells and Mrs Hurr have been leading the school assemblies to explain the plans for change to all the students.

Mr Faull, representing the Local Authority, explained that the Clevedon Learning Trust had been appointed to support the school for an interim period until a decision has been made by the Regional Schools Commissioner (South West) on a suitable academy sponsor.

Parents had provided many questions in advance of the meeting which were addressed, and they were also invited to pose questions at the meeting.

Issues such as behaviour, home learning and a lack of funding to improve the sites appearance and to fix the roofs were discussed.

The meeting concluded with a thank you from the parents to Mr Wells for his support. There was a genuine feeling of support and positivity that the School will now move forward.

The overwhelming opinion was a hope that the Clevedon Learning Trust will be the academy trust chosen to become the Schools sponsor. Eur Ing Mackay closed the meeting and thanked parents for attending.

There will be a further parents meeting organised for the Autumn Term to look at how the changes are impacting, both from a staff and parents perspective. Details will be sent out to parents during the autumn term.

If any parents/carers are interested in joining the PTA they can contact the Headteachers PA via sch.514@kingalfred.somerset.sch.uk. The full presentation can be found on the school website at www.kingalfred.somerset.sch.uk.
When Anny Divyas mother was expecting her, the family was posted at the army base  close to the air base in Pathankot. Her father, a school drop-out, had to leave his studies at a young age since the family couldnt afford to educate him. After a few sundry jobs, Annys father joined the army as a soldier.

After 19 years of service  all over the country  her father took voluntary retirement and settled down in Vijaywada. Educated at the Kendriya Vidyalaya in Vijaywada, Anny  the middle child of the couple - spoke Telugu and Hindi and while she could read and write English, she couldnt  like all the other children  speak since no one around her really spoke the language.
Just a day after the Union Cabinet gave its nod for Air Indias disinvestment, private carrier IndiGo has expressed an interest to buy the international business of the airline. IndiGo is the largest airline in terms of market share and has projected profitability for nine consecutive years.
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By the end of September this year, India will have its first branded chocolate boutique as the Kolkata-based cigarette to FMCG major, ITC Ltd, makers of the Fabelle luxury chocolate brand, has decided to finally come up with two such boutiques in Delhi and Kolkata, outside its hotel premises.


The auditors of have issued a qualified opinion on results for the financial year ending March 2017. Price Waterhouse highlighted directions from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in January over the corporate loan portfolio of Religare Finvest Ltd (RFL), the companys non-banking financial company (NBFC) arm.
For the past two days, St James Court, a Taj Hotel in London, became Tata Groups de-facto headquarter with its board deliberating on the company's future course under new chairman N Chandrasekaran. Chandra, as the chairman is popularly known, took over the reins of $104-billion group in February.
NDA ally Shiv Sena on Friday came down heavily on the Centre over its decision to privatise carrier Air India, saying had such a decision been taken by the previous Congress-led UPA government, the BJP would not have spared it.

It also asked the finance minister to spell out the reasons which made the 'Maharaja' (the Air India's characteristic logo) a "beggar."

The Sena's taunt comes two days after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Cabinet has given "in-principle" approval for the disinvestment of Air India.

The Civil Aviation Ministry is charting out the disinvestment of the debt-laden carrier.

"Had this decision been taken by the previous government, the BJP would have exposed the Congress in public. The BJP would have asked how can a government that cannot run an airline, run the nation," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"But the BJP today has indulged in the sale of the carrier," it noted.

The Sena also sought to know from Jaitley the reasons for Air India's downfall and losses in the last few years, and those responsible for it.

The airline earlier had a local market share of about 35 per cent which has gone down to a mere 16 per cent. This happened as many routes were sold off to private companies by the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Sena claimed.

"This is corruption. If done during the Congress regime, the Modi dispensation had a chance to undo the damage. Why did they not do it?" it asked.

"Today the airline is being sold off as it has a debt of Rs 50,000 crore. Tomorrow the government will say they are unable to provide for the security cost of Kashmir valley and will thus auction it. They cannot be trusted," the Sena claimed.

Surviving on taxpayers' money, Air India has been in the red for long and various proposals, including government think tank Niti Aayog's suggestion for complete privatisation, have been made.

The airline has a debt of more than Rs 52,000 crore and is surviving on a Rs 30,000-crore bailout package extended by the previous UPA government in 2012.
India's army chief visited the mountainous state of Sikkim bordering China on Thursday, where tensions have flared after Beijing accused New Delhi of sending troops into its territory and obstructing the construction of a road.
A physical confrontation between Chinese and Indian troops on the Sikkim-Tibet border has grabbed headlines in India after television channels played out a video recording of soldiers pushing and jostling each other during a patrol clash on June 17.

Business Standard learns from a usually reliable source on the ground that the clash was unusually acrimonious.

Contacted for verification, army spokespersons declined to comment. The ministry of external affairs, too, at a briefing on Thursday on the prime ministers impeding visit to Israel and the G-20, declined to answer questions.

While pushing and shoving is routine during patrol confrontations between Indian and Chinese patrols, no shots have been exchanged since India and China signed an Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in September 1993. The last fatal battle casualties on the LAC occurred in 1975, when four Assam Rifles jawans were shot dead by Chinese troops in the Mago area of Tawang, in Arunachal Pradesh.

The patrol clash took place in the disputed Tri-junction area, where the borders of India (Sikkim), Bhutan and China join together. This is the high-altitude Dolam Plateau (Sinicized to Doklam by the Chinese), on which all three countries have territory. The incident reportedly took place on the Doko La ridge in the area.

The Indian Army chief, General Bipin Rawat, visited Sikkim on Thursday to personally assess the situation.

The war of words gathered steam on Thursday, when the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson, Colonel Wu Qian, was asked for a response to General Rawats statement earlier this month that India was fully ready for a simultaneous war against China and Pakistan.

Qian responded: We hope [that] particular person in [the] Indian Army could learn from historical lessons and stop clamouring for war.



For India, the Sikkim border, including the Tri-junction, is extremely sensitive since a Chinese breakthrough here could reach, and block, the Siliguri corridor  a narrow, 27-kilometres wide strip of Indian territory that connects the entire north east with the rest of India. Chinese control over the Siliguri corridor could cut off the entire northeast.

To prevent this, India guards Sikkim heavily with two mountain divisions. A third division remains ready in wartime to guard Bhutans western border with China, so that Chinese troops cannot outflank Sikkims defences through Bhutan.

If China extracts more territory in the Tri-junction area, that would shorten the distance to Siliguri. It would also widen the mouth of the Chumbi Valley  a dagger-shaped salient of Chinese territory that protrudes southwards.

While the Indian army has safeguarded the Sikkim border, even through a major firefight in nearby Nathu La in1967, Chinese forces have systematically encroached into Bhutanese territory. This is done through a time-tested method of first sending in yak graziers with their herds, building temporary shelters, then military bunkers, and then citing those to claim ownership over the entire areas. Finally, a road is built to that area.

While the Indian army has remained silent over the recent incident, Beijing has been unusually vocal. On Monday, its foreign ministry spokesperson, while announcing the suspension of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra pilgrimage through nearby Nathu La, revealed: Recently, the Indian border troops crossed the China-India boundary at the Sikkim section and entered the Chinese territory, obstructing Chinese border troops' normal activities in Doklam. The Chinese side has taken proportionate measures in response.



On Tuesday, Beijing put out a detailed rationale for its claim over Dolam, basing it on the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet, dated 1890. Beijing claimed that India had accepted this rationale during the Special Representatives Dialogue.

On Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry noted that this clash was substantially different from clashes elsewhere on the LAC, in that the Sikkim boundary was clearly delineated. He said: The Indian border troops overstepped the mutually recognized boundary line at the Sikkim section and crossed into the Chinese territory. That is essentially different from previous fictions (frictions) between the two troops (sic) in the border areas where the boundary is yet to be delimited.



On Wednesday, Bhutan entered the fray. Since it does not have diplomatic relations with China, Bhutans envoy to India, Vetsop Namgyel, declared: Doklam is a disputed territory and Bhutan has a written agreement with China that, pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, peace and tranquillity should be maintained in the area.



China, which has been long irked by Bhutans closeness to India on matters relating to China, responded The Donglang area belonged to China since ancient times and it doesn't belong to Bhutan. India wants to raise an issue with this part. I should say it doesn't belong to Bhutan, nor it belongs to India.
On June 27, the ATM turns 50. Former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker once described it as the only useful innovation in banking. But today, the cash that ATMs dispense may be on the endangered list.
In its first statement on the Indian Armys on-going confrontation with a Chinese patrol and road construction party that began two weeks ago, New Delhi stated on Friday that it is deeply concerned at Chinas attempt to alter the status quo, which could have serious security implications for India.



This refers to Sikkims proximity to the Siliguri corridor  a narrow chickens neck that connects the northeast India with the rest of the country. Chinas army edging toward this corridor constitutes a nightmare for Indian defence planners.

New Delhis statement reveals that troops of the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) first intercepted a Chinese construction party on June 16 in the Doka La area of the Doklam Plateau in Sikkim. The incursion took place on Bhutanese territory, near the tri-junction of the borders of India, Bhutan and China. It quickly drew in Indian troops, which crossed into Bhutanese territory.

Explaining Indias involvement, the statement says: In coordination with the RGOB (Royal Government of Bhutan), Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue.



Highlighting further the coordination between New Delhi and Thimphu, the statement goes on: In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, RGOB and the Government of India have been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments.



Using typically robust methods, Indian troops physically prevented the Chinese from building activities while New Delhi and Beijing have attempted to defuse the crisis.

The matter has been under discussion between India and China at the diplomatic level in the Foreign Ministries since then, both in New Delhi and Beijing. It was also the subject of a Border Personnel Meeting at Nathu La on 20 June, said the Indian foreign ministry statement.

Ten days later, with the Indian army in full control of the area where the incident took place, New Delhi has signalled a face-saver for Beijing: India is committed to working with China to find peaceful resolution of all issues in the border areas through dialogue.



The three-way confrontation came to public notice early this week, when TV channels repeatedly broadcast a video showing members of Indian patrol physically jostling with a Chinese patrol.

Business Standard has learnt authoritatively that the video in question relates to another patrol clash that took place elsewhere, much earlier. No video has been broadcast of the current confrontation in Sikkim.

Thimphu has played an active role in negotiations, although it does not have diplomatic relations with Beijing. Consequently, Bhutans diplomacy was conducted through its embassy in New Delhi. On June 20, the Bhutanese ambassador lodged a protest with the Chinese embassy in New Delhi.

On Tuesday Beijing had issued a statement claiming the Doklam plateau, based on the 1890 Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet.



Bhutan responded on Thursday, pointing out that Chinese road building directly violates the 1988 and 1998 agreements between the two countries to maintain peace and tranquillity on their border, pending a final solution.

Beijing is particularly furious at Indias intercession on Bhutans behalf. Its foreign ministry spokesperson declared: "The China-Bhutan boundary is not delineated, no third party should interfere in this matter and make irresponsible remarks or actions."



Further, "If any third party, out of hidden agenda, interferes it is disrespect of the sovereignty of Bhutan. We don't want to see this, as Bhutan is a country entitled to sovereignty by the international community.



New Delhis statement also pointed out that India and China had in 2012 reached agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries. Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding.



The statement urges China not to unilaterally change the status quo of the well-settled Sikkim-Tibet boundary. It notes: India and China had reached an understanding also in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the basis of the alignment. Further discussions regarding finalization of the boundary have been taking place under the Special Representatives framework.



While a shrill Chinese defence ministry has aggressively reminded the Indian Army chief of the 1962 military defeat of India, New Delhis statement today is more restrained: India cherishes peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas. It has not come easily.



While the crisis plays out, it has disappointed about 100 Indian pilgrims to Kailash Mansarover, who were to cross through Nathu La into Tibet, but whose entry was blocked by China when the crisis broke out. In 2015, China had accepted Indias request to allow pilgrims through Nathu La -- a relatively easier route than the other route through Uttarakhand. The yatra through Uttarakhand is continuing smoothly.
Breaking his silence, Prime Minister on Thursday said that killings in the name of 'gau bhakti' (cow worship) is not acceptable even as a man accused of carrying beef was beaten to death in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district.

"Today I want to say a few words and express sadness on some of the things going on. As a society, there is no place for violence. Killing people in the name of 'gau bhakti' is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve," Modi said while addressing the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Shrimad Rajchandraji, Gandhi's guru, at the Sabarmati Ashram here.

Asserting that India was a land of non-violence, he said: "We are the land of Mahatma Gandhi. Why do we forget that?

"No person in this nation has the right to take the law into his or her own hands in this country. Violence never has and never will solve any problem," he said.

Modi's remarks assume significance in the wake of criticism that he and his government have maintained silence about the violence by cow vigiliantes who have been accused of lynching muslim men in Jaipur and Alwar in Rajasthan, Ballabhgarh in Haryana, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand -- in the name of protecting the animal revered by Hindus.

In the Jharkhand incident on Thursday, Alimuddin alias Asgar Ansari, who was beaten to death, was allegedly carrying "banned meat" in a van, police said.

A group of people stopped him near Bajartand village and brutally attacked him, the police said. His van was set on fire too.

Police personnel rescued him and took him to a hospital where he died during the course of treatment.

"It's premeditated murder," Additional Director General of Police R.K. Malliksaid.

This is second such incident in Jharkhand in the last three days. In Giridih district, a mob thrashed a person and set on fire his house after a cow head was found.

Modi said no one spoke about protecting cows more than Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave. "Yes, it should be done," he said.

"Let's all work together. Let's create the India of Mahatma Gandhi's dreams. Let's create an India our freedom fighters would be proud of," Modi said.

He also said that Swachhata (cleanliness) had to become a 'swabhav' (habit). "What can be a greater tribute to Mahatma Gandhi than this? I urge people from all over to come and visit the Sabarmati Ashram."

He also said that Mahatma Gandhi's thoughts have the power to mitigate the challenges the world was facing today.
China has once again urged India to abide by existing boundary conventions between both nations and respect the former's territorial sovereignty.

"We once again urge the Indian side to abide by the existing boundary convention, respect China's territorial sovereignty, and immediately bring the border troops that have crossed into China back to the Indian side of the boundary, so as not to worsen the situation and land itself in a more passive position," The Global Times quoted China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang, as saying at his daily press conference on Thursday.

A rift seems to be emerging between India and China after it was reported that the Indian border troops had overstepped the China-India boundary at the Sikkim section and there was an ensuing standoff with the Chinese border troops.

A state-run Chinese daily has said that India cannot afford a showdown with China on border issues.

An opinion piece published in the Global Times warned India saying that "usually China avoids making an issue of border disputes."

It said that Beijing has "indulged India's unruly provocations, but this time the Indian side needs to be taught the rules."

The daily said that India lags far behind China in terms of strength and the so-called strategic support for it from the US is superficial.

However, the state media asserted that China has no desire to confront India.

Emphasising that maintaining friendly ties with New Delhi is Beijing's basic policy, the state media stressed that these ties must be based on mutual respect.

The Global Times said that it's not time for India to display arrogance toward China and pointed that India's GDP is only one-quarter of China's.

It also highlighted that India's annual defense budget is just one-third of China's.

The daily advised India that having a friendly relationship and cautiously handling border issues with China is its best choice.

Chinese and Indian soldiers are locked in a face-off at the Sikkim section of the China-India border.

The state media said that allegations of intrusions along the western section of the China-India border often emerge but face-offs in the Sikkim section are rare.

It added that the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim was reopened in 2006 as there is no border dispute between China and India over this area.

"It remains unclear whether this flare-up is the fault of low-level Indian troops or a tentative strategic move made by the Indian government. Whatever the motive, China must stick to its bottom line. It must force the Indian troops to retreat to the Indian side by all means necessary, and China's road construction mustn't be stopped," the Global Times said.

The daily further said that India's confidence has been greatly boosted with its GDP rising to fifth in the world and the U.S. and West are willing to woo India to counterbalance China has particularly added to Indians' sense of strategic superiority.

"Some Indians believe the US and Japan are building a circle to contain China, and India has an advantage over China by choosing whether to join this circle. Therefore, they can indulge themselves on issues, including border disputes, while China has no choice but to make concessions.," it said.

As the China-India borderline hasn't been demarcated completely and the two countries have a different understanding about the Line of Actual Control, troops from both sides often stray across in some areas.

China on Tuesday asked Indian border troops, who were alleged to have crossed the Indo-China border along Sikkim region, to withdraw and safeguard peace and tranquillity in the area.

"The Chinese side requires the Indian side to respect the boundary convention and China's territorial sovereignty, immediately withdraw their border troops that have crossed the boundary, conduct thorough investigation into this and safeguard peace and tranquility of the Sikkim section," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

China also clarified that the entry to the first batch of around 50 Indian pilgrims who were scheduled to travel to Kailash Mansarovar through the Nathu La pass in Sikkim were stopped due to security concerns.

"The Chinese side has to put off arranging for Indian officially-organized pilgrims' entry through Nathu-la mountain pass in the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary out of security concerns. The Indian side has been informed through the diplomatic channel," Geng said.

He further said that the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary was defined by the Convention between Great Britain and China relating to Sikkim and Tibet in 1890.

"The Indian government has repeatedly confirmed that in written forms since India's independence, recognizing that it concur with China on the boundary alignment at the Sikkim section," he said.
Last month this reporter met President Aditya Ghosh and SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh at an industry event. A few days before the event, Singh had gone public with his ambition of operating a long-haul low-cost model and had said that it was time to think out of the box. At last months event, Singh joked and pointed towards Ghosh saying, They are the guys with the cash, they should be taking daring steps.



On Thursday, Ghosh did just that  he expressed interest to acquire state-owned carrier Air Indias international business. Ghosh also said if splitting the business was not possible, was willing to take over the entire scale of the business. The move has perplexed competitors and investors, and analysts are trying to make sense of how stake might help .

In a letter sent on Thursday evening to his employees, Ghosh said that if acquired, Air Indias operations would require significant restructuring. He also confirmed the company would not take any debt and liability that will be an overhang on the existing business.

I think what Ghosh is indicating that IndiGo will form a joint venture with a different company for the bid; wait for a few weeks, said an executive of a rival airline. They operate the A320 family; has jumbo aircraft like Boeing 777 and 787. In the past, acquisition at premium valuations in a bid to shore up market share has proved to be costly as market shares were not easily transportable compared to growing organically by augmenting fleet. Also, in the process, inherited aircraft of different make or models into their fleet, further compounding scheduling, maintenance and management issues, the executive added.

Brokerage firm SBI Capital, however, has a different view. It took a decade for IndiGo to scale up market share from 9 per cent to 40 per cent in the domestic market. At present, IndiGo has less than 10 per cent market share in the international market, serving seven destinations, whereas together with Air India Express has a 45 per cent share, serving more than 40 destinations. It also has code share agreements with multiple global airlines that connect many more destinations, SBI Cap said.

But how much IndiGo will have to shell out if it intends to take the bid forward? According to a report by ICICI Securities, at a possible EBITDAR margin of 15-18 per cent, the enterprise value of Air India could come to Rs 30,400 crore  7.6 times the EBITDA value of IndiGos current EBITDA. In addition to that, Air India has land and building assets worth Rs 8,600 crore and the airlines international slots and bilateral rights will add to the valuation.

The key takeaway from IndiGos bid seems to stem from the fact that, excluding debt servicing and depreciation, Air Indias operational cost structure has already seen a turnaround  a lot of costs emanate from sub-optimal route networks and sub-optimal fleet deployment, further improvement can be achieved by improving load and on-time performance, Anshuman Deb of ICICI Securities said.

As of now, IndiGo has maintained silence. Though, the stock has been reacting negatively since the of IndiGo expressing interest in Air India came out. There will be an overhang on the stock considering the long process of disinvestment, SBI Cap said.
Defence, agriculture and water management are among the various areas of cooperation that will come up for discussion when Prime Minister visits Israel, the first prime ministerial visit from India to that country, a senior official said on Thursday.

"There are several areas of cooperation that include agriculture, water, maritime, science and technology, start-ups, and defence," B Bala Bhaskar, Joint Secretary (West Asia and North Africa) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said while briefing the media here.

"We are continuously working to diversify and strengthen our bilateral cooperation besides exploring new avenues of cooperation," Bhaskar said.

He said that Israel has expressed its "great willingness" over the last three years to participate in India's flagship initiatives like Make in India, Clean Ganga, Smart Cities and Digital India.

Stating that there has been cooperation going on in the agriculture sector, he said: "With the help of Israel we have established centres of excellence in various states aimed at increasing productivity, crop management, and water management ."

In terms of science and technology, Bhaskar said that both sides were cooperating in the area of space.

As for economic cooperation, he said that bilateral trade stood at $4.16 billion but added that it was in favour of Israel by $300 million.

"We are importing around 20 per cent of phosphate from Israel. It is an important contributor to the energy sector," he said.

With India and Israel already having a high-level of cooperation, New Delhi will also seek to develop greater cooperation on homeland security when Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu hold bilateral talks.

On the international stage, Israel supports India's bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

After landing on July 4, Modi will have his official engagements, including bilateral talks with Netanyahu and a call on President Rivlin the next day.

On July 6, he will interact with Israeli business leaders and also address the Indian diaspora.

According to the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv, there are about 85,000 Jews of Indian origin in Israel.

This apart, there are about 10,000 Indian nationals in Israel, of whom around 9,000 work in the care-giving sector, while the rest are mostly diamond traders, IT professionals and students.

During the course of the visit, Modi will also pay homage to Indian soldiers at the Haifa Indian Cemetery that contains the graves of 49 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War.
In the early 1960s, rocket scientist and former president APJ Abdul Kalam was part of a seven-member team at US space agency NASAs launch site in Virginia. Decades later, a satellite named after him was launched from the same site: at 64 gm, KalamSat is the worlds lightest satellite.
The governments initiative in providing housing for all is set to get yet another boost, as affordable housing is set to be cheaper under the new tax regime. However prices of luxury properties and those being constructed in prime locations where land rates are high, might just go up after goods and service tax (GST) kicks in.
After a gestation period of 11 years, the biggest tax reform in independent India, the goods and services tax (GST), finally became a reality on Friday midnight. The replaces 17 different central and state taxes, including services tax, value-added tax, octroi, duties and other charges, except Customs levy.
The stage is all set for the rollout of the major indirect tax reform measure - Goods and Services Tax (GST) - in Parliament's Central Hall on Friday night amid boycott by the Congress, the Trinamool and other opposition parties even as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley urged them to reconsider their decision.

The launch will take place at the stroke of midnight after speeches by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of Vice President Hamid Ansari, MPs, Chief Ministers and state Finance Ministers besides a host of industralists and legal luminaries.

The hour-long event seeks to evoke memories of the "Tryst with Destiny" moment of 1947 when first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made his famous speech to mark India's independence.

After deliberations on Thursday, the Congress announced a boycott of the function, saying the government was seeking to "trivalise" the freedom movement and to garner publicity.

The party said such a midnight function in the Central Hall of Parliament had occurred only thrice - August 15, 1947, when the country attained independence, and in 1972 and 1997 to mark the silver and golden jubilees of attaining freedom.

With the Congress boycott, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was invited to be on the dias, won't attend.

Congress allies including the Rashtriya Janata Dal and DMK also announced they will skip the event while the Left parties have left it to individual members to decide.

The JD-U, which broke ranks with the opposition on the President's election, will register its presence with Bihar Energy Minister. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not attend and Janata Dal-United MPs are free to attend or keep away.

Reacting to the opposition decision, Jaitley said they should display broad shoulders and own up to the consensus decision to usher in GST after a 15-year consultation process.

"I can say this without fear of contradiction that there has never been such exercise of this kind of political consultation and political consensus in bringing the GST. And now those who have been a party to this consultation and decision making process must also accept," he told reporters here on Thursday.

"I hope every political party will reconsider and revisit its decisions and be a party to the launch of a massive reform to which they have been themselves privy to," he added.

"Symbolic boycotts are not evidence of any kind of disassociation from these decisions... The government believes this is probably the single most important taxation reform in the last 70 years. I am sure it will prove beneficial both to the economy and the country," Jaitley said.

GST, termed as the most radical tax reform since Independence, seeks to subsume all central indirect taxes like excise duty, countervailing duty and service tax as also state levies like Value Added Tax, entry tax and luxury tax to create a single, pan-India market.

So far, apart from Jammu and Kashmir, all the states have passed the State GST (SGST) law. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to join the GST regime by July 1.

GST was first discussed in the Kelkar Task Force report on indirect taxes in 2003 and a proposal to introduce a national GST by April 1, 2010 was first mooted in the Budget Speech for the financial year 2006-07.
In the Central Hall of Parliament, on the right of President Pranab Mukherjee sat three dignitaries  Vice-President M Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. But on Mukherjees left were placed only two chairs, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda occupied. There was space for a third, where former prime minister Manmohan Singh, arguably the man who contributed most to the ushering in of the goods and services tax (GST), would have been seated. But the Congress boycott of the midnight ceremony had meant Singh was forced to remain absent.
Karnataka seems to have taken the lead in migration to the goods and services tax (GST) regime, with almost all traders moving to the new platform. There are 5,60,000 traders in Karnataka, and, as of the last week of June, all of them had migrated to the platform. Ironically, West Bengal, which has been seeking a postponement of the roll-out, has fared better among most other states; since May, the enrolment has moved up from 89 per cent to 94 per cent. In contrast, the figure for Gujarat, at the forefront of spearheading the GST, is at 93 per cent; Tamil Nadu at 90 per cent, Chhattisgarh and Telangana at 85 per cent, and Odisha at 73 per cent.
The state-wide strike called by the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industry ahead of the launch of goods and services tax (GST) evoked mixed response on Friday.
GST LIVE: The midnight launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the countrys biggest tax reform since independence, has catapulted India into a select league of nations with a national sales tax. Amid boycott of the launch ceremony by principal Opposition parties like the Congress, which termed it tamasha (gimmick), the new tax regime overnight replaces the messy mix of more than a dozen state and central levies built up over seven decades. The one national GST unifies the country's $2-trillion economy and 1.3 billion people into a common ...

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As the nation prepares for the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from midnight today, the government has prepared a FAQ sheet based on several questions it received on Twitter.
The government today expressed deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim, and said it had conveyed to Beijing that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with "serious" security implications for India.
Jammu and Kashmir have missed the July 1 deadline for Goods and Services Tax (GST) rollout as the state government maintained that it is in "consultations" to build a consensus for implementing the new tax regime.

"We have missed the deadline but we are in the process of consultations for building a consensus. We feel the wait is worth it," senior minister and government spokesman Naeem Akhtar told PTI.

The state government convened an all-party meeting earlier this month in an effort to build a consensus on implementing in the state but its efforts were opposed by opposition parties like the National Conference as also the business community.

The opponents to the regime maintain that extending the new tax regime will take away the tax levying autonomy of the state, which in turn will erode its special status within the union of India.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will meet for a special session on Monday to discuss the issue of implementing the in the state.

A special session of the Assembly was convened on June 17 for this purpose but the house was adjourned sine die as the all-party panel on GST had not submitted its report yet.

The panel met here yesterday as all the stakeholders stuck to their stand on the issue of GST.
The Congress efforts to forge Opposition unity on the issue of boycott of the midnight special session to mark the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) failed when several of the smaller parties expressed their intent to attend the event. Sources said the turnaround happened after the government reached out to these parties.

But protests and shutdowns across the country, including in the national capital, were evidence of growing concerns among traders and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Traders downed shutters in several parts of the country and also blocked road and train traffic at some places.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Friday the country's financial system remained "stable", but warned its stress tests showed that a "severe" credit shock would likely impact the capital adequacy and profitability of a significant number of banks.

The assessment, contained in the RBI's semi-annual Financial Stability Report, comes as India's banking system struggles to deal with about $150 billion in soured loans, which is seen as choking the credit needed to boost economic growth.

The RBI said gross non-performing advances (GNPAs) ratio of banks -- a measure of soured loans in the system -- rose to 9.6 per cent in March 2017 from 9.2 per cent in September 2016.

The RBI added its stress tests indicated that under the baseline scenario, the GNPAs ratio could rise to 10.2 per cent by March 2018, potentially sending two banks below the minimum mandated capital to risk-weighted assets ratio (CRAR) of 9 percent.

The RBI warned, however, that under a severe macro test scenario, six banks could record CRAR below 9 per cent, dragging the banking sector's ratio to 11.2 per cent by March 2018 from 13.3 per cent a year earlier.

"A severe credit shock is likely to impact capital adequacy and profitability of a significant number of banks," the report said.

The RBI does not identify which banks would be impacted under its stress tests.

The latest financial stability report comes as the RBI, under additional powers granted to it by the government this year, has ordered banks to start bankruptcy proceedings against 12 of the country's largest defaulters in a bid to start reducing the amount of soured loans in the country.
(RBI) Deputy Governor Viral Acharya said on Friday the level of provisioning mandated by the regulator for large stressed loans is appropriate and expressed hope that in a year or two, the central bank would get a handle on the bad asset situation in banks.
and Financial Services Ltd, the B R Shetty-promoted money changing company, has applied for a universal bank licence. It is the first company to apply for a universal banking licence under the on tap licensing of universal in the private sector.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Thailand was signed in the presence of Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and Minister of Justice of Thailand, Mr. Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana, on Cooperation in Controlling Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, their Precursors and Chemicals and Drug Abuse, here today. The MoU was signed by Dr. Rina Mitra, Special Secretary, MHA & DG, Narcotics Control Bureau and Mr. Sirinya Sitdhichai, Secretary General, Office of Narcotics Control Board, Thailand. .

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The MoU will enhance the mutual cooperation between India and Thailand in regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and combating drug trafficking. It will facilitate the exchange of information of new trends and modus operandi of drug traffickers, sharing the list of smugglers/syndicates in operation, sharing of best practices in the field of supply and demand reduction and help to provide mutual assistance & cooperation in investigation of drug offences. .

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Senior officers of the MHA were also present on the occasion. .

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On June 29 2014  nearly three years ago to the day  Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi took the pulpit at the Great Mosque of Al-Nuri in Mosul in northern Iraq. He announced the creation of a new Islamic State that stretched across the borders of Iraq and Syria. Declaring himself Caliph Ibrahim, the leader of all Muslims, he implored the faithful from across the world to make the pilgrimage to come and serve.
President and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold their first meeting as heads of state during the Group of 20 (G20) summit next week in Hamburg.
In a controversial move, Germany is considering plans to open two reception centres in Morocco for repatriated children. According to a leaked document of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees cited by a German newspaper, the centres would have space to receive 200 Moroccan minors and would be run in collaboration with Moroccan non-governmental organisations.
Portions of President Trumps travel ban go into effect on Thursday, three days after the temporarily lifted legal blocks on the ban and agreed to review the case this fall.
The WannaCry ransomware was barely out of the headlines when another cyberattack took down computer systems around the world.
President Trump lashed out Thursday at the appearance and intellect of Mika Brzezinski, a co-host of MSNBCs Morning Joe, drawing condemnation from his fellow Republicans and reigniting the controversy over his attitudes toward women that nearly derailed his candidacy last year.
The Trump administration is all set to partially implement its travel ban against people coming from six Muslim majority nations.

Being enforced from tonight 8 pm (5:30 am IST), officials said the travel ban is being rolled out across the country as part of its effort to prevent people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the US.

The move comes after the US Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the vast majority of the US President's March 6 'Executive Order Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States' could go into effect.

"As recent events have shown, we are living in a very dangerous time, and the US government needs every available tool to prevent terrorists from entering the country and committing acts of bloodshed and violence. And as the President reiterated following Monday's ruling, his number one responsibility as Commander-in-Chief is to keep the American people safe," said a senior administration official.

Ahead of its implementation, officials hoped to have business as usual at the airports.

"We expect business as usual at the ports of entry starting at 8:00 pm tonight. There have been reports of people who have already indicated that they would like to be there to either cause chaos or to protest. Lawyers have indicated they would like to be at the ports of entry to assist people," a senior administration official said.

"As long as they are in the public area of the airports, that is completely their business as long as they abide by the guidance from the airport authorities," the official said.

According to another official, the plan is not to cancel previously scheduled visa application appointments, so individuals should continue to come in for their visa interviews as scheduled.

"Our consular officers have then been given detailed instructions to make case-by-case determinations on whether individuals would qualify for visas under the new guidance," the official said.

"We will first be applying the traditional screening to these individuals. That is, we will be assessing whether they qualify under the Immigration and Nationality Act, and we will then see, if they do qualify under the INA, whether they qualify under the guidance. Individuals who are qualified will then be subjected to all vetting as normal. All security and screening vetting will be applied to anybody who is deemed qualified for a visa," the official said.

During a conference call with reporters, a third administration official said while there is a blanket ban on refugees, those part of the family can still come in.

"On the family side, those relationships have been defined to include parents, spouses, children, adult son or daughters, sons and daughter-in-laws, and siblings," the official said.

"As regards relationships with entities in the United States, these need to be formal, documented, and formed in the ordinary course of events rather than to evade the executive order itself," the official added.

A resettlement agency in the US has provided a formal assurance for refugees seeking admission is not sufficient, in and of itself, to establish a bona fide relationship under the ruling.

So far this year,the US has admitted 49,009 refugees.

For purposes of enforcement, visas that have been issued by the Department of State prior to the effective date of the executive order are to be considered as valid for travel and seeking entry into the United States unless revoked on an unrelated basis, the official said.

"Someone who has a visa will be allowed to be admitted. If, for some reason, there is another basis, they will not. But generally and in almost all cases, that will not apply. We can give some examples if people need them, but this happens on a routine basis: people with visas who show up who there's intelligence on them not being admitted, there's criminal activity, fraudulent documents -- just the normal course of business," the official explained.

The executive order does not bar entry for individuals who are excluded from the suspension provision under the terms of the order who obtain a waiver from State or Customs or who demonstrate a bona fide relationship, the official added.

According to a senior administration official, upon arrival to a port of entry, travelers are still subject to inspection and must satisfy all requirements under federal law and regulation.

"Individuals will not be denied entry based solely on their being a national from one of these countries," the official said.
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on a Chinese bank, a Chinese company and two Chinese citizens in an effort to crack down on North Koreas financing and development of weapons of mass destruction.


Deloitte Access Economics has valued the at A$56 billion, with an economic contribution of A$6.4 billion per year. Yet this figure grossly underestimates the value of the reef, as it mainly focuses on tourism and the reefs role as an Australian icon.
InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo airline, was down nearly 5% to Rs 1,179 on BSE in intra-day trade, extending its Thursdays fall, after the low-cost carrier has expressed unsolicited interest in buying a stake in national carrier Air India.
Benchmark indices rebounded to ended marginally higher after a day of subdued trading as caution ahead of the launch of a goods and services tax (GST) kept investors on edge. The indices ended the month of June in negative, first monthly loss this year, even after they rose a bit in the late afternoon deals.
The hearing will continue on the bail plea filed by 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, who was held guilty in a case relating to the murder of a family of five members in Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment on November 1, 1984 after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Earlier on May 11, the Delhi High Court granted bail for a week to a convict serving life term in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case to enable him look after his wife, who underwent an operation last month.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Anu Malhotra released former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar on bail as his wife is slated to undergo an operation at the AIIMS.

Khokhar, Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and two others were held guilty in a case relating to the murder of five members of a family.

They had challenged their conviction and the award of life sentence by the trial court in May 2013.

The trial court had acquitted Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, but awarded life term to Khokhar, Bhagmal and Girdhari Lal and three-year jail term to two others - former MLA Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar.

The convicts had filed appeals before the High Court, while the CBI too had filed an appeal alleging that they were engaged in "a planned communal riot" and "religious cleansing". The agency has also appealed against acquittal of Sajjan Kumar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Central Bureau of investigation (CBI) on Friday demanded death penalty for Tahir Merchant and Karimullah Khan for their key role in 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

Counsel for CBI, Deepak Salve said that role of Tahir Merchant in the deadly blasts was serious and he was one of the main conspirators.

Demanding death penalty for Khan, the CBI counsel said that he was one of the prime conspirators of the bomb blasts, who had the knowledge of RDX and weapon movement.

The prosecution also asked for life imprisonment for Riaz Siddique.

The special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (TADA) court earlier on June 28 adjourned the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case after the convict Mustafa Dossa passed away.

The court deferred the case after the Special Public Prosecutor informed it about Dossa's death, saying that he was not in a position to argue in this case.

The court asked the Special Public Prosecutor as to why Dossa was not admitted to hospitals yesterday itself or even before that.

On this the Special Public Prosecutor replied that he didn't complaint about his health condition yesterday.

Dossa, who was admitted to the J. J. Hospital after hypertension and diabetes complaint, passed away on Wednesday.

"He was admitted following chest pain and infection," J.J Hospital Dean T.P. Lahane told ANI.

"Mustafa Dossa also had uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes," he added.

Dossa had informed the special TADA court about his heart problem and said he wanted to undergo a bypass surgery.

The prosecution on June 27 argued that convict Feroz Khan should be given death penalty for his role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

Salve stated that his role was parallel to that of Yakub Memon.

Salve said he would seek extreme punishment for all six convicts in the case.

Speaking to reporters, Salve said, "I quoted the judgments made by Supreme Court regarding Mustafa Dossa and Feroz. I have appealed for maximum punishment for them on the applicable grounds. Mustafa Dossa and Mohammad Dossa were present at the first conspiracy meeting where they decided to send arms and ammunitions and create riots. Feroz was close to the group and has played an important role in transfer of arms and ammunitions".

The TADA court had convicted six people - Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Feroz Abdul Rashid Khan, Taher Merchant, Karimulla Khan and Riyaz Siddiqui - in the case on June 16 and acquitted Abdul Qayyum Sheikh, who was then released from Arthur Road Jail.

Addressing media after the court's order, Salve said, "Mustafa Dossa conducted a conspiracy meeting in Dubai which was attended by Dawood Ibrahim and others. They hatched a conspiracy of Mumbai blast to take revenge of Babri Masjid demolition."

He further said that "the accused used to travel between Dubai and Pakistan for arms and ammunition training where Pakistan had given them green channel entry. Their targets were Indian politicians, high officials and Hindus".

About 257 people died while 713 others were injured after a series of bomb blasts rocked Mumbai City on March 12, 1993.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After the Nawaz Sharif Government criticized the growing India-U.S. relations following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington, the Pakistan media is also striking the same tone as it seems upset with Syed Salahuddin, a Pakistan-based Kashmiri separatist leader, being declared a specially designated global terrorist by the U.S.

Pakistan's English Daily, the Dawn said in an editorial on Friday, "Historically, the US has encouraged Pakistan and India to engage in dialogue on all disputes and issues between the two countries. But that encouragement is now meaningless if the US aligns itself with India on the Kashmir dispute."

It said "Whether it is the dysfunction in civil-military relations, the intransigence of the security establishment or the reluctance of the PML-N government, Pakistan has been unable to adapt its approach to India in the Modi era," adding that for Islamabad, the challenge remains the same: mobilising opinion against Indian agenda in Kashmir.

On Salahuddin, the editorial said, "the IHK-born leader is the very symbol of India's failed policies in Kashmir."

The daily said that Indian government has tried to cast Salahuddin as a present-day menacing figure and lobbied the UN to have him declared a terrorist while he was the 1980s, a 'young aspiring politician' from Budgam in the Kashmir Valley.

It claimed that thirty years ago, Salahuddin was denied victory in a massively rigged election in Kashmir. That rigged election helped trigger an insurgency against Indian rule.

Earlier, Pakistan's Foreign Office said in response to the Indo-US joint statement that was issued on Tuesday after President Donald Trump's meeting with Prime Minister Modi, "The meeting in Washington D.C. between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi was a missed opportunity to induce India to alter its policies inimical to peace in the region."

Pakistan also expressed its concerns on the sale of advanced military technologies to India saying, "Such sales accentuate military imbalances in the region and undermine strategic stability in South Asia.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Aksh Optifibre Limited (AOL), the leading Indian manufacturer of Optical Fibre, Optical Fibre Cables, Fibre Reinforced Composites and a major e-Governance service provider was recently honoured with the prestigious Bhamashah Award for its stellar contributions in the development of Education in Bhiwadi and Reengus, Rajasthan.

The Education Department, Govt. of Rajasthan duly recognized and appreciated Aksh Optifibre Limited's CSR initiatives in the field of Education for the third consecutive year and has best owed the prestigious "BHAMASHAH AWARD" to both of its manufacturing locations at Bhiwadi and Reengus on the occasion of Bhamashah Jayanti on 28.06.2017 at Birla Auditorium, Jaipur. The award was presented by Honorable Chief Minister of Rajasthan Smt. Vasundhara Raje Scindia to Aksh Optifibre Limited.

The organization has undertaken a series of initiatives for the social development and empowerment of the country. Under Aksh CSR initiative 'Muskaan', the organization further improved the infrastructure of its adopted Govt. Secondary School in Santhalka (Bhiwadi) by providing another 100 sets of class room furniture, construction of school main gate in secondary section, setup of e-learning class room, installation of CCTV camera, repairing of class rooms, ground levelling and development of pathway using interlocking tiles, plantation of trees and development of lawn, bala painting and writing work, carpets for yoga classes and providing full time employee for day to day cleaning and housekeeping activities.

Under 'Shiksha HamaraSwabhiman' at Reengus (Sikar), the organization has adopted three government schools, Govt Girls Sr. Sec School, Reengus, Govt Sr. Sec School Reengus and Govt. Upper Primary School, Parsarampura. Here, Aksh Optifibre Limited developed infrastructure such as construction of tin shed, setting up of e-learning class room, painting & renovation of building, light & invertor fitting, providing music instruments, educational painting in class rooms and more.

On this momentous occasion, Mr. Ramgopal, ED at Aksh Optifibre Limited, commented, "Corporate Social Responsibility is one of the key benchmarks of Aksh's societal responsibility and commitment and such token of appreciation not only motivates us to explore new avenues to create more society friendly campaigns in the future but also to continuing partake in with utmost enthusiasm."

Bhamashah Awards honours the year's most powerful, innovative and comprehensive CSR efforts that have made a deep impact on the economic and social upliftment of the society. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations that championed the incredible impact CSR campaigns can have on our communities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The recent jostling near the China-India-Bhutan border marks an uptick in tensions.

The pertinent question is to ask whether there is any specific reason as to why China is taking this course of action at this particular juncture.

It is, of course, difficult to pry into the inner thinking of the Chinese leadership and of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), but it is undeniable that the military and border defence troops are under the close control of the Chinese authorities and the Communist Party.

Considering that few plaudits are given to officers who show remarkable initiative - for the PLA adores conformity and the ability to follow party orders - this is presumably a confrontation that has been sanctioned by a higher military command, instead of just being something started by overenthusiastic troops on the ground and which got out of hand.

Looking at it from the broadest angle, tensions in the East China Sea and even the South China Sea, have been relatively quiet in recent months, so China likely feels confident about pushing the envelope elsewhere for a season. Maritime territorial areas plus the perennial "problem" of Taiwan have long been the focus for China, but it has not completely forgotten other spheres either.

Indeed, it is some time since there was a serious confrontation along the Sino-Indian border, so this serves as a timely warning to keep Delhi on its toes and in its place.

This is not an isolated incident either, as there has been a pattern of increased PLA activity in the area. China has been constructing a new road in the Sikkim sector, and satellite imagery seems to confirm that part of it intrudes across Bhutan's border.

M. Taylor Fravel, an associate professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a member of its Security Studies Program, tweeted, "After border face-off, China justifies construction of road in Sikkim sector, says area not under border disputes."

As is usual with China, the country is skillful at turning around its own misdemeanors to instead accuse others of wrongdoing. This explains Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang's comments, "As per this treaty, the area over which the Indian Army has raised objection is undoubtedly located on the Chinese side of the border."

He continued, "The liability lies totally with the Indian side. The Indian troops crossed the Sikkim section into China's territory against our mutual recognition."

Lu continued, "Donglong is part of China's territory. This is indisputable. The Donglong area has belonged to China since ancient times and does not belong to Bhutan. If India wants to raise an issue with this part, I should say that it does not belong to Bhutan nor does it belong to India. So we have complete legal basis for this. China's construction of road projects is just a legitimate and normal action on its territory. No other country has the right to interfere."

Of course, China is keen on driving a wedge between India and Bhutan, so it has been quick to blame India for the tensions, and has told it to stop interfering.

However, Lu did not seem to see the irony in his comment: "We hope countries can respect the sovereignty of Bhutan. Though the boundary between China and Bhutan has not been delimited, no third party should interfere in this matter and make any irresponsible remarks or action." Does this advice not also apply to China, whose road-building activities have obviously been irresponsible as they created tensions?

In typical fever-pitched Global Times style, the Chinese newspaper said, "Indian troops' provocation brings disgrace to themselves". It continued, "It remains unclear whether this flare-up is the fault of low-level Indian troops or a tentative strategic move made by the Indian government."

Again, this is typical smear tactics from Chinese media, where all publications must toe the party line.

Naturally this op-ed was full of rhetoric such as this: "Whatever the motive is, China must stick to its bottom line. It must force the Indian troops to retreat to the Indian side by all means necessary and China's road construction mustn't be stopped."

It can be useful reading such opinions as it reveals the typical arguments and narratives that the Chinese love to use in many different contexts. Unfortunately, the irony of accusing India of public propaganda is completely lost on China with statements like this: "However, almost all frictions are fed to the Indian media by the Indian military which they hype time and again." They just shot themselves in the foot.

The op-ed also referenced India's growing "sense of strategic superiority" and that it is being used as a pawn by American, Japanese and Western powers to counterbalance China's peaceful rise. China has long exhibited a chip on its shoulder about its historical treatment by the West, so it is no surprise to see this brought into the equation.

Yet Chinese arrogance and its own "sense of strategic superiority" was immediately exposed in a subsequent paragraph when the Global Times said, "India cannot afford a showdown with China on border issues. It lags far behind China in terms of national strength and the so-called strategic support for it from the US is superficial.India's GDP is only one-quarter of China's and its annual defense budget is just one-third."

Then, of course, the olive branch - grasped in an iron fist - "China has no desire to confront India. Maintaining friendly ties with New Delhi is Beijing's basic policy. But this must be based on mutual respect." And this, "It's not time for India to display arrogance toward China. Having a friendly relationship and cautiously handling border issues with China is its best choice."

China is annoyed that India is building up infrastructure - slowly, it must be pointed out - along its side of the Line of Actual Control, including in Sikkim. The irony of Chinabeing far ahead in terms of infrastructure such as roads and military fortifications seems lost on the Chinese. This is another typical case of "Do as I say and not as I do".

These arguments are all so typical of China, and the first thing the Indian Government needs to do is to understand how China thinks and operates. China is also adept at playing the poor victim, so its protest to India about Indian troops "crossing the boundary" are unsurprising. Holding future visits of Indian pilgrims to Kailash Mansarovar to ransom is another typical Chinese ploy.

This dispute at the tri-border juncture does seem yet another Chinese land grab. Indeed, this is part of its favoured strategy of "salami slicing," and it follows precisely what Beijing did in the South China Sea.

There the country grabbed reefs, reclaimed them and built military installations on them, all the while continuing to broadcast its message that this was all legitimate, it was for peaceful purposes and that no other country had a right to interfere because it was China's "indisputable sovereign territory". This is the numbing refrain that China uses over and over again.

China also uses its citizens - farmers and grazers in the case of the Indian border, or fishermen in the South China Sea - as its vanguard. Once these civilians have established a presence, this paves the way for more permanent fixtures and eventually a military presence to "protect" its citizens in their now "historic territories".

All the while, China continues to slice off more pieces of territory for itself and gain a permanent presence, something about which weaker and smaller competitors cannot do anything. It is using exactly the same modus operandi along its disputed border with India. This is why the Indian government needs to show determined resolve, and to also make sure that it publicly highlights the strategy that China is utilising. China has absolutely no sense of shame in what it is doing, and it will take every advantage if allowed to do so.

This deliberate strategy by China to bite by bite eat away at Indian territory is proving successful. One recent report indicated that India has lost nearly 2,000km of territory to PLA encroachments over the past decade alone.

Sure, China is not gaining land through the use of bullets and guns, but it is achieving the same level of success. Even in the South China Sea, the decrees of international law and the might of the U.S.A. have done little to thwart or even slow down Chinese expansionism. A lack of border fighting should not be construed as victory for India for this plays straight into China's chosen strategy. Accommodation to China's incremental advances has to stop, and India must stand up for itself or it risks accelerated land grabs from Chinese troops.

China has behaved similarly with Vietnam in recent days. General Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, made a two-day visit to Hanoi on June 18-19 and was then supposed to accompany Vietnam Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich for joint military patrols along the Sino-Vietnam land border from June 20-22.

However, Fan abruptly cancelled the latter, citing "reasons related to working arrangements". However, the real reason is more likely to be disagreements over renewed oil and gas exploration, with Vietnam refusing to accede to Chinese demands that it halt all exploration within China's so-called "nine-dash line". Two areas, Blocks 118 and 136, are at the center of the dispute as Vietnam explores for undersea hydrocarbon deposits. Ironically, though, China continues to explore for oil and gas around the Gulf of Tonkin and the Paracel Islands, the possession of which is bitterly disputed by Vietnam.

China is also annoyed at Vietnam's rapprochement with the U.S.A. The latter handed over an ex-U.S. Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter to Hanoi last month. Plus the two sides have promised greater intelligence sharing, which no doubt encompasses activities in the South China Sea. Tokyo has also been supporting Vietnam with maritime security equipment and boats too.

There are other things that have irked China in recent times that may have combined to encourage China to act now along the Indian border. One was the meeting between Modi and Trump earlier this week, and China would have been keen to divert Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention from this summit. Speculatively, China may have felt the need to gain revenge for the Dalai Lama's April visit to Arunachal Pradesh too.

Another factor that could be at play is the White House's approval of the sale of 22 non-weaponised MQ-9B Guardian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to India on 21 June. Although the proposed sale is yet to receive congressional approval, a green light seems assured. Although the Guardian is unarmed, Washington's willingness to sell the platform confirms that India is viewed as a strategic partner of the USA.

What is notable, ANI has learned, is China's objections to the sale. Before Washington gave approval, Pakistan had to express that it had no objections to such a sale to India. An industry source confirmed that Pakistan was okay with it, but that the greatest opposition has been coming from China. In fact, the source said Beijing was 'upset' about it.

There are probably a couple of reasons for this. One is that the PLA Navy has been making more regular forays into the Indian Ocean, and obviously it opposes any upgrade in Indian maritime surveillance capabilities. Guardian UAVs based at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, for example, would be able to monitor Chinese naval vessels transiting the Malacca Strait.

Another reason is that China, which has been achieving notable sales successes for medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs such as the Wing Loong, will now face more serious competition for future sales around the . Indeed, China has created something of a global chokehold because of tight export controls in the USA, but a sale to India could mark the beginning of a relaxation in American export restrictions.

Another thing upsetting to China is India's willingness to sell the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to Vietnam. Just as it has vociferously opposed the US Army deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in South Korea, so Beijing will obstinately oppose any prospective Indian missile sale to Hanoi.

Perhaps this current border dispute is a confluence of many factors, and it cannot be pinned directly to a single one. Certain, though, is the fact that it is part of China's broader desire to build military and dual-use infrastructure along its mountainous border, which reflects Beijing's overarching strategy of taking over additional slices of disputed territory wherever and whenever it can.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has sought help to identify the culprits involved in the brutal lynching of Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohammad Ayub Pandith.

Pandith, a resident of Nowpora Khanyar, Srinagar, who was on access control duty at Jamia Masjid in the Nowhatta area of Jammu and Kashmir, was lynched to death by an unlawful assembly of people.

In this regard, a case under section 302 RPC was registered and investigation was taken up. To speed up the investigation process, a special investigating team was also constituted.

The police also arrested five persons in connection with the lynching of Pandith.

To nab all the criminals involved in the incident, the head of special investigating team has requested that if anyone having any knowledge or clue regarding the incident may please attend the office of SP, City North Srinagar or call on 0194-2453214, 9419140715 and 9596770664.

The name and particulars of the said person shall remain confidential.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the wake of next week's G-20 summit in Hamburg, German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she will focus on pressing on with the Paris climate accord despite United States President Donald Trump's move to pull the U.S. out of the deal.

Merkel on Thursday told Germany's Parliament she is prepared to have difficult talks with Trump about the Paris deal and climate change, The Washington Post reported.

"Since the U.S. announced that it would exit the Paris agreement, we cannot expect any easy talks in Hamburg. The dissent is obvious, and it would be dishonest to cover it up," she said.

"We can't, and we won't, wait until the last person on earth is convinced of the scientific evidence for climate change," she made an indirect remark at Trump.

She further said, "Whoever believes that the world's problems can be solved by isolationism and protectionism is making an enormous error."

Earlier this month, Trump rejected the Paris climate change agreement, breaking with the nearly 200 nations that came together in an effort to limit greenhouse emissions.

The move invited backlash from Democrats, environmental groups and many of the U.S.'s allies.

Meanwhile, Germany has warned Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to not use his trip to address German supporters, traditionally more loyal to the president than to the Turkish population, The Irish Times reports.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On a day largely overshadowed by a series of tweets aimed at MSNBC "Morning Joe" co-hosts, United States President Donald Trump delivered a Thursday afternoon speech promoting the White House's "Energy Week".

At the "Unleashing American Energy Summit" at the Department of Energy, Trump said his administration will seek "American energy dominance," while calling for domestic energy development and loosening of Obama-era regulations, CNN reports.

"The golden era of American energy is now underway," he said. "And I'll go a step further: the golden era of America is now underway, believe me."

Trump spoke to an audience of administration officials, lawmakers, energy industry executives and labor union leaders and employees about his administration's energy policy.

"We have nearly 100 years worth of natural gas and more than 250 years worth of clean, beautiful coal. We are a top producer of petroleum and the number one producer of natural gas. We have so much more than we ever thought possible. We are really in the driving seat, and you know what? We don't want to let other countries take away our sovereignty. This vast energy wealth does not belong to the government. It belongs to the people of the United States of America," he said.

He also noted his decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords, saying "maybe we'll be back into it some day, but it will be on better terms."

Trump announced six new administrative initiatives in his remarks - the approval of construction of a new petroleum pipeline to Mexico and an agreement to begin negotiations for the sale of more American natural gas to South Korea.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rashtriya Janata Dal Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Friday branded the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as 'anti-small traders'.

Talking to reporters here, Lalu said, "The GST is anti- small traders. There are many anomalies in the new tax regime and that is why protests are being reported from many parts of India."

He took a dig at the celebrations from today midnight over the rollout of the GST at the Central Hall of the Parliament by Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

"The GST was passed by everyone and they (BJP) are celebrating it. Let them celebrate," Lalu said, whose party boycotted the launch of the GST on Thursday.

It was the Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress that first boycotted the GST rollout. Later, many Opposition parties like Congress, Samajwadi Party, and the Left too decided to skip the midnight event.

The Opposition's charge is that the government is in a hurry to implement the new tax regime when there are many shortcomings in it that need more time.

They have also alleged that Modi government is doing publicity stunt in the garb of the GST rollout.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee, on Friday midnight will unveil the GST which will replace more than a dozen state and central taxes.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hours before the mid-night rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that it is a reform that holds great potential, but is being rushed through in a half-baked spectacle by an incompetent government.

"A reform that holds great potential is being rushed through in a half-baked way with a self-promotional spectacle #GSTTamasha," Gandhi tweeted.

Hitting at the Central Government, he further said that the GST is being executed by an incompetent and insensitive government without planning foresight and institutional readiness.

"Unlike demonetisation, GST is a reform that @INCIndia has championed & backed from the beginning," Gandhi asserted.

He added that India deserves a GST rollout that does not put crores of its citizens and traders through difficult time.

The Congress Party yesterday said that it would boycott the midnight meeting, convened by the government, on the implementation of the GST.

Besides Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have also decided to boycott the event.

Ahead of the historic rollout of the GST that is scheduled to take effect from midnight, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu earlier in the day urged the Congress Party to 'realise and rethink' their stand and join the government for the midnight Parliament session.

The GST, which is slated to roll out today midnight, will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With the much-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) rolling out at midnight, President Pranab Mukherjee, while addressing a special session of the Parliament, said it is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy.

Calling the introduction of the GST a "momentous" event for the nation, President Mukherjee said this historic moment is the culmination of a 14-year-long journey which began in December 2002.

"The new era in taxation is the result of a broad consensus arrived at between the Centre and the states. It is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy. The GST will make exports more competitive and also provide a level playing field to domestic industry to compete with imports," he added.

"I was closely involved in the design and implementation of the GST as the then Finance Minister. I had the privilege of giving assent to the Constitution Amendment Act," he added.

President Mukherjee further compared the GST with the VAT (Value-Added Tax) and said there might be few difficulties in the intial stage.

"The GST is a disruptive change no doubt. It is similar to introduction of the VAT, when there was initial resistance. When change of magnitude is undertaken, however, positive it may be, there are bound to occur some teething troubles and difficulties in initial stage," he said.

President Mukherjee said under the GST, the tax incidence will be transparent, enabling full removal of tax burden on exports.

"The GST will be administered through a modern world-class information technology (IT) system. The GST will create a strong incentive for buyers to deal with honest and compliant sellers who pay their dues promptly. Success of major changes always depends on their effective implementation," he said.

Meanwhile, in a historic moment for the Indian economy, the much-awaited GST was rolled out in a special midnight session of the Parliament, in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, among other dignitaries.

The biggest tax reform since independence - GST - will pave the way for realisation of the goal of One Nation - One Tax - One Market.

Ahead of the launch, the Parliament was in all its glory on Friday evening with its main building decked with rows of bright bulbs and people taking to streets to celebrate. It is only the fourth time in the history of Independent India that a midnight function is being organised in the Central Hall of Parliament.

The GST is expected to benefit all the stakeholders namely industry, government and consumer as it will lower the cost of goods and services give a boost to the economy and make the products and services globally competitive, giving a major boost to 'Make in India' initiative.

Under the GST regime, exports will be zero-rated in entirety unlike the present system where refund of some of the taxes does not take place due to fragmented nature of indirect taxes between the Centre and the States.

However, the GST will make India a common market with common tax rates and procedures and remove economic barriers. GST is largely technology driven and will reduce the human interface to a great extent. GST is expected to improve ease of doing business in India.

In majority of supplies of goods, the tax incidence approved by the GST Council is much lower than the present combined indirect tax rates levied [on account of central excise duty rates / embedded central excise duty rates / service tax post-clearance embedding, VAT rates or weighted average VAT rates, cascading of VAT over excise duty and tax incidence on account of CST, Octroi, Entry Tax, etc.] by the Centre and State(s).

On March 29 this year, the Finance Minister of India tabled four GST Bills for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha namely The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bill, 2017, The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Bill, 2017, The Union Territories Goods and Services Tax (UTGST) Bill, 2017 and the GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017.

They were passed by the Lok Sabha on March29, 2017 and by the Rajya Sabha on 6 April, 2017.

The GST Council has decided the final structure of GST as follows:

 The threshold limit for exemption from levy of GST is Rs. 20 lakh for the States except for the Special Category, where it is Rs 10 Lakh.

 A four slab tax rate structure of 5 percent, 12 percent, 18 percent and 28 percent has been adopted for GST.

 A cess would be levied on certain goods such as luxury cars, aerated drinks, and pan masala and tobacco products, over and above the GST rate of 28 percent for payment of compensation to the states.

 The threshold for availing the Composition scheme is Rs. 75 lakhexcept for special category States where it is Rs. 50 lakh and they are required to file quarterly returns only. Certain categories of manufacturers, service providers (except restaurants) are out of the Composition Scheme.

Other important Features of GST are:-

 GST envisages all transactions and processes to be done only through electronic mode, to achieve non-intrusive administration. This will minimise tax payer's physical interaction with the tax officials.

 GST provides for the facility of auto-populated monthly returns and annual return.

 It also facilitates the taxpayers by prescribing grant of refund within 60 days, and provisional release of 90 percent refund to exporters within 7 days.

Further facilitation measures include interest payment if refund is not sanctioned in time, and refund to be directly credited to bank accounts.

 Comprehensive transitional provisions for ensuring smooth transition of existing taxpayers to GST regime, credit for available stocks, etc.

 Other provisions include system of GST Compliance Rating, etc.

 Anti-profiteering provisions for protection of consumer rights.

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Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that his government has approved the "Israeli Cabinet Resolution on Strengthening Ties with the Republic of India."

This resolution is a direct result of the Israeli Prime Minister's instructions to concentrate governmental efforts on strengthening political, economic, scientific and cultural ties with India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first serving Indian prime minister to visit Israel to mark 25 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Jerusalem.

Celebrating 25 years of Indo-Israel diplomatic relations, the Government resolution aims at combining the capabilities of both the Indian and Israeli economies for the benefit of both countries.

The measures to be taken by the government ministries stress the importance of our growing partnership in various fields: Agriculture, Water, Innovation and Research and Development, Space, Cyber, Health and more.

In addition, the resolution has placed an emphasis on bringing the modern people of two ancient nations closer together, through deepening cultural ties and encouraging tourism.

A flagship project will be undertaken by the both governments in the field of water and agriculture, which will demonstrate Israel's capabilities while providing solutions to current Indian needs. The project will include, inter alia, solutions to the following concerns: water conservation, reducing pollution along the Ganges River, using recycled water in irrigation and increasing agricultural production.

Israel's ambassador to India Daniel Carmon said, "This landmark resolution is a significant tool providing ministries and governmental agencies a road map and resources in order to implement PM Netanyahu's vision of further bolstering the relationship between both our countries".

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The Kamakhya temple in Guwahati recently reopened for people to celebrate the Ambubachi Mela 2017.

Pilgrims, including tantrics and sanyasis congregated at the mela to seek Goddess Kamakhya's blessings.

The devotees were seen receiving a piece of red cloth, which is considered to be sacred.

A devotee from Delhi, Kiran Pediwal said that he is feeling blessed to have been able to witness the divine spirituality of the Goddess.

"I am feeling very privileged and peaceful to have able to seeking blessings from such holy shrine of Maa Kamakhya", he added.

The doors remained closed for four days as it is believed that at this time of the year, the Goddess Shakti or the Mother Earth goes through her annual cycle of menstruation, and acquires fertility.

The festival is considered to be auspicious, as it celebrates the strength of female and the power of procreation.

Farming, daily worship and religious duties are stopped during the Mela.

Tight security, healthy food, more than 600 toilets and a good infrastructure to accommodate the visitors and pilgrims have been arranged.

Around 2000 volunteers were engaged to guide and assist the pilgrims and other visitors.

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Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Friday trained his guns at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the brutal killing of a man in Jharkhand allegedly over the beef.

A man named Ansari was killed in Ramgarh on Thursday over the suspicion of carrying beef. The incident occurred on the same day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad condemned incidents of lynching over 'gau bhakti'.

He said Prime Minister is saying something and on the ground something else is happening.

"Bajrang Dal and Hindu Vahini activists have committed a gruesome attack by killing a man and they will pay the price for the same. The Prime Minister is speaking something else and on the ground something else is happening," Lalu asserted.

He also alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Jharkhand Government is a complete failure.

Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed in Ramgarh.

Ansari was beaten to death over suspicion of carrying beef in his Maruti van. The van was also set on fire. Later, police claimed that Ansari was killed over a monetary dispute.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that NATO and its allies have reiterated their commitment to Afghanistan and will sustain Resolute Support Mission beyond 2017.

Asserting that the NATO will increase its presence in Afghanistan, he said they will continue to fund Afghan Security Forces through to 2020.

"We will also continue funding the Afghan Security Forces through 2020 and we will continue to strengthen our political partnership and practical cooperation with Afghanistan. But NATO alone cannot bring lasting security to Afghanistan," Tolo News quoted Stoltenberg as saying after Thursday's defense ministers meeting in Brussels.

He said the NATO's presence is necessary in Afghanistan as in recent months hundreds of innocent civilians have been killed in various attacks in the country.

However, he added that the NATO alone cannot bring lasting security in Afghanistan.

Stoltenberg further said that 15 nations have pledged additional contributions to Resolute Support at a force generation conference earlier this month.

"We count on our Afghan partners to make good on their commitments, including: key reforms on good governance and the rule of law, fighting corruption and protecting the rights of women and girls," he said.

Speaking after the meeting, U.S Secretary of Defence James Mattis said that he had gathered information from the NATO allies and partners on Afghanistan and will soon put forward a draft plan on Washington's new strategy in Afghanistan to U.S President Donald Trump.

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Highlighting the significance of Good and services Tax (GST), Union Minister Mahesh Sharma on Friday said the Opposition should not politicize the matter.

"When the parliament has passed GST then the opposition should not be against it. I request the opposition to not play politics when it is beneficial for the people," Sharma told ANI.

He further said the uniform tax regime would help curb corruption adding that with the implementation of GST, business and working capital would increase.

"It's not a tax reform but a business reform. I congratulate everyone that GST has been put forward," he added.

Ahead of the historic rollout of the GST that is scheduled to take effect from midnight, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu earlier in the day urged the Congress Party to 'realise and rethink' their stand and join the government for the midnight Parliament session.

"It's really unfortunate because they are distancing themselves from the process of reformation in the country. I hope they (Congress) realise by evening and re-think and join us in the Central Hall," Naidu said.

"I still appeal to the Congress and other parties boycotting GST event to reconsider. It's not a party function," he added.

The Congress Party yesterday said that it would boycott the midnight meeting, convened by the government, on the implementation of the GST.

"We are boycotting this midnight celebration. In UPA government; Right to Information (RTI) Act, Food Security Act, MNREGA, Right to Education laws were passed which were beneficial for people. But, we never made celebration for such things in central hall. The BJP is doing publicity only in which they are master," Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said.

Besides Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have also decided to boycott the event.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) backed GST and questioned as to why the political parties are creating fuss over its launch event when they unanimously passed the uniform tax regime in the Parliament.

"All parties unanimously passed #GST in parliament. State Governments of different parties approved the rates. Now why so much fuss over the launch function," NCP leader Praful Patel said in a tweet.

With few hours left for the GST to be implemented, the Samajawadi Party earlier in the day said the GST is a 'black law' which would push India towards slavery.

The party has, however, not decided yet on whether to attend today's GST midnight event or not.

"The GST is a black law which we oppose. I think India is being pushed towards slavery. By afternoon we will decide whether to attend today's event or not," Samajawadi Party leader Naresh Agrawal told ANI.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will also not attend the event, however, state minister Vijendra Yadav will represent the Janata Dal (United) on his behalf.

The GST, which is slated to roll out today midnight, will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Friday accused the Centre of treating the Goods and Service Tax (GST) rollout like a 'festival', adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was against the Bill when he was in the opposition himself.

"The GST was brought in by the Congress. It took us almost seven years to get a consensus on that. It was not possible to implement it at that time because of the revolt towards it. At first, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed it as against the conduct of the Constitution," Sharma told ANI.

Talking about the boycott by the grand old party against the rollout, he added that the Congress helped to bring the GST into action, and was not against it.

"Parliament has its traditions. After Independence, only three times a midnight event has been conducted. This is only a tax and there is no need to create a festival out of this. To compare GST with the independence of India and its struggle is saddening. We do not support this," Sharma asserted.

The Congress Party yesterday said that it would boycott the midnight meeting, convened by the government, on the implementation of the GST.

Besides Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have also decided to boycott the event.

Ahead of the historic rollout of the GST that is scheduled to take effect from midnight, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu earlier in the day urged the Congress Party to 'realise and rethink' their stand and join the government for the midnight Parliament session.

The GST, which is slated to roll out today midnight, will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdurrahman Al-Thani has said that his country is "very thankful and grateful" for Turkey's support during its current diplomatic crisis with neighbouring Gulf countries that began earlier this month.

Speaking at a panel discussion in Washington D.C. that focused on how to resolve the current Gulf crisis, Al-Thani said that Qatar's long and strong relationship with Turkey does not mean that Ankara's ties to other Gulf nations should be undermined.

"Turkey has been supporting Qatar with supply chain because of the blockade which has been affected and, urges the parties to engage in a dialogue," Anadolu news agency quoted Al-Thani as saying.

Asserting that most of the allegations leveled against Qatar were baseless, he said that his country is ready to talk with its neighbors to solve the issues.

He added Qatar is ready for talks with its neighbors to solve the issues as long as it does not violate their independence and national sovereignty.

Describing his meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson earlier this week as "very productive", Al-Thani said Tillerson is working hard to resolve the crisis and hoped those efforts will be successful.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, along with Egypt had snapped diplomatic ties with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member Qatar earlier this month citing Doha's support to terrorism as the reason.

Qatar termed the actions by Gulf member countries of isolating it diplomatically as "unjustified".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised to continue supporting Qatar amid a diplomatic row engulfing that Gulf state. Erdogan said he had never witnessed Doha supporting terrorism, adding Turkey "will continue to give all kinds of support to Qatar.

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Assam Governor Banwari Lal Purohit on Friday made a sweeping statement asserting that 'India is afraid of China', adding that corruption was the main reason New Delhi was so far behind Beijing.

Speaking at the conference of top police officers of North-East, Purohit said, "Though China got independence after India; they have overtaken us in power and that is why we Indians are afraid of that country. We are also not in a position to face it. Today things have become very different between India and China when compared to a year back".

Further commenting about the corruption in the country, Purohit stated that this is the main reason why India still lags behind when compared to China.

"India has always avoided war with China because the growing corruption in the country has ruined us all," Purohit added.

Earlier in the week, China asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong area in Sikkim sector as a precondition for a meaningful dialogue to settle the boundary issue, warning that the Indian Army should learn historical lessons, in an oblique reference to the 1962 war.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang also displayed a photograph of Indian incursion into Donglong area and said the dispute which is becoming a confrontation of sorts between the troops on the ground can only be settled by the withdrawal of Indian soldiers from the area.

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JK Rowling has once again politely thrashed President Donald Trump on social media.

After Trump attacked MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' co-host Mika Brzezinski for an alleged face-lift and called her "low I.Q" and "crazy," the 'Harry Potter' author replied by posting a quote from Abraham Lincoln on Twitter.

She wrote, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

MSNBC also released a statement, calling it "a sad day for America when the president spends his time bullying, lying and spewing petty personal attacks instead of doing his job."

Rowling has been quite vocal about showing her disappointment over Trump's decisions.

Rowling has previously defended her right to criticise the Trump regime, despite not being an American citizen, arguing, "When a man this ignorant & easy to manipulate gets within sniffing distance of the nuclear codes, it's everyone's business.

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The Sindhi Congress (WSC) has passed an important resolution in which it has called upon Pakistan to end all acts of exploitation against the indigenous Sindhi and other minorities.

Presenting a resolution on the abysmal human rights situation in Sindh and Balochistan before the media here, Sindhi Congress Representative Gul Sanai highlighted the atrocities and discrepancies being faced by Sindhi Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

Reading out a brief synopsis of the resolution, Sanai accused Pakistan agencies of perpetrating a campaign of enforced disappearances, systematic violence and marginalization of indigenous Sindhi minorities, especially Hindus, Ahmaddiyas etc, who were living peacefully in Sindh and in other parts of Pakistan.

Drawing attention to the mushrooming of religious seminaries, which were more than 20,000 in number in Sindh alone, the resolution said that religious extremism and extreme fundamentalism in Pakistan was being funded by foreign money.

Sindh and other areas of Pakistan were also suffering from perpetual poverty, non-employment, poor standards of education and other social injustices.

The resolution said "All these factors impact on human development which was at rock bottom. There are also economic inequities, unemployment among the youth, spiraling poverty and creating alarming situations. Our mother tongue, local language schools are all being shut down and closed."

The resolution further stated, "Pakistan must stop attacking and killing Sindhi nationals and other political activists; conduct judicial inquiries into incidents of extra-judicial killings; declare the names of missing and illegally detained people, and or produce them before a court of law if they are accused."

"The Government of Pakistan is responsible for these extra-judicial killings in Sindh and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, forced conversions of Sindhi Hindus. We call upon the Government of Pakistan to address governance issues; restore the law and order situation; allocate substantial resources for development; generate employment and improve the quality of life in Sindh," the resolution stated.

Sanai called on the Pakistan Government to immediately stop exploiting the resources of Sindh and put in place a "policy of fair and equitable distribution of resources as well as policies to discourage internal displacement of people or alter the demographical majority status of the Sindhis in their homeland."

The resolution urged the international community to recognize and resolve the right of and to self-determination of Sindhis and "all constituent nations" of Pakistan; halt religious extremism; fundamentalism and the CPEC project.

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To its Promoter Company - SVL or its subsidiaries

Orient Green Power Company announced that its Board of Directors has approved the sale of the bulk of its Biomass Operations to its Promoter Company - SVL or its subsidiaries.

OGPL had made an application in May 2016 to the Madras High Court for demerger of the biomass business into a separate listed entity which is currently pending. Subsequent to its application for demerger, OGPL has agreed to sell its 20 MW Cogeneration plant in Kolhapur, Maharashtra to the host Sugar Mill as already approved by the Board. A 10MW plant in Rajasthan is also in the process of being divested. Upon completion of these transactions, the biomass capacity will reduce to 68 MW.

The Board has approved the sale at an Enterprise Value of Rs 275 crore.

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Shares of Central Depository Services (India) (CDSL) will make its stock market debut today, 30 June 2017. The company had issued shares at Rs 149 per share, the top end of the Rs 145 to Rs 149 per share price band for the initial public offering (IPO). The IPO of CDSL received bids for 422.45 crore shares, NSE data showed. The IPO was subscribed 170.16 times. The IPO opened for bidding on 19 June 2017 and closed yesterday, 21 June 2017.

Category wise, the qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) category was subscribed 148.71 times. The non institutional investors (NIIs) category was subscribed 563.03 times. The retail individual investors (RIIs) category was subscribed 23.83 times.

Aditya Birla Capital (ABCL) entered into a definitive Share Subscription Agreement (SSA) with PI Opportunities Fund - 1 (the Fund), an affiliate of Premji Invest, a Private Equity fund in India. As per the SSA, the Fund will subscribe to about 2.2% of the post Scheme fully diluted equity share capital of ABCL. The proposed transaction values ABCL at Rs 32000 crore on a post money basis. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 29 June 2017.

Shares of new entrants in F&O segment will be in focus. Chennai Petroleum Corporation (lot size 1,500 shares), ICICI Prudential Life Insurance (lot size of 1,300 shares), Manappuram Finance (lot size of 6,000 shares), Repco Home Finance (lot size of 700 shares) and SREI Infrastructure Finance (lot size of 5,000 shares) will enter the derivative segment from today, 30 June 2017 on the NSE. Inclusion in F&O will help investors hedge their underlying positions.These stocks will not attract the circuit filter in intra-day trading.

Time Technoplast after market hours yesterday, 29 June 2017, announced successful trial production and testing of carbon fiber-based composite cylinders for CNG for automotive applications. The company has developed 60 ltr & 30 ltr non-metallic Type-4 composite cylinders which are able to withstand burst pressure of over 550 bars exceeding the requirement of ISO 11439 & IS15935: 2011.

Automotive companies are keen to replace metal cylinders with composite cylinders to reduce weight and improve upon fuel efficiency. These cylinders are likely to find their way both with OEM and aftermarket. It also has a huge export potential, the company said in a statement. The company added that it is planning to launch these cylinders in second half of financial year ending March 2019 after obtaining necessary approvals and extensive trials.

IndusInd Bank announced after market hours yesterday, 29 June 2017 that it inaugurated a new branch in Kota, Rajasthan. With this, the bank now has 94 branches in Rajasthan.

SRF announced after market hours yesterday, 29 June 2017, that its board of directors resolved to offer and issue listed, secured, redeemable, non-convertible debentures (NCDs) aggregating up to Rs 300 crore, on a private placement basis.

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On 23 August 2017

Rane Brake Lining will hold a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company on 23 August 2017, to consider and approve the Un-audited Financial Results for the quarter ending 30 June 2017.

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At least 20 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in a bombing near the Koniko gas field, the largest one in Syria, a UK-based war monitor said on Friday.

Planes targeted a convoy of extremists around Koniko, in Deir al-Zour province bordering Iraq, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said.

Similar bombings were also reported against the cities of al-Mayadin and Deir al-Zour, reports Efe news.

--IANS

ksk/vt

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Vienna, June 30 (IANS/WAM) A group of international citizens and activists from several countries have launched a campaign to combat the Qatar government's funding of global terrorism.

In a statement announcing the launch of the "Global Campaign Against the Qatari Financing of Terrorism" outside Qatar's embassy in Vienna on Friday, activists said that the global campaign stands against extremist practices of terrorist organisations financed by Qatar.

"Qatar's government provides material and logistical support to terrorist organisations as well as hosts their leaders in its territory.

"In addition, Qatar is adopting radical and hateful rhetoric of extremism that goes against the culture of pluralism and tolerance towards various ethnic and religious groups, violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights..," the statement said.

The campaign also aims to organise international activities for the UN and other forums focusing on the social and cultural impact of terrorism and extremism.

"One of the most important objectives of the campaign is to spread the culture of diversity, pluralism, tolerance and peace in the face of extremism that has spread in recent years, primarily due to Qatari funding," the statement noted.

--IANS/WAM

soni/bg

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Kazakhstan's national airline Air Astana is to inaugurate next week a direct flight between Astana and New Delhi, the Kazakh Ministry of Investment and Development announced on Friday.

"The Astana-Delhi flight will operate three times per week on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays," Efe news quoted the ministry as saying.

The new air route is part of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's mandate to increase Kazakhstan's passenger traffic four-fold by 2020.

"India's route towards the Commonwealth of Independent States through Kazakhstan is one of the most promising," the Ministry said.

"The flight between both capital cities will be an effective addition to the Almaty-Delhi line operated by Air Astana since 2004 and will stimulate commercial activity and the Astana International Financial Centre's development," it added.

Air Astana, a joint venture between the national welfare fund Samruk-Kazyna and the British company BAE Systems (51 and 49 percent of the shares respectively), flies to more than 40 international and 19 national destinations.

--IANS

mr/

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The CPI-M said on Friday that Air India's privatisation was "against national interest" and accused the government of handing over national assets for a song to private companies, both domestic and foreign.

A Communist Party of India-Marxist statement came out strongly against the decision of the Modi government to privatise the national carrier.

The Union Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of NITI Aayog and given an in-principle agreement for the disinvestment of Air India and its five subsidiaries.

"This decision has been taken at a time when, after prolonged losses since 2008, the airline has started achieving operating profits of Rs 105 crore for the year 2015-16 and an estimated operating profit of around Rs 300 crore in 2016-17," the CPI-M said.

"Air India was crippled and burdened with debt due to monumental miscalculation and certain wrong decisions taken by successive governments at the Centre. It is now being made the scapegoat and sought to be privatised.

"The privatisation of Air India is being made with a bonanza to the prospective private buyer - the write off of the Rs 30,000 crore debt burden.

"The privatisation of Air India is not for saving public money but for handing over national assets for a song and defrauding the exchequer for the benefit of private companies, both domestic and foreign.

"The sale of Air India is part of the overall privatisation drive of the Modi government which is against national interest. It must be stopped forthwith," the CPI-M said.

--IANS

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Actor Allu Arjun's latest Telugu action drama "Duvvada Jagannadham" aka "DJ" has joined the Rs 100-crore club in just a week since its release, the makers announced on Friday.

In an official poster, the makers confirmed the film has grossed over Rs 100 crore in just a week.

Directed by Harish Shankar, the film features Arjun in the role of a Brahmin cook-turned-vigilante.

Also starring Pooja Hegde, Rao Ramesh, Subbaraj and Murali Sharma, the film has music by Devi Sri Prasad.

This is the third film for Arjun, post "Race Gurram" and "Sarrainodu", to have joined the Rs 100-crore club.

The film is also the third hit in a row for producer Dil Raju and Arjun, who had previously worked in films such as "Arya" and "Parugu".

--IANS

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British Prime Minister Theresa May narrowly won a confidence vote in parliament winning approval for the government program outlined last week by Queen Elizabeth II.

The narrow result on Thursday -- 323 votes to 309 -- showed that support from the Democratic Union Party of Northern Ireland (DUP) had been crucial in the voting. It was the first major test for May since this month's snap general election when she lost her overall majority.

The Conservatives have 318 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons, eight short of what is needed for a guaranteed majority, Xinhua news agency reported.

To prop up her minority government, May struck a deal with the DUP and its 10 MPs at Westminster, but at a price. She had to agreed to a funding package worth a billion pounds for projects in Northern Ireland.

Earlier in a day, the main opposition Labour party made a number of attempts to test May's power in the House of Commons, adding to a day of high tension at Westminster.

They put forward two amendments, but lost -- one of them by just 26 votes.

May's government had faced potential defeat in one amendment put forward by Labour MP Stella Creasy over access to abortions for women from Northern Ireland.

Creasy wanted MPs to vote on giving women from across the Irish Sea the right to abortions on the British mainland, funded by the National Health Service (NHS). Currently, women have to pay around $1,200 for an abortion.

Another amendment to the Queen's Speech debate, by Labour MP Chuka Umunna, called for continued single market and customs union membership of the European Union after Brexit, but it was defeated by a vote of 322 votes to 101.

Later, it was revealed that a number of front bench opposition shadow ministers had backed Umunna, leading political commentators at Westminster to predict that around six people would be be fired by opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn.

--IANS

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China on Friday indicated it was open for talks with India, saying a 'meaningful dialogue' over the border stand-off is the 'pressing issue'.

This is a climbdown for Beijing which earlier ruled out any talks until India withdrew its troops from 'Chinese territory'.

'Diplomatic channels are unimpeded between India and China for talks on the stand-off in Sikkim,' Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

'The pressing issue is to have a meaningful dialogue for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Doklam area in Sikkim sector,' Lu added.

Lu again charged Indian troops with trespassing the Chinese border. India has denied the allegation.

He also rejected Bhutan's claims over Donlong, calling it Chinese territory.

--IANS

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Describing India as a bright spot in the global economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged global investors to invest in its textile industry and said the domestic market for apparel and lifestyle products will reach $160 billion by 2025.

"India has emerged as one of the most attractive global investment destinations. This has been made possible by a series of sustained policy initiatives," Modi said in an address after inaugurating the first-of-its-kind three-day "Textiles India 2017" fest here.

"We have one of the most liberal investment policies for foreign investment in the textile and apparel sector. We allow 100 percent FDI through automatic route in these sectors."

Emphasizing that the textiles industry had a pivotal position in the Indian economy, Modi said the country had an abundant supply of raw material like cotton, wool, silk, jute and man-made fibre.

"In fact, it is the world's largest producer of cotton and jute, and second largest producer of silk and man-made fibre. This provides us the distinct advantage of backward integration, which many other countries may not have.

"In addition, India has strong spinning, weaving, knitting and apparel manufacturing capacities. Young, skilled labour is available at a reasonable cost," said the Prime Minister, who arrived in Gujarat on Thursday on a two-day visit.

Modi said India's high economic growth had resulted in higher disposable income, resulting in higher demand for products.

"Ours is a nation of aspirational youth who wish to spend on textiles, apparel and handcrafted lifestyle products. The domestic market for apparel and lifestyle products, currently estimated at $85 billion, is expected to reach $160 billion by 2025. This growth will be driven by the rising middle class."

He said that based on the "Make-in-India" initiative, the organised textile industry was being infused with the mantras of 'skill, scale, speed' and 'zero-defect, zero-effect' for scaling up employment, production and exports.

"There is also a high global demand for textiles and apparel manufactured in our country. India is the world's second largest exporter of textiles, commanding a global share of around 5 percent. Indian textiles, including traditional handloom and handicraft products, are exported to more than a hundred countries."

The Prime Minister said the textile sector was the second largest employer after agriculture.

"Over 45 million people are employed directly in the sector and over 60 million are employed in allied activities. The textile is an area which works as bridge between agriculture and the industry. Be it farming of cotton or production of silk, their end product depends on textile sector. This sector provided material for the products of farmers," he said.

Modi said an integrated skill development scheme was also being implemented to address the critical gap of skilled manpower, through industry-oriented training programmes.

"Each state should appoint nodal officers dedicated to a few well-known products who would facilitate producers and traders across the value chain. The intervention should start from production to export of garments. It should meet the specific requirement of domestic as well as export markets."

He called for an action plan to study and map the requirements of people in large global markets and monitor new trends in fashion and textiles in these areas on a real time basis.

"Government councils and industry bodies should rise to the occasion, in a spirit of cooperation. This would enable us to channelize our energies in meeting those requirements and give a boost to our exports."

Dubbing innovation and research as new mantras for growth and wealth generation, Modi said: "The textile industry will have to constantly innovate and research for growth and to tap new markets. There is a demand for products with zero carbon footprint. Holistic lifestyle has become a buzzword. The market for Organic Dyes, clothes and fabrics made of organic products is growing. Our effort should be to innovate in organic products."

Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani were present at the event.

--IANS

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The Delhi University colleges have announced their second cut-offs for this admission season with the top colleges still trading in the above-90 realm for more popular courses.

In the announcement made late Friday night, Hansraj and Hindu College lowered their Economic (Honours) cut-off to 97 and 97.25 per cent respectively, down from earlier 97.50 per cent.

Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), releasing its second cut-off a little earlier than the rest, declared admission closed in its Economics (Honours) course.

Reducing its cut-off by 0.25 per cent for B.com (Honours), it kept admission open in the course at 97.5 per cent.

Economic (Honours) remained in high demand, with at least four colleges-- Miranda, Kirori Mal, Venkateswara, and Shri Guru Teg Bhadur (SGTB) Khalsa -- anchoring their cut-offs hardly any lower at 96.75 per cent.

Throwing a surprise with a 99.66 per cent cut-off in B.Sc. (Electronics) course first time around, SGTB Khalsa brought it down sharply to 96 per cent in the second cut-off.

Similar reduction was seen in its Political Science course, which was pegged at 99 per cent in first cut-off, which came down to 97.25 per cent.

Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College's psychology course remained pricey at 98.25 per cent. It relented its journalism cut-off by 0.25 per cent and pegged it at 97.75.

English and Political Science cut-off here remained still high at 97.5 per cent for both courses.

It closed admissions for: Economics (Honours), History, Philosophy, Sociology, Maths, Statistics and B.Com (Honours).

Hindu College closed admissions for B.A. (Programme), Political Science, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Botany and Statistics, among other courses.

Earlier at 97 per cent, the Delhi College of Arts and Commerce reduced its cut-off to 96.5 per cent for the course of Journalism, similar to Kamla Nehru College's in the same course.

The journalism cut-off for off-campus Maharaja Agrasen and Kalindi College settled at 93.5 and 94 per cent.

Candidates who meet these cut-offs can seek admissions in colleges till July 4 with required documents.

The third cut-off, in case the colleges decide, will be announced on July 6.

--IANS

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday said it has filed a prosecution complaint against Indore-based Zoom Developers and its promoter-cum-director Vijay Madanlal Choudhary in connection with a Rs 966-crore bank loan default case, an official said.

The agency filed the complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 before an Indore court as part of its probe against Zoom Developers and Choudhary, after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered cases against the company and its promoter.

The CBI has already filed five charge-sheets against Choudhary, whom the ED had arrested in May from Mumbai. He is accused of causing losses to five public sector banks, including Punjab National Bank, Syndicate Bank, Canara Bank, United Bank of India and the Union Bank of India to the tune of Rs 966 crore.

According to the ED, the loss is not just limited to Rs 966 crore; Choudhary and Zoom Developers are also involved in loan defaults to the tune of Rs 2,650 crore, taken from 25 banks.

The ED probe has revealed that Choudhary had got two trusts, named Beverin Stifung Foundation and Windleaf Foundation, incorporated in Liechtenstein, of which he was the sole beneficiary. Subsequently, through these trusts, five companies were formed in the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Zoom Developers allegedly claimed that they were "aggregators" and projected them to Indian bankers as independent entities, which had entered into contracts and sub-contracts with it for rendering engineering services and making procurements.

Based on the "so-called" contracts between Zoom Developers and the "aggregators", the company applied for issuance of bank guarantees and counter-guarantees to the foreign bankers of the "aggregators." On issuance of the bank guarantees, mobilisation amounts were released by the "aggregators" to Zoom Developers.

The funds were allegedly used by the company and its group concerns as investment in share capital for purchase of properties and other expenses. Further extension of the bank guarantees were also sought.

It is alleged that the paper contracts were not concluded and the loans were never repaid to the banks.

The ED alleges that Choudhary, in collusion with chartered accountant Sharad Kabra and other associates, siphoned off the funds, which were laundered through a large number of companies and used to acquire assets overseas.

Choudhary is accused of forming almost 485 companies in the names of himself, his family members and employees, and floating 15 companies in the United States, three in the United Kingdom, three in Switzerland, seven in Singapore, four in Germany, nine in the United Arab Emirates, two in China and two in Zimbabwe, apparently for the purpose of money laundering, an ED official said.

The ED has also arrested Kabra and filed a charge-sheet against him.

--IANS

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Traffic movement on the busy Hero Honda Chowk on the Delhi-Gurugram expressway was eased on Friday evening after authorities opened a flyover for motorists coming from Jaipur to Delhi and vice versa, an official said.

On Friday, Gurugram received as much as 27 mm rain. Apprehensive of a repeat of last July's traffic logjam, the authorities on Friday late evening opened the flyover with sharing two-two carriageways each (on the Delhi-Jaipur stretch).

The flyover, being built by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been functioning for the last almost a month.

Fearing huge traffic jam on NH-8, authorities were forced to share carriageways on the flyover.

The 8-lane flyover from Delhi to Jaipur has been opened for both the lanes. Two lanes have been reserved for the traffic coming from Jaipur heading towards Delhi, and similarly for the traffic coming from Delhi to Jaipur.

This helped ease the traffic management.

"There has been 324 mm rain in the last 10 days and the administration is fully prepared to tackle it," a senior official told IANS.

Over 1,200 policemen and traffic volunteers have been deployed on the expressway and important parts of the city to prevent a logjam like on July 28 last year, when hundreds of commuters were stuck on the national highway and main roads of the city after an hour-long spell of rain.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday assured that there will not be traffic jams as the Badshapur drain, which was one of the main cause of water-logging, is being widened.

--IANS

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Poll authorities in Goa on Friday contested Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's allegation of excessive expenses by the state election body during the recently concluded state assembly polls.

Responding to the charge, made earlier this month by Parrikar, Chief Electoral Officer Kunal said his office was open to scrutiny and all expenses were strictly in accordance with the Election Commission of India (EC) guidelines.

"We have followed all EC guidelines on expenditure. All our expenses are audited by the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General)... We are open to scrutiny," Kunal said when asked to respond to Parrikar's charge made on June 13.

Parrikar had then said that the Rs 16.86 crore expenses bill submitted by the poll authority was "seemingly exorbitant".

"I have asked that a team of CAs should be formed to audit the reimbursement claimed by the Electoral Office in Goa. They have submitted a bill of Rs 16.86 crore for hiring of vehicles for 15 days during the polls," Parrikar had said.

"I do not like to criticise constitutional authorities, but when they attain absolute power, they can become more corrupt than politicians," he had said.

During the run-up to the assembly polls earlier this year, Parrikar, then the Defence Minister, had been pulled up by the Election Commission for inducing voters to accept money from other political parties but vote for the BJP. Parrikar had contested the stricture.

--IANS

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President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said that introduction of GST was a "momentous event" for the nation and "a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy" while pointing out that the success of major changes always depends on their effective implementation.

Mukherjee also said in coming months, based on the experience of actual implementation, the GST Council and the central and state governments should continuously review the design and make improvements, in the same constructive spirit.

"Introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a momentous event for the nation. This historic moment is the culmination of a 14-year-long journey which began in December 2002, when the Kelkar Task Force on indirect taxation suggested a comprehensive Goods and Services Tax (GST) based on the Value Added Tax principle," said Mukherjee while delivering his speech in the Central Hall of Parliament at the GST launch ceremony.

"I was closely involved in the design and implementation of GST as the then Finance Minister. I also had the privilege of giving assent to the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016 (the GST Act)," he added.

Mukherjee said: "It is also a moment of some satisfaction for me personally because, as the Finance Minister, I had introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill on March 22, 2011."

"I was closely involved in the design and implementation and had the occasion to meet the Empowered Committee of state Finance Ministers, formally and informally, as many as 16 times. I also met the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra a number of times," he added.

Mukherjee also said the new era in indirect taxation was the result of a broad consensus arrived at between the Centre and the states.

"It (GST) is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy. The GST will make exports more competitive and also provide a level playing field to domestic industry to compete with imports," said Mukherjee.

"Under the GST, the tax incidence will be transparent, enabling full removal of tax burden on exports. The GST will be administered through a modern world-class information technology (IT) system," he added.

"A key feature of the system is that buyers will get credit for tax paid on inputs only when the seller has actually paid taxes to the government. It (GST) will create a strong incentive for buyers to deal with honest and compliant sellers who pay their dues promptly. Success of major changes always depends on their effective implementation," he pointed out.

Mukherjee also said: "GST is a disruptive change. It is similar to the introduction of VAT when there was initial resistance. When a change of this magnitude is undertaken, there are bound to be some teething troubles and difficulties in the initial stages.

"We will have to solve these with understanding and speed to ensure that it does not impact the growth momentum of the economy," he added.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) would help chart out a new course for the country and its roll-out should not be seen as the achievement of any one party or government but a collective effort of all.

"We are deciding India's future course. We will chart a new course for the country at midnight with the launch of GST which is not an achievement of any party or government but a collective legacy. It is a result of our collective efforts," Modi said, speaking in Parliament during a special function to launch the GST.

Calling GST "good and simple tax", the Prime Minister said there would be a little problem in the beginning but everyone would familiarise with it in due time.

Modi urged people not to believe in rumours.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President M. Hamid Ansari, Modi along with several cabinet ministers and MPs were present in Parliament.

The Prime Minister said with this landmark tax reform measure, the dream of "one nation, one tax" will be achieved.

He also clarified that the scope of GST was not limited just to the financial system but social reforms as well.

"GST is not just 'ease of doing business' but 'way of doing business'. It is an important step in economic reform. Ahead of that it is also a social reform towards honesty."

Modi said that GST was an example of team work and cooperative federalism.

"Since past several years, the process was carried out under the guidance of eminent personalities and various teams which gives example of cooperative federalism. It will give us more strength to move ahead together. It is a reflection of team India's potential.

"When the Constitution was being written, intellectuals from across the country used to debate, there would be moments of disagreement, (but) they would find ways out. If they had a disagreement, they would find a middle path. Likewise GST is also an outcome of long-held thought process," the Prime Minister said.

All states and the central government discussed it for years, he added. "Best brains in the country debated over it continuously, that is why we could see the GST roll-out today."

Talking about the Central Hall, the Prime Minister said with the presence of many national leaders the place has become hallowed.

Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Acharya Kripalani, Rajendra Babu, Sarojini Naidu were sitting in the first row when the first meeting of the constituent assembly was held.

He said the Constitution offered everyone equal opportunities and rights. "GST brings uniformity in the economic system."

"India has got rid of over 500 taxes and is ushering into advanced taxation system. It is more simple and transparent. It will help in containing black money and corruption," he said.

Those who want to invest in India will understand one type of tax regime easily, he asserted.

He also said the new tax regime will give opportunities to backward states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and in the North-East to progress.

--IANS

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A gunman who opened fire at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital here, has been killed, media reports said.

At least two people were shot in the incident, which began at 2.50 p.m. (local time) at 173rd Street and Grand Concourse in the Mt. Eden section, CBS News reported.

The gunman, who is believed to be a former employee and was described as wearing a white lab coat, was said to be armed with a rifle.

Four to six people were shot in the incident, and other people suffered minor injuries while attempting to get away.

The extent of the injuries of the other shooting victims wasn't immediately clear.

Police went floor by floor searching for the shooter while the hospital has been surrounded by emergency response vehicles.

A 'red alert' went off within the hospital, which was placed on lockdown. Doctors and nurses barricaded themselves within.

Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, a 120-year-old facility, claims nearly 1,000 beds spread across multiple units. Its emergency room is among the busiest in New York City.

--IANS

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The India of 2017 is different from the India of 1962, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday, a day after China asked New Delhi to learn from its 1962 military debacle.

"If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different, the India of today is different," Jaitley said at India Today's Midnight Conclave in response to the reported remark by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson.

China warned India on Thursday that it will escalate the current border row if Indian troops did not withdraw from "Chinese territory" and told New Delhi not to "clamour for war".

Jaitley said that Bhutan government had made it clear that China was trying to claim Bhutanese land and said this was "absolutely wrong".

"After the statement of the government of Bhutan, I think the situation is absolutely clear. It is Bhutan's land, close to the Indian border, and Bhutan and India have an arrangement to provide security.

"Bhutan itself clarified ...

China is trying to alter the present status-quo. After this, I think the issue is absolutely clear. To say we will come there and grab the land of some other country is what China is doing and it is absolutely wrong," the minister said.

Jaitley's comment came amid a stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Dokala area close to the Siliguri corridor that connects the rest of India to its north-east.
India said on Friday that it has told China that the building of a road by Chinese troops in a border region will have "serious security implications for India" and urged Beijing "not to change the status quo unilaterally".

"India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India," an External Affairs Ministry statement said.

It said India had underlined that New Delhi and Beijing had in 2012 reached an agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries would be finalized in consultation with the concerned countries.

"Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding," the Indian statement said.

"Where the boundary in the Sikkim sector is concerned, India and China had reached an understanding also in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the 'basis of the alignment'.

"It is essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally."

The statement said India cherished peace and tranquillity on the India-China border areas. "It has not come easily.

"India is committed to working with China to find peaceful resolution of all issues in the border areas through dialogue."

--IANS

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Underlining the importance of "strategic communication" between China and India, a Chinese expert said in comments published on Friday that leaders of both countries must discuss bilateral problems in a bid to resolve them.

Hu Shisheng, the Director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said strategic communication between China and India was necessary for the two countries.

He said in a commentary published in the state-run Global Times that India's refusal to attend the Belt and Road Forum Summit in Beijing "exposed the strategic discord between the two" countries and said "strategic mutual suspicions seem to be increasing".

Hu said: "China and India should take efforts to remove and clear the suspicions as soon as possible. Enhancing bilateral trust will greatly benefit Sino-Indian relations and bilateral cooperation in the region."

According to Hu, at present interactions among top leaders of China and Russia, the US and Europe were very effective.

"It is hoped that the Sino-Indian interaction between the two countries' leaders can reach the same level.

"The interactions among top leaders should not only involve the main content of strategic communication but also establish a friendly tone and direction for strategic communication and cooperation.

"Besides, the working relationship among Chinese and Indian departments is important. When prominent events occur, the two countries' ministries and military forces should enhance communication.

"In normal times, India and China can use the existing bilateral mechanisms to solve specific problems between them.

"In addition, India and China can carry out think tank dialogues at bilateral, regional and global levels, and launch reports for these dialogues."

Hu's comments, based on a speech delivered by him, come at a time of heightened tensions between India and China over several issues including their dragging border row.

Hu said attention should be paid to several aspects of the strategic communications between China and India.

"One is not revisiting old issues or disputes on which both have reached consensus already... And leaders of the two countries should take the initiative to discuss solutions to specific problems."

--IANS

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An 11-year-old Indian-origin boy here has scored 162 in the prestigious Mensa IQ test, two points higher than geniuses Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

Arnav Sharma, from Reading town in southern England, passed the infamously difficult test a few weeks back with zero preparation. Mensa IQ test was developed in Britain to form an elite society of intelligent people, the Independent reported.

The "genius benchmark" is set at 140 and Sharma gained a score of 162 -- the maximum possible result you can achieve on the paper.

His mark in the exam, which primarily measures verbal reasoning ability, puts him in the top one per cent of the nation in terms of IQ level.

"The Mensa test is quite hard and not many people pass it, so do not expect to pass," Sharma told the daily.

Sharma said: "I had no preparation at all for the exam but I was not nervous. My family were surprised but they were also very happy when I told them about the result."

The boy's mother, Meesha Dhamija Sharma, said she kept her "fingers crossed" during his exam.

"I was thinking what is going to happen because you never know and he had never seen what a paper looks like," she said.

Sharma said his hobbies are coding, badminton, piano, swimming and reading. He also has an unusually good geographical knowledge and can name all the capitals of the world.

A spokesperson for Mensa praised the 11-year-old boy, saying: "It is a high mark which only a small percentage of people in the country will achieve."

Mensa was founded in 1946 in Oxford by Lancelot Lionel Ware, a scientist and lawyer, and Roland Berrill, an Australian barrister, but the organisation later spread around the world.

Its mission is to "identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity".

--IANS

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Iranian Foreign Minister Javed Zarif on Friday called the revised US ban on travellers from six Muslim-majority countries as "truly shameful".

"The US now bans Iranian grandmothers from seeing their grandchildren, in a truly shameful exhibition of blind hostility to all Iranians," Zarif said in a Twitter post.

He said earlier that Washington's move to exert bans on Muslims and prevent them from entering the US will not help that country to overcome its problems or become a safer place, IRNA news agency reported.

"A bigoted ban on Muslims will not keep the US safer. Instead of policies empowering extremists, the US should join the real fight against them," Zarif said.

President Donald Trump's revised travel ban came into force late on Thursday.

The new rules tighten visa policies affecting citizens from six Muslim-majority nations: Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. People from those countries who need new visas will now have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with an entity like a school or business in the US.

Citizens of those countries who already have visas will be allowed into the US as usual.

Trump said the 90-day ban on visitors from the six Muslim-majority countries -- and a 120-day ban for refugees from any country -- is necessary to block terrorists from entering the US.

--IANS

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Representatives from Japan and the EU started a series of meetings on Friday aimed at finalising a free trade agreement that would safeguard against protectionist policies championed by US President Donald Trump.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida received the European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom in the Japanese capital for meetings that will continue till Saturday, Efe news reported.

The EU delegation includes European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan, who will meet with his Japanese counterpart Yuji Yamamoto with the aim of making advancements in opening up their respective agricultural markets.

The EU has urged Japan to lift the high tariffs on cheese, wine and other agricultural and farm-based products, whereas Tokyo has asked Brussels to remove the 10 per cent duties imposed on Japanese automobiles and those of 3 to 4.5 per cent on component parts.

The chief negotiators from both sides have been engaged in informal talks for around three weeks in the Japanese capital and the visit of the European Commissioners would serve to clear logjams on key issues.

Kishida said that they would hold frank discussions to resolve pending issues and that the negotiation would be extremely difficult, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported.

The aim is to permanently seal the deal during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's trip to Europe to meet with the EU leaders in Brussels on July 6 and attend the G20 summit the following day in Germany.

Japan and the EU started free trade negotiations in 2013. However, they faced a roadblock due to disagreements on key issues.

Both parties now have decided to accelerate the process following "Brexit" and the US leaving the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

--IANS

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Senior Supreme Court lawyer K.K. Venugopal, an eminent constitutional lawyer who has five decades of practice in the apex court, was on Friday appointed the new Attorney General of India.

President Pranab Mukherjee signed the order of his appointment on Friday within 20 days of the resignation of Mukul Rohatgi, who was given an extension of tenure but declined it.

Venugopal, 86, is a veteran constitutional expert who was once an Additional Solicitor General appointed during the Morarji Desai regime after the Emergency.

Kottayan Katankot Venugopal is the son of a well-known barrister the late M.K. Nambiyar, who was a doyen of the Madras bar and who had practiced in the Supreme Court too.

Venugopal, who started appearing in the Supreme Court in the early 60s while based in Madras, was designated as a senior advocate by the apex court in 1972. Five years later, after the end of Emergency, he was appointed an Additional Solicitor General that necessitated his shift to Delhi.

Venugopal, who has often been called to be the amicus curiae to the Supreme Court for handling difficult cases, brings to the Attorney General's office the experience of 50 years' practice in the Supreme Court.

Apart from being involved in many important cases before constitutional benches of the apex court, Venugopal acted as amicus curiae in the infamous 2G spectrum scam case relating to irregular allotment of bandwidth to telecom operators during the tenure of the UPA-I government. He assisted the Supreme Court in monitoring investigations by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate.

He had appeared for the Madhya Pradesh government opposing the challenge to the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and L.K. Advani and other senior BJP leaders in the Babri Masjid demolition conspiracy case.

Venugopal had cautioned the top court against sentencing Justice C.S. Karnan to six months imprisonment for contempt. Appearing for the Madras High Court, he had tried to caution the bench that it would suffer the blemish of putting a sitting judge in prison.

Venugopal, one of the main advocates of judicial reforms in India, is against the creation of regional benches of the Supreme Court. Instead he favours Courts of Appeal to be established in four regions of the country to finally decide on appeals from High Court judgements in all cases, other than cases of national importance which affect the whole country, disputes between states and the Centre and substantial question of law relating to interpretation of the Constitution.

This, he feels, will relieve the burden on the Supreme Court.

His son Krishnan Venugopal is a senior lawyer in the Supreme Court.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday gave the GST launch ceremony at Parliament a miss as the Congress boycotted the function, while some constituents of the informal opposition grouping, including the NCP, Samajwadi Party, JD(U) and JD(S), attended the function.

JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who was one of the special invitees along with Manmohan Singh, attended the function.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar also attended the event marking India's transition to a new indirect tax regime Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Among the other opposition parties which did not attend the function were the DMK, left parties, RJD and the Trinamool Congress.

The Congress had on Thursday decided not to attend the function.

--IANS

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Without calling him by name, German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered a scathing criticism of US president Trump's policies in a speech before the Federal Parliament.

Speaking a week before the official commencement of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Merkel on Thursday emphasized Germany's commitment to multilateral cooperation to confront transnational challenges such as climate change, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Whoever thinks that the problems of this world can be solved with isolationism and protectionism is making an enormous mistake" Merkel said. "Only together can we find the right answers to the central questions of our times."

Merkel's speech contained several thinly-veiled swipes at Trump.

Addressing the issue of climate change, she warned that "we cannot and will not wait until the last person on Earth is convinced of the scientific evidence of climate change. In other words: the [Paris] climate accord is irreversible and non-negotiable."

Since the US abandoned the Paris accord, Germany was "more committed than ever to making it a success," she said.

The speech highlighted a growing discrepancy between Berlin and Washington's positions on a several international issues since Trump took office in January, ranging from climate change to trade.

Germany will host the G20 summit on July 7-8 in the Northern German city of Hamburg. Merkel wants the summit to send a "signal of determination" of the world's 20 largest industrialized and emerging nations to assume their international responsibility.

--IANS

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In a violent turn to an anti-power theft drive by BSES, one of the two electricity distribution companies (discoms) in Delhi, three discom officials and a Delhi Police officer sustained injuries and many vehicles were damaged when they were attacked by a mob, BSES said on Friday.

"Last evening, members of BSES Rajdhani Power Limited's inspection team were attacked and roughed-up by a mob of unscrupulous elements in Mundka (village Ranholla) in West Delhi," the discom said in a statement here.

"The presence of around 20 Delhi Police personnel accompanying the BSES team in this high power theft area did not deter the mob. This attack was undertaken by people who indulged in power theft in an organised way," it said.

"Three BSES officials and one Delhi Police Sub Inspector were injured and scores of vehicles damaged in the incident. Taking quick action, Delhi Police has registered an FIR and arrested two villagers," it added.

BSES said a 15-member inspection team, that included three women, was undertaking a loss reduction exercise in the area when a mob gathered and started pelting stones at the team.

"This is not an isolated incident. Whenever teams reach these 'sensitive' areas, unscrupulous elements 'gherao' and obstruct officials from performing their duties," it said.

"Despite intensive efforts to reduce power theft, village Raholla (in Division Mundka) continues to have massive losses of around 40 per cent. In the last two years, around 450 cases of power theft having a connected load of around 1200 KW have been unearthed in the area," it added.

Last month, BSES said special electricity courts in Delhi for power thefts have handed out heavy punishment to two offenders -- one of them sentenced to jail and a Rs 4 lakh fine imposed.

Earlier this year, the BSES had announced the sentencing of three offenders to jail terms and cumulative fines of over Rs 55 lakh.

Last year, special courts in four separate judgments had sentenced Delhi residents to rigorous imprisonment for power theft and imposed heavy fines.

--IANS

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Most of the shops and retail establishments remained closed in the city on Friday following a day's strike called by the Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM) against the procedures and provisions of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Many shops in Burrabazar, one of Asia's biggest wholesale market, kept their shutters down, while the usual buzz was missing in the iconic New Market as retailers observed the trade strike.

"In a bid to protest against the procedures and provisions of the GST which will be effective from July 1, we are observing a one-day strike today (Friday)," BUVM's patron and Chairman of the Federation of West Bengal Trade Associations Mahesh Singhania told IANS.

"Most of the shops and trading outfits remained shut in the city. In the districts, the strike, so far, has had a mixed impact," Singhania said.

"We are not against the GST but we will continue to demand simplification of laws, rules, penal provisions and reduction of compliance burden," he added.

Traders across districts came out with rallies protesting the "complex processes" in the new indirect tax regime.

Textile traders also joined the one-day strike.

Chamber of Textile Trade and Industry (COTTI) President Arun Bhuwalka said that lack of clarity on GST on textile-made things has confused the textile industry, which has lakhs of small and micro level entrepreneurs.

"GST was announced as one nation, one market and one tax -- it is not at all so with several tax slabs," Singhania added.

--IANS

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Renewable energy-based power generator Orient Green Power Company Ltd (OGPL) on Friday said its Board of Directors has approved a sale of bulk of its bio-mass business for Rs 275 crore.

In a statement here, the company said that the debt-laden and loss-making business will be sold to the promoter company SVL Ltd or its subsidiaries.

OGPL, a listed company, had made an application in May 2016 to the Madras High Court for demerger of the biomass business into a separate listed entity. The case is currently pending.

Meanwhile, the company has agreed to sell its 20 MW cogeneration plant in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, to the host sugar mill as already approved by the board.

"A 10MW plant in Rajasthan is also in the process of being divested. Upon completion of these transactions, the biomass capacity will reduce to 68 MW," the company said.

In view of the accumulated losses and the reduced size of the operations, it was felt that demerger of biomass operations into a listed entity with limited growth potential would not create optimum value for shareholders.

As a result, the board has approved the sale of biomass operations to the promoter company or its subsidiaries.

This transaction will not include the cogeneration plant at Kolhapur and biomass plant in Rajasthan which are being sold to the third parties.

Last fiscal the biomass operations registered revenues of Rs 78 crore and registered a loss before tax of Rs 81 crore. The biomass operations have around Rs 193 crore of outstanding debt, the company said.

According to S. Venkatachalam, Managing Director, the sale of biomass operations would unshackle the company's wind energy business and also unlock value to the shareholders.

--IANS

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A Pakistani journalist was arrested in the city of Quetta earlier this week for allegedly writing against "national security institutions" on social media, the reported.

Zafarullah Achakzai, who works for Qudrat, a Quetta-based daily, was taken into custody under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and presented in a court of the judicial magistrate, according to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials.

The court remanded Achakzai in custody of the FIA for six days, reports Dawn news.

"Our entire neighbourhood was besieged by the security agency before arresting him," Niamatullah Achakzai, the detained journalist's father, said.

Niamatullah is the editor-in-chief of daily Qudrat.

The FIA informed him on Thursday that Zafarullah Achakzai had been taken into custody under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.

The journalist's relatives told a joint meeting of the Balochistan Union of Journalists and other organisations that "personnel of a security agency" took Zafarullah Achakzai into custody in the early hours of Sunday morning after cordoning off his residence, Dawn news reported.

They said if there was any complaint against the journalist, the authorities should have raised the matter at a "proper forum".

--IANS

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A key US Senate panel has asked the Pentagon to identify ways for India to play a larger role in providing increased and coordinated defence-related support to Afghanistan.

US Senator Dan Sullivan presented a resolution in this regard on Thursday and it was passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee as part of the the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA-2018). The committee authorised $640 billion in critical defence spending for Fiscal Year 2018.

"This provision encourages the Department of Defence to identify ways that India can play a larger role in providing increased and coordinated defence-related support to Afghanistan, a critical part of overcoming the current 'stalemate' in the fight against the Taliban," said a statement by the office of Sullivan.

"Encourage Increased Role for India in Afghanistan" was one of the 24 amendments unanimously passed by the Senate committee.

Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary James Mattis called on NATO allies to "finish the job in Afghanistan" or risk "terrorist revenge" as the alliance confirmed a troop increase to counter a resurgent Taliban.

"The bottom line is that NATO has made a commitment to Afghanistan for freedom from fear and terror, and freedom from terror demands that you can't let this be undone," he added.

The US, which once had more than 100,000 troops in Afghanistan, is preparing a new strategy for a war which has dragged on for 16 years and which even US generals concede is a "stalemate" at best.

--IANS

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A Delhi Police team has rescued a two-and-half-year-old boy and arrested four persons who abducted the toddler, a senior police officer said on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mandeep S. Randhawa identified the accused as Radha, 40, Sunita, 24, Saroj, 38, and Jaan Mohammad, 30, -- all residents of Delhi.

On June 5, the boy had gone missing after he came with his family to Jama Masjid in north Delhi. Later, a police complaint was filed.

Police widely circulated the photo of the boy through social media, after which they got a tip-off that the toddler was about to be sold to a childless family in Gurugram.

On Wednesday, police arrested the aductors and also rescued the boy.

Police are trying to find out whether the accused persons were also involved in other similar cases.

--IANS

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Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer R. K. Pachnanda on Friday took over as the new Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) -- the paramilitary force mandated to guard the 3,488 km India-China border.

Pachnanda's appointment comes in the backdrop of a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops over a disputed area along the India-China border in Sikkim. The ITBP, however, is not present in the area as the Army is deployed there.

Pachnanda, a 1983 batch officer of the West Bengal cadre, took over the charge of the 90,000-strong force from Krishna Chaudhary to head it till his retirement in October 2018.

He is the only IPS officer who has served in all the central forces and agencies including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Special Protection Group (SPG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and now the ITBP -- which is tasked with rendering a variety of duties in the internal security domain with the responsibility of anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh apart from its primary task of guarding the India-China border at freezing heights of up to 18,700 feet.

Pachnanda was serving as the DG of NDRF. He will continue to hold the charge as NDRF DG until the government appoints his successor or issues further orders.

The new ITBP chief, son of an army officer, has also served in various capacities in his cadre state of West Bengal and was decorated with the Indian police medal for meritorious service in 1999 and the President's medal for distinguished service in 2007.

--IANS

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Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra shot a key sequence for his upcoming film "Mere Pyare Prime Minister" inside a Delhi-bound train.

"There is a sequence in the film where the kids embark on a journey to meet the Prime Minister. We have shot this particular scene in a train enroute to Delhi," the film's spokesperson said in a statement.

"Mere Pyare Prime Minister" revolves around the true friendship and life journey of four children who live in the slums of Mumbai.

Mehra had been shooting in real locations in Mumbai -- from the slums of Ghatkopar to the slums of Powai. Then, they took a train for a sequence to effectively capture the reality of the train journey.

The cast and crew embarked on a train journey to Delhi, and reached the capital on Thursday.

Mehra had last explored the theme of friendship in a different way with "Rang De Basanti". With his new film, of course, the setting and idea is very different from his past movie.

--IANS

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Actress Alice Braga has replaced Rosario Dawson in "X-Men: New Mutants" movie.

The 38-year-old had reportedly negotiated with Fox about portraying Dr. Ceilia Reyes, a mutant and medical doctor, in the forthcoming "X-Men" spin-off but she has now pulled out from the movie, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Screenwriter Josh Boone has penned the script with Kante Gwaltney, Simon Kinberg and Karen Rosenfelt on board with producing duties.

Not much is known about the project, but Boone recently shared that his take on the new mutant movie, which will see a team of younger mutants end up forming a new team, will be a "full-fledged horror".

"We are making a full-fledged horror movie set within the 'X-Men' universe. There are no costumes. There are no supervillains. We're trying to do something very, very different," Boone said.

"Game of Thrones" actress Maisie Williams will star as Rahne Sinclair, aka Wolfsbane, a girl struggling to reconcile her religious beliefs with her power to turn into a wolf, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy, who will play llyana Rasputin, a code-named Magik, who has learned sorcery and uses teleportation discs to travel.

James McAvoy, who currently stars as Professor Xavier in the 'First Class' franchise, is also expected to appear in the film.

The set construction will begin in January in Montreal, where "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and "X-Men: Apocalypse" were shot.

--IANS

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A chemical weapons watchdog confirmed on Friday that sarin gas had been used in the April attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun that left over 100 people dead.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) published a report based on evidence collected during a fact-finding mission that confirmed the use of the deadly gas in the April 4 attack, the Guardian reported.

The attack on the town in the country's Idlib province was the most deadly in Syria's civil war in more than three years. It prompted a US missile strike on a Syrian airbase which, Washington said, was used to launch the gas attack.

The report also found that hexamine -- a known component of the Syrian regime's stockpiles -- was contained in samples taken from the scene and from the blood and urine of victims.

The OPCW said its mandate was solely to determine whether chemical weapons were used in the attack which killed more than 100 people.

Russia's Foreign Ministry called the OPCW report "biased" and based on "doubtful evidence".

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he had "absolutely no doubt the finger points at the Assad regime", the daily reported.

"The exact responsibility for dropping the sarin will now go to a joint investigative mechanism to be confirmed," he said.

Ahmet Uzumcu, the Director General of the OPCW, said the atrocity wholly contradicted the norms enshrined in the chemical weapons convention.

"The perpetrators of this horrific attack must be held accountable for their crimes," he said.

An OPCW investigating team was deployed within 24 hours of the attack on April 4, though for security reasons they could not visit its site in Khan Sheikhoun, in the northern Idlib region.

"A rigorous methodology was employed for conducting an investigation of alleged use of chemical weapons that took into account corroboration between interviewee testimonies, open-source research, documents, and other records," an OPCW statement said.

The watchdog's executive council must now analyse the report, which has been sent to the United Nations Security Council.

The joint UN and OPCW investigating mechanism was established after a Security Council resolution was passed in August 2015 to identify the individuals, entities, groups and governments that use, organise or promote the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

--IANS

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Saudi Arabia has announced that the deadline for illegal expatriates to voluntarily leave the kingdom has been extended by one month.

The General Directorate of Passports (GDP) announced on Thursday that a royal approval was given for a one-month extension -- starting from June 25 -- for violators of all nationalities to voluntarily leave the country, Saudi Gazette reported.

The decision was taken to enforce the nationwide campaign known as "Nation Without Illegal Expats" by giving the violators a further opportunity to leave the kingdom on their own and at their expense, the report said.

The initial three-month grace period ended on June 24.

GDP chief Major General Sulaiman Al-Yahya said that the directorate had completed preparations at all locations in the kingdom reserved for receiving violators in coordination with the National Information Centre and other concerned authorities.

Al-Yahya called on all expatriates who were earlier unable to take advantage of the amnesty, to quickly report to the nearest reception centre to benefit from the penalty exemption before the new deadline expires.

--IANS

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Police in New York City are responding to a report of shots fired at a hospital here, media reports said.

CBS New York reports that police have confirmed two persons shot on the 16th floor of the Bronx Lebanon Hospital, CBS news reported.

The incident began just before 3 p.m. at 173rd Street and Grand Concourse in the Mt. Eden section of the Bronx.

Police are going floor to floor in the hospital looking for the shooter who is believed to have a rifle and has reportedly barricaded himself.

Police believe the shooter is a former employee of the hospital.

Due to reports of a shooting incident at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, avoid the area of 1650 Grand Concourse. More information to follow, the New York Police Department tweeted.

--IANS

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The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has rescued in Bihar eight Indian and two Nepalese children being trafficked to Mumbai, an official said on Friday.

Three human traffickers were apprehended in Motihari and Sitarmahi districts.

All the children rescued on Thursday by a team of officials of the SSB and Government Railway Police (GRP) were aged between 6 and 18 years, an SSB official said.

The children were being taken to Mumbai by different trains on the pretext of providing them work in garment factories.

"The human traffickers have been handed over to GRP and the rescued children were handed over to NGOs Prayas and Childline," the official said.

In the first operation, the 47th Battalion of SSB raided the Motihari railway station and rescued eight children and apprehended two men.

The SSB's 20th Battalion rescued two children and apprehended a trafficker from the Bairgania railway station in Sitarmahi. The rescued children and the trafficker were Nepalese.

--IANS

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Film: "Transformers: The Last Knight"; Director: Michael Bay; Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Josh Duhamel, Stanley Tucci, Anthony Hopkins, Laura Haddock, Jerrod Carmichael, Isabela Moner, Santiago Cabrera, Glenn Morshower, John Turturro and Tony Hale; Rating: **

The Transformers film series is basically mounted as a marketing tool to promote Hashbro Toys and it offers nothing meaningful, cinematically.

Directed by Michael Bay, this edition of the Transformers is no different from its previous four films. So, you will know what you are getting in for -- a loud, poorly stretched plot, loaded with bland characters, CGI laden action sequences mounted through senseless direction.

Like in all the other earlier Transformer films, once again the world is in peril and there are large-scale battles that involve humans and two sets of giant shape-shifting mechanical creatures.

The film surprisingly begins on a promising note. In 484 AD, England, King Arthur's wizard Merlin (Stanley Tucci) forges an alliance with a group of twelve Transformers who have hidden on the Earth. He makes a deal with them to help King Arthur and his knights. He is given an alien staff that will protect them.

Around 1600 years later, Optimus Prime voiced by Peter Cullen, is searching for his maker. When he arrives on his home planet Cybertron, he is put under the spell of the evil Quintessa voiced by Gemma Chan and told that he must destroy Earth so that Cybertron can exist. In order to do so, he should have the alien staff.

Meanwhile, Isabelle -- a survivor from the Battle of Chicago -- is rescued by Cade Yaeger (Mark Wahlberg) who comes into contact with an ancient talisman that puts him on the radar of the eccentric Sir Edmund Burton (Anthony Hopkins). Bunton also needs Oxford professor Vivian Wembley (Laura Haddock) in order to find the alien staff that will stop the incoming Cybertron from destroying Earth. Also there is a military force called the "TRF" whose job is to spice up the plot.

Mounted with excellent production values, the visuals are bright and dazzlingly glossy. The sound designed to accompany the visuals are equally reverberating and deafening.

The only thing that stands out in the film are the well-choreographed action sequences and the 3D visual effects.

By the end of it, the film seems like an epic. But honestly, the plot packed with too many sub-plots which are unnecessarily elaborated, ends up like an incoherent mess that will leave even die-hard fans exhausted and confused.

Overall, this film fails to deliver on the one thing that it blatantly promised: The story of, The Last Knight.

--IANS

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Two persons have been arrested for allegedly gunning down a property dealer here last week, police said on Friday.

Narender Kataria, 28, was shot dead by armed assailants on June 22 in Sector 9, police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sumit Kumar told the media that the four men, identified as Shashikant alias Sunny, Arjun, Sumit and Lalit alias Moni, shot Kataria when he was getting into his Tata Safari SUV .

All the four accused and the deceased belong to Basai village. DCP Kumar said that Sunny, 22, and Arjun, 21 have been arrested while Sumit and Lalit alias Moni are absconding.

The police officer said Kataria was shot dead as he had allegedly slapped Arjun nearly one-and-a half years ago.

"To avenge the slap, Arjun shot dead Kataria along with his accomplices," the officer said.

The arrested duo were on Friday presented before the court that remanded them to four-day police custody.

Earlier, Kataria's family believed he was murdered following a property dispute. His brother, Bhagirath, who registered a complaint with the police, had alleged that Narender was a victim of a property dispute.

--IANS

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US-based healthcare firm Vattikuti Technologies is all set to make inroads into tier-two cities in India with its da Vinci Surgical robots for cancer, the company said on Friday.

The company is now planning a roadshow in 20 cities over the next six months by mounting the surgical robot on a mobile vehicle that will simulate an operation theatre setting, said a statement.

This will give exposure to doctors in smaller towns and hospitals administrators with computer-assisted surgeries that can help fight various forms of cancers, including in urology, gynaecology, thoracic, paediatric, and head and neck area, the statement said.

"The Roving Robot will help surgeons in smaller towns experience the immense capabilities of a da Vinci Surgical Robot -- 3-dimensional HD vision system and 10 times magnification for removal of affected tissue while retaining healthy tissue with tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human hand," says Gopal Chakravarthy, CEO, Vattikuti Technologies.

In the last one year, Vattikuti Technologies achieved a robust 50 per cent growth in the number of its computer-assisted robotic surgical system deployed in Indian hospitals, the statement said.

The da Vinci Surgical System enables surgeons to operate minimally invasively through a few small incisions or the belly button from a nearby ergonomic console.

As a result of this technology, da Vinci allows surgeons to operate with enhanced vision, precision and control.

The company will also offer hospitals the da Vinci Robot along with instruments required for the next three years at a special price point, the statement said.

--IANS

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Pitching for a "strong collaboration" with India in nuclear power, former Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission chairman Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan says his country could gain a lot from India's experience in construction, operations and maintenance of nuclear power plants.

Both countries have tied up with Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom for setting up nuclear power plants. In India, unit one and two of Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu have been commissioned, with four other units in various stages of implementation or planning, Bangladesh is constructing two 1,200 Megawatt (MW) units at Rooppur in Pabna district.

The reactor for both the plants is of the same type -- Water-Water Energetic Reactor or VVER.

"We can be mutually helpful because we have the same type of reactors. We need to have a strong collaboration," Bhuiyan told IANS on the sidelines of Atomexpo 2017 here.

Appreciating the "tremendous work" done by the Indian team with regard to the unit 1 at Kudankulam which now produces 1,000 mw of power, the well-known atomic expert said "I understand the Kudankulam project got delayed as during the process there were some problems, but they solved them. We can use their experience so that we don't face the same problems".

"This will be a tremendous help to us. Both technologically, as also with regard to construction, operations, management and maintenance there can be future cooperation," he said.

Bhuiyan said several groups of Bangladesh scientists were being trained on the reactor at Kudankulam. "A major advantage of conducting the training with Indian scientists is that the language problem won't be there."

Describing Rooppur -- Bangladesh's first-ever nuclear power plant -- as a dream project, he said the pre-installation work was now going on in full swing, "We are in the process of evaluating and reviewing the preliminary safety analysis report (PSAR). We have raised some questions and sought clarifications," he said.

"Rosatom has given some clarifications.. But I think still some more clarifications are needed. And there are some technical issues. I am hopeful that we will be able to do the first pour of concrete for the reactor building this year itself," said Bhuiyan, who is the convenor of the committee which is evaluating the PSAR.

Bhuiyan said the site safety certificate has already been given by the regulatory authority in Bangladesh and by authorities in Russia.

"It has also been reviewed by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). So once the PSAR is ready, and approved, then they can get the licence for construction."

Asked about the safety of the Rooppur nuclear plant, Bhuiyan said "Yes, we are very much concerned over safety, especially after Fukushima (Japanese nuclear plant disaster in 2011). But safety of nuclear plants have improved a lot after Fukushima," he said.

"They (the suppliers) say the chance of accident that will release radioactive material to the environment is one in ten million years of reactor operation. And the chance of core melting in an accident is one in one million years," he said.

Bhuiyan said nuclear power was an inevitable option for Bangladesh, as the country does not have much fossil fuel.

"We don't have much hydro power potential. Whatever we had we have harnessed it. Our gas resources are now severely depleted," he said, adding: "With renewables, how much will you do?"

He said "nuclear is the only alternative for the base load of sustainable power."

As per figures published in February, 2017, the utility sector in Bangladesh has one national grid with an installed capacity of 15,379 MW. But according to Bhuiyan, the country would need 42,000 MW of power to ensure meeting demand in the next few years when per capita income is projected to rise by eight to ten per cent.

He said nuclear energy was dependable and green, adding that global nuclear hub had now shifted to South Asia. "Very soon we will have more reactors operating in this part of the world than elsewhere".

(Sirshendu Panth was in Moscow to attend Atomexpo 2017 at the invitation of Rosatom. He can be reached at sirshendu.p@ians.in)

--IANS

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Young Finns are less able to face hardships in life than previous generations, research by the Academy of Finland and the Institute for Occupational Safety have shown.

The conclusions published by the institutions this week were reported by Finnish media on Thursday and Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Researcher Anna Kuokkanen wrote on the website of the Occupational Safety Institute that young employees may choose to stay at home because of a broken relationship or the death of a cat.

"Medical doctors who have done a long career said that at least in the 1970s it would have been unthinkable that an employee would have reported sick due to the death of a pet," she said.

Researcher Kuokkanen noted the change reflects the new attitude towards work among younger generations. "They demand more from work and from work-related well-being."

On the other hand, young employees were also more prone to seek help in mental symptoms, before the problems turn serious. "This is a positive change, but it places new demands to the employers," she noted.

In Finland, an employee can usually take sick leave based on his or her own decision, for at least a day or even three days. Acceptance by a medical professional is obtained afterwards.

--IANS

mr/

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Special selfie zones in the backdrop of surgical strike hoardings, light and sound shows, countless cut-outs and cheering crowds greeted Prime Minister on Thursday as he was given a victor's welcome in Gujarat's Rajkot city where he won his first election in February 2002.

The 12-km roadshow in Chief Minister Vijay Rupani's hometown created a Diwali like atmosphere, with the entire city decorated with colourful lights to celebrate the arrival of the Narmada waters at Aji Dam, a major source of drinking water for the people there, in the presence of Modi.

A heavy downpour failed to prevent thousands from thronging to see the Prime Minister. Moved by the warm welcome, Modi climbed out of his official car to greet and wave at the surging crowds.

Modi landed in on Thursday morning on a two-day visit.

Before the roadshow, the Prime Minister attended a function at Aji dam to celebrate the arrival of the Narmada water and attended a function to distribute kits and aids to differently abled persons for whom Modi has coined the term 'divyang jan'.

He came down heavily on the previous Congress-led UPA government saying they never showed any concern for the differently-abled persons.

Modi said from 1992 till 2014, when he became the Prime Minister, only 55 camps were organised in different parts of the country to distribute kits to the disabled.

Ever since the BJP-led government came in power in May 2014, more than 5,500 such camps have been held for the over 7.50 lakh differently abled persons in the country, he said.

"It shows the present government's sensitive approach to the problems faced by different sections of the people."

He became emotional during the speech, saying Rajkot had a very important place in his political career.

If the people of Rajkot had not sent him to Gandhinagar, he would perhaps have not made it to New Delhi, Modi said, referring to the first election he fought from Rajkot II assembly constituency in February 2002.

Modi became the Chief Minister of in October 2001, got elected as a legislator to the assembly from Rajkot II constituency in a by-election.

The seat was vacated by current Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala, who traditionally represented the assembly constituency.

The site of Aji dam that has been filled with waters from Narmada as part of the Narmada project was cheered by the locals.

The Aji damn got filled to the brim only 11 times in the past 40 years and so the arrival of waters for the parched Rajkot city assumes significance.

Modi suggested to farmers of the region to shift to drip and sprinkler irrigation to avoid draining out precious water.

Referring to "housing for all", Modi said: "We have a dream that in 2022, when we celebrate 75 years of independence, every Indian shall have a house of his own. The work is massive, it is difficult and I know that. However, whatever has not happened in 70 years, can happen in five years."
West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, whose government has been protesting against the July 1 rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, on Friday, upped her concern, alleging that the has paved the way for the dreaded 'Inspector Raj' to be back in business.


Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday dubbed incidents of lynchings in the country as "barbaric" and said they should not be seen from a religious angle.

Law enforcement agencies at the district and the state level must take effective steps to prevent such incidents in future, the minister said, a day after a man was killed in Jharkhand for allegedly transporting beef.

"It has been condemned by and one all. The prime minister also, for the second time, spoke about it. It is happening in different parts of the country and it is barbaric and atrocious. No religious angle is linked to it," he told reporters here.

The latest incident of lynching has been reported from Ramgarh in Jharkhand where the victim, identified as Alimuddin Asghar, was intercepted by a mob on suspicion of transporting beef in his van.

Asghar's lynching yesterday came even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned acts of violence in the name of cow vigilantism. Addressing a gathering at Sabarmati Ashram, Modi had said that "killing people in the name of 'gaubhakti' (cow worship) is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve.
Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who was just two years old when he lost his parents in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, is looking forward to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who in a special gesture, will meet the boy during his visit here next week.

Modi's decision to meet Moshe, now 10, has been welcomed by the child's family which said that the gesture made them realise that Indians share their pain and they have not been forgotten.

Modi will also meet Moshe's Indian nanny Sandra Samuels, who managed to escape with him from the Nariman House which came under attack by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists, and his grandparents Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg.

"I could not believe my ears when I got a call from the Indian envoy saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to meet us. My immediate thoughts were that we have not been forgotten and that Indians share our pain," Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg told PTI.

"I am deeply moved and can't explain how good I feel at this gesture from the Indian Prime Minister. We are looking forward to that opportunity," Rabbi Rosenberg added.

Asked what he would tell Modi when he meets him, Rosenberg said that he wanted to do his grandson's 'bar mitvah', a ceremony performed for Jewish boys at the age of 13 which Indian scholars in Israel compare with upnayana or the thread ceremony, in Mumbai for which he would invite Modi.

"We feel we have a home in Mumbai and that we have a family there. I would like to do Moshe's bar mitvah there in two and a half years and will ask Prime Minister Modi to attend it," the Rabbi said.

Moshe was barely two years old when his parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg, serving as emissaries of Chabad in Mumbai, were killed along with six others by LeT terrorists at the Nariman House, also popularly known as Chabad House, in Mumbai attacks in 2008 in which 166 people were killed.

The Nariman House was one of the five places targeted by the terrorists.

Moshe now goes to a yeshiva (religious school). He is still very attached to his nanny Sandra who works in Jerusalem and joins the family over the weekends.

"He is always overjoyed when he sees her and plays with her the whole weekend," the grandfather said.

Israel honoured Sandra, who risked her own life to save then two-year-old Moshe from the clutches of death, with an honorary citizenship in September, 2010.

She works with young kids in Jerusalem during the week and joins the Rosenberg family in the north during the weekends, Shimon said.

Sources said that the time and venue of the meeting with Modi on July 5 has not been decided yet but it will happen in Jerusalem.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Some 60 people are missing and believed drowned after the dinghy they were on sank off Libya, the International Organisation for Migration said today, citing survivor testimony.

The inflatable had been carrying 140-150 people including women when it began taking on water five hours after setting off from North Africa on Monday, according to 80 survivors who were brought to safety in Italy.

"They don't know how long it was before help arrived. They clung to bits of the dinghy until it fell dark, then a boat arrived and they were rescued," IOM spokesman Flavio Di Giacomo told AFP.

The survivors were later transferred to the British military ship HMS Echo, which is currently operating in the Mediterranean as part of the EU's anti-trafficking Operation Sophia.

They were among 550 people the HMS Echo disembarked in the Italian port of Brindisi on Friday, following an intense week of rescues at sea.

With smugglers taking advantage of a spell of good weather and calm seas, more than 10,000 people were rescued from rickety boats off Libya since Sunday alone.

Nearly 77,000 migrants have landed in Italy since January, up 15 percent on the same period in 2016.

The latest deaths increase the toll of people dying attempting the crossing or missing, feared drowned, to nearly 2,100 since the beginning of 2017.

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DMK Working President M K Stalin today hit out at the ruling AIADMK for "failure" to take proper action on various issues, including alleged payment of bribes for sale of banned gutkha.

"They are not taking proper action," he said, responding to a question from reporters on allegations of sale of free sarees distributed by the Tamil Nadu government in Kerala.

Free dhoties and sarees are distributed in Tamil Nadu through PDS outlets during Pongal festival in the month of January every year.

On all allegations, including payment of bribes to a Tamil Nadu Minister and officials and horse-trading ahead of the February 18 trust vote, the government was just saying that it will act if it received a complaint, he said.

He alleged that the ruling AIADMK was sustaining itself "only to carry on corruption."



Stalin, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly slammed the Health Department under Health Minister C Vijayabaskar for being "lax" in implementing the ban on gutkha.

Meanwhile, the PMK said it would stage a protest demonstration on July 4 here, seeking a CBI probe into alleged payment of bribes for sale of banned gutkha.

Seeking the sacking of a State Minister and officials allegedly involved in the scam, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss said here in a statement that only a CBI probe would ensure punishment for those involved in the scam.

Alleging that the Tamil Nadu government was trying to hide the gutkha corruption, he said it was "condemnable."



The demonstration demanding a CBI probe and resignation of the Minister and officials will be led by PMK president G K Mani.

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Air India area manager of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Vishut Acharya on Friday said Alliance Air, a subsidiary of the carrier, will operate a new flight on the Bhopal-Lucknow route from July 5 onwards.

Acharya said flights to various destinations would be operated from Bhopal in the coming days after the induction of new aircraft in AI's fleet.

"A daily flight from Bhopal to Lucknow would be operated from July 5 with ATR-72 aircraft. New flights would be started from Bhopal after the induction of new aircraft in AI's fleet," he said.

The flight would take off at 11.50 am from the Raja Bhoj Airport and reach Lucknow at 1.45 pm. In return journey, it will take off from Lucknow at 2.15 pm and reach Bhopal at 3.55 pm.

The flight, connecting the capital cities of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh would be helpful in boosting tourism in both the states, he said.

Acharya said AI, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) of the Centre, recently connected Indore with Gwalior and has received a good response.
The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of Mumbai police arrested an alleged drug peddler from Mahim in central Mumbai and seized charas valued at Rs 3.22 lakh from his possession.

Sleuths of the Worli unit of ANC this morning laid a trap at the BMC ground in Mahim and arrested Javed Ahmed Shaikh (31).

They seized 1.150 grams of charas from his possession, said the officials.

ANC has registered a case against Shaikh and further probe is on, the official added.

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An outbreak of diarrhoea, apparently due to contamination of drinking water, is reported from Jamli village in the district where around 300 residents are prima facie affected, an official said today.

A team of doctors was rushed to the village today, following the complaints by people in the last two days.

Khargone Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Govind Gupta said the patients are being treated by a team of Health department.

"Contamination of water might have caused this outbreak. Camps are being run at the Panchayat Bhawan and Jamli Sub Health Centre. We are distributing medicines and ORS packets to the villagers," he said, adding the situation is under control.

Meanwhile, authorities have stopped the supply of water from the well in the village and engineers of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department have collected samples of water for examination.

PHE Executive Engineer Santosh Shrivastava said they suspect that water in the well was getting contaminated due to a damaged network of pipeline there.

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An Assam Rifles personnel was killed as militants triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Manipur today, police said.

The IED, which was planted at 27 Assam Rifles check post at Ramva, exploded at 7.20 am.

Police and Assam Rifles personnel have cordoned off the area, which falls under Sangshak police station limits in Ukhrul district.

A combing operation was on.

This blast is the second such attack on the paramilitary force in Manipur this month.

On June 15, an Assam Rifles personnel was killed and three others were injured after militants had triggered an IED blast in the same district.

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Barely two days after getting the Army withdrawn from the Darjeeling hills, the West Bengal government today rushed to the Centre seeking 10 companies of the CRPF to contain the situation in the strife-torn hills.

"We had asked for 10 companies of the CRPF from the Centre for the hills earlier. But they had sent us only four companies of women police personnel and three companies of SSB. We have again asked them for ten companies of CRPF in the hills," state Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purkayastha told reporters at the secretariat today.

Currently, there is only state police, but no Army in the hills, he said.

Describing the unrest in the hills as "destructive activities of some extremists," Purakayastha said the state government would not tolerate this situation and would take strong action against those responsible.

"Some destructive incidents have occurred in the hills. Some extremist-sponsored destructions in the name of protests were going on there. Our police has shown optimum tolerance, but the state will not tolerate all this and strong action will be taken against those found guilty ... Culprits will be arrested," Purakayastha said.

Going by the current situation in the hills following ransacking of government offices by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha activists and enforcing an indefinite bandh for carving out a separate state of Gorkhaland out of the West Bengal, the state government has decided to send DG & IGP (Home Guards) Raj Kanojia, the DGP said.

The state government earlier had sent senior police officials to the hills amid the ongoing GJM agitation there.

The state government has also decided to provide a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh to the family members of truck driver Aniket Chhetri who died at the SSKM yesterday.

GJM supporters on June 19 had allegedly set ablaze the entire truck with Chhetri inside on June 19 when he was transporting bricks to Sikkim.

"We will be compensating Chhetri's family with Rs 2.5 lakh and will offer job to any one member," he said.

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BJP Mizoram unit has submitted a memorandum to state Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma urging him to dissolve the Congress-ruled Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), a press statement issued by the party today said.

The statement said that the BJP state unit leaders submitted the memorandum to Sharma yesterday saying that there had been a constitutional crisis in the CADC after resignation of six executive members which was a clear case of no confidence against the executive council headed by chief executive member (CEM) Tongchongyia.

The BJP also alleged that the Congress government in the CADC was "corruption ridden and failed" in many fronts.

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The Chhattisgarh High Court today granted bail to seven Telangana Democratic Forum activists, arrested last year for their alleged links with the Maoists in the state's Sukma district.

The single-judge bench of Justice Goutam Bhaduri granted bail to them, delivering its ruling on their bail plea, reserved on June 22, said defence counsel Amarnath Pandey.

According to the prosecution, the seven members of Telangana-based civil society TDF, including two advocates Ch Prabhakar and Bala Ravinder; four social activists Rajendra Prasad, R Lakshmaraiah, B Durgaprasad and D Prabhakar and a research scholar Mohamed Nazeer were held from Dharampenta village under Kistaram police station in Sukma district on December 25, 2016.

Cash worth Rs 1 lakh in the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes and Maoist literature were claimed to have been recovered from their possession, the counsel for jailed TDF activists said.

They were booked under the provisions of the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act for their alleged Maoist links and produced in a local court of Sukma region which had remanded them in judicial custody, he added.

Their bail plea was rejected earlier by a local court following which they had moved the high court for bail.

During the hearing on their bail plea by the high court bench at Bilaspur on June 22, the petitioners' lawyers, Pandey and Kishore Narayan, argued that all sevens activists were in Bhadrachalam area (Telangana) for some "fact-finding" purpose when they were held by Bhadrachalam police.

They were later handed over to Sukma police and implicated in a false case under the public security act, the lawyers argued.

The defence counsel sought bail arguing that the maximum punishment under public security act is three years while the petitioners were behind bars for past six months without being convicted of any crime.

After hearing the arguments, the high court had reserved its order.

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Odisha government today informed the Central Water Commission (CWC) about its problems of managing floods in the state due to abrupt opening of sluice gates at Kalma barrage by neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

The state government's move came after the authorities of Kalma barrage opened as many as 46 of the 66 gates and released water without informing a downstream state like Odisha.

The government has strongly objected to the activities of Chhattisgarh government and said it may not be possible to control floods in the state if the neighbouring state continued to do so.

"There was not much water in Hirakud reservoir this time. They (Chhattisgarh) opened the gates without prior information. Had there been enough water in Hirakud reservoir, the situation could have been worse in the state," Odisha's Engineer-in-Chief (EIC), water resources, S K Jain told reporters here.

Odisha's water resources secretary P K Jena, in a letter to the CWC said the Odisha government was kept in dark about such movement of Chhattisgarh.

As a riparian state, Odisha deserves prior information over release of flood waters so that the department of water resources can make precautionary measures to control possible floods, he said in the letter.

Jena said CWC need to look into the matter as the state government was not kept in the loop.

Though there was an agreement between the two states at a meeting in May this year to exchange information, Chhattisgarh government violated the norm, he alleged.

He has also written to the Principal Secretary, Chhattisgarh Water Resources department, pointing out the lapse on their part by keeping Odisha in the dark about release of water through 46 gates of Kalma Barrage.

While Chhattisgarh government is opening gates of the barrage without informing the riparian state, if it opens the major dams in monsoon keeping Odisha in the dark, it will create havoc in the downstream, Jena apprehend.

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China today sought a "meaningful dialogue" with India over the border row in the Sikkim sector and asked it to withdraw its troops from Doklam, insisting that Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area.

"Diplomatic channels are unimpeded between India and China for talks on the standoff in Sikkim," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

"The pressing issue is to have a meaningful dialogue for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Doklam area in Sikkim sector," he said.

A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong.

Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

Lu also refuted Bhutan's allegation that China violated agreements by constructing a road inside its territory.

In a strongly worded statement, Bhutan had also asked China to stop constructing the motorable road from Dokola in the Doklam area towards the Bhutan Army camp at Zompelri which it says affects the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries.

But Lu said China had "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area.

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Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma today slammed the BJP-led NDA government for holding the GST roll out function in Parliament's Central Hall, terming it as an "insult" to its prestige and a "publicity" tool while asserting that the party will not participate in the launch.

Hours before the roll out of the new indirect tax regime, Sharma said, "If they had conducted it outside the Central Hall, invited us with respect, we would have gone".

He said the reason behind the Congress boycotting the GST launch event was "ideological" and not political in nature.

The Congress leader termed the midnight GST launch event in the Central Hall of Parliament as trivialising its prestige, observing that it had witnessed historic past events like Jawaharlal Nehru's famous speech on India's "tryst with destiny" to mark the country's independence from British rule.

Asserting that the Congress supports the Goods and Services Tax, Sharma said the party wants a trial run to be carried out initially to gauge the issues faced by businesses.

The Congress leader questioned why petroleum, alcohol, real estate and electricity were being kept out of GST.

Asked about the JD(U) participating in the GST launch, Sharma said every political party has a right to have its own views and that parties that understand which events should be organised in the Central Hall of Parliament are not going.

Sharma refused to comment on reports about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's growing closeness with the BJP, at the Aaj Tak GST Conclave here.

Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warning to those lynching people in the name of cow protection, the Congress leader questioned why the prime minister was silent until now and does not put perpetrators of such acts behind bars, even as he claimed that India's image was being tarnished due to them.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today said that corruption and dynastic policies of the past 15 years had left people "totally frustrated" as he lamented that he had inherited a dismal state machinery.

The chief minister said the BJP got a massive mandate in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections due to the works done by the Narendra Modi government.

"After which, the state government immediately got into the groove and initiated steps for welfare and progress of the common people," Adityanath said at an event here.

Earlier, the people were totally frustrated because of the corrupt and dynastic policies of the state governments in the past 14 to 15 years, he said without naming the Samajwadi Party and the BSP that were in power during the period.

"The situation of law and order was bad and the state had lagged behind in the race of development... I had inherited a very dismal machinery," the chief minister, who has just completed 100 days in office, said.

"There was no control on bureaucracy, government staff was not attending the office, files were gathering dust, middlemen were having control in government offices and this had become the identity of Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Elaborating on the works initiated by his government in the 100 days it had been in office, he said that it was working without bias and discrimination for the all-round development of all sections of the society.

The government and administration has been made sensitive and answerable, the chief minister added.

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A local court today directed police to conduct a fresh post-mortem of slain gangster Anandpal Singh.

The direction was issued by the Additional District court-Ratangarh, advocate AP Singh said.

"As per the Supreme Court's guideline, the post-mortem has to be done at a district hospital but the hospital at Ratangarh town where the post-mortem was conducted was not a district hospital. Therefore, we are now shifting the body to Churu district hospital for fresh post-mortem," Kesar Singh Skekhawat, Additional SP, Churu, told PTI.

Anandpal was killed in a police encounter last Saturday in Malasar village of Churu district.

A large number of his relatives and Rajput community members have gathered at his hometown in Sanvrad in Nagaur district and have demanded a fresh post-mortem.

Rajput community leaders have also demanded a CBI inquiry in the encounter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid a spurt in attacks by cow vigilantes, opposition's presidential candidate Meira Kumar today said the atmosphere in the country has become "very disturbing" and asked the government to take firm steps to stop such "killings".

"The atmosphere in the country today is very disturbing. When I open newspapers in the morning, I am scared of having to read the of killings of 16-year-olds on roads... In their homes," she told reporters here.

Kumar's remarks come against the backdrop of violent incidents targeting minorities and subsequent wave of protests.

"Firm steps should be taken by the government and it should immediately stop the killings as it has got an unprecedented mandate in Parliament," she responded to a query on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks he made in Ahmedabad yesterday that killing of people in the name of cow protection was not acceptable.

She said the country was at a critical juncture today as "narrow-mindedness and religious intolerance" has become prevalent.

About her contest against NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind for the top constitutional post, the Congress veteran said, "I have written to the MPs and MLAs of all parties to understand the seriousness of the situation and use the opportunity they have in creating history. This is the time when they need to listen to their conscience for the sake of the country and its future."



When asked about her stand on reservation, Kumar said she was completely against it. She said the reservation system has been prevalent since the last 5,000 years.

"Specific work is allotted to people of particular caste. Why can a person belonging to only a particular caste perform puja in a temple, another does leather trade and so on. First this reservation should stop. Then we will come to another reservation (issue of minority quota)," she said.

Replying to a query, the former Lok Sabha Speaker asked whether there was a need to hold the elections if the BJP was sure that its candidate would win. "This is not just a fight, but a very strong articulation for our ideology," she said.

Asked if this has become a "Dalit vs Dalit" contest, she said in the past such elections where candidates belonged to upper castes, the talks veered around their experience and intellect.

"Don't Ram Nath Kovind and I have any other qualities? We should rather talk about development. I'm unhappy that our thoughts have not developed," she said.

Earlier, when she arrived at the city airport from Gujarat, she told reporters that she was fighting with great confidence. "I am fighting with great confidence," she said.

Kumar, the daughter of Congress stalwart Jagjivan Ram kick-started her election campaign in Gujarat earlier in the day.

She launched the campaign from Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, where she said her fight is to take forward the ideology of the Father of the Nation.

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Delhi and Haryana government officials will jointly inspect the silting in the Najafgarh drain over next two days as a part of measures to prevent waterlogging in Gurgaon that created a havoc last year.

This was agreed upon at a meeting of the officials of the two states convened by Urban Development Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra yesterday to discuss reasons behind last year's waterlogging and measures to be taken to prevent its recurrence, an official said.

The meeting was convened after Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal asked Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu to facilitate such a discussion to avoid waterlogging in Gurgaon this year.

The outcome of the joint inspection will be reported to Mishra by July 3, the official said, adding Delhi officials have assured that if required, machines will be deployed immediately for desilting of the Najafgarh drain.

While Delhi officials stated that the Najafgarh drain has huge capacity to drain out flood waters from Gurgaon, their Haryana counterparts referred to possible silting in the drain that is preventing free flow of water.

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Former AMU Vice Chancellor Zameer Uddin Shah today voiced anguish over lynching incidents and warned that the situation will spill out of control if "men of reason do not stick out their necks" and speak out against them.

Hailing Hindus who broke their silence and participated in the 'Not in My Name' march, Lt Gen (retd) Shah said these are the people of courage who will save the country from narrow-minded "self righteous criminals".

"The lynching of 16-year-old Junaid in full public view is a clear warning that if those in authority and men of reason do not stick out there necks and speak against such continuing atrocities then the situation is likely to spin out of control", Shah asserted.

"Till now I was silent because I was in government service but today I can pour my heart out before the rest of my countrymen on this issue", Shah, a war veteran and a decorated officer, told PTI.

Protesting against the lynching of a Muslim boy, civil society groups took out 'Not In My Name' demonstrations in Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Shah said, "To begin with I would like to salute those members of the Hindu community who broke their silence by participating in the 'Not in my Name' march".

These are the people of courage who will save the country from the "narrow-minded self righteous criminals who are systematically destroying the foundations of our great country," he said



"I am proud of my association and my memories of my days in the Indian Army which is a symbol of our pluralistic culture...I recollect so many incidents when Hindus would join us in our Eid Namaz and I have no hesitation to point out that I personally participated in so many functions in temples as a commanding officer in my regiment," Shah said.

Such religious functions, he recalled, were always marked by speeches about amity of service to the country.

"This is the spirit which makes our Army strong and unbeatable," he asserted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
: Following are the top stories from the northern region at 1745 HRS:



DES 3 FRENCH-WOMAN-RAPED



Varanasi: A watchman has been arrested for allegedly raping a 65-year-old French woman who had been living for a year in a rented accommodation here, says police.

DES 5 UP-GST-SP



Lucknow: With just hours to go before the GST launch, the Samajwadi Party (SP) is unsure about whether it would attend the midnight function in Delhi.

DEL 42 GST-AAP



New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party terms the GST a 'good idea' with bad implementation, says the high tax levies under the new regime will encourage tax evasion, increase the size of grey market.

DES 12 UP-CLASHES



Muzaffarnagar: At least 25 people have been injured in three separate clashes in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts, says police.

DES 1 JK-HIGHWAY CLOSED



Jammu: The 300-km long Jammu-Srinagar national highway closes for vehicular traffic due to blockade triggered by landslides in the Ramban and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

DEL 10 AMARNATH-RESUME



Srinagar: The Amarnath yatra resumes from Pahalgam and Baltal routes after being suspended for a few hours due to heavy rains around the holy cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas.

DES 9 JK-VAISHNODEVI-LANDSLIDE



Jammu: A landslide triggered by rains en route the cave shrine of MataVaishnodevi in Trikuta hills of Reasi districtof Jammu and Kashmir leaves a woman dead and eight others injured.

DES 2 JK-RESTRICTIONS



Srinagar: Authorities impose restrictions in parts of Srinagar as a precautionary measure against protests by separatist groups over the US' decision to declare Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a "global terrorist".

DES 13 DL-PETA-ELEPHANT



New Delhi: Raising their voice against ill-treatment of elephants during jumbo rides at Rajasthan's famous Amber Fort, animal rights body PETA files a complaint with Jaipur Police against unidentified men in this regard.

NRG 3 UP-TRANSPORT



Lucknow: Digital and satellite technology will be used to keep an eye on overloaded vehicles in Uttar Pradesh as the government steps up monitoring of vehicles flouting rules.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
: Following are the top stories from the northern region at 2220 HRS:



DES 52 CH-DIFFERENTLY ABLED THROWN OUT OF TRAIN



Chandigarh: A differently-abled man is allegedly beaten up and thrown out of a moving train near here by three men after he asked them to stop smoking cigarettes.

DES 46 UKD-ROSHAN-PLAGIARISM-CHARGESHEET



Dehradun: Uttarakhand Police files a chargesheet against noted Bollywood filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, accuses him of plagiarising portions of a story written by a city-based man and using it in his 2013 blockbuster 'Krrish 3'.

DES 3 FRENCH-WOMAN-RAPED



Varanasi: A watchman has been arrested for allegedly raping a 65-year-old French woman who had been living for a year in a rented accommodation here, says police.

DES 15 UP-ADITYANATH



Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says corruption and dynastic policies of the past 15 years had left people "totally frustrated" as he lamented that he had inherited a dismal state machinery.

DES 23 JK-LYNCH-PROBE



Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police seeks help from the public to identify those involved in lynching of its officer outside Jamia Masjid in the city last week.

DES 36 AVI-INDIGO-LD FLIGHT



Patna: Flight operations from the city's airport has been affected after an IndiGo aircraft carrying 174 passengers suffered "engine failure" at the time of taxiing for take off.

DES 16 HEALTH-MCI-COLLEGES



New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry asks six more medical colleges not to admit MBBS students for academic years 2017-18 and 2018-19, after they were found to be lacking the requisite infrastructure and faculty.

DES 17 DL-ASSEMBLY-TEACHERS



New Delhi: The Delhi Assembly adopts a resolution seeking 85 per cent reservation for graduates of universities in Delhi in the recruitment of permanent or guest teachers in schools here.

NRG 10 JK-MIRWAIZ



Srinagar: Separatist Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq placed under house arrest as he was heading towards Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of the city for the Friday prayers.

DES 1 JK-HIGHWAY CLOSED



Jammu: The 300-km long Jammu-Srinagar national highway closes for vehicular traffic due to blockade triggered by landslides in the Ramban and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

DES 9 JK-VAISHNODEVI-LANDSLIDE



Jammu: A landslide triggered by rains en route the cave shrine of MataVaishnodevi in Trikuta hills of Reasi districtof Jammu and Kashmir leaves a woman dead and eight others injured.

NRG 36 RJ-APPOINTMENT-CHIEF SECY



Jaipur: Senior IAS officer Ashok Jain appointed the new chief secretary of Rajasthan in place of O P Meena, who has retired.

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French President Emmanuel Macron is due in Mali on Sunday to consolidate Western backing for a regional anti-jihadist force, as France beefs up its counter- terror operations in the area.

The so-called "G5 Sahel" countries just south of the Sahara -- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger -- have pledged to fight jihadists on their own soil with instability and Islamist attacks on the rise.

Based in Mali, the 5,000-strong G5 Sahel force is designed to bolster the 12,000 UN peacekeepers and France's own 4,000-strong military operation known as Barkhane operating in the region.

Macron will attend a summit on July 2 with the leaders of the African nations involved, "marking a new step" as the force is formally launched, a source in the French presidency told AFP yesterday.

Operations across Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, all hit with frequent jihadist attacks, would be co-ordinated with French troops, the source said, while help would be given to set up command centres.

The new force will support national armies trying to catch jihadists across porous frontiers.

Macron visited Gao in northern Mali in May, his first foreign visit as president outside Europe, and said French troops would remain "until the day there is no more Islamic terrorism in the region".

France launched an intervention to chase out jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda who had overtaken key northern cities in Mali in 2013.

That mission evolved into the current Barkhane deployment launched in 2014 with an expanded mandate for counter-terror operations across the Sahel.

Macron is hoping that the 50 million euros (USD 57.2 million) the European Union has pledged to the Sahel force will be supplemented by extra support from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States, which already has a drone base in Niger.

The French president will specify the final details of his nation's support on Sunday, but the focus is expected to be on help with equipment.

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution that welcomes the G5 Sahel deployment but does not grant it UN authorisation, and France was forced to drop a request for a special UN report on financing for the force.

Sources in the French presidency told AFP it wants the Sahel force to be active on the ground by autumn, before looking for wider sources of funding by the end of the year or in early 2018.

The question of funding is sensitive as Chad's leader Idriss Deby has said that for budgetary reasons his troops cannot serve simultaneously at such high numbers in the UN peacekeeping mission and also in the new force.

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A "mentally disturbed" man stabbed and wounded two German tourists today in a Tunisian marketplace near the northeastern beach resort of Hammamet, the government said.

The attack on a mother and her 27-year-old daughter took place in the arts and crafts market of the town of Nabeul, the tourism and interior ministries said in a joint statement.

"The incident is not an act of terrorism", the statement said.

The mother was slightly wounded and treated on the spot while her daughter "is in stable condition", the ministries said, adding that the attacker had been detained by police.

Two attacks targeting tourists killed 59 foreigners and a Tunisian police officer in 2015, sending revenues in the key tourism sector plummeting.

The Islamic State jihadist group claimed the attacks on the National Bardo Museum in Tunis and on a coastal resort near Sousse.

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A girl died and seven Lebanese soldiers were wounded when five militants blew themselves up and a sixth threw a grenade during army raids on two refugee camps near the Syrian border.

Four of the suicide bombers struck yesterday in the Al- Nur camp near the border town of Arsal, the army said. A young girl, whose parents are both refugees, was killed and three soldiers wounded.

A medical source in the provincial capital Baalbek said the girl was two and a half years old.

Troops recovered four explosive devices.

During a raid on Al-Qariya, another camp near Arsal, one militant blew himself up and a second threw a grenade at troops, wounding four of them.

The civil war, which has raged in Syria since March 2011, has triggered an exodus of more than 1.1 million refugees into neighbouring Lebanon and has repeatedly spilt over.

The raids were aimed at "arresting terrorists and seizing weapons," the army command said.

A military source told AFP that troops made a number of arrests.

"The objective of the operation was to arrest a wanted man and it was this man who was the first to blow himself up," the source said.

A leading Syrian opposition body late Friday accused the Lebanese army of violating refugee rights.

"The National Coalition strongly condemns the systematic attacks today against refugee camps in Arsal... During which (refugees) were humiliated and treated like hostages," a statement said.

"We ask the Lebanese authorities to provide the necessary protection to Syrian refugees according to international humanitarian law," the National Coalition said.

There have been multiple clashes along the border between the Lebanese army and jihadists of the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda.

In August 2014, the army clashed with jihadists of IS and Al-Qaeda's then Syria affiliate Al-Nusra Front in the Arsal region, with militants kidnapping 30 Lebanese soldiers and policemen as they withdrew back along the border.

After long and arduous negotiations, 16 of the kidnapped men were released in December 2015 in exchange for Islamist prisoners held in Lebanese jails.

The jihadists executed four of their hostages while a fifth died of wounds he suffered in the initial Arsal clashes, leaving nine members of Lebanon's security forces still in their hands.

Since 2014, both the Lebanese army and Shiite militant group Hezbollah have carried out attacks on Syria-based jihadists in eastern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has intervened in the war in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad, sending tens of thousands of fighters.

Its strongholds in Lebanon have been hit by several deadly attacks claimed by IS.

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Goa government has extended the ban on controversial right wing organisation Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik for another 60-days.

"The administration has banned entry of Muthalik, and any of his associates or members within the state for a period of 60-days with effect from June 30, 2017 under section 144 (prohibitory orders) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973," the order released here today reads.

"The step has been taken to prevent every possibility of disturbance to law and order and danger to public safety due to their aggressive statements or speeches that could hurt the sentiments of certain groups of the public and instigate violence, thus adversely affecting public peace and tranquility," reads the state government order.

Muthalik's entry has been banned by the state administration since 2014 based on a report by Goa police which fears law and order problem in the state with his presence.

In 2009, the Ram Sene men had allegedly attacked a pub in Mangalore, where women were beaten up.

Muthalik had defended the attack saying that girls going to pub was against the Indian culture.

Following the attack, the BJP government in Karnataka banned him from entering Mangalore.

In response, he campaigned against BJP in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, calling it "corrupt and anti-Hindu."



In 2014, Muthalik joined the BJP's Karnataka state unit, only to be forced out within hours after protests from other members.

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Five security force personnel were seriously injured in an attack by suspected GJM activists in the Darjeeling hills, while a 20-year-old truck driver injured in an incident of arson died in Kolkata today.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) activists set afire several houses and offices across the hills on the 16th day of the indefinite bandh, called by it to press its demand for a separate state.

Life remained crippled due to the bandh in Darjeeling where Internet services were shut.

Security forces patrolled the trouble-torn areas.

The attack on the security personnel took place last night when they had gone to a village near Teesta Valley, 40 km from Darjeeling, to conduct a search operation.

A mob targeted the security personnel with stones and 'khukri' (traditional Nepali dagger), injuring five of them seriously.

The injured police and CRPF personnel were later rescued and admitted to a hospital, the police said.

In another incident, the house of Mirik Municipality vice-chairman M Zimba was set afire by the protesters this morning.

The supporters also ransacked Rangli Rangliat police outpost last night and snatched a self-loading rifle and a pistol. Two police vehicles were set ablaze in the incident, the police said.

The building of Tung Gram panchayat was also set on fire last night, it said.

A meeting of political outfits including the GJM had yesterday decided to carry on with the indefinite shutdown.

Aniket Chetri, the truck driver who had received 70 per cent burns when his truck was set afire on June 20 by GJM activists, today succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Kolkata.

His body was taken to Siliguri for conducting the last rites.

With this, the state police said that the toll in the violence in the hills has risen to two. On June 17, a man was killed during clashes.

The GJM, however, said two more of its supporters were killed on June 17.

Meanwhile, the police and security forces today recovered a revolver and a self-loading rifle, taken away by the agitators from the team Teesta Valley last night.

Two police vehicles were also damaged by the mob in Teesta Valley area.

The GJM activists took out several rallies in various parts of Darjeeling hills, including Chowkbazar, demanding a separate Gorkhaland state.

GJM activists organised signature campaigns in favour of Gorkhaland at some places in the hills.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has sought 10 companies of the CRPF from the Centre to deal with the situation in the hills, the request having come just two days after the Army contingents were withdrawn at the state's request.

"We had asked for 10 companies of the CRPF for the hills earlier. But four companies of women police force and three companies of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel were sent," Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purkayastha told reporters at the secretariat in Kolkata.

"We have again asked for 10 companies of the CRPF for the hills. At present, there is no Army in the hills," he said.

Describing the ongoing unrest in the hills as "destructive activities by some extremist elements", the DGP said that the state government would not tolerate this and would take strong action.

Meanwhile, the state government told the Calcutta High Court that it urgently needed additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel to deal with the situation in Darjeeling.

The court directed the additional solicitor general, representing the Union government, to take instructions from the Centre on its position over the deployment of more CAPF personnel in Darjeeling.

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The Union Health Ministry has asked six more medical colleges not to admit MBBS students for academic years 2017-18 and 2018-19, after they were found to be lacking the requisite infrastructure and faculty.

The ministry had earlier disapproved 23 medical colleges for not abiding by the mandatory standards as set by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

The move comes after the MCI, the country's apex medical education regulatory body, approached the ministry seeking disqualification of the colleges.

"During inspection, these medical colleges were found to have several deficiencies like shortage of faculty. They showed faculty members on papers which actually did not exist. Also, they did not have up to the mark infrastructure for admitting patients," said a senior MCI official.

The official, however, said the students who had cleared the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and taken admission in these colleges in 2016 will continue their courses as their future is at stake.

Closing down the colleges will create problems for them, the official said.

The hospitals which have been barred from taking new admissions are NC Medical College and Hospital in Haryana, Gauri Debvi Institute of Medical Sciences in West Bengal, Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Medical Sciences in Chennai, Mahaveer Institute of Medical Sciences in Telangan, Sambhram Institute of Medical Research in Karnataka and RVS Institute of Medical Sciences in Andhra Pradesh.

If these colleges improve on the fronts for which they were assessed and barred from admitting students then they can apply again and get approval.

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The government today launched a USD 400-million research and development programme in collaboration with the World Bank to accelerate the growth of bio-pharmaceutical sector in the country.

The 'Biopharma Mission' will specifically focus on the development of vaccines for diseases like dengue and cervical cancer, bio-therapeutics, diagnostics and medical devices.

Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said the "game-changer" mission aims to target at least 6-10 products in the next five years.

He said the aim of the mission is also to increase India's share in the sector from 2.8 to 5 per cent in the coming years.

"This is for the first time that the World Bank has given a loan for any research and development programme in the country.

"This will also help us collaborate with global leaders in the field from the academia and the industry and this will ultimately help the country," Vardhan said.

Of the USD 400 million, the government will give USD 250 million while the World Bank's share is USD 150 million.

Vijay Raghvan, the secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, which is executing the project, said India already has a good infrastructure and ecosystem that has been built over the years.

"The mission is a second step to take forward the work at another level."



Renu Swarup, Managing Director of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a PSU under the DBT, said the guidance to the programme would be provided by the Inter- Ministerial Steering Committee.

The steering committee will have members from various ministries who would be supported by Programme Technical Advisory Group comprising global and national leaders from the industry and academia.

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The Opposition tonight stood as a divided house as the JD(U), the NCP, the BJD, the Samajwadi Party and Janata Dal (S) participated in the midnight launch of the GST, which was boycotted by the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Left and some other parties.

Ruptures in the opposition unity emerged barely a week after 17 parties joined hands to put up a joint candidate against the ruling NDA nominee for the July 17 presidential election.

The Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Left, the BSP, the DMK, the RJD and some other parties boycotted the event, dubbing it as a "tamasha" (drama).

The NCP, a key constituent of the Congress-led UPA, broke away from the Opposition ranks, with its chief Sharad Pawar along with Praful Patel and Tariq Anwar attending the event in the Central Hall of Parliament.

Anwar said his party was attending the GST launch as it had supported the legislation on ushering in the new indirect tax regime in the country.

"We agree with the Congress to an extent, but we supported the legislation when it was introduced (in Parliament and state assemblies). The party has hence decided to attend the midnight meeting," he said.

JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda also attended the programme, sharing the dais with President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

According to Congress sources, Gowda was requested by a senior party leader not to attend the programme but he did not heed to it.

Yesterday, JD(S) general secretary Danish Ali had said that Gowda had been invited in the capacity of former prime minister to share the dais with the President and the party had decided that he would attend the event.

The JD(S) criticised the Congress for not consulting it before taking the decision to boycott the function.

The SP, which had initially announced the boycott, did a somersault by attending the event, saying it found no problem when the party had supported the GST bill in Parliament.

"When we supported the bill in Parliament, then why would we not attend this function to launch GST? Both the BJP and the Congress had also supported the passage of the bill," said Ram Gopal Yadav, who was accompanied by Naresh Agrawal.

The Congress, however, downplayed the cracks within the opposition ranks, terming it as a "one-off" development.

A senior Congress leader claimed that the opposition unity will remain intact during the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

The function was attended by the union ministers, MPs as well as chief ministers and finance ministers of several states.

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The CPI chose to boycott the midnight launch event of GST as the new tax regime "hurts" the interests of states and allegedly concentrates revenue resources in the hands of the Centre, a senior party leader said.

"We feel a midnight special session is not necessary as this system hurts states and concentrates revenue resources in the hands of the Centre," CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy told reporters here today.

Though the CPI supported GST "in principle", it is alive to the concerns being expressed by various sections against the GST, he said.

The GST is being rolled out without taking into consideration the views of certain sections that the slab system in it is "unscientific", Reddy alleged.

He demanded that the government revisit the slab system and make changes so as to reduce the inconvenience caused to large sections of people.

Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks against cow vigilantism, Reddy said the reaction is "too late and too little".

Claiming that the Sangh Parivar activists indulged in terror in the name of cow protection, the CPI leader said Modi should take concrete action to control the vigilantes without just confining himself to warnings.

Reddy asked why Modi did not raise the issue of visas, that concerned Indian IT professionals, in his talks with US President Donald Trump.

Modi should also have raised America's decision to withdraw from climate change pact, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The bandh call given by the District Veopar Mandal to protest against certain provisions of the GST failed to evoke much response from the local shopkeepers here today.

Except for shops of cloth merchants, all outlets remained open, with government and private establishments including banks and offices functioning normally.

Earlier in the day, the cloth merchants gathered at the local Jain Upasara on Railway Road here. Led by District Veopar Mandal President Gurcharan Arora, they went to the office of the deputy commissioner to submit their memorandum.

In the memorandum, they demanded withdrawal of 5 per cent levy on cloth which has been imposed under the new tax structure.

They also demanded certain amendments to the GST structure being implemented from midnight today.

However in Ludhiana, there was partial response to the bandh call given by the Vepoar Mandal against certain provisions of the GST.

Several traders of Chaura Bazar, Savan Bazar, Kesar Gunj, Gur Mandi and Books Market in Ludhiana closed their shops.

Most of the other markets in Ludhiana, however, were functioning normally.

In Ambala in Haryana also, the cloth merchants have been holding protest, demanding zero GST on cloth.

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A doctor with a rifle hidden under a lab coat opened fire at the Bronx hospital where he used to work, killing one person and wounding six others before taking his own life, authorities said.

The shooting started at 2:50 pm (local time) yesterday inside the Bronx Lebanon Hospital, drawing a heavy police presence to the area as officers with guns drawn told people to hide. Hospital employees barricaded themselves in rooms to escape the violence.

"I thought I was going to die," said Renaldo Del Villar, a 55-year-old patient who was in the third-floor emergency room getting treatment for a lower back injury.

He said an alarm went off, and police said there was an active shooter in the hospital. Someone on the loudspeaker also announced a "Code Silver."



"I asked them, 'Are we safe here?" Del Villar said. "When there's a shooter and you don't know where the shooter is, you don't know what's going to happen."



Police officers went floor by floor looking for the gunman and reported just before 4 pm (local time) that he was dead inside the building. A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that the gunman killed himself. He had opened fire on the 16th and 17th floors, police said.

Law enforcement officials identified the shooter as Dr Henry Bello, who was described on the hospital website as a family medicine physician. It was not immediately clear why Bello was no longer working at the hospital. The officials were not authorised to discuss the still-unfolding investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The FBI tweeted that they had found "no nexus to terrorism" so far.

Emergency crews were blocked from entering the hospital while the shooter was at large.

Garry Trimble said his wife, hospital employee Denise Brown, called him from inside the hospital shortly after 3 pm



"She woke me up and told me there was a situation, somebody's out there shooting people," Trimble said as he waited for his wife to come out. "I could hear in her voice she was shaking and about to cry."



Gonzalo Carazo described the scary scene to WCBS-TV. "I saw one of the doctors and he had a gunshot wound to his hand," Carazo said.

"All I heard was a doctor saying, "Help, help!" Carazo locked himself in a room for about 15 minutes until police came and led him out of the hospital.

The 120-year-old hospital has nearly 1,000 beds and one of the busiest emergency rooms in New York City. It is about a mile and a half north of Yankee Stadium. In 2011, two people were shot at Bronx Lebanon in what police said was a gang-related attack.

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A high-level meeting today reviewed the situation in the Sikkim sector where tensions have flared up between Indian troops and Chinese military over construction of a road by China in a strategically key area near the Sino-India border.

The meeting was attended by Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar among others and it carried out detailed analysis of the overall situation in the sensitive areas.

Gen Rawat, who returned from Sikkim this morning, presented a detailed account of ground realities in the wake of the stand-off between the two armies triggered by China's attempts to build a road at Donglong which Bhutan says belonged to it.

The situation was reviewed in the meeting, sources said.

Gen. Rawat had yesterday visited the Army's formation headquarters in North Sikkim and was briefed by top commanders about the face-off as well as the current situation.

The flashpoint was China's attempts to build a road in the strategically key area of Donglong as its link to the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction could give China a major military advantage over India.

The Indian Army had blocked construction of the road.

Commenting on the issue, the External Affairs Ministry today said India was "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to Beijing that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".

A 220-km section of the 3,488-km India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh falls in Sikkim.

Yesterday, China had asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong as a precondition for a "meaningful dialogue" to settle the boundary issue, warning that the Indian Army should learn "historical lessons", in a reference to the 1962 war.

Reacting to it, defence minister Arun Jaitley said India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962.

"If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different and India of 2017 is different," Jaitley said when asked about China's warning yesterday.

The defence minister said the Bhutan government had made its stance clear and China was trying to alter the status quo in the area.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India today hit back at China for making veiled threats with Defence Minister Arun Jaitely asserting that India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962, even as New Delhi told Beijing its actions near Sikkim have "serious" security implications for this country.

A day after China's oblique reference to the war the two countries had fought 55 years ago, the defence minister also said the current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops was triggered by Beijing.

Expressing deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.

India's reaction follows a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the area, prompting Beijing to take a tough stance and demand withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to resolve the situation.

Beijing had also accused India of being a "third-party" to the China-Bhutan dispute.

"India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India," the MEA asserted in a press release.

It was also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process was scrupulously respected by both sides, the ministry added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is travelling next week to Germany for a G-20 Summit where Chinese President Xi Jinping will also be present, is being briefed regularly about the current stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops.

It is also understood that the government will take a call whether it should make a request for a bilateral or a pull aside on the sidelines of the G-20 conclave in Germany next week between Modi and Xi in the backdrop of the ongoing stand-off.

The two leaders had met last in Astana on the sidelines of the SCO Summit during which Modi had conveyed to Xi that differences between the two countries should be resolved and not allowed to become disputes.

The Chinese action has raised serious security concerns here as it will bring closer the Chinese presence to Indian defence interests and also move forward the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction.

Narrating the sequence of events since June 16, the MEA said a People's Liberation Army (PLA) construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.

"In coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue," the ministry said.

In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments, it said.

As far as the boundary in the Sikkim sector was concerned, India and China had reached an understanding in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment", the ministry said, adding further discussions regarding finalisation of the boundary had been taking place under the Special Representatives framework.

While status of Sikkim as part of India has been settled with China, the border is yet to be finalised.

India also treats the June 26 statement by the Chinese foreign ministry that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China-India boundary and entered Chinese territory as factually incorrect.

India has always maintained that there is no China between the Sikkim and Bhutan border.

"It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them (the PLA construction party) from this unilateral activity," it said, adding that Bhutan's ambassador had publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese government through its embassy in New Delhi on June 20.

It is understood that the Chinese, in response to the demarche, have termed the road construction as routine activity.

Bhutan has also urged China to return to the status quo as on June 16, 2017, the MEA said.

India underlined that the two governments had in 2012 reached an agreement that tri-junction boundary points among India, China and third countries would be finalised in consultation with the countries concerne.

"Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri- junction points is in violation of this understanding," it said.

Meanwhile, India has cancelled the Kailash Mansarovar yatra through Nathu La in Sikkim, though there was normal trade activity taking place from there.

While there have been instances of stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the past, including in Chumar, a border patrol facility located in southern Ladakh, this time it is different as it involves a third country.

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India's Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) today launched its first Green Bond on the London Stock Exchange and raised USD 450 million to finance renewable energy projects in India.

The 10-year dated Green Bond raised USD 450 million, with an annual yield of 3.965 per cent on the London Stock Exchange's (LSE) new International Securities Market (ISM).

It was 3.9 times oversubscribed on the final order bookand secured strong international investor interest, with Asian investors making up 68 per cent of the order book and investors from Europe, Middle East and Africa region making up 32 per cent.

P V Ramesh, chairman and managing director of India's state-owned company which finances and promotes power sector projects in the country, opened trading at the LSE today to celebrate the listing.

"The REC team is delighted to be welcomed to LSE today in celebration of its green bond listing. The funds raised will help promote renewable energy projects all across India and aid in achieving our government's target of 175GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2022," said Ramesh.

"Through this issuance on LSE, we will be also able to reach out to a new investor base," he added.

The new bond will plug into REC's plans to provide affordable and accessible power to most rural parts of the country by 2020.

Some of the projects will include solar, wind and biomass assets, as well as sustainable water and waste management projects.

The company, which is headquartered in New Delhi, provides financial assistance to various State Power Utilities, Private Sector Project Developers, Central Power Sector Utilities and State Governments for investments in Power Generation, Power Transmission, Power Distribution, rural electrification projects and other system improvement initiatives.

"The success of REC's USD 450 million issuance is a significant achievement for REC, underlining the strength of international investor interest in building exposure to India's green growth story," said Nikhil Rathi, CEO of LSE.

"REC's listing reinforces London's status as a market open to the world and a strong partner to India as it realises its ambitious green financing and infrastructure projects across the country."



It is also an important milestone for our Group as REC is listing the first green bond on our International Securities Market.

The REC bond, which is supported by the Climate Bonds Initiative, is ISM's first Green Bond listing since the new market launched in May this year to improve the effectiveness and competitiveness of the UK primary debt markets, offering greater choice for a variety of fixed income issuers.

"This certified bond will help bring green energy to rural Indian villagers, clean power to where it's needed most. It's another step towards the nations' 2022 renewable energy target," said Sean Kidney, CEO and co-founder of Climate Bonds Initiative.

"Institutional investors backing long term carbon friendly projects is what we need to see replicated on a grand scale. Listing on LSE gives exposure to global capital pools, an essential ingredient to reach India's climate finance goals."



This is the third Green Bond by an Indian issuer on London Stock Exchange.

Axis Bank and NTPC joined in 2016, raising the equivalent of USD 500 million and USD 300 millionrespectively.

In 2015, LSE launched its dedicated green bond segments creating strict admission criteria aligned with International Capital Market Association's (ICMA) Green Bonds Principles.

There are 45 Green Bonds listed in London that have raised the equivalent of USD 12 billion in seven different currencies.

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An Indian has been arrested in Nepal for allegedly carrying Rs 400,000 in undeclared Indian currency notes.

Sunil Shetty, 51, landed in the police net when he was about to board a New Delhi-bound plane at the Tribhuvan International Airport here yesterday.

Officials seized 200 bank notes in Rs 2,000 denomination during a body search, police said.

A case was lodged and an inquiry initiated.

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Engineering firm Kalpataru Power Transmission (KPTL) today said that it has secured new orders worth Rs 676 crore.

These contracts include an order from PGCIL (Power Grid) for 400 KV Jauljivi GIS substation, extension of 765 KV Bareilly substation and associated transmission lines for Rs 237 crore, the company said in a statement.

According to the statement, it has also got an order for railway electrification from the PGCIL for East Central Railway worth Rs 152 crore.

It has won supply orders for transmission line and towers for Rs 153 crore from various customers.

It also bagged an order for balance work of a plant and utilities for LPG Import Terminal Project from BPCL at Haldia for Rs 134 crore.

"Our substation business has got a breakthrough with the success in securing 400 KV GIS order from PGCIL. This supports our efforts to grow the substation business.

"Our Railway business continues to build on with the electrification order from PGCIL. On the back of a solid order book, we are confident of delivering on our guidance for 2017 -18," Manish Mohnot, MD & CEO, KPTL said in the statement.

The KPTL is one of the largest and fastest growing specialised EPC companies in India engaged in power transmission & distribution, oil & gas pipeline, railways and other segments.

The company is currently executing several contracts in India, Africa, Middle East, CIS, SAARC and Far East.

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Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) GHQs today threatened to launch an indefinite general strike In Manipur from July 4, unless killers of a student leader Lenkholal Haokip were not arrested by then.

KSO GHQs president Paothingthang made this threat during a press conference this evening.

Lenkholal Haokip, president of Haokip Students Organisation, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the evening of June 23 in front of his residence at Langol area in Imphal West district.

The N Biren Singh-led coalition government of the state had earlier said that the administration was committed to make the landlocked state bandh free.

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The Maharashtra government will soon implement the recommendations of the Marathi language policy, education minister Vinod Tawde said today.

The minister's statement comes after a meeting with noted social historian Sadanand More, who is also the chairman of the advisory committee for Marathi language.

"The first draft recommendations are received. It will be reviewed with Marathi language department followed by cabinet approval. Once it clears all the necessary stages, it will be implemented soon," Tawde said.

The advisory board was formed to increase the use of Marathi language in science, education and trade sectors.

More said, "A team for advisory committee was formed which further divided their focus on literature, art, judiciary, media, industry, economics and education.

"We have made recommendations as per these divisions and also recommended a review after every three years. It should be done to find out whether implementation is going on as per the recommendations."



There should be another review after every 10 years to find out the results of the implementation, More said.

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French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was charged today over claims her party illegally claimed millions of euros from the European Parliament to pay for France-based staff, her lawyer has said.

Rodolphe Bosselut told AFP that Le Pen had been summoned by investigating magistrates in Paris and that they had, "as expected, charged her", adding that she would appeal.

The 48-year-old National Front leader, who made a failed run for president this year, invoked her immunity as a member of the European Parliament in refusing to answer questions from investigators during the campaign.

She had however promised to cooperate with the investigation after the May presidential and June parliamentary elections were over.

Investigators suspect the FN used money from Brussels earmarked for parliamentary assistants to pay staff to work for the party in France.

She is one of 17 FN European lawmakers -- along with her father Jean-Marie Le Pen, from whom she is estranged -- being investigated over salaries paid to around 40 parliamentary assistants.

She has denied any wrongdoing.

The anti-EU nationalist beat the candidates of the traditional right and left to secure a spot in May's presidential run-off against pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron.

But she was soundly beaten by Macron in the second round, by 66.1 to 33.9 per cent.

In legislative elections held directly afterwards she won a seat in the northern former coalmining region of Pas-de- Calais.

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Tanks, missile launchers and chanting troops greeted President Xi Jinping in a potent display of Chinese military might today as part of his landmark visit to politically divided Hong Kong.

The show of force came hours after activists were released from police custody following their arrest over a protest.

Xi arrived in the city yesterday to mark 20 years since Hong Kong was returned to China by Britain, with authorities desperate to stick to the script during anniversary celebrations.

A huge security operation has shut down large parts of the city, with thousands of police deployed to keep away demonstrators angry at Beijing's tightening grip on the freedoms of nearly eight million people.

Xi inspected troops at China's People's Liberation Army airfield in rural northern Hong Kong, wearing a black Mao suit and riding an open-top camouflage jeep in the largest military parade since the 1997 handover.

As the jeep slowly drove past row upon row of air, naval and land personnel, Xi shouted "Hello comrades!" as the troops responded "Hello chairman!"



Armoured vehicles topped with missile launchers and military helicopters lined Xi's path along the airstrip for the eight-minute extravaganza.

Members of the public waved flags from packed stands and were given gift bags including a camouflage cap, water and snacks in the blazing heat.

Press were issued a notice ahead of the event barring them from bringing an eclectic list of items, including make- up, deodorant, plants, animals, opium and heroin.

There were fears that the PLA would crack down in Hong Kong when it was returned to China, particularly after the brutal crushing of student protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, but it has kept a very low profile.

Today's parade was a rare display.

The PLA is responsible for defending the city and comprises only mainland troops, with Hong Kong residents unable to serve, but it is barred from interfering in local affairs.

A banner behind the troops read "Fully implementing 'one country, two systems', this great policy", referring to Hong Kong's semi-autonomous set-up.

As part of the handover deal, Hong Kong was guaranteed rights including freedom of speech and an independent judiciary for 50 years, but there are concerns those liberties are disappearing as Beijing becomes ever more assertive.

Xi's three-day visit is his first since becoming leader in 2013, and comes three years after huge pro-democracy rallies crippled Hong Kong.

Student protest leader Joshua Wong and young legislator Nathan Law were among those detained by police Wednesday night for "public nuisance" over a protest a stone's throw away from the hotels where Xi and his entourage are staying.

The 26 activists arrested were released from police custody in the early hours of Friday after threatening to go to the High Court to petition against their ongoing incarceration.

Police told AFP they had not been charged, but bailed to report back in September.

Activists say they have been followed by police and "thugs" since the protest. In many major Hong Kong newspapers, coverage of protests was eclipsed by exhaustive accounts of Xi's itinerary and quotes from him, at a time when the media stands accused of succumbing to pressure from Beijing.

The US State Department urged China to respect civil liberties in Hong Kong, including press freedom, in a statement Thursday.

In public comments during his trip, Xi has pledged support for Hong Kong and reassurance that its semi-autonomous system of government is in tact.

But he also praised the government for "dealing a blow" to an independence movement that has infuriated Beijing.

Calls for the city to break away from China grew out of the failure of the mass pro-democracy rallies in 2014 to win political reform.

Xi will attend a banquet at the harbourfront convention centre Friday night, followed by a variety show, with pro- democracy and pro-independence groups expected to protest outside the venue and across the harbour.

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Pentagon chief Jim Mattis told NATO allies today they must finish the job in Afghanistan or risk terrorist revenge as the alliance readied a troop increase to counter a resurgent Taliban.

Mattis however refused to give a firm number for how many troops US President Donald Trump would commit under a new strategy, just two years after NATO officially ended its post-9/11 combat role in Afghanistan.

Recent Taliban gains have shaken confidence in Afghanistan's future and talk of sending NATO troops in has stoked fears the alliance could get sucked back into an unwinnable war just when it faces a host of new threats including Russia, terrorism and cyberattacks.

"I don't put timelines on war, war is a fundamentally unpredictable phenomenon," the US defence secretary told reporters after meeting his counterparts from the 29-nation alliance.

"The bottom line is that NATO has made a commitment to Afghanistan for freedom from fear and terror, and freedom from terror demands that you can't let this be undone."



Citing both Afghanistan and "ungoverned spaces" in Syria and Iraq where the Islamic State group has flourished, the retired Marine general added: "You cannot say 'I am tired of it' and come home and then you get hit again."



NATO currently has 13,500 troops in Afghanistan in the Resolute Support mission to "train, advise and assist" Afghan troops.

Diplomatic sources said an increase of up to 3,000 was under considerations, while US officials say it might be nearer 4,000.

The United States, which once had more than 100,000 troops in Afghanistan, is preparing a new strategy for a war which has dragged on for 16 years and which even US generals concede is a "stalemate" at best.

NATO played the lead role in fighting the Afghan war from 2003 to the end of 2014, when it handed frontline duties to the Afghan military.

Mattis said that after talks with the allies about 70 per cent of the new plan's requirements were in place and he looked forward to bridging the remaining gap.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that the alliance would increase troop numbers, with 15 countries having pledged more, but stressed there would be no new combat role.

"We don't think it's going to be peaceful and no conflicts and no violence there this year or next year or in the near future, but we believe that Afghans (are) ... determined and committed to fight Taliban and to stabilise their own country," he said.

The extra troops could help bolster Afghan special forces, improve Kabul's air force to provide ground support and evacuations, and step up officer training, the former Norwegian premier added.

He insisted it was not wrong to end NATO's combat role in 2014, adding: "If anything, we should have done it before."



Mattis however disagreed, saying there was "pretty much a consensus that we may have pulled our troops out a little too rapidly."



British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said London would provide nearly 100 troops, on top of 500 already in Afghanistan.

"We're in it for the long haul," Fallon told reporters.

Mattis has stressed his new approach, due to be presented to Trump by mid-July, will have a broader "regional" emphasis, with no set timetable.

Trump has remained remarkably taciturn on Afghanistan, but this month gave Mattis authority to set troop numbers at whatever level he saw fit.

The US president used a summit last month to push NATO to do more to counter terror and for the allies to increase defence spending to ease the burden on Washington.

Stung into action by Russia's intervention in Ukraine, NATO has embarked on its biggest military buildup since the end of the Cold War to face a more assertive Moscow.

Defence ministers discussed progress just as four "tripwire" battalions totalling 4,000 troops complete their deployment in the three Baltic states and Poland.

Stoltenberg warned that NATO must also step up its defences against cyberattacks after hackers caused chaos worldwide.

The global terror threat was also high on the agenda after NATO leaders agreed at last month's summit to join the US-led anti-IS coalition.

Stoltenberg said NATO would hold its next summit in Brussels in summer 2018.

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Mumbai's iconic railway station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus has been rechristened with addition of an honorific 'Maharaj' after 'Shivaji' in its old name.

The British-era landmark, which was Victoria Terminus before it was named after the Maratha warrior king a couple of decades back, will now be known as "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai."



The Central Railway (CR) issued a notification to this effect on June 27.

The CR, however, made it clear that the code initials of the station will remain as they were in the past - CSTM.

"The Central Railway issued a notification to this effect on June 27 and necessary changes have been made, including in the announcement system at the railway stations," a senior CR official said.

The notification, issued by the chief commercial manager (passenger marketing), said Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station of the Central Railway has been renamed as Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, but its code initials of the station will remain same.

In December last year, Maharashtra's BJP-led government had sought insertion of the word "Maharaj" in both the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

To start with, it was Shiv Sena which had made this demand, that received the support of all the major parties of the state. The Maharashtra Assembly later had unanimously passed a resolution to this effect.

In May this year, the Centre had given its nod to the recommendations of the state government.

The station was built in 1887 in Bori Bunder area of Bombay (now Mumbai) to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Known for over a century as Victoria Terminus, the facility was renamed after Shivaji by the Union government in 1996, months after Bombay was renamed as Mumbai.

It is one of the busiest stations in India serving as a terminus for scores of long-distance and commuter services trains.

"The new name shall be mentioned on trains, websites and other places. However, the code initials will remain CSTM," the CR official said.

Elaborating on the code remaining unchanged, the CR's chief PRO Sunil Udasi said the code does not always match with the phonetics of the station name.

"For example, Ballarshah railway station's code is BPQ. It is not for public usage, but for railway's data coding, processing and PRS records. Bangalore city is SBC. There is no S in the name, but it is there in the code. So a code does not necessarily be the same as phonetic name," Udasi said adding codes rarely change.

Another example of this is Bombay Central station, which was renamed as Mumbai Central, though its code was not changed from BCT to MCT, he said.

"Necessary corrections should be made in the alphabetical list of railway stations in India," it further reads.

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Defending champion Andy Murray was drawn to potentially face fellow two-time winner Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon semi-finals today while Roger Federer, chasing a record eighth crown, was lined up to face three-time titlist Novak Djokovic.

Top seed Murray will start his campaign on Monday against a qualifier while second seed Djokovic tackles Slovakia's Martin Klizan before a tricky possible third round clash with old rival Juan Martin del Potro.

Federer, seeded third, starts against Alexander Dolgopolov of Ukraine while fourth-seeded Nadal, fresh from a 10th French Open triumph, has Australia's John Millman in the first round.

Murray will enter the tournament desperately trying to shake off a hip injury which played a part in his Queen's Club title defence coming to an abrupt end in the first round last week.

If the 30-year-old negotiates the first round, he would then possibly face Portugal's Joao Sousa with Dustin Brown a potential third round rival.

German showman Brown famously defeated Nadal at Wimbledon in 2015 when he was ranked at 102.

Murray could face France's Lucas Pouille in the last 16 while Djokovic, seeded two despite his world ranking having slipped to four after a slump which has seen him lose possession of all four majors, has a fourth round meeting lined-up with Gael Monfils.

Djokovic's meeting with del Potro could prove the highlight of the first week. The Serb defeated the giant Argentine in a memorable five-setter in the semi-finals in 2013 while Del Potro triumphed over the Serb at the Olympics last year.

Federer has a possible last-16 duel with Grigor Dimitrov and quarter-final against either 2016 runner-up Milos Raonic or Alexander Zverev who was swept aside by the Swiss star in the Halle final last week where the veteran claimed a ninth title.

Nadal, meanwhile, has big-serving Gilles Muller as a possible last-16 foe and Japan's Kei Nishikori or former US Open winner Marin Cilic in the last eight.

It is possible that Nadal and Federer could meet in the final for the fourth time after 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The Spaniard won their clash nine years ago in five sets and over almost five hours in a final widely regarded as one of the finest ever at the Slams.

With defending champion Serena Williams and former champion Maria Sharapova both missing from the women's tournament, this year's tournament is considered the most wide open in years.

Top seed Angelique Kerber, the runner-up to Williams last year, was drawn to face former French and US Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last-eight Friday.

Second seed Simona Halep, the French Open finalist, would face Johanna Konta who is bidding to become Britain's first women's Grand Slam winner since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon in 1977.

Konta's participation, however, was thrown into doubt as she withdrew from her semi-final at Eastbourne on Friday with a thoracic spine injury.

The world number seven banged her head in a heavy fall in her quarter-final win over top seed Kerber on Thursday.

Konta was drawn to face Hsieh Su-Wei in the first round in Wimbledon just weeks after the Taiwan player defeated her in the first round at Roland Garros.

The other quarters would see Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic meet Caroline Wozniacki and Elina Svitolina, who is battling a heel injury, playing Dominika Cibulkova.

Five-time champion Venus Williams opens against Belgium's Elise Mertens while new mother Victoria Azarenka, a former number one and playing her first major for more than a year, tackles young American Cici Bellis.

Emotional favourite Petra Kvitova, the two-time champion and slowly recovering from a terrifying knife attack at her home in the Czech Republic last December, begins against Sweden's Johanna Larsson.

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NASA satellites have detected a drop in forest fires and burn scars worldwide, indicating a transition from nomadic cultures to settled lifestyles and intensifying agriculture, scientists say.

Across the grasslands of Asia, the tropical forests of South America, and the savannas of Africa, shifting livelihoods are leading to a significant decline in burned area.

Globally, the total acreage burned by fires declined 24 per cent between 1998 and 2015, according to the study published in the journal Science.

Scientists determined that the decline in burned area was greatest in savannas and grasslands, where fires are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and habitat conservation.

The research team, led by Niels Andela of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, analysed fire data derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) instruments on NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites.

They then compared these data sets with regional and global trends in agriculture and socio-economic development.

Across Africa, fires collectively burned an area about half the size of the continental US every year.

In traditional savanna cultures, people often set fires to keep grazing lands productive and free of shrubs and trees.

However, as many of these communities have shifted to cultivating permanent fields and building more houses, roads, and villages, the use of fire has declined.

By 2015, savanna fires in Africa had declined by 700,000 square kilometers.

A slightly different pattern occurs in tropical forests and other humid regions near the equator. Fire rarely occurs naturally in these forests; but as humans settle an area, they often use fire to clear land for cropland and pastures.

As more people move into these areas and increase the investments in agriculture, they set fewer fires and the burned area declines again.

The changes in savanna, grassland, and tropical forest fire patterns are so large that they have so far offset some of the increased risk of fire caused by global warming, said Doug Morton, a forest scientist at NASA Goddard.

The impact of a warming and drying climate is more obvious at higher latitudes, where fire has increased in Canada and the American West.

Regions of China, India, Brazil, and southern Africa also showed increases in burned area.

Fewer and smaller fires on the savanna mean that there are more trees and shrubs instead of open grasslands. This is a significant change in habitat for the region's iconic mammals like elephants, rhinoceroses, and lions.

"Humans are interrupting the ancient, natural cycle of burning and regrowth in these areas," said Jim Randerson of the University of California, Irvine in the US.

"Fire had been instrumental for millennia in maintaining healthy savannas, keeping shrubs and trees at bay and eliminating dead vegetation," said Randerson.

There are benefits to fewer fires as well. Regions with less fire saw a decrease in carbon monoxide emissions and an improvement in air quality during fire season.

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Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today thanked his countrymen for the successful completion of the first local-level polls in two decades as the counting of votes began across the Himalayan nation.

The second round of elections were conducted in all the 35 districts in Provinces 1, 5 and 7 yesterday and the turnout was recorded at 73.69 per cent by the Election Commission.

The local polls were earlier scheduled for two phases.

The first phase was held on May 14 in Provinces 3, 4 and 6, but the second round had to be postponed twice. A third phase has been declared on September 18 in Province 2 in a bid to placate dissenting parties, including Madhesis, by then.

Deuba said the election - held for the first time in 20 years - has given an "opportunity to consolidate and institutionalise the achievements of decades-long democratic struggles", he said.

"The successful implementation of the Constitution will help ensure good governance, social justice, economic prosperity and institutionalise democratic norms and culture in the society," Deuba, also the president of Nepali Congress, said in a statement.

The counting of votes begun today at 168 centres out of the 334 units where polling was held yesterday, according to Election Commission officials.

The Commission said the voter turnout in the second phase was 73.69 per cent.

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The UN Security Council is preparing to establish a new mission in Colombia to help former FARC rebels become part of mainstream society after they laid down their weapons under a historic peace deal, diplomats said today.

Britain has circulated a draft resolution that would set up the new political mission and the council is scheduled to vote on the measure on July 10.

The council last year set up a first mission to oversee disarmament of the leftist rebels. On Tuesday, that was completed when the last of some 7,000 weapons were handed over.

With that phase of the accord completed, UN envoy Jean Arnault told the council that the "first and most urgent challenge" was now the reintegration of 10,000 combatants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) into society.

Among the rebels, "a deep sense of uncertainty prevails as to their physical security following disarmament and their socioeconomic future," said Arnault.

Both the Colombian government and the FARC rebels have asked the Security Council to authorize the new mission, Arnault said.

The British-drafted resolution would establish the new UN presence "to verify the FARC's political, social and economic reintegration, and also implementation of their security guarantees," said a Security Council diplomat who asked not to be named.

It would ask UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide a report to the council in August with detailed recommendations on how the mission should work.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for reaching the historic deal with the FARC, ending decades of conflict that have left 260,000 dead.

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: Infosys Co-Founder N R Narayana Murthy today said India should not be worried about the perception of foreign investors on GST regime, but hopedthe respect for the country will improve in their eyes once they realise that the system is hassle-free.

"I don't think India is very high on the radar screens of most nations.That is the reality, but this initiative will reduce hassles for anybody who wants to operate in India."



"Once they start their operations in India then they will realise that this system is comparable to what they have experienced in developed nations. So then their respect for India will improve," Murthy told PTI.

He said there may be more (global) investments coming in and they would be much more enthusiastic toparticipate. "That is how I look at it. I don't think weshould worry whether some foreigner is saying, this is good orbad," he added.

Asked what GST means for India in economic terms globally if the country boosts its GDP by two per cent ahead of China, he pointed out that China has the second largest economy in the world, whose GDP was four times that of India.

"Therefore I don't think we should lose timein boasting about ourselves vis a vis China. That is not necessary, but we have to work harder and enhance our GDPgrowth rate and make the country strongerin terms of public infrastructure and defence, among otherthings."



To a query, he said it is true that government had not included certain GDP-driving commoditieslike petroleum products, but that he would rather look at the issuewith the 'extraordinary tenacity' Prime Minister Narendra Modi hasshown in making this happen.

"It was very easy to say let us postpone by anotheryear, but he didn't do that. He and the Finance Minister saidwe will implement it. I would like to take that view frankly."



Asked if he sees taxes falling due to GSTimplementation in future,Murthy said the new tax system wouldhelp government collect data on various products, which wouldallow it make 'zillions of analysis' and enable it to gethuge insights into the tax regime to make taxation easier andsimpler.

On the demand from various sectors, including solution providers, to postpone GST implementation as they are not ready, Murthy said "I often used to say ships are safe at harbours but they are not meant to be there. They have to go into the high seas. Face storms and reach the comfort of a desirable destination. Hence let us not needlessly worry about possible problems."



He suggested setting upof rapid reaction warranty teams to attend to problemswith utmost alacrity on 24/7 basis.

"This is a must whether it is in the U.S., U.K., Japan, Australia or China, so I am not frankly that much concerned because life is full of problems, but we have to make progressin spite of the problems," Murthy said.

He hoped GST would bring many people into the fold of the formal economy as it is very easy to follow and comply.

More than anything else, the poor are likely to benefit more from GST as more people moving into the formal sector will bring inadditional revenue, which could be utilisedto provide better facilities to workers at small firms,he said.

Asked to comment on predictions thatthe success of GST would bring the Narendra Modi government backto power,he said "I am apolitical, therefore I don'tattach any political significance to what any government does - whether at the central or the state level."



"All I would lookat is whether any initiative taken up by any government isgoing to make life of our citizens better. And I am convincedthat GST is one of such initiative which will make the livesof citizens much better. That is all I am worried about," Murthy said.

He said he firmly believes that the GDP would experience additional growth rates due to removal of taxationhassles.

"If you are making taxation easier,then you areimproving the entrepreneurial skills of the people andtherefore the country benefits. So therefore I personallybelieve that the GDP will experience additional growth rates,"he said.

"The reality is simple. There will be some productsthat will become a bit dearer.It could be that clothing maybecome a bit dearer, but as you know a committee headed byCEA, who himself is a very highly respected economist, saidthat the impact of it is likely to be neutral to positiveacross segments compared to the current tax regime," he said.

To a query,Murthy said "There is an estimate that internal trade will increase by anywhere between 25 and 30 per cent while external trade may improve by as much as 30 per cent.

So therefore, GST initiative is very beneficial to the country, from all aspects - whether it is from the perspective of exports and imports," he said.

To a query, Murthy said "I have also been told that there is a report in US Fed paper that GST could help India as much as four per cent. I don't know. If that is indeed true, then that is fabulous," he said.

The research paper at the US Central Bank reckoned the biggest indirect tax reforms since Independence could enhance India's GDP by as much as four per cent or Rs 6.5 lakh crore.

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One of the 13 people accused of lynching a man in Jharkhand yesterday has been arrested as Chief Minister Raghubar Das today directed the police to nab the culprits of two such recent killings so that they could be punished through fast-track courts.

In Ramgarh where the incident took place yesterday, authorities today imposed prohibitory orders barring assembly of more than four persons at a place amid tension in the district, officials said.

One person has been arrested and the police is conducting raids to nab the other accused named in the FIR, said Inspector General of Police M L Meena who visited Ramgarh and held meetings with senior police and administrative officials.

The state government announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the dependents of the deceased.

In New Delhi, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu denounced the lynching incidents and other kinds of violence as "condemnable and barbaric" and appealed against giving a political or communal angle to such cases.

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke strongly against the killings in the name of the cow, Naidu said no civilised society can accept such incidents and that it was for the law enforcement agencies of the respective states to take the strongest possible action.

The Jharkhand chief minister, while reviewing the law and order situation in the state, told the police that the guilty should not go scot-free, whoever he might be, and a repeat of such incidents should be prevented.

A mob surrounded a van bearing a West Bengal number plate in the Bazaar Tand area of Ramgarh police station yesterday, dragged out the driver Mohd Allimuddin, a resident of neighbouring Hazaribagh district, and thrashed him, injuring him seriously.

The police rushed to the spot and took Allimuddin to a hospital, where he was declared "brought dead" by doctors, a police officer said.

Earlier on June 27, a mob had attacked a person on suspicion that he slaughtered a cow after allegedly finding the carcass of the animal near his house in Giridih district of the state.

The chief minister directed the police to take strict action against those involved in these two incidents which have triggered an outrage across the country.

Das told the police to arrest the culprits at the earliest so that they could be punished through fast-track courts, a government statement said.

He said no one has the right to take law into his own hands and the administration of law is above all.

"It is time for stern action," he said.

Das said if incidents of cattle smuggling come to light, the officer-in-charge of the area concerned, DSP and other senior officials would face action.

Director General of Jharkhand Police D K Pandey said one of the 13 accused in the Ramgarh incident has been arrested while 13 accused have been arrested in connection with the Giridih incident.

Along with CID, four special teams have been set up to nab the culprits, he added.

The situation is tense but under control and additional security forces have been deployed in identified points of the district, Inspector General of Police M L Meena said.

Kishore Kaushal, Superintendent of Police, Ramgarh, said the report from forensic laboratory has not been received so far.

Naidu said, "Lynching or killing any human being is condemnable, barbaric and civilised society cannot accept it."



The union minister said the prime minister had made the stand of the government very clear through his remarks that no one should take the law into their hands in the name of cow protection.

Addressing a gathering at the Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat yesterday, Modi had said that "killing people in the name of 'gaubhakti' (cow worship) is not acceptable and this is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve".

Naidu told PTI, "Some people are trying to overplay, some are trying to politicise it and some are trying to communalise it. I appeal (to them) not to politicise or communalise such incidents. Let us not give it a religious colour. Let us not divide the society."



He also emphasised that it was the duty of the respective state governments to "take appropriate, prompt and strong action against the people who are responsible".

Naidu appealed to the people not to take law into their own hands, but report any violation to the law enforcement agencies.

"If any violation of law is seen, people must report to the law enforcement authorities and impress them to take action. And, if they do not take action, then people must protest asking for action," Naidu said.

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In a veiled criticism of the US, Pakistan has said the declared plans by one of the P-5 nations to expand its nuclear capabilities would renew an arms race and seriously retard global disarmament efforts.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi said this during a UN Security Council debate on 'Global efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by non-state actors', the Dawn reported.

Lodhi criticised "one of the P-5 nations" that had vowed to "greatly strengthen and expand nuclear capabilities by outmatching and outlasting potential competitors".

"This would renew a nuclear arms race," she warned.

She was apparently alluding to US President Donald Trump's statement in which he had announced increasing the US defence budget recently, the daily said.

Lodhi argued that disarmament and non-proliferation were organically linked and criticised those nuclear-weapon states that were neither willing to give up their large inventories of nuclear weapons nor their modernisation programmes, even as they pursued non-proliferation with messianic zeal.

She pointed out that grant of discriminatory waivers to some and making exceptions out of power or profit considerations was a key challenge to non-proliferation norms and rules.

These "special arrangements", she warned, carried obvious proliferation risks and opened up the possibility of diversion of the material intended for peaceful uses to military purposes, in addition to undermining regional strategic stability.

The envoy made a strong case for Pakistan's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group by highlighting her country's credentials as a credible global partner in international non-proliferation efforts.

She expressed Pakistan's commitment to Security Council resolution 1540 and said that Pakistan had submitted its fifth national implementation report as a manifestation of that commitment.

She called for strengthening of the non-proliferation regime through transparent, objective and non-discriminatory criteria that ensured equal treatment of non-NPT applicants for the NSG's membership.

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A key Senate panel has asked the Pentagon to reassess its approach to partner with India and cooperate with it in anti-submarine warfare, amid China's increased naval presence in the Indian Ocean.

An amendment in this regard to the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA)-2018, moved by Senator Ted Cruz, was passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee early this week.

It is a part of Cruz's effort to further implement the designation of India as a 'Major Defence Partner'.

"Few partnerships in the 21st century carry more strategic significance than United States partnership with India, the world's largest democracy," said Cruz's office.

"Even so, Senator Cruz believes that current bilateral cooperation and joint development need to be more closely aligned with the shared interests of maritime domain awareness and anti-submarine warfare," it said.

As such Cruz secured an amendment that calls on Department of Defence to reassess its approach to partnering with India and to appoint an individual to oversee this process.

The amendment came as China increased its maritime presence in the Indian Ocean by docking its ships at ports in Karachi and Colombo.

Further, the bill notes that Taiwan is a lynchpin of American national security in the Asia-Pacific and alleges that China is seeking to isolate Taiwan from its allies and partners across the globe.

The NDAA-2018 amendment comes days after India and the US sought to increase their military-to-military engagement and defence trade.

"The United States remains a reliable provider of advanced defence articles in support of India's military modernisation efforts," said a fact-sheet issued by the White House on Monday after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"United States-sourced defence articles, including the Sea Guardian Unmanned Aerial System, Apache attack helicopters, and C-17 aircraft will further enhance the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces and provide additional opportunities for interoperability," it said.

"Completion of these sales would increase bilateral defence trade to nearly USD 19 billion, supporting thousands of United States jobs. If selected, United State offers to sell F-16 and F/A-18 fighter aircraft to India would represent the most significant defence cooperation between the United States and India to date," the fact-sheet said.

According to the fact-sheet, the US-India Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) remains the premier forum for deepening collaboration on defence co-development and co-production.

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Traders in Uttar Pradesh staged protests against the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax today, shuttering wholesale markets, and, in Kanpur, stopping a train.

Kanpur -- the business hub of the state -- was one of the main centres of the protest, with office bearers of trade organisations participating in the protests.

Traders squatted on rail tracks and stopped the Kanpur- Pratapgarh passenger train in a protest against the new tax regime.

Reports of protests also came in from Varanasi, Allahabad, Jhansi, Faizabad, Shahjahanpur and Ghaziabad.

"We are not against the GST. But we are certainly not happy with the way GST is being implemented. The officials and traders are not ready. Apart from this, the portal is not ready," Rajiv Anand, chairman of UP Yuva Vyapar Mandal told PTI.

He also said it is not feasible for small traders to engage the services of a chartered accountant.

"Today a large number of shops ranging from groceries and bullion to wholesale and clothes remained closed. The transformation to GST should have been gradual and not a sudden one," Anand said.

Akhil Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal leader Gyanendra Misra protested at the Lucknow railway crossing in Kanpur at around 9.30 AM and stopped the local train. They were later removed by GRP (Government railway Police) personnel.

Traders claimed the bandh caused losses of over Rs 2,000 crore.

Ashok Kumar, a garment shop owner said, they are yet to get a clear view of the GST.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed. Let's hope that whatever will happen, will turn out to be good."



Similar views were also echoed by Deep Jaiswal, a medicine seller, who said that the roll out of GST will have minimum impact on the consumers.

Attempting to allay fears of the public, tax lawyer Ashish Tripathi said, "GST will have a positive impact on the public, as it will remove the prevailing mechanism of levying tax over tax, giving some relief to the consumers.

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Contractors working on the renovation of London's Grenfell Tower were asked by the building's managers to reduce costs, with cheaper exterior cladding suggested as one alternative, a media report said today.

At least 80 people were killed in the blaze that consumed the tower this month, with the cladding blamed for spreading the fire throughout the 24-floor block.

An "urgent nudge email" sent to contractor Artelia UK from the Kensington and Chelsea tenant management organisation (KCTMO), which runs the tower block on behalf of the local council, said that "we need good costs" for council deputy leader Rock Feilding-Mellen, The Times reported.

One suggestion was the use of aluminium panels instead of zinc, which is more fire-resistant, leading to a "saving of 293,368 pounds".

Retired judge Martin Moore-Bick was yesterday appointed to lead a public inquiry into the fire, which engulfed Grenfell Tower on June 14.

Residents have expressed anger at the authorities' handling of the fire, leading protesters on June 16 to storm the town hall which manages the social housing block, though there is no suggestion that fire safety concerns were ignored.

Today, Robert Black, chief executive of KCTMO, said he would resign in order to "concentrate on assisting with the investigation and inquiry."



Victims identified so far include a six-month-old baby, her eight-year-old sister and their parents, who lived on the 20th floor.

The baby was found in her dead mother's arms.

The government revealed today that cladding samples taken from 149 high-rise buildings in 45 local authority areas had all failed fire safety tests.

As part of an emergency fund, the government announced this month that each household whose home was destroyed would receive at least 5,500 pounds (6,250 euros, USD 7,130).

Checks are under way at hundreds of high-rises in Britain fitted with the same cladding which encased Grenfell Tower.

The Kensington and Chelsea Council yesterday failed in a bid to bar journalists from the first meeting of councillors since the disaster, and instead adjourned the meeting early.

Theresa May's office criticised the aborted meeting, saying: "The High Court ruled that the meeting should be open and we would have expected the council to respect that.

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Saudi Arabia released five Iranian fishermen held for over a year, agencies in Iran reported today, in a rare sign of conciliation between the regional rivals.

The five fishermen were said to have been in custody since they strayed into Saudi waters in May 2016.

"Two fishermen from Genaveh (in southwestern Iran), who are father and son, have been freed and are returning to Genaveh," said Abdolali Sayyadi, head of the local branch of the Red Crescent NGO, according to the IRIB agency.

"Three other fishermen from Bushehr (a nearby Iranian port), who were freed by Saudi Arabia, are returning to Bushehr by a boat sent to them from the Foroozan oil field," he added.

"These fishermen were arrested in May last year by Saudi marine guards when they unknowingly entered Saudi coastal waters."



The release comes just a week after Iran demanded that three other fishermen detained by Saudi Arabia earlier this month be freed.

Riyadh claimed they were members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards aboard an explosives-laden boat heading to an oil platform in the Gulf and planning to carry out a "terrorist attack".

Iran denied the allegations and said another fisherman had been killed by the Saudi coastguard at the time of the arrests.

The two countries, who severed diplomatic ties last year, accuse each other of seeking to dominate the Middle East and are on opposing sides in several regional conflicts.

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A tanker collided head-on with an SUV on the National Highway-74 near Sherkot here, killing seven people and injuring four.

In the crash, the tanker fell into a 10-foot deep roadside ditch. The driver of the tanker, in his attempt to jump out of the falling vehicle, got crushed under its wheels, police said.

The SUV was returning from Kashipur to Laksar in Haridwar district from a wedding ceremony yesterday when the incident happened, they said.

The injured were rushed to the Bijnor District Hospital from where they were referred to Meerut. On the way, one injured person succumbed to his injuries.

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Commercial establishments in major cities in Madhya Pradesh remained closed on Friday as part of a bandh called to protest "anomalies and complexities" in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which will be rolled out in a special function in Delhi at midnight tonight.

Shops in main cities like Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur downed their shutters while commercial activities remained suspended in small towns as well.

The bandh was called by various organisations of traders.

In the state capital, important commercial markets like MP Nagar, New Market, Chowk, Bairagarh, BHEL township etc. Largely remained closed.

"We are not against the GST but are protesting its anomalies and complexities. The Centre is going to impose this new tax regime without any prior preparation. The government has not taken traders into confidence," Bhopal Chamber of Commerce and Industries general secretary Vishnu Bansal told PTI.

He said different tax slabs under GST will affect rates of almost 1,500 items covered under grocery business. Traders will also have to face practical problems due to varying tax slabs, he added.

Bansal said a total of 72 traders' organisations extended their support to Friday's bandh.

According to Bansal, business in almost all major cities and towns was affected due to the bandh.

Commercial activities were also hit in Indore, the commercial capital of the state, where main market areas like Rajbada wore a deserted look. Grocery market in Siyaganj, food grains market in Sanyogitaganj and Sarafa Bazar also remained closed.

President of Indore's Ahilya Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Ramesh Khandelwal said the new tax regime would entirely disturb the current set up of traders.

He said that most of the essential commodities fall under the higher tax slab in the GST.

"The chamber, along with other traders' organisations, will launch a hunger strike as well as a 'dharna' from July 2 in support of the demand to remove various anomalies in the GST," he added.
The Singapore Airlines group, which operates 175 weekly flights out of India, including 17 from the city, is replacing its ageing Boeing 777 fleet with the modern A350s in the Mumbai-Singapore sector from Saturday.

The airline group, which way back in 1992 had tried to enter the country with the Tatas and has since then tied up with same group and operates Vistara, refused to speculate on whether it is interested in the national carrier Air India, which has been put on block for privatisation.

"As a policy we don't respond to market speculation," was all Singapore Airlines India general manager David Lim would say when sought his views on the government's move to disinvest the debt-ridden airline and whether his group will be interested in the same.

The aviation policy allows 49 per cent ownership by foreign carriers in domestic airlines. The details of the Air India divestment is not clear.

He also announced discount fares as part of Singapore Airlines' 70th anniversary, starting from Rs 22,070, to the city-state in the new aircraft beginning tomorrow.

Singapore Airlines, on its own, operates over 55 flights a week from India, while the group, that comprises Silk Air, Scoot and Tiger Air, operates the rest connecting 15 cities in the country.

The new 253-seater wide-body plane, which is the youngest aircraft in the industry now, will have 42 business class seats, 24 premium economy and 187 economy seats, while the 777 was carrying 263 passengers.

Lim said Mumbai is the first city to have deployed, and said Delhi may get the same in a year's time.

He said the airline will continue to operate the larger A380s from Mumbai in the evening peak hours.

It operates three flights out of Mumbai and a similar number into the city a day, making it the biggest market for the airline in the country.

"Mumbai will be the 16th destination within our network to receive the Airbus A350-900 aircraft," Lim said.

Asked about the lower seat numbers, making it lose passengers, he said the marginally lower seating capacity will be taken care of by the higher number of business class and the introduction of the premium economy class.

So, from a revenue perspective, it will serve us better. Then there is the lower airport charges since is lighter than the 777 and also more fuel efficient, he said.

Singapore Airlines group, which has bilateral rights, enjoys more than 50 per cent market share in the India- Singapore sector, while the six domestic airlines have only 80 flights a week.

Singapore Airlines, being the launch customer, took delivery of its first A350-900 in March 2016 and now has 15 of the aircraft type in its fleet, with another 52 on firm order, including seven of an ultra-long-range A350-900 ULR variant whose deliveries will begin in 2018.
Senior IPS officer T P Senkumar, who won a historic legal battle with the CPI(M)-led Kerala government over his removal as state DGP, retired from service today.

Loknath Behra, director of Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau, assumed charge as the new DGP. He will although continue to hold the post of Vigilance director.

Speaking at the farewell parade, Senkumar said there is an 'unfortunate' trend of rising criminal elements in the police force.

"Criminal elements are less in constable-level and the number goes up in accordance with rank and it is more in IPS-level," Senkumar, a 1983 batch IPS officer said, adding he has taken all possible steps to control such elements.

He said the main challenge faced by the society was from "religious fundamentalists and Left extremists".

"These outfits make use of IT technology for their activities, so the police force should equip itself with most modern changes in these fields," he said.

The LDF government headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had removed Senkumar from the post of DGP soon after it came to power in May 2016.

Senkumar had moved the Supreme Court against the orders of the Kerala High Court and the Central Administrative Tribunal, which had upheld the government's decision to transfer him.

The apex court, however, directed the state government to reinstate Senkumar as DGP on April 29, stating the officer was transferred by the government "unfairly" and "arbitrarily".

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China today said the diplomatic channels with India are "unimpeded" for talks over the stand- off in the Sikkim sector but for any "meaningful dialogue" the Indian troops must withdraw from the Doklam area over which Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty".

"The diplomatic channels for the communication between Chinese and Indian sides remained unimpeded," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here.

He said the Indian troops "trespassed" the recognised delineated boundary between China and India on June 18. This is the first time China came out the with precise date about Indian troops entering the disputed Doklam area (referred by China as Donglong) near Sikkim allegedly to stop Chinese troops from constructing a road.

"So the most pressing issue should be the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. So it is the pre-condition for any meaningful dialogue," he said when asked whether any talks were going on between the two countries over the issue.

He said in additions to the photographs of alleged Indian "incursion" into Donglong area, the Chinese foreign ministry will also upload a map on its website to provide a "better understanding of the reality".

He also refuted Bhutan's allegation that Chinese troops' attempts to build the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly.

Lu said China has "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area."



He claimed that the Doklam area was under Chinese administration from emperor Qing dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China established in 1636.

Lu said the area where Chinese side undertook road construction "totally belongs to the Chinese territory" and offered to release details on this on foreign ministry's website.

"From historical evidence we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area," he said.

Before the 1960s, if the Bhutan residents around the border wanted to graze their cattle they had to get the approval from China, he said.

"The Tibetan dynasty and Qing dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border," he said.

"In addition to the jurisprudential evidence, the historical convention in 1890 (the Sinio-British treaty) has clearly defined it as the crossing point between China, Bhutan and Indian boundary.

"The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," he said.

He claimed that the evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side.

"Even though China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relationship we always maintain traditional friendship. We can tell you that Chinese people are friendly and want good relations with Bhutan people," he said.

"But our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," he said.

A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong.

Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

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Police today arrested a doctor from Telangana's Khamman district for allegedly selling babies to childless couples.

R Srinivas, who holds a Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree and runs a hospital in Kurivi town of Mahabubabad district, sold at least five newborns to childless parents over the past five years, Khammam Assistant Commissioner of Police PV Ganesh told PTI.

The doctor was booked under IPC section 370 (buying or disposing of any person as a slave) and relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice Act, the ACP said.

According to the officer, the doctor sold the newborns, all girls, belonging to tribals after delivery at his hospital to childless couples for amounts ranging between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh.

Explaining his modus operandi, the police officer said Srinivas, post delivery of newborns, would tell their parents that their children are not well and that Rs 1-2 lakh is needed for treatment.

"Believing Srinivas, the parents, mostly daily wagers, abandoned their children at the hospital. He later sold them to childless parents," the officer said.

The health authorities are in the process of sealing the hospital, he said.

Srinivas' arrest came a day after one of the babies sold by him was rescued yesterday by ICDS officials and police from Khammam town, the ACP said.

A case was registered against Srinivas a month ago in Mahabubabad district for allegedly conducting illegal sex determination tests, the ACP added.

Meanwhile, the doctor has denied the allegations levelled against him.

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The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will make the textiles industry "more competitive" and help in "exponential growth" in the country, leading players in the sector said today.

Industry veterans hailed the new tax regime, to be rolled out on July 1.

"I would like to congratulate our honourable prime minister and entire Government of India for introducing the biggest transformational tax reform in India, the GST," said CMD of Raymonds Group Gautam Singhania.

Singhania was among a host of industry leaders from the textile sector from both domestic and global companies who were invited for the Textiles India 2017 seminar organised at Mahatma Mandir here.

"(The GST) would create a seamless and inclusive business environment and will enable exponential growth in the country," he said.

Chairman of Arvind Ltd, the Ahmedabad-based textiles major, Sanjay Lalbhai, also praised the GST at the event.

"Implementation of the GST is a historical and bold decision of the present government. It will bring transparency in the industry. The GST will help informal sector of the textile industry," said Lalbhai.

"This move will push Indian textile Industry to be more competitive and help it to compete with China in the global market," he added.

Speaking at the seminar, President and CEO of US Polo Association, David Cummings, praised India's tax reforms, calling them as being good for the Indian and foreign companies alike.

"(The GST) is good for the Indian industry and foreign companies like us," he said.

In his speech, Singhania expressed his commitment for the Centre's 'Make in India' programme and said his company is taking a slew of initiatives to promote khadi at global level.

"Raymonds has embarked on a mission to (promote khadi). This will create multiple employment opportunities and empower India, especially women in rural India. We will undertake design innovations at khadi manufacturing clusters across the country providing the artisans insight into the latest fashion trends," Singhania said.

"We will procure all varieties of khadi and send them to our manufacturing facilities to ensure superior finished products," he said, adding the initiative will positively impact 10,000 khadi artisans and generate 3 million additional manpower.

Aditya Birla Group Chairman K M Birla called for research and development in textiles. "We must step up rigour in skill development to deliver world-class productivity. We must also increase our investment in state-of-the-art research and development."



These industry leaders were speaking at the inaugural session of the conference, a maiden collaborative effort of 24 Export Promotion Councils working under the Ministry of Textiles and with the trade body CII as industry partner.

More than 1,500 national and international exhibitors from the textile sector are showcasing their products and services. Over 2,500 international buyers and 15,000 domestic visitors are expected to attend the three-day mega event.

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Telecom regulator Trai has exhorted the Telecom Department to "favourably consider" its recommendations to cut levies and relaxing payment period for auctioned spectrum.

This, Trai said, will help ease the financial burden of telcos and keep services affordable.

Trai has also asked the Telecom Department to take up with the Finance Ministry two issues  reduction in rate to five per cent from 18 and treating telecom as core infrastructure sector. The regulator said it finds "considerable merit" in these two suggestions made by telecom operators.

"On several other issues like levies of licence fee, Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund, spectrum charges, promotion of wireline infrastructure etc, the authority in the past has already given its recommendations to the government," Trai Principal Advisor, S K Mishra said in a letter to Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, Department of Telecom and Chairperson of Telecom Commission.

Trai had favoured reducing USO levy to three per cent (compared to five per cent of telcos' revenue) so that effective licence fee is reduced to six per cent (compared to eight per cent).

It had also recommended that spectrum usage charges for all auctioned spectrum should be three per cent of telcos' gross revenue. Trai had also, in January 2016, recommended that the balance payment period for installments of auctioned radiowaves be increased to 18 years.

In its latest letter, Trai has asked the Telecom Department to favourably consider its past recommendations in this regard as they would help in minimising the financial stress of the telecom companies and enable them to offer quality services to consumers at affordable prices.

On other issues raised by the telecom companies, TRAI is already in the midst of consultation, the letter said, citing ongoing regulatory work on call connect charges (called Interconnection usage charges), rules of tariff assessment and spectrum-related issues.

The letter comes on the heels of a discussion held by Trai with industry representatives.

It may be recalled that earlier this month, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had met all telecom operators, as part of efforts to look at measures that can resolve a raging financial crisis in the telecom industry.

The debt for the industry has touched Rs 4.6 lakh crore, and telecom operators, even the large ones are facing severe pressure on revenue and profitability after the entry of aggressive newcomer Reliance Jio.

Referring to the operators' suggestions of treating telecom sector as core infrastructure sector and reduction in GST, Trai said it finds "considerable merit in their proposition as this would be in the interest of end consumers of telecom services and would help in realising the goal of digital India".

"DoT may consider actively taking up these issues with the Ministry of Finance," the Trai letter added.
Police have arrested two men, including an ex-serviceman's son, for their alleged involvement in two cases of carjacking in southwest Delhi's Najafgarh and Dwarka areas.

On June 27 night, two incidents of carjacking were reported.

In the first, assailants overpowered a cab driver, Raju, and took his Swift Dzire in Najafgarh when he was returning after dropping some passengers in Gurgaon, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest) Surender Kumar said.

They bundled the driver into the car and drove towards Dwarka where they blocked the way of a white Verna. Raju managed to escape this time, he said.

The accused left the cab and snatched the Verna from its owner, Satvinder Singh. They also looted his gold chain, Kumar said.

Yesterday, police received information that the accused were going to the Chhawla-Jhatikara Road to commit another robbery, said the DCP.

A trap was laid. The accused were in the Verna, but when they were asked to stop, they tried to drive away, he said.

However, their car skidded and they were nabbed. The duo were identified as Rahul and Sachin, Kumar said, adding that a country-made pistol and two live rounds were seized from each of them.

Rahul's father, an ex-army man, died when he was a child. Before getting involved in crimes, he was a wrestler, the DCP said.

He was introduced to the world of crime by his two cousins and was even apprehended as a juvenile in a case, Kumar said.

After losing Rs 15 lakh in betting during the Champions Trophy, he planned to rob luxury cars to impress people who could lend him money, said the officer.

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Russia today said two border guards were detained by Ukraine near the annexed Crimea peninsula after they lost their way and strayed into Kiev-controlled territory during a training exercise.

The regional branch of the FSB security agency, which oversees the border guards, told Russian agencies that during a "training exercise" the "two agency employees lost their way and entered Ukrainian territory, where they were detained".

The incident happened overnight Thursday to Friday, the agency said in a statement, adding that it expected the border guards would "soon be returned to Russian territory."



The head of Ukraine's border guards, Victor Nazarenko, said earlier that two men claiming to be Russian border guards were detained without documents after their boat came ashore on the Ukrainian mainland.

"They said they were allegedly playing the role of people supposedly illegally crossing the border during a training exercise but got lost," he said.

Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a bitter feud since Moscow seized the Black Sea Crimea Peninsula from Kiev in 2014.

Moscow is accused of fuelling an ongoing separatist insurgency in other eastern regions of Ukraine that has claimed some 10,000 lives in over three years.

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Nearly a half-million people who were displaced within Syria by the war have returned to their homes, the UN refugee agency said today, pointing to a "notable trend of spontaneous returns" this year.

UNHCR says aid agencies estimate that more than 440,000 internally displaced people and another 31,000 refugees who had fled abroad have returned home.

The agency's spokesman, Andrej Mahecic, says "this is a significant trend, and a significant number" but cautioned that this was "only a fraction" of an estimated 5 million Syrian refugees abroad.

Mahecic said those returning have gone back mostly to Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Damascus and other governorates, mainly to seek out family members, check on property or benefit from "a real or perceived improvement in security conditions."



In comments to the UN Security Council this week, the UN envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, noted a recent decline in overall violence in Syria.

Mahecic said international diplomatic efforts in Geneva and Astana, Kazakhstan, to help bring peace to Syria after more than 6 years of war had provided hope to some displaced Syrians, but added it would be "premature" to link the peace efforts to the recent returns.

"The decisions are very individual and based on people's own perceptions of the situation in their areas of origin," he said in an email.

Kevin Kennedy, the UN regional humanitarian coordinator for the Syria crisis, stressed that the Syrian people "remain in grave difficulty," with just under 14 million of the 18 million people in the country in need of some form of humanitarian assistance.

"That's 70-75 per cent of the population," he said.

Over one-third of Syria's people are displaced within the country, some forced to move many times, while about 5 million Syrians have fled mainly to Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, Kennedy told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.

He said 4.5 million people in besieged or hard-to-reach areas "are in the most desperate need" of aid.

Both Kennedy and UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien criticized the difficulty in getting food and especially medicine to the needy. O'Brien told the UN Security Council on Thursday that "although the most egregious bureaucratic restrictions are from the government of Syria, we are increasingly seeing other groups operating in non-government controlled areas also implementing procedures that slow or impinge upon humanitarian principles."



O'Brien said local agreements have led to two besieged areas being removed from the UN list Madaya and the al-Waer district of Homs.

There are now 11 besieged locations with a total population of 540,000 compared to almost 975,000 besieged people last November, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 19-year-old man was killed allegedly in the presence of police during a dispute over a graveyard's boundary in Bara village here.

Yesterday, an argument broke out between two Muslim families when one started the construction of the graveyard's boundary wall and the other objected to it, the police said today.

SI Sriprakash Shukla and lekhpal of the area under Gahmar police station limits rushed there to resolve the matter by getting the land measured again, they said.

However, both sides entered into an altercation as the measurement work was going on and before the police could act someone opened fire killing a bystander, Amirullah Khan, they added.

The body was sent for post-mortem examination and an investigation was underway.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The State Department has approved arms sales to Taiwan worth a total of USD 1.4 billion, the first such deal with the self-governing island since President Donald Trump took office, officials have said.

The sale will anger China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory. It comes at a delicate time for relations between Washington and Beijing over efforts to rein in nuclear-armed North Korea.

The sale to Taiwan comprises seven items, including technical support for early warning radar, anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and components for SM-2 missiles, according to a US official who requested anonymity to discuss the details before they were formally announced.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said yesterday the Trump administration had notified Congress of its intent to approve seven proposed deals now valued at around USD 1.42 billion. Nauert said the approvals did not violate the Taiwan Relations Act that governs US contacts with the island.

"It shows, we believe, our support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defence policy," Nauert said. "There's no change, I should point out, to our 'one-China policy.'"



Lawmakers, which are generally strongly supportive of such sales, have 30 days to object. The US is legally obligated to sell weapons to Taiwan for its self-defence. The US official said the sales represented upgrades, converting existing systems from analog to digital.

The last US arms sales to Taiwan, worth USD 1.8 billion, were announced in December 2015. They included two decommissioned US Navy frigates, anti-tank missiles, amphibious assault vehicles and Stinger surface-to-air missiles, and was the first sale for four years.

China objected strongly, but it did not notably set back US-China relations and military ties, which has happened after past arms sales to Taiwan.

However, relations across the Taiwan Strait have deteriorated since then, as Taiwan last year elected a leader from an independence-leaning party, Tsai Ing-wen. China has increased diplomatic pressure, cut off its contacts with the island's government and discouraged travel there by Chinese tourists.

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The White House envoy to the US-led coalition bombing the Islamic State group, Brett McGurk, met today with local officials in the northern Syrian town of Tabqa.

IS jihadists were ousted from Tabqa and an adjacent dam on May 10 by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces as part of the group's flagship offensive for Raqa city further east.

Today, McGurk met with members of the Tabqa Civil Council, which is administering the town's day-to-day affairs.

McGurk was dressed in a crisp white shirt and was accompanied by deputy commander for the coalition, British Army Major General Rupert Jones, as well as other coalition officials and SDF members.

The visit came a day after McGurk met with members of the Raqa Civil Council, the body expected to run the northern city after IS's expected fall there.

The US-backed SDF has ousted IS from around a quarter of Raqa city. For now, the Raqa Civil Council is based in the town of Ain Issa to the north.

"The discussion centred on relief efforts," said SDF public relations chief Omar Alloush, who was present in the meeting with McGurk.

Alloush said McGurk pledged the coalition would continue their efforts to push IS out of Raqa and would support reconstruction efforts, including re-instating schools.

US officials, including McGurk and the head of Central Command Joseph Votel, have met with senior SDF commanders during several visits to northern Syria.

The coalition began carrying out air strikes on IS in Syria in September 2014.

Earlier this year, the alliance bombed pro-government forces for the first time in southeastern Syria.

The conflict in Syria erupted in March 2011 with protests against President Bashar al-Assad, but it has since evolved into a complex war drawing in international powers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Tim Hepher

PARIS (Reuters) - Airbus is launching a reorganisation of its commercial aircraft sales operations in a move likely to focus fresh attention on a delicate balance of power at Europe's largest aerospace company, people familiar with the situation said.

From July, the globe-trotting sales team, best known for contesting leadership of the jetliner market with Boeing, will report directly to Airbus Chief Executive Tom Enders, bypassing commercial aircraft president Fabrice Bregier, the people said.

A spokesman for Airbus declined to comment.

The surprise move, announced at a management dinner on Thursday, is part of a wider effort to streamline the company by uniting the headquarters with its dominant civil planemaking business, giving substance to a recent internal merger.

But it is likely to raise questions about the coherence of the commercial planemaking operations and could revive speculation over the future of Frenchman Bregier, who has run the world's second-largest civil planemaker since 2012.

The issue is not one of differing strategies, but the way responsibility is divided inside a company straining to keep a lid on tensions amid recent industrial and regulatory problems.

Absorbing commercial sales, the powerful driver of Airbus's growth in past decades, will strengthen German-born Enders' grip on civil operations, which provide 74 percent of revenue.

Bregier and Enders have long been rivals but had reached what was widely seen as a peace deal over the internal merger.

Bregier stepped aside from his role as chief executive of the Airbus civil business as Airbus combined with Airbus Group.

But he remained in charge of the planemaking business as its president, while also becoming Enders' official no. 2 and chief operating officer of the overall group, now renamed Airbus.

The decision to shift sales from Bregier's direct control raises uncertainty over the stability of the management deal and steers him towards a purely industrial role, a position the 56-year-old former missiles CEO is unlikely to relish indefinitely.

Bregier could not be reached for comment.

Sources caution it is too early to talk about a repeat of Franco-German tensions that rocked the group over a decade ago.

But any instability among top management would come at a sensitive time for Airbus as the company wrestles with supplier delays, growing concerns over A350 quality problems and an aggressive new marketing stance at rival Boeing.

A senior company source said the shake-up was driven by "heavy operational challenges" and would "better balance the internal burden sharing" as Airbus becomes a normal company after ridding itself of complex internal structures this year.

INERTIA

The shake-up comes as John Leahy, who propelled Airbus to equal status with Boeing, prepares to retire after 23 years running sales. He is expected to hand over to his designated internal successor, Kiran Rao, later this year.

Whispers of a shake-up partly explain a sense of inertia as Airbus lost on orders to Boeing at last week's Paris Airshow.

Although it won more orders than expected, many delegates said Airbus failed to display its usual self-confidence and agility as Boeing executed a polished new airplane launch.

"Everybody feels lost (at Airbus)," one delegate said.

The company has also been thrown off balance by British and French investigations into the use of middlemen in plane sales and a widening Austrian probe into a fighter sale.

The chief executive of an aircraft buyer said Airbus was slower to react than before due to new internal processes.

The challenge under the new structure will be to recapture momentum while separating sales from core industrial operations, which have emerged as a key priority to fulfil record orders.

By contrast, the sales teams for helicopters and defence will continue to report to the heads of those units.

Bregier has taken an increasingly high-profile role in sales campaigns, forging relationships in Japan and elsewhere. He has been credited with improving Airbus's industrial performance, but has recently been distracted by delays at key suppliers.

Enders overhauled Airbus's strategy after a failed defence merger in 2012 and has become a leading advocate for exploiting 'Big Data' to reshape the industry. But industry sources say he is less well known for a 'hands-on' approach to operations.

Speaking to media earlier this month, he praised "much flatter" management structures and said "old-style command and control" was ill-suited to the pace of change in a digital era.

(Editing by Catherine Evans)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Rajendra Jadhav and Rod Nickel

MUMBAI/WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - India has extended by six months an exemption to its policy for crop cargoes to be fumigated with methyl bromide, a gas once widely used as a pesticide but now banned or restricted in most parts of the world, the government said in a statement on Friday.

The country's plant quarantine authority had earlier said that after June 30 India would only accept cargoes fumigated for pests with methyl bromide at the country of origin, threatening to disrupt supplies of pulses from Canada and wheat from Europe and the Black Sea region. India is the biggest importer of pulses, protein-rich crops that include peas and lentils.

For the rest of the year, India will accept cargoes without being fumigated with methyl bromide in the country of origin, the statement said.

But the exemption comes with a cost to shippers.

While shipping can continue without methyl bromide fumigation in Canada after June 30, India is requiring five times the normal fee for fumigation at the port of destination in India, said Gordon Bacon, chief executive of Pulse Canada, an industry group of farmers and processors.

The change will add close to C$14.50 ($11.18) per tonne in costs for a container shipment, he said.

Canadian officials continue to stress to India that fumigation of Canadian crops is not necessary for reasons that include the country's cold weather.

Shares of AGT Food and Ingredients Inc rose 2 percent in Toronto. The Canadian exporter of peas and lentils had paused shipping to India in spring over uncertainty about its policies.

Methyl bromide has been banned or restricted by many countries because it can deplete the atmosphere's ozone layer.

($1 = 1.2975 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai and Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing by Sunil Nair and Jonathan Oatis)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Nidhi Verma, Scott DiSavino and Oleg Vukmanovic

NEW DELHI/NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) - India's biggest importer of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) is trying to re-negotiate prices with the U.S. seller, sources said, undermining plans by U.S. President Donald Trump to export more gas to the fast-growing Asian nation.

At a joint conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House this week, Trump said the United States looked forward to exporting more energy, including new major long-term contracts to purchase American natural gas.

The effort is part of Trump's policy of seeking to assert power abroad through a boost in natural gas, coal and petroleum exports. He said on Thursday that the "golden era" of the U.S. energy business was now underway.

But any new LNG agreements with India will depend on how GAIL and Cheniere of the United States deal with a long-term supply contract signed in 2011 for an estimated $22 billion.

India's GAIL has deals to buy 5.8 million tonnes of U.S. LNG per annum for 20 years, mostly with Cheniere, but is now asking to re-negotiate the price. A commissioning cargo was sent last year, but supplies in earnest will only likely start in 2018.

Two sources at state-run GAIL said they were trying to re-negotiate the contract.

"At current U.S. prices, the landed cost of the LNG (in India) is not very attractive," said one of the sources on condition of anonymity, as he was not cleared to speak to media. Neither source gave any details on what price GAIL was seeking.

"We are trying a mix of options on pricing, and re-negotiating is one of them," the source said. "My perception is that the talks with Cheniere in this regard are not very likely to succeed."

Officially, GAIL has declined comment on the row.

Cheniere, currently the only U.S. company exporting LNG, said it was not open to a lower price.

"Our customers expect us to deliver on our commitments, and we expect the same. This is a signed long-term contract that we believe will provide long-term value and we expect the contract to be adhered to," said Eben Burnham-Snyder, a spokesman at Cheniere.

The contract price is calculated on a formula based on U.S. spot prices for natural gas, and currently costs India $8.50 per million British thermal units (mmBtu).

Traders said that Cheniere would struggle to send cargoes at a lower price.

GAIL UNDER PRESSURE

Asian spot LNG prices, which exclude all extra costs like shipping, have fallen by more than 40 percent this year to $5.40 per mmBtu amid ballooning oversupply as production from Australia and the United States rises.

R.K. Garg, head of finance at Petronet LNG , India's biggest gas importer, told that at current oil prices, long-term gas contracts were being offered at $6-7 per mmBtu.

Mangesh Patankar, head of business development at energy consultancy Galway Group, said that GAIL was trying for lower prices because the company was struggling to sell contracted U.S. LNG on to end-users in India, who are demanding cheaper gas from GAIL themselves.

"A lot of the (LNG) buyers are doing that right now. With the ramp up in Australia and U.S. volumes, and demand being not that active in the end-user market, a lot of the buyers have had to do that," he said.

Other LNG buyers, including top importer Japan, are also pressing for better terms.

Washington has been using LNG as a diplomatic and political tool. Although sales are a commercial matter, Washington has been laying foundations for contracts with key buyers, including China.

Trump has made LNG exports a central part of his trade policy, aimed at reviving industry and creating jobs. Asian markets account for about 70 percent of global LNG shipments, and India is one of the fastest-growing importers.

Trump will be visiting Poland next week and plans to promote U.S. LNG exports at a meeting in Warsaw with a dozen leaders from central and eastern Europe.

(Additional reporting by Mark Tay in Singapore; Editing by Henning Gloystein and Raju Gopalakrishnan)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
is making a first visit to Israel by an Indian prime minister next week, in a public embrace of a country that he has long admired for its military and technical expertise but which his predecessors kept at arm's length.

India has traditionally trodden a careful diplomatic line in the region, analysts say, wary of upsetting Arab states and Iran - upon whom it relies for its vast imports of oil - and its large Muslim minority. It has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, even as it quietly pursued ties with Israel.

But now Modi is lifting the curtain on a thriving military relationship. He will hold three days of talks with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, to advance sales and production of missiles, drones and radar systems under his signature "Make in India" drive, officials in Delhi and Tel Aviv said.

The Indian leader will not travel to Ramallah, the seat of the Palestine Authority and a customary stop for visiting leaders trying to maintain a balance in political ties.

At home, the apparent shift in what has long been a bedrock of India's foreign policy risks sharpening criticism that the country's 180 million Muslims are increasingly being marginalized under Modi's Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which swept to power in 2014.

"Narendra Modi's visit to Israel will only strengthen its occupation of Palestine," said Asaduddin Owaisi, a member of the Indian parliament from a regional group that promotes Muslim rights.

In previous decades, under the left-leaning Congress Party, former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was a regular visitor to New Delhi, pictured hugging then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi when the two were championing the Non-Alignment Movement.

In May, Modi hosted Arafat's successor, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and offered help in health and information technology, but the trip was low-key.

The scale of the ongoing collaboration with Israel dwarfs anything India is attempting with the Palestinians, officials say.

"We have a wide ranging partnership with Israel that ranges from agriculture cooperation to homeland security," said Bala Bhaskar, head of the foreign ministry's West Asia division.

He said India's ties with Israel and Palestine were important in their own right and neither should be viewed through the prism of the other. But an Israeli diplomat said Modi's standalone trip to Tel Aviv was an important signal.

The two sides are expected to announce strategic partnerships in areas including water, agriculture and space technology during Modi's visit.

But it is the defence relationship that is most advanced - India is now Israel's biggest arms market, buying weapons at an average of $1 billion each year.

Eli Alfassi, executive vice president of marketing at state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the country's biggest defence firm, said it was supplying India with drones, radar, communication systems and cybersecurity.

MISSILES, FOOD SECURITY

The centrepiece of the collaboration is the Barack 8 air defence system, built jointly by the two countries in a boost for Modi's campaign to develop a domestic defence industry.

"We are adjusting to the 'Make in India' policy which says only local companies will win tenders, so we are setting up three joint projects in India with local companies," Alfassi said.

IAI has signed a memorandum of understanding to build missiles with India's state-run Bharat Electronics Limited, launched a joint project with Dynamatic Technologies to make drones and is scouting for a partner for a joint venture for its subsidiary Elta, which specialises in electronic warfare and communication systems, he said.

India is in the midst of a military modernisation programme worth more than $100 billion to help counter rivals Pakistan and China.

Israel, the United States and Russia are India's top military suppliers, and Modi's government has said it will favour countries that are ready to share technology.

Avi Mizrachi, executive vice president of business development for Israel and Southeast Asia at Elbit Systems, which supplies electro-optic systems and upgrades of helicopters and combat vehicles, said it would be bidding for a tender to supply drones in partnership with the Adani group.

The two countries stress, though, that there is more to the relationship than arms deals.

Modi will be discussing a plan for Israeli help in boosting India's food security, officials said.

The plan is to expand 26 agriculture expertise centres that Israel has set up in 15 Indian states to help increase output of everything from vegetables to mangoes and pomegranates.

Modi wants Indian companies involved in turning these small centres into commercial entities that would help tens of thousands of farmers to boost productivity.
By Julia Simon

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil climbed for a seventh straight session on Friday as a weaker U.S. dollar and stronger demand data from China lifted depressed prices that were still set for the biggest first-half decline since 1998.

Trading volume was low ahead of the U.S. Independence Day holiday weekend.

Brent and U.S. crude fell about 19 percent in the first half of 1998. Oil prices have generally increased in first half of most years.

On Friday, Chinese government data showed factories grew at the quickest pace in three months, according to the Purchasing Manager's Index.

"Good PMI data from China certainly gives you hope that demand is growing globally," said Rob Haworth, senior investment strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management.

Benchmark Brent crude futures were up 38 cents at $47.80 a barrel at 11:30 a.m. EDT (1530 GMT). U.S. crude futures rose 52 cents, or more than 1 percent, to $45.45 a barrel.

Both benchmarks were on track for weekly increases of more than 5 percent.

The U.S. dollar fell to its lowest since October in early trading, making dollar-denominated crude oil less expensive for investors using other currencies.

Crude hit a 10-month low last week as rises in output revived concerns about global oversupply, but data this week showing a temporary dip in U.S. oil production has dented the bearish sentiment.

The persistent global crude glut has knocked 16 percent off Brent crude so far this year, even though the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other major producers have agreed to cut production about 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd).

Libya, one of two OPEC members exempt from the cuts, had surged past 1 million barrels per day.

Speculators have cut long positions in recent weeks. The market has also seen traders building short positions, said Haworth.

Reuters' monthly oil price poll showed analysts have reduced their price forecasts again, with 2017 average Brent and WTI prices lowered by more than $2 since last month.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysts cut their forecast for average 2017 Brent crude prices to $50 a barrel from $54 and WTI to $47 from $52. They cited rising output from Libya, Nigeria and U.S. shale fields, which coupled with weaker demand growth should keep the glut bigger than expected.

At 1 p.m. EDT energy services company Baker Hughes will release data on U.S. rig counts. U.S. drillers have added rigs for 23 straight weeks.

(Additional reporting by Karolin Schaps in London, Naveen Thukral in Singapore; editing by David Clarke)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Vladimir Soldatkin and Olesya Astakhova

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Rosneft, the world's top listed oil producer, wants to supply gas in parts of Europe where Gazprom is not present to avoid the risk of losing those markets to U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG), a Rosneft executive said.

Gazprom, the leading global gas producer, enjoys monopoly rights on gas pipeline exports from Russia. It has lost its exclusive rights to ship seaborne LNG overseas to Rosneft and Novatek, Russia's largest non-state gas producer.

Rosneft, headed by Igor Sechin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin, has long been vying for pipeline gas exports as it strives to grow globally. It has a memorandum with BP, which owns a 19.75 stake in the Russian company, to trade up to 20 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas annually in Europe.

Rosneft Vice President Vlada Rusakova, a former Gazprom executive, said the company wants to conduct "an experiment" in supplying gas to new markets in coordination with Gazprom.

"We are not counting on a total lifting of export restrictions. This would be harmful for Gazprom, especially against the background of a difficult financial and economic situation at the company," she said in emailed comments.

She said as part of the experiment, Rosneft could supply gas to markets where Gazprom is not present and where U.S. LNG could be imported. Rusakova did not identify any such European countries.

"Of course, this should be done in close coordination with Gazprom, in order to avoid competition between Russian gas suppliers."

Gazprom is targeting $32 billion to $34 billion in revenue from exporting more than 180 bcm to Europe and Turkey this year. Rosneft produced almost 70 bcm of gas last year, earning 208 billion roubles ($3.5 billion) from gas sales at home.

NEW MARKETS

Rosneft, like Novatek, is winning some of Gazprom's clients at home thanks to a more flexible gas pricing policy. It is also eyeing Asian markets and plans to build an LNG plant in Russia's far east.

The company wants to export gas to China, where Gazprom plans to start shipping gas in 2019-2021 via the Power of Siberia pipeline, currently under construction. It also wants access to China's domestic gas market and end-users via swap deals.

"There are significant gas resources in Russia's east, while no infrastructure has been built. And that's why we are interested in gaining access to the future Power of Siberia pipeline," Rusakova said.

Gazprom Chief Executive Officer Alexei Miller, however, said it had no plans to allow other companies to ship gas via the pipeline.

"Gazprom is not involved in such talks. The conditions, which are stipulated in the contract signed as part of the intergovernmental agreement with China, are such that all the gas volumes in Power of Siberia belong to Gazprom," he said at a conference on Friday.

But Miller also said Gazprom may allow a Russian company to enter the Baltic LNG project, due to be launched in 2023.

Rosneft plans to produce 100 bcm of gas per year by 2020 and become the world's third-largest producer of natural gas sometime later, thanks to a number of international projects.

Last year, Rosneft agreed to buy a stake of up to 35 percent in Egypt's Zohr offshore gas field from Italy's Eni. The Russian company also plans to expand in gas projects elsewhere, including Mozambique and Venezuela.

Rusakova said Rosneft and Venezuelan state company PDVSA may consider building an LNG plant in Venezuela.

($1 = 59.3765 roubles)

(Additional reporting by Oksana Kobzeva; writing by Vladimir Soldatkin and Jack Stubbs; editing by Dale Hudson and David Clarke)

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Leading domestic carrier IndiGo has expressed its interest to buy out Air India's flight operations, particularly international services, as the airline looks to spread its wings overseas.

The letter from IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh was sent to Minister of Civil Aviation Gajapathi Raju soon after the Cabinet yesterday gave its in-principle approval for the consideration of Air India's disinvestment.

"Kindly treat this letter as our expression of interest in acquiring the international airline operations of Air India and Air India Express. Alternatively, we are equally interested in acquiring all of the airline operations of Air India and Air India Express," Ghosh said in the letter.

IndiGo is the market leader in the domestic aviation sector with a share of little over 41 per cent.

In a separate letter to IndiGo staff, Ghosh said its interest in Air India was primarily in its international operations.

"Without our domestic feed network, it just does not make sense to embark on this journey and if we do go down this path, it would require significant restructuring of the acquired operations.

"In that journey, we are not going to take on debts and liabilities that could not be supported by the new restructured operations," he said.

Referring to IndiGo's interest in Air India, Ghosh also asserted that it would not embark on the journey if it was not profitable and did not add value to the employees, customers and shareholders.

The low-cost carrier currently services seven international destinations, most of which are in the Middle- East. These include Sharjah, Muscat, Dubai, Doha, apart from Singapore, Bangkok and Kathmandu.

The national carrier has a much wider global presence with its reach across destinations in Europe, Asia, Australia, the US and the Middle-East.

"IndiGo has written a letter with an unsolicited expression of interest (EOI) in the divestment procedure of Air India," Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said earlier in the day.

"Many other private players, both domestic and international, have approached us. The first formal expression of interest is from IndiGo," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha told the media here.

Top officials said the government's decision to look at ways to privatise the airline was in line with its efforts in the past two years for a turnaround of Air India.

The Air India has a debt of Rs 52,000 crore and is surviving on a bailout package of Rs 30,000 crore approved in 2012.

"The present management has been able to bring about a turnaround in the airline. From Rs 105 crore operating profit in 2016, Air India is now at an unaudited operational profit of Rs 220 crore," Choubey said.

He said its losses were down from Rs 3,900 crore to Rs 3,300 crore.

"Now there is an airline worth looking at and it is a cash positive airline operationally. Once we handle the issue of debt it is a valuable airline," Choubey said.

If IndiGo has approached the government "post-haste", it means the market sees it as an asset of tremendous value, Choubey added.

As the group of ministers prepares Air India's future plans inputs from various stakeholders, including former civil aviation ministers, would be sought.

The Cabinet has decided to form an Air India-specific Alternative Mechanism headed by the finance minister and including the civil aviation minister and others.

It will look into five terms of references which include the treatment of unsustainable debts of Air India, hiving off certain assets to a shell company and de-merger and strategic disinvestment of three profit-making subsidiaries.

It will also decide on the quantum of disinvestment in Air India and the universe of bidders.

Meanwhile, Ghosh, in his letter to the minister, emphasised that over time government policies in the country have "allowed disproportionate access to airlines of some of the city states in the Middle East and South East Asia" resulting massive hubs being created by these airlines at the expense of India.
FILE PHOTO

LOGAN  Utah State Universitys Aviation Maintenance Program has already built a reputation at graduating quality aviation maintenance technicians. Ken White, dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, believes that reputation will only increase, especially thanks to a new partnership with Delta Airlines.

The programs partnership with Delta, one of the worlds largest commercial airlines will provide USU students with additional training and top-of-the-line equipment. It will start immediately.

White said Delta was very selective about choosing which institution to select for partnerships.

We were clearly on their radar screen, they were contacting us, he said. They initiated it, evaluated all the components of our program, felt that it met the standards they were looking for and have obviously seen the quality of the graduates and the students participating in the program.

{{tncms-asset app=editorial id=2e9be312-5d18-11e7-b25d-c3da59c24259}}

Part of the partnership, according to White, will be additional funding and equipment from Delta.

Theyll provide resources to give our students experience with the most up-to-date engines and mechanical components that are on aircraft, he said.

White said the partnership is Deltas way of ensuring there are a sufficient number of high-quality aviation maintenance technicians to meet future demands. He said USU is one of just 32 programs selected, and the only one in Utah.

He called it an open pipeline to jobs with Delta.

They see the tremendous need they have for highly-trained mechanics in the coming years, White said. They are highly-selective of the programs, how students are going to learn and how they are going to be trained.
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- Senate Republicans Thursday all-member lunch was the last opportunity for the conference to discuss health care together before the July recess, and they dont seem anywhere near an agreement.



Led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Republicans have zeroed in on a few new proposals intended to get holdouts on board with the health care bill, but none of the options appear to be enough to get anyone from a "no" vote to a "yes" vote. In fact, some of the provisions could turn off members who currently support the bill.



"It's hard to predict exactly where this thing is going to end up, said Sen. Susan Collins, who remains opposed to the bill.



There are a few new items that are in the mix as possible additions to the original bill: An extra $45 billion or more in additional funding for opioid treatments as well as a proposal to keep some of the Obamacare taxes, including one on the investments of wealthy individuals and couples.



Some conservatives are also advocating for a proposal from Sen. Ted Cruz that would allow insurance companies to offer cheaper health care plans that dont include essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act.



But some senators interviewed by ABC News before and after the lunch expressed skepticism that any of these items individually could get holdouts on board, and others expressed outright hostility to some of the ideas.



One Republican senator said the additional opioid funding was the only new proposal that members agree on. But Sen. Rob Portman, whose home state of Ohio has been especially hard hit by the opioid crisis and who does want more funding for treatment, said earlier through a spokesperson that this provision alone wouldnt be enough to get him to support the bill.



This is just one of several asks, a Portman spokesperson said.



Some moderate Republicans are amenable to keeping some Obamacare taxes on wealthier Americans in order to avoid passing new laws that appear to be tax cuts for the rich. But Sen. John Thune, a member of Senate leadership, acknowledged that there are "probably a few senators who would drop their support of the bill if those taxes stayed in place.



And while Cruzs amendment on insurance plans is picking up steam with the conservative wing of the conference, some moderates fear it could mar insurance coverage pools, which depend on healthy people buying comprehensive plans in order to help lower costs for all who buy in.



Until somebody endorses the Patient Freedom Act, I dont think its really serious, said Sen. Bill Cassidy, referring to Cruzs proposal. He also noted that it might not meet some of the procedural requirements needed to pass bills under the rules of budget reconciliation, which only require a 51-vote threshold.



McConnell had said he wanted to submit changes to the Congressional Budget Office by Friday in order to allow the office time to analyze the bills updated budgetary impact. But as they were walking into their lunch, where Vice President Mike Pence stopped by, Republicans were speaking in such esoteric terms that it seemed they were less narrowing the terms of a deal and more engaging in an intellectual exercise.



I hope [Cruz] and others keep coming up with interesting ideas. Ive got a lot of them myself, Sen. Orrin Hatch told reporters.



A lot of moving parts, added Portman.



Pence also continued his one-on-one shuttle diplomacy, meeting with skeptics such as Collins, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Sen. Ted Cruz. But at least one of the members he met with was still a "no" by Thursday afternoon.



I did not, Collins said when asked if she heard anything in the lunch that would persuade her to vote in favor of the bill.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
| BY Lynchy |

On the first day of Lions Innovation at Cannes Lions 2017, Keat Soh, Executive Creative Director at Dentsu Indonesia (pictured), raised eyebrows by going against the grain.

His talk, Lo-tech to No-tech: Cutting-edge Innovation from an Emerging Economy, was in stark contrast with the other speakers who were espousing the latest technologies.

With limited resources in Indonesia, Soh is an advocate of frugal innovation: innovation with little or no technology, or little or no money. Dentsu Indonesias distinctive body of work bears testimony to this fact.

In a country with one of the worst diabetes problems in the world, Dentsu Indonesia helped Topli Tissues create DiabeTest, a cheaper alternative to expensive blood tests. To know if you could have diabetes, you only need to wipe your eyes with tissue paper coated with a special enzyme. DiabeTest for Topli Tissues

In a country that witnessed the worst man-made environmental disaster in history, Dentsu Indonesia helped Forest Guardians Indonesia install motion sensor speakers that blared the sounds of ghosts. This scared off superstitious firestarters, the primary culprit of the haze problem, before they could burn the forests down. Ghosts for Forest Guardians Indonesia

In a country with a fake news problem, Dentsu Indonesia helped Safe News Indonesia detect hoaxes. By harnessing Waze, a road traffic app popular with Indonesians for real-time traffic info, it tapped into a motoring community who report regularly on what they see in real time. If there were no witnesses to suspicious news on Waze, Safe News Indonesia know the news wasnt real. Real Time Safe News for Safe News Indonesia

In a country with a child abuse problem, Dentsu Indonesia, together with the Mothers Wing Foundation, introduced the Guardian Bird, a mynah that followed adopted children home. As the bird is verbally able to repeat what it hears, it helped identify families who may be guilty of child abuse. Guardian Bird for Mothers Wing Foundation

Soh also came up with lessons in frugal innovation. He talked about being cheaper than cheap and coming up with Third World solutions to First World problems. Instead of letting red tape get in the way, he recommended hacking the system and looking east because the west isnt the best. Just as importantly, he believed in being cheeky in the face of all the problems of the world, because having tongue in cheek is the best defence against grimness and despair.

Asked what he thought of Cannes Lions, Soh said it was inspiring and most of all, humbling. You are reminded at every turn that brilliance is everywhere else. And because of this, you need to up your game. Mediocrity is not an option.
Overall, children in the 10 suburbs with the most educational disadvantage, measured on a range of domains, had a non-attendance rate of 10.4 per cent. The non-attendance rate in the top 10 suburbs was measured at 5.5 per cent.
This is of a one with the view of the union representing ACT public servants which insists that it takes "corruption and misconduct very seriously and supports efforts to prevent" it, because it "compromises the work of CPSU members who take pride in the work they do." Although it thinks such a commission should be well staffed (presumably by CPSU members), it wants it be under very strict controls so that due process is ensured, to have default private hearings "to ensure fairness", to have no power to make findings, and to have to steer clear of any of the existing integrity frameworks, which apparently work very well indeed.
Mr Joyce has ruled out moving further the Tax Office staff, as well as the departments of Treasury and Finance from Canberra. Figures provided to Senate estimates show Canberra is currently home to more than 85 per cent of staff at the department of Infrastructure, a portfolio overseen by Senator Nash and fellow Nationals' minister Darren Chester.
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.
An official notification has been released from TNPSC for candidates belonging to Tamilnadu. The admissions have opened for Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) Dehradun for July 2018 term.

Eligibility

The candidates (boys only) whose parents or guardians reside in Tamil Nadu are eligible.

Candidates must either be studying in Class VII or passed Class VII from any recognised School, at the time of admission to the RIMC.

Age

Applicants must not have attained 13 years as on 1 July 2018 and must not be less than 11.5 years.

Dates to remember

The last date to submit the application is 30 September 2017

Qualifying exam for the admission will be held on 1 and 2 December 2017

Those candidates who qualify the written exam can attend the interview scheduled on 5 April 2018

'Minimum pass marks in each paper including interview will be 50%,' reads the official notification.

The official notification has been released by Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC). Details can be found at tnpsc.gov.in.

Exam Pattern

Written Test: The written test will comprise of questions from English, Mathematics and General Knowledge. Except English, other papers will be bilingual.

Interview will assess the intelligence, personality, etc of the candidates.

How to apply for Rashtriya Indian Military College Admissions 2018?

Prospectus and application form can be obtained through speed post from the "The Commandant, Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, PIN 248 003." by sending a written request with a Demand Draft to the Value of Rs.600 (Rs.555 for SC/ST candidates) along with caste certificates drawn in favour of "The Commandant, R I M C, Dehradun", payable at State Bank of India -Tel. Bhavan Branch, Dehradun (Code - 01576).

Indian Army Recruitment: Apply For Territorial Army Posts
After the protests against NEET, the Tamilnadu medical college admissions will now stave it off through reservation for state board quota. According to this reservation, 85% of the Tamilnadu MBBS and BDS seats be allocated for state board quota and the rest 15% for the other board school graduates.

Citing discrimination, some petitioners, requested the Madras High Court to stay the order and allow equal allocation of seats for all the candidates who had cleared NEET. The petitioners submitted that the allocation of seats in medical colleges on the basis of the Board of Education has been frowned upon and quashed by the Supreme Court.

High Court's response to reservation on MBBS seats

However, the Madras High Court today refused to stay a Tamil Nadu government order. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana declined to grant any interim stay on the government's order while hearing a plea by one Darnish Kumar and two others, challenging the June 22 order.

Clarity Sought

The bench, however, issued notices to the Health and Family Welfare Department's secretary, Medical Education's additional director, the Selection Committee's secretary and the Medical Council of India, seeking their stands on the plea by July 5.

NEET 2017 Counselling Schedule Released: Check Now!

Supreme Court order

The Supreme Court has clearly stated that when admission is based on entrance examination NEET, it should make no difference whether the qualifying examination is conducted by the state board or Central Board of Secondary Education because no discrimination can be made between the schools affiliated to both the boards, they submitted.

Petitioner's argument

The petitioners further stated that once a common merit list is prepared for the purpose of grant of admission to MBBS and BDS courses based on NEET results, the only permissible reservation is in favour of students who have studied in schools situated within Tamil Nadu.

Therefore, it is impermissible for distribution of seats on the basis of the school board and therefore such segregation of seats would amount to discrimination among students, he added.

Medical Colleges List for NEET 2017 Counselling in Tamilnadu and Karnataka Released
While Maserati did reveal the 2018 GranTurismo and GranCabrio in the past days, the Italian car maker had neglected to release a full gallery of the new model; until now.



So feast your eyes on the new Italian GT that insists on using an old-school naturally aspirated V8 which produces the kind of music we like, as well as 460hp at 7,000rpm and 520Nm of peak torque at 4,750rpm.

The visual changes are subtle but necessary as the car has been around since 2007, with the company taking inspiration from the beautiful Alfieri concept.

This means that the 2018 GranTurismo and its topless sibling, the GranCabrio, now feature a new sharknose hexagonal grille, lower air ducts and a redesigned rear bumper among other smaller revisions.

One of the highlights of the facelift is the interior, which now features a modern 8.4-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a redesigned lower console and the ever-gorgeous Poltrona Frau leather seats.

Have a look at the gallery below and tell us what you think on the comments.

PHOTO GALLERY
While the PSA Group is committed to developing Level 3 hands off autonomous vehicles, it will happen while other automakers suggest they will move directly to Levels 4 and 5.



One of the main issues with Level 3 is the handoff time needed for the vehicle to relinquish control back to the driver. PSA has already tested a self-driving car in order to see if the driver is able to take back control in diverse circumstances, with positive results.

According to PSA exec, Cedric Vivien, the company will continue their plans for Level 3 features, while also learning from our customers to improve the systems in the future.

In the near future though, it will be the new DS7 Crossback that will allow buyers to enjoy Level 2 autonomous features such as Connected Pilot, which monitors the cars position within its lane, as well as the DS Park Pilot.

Level 3 hands off systems will arrive on PSA Group cars only after 2020, followed by Level 4 (mind off) and Level 5 (driverless), both after 2025. Until then, the French company will continue testing prototypes like the autonomous Peugeot 3008 crossovers driving around Singapore.

As for liability, thats just one of the pressing issues for the PSA Group, who is taking a measured approach saying they support efforts by UNECE to develop a black box data recorder that could determine who was in control of the car at the time of an accident, as reported by Autonews.

Rival automakers such as Volvo have gone in a separate direction, stating they will take full responsibility in such scenarios.

PHOTO GALLERY
Chinese authorities blocked Liu Jians comedic neo-noir Have A Nice Day (Hao ji le) from screening at Annecy earlier this month, but the film has now been picked up for distribution in the United States by Strand Releasing.

Strand plans to place the film into U.S. theaters sometime this fall. It marks one of the more significant animated film acquisitions for the art house film distributor, which has released few animated titles in its 28-year history.

Earlier this year, Have A Nice Day became the first Chinese animated feature to screen in competition at the Berlin Film Festival, and has subsequently traveled on the festival circuit, screening at Holland Animation Film Festival, Seattle Intl Film Festival, Neuchatel Int Fantastic Film Festival, and Animafest Zagreb.
Photo: Contributed Grace McNee is riding from Coast to Coast in honour of her friend.

When Grace McNee lost one of her closest friends, she knew she had to do something in her honour.

So she decided to ride from coast to coast to raise money for Independent Living Nova Scotia.

Last November, McNee's close friend, Sarah Dube, died of muscular dystrophy. Although McNee was originally hired as a caregiver, the two became fast friends.

Dube lived independently so when she passed away, McNee decided to raise money to support independent living facilities in Nova Scotia, where Dube is from and where McNee has lived for the past several years.

Despite her physical challenges, McNee said Dube managed to live at home and had earned a masters degree.

She had many passions, from travel to philosophy, to the environment, to animal rights, and many more, too numerous to count," said McNee. "I learned a lot from her and she has inspired me to tackle the trek across Canada by bicycle. Nothing was ever too much for Sarah, and she never let her disability define her."

Dube was a strong believer in the importance of independent living, and chaired the board of Independent Living Nova Scotia (ILNS).

To raise money, McNee has launched a Canada Helps page where she is accepting donations for ILNS.

McNee hopes to end her ride in St. Johns, N.L., by mid September.

McNee was in Vernon Thursday and will now work her way through the Shuswap before heading east on the Trans Canada Highway.
Photo: Contributed A truck was fully engulfed in flames south of Armstrong on Highway 97A Thursday evening.

A truck was completely destroyed north of Vernon Thursday evening, when it caught fire on the side of Highway 97A.

The truck was fully engulfed in flames on the highway in between Armstrong and Vernon just after 6 p.m.

The cause of the fire is unknown and while it doesn't appear to have been involved in a collision, it's unclear if anyone was injured.

The Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department attended the scene.

Castanet will have more information as it becomes available.
UPDATE: 3:30 p.m.

Fire Chief Larry Watkinson says investigators are looking into the cause of the fire, which has been deemed suspicious.

The blaze displaced 15 people, who will be housed for a few nights by Emergency Social Services. The fire was contained to one suite, but travelled up and and out horizontally throughout the building

There were no serious injuries, with a two people being treated for minor smoke inhalation.

UPDATE: 2:40 p.m.

The Penticton Fire Department is mopping up a large fire at the Highland Motel in Penticton.

The blaze broke out around 1:30 p.m., forcing all the occupants out of the building with luggage in tow. The motel was recently sold, and tenants had been given until the end of the month to vacate.

Penticton RCMP were forced to set up a perimeter around the motel, with some tenants attempting to re-enter the building to save their belongings. The fire appeared to originate in a single suite, but spread into other parts of the building.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.

ORIGINAL: 2 p.m.

Penticton firefighters are fighting a fire at the Highland Motel at 1140 Burnaby Avenue.

There were initial reports that people were being evacuated and some were running into the building to retrieve their belongings.

The motel was recently sold with all tenants given until the end of the month to leave.

- with files from Colin Dacre
Mandel Ngan/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Congressional investigators want to interview Keith Schiller, President Donald Trump's longtime bodyguard-turned-White House aide, as part of their probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, sources familiar with the investigation told ABC News.



Schiller, now the White House director of Oval Office operations, has been by the presidents side for nearly two decades. Schiller got his start with Trump during his days as a real estate mogul back in the 1990s.



If not often heard, Schiller is often seen by the presidents side -- a visible and regular presence and trusted insider.



His start

Long before arriving at the White House, and before he worked for Trump, Schiller was a New York City police officer.



And it was then, as a detective for the NYPD, that Schiller first encountered Trump at the Manhattan District Attorneys office in the late 1990s.



Schiller would go on to join the Trump organization as a part-time bodyguard and would eventually rise through the ranks to the role of head of security at the organization.



Campaign

And when Trump transitioned from media mogul to presidential candidate, Schiller became a visible presence on the campaign trail.



He was swept up in headlines when he was caught in the middle of a heated press conference confrontation between Trump and Univision reporter Jorge Ramos.



At Trump's urging, Schiller stepped in and physically escorted Ramos out of the room after the reporter repeatedly questioned Trump about his immigration plan.



Schiller also stole headlines for punching a protester outside of Trump Tower in another physical altercation caught on camera during the campaign.



White House

Since coming to the White House, Schiller has assumed an elevated role as the director of Oval Office operations and has a desk located just outside the Oval Office.



He is regularly seen by the presidents side when he goes out in public and was part of a limited delegation that was invited to join the president in meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican.



The president sent Schiller along with his son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner when he visited Iraq in April with former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster.



And when the president made the decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, it was Schiller who was tasked with hand-delivering the letter to FBI headquarters.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Five Minutes With Damien Geter Audio Article Vocalist, composer and Richmond Symphony artist in residence Damien Geters musical roots sprouted when he was a boy in the Matoaca District of Chesterfield County, where he was raised and...
Customers wait at the pharmacy counter of a Walgreen Co. store in Oak Park in 2011. (Bloomberg file photo)

Stefano Pessina, CEO of Deerfield-based Walgreens Boots Alliance, has his share of corporate concerns but his company being attacked by online retailing giant Amazon isn't one of them.

Not yet, at least.

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Pessina, on a quarterly call with investors Thursday, dismissed the probability of Amazon quickly expanding into the pharmacy market like it's doing in supermarkets with its $14.6 billion bid for Whole Foods.

Some investment analysts have predicted Amazon soon will swoop down on retail pharmacies and disrupt them the same way it's rattled the traditional store- and mall-based world.

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Pessina may be one of the few corporate CEOs to openly shake off the mighty Amazon. When asked about the Seattle-based concern's possible entry, Pessina's answer wasn't glib but analytical  providing an industry assessment that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos might find valuable.

"I don't believe Amazon will be interested in the near future, in the next few years," Pessina said. "They have so many opportunities around the world, and in many other categories, which are much, much simpler than health care, which is a very regulated business."

Pessina knows something about government regulation and its impact on the pharmacy business.

His company's attempt to acquire the East Coast-based Rite Aid chain, which started in October 2015, was thwarted by a drawn-out antitrust probe courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission.

Walgreens called off the deal Thursday and launched a revived buyout for part of Rite Aid, which it hopes will get the regulatory nod. Walgreens intends to acquire 2,186 Rite Aid stores for $5.2 billion.

Despite those expansionary ambitions, Walgreens brass doesn't expect to compete head-to-head with Amazon.

Why not?

Aside from being heavily regulated, Walgreens is in a consolidating industry and making online and other marketing strides that are connecting with customers, Pessina said.

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"So, there is not a lot of new things that they could do," he said. "I believe at the end  this will not be their priority."

A native of Italy who's reportedly worth about $12 billion, Pessina's own priority is to quickly put the failed Rite Aid bid behind Walgreens and get on with the next phase of the company's expansion.

Oddly enough, it looks like Walgreens won't be penalized by investors for the aborted Rite Aid purchase.

You'd think shareholders would be angry at the extended amount of time and resources that went into trying to make the deal happen. Walgreens also is paying a $325 million breakup fee to Rite Aid.

But Wall Street had given up on the buyout before it was officially dead.

Something else that will appease shareholders: Excess cash that would have been plowed into the original Rite Aid acquisition will be redirected into a $5 billion stock repurchasing effort, which comes on top of a $1 billion buyback.

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Pessina's team will concentrate over the next few years on improving Walgreens' stores and profits, he added.

That means building up what it calls "beauty, health and wellness" products, touting more in-house brands and sprucing up stores to make them easier for customers to navigate.

Walgreens, harboring a strong balance sheet, has the firepower to make these changes in an industry with dogged competitors including CVS and Walmart.

Still, you never know, Amazon may take a run at the pharmacy business.

If it does, Pessina is prepared for that eventuality too.

"We wouldn't exclude to partner with them," he said.

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roreed@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @reedtribbiz
After a retail group and several grocers filed a lawsuit, a judge put a temporary hold on Cook County's soda tax, which was set to go into effect on Saturday. Above, shoppers browse the soda aisle at Pete's Fresh Market in Chicago. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

A judge on Friday put Cook County's penny-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages on hold at least until July 12. It was set to go into effect Saturday.

The ruling by Circuit Judge Daniel Kubasiak to grant a temporary restraining order came days after the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and several grocers filed a lawsuit against the Cook County Department of Revenue seeking to block the tax, which they argue is unconstitutional and too vague.

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In recent days, a common sight at stores was consumers loading their grocery carts with soda and other beverages, stockpiling items that would be subject to a tax. Retailers outside Cook County mentioned the tax in their advertising.

County officials have said the tax is needed to pay for services and will improve the public's health over time.

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How long the temporary restraining order remains in place, and whether the judge later decides to permanently block the tax on a wide variety of sugar- and artificially sweetened beverages, will determine how much the county will have to adjust its budget.

This year, the operating budget calls for spending $4.4 billion. Of that, about $67.5 million was to come from the beverage tax. That's less than $17 million a month, based on the four months of beverage taxes the county expected to flow into its coffers during the remainder of its fiscal year.

Next year, the county had planned to collect $200.6 million from the tax. Without that money, significant spending cuts would be likely  unless the county raised other taxes or fees.

"The court is fully aware of the importance of the tax to defendant's budget," Kubasiak wrote in his ruling. "However, the court believes it is necessary to maintain the status quo to protect the interests of all consumers, all taxpayers" and the affected merchants.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said she was disappointed and planned to ask the appellate court to vacate the temporary restraining order.

"Revenue from the tax is critical to both balancing our fiscal year 2017 budget and development of our fiscal year 2018 budget," she said in a statement. Preckwinkle said she has asked the finance department to look at "all options to compensate for the revenue that would have been generated by the tax," including job cuts.

The county will "continue to aggressively defend our ordinance," she said.

Preparing for the soda tax has been a time-consuming process for Chicago grocery chain Pete's Fresh Market, which was still testing the tax's implementation on its check-out system Friday afternoon when word of the judge's ruling came down.

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"It's a relief," said Vanessa Dremonas, executive officer for the family-owned chain, which has 11 of its 12 stores in Cook County.

Dremonas said getting ready for the tax on the eve of the busy July 4 weekend was "a little tricky," but not implementing it will be relatively easy. "It's all set up and ready to go, but we needed to push it through for (Saturday). So we just won't push it through," she said.

Getting ready for the soda tax required more than updating the checkout system, Dremonas said, citing a "trickle down" effect that touched everything from signage and advertising to Instacart grocery delivery.

The temporary restraining order means that the county can't impose the sweetened beverage tax until at least July 12, when a hearing is scheduled on the preliminary injunction.

Whether the tax is unconstitutional will be taken up at a later date.

The retailers have argued that, under the Illinois Constitution, similar objects should be taxed uniformly. Under the sweetened beverage tax, drinks in a bottle or from a fountain machine are taxable. But on-demand, custom-sweetened beverages, such as those mixed by a server or barista, aren't subject to the tax. Also exempt: purchases made with food stamps.

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David Ruskin, the lawyer representing the retailers, told the judge at a Thursday hearing that a temporary restraining order was needed because there currently isn't a system in place for the thousands of consumers who would be due refunds, should the tax be found to be unconstitutional. That would make retailers vulnerable to class-action lawsuits by consumers.

The county had argued that if the tax is found unconstitutional, dollars collected could be refunded  which means that there would be no irreparable harm.

But it was the retailers' argument, not the county's, that appeared to resonate with the judge.

On Thursday, the judge wondered about the process by which consumers could claim refunds if the tax is thrown out, including whether they'd have to have kept their receipts.

In his Friday ruling, Kubasiak said the county's "proposal for the refund of taxes" in the event that the tax is struck down "does not provide a reasonable procedure to return the collected money to the taxpayers," he wrote. The retailers will be "irreparably harmed" if the tax goes into effect but is later found unconstitutional because they'd be unlikely to recoup what were "greatly increased administrative and overhead costs," the judge said.

Kubasiak also said that the retailers "have persuaded the court that a fair question exists as to the constitutionality of the sweetened beverage tax."

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Hal Dardick contributed

byerak@chicagotribune.com

rchannick @chicagotribune.com

Twitter @beckyyerak

Twitter @RobertChannick
The La Grange Elementary District 102 Board has hired a new principal for Congress Park School in Brookfield.

Claudia Jimenez, former principal of Columbus West School in Cicero District 99, will begin her new role on July 31 at a $118,000 annual salary.

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She is filling a vacancy left by Terry Dutton, who served as Congress Park's principal for the past five years. Dutton left to pursue interests, said Stephanie Fordice, commuications coordinator for the district.

Jimenez was selected after an interview process that included parents, staff and administrators.

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Superintendent Kyle Schumacher said Jimenez's background, commitment to parent and community involvement and dedication to student learning will be an asset to the Congress Park community.

"Mrs. Jimenez is an experienced educational leader with a strong belief that all children can thrive," said Schumacher.

Jimenez has spent her entire career in Cicero Elementary District 99 and served as the principal of Columbus West School since 2010. She also was principal of Roosevelt School from 2006 through 2010.

In District 99, Jimenez piloted a bilingual education program, was a member of the district-level dual language committee, worked in collaboration with the district's leadership team and assisted in the development of common assessments in both English and Spanish. She also developed an informal observation tool to assist in the implementation of a schoolwide literacy framework.

Jimenez was first employed in District 99 in 2000 in the role of school social worker. She began her career as a bilingual kindergarten teacher at Wilson School in 1997.

She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in social work. She earned her administrative certificate at Lewis University in 2003.

She is looking forward to building new relationships with the Congress Park School community, and working to meet students' needs. She also looks forward to the implementation of a dual language program at the school next year.

"I have always been passionate about dual language programs and their success with developing biliteracy skills in students and overall student achievement," she said.

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She is a resident of Chicago and is fluent in Spanish. Jimenez and her husband, Derrick, have one daughter.

amannion@chicagotribune.com

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The dog days of summer are here, starts nearly every story on pet-friendly dining. I don't mean to sound rough, but those writers are barking up the wrong tree, meteorologically speaking. I'm here to talk about where to eat with your dog, not about steaming like Chicago-style hot dogs.

Stop cringing; I'm done. On to the matter at hand: Where to eat when your dog is part of your party? In the following guide to pup-friendly patios, I focus on what I call "destination dog dining," that is, restaurants that are great for dogs and their humans. (Give the dog free bacon, but my burger is awful? Off the list.) I looked only at restaurants that serve food outside, not just drinks; and that offer table service or a walk-up window, so you don't have to leave your dog tied up unattended. I preferred off-street patios and yards, since sidewalks often pack seating so tight.

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If you're OK with less ideal conditions, our list of more than 130 outdoor dining spots notes dozens of patios that allow dogs. Allowing dogs and being dog-friendly, however, are different things. The 10 patios below will truly welcome your little (or big) fur ball.

After weeks of dogged reporting (OK, now I'm done) with my dog, Kol, adopted from PAWS Chicago last year, I strongly recommend bringing a travel water bowl for your dog. Even with water bowls available at restaurants, there are not always enough to go around. Plus, since ground cover includes sidewalk cement and patio gravel, if possible, bring a beach towel or picnic blanket for your dog's comfort and so he or she is better seen and not stepped on.

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None of these spots take outdoor reservations, and all are open, as you'd imagine, weather permitting.

Big Star

This is the patio around which all of Wicker Park revolves. The massive sidewalk-facing space, with seating for more than 80, is split into two sides. One offers table service, with the restaurant's full menu of tacos, margaritas and more at tables sheltered with yellow market umbrellas. The other has a to-go walk-up window that's a perfect stop during a dog walk. There's plenty of seating (but no booze). Big Star is so dog-friendly it has an Instagram hashtag for four-legged visitors: #dogsofbigstar. 1531 N. Damen Ave., 773-235-4039, www.bigstarchicago.com

Filini

At the stunning, shimmering Studio Gang-designed Aqua Tower, the Italian restaurant and bar inside the Radisson Blu Aqua hotel has a small, sleek and sheltered sidewalk patio in the area called Lakeshore East. It's dog-friendly all day every day, but Wednesdays are BYOD (bring your own dog), with a dog dinner menu offering The Wagging Tail ($6), a grilled boneless chicken breast and chopped carrots; Bad to the Bone Burger ($6), a bacon cheeseburger; and Lost Me Lucky Charms ($5), a helping of meatballs. 221 N. Columbus Drive, 312-477-0234, www.filinichicago.com

Hearth & Market

The mobile pizza-makers have brought their wood-burning oven back to Chicago. Now you and your dog can find them Fridays in a lovely, dog-friendly backyard at the Plant Chicago in the Back of the Yards neighborhood (also Saturdays at the 61st Street farmers market bridging Hyde Park and Woodlawn). Get the breakfast pizza ($17) with a sunny chicken or duck egg when available. Plant Chicago, 1400 W. 46th St.; 61st Street farmers market, 6100 S. Blackstone Ave.; 312-402-3886; www.hearthmarket.com

Jim's Original

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The classic Maxwell Street-style stand in the University of Illinois at Chicago neighborhood is open 24/7 with a walk-up window only, a stainless steel counter for you and a wide sidewalk for your dog. Get the Polish sausage or pork chop sandwich, but remember to keep the onions and bones away from Rover. 1250 S. Union Ave., 312-733-7820, www.jimsoriginal.com

Mott St

A side patio with fencing that shields you and your dog from perpetually busy Ashland Avenue offers spacious seating for nearly 70, some of it covered. Go for Asian-inspired comfort food, usually dinner-only, but thankfully now Sunday brunch too. 1401 N. Ashland Ave., 773-687-9977, www.mottstreetchicago.com

Nellcote

The always-dog-friendly sidewalk cafe at the Italian-influenced restaurant hosts Bone Appetit weekend happy hours. Offering pizzas, drink specials and complimentary dog treats, BA donates a percentage of sales to Mission Compassion Paw, a local nonprofit dog rescue and humanitarian organization. 833 W. Randolph St., 312-432-0500, www.nellcoterestaurant.com

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 6 Dogs and their owners enjoy perfect summer weather June 25 on the patio of Park & Field at 3509 W. Fullerton Ave. in Chicago. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune )

Park & Field

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This is a former auto shop transformed into a vintage sports-styled 6,000-square-foot front yard wonderland where Logan Square nears Hermosa. You and your dog will explore the bocce ball court and fire pit before you take a seat at a picnic table. The restaurant recently hosted a Bark & Field fundraiser for One Tail at a Time dog rescue with adorable adoptable dogs. 3509 W. Fullerton Ave., 765-426-6657, www.parkandfieldchicago.com

Parson's

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Red-and-white-striped umbrellas beckon guests to the big backyard at Parson's, the house of chicken, fish and Negroni slushies. An outdoor host will show you to seating for more than 250 at picnic tables, the outdoor bar or benches around the fire pit. The vibe may be casual, but the service is exceptional, including water bowls served to every dog. 2952 W. Armitage Ave., 773-384-3333, www.parsonschickenandfish.com

The Promontory

The aroma of smoking wood will lure you to the dramatic loftlike back patio at The Promontory in Hyde Park. Completely sheltered by a deck above, the space has floor-to-ceiling windows that look into the inside bar and dining room. This patio is open and airy, but ringed with greenery for privacy. Your dog will also appreciate the comfort of wide plank flooring below. 5311 South Lake Park Ave. West, 312-801-2100, www.promontorychicago.com/restaurant/hearth

Superdawg

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"Hiya!" Hot-dog statues Maurie and Flaurie and family welcome you and your dog at the original Norwood Park drive-in and second location in Wheeling. Dine in the comfort of your own vehicle or at one of the blue picnic tables. In the city, they're on the sidewalk, but in the suburbs you'll find them overlooking the beautiful forest preserve. 6363 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-763-0660; 333 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, 847-459-1900; www.superdawg.com

lchu@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @louisachu
A casual game of cornhole on the Chicago Riverwalk to celebrate their one-month anniversary quickly turned into an argument between Chicagoans Anthony D'Amico and Ashley Petta on Thursday's episode of "Married at First Sight."

"I haven't played in a long time, so I was just like preparing (D'Amico), like I could be horrible and I don't want to look like a fool," Petta said as she repeatedly missed the target.

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D'Amico, a West Town marketing executive, told Petta to relax. In their monthlong marriage, D'Amico has been trying to get Petta to step out of her comfort zone.

"I took a risk on 'Married at First Sight' and this is a battle I'm going to be picking with her because I play bags. I do crazy things sometimes. Guess what? I'm not going to change," D'Amico said.

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The two other couples on the Lifetime network series were also shown celebrating their one-month anniversaries on Thursday's episode. Nate Duhon and Sheila Downs brought their drama to Galena, while Barrington couple Danielle DeGroot and Cody Knapek dined at home and walked along the Chicago River.

Some notable moments from the episode:

>> While at dinner in Galena, Duhon told Downs he had considered living in a garage to save money. That revelation didn't seem to please Downs, who ignored Duhon as they later walked through downtown Galena. Duhon confronted her, but she didn't want to fight on camera. "So this is what you want for TV, great," she said. "I'm not doing this." A producer snapped back, "Stop with the TV thing. It's not, it's not what we want."

>> After teasing that Knapek and DeGroot were finally going to consummate their marriage, they were shown...eating s'mores instead. "There's a lot of comfort in knowing I have Danielle in my corner, but it's tough because physically there's like no romance, or not a lot," Knapek said.

Season 5 of "Married at First Sight" has hit the halfway mark. The three couples have about a month left to decide if they will stay together or get divorced. The series, which airs 8 p.m. Thursdays, was filmed in the fall.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
From tiny and gross to huge and terrifying, all sorts of living things can wreck your day in the sun. Here are some things to watch for and ways to protect yourself.

Jellyfish

All stings hurt; some can be deadly

The oceans contain thousands of types of jellyfish, ranging from one-millimeter specks to giants with tentacles more than 100 feet long. Stings are common: According to a 2008 National Science Foundation report, about 500,000 people are stung in the Chesapeake Bay every year and another 200,000 in Florida.

Avoid em: Keep an eye out for jellyfish in the water, and definitely dont pick up that colorful, balloonlike thing on the sand  it could be a venomous jellyfish cousin called a Portuguese man-of-war. If youre stung, rinse with seawater and remove spines with tweezers or the edge of a credit card. Contrary to that Friends episode, urinating on a jellyfish sting can make it worse.

Microorganisms

Effects range from annoying stomach trouble to life-threatening infections

You are more likely to be attacked by a microscopic marauder than by anything with teeth or a stinger. Some bacteria, viruses and parasites survive and even thrive in a warm, salty environments.

Avoid em: Keep perishable food cool. Dont swim at the beach if youre sick or if you have an open wound or a weakened immune system. Dont swallow seawater, dont put your hands in your mouth after touching sand, and shower after you leave the beach. You can check water quality reports. (Warning: The wonky interface requires a bit of patience.)

 E. coli, norovirus and Cryptosporidium can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems.

 Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA can cause serious infections.

 Salmonella may multiply in your picnic basket if food isnt kept cold.

 Vibrio vulnificus (a.k.a. flesh-eating bacteria) kills about 100 people per year.

Sea lice

Irritating rash is seldom harmful

Sea lice are not insects but baby thimble jellyfish. They ride warm ocean currents to tropical beaches such as in Florida and the Caribbean and get trapped in swimmers suits or hair. The friction causes their stinging cells to fire. The result is seabathers eruption, an extremely itchy, acnelike rash.

Avoid em: Dont swim in a billowy T-shirt, which can easily trap sea lice. After swimming, remove your suit and shower as soon as possible.

Stingrays

Injuries are very painful but rarely fatal

Signs that tell waders to do the stingray shuffle are not a ploy to make tourists look silly. These shark relatives often lie in the sand in shallow water along nearly all U.S. coastlines. Startling or stepping on a stingray can trigger its self-defense mechanism: in many species, a nasty, serrated, venom-injecting tail. About 1,500 people are injured by stingrays in U.S. waters every year, and the attacks are very painful. One or two people die per year when a barb pierces the chest cavity.

Avoid em: Shuffling carefully into the water one foot at a time creates gentle vibrations that alert stingrays to your presence. A sting probably requires a trip to the local emergency room.

Sand flies

Bites are similar to mosquito bites

Sand flies live in sandy areas (including deserts) and feed on their hosts blood, leaving painful, itchy welts and sometimes spreading parasites and disease. They are about one-third the size of mosquitoes and are most active from dusk to dawn. (Other biting beach critters include horseflies, gnats and midges.)

Avoid em: If youre in an infested area, wear insect repellent that contains permethrin, and keep skin covered. If a beach insect bites you, wash the spot as soon as you can, apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling, and try not to scratch.

Sea urchins

Risks include infection and adverse reaction to venom

These relatives of starfish and sand dollars sometimes live in shallow water on rocky or sandy shorelines. Long spines cause easily infected puncture wounds; venom-injecting small spines cause a burning sensation.

Avoid em: Watch where you step in shallow water. If you are stung, remove large spines, try to shave small ones off with a razor, and soak your foot in hot water with Epsom salt to help dissolve spines that remain. Depending on your bodys reaction, you may need medical care.

Stinging coral

Cuts can take a while to heal

Most corals are made up of thousands of individual polyps. Some have sharp skeletons and tentacles with nematocysts (stinging cells) that immobilize prey. Some stinging corals are not corals at all  venomous fire corals, for instance, are hydrozoa, related to jellyfish and anemones. And some sponges sting as well.

Avoid em: No matter how pretty it is, be careful to avoid coral when swimming. If it scrapes your skin, its soft body tissue often sloughs off into the wound, causing a painful burning sensation. Stinging cells must be removed. Some people are sensitive to coral venom and need medical attention.

Catfish

Stings are painful and occasionally cause heart and respiratory problems

Catfish are found in waters around the world. Bony, hollow appendages on their dorsal and pectoral fins can inject venom, causing severe pain, infections and occasionally respiratory and cardiac problems. Other fish can sting as well, such as the invasive lionfish.

Avoid em: Unless you are pulling one off a hook, you are very unlikely to get stung by a catfish. If you do, immerse the affected area in hot water to ease the pain.

Sharks

Shark bites are rare but serious (as if you didnt know that)

As of June 26, sharks have attacked 53 people worldwide this year, killing five, according to TrackingSharks.com. (Of the 23 bitten in U.S. waters, no one has died.) Florida is always the hottest spot for shark bites, but the creatures roam plenty of other places, too. A 16-foot great white named Mary Lee has been cruising the Mid-Atlantic lately.

Avoid em: Swim close to shore, during daylight hours, and preferably in groups. Dont get into the water if youre bleeding or wearing shiny jewelry, as both scream prey! If you see a shark, dont flail but do leave the water as calmly as you can.

Sand fleas

Harmless crustaceans get a bad rep

These pale, clawless crustaceans dont attack humans, but we included them because people incorrectly use the name sand flea to mean sand flies and other biting insects. For instance, the Chigoe flea is often called a sand flea, and it can burrow into your skin and lay eggs. (Icky story here.) Fortunately, Chigoe fleas are rarely found in North America.

Avoid em: No need to avoid the crustaceans, which are often a couple of inches long and make pretty good bait. But if youre barefoot in an area known to have Chigoe fleas, inspect your feet for tiny black spots. Better yet, wear shoes.

Sources: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Florida Department of Health; Florida Museum of Natural History; Orkin; FoodSafety.gov; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Washington State Department of Ecology; Journal of Research in Medical Sciences; Environmental Protection Agency.
In this Feb. 14, 2017, file photo, windmills line Hooge Boezem van de Nederwaard canal at the Unesco World Heritage site in Kinderdijk, Netherlands. (Peter Dejong / AP)

KINDERDIJK, Netherlands  The windmills at Kinderdijk were built in the mid-1700s as a way to clear water from the low-lying landscape of the western Netherlands.

Sometime in the 1950s, the millers and water board members started seeing visitors in sneakers carrying cameras.

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Yep, tourists.

The Dutch embraced the visitors and the Kinderdijk windmills have since become one of the country's most popular tourist destinations while continuing to help manage the Netherlands' ongoing fight to stay above water.

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There are some windmills north of Amsterdam that "were built for the tourists, but we're a historical site where tourists come, so it's the other way around," said Kinderdijk communications manager Peter Paul Klapwijk. "Tourism is a means to uphold our site."

Kinderdijk, which translates to children's dike, lies in the Alblasserwaard polder (land that's been reclaimed from the sea, marshes or river floodplains) at the confluence of the Lek and Noord rivers. The village is in the western portion of the Netherlands, much of which is near or even below sea level.

The lowlands have been prone to flooding through the ages despite the building of canals and dikes, including the 1421 Saint Elisabeth's flood that killed thousands after the dikes broke in several places.

To stem the flooding, the Kinderdijk windmills were built in 1738 and 1740  two earlier than that  to move water from the lower areas to higher spots and into the river.

Nineteen of the original 20 Kinderdijk windmills remain and were named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

And what a sight they are.

Lining the canals that zigzag between the two rivers, the windmills are a striking and iconic glimpse into Dutch history with a modern-day functionality.

The windmills work in conjunction with pumping stations to move water from the lower-lying areas to higher ground and into the river. Of the 19 mills, 16 still have millers who live inside and maneuver the massive sails in the wind.

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For tourists, walkways lead from the visitor center to the mills and boat tours are offered along the canals. Two mills serve as museums, filled with vintage millers' items and photos with ladders to climb through and see the inner works. The mills also are functional, so be prepared to feel the entire building shake when the sails are whipping around in the wind.

About 500,000 people visit the Kinderdijk windmills each year, about 300,000 of buying tickets to take the tours.

Kinderdijk has plans to build a new visitor's center and to refurbish the pumping station with an exhibition about the future of water management with climate change.

___

If You Go...

KINDERDIJK WINDMILLS: Most people visit April to September, but winter  if you can handle the cold  offers a chance to ice skate past the windmills on frozen canals. Tickets: 6.50 euros for a short film and access to the mills. Boat tours also available.

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GETTING THERE: Rotterdam is about a 30-minute drive (or 25 minutes on a water bus) and Amsterdam is roughly an hour's drive.

LODGING: The Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant De Witte Brug in nearby Lekkerkerk is reasonably priced or there are plenty of options in Rotterdam.

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For years, Margaret Frisbie, who runs Friends of the Chicago River, has been a force behind cleaning up the river's main drag. Now she's been named a National River Hero by a big river watch group. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago River is dirty.

Let's start with that blunt fact. There's no pretending that canoeing in its murky waters is the kind of ecstatic rendezvous with nature you'd have shooting rapids in the Rockies.

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But river paddling is also one of the most spectacular things you can do in a Chicago summer, a conclusion I came to the other day after doing it for the first time, and there's nothing like being on the river to help you understand why we should take care of it.

It was a quiet, sunny morning when Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River, slipped our canoe into the water near the Clark Park boathouse on the North Side.

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A scaly, silver body drifted past.

"What's with the dead fish?" I asked.

Heavy rain a few days earlier, she explained, had caused sewers to overflow and disgorge into the river. It's a common problem, and apparently the sewage flush had combined with heat and the channel's low flow to kill a lot of fish.

Not a good thing, but not a deterrent, and so we paddled into the bucolic day.

It's been a long time since this was the pristine waterway known to Native Americans and foreign explorers, but with some imagination, despite the occasional siren, you can feel transported back to those times.

We meandered up the North Branch, past splashily mating carp and turtles sunning on a log, past bees and butterflies and foliage that couldn't quite disguise a ComEd station and DePaul College Prep.

Look.

A great blue heron soared out of the trees.

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Look there.

A black-crowned night heron stood on the bank.

And there. A soggy mattress.

At Irving Park Road, we slipped under a bridge  past a shopping cart and a battered red suitcase, remnants of a homeless encampment  and on past a neighborhood where the residents had worked to beautify the banks.

"Look at this," Frisbie said as we approached a stretch of river so different from the rest that it had the air of a mirage.

On the land that sloped up from the water stood grand old trees, tall grasses, flowers.

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It was the work of the Army Corps of Engineers, which recently restored half a mile of riverbank to an approximation of something nature might have made before people bumbled in. Gone was the wall of buckthorn and other invasive plants that contributed to erosion and a host of other troubles.

"This is what our river can look like," Frisbie said. "It doesn't all have to be shopping carts and cruddy old fences."

In the 1990s, when Frisbie first paddled the river, almost no one ventured into it just for fun. There were no official launch spots, none of the kayak and canoe rental shops that have sprung up in recent years. Chicagoans took it largely for granted that the river was an extension of the sewer system.

Frisbie recalls that even her father, Richard, who taught her to love urban nature, accepted a certain amount of pollution as inevitable, in keeping with the attitude of the times. A former reporter for the defunct Chicago Daily News, he wrote a 1969 book "It's a Wise Woodsman Who Knows What's Biting Him."

"It was all about how he was out on his own or with his family doing nature in the city," she said. "When I read it, it seemed to me that the way he interpreted pollution was that everything was polluted, that you just had to pay attention. There wasn't a voice of advocacy yet."

In the generation since, attitudes have changed and so has the river, thanks to advocates like Frisbie, who recently won a National River Hero award from the Colorado-based River Network.

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Though far from clean, the river is far cleaner than it once was, and while many old-time Chicagoans still think of it as a liquid dump, newcomers think of it as recreation space. Developers who once shunned it are eager to add "river" to their name.

"River This and River That," said Frisbie.

The new downtown Riverwalk, with its restaurants and wide paths at water level, has accelerated the change in attitudes.

"Nobody knew they wanted to go there," Frisbie said. "And now they don't want to leave."

Thanks to the Riverwalk, more people take a sewage overflow personally.

"Who cared when you were looking down from a bridge?" Frisbie said. "But when you're on the Riverwalk and you thought you were going to have lunch there?"

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The river's growing popularity adds new problems to the old ones, but as we sat in the sun, with the diving kingfishers and a passing muskrat, Frisbie said we're at "a tipping point."

"This belongs to us, and we have a right for it to be accessible and clean, just like we do Lake Michigan," she said. "We're never going back. Ten years ago, that wasn't true. That's really exciting."

But should you go canoeing?

A 2011 University of Illinois at Chicago study found that canoeists, kayakers and anglers in the Chicago River were at no more risk of getting sick than those in cleaner local waters, and the water has improved since then.

So I'd say go. Let the river be a revelation. But take a few precautions:

Wash your hands afterward. Don't picnic in the boat. And don't fall in.

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mschmich@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MarySchmich
Two women were arrested by Naperville police on prostitution-related charges, stemming from an alleged incident Wednesday night at a north side motel.

Alysha M. Mendelson, 27, of the 2300 block of South Cannon Drive in Mount Prospect, was charged with promoting prostitution, a felony, DuPage County court records said. Angelina E. Wardingley, 23, of the 1300 block of Kingsbury Drive in Hanover Park, is charged with misdemeanor prostitution.

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The two were arrested about 9:35 p.m. Wednesday, after members of the Naperville Police Department's Special Operations Group received a tip about "possible prostitution activity" at a hotel in the 1800 block of Centre Point Circle, police Cmdr. Lou Cammiso said via email.

Cammiso did not elaborate on the specifics of the charges, but a court document defined the promoting prostitution charge as "arranging a meeting of persons for the purpose of prostitution, and (keeping) a place of prostitution by knowingly granting or permitting the use of the place."

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Mendelson served a term of court supervision after being convicted of a September 2009 charge of prostitution in Cook County, court records said.

Wardingley in January was sentenced to 10 days in DuPage County jail after being found guilty of trespassing in February 2016 at a different Naperville hotel, according to records.

Mendelson's attorney, Steven Fagan, said Friday he and his client "don't know where the allegations are coming from, and we'll learn about the case. (Mendelson) maintains her innocence, and we will let the process take its course."

Wardingley could not be reached Friday for comment. Both women are free on bond.

Alysha M. Mendelson (Naperville Police Department)

Angelina E. Wardingley (Naperville Police Department)

wbird@tribpub.com
A can of cherry pie filling is the surprise added ingredient for a moist chocolate cake recipe iced with an easy and delectable cooked chocolate frosting. That cake offers just a hint of cherry flavor when served. (Phil Potempa / Post-Tribune)

A recent column I wrote detailing family memories about the days of movie theaters giving out promotional china and dishes during the Great Depression prompted plenty of readers to share their own recollections.

I was especially happy to hear from Kristy Kutch of Michigan City, who included a nod to author and broadcaster Jean Shepherd in her letter, reminding of his connection to Northwest Indiana.

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"Hello Mr. Potempa: I enjoyed your column about the theaters which featured 'dish night' during the days of the Great Depression. Have you seen the film 'My Summer Story,' also previously named 'Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss?' It is based on Jean Shepherd's writings, the same Jean Shepherd of 'A Christmas Story' fame. He has a hilarious story thread running through that film about his mother's dish nights and her frustration at repeatedly receiving a Ronald Coleman gravy boat. It is well worth seeking out this little gem of a film. My only regret is that they did not feature young actor Peter Billingsley as Ralphie for that film. Years ago, I sent you a photo of my son Joe Kutch as a 7-year-old in 1992 because he was such a 'Ralphie look-alike.' He was much too old to enter the contest you were writing about at the time when you featured it several years ago. He's now almost 33. I remember you kindly still published the picture of young Joe alongside Peter Billingsley in your column and there was a great resemblance. I have looked up pictures of the adult Peter and he and Joe still look a lot alike! I was happy to find your columns again and glad to read you! Best wishes, Kristy Kutch"

Thank you Kristy for taking the time to write. To answer your question about the casting of the film you're referring to, it's a young Jerry O'Connell, fresh from doing "Stand by Me" in 1986, who played young Ralphie. The movie was made for the "small screen" as a television comedy in 1988 and was written by Shepherd based on the same series of 1968 short stories he wrote for Playboy magazine, which were later compiled and published as a book.

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Just like his popular "A Christmas Story," released on the big screen in 1983, Shepherd once again provided the narrative voice of Ralphie as an adult. Also like the earlier film, this second movie, which is set in the 1950s and details the mishaps of a family vacation in Michigan, includes fond connections and references to Shepherd's youth growing up in Hammond. Shepherd, who was living in Florida at the time, reluctantly agreed to do the film project and insisted on his own dog Daphne play the part of the family pooch named Fuzzhead.

I often think about Shepherd and his brilliant talent for narrative, especially his attention to detail and description. In addition to his writing, he found much success as a radio broadcaster. When I broadcast my own radio show on WJOB in Hammond each week, it makes me smile to know this is the station where Shepherd began his broadcast career in 1945. With his eye on "the main prize" to be a radio personality in New York City, he eventually made his way east, working at WTOD in Toledo; WSAI, WCKY and WKRC, all in Cincinnati; and KYW in Philadelphia before finally launching late nights at WOR in the Big Apple.

Because Shepherd, who died at age 78 in 1999, was raised during the 1930s, his references of what life was like during the Great Depression serve as a pop culture timeline, from Little Orphan Annie to Ovaltine. He also liked to give a fond nod to boxes of chocolate-covered cherries, which he referred to as "chocolate cherry cordials." The Brock Candy Company, based in Chattanooga, Tenn., (not to be confused with Brach Candy Co. of Chicago, which purchased competitor Brock in 1994) was already famous for making fudge and peanut brittle when they introduced boxes of chocolate-covered cherries in the U.S. in the 1930s and struck on an instant success, especially at Christmastime.

Shepherd has a particularly funny story about chocolate-covered cherry cordials in his 1972 book of short stories "The Ferrari in the Bedroom." So, today's moist chocolate cake recipe with a surprise flavor ingredient comes from friend and editor Kathy MacNeil, and it serves as a delicious tribute to both Shepherd and his love-hate memories of chocolate-covered cherries.

When slicing and serving this luscious cake, guests will never guess that the cake batter includes a can of cherry pie filling which seems to dissolve and disappear during the baking process. The recipe was given to Kathy more than 25 years ago by her mother-in-law, who lives in Freeville, New York. It is a passed along variation of an original recipe that was the grand prize winner at the 1974 Pillsbury Bake-Off.

Columnist Philip Potempa has published three cookbooks and is the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. Mail your questions to From the Farm, PO Box 68, San Pierre, Ind. 46374.

pmpotempa@comhs.org

Surprise Chocolate Cherry Cake

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Makes 16 slices

Cake:

1 (18.25-ounce) package devil's food cake mix

1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

2 large eggs

Chocolate frosting:

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1 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup milk

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch-by13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

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2. Combine cake mix, cherry pie filling and eggs in mixing bowl. Blend on low speed for 1 minute, scraping sides of the bowl and beating for an additional 2 minutes on medium speed.

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3. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top of the batter with a spatula.

4. Bake for 25-35 minutes. (Cake should start to pull away from the sides of the pan and spring back when lightly pressed with finger.)

5. Cool on wire rack while you prepare the frosting.

6. For the frosting, cook sugar, butter and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil, and boil for 1 minute.

7. Remove pan from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir mixture until chips are completely melted and smooth.

8. Pour frosting over warm cake and cool.
The American Indian Center moves to a new home June 29, 2017, in the 3400 block of Ainslie Street in Albany Park. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago's American Indian Center is about to open the doors of a new, smaller home on the Northwest Side that staffers think will be a welcoming spot for regulars and newcomers to take in powwows, its art collection or even classes.

Months after closing its space in the Uptown community, the center moved into a two-story rehabbed building at Ainslie Street and Kimball Avenue, which "has a homier feel to it  the other place was like a big mausoleum," said Les Begay, an Indian center board member and acting executive director. The charms of the old building at 1630 W. Wilson Ave., once a Masonic Temple, were largely lost on him, he said. "It (the old building) was in bad shape, and I didn't even want to go in there sometimes."

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"I think this will be a much more welcoming area for us," said Begay, who will stay on until a nationwide search for a new executive director is completed.

Uptown, the center of American Indian life in Chicago since the 1940s, has seen its population plummet since the 1990s as the area has gentrified, becoming whiter, more affluent and less connected to the Indian center.

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The 10-room center at 3401 W. Ainslie St. is a work in progress and won't officially open its doors until August.

"This (building) is about 19,000 square feet. We had about 40,000 over there (on Wilson), but we never even used the top two floors," Begay said as he pointed at the center's kitchen, its new art gallery and first-floor gymnasium, where most of the activities will be located.

But officials there are already planning a major community outreach that will take advantage of Albany Park's deep immigrant ties to expand the center's influence and build alliances.

"One of the reasons I like the area we're in now is because it's so diverse, and we're going to get more people coming in than I think we did at Wilson," Begay said.

The neighborhood is home to a large Hispanic population as well as those who have roots in or hail from parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Les Begay, president of the board of directors at the American Indian Center, at its new site in Albany Park on June 28, 2017. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

"The diversity of the neighborhood is great, and Albany Park has one of the highest populations of (Native Americans), so I think it was just an amazing fit for us," said Fawn Pochel, the center's education coordinator, who said the relocation now allows her to walk to work.

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Ald. Deborah Mell, 33rd, was equally excited about the Indian center's arrival. "We have a whole fabric over here with all of our different immigrant groups and refugees," Mell said. "I thought it was perfect."

Mell has been in talks with American Indian Center officials about plans to raise their profile, including the start of a 5K walk, a first for the Northwest Side community.

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The center's relocation, a sore spot for some longtime Indian center members, is as much about building name recognition for the 64-year-old organization as addressing the needs of urban American Indians at a time when tribes across the country have unified against the controversial Dakota Access pipeline project in North Dakota, as well as the Trump administration's fight to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Officials at the center are busy trying to get the word out that many of its social services are available to all community residents in need. Likewise, cultural programs will be open to the public in hopes of sharing American Indian history and traditions. Just before the new building's first powwow in September, Indian center officials will hold an educational seminar explaining the importance of the American Indian gathering that includes traditional dancing and singing.

"I think the neighbors want to come in, and I also think that they are concerned that they're going to do something or say something that's offensive," Begay said. "So by doing this, it tells them: Here's what a powwow's about and here are some of the nuances about it. A powwow is a gathering of people. Whether you're Native or not, you're welcome."

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Twenty federal gun agents have been assigned to Chicago to join a newly formed task force aimed at cutting the flow of illegal guns into the city and cracking down on people repeatedly arrested on gun charges.

Hours after the Chicago police department sent out a news release about the task force, President Donald Trump claimed credit for sending in the agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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"Crime and killings in Chicago have reached such epidemic proportions that I am sending in Federal help," he tweeted Friday morning.

Trump said there have been "1714 shootings in Chicago this year!" but the number is actually higher, according to data kept by the Tribune. As of Friday morning, the number of people shot in Chicago was at least 1,760, still lower than this time last year, when violence reached levels not seen in two decades.

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In January, Trump tweeted, "If Chicago doesn't fix the horrible 'carnage' going on, ... I will send in the Feds!"

At a news briefing Friday in Washington, D.C., reporters asked Trump spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders whether Chicago's crime problem was related to gun access.

"I think that the problem there is pretty clear that it's a crime problem. I think crime is probably driven more by morality than anything else," she said. "So I think that this is a law enforcement issue and our focus is trying to add additional support."

The roughly 40-person strike force, which consists of Chicago police officers, ATF agents and Illinois State Police, will be working on unsolved shootings and gun-related homicides and combating illegal gun trafficking, officials said Friday.

"It is a battle which can only be fought with all hands on deck, that is, state, federal and local law enforcement," Joel Levin, Chicago's acting U.S. Attorney, told reporters at a Friday afternoon news conference at Chicago police headquarters.

This isn't the first time task forces have been formed to combat gun violence in Chicago.

For example, ATF agents worked in the past with Chicago police officers in the South Chicago District, which borders northwest Indiana, to try to counter the flow of illegal firearms from that state. ATF statistics have shown that most of the guns originating from outside of Cook County that were recovered at Chicago crime scenes in past years came from Indiana.

Tim Jones, who heads the ATF task force, told reporters that 20 new agents will be working on it. That's in addition to 41 ATF agents who were already working in Chicago.

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"We are a small agency, have a small footprint but we like to cast a bigger shadow through our attitude and effort, and we're here to help, so we're going to do what we can to work with our partners," Jones said.

When asked by a reporter if 20 additional agents is enough, given the scope of Chicago's illegal gun problem, Jones replied, "Me personally, we could probably use 500 more agents. We just don't have (those resources)."

One of the things the task force will be doing is examining bullet casings recovered from crime scenes in order to perform expedited ballistics testing and determine whether the casings came from the same guns used in other crimes.

These casings will be tested in a mobile van provided by ATF agents who will perform the tests through its National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. This way, Chicago police will be able to determine within hours  instead of days with the department's in-house lab  whether the casings came from guns used at other crime scenes.

Anthony Riccio, chief of the Chicago police's Bureau of Organized Crime, said the ATF's ballistics technology not only could help the department work more quickly, but also could help them link guns to solve more crimes.

"While officers probably will still be working on the arrest report for this individual, we'll know the history of that gun. We'll know if it's been involved in any other shootings. We'll know where it's been used," he said. "And that's a great lead for detectives because now they've got the guy and the gun that have been used in shootings that before would've taken us days to find out."

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Chicago police First Deputy Superintendent Kevin Navarro said the department had been working on arrangements to receive more assistance from federal law enforcement since November, during former President Barack Obama's administration. Those efforts continued under Trump

According to a release from the office of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the task force became operational June 1.

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"The Trump Administration will not let the bloodshed go on; we cannot accept these levels of violence," the release quoted Sessions as saying. "That's why, under President Trump's strong leadership, we have created the Chicago Gun Strike Force and are sending 20 more permanent ATF agents to Chicago, reallocating federal prosecutors and prioritizing prosecutions to reduce gun violence, and working with our law enforcement partners to stop the lawlessness."

Sessions went on to criticize the city of Chicago's status as a "sanctuary city," which gives certain legal protections to immigrants without legal status in Chicago, saying the policies "tie the hands of law enforcement." He then praised Celinez Nunez, the new Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago office of ATF, saying the agent "has experienced the tragic consequences of gang violence firsthand," and would make the city safer.

The task force will work with the Chicago police department's Organized Crime Bureau and the ATF's Chicago field office, Chicago police said.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said in the CPD news release that the task force "will significantly help our police officers stem the flow of illegal guns and create a culture of accountability for the small subset of individuals and gangs who (disproportionately) drive violence in our city."

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Tribune Washington Bureau's Noah Bierman and WGN-TV contributed.

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A discarded cigarette butt at the scene of a gang-related fatal shooting in 2014 led authorities to the smoker, a man now accused of murder.

Judge Maria Kuriakos Ciesil ordered Jeffery Freeman, 24, held on $1 million bail Thursday during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. Freeman is charged with first-degree murder.

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The shooting happened Oct. 6, 2014 in an alley in the first block of East 44th Street, and claimed the life of Torrence Pickens, 40, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body, prosecutors and police said.

Pickens and several witnesses were smoking, drinking and socializing when several gang members from Freeman's gang approached Pickens and a witness who were in a car. Freeman was instructed by his fellow gang members to go and "check'' Pickens because he was in their gang territory, according to Asst. State's Atty. Jamie Santini.

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Freeman, smoking a cigarette, was handed a loaded gun by one of his fellow gang members and he walked towards Pickens, an action that was captured by video surveillance, according to Santini.

As he walked toward the car he tossed the cigarette butt to the ground and walked to the driver's side, fatally shooting Pickens. Freeman then ran back into a tan Buick with the gun.

Responding officers found Pickens' body in the vehicle and witnesses gave a description of the shooter, which matched Freeman's.

Police recovered the video and also the cigarette, which was submitted to the Illinois State Police crime lab for analyzing and extraction of DNA. A human DNA sample from Freeman was compared to the DNA extracted from the cigarette butt and they matched, prosecutors said.

Additionally, a witness identified Freeman by his street name" Rambo,'' and picked Freeman, of the 8100 block of South Coles Avenue, out of a photo array.
A man who traveled to south suburban University Park for a sale arranged online was fatally shot during an apparent robbery Thursday night, police said.

Kevin C. Jarrett, 31, of Kankakee, and another person went to the 800 block of White Oak Lane about 10:50 p.m. after arranging a sale on the website letgo.com, which is also a mobile app, according to John Pate, chief of the University Park police.

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They met with three other men who announced a robbery and Jarrett was fatally shot, Pate said in an email.

Jarrett was driven off in a car that came to a rest near Burnham Drive and White Oak Lane, police said.

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Police did not release additional details. Anyone with information about the shooting can call police at 708-235-4803.

A representative for letgo.com issued the following statement Friday morning: "This is an unimaginable tragedy. Our team is working with local law enforcement to assist with their investigation ... We always encourage users to choose a public meeting place like a coffee shop, supermarket, bank lobby or shopping mall."

Check back for updates.
Illinois' northern lakefront is a tale of haves and have-nots when it comes to sand. Decades of human interference have turned the seemingly mundane task of maintaining local beaches into a complex and costly undertaking.

Nowhere is this more evident than the 7-mile stretch of lakefront between Zion and Waukegan -- microcosms of two different predicaments -- where shoreline communities are learning an overabundance or scarcity of sand isn't just a problem for beachgoers.

In Zion, accelerated beach erosion has threatened infrastructure that provides neighboring communities with drinking water, possibly costing millions of dollars to repair, and has endangered globally rare wildlife at Illinois Beach State Park.

Meanwhile, in Waukegan, the build-up of sand has dramatically hampered its shipping industry, trapping so much sand near the approach to Waukegan Harbor that the port has closed temporarily during five of the past eight years, increasing the cost of business for some companies and threatening jobs.

From Wisconsin to Indiana, the culprits behind many of these issues are man-made structures that trap sand, said Donald White, general manager of the Lake County Public Water District.

"You can't point fingers at any one party, because everyone's guilty of the same things," he said. "We have to figure out a solution."

Infrastructure threatened

When the Lake County water district had an intake pipeline installed in 1970, about 4 feet of backfilled sand anchored the vital piece of infrastructure, which extends about 3,000 feet into Lake Michigan from Zion.

Two decades ago, the pipeline's safeguard appeared to be vanishing as consultants noticed sand levels had dropped beneath the pipe at some points and declined to the halfway mark at others, leaving it susceptible to being moved by currents or waves, White said.

In the years since, dive inspections have continued to find areas along the pipeline where sand levels are "dangerously low," White said.

In a worst-case scenario, a pipeline break could leave 30,000 residents in Zion, Winthrop Harbor and Illinois Beach State Park without water. Even a small breach could affect water supply and compromise quality.

As a quick fix, the water district tried to fortify the pipe by surrounding it with large stones.

Seeking a more permanent solution, it launched a project three years ago to fasten the intake pipeline to the lake floor with large clamps, and by year's end, more than half of it will be secured. But the costs raise questions about future work.

The water district raised rates to pay for clamps on the first leg of the project and later issued a $2.5 million bond.

Trustees were torn about the bond issue, White said. "However, if the infrastructure is not maintained, water quality standards cannot be met, or if the intake is lost, (there would be) no water."

Of the 100 clamps required to stabilize the entire pipeline, 41 more are needed at an estimated cost of $1.5 million to $2.3 million, White said.

The entrance to Waukegan Harbor has been plagued by building sand in recent years as beaches farther north have faced erosion problems. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune)

In addition to the pipeline, the Zion pumping station is also at risk.

Between 2014 and 2016, erosion fueled by severe storms and an unprecedented rise in lake levels swallowed 184 feet of beach outside the tiny brick building that delivers the town's water supply.

Powerful storms, not unusual in the fall and winter, could flood the building and interrupt service.

Last year, as a precaution, the water district had a 5-foot stone barrier built along the northeast shoreline of the pumping station, but eventually consultants believe they will have to move the building farther inland.

While many residents are familiar with the devastating effects of erosion, few are aware of how it may be hitting their wallets.

Kathy Champine, who has lived in Zion for 25 years, regularly walks along the shoreline in the morning, a walk that has become increasingly difficult.

"There's no beach," Champine said "When I walk, I wade through ankle-deep water. The walk between 21st Street and Hosah Park, the water is right up to the bluff. You see the erosion from the bluff falling in, the (exposed) gas lines and pipes from homes that were here 50 years ago."

Champine knew her water rates went up but didn't realize the increase was funding a shoreline project of such scope.

"Everything goes up," she said. "Water rates are going up. Taxes have gone up tremendously. I guess it just got buried in all of that."

Habitat loss

For thousands of years, sand has slowly drifted south from Wisconsin to Indiana, the process that eventually brought sprawling dunes from southern Wisconsin to present-day Illinois Beach State Park. Today, the 4,100-acre park contains diverse habitats, including the state's only system of beach ridges and swales.

But as shoreline infrastructure, like harbors and piers, was built into Lake Michigan, it began inhibiting the natural movement of sand along the shoreline. As a result, Illinois Beach State Park's mostly natural shoreline continues to surrender copious amounts of sand each year while it receives a dismal amount from southern Wisconsin's developed lakefront.

"We don't have hard numbers, but when you lose several acres over the years, you're bound to lose scores of endangered species," said Paul Kakuris, president of the Illinois Dunesland Preservation Society. "That's the most tragic part of all of this."

Aerial photography shows the park's northern shoreline has receded by more than 600 feet since 1939, meaning less habitat for endangered species, like marram grass. The relatively common dune grass would help retain the sand but has become a rarity in Illinois as beaches have disappeared.

"They come out of the dunes, and they really stabilize the beach itself, because they grow quickly and have a root system that spreads out and holds it all to together," said Diane Tecic, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' coastal management program. "But with the erosion undercutting it, that destabilizes it all."

While the northern end of the park has lost acres of beach habitat, the southern tier has gained some beach. However, the unstable growth has presented a problem for wildlife, including the federally endangered piping plover, a shorebird known for nesting near the water.

"What's happening on the south end is not as much erosion as it is an overwash of sand," state coastal geologist Ethan Theuerkauf said. "All that sand coming in and then during a storm, it's actually being deposited up onto the dune, and it can actually bury these nests."

The state park is home to more than 650 plant and 300 animal species native to the area. Many, like the plover, are protected by state or national regulations.

A heavy equipment operator moves through a gypsum pile at National Gypsum Co. at Waukegan's port. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune)

Shipping industry losses

Much of the sand lost from Illinois Beach State Park has washed south onto the shores of Waukegan, where rambling sand dunes have emerged on the city's historically industrial lakefront because of a breakwater installed in the late 1920s. The structure, which protects the shoreline from pounding waves, extends about 1,900 feet into the lake, due north of the city's historic harbor. It has trapped roughly 6 million cubic yards of sand, resulting in 130 acres of new beachfront at what is now North Beach Park, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

But the breakwater appears unable to capture any more sand. Evidence suggests sand is now drifting around the structure and funneling into the approach channel of Waukegan Harbor, where the amount of sand has sharply risen in past years.

"This harbor didn't have to be dredged until 1977. We almost had 100 years before we had to dredge," said David Bucaro, of the Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District.

Now, sand builds up in the approach channel regularly, requiring dredging almost every year. Since 2008, there have been five years when sand rose to 9 feet or higher, causing the port to be closed to large commercial shipping vessels.

According to a 2015 Army Corps report, if the harbor isn't maintained, it puts at risk $9.5 million in annual revenue and 300 jobs.

With a now perennial sand blockade shortening the shipping season, the amount of material moving through the harbor has dramatically dropped. Until 2008, the harbor, historically known for importing cement and gypsum, moved an average of 595,000 tons of cargo a year. Between 2009 and 2013, the average amount declined to 165,000 tons, as the harbor was beset by a combination of sand accumulation and low lake levels. Lake levels rebounded in 2014, but the sand remains.

No longer able to rely on the harbor to stay open, longtime Waukegan businesses like cement companies Lafarge and St. Marys Cement resorted to shipping their commodities to neighboring harbors and trucking them the rest of the way to their facilities. But the 60 employees of National Gypsum Co., the only company that still receives cargo through the harbor, are dependent on a long-term plan to keep the harbor open.

"If it doesn't get done, we can't ship gypsum rock," said Rich Romanek, plant manager at National Gypsum. "That's our vital material to make drywall, which comes from a quarry in Tawas City, Mich. It's just not economical for us to ship it by truck."

Historical dredging amounts Cubic yards of sediment dredged at Waukegan Harbor from 1977 to 2015

In response, the Waukegan Port District, city officials and the Army Corps, in a 2016 report outlined three potential options: extending the existing Waukegan breakwater; installing a sand trap at the southern end of Illinois Beach State Park or, perhaps the most controversial idea, excavating a portion of North Beach Park.

These options would reduce the amount of dredging that might be required in a given year but wouldn't eliminate the need completely, Bucaro said.

Waukegan Harbor is the only deep-draft harbor between Milwaukee and Chicago. In trying to provide funds to keep it open, the Army Corps has cited its importance as a harbor of refuge for passing vessels in the event of sudden storms on the lake.

But low-tonnage harbors like Waukegan's are considered low priorities, and the Army Corps spends over $1 million on dredging nearly every year.

The agency has emphasized that even if it finds one of the proposals economically feasible and enters into a cost-sharing agreement with the city and the Port District, there's no way to guarantee federal funds will be available for dredging, leaving the city to pick up that tab.

"With budgetary restrictions and priorities, I don't know what will happen in the future as it becomes more difficult to maintain," Bucaro said.

Waukegan alternative options and costs No dredging Excavate beach Modify breakwater Sediment trap No changed action No action would be taken to change current dredging patterns. About 40,000 cubic yards of sand would be dredged annually, resulting in a total of 800,000 cubic yards of sediment dredged by 2039. Excavate North Beach This option starts with an initial excavation of about 500,000 cubic yards from North Beach, and then dredging 40,000 cubic yards of sediment after five years. This dredging pattern would take place every 10 years, resulting in a total of 1.16 million cubic yards of sediment dredged by 2039. Modify breakwater to trap more sand For this option, a 600-foot rubble mound would be built, and over 200,000 cubic yards of sediment would be initially excavated. Dredging would then happen every four years, for a total dredging amount of 1.34 million cubic yards by 2039. Offsite sediment trap With this option, dredging would happen more frequently -- every other year. A 400-foot perpendicular steel groin would be constructed to trap sediment. The total amount dredged by 2039 would be 1.49 million cubic yards.

Costs for Waukegan Harbor's alternative options, over 20 years Total costs for each of the options below include any initial construction costs (like the sediment trap or breakwater modification), as well as dredging costs over 20 years of preliminary analysis. This is not a comprehensive nor a detailed assessment of actual costs. Initial construction costs Dredging costs Totals: $17,849,000 $21,825,000 $29,313,000 $28,344,000

Beachgoers return to the parking lot June 13, 2017, at Municipal Beach in Waukegan. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune)

Public health

In an ironic twist, while the Waukegan breakwater formed North Beach Park, the city's municipal beach south of the structure has diminished because its supply of sand has been cut off.

With less natural sand migrating, the beach has become abnormally flat, causing water to pool in some spots. Those areas are susceptible to collecting animal waste or stormwater runoff, prompting the beach to sometimes be closed due to E. coli.

To address the problem, Waukegan last year purchased equipment to groom and clean the beach with funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency .

All of these problems -- like most involving sand -- require more research before a remedy can be developed. Otherwise, researchers say they fear they could be culpable in taking the same hasty actions that produced the problems.

Theuerkauf recently assembled a team of volunteers from the community to regularly monitor elevation at the municipal beach, while Waukegan officials hope to begin work next year on one of the proposals that will help reduce harbor closures.

In Zion, officials may have to figure out how to pay for pipeline and pumping station upgrades as state and federal funding appears unlikely. But there's a possibility the state DNR will be able to protect some of the shoreline habitat at Illinois Beach State Park against erosion if its EPA grant application is approved.

"It's really amazing," said Tecic, the DNR program director. "When I first came into this, I was just naive enough to say, 'There appears to be a problem here. We should get on this.' The problem we continue to grapple with is it's really complicated, and there's so many factors involved. But we have to come through this with a core of information to solve some of these problems."
Lawyers and immigration advocates were again on hand at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Thursday night when portions of President Donald Trump's travel ban went into effect.

A small group of volunteers and attorneys set up shop at a table in O'Hare's international arrivals area, where they monitored incoming flights from the Middle East and a website set up for travelers and their families to submit complaints or concerns.

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"It all depends on how they enforce it," said volunteer Grant Talabay, who was at O'Hare in January when Trump's travel ban was first instituted before courts put it on hold. "As we've seen from the January travel ban, enforcement isn't always uniform."

Trump's executive order, widely criticized as a ban on Muslims, restricts travel from six mostly Muslim countries for 90 days and suspends the nation's refugee program for 120 days.

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The Supreme Court partially reinstated those portions of the order Monday for anyone who does not have "a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States."

Travelers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen now must prove a relationship with a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling already in the U.S. to be eligible for a visa. Since the rules only affect visa applications, the Department of Homeland Security issued no new instructions to Customs and Border Patrol on Thursday.

That absence of guidance was a cause of concern for some advocates and lawyers who volunteer for the Travelers Assistance Project, the website where people heading to Chicago can register their itineraries in case they need legal assistance when they land.

The project formally launched after about 150 attorneys rushed to O'Hare the day after the first travel ban went into effect and stayed through the weekend to help secure the release of more than a dozen travelers  all of whom had some kind of legal status in the U.S.

At least two lawyers will be stationed at O'Hare's international terminal through the holiday weekend, said Matt Pryor, co-leader of the project.

"It's not going to change anything on the border, but we'll see if that comes through," Pryor said. "Obviously there was no guidance given to them at the first order and that's why the chaos occurred."

If travelers are not formally detained but just held for questioning, lawyers are barred from speaking with them. The mission for volunteers this weekend will be to interview family members to find out if a second visa interview is being conducted unnecessarily before they can enter the U.S.

Ahmed Rehab, executive director of the Chicago chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations, said lawyers also will be looking for examples of travelers turned away because their bona fide relationship does not fit into the administration's narrow definition. Those will be opportunities for litigation, he said.

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Sufyan Sohel, deputy director and legal counsel for CAIR-Chicago, said several dozen travelers from the six countries as well as Pakistan, India and some European countries registered for assistance before traveling to the U.S. this weekend.

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"We're encouraging them to bring all the documents that show you have every intent of going back home and you're not using your visitor visa for immigration purposes," Sohel said. He added that some of the people who register are often citizens or legal permanent residents. "It shows these actions are really instilling fear in these communities."

Talabay, of Woodstock, graduated from John Marshall Law School about two weeks ago, and after protesting the travel ban in January now was ready to offer legal assistance to travelers.

"Our country has been a beacon of freedom since our founding fathers and before," Talabay said.

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Tibeso Abbe casts his vote with his son Bosa, 2, by his side at the Croatian Cultural Center in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago on Nov. 8, 2016. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

Illinois election officials on Friday acknowledged receiving calls of concern over information being sought by President Donald Trump's Election Integrity Commission, but said they have yet to receive a formal request for the state's voter data.

On Wednesday, the panel's vice chairman, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, sent a letter to election authorities across the nation seeking voter roll data that includes name, address, birth date, the last four digits of Social Security numbers and voting history going back to 2006.

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But that letter hadn't arrived yet in Illinois, where state elections board members are scheduled to meet Monday. They still could discuss the request for "publicly available data" the president's commission is seeking.

Several election authorities around the country have expressed concern about the breadth of the request and notified the commission, headed by Vice President Mike Pence, they will not be complying. That includes Indiana, where Pence was governor.

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Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson said in a statement Friday that she was withholding some information since Indiana law only allows her to share voter names, congressional districts and addresses. Lawson is a member of the Pence commission.

Illinois law allows voter data to be obtained by political committees, which use them to develop their voter databases, and by governmental agencies for governmental purposes, such as for jury duty notices.

But Illinois law prevents the release of more personal information associated with the voter files, such as Social Security numbers, drivers' license numbers or digital copies of voter signatures.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the vice chairman of President Donald Trump's Election Integrity Commission, sent a letter to election authorities across the nation seeking voter roll data that includes personal information. (Orlin Wagner / AP)

Illinois election officials said Friday that they have received many phone inquiries from the public about the request. While the secretary of state is the chief election officer in many states, the State Board of Elections is in charge of elections here. After getting calls, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White's office took to Twitter Friday to refer concerned voters to the Springfield and Chicago offices of the state elections board.

On Friday afternoon, voter rights advocacy group Just Democracy Illinois sent a letter to state election officials urging them to deny the Trump panel's "intrusive request," citing privacy concerns.

Trump created the commission in May to investigate alleged acts of voter fraud after he claimed, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million undocumented immigrants voted illegally in the 2016 election. Critics, citing little evidence of widespread voter fraud, have contended the commission is attempting to lay the groundwork for voter suppression efforts.

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House Speaker Michael Madigan, center, said he would keep lawmakers in town Saturday to continue working on a budget solution. (Ted Schurter / AP)

House Democrats and Republicans temporarily set down their arms Friday as they attempted to nudge closer to an agreement to end a budget impasse now in its third year, even as both sides warned of major sticking points in the way of a resolution.

The day began with Republicans running an ad attacking House Speaker Michael Madigan and Democrats responding with a spot labeling Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner a bully, but the political broadsides soon gave way to talk of bipartisanship as lawmakers heaped praise upon one another on the House floor.

SPRINGFIELD  The cause of the comity? They came together on a test vote over a $36.5 billion spending plan, giving initial approval on a 90-25 roll call. If that vote eventually proves to not amount to much, it provided a change of tone following years of bickering that's left Illinois government teetering on the brink.

Lawmakers knocked off early Friday, poised to blow past a midnight deadline to get a plan in place before the start of the new budget year amid a threat from Wall Street that state government's credit rating could be cut to junk status, a distinction no other state has suffered.

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After the vote, which was intended to gauge if there was a willingness for talks to move forward, Madigan announced that he would keep lawmakers in town Saturday while negotiations continued in private. He also sent letters to key New York ratings agencies to urge them against a promised downgrade of the state's credit rating "until we've had sufficient time" to strike a deal.

"I think it's a good step forward, a step that we can build upon," said Madigan, who cautioned "there's much work yet to be done."

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With pressure building, the preliminary vote was a way for lawmakers to change the narrative, at least for a little while. Instead of the usual bickering focused on their repeated failures to reach an agreement, they sought to sow hope even as great uncertainty remains.

Without a budget, the junk status looms, making it more expensive to borrow to pay for things like building projects. Thousands of road builders could be laid off at the height of summer construction season. Universities may lose accreditation, forcing students to go out of state because they can't get federal financial aid to attend Illinois colleges.

Social service agencies face additional layoffs and program cuts, sending the ill to emergency rooms and ultimately driving up the cost of care. School districts may run out of money this fall, sparking a ripple effect in which some parents would opt to stay home to care for their children.

While legislators tried to remain positive, there's a difficult road ahead. They still have to give final approval of the spending plan, and companion legislation to raise taxes to make the budget balance. History shows that it's easier for lawmakers to vote to spend money than it is for them to increase taxes to pay for it.

Tax hikes have been at the crux of the two-year stalemate as Rauner and his Republicans have used the revenue issue to try to leverage the governor's economic agenda, including bills to freeze property taxes and make changes to workers' compensation.

The two sides disagree on those issues, but legislative leaders tried to cast the negotiations as progressing. House Republican leader Jim Durkin declared on the House floor that an agreement was "so close I can taste it."

Casting the day as a "make-or-break" moment, Rep. Greg Harris , a Chicago Democrat and a key Madigan deputy, warned that allowing the impasse to continue into July would "engulf everything we wish to do here and stifle every important issue facing our state."

Adding to the state's troubles, a federal judge late Friday ruled that the state must start paying at least $293 million a month in Medicaid bills. Democratic Comptroller Susana Mendoza said the ruling would force her to delay payments on pensions, employee salaries or transfers to local governments. The judge also wants the state to pay down an additional $1 billion it owes to doctors and hospitals over the next year.

Under the House budget proposal, the state would spend $36.5 billion in the coming year, which is $2.5 billion less than has been going out the door automatically without a budget in place. Savings would be found from an across-the-board 5 percent spending cut to government agencies. For higher education, that cut is half of the 10 percent Rauner has pushed.

The plan would appropriate money for services that have been starved during the budget stalemate including immigrant assistance, funeral and burial services for the poor, and breast and cervical cancer screenings. It also would boost funding on K-12 education by $350 million and early childhood education by $50 million.

Despite a general divide among Republicans regarding the need to raise taxes, several GOP members praised it as necessary to begin correcting the damage done during the stalemate.

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Echoing a theme of compromise, Rep. Steve Andersson, R-Geneva, said he wore his purple tie to demonstrate that despite the long fight, the parties can work together.

"I know the people are here to do the right thing, and I know we are going to do the right thing," Andersson said. "We are going to save our state, and we are going to save our state together."

Others decried the bill as upholding the "status quo," saying there were not enough changes in other areas to stop ballooning health care expenses or encourage businesses to stay in Illinois. Some took offense to suggestions by Democrats that they were being negative and mean-spirited for not embracing the budget plan.

"They are telling us that there are greener pastures elsewhere," Rep. Tom Morrison, R-Palatine, said of corporations who spur job growth and in turn bring in tax revenue. "It's not a matter of being cold or hardhearted."

Democrats, too, said the legislation was imperfect, citing what they view as inadequate funding for social service programs that have been decimated by the stalemate.

Still, Democrat Harris said the time for action was upon them.

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"There is really nothing you can say given the gravity that is facing us today," Harris said. "How we vote today will be the most consequential act any of us makes in our lives."

While the reprieve was welcomed by weary lawmakers on both sides, the day didn't provide a complete truce.

In his letter to bond houses, Madigan labeled the impasse "the governor's budget crisis." Meanwhile, Rauner used his veto powers to change legislation that would allow Chicago and other towns to hike fees to pay for 911 services. He accused majority Democrats of including "excessive and unwarranted" tax hikes in the bill, even though the measure had support from both parties.

Rauner used his amendatory veto power to strip out the fee increases, which would have allowed Chicago to raise its 911 fee to $5 per month, up from the current $3.90, pending City Council approval. Outside the city, the monthly rate next year would nearly double to $1.50 per line, up from 87 cents. Lawmakers could try to override the veto Saturday.

kgeiger@chicagotribune.com

mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com
NEW YORK  Only one of six people wounded in a shooting rampage at a New York City hospital remained in critical condition Saturday.

Bronx Lebanon Hospital vice president Errol C. Schneer said the improvement of the five others now listed in stable condition is a testament to how "heroically" staff responded to save lives when a physician forced to resign returned with an AM-15 assault rifle tucked under his white lab coat and opened fire in his old department, killing a female doctor.

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Dr. Henry Bello then shot himself, and staggered, bleeding, into a hallway where he collapsed and died with the rifle at his side, officials said. A photo showed the doctor on a blood-spattered floor as police stood over him.

"Many of our staff risked their own lives to save patients," Schneer told reporters Saturday at the hospital where the 16th and 17th floors remained closed.

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Three patients who were listed as very critical have been changed to stable. A fourth patient remains in stable condition, while a fifth in stable condition is being transferred to another hospital for specialized surgery, Schneer said.

A physician remains in critical condition, Schneer said.

Police gather outside Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York after a gunman opened fire and then took his own life there on Friday, June 30, 2017. (Mary Altaffer / AP)

The doctor who was killed had been working at the hospital close to a year, and was very "well-liked by the hospital staff," Schneer said, adding that grief counselors were available to help employees, patients and their families.

Dr. Sridhar Chilimuri, the hospital's physician in chief, told reporters Saturday that the doctor, whose name was not released, normally works in a clinic but was covering the shift of someone on the hospital floor.

It was unclear if Bello was shooting randomly or aiming at specific staff when he went to the 16th floor and started shooting, two years after he was forced out of the department where he had worked as a family medicine physician.

The Daily News reported Saturday that it had received an email purportedly from Bello about two hours before the rampage.

"This hospital terminated my road to a licensure to practice medicine," the email said. "First, I was told it was because I always kept to myself. Then it was because of an altercation with a nurse."

He also blamed a doctor for blocking his chances at getting a chance to practice medicine.

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His former co-workers described a man who was aggressive, loud and threatening. After he was forced to resign amid sexual harassment allegations, Bello told colleagues he would be back to kill them.

"All the time he was a problem," said Dr. David Lazala, who trained Bello as a family medicine doctor. When Bello was forced out in 2015, he sent Lazala an email blaming him for the dismissal.

"We fired him because he was kind of crazy," Dr. Maureen Kwankam told the Daily News. "He promised to come back and kill us then."

People described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted, spreading terror throughout the medical facility as employees locked themselves inside rooms and patients feared for their lives after hearing an announcement warning of someone in the building with a weapon.

According to New York State Education Department records, Bello graduated from Ross University and had a limited permit to practice as an international medical graduate to gain experience in order to be licensed. The permit was issued on July 1, 2014, and expired last year on the same day. Family medicine doctors handle more routine cases, such as coughs and sprained ankles.

Police help people cross the street outside the Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York after a gunman opened fire there on Friday, June 30, 2017. The gunman, identified as Dr. Henry Bello who used to work at the hospital, returned with a rifle hidden under his white lab coat, law enforcement officials said. (Mary Altaffer / AP)

Bello also worked as a pharmacy technician at Metropolitan hospital in Manhattan because he was having a hard time getting licensed as a physician, but quit the job in 2012 and filed for unemployment, according to the lawyer who represented him on appeal in 2014. He lost his case. One former colleague at Metropolitan said he would frequently argue with nurses and bristled at being told what to do, but his attorney in the unemployment action said that's not the man he knew.

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"I'm absolutely shocked," attorney David Wim said. "He was such a nice gentleman. He was very humble, very polite, very respectful."

Wim said he even jokingly suggested to his assistant that she date the doctor, who was unmarried.

But Bello had a history of aggressive behavior. In unrelated cases, the doctor pleaded guilty to unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor, in 2004 after a 23-year-old woman told police Bello grabbed her, lifted her up and carried her off, saying, "You're coming with me." He was arrested again in 2009 on a charge of unlawful surveillance, after two different women reported he was trying to look up their skirts with a mirror. That case was eventually sealed.

It was not immediately clear if the hospital was aware of his criminal history when he was hired.

Medical staff at the hospital immediately treated all the patients in its emergency department. The victims largely suffered gunshot wounds to the head, chest and abdomen.

One was a patient and the five others are medical staff at the hospital, officials said. Two are medical students and the remaining are physicians.

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One of the physicians underwent extensive surgeries after suffering gunshot injuries to the hand and is expected to fully recover. Another doctor is recovering after being shot in the neck.

The 120-year-old hospital has one of the busiest emergency rooms in New York City.

Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Steve Peoples and Karen Matthews contributed to this report.
Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif. questions U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley as she testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 27, 2017. A House appropriations bill includes a proposal by Lee to strike down the 2001 authorization for use of military force (AUMF), which she has offered in years past to no avail. (Andrew Harnik / AP)

WASHINGTON  House appropriators set in motion Thursday a repeal of the congressional authorization underpinning the U.S. military effort against the Islamic State and recent strikes in Syria, a move that serves as a rebuke of President Donald Trump's foreign policy and a demand that he present Congress with a plan for how he intends to proceed.

The repeal still has to survive a vote by the full House, as well as the Senate, before it becomes law - a set of hurdles the measure may not be able to clear. But the inclusion of a proposal by Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., to strike down the 2001 authorization for use of military force (AUMF), which she has offered in years past to no avail, marks a potential turning point for Congress in its ongoing struggle with the White House for a say in how the U.S. military fights extremist groups.

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Like the Obama administration before it, the Trump administration has claimed legal authority to conduct strikes and support operations against the Islamic State under the AUMF that Congress passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to greenlight the war against al-Qaeda and affiliated groups in Afghanistan. Congress has long been divided on the legal argument - a split that has doomed several previous attempts to build momentum behind a new AUMF for fighting ISIS and its affiliates.

But members are finding new common ground in their disdain for the Trump administration's latest argument: that recent strikes against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad are also covered under the 2001 AUMF.

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"That to me is going way - that's something that has to be addressed, legally, by Congress," said Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Corker is among lawmakers who have supported the administration's argument that the president has the power under the 2001 authorization to conduct strikes against extremist groups but who now also say the authorization does not permit operations against the Syrian government.

Corker added that he was also uncomfortable with the idea of scrapping the existing authorization with nothing in hand to replace it.

"If you were to do away with the '01 AUMF and not have one relative to ISIS - then you're naked; there is no authority," Corker said. "You have to deal with it simultaneously."

Most proposals on a new AUMF for fighting the Islamic State do away with the 2001 AUMF and seek to replace it with language more closely tailored to the Islamic State, as well as al-Qaida and the Taliban. Two of the better-known ideas, a proposal from Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and another from Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., would sunset that new authorization after a few years.

Lee's proposal would give the administration eight months to come up with a new AUMF before the repeal goes into effect - "sufficient time," Lee argued, "to decide what measure would replace it."

There were indications Thursday that Lee's provision could be snuffed out before it even hits the House floor. Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, R-Texas, said the provision could run afoul of House rules prohibiting policymaking in spending bills.

"This is by and large policy on an appropriations bill, but it's an idea we need to understand," he said, adding that Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Edward Royce, R-Calif., would be a "co-decision-maker" in evaluating the provision.

Lawmakers in both houses of Congress have argued that to pass an AUMF, the administration must approach Congress with a proposal, however unsatisfactory it may be. The Trump administration has not approached Congress with a proposal, but Corker said he expects Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to at least speak to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee soon about the administration's "global ISIS strategy."

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Kaine said Thursday he thinks the Foreign Relations Committee may take up his and Flake's AUMF proposal as soon as next month.

Lee stressed, however, that as long as Congress lets the 2001 AUMF linger, Trump has little or no incentive to seek new legal approval for any military action he orders. She pointed out that in the last 16 years, it has been used 37 times in 14 countries - arguably a broad application of the authorization.

"Let me be clear: With the 2001 AUMF still on the books in its current form, any administration can rely on this blank check to wage endless war," Lee said.
Rally attendees hold signs during an assembly at the Thompson Center to repeal the upcoming Cook County beverage tax, Tuesday, June 27, 2017, in the Loop. Employees of Coca Cola and Niles, Pepsi, local miminarts' and local restaurants, attended the rally to support the repeal of the tax, which is to take effect on July 1. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

Property taxes on the climb.

An income tax hike debated in Springfield.

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An unpopular soda tax in Cook County.

Residents with their pockets inside-out in Chicago.

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It appears there's an awakening among Illinois voters. And it's about time, after decades of risky borrowing, faulty promises, weak-kneed politicians.

Springfield officials predict they'll need nearly $8 billion for the upcoming fiscal year to make a pension payment to the funds that support retired teachers, university workers, judges, politicians and state workers.

It won't be enough.

Chicago Public Schools needs hundreds of millions of dollars to slow the school district's slide toward financial collapse.

It won't be enough.

The city of Chicago's pension funds, while Mayor Rahm Emanuel has tried to prop them up, are draining toward empty.

There simply isn't enough taxpayer tolerance, or union cooperation, to bridge these systems to recovery. It's too late.

You know the scene in the movie "Goodfellas" when Henry, actor Ray Liotta's character, is worried about the pasta sauce, but drug enforcement helicopters are circling his house? That's Illinois. The Too Late State.

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Elected officials knew this was coming. They watched as liabilities in their own employee pension funds rose, even as the statutorily required payments were made. That rising liability was a neon sign that the pension systems eventually would topple, but it sure is hard to spot clues when you're spinning like the Tasmanian devil from one carefully messaged election to the next.

Years ago, when former Gov. Rod Blagojevich created a pension task force to study the state's five funds, the report that emerged illuminated the insurmountable strain of pension costs on the state budget.

I remember approaching former state Rep. Robert Molaro, D-Chicago, who served on the task force, about the findings. I was alarmed. He was not. In fact, he sponsored several bills that sweetened the pensions of city and state workers, and teachers. This was in the early 2000s.

What a dope I must have seemed, earnestly questioning him about why he would sponsor legislation he knew would cause more damage to the pension systems.

This was around the time Senate President John Cullerton sponsored a bill to give local governments more tools to borrow money. He joked, as he introduced it, not to ask him any hard questions. The bill had been written by bond interests. The Tribune's 2013 "Broken Bonds" investigative series revealed that Chicago Public Schools by 2007 had issued around $1 billion in risky bonds made possible under that bill.

Mayor Emanuel's City Hall has continued to use high-cost borrowing methods to "balance" Chicago's books. Emanuel and the City Council routinely rely on borrowing to pay off debt. Emanuel has promised that those habits will phase out. But the damage is done.

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And yet there they all are, each an Eddie Haskell impostor: "Who me? I am only trying to be reasonable and cooperate, Mrs. Cleaver." Emanuel blames Gov. Bruce Rauner. Rauner blames House Speaker Michael Madigan. Madigan blames Rauner. Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle blames Republicans.

I blame us.

It's true, the cliche that this debt did not pile up overnight. It might be the most painful indictment of voters who weren't paying close enough attention, or didn't want to, for so long.

But we are paying attention now.

Why do you think even the most tax-happy lawmakers in Springfield are glancing toward the exits as an income tax vote creeps closer? They have finally figured out what's on the other side.

Kristen McQueary is a member of the Tribune Editorial Board.

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kmcqueary@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @statehousechick
The Congressional Budget Office recently estimated that the ranks of the uninsured would increase by 22 million Americans under a Senate bill to replace Obamacare. That figure goosed Senate Republicans to start tweaking the bill and to put off a vote until after July 4. Democrats, at the barricades defending the last president's signature law, hope to jawbone the bill to death.

And ... then what? Live happily ever after with Obamacare? Not likely.

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Obamacare markets are wobbly or worse in many states. Premiums are expected to rocket again next year in many areas, including Illinois. In some counties nationwide, it's likely that no insurers will offer coverage.

Why is Obamacare on life support? One big reason: Younger, healthier people (less costly to insurers) don't see the value in those astronomical premiums. They're not buying coverage. That leaves the Obamacare markets full of sicker, more expensive customers.

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How to coax younger people to buy? Offer them lower-cost plans designed with their basic needs in mind  primarily catastrophic care for accidents or major illness, with options for more complete coverage if they wish.

The good news in that CBO report on the Senate bill: The government numbers crunchers expect that by 2020, the average premiums for benchmark plans for single individuals would plummet by about 30 percent compared to the current law. And remember, every time you hear someone compare a new bill to "the current law," he or she is speaking as if Obamacare won't collapse for lack of insurers and customers.

That 30 percent reduction in insurance premiums is a huge incentive to purchase coverage. Part of the reason for the low cost is that a smaller share of benefits would be paid for by the plans. There would also be some federal funds provided to directly reduce premiums, the CBO says.

Narrower coverage and higher deductibles could allow insurers to target customers who really don't want expensive, soup-to-nuts coverage that is mandated by the current law. Luring those relatively healthy Americans into the risk pools would help stabilize all those sinking markets.

You don't hear much about that encouraging news in this debate because of the uproar over the phasing-out of the other major prong of Obamacare: its huge expansion of the Medicaid population.

Why two prongs  with that Medicaid expansion arguably the more important?

Great question and here's your answer: Because Democrats knew the highly costly Medicaid initiative would, by itself, be a tough sell to taxpayers. So they twinned it with the state exchanges, marketplaces intended to attract a less needy population  people who buy health coverage from private insurers.

About 11 million newly eligible people gained Medicaid coverage under the Obamacare expansion. The 2010 law vastly expanded the definition of who is eligible for assistance, including able-bodied adults. It ladled out billions to Illinois and other states to persuade them to expand their Medicaid rolls. Some 650,000 Illinois residents gained coverage through those federal dollars; today 1 of 4 Illinoisans is a Medicaid beneficiary.

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The GOP bill seeks to phase out that additional federal assistance while changing the way the federal government funds the overall program. In brief, states would get per-capita funding that would rise at a specified growth rate, rather than the current open-ended system with no limit on total federal contributions. State officials would largely decide how best to spend that money for the maximum benefit of the neediest recipients. The feds would relax rules to allow states to impose new requirements and experiment with better ways to deliver care  rewarding the quality, not the quantity, of medical treatment.

We can debate whether Medicaid should or shouldn't cover able-bodied adults who are capable of holding jobs. But there's no argument that taming the program's runaway federal cost is vital to sustaining coverage for poor and less healthy Americans. That's an imperative not only for the federal budget, but also for Illinois and every other state struggling to meet Medicaid's ever-growing demands on scarce dollars.

The Senate may or may not pass an Obamacare fix. But it's worth noting that the CBO report compares the proposed law's effects with that of Obamacare, as if the latter were stable and sustainable. It's not.

"We don't have too much of a choice," President Donald Trump told Fox News recently, "because the alternative is the dead carcass of Obamacare." He's blunt but right.

Senators, here's your choice: Fix the law now and try to help more people buy or retain coverage. Or watch as it topples into the dust, leaving many Americans utterly unable to find affordable coverage.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.

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President Donald Trump answers a question from the media, during a meeting with Romanian President Klaus Werner Iohannis, not shown, in the Oval Office at the White House, Friday, June 9, 2017, in Washington. (Andrew Harnik / AP)

Ever get the feeling President Donald Trump and members of the news media don't like each other? Trump attacks the credibility of reporters with the same ferocious sloganeering he used to clobber political opponents during the campaign. He defeated "crooked Hillary" and "little Marco." Now he's in a bitter struggle with aggressive journalists  or as he calls them, purveyors of "fake news."

We don't like that phrase, not because we can't take a punch but because his purpose is disingenuous in the extreme, and harmful to American democracy. From a politician's perspective, there may be only two kinds of stories: positive or negative. But journalism is real. Some news reports will get under a president's skin. Some news reports may be inaccurate. That doesn't mean they're fabricated.

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A primary role of the news media is to hold government, the White House included, accountable for its actions. Trump's strategy is to strip potentially damaging stories of their significance by heaping them and their organizations on a junk pile so high that all critical coverage gets discredited, at least by people inclined to support him. The approach has antecedents among conservative Republicans who've long suspected too many journalists harbor a liberal bias. Sarah Palin taunted the "lamestream media."

Trump, though, takes news baiting to a new level. He routinely assaults the media despite the fact that as president he has a duty to defend the Constitution ... and thus press freedom. "A few days ago, I called the fake news the enemy of the people, and they are  they are the enemy of the people," he said at a conservative conference in February. Stop the presses, seriously. "Enemy of the people" is a despicable term once used by Stalinists to brand political prisoners; it has no business being deployed by a U.S. president against journalists. In recent days Trump has repeatedly tweeted about "fake news" and on Thursday viciously attacked the hosts of MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

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Trump's battles with the news media would be less useful to him if the nation were not so politically divided  and if the news media got every story right.

The narrative dominating Trump's early presidency is the investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 campaign. It's driven in part by news reports based on anonymous sources alleging that his associates may have colluded with Russians. No proof has surfaced. The story remains hot because Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, raising the specter of obstruction of justice.

Trump and his supporters don't see a vigorous free press at work here. They see a plot. Conservatives had an "Aha!" moment last year when WikiLeaks released hacked emails showing Washington reporters sucking up to Hillary Clinton campaign chief John Podesta. Suspicions of bias are furthered by botched reporting, including two recent incidents by CNN. The network wrongly predicted what Comey would tell a Senate hearing, then retracted a report linking a Trump campaign official to Russia. CNN apologized and three journalists resigned, but Trump didn't quit his attacks. Neither did spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who said the president is frustrated with the "constant barrage of fake news."

Antagonism between presidents and the news media isn't new. President Richard Nixon, whose administration maintained an enemies list, assailed The Washington Post's Watergate coverage. When reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein messed up a story, White House spokesman Ron Ziegler pounced: "I personally feel that this is shabby journalism by The Washington Post ... based again on anonymous sources." He went off on the Post for a full half-hour. "We have had a long run of these types of stories presented by this particular newspaper, a newspaper once referred to as a great newspaper " he chided. Sounds familiar.

At least Ziegler distinguished between his slap-down of the Post and his general respect for the news media. Trump takes no such care. The danger is that his disrespect corrodes trust, weakening journalism's effectiveness as watchdog on government. If the public tunes out, or reporters pull back from pursuing stories because the risks are too high if they err, the country is worse off.

Calling for a truce isn't necessary; reporters and government officials are often adversaries, due to their different roles. There are ground rules to these relationships, though: The news media have a responsibility to be fair and accurate, and correct errors when they happen. CNN's decision to retract the Russia story and part ways with three employees reflects a commitment to do the right thing. Public officials have a responsibility to be honest and to respect journalists' job as the public's eyes and ears. Some Trump administration decisions, such as banning cameras from some briefings, disdain that purpose.

The key is that little is owed directly from the White House to reporters, or vice versa. They aren't responsible to each other. Both owe allegiance to the American people. Conflict between the press and the president shouldn't be about which wins. It should be about serving the nation's democratic values and traditions.

And by the way, Ziegler eventually apologized to the Post.

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Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.

What to read next:

How President Trump and Mayor Emanuel can help combat violence in Chicago

President Trump: Delete your account. Stop diminishing the presidency.

Donald Trump's diet is bad for America's health

How Trump's disgusting behavior will make Republican disunity more likely

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Taylon Deer, 7, poses with JoJo alongside his mother, Taneria Deer, and sister Aubrey Turner, 4, outside the new Jewel-Osco store at Clark and Division streets in Chicago on June 27, 2017. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune )

When it comes to mascots, I'm a bit of a purist.

I believe they should make sense. I believe they should be affable. And I believe they should wear pants.

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Those rules are inviolable, so I'm sad to say I must protest a mascot introduced this week by the Illinois-based supermarket chain Jewel-Osco.

The mascot's name is JoJo. That's a bad enough name, but when you learn the "J" and the "o" stand for Jewel and Osco it becomes a thousand times worse.

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As described in a story by my colleague Leonor Vivanco, JoJo is a furry red monster, "a gender-neutral mascot with one eye." It wears a white shirt and, of course, no pants.

It will soon be lurking in area grocery stores, waiting to terrify shoppers with its giant grin, a motionless expression of faux glee that you know covers up a lifetime of hard living and despair. It's as if the monster is saying, "Look at my life. Look at what I've become. Please stop staring at my gender-neutral nether regions, I can't afford pants."

My crusade for traditional mascot decency began back in 2014, when the Chicago Cubs introduced Clark the Cub, a mascot so loathsome I described him as follows:

"First, Clark the Cub looks like a bear who ate one of the team's drunken 20-something-year-old fans and is now wearing that fan's clothes in an effort to mock not just the Cubs organization but all of humanity. Second, Clark is not wearing pants."

Things have been relatively quiet on the mascot front since then. I briefly advocated for Minnesota Vikings fan favorite Ragnar the Viking after the team let him go. He was classy and wore pants. Apparently there's no room for moral characters like him in the modern-day world of perv-mascots.

That explains why Nathan the Newspaper Narwhal  the mascot I previously created to save the newspaper industry  has failed so miserably. Nathan was everything a mascot should be: cheerful, sensibly named and fully clothed.

Lexi Dolezal poses for a photo with JoJo during the grand opening of the new Jewel store at the corner of Clark and Division streets in Chicago on Tuesday, June 27, 2017. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)

As I wrote back in 2014: "Narwhals are majestic creatures known, thanks to their long, helical tusks, as the unicorns of the sea. They represent the noble status newspapers hold in our society and, like journalists, consume pretty much whatever happens to float into their mouths."

Alas, America wasn't ready for an upstanding mascot.

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Which brings us back to JoJo, who looks like a mistake a drunken Pixar animator once made prior to being fired.

According to the Tribune story, JoJo will be "providing children with a card that gets them a free piece of fruit to encourage healthy eating and offers a free cookie too."

First off, every kid knows fruit is disgusting. So how can we make fruit less appealing to children? Oh, I know, let's have a pantsless, one-eyed monster push some bananas on them with the promise they might eventually score a cookie.

I brought some of my concerns to Jewel-Osco's media relations office, submitting the following questions:

1) Walk me through the decision to not give JoJo pants.

2) Why just one eye? Was this a costume cost-saving move? I'm unfamiliar with the economics of mascot eyeballs.

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3) Any concerns about depth perception and accidental collisions with shoppers or decorative food displays?

JoJo, Jewel-Oscos new mascot. ( Jewel-Osco )

4) I understand JoJo will offer kids fruit or a cookie. Don't you feel that this presents children with a difficult moral quandary? If I take the fruit, I know I'm choosing the healthier option and that will likely please my parents. But I want the cookie. Still, if I take the cookie, I might feel guilty that I gave in to temptation and, in the process, disappointed my parents, who at the end of the day really just want the best for me.

5) Will Jewel-Osco also be providing psychological counseling for children consumed by the fruit/cookie conundrum and/or terrified by the one-eyed, pantsless monster that thrust them into this mental quagmire in the first place?

I did not hear back from the company, leading me to believe JoJo has gone rogue and eaten all of upper management. When it comes to mascots, you reap what you sow, I'm afraid.

The best we can hope for at this point is that Clark the Cub discovers JoJo and devours the vile creature.

Either that or I can ask Nathan the Newspaper Narwhal to give JoJo a good skewering. Lord knows Nathan could use the work.

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rhuppke@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @RexHuppke
President Donald Trump ordered a temporary 90-day travel ban on the same six chaotic nations President Barack Obama labeled as dangerous in order to protect America from incoming terrorists. Yet Democrats and the media, with the assistance of the 4th and 9th U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, tried to obliterate the presidents immigration authority granted to him by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The law gives the president the right to impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate. Seems pretty clear doesnt it?

Thankfully, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, just reinstated the rule of law, and Trumps temporary ban is back in force with a few restrictions until the justices fully hear the case in October.

In addition, the Supreme Court just protected religious rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. A school run by a Christian church in Missouri was denied government support for a playground because it is a church. Chief Justice John Roberts nailed it when summarizing the 7-2 decision overthrowing Missouris action: The exclusion of Trinity Lutheran from a public benefit for which it is otherwise qualified, solely because it is a church, is odious to our Constitution all the same, and cannot stand. Exactly!

Many of us who voted for President Trump did so primarily to preserve our Constitution and our rights by ensuring a constitutionalist Supreme Court pick. Trumps choice of Neil Gorsuch was such a pick, and the Supreme Court has saved the day.

 Randy Rossi, Grayslake
What does creation of Space Corps mean? Obviously, Space Corps will share many of the facilities of the Air Force just as the Marine Corps shares facilities with the Navy. However, current space facilities like Kennedy Space Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base could become Space Corps bases. Satellites and current military activities beyond the sky will become Space Corps jurisdiction.

Yet, it's the possible near future for Space Corps that's most interesting. Will the International Space Station become in part a Space Corps military base? Will Space Corps establish other space launch bases across the United States to supplement Vandenberg and Kennedy? Will Space Corps begin research leading to eventual military bases on Mars and all the other planets and moons of the solar system? Will this corps, for example, dispatch teams to extreme environments on Earth such as Antarctica to test how fit they will be for eventual long-term deployment to Mars?

Finally, does creation of Space Corps change the dynamic of space flight? Does it mean that the exploration, exploitation and colonization of the planets and moons of the solar system takes a huge step forward with Space Corps at the helm? If so, it certainly makes Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and others who have been revolutionizing space flight over the past decade look like prophets.

 Len Robertson, St. Charles
Winner:

"It's my party and I'll pout if I want to, pout if I want to ..." - John Albrecht, Lockport

Extras:

"So you won't budget?"

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Pat Foley, Homer Glen

"I'm in a Chapter 9 State of Mind"

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Don Farrell, Glenview

"Everyone knows that sound cannot exist in a vacuum."

David Bruun, St. Charles

"We can't afford a red carpet."

Bob Lau, Chicago

"Wow, in Wisconsin, we republicans rule by force. Give up please!"

William Sparks, Green Bay WI

"I guess he's just mad again."

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Neal Kotlarek, Chicago

"You sure carry a lot of weight for such a skinny guy."

Chris Mijal, Oak Park

"Governor, a little cooperation, please! Hey, wait a minute. I'm the governor!"

David Bittinger

"Forever indebted to you, Mike, for your 12-step economic recovery program for Illinois!"

Joe Sison, Huntley

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"What, pouting already! I'll write a better banner once the rest of you arrive! OK?"

Michael Assim, Chicago
The number of appeals filed in Cook County has soared under Assessor Joseph Berrios. In 2015 alone, property owners filed assessment appeals involving 370,000 residential parcels. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune )

In my column Wednesday I urged Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios to drop his court battle against the Chicago Tribune and turn over the documents the paper is seeking related to internal deliberations over property valuation. That evening he gave an interview to Phil Ponce, host of WTTW-Ch. 11's "Chicago Tonight" program, and explained that he couldn't do that.

"There was a court ruling under the prior assessors that said we shouldn't release our internal work product," he said. "I'm not going to break the law," he added. "I wish I could just say forget about what the law (says). ... Tell me the law is wrong and I'll do whatever I can."

It's not the law that's wrong, it's Berrios. The Freedom of Information Act allows but does not require public officials to withhold certain materials from public scrutiny.

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"Releasing the documents the Tribune has requested would not violate the law in any way, but continuing to withhold them does violate the law," said attorney Karen Flax, the Tribune's vice president of legal.

She noted that Cook County Associate Judge Neil H. Cohen upheld that view when he ruled in December that Berrios should hand over to the Tribune the documents that show exactly how assessments are adjusted.

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Berrios told Ponce, "When the ruling came down, the (Cook County) state's attorney who is my attorney  and if you don't want to listen to your attorney, you're an idiot, let's be honest about it  said 'we want a shot on appeal at this.'"

An assessor's office spokesman told me that Berrios "used a misnomer when he said 'law' instead of 'rulings' and/or 'advice of the state's attorney.'" and added "the need to consistently follow precedent is similar to the need to follow a law."

That's a stretch. But there's no stretch necessary to read the promise implicit in "Tell me the law is wrong and I'll do whatever I can."

These words from Berrios echo my call. Drop the appeal of Cohen's ruling. Show us your work.
I understand why President Donald Trump was irked at the steady and sometimes quite personal criticism he gets from MSNBC "Morning Joe" co-hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough.

Criticism can be irksome. Even I, your beloved and clear-thinking columnist, receive it from time to time.

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And I understand why Trump felt the urge to lash back.

I often feel that urge myself. But I tamp it down by remembering what I have come to believe are the two most important words in the language:

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Then what?

Translation:

OK, you have this impulse, this notion, this unbaked plan, this fantasy. You have an angry beast in your heart that you wish to untether. You have a dream and want to take the first steps in pursuing it. You have a prank you want to pull, an undying love you want to proclaim, an extravagant purchase you can't seem to resist. Or you find you can't resist the temptation to commit an illegal, immoral or unhealthy act.

So game it out for yourself. What happens next, in the hours and days after you feel that initial burst of endorphins? How do you answer the angel on your shoulder who demands, "Tell me how this story ends?"

Trump plainly has no such angel on his shoulder. In his irked state he went to Twitter and unleashed a pair of childish, churlish and dishonest broadsides at Brzezinski and Scarborough. These rejoinders certainly must have felt good to deliver in the moment, but they derailed all serious policy discussions in the nation for more than a day and further diminished Trump's standing among all but his most ardent supporters.

What did he think would be the result? That Joe and Mika would decide to show him greater respect? That their viewers would desert "Morning Joe" for "Fox and Friends"? That his critics and the doubters of his sanity would rethink their positions?

Not likely. All the evidence suggests that Trump seldom if ever thinks such things through, tries to peek over the horizon or takes the long view. He lives and acts in the moment. This doesn't show strength, as his defenders insist, but weakness.

It's also the weakness of a candidate who ran for governor on a platform of platitudes and ideological notions, but then showed that he had no idea how to turn those notions into policy under divided government. It's the weakness of legislative leaders who, when they had the supermajority to do it, chose not to extend an income tax hike in order to teach this new governor a lesson about the perils of austerity

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It's the weakness of members of Congress who caterwauled for years about how horrible Obamacare is, then when given the chance to replace it with something better, showed that their good idea cupboard was empty.

It's the weakness of presidents who invade foreign countries in order to topple their dictators, but who don't have a long-term occupation or exit plan.

A reluctance or inability to peer into the future is the weakness of amorous cheats, binge drinkers, infuriated motorists, impulse shoppers, intoxicated tattoo seekers and everyone who thought it would be a good idea to elect an immature, incurious bully as president of the United States.

It's the weakness of aggrieved employees, wounded ex-lovers, prickly pundits and, seemingly, every third person on social media, where regret is always up in the rafters preparing to drop its anvil.

Then what?

I wish I'd discovered these magic words earlier in life. I wish I was always heeding them instead of occasionally giving in to the "Go for it!" devil on the opposite shoulder.

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And I wish that someone had drilled them into Trump's thick skull many years ago.

Re: Tweets

I'm not surprised that online readers selected this as the funniest tweet of the week in the Change of Subject poll: "Is a rivalry between two vegetarians still called a beef?" by @LoverOfComics94. Though I would have used "dispute" or "argument" rather than "rivalry," I see why this one rose to the top in a field of eight finalists.

But I'm shocked and disappointed that, for the first time in the history of this poll, my favorite finalist came in dead last: "'I did it my way,' Frank Sinatra. 'I fail to see what business it is of yours how I did it,' Secretive Sinatra," by @OKeating.

ericzorn@gmail.com

Twitter @EricZorn
Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia speaks after Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle delivered her budget address Thursday October 13, 2016. Garcia has filed an ordinance that would bar attorneys, law firms and other businesses that file property tax assessment appeals from contributing to the political campaigns of the county assessor. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia filed an ordinance Thursday that would bar attorneys, law firms and other businesses that file property tax assessment appeals from contributing to the political campaigns of the county assessor.

He will introduce the measure when the board meets on July 19. The same day, Berrios is scheduled to appear before the full board during a meeting of the finance committee, where he'll testify about assessments produced by his office.

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Garcia, a former Chicago mayoral candidate, was among the first commissioners to push a resolution last week calling on Berrios to testify in the wake of the Tribune series "The Tax Divide." The investigation documented deep flaws in assessments under Berrios that punished the poor while giving wealthy homeowners financial breaks.

The new measure, Garcia said, stems from findings in the series that revealed a steep increase in property tax appeals at a time when the bulk of campaign contributions Berrios collected came from property tax attorneys or other businesses involved in the appeals industry. As part of a collaboration with the University of Chicago's Municipal Finance Center, the Tribune found that residential appeals make an already unequal system more unfair.

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"The series the Tribune published in collaboration with other experts, including the University of Chicago, has raised many questions about the system," Garcia told the Tribune. "I've been getting calls and questions from my constituents who appear to have been impacted. Just reading about how much money has been raised, it's begging for answers. That's why we're looking forward to the assessor's appearance."

Garcia represents and lives in Little Village, a neighborhood where homes were routinely overvalued by the assessor, according to a Tribune analysis of more than 100 million property tax records. More affluent neighborhoods, meanwhile, were undervalued.

Known as regressivity, these types of disparities in the assessments led to inequities in property tax bills. That finding was documented by the Tribune's analysis as well as the U. of C. study on appeals done in conjunction with the newspaper.

The county assessor has long been a relatively low-profile elected position. But among insiders, it is considered one of the most powerful political offices in the state, affecting the interests of real estate developers, law firms and wealthy individuals.

The ordinance limiting contributions to the assessor is among a growing list of headaches for Berrios, who is also the Cook County Democratic Party chairman.

State Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston, a candidate for governor, also wants limits on contributions to local assessors from tax attorneys who appeal assessments as well as other changes to the state's property tax system.

And, last week, the Tribune learned that the inspector general for Cook County has begun investigating issues raised in the Tribune's series.

Berrios and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, also a Democrat, have agreed to bring in a third party to examine the county's property tax system. The effort appears to include all aspects of the county's complex system rather than focusing solely on the assessor's office.

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Contacted for comment on Garcia's proposed ordinance, Berrios' campaign spokesperson, Jacob Kaplan, said the assessor had not been contacted about the legislation and hadn't seen a copy of it.

"We would be happy to review it, and we always follow the law," Kaplan said in a written statement. "However, any ordinance, or, indeed, any legislation should apply equally to all officials  including the Cook County commissioners."

Garcia, who said he shared the new ordinance with Commissioners Larry Suffredin and John Fritchey, said he was open to including other officials in the legislation but pointed out that "no one has a role as unique as the assessor's office."

Twitter @JasonGrotto
Thunderstorms erupted for a second straight evening across far northern Illinois on Thursday, producing another round of drenching downpours. Portions of McHenry and Lake counties received over 5 inches of rain from several clusters of storms that began Wednesday afternoon.

Warm, humid air will remain in place much of Friday. A slow-moving cold front, and 125 mph jet stream winds overhead, will help lift the unstable air into towering thunderstorms during the afternoon. Storms across most of the metro area are expected to be scattered in coverage, posing a marginal risk of severe weather.

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Activity is to become better organized as it moves into central Illinois and northwest Indiana by evening. Cooler, drier air will arrive behind the front, bringing an end to stormy weather.
House of Vans has hosted musicians like Rise Against and Noname. (Milos Otic)

Months after the grand opening of House of Vans' third permanent location in Chicago, the warehouse venue is drawing massive crowds for their free shows and inspiring Chicago creatives across multiple mediums.

Walking into the West Loop venue feels like entering your high school punk-rock dreams checkered black and white tile floors mimicking Vans' iconic checkerboard shoes, a photo booth, free beer sponsored by Goose Island and an indoor skate park that doubles as a concert floor during shows.

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Fans of all ages line up outside of the House of Vans, down the block and around surrounding buildings on concert nights, which are completely free with online RSVP. The choice to make the shows free was an obvious one according to House of Vans programming manager, Brooke Burt.

"We wanted to be very approachable," Burt said. "We wanted it to be inclusive to where anyone could come and be inspired."

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Since opening, House of Vans has hosted musicians such as Noname, Rise Against and The Internet, but the venue doesn't stop at concerts.

Establishing itself as a creative hub for young people and Chicagoans looking to learn a new skill, House of Vans holds regular classes and workshops in mediums like mosaics and photography and will soon launch skateboarding lessons for anyone, of any age, eager to get on a board.

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Past artist workshops have been hosted by influential artists such as Atiba Jefferson, a veteran skateboard photographer from Los Angeles, who taught attendees to shoot in-motion photographythe subjects being professional skateboarders that House of Vans brought in for the event.

House of Vans has opened multiple pop-up venues in cities like Berlin and Milan, but has only three permanent locations in Brooklyn, London and Chicago.

When asked why Chicago was the most logical city for a third location, Burt cited the artistic culture central to the city.

"Chicago is so rich in culture, and its eclectic history across action sports, skateboarding, art, music and street culture was very much aligned with our 'Off the Wall' ethos," she said.

Residing in Chicago for less than half of a year, House of Vans has already created a strong link from Chicagoans to accessible art, music and cultureand it has no plans of stopping.

"At the end of the day, I feel that I've done my job and I know that Vans feels like we've accomplished something if someone leaves the House of Vans and feels inspired to pick up a skateboard, or a paintbrush, or a guitar or whatever it may be," Burt said. "If we've done that, we've done a good job and feel happy about what we're doing."

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RSVP to free House of Vans' upcoming summer concerts at vans.com.
Step away from the Maruchan packets. Chicago's popular ramen joint, Furious Spoon, is blessing (or cursing) us with an entire month of all-you-can-eat.

According to Chicagoist, the deal will be available starting July 1 at all of the chain's four locations: Wicker Park (1571 N. Milwaukee Ave.), Logan Square (2410 N. Milwaukee Ave.), Pilsen (1316 W. 18th St.) and Revival Food Hall (125 S. Clark St.). For $18, you'll be treated to unlimited bowls of noodles, broth and all the other goodies your heartand stomachdesires.

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If you needed an added incentive to grab your stretchiest pants and head out the door, any patron who takes down five bowls of ramen will receive a $25 gift card and an opportunity to win a "hands-on noodle class for four."

But don't try to cheat the system: Each guest will receive a dated wristband before you get your hands on your first bowl, and you'll need to prove your bowl is empty before enjoying a second (or third or fourth or fifth). Go forth and enjoy.

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@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com
The Rev. Julian Spencer, left, pastor at Main Baptist Church in Aurora, receives congratulations recently from Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin and Ald. Scheketa Hart-Burns, 7th Ward, on the church's 150-year anniversary. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News )

It was during the Civil War, and Park Place Baptist Church in Aurora was instrumental in getting escaped slaves from the American South through the Underground Railroad.

As some African-Americans settled in Aurora, and as more came during the war and after, Park Place Baptist Church welcomed them into the congregation. As their numbers grew, they met in homes for prayer meetings, but decided they needed a place to worship of their own.

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At that time, Rev. Buttons, the Park Place pastor, was approached by Rev. Barnett, the leader of the black membership. They worked to form a new church, which came into being in June 1867.

That was the pre-cursor of today's Main Baptist Church, 181 E. Galena Blvd., which is celebrating its 150th year of existence. Now under the direction of the Rev. Julian E. Spencer, the church holds three services each Sunday, providing webcasts so they can be seen beyond the church walls.

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The Aurora City Council recently honored Main Baptist Church for its anniversary with a mayoral proclamation. Mayor Richard Irvin said the church's longevity and history "means they're a pillar of our community."

"We felt it was our responsibility to honor (them)," he said.

In accepting the proclamation, Spencer said 150 years is a long time "to do anything."

"We seek to be the kind of church that serves the community," he said. "No matter what you look like, you're our people."

The first church building on the church's current site was put up in the 1890s, a gift to the church from a prominent Aurora citizen. It was then known as Third Baptist Church.

On Nov. 24, 1924, Third Baptist Church was torn down and worship services were held in the G.A.R. Hall, Aurora City Hall, the Labor Temple, and various other places.

On Sunday, Aug. 23, 1925, the Rev. G. W. Alexander preached the sermon for the "Laying of the Cornerstone" at the current location and the church was renamed Main Street Baptist Church.

The church has had many pastors during its time, with perhaps the two most well-known being the Rev. Robert Wesby, who served from 1954 through 1963, and the Rev. Dezo McGill, who served 32 years until his retirement in 2006.

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Spencer has been pastor since June 2007.

slord@tribpub.com
A sketch of the mural type of artwork to go on a building in downtown Aurora. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News )

An Aurora City Council committee has approved a piece of urban art that would cover the entire north wall of the Aurora Fastprint building downtown.

The council's Planning and Development Committee voted 3-0 to issue a certificate of appropriateness to Kim Granholm, owner of Aurora Fastprint and its building, to put up the mixed-media group of panels depicting elements of Aurora's history and natural amenities.

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In this case, the committee is the final authority. The artwork already received unanimous support from the Aurora Public Art Commission and the Design Review Committee of the Foxwalk Overlay District.

"When I first saw you were doing the whole side of the building, I liked it 100 percent better," said Ald. Michael Saville, 6th Ward, the Planning and Development chairman. "That will make it really pop. I'm impressed by the amount of thought put into this. You will set the tone for murals throughout the downtown."

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And that was part of the point of Granholm spending an estimated $20,000 to $30,000 to have the art designed by local artist Cheryl Holz, and installed. She said she hopes the artwork will spur more interest in downtown art, murals and urban art.

"I hope this will spark the community," Granholn said.

Granholm, who is president of Aurora Downtown, an association of downtown merchants, also was looking to pave the way for future artists on how to work with the city's new system for approving downtown murals.

That system was approved a year ago as an amendment to the Foxwalk Overlay District, which guides design on public amenities downtown from street lights to historic signs to trash barrels. Granholm hoped to see how the system works for the average businessperson or artist.

This back wall of Aurora Fastprint in downtown Aurora will be home for a new mural. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News )

She told city officials she thought it was "a little long." She said she had at least four meetings before getting the approval.

"I have a lot of staff, so I had people to help work on it," she said. "I'm not sure if other business owners or artists could do it."

Alderman listened, but Saville pointed out that it also is important to hear from the different entities interested in downtown on these kinds of issues.

"There are a lot of stakeholders involved in this," he said.

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Still, there was little question Saville, and Ald. Sherman Jenkins, at large, and Carl Franco, 5th Ward, would approve the project.

Granholm has already started work on it, with the design done by Holz, and Aurora Fastprint already beginning the vinyl panels that literally will wrap the brick side of Granholm's building. She even has sent several of her employees to a "wrap school" in Florida to learn how to do it.

The artwork itself, in the eyes of artists, is not really a mural at all, because those are painted directly onto the building. That would have been impossible in this situation, because the new guidelines prohibit anyone painting directly on bare brick  they can only paint on brick that already has been painted on.

The work will be three-dimensional, with the wraps on the bricks and other things covering the things on the wall, such as a back staircase, which will be designed to be the Fox River flowing through Aurora, and electric poles.

Still up in the air is whether or not the wall will be lighted. But Granholm liked an idea from Franco to have some kind of key near the wall  maybe pamphlets for people to take with them  explaining all the elements in the artwork.

"It's pretty cool," Franco said of the urban art.

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slord@tribpub.com
Aurora Police Officer Brian Hester sits at the staff table at his final Aurora City Council meeting as sergeant-at-arms. (Steve Lord/The Beacon-News )

The beginning of Aurora City Council meetings is pretty routine.

Everyone stands for a moment of silence for past and present members of the Armed Forces. They say the Pledge of Allegiance. They stand in silence for an invocation from an alderman or one of Aurora's clergy.

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For Officer Brian Hester, though, the opening of a meeting is quite different.

The Aurora Police Department officer who has served numerous meetings as sergeant-at-arms on and off for the past 20 years usually spends that time sizing up the crowd, watching people and checking for anything unusual.

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"I'm looking around the room when everyone has their head bowed," Hester said about trying to size up any potential trouble. "And I'm thinking, not tonight, it's not happening in my meeting."

Hester is taking that attitude and dedication with him as he retires, having spent his last meeting looking around the room June 27. He is leaving being a police officer, after a 32-year career  the past 25 in Aurora and seven before that in Oswego.

For the past 20 years, he and partner Officer David Homberg have shared the sergeant-at-arms duties as part of their patrol of downtown Aurora.

Hester actually started his career in Aurora patrolling downtown, one of 10 officers the city dedicated to that duty for Hollywood Casino-Aurora when it first came to town.

Hester said that while he has never physically thrown anyone out of a meeting, there were times, he said, when he quietly called for backup that came to the hallway outside the City Council chambers, or just downstairs.

"We were prepared," he said.

Hester remembered once during the reign of Mayor David Stover, himself a former police chief, when the officer had to become almost a personal protector for the mayor for a short time when he was having an ongoing issue with a citizen.

"I had to walk behind him in a parade," he said.

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Aldermen and audience members gave Hester a standing ovation on his final night, many of them, along with city staff, dropping by afterward to wish him well.

One of the city's longest-serving aldermen, Robert O'Connor, at large, acknowledged Hester from the dais, and added with a grin, "it's all going to be chaos now when he leaves."

Overall, Hester said he has "great memories from working here," not just in the council chambers, but as a police officer.

Not all his memorable calls have been downtown  he remembered having to rush to the city's hospitals to take reports, and during the winter of 2014, he was the first on the scene of the horrific accident on Interstate 88 that killed an Illinois State Tollway worker and seriously injured an Illinois State Trooper.

When Hester leaves the department Monday, he won't be kicking back and relaxing. He is trading being a sergeant-at-arms to being an arms trainer  for a private contractor training U.S. Embassy personnel in Kabul, Afghanistan.

He realizes where he's headed is much hotter than the Aurora City Council chambers, but he said it is "something I always wanted to do."

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During the beginning of the Gulf War, he was accepted to do similar training in Iraq, but taking that job meant he had to quit his job as a police officer, which he did not want to do.

Now, he's ready to take the job, spending 15 weeks in Afghanistan, with five weeks home in Aurora, for at least the next year.

"I never joined the military, so this is just something I could do," he said.

slord@tribpub.com
Felony charges have been filed against two men who withdrew their candidacies eight days after filing petitions to run for offices in the spring within Oswego Township.

Herman Johnson and Martin Flowers are both charged with mutilation of election materials. Oswego police detectives said they found falsified signatures on their candidacy petitions for the April election, when Johnson had been running for township trustee and Flowers had been running for road commissioner. Both former candidates are accused of knowingly forging or falsifying their petitions.

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Flowers is also accused of submitting a candidacy petition containing falsified signatures for an April 2015 election, when he won an uncontested, unexpired two-year term on the library board. That term was over in the spring.

Flowers, 43, of the first block of Red Fox Run in Montgomery, faces two counts of the charge, one in connection with each election. Johnson, 77, of the 700 block of Bohannon Circle in Oswego, was charged with a single count of the class 4 felony.

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A third man, Kenneth W. Musich, 66, of the first block of Bereman Road in Montgomery, was charged with disregard of election code, a class A misdemeanor, for accusations that he falsely claimed to be the circulator of Flowers' candidate petition for road commissioner.

All three men were booked in the Kendall County Jail and released on their own recognizance, though a judge set bonds at $10,000 each for Flowers and Johnson and $2,000 for Musich. They are next due in court July 13 before Kendall County Judge Timothy McCann.

John P. Sackmann, the attorney on file for all three, could not be reached for comment.

Oswego police announced the charges, filed Thursday with approval from the Kendall County state's attorney's office, as the result of a six-month investigation stemming from a complaint alleging candidate petitions for Flowers and Johnson included forged voter signatures. Kendall County State's Attorney Eric Weis said some of the names that were allegedly falsified in each man's packet were the same.

"If Joe Smith was on one, he was on the other," Weis said.

Weis said he wasn't sure exactly how many signatures were required or how many were falsified, but that each petition packet included at least one full page of falsified signatures. In some cases, many signatures in a row looked like the same person wrote them, Weis said.

He commended the police department's role in the investigation, which he said included contacting some of the people whose signatures appeared forged and confirming that they had not signed the petitions.

Police said they received the complaint Dec. 29, two days after both men withdrew from the election. The next week, police took another complaint accusing Flowers of doing the same thing as a candidate for library trustee in 2015.

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Detectives determined all three petitions in question contained falsified signatures of registered voters, according to a statement from police. Police declined to release further information, including how many signatures were allegedly forged, citing pending court proceedings.

Illinois law defines "mutilation of election materials" as knowingly destroying, mutilating, defacing, falsifying, forging, concealing or removing any record, document or computer program connected with registration or any election. Anyone convicted of a crime under that statute is ineligible for public employment for five years following the completion of his or her sentence.

hleone@tribpub.com

Twitter @hannahmleone
Annah Mitchell is about to take another leap of faith.

She did it when she started her part-time Gobble Doggs catering business in 2012, went out and purchased $2,000 worth of turkey dogs and buns from Costco and set up shop at Yorkville's Hometown Days.

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The venture ended "in disaster," she recalled. Poor weather and bad timing equaled a return home with at least $1,300 in leftover food.

But Mitchell doesn't seem to let a little adversity slow her down. A couple years later, she bought a used food truck for her Gobble Doggs venture and obtained an Aurora food truck license, only to learn she was limited to city-sponsored events.

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"It was a rough winter. No one wants to buy hot dogs when it's cold," said Mitchell, a single mom of twins who are juniors in college. "If I'd not had any savings, I really don't know what I would have done."

What she did do was take another leap. Last August, Mitchell, who had been operating the hot dog business part-time, quit her job in marketing for a transit company. She'd already decided to drive her food truck beyond her hometown borders, and was going through what she described as "a rigorous process" of getting a food truck license for Chicago that included retrofitting the vehicle with a grease pit and installing a new generator.

"I had to strike while the iron was hot," said Mitchell, who even created a video blog entitled "I left my job for a hot dog" to keep her spirits lifted.

"I knew my income was going to drop to half or a third, but my kids were so supportive," she said, offering to do without any extras and even willing to downsize the family home if it meant Mom could continue with her dream.

Gobble Doggs' first day in Chicago? Another disaster.

"I had no idea what I was doing . where the best places to park were," said Mitchell, who ended up on Van Buren Street in the Financial District where, on a Saturday, she sold less than $60 in food.

But one thing seems obvious. This entrepreneur learns from her mistakes. The next time she rolled into Chicago on a Saturday, arriving before 6 a.m. and scoring a spot near the Chicago Art Institute, she said she pulled in close to $1,000 over a "long 12-hour day." Tourists, she discovered, love the idea of a healthy Chicago dog made from turkey and steamed instead of grilled.

Mitchell also learned that if she wanted to make any money during the week in the dog-eat-dog world of the food truck business, she had to stake out those prime spots early, and even then had to deal with competitors who used parked cars as place-holders until they arrived with their trucks.

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"You really can't get mad," she said. "It's all about the hustle."

And now Mitchell is ready to leap again. Last week she and Gobble Doggs took over the concession kiosk that has been vacant for a couple years inside the LaSalle Street Metra Station at 414 S. LaSalle St. in Chicago.

Annah Mitchell hands out free samples of her Gobble Doggs on June 29 to riders at the LaSalle Street Metra Station in Chicago. (Annah Mitchell)

Mitchell said she actually looked into setting up shop in this train station back in 2015 but was told a Dunkin Donuts was taking over that vacant kiosk. When she inquired again last November, Mitchell learned there had been a franchise problem and the space was still available.

And so she quickly filed for an application and went through another long process, which included submitting what she described as an "exhaustive" business plan. She's also applied for a liquor license she hopes to get in time for the holidays, which will allow her to sell beer with those dogs, as well as a few mixed drinks.

Mitchell felt she caught a break when she learned her rent for this 312-square-foot kiosk would be under $800, a couple hundred dollars lower than what she had heard the previous owner paid.

Her pre-grand opening on Thursday, where she offered prizes and samples of her steamed turkey dogs, went well, she said, "with a winding line" and only a couple minor setbacks. In addition to burning a batch of popcorn, she realized a half hour before opening that she'd forgot to turn the steamer on.

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"It was a miracle," Mitchell said, "but they heated up quickly."

And none of those Metra passengers knew the smiling hot dog lady in the kiosk was "this close" to crying.

"I'm just going to keep learning as I go," she said. "I've been through a lot of bumps and bruises, but I'm still so excited."

DCrosby@tribpub.com

Twitter @dencrosby
Motley 2, which pays tribute to the early era of heavy metal band Motley Crue, performs July 13 at CD&ME in Frankfort. Seann Scott (from left), AZ Alvarez, Darryl Strucke and Nick Wells comprise Motley 2. (Photo courtesy of Motley 2) (HANDOUT)

Darryl Strucke's first stage appearance was in ninth grade performing heavy metal band Motley Crue's "Looks That Kill" for a school lip sync performance.

Years later he founded Motley 2 which performs July 13 at CD&ME in Frankfort and is billed as Los Angeles' top tribute band to early Motley Crue. The concert also includes Lockport-based Blackened which is billed as the ultimate Metallica tribute.

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"When someone thinks of Motley Crue they think of old Motley Crue, the era that we do with the outfits. It's a lot of fun to dress up with the makeup and wigs," said Strucke via phone on the way to his home in Canyon Country, California.

"We try to be as authentic as possible and as accurate as possible with the look. Back in the day it was just the attitude they had and the outfits. A lot of bands sounded good, which they did. They just had the attitude of being rock stars."

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It was Motley Crue's 1981 debut studio record that hooked Strucke.

"I was in ninth grade and my friend had the 'Too Fast for Love' album. I heard 'Live Wire.' I was a fan ever since," said Strucke about the album, which eventually reached platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America for selling 1 million copies.

The Southland show marks only the second time Motley 2 has been in the Chicago area. The first was in 2012 at House of Blues Chicago.

"We just focus on the early stuff," said Strucke about Motley 2's set, which includes many tracks from "Too Fast for Love" and 1983's "Shout at the Devil" as well as songs from 1985's "Theatre of Pain," 1987's "Girls, Girls, Girls" and 1989's "Dr. Feelgood."

Motley 2 mirrors early Motley Crue  Vince Neil (lead vocals), Mick Mars (lead guitar), Nikki Sixx (bass) and Tommy Lee (drums)  with AZ Alvarez on vocals, Nick Wells on guitar, Strucke on bass and Seann Scott on drums.

"I met Vince Neil. I was about 16 or 17 years old. I (had) just started driving. I was driving down the street. I was passing a tire store. I looked to the right and saw a Lamborghini. Vince Neil got out of the car so I pulled over," Strucke said.

"I got a picture with Vince Neil and my friend's sister in front of a bunch of tires."

Scott, Strucke and Wells previously performed in original heavy metal band Reactor which opened for metal acts such as Dokken, Judas Priest, Ratt and Skid Row.

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"We never did anything other than play the Hollywood scene. Almost all those shows we had to pay clubs to play," said Strucke, who saw Motley Crue in concert four times before its final show on New Year's Eve in 2015. He also attended a couple of Neil's solo shows.

"I played in a couple other bands here and there and thought I might as well do a tribute band and do something which has the potential to play nationwide because Motley Crue is a nationally known band."

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Motley 2 has performed across the United States including Alaska, California and New York and done gigs in Mexico and Canada.

"The best thing about it is the traveling," Strucke said.

"We're focused on giving the crowd a good time. We're always very interactive. We always pose for pictures before or after we play. We just want to give the audience the best time possible."

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

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Motley 2

When: 8 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) July 13

Where: CD&ME, 23320 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort

Tickets: $7
Two male Cook County detainees accused of sexually assaulting a female detainee last month while all three were in custody at the Markham courthouse gained access to the woman's cell by asking a sheriff's deputy to use the toilet inside, prosecutors said.

Hamidullah Tribble, 21, of Chicago, and Nelon Drake, 29, of Dolton, are charged with criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony, for the alleged attack on May 2 in the holding area of the courthouse, prosecutors said Thursday at a bond hearing for both men.

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The pair had been brought from Cook County Jail to the courthouse that morning and were housed in the same lockup cell, which did not have a toilet, according to prosecutors.

The 52-year-old female detainee was placed alone in a cell across from them that did have a toilet, prosecutors said.

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Tribble, who was being held on $100,000 bail for charges of aggravated kidnapping of a child, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and unlawful restraint, requested to use the toilet in the female detainee's cell and a sheriff's deputy permitted him to do so, according to prosecutors.

Once inside the cell, prosecutors alleged that Tribble sexually assaulted the woman. Upon finishing, he requested the deputy let him out, and he returned to his cell.

Drake, who is being held in a first-degree murder case and a separate case of attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful restraint, then requested to use the toilet in the female detainee's cell, prosecutors alleged.

After he entered the woman's cell, she sat crying while covering her face with her hands, prosecutors alleged. Drake then allegedly sexually assaulted the woman, prosecutors said.

Afterward, a witness saw both men "high-five," prosecutors said.

Later, as the men were being transported out of lockup, they reported to a deputy that the woman had forced herself on them when they entered her cell to use the toilet, prosecutors said.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

All three detainees were then sent to separate hospitals to have sexual assault examinations performed. The tests confirmed that both men had sexual contact with the woman, prosecutors said.

Cook County sheriff's office spokeswoman Sophia Ansari said the department's office of professional review was investigating the allegations, but that she couldn't share anything else about the circumstances of the alleged sexual assault or the possible consequences for any deputies involved.

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Sheriff's office spokeswoman Cara Smith previously told the Southtown that it "absolutely is the protocol" to keep male and female detainees separate and that the department's internal investigation would seek to determine why that protocol was violated. Smith said the investigation likely would result in terminations.

Judge Michele Pitman on Thursday transferred the case from Markham to the courthouse at 26th Street and California Avenue, because the alleged assault had occurred at the Markham courthouse.

Tribble was ordered held on $250,000 bond, but because Drake did not have an attorney present his bond hearing was delayed. Both men are due back in court July 13.

zkoeske@tribpub.com

Twitter @ZakKoeske
Warning: Video contains graphic language. A lawsuit was filed against Lansing Officer William Mason after this video shows him threatening to kill 15-year-old Jordan Brunson. (Facebook) (Facebook/Chicago Tribune)

Lansing's mayor is asking for the investigation of a white off-duty police officer captured on video pinning a black teen on the ground to be turned over to the Cook County sheriff's office, officials said.

The officer, who officials did not name, also is being placed on administrative leave, pending the investigation's findings, Lansing Mayor Patricia L. Eidam said.

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Officials would not say whether the Lansing officer would be paid during his leave.

The action comes as some local activists have called for the officer's firing.

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Lansing police were probing the incident, which happened June 24, but the mayor said in a statement said that an independent investigation ensures there's no "appearance of impropriety."

Sheriff's office officials said they received the request from the mayor but added they have not yet confirmed whether they will conduct the investigation.

"My bottom line remains clear," Eidam said in a statement. "I want all the facts reviewed, I want an objective conclusion to be reached, and I want recommendations on what corrective actions may need to be taken."

Andrew M. Stroth, a lawyer representing the teen's family, said Eidam's actions were "swift" and "thoughtful" after he and the family had a meeting with Lansing's police chief, mayor and city lawyers on Friday morning.

"Eidam wants to do the right thing," Stroth said. "And we give her credit for her handling of the situation and for the fact that they want a third-party investigation."

Stroth said the family wants the officer to ultimately be terminated.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

"The family doesn't want this to happen to anyone else's kid," Stroth said.

Lansing police couldn't be reached for comment.

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The incident came after Lansing police received a call regarding a fight involving approximately 30 individuals near 192nd Street and Oakwood Avenue. A police report said officers arrived to the scene after the fight ended and no arrests were made.

A 12-year-old black boy then told officers he was in the area when a white teen gave him a beverage that might have contained drugs, the report said. Eventually, officials said, the boy's brother had a "physical confrontation" that resulted in the white teen being repeatedly struck in the face.

The off-duty officer, who lives in the neighborhood, later encountered the white teen, who was bleeding from his face, on the officer's property. As the officer spoke to the white teen, the report said, a 15-year-old black teen approached the pair. Both juveniles then proceeded to leave the officer's property, but the officer told them to stay until police arrived. The teens refused, and the officer then physically detained the black teen.

A highly viewed video showed the officer pinning the teen down. At one point, the man threatened to kill the youth, the video showed.

gporterjr@tronc.com
Amid enthusiastic applause, Tinley Park's Plan Commission voted Wednesday to recommend the Village Board reject a special use permit for an apartment project that has drawn the ire of residents who say it would irreparably damage the character of their neighborhood.

The village board is expected to take a preliminary vote on the recommendation at its July 11 meeting.

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Some 300 people attended the Plan Commission's special meeting, held in the auditorium of Andrew High School, and several of them stood and applauded commissioners even before the unanimous vote was taken on a motion by Commissioner Peter Kroner to recommend denial of the special use permit sought by the developers.

The plan for The Residence at Brookside Glen calls for two buildings, with 72 apartment units each, separated by a clubhouse with an outdoor pool. A dog park also is part of the proposed development. Monthly rents would range in the area of $1,500 to $2,500 for the one- and two-bedroom units.

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It is proposed for a roughly 8-acre site southwest of 191st Street and 80th Avenue.

Residents of the Brookside Glen subdivision have argued that the development would bring unwanted traffic congestion, hurt the value of their homes and not fit in with the character of the subdivision, which includes a mix of town homes and single-family detached homes.

The project would be developed by Karli Mayher and DJM-Vandenberg Brookside Joint Venture. Following the Plan Commission vote, a representative for the developers declined comment.

In 2000, plans were approved for that property for a condominium development consisting of 144 units spread among nine buildings, but it was never built. The developers have said that changes in the housing market have made high-end rental developments more attractive than owner-occupied condos or town homes.

Residents had complained the two buildings the current developers proposed were too big and resembled hotels.

A rendering is seen of the proposed The Residence at Brookside Glen apartment development in Tinley Park. The villages plan commission has recommended village trustees not approve a special use permit for the project. (Handout)

When the developers initiated talks with Tinley Park about the project, they envisioned eight buildings with 18 apartment units each, Andrea Crowley, an attorney with Griffin & Gallagher in Palos Hills representing the developers, told the commission Wednesday.

There had been some questions as to whether the site was zoned to allow for apartments, although decades-old drawings of the initial planned unit development for Brookside Glen indicated condos or apartments in that section, with possibly office and retail uses closer to the intersection of 191st and 80th Avenue.

Some of the documents spelling out the zoning can't be located, Village Attorney Patrick Connelly said at the outset of Wednesday's meeting.

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"We don't have them," he said, which makes it "somewhat difficult to pin that (issue) down."

Crowley insisted "that's not an issue" for the commissioners to consider, referring to whether the housing units would be rentals or owner-occupied.

The developers had agreed to relocate outdoor patios and the dog park to put them farther away from nearby town homes.

Many residents and some of the commissioners questioned the viability of the development, pointing out the high rents and lack of nearby amenities, such as a train station or shopping that could be easily accessed on foot or by bike.

The developers hired consulting firm Tracy Cross & Associates to do a market study on the project, and Cross said at the meeting he saw "significant market potential" for The Residence, and believed "the project can be very successful." Kroner, in a good impersonation of an attorney grilling a hostile witness on the stand, questioned his findings during a lengthy exchange, and commission Chairman Ed Matushek questioned Cross' assertion that the apartments would attract affluent millennials.

Cross said that 42 percent of all current renters in Tinley Park are under the age of 35, but that renters in their 40s, 50s and 60s would also be drawn to the development.

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Because of the proximity to jobs in downtown Chicago, Matushek said he believed millennials would prefer to live there as well and not "in the middle of nowhere," referring to the Tinley Park site and that residents of the buildings would need to drive to the train or shopping.

Commissioners also questioned whether there would be sufficient demand considering that another apartment project has been in the planning stages for downtown Tinley Park, immediately south of the Oak Park Avenue Metra station.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Cross pointed out that, with the exception of two rental developments in Orland Park  Ninety 7 Fifty on the Park, and The Residences of Orland Park Crossing  no new rental housing has been built in the south and southwest suburbs in many years. He said his study showed the area in and around the village would be able to absorb as many as 1,125 new rental units over a five-year plan, with the assumption that they would come on the market in phases.

Because the number of planned housing units was not an issue, commissioners were asked to consider deviations regarding the height of the buildings and how far set back from the street they would be.

In their voting, commissioners were not required to elaborate on their reason or reasons for voting to recommend denial of the special use permit.

Still, it was clear from comments made by them during Wednesday's session and previous meetings where The Residence was discussed that they had concerns about the project.

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Typically, when a motion is made on a special use or other matter before the commission, it's made in affirmative wording, with phrasing such as "recommend approval," and commissioners voting either up or down on it. Commissioner Mark Moylan said he wanted the commission to send a strong message to the village board of its feelings about the project, asking that a motion recommending denial be worded as such.

mnolan@tribpub.com

Twitter @mnolan_J
Deerfield High School Spanish teacher Ryan Rockaitis receives the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages teacher of the year award from the previous years winner, Martha Behlow. (Ryan Rockaitis )

Ryan Rockaitis likes to make Spanish a living language while giving his Deerfield High School students opportunities to use their skills rather than handing them large doses of vocabulary and grammar.

That philosophy helped earn Rockaitis the teacher of the year award from the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages last fall.

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Entering his 20th year as a teacher of high school Spanish, Rockaitis said he teaches both an advanced placement class for seniors as well as Spanish 2. He said the students in Spanish 2 are primarily freshmen taking an advanced class because of their middle school foreign language background.

"I love to be able to see them coming in and going out," Rockaitis said of teaching freshmen and seniors. "I can see how much they've grown in their four years at Deerfield High School."

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When Rockaitis first got involved in the ICTFL he learned a lot about new techniques. Now that he has become more mentor than mentee, he said he felt good about the recognition he received from his peers.

"I was honored to be recognized by my colleagues since the 2017-18 school year will be my 20th year," Rockaitis said. "To be considered a role model means a lot to me."

Rockaitis has seen a lot of changes in foreign language education and teaching in general in the past two decades. No longer does he regularly stand in front of the class giving out knowledge but works with the students as they collaborate with each other learning to use Spanish in their lives.

"In the last 20 years there has been a lot less about the rules of grammar," Rockaitis said. "They might listen to music, have fun. There is much more about fostering relationships between the students in language learning."

When Rockaitis first started teaching Spanish he said there was much more emphasis on making sure students learned vocabulary and grammar. Now he spends more time helping them learn how to use Spanish. Lessons that use Skype to bring virtual guest lecturers to class from Spain or field trips where students get Spanish immersion all add to the approach.

With the exception of the immersion field trip that is a final project for the advanced placement class, Rockaitis said the techniques are used in both his classes. He reaches out to parents and others to help find the virtual guest speakers. They could be people in many walks of life in Spain, Venezuela, Mexico or other Spanish speaking countries.

Liz Robertson, the chair of the World Language Department at Deerfield, said she likes the "hands on experience" Rockaitis gives his students. She remembers one time he brought a person into the room by Skype from Spain.

"They developed the questions in Spanish," said Robertson. "They had to talk about real world issues. They had to know how to approach the person in a cultural manner so they understood each other's meaning."

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Rockaitis' AP students finish the year with a field trip. He said he wanted to find a way they could both enter the realm of Spanish language culture and perform a social service project at the same time.

The students paid a visit to Little Brothers of the Elderly in Chicago. Rockaitis said the organization fosters relationships between young people and senior citizens who benefit from the relationships. He found a group of Spanish speaking seniors through the organization. They watched a movie together and discussed it.

"It was all in Spanish," Rockaitis said. "It was an opportunity for them to learn from each other and do it in the Spanish language. They made a social connection."

Steve Sadin is a freelance reporter.
Police are searching for a suspect in the Friday morning stabbing of a woman in Carpentersville, police said.

An adult female had been stabbed multiple times during a domestic-related incident at 6:52 a.m. with her boyfriend, according to a news release from the Carpentersville Police Department.

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She was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to the release.

The adult male fled the house prior to police arriving, reports state, and members of the Carpentersville Police Department are actively looking for him.

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Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
The audience at Mondays U-46 school board meeting may have been stunned by the vote against the proposed Elgin Math and Science Academy, but the charter school initiative is not dead yet. (Rafael Guerrero / The Courier-News )

The president of the Elgin charter school initiative, Kerry Kelly, gave one last push to try and convince the School District U-46 board to approve a contract that, for at least the past two months, seemed inevitable.

"Our campus can be a learning lab for all U-46 students, our expeditionary learning model and accelerated math program can be studied and adopted in U-46 schools," she told board members and the public during Monday's meeting. "We will bring a new excitement and interest to U-46 by educating students in a unique setting and way."

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But the school board rejected the contract 4-3 and then the Elgin Math and Science Academy altogether by the same tally. That came after an April vote to conditionally approve the school as long as a contract was completed and agreed to by June 30.

The rapid turn of events may have stunned supporters, but the charter may not be dead yet. The group can appeal to the Illinois State Charter School Commission for reconsideration, which Kelly and the group did in 2014 when EMSA failed the first time.

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"We will know within a week" after the EMSA board meets, Kelly said. "But our conversations immediately after (Monday's) board meeting were that we're going that way."

In 2014, the U-46 board denied the charter proposal 6-1. A few months later, the commission denied the proposal as well, but suggested the group try again and strengthen the proposal.

According to the commission, a charter school group has 30 days after a school board denial to submit documentation for an appeal. The commission then has 75 days to conduct interviews, hold public hearings, and approve or reject the appeal.

Kelly said she is optimistic that an appeal could succeed because unlike in 2014, the district conditionally approved the charter and at one point the plan was supported by a majority of the board.

If commissioners approve EMSA, it would fall under the authority of the state rather than U-46. The commission has authorized eight schools, all in and around Chicago.

The funding would still come from U-46. Under the recently-rejected contract, U-46 would have had to chip in 92 percent of per-pupil funding, or $9,476 per student.

During Monday's meeting, board member Veronica Noland pointed out that in an appeal, EMSA could ask for full funding, maybe even more.

"We could be looking at being forced to pay 100 percent, with no collaboration. We won't have protection for students as the (local education agency)," Noland said. "That greatly concerns me also, because we could have this charter and not have that collaboration and not have that protection for our students."

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Kelly acknowledged that possibility.

"It's a shame, we didn't want to do it this way. We really wanted to be a part of the district," she said.

raguerrero@tribpub.com
RML Specialty Hospital has an austere appearance from County Line Road, but inside, activities are like most other hospitals. ( Kimberly Fornek/Pioneer Press )

Even employees admit there's something eerie about how RML Specialty Hospital in Hinsdale looks to passers-by.

Tricia Vaisvila, vice president of business development, who has worked at RML since 1995, said when she first drove down the drive to the older red brick building set back from County Line Road, the setting had a "spooky" and "secretive" atmosphere.

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People have said the building, at 5601 S. County Line Road, reminds them of the facility in the 1978 movie, "Coma," where comatose patients are suspended in mid-air, But those comparisons are totally misplaced.

Inside, RML looks no different from any other hospital, Vaisvila said. In fact, Loyola University Medical Center and Advocate Health Care own RML.

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The patients rest in hospital beds, get therapy and talk with family members and staff, while doctors and nurses move through the halls. Every patient is seen everyday by at least one doctor, Vaisvila said.

RML, which is operated as a nonprofit, differs from other hospitals in that it provides long-term acute care in three areas: weaning patients off ventilators, wound care and medically complex cases.

Some people develop wounds after surgery that will not heal, possibly due to poor nutrition, an infection or diabetes, Dr. Patrick Fahey, RML's chief medical officer, said. They need to have intravenous antibiotics and their bandages changed daily.

Some are experiencing multiple organ failure.

"We get patients from 60 different hospitals and have multiple admissions from out of state," Vaisvila said. Two-thirds of the patients admitted require mechanical ventilation. Twenty-two percent of the patients are getting dialysis.

RML, which accepts Medicare, public aid and private insurance, employs 10 physicians full-time. An additional 75 to 80 have privileges to treat patients at the hospital. The staff includes specialists in internal medicine, nephrology, infectious diseases, cardiology, pulmonology and psychiatry, and speech, physical and occupational therapists, but their services are provided only to patients already admitted to RML.

The hospital has a capacity of 95 patients and treats about 950 patients a year. The smaller size of the specialty hospital contributes to a family atmosphere, several employees said.

"It allows us to become very good at what we do, and our longer length of stay allows us to get to know patients and their families better," said Laurie Forssberg, director of learning and organizational development. "There are lots of strong relationships between the staff and the families."

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RML also has conducted research into ventilator weaning with grants from the National Institutes of Health and offers medical training through Loyola's pulmonary and critical care fellowship program.

RML occupies the building that formerly housed the Suburban Cook County Tuberculosis Sanitarium District's Suburban Hospital.

The hospital opened in 1987 in a portion of the building, as a partnership between Rush Presbyterian St. Luke Medical Center, MacNeal Hospital and Suburban Hospital to fill the need for long-term acute care for people on ventilators. Its name, the RMS Ventilator Support Center, incorporated the first initials of those partners.

The hospital expanded its services by 1995 to include wound management and medically complex cases. Through the years, the partners and the name changed and the hospital expanded into the entire building. Suburban Hospital closed and Loyola joined the organization, resulting in the initials RML. Although MacNeal withdrew from the partnership, and Advocate became an equal partner with Loyola in 2010, hospital officials chose to keep the RML name.

"In 1987, our patients' average length of stay was 120 days," Vaisvila said. "Now, it's about 31 days."

Seventy percent of patients who arrive on a ventilator are weaned off them during their stay at RML, hospital officials said.

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Dr. Patrick J. Fahey, chief medical officer of RML Specialty Hospital, says the smaller size of the hospital creates a family atmosphere. (Kimberly Fornek/Pioneer Press )

The process requires proper fluid balances, good nutrition, infection control and skilled respiratory therapists who help patients build up the strength to be off a ventilator for gradually increasing periods of time, Fahey said.

Fahey said it's rewarding "seeing people progress from being totally dependent on the ventilator when they arrive here to being able to walk down the corridor without a ventilator and go home."

Some patients remain too sick to go home. Emotional end-of-life discussions with the family are all part of this, Fahey said.

The hospital's mortality rate for all patients in Hinsdale is 10 to 12 percent, he said.

The demand for long-term acute care has continued to grow and the hospital is planning to renovate one wing of offices and build 22 more patient rooms.

For more information, call RML Specialty Hospital in Hinsdale at 630-286-4000 or go to www.rmlspecialtyhospital.org.

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kfornek@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @kfdoings
Ahmad Al-Rubaye/Getty Images(MOSUL, Iraq) -- Separated by fewer than 250 miles, the people of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria are awaiting liberation from ISIS.



Two campaigns, backed by the U.S.-led coalition to fight ISIS, are being waged simultaneously against a brutal enemy that has used civilians as human shields and will fight to death before surrender.



Now, three years after these cities came under siege, the battles to recapture them are showing signs of success.



In Mosul, there are only a few hundred ISIS fighters. The Pentagon announced Thursday that the city's liberation could be just "days" away. In Raqqa, Syrian Democratic Forces have completely encircled the city.



"[ISIS] leaders have abandoned fighters to die. Local fighters are being left to rot where they fall, while foreign fighters receive proper burials," Col. Ryan Dillon, spokesman for the American-led coalition against ISIS, said Thursday.



Dillon described some of the remaining ISIS fighters as making "rookie mistakes," even blowing themselves up accidentally when preparing for combat.



Once the mighty capitals for ISIS in Iraq and Syria, there is "no hub anymore" for ISIS, Dillon said. ABC News looks at how the battles for these crucial cities evolved.



MOSUL



June 2014 -- ISIS took control of Mosul, once Iraq's second-largest city, in June of 2014. Shortly after, ISIS' leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, famously declared the creation of an ISIS caliphate in a speech at the ancient al-Nuri mosque, known for its leaning minaret.



Oct. 16, 2016 -- Two years later, Iraqi Security Forces, backed by the U.S.-led coalition, announced the offensive to retake the city.



The force consisted of 18,000 Iraqi military personnel, 10,000 Kurdish fighters and 3,000 Iraqi police officers, according to Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis. Coalition airstrikes and about 100 American military advisers assisted in the start of the operation.



The U.S. estimated that about 5,000 ISIS fighters and 1 million Iraqi civilians were inside Mosul.



Jan. 24, 2017 -- Three months after the offensive began, Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared that East Mosul had been liberated.



The coalition said they had assisted Iraqi Security Forces by conducting 558 airstrikes, destroying at least 151 vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDS), 361 buildings, 140 tunnels, 408 vehicles and 392 bunkers.



June 29, 2017 -- On Thursday, Dillon said Mosul could be liberated within "days," not weeks.



In a dawn offensive, Iraqi Security Forces liberated the al-Nuri mosque area. Forces were less than 2 square kilometers away from the mosque's ruins when the offensive began on Thursday. Dillon called the liberation of the mosque a "significant and symbolic recapture."



There are only two remaining ISIS holdouts in Mosul: the al-Jamhuri hospital complex and the Old City in western Mosul. Dillon described the hospital as an 11-story "killing tower" that ISIS has used to target civilians fleeing the city.



However, the Iraqi military's War Media Cell claimed Thursday that it had already retaken the al-Jamhuri hospital, as well as nearby facilities.



There's still a long road ahead for displaced residents hoping to return to their homes. So far, 191,000 civilians have returned to East Mosul, which Dillon said is in far better condition than western Mosul, which sustained more damage.



Iraq's Ministry for Migration and Displacement said last week that 700,000 have been displaced from western Mosul alone.



RAQQA



2014 -- ISIS was a presence in Raqqa since 2013 but consolidated its control the following year. Located in Syria's north, Raqqa would become a central hub for ISIS leaders where external operations were plotted and planned.



Nov. 6, 2016 -- In November, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a diverse coalition of Kurdish, Sunni Arab and Syriac Christian, along with Kurdish forces, began retaking towns on the northern outskirts of Raqqa. These U.S.-backed forces began paving the way for the eventual assault on the city.



May 10, 2017 -- In May, the SDF recaptured the city of Tabqa, including the vital dam.



"The SDF accepted ISIS' surrender of the city to protect innocent civilians and to protect the Tabqah dam infrastructure, which hundreds of thousands of Syrians rely on for water, agriculture and electricity," the coalition said in a statement at the time.



"With Tabqah now liberated and Raqqa further isolated, the coalition and its partner forces continue to hinder ISIS' ability to reinforce its self-proclaimed capital in Raqqa, prevented a potential humanitarian disaster and ensured local citizens will continue to receive the dam's basic services," the statement added.



June 6, 2017 -- With the surrounding areas secured, the SDF, U.S.-backed coalition and other coalition partners announced the battle to retake Raqqa on June 6, 2017.



The Pentagon estimated that the SDF had 55,000 forces -- 29,000 of them Arab forces and 26,000 Kurdish forces. It was unclear how many were involved in the Raqqa offensive.



In anticipation of the long-awaited assault, Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said ISIS fighters had left the city and that ISIS leaders, media operations and administrative bureaucracy had moved elsewhere down the Euphrates River Valley.



U.S. military personnel operated in an "advise-and-assist" role, with a U.S. Marine unit providing artillery support and U.S. Army Apache helicopters also assisting in the operation.



June 29, 2017 -- SDF and other coalition partners encircled the city of Raqqa on Thursday. They now control all high-speed avenues into Raqqa from the south, Dillon told reporters.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
For some students, school is the one guaranteed place where they can receive a healthy breakfast and lunch. With summer in swing, it leaves parents and students looking for new options.

Waukegan District 60 began its Summer Food Service Program last week for any child ages 2 to 18 who lives within the district's boundaries.

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"Because we provide a breakfast and lunch program that is free to all our students, students who do not participate in a summer program (such as summer school) often miss out on that service and then miss out on nutrition meals and sustenance to help them grow and develop," said Mary Lamping, deputy superintendent for District 60.

The program is held at eight locations this summer in each quadrant of Waukegan, an increase from five locations last summer. However, the sites have yet to see a large amount of participation from families, with schools averaging zero to six people daily, said Alicia Williams, deputy superintendent for food nutrition.

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"No school has seen a huge amount of people," Williams said.

Students enrolled in summer school take advantage of the free meals, and kids who are not enrolled are welcome to come to sites during the designated times.

Carman-Buckner Elementary School does not have any summer programming, but Williams said the district saw a need for children to receive food in that area and opened the school for summer meals the first time this year. The school is open to the public for breakfast and lunch and has had up to 15 people for lunch one day.

"That is a wonderful addition, but it does take parents or adults to help get kids over there. We'd love to expand, but right now we are trying it out to see what the demand and interest level is," Lamping said.

Williams said the school advertises to the library, day care centers, churches and food pantries.

The struggle to feed students is not just in Lake County, but across the state.

On average, 11 percent of the students eligible for free summer meals participated across the state during the summer of 2015-2016, according to the Food Research and Action Center, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit that focuses on poverty-based hunger and under-nutrition issues.

The Illinois State Board of Education administers the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program at more than 1,500 sites. Last year, these sites served more than 5.4 million meals, according to an ISBE news release in early June.

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Amanda Kritt, child nutrition coordinator from the Illinois Hunger Coalition, says there is a need for more program sponsors. Illinois has 34 counties with no meal sites currently.

"Lake County obviously has less sites than Cook County, but there is definitely need for more over there, so we can help if any organizations is interested in becoming a site," Kritt said.

In Cook County, a summer meal work group meets each month, including members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Illinois Hunger Coalition and Catholic Charities.

Kritt said the Northern Illinois Food Bank is trying to start a similar group for Lake County to help bring some of the focus there.

Additional summer food programs are available in Waukegan, North Chicago, Mundelein, Zion and Park City. Parents can text "FOOD" to 877877 and receive a message back with the location of a center closest to them.

"As for participation, people aren't aware of these programs," Kritt said. "Tthey have to try to get there without school buses, and this is much less convenient, so that plays a part, and there are a lot of variables."

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Over the summer, schools are also preparing to implement a new breakfast program approved by state legislature.

Waukegan District 60 recently received a grant to implement the new state-wide "Breakfast After the Bell" program that ensures all children start their day with a meal even if they arrive to school late.

The new program will feed as many as 175,000 additional students across the state and increases federal funding provided to schools.

Megan Jones is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Northbound Milwaukee Avenue at Townline Road in Vernon Hills will be widened for new lanes as part the intersection's two-year, $4.4 million overhaul. Work is expected to begin July 31. (Rick Kambic / Pioneer Press)

Residents of Libertyville, Mundelein and Vernon Hills will notice a series of roadwork projects this summer that could have a big impact on their daily commutes.

Work on a long stretch of busy Route 60 in Mundelein and Vernon Hills is slated to start July 10. Construction on the state road, also known as Townline Road in some areas, involves two separate projects. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is funding a resurfacing project, while Vernon Hills will complete a road widening effort tied to the Mellody Farm development.

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"We have some busy thoroughfares that serve commuters and shoppers from several communities," said Dave Brown, Vernon Hills director of public works. "It might be unpleasant for a little while, but we'll all be much happier with the final results."

IDOT's roadwork will start at the EJ&E railroad tracks in Mundelein and end at Hawthorn Mall's entry road just west of Milwaukee Avenue, according Brown.

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"I have suggested they work on the westbound lanes during the early morning rush to the tollway and then work on the eastbound lanes in the evening when residents and shoppers are in bound from the tollway," Brown said. "IDOT said they will consider my idea."

The resurfacing involves a large machine that grinds the current road as it slowly moves along, Brown said. Cars will be allowed to drive on the exposed surface, but construction crews will be in a blocked off area.

"You're going to have to keep an eye out and not be too hasty," Brown said.

That IDOT project will run through a busy Townline Road and Route 45 intersection that supports several Mundelein restaurants and two grocery stores. It then passes Aspen Drive, which is lined by Vernon Hills schools and a few park district facilities, including the popular summertime aquatic center.

The project also crosses Deerpath Drive, a main entrance to the densely populated Deerpath subdivision and popular Deerpath Park, as well as Lakeview Parkway. That road connects with parking lots at Century Park, the southern portion of Gregg's Landing and several offices south of Townline Road.

The Vernon Hills widening project takes over at the Hawthorn Mall entry road, according to Brown. He said IDOT's portion is expected to finish around late October.

Vernon Hills' project is tied to the Mellody Farm mixed retail and residential project at the northeast corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Townline Road. The village created a tax increment financing district and then sold $20.7 million in bonds on May 16, of which $18 million immediately went to the developer and two other $1 million payments are scheduled for delivery when requirements are met.

Brown said about $4.4 million of the Vernon Hills subsidy is going toward the widening of Milwaukee Avenue and Townline Road.

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IDOT approved almost all components of the project, Brown said, and work is expected to begin by July 31.

"Due to the scope of the work, this project will take two construction seasons," Brown said.

Townline Road will become nine lanes across in some areas, instead of it's current six. The addition of new lanes will take place on both sides of Milwaukee Avenue.

Plans show northbound Milwaukee Avenue will receive a new right turn lane that goes from the Rivertree mall entry road all the way to Townline Road. Left turn lanes will also be reconfigured. Additionally, a third lane will be opened for right turns into Mellody Farm.

Milwaukee Avenue is a major north-south road for Libertyville, Vernon Hills and Lincolnshire.

Brown said a housing project at Buffalo Grove Road and Route 45 might get underway this summer. He said a right turn lane will be added and might temporarily cause traffic delays.

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Smaller projects

In Mundelein, a similar situation will arise. Mundelein Village Administrator John Lobaito said the new 69-house Orchard Meadows subdivision is ready to build new right and left turns lanes on both Route 60/83 and Midlothian Road. That roadwork is expected to start July 10 with the housing developer paying the full cost, he said.

Lobaito said several residential streets throughout Mundelein will also be resurfaced or repaired over the summer, namely around Loch Lomond. He said Mundelein's road budget for this year is more than $3 million.

"When we passed the levy last year the board chose to add more money into the roads budget to move things along," Lobaito said.

Paul Kendzior, Libertyville's director of public works, said his $3.7 million roads program is almost done after work started in March.

The Lake County Division of Transportation did patching work to Winchester Road a few months ago, Kendzior said. He noted it will not add to the congestion.

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More construction

During a June 27 Libertyville Streets Committee meeting, parents debated a proposed traffic pattern with officials from High School District 128. The district is moving forward with plans to build a new addition onto Libertyville High School. Parents worried the project could lead to massive backups on the already busy Route 176.

"They're going to revise that scheme for student parking and parent drop off," Kendzior said. "We'll take another crack at it."

Construction isn't supposed to start until late September, according to village documents. A one-lane road on the western portion of the campus will be used for construction traffic only and new turn lanes at Route 176 will need to be built.

Libertyville also approved plans for a new Metra station and neighboring 92-unit mixed residential project. Those construction sites are along Lake Street, Libertyville's other east-west roadway.

Kendzior said those projects won't get underway until after the summer.

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Construction of the 225,000-square-foot Menards store and a 61,000-square-foot drive-thru lumberyard at Milwaukee Avenue and Gregg's Parkway is also finally underway.

Chet Lis, a member of the Gregg's Landing North Homeowners Association board of directors, was again vocal with Vernon Hills village trustees in early May about construction traffic going through that subdivision of more than 1,000 homes.

Vernon Hills has posted signs at the entrance of Gregg's Landing to remind truck drivers that construction traffic is prohibited.

A few blocks south is the Cuneo Mansion, where 53 acres were sold and construction of a 128-house subdivision began in mid-June. Brown said the work is still in its early stages and all equipment will enter and exit the site through the Milwaukee Avenue side entrance near the train tracks, which is controlled by a stoplight. He said the traffic impact should be minimal.

rkambic@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @Rick_Kambic
The Fourth of July commemorates the day on which the wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved and the president of the Second Continental Congress, John Hancock, signed the document. (AP)

This Sunday marks the halfway point in the year 2017. It is also, of course, the day on which the Second Continental Congress approved the resolution by Richard Henry Lee that the colonies break away from England and become free and independent states.

John Adams thought July 2 would be the day on which we would celebrate our independence, but for some reason we chose to celebrate the 4th, the day on which the wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved and the document signed by the president of that congress, John Hancock.

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Still, the 2nd is a day for reaffirming our belief in ideals and what we stand for; for example, that all men are created equal. That's why it was chosen as the anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a piece of legislation that in essence said the 14th Amendment applied not just to states but to private businesses.

I do not believe the act would pass in today's Congress, nor would it survive challenges in the current Supreme Court. Had John Kennedy not been assassinated, giving his arm-twisting successor Lyndon Johnson an opportunity to push it through in his name, it probably wouldn't have passed in 1964.

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But today we take it for granted a public accommodation, such as a restaurant or a store, is just that, open to the public no matter what their race or religion. Next year we will find out whether that principle will survive. Will the Supreme Court rule a wedding cake store has to make a cake for a gay wedding, or is personal religion now a new refuge of bigotry?

In Naperville, we're still a little shy about our belief in ideals. For example, according to the instructions under which our police operate, we are apparently a sanctuary city. That means a person who has not committed a crime will not be arrested for something like overstaying a visa.

But our city council apparently cannot bring itself to declare that fact publicly, or even to declare Naperville a "welcoming city," whatever that means. Are we afraid we will scare away xenophobes and nativists? Remind me again why we want them?

The current anti-immigrant crackdown is causing millions of dollars of produce to rot in California fields and restaurants to close for lack of kitchen staff. Our citizens are apparently unwilling, and are often physically unable, to pick fruit for $10 to $14 an hour or do the hard work of a commercial kitchen. Yet we refuse to issue work permits to the people who can. Go figure.

It occurs to me that declaring Naperville to be a welcoming city would send a valuable message to our own citizens. Immigrants from China, India,and Japan get along well here, but black and Hispanic families still tell me they're often treated poorly. I think Naperville is better than that.

Principles are important. When the city council adopted the Millennium Carillon  foolishly in my opinion  they accepted the responsibility for maintaining the bells that had been so generously donated to the carillon foundation. Sometimes living up to your obligations can be costly, but you still have to.

And when the city council signed a covenant to preserve the appearance of the old Nichols Library, which is in much better shape than I thought last week, they didn't include a provision that would allow someone to weasel out and tear the place down. A covenant, like your word, should mean something.

Perhaps principles and ideals are not a primary concern in the United States right now, but this week, in our town, they can be and should be. This is the week to celebrate the America we can be, the America we sing about, crowned by brotherhood, peace and justice.

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Happy Fourth of July.

bill.mego@sbcglobal.net
The city of Naperville has unveiled a new online open portal with sets of city-wide data available for use by the public. (City of Naperville)

Naperville nerds unite.

Citywide data, such as building permits and emerald ash borer maps, can now be found on Naperville's new open data portal.

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The city rolled out the site, which features four categories of data sets  financial stability, economic development, public safety and high performing government  to the public last week.

Officials are hoping users will explore the portal's tools to help sort and visualize data, and maybe even develop apps or maps that could be useful to the city and residents.

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"This captures all the data we have out there and helps people consume the data," said Russell Rogers, information technology project manager for the city of Naperville.

Naperville signed a three-year contract to will pay Socrata $50,000 a year to host the portal, said Jeff Anderson, the city's director of information technology.

The portal will not require any additional city employees, said Linda LaCloche, spokeswoman for the city.

People using the city's open data site can look at data sets, sort them and put information into a visual map, chart, graph or other format, all within the portal. Previously, the data was only available if someone filed a Freedom of Information Act request and was provided in a pdf format, making it difficult to sort and manipulate.

Cities like Chicago have been using open data for years.

"Open data, though new to us, is not a new concept," said Marcie Schatz, Naperville's deputy city manager. Now, all of the data is at the public's fingertips, Schatz said.

City officials said they have heard from code groups interested in organizing hack nights to sift through and use the available data. Officials are also hoping professors and students at North Central College in Naperville might be interested in using it to develop apps for the city and residents.

Officials didn't express concern that the open data portal will open up ways for people to misuse numbers.

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"Any time we put out anything, it can be interpreted how someone wants to interpret it," Anderson said.

"We really can't prevent that but this gives people out there who have an interest to be able to do that," LaCloche said.

Naperville's open data portal can be found at data.naperville.il.us.

ehegarty@tribpub.com
Many were in line at the June 30 grand opening of Aldi in Harwood Heights. (Alex V. Hernandez / Pioneer Press)

Shoppers turned out in force to check out the newly renovated Aldi grocery store in Harwood Heights.

"I'm super excited to check it out once the line dies down; we didn't expect this many people to be in line already by now," said Monica Bobek, 25. She arrived at the Friday grand reopening with her family around 8:20 a.m. The line to enter the store stretched back to the neighboring retail business' entrance.

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The Aldi, at 4703 N. Harlem Ave., first opened its doors in February of 2011, according to Aldi Director of Operations Lindsay Barton. On May 22, the store closed in order to undergo renovations to bring it in line with the company's nationwide plan to remodel and expand more than 1,300 US stores by 2020.

Barton said the store's sales floor is now about 830 square feet larger than it was previously, for a total of about 11,000 square feet.

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"We've always had the high ceilings here, but now the store is brighter with lighter colors on the wall and a lot more open flow as well regarding traffic patterns to allow shoppers to better choose their shopping experience," Barton said.

In February, Aldi announced a $1.6 billion investment in its stores across the country, with nearly $180 million dedicated to enhancing more than 130 stores in Chicago and the surrounding metropolitan areas, according to a news release from the company.

"I think this is great, it's much more ample and more organized. It just has a better visual appeal," said Wanda Barsano, 50, after she left the store with a cart full of groceries Friday morning. "And they're going for a healthier feel. ... And they're keeping the prices the same, which is great. Because sometimes companies will expand and that affects the prices."

The remodeled store in Harwood Heights will have more gluten-free items, an expanded organic food line called Simply Nature, and a line of infant essentials called Little Journey, says Barton.

"Aldi really did a beautiful facelift; everything is just so shiny and new. But what impresses me is that the entire staff participated in the changeover of the store," says Harwood Heights Mayor Arlene Jezierny. "A week ago, I drove by and the entire store was still gutted, wall to wall. And in like a week's time, the staff had everything in place."

Alex V. Hernandez is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
A Chicago alderman joined residents who were raising concerns about a car wash at the former Elliott's Dairy site and its effects on nearby residences.

Members of the Harwood Heights Planning Commission voted Wednesday night to push off a decision on a request from Fuller's Car Wash for zoning relief to build a car wash on the former Elliott's Dairy site at 6400 W. Gunnison St.

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Board members continued the case until 7 p.m., July 19 at the Harwood Heights Village Hall, 7300 W. Wilson Ave.

Commission members took the move after 45th Ward Chicago Ald. John Arena asked for time to meet with the officials of Fuller's Car Wash to discuss some of the concerns his constituents have raised about the business' impact.

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The site sits in an area where the two communities join. Fuller's preliminary plans call for customers to exit left on Natchez Avenue, a Chicago street.

Arena told commission members his "recommendation for the moment" is "this isn't the right location, and we work together to try to attract a different use that's more conducive."

If the project does go forward, though, he asked for the chance to talk to the company and see if an agreement can be reached to mitigate some of the effects.

On noise, the company reported its sound study indicates that a car wash would generate average levels of 55 decibels, less than the 60-decibel level at the site now.

Arena argued, though, that the company was looking at the issue in terms of averages, "but it's spikes of 85, and the repetition of those spikes, that a business like this is going to produce."

"What you want is more landscaping and more buffering between the building and residences," he told commission members.

He said greater insulation is also needed for the car wash building on site than the cement called for in the plan because of the way sound transmits through hard surfaces.

He said though the Fuller traffic plan works well for the company, "the problem is traffic will turn right (onto Natchez), even if signs are there."

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The city can do things to mitigate that and literally block it, he told commissioners.

"I'd rather work together to try to have a better operation," he said.

In an earlier presentation, Fuller representatives spoke of the model the family-owned company followed in successfully establishing car washes throughout the Chicago area.

Fuller's is a family-owned car wash serving Chicagoland since 1946, and is currently in its third and fourth generation, said Matt Flynn, the owner. He said the company is paying a premium price to buy the Elliott's property, with the aim of building "a great service" there.

The grocery store closed in 2010.

Chris Kalischefski, the company architect, said the company's model for its business is "it needs to be safe, it needs to be clean and it needs to be convenient."

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The company is proposing fencing and landscaping, screening off the three-quarter-acre site.

The car wash will have three automated pay stations, he said. Traffic will flow counter-clockwise. Striped lanes lead to free vacuums.

"So again, it's very clean, efficient, and that's what the whole model of what the Fuller's Car Wash is," said Kalischefski.

The car wash can generate 400 cars a day at busy times, but is low-intensity compared to some allowed uses, he said. A McDonald's, for instance, could generate as much as a thousand cars a day, he noted.

Nearly all of the speakers during the public hearing raised concern about the car wash's high impact.

Michael Ray, who lives at 4837 Natchez, brought a hand vacuum with him and set it down on the floor of the hearing room, switching on its motor.

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"That's going to be the new normal for my backyard," he told the commission.

Sal Mendoza, of 4816 Nagle, said the car wash may be a good thing , "but it's in the wrong place. I don't want the noise. I don't want the pollution."

William Jaconetti, of 4826 Mulligan Ave., questioned whether the property owners who live behind the car wash will be able to sell their houses.

"They worked their whole lives to build equity in their homes, and they're going to lose it," he predicted.

Kalischefski said that hasn't been his experience through 30 years in the business. He said the cases he's looked at have not showed a drop in values. To the contrary, Fuller's Car Wash businesses "are known as community contributors. They care for their communities, and they're a tremendous asset to the communities they are in," he said.

The planning commission meeting hearing, set for July 19, is a continuance.

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If the planning commission acts on the issue at its July 19, the matter could go to the Harwood Heights Village Board, as early as the board's July 27 meeting. The village board is the authority on whether to grant the zoning.
Stone carver Walter S. Arnold with two working gargoyles he created for a private home. His carvings will be on display at the Kalo Foundation in Park Ridge. ( Walter S. Arnold )

By the time he was 12 years old, sculptor and stone carver Walter S. Arnold had already picked up a chisel and decided on his future profession.

He decided this despite being told that no one knew how to make his favorite stone carvings, gargoyles, anymore and that creating them was a lost art. So it should be all the more gratifying for anyone exploring Arnold's upcoming exhibit  opening July 9 at The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge  that gargoyles are prominently featured among a wide range of his other works.

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"I had already fallen in love with them at that age," said Arnold, who started making a specialty of gargoyles when he returned from several years of apprenticeship in Italy and became a stone carver at the Washington National Cathedral in D.C., working with a fifth-generation Italian stone carver.

In fact, Arnold was so sure about the work he intended to do that he applied at the age of 16 for a similar position at the Washington National Cathedral. He had a few years of high school to finish first, however, before arranging an early transfer to the University of Illinois at Chicago, taking all the art history courses he could until he turned 18 "and was out of there." Soon after that, he was training as an apprentice under master stone carvers in Italy, working in marble.

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"At one shop I was working with two men who, between them, had 110 years of experience," said Arnold, who trained in styles ranging from classical and Renaissance to gothic, Baroque and Arts and Crafts among others. "I learned by connecting with people from long traditions who had learned from their predecessors. The continuing tradition is very important to me."

It's important to others as well, since the only way to learn stone carving is through apprenticeship. Arnold, a proud member of the Journeyman Stone Cutters Association, the oldest trade union in America, points out that there were roughly 1,000 stone carvers working in Chicago in 1900, but now there are only 60 to 100 nationwide.

Arnold recalls that while he was working at Washington National Cathedral, a man in his late 80s stopped by to talk and told him he worked on the cathedral decades before  and had his first job in the 1920s working on the Tribune Tower. After watching Arnold work, the man invited him to his home and gave him all his tools "because he wanted his tools to stay alive."

Soon after that, when Arnold moved back to Chicago in 1985 and opened his own shop, one of his first jobs was repairing stone carvings on the Tribune Tower and he used the old man's tools to do it.

While the number of people who have mastered stone carving is nowhere near what it once was, Arnold believes stone carving and sculpture will always be viable because its appeal is both ancient and universal.

"It's such a basic, solid, permanent material. Stone is a very simple building block of nature, but it's also something we know will last," he said. "It's a small number, compared to what it once was, but a few of us are dedicated to doing it and doing it right."

Walter S. Arnold sculpture exhibit

When: July 9-Aug. 31; 1 p.m. lecture and reception July 9. Carving demonstration 1 p.m. Aug. 6.

Where: Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge, 255 N. Northwest Highway

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Contact: 847-261-4595; www.kalofoundation.org or www.stonecarver.com
Veterans from Summit of Uptown in Park Ridge are treated to rides on a 1942 Boeing-Stearman by Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation. ( Mark Kodiak Ukena/Pioneer Press )

Several Park Ridge veterans in their 80s and 90s waited excitedly and anxiously on June 27 at the Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling for their chance at an opportunity to fly in a vintage military training plane.

Six veterans, all residents of Summit of Uptown, an independent and assisted living facility in Park Ridge, were selected to participate in a "dream flight" provided by a nonprofit organization, Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation. The nonprofit offers military veterans across the country an opportunity to fly for 30 minutes in a Boeing Stearman biplane, an aircraft used during World War II to train aviators in the military.

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Storm clouds, rain and wind delayed take-off June 27. The veterans waited for hours at the municipal airport, and four eventually made it up in the air that afternoon. Two others returned the next day for their "dream flights."

"Cut out the rain, let's go," said Dean Whitford, 90, while he was waiting June 27 to get up into the air. A veteran of the Navy air force, Whitford eventually took off that afternoon and he described the flight as a "very special" experience.

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"It was super. We had a wonderful time," he said. "We went out over the lake, which I was really pleased about. It was very pretty. I really enjoyed the day."

Like many of the veterans who participated in the flights, he said he had never been on a Stearman biplane before. Whitford, who served during the latter part of World War II and shortly after the war ended, said he delivered mail and auto parts to atolls in southwest Asia.

"The mail runs were the most fun because everybody loved to see us," he said of his time in the Navy.

A resident of Park Ridge since 1958, Whitford said he wasn't surprised when Summit employees offered him the opportunity to fly in the vintage plane, because "they look after us very well."

Engagement director for Summit, Susan Franczek, said this is the first year veterans from the facility participated in the "dream flights." She said she applied and was told by the nonprofit organization that up to eight veterans would be accepted.

"It was cute going around to ask (veteran residents) whether they wanted to fly," she said. The oldest veteran flier and a longtime Park Ridge resident, Bob Burns, 93, was the first to jump at the chance to fly, she said.

"I've flown on a lot of airplanes, but I've never flown on a Stearman," Burns, an Army veteran who served in both WWII and the Korean War, said.

Burns' daughter, Arlington Heights resident Jane Bonahoom, said the experience was an exciting one for her dad.

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"It's so neat (the veterans) get to re-live a little bit of their history and the adventure of it," she said. "That's the biggest part of it, I think, having one more adventure."

The volunteer pilot, Christopher Culp, said flying with veterans in a refurbished World War II-era plane is an incredibly fulfilling experience and his way of expressing gratitude for their service.

"I've been involved with the foundation for a year," said Culp, a retired pilot for the Oregon State Police. "It's the emotion, it's the joy we bring to these people, that's what brings me back."

Glen Argall, 81, the youngest veteran who participated, said he enjoyed his experience so much he planned to write a thank you letter to Culp and donate to the organization.

Argall, who served in the Army between 1958 and 1960, said he had never flown in a Stearman or anything like it before.

A 20-year Park Ridge resident, Argall said the flight was thrilling, and he was especially appreciative of the color guard ceremony performed for the veterans before their flights.

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Despite the rain delay, "everything was positive," he said.

The veterans' excitement and the comradery that emerged during the planning process for the flights made for a particularly special experience both for the veterans and for Franczek who applied for the "dream flights" on their behalf, she said.

"I just want to make their day different, special and exciting," Franczek said. "And this is one of the best ways to do it."

Lee V. Gaines is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Gary

First Church of God: 134 E. 43rd Ave.  Vacation Bible School for preschoolers through adults runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 10-14. Information: 219-887-1177.

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Marquette Park United Methodist Church: 215 N. Grand Blvd.  The Saturday Outreach Lunch will be at noon July 8. Senior yoga will be at noon Tuesdays and Fridays for $3 and Thursdays for $4 when lunch is served. Sunday School is 9:15 a.m. and services are at 10:15 a.m. Information: 219-938-4106.

New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church: 1917 Carolina St.  The women of the Gary Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Jewels of Fortitude Foundation in partnership with the Indiana American Water Company and the New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church will sponsor a Community Soup Kitchen from noon to 2 p.m. the first Saturday of every month at the church. Volunteers are needed to assist with serving.

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Merrillville

Emmanuel Lutheran Church: 5375 Harrison St.  The summer food service program for Merrillville children under age 18 will have breakfast from 9 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and lunch from 12:15 to 12:30 p.m. through Aug. 4 in the parking lot. No meals July 3-4. Information: 219-884-4544.

New Chicago (Hobart)

Assumption BVM Church: 3530 Illinois St.  As part of the Assumption BVM Church Centennial Celebration, an All-Class Reunion will follow the 11 a.m. Mass on July 9 in the parish hall. If attending, respond by Sunday to Dennis Zoladz at dwzoladz@earthlink.net and give your graduating class year. Information: 219-962-1073.

 Staff report
Valparaiso Parks and Recreation will host the Fourth of July Blast 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at Foundation Meadows Park, 3210 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso. The event is for all ages and abilities. Registration is $25 through Monday, $35 day of the race. An age group awards ceremony will follow the run. More information is at 219-462-5144.

Fourth of July Blast Celebration

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The Fourth of July Blast Celebration will be at the corner of Vale Park Road and Valparaiso Street, in the field north of the post office. All citizens are invited to this annual celebration starting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday with guest speakers and live music. Fireworks will begin at dusk, about 9 p.m.

Vale Park Road from Cumberland Drive to Valparaiso Street will be closed at 10 a.m. Tuesday in preparation for the event.

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Parking for the event will be available at the former Purdue North Central Valparaiso campus, with access from Valparaiso Street. Foundation Meadows Park and Valparaiso High School are nearby parking options with access from the Vale Park Road path leading to the new event site. The YMCA and Kmart parking lots will provide parking options. Signs for event parking will be posted to assist motorists. No parking will be permitted along Valley Drive during the event.

 Staff reports
One Minute After Sunrise: The Story of the Standard Oil Refinery Fire of 1955 is a compilation of facts, figures and interviews. ( Sue Ellen Ross/Post-Tribune )

It has been called "the most catastrophic refinery accident," "the worst industrial accident in the nation" and "sounding and looking like the end of the world," among other descriptions.

However labeled, the August 1955 explosion of 30 oil storage tanks at the Standard Oil refinery in Whiting proved to be a shattering experience, spooking not only residents in the immediate areabut also those living miles away.

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Whiting resident John Hmurovic has written a book about the disaster, "One Minute After Sunrise," and recently discussed details during a public forum at 659 Studio in downtown Whiting.

His focus to author the book came from the idea of making a permanent record from those personally involved.

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"I love history and did not want this event to fade from the scene before those memories were collected," he said. "This was one of the most significant events in Whiting history."

The background for the new book began a few years ago, when Hmurovic and fellow Whiting/Robertsdale Historical Society members Frank Vargo and Gayle and Chuck Koselko conducted interviews and collected data of the event.

This information was recorded in video form, with that recording presented Aug. 27, at Whiting High School on Aug. 27, 2015, the 60th anniversary of the explosion.

Hmurovic decided to go a step further and expand the initial research  delving into newspaper reports and more. The ensuing result was the new book, which is available on Amazon.

"The National Guard was called out to keep order, and there was one woman who refused to cancel her wedding, although the fire was going on down the street," he said. "We have all kinds of stories in this book."

During the recent book signing at 659 Gallery, many audience members shared their stories.

Living close to the refinery at that time was Janet Kopacz, who lives in Schererville. The then-7-year-old was knocked out of bed when the "boom" went off.

"It was horrible, everyone was crying," she said. "My mother thought the city was going to be destroyed and my grandmother said it was the end of the world."

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Along with her siblings, she was taken to an amusement park in Illinois to get away from what was happening, she said.

Highland resident Gene Hermann was living in Robertsdale at the time and was employed as a laborer at the refinery.

"It happened on my day off, but I was called in, along with many others," he said. "Everyone was afraid it might blow again, so they needed as many men as they could find."

Once there, he and fellow workers were briefed, literally.

"The company didn't give us much information, they just said to stay alert," he said.

The sight of smoke and high flames were reported in many nearby neighborhoods, as well as hundreds of miles away. Firefighters from many Northwest Indiana communities came to assist, and the mayor of Chicago offered help if needed.

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The fire, which lasted for eight days, began when a 26-story hydroformer exploded, according to newspaper reports. Apparently, a valve had malfunctioned, allowing oxygen and gas to mix.

This hydroformer was the largest of its kind in the country at the time, and Standard Oil was the fourth-largest oil refinery in the nation.

Two fatalities were recorded, as well as more than 40 people injured.

A 3-year-old boy was sleeping in a nearby residential area when a steel pipe blew through his house and killed him. His older brother, sleeping nearby, lost a leg at the same time. The surviving brother was one of those interviewed for Hmurovic's book.

The other death was a refinery foreman that experienced a heart attack.

Millions in damage to the refinery was incurred, but the business was heavily insured, according to Hmurovic, and there was no hardship to their rebuilding of those areas.

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Not so much regarding a nearby subdivision, where destruction spread. The Stiglitz Park area was leveled and never rebuilt.

Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Richard Ligon chats about why American Legion Post 270 hosted a pancake benefit breakfast Thursday in Gary for two children injured in shootings earlier this month. (Becky Jacobs / Post-Tribune)

Harmoni Harton and Devin Marshall were skeptical when Richard Ligon said there was candy inside a freeze-dried military meal he gave them at American Legion Post 270 in Gary.

Harmoni, 8, and Devin, 9, didn't eat the MREs  Meals, Ready to Eat  but they did fill their plates with pancakes that Ligon and others at the post made Thursday morning to raise money for the children and their families.

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Harmoni and Devin were both released from Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago last weekend after they were wounded in separate shootings June 19 in Gary.

As police continue to investigate what Gary Police Chief Larry McKinley called "senseless violence," community leaders and members gathered at the legion to show their support.

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Ligon, the post commander, said Harmoni's and Devin's families "don't know it, but we've adopted them now."

"We're not going to forget them," Ligon said.

The children's families didn't know each other before the shootings, but "got close" visiting each other at the hospital, said Valerie Thomas Hopkins, Harmoni's grandmother.

The children are still recovering, but their personalities and playfulness are "coming back," said Devin's aunt, Ola Randell. Thomas Hopkins scrolled through silly photos on her phone she had taken Harmoni using filters on the social media app Snapchat.

"That's all they do," laughed Louise Hopkins, Harmoni's mother.

The two children roamed around the legion Thursday, talking and laughing with people. Councilwoman LaVetta Sparks-Wade, D-6th, told Harmoni, who was wearing colorful fluffy sandals and a pink Marilyn Monroe shirt, that she loved her "beautiful red hair."

Ligon told the children and their families "you are forever a member of American Legion Post 270" and "anything you want" is just a phone call away. Devin waited a few seconds before he slightly raised his hand and said he wanted to go to Hawaii. Ligon told him there is a military base in Hawaii, so it's not out of the question.

Richard Ligon, left, shows Harmoni Harton, right, and Devin Marshall, center, the contents of an MRE  Meal Ready to Eat  Thursday at American Legion Post 270 in Gary. (Becky Jacobs / Post-Tribune )

Then, Devin asked for a million dollars, and the room laughed. Ligon was quick with an answer again, this time joking, "You wouldn't know what to do with it."

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When McKinley arrived at the breakfast, he went straight to Devin and his mother, Denishia Marshall, to see how they were doing.

"They've become like an extended family to me," said McKinley, smiling.

McKinley said he waited at the hospital as the children went through their surgeries, and he joined his command staff and detectives going door-to-door at the scenes of the shootings.

Gary police stepped up patrols after the shootings, said Commander Jack Hamady, and they've received outside help from Lake County Sheriff, the FBI and ATF with patrols and "technical support" in the investigation.

Harmoni was eating dinner with her grandparents around 5:15 p.m. at their home near West 21st Avenue and Chase Street when she was shot, police said. Hamady said evidence suggests the shots came from a "high-powered rifle."

About a mile-and-a-half away, Devin was shot around 9:30 p.m. while standing in the doorway of a home in the 4300 block of West 19th Avenue. Hamady said police believe it involved a "small caliber handgun."

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A few tips came in to the police department soon after the shootings, but Hamady said the department is again urging people to contact police with any information they may have to give officers new leads. Anyone with information is asked to call the crime tip line at 866-274-6347.

"We could really use the help of the community," Hamady said.

Tammi Davis, who lives a few homes down the street from where Harmoni was shot, said she came to the breakfast to let the families "know the community where you live is supporting you."

"We need to look out for each other," Davis said.

In both cases, "somebody was there" and "someone knows something," Hamady said. With crimes like this, especially involving children, Hamady said he wonders how people can "think that's all right" and sleep at night.

Vera Johnson, a chaplain with Gary police, said, "When I first heard it on the news, I was shocked."

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Johnson sits in the pew behind Harmoni and her family at their church, New Mount Moriah in Gary, and has heard Harmoni sing in the children's choir with her "beautiful voice," she said.

What happened to Harmoni and Devin is "devastating," especially in their homes and at their ages, Johnson said.

Lisa Patterson, director of the veterans center in Crown Point, said the children and their families have to work to find a "new normal." One of the best things their families can do for them is "let them talk about it," even if it's "over and over," she said.

"It's therapeutic," Patterson said.

The children will have physical and emotional scars for years to come, McKinley said.

"We know that it's not over," McKinley said.

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After the breakfast, Ligon said they presented $475 to each of the families from the proceeds. The legion has also started to receive checks from people for the families, which they plan to tally up and give them next week, Ligon said.

The goal of the benefit was for the community to show their support and "eat, talk, love," he said.

But Ligon jokingly warned that "if you leave here hungry, it's your fault."

rejacobs@post-trib.com

Twitter @ruthyjacobs
Lake County Cmdr. Brian Marsh, from left, spokesman Mark Back and Lake County Sheriff John Buncich survey the land May 3 on 125th Avenue in Center Township, where 68 dogs were removed. (Joe Puchek / Post-Tribune )

The criminal case involving a Crown Point man charged with allegedly running an illegal puppy mill operation and performing veterinary services without a license is looking for a courtroom.

Three Lake County Superior Court judges have recused themselves from hearing the case involving Stevce Rajcinoski, 36, citing ex-parte communications and social media posts each says would potentially raise the possibility of a conflict of interest.

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Lake Superior Court Judge Julie Cantrell recused herself from the case June 12.

"Numerous uninvited ex-parte communications have occurred or been attempted through social media and telephone calls to influence this court," Cantrell wrote in her order to transfer the case, saying the transfer was necessary to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

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Before recusing herself, Cantrell approved a motion commonly referred to as a gag order put forth by Paul Stracci, Rajcinoski's attorney, and agreed to by Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter. The order required all information posted by the entities to various social media platforms to be removed.

Rajcinoski has been charged with 11 counts of felony animal mutilation, 72 counts of animal neglect, 11 counts of practicing veterinary medicine without a license, and one count of failing to register as a commercial breeder with the state following an investigation into a complaint about dogs housed in a building at his residence in the 5900 block of West 125th Avenue in Center Township near Crown Point.

Superior Court Judge Jesse Villalpando on June 14 became the second to say he could not hear the case in his courtroom.

Villalpando transferred the case to Judge Sheila Moss, who in turn transferred the case to Judge Nicholas Schirelli, who has yet to consider whether he will hear the case. The court file remains in Schirelli's office. Schirelli did not return a call for comment.

Moss wrote in her order to decline: "Prior to the transfer of the above causes of action from Judge Julie Cantrell, this court overheard several attorneys discussing these cases in detail and saw several social media posts that create a conflict of interest."

If a Lake County Superior Court judge cannot be found to hear the case it will be up to Chief Lake Superior Court Judge John Pera to decide where to transfer the case. Pera did not respond to a request for comment.

Sheriff's police along with the Indiana State Veterinarian served a search warrant May 3 on Rajcinoski's property in Center Township after an investigation into the activity there was spurred by a complaint from a nearby resident about dogs being kept in an exterior building.

During the execution of the warrant, deputies discovered 66 dogs in a small building set back from a two-story home at the address, police said. Two larger dogs were chained outside the structure. Three goats and a miniature horse also were removed from the property along with evidence including surgical scalpels and veterinary medical equipment, according to police.

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Deputies confiscated 24 American bulldogs, 26 French bulldogs, three English bulldogs, 13 Leonbergers and two pit bulls. The 11 female dogs, including some that currently were nursing, had evidence of cesarean sections. The mothers to the pit bull puppies and the English bulldog puppies could not be found.

Lake County Sheriff John Buncich confirmed the animals remain in the care of Lake County Animal Control and declined to comment further citing the gag order.

Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
An owner of Prompt Ambulance said Thursday the company is winding down its Lake County emergency ambulance service and expects to be closed by the first quarter of 2018.

Gary Miller, CEO and co-owner of the company, said a letter went out to employees Wednesday informing them of the decision.

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"We are working toward retirement, but obviously we have a lot to wind down," Miller said. Miller said he has been running the 24-hours-a-day operation for 37 years. His wife, Char Miller, is president and co-owner. His brother, Jerry Miller, works in risk management. "It really takes a toll."

Prompt provides ambulance services for five Lake County municipalities including Dyer, Highland, Munster, Griffith and East Chicago. Until recently, it also held the contract for Merrillville, where it has a facility on Broadway.

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"We have been in contact with our municipal contracts and are working with them to ensure a safe and nice transition," Miller said.

The closure only includes operations in Lake County at this time. Operations in Rensselaer, Lafayette, Frankfort, Logansport and Cass County are not part of the closure, he said. The Lake County operation will continue to provide on-call medical transport.

About 140 employees, mostly paramedics and EMTs, will be affected by the closure. Miller said he expects the displaced workers most likely will be picked up by the ambulance services that transition into the Prompt municipal contracts.

The move comes in the wake of a decision earlier this year to sell the Valparaiso and South Bend operation to former company vice president Ron Donohue, who now operates as InHealth Integrated Care, which provides nonemergency ambulance services.

"This is just one more step in the long process," Miller said.

He said a unionization effort by Lake County workers is not related to the closure. Employees voted to organize in May 2016.

Highland Clerk-Treasurer Michael Griffin said the town had not yet received written notification of Prompt's intent to close. The town contracts for ambulance service from Prompt jointly with the Town of Munster.

"We are one of their legacy contractees," Griffin said. The town has been using the contracting with Prompt since it was the Fagen-Miller Ambulance service. Prompt maintains its Lake County headquarters in Highland.

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Griffin said the town has been pleased by the service provided by Prompt and was disappointed to learn Lake County service would be coming to an end. Highland and Munster are in the second year of a three-year contract with Prompt that is renewable for three additional three-year terms. If either Munster or Highland wants to cancel the contract, the towns must provide a 180-day notice to company, Griffin said. The contract calls for a 90-day notice from Prompt if it were to sell the business to another entity.

"My sense is (they are providing an) ample timetable for transitioning with no loss of service," Griffin said.

Once the town receives written notice of Prompt's intent to exit the market, it will be up to the town council to consider the options for another provider.

Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
A defiant and angry Darren Vann challenged prosecutors and a Lake County judge to kill him during a fiery court appearance Friday.

It was the first time in months that Vann, charged with murder in the deaths of seven women in 2014, attended a court hearing in Lake Superior Court. He left with a contempt citation.

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"Your attorneys have been conducting business on your behalf," Lake Superior Court Judge Samuel Cappas said to Vann, who has faces the death penalty. After the judge told him the February dates for jury selection and the March 12 start of the trial, Cappas asked Vann to acknowledge that he'd heard the information.

"I object," Vann said loudly. "I object to everything. I object to the trial date. I don't want a trial."

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Cappas then turned to a request by prosecutors who sought a contempt citation regarding Vann's alleged lack of cooperation in completing a handwriting sample to be compared to handwriting evidence in the case. "Tell them to kiss my (expletive)," Vann replied.

"We got that message," Cappas said.

"Don't say something you can't back up," Vann said. "You say you're gonna give me death. Go ahead and kill me, (expletive)," Vann said as he leaned toward the prosecution table to his left where Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter and deputy prosecutor Michelle Jatkiewicz sat.

Then he turned to the guards and said, "Let's roll."

Cappas said he was holding Vann in contempt of court, sentenced him to 30 days in the Lake County Jail and told him he had a right to appeal the sentence.

"Thanks, Mr. Vann. Thanks for coming to court," Cappas said as Vann was led out of the courtroom, his shackles making a jingling sound as he walked.

Vann, 46, has pleaded not guilty to the 2014 strangulation killings of seven women. He faces the death penalty if convicted of the October 2014 homicides of Afrikka Hardy, 19, of Chicago, and Anith Jones, 35, of Merrillville. He also is charged with murder in the deaths of Teaira Batey, 28, of Gary; Tracy Martin, 41, of Gary; Kristine Williams, 36, of Gary; Sonya Billingsley, 52, of Gary; and Tanya Gatlin, 27, of Highland.

Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Loretta Jung sat against purple cushions in the Erie Family Health Center in Evanston on a recent weekday afternoon, waiting to be called for one of a number of doctor appointments she was trying to squeeze in before changes are made to the Affordable Care Act.

"I'm trying to get everything on track," said Jung, a 57-year-old Evanston resident.

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She was just approved for disability, Jung said, and has a preexisting condition she fears could disqualify her from getting coverage if the ACA is repealed. If her insurers decline to take her on because of the condition, Jung said, "I'm in trouble."

Records show that Jung is one of the thousands of new Medicaid subscribers in the near north suburbs after it expanded following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, signed into law by former President Barack Obama in 2010. But recent efforts by President Donald Trump and the GOP-led Congress seek to repeal the Affordable Care Act and implement an alternative health care plan. As the Senate grapples with its replacement plan, patients and health care providers say they're scrambling to figure out what's next.

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The ACA, commonly known as Obamacare, aimed to ensure all Americans had health insurance. Features include insurance exchanges, where people can buy health insurance if they cannot or do not get it through an employer, and the option for states to expand Medicaid, the state and federal health insurance plan. The ACA also forbade the formerly common practice of not insuring those with preexisting conditions and allowed parents to keep children on their health insurance until age 26.

Illinois was one of the states that expanded Medicaid, and residents who make up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line  or $1,366 per month for individuals and $1,845 per month for couples  now qualify for government-funded insurance. Previously, adults could only earn 133 percent of the poverty line and were required to meet other qualifications to get Medicaid. Those income restrictions totaled $1,273 per month for individuals and $1,719 for couples, according to state data.

A Freedom of Information Act request filed by the Evanston Review shows Jung participated in a trend across the near north Chicago suburbs: the number of Medicaid participants grew across the board. As of September 2016, that included 3,251 Skokie residents, up 24 percent from January 2014, when the ACA first took effect. In Evanston 2,623 residents signed up for Medicaid through the ACA, up 26 percent; 1,197 in Niles, up 20.5 percent; 1,319 in Lincolnwood, up 25 percent; and 831 patients in Morton Grove, up 26 percent from January 2014.

But not everyone is a fan of the ACA. Some say premiums are too high, and they don't like the fact that their health insurance costs contribute to coverage for other people's illnesses.

Blair Garber, committeeman for the Evanston Township Republican Organization; Illinois State Central Committeeman for the 9th Congressional District; and chairman of the Illinois State Lottery Control Board, said he believes the Affordable Care Act is not working as advertised.

Garber said since the ACA kicked in, he has seen his premiums double and the deductible jump from $1,000 to $7,000 a year on his private insurance.

"This flies in the face of the promise we were all made that Obamacare would save us money," Garber said. He said he thinks the free market would be able to provide a better and cheaper insurance product than the government ever can.

"I'm a 62-year old man. Why would I want I want in vitro fertilization?" he asked, saying a woman shouldn't necessarily pay for men's prostate exams and Viagra prescriptions, either. "She should be able to write that out of her policy."

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As for patients with preexisting conditions, who previously had a difficult time finding affordable insurance, that's when the government could help "pick up the tab," he said.

"There are people who through no fault of their own fall on hard times or don't win the genetic lottery," Garber said. "There are ways to take care of that."

But those who work at Erie say those are the people the Medicaid expansion helps.

More than half of Erie's patients are insured through Medicaid, said Amy Valukas, chief operating officer for the system of clinics. Erie was founded in 1957 with a focus on affordable health care for low-income patients. Before the ACA, many patients were treated on a sliding scale depending on what they could afford.

At Erie, officials say that enrollment spike translated into a 60 percent jump in clientele over the past five years and more money to expand. Staff has grown 43 percent to 613 employees in a system that includes 11 Chicago clinics, one in Evanston and another in Waukegan. Officials said the Evanston/Skokie clinic, which opened its permanent location in 2013 and was the first Erie clinic outside Chicago, was funded largely with money paid by the newly-insured patients.

But Valukas said staff members are worried. If Medicaid funding is cut, "this would be a significant loss for our patients and our community and their ability to access preventative, comprehensive health care," Valukas said.

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Still, "any changes will not happen quickly," Valukas said. "Our biggest thing right now is to reassure our patients."

An afternoon visit to Erie's Evanston clinic showed a diverse clientele waiting to see the doctor.

Fariba Panahi, 29, of Evanston, wore a mustard-colored tunic and brown, leopard-print hijab and talked on the phone while she waited for her appointment.

A recent immigrant from Afghanistan, Panahi said her family depends on the Affordable Care Act to get her three children, "a baby and two kids under 9," the health care they require.

"Obamacare is really good. We need that. My family, we are new here," Panahi said.

Panahi said she is a stay-at-home mom and though she's less worried about her and her husband, she believes it would be expensive to treat their children without health insurance.

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"Kids all the time they get sick. They need to see the doctor," she said.

Changes, though, might not necessarily relate to fewer patients on Medicaid. Experts say the state of Illinois could choose to keep the Medicaid expansion, paying for the funding the federal government would remove. That decision could depend on what cuts and restrictions federal lawmakers decide to make.

Regardless of what Illinois decides to do, Andrea Callow, associate director of Medicaid initiatives at Families USA, a health care advocacy group in Washington, D.C., said the state could be hampered if Congress decides to place national restrictions on who qualifies for Medicaid and how much it may or may not pay for treatment.

While "we can't predict the future," Callow said, "if the idea is to save money, Medicaid will be a target because there is a lot of money in Medicaid. Medical clinics and patients everywhere really are at risk."

Meanwhile, representatives for Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner referred questions to a statement he made in May, after the U.S. House of Representatives approved their proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act.

"Recent changes did not address fundamental concerns about the bill's impact on the 650,000 individuals that are part of our Medicaid expansion population," among the others who participate in the Affordable Care Act, Rauner said. "We will continue to voice our concerns as the law moves to the Senate."

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Back at Erie, Andre Wells, 43, of Evanston, said he doesn't dwell on the legislative wrangling. Instead, he said, he's getting treatment he might not be able to afford if he had no health insurance.

"Just getting seen by a doctor is a blessing," Wells said.

gbookwalter@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @GenevieveBook
The owner of the Village Inn, show here the night the Cubs won the World Series last year, said if a Cook County minimum wage increase goes into effect in Skokie, hes not sure he will be able to stay in business. (Mike Isaacs / Pioneer Press )

Weeks ago, Skokie was poised to become the only municipality in Niles Township not to opt out of new Cook County minimum wage and sick time laws that go into effect Saturday, July 1, but attitudes on the measures appear to be changing.

According to the Skokie Village Board's Thursday, July 6, meeting agenda, the board will consider on first reading ordinances that, if enacted, would allow the village to avoid being governed by minimum-wage increases and paid sick leave mandates under the two county measures passed last year.

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A final vote on the opt-out ordinances is scheduled for July 17, according to the village board agenda. The Morton Grove, Niles, Wilmette and Lincolnwood boards have already voted to opt out of both county ordinances. On Friday, the Evanston City Council met in a hastily-organized session on the topic that quickly evolved into the city pledging to stay with the county wage increases.

Contacted weeks ago, Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen said there had been no request from trustees to discuss opting out of the new minimum wage ordinance, which increases the minimum wage in the county from $8.25 to $10 on July 1, and a dollar a year in the following three years, ending at $13 an hour on July 1, 2020.

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Skokie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Howard Meyer initially said that the chamber had analyzed the proposed laws carefully and determined that it made sense for Skokie not to opt out because it borders Chicago, where workers are paid more.

But Meyer Thursday said circumstances changed in recent weeks. More municipalities opted out and the chamber began hearing from more small businesses and restaurants in Skokie about the negative impact the county laws would have, he said.

The chamber, in fact, ended up urging the village to join other area municipalities and opt out of the county laws, Meyer said.

"Our membership has begun to voice very loudly that these two ordinances will have adverse repercussions on their ability to remain competitive against businesses in neighboring communities, many of which have chosen to opt out," Meyer said in a message he sent Friday to all chamber members.

Rob Paddor, owner of Evanston Subaru in Skokie, said he contacted village leaders in recent weeks to let them know of his strong opposition to the county ordinances. A sponsor of several events and initiatives in Skokie, Paddor said he told village leaders he would have to rethink his community sponsorships if the village did not opt out.

"If the village is not going to support my business or any other business in Skokie, why ... should I provide that support for Skokie?" he said he told the mayor and others. "I laid it all on the line."

Paddor said he currently is paying more than the $8.25 minimum wage to his employees, but he believes the annual minimum wage increases called for in the ordinance would create a burden for him at some point. He said he would have to make cuts down the road  mostly to the 15 to 20 part-time employees working as porters and office staff  should Skokie not opt out of the minimum wage ordinance.

Randy Miles, owner of the Village Inn restaurant in downtown Skokie, said that the minimum wage ordinance could even put him out of business.

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"I'm all for paying a fair wage, and I think I do," he said. "But I get an entry-level dish washer who has never washed a dish in his life and I start him at $8.50 an hour. In two weeks, all the guy has to do is show up to work every day and I move him to $9 an hour."

From there, his pay goes up as he is able to handle more duties, Miles said.

Miles said the county minimum-wage increase would impact him significantly, as everyone up to managers would then likely push for a bump up in pay. Miles also questioned the legality of the county ordinances, a point also raised by Skokie Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge in a memo he wrote to the village board in preparation for the July 6 meeting.

Lorge said he is recommending that the village opt out of the ordinance but not based on any position on the merits of increasing the minimum wage.

Some 75 home rule municipalities and other municipalities have opted out of the new county ordinances, "causing unpredictably from community to community," he said.

"The resulting municipal actions have rendered the Cook County ordinances untenable," Lorge said. "Instead of establishing a county-wide minimum wage and sick leave standard, the Cook County ordinances have created a hodgepodge of regulations which create unfair competition between businesses from town to town."

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Skokie is one of the last municipalities to take up the issue because village leaders wanted to give county leadership a chance "to prove the merit of the legislation," Lorge said.

As towns wrangle with the implications of the wage hike and any ensuing legal challenges, it is unclear what effect, if any, it would have on Skokie business owners were the town to decide to opt out after the law has already taken effect.

But home-rule municipalities can opt in or opt out at any time, said Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin who proposed the ordinances.

Suffredin said he pushed for the ordinances to try to place pressure on legislators and especially Gov. Bruce Rauner to adopt a state-wide minimum wage increase. One bill calling for smaller increases than what's in the county ordinance only needs the governor's approval, Suffredin said.

"I believe we need to put pressure on the governor to make sure he signs it," Suffredin said. The county also adopted the minimum wage ordinance to remedy a two-tier pay scale in the area with Chicago workers currently making $10.50 an hour and suburban workers making $8.25 an hour for the same job, he said.

Skokie is not the only municipality that has had a change of heart late in the process. Oak Park was scheduled to hold a special session Friday to consider opting out of the ordinances, according to Arise-Chicago, a nonprofit group it says is dedicated to advocating for low-wage workers in the Chicago area.

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According to leaders with nonprofit advocacy Open Communities, a National Employment Law Project study concluded that municipalities that have passed minimum wage increases have had business activity increase in comparison to those on their borders that have not, they said in a released statement.

Residents and activists in favor of the county ordinances have been attending municipal meetings where opting out is being considered. They have told local legislators that the minimum wage is not a living wage and is long overdue for a hike.

misaacs@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @SKReview_Mike
Officials for school districts 203 and 204 say about 2,000 students are taking online summer school classes through the local Expanding Learning Opportunities consortium, known as eLo. (Suzanne Baker / Naperville Sun )

The number of teachers in Naperville District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204 instructing online high school courses this summer is more than the previous two years combined.

Known as eLo, or Expanding Learning Opportunities, the online learning consortium provides high school students in District 203, District 204 and Wheaton Warrenville District 200 with online courses taught by teachers in the three districts. The classes have the same rigor as students would experience in a bricks-and-mortar classroom during the school year.

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Kip Pygman, eLo's director, said 51 instructors are teaching 82 online course sections this summer. By comparison, 24 people taught during summer 2015 and 35 taught last year.

One of the reasons, Pygman said, is because the number of students taking eLo courses flourished this year, causing the need to hire additional instructors.

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"Summer enrollment continues to increase," Pygman said. "That created a significant number of sections."

This year 2,000 students signed up, compared to 1,272 last year, he said.

With both districts 203 and 204 providing Chromebooks to every high school student  District 203's inaugural distribution was in 2016 and District 204's dispersal begins in August  more teachers are looking for ways to incorporate technology into their classroom lessons.

As a result, more teachers were interested in trying their hand at online teaching, Pygman said. To give more people the opportunity, eLo limited the number of sections one person could teach, he said.

A benefit to having more teachers involved, Pygman said, is they'll be able to return to their home schools and offer insight to their peers on what worked and what didn't.

Pygman said eLo strives to gather statistics on the types of students who take the courses so the districts can work to improve the learning experience for students.

Gone are the days when students would take classes over the summer to recover course credits the lost by failing a class.

More often, he said, students take summer courses, such as U.S. history, so they can free up space for Advance Placement or career-track classes in during the school year.

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Of the students in summer eLo, 65 percent previously completed an AP course.

The big benefit of eLo over traditional summer school is that students can be anywhere in the world and still do the work, as long as they have internet access.

This year students logged onto their coursework from 30 U.S. states and from 15 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, Central American and the Caribbean, officials said.

subaker@tribpub.com

Twitter @SBakerSun1
Ken Griffin of Citadel, Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy awardee, from left, Susan Levy of Highland Park, Corporate Night chairman and Oscar Munoz of United Airlines, Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy awardee. ( Todd Rosenberg/Chicago Symphony )

It was hot the evening of June 12, when the Chicago Symphony Orchestra held its 28th annual Corporate Night benefit in Symphony Center. And despite comfortable air conditioning, Orchestra Hall got hotter  musically, that is  as the 11 members of Pink Martini commanded the Armour stage, accompanied by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Conductor Steven Reineke, director of the New York Pops, launched the orchestra into "Espana" by Chabrier, setting a lively theme for the festivities.

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Pink Martini was established in 1994 by pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale to perform at fundraisers for civil rights, environmental sustainability, affordable housing and public broadcasting. The group's program of international songs expressed the ensemble's big-hearted vision. With brass blasting and drums beating, the music was contagious.

At one point percussionist Timothy Nishimoto stepped to the microphone and sang Spanish serenade. The group's two female vocalists were dark-haired China Forbes, clad in black, and blond Storm Large, wearing white. They took turns singing solo, and were well-matched in their duets.

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Forbes sang a number of French songs, including the charming "Je ne veux pas travallier," and encouraged the audience to join in another French number. Forbes had the only song in English, the novelty number "Hey Eugene," a universal complaint about a guy who met a girl at a party, asked for her phone number, and then never called!

The 90-minute show concluded with a conga line of audience members dancing through the aisles to the familiar tune of "Brazil."

This year's Corporate Night included the inaugural Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy Award, which was given to Citadel, which has supported Corporate Night for 14 years and United Airlines, which has been the official airline of the Chicago Symphony for 41 years. United's association is the longest continuing corporate partnerships in the CSO's 126-year history.

Nearly 2,500 attended the Pink Martini program, and the evening raised more than $925,000 for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association's artistic and educational programs. See more at cso.org.
Boebert leading Frisch by more than 1,100 votes in CD-3 race

Frisch had been in the lead, which was declining as more counties in CD-3 continue to report results after election day
2017 Summer Davos closed its annual meeting on Thursday in northeast China's coastal city of Dalian, highlighting technological innovation and inclusive growth for sustainable development.

During the three-day Meeting of the New Champions 2017, more than 2,000 participants including officials and entrepreneurs from over 90 countries and regions shared their insights on economic globalization challenges, the sharing economy and new technology.

The meeting was themed "Achieving Inclusive Growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution." Attendees tried to find ways to achieve a more inclusive style of growth that prioritizes meaningful job creation and sustainable development.

China will increase access to the service and manufacturing sectors, relax restrictions on foreign ownership, and treat Chinese and foreign companies on an equal basis, said Premier Li Keqiang at the opening ceremony of the forum on Tuesday.

"We will further ease market access in service and manufacturing sectors, relax foreign equity caps in some areas of interest, advance and improve the negative-list regulation model. Domestic and foreign companies are treated equally in the application of supportive policies," he said.

The meeting highlighted China's economy.

"China's growth is an incredible contribution to the global economy," said Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum (WEF) founder and executive chairman.

China has been a major stabilizer and driving force for the world economy, contributing more than 30 percent of recent growth. Its GDP in Q1 grew 6.9 percent year on year from the same period in 2016.

Li Daokui, an economist with Beijing-based Tsinghua University, is optimistic, predicting growth will accelerate next year with rising private investment and improved government efficiency.

"It is forecast the growth speed (of China's economy) this year will be the same as last year. In 2018, the economy will begin to go upward, largely due to rising private investment," said Li.

According to Sun Pishu, chairman of China's cloud computing and big data provider Inspur Group, the country's supply-side structural reform has delivered success.

"Profound changes have taken place in China's economic structure, with growth engines shifting to innovation and investment becoming steadier," said Sun.

Established by the World Economic Forum in 2007, the Summer Davos forum is held annually in China, and alternate between the port cities of Dalian and Tianjin.
China's rail vehicle manufacturer will roll out 25 new generation bullet trains worth up to $1.84 billion in October.

An insider at CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, which built the state-of-the-art locomotives, confirmed they would be handed over to the parent company, China Railway Rolling Stock Corp, in the fall.

"This is another example of the company's ability to develop and manufacture high-tech trains," the manager, who requested anonymity, said. "It also helps manufacturing here."

The "Fuxing" class bullet trains adopted wholly self-developed core technologies and are built under a unified Chinese standard. Each train sells for between 400 million yuan ($58.8 million) to 500 million yuan.

Four of the 25 new engines have already been delivered to the parent company, while two models, CR400AF and CR400BF, are going through trials on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail line, the manager said.

"The Fuxing class trains are designed to travel at 350 kilometers per hour on average with a maximum speed of 400 km/h," designers at the China Academy of Railway Sciences, or CARS, revealed in a statement.

CRRC will obviously be hoping to find overseas buyers for its new locomotives.

Zhao Hongwei, chief engineer with CARS, said the bullet trains with an average speed of 350 km/h, are suitable for long-range mainlines such as Beijing-Guangzhou line, as well as intercity lines such as the Beijing-Tianjin route.

"In the future, production of the new trains would definitely surge," Zhao was quoted as saying by Chinanews.com.

Apart from upgrading China's bullet train sector, these latest models were also designed and produced for the export market, according to the CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles insider.

"They can be manufactured to the needs of foreign customers," the manager said. "After all, production standards and operating environments can vary in different countries and regions."

Last year, revenue from CRRC's listed arm CRRC Corp Ltd reached almost 230 billion yuan with export orders contributing more than 8 percent of overall turnover.

This has helped CRRC develop and grow by pumping resources into research.

At first, China had to import key components from Germany's Siemens AG and Alstom Group of France. But advances in bullet technology locally are starting to change the landscape.

"China has been speeding up efforts to develop its own core components and standards," said Li Sha, an analyst at GF Securities Co Ltd. "The initiative will accelerate the pace of replacing foreign technologies with self-developed ones."

Li also pointed out that these latest high-speed models will boost business opportunities for domestic manufacturers.

Steel for wheel construction used to be imported, but now two Chinese publicly traded companies have been certified to supply the high-grade material.

"Maanshan Iron & Steel Co Ltd in Anhui province and Taiyuan Heavy Industry Co Ltd in Shanxi province have been given the green light to do the work," Li said.

Already the domestic market for bullet trains in China could hit 400 billion yuan within a decade, according to the CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles insider.

Still, compared to Europe and Japan, China developed its high-speed rail industry late.

Yet during the past decade the country has made tremendous progress and now has the world's longest high-speed network, covering 22,340 km.

At the same time, Chinese companies are more competitive to Western rivals.

A report by the BBC, the global television and media company based in the United Kingdom, showed construction costs were significantly lower than in Europe or the United States.
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Thirteen captive-bred forest musk deer were released into the wild on Thursday in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, according to the provincial forestry department.

The 13 deer have developed strong survival abilities, including avoiding predators and identifying human threats, during a year of training, said Li Sanyuan, director of the provincial forestry department.

They were released to a habitat for wild forest musk deer in Ningshan County in the Qinling Mountains.

After the release, scientists from Shaanxi Institute of Zoology will monitor their activity with the help of GPS necklaces and infrared cameras.

The release of the musk deer marks the beginning of China's restoration of the wild population, said Wang Weisheng, an official with the State Forestry Administration

The species is under the country's highest level of protection. They are hunted by poachers because a secretion believed to have high medicinal value and is a precious ingredient in some perfumes.

In 1970s and 1980s, the wild population declined significantly due to poaching and damage to its habitat. The situation has improved in recent years.

There are 4,000 to 4,500 forest musk deer living in the wild and over 13,000 living in captivity in Shaanxi.
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China's inshore seawater quality improved in 2016, according to data issued Thursday by the Ministry of Environment Protection (MEP).

Among the eleven coastal provincial regions, Shanghai and Zhejiang were placed at the bottom of quality classification while Guangxi and Hainan were at the top.

The proportion of "excellent" quality increased while that of "inferior" quality was declining, said Liu Zhiquan with the MEP.

Substandard water was detected in Bohai Bay, at the mouths of the Yangtze River and Pearl River, in Liaodong Gulf and on southeastern coastlines, with inorganic nitrogen and reactive phosphate being the main pollutants, according to the ministry.

More than 90 percent of the 27 monitored bathing beaches reported excellent or good water quality, said Liu.

He said the ministry has increased monitoring sites from 301 to 419 at the end of 2015, covering inshore water in the country's four marine areas.
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China recognized 30 new national masters of traditional Chinese medicine during a ceremony in Beijing on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua]

China recognized 30 new national masters of traditional Chinese medicine during a ceremony in Beijing on Thursday.

Of the new masters, 25 are men and five are women, and all have practiced TCM for at least 50 years, according to the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

They range in age from 66 to 96.

The award ceremony was held by the administration, the National Health and Family Planning Commission, and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

"The masters should serve as role models for the country's TCM practitioners to wholeheartedly serve their patients, promote TCM, and help pass down the oriental medical science via education and training," Wang Guoqiang, head of the administration, said while addressing the ceremony.

According to Wang, it is the third time the Chinese government has recognized national TCM masters, bringing the total to 90.

Together with the 30 masters, another 99 TCM practitioners from across the country were awarded the title of "famous veteran TCM doctor".

Qi Xuan, a division director of human resources at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, said that such high-level recognition encourages young TCM doctors.

Xu Runsan, 91, a TCM doctor at the hospital who specializes in gynecology, is one of the newly recognized masters.

"He's in good health and still sees patients every week," Qi said.

TCM is a medical science largely based on clinical experience and it requires lifelong dedication to become a good TCM doctor, she added.

Nationwide, Western medicine has become the mainstream and shoulders the lion's share of the overall supply of medical care services.

But the government has introduced a slew of measures and policies to facilitate TCM development.

China's top legislature late last year adopted a law on TCM, allowing it a bigger role in the country's medical system.
The PLA Navy's CNS Liaoning will visit Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of the special administrative region. [Photo/China Daily]

The People's Liberation Army Navy aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning and its battle group will make their first visit to Hong Kong amid celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the special administrative region's return to the motherland, a Defense Ministry spokesman said.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian said at a news conference in Beijing on Thursday that Saturday will mark not only the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return but also the 20th year of the PLA's presence there.

A detailed schedule for the visit will be released later.

The carrier battle group, which consists of the Liaoning, the guided-missile destroyers CNS Jinan and CNS Yinchuan, the guided-missile frigate CNS Yantai and several J-15 carrier-borne fighter jets and helicopters, embarked from its home port in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Sunday. It is conducting routine training listed in the Navy's annual plan, Navy officials said.

During the training, ships drill in formation and perform combat maneuvers and aircraft hone aerial tactics, the Navy said. The operation is aimed at improving coordination among ships in the battle group and boosting the capabilities of pilots and sailors.

Li Jie, a senior expert at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said ships in the group including the Liaoning are likely to hold open houses for Hong Kong residents, and their commanders and sailors are likely to participate in parties with local communities.

A performance by shipborne helicopters also is possible to display the Navy's operational capability, he said.

The Liaoning, a refitted Soviet-era vessel, was commissioned by the Navy in 2012. Its battle group carried out a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea and western Pacific Ocean in December and January.

China launched its first domestically developed aircraft carrier in April in Dalian, Liaoning province. Like the Liaoning, the new ship has a displacement of around 50,000 metric tons and a conventional propulsion system, and will also carry J-15 fighter jets.
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President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at Shek Kong barracks, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Xi, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the troops in the company of Tan Benhong, commander of the PLA Garrison in the HKSAR.

More than 3,100 officers and soldiers took part in the review, and over 100 pieces of military equipment including air defense missiles and helicopters were displayed.

About 4,000 spectators from all walks of life in Hong Kong were present.

Xi arrived here Thursday to attend celebrations for Hong Kong's 20th return anniversary and the inauguration of the HKSAR's fifth-term government. He will also inspect the HKSAR during his three-day stay.
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Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense of China, responds to media questions on June 29, 2017, at a routine press briefing in Beijing. [Photo by Chen Boyuan/China.org.cn]

The Ministry of National Defense (MOD) has once again demanded India remove troops trespassing across the border in the Sikkim section and obstructing Chinese border guards' normal activities.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the MOD, told a press conference on June 29 that Indian border guards had crossed the border into Chinese territory. He accused the Indian troops of obstructing People's Liberation Army (PLA) normal activities in the Donglang area.

"Our border guards have taken necessary measures in response and they will resolutely preserve the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

His remark amounted to a reiteration from the PLA demanding India halt its encroachments. Earlier on June 26, Colonel Ren Guoqiang, another MOD spokesman, warned India not to obstruct PLA road construction in the Donglang area. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs made similar representations to India.

Some Indian media claimed that it was Chinese soldiers that trespassed onto the Indian side before they used bulldozers to dismantle some facilities.

Wu justified the PLA's road construction, stressing that "the incident took place on Chinese territory."

"We have explicitly demand India correct its errors immediately and withdraw its personnel that illegally crossed the Chinese border," he said.

At the same time, the MOD spokesman criticized Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat over his statements of preparations for a multi-front war.

General Bipin Rawat recently said, "Indian Army is fully ready for a two-and-a-half front war."

Deeming such remarks "extremely irresponsible," Wu urged certain people in the Indian military to "learn from the history and stop airing such dangerous, belligerent remarks."

A video made public shows that a new type of PLA tanks recently appeared on the Tibetan plateau for exercises. Military observers noticed it was the 35-ton light main battle tank and its barrel was adjusted to a higher position to cope with mountain warfare.

Recent U.S. media reports claimed this tank featured an even stronger front protection than the PLA's latest 96A tank, far exceeding the Indian army's 90S tanks.

The MOD spokesperson confirmed that PLA's new tanks were being tested in a high-altitude environment in Tibet. However, he rebuffed allegations that linked the tank with recent border tensions with India, saying the tests targeted no country.
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China is willing to "lend a hand" to the Philippines in its fight against terrorism and will continue to provide necessary help as required, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday, a day after Beijing offered Manila urgent military assistance.

"Now, since our neighbor, the Philippines, is being seriously threatened by terrorism, China will surely give a helping hand without any doubt," Wang told reporters after meeting with his Philippine counterpart Alan Peter Cayetano in Beijing.

China provided the first shipment of materials and equipment on Wednesday as urgent assistance to the Philippines, Wang said.

"We are willing to offer necessary support and assistance in the future according to the needs of the Philippines, including participating in postwar resettlement and reconstruction work in Marawi City," he said.

China will also continue to push forward and implement major cooperative projects as agreed with the Philippines to help it develop the economy, improve people's livelihood, help tackle the use of illegal narcotics, and remove the soil where terrorism breeds, he added.

Hailing the "golden period of fast development" that China-Philippine relations have entered, the Chinese foreign minister also said: "If anyone wants to reverse the current progress, it will not work and the interests of the Philippine people will be directly harmed."

He called for the two countries to stick to the direction of good-neighborliness and friendship, enhance political mutual trust, and appropriately deal with sensitive issues while expanding pragmatic cooperation. That way, "the prospects for the bilateral relationship will be bright".

Cayetano said both sides agreed that cooperation must be further enhanced in the fight against illegal drugs. He said his country requires more cross-border support and collaboration to fight terrorism.

He also said peace and stability in the South China Sea and the whole region has been a tangible result of the recent improvement in ties with China. Relations were turned around in October after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made a state visit to China.
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Without calling him by name, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) offered a scathing criticism of U.S. president Trump's policies in a speech before the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) on Thursday.

Speaking a week before the official commencement of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Merkel emphasized Germany's commitment to multilateral cooperation to confront transnational challenges such as climate change.

"Whoever thinks that the problems of this world can be solved with isolationism and protectionism is making an enormous mistake" Merkel said.

"Only together can we find the right answers to the central questions of our times." This circumstance applied to the G20 as much as it did to the European Union, according to the chancellor.

Merkel's speech contained several thinly-veiled swipes at Trump.

Addressing the issue of climate change, she warned that "we cannot and will not wait until the last person on Earth is convinced of the scientific evidence of climate change. In other words: the [Paris] climate accord is irreversible and non-negotiable."

Since the United States abandoned the Paris accord, Germany was "more committed than ever to making it a success", she said.

The speech highlighted a growing discrepancy between Berlin and Washington's positions on a several international issues since Trump took office in January, ranging from climate change to trade.

Germany will host the G20 summit on July 7-8 in the Northern German city of Hamburg.

Merkel wants the summit to send a "signal of determination" of the world's 20 largest industrialized and emerging nations to assume their international responsibility.

"We need the G20 more than ever," Merkel said.

Nonetheless, the chancellor predicted difficult talks as she expected there would be many differences in points of view between attendees.
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German officials wanted to prevent Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan from speaking to his supporters at the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg next week, the news magazine Spiegel reported on Thursday.

Questioned during a diplomatic visit to Russia, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) confirmed that he had "received an official request from Turkey for the Turkish president Erdogan... to address his fellow citizens".

Gabriel promptly rejected the proposal which he called "not sensible at this moment in time."

Aside from voicing the view that such speech "would not fit into the current political landscape", he doubted whether there would be "sufficient police forces to ensure security on the sidelines of the G20 summit".

Gabriel further told his Turkish counterpart Mevluet Cavusoglu that Erdogan's plans were "not a good idea", and made a proposal to chancellor Merkel for a general ban on public appearances by Non-EU politicians in the three months running up to German national elections in September.

Merkel's speaker Steffen Seibert informed Spiegel that Gabriel's views reflected the official stance of the government which had been agreed upon in advance.

Erdogan's request brought up uncomfortable memories of a wider conflict between Turkey, Germany and other EU member states over campaign rallies held by Turkish politicians across the continent in spring.

Hoping to win support amongst Turkish migrant communities for a controversial constitutional referendum in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Austria, Erdogan and members of his AKP party ran up against heavy opposition in several European capitals.

While a German provincial high court ruled in 2016 that the German Federal Government could prevent such appearances, Merkel refused to impose a general ban on speeches by Turkish politicians ahead of the constitutional referendum. Instead she left the decision to municipalities.

In March, AKP politician and Cavusoglu were forced to hold his speech from the balcony of the Turkish consulate after Hamburg authorities ruled out an appearance in an event's hall on the grounds of fire safety.

The constitutional reform proposed by Erdogan was narrowly passed in the referendum on April 16.

Relations between Ankara and Berlin have been under severe strain as German politicians have increasingly voiced concern over what they view as Erdogan's autocratic tendencies.

German and European governments are also wary of Erdogan sowing discord between his supporters and opponents in migrant communities.

The Turkish government is unhappy that Berlin has granted political asylum to Turkish soldiers whom it accuses of involvement in what it described as a failed military coup against President Erdogan.

In a recent sign of mounting tensions between the two NATO members, Turkey barred German parliamentarians from visiting German troops based at the Turkish air-force base of Incirlik. The German government responded to the ban in June by confirming the re-location of the armed forces to new base in Jordan.
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Two police officers in southern U.S. city of Houston will not face charges for fatally shooting an armed black man after a Harris County grand jury on Thursday declined to indict the officers.

"It is our duty to be transparent and ensure that grand jurors have the opportunity to make informed decisions on whether a crime has been committed," Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said in statement.

She said the grand jury, which are comprised of Harris County citizens, reviews all police shootings.

Alva Braziel, a 38-year-old black man, was shot dead by police on July 9 last year after waving a gun when he was approached by two officers, authorities said.

After the decision was made on Thursday, Braziel's widow, Nikki Braziel, said she believed the shooting was unnecessary.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released body cam footage of the shooting last year after growing inaccuracies on social media. The videos helped clear the Houston police off the rumor that they shot an unarmed black man.
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British Prime Minister Theresa May won approval Thursday for the government program outlined last week by Queen Elizabeth II in the Queen's Speech to Parliament.

The narrow result -- 323 votes to 309 -- showed that support from the Democratic Union Party of Northern Ireland (DUP) had been crucial in the voting.

It was the first major test for May since this month's snap general election when she lost her overall majority.

The Conservatives have 318 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons, eight short of what is needed for a guaranteed majority.

To prop up her minority government, May struck a deal with the DUP and its 10 MPs at Westminster, but at a price. She had to agreed to a funding package worth a billion pounds for projects in Northern Ireland.

Earlier in a day, the main opposition Labour party made a number of attempts to test May's power in the House of Commons, adding to a day of high tension at Westminster.

They put forward two amendments, but lost -- one of them by just 26 votes.

May's government had faced potential defeat in one amendment put forward by Labour MP Stella Creasy over access to abortions for women from Northern Ireland.

Although abortions are available on the British mainland, rules in Northern Ireland make it more difficult for women to have pregnancies terminated.

Creasy wanted MPs to vote on giving women from across the Irish Sea the right to abortions on the British mainland, funded by the National Health Service (NHS). Currently, women have to pay around 1,200 U.S. dollars for an abortion this way.

A number of May's MPs said they aimed to back Creasy's bid, threatening a defeat for the Conservatives.

Before the vote was taken, the Conservatives agreed to NHS funding for abortions for Northern Ireland women, averting what would have been a defeat for May. Creasy withdrew the amendment, averting a damaging vote for May's government.

Another amendment to the Queen's Speech debate, by Labour MP Chuka Umunna, called for continued single market and customs union membership of the European Union after Brexit, but it was defeated by a vote of 322 votes to 101.

Later, it was revealed that a number of front bench opposition shadow ministers had backed Umunna, leading political commentators at Westminster to predict that around six people would be be fired by opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn.

May finished the day breathing a sigh of relief that after six days of debate, the program outlined in the Queen's Speech had survived without being amended.
By Jing Shuiyu and Zhong Nan in Beijing and Liu Mingtai in Chang Chun | China Daily | Updated: 2017-06-30 07:33

A naming ceremony for a Fuxing class bullet train is held in Beijing on Sunday. [Photo/Xinhua]

CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles will deliver 25 new generation engines

China's rail vehicle manufacturer will roll out 25 new generation bullet trains worth up to $1.84 billion in October.

An insider at CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, which built the state-of-the-art locomotives, confirmed they would be handed over to the parent company, China Railway Rolling Stock Corp, in the fall.

"This is another example of the company's ability to develop and manufacture high-tech trains," the manager, who requested anonymity, said. "It also helps manufacturing here."

The "Fuxing" class bullet trains adopted wholly self-developed core technologies and are built under a unified Chinese standard. Each train sells for between 400 million yuan ($58.8 million) to 500 million yuan.

Four of the 25 new engines have already been delivered to the parent company, while two models, CR400AF and CR400BF, are going through trials on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail line, the manager said.

"The Fuxing class trains are designed to travel at 350 kilometers per hour on average with a maximum speed of 400 km/h," designers at the China Academy of Railway Sciences, or CARS, revealed in a statement.

CRRC will obviously be hoping to find overseas buyers for its new locomotives.

Zhao Hongwei, chief engineer with CARS, said the bullet trains with an average speed of 350 km/h, are suitable for long-range mainlines such as Beijing-Guangzhou line, as well as intercity lines such as the Beijing-Tianjin route.

"In the future, production of the new trains would definitely surge," Zhao was quoted as saying by Chinanews.com.

Apart from upgrading China's bullet train sector, these latest models were also designed and produced for the export market, according to the CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles insider.

"They can be manufactured to the needs of foreign customers," the manager said. "After all, production standards and operating environments can vary in different countries and regions."

Last year, revenue from CRRC's listed arm CRRC Corp Ltd reached almost 230 billion yuan with export orders contributing more than 8 percent of overall turnover.

This has helped CRRC develop and grow by pumping resources into research.

A man takes a photo with a Fuxing bullet train before its departure for Shanghai from Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

At first, China had to import key components from Germany's Siemens AG and Alstom Group of France. But advances in bullet technology locally are starting to change the landscape.

"China has been speeding up efforts to develop its own core components and standards," said Li Sha, an analyst at GF Securities Co Ltd. "The initiative will accelerate the pace of replacing foreign technologies with self-developed ones."

Li also pointed out that these latest high-speed models will boost business opportunities for domestic manufacturers.

Steel for wheel construction used to be imported, but now two Chinese publicly traded companies have been certified to supply the high-grade material.

"Maanshan Iron & Steel Co Ltd in Anhui province and Taiyuan Heavy Industry Co Ltd in Shanxi province have been given the green light to do the work," Li said.

Already the domestic market for bullet trains in China could hit 400 billion yuan within a decade, according to the CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles insider.

Still, compared to Europe and Japan, China developed its high-speed rail industry late.

Yet during the past decade the country has made tremendous progress and now has the world's longest high-speed network, covering 22,340 km.

At the same time, Chinese companies are more competitive to Western rivals.

A report by the BBC, the global television and media company based in the United Kingdom, showed construction costs were significantly lower than in Europe or the United States.

Xinhua contributed to this story.
A Polish trader gives an apple to a child at an expo in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, June 9. [Photo/VCG]

Polish apple traders are looking for more Chinese buyers for their fruit, after the European nation signed a trade agreement with China on exports of its iconic bicolored apples to the Chinese market.

"We are talking with potential trade companies, as well as supermarkets about selling our apples in China, which is an important market for us to expand the export volume," said Waldemar Zolcik, chairman of the Association of Polish Fruit and Vegetables Distributors.

Zolcik led a trade delegation to Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, to display Polish bicolored apples during an international food and imported goods fair in mid-June.

"Our apples have been well accepted by Chinese consumers since we shipped the first batch of our products to the market at the end of last year. We believe there would be a huge market for European apples," said Zolcik.

China signed an agreement with Poland to introduce the Polish apples last June.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is of great significance of strengthening agricultural trade between Poland and China. We believe that Chinese consumers will be able to have a taste of more European agricultural products in the near future," said Pawel Zalewski, a quality expert at the association.

As a country related to the Belt and Road Initiative, Poland is the leading apple producer in Europe, producing 4 million metric tons of the iconic bicolored apples annually, according to Zalewski.

Since December last year, around 500 tons of the fruit was shipped to the Chinese mainland, according to Marcin Stasiak, a trade expert at the association.

"We have also exported apples to Hong Kong, which is a promising market for Polish apple traders," said Stasiak.

According to Stasiak, sending apples from Poland to China is a huge logistical undertaking as it would take about 40 days traveling by sea or 18 days by train.

"We have selected nine best types of bicolored apples for the Chinese market. We want to look for alternative markets to become less dependent on one big customer," said Stasiak.

Besides the Chinese market, Polish apple growers and traders are also looking to export more fruit to the United Arab Emirates, under the Polish government's three-year plan to promote the fruit in the Asian market, which was launched in 2014.
Joggers and pedestrians cross Westminster Bridge beside the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock tower in London, UK, July 20, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

Brexit decision to leave EU last year is unlikely to dampen M&A opportunities

Chinese companies will still be tempted by investment opportunities in the United Kingdom, despite the uncertainty of Brexit, experts said.

The UK voted last year to leave the European Union after more than 40 years. Talks have already started about the pending "divorce" from the EU, which will take up to two years.

But even though the business landscape could change significantly, companies in China should still be looking for acquisitions there.

Gerard Lyons, a senior adviser for mergers and acquisitions advisory firm DealGlobe, pointed out that the British government was positive about Chinese investment.

"Brexit uncertainties make the UK keen to attract more Chinese acquisitions, particularly in sectors including technology innovation and infrastructure," said Lyons, who was the chief economic advisor to Boris Johnson when he was mayor of London before he became foreign secretary.

"They are also sectors that China is keen to invest in abroad," he added.

Lyons, who is also a director for Bank of China in London, was speaking at the launch of a Chinese investment report released by DealGlobe, which is based in Shanghai, and Hurun, known for publishing an annual rich list.

It showed there were 438 Chinese outbound merger and acquisition, or M&A, deals globally last year, an increase of 20 percent in 2015.

The overall value of those deals was $216 billion, a massive jump from the 2015 figure of $87 billion, with the UK ranked fourth in the M&A list, equal with Australia, on 25 deals.

Still, the number one spot went to the United States with 84 Chinese M&A transactions.

"Factors leading to the increase in M&A activity include the search of Chinese companies for overseas growth and intellectual property rights," said Feng Lin, founder and chief executive officer of DealGlobe. "And their easy access to financing."

Feng confirmed that one key development was the increased activity from small and medium-sized companies.

Last year, only 13 percent of the total number of M&A deals were made by State-owned enterprises. The remainder were put together by private companies and financial investors such as equity funds.

Already this trend has become clearer in the first quarter of this year with private companies being involved in 83 percent of outbound transactions.

In 2016, major global M&A deals included China National Chemical Corporation's, or ChemChina, $43 billion purchase of Switzerland's Syngenta AG.

There was also State Grid Corporation of China's $12.4 billion purchase of Brazil's CPFL Energia SA and Bohai Financial Investment Holding's takeover of CIT Group's aircraft leasing assets for $10 billion.

Since then, Chinese outbound M&A deals have slowed in the first quarter of this year. Up to 89 deals were announced with a value of $26 billion, a drop from the $39 billion during the same period in 2016.

But analysts are still optimistic about the long-term future.

"The temporary drop in the first quarter may be a reflection of market participants becoming more rational," said Michelle Wang, director of marketing at DealGlobe.

"This means they will be keen to invest in post-merger integration more efficiently," he added.

But, Chinese companies face challenges as they expand globally, according to Gary Miller, a partner at the law firm Mishcon de Reya LLP in London.

"Steps, such as taking the time to get to know target companies, ensuring that the right contracts are in place and the right reporting procedures are present, will all contribute toward helping Chinese buyers realize value for their acquisitions," he said.
DALIAN - With renewed pledges to transition its economy and defend free and fair trade, China has reasserted its role as an anchor of growth and globalization in front of the world's political and business leaders who assembled in Dalian to draw a blueprint for an inclusive future.

From Tuesday to Thursday, around 1,500 politicians, officials, entrepreneurs, scholars and media representatives from more than 90 countries and regions discussed topics from inclusive growth to the new industrial revolution at the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2017, also called the Summer Davos.

Established by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2007, the summer forum is held each year in China, alternating between the port cities of Dalian and Tianjin.

With the quickest GDP increase for 18 months in the first quarter of this year, China is making efforts needed to put flagging global growth back on track.

"China's growth is an incredible contribution to the global economy," said Klaus Schwab, the WEF's founder and executive chairman.

China has been a major stabilizer and driving force for the world economy, contributing more than 30 percent of recent growth. GDP in the first quarter grew 6.9 percent year-on-year from the same period in 2016.

Premier Li Keqiang, addressing the opening of the gathering, said the economy has become more stable and sustainable through steady transformation.

China took neither strong stimulus measures nor followed the old investment-driven, resource-reliant path, but strived to innovate and reform in its economic shift to consumption and the service industry, Li said.

Official data showed that consumption contributed 64.6 percent of GDP in 2016, while the tertiary sector accounted for 51.6 percent.

From bike sharing to mobile payments to e-commerce, China's nascent emerging sectors and enthusiasm for innovation are underpinning inclusive growth. New momentum, including new industries and new business models, contributed around 70 percent of all new urban jobs last year, said the premier.

"China is undoubtedly the leader in the sharing economy, which injects new vitality into the broader growth and helps reforms," said Ge Hong, Airbnb vice-president. The home-sharing company remains upbeat about the Chinese market and economy with plans to increase its presence this year.

The Summer Davos has been held in China for a decade and shows China is no longer an economy based on manufacturing but has great potential to move very fast into the era of the fourth industrial revolution, Schwab said.

China will continue to maintain medium-high growth with its huge market potential and creativity from a population of more than 1.3 billion, the premier said.

The premier believes that in the short term, the economy is resilient and this years' growth targetaround 6.5 percentis attainable.

Financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, have upgraded their forecast for China, encouraged by new impetus and progress in economic re-balancing.

Li Daokui, an economist at Tsinghua University, is optimistic, predicting growth will accelerate in 2018 with rising private investment and improved government efficiency.

As protectionism rises, the forum in Dalian is an opportunity for inspiration.

Premier Li said in his speech that countries must safeguard economic globalization to achieve inclusive growth,

Globalization means the free flow of merchandise, capital and human resources, creating a bigger market and more choice for consumers that benefit all countries, he said.

The problems facing different countries are not due to globalization itself, but because of their inability to address it, he noted.

"It does not make sense to blame a rough road and stop moving if I sprain my ankle."

Defending the authority and effectiveness of multilateralism, the premier said no country should impose unilateral rules on others, or politicize fair trade.

David Wu, senior partner of PwC China's Beijing branch, pointed to China as a staunch defender of economic globalization.

Inclusive growth that China has been championing is an effective solution to the difficulties facing globalization and the world economy, Wu told Xinhua after the opening ceremony.

China will expand market access in the service and manufacturing sectors, relax restrictions on foreign ownership, and treat Chinese and foreign companies on an equal basis, Premier Li said.

To make it easier for foreigners to set up enterprises, in some cities Chinese, foreign companies already go through registration procedures at the same window, Li said.

"All companies that are registered in China will be eligible to enjoy the same supportive policies which China makes, in accordance with WTO rules, to push forward the 'Made in China 2025' strategy and promote innovation," he said.

Wu said companies of all countries could share the opportunities provided by the Chinese economy.
A major multinational natural resources company is working closely with Chinese partners to expand its business linked to the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Eurasian Resources Group operates in 14 countries across the world and is involved in mining projects, processing, energy operations and logistics.

Benedikt Sobotka, chief executive officer of Eurasian Resources. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Backed by the Kazakh government, ERG has benefited from the Belt and Road Initiative, which connects Asia, Africa and Europe to a modern version of the ancient Silk Road.

"We are delighted with the opportunities that have arisen because of this global initiative," said Benedikt Sobotka, chief executive officer of Eurasian Resources. "It has helped us in our operational portfolios in Kazakhstan and Africa."

One key project involves a cobalt mining operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa.

The chemical element is a vital component for batteries that are made in China, so ERG will work side-by-side with its mainland partners.

"This cobalt operation will be one of the largest," Sobotka said. "It's not just a big project, it is also critical for China.

"The country has a very ambitious plan to electrify its transportation and to invest in the Fourth Industrial Revolution," Sobotka added.

Production will start at the end of next year and most of the colbalt mined will be exported to China, one of the leading markets in the world for electric vehicles.

The world's second biggest economy accounts for 30 percent of ERG's business, which includes high-quality chrome for consumer goods, copper and, of course, colbalt.

"China is our largest market for steel, while the majority of our copper and cobalt also goes to the country," Sobotka said.

ERG, which has its headquarters in Luxembourg while its major share-holder is the Kazakh government, has worked alongside a number of Chinese partners on high-priority projects.

The group has secured more than $2.5 billion in financing from Chinese banks in the past two years for new projects in Africa and Kazakhstan.

"Our Chinese partners tend to include large State-owned enterprises in construction or in engineering technology and design," Sobotka said.

Wu Xiaobo contributed to the story.
BEIJING - China urged the European Union (EU) to abide by World Trade Organization rules in conducting anti-dumping investigations against China.

The European Parliament passed the amendment on new investigation methods for anti-dumping on June 20, which followed current standards in reviewing non-market economies.

The amendment still uses the surrogate country approach in its anti-dumping investigations, which is discriminatory, unfair and against the WTO regulations, according to Sun Jiwen, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce.

According to Article 15, WTO members should have stopped using the surrogate country approach to conduct anti-dumping investigations on China by Dec 11, 2016.

China is highly concerned with the process of the EU amendment and hopes the EU will fulfill its WTO obligations to manage bilateral trade friction and promote steady economic exchanges, Sun added.
NEW YORK - Several key infrastructure projects including a high-speed rail and a cross-sea bridge will help Hong Kong get a better connection with the mainland market, said a senior Hong Kong trade promoter.

The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, expected to be open for traffic next year, will cut the travel time from Hong Kong to Guangzhou from two hours to only 48 minutes, with trains setting off from Hong Kong every 15 minutes, Ralph Chow, Hong Kong Trade Development Council's regional director for Americas, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Referring to another project under construction -- the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge, Chow said: "We can drive over to Macao and also to the western part of the Pearl River Delta."

The project spans the Pearl River Delta and is part of China's plan to develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

"I think that will help Hong Kong get a better connection with the surrounding cities in the region, help Hong Kong maintain its status as the gateway to the mainland market...more importantly, a lot of the overseas companies can also get access to the Chinese market more conveniently through the Hong Kong platform," he said.

Integration with mainland economy continues

Noting that the mainland market was essential for Hong Kong's sustained stability and prosperity in the past two decades, Chow said that it is important to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China to reinforce people's confidence in the "one country, two systems" principle.

"Obviously China offers tremendous business opportunities for both Hong Kong and the international businessmen, so I think they obviously are quite comfortable to operate through the Hong Kong platform in assessing the Chinese market," he said.

"Well, I think our integration with the mainland economy will continue. We'll continue to serve as the gateway to the Chinese mainland and also to other Asian markets," he said.

Currently, nearly 60 percent of Chinese outbound investment goes through Hong Kong which serves as a "very useful and effective conduit for the two-way business between China and the rest of the world," he said.

Chow believes Hong Kong's role as a gateway will be further strengthened as the central government pushes forward the Belt and Road Initiative that aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

On one hand, Hong Kong has a lot of professional services that can help companies invest or get involved in the projects of the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.

On the other hand, Hong Kong is a global financial center, and a lot of projects planned as part of the Belt and Road infrastructure network would need financing, and Hong Kong will be able to help, said Chow

Hong Kong is also the place where East meets West, he added. "We'll be able to serve as the conduit for the exchanges between countries from the Belt and Road region."
SYDNEY - Small businesses can find opportunities in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Australian businesses of any size could benefit from China's appetite for premium products, said an Australian CEO.

Australian small business owners should make the most of China's rising middle class, Australia China Business Council CEO Helen Sawczak told Xinhua on Friday.

Despite competition from all over the world to win over the Chinese consumers, she believes Australian brands have something unique to offer.

"In China, with the rising middle class, there's a huge appetite for Australian products and that's because we sell ourselves on a clean, green and safe platform. That's something the Chinese middle class consumers are very keen to pursue," Sawczak said.

"Australian companies are trying to capitalize on the increase of the affluent middle class in China, and as China rebalances its economy from resources based to consumption based, there are definitely opportunities for Australian businesses."

There are around 5,600 Australian small-to-medium enterprises (SME) already engaged in business with China, and 3,000 with an actual physical presence there, and Sawczak said the strength of "brand Australia" is crucial to their success.

"Australian-made is seen as very premium and very high-quality, which the Chinese consumers are very keen on. We need to sell the Australian story to Chinese consumers and play to our strengths," she said.

"Marketing is done very well in terms of our agribusiness, education, and tourism. These are the areas of expansion for us, in terms of the quality, premium products that Australia can offer China."

However, Sawczak believes banking on the power of Australia's national branding is just part of the broader solution to small business success in China.

She said Australian SME's should consider how they can play a role in, and subsequently benefit from, the implementation of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

"Belt and Road is a major infrastructure investment, and can impact so many countries and global economies," the CEO said.

"Even huge infrastructure projects still require involvement from small business. It could be in catering, transport, or more. Ultimately, Belt and Road requires micro-economic support mechanisms to exist, so there is definitely opportunity there for small businesses."

Sawczak said while there are many opportunities for an Australian small business to find success in China, foreign competition is a huge challenge, and it is crucial that these companies approach the competitive Chinese market with a long-term strategy.

"China is our number one trading partner, but over 100 countries also list China as their number one trading partner. So while China is important to Australian business, it's very important to other countries too. We can't take it for granted," she said.

"There are competitors with big pockets, so you can't go in blindly. So ultimately to face this challenge, short termism does not work, you have to be patient and be there for the long haul."

Tapping into local knowledge is another important factor in ensuring small business success, the former corporate lawyer believed. "The 'homeground advantage' is something all Australian businesses expanding into China should be exploring."

"Most companies will get local staff, or partner with people who have got an understanding of the local market," she said.

"The Chinese consumer is very tech-savvy, so businesses need to understand that market, and it is a lot more complicated than people think, so you need people who understand the market really well."

"So many countries are closely linked with China. So China really is a huge platform, and it's a great one for making connections."
RIO DE JANEIRO - China and Brazil have a solid foundation of cooperation in the energy sector, and they need to boost cooperation on clean energy, Chinese ambassador to Brazil, Li Jinzhang, said Thursday.

In addition to oil and electricity, "we need to boost cooperation on technology and investments in new, renewable energy. We put a lot of trust in this cooperation," Li told Xinhua.

While attending the South American Seminar on the Belt and Road Development and Global Energy Interconnection held here Thursday, the Chinese ambassador stressed that there are potential for Brazil-China cooperation on global energy interconnection, especially on clean energy.

Li highlighted that Brazil has a clean energy matrix, with a lot of natural resources which accommodate extensive exploration of hydroelectric, wind and solar power.

Talking about Brazil's role in the energy cooperation in Latin America, the Chinese ambassador said, "the Brazil-China cooperation is a strong role model for Latin America and the entire world."

Representatives in the field of renewable energy from four countries -- China, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile -- participated in the meeting.
ROME - China's ZTE Corp will make Italy its European hub for the development of 5G wireless technology, the company confirmed on Thursday.

Fifth-generation or 5G is the next mobile wireless standard, and will make telecoms faster and more powerful. The company announced its plans in a meeting with Lombardy regional officials in Milan.

ZTE intends to open 13 new research & development centers in Italy, said its CEO for Western Europe, Hu Kun. "The 5G network will be ready by next year," said Hu who also serves as president of ZTE Italy, adding "The pre-5G phase is in full swing."

5G development at the Italy tech hub "will be the most important experimentation, at the European level, in the telecoms field," Hu told the Italian Institute for Asia and the Mediterranean (IsiameD), one of its digital technology partners in Italy, in an interview posted on the IsiameD website.

Founded in 1985, ZTE operates across 140 countries and employs over 30,000 researchers in 18 R&D centers, according to its corporate website.
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The PLA Navy's CNS Liaoning will visit Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of the special administrative region. ZHANG KAI/CHINA DAILY`

The People's Liberation Army Navy aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning and its battle group will make their first visit to Hong Kong amid celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the special administrative region's return to the motherland, a Defense Ministry spokesman said.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian said at a news conference in Beijing on Thursday that Saturday will mark not only the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return but also the 20th year of the PLA's presence there.

A detailed schedule for the visit will be released later.

The carrier battle group, which consists of the Liaoning, the guided-missile destroyers CNS Jinan and CNS Yinchuan, the guided-missile frigate CNS Yantai and several J-15 carrier-borne fighter jets and helicopters, embarked from its home port in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Sunday. It is conducting routine training listed in the Navy's annual plan, Navy officials said.

During the training, ships drill in formation and perform combat maneuvers and aircraft hone aerial tactics, the Navy said. The operation is aimed at improving coordination among ships in the battle group and boosting the capabilities of pilots and sailors.

Li Jie, a senior expert at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said ships in the group including the Liaoning are likely to hold open houses for Hong Kong residents, and their commanders and sailors are likely to participate in parties with local communities.

A performance by shipborne helicopters also is possible to display the Navy's operational capability, he said.

The Liaoning, a refitted Soviet-era vessel, was commissioned by the Navy in 2012. Its battle group carried out a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea and western Pacific Ocean in December and January.

China launched its first domestically developed aircraft carrier in April in Dalian, Liaoning province. Like the Liaoning, the new ship has a displacement of around 50,000 metric tons and a conventional propulsion system, and will also carry J-15 fighter jets.
Guests of the International Conference of Former Foreign Residents in Harbin tour a former site of the Chinese Eastern Railway, which facilitated the arrival of more than 200,000 foreigners in the early 20th century.[Wang Xiaodong/China Daily]

Over 200,000 people relocated to northern city in the early 1900s

On Sunday, Ester Alon and 76 other people from Poland, Israel, Australia, Russia and Canada began a return trip to their hometown of Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province.

They were invited to participate in the International Conference of Former Foreign Residents in Harbin, which started on Sunday and will run through Friday.

Alon was born in Harbin in 1939 to a couple who had traveled to Northeast China from Russia. She was among the second generation of 25,000 Jews who emigrated from Europe, the Middle East and Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

According to the provincial archives, more than 200,000 foreigners from nearly 40 countries went to Harbin after the establishment of the Chinese Eastern Railway, a Russian-built railway linking the Siberian railway network.

Harbin residents helped them settle down and prosper.

"I was in Harbin for 22 years, which brought me the most beautiful memories of my whole life," Alon said, showing dozens of old photos.

"These are the best record of my happy time in Harbin," she said. "I still remember my friendly Chinese neighbors who taught me traditional games."

When her family moved to Israel, she took all her Chinese-style clothes and accessories.

"During my time in Israel, every time I missed Harbin, I would take them out, which would take me back to the old days," said Alon. "So when I got the invitation for the conference, I was really happy and decided to come with my husband, who has never been here."

After many decades, she has forgotten much of her Chinese, but she still remembers how to say "I love you" in Chinese. "This is what I want to say to my beloved hometown," she said.

Mara Moustafine, a professor at the University of Sydney, was born into a large family of Jews, Russians and Tatars, four generations of whom had been in Harbin.

"During my childhood, the most common stories told by my parents were their memories of Harbin," said Moustafine. "In 2000, I brought my parents back to their cherished hometown."

"The old house we lived in has gone, but the churches and the schools of their times were still there," she said.

"Harbin cherishes the friendships with all former foreign residents," said Cao Ru, deputy director of Harbin Foreign and Overseas Affairs Office.
GUANGZHOU -- China has finished political and disciplinary inspections of 31 major universities, including Peking and Tsinghua universities.

A meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Wednesday reviewed a report on the inspections.

Some of the universities were found to have problems such as private use of public vehicles, banquets at public expense and overseas business trips against regulations, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection in June.

High risks of graft were found in operation of university-affiliated businesses, construction projects, and management of research funds.

Over the last five years, inspections have covered local governments, public institutions, state-owned enterprises, financial institutions and universities for the first time since the Party was founded in 1921.

More than 200 vice-ministerial or higher levels of officials and managers have been investigated since the 18th CPC National Congress, according to Zhang Hao, a professor from Party School of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of CPC.

"The number has tripled that of the 2007 to 2012 period," he said.

Apart from "tigers", or high-level officials engaged in major graft cases, "flies," or grass-root officials, have also been addressed.

A report released by the Supreme People's Procuratorate of China in March said graft cases of over 17,000 low-level officials had been handled over the past year, mainly in land grabs, demolitions and fund management related to agriculture, rural area and farmers.

Chen Guoqin, a township-level land resources cadre in Qijiang District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, was removed from duty in 2015 after receiving chickens, meat and 20,000 yuan ($3,000).

"I slept at a bus station for a night, as Chen took all my cash from me for an application for a property certificate," the farmer who reported Chen for graft recalled.

As the anti-corruption storm intensifies across China, efforts are spread abroad to chase back the corrupt suspects on the run around the world.

The office in charge of fugitive repatriation and asset recovery under the central anti-corruption coordination group said since it was established three years ago, more than 3,000 people who had escaped overseas had returned or been repatriated from 90 countries and regions, including 541 CPC and government workers.

Over 9 billion yuan has been recovered, according to figures released earlier this week.

The CPC also introduced rules and regulations, such as the norms of the political life within the Party under the new situation and a regulation on intra-Party supervision.

These rules are a tool for supervision that ask CPC members to police themselves, assist inspections within the Party and encourage the public to take part in the anti-graft drive.

A survey by the National Bureau of Statistics in late 2016 showed 92.9 percent of the people satisfied with the ethical conduct and anti-corruption campaigns of the CPC, 17.9 percentage points higher than in 2012.

Wang Yukai with the Chinese Academy of Governance said the anti-graft battle since the 18th CPC National Congress had mainly targeted existing cases, and more systematic efforts were expected to prevent new cases from happening.
By Liu Kun in Wuhan and Wang Xiaodong in Beijing | China Daily | Updated: 2017-06-30 08:02

A top hospital in Central China has introduced a system of demerits to punish doctors who improperly prescribe drugs for purposes such as bumping up revenue from patients.

Similar to the system for Chinese drivers, physicians at Central Hospital in Wuhan, Hubei province, started the year with 12 points. Points are removed for every violation.

Those who lose all 12 points in a year will be banned from prescribing drugs for a month and ordered to take part in training and exams to improve their performance, the hospital said in a statement.

So far, 274 doctors have been docked points since the policy was launched on Jan 1, including one who has lost eight, according to Li Wenzhou, vice-president of the hospital.

"The irregularities represent only a tiny proportion of all prescriptions issued, considering the number of outpatient prescriptions amounted to 1 million between January and May," he said.

The regulation was introduced to encourage doctors to prescribe drugs rationally and help reduce costs for patients, the statement said, adding that Central Hospital is the first public hospital in Hubei to introduce such a system.

Penalties involving improper drug prescriptions vary according to the individual case. For example, prescribing excessive drugs for outpatients without giving reasons will result in a deduction of one point. Doctors who prescribe the wrong drugs, resulting in serious consequences for patients, automatically lose 12 points.

With the help of the new system, incorrect prescriptions and faulty advice from doctors have been reduced, said Yang Guoliang, another vice-president.

Drug sales accounted for 28 percent of the hospital's total income in May compared with 37 percent in January, Yang said.

Li Kai, a doctor specializing in liver and gallbladder surgeries at Central Hospital, said, "Following the new regulation, we have attached more importance to giving the right prescriptions."

Li said the hospital should also take measures to reward doctorsnot just punish themto encourage better performance.
China urged the United States on Thursday to honor promises it made over the Taiwan question and stop military contact with Taiwan immediately to avoid damaging China-US ties.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily news conference in Beijing in response to a question on a bill amended by the US Senate Committee on Armed Services. The amendment allows the US Navy to make regular port calls in Taiwan.

The bill, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, shows that the committee amendment "reestablishes regular ports of call by the US Navy at Kaohsiung or any other suitable ports in Taiwan, and permits the US Pacific Command to receive ports of call by Taiwan".

The bill will move to the US Senate for consideration.

Lu said China has lodged solemn representations to the US government over its wrong behavior on Taiwan-related issues, and is "gravely concerned and resolutely against" the bill.

"The Taiwan question bears on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is purely China's internal affairs," he said.

The provision "seriously violates the principles in the three joint communiques between China and the US, and interferes in China's internal affairs," he added. "It's impossible for China to accept it."

"We urge the US to honor the commitment it has made to China over the Taiwan question, and to stop military contact with Taiwan and arms sale to Taiwan immediately, to avoid damaging China-US ties and extensive China-US."
An armored vehicle takes part in a joint anti-terrorism drill conducted by Chinese and Kyrgyz border defense troops in Artux, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on June 27, 2017. [Photo by Zhang Zheng/chinadaily.com.cn]

Stopping suspected terrorists from crossing borders illegally and smuggling firearms must be prioritized as regional anti-terrorism cooperation continues to intensify, according to China's most senior border control official.

"Terrorist activities have become more organized and internationalized, while terrorists are better equipped and technically trained. Preventing them from crossing borders illegally has become an urgent matter," Chen Dingwu, head of the Ministry of Public Security's Border Control Department, said on Thursday.

Chen made the remarks during the fifth meeting of border control chiefs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's member countries in Dalian, Liaoning province. The meeting has been held regularly since 2011.

More than 30 border control and anti-terrorism officials from SCO membersIndia, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistanparticipated in the meeting, discussing further cooperation in border control and anti-terrorism mechanisms in border areas to improve regional security.

China will step up cooperation with SCO members' border control departments by regularly sharing intelligence, conducting anti-terrorism drills and eliminating terrorist cells together to ensure terrorist, extremist and separatist cells have nowhere to hide and cannot grow stronger in border areas, Chen said.

"A large number of illegal goods and personnel were seized in border areas during joint patrol missions conducted by SCO members last year," Yevgeniy Sysoev, director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, said during the meeting.

Last year, cooperation between border forces from Uzbekistan and Russia prevented members of the Islamic State terrorist organization from penetrating Central Asia. In addition, a joint anti-terrorism operation between Tajikistan and Russia led to the arrest of 26 terrorists, Sysoev said.

Border control cooperation also helped to arrest the suspects who attacked the Chinese embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in August, he added.

The member countries will continue to carry out joint patrol missions coded "United-2017" this year to further improve and deepen the cooperation mechanism to combat crime in border areas, Sysoev said.

China and Kyrgyzstan held an anti-terrorism drill in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on Tuesday. Under the SCO cooperation framework, the two countries have conducted joint patrols in border areas 17 times and exchanged more than 130 pieces of intelligence in recent years.

During a speech at the 17th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, earlier this month, President Xi Jinping called for the organization to strengthen regional anti-terrorism institutions to enhance the security capabilities of member countries.
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A pigeon pair of pandas were born on Tuesday in Chengdu. CHEN CHENG/CHINA DAILY

CHENGDUA female panda called Chengda gave birth on Tuesday to the first pigeon pair this year in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province.

The female cub weighed 128.2 grams and was born at 10:57 pm, while the male cub followed at 11:35 pm, weighing 160.2 grams, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding announced.

According to workers at the base, Chengda had been showing signs of pregnancy since June 5, such as a loss of appetite. On Tuesday, she was restless and her waters broke in the afternoon, they said, adding that the cubs are in good health and Chengda is able to feed them.

Pandas are an endangered species due to extremely low reproductive rates in the wild. In captivity, they often give birth to twins and sometimes even triplets.
The age-old conflict between man and nature has almost always shown our species in a poor light.

Humans have intruded into the homes of animals, colonized their habitats and endangered their survival.

But in an unusual chapter in this universal fight, the tables seem to have turned on people, affecting their cattle and crops.

In the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve in Southwest China's Yunnan province, rural residents are increasingly demanding compensation for "troubles" caused by animals. The reserve, spanning 2,000 kilometers across the counties of Deqen and Weixi in the province's northwest, has a number of townships along its periphery.

In recent years, hundreds of claims have been filed with government-backed insurance companies by people living there, according to a local official I met in a bigger town in Yunnan last week. The common reasons for seeking compensation: bears or birds eating corn and other crops, bears "stealing" honey or hurting domestic animals.

The maximum one can get for bear attacks on yaks and cows is 4,400 yuan ($650) and on goats 500 yuan. Beehive damages inflicted by bears can fetch a family 45 yuan per kilogram of honey, and for a crop, it is 3 yuan per kg. Some villages in the area raise bees for honey. Never mind that bears come calling.

I forgot to ask the official if bee sting is covered, although he did say that human injuries have so far not been reported.

The claims need to be verified by the companies, he said, adding that the process involves giving evidence, such as photos or videos, filling out forms specifying the animal-related injury, theft of food or damage to property. An estimated 60,000 people live in the two counties close to the reserve, with many sustaining a livelihood through farming.

Others lead semi-nomadic lives and are perhaps at greater ease with wild animals.

Apart from the brown bear and the red fox that are found in the lower parts of the reserve, rare breeds, such as the snub-nosed monkey, snow leopard and the Tibetan pheasant reside higher up. Baima, where wildlife numbers have grown more in the past two decades, is protected by regulations that include long prison terms for killing some kinds of animals, the official said.

The reserve has dozens of full-time employees and gets help from volunteers in the neighboring villages. So, not everyone is aggrieved.

Yunnan is possibly the richest in biodiversity of all provinces and regions in China.

A foreign woman who has lived in the province for years described the place to me as a "botanist's paradise". During my visit to Yunnan, as I was driven along a highway that connects the province to the Tibet autonomous region, I saw abundant white rhododendron shrubs on mountain slopes.

Poverty alleviation is being targeted in some villages of Baima with the cultivation of herbs for use in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicines. These days there is more value in such enterprises than growing corn or barley, the official said, adding that cooperative animal husbandry and herbal farms are being encouraged.
President says opportunities lie ahead, calls for confidence in region and country

President Xi Jinping delivers a speech on Friday at a banquet hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government to welcome the president. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping called on Friday for Hong Kong people to have confidence in themselves, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the country, ahead of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Hong Kong people have made tremendous contributions to the country's reform and opening-up in the past decades, which will never be forgotten by the central government and the whole nation, Xi said while delivering a speech at a banquet hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government to welcome the president.

Xi pointed out that Hong Kong has many advantages, including an open and free economy, free flow of talent, cargo and capital, an advanced judicial system and clean government.

Hong Kong also has policy advantages, as some pilot projects take place in Hong Kong under the framework of "one country, two systems", the president said, adding that such projects will bring more opportunities for the development of the Hong Kong SAR.

As long as Hong Kong strengthens those advantages, it will definitely continue to attract international capital and talent, Xi said.

Noting that China has become the largest contributor to global economic growth, Xi said the country's rapid development means great opportunities for Hong Kong. The country's prosperity will help Hong Kong resist risks and boost development, he said.

Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return from British rule and the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR. Xi will attend the inauguration of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong SAR on Saturday.
A series of books on the history of the Communist Party of China has been well-received among readers, and more works will be published on the Party's major events, Party history researchers said.

The 90 Years of the Communist Party of China, compiled and published last year by the Party History Research Office of the CPC Central Committee to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, sold 1.3 million copies in the past year, Wu Degang, deputy head of the office, said at a news conference on Friday, one day before the Party's 96th anniversary.

The CPC had a total of 89.447 million members at the end of 2016, the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee announced on Friday. CPC membership increased by 688,000 from 2015, up by 0.8 percent. Grassroots units of the Party increased by 105,000 to 4.518 million, up by 2.4 percent, the department said in a communique.

Wu said the history series "exhibits Party history in the longest time span, with the most all-around, systematic contents among similar existing publications", adding that it took about six years for the series to come out and involved the work of almost 100 scholars.

"The series received very positive feedback from readers nationwide since being published and was listed among'30 good Chinese books' and '50 Chinese people's favorite books' last year," Wu said.

"Many people told us that the series, being authoritative, thoughtful and having academic value, is a good example for other works on the research of Party history to follow."

In the future, researchers will compile more books, and the study and compilation of the Party's major events as well as biographies will also be published, Huang Yibing, the head of one of the office's research departments, told the news conference.

Social research societies have been encouraged to take part, he said.

Ren Guixiang, head of the office's promotion and education bureau, said research about the Chinese people's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) will be strengthened, with the primary mission of gleaning oral history interviews and memoirs of witnesses.

Such materials may help correct some misconceptions, he said.

The work is expected to end by 2025, according to Ren, who also noted the urgency of the project, since many of the witnesses are very old.

Huang also said research into the reform and opening-up era will be reinforced, since next year will be the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up.

According to Wu, the CPC Central Committee has paid great attention to the research of Party history since 2012, when the 18th CPC National Congress was held.

President Xi Jinping has said the history of China and the history of the CPC are "compulsory courses" that should be learned not only to stick to and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, but also to push forward the undertakings of the nation and the Party.

Huang said, "We hope that through years of hard work, a complete and systematic series of Party chronicles will be formed, which will help people get a better knowledge and understanding about the Party and its development."

Xinhua contributed to this story.
Soldiers of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are seen at Shek Kong barracks in Hong Kong, June 30, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]

HONG KONG -- President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), ordering the troops to "firmly safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability."

Xi, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the troops at Shek Kong barracks in the company of Tan Benhong, commander of the PLA Garrison in the HKSAR.

Riding in an open-top camouflage jeep, Xi repeated praises of "Salute to you, comrades!" and "Comrades, thanks for your hard work!" as he rode by each of the 20 troop formations.

The troops responded in unison; "Hail to you, Chairman!" "Serve the people!"

Altogether, over 3,100 officers and soldiers took part in Friday's review.

More than 100 pieces of military equipment, including air defense missiles, wheeled armored vehicles and military helicopters, were arrayed behind the troops.

About 4,000 flag-waving spectators from all walks of life in Hong Kong were also present during the review. Xi ordered the troops to firmly implement the principle of "one country, two systems," the Basic Law of the HKSAR and the HKSAR Garrison Law of the People's Republic of China.

The troops must resolutely protect national sovereignty, security and development interests, and firmly safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, he said.
On his first trip outside Beijing in late 2012, after becoming general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xi Jinping laid flowers before a statue of Deng Xiaoping, China's former leader, on a hillside in Shenzhen, which neighbors Hong Kong.

Coming down the hill, a Hong Kong journalist asked Xi if he had anything to say to his Hong Kong compatriots. Xi's answer was short but powerful: "Hong Kong will prosper."

Five years on, Xi's confidence has become a solid reality. It's been two decades since Hong Kong was handed back to China under the principle of "one country, two systems", and the region is doing better than ever.

Contrary to the predictions of various prophets of doom, the special administrative region has remained a center of international finance, shipping and trade and has been recognized as one of the world's freest and most competitive economies.

Mainland support

Aside from a businessfriendly environment that encourages openness and productivity, the modern metropolis of more than 7 million people owes much of its economic success to closer links with the mainland.

Since 1997, the central government has made significant efforts to ensure the stabilityandprosperityofthe Hong Kong SAR.

Basic necessities - 100 percent of the region's live cattle, 95 percent of its pigs, 90 percent of its vegetables and 70 percent of its flour, for example - are supplied by the mainland.

The Guangdongbased Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant provides onefourth of Hong Kong's annual electricity needs. And 70 to 80 percent of the SAR's fresh water comes from the mainland.

The central government also provided support during the Asian financial crisis in 1997, the international financial crisis in 2008 and the SARS outbreak.

"Hong Kong understands that its future and the mainland's are symbiotic and intertwined," 88yearold Hong Kong tycoon Li Kashing told Xinhua in a recent interview. "The idea of 'one country, two systems' epitomizes the creativity and flexibility of Chinese leaders." He added that President Xi's unwavering commitment to the principle is "strong and comforting".

Xi has reaffirmed the "one country, two systems" principle on many occasions.

"Twenty years of practice shows that 'one country, two systems' is not only the best solution to the Hong Kong question left over from history, but also the best institutional arrangement for its longterm prosperity and stability since its return," Xi said on Monday during a visit to an exhibition in Beijing profiling Hong Kong's achievements over the past two decades.

"We will continue to comprehensively and precisely implement the 'one country, two systems' principle, handle affairs strictly in line with the Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and further promote the overall development of Hong Kong," Xi said.

In his first meeting with Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Leung Chunying in December 2012, after taking the helm of the Party, Xi promised "unchanged support" for the chief executives and governments of the Hong Kong and Macao SARs in carrying out their duties. The central government's adherence to the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law in the two SARs will not change, he said.

During a meeting with incoming Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuetngor in April, Xi said the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong is unique and needs to be advanced through fresh explorations. The government's determination will not change or waver, Xi said.

Xi has backed up his words with action. In 2015, for example, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong reached the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement on the service trade. Plans for the Guangdong-Hong KongMacao Greater Bay Area are expected to link the SARs more closely to the Pearl River Delta's manufacturing and innovation heartland.

In addition, the Belt and Road Initiative is expected to boost Hong Kong's financial clout.

Land of optimism

Both the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Bay Area development plan are seen as drivers for Hong Kong's development. The central government's annual work report this year said China is planning to develop a city cluster in the Greater Bay Area that plays to the distinctive strengths of Hong Kong and Macao and elevates their roles in the mainland's development and openingup. The plan includes the two SARs and nine cities in Guangdong province.

Hong Kong "can be very proud of itself" for its achievements during the past 20 years, said Eric Berti, consul general of France in the Hong Kong and Macao SARs. "For foreign companies, especially French companies, it is very important to be able to settle here for the wide Chinese market."

Kurt Tong, US consul general to the Hong Kong and Macao SARs, said the "one country, two systems" principle "allows Hong Kong to be special and different while still being part of China" - a posture that has brought prosperity.

XINHUA
Top leader asks officials to guide youth in tradition of patriotism

The principle of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has proved successful over the past 20 years, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday, calling for confidence in the arrangement.

Xi made the remark during a meeting with senior officials from the special administrative region's administrative, legislative and judicial authorities.

Although Hong Kong was hit hard by the Asian financial crisis in 1997, the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the international financial crisis in 2008, it has maintained stability, Xi said, adding that relations are robust.

"Facts prove that 'one country, two systems' is absolutely right," Xi said.

The peaceful return of Hong Kong to China 20 years ago has changed the stereotype of getting into fights to reclaim lost lands, Xi said, because the transition was peaceful. That's rare in world history, he added.

The president spoke highly of efforts made by the managing team of Hong Kong SAR, saying that it properly handled a series of important political and legal issues, fought separatist influences and maintained social stability.

With the diligent work of the managing team, Hong Kong has made lots of progress in such areas as housing, poverty alleviation, elder care and technological innovation in the past five years, Xi said.

Noting that some of the officials will no longer have public duties because of an upcoming personnel shuffle, Xi encouraged them to work for the development of Hong Kong no matter what jobs they end up doing. Reassignments will be made on Saturday, when the fifth administration since the region's return will be sworn in.

The president called on the managing team to continue supporting the new chief executive and government in administering the laws, promoting exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland and guiding the younger generation to adhere to patriotic tradition.

Continuous efforts should be made to build a better Hong Kong and fulfill the Chinese dream of a great rejuvenation of the nation, he said.

In a meeting with Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying on Thursday, Xi affirmed the positive contributions made by Leung and the SAR government over the past five years to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and to maintain social stability.

Leung said that Hong Kong's economic and social progress has been achieved with the support of the president and the central government.

Hong Kong could see complementary development with the mainland in the next years, he said, adding that the SAR could use its advantages to join the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), the building of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area city cluster and the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
A group of 150 European officials, diplomats and overseas Chinese celebrated the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in Brussels on Thursday. [Photo by Yan Huan/chinadaily.com.cn]

A group of 150 European officials, diplomats and overseas Chinese celebrated the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in Brussels on Thursday, with members discussing the great progress the special administrative region has achieved in the past two decades.

July 1st marks the special occasion, which Chinese mission to EU, Chinese embassy to Belgium have joined Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels to celebrate.

Yang Yanyi, Chinese ambassador of the EU, said Hong Kong's return to the motherland two decades ago was a historic event, while the "one country, two systems" policy ensured the huge achievement it had made in previous years.

"Under the principle of one country, two systems', Hong Kong people administrating Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy has been successfully implemented in the past 20 years, and Hong Kong has made marvellous progress in social and economic development," she said while addressing the celebration.

Yang added Hong Kong had remained one of the most competitive and dynamic international financial trade and shipping centers of the world and contributed uniquely to the reform and opening-up and modernization of the mainland.

She added that it has fully proved that "one country, two systems" is the best institutional arrangement for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong .

Shirley Lam, special representative for the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, also said what Hong Kong has achieved in the past 20 has resulted from the principle of "one country, two systems."

"Under this principle, the mainland has provided Hong Kong with the vast economic opportunities and because of our strong links, we are able to tap on these opportunities," Lam said. "At the same time, we are able to retain our financial, legal and economic system."

Yan Huan contributed to the story
HONG KONG -- President Xi Jinping on Friday met with a group of central government officials based in Hong Kong and senior executives of Hong Kong branches of mainland enterprises and institutions.

Over the past 20 years, the successful practice of the "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has won global recognition, said Xi, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Xi's three-day tour in Hong Kong will see him attend celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and the inauguration of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Inspection of the HKSAR is also on his schedule.

Facts have proved that the "one country, two systems," a ground-breaking endeavor of socialism with Chinese characteristics, is fully workable, practicable and popular, Xi said.

He noted that the central government offices based in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong branches of mainland enterprises and institutions have scored remarkable achievements in supporting the chief executive and the HKSAR government in carrying out administration pursuant to law and deepening HKSAR's exchanges and cooperation with the mainland.

The practice of the "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is deepening, said Xi, urging the participants of the meeting to be more confident of the "one country, two systems" policy and more conscientious in its implementation.

He called on them to be willing to take the lead, perform duties with dedication, counter challenges head-on, seek new progress through pioneering and persistent efforts, and observe the discipline strictly.
JAKARTA - From white water rafting in Bali to visiting temples on Java, former United States president Barack Obama's private family holiday is being closely tracked in Indonesia, where he spent four years as a child.

Obama was 6 when he moved to Jakarta after his American mother, Ann Dunham, married an Indonesian man following the end of her marriage to Obama's Kenyan father.

"I feel proud that my friend became a president," said Sonni Gondokusumo, 56, a former classmate of Obama at the Menteng 01 state elementary school in Jakarta.

Gondokusumo showed a class photograph of himself standing behind a young Obama, who was wearing a school beret.

"He was a clever boy. Whenever a teacher asked him to solve a problem in front of the class, he could do it," Gondokusomo told Reuters, adding he hoped to meet the former president again.

Obama remains popular in the world's most populous Muslim nation and his trip has been splashed across the media during an extended public holiday to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The Rakyat Merdeka newspaper carried a headline "Obama loves Indonesia".

Obama returned for an official visit as president in 2010 with his wife, Michelle, but this time has brought daughters Malia and Sasha as well.

Indonesians are avid social media users and snaps of the former US president walking with his family in rice fields and rafting on Bali's Ayung River have gone viral.

700 officers deployed

Obama kicked off the holiday on the island of Bali, where he stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Bali near the cultural center of Ubud.

On Wednesday, Obama and his family arrived in the city of Yogyakarta on Java island, and visited the ancient temple of Borobudur.

According to CNN Indonesia, Central Java police deployed 700 officers to secure his visit to Borobudur, a Buddhist temple dating from the 8th and 9th centuries.

Obama is due to meet President Joko Widodo on Friday at the palace in Bogor, south of Jakarta, and visit the capital on Saturday.

Reuters

(China Daily 06/30/2017 page11)
Guests wearing the costumes of Peking Opera take selfies on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2017, also known as Summer Davos, in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province, June 29, 2017. Guests of the Summer Davos, which was held here from June 27 to 29, were invited to experience the Art of Peking Opera.[Photo/Xinhua]
Opera Jinsha River. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

In celebration of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of People's Liberation Army (PLA), a folk opera Jinsha River will be staged at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) from July 28 to August 2.

The opera, adapted from a novel of the same name, was based on the writer Chen Jing's personal experiences. There are four other adaptations of the story - a 1963 film, a comic series, a Shaoxing Opera and a Pingju Opera.

Composer Lei Lei and scriptwriters Feng Boming and Feng Bilie created the new version that infused traditional ethnic music, folk songs and Kunqu Opera.

Lei and director of the opera Liao Xianghong went to Yunnan province to collect folk songs during their creation.

"The folk songs are a great inspiration to me. They are very precious and impressive I think they are the soul of ethnic culture," Lei said.

It is the first time the opera will debut at the NCPA.

Zhao Tiechun, NCPA's vice-president, said his team had started to create an opera on the relations between PLA and ethnic people since 2015.

"After much research and discussion, we decided to adapt Chen Jing's novel. It is our gift to the 90th anniversary of PLA's establishment," Zhao said.
Twelve mobile-phone livestreaming accounts have been shut down for posting vulgar content, according to the Ministry of Culture.

Over 10,000 mobile phone livestreaming accounts from 29 provinces across China have been under investigation, according to an announcement by the ministry on June 29. The move aims at a better online environment.

Most of the banned accounts are illegal and posted explicit and violent content, including online streaming performances and video games.

The ministry also urged major internet companies, including Tencent and Baidu, to investigate and remove illegal and unhealthy content from their platforms.
Actor Chen Daoming [Photo provided to China Daily]

TV series The First Half of My Life, a 42-episode production adapted from Hong Kong author Isabel Nee Yeh-su's best-selling novel with the same title, will run on Beijing Satellite TV beginning July 4.

With a star-studded cast boasting Chen Daoming, Mei Ting, Ji Dong and Ma Yili, the series examines the women's independence issue in modern society through the perspective of a housewife-turned-career woman.

Luo Zijun (Ma) was once a carefree wife, but her affluent life encounters an abrupt change after being divorced unexpectedly. With the help of two best friends, she rises again to lead a new life.

Huang Lan, the producer, says the series wants to tell audience "women should not rely on marriages, but should seek their own happiness by their own effort".

Qin Wen, the scriptwriter, says she tries to capture the new changes in modern China through ordinary people's life.
Plastic Is Not Cool features paintings, videos, installations and sculptures to increase people's awareness to protect the environment by limiting the use of plastic. [Photo provided to China Daily]

To increase people's awareness to protect the environment by limiting the use of plastic, an ongoing show in Beijing displays more than 100 works created by students from Luxun Academy of Fine Arts.

Entitled Plastic Is Not Cool, the show features paintings, videos, installations and sculptures. Plastic cups, plastic bags and drinking straws are made into installations. The visual effect of discarded plastic in the landscape has become known as "white pollution".

The show is curated and initiated by Wouter Dierickx, an art teacher of Luxun Academy of Fine Arts. The Belgian says it's common for students in colleges to frequently use plastic products such as bags and cups. Having lived in China for years, Dierickx says students don't think about how using these things will result in white pollution.

Last year, he decided to hold an art show focusing on plastic products and promoting a plastic-free lifestyle. He encouraged students at the art college to take part in it.

"I hope young people will promote an eco-friendly lifestyle and do it in person. Being eco-friendly is cool," says Dierickx, who's also an animation director. He produced two short animation films for the show.

The show at Zero Art Center at Beijing's 798 Art Zone will last until July 15 and then tour colleges and universities around China.
Diane von Furstenberg, the creator of the wrap dress, was recently in Beijing for the launch of the Chinese version of her autobiography, The Woman I Wanted To Be, which was first published in English in 2014. Sun Yuanqing reports.

In the history of fashion, there are few outfits that are as timeless as the wrap dress. With its soft jersey fabric, a curving silhouette and an adjustable belt, this dress has transcended classes, generations and occasions.

Diane von Furstenberg, the creator of the wrap dress, was recently in Beijing for the launch of the Chinese version of her autobiography, The Woman I Wanted To Be, which was first published in English in 2014.

In this book, she tells the story of her family, her career and her life.

"I have never been to therapy, but I always say that writing this book was like therapy because I really put everything into it," the 70-year-old says.

"For me, I was writing at a time when I felt like I had learned some things, and I was at a point when I wanted to share what I had learned. So it is about legacy. It is about lessons I want my granddaughters and women at all stages of their lives to take away."

Von Furstenberg has a long history with China.

She first visited in 1990, and she also opened the exhibition Journey of a Dress at Pace Gallery in Beijing in 2008.

The designer has many friends in China, like publisher Hong Huang and artist Li Songsong.

This time, she was with her longtime friend, Chinese-American businesswoman Wendi Deng, who accompanied her during her trip to Beijing.

"I have always loved China and I have always found the strength of Chinese women to be so inspiring ... As I get to know more Chinese women, I realize that no matter how strong and successful they are, they still look for reassurance when it comes to their femininity. And I can relate to thatthe mix of strength and vulnerability," she says.

"That is really why I wrote the book because I think anyone with a voice should use it and her story to help others, which is why I am so happy to share this book with the women of China."
Millions of Thais across the rural northeast eat koi plaa local dish made of raw fish ground with spices and lime. The meal is quick, cheap and tasty, but it is also a favorite feast for parasites that can cause a lethal liver cancer. [Photo/Agencies]

It wasn't until he got to medical school that Narong Khuntikeo finally discovered what caused the liver cancer that took both of his parents' lives: their lunch.

Like millions of Thais across the rural northeast, his family regularly ate koi plaa local dish made of raw fish ground with spices and lime.

The pungent meal is quick, cheap and tasty, but the fish is also a favorite feast for parasites that can cause a lethal liver cancer killing up to 20,000 Thais annually.

Most hail from northeast, a large, poor region known as Isaan that has dined on koi pla for generations and now has the highest reported instance of the Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)bile duct cancerin the world.

One of the major causes of CCA is a parasitic flatwormor flukethat is native to the Mekong region and found in many freshwater fish.

Once eaten, the worms can embed undetected in the bile ducts for years causing inflammation that can, over time, trigger the aggressive cancer, according to the World Health Organization.

"It's a very big health burden around here ... it affects families, education and socioeconomic development," says Narong, who went on to become a liver surgeon to battle the scourge.

"But nobody knows about this because they die quietly, like leaves falling from a tree."

After seeing hundreds of hopeless late-stage cases on the operating table, Narong is now marshalling scientists, doctors and anthropologists to attack the "silent killer" at the source.

They are fanning out across Isaan provinces to screen villagers for the liver fluke and warn them of the perils of koi pla and other risky fermented fish dishes.

But changing eating habits is no easy task in a region where love for Isaan's famously chili-laden cuisine runs deep.
Consumers expect more from globalization 2017-06-30 07:12:22 China Daily Zhu Qiwen Talks about the challenges to globalization have become louder, as the world economy is yet to clear the long shadow cast by the global financial crisis.

Talks about the challenges to globalization have become louder, as the world economy is yet to clear the long shadow cast by the global financial crisis. But Chinese consumers differ in their views on the prospects of globalization.

The just issued annual report of the Bank for International Settlements, the so-called central bank of central banks, dedicates an entire chapter to refute protectionist arguments that have been part of a broader social and political backlash against globalization. The report insists that rolling back globalization would deal a major blow to the prospects of sustained and robust expansion of the world economy.

Some developed countries that have enjoyed most of the early benefits of improved living standards generated by globalization have ample reason to reassess their previous lack of policies to push forward reforms that can preserve the achievements of globalization while fixing its flaws, which could have contributed to the widening inequality within their economies. "De-globalization" is definitely not the solution to their problems.

Chinese consumers, in fact, are opposed to any protectionist suggestions.

Why? Because after decades of hard work and steady income growth, they are more than delighted to find an increasingly globalized economy offers them a widening choice of products from across the world in this era of e-commerce.

With their per capita GDP exceeding $8,000, Chinese people have begun to display their great potential to drive economic growth as middle-income consumers, rather than only as highly productive workers.

For many years, comparatively mediocre consumption growth has long been deemed a headache for Chinese policymakers, who are eager to reduce the country's excessive dependence on fixed-asset investment and exports for double-digit growth.

Now, all of a sudden, stable and steady consumption is emerging as the leading growth engine for the world's second-largest economy. While in the first quarter of this year the Chinese economy grew 6.9 percent year-on-year, the fastest pace since the third quarter of 2015, consumption contributed as much as three quarters to the GDP growth.

Although it may be too early to conclude that China has successfully shifted from investment- and exports-led growth to consumption-powered growth, it is a fact that consumption accounted for about two-thirds of the growth last year. Besides, the combination of Chinese consumers' incredible enthusiasm for online shopping and growing purchasing power do justify a second thought on China successfully shifting to consumption-led growth in the coming years.

China is the world's largest online shopping market, and hundreds of millions of Chinese consumers spent about 5.15 trillion yuan ($814.42 billion) online last year, up 26 percent year-on-year. And in the first five months of this year, online retail sales hit 2.47 trillion yuan ($363 billion), up 32.5 percent year-on-year.

Since Chinese consumers have become increasingly quality- and brand-conscious, it was not surprising to see China's cross-border online sales grow 23.5 percent to 6.3 trillion yuan last year. Major consumer brands, supermarkets and retailers from developed countries have gained considerable popularity among Chinese online shoppers, and Alibaba, China's e-commerce giant, has said it could create 1 million jobs in the United States in the next five years by helping 1 million small US businesses sell their products to consumers in China and Southeast Asia.

Chinese consumers seem set to further benefit from as well as contribute to globalization. The globalized economy does face intense challenges, with central banks around the world trying to deal with the dire consequences of too much cheap money. But if Chinese consumers can embrace globalization for a better life, why shouldn't global policymakers talk about how to make the best use of this trend, instead of pondering over de-globalization.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily.

zhuqiwen@chinadaily.com.cn
BrandZ lists Tencent as nation's most valuable brand in 2017 2017-06-30 07:47:29 China Daily Zhu Wenqian Technology giant Tencent Holdings Ltd has become the most valuable Chinese brand, followed by Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd and China Mobile.

Technology giant Tencent Holdings Ltd has become the most valuable Chinese brand, followed by Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd and China Mobile. The three companies were listed in the top 20 of the 100 most valuable global brands in 2017 released by BrandZ this month.

With the increasing popularity of WeChat, an instant messaging tool developed by Tencent, the share price of Tencent, China's largest internet portal, surged about 60 percent in the past 12 months.

Among the total, technology brands dominate the list. US brands rose 12 percent in value year-on-year, and other brands declined 1 percent, except Chinese brands, which grew 1 percent. Thirteen of the global top 100 brands are based in China, up from only one brand, China Mobile, 12 years ago.

In terms of brand value, Chinese brands roared 937 percent in brand value over 12 years. Their total value now reached $406 billion and they now comprise 11 percent of the total, according to the report, which has been tracking brand values for 12 years.

Zhou Qiren, a professor at the National School of Development at Peking University, said: "Quality is the foundation of brands. Now, we need to start a quality revolution in China, so that Chinese brands will gain a footing globally. It can be foreseen that those Chinese brands, which can meet the demand of consumers with their high qualities, will hold a place in the world."

As China pivots to a consumption-led economy, the most impressive performance has been posted by brands providing products and services for the urban middle classes, said the report, published by WPP and Kantar Millward Brown.

Apple Inc and Google Inc remained the No 1 and No 2 brands on the list, and Amazon entered the top 10, with a 41 percent growth in brand value, reaching $139 billion. The combined value of the top five US tech giants was worth 25 percent of the total value, the report said.

Meanwhile, the retail industry led the ranking in value growth, increasing 14 percent, driven by e-commerce, with Amazon and Alibaba surging 41 percent and 20 percent in value. The value of the top 100 brands increased 8 percent year-on-year, and they reached a combined $3.64 trillion.

Meanwhile, Adidas led the ranking in brand value growth, increasing 58 percent on the strength of its on-trend fashion and its initiatives to raise brand popularity in the US.

This year, the seven newcomer brands in the list are also technology-relatedYouTube, HPE, Salesforce, Netflix, Snapchat, and telecom providers Xfinity and Sprint.

2017 BrandZ Top 20 Global Brands

Google Inc

Apple Inc

Microsoft Corp

Amazon.com Inc

Facebook Inc

AT&T Inc

Visa Inc

Tencent Holdings Ltd

IBM Corp

McDonald's Corp

Verizon Communication Inc

Marlboro's Trust Ltd

The Coca-Cola Company

Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd

Wells Fargo & Co

United Parcel Service

China Mobile

The Walt Disney Company

General Electric Company

MasterCard Inc

The 2017 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands
China, Brazil need to boost cooperation on clean, renewable energy: Chinese ambassador 2017-06-30 16:11:34 Xinhua China and Brazil have a solid foundation of cooperation in the energy sector, and they need to boost cooperation on clean energy, Chinese ambassador to Brazil, Li Jinzhang, said Thursday.

RIO DE JANEIRO - China and Brazil have a solid foundation of cooperation in the energy sector, and they need to boost cooperation on clean energy, Chinese ambassador to Brazil, Li Jinzhang, said Thursday.

In addition to oil and electricity, "we need to boost cooperation on technology and investments in new, renewable energy. We put a lot of trust in this cooperation," Li told Xinhua.

While attending the South American Seminar on the Belt and Road Development and Global Energy Interconnection held here Thursday, the Chinese ambassador stressed that there are potential for Brazil-China cooperation on global energy interconnection, especially on clean energy.

Li highlighted that Brazil has a clean energy matrix, with a lot of natural resources which accommodate extensive exploration of hydroelectric, wind and solar power.

Talking about Brazil's role in the energy cooperation in Latin America, the Chinese ambassador said, "the Brazil-China cooperation is a strong role model for Latin America and the entire world."

Representatives in the field of renewable energy from four countries -- China, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile -- participated in the meeting.
Students demonstrate their inventions at the Play+Make event in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

"We are designing an anti-drunken driving car system, with a master switch and an alcohol sensor," said Li Jialin, an 11-year-old from Beijing Caoqiao Primary School.

Li and his team were demonstrating their invention at the Play+Make event for Beijing's primary and secondary school students in late May.

They installed an alcohol sensor in the steering wheel and set up a program. When the driver presses the vehicle's start switch, the alcohol sensor begins to monitor the concentration of alcohol in the air. If it exceeds a certain standard, the car issues a warning and will not start.

More than 1,500 school students from Beijing showcased their designs at the event. They included a vehicle with an environmental-detection system and an intelligent baby stroller.

While showing great imagination, they all had one other thing in commonthey needed programming.

Li learned to use Arduino, an open-source electronics platform, to create interactive objects at school. Young inventors at the event programmed their gadgets with all kinds of programming platforms, including Scratch, which offers a visual programming environment.

Programming is catching on in schools as one of the core skills of information technology.

Wang Jun, an official from the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, says more than 200 primary and secondary schools in Beijing teach programming. More schools are exposing students to programming through extracurricular activities and science societies.

"Programming is a tool, not an end. We hope the students can apply the skills of programming to innovation and develop a problem-solving mindset," Wang says.

In the United Kingdom, computer programming is a compulsory course for children older than 5.

Although China has yet to add programming to the national school curriculum, some private-education providers are eyeing the market.
China Electronics Standardization Institute reaches an agreement with Haier Group on the standardization of smart manufacturing on June 28. [Photo/dailyqd.com]

China took a leap on standardization for smart manufacturing as the China Electronics Standardization Institute joined hands with Haier Group, a consumer electronics and home appliances provider headquartered in Qingdao, Shandong province, on June 28.

In the era of the Industry 4.0 strategy and following the principle of "win-win cooperation and mutual complementation", the two sides will make concerted efforts in standardizing China's smart manufacturing industry, and setting up a service platform where various referential system resolutions can be integrated.

Haier will also make the most of its expertise in household appliances, and work on new evaluation models for manufacturing businesses.

The cooperation between the two sides also highlights the dynamic combination of the manufacturing industry and various information technologies, including the internet of things, cloud computing, big data, and cloud services.

The combination, by promoting technological innovation, standard setting, experimental verification, test and measurement, and international collaboration, will revolutionize the home appliance industry at the ground level.

The signing ceremony was part of the 2017 Qingdao Forum on International Standardization that runs from June 27 to 29. The forum with the theme of "Standards Make Cities Smarter" offers a high-end platform for governments, enterprises and other stakeholders to conduct in-depth discussions related to international standardization and social, economic and environmental development.
MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY

China is now central to Australia's economic prosperity. It overtook Japan as Australia's top export destination early this century and is now Australia's top partner in terms of exports, imports, tourism and education. And there are a number of "mega trends" that are likely to make China more important for Australia.

First, China is transitioning from a country of shippers to a nation of shoppers. It is no longer just about low cost manufacturing but also about a rising middle income group that will add around 850 million people to its ranks between 2009 and 2030.

Second, China is about urbanization, too. The country was once just about "the big four": Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Now it is also about second- and third-tier cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Xi'an and Qingdao. In fact, in the near future, more than 80 percent of China's middle income group will be living in the second- and third-tier cities. No wonder these cities are attracting many Australian architects to help build or rebuild them.

Third, China faces a fast aging population, which offers Australian healthcare companies such as Blackmores and Australian Medical Tourism enough scope to expand their businesses.

Fourth, Australia's relationship with China is going "from the mining boom to the dining boom". Australia knows its rocks and crops, to a certain extent, facilitated China's economic miracle in the past. Now, what matters more are Australian agricultural exports to Chinaworth $9 billion, or 72 percent more than to the United States.

Fifth, China matters a lot to Australia in terms of services. China is Australia's top source of tourists, who spend more than double the amount of their counterparts from the United Kingdom, and foreign students2.4 times more than those from India.

And finally, as an airport economist I know Australia's relationship with China is constantly strengthening in fields such as education, tourism and professional services and trade. Six years ago, from Australia you could fly to only "the big four" cities in China, but today, you can fly to 11 Chinese mainland cities, including Chengdu (the panda capital) Chongqing, Wuhan and Xi'an.

All this means you don't need to be as big as Woodside or BHP Billiton to succeed in China. Australia's future is as much about Blackmores as it is about BlueScope today, with small and medium-sized enterprises also having the opportunity to get a slice of the action. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 10,000 Australian SMEs export goods to China, directly or via Hong Kong, and 3,000 Australian companies have offices in China (compared to only 100 in Japan).

But despite all this, why this uncertainty over China-Australia ties? Perhaps because of Chinese foreign investment in agricultural land. Overall, China's direct investment in Australia is pretty small, and Australia doesn't owe a huge amount to China. Australia's net debt is mainly held by the UK, Belgium, the US and Japan. But you don't see too many headlines about Australia being enslaved by UK or Belgian investors.

In fact, a lot of Chinese investment is productive and creates jobs. So if China's investment is relatively small and productive, why the fuss? Partly because of the link between the Chinese government and State-owned enterprises. In fact, China's direct investment in Australia has attracted more media attention than that by India, whose private enterprises have invested in Australia without drawing much attention (with some notable exceptions).

China has to get used to operating in a relatively unfriendly world. China is learning the rules of outward investment and issues such as intellectual property rights and other governance issues as it ventures beyond its borders. And it will soon not only learn that the rules of cross-border investment are more complex and controversial than those of trade, but also master them.

The author is the JW Nevile Fellow in Economics at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, and the host of The Airport Economist on Sky News and Qantas.
Employees of an online store process orders in Qingyanliu village, East China's Zhejiang province on Dec 29, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Talks about the challenges to globalization have become louder, as the world economy is yet to clear the long shadow cast by the global financial crisis. But Chinese consumers differ in their views on the prospects of globalization.

The just issued annual report of the Bank for International Settlements, the so-called central bank of central banks, dedicates an entire chapter to refute protectionist arguments that have been part of a broader social and political backlash against globalization. The report insists that rolling back globalization would deal a major blow to the prospects of sustained and robust expansion of the world economy.

Some developed countries that have enjoyed most of the early benefits of improved living standards generated by globalization have ample reason to reassess their previous lack of policies to push forward reforms that can preserve the achievements of globalization while fixing its flaws, which could have contributed to the widening inequality within their economies. "De-globalization" is definitely not the solution to their problems.

Chinese consumers, in fact, are opposed to any protectionist suggestions.

Why? Because after decades of hard work and steady income growth, they are more than delighted to find an increasingly globalized economy offers them a widening choice of products from across the world in this era of e-commerce.

With their per capita GDP exceeding $8,000, Chinese people have begun to display their great potential to drive economic growth as middle-income consumers, rather than only as highly productive workers.

For many years, comparatively mediocre consumption growth has long been deemed a headache for Chinese policymakers, who are eager to reduce the country's excessive dependence on fixed-asset investment and exports for double-digit growth.

Now, all of a sudden, stable and steady consumption is emerging as the leading growth engine for the world's second-largest economy. While in the first quarter of this year the Chinese economy grew 6.9 percent year-on-year, the fastest pace since the third quarter of 2015, consumption contributed as much as three quarters to the GDP growth.

Although it may be too early to conclude that China has successfully shifted from investment- and exports-led growth to consumption-powered growth, it is a fact that consumption accounted for about two-thirds of the growth last year. Besides, the combination of Chinese consumers' incredible enthusiasm for online shopping and growing purchasing power do justify a second thought on China successfully shifting to consumption-led growth in the coming years.

China is the world's largest online shopping market, and hundreds of millions of Chinese consumers spent about 5.15 trillion yuan ($814.42 billion) online last year, up 26 percent year-on-year. And in the first five months of this year, online retail sales hit 2.47 trillion yuan ($363 billion), up 32.5 percent year-on-year.

Since Chinese consumers have become increasingly quality- and brand-conscious, it was not surprising to see China's cross-border online sales grow 23.5 percent to 6.3 trillion yuan last year. Major consumer brands, supermarkets and retailers from developed countries have gained considerable popularity among Chinese online shoppers, and Alibaba, China's e-commerce giant, has said it could create 1 million jobs in the United States in the next five years by helping 1 million small US businesses sell their products to consumers in China and Southeast Asia.

Chinese consumers seem set to further benefit from as well as contribute to globalization. The globalized economy does face intense challenges, with central banks around the world trying to deal with the dire consequences of too much cheap money. But if Chinese consumers can embrace globalization for a better life, why shouldn't global policymakers talk about how to make the best use of this trend, instead of pondering over de-globalization.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily.

zhuqiwen@chinadaily.com.cn
THE 80-YEAR-OLD PASSENGER who threw a handful of coins at one of the engines of a plane she was boarding in Shanghai, because she believed it would bring good luck and ensure a safe flight, had her punishment of five days administrative detention remitted because of her age. Thepaper.cn comments:

The decision sparked heated discussion. Many people said the woman should be punished because of the potentially serious consequences of her behavior and to deter others from doing anything similarly foolish.

But in their investigation of the case, the Shanghai police have not abused their power and they made the decision to release the woman according to the law.

As she did not intend to damage the plane and her behavior caused no serious consequences thanks to the airport staff's efforts, the woman, rather than being subject to the Criminal Law, was only subject to the Security Administrative Punishment Law, which stipulates that a punishment can be remitted if the offender is over 70 years old.

Thus people should not continue to press the public security departments to punish the woman.

In fact, the airline and airport would be justified in prosecuting the woman's three family members who were boarding the plane with her at that moment for not stopping her from throwing the coins, and they could demand compensation for the economic losses they suffered. But the airline and airport should make the decision whether to prosecute them or not on their own, instead of bending to the pressure of public opinion.
A woman talks with a salesman at a property market fair in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.[Photo/China Daily]

NEARLY HALF OF THE LISTED NON-FINANCIAL COMPANIES are suspected of fabricating their financial statements this year, including 98 of the 138 listed real estate companies, according to a recent report on the financial security of China's listed companies. Beijing Youth Daily commented on Thursday:

If what the report says is true, this year represents arguably the highest financial risk of Chinese listed companies in a decade. An earlier assessment of 20 State-owned enterprises by the National Audit Office found that 18 of them had lied about their revenues by fabricating more than 200 billion yuan ($30 billion) of income and 20.3 billion yuan in profits.

In fact, financial reporting fraud is not just the wrongdoing of a few companies but a prominent problem.

For listed companies, falsified financial statements may be intended to impress investors and secure the interests of shareholders, because a bad financial report risks keeping prospective investment at bay and worrying investors, which could lead to a plunge in stock price.

Exaggerating a company's financial condition and profitability, to some extent, may reduce the risk of this happening. And there is the possibility that major shareholders need the "beautified" financial statements to offload their shares more easily.

Whatever the reason, the wrongdoers should face a demotion in the securities grading and their companies should be reassessed when they release their true performance figures.

Financial institutions should also be careful in offering loans to applicants with a bad record.

Tougher actions must be taken to rein in those companies which are found to have lied in their financial statements. There should be zero tolerance to such falsehoods.
On Thursday, Tianjin municipal government signed a cooperation agreement with China's major e-payment provider Ant Financial, part of the Alibaba Group, to turn Tianjin into a "cashless city".

A cashless city refers to a modern urban lifestyle in which digital payments replace cash. In a cashless city, people will only need a smartphone instead of notes and coins to make purchases.

Ant Financial will promote mobile payments, and Tianjin University of Commerce and Tianjin University of Finance and Economics will build the first "no cash campus".

Tianjin is the third Chinese city that has announced plans to go cashless.

Jack Ma, the founder and executive chairman of Alibaba, met with Tianjin government leaders before the World Intelligence Congress, held in Tianjin from Thursday to Friday, to finalize this cooperation intention.

Ma said he hopes the construction of cashless Tianjin will help Alibaba become deeply involved in the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and he expects the company to help Tianjin become a significant driver of China's digital economy.
An 80-year-old passenger recently threw some coins at one of the engines of the plane she was boarding at Shanghai airport because she believed it would bring good luck and ensure a safe flight. A co-passenger saw her doing so and alerted the airport officials, following which the flight was delayed. Considering her advanced age and given that her action didn't cause any serious damage, police remitted her five-day detention.

Since she didn't intend to damage the plane or cause harm to the passengers, and her action had no any serious consequences thanks to the airport staff members' efforts, she was subjected to the Security Administrative Punishment Law, which says a punishment can be remitted if the offender is above 70 years of age.

The increasing involvement of senior citizens in law violation cases in recent years can be attributed to two factors: China's rapidly aging population, and unbalanced regional development. The rapid rise in the number of senior citizens might have led to a proportional increase in their involvement in criminal cases, and some senior citizens' poor economic condition forced them to conduct misdeeds. There are even reports that the "left behind" children are sometimes abused by the "left behind" aged.

To bring some stability and comfort into the life of the elderly, the authorities will first have to provide them with better subsidies. True, the government has implemented a coordinated urban-rural social endowment insurance system, but in rural areas the pensions are far from enough for them to live a decent life. The authorities should therefore increase the subsidies and provide more old age homes and better care for senior citizens to enable them to spend the rest of their lives in peace and relative comfort.

Second, the elderly should be educated about the basic laws and cautioned that certain actions can land them in jail. For example, had the woman known the consequences of throwing coins at a plane's engine, she certainly wouldn't have committed the offense. In fact, more than anything else, the police might have let her off for her ignorance. So the elderly, especially those with little knowledge about modern machinery, must be made to realize such facts, because it will also prevent them from being used by others to unwittingly commit a crime.

Third, the authorities would do well to consider adult education programs as a way to promote social stability. Simple classes can be fun while they are also enhancing the pool of knowledge of the elderly in general.

Fourth, the government and society could help those elderly who want to be re-employed to find suitable jobs. In fact, the authorities are trying to develop China's own "silver industry", which would help fulfill the special needs of the aging population. By creating the right platforms that will allow the elderly to re-enter the labor market, the authorities will not only help them to live a better life, but also keep them updated with the changes in society.

Proper guidance and support supplemented with necessary punishment are the right way to prevent the elderly from unwittingly or otherwise breaking the law. Ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius said: "Support and respect thy elders, and those in general as well." Moreover, the logic behind the amendment to the Criminal Law, which stipulates that death penalty shall generally not be used for people who are already 75 years old at the time of trial, was to accord preferential treatment to the senior citizens.

And we can do that by treating the elderly with empathy and helping them lead a peaceful life.

The author is a professor of law at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law.
China is willing to "lend a hand" to the Philippines in its fight against terrorism and will continue to provide necessary help as required, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday, a day after Beijing offered Manila urgent military assistance.

"Now, since our neighbor, the Philippines, is being seriously threatened by terrorism, China will surely give a helping hand without any doubt," Wang told reporters after meeting with his Philippine counterpart Alan Peter Cayetano in Beijing.

China provided the first shipment of materials and equipment on Wednesday as urgent assistance to the Philippines, Wang said.

"We are willing to offer necessary support and assistance in the future according to the needs of the Philippines, including participating in postwar resettlement and reconstruction work in Marawi City," he said.

China will also continue to push forward and implement major cooperative projects as agreed with the Philippines to help it develop the economy, improve people's livelihood, help tackle the use of illegal narcotics, and remove the soil where terrorism breeds, he added.

Hailing the "golden period of fast development" that China-Philippine relations have entered, the Chinese foreign minister also said: "If anyone wants to reverse the current progress, it will not work and the interests of the Philippine people will be directly harmed."

He called for the two countries to stick to the direction of good-neighborliness and friendship, enhance political mutual trust, and appropriately deal with sensitive issues while expanding pragmatic cooperation. That way, "the prospects for the bilateral relationship will be bright".

Cayetano said both sides agreed that cooperation must be further enhanced in the fight against illegal drugs. He said his country requires more cross-border support and collaboration to fight terrorism.

He also said peace and stability in the South China Sea and the whole region has been a tangible result of the recent improvement in ties with China. Relations were turned around in October after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made a state visit to China.
The US Midwest is becoming a productive destination for Chinese investment.

"In recent years, the Midwest is growing into an important region for Chinese investment in the United States," said Xu Chen, president and CEO of the Bank of China USA and chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC)  USA.

Xu spoke during the CGCC Chicago 2017 Annual Gala themed New Era - Opportunities & Challenges in US - China Economic Cooperation in Chicago on Thursday.

Xu pointed out that up until 2016, Chinese companies had invested more than $20 billion in the nine states of the Midwest region, accounting for over 20 percent of overall Chinese FDI volume in the US. The investment has created more than 45,000 local jobs so far.

Hong Lei, China's consul general in Chicago, said that since China launched "China Manufacturing 2025" in 2015, its manufacturing industry has undergone a full-scale upgrade.

And as a center for cutting-edge manufacturing for many years, the US is now experiencing an industrial rehabilitation.

"It is a good time for Chinese enterprises to cooperate more closely with the US," he said.

In March, CGCC - USA conducted its fourth annual business survey among 213 Chinese company executives operating in the US. The survey generally covers a broad range of topics, including the respondents' performance in 2016, their assessment of the US operation, the regulatory environment and their future business plans.

The survey indicated that Chinese companies continued to grow their US businesses in 2016. At least half of the surveyed companies reported that their revenue in the US has increased each year from 2013 to 2016. Notably, 24 percent of the surveyed companies saw their US revenue grow by more than 20 percent in 2016.

Meanwhile, difficulties such as the perception of unfair US government regulatory enforcement, financing and tax levies still exist, "but the situation is improving", said Xu.

The percentage of the respondents facing difficulties in financing their US operations has decreased. Xu said it might be attributed to support from the Chinese banks in the US as well as the investors' own improved credit records in the US. And Chinese companies are making more sense of the US tax system and gaining benefits from its financial markets.

Xu said that despite various challenges, 60 percent of the respondents of the survey expressed confidence and optimism about their investments in the United States. The majority are committed to making long-term investments, and their business plans are less influenced by short-term volatility in China-US relations.

"Since China and the US economic structures are highly complementary and supplementary, our cooperation is full of opportunities and can bring more benefits to job creation, consumer welfare and economic development," he said.

"Now it is time to explore this enormous potential by further opening up bilateral markets and promoting two-way investment at both the national and subnational levels," he said.

In April, US President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping met in Florida and agreed on a 100-day plan to improve trade ties and boost cooperation between the US and China.

The event was hosted by the China General Chamber of Commerce  USA Chicago (CGCC Chicago), in partnership with the China Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce and World Business Chicago, with an aim at promoting US exports to China and attracting Chinese investment to the Midwest US.

More than 800 government officials and business leaders from China and the US attended the event, including commercial and business affairs officials from the Chinese embassy in the US, US federal agencies, state governments in the Midwest and the municipal government of Chicago, and a delegation from China, discussing issues related to trade and investment and cooperation between the US Midwest and China.
A couple is seen kissing as people celebrate Germany's parliament legalising the same-sex marriage in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany June 30, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

BERLIN - Germany's parliament backed the legalisation of same-sex marriage on Friday in a historic vote hailed by gay activists and leftist parties but criticised by some in Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling conservative bloc and by the Catholic Church.

The move brings Germany into line with many other European nations including France, Britain and Spain and follows Merkel's surprise decision this week to allow her lawmakers to follow their own conscience rather than the party line on the issue. Merkel, daughter of a Protestant pastor, voted against the bill.

Hundreds of gay activists, some with painted faces, celebrated outside the Bundestag lower house of parliament after the vote, waving rainbow flags and placards that read "Marriage for all - make love for all".

"This is simply a historic day for Germany," said Soeren Landmann, a marriage equality activist.

"Today, thousands of same-sex couples were given equality, and the two-class society in matters of love was abolished. Germany can really rejoice today."

The vote has particular resonance in Germany as it unwinds a legacy of virulent homophobia. Earlier this year parliament agreed to grant compensation to thousands of gay men jailed under a 19th century law that was strengthened by the Nazis and only dropped in 1969 when homosexuality was decriminalised in West Germany.

Merkel, who is seeking a fourth term in a national election on Sept. 24, said she had voted against the bill because she believed that marriage as defined under German law was between a man and a woman.

But she said her decision was a personal one, adding that she had become convinced in recent years that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children.

"I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between the different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace," she said.

A survey by pollster INSA for daily Bild showed this week that three quarters of Germans favoured the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

Lawmakers voted by 393 votes in favour of same-sex marriage to 226 against, with four abstentions.

The landmark vote came about almost by chance after Merkel announced on Monday she would allow lawmakers to vote on same-sex marriage according to their individual conscience, drawing the ire of some in her traditionally Catholic conservative bloc.
YAROSLAVL, Russia - A major power plant built by a Chinese-Russian consortium has been officially brought online.

The 483-MW gas-steam combined heat and power, or CHP, facility started operations here on Tuesday, China's Huadian Corp announced.

Plans were rolled out for the $571 million joint venture between Huadian and Teninskaya in 2011 by China Huadian Hong Kong Co Ltd and Russian second regional power company TGC-2.

As China's largest electricity project in Russia, the plant was designed to generate 3.02 billion kilowatt hours, of electricity and 814,000 gigawatts of heating supply annually.

"The completion of the Huadian-Teninskaya project is of great significance to the Yaroslavl province (in Russia)," Dmitry Mironov, acting governor of Yaroslavl province, said during the opening ceremony held at the project site. "It will improve the living quality of local citizens."

Listed as a priority project in 2014 by Yaroslavl authorities, the CHP plant is expected to tackle the province's chronic power shortages.

According to TGC staff, the operation of the Huadian-Teninskaya facility will bring down Yaroslavl's power deficit from 50 percent to 15 percent and fully cover its total power demand in warmer months.

The project is widely seen as a symbol of further deepening of cooperation between China and Russia in the energy field.

Wen Shugang, general manager of China Huadian Corp, confirmed that the group will devote more efforts into exploring global energy markets in the future.

During the opening ceremony, Russian Deputy Energy Minister Kirill Molodtsov welcomed the entrance of Chinese companies, including Huadian, into local markets.

Xinhua
(Photo : Matt Wade/Flickr/CC)

The U.S. Supreme Court has announced on Monday that it would hear a case involving a Colorado Christian baker who declined to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, one which many argue may lead to implications for businesses across the country.

The case began when Jack Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, had declined to bake a custom wedding cake for customers Charlie Craig and David Mullins in July of 2012. The couple then proceeded to file a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which ruled that Phillips' actions were discriminatory.

After the Colorado Court of Appeals agreed with the Civil Rights Commission, and the state Supreme Court refused to hear the case, the Alliance Defending Freedom submitted a petition on behalf of Phillips to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Phillips' case shares similarities with several others that have been considered in lower courts across the country. Barronelle Stutzman, a florist in Washington state, declined to provide floral arrangements for a same-sex couple's wedding, an act which the Washington Supreme Court decided in February was discriminatory. Meanwhile, a Kentucky appeals court ruled in May that Blaine Adamson was not discriminating when he declined to print shirts that promoted a gay pride event.

The business owners have similarly said that while they are happy to serve customers who identify as LGBT, they cannot participate in an act or event that they believe violates their religious conscience.

Phillips "declines lucrative business by not creating goods that contain alcohol or cakes celebrating Halloween and other messages his faith prohibits, such as racism, atheism, and any marriage not between one man and one woman," his lawyers wrote in a brief to the Supreme Court.

Adamson similarly had said that he also declines to print shirts for other customers based on the messages they wish to print. For instance, he refused to print messages that were violent or sexually explicit.

"I will work with any person, no matter who they are, no matter what their belief system are. But when they present a message that conflicts with my religious beliefs, that's not something that I can print," Adamson told Fox News. "That's the line for me."

Meanwhile, Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of the School of Law at the University of California, Irvine, argues that when a customer requests a certain message for a cake, photograph, or T-shirt, for instance, the one engaging in speech is not the service provider, but the customer.

"If I choose the words on my cake, I'm engaging in expression. The baker is simply putting my words on a cake," Chemerinsky told Fox News.

The case, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, will be heard next term, but the Supreme Court has not yet announced a date. The earliest it could be heard is the upcoming fall.

    press@cdaily.co.kr



- Copyright ,    

#SupremeCourt
The hidden messages within Jan Brueghel the Elders scene of rural revelry

10 subtle ideas contemporary 17th-century collectors would have discerned from this exceptional painting by an artist known as Velvet Brueghel  offered on 6 July in London

Jan Brueghel the Elder was one of the most prominent painters working in Antwerp during the early 17th century. Born into a distinguished dynasty of painters, he specialised in producing immaculately detailed landscapes and still lifes. His brother, Pieter Brueghel the Younger, followed the tradition of their father Pieter the Elder and also painted a number of important landscapes, such as the iconic The Bird Trap. This painting by Jan Brueghel the Elder is one of the finest examples of the masters work in private hands. The detailed composition and refined technique demonstrate the painters skill in rendering intricate works, which earned him the nickname Fluweleen Brueghel (Velvet Brueghel) amongst his contemporaries. Dated to 1616, Figures dancing on the bank of a river... was created during Brueghels time as court painter to the governors of the Southern Netherlands, the Archduke Albert and his wife Isabella. This was a time of political stability, with a truce established between the Protestant provinces in northern Holland and the Catholic, Spanish-controlled territories in the south where Brueghel lived. This river landscape, which shows figures dancing, conversing and going about their daily business, is a charming evocation of country life. However, as is typical with many paintings produced in the Netherlands during the 17th century, it included a variety of subtler ideas that encompass political, religious and personal beliefs. Here, we look at some of these ideas and how they illuminate one of Jan Brueghel the Elders most important and beautiful works.



1

He included a self-portrait in the scene The artist included a self-portrait with his wife and family in the lower right of the picture  Jan Breughel is the figure in black, farthest left. The figures are recognisable from a portrait painted the year before this river landscape by Brueghels friend and collaborator, Sir Peter Paul Rubens, which is now in the Courtauld Institute of Art. Brueghel only included three self-portraits in his landscapes, and this is the only one remaining in private hands.

Open a larger version of this image Jan Brueghel the Elders self-portrait is the figure dressed in black on the far left

2

 and portrayed himself as an intellectual Brueghels clothes in the self-portrait show him not as a painter but as a wealthy gentleman. This demonstrates the increasing trend for painters to elevate their social status by depicting themselves as intellectual, thinking figures, rather than simply craftsmen.

3

God is in the detail Brueghels attention to detail  the rendering of plants, trees and even blades of grass in this composition  reflects how the Counter-Reformation in the Spanish Catholic Netherlands coloured the artists worldview. Believing that the natural world was a reflection of God, his scientifically intricate depiction of nature was a step closer to knowing Him in appreciating all of the elements of Creation.

Open a larger version of this image Brueghels attention to detail extended to the painting of individual blades of grass

4

The painting was designed for close study The minute brushwork of the painting would have been greatly appreciated by contemporary collectors. Small cabinet pictures such as this were intended for intimate study by discerning viewers familiar with their symbolism, and would have hung among collections of artefacts and naturalia, alongside other paintings, scientific instruments, ornate objects and classical antiques.

5

The dancing woman is a warning of the dangers of excess The prominent money pouch worn by the dancing woman is eyed greedily by two figures dancing by her. The suggestion that her abandon has led her to neglect her possessions evokes the old proverb a fool and his money are soon parted. As excessive drunkenness and lasciviousness were condemned by the Church, Brueghels use of the dancing figures here can likewise be read as a warning against excess.

Open a larger version of this image Buyers gather around a seller of fish, while careless dancers cavort in the background

6

The seller of fish is an allusion to the Apostles The foreground of the painting shows a fisherman wearing a blue hat presenting his catch to a group of customers. Fishermen were popularly linked with the Apostles and the famous words of Christ, recorded in the Gospel of Saint Matthew (4:19), that they should be fishers of men gathering people to the Church.

7

The fish symbolise the transience of existence Details such as the dead fish lying on the grass juxtaposed with the live fish in the water symbolise the fragility of existence, and thus remind the viewer of the importance of leading a moral life.

8

Christian duties are being neglected The pleas of the beggar holding out his cap to the horsemen in the middle of the composition appear to have fallen on deaf ears among the gathered crowd, suggesting that they have turned their backs on their Christian duty. Giving alms was important for Christians as one of the seven works of mercy encouraged by the church.

Open a larger version of this image No one appears to be paying heed to the beggar holding out his cap

9

We are all travellers on the journey of life The winding road leading to the church was a common compositional device in Brueghels work, and could perhaps also be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey of life, and the path along which we must all travel.

Open a larger version of this image The church at the end of the road
Steve Gonzales/Staff

Be they young women starting careers or retirees looking to open their first business after years of working in the corporate world, more than 600 attendees are expected at the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's third annual Women's Leadership Conference and Business Expo on Friday.

Laura Murillo, chamber president and CEO, came up with the idea for the gathering three years ago after traveling the world as a representative of Houston on trade missions. On these travels, she said she would often be one of only a handful of women invited.
The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (TAMEST) released a new study recently focused on the environmental and community impacts of shale development in Texas. The report examines a wide range of issues, including water, air emissions, transportation infrastructure and the economic impact of oil and gas development throughout the state.

Despite sensationalized headlines, the report contains a variety of important data points and findings that illustrate the importance of oil and natural gas development and successful efforts by operators to protect Texas citizens, the environment and the communities in which they operate.

The following information outlines some of the conclusions featured within the report for a number of the disciplinary areas reviewed:

Air emissions. As noted in the study, although characterizing the impact of the production and use of shale resources on air quality is challenging, emissions from oil and gas production basins in Texas have been analyzed to a greater extent than production regions in most other states.

RELATED: Study of oil and gas drilling finds pollution and connections to earthquakes

Specific to greenhouse gases, increasing use of natural gas for electricity generation has resulted in reductions in the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and criteria air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in recent years. Between 2005-2015, electricity generation grew by 1 percent, while related CO2 emissions fell by 21 percent.

Further, exploration and production companies have reduced methane emissions by 16.3 percent since 1990, while overall natural gas production increased by 53 percent. During the same period, emissions from hydraulically fractured gas wells were reduced by 59 percent. This decline is attributable to voluntary actions from operators, including investment of more than $90 billion in greenhouse gas mitigating technologies by U.S. oil and natural gas companies between 2000-2014. U.S. energy-related greenhouse gas emissions are now at their lowest level in nearly 25 years.

Water quantity and quality. The report outlines data on water use for hydraulic fracturing and provides qualitative use statistics. It denotes that water utilized for drilling and hydraulic fracturing is minimal in comparison to water used for agricultural activities and municipalities. Further, it specifies that water used in hydraulic fracturing processes in Texas represents less than 1 percent of total water use statewide.

RELATED: The most overlooked finding in groundbreaking shale study

In some regions in Texas, however, water used in hydraulic fracturing could represent a larger proportion of local water sources. Although this equates to a small fraction of overall water use, Texas operators and the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) continue with innovative efforts to support the use of recycled and brackish water.

With regard to environmental risks, the study concludes that "direct migration of contaminants from targeted injection zones is highly unlikely to lead to contamination of potential drinking water aquifers," citing a 2011 study from the Groundwater Protection Council that analyzed 211 cases of groundwater contamination associated with oil and natural gas activity in Texas.

This research joins a long list of studies and reports showing that hydraulic fracturing is not a major threat to drinking water sources. A five year study published by the EPA last year likewise showed no evidence of widespread contamination of groundwater resources from hydraulic fracturing activities.

Texas geology and earthquakes  These continue to be a key area of focus for researchers, lawmakers and operators. As the report concludes, Texas has led the country in efforts to study this important issue in order to provide more reliable and accurate data on the true cause of seismic events in the state. Substantive funding and legislative efforts to create TexNet, a statewide seismic research program, have proved to be instrumental.

RELATED: Industry group to enviros: End fracking rhetoric

TexNet has added over 40 seismometers to Texas' seismic network and the program's data collection is still in its infancy. Information collected to date does negate speculation that hydraulic fracturing is the cause of earthquakes in Texas. The TAMEST report speaks to this conclusion, stating that potentially induced earthquakes in Texas, felt at the surface, may be correlated with fluid disposal in a small number of Class II disposal wells, not with the hydraulic fracturing process.

While a definitive causal relationship between disposal wells and earthquakes cannot be established, the oil and natural gas industry continues to collaborate and support additional seismicity research, funding and analysis. It is important that faulty rhetoric does not hinder the process.

Transportation. As emphasized in the report, a consequential by-product of increased oil and gas activity is additional weighted truck traffic. This is an issue, particularly in rural areas of the state, where county roads were not constructed to withstand the volume or weight of traffic associated with large scale oil and gas production. As a result, the industry has worked at length with the Legislature in previous years to appropriate additional funding for these areas.

The report notes allocations from Proposition 1 passed during the 84th Legislature that provided $1.74 billion in transportation funding. What is not often emphasized is that the appropriation originated from oil and gas severance taxes provided to state's Economic Stabilization Fund. Further, during the 85th Legislative Session, the industry worked extensively on an effort to reallocate a percentage of severance tax permanently for road repair and maintenance within the energy sector, but due to a tight budget cycle, the effort was to no avail. Oil and natural gas operators will continue to work with county officials and the legislature to develop a permanent solution.

Although not widely recognized by anti-fossil fuel activists, the report reaffirms how the exploration, extraction, processing and distribution of oil and gas has been of vital importance to the Texas economy. From 2008-2016 alone, $107 billion in state taxes and state royalty payments were paid by the Texas oil and natural gas industry. Further, every one of Texas' 36 congressional districts, 150 House districts, and 31 Senate districts include counties where people are employed in the oil and gas arena.

The Texas oil and natural gas industry values the prosperity and well-being of the state and its citizens and looks forward to participating in continued research opportunities that will assist in shaping its operational footprint for years to come.

Ed Longanecker is president of the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association.
Houston police are asking for your help in identifying a woman found dead June 17. The woman was discovered at 6400 Bissonnet by a groundskeeper, however police suspect the body may have been moved.

The woman was discovered in a seated position under bleachers at Bayland Park.
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Police found a man dead overnight in a car from an apparent gunshot wound.

Officers headed about midnight to the 7200 block of Tidwell after hearing reports of a shooting, said detective E.P. Aguilera with the Houston Police Department. There, they found the man dead in his car.

Police did not identify the man early Friday.

Police also did not release details about a suspect or a motive for the gunfire.

The man was sitting in the driver's seat of the car with the windows rolled up, Aguilera said. It was unclear if he was shot and killed inside of the vehicle or if he was shot elsewhere and went to his car.
Dear Abby:

I'm a 12-year-old boy with some generosity problems. When my neighborhood friends come to my house, I offer them some things (food, mostly) that are strictly off-limits, but it feels necessary.

Also, these friends bully me, and it's against the rules to play with them, but I want to, so I sneak out to do it. I know I'm not doing the right thing, but I can't help it. Can you help me?

Can't Say No

Dear Can't Say No:

I'll try. But first, you will have to understand and accept that "friends" who bully and take advantage of you are not friends. Giving them things that are "strictly off-limits" may seem necessary, but it won't buy real friendship.

Believe it or not, your best friends are your parents. That's why it's important that you level with them about what has been going on. Ask them if they can help you get into after-school activities where you will meet nicer people who might like to be friends with you for no other reason than the fact that you are a nice person, too.

Dear Abby:

I'm having a problem with my dental hygienist, "Gloria." During my appointments, she engages me in conversation, which invariably lengthens the appointment from a half-hour to a whole hour. She giggles like a schoolgirl and stops multiple times during the cleaning to remove tools from my mouth so we can talk.

I don't want to be rude, but my appointments are on weekdays, and I need to get back to work. Occasionally, I have brought something to read, hoping it would keep Gloria from striking up a conversation, but it never works. I'm now considering changing dentists because I have neither the time nor the patience to deal with her. Please help.

Miffed in Milwaukee

Dear Miffed:

When you go to your next appointment, the first words out of your mouth should be to tell Gloria you don't have time to talk and must be out of there promptly in 30 minutes. If she can't comply, discuss it with your dentist so he/she can "remind" Gloria that her relationship with patients isn't personal, but professional, and discourage the small talk. The dental practice is a business, and if the situation is as you describe, Gloria could book twice as many patients as she's seeing now if she curtails the small talk.

DearAbby.comDear AbbyP.O. Box 69440Los Angeles, CA 90069Andrews McMeel Syndication
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A Galveston County man's murder was allegedly orchestrated by a self-described "Mexican card reader" who wanted to continue a series of sexually-charged religious rituals with the murder victim's teenage relative, according to court documents released this week.

A Galveston County complaint affidavit for Jose Leyva, 65, alleges that Leyva corroborated with three other suspects to plan an attack on Francisco Esparza, who was found May 23 shot to death on FM 517.

LEAGUE CITY MURDER: Suspected shooter arrested at border checkpoint

Court documents describe a series of "prayer sessions" involving Leyva and Esparza's 19-year-old relative, in which Leyva convinced Esparza's family that a demon inside the teen, called a "Black Reaper," was to blame for a car accident that killed a family member. Leyva said oral sex had to be performed on the teen by an unknown man to "suck out the Black Reaper."

Leyva, who described himself to police as a "Mexican card reader," told police that the sessions also involved rubbing olive oil on the teen's body, including the genitals, and praying.

The 19-year-old called police May 24 to explain the family wanted to stop the sessions. He told police he believed Leyva may have planned an attack on Esparza as revenge after Esparza told Leyva to leave the teen alone.

Leyva, along with 40-year-old Santos Botello and brothers 24-year-old Jaime Posada and 21-year-old Ricardo Posada, have been charged with murder in Esparza's death.

Maj. Douglas Hudson of the Galveston County Sheriff's Department said Jose Leyva was also present when the teen was stabbed by another, unnamed suspect on May 6 at the La Tapatia restaurant in Alvin at 801 S. Gordon Street in Alvin.

"That's what started all of this and led up to the murder," Hudson said.

According to court records, Leyva told the teen that he should have died during the stabbing, and that the teen needed "to be careful because something bad was going to happen to his mother or other family members."

Alvin police were unavailable to comment on the May 6 case on Friday.

INTOXICATION MANSLAUGHTER: Galveston man sentenced in fatal crash

According to court documents, Leyva said the 19-year-old had "bad spirits" internally and "something bad was going to happen" to the teen or the family if the sessions stopped. Leyva told police that when he first shook the teen's hand, "he felt that something was wrong" with the teen.

The 19-year-old told police that Leyva showed up at the teen's home the night of May 22, but was turned away. Leyva then allegedly called the teen's phone multiple times that night, according to court records.

The teen told police that Esparza called Leyva at 6 a.m. May 23 to tell Leyva to leave the teen alone. Police allege Jaime Posada, Ricardo Posada and Botello went to Esparza's property at 3316 FM 517 on May 23 in a black Ford F-150 and shot Esparza multiple times.

Levya knew both Posada brothers and Botello. He had prayed with their parents before, according to court records.

Investigators allege that phone calls between Leyva and the other suspects before, during and after the murder prove his involvement.

Investigators report that when confronted with his phone records, Leyva told them "nothing was supposed to happen" and that the other suspects were supposed "to beat someone up," according to court documents.

Levya did not appear to have a criminal record in Galveston, Brazoria or Harris counties.

The Posada brothers were tracked down by police the day of the murder after witness reports from the scene. Botello was arrested two days later.

Hudson said investigators were able to move quickly on the murder case thanks to a wrecker driver who witnessed the shooting and took photos of the suspects' F-150 as it left the scene.

The Posada brothers were previously charged with aggravated robbery in connection with Esparza's death.

Botello was charged with aggravated assault on a public servant and felony evading arrest. The murder charges for all three were added this week.

Jaime Posada, Ricardo Posada and Botello are in the Galveston County Jail with $250,000 bond. Leyva has been released on $250,000 bond.
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Anthony Luna was supporting his family with his small cable television and internet utility company, providing service to 229 customers in Weston Lakes in Fort Bend County and Corrigan, a small town in Polk County. When customers needed to talk to Telecom Cable about outages or billing, they called Luna's personal cell phone number.

But the business that took a decade to build was destroyed in a matter of six weeks when underground cables that delivered service to homes in Weston Lakes were cut. Luna, in a lawsuit recently filed in state district court in Harris County, alleged that Comcast and its contractors, which were laying cables to bring Comcast services to the prosperous gated community, damaged Telecom's lines to put him out of business.

Michael Bybee, director of external affairs at Comcast in Houston, said Comcast disputes Telecom's claim and will vigorously defend itself. The two contractors, Aspen Utility Co. and A&A Cable Contractors, did not return calls for comment.

Luna said in the lawsuit that he couldn't fix the cables fast enough before another was sliced, knocking out service to his customers. He tried to reach Comcast to get them to stop cutting his cables, but all he had was the customer service phone number, which relegated him to navigating menu options, waiting on hold and leaving messages. While he was trying to get through, the lawsuit said, three more cable lines were cut.

"It was fast and furious," Luna said in an interview. "They could bully their way through the neighborhood and put us out of business."

Luna started his company in 2007 in Cypress. By 2013, it had attracted the attention of Comcast, which made an offer to buy Luna out for about $30,000, Luna said in an interview. Luna rejected the bid, recalling how insulted he felt that Comcast's offer was even less than Telecom's monthly revenues.

"Little did Telecom know that Comcast would adopt another method of taking control of its business," the lawsuit said.

The trouble began in 2015 when Comcast entered Weston Lakes, according to court records. The two companies would be sharing the same utility easements so Luna painted his cables orange and marked them with flags for easy identification.

Soon after, Luna was alerted by his customers of service outages. He found a mainline cable had been cut. The contractor directed Luna to call Comcast. "I did as best as I could to keep the cables operational but after the second or third day and nobody was calling me back," Luna said in an interview, "It became obvious it wasn't an accidental cable cut."

Luna couldn't re-install the cables fast enough and, within six weeks, every Telecom cable in Weston Lakes had been destroyed, according to the lawsuit. None of them were fixed by Comcast or its contractors.

"One would like to believe that the destruction was accidental, but the comprehensiveness of it coupled with Comcast's prior interest in Telecom renders such a conclusion doubtful," Telecom Cable alleged in the lawsuit.

By Aug. 1, 2015, Telecom had no more customers in Weston Lakes. Comcast now provides services to the community, according to the lawsuit.

With his company out of business, Luna had to find another job and ended up uprooting his family to take a technical operations position with a communications provider in New York. Telecom is no longer in business it also shut its doors in Corrigan and Luna isn't making nearly as much as he used to earn. He is still repaying the loans he took out to expand Telecom back in its prime.

RELATED: Comcast boosts internet speeds for some Houston customers

The lawsuit charges Comcast and its partners with negligence, interfering with customer service contracts and conspiring to damage Telecom's business. Telecom is seeking $1.2 million to compensate the company for lost customers, $625,0000 for cable-system equipment and other damages, according to the lawsuit.
WASHINGTON  When it comes to expanding U.S. oil and gas production, President Donald Trump has few greater hurdles than litigation from environmental groups that can tie up companies and federal agencies for years.

Now Republicans in Congress are examining ways by which to reduce the delays such litigation can bring to drilling and mining projects on federal lands.

"In reality a legal subindustry has thrived from endless environmental litigation," Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Louis., said at a hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources this week. "Our legal system is an important avenue for citizens seeking redress of wrongs perpetuated by the federal government... however special interests repeatedly exploit our legal system to further their own agendas."

So far House Republicans have not introduced any legislation or made specific recommendations on how the Department of Interior might go about speeding up the legal process. But members of the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations heard testimony this week from an attorney that has frequently represented the oil and gas industry and Caroline Lobdell, head of the Western Resources Legal Center, which trains law students for careers representing mining, timber, oil and gas and ranching interests.

Lobdell recommended a series of administrative changes at the Department of Interior, including moves to reduce environmental groups ability to recover attorneys' fees and reducing the practice of putting strict requirements on companies operating on federal lands.

"Plaintiffs love to plumb the depths of voluminous Management Plans to find inflexible standards and required procedures to serve as a foundation for lawsuits to stop agency projects. Every use of the word "shall" in a management plan lifts a plaintiff lawyer's heart," she testified.

As the Trump administration moves to expand oil and gas drilling across federal lands, House Republicans have been reviewing regulations at the Interior Department across the board.

During another hearing at House Natural Resources Thursday, Democrats questioned whether Republicans planned to let, "the oil and gas industry call all the shots as to how to manage these lands."

"It's only taken five months and nearly every move on energy that this administration has made could have come right out of the executive boardrooms of the American Petroleum Institute or the National Mining Association," said Alan Lowenthal, D-Calif., ranking member on the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee.

Environmental groups have been adamant they plan to use the court system to block or at least slow any action President Trump takes to expand drilling on federal lands.

But so far, the moves by House Republicans are not setting off alarm bells around the offices of environmental attorneys, said Rebecca Riley, a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council.

"The oil and gas industry routinely files lawsuits under environmental statutes," she said. "I don't think [Congress] would be looking at cutting the avenue off. It's such an important means to keeping government accountable."
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An attempt to snap a photo with porn star Mia Khalifa left a San Antonio man with a unique autograph  a bruise on his cheek  after he claims she punched him.

Jared, known on Twitter as @FourthTigerClaw, is at the center of rebuke from the adult film actress' fans after he tweeted before and after photos of his encounter with her in Austin, at the Future concert on June 23 at the Austin360 Amphitheater at Circuit of The Americas.

One picture shows the 20-year-old at the side of an off-guard Khalifa. In the other, he attempted to show the mark her punch allegedly left.

RELATED: Porn star Mia Khalifa has the hots for Texas Tech football coach Kliff Kingsbury

Fans supported the Austin-based actress by tweeting "all you had to do is ask" and added much more peaceful pictures of the times they met Khalifa. In some cases, she took the photos herself.

Khalifa eventually chimed in on the Twitter conversation. She called a woman who was defending her to Jared's claims "the sweetest" and contrasted their meet-up to what happened with Jared.

"Thank you for asking me nicely rather than jumping in front of me while I was walking & shoving a cam in my face," she told her, presumably referring to the situation involving the San Antonio man.

Khalifa was initially not immediately available to return requests for comment, but tweeted a response to this article after it was published Thursday afternoon.

"If you yell degrading profanities at me for half a mile then jump in my personal space uninvited, I will defend myself," she said in a tweet.

Jared told mySA.com that she was "ignoring everyone for the most part" at the concert. He said he saw other fans who "just walked up and took pictures without any type of reaction from her."

"Since me and my friends had already been ignored when we asked for a picture I just decided to do what the others were doing," he said. "I walked ahead of her to the side and took a picture as she came up making sure I wasn't in her space."

Jared claimed Khalifa swung after the snap.

RELATED: Guy Fieri made an under-the-radar stop in S.A. for his 'family road trip'

"Photo clicks and then I hear, 'get the f--k away from me' from Mia before she hit me in the face,'" he said.

The fan said he didn't deem the alleged punch "necessary" to involve authorities. He also didn't expect the viral backlash he's received since posting the photos.

"Honestly, it wasn't a big deal. I was just happy to have gotten a picture with her, but now there's all this drama and I'm not sure if it was worth posting," he said. "I posted just for my friends to have a good laugh at the situation, not to stir social arguments."

Still, the retweets, favorites and comments in support of Khalifa are pouring in. Many fans couldn't find the bruise Khalifa allegedly made Jared's face. Others suggested Jared should file a lawsuit.

See the real-life and Twitter drama unfold in the gallery above.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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The Texas Legislature ended its regular session May 29 and is preparing to return for a special session July 18.

Representatives of the Lake Houston area, District 127 Rep. Dan Huberty, and District 4 Sen. Brandon Creighton were invited by the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce as guest speakers during the State of the State Luncheon to discuss legislative priorities at the Kingwood Country Club on Tuesday, June 27.

"It was a tough session," Huberty said.

During this legislative session, more than 1,220 bills were adopted. More than 1,000 were signed by the governor, including 578 House bills and 430 Senate bills. The governor vetoed 50 bills - 36 House bills and 14 Senate bills.

Huberty said the need of a special session is due to Sunset legislation that was not passed, specifically in regards to keeping the Medical Board in place. Huberty said its passing is essential.

"For those of you who go see your doctor, that's kind of an important thing because they have to be licensed through the state of Texas," Huberty said.

Along with the Sunset legislation, Gov. Greg Abbott placed several other items on the list to be addressed during special session. Huberty pointed to a potential teacher pay raise of $1,000.

"Sounds great, right? Except there's no money to give it," Huberty said.

The Legislature could also consider the creation of a School Finance Reform Commission, which had passed in the Senate, but not the House.

"I don't believe we need a Finance Commission," said Huberty, chair of the House Public Education Committee. "I believe we know what to do to fix school finance  It comes to the same principle, which is: We are only funding 37 percent of the cost of education in the state of Texas today. In 2007, we were funding 49 percent of the cost of education."

He said Texas is not allotting the necessary resources for school districts to be capable of reducing their costs.

"For example, Humble ISD is at the maximum taxable rate of $1.17, so even if we as a community wanted to spend more money on our schools, for some reason, we couldn't," Huberty said.

Another topic for review will be school choice for special needs students, which Huberty said was not likely to pass the House. He believes before discussion begins for that topic, the school finance system must be fixed.

Additionally, a municipal annexation reform bill that would require consent from voters in a region before land can be annexed by a city, was filibustered on the last day. It is one of the items listed to be addressed in the special session.

"San Antonio is going through the same thing that Kingwood went through back in 1997," Huberty said. "San Antonio is out of control and they are just going and trying to take areas of the city that just really don't belong to them, for the tax base and the tax base alone."

Huberty turned his focus to what was done during the regular session.

A balanced budget of approximately $217 billion was passed, which is constitutionally required.

Because oil and gas are driving factors in the Texas economy, the depression of oil resulted in a stagnation of budget growth that leads to underfunding in some areas, including education, according to Huberty.

Huberty also said property taxes are too high because appraisals continue to increase and the state is not putting in resources to reduce costs. Approximately 75 percent of property taxes relate to school taxes.

"We have a fundamental flaw within the system right now," Huberty said.

The budget includes 10 different articles. Huberty focused on two: education and health and human services.

Approximately 37 percent of the budget is allocated to education and 36 percent to health and human services.

"That leaves, basically, 25-26 percent of all other dollars to be spent on everything else: infrastructure, roads, water, security, border security, things of that nature," Huberty said.

On the public education front, $75 million overall was put into districts dealing with property tax reduction, or ASATR. In 2006, the Texas Legislature passed a school finance reform that included compensating school districts for the loss of revenue.

"2011, we came back and said that deal's going to be off in 2017, so you need to be prepared," Huberty said.

Huberty said the $75 million will not be sufficient to keep some school districts afloat, saying while Humble ISD is not impacted, there are schools in places like west Texas that will close as a result.

Something that remained in the budget was New Instructional Facilities Allotment funding, which reserves $47.5 million for school districts to apply for resources to help open new schools.

Additionally, $1.6 billion was allocated to pre-k funding.

From a higher education standpoint, Huberty said that financial aid did increase, although he acknowledged some institutions feel not enough was done.

SB 1 also included funding for addressing mental health issues.

"That's important because we have a lot of issues going on; a lot of homeless people in the state of Texas; a lot of mental health problems that we're dealing with," Huberty said.

Approximately $800 million was allocated toward border security, including funding for 250 new troopers.

Huberty pointed to some priority bills that he commended, like HB 1886, which requires school districts to begin identifying dyslexic students at an earlier age. SB 7, also known as "Pass the Trash," requires district administrations to identify teachers who leave their jobs due to misconduct with students such as being a sexual predator.

According to Huberty, school finance reform was the most important thing not accomplished during the legislative session.

"We spent the first four weeks of legislative session dealing with school finance reform under HB 21," Huberty said. "It was the first time that we dealt as a legislative body with school finance in over 30 years without a court order."

The bill would put approximately $1.6 billion in the system and increase the share of state funding from approximately 37 to 40 percent. It would put additional resources toward transportation allotment as well as $120 million toward resources to address dyslexia.

"I plan on filing a school finance bill again," Huberty said. "I'm happy to have that discussion again. I'm not going to stop fighting."

He also discussed HB 22, which restructured the controversial school accountability ratings system from five domains to three: student achievement, student progress and closing the gaps.

Creighton, representing district 4, discussed a piece of legislation he carried to change the way in which Texas ports are supported by establishing a revolving fund to sustain ports that may be experiencing a shortage of federal funding.

"If they're not getting the money they need from the federal government, they can rely on the state for a bridge loan, for basically a loan that they have to pay back, but it fills a gap in time for funding," Creighton said.

Another bill Creighton pointed to was a bill focused on businesses' actions regarding Israel. Creighton said the bill is intended to prevent Texas investment or pension money from being allowed to be accumulated if a business discriminates against Israel.

"They are our greatest friend in the Middle East and it's critical to our defense that we have allies in the Middle East that stay strong," Creighton said. "So, that bill was the first bill of the legislative session that Governor Abbott signed into law and we had a press conference that was covered from here to the main newspapers on the front page in Jerusalem, and we're going to deliver that pen that Governor Abbott signed that bill with directly to President Netanyahu this summer to show him that Texas will always be a friend to the state of Israel."
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A suspected shooter is in police custody Thursday after injuring his ex-wife and killing her husband in their League City home, according to the Galveston County District Attorney's Office.

Sayantan Ghose, 41, of Richmond has been arrested and charged with murder in the late Wednesday shootings.

Police found 43-year-old Clarence Wayne Harris dead in the driveway in front of his house in the 700 block of Mayhill Ridge, according to the probable cause affidavit. Harris suffered from seven bullet wounds.

Clarence's wife, 36-year-old Amanda Harris, was taken to an area hospital. She suffered from two gunshot wounds, the affidavit said.

Amanda Harris called police shortly before 9 p.m, according to the affidavit. She told police that she was going to make a citizen arrest because her ex-husband, Ghose, was at her doorstep.

Amanda Harris also disclosed to police that Ghose had been stalking her for years. She and her husband apparently both had weapons on them.

The police officer on the line heard her scream, "Get away from my gun!" and then additional screams and yelling in the background.

Shots also began to fire off in the background. Ghose had already left the home by the time police arrived, according to a news release from League City Police Department.

At the hospital, Amanda was interviewed by a detective. She explained that when she parked in her driveway, she noticed Ghose standing on her doorstep, the affidavit said.

Before the gunfire, Ghose apparently was arguing with the woman's current husband, Wayne Harris, in front of the house, when Ghose eventually shot the man.

A bail of $150,000 has been set for Ghose, police said in the news release.
Chad Holley - whose videotaped beating by Houston police officers in 2010 made national headlines - is getting one more second chance.

Holley, who could have faced up to six years in prison for violating terms of his probation, was given a reprieve Friday by state District Judge Robert Johnson.

The 23-year-old was arrested in 2012 and charged with burglary, the same crime that led to the police beating during his arrest in 2010.

After the second arrest, prosecutors argued that he should go to prison, but former judge David Mendoza gave him seven years of probation.

On Friday, Johnson decided not to revoke Holley's probation but added an extra year to the probationary term, meaning Holley will remain on probation until 2021.

He had been arrested on charges of stealing a cell phone and trespassing. He also faced revocation for not paying court fees and not reporting to his probation officer.

"He's no angel. He's made some mistakes, but those were fairly minor mistakes," said his attorney, Philip Scardino. "The judge took all that under consideration and came up with a good verdict."

If Holley successfully completes his deferred adjudication probation, there will not be a conviction on his record. If his probation is revoked, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors had asked the judge to revoke Holley's probation and sentence him to six years in prison.

"I do feel like he's been given a number of chances and he's never taken advantage of those chances to stay on the straight and narrow," said prosecutor Jamie Burro. "It's in the best interest of society for him to be in prison."

Holley was charged in December with capital murder, but the charge was later dismissed for lack of evidence. He has been in the Harris County Jail jail since October on alleged probation violations.

In 2013, he received seven years of deferred adjudication under a felony burglary plea deal. That probation was in effect in October when he was arrested on misdemeanor charges of theft and trespassing.

On Friday, his fiancee, Jade Mutin, said Holley wants to get out of jail and go to college for design. She said Holley will take advantage of the second chance.

"We have three kids and his next step is to enroll in college and provide for his family," she said.

She said she was surprised by the judge's decision because of Holley's notoriety.

"He's 'Chad Holley' and so many people are against him," she said. "I prayed and prayed and prayed and here's the answer."

Holley was a 15-year-old high school sophomore in 2010 when he was beaten by Houston police as he fled a burglary arrest. The incident gained national attention in 2011 when surveillance video surfaced that showed officers kicking and punching the unarmed teen.

A dozen officers were disciplined and four were indicted on misdemeanor charges. Two took plea deals, one was convicted by a jury and the fourth was acquitted. Holley was convicted of burglary in juvenile court and received probation.

brian.rogers@chron.com

Twitter.com/brianjrogers
Harris County deputies recently announced the arrest of 16 individuals nabbed in a two-day undercover operation designed to curb the demand for prostitution.

According to a news release from Harris County Constable, Precinct 4, authorities received complaints of wide-spread prostitution in the FM 1960 and I-45 area.
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Special prosecutors assigned to build a criminal case against Attorney General Ken Paxton are asking for a second time that a judge delay the trial until they can be paid.

The special prosecutors made the request on Thursday at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center as they and Paxton's legal defense team met Judge Robert Johnson for the first time since the case was moved out of Paxton's home base of Collin County.

A team of three special prosecutors are owed $205,000 in back pay from 2016, but the commissioners court in Collin County has refused to sign off the payments in light of a lawsuit filed by a Paxton ally who says the payments exceed the county's local cap on attorneys' fees.

Whether the special prosecutors are paid is an issue now before the 5th Court of Appeals. Any decision by the court will likely be appealed to the Criminal Court of Appeals, potentially stretching into the fall.

"We haven't been paid in 18 months," Brian Wice, one of three special prosecutors assigned to Paxton's case, said to the judge in arguing to temporarily defer scheduling the trial.

"Not my dog, not my problem," responded Dan Cogdell, one of Paxton's criminal defense attorneys. "Mr. Paxton has the right to a trial ... a speedy trial."

The prosecutors' payments first wound up in the court in lawsuits filed by Jeffory Blackard, a real estate developer and Paxton ally who argues the special prosecutors' pay rate of $300 per hour exceeds the county's cap on fees.

The Collin County Commissioners Court has since voted not to pay the special prosecutors and have filed a writ of mandamus with the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas.

Judge George Gallagher, a Tarrant County judge who was overseeing the case when proceedings were held in Collin County, denied the special prosecutors' motion to delay the trial until payment issues were resolved. However, the special prosecutors got a delay anyway when Gallagher decided to move the case to Harris County.

Paxton is charged with two counts of felony securities fraud for convincing members of his investment group to sink money into a North Texas technology company without disclosing he would make a commission. He also faces a lesser felony charge of failing to register as an insurance adviser with the state.

Paxton maintains his innocence and contends he is the victim of political retribution.

Escorted by seven officers from the sheriff's office, Paxton walked into the courtroom holding hands with his wife, Angela.

Johnson, the judge for the 177th State District Court, asked both parties to submit procedural timelines of the case by July 7 and to return to court for another hearing on July 27.

The hearing marks the first time Paxton and many of the attorneys on both sides of the case have meet Judge Johnson, a newly-elected jurist assigned to oversee the high-profile case two weeks ago.

The trial date has changed twice in recent months amid legal wrangling. Paxton was to go to trial in May before his previous judge moved the trial to Harris County and set a September trial date. That judge has since been removed from the case after losing jurisdiction to continue presiding, leading to the appointment of the new judge.
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The mayor of Manvel, a town of 9,000 near Pearland, responded this week to a recent Houston Chronicle story about a 60,000-square-foot mansion that the owner considered trying to turn into a residential facility for military veterans.

Earlier this year, the owner - Houston real estate investor Jim Youngblood - agreed to partner with Christa Mode, a U.S. Navy veteran who envisioned a peer-to-peer support organization.

FULL STORY: That 60,000-square-foot Manvel mansion won't house veterans, after all

The story said that Mode's "dream ran into a roadblock last month when the city of Manvel declined to grant the necessary zoning permits."

Manvel's mayor sent the Chronicle a two-page letter explaining the city's interactions with Youngblood and saying the city did in fact approve the zoning change he sought.

Mayor Debra Davison wrote that city employees met with Youngblood five times from December 2015 to March 2017 to discuss his ideas for how to use the mansion, which has sat unfinished since construction began in 2001.

Davison said the ideas ranged from a senior living community to a school for the disabled to an inpatient treatment facility for veterans.

The mayor said residents in the subdivision "expressed their concerns about information posted on social media sites about various possible uses of the property. ... Also, it was unclear as to whether those who were proposing the various developments had a business plan, adequate funding, knowledge, or experience to ensure their development was successful."

Youngblood decided to file a rezoning application this April, Davison said, asking the city to change the property from "Open Single Family Residential" to "Light Commercial." The City Council on June 12 approved that change.

The developer did not seek a "Specific Use Permit" that would allow the operation of an extended-stay treatment facility, the mayor added.

"At no time did the city of Manvel decline to grant any necessary zoning change," Davison said. "In fact, the Manvel City Council unanimously approved the zoning change requested by the property owner."

Youngblood said Friday that Davison's statements were accurate, but he said the reason he did not make the additional request because "it was obvious that we would not succeed."

"Moving forward," he added in an email, "we intend to obtain the required permits and begin the process of rehabbing the Mansion to become a unique rural business park."
UPDATE: The following SFGATE article, based on reports from Newsweek and Feministing regarding anti-abortion legislation in Missouri, was incorrect. The article stated that a controversial new bill in Missouri may allow employers and landlords to discriminate against women who used birth control. It would not.

According to Newsweek, which retracted its story on the issue:

The bill, SB 5, would, among other things, impose tighter restrictions on abortion providers and allow real estate agents to refuse to sell or rent them land. The bill would also allow "alternatives to abortion agencies"a term that includes places that encourage women to carry their babies to termto function without the risk of political restriction.

What it would not do is bar women on birth control from working. The impact of the bill was erroneously reported last week by Newsweek, Bustle, the Associated Press and Feministing. The bill was widely misinterpreted to include measures that made reproductive health care decisions a criteria for employers, but focused primarily on abortion providers and alternative agencies.

SFGATE's original story:

If Missouri lawmakers have their way, landlords will be able to evict tenants for having an abortion, getting pregnant while unmarried or even simply using birth control.

But that's not all. Under legislation known as Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), employers would also be able to refuse to hire  or even fire  female staffers for the same reasons.

The bill was originally passed by the state Senate on June 14 after Gov. Eric Greitens called a special session. It would roll back a months-old St. Louis ordinance that barred employers and landlords from discriminating against women for their reproductive health choices.

Greitens blasted the ordinance, saying it turned St. Louis into "an abortion sanctuary city." and that he was "under attack" by radical city officials.

He maintained the regulation was preventing pro-life groups (including so-called "Crisis Pregnancy Centers" that masquerade as health care centers but mainly counsel pregnant women against abortion) from hiring pro-life women.

On Tuesday, a revised version of SB 5 that would impose even more draconian restrictions on abortion clinics was passed by the state House. The measures include, for example, unannounced inspections of clinics and a requirement that abortion providers send fetal tissue samples to a pathologist within five days, the feminist publication Feministing reported.

The additional red tape could force some abortions to close, Newsweek reported.

Senate approval of the revised version is expected to be a slam dunk.

SB 5 would seem to flout the Federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which prohibits employment discrimination against women because they've had or considered an abortion. But the statute makes no mention of birth control.

As Newsweek notes, a landlord or employer would normally not have access to information about a woman's birth-control practices, but under SB 5, they would be able to ask her what forms of reproductive health care she is using.

In April, a federal judge struck down two Missouri laws that prevented clinics, other than a Planned Parenthood outlet in St. Louis, from offering women abortions. SB 5 would appear to override the ruling.

In May, 11 women dressed in costumes from the television show "The Handmaid's Tale" walked through the Missouri Capitol to protest a proposal aimed at limiting abortion funding.

One protester carried a sign that said "'The Handmaid's Tale' is not an instruction manual," the Associated Press reported.
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Precinct 4 deputies raided a five-bedroom home Thursday in the 8600 block of Arcola Ridge Drive in Houston, where they found more than $200,000 in merchandise  Dewalt drills, vacuums, assorted electronics  stacked, some ceiling-high, throughout the house.

Deputies also confiscated two cars including a black Jaguar, which are suspected to have been used to transport the property, as well as two U-Haul trucks which were also filled with merchandise from boxes cookware to leaf blowers.



Earlier this year, deputies chased after two individuals who had robbed a department store along Kuykendahl Road, off the Grand Parkway. The suspects had stolen an assortment of items, such as power tools.



The pair, investigators later found, were just one branch of a theft operation that extended throughout Harris County and as far as Lufkin, nearly 120 miles northeast of Houston, said, Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman.



"The two suspects had people stealing items from stores in Lufkin, Houston, and all over Harris County," Herman said. "With this operation we cut the head off the snake."



Andre Tan Nguyen, 42, and Julie Van Nguyen, 41, are suspected of organizing the crime ring and are each being held in the Harris County Jail on $500,000 bond.



Herman said the two would list items they wanted from individuals who would then steal from various stores  most often Target, Home Depot, and Lowes  before meeting them in a parking lot to exchange the items for payment. Undercover officers infiltrated the ring, supplying bugged merchandise so they could track them to the home.



More than $200,000 in merchandise was stolen during the operation, which started at least five months ago, Herman said.



The constables office is in the process of returning the items to their respective stores. Herman said his department is working with other agencies in the state to apprehend others involved.



It's been five to eight years, when a glut of lawn equipment was stolen, since an operation of similar scope was uncovered, he said.



"It had an impact on local retailers' sales," Herman said, "but I feel even better since we got these criminals off the street."
A Walker County sheriff's deputy and his K9 partner uncovered a large amount of cocaine, heroin and money during a traffic stop on Wednesday.

The deputy and Akie, his K9 partner, conducted a traffic stop on north Interstate 45 on June 28.
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The city of Houston has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit claiming new ordinances unconstitutionally infringe on the rights of the homeless, calling some of the ACLU-sponsored lawsuit's claims "nonsensical," "disingenuous" and "void of factual allegations."

Tammy Kohr and other homeless Houstonians argued in the lawsuit filed May 12 that the new laws - one that prohibits camping in public and one that restricts panhandling - illegally burden free speech and violate the U.S. Constitution's protection against cruel punishment.

READ MORE: ACLU sues city over panhandling, camping ordinances

The city responded June 23 with a motion asking the judge to dismiss the lawsuit and a separate filing arguing that, if the lawsuit is allowed to continue, Kohr and the other plaintiffs should not be allowed to represent all homeless Houstonians by getting certified as a class, which the ACLU sought.

The city first argued that the plaintiffs did not have standing, or a legal right to sue, because they had not been arrested or prosecuted under the ordinances when they filed the suit.

Houston's attorneys also wrote that the panhandling ordinance - which bars individuals from impeding roadways, sidewalks or entryways - does not infringe on rights to free speech:

"This prohibition does not invoke a First Amendment claim; it is simply designed to keep people from blocking the use of a roadway so that traffic can move in the streets and people can enjoy the use of the city's sidewalks. ... The city has the right to regulate the use of city streets and other facilities to assure the safety and convenience of people in their use."

The city's lawyers cite a 1965 Supreme Court decision that sided with the leader of a civil rights demonstration who was convicted of obstructing a public passageway. In their opinion in Cox v. Louisiana, the justices made clear that although Baton Rouge had unlawfully applied that law, states do have "the right to impose nondiscriminatory restrictions on travel on city streets."

The city's lawyers reserved their most severe language for the ACLU's allegation that the panhandling statute was too vague to be fairly enforced.

"This is nonsensical," the city argued, saying the ordinance clearly defined solicitation. The motion also says the original lawsuit was "disingenuous" to claim the ordinance was too vague when it said panhandlers must stop when someone makes a "request" to do so.

READ MORE: As major cities crack down on panhandling, people of faith wrestle with their consciences

"Plaintiffs have failed to allege any facts which would show that the plain language of the statute is impermissibly vague and provides law enforcement officers complete discretion," the city concluded. "To the contrary, the applicable terms are defined, with examples, and the relevant conduct at issue is specifically described in detail to provide not only law enforcement, but every citizen of ordinary intelligence a reasonable opportunity to know what conduct is prohibited."

The city's filing also reveals that Kohr, the first listed plaintiff, accepted a spot in permanent supportive housing offered by the Houston Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team and received keys to her housing unit as of June 22, the day before the city filed its responses.

The ACLU lawyer leading the homeless Houstonians' lawsuit, Trisha Trigilio, said the city's response did not address the key issues.

"Among all the legal arguments that Houston makes to try to get rid of this lawsuit," Trigilio told the Chronicle on Thursday, "they have not defended their new anti-panhandling law as consistent with free-speech rights, and they have not defended their camping ban as consistent with constitutional rights against cruel punishment under the Eighth Amendment. They haven't really addressed the core questions in this case, they're just trying to get the lawsuit dismissed on technicalities."

A city spokeswoman said the city would not comment on Trigilio's response.

The ACLU team now has two or three weeks to file a response before the judge, U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt, decides whether the lawsuit can go forward.

City Council in April passed the two ordinances, which the mayor proposed in response to increased complaints about aggressive panhandling and homeless camps.

The complaints came even as the region enjoyed a nearly 60 percent decline in homelessness since 2012, when an integrated approach started to focus on immediately housing the homeless rather than imposing other requirements first.

Mayor Sylvester Turner has said the new rules strike a "delicate balance" between helping the homeless and ensuring public safety.

The panhandling ordinance - which went into effect April 12 - bars individuals from impeding roadways, sidewalks or entryways.

The encampment ordinance, which took effect May 12, bans tents and other habitation structures on public property, and requires that personal belongings kept on public property fit inside a three-foot cube.

Turner said last month that the rules were meant to carefully balance constitutional rights with "the legitimate public health, safety and welfare of all citizens in the public space."

"Based on my reading of the lawsuit filed by the ACLU, they would have us do nothing," he said. "This is a public safety issue and we cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend that it does not exist. The question is what is the best way or ways to transition people from living on the street ... to a better place."
A Lubbock County man accused of threatening his girlfriend on Facebook and attacking her with a pocket knife Tuesday was indicted on a second-degree felony count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

On May 18 Samuel Torrez reportedly went to his girlfriend's house and asked her for a ride to see his daughter at a nearby hospital. She agreed and as they were leaving, they began arguing and he accused her of being unfaithful, according to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. She said he threw beer bottles at her and accused her of being unfaithful before they got in her car.
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The gunman involved in the shooting of two San Antonio police officers Thursday has been identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.

Andrew C. Bice, 34, died just after 5 p.m. Thursday at University Hospital after shooting himself, officials told mySA.com Friday.

READ MORE: 'Last night, there was no laughing': SAPD officer describes grim mood at roll call after shooting

Police said he shot himself in the head after attacking two police officers near San Antonio College Thursday afternoon.

Officer Miguel Moreno, 32, succumbed to his injuries sustained in the shooting early Friday morning. His partner, Julio Cavazos, is expected to survive after getting shot in the torso area.

RELATED: McManus releases additional details on downtown-area shootout

The last known address for Bice was on the Northeast Side, officials said.

Bice previously faced charges in Bexar County of possession of a controlled substance, assault causing bodily injury to a family member and evading arrest.

Authorities from St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office detailed Bice's extensive criminal history in Louisiana. From a period of August 7, 2008 to Jan. 20, 2017, Bice was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail nine times on more than 30 charges, including multiple charges of kidnapping and burglary, drunken driving, resisting arrest and cruelty to a juvenile.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Staff writers Jacob Beltran and Alia Malik contributed to this report.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
A handful of areas along the Texas coast are experiencing high levels of fecal bacteria ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, monitoring by Texas Beach Watch shows.

Those headed to Texas beaches ahead of Independence Day festivities should be weary of which areas are safe to swim in and which to use caution.
WASHINGTON  Former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's selection as President Donald Trump's ambassador to NATO continues a run of high-profile Texans in the Trump administration, and one that may soften the edges of the president's prickly relations with the outside world.

She will be joining former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, now Trump's energy czar, and ex-ExxonMobil chief Rex Tillerson, now Trump's embattled Secretary of State. At the White House, she also will recognize former Texas Republican Party Chairman Steve Munisteri, now deputy director of the office of public liaison in the Trump administration.

For Hutchison, 73, coming out of political retirement after three terms in the Senate will put her in a whole new partisan sphere than the one she left when she decided not to run in 2012.

Political observers will be watching to see how Hutchinson, the most senior female Republican senator by the end of her tenure, will navigate Trump's well-known insistence on absolute loyalty, the more so since his messy twitter attack Thursday on MSNBC figure Mika Brzezinski.

In an MSNBC interview in April last year, Hutchison said Trump was wrong to attack Hillary Clinton on gender and needed to stay more focused on issues and experience.

"The context that he's using, personal attacks on his opponents, both Republicans as well as Democrats, is just the wrong attack right now," Hutchison said. "It is time for him to start talking substance and I thought his foreign policy speech was a step in the right direction. And I think we don't need any more of these personal, little slights."

Hutchison, originally a backer of Jeb Bush for president in 2016, also said she wasn't sure at the time if she could support Trump if he won the GOP nomination.

As ambassador to NATO, Hutchison will become the face of Trump's uneasy relationship with the 28-nation military alliance, which he once called "obsolete."

The president has pressed European members of the alliance to spend more money on defense, saying the U.S. was being shortchanged. It will presumably be up to Hutchison now to drive a harder bargain.

As a senator, Hutchison served on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Defense and Military Construction appropriations subcommittees.

As she faces the Senate confirmation process, she has received the thumbs-up of both current Texas senators. "With a proven track record of getting results, she has always done what she thought was in the best interest of Texas and our country," said Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate.

Sen. Ted Cruz also weighed in on Friday, saying her past Senate committee posts give her "an incredible insight into the issues facing Europe, her allies and the importance of NATO to serve in opposition to Russian aggression."
A state district judge on Friday dismissed Houston firefighters' lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the city's pension reform package, leaving the law to go into effect Saturday.

State District Judge Patricia Kerrigan granted the city's request to dismiss the case while denying firefighters' motion to temporarily block the law from being implemented.
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The Texas Supreme Court held Friday that same-sex couples are not necessarily entitled to government employment benefits, sending the case challenging the city of Houston's provision of benefits back to trial court.

The unanimous opinion does not prevent the city from offering employment benefits to same-sex spouses, as it has done intermittently for the last four years.

Rather, it says the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision recognizing gay marriage two years ago in Obergefell v. Hodges did not resolve whether employees' same-sex spouses have a right to benefits.

"The Supreme Court held in Obergefell that the Constitution requires states to license and recognize same-sex marriages to the same extent that they license and recognize opposite-sex marriages, but it did not hold that states must provide the same publicly funded benefits to all married persons," Justice Jeffrey S. Boyd wrote. "Of course, that does not mean ... that the city may constitutionally deny benefits to its employees' same-sex spouses. Those are the issues that this case now presents."

Houston plans to continue providing spousal benefits to same-sex couples while it reviews the decision, Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement.

"Marriage equality is the law of the land, and everyone is entitled to the full benefits of marriage, regardless of the gender of their spouse," Turner said.

Plaintiffs' attorney Jared Woodfill cheered the decision as "a huge win."

"The court has limited Obergefell in terms of how broadly it should be interpreted," Woodfill said, adding, "It recognized that there's an argument to be made at the trial court that taxpayer dollars should not be used in violation of one's deeply held religious beliefs."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who filed an amicus brief last year supporting the plaintiffs, echoed Woodfill.

"I'm extremely pleased that the Texas Supreme Court recognized that Texas law is still important when it comes to marriage," Paxton said in a statement. "While the U.S. Supreme Court declared a right to same-sex marriage, that ruling did not resolve all legal issues related to marriage."

Houston began offering same-sex benefits in November 2013, after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

Plaintiffs Jack Pidgeon and Larry Hicks quickly sued, alleging the payments were an illegal use of taxpayer money.

A year later, a trial court temporarily blocked the city from providing same-sex benefits - a ruling that held until the July 2015, when the state's Fourteenth Court of Appeals removed the temporary injunction in light of Obergefell.

The state Supreme Court's ruling essentially wipes that slate clean and instructs the trial court to reconsider the case.

Woodfill said he intends to ask for another injunction preventing the city from providing same-sex benefits and requiring Houston to "claw back" benefits paid to employees' same-sex spouses before Obergefell.

The city did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the monetary value of benefits paid during that period, and Woodfill said he did not know.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer advocacy organizations condemned the decision as undercutting marriage equality.

"The Texas Supreme Court's decision this morning is a warning shot to all LGBTQ Americans that the war on marriage equality is ever-evolving, and anti-LGBTQ activists will do anything possible to discriminate against our families," Sarah Kate Ellis, president of the New York-based group GLAAD said in a statement.

Lambda Legal, which co-authored an amicus brief backing the city, said it would work with Houston attorneys on the case.

"This absurd contortion of the Obergefell ruling defies all logic and reason," Dallas-based Lambda Legal attorney Kenneth D. Upton, Jr. said in a statement. "Marriage is marriage and equal is equal."
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.
The Massachusetts Senate is considering a bill that would require drivers to put down their cellphones while behind the wheel.

Under the measure scheduled for debate on Thursday, motorists would only be allowed to use their cellphones, or other electronic devices such as GPSs, in hands-free mode.

It also would be illegal to access social media, make video calls or use any camera function while driving.

The proposal would allow for a single touch or swipe to activate a hands-free mechanism. Exceptions also would be made for certain emergency calls.

The bill aims to reduce one of the leading causes of distracted driving, which according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claimed nearly 3,500 lives in the U.S. in 2015. The agency estimates that at any given moment during daylight hours, more than 800,000 vehicles are being operated by a motorist who also is using a hand-held cellphone.

Texting while driving already is illegal in Massachusetts, as is all cellphone use by drivers under the age of 18.

Fourteen states, including neighboring Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont, ban the use of hand-held cellphones by motorists. A proposed ban has been passed by the Legislature in Maine, but its unclear if Republican Gov. Paul LePage will sign it.

All but a handful of U.S. states ban texting while driving.

Similar legislation was approved by the Massachusetts Senate during the last two-year session of the Legislature, but never came up for a final vote in the House.

Opponents say its up to drivers to take personal responsibility to ensure that cellphone conversations arent taking their attention off the road.

Under the bill, drivers would be fined $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third offense. A third violation also would result in an automobile insurance surcharge.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
AKRON, Ohio -- One person is dead, five others are hurt and no one is in custody after two unrelated shootings that capped off a violent night and early morning in Akron, police said.

Deontae D. Henderson, 24, died about 9:30 p.m. at Akron City Hospital after he was shot on a porch of a home on Sumner Street near East South Street, Akron police Lt. Rick Edwards said.

A 17-year-old was shot and suffered non-life threatening injures. A 30-year-old man and a 23-year-old man also were shot. One is in critical condition and the other suffered non-life threatening injuries, police say.

Preliminary investigation indicates the 17-year-old man walked onto the porch and knocked on the door.

Henderson opened the door and walked out onto the porch. After a short conversation, multiple shots were fired, police say. Police do not know who fired shots.

The 30-year-old man and a 23-year-old man were shot after they came out of the house. They were taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Edwards said.

The 17-year-old was taken to Akron Children's Hospital.

The second shooting happened at a large gathering of people at a gas station on Merriman Road near North Portage Path.

A 23-year-old man and a 29-year-old man were shot about 3 a.m. Thursday on Merriman Road near North Portage Path at a gas station, Edwards said.

The men's injuries are not considered life threatening, police said. They were taken to Akron City Hospital for treatment.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
AVON LAKE, Ohio - A proposal is being referred to the Avon Lake planning commission to amend the definition of wind energy systems.

The proposal is also an updated resolution of support for the wind power efforts of Lake Erie Energy Development Corp (LEEDCo). Councilwoman Jennifer Fenderbosch announced the proposal to city council members at the June 26 council meeting.

"The company has secured a $10 million investment from the US Department of Energy and seeks to finalize an additional $40 million, but must finalize its last goal--a collection of resolutions from Ohio cities. That's why we are doing this tonight," said Fenderbosch.

LEEDCo wants to build an offshore wind power industry in Ohio as a clean energy alternative due to "a critical need to develop more domestic clean energy to protect our environment and create new industries," said Fenderbosch.

To that end, LEEDCo is developing a demo project called "Icebreaker" that will consist of six wind turbines seven miles off the coast of downtown Cleveland. The plan is projected to create more than 500 jobs and lead to an industry that employs 8,000 people by 2030.

LEEDCo's hope is that "Icebreaker" will become a model for offshore wind development in the Great Lake region, she said.

The planning commission is being asked to review the updated resolution that provides for the wind energy system that, as before, has a rated capacity of more than 20 kilowatts, but the resolution would eliminate a limit of 1.5 megawatts on the top end. "That way," she said, "they can continue developing the wind energy system and we won't have additional changes."

Fenderbosch noted the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB), represents 160 different agencies. Their mission, according to their web site, is "to support sound energy policies that provide for the installation of energy capacity and transmission infrastructure for the benefit of the Ohio citizens, promoting the state's economic interests, and protecting the environment and land use." The types of projects that fall under OPSB's jurisdiction include major utility facilities or "economically significant wind farms within the state of Ohio."

The demo project is slated for completion in October of 2019, said Fenderbosch.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- "Morning Joe" hosts Mika BrzezInski and Joe Scarborough fired back at President Donald Trump Friday, writing an op-ed in The Washington Post.

The scathing missive is a response to the president's tweets from a day earlier in which Trump referred to Brzezinski as "low I.Q. Crazy Mika" and claimed "she was bleeding badly from a face-lift" during a visit to Mar-a-Lago around New Year's Eve.

"President Trump launched personal attacks against us Thursday, but our concerns about his unmoored behavior go far beyond the personal," the column begins. "America's leaders and allies are asking themselves yet again whether this man is fit to be president. We have our doubts, but we are both certain that the man is not mentally equipped to continue watching our show, 'Morning Joe.'"

But it's a passage in the second paragraph that is sure to raise some eyebrows.

"This year, top White House staff members warned that the National Enquirer was planning to publish a negative article about us unless we begged the president to have the story spiked. We ignored their desperate pleas," Scarborough and Brzezinski write.

Trump responded later in the morning, calling that astonishing claim "fake news."

"He called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no! Bad show," the president tweeted.

Watched low rated @Morning_Joe for first time in long time. FAKE NEWS. He called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no! Bad show  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 30, 2017

But on the show, Brzezinski said the National Enquirer threatened to publish the story by calling their children and close friends to put pressure on them to stop the program's negative coverage of Trump.

The tabloid issued a statement, denying that claim.

"At the beginning of June, we accurately reported a story that recounted the relationship between Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the truth of which is not in dispute," the statement reads. "At no time did we threaten either Joe or Mika or their children in connection with our reporting on the story. We have no knowledge of any discussions between the White House and Joe and Mika about our story, and absolutely no involvement in those discussions."

In the Washington Post column, the co-hosts also question Trump's mental state and his claims that he no longer watches their show.

"The president's unhealthy obsession with 'Morning Joe' does not serve the best interests of either his mental state or the country he runs," the write. "Despite his constant claims that he no longer watches the show, the president's closest advisers tell us otherwise. That is unfortunate. We believe it would be better for America and the rest of the world if he would keep his 60-inch-plus flat-screen TV tuned to 'Fox & Friends.'"

Addressing Trump's attack on Brzezinski's appearance, the couple calls it a lie.

"Though it is no one's business, the president's petulant personal attack against yet another woman's looks compels us to report that Mika has never had a face-lift."

Brzezinski and Scarborough delayed their planned vacation to appear on "Morning Joe" this morning to address the controversy.

"We're OK, the country's not," Scarborough said. "Yesterday was just another example of how deeply personal he is. He attacks women because he fears women."

Brzezinski said she is doing fine.

"My family brought me up really tough. This is absolutely nothing for me personally," she said. "But I am very concerned as to what this once again reveals about the president of the United States."

You can read the full column in the Washington Post here.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - It was only half-past-lettuce on the vegetable-themed clock at DeCaro Produce in the West Side Market, and Melissa Lau was already getting teary.

On Friday, Lau was little more than an hour into her last day of running the stand that has been in her family for the past 83 years, and she conceded, "I'm going to be crying a lot, I'm sure."

Lau, 52, of Parma, is closing the stand - a business where she has worked since she was 8 years old -- with mixed emotions.

"It's sad to move on, but for me it's just time," she said. "My heart hasn't been in it for a little bit, and I'm just ready to move on.

"I can have a little bit more of a life," she added. "I have six and a half grand-babies, so I could spend some time with them. Have some weekends and holidays (off)."

There were moments of business as usual on that final morning as Lau joked with customers she knew by their first names - and more importantly, what they liked to buy.

"Hi, Pat," she greeted one customer. "Sorry, no baby carrots today."

"That's OK," he woman replied. "I'm still trying to figure out what I'm cooking this week."

But Lau knew there were going to be some tough moments, too. "It's hard to watch it be gone," she said. "It's hard to walk away from the heritage. It's hard to be the last one."

She shook her head and leaned against the old wood cash box that was used by her grandfather, Augustino DeCaro, when the Sicilian immigrant first opened the stand with his wife, Rose.

Lau said her grandfather initially went to Chicago. "But the mafia tried to recruit my grandfather and he didn't want any part of that so he came to Cleveland," she said.

Everyone in the family worked at the stand at one time or another.

Lau's father, Joseph DeCaro (who died in 2012), was a colorful red-capped figure at the market, who was known for such wisecracks to customers as, "The lady before you gave me a $10 tip."

He had a sign prominently displayed at the stand with a saying -- "Good food is not cheap and cheap food is not good" - that was replicated on the DeCaro T-shirt that Lau wore.

Her father's presence lingered in other ways on that final business morning, when Lau was joking with a customer and raised her eyes heavenward and quipped, "I'm sorry, Dad!"

Lau was joined by one of her eight siblings -- her sister, Patty D'Angelo, of Solon - at the stand that day, who recalled that when they were children, they were paid $2 a day when they worked at the market. "If we weren't working hard enough, my dad would tell us we were 'fired,' and fired meant work without pay," she said.

She remembered the days when the stand once sold live chickens. Customers could pick one out, do their shopping, and come back to collect their bird that had been butchered, cleaned and wrapped, ready to cook.

In winter, the stand was heated by a kerosene stove that also kept the produce from freezing. D'Angelo said they'd stash a sweet potato on the stove so they'd have a warm, cooked treat at the end of the day.

Lau was the only child of Joseph DeCaro to make the stand her career, and D'Angelo said, "She definitely was a little landmark herself at the market. She feels bad because it's the end of an era."

Lau remarked, "All my siblings have educations so they don't want the market. All my (four) children have educations so they get everything I don't - sick days, holidays, weekends (off), insurance. And I certainly can't ask any of my siblings or my children to give that up for this."

When you figure in the long hours, and working through sizzling summers and hard winters, "it's a hard way of living. It's a hard life," she added.

But a rewarding one in some ways, Lau noted. "I've seen generations of customers here. That's the hard part. Walking away from that, because they're not just customers. Some of them have become very good friends."

One such customer, Ann Marie Wieland, of Cleveland, who visited the stand on its last day, said she has known Lau for the past 35 years. "She's a friend, and a real asset to the market. She has a great personality, and she knows her produce," Wieland said.

Cathy Evan, 58, of Cleveland, said the closing of DeCaro Produce is "very sad. It's a historical stand that has been here for so long."

She described Lau as "energetic, cheerful, positive, caring. I'll miss her face and smile and always saying, 'Thank-you girlfriend for shopping here.'"

The DeCaro Produce space will be taken over by an adjoining vendor, Greg's Produce. Greg Shuck said he has known Lau since their childhood days. "We both grew up at the market," he said. "She's a very good person and I hate to see her go."

Tina Lusti, who will be working in the expanded stand and was helping at DeCaro produce that day, said Lau will be a tough act to follow.

The customers "love her so much, they really do," she said. "She's a very upbeat, happy person. Very energetic. She wears me out."

Lau will be working in the produce department of Constantino's Market on West 9th Street. She starts her new job Saturday. "I can't sit around and feel sorry for myself," she said.

Besides, "I haven't worked 40 hours (a week) in 30 years. This is going to be a breeze for me," she added.

Looking back, Lau said, "I've had a great life. It's a hard way to make a living, but it's rewarding. From all the customers and all the vendors, you get lots of support all the way around," she said.

And though the hardest part of this final day of DeCaro Produce will be leaving the family tradition behind, Lau said she has assurances that she's making the right move.

"I went to the cemetery and talked to my Dad and Grandma," she said, with a warm smile. "They want me happy."
FAIRPORT HARBOR, Ohio--Locals used to claim that the "FHS" formed by bayberry bushes at the high school stadium field stood not for "Fairport Harding Skippers" but "Finns, Hungarians, Slovaks."

They also claimed that there were three kinds of people in Fairport Harbor: Finns, Hungarians and foreigners.

2017 is a big year for the many remaining Finns in this historic harborside village with two lighthouses. The village's Finnish Heritage Museum turns 10 today, Friday, June 30, and the Finnish Republic turns 100 on Dec. 6. The museum is spending the year celebrating both anniversaries, especially today through Sunday.

Museum president Lasse Hiltunen says Finns have worked hard to reach both milestones. "The Finns are known for their 'sisu.' It means guts and fortitude."

Hiltunen, former principal of the village's McKinley Elementary School, is proud of his native Finland's prowess in many fields, from individualized education to Fiskar scissors and Nokia cellphones. He's also proud of Fairport's many Finnish-American leaders over the decades, including Ohio's first woman mayor, Dr. Amy Kaukonen, elected in 1922.

According to "A History of Fairport Harbor, Ohio" by W. R. Branthover, a longtime Fairport Harding principal, the first Finns reached Northeast Ohio in 1872 and Fairport a year later. Other clusters formed in Rocky River, Cleveland's Near West Side, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Burton and Chardon. Most of the immigrants were from the fertile Vassa Province off the Gulf of Bothnia in western Finland.

Charles Hilston recruited about 50 countrymen to Fairport to widen the Pennsylvania and Lake Erie tracks, build its docks and work them. Soon the docks were teeming with iron ore from the newly tapped Mesabi range of Minnesota.

The railroad line let about 10 families build temporary homes on stilts on land called Finn Hollow. Before long, those families had to haul the homes uphill and give them basements. The homes survive today, much expanded.

At one point, about half the locals were of Finnish blood. Finnish bakeries arose, turning out such things as sweet cardamon bread and hard tack. Several cooperative Finnish stores arose, too. Lutheran churches served Finnish feasts of rice pudding, fruit soup, fish (much of it pickled or dried), beef stew, meatballs, lingonberries, beets, root vegetables, and more.

Many saloons arose, and so did the Kasvi Temperance Society in 1893. Prohibition came awhile, but plenty of liquor kept pouring in through the harbor.

McKinley Elementary printed report cards in English, Finnish and Hungarian. Many adults took night classes in English.

Back home, Finland overcame centuries of domination by neighboring Sweden and Russia to form the Republic. Struggles continued, including a bitter Winter War with the Soviet Union in 1939 and 1940, followed by World War II. More Finns fled to Fairport.

In recent decades, though, Fairport's population of about 3,000 grew more diverse, and many Finnish families scattered around Lake County and beyond.

About the turn of the century, watching locals toss Finnish artifacts into dumpsters, local leaders decided to save their heritage. In 2003, they raised a Finnish monument at Veteran's Park. Then they began to make the museum.

They caulked, insulated and renovated a crumbling village hall turned senior center at 301 High St. They gave it big picture windows, bamboo floors, a model sauna and colorful displays of photographs, maps, flags, crafts, a model historic ship and more.

Today, says Hiltunen, the museum continues to grow. It has 350 members and seven file cabinets of local genealogies. Locals gather there on Saturdays for coffee and cardamon bread. They also come for talks, performances and other events.

Around town, a group called the Stubborn Finns still sings, and the Finnish Treasurers Gift Shop offers crafts from abroad at 316 High St.

At Zion Lutheran Church, Rev. Hannu Vepsalainen cancelled Finnish services two years ago. "My wife said she could listen to me at home instead," he explained on Tuesday.

The retired pastor was planning to leave Fairport in midweek, after 20 years here and many others in Canada, to return to his Finnish homeland for good. But the church remains busy and will host a dinner in December honoring the Republic's anniversary.

For now, the museum's celebration begins today, when the local post office starts cancelling custom stamps bought from the museum. The post office will continue with them for a month.

Meanwhile, the museum will hold open houses from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m on Saturday, July 1, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. Leaders will cut a birthday cake at noon on Saturday.

The open houses will be part of the village's yearly Mardi Gras celebration, running Friday evening through Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4. Elsewhere, Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday and ushers in Lent. But in Fairport it means a festival that falls during the summer holidays regardless of the days of the week.

Hiltunen is happy about the museum's progress so far and optimistic about more. "You're looking at a group of people who are highly individualistic," he says. "Getting them to work together for a common cause--by golly, we're doing it."
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A teenager remains in critical condition Friday after suffering gunshot wounds at a Cleveland park, police say.

The 16-year-old was shot in the arm and abdomen about 3 a.m. at Topeka Park off Aspinwall Avenue in the city's South Collinwood neighborhood.

A security guard was in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store when he heard eight or 10 gunshots, a Cleveland police report says.

He saw two males making their way toward him a few minutes later. The 16-year-old was bleeding heavily and appeared as if he had several gunshot wounds to his torso, the report says.

The second male approached the guard and identified himself as the gunshot victim's brother, the report says. He yelled for help then walked toward St. Clair Avenue, leaving his brother with the guard, the report says.

Paramedics rushed the boy to University Hospitals where he was listed in critical but stable condition, the report says.

Officers found a blood trail outside the convenience store and traced it back to the playground at Topeka Park, the report says.

Detectives continue investigating the shooting, but no charges have been filed, according to court records and Cleveland police spokesman Det. Reginald Lanton.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- One police officer is in "grave, grave condition" and another is critical after they were shot Thursday in a gunfight, reports say.

San Antonio Police Chief Chief William McManus said an officer was shot in the face and is not expected to live, mysanantonio.com reports. A second officer wounded is in critical condition but is expected to live.

McManus tells KSAT Channel 12 the two officers responded to a suspicious-person call while on patrol at about 3:15 p.m. The officers noticed two suspicious men walking and parked their patrol car nearby.

As the officers got out of their car, one of the men opened fire. Both officers were wounded, one shot in the head and the other hit in the chin and chest.

"The one officer went down by the driver door, the one that was shot in the head. The other officer pulled him from the line of fire to the front of the vehicle and then returned fire himself after being shot in the chin," McManus tells KSAT.

One suspect was shot in the head and killed, while the other suspect was caught, reports say.

The wounded officers have not been identified, but police say they are both nine-year veterans with the department.

The motive for the shooting is unknown and remains under investigation.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
MONROE, Michigan -- A 48-year-old mother was formally charged Thursday after investigators say she bound her 11-year-old son, put him in a car and attempted to set it on fire, reports say.

Sherri Richter, 48, is being held in jail in Monroe County on a $100,000 bond after being charged with intent to murder and arson, the Toledo Blade reports.

Investigators with the sheriff's department say Richter bound her son's wrists and left him in a Ford Focus at a cemetery in LaSalle Township, CBS Detroit reports. She then tried to set it on fire, at one point pouring inside the car as the boy struggled to get free.

Richter was unable to set the car on fire and eventually took her son out, reports say.

According to clickondetroit.com, Richter's husband had called deputies and was concerned she might harm their son. Deputies arrived at the cemetery to find the car smoking but no one was inside.

Richter and her son were found in a different part of the cemetery, and she was taken into custody. Both were taken to a hospital and were treated and released.

A motive for Richter's actions is unknown and the incident remains under investigation.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio - The North Royalton Fire Department and University Hospitals have found a way to diagnosis and treat stroke patients faster.

It's called "telestroke." Paramedics with iPads can livestream video of patients to doctors at UH's Parma Medical Center. If doctors suspect a stroke, they can prepare the drug tPA, which breaks up blood clots in the brain that cause strokes. They can also have a CT scanner ready at the hospital.

Paramedics assist, not just by streaming video, but by looking for stroke symptoms themselves. Advanced training - from Parma Medical Center's EMS Education & Disaster Preparedness Institute - has helped them recognize the signs.

"Time is the key," said Dr. Sheldon Rose, chairman of the Parma Medical Center Emergency Department. "You have blockage of a blood vessel, and the question is, 'How quickly can I return blood flow to that part of the brain that's affected, and reverse and prevent further damage?'

"Our telestroke program is decreasing the time that it takes for me to give medicine or do an intervention that returns blood flow to the affected part of the brain," Rose said.

North Royalton Fire Chief Robert Chegan Jr. agreed there's a need for speed.

"Every minute that goes by, tissues die, and the chances of disability increase," Chegan said.

Rose said UH is the only hospital system in Northeast Ohio doing this type of work. It started in summer 2016 with a pilot program with the Parma Fire Department.

North Royalton was only the second municipality in Ohio to start using telestroke earlier this year. Today, Parma Medical Center is also receiving telestroke patients from Broadview Heights and Brooklyn, and training has begun in Parma Heights, according to Joe Toth, manager of Parma Medical Center's EMS training institute.

Noreen Chase, registered nurse and stroke coordinator at Parma Medical Center, provides the training. She teaches paramedics how to give a more-detailed stroke exam, which helps the ER doctor determine the severity and location of the stroke. The exam takes only three minutes.

Previously, paramedics only checked arm movement, facial droop and speech in potential stroke patients. Now, they also ask questions to evaluate the patient's mental status and their ability to follow demands and repeat phrases. They have the patient lift both legs separately, extend their arms with palms down, touch their fingers to their nose and lift their heel to their shin.

Telestroke isn't the first time North Royalton paramedics have trained with medical professionals at Parma Medical Center. Chegan said the training is constant.

"We review protocols, and the protocols and drugs we use are increasing," Chegan said. "We have turned into an ER on wheels. The treatment starts in the field, not in the ER. It's saved a lot of lives."

Telestroke training allowed North Royalton paramedics to spot stroke signs in a Woodridge Drive man earlier this year. The man was leaning, his left side was somewhat limp, he was slurring his speech and his face was drooping.

Paramedics started livestreaming on their iPad to Parma Medical Center. A doctor watched while paramedics administered the stroke exam. The doctor ascertained the stroke's location and severity, mixed the tPA drug and reserved the CT scanner -- all before the patient arrived at the hospital.

Chegan said the man is recovering nicely and receiving physical therapy.

"What we're doing in the field makes a difference," Chegan said.
NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio - Non-teaching staff - including custodians, maintenance and cafeteria workers, bus drivers, secretaries, clerks, aides and technology workers - will receive 1-percent increases, under a new one-year collective bargaining agreement with the North Royalton schools.

The contract, which runs from August through July 2018, will cost the district an estimated $66,720 in new wages, according to schools Superintendent Greg Gurka. He said 242 workers are represented under the contract, which does not cover supervisors, coordinators, bookkeepers and certain secretaries and clerks.

Hourly rates for these workers range from $8.55 to $26.20, according to the agreement.

As under previous contracts, workers will receive medical insurance and prescription-drug coverage. Gurka said employees pay 15 percent of the cost of their health benefits. The total monthly employee contribution for medical and prescription coverage is capped at $125 a month for a family and $75 a month for an individual, the contract says.

The district's cost for the benefits of these workers is about $2.3 million a year, Gurka said.

The contract for North Royalton teachers also ends at the end of July 2018. Gurka said negotiations with teachers have not started yet.

In March 2017, teachers agreed to forgo raises for one year to demonstrate support for a 4.4-mill bond issue and .5-mill levy on the May 2 ballot. Voters approved both measures, which will raise money for a school building master plan.

The district will replace Albion, Royal View and Valley Vista elementary schools with one new school; add a wing to North Royalton High School; and renovate Royalton Middle School.

The teachers' existing contract, which dates to August 2013, was originally due to expire July 31. The teachers' union agreed to extend the contract, and all its conditions, by one year to July 2018.

Meanwhile, the school board has approved borrowing $88.9 million for the building master plan. Property owners will repay the money over 30 years. The borrowed money, in combination with a new property tax, will cost the owner of a $200,000 home $18.08 a month or $217 a year.

"The district is in the process of hiring an architect and construction manager (for the building master plan project)," Gurka said in an email to cleveland.com. "Once that is completed, by September, we will begin the design phase."
Renacci runs a victory lap:

Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci's gubernatorial campaign was riding high on Thursday after flying with Vice President Mike Pence on Air Force 2 to a Cleveland-area event the day before.

"Stand with Jim and the Vice President," reads a fundraising email blasted out to supporters.

The email was embedded with a video of Pence praising Renacci as "a strong partner of this administration" during the Warrensville Heights event.

Pence added: "I was with Jim Renacci before it was cool."

Always be closing: Political candidates are CONSTANTLY raising money, but Pence's warm words came at an opportune time -- Ohio's quarterly campaign finance period ends today. Renacci, who's never run statewide before, will have perhaps more to prove in that department than the other Republican candidates in the race: Secretary of State Jon Husted, Attorney General Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor. Some extra last-minute cash can only help.

Fair observation: "It sounds like the White House is getting involved in the Ohio Republican governor's race," reads a headline from BuzzFeed's Henry J. Gomez.

But Pence's team denied the comment was meant an endorsement.

"The vice president was in no way making an endorsement but rather a personal comment to an old friend at an official event," Pence aide Marty Obst told Gomez. "However this has no bearing on what the president or vice president may do with respect to the Ohio gubernatorial campaign."

Here's the thing: Pence used the exact same line -- "I was with Jim Renacci before it was cool" -- at an October 2016 campaign event in Strongsville. Pence is a former Indiana congressman who campaigned for Renacci when he was first elected to Congress in 2011.

The upshot: Pence likely anticipated that Team Renacci, which has sought to brand Renacci as the most Trump-friendly Ohio candidate, would use the shout-out as an opportunity to enjoy the political spotlight. Even if it stops short of an endorsement, the White House gets to repay Renacci, who backed Trump vocally last year at a time other Ohio Republicans were keeping their distance, for his loyalty.

And, if Renacci turns out not to be viable, Pence still keeps his options open.

Never waste a crisis: The opioid epidemic is emerging as a key issue of the 2018 election in Ohio. On Thursday, I offered a rundown of how Republicans and Democrats are looking to stake out their turf on the issue.

Some highlights: Republican Attorney General Mike DeWine, ever politically astute, headed off Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, a potential 2018 Democratic opponent, by suing pharmaceutical companies after Whaley telegraphed the issue as part of her campaign platform. Democratic state lawmakers, haggling over the budget, use the epidemic as Exhibit A of underfunded state priorities.

And as Sen. Rob Portman tries to brand himself as a leading voice against the crisis, he's also getting squeezed for his support of a Republican healthcare bill that would cut future Medicaid funding, which pays for most of Ohio's addiction treatment.

Call me maybe: "Portman seems to like being Mr. Maybe," writes the USA Today's Deidre Shesgreen in the first line of a smart Thursday piece. "When it comes to big policy fights--from health care to immigration reform-- the Ohio Republican often holds himself out as uncommitted and open to compromise. That's a good place to be if you want legislative leverage, loads of media attention, and a little political drama."

Whether Portman's strategic fence-sitting on issues like the Republican healthcare bill -- which Portman publicly opposed only AFTER it was yanked for revisions -- is squishy political preservation or a power negotiating move is a matter of perspective.

"Portman and his allies say he frequently ends up in the middle because he is deliberative and careful, and he likes to wade through all the legislative details before making a final call," Shesgreen writes. "But critics say Portman likes to play hard to get and cast himself as a moderate, even though he rarely bucks his party on major issues."

Maybe not so mild-mannered? Things got a little testy during backroom negotiations over the healthcare bill, write Politico's John Breshnan and Seung Min Kim.

"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Rob Portman, close allies and typically mild-mannered men, got into a heated exchange over Medicaid at a meeting earlier this week. McConnell sided with conservatives eager to dramatically slow the program's growth, and laid into Portman for opposing it."

Maybe you had to be there: Here's what passes for "heated" from Portman's side, according to the Politico story: "The leadership has overreached on this bill."

McConnell, for his part, told Portman that when he was director of the Office of Budget and Management under then-President George W. Bush, he "backed entitlement reform."

Maybe it's working: Senate Republican leadership on Thursday suggested a new "repeal and replace" healthcare plan might keep in place a tax on high-income earners, as well as offering billions for opioid treatment, meant to "woo wavering Republicans from states hard hit by the opioid epidemic, including Senators Portman and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia," write the New York Times' Robert Pear and Thomas Kaplan.

Another one bites the dust: "The Premier Health Plan -- the commercial health insurance arm of Dayton-based Premier Health hospital network -- is leaving the federal health insurance exchange 'in the face of significant uncertainty surrounding the future direction of U.S. health care policy,'" writes the Dayton Daily News Tom Gnau.

CLE mayoral update: Cleveland Councilman Zack Reed was among the candidates to file petitions on Thursday to run for mayor, cleveland.com's Robert Higgs writes.

Eight candidates are seeking to challenge Mayor Frank Jackson, who filed this week to run for an unprecedented fourth term.

In Thursday morning tweet, Reed addressed his biggest electoral baggage head-on: "It's official, running for Mayor @CityofCleveland.My opponents may bring up my past drunkenness & DUI's.I am focused on the future of #CLE."

Meanwhile, Jackson could face a, let's say restive, political climate. Activists from the Rise up Cleveland campaign, backed by the Service Employees International Union, protested a Gates Mills fundraiser for Jackson on Wednesday, writes cleveland.com's Mark Naymik.

No pride: In the absence of action from the White House, Brown and other congressional Democrats are pushing a resolution recognizing June as "LGBTQ Pride Month," Koff writes.

Beyond making a political statement, will the resolution -- which itself is little more than a political statement -- go anywhere?

"David Popp, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said he has no information to announce on scheduling."

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CHEERS . . . to Bobo Kaleal, a champion in the fight against Crohn's disease, a painful disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Bobo, 14, and his team took part in last Sunday's Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis walk at Edgewater Park to raise money to research the disease. The Chester Township wrestler told The Plain Dealer's Lynn Ischay that he wants to tell other people with Crohn's that they aren't alone -- "Stay the course and don't stress out," he said. We can all stand to hear those words.

JEERS . . . to the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow for having the audacity to use taxpayer money to pay for television ads attacking the state of Ohio for trying to claw back $60 million the state says ECOT collected by improperly documenting student attendance. The online charter school recently filed a case with the Ohio Supreme Court seeking to block recovery of that money.

The online school admitted that it has been using state funds to defend itself, but said that it has a right to make its case. And so it does ... with its own funds.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The true-crime cable channel Investigation Discovery will examine the 2014 Cleveland murder of Michael Days on the episode of "Murder Calls" premiering at 10 p.m. Monday, July 3. The episode includes re-enactment scenes with actors, as well as interviews with several people connected to the murder investigation.

The program's description, provided by Investigation Discovery, says it begins with "the real-life 911 call a woman makes as she says a man forced his way into her Cleveland home, shot her boyfriend (Michael Days) in front of their kids, and fled. To find out who killed this young father and why, detectives will have to untangle a twisted web of jealousy, deceit and murder."

Days, 31, was shot and killed at his West 46th Street home on Nov. 12, 2014. Although the subsequent trial was widely covered by Cleveland media, "Murder Calls" treats the outcome as a mystery followed to a 2015 verdict.

Among those interviewed for the episode are: Days' mother, Norna Days; his cousin, Gabrielle Taylor; his aunt, Bertha Clark; and his niece, Shajuana Ross. Also interviewed are Cleveland police detective Tom Armelli, assistant prosecuting attorneys Anna Faraglia and Jeff Schnatter, and Cleveland City Council member Zack Reed.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed on Thursday Beijing's commitment to "one country, two systems," even as Hong Kong democracy advocates grow increasingly skeptical of the mainland's intentions. Xi's visit, tied to the 20th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from British rule, has renewed protests from those who claim Beijing has no interest in maintaining the policy, and instead wants to see the semi-autonomous "special administrative region " brought into the fold.

'Two systems' is a sticking point

On Wednesday, local police arrested 26 demonstrators who clambered up the Golden Bauhinia, a commemorative handover statue, to demand universal suffrage. Most of the protesters were detained for more than 24 hours before being released. Pro-democracy party Demosisto said in a Monday statement, "Our confidence in 'one country, two systems' has waned and is replaced by the fear of it becoming 'one country, 1.5 systems.'"

(From L to R) Student protest leader Joshua Wong, Hong Kong pro-democracy party League of Social Democrats (LSD) chairman Avery Ng, pro-democracy lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung and pro-democracy lawmaker Nathan Law hold a protest against their recent arrests in Hong Kong on June 30, 2017. Jayne Russell | AFP | Getty Images

The principle of "one country, two systems" has allowed the special administrative region to preserve civil liberties that mainland China does not uphold. For his part, from the tarmac of the Hong Kong airport, Xi said Beijing wants to make sure the structure has a "far-reaching future." But democracy advocates like Claudia Mo, who holds a seat on Hong Kong's Legislative Council, are critical of the policy's implementation to date. "The 'one country, two systems' promise has been a sham, a fraud, a cheat because Beijing simply doesn't trust Hong Kong," she told CNBC. Geopolitics experts also expressed doubt about the sanctity of the two separate systems.

The 'one country, two systems' promise has been a sham, a fraud, a cheat because Beijing simply doesn't trust Hong Kong. Claudia Mo Hong Kong lawmaker

Recently, it seems Beijing "barely recognizes the two systems" part of the structure, said Rodger Baker, vice president of strategic analysis at geopolitical intelligence firm Stratfor. He explained that the Chinese Communist Party can stomach two systems only "so long as those systems are 100 percent compatible with Beijing's interests."

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrive in Hong Kong, China, ahead of celebrations marking the city's handover from British to Chinese rule on June 29, 2017. Bobby Yip | Reuters

But there are elements of Hong Kong society and life that Beijing finds fundamentally disquieting. Under Xi's administration, pro-Beijing forces in Hong Kong have responded to recent political unrest with swift crackdowns, which have subsequently elicited greater sympathy for protesters. In 2014's "Umbrella Movement," police fired tear gas into a crowd that had gathered on the streets of one of the world's safest cities. When images of the chaos went viral, thousands poured into the streets to support the pro-democracy activists, many of whom were students. China's reactions to Hong Kong's recent political developments seem to indicate paranoia, said Richard Bush, director for the Center for East Asia Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution. Lawmaker Mo explained that the Chinese central government has a "profound" distrust of any push for broader democracy in Hong Kong because it equates those movements with demands for independence.

Umbrellas are opened as tens of thousands come to the main protest site one month after the Hong Kong police used tear gas to disperse protesters October 28, 2014 in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Getty Images

But the idea that many Hong Kong residents want to become independent is perhaps overblown. A recent survey conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that just 11.4 percent of respondents supported independence and that only 2.9 percent thought it was possible. On a practical level, independence would involve many logistical complications for Hong Kong, which is dependent on China for basic necessities. For instance, the city has typically imported at least 70 percent of its water from southern China since the 90's. Rather than independence, most protesters in Hong Kong are simply looking for better adherence to the democratic values enshrined in the documents that incorporated the city as a special administrative region of China.

'True' universal suffrage

One of the largest flashpoints between Beijing and activists is a single sentence in Article 45 of the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution: "The ultimate aim is the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures." In 2014, thousands took to the streets to demand "true" universal suffrage, when China revealed that Hong Kong people could only vote for chief executive candidates that had been nominated by a small committee filled with Beijing loyalists. The Chinese central government argues that this process achieves the goal laid out in the Basic Law, since all eligible voters would be able to cast a ballot. But pro-democracy advocates disagree, claiming that pre-screening candidates undermines the democratic process.

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Mo said activists want a "true democracy" where all qualified candidates would be able to run. "If the elected chief executive turns out to be a bad choice, we suffer the consequences and we'll try again the next time around. That's what we mean by true democracy," she said. Although protesters are legally allowed to express their frustration with the central government's interpretation of the Basic Law, experts said that the anti-establishment camp must walk a fine line. The politically disenfranchised, Stratfor's Baker said, have to be careful and not slip toward more radical protests. "It really just does come down to these fringe elements who have the potential to make this a more violent protest. That, in the long run, could trigger China just to decide that two systems is no longer viable at all," he said. Mo agreed, saying activists need to be aware of Beijing's tendency to perceive democratic advocacy as a demand for independence. "With that, they can use legal means to shut you down if you're not careful, and that's the end of Hong Kong if they want to reign with fear in this town," she said.

A new leader

On Saturday, Xi will observe the swearing in of Hong Kong's new chief executive, Carrie Lam on July 1, the same day as the handover anniversary. Lam assumes office amid a fragmented political landscape, in which her detractors allege she has no mandate because of the chief executive electoral process. Between the mounting pressures from both the Hong Kong public and Beijing, Brookings' Bush said that Lam "is caught in an impossible position." The chief executive-elect has pledged to uphold "one country, two systems" and maintain Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy. But Beijing's anxieties about agitation in Hong Kong will likely compel Lam to exercise control over local unrest.

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U.S. sanctions on a Chinese bank aiding nuclear-armed North Korea are "extremely long overdue" and the Trump administration should also consider action against even larger banks, according to a former U.S. intelligence official.

"This is a significant step but really a first step in what should be a much more extensive program against the Chinese entities that are violating U.S. law," said Bruce Klingner, former chief of the CIA's Korea branch and now senior research fellow for Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies Center.

On Thursday, the Treasury Department designated China's Bank of Dandong to be a "primary money laundering concern." It said the small bank "acts as a conduit for illicit North Korean financial activity." Two Chinese individuals were also targeted in the government's action.

The U.S. Treasury Department said its FinCEN (or Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) is taking steps that will prevent the bank from continuing to be an avenue for North Korea to have access to U.S. and international financial systems. It said the bank's activities include "facilitating millions of dollars of transactions for companies" or front entities known to have ties to the hermit regime's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

"For whatever reason, the U.S. has not taken action against China the way we had against other nations for their involvement with Iran," said Klingner.

Klingner said it was time to step up the sanctions and consider "imposing significant fines against China's big-four banks if they are found to be complicit" in illicit dealings with North Korea. In the past, he noted that the U.S. had imposed billions of dollars in fines on major European banks for money laundering, including violating sanctions with Iran.

That said, the former U.S. intelligence official added that the large Chinese banks maybe "too big to designate as money laundering concerns because it would have an impact on the U.S. and world economy."

"The medium to small banks," Klingner said, "could be designated depending on the available evidence."

President Donald Trump appears to have waited to impose sanctions against Chinese banks because he believed Chinese President Xi Jinping would be able to help persuade North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un to abandon the regime's nuclear and missile programs. A frustrated Trump, though, tweeted June 20 that "it has not worked" and many took it to mean the China outreach on North Korea had failed.
Berkshire Hathaway executives Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger have been business partners and friends for nearly 60 years and each has greatly influenced the other. "Every time I'm with Charlie, I get at least some new slant on an idea that causes me to rethink certain things," Buffett said in a joint interview with Munger on CNBC's "On The Money." Munger's deep understanding of psychological influence over business and career decisions may be to thank. In the early 1990s, Munger gave several speeches on the intersection of economics and psychology. During a speech at Harvard University, Munger notes that trying to keep those two concepts separate was costing him "a lot of money." Munger shared a list of 24 psychological tendencies that he's aware of when making business and career decisions. A recent video by investment firm Tiny Capital and animation studio Thinko illustrates an abridged version of this speech:

In the speech, Munger paired the following psychological phenomena with business examples to demonstrate how psychology and economic decision-making go hand in hand:

Pavlov's theory of classical conditioning

Munger says he has never taken a course in psychology or economics, but he did learn about Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov in his high school biology class. In the late 19th century, Pavlov studied whether external stimuli could start the digestion process by giving food to dogs after ringing a metronome. The dogs would learn to associate the ringing with incoming food and would start to salivate. Pavlov called creating this association "conditioning," according to the PBS show "A Science Odyssey."

"Well, the truth of the matter is that Pavlovian association is an enormously powerful psychological force in the daily life of all of us," Munger says. "And, indeed, in economics we wouldn't have money without the role of so-called secondary reinforcement." Munger says three-fourths of advertising works on pure Pavlovian conditioning. He mentions Coca-Cola as an example. "They want to be associated with every wonderful image: heroics in the Olympics, wonderful music, you name it," he says. "They don't want to be associated with presidents' funerals and so forth."

The bystander effect and social proof
DALIAN, China  Terrorists have used technology to their advantage, but now it's time for the industry to band together to combat that, said David Scharia from the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate.

These days, terrorists use technology "from radicalization, to incitement, to recruitment, to training  even the perpetration of the attack itself," Scharia told CNBC at the World Economic Forum's "Summer Davos" meeting in Dalian, China.

To fight those groups, tech firms must agree on the kind of terrorist content they won't allow on their services, and "once companies agree that this kind of propaganda will not be part of their platform, then the next challenge comes in how to identify, and how to take it down."

Just this week, Google , Facebook , Microsoft and Twitter announced an initiative with Scharia's division of the UN to tackle the issue with today's new tools  for instance, using machine learning to find and remove certain terrorist content. Along with the UN counter-terrorism executive directorate, the companies will also help smaller firms work on the same processes to tackle extremist content online.

Tech platforms have struggled to find a balance between issues of freedom of speech and privacy while working to curb the spread of terrorist content online. In other instances, there are also law enforcement debates on whether or not government can compel companies like Apple to allow access to consumer devices in related investigations. The long-standing question has been where to draw the line, and what a regulatory and legal framework would look like.

"A result of technology is that terrorists can hit anywhere, everywhere," Scharia said. "They're not limited by national borders  they can travel, and they can also plan attacks in one part of the world and execute it in a completely other part of the world, so everybody should be worried [and] everybody should work together."

The challenges associated with terrorism's online presence are here to stay, and it's important to work to stay one step ahead, said Scharia.

"When we look at the information technology revolution, it was developed without thinking about the fact that it may be used by terrorists," he said. Society needs to be planning ahead, so that in a few years' time, "when we have trucks that are autonomous, nobody will be able to hack them and get into the streets of Paris or New York."

"The spread of terrorism and violent extremism is a pressing global problem and a critical challenge for us all," the four firms said in a joint statement. "We take these issues very seriously, and each of our companies have developed policies and removal practices that enable us to take a hard line against terrorist or violent extremist content on our hosted consumer services."

See more of CNBC's World Economic Forum "Summer Davos" coverage here.
Research suggests there's one remarkably simple behavior that separates ultra-successful people from the rest. How many times do we look at one aspect of our lives or another  be it weight, stress, or finances  and wish it were different? Or that we knew how to change it? Carol Dweck, a researcher from Stanford University, spent over 3 decades trying to solve this common problem, and get to the root of why some people are able to figure out and overcome new challenges, while others failed. The answer was quite simple, actually. She found that there were two different approaches to life and resulting behaviors that separated the ultra-successful from the rest. More from Elle Kaplan:

How to hack your brain for insane productivity, according to science

Adopting these powerful morning habits will give you exceptional mental strength

How to start good habits and (actually) stick to them, according to Stanford psychologists These two habits are known as the "fixed mindset" and "growth mindset": A "fixed mindset" assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static givens which we can't change in any meaningful way. They think success is the affirmation of that inherent intelligence, an assessment of how those givens measure up against an equally fixed standard; striving for success and avoiding failure at all costs become a way of maintaining the sense of being smart or skilled. A "growth mindset," on the other hand, thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of un-intelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities. These two very different approaches, Dweck's research found, are at the root of whether some people become the best in their field while others languish.

Why you should use this behavior

Individuals who commit to a growth mindset have been found to accomplish more (both professionally and personally) than those with a fixed mindset. Rather than wasting time worrying about how intelligent they come across to others, they are putting their energy into developing and learning the skills necessary to accomplish the task at hand. Additionally, organizations that encourage and embody a growth mindset report an overwhelmingly more positive feeling about the workplace (in addition to more profits) when compared to those with a fixed mindset, according to Harvard Business Review.

How it works to build your confidence and success

You can accomplish nearly anything with a growth mindset, because you are more willing to accept both challenges and setbacks with the understanding that you may need to try several times to reach success. A person with a fixed mindset, on the other hand, is resistant to challenges and completely rejects failure by moving on to a new task, thus, never achieving the original goal. For example, a person with a fixed mindset is likely to think, "I'm a naturally talented writer, so it's likely that I will achieve great things in the writing field." While, at first, there may seem to be nothing wrong with this mindset, it only applies to one niche. This same person's fixed mindset will also think, "I'm not naturally talented at public speaking, so it's unlikely that I will achieve great things in public speaking." But let's think about this for a minute: when is the last time you or the others took any time to actually try public speaking?

My guess  it was probably in your early years of college (when truth be told, you probably weren't very interested in it). So I challenge you: try a public speaking course or read some articles on it, and you will be surprised at how much you can accomplish if you simply attempt it.

How you can hack your brain

As with most other things in life, if we do not already have a growth mindset, we have the ability (over time), to train our brains to think this way. These easy-to-implement brain hacks may just be the thing you need to actually accomplish your goals and kickstart good habits:

Start thinking (and truly believing) that life is a compilation of mini experiments

Through our education system we are taught that our successes are very black and white; pass or fail. If we fail, there is often not a second chance or we have to go through a major setback (waiting to repeat the ninth grade again and experience utter humiliation). In a 2014 Ted Talk, Carol Dweck discusses the power of "not yet"  she describes a high school in Chicago that gives students who did not achieve a passing mark in a course the grade "not yet," rather than a fail. This sends a message to students that they are on a learning curve and on a path to success instead of receiving the message of "full-stop  you are going nowhere." If we start thinking about our lives this way, we have a much greater potential of eventually reaching our goals even when it doesn't happen the first time around. If you apply for a job and do not receive an offer it does not mean you are a failure and will be jobless forever  it probably wasn't the right fit, go for the next one!

Aim for improvement, not perfection

"The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it's not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives."  Carol Dweck Once you convince yourself to dig for those hidden talents that you have been suppressing for all these years because you thought you weren't good at them, aim for improvement, not perfection. If your PE teacher in middle school told you that you weren't fit for running, do not aim to be an Olympic athlete  rather, start with one mile and eventually work your way up to a 5K in the Spring. If you haven't been to the gym in six months, do not go straight for the six-pack; aim for a low calorie lunch instead of pizza and take a walk 34 times a week (you are much more likely to achieve this and will develop a positive outlook on exercise in the long-run). Remember, the point is not to be the best at everything you do  enjoy the ride and take note of the people you are meeting, the learning you are doing and the personal growth that is happening along the way.

Step outside your comfort zone
It seems to have taken the election of a businessman president to shine a spotlight on, and start an overdue national conversation about, some of the most pernicious forms of workplace sexism.

In two tweets posted Thursday, Donald Trump writes that he has heard Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, hosts of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," speak "badly" of him. Noting that he no longer watches the program, Trump wonders why "low I.Q. Crazy Mika" and "Psycho Joe" would have come to his Mar-a-Lago resort at New Year's Eve, hoping to join him.

He writes that, at the time, Brzezinski was "bleeding badly from a face-lift" and that he "said no!"

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The response to Trump's missives has been swift, profuse and bipartisan. Some have focused on how inappropriate it is for the leader of the free world to be personally attacking morning show hosts on social media, while others have zeroed in on the distinctly sexist way in which Trump chose to insult Brzezinski.

The Washington Post's Callum Borchers writes, "The posts followed a consistent pattern: When Trump hits Brzezinski and Scarborough on Twitter, he hits Brzezinski harder, more personally and in a way that seems designed to portray her as someone who is insecure ('facelift') and unintelligent ('low IQ')  and who would not be on TV if not for her romantic relationship with Scarborough, to whom she was recently engaged."

Trump's use of the word "crazy," too, seems to have gendered connotations. Professional women have long fought against the stereotype that they're more emotional than their male counterparts, or even emotionally unstable.

Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee have demanded an apology from the President. So have Republicans like Ben Sasse and Lindsay Graham, as well as conservative pundits like Bill Kristol, who told the President, "You are a pig."

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This isn't the first time Trump has gone after a woman in viciously personal terms (see: Rosie O'Donnell). Nor is it the first time he's castigated a female journalist after a perceived slight: He also disparaged "Little Katy" Tur, whom Trump called a "third-rate reporter" and accused of refusing to report on crowd size at his rallies.

It's not even the first time he's hurled accusations of bleeding-while-female  who could forget his infamous post-debate remarks about "blood coming out of" Megyn Kelly's "wherever?"
Young professionals are no longer staying at one job and slowly moving up the ranks, like the prior generation.

However, almost 90 percent of millennials say they would choose to stay in a job long term if they knew they would get upward career mobility, according to survey software firm Qualtrics. Employers are taking heed.

Companies are now realizing that in order to retain their young staff they must keep them satisfied with more opportunities to grow, says company review site Glassdoor.

Effective bosses empower their employees by creating a culture of career growth. Here's how they're doing it, according to senior level executives at successful companies:
If Amazon 's servers were to go down, the internet would be in big trouble, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian said Friday.

"The internet kind of skips a beat," Ohanian said on "Squawk Box," due to the reliance of many of the websites users "know and love" on Amazon's infrastructure.

"So many companies are contingent on that. Google 's got a cloud option. There are few others that are coming up," he noted.

Ohanian spoke after a massive ransomware attack hit companies and government computers this week, causing them to shut down their systems. It was the second such attack in two months.

Among the companies that use Amazon Web Services, the world's biggest cloud business, are Netflix , Airbnb, Slack and Time Inc ., according to Amazon's website. Reddit also uses AWS. Earlier this year, web users experienced widespread glitches after Amazon's cloud had a technical disruption.

Amazon did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

Reddit, which is sometimes referred to as "the front page of the internet," was founded in 2005. The website was the 64th most-visited U.S. site in May with 48 million visitors, according to ComScore.

Regarding Amazon's purchase of Whole Foods , Ohanian said the deal is one additional step of Amazon working toward vertically integrating everything consumers want to buy.

"These trade-offs all make us a lot happier because our lives are a lot better," he said. "[But] what's important to me is that there is always competition."
An escalator past an electronic screen and ticker board at the Singapore Exchange. Lee Yen Nee | CNBC

"Singapore is actually a high yield market. If you look at the general (equity) market, we're more than 3 percent yield, between 3 and 3.5 percent  that's very attractive for investors these days in a yield hungry market, when fixed incomes are yielding so low," he said. The Singapore 10-year government bond yield was around 2.07 percent, while the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield was around 2.27 percent on Thursday. In a note earlier this week, the Singapore Exchange (SGX) said the STI's dividend yield was 3.3 percent as of June 27, 2017. That was higher than the 2.8 percent average of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, and the 2.5 percent average of Japan and Hong Kong markets. That was a turnaround for an exchange that struggled with investor confidence and thin trading volume after a penny stock rout, a spate of delistings and few initial public offerings (IPO). SGX has stepped up to inject some much-needed vitality into the market, including pursuing the listings of tech companies and studying the possibility of dual-class shares. Those efforts are paying off. This year, the exchange has seen nine new stock listings and is tipped by consultancy EY to lead the IPO pipeline for Southeast Asia in the second half of 2017. The $2 billion listing of Singtel's broadband subsidiary NetLink Trust next month, set to be the largest IPO this year, is among corporate actions on the SGX that could drive further market upside for Singapore, Credit Suisse wrote in a report earlier this month. The bank estimated that close to 79 percent of MSCI Singapore could be involved in corporate activities such as asset divestment, listings of business units or consolidation of holdings. Its preferred stocks include Singtel , DBS , UOL and Sembcorp Marine .

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Major banks are betting on artificial intelligence (AI) to act like a digital personal assistant to customers, helping to automate money-making decisions, top CEOs in the sector told CNBC, amid the continued threat from new, more nimble entrants into the market. "Really people don't like banking , it's boring, it takes time, causes them stress, and people have bad financial habits," Carlos Torres Vila, CEO of Spain's BBVA, told CNBC in an interview at the Money 20/20 conference in Copenhagen earlier this week. "What we can do is leverage data and AI to provide people with peace of mind, really having an almost magical experience that things in their financial life turn out the way they want it. It's almost like a self-driving bank experience." BBVA is one of the big banks investing heavily in moves to digitize its operations, as customers come to expect more from mobile apps and the way they interact with lenders.

A NAO humanoid robot, developed by Softbank Corp. subsidiary Aldebaran Robotics SA. Kiyoshi Ota | Bloomberg | Getty Images

AI has been hailed as a technology that can impact a number of areas  from using data to make more informed decisions for customers to having robot assistants that could answer questions. "AI is a very potent technology that we are applying in many areas. It will also sit in the interface with customers. The funny part is that sometimes you can see that the reliability of an answer of an AI-generated answer to the question of a customer is higher than of the very next person you get on the phone," Wiebe Draijer, CEO of Rabobank, told CNBC earlier this week. "We see AI as a solution to get more reliable insight, the right answer to the right question at the right time in support of the person sitting in a call center or in the branch. And so AI is extremely potent and we are going to see a revolution in how it's applied already." According to a survey of 600 bankers by Accenture, 76 percent think that in the next three years, the majority of banking organizations will deploy AI interfaces as their primary point for interacting with customers.

Mass job losses?

But the promise of AI also threatens the existence of bank branches. At the same time, a plethora of challenger banks from the likes of N26 to Monzo which are app-only have appeared, also posing a threat to traditional institutions. Banks are being attacked on several fronts, and face a potential "Kodak moment" by falling into irrelevance, according to former Barclays CEO Antony Jenkins, who now runs his own financial technology  or fintech  firm 10X.

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Warren Buffett has a saying about the stock market and investing in general: "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful."

Time and again, the value investor has used this philosophy to pounce on opportunities.

In 2011, when investors were still reeling from the fallout of the subprime mortgage crisis, and Bank of America was struggling with big losses and major legal bills, Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway plunked down $5 billion for preferred shares in the lender. The idea, which Buffett said dawned on him while taking a bath, bought time for Bank of America to bring itself back to health.

Bank of America's stock, trading below $10 when the deal was announced that August, has rebounded to $24.

For its efforts, Berkshire will be sitting on a paper profit of about $12 billion, once it exercises warrants for 700 million common shares at $7.14 a share, a move the company said Friday it would do now that Bank of America plans to raise its dividend 60 percent.

Buffett is bullish on financials, to be sure. Berkshire's portfolio was roughly 30 percent financials, its biggest sector bet, as of the end of March. That's even before the Bank of America common shares are added. Its next two biggest sector holdings are consumer noncyclicals, at 28 percent, and technology stocks, at 19 percent.

But banks had been a mainstay of Berkshire's holdings even before the crisis. It is a longtime holder of Wells Fargo and M&T Bank . It has held American Express shares since the 1990s, and US Bancorp since 2006.

From a long-term perspective, his embrace of bank stocks would seem to signal his bullish view on the U.S. economy. But financial stocks have a more practical purpose for Berkshire. "He's got a lot of cash to put to work and he needs bigger and bigger positions to move the needle," said David Rolfe, chief investment officer at St. Louis-based Wedgewood Partners, which has $6 billion under management, about 9 percent of that in Berkshire B shares.

"He's placing capital in best-of-breed companies he knows our society is going to need for many years to come," Rolfe said.

By his estimation, banks make up about 15 percent of Berkshire's $423 billion market capitalization. Combined, stakes in common shares of Wells Fargo and Bank of America (assuming the warrants are exercised) would be nearly 10 percent, Rolfe said.

A $5 billion investment in Goldman Sachs was another crisis-era coup for Berkshire, which is currently the bank's sixth-biggest holder with 2.8 percent of shares as of the end of March. Berkshire struck that deal in the darkest days of the subprime mortgage meltdown, just days after the collapse of Lehman Brothers and at a time when it wasn't certain how the banking system would work through the crisis.

Goldman's shares dipped below $50 back then. They currently trade around $223.

And Berkshire owns nearly 17 percent of American Express and just under 10 percent of Wells Fargo, an investment it has stuck by despite an embarrassing sales scandal that engulfed the company last fall.

Banks, especially, are exactly the type of company Buffett likes. They have a relatively simple business model  use cheap deposits to make higher-rate loans. They are essential to other companies and they tend to have strong brands in their core markets. "Banking is a very good business unless you do dumb things," Buffett told Fortune magazine in 2009.
Cheesecake Factory's irresistible bread basket isn't the only thing contributing to its popularity. Now approaching its fortieth year of business, David Overton, the eatery's chief executive, tells company review site Glassdoor his main ingredient for success: keeping employees happy. And it seems to be working. In fact, Overton made his 2017 debut on Glassdoor's Highest Rated CEO list thanks to his employees giving him a 93 percent approval rating for his leadership. The list was based on over two million company reviews submitted by anonymous employees on Glassdoor.

Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory. Getty Images

Here are three ways he keeps his staff happy and engaged:

Treat your employees like family

Overton explains that fostering employee trust and engagement is crucial. Those who help him lead the company are tasked with having a caring attitude towards their employees. "Treat them like you would treat yourself, always respectful and understanding that you're a family," he tells Glassdoor. This belief runs through Cheesecake Factory's history. The restaurant dates back to 1940 when Overton's mother, Evelyn, opened a small cake shop in Detroit, Michigan. In 1978, Overton helped his parents open the first official Cheesecake Factory in Beverly Hills. He proudly notes that the restaurant had "a line in front of our door before we even opened."

Hire people that share the same values

Hiring employees that share the same values has helped the company achieve cultural harmony and alignment. "We have tried to hire quality people, caring people, passionate people throughout the years," says Overton. "I think that really brings out the best in everyone." Camaraderie and teamwork also play a large part in keeping employees satisfied at work. The company routinely measures the staff's engagement and is "always looking for how to do more for the staff" and how to thank them.

Set your employees up for success
"The demographics of both China and India have the IMF and others predicting these two countries will remain at the top of GDP growth lists for the next several years."

There's a particular strength in those at the prime working age (roughly mid-thirties to mid-fifties), who have risen in the ranks to a stable career. This concentration should drive consumption, investing and saving, all of which support economic growth.

India paints a similarly positive picture, outpacing all of the major global indices over the start of 2017. India has solid demographics, with a median age of 26  indicating an even younger slice of educated, working people than China. In turn, the country's economy holds potential for innovation and productivity to thrive as more of the population enters the labor force.

Over the past three years, its gross domestic product (GDP) has increased by over 7 percent annually. Furthermore, increased economic activity should result from Narenda Modi's pro-business reforms, with his particular focus on boosting infrastructure.

The growth story in China and India is not a new one as both countries have been consistently near the top of world GDP growth over the past decade. China's growth took off in the late 90's and India joined it at the top of the list in 2013.

China's growth slowed during the past several years and India's growth rate dropped last year due to policy changes, which removed large denominated bills, but recent data show that growth in both countries is beginning to accelerate again.

Staying at the top of the growth list is sometimes difficult, especially for these emerging economies, which are now reaching a more mature status. But the demographics of both China and India have the IMF and others predicting these two countries will remain at the top of GDP growth lists for the next several years.

With all of these signs pointing to continued growth among the middle, working classes in China and India, investors may want to consider looking to strategically incorporate these countries into their portfolios. There are a number of ways to accomplish this, including exchange-traded-funds (ETFs), industrial commodities, the Yuan and the Rupee.

While we're constantly surrounded by the political buzz in America, it's important for investors to keep in mind that market movements resulting from the new administration's decisions are increasingly short-term, impulse reactions.

Keeping an eye on the fundamentals will help differentiate long-term, safer investments versus short-term, risky decisions. With the U.S. equity markets continuing to reach all-time highs, it could be a good time to look at locking in some profits and diversifying into foreign markets. Incorporating emerging markets into your portfolio can help you break away from the noise in the U.S. while expanding your portfolio.

Commentary by Chris Gaffney, president of the World Markets division of EverBank.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn asked South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday for help in working with China.

"At some point we'd be interested to hear how you're dealing with the Chinese policies and how you could help us in dealing with Chinese policies," Cohn said in candid comments on camera because the press was invited in to view the start of the meeting.

Speaking at the request of President Donald Trump, the former Goldman Sachs president listed China's "many predatory practices," such as:

its infringement on intellectual property rights

its demand that the U.S. transfer technology into China

its requirements that U.S. firms form joint ventures with Chinese companies to operate in the country

its restrictions on U.S. ownership of companies in China.

The detailed list follows the Trump administration's tough turn this week on China. The Treasury on Thursday issued sanctions against a Chinese shipping firm and two Chinese citizens tied to North Korea. The U.S. also plans to sell Taiwan $1.42 billion in arms, Reuters reported Thursday, citing a State Department spokeswoman.

Then on Friday, Axios reported the White House is "hell-bent" on potentially imposing roughly 20 percent tariffs on imports from countries such as China.

South Korea is China's largest source of imports, and the smaller country's economy has come under significant pressure from Beijing for allowing the U.S. to deploy a missile defense system in South Korea. Although the system is intended to deflect North Korean missiles, China views it as a security threat and has boycotted and banned South Korean products.

After winning the election in early May, Moon temporarily suspended deployment of the missile defense system. Last week, Moon said he would ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to lift China's retaliatory measures against South Korean businesses. He also said China should do more to curb North Korea's nuclear weapons development.

Trump has criticized U.S. trade policies with China and South Korea. In 2016, the U.S. had a $347 billion trade deficit with China for goods and a $27.7 billion deficit with South Korea, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

"Much of our biggest problem on trade has to do with our economic relationship with China," Cohn said. "We have maintained a very large trade deficit with China and it continues to grow."

Also Friday, Trump pledged to work with Moon on dealing with the "menace known as North Korea."

 Reuters contributed to this report.
Online food takeaway company Delivery Hero appeared to whet investors' appetite on Friday as its shares surged higher on the company's stock market debut.

"I'm glad we have had a good start but this is really about the long term (it's) about the next 10 to 15 years to build a very good service," CEO Niklas Ostberg told CNBC on Friday.

The company's shares rose over 3 percent shortly after Friday's opening bell. The start-up had priced its initial public offering (IPO) at top end of the price range, in order to raise around 1 billion euros ($1.14 billion). On Wednesday, it placed almost 19 million new shares and 15 million existing shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange at $25.50 a share.

The loss-making German firm is set to trade at a premium in comparison to its peers, a move which had split opinion among analysts assessing its profitability. While some traders have pointed to Delivery Hero's larger global footprint as reason to justify its premium rate, others have warned the company could be vulnerable to sustaining heavy losses.

When asked how the firm planned to soothe investor concerns regarding the start-up's loss-making track record and premium rates, Ostberg replied, "I think we will continue to go for growth we also see that our customers are very, very sticky. They stick with us for years and years and years and order more and more frequently and I think that's what investors really like."
A small number of family businesses in Asia and Europe continue to thrive despite fierce competition from larger corporations with deeper pockets . Besides the usual challenges confronting any enterprise, family businesses have also had to tackle obstacles unique to them, from family tiffs to planning the transition to the next generation. CNBC spoke to several family-run businesses over the past two seasons of "Lasting Legacy" to uncover insights on not only overcoming the increasingly competitive business environment but also prospering.

Starting young

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In many family-run businesses, younger generations often grow up around the business without being directly involved in business operations until much later. Anderson Tanoto, a director at family-run resources giant RGE (Royal Golden Eagle), told CNBC he frequently spent time at the company's plantations in Indonesia as a child. RGE began as as a plywood-focused business in the 1960s before it expanded into palm oil and pulp. "I spent four or five summers actually, in Kerinci, in Riau for example or in the plantations ... It was fun as a young kid being in nature, being fascinated by large structures, wearing hard hats and going through different canals and rivers," Anderson said. His sister, Belinda, recounted how spending time in the fields gave the younger members of the family a "strong emotional connection" to the family business.

All in the family

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At the Chateau de Beaucastel winery in France, the Perrin family has chosen to keep its business completely family-owned. "We are 100 percent family-owned, so it's never even been discussed to even give one percent outside of the family for shareholding," said Marc Perrin. He is part of the fifth generation of the family involved in the operation of the vineyard. The reason for doing so? The family wants to provide a foundation for future generations. "You don't plant a vineyard for you, you plant a vineyard for the next generation," Francois Perrin told CNBC, "It's important to know that your work ... is not for you, it's for the next generation."

Close, but not too close

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While keeping the family close has been a common theme in some of the oldest family-run businesses, Italian coffee business Illy operates on set of rules that ensures family members do not report directly to somebody they are related to. "We have very strict family rules, we could not have more than one (person)... per family branch within the same company or area," said Daria Illy, a fourth generation member of the family responsible for new product development. "You would not find two brothers working in the same department, for sure, and for sure not under the direct responsibility of a family member," she added.

Family feud
When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes to Israel next week (July 4), for a historic first visit of a government leader from the subcontinent, he does so against a background of booming business ties between the two countries, particularly in the field of defense. Israeli companies, led by government-owned aerospace giant Israel Aircraft Industries, have signed arms deals totaling over $2.6 billion so far in 2017 alone. Israeli businesses are also active in other fields in India including in agriculture, water and pharmaceuticals, but the arms deals remain the most eye-catching.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks on upon his arrival before a meeting at Necessidades Palace in Lisbon on June 24, 2017. Patricia De Melo Moreira | AFP | Getty Images

Eli Alfassi, IAI's executive vice president for marketing, in a telephone interview with CNBC emphasized the breadth of the ties. "Not everything is starting and ending in defense activities, there are more areas. I think the cooperation between the two countries is very important and strategic to both." India is IAI's most important arms market. Total trade between the two countries was close to $4.2 billion in 2016. It's a far cry from the $200 million, mainly diamonds according to the Indian embassy's website, in 1992, when the two countries formally established relations amidst Israeli-Palestinian peace moves. Initially, ties were very much defense-driven, with India facing domestic terrorism, a perennial rivalry with Pakistan, with which it has fought several wars, and sometimes uneasy relations with China. Israeli arms exports to India, as to most other countries, were "threat-driven", Daniel Flesch at consulting firm Avascent, told CNBC. But that may be changing now, as the Modi visit exemplifies: "India in particular was really a threat-driven market and it's showing a normalization of defense relations." The Modi visit signals an opening to a more strategic partnership, said Flesch, with cooperation growing on a range of other issues, also outside the field of defense. Yet, the huge arms deals of earlier this year show that defense remains a vitally important component of the relationship. The sales concern missile air-defense systems, an area on which the countries have long cooperated. The vast bulk of these contracts is with IAI, with another considerable chunk going to Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. "The meaning of the recent deal is that now the Indian armed forces have chosen this air defense system for the three services," said IAI's Alfassi. The most recent deal, inked in May this year, was for a missile system for India's navy.

Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, gestures as he speaks during an inauguration of the India International Exchange Dhiraj Singh/ | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The deals have long-term implications, said Alfassi: "The meaning of this project is that IAI and other Israeli companies will be active in India for years to come." Apart from the missile systems, IAI also sells drones and other equipment to India. Israel and India have been cooperating on defense, including missile systems for years but under Modi's Make in India policy, which encourages local manufacture and research, the nature of this cooperation is likely to shift to ever more Indian input. "With this program we're 100 percent implementing the policy of Prime Minister Modi of Make in India. Even before this initiative we started developing and producing together with dozens of subcontractors in India who're producing parts and systems and subsystems of this MRSAM [Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile] system in India," said Alfassi. The new projects will mean a further shift, he said: "From the next batch, which is for the navy, the lead integrator for the system will be an Indian company, Bharat Electronics Ltd., a governmental company. Until now IAI was the lead integrator, we were responsible for the installation of the system." With that kind of cooperation India will acquire actual Israeli defense expertise, not just arms, said Avascent's Flesch. "India can look to Israel, not only to acquire defense capabilities but also defense know-how and be able to adapt to threats, unforeseen threats in its environment."

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German lawmakers have passed a controversial law under which , , and other social media companies could face fines of up to 50 million ($57 million) for failing to remove hate speech. The Network Enforcement Act, commonly referred to as the "Facebook law," was passed by the Bundestag, Germany's parliamentary body, on Friday. It will go into effect in October.

Under the law, social media companies would face steep fines for failing to remove "obviously illegal" content  including hate speech, defamation, and incitements to violence  within 24 hours. They would face an initial fine of 5 million, which could rise to 50 million. Web companies would have up to one week to decide on cases that are less clear cut.

Justice Minister Heiko Maas and other supporters of the bill have argued that it is necessary to curb the spread of hate speech, which is strictly regulated under German law. But digital rights activists have broadly criticized the law, saying it would infringe on free speech, and that it gives tech companies disproportionate responsibility in determining the legality of online content.

"Experience has shown that, without political pressure, the large platform operators will not fulfill their obligations, and this law is therefore imperative," Maas said in an address Friday, adding that "freedom of expression ends where criminal law begins."

"We believe the best solutions will be found when government, civil society and industry work together and that this law as it stands now will not improve efforts to tackle this important societal problem," a Facebook spokesperson said in an email statement. "We feel that the lack of scrutiny and consultation do not do justice to the importance of the subject. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure safety for the people on our platform."

A Twitter spokesperson declined to comment on the passage of the law.

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The British Parliament has been hit by a cyberattack

Germany has in recent years intensified efforts to crack down on hate speech, amid a rise in anti-migrant sentiment that has been fueled in part by the ongoing refugee crisis. Facebook, Twitter, and Google agreed to remove such content from their platforms within 24 hours, under a 2015 deal with the German government, but a 2017 report commissioned by the Justice Ministry found that the companies were still failing to meet their commitments. Earlier this month, German police raided 36 homes over social media posts that allegedly contained hateful content, following a similar operation that targeted 60 people last year.

Social media companies are facing pressure to remove hate speech, fake news, and terrorist propaganda from European Union leaders, as well. Last month, the European Council approved a set of proposals that would require web companies to block any videos that contain hate speech or incitements to terrorism. Maas has also called for Europe-wide regulations on hate speech and fake news.

Facebook and Google have launched campaigns to combat fake news and hate speech in recent months, with Facebook recently announcing that it would hire an additional 3,000 people over the next year to moderate flagged content. The social network explained the complexity in moderating hate speech in a recent blog post, as part of its "hard questions" series, but it faced renewed criticism this week after a ProPublica investigationdetailed Facebook's confusing internal systems that underpin its hate speech policy.

EDRi, a Brussels-based digital rights group, criticized the bill's passage in a blog postpublished ahead of Friday's vote. "[Social media] companies are, quite rationally, driven by the motivation to avoid liability, using the cheapest options available, and to exploit the political legitimization of their restrictive measures for profit," writes Maryant Fernandez Perez, senior policy adviser at EDRi. "This can only lead to privatized, unpredictable online censorship."
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Before and after winning the White House, President Donald Trump promised a bevy of achievements for his time in office. Trump has gotten some key wins  and gives himself extremely high marks for his first months in office. But the president has faced setbacks and delays on some of his signature policy proposals. He has also been dogged by a probe into his campaign  and a reported more recent investigation into him personally. While Trump has by some measures had a rough time adapting to the office, the first few months have not been all bad for him. Here is a summary of what Trump has  or hasn't  done so far to follow through on the major promises he made.

Creating a jobs boom

Trump won the White House promising an American economic boom and jobs for displaced workers in the Rust Belt, pockets of the country that helped to fuel his electoral win. He pledged to create 25 million jobs over a decade, while his administration has repeatedly said it wants to achieve at least 3 percent sustained annual gross domestic product growth. The Trump administration has repeatedly touted corporate hiring or investment announcements as evidence that the president's agenda is working but job and GDP growth have barely changed since he took office. The first five months of 2017 saw average nonfarm payroll growth of 162,000  slightly lower than the average job creation rate of about 187,000 a month in 2016. The pace is below what would be needed to create 25 million jobs over a decade. On Thursday, the Commerce Department gave a revised reading of 1.4 percent GDP growth for the first quarter, again not a major shift from the previous administration. It may be too early to assess Trump's effect on the economy only five months into his term. The Trump administration has also said that some policies it has not yet implemented  like tax reform  would drive economic growth.

Repealing and replacing Obamacare

Reforming the U.S. tax system

Trump has promised an overhaul of the American tax system that includes the "biggest tax cut" in American history. His administration wants to slash the corporate tax rate to 15 percent and chop income tax rates across the board, reducing income tax brackets from seven to three. The White House and congressional Republicans have set a deadline of this year to pass a tax reform bill. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin previously gave an August goal, but delays in the Obamacare replacement process forced him to back off. So far, the Trump administration has outlined only a one-page summary of its tax reform priorities. The White House has been meeting with congressional leaders to hash out a combined plan that they hope can start working its way through Congress following the August recess. Passing tax reform will wait until at least the fall.

Overhauling American infrastructure

Trump pledged a $1 trillion injection to fix American bridges, roads and airports. So far, it has taken a backseat to health care and tax reform. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has said it will feature $200 billion in public spending, with the rest coming from private investment, over 10 years. Details have been scant, beyond that. Trump has also encouraged Congress to privatize the nation's air traffic control system, though he has taken no concrete action on that front yet. Any congressional action on infrastructure likely would not come until next year.

Slashing regulations

Trump came into office promising to scale back regulations, saying the moves would help to boost economic growth and energy jobs, in particular. Easily the most Trump administration action has related to efforts to undo Obama-era regulations. Trump has signed various congressional review acts designed to roll back environmental regulations imposed on oil, gas and coal companies, while signing executive orders aimed at undoing rules Obama created to fight climate change. Some of those measures have been largely symbolic. Among various other moves, he has signed an executive order with the goal of executive branch agencies revoking two regulations for every new one put forward. He also dropped Obama-era regulations that imposed restrictions on coal-related emissions and dumping. Trump also followed through on a pledge to withdraw from the landmark Paris climate accords, despite opposition from some parts of his administration and most major American companies. It's questionable whether rolling back regulations will unleash a boom in production or jobs. While energy companies often advocate publicly for deregulation, 13 of the 15 biggest U.S. oil and gas producers told their investors that current regulations have little impact on their operations, Reuters reported in March. Michael Cohen, Barclays head of energy commodities research, told CNBC on Thursday that Obama-era regulations "didn't really inhibit this dramatic increase in energy production that we saw." The Trump administration has repeatedly touted that its actions have created coal jobs, but it is unclear if those positions actually exist.

Cracking down on immigration

Trump pledged to take various actions on immigration that he argued would boost national security and aid American workers. Trump promised to build a physical wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and make Mexico pay for it, deport criminal undocumented immigrants, triple the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and terminate Obama-era protections for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Congress has shown a reluctance to fully fund the border barrier, while Mexico has said unequivocally that it will not pay for the wall. Through executive orders, Trump has pushed to stop funding for so-called sanctuary cities, and ordered the Department of Homeland Security to hire more immigration officers. He has also publicly supported two bills that passed the House on Thursday: one that would increase the punishment on undocumented immigrants who try to re-enter the country after getting deported for crimes and another that would cut funds from sanctuary cities. It is unclear if those bills will pass the Senate and make it to Trump's desk. Trump has also at least temporarily backed off his pledge to end the protections for the undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.

Reforming trade

Trump promised to renegotiate trade deals and push back against trade practices that he said punished American manufacturing workers. The president withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Pacific trade deal backed by the Obama administration. It would not have received congressional approval, even if the Trump administration had supported it. His administration has also taken the formal steps to start renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, the deal among the United States, Canada and Mexico. The actual renegotiation of the deal may not take place until late this year or early next year. The Trump administration has announced various actions against Canada and other trading partners, and he is reportedly considering tariffs on steel imports. Some critics have warned that Trump's tactics could lead to a trade war or other effects that could damage the U.S. economy or harm consumers.

Travel ban

As a candidate, Trump called for a "total and complete shutdown" on Muslims entering the United States in response to terrorism concerns. The divisive and potentially unconstitutional proposal gradually evolved. Trump signed an executive order in January temporarily restricting travel from seven Muslim-majority countries, arguing it would prevent attacks on U.S. soil. That controversial "travel ban," which prompted confusion at airports nationwide, was eventually revised and again suspended in the courts. However, when the Supreme Court said this week it would hear the Trump administration's challenges to rulings blocking the order, it said it would temporarily allow enforcement of parts of the travel ban in what was seen as a win for Trump. The U.S. has started to enforce it, at least until the Supreme Court hears the case this fall.

Nominating a conservative Supreme Court justice

As a candidate, Trump promised that he would nominate a conservative Supreme Court justice to succeed the late Antonin Scalia. He nominated 49-year-old Neil Gorsuch, who the Senate confirmed in April after having to change its rules to overcome a Democratic filibuster. Gorsuch has so far proven reliably conservative on the nation's top court.

Boosting military spending

Trump repeatedly called for more funding to refresh what he called a stagnant American military. The spending bill he signed to fund the government through Sept. 30 includes $15 billion toward his planned military buildup.

WATCH: Trump takes another swipe at Amazon, says Jeff Bezos doesn't pay 'internet taxes'
One of India's most ambitious economic reform plans in 70 years will ultimately boost tax receipts and provide simplicity for businesses, but the true impact may not be felt for at least a decade due to implementation challenges, experts said.

After several rounds of deadlock in the parliament, India rolled out the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on July 1, replacing a thicket of indirect central and state levies that critics argue have blunted economic competitiveness and hobbled efforts to lift more out of poverty.

Observers have described the reform as the most meaningful change to India's tax regime since the country became independent in 1947.

The government will introduce GST for a variety of goods and services along four main rate bands: 5-, 12-, 18- and 28 percent irrespective of the location of purchase. Certain goods such as fresh meat, eggs, milk, among others, will not be taxed, according to a list compiled by the Economic Times newspaper.

Vishnu Varathan, a senior economist at Mizuho Bank, told CNBC's "The Rundown" that the full economic potential of this historical tax reform could take years to materialize as India would first need to build up its tax ecosystem.

"Long term, and we're talking more than five years, we're talking about eight to 10 years, I think it will lift growth potential, that's for sure," he said.

In the near term, the reform will formalize more of India's untaxed economy, which would increase efficiency but not the size of the gross domestic product (GDP), he added.

HSBC in a report in May also predicted the GST rollout will add about 40 basis-points to India's GDP growth in the medium term, lower than their initial forecast of 80 basis points. Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC, explained that in HSBC's previous estimate, the growth fillip was meant to come from "having the same tax rate for each product across all states and having the same tax rate across all goods and services."

"Given that the second source of efficiency gains is getting compromised in the multiple rate structure, the growth impact could halve, to the 40bps ballpark," Bhandari said in the note.

Though experts agree on the long-term benefits, including the ease of doing business in India and bringing swathes of the country's informal economy inside the tax net, they say in the near term there could be significant disruptions.
Japan's central bank issued a rare apology on Friday over a board member's praise for Adolf Hitler's economic policies.

Yutaka Harada, a member of the board of the Bank of Japan , told a seminar on Thursday Hitler's economic policies had been "appropriate" and "wonderful" but had enabled the Nazi dictator to do "horrible" things to the world.

"The Bank of Japan views with regret the fact that the remarks of one of its Board Members have become a source of misunderstanding, and will see to it that such incident will not repeat itself," the central bank told Reuters on Friday.

Harada, a member of the bank's nine-member board, told the seminar Western policymakers helped bring Hitler to power by being slow to apply John Maynard Keynes' proposals to fight the Great Depression.

Hitler became German chancellor in 1933.
Senate Republican leaders know that chances of passing their health bill are slim, that they depend on preserving some Obamacare tax hikes, and that they probably require flipping the vote of vulnerable Nevada Sen. Dean Heller.

Those assessments, from a GOP strategist familiar with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's thinking, show how narrow a path awaits Senate Republicans when they return July 10 after a holiday week off. McConnell hasn't given up, the strategist said, but is unlikely to allow debate to extend past July 21.

"The odds for them getting 51 votes might be at best one in five," the strategist said, even allowing for McConnell's tactical skills. "There are limits to what he can do. He is not turning water into wine."

The leadership can afford to lose just two of the GOP caucus' 52 members, which would then allow Vice President Mike Pence to cast the tie-breaking 51st vote in favor. Calculations begin with the assumption that Rand Paul, the leader's Kentucky colleague, is virtually certain to vote no.

The libertarian-minded Paul, echoing Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse and President Donald Trump, suggested Friday that lawmakers first pass a simple repeal of Obamacare, then, after that, legislation to replace it. Senate leaders reject that option out of hand.

"For better or worse, that ship has sailed," the strategist familiar with McConnell's thinking said.

A repeal-first strategy was considered and rejected by GOP leaders and Trump himself early this year. Among other things, returning to it now would probably preclude action on tax reform until 2019.
As June ends, the gaming business in Macau appears have to have notched another big win on strength in the lucrative VIP segment.

According to Consensus Metrix, analysts are looking for Macau's June gross gaming revenues (GGR) to soar nearly 27 percent from a year ago and they see July also producing a double-digit increase. However, some analysts are predicting June could produce GGR growth as high as 33 percent compared with the year earlier.

"Channel checks through the first three weeks of June show the month is tracking to be well north of 30 percent," said Vitaly Umansky, an analyst at brokerage Sanford C. Bernstein. "The strength in the VIP side continues to surprise everybody."

That said, there were easy comparisons with June compared with a year ago, when Macau was still reeling from a downturn blamed on the Beijing government's corruption crackdown on the junket business. The so-called junkets or specialists bring in the high-value Chinese gamblers to the Macau casinos.

Macau GGR for May beat expectations and came in at 23.7 percent, well ahead of the 16.5 percent increase expected by analysts. June is expected to mark the eleventh-consecutive month of gaming growth in Macau, the world's largest gambling mecca.
A booth of Micron Technology at an industrial fair in Frankfurt, Germany.

Shares of Micron Technology fell on Friday, dragging the broader chips sector lower.

The iShares PHLX Semiconductor exchange-traded fund (SOXX) slipped 0.2 percent, with Micron falling about 4 percent to lead the decliners. Shares of chip makers Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia  last year's best-performing component  also traded lower.

Semiconductors have been underperforming lately. In the past month, the SOXX ETF has fallen about 5 percent, helping to drag down the overall tech sector lower.

Tech stocks have been the best performers this year, rising more than 16 percent. But the space has been under pressure lately given its high valuation.

Micron had traded higher in the premarket Friday on the back of better-than-expected quarterly results on Thursday.

Kevin Cassidy, semiconductor equities analyst at Stifel, told CNBC in an email that Micron's stock decline is a combination of selling on the news and concern that the Chinese may disrupt the semiconductor market.

He added that Friday is the last trading day of the quarter, and Micron has been a big gainer this year, which could be adding to the stock's volatility. Micron has risen more than 37 percent this year.

Micron shares in 2017
The attack was designed to cause disruption, not to make financial gains, according to experts.

The cyberattack could be interpreted as an act of war,

A "state actor" was behind the cyberattack that hit over 12,000 devices in around 65 countries on Tuesday hitting major industries from advertising to oil, according to a NATO-affiliated think-tank . The "Petya" ransomware attack encrypted files on a computer and demanded $300 worth of the cryptocurrency bitcoin in order to unlock them. Kaspersky Lab estimates at least 2,000 targets were affected, mostly in Russia and the Ukraine, but attacks were registered in several other countries, including Germany, the U.K. and China. Researching the attack, a NATO-affiliated research institution says it was likely launched by a state actor, or by a non-state actor with support and approval from a state, as the operation was very complex and expensive. "The operation was not too complex, but still complex and expensive enough to have been prepared and executed by unaffiliated hackers for the sake of practice. Cyber criminals are not behind this either, as the method for collecting the ransom was so poorly designed that the ransom would probably not even cover the cost of the operation," NATO's Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), said in a press release on Friday.

Kacper Pempel | Reuters

The implications of this mean that the cyberattack could be interpreted as an act of war, according to the organization. On Wednesday, NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said a cyber attack could trigger Article 5, the principal of collective defense. "As important government systems have been targeted, then in case the operation is attributed to a state this could count as a violation of sovereignty. Consequently, this could be an internationally wrongful act, which might give the targeted states several options to respond with countermeasures," Tomas Minarik, researcher at NATO's CCDCOE law branch, in the press release. The investigators added that the cyberattack was a "declaration of power" and a demonstration of the culprit's ability to cause disruption. More than 30 percent of affected firms were financials, according to analysis by Kaspersky Lab, while at least half of those targeted were industrial organizations, such as utilities, oil and gas, transportation, logistics, manufacturing and other companies. "The nature of this malware is such that it could easily stop the operation of a production facility for a considerable amount of time", said Kirill Kruglov, security expert at Kaspersky Lab, in a press release published Thursday.

A laptop displays a message after being infected by ransomware as part of a worldwide cyberattack on June 27, 2017. Rob Engelaar | AFP | Getty Images

Initially it seemed the attack was caused by cybercriminals looking to extract ransoms from victims, but NATO's analysis appears to put this theory aside. In terms of the bitcoin ransom demanded, it appears the attackers haven't made much. Only a total of 3.99 bitcoins has been paid in ransom so far, worth a total of $10,284 at today's bitcoin price. Even if someone paid the ransom, the associated email address has been shut down by the web provider. This means victims cannot get their files back, and any encrypted files are effectively lost. "The underlying motive appears to be aimed at wreaking the maximum amount of disruption in Ukrainian infrastructure, while merely operating under the guise of ransomware," said Tyler Moffitt, a senior threat research analyst with cybersecurity firm Webroot, in a blog post on Thursday. "This suspicion is supported by the absence of a payment portal or functional email address to deliver the ransom payment."

A message demanding money is seen on a monitor of a payment terminal at a branch of Ukraine's state-owned bank Oschadbank after Ukrainian institutions were hit by a wave of cyber attacks earlier in the day, in Kiev, Ukraine, June 27, 2017. Valentyn Ogirenko | Reuters
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Back in 2007, Martin Shkreli "wanted to be Stevie Cohen"  but the "pharma bro" tended to give bad stock tips and blew through nearly $5 million of an investor's money at his hedge fund in less than one year, the investor testified Friday. "Sorry for all the inconvenience," Shkreli emailed that investor, Josiah Austin, after the steep loss of Austin's entire stake in his fund, Elea Capital. Shkreli, now 34, later reneged on a promise to try to repay investor Josiah Austin by gifting him a stake in Shkreli's new drug company Retrophin when it was being launched, Austin testified in Brooklyn, NY, federal court. "No, I don't think he had my best interests at heart," Austin said of Shkreli and his handling of Austin's money. He also said that now-defunct financial giant Lehman Brothers ended up suing him to try to recoup about $2 million the firm lost from Shkreli's trading at his hedge fund Elea Capital in the mistaken belief that Austin had promised to cover any trading losses for Shkreli. Austin's testimony added to a picture of prosecutors are painting of Shkreli at his trial on securities fraud charges. That picture is someone who was a serial failed investor of other people's money, one who dragged his feet at turning over tax documents about that money, and someone who dropped the names of other investors.

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One of them legendary pharmacy executive Fred Hassan, was touted as being an investor in Retrophin by Shkreli in 2011, according to Austin. But Hassan never invested in Retrophin, his daughter Sarah testified Thursday in the same courtroom. Fred Hassan took the witness stand after Austin. Hassan is former CEO and chairman of Schering-Plough, and ex-chairman of Bausch & Lomb. He currently is a managing director of private equity firm Warburg Pincus, and serves on the board of Time-Warner. Prosecutors had Hassan detail the fact that he recalled meeting Shkreli once, briefly, at the request of his daughter, but then never personally invested with Shkreli or in Retrophin, or ever served as an advisor to him. "He was a pleasant person, very respectful," Hassan said of his short meeting with Shkreli at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco in January 2011. "He seemed to be a little intimidated by me." Hassan said Shkreli struck him as "a homework person ... an analytic person." Hassan is a CNBC contributor. During cross-examination by Shkreli's lawyer Benjamin Brafman, Hassan said that more than 90 percent of the money invested in his family's hedge fund, DynaGrow, belongs to himself and his wife.

Courtroom sketch of Fred Hassan on stand being cross examined by defense attorney Ben Brafman. Far left is Martin Shkreli seated. Elizabeth Williams | CNBC

Their daughter Sarah, who manages that fund, had invested $125,000 of DynaGrow's money in Retrophin when the company was being created. Sarah Hassan, who herself did invest her personal money with Shkreli's hedge fund MSMB Capital, testified Thursday that she repeatedly had to remind Shkreli to not refer to her father as investor, or director or consultant to Retrophin because she saw documents suggesting he was. Sarah Hassan had testified that Shkreli for months refused to redeem what she believed to be her $435,000 stake in MSMB Capital after it shut down, and later was told by him that he had used her investment to help capitalize Retrophin. She later received, after long delays and multiple excuses, $400,000 in cash, and more than 58,000 shares of Retrophin. She ended up selling that stake in the company for $900,000, she testified. Austin, 70, said he manages about $300 million in his own money through an entity called El Coronado." Austin said he first met Shkreli in 2005 or 2006 at the bank UBS, while visting people there, and was impressed by him. "I liked Martin," Austin said "I was very interested in Martin's ideas." "I thought Martin was young, smart, a little cocky," Austin said. "I thought Martin wanted to be Stevie Cohen," he said, referring to the legendary hedge-fund chief. Austin said that he told Shkreli at the the time, that "if he ever went out on his own, I'd be interesting in talking to him." Shkreli over time time routinely discussed stocks with Austin, and recommended various companies for investment. "I'd say no," Austin testified, when asked by a prosecutor if Shkreli's tips tended to be profitable. "I had a pretty substantial loss" after taking a position in one drug company that he started accumulating after a recommendation from Shkreli, Austin said. Despite that, Austin testified, he eventually placed what ended up totaling $4.8 million in Elea Capital, a hedge fund that Shkreli started, in 2007. "To make money," Austin said, when asked why he did so.

Fred Hassan Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

But he did anything but that. Elea failed in late 2007 after suffering losses, including all of Austin's stake, he testified. "I was very upset," Austin testified. In apologetic email to Austin soon after losing all of Austin's money in Elea, Shkreli wrote Austin an email that said, "I am embarrassed by my performance." "Sorry for all the inconvenience," Shkreli wrote. "I know sorry doesn't cut it." Asked if Shkreli ever repaid him for his losses at Elea, Austin said, "No." He also said he never invested with Shkreli again. "I had already lost a fair amount of money with Martin, and I didn't want to lose any more," Austin said. "I still thought Martin was an intelligent, smart guy, but I didn't particularly want to do any more business with him." Shkreli is not charged with anything to do with Elea or Austin. He is accused of looting Retrophin to repay investors he allegedly defrauded while running two other hedge funds, MSMB Capital and MSMB Healthcare, which he formed after Elea. Shkreli has pleaded not guilty to charges of securities fraud and conspiracy to commit both securities and wire fraud.

Watch: Pharma exec testifies at Shkreli trial
On Wednesday, all 50 states were sent letters from Kris Kobach  vice chair for the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity  requesting information on voter fraud, election security and copies of every state's voter roll data.

The letter asked state officials to deliver the data within two weeks, and says that all information turned over to the commission will be made public. The letter does not explain what the commission plans to do with voter roll data, which often includes the names, ages and addresses of registered voters. The commission also asked for information beyond what is typically contained in voter registration records, including Social Security numbers and military status, if the state election databases contain it.

President Donald Trump established the commission through an executive order on March 11. Its stated goal is to "promote fair and honest Federal elections" and it is chaired by Vice President Mike Pence. The commission plans to present a report to Trump that identifies vulnerabilities in the voting system that could lead to fraud and makes recommendations for enhancing voters' confidence in election integrity. No deadline has been set for completion of the work.

A number of experts, as well as at least one state official, reacted with a mix of alarm and bafflement. Some saw political motivations behind the requests, while others said making such information public would create a national voter registration list, a move that could create new election problems.

"You'd think there would want to be a lot of thought behind security and access protocols for a national voter file, before you up and created one," said Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola University School of Law and former Department of Justice civil rights official. "This is asking to create a national voter file in two weeks."

David Becker, the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, also expressed serious concerns about the request. "It's probably a good idea not to make publicly available the name, address and military status of the people who are serving our armed forces to anyone who requests it," he said.

Kobach, the secretary of state in Kansas, has been concerned about voter fraud for years. His signature piece of legislation was a law requiring Kansans to show proof of citizenship when they register to vote, which is currently ensnarled in a fraught court battle with the American Civil Liberties Union. He has written that he believes people vote twice with "alarming regularity," and also that non-citizens frequently vote. Multiple studies have shown neither happens with any consistency.

Kobach also runs the Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck Program, a proprietary piece of software started by Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh in 2005. Under the program, 30 states pool their voter information and attempt to identify people who are registered in more than one state.

Some expect the information Kobach has requested will be used to create a national system that would include data from all 50 states.

It is not uncommon for voters to be registered in more than one state. Many members of Trump's inner circle  including his son-in-law Jared Kushner and daughter Tiffany Trump  were registered to vote in two states. Given the frequency with which voters move across state lines and re-register, the act of holding two registrations is not in itself fraud. There is no evidence to suggest that voting twice is a widespread problem, though experts say removing duplicate registrations are a good practice if done carefully.

"In theory, I don't think we have a problem with that as an idea, but the devil is always in the details," said Dale Ho, the director of the ACLU's Voting Rights Project. While he believes voter registration list maintenance is important, he says Kobach's Crosscheck program has been repeatedly shown to be ineffective and to produce false matches. A study by a group of political scientists at Stanford published earlier this year found that Crosscheck highlighted 200 false matches for every one true double vote.

"I have every reason to think that given the shoddy work that Mr. Kobach has done in this area in the past that this is going to be yet another boondoggle and a propaganda tool that tries to inflate the problem of double registration beyond what it actually is," Ho said.

Some experts already see sloppy work in this request. On at least one occasion, the commission directed the letter to the incorrect entity. In North Carolina, it addressed and sent the letter to Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, who has no authority over elections or the voter rolls. In that state, the North Carolina Board of Elections manages both.

Charles Stewart, a professor at MIT and expert in election administration, said it was proof of "sloppy staff work," and questioned the speed at which the letter was sent. "It seems to me that the data aren't going anywhere. Doing database matching is hard work, and you need to plan it out carefully," he said. "It's a naive first undertaking by the commission, and reflects that the commission may be getting ahead of itself."

Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill, who oversees voting in the state, said she was dismayed about the commission's failure to be clearer about what its intentions are. In a statement, Merrill said her office would share publicly available information with the commission. But she said that "in the same spirit of transparency" her office would request the commission "share any memos, meeting minutes or additional information as state officials have not been told precisely what the Commission is looking for."

"This lack of openness is all the more concerning, considering that the Vice Chair of the Commission, Kris Kobach, has a lengthy record of illegally disenfranchising eligible voters in Kansas," she wrote.

Alabama's Republican Secretary of State John Merrill (no relation) also indicated he had questions for Kobach regarding how much of the data would be made public and how Alabamans' privacy would be protected, even while he expressed support for the commission. "Kobach is a close friend, and I have full confidence in him and his ability, but before we turn over data of this magnitude to anybody we're going to make sure our questions are answered," he said.

Colorado Secretary of State Republican Wayne Williams, for his part, said he was not concerned with what the commission planned to do with the data. "Just like when we get a [public-records] request, we don't demand to know what they are going to do with the data," he said. "There are important reasons why the voter roll is publicly available information."

The extent to which voter roll data is public varies across the country. While some states, like North Carolina, make their voter rolls available for free download, other states charge high fees. Alabama, for example, charges one cent per voter in the roll for a total cost of more than $30,000. The state law provides a waiver for government entities, so Merrill said the commission would receive the data for free. Other states, like Virginia, do not make this information public beyond sharing it with formal campaigns and political candidates. When ProPublica tried to purchase Illinois' voter roll, our request was denied because they only release it to government entities for privacy reasons. Illinois did not respond to a request regarding whether they would release this information to the PCEI, which  while a government entity  intends to make the information public.

The letter from the commission also asks quite broad questions of state elections officials.

"What changes, if any, to federal election laws would you recommend to enhance the integrity of federal elections?" asks the first question. The letter also asked for all information and convictions related to any instance of voter fraud or registration fraud, and it solicited recommendations "for preventing voter intimidation or disenfranchisement."

"The equivalent is, 'Hey, doctors, what changes would you suggest regarding healthcare? Let us know in two weeks,'" said Levitt, the Loyola professor. "If I were a state election official, I wouldn't know what to do with this."

While the commission is being chaired by Vice President Mike Pence, Kobach signed the letter alone. Jon Greenbaum, chief counsel for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said this is an indication that Kobach  not Pence  "will be running the show," which he said should be a point of concern.

"As we know with Kobach, he's obsessed with trying to identify voter fraud and finds it in a lot of places where it doesn't exist," he said.

Vanita Gupta, the former acting head of the Department of Justice's civil rights division under President Barack Obama, said the commission's letter was an indication the commission was "laying the groundwork" to carry out changes to the National Voter Registration Act that might seek to restrict access to the polls.

The National Voter Registration Act  sometimes called the Motor Voter Act  was enacted in 1993. It allows the DOJ the authority to ensure states to keep voter registration lists, or voter rolls, accurate and up-to-date. It also requires states to offer opportunities for voter registration at all offices that provide public assistance (like the DMV).

In November, Kobach was photographed holding a paper addressing national security issues and proposing changes to the voter registration law. It is not clear what these changes were. The ACLU is involved in a lawsuit against Kansas' state law requiring people to show proof of citizenship in order to register to vote. As part of the suit, ACLU lawyers requested access to the document reflecting the changes Kobach proposed.

Originally Kobach told the court the document was beyond the scope of the lawsuit, but last week the court found the documents were relevant and that Kobach had intentionally misled the court. He was fined $1,000 for the offense and required him to turn the document over. It has not yet been made public.

Gupta said her concern about the future of the voter registration act was deepened by the fact that, on Thursday, the DOJ sent a letter to the 44 states covered by the act requesting information on the maintenance of their voter rolls. States were given 30 days to answer a set of detailed questions about their policies for list maintenance.

"The timing of the letters being issued on the same day is curious at the very least," she said.

The White House and the DOJ all did not respond to requests for comment about the letters.

The letter did not ask about compliance with the portions of the act that require states to attempt to expand the voter base, such as by offering voter registration forms and information in public offices.

Danielle Lang, deputy director of voting rights for The Campaign Legal Center, said the focus on list maintenance troubled her. While she said this might point to a new direction in enforcement for the DOJ's voting rights section, it was too early to tell how this information might be used.

Levitt said he did not recall a time when the DOJ has previously requested such broad information. While the information is public and not, on its face, troubling, Levitt said the only time he recalled requesting similar information was during targeted investigations when federal officials suspected a state was not complying with the law.
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A diplomatic crisis on the Arabian Peninsula is turning into a protracted standoff, and some analysts now say the risk of armed conflict is emerging. The dispute between Qatar, a major natural gas exporter, and its neighbors is now entering its fifth week. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and implemented a partial blockade on June 5 in a bid to bring the tiny Persian Gulf monarchy in line with Saudi-dominated foreign policy. Some analysts initially thought the parties would seek a resolution by the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, but last week, the anti-Qatar alliance issued a series of harsh demands.

I now can't say this is not going to lead to some kind of military escalation. Helima Croft RBC Capital Markets global head of commodity strategy

"It's escalated to a stage where it's very difficult for both sides to back down," Firas Modad, analyst at IHS Markit, told CNBC this week. The demands include non-starters such as shutting down Al Jazeera news and closing a Turkish military base. The coalition also calls on Qatar to end its alleged ties to terrorist groups and political opposition figures in Gulf nations and Egypt. It demanded Qatar pay reparations and submit to compliance reviews going forward.

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Qatar has rejected the demands. That is likely to trigger a series of additional economic and political sanctions against the government in Doha, causing the impasse to stretch out for months, risk consultancy Eurasia Group concluded in a briefing this week. "The crisis will continue to escalate before the Qatari leadership ultimately adjusts its policy positions, or in a slightly less likely scenario, opts to cement an alliance with Turkey and closer ties with Iran," Eurasia Group said. Arabian Peninsula and Iran, source: Google Maps Qatar, the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, has long chafed the region's pre-eminent Sunni Muslim power Saudi Arabia by attempting to forge its own foreign policy. That includes maintaining ties to Riyadh's Shiite Muslim rival Iran, which shares a massive gas field with Qatar and has sent food supplies to Doha since the crisis began. Meanwhile, Turkey has moved forward plans for military cooperation with Qatar. On Friday, fresh Turkish armed forces arrived at the military base in Qatar, where training missions began last week. Charles W. Freeman Jr., U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War, this week suggested the recent escalation risks pushing the crisis into armed conflict.

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Watch: Qatar's neighbors issue list of demands to end crisis
President Donald Trump has "absolute authority" to cite national security concerns in order to impose tariffs on steel imports, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is a good idea, former Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez told CNBC on Friday.

The Commerce Department is currently investigating whether steel imports threaten U.S. security. A decision was expected by Friday.

Meanwhile, Axios reported Friday Trump is "hell-bent" on slapping tariffs potentially as high as 20 percent on steel.

Gutierrez, who served under President George W. Bush, said Trump will probably be able to justify that steel imports are putting national security at risk.

"Whether that is the way to solve the steel capacity issue is another thing. Because this national security concept is somewhat ambiguous, you can expect for China to do some kind of retaliation," he said in an interview with "Power Lunch."

"It's a slippery slope and I think we have to be careful."

That retaliation could come in the form of Chinese tariffs on U.S. imports, Gutierrez said. The country has a particular interest in technology and would like to create its own cloud, he added.

Using the national security premise may also have other implications.

"Do other countries start using a similar argument? Do other countries start making a case for their national security interests? I think that's the risk here," said Gutierrez.

 CNBC's Evelyn Cheng contributed to this report.
Voters cast ballots at an Upper East City polling station in New York City on Nov. 8th, 2016.

Officials from multiple states, including Vice President Mike Pence's home state of Indiana, said Friday that they would not fully comply with the information request from the Trump administration's voter fraud commission.

The commission's vice chair, Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach, sent letters to all 50 states Thursday, asking them to send information on their election systems and voter fraud within two weeks. He also asked for more voter information than what is typically publicly available, like Social Security numbers.

Officials from several states  not only Democratic strongholds like New York and California but also Republican-led Indiana and Ohio  indicated that they would not provide information beyond what is publicly accessible. At least 10 states in total said they would not give private data, according to The Hill.

"Indiana law doesn't permit the Secretary of State to provide the personal information requested by Secretary Kobach," Indiana's secretary of state Connie Lawson said in a statement.

Pence, the former governor of Indiana, chairs the voter fraud commission. It is unclear how he or the commission will respond to the states who are not giving the data freely.

Trump set up the commission through an executive order last month. He said it aims to "promote fair and honest" federal elections.

But critics have questioned the body's intentions, arguing that it may seek to suppress voters. More than once, Trump has claimed without evidence that millions of people illegally voted against him last year.

"California's 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," California secretary of state Alex Padilla said.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also said he would not "perpetuate the myth voter fraud played a role in our election."
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"Pharma Bro" Martin Shkreli, during a surprise visit with reporters covering his fraud trial Friday, criticized the people prosecuting him as the "junior varsity," claimed he never considered taking a plea deal and said people "blame me for everything." Shkreli also griped about news headlines regarding his case, and teed off on a young woman who had testified he for almost a year dragged out redeeming her $435,000 investment in his hedge fund, saying she wasn't a "victim." And Shrkreli said that several documents discussed at the trial, which raised questions about his honesty with investors, were prepared by other people. "Do I want to exonerate myself?" he asked a small group of journalists when asked if he had desired to have his day in court. "Yes." He only stopped talking and left when his high-powered lawyer Benjamin Brafman peered in the room and asked, "Martin, can I talk to you for a minute?" Later, Brafman said would prefer Shkreli not conduct any more impromptu press conferences "because sometimes he doesn't have a filter." "I'm hoping he doesn't do it ever again," Brafman told reporters. Tweet At the end of the day's session, before leaving court, Shkreli told one reporter "I have to be very careful about who I talk to. I might get into trouble." And Shkreli said to a sketch artist, "You're talking to 'Rain Man.' I remember everything." The "Rain Man" reference was to Brafman's blistering opening argument, during which he said Shkreli's business colleagues used the name of that Tom Cruise movie behind his back because it featured an autistic savant, played by Dustin Hoffman. Those colleagues supposedly suspected the highly intelligent Shkreli also might be autistic. Shkreli's unexpected remarks came during the lunch break of his securities fraud trial in Brooklyn, NY, federal court. He is charged with looting millions of dollars from Retrophin , the publicly traded drug company he founded. Prosecutors claim he used the money to repay to investors whom allegedly defrauded at two hedge funds he had run, in addition to paying off personal debts. Shkreli walked into a courtroom that is on the same floor as the one where his trial is being conducted, and saw several reporters. The room has an video and audio feed of the trial for spectators who don't have seats in the main courtroom. "Welcome," one reporter said when she saw Shkreli. The 34-year former pharmaceuticals executive then began talking freely for about five minutes.

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Shkreli first mentioned that a friend of his had been in the the trial's so-called "overflow" room earlier in the week, and tried to sit on the judge's bench. When a reporter asked Shkreli what he thought of the trial's opening arguments on Wednesday, he shot back, "How do you think they went?" Shkreli then suggested that his lawyer Brafman, who gave an impassioned opening, had far outclassed assistant United States Attorney G. Karthik Srinivasan, who argument was more workman-like. Shkreli several times mentioned that Srinivasan had joined the prosecutor's office in the Eastern District of New York only two years ago. He also pointed out that Srinivasan before that had been an associate at the Manhattan law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind. When a CNBC reporter noted that the Eastern District is a well-regarded prosecutors' office, one which as late as 2015 had been led by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Shkreli scoffed. He then called the Eastern District the "junior varsity." There is a long-standing intramural rivalry between the U.S. Attorney's Office for Eastern District of New York  which encompasses Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island  and prosecutors in the Southern District of New York, whose ambit includes Manhattan and its Financial District. In New York's legal world, many see the Southern District as the more elite of the two, a fact that Shkreli seemed keenly aware of. John Marzulli, a spokesman for the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District, declined to comment on Shkreli's scornful remarks. Shkreli also suggested that Winston Paes, who had been the lead prosecutor in the case, chickened out of taking it trial, because he had accepted a job several months at the large Manhattan firm Debevoise & Plimpton. "Why would you walk out on the biggest case of your life?" Shkreli asked. Paes, through a colleague, declined to comment to CNBC.

Defense attorney Ben Brafman stands at the defense table with Martin Shkreli during his opening statement. Elizabeth Williams | CNBC

Asked if he thought Brafman's opening argument was worth $4 million that has supposedly been paid to that attorney's law firm, Shkreli disputed the accuracy of that amount. He also said the reporter who asked about it always gets facts wrong. But a 10-Q filing in May by Retrophin , which ousted Shkreli in 2014, says he claimed the company owed him $5 million in legal expenses that he had incurred in defending both the criminal case and a related civil case by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Retrophin, according to the company's filings, to date has advanced $2.8 million in pre-trial fees for Shkreli's lawyers, and $2 million in trial fees, for a total of $4.8 million. At the same time, Retrophin is suing Shkreli for allegedly ripping off the company, is and cooperating with federal authorities in their cases against him. Brafman, during a hearing last week, said his firm has been paid $800,000 less than the $4.8 million tally. The difference between the two amounts is $4 million. Shkreli on Friday said he thought the trial, which was in its third day since jurors were seated, was going well for the defense. But he bemoaned the headlines about the testimony of Sarah Hassan, who invested $300,000 of her own money in his hedge fund in 2011. Shkreli complained that those headlines did not highlight the fact that she ended up getting a total of $1.3 million in cash combined with the proceeds of sales of Retrophin stock given her. Her own family's hedge fund, which she manages, netted even more from selling Retrophin stock it had acquired as a result of an initial $125,000 stake in the company. "How can a victim make $2.7 million?" Shkreli asked. "She's not a victim." But Hassan had testified that Shkreki for almost a year stalled in redeeming her personal investment stake  which he claimed had grown to $435,000  after she asked to be paid out upon learning he was closing that MSMB Capital. She also said Shkreli surprised her by telling her that he had, without getting her permission, used her personal money at MSMB to capitalize the start up of Retrophin. Shkreli told reporters Friday that he believed jurors were most impressed not by Hassan's complaints about the long delay in getting her money, but by the fact that she made "four times" her investment. "I made nothing" from MSMB Capital, Shkreli added. "They blame me for everything," Shkreli said, apparently referring to prosecutors and his other critics. "Blame me for capitalism," Shkreli said. "Blame me for EpiPen." Several prospective jurors earlier this week were excused from consideration because they incorrectly believed Shkreli had raised the price of the anti-allergy device EpiPen. In reality, Shkreli drew widespread public scorn in 2015 for hiking the price of an anti-parasite drug named Daraprim by more than 5,000 percent while serving as CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals.

Martin Shkreli on lunch break from his court trial in Brooklyn, New York on June 29th, 2017. Justin Solomon | CNBC
The Profit returns with all-new episodes Tuesday, July 11 at 10P ET/PT.

On the next episode, Marcus heads to Bodhi Leaf Coffee Traders in California to meet with inexperienced coffee shop owner Steve Sims. Steve's gamble may have paid off big time, but now he's in over his head. The company has no organization, no clear leader and a staff in conflict.

Check out the clips above for a sneak peek.

About The Profit

When Marcus Lemonis isn't running his multi-billion dollar company, Camping World, he goes on the hunt for struggling businesses that are desperate for cash and ripe for a deal. In each one-hour episode of The Profit, Lemonis makes an offer that's impossible to refuse; his cash for a piece of the business and a percentage of the profits. And once inside these companies, he'll do almost anything to save the business and make himself a profit; even if it means firing the president, promoting the secretary or doing the work himself.
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The biggest problem in American health care is one that the Republican health care planswon't really try to solve. To be fair, it's one that Obamacare didn't touch, either. The biggest problem facing American health care is our prices. In the United States, we pay outlandishly high prices for our trips to the doctor, hospital visits, and prescription drugs. In the United States, an MRI costs, on average, $1,119. In Australia the scan costs $215, and in Switzerland $503. It is the exact. Same. Scan. (See chart here). More from Vox:

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About a year ago, I wrote a story about a family that went to the emergency room, had a Band-Aid put on their 1-year-old daughter's finger, and then were billed $629 for the encounter. Since then, I've gotten countless letters describing other outlandish medical bills. These include: A $2,237 bill for liquid stitches and a bandage. This emergency room visit lasted from about 11:30 pm until 1 am, so the hospital billed for two days spent there.

A $900 bill for four stitches in the emergency room

A $1,000 bill for a pneumonia vaccination delivered in a health care clinic The list goes on and on. These sky-high prices are what make health care policy a vexing exercise for legislators on both sides of the aisle. Because our prices are so high and the federal government has a limited budget, the architects of the Affordable Care Act settled on expanding access to largely high-deductible health plans. The Republican plans would drive those deductibles even higher, leaving consumers on the hook to cover the pricey services. If we don't tackle high prices, it makes it nearly impossible to imagine ever transitioning to a national health care system to cover all Americans. High prices have a strong lobby here in Washington. Each dollar spent on medical care goes toward a hospital, a doctor, a medical device maker, or a pharmaceutical company. But until legislators decide this is an issue worth tackling, they will find themselves hard-pressed to deliver a reform bill that Americans actually like.

Americans pay way more whenever we go to the doctor

The reason Americans spend so much money isn't because we go to the doctor a lot. On average, Americans actually see the doctor slightly less than people in other developed countries. Americans go to the doctor, on average, four times each year, according to data from the nonprofit Commonwealth Fund. Compare that to Canada, where citizens average 7.7 doctor visits per year, and France, which averages 6.4. The United States averages 125 hospital discharges per 1,000 people annually, which is higher than Canada (83) but lower than France (166) and the United Kingdom (129). The reason American health care is expensive is because when we go to the doctor, it costs more than when someone in Canada or England or France or any other developed nation goes to the doctor. A day in the hospital here costs $5,220, versus $4,781 in Switzerland and $765 in Australia. There is a biannual report from the International Federation Health Plan that compares medical prices across countries. It's hard to find any category where the United States is not the priciest. Here, for example, is what the data on appendectomies looks like (See chart here). Other developed countries use price controls in medicine. The government negotiates with drug companies, device makers, and doctors to set lower prices. The government is buying in bulk, and has the power to win those negotiations. These countries regulate medical prices akin to how they regulate the price of electricity or water: a service that everyone needs at a reasonable price but would face significant difficulty bargaining for on their own. The United States does set medical prices for the 50 million elderly Americans who rely on Medicare. The government-run insurer has a fee schedule that says exactly what doctors can bill for every visit or checkup  and usually ends up with lower prices as a result. But for the 155 million Americans who get coverage through their employers  and 22 million in the individual market  that task is left to the insurers and customers. We are not very good at it. I recently spoke with Todd Anderson, a father in the Philadelphia area, who told me about one of those medical bills I mentioned earlier. His son went to the ER late last year after cutting his finger with a kitchen knife. Todd's son is a college sophomore; his son's roommate, a biology major, said that he'd recently used the knife to cut raw meat, and drove him to the emergency room. The physician assistant at the emergency room examined the son's finger and treated him with liquid stitches and a bandage. A few months later, Anderson received two separate bills totaling $2,237  one for $1,032 from the hospital, another for $1,438 from the doctor  for the Band-Aid and its application. The doctor group charged the Andersons for two days in the emergency room, because the late-night visit began around 11:30 pm and ended around 1 am. "I feel like I'm being told to pay the hospital and the doctor for the exact same service, and no one has been able to explain to me why it can possibly cost this much," Anderson says. These types of bills just don't happen in other countries, where the government negotiates with providers to set a reasonable fee for what a Band-Aid delivered in an emergency room can cost. "The issue of prices needs to be put on the table," says Drew Altman, the president of the Kaiser Family Foundation. "A lot of the effort right now is aimed at reducing volume of care, not price of care. But what people are more concerned about is their out-of-pocket costs."

Health care prices aren't part of the American health care debate. But they need to be.

The Affordable Care Act did not aim to regulate health care prices in the United States. Instead, it emphasized reducing the volume of health care in the United States. It tried to get rid of the financial incentives of a "fee for service" system that pays doctors for every test or procedure, regardless of whether it's actually necessary. Obamacare had dozens of experiments that aimed to move the health care system to a "pay for value" system, where doctors would be rewarded for making patients healthier  not just providing medical services. Some of these experiments have been successful. Unnecessary readmissions to hospitals, which the health care law began penalizing in 2013, have plummeted. There is some evidence that these programs have led to slower health care cost growth too. None of these changes put the United States on the path to having health care costs more in the neighborhood of Canada or France or other developed nations. That's just really hard when an MRI costs twice as much here as in Switzerland  or four times as much as in Australia. We can only get so far cutting down on the number of MRI scans. At some point, to really lower health spending, we have to cut the price of the scan itself. Regulating health care prices was never a serious part of the Affordable Care Act debate. The Obama administration made a conscious decision, at the start of its health care effort, to get all major industry groups to stand behind the law  or at least not work against it. Regulating health care prices would have meant that hospitals, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies would all earn less. The idea was a nonstarter. But America's high health care prices are at the core of what Obamacare enrollees dislike about the program. High prices mean high premiums and big bills when customers remain in their deductibles, the two parts of the law that get the lowest favorability ratings from those who rely on the marketplaces for coverage. Donald Trump initially showed some interest in regulating health care prices, particularly in allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, but so far has not followed through. In any case, any serious effort to constrain health care prices would likely need to go far beyond pharmaceuticals, which make up 10 percent of American drug spending annually. To prevent $629 bills for Band-Aids, you've have to tackle the rest of the health care system  and that is not something either political party has proposed. "It's the cost issue that will continue to drive us crazy," says Bill Hoagland, a vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center who previously worked as budget director for Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN), said at an event I attended late last year. "I don't know how Republicans put together a package that reduces the deficit that doesn't focus on price. Doctor costs, hospital costs  that's where we have to focus our attention."

The Republican plans put the burden of high prices more squarely on patients
Every year, the White House is required to release the salary of every White House employee. On Friday, the Trump Administration released the salaries of current White House personnel.

The highest-paid members of President Trump's team make $179,700. The 22 staffers who take home this top salary include Chief Strategist Stephen K. Bannon, Senior Counselor Kellyanne Conway and Director of Communications Omarosa Manigault. Just six of the top 22 highest-paid White House employees are women.

In 2016, the highest-paid White House employees, including Susan E. Rice and Valerie B. Jarrett, earned $176,461. That equates to a $3,000 pay bump for the top-paid employees in the Trump Administration, compared to those in the Obama Administration last year.
China's growing influence on Hong Kong has triggered concerns and protests, but Beijing will want to keep the city politically stable given its economic importance to the mainland and appeal to Western firms looking to set up a base in the region, analysts said.

"From Beijing's perspective, Hong Kong is still very important as a bridge to the rest of the world," said Commerzbank's senior emerging market economist, Hao Zhou.

"China wants to have a relatively politically stable Hong Kong, as well as strong financial services in Hong Kong, to enhance China's transition to a service-oriented economy," said Zhou, adding that he expected "supportive policies" from Beijing soon.

Hong Kong was returned to China from Britain 20 years ago on July 1, 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula which confers wide-ranging freedoms and judicial independence not seen in mainland China.

Concerns in the city about the creeping influence of the Communist Party, however, loom large.

Widespread protests in 2014 saw thousands flood the streets and camp on major roadways, blocking traffic for months, to protest proposed changes to Hong Kong's electoral system.

The disappearance of some Hong Kong booksellers specializing in politically sensitive books in 2015 added to skepticism about Beijing's intentions for the Special Administrative Region.

Despite the political tensions, Chinese investments and businesses have continued to grow in Hong Kong.

The city, said Zhou, has opened a door for Chinese companies, while Western firms prefer to set up a base in its familiar environment. The city is also a bridge for the Chinese financial system, linking it to the rest of the world.

The growing heft of Chinese companies in Hong Kong's markets reflects this.
President Trump just used a White House meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to complain about the USSouth Korean trade deficit, a perennial Trump talking point. The problem is that what he said isn't true.

Here's what Trump said while sitting across the table from Moon, who was elected in May after a scandal led to the arrest of his predecessor:

"The United States has trade deficits with many, many countries, and we cannot allow that to continue ... with South Korea right now, but we cannot allow that to continue. This is really a statement that I make about all trade: For many, many years the United States has suffered through massive trade deficits; that's why we have $20 trillion in debt."

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The president's distaste for trade deficits with any country is not news, but that last sentence is striking  Trump is claiming that trade deficits are at the root of the national debt.

That is a creative explanation  and an incorrect one.

Let's step back and clarify some terms. The US trade deficit refers to the fact that the US imports more from the world than it exports. The national debt is the result of the fact that the US government spends more revenue than it collects. There's no direct relationship between the two.
President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping chat as they walk along the front patio of the Mar-a-Lago estate after a bilateral meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., April 7, 2017.

When President Trump talked tough about China's economic impact on America during the campaign, he criticized its trade policies and its approach to its currency.

Yet one of the first pieces of legislation under the Trump administration that could have a major impact on the economic relationship between the two countries centers on something different: Chinese deal making in the United States.

White House officials and a group of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are pushing for new laws intended in part to keep closer tabs on the surge of Chinese money into America. Some in Washington say that money could help China expand its technological and military abilities. While any legislation would face congressional debate and review, a large number of Trump administration employees who deal with both trade and national security have said they support some sort of overhaul of how the United States vets such deals.

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The push would expand the powers of a little-known but important panel  the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or Cfius  that can effectively block foreign deals for American companies on national security grounds. In particular, it could reshape the ways American technology companies, big and small, raise money from Chinese investors.

"We'll try to enable Cfius to take a tougher line against certain investments emanating from those nations that pose a clear threat to our national security, focused particularly in the area of advanced technology," said Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, who said last week that he would propose the legislation.

The Trump administration has not staked out a formal stance, but trade experts are watching how the committee treats a pair of pending deals as a test of the political winds. The first is a $1.2 billion bid by Ant Financial  the electronic payments affiliate of the Alibaba Group, the Chinese e-commerce giant  for a remittances company based in Dallas called MoneyGram. The second is a $1.3 billion offer by a China-backed buyout fund for Lattice Semiconductor, which makes a range of advanced communications and telecommunication chips.

Chinese buyers are pouring more and more money into the United States. In 2016, Chinese investment in America jumped threefold to $46 billion from the year before, according to the research firm Rhodium Group. Chinese purchases in recent years have included buildings and movie theater chains.

But some deals have been in potentially sensitive areas, like semiconductors, which Cfius has increasingly blocked. A growing number have also been among start-ups working on cutting-edge technology, but they are difficult to track and are often too small to be reviewed by Cfius.

In a report this year that was first reported by The New York Times, the Pentagon said it was concerned about the flow of Chinese investment into start-ups working on important technology like artificial intelligence, robotics and augmented reality.

Critics also argue that Beijing and companies supported by the government have sought to form joint ventures or license technology, neither of which Cfius currently reviews.

"There is a perception that different financial structures are being used to avoid potential Cfius oversight," said Andrew Shapiro, a founder of the advisory firm Beacon Global Strategies and former assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs. "So they will try to close those loopholes."

Over the past two years, Cfius (pronounced sih-fee-us) has broken up a number of major Chinese bids for semiconductor companies, leading to Chinese complaints.

It is unclear how China's government would respond to the revamped regulator, but the move would most likely stoke some tensions. At a recent news conference, Lu Kang, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said, "There should not be undue political dimensions imposed on commercial takeovers, let alone political intervention."

Xiaohe Cheng, an associate professor at the School of International Studies at Renmin University in Beijing, added that some of Cfius's recent decisions were "discriminative towards Chinese companies."

Yet foreign businesses often complain of an unfair operating environment in China, and increasingly American officials have begun seeking what they call reciprocity, or bringing American limits on Chinese investment closer to China's limits on American investment there. Beijing forbids foreign investors from acquiring meaningful stakes in companies in a number of industries, including the media, internet and telecommunications.

Such an initiative in the United States would have far wider economic implications and is likely to be dealt with separately from the coming legislation on Cfius.

Recently, several Trump administration officials, including Wilbur Ross, the secretary of commerce, have also expressed support for expanding the committee.

"His staff is well versed on the issues, and he clearly sees the need for updating Cfius," said Paul S. Triolo, the head of practice on technology policy for the Eurasia Group, an advisory firm.

"He appears to be leading the charge on this with the administration," he added.

Cfius includes members of a number of American agencies, including the Departments of Defense, State, Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security, and industry and policy analysts are watching closely to see how the committee acts under the Trump presidency.

Ant Financial, the Alibaba affiliate, outbid a company based in Kansas called Euronet Worldwide to acquire MoneyGram. Some lawmakers, led by representatives from Kansas and Texas, where MoneyGram is based, have said an Ant purchase would expose the personal financial details of American users.

Douglas Feagin, Ant Financial's head of international operations, said in an interview that the company intended to allow MoneyGram to continue to operate on its own and that the data it had would continue to be stored in the United States on a network separate from Ant's networks.

"The test cases will be things like the Alibaba deal," said Adam Segal, an expert on emerging technologies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

While industry and policy analysts say it could be difficult to argue that MoneyGram is important to national security, the potential deal for Lattice Semiconductor offers a more straightforward argument.

The Pentagon report released this year cites the bid for Lattice from a venture capital firm called Canyon Bridge as an example of a tactic used to skirt government oversight. The purpose of creating Canyon Bridge, a private equity fund with links to China, was to obscure the source of capital to "enhance the possibility" that the transaction would be approved by Cfius, the report said.

Canyon Bridge has said that there was never any intention to obscure the source of the fund's capital, as shown by meetings it had with Cfius before the deal was signed.

The coming debate about Cfius is likely to be undergirded by concerns about reciprocity.

"There's this question about letting a Chinese company do something in the U.S. that China wouldn't let a U.S. company do in China," said James Lewis, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank.

"That's what people say in private," he added. "That it's not a two-way street, that it's not fair and that we need to do something about it."
President Donald Trump said Friday he will work with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on dealing with the "menace known as North Korea."

"The era of strategic patience with the North Korean regime has failed, many years that it's failed and, frankly, that patience is over," Trump said.

The U.S. and South Korea are trying to curb the isolated and defiant nation's missile and nuclear programs.

Appearing with Moon in the White House Rose Garden, Trump renewed calls for a "determined response" to North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The U.S. on Thursday announced new sanctions aiming to put more pressure on North Korea.

Trump also criticized Pyongyang's human rights record.

"The North Korean dictatorship has no regard for the safety and security of its own people, or its neighbors, and has no respect for human life  and that's been proven, over and over again," he said.

Trump said the death of 22-year-old American student Otto Warmbier was a travesty. Earlier this month, Warmbier died shortly after being returned from North Korea in a coma. North Korea claims he had suffered from botulism, but U.S. doctors found no such evidence.

The relationship between the U.S. and South Korea "is a cornerstone of peace and security in a very, very dangerous part of the world," Trump said.
Where'd all those BEP 2013 c-notes go?

Series 2009A $100 Federal Reserve notes are plentiful in circulation, but the whereabouts of Series 2013 $100 notes are something of a mystery. This mysterious batch of lost notes was our week's top post.

Its time to catch up on the week that was in numismatic insights and news.

Coin World is looking back at its five most-read stories of the week.

Click the links to read the stories. Here they are, in reverse order:

5. 1794 Liberty Cap, Starred Reverse cent with speck of light green crud still realizes over $44,000: Large cents counted prominently among the top lots, including a 1794 Liberty Cap, Starred Reverse cent with original surfaces, including verdigris.

4. Scottsdale Mint issues 2017 100-gram silver bullion coin: The Scottsdale Mint has issued a 100-gram silver bullion coin for the Democratic Republic of Congo, showing the water buffalo.

3. Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee coin design picks differ from CFA: The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee split with the Commission of Fine Arts on how 2019 and 2020 Native American dollars should be designed.

2. Bicentennial error: 1976 quarter dollar struck on a cent planchet: The combination of a wrong planchet and a one-year design type make an error coin offered in Heritages FUN summer convention auction a visually striking piece.

1. The BEP has printed millions of Series 2013 $100 notes, but where are they?: Series 2009A $100 Federal Reserve notes are plentiful in circulation, but the whereabouts of Series 2013 $100 notes are something of a mystery.

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The Vatican City honors Saints Peter and Paul with a commemorative 2 coin on the 1,950th anniversary of their death.

According to Catholic Church tradition, in 67 A.D. Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome; Peter is said to have been crucified upside down and Paul decapitated, a distinction reserved to Roman citizens condemned to death.

2017 marks the 1,950th anniversary of the martyrdom of the two saints on whose faith, as Pope Francis said, was founded the Church of Rome, which has always venerated them as Patrons. They proclaimed and witnessed to the Gospel among the people, and with their martyrdom they sealed their mission of faith and charity.

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To mark the anniversary, Vatican City issued a ringed-bimetallic commemorative 2 coin. The obverse of the coin features Saint Peter and Saint Paul and their symbols, respectively the keys and the sword. At the top is the inscription CITTA DEL VATICANO, in semi-circle. At the bottom, in semi-circle is the inscription 1950o DEL MARTIRIO DEI SANTI PIETRO E PAOLO. At the bottom left is the year of issuance 2017 and at the bottom right is the mint mark R. Between them is the name of the artist G. TITOTTO.

In total, 105,000 coins were issued in June.

The reverse carries the common European map design.

Lowest mintage American Eagle, a counterfeit 1902-O Morgan dollar struck to circulate: Another column in the July 10 Coin World examines a ghostly Kennedy half dollar

The 12 stars of the European flag appear on both sides of the ringed-bimetallic 2 coin.

The ringed-bimetallic 2 coin weighs 8.5 grams and measures 25.75 millimeters in diameter.

All 2 coins are legal tender throughout the eurozone.

Each nation is allowed to issue up to two different circulating commemorative designs annually, with designs of their choosing, though few nations have issued the maximum number of designs. Joint Euro programs like the 2015 coins honoring the 30th anniversary of flag of the European Union do not count toward this limit.
Groups File Amicus Brief in Suit Challenging Political Reform

In a post-Citizens United age, when corporations and interest groups can spend whatever they like to influence our elections, its more important than ever that we make sure that every American can be heard. Public financing for local elections advances that goal and promotes government that is more responsive and safeguarded from corruption and special interests.

Californias SB 1107, passed last year to strengthen the states Political Reform Act, allows municipalities to implement public financing systems. Its currently being challenged in Sacramento Superior Court.

California Common Cause, along with the California League of Women Voters and the California Clean Money Campaign, filed a friend of the court brief with coalition partners this week to encourage the court to uphold SB 1107. The brief notes that the bill does not force localities to implement publicly financed campaigns, but allows them to participate if they choose. Courts across the nation have reinforced the arguments in the brief, concluding repeatedly that public financing can make for more competitive elections.

Public financing of local elections encourages candidates to solicit small dollar donors and therefore increases their importance. This can not only diversify the donor base, it makes candidates more responsive to people who might have otherwise been ignored. Wealthy donors often have a disproportionate influence on elections, and SB 1107 could combat that influence on a local level. Publicly financed campaigns also create a more level playing field, allowing newcomers to gain back some of the advantage typically held by incumbents.

Unlimited contributions pin candidates to large dollar donors with special interests, reducing their attention from more substantive issues. In localities that choose to opt-in, candidates are more likely to focus on policy issues and engage in voter outreach, rather than spending their time focused on raising money. For incumbents, it could break the vicious cycle of constant fundraising that deters from legislative progress.

SB 1107 encourages more competitive elections. Common Cause is committed to upholding the standards of our democracy and ensuring that every individual can have an equal voice in affecting election outcomes.

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They are Ruth Cadbury, Andy Slaughter and Catherine West.

Daniel Zeichner has resigned.

All four voted for Chuka Umannas amendment supporting continued British membership of the Single Market.

You can find our list of the 50 Labour MPs who voted for the amendment, thereby defying the whip, here.
In the Scottish edition of todays Times (), Ruth Davidson has intervened once again on the subject, newly sensitive in Tory circles, of Northern Ireland.

The Scottish Conservative leader, who as she reminds readers is a gay unionist Protestant engaged to a Catholic Irishwoman, argues that it is past time that same-sex marriage was legalised in the province.

With the Tories compact with the Democratic Unionists in the spotlight its significant that she is still sending shots across the bows of the Governments new allies. But, once again, it would be a mistake to leap to the conclusion that Davidson is trying to be unhelpful to that working relationship.

Just as her previous interventions stressed the Governments commitment not to backslide on LGBT rights on the mainland, so does this out reveal that she has received: assurances from the prime minister that the Conservative Party will use our influence in Northern Ireland to press for marriage equality.

This helps to put some more clear blue water between the Tories and the socially conservative attitudes of the DUP, whilst also burnishing Davidsons personal credentials both as a unionist and a liberal champion of gay rights.

Gay marriage in particular is an issue which can most plainly be laid at the feet of Arlene Fosters party, for its passage to date has only been blocked by their use of a petition of concern, a mechanism built into the Stormont system to prevent majoritarianism by allowing a minority of MLAs to block legislation.

Crucially, the DUP actually fell below the threshold needed to wield the Petition of Concern in Marchs calamitous snap election. This means that if devolved government is restored (and thats a big if) it is very likely to pass. If the DUP can be persuaded not to oppose it as a concession to the inevitable  supporting it would probably be a bridge too far  then Davidsons positioning might allow her, and perhaps the Government, to get a bit of the credit.

Beyond that, this intervention  alongside others on things like Saudi Arabia  shows that whilst she may be focused on becoming First Minister (and wont be riding south for a shot at Downing Street anytime soon), the Scottish Tory leader is embracing her position as one of the most prominent Conservatives in the whole United Kingdom.
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You're not dumb. (Probably, we don't know you.) But what we do know is that if you've ever sat through a movie and been incredibly confused, that might not have been your fault, because movies are filled with truly flipping confusing moments.

And, as we've said before, sometimes these confusing moments actually do have reasonable answers, just reasonable answers that weren't un-usefully presented in the actual movie in question. So after poring through websites, director's commentaries, and, shudder, tie-in novels, we found answers to questions like ...
Nothing makes us feel smart like repeating something an actual smart person once said. Why bother coming up with your own witty retort, when you're pretty sure you once read about something Winston Churchill may or may not have said to some other dick, way back in the day? Or maybe it was Oscar Wilde. Or maybe nobody actually said that at all, and you're just mashing up half-remembered takes in your head. You see the problem: Some of the most popular quotes from some of the most famous geniuses don't actually mean what we think they do. For example ...

5 Murphy's Law ("Anything That Can Go Wrong, Will Go Wrong") Was Just A Dig At His Own Bumbling Assistants

You know Murphy and his damn Law: "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." In other words: The universe is always out to get you. It doesn't matter if you plan ahead and prepare for all eventualities -- something will always go wrong and screw you over. Yep, the fundamental rules of the universe are why our last camping trip went to shit; it's not because we planned it at the last second and brought nothing but a Taco Bell combo box.

What It Actually Means:

The original meaning was more like, "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong ... when you've got these chuckleheads for assistants." The Murphy in Murphy's Law wasn't some historic genius or ancient philosopher, but a U.S. Air Force engineer named Edward A. Murphy. His statement was prompted by a military experiment involving a rocket-powered sled, presumably devised as a way to capture and devour a particularly elusive roadrunner.
Ron Dennis has formally ended his involvement with McLaren after selling his shares in the company, as confirmed in a statement issued on Friday.

Dennis took over McLaren's Formula 1 operation in 1980 and led it to 17 combined world titles, working with drivers such as Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton.

Dennis was forced to resign as CEO and chairman in November, but remained a significant shareholder in the various companies under the McLaren umbrella.

A statement on Friday confirmed that Dennis had now sold his shares and stepped down from all roles within McLaren, ending his involvement with the company.

"Ron Dennis, Chairman of McLaren Technology Group and McLaren Automotive, has agreed terms to sell his shareholdings in both companies," the statement reads.

"The formation of the McLaren Group - the new holding company of McLaren Technology Group and McLaren Automotive - will underpin the continuing rapid growth of McLaren's businesses and brand.

"The Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and TAG Group will remain as majority McLaren Group shareholders. Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa will become McLaren Group's executive chairman.

"On completion of the transaction, Ron Dennis will step down as chairman of both companies, and will continue to pursue his career as a consultant and entrepreneur."

"I am very pleased to have reached agreement with my fellow McLaren shareholders," Dennis said. "It represents a fitting end to my time at McLaren, and will enable me to focus on my other interests.

"I have always said that my 37 years at Woking should be considered as a chapter in the McLaren book, and I wish McLaren every success as it takes the story forward."
Having witnessed Scott Redding's Friday morning spill at the Sachsenring's turn eleven first hand, Cal Crutchlow believes changes must be made to that infamous section of track to ensure the safety of riders and marshals alike.

"Someone's going to get seriously hurt," Crutchlow warned, after seeing marshals, who were tending to Alvaro Bautista - a faller minutes before Redding - and his machine, fleeing from the Englishman's incoming Ducati.

Thankfully no one was hurt, but, for Crutchlow, the incident underlined the perilous nature of the corner. The LCR Honda rider intends to discuss the need to make alterations in this evening's safety commission meeting.

"It's so dangerous now," he said. "Anyway, the thing is if you give us two percent more camber it means we're going to open the throttle 0.2% more. They need to just slow it down. Someone's going to get seriously hurt; either a rider, or, as you saw this morning, a marshal. It's ridiculous.

"At the end of the day, you have to look at how many crashes there are over a year. Then you have to look at today. Bikes flying through the air and marshals not even hearing them.

"They're not even looking at them, the bike's coming, and they probably can't hear it to be fair. Another rider could be laying in the gravel, a bike could fly in. It's the same for everyone. I don't want to be the guy that complains but..."

The Sachsenring has been resurfaced for 2017, and Aleix Espargaro noted there was a slight camber change on the inside of turn eleven, aimed to slow riders down.

Several other men, Redding and Danilo Petrucci, said they noticed no difference, but Crutchlow feels measures would have to be more severe to avoid riders crashing there with such regularity.

"The problem is you're going to keep going as fast as you can until you crash. It's as simple as that. I know that's the point of racing. You have to find the limit. There is a lottery.

"They just need to make it tighter and slower. I'm not saying put a chicane in. It's a difficult one.

"Honestly, I have to say Scott Redding did nothing wrong. I have no idea why he crashed. He heated the tyre, did three or laps before. There it's so tricky. The worst thing was I came in after the first run and said, 'F**k, there must be more grip at turn eleven because no one is crashing.' The next time I went out they were crashing everywhere.

"You see Hector Barbera in the rain, he gained his whole lap time there because he took a risk. Don't get me wrong. I like fast corners. I like stuff that is maybe a little on the edge. But to me, they need to scrap it. It's getting out of control. You do your whole race weekend thinking, 'Are you going to make it through there or not?' You can do everything right and still be on the floor."

Crutchlow then spoke of his own hairy encounter at turn eleven in free practice for the 2013 event, a race in which he went on to finish second.

"I was f**ked," he said. "If you were to see me the Friday night or Saturday morning... then was another time I shouldn't have been riding. I took that many drugs. I got up that morning and went flat on my back, pissing all over myself. Lucy [Crutchlow, Cal's wife] was screaming in the motorhome because she thought I had died.

"I went through the wardrobe. I got up, had that much morphine, I went for a piss and just fell over. Then I was second in FP3. I qualified second and I finished second.

"Do you know why? I had no feeling in this arm from an injury years and years ago. The bicep doesn't work very well. There is no feel on the skin. But there was that much blood, I thought I had a lot of pain. So I said, 'Give me all you've got' and they just loaded me with morphine. But I was out of it. Properly out of it."

Other than his concerns over turn eleven, Crutchlow praised the new surface, and said that, in spite of his placing of 13th in FP1, which led to him finishing outside the overall free practice top ten, his feeling is good.

"A fucking joke. At the minute I'm in Q1 through one rain shower and Scott Redding crashing. I lost seven tenths in that lap. It would have put me fastest, or second. I had to shut the throttle coming down turn eleven.

"In that sector I lost three tenths. In the next sector I lost three tenths. Six tenths and I could have gained more because I was pissed off at shutting the throttle. I knew I wasn't gaining it back. It put me 13th. I feel I'm riding good. I was really happy with the session. It's just I never made it to the top."

On the new surface, he added, "[It's] Really good. Honestly, in the wet you can't believe. I left the pit lane. I was late because we were messing around in the garage. Marc had done three laps. I saw the blue flags, sit up and I looked down and Marc's got his elbow on the floor. When I see someone's got their elbow on the floor it means you've got to push. But it's got really good grip."

By Neil Morrison
Channel programs News

D&H's Dan Schwab: As Other Distributors Invest In The Enterprise, We Remain 'Laser-Focused' On SMB

Michael Novinson

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D&H Distributing Co-President Dan Schwab said his company has no intention of following in the footsteps of competitors Tech Data and Synnex and acquiring its way into larger customer accounts.

"There's been a lot of changes in the distribution landscape, and more and more distributors are focused on the enterprise market," Schwab told CRN during the Mid-Atlantic Summer Technology Trade Show in Hershey, Pa. "While we're doubling down [on SMB], other people are taking those chips off the table and deploying them elsewhere."

Tech Data purchased Avnet Technology Solutions in February for $2.6 billion, while Synnex announced plans to buy Westcon Americas in June for up to $800 million. This will leave North America with just six distributors  including D&H  that have annual sales exceeding $1 billion.

[RELATED: CRN Exclusive: D&H Adds Azure To Cloud Marketplace In Push To Quintuple Number Of VARs On Platform]

"Clearly, when you see who is being acquired in those first two [Tech Data and Synnex] examples, it's about the data center and the enterprise," Schwab said. "This is where many broadline distributors see growth and see margin and see their future, whereas we see our future as squarely, smack, right on SMB."

D&H is unique among distributors thanks to its free pre-sales and post-sales support, Schwab said, as well as a dedicated sales rep for every channel partner regardless of size. D&H's sales reps have, on average, been with the company for 10 years, Schwab said.

"We just keep evolving it [our support] and making it better," Schwab said. It's standing out to our customers that much more because it's not existing elsewhere."

Harrisburg, Pa.-based D&H serves as a trusted adviser, he said, helping VARs craft holistic solutions regardless of their size.

Channel partners that begin doing business with D&H typically find that the company's support is greater than anything they've ever experienced before, Schwab said. In the past, Schwab said some channel partners didn't know D&H since, as recently as a decade ago, the distributor didn't carry Cisco or Hewlett-Packard's enterprise computing products.

"If they already had great destinations, they never became familiar with us," Schwab said. "But more and more, people are seeing our value proposition."

Vendors have also increasingly turned to D&H for high levels of coverage and support around their small-business products, Schwab said. As many suppliers reduce their headcount, Schwab said they are often unable to support small-business resellers themselves.

"There are lots of other distractions and shiny objects that distributors can focus on," Schwab said. "We are laser-focused on SMB, and helping them move their business upstream."

D&H partners that traditionally sold to end users with between 25 seats and 100 seats are increasingly having clients with as many as 500 seats, Schwab said. As a result, D&H is offering its new hires far more training around advanced solutions, Schwab said, as well as gearing its webinars and training at partner trade shows much more around the "M" in SMB.

In fact, Schwab said D&H recently had 25 of its largest VARs come in for one and a half days of deep, intensive on-site training.

"We saw more and more of our customers having more advanced technical needs," Schwab said. "We saw our vendors bringing more complicated solutions to market, and we saw the opportunity for D&H to really make sure we fill that gap."

D&H has beefed up its field and office-based salesforce, Schwab said, as well as boosted the technical capability of its existing employee base. From a technical standpoint, Schwab said D&H sent some of its staff off-site for a week of highly specialized vendor training, while other workers have focused on gaining expertise around horizontal, multivendor offerings such as digital signage.

Main Street Software & Computers has been doing business with D&H for many years, and also holds accounts with all of the broadline distributors, according to General Manager Jim Roye. The Landisville, Pa.-based solution provider has found that D&H offers the most personal service, knowledgeable sales reps, and is able to provide answers to technical questions very quickly, Roye told CRN.

Although D&H's products are sometimes priced higher than other distributors, Roye typically finds that things get much more complicated when he attempts to work with a larger distributor.

Although other broadline distributors might have deeper pockets because of their large size, Computer Pros has found the experience to be less personal since they're unable to form relationships with credit reps, according to Josh Boyd, owner of the Nashville, Tenn.-based company.

D&H's sales reps tend to be pretty tight with the distributor's manufacturing reps, Boyd said, meaning that vendor-specific issues can typically be resolved quickly with fewer transfers between teams. And since D&H has less overhead than their larger counterparts, Boyd said he's normally found their prices to be better than the competition.

KM Computers has similarly found that D&H provides a nice personal touch, and is able to quickly resolve problems without a lot of red tape, according to owner Keith Miller. Miller praised D&H's credit team for being flexible and extending a little more credit if the Jeannette, Pa.-based solution provider is at risk of going over its credit limit.

"Everything's just a little easier with D&H," Miller said.
Networking News

Silver Peak Teams With China Telecom, Westcon-Comstor To Provide Global, Managed SD-WAN Services

Gina Narcisi

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Silver Peak is making its relationship with China Telecom official. With the help of IT distributor Westcon-Comstor, the global service provider will deliver fully-managed SD-WAN services using Silver Peak technology to enterprises and channel partners.

Silver Peak, a developer of SD-WAN technology and hybrid WAN products, will help China Telecom attract new, multinational business customers, as well as existing enterprise customers with international connectivity requirements. Westcon-Comstor will provide order fulfillment and integration of the SD-WAN services.

Service providers are a relatively new audience for Silver Peak. But as enterprises move to cloud-based services and carriers provide that core connectivity, the Santa Clara, Calif.-based SD-WAN provider knew it needed to win them over, helping them bring hybrid networking solutions to market, Shayne Stubbs, vice president of service provider and cloud for Silver Peak, told CRN.

[Related: Level 3 Launches SD-WAN Service For Partners, Business Customers ]

"Combined, this offering will satisfy the requirements that large enterprises need as they move from dedicated networks to wanting something more agile that they can get from a carrier," he said.

Today, Silver Peak provides the underlying SD-WAN technology for NTT Communications' SD-WAN service, as well as China Telecom's service, putting the provider's technology in more than 200 countries, Stubbs said.

Beijing-based China Telecom's agent partners will also have access to resell the managed SD-WAN service.

The managed SD-WAN services are based on Silver Peak's Unity EdgeConnectSP and Unity Boost SD-WAN products. Westcon-Comstor has integrated EdgeConnectSP into China Telecom's NetCare unified customer network monitoring and management platform using the EdgeConnect RESTful API, according to Silver Peak. This combination lets China Telecom provide real-time managed SD-WAN service monitoring and management to existing and new clients.

Together, Silver Peak and China Telecom will offer customers "tiered" managed SD-WAN services that target a range of large enterprise requirements, Stubbs said, including SLA-based services.

Business customers using the SD-WAN services will be able to take advantage of inexpensive connectivity options, such as broadband, to expand their networks cost-effectively while still meeting necessary security and reliability requirements. The Westcon partnership lets Silver Peak have local resources for customers around the globe, he added.

Carriers had been uneasy about SD-WAN in the very beginning because of fears around MPLS network sales, but Silver Peak's tiered SD-WAN services let service providers monetize new networking products, such as SaaS optimization and cloud connect offerings, Stubbs said.

"Enterprises want everything as a service and on-demand, and we have the platform to deliver it," he said. "Its a great opportunity for service providers to drive their next billion-dollar revenue stream."
Contributed Photo / Milford Police Department / Contributed Photo

MILFORD  The 31-year-old resident who had been reported missing earlier this week has been found safe in Maine, according to a tweet from the Milford Police.

Police investigated a missing person complaint Thursday after Kimberly Piccolis family said that they had not seen her since Sunday.
Any time we hop on our phones or laptops, we just might feel that the glut of content there is suffocating us. How does that happen?

Related: 5 Steps To Build Trust Using Content Marketing

Google the terms "how to," "what is" or even "social media marketing," and watch as your screen is flooded with lists and anecdotes from a variety of sources. While not all of this content is bad, it's hard to know how much of it to trust.

Granted, inaccurate information isn't always the fault of the writer: The internet changes so quickly that source links may become extinct; or there may have been a misinterpretation of complex statistics or research.

However, if you're putting content out there for your own business that you hope will build trust with your audience, you need to start doing more thorough fact-checking than your competitors are. The point is about more than just gaining traffic; it's about building a relationship with your customers,

If you follow these steps, that relationship potentially could last a lifetime.

1. Focus on solving problems first, and getting visitors second.

One of the biggest things that people miss the mark on with their content is that they worry about attracting visitors and neglect to provide value to them.

After all, the goal isn't just to have them find you; you want to keep them coming back. Remember: Your business is out to solve a problem, which should be your thesis when you're deciding on topics to contribute.

In coming up with those topics, ask yourself what are the common issues in your industry. If you're looking for inspiration, it's not a bad idea to run a test on Google Trends, just to double-check that what you're thinking about writing hasn't already prompted oversaturated coverage.

Related: 5 Ways to Create Content That Breaks Down Trust Barriers

For example, if you're an artificial intellitence company that helps fashion brands with sales, then a prospective article titled "What Is AI?" has most likely already been published 1,000 times. But . . . "How AI Is Changing the Fashion Industry" is probably going to gain you considerable traffic.

Overall, your task is figuring out how your brand can produce quality content rather than doing the same thing everyone else is doing.

2. Emphasize quality over quantity.

While producing a high volume of content might be a good strategy to up your SEO results, it can damage the trust people place in your blog. Believe it or not, people tend to trust blogs as a primary source of information; in fact, blogs are in third place for trustworthiness, after family and friends.

This is a big responsibility if you're trying to get viewers to take your content seriously. That's why it's imperative to produce high-quality, not high-quantity, work.

The main factors in producing high quality are those germane to any other academic effort: Have a topic, deliver a thesis with supporting statements, back it with trustworthy research, edit for grammar and spelling and be concise.

I know that seems simple, but you'd be surprised by the number of blogs that forgo standard writing practices in the name of producing lots of content.

3. Be consistent.

No one likes visiting a blog that had one great post from a couple of months ago but has been tumbleweeds ever since. This brings up questions like: "Well, what happened to them? Why'd they stop writing?" And that can discredit the work you've already contributed, since your audience will be unsure if you're still a reliable source.

In 2014, a survey by the Content Marketing Institute showed that 78 percent of the most effective B2B marketers were producing more content than they did a year ago. Out of the surveyed group, 91 percent were promoting their efforts on social media, as well, and 62 percent said they believed that promoting their content to LinkedIn was working, while 50 percent considered Twitter an effective means as well.

These numbers reflect the fact that your competition is going to be tough; but by putting forth a system to create, promote and respond, your efforts will gain the notoriety you need to succeed.

4. Utilize social proof.

There's a lot of power in social proof. As stated above, people are more likely to trust the recommendation of somebody they know or are familiar with, which is why using social proof on your content might be advantageous.

What this might entail are actions like collaborations with industry leaders, customer testimonials and celebrity endorsements. Even just utilizing customer reviews can be beneficial; in a case study conducted by Bazaar Voice for figleaf.com, the group found that customer reviews saw an increase in session conversions by 12.5 percent; products that had 20 or more reviews had an 83.85 percent higher conversion rate than those without reviews.

These findings reflect how, when it comes to social proof, even just a little bit of someone else's approval can go a long way.

5. Avoid common topics or titles.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make with content is churning out the same topics as others in your industry. As mentioned earlier, posting about common topics can be useful if you're contributing to a larger conversation, but churning out trite content will cheapen your brand.

Always remember that brand perception is key. To separate yourself from the pack, utilize a tool like Buzzsumo, which will allow you to see what topics in your industry are getting the most shares. Take one of the most popular subjects, and produce content that is unique to you but attacks a similar problem.

6. Invest in branding.

Branding isn't just your logo, typeface or even story; it's how those things work together to build trust with your customer. As digital agency Huge has pointed out, building this trust takes quite a bit of time, but should be one of the primary goals of your content. Remember the beliefs you have in common with your customers (the mission you share), and be consistent with them.

7. Continue the conversation on social media.

One of the biggest things that you can do to build trust in your content and your brand is engage directly with your audience on social media. This is more than just saying "Good point!" or "Thanks!" Rather, it's about actually holding a dialogue or engaging in an open forum.

Related: How to Use Content to Create Trust With Users

An excellent example of someone who does this is Nimble founder Jon Ferrara, who responds to every single tweet to him, as well as contributes to the conversation personally.

Related:

7 Ways to Get More People to Trust Your Content

7 Ways to Build Consumer Trust Naturally



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Improvement of Roads in Tourism Areas

Submitted by: Juana

Local

Travel and Tourism

Destinations

06 / 29 / 2017



Specialists of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) and the Physical Planning Institute are conducting a study with the objective of improving the road that link Trinidad to the city of Cienfuegos.

Nestor Alvarez Cruz, Director of the Environmental Center in the province of Sancti Spiritus, told Escambray daily that the investigation is an interest of the Tourism Ministry in the central territory and other institutions like the CITMA office.

He added that this is a road that is mainly located along the sea and serves as a tourism corridor between both cities to the central southern region of Cuba.

Alvarez Cruz also pointed out that the locals from Sancti Spiritus work in outlining the 14 kilometer road between Trinidad and Cabagan, while the rest of the path (some 60 kilometers) will be the responsibility of the specialists from Cienfuegos.

According to the research carried out, the road will be returned to its original characteristics, in addition to planting trees more isolated from each other that will allow a view of the sea. The specialists said that there are places where the vegetation is so dense that there is practically no visibility.

The area of natural attractions offers the possibility of preparing small beaches that exist within the corals and also the construction of cafeterias to improve the tourism corridor along the road.
One 'barking mad' dog owner loves her pets so much she has spent more than 4,000 on a marriage ceremony for two of her dogs.

Millionaires Debi and Bob Clark share their luxurious four-acre Kent estate with 13 of the most spoilt dogs in Britain and arranged for Honey, her Teacup Chihuahua, to marry long-time partner, Chihuahua-cross, Joey, in a lavish ceremony.

The 52-year-old founder of child modelling agency Bizzykidz and the 70-year-old retired professional poker player even organised for the chihuahua bride - who had her own custom gown and diamond collar - to arrive in a horse-drawn cart.

Debi and Bob's eleven other dogs served as ushers and bridesmaids, and 60 human guests also attended to give their blessing at the extravagant do.

Debi Clark loves to spoil her pet dogs and decided to marry two of them - Honey (right) and Joey (left) in a lavish 4,000 wedding

Along with her husband Bob, a former professional poker player, Debi splashed out on the extravagant do creating a custom bridal gown and diamond dog collars

Debi said that Joey (left) and Honey (right) were so in love that it felt right to marry the pair and she also has plans to wed two of her other dogs - who are both male

The newlywed couple arrived in style on the back of a remote controlled convertible car before hopping out

The bride wore her gown which was ordered from China and customised by Debi, the groom looked very dapper in his top hat

Chihuahua Honey and her new husband Joey arrived in style to the This Morning studio in a remote control car fresh from their honeymoon.

Alongside them was owner Debi who explained why she doesnt care what other people think about the unusual union.

'It was all tongue in cheek, come on we had a six-year-old minister,' she told presenters Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes about the nuptials.

JOEY AND HONEY'S 4,000 WEDDING Custom bridal gown from China

Diamond dog collars

Horse-drawn cart

Wedding party of 13 dogs, all serving as bridesmaids, ushers and father of the bride

60 human guests in attendance

Doggy wedding planner Advertisement

'We are renowned for doing crazy things. We needed an excuse for a party so we decided we were going to marry our dogs.'

The wedding which included their other dogs - Tilly, Poppy, Peggy, Tommy, Teddy, Reggie, Ronnie, Fraggle, Poppet, Spot, and Frida - was such fun that Debi is considering throwing another.

'The two that get on really well is Teddy and Fraggle and they're both male... Maybe it'll be a gay wedding next!' she laughed.

Debi also explained that her husband is just as much of an animal lover as she is and was on board for the wedding despite some initial reservations.

'We both are animal lovers but he will swap me for a dog Im sure, Ill be the first to admit it.'

Millionaires Debi and Bob share their luxurious four acre Kent estate with 13 of the most spoilt dogs in Britain

Debi joked that she wanted an excuse for a party and enlisted the help of a six-year-old to play the part of the minister

Debi held blushing bride Honey after helping her walk down the altar, and it was down to Bob (right) to be take care of groom Joey

Eamonn and Ruth were intrigued to learn how much Debi spent on the wedding but she said her pets were not pampered

Debi ordered the wedding dress from China 'for about 10' but then customised it by adding a veil and diamantes to the gown.

The wedding is shown in the series The Secret World of Posh Pets, where Debi also enlisted the help of her assistant acting as a wedding planner.

She also defended her expensive tastes admitting she was a 'shopaholic' and like to treat her pet pooches but in no way was it 'cruel'.

'She has doggy time its not cruel, you come to my house it is the best balance, they go on long walks we have an agility course.

This Morning airs weekdays on ITV from 10.30am and The Secret World Of Posh Pets starts tonight on ITV at 8pm
Dusting is a chore for everyone, but it really is a challenge for Lorraine Cornish. The head of conservation at Londons Natural History Museum, she has the job of polishing the institutions new flagship exhibit  a blue whale.

The bones of this leviathan have been suspended from the ceiling of the museums great entrance hall, Hintze Hall, replacing the famous diplodocus skeleton that has enraptured visitors since 1979.

Dippy the dinosaur (which isnt actually a real skeleton but a plaster-cast replica) has moved out, giving Lorraine and her colleagues the challenge of finding an exhibit both big enough to dominate the space and spectacular enough to create a sense of drama and wonder.

The head of conservation at Londons Natural History Museum, she has the job of polishing the institutions new flagship exhibit  a blue whale. Pictured: How the exhibit might look

At a grand opening, the public will catch their first glimpse of the new showpiece from 10am on Friday 14 July. We cant wait to open and see what everyone thinks, says Lorraine. And thanks to an exclusive documentary on BBC2, TV viewers will get a sneak preview the night before.

Hintze Hall, named after the museums benefactor Sir Michael Hintze, is a cathedral-like cavern with towering brick pillars and iron girders that swoop across the ceiling. But this didnt guarantee it was strong enough to support a 5 ton whale skeleton.

Designing and erecting the display has taken three years, and the hall has been closed to the public since the beginning of the year.

This isnt the first time the whales gone on show, but this time its in a dramatic pose  lunging down with its mouth agape, the position blue whales use when hunting. Lorraine hopes visitors will feel as if theyre about to be eaten.

Eileen Cockerell cleaning the Blue Whale skeleton at the Natural History Museum

In the wild, blue whales  the biggest animals ever to have existed  eat krill, a sort of shrimp. And they need a lot of krill to sustain their bodies, which can weigh up to 200 tons and grow to 100ft long.

The whale on display, a young female 10 or 15 years old, was not quite fully grown when she was washed ashore off the west coast of Ireland, near Wexford, in 1891. Measuring 90ft, she was still alive when the harbourmaster Ned Wickham found her.

Today, a rescue effort would be launched to get the animal back into the water. But in those days, when whales were far more plentiful and much less appreciated, the harbourmasters first thought was that a golden opportunity had landed on the towns doorstep.

Locals were afraid of getting too close at first, fearing the stranded creature could lash out and kill someone. By the second day, however, when the whale was almost dead from exhaustion and exposure, a harpoon was brought. A few thrusts put the dying creature out of its misery.

A businessman called William Armstrong put in the highest bid of 111, and proceeded to turn the whale to profit. Its meat was sold for dog food, its oil for fuel, lubricants, soap, varnish, paint and even explosives.

Flexible and versatile, whalebone, or baleen, was the Victorian equivalent of plastic. It was used in corsets and for the spokes of umbrellas. But Armstrong had a different idea: he invited the Natural History Museum to buy the skeleton for display. After much haggling, a price was agreed: 250. Armstrong had more than doubled his money on the bones alone.

For 40 years, the museums trustees werent sure what to do with their prize. In the 1930s it was decided to display the whale as a complete skeleton, suspended from the ceiling in the Mammal Hall. A team of 20 workmen set about the task, with a decidedly pre-war attitude to health and safety.

Photos show the men in flat caps and aprons, shinning up rickety ladders and steadying themselves with a hand on a rope pulley. Some even had tobacco pipes lodged between their teeth.

Pictured: A real life blue whale known in Latin as Balaenoptera musculus

Their engineering techniques were often cavalier too. Gaps between bones were wadded with old newspapers and wedged with slivers of wood, and the whole skeleton was fused into place using every size and type of metal bolt.

Despite the improvisation, the display was very solid: in 80 years, not one fragment of bone fell down. The workmen were justifiably proud of their whale, and inscribed their signatures on the beasts skull.

Their blue whale was, however, difficult to see and even more difficult to reach for cleaning. It wasnt terribly interesting to look at either, set in an unnatural pose as though lying on a platter.

The intention was that the skeleton would dominate the Mammal Hall, but gradually it became obscured by cables and struts from other displays.

A decade ago, Lorraine and her team cleaned the skeleton, but they were surprised by how much dust it had collected.

We vacuumed about 3lb of dust off the bones, she says. It was painstaking, but people found it fascinating. We put a 15-second video online to show how we dust a whale, and the footage went viral. From now on we expect to do it every six months.

The decision to replace Dippy with the whale was made three years ago, but taking the whale down was a monster task. Some of the bolts could be undone with a spanner, but others were fused solid. The ribs had to be removed with a hacksaw.

Once the skeleton was in pieces, it was taken to a pop-up laboratory within the museum where visitors could watch the conservation work. This included mapping every bone with a 3D scanner to create virtual replicas. The data is being shared worldwide, and several papers based on this research are being prepared.

Lorraine and her colleagues had no intention of hanging the whale in a flat, lifeless posture again. Marine expert Richard Sabin had the idea of recreating the lunge feeding pose.

One of the armature makers gives final tweeks to the armature in Hintze Hall

To gather as much information as possible about the blue whales natural movements, he travelled to California to watch them feeding in the wild. There were once an estimated 350,000 blue whales: 30 years ago hunting had left them all but extinct. However, a ban on hunting has meant numbers have slowly climbed back to around 9,000, and the blue whale is seen as a worldwide conservation success story.

On his return, the diplodocus was dismantled  earning Richard the nickname of The Dippy Killer. But the much-loved prehistoric herbivore will not be going into storage. Instead, Dippy is embarking on a tour of British towns to inspire a new generation of dinosaur fans.

Once the entrance hall was clear, the immense challenge of getting the whalebones into the hall began  that massive jaw fitted through the door with fractions of an inch to spare. A team of steeplejacks helped haul the skeleton into place.

It was a long job, one that almost ended in disaster: at first, the abseilers lifted it too quickly and the display started to sway. With nothing to steady it, every tremor made the bones ripple back and forth, until with a horrendous crack something gave way.

For Lorraine, it was a horrifying moment. Years of hard work could have come smashing down onto the marble floor.

The broken bolt was identified and replaced in mid-air, and the winch team began to haul the skeleton aloft again... this time more slowly. Over the next six hours, they raised it by half an inch a minute.

Eventually, the leviathan was in position, diving towards the floor with the tip of its jaw just out of reach of the public. Visitors will be able to see every detail  though they may not be able to make out the spot where the engineers and restorers added their signatures to the names of their 1930s predecessors.

The whale will not be alone, as hundreds of other curiosities, from a meteorite to a giraffe, will be displayed in the hall to tell the Earths four billion-year history of evolution.

But one of the reasons that long-limbed dinosaur was so popular was his cartoonish name. Who could fail to love a bunch of bones called Dippy? The whale needs a nickname too, if she is to be as popular. She does have a name, Lorraine reveals. But it wont be announced until she goes on display. Our whale hasnt given up all her secrets yet.

Horizon: Dippy And The Whale will be shown on Thursday 13 July at 9pm on BBC2.
The average age at which women have cosmetic surgery has gone under 40 for the first time, according to new research.

Women are now going under the knife by 39 - down three years since 2012 when the previous average was 42.

The so called 'Instagram culture' is being blamed for the shift with increasing numbers of women under 35 choosing to go under the knife for the first time. Men are also affected, too.

The average age for male cosmetic surgery has gone down in the last five years - from 47 to 45, again due the pressure to look good on social media.

The average age at which women have cosmetic surgery has gone under 40 for the first time

The rise of 'selfies' and photo filtering is one of the reasons for the boom in surgery amongst young patients.

They see how their appearances are improved by filters on their smart phones and deduce that surgery may be able to replicate this process in real-life.

There is also a desire to look better on social media - particularly Facebook and Instagram where so many personal pictures are shared.

The research was conducted by Harley Street facial cosmetic surgeon Dr Julian De Silva from looking at 2,000 patient records over the last five years from across the UK.

Dr De Silva, from the Centre for Advanced Facial Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery in Hammersmith, West London, carefully vets any new patients and declines to operate on anyone who is too young.

But he said that many of the younger patients he sees have good reasons for surgery.

increasing numbers of women under 35 are choosing to go under the knife for the first time

He said: 'They have done their research and have made a positive decision to improve their appearance. They may see their large nose, baggy eyelids, thin lips or weak chin as a barrier to acceptance and want to make a positive life change.

'There is no doubt that the Instagram culture is having an effect on some younger patients. The desire to look good has never been stronger - you can see that in other trends such as the growing popularity of procedures such as teeth whitening.

'Filtering provides an instant appearance improvement and I guess that does plant a seed in some patients' minds.

'They also pick up on very high profile cases where a relatively young, well-known person has improved their appearance through facial cosmetic surgery - a good recent example being the Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington having rhinoplasty at the age of 25 to improve the appearance of her nose. Her face was transformed by the surgery and it gave her added body confidence.

'Millennial women see the obvious benefits of surgery such as Rebecca's and think: "Why wait till my forties?"

Research shows that more than half of us (53%) want to change the way we look.

And almost two-thirds of Britons (62%) would have cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance if cost was not a consideration.

The rise of 'selfies' and photo filtering is one of the reasons for the boom in surgery amongst young patients

There were 30,750 cosmetic procedures carried out on men and women in the UK last year, according to BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons).

Of these, 28,341 were carried out on women and 2,409 on men.

The top surgical procedure for women was breast enlargement which accounted for 7,732 operations.

Top for men was rhinoplasty, commonly know as a nose job.
A Perth dancer is in a race against time to raise funding to be able to fly to the US for a life-changing operation to fix a curve in her spine.

Brittney Morris was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis and needs the groundbreaking surgery to straighten her back as the spinal fusion procedure available in Australia will mean she will never dance again.

In a GoFundMe page setup by Brittney's mum Michelle she says her daughter 'lives for dancing.'

Perth teen Brittney Morris (pictured) needs to raise funding to get her to the US for a major operation

'She has danced since she was 2 years old and made it her life ever since,' she said.

'Unfortunately 3 years ago Brittney was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. Her first treatment was a horrible fiberglass back brace which was not only painful but left her with bruises and sores from long time wear of up to 22 hours a day.'

Ms Morris says it has been heart breaking watching her daughters pain and suffering.

'She has gone from a normal happy healthy child to a sad teenager that has constant pain and her spine is bending and curving in several parts in her back causing her back to look bent.'

The 14-year-old's only option in Australia for scoliosis is to have a spinal fusion.

'Due to the the nature and position of her curves she would need to have a metal titanium rod and screws in her back from around her neck to the bottom of her spine,' she said.

The young dancer was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis and needs the surgery to correct her curved spine

'This is a highly invasive surgery and recovery is long and grueling.'

Ms Morris said Brittney would need to have a lot of time away from school, and give up her passion for dancing.

'Spinal fusion fuses the spine so it's no longer flexible also stopping the curve and any movement.

'There is an option out there, however I just don't have access to it here in Australia,' she told Today Tonight.

'Through research I've found out there is an alternative to having a fusion, however, we would need to go to America for this option.

This surgery is called Vertical Body Tethering (VBT). This surgery, although quite new, is ground breaking and enables children who have scoliosis to continue their normal daily life after approx 6 weeks of recovery all the while keeping spinal flexibility.'

The procedure will straighten her back and will allow her to dance again unlike the surgery offered in Australia

With this surgery Brittney would be able to return to sport, dancing or whatever hobby she pleases around 6 - 8 weeks later.

'I could go back to living a teenage life and live the next chapter of my life, start doing stuff that teenagers to and not have to worry about a crooked, curvy spine,' the High Wycombe teen said.

Brittney's mum has sent three doctors in the States and they have agreed she meets their criteria for the VBT surgery.

The operation however is very costly and between the the three doctors ranges from $197-300k so the family are appealing to the public for assistance.

'All money raised will be very much appreciated and would mean the world to my daughter and our family.'


After a complicated pregnancy, Australian travel blogger Jessica Stein, also known as Tuula Vintage, announced the birth of her baby girl in April.

But the little girl was born prematurely and as a result, she and her doting parents are still living in the hospital.

Despite the circumstances, Ms Stein took to Instagram recently to share the first ever photo of their baby girl and update her 2.6 million followers on how they are going.

'We have been pinching ourselves all day, every day for the past twelve weeks since our beautiful daughter arrived,' Ms Stein wrote alongside the touching photo.

Australian travel blogger Jessica Stein had shared the first photograph of her newborn baby girl - 12 weeks after giving birth

Ms Stein took to Instagram recently to share the first ever photo of their baby girl and update her 2.6 million followers on how they are going

'I always knew it wouldn't be easy for me to become a mother, but I never thought these first precious months would be so hard for her.

'We're still living in hospital a few hours from home and taking each day as it comes, learning from and loving every moment with her.'

Ms Stein said she and her partner hoped to be back home in the coming weeks to enjoy their 'new chapter together'.

'We have been pinching ourselves all day, every day for the past twelve weeks since our beautiful daughter arrived,' Ms Stein wrote alongside the touching photo

'I always knew it wouldn't be easy for me to become a mother, but I never thought these first precious months would be so hard for her,' she said

'Until then, I wanted to thank everyone for your well wishes and patience,' Ms Stein continued.

'When I get a moment or need for distraction from hospital life I will be posting some unpublished or favourite photos from old travels, until we're all happy and healthy enough for home, then travelling as a family.

'I would be lying if I didn't admit this is extremely tough, but so is she.'

Ms Stein was inundated with support from her followers and other mothers who have given birth prematurely.

Ms Stein's entire pregnancy announcement can be read here

Ms Stein said she and her partner hoped to be back home in the coming weeks to enjoy their 'new chapter together'

'From one preemie mom to another, you've got this. I will be praying for continued health for you and sweet baby,' one woman wrote.

Another wrote: 'My premmie is turning 15 in August! Your girl is a fighter!'

Ms Stein announced the birth of her baby girl in April after speaking openly about her complicated pregnancy from February.

'Our little warrior safely arrived earth side a few weeks ago and since the first moment we met her we knew that we would go through it all again, a thousand times over,' she wrote on her Instagram page.

'I would be lying if I didn't admit this is extremely tough, but so is she,' she said

'Thank you so much to everyone who reached out with encouragement and warm thoughts these past few months.

'I have been offline while living in the hospital as she has been in the special care nursery, and will continue to be happily immersed in her for the next little while but sincerely appreciate everyone's overwhelming support.'

Ms Stein, who gave birth few weeks early, endured a challenging pregnancy with a number of complications.

She documented some of these with her followers and shared the highs and lows of her experience.

The stunning influencer, who is known for her idyllic photographs, first opened up about her rocky pregnancy after revealing that she was seven months pregnant.

In her announcement, Ms Stein shared a stunning black and white snap of herself and detailed the complications she had faced in the pregnancy due to being hit by a car when she was 16.

'At our 20 week scan they noticed the lack of amniotic fluid that I had unknowingly been leaking due to my old bladder injury and was diagnosed with PPROM,' she said previously

Ms Stein revealed her pregnancy was an 'unexpected miracle' as she wasn't sure if she would ever be able to have biological children.

'I experienced multiple pelvic and internal injuries after being hit by a car at 16 with ongoing pain and limitations, and was warned of what might never come to be,' she wrote.

'I've always wanted to adopt (as my incredible mum was) and my partner and I had been talking about it again just before this unexpected miracle happened.'

Ms Stein explained that she wouldn't have shared her story and the 'highs and lows of the pregnancy' online if she didn't think it was important.

Ms Stein said that while her partner was a 'rock of support and positivity,' she found the last few months of her pregnancy, the 'loneliest' of her life

Ms Stein revealed her pregnancy was an 'unexpected miracle' as she wasn't sure if she would ever be able to have biological children

'I have been struggling with antenatal depression and hope that speaking out might just help heal myself, and someone else too,' she continued.

We aren't in the complete clear but know that nothing ever really is.

'At our 20 week scan they noticed the lack of amniotic fluid that I had unknowingly been leaking due to my old bladder injury and was diagnosed with PPROM (broken waters).

'With pre-labour symptoms and anticipating a very, very early arrival I was admitted to hospital in Sydney on bed rest once viable at 24 weeks.

'I don't know the words to describe how hopeless I felt not being able to control my own body, provide for my baby or see hope that we would make it through.'

But despite the complications, Ms Stein said she had experienced her 'first true moment of excitement and relief that things will be okay'

Ms Stein said that while her partner was a 'rock of support and positivity,' she has found the last few months the 'loneliest' of her life.

But despite the complications, Ms Stein said she had experienced her 'first true moment of excitement and relief that things will be okay.'

'We have a little warrior who is beating all of the odds. I have been allowed home for the first time since late last year and the cloud of anxiety is slowly lifting,' she wrote.

'Thank you to the doctors, midwives and hospitals who have gone above and beyond for us, including all of the women I met while sharing hospital rooms learning about each other's journeys.

'We are so grateful to have come this far and be in this position that so many can only dream to reach. We aren't in the complete clear but know that nothing ever really is. For now we are going to lay low and enjoy every extra week of waiting to meet our miracle.'

After sharing her story, the popular blogger was inundated with messages of support.

'Thank you for sharing, you make social media more human. I will keep you in my prayers. Stay strong, the journey is worth it,' one follower wrote.

'Thank you for sharing this story. What a wonderful miracle. Wishing you health and happiness in this journey,' another added.
An Australian mum has spoken candidly of how childbirth left her struggling to have sex with her husband.

Zoe George who writes as The Subtle Mummy said the difficult birth of her first baby - who was delivered with the help of forceps - resulted in her vagina being 'broken'.

'We went home and the struggles began; I struggled with breastfeeding, struggled to pee, struggled to even sit on a toilet without feeling like my insides were going to drop out of the gaping hole that once was my vagina,' Ms George wrote on her blog.

Zoe George (pictured) said the difficult birth of her first baby - who was delivered with the help of forceps - resulted in her vagina being 'broken'

She said six months after the birth 'the time had come to think about sex again'.

'It took this long before my husband even dared to bring it up,' she wrote. 'I was petrified. I have been bungee jumping before and the thought of having sex again scared me more.

'We tried and it was a nightmare. That's if it even counts... does half a tip even count?'

As a result of her struggles, Ms George booked an appointment with her gynecologist to ask if it was normal.

'He assured me that it was normal and I had just made a tiny human and there was a lot of trauma so not to expect too much,' she said.

'I gave it another six months and by that time we were trying for our second.

'By 'trying' I mean I would cry whilst biting on a pillow, enduring sex while my poor husband tried to get the job done as quickly as possible.'

A year after the birth, Ms George said she was 'trying for a second baby. 'By 'trying' I mean I would cry whilst biting on a pillow, enduring sex while my poor husband tried to get the job done as quickly as possible,' she said

Ms George is now mum to Ari, three, and Ambrosia, 18 months (pictured) and said: 'If you cant laugh at life then you cry'

She returned to the gynecologist who examined her and said scar tissue from the stitches she had after the birth was causing the problem.

'I could either have surgery to fix it (and then have an elective cesarean so as to avoid the same thing happening again with a natural birth),' she said.

'Or 'bear through it' until we conceived and then 'hope the next baby tears the same spot so that it can be re-stitched more carefully'.

'I decided to give the latter option a go for one more month, and thankfully it worked.'

But then Ms George, who is now mum to Ari, three, and Ambrosia, 18 months, said she faced another problem.

Ms George said she then suffered from vaginismus - an involuntary reflex of the muscles surrounding the entrance to the vagina, making penetration impossible or painful

'It's terrible and having it is worse than the way it sounds,' she said. 'It's basically when your vagina has had enough so she over tightens your pelvic floor muscles so much that nothing is allowed in'

'In the process I managed to traumatise my vagina to the point of vaginismus,' she said.

The condition is an involuntary reflex of the muscles surrounding the entrance to the vagina, making penetration impossible or painful.

'Such a gorgeous word, isn't it? Sounds like a blossoming flower that grows at the base of a gorgeous waterfall, doesn't it?' Ms George wrote.

'No, it's terrible and having it is worse than the way it sounds... It's basically when your vagina has had enough so she over tightens your pelvic floor muscles so much that nothing is allowed in.

'She puts up a brick wall against all intruders and no amount of banging will break down that wall.

Ms George said it took 'months of physio' and 'hundreds of dollars' before she saw an improvement

'My name is Zoe and I have vaginismus. Months of physio later and paying hundreds of dollars to get to third base with a gorgeous woman and there had been slight improvement made.

'I still remember her (the physio) telling me she was going to give me some 'trainers'.

'I thought they were runners or something, but she came in with these plastic test tube looking things that started at the size of my little finger and the biggest was the size of an averagecucumber.'

With the help of the trainers, Ms George was able to welcome her second baby into the world.

However, she said she had a 'long way to go' before she was '100 per cent relaxed down there'.

'I told this story to raise awareness of the issue, it was a hard one to share,' Ms George said

Thankfully, with the help of the trainers, Ms George said she was able to conceive and give birth to her baby girl

'I have been embarrassed to write this story for a while, but every time I meet someone in person and tell them they are surprised and feel really terrible for me that I went through it,' she concluded.

'I told this story to raise awareness of the issue, it was a hard one to share. I am putting the most private information out there for the world to read.

'If you cant laugh at life then you cry, and crying aint fun,' she said.

'I am mortified at the thought of my family reading it, but its all for the greater good, I say.'

Read Ms George's full blog post here
A career woman has spoken candidly about the moment her memory was wiped clean, so she didn't know her own husband or remember being married.

Sally Hobson, 39, of Claygate, Surrey, suffered an unexplained seizure in January 2014, plunging her into a coma for six weeks.

When she woke-up, it was as if she had been reprogrammed  and couldn't remember the past five years.

Details beyond this were also vague, so she didn't know her husband.

Now, diagnosed with epilepsy, every time she has a seizure - which can be seven times a month - her memory is partially deleted.

Sally Hobson, of Claygate, Surrey, suffered an unexplained seizure in January 2014, plunging her into a coma for six weeks. She couldn't remember her husband or wedding and struggles to remember details of her day

'This condition is so unfair,' said Sally, in her first ever interview. 'I suffer severely, both long and short memory loss after seizures. This condition seems to worsen with every seizure. Each episode taking away a little more of my life. I don't remember my own wedding day, birthday parties I've had, any hobbies I have'.

With the help of friends, family and particularly her devoted husband, Neil, she has started piecing the jigsaw of her life back together.

But it has been devastating for Sally who, before her first seizure, was a retail manager.

Married to Neil in April 2012 in Surbiton, who she met through a friend in May 2008, they were trying for a baby.

Moving from Surbiton to Claygate in 2013, their future looked bright.

Then, out-of-the-blue in January 2014, disaster struck when a suspected viral infection led to Sally, then 36, developing an incredibly unusual type of epilepsy, which robbed her of her memories.

Her case echoes that of US woman, Rebecah Propst, who lost her memory in 2008, after having a major tonic clonic seizure, when a sufferer losses consciousness and their muscles contract violently.

Speaking about the unexpected seizures she experiences, she said: 'Each episode taking away a little more of my life. I don't remember my own wedding day, birthday parties I've had, any hobbies I have' (Sally and Neil are pictured on their wedding day in April 2012)

Sally said that when she woke-up from her six-week coma, it was as if she had been reprogrammed  and couldn't remember the past five years

Sally and Neil at one of her university friend's weddings, in 2008, not long after the couple met. Sally says she has no memory of the hen do or this wedding

Sally and Neil are pictured on a boat they own; Sally cannot remember most of the trips the couple have been on

Sally can still remember how to brush her teeth, put the bins out, dress and eat, but huge life events, like her wedding, have been wiped from her mind.

She doesn't know her birthday, wedding day or other significant details from her past.

She also forgets names and events shortly after they happen.

'I won't remember if a friend has invited me round for dinner next week,' she said. 'It's pointless reading a book, if you forget the first paragraph before reaching the second chapter. The past is just a blur, almost a vague dream.'

Sally's memory loss has left her feeling like she has been robbed.

'Three years after leaving hospital, I might open a cupboard and something at the back will catch my eye - possibly a yoga mat,' she continued. 'Then my husband will tell me how I started classes weeks before I was ill...when I can't recall having any interest in it. '

Sally, with her parents, mother Pat and father Mick, at the Tower of London, in 2014, can still remember how to brush her teeth, put the bins out, dress and eat, but huge life events, like her wedding, have been wiped from her mind

Sally with her sisters Lauren and Helen, shared details of the health scare, explaining: 'Within seconds he realised something was wrong, very wrong and had the telephone in his hand'

Sally, who has no history of epilepsy in her family, has been told the onset of her illness was shockingly sudden.

She said: 'Apparently, I turned to my husband as I climbed into bed one evening and started a conversation. The words were clear and articulated, but the sentence was not.

'Within seconds he realised something was wrong, very wrong and had the telephone in his hand.'

Taken to accident and emergency at St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey by ambulance, doctors initially wondered if she had suffered a stroke.

But, while in casualty, she started fitting  and didn't stop.

Put in an induced coma, she was transferred to the neurology ward of St George's Hospital in Tooting, south-west London.

Sally is never sure if she knows something because she genuinely recalls it, or because she has been shown pictures of an event and told about it, in a bid to jog her memory

She remained there, with Neil, 41, by her side, for six weeks.

Eventually waking, she didn't know anyone  including her husband, dad Mick, 67, mum Pat, 65, and sister Helen, 33.

She explained: 'I said to the nurse, 'That doctor over there is nice.' It was Neil.'

Gradually, following rehabilitation and his continued presence and love, she realised  while she might not recall his exact role in her life  that she did know and love Neil.

Her awareness of her family came back, too. But, still, huge chunks of her past remain shrouded in mystery.

Sally is never sure if she knows something because she genuinely recalls it, or because she has been shown pictures of an event and told about it, in a bid to jog her memory.

'Neil has shown me our wedding photos over and over,' she explained. 'We used to go to Cornwall a lot, so we visit there. I don't remember it, though.

'He told me my favourite book was Daphne du Maurie's Rebecca so I re-read it.

'I keep re-reading it, but I can't remember what's happened.'

(Left to right) Neil, Sally's dad, Sally, her mum, and sisters Lauren and Helen, celebrating her mum's birthday, in summer 2002

Throughout her ordeal, Neil and her family have been her saviours.

'Neil was brilliant,' she explained. 'He sat by my bed non-stop straight.'

After months in a high-intensity unit and then a rehabilitation facility, Sally was diagnosed with uncontrolled seizures - probably the result of an unknown virus.

Returning to work, she subsequently left.

Now 39 and on a cocktail of epilepsy medication, she currently spends most of her time at home.

Experiencing between one and seven tonic clonic seizures a month, she has woken up bloodied on the bathroom floor, as well as suffering severe memory loss because of them.

Waking after each one, more of her memory is gone

Now 39 and on a cocktail of epilepsy medication, she currently spends most of her time at home

She continued: 'At first it was assumed I'd suffered memory loss from a particular period in time, but it's now become evident that I am unable to retain more than a few memories.

'Memory loss is hard to explain, it can often be interpreted as laziness or stupidity.

'As a sufferer, it's hard to cope with the look in the eyes of someone you love when you tell them you don't remember something that's precious or obvious to them  like a holiday you enjoyed together, someone you both know or a milestone in their life.

'You rely on others to tell you about your past, so you're almost continually living in a story land.

'Memory loss gives a feeling of being robbed. It's unfair, it takes part of you, makes you doubt who you are and everything around you.

'It can leave you confused and lonely in your own existence. It's hard to explain how you can pick up your life and move forward with no memory of what was behind you.

'And, in addition to your own anguish, you must manage the pain you cause to others.

'However, I may not remember the past and struggle to plan ahead, but I am learning to be grateful for the moment and to savour this moment in time.'

Sally is supported by the Epilepsy Society www.epilepsysociety.org.uk

For emotional support and information about epilepsy, please call Epilepsy Society's Helpline on 01494 601400 (Mon and Tues 9am-4pm and Wed 9am-7.30pm)

THE LINK BETWEEN MEMORY PROBLEMS AND EPILEPSY: A DOCTOR'S VIEW Ley Sander, medical director at Epilepsy Society and professor of neurology at UCL Institute of Neurology, explained that memory problems are very common in people with epilepsy. 'They are one of the unseen side effects of epilepsy which for some people can be as debilitating as the seizures themselves,' he said. 'A person may have a seizure once a week or once a month, but if they also have memory problems, they will live with that issue every hour of the day. 'That can mean not being able to enjoy the shared memories that bind us together such as birthdays and family holidays. These are the memories that help to make us who we are. 'Seizure-related memory loss can be caused by injury in any part of the brain but the most common causes are abnormalities in the frontal and temporal lobes. A seizure is caused by atypical activity in the brain and this can interfere with the brain's process of recording and storing information. 'High doses of some anti-epileptic medication or combinations of epilepsy drugs can also cause memory problems. Newer drugs that are available today tend to be better tolerated in this respect than some of the older drugs. 'Where autobiographical memory is affected, people often rely heavily on photo albums, diaries and videos so they literally have an external memory bank that they can turn to. Where memory issues mean forgetting to do things such as taking medication on a regular basis, people rely on their mobile phones to set reminders or use post it notes and lists. 'Our researchers are working hard to understand more about the relationship between memory and seizures and to minimise the nuisance of memory loss.' Advertisement

Ley Sander, medical director at Epilepsy Society and professor of neurology at UCL Institute of Neurology, explained that memory problems are very common in people with epilepsy

Experiencing between one and seven tonic clonic seizures a month, she has woken up bloodied on the bathroom floor, as well as suffering severe memory loss because of them
Queen Maxima was certainly the main attraction as hundreds of wellwishers flocked to greet the glamorous monarch during a regional visit on Thursday.

The Queen of The Netherlands didn't disappoint in the style stakes, plumping for a bold fuschia jumper, matching headpiece and bright chandelier earrings.

She completed her ultra-feminine look with a chic midi skirt emblazoned with pink and purple flowers for her visit.

Queen Maxima looked fabulous in fuchsia as she was greeted by hundreds of adoring wellwishers in The Netherlands on Thursday

One wellwisher in particular caught Maxima's eye - a sweet blonde girl she met during a stroll through the neighbourhood of Nagele

The Queen was joined by her husband, King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands, on a visit to the Architecture Museum Nagele during their region visit to Noord-Oost Flevoland in Urk, Netherlands.

Hundreds of fans waited to catch a glimpse of the monarch - and plenty were able to snap a quick selfie with the friendly Queen.

One wellwisher in particular caught Maxima's eye - a sweet blonde girl she met during a stroll through the neighbourhood of Nagele.

The pair held hands as they navigated the streets - and the youngster even presented Maxima with a stunning bouquet of flowers.

The glamorous Queen looked chic in a bold fuschia jumper, matching headpiece and bright chandelier earrings. She teamed the look with a floral midi skirt and bright pink shoes

Maxima was certainly the main attraction as hundreds of school children queued up to greet the monarch

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands visited the harbor of Urk during their region visit to Noord-Oost Flevoland

The duo certainly seemed delighted to meet wellwishers and were flanked by a tight security team as they arrived at the harbour

The royal never puts a foot wrong in the style stakes and isn't afraid to make bold sartorial choices

The friendly and down-to-earth Queen walked hand-in-hand with a sweet young girl

The happy-go-lucky Queen high-fived a sweet young boy as she made her way through the neighbourhood of Nagele

The couple are one of the hardest-working in Europe and looked delighted to be on a regional tour

The loved-up couple posed for a sweet snap by the wind turbines beside the water

The maternal Queen, who has children of her own, gave a little baby's cheeks a tender

The couple were jovial as they greeted fishmongers during their trip

Adorning fans lined the streets to greet the couple - with one reaching out to hold her hand

Playful youngsters held out their hands to high-five the Queen, who was more than happy to oblige

All eyes were on Queen Maxima on Tuesday as the Dutch royal stepped out in a show stopping dress in order to greet the Indian Prime Minister.

The Dutch royal was joined by husband King Willem-Alexander at the Villa Eikenhorst in Wassenaar on Tuesday in order to welcome the dignitary.

Never afraid to make a style statement Maxima, 46, opted for a floor-length silk shirt dress printed with an intricate paisley pattern.

All eyes were on Queen Maxima as the Dutch royal stepped out in a show-stopping ensemble

Queen Maxima of The Netherlands met elderly residents as she walked through the neighbourhood of Nagele

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands stunned in a floor-length silk dress as she and husband King Willem-Alexander welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week

The mother-of-three added definition to her waist in the form of a raspberry coloured suede belt which complemented with a pair of matching low heeled shoes.

The Argentinian-born royal is often pictured with her hair up but with today's engagement taking place at her home she took a more relaxed approach wearing her hair loose.

Meanwhile King Willem cut a smart figure in fitted blue navy suit, a crisp white shirts and a baby blue tie.

The couple offered a warm welcome to their guest Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi is also set visit Germany, Spain, Russia, and France to build ties with European countries.

He paid his fleeting visit to the Netherlands on Tuesday on his way back from his visit to see US President Donald Trump.

Modi met Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday at the Dutch premier's official residence in a leafy Hague suburb, pledging to discuss closer links between the two countries.

Modi says that in the year that the Netherlands and India mark the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, 'it is absolutely natural that we focus even more on our bilateral relations.'

After his talks with Rutte and other government ministers, Modi was meeting Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at their home outside The Hague and later was heading to a gathering of members of the Indian community in The Hague.
It was an evening dedicated to some of the most beautiful, interesting and promising young women in Britain so it's hardly surprising that Princess Diana's niece, Lady Kitty Spencer, was at the top of the guestlist.

The stunning blonde socialite dressed to impress in a chic black dress as she arrived at the Tatler Magazine English Roses 2017 party in association with Michael Kors at the Saatchi Gallery.

Lady Kitty turned heads in an elegant black dress as she was joined by her equally glamorous mother, Victoria Aitken, the former wife of Princess Diana's younger brother Charles Spencer.

Victoria looked much younger than her 51 years as she joined her 26-year-old daughter and son Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, at the glittering society event.

Lady Kitty Spencer (L) and mother Victoria Aitken posed for photographs together at the fashionable Tatler event

Lady Kitty Spencer attended Tatler's English Roses 2017 in association with Michael Kors at the Saatchi Gallery last night with her mother and looked chic in a black gown

Other attendees included musicians, actresses, dancers, equestriennes, poets and artists.

The mother and daughter duo made a fashionable appearance at the event and stuck firmly with Gothic glam in their red and black colour choices.

Princess Diana's niece wore a fitted dress with sheer black sleeves and completed her outfit with a gold and black clutch bag and high black heels.

She kept her blonde hair in a half-up-half-down do and let loose ringlets fall in front of her face.

Her mother went for something a little brighter in a structured red brocade dress with a fishtail hem.

Lady Kitty Spencer and mother Victoria Aitken were joined by brother Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp who wore a unbuttoned white shirt

The mother and daughter went for Gothic glam in their dark outfits and matching black heels

Michael Kors (C) poses with English Roses including Clara McGregor, Aziya Aldridge-Moore, Idina Moncreiffe, Hum Fleming, Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart, Livvy Banks, Renee Stewart, Tess Ward and Lady Kitty Spencer

The mother-of-four kept her long blonde hair down and finished off her outfit with simple black heels.

The mother and daughter were joined by Lady Kitty's 23-year-old brother for the multi-media exhibition of images held in association with Michael Kors at the Saatchi Gallery.

Tatler's English Roses include Lady Kitty Spencer, Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, Lady Eliza Manners and Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart.

According to Saatchi Gallery, these women were 'photographed in and around Lady Pamela Hicks's home, the Grove, on a gorgeous spring day, creating a timeless and yet modern series of images that will cement them as the faces of their generation.

'Ten of the women, including cover star Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart, were captured in Fall 2017 Michael Kors Collection.'

Michael Kors said of the exhibition: 'I've always been inspired by people who are curious, who are thinking about what's next and what's new.

'These women represent the balance of youth and sophistication, polish and ease, knowledge and curiosity, that's necessary for life today.'

Lady Kitty Spencer (L) and Renee Stewart smiled as they posed for photographs together at the event

Michael Kors (C) poses with English Roses including Clara McGregor, Aziya Aldridge-Moore, Idina Moncreiffe, Hum Fleming, Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart, Livvy Banks, Renee Stewart, Tess Ward and Lady Kitty Spencer

The gallery describes the evening as bringing Tatler magazine 'to thrilling life, with portraits, behind the scenes video and even an interactive disco booth.

'You'll come for the photography, but you'll stay for the party.'

Thursday night saw Kate Reardon and Michael Kors host the exclusive opening party at London's Saatchi Gallery to open the exhibition.

'As the oldest magazine in the world, Tatler has long been dedicated to chronicling the most fabulous members of British high society,' Kate said.

'More than anything, we understand the special alchemy that creates an It-girl  that rare combination of beauty, charisma and timeliness which, happily, is synonymous with Michael Kors and their tradition of championing young rising stars the world over.'

Lady kitty has listed her main hobby as playing board games and the 26-year-old has said 'Backgammon is my favourite'.
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Belgium's royal family stepped out in force to help Queen Paola ring in her birthday on Thursday.

Queen Mathilde and her husband King Philippe - Paola's eldest son - were joined by their children, Crown Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Princess Eleonore and Prince Emmanuel to celebrate the 80th birthday of Queen Paola in Brussels, Belgium.

Whilst the former ruler's birthday isn't until September 11, celebrations were held early and it was the first time the entire brood have come together since King Philippe took the throne.

It was also Queen Paolas great-grandchild and daughter of Prince Amedeo, Anna Astrid's first official royal outing since her birth last year.

The Belgium Royal family gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of Queen Paola of Belgium, in Waterloo. Queen Mathilde and King Phillippe arrived with their children Prince Emmanuel, Prince Gabriel, Princess Eleonore and Princess Elisabeth

It was also Queen Paolas great-grandchild and daughter of Prince Amedeo, Anna Astrid's first official royal outing

Prince Amedeo and Princess Elisabetta were seen cooing over the little one, who was born last May

The adorable tot, who was born last May, was certainly the star of the show as her family gathered around and cooed over her.

The family gathered at Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Waterloo, Belgium, to enjoy a musical performance organised by Foundation Queen Paola, the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel and Missing Children Europe.

Princess Elisabetta, 29, gave birth to the couple's first child last May; she is seventh in line to the throne.

Speaking to the assembled media at the time, Prince Amedeo, 31, - nephew of King Philippe of Belgium - admitted the couple were a 'little nervous' but looking forward to their new role as parents.

'It's something new for us. We're a little nervous but it's fantastic. It's a new life that begins,' he said, according to Hello! magazine.

Whilst the former ruler's birthday isn't until September 11, celebrations were held early with the whole family

Queen Mathilde and her husband King Philippe - Paola's eldest son - were joined by their children, Crown Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Princess Eleonore and Prince Emmanuel to celebrate the 80th birthday

The family gathered at Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Waterloo, Belgium, to enjoy a musical performance organised by Foundation Queen Paola, the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel and Missing Children Europe

Princess Elisabeth, 15, proved she's a style icon in the making by wearing the same 280 Maje dress that Pippa Middleton has

Princess Astrid, Prince Lorenz, Princess Luisa Maria, Joachim, Prince Amedeo and Princess Elisabetta were all gathered together for the family festivities

The magazine also reported that the baby had been named after her grandmother Anna on her mother's side, while Astrid comes from her paternal grandmother.

Prince Amedeo is the nephew of King Phillipe but gave up his position as sixth in line to the throne to marry Elisabetta in 2014 by failing to obtain a royal decree for the marriage.

At the time palace sources claimed it was a deliberate move to give up his right to the throne so that he could live an independent life with wife Elisabetta, who is known as Lili, free of any official role.

Queen Mathilde and King Philippe appeared to be enjoying the musical performances

Instead of Princess of Belgium, she is known as the Archduchess of Austria and Princess of Hungary, titles that pass to her via the prince's father Lorenz, the Archduke of Austria-Este.

Amedeo is the eldest grandchild of the abdicated King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium and the son of the sister of King Philippe, who ascended the throne following the abdication of King Albert II.

The couple, who have been dubbed the William and Kate of Belgium, married in July 2014 in an elegant, intimate ceremony at The Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere in Rome.
Lauren Bush Lauren is making life-long memories with her one-and-a-half-year-old son James while her family enjoys an idyllic beach vacation ahead of the Fourth of July.

The 33-year-old FEED founder helped her little boy make his very first sandcastle on Thursday, and she commemorated the special moment by sharing an Instagram photo of them at the beach.

'Building our first sandcastle together...Summer joy!' she captioned the image, which sees her sculpting the sand with her hands as James watches in awe.

Making memories: Lauren Bush Lauren took to Instagram on Thursday to share a photo her one-year-old son James building a sand castle with her

Stunning view: Lauren celebrated her 33rd birthday at the beach on Sunday. Her husband David Lauren, 45, shared this photo of her in honor of her special day

The mother-of-one looks beach ready in a striped tunic and an oversize straw hat, while James looks darling in a red and white striped polo and board shorts.

The heartwarming photo was presumably taken by Lauren's husband, David Lauren, 45, who is also on vacation with them.

Lauren rang in her 33rd birthday at the beach on Sunday with David and James by her side.

She took to Instagram Stories that day to share her 'birthday highlights' along with some pictures of her day with her family, including an adorable snapshot of her little boy wearing a blue romper, cardigan, and a white sun hat.

When sharing the photo, Lauren explained that 'dressing baby James in this adorable outfit and kissing him all day long' was the first highlight on her list.

Doting mom: Lauren counted down her birthday highlights on her Instagram Stories, and number one on her list was kissing her one-and-a-half-year-old son James

Making memories: The FEED founder also listed dune walking with David and catching an 'other-worldly sunset' while away from their New York City home

Next up was dune walking with David, and she happily shared a snapshot of him carrying his sandals while she walked behind him.

In the picture James is wearing little sneakers to protect his feet from the rocks while he looks out at the ocean in front of him.

Lauren, the granddaughter of former president George H. W. Bush, and the niece of former president George W. Bush, went on to post a stunning image that sees her lovingly resting her cheek on the top of David's head while they posed in the sand.

The final highlight of Lauren's birthday was the 'other-worldly sunset' that she watched with her loved ones.

Lauren was so moved by the sunset that she shared multiple photos of it, including one on her Instagram page.

Look of love: Lauren posted this snapshot of herself lovingly resting her cheek on David's head

Beautiful day: 'Feeling beyond blessed and excited for the year ahead!' Lauren wrote

Far away from home: Last week, Lauren was in Africa with her FEED team and Christian Courtin-Clarins (last row)

'Just watched the most beautiful birthday sunset on a dune with my love! Feeling beyond blessed and excited for the year ahead! #33,' she wrote.

David also took to Instagram to pay tribute to his wife's birthday, sharing a stunning snapshot of her lying in the sand while watching the sunset.

'Happy Birthday to my One!! #nofilter,' he captioned the image, which sees Lauren wearing a breezy wrap dress.

Just a week ago Lauren was in Africa with her FEED team to visit some of the feeding programs her company helps fund with the World Food Programme.

Lauren shared plenty of photos from her trip, and while she was away for Father's Day, she made sure to post a snapshot of beloved husband.

'Sending love from Africa': While she was gone, Lauren shared this photo of David with James in honor of Father's Day

Looking back: After she returned home, Lauren posted this photo of her and the FEED team swimming in the Indian Ocean

Happier than ever! Lauren and David celebrated the 13-year anniversary of their first meeting at the Met Gala in May

'Happy Daddy Day! Missing these two so much,' she captioned an image of David with their son. 'Sending love from Africa to @davidlauren who is the most amazing and loving Daddy to James!

'He is the rock of our little family and supports us both in more ways than can be mentioned here. Also a special shout out to my own life-affirming Dad, Neil!'

After the trip, Lauren shared a photo of the FEED team cooling off at the beach while explaining how she will never forget her recent trip.

'The FEED Team takes a dip in the Indian Ocean after many days of travel,' she wrote. 'Although I am no longer in Africa, I feel a piece of me remains there.

'I am changed from this trip and I feel a renewed energy and connection to humanity and the important work that lies ahead.'
She has been busy putting in high-profile appearances at society events in London and Ascot.

But it was back to business on Friday when Princess Beatrice jetted back to New York where she is currently based for work.

The Queen's granddaughter, 28, was seen sipping on a healthy green juice as she strolled through the streets of the Big Apple today.

Casually dressed in a black sweater and leggings, Bea barely drew a glance from passersby as she wandered unaccompanied through the city.

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Back to business: Princess Beatrice was seen sipping on a healthy green juice as she strolled through the streets of New York today after a few weeks in the Uk

Beatrice, who is seventh in line to the throne, completed her off-duty ensemble with a pair of trendy Nike trainers.

Her low-key appearance today was a far cry from recent outings on the other side of the pond, where she sat in the Royal box with the Queen at Ascot and attended a glittering charity gala with her mother the Duchess of York and sister Eugenie.

The royal, who is currently patron of nine charities including the York Musical Society and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, is said to be in the process of developing a business start-up since leaving her job at a Manhattan investment firm last summer.

The Princess, affectionately nicknamed Bea by friends, said at the time she was keen to pursue her 'entrepreneurial ambitions'.

According to her CV on LinkedIn, she is currently Vice President of Partnerships & Strategy at Afiniti.com, a Washington DC-based computer software company.

The Princess's low-key appearance today was a far cry from recent outings on the other side of the pond, where she sat in the Royal box with the Queen at Ascot

After leaving university Beatrice worked between September 2011 and January 2012 as a 'research associate' for her mother's charity Children In Crisis.

She moved to investment firm Cabot Square Capital in February 2012 but quit 16 months later.

The Duke of York's eldest daughter, who split from long-term boyfriend Dave Clark last summer, recently learned that her Uber executive ex-boyfriend had got engaged.

This followed on from his decade long relationship with Beatrice who split with the businessman last year.
A sex toy company has taken it upon itself to educate lawmakers on sexual healthin an especially pleasurable way.

Unbound has started a special program named Vibes For Congress, which enables its customers to send a sex toy along with an educational pamphlet to the senator or representative of their choice.

The goal of the campaign is to educate lawmakers and support Planned Parenthood centers losing their funding.

Message: Unbound has started a special program that enables its customers to send a sex toy along with an educational pamphlet to the senator or representative of their choice

Unbound, based in New York City, will donate 75 per cent of the money generated by the program to the female healthcare organization.

On its website, shoppers can scroll down and click on a special page where they can elect to send a sex toy to a particular lawmaker.

They can either enter their address and pick a senator or representative serving in their constituency, or handpick a name across the US.

Each sex toy, priced at $15, will then make its way to Capitol Hill along with an educational brochure presenting facts about reproductive health.

Stance: The goal of the campaign is to support Planned Parenthood centers losing their funding, and send lawmakers a message as they shape the future healthcare bill

Lawmakers receiving the package will thus be told that one in five women has visited a Planned Parenthood center at least one in her life, and that more than 99 per cent of women between 15 and 44 years old who have ever had sex have used at least one contraceptive method.

In addition to supporting Planned Parenthood, Unbound also wants to send a message to the lawmakers who will shape the future healthcare bill.

It urged its customers to take part in the campaign, writing: 'Bring attention to an often shadowed area in the hopes of raising awareness for the millions of women who are currently at the mercy of government's pending legislation.'

The Senate on Tuesday shelved a vote on the Republican's proposed healthcare bill, meaning the GOP's pledge to repeal and replace the current legislation remains in limbo.
A former Deliveroo rider who whips up family meals for less than 10 has revealed how to have a barbecue like no other this summer.

Benjamin Lebus, 24, of Kensal Rise in London, has created recipes for gourmet dishes you won't believe you can cook on an outdoor grill - from zingy fish burgers to Asian mackerel and even a summery salad.

All of Ben's dishes are guaranteed to cost less than 10, and better still that figure is based on the assumption the only store cupboard ingredients you have are salt, pepper and olive oil.

So if you already have some of the pricier ingredients to hand, it could cost you even less.

Benjamin Lebus (pictured with his Vietnamese Banh Mi recipe) is the founder of Mob Kitchen, a website dedicated to sharing recipes and videos of healthy but delicious family meals that always feed four for under 10

This barbecued bananas recipe was created by a colleague and friend of Benjamin (pictured), called Rupert Swan. It costs just 3.77 for bananas, vanilla ice cream and maple syrup for four people and all you need to do is barbecue the bananas in tin foil for 30 to 40 minutes

Mob Kitchen, the website Ben started nearly a year ago, is dedicated to sharing healthy and delicious meals that can feed four people for less.

His summer barbecue recipes include fish burgers in brioche buns, a huge Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich, Asian mackerel, barbecued bananas - and even a summer salad cooked on the outdoor grill.

Recipe: Barbecue Fish Burgers Benjamin recommends sprinkling any leftover parsley on top of the mayo as the flavour really complements the burger Cooking Time (includes preparation time): 1 Hour 30 Minutes Ingredients: 5 Frozen Cod Fillets (450g): 3.50 Mayonnaise: 0.75 Shallots: 0.50 Garlic : 0.30 Brioche Rolls: 0.90 Bunch of Parsley: 0.70 1 Lemon: 0.30 165g Raw King Prawns: 3.00 Total Cost: 9.95 This covers absolutely everything. All we assume you have in your kitchen beforehand is salt, pepper and olive oil. Method: 1. Defrost cod fillets. 2. Finely chop your cod into little chunks. Chop your prawns into small chunks. Throw them into a bowl. Add five finely sliced shallots, the zest of a lemon, a handful of chopped parsley and one grated clove of garlic. Season with salt, pepper and olive oil, and mix it altogether. 3. Divide the fish mix into four, and make four patties. Place them on a board, cover with cling film and refrigerate for one hour. This will firm up the patties. 4. While the burgers are chilling, make your mayo. Squeeze half a bottle of mayo into a bowl. Grate in a clove of garlic, squeeze in the juice of a lemon and add a handful of chopped coriander. Season with salt and pepper and mix it all together. Keep in fridge until you serve. 5. Barbecue time. Fire up the BBQ, and when it is at a medium to high heat, place your patties on the grill. Grill for seven minutes on the first side, and flip them as they began to char. After flipping, close the lid for seven more minutes, which will make them nice and smoky. Timings may vary here based on the heat of the BBQ, so just keep checking them and remove when they are cooked through. 6. Cut your brioche buns in half and toast them on the barbie. 7. Assembly time. Smother the bottom half of the bun in mayo. Place the burger on top, spoon on some more mayo and then top with the bun. Pick it up, take a bite and enjoy! Advertisement

You can even cook a salad on the barbecue! Ben slices asparagus, aubergine, fennel, and courgettes into thin strips and then cooks on the outdoor grill with olive oil, and seasoning until soft and charred. He then garnishes with lemon, mozzerella and herbs. It costs just 8.97 for everything to feed four

Ben originally started Mob Kitchen to educate students and young professionals about eating well on a low budget but says his recipes are also popular with families (pictured: Ben's fish burger)

Benjamin has also created a recipe for Spiced Veggie Gyros (pictured) which cost 9.70 to feed four. The recipe is on his website and social media channels

Ben only started Mob Kitchen 10 months ago on his own, but he has already racked up 60,000 likes on Facebook - many of which he gained after featuring in the MailOnline's Food section in February.

The website, which also has a Youtube channel, Instagram and a Facebook page, has proved so successful that University of Edinburgh graduate Benjamin has given up his part-time job as a Deliveroo rider to focus on Mob Kitchen full-time.

Benjamin, whose friend Rupert Swan now works with him on Mob Kitchen as a cameraman, said what he cooks is 'real food' - healthy but not restrictive or part of the clean-eating fad, nor unhealthy food porn as seen in so many viral videos on Facebook.

He originally started the page to educate students and young professionals about eating well on a low budget - but he says his website and social media pages have been just as popular with families.

Recipe: Barbecued Asian Mackerel Ben's Barbecued Asian Mackerel dish not only looks stunning but costs only 9.16 to feed four people with Cooking Time (includes preparation time): 30 Minutes Ingredients: Bunch of Coriander: 0.52 Red Chillies: 0.60 Soy Sauce: 1.00 Sesame Oil: 1.60 Garlic: 0.30 2 Limes: 0.60 1 Big Knob of Ginger: 0.54 4 Whole Mackerels: 4.00 Total Cost: 9.16 Method: 1. Make your marinade. Into a bowl, and a two heaped tablespoons of grated ginger, three tablespoons of soy sauce, one teaspoon of sesame oil, the juice of a lime and one clove of grated garlic. 2. Take your mackerels. Score each side three times, and drizzle over some olive oil and then place onto the barbecue. Depending on the heat, the fish should need about five minutes on each side. Turn the fish when the flesh on the lower half is white, and the skin in charred and crispy. At this point, brush over half your marinade. 3. When the fish is cooked through, place them onto a board (with the side that had no marinade on facing up). Brush over the remainder of your marinade, scatter over some coriander leaves and some chopped red chillies, and serve with some lime to squeeze over. Enjoy! Advertisement

Ben now works with his friend Rupert Swan (left) who acts as the cameraman and films and shoots eveything that Ben cooks
A deadly mosquito-borne pandemic poses a greater threat to humankind than global war, billionaire Bill Gates warns.

In a hard-hitting new documentary, the world's richest man said a killer bug could wipe out 10 million people without warning.

Footage seen by MailOnline, set to be aired next week, shows the philanthropist's worries towards the danger of disease-carrying mosquitos.

An outbreak could mimic the damage of the Ebola epidemic in late 2014 or the burden of that of the deadly SARS outbreak in 2003, experts worry.

Climate change warming the planet is allowing for mosquitos to spread from their usual habitats, posing a risk to many in the northern hemisphere.

While growing populations in these dense areas and the increasing ease of global travel mean the danger of a pandemic looms large if a virus was to break out - of which the likelihood is growing.

In a hard-hitting new documentary, the world's richest man, Bill Gates, said a killer bug could wipe out 10 million people without warning

WHY DOES BILL GATES CARE? Bill Gates' latest comments come just months after the Microsoft founder announced details of a major project to tackle the Zika virus. On behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he donated 14.5 million to find a cure to the most recent threat to humanity. The tropical virus has the ability to infect more than two billion people in total before it dies out completely, statisticians predict. Mr Gates has almost solely dedicated the past decade of his life to building up the charitable enterprise, after leaving Microsoft in 2006. The foundation has since pumped billions of pounds into health programmes around the world, including infectious disease controls. Advertisement

Mr Gates made the claim amid rising tension between Russia and North Korea, which has generated genuine fears of deadly conflict.

Lack of resources

The threat is heightened by the lack of resources available to fight a fatal outbreak that could spread around the world at lightning speed, he said.

Speaking on the documentary, titled Mosquito, Mr Gates said millions are adamant such outbreaks only occur in third-world countries.

He said: 'At the top of the list of things I worry about, the risk of a very serious pandemic is quite substantial.

'If you say what could kill 10 million people  yes a war could, but a pandemic is probably even more likely to come and surprise us in that way.'

Recent epidemic

The documentary, which will be broadcast on the Discovery Channel, looked into the recent Zika virus epidemic that struck more than 70 countries.

Researchers on the programme also warned of the danger of dengue virus, known to be spreading rapidly throughout the world.

The plight of millions of children in Africa, where malaria is rife and kills two people each minute, was also touched upon.

Footage seen by MailOnline, set to be aired next week, shows the philanthropist's worries towards the danger of disease-carrying mosquitos

All of the above viruses, and others including the West Nile and Chikungunya, pose a similar threat to humanity, the documentary warns.

'Spread like wildfire'

Each has the ability to 'spread like wildfire' - something that was unthinkable 20 years ago, said Dr Bart Knols, who has devoted his career to the study of mosquitoes.

Disease-carrying mosquitos kill more than 750,000 people a year, many of whom being children, global figures have shown.

Mr Gates' comments come as a stark warning, especially seeing as the 61-year-old has previously said bio-terrorism could wipe out 30 million.

RECENT DEADLY OUTBREAKS In 2003, Sars  a serious form of pneumonia  spread to six of the world's seven continents within months, infecting an estimated 8,000 people and killing 750. More recently, Ebola  a grisly disease ravaging West Africa with a death toll over 11,000  threatened to go pandemic in late 2014 after cases seen in travelers arriving back in North America and Europe. Emerging diseases pose the biggest problem, since they involve unknown pathogens with no existing vaccinations. The most dangerous are highly contagious but have delayed symptom onset, meaning that infected people unwittingly spread the disease to many others before realizing they are sick. Shape-shifting diseases that mutate fast are almost impossible to vaccinate against. In today's hyper-mobile, city-dominated world, a deadly disease combining these three features could spell doom for the human race. Advertisement

Before the turn of the year, Mr Gates also said that health organisations across the world are unprepared for a major flu pandemic.

'Vulnerable right now'

Stating the world was 'a bit vulnerable right now', he claimed previous pandemics have exposed serious weaknesses in the ability to tackle health emergencies.

In 1918, the flu pandemic killed 250,000 people in Britain and 65 million around the world - three times as many as World War I.

If it was to hit today, it would have even more severe effects, considering how quickly it can spread between people, Mr Gates said in the new programme.

Earlier this year he warned world leaders in Munich there is 'reasonable probability' of a pandemic to strike in the next 10 to 15 years.

Major Zika project

His latest comments come just months after the Microsoft founder announced details of a major project to tackle the Zika virus.

On behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he donated 14.5 million to find a cure to the most recent threat to humanity.

The tropical virus has the ability to infect more than two billion people in total before it dies out completely, statisticians predict.

Mr Gates has almost solely dedicated the past decade of his life to building up the charitable enterprise, after leaving Microsoft in 2006.

The foundation has since pumped billions of pounds into health programmes around the world, including infectious disease controls.

The full Mosquito documentary can be watched on the Discovery Channel on Thursday July 6 at 9pm.
The accuracy of skin cancer diagnosis varies between doctors, leading to both over and under reporting of the life-threatening condition, new research suggests.

Moderate-to-severe cases of melanoma - the most severe form of the disease - are the most poorly judged, with up to 40 percent of diagnoses being inaccurate, which could put patients' lives at risk, a study found.

Yet, mild cases are correctly diagnosed in 92 percent of cases, while severe incidences are accurately reported 72 percent of the time, the research adds.

Researchers believe efforts to improve clinical practice should include the use of a standardized diagnosis reference and the development of more sophisticated tools to support doctors' verdicts.

The accuracy of skin cancer diagnoses vary according to the doctor, new research reveals

WHAT IS MELANOMA? Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It most commonly occurs in moles on men's backs and women's legs. Signs include moles getting bigger, changing shape or colour, losing symmetry, being painful or itchy, and bleeding or becoming crusty. Overexposure to UV light is the most common cause. UV light comes from the sun and sunbeds. Fair skinned people with red or blonde hair and freckles are most at risk. Age and a family history of the condition also raise the risk. Treatment can include radiotherapy or surgery depending on the cancer's severity. Source: Cancer Research UK Advertisement

How the study was carried out

Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle analyzed 187 doctors from 10 US states.

The doctors ranked the severity of previously diagnosed melanoma skin lesions.

Each case was then reviewed by a panel of three experienced pathologists.

Pathology involves the diagnosis of a disease based on the analysis of body tissues and fluids.

Accuracy was measured by comparing the doctors' interpretations with the panel's diagnosis.

Key findings

Results revealed that the diagnosis of moderate-to-severe lesions are the least accurate, with up to 40 percent of the doctors' conclusions differing from the panel's.

Mild case diagnoses were found to be accurate in 92 percent of cases, while highly invasive incidences were correct 72 percent of the time.

It is unclear why moderate diagnoses are less accurate than mild or severe cases.

The findings were published in the British Medical Journal.

Exposure to UV light is the most common melanoma cause, particularly for those with fair skin

What the research means

According to the researchers, their results demonstrate that melanoma diagnoses ranging from moderate to invasive are often inaccurate.

Efforts to improve clinical practice should include use of a standardized diagnosis reference and the development of more sophisticated tools to support doctors' verdicts, they add.

Diagnoses currently rely on assessing skin samples under a microscope, which has previously been criticized for its questionable reliability.

Lead author Dr Joann Elmore said: 'The diagnosis is made by a human. There is no molecular marker or machine that will tell us what the diagnosis is,' Reuters reported.

Yet, the researchers point out that in a real-life setting doctors would have the opportunity to view more skin samples, ask for a second opinion from a colleague and request additional tests before reaching a verdict.

Dr Suzy Lishman, president of The Royal College of Pathologists, told MailOnline: 'In practice many histopathologists undertake diagnosis of skin lesions as part of a team, rather than individually, which reduces the risk of under-diagnosis or over-diagnosis of melanoma.'
Women who have eating disorders are more likely to 'cut off' emotionally or 'disassociate' when having sex with their partner, a study has found.

Sex is closely linked to confidence and a link was also found between these women and poor body image.

This was true for those who had anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating issues, according to the research, which was the first of its kind and published in the respected Journal of Sexual Medicine.

In particular, women who reported binge-eating were found to have higher levels of cortisol  known as the stress hormone  when sexually stimulated.

'Dissociation' refers to a habit of becoming emotionally distant when having sex with their partner instead of engaging in and enjoying the experience.

More than 725,000 people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder, according to the eating disorder charity Beat.

Experts say women with eating disorders struggle to connect emotionally during sex (file)

While often associated with young people, recent research suggests more middle-aged women in the UK are affected by eating disorders than previously thought.

How the research was carried out

A research team from the University of Florence in Italy and University of Vermont in the US examined 60 heterosexual women aged 25 to 35 years old.

They measured how they felt about their body image, their eating behaviors and level of 'dissociation' during sex with a partner.

Furthermore, they assessed the women's levels of cortisol  known as the 'stress hormone'  before, during, and after exposure to explicit sexual stimuli shown within a laboratory setting.

The researchers noted the sample size of participants and the self-reported nature of the questionnaires were limitations.

Being skinny linked to depression

In a previous recent study, being underweight was associated with depression, in both women and men.

It is unclear whether being thin is a direct cause of depression or if sufferers have a reduced appetite and are therefore more prone to weight loss.

The study also found a link between obesity and depression, but only in women.

Researchers from Seoul National University of Medicine analysed data from 183 studies.

Their findings show that obesity proportionally increases your depression risk, so the more overweight you are, the more likely you are to suffer.
A teenage girl whose parents made medical history when they both donated their kidneys to their ill children has launched a desperate plea for help as her new organ is failing, leaving her housebound.

Ella Wishick, 19, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, received her mother Jo's left kidney in February 2012 to help her overcome her genetic kidney failure, yet that organ is also now deteriorating, leaving her in a potentially life-threatening condition.

Jo, 48, said: 'She's very weak and tired all the time - being sick at least two or three times a day.

'Her whole body itches, she keeps having fevers and a terrible cough, too, because her body is making too much mucus. She also has a loss of appetite from feeling nauseous constantly.

'People can live perfectly well with one kidney. We are appealing to anyone who would be willing to donate their kidney to come forward.'

Ella Wishick, 19, has launched a desperate plea for help as her donated kidney is failing

Her parents both donated kidneys to their ill children (pictured with her mother Jo, 48)

WHAT IS A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT? Kidney transplants replicate the function of the organ, such as the removal of waste and excess fluid, hormone production, drug excretion and blood pressure control. Failing kidneys can sometimes be prevented or delayed by dialysis, which helps to remove waste from the body but does not replicate all of the kidneys' functions. A patient's blood group and tissue type determine whether they match with a potential donor. Up to 90 per cent of kidney recipients live at least a year after the procedure, while around 50 per cent survive 15 years. Risks of the operation include bleeding and infection. It has also been linked to cancer and death in rare cases. If organ rejection occurs, it usually does so within six weeks. This can be detected via blood tests. Source: Kidney Research UK Advertisement

Urgent plea for help

Jo said: 'People can live perfectly well with one kidney. We are appealing to anyone who would be willing to donate their kidney to come forward.

'I've never had any problems myself from donating my kidney, as you don't actually need two.

'Ella is a caring, generous, loving person. She always thinks about others and tries to help them.

'She never asked for anything for herself, even though she's been ill all her life. She deserves a bit of luck for a change.'

'Ella is only 19 and should be going out with her friends, enjoying herself.

She said: 'Instead, she's very weak and tired all the time - being sick at least two or three times a day.

'Her whole body itches, she keeps having fevers and a terrible cough, too, because her body is making too much mucus.

'She also has a loss of appetite from feeling nauseous constantly and is, generally, very low.

'These are all signs that her kidney is going into shut down.

'She now has to accept that she has to go on dialysis ASAP, before her kidney loses anymore function, as it's only working [at] 15 per cent.'

Ms Wishick is weak, vomiting several times a day and suffers ongoing fevers (pictured with Jo)

Her mother says she should be out enjoying herself (pictured far left with her family)

Ms Wishick's failing kidney means it has just 15 per cent of its function (pictured second right)

Jo claims people can live healthy lives with just one kidney (pictured far right in Florida)

Ms Wishick's father Mark, now 51, in hospital after donating his kidney to her brother Oliver

No one left to donate

Ms Wishick, then 15, and her 14-year-old brother Oliver, then two, received a kidney from their parents in August 2005 as both were born with chronic kidney failure.

It's believed to be the first time both parents have donated to two of their children.

Yet, Ms Wishick's organ began deteriorating a few months ago and is now failing.

Around a month ago, doctors at the Royal London Hospital said she needed a new kidney, but there is no one in her immediate family left to donate.

For the time being Ms Wishick's must be placed on dialysis.

Yet, her family live in a semi-detached house that is unsuitable for dialysis patients as they require a sterile, individual bedroom rather than the one Ella shares.

To donate towards building Ms Wishick her own room, click here.
More than a quarter of women are putting themselves at risk of life-threatening cervical cancer as they are unaware smear tests exist, new research reveals.

Around half of women overdue for their potentially life-saving smear claim they intend to go in the future but put it off, a study found.

Yet, as many as 15 per cent of women have no intention of ever being tested, the research adds.

Lead author Dr Jo Waller from University College London, said: 'It's worrying that so many women don't know about cervical screening. This study also suggests that many women  particularly younger ones  don't get round to cervical screening, even when they intend to go.'

Around 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the UK and around 900 women die from it.

More than a quarter of women are unaware smear tests exist, new research reveals (stock)

WHAT IS A SMEAR TEST? A smear, or cervical screening, test detects abnormal cells in the cervix, which is the entrance to the womb. Removing these cells can help to prevent cervical cancer. All women aged between 25 and 64 who are registered with a GP are invited to a screening. The regularity of invitations depends on the woman's age. The test involves inserting a speculum into the vagina to open it up. A soft brush then collects cells from the surface of the cervix. Some women find the test uncomfortable or embarrassing, however, it is rarely painful. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

Key findings

Results revealed 28 per cent of women who are overdue for a smear test are unaware of the cervical screening programme.

This is particularly true among those who speak English as a second language.

Some 51 per cent of women are aware of the test but put it off with the intention of going in the future.

This is particularly true for those aged between 25 and 34.

Yet, 15 per cent of women have decided never to attend their smear.

These women are more likely to be aged between 55 and 64.

Women from lower income families are more likely to be overdue for a smear test for whatever reason.

The results also revealed that up to 78 per cent of eligible women in the UK are up to date with their cervical screening, which is less than in previous years.

Jade Goody (pictured before her cancer diagnosis) highlighted the importance of screening

SMEAR TESTS FALLEN TO 'PRE JADE GOODY' LEVELS When the reality television star Jade Goody died of cervical cancer in 2009, more than 400,000 extra women in England were screened for the disease. Yet, the number of people attending screenings has now fallen back to 'pre-Jade Goody' levels, charities have previously warned. Dr Claire Knight, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: 'Whether or not to go for screening is an individual choice, but Cancer Research UK recommends women take up the offer to attend cervical screening when invited. 'It's important to remember that cervical screening is for women without symptoms. 'Women who have any unusual or persistent bleeding, pain, or change in vaginal discharge - even if they've been screened recently and whatever their age - should get it checked out by their GP. 'Chances are it won't be cancer but, if it is, getting it diagnosed and treated early can make a real difference.' Advertisement

What the experts say

Lead author Dr Jo Waller said: 'It's worrying that so many women don't know about cervical screening. This study also suggests that many women  particularly younger ones  don't get round to cervical screening, even when they intend to go.

'For women who find making an appointment stays on tomorrow's to-do list, simple steps such as extra reminders or specific appointment slots for first-time screenings could really make a difference and potentially save lives.'

Sarah Williams, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, who funded the study, said: 'Cervical screening prevents an estimated 2,000 deaths each year in the UK, so it's imperative that we do all we can to inform women about it and to make it easier for them to make well-informed decisions about whether to attend, and to take up their invitations if they decide to accept them.'

Researchers from University College London analysed survey responses of more than 3,100 women aged 24 to 64.

Around 790 of the study participants were overdue for a smear test.

The findings were published in the European Journal of Cancer.
Doctors were able to tell a Swiss teenager had a collapsed lung - because they heard a clicking sound in time with his heartbeat.

The unidentified 19-year-old, believed to be from Baden, was somehow still able to breathe, despite the medical emergency.

With the bizarre noise audible from a distance existing for more than a week, the military student sought help from his doctor.

It was first noticed while he was on a long distance march wearing his full army kit, worrying him into thinking he had a heart condition.

But other than slight pain on the left-side on his chest and his back, he reported no other symptoms of a collapsed lung.

The unidentified 19-year-old, believed to be from Baden, was diagnosed with a collapsed lung after doctors found his a clicking sound in time with his heartbeat

'I was concerned'

Writing in BMJ Case Reports, the patient said: 'I first heard the sound when I was lying in my bed in military training school.

'I was a bit concerned because the sound seemed synchronous with my pulse and I was worried that I could have a heart condition.

'But as I did not have any physical disability, I did not tell anybody about the sound.'

'The diagnosis of a pneumothorax was a big surprise for me as I did not have any trouble breathing and I even passed a physical test in the military.'

Suspected valve condition

Doctors suspected the strange cardiac murmur to be down to a valve condition and he was sent for a range of medical tests at hospital.

His pain was dismissed as being musculoskeletal due to the rarity of the symptoms, making him think there was no link to his eventual diagnosis.

WHAT IS HAMMAN'S SIGN? Hamman's sign is a loud sound that happens simultaneously with the pulse. It was first described by researchers in the 19th century, medical literature shows. The sound is is commonly heard in patients immediately following open heart surgery. Clicking sounds are unusual, as it is more often a crunching, rasping sound - similar to popping Rice Krispies. It is caused by the heart beating against air-filled tissues, experts said in BMJ Case Reports. Only three cases of Hamman's sign associated with pneumothorax have been published in the last 20 years. Remarkably in all of them, the diagnosis was initially missed, the researchers added. Advertisement

However, they all came back normal - and suggested he had nothing to worry about before booking him in for a CT scan two days later.

The decision to undergo this procedure was made after doctors noticed the clicking sound occurred in time with his heartbeat.

Collapsed lung

The results of this test showed he had pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung, on his left-hand side.

Experts say the condition can be fatal and even put pressure on the heart in the most serious cases, but can heal on its own.

After being given treatment the sound immediately disappeared, Kantonsspital Baden doctors said.

The clicking sound, known as Hamman's sign, is deemed exceptionally rare in patients with collapsed lungs - despite the noise being common after heart surgery.

Noises consistent with someone's heartbeat are common, found when a doctor puts their stethoscope to a patient's chest.

An important case

The researchers said this rare case is important and gives doctors something else to look for when patients report such symptoms.

The patient added: 'I think it is important to share this information. During my illness, I recorded the sound often with my iPhone.

'When I searched the internet after the sound and the symptoms without knowing the medical term, I could not find any results.

'That shows the rarity of the sound. I hope that other patients will benefit from my case.'
A potentially deadly brain-eating amoeba has been detected in southern Louisiana and officials are warning residents not to let children play in water unsupervised.

The bug was found in the Terrebonne Parish water system but health experts insist that the tap water is still safe to drink.

The amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, causes a brain infection that leads to the destruction of tissue. In its early stages, symptoms may be similar to bacterial meningitis.

The organism does not cause illness if swallowed, but can be deadly if forced up the nose.

The CDC says residents who use the water system should not let water go up their nose or to allow children to play unsupervised with hoses or sprinklers.

Louisiana officials found a potentially deadly brain-eating amoeba in its water system. Naegleria fowleri (pictured) causes a brain infection that leads to the destruction of tissue

The Naegleria fowleri bug was found in Terrebonne Parish, in southern Louisiana (pictured)

WHAT IS A BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA? Naegleria fowleri is commonly referred to as the 'brain-eating amoeba' as it can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). But the infection is very rare, and according to the CDC, there have been about 35 cases reported in the U.S. in the last decade. The single-celled organism is commonly found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs, as well as in soil. It usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it travels to the brain where it causes PAM, which is usually fatal. Infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers. In very rare instances, Naegleria infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources (such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated and contaminated tap water) enters the nose. You cannot get infected from swallowing water contaminated with Naegleria. Advertisement

The Louisiana Department of Health notified the Schriever Water System and town officials Thursday after they confirmed the amoebas presence.

The health department asked the water system to convert its current disinfection method to the free chlorine method for 60 days to ensure that any remaining amoeba is eliminated.

A chlorine burn involves boosting chlorine levels to kill the amoeba and bio-film, which can provide a place for the amoeba to live.

The state has tested for the amoeba, which occurs naturally in freshwater, since 2015.

The department samples public drinking water systems each summer when temperatures rise, and has collected 540 samples since 2013, the department said in a news release.

The CDC also said people should not put their heads under bath water.

The agency noted only 35 cases have been reported in the past decade, although nearly all of them fatal.

Residents should run bath and shower taps and hoses for five minutes before using them to flush out the pipes, especially the first time after the water utility raises the disinfectant level.

Residents should continue the precautions until testing no longer confirms the presence of the amoeba.

The water system will notify residents when that occurs.

The news of the amoeba follows the wrongful death lawsuit that was filed last week in the case of 18-year-old Lauren Seitz.

Her family filed the federal lawsuit in Columbus, Ohio, a year after Lauren died from meningoencephalitis, a disease caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri.

The lawsuit says Seitz contracted the amoeba at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, after she was thrown overboard into the water.

Lauren Seitz (pictured) died of a brain infection from a rare brain-eating amoeba after going whitewater rafting in North Carolina in 2016. Her family filed a federal lawsuit last week

The center issued a statement at the time of Seitz's death last year saying it filtered and disinfected the water.

But an employee complained about the conditions and a federal epidemiologist found the filtration and disinfection systems were inadequate. The level of amoeba in the water was also off the charts, the Charlotte Observer reported.

On June 8, 2016, Seitz went on a whitewater rafting trip with her church group.

The raft overturned at one point, marking her only known underwater exposure before she died.

Seitz's pastor Jim Wilson, with the Church of the Messiah United Methodist Church in Westerville said June 8 was the only day that the group went swimming before they returned home on June 11.

Just eight days later, Seitz died on June 19 from Naegleria fowleri, a one-celled organism commonly found in warm freshwater.
Being obese can increase the rates of surviving a heart attack, a new study claims.

Researchers found that mildly obese patients who suffered a major heart attack were 30 percent more likely to survive three years later.

They were also more likely to recover faster and spend less time in the hospital.

The cardiologists that conducted the study in Dallas, Texas, said this is called the 'obesity paradox' because being an unhealthy weight increases the risk of heart conditions but can lead people to have better outcomes.

Mildly obese patients who have a heart attack also have a higher chance of survival than those who are of a normal weight, a new Dallas study revealed

The study was conducted by heart doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

They examined medical records from nearly 20,000 Medicare patients, including those with a normal weight, who had suffered a heart attack.

Researchers found those who were mildly obese, having a BMI of 30 to 35, fared better than those who were of a normal weight, having a BMI between 18.5 to 25.

This group also did better than extremely obese patients, who fared the worst out of all weight categories.

First author Dr Ian Neeland said: 'One theory is that you have more energy reserves to combat the illness. You're able to weather the storm better.'

Other theories included that there has been oversight on factors that would explain the obesity advantage or if people of a normal weight have an diagnosed problem.

OBESE PEOPLE ARE NEARLY 20% LESS LIKELY TO DEVELOP PARKINSON'S Obese people are nearly 20 per cent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease (PD), research reveals. Having an obese BMI throughout your life lowers your risk of developing the condition by 18 per cent, researchers from University College London found. This may be be due to the weight disorder sharing genetic variants with factors that protect against the neurological condition, according to researchers. Yet, the researchers warn the health risks of carrying excessive weight will likely outweigh any reduced susceptibility to PD. They said: 'Although our results suggest that higher BMI is potentially protective against PD, the negative health impacts of raising BMI are likely to be significant, and should be taken into account.' Advertisement

Dr Neeland added: 'I think the message from this finding is that if you've had a heart attack and you're overweight or mildly obese, you shouldn't necessarily try to lose weight aggressively in the initial period after the heart attack.'

However, the heart doctor does not recommend patients to try and gain weight after a heart attack.

The expert said it's important to remember that being overweight or obese has a higher chance of developing heart disease and high cholesterol, among other health risks.

Senior author Dr James de Lemos added: 'Although obesity is clearly an important risk factor for the development of diabetes and heart disease, once a person already has heart disease, these relationships are not as clear cut.'

The new study's findings are consistent with a report from the American College of Cardiology in 2009.

The organization stated overweight heart attack victims should stay fat as they are more likely to live longer.

Their data found obese people were likely to outlive their leaner counterparts with the same severity of heart problems.

Experts also thought obese patients' survival rates were higher because excess weight meant patients had more reserves to fight disease than thinner patients.

Another explanation was that obese patients often seek medical advice earlier in the disease process because they are out of shape and suffering other symptoms, which gives doctors the chance to diagnose problems earlier.

Obesity continues to be an epidemic across the globe, with a recent global report revealing nearly a third of the world is obese or overweight.

The World Health Organization said the issue has become a 'disturbing global public health crisis', which is contributing to booming rates of diabetes and heart disease.

Excess weight is already contributing to one in every 14 deaths from any cause, the researchers found, a figure which they said is bound to rise.

The US had a rate of 33 percent obesity, which is around 79.4 million obese people.

In addition to unhealthy weight causing mobility issues, obesity causes a slew of health conditions and is known to limit lifespan.

Being overweight or obese has also been proven to lead to strokes, heart disease, hypertension and high blood pressure.
A test pinpoints breast cancer patients with a low-risk of their tumor returning, allowing them to avoid aggressive treatments, new research reveals.

The test correctly identified 15 percent of the study's participants as being of a low-risk of their cancer coming back.

Such patients had a strong prognosis after their initial treatment regardless of whether they were given additional therapy to prevent their tumor returning, the research adds.

Lead author Dr Laura Esserman from the University of California in San Francisco. said: 'This is an important step forward for personalizing care for women with breast cancer.

'We can now test small node-negative breast cancers, and if they are in the ultra-low risk category, we can tell women that they are highly unlikely to die of their cancers and do not need aggressive treatment, including radiation after lumpectomy.'

A test pinpoints breast cancer patients with a low-risk of their tumor returning (stock)

ONE IN THREE WOMEN ARE AT RISK OF BREAST CANCER AFTER FAILING TO TAKE PREVENTATIVE PILLS Thousands of women are giving up on pills to prevent breast cancer in the mistaken belief they are causing debilitating side effects, researchers warned earlier this month. Tamoxifen is meant to be offered to women who have either had breast cancer or are at very high risk due to their family history. The 6p a day pills have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer occurring by 30 per cent and are prescribed for five years. Yet a study led by Queen Mary University of London involving nearly 4,000 women found that a third of patients stop taking the pills before the recommended time. This included 12 per cent who give up within 18 months, mostly in the belief that they are suffering severe side effects. Intriguingly, the research also studied women who had taken placebos, who reported experiencing the same side effects as those on Tamoxifen. Such side effects include hot flushes, nausea, sickness and some gynaecological symptoms. Advertisement

How the study was carried out

Researchers from the University of California in San Francisco assessed the test, known as MammaPrint, over 20 years in 652 breast cancer patients.

They analyzed 1,780 patients whose cancer had not spread to their lymph nodes and whose tumors measured no more than 3cm in diameter.

After initial treatment, 311 patients were given a commonly prescribed drug to reduce the risk of secondary tumor formation, while 339 received no additional therapy.

All of the participant's tumors were removed.

Key findings

Results revealed that the multigene test, which works off of tumor tissue samples, classified 15 percent of the study's participants as being of ultra-low risk of their cancer returning.

Such women were later found to have a strong prognosis regardless of whether they received additional treatment to prevent secondary tumor formation.

The findings are published in the journal JAMA Oncology.

How the results can be used

The genetic test could be used by doctors to help determine patients' optimal course of treatment, according to the researchers.

Among ultra-low risk women aged 75 or over, who may suffer with other conditions and are more at-risk of dying at any given time, simply tumor removal may be the best option, they add.

Dr Esserman said: 'This is an important step forward for personalizing care for women with breast cancer.

'We can now test small node-negative breast cancers, and if they are in the ultra-low risk category, we can tell women that they are highly unlikely to die of their cancers and do not need aggressive treatment, including radiation after lumpectomy.

'This is an exciting advance because approximately 20-25 percent of tumors diagnosed today may be ultra-low risk.'
Experts have long known that African American men are more likely to die from prostate cancer, but a new study may have found the reason why.

Previous research has shown that black men are 74 percent more likely to get the disease than white men and are twice as likely to die from it.

Now a new study suggests African-American males have a certain genetic makeup that makes prostate tumors more aggressive and resistant to drug treatments.

Researchers believe this difference may contribute to the large mortality disparity between black and white men when it comes to the cancer.

Experts from George Washington University in DC found that a gene in African-American men may be to blame for why they are more likely to die of prostate cancer compared to white men

WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER? Prostate cancer usually develops slowly and often produces no signs for many years. The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis that is only in men. It helps to produce semen. Symptoms tend to appear when the gland becomes so large that it affects the tube that carries urine to the penis. This may cause an increased need to urinate, straining while urinating or feeling the bladder is not empty. The risk increases with age and those with family members who have suffered. Advertisement

The study was done by researchers at the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center in Washington DC.

Experts found that genetic variation, called differential RNA splicing, could play a role in tumor aggressiveness and treatability of African-American men.

The study reported that the splicing led molecules to contain different combinations of cell proteins, which eventually made tumors more aggressive.

When exposed to prostate cancer treatments, due to the genetic variation of these proteins, the drug was ineffective and was also resisted by the body.

Principal researcher Dr Norman Lee said: 'We found that the protein isoforms expressed in African Americans with prostate cancer do not always respond to targeted therapies.

'Whereas these drugs were found to be effective in European Americans with prostate cancer and do end up killing off the cancer. This is a mechanism for drug resistance.'

Dr Lee and his team hope this discovery can lead to a better treatment plan for black men with prostate cancer and eliminate the disparity in death rates.

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer type, with 161,000 cases diagnosed yearly in the United States.

Although prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers with high survival, research has shown that black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men.

And blacks have a 74 percent higher risk than whites in developing the disease.

Research from the University of North Carolina Lineberger in June investigated why this difference exists and found the two groups of men view treatment plans differently.

THE PROS AND CONS OF THE PSA TEST There is no single test for prostate cancer. Commonly used tests are the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), a physical examination of your prostate or a biopsy. It measures a man's antigen levels and can detect early prostate cancer - but it is not foolproof. PSA levels can be elevated when cancer isn't present or not elevated when cancer does exist. Higher PSA levels can also be caused by other conditions, like inflammation of the prostate or enlarged prostate. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can provoke anxiety and confusion. Prostate cancer treatment can have side effects, including urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction or bowel complications. Source: Prostate Cancer UK Advertisement

Blacks were more likely to think their cancer was not aggressive and were more likely to worry about the treatment's cost and side effects than their white counterparts.

Researchers suggest black men are less likely to receive aggressive treatment because they are more worried about the cost and how the medicine will impact their daily life.

The five-year survival rate for men with prostate cancer is 99 percent and the 15-year survival rate is 96 percent.

But these statistics only apply to men who receive treatment.

Non-white men are less likely to have surgery to treat their prostate cancer, according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men at an average risk should have a PSA screening when they turn 50 but recommend black men get this test done at 45 years old.

The organization drops the age down to 40 if the man has a family history of prostate cancer.

Although being at a significantly higher risk for the disease, only 33 percent of black men over the age of 50 reported having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening.

In April, US Preventive Services Task Force changed its policy on routine prostate cancer screening.

New draft guidelines say the agency does not have any specific advice on the topic.

Instead, men should decide for themselves the best course of action after talking with their doctor.
The past few years has seen some of the biggest names in fund management jump ship to set up and run their own rival firm.

Schroders has become the latest casualty of this trend with star managers Paul Marriage and John Warren set to exit the firm in the final months of this year to establish their own business called Tellworth Investments.

The dynamic duo will relinquish the reins of the Schroder UK Dynamic Smaller Companies Fund - which has soared more than 147 per cent over a five year period to 23 June 2017.

But should investors head for the exit too and follow the pair, or should they put their faith in the strategy and the team behind the fund?

At a crossroads: Investors face a difficult decision of whether to follow a star manager out of a fund or stay invested in the proposition

The success of funds is not wholly attributable to the manager who runs them. The team of analyst and researchers who operate away from the media limelight can stake a claim for the performance.

In saying this, there are thousands of different funds to choose from in the open market, so there must be good reason why only a handful enjoy celebrity status.

High-performing fund managers moving on to set up their own boutique firms is nothing new - Neil Woodford being one of the more recent and high profile examples.

Investors in the Invesco Perpetual's Income and High Income funds faced a dilemma back in late 2013 when Woodford called time on his successful 26-year stint to set up rival venture Woodford Investment management.

Under his stewardship, the High Income fund was the best-performing fund in the equity income sector, turning a 10,000 investment into 230,000 over 25 years, according to Hargreaves Lansdown.

It is therefore unsurprising that Woodford developed such a cult following.

Some 2billion poured out of the Invesco Perpetual Income fund after Woodford gave his notice in October 2013 up until February 2014 according to FE Analytics data.

Investors poured out of the Invesco Perpetual Income fund when Woodford left to set up his own boutique firm

Meanwhile, investors pulled out of the High Income fund to the tune of 500million over the same time period.

Woodford Investment Management's first proposition, a UK equity income fund, smashed the record for the biggest fund raised for an open-ended investment company or unit trust, by raising 1.6bn during the initial offer period before launch in June 2014.

It's easier to see whether investors who loyally followed Woodford were vindicated in their decision, as the investment mandates of both Invesco Perpetual Income and Woodford Equity Income funds are pretty similar.

The new venture returned 36.6 per cent return over a three-year period since its launch to 26 June 2017 compared to the 27.6 per cent generated by the fund he left behind over the same time period.

But it should be noted that the consensus among experts in the investment industry is to judge funds based on a minimum of five-year data to allow for market conditions and artificially bumper performance.

Furthermore, the two funds are not directly comparable as one of the reasons Woodford headed for new pastures was to be able to add some of his favoured more growth orientated high-tech firms to the portfolio, ranging from up-and-coming bio tech to online estate agency Purple Bricks.

So should investors follow star fund managers?

It is not a black and white answer - there are a number of considerations that should be taken into account.

One of which is who will take up the baton once the star manager leaves.

At Invesco, Woodford was replaced by Mark Barnett who had generated a good track record in own right during his two decades with the asset manager.

Jason Hollands, managing director at wealth management firm Bestinvest said: 'Mark shares a similar investment approach to Woodford which is unsurprising as he worked alongside him for many years as part of the UK equities team at Invesco.

'There was no reason for investors to walk away when Woodford left because he had delivered some great performance. But of course some investors couldn't help but follow Woodford.

Commenting on the subsequent outperformance of Woodford Equity Income against Invesco Perpetual Income fund, he added: 'There was a patch where Mark had to grapple with a high volume of outflows from the fund which probably affected the performance of the fund.

'He probably sold some holdings that he would have rather kept hold of because of the amount of investors that headed to the exit door.'

Investors should also review their position if the succeeding fund manager substantially tinkers with the funds holdings and/or investment philosophy.

The investment mandate of the star fund manager's new proposition are among a number of considerations that should be taken into account

Rory Powe, for example, made his mark on the GLG Continential European fund he inherited in 2014 almost immediately by selling 200 of around 210 stocks in the portfolio.

The fund then very much reflected his approach at the expense of the philosophy implemented by his predecessor - but to its benefit the fund's performance data suggests.

In addition, the investment mandate of the star fund manager's new proposition should be taken into account.

The manager is the figurehead of his or her's fund but the success of fund is heavily influenced on the quality of the team working in the background Jason Hollands of Bestinvest

A case and point was the experience of Anthony Bolton who headed up the Fidelity Special Situations fund up until late 2007 when he decided to hang his boots up and retire from the industry.

Bolton gained his stripes for the outstanding performance he achieved during his 28-year tenure as manager of the investment vehicle. In numerical terms, he generated annual returns of nearly 19.5 per cent - turning an investment of 1,000 into 147,000.

Investors responded to news of his retirement by selling up - even before he had left the company. Investors redeemed around 330million in 2007 alone.

However, his reputation was slightly tarnished due to the performance generated through his comeback fund Fidelity China Special Situations Trust which launched in 2010.

An initial surge, in which share prices in Chinese stocks rose by more than 20 per cent, gave way to longer period of underperformance during which prices fell from around 1 to 70p amid the backdrop of a faltering Chinese economy.

Bolton was able to claw back some returns ahead of his second retirement in 2014 - and his vision has been rewarded after his departure with the trust performing very well under new manager Dale Nicholls, who gives Bolton great credit.

'Bolton held a great track record as manager of UK funds but he was an unknown quantity when it came to China,' Hollands said.

Anthony Bolton's reputation was somewhat tarnished by his experiences with the Fidelity China Special Situations Trust

'Regrettably for him, the Trust did not go according to plan. Just because a fund manager has delivered good returns in one facet of the investment universe, it does not mean they'd do so in another.'

What is more, investors should have a look at the team of analysts and researchers who support the star manager.

Hollands added: 'The manager is the figurehead of his or her's fund but the success of fund is heavily influenced on the quality of the team working in the background. The quality of investment teams varies from asset manager to asset manager.'

Although the departure of Marriage and Warren is quite some time off, the Schroder UK Dynamic Smaller Companies Fund has been removed from Hargreaves Lansdown's Wealth 150+ of the best funds available to UK investors.

Mark Dampier, head of research at the fund supermarket said the move was taken because the fund's long term future is now uncertain.

This is a common step taken by those who rate investment propositions. They typically meet with the new manager and assess their experience, style and the changes they may make to the portfolio before re-rating.

Marriage and Warren will take the onshore and offshore versions of the Schroder UK Dynamic Absolute Return Fund to their new venture where it will be rebranded but will follow the same investment objectives.

Luke Biermann has been appoint to replace the pair as manager of the Schroder UK Dynamic Smaller Companies Fund. Biermann has been a member of Schroders Pan European Small and Mid Cap team for a decade - working as an analyst and fund manager.

Since taking over management of the Schroder European Smaller Companies Fund in November 2011, the fund has returned 22.2 per cent every year compared to the FTSE Small Cap ex ITs benchmark which returned 19.2 per cent.

Both Schroders and investors of the UK Dynamic Smaller Companies Fund will hope that Biermann will continue to generate positive returns in the years to come.
The British shipping industry is being trounced by low-cost Indian rivals in a war for business in the North Sea.

More than 100 vessels are idle in docks, and thousands of jobs lost, after shipping giants were undercut by foreign rivals willing to service UK oil and gas rigs.

Many cheaper firms are thought to be able to offer bigger profits by paying a pittance to deck staff but UK companies which pay crews more, have been hit as rates for servicing rigs have dropped by more than half.

Business war: More than 100 vessels are idle in docks and thousands of jobs lost

North Sea drillers are desperately trying to slash costs because the oil price has remained stubbornly at around $50 a barrel for so long. Thousands more jobs are at risk if the Government does not act, say campaigners.

Ship owners are now calling on the Government to demand oil and gas companies working in UK waters hire more UK firms.

Guy Platten, chief executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping, said: We need to provide a level playing field so UK companies can compete.

The falling oil price since 2014 has seen companies in the oil firms supply chain pushed out of business, while survivors fight for less work at lower prices.

Oil services provider Wood Group has warned of continued challenges in the oil and gas market. And shipping companies say their battle is harder because it is so easy for competitors to enter the market.

The UK Chamber of Shipping said foreign vessels in the North Sea include European companies employing workers from India and the Philippines, as well as Indian and Filipino firms. Day rates are estimated to have fallen from about 15,000 a day to about 6,000 and the chamber wants action so oil and gas companies ensure that at least 50 per cent of their supply chain is British.

Keith Fletcher, whose Fletcher Shipping firm employs about 300 people, said: About 70pc of our operating costs is crew  you make considerable savings by using foreign nationals. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: The UKs world-class oil and gas supply chain is one of our great industrial success stories in delivering local jobs and growth.

Thats why were working with the Oil and Gas Authority and industry to increase the UK domestic market share from 50 per cent to 65 per cent through to 2035.
Could you have a current account application turned down because you live in a flat with a communal hallway?

Reader Saskia Harrison got in touch with us after she was turned down for a First Direct current account because her post is delivered to a communal hallway - which she shares with one, nice 80-year-old neighbour.

Ms Harrison had her application rejected even though both of her parents - with whom she lives - hold accounts with the bank.

Mailboxes: Many potential switchers to First Direct could be turned down for not having a 'secure' mailbox

When she challenged First Direct, explaining that her parents are at the same address, she was told other accounts could not be discussed.

Ms Harrison also argued that the gentleman who lives in the other flat is in his 80s and has not touched their mail in the two decades the family have lived there, but to no avail.

She has been left worried that the rejected application will show up on her credit report. First Direct says the application will appear, but it will not show the outcome.

Readers have been getting in touch after This is Money revealed last week that First Direct was turning down potential customers due to the fact they were deemed to have an 'insecure mailbox'.

The telephone and internet-based bank, which is owned by HSBC, offers 100 to switch current account to it  but it appears many cannot take advantage thanks to living in a property with a communal hallway.

Another reader, based in West London, was turned down because the property where she lives consists of four separate flats and no locked mailboxes.

After learning of First Direct's policy, we contacted other banks to see where they stand on customers with shared mailboxes (scroll down for the full list).

When we asked First Direct for an explanation of its policy, it said: 'At present we don't proceed with applications where we're informed the customer does not have a secure mailbox, as there is a risk that someone could intercept their mail, cards and PIN number.

'This reduces the chances of any fraudulent activity or breach of data protection.

'We are currently reviewing our policy to provide a solution to customers in this situation.'

It added that there are 'no exceptions' to its policy at present, other than installing a secure mailbox and then reapplying over the telephone.

Credit reference agency Experian says current accounts are a 'front door for fraudsters looking to access a wide range of other financial products.'

First Direct says the rule has been in its terms and conditions and part of its account opening checks for a number of years.

OTHER BANKS TURNING CUSTOMERS DOWN?

What about the other major banks  are they too now refusing to accept customers who live in flats with communal areas, a common sight in major urban areas?

This is Money contacted them to find out:

BARCLAYS

A spokesman said that it allows customers who live in blocks of flats with mailboxes situated in shared spaces to open bank accounts and that it doesn't factor into its decision making on account opening.

HSBC

A spokesman said that customers are not asked about insecure mailboxes and it is not highlighted within its terms and conditions, unlike stablemate First Direct.

Different rules: HSBC does not factor in insecure mailboxes in its T&Cs, unlike its stablemate First Direct

LLOYDS/HALIFAX/BANK OF SCOTLAND

A spokesman says customers can open a bank account as long as they meet the qualifying criteria.

There aren't any specific restrictions or requirements relating to mailboxes in shared hallways, it says, but if a customer felt more comfortable using a different address than their home one for mail, they are able to do so - for example, students may feel their parent's address is safer to use than a hall of residence address.

NATIONWIDE

A Nationwide spokesman simply said it has no conditions or restrictions on shared mail delivery.

NATWEST/RBS

A spokesman said that on opening an account, if staff believe a customer might be living in accommodation that doesn't have access to a secure mailbox then they may ask follow up questions to see what they can do to help make sure they receive their post securely. For example arranging for bank card to be picked up in branch.

This, it says, is also a key discussion point with customers during peak student account openings, as some may stay in halls or shared accommodation where they more vulnerable to not receiving their post.

Customers are expected to do everything they can to keep their account information secure and that would include using a secure mailbox.

It adds that it wouldn't turn a customer down for not having access to a secure mailbox but would instead work with them to find a secure way of them picking up their post. This could be either using an alternative address or arranging for a bank card to be picked up in branch.

SANTANDER

Santander says it would not turn somebody down just because of a communal hallway without a secure mailbox.

It says its bank account applications have a question asking if the applicant has a shared mailbox.

If so, the debit card is sent to the nearest branch, assuming they are accepted based on all the other criteria.

TSB

A spokesman simply says that having a shared mailbox wouldn't be a reason for a customer being turned down for an account.

It allows customers to apply for products regardless of the type of mailbox they have and says that it does not ask customers about their mailbox at the point of application with nothing about this written in its terms and conditions.
Seven men have been arrested as police seized $30 million of cocaine and $580,000 in cash in a massive drug bust involving an international criminal syndicate.

The accused were detained in Melbourne on Thursday for allegedly attempting to import approximately 92kg of cocaine into the city earlier in the week.

Three out of the seven arrested were foreigners comprising of one British and two Canadians, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said.

Scroll down for video

AFP has seized $30 million of cocaine and $580,000 in cash in a massive drug bust

The arrests were made after police discovered the banned substance from three suspicious looking black duffle bags found in a sea cargo container that had just returned from Panama on Monday.

Police seized each of the bags which contained 26 blocks as cocaine.

All men have been charged with the importation and attempted possession of commercial quantities of border controlled drugs, and money laundering offences.

A 29-year-old Canadian man has also been charged with dealing in money or property worth $100,000 or more, which was intended to be used unlawfully.

Three out of the seven men involved in the international criminal syndicate were foreigners

The drug bust was made by the Trident Taskforce comprising various government agencies

AFP Commander John Beveridge, State Manager for Victoria and Tasmania, said police and border protection agencies played a significant role in detecting and disrupting the criminal activity in relation to the drug bust.

'We are working together with our state police, Commonwealth and international partners to disrupt this toxic trade,' Commander Beveridge said.

The drug bust was made following investigators did by the Trident Taskforce, comprising various agencies such as the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, Australian Border Force, AUSTRAC, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and the Australian Taxation Office who have been investigating the syndicate for more than a year.
The teenager became the top scorer in the city for the university entrance exam

However he had read her medical record earlier this year

The family from Shandong hid her illness to let the 17 year-old focus on revision

Ms Zhang was diagnosed with blood cancer one year before her son sat exam

A Chinese mother was so concerned with her son's future that she hid her blood cancer diagnosis from him so that he could focus on his education.

Zhang Hong Mei, from eastern China found out that she had cancer in June 2016, one year before her son was due to sit the 'Gaokao' university entrance exam.

The family concealed her illness from the teenager who became the highest scorer in Dezhou City.

Zhang Hong Mei(right), from eastern China, found out her illness in June 2016, one year before her son, Li Zhi Chao (left) sat for the notoriously hard 'Gaokao' university entrance examination

'I only had one thing on my mind. No matter what, I could not distract him,' Zhang said after being diagnosed of an aggressive blood cancer in June 2016

Zhang, a noodle seller, passed out at her home in Shandong province in May last year and was sent to hospital for a checkup, according to QLID.com.

One month later, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

According to the NHS website, it is a type of white blood cell cancer that progresses rapidly. The aggressive cancer usually requires immediate treatment.

Despite Zhang's illness, the family chose not to inform her son Li Zhi Chao who was scheduled to take the university entrance exam last month.

They only told him that his mother was sick.

She underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy without him knowing. Zhang said: 'I only had one thing on my mind. No matter what, I could not distract him.'

The 17 year-old science student, who recently became the top scorer of the Dezhou city, is seen weeping at the hospital

After the exams, Li Zhi Chao has visited his mother daily in the hospital

However during the Chinese New Year holiday, LiZhi Chao read his mother's medical records and found out about her illness.

The 17 year-old school boy appreciated what his parents had done for him and pretended to be unaffected.

'All I could do was to study hard and let them be proud of me. I don't want to disappoint them,' Li said.

After the exams, Li Zhi Chao visited his mother in the hospital every day.

Following the results, Li Zhi Chao discovered that he had scored the highest grade in the city - 692 points. The score is enough to send him to one of the country's best universities such as Peking University.

The family is worried that they can't afford the university tuition fees after spending over 400,000 yuan (46,030) on Zhang's treatment

The mother is considering stopping her cancer treatment to save funds for the teenager's education bills

However the family are now worried that they cannot afford his university tuition fees after spending over 400,000 yuan (46,030) on Zhang's treatment.

His mother is considering stopping her cancer treatment to save money for his education fees.

Hundreds of online users discussed the heart-wrenching story on micro-blogging platform Weibo.

'This teenager has shouldered too many burdens.. Gaokao, tuition fees, an ill parent and family poverty. He is still a teenager!' an user showed sympathy.

'He mainly worries about the treatment fees I guess. Normally school scholarship should be enough to cover his university fees.' another user commented.

'I wish that donations can flow to this unfortunate family.' one user said.
Independence Day traditions in one small Connecticut town are clashing with an effort to protect an iconic symbol of the United States.

Authorities in Columbia are asking residents this year to forgo shooting off fireworks for the sake of a family of bald eagles.

Last summer, a pair of eagles became the first to call Columbia Lake home since the species returned to the state in 1992.

Wildlife officials in Columbia, Connecticut, are asking residents this year to forgo shooting off fireworks during the Fourth of July for the sake of a family of bald eagles. During the spring the family of eagles hatched an eaglet (pictured)

Last summer, a pair of eagles (pictured) became the first to call Columbia Lake home since the species returned to the state in 1992. The eagles recently hatched their eaglet and wildlife experts say the bird is not old enough to fly

This spring, an eaglet appeared in the nest, which is located about 100 feet up in a tree.

The bird is not yet old enough to fly and Brian Hess, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said there is a real concern that the noise of fireworks could be enough to scare the eaglet out of the nest before it is ready.

'Eagles and fireworks are both sort of this great American tradition,' he said. 'But I can't think of a more perfectly startling thing than a firework.'

The town has shared a letter from Hess urging residents to avoid shooting off fireworks during their Fourth of July celebrations.

Hess also is advising people not to visit the nest. Disturbing it, he said, could lead the birds to leave the area for good.

Eagles, which mate for life, normally return to the same nesting site for years.

Hess said the eaglet should be ready to fly in a couple of weeks. He said it likely will stay with its parents through August before heading out on its own.

There is no official fireworks display in Columbia, but Mark Walter, the town administrator says illegal displays are common, especially at the 282-acre lake.

Brian Hess, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said there is a real concern that the noise of fireworks could be enough to scare the eaglet out of the nest before it is ready

Hess also advised people not to visit the nest because disturbing it could lead the birds to leave the area for good. The eaglet will likely will stay with its parents through August before heading out on its own

It once was a popular summer vacation destination, but is now a year-round home to many middle-class and wealthy New Englanders.

'It's similar to many towns that have a lake,' he said. 'The Fourth of July is a holiday that people celebrate with fireworks.'

Bald eagles, though no longer considered an endangered species, are still threatened and are protected by federal and state laws because of their unique status as a symbol of the nation, Hess said.

Anyone found to have set off fireworks leading to harm would be prosecuted and could face fines and jail time.

'The DEEP will be available for dispatch if needed,' Walter said. 'The resident trooper will be the enforcement agency to make any finds concerning illegal fireworks.'

Janice Thibodeau, who has lived on the lake for 28 years, said several of her neighbors already have purchased thousands of dollars in high-end fireworks, as they do each year.

She said the local homeowners association also has sent out a letter urging everyone to refrain from shooting them off this holiday, but she fears some people will just ignore it and go on with their celebrations as planned.

'I would not be happy if something happens to that eaglet,' she said. 'I hope maybe they can just wait and shoot them off for Labor Day.'
Edwin Andujar, 53 (pictured), was convicted of first-degree murder and weapons offenses after stabbing his roommate, Thomas Parent, to death with a steak knife

A New Jersey man has been convicted of fatally stabbing his roommate after the victim told him he had to move out because he wasn't paying rent.

A jury on Tuesday found Edwin Andujar, 53, guilty of first-degree murder and weapons offenses.

Prosecutors say Andujar stabbed 59-year-old Thomas Parent 12 times with a steak knife while Parent was in a wheelchair after returning from a rehabilitation center.

Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Meredith Mona, called Parent's killing 'an unthinkable, cowardly, intentional act'.

Andujar said the August 2014 stabbing was in self-defense, but the jury rejected that claim.

Miller argued at trial that Andujar - who was unemployed - became enraged when he was told he had to move out and stabbed Parent with a kitchen knife in his groin, stomach and back, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

Prosecutors argued that because Parent had just come from rehabilitation and was dependent on a wheelchair at the time, that made him the defenseless one.

Parent (pictured), 59, allegedly told Andujar he had to move out because he wasn't paying rent. Andujar claimed the stabbing was done in self-defense. But prosecutors argued that Parent had just come from rehabilitation and was dependent on a wheelchair, making him the defenseless one

He succumbed to his injuries five days after the stabbing, and Andujar's charges were upgraded from attempted murder.

Prosecutors say Andujar will be sentenced on August 17. He faces 30 years to life in prison.

Prior to this case, he was convicted for endangering the welfare of a child.
The House of Representatives took action Thursday, approving two bills to crack down on illegal immigration, a key priority for President Donald Trump.

One of the bills, known as 'Kate's Law' would impose harsher prison sentences on deportees who re-enter the United States.

The bill is named after 32-year old Kathryn Steinle, who was shot and killed in San Francisco in 2015 by Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, who was in the country illegally.

The House of Representatives took action Thursday, approving two bills to crack down on illegal immigration, a key priority for President Donald Trump, who is pictured on Wednesday in a meeting to urge the House to pass the legislation

One of the bills, known as 'Kate's Law' would impose harsher prison sentences on deportees who re-enter the United States. The bill is named after 32-year old Kathryn Steinle (left), who was shot and killed in San Francisco in 2015 by Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez (right), who was in the country illegally

Lopez-Sanchez pleaded not guilty to killing Steinle. He had been released by sheriff's officials months before her death despite a request by immigration officials to keep him behind bars.

The second bill would bar states and localities that refuse to cooperate with immigration authorities from receiving certain Justice Department and Homeland Security grants, including some related to law enforcement and terrorism.

Trump, who often railed against illegal immigration during his presidential campaign, hailed passage of the House bills and urged the Senate to act 'save American lives.' Trump met at the White House this week with more than a dozen family members of those killed by people in the country illegally.

'Opposing these bills, and allowing dangerous criminals back into our communities, our schools and the neighborhoods where our children play, puts all of us at risk,' Trump said.

He also tweeted twice Thursday afternoon to say that it's 'good news' the bills passed, adding about both bills: 'Hopefully Senate will follow.'

The second bill would bar states and localities that refuse to cooperate with immigration authorities from receiving certain Justice Department and Homeland Security grants, including some related to law enforcement and terrorism. Pictured are House Speaker Ryan, left, and Bob Goodlatte, right on Thursday

He also tweeted twice Thursday afternoon to say that it's 'good news' the bills passed, adding about both bills: 'Hopefully Senate will follow.'

The sanctuary measure was approved 228-195, while the bill to punish deportees was approved 257-167. Three Democrats joined all but seven Republicans to pass the sanctuary measure, while 24 Democrats backed the deportee bill. Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan was the only Republican who opposed the deportee bill.

The bills will now go to the Senate.

Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said the two bills would help 'avoid the kind of tragic circumstances that have totally involved the lives of the people who were at the White House... speaking up for their loved ones.'

The sanctuary measure follows 'a simple principle that if you're going to receive taxpayer dollars from the federal government to keep people safe, that you've got to follow the law and keep them safe,' Goodlatte added.

Democrats said the bills were feel-good measures intended to make lawmakers look tough on crime.

'We're not doing bumper stickers here. We are doing laws,' said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.

The sanctuary measure was approved 228-195, while the bill to punish deportees was approved 257-167. Three Democrats joined all but seven Republicans to pass the sanctuary measure, while 24 Democrats backed the deportee bill. Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan was the only Republican who opposed the deportee bill

She and other Democrats said the sanctuary measure was 'about telling people how to police their cities' and telling local officials that 'we in Washington, D.C., know better than you do.'

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said he appreciates Congress' effort to 'address the dangers of sanctuary cities and illegal immigrant offenders.'

At a news conference at the Capitol with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Kelly said his agency 'will enforce the laws that are passed by Congress,' adding, 'I am offended when members of this institution put pressure and often threaten me and my officers to ignore the laws they make.'

A spokesman said later that Kelly 'will continue to push back against any attempt - pressure, threat or otherwise - to ignore the enforcement of immigration law.'

'Enforcement is not selective, occasional or arbitrary, it's the law,' spokesman David Lapan explained.

Speaking a bout 'Kate's Law,' Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday said '[Kate, pictured left before her death] would still be alive today if only the city of San Francisco had put the public's safety first. How many more Americans must die before we put an end to this madness?'

Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., said 'Kate's Law' would not have had an impact on the Steinle case, noting that Steinle was killed in July 2015 by an immigrant (pictured right) who had been mistakenly released by the federal Bureau of Prisons

The Justice Department's inspector general has identified California and major cities such as Chicago, New York and Philadelphia as locales with barriers to information-sharing among local police and immigration officials. The Trump administration warned nine jurisdictions in late April that they could lose coveted law enforcement grant money unless they document cooperation.

Speaking a bout 'Kate's Law,' Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday said '[Kate] would still be alive today if only the city of San Francisco had put the public's safety first. How many more Americans must die before we put an end to this madness?'

Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., said 'Kate's Law' would not have had an impact on the Steinle case, noting that Steinle was killed in July 2015 by an immigrant who had been mistakenly released by the federal Bureau of Prisons.

The proposed bill 'would not have kept Kate Steinle's killer off the streets,' Gutierrez said.

'Instead, we are voting on a bill to put other people - in different circumstances - in jail for longer periods of time. It is a bait-and-switch strategy: Use a horrible tragedy to sell a policy that would not have prevented that death, so that you put more immigrants in jail for longer periods of time,' he argued.
The State Department has approved arms sales to Taiwan worth a total of $1.4 billion, the first such deal with the self-governing island since President Donald Trump took office, officials said Thursday.

The sale will anger China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory. It comes at a delicate time for relations between Washington and Beijing over efforts to rein in nuclear-armed North Korea.

The sale to Taiwan comprises seven items, including technical support for early warning radar, anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and components for SM-2 missiles, according to a U.S. official who requested anonymity to discuss the details before they were formally announced.

The State Department has approved arms sales to Taiwan worth a total of $1.4 billion. In this September 10, 2015 file photo, Taiwan's military fire artillery from self-propelled Howitzers during the annual Han Kuang exercises in Hsinchu, north eastern Taiwan

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the Trump administration had notified Congress of its intent to approve seven proposed deals now valued at around $1.4 billion.

Nauert said the approvals did not violate the Taiwan Relations Act that governs U.S. contacts with the island.

'It shows, we believe, our support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense policy,' Nauert said. 'There's no change, I should point out, to our "one-China policy."'

Taiwan's defense ministry on Friday thanked the U.S., saying: 'The arms sale will help strengthen our country's self-defense capability and maintain the peace on Taiwan strait.'

Lawmakers, which are generally strongly supportive of such sales, have 30 days to object. The U.S. is legally obligated to sell weapons to Taiwan for its self-defense.

The U.S. official said the sales represented upgrades, converting existing systems from analog to digital. The total includes roughly $1.3 million in transactions that are considered 'foreign military sales,' plus another commercial deal that also requires U.S. government approval and brings the total to $1.4 billion.

It is the first such deal with the self-governing island since President Donald Trump took office

The last U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, worth $1.8 billion, were announced in December 2015. They included two decommissioned U.S. Navy frigates, anti-tank missiles, amphibious assault vehicles and Stinger surface-to-air missiles, and was the first sale for four years.

China objected strongly, but it did not notably set back U.S.-China relations and military ties, which has happened after past arms sales to Taiwan.

However, relations across the Taiwan Strait have deteriorated since then, as Taiwan last year elected a leader from an independence-leaning party, Tsai Ing-wen.

China has increased diplomatic pressure, cut off its contacts with the island's government and discouraged travel there by Chinese tourists.
A pervert truck driver who followed a Chinese tourist into a public toilet and tried to rape her after watching her swim in a lake has been jailed for four years.

Peter Plumley, 49, was sentenced in Perth District Court on Friday for attempting to sexually penetrate the woman, 32, and stealing her purse, WA Today reported.

The court heard the stocky man followed the lone tourist into a toilet after watching her swim for 15 minutes just off the boat ramp at Balbuk Way, near Perth's CBD.

Prosecuting lawyer Peter Phillips said Plumley demanded the woman, still dressed in her swimmers, perform a sex act on him.

A pervert truck driver followed a Chinese tourist into a public toilet (pictured) and tried to rape her after watching her swim in a lake

She refused, shouting out loud and running into a cubicle, but he pushed open the unlocked door and held her against the wall.

He then pushed her onto her hands and knees and tried to force his genitals into her mouth, but she continued to resist and tried to move her head away from his crotch.

After a struggle, Plumley gave up and fled the scene, stealing her wallet on the way.

Police were able to track him down 15 months later after conducting DNA testing on the stolen wallet, which he carelessly threw away after fleeing the scene.

The prosecuting lawyer said the rape attempt was a 'chilling and violent offence' against a tourist who was a long way from her home (stock image)

'What happened here is very clear based on the facts before the court, which is the offender saw a woman who he may have thought was dressed revealing because she was swimming on a hot day in February,' Mr Phillips told the court.

'And he felt that he was entitled to follow her into a toilet cubicle and try to rape her.'

Mr Phillips said the rape attempt was a 'chilling and violent offence' against a tourist who was a long way from her home, which had left her 'seriously traumatised.'

Judge Michael Bowden said the offence was 'every female's worst nightmare'.

Plumley was sentenced to four years and three months behind bars, with a two year and three month non-parole period.
Tax rises are 'inevitable' if ministers keep backtracking on austerity, a former Treasury mandarin warned yesterday.

Nick Macpherson, who was permanent secretary at the Treasury for over a decade, suggested ministers were in danger of pursuing a Labour agenda after failing to win a Commons majority this month.

Lord Macpherson, who stepped down last year, cited the recent climbdowns on scrapping the triple lock on pensions and means-testing the winter fuel allowance as evidence that the government is going soft on austerity.

He also highlighted the mixed signals from ministers on the future of the public sector pay cap, and the decision to hand 1 billion to Northern Ireland in return for the support of the Democratic Unionist party as evidence of weakness.

Pictured: Philip Hammond, who insisted the pay cap remained in place - but said it was being 'continually assessed'

Lord Macpherson said the Tories were suffering 'defeat in victory', and suggested that higher taxes were now 'inevitable' in the Budget planned for this autumn.

In a withering assessment on Twitter, he added: 'Triple lock. Winter fuel. Public sector pay. Northern Ireland bung. Tories implementing Labour and DUP policies. Defeat in victory.'

Ministers were accused of a 'double U-turn' on public sector pay on Wednesday after initially hinting the one per cent cap on rises might be scrapped before later insisting that the position had not changed.

Downing Street intervened to 'clarify' the position after Chancellor Philip Hammond protested that he had not agreed to lift the cap, which is expected to save about 5 billion a year in the coming years.

But ministers continued to hint that it could be lifted.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt told MPs that a 'final decision' on whether to continue the cap had not been taken.

Mr Hunt said a decision would depend on the advice of independent pay review bodies and the mood among MPs.

Jeremy Hunt (pictured) told MPs a 'final decision' on the pay cap on public service workers had not yet been taken

'We will not make our decision on public sector pay until the pay review body has reported. We will listen to what it says and what people in this House have said before making a final decision.'

Culture minister Matt Hancock also suggested the advice of the pay review bodies would be critical in determining whether the cap on the wages of 5.1 million public sector workers would remain.

In recent days, Tory backbenchers have also lined up to call for more cash for schools, hospitals and social care  with some saying they would support higher taxes.

Tory MP Lucy Allan said yesterday: 'I want to see the next budget deal with the public sector pay cap - we value our public sector workers - the police, fire, NHS, teachers.'

Pictured: MP Heidi Allen, who said: 'We must also be unafraid of looking at how we tax higher earners'

Fellow Tory Heidi Allen said: 'We must respond to the financial challenges in our schools and the NHS and fund them. We must also be unafraid of looking at how we tax higher earners.'

Mr Hammond yesterday insisted the pay cap remained in place - but said it was being 'continually assessed'.

The Chancellor told MPs: 'There is no change in the Government's position. Our pay policy has always been designed to strike the right balance between being fair to our public servants and being fair to those who pay for them.

'That approach has not changed and we continually assess that balance.

'After the financial crisis, public sector pay ran substantially ahead of private sector pay, and we are only just moving back to the point where public and private sector pay have moved back into balance.

'So the suggestion that there is a backlog problem for public sector workers is simply not true.'
A Washington, D.C. restaurateur died after he choked while having dinner at a local steakhouse.

Jeffrey Gildenhorn, 74, the owner of American City Diner in Northwest Washington and a former Mayoral candidate, was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Gildenhorn had been dining at The Palm on Wednesday when he choked to death, NBC Washington reports.

Jeffrey Gildenhorn, 74, the owner of American City Diner in Northwest Washington, has died after choking at a restaurant

'All of us in the Palm Restaurant family are saddened over the loss of our longtime friend and patron, Jeffrey Gildenhorn,' Michael Melore, a spokesman for the Palm, said in a statement.

'He was an institution in our city and at our restaurant. We applaud the effort and quick response of the medical response team. Our thoughts are with Mr. Gildenhorn's family and friends.'

A note has since been left on the door to the American City Diner stated the restaurant would be closed until further notice while staff mourned the loss of 'our dear boss, friend, neighbor... Jeffrey Gildenhorn.

'We are broken hearted about his very sad news and ask to understand our reasons for closing today/ until further notice. Our grief is overwhelming.

Gildenhorn had been dining at The Palm on Wednesday when he choked to death

The American City Diner was closed today as staff were in mourning for the owner

'Thank you for understanding. RIP Jeffrey Gildenhorn.'

Customers described the restaurateur as a 'character' but a 'good person' and someone that all his employees always spoke very highly of.

Gildenhorn started out in the family business when he took over Circle Liquor Store in 1965.

Under his helm, the company grew and expanded into Jeffrey Gildenhorn Enterprises, which included 11 retail businesses.

He opened the American City Diner in 1989, themed in the classic 1950s style.

The year prior to the opening, Gildenhorn had run for mayor of Washington, D.C., but lost the primary.

Gildenhorn had once run for mayor of Washington, D.C. in 1988 but lost the primary
Parents should be fined for leaving their car engines running outside schools, says the health watchdog.

NICE is urging councils to enforce no idling zones around schools, hospitals and care homes to reduce harmful exhaust fumes.

It is also telling authorities to abolish speed bumps in urban areas and replace them with blanket 20mph speed limits.

The watchdog wants the public to adopt a smoother, fuel-efficient style of driving or, ideally, abandon their cars altogether. Air pollution is estimated to be causing up to 40,000 deaths a year from heart disease, strokes, chronic lung conditions and asthma.

Parents should be fined for leaving their car engines running outside schools, says NICE

NICE  which oversees public health  today publishes a 62-page set of recommendations for councils, health professionals, businesses and the public. Other measures include:

New tree-lined cycle routes and walkways to protect the public from fumes;

Congestion charges rolled out across city centres;

Variable speed limits on sections of motorways;

Electronic signs telling drivers the ideal speed in the area to avoid stop-starting.

The guidelines are not legally binding, but local authorities and other organisations will be strongly encouraged to enforce them. Some councils have already imposed fines if motorists leave their engines running.

Westminster council in central London has a no idling zone on all streets enforced by marshals who fine drivers 80 if they refuse to switch off engines.

Nearby Kensington and Chelsea council hands out fines of 20 for idling while Reading in Berkshire is consulting on a similar scheme.

But campaigners say the rules will unfairly penalise worried parents on the school run or relatives outside hospitals.

Anne-Marie OLeary, editor in chief of parenting website Netmums, said: Can we not ask parents to switch off without fining them? We agree on switching off but the whole fines culture  particularly for parents  seems to be getting quite out of control. Justine Roberts, chief executive of Mumsnet, added: School runs are often stressful and tightly timed. Piecemeal fines might have some effect, but Mumsnet users would really like to see a comprehensive strategy for improving air quality.

John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: No one would argue that reducing pollution isnt a worthy goal but fining people visiting sick relatives in hospital or parents at the school gates is surely not the way to go about it.

NICE is urging councils to enforce no idling zones around schools, hospitals and care homes to reduce harmful exhaust fumes

NICE says pollution levels will be substantially reduced if motorists drove at the same, low speed rather than frequently stopping and accelerating. It wants councils to abolish speed bumps  because drivers accelerate between them  and replace them with 20mph limits.

The watchdog also urges the highways agency, Highways England, to introduce variable speed limits across sections of motorway. When NICE issued a draft version of the guidelines in December, it suggested these speeds should be cut to 50mph.

Professor Paul Lincoln, chairman of the NICE guideline committee, said: Air pollution is a major risk to our health and, so far, suggested measures have not managed to tackle the problem sufficiently.

This guidance is based upon the best evidence available. It outlines a range of practical steps that local authorities can take, such as the implementation of no-idling zones, to reduce emissions and protect the public.

Last month, a report by the World Health Organisation warned that deaths from air pollution in the UK were significantly higher than in Scandinavia and the US.

Professor Paul Cosford, director of health protection at Public Health England, said: Many of us can walk or cycle instead of using the car, particularly on short journeys. We can all avoid idling our engines and drive more smoothly to reduce emissions. For example, providing charging points for electric vehicles and introducing clean air zones which can include restrictions or charges for certain types of high-polluting vehicles.

Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: Air pollution is poisonous. We welcome the recommendations to introduce no-idling areas. This will help to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
A man was dragging a dead raccoon on Sunday when he was shot and then run over by an angry bystander, who thought the victim was pulling a dog.

The victim, who lives in Mason County, Washington, was planning on using the dead raccoon as bait in his crab fishing pot, according to police.

Surveillance video of the incident shows a man in a Ford truck with a dark colored canopy confronting the victim, who has not been named, as he dragged the dead animal, reported Q13 News.

A friend of the victim, Jake Schley, shared a video of a conversation he had with the victim as he was dragging the dead raccoon prior to being shot

The suspect had a white dog in his cab, and police said after confronting the victim, he shot him in the leg and hit him with his car.

After the incident, the suspect might have changed the truck's appearance slightly, according to Sgt Jeff Rhoades, who warned that he is armed and dangerous.

The victim has been released from the hospital, but his shooter has still not been found, and police are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any information.

A friend of the victim, Jake Schley, shared a video of a conversation he had with the victim as he was dragging the dead raccoon earlier that afternoon.

Schley said the victim is a peaceful man, who 'lives off the land.'

'I am jealous of the life he lives, with not a care in the world and a smile on his face and love in his heart. He is truly a great person,' Schley told Q13 News.

He has now started a fundraiser for the victim, and all of the money will help pay for his medical treatment.

Police said several people called 911 to report a man dragging an animal down the road, with most of them assuming it was a dog.

The victim has been released from the hospital, but his shooter has still not been found, and police are offering a reward for any information. Pictured in the background is the truck the suspect was driving when he shot the victim

When sheriff's deputies responded to the scene, the man told them he was broke and going to use the animal as bait to catch crabs, which is perfectly legal.

They then offered to give the man a ride, which he denied because he would not be able to bring the raccoon. Police didn't want it in the car because it had been dead for some time and had a strong odor, according to Q13.

Later, someone called 911 when they saw the altercation between the victim and the man who shot him.

'He's aiming a gun at the guy dragging the raccoon,' the caller said. 'Now the guy's swinging the raccoon around.'

Police are hoping to catch the suspect, and ask anyone with information to call into Crime Stoppers.
A prominent Islamic public speaker has revealed she was 'traumatised' into silence after sparking controversy with an Anzac Day Facebook post.

In a lengthy series of Twitter posts late on Thursday night, Yassmin Abdel-Magied said she regretted staying quiet while coming under attack by fierce political attack.

But after keeping a low profile for a couple of months, the former presenter of the ABC television program Australia Wide pledged to speak out for what's right.

'Being deemed the face of all that is evil for an extended period of time does take a toll,' the oil rig engineer and media personality wrote.

'However, reality is that being a small target has not served me well at all.

'I'm still standing': Former ABC presenter Yassmin Abdel-Magied says she was 'traumatised' into silence after a wave of criticism

'Choosing not to defend myself and 'let it blow over' backfired because it hasn't blown over.

'Staying silent left a vacuum that other voices gleefully filled with hate and vitriol that was deeply racist.

'+ I f I stay silent, then 'they' win. Then others get to define the narrative. Then those with deep institutional power r able to silence (and) I can't abide that'.

Ms Abdel-Magied made the remarks as she revealed she had originally canned plans to join a panel discussion at Melbourne's Wheeler Centre.

'I'd initially cancelled, cos ya know, Australia had been getting its hate on,' she said.

But she said she was moved when an activist reached out and said 'hey, you need to be here'.

Ms Abdel-Magied said Australia 'had been getting its hate on' against her

'Because the thing about all of this is that it is so isolating. And although ppl might tell me there is support, it's (sometimes) hard to see .

'But to have someone I respect validate me and the importance of my voice on a platform, well, it made a difference.

'Esp as I had been told time and time again that no, my voice wasn't welcome. That I had no legitimacy to even be **in** the conversation,' she said.

She said she was disappointed some of her friends hadn't stepped to her defence in the media, pointing to a 'dearth in public support in media'.

Left and right, Ms Abdel-Magied on Thursday said she was disappointed some of her friends hadn't stuck up for her in the press

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has called on Yassmin Abdel-Magied to move to an Arab dictatorship

Last week, outspoken Liberal Senator Eric Abetz suggested she should move to an Arab dictatorship.

'If Ms Abdel-Magied thinks our system of government is so bad perhaps she should stop being a drain on the taxpayer and move to one of these Arab dictatorships that are so welcoming of women,' Mr Abetz wrote.

His remarks followed Ms Abdel-Magied criticising the composition of Federal Parliament.

Ms Abdel-Magied said in her Twitter spree that women and Muslims shouldn't be afraid to stand up for themselves.

'To those women, esp (women of colour) and Muslim, who have yet to step into the ring, don't be afraid. Or be afraid but step in anyway.

'To those who see what has gone on and think why on earth would I subject myself to that? I hear you. But I'm here to tell you I need you too

'I will back you. I will stand by you. It's hard. Oath! But you are not alone.

'Change is long and hard... harder than I ever thought. But I'm here, at the other end. Laughing, breathing (#Alhamdulillah) and *not silent*

'I'm still standing.'

Ms Abdel-Magied apologised after posting the Anzac Day message: 'Lest. We. Forget. (Manus, Naura, Syria, Palestine)'.
Apple has paid barely 1 per cent tax on its UK sales, despite raking in 7.5billion here since the iPhone (pictured) launched

Apple has paid barely 1 per cent tax on its UK sales, despite raking in 7.5billion here since the iPhone launched, a Daily Mail investigation has found.

As the tech giant celebrates the gadget's tenth birthday, analysis showed it has handed the Treasury just 82.1million over the past decade.

The billion-selling iPhone has helped Apple become the biggest company in the world but its rise has been marred by claims it does not pay its fair share of tax.

Last night, critics said Apple's apparent determination to avoid contributing was a scandal that shamed international business.

Former Lib Dem business secretary Sir Vince Cable said: 'It's absolutely outrageous that the tax base doesn't reflect economic activity and is based on artificial declarations of profits.

'Taxation has become voluntary for these companies, and the tax base has got to change.'

George Turner of the Tax Justice Network said: 'We know Apple is one of the most profitable companies in the world and the UK is a really important market for them.

'What it shows is that despite this issue being at the top of political agendas for many years now, nothing has really changed.

'Companies are still managing to act with impunity and move huge amounts of money out of the UK in order to avoid taxes.'

Few governments have been willing to stand up to Apple which, with its market value of 585billion, hits back against claims of avoidance with all the legal firepower at its disposal.

In April, however, European competition authorities ordered Apple to pay 11.4billion in back taxes to the Irish government  ruling its sweetheart deal with Dublin amounted to illegal state aid.

Both Ireland and Apple said they would appeal, with chief executive Tim Cook arguing the decision could put big businesses off investing in Europe. He said: 'Beyond the obvious targeting of Apple, the most profound and harmful effect of this ruling will be on investment and job creation.'

Former Lib Dem business secretary Sir Vince Cable (pictured) said: 'It's absolutely outrageous that the tax base doesn't reflect economic activity'

The company runs two British arms, Apple (UK) Ltd and Apple Retail UK, which have turned over 7.5billion since 2007, according to Companies House accounts.

But the firms reported UK profits of only 482million during that time, on which it has paid taxes of 82.1million. Apple Retail UK alone dealt with 1billion of sales in the year to September, but paid just 13.8million in tax.

The UK's corporation tax rate currently stands at 19 per cent.

Critics have argued profits are artificially managed down to avoid racking up a high tax bill  something Apple vigorously denies.

Labour MP John Mann, a member of the Treasury select committee during the last Parliament, said: 'It is time to get tough on these companies  they make a lot from the UK and should pay a proper amount back in.'

Last night, Apple said the firm played an important role in the British economy and supported 300,000 jobs. A spokesman said: 'As the largest taxpayer in the world, we know that tax payments make an important contribution to society and we pay all that we owe wherever we operate.'
Hundreds of thousands of Southern commuters faced fresh travel misery yesterday as an overtime ban by drivers caused a quarter of its services to be cancelled.

The protestorchestrated by Aslef  is the latest twist in a bitter dispute over the decision to give drivers instead of guards control for opening and closing the train doors.

The ban will continue indefinitely, with Southern planning to run 75 per cent of its 2,200 weekday services.

Initially this means around 550 will be cancelled although the train operator says it hopes to run more services from next week.

The protestorchestrated by Aslef  is the latest twist in a bitter dispute over the decision to give drivers instead of guards control for opening and closing the train doors. File photo shows commuters during earlier travel disruption in January this year at London Waterloo Station

The revised timetable affects services in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.

Off-peak Gatwick Express services between Brighton and the airport have been cancelled, with a limited off-peak service operating.

Aslef members are also being balloted for further strikes in a separate row over pay which could cause all services on Southern to be suspended.

The RMT has already staged 31 days of walk-outs on Southern alone, with guards set to strike again on July 10.

The dispute, which has raged since April last year, centres on the decision by rail bosses to give drivers rather than guards responsibility for opening and closing the train doors.

They claim this is unsafe, despite the fact this system has been approved by independent safety watchdogs and been operating on Britains railways for decades.

The latest blow for passengers came as transport secretary Chris Grayling was instructed by a High Court judge to decide within 14 days whether rail bosses or unions are to blame for the disruption on Southern.

Mr Grayling could face a fresh legal challenge if he fails to do this.

The commuters group argued the government had taken too long to decide whether the chaos endured by passengers was caused by force majeur'. File photo shows commuters during earlier travel disruption in October last year at East Croydon station

Judge Ouseleys ruling came as the Department for Transport and the Association of British Commuters battled it out in the High Court.

The commuters group argued the government had taken too long to decide whether the chaos endured by passengers was caused by force majeure - a legal term meaning the disruption endured by passengers was beyond Southerns control.

The get-out clause was invoked by Govia in June last year after the Rail Maritime & Transport Union commenced its long campaign of industrial action over changes to the role of guards in April 2016.

The Department of Transport has been assessing the evidence since then, amid growing calls from Labour and unions to strip Govia of the Southern franchise.

The latest blow for passengers came as transport secretary Chris Grayling was instructed by a High Court judge to decide within 14 days whether rail bosses or unions are to blame for the disruption on Southern

But the judge rejected a separate claim from the Association of British Commuters - that the government had breached equality legislation because of problems with access suffered by disabled passengers.

Clive Sheldon, a barrister acting for the Transport secretary, said the decision on force majeure was imminent anyway, indicating it will not be a problem to meet the deadline.

If the government decides that force majeure does not apply, Govia could face sanctions  including being stripped of the franchise.

But the Department for Transport yesterday referred to the independent report by rail veteran Chris Gibb which said unnecessary industrial action by the RMT and drivers union Aslef was the main cause of the disruption on the railway.

A DFT spokesman said: We are pleased that the High Court has thrown out the application for a judicial review by the Association of British Commuters.
Former Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps (pictured) refused to go on Channel 4 News

A Tory MP refused to appear on Channel 4 News last night, saying he 'couldn't be sure' of its impartiality because of presenter Jon Snow's alleged political leanings.

Former Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps' comments came after Snow was accused of joining in a chant of 'f*** the Tories' whilst at Glastonbury last week.

The 69-year-old journalist, who is one of Channel 4's biggest names, is alleged to have told festival-goers: 'I'm supposed to be neutral,' after making the remarks.

Snow later claimed he has 'no recollection' of the event, but he has since faced accusations of political bias.

Mr Shapps tweeted yesterday: 'Text from @Channel4News asking if I'd go on tonight. Text back from me declining, explaining I couldn't be sure about interview impartiality.'

It is not the first time Snow and the news programme he fronts have been accused of Left-wing bias.

Last year he faced accusations of being openly pro-Remain over the UK's referendum vote, posting what some viewed as anti-Brexit statements on Twitter.

Viewers of Channel 4 News have also complained about the presenter's failure to wear a poppy for Remembrance Day.

Snow has also been criticised in the past over allegations that he openly favours Palestine over Israel when reporting on the Middle East.

Although Ofcom rules on impartiality do not govern what journalists can say in their own time, it is unusual for prominent newsreaders or reporters to make their political affiliations known publically.
Fresh poultry has overtaken red meat for the first time as British households get smaller and traditional meat and two veg meals fall out of fashion.

The habit of more people eating alone rather than sitting round a dining table as a family has also driven up sales of chicken, say experts.

Britons ate 529 million kilogrammes of fresh poultry in the past year, a rise of 6.1 per cent.

Red meat sales were down 0.9 per cent to 511 million kilogrammes, according to analysts Kantar Worldpanel.

Britons ate 529 million kilogrammes of fresh poultry in the past year

The versatility of chicken and its availability in smaller sizes has made it more suitable for meals when fewer people are present, researchers said.

At the same time bigger roasting joints and larger cuts of red meal are less suitable for more casual dining experiences.

Kantar said nearly half (49 per cent) of all home-cooked meals are now dishes such as curries, pasta and stir-fry, which lend themselves to chicken as a key ingredient.

Traditional meat and two veg meals have fallen by two per cent and now account for 51 per cent of the total.

Nathan Ward, of Kantar Worldpanel, told The Grocer magazine: Weve reached a tipping point in terms of what people eat for meals. This is favouring chicken.

Figures show that 43 per cent of meals are consumed alone, compared to 33 per cent in 1980.

Two thirds of the population live in one or two member households and 76 per cent of meals are one or two people occasions.

Red meat sales were down 0.9 per cent in the past year to 511 million kilogrammes

Volume sales of chicken were up 6.9 per cent, according to the figures to May 2017.

Beef has grown by 2.9 per cent, thanks to its use in Italian dishes such as lasagne and spaghetti Bolognese, which are growing popularity, Kantar said.

Lamb and pork sales have dropped 8.2 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively.

Mr ward said: Lamb and pork have much lower dish consumption than other meats.

Britains meat industry is encouraging shoppers to consider pork and lamb as mid-week meal options.
Southampton University has been criticised for increasing the salary of its vice-chancellor, Sir Christopher Snowden (pictured), by 55 per cent - taking it to 352,000 a year

A university has been criticised for increasing the salary of its vice-chancellor by 55 per cent over six years, taking it 352,000 to a year.

Southampton University, currently led by Sir Christopher Snowden, was singled out by universities minister Jo Johnson as an example of the endless upward ratchet of fat cat pay since tuition fees started.

Mr Johnson hit out at the sharp increase handed out over six years and called for restraint. He warned that students have been raising concerns about high wage packets for senior staff after paying up to 9,250 a year for their course.

Southampton  one of the Russell Group of leading UK universities  got only the minimum award of bronze in a new Government rankings on teaching standards earlier this month.

Sir Christopher joined the university in 2015 on a salary that was 125,000 higher than the 227,000 his predecessor Don Nutbeam was paid in 2009-2010.

Mr Johnson has repeatedly written to universities urging them to halt lavish pay rises, but many appear to have ignored him.

Speaking yesterday at a higher education conference at the University of Buckingham, he said: There are legitimate concerns about the rate at which VC pay has been growing.

'Its hard for students at a time when they want to see real evidence of value for money from their tuition fees. They do have concerns at the rate of growth in VC pay and I would urge the sector to show leadership in this respect.

Britains highest paid vice-chancellor is Dame Glynis Breakwell, 64, of the University of Bath, who was given an 11 per cent pay rise last year that took her total salary and benefits to 451,000.

The next best rewarded university leader is Alice Gast, president of Imperial College London, whose package was 430,000.

Mr Johnson said that as universities are independent bodies, the Government would not seek to set their pay bands.

But he added that it was the responsibility of elite institutions, such as Russell Group members, to halt the ballooning salaries of senior staff, which would also stop universities poaching each others staff with offers of more money.

He said: I dont think we need to accept an endless upward ratchet and to show the kind of restraint that Ive been calling for.

According to a recent study, 55 universities paid their heads more than 300,000 and 11 vice-chancellors now have a package worth more than 400,000 a year.

Mr Johnson gave Southampton as an example of where more modesty may be needed  although he did not mention the vice-chancellor or his university by name.

He said: Theres one institution on the south coast thats seen its vice-chancellor pay rise from 227,000 in 2009-10 to about 350,000 in 2015-16. Thats really quite a sharp increase.

We are watching this closely. They are in receipt of public money. Thats why Ive been calling for restraint for some time.

Yesterday, a spokesman for Southampton said its vice-chancellors had been awarded increments in line with the higher education national pay award.

Gill Rider, chairman of the university council, said: We believe that this salary is reflective of the quality and high level of expertise which he brings to the university.

This is a large, complex, international institution and we are delighted Sir Christopher has taken this important leadership role and it is appropriate he is remunerated for his experience.
Peter W. Smith was convinced emails missing from Clinton's server were in the hands of Russian hackers

A Republican operative who implied he was working with Mike Flynn attempted to obtain emails he believed were stolen from Hillary Clinton's private server, according to a report published Thursday by The Wall Street Journal.

The Journal said Peter W. Smith, who died shortly after speaking with the newspaper, was convinced emails missing from Clinton's server were in the hands of Russian hackers.

The newspaper said it was not clear whether Flynn - a retired lieutenant general and senior adviser to Trump who went on to serve briefly as his national security adviser - played any role in the quest of the operative.

The Journal said Flynn did not respond to requests, the White House declined comment, and the campaign said Smith never worked for it and that any such action undertaken by Flynn, if true, was not on its behalf.

Congressional committees and special counsel Robert Mueller are investigating Russian influence in the election and potential coordination with the Trump campaign.

Russia has been blamed for pilfering emails of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta and of the DNC.

But the newspaper said Smith and the hackers were focused on some 33,000 emails that Clinton said had been deleted and that Smith believed, with no proof, were acquired by hackers.

Officials have said there is no evidence Clinton's private email server was hacked.

Smith told the newspaper that he was unsure of the authenticity of emails hackers eventually did send to him and he told them to pass them to WikiLeaks, the same outfit that published the emails taken from Podesta and the committee.

Mike Flynn was fired after less than a month because of revelations that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about his communications with Russia's ambassador to the United States

'We knew the people who had these were probably around the Russian government,' Smith told the newspaper. He died on May 14 at 81, less than two weeks after being interviewed.

In emails Smith sent to potential recruits for his project, and which the newspaper reviewed, he referenced Flynn and Flynn's son, Michael G. Flynn, several times.

The Journal also reported that Russian hackers discussed during the 2016 presidential campaign whether they could obtain emails pilfered from Clinton and ultimately get them to an adviser to then-candidate Donald Trump.

The newspaper said investigators probing Russian meddling in the election have examined intelligence agency reports about how hackers wanted to get emails from Clinton's server to an intermediary and then to Flynn.

Flynn was fired after less than a month because of revelations that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about his communications with Russia's ambassador to the United States.
A volunteer pilot who was flying a mother and her critically ill daughter to hospital when the plane they were on crashed, was reportedly not qualified to fly in the poor conditions he was confronted with.

Emily Redding, 16, her mother Tracy, 43, and pilot Grant Gilbert, 78, were all killed on Wednesday morning when their plane came down outside Mount Gambier, in South Australia.

Mr Gilbert was flying the schoolgirl on an Angel Flight, a free journey provided to those needing medical treatment far from home, for help with an eating disorder when the accident occurred.

And now the Adelaide Advertiser reports that Mr Gilbert did not have his 'Instrument Flight Rules rating' (IFR) - an accreditation he would have required to fly in the 'foggy, cold and wet' conditions on the day of the crash.

Grant Gilbert (pictured), a volunteer pilot who was flying a mum and her critically ill daughter to hospital when the plane they were on crashed, was reportedly not qualified to fly in the poor conditions he was confronted with

Emily Redding, 16, died in a light plane crash on Wednesday morning, when their plane came down outside Mount Gambier, in South Australia

On the day of the accident, flights by commercial airline Regional Express (REX) had been grounded out of Mount Gambier airport, due to the poor conditions.

While Mr Gilbert, a car industry businessman and regular pilot with Angel Flight, was accredited to fly in clear conditions, he reportedly was not permitted to do so during fog, heavy cloud or at night.

The costly IFR accreditation is reportedly held by most commercial pilots and means planes must be fitted with the most current navigational equipment.

Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are continuing to look for answers as to the cause of the crash, in the wreckage of the Socata TB-10 Tobago.

However senior ATSB investigators say they aren't looking to pin any 'blame' on an individual or group.

'Shortly after take off from Mount Gambier, the aircraft made a left turn and impacted the terrain... witnesses reported seeing fog in the area at the time,' Laura Henwood said.

He perished along with her mother Tracy, 43, when the plane came down near Mount Gambier about 10am on Wednesday

The Tobago TB10 plane came down in Suttontown near Mount Gambier about 10am on Wednesday

Angel Flight provides free flights for passengers in need of medical treatment far from home and is regularly used for people living in country and rural areas

The revelations come as the Redding family paid tribute to Mr Gilbert despite their own heartbreak, hailing him a 'dedicated and tireless volunteer'.

Issuing a statement on behalf of the family, Emily's uncle Grant Redding said her dad Troy was coming to terms with the tragedy and supporting his young family at home.

Mr Gilbert, 78, was a businessman and regularly volunteered as a pilot for Angel Flight

'Our thoughts are also with the family and friends of the pilot who was a dedicated and tireless volunteer who also lost his life in this tragic incident,' Mr Redding said.

'Many thanks to the Police, Emergency Services, staff at Grant High School and others for their sympathy and empathy in dealing with family members at this difficult time.'

Grant High School principal Fleur Roachock said the school Emily attended was supporting its students and her twin brother as they heard the news.

'This is obviously sudden and incredibly sad and our whole school community is mourning the loss of Emily,' she said.

'Our condolences go out to the family and friends of everybody who was on board. Counselling services are being provided for our young people and our staff at this time.

'And and into the future we will be looking to how we are going to celebrate the life of a very valued school community member.'

'We will be looking to how we are going to celebrate the life of a very valued school community member,' Grant High School principal Fleur Roachock said

Limestone Coast officer-in-charge Detective Superintendent Grant Moyle said the plane crashed shortly after it took off.

He said no one saw the plane crash, but a member of the public phoned triple-zero after hearing a loud bang.

When emergency service workers arrived at the scene, they found the wreckage, and all three passengers dead.

When emergency service workers arrived at the scene, they found the wreckage, and all three passengers dead

Limestone Coast officer-in-charge Detective Superintendent Grant Moyle said the plane crashed shortly after it took off

'I understand that there were some people that have seen the plane before it took off and perhaps someone who has seen it shortly thereafter,' he told Sky News.

'But no one, we understand, has seen the crash itself.'

Det-Supt Moyle described the incident as 'extremely tragic'.

'It does certainly impact on the whole community here in the Mount,' he said.
The editor of a hard-left online news website was told to 'shush' by Question Time host David Dimbleby after she repeatedly interrupted fellow panelists.

Kerry-Anne Mendoza, who runs the Canary, was also booed by some audience members after suggesting that a second referendum on Brexit was needed.

She appeared on the BBC show panel with LBC's Nick Ferrari, Editor of the Economist Zanny Minton Beddoes and MPs Liam Fox and Stella Creasy in Hastings, East Sussex, last night.

The independent Canary website was set up a month after Jeremy Corbyn was elected Labour leader and has come under fire for its standards of journalism.

Kerry-Anne Mendoza, editor of hard-left online news website the Canary, appeared on Question Time tonight

She said there was 'legitimate case' for a second EU referendum during her controversial appearance

The pay per click Bristol-based website has promoted conspiracy theories, including claiming that a PR firm was behind an MPs' plot to topple Mr Corbyn last year and accusing the Sun newspaper of ignoring the Manchester bombings and printing an anti-Corbyn front page instead.

After Ms Mendoza had tried to butt into other people's answers Dimbleby, 78, finally had enough when she began speaking over Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox.

The Tory MP had been trying to speak about sprinklers in tower blocks after the Grenfell Tower disaster.

But this time, as soon as she tried to interject, the veteran presenter moved his hand across Mr Fox and gestured frantically at her, saying: 'Shush, shush, shush, let him speak.'

During a debate over whether the UK should stay in the single market after Brexit Ms Mendoza, 36, said: 'Your main argument about Brexit and the fact that we have to go ahead... is that we had to have the democratic mandate...it is the will of the British people.

'I agree with you, which is why there is a legitimate case for saying that when the Brexit deal comes back we hold a referendum on how.'

Ms Mendoza also raised boos from the Question Time audience when she expressed her view on the Grenfell Tower fire and denied claims that the disaster was being politicised by Mr Corbyn.

Ms Mendoza, who runs the Canary, appeared on the BBC show panel with LBC's Nick Ferrari, Editor of the Economist Zanny Minton Beddoes and MPs Liam Fox and Stella Creasy

Ms Mendoza was criticised following her appearance on Question Time after repeatedly interrupting panelists

She said: I think it is reprehensible and I think it's disgusting that the reason that building was wrapped in combustible cladding was because the poverty of the people living in that tower block was offensive enough to hide behind combustible cladding and not offensive enough to deal with. And I make no apology for saying it.'

She added: 'The [residents] because they were poor and because they were immigrants they were ignored.'

However, the Canary editor had a strong retort for her critics, many of whom made personal jibes about her appearance and called her a 'man'.

She tweeted this morning: 'Am I meant to shake and cry at being called a "man" or "it"? Fellas, seriously, I got over that s*** at like 10...'

She then said: 'Been trying to respond to everyone who's tweeted me about Question Time but must surrender! Massive thanks for your support. Amazing'.

And other Twitter users agreed with Ms Mendoza's comments and questioned why the former Lloyds and HBOS project manager was getting booed.

However, other Twitter users agreed with Ms Mendoza's comments and questioned why she was getting booed

Her opinions on the main stream media were also countered by the panel when she claimed that the majority of journalists working for the national press were mainly 'white, middle class and based in London'.

She added that the 'lack of diversity permeates into the newsrooms.'

Mr Ferrari branded the claims 'rubbish' adding, 'it will an unpalatable fact to you but the people behind the brutal racist killing of Stephen Lawrence would not be behind bars without the Daily Mail.'

Ms Mendoza's appearance on the flagship BBC show was criticised by MPs in the commons yesterday.

Former BBC reporter and Tory MP Julian Knight questioned whether the BBC should be 'cosying up' to purveyors of 'fake news'.

Speaking in the commons he asked: 'Does the minister agree with me that broadcasters, particularly those in receipt of licence fee money, should confront rather than cosy up to politically motivated websites that purvey fake news?'

Ms Mendoza also appeared as a guest on Radio 4's Start the Week earlier this week.
Just one in 150 police officers are dedicated to tackling online fraud, despite it being the most common crime in Britain.

In a damning report, the public spending watchdog said police forces, banks and the government are not doing enough to tackle the growing threat.

It said almost two million cyber-related fraud incidents were estimated to have taken place in the year to September 2016 - some 16 per cent of all crime incidents.

Although the true cost of online fraud is unknown, the NAO said it is likely to be billions of pounds.

According to one estimate, the cost of all forms of fraud to individual victims was 10 billion last year and 144 billion to the private sector as a whole.

Although the true cost of online fraud is unknown, the NAO said it is likely to be billions of pounds

In almost four in ten cases victim had more than 250 stolen.

One of the fastest growing threats is card not present fraud, where criminals use stolen card details to make online purchases.

This crime more than doubled between 2011 and 2016 from 709,000 incidents to 1.4million.

The NAO said if this rate continues, there will be 2.9 million cases by 2021.

The issue of online crime has also risen up the political agenda after the NHS and a string of British businesses, including Talk Talk, were targeted by cyber attacks.

Advertising giant WPP was among the victims of another attack earlier this week.

But the NAO said the issue was not yet a priority for all local police forces and the problem had been overlooked by government, law enforcement and industry.

According to the report, one in six police offers main job is neighbourhood policing  or bobbies on the beat.

But just one in 150 are dedicated to tackling economic crime.

The watchdog said that fourteen out of 41 police and crime commissioners make no reference at all to online fraud in their most recent annual police and crime plans.

With traditional crimes such as burglary and car theft on the decline, and online fraud rising, the watchdog said this urgently needs to change.

NAO chief Sir Amyas Morse said: For too long, as a low value but high volume crime, online fraud has been overlooked by government, law enforcement and industry.

It is now the most commonly experienced crime in England and Wales and demands an urgent response.

He said the Home Office, while not solely responsible for tackling the issue, was the only organisation that could oversee the system and lead change.

The issue of online crime has also risen up the political agenda after the NHS and a string of British businesses, including Talk Talk, were targeted by cyber attacks

The Home Offices Joint Fraud Taskforce, launched in February 2016, was a positive step but there is still much work to be done, he said.

The taskforce is seeking to raise awareness of online fraud, clamp down on it and return money to victims.

But the NAO said the home office faces a challenge in persuading banks and law enforcement bodies to take on responsibility.

Without accurate data, it said the Home Office does not know whether its response is sufficient or adequate.

Even where data is available, it said there is a lack of sharing of information between government, firms and the police.

The verdict is particularly embarrassing for the City of London, which spearheads the fight against online fraud.

It raises fresh concerns that British authorities are failing to tackle this very modern crime wave.

Police overwhelmed by rocketing levels of fraud, with an average of 78 crimes reported every hour across Britain, are failing to investigate 90 per cent of the cases reported

Recent official figures showed just one per cent of frauds and cyber crimes reported to police results in prosecution.

Police overwhelmed by rocketing levels of fraud, with an average of 78 crimes reported every hour across Britain, are failing to investigate 90 per cent of the cases reported.

Charges were brought in just 7,447 cases in the year to March 2016, which represents just one per cent of the 682,899 reports of financial scams to police, banks and businesses.

In its report, the National Audit Office acknowledged that the international and hidden nature of online fraud is difficult to pursue and prosecute.

Although the government is pressurising the police and judiciary to do more, the watchdog said there are concerns that existing laws are inadequate.

Banks were also accused of providing an uneven response to tackling online fraud.

Although High street giants have invested huge sums in bolstering their IT systems against online criminals, the NAO said they have been less successful at reuniting victims with their money.

It said that between 40 per cent and 70 per cent of victims of scams do not get any money back.

Banks are also reporting to be holding at least 130million of funds that cannot accurately be traced back and returned of fraud victims.
Tinder creep Gable Tostee has asked for dating advice on Facebook.

The 31-year-old, who now goes by the name Eric Thomas, posted to his 4000-odd followers: 'Is it immoral to use the same pickup line on multiple girls?'

His controversial status was met with a number of responses from female friends, with one replying: 'As long as you don't make a group chat with them all by mistake.'

'What if I do it on purpose?,' Tostee shot back wryly.

Dating advice? Gable Tostee, 31, asked his Facebook followers whether it was okay to repeat pickup lines for multiple girls

His controversial status was met with a number of responses from female friends

The aspiring architect was thrust into the public spotlight last year when police charged him with murdering Tinder date, New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright. He was found not guilty

The aspiring architect was thrust into the public spotlight last year when police charged him with murdering Tinder date, New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright.

He was found not guilty over the death of Ms Wright after she fell from his 14th floor Gold Coast apartment balcony following a night of drinking.

Tostee defended his decision to push Ms Wright outside instead of out the front door in a recent interview, saying she may have made a 'ruckus to the neighbours.'

Tostee defended his decision to push Ms Wright outside instead of out the front door in a recent interview, saying she may have made a 'ruckus to the neighbours.'

Tostee reacts as he leaves the Supreme Court in Brisbane last year after being found not guilty

Tostee has kept a low public profile since his very public trial last year, instead turning to social media to express his thoughts.

Last month, he asked his followers whether convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby would be using dating app Tinder.

'So, like... will Schappelle Corby be on Tinder?' Mr Tostee asked.

His other posts vary greatly, from philosophical questions to pop culture references to support for U.S. President Donald Trump and right-wing columnist Andrew Bolt.
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Beijing has built new missile shelters, communications facilities and a radar on disputed islands in the South China Sea, according to a US think tank.

Satellite images appear to show new facilities on the Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs in the Spratly Islands.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, warned Beijing could now send rocket launchers and warplanes there 'at any time'.

Washington has accused China of militarising the vital waterway and fears this could be used to restrict free movement through the South China Sea, an important trade route.

Beijing has built new missile shelters, communications facilities and a radar on disputed islands in the South China Sea, according to a US think tank. Satellite images taken on June 16 appear to show new radar and communications facilities as well as an underground storage unit on Fiery Cross

This was the scene on the same Fiery Cross reef just three years ago in May 2014 before large-scale development had take place

Subi Reef is seen as one of China's 'Big 3' artificial islands with military build-up along with Mischief and Fiery Cross

Overhead images show the speed of the development with no visible buildings on the Subi reef in this September 5, 2013 picture

Beijing has built new missile shelters, communications facilities and a radar on disputed islands in the South China Sea, according to a US think tank. Pictures show how underground storage facilities, radars and shelters have been built on Mischief Reef

Development has also moved on at pace on Mischief Reef. This picture was taken in February 2015 before structures had been built on the reef

AMTI said new satellite images show missile shelters and radar and communications facilities being built on the artificial islands.

Last month, a U.S. Navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in a so-called freedom of navigation operation.

It was the first such challenge to Beijing's claim to most of the waterway since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

China has denied U.S. charges that it is militarising the sea, which is also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Trump has sought China's help in reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions, and tension between Washington and Beijing over military installations in the South China Sea could complicate those efforts.

Satellite images appear to show new facilities on the Fiery Cross, Mischief (pictured) and Subi Reefs in the Spratly Islands

Amti says four additional missile shelters have been built on Fiery Cross Reef, which is described as being the 'most advanced' of Chinas artificial island bases

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said rocket launchers and warplanes could now be sent there 'at any time'

Washington has accused China of militarising the vital waterway and fears this could be used to restrict free movement through the South China Sea, an important trade route

China has built four new missile shelters on Fiery Cross Reef to go with the eight already on the artificial island, AMTI said. Mischief and Subi each have eight shelters, the think tank said in a previous report.

In February, Reuters reported that China had nearly finished building structures to house long-range surface-to-air missiles on the three islands.

On Mischief Reef, a very large antennae array is being installed that presumably boosts Beijing's ability to monitor the surroundings, the think tank said, adding that the installation should be of concern to the Philippines due to its proximity to an area claimed by Manila.

On Mischief Reef, a very large antennae array is being installed that presumably boosts Beijing's ability to monitor the surroundings, the think tank said

A large dome recently was installed on Fiery Cross and another is under construction, indicating a sizeable communications or radar system, AMTI said

A large dome recently was installed on Fiery Cross and another is under construction, indicating a sizeable communications or radar system, AMTI said. Two more domes are being built at Mischief Reef, it said.

A smaller dome has been installed near the missile shelters on Mischief, 'indicating that it could be connected to radars for any missile systems that might be housed there,' AMTI said.

'Beijing can now deploy military assets, including combat aircraft and mobile missile launchers, to the Spratly Islands at any time,' it said.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (12A)

Rating:

The spotlight first fell on Tom Holland when he played Billy Elliot in the West End. The boy from Kingston-upon-Thames looked the part then, and he looks it again now, as he takes centre-stage for the first time as the even more nimble Spider-Man, who might never be called upon to perform an arabesque, but can swing between New York skyscrapers like nobody else.

Even with another imminent visit to the Planet of the Apes, this already looks like the blockbuster of the summer. It has oodles of wit, lashings of spectacle. Some purists might think it a little glib, played too much for laughs, but it is never less than immensely entertaining.

In fact I cant think of a movie from the prolific Marvel Cinematic Universe that I have enjoyed more. Nor of a Spider-Man, despite the previous best efforts of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield in five films between them, who so perfectly fits the bill not just as the web-slinging superhero, but also as his prosaic, awkward alter ego, 15-year-old schoolboy Peter Parker.

Tom Holland - the boy from Kingston-upon-Thames - looked the part then in Billy Elliot in the West End and he looks it again now, as he takes centre-stage for the first time as the even more nimble Spider-Man

Its a big month for Holland. First he turned 21; now he becomes Marvels latest superstar. He is absolutely terrific: Entirely convincing as an ordinary teenager uneasily coming to terms with his remarkable powers.

This is not his debut in the iconic red-and-blue costume. He had a small but satisfying supporting role in last years Captain America: Civil War. But this time the story is all about him, and he rises to the occasion  boy, how he rises, even to the top of the Washington Monument, when an explosive device threatens those inside.

The picture, directed by Jon Watts, opens with a prologue set shortly after the Avengers last battle, which requires an awful lot of clearing up. In charge of the operation is a contractor called Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton), at least until the suits from the Department of Damage Control pull rank.

Suitably aggrieved, eight years later Toomes has become a dastardly arms dealer with an alter ego of his own: Strapped into a metal birdsuit, he is transformed into the Vulture. It feels like a Hollywood in-joke. Keaton, the star of Birdman, properly spreading his wings.

Once upon a time in the superhero genre, Keaton also championed the forces of law and order as Batman. But this character plays even more to his strengths. Yes, hes a villain, quite happy to empower criminals with deadly weapons and eliminate disrespectful henchmen, but hes also a devoted family man, who generates something close to empathy with some genuinely well-founded, class-based grievances about the elitist Avengers.

Meanwhile, after so briefly flexing his superpowers last time out, Peter is back home in Queens, living with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and serving an internship with Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jnr), who acts as his condescending mentor.

At high school Peter is on the quiz team and something of a geek. Little do his classmates know that hes also the neighbourhood crime-buster, at least until the secret is discovered by his best friend Ned

At high school Peter is on the quiz team and something of a geek. Little do his classmates know that hes also the neighbourhood crime-buster, at least until the secret is discovered by his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon, an unabashed scene-stealer all the way through the movie).

In his school clothes, Peter has all the usual adolescent hang-ups, including what he assumes to be an unrequited crush on lovely Liz (Laura Harrier) from the quiz team. Even in his Spider-Man get-up he can be pretty hapless, and doesnt seem entirely equipped for a life-or-death showdown when finally he encounters Vulture. Spider-Man has to prove that hes not just a boy in a mans costume; he has to win his spurs. In a way, this is an old-fashioned coming-of-age tale.

It is exhilaratingly well told, with one really great, entirely unexpected twist that was greeted by a preview audience at the Odeon Leicester Square last night with spontaneous cheers and applause. There were a lot of chuckles, too. Spider-Man: Homecoming is more a comedy with thrills than a thriller with laughs.

Its only real flaw is a surprising one; some of Spider-Mans acrobatics look too obviously forged in the special-effects lab. But there are also some truly spectacular set-pieces, including one on the Staten Island ferry that, gloriously, reminds us of the real meaning of Marvel.
Marciano Millan Vasquez was jailed for life in San Antonio, Texas, on Thursday

A Mexican cartel leader who dismembered a six-year-old girl with an axe then burned her limbs as he made her parents watch has been sentenced to multiple life sentences in an American prison.

Marciano Millan Vasquez, 34, was jailed for his involvement in the deaths of 29 people which he carried out for Zetas, a drug gang which operates in northern Mexico, between 2009 and 2015.

Among them was the six-year-old girl who he butchered on the patio of her home in front of her parents to ensure they would 'remember' him.

The killings were all carried out in Mexico but because Millan was working living in San Antonio, Texas, and was arrested there, he was prosecuted in US court and will serve his sentence there.

A 39-year-old witness told of the girl's sickening death, which he said he was forced to watch after being held responsible for a missing shipment of marijuana.

The witness, a convicted trafficker who was not named for his own protection, told the court he was forced to witness 18 killings in a single night as punishment for losing the drugs, and as a warning to cover the loss, My San Antonio reports.

At one property was a husband, wife and little girl tied up and blindfolded on the patio, he recalled, with a fire burning in a barrel nearby.

He was forced to kneel and the group had their blindfolds removed so they could watch as Millan dismembered the child while she was still alive.

Vasquez, 34, was jailed for his involvement in the deaths of 29 people which he carried out for Zetas, a drug gang which operates in northern Mexico, between 2009 and 2015

The killings were all carried out in Mexico but because Millan was working living in San Antonio, Texas, and was arrested there, he was prosecuted in US court and will serve his sentence there

Through tears, the man described the girl's screams as her arm and leg were cut off before being burned in the flaming barrel.

Laughing, Millan told the watching parents: '[This is] so youll remember me.'

During his trial, which was attended by San Antonio News, witnesses told how he began as a foot soldier for the gang but worked his way up.

Eventually, he was given the position of boss in Piedras Negras, a city in the state of Coahuila and a hot bed for smugglers.

For years he operated with impunity, helping to smuggle millions of dollars worth of drugs over the border and killing anyone who got in his way.

The 34-year-old was arrested at this home in San Antonio, Texas, where he had been living under a false name in 2015

The beginning of the end of Millan came in 2011 when a high-ranking member of the Zetas flipped - handing himself over to US authorities and agreeing to rat on his former paymasters.

In retaliation, Zetas leaders ordered all of the man's associates to be rounded up - anyone who 'smelled like' the defector, the court was told.

More than 300 people including men, women and children were all abducted from towns across Coahuila state, the witness said.

One town, Allende, was partly demolished by the gang during their rampage. In Piedras Negras, Millan's territory, 40 people disappeared.

Asked what happened to those people, the witness said: 'They got killed.'

In order to dispose of the bodies, the cartel 'cooked' them, the man said, either by dissolving them in barrels of acid or burning them with diesel fuel.

Millan was arrested in July 2015 in the San Antonio home where he was living under a fake name.

Despite the fact that the killings were carried out in a foreign country, because Zetas has links to the US, the government allowed the case to be tried in Texas.

Vasquez was working as the gang's regional boss of Piedras Negras, a Mexican city which is close to the border

WHO ARE LOS ZETAS? The Zetas gang, also known as Los Zetas, was originally part of the Gulf cartel, one of Mexico's largest and deadliest criminal organizations which was established in the mid 1980s. Zetas was formed in 1997 by a group of Special Forces defectors which served the larger cartel and acted as enforcers for them. They were hired, predominantly, as bodyguards and assassins and there were 31 of them in total to begin with. Their name translates to 'The Zs' and is derived from the code names given to their leaders - all of which start with the letter Z. Because of its members advanced military training, they brought a new level of sophistication to the underworld and created fresh challenges for US law enforcement agencies trying to crack down on the Mexico's drug gangs. Vasquez was working Zetas (other members pictured above in a file photo as they are arrested in Mexico City in 2011) as a regional boss In 2002, they struck out on their own. Unlike other gangs which navigated large parts of the underworld through making deals with violence a collateral side effect, the Zetas MO is torture and terror. They are responsible for the 2010 massacre of 72 illegal migrants whose bodies were found dumped in a mass grave in San Fernando. Images of the victims, who were from other Central and South American countries, shocked the world and illustrated the brutality of the Mexican cartel world. They were savagely killed after refusing to work for Los Zetas or give them money to be released. Zetas was behind the massacre of 72 illegal migrants in San Fernando in 2010. Its thugs murdered the group then dumped their bodies in a mass grave when they refused to work for them Advertisement

Throughout his trial, Millan had protested his innocence, pointing to his clean criminal record in Mexico as evidence that he was a law-abiding citizen.

Defense attorney Jaime Cavazos also called a character witness who testified that Millan was a 'a good father and human being...'

KSAT news reported the witness saying Millan was 'a happy person, a good father, responsible and law abiding.'

Cavazos tried to paint Millan as a humble farmer, saying he ran a small ranch in Mexico where he bought and sold pigs and goats.

On Thursday, Vasquez said nothing as he was handed seven consecutive life sentences.

US Attorney Richard L. Durbin Jr. said afterwards: 'Without mercy or compunction, he brutally murdered anyone and everyone as it suited him and his cartel, at times inflicting the cruelest of pain, forcing relatives to watch their loved ones murdered before he turned his blades on them.

'Todays sentence marks an end to his reign of terror over the drug plaza in Piedras Negras.'

Decline of the Los Zetas cartel

Once one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico, claiming an unbroken stretch of territory from the Texan border down to Guatemala, Los Zetas are now a shell of their former glory.

Dogged by years of police crackdowns, vicious infighting and wars with other gangs has seen their power and influence greatly reduced.

Maps charting the last six years of cartel control over Mexico show how their empire fractured and crumbled, while they now hold just one province out of the five they once boasted.

This is partly down to a feud with the Gulf Cartel, according to Mexican law enforcement, which has sapped their strength and seen many of their most ruthless operators killed in the fighting.

That conflict saw the Zetas splinter into several groups, according to one convicted gang member, who said at least one of those factions has now allied with the Gulf Cartel in order to eradicate their former friends.

Meanwhile police crackdowns have seen the Zetas eradicated from Queretaro and Tabasco provinces, where they used to hold territory, as they returned to government control.

A 2010 map of cartel control in Mexico shows Los Zetas at the height of their powers - with a territory stretching from Texas to Guatemala

By 2015 years of fighting with other cartels and battling government crackdowns had seen Zetas territory fracture and split (data from Drug Enforcement Agency)
Sex charges laid against Cardinal George Pell are getting heavy coverage in the Italian media, with one newspaper branding him 'controversial kangaroo' and Australia 'a paradise of the orcs'.

The Italian media attacked Australia's record of sexual assault, and claimed seven per cent of priests had been accused of the offences.

Cardinal Pell was on Thursday charged by Victorian Police with historical sexual assault offences.

Cardinal Pell (far left) was on Thursday charged by Victorian Police with historical sexual assault offences

He's the most senior Catholic Church cleric to face such charges in the world in modern times.

Italian newspaper websites on Thursday ran prominent pictures of the 76-year-old and television networks carried long segments with footage of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

They also broadcast footage of Australian sexual assault survivors who attended the Rome end of a Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse hearing when Cardinal Pell gave evidence last year.

Cardinal Pell is the most senior Catholic Church cleric to face such charges in the world in modern times

Cardinal Pell says the laying of charges has strengthened his resolve to prove his innocence

Cardinal Pell says the laying of charges only strengthened his resolve to prove his innocence.

He told reporters he was looking forward to having his day in court after a two-year investigation, 'leaks to the media' and 'relentless character assassination'.

Pope Francis granted Cardinal Pell, who as Vatican treasurer is considered the third most powerful person in the Catholic Church, a leave of absence to return to Australia to defend himself.

The centrist Corriere Della Sera newspaper noted the cardinal was 'the highest representative of the Catholic Church ever involved in such a case'.

It described the cardinal as the 'controversial kangaroo' and branded Australia 'a paradise of the orcs', saying in the past seven per cent of priests had been accused of sexual assault.

Cardinal Pell, a former Melbourne and Sydney archbishop and Ballarat priest, is due to appear in a Melbourne court on July 26

La Repubblica said the latest development had 'plunged the Vatican into a solemn state' on the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul.

Cardinal Pell, a former Melbourne and Sydney archbishop and Ballarat priest, is due to appear in a Melbourne court on July 26.

The Holy See on Thursday said it learned of the charges 'with regret' but respected the Australian justice system.

'At the same time, it is important to recall that Cardinal Pell has openly and repeatedly condemned as immoral and intolerable the acts of abuse committed against minors,' it said.
A 21-year-old woman has been detained at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism.

Police said the woman, from north London, was arrested as she left a flight from Istanbul, Turkey, at just after 9pm on Thursday.

Officers said the arrest was Syria-related and the woman was being held at a south London police station.

The woman was arrested as she got off a plane at Heathrow, having flown from Turkey. She is from north London. File image

The Metropolitan Police said searches two addresses in the north of the capital had been searched.

She has been taken to a south London police station where she is being detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).
The burqa-wearing wife of a convicted terrorist recruiter and her family will have to cough up $250,000 in legal costs after losing a court battle.

The NSW District Court has ruled Moutia Elzahed, her husband and teenage sons must pay $95,000 to the Federal Police and more than $150,000 to NSW police.

Friday's ruling comes after Ms Elzahed lost her bid to sue both agencies last December over claims of assault during a counter-terrorism raid on her Revesby home.



She claimed she was punched and handcuffed in an 'aggressive and hurtful manner' when police stormed her south-western Sydney home in September 2014.

Costs trouble: Moutia Elzahed, front, is pictured during a New South Wales District Court hearing last year

Court appearance: Ms Elzahed (pictured on left and right) and her family must produce the monies within 28 days

Prison: Her husband, Hamdi Alqudsi, is serving jail time after being convicted of terrorist recruitment

Judge Audrey Balla ruled Elzahed - who lives in a small weatherboard housing commission home - has 28 days to produce the monies.

'Taking a broadbrush approach, I am satisfied that the sum of $158,706.18 is reasonable,' Judge Balla said.

Daily Mail Australia has called Elzahed's lawyer Zali Burrows for comment.

Last year's court proceedings have left Elzahed with problems on other fronts.

She was charged with nine counts of disrespectful behaviour in court after allegedly refusing to stand for Judge Balla during the proceedings.

The family's home in Revesby was raided in September 2014

Witness: Ms Elzahed is pictured in police video of the raid which was tendered to the court last year

Raids: A police officer is seen here pictured speaking to her husband, Hamdi Alqudsi, during the September 2014 raids

Detectives are seen scouring through a notebook found inside the Revesby home

Her lawyer, Clive Evatt, told the court he was told she 'only stands for Allah'.

She did not appear at Downing Centre Local Court earlier this month.

Her lawyer told the court her client was 'unwell'.

Ms Burrows said her client was considering a constitutional challenge to the laws.

Elzahed is the first person to be charged with the disrespect laws in New South Wales.

The case continues.
Australia will 'take the fight' to the international criminals who this week launched a worldwide cyber attack against big businesses such as chocolate maker Cadbury's.

'Ransomware', a virus that locks computers with an encrypted code and demands bitcoins for its release, hit Europe on Tuesday before also spreading to Australia.

And now in the wake of the major cyber attack, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has vowed to increase offensive capabilities of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to ensure the nation is not left sitting on the back foot, The Australian reports.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) has vowed to 'take the fight' to the international criminals who this week launched a worldwide cyber attack against big businesses

Cadbury's chocolate factories (pictured) across Australia are said to have been affected on Tuesday night by an international cyber attack that hit some of Europe's biggest countries

The ASD, the nation's leading cyber intelligence agency, will be given increased legal authority to build on its military power and now attack civilian targets overseas.

The unprecedented move among Western nations means the ASD can now 'disrupt, degrade, deny and deter' international cyber criminals.

'Our response to criminal cyber threats should not just be defensive. We must take the fight to the criminals,' Mr Turnbull told The Australian.

'The use of offensive cyber capabilities will add to the governments crime-fighting arsenal and form part of our broader strategy to prevent and shut down safe havens for offshore cyber criminals.'

The move comes just days after 'Eternal Blue', a version of the Ransomware virus, hit an international law firm's Australian office and Cadbury's factories across the nation.

Russia's biggest oil company, the country's banks, Ukraine's international airport and global shipping firm AP Moller-Maersk all had their computers hit.

International law firm DLA Piper's Sydney office was also affected by a major cyber attack that hit Europe on Tuesday (pictured is the DLA Washington D.C. office)

The software locks computers with an encrypted code and demands bitcoin for its release (pictured)

It was originally thought that Qantas' booking services were also knocked out by the malware on Tuesday, but a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the problem was with its booking provider.

Staff at DLA Piper law firm in Sydney received a text message on Wednesday telling them the company's servers had been affected and urging them to communicate via mobile phones.

A sign was seen in the lobby of the DLA's office in Washington D.C. telling employees all network services are down.

'This is a DLA Piper generated message [message 1]. Overnight the firm, together with some other prominent global businesses, has been affected by a major cyber incident,' the text read, according to ABC.

'As a result, all IT systems have been taken down to contain the situation and only communication is via text and mobile phone.'

DLA Piper told staff to go to work as usual but to not log in to the computer or turn it on.

Staff were also discouraged from sharing the information with anyone else or social media.

DLA Piper told staff to go to work as usual but to not log in to the computer or turn it on (a computer screen displays binary code)

DLA released a statement confirming the company had been affected

Cadbury's chocolate factory is said to have been attacked by the ransomware around 9.30pm on Tuesday night

Moscow-based cyber security firm Group IB said hackers had exploited code developed by the US National Security Agency which was leaked and then used in the WannaCry ransomware attack that caused global disruption last month

Moscow-based cyber security firm Group IB said hackers had exploited code developed by the US National Security Agency which was leaked and then used in the WannaCry ransomware attack that caused global disruption last month.

One of the victims of Tuesday's cyber attack, a Ukrainian media company, said its computers were blocked and it had received a demand for Bitcoin to restore access to its files.

The first reports of disruption emerged from Russia and Ukraine, with Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman describing the attacks on his country as 'unprecedented'.
From being at the helm of an $18 million business to moving in with his parents, Luke McNally's fall from grace has been long and spectacular.

The former Gold Coast's Young Entrepreneur of the Year looked expressionless as fronted court to plead guilty to gun and drug charges, reports Gold Coast Bulletin.

It is a universe away from his days running the booming Mass Nutrition supplement brand, which at its height boasted 45 stores spanning Australia and New Zealand.

Luke McNally, 32, was the CEO of the $18 million Mass Nutrition supplement business

The former Gold Coast's Young Entrepreneur of the Year once drew in about $18 million annually

Southport Magistrates Court heard Mass Nutrition drew in about $18 million annually in 2015, but McNally's media coverage as an alleged bikie-affiliate saw profits plunge to $185,000 in 2016.

The muscle-bound 32-year-old sold the business in 2016 'due to bad publicity', and 'received no profit from doing so,' the court heard.

In July that year, police raided the Burleigh Heads gym he was living in on bail for drug charges and seized a loaded revolver, testosterone, amphetamines and drug devices.

He was then charged in September with possessing methamphetamines, which marked the beginning of the end of his business.

The muscle-bound 32-year-old sold the business in 2016 'due to bad publicity'

At its height the brand boasted 45 stores spanning Australia and New Zealand

McNally was on Thursday sentenced to six months, suspended for 18 months, in the Southport Magistrates Court

The court heard he now shares a house with his mum and dad in Melbourne, from whom he borrows money to pay for child support.

The former bodybuilder applied for Legal Aid, plans to undertake a drug rehab course and is seeing a psychologist, the court heard.

McNally was on Thursday sentenced to six months, suspended for 18 months, and fined $500 good behaviour bond for the drug charges.

He is due to face trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court later this year over production of methamphetamines.
Further details of the Canberra Catholic Education Office's 'mistake' to rehouse an inappropriately behaved priest next to two primary schools, which was labelled an 'absolute failure,' have been revealed.

The disgraced priest, who was dismissed following his alleged inappropriate behaviour towards children in 2014, was relocated to Lanigan House next to Saints Peter and Paul Primary School and Malkara Specialist School in Garran.

However the two schools as well as the pupils' parents had no idea of the move and were never informed of the historical allegations.

An independent report has revealed the information was withheld as the church was worried about his privacy, ABC News reports.

The disgraced priest was relocated to Lanigan House next to Saints Peter and Paul Primary School (pictured) and Malkara Specialist School in Garran

The allegations against the then 77-year-old priest involved him nibbling on the ear of an 11 or 12-year-old girl while wrapping his arms around her at a church in Tumut (stock image)

The allegations against the then 77-year-old priest involved him nibbling on the ear of an 11 or 12-year-old girl while wrapping his arms around her at a church in Tumut.

Despite his alleged victim's decision not to press charges, the church found the claim to be substantial enough to dismiss the priest.

His lawyers have however denied any wrongdoing on his part.

A review commissioned by the Archdiocese of Canberra was released on Friday that shed light on why the decision was made to move the priest to the Catholic-controlled home and why the school staff and parents weren't informed.

The review found the church had a inept system when placing inappropriately behaved priests and no consideration was taken when relocating the priest.

'As it apparently did not occur to anyone for some time that placing him next to a school could be problematic, there was not consultation with Catholic Education about his placement at Lanigan House,' author of the review Juliet Lucy said.

A risk assessment in 2016 suggested the priest's relocation was 'not ideal' yet the church had struggled in finding suitable living arrangements for him.

That assessment didn't include any allegations against the priest and therefore recipients of the report, including the principal of Sts Peter and Paul Primary School, were none the wiser.

Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn Christopher Prowse (pictured) confirmed the church had failures in its systems and were highlighted in the commissioned report

Staff at the two primary schools as well as parents were never informed of the priest's previous allegations (stock image)

The school's only notification of any alleged wrongdoing by the priest was when it was contacted by an anonymous member of the Catholic community revealing the information following its impending release in the media.

'The main reason IPSS [Institute for Professional Standard and Safeguarding] did not provide more information was a belief that it was not entitled to do so under privacy laws,' Dr Lucy said.

Local director of Catholic Education, Ross Fox had previously admitted the oversight was a 'terrible mistake' and was an 'absolute failure' after not informing parents and staff.

Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn Christopher Prowse confirmed the church had failures in its systems and were highlighted in the commissioned report.

Following the latest report which outlined 20 suggestions to the church, including finding appropriate housing for relocating high-risk priests.

The Archdiocese were apologetic over the episode and welcomed any recommendations to prevent a repeat situation.

'Again, the Archdiocese apologises unreservedly for the stress and hurt to people and the whole Garran community. We must learn from this.'
The dream to holiday on a private island under the hot Fijian sun has veered a little closer to reality with a tropical escape on a private island up for less than $3.

An all-inclusive five-night stay valued at over $25,000, can be won by one lucky person who will vacation on Fijis Wavi Island with a friend.

The package includes two airfares from any major international airports as well as local transfers.

An all-inclusive 5-night stay, valued at over $25,000, can be won for just $3 at an exclusive Fijian paradise

The lucky winner will vacation on Fijis Wavi Island with a friend in a private villa overlooking the Koro Sea

At only a one hour flight-time from Fijis capital, Nadi, you then fly by a small aircraft to Savusavu airport before a 20-minute drive to the resort

At only a one hour flight-time from Fijis capital, Nadi, you then fly by a small aircraft to Savusavu airport before a 20-minute drive to the resort.

Complete with a horizon edge pool overlooking the ocean and a spa, the ultimate luxury experience sits on one acre of fully landscaped cliff edge lot overlooking the Koro Sea.

Competition applicants are prompted to 'Explain in 50 words or less why you should win this holiday' and the best answer will win.

There are no limitations as to the amount of times a person may enter.

With tropical landscaping spread across 27 acres and impeccable beaches nearby Wavi Island offers the holiday of a lifetime.

Prize-winners will enjoy a private chef each night who will cook up a varying selection of specialties and delicacies for a private night service.

Two airfares from any major international airports are included in the package

Competition applicants are prompted to 'Explain in 50 words or less why you should win this holiday' and the best answer will win

If five nights isn't enough, the winner may opt to purchase one of their own luxury villas from 20 that are on sale on the exclusive island from USD $1.25 million

World-famous resort Jean-Michel Cousteau and Anthonys Robbins personal tropical hideaway, Namale, are within driving distance for a gander at how the other half live or a fancy meal.

The second-to-none accommodation comes aided with Pure Fiji products and enough wifi to send any social media feed into a jealous rage.

If five nights isn't enough, the winner may opt to purchase one of their own luxury villas from 20 that are on sale on the exclusive island from USD $1.25 million.

For a chance to win, enter here.
Two passengers have been rushed to hospital after an Army truck rolled over in a horror crash on a busy Queensland highway.

It's believed an overhanging tarpaulin got caught and caused the truck's wheels to lock up, resulting in the vehicle upending and rolling down the embankment.

The crash happened on the Bruce Highway in between the Caloundra Interchange and Roys Road, south of the Sunshine Coast, at 10.39am on Friday.

Two passengers have been rushed to hospital after an Army truck rolled over

Photos uploaded by Clayton's Towing show Australian Defence Force soldiers assisting police officers and paramedics at the scene

One passenger suffered a serious head injury and another person suffered minor injuries after the crash.

A helicopter was sent to the scene but the pair were taken by road ambulance to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, a Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.

Photos uploaded by Clayton's Towing show Australian Defence Force soldiers assisting police officers and paramedics at the scene.

The Australian Defence Force said they were travelling from Brisbane to recover the vehicle, but were unable to confirm if soldiers were injured in the crash.

One passenger suffered a serious head injury and another person suffered minor injuries after the crash
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Dignitaries from both sides of politics have arrived at St Stephen's Cathedral in Brisbane for the state funeral of former Labor minister, stalwart Con Sciacca, 70.

Former prime minister Paul Keating, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and former Queensland premiers Peter Beattie and Campbell Newman all gathered to pay their respects on Friday morning.

Mr Sciacca, a former Veterans Affairs Minister in the Keating cabinet, died on June 21 following a long battle with cancer.

Karen Sciacca, wife of Con Sciacca, is embraced by well-wishers after the funeral at St Stephen's Cathedral in Brisbane

Relatives are seen carrying the coffin following the State Funeral of Con Sciacca in Brisbane's centre on Friday

Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating is pictured arriving for the State Funeral in Brisbane on Friday

Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating speaks with a fellow guest at the State Funeral of Con Sciacca in Brisbane

Labor stalwart Con Sciacca (pictured) died on June 21 aged 70, following a long battle with cancer

Mourners are seen embracing each other at the funeral which was held in Brisbane's central business district on Friday

Former Queensland state Premiers Peter Beattie and Campbell Newman attends the State Funeral of Con Sciacca in Brisbane

Paul de Jersey, Governor of Queensland is pictured in good spirits as he arrives for the former Labor minister's funeral

Two women are seen embracing at the front of St Stephen's Cathedral in Brisbane as they attend the former minister's funeral

Friends and relatives are seen comforting each other at the State Funeral of Con Sciacca which hundreds attended on Friday

QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk paired a respectful black outfit with a diamond flower broach as she attended the funeral

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk pictured at the State Funeral of former Labor minister Con Sciacca in Brisbane

More than 800 people were expected to help fairwell Labor stalwart Con Sciacca (pictured in 2014) at his funeral on Friday

More than 800 people were expected to attend Mr Sciacca's funeral on Friday.

The large turnout forced police to block one lane of Elizabeth Street, which caused widespread congestion in the city's central business district.

Mr Sciacca's funeral comes a week after he died following a long battle with cancer.

The former Labor party minister was a solicitor in Brisbane before moving into politics.

He won the Brisbane bayside seat of Bowman in 1987 and served as MP for Bowman until 1996 when he lost an election.

He returned two years later, and served until 2004.

Mr Sciacca served as the Minister for Veteran Affairs in the Keating Government from 1994-1996, after rising to Cabinet.

Relatives carry the coffin during the State Funeral of Con Sciacca from the St Stephen Cathedral in Brisbane

The coffin is pictured being carried out of the cathedral by sombre looking relatives in Brisbane on Friday

Former politician Ross Vasta is pictured arriving at the cathedral for the State Funeral of Con Sciacca in Brisbane

A couple pictured as they arrive at the funeral for Con Sciacca who was farewelled in Brisbane on Friday

A sombre looking couple walk hand in hand as they arrive at the cathedral to fairwell Con Sciacca

Moods appeared varied outside St Stephen's Cathedral in Brisbane before Con Sciacca was officially fairwelled

Moods appeared varied outside St Stephen's Cathedral in Brisbane before Con Sciacca was officially fairwelled

Opposition leader Bill Shorten pictured ascending the stairs at St Stephen's Cathedral for the State Funeral

Opposition leader Bill Shorten is pictured alongside a bevvy of politicians as they arrive to fairwell Mr Sciacca

Federal opposition leader Bill Shorten pictured surrounded by fellow mourners at the State Funeral of Con Sciacca

Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating is seen as he moves into the cathedral ahead of the official fairwell

Family of former Labor minister Con Sciacca is seen arriving at St Stephen's Cathedral in Brisbane on Friday to celebrate the former politician's life
A convicted rapist has admitted to the torturous murder of Victorian mother Karen Chetcuti, as well as plotting with his own elderly mother to kill the key witness.

Michael Cardamone, 50, pleaded guilty during a directions hearing in the Supreme Court in Melbourne on Friday to Ms Chetcuti's murder.

Police allege Cardamone sedated the 49-year-old with animal tranquilliser, tied her wrists and ankles with cable ties, duct tape and rope, fractured her skull and ribs, then set her on fire while she was alive.

It is also alleged Cardamone injected Ms Chetcuti with battery acid and drove over her dead body.

Horrifically, Cardamone had only been released from jail on parole just six months prior to the murder, after serving time for the brutal rape of a 15-year-old girl, The Age reported.

Convicted rapist Michael Cardamone, 50, has pleaded guilty to the torturous murder of Victorian mother Karen Chetcuti, 49

Police allege Cardamone sedated the 49-year-old mother with animal tranquilliser, tied her wrists and ankles with cable ties, duct tape and rope, fractured her skull and ribs, then set her on fire while she was alive

CCTV footage shows Ms Chetcuti before her horrific death. Cardamone has also pleaded guilty to plotting with his elderly mother to have a star witness murdered

Ms Chetcuti, a well-liked Whorouly mother-of-two who was Cardamone's neighbour, disappeared on January 12, 2016.

Her battered and burnt remains were discovered on January 17, 2016.

Cardamone had originally pleaded not guilty and was to stand trial in July, but made a last minute plea deal to get his mother freed from jail, the Herald Sun reported.

His 79-year-old mother was jailed in May after police intercepted phone calls in which the pair discussed killing a man named George, who gave evidence in the preliminary hearing.

Horrifically, Cardamone had only been released from jail on parole just six months prior to the murder, after serving time for the brutal rape of a 15-year-old girl

It is also alleged Cardamone injected Ms Chetcuti with battery acid and drove over her dead body. Her burnt out car is pictured being examined by forensics above

Ms Chetcuti's friends and family were in court to hear the change of plea.

'It's a total relief that this day has come, I never thought he'd plead guilty,' Ms Chetcuti's sister Leny Verbunt said outside court.

'Mum's 85, and for the children as well, for Karen's children, this is good that we're not having this trial.'

While relieved over the plea, Ms Chetcuti's mother Clary Verbunt said it 'doesn't bring Karen back'.

'Now he should be locked up for life, if he comes out no woman or child will be safe in this world,' she told reporters.

Cardamone will face formal plea and sentencing hearings in Wangaratta in August.
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President Xi Jinping is in Hong Kong to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the handover of the former British Colony to China.

Xi inspected troops today during a stop at the People's Liberation Army garrison in the New Territories where he rode an open-top jeep and saluted soldiers.

Armoured personnel carriers, combat vehicles, helicopters and other pieces of military hardware were arrayed behind the troops.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects Chinese troops of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison at the Shek Kong Barracks in Hong Kong

Chinese soldiers march in before Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the troops of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison at the Shek Kong Barracks in Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of Beijing taking control of the former British colony

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the People's Liberation Army soldiers at a camp in Hong Kong. Xi landed in Hong Kong Thursday to mark the 20th anniversary of Beijing taking control of the former British colony

Chinese soldiers march as Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the troops of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison at the Shek Kong Barracks in Hong Kong

President Xi called out 'Salute all the comrades' and 'Salute to your dedication' as he rode past 3,100 soldiers arranged in formations.

The President is also Chairman of the army and the troops referred to him as Chairman when saluting.

The inspection today was a rare display of the Chinese military's presence in Hong Kong.

Armoured personnel carriers, combat vehicles, helicopters and other pieces of military hardware were arrayed behind the troops.

Xi is in Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China on July 1, 1997.

Chinese soldiers stand by as Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the troops of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison at the Shek Kong Barracks in Hong Kong

Chinese soldiers stand by as Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the troops of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison at the Shek Kong Barracks in Hong Kong

Chinese President Xi Jinping rides in an open-top jeep as he inspects the People's Liberation Army in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a special administrative region and runs its affairs under the 'one country, two systems' principle. However Beijing is in charge of the city's defense and foreign affairs. The troops in the city are deployed from mainland China.

Hong Kongers have much more freedom thanks to the 'one country, two systems' principle allowing the region to have its own legal system, freedom of assembly and free speech.

Because of this, many young people in Hong Kong are concerned about the future of the region.

A Chinese soldier introduces the military equipment to visitors after Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected the troops

Visitors pose for a photograph in front of the Chinese soldiers as Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the troops

Chinese soldiers shout slogans as Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the troops of People's Liberation Army

Security has been tight for President Xi's visit as locals vowed to protest. Parts of the region are in lockdown with several areas closed to the public.

Some 26 people including young activist leader Joshua Wong have been released on bail after being arrested for protesting on June 28. The activists climbed onto a giant flower sculpture that was a gift from Beijing and is close to the hotel complex where Xi is staying.

President Xi will also swear in new Chief Executive Carrie Lam before heading back to Beijing on June 1.

Chinese President Xi Jinping gives a speech to troops from the People's Liberation Army to mark the handover

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, shares a light moment with Hong Kong Chief Executive-elect Carrie Lam during a visit to Hong Kong's West Kowloon district. He will attend her inauguration on July 1

A man stands near Chinese and Hong Kong flags at an event to show support for the Chinese president's visit at a gathering in Hong Kong, Thursday, June 29, 2017
A patient who tried to make an appointment at a busy Las Vegas medical office shot two employees before turning the gun on himself when they told him they could not fit him in, according to police.

The unidentified gunman opened fire around 3.30pm local time Thursday, hitting two employees and a third person as they tried to exit the Center for Wellness and Pain care, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.

None of the three suffered life threatening injuries.

A patient who tried to make an appointment at a busy Las Vegas medical office shot two employees before turning the gun on himself when they told him they could not fit him in, according to police

Police spokeswoman Laura Meltzer said the gunman is believed to have been a regular patient, who walked into the office to request an unscheduled appointment on Thursday.

When he was told he could not be accommodated, he is said to have opened fire.

Video courtesy of KTNV

'He pointed a gun at me and I just ran, I got down on the ground and I got out,' Caitlyn Jones told the Review Journal.

She said there were about 12 people in the office when he began shooting, but wasn't sure how many shots were fired.

Neville Campbell posted a photo of the scene from outside the clinic on Facebook, and wrote: 'We barricaded ourselves with a wooden desk behind the door in [the] small office'

Sammy Alonge, 41, was in a patient room when he first heard gunshots. His nurse was one of the woman shot, and he said: 'I was so scared. I've never been that scared. It was too close.'

Another man at the clinic, Neville Campbell, described the scene as 'one of the most frightening experiences ever.'

He posted a photo of the scene from outside the clinic on Facebook, and wrote: 'We barricaded ourselves with a wooden desk behind the door in [the] small office.'

The gunman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, according to Meltzer, and police are not looking at any other suspects.

A fourth person was also injured when she fell trying to exit the clinic after hearing gunshots. She was taken to the hospital, but is expected to be fine.

Patient Sammy Alonge was in a treatment room when the gunfire began. He said the nurse who had been treating him was one of the shooting victims.

'When I heard the first gunshot, I thought it was a bottle or something on the floor, like something just popped,' Alonge told the Review-Journal.

'When I started hearing that `pop, pop, pop,' I was so scared.'

He tried and failed to break a window to get out, so he hid under a table as he heard at least eight shots ring out.

When the door opened moments later he thought it was the gunman coming for him, but it was a woman saying the shooter was dead and the crisis over.

'I'm still in shock,' Alonge said.
Frank Yeager, 33, plotted to rape and kill a woman then take his own life in 2012 because he felt he had nothing to live for

A disabled man plotted to lure a real estate agent to a secluded model home to rape and murder and then kill himself as part of a twisted retaliation plot because he had been shunned by women his whole life.

Frank Yeager made hundreds of diary entries which included drawings depicting rape fantasies before he tried to carry out the attack in Upper Macungie Township in Pennsylvania in November 2012.

The 33-year-old kept a list of 200 possible victims and plotted the attack on the real estate agent for months.

In his diary entries, he wrote that he was 'beyond' help and wanted to die but not before living out his depraved and violent sexual fantasies.

'I truly enjoy the hunt and cannot wait for my prize,' he said in one entry.

In November 2012, he approached the woman in her office and asked to be shown to a secluded model home.

He acted strangely and she declined, telling him to go by himself.

He returned minutes later and told her there was a water leak in the house, imploring her to go with him. When a male colleague entered the room, Yeager panicked and fled.

When the female agent later went to check the show home, she found the curtains had all been drawn and the lights were out but there was no sign of a leak.

When his attempts were reported to police, they searched his home and truck and found the diary entries along with rope, chains, guns and duct tape in his vehicle.

Yeager approached the woman at the sales office of her estate agent which is in this property in Upper Macungie Township, Pennsylvania. He asked her to go with him to a different, more secluded property, and she refused

Yeager confessed to the plot unreservedly. He said it was the result of a lifetime of bullying and that he knew he would never get 'what he wanted' - a wife and children - so had decided to take his own life.

Yeager's family said he had to undergo numerous surgeries as a child and had been bullied his whole life for his appearance

'I have been planning and wanted this my whole life ... the help I need is too great and I would rather die,' he wrote in one entry that was obtained by Leigh Valley Live.

The man's parents pleaded for him to be spared jail in court.

They told how he was forced to undergo several facial surgeries as a child and was mentally ill. His problems led to intense bullying, they said, and he had never been violent in the past.

'He has never hurt anyone. He wanted what everybody else wanted -- a wife and a home,' his mother Angela told the court in 2013.

His case returned to court this year when he appealed his 10-20 year sentence that was handed down in 2013.

Yeager argued that he had inadequate advice from his lawyer at the time who he said did not challenge the legality of his confession.

His appeal was thrown out by a Superior Court in Pennsylvania.
A woman who has been on death row for almost a decade after she buried a Florida couple alive has been granted a new sentencing hearing.

Tiffany Cole, 35, was sentenced to death for the chilling murders of her neighbors, Carol and Reggie Sumner, both 61, of Jackson, in 2005.

The married couple were bound and gagged, put into the trunk of their Lincoln town car, and driven across the border to a remote part of Georgia where they were forced to hand over the personal identification numbers of their bank accounts before being pushed into an pre-dug grave and buried alive.

Tiffany Cole, 35, (left and right in her mugshots, undated) was sentenced to death for the chilling murders of her neighbors, Carol and Reggie Sumner, both 61, of Jackson, in 2005

She and her associates Alan Wade, Bruce Nixon, and Cole's boyfriend Michael Jackson were all found guilty of murder in 2007. They were all sentenced to death except Nixon, who led police to the bodies, and was jailed for 45 years.

Now, t he Florida Supreme Court has announced it is ordering new sentencing hearings for four inmates currently on the state's death row - including Cole.

The high court thew out the sentences because a jury did not unanimously recommend the death penalty.

Last year the court ruled death sentences have to be unanimous, which the court put in place in response to U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

The state court said anyone sentenced after a 2002 ruling could be eligible for a new sentence.

Cole was 26 when she was found guilty of the kidnapping and first-degree murder of the Florida husband and wife.

The jury voted 9 to 3 that she should receive the death penalty.

Now, the Florida Supreme Court has announced it is ordering new sentencing hearings for four inmates currently on the state's death row - including Cole (in jail, left and right)

Cole has always claimed that, while she dug the open grave, she did not know it was for the victims.

She claims she thought the group were going to bury some of the items they had stolen.

Cole had lived next to the Sumners for years in her family home in South Carolina, before she moved to Jacksonville. When she heard the Sumners were also moving to Jacksonville, they got in touch and the couple sold her a car.

When Cole and her then-boyfriend Jackson went to sign the transfer documents, they stayed the night in the Sumners' home - which was when they began plotting to Rob them, prosecutors argued at the 2007 trial.

In July 2005, Cole and her three associates drove to the Sumners' home, and Wade and Nixon went to the door and asked to use the phone.

Once inside, they kidnapped and robbed the couple before taking them out to the freshly dug grave in Georgia and burying them alive.

Scene: Cole has been on death row inside Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocarla, Florida

During the trial, the jury was shown photos of Cole and two co-defendants in a limousine, celebrating with champagne and handfuls of cash after the crime.

Cole later pawned jewelry and other items stolen from the Sumners' home, and withdrew more than $1,000 in cash using their ATM card.

They were caught after police tracked three of them back to a hotel in South Carolina by the use of the ATM card.

'I am not the same person anymore,' Cole said in 2015. 'I have peace, I have joy. I have a sound mind.'

Cole submitted an appeal to reduce her sentence from death to life in prison.

'You've already died... you're already dead if you accept that,' Cole said when asked if she believed she would be executed. 'It's not over. There is forgiveness and there is hope.'

But the prosecutor in Cole's case, Jay Plotkin, thinks differently, telling ABC News: 'I was a prosecutor for more than 20 years. There was not any case that I prosecuted where the crime was more vile or cruel than the torture and murder of the Sumners.
The father of disgraced Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne who was suspended for four weeks after testing positive to a banned substance last week has revealed she has always struggled to control her weight.

The ban was handed down at Racing Victoria Stewards' meeting on Thursday after pleading guilty to taking phentermine, which was prescribed by her doctor.

The psychostimulant increases activity of the body and suppresses appetite, used to help diabetes patients lose weight.

Her former jockey father, Paddy Payne has revealed his sympathy for his daughter who has always endured intense pressure to take the appetite suppressant.

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Her former jockey father, Paddy Payne has revealed his sympathy for his daughter who has always endured intense pressure to take the appetite suppressant

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne was suspended for four weeks after testing positive to a banned substance last week

Payne rose to fame after becoming the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015

'It's extremely hard to keep your weight down  it's something she's always had a bit of a struggle with,' Mr Payne told Herald Sun.

'You look for everything to get your weight down,' he said.

Mr Payne revealed he didn't condone the use of drugs in the sport and was oblivious to his daughter's usage, understood to be from her doctor.

'I would tell her not to do it. If she needs to lose the weight she needs to get in the sauna and do it that way,' he added.

In response to the decision to ban her from the sport for four weeks, Ms Payne revealed her remorse after taking the drug.

'I am embarrassed and I apologise for what I have done,' she told the panel.

'I regret not seeking more information. I accept the stewards ruling. I'm sorry this has happened.'

Outside after the meeting, Payne said she appreciated that the decision was in line with similar past offences by other jockeys.

'I'm very much looking forward to finding a solution in working with my surgeon. I look forward to working hard and being in great shape upon my return to racing,' she said.

She was stood down from riding and trackwork on June 23 after the Racing Analytical Services Limited informed Racing Victoria.

The suspension will be backdated to this date, meaning she will be back in action as early as July 21.

The ban was handed down at Racing Victoria Stewards' meeting on Thursday after pleading guilty to taking phentermine, which was prescribed by her doctor

Outside after the meeting, Payne said she appreciated that the decision was in line with similar past offences by other jockeys

She was stood down from riding and trackwork on June 23 after the Racing Analytical Services Limited informed Racing Victoria

This means she may still be able to compete in the female jockeys' team for the Shergar Cup on August 12, which had been in doubt as she faced an up to two-month ban.

Australia Jockeys' Association chairman Des O'Keeffe said before the hearing that Payne took responsibility for the failed test and was prepared to cop her punishment.

'She's embarrassed and she's disappointed that she's made an error,' he told 3AW radio on Thursday.

'She understands she's not been thorough enough and that this is her fault, no one else's, despite the fact this was prescribed to her.'

The suspension will be backdated to June 23, meaning she will be back in action as early as July 21

'I am embarrassed and I apologise for what I have done,' she told the panel

Mr O'Keeffe earlier said Payne took phentermine on her doctor's advice but failed to check if it was on the banned list.

He added Payne had weight problems since a fall last year led to surgery to remove a part of her pancreas.

Payne gave the failed random drug test on June 11 after an event at Swan Hill in Victoria.

Precedents on breaches of Australian Rule of Racing 81B include a six-week suspension for Hugh Bowman in 2003 when he tested positive to Phentermine.

Payne, 31, was notified of her failed test on June 23 after the Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) informed Racing Victoria

Decorated veteran Damien Oliver was suspended for a month in 2009 after testing positive to ephedrine, but it was reduced to a fine on appeal.

Payne became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup when successful on 100-1 longshot Prince of Penzance in 2015.

Her achievement made global news when she used her winner's podium speech to make comments about male prejudice holding back female riders in racing.

Payne finished fifth on Kaspersky behind Ribchester in last week's Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in the UK, returning home to the bad news.
Ultra Tune Australia automotive advert showing two scantily-clad women putting out a car fire has become the most complained about commercial for the first half of the year.

In a lengthy blog post, Ads Standards Bureaus (ASB) said despite receiving 357 complaints the advert won't be banned.

This is because ASB did not find the commercial in breach of any code of advertising, it said in a 11-page decision.

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Ultra Tune Australia commercial received the most complaints in the first six months of 2017

The 30-second commercial were among the 2,700 complaints ASB received from Jan 1 till June 30 this year.

Discrimination and exploitation concerns made up the majority of allegations against the ten most complained about advertisements for the first six months of the year, a similar trend seen last year as well.

An Ultra Tune Australia spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the company did not see a problem with the advert.

'All concerns were dismissed by the advertising board and we don't see a problem with it.

'The ad has been very successful and there is no further comment.'

Last year, an Ultra Tune Australia commercial featuring the same two women had been the second most complained about commercial for the year.

A 'sexist' video titled 'We're into rubber' showed two women wearing tight body suits to sell tyres has become the second most complained about advertisement of all time.

Despite the complaints, the Ads Standards Bureaus (ASB) said the ad wont be banned

A total of 418 disgruntled viewers had submitted an official complaint about the commercial, claiming it was 'degrading to women,' 'sleazy' and not suitable for prime time viewing.

The 15-second car service advertisement shows a blonde and brunette woman in tight rubber cat-suits posing with tools.

ASB said the clip was the second most complained about ad of all time, just behind Ashley Madison's 2014 'Avid Life' campaign with a man singing: 'I'm looking for someone other than my wife'.

ASB said the commercial featuring two scantily-clad women received 357 complaints




Big Bang Theory star Johnny Galecki has thanked the firefighters who helped tackle a wildfire in California which destroyed one of his properties.

On Thursday, the 42-year-old actor shared a picture showing the charred remains of his home on a ranch in San Luis Obispo and him hugging one of the firefighters.

'Thank you to the brothers and sisters of @calfire It is the profound risks that you accept and the sacrifices you and your families make that keep us safe,' he said in the post.

'Thanks also to the many of you who have reached out in support. It is far from lost on us here. #muchlove #movingforwardstronger.'

In an Instagram post, the actor said: 'Thank you to the brothers and sisters of @calfire It is the profound risks that you accept and the sacrifices you and your families make that keep us safe,' he said in the post. Thanks also to the many of you who have reached out in support. It is far from lost on us here. #muchlove #movingforwardstronger'

The fire ripped through 1,200 acres in the San Luis Obispo area, damaging Galecki's property and others around it. No one was hurt, and his house is not pictured

The 'Big Bang Theory' actor's home was 'burned to the ground' according to a report obtained by TMZ (pictured is a stock image of the show Big Bang Theory. Galecki who plays 'Leonard' is center)

Galecki plays Dr. Leonard Hofstadter on the show, one of the most popular on TV. He also was a regular on the sitcom 'Roseanne.'

The lost home, located about 190 miles outside of Los Angeles was described as the actor's 'getaway home,' and is not thought to be his primary residence.

'My heart goes out to all in the area who are also experiencing loss from this vicious fire, the threat of which we live with constantly,' Galecki said to TMZ.

Galecki's getaway home San Luis Obispo is located around 200 miles from Los Angeles, where he has another property

Johnny Galecki's (pictured on June 7) home burned down in a fire that tore through San Luis Opispo, California, on Monday night. On Thursday, he posted an Instagram post showing the chard remains of his home as he hugged a fire fighter

He continued: 'It's never the structures that create a community, it's the people. And if the people of Santa Margarita have taught me anything it's that, once the smoke has cleared, literally and figuratively, it's a time to reach out and rebuilt.

Galecki explained that the area was rebuilt before, so they'll be able to do it again, and it will make their community 'even closer and stronger.'

He also expressed his thanks to the California Fire and Sheriff's Offices. 'I know you guys are fighting the good fight to keep us safe. So very relieved no one has been hurt,' he said to TMZ.

No one was hurt in the blaze.

State fire officials canceled evacuation orders for dozens of homes and around 250 residents on Tuesday night on California's Central Coast.

Hot weather has led to severe blazes across western states including Arizona and Utah.
Fireproof cladding planned for Grenfell Tower was not used and swapped for a more flammable to save 293,000, leaked emails revealed today.

Kensington housing officials demanded good costs to satisfy a council boss before the 8.6million refurbishment believed to have contributed to the worst fire in Britain for decades.

The cladding encasing the block where 80 people died was described as sparking like a 'firelighter' on a barbecue when a fridge exploded.

But minutes of meetings, price outlines and other correspondence before its installation reveal fire resistant zinc was swapped to a cheaper aluminium version.

The leaked documents made little reference to safety concerns, according to The Times.

The revelation came as Robert Black, the chief executive of Kensington & Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, which manages Grenfell Tower, is stepping aside so he can "concentrate on assisting with the investigation and inquiry", the group said.

Cost cutting: The cladding encasing Grenfell Tower was described as sparking like a 'firelighter' on a barbecue - and was changed to a cheaper more flammable version to save 293,000

Kensington housing officials demanded good costs to satisfy a council boss before the 8.6million refurbishment on the block (pictured smouldering), which was completed in 2014

Documents from June and July 2014 show Artelia UK, the project management consultant, apparently coming under political pressure to reduce costs.

Forest of red tape and a loophole means deadly cladding was passed to be installed on Britain's tower blocks Regulations for tower blocks last reviews in 2005 in have been branded 'convoluted' and a 'total mess' creating loopholes allowing tinder box cladding to be installed across Britain. Developers have a 'loophole' to get out of carrying out stringent fire safety tests on cladding used on high rise blocks, Mail Online can also reveal. The fire safety rules in Britain have not been reviewed for 12 years and have allowed contractors to use materials which are dangerous. One expert today described rules around cladding as 'all over the place' as the manufacturer of the panels used on Grenfell Tower stopped global sales of the product due to the 'inconsistency of building codes'. Current building regulations are said to be 'open to interpretation', meaning potentially combustible cladding has been fixed to homes around the UK for years. Fire expert Arnold Turling told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'The building regulations are convoluted. They are all over the place. My particular reading of them is that this is not banned.' Combustible cladding has been passed as safe if it is proved that the system encasing a building is considered safe overall. The panels on Grenfell were given a 0 classification which meant they were of low combustibility. The key section of the UK regulations, called BS8414, states: 'The external walls of the building shall adequately resist the spread of fire over the walls and from one building to another.' Niall Rowan, Chief Operations Officer for the Association of Specialists Fire Protection, said the 'loophole' was a glaring error that needed to be closed. It appears that developers could install cladding that had never been properly tested as long as it theoretically would withstand a major fire. Guidance issued in 2014 by the Building Control Alliance (BCA) reveals that the 'opinion' of an expert would be enough to get the project approved by fire safety experts. Experts have called for a complete overhaul of fire regulations and said that they should never have been left unrevised since 2005. Jon O'Neill, head of the UK's Fire Protection Association said: 'It's been 12 years since we had a building regulations review for fire safety. In Australia they are unhappy at only reviewing regulations every three years.' Advertisement

An urgent nudge email about cladding prices from Kensington and Chelsea tenant management organisation (KCTMO) to Artelia reads: We need good costs for Cllr Feilding-Mellen and the planner tomorrow at 8:45am!

Rock Feilding-Mellen, who is the deputy leaders of the west London council and chairman of its housing committee, was overseeing the refurbishment of the 24-storey block.

The email lists three options for reducing the cost of cladding  including that using aluminium panels rather than zinc could mean a saving of 293,368.

The zinc panels would have been non-combustible, whereas the aluminium cladding that was eventually used had a flammable polyethylene core.

Kensington council said the budget for the Grenfell refurbishment project had been 6.9 million but Mr Feilding-Mellen had argued for increases which raised it to 10.3 million by June 2014.

A spokesman for Kensington Council said: Cllr Feilding-Mellen and the cabinet were willing to approve significant and repeated increases in the overall budget based on the advice received from KCTMO, which was responsible not only for specifying and delivering the project but also for ensuring the building met the necessary and current building regulations.

Any requests by Cllr Feilding-Mellen and the housing department to justify the TMOs requests for increases to the budget would have been made in the spirit of ensuring that public funds were being well managed and could be justified. Safety would not have been compromised.

Last night the first Kensington council meeting to discuss the Grenfell disaster was abandoned after the Press and public won the right to attend.

The local authority had initially announced the meeting of senior councillors would be held in private amid fears of disruption.

Protesters tried to storm Kensington Town Hall on June 16 two days after the tragedy.

The media, including the Daily Mail, then won a High Court order overturning the ban on journalists attending.

But council leader Nicholas Paget-Brown cancelled the meeting midway through after reporters arrived, saying their presence would prejudice the forthcoming public inquiry.

He added: We cant have an unprejudiced discussion in this room with the public inquiry that is about to take place if journalists are recording and writing our comments.

Councillor Robert Atkinson. who represents the Notting Dale ward in which Grenfell Tower is based, described the decision by members as an absolute fiasco.

Last night the first Kensington council meeting to discuss the Grenfell disaster was abandoned after the Press and public won the right to attend (pictured)

Journalists were initially banned from last night's meeting, but as soon as they were allowed to enter, it was cancelled

About a dozen residents from the area had gathered outside Kensington Town Hall in the hope of attending the meeting, but tensions rose when security guards refused them entry.

Teacher Moyra Samuels, a member of the Justice For Grenfell group, said: Were bloody angry they are not going to come out and offer a damn explanation as to why we are not able to get in.

They have not actually stood up and talked to the community, which is despicable.

The inquiry into the Grenfell Tower inferno was engulfed by chaos last night before it had even begun.

The retired judge appointed to conduct the probe admitted it was unlikely to satisfy survivors and families of the victims.

And councillors were condemned for an attempt to ban the Press from a meeting at which the inquiry was due to be discussed.

Sir Martin Moore-Bick, the former Appeal Court judge who will lead the inquiry, vowed to lead a vigorous investigation that would get to the truth behind the fire as quickly as possible.

Retired judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick has been appointed to head a public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower disaster - but he has already been accused of excluding victims

Sir Martin was previously accused of social cleansing after ruling against homeless tenant Titina Nzolameso, right, and saying she must move 50 miles away after a council evicted her

But after meeting survivors during a visit to the scene of the blaze in North Kensington where at least 80 died, he admitted: Im well aware the residents and the local people want a much broader investigation and I can fully understand why they would want that.

Whether my inquiry is the right way to achieve that Im more doubtful.

The inquiry is likely be limited to the cause of the fire, how it spread and preventing a future blaze rather than addressing allegations of criminality.

Grenfell residents also complained that they had not been consulted over Sir Martins appointment.

The row prompted warnings the probe would mirror the farce surrounding the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, now on its fourth chairman.

Labour MP Lisa Nandy said: This feels worryingly similar to the child abuse inquiry. The Grenfell inquiry must have the confidence of survivors.

Michael Mansfield QC, who has been in contact with residents, said it was unbelievable that lessons are not learnt from the abuse inquiry.
Two British soldiers died after their tank exploded during a training exercise on a firing range, a coroner has heard.

Corporals Matthew Hatfield and Darren Neilson of the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR), died from injuries they suffered at the Castlemartin range in Pembrokeshire, Wales, on June 14.

At an inquest opening on Friday, the coroner was told the provisional cause of death for Cpl Hatfield was 'burns', while Cpl Neilson suffered a cardiac arrest as a result of blast-related injuries.

Both were experienced career soldiers who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At an inquest, the coroner was told the provisional cause of death of married father-of-one Corporal Matthew Hatfield, 27, (pictured) was 'burns'

Corporal Darren Neilson (pictured) was said to have suffered a cardiac arrest as a result of blast-related injuries

Video footage of a Challenger 2 tank firing during a live-fire exercise on June 11 - less than a week before the tragic incident - was posted on the The Royal Tank Regiment's Facebook page

A police-led joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and a separate Ministry of Defence (MOD) service inquiry are currently under way into the circumstances.

Detective Chief Inspector Ross Evans, of Dyfed Powys Police, gave the coroner further details of what happened after emergency services were called to 'a mechanical explosion' on the range, at 3.30pm.

He said it was thought Cpl Neilson, 31, of Preston, Lancashire, was the tank commander and 'we believe positioned within the turret' at the time of the blast.

Cpl Hatfield, 27, from Amesbury, Wiltshire, was the armoured vehicle's operator and was 'loading the ammunition in the tank'.

He was taken to Morriston Hospital, Swansea, but the married father-of-one died the following day.

His colleague, also a married father with a young daughter, was taken to University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, but also died on June 15.

Both men were identified by their wives, Birmingham and Solihull Coroner's Court was told.

This is the tank ammunition believed to have been used in training exercises at the base in Wales

Matthew Hatfield and partner Jill McBride (left). Mr Hatfield, known as Hattie, was killed alongside colleague Darren Neilson (right), pictured with his wife Jemma. Both were fathers

Mr Hatfield with his partner, left, and with his daughter, right. He was a talented rugby player and friends called him a 'kindhearted person'

Mr Evans said: 'At 3.30pm on Wednesday, June 14, the emergency services were summoned to a mechanical explosion at Castlemartin - it's an MOD firing range, in Pembrokeshire.

'Prior to that, a training exercise had been taking place.

'Four men were taken to hospital as a result, and two have since passed away.

'An investigation has since commenced to look into the circumstances of the incident.'

Louise Hunt, senior coroner for Birmingham and Solihull, was also told that the police and HSE were working closely with the MOD on a service inquiry 'to prevent any repeat incident'.

Mr Evans said the MOD Defence Safety Authority had started its investigation on June 27 and was not expected to finish until February next year.

Ms Hunt offered her condolences to the soldiers' families, who were present at the hearing, and told them a pre-inquest review would take place on February 12 next year.

She said a full inquest lasting up to three weeks would be held in Solihull, setting a provisional date of July 2 next year.

Mr Hatfield, 27, (pictured) known as Hattie to his friends, and comrade Mr Neilson, 31, known as Daz, were both fathers

Cpl Hatfield was taken to Morriston Hospital, Swansea, but the married father-of-one died the following day

Cpl Hatfield, 27, from Amesbury, Wiltshire, was the armoured vehicle's operator and was 'loading the ammunition in the tank'

Mr Hatfield pictured during service. He had been taking part in a 'live fire' exercise when the tragedy happened

Releasing the bodies for funerals, the coroner addressed Cpl Hatfield's mother and said: 'There's no longer any need to retain their bodies, and I will today be releasing both.

'I understand you are planning a cremation. Arrangements can be made for you to have your funeral, because it's important you are able to start that process.'

The soldier's mother said: 'I'm glad now, I've got Matthew back.'

The RTR is the oldest tank unit in the world and is based at Tidworth in Wiltshire.

This recent incident came five years after a 21-year-old soldier died when he was shot in the head after live machine gunfire was wrongly directed towards a 'safe haven' area at Castlemartin.

Castlemartin Range, spread over 5,930 acres (2,400 hectares), is used to carry out direct-fire live gunnery exercises for tanks and armoured vehicles.

Coroner Ms Hunt said she had been 'directed to conduct the inquests' by the chief coroner, and has previous experience in convening hearings into the deaths of armed forces' personnel.

She held inquests in 2015 into the deaths of three Army reservists on an SAS test march in the Brecon Beacons in 2013.

More recently, Ms Hunt heard the case of serving British soldier Private Jamie Lee Sawyer, who died on a kayaking course off the coast of Cyprus while deployed with the United Nations in 2015.
Cladding used on one of Queensland's biggest hospitals may be a fire risk, the state government has found following an audit prompted by London's Grenfell Tower blaze.

Housing and public works minister Mick de Brenni has announced that potentially non-fire retardant cladding was found on Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Mr de Brenni on Friday said risk of a fire incident at the hospital was low, and he expected to receive preliminary testing results in the coming days.

Housing and public works minister Mick de Brenni has announced that potentially non-fire retardant cladding was found on Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital (pictured)

Cladding used on one of Queensland's biggest hospitals may be a fire risk, the state government has found following an audit prompted London's Grenfell Tower blaze (pictured)

Mr de Brenni (pictured) on Friday said risk of a fire incident at the hospital was low, and he expected to receive preliminary testing results in the coming days

'At this stage we have not been able to confirm if the product used to clad this building is fire retardant.'

'Further testing on these samples is being carried out in a laboratory today which can indicate whether the product is retardant or not.

'Should the product be found to be non-fire retardant, it is likely the product will require further performance testing and [officers from my department] are currently arranging for more extensive samples to be removed from the building and sent for testing today.'

Further testing carried out by independent fire engineers will examine how the product performs under different circumstances.

Princess Alexandra Hospital contains 24,000 square metres of cladding.

Mr de Brenni last month called on anyone with information of instances where non-conforming cladding had been used on buildings to come forward.

The audit was sparked by a deadly fire in London's Grenfell Tower which killed over 80 people.

The tower's faulty cladding sped up the fire, it has been reported.

The audit was sparked by a deadly fire in London's Grenfell Tower (pictured) which killed over 80 people




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The home where notorious gangland figure Hamad Assaad was gunned down in cold blood is set to hit the market for the cool price of $1.1 million.

Assaad was allegedly shot dead in November last year, ambushed by gunmen who killed him in a hail of bullets in his own driveway while his 12-year-old nephew watched on.

And now the luxury renovated home complete with a 'large wide driveway' where the heavily-tattooed underworld figure was executed at Georges Hall, in Sydney's south-west, is up for sale.

The Sydney home (pictured) where notorious gangland figure Hamad Assaad was allegedly shot dead is set to hit the market for $1.1 million

The four-bedroom and two-bathroom house, located in the south-west Sydney suburb of Georges Hall, comes complete with a pool and outdoor entertaining area

The luxury renovated home on Sturt Avenue, Georges Hall also features a man cave and a totally renovated kitchen

Hamad Assaad (pictured) was allegedly shot dead in November last year, ambushed by gunmen who killed him in a hail of bullets in his own driveway while his 12-year-old nephew watched on

Hundreds gathered to farewell the suspected gangland figure at his memorial service held in south-west Sydney last year

The four-bedroom and two-bathroom house comes complete with a pool, outdoor entertaining area, man cave and a totally renovated kitchen.

While the home's many lavish aspects make it appealing to buyers, real estate agent George Bakhos admitted that its checkered history won't 'make it an easy sale'.

Under law, the history and 'material facts' of the house must be disclosed, prior to the property being sold.

While the history may deter potential buyers, Mr Bakhos told News.com.au that 'in the contract there's a clause saying what happened... (so) as a rule, whoever rocks up to the property I have to tell'.

The online listing for the home at 51 Sturt Avenue, Georges Hall, boasts of it being a 'great family home'.

But its sale comes just months after Assaad's dead body lay bloodied and lying under a sheet in the driveway, an execution for which a man was arrested.

Despite its criminal history, an online property listing for the house boasts of it being a potentially 'great family home'

There are two bathrooms inside the home in Sydney's south-west, which is up for sale just months after Hamad Assaad was found dead in the property's driveway

The luxury Georges Hall home has been renovated throughout and now has two modern bathrooms

Heavily-armed detectives executed a search warrant at a home at Greenacre at 6am on Thursday, after a lengthy investigation by Strike Force Pippa.

They arrested a 24-year-old man and took him to Bankstown Police Station, where he is expected to be charged with Assad's alleged murder and participating in a criminal group.

Assaad's execution-style murder on October 25 was over in 10 seconds.

Detectives conducting surveillance outside his house tried in vain to save Assaad, but he died at the scene.

The Sturt Avenue home now has a modern kitchen following renovations and it leads out to the pool and outdoor area

Real estate agent George Bakhos admitted the home's checkered history won't 'make it an easy sale'

Under law, the history and 'material facts' of the house must be disclosed, prior to the property being sold

The murdered gangland figure had the word 'executioner' tattooed around his neck and below that an even more distressing tribute to himself and the lives he had allegedly taken.

'The souls I have taken will never haunt me only the ones I haven't will,' the tattoo said.

Assaad was the key suspect in the shooting of gangland boss Walid 'Wally' Ahmad who was executed in broad daylight at Bankstown in April, 2016.
A bewildered backpacker has taken to social media in search of answers on how to urinate in public toilets in Australia.

European traveller Aukusti Tahvanianen shared his dilemma to the Facebook group Australia Backpackers which he admitted had led to a prolonged period of insomnia.

Accompanied with an image of an Australian urinal and the accompanying metal grid at the base, the backpacker addressed the online community with his burdening question.

One bewildered backpacker has taken to social media in search of answers on how to urinate in public toilets in Australia

European traveller Aukusti Tahvanianen shared his dilemma to the Facebook group Australia Backpackers which he admitted had led to a prolonged period of insomnia

'Hello! I haven't slept in three weeks because I'm been thinking where [do] I have to stand when I use this kind of urinal?

'For me it makes sense that you step on top of grill, so if you overestimate your size drops still goes in right place. But in other hand concrete is always full of urine. Help me fellas!'

His fellow nomads were quick to offer their views on the matter, and to his amazement, many had shared the same trouble when relieving themselves in Australian bathrooms.

'I had the same problem, I posted this exact same question a while back! The general consensus is you stand on the grate,' one Facebook user wrote.

'Haha I'm still wondering after a year and a half here. I'm pretty sure they're here to stand on it, but my concern is that heaps of people think they're not, which means I would step in people's pee,' another puzzled post read.

While another bemused backpacker said,'I'm equally baffled, it makes no sense and I rather the concrete.'

Many backpackers shared their similar confusion as to where to stand at the urinal

This Facebook user also had no clue as to where to position himself in the toilets

The confusion comes as most European urinals aren't fitted with the metal grill featured at the base.

Some comments offered words of wisdom on how aspiring novices could tackle the foreign facility.

'Stand back, drop trousers, and go long to establish dominance,' one experienced user wrote.

Another suggested the grill was solely for young boys who didn't yet have the range and would prevent them from urinating on the floor.

But others were adamant visitors to the gents' should always mount the grid.

'Stand on the grill, always. Insurance policy like you say,' one comment suggested.

The post had gathered 92 likes by Friday afternoon but Mr Tahvanianen was no closer to determining the correct stance to take when approaching the urinal after an array of conflicting comments.

So it begs the question, where should you stand?

This Facebook user was confident to stand back on the concrete and 'establish dominance'

A safer route was suggested by this Facebook comment, while others agreed
Shocking footage shows two officers tackling a wanted man after he allegedly tried to evade arrest by smashing into two police cars in his 4WD, with four terrified children inside.

One officer uses his baton to smash the suspect's car window, while the other tackles the driver as he tries to flee. The first officer then uses his baton again to help take the man down.

The incident occurred in a Kmart car park in Devonport, Tasmania, on Friday when the 23-year-old man allegedly drove his car into two police vehicles.

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Police wanted to speak to a man (pictured) about family violence matter when he allegedly drove his vehicle into their cars

Two officers were injured during the incident, Tasmania Police said.

The two police vehicles sustained extensive damage, as did a third car belonging to a member of the public.

The man from Burnie was arrested, and suffered facial and arm injuries during the struggle, police said.

Police also revealed that four children who were in the man's vehicle are being checked for injuries they may have suffered during the incident.

Two police officers suffered minor injuries during the incident, and two police cars were damaged

A car belong to a member of the public was also damaged when the man's vehicle (pictured) was allegedly used to ram police cars

Four children were found in the man's vehicle, and were examined by medical personnel

The shocking attack began when police tried to apprehend the man, who was being sought in relation to domestic violence matters.

The video was posted on Cop Humour Australia, a popular Facebook page, with a caption highlighting the dangers police officers face in the line of duty.

'This is the side of policing that not many people see,' it said.

'The dangerous, quick-paced and violent scenes that police deal with daily.

'These are the Sheepdogs protecting the sheep from the wolves.'
Fire tests on cladding from high-rise buildings are flawed and most of the samples are likely to be safe, a council supremo said today.

Lord Porter of Spalding, head of the Local Government Association, said the fact every sample so far had failed raised serious questions about the process.

He warned that the authorities may not have learned anything useful from the frantic investigations in the wake of the Grenfell Tower blaze.

The comments, in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, came amid mounting concern about safety after cladding from more than 130 buildings across the country failed tests - a 100 per cent rate.

Lord Porter of Spalding, head of the Local Government Association, said the fact every sample so far had failed raised serious questions about the process (file picture)

Cladding has been widely blamed for allowing the fire at Grenfell Tower to spread up the building so quickly

Tory peer Lord Porter said the tests focused on the core of the panel, which is sandwiched between aluminium plates, rather than the panel as a whole - including the metal skin.

'On those panels they will fail because the thing that is being tested at the request of the experts isn't the right thing to test,' he said. 'We need to test the whole panel.'

Lord Porter said tests should also be carried out on the insulation material packed between buildings and the exterior cladding panels.

'They are not testing the whole system anyway because we should be testing the insulation. There's more than a good chance that the insulation is probably the main problem, if it's the wrong kind of insulation.'

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm saying the Government needs to listen to a wider set of opinions and not just the experts they have got.

'The experts, they may well be right, but we can't have confidence in that because every single one has failed across the whole country.

'There are 17 councils where failure has taken place, there are 27 registered social landlords where failures have taken place and they have only just started testing private properties and 12 of those have tested ... it's up north, down south, Labour councils, Lib Dem councils.'

He added: 'The tests are not testing the fire safety of the panels, they are testing what the core of the panel is made from. That's not what the test needs to be.'

Asked if he believed a panel as a whole would pass a fire test, Lord Spalding said: 'I think it would pass the test. I am not saying Grenfell Tower, because I don't know that... but the panels that are coming in have a certificate.'

Meanwhile, leaked emails revealed that fireproof cladding planned for Grenfell Tower was not used and swapped for a more flammable version to save 293,000.

Kensington housing officials demanded 'good costs' to satisfy a council boss before the 8.6million refurbishment believed to have contributed to the worst fire in Britain for decades.

The cladding encasing the block where 80 people died was described as sparking like a 'firelighter' on a barbecue when a fridge exploded.

But minutes of meetings, price outlines and other correspondence before its installation reveal fire resistant zinc was swapped to a cheaper aluminium version.

The leaked documents made little reference to safety concerns, according to The Times.
The Islamic State group no longer has a presence in Syria's Aleppo province after withdrawing from a series of villages where regime forces were advancing, a monitor said on Friday.

'ISIS withdrew from 17 towns and villages and is now effectively outside of Aleppo province,' according to British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

It comes as US-backed Syrian fighters seized the last road into ISIS's de facto capital Raqqa, in Syria, after neighbouring Iraq declared 'the end of the fake jihadi state' in its war-torn nation.

Syrian Democratic Forces are now in control of all high-speed routes into Raqqa, captured by ISIS in 2013, from the south, a spokesman for the US-led coalition confirmed.

It was yet another major setback for ISIS which declared its 'caliphate' straddling Syria and Iraq three years ago, but has since lost most of its territory.

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US-backed Syrian fighters have seized the last road into ISIS's de facto capital Raqqa

Colonel Joe Scrocca, spokesman for the US-led coalition, said moving toward the Euphrates from the east 'would completely encircle' Raqqa. Pictured: Kurdish fighters stand on a rooftop in Raqqa

Syrian Democratic Forces are now in control of all high-speed routes into Raqqa, captured by ISIS in 2013. Pictured: Soldiers clash with ISIS fighters in Mosul, Iraq

Iraq has declared 'the end of the fake jihadi state' in its war-torn nation after they recaptured the iconic al-Nuri mosque in Mosul's Old City

Only this week Iraqi forces recaptured an iconic mosque in Mosul, Iraq, the terror group's last major stronghold in the country, prompting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to declare 'the end of the fake jihadist state'.

(SOHR) said an SDF unit has seized villages across the river from Raqqa, describing it as a 'strategic' move that completes the siege around the city.

'IS has no other choice now but to surrender or fight to the end,' said the Observatory director, Rami Abdurrahman.

Tightening the noose around Raqqa effectively seals the territory and denies the militants an escape route to their other stronghold in Deir el-Zour, south of the city.

Colonel Joe Scrocca, spokesman for the US-led coalition, said moving toward the Euphrates from the east 'would completely encircle the city and has been the SDF plan from the start'.

He went on: 'South of the Euphrates river, the SDF now control all high-speed routes into Raqqa.'

British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said an SDF unit has seized villages across the river from Raqqa. Pictured: SDF forces wait to be treated near a field hospital in Raqqa

The advance toward Raqqa city began last year, as Kurdish-led forces fought to clear rural parts of the province of the presence of ISIS. Pictured: A Kurdish fighter in Raqqa

Tightening the noose around Raqqa (pictured) effectively seals the territory and denies the militants an escape route to their other stronghold in Deir el-Zour

Only this week Iraqi forces recaptured an iconic mosque in Mosul (pictured), the terror group's last major stronghold in the country

ISIS militants carried out a counter-attack on SDF forces east of the city hours after the attack, regaining control of the al-Sinaa and Mashalab neighborhoods which were captured in the early days of the offensive.

Speaking in Baghdad, coalition spokesman Ryan Dillon said ISIS fighters have been 'abandoned' by their leadership.

He said in the last week, the SDF have cleared seven and a half square miles of territory in and around Raqqa.

The advance toward Raqqa city began last year, as Kurdish-led forces fought to clear rural parts of the province of the presence of ISIS militants.

Backed by airstrikes from the international coalition, the Syrian fighters captured the strategic town of Tabqa in May, and seized one of Syria's major dams that lies nearby.

The battle for the city began in earnest on June 6, as the fighters moved in from east, west and north of Raqqa.

Scrocca warned that the fight for Raqqa has only began, adding: 'There is still much fighting to be done in the city.'

Only this week Iraqi forces recaptured an iconic mosque in Mosul, Iraq, the terror group's last major stronghold in the country,

Displaced Iraqis walk past the destroyed Al-Nuri Mosque in the Old City of Mosul, as Iraqi government forces continue their offensive to retake the city

The UN has called on the Iraqi government to intervene to halt 'imminent' forced evictions of many people suspected of having ties to Islamic State from the city of Mosul

The jihadists blew up the mosque and minaret on June 21 (pictured) as they put up increasingly desperate resistance to the advance of Iraqi forces

Meanwhile, Iraqi forces have captured the famous and hugely symbolic al-Nuri mosque in Mosul where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi first declared its 'caliphate' nearly three years ago.

He made the 'caliphate' announcement in an audio recording before appearing for the first time in public at the mosque days later.

The declaration ushered in a period of gruesome violence and an attempt by the militant group to erase borders between the neighboring states.

On Friday, the United Nations called on the Iraqi government to intervene to halt 'imminent' forced evictions of many people suspected of having ties to Islamic State from the city of Mosul.

Hundreds of families have received threatening letters laying down a deadline for leaving, mainly under tribal agreements, which amount to 'acts of vengeance', U.N. human rights spokesmman Rupert Colville said.

'We urge the Iraqi Government to take action to halt such imminent evictions or any type of collective punishment, and to reinforce the formal justice system to bring perpetrators to justice,' he told a Geneva news briefing.
A chemical weapons watchdog has confirmed Sarin gas was used in an attack which killed more than 90 people in a Syrian town.

The deadly nerve agent was in fact the substance used in the April 4 attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) concluded.

The findings by will now be taken up by a joint United Nations-OPCW panel to determine whether Syrian government forces, and President Bashar al-Assad, were behind the attack.

A chemical weapons watchdog has confirmed Syria did use Sarin gas against its own people in an attack which killed more than 90 people

Dozens of men, women and children were killed in the attack on the town, in Idlib province, which sparked global outrage.

Horrifying photos and footage of the aftermath showed quivering children dying in their parents arms.

'I strongly condemn this atrocity, which wholly contradicts the norms enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention,' said OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu.

He added: 'The perpetrators of this horrific attack must be held accountable for their crimes.'

There is 'absolutely no doubt' the Syrian regime was behind the use of chemical weapons in Syria, Britain's foreign minister Boris Johnson said today.

Western intelligence agencies had blamed Assad's government for the attack but Syrian officials have repeatedly denied using banned toxins in the conflict.

'I've got absolutely no doubt that the finger points at the Assad regime,' Johnson said on Sky News.

The deadly nerve agent was in fact the substance used in the April 4 attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) concluded

Horrifying photos and footage of the aftermath showed quivering children dying in their parents arms. Pictured: Two men are treated after the gas attack on Khan Sheikhoun

He went on: 'We will drive on with the UK campaign to impose sanctions on those responsible... People who drop chemical weapons on innocent people should be held to account.'

The investigation did not apportion blame. Its findings will be used by a joint United Nations-OPCW investigation team to assess who was responsible.

In a statement issued after the report was circulated, the US State Department said 'the facts reflect a despicable and highly dangerous record of chemical weapons use by the Assad regime'.

President Donald Trump cited images of the aftermath of the Khan Sheikhoun attack when he launched a punitive strike days later, firing cruise missiles on a Syrian government-controlled air base.

It was the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Trump's most dramatic military order since becoming president months before.

Dozens of men, women and children were killed in the attack on the town, in Idlib province, which sparked global outrage

Syrian President Bashar Assad has denied using chemical weapons. His staunch ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, said he believed the attack was 'a provocation' staged 'by people who wanted to blame him [Assad] for that.'

Both the U.S. and the OPCW were at pains to defend the probe's methodology.

Investigators did not visit the scene of the attack, deeming it too dangerous, but analyzed samples from victims and survivors as well as interviewing witnesses.
Kirsty Parkes, 36, pictured, was sacked from her role at a high school in West Lothian following a 2013 internal investigation

A secondary school teacher has been struck off after allowing pupils to take fully written answers into their examinations.

Kirsty Parkes, who was also an exam marker, was sacked from her job at a high school in West Lothian following an internal investigation in 2013.

Now documents released by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) have revealed she has been struck off from the teaching register.

The history teacher of eight years breached Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) rules by allowing pupils, ages 16-17, to take fully written essays into their Higher history exams and also providing them with example essays beforehand.

Mrs Parkes claimed she was not aware of SQA guidance on quality assurance in spite of the fact she had been a marker with the exams body for four years.

The 36-year-old, understood to have taught at Inveralmond Community High School, Livingston, even inappropriately emailed one pupil from her own personal email address to give him example essays ahead of SQA exams.

Mrs Parkes, pictured, was struck off the teaching register after breaking rules by allowing pupils to take fully written essays into exams and also providing them the answers beforehand

Staff also found official papers were inadequately stored in a folder on a shelf in Mrs Parkes' classroom meaning anyone would have access to them, in breach of strict examination procedures.

During a two day GTCS hearing in Edinburgh on June 8 and 9, witnesses gave evidence supporting charges against Mrs Parkes who chose not to attend.

The principal teacher responsible for the history department, known only as Witness B, said she was 'shocked' when she heard Mrs Parkes had been emailing pupils privately and writing some of their essays.

Mrs Parkes seemed to have been well liked by her pupils but the history teacher, who had been practicing for eight years, inappropriately emailed a student from her personal email

The charges against Mrs Parkes, which were found proven on the balance of probability, stated that during the 2012/13 school session, 'whilst employed by West Lothian Council... you did, inappropriately store National Assessment Banks, which resulted in documentation being lost'.

On March 23, 2013, the teacher contacted a pupil 'via your own personal email account and their own personal email account and you did provide them with work and feedback contrary to West Lothian Council policy'.

Mrs Parkes was also found guilty of providing 'inappropriate information to pupils regarding examinations by emailing a pupil with example essays for them to learn for a Scottish Qualification Authority examination' and 'allowing pupils to bring a plan in excess of the stated word limit of 200 words into the SQA extended essay exam'.

Inveralmond High, where Mrs Parkes is understood to have worked. The teacher, also an exam marker, claims she was not aware of Scottish Qualifications Authority rules

The charges also outlined how she provided 'false and/or misleading information to pupils and parents on pupil progress and also to the SQA'.

Mrs Parkes, pictured, is accused of putting pupils' education at harm by allowing them to bring essays into exams

On issuing a removal order, the GTCS decided 'there was a potential for harm to pupils' education to be caused by providing essays and allowing pupils to enter exams with materials which were not permitted'.

The panel added: 'It set a poor example to those for whom essays were provided as well as those pupils who took the exams in accordance with the rules.

'As the panel had found that the respondent had not remedied the conduct and that it was not possible to say that it would not reoccur, a finding of unfit to teach was required in order to protect the public, specifically pupils, from harm.

'Furthermore, a finding of unfit to teach was required in order to mark the seriousness of the conduct.'

The SQA declined to comment.
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Nostalgic photographs have revealed how Brighton looked at the turn of the twentieth century as it began developing into the popular, eclectic seaside town it is today.

The incredible black and white images show the bustling world-famous Brighton pier and the interior of the Hippodrome where Harry Houdini and a host of other stars from the Victorian era entertained audiences.

Other shots show the Corn Exchange during the First World War as it was converted into a hospital for wounded Indians, the clock tower being unveiled in 1888 and the iconic Grand Hotel.

Among the coastal town's most popular attractions, the decadent Royal Pavilion was built in the 19th Century by Prince George, later Prince Regent then King George IV.

Queen Victoria dubbed the opulent building a strange, odd Chinese place, and photographs depict the King's oriental-inspired seaside residence in all its glory before it went on to become one of the most celebrated monuments in Sussex.

The Grand Hotel in the 1880s: Designed by J.H.Whichcor and opened in 1864, this is the earliest known photograph of the building, and the image show work still being carried out on an eastern extension. The hotel was later the scene of the devastating IRA bombing on October 12, 1984 in a bid to kill then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher during the Tory Party conference. Five people died in the explosion and the hotel was completely renovated afterwards

This photograph from around 1894 shows the old Chain Pier (left), the new Palace Pier under construction, and the West Pier in the distance. The Royal Suspension Chain Pier was the first major pier built in 1823 before it was destroyed during a storm in 1896. The West Pier was designed and engineered by Eugenius Birch and opened to the public in 1866. On March 28, 2003, the Pavilion was destroyed in an arson attack, and on May 11 the Concert Hall, already seriously damaged in a huge storm the previous December, was also deliberately set on fire

 Slide me  The Royal Pavilion, 1946: The iconic fortress was built by George IV, who reigned from 1820 to 1830, and also served as a seaside residence for his brother, William IV. Queen Victoria, William's niece, also used it but disliked Brighton and the building's lack of privacy so visited rarely, eventually selling it to the Brighton Commissioners (the group responsible for local government at the time) in 1850 for 53,000

The interior of the 'Hippo', photographed in the early 1900s following conversion. Every famous variety entertainer appeared at the world-famous theatre over the years, including magician Harry Houdini, Sarah Bernhardt, Harry Lauder, male impersonator Vesta Tilley, George Robey and Marie Lloyd

A view of the Corn Exchange converted into a hospital: Originally a riding school for the Prince of Wales, the Corn Exchange building formed the west wing of the Royal Stables and was completed by the Princes architect William Porden between 1803 and 1808. In the First World War, from 1914-1916 it was converted into a military hospital for Indian soldiers injured on the battlefields of the Western Front. From 1916 to 1920 it was used as a hospital for British troops who had lost arms or legs in the war

The vessel here is the Brighton Queen, built in 1897 and owned, when this view was taken in the early 1900s, by P. and A. Campbell, the leading coastal cruising firm of the day. The vessel was lost in the First World War, when on minesweeping duty off the Belgian coast. Brighton Queen II replaced it in 1933, but this too was lost when bombed during the Dunkirk evacuation

The unveiling ceremony of the clock tower in 1888, with all the town worthies assembled for the official photograph. The man in the stylish pale top hat is James Willing, a wealthy advertising contractor who had paid 2,000 for the tower to be built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria (which was the year before). Famously dismissed by architectural expert Nikolaus Pevsner as 'worthless', there have been a number of attempts to have it removed over the years, none of which have succeeded

 Slide me  East Street was, and still is, a popular shopping thoroughfare and remains extremely narrow compared to North and West Streets. Today it is partly pedestrianised. This view looks north but is the southern end of the street, (left around 1905), with Pool Valley off to the right

This picture shows a tram at the Lewes Road depot around 1901. The depot remains in place today, used by the Brighton & Hove bus company, which was established in 1884 as the Brighton, Hove and Preston United Omnibus Company

The railway works at Brighton could turn out an engine in just four weeks. By 1914, Fernhurst was stationed at Fratton and received a major overhaul at Brighton in 1949, before ending its working days at Three Bridges. It was withdrawn in 1951
German Chancellor Angela Merkel today voted against a law to legalise same-sex marriage, but was defeated when the bill was passed by a huge majority.

Parliament voted in favour by 393 votes to 226 but the German chancellor maintained her belief the union was the preserve of a man and a woman.

'To me, marriage as defined in the German basic law means the marriage between husband and wife,' she said shortly after the vote.

Gay and lesbian activists waving rainbow flags cheered in joyful celebration of the historic vote as some parliamentarians inside the hall threw confetti in the air.

'Choose Love,' read one banner in the about 100-strong crowd outside Chancellor Angela Merkel's office and near the Reichstag building housing the lower house.

Champagne corks popped and whoops, cheers and whistle blasts went through the crowd braving summer rain as news broke that lawmakers inside the chamber had passed the historic bill.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has voted against a law to legalise same-sex marriage

Green Party's gay rights activist Volker Beck (left) celebrates the vote in the Reichstag building by throwing confetti in the air

Gay couples were seen kissing outside the Reichstag building to celebrate the historic vote

Among those celebrating from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community was Soeren Landmann of the 'Marriage for All' initiative.

'I got married one year ago in Scotland because we were not allowed to do it in Germany,' he said. 'I am inconceivably happy that a couple that would like to get married won't have to go abroad for it anymore, and that they can now get married here in a very normal way.'

Merkel pulled a last minute U-turn which freed members of her ruling conservative party to follow their personal conscience, rather than the party line.

Her announcement was condemned by some in her traditionally Catholic conservative party.

But Merkel, who will seek a fourth term in September, said her decision was a personal one.

She added: 'I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between the different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace.'

Though her stance on gay marriage remains, she admitted she had changed her mind on the question of child adoption by same-sex couples, which she long opposed.

Merkel pulled a last minute U-turn which freed members of her ruling conservative party to follow their personal conscience. Pictured: A gay couple celebrates the vote outside parliament

Same sex marriage advocates turned up outside the Reichstag building holding signs that read: 'Germany said yes to equality!'

Merkel's announcement to let her party vote their conscience was condemned by some in her traditionally Catholic conservative party

Merkel, who will seek a fourth term in September, said her decision was a personal one

Supporters of gay rights gathered outside the Chancellery with cake to celebrate a vote at the nearby Bundestag

Thomas Oppermann (left), parliamentary group leader of the social democratic SPD party, and SPD leader and candidate for chancellor Martin Schulz (right) celebrate the vote with cake

Members of the Green Party around Volker Beck (centre) celebrate after the vote on legalising same-sex marriages

SAME SEX MARRIAGE AROUND THE WORLD Aside from Germany, same-sex marriage is legal in 22 countries: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greenland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Uruguay, United States. In some of these countries including as Mexico and Britain, marriage is only open to same-sex couples in some regions. Northern Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom where same-sex marriage is not allowed. The first country to legalise same-sex marriage was the Netherlands in 2001. In Africa, where homosexuality is a crime in many countries and can lead to imprisonment or the death penalty, South Africa alone has granted the same access to gay couples. Same-sex marriage legislation came into force there in 2006. There are no countries in Asia that allow same-sex couples to marry, or enter civil unions of any kind. In May, Taiwan's constitutional court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to legally marry, the first such ruling in Asia. Almost one in three adults globally believe people of the same sex should be allowed to marry, a survey of almost 100,000 people in 65 countries showed in 2016. Advertisement

Merkel went on: 'Since then I have thought a lot about the matter of child welfare and have now... come to the conviction that same-sex couples should be able to jointly adopt children.'

Merkel had allowed her conservative party's lawmakers to vote their conscience rather than follow the party line in the vote, which was strongly supported by leftist parties.

Political analysts say the issue will likely have faded from voters' memories by the time the election is upon them.

The vote marks a rare victory for Merkel's Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners, who are trailing the conservatives in opinion polls.

They had seized on Merkel's surprise comments on Monday to say they would push for an early vote before parliament's summer recess.

Many other European countries, including France, Britain and Spain, have already legalised same-sex marriage

Success in passing the so-called 'marriage for all' amendment could provide a sorely needed boost for the centre-left SPD, Merkel's coalition allies

The law was passed in parliament today but Merkel said she maintained her belief marriage was the preserve of a man and a woman

Success in passing the so-called 'marriage for all' amendment could provide a sorely needed boost for the centre-left SPD, which has seen a short-lived boost in the polls earlier this year evaporate in recent months.

The measure will likely be signed into law by the president some time after July 7.

Many other European countries, including France, Britain and Spain, have already legalised same-sex marriage.
Jose Arizmendi, 54, (pictured in 1996) who lived in Harris County, in Texas, had failed to disclose his 1996 conviction when he applied for US citizenship the same year

A judge has revoked a child sex abuser's US citizenship 20 years after the Mexican native lied to immigration officials about his conviction.

Jose Arizmendi, 54, who lived in Harris County, in Texas, had failed to disclose his 1996 conviction when he applied for US citizenship the same year.

The case is one of a growing number of immigrants stripped of citizenship following a push that began in the final years of the Obama administration.

The 54-year-old had pleaded guilty in Harris County to aggravated sexual assault of a child in April 1996, accepting 10 years of probation as part of a deferred adjudication agreement.

He applied to become a citizen later that month and during his October 1996 immigration interview he replied 'no' when asked whether he had ever been arrested or convicted of a serious crime.

Following that the government approved his application and Arizmendi became a citizen later that year.

However, through record searches, immigration officials came to learn about his child sex assault conviction.

They then handed the case over to the Department of Justice.

Authorities then learned Arizmendi was being held in a jail in Mexico after a 2012 arrest there for rape of a minor. He was serving an 18 year prison sentence in the country.

Although Arizmendi might have qualified for criminal denaturalization proceedings, a 10-year statute of limitations forced the federal government to seek a civil denaturalization instead.

It took more than a year to serve legal papers to the Mexican prison he was incarcerated at.

His case was finally heard by federal judge Vanessa Gilmore, who ruled that his conviction stopped him demonstrated the necessary good moral character he needed to quality for US citizenship.

Judge Gilmore also ruled that he did not meet the requirements for naturalization and unlawfully procured his citizenship because he hid his conviction from federal immigration authorities.

Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez for the Southern District of Texas said: 'Applications for naturalization must be candid with all material facts. Like in this case, failing to disclose material data should result in denaturalization.'

Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler said in a statement: 'The Justice Department is committed to preserving the integrity of our nation's immigration system.

'We will aggressively pursue denaturalization in cases where individuals lie on their naturalization applications, especially in a circumstance like this one, which involved a child sex abuser.

'Civil denaturalization cases are an important law enforcement tool for protecting the public, including our children.'
A Korean man has been jailed for at least 27 years for murdering his new Sydney flatmate with a sledgehammer before dumping his body in a wheelie bin and stealing more than $60,000 from his bank account.

Tai Jin Park, 27, had tried to claim he brutally bashed Suyong An, 26, in a spontaneous outburst of temper and said he only decided to withdraw the Korean student's money and sell his car after the murder.

However, Justice Megan Latham on Friday found Park decided to steal from Mr An and planned the murder after seeing his new flatmate 'was from a supportive and comparatively wealthy family'.

She said Park asked a co-worker before the killing where he could find luggage large enough to contain a human and told an acquaintance he was selling his car for cash - even though he didn't own one.

Tai Jin Park (pictured) has been jailed for at least 27 years for murdering his new Sydney flatmate with a sledgehammer

Park, 27, previously pleaded guilty to murdering Suyong An, 26, in the early hours of August 19, 2015 at a granny flat he had just moved into at Epping in Sydney's northwest

'Premeditation, an intention to kill, and a brutal assault upon a young man whom the offender barely knew for base financial reasons place this offence in the more serious category than many instances of murder coming before the courts,' she said.

Park, who has been in custody since his arrest in August 2015, showed no reaction when he was sentenced to a maximum 36 years in prison with a non-parole period of 27 years.

He previously pleaded guilty to murdering Mr An in the early hours of August 19, 2015 at a granny flat he had just moved into at Epping in Sydney's northwest.

Mr An's body was found three days later in a wheelie bin around the corner from his flat, wrapped in a large orange plastic bag inside a suitcase.

Park told the court he put Mr An into two plastic bags after thinking he had killed him in a fight, then hit the bags with a sledgehammer after hearing a scream.

But Justice Latham on Friday said his account was 'implausible on its face' given the forensic evidence, including the victim's blood and hair on the head of the sledgehammer.

Park was sentenced in the New South Wales Supreme Court (pictured) on Friday

'The presence of the victim's blood throughout the premises suggests a sustained, vicious attack upon the victim who was pursued through almost every room of the house,' she said.

The judge acknowledged the effects of the murder on Mr An's family.

His father told the court he sold his business and moved from the family home because of the pain of losing his son.

Park's sentence is backdated to August 25, 2015, meaning he'll be eligible for parole in 2042.
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Poignant images of British soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme have been brought to life in striking colour on the 101st anniversary of the bloody conflict.

The photos, taken during the five-month-long battle, show British troops joyfully posing for the camera.

They include four medics relaxing smoking pipes and a sergeant from the Durham Light Infantry standing with a French family and French navy man.

Poignant images of the unknown British soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme have been brought to life in striking colour. Pictured: A group of British soldiers wearing caps belonging to the French 1st Zouaves Regiment

The photos, taken during the five-month-long battle, show British troops and their allies posing for the camera

The striking set includes men from the Royal Field Artillery enjoying a cigarette and a Royal Engineers officer and a signaller (both pictured) on horseback

Others show men from the Royal Field Artillery enjoying a cigarette, a Royal Engineers officer on horseback and other soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder with their French allies.

The images were taken by French couple Louis and Antoinette Thuilliers as mementos to send home before the soldiers went to fight and die in battle.

They were lost in a farmhouse attic for decades before they were rediscovered by Australian television network, Channel Seven.

The WW1 photographs were expertly colourised by French bank technician, Frederic Duriez.

'All of these soldiers are traumatised and their looks express the terror and horror of war and fighting,' he said.

He went on: 'I live near Vignacourt, about 60km away, and there is an English cemetery in my region so I wanted to praise their courage and loyalty and I visited the farm and the village a short time ago.

'Colouring the uniform wasn't easy. I had to find the exact hue and the insignia so I had to search the internet for the models that would correspond.'

The photos have been colourised the 101st anniversary of the bloody conflict in which more than a million soldiers from all sides perished. Pictured: Members of the Royal Field Artillery

The images were taken by French couple Louis and Antoinette Thuilliers as mementos to send home before the soldiers went to fight and die in battle

Lasting 141 days, the Battle of the Somme was the bloodiest battle of the First World War. Pictured: An anonymous British soldier at Vignacourt, left, and two other British soldiers, right

Around 420,000 British soldiers, 200,000 Frenchmen and 500,000 Germans were killed in the battle. Pictured: Two British soldiers accompanied by three French troops of the 256th Infantry Regiment

Lasting 141 days, the Battle of the Somme was the bloodiest battle of the First World War. Around 420,000 British soldiers, 200,000 Frenchmen and 500,000 Germans were killed in the battle.

The British and French joined forces to fight the Germans on a 15-mile-long front, with more than a million-people killed or injured on both sides.

The Battle started on the July 1, 1916, and lasted until November 19, 1916. The British managed to advance seven-miles but failed to break the German defence.

On the first day alone, 19,240 British soldiers were killed after 'going over the top' and more than 38,000 were wounded.

But on the last day of the battle, the 51st Highland Division took Beaumont Hamel and captured 7,000 German prisoners.

The plan was for a 'Big Push' to relieve the French forces, who were besieged further south at Verdun, and break through German lines.

The British and French joined forces to fight the Germans on a 15-mile-long front, with more than a million-people killed or injured on both sides. Four anonymous British soldiers at Vignacourt

On the first day alone, 19,240 British soldiers were killed after 'going over the top' and more than 38,000 were wounded

Frederic, who has been practicing colourisation for two years, said: 'Once you colourise black and white images, the space of time between history and now becomes shorter.' Pictured: A Sergeant from the Durham Light Infantry with a French family and a friend from the French navy

The plan was for a 'Big Push' to relieve the French forces, who were besieged further south at Verdun, and break through German lines. Pictured: A member of the Yorkshire Regiment, left, and an anonymous soldier, right

Frederic has been practicing colourisation for two years.

He said: 'Once you colourise black and white images, the space of time between history and now becomes shorter.

'I look at the people's faces, the landscapes and research the fashion and clothes from the period that I'm colourising.
A British father has died in Majorca after jumping off a Spanish party boat used in the Inbetweeners movie, it has emerged.

Etienne Hampton, who lived on Jersey and had a four-year-old daughter, got into difficulties after jumping from The Britannia off the coast of Magaluf in Majorca.

The 29-year-old was hauled back on board the boat, which had a free bar and was carrying 240 tourists, before being taken to shore for treatment. But he died two days later in hospital in the island's capital Palma on June 20.

Police have been asked to investigate the incident, which happened during a booze cruise on a vessel used in the 2011 Inbetweeners movie.

British father Etienne Hampton (pictured) has died in Majorca after jumping off a Spanish party boat used in the Inbetweeners movie, it has been reported

Etienne Hampton (pictured), who lived on Jersey and had a four-year-old daughter, got into difficulties after jumping from The Britannia off the coast of Magaluf in Majorca

In the film, one of the characters, Simon, nearly drowns when he leaps in to the sea halfway through the cruise.

Customers on the vessel have described the horrific moment they noticed someone below the surface.

The boat had stopped 30 minutes in to the three-hour, 50 cruise and people were given the opportunity to swim. Passengers reported that conditions were 'choppy'.

Mr Hampton, an electrician, jumped off the front of the boat with about 12 others but immediately got into difficulty before British tourists jumped in to try to save him, his uncle, Ben Hampton, told MailOnline.

One mechanic Dave Sherwood told The Sun how he heard people shouting 'He's drowning, he's drowning'.

He said he friend Nick Rowlands saw a man six inches below the surface before he 'risked his own life' jumping in, in a desperate rescue bid.

Etienne's uncle, Ben, described the electrician (pictured) as a 'fantastic father' to his young daughter

Police have been asked to investigate the incident, which happened during a booze cruise on a vessel used in the 2011 Inbetweeners movie. In the film, one of the characters, Simon, nearly drowns when he leaps in to the sea halfway through the cruise (pictured)

Mr Hampton's uncle, Ben Hampton, told MailOnline that Spanish authorities believe Etienne had suffered a heart attack on entering the water.

He said a British nurse helped give Etienne CPR on the journey back to shore. But tragically he died two days later.

Ben has set up a Just Giving page to raise money to help the family with costs after the tragedy.

He told MailOnline: 'Etienne was a fantastic father - he loved his daughter to bits and it is going to be very difficult for her.'

Ben said that his nephew's final Facebook posts showed Etienne was 'having a blast' and that he had recently written 'absolutely smashing life - loving it' on his time line.

Magistrates on the island are due to request an investigation in to the incident, Ben added.

The firm which sells the cruises  Magaluf Events  declined to comment, according to The Sun.
Prince Harry has honoured three young Australians for their 'inspirational' community service work at an awards ceremony in London.

The Prince spoke at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards at Australia House on Friday, addressing representatives of 36 Commonwealth countries.

Among the crowd were Madeleine Buchner from Melbourne who set up Little Dreamers, an organisation which provides support for young carers.

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Prince Harry has honoured three young Australians (pictured) for their 'inspirational' community service work at an awards ceremony at Australia House in London

In his speech the Prince (pictured) said: 'At home and abroad, I see people  especially young people  doing incredible things'

She told Nine News: 'My grandma always told me you need to know how to use a napkin because one day you'll be sitting next to a Royal and I thought that would never happen, but apparently it does!'

Abdullahi Alim from Perth was honoured for his work negating violent extremism.

Mr Alim runs 'hackathons'  fast-paced and intense exercises that bring young innovators together to develop solutions to global challenges.

MYHACK, an anti-extremism hackathon he coordinates, has seen young Australians create cutting-edge digital solutions to undermine the influence and pervasive appeal of violent extremist propaganda.

Sydney disability advocate Jordan O'Reilly was also honoured for a not-for-profit organisation he founded with his sister, called Fighting Chance.

Australian Madeleine Buchner from Melbourne is seen being presented an award from The Queen Little Dreamers, an organisation which provides support for young carers

The Queen also presented an award to Abdullahi Alim from Perth for his work negating violent extremism through online hackathons

Since starting in 2011, Fighting Chance has raised more than $3.1 million and runs a range of initiatives including vocational programs to challenge unemployment and social programs to tackle isolation.

Jordan said meeting Prince Harry was 'incredible' and that he was 'a little bit starstruck'.

In his speech, Prince Harry said: 'We often hear and read so much about the challenges people are facing in every corner of the world  all of which is brought vividly to life through digital and social media.

'We are better connected than ever before  this can make the world seem a faster, more complex, and challenging place. And too often it can make us all feel pessimistic about the future.

Jordan O'Reilly from Sydney was also presented with an award by The Queen for his disability advocacy work through not-for-profit organisation Fighting Chance

Prince Harry told the representatives of 36 Commonwealth countries that they were making the world 'a better, more optimistic, and compassionate place'

'But that's not what I see. At home and abroad, I see people  especially young people  doing incredible things.

'Young people are using this technology more than ever to be a force for good and positive change in their communities.

'They are creative and innovative, and most importantly, they are committed to making the world a better, more optimistic, and compassionate place.'

The award was launched in 2014 by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry to promote young peoples charitable work that changes their communities.
Two Christian street preachers who were fined 300 each over a sermon they gave to shoppers have won appeals against their convictions.

Michael Overd, 53, and former US marine Michael Stockwell, 51, were found guilty of religiously-aggravated public order offences in Bristol four months ago.

The men had been filmed in July 2016 shouting 'Mohammed is a liar' and telling shoppers being gay was 'immoral' while preaching at Broadmead shopping centre.

Michael Overd (left) was arrested in July 2016 at Broadmead shopping centre in Bristol and convicted of a religiously-aggravated public order offence - but has now won his appeal

But both men, who are street preachers rather than ordained vicars, insisted they were simply reading from the King James Bible - and denied aiming hostility at other faiths or sexualities.

Yesterday, judges at Bristol Crown Court said Mr Stockwell, from Selden in New York, 'did no more than express his no doubt sincerely held religious beliefs'.

They added that Mr Overd, of Creech St Michael, Somerset, seemed to take some satisfaction in 'working the crowd', but had not committed a public order offence.

In July last year, the men preached to shoppers about Islam, Buddhism, and even Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as sex before marriage and sexuality.

One witness claimed they were there 'to pick a fight' and that that the incident in front of up to 100 people took place on the first day of the Muslim festival of Eid.

Prosecutors claimed there was 'considerable' hostility from the crowd, and the men refused to turn down their amplifier after being asked by a nearby trader.

Mr Overd (left), 53, and Michael Stockwell (right), 51, were both found guilty of the public order offences in Bristol four months ago - but are pictured yesterday after winning their appeals

The crowd then chanted 'go home' at the men before police came and arrested them. Footage from a body camera worn by Mr Overd was shown in court.

During the video, Mr Stockwell said: 'Allah is the greatest deceiver - that's in the Koran.' He added: 'You will die for your sins and be cast into hell.'

Mr Overd told the crowd: 'Mohammed is a liar and a thief, just like you and me. Buddha isn't on the cross - he is a liar, just like you and me.'

He said sex before marriage was immoral and that it used to be a shameful thing to get divorced. 'David Cameron is no more a Christian than my dogs,' he added.

In February, the men were each given a 300 fine, ordered to pay a 30 victim surcharge and shared prosecution costs of 3,372  totalling 2,016 each.

But they successfully appealed against their conviction at a two-day hearing at Bristol Crown Court this week in front of Judge Martin Picton.

In July last year, the men preached to shoppers at Broadmead shopping centre in Bristol about Islam, Buddhism, and even Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as sex before marriage and sexuality

The judge and two magistrates said they found the prosecution had not proved the preachers showed hostility to members of another religious group.

The preachers celebrated with supporters after their court victory, with Mr Stockwell telling the Bristol Post: 'I feel elated that it is over.

'My heart is still for the Bristol people, and that they will be able to hear the gospel being preached on the streets unhindered.'

Mr Overd told the BBC: 'This is not an isolated case. How many times must we go to court before there is respect for the law? My heart bleeds for this country.

'But I am a patriot and I will be back on the streets to preach. My life is not my own. I am a Christian soldier and I rejoice in this prosecution.'

The Christian preachers were arrested in July 2016 after an angry crowd formed in Bristol

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre which has been supporting the men, said yesterday's ruling was a 'victory for freedom of speech'.

She added: 'The Bible and its teachings are the foundation of our society and provided many of the freedoms and protections that we still enjoy today.

'At a time where Christians are becoming increasingly fearful about expressing their beliefs in the public space, this is a welcome and needed result.'

In February 2012, Mr Overd was cleared of harassing a gay couple on Taunton High Street in Somerset after telling them homosexuals would 'burn in hell'.

A court heard he approached the pair and called them 'sinners', but Mr Overd claimed he was exercising his right to expression by reading from the Bible.
Greater Manchester Police are seeking to re-interpret letters sent between Moors Murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley to see if they contain clues about where they the pair hid Keith Bennett's body.

The files, which contain correspondence between Hindley and her former lover between 1965 and 1966, are currently being held by the National Archives in Kew.

The files have been sealed from the public for 84 years and are not due to be opened until January 1, 2051.

Police are seeking to re-interpret prison letters sent between Myra Hindley, left, and her lover Ian Brady, right, to see if they can help find the body of 12-year-old Keith Bennett

Keith Bennett was last seen at his home on Chorlton -on-Medlock, Manchester at 8pm on June 16, 1964. When he went missing he was not wearing his spectacles

However, early access to the file is possible under the Freedom of Information Act.

According to the National Archives, who hold the files: 'One of the most notorious crimes of 20th century Britain, the story of Brady and Hindley and their victims remains a source of intense interest and speculation.

'With the body of one of the victims yet to be recovered, there is still public concern about the case. Information that might help to explain the circumstances would not only be of interest but would help the community come to terms with a case that still causes considerable anxiety to this day.'

The Ministry of Justice is opposed to releasing the files claiming that there is still an active police investigation and the information contained within the files could still provide help in finding Keith Bennett's body.

In a letter denying access to MailOnline to the file, it is claimed: 'Combined with new information, or re-interpreted, it could prove key in finally bringing this case to a conclusion. Therefore disclosure into the public domain may risk prejudicing the opportunity to resolve the final mystery in this, one of the defining criminal cases of the last century.

'Whilst it is appreciated that a great deal of information about the "Moors Murders" is already in the public domain, the level of detail in these files goes beyond that has already been made public.

The letters are in a file held by the National Archives in Kew, similar to this one. The Ministry of Justice say the file containing the letters must remain secret until January 1, 2051

Police think there may be clues contained within the letters from Hindley to Brady, left, about the location of Keith Bennett's body, who went missing from his home on June 16, 1964

'It is considered that the release of this information would impart the risk of subjecting the surviving members of the families of victims whose bodies have been found and, just as importantly, those whose bodies have not yet found to a totally unacceptable level of mental distress. It is not considered appropriate to provide such a level of detail to any members of the public.'

Brady, 79, died at Ashworth secure hospital in Liverpool in May having been jailed along with Hindley, for the murder of five children whose bodies were dumped on Saddleworth Moor, outside Manchester.

Brady was found guilty of kidnapping and murdering 12-year-old John Kilbride, Edward Evans, 17 and Lesley Ann Downey, 10.

Hindley was convicted of the murders of Downey and Evans as well as trying to protect Brady over the Kilbride killing.

The pair later admitted murdering Pauline Reade, 16, in 1963 and Keith Bennett, 12, in 1964.

Keith's body has never been found. It is believed to be buried in Saddleworth Moor.

Police have found three graves on Saddleworth Moor, while the body of Edward Evans was recovered from Brady's house. The body of their fifth victim Keith Bennett is still missing

Myra Hindley's brother-in-law Dave Smith, pictured, witnessed the murder of Edward Evans and reported the pair to police which led to their arrest and conviction

Hindley died in November 2002 aged 60. Following her death, officials released more than 500 files relating to her time in prison, however, the correspondence between Hindley and Brady was further embargoed.

Police were only alerted after they were tipped-off by Hindley's brother-in-law Dave Smith - who witnessed the final murder of Edward Evans. Brady wanted to involve Smith in their murder spree.

During their trial the court heard tape recordings made by the couple of their victims pleading for mercy before they were tortured and killed.

One tape featured the voice of Downey, filled with pain and fear, whimpering: 'I want to see my mummy. Please God, help me.'
Shocking video footage shows the moment a racist thug hit a Muslim woman with a packet of bacon in a sickening attack in north London.

Alex Chivers, 36, abused a teenager and her mother who were wearing Islamic dress in Enfield last month, before hitting the younger of the two with the bacon.

After he was jailed for racially aggravated assault this week, police released video footage of his crime and vowed to crack down on race hate attacks.

Disturbing video footage shows the moment a racist thug hit a Muslim teenager in the face with a packet of bacon

The teenage victim was walking with her mother when she was approached by masked Chivers, whose attack was filmed by a friend.

The footage shows Chivers preparing for the attack, before walking up behind the women and hitting the younger of the two.

He shouted 'Isil scum' before adding 'you deserve this' as he struck the teen across the face.

Police said the victim avoided serious injury but was extremely shaken by the incident.

Alex Chivers, who grinned in a photo taken by police after his arrest, was jailed this week for the racist attack

Highbury Corner Magistrates sentenced Chivers to 26 weeks' imprisonment for the assault and 12 weeks' imprisonment for a public order offence, to run concurrently.

He was also ordered to pay a 115 victim surcharge and will complete a 12-month supervision order when he is released on licence.

DC James Payne from Enfield Community Safety Unit (CSU) said: 'This was a truly shocking incident.

'The victim was out with her mother and getting on with her day when Chivers abused her and then set upon her with something he knew would both upset and offend her.

'We know other people were present during this attack, including an associate of Chivers' who filmed the incident.

'Enquiries are ongoing to trace these people and if you have any information that may assist in identifying them please contact the Community Safety Unit at Enfield via 101.

'The Community Safety Unit here in Enfield would encourage all victims of hate crime to contact police so that the culprits can be identified and brought to justice.'

A Scotland Yard spokesman added: 'The Met have long since recognised the impact of hate crime on communities and the hidden nature of this crime, which remains largely under-reported.

'The MPS stands together with policing partners, colleagues and groups to investigate all hate crime allegations, support victims and their families, and bring perpetrators to justice.'
A mother-of-three was killed with a single bullet to the head inside her family home just hours after posting about her incredible life transformation on Facebook.

Makeva Jenkins, 33, was shot just yards from her children around 2am at her home in Lake Worth, Florida, by a male intruder wearing a ski mask, police said.

Her death came after she penned a Facebook post detailing her journey from homelessness to earning multiple six figure sums in just two years.

Relatives now fear that post led to her death, the Palm Beach Post reports.

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Makeva Jenkins, 33, died in the early hours of Thursday after being shot once in the head at her family home in Lake Worth, Florida

Ms Jenkins death came two hours after she uploaded this post to Facebook, celebrating her journey from homelessness to earning six figures

Ms Jenkins uploaded the post at around 11.30pm on Wednesday, writing that she was 'in awe of how far I've come'.

The post was accompanied by a photo of an old conversation she had with a friend about financial management courses being offered for $99.

She said: 'This lady reached out to me about my business plans. We've been Facebook friends for years but the last time we spoke was 8/2011.

'In this message I was inquiring about Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University offered through her church. I couldn't even afford $99 at that time.

The post was accompanied by this old conversation in which Ms Jenkins discussed taking a financial course that would transform her life

'Fast forward to now: We overcame being homeless in 2013/2014 to reaching my six figure mark in 2015 to now making multi six figures.

'No matter what the road looked like, I followed my heart and stuck with it growing my business.

'I'm saying this to say, anyone can do it. It takes determination and consistency.'

Two hours later, around 1.30am on Thursday, a man wearing a ski mask broke into her home at 4104 Plumbago Place through the garage, CBS12 reports.

The intruder held the three adults inside, including Ms Jenkins, at gunpoint along with the three children, aged one, seven and 13.

One of those who was inside the property told CBS that he convinced the gunman to let the children leave the room where they were being held and go into an adjoining pool area.

After the children had left, the gunman ordered the remaining adults to lie on the floor, before he shot Ms Jenkins in the head.

She was rushed to hospital but later died from her injuries.

Meanwhile the gunman fled in the family vehicle, which was later found dumped nearby, and is now on the run.

A second Facebook post on Ms Jenkins page, uploaded by a loved one later on Thursday, read: 'Regretfully, the news reports are true.

Distraught relatives updated Ms Jenkin's Facebook page on Thursday confirming her death, and asking for prayers

Police said a man wearing a ski mask broke into Ms Jenkin's home around 1.30am through the garage before holding up three adults and three children at gunpoint

One of the people inside the house said Me Jekins convinced the intruder to let her children go into an adjoining room. He then ordered Ms Jenkins to lay down on the floor then shot her

'The family of Makeva Jenkins asks that their privacy be respected at this most trying time. All of your love, condolences, and well wishes are appreciated. Please keep the family in your prayers.'

Since being uploaded it has attracted thousands of expressions of sympathy, along with hundreds of condolence messages.

Ms Jenkins made her money running The Prime Enterprise Group, a consultancy firm which helps create business plans for small and medium sized companies.

Speaking about the death, friend Patricia Clarke said: 'She was a very loving person. She loved her kids, and loved her family and loved her husband.'

Ms Jenkins wed husband Euri in 2011, records show.

'Its a great family and Im just lost for words for what happened,' Ms Clarke added.
Former Auburn deputy mayor and developer Salim Mehajer has failed in his bid to have the appointment of administrators to his two companies declared invalid.

Sydney property developer Salim Mehajer has lost his challenge to the appointment of administrators to his two companies which reportedly owe creditors $97 million.

In the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, Justice Stephen Robb made a declaration that the June 16 appointment was valid.

Salim Mehajer (pictured) lost his court declaration to have administrators deemed invalid

Mehajer appeared in the New South Wales Supreme Court on Thursday

Mr Mehajer had testified that 12 hours before the appointment he had ousted the director of Sydney Project Group Pty Ltd and SET Services Pty Ltd and replaced him with his sister Khadijeh Mehajer.

Justice Robb said in the court ruling that the evidence suggested at a superficial level that the companies have 'enormous debts and very little cash at bank' and 'it is highly likely that the companies are insolvent.'

This was after the court heard the businesses owed nearly $100 million to creditors, but claimed there was only $32,000 in the bank, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

On June 16, former director Kenneth Lee appointed administrators Michael Hogan and Christian Sprowles to the businesses following a financier SC Lowry issuing a statutory demand for $83 million.

Mehajer had to pay the administrators' legal costs following the decision

Following their appointment, Mr Mehajer went to the court to claim their role was invalid because Mr Lee had been removed as a director following a meeting at 5.31am that day.

Justice Robb said 'although Mr Mehajers evidence was not supported by the evidence of witnesses that ought to have been readily available' - including his sister and solicitor - he was given an explanation.

Justice Robb concluded 'The evidence concerning the financial circumstances of the companies is incomplete, I would have required further evidence to be provided to the court before I finally ruled on the question of whether validating orders should be made.'

Justice Robb ordered that the defendants, the Mehajers, pay the administrators' legal costs.
Together forever: Hilda and Roy Moss, from Swindon in Wiltshire, pictured together last year on their 64th anniversary

A devoted wife has passed away just a day before her terminally ill husband of 65 years after refusing to eat or drink when she realised her loved one was dying.

Hilda and Roy Moss, from Swindon in Wiltshire, fell in love in the 1950s when they both worked as bus conductors in London.

But in recent years as the couple suffered ill health, the pair were moved into a care home where Hilda was treated for dementia and Roy a terminal illness.

Sadly the couple lost their respective fights within hours of each other, after Hilda gave up eating and drinking for fear of being without her husband.

Daughter Lynne Kellow, 53, said: 'We'd been told Dad was at the end of his life, and Mum hadn't been eating and drinking.

'We felt that once Dad went she wouldn't survive - but she felt she would go before him. I think she was aware of what was happening.'

She said: 'They were both poorly towards the end, at least they are together. I don't think either would have coped without the other.'

Mrs Kellow added: 'She knew he was poorly as he started to be cared for at home and not in a hospital.'

Roy was 23 and Hilda was just 20, and within a year they had tied the knot - the start of a 65-year marriage.

They moved into a care home where they had a bedroom and a sitting room and were visited daily by family members.

Pictured: Roy (left) was 23 and Hilda (right) 20 when the pair met and fell in love in the 1950s

In love: A few years after they wed, Roy and Hilda moved to Swindon where they raised their three children, Lynne, Christine and Stephen

Happily married: Within a year of meeting, they had tied the knot sparking the start of a 65-year marriage

The 85-year-old mother-of-three died a day before Roy, in the care home in Swindon, Wiltshire, where they lived for a year.

Heartbreakingly, the following day Roy died aged 89.

Despite the medical condition which worsened her memory, Hilda 'knew who everybody was, and what was happening,' her daughter said.

A few years after they wed, Roy and Hilda moved to Swindon where they raised their three children, Lynne, Christine and Stephen.

Roy worked as a milkman and drove a minibus in his old age. Hilda worked as a tea lady in the town's civic offices, as well as for BT.

A trip away: The happily married couple, pictured above together, enjoyed a trip to Clacton in Essex in the 1960s

Work life: After leaving his job as a coach conductor, Roy became a milkman and drove a minibus in his old age. Hilda worked as a tea lady in the local civic offices, as well as for BT

But their greatest joy was spending time with family - including two grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild and five step-great-grandchildren.

Mrs Kellow said: 'They had a happy, long life with their family. All we can say is we are sad but glad.'

She praised the Orchid Care Home, Haydon Wick, Wiltshire, where the couple spent their last year together.

She added: 'Mostly they enjoyed being with family, going on family holidays, stuff like that.

'I suppose they just looked after each other. It was give and take, that's what they'd say.'
It might resemble something out of Star Wars, but this is the prototype for a combat suit that Russia hopes will give its soldiers the edge on the battlefields of the future.

The high-tech item includes an exo-skeleton, or outer layer, designed to boost strength and stamina and a layer of body armour to shield the wearer from bullets.

The all-black kit also has a Stormtrooper-style helmet with a tinted glass visor and a mini task light poking out of the side.

The high-tech item includes an exo-skeleton, or outer layer, designed to boost strength and stamina. Pictured is the combat suit on display, left, pictured alongside a Star Wars Stormtrooper, right

It was put on display on Thursday at the National University of Science and Technology in Moscow.

A model standing more than six-feet tall wore the suit while cradling a fearsome-looking firearm in a pair of black padded gloves.

His arms were covered in fabric patterned with camouflage print and protected by armoured plates marked with the Russian flag.

On his legs were a pair of bulky shoes resembling ski boots, which were supported by a metal frame wrapped around the waist.

It was put on display on Thursday at the National University of Science and Technology in Moscow, where a demonstrator talked through its various features

A model standing more than six-feet tall wore the suit while cradling a fearsome-looking firearm in a pair of black padded gloves

The suit was created at the Central Research Institute for Precision Machine Building, a Moscow-based weapons development centre, RT reported.

Its deputy chief of weapons systems, Oleg Chikarev, said: 'On display is our vision of the suit we would like to develop within the next couple of years.'

Mr Chikarev said the suit was being developed alongside several Russian companies specialising in different elements of the design.

The suit was created at the Central Research Institute for Precision Machine Building, a Moscow-based weapons development centre

Andy Lynch, of Odin Systems, a military equipment company, told MailOnline: 'Features of the suit include a task light on the helmet for examining things like weapons and maps.

'It also has a pop-up display that can be used for tasks like examining a plan of the battlefield.'

Russia's military is keen to press ahead with plans to increase the use of robots, and tested a remote-controlled tank in April.

The Vikhr remote-controlled tank, which is fitted with a 30mm gun and six missiles, was seen being tested on a military testing ground at a classified location in Russia.

It is operated remotely by a driver who can see where it is going through a camera link up, as well as the wider picture via a drone.

Russia also has plans to replace human soldiers with robots to fight on land, air, sea and even outer space.

Lieutenant General Andrey Grigoriev, head of the Advanced Research Foundation, told RIA Novosti last year: 'I see a greater robotization, in fact, future warfare will involve operators and machines, not soldiers shooting at each other on the battlefield.'

The all-black kit also has a Stormtrooper-style helmet with a tinted glass visor and a mini task light for examining maps and weapons

This is a side view of the combat helmet as it was shown at the exhibition at the weapons design company in Moscow
Members of Charlie Gard's army of supporters across the globe have expressed their grief as his parents prepare for his life support to be turned off today.

People all over the world have been using the hashtag #JeSuisCharlieGard' to celebrate the ten-month-old's life before it is ended by his doctors later.

Connie Yates and Chris Gard are at their son's bedside in Great Ormond Street Hospital today as he enters his final hours.

But they continue to receive unwavering support from thousands who donated 1.4million towards the treatment denied to him.

His parents are believed to be Catholic and their unwell son was photographed recently clutching a St Jude pendant - the patron saint of lost causes.

As a result his plight has had mass press coverage in Italy and even reached the Vatican where Pope Francis was asked to pray for Charlie.

Charlie Gard lies between his parents Connie and Chris who have revealed that he will die on Friday but Great Ormond Street have denied their 'final wish' to take him home to pass away today

The case has had a great deal of coverage in Italy (above) where many have been appalled by the decision to end his life with his case even reaching the Vatican

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, head of the Pope's Pontifical Academy for Life was quoted as saying: 'We should never act with the deliberate intention to end a human life, including the removal of nutrition and hydration, so that death might be achieved'.

Catholic groups across called the decision to end Charlie's care 'heartbreaking' and 'draconian' with vigils held for the little British boy in various Italian cities last night.

And in Britain others have taken to Twitter to vent their anger at Great Ormond Street with some promising to end their charitable donations over their treatment of Charlie.

Connie Yates and Chris Gard told MailOnline yesterday that his 'heartless' doctors who have refused to let him come home to die today.

The couple's 'final wish' for Charlie has been blocked and his mother Connie said in a video for MailOnline: 'We promised our little boy every single day that we would take him home'.

Mr Gard added: 'We want to give him a bath at home, put him in a cot which he has never slept in but we are now being denied that. We know what day our son is going to die but don't get a say in how that will happen.'

They have also released a heartbreaking photograph of them lying with Charlie between them and said they were 'spending our last precious hours with our baby boy'.

And they also the so-called 'Charlie's Army' who donated 1.4million for the US treatment being denied to him and told them: 'Charlie will die tomorrow knowing that he was loved by thousands - thank you to everyone for all your support'.

The couple have also accused Great Ormond Street of trying to 'rush' his death despite promises they would have the time they needed to say goodbye to their only son.

The little boy's parents have released a video where they say that doctors are 'rushing' them to let Charlie go before all family and friends can say goodbye

The couple have been told by Great Ormond Street their son's life support will be switched off on Friday but he cannot leave the ward

An emotional Mr Gard, pictured with his son today, said: 'We know what day our son is going to die but don't get a say in how that will happen'

Chris Gard and Connie Yates thanked the thousands of people known as 'Charlie's Army' who donated 1.4million for his treatment and said he will die knowing he was 'loved by thousands'

Connie Yates and Chris Gard had battled to take their son, who has a rare genetic condition, to undergo experimental treatment in the US.

But earlier this week they reached the very end of their legal battle after the European Court of Human Rights backed British doctors who said it would be kinder to let the ten month old die.

In a heartbreaking video taken in the hospital room where they have lived since their son was admitted to hospital last year, the couple open their hearts speaking for the first time since they were told the European Court verdict.

Ms Yates said: 'We've been talking about what palliative care meant. One option was to let Charlie go home to die. We chose to take Charlie home to die. That is our last wish. We promised our little boy every single day that we would take him home.'

His father Chris, 32, said: 'Our parental rights have been stripped away. We can't even take our own son home to die. We've been denied that. Our final wish if it all went against us can we take our little boy home to die and we are not allowed.

'They even said no to a hospice.'

The couple, who have previously lost battles in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, claim they also asked doctors to allow them a final weekend with Charlie but say this request has been denied.

'We begged them to give us the weekend,' Ms Yates said, 'Friends and family wanted to come and see Charlie for the last time. But now there isn't even time for that. Doctors said they would not rush to turn off his ventilator but we are being rushed.

'Not only are we not allowed to take our son to an expert hospital to save his life, we also can't choose how or when our son dies.'

Charlie's parents and their supporters desperately wanted their son (pictured) to undergo treatment in America - now his life will end after the legal battle ended

Charlie's parents (pictured together after losing a Supreme Court case) hoped that judges in France would come to their aid and say tomorrow will be the worst day of their lives

Outside Great Ormond Street members of 'Charlie's Army' - the group who raised 1.3million for US care denied to him - have tied ribbons and posters to trees

The couple say they also offered to pay privately for their son to be transported on a mobile ventilator to their flat in Bedfond, southwest London, in order to spend a few last precious hours with him.

Charlie's bereft mother indicated donations will be used to save lives of other children Connie Yates, 31, has indicated that the 1.3m raised for Charlie will be used to save other children and a foundation could be set up in his name. Miss Yates said in April: 'A few people have asked us what we'll do if we don't win the court case. 'We have thought long and hard about it and we would set up a charity for mitochondrial depletion syndromes (there are others that are more common than Charlie's specific gene)', she said in a statement which was posted on the website but has now been taken down. 'We'd like to save other babies and children because these medications have been proven to work and we honestly have so much belief in them. 'If Charlie doesn't get this chance, we will make sure that other innocent babies and children will be saved. 'We would like some of it to go to research at the specific hospital that is willing to treat Charlie, and the rest will be available to help other families to get the medication that their children desperately need. 'We hope that you can all support us in making treatments available so that nobody else ever has to go through what we have.' GoFundMe said officials would also have discussions with Charlie's parents about what would happen to money raised for treatment. Advertisement

But Connie said: 'Even though we offered to pay for him to be transported back home, doctors have now told us he must die in hospital. We offered to pay for transport privately but that's not an option.'

A spokesperson for Great Ormond Street Hospital said: 'As with all of our patients, we are not able to and nor will we discuss these specific details of care. This is a very distressing situation for Charlie's parents and all the staff involved and our focus remains with them.'

Charlie, who was born on August 4 last year - described by his parents as the 'best day of their lives'- is one of only 16 cases known to have a type of mitochondrial depletion condition.

The condition saps energy from the organs and muscles leaving his lungs so weak he can only breath with a ventilator.

While he was born healthy, at eight weeks his mother noticed he was floppier than friend's babies.

After taking him to hospital, Charlie's condition quickly deteriorated and he has been on a ventilator at Great Ormond St Hospital ever since.

Doctors told the couple there was nothing more they could do for Charlie, who they said had irreversible brain damage and could not see, hear or move.

But his parents said they did not believe Charlie had the extensive brain damage doctors said as he could open his eyes and he knew is parents were there.

They found an eminent doctor in the US willing to try nucleoside therapy raising 1.3million to pay for it.

Outside Great Ormond Street members of 'Charlie's Army' - the group who raised 1.3million for US care denied to him - have tied messages of hope, ribbons and posters to trees.

A hospital spokesman said this week the European Court decision marked 'the end' of a 'difficult process'. But she said there would be 'no rush' to change Charlie's care.

She said there would be 'careful planning and discussion'. 'Our thoughts are with Charlie's parents,' she added.

'(The) decision by the European Court of Human Rights marks the end of what has been a very difficult process and our priority is to provide every possible support to Charlie's parents as we prepare for the next steps.

'There will be no rush by Great Ormond Street Hospital to change Charlie's care and any future treatment plans will involve careful planning and discussion.'

10-month-old Charlie Gard (pictured) suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage

His 'heartbroken' parents have reached 'the very end of their journey' in their legal fight, a friend said.

His parents had battled to be allowed to take him to America to undergo experimental therapy, but successive courts ruled in favour of Charlie's British doctors.

The European Court of Human Rights dashed their final hope, and a friend of the family told the Mail: 'Connie and Chris are absolutely distraught, utterly heartbroken. It has ripped their world apart. The agony they have gone through is unimaginable.

'Fortunately they have huge support from a very loving and close family but losing a child is every parent's nightmare. And for them the agony is more unbearable as they have fought so very hard for treatment they firmly believed would save Charlie's life.'

Miss Yates, 31, and Mr Gard, 32, of Bedfont, South West London, have previously lost battles in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

The condition saps energy from organs and muscles, and his lungs are too weak to function without the ventilator.

He is in intensive care at Great Ormond Street where doctors believe nothing can save him, despite his parents finding a US specialist willing to try an experimental drug treatment. The Supreme Court backed the High Court and Court of Appeal which had both accepted evidence that it would be 'futile' for Charlie to have further treatment because he has irreversible brain damage and cannot see, hear or move.

His parents are adamant he is growing stronger and showing signs of improvement. They have raised 1.3 million from well-wishers who donated via an online fundraising page to fund the US treatment. It is unclear what will happen to the money.

Well-wishers are continuing to donate to a fund set up by a couple who want to take their terminally ill baby son to the United States for treatment even though hopes have been dashed.

The couple have raised nearly 1.4 million, after launching an appeal to pay for treatment in American on a GoFundMe website four months ago, and more than 300 has been donated since Strasbourg judges announced their decision.
This is the dramatic moment two hero off-duty police officers confronted a gang of armed robbers after stumbling on a 250,000 jewellery raid.

Sergeant Iain McIvor was celebrating his promotion with colleague Sergeant David Wilson in a pub when they heard screaming coming from a nearby jewellery shop.

The Lincolnshire Police officers ran towards where the shouting could be heard and saw the four men in Andrew Michaels Jewellers in Newark, Nottinghamshire.

Sergeant Iain McIvor was celebrating his promotion with Sergeant David Wilson (above) in a pub when they heard screaming coming from a nearby jewellery shop - and ran over there

The officers were captured on CCTV challenging the gang with their bare hands while the thugs pointed shotguns at them on January 6 last year.

One of the four masked robbers pumped the barrel and yelled 'Get back or I'll shoot', as his accomplices rushed out with about 250,000 worth of watches and jewellery.

Sergeant McIvor grabbed the man with the shotgun in a bear-hug and began to wrestle with him in a bid to get his firearm.

However, the offender managed to get into the getaway car, which took off dragging Sergeant McIvor for about 65ft (20m) before he was thrown out.

But the crooks made their getaway following the incident. The officers then looked after the traumatised shop staff until on-duty police arrived.

The Lincolnshire Police officers ran towards where the shouting could be heard and saw the four men in Andrew Michaels Jewellers in Newark, Nottinghamshire

One of the four masked robbers pumped the barrel and yelled 'Get back or I'll shoot', as his accomplices rushed out with about 250,000 worth of watches and jewellery

The actions of the two men has seen them nominated for a national bravery award by the Police Federation, with the awards to be held next month.

Jon Hassall, chair of Lincolnshire Police Federation said: 'These two officers, who were off-duty, and had zero protective equipment made the heroic decision to act in the face of incredible danger.

'This is an incredible example of bravery in the finest traditions of the British police service.'

The robbers eventually appeared in Nottingham Crown Court on April 26, and they were all sentenced after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

Nathan Clarke, 28, of Wrigsham Street, Coventry, received 15 years imprisonment for conspiracy to rob and converting criminal property.

The officers were captured on CCTV challenging the gang with their bare hands while the thugs pointed shotguns at them on January 6 last year

The actions of Sergeant McIvor (left) and Sergeant Wilson (right) has seen them nominated for a national bravery award by the Police Federation, with the awards to be held next month

He was also given a further two years for an unrelated offence.

Adil Yasin, 25, Imran Zamir, 24, and Raju Miah, 25, all from Birmingham, and Tommy Walden, 28, of Boston, Lincolnshire, were each jailed for ten years and eight months for conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm.

John Daly, 29, of Birmingham, was jailed for 15 years and six months for conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm.

Michelle Bradley, 30, and Emma Porter, 35, both of Boston, were each jailed for four years for conspiracy to rob. Shah Alam, 39, of Birmingham, was jailed for ten months for conspiracy to convert stolen property.

And Abdul Khalique, 38, of Islington, North London, was found guilty of conspiracy to convert stolen property and jailed for one year.
A packed plane was forced to make an emergency landing after a bird flew into it just as it left the runway.

Fire, ambulance and police were scrambled to Inverness Airport after the bird flew into the EasyJet flight to Gatwick, which was carrying 176 passengers plus crew.

Passengers told of the 'horrendous noise' as the bird hit the plane and praised the pilot who managed to turn the plane around in the air and make an emergency landing at the same airport.

An EasyJet flight from Inverness to London Gatwick was forced to make an emergency landing after a bird flew into it during take off

Passenger Graham Paterson described how the aircraft reached full speed before the bird hit the left hand side of the plane.

Mr Paterson, a company operations director from Drumnadrochit, Highlands, said: 'It was like going over a rumble strip on the motorway at 1,000mph.

'It was a very intense noise. I was trying to go to sleep at the time.

'We were right at the point of taking off as the front of the plane was just lifting up. It was about two to three seconds before we took off.

'The pilot had to keep going for a while at a reasonable speed and was climbing at a steep ascent, and it levelled off a lot quicker than normal.

'It was obvious something had gone wrong but the crew were brilliant in dealing with the situation.

'Everyone felt like it was always under control. The ground staff were brilliant and we were off the plane quickly.'

Passengers were forced to wait for another flight to their destination.

A map of the fight's path shows it turning around and returning to Inverness soon after departure

Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf later praised the pilot's actions on Twitter

Mr Paterson said the captain announced that they would be circling at 7,000ft before landing again at Inverness.

He added: 'When we landed the pilot came through and told us it might take a bit of time to inspect the engines.

'I could tell that there was a sense of relief on the plane - you could feel it in the air.'

A spokesman for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd confirmed the aircraft landed safely at 3.40pm and that Inverness Airport staff co-ordinated with EasyJet staff to ensure passengers were given assistance.

Humza Yousaf, Scottish Government Minister for Transport and the Islands, later posted a tweet praising the captain and crew on the aircraft for performing a safe emergency landing.

The incident happened at Inverness Airport in northern Scotland yesterday afternoon

At the scene, passengers were seen being escorted off by airline and airport staff with the assistance of fire crews.

The passengers were taken to the departure lounge where they waited for another EasyJet flight which transported them to London Gatwick for about 10pm.

Michelle Smith, who has been living in London for 20 years but is originally from Tain, Highlands, said: 'All the staff were very professional and handled the situation well.'

She added that staff had informed passengers that an empty aircraft would be sent up from Luton to take the passengers to Gatwick.

An EasyJet spokesman said: 'The pilot returned to Inverness in line with our procedures and as a precaution only.

'We would like to apologise for any inconvenience as a result of the delay. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is EasyJet's highest priority.'
Silk Way West Airlines, a growing cargo operator based in Azerbaijan, and Alaska Airlines on Thursday signed contracts with Boeing for two freighters apiece  but that is where the similarities ended. Silk Way West said it will take two 777-8s, the largest plane available from Boeing (NYSE: BA) and one so modern it isnt []
George Osborne wanted to abolish the 1p and 2p coins but was overruled amid fears of a backlash from charities who collect small change, it emerged today.

David Cameron barred his Chancellor from announcing the move in late 2015, shortly after the Tories won a surprise general election victory.

The row came as a senior Tory policy adviser was pushing the pair to go even further and make Britain a 'cashless' society as soon as 2020.

Former adviser Daniel Korski drew up the plans to make money dependant on identity-based technology, the Guardian revealed today.

George Osborne (left, file image) wanted to abolish the 1p and 2p coins but was overruled by David Cameron (right, file image) amid fears of a backlash from charities who collect small change

Copper coins cost more to make than they are worth and Mr Osborne believed scrapping them would be a 'modernising change' for Britain.

But research into the proposal looked at Australia, which scraped its one and two cent coins.

The decision there was popular among the public but triggered outrage from fundraisers dependant on collecting the coins.

Mr Cameron feared the symbolism of the Tory party scrapping small change and overruled the idea.

But Mr Korski revealed the general excitement among the then-Tory high command at the prospect of overhauling how money worked in Britain.

He said: 'The proposal we developed to move towards a totally cashless society.

'I said: ''Let us force that pace''.

'If government shows a willingness, says why it matters, then it could make Britain the centre for innovation for money in the future.'

Copper coins cost more to make than they are worth and Mr Osborne believed scrapping them would be a 'modernising change' for Britain

Mr Korski, who left Government when Mr Cameron resigned after losing the EU referendum, said scrapping cash would help smash the criminal economy.

He said: 'It was in the package for discussion until it got taken out by George Osborne.

'They said: ''Look, it is an interesting idea but it will scare people''.'

Former adviser Daniel Korski drew up the plans to make money dependant on identity-based technology

A major survey earlier this year revealed just a third of people in Europe and 38 per cent in America would be happy to go completely cash free.

Ian Bright, managing director of group research for ING wholesale banking, said he did not believe people would quit cash entirely, but the direction was obvious.

'More and more people will end up with a situation where they can quite comfortably get by for two days, three days, four days, even a week, without ever using cash,' he told Reuters Television.

Payment systems such as contactless cards and mobile-phone digital wallets have become so prevalent the issue has become political in some countries.

Cash-loving Germans, for example, have been concerned that a move by the European Central Bank to phase out the 500 euro note by the end of next year is the start of a slippery slope.

Germany is one of the countries that uses cash the most. The ING survey showed only 10 percent of Germans saying they rarely use cash, compared, for example, with 33 percent and 35 percent, respectively, in neighbors Poland and France.
Thai police are re-opening an investigation into the 'suicide' death of a Belgian backpacker who was found dead on a notorious island where seven other foreigners have died in the last three years.

The body of Elise Dallemange, 30, was found in a jungle on Koh Tao island, where British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were also murdered in 2014.

She was found half-eaten by lizards on Koh Tao back in April, with police claiming she hanged herself.

Police said Witheridge, 23, had been raped and bludgeoned to death and Miller 24, had suffered blows to his head.

Of all the deaths, theirs were the only ones to be investigated as murder after a public outcry - while four others were ruled suicides.

Elise Dallemange, 30, was found dead on Thai island Koh Tao back in April, with her death ruled a suicide. But mother Michele van Egten says she does not believe that version of events

Miss Dallemange had been travelling for two years with repeated stop-overs in Thailand, her mother said, and had been living on a neighbouring island for several months with a 'guru'

Posts on social media this week said Dallemange had booked a ticket to Chumphon province, on the mainland, and that her luggage arrived after her death, implying that she had not intended to kill herself.

'Police continue to look for new evidence, because it was an unnatural death, but we have not found any,' Police Colonel Preecha Kladsawad, deputy of Surat Thani police, said.

Elise's mother Michele van Egten says she does not believe the Thai police's version of events amid fears authorities are working to suppress a series of grisly tourist murders.

Michele made the details of her daughter's death public while appealing for information, saying the case would have gone unnoticed otherwise.

She told magazine Der Farang that she had been promised an autopsy report by investigators that had failed to materialise.

Michele said: 'I do not believe what the police have told us. We fear somebody else was involved.

Posts on social media this week said Dallemange had booked a ticket to Chumphon province, on the mainland, and that her luggage arrived after her death

'We're more and more thinking that the police information is not the right explanation.'

Michele revealed that Elise had been travelling around Asia for the last two years, and before her death had been living at a yoga and tantra retreat on Koh Phangan.

She was also part of the Sathya Sai Baba cult and lived with a self-proclaimed 'guru'. She the island on April 17 to return to her native Belgium, Michele said.

But on April 28 she was found dead in the jungle in Koh Tao.

Phone records show that Elise called her mother on Skype on April 17 before leaving on a Ferry April 19.

It is not known why she alighted on Koh Tao instead of continuing on to the mainland.

Eight days before her body was found, Michele said she spoke with her daughter who 'seemed normal' and was showing no signs of depression

Miss Dallemange had been due to travel back to Belgium from Koh Phangan, where she had been living, but made an unexpected stop on Koh Tao

Michele claims that Elise used a fake name of 'Elise Dubuis' to check into the Triple B Bungalows next to Mae Head Pier on Koh Tao as she travelled via the island on a ferry bound for Chumphon province on her route back to capital Bangkok.

But an unexplained fire that evening burned down three bamboo huts - including the one Elise had been staying in.

Elise fled 2.5km through the jungle to Tanote Bay and took a room at the Poseidon Resort where she booked another ticket for Bangkok leaving on April 24.

Eight days later locals living near the island's idyllic Tanote Bay found Elsie's body after becoming suspicious of a monitor lizard going back and forth into the jungle.

They followed the animal and discovered that it had been feeding on Elise's remains, which were found among rocks behind the Tanote Family Bay Resort.

The backpacker had to be identified using dental records and previous X-rays.

Police told Elise's mother Michele that her daughter had committed suicide by hanging herself from a tree around three days before she was found.

But no suicide note or message were recovered and Michele is desperate for information surrounding the mysterious death.

Britons Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were killed on Koh Tao in 2014 as they walked back to their hotel along a beach. Theirs were the only two deaths to be investigated as murder

Nick Pearson, 25, from Derby, was found dead in the ocean on New Year's Day 2014 and his death was ruled a suicide, though his parents believe he was killed

Christina Annesley, 23 (left and right), died on the island in January 2015 after apparently mixing antibiotics she was taking for a chest infection with alcohol

Elise's bags appear to have been loaded onto the ferry she was due to take, and arrived at Chumphon province where she should have caught a bus to the capital.

Michele says police told her that Elise had been wrapped in old t-shirts or cotton shawls while an empty fuel bottle was found next to her.

An autopsy was performed in Surat Thani Hospital and later by the Institute of Forensic Medicine Police Hospital, Bangkok, and Elise was cremated 14 days later.

Michele said: 'Too many things show us that someone is involved. Police told us that Elise hanged herself up in the jungle. I cannot accept why my daughter should have killed herself.

'She was normal in the last conversation and no signs of depression were visible.

'I don't know why she would have booked a transfer to Bangkok and then went into the jungle to commit suicide.

'I am devastated by events. I am still waiting for the final autopsy report. We just want more information.

'My daughter had been travelling for two and a half years in India, Australia and New Zealand and always back again to Thailand.

'She lived there for months with Guru Raaman Andreas from Germany and two female friends.'

In March Russian tourist Valentina Novozhyonova, 23 (left and right), vanished from her hostel on Koh Tao and has still not been found

Bricklayer Luke Miller from the Isle of Wight was found dead in a swimming pool on January 8 2016 and an inquest this month found 'no evidence' he was murdered

Miss Dallemange is the seventh tourist to be found dead on the island in just three years, with the majority of cases ruled suicides (file image)

The death on Koh Tao is the latest in a number of cases involving foreigners.

In March Russian tourist Valentina Novozhyonova, 23, vanished from her hostel on Koh Tao and has still not been found.

Bricklayer Luke Miller from the Isle of Wight was found dead in a swimming pool on January 8 2016 and an inquest earlier this month found 'no evidence' he was murdered.

British holidaymaker Christina Annesley, 23, died on the island in January 2015 after apparently mixing antibiotics she was taking for a chest infection with alcohol.

But her parents slammed Thai police for failing to properly investigate the death.

Frenchman Dimitri Povse, 29, was found hanged in a bungalow on the island on New Year's Day 2015 and his death was ruled as suicide despite his hands being tied behind his back.

In the most high-profile case, Brits Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were murdered as they walked back to their hotel rooms in September 2014.

On New Year's Day 2014, 25-year-old Nick Pearson, from Derby, was found floating in the sea and his parents believe he was murdered - despite police claims he fell 50ft and drowned.
Hundreds of Weetabix boxes have been impounded at New Zealand customs over a branding row, causing a social media revolt among British expats.

Officials seized 300 packets after the makers of rival wheat-based cereal Weet-Bix complained the UK breakfast staple infringed on their trademark.

Parent company Sanitarium succeeded in having a pallet of Weetabix seized at the airport before it could reach the A Little Bit of Britain grocery store in Christchurch.

Officials seized 300 packets of Weetabix after rival cereal brand Weet-Bix complained the British breakfast staple infringed on their trademark

Customers at the small shop, which serves UK expats, joined other Britons on Twitter venting their fury at being stopped from buying their beloved cereal.

Many people tweeted under #FreeTheWeetabix to call on Sanitarium to step down and allow the packets to be released to hungry Britons.

'Shakes McNails' tweeted: 'Won't buy any of Sanitarium's products in Oz until the Weetabix is freed in NZ. Ridiculous stance by corporate bullies #freetheweetabix.'

Another person wrote: 'Come on NZ bullies, this isn't the NZ I remember. Fair play, a small shop is no threat to your inferior product!'

And Jill Sanderson said: 'It's not a about the carbs, it's the principle: Sanitarium stop picking on the small guy #freetheweetabix.'

Sanitarium had told Lisa Wilson, co-owner of A Little Bit of Britain, said the shipment would be released if she put a sticker over the offending name.

Parent company Sanitarium succeeded in having a pallet of Weetabix seized at the airport before it could reach the A Little Bit of Britain grocery store in Christchurch

Many people used the hashtag 'free the weetabix' to call on Sanitarium to step down and allow the British cereal to be imported

But she refused, telling The Guardian's Eleanor Ainge Roy: 'They are trying to force us to do what they want because they are a multimillion-dollar company.

'But we are not willing to bow to Sanitarium's demands as we don't believe there is a case of trademark infringement here and we are standing up for that principle.'

Ms Wilson, who usually sells seven boxes of Weetabix a day, said it was unreasonable to suggest she was stealing Sanitarium's customers.

She added: 'They taste different as well. Brits who have grown up on Weetabix like it but Kiwis prefer their Weet-Bix, it isn't a competition.'

Jill Sanderson said: 'It's not a about the carbs, it's the principle: Sanitarium stop picking on the small guy #freetheweetabix'. Other expats took to Facebook to voice their anger

The store received dozens of supportive comments on Facebook, with one user saying he was 'very unhappy' his Weetabix had been stopped at customs.

In reply, the shop wrote: 'We're seeing some good feedback from NZ, and our customers. We would like to say thanks for your support and keep it coming.'

Sanitarium's general manager in New Zealand, Rob Scoines, said: 'The Weet-Bix brand is protected by international law and in turn it is often precluded from being sold in other global markets due to the Weetabix trade mark.

'In this instance, we have offered the importer a solution which enables them to sell their product while protecting our Weet-Bix brand. We are actively seeking their response.'

Weetabix is manufactured in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire, although it is set to be acquired by Post Holidings, a US consumer packaged goods company.

Weet-bix is actually older than Weetabix, although both were created by the same Bennison Osborne, an Australian.

Sanitarium had told Lisa Wilson, co-owner of A Little Bit of Britain, said the shipment would be released if she put a sticker over the offending name, but she refused to do this

The older brand was introduced in Australia in the mid-1920s through the company Grain Products Limited.

Businessman Arthur Shannon and Osbornes New Zealand friend Malcolm Macfarlane helped with funding.

A spokesperson from Weetabix told MailOnline: 'We believe there's no better choice of breakfast than Weetabix made from 100% British wheat.

'Unfortunately for our fans in New Zealand, trademark restrictions prevent us from adding them to the list of 90 countries to which we export.

'At least we know the All Blacks tomorrow won't have had their Weetabix!'
A father has told of the terrifying moment his young son was 'hunted down' by a wallaby and viciously attacked.

Laman Halfhyde said his nine-year-old boy was set upon by one of the marsupials at Trinity Beach in Cairns, far north Queensland.

Mr Halfhyde's son was helping to organise events for the Cairns Horse and Pony Club when the horrific incident unfolded, The Cairns Post reported.

The nine-year-old son of Laman Halfhyde suffered deep cuts and heavy bruising after he was reportedly attacked by a wallaby

Mr Halfhyde said a wallaby hunted down his son, before jumping on him and attacking his back

Mr Halfyde's four-old son also narrowly escaped bring attacked when a lone wallaby broke away from the rest of its mob.

'Most of the wallabies scattered but one turned back and basically hunted down my nine and four-year-old sons,' Mr Halfhyde told the publication.

He said the nine-year-old managed to push his younger brother out of harm's way before the wallaby lashed out.

'He tripped over and the wallaby jumped on him and started attacking his back,' Mr Halfhyde, the chairman of the Cairns Horse and Pony Club, said.

The nine-year-old suffered deep cuts and heavy bruising to his back following the attack.

The Cairns Post reported wallabies are becoming a more common sight around Trinity Beach.
An 88-year-old great-grandmother made a miraculous escape from a fire that destroyed her home in Sydney's south, but not before saving her beloved budgie.

Enid Hazell says she got up to go to the toilet, but when she returned to bed she found her mattress on fire.

Unable to extinguish the flames herself, she fled the blaze with her pet budgie as her Brighton Le Sands home burned to the ground.

Now, she fears she may need to spend the rest of her life in a nursing home.

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Enid Hazell (pictured) escaped from a fire that consumed her home early on Friday morning

The fire (pictured) broke out after 2am, and investigators believe it may have been caused by a wheat pack

Neighbours reported hearing Ms Hazell cry for help as her home went up in flames, Seven News reported.

'She was, ''Help! Help!" screaming, and I said, "Please, I'm here, just get out,' said Violetta Yakovleva.

'Her budgie was saved!'

The fire left West Botany Street closed for several hours and the house unlivable.

Ms Hazell, who escaped suffering minor burns and smoke inhalation, now fears that she may never be able to return to her home.

Ms Hazell, an 88-year-old great-grandmother, managed to save herself and her beloved pet budgie

The damage to the house (pictured) is extensive, and Enid fears she may need to move into a nursing home

Investigations suggest it was caused by a hot wheat pack placed on a mattress, NSW Police said.

NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Norman Buckley stressed the importance of installing smoke detectors, and warned of the dangers of heating devices.

'Anything that generates heat can cause fire if not used properly,' he said.
Hollywood megastar Nicolas Cage stunned staff when he popped into their pet shop in Somerset.

Cage, 53, happily posed for pictures with workers at Not Just Pets in Frome, Somerset.

But staff are staying tight lipped about what the Kick-Ass, Gone in 60 Seconds, National Treasure and Con Air actor, who reels in an approximate 15million a film, bought.

Nicolas Cage, 53, pictured left, poses with excited staff at the Not Just Pets shop in Frome, Somerset on Thursday. The Hollywood actor has recently bought a home in Baltonsborough

People have taken to social media to express their excitement at seeing Cage.

Sarah Evans tweeted: 'OMG. Nicolas Cage was in Frome. My friend works in the pet shop in town and they had a pic took with him. So blooming lucky.'

One person confused Cage for Johnny Depp, who was at Glastonbury Festival at the weekend.

Cage, born in Long Beach, California, bought a cottage in the Somerset village of Baltonsborough, near Glastonbury, in 2006.
Bright future: Katrina Rolph, 20, was described as having a prosperous future ahead of her after showing natural talent in her chosen field of study

A high-flying law student hanged herself after falling ill because she thought she was being poisoned by the copper in her contraceptive coil, an inquest heard.

Katrina Rolph, 20, was described as an 'academic high-flyer' with a bright future ahead of her but she took her own life after suffering with mental health problems.

The Bangor University student vanished on a family holiday in Norfolk and was later found dead in a wooded area.

At Norfolk Coroner's Court this week, a coroner heard how Katrina fell ill in 2013 and suffered from hallucinations which she believed were due to acute copper poisoning from a contraceptive device.

Clever Katrina turned from being a studious teenager to an anxious adult after her illness took over, with her mother saying towards the end she was 'putting on a brave face'.

During the hearing, the court was told how Katrina was let down by a catalogue of errors by medical staff.

It was revealed Katrina had raised the alarm with medics about her mental health but while her doctor urgently referred her for treatment - a youth service's team disagreed with his prognosis.

Deeply-troubled Katrina spoke of demons and warped reflections in the mirror surrounded by 'horrible things', Norfolk Coroner's Court heard.

Her GP, Dr Peter Lawson, of Market Surgery in Aylsham, Norfolk, made an urgent 72-hour referral to Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust on March 16.

Concern: Katrina Rolph, pictured above, told her doctor that she was suffering from hallucinations and anxiety

But the youth services unit disagreed with Katrina's worried doctor.

They made a routine appointment for her two months later in May after carrying out a triage assessment.

The following week, Katrina was visited at home by a private consultant psychiatrist.

The specialist made another 72-hour urgent referral to the trust, through Dr Lawson, on March 30.

Tragically that referral was never acted upon.

The inquest heard that due to 'human error' in the admin team it was never seen by the clinical triage unit.

The appointment for May 27 was then cancelled with three days' notice as the youth services set-up was restructuring and had an 'unusually high level of referrals'.

Sadly Katrina missed her next appointment on July 24.

So the team discharged her on August 12 after never actually assessing her face to face.

Katrina vanished on a family holiday to Hempstead, near Holt, Norfolk, last September.

She was found hanged in nearby woodland on October 2.

Vanished: The 20-year-old student disappeared during a family holiday in Norfolk and was found deceased in a wooded area days later

In a narrative verdict, Norfolk coroner Yvonne Blake told the inquest: 'Katrina took her own life while the balance of her mind was disturbed and therefore her intent was unclear.'

Ms Blake said Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust youth services have made 'genuine attempts' to change their systems as a result of the tragedy.

After yesterday's hearing, Katrina's devastated mother, Louise Hutchinson-Rolph, told the Eastern Daily Press: 'We became more and more desperate to find a way to help her.

'Her behaviour suggested to me she had given up all hope.

'In the final months of her life she put on a brave face.'

She added: 'It was obvious she wasn't the person she once was and had accepted she was going to end her life.

'She had simply had enough of suffering.'

The leader of the youth services said their department was in the process of restructuring when Katrina's appointment was cancelled.

Claire Pratt said: 'There were changes going on while this was happening. I inherited a team that was struggling to function to timescales.'

She said the clinic had reviewed how they handled cases in light of this sad case.

She said: 'Changes as a direct result of this case are that if a young person does not respond, rather than being automatically discharged, they are reviewed by the triage.'

A pilot scheme is also going ahead in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, in a bid to ensure that more detail is passed on from GPs in referrals.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, or see www.samaritans.org
Two 19-year-old men have been arrested on Friday afternoon on alleged firearm and drugs dealing following raids from the Counter Terrorism police.

The two men were arrested in Auburn, western Sydney, with further raids expected to be executed at three properties across Merrylands and Toongabbie.

The two men arrested, one from Merrylands and the other Toongabbie, have been taken to Bankstown Police Station for questioning.

Up to six weapons were seized and the two teenagers are believed to be related to known terrorists, according to The Daily Telegraph.

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Two 19-year-old men were arrested on ongoing drugs and firearm supply

One of the 19-year-old men arrested following raids in western Sydney

New South Wales police force Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson said there was no imminent threat to the community.

The police released a statement claiming the arrests were part of an 'ongoing investigation' from Operation Rosenborg.

Charges are expected to be laid before a police press conference.

One of the 19-year-old men arrested on the ground following police raids
A grief-stricken father has blasted medics for the delayed diagnosis of his pregnant wife - after staff mistook her stomach cancer symptoms for pregnancy side effects.

Fitness instructor Petra Salova, 38, of Chingford, east London, died on December 23 last year while giving birth to her now 27-week-old daughter Lucie during a caesarean section.

But a coroner said she could have lived to see her new daughter and say goodbye to her family if she had been diagnosed earlier.

Fitness instructor Petra Salova, 38, died on December 23rd last year while giving birth to her now 27-week-old daughter Lucie (pictured) during a caesarean section

Her heartbroken partner Marc Spevack, who had been planning a surprise wedding for the couple's fifth anniversary, said he would have married her 'there and then' had he known about her deteriorating condition.

Ms Salova was admitted to North Middlesex Hospital on December 4, and transferred to intensive care at UCH London on December 21, where she died.

Shortly before her death, it was discovered she had terminal stomach cancer.

But staff at North Middlesex failed to act earlier on warning signs of vomiting, nausea and weight loss thinking it was related to her pregnancy, it was said.

During the caesarean section, Ms Salova suffered heart failure, triggered by the anaesthetic, St Pancras Coroner's Court heard.

Coroner Mary Hassell recorded a narrative verdict, and said Ms Salova, who was originally from the Czech Republic, died from stomach cancer.

Staff at North Middlesex Hospital (pictured) failed to act earlier on warning signs of vomiting, nausea and weight loss thinking it was related to her pregnancy, it was said

She said: 'That is a natural cause.

'However there was a failure primarily to recognise and appropriately to treat her condition, which resulted in death several months before it otherwise would have occurred.'

She said no medical staff engaged with the constant vomiting, and the fact it 'went beyond' what might have been expected from a pregnant woman.

Coroner Hassell said: 'And one of the reasons for this failure to engage with the persistent vomiting was that the care was fractured.

'And it was fractured because there were so many different doctors dealing with Petra's care.'

The North Middlesex Hospital Trust had addressed the issues, so she would not be making a report to prevent future deaths.

During Ms Salova's treatment, there were delays having scans, which the coroner said contributed to a delay in diagnosis.

Coroner Hassell said: 'This delay in diagnosis was crucial in terms of Petra's ability to withstand the caesarean section, the anaesthetic, and go on to chemotherapy.

'Because it took her from being unwell, but with some reserves, to just having no services and being too unwell to withstand this.

'I cannot say for how long, but an earlier caesarean section, earlier chemotherapy, may well have resulted in a few more months of life.

'That doesn't seem much, but I am sure would have meant a great deal to Petra and to Petra's family.

'She could have seen her new baby, she could have said her goodbyes.

'And it's a great shame that she and her family didn't know of the very, very serious nature of what she was getting into that last day.'

In a statement Mr Spevack, who also has an 18-month-old daughter with Ms Salova said: 'Right from her admission, Petra was complaining of pain to the uterus area.

'I felt there was a real lack of communication between staff and us.

'She had a very high heart rate, and I felt that the staff were dismissive of this. I was appalled.

'I kept reiterating that she needed to be in intensive care. It wasn't until she started coughing up blood they moved her to intensive care on the 21st of December.'

The father-of-two, who has also set up a JustGiving page in memory of Ms Salova, added: 'When we got to UCH, we weren't told that Petra could die. I felt extremely angry that Petra's condition had been allowed to deteriorate for so long.

'I recall that she was in a lot of pain. I tried to distract her by telling her when she got out, we would get married.

'I had plans for a surprise wedding in July 2017, which would have been our five year anniversary. We decided that we would move the wedding until after the operation.

'If we had known of her deteriorating condition, and there was a strong likelihood she wouldn't have survived surgery, I would have married her there and then.

'I would have brought our daughter to see her mum, and friends and family would have had the chance to say goodbye, as would I.

'The way that it was presented to us was that death could be a risk in any operation - not that there was a real risk Petra could die.

'At no point did I suspect that. And so I lost the opportunity to have discussions we would have otherwise had.

'We were so convinced she would survive she asked me to take a video of the baby so she could see the baby after the caesarean section.

'I find it wholly unacceptable the medical team had worries over Petra surviving and never discussed this with us.'

He wiped away tears after the statement was read, and was comforted by a supporter.

Professor John Bridgewater, a specialist in gastrointestinal oncology from UCH, told the inquest: 'This is a rare complication, a rare manifestation of a common cancer.

'There are indications a common cancer was there. And the question is whether you would have expected somebody to reasonably make that diagnosis.

'But it is entirely possible that the treatment could have been given.

'The best outcome would be an improved rate of survival, probably of a modest number of months.'

Pat O'Brien, a consultant obstetrician from UCH, said: 'When the patient arrived at UCH she was very unwell.

'We felt that Petra was prepared as well as she could have been in the circumstances for her operation.'

He said he looked after about ten pregnant women with cancer a year.

Mr O'Brien added: 'I have never seen a case of bowel cancer or stomach cancer in pregnancy. I just want to put in context how rare this is.'

Both of the couple's children are alive and well, a lawyer for the family confirmed.

You can donate to Marc Spevack's JustGiving page here.
A mum-to-be astonished spectators at a twerking contest when she shook her baby bump in a raunchy routine to win first prize.

Five months pregnant Ajexandria Ariza stripped down to a bikini, stockings, suspenders and a waistcoat to perform the eye-popping dance at the 'MixBumBum' event in Colombia.

Spectators gasped and cheered her on as she performed the sexy routine.

Mother-to-be Ajexandria Ariza astonished spectators at a twerking contest when she shook her baby bump in a raunchy routine to win first prize

Spectators gasped and cheered her on as the expectant mother performed the sexy routine

Despite being heavily pregnant, Alexandria (pictured) managed to jiggle her buttocks at a furious rate

Despite being heavily pregnant, she managed to jiggle her buttocks at a furious rate, to the crowd's delight.

And they squealed in amazement when Ajexandria dropped to the floor to perform the splits at the contest in Barranquilla, in the northern Colombian department of Atlantico.

She proved a popular winner when the result was announced, with the crowd cheering hysterically.

Colombian broadcasters Mix Radio, who organised the event, later shared her performance on their social media page.

Ajexandria was handed a first prize cheque for $1,000 (769), though it was not clear why the money was in American dollars or Colombian pesos.

Her social media followers were quick to congratulate her on both her pregnancy and her win.

Ajexandria was handed a first prize cheque for $1,000 (769)

The crowd cheered in amazement when Ajexandria dropped to the floor to perform the splits

Alexandria's social media followers were quick to congratulate her on both her pregnancy and her win

One fan, Laura Vanessa, wrote: 'SO beautiful! Congratulations, a pregnancy is not a disability. YOU ARE THE BEST!'

Billed as the election that 'really matters', more than 17 million Brazilians voted in last year's Miss BumBum competition.

The 2016 champion Erika Canela, 20, walked away with an 18,000 modelling contract and the opportunity to make millions of pounds in product endorsements.
Blogger Alexander Lapshin pleaded not guilty on charges of public statements directed against the state and illegal crossing of Azerbaijani border.

June 30, 2017, 17:53 Alexander Lapshin pleads not guilty in Baku trial

STEPANAKERT, JUNE 30, ARTSAKHPRESS: I do not plead guilty. I made tourist trips. I received more detailed information about the Karabakh conflict from the materials of the indictment. In my blog, I shared only tourist impressions, and these were not political publications. I was in Karabakh twice and had no contacts with local officials, the blogger said during the trial.

The trial will continue on July 3.

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.
An undated picture of Harold Bride, who fought in the First World War after being on board the Titanic

A surviving member the Titanic's crew courageously returned to the seas to risk his life again just two years later as he fought German U-boats in the First World War

Wireless operator Harold Bride was frantically sending out SOS signals after the luxury cruise liner smashed in an iceberg 1912, killing 1,522 died.

But, after a miraculous escape the young officer was soon serving on an anti-submarine ship and faced the very real threat of being torpedoed and sunk again.

Now, his war medals have been put for sale by a private collector for an estimated 8,000 at London auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb.

After the Titanic struck an iceberg in the north Atlantic the captain, Edward Smith, entered the wireless room and instructed Bride and colleague Jack Phillips to send out SOS messages.

The pair worked tirelessly until the last moments when water entered their cabin at which point they were relieved by Capt Smith.

The 22-year-old was washed into the icy Atlantic when the boat deck flooded but he managed to scramble onto an upturned lifeboat and was rescued.

In his testimony to the official Titanic enquiry, Bride, who had previously worked on the Lusitania which was torpedoed and sunk in 1915 with the loss of 1,198 lives, described his remarkable survival.

Bride's war medals (pictured) will go up for auction for an estimated 8,000 at London auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb

He said: 'From aft came the tunes of the band. It was a ragtime tune, I don't know what.

'I went to the place I had seen the collapsible boat on the boat deck, and to my surprise I saw the boat and the men still trying to push it off. I went up to them and was just lending a hand when a large wave came awash of the deck.

'I had hold of an oarlock and I went off with it.'

He described how he found himself trapped underwater beneath the upturned boat.

He added: 'How I got out from under the boat I do not know.

'I felt I simply had to get away from the ship. She was a beautiful sight then. Smoke and sparks were rushing out of her funnel. The ship was gradually turning on her nose, just like a duck does that goes down for a dive.

'It was a terrible sight all around - men swimming and sinking. Others came near. Nobody gave them a hand. The bottom-up boat already had more men than it would hold and it was sinking.'

Also on the upturned boat the 2nd officer Charles Lightoller - the most senior ranking officer to survive the disaster - and his whistle attracted two other lifeboats to their plight.

Pictured is a Bride's White Star Line belt buckle. White Star Line operators of the ill-fated Titanic

Bride was rescued by the RMS Carpathia, the ship he had sent numerous SOS messages to earlier.

He was treated on board for frostbite to his feet but worked with Carpathia's wireless operator to send countless personal messages and names of the rescued to land.

After a spell in hospital in New York he returned to England and returned to sea.

During the war he served on the SS Mona's Isle, a net-laying ship for anti-submarine work.

The ship assisted in rescue work from a sinking warship and searched for survivors from two British submarines that had been lost.

A spokesman for London auctioneers Dix Noonan and Webb said: 'Harold Bride's account of the sinking of the Titanic is one of the most dramatic testimonies from any of the survivors of this infamous maritime disaster.

'He and his colleague Jack Phillips remained calmly at their posts in the wireless room sending distress messages until they were forced out by icy water surging in.

An official card commemorating the 1,522 people who died in the 1912 disaster

'Surviving the sinking through a combination of good luck and fierce determination he then went back to sea during the First World War when he earned his two campaign medals.

'Lesser men might have recoiled from that but Bride was a man who believed in doing his duty.'

Bride was from Nunhead, south London, but after the war he married his bride Lucy Downie in 1919 and moved to Glasgow where he became a salesman. The couple had three children.

He died aged 67 in 1956, his medals are being sold on July 19.
Donald Trump said on Friday that he was sending federal help to fight gun violence in Chicago that has reached 'epidemic proportions.'

The president decried the high crime rate in the Illinois city as 'carnage' in January.

'Crime and killings in Chicago have reached such epidemic proportions that I am sending in Federal help. 1714 shootings in Chicago this year!' Trump wrote in an early morning tweet.

The president's message came as Chicago police, federal agents and prosecutors launched a new initiative to stem the flow of illegal firearms in the city as part of efforts to curb rampant gun violence.

Chicago police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced the formation of the Chicago Crime Gun Strike Force. The Chicago Sun-Times reported 20 additional ATF agents have been sent to Chicago.

Liberal Democratic mayor Rahm Emanuel has visited the White House several times to ask for help, the paper reported.

Fed up with an average of 9 shootings per day in Chicago, President Donald Trump announced Friday that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is sending new help

Trump tweeted that he's sending in the feds

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (right, pictured with Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy) has visited the White House repeatedly to beg for help in fighting gun violence

Chicago police confiscate an average of more than 130 illegally owned guns each week

Emanuel spokesman Adam Collins told the Sun-Times: 'Six months ago, we made it clear that we would welcome additional federal support, and six months later we appreciate the 20 new ATF agents that are now arriving.'

State police, intelligence analysts and state and federal prosecutors will target illegal guns and repeat gun offenders, Chicago police said.

Superintendent Eddie Johnson said in a statement Thursday night that 'we are foundationally changing the way we fight crime in Chicago.'

Trump warned in January about Chicago's high number of homicides, saying on Twitter that he is ready to 'send in the Feds.'

Trump's latest tweet said there have been 1,714 shootings in Chicago this year. The Sun-Times said its count showed 1,737 people have been shot in 2017, including 306 who died.

Crime scene tape is stretched around the front of a home where a man was shot on May 28 in Chicago. Police added more than 1,000 officers to the streets over the Memorial Day weekend

The Associated Press sent a message to a police spokesman seeking their most recent count.

Police and federal officials note, however, that efforts to curb gun violence in Chicago have been cooperative  and are ongoing. Under the new effort, the federal prosecutors and prosecutors from Cook County will work on new strategies to prosecute gun crimes and offenders.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, speaking Friday on the Fox News Channel's morning show, 'Fox & Friends,' said the Justice Department is 'sending in additional gun investigators' to Chicago and that he has urged the U.S. attorney's office to prosecute gun cases aggressively.

Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson (pictured in April) is welcoming the help from the ATF

Candlelight vigils like this 2015 event have become the norm in Chicago as gun violence kills an average of 2 people per day in the Illinois city

'The police have been demoralized in many ways,' he said. 'In many ways, the policies in Chicago have not been working.'

'Murders are way, way too high. It is critical for the people of Chicago's public safety that we begin to work together here and deport violent criminals that have been convicted. They need to not be a sanctuary city, they need to be protecting the people of Chicago from violent criminals.'

Sessions last week pledged federal assistance to 12 cities to help them develop individualized, long-term strategies to fight violence. But Chicago was not among them.

The Justice Department said that's because Chicago was already part of a similar Justice Department program called the Violence Reduction Network, which began in 2014. Under that initiative, federal agents teamed up with their local counterparts to share resources and intelligence.

The Justice Department spokesman said the department will keep working with cities including Chicago under the new crime-fighting program, called the Public Safety Partnership. And he noted that dozens of additional ATF agents had 'surged' into Chicago so far this year.
No 10 hinted today at an overhaul to organ donation rules that could see people in England being forced to 'opt out' of the scheme.

Scotland is joining Wales in allowing medics to presume consent for organ donation in an effort to drive up the number of organs available for transplant.

The idea is controversial in some quarters amid fears people who do not want to donate, for religious or other reasons, being forced into it.

But campaigners say switching from an opt in to and opt out system will save lives. Around three patients die each day in need of a donor organ.

No 10 hinted today at an overhaul to organ donation rules that could see people in England being forced to 'opt out' of the scheme instead of opting in under the current rules (pictured)

As Scotland prepares to make the change, No 10 today said the Government would closely monitor the system. Wales changed its system in 2015.

Theresa May's spokeswoman said: 'We are keeping a close eye on how the changes in Wales and Scotland are affecting donation rates in considering whether we would change our policy.'

No 10 said the organ donor register in England was already running at record highs, with more than 23.5million on the system in 2016/17.

The spokeswoman said the Government encouraged everyone to discuss organ donation with their friends and family to ensure their wishes could be honoured if necessary.

Last year, the British Medical Association endorsed an opt-out organ donation system for the first time and began lobbying government to back it.

Following the vote Dr John Chisholm, chair of the BMA's medical ethics committee, said: 'As a doctor, it is difficult to see your patients dying and suffering when their lives could be saved or dramatically improved by a transplant.

Theresa May (pictured in London yesterday) is 'keeping a close eye on how the changes in Wales and Scotland are affecting donation rates', No 10 said today

'It is even more difficult when we know that lives are being lost unnecessarily because of poor organisation, lack of funding or because people who are willing to donate organs after their death simply never get around to making their views known.

'Organ transplantation is an area that has seen amazing medical achievements but has not yet reached its full life-saving and life-transforming potential.'
Mohammed Golamaully, 48, pictured above, admitted to supporting terrorism in 2016, after sending money to his ISIS nephew

A hospital director who sent cash to his nephew fighting for ISIS in Syria - telling him it was an 'Islamic obligation' to fight for the murderers - has been struck off.

Mohammed Golamaully, 48, was jailed for two years and three months in November 2016 after he and his wife Nazimabee Golamaully, 46, sent 219 to their nephew, an ISIS terrorist called Zafirr Golamaully.

A Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) report into Golamaully's conduct, published this week after a hearing earlier this month, banned him from the profession when he is released from prison.

Golamaully was working as the hospital director at the Shrewsbury Court Independent Hospital in Redhill, Surrey, when he was arrested in April last year.

The 48-year-old had qualified as a nurse in 1997 and was previously the manager of the Huntercombe Hospital, a psychiatric intensive care unit in Roehampton, south-west London, between 2010 and 2015.

Huntercombe Hospital, pictured above, is a psychiatric intensive care unit in south-west London where Mr Golamaully worked between 2010 and 2015

The report stated that Golamaully had told the NMC that he wanted to get back into the job on his release from prison, but it ruled that he must be stuck off as he had 'brought the profession into disrepute'.

The panel ruled that Golamaully, currently in jail at HMP Elmley in Kent, had 'expressed clear support for terrorism' and that he accessed ISIS material online.

Nazimabee Golamaully, 46, pictured left, and her husband Mohammed Golamaully, 48, pictured right, sent 219 to their nephew, an ISIS terrorist called Zafirr Golamaully in 2014

Panel chair William Nelson said: 'Mr Golamaully has stated that he wishes to return to nursing and has consistently tried to minimise his actions, suggesting that he was motivated by concerns for his nephew, and stating that he, Mr Golamaully, does not hold extremist views.

'However, in her sentencing remarks the Judge made it clear that she did not accept those arguments and she cited instances, on the devices seized from Mr Golamaully, which indicated that he had accessed his nephew's online posts which made it clear he was in Syria fighting for IS and was a relatively high profile fighter.

'Further, the Judge stated that Mr Golamaully had accessed other IS material online, and had expressed clear support for terrorism.

'The panel considered that Mr Golamaully's behaviour did undoubtedly bring the profession into disrepute.

Golamaully and his wife pleaded guilty last year to funding terrorism at the Old Bailey after sending their nephew the cash through Western Union to an Islamic State courier.

The south London pair had sent money to their nephew Zafirr Golamaully, thought to be in his twenties, travelled to Syria from his home in Mauritius in March 2014, and that the money was sent on or before August 2014.

Zafirr is a known ISIS fighter who ran jihadi social media accounts using the Twitter handle Palidinofjihad and the Tumblr username Paladinofjihad.com.

Attackers outside the Parisian satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, pictured above, where 12 people were murdered by 3 terrorists using Kalashnikov rifles on the 7, January 2015

He used the accounts to spout hate as well as tips for would-be jihadis travelling to Syria and appeared to predict the January 2015 attack on the Parisian satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

Messages sent to Zafirr by Golamaully encouraged him to 'eradicate and eliminate' the Kurdish rebel group the PKK and he told his nephew that fighting for ISIS was an 'Islamic obligation'.

The couple were both given 10-year terrorist notification periods under the Counter Terrorism Act.

Mrs Golamaully, pictured left, was sentenced to jail for one year and 10 months. She and Golamaully, 48, pictured right, were believed to be radicalized with computers and phones showing references to ISIS leader Al-Baghdadi

Nelson also said: 'He committed an offence of providing money for the purpose of terrorism, received a substantial custodial sentence and will be required to remain on the terrorist notification register for ten years.

'We do not put any weight on Mr Golamaully's explanation and mitigation for his behaviour.

'It was also obvious to us from the submissions he had made that Mr Golamaully has little or no insight into the impact that his actions have had on the reputation of the nursing profession.

Mr Golammaully, pictured right, was arrested in April 2016, following a probe into the bodyguard of jailed hate preacher Anjem Choudary

'We conclude that, given his present circumstances, he presents a continuing risk to the reputation of the profession.

'Members of the public would expect nurses to obey the laws of the country and not to fund terrorist activity.

'It would be totally inappropriate to have a person on the register who has a conviction and is subject to a 10-year notification period for terrorist-related activity.'

'The panel directs that Mr Golamaully's name be removed from the register.'




A man has been arrested after police allegedly uncovered an underground bunker (pictured) filled with cannabis plants

A man with bikie links has been arrested after police allegedly uncovered an underground bunker filled with cannabis plants.

Police raided a house in Yatala Vale on Friday morning and allegedly found a hydroponic cannabis crop in a buried shipping container under a shed.

Pictures show a manhole in the floor of the shed leading to the crop and officers also found a further two growing rooms, uncovering a total of 30 plants.

It's alleged police also found two guns.

A 57-year-old man was arrested and charged with cultivating cannabis, drug trafficking, possessing firearms without a licence and the theft of electricity.

Police said the electricity powering the drug crop had been diverted around the property's electricity meter.

'Investigators believe the arrested man has links to a number of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, reinforcing the association of bikies with illicit drug trafficking and the unlawful possession of firearms,' Detective Inspector Scott Fitzgerald said.

The man was expected to appear in Adelaide Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Police raided a house in Yatala Vale in Adelaide on Friday morning and allegedly found a hydroponic cannabis crop (pictured) in a buried shipping container under a shed
The Justice Department has abandoned legal action to force the owner of the Washington Redskins to change the team's 'offensive' name.

It comes after the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that stripping Asian-American band The Slants of their moniker violated their First Amendment rights.

Mark Freeman, an attorney for the Justice Department's civil division, admitted in a letter that the ruling made further action against the Redskins pointless.

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The Justice Department has admitted that further action to force Washington Redskins owner Dan Synder to change the team's name is pointless after an earlier Supreme Court ruling

On Monday last week the court ruled unanimously that barring Asian-American band The Slants from using their offensive moniker violated their First Amendment rights

The Redskins case had been on hold in the federal appeals court while the Slants decision was rendered last Monday.

The Supreme Court found that Simon Tam could trademark the Slants as the name of his Asian-American rock band because it would be unconstitutional for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to discriminate against it.

The justices were unanimous in saying a 71-year-old trademark law barring disparaging terms infringes free speech rights.

While Redskins owner Dan Snyder has not spoken out since the case was dropped, he did release a brief statement after the Slant's ruling on Monday, saying: 'I am THRILLED. Hail to the Redskins.'

Snyder has refused to change the team's name in the past, saying it 'represents honor, respect and pride' for Native Americans.

Tam said he wanted to name his band after the racial slur in an attempt to reclaim the word and turn it into a positive.

The Redskins adopted their name in the 1930s but in 2014 was told that a US Patent and Trademark Office tribunal was canceling its six trademarks.

The cancellations were made at the request of Native American activists, who said the name was disparaging to Native Americans.

While Snyder has not reacted to the latest news, he sent out a brief statement last week saying he was 'thrilled' for his team

The Redskins have long faced protests (pictured) from Native American groups. An appeal against the trademark ruling was ordered delayed until the Slants' ruling was made

The team's appeal, also on free speech grounds, was put on hold in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, pending the outcome of The Slants' case.

Writing for the court, Justice Samuel Alito did not mince words in ruling that the decades-old trademark provision is unconstitutional.

'It offends a bedrock First Amendment principle: Speech may not be banned on the ground that it expresses ideas that offend,' Alito wrote.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which filed legal papers supporting the band, hailed the ruling as a major victory for the First Amendment.

ACLU lawyer Lee Rowland said government efforts to protect minorities from disparagement instead hurt members of that very community, in this case the Asian-American band.

'Fortunately, today's opinion prevents the kind of absurd outcome that results when the government plays speech police,' Rowland said.

The band welcomed the ruling.

'After an excruciating legal battle that has spanned nearly eight years, we're beyond humbled and thrilled to have won this case at the Supreme Court,' they said in a statement posted to their website on Monday.

The Supreme Court ruled that refusing a trademark because it was offensive infringed upon First Amendment rights; The Slants say they want to make their name a positive one

'This journey has always been much bigger than our band: it's been about the rights of all marginalized communities to determine what's best for ourselves.'

The government previously said a ruling favoring The Slants could lead to a proliferation of racial slurs as sanctioned trademarks.

After the government rejected The Slants' request, Tam appealed to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, which in 2015 ruled that the so-called disparagement provision of the 1946 law governing trademarks ran afoul of the Constitution's guarantee of free speech.

The government appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.

The federal government said in court papers that it should not be required to approve trademarks 'containing crude references to women based on parts of their anatomy; the most repellent racial slurs and white-supremacist slogans; and demeaning illustrations of the prophet Mohammed and other religious figures.'

Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the court after arguments were heard in the case and did not participate in Monday's decision.

The Supreme Court also ruled on another free speech case on Monday, striking down a North Carolina law banning convicted sex offenders from Facebook and other social media services that play a vital role in modern life.
It is indelibly associated with the rolling hills of Sicily, but the mafia is now being forced to move to Germany after years of economic decline on the island.

The Italian clans have suffered over recent years due to a slump in the construction industry, one of its key businesses, and a determined police crackdown.

This has forced them to head north, as demonstrated by the arrest of 19 suspected drug traffickers in the southern German city of Villingen-Schwenningen on June 21.

The clans of Sicily have suffered over recent years due to an economic slump. Pictured is the site where mafia boss Giuseppe Dainotti was shot dead in Palermo on May 22 this year

The men were seized with 4m worth of goods and money in a joint operation between German officers and the Palermo branch of the Italian finance police.

The gang were said to be operating in Rottweil and Stuttgart, in Baden-Wurttemberg, the German state with the lowest poverty rate, the Guardian reported.

Italian police have accused the gang of smuggling tonnes of cocaine and marijuana from Albania to Germany.

The mobsters laundered the profits in slot machines which they forced bar owners to install, and might have used other proceeds to buy weapons in the Balkans.

The Cosa Nostra is still active in Sicily, but a crackdown has led to hundreds of arrests. Pictured is the house of Bernardo Provenzano, a mafioso seized in 2006

The Cosa Nostra is still active in Sicily, but a crackdown over the last 25 years have seen hundreds of Mafiosi arrested.

This includes Salvatore 'Toto' Riina, the Boss of Bosses, who ordered the killings of Falcone and Borsellino.

Provenzano, pictured in 1959, became Italy's most wanted man and went on the run for four decades

They have also struggled following a 90% in profits for the island's construction industry since 2007.

Hard-up businessmen are now often reporting threats by gangs like Cosa Nostra to the police rather than paying protection money.

There has been a mafia presence in Germany for many years.

In March, mafia man Santo Vottari, 45, was arrested in Calabria after ten years on the run following the deaths of six Italians in the western German city of Duisburg.

Vottari was one of 31 people sentenced to prison in 2009 in connection with the incident, which happened after a feud between two clans spiralled out of control.

The battle between the Nirta-Strangio and Pelle-Vottari clans reportedly began with an egg-throwing prank in 1991.

Reprisals escalated after the killing, on Christmas Day, 2006, of Maria Strangio, the wife of clan leader Giovanni Nirta.

A view of the Tempio del Monte Jato cooperative, pictured in July 2002. This was one of the largest land holdings confiscated from the mafia in Sicily

The feud was blamed for at least 16 deaths in total, with the killings in Germany bringing it to international attention.

Giovanni Strangio was convicted in 2011 of being the mastermind and one of the authors of the Duisburg killings.

He was sentenced to life in prison. Seven others were given life sentences linked to the feud at the same trial.
Jeremy Corbyn, pictured in the Commons on Wednesday, is expected to appoint new members to his team next week

Jeremy Corbyn is facing a growing mutiny over Brexit as his allies plot to tighten their grip on Labour in the wake of the party's election advance.

The leader has been emboldened after he defied expectations by gaining seats on June 8, with left-wingers hoping to exploit the momentum to push through key changes to the party's rules.

This is set to include Mr Corbyn handing more seats on the party's ruling National Executive Committee to his left-wing allies.

But splits are already re-emerging with nearly 50 Labour MPs - a fifth of the total - defying the leader last night to demand Britain stays in the EU single market.

In a sign of his stronger position, Mr Corbyn sacked three frontbenchers who joined the Commons rebellion - Andy Slaughter, Ruth Cadbury and Catherine West. Shadow transport minister Daniel Zeichner quit before the vote.

Ilford MP Wes Streeting warned this afternoon that Labour's position that Brexit meant leaving the single market would alienate many of those who voted for the party.

CORBYN'S PLAN TO CONTROL LABOUR Jeremy Corbyn is set to take a series of steps to tighten his grip on the Labour machine: Slashing the threshold for entry to leadership contests from 15 per cent of MPs to 5 per cent. This will make it easier for a left wing successor.

Expanding the party's ruling National Executive Committee to include grassroots members. These people are likely to be strongly pro Corbyn.

There are claims it will become easier to de-select MPs not loyal to the leader - but this has been denied by Mr Corbyn's team. Advertisement

'Lots of people, Labour party members and supporters, will be disappointed by our position on the single market,' he told BBC Radio 4's World at One.

'I think the debate on the single market achieved what we wanted, which is to open up the debate.'

Mr Corbyn's problems on Brexit could get worse as many MPs who did not support the single market amendment tabled by Chuka Umunna to the Queen's Speech have made clear they still intend to push for a shift of policy.

It also emerged last night that Lyn Brown had left the shadow frontbench, apparently for separate reasons.

She is rumoured to have fallen out with shadow home secretary Diane Abbott - who is now the sole MP representing the party on home affairs as Carolyn Harris and Rupa Huq left previously and have not been replaced.

Mr Corbyn is expected to fill the gaps in his team next week.

There are claims that shadow John McDonnell (pictured at Glastonbury last week) has been telling MPs there will be 'no jobs for traitors' in Jeremy Corbyn's team. Aides to Mr McDonnell have denied he used the phrase

But the prospects of a return for some of the party's centrist 'big beasts', such as Yvette Cooper or Mr Umunna, look slim.

Mr Corbyn has made clear he is not willing to push aside shadow cabinet members who stuck by him in favour of more prominent critics.

His only concession since the election has been to appoint his former leadership challenger Owen Smith as shadow Northern Ireland secretary. Mr Corbyn's deputy Tom Watson, who previously criticised his performance, has been stripped of his role as party chairman.

According to the Evening Standard, his closest ally John McDonnell has been signalling an even harder line.

Ilford MP Wes Streeting (file picture) warned this afternoon that Labour's position that Brexit meant leaving the single market would alienate many of those who voted for the party

One MP told the newspaper: 'John's going round saying 'no jobs for traitors'.'

Aides to Mr McDonnell insisted he had not made the comment.

Instead of bring back experienced figures, the leader is likely to turn to new MPs who may feel more loyalty.

The main priority for supporters of Mr Corbyn's left-wing agenda is to get a motion passed a conference this autumn that would reduce the threshold for MPs to stand in leadership contests.

Currently candidates need nominations from 15 per cent of MPs and MEPs, or 44 names, to feature in the ballot. That makes it very hard for the left to enter the contest because the parliamentary party is more weighted to the centre.

Chuka Umunna (pictured in the Commons yesterday) moved his own amendment to the Queen's Speech demanding a soft Brexit deal. Sitting behind him is Wes Streeting, who today warned that Labour voters were 'disappointed' by the party's position on the single market

Shadow Foreign Office Minister Catherine West (left), Shadow Justice Minister Andy Slaughter (centre) and Shadow Housing Minister Ruth Cadbury were all sacked last night

Potential changes being proposed include reducing that level to 5 per cent - or allowing candidates into the race if they secure 15 per vent of nominations from local Labour groups and unions.

Other changes could include creating new seats on the 35-strong National Executive Committee for grassroots members - people likely to be strongly pro-Corbyn.

There are also claims that activists from the Corbyn-backing Momentum group are trying to make it easier to deselect MPs seen as unfriendly to the leader.

The existing process sees constituency parties hold a 'trigger ballot' where local members vote on whether to endorse the sitting MP or to hold a full selection process.

The mooted rule change could limit the trigger ballot to activists who attend a specific meeting, effectively excluding less engaged party members.

Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire - who secured a massive 37,000 majority at the election - is said to be among the targets for deselection because of her previous clashes with Mr Corbyn.

A local party source told the Bristol Post: 'It's scandalous that a clique of Jeremy Corbyn supporters refuse to accept the huge mandate that Thangam received at the general election.'
The Missouri Civil War Museum says crews who dismantled and removed a Confederate monument in a sprawling St. Louis park found a time capsule inside the 103-year-old granite landmark.

Museum director Mark Trout tells KTVI that workers jackhammering around the last pieces of the 38-foot-tall monument popped loose the waterlogged, sealed capsule.

Trout says the find this week was 'like Indiana Jones'.

He says the capsule will be opened privately, with the contents being revealed at a fundraiser.

'As we were jackhammering around, we vibrated it. It popped loose,' said Trout.

The question now on people's minds is: What can possibly be inside?

The Missouri Civil War Museum says crews who dismantled and removed a Confederate monument in a sprawling St. Louis park found a time capsule inside the 103-year-old granite landmark

Museum director Mark Trout tells KTVI that workers jackhammering around the last pieces of the 38-foot-tall monument popped loose the waterlogged, sealed capsule. The capsule is seen being taken out of a styrofoam container

Trout says the find this week was 'like Indiana Jones.' He says the capsule will be opened privately, with the contents being revealed at a fundraiser

The monument had been the focus of an ownership dispute between the city and the museum before both sides on Monday announced an agreement that required the museum to remove it

The 32-foot granite monument honoring Confederate soldiers and sailors has stood in St. Louis' Forest Park since 1914

Archives show it contains documents from the Daughters of the Confederacy, which turned over ownership of the monument to the museum, according to KTVI.

Archives also show it contains at least one other item.

'We know the last thing put in the box was a magazine placed in there by one of the soldiers of General Picketts (Confederate) division at Gettysburg; the famous "Picketts Charge",' Trout said.

'He held it up at the ceremony saying, "Hey look, were in the magazine. Put this in the box."

'When we open that box the first thing laying on top should be the Star magazine that the soldier placed there.'

The granite and bronze memorial was the latest Confederate monument to be targeted as US cities remove the structures seen as reminders of slavery and the racism that underpinned it

The push to remove Confederate monuments accelerated after the 2015 murder of nine African-Americans by an avowed white supremacist at a South Carolina church sparked a national debate about symbols of racism

Brendan Koch, left, holds a Missouri battle flag used during the Civil War as he and his mother, Janet Koch, watch the removal of the Confederate monument on Monday

The monument had been the focus of an ownership dispute between the city and the museum before both sides on Monday announced an agreement that required the museum to remove it.

The monument will be stored until a permanent site can be found.

The granite and bronze memorial was the latest Confederate monument to be targeted as US cities remove the structures seen as reminders of slavery and the racism that underpinned it.

'We wanted it down,' St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson said at a live-streamed news conference on Monday, explaining that the structure symbolized slavery.

The push to remove Confederate monuments accelerated after the 2015 murder of nine African-Americans by an avowed white supremacist at a South Carolina church sparked a national debate about symbols of racism.

New Orleans recently dismantled the last of four Confederate statues that stood in the city, and Kentucky moved a Confederate monument from the University of Louisville campus to outside the city in Brandenburg, Kentucky.

The St. Louis monument, located on the park's Confederate Drive, which may also be renamed, was dedicated in December 1914 by the Ladies' Confederate Monument Association, according to the website of Forest Park Forever, which partners with the city to maintain the park.

It depicts The Angel of the Spirit of the Confederacy hovering above a bronze sculpture of a family sending a soldier off to war.

It has been repeatedly vandalized with graffiti reading 'Black Lives Matter' and 'End Racism,' according to news reports, and the city has discussed removing it for several years.

Patsy Limpus, who heads the United Daughters of the Confederacy Missouri Division and the St. Louis Confederate Monument Association, also party to the agreement, told the Post-Dispatch Monday that the monument helped residents learn from history.

'Even though some people don't like, it is part of history,' she said.


A terror suspect arrested in Spain was plotting a stabbing murder spree in Majorca similar to the one carried out in London's Borough Market, a Spanish judge said.

Moroccan Abdelkader Mahmoudi was allegedly stopped from a plot to massacre members of the public in the central square in Inca, Majorca's third-largest town.

He is one of the four terror suspects said to have been radicalised by British-based cleric Tarik Chadlioui on the holiday island, authorities believe.

A Spanish judge said the arrest stopped a plot to knife people to death in the same way that terrorists butchered people in London on June 3. Inca is popular with tourists who flock to its leather factories and a weekly market.

A terror suspect arrested in Spain was plotting a stabbing murder spree in Majorca mirroring the London Borough Market carnage, a Spanish judge said. In comes days after terror raids on the island (pictured)

Moroccan Abdelkader Mahmoudi was allegedly stopped from a plot to massacre members of the public in the central square in Inca, Majorca's third-largest town. Police are pictured carrying out terror raids in Majorca on Wednesday

The four men sent to prison after appearing at Madrid's Audiencia Nacional court today were arrested in simultaneous dawn raids at four properties across Majorca and taken to the Spanish capital by helicopter. Pictures show a raid in Inca, Majorca on Wednesday

Madrid-based Santiago Pedraz, who remanded Mahmoudi and three other men in prison after questioning, said: 'Abdelkader Mahmoudi had revealed his intention to become a martyr and had allegedly planned violent acts like a massacre in the square in Inca where the town hall is, stabbing passers-by.'

No more details about the planned attack were given by the judge in his four-page ruling on why he was sending the men, arrested in Majorca on Wednesday, to prison.

He also described them as suspected members of a group created by Chadlioui, 44, 'to lend support to terror organisation ISIS through the elaboration of propaganda and the indoctrination of new members.'

The imam, who preached at the mosque attended by one of the gunmen who took part in the massacre of 89 people at Paris's Bataclan theatre in November 2015, was held at his home in Birmingham on Wednesday.

No more details about the planned attack were given by the judge in his four-page ruling on why he was sending the men, arrested in Majorca on Wednesday, to prison. Pictures show police in Spain making terror arrests on Wednesday

A Spanish judge said the plot would have seen people stabbed to death in the same way that terrorists butchered people at Borough Market in London (pictured) on June 3

Moroccan Abdelkader Mahmoudi is one of the four terror suspects said to have been radicalised by British-based cleric Tarik Chadlioui (pictured) on the holiday island, authorities believe

He is currently fighting extradition to Spain.

The four men sent to prison after appearing at Madrid's Audiencia Nacional court today were arrested in simultaneous dawn raids at four properties across Majorca and taken to the Spanish capital by helicopter. A sixth man was held in Germany.

Spanish police said in a statement after the operation, referring to ISIS as Daesh: 'The investigation began in 2015 when a series of videos were discovered on a website which showed the process of indoctrination, recruitment and subsequent journey to Syria of a young Muslim living in Spain.

'The film promoter was identified as a Salafist imam, who is now under arrest in the UK and being investigated by several European countries.

'This person had travelled to Majorca and began to dynamise the group which has now been arrested, exercising functions ranging from recruiting, indoctrination and radicalisation in favour of Daesh, and becoming from that point on their spiritual leader.

'The Salafist preacher, whose public persona was very well known by European police forces and intelligence services, devoted himself in private to recruiting people to fight in Syria and collect money for the region.

'However the security measures he adopted and his constant changes of address made his detention difficult.'

The cleric was later identified as Belgian passport holder Chadlioui when he appeared before Westminster magistrates after his arrest.

The father-of-eight, who was remanded in custody, claimed through a lawyer extradition would breach his human rights.
When NASCAR's top series visits Watkins Glen this summer, the race will have a new sponsor: "I Love New York," the state's tourism brand.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the sponsorship Friday. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series formerly known as the Cheez-It 355 will now be named the I Love New York 355.

The 90-lap race is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 6 at Watkins Glen International.

"A world-class attraction located in the heart of New York, the Glen's partnership with I Love New York will help attract more visitors to the Empire State than ever before while shining a spotlight on all that the Southern Tier has to offer," Cuomo said in a statement.

The cost of the sponsorship wasn't disclosed. A story published on NASCAR.com in 2015 didn't reveal the price tag for a race sponsorship, but it provided information on what race sponsors receive in return for their investment. The benefits include venue signage, logos on race programs and tickets, VIP tickets, pace car rides and access to the winner's circle after the race.

The state, through the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, awarded $2.25 million to Watkins Glen International in 2014 for track infrastructure upgrades.

In 2015, NASCAR announced a five-year agreement with Watkins Glen to keep the track as part of its regular rotation. Last year, Cuomo announced that IndyCar would return to Watkins Glen through 2018.

The state has also touted a partnership between Watkins Glen and the New York State Fair. The two entities will promote their respective events and aim to boost tourism in central New York and the Southern Tier.

Watkins Glen International supports 2,000 full-time and seasonal employees, according to the governor's office. The race track draws more than 830,000 visitors and generates over $200 million in economic activity annually.

Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen International, welcomes the new partnership with the state.

"With NASCAR comes an international audience, and this is going to allow us to help put I Love New York to the forefront of broadcasts in Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and more, in addition to all of the dedicated viewers here in North America," he said. "All of us are looking forward to a great race weekend coming up in August."
A jury in Spokane, Washington, has convicted a 65-year-old transgender woman in the serial killings of three women working as prostitutes nearly three decades ago. of three counts of first-degree murder.

Donna Perry will be sentenced on July 24 in Spokane County Superior Court. She faces up to three life terms.

Perry used to be known as Douglas Perry before undergoing gender reassignment surgery in 2000.

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Serial killer: Donna Perry, 65, is pictured in Spokane County Superior Court on Thursday, listening to a judge announcing three guilty verdicts in the 1990 murders of sex workers

A Washington state jury convicted Perry of three counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of (L to R) Kathleen Brisbois, 38; Yolanda Sapp, 26, and Nickie Lowe, 34

Discarded like trash: The victims' naked or partially exposed bodies were found dumped on the banks of the Spokane River

She was found guilty on Thursday of three counts of first-degree murder in the killings of 26-year-old Yolanda Sapp, 34-year-old Nickie Lowe, and 38-year-old Kathy Brisbois.

Their naked or partially exposed bodies were found dumped on the banks of the Spokane River.

Perry, with her long graying hair falling over her shoulders, displayed no emotion when Judge Michael Price read aloud the guilty verdicts. Before she was led away in handcuffs, the judge thanked the now-convicted murderer for showing 'dignity' throughout the proceedings, reported The Spokane Review.

Her former self: Perry used to be known as Douglas Perry before undergoing gender reassignment surgery in 2000

The victims' families embraced and cried in the court hallway at the conclusion of the trial, 27 years after the serial killings.

'I'm so happy that it's finally done and over with and we have some sort of closure for my aunt and these two other women. It's amazing,' Chilsea Patzer, Nickie Lowe's niece, told KREM2.

All three victims were sex workers in Spokane and were all shot during a four-month span in 1990.

The cases went unsolved until 2012, when Perry was convicted in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

During that investigation, her DNA was entered into a national database and came back a match to evidence in the cold-case murders.

Prosecutors contended during this month's two-and-a-half-week trial that Perry changed her gender to avoid suspicion in the serial killings.

Prosecutors claimed Perry (pictured left as Douglas and right as Donna) changed her gender to avoid suspicion in the murders

Cold cases solved: The murders went unsolved until 2012, when Perry was convicted of a federal weapons charge and her DNA linked her to the 1990 slayings

'She gelded herself like you would a farm animal,' Deputy Prosecutor Sharon Hedlund told the jury in closing arguments this week.

When Perry was arrested in connection with the crimes five years ago, she claimed that she had transitioned into a female to stop her male persona from being violent.

'Douglas didn't stop, Donna stopped it,' Perry told police about the killings, according to an affidavit filed in January 2014. 'I'm not going to admit I killed anybody, I didn't. Donna has killed nobody.'

When asked if Doug was responsible, she responded: 'I don't know if Doug did or not, it was 20 years ago and I have no idea whether he did or did not,' according to ABC News.

When Perry (pictured in court in 2014) was arrested in connection with the crimes, she claimed that she had transitioned into a female to stop her male persona from being violent

Envy: A fellow inmate told police Perry said to her she had killed prostitutes 'because she couldn't breed and the women had the ability to have children and they were wasting it being "pond scum"'

A woman who had shared a cell with Perry during a stint in an Oregon prison in 1998 told police that Perry confided in her that she had killed prostitutes 'because she couldn't breed and the women had the ability to have children and they were wasting it being "pond scum."'

Defense lawyer Pat Donahue tried to convince the jury that his client's DNA and fingerprints were linked to the victims because as a man, Perry had used the services of prostitutes.

Prosecutors expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the case. The defense plans to appeal the verdict.
The billionaire uncle of Rihanna's new Saudi lover was at the centre of an international child abduction investigation after he 'kidnapped' his nine-year-old daughter from his British wife.

Pop star Ri Ri was this week pictured passionately kissing 1.5bn Toyota heir Hassan Jameel in a swimming pool on holiday in Spain as friends said the couple have been together for six months and their relationship is 'the real deal'.

But as the singing superstar is 'completely smitten' with her 29-year-old lover, she is unlikely to be aware of the controversy that has dogged one of Saudi Arabia's richest families.

Hassan's uncle Yousef Jameel, a former well known playboy in the 1980s at London casinos, was accused of kidnapping his own daughter and refusing to return her to her mother in Britain for almost a year.

Jameel was also involved in a libel case after he claimed he was falsely linked to funding of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden.

Smitten: Rihanna's is pictured with her new Saudi billionaire heir boyfriend Hassan Jameel on holiday in Spain where she was this week seen kissing the 1.5bn Toyota heir in the pool

Hassan's uncle Yousef Jameel was once involved in an international child abduction case after he kidnapped his nine year old daughter and took her to Saudi Arabia against his wife Carole Bailey's (pictured)

Custody fight: Jameel had split with the girl's mother Carole Bailey from Caterham, Surrey, several years after their daughter was born.

Abducted: Hassan's uncle Jameel had refused to return daughter Sara Bailey (pictured) to her mother after taking her to his home in the Arab kingdom during a half term break

Such was the high profile nature of the child abduction case in 1988, the then Foreign Secretary Sir Geoffrey Howe was asked to approach the King of Saudi Arabia in an attempt to resolve the dispute.

Jameel had refused to return daughter Sara Bailey to her mother after taking her to his home in the Arab kingdom during a half term break.

The girl was eventually allowed to leave the country following the intervention by Sir Geoffrey who used diplomatic channels to approach King Fahd of Saudi Arabia.

Jameel had split with the girl's mother Carole Bailey from Caterham, Surrey, several years after their daughter was born.

Sara had been staying with her father at his home in Jeddah and was due to return home as her mother had primary custody having been made a ward of court.

Press reports from the time said that Jameel had spent close to 4m buying a building and setting up a special school in England for Sara so that she could have an Islamic education.

He also lodged 1m with the courts as a show of good faith that he had no plans to keep his daughter.

After Sara remained in Saudi for months his estranged wife told a family court Jameel had plotted for years to take his daughter to his home country.

A-list connections: Hassan was previously spotted looking affectionate with supermodel Naomi Campbell in July 2016 at the British Summer Time Festival in London

After Sara, now 38, (pictured) remained in Saudi for months his estranged wife told a family court Jameel had plotted for years to take his daughter to his home country.

Fight: When Jameel (pictured left with his ex-wife) refused to return her to the UK, Mrs Bailey (pictured left), who died in 2015, took her case to Sir Geoffrey and asked for Foreign Office intervention

When Jameel refused to return her to the UK Mrs Bailey, who died in 2015, took her case to Sir Geoffrey and asked for Foreign Office intervention.

In a TV interview the mum said she feared her elderly father would die before he saw his granddaughter again.

The political intervention came after Sara had spent more than eight months in Saudi Arabia. The only contact she had with her mother was in letters that Mrs Bailey claimed had been dictated by an adult.

Sara, 38, now works as a human rights specialist at the University of Essex in Colchester. She was unavailable for comment.

While he lost that legal battle, Jameel found himself embroiled in the British court systems 15 years later when he said The Sunday Times falsely 'linked' him to the al Q'aida chief Osama bin Laden.

The newspaper reported that Jameel's name had been added in legal action brought in the US on behalf of victims of the September 11 terror attacks in New York and Washington DC.

The article claimed he was added to the litigation as his name had appeared on a list of rich Saudi Arabian businessmen found in the offices of a charity in Bosnia in 2002.

The list became known as the 'Golden Chain' and was said to date from 1988 when bin Laden had the backing of the Americans while he was fighting for the mujahideen in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union.

While he lost that legal battle with his former wife (right), Jameel (left) found himself embroiled in the British court systems 15 years later when he said The Sunday Times falsely 'linked' him to the al Q'aida chief Osama bin Laden.

A judge in New York later said the document had 'serious foundational flaws' when he ruled that he could not 'make the logical leap that the document is a list of early Al Qaeda supporters'.

The Sunday Times article had the headline 'Car tycoon 'linked' to bin Laden. At the time one of the company's owned by Jameel was the British car dealership Hartwell distributors of Land Rovers.

Jameel sued for libel and two years after publication of the article the matter was settled with newspaper saying they accepted Jameel was not a supporter of bin Laden and had not made any financial contribution to the training of terrorists.

In a 2005 hearing Stephen Suttle QC, representing the newspaper, said: 'The Sunday Times took the view that, as a matter of public interest, it was entitled to report neutrally the fact that Mr Jameel had been added as a defendant to the September 11 litigation and to explain the reasons why, according to the US lawyers acting for the plaintiffs, this had happened.

'It was not the intention of the Sunday Times to give credence to the claim against Mr Jameel.

'The Sunday Times has never sought to maintain that Mr Jameel had financially supported Osama bin Laden in connection with terrorism or that he helped fund the training of the terrorists who carried out the 11 September attacks.

'The Sunday Times accepts that the claimant is not a supporter of Osama bin Laden or al-Qaida and regrets if the article may have given readers a different impression.' Jameelhad always denied he ever made any donation either to Bin Laden, al-Qaida, or to the charity in Bosnia.

Businessman: Hassan's family own the rights to distributing Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia and are one of the biggest companies in the world

Man about town! Hassan has also rubbed shoulders with British royalty, previously meeting with Prince Andrew at the Bab Rizq Jameel Centre

Jameel's lawyer Mr James Price, QC, said: 'The defendant has agreed to join in the making of this statement this morning in order to avoid any misunderstanding. 'In the light of this, the claimant is satisfied that his purpose in bringing these proceedings - the vindication of his reputation - has been achieved and he has agreed not to pursue this case further.'

Jameel later married British model Linda Richards and had three daughters, and now resides in Saudi Arabia where he is a well known philanthropist and supporter of education and scholarships for students.

The businessman had inherited one of the most successful Toyota car dealerships in the world with his two brothers and three sisters from their father Sheik Abdul Jameel who died aged 84.

In the 1950s having won the right to sell Toyota Land Cruisers, the most popular off road vehicle in Saudi as it prospered in the oil boom of the 1960s and 1970s, his company the Abdul Latif Jameel Group became a powerhouse in the nation.

When the Sheik died in 1993 the company was split between his eldest son Yousef, Mohammed and the youngest Magdi as well as their three sisters.

'Real deal': Rihanna has been dating Hassan, 29, for six months and is said to be 'smitten'

New love: The singing superstar, pictured, was seen kissing Hassan in a swimming pool while on holiday with her new beau in Spain this week

While Magdi was seen as the heir apparent to run the billion pound company he took court action against his brothers in a dispute over voting rights within the company and transfer of ownership of the Toyota dealerships. The family dispute was settled in 1997.

Mohammed, 61, now runs the company which has huge property investments and has its main headquarters in Jeddah.

He is the father of Rihanna's boyfriend Hassan who is heir apparent to the family's fortune.

Hassan, who was romantically linked to supermodel Naomi Campbell, holds the position of deputy president and vice chairman of the family owned company that employs over 10,000 people worldwide. Like his uncle and father, who donates huge amounts to charity, he is involved in philanthropic schemes.

He is President of a charity called Community Jameel, which aims to reduce poverty and use technology to increase food and water security.
The devastated family of a man who was fatally stabbed during a drug deal turned sour at a Melbourne petrol station have spoken of their grief over his death.

Nuri Balla, 31, met Aaron Sean Burnett in a petrol station car park in Kealba to supply him with the drug 'ice' but the meeting turned violent and Burnett was stabbed multiple times and died of blood loss.

Outside the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday, Mr Burnett's family fought back tears as they reacted to news Balla, a cable technician, had been sentenced to more than 10 years in jail over the death.

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Aaron Sean Burnett (pictured) was stabbed multiple times by Nuri Balla in a petrol station car park and died of blood loss

Nuri Balla (pictured) was jailed for 10 years and six months for manslaughter, with a non-parole period of seven years and three months

'He's gone forever. He [Balla] gets to come out and live his life, and we don't have nothing,' Mr Burnett's cousin, Emma Cook, told Nine News.

Mr Burnett's sister, Breanna, told reporters: 'I've just had a baby that's never going to meet my brother. I miss my brother every day'.

In court, Justice Terry Forrest jailed Balla for manslaughter, saying the sentence reflected the community's concern about 'young, drug-fuelled men who use knives to settle disputes'.

Balla had sold some ice to Mr Burnett, who was not happy with the quality.

They pair met that night to replace the drugs, but Balla knew things could turn sour because of some fiery texts exchanged beforehand.

'You knew there was a prospect of trouble and organised back up,' Justice Forrest said.

Outside court, Aaron Sean Burnett's sister, Breanna (pictured), told reporters 'I miss my brother every day'

They both had arrived with other people for the meeting, and at the end of the conversation a fight broke out.

'It seems you provided the spark for the confrontation with your remarks,' the judge said.

'In the course of the struggle (you) stabbed the deceased a number of times.'

After the incident Balla took his friend's station wagon to Port Melbourne, doused it in petrol and set it alight to try to destroy incriminating evidence.

The prosecution could not say who brought the knife, and the judge found two of the five stab wounds could have been defensive.

Balla, who used to work on the rollout of the NBN, was originally charged with murder but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

He was jailed for 10 years and six months with a non-parole period of seven years and three months.
The drowning deaths of seven men, including five young friends, at a popular south coast beach last summer were through misadventure, a coroner concluded.

Tragedy struck as Mohit Dupar, 36, tried to reach Brazilian Gustavo Silva Da Cruz, 19, as he got into difficulty at Camber Sands, near Rye, East Sussex, last July 24 - but both died.

A month later, five young friends, who all lived in the London area, were of Sri Lankan origin and aged 18 to 27, drowned at the same beach after being seen playing volleyball in the sea last August 24.

Nine deaths occurred at Camber in the four years from 2012 - including the seven last summer. But lifeguards were not deployed until after the five deaths last August, despite recommendations from the RNLI to employ them three years earlier.

Recording his conclusions following a five-day inquest in Hastings, East Sussex, senior coroner Alan Craze said it was 'not known' whether deploying lifeguards would have prevented the deaths.

Tragic: Kenugen Saththiyanathan (left), 18, known as Ken, and his brother Kobikanthan (right), 22, known as Kobi, both died along with three of their friends

Gurushanth Srithavarajah (pictured left), 27, and Nitharsan Ravi (right), 22, also both drowned

Nitharsan Ravi (left) is pictured alongside his friend Inthushan Sriskantharasa (right) who died

Mr Craze said: 'The RNLI had recommended, amongst other measures, deploying lifeguards at the beach in 2013 but this had not happened. Of course, it is not known whether such a step would have prevented the deaths, but it has now been implemented.'

The five friends who died in August last year were Kenugen Saththiyanathan, 18, his brother Kobikanthan, 22, and their friends Nitharsan Ravi, 22, Inthushan Sriskantharasa, 23, and Gurushanth Srithavarajah, 27.

The inquest heard the five men were all fit, healthy and competent swimmers when they died on a sunny day but beneath the surface at Camber Sands lurked 'hidden dangers'.

Mr Craze said he would sending off a prevention of future deaths letter to figures, including the Transport Secretary, highlighting concerns including over the control of risk assessments.

The inquest had heard that there was no legal requirement for Rother District Council to follow through with recommendations contained in risk assessments by the RNLI.

Although rip currents were not believed responsible, Camber has sandbars that can catch people out when the tide comes in rapidly, sometimes causing people to wade through water to reach shore, the inquest heard.

Family members of the five men attended Hastings Coroners' Court for the inquest

Oceanographer Dr Simon Boxall believed the five men got into trouble after heading out to a sandbar to play ball a significant distance out at sea, and then got caught out.

Amid a fast incoming tide, it appeared the men may have panicked trying to help one of their friends and then got into trouble as they tried to get back to shore.

Dr Boxall, a senior lecturer at the University of Southampton, said there also would have been strong currents which would have had a significant impact even on a strong swimmer.

As the men were far out at sea, he said he doubted whether anyone would have seen them from shore, particularly with glare facing people looking out to the water.

Beach-goer, Stephen Deacon, told the inquest he felt 'unnerved' by the underwater sea conditions on the day the five friends drowned at the beach, which can attract up to 30,000 visitors peak season.

The surface of the sea appeared calm but underwater, the strong current pushed him in and out as he pulled a dinghy with three children inside at sea, he said.
Shocking footage has emerged of students being kicked, dragged by the hair and smashing chairs across each other's heads when a mass brawl broke out at a graduation party.

In a clip of the fight between smartly dressed students from the American Foundation College of Puebla, in Mexico, the graduates can be seen throwing chairs, punches and kicks at each other in the middle of the dance floor.

It is reported that at least four students were hospitalised after the fight last Friday.

The school publicly condemned the actions of its students.

Their statement (translated from Spanish) said: 'Respect, responsibility and integrity are universal values that the American College Foundation of Puebla assumes as essential.

'The behaviour seen in a video of the students shared on social networks does not represent our philosophy.

'We are against all kind of aggression.'

Suited and booted: In a clip of the fight between smartly dressed students from the American Foundation College of Puebla, in Mexico, the graduates can be seen throwing chairs, punches and kicks at each other in the middle of the dance floor

It is unclear if police are investigating and whether or not any arrests have been made.

Some local reports say the fracas began when students from another school tried to gatecrash the party, while others state the graduates were fighting because they were drunk.

Earlier this week a bloody brawl broke out as two 'feuding' families kicked and punched each other after a graduation ceremony in Long Island, New York.

Last year 40 students were injured during a fight in a graduation party at the Mexican Institute in the same city of Puebla, after waitresses, students and parents started to brawl.
The ex-wife of former Liberian president Charles Taylor appeared in court today accused of torturing people during the country's civil war.

Agnes Reeves Taylor allegedly inflicted severe pain or suffering 'in the performance of her official duties' in the West African country between 1989 and 1991.

The 51-year-old Coventry University lecturer, who lives in Dagenham, East London, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police's war crimes unit on June 1.

Agnes Reeves Taylor (left, in court), the ex-wife of former Liberian president Charles Taylor (right), allegedly inflicted severe pain or suffering 'in the performance of her official duties'

The mother, who has two daughters living in the UK, faces one count of conspiracy to commit torture and five counts of torture under the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Reeves Taylor, who is a head of department at Coventry University, appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from HMP Bronzefield in Surrey.

Wearing a black blazer over a grey top, she spoke only to confirm her identity and acknowledge she understood what had been said in court.

The hearing was adjourned until July 20 to give the prosecution and defence more time to consider the case before setting a full timetable and a trial date.

Courtenay Griffiths QC, defending, said he intended to make a bail application at that hearing.

Reeves Taylor appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from HMP Bronzefield (above) in Surrey

Mr Justice Holroyde indicated there would be a further hearing on August 11. Reeves Taylor was remanded in custody.

The charges allege that she agreed with a course of conduct which amounted to the commission of torture and that she intentionally inflicted severe pain or suffering at Gbarnga in Liberia between December 23, 1989 and January 1, 1991.

Gbarnga was used as the headquarters of Charles Taylor's National Patriotic Front during the conflict.

Following a peace agreement Taylor was elected as President of Liberia in 1997 but a second civil war broke out in 1999 and Taylor was forced into exile in 2003.
Stacy Spinella, 43, was pulled over for driving 52mph in a 30mph residential zone

A mother from Florida tried to hide her stash of marijuana on her young daughter when cops pulled her over for speeding.

Deputies stopped Stacy Spinella, 43, when she was clocked doing 52mph in a 30mph residential area of Naples.

When a cop said he could smell marijuana, he asked both her and her 11-year-old daughter to get out of the car.

At first the girl refused and started to cry saying that she was scared, but eventually her mom persuaded her.

As she did so, cops noticed that a sweatshirt the youngster had on her lap was being tucked into her jeans by her mom.

The deputies thought Spinella was poking and tucking her daughter's clothes to hide any drugs she might have on her.

According to Naples News Deputies searched the car and found nothing. But when they searched Spinella and her daughter's clothes, they found an envelope full of marijuana.

Police asked her and her 11-year-old daughter after smelling marijuana in the car. Cops they say found an envelope of the drugs stashed in the girl's clothing

The girl also had a pipe in her lap, deputies say.

The loyal daughter then tried telling deputies that her mother didn't use drugs and only planned to deliver them to someone else.

Law enforcement arrested Spinella on charges of drug possession and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Spinella was also charged on a probation violation from a previous conviction of grand theft.

Spinella was booked at the Naples Jail Center with bail set at $11,000.
Alec Baldwin has added another presidential impression to his belt - founding father George Washington.

The actor debuted the impression in an advertisement for his Spike TV special, One Night Only with Alec Baldwin.

Turns out, Baldwin's version of the founding father doesn't sound so different than his impression of President Donald Trump, which landed him a role on Saturday Night Live last season.

The actor injected plenty of Trump humor into the advertisement, boasting of grabbing 'so much freedom from those British losers' and creating a 'terrific incredible country for everybody - even the haters and the losers'.

'Hello everyone, it's me George Washington, the guy who made America great the first time. People didn't know I talk like this, but it's true, I can not tell a lie. This is how I sound,' Baldwin says, dressed in Colonial military garb and wearing a powdered wig.

'I come to you this Independence Day with a special message. First: you're welcome. For your amazing freedoms, creating all this tremendous democracy, I grabbed so much freedom from those British losers. When you're the president, they let you do it, ok?

'I won our nation's first election fair and square, complete landslide. Nobody thought I could win all 13 colonies, but I did.

Alec Baldwin debuted a Trump-inspired impression of George Washington in an advertisement for his Spike TV special

The actor injected plenty of Trumpian humor into the advertisement, boasting of grabbing 'so much freedom from those British losers' and creating a 'terrific incredible country for everybody - even the haters and the losers'

'These only look small because my hands are so huge. They are incredibly huge, ok?' Baldwin said, referencing the two small American flags he was holding up.

'The press is saying the French interfered. Ok, that's fake news. I don't know French. I never borrowed money from the French. The only thing I got from the French is my kissing, which, I should mention, is quite impressive. Never one complaint.

'Believe me, I created this terrific incredible country for everybody, even the haters and the losers, like Alec Baldwin, so that he could have the freedom to insult the president.

'You see, some people, like me, are the father of their country. Others, like that idiot Alec, play dress up and make believe their entire lives. Some are featured on the $1 bill and some are honored for one night only. And it's not like he's even winning an award, unlike me who has rooms and rooms of awards and everything is named after me - Washington Square, Washington, DC....Kerry Washington.

'Celebrate the birth of this great nation and catch One Night Only with Alec Baldwin. He needs this so badly. His career is a total disaster, ok? These only look small because my hands are so huge. They are incredibly huge, ok?' Baldwin said, referencing the two small American flags he was holding up.

Earlier this week, Baldwin said he would be returning to Saturday Night Live next season to continue portraying President Trump

President Trump is pictured above speaking at an event in the East Room of the White House last week

One Night Only with Alec Baldwin airs July 9 at 9pm on Spike TV.

The special was filmed last weekend. The likes of Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, Tracy Morgan and Jane Krakowski gathered at the Apollo Theater in Harlem to pay tribute to Baldwin for the show.

On the last season of SNL, Baldwin portrayed candidate-turned-president Trump. Earlier this week, he announced that he would be returning to the show next season to continue playing the president, but with a more limited appearance schedule.
An Orlando, Florida police officer with PTSD who was declared 'permanently and totally disabled' after the Pulse nightclub shooting has had his benefits cut off and now has only $218 to his name to support his family.

Gerry Realin, 37, was one of the first responders at last year's nightclub massacre, where 49 people were shot and killed by lone gunman Omar Saddiqui Matee.

Realin's duty was to remove the bodies from the club after the biggest mass shooting in American history.

Following his Pulse-related duties, he was diagnosed with severe PTSD and his doctors told him not to return to work, reports News 6.

Orlando police officer Gerry Realin was diagnosed with PTSD after being one of the first responders called to remove bodies from the scene of the Pulse nightclub shooting massacre. His disability benefits window has ended and he received his last paycheck on June 22

Realin has had to cancel treatment appointments because he cannot afford the co-payments

Realin's wife, Jessica, said the family of four only has $218 to their name now

A psychiatrist has said that Realin is 'permanently and totally disabled unfit to work' following his Pulse nightclub shooting body removal duties

He then started receiving full disability benefit checks from the Orlando Police Department, which he has used to support his family  a wife and two young children.

The 'personal leave benefits,' which he has used to support his wife and two young children, started on June 16, 2016  four days after the Pulse shootings.

But, a year on from the attack, the payments have now run out, according to the police department.

He received his last paycheck on June 22.

'We have $218 to our name right now,' Realin's wife, Jessica, told News 6, adding that the family has been forced to sell possessions ranging from an old TV to a 1970s-era family boat, to cover their expenses.

The Realin family has said that it does not hvae any savings and they have started to sell their possessions, including an old TV and 1970s-era boat, to cover their expenses

The Police Pension Board is due to meet on July 13 to discuss whether Realin is eligible for permanent disability pension due to the severity of his PTSD diagnosis

Jessica told the New York Daily News that the family doesn't have any savings, meaning they have to carefully budget out his last police department paycheck, going so far as to cancel Realin's doctor appointments because he can no longer afford the co-pays.

In a statement, obtained by the Daily News, Orlando Police Chief John Mina noted that 'policies and procedures' limit the city's interim disability committee's ability to reimburse officers and 'in Officer Realin's case, those limits have been met.'

State Senator Victor Torres, a former NYPD cop, told News 6 that, 'You can fall on polices all that you want,' but ultimately 'the real heart is you take care of your own.'

Torres, who was inspired by Realin's story, is sponsoring a bill that would allow first responders diagnosed with PTSD to be covered as a valid disability used in workers compensation claims.

There is the possibility that Realin might be eligible for additional benefits in the near future, though.

According to an e-mail from the pension board that Jessica says she received on Thursday, an independent psychiatrist assigned to him by the Orlando Police Pension Board wrote that Realin 'is permanently and totally disabled unfit to work' and should be 'declared disabled from any kind of police work.'

The statement was based on a psychiatric evaluation  the fifth that he's undergone at the city's request  that took place on June 16.

In August 2016, two months after Realin spent four hours at Pulse removing bodies with seven other cops, told The Orlando Sentinel that he still saw 'all the red' and recalled the 'smell that saturated my whole body' and added he sensed it in his hair, skin and 'my whole respiratory system.'

The Orlando Police Pension Board is due to have a meeting on July 13 to discuss the evaluation, which could lead to Realin being granted a permanent disability pension.

In the meantime, the Realins have had a GoFundMe fundraising page started in their name to help them cover their expenses. To date, they have received $9,595 of a $50,000 goal from donations.
Two people have been taken to hospital and dozens more had a lucky escape after a car crashed into a bus stop.

The car crashed into the shelter on King William Street in Adelaide before flipping onto its roof about 1.20pm on Friday, reported the Adelaide Advertiser.

Witness Bree Wells said: 'I was just standing at the bus stop and the car just came smashing through the glass and it rolled onto its roof.'

Two people have been taken to hospital and dozens more had a lucky escape after a car crashed into a bus stop in central Adelaide

A father and his teenage daughter, who were inside the car when it crashed, were physically unharmed.

The teen's friend Dylan Hale told 7 News her father 'had a coughing fit and put his foot on the accelerator and came up the gutter and rolled it (the car) a bit.'

The crash destroyed the bus shelter and knocked over a nearby sign, sending glass flying in all directions.

The man and his daughter were taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital suffering shock.

Traffic travelling southbound on King William Street was blocked between North Terrace and Rundle Mall while the crash was cleared.

The car crashed into the shelter on King William Street in Adelaide before flipping onto its roof about 1.20pm on Friday

A father and his teenage daughter, who were inside the car when it crashed, were physically unharmed but were taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital suffering shock
Since the owner of the Auburn Schine Theater announced its partnership with a Syracuse developer to restore the building, new details of the partnership and the restoration have come to light.

Many of those details are included in an April 12 memorandum of understanding between the theater's current owner, the Cayuga County Arts Council, and the developer, Bowers Development. The memorandum was released to the public June 15, when it was included with the city of Auburn's application for $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds from the state.

The memorandum says Bowers will buy the building from the council for $15,000 (it originally says $10,000, but that amount is crossed out and replaced with $15,000 and the signature of council board Chair Ed Onori). The purchase, however, is contingent on a few conditions: environmental and structural assessments of the 1938 movie palace, and receipt of grant funding.

The project must receive three grants in order for Bowers to buy the Schine, the memorandum says. The first is $1.25 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for remediation of the theater's asbestos, lead paint and mold. Indeed, in May, the city allocated $800,000 in CDBG funds through amendments to its 2016-2017 Action Plan. Office of Planning and Economic Development Director Jennifer Haines said that is all the city can allocate  and, despite the terms of the memorandum, Bowers Development owner Bryan Bowers has told her he is still "moving forward."

Bowers could not be reached for comment.

The second grant Bowers requested is $500,000 from Restore NY, a statewide program to support the revitalization and stabilization of urban areas. Haines said the city has not yet received word the grant will be funded this year, but if it is, her office will review the Schine's eligibility for it. Applications for the grant are typically due in October.

The third grant is a $1 million Consolidated Funding Application. As such grants are commonly requested through the state's regional economic development councils, the application would be made by Bowers, Haines said, and not the city. Onori said he and the council feel good about Bowers' chances, citing his previous receipt of state funds for similar remediation projects.

The application also briefly mentions another form of financial support for the Schine project: A payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement from the local industrial development agency (which would be the Auburn Industrial Development Authority). But Onori said a PILOT is only one of many possibilities.

"We're just throwing out a lot of things to see what's best for the whole project," he said. "We don't know if that's on the table or not."

Onori added that the council's partnership with Bowers could continue even if more terms of their memorandum of understanding are not met. For instance, the Schine could find another source of funds if Auburn bests the four other municipalities competing for central New York's Downtown Revitalization Initiative prize. The city's application allots $2 million of the $10 million prize to the Schine, though Haines stipulated that the amount is tentative and could change if Auburn wins the money. The grant requires working with the state to guide how the money is spent.

As the arts council and Bowers await word on the $10 million grant over the next few weeks, the terms of their partnership appear to be in flux.

Though the memorandum and Auburn's Downtown Revitalization Initiative application both say the council will sell the building to Bowers, Onori said Friday that the two organizations will instead co-own the building through a new limited liability company. It has not yet been formed nor given a name, Onori said.

Another question is the partnership's approval by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The office recognized the Schine as a historic landmark in 1994, four years before the council purchased it for $26,000 in back taxes. The status not only qualified the project for grants and tax credits, but set a requirement that any work on the theater be approved by the office.

In a June 19 Facebook post, the council said it met a week prior with representatives of the city of Auburn, Bowers' Asbestos & Environmental Consulting Corporation, and Julian Adams, director of the state historic preservation office's Community Preservation Services Bureau & Tax Credit Unit. Adams expressed a desire to see the theater's character preserved as much as possible, Onori said.

Asked what Adams and the office think of the partnership, Onori said, "They don't have a problem with that."

Contacted by The Citizen, Adams directed comment to his public information office. A representative issued the following statement: "Due to several grants issued to the Schine Theater, there is a Preservation Covenant in effect until 7/25/2036. The owner does need to receive approval from the state to sell the property. We are happy to work with them on efforts to rehabilitate the building."

Asked whether the office has reviewed and/or approved the memorandum of understanding between the council and Bowers, the representative said, "We haven't been contacted about the sale."

Mindful that the community may have questions, the arts council has scheduled a public information session for 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 7, at the theater.

"We're trying to put everything together right now," Onori said. "It's not something that happens overnight."
The magnificent mop, sported by Mr Griff, a 13-year-old Brussels griffon, bears a striking resemblance to the US Commander in Chief

Talk about a ruff hair day! Meet the adorable pooch with thick blond locks that make him look just like President Trump.

The magnificent mop, sported by Mr Griff, a 13-year-old Brussels griffon, bears a striking resemblance to the US Commander in Chief.

His owner, Steph Rounds, 23, from Binghamton in New York, USA, started combing and styling her pooch's untameable hair two years ago.

She's been called 'crazy' for her amusing photographs but has attracted over 9,000 Instagram followers who Steph claims find the posts 'hysterical'.

The communication studies graduate takes 300 pictures for every one image posted of Donald Trump-lookalike Mr Griff and believes his facial expressions mimic the President's overly animated face.

Steph said: 'It's really hilarious, in the pictures he looks just like Donald Trump, he has the hair and perfect expressions.

'You have to brush your dog's hair and make a terrible wig-like mess with it, then use hairspray to get it into a terrible combover looking monstrosity.

Mr Griff looking very presidential with his Trump-like locks. His owner, Steph Rounds, 23, started combing and styling her pooch's untameable hair two years ago

'Eventually it looked like the rug Trump has so I only had to do a bit of styling and put some volume in there too.

'I see why he has a team to do it, you can't just do it by yourself.

Steph grooms Mr Griff's hair into a style very similar to President Donald Trump's

'I dressed him up and then scoured the internet for hair that kind of matched the picture I took at first and everyone really loved it.

'I try to make the pictures as funny as I can and love seeing the feedback, it was funny to see how popular he became

'People think I'm ridiculous for doing it but they love it, they can't wait to see what I'm doing now and next.

Mr Griff's owner Steph said that she's been called 'crazy' for her amusing photographs but has attracted over 9,000 Instagram followers who Steph claims find the posts 'hysterical'

'The favourite one is of him yawning, where it looks like he is screaming which matches a couple of Donald Trump pictures I've seen.

'I enjoy the comedy of it, so it's my way of channelling passion into something.'

Steph spends around 20-minutes for her photoshoots and maintains that her pooch enjoys the experience.

She added: 'Some people have said it's 'cruel' to put clothes on my dog but he really seems to like it and acts very naturally.

Steph carefully styles the dog's hair and dresses him in power suits to get the Trump look

'My dog will let me do just about anything, he goes with the flow and I appreciate that.'

People praised the dog's pictures on Instagram.

martyaffen_fl wrote: 'BUT you're soooooo much better looking!!!'

king_toby_1 wrote: 'I would vote for you. Besides your hair is way better.'

And leveton123 wrote: 'Haha! Twins.'
Ian Strachan died after taking a cocktail of drugs

A playboy conman who tried to blackmail a member of the Royal Family for 50,000 over gay sex scandal died after taking a cocktail of drugs, an inquest has heard.

Ian Strachan had attempted to take his life several times in the past but appeared to be back to his normal self the day before his suicide.

But the 40-year-old had celebrated his birthday eight days before his drank a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs mixed with milk at his home in Marylebone, London, after falling out with his mother.

Westminster Coroner's Court did not hear why the mother and son had a disagreement but she had visited him the day before he was found dead.

The court heard that he had become aggressive towards her after drinking vodka the night before threatening to kill her and himself, she last saw him at 9:30pm on 23 December.

Mr Strachan texted her at 1am saying: You want a body you have got one, it will be a different day when you wake up tomorrow, I wont be here.

In her witness statement, mother Elizabeth Stratton said: 'He had a fabulous sense of humour and a quick wit, he was a great mimic and had the ability to make everyone laugh.

'He suffered from medical and mental health issues and was given medication.

'He attempted to take his own life on several occasions.'

Mr Strachan was given five years in 2008 for demanding cash from a member of the royal family he claimed had performed a sex act on a male aide at a party.

He was said to live a 'rock 'n' roll' lifestyle and reportedly suffered two heart attacks last year.

Mr Strachan was born Paul Ian Adalsteinsson in Aberdeen in 1976. He used the alias Charles Goldstein and claimed to be a property developer and lawyer to party with the social elite.

Mr Strachan wore designer suits and appeared to be living a champagne lifestyle, claiming to friends he had inherited a massive sum from his grandmother.

He said he was friends with Princes William and Harry - but was in fact a university dropout who lived with his mother.

Along with accomplice Sean McGuigan, he was sentenced to five years in prison at the Old Bailey for blackmail and released after serving 30 months.

The pair demanded the cash for sex and drugs recordings said to be of the unnamed, married royal.

They filmed the aide, the royal's 'right hand man', snorting cocaine with a Harrods charge card and claiming the royal had sex with him as a Stringfellows stripper looked on.

He also said another royal 'waved his w**ly' at him.

Mr Strachan, the ringleader, tried to sell the story to various papers and disgraced sex offender publicist Max Clifford.

But even Clifford would not touch it and so conmen launched the blackmail plot after failing to sell the video to newspapers.

Recording a verdict that Mr Strachan killed himself coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said: 'Paul Adalsteinsson had a long history of pain and complex orthopaedic problems for four years or so following an event that occurred in 2013, whether it was a helicopter crash or a fall from a balcony we have not got clear evidence either way.

'He developed a considerable amount of anxiety and he was facing a lengthy period of pain.

'It would seem that he was a regular user of illicit drugs, particularly cocaine leading to two occasions where he was admitted to hospital for a coronary artery spasm.

'It was clear Dr Shakarchi recognised the problem of his diazapam and attempted to arrange some reduction in the dose but Mr Strachan was resistant.

'He was getting treatment privately for pain as well.'

But the Coroner added: 'We have heard from his mum about his mood and control of his temper.

'In very difficult periods of time in Dubai he returned having possibly having fled the country via Iran having sustained an ankle fracture.

'He clearly had violent outbursts his mood was possibly rather labile.

Mr Strachan (left) and Sean McGuigan (right) were sentenced to five years in prison for blackmail

'Then she said the week before his death he seemed on good form, almost like his own self.

'She had lunch with him on the Friday the day before his death, she visited him at the flat where they chatted she left at 9.30pm and did not hear from him and required the concierge to open the door and found him dead in his flat. '

The coroner added: 'It does not seem that her story is consistent with the police.'

She continued: 'He had an amount of drugs in his system that were more than a therapeutic amount.

'There clearly is evidence from the police officer of threats to take his life.

'I therefore think it was more likely than not that he formed an intention to take his life and carried out an act which he knew would result in that death, particularly noting the extraordinary amount of capsules that had been cut and emptied.

'I'm sure it was impulsive to some degree.

'He had sent text messages indicating an intention to end his life.

'My conclusion will be that he killed himself.'
A machete-wielding man shouted he would 'chop all Muslims up' as he was arrested close to a Justin Bieber concert, according to eye-witnesses.

The man seen brandishing a knife was in a dispute with an Asian taxi driver as tens of thousands of fans gathered in the packed streets.

A foot-long blade was discovered at the scene in Cardiff city centre.

Two men were arrested as footage emerged of police wrestling one of the men to the floor just 500 yards from the Principality Stadium in Cardiff where the concert is being held.

A witness, who went over to help restrain one of the arrested men until police arrived, said he pulled a machete out of his car 'like a mad man.'

The witness, who does not want to be named, said: 'I went over to help and he threatened me.

This is the moment police bundled a 'machete-wielding' man to the ground as two were arrested outside Cardiff stadium

A foot-long blade has been recovered by police after officers tackled a man to the ground as onlookers gathered in the crowded streets

'He was saying 'Muslims are dirty, they are baby killers, they are bombers'. I went to him to calm him down.

'He said 'get away. I'll chop all you Muslims up.'

The witness said the man's white Vauxhall Corsa had been blocked in by taxi drivers when he flew into a rage and pulled out the knife.

He said: 'He was just a mad man. He was targeting Muslims. There was no reason to kick off.

'There were kids everywhere. It was chaotic. There were teenage girls shouting and screaming.'

The shocking incident unfolded within metres of the stadium where tens of thousands of young fans have began gathering for the Canadian popstar's concert tonight.

A foot-long blade has been recovered by police after officers tackled a man to the ground as onlookers gathered in the crowded streets.

Two men have been arrested after allegedly carrying a 'large machete' near Cardiff stadium where Justin Bieber is due to play tonight

Arrested: More than 40,000 young fans are expected to attend the Welsh-leg of the Desposito singer's Purpose world tour

Two men have been arrested and taken into police custody while concerned fans have rejoined the growing queue for tonight's event at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Video footage has emerged showing police wrestling with one of the men to the floor just 500 yards away from where the gig is due to take place.

More than 40,000 young fans are expected to attend the Welsh-leg of the Desposito singer's Purpose world tour tonight.

The worrying incident comes just weeks after a number of troubling events across the country including terrorist attacks in London and Manchester.

One witness said: 'I walked past as there was lots of screaming and shouting as the police were there.

'I saw a guy get arrested and the police officer hold the knife - it was massive.

'It's terrifying to think something like this could happen with so many people in town.

The worrying incident comes just weeks after a number of troubling events across the country including terrorist attacks in London and Manchester

Police officers are pictured in Cardiff reassuring members of the public after the two men were arrested earlier today

More than 40,000 young fans are expected to attend the Welsh-leg of the Desposito singer's Purpose world tour

Arrested: Two men have been taken into police custody this afternoon following the incident

'It was very scary after what happened at the Ariana Grande concert.'

A manager at the Viva Brazil bar and restaurant, who didn't want to be named, said: 'There was a big police presence outside but it was all over very quickly.

'Thankfully no one was hurt.

'I wouldn't like to say anymore because it's obviously an ongoing police matter.'

A spokesman for South Wales Police said two men were arrested following a 'motoring dispute'.

She said: 'South Wales Police were called to a dispute involving motorists on Saunders Road, Cardiff, at approximately 3.05pm.

'Two men, aged 19 and 27, were arrested nearby on Penarth Road. The 27-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of affray and the 19-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of using threatening behaviour. Both are currently in custody at Cardiff Bay Police Station.

'There are no reports of any injuries.'

A video shows the aftermath of the incident which took place this afternoon in Cardiff, Wales.

Before the incident: Preparations have been well underway at the Welsh venue for tonight's Justin Bieber gig

In the short clip, it shows a man in a green t-shirt and black trousers being led into the back of a riot van handcuffed.

According to witnesses, police arrived on the scene within 'seconds'.

There is no suggestion it is a terrorist incident, or linked to the Justin Bieber concert or that anyone was attacked. South Wales Police say they were called to a dispute involving motorists at approximately 3.05pm.

Witnesses have described their shock at the scene which unfolded just after 3pm.

One man said: 'I saw some guy with a machete that was around two feet. All I saw was some guy by a car with a machete that was around two foot.

'He was being forcefully dragged to the floor. Then he was rushed away - it all happened in seconds. Security guard jumped into a car'

A witness claims he saw the man painting the faces of crowds who had gathered in the Welsh capital to see Justin Bieber's Purpose tour

Another witness said he saw a car reversing 'at the bottom of St Mary Street'

Another witness said he saw a car reversing 'at the bottom of St Mary Street'.

He said:' A security guard came up to the car to ask it to stop and he then jumped inside the car and pulled the driver out.

'He then removed two machetes. He must have seen the machetes because he would never behave like that. Another guy who seemed to know the driver was asking 'Why are you doing this to him?' and he was put in the police car as well.'

South Wales Police said: 'We were called to a dispute involving motorists on Saunders Road, Cardiff, at approximately 3.05pm.

'Two men, aged 19 and 27, were arrested nearby on Penarth Road on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon. Both are currently in custody at Cardiff Bay Police Station.'

George Petrov watched the ordeal take place said the alleged incident happened while he was serving customers in a central hotel, close by to both the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Central train station.

Mr Petrov told online website Unilad: 'I was walking and I saw a security guy pull the person from the car. He was holding a machete inside the car.

'The security guys saw him and stopped him. They pulled him out of the car and started hitting him.'

A witness claims he saw the man painting the faces of crowds who had gathered in the Welsh capital to see Justin Bieber's Purpose tour.
A convicted killer who was released from jail just two years ago has been charged with the broad daylight stabbing murder of a man in Sydney's southwest.

Emergency services found the 41-year-old victim bleeding heavily from a stab wound to his leg after they were called to a shop on Beamish Street, Campsie about 11.30am on Thursday.

Police were able to track and capture the Belmore man, also 41 years old, as he was wearing an electronic monitoring device due to his long history of violence.

The alleged killing took place just two years after the man (pictured) was released from jail after serving 22 years for murder

The 41-year-old man has a long history of violence and was wearing an electronic monitoring device

He was charged with attempted murder for stabbing a man in the neck in 1992, and sentenced to 22 years for murder a year later, Seven News reported.

Another 41-year-old man who witnessed the incident was also punched in the face, police say.

Paramedics treated the stabbing victim at the scene before taking him to St George Hospital in a critical condition.

Police officers (pictured) were caught on CCTV rushing to the scene of the stabbing in Campsie

He died later that evening.

A 41-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were arrested in Lakemba later on Thursday, and the man was charged with murder and common assault.

He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Friday.

The woman was released without charge, but inquiries continue, police said.
A teenage beauty queen live streamed her own death as she filmed herself and a friend drinking and driving in Ukraine.

Sofia Magerko, 16, and Dasha Medvedeva, 24, were driving at speed and drinking alcohol when their BMW car smashed head-on into a lamppost in Ukraine.

Sofia, winner of a local beauty contest in her home city of Izyum, was killed immediately in the tragedy, according to reports citing police.

Horrifying photos showed the mangled wreckage of the car on the side of the road in the Kharkiv region.

Teenage beauty queen Sofia Magerko (pictured) and her friend were killed as they live streamed a vlog

Sofia (left), 16, and Dasha Medvedeva (right), 24, were driving at speed and drinking alcohol when their BMW car smashed head-on into a lamppost

Horrifying photos showed the aftermath of the crash, after the BMW they were driving at speed went headfirst into a lamp post

Sofia, winner of a local beauty contest in her home city of Izyum, was killed immediately

Her friend, seen driving erratically on their vlog, died on the way to hospital.

The video showed the pair, drinking from bottles, were in high spirits moments before the accident, with one of them saying to the camera: 'Hi boys.'

The girls were laughing and joking, saying how much they 'enjoyed life' seconds before the crash which killed them.

The excruciating sound of the car crashing into the lamp post is heard on the footage before it suddenly goes black at the moment of impact.

Soon afterwards bystanders are heard arriving at the scene, realising there is at least one fatality.

The girls were laughing and joking, saying how much they 'enjoyed life' seconds before the crash in Kharkiv region

Soon after the crash, bystanders are heard arriving at the scene, realising there is at least one fatality. Pictured: One of the victims Sofia Magerko

A male voice is heard saying: 'F***, there is a dead body there... another one fell out of the car.'

Seemingly speaking to the emergency services number, he said: 'Please come fast, a car crash here.

He goes on to describe the location, saying: 'Izyum, Lenina street, seems that fatalities here... One girl. Two girls here.'

Police in Izyum confirmed the fatalities but has not given reasons for the crash.

Pictures of the wrecked car showed debris strewn across the road.

Police in Izyum confirmed the fatalities but has not given reasons for the crash. Pictured: Victim Sofia Magerko
Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi has not been seen since declaring the creation of the Islamic State in July 2014

Rumours the Islamic State leader is dead appear to have gained weight after a senior figure from the group began crying at the mention of his name.

Abu Qutaiba, an aide to Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, broke down in tears during a Friday sermon and 'mumbled a few words suggesting his death', according to reports.

In a separate speech at the same location, another preacher, Abu Baraa al-Mawseli, is said to have admitted defeat for ISIS in its struggle to defend Mosul from the Iraqi army.

The account of the sermons, reported by Iraqi News, come from a source speaking to Alsumaria News from Nineveh.

Following a description of Qutaiba crying, the source added: 'He mumbled a few words afterwards that suggested Baghdadi's death.'

The unconfirmed reports come after Russia declared there was a 'high degree of certainty' Al-Baghdadi had been killed in one of its airstrikes.

And they followed news the Iraqi Army had retaken the al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul's Old Town.

Unconfirmed reports he is dead come after Iraqi soldiers captured the Al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul's Old Town, where Al-Baghdadi made his last appearance. Picture taken today

IS destroyed the mosque and its iconic leaning minaret using explosive charges last week, Iraqi and coalition officials said.

The group blamed a US-airstrike for the blasts, a claim rejected by the Americans and their coalition allies.

Complete victory over ISIS in the city will be declared in the 'next few days', according to a senior commander.

The capture of the ruined mosque is particularly symbolic as it was the site where Al-Baghdadi proclaimed the creation of the Islamic State in July 2014.

Moscow said two weeks ago its forces may have killed the secretive Islamic State leader.

However, Washington said it could not corroborate the death and Western and Iraqi officials were sceptical.

This is by no means the first time the notorious ISIS chief's death has been reported. Also this month, 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.

Complete victory over ISIS in the city will be declared in the 'next few days', according to a senior commander. Pictured: An Iraqi flag by the Al-Nuri Mosque

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.

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.
Horrific CCTV footage shown to a court reveals the moment a thug exposed his pregnant girlfriend's skull when he viciously beat her up at a convenience store.

Jamar Bernard Woody, 35, launched the brutal attack on Shatory Irving in Roanoke, Virginia, in June last year.

The 26-year-old victim was three months pregnant at the time and dependent on crutches because of a broken ankle.

In the awful clip, which was shown to jurors during the trial, Woody can be seen punching Ms Irving and continuing when she falls to the floor.

Brutal: Jamar Bernard Woody launched the attack on a three-month-pregnant Shatory Irving

Doctors testified that Ms Irving's skull was exposed after the vicious beating caused an inch-long split in her forehead.

Her child was born premature but healthy last year.

Local attorney David Billingsley told the Roanoke Times: 'She really is fortunate that she wasn't hurt more than she actually was.'

Woody was convicted in January of malicious wounding. The jury recommended a sentence of eight years in prison - two more than the maximum guidelines.

The punishment was confirmed this week despite efforts on his behalf by witnesses including his victim.

Vulnerable: The 26-year-old victim was three months pregnant and dependent on crutches because of a broken ankle at the time of the assault in Roanoke, Virginia

Ms Irving admitted to giving testimony during Woodys trial as part of an attempt to keep him out of jail.

She described how she violated a protective order he had taken out against her in 2014 and broke windows during disagreement.

You have to understand, it is a volatile, toxic relationship, defense attorney Melvin Hill told the Roanoke Times.

Relentless: In the awful clip, which was shown to jurors during the trial earlier this year, Woody can be seen punching Ms Irving - not stopping when she falls to the floor

Judge Chris Clemens said he would include an order for psychiatric treatment in Woody's sentence.

Mr Hill revealed during the sentencing that Woody had a history of mental health problems.
Hilarious video has captured the moment a gun recoils on a man and hits him straight in the groin.

Filmed on June 18, the man, identified as Miguel Garate, is seen standing outside at North Fork Flathead River in Montana.

He is wearing a blue T-shirt, khaki pants, sunglasses and green ear plugs as he prepares to fire the shotgun.

The man, identified as Miguel Garate (left and right), is seen preparing the gun at North Fork Flathead River in Montana, wearing a blue T-shirt, khaki pants, sunglasses and green ear plugs as he prepares to fire the shotgun

Glancing at his friend filming the event first, Garate holds the firearm down by his pants, instead of placing it near the shoulder, and takes aim.

But when the gun fires, it cocks back and hits him square in his private parts.

Garate lets out a screech immediately afterwards as he slowly lowers himself until he is kneeling on the ground.

His friend behind the camera starts laughing and runs towards Garate, who is hanging his head down in pain before letting out another two screams.

Looking his friend directly in the camera, Garate holds the firearm down by his pants instead of placing it near the shoulder and takes aim. The gun fires, but it cocks back and hits Garate square in his private parts (left and right)
A veteran teacher and mother-of-two from Texas is facing 21 charges after admitting to having sex with four high school students.

Heather Lee Robertson, 38, of Lufkin, was indicted on Thursday on six charges of improper relationship between educator and student as well as 15 sexual assault charges, county records show.

Robertson was taken into custody in late April and initially charged with four counts of improper relationship between educator and student. It is also alleged that she had a threesome with two of the boys.

Heather Lee Robertson (pictured in her mugshot, left), 38, is facing 21 charges for having sex with four high school students after sexting with them on Snapchat (pictured right)

Robertson was initially facing 20 years in prison for the underage relationships but the sexual assault charges may have added 20 more years to her prison sentence.

The Texas also had a court hearing on May 1 for an unrelated DWI charge from March; she pleaded not guilty.

According to an arrest warrant, the investigation into the Hudson Independent School District teacher got under way on April 20 when police got a tip about Robertsons alleged involvement with several of her students.

One teenage boy told detectives that he and Robertson, formerly a kindergarten teacher in the district, started talking and exchanging sexually explicit messages on Snapchat, and sometime after spring break, she invited him over for sex.

The teen asked whether he could bring along a friend, and Roberson agreed, according to the document cited by the Lufkin Daily News.

When the two juveniles arrived at the woman's apartment, they found her lying on the couch and smoking an e-Cigarette.

After a few minutes of conversation, Robertson invited her underage guests into the bedroom, where she proceeded to strip naked before having a threesome with the high schoolers, according to the arrest document.

Two other high school students later admitted to meeting Robertson for sex on multiple occasions, bringing the total number of victims to four.

One of the boys recounted for the police how he would sneak out of his home and Robertson would pick him up and take him to her apartment to have sex.

Robertson (pictured with her eldest daughter) admitted to the allegations last month, confessing that she had sex with one of the students four times between late 2016 and April 14

When investigators confronted the 38-year-old educator, who has two daughters of her own, Robertson admitted to the allegations, confessing that she had sex with one of the students four times between late 2016 and April 14.

Robertson said she recently became a heavy drinker and would sometimes forget the details of the sexual trysts. She also revealed that she did not force the teens to wear condoms because she can no longer get pregnant.

The 38-year-old said she instructed her underage lovers to keep quiet about their sex sessions, lest she get in trouble.

Hudson ISD Superintendent Mary Ann Whiteker said in a statement that Robertson resigned just after the allegations against her came to light.

She had been with the district since 2000, spending the first 13 years of her teaching career at Burley Primary in Lufkin.

Robertson was pulled over by police while driving in Lufkin at around noon on Saturday and was arrested on the improper relationship charges.

The teacher's past criminal record includes the single arrest of driving while intoxicated count last month.

Robertson is currently in Angelina County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
14-year-old Vincent 'Vinnie' Colonna shot himself at a Deerfield Beach shooting range in an apparent suicide

Police are trying to understand what caused a teenage boy to take his own life while at a Florida gun range with his father.

Vincent 'Vinnie' Colonna shot and killed himself at teh Gun World shooting range in Deerfield Beach on Thursday afternoon

The teen's grandmothers, Henrietta Colonna and Ana Rosen both raced to the gun range after the shooting.

'He was doing his thing. He was shooting his weapon as he normally did and he looked up and he was on the ground, on the floor,' said Rosen to CBS News.

The teenager was airlifted to Broward Health Medical Center.

The boy's death has devastated his family.

His older brother Chris wrote a touching post on Facebook that stated how he was feeling lost without his sibling.

'I'm praying to God it was an accident. I wanted more for you than anyone could've ever imagined. I wanted you to do what I couldn't where I failed. I promise I'm going to make you proud in everything I do from here on out.'

The Deerfield Beach gun range is a brand new facility with strict rules including a requirement that all shooters must be 13 years and older

The family including his brother and grandparents say they are devastated by the boy's death

His grandmother, Henrietta, apparently told her grandson not to go to the range on the day of his death.

'He said, "Grandmom, one more time." I said, "All right." Always careful, he was always careful,' she said.

His other grandmother, Ana, was equally mournful: 'I lost a daughter not long ago and now my grandson that meant the world to me.'

The gun range is a brand new facility with strict rules including a requirement that all shooters must be 13 years and older.

Those under 18 must be accompanied by 'their parent' at all times while on the range.

The Broward Sheriff's Office is now investigating to determine if the case can be turned over to the Broward State Attorney that could determine if the boy's father father had any fault.
AUBURN  An Auburn father and son appeared in court Thursday for committing separate violent crimes in Cayuga County.

First, 49-year-old Sammy Sheffield, of 9 Barber St., pleaded guilty to felony first-degree assault for stabbing a man in the stomach earlier this year.

According to the Auburn Police Department, on Jan. 15, 2017, officers were called to Auburn Community Hospital after a 44-year-old man arrived with a stab wound to his abdomen. At the time, the victim told police he'd been in a fight with his neighbor on Barber Street.

Sheffield was later arrested and charged with first-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both felonies. The victim was transported to Upstate University Hospital where he had surgery for his injury.

In court Thursday, Sheffield admitted to seriously assaulting the man.

"All I know is we got in a fight," Sheffield said. "There was something coming out of his stomach."

That "something" was the man's intestines, which were spilling out of the wound to his stomach, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said.

Sheffield pleaded guilty to the first count in full satisfaction of the indictment. Sheffield could have faced up to 25 years in prison. However, in exchange for his plea, Judge Thomas Leone agreed to sentence him to the minimum: five years in prison and 2 1/2 years post-release supervision. Sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 24.

Following Sammy Sheffield's plea, his 20-year-old son, Majel Sheffield, appeared for sentencing in a separate matter.

Majel Sheffield admitted to robbing a 72-year-old man in the city parking garage. During his plea in April, he said he and his co-defendant, 18-year-old Austin Coff, knocked the victim down and stole his wallet, keys and cell phone on Dec. 12, 2016.

Majel Sheffield was initially charged with second-degree robbery, but pleaded guilty to a reduced count of second-degree attempted robbery. And on Thursday, he was sentenced to two years in prison and two years post-release supervision.

"I do regret the mistakes I've made in my life and I'll do my best to change once I'm out of prison," Majel Sheffield said, acknowledging that he had been sentenced to probation and jail in the past.

"No one wants you to turn out like your father," Leone said. "We won't want you to follow in your father's footsteps and follow this lifestyle."

In addition to prison, both Sammy and Majel Sheffield will have to pay some form of restitution. Sammy Sheffield will owe money to cover his victim's medical costs while Majel Sheffield will owe around $30 to cover the cash he stole from his victim's wallet.
Republican Governor Rick Snyder vetoed legislation on Friday requiring Michigan to create and sell an anti-abortion fundraising license plate.

The measure, approved by the GOP-controlled Legislature, would have required the 'Choose Life' plate to be issued by next June.

Snyder said the politically contentious bill would have divided residents and that it wasn't appropriate for the state to be issuing such a political message.

Republican Governor Rick Snyder (pictured in May at the TMNA R&D Center in Michigan) vetoed legislation on Friday requiring Michigan to create and sell an anti-abortion fundraising license plate. The measure, approved by the GOP-controlled Legislature, would have required the plate bearing the phrase: 'Choose Life' to be issued by next June

Snyder said the plate (pictured) would have divided residents and that it wasn't appropriate for the state to be issuing such a political message. Republican Senator Patrick Colbeck, who sponsored the legislation, called the veto 'utterly disgraceful'

'The "Choose Life" license plate is a political message that has the potential to bitterly divide millions of Michiganders and that, in my view, is not appropriate for a state-issued license plate,' Snyder said in a letter to lawmakers.

Michigan currently has fundraising plates for public universities and 14 special causes, such as breast cancer awareness, that cost drivers $35 initially and $10 each time they are renewed.

The money from the Choose Life license plates would have gone to a fund whose board is controlled by Right to Life of Michigan, which has long lobbied for the license plate.

The board, which would have covered state costs to develop the new plate, would have dispersed grants to nonprofits including crisis pregnancy centers and those promoting 'life-affirming programs and projects'.

'This plate will happen in Michigan,' the organization tweeted. 'We'll work with the next governor to get it done.'

Snyder, who has signed anti-abortion legislation in the past but has also shown little overall enthusiasm for the hot-button issue, said 'these are noble causes but having a private fund making funding decisions is a concern'.

The legislation was sponsored by Republican Senator Patrick Colbeck of Wayne County's Canton Township, who is running for governor in 2018 when Snyder will be term-limited.

Despite the move, Snyder (pictured in March during the Siemens Manufacturing in America Conference in Detroit) has signed legislation that restricts abortion in the past. In 2012, he signed a bill to regulate abortion clinics as hospital operating rooms, which critics deemed would particularly restrict access to abortion in rural areas

There are other states that have 'Choose Life' license plates such as Oklahoma and Nebraska (pictured). Right to Life of Michigan promised the bill wasn't dead yet, tweeting: 'This plate will happen in Michigan; we'll work with the next governor to get it done'

Colbeck called the veto 'utterly disgraceful' and said the bill would have helped to prevent abortions by providing support to women who worry about not having resources to raise a child.

'Prenatal care, suicide prevention, adoption services - these are not divisive issues,' Colbeck said in a statement.

'A simple "Choose Life" message is not divisive unless one somehow asserts that "Choose Death" is a worthy cause.'

Many Democrats opposed the bill, including Rebekah Warren of Ann Arbor, praised Snyder's action and said she appreciated his veto message stressing how divisive such a state-sponsored plate could be.

'He took the issue apart and took the time to understand it,' Warren, who signed a letter requesting the veto from the Progressive Women's Caucus in the Legislature, told the Detroit Free Press.

'You can buy a bumper sticker or wear a T-shirt,' but "Choose Life" should not appear on state license plates,' she said.

Snyder has signed legislation that restricts abortion in the past. In 2012, he signed a bill to regulate abortion clinics as hospital operating rooms, which critics deemed would particularly restrict access to abortion in rural areas.
A 'mentally disturbed' man stabbed and wounded two German tourists in a Tunisian marketplace today.

The victims, a mother and her 27-year-old daughter, were near the arts and crafts market of the town of Nabeul, the tourism and interior ministries said in a joint statement.

It is also close to the northeastern beach resort of Hammamet.

'The incident is not an act of terrorism', the statement said.

Pictured: A file photograph of Nabeul, in Tunisia, where two German tourists were stabbed by a 'mentally disturbed' man earlier today

The mother was slightly wounded and treated on the spot while her daughter 'is in stable condition', the ministries said, adding that the attacker had been detained by police.

Both women were taken to hospital but are now 'out of danger', Imene Hamdi, from the health ministry's press office, said.

Two attacks targeting tourists killed 59 foreigners and a Tunisian police officer in 2015, sending revenues in the key tourism sector plummeting.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks on the National Bardo Museum in Tunis and on a coastal resort near Sousse.

On June 26, 2015 an AK47-wielding terrorist murdered 38 people - 30 of whom British - at the tourist resort of Port El Kantaoui close to Sousse.

Pictured: Tourists laying flowers and paying tribute to those murdered during the 2015 attack in Port el Kantaoui, near Sousse

The deadly attack sparked much debate in Tunisia, where the president condemned the murders as 'cowardly' and vowed to fight extremism in the country.

Three months earlier, two gunmen used assault rifles and grenades to murder 22 people at the Bardo National Museum in Tunis, the country's capital.

Among the dead were nineteen foreign tourists, including four Italians, three Japanese and one Briton.

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to the south of Tunisia, anywhere along the Libya border and in the areas of Ghardimaou, Hazoua, Sakiet Sidi Youssef and Jebel ech Chambi.

For the rest of the country, Britons are advised to avoid all but the most essential travel.
Nelson Smith was just 17 when he used a carving knife with an eight-inch blade to stab and kill two men over a 'trivial' argument

A teenager who stabbed two men to death on a traveller site during a row sparked by a can of Red Bull has been jailed for a minimum of 17 years.

Nelson Smith was just 17 when he used a carving knife with an eight-inch blade to kill Barry Street, 32, and Nathan Oakley, 18.

Smith's trial at the Old Bailey in London heard he killed the men after a mass brawl involving men and women travellers at the council-run West Meadows site in Ipswich, Suffolk, in December.

He argued he acted to defend his father, who was being attacked by the two victims and another man.

But a jury convicted him of father-of-three Mr Street's murder and the manslaughter of Mr Oakley after a three-week trial.

There were outbursts from Smith's family and friends in the public gallery as he was handed a life sentence, including a shout of 'he got what he deserved' and 'there will be more to come' as the victims' relatives sat below them in court.

Sentencing the impassive Smith, Mr Justice Spencer said the row that sparked the violence had been a 'trivial' argument over a caravan plot at the site.

The trial heard Mr Street had been accused of throwing a can of Red Bull through the window of a teenager due to take up the plot, which was next to his family's.

The judge said: 'The two stabbings took place within seconds of each other in an episode of violence which lasted no more than a few minutes.

'But the consequence is that there are two grieving families who have lost their loved ones forever.

Nathan Oakley (pictured) was just 18 when he died after being stabbed three times by his killer, 18-year-old Nelson Smith

'They will never come to terms with their loss.'

Smith's trial was told that, after the energy drink incident early on December 8, some residents at the site had complained that Mr Street was a 'bully' and asked management to kick him out.

Stan Smith, 19, whose window was smashed, was due to move into the pitch next to Mr Street, who habitually used it as a car park for his vehicles.

Mr Street, who had been the subject of a bullying complaint six months earlier, denied involvement in the incident.

He also refused to fight after being 'called out' by a 60-year-old traveller, saying his opponent was too old.

But the official complaint sparked a row between Mr Street's wife Tammy and Stacey Webb, the partner of the defendant's father, after the latter said she was looking forward to Mr Street being 'booted in the mouth'.

Mr Justice Spencer said 'in the traveller culture such an insult to her husband had to be dealt with and settled by violence', and the two women's fight had sparked a wider 'melee' which included the two dead men and Smith's father.

Barry Street pictured with disgraced boxer Tyson Fury after meeting him two weeks before his death. The two men were taken to hospital, one by ambulance and one in a private car, but were pronounced dead shortly afterwards

The killer, who is now 18, stabbed Mr Oakley three times during the fighting and attacked Mr Street a few minutes later, as he ran away near the site entrance.

He stabbed the older man four times, including two in the back up to the hilt of the knife, both of which would have been fatal on their own.

Smith was arrested 10 minutes later as as he ran from the travellers' site, having thrown his bloodied top and the murder weapon into bushes.

Mr Spencer said he accepted Smith, the father of a young child, acted 'in the heat of the moment' in the attack on Mr Oakley, but that Mr Street 'had no opportunity to avoid those very deliberate and dangerous stabbings'.

The judge added: 'The fight that was going to take place was unlawful.

'The fact that this was how travellers settle their disputes did not make it lawful

'Like all unlawful violence the danger is that it will escalate and develop out of control into much more serious violence, with the potential for very serious injury or worse.'

The jury acquitted Smith of a charge of possession of a bladed weapon.

It was revealed at Friday's hearing that Smith had been on bail at the time of the killings after being arrested for violently carjacking a pizza delivery man and then ramming the stolen vehicle into a police car after a 90mph chase through Felixstowe.

He was given an additional 12-month sentence after admitting aggravated vehicle taking on Friday, to run concurrently.
A man in his 20s from East Surrey has been arrested in connection with the death of Quhey Saunders.

Surrey Police confirmed this afternoon a man had been arrested suspicion of murder and they were still looking for a second person in connection with the incident.

His girlfriend, Larosa Smith, posted a heartbreaking tribute to Mr Saunders on social media on Wednesday, accompanied with photographs of him having fun with his friends.

She said: 'He wasn't just my boyfriend he was my best friend, my full life.'

Police said the 'horrifying attack' occurred after a fight broke out between two groups of people at Cobham Services, on the M25, on Monday.

Quhey Saunders died after an altercation at the Shell petrol station at Cobham Services. He is pictured left and right with his girlfriend Larosa Smith

Police and a member of the public battled to save him but sadly he died on Wednesday

Ms Smith posted a heartbreaking tribute to him on Facebook after he was pronounced dead

Witnesses said Mr Saunders, a prominent member of the travelling community, was beaten with a shovel in front of his parents before he was airlifted to St George's Hospital in Tooting, London.

But sadly, his life support machine was switched off on Wednesday. Police subsequently launched a murder inquiry yesterday.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Jo Hayes said: 'Officers are still searching for a second suspect in connection with this incident, and I'd urge that person to make contact with us.

'We are still appealing for witnesses to Monday's tragic events to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 45170068211.'

After he died, Ms Smith wrote on Facebook: 'I'm so lost without him, knowing I can't just ring his phone and hear his voice or fall asleep on the phone like we did every night. Even when we'd argue we would ring each other and not talk, just go to sleep on the phone. It's the little things [that] mean the most.

'I love you with all my heart my Quhey.'

In the days leading up to his death, Miss Smith chronicled his progress on Facebook.

On Tuesday evening, heartbreakingly she wrote: 'A miracle will happen because I'm not ready to lose him after 5 years. He's not leaving me.'

Half an hour later, she added: 'The machine is still on' with a prayer emoji.

In the tribute, she wrote: 'He wasn't just my boyfriend he was my best friend, my full life'

Ms Smith added: 'I'm so lost without him, knowing I can't just ring his phone and hear his voice or fall asleep on the phone like we did every night'

In a series of heartbreaking posts, Ms Smith has revealed the extent of her grief to her Facebook friends

She posted on Thursday that she 'keeps going through' her photographs of him with a broken heart emoji

Ms Smith chronicled the days leading up to his death on Facebook, writing about how she didn't want to leave Quhey's side

She later added photographs of him to her page and changed her profile picture to the pair kissing.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, she wrote: 'Just got back from the hospital really didn't want to leave his side.

'My heart is broke. Everyone keep him in your prayers tonight, we need a miracle.'

But sadly, after she learned of his death, she poured her heart out to her Facebook friends, revealing her devastation over the loss of her 'Q'.

She wrote: 'R.I.P my baby I have no words to describe the way I feel right now I thought you'd broke my heart in the past but this is what a broken heart feels like.

'I really don't know how I'm gonna live without you. You was my everything.

'I lived every day for you. Everything I done was for you.

'You watched me grow from being 13 - five years with you now.

'I've got to go on by myself, we had our ups and downs, we've been through so much but I'd do it all again 50x over.

'I know you'll always be by my side, I know you'll never leave me, you'll always be there watching over me - watching every move I make.

'You put up a good fight - I'm so proud of you.

The 'horrific attack' took place at Cobham Services in Surrey on Monday. Mr Saunders died in hospital on Wednesday

Writing on social media, friend Shannon Crossley said: 'Rest in peace Quhey. Such a lovely boy. Taken far too soon'

'I love you more than anyone or anything in this full world. You'll never leave my side and I'll never love anyone like I love you .'

His brother Luke wrote on Facebook Quhey 'stole the show again' after donating his heart and accompanied it with a video of an air ambulance flying off into the distance.

He said: 'He's donated [his] heart to a young man that had no more than a couple of days to live and needed a heart transplant desperately.

'You got one last flight brother and went out in style. Your legacy will live forever my king - a legend never dies.'

Tributes have poured in for the man, who has been described as a 'lovely boy' and who joked about working as a male escort on his Facebook page.

Writing on social media, friend Shannon Crossley said: 'Rest in peace Quhey. Such a lovely boy. Taken far too soon. Life isn't fair. Heart goes out to his family & close friends.'

His brother Luke filmed the moment Quhey's organ donation was flown out of the hospital and sent to another patient

People gathered to see the helicopter fly off into the distance during the emotional moment

Luke wrote on Facebook Quhey 'stole the show again' after the donation and added: 'You got one last flight brother and went out in style. Your legacy will live forever my king - a legend never dies'

Hours before his death was announced, his friends and family posted supportive messages on Facebook hoping he would pull through.

Witness Rafael Francis, 53, was on his way to work for a delivery company at 3.15pm on Monday when he saw the fight break out.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, the retired soldier said: 'I don't know what started it, but there were lots of vicious punches and kicks being thrown. They were shouting about getting a gun, that's when I tried to get involved.'

He added that he could only watch as Mr Saunders started being hit in the head with a shovel but later on, his training 'kicked in' and he screamed for an ambulance while trying to stem the blood.

Mr Francis said: 'His mother kept asking me if I thought the boy was going to make it, I couldn't look her in the eye. There was just too much blood.'

None of his family were available for comment when they were approached yesterday.

Two men left the scene in a white van which was later found abandoned in Chessington, and has been recovered by police.

Hours before his death was announced, his friends and family posted supportive messages on Facebook hoping he would pull through

Witness Rafael Francis, 53, was on his way to work for a delivery company at 3.15pm on Monday when he saw the fight break out (pictured is Mr Saunders)

Police are appealing for information about the drivers of this Peugeot Partner Van, registration NX63 VLP

The 20-year-old was left unconscious in a pool of his own blood after a fight broke out between two groups of people

He was airlifted to St George's Hospital, Tooting, London, but was pronounced dead
The leader and deputy leader of Kensington and Chelsea council have resigned after continued criticism over their handling of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Nicholas Paget-Brown said he was stepping down this afternoon 'to take responsibility for the perceived failings' over the disaster.

Deputy, Rock Feilding-Mellen, who was also the councillor responsible for housing and regeneration in the borough, followed with his resignation just after 5pm today.

It comes after Theresa May piled further pressure on councillors for defying a High Court ruling and attempting to hold a meeting about the catastrophic fire in secret yesterday.

Nicholas Paget-Brown has quit as the leader of Kensington and Chelsea council

Deputy, Rock Feilding-Mellen, who was also the councillor responsible for housing and regeneration in the borough, also resigned today

At least 80 people are dead and some 364 households are in emergency accommodation following the blaze in the 24-storey tower block on June 14.

As he stepped down, Conservative Mr Paget-Brown said: 'I have to accept my share of responsibility for these perceived failings.

'In particular my decision to accept legal advice that I should not compromise the public inquiry by having an open discussion in public yesterday has itself become a political story.

'And it cannot be right that this should become the focus of attention when so many are dead or still unaccounted for.

'I have therefore decided to step down as leader of the council as soon as a successor is in place.'

Cheap combustible cladding on Grenfell Tower has been blamed for the fire spreading from one fourth floor flat and engulfing the entire building.

Mr Paget-Brown added: The Grenfell Tower fire has been possibly the worst tragedy London has seen since the Second World War.

'Nobody will ever forget what they saw that day and the horror that ensued for people trapped inside.

Cladding has been widely blamed for allowing the fire at Grenfell Tower to spread up the building so quickly

At least 80 people are dead and some 364 households are in emergency accommodation following the blaze in the 24-storey tower block on June 14

'Many questions about the fire and why it spread so quickly will need to be answered by the public inquiry. There are clearly national issues to address around regulation.

'The scale of this tragedy was always going to mean that one borough alone would never have sufficient resources to respond to the needs of all the survivors and those made homeless on its own.

'This council has also been criticised for failing to answer all of the questions people have.

'That is probably a matter for the public inquiry. As council leader I have to accept my responsibility for these failings.

'The task for my successor is to ensure that the strengths, which also characterise this place, and North Kensington in particular, are seen to play their part in bringing the community together and ensuring that this borough, the most wonderful place, can start to move forward from this tragedy.'

The news comes just hours after the leader faced renewed calls to resign after he scrapped a public meeting on the Grenfell Tower disaster, pictured, because journalists were present

Council members have even been accused of a 'cover-up' after going against a high court ruling

The news comes just hours after the leader faced renewed calls to resign after he scrapped a public meeting on the Grenfell Tower disaster because journalists were present.

Mr Paget-Brown took the astonishing step of dissolving the meeting when he realised newspaper reporters were in the council chamber.

The move was branded 'anti-democratic' by politicians. Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, called it 'disgusting'.

Earlier in the day, the council had announced the cabinet meeting would be held behind closed doors because staff feared they were at risk of violence.

Robert Black, the chief executive of Kensington & Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (pictured at a business event), resigned yesterday

But a High Court order was obtained by newspapers giving the media the right to attend the cabinet session.

Reporters were finally let into the meeting shortly after it began but when Mr Paget-Brown was made aware of the presence of reporters, he called it off.

The leader has faced criticism for years from the Grenfell Action Group  a residents' group set up by those living in Grenfell Tower  who appeared to predict the tragedy which claimed the lives of at least 80 people.

Three years ago the organisation wrote to Mr Paget Brown, begging him to investigate the actions of the councils planning department and the tenancy management organisation, a private company created to oversee the housing at Grenfell Tower.

The group accused the TMO and planning department of failing to consult the residents regarding Grenfell Tower improvement works.

To date Mr Paget-Brown has avoided commenting on his correspondence with the action group but caused controversy with a remark during an interview on BBCs Newsnight on June 14, days after the tragedy.

He claimed that 'many residents felt that we needed to get on with the installation of new hot water systems, new boilers and that trying to retrofit more would delay the building and that sprinklers aren't the answer.

Theresa May (pictured leaving Downing Steet yesterday) has rebuked troubled Kensington and Chelsea councillors for halting a meeting about Grenfell Tower yesterday

Just yesterday the chief executive of the group responsible for managing Grenfell Tower resigned in the wake of the disaster.

Robert Black, the chief executive of Kensington & Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO), stepped aside so he could 'concentrate on assisting with the investigation and inquiry', the group said.

Four days after the fire on June 14, the government relieved the Kensington and Chelsea council of responsibility for supporting the survivors, after a perceived inadequate response.

The councils chief executive, Nicholas Holgate, then stepped down over the authoritys response.
Infamous wife killer Gerard Baden-Clay is claimed to have been asked by his sister Olivia Walton if he had murdered his wife during the police forces frantic search for Allison's body.

The mother-of-three was reported missing on April 20, 2012, by husband Gerard, but in the days following he would be arrested and eventually charged with her murder when she was found on Kholo Creek in outer Brisbane.

In a new updated edition of The Murder of Allison Baden-Clay, by author and The Courier Mail journalist David Murray, it has claimed Gerard's sister Olivia asked him if he murdered his wife only moments before her body was found.

In a new updated edition of The Murder of Allison Baden-Clay it has claimed Gerard's sister Olivia (pictured) asked him if he murdered his wife only moments before her body was found

Gerard Baden-Clay, 46, a former real estate agent was convicted by a jury in July 2014 of murdering his wife Allison Baden-Clay, 43, at their home in Brookfield in suburban Brisbane

In the book, a couple known as 'Jan and Frank' had lived behind the Baden-Clays for four years by the time Allison went missing and had provided police with statements, which have been released for the first time.

'Frank' is claimed to have told police he asked Gerard multiple times if he wanted to go search for his wife.

However, Frank said he became confused because each time he was told Gerard was too busy taking care of his children - who were happily playing in the front yard.

Olivia Walton is also claimed to have told 'Jan' that she had asked Gerard when they were laying on the bed if he had killed Allison.

'I was lying on the bed with Gerard this morning and I asked him if he'd done it,' Olivia is claimed to have said, in Jan's police statement.

No response was given.

When the body was found in Kholo Creek in Anstead that day, Frank went to tell Olivia and her husband Ian.

'Good, I'm glad,' Olivia said, according to Frank's police statement.

Baden-Clay (right) was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum jail term of 15 years for the murder of his wife (left) before he is eligible for parole

'They would never have been able to clear Gerard's name if they never found a body.'

David Murray's book is set to be released on Monday.

Gerard Baden-Clay, 46, a former real estate agent was convicted by a jury in July 2014 of murdering his wife Allison Baden-Clay, 43, at their home in Brookfield in suburban Brisbane.

Baden-Clay was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum jail term of 15 years before he is eligible for parole.

The Queensland Court of Appeal later downgraded his conviction to manslaughter, arguing a jury could not have been satisfied he intended to kill Ms Baden-Clay, but prosecutors appealed to the High Court after thousands of people protested his downgraded conviction.

In August 2016 the High Court of Australia restored Baden-Clay's murder conviction.
Footage has captured the extraordinary moment that a female panda gives birth to twins - with one shooting out of her onto the ground.

Giant Panda 'Chengda' was in captivity at Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base in Sichuan Province, south west China.

She gave birth to the pigeon pair on Tuesday. Chengda can be seen gripping the bars of her enclosure for support as her first baby escapes.

She immediately starts caring for the helpless cub, picking up the baby with her jaw and tending to it.

The cubs, weighing 128.2 and 160.2 grams, were in good health according to the Hong Kong Standard. Chengda was able to feed both of them.

The female Panda had been showing signs of pregnancy since June 5, according to staff at the research base, including a loss of appetite.

On Tuesday she was particularly restless, and her waters had broken.

Chengda gripped the rails for support as she gave birth to the cubs

Immediately after the first popped out Chengda started caring for the helpless cub

Giant Pandas are endangered partly because of their notoriously low birth rate. It means that captive breeding programs, such as the on in Chengdu, are essential to help the species survive.

Female Giant Pandas only ovulate once a year in the spring, making it even more difficult for the species to reproduce.

However, China has had some success in helping the species survive. A 2015 census found there numbers had increased by 17 per cent since 2003 to 1,864.

Chengda takes a well-deserved rest after the birth at Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base

The male cub weighed 160.2 grams and the female cub 128.2
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Two people were injured after a small plane crashed on a freeway near a Southern California airport on Friday, a fire official said.

The twin-engine Cessna 310 aircraft landed on Interstate 405, just short of runway 20R at John Wayne Airport in Costa Mesa around 9.30am, said Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Orange County Fire Capt Larry Kurtz said two people - a man and a woman in their 50s and 60s - were aboard the plane when it crashed and were taken to a local hospital with 'traumatic injuries'.

Gregor said shortly after the fixed-wing plane left John Wayne Airport, the pilot declared an emergency and tried to return.

In an online recording of air traffic control radio communications, the male pilot can be heard yelling: 'We have a mayday! We have a mayday!

'I'm trying to get a little altitude. I just lost my right engine!'

Scroll down for video

Two people were injured after a small plane crashed on a freeway near a Southern California airport on Friday, a fire official said

The Cessna 310 aircraft landed on Interstate 405, just short of a runway at John Wayne Airport in Costa Mesa around 9.30am, said Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Orange County Fire Capt Larry Kurtz said two people - a man and a woman in their 50s and 60s - were aboard the plane when it crashed and were taken to a local hospital with 'traumatic injuries'. Officials said shortly after the plane left John Wayne Airport, the pilot soon declared an emergency and tried to return

Gregor said the crash is still being investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and some circumstances surrounding it remain 'unknown'.

The Cessna 310, which was manufactured in 1975, was registered two days ago to Twin Props LLC in Santa Ana, according to FAA records.

The six-seat plane clipped a blue pickup truck as it crashed on the freeway, but the driver suffered only a bruised elbow, Kurtz said.

'The fact that a plane was able to land and only strike a single vehicle is extraordinary,' Kurtz said.

Video posted on social media showed the plane engulfed in flames and plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.

Shocking video showing the moment the plane (left) crashed was shared on social media. The plane is seen flying low over the interstate before it slammed into the road and burst into flames (right)

The Cessna 310 (pictured) was registered two days ago, June 28, to a limited-liability corporation in Santa Ana, according to FAA records

Traffic was backed up for miles on the major route between Los Angeles and San Diego as fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze.

'The plane collided, spun across the freeway and burst into flames,' Kurtz said. The wreckage strewn across several lanes of the freeway, he said.

The pickup truck's driver, Blackstone Hamilton, told KCBS-TV he initially though a large truck had slammed into the back of his car and then he saw flames quickly surrounding his vehicle. He checked to make sure his passenger was safe before pulling over on the side of the freeway.

'We have each other a hug that we were still alive,' Hamilton told the station.

Hamilton's blue Toyota Tacoma was left severely damaged.

Tina Foster had just left the John Wayne Airport when she heard a loud boom, which she initially thought was a car crash.

'By the time I got up to it the only thing I saw was the flames,' she said.

Foster posted a photo of smoke pouring out from behind the airport on Facebook to calm her friends' fears after receiving texts asking if she were still alive, she said.

Another driver, Brian Gladish, said he was driving down the freeway when he saw a large cloud of smoke and flames.

'There was debris everywhere, the freeway was still on fire,' he said.

Tina Foster had just left the John Wayne Airport when she heard a loud boom, which she initially thought was a car crash. 'By the time I got up to it the only thing I saw was the flames,' she said. Foster posted a photo of smoke pouring out from behind the airport on Facebook to calm her friends' fears after receiving texts asking if she were still alive, she said

The plane clipped a car as it crashed but the driver wasn't seriously injured. The driver of the car suffered a 'bruised elbow'

The Cessna 310, which was manufactured in 1975, was registered two days ago to Twin Props LLC in Santa Ana, according to FAA records

Shocking video showing the moment the plane crashed was shared on social media. The plane is seen flying low over the interstate before it slammed into the road.

A person captured the video from inside their car as the plane slid down the opposite side of the highway and burst into flames.

Officials at the John Wayne Airport closed the airfield to arrivals for about 45 minutes Friday morning. Departures were not affected.

'JWA recommends that travelers continue to check with their airlines for the most current flight status,' airport authorities tweeted Friday afternoon.

The plane's wreckage will not be moved until it is examined by federal investigators.

The investigation caused severe traffic congestion in the area ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Photos showed a long a backup of traffic along the interstate. The investigation caused severe traffic congestion in the area ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend

The crash is still being investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the circumstances surrounding it remain 'unknown'

Rescue crews surrounded the aircraft as they worked to put out the flames
MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski made an explosive allegation about the first lady on Friday

Melania Trump issued a furious condemnation of Mika Brzezinski on Friday afternoon after the Morning Joe co-host suggested she wanted out of her marriage to the president.

The first lady issued a statement to DailyMail.com, claiming Brzezinski does not know her, hours after an explosive interview with the MSNBC broadcaster appeared online.

Brzezinski had put some oomph behind unsubstantiated rumors that Melania wants out of her marriage during an interview with InStyle that appeared on the magazine's website.

'I know Melania. I haven't talked to her in months, but if my gut is right, I don't think she's going to put up with it much longer,' Brzezinski said. 'I know nothing. That's just my instinct and I go with my gut and my gut's always right.'

Then, in a startling suggestion she claimed her 'gut' was telling her that the first lady was only doing 'the worst job in the country' for the sake of her young son, Barron.

'I'm just telling you, Melania's got the worst job in the country and I don't think she wants do it a lot longer. I think she will do it for as long as she has to for her son, and that's it,' Brzezinski said.

Later in the day the first lady's office hit back  hard  issuing a statement for Mrs. Trump.

'It is sad when people try to further their own agenda by commenting on me and my family, especially when they don't know me,' she said.

Family together: The first lady left with her husband and son for the Trump Bedminster golf course, where they are spending the holiday weekend

United front: All three Trumps walked out shortly before the statement from her office which attacked Brzezinski

Slur: The first lady's statement suggested she saw Mika Brzezinski's claim she wants out of her marriage as an insult and dismissed her as somebody she does not know

The short statement directly contradicted Mika's claim to know the first lady  and came despite Melania's first interview after her husband announced he was running for office being with Brzezinski.

Ironically she said then: 'We have thick skin, and we know that people will judge him and people will call names.'

She gave the interview inside her lavish and very golden New York City penthouse.

Brzezinski had commented during her television show with Scarborough that she's fond of Melania as she gave her version of events on the night that's at the center of their dispute with the president.

On New Year's Eve she said that she and Scarborough stopped by Trump's Palm Beach club at the president-elect's request.

They were shuffled into a bedroom, she said, where they spoke to Trump and his wife - 'who I like very much' - for 20 minutes or so.

Scarborough and Brzezinski were on good terms with the Trumps at that time.

A few weeks later, the president offered to officiate their wedding, a Vanity Fair profile that was published as part of their engagement announcement in early said.

He even offered them the White House or Mar-a-Lago as venues.

Scarborough told the magazine that he and Brzezinksi visited the White House in late January, just after Trump's inauguration, and the president told them over a lunch with his daughter and son-in-law that they should hold their nuptials at a his Palm Beach estate or his new home.

'That's when Jared interrupted and said, 'Hey, you know what? I've got my license. I could marry you,' ' Scarborough told Vanity Fair.

The television host says that Trump jumped in and told Kushner, ' 'Why would you marry them? They could have the President of the United States marry them.' '

She told the publication that she wasn't interested, though.

Don't know her: Melania Trump gave her first interview when her husband was running for president to Mika Brzezinski, in the Trump Tower penthouse she shared with the then-candidate. The couple now live in the White House

Prophetic: Melania Trump told Mika Brzezinski in early 2016: 'He will not hold it back if youre a woman. youre human, a woman or a man, its no different.'

Night in dispute: This is the New Year visit to Mar-a-Lago which Mike and Joe have described in notably different terms to the president

Was she bleeding: Trump claimed Brzezinski was 'bleeding from a facelift' - but the MSNBC host says that is a lie. She says she did have plastic surgery to 'tweak' her neck

'The White House that I grew up in was an amazing place. If it weren't Trump, it might be something to think about,' she said. 'The mental picture is just fascinating, but the reality is just . . . no. No, no, no, no, no.'

Trump has blasted the pair on Twitter for the past two days in tweets that hit them both viciously.

They fought back on Friday, calling him a liar and questioning his mental health, in response to his charge that they relentlessly pursued him at Palm Beach property while Mika was recovering from a facelift.

'We are both certain that the man is not mentally equipped to continue watching our show, 'Morning Joe,' they said in a Washington Post op-ed on Friday morning.

According to their account in the Post, Trump invited them to Mar-a-Lago for dinner. When Brzezinski didn't show, he asked them back the next night on, New Year's Eve.

They went - but did not attend the party he was having that night, they maintained.

'Mr. Trump also claims that Mika was 'bleeding badly from a face-lift.' That is also a lie,' the op-ed says. 'Putting aside Mr. Trump's never-ending obsession with women's blood, Mika and her face were perfectly intact, as pictures from that night reveal.'

IT'S ON: Trump responded with outrage on Twitter more than an hour after they made their on-air claims

While Brzezinski 'never had a face-lift' they admit that she did 'have a little skin under her chin tweaked, but this was hardly a state secret.'

The 50-year-old television host proudly talked about her chin tuck and declared: 'It looks awesome.'

'DON'T KNOW' WOMAN WHO INTERVIEWED ME - HOW FIRST LADY AND MIKA WENT HEAD TO HEAD IN 2016 Melania Trump sat down with Mika Brzezinski in February 2016, as it became clear that her husband was almost certain to win the Republican primary. Perhaps ironically given Trump's 'facelift' attack on Brzezinski on Thursday and the claims of sexism which followed, the interview covered topics including her family and her husband's attitude towards women. Brzezinski asked Melania about how women were treated in the Trump Organization given her husband's comments about women during the campaign, specifically then Fox news host Megyn Kelly. 'They're treated equal,' said Melania. 'I see him in life. He treats women the same as men. he will tell you whats in his heart, what he thinks. 'He will not hold it back if youre a woman. youre human, a woman or a man, its no different.' When Mika asked again about how vulgar Donald can be at times, Melania responded; 'Well do I agree all the time with him? No, I dont, and I tell him that, I tell him my opinions, I tell him what I think. 'Sometimes he listens, sometimes he dont. I follow the news from A-Z. I know whats going on. Im on the phone with my husband a few times a day.' Advertisement

Having postponed a Fourth of July holiday by a day, the pair stopped by their show to rebut Trump in person on Friday morning.

They claimed on the program, and in the Post, that senior Trump officials begged them to call the president and apologize for their coverage or have a nasty piece on them run in a tabloid that's owned and operated by the president's friend.

Trump responded with outrage on Twitter more than an hour after they made the on-air claim.

'Watched low rated @Morning Joe for first time in long time. FAKE NEWS. He called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no! Bad show.'

Trump confirmed with the tweet that he spent his morning stewing ahead of a scheduled call with the Turkish president and a White House visit from South Korea's Moon Jae-in.

Scarborough tweeted back at him: 'Yet another lie. I have texts from your top aides and phone records. Also, those records show I haven't spoken with you in many months.'

'Why do you keep lying about things that are so easily disproven? What is wrong with you?' he asked in a follow-up.

Kellyanne Conway, the president's counselor, served at the White House's sacrificial lamb, appearing on as ABC on Friday morning as Brzezinski and Scarborough went to battle with her boss on MSNBC.

'I endorse the president's right to fight back when he is being mercilessly attacked,' she told ABC News' George Stephanopoulos.

Clarifying her remarks, Conway said, 'I didn't say I endorsed his attacks; I never said that.

'Bottom line: I endorse his ability to connect on social media with Americans.'
An anonymous, left wing blogger who reported false claims that the Government was gagging the media over the Grenfell fire disaster is a corporate CEO who sells private services to the NHS, MailOnline can reveal.

Steven Walker, 52, who has attempted to keep his identity hidden, runs the influential website Skwawkbox, which published false allegations that the government was concealing details of the tragedy, that went viral.

Mr Walker reported claims that officials had placed a D-notice - an official request to editors not to publish sensitive information - on the real number of deaths in the blaze.

No government D-notice had been ordered. The story was picked up by two more news sites before going viral on social media.

Steven Walker, (right), who has kept his identity hidden, is behind left wing blog Skwawkbox  which reported false allegations that the government gagged the media over the Grenfell tragedy

Walker, left, a father of two, also published false claims that Theresa May was being investigated by Cabinet Office for 'conflict of interest on Brexit'

Mr Walker is sales director and CEO of a company called Foojit, which provides mailing solutions to the NHS. He has appeared on BBC with his face blurred to hide his identity

Mr Walker, a father of two, is the sales director and CEO of a company called Foojit, which provides mailing solutions to the NHS.

In 2015, he joined forces with two other entrepreneurs and invested 400,000 in high tech equipment to set up the company.

Foojit made money from the NHS by providing its mailing system to the Levenshulme Health Clinic in Manchester.

Skwawkbox regularly criticises NHS privatisation and the blog's header motif includes a depiction of the NHS logo.

Mr Walker's website and other 'alt left' bloggers are behind pro-Jeremy Corbyn propaganda that helped Labour's shock election success

Labour MP John Mann told MailOnline: 'Skwawkbox is not a credible or decent media outlet. They make it up as they go along. They have no credibility. It is a nasty, pernicious outlet.

'The way Steve Walker has been hiding his identity like some sort of Russian mobster is cowardly. It is totally indefensible that he influences UK politics while hiding his identity.

'He absolutely needs to be exposed. We need to know who he is and what his motivation is. The internet needs to be regulated, just as the press is regulated.'

Skwawkbox also faced claims it spreads fake news when it published the false allegation that Theresa May was under investigation by the Cabinet Office for 'conflict of interest on Brexit'.

The blog repeated claims that the Propriety and Ethics Team had launched an investigation into the Prime Minister.

Mrs May, it said, was accused of failing to declare that her husband's company was making 'profits of billions of pounds' in 'Brexit-related activities'.

A Cabinet Office spokesman confirmed that the story was 'absolutely untrue' and that there had been no investigation, adding: 'The Prime Minister has declared in full her interests and the interests of her husband. There is no conflict of interest.'

Skwawkbox and other 'alt left' blogs are often more widely read than established UK media sites, analysis by Buzzfeed revealed.

Skwawkbox's Grenfell Tower story was shared more than 16,000 times on Facebook, while its story on Theresa May was shared 31,000 times.

By comparison, the BBC website averages 1,115 shares per article and the popular i website averages 2,932, Buzzfeed analysis revealed.

Mr Walker's Skwawkbox also published the false allegation that Theresa May was under investigation by the Cabinet Office for 'conflict of interest on Brexit'

When asked about the fake story about the Prime Minister, the Skwawkbox founder told MailOnline: 'If something comes up like that in the middle of the night and you can't manage to get hold of the Cabinet Office while it's a hot topic, you'll report on the fact that it's a hot topic rather than report and say this is true.'

He also hit back against claims that his Grenfell Tower story was fake by claiming it was legitimate because he had used the word 'if' and 'speech-marks'.

Mr Walker's blog began in 2012 but is now run by a team of six. Each month, its audience is growing.

Before the election, Skwawkbox reached 500,000 people a month and that number is now thought to be approaching a million.

The site first found an audience when Mr Waker began blogging about the scandal at the mid-Staffordshire NHS Trust. His wife, Kathryn, 53, said on Facebook that she worked in the NHS.

The blog is known for publishing the pro-Corbyn propaganda that helped Labour's shock election success by galvanising the youth vote.

Mr Walker said: 'We played our part [in the general election result]. As a whole, sites like ours took credit. We had a reasonable impact on social media. We got the items out.

'Our viewing figures went up quite a bit during the election. I would like to think we encouraged young people to vote.'

Skwawkbox is noted for running stories that seem to have been briefed by Corbyn's inner circle, including insider quotes that suggest links with to senior Labour members.

Kerry-Anne Mendoza (pictured), a former banker and management consultant, runs the Canary, another website that has been accused of inaccuracy and fake news

Mr Walker's Facebook page shows that he is friends with a number of key Labour figures including Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner and Chris Bryant MP.

'It's not like we have a line straight to Jeremy or anything like that, but I've worked hard to create sources at Parliamentary level that is spread across the country,' he told MailOnline.

'We have connections so that we can get information from Corbyn if we want. I think we get good information and we have good sources.'

Solihull MP Julian Knight said in Parliament: 'Broadcasters, particularly those in receipt of licence fee money, should confront rather than cosy up to politically motivated websites that purvey fake news.'

Mr Walker was controversially interviewed about Skwawkbox on the BBC last month, appearing with his face blurred.

It comes as MPs blasted the BBC for inviting another 'alt-Left' blogger, Kerry-Anne Mendoza, onto last week's Question Time. She was booed by her audience and told to 'shush' by host David Dimbleby after she repeatedly interrupted fellow guests.

Kerry-Anne Mendoza, who appeared on last night's Question Time, who was told to 'shush' by host David Dimbleby after she repeatedly interrupted fellow panellists

Ms Mendoza, a former banker and management consultant, runs the Canary, another website that has been accused of inaccuracy and fake news.

Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Walker said: 'There's a team of us. I tend to front a lot of the stuff but there's an informal team.

'Nobody's getting paid for it, it's all done for the passion of the cause.'

He added: 'There's no adverts on the site. We're not trying to make any money from the site, it's not a commercial venture. You'll get people donating a quid here or there. It's not read by rich people on the whole.'
AUBURN  A Moravia teen was sentenced to prison Thursday for committing three separate crimes in Cayuga County.

In May, 17-year-old Jahree Cathcart, of 32 Mahl Loop, pleaded guilty to three felonies: second-degree attempted burglary, third-degree robbery and second-degree unlawful surveillance.

At the time, Cathcart admitted his part in a crime spree late last year, beginning with a burglary in his hometown.

Cathcart said he committed his first crime in September 2016 when he acted as a lookout while his friends broke into a home in Moravia. Then, in October, Cathcart said he secretly filmed a young woman having sex and later threatened to broadcast the video to others. And finally, in December, Cathcart helped his friends commit an armed robbery at a residence in Genoa.

During his plea, both Cathcart and his defense attorney, Joseph Sapio, asked the court to consider granting him youthful offender status. But at his sentencing Thursday, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann asked the judge to deny Cathcart's request.

"Usually with youthful offender I say, 'Boys will be boys,'" Budelmann said. "But bringing guns into people's homes is not that."

Judge Thomas Leone agreed, sentencing Cathcart to one to three years in prison for the unlawful surveillance and robbery and two years in prison and two years post-release supervision for the attempted burglary. Leone also ordered Cathcart to pay more than $5,000 in restitution.

"I'd just like to apologize for my actions," Cathcart said, noting that he just received his GED and plans to go to trade school. "I want to live a better lifestyle."

Also in court:

 A Weedsport woman was sentenced Thursday for stealing roughly $200,000 through tax and power of attorney fraud.

In May, Susan King, 54, of 2795 Ross Dr., pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree criminal tax fraud, both felonies.

At the time, King admitted to filing false tax returns in 2014 and 2015, stealing approximately $10,000 in state taxes. In addition, she said she stole $196,000 by abusing her power of attorney over a relative.

King could have faced up to 19 years in prison. However, on Thursday, Leone sentenced her to five years probation. She will also have to pay restitution.

 A Groton man has admitted to possessing nearly 80 grams of cocaine in Cayuga County.

Steven Sheppard, 47, of 3 Community Dr., pleaded guilty Thursday to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

During his plea, Sheppard said he possessed 79.93 grams of cocaine at his former residence in the town of Locke last summer.

Sheppard could face up to nine years in prison. However, Leone agreed to sentence him to five years probation and four months of weekends in jail. In addition, Sheppard will have to turn over $31,000 that was seized at the time of his arrest.

Sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 21.
A four-year-old boy who was been found chained, malnourished and beaten in a Mexico City apartment may be a U.S. citizen.

Mexico City's prosecutor's office said in a statement that it has asked for assistance from the U.S. Embassy in determining the boy's citizenship.

Authorities rescued the boy earlier this week after an anonymous caller contacted the police.

Two people identified as an aunt and uncle were later arrested. They have been named as Juan Carlos Loaeza and Olivia Castro.

A four-year-old boy called Andrew was found tied up and kept hidden in the dark in a Mexico City apartment. He appeared to have been tortured and abused

The boy had a number of blows to the head and cigarette burns on his back. He also appeared to be suffering from malnutrition

Both of the boy's relatives denied that he was in their home at the time, but after some searching police found the boy tied up in an unlit room.

The little boy was found tied up and completely along with signs he had been tortured and abused.

The relatives said they were looking after him temporarily for the boy's dad.

The youngster, named only as Antony, was found in a house on a street named Cabo Catoche in the colony of Gabriel Hernandez, in a neighborhood north of downtown.

He was taken to hospital right away where he was found to have multiple injuries.

Although he found it difficult to speak, the child was able to say his own name and that of his parents.

Doctors found that he was suffering from malnutrition and say the little boy had been hit repeatedly in the head and his skin burned numerous times by cigarettes.

The little boy was found with a chain around his feet and found it difficult to speak. His aunt and uncle have been arrested and the youngster is now in care

The youngster is now in the care of authorities who are helping him come to terms with the level of abuse he has undergone.

A photograph released by care workers showed a silver chain binding his thin legs together.

The investigation was launched when Victor Hugo Lobo, the head of the child protection authority, received an anonymous letter that detailed information about the boy.

Hugo Lobo vowed that the culprits would be punished.

It is not known whether the boy's father has also been arrested, however the investigation is continuing.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The FBI arrest of Martin Shkreli for securities fraud saved the 'Pharma Bro's' life from a gangland hit ordered by backers of the Wu-Tang Clan, a new book is claiming.

The explosive memoir also exposes shocking details of a plot to extort even more money from the sale of the Wu-Tang Clan's infamous record, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, for $2million.

And two members of the rap group were in on the alleged scam, the book claims, colluding with the 'most hated man in America' in an aggressive deceit that almost ended in murder.

The book called: 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin: The Untold Story', was written by Cyrus Bozorgmehr, one of the people behind the sale.

He was the senior adviser on the project and represented a mysterious moneyman who funded the controversial 31-track album's development.

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Pharma bro: Martin Shkreli's securities fraud arrest in 2015 saved him from being killed after Wu-Tang Clan supporters plotted a revenge hit on the former CEO

Two million-dollar record: Shkreli infamously bought the only copy of Wu-Tang Clan's new record Once Upon a Time in Shaolin and later publicly dissed the rap group outraging fans. Cilavringz (left) and RZA (center) conducted the sale with Cyrus Bozorgmehr. Online auctioneer Alexander Gilkes (right) a friend of the British royal family, was also involved

Trio: RZA, Cyrus Bozorgmher and Tarik 'Cilvaringz' Azzourgarh organized the $2 million sale. Bozorgmehr has written an insider's account of the deal

On trial: Martin Shkreli is currently on trial at federal court in Brooklyn, New York, where he denies security fraud charges. He is being defended by New York attorney Benjamin Brafman

The other two people working with Bozorgmehr were the Wu-Tang's leader, Robert 'RZA' Diggs, and associate Tarik 'Cilvaringz' Azzourgarh, the mastermind of the bizarre plot.

Shkreli, former CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, earned international loathing in September, 2015 by jacking up the price of life-saving drug Daraprim.

Daraprim treats infections from toxoplasmosis, which can be fatal in patients also suffering from AIDS.

It was on sale for $13.50 until Turing raised the price by 5,000% to $750. Shkreli was immediately dubbed 'pharma bro' and reviled across America.

He also became a hate figure for most members of the Wu Tang Clan and its supporters with his purchase of their album and his comments about the group.

But the FBI nabbed the unpopular CEO on securities fraud charges in January, 2016, which ultimately saved him from a hitman's bullet, according to Bozorgmehr.

According to extracts of the book, obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, stage one of the elaborate ruse had Shkreli starting a public beef with RZA.

But Shkreli went rogue the day before his arrest and delivered a message so inflammatory it called for blood.

In an expletive-laced interview on Hip Hop DX, the biggest hip-hop site in the world, Shkreli ranted: 'I bought the most expensive album in the history of mankind and f***king RZA is talking s**t behind my back... If I hand you $2million, f**king show me some respect.'

The sale however, was part of an elaborate plot led by Wu-Tang's leader RZA (left) and associate Cilvaringz, to exploit the work for every last dollar - which involved Shkreli starting a public beef with RZA

Cilvaringz and RZA falsely claimed there was a clause in the contract that allowed the Clan, or, randomly, actor Bill Murray, one attempt to steal back the album - Shkreli had planned to live stream the fake break-in of six masked men. But the robbery would fail

Shkreli told the site about his meeting with RZA at exclusive members club Soho House in Manhattan.

'Motherf***er came in. He was late. We sat down for maybe 45 minutes at most. The guy is f**king full of himself, talking about how his s**t is the best ever... I'd encourage him to shut the f**k up before he goes a little too far.'

Bozorgmehr panicked.

He wrote: 'No one had ever dissed RZA or the Clan like that. Ever. There had to be retaliation for this, whether it was through words, fists, or maybe even bullets from a Staten Island crew who wouldn't let the Clan get dissed by this f**k.

'There's an awful lot of motherf**kers who'd be delighted to step to Martin first - no matter what anyone said. Man's going down.'

Wu-Tang rose from streets of a Staten Island housing project in the 90s to rule hip-hop.

Shkreli posted a video of himself playing the intro and parts of two tracks from the album in November after he promised to release the record if Trump made it to the White House

A clause was written into the complicated deal restricting the buyer from commercially releasing the tracks for 88 years - but according to the book, if the heist was successful, all rights reverted to the seller and ban on commercial release was voided

Its members - RZA, GZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God and Masta Killa - all became successful rappers with solo careers.

Bozorgmehr, who lives in Marrakech, Morocco, says the arrest simmered tensions.

Two days after the arrest, Cilvaringz called Shkreli, released on bail, desperate to make him see the impact of his words.

He found out that only the arrest had stopped Pharma Bro from starting a gang war.

Shkreli had got hold of fake AK-47s and planned a video with his posse threatening the lives of the rest of the Clan.

His planned callout to the Clan included lines like, 'A message to ODB (Ol' Dirty Bastard). Make some room in heaven, because your brothers are about to join you.'

Bozorgmehr said he erupted when he heard this.

'What the f**k is wrong with this guy? Using a dead Clan member to threaten the murder of the rest of the Clan? That would have been tantamount to inciting a gang war,' he wrote.

Ol' Dirty Bastard, Russell Tyrone Jones, died from an accidental drug overdose in 2004.

The record, Once Upon A Time in Shaolin, was possibly the most-hyped album ever.

The brainchild of Cilvaringz, who managed road tours for Clan members, it was six years in the making.

The high-minded purpose of selling the record to a single buyer for the highest-price possible was that it was supposed to strike a blow for musicians everywhere.

Cilvaringz claimed he intended to demonstrate the future of music if artists couldn't get fair remuneration in the world of streaming.

To get paid, musicians would start selling their work to the highest bidder.

A clause was written into the complicated deal restricting the buyer from commercially releasing the tracks for 88 years.

But Cilvaringz, according to the book, had already devised a fraudulent scheme to exploit every last dollar from the work if for some reason the record didn't make a multi-million sale.

That scheme, though, paled compared to the one he devised after an appalled world learned that Shkreli, was the buyer.

Surprised by how much they all liked the guy, the nefarious Cilvaringz went into overdrive.

RZA publicly pounded home the fact the tribunal hadn't known of Shkreli's reputation before the sale.

But they withheld the buyer's name until they ensure contributions were on their way to several charities, helping distance the Clan from the outrage.

It's claimed Cilvaringz then seized on a fake news story that had gone viral, falsely claiming there was a clause in the contract that allowed the Clan, or, randomly, actor Bill Murray, one attempt to steal back Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.

If the heist was successful, all rights reverted to the seller and the 88-year ban on commercial release was voided.

Cilvaringz, with an eagerly complicit Shkreli, set in motion a plan to make it happen, according to the book.

The robbery would be pulled off by RZA, GZA, Cilvaringz, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Bill Murray, if he could be roped in.

The tell-all memoir was written by Cyrus Bozorgmehr, the senior adviser on the project who represented the mysterious moneyman who funded the controversial 31-track album's development

The scheme was later hilariously turned into a musical production, aptly titled 'Martin Shkreli's Game: How Bill Murray joined the Wu-Tang Clan'.

Shkreli had planned to live stream the fake break-in of six masked men. But the robbery would fail.

Shkreli would then make his big announcement. If fans were so outraged by the private sale and the Clan was so determined to get the record back, he would sell 36,000 copies at an inflated price over 36 days.

If the sales objective was met, he would then release the album commercially.

Otherwise, the man who had already proved he's a monster, would destroy it.

Shkreli would make a show of signing an amendment contract exonerating the heist crew of charges before allowing them into his house to repossess the record. And the profits would start rolling in.

But according to the book what Pharma Bro didn't know was that Cilvaringz was also plotting something. He planned to insert airtight language into the amendment that would legally restore rights to the Clan.

It was then Shkreli dissed RZA and put his life at stake.

Shkreli promised to release the record if Trump made it to the White House. The day after the election he released the intro and parts of two tracks.

He's now standing trial charged with securities fraud at Brooklyn Federal Court, where potential jurors have already expressed their dislike for him.

And, by Bozorgmehr's account, he's lucky to be there.

'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin: The Untold Story of Wu-Tang Clan's Million-Dollar Secret Album, the Devaluation of Music, and America's New Public Enemy No. 1' is out on July 11
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Wooden propellers lie on a stripped-down drone, among tyres and gas canisters. Elsewhere, a four-wheeled contraption stands silent, preparing for its deadly mission.

As the battle for Mosul rages on, Iraqi forces recently discovered this ISIS factory which has been making various death machines - from aerial drones to multi-wheeled robot bombs.

The crude hardware was unearthed in a warehouse in the Al-Shifa neighbourhood on the fringes of the Islamic State-occupied Old City.

Working with whatever they can salvage, the jihadis have been retrofitting hobby drones with explosives and, in some cases, building devices from metal pipes and repurposed small engines - including from motorbikes.

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As the battle for Mosul rages on, Iraqi forces recently discovered this ISIS factory which has been making various small-scale death machines. Above, an Islamic State-built drone with wooden propellers propped up against it

The hardware - including this mobile IED - was unearthed in a building in the Al-Shifa neighbourhood on the fringes of the ISIS-occupied Old City

Working with whatever they can salvage, extremists have been retrofitting hobby drones with explosives and, in some cases, building devices from metal pipes and repurposed small engines - including from motorbikes

As well as unmanned drones, ISIS has also been constructing rolling improvised explosive devices, as can be seen from the rudimentary wheeled vehicles.

Hundreds of civilians fled Mosul's Old City on Friday as Iraqi forces slowly squeeze the last pockets of Islamic State resistance, and the UN warned that the 'intense and concentrated' fighting put innocent lives in even greater danger.

The neighborhoods where government forces are fighting have been under siege for months as gruelling urban warfare drew out the operation to retake Iraq's second-largest city.

For the civilians held as human shields by the extremists, supplies have run low and drinking water is scarce, according to residents interviewed at screening centres and clinics by The Associated Press.

As well as unmanned drones, ISIS has also been constructing rolling improvised explosive devices, as can be seen from the rudimentary wheeled vehicles

Hundreds of civilians fled Mosul's Old City on Friday as Iraqi forces slowly squeezed the last pockets of Islamic State resistance, and the UN warned that the 'intense and concentrated' fighting put innocent lives in even greater danger

The battles came a day after Iraqi forces made significant gains against the militants and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared an end to the group's self-proclaimed caliphate.

After a dawn push on Thursday, Iraqi forces retook the symbolic site where the al-Nuri Mosque once stood. It was from the pulpit of the 12th century mosque, which the militants blew up last week along with its famous leaning minaret, that their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had proclaimed the caliphate in 2014.

The operation to retake Mosul, backed closely by the U.S.-led coalition, began in October, with the Iraqi government initially vowing the city would be liberated in 2016.

ISIS now holds a small patch of territory in Mosul's Old City along the Tigris that measures less than two square kilometres (0.8 square miles). The terrain is dense, and the UN estimates tens of thousands of civilians are trapped there.

The clashes have displaced more than 850,000 people since the operation to retake Mosul was launched, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Iraqi Army commanders and soldiers are seen outside the Islamic State drone and IED factory
Nicholas Brown paid out more than 260,000 to watch children being abused live online

A 'dangerous' paedophile who paid more than 260,000 to watch children being abused live online has been jailed.

Nicholas Brown paid out more than a quarter of a million pounds over almost a decade to women in the Philippines to arrange for him to see the abuse on webcam, police said.

The 63-year-old, of Cypress Grove, Ash Vale, in Aldershot, pleaded guilty in March to 12 counts of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, and five counts of making indecent images of children.

He was sentenced on Friday at Guildford Crown Court to 12 years, nine of which he will serve behind bars, with the remainder on extended licence.

Detective Inspector Jon Vogel from Surrey Police released a statement following the sentencing.

He said: 'Nicholas Brown not only sought out those who were willing to abuse their own children on webcam but also pursued individuals who were willing to get children "off the street" whilst he was on webcam and then sexually abuse them.

'The total amount of money that he had sent to the Philippines for this abuse has been calculated at over 260,000.

'The sentencing today reflects the depravity, violence and cruelty this dangerous paedophile inflicted on his victims.

'This should serve as a warning to those who abuse children that Surrey Police take all allegations seriously and has the expertise to fully investigate and prosecute these offences.'
MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski is spilling the details on her chin 'tweak' that she and fiance Joe Scarborough say the president knew was not a facelift because he asked her about it repeatedly - and wanted the name of her doctor.

Brzezinski says she told Melania Trump about the procedure to her 'turkey neck' when she Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough stopped by the president's Palm Beach Club on New Year's Eve.

'The irony of it all is that Donald kept saying, "Thats incredible. You cant even tell? Who did it? Who did it? He kept asking for the name of the doctor. He literally asked 10 times. "Is he down here? Who is he?" 'Scarborough told Vanity Fair.

MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski is spilling the details on her chin 'tweak' that she and fiance Joe Scarborough say the president knew was not a facelift because he asked her about it repeatedly - and wanted the name of her doctor

'The irony of it all is that Donald kept saying, "Thats incredible. You cant even tell? Who did it? Who did it? He kept asking for the name of the doctor. He literally asked 10 times. "Is he down here? Who is he?" 'Scarborough said. Trump is seen here Friday

Brzezinski says she told Melania Trump about the procedure when she Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough stopped by the president's Palm Beach Club on New Year's Eve

The couple allowed the news magazine to shadow them this morning as they went to battle with Trump on air.

Partners in the TV business, and soon, in life, Scarborough and Brzezinski spent a half-hour on the news network that employees them dissecting their relationship with the president, his mental health and the threat of a National Enquirer article that they described in terms tantamount to extortion.

It all began, publicly at least, when Trump responded to their negative coverage on Thursday with tweets that claimed Scarborough and Brzezinski showed up at his Palm Beach property uninvited.

'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....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!''

Brzezinski told Vanity Fair in an off-camera interview that she laughed when she read Trump's tweets attacking her on Thursday.

'I said, "Guys! What did he tweet?" Willie showed me, and I started laughing, and said, "S***. I kind of wanted to keep that to myself, " she said of her chin 'tweak'.

In a Washington Post op-ed that posted to the publication's website early Friday morning, Brzezinski and Scarborough acknowledged she had a procedure but argued it was not a facelift, as Trump had charged.

'She did have a little skin under her chin tweaked, but this was hardly a state secret. Her mother suggested she do so, and all those around her were aware of this mundane fact,' they wrote.

Brzezinski says she and Scarborough met privately with Trump and his wife in a bedroom and were led out through a party on the property.

'Talk about facelifts - woah, Palm Beach!' she said.

The 50-year-old television host proudly talked about her chin tuck and declared: 'It looks awesome.'

Dishing to Vanity Fair, she said, 'I had a turkey neck. My mom told me to get it done.'

'I was FaceTiming all my friends, telling them to get it done, that it wasnt so bad.'

Scarborough says their staff was 'spooked' after the president's attack on them, and they had to tell their colleagues they were OK.

The 50-year-old television host proudly talked about her chin tuck on air Friday and declared: 'It looks awesome'

Instead of leaving Thursday evening for vacation, they appeared on the program for a 30-minute segment with no commercial breaks on Friday that lasted three times as long as expected, according to Vanity Fair's profile of Scarborough and Brzezinski on Friday.

Once, when they were feuding with Trump in the past, after he revealed that they were dating on Twitter before their relationship was public, Jared Kushner, the president's senior advisor and son-in-law, set a mediation between them.

Trump apologized in the meeting, they told Vanity Fair.

'Jared said we should end the meeting right then and there, because it was one of the only times he had heard him apologize,' Scarborough said.



They're not confident they'll get one this time, Vanity Fair reported.

'We would take these insults seriously from anyone else,' Scarborough told the publication. 'We dont from him, because, unfortunately, we believe he is in decline.'
Footage has emerged showing a doctor in India slapping a woman to bring her to consciousness.

The woman was brought to hospital in Rajasthan, north western India by her family, who claimed she'd been possessed by evil spirits.

But instead of using any sort of medical procedure, Dr Surendra Bari can instead be seen forcefully slapping the woman.

No formal complaint was lodged by the family and the woman was discharged later in the day, the Indian Express reported.

However, the hospital has now ordered an investigation into the incident.

The superintendent of the district hospital said: 'When the matter came into our notice, a three-member committee was set up to inquire into the incident.

'The report will be forwarded to the directorate of medicine and health in Jaipur.'

The doctor grabs the 'possessed' woman's head before tilting it back

He slaps her hard across the face in an effort to awaken here

In the regional capital, Health Minister Kalicharan Saraf ordered Dr Bari to be relieved of his duties, The Hindu reported.

Assistant Director Dr Thanken said: 'The doctor has been put under APO with immediate effect on directions by the health minister.'

Claims of possession are relatively common in some parts of rural India.

In April a mother drowned her four-month old baby when she claimed that she became possessed by a 'supernatural spirit'.

At one point one of the other doctors can seen to hold back his hand (left)
A married mother-of-three from Florida has been charged with child neglect causing great harm after her five-year-old son was discovered so malnourished that his weight was not even on the growth chart for his age group.

Naomie Hall, 24, of DeLand, was arrested on Thursday after an officer with the Department of Children and Families arrived at her home on North Alabama Avenue to investigate child neglect claims.

According to a charging affidavit reviewed by DailyMail.com, the child protective investigator with the DCF entered the family's home to find Hall's five-year-old son laying on the living room floor and eating old cereal scattered around a dirty carpet.

Naomiee Hall (left), 24,of Florida, has been charged with child neglect causing great harm for allegedly starving her five-year-old son (right)

An officer with the Department of Children and Families arrived at Hall's home on North Alabama Avenue (pictured) to investigate child neglect claims

'The victim appeared dehydrated, thin and had dry skin,' according to the document.

Hall, who also has a younger son and a daughter with her husband, admitted to the investigator that she has not been giving her son medication prescribed to help boost his weight and allowed him to go three to four days at a time without food without making any attempt to offer him nourishment.

A preliminary medical examination of the child revealed that at age five, he weighed just 24.9lbs, which is an average weight for a healthy 15-month-old boy.

The doctor who conducted the checkup also found evidence of medical neglect and failure to thrive, according to the affidavit.

In April, a gastroenterologist prescribed an appetite stimulant for the boy because he was severely malnourished and underweight, but his mother allegedly refused to give it to him, claiming that the drug made the boy 'sleepy and did not work for him.'

The kindergarten-aged victim could not speak, walk or stand, according to the police report. Hall told the caseworker that 'she does not communicate with the victim.'

Hall admitted to the investigator that she has not been giving her son medication prescribed to help boost his weight and allowed him to go three to four days at a time without food

Skeletal: At age five, the boy (pictured) weighed just 24.9lbs, which is an average weight for a healthy 15-month old boy

Instead, she would check on him at random times and determine if he may be in need of something by reading his facial expressions.

'She also stated she knows when the victim is hungry because he will chew on his hands,' the charging document said.

The five-year-old boy has not received any form of education or has been taught to communicate by anyone in his family.

Following the initial exam performed at a Child Protection Team Office, the starving boy was taken to Halifax Hospital, where a doctor observed that his hands and feet were orange, dry and peeling, and he also had blisters on his feet.

The child was dressed in filthy clothing and appeared to not have had a bath in a while, according to the charging document.

Tests performed at the hospital found that the five-year-old was clinically malnourished had high levels of sodium in his body, which is a sign of dehydration. He was admitted into the ICU in case of seizures and cardiac arrest.

Hall also has a daughter (pictured right, with boy brother) who will be turning three in August

He will remain at the hospital getting fed and medical staff will be monitoring his lab work and weight gain.

Naomie Hall was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail without bail after refusing to be interviewed by the Daytona Beach Police.

According to Hall's Facebook page, her youngest child, a boy, was born in the spring of 2016. She also has a daughter who will be turning three in August.
DeMarlo Berry (above), 42, said Friday the first thing he noticed when he was released from shackles Friday in downtown Las Vegas was the new buildings, homes and freeways

A 42-year-old Nevada man freed from prison after 23 years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit says he's a little overwhelmed by the changes he sees in the city where he was arrested when he was 19.

DeMarlo Berry said Friday the first thing he noticed when he was released from shackles Friday in downtown Las Vegas was the new buildings, homes and freeways.

He says everything's different, and it's a surreal feeling.

Berry was serving life in prison without parole when he was exonerated this week in the April 1994 shooting death of a fast-food restaurant manager.

The dismissal came after a man serving life without parole in California confessed, and a jailhouse informant recanted his trial testimony that Berry told him he committed the murder.

During an appearance before reporters on Friday, Berry said he was looking forward to having a steak with french fries, according to Las Vegas Review-Journal.

A state court judge in Las Vegas dismissed his murder conviction in the April 1994 slaying of Charles Burkes and his 1995 sentence to life in prison without parole.

'It's a good day for justice,' said John Wendland, a lawyer in Las Vegas who represented Berry.

'He never gave up on proving himself innocent.'

Wendland, who donated his time with the Rocky Mountain Innocence Project and attorneys in Salt Lake City, said Berry's break came when Steven Jackson confessed to the crime.

Jackson, 45, is serving life without parole in at California's Wasco State Prison California for his conviction in a separate murder in 1996.

Berry, then 18, saw Jackson in the Carl's Jr. restaurant where manager Charles Burkes was shot and killed.

But he initially refused to identify the man he knew as a Southern California gang member.

Later, Berry named Jackson in the slaying.

Berry's case was one of the first reviewed by a unit that Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson created last year to take a look at cases when new evidence comes to light.

Wolfson said Jackson also provided details about the crime that only the shooter would know.

Wendland declined to speak on Berry's behalf, and said he expected his client would speak publicly following his release.
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A doctor with a rifle hidden under a lab coat has shot dead a female physician and seriously wounded six other doctors before trying to set himself on fire and turning the gun on himself at a Bronx hospital.

Dr Henry Bello, a family physician, opened fire at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital where he used to work at about 2.45pm on Friday.

The 45-year-old gunman was hiding a high-powered assault rifle under his white medical coat and had his ID card on him when he started the shooting spree on the 16th and 17th floors of the hospital, police sources say.

Police Commissioner James O'Neill confirmed that the shooter died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the building.

The shooter had tried to set himself on fire prior to fatally shooting himself. He staggered, bleeding, into a hallway where he collapsed and died with the rifle at his side.

The body of the female victim, believed to be a doctor, was found next to the shooter on the 17th floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Five of the victims were seriously injured in the shooting rampage and one victim is being treated for a gunshot wound to their leg.

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First image: Dr Henry Bello, 45, has been named as the deceased gunman who carried out a deadly attack at his former place of work, the Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Friday afternoon

Six people were shot at Bronx Lebanon Hospital after a former employee dressed as a physician opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle. First responders are seen with stretchers outside the entrance

A woman is escorted by officers in plainclothes near the Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York Friday

A woman is escorted by officers near the Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York after a gunman opened fire there

The incident unfolded at around 2.45pm at the medical center on Grand Concourse in the Morris Heights section of The Bronx

Bello had been a family medicine physician at the hospital. Law enforcement officials say he was allowed to resign from the hospital in 2015 amid sexual harassment allegations. The details of the allegations were not immediately clear.

CBS New York reported that Bello was fired two years ago for harassing an employee. He reportedly went to the hospital to find the employee before opening fire on his former colleagues.

Witness Dione Morales, who has been a patient at the hospital for 17 years, told CBS New York the shooter had threatened to kill people back when he was fired.

'He was let go because I guess they figured he was unstable. He said he was going to do this,' she said. 'He said he was going to kill people, two years ago when he was let go - two years... and now look what happened.'

Details about Bello's criminal past emerged following the deadly shooting.

In unrelated cases, the doctor had been arrested in 2004 on a charge of sexual abuse after a 23-year-old woman told police Bello grabbed her, lifted her up and carried her off, saying, 'you're coming with me.' He was arrested again in 2009 on a charge of unlawful surveillance, after two different women reported he was trying to look up their skirts with a mirror.

According to New York State Education Department records, Bello had a limited permit to practice as an international medical graduate to gain experience in order to be licensed. The permit was issued on July 1, 2014, and expired last year on the same day.

A former colleague described Bello as a problematic employee.

Bello 'was very aggressive, talking loudly, threatening people. All the time he was a problem,' said Dr. David Lazala, a family medicine doctor who said he trained Bello at Bronx Lebanon.

He said Bello, who worked at night as a doctor, sent him a threatening email after Bello was fired.

Heavily armed police patrol the scene outside the hospital after the gunman opened fire on Friday afternoon

Police sources say the gunman was hiding the high-powered weapon under his lab coat before the attack on the 16th floor of the hospital

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said the incident was not related to terrorism and appeared to be a workplace incident

Police gather outside Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York afterthe shooting rampage

Incident began unfolding at around 2.45pm at the medical center on Grand Concourse

Officers carrying assault-style rifles are posted outside the Bronx Lebanon Hospital where a former employee stages a deadly rampage

Hospital employees barricaded themselves in hospital rooms by stacking furniture up against the doors during the lockdown

The gunman hid a high-powered rifle inside his lab coat before launching the attack

Dr Bello is believed to have lived in this New York City apartment building

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said the incident was not related to terrorism and appeared to be an isolated workplace incident.

'One doctor is dead and several doctors are fighting for their lives right now,' de Blasio said.

'The shooter killed himself but not before doing horrible damage. Our hearts go out to the family of the doctor who passed away.

'This was a horrific situation unfolding in a place associated with care and comfort.'

Authorities described a chaotic scene at Bronx Lebanon Hospital as gunfire erupted, spreading terror throughout the hospital as employees locked themselves inside rooms and patients feared for their lives.

Shortly after receiving a 911 call about an active shooter, police officers went floor by floor, their guns drawn, looking for the gunman.

An FDNY official told the New York Times at least three of the shooting victims were doctors.

Bello may have doused himself with an accelerant like gasoline and tried to set himself on fire before shooting himself, officials said. Sprinklers extinguished the fire.

Police described the suspect in a radio transmission as a tall, thin man in a blue shirt and a white lab coat.

Television images showed the hospital surrounded by police cars and fire trucks. Police could be seen on the roof of the building, at one point, with their guns drawn.

Emergency crews had been kept from going inside the hospital while the shooter was at large.

Employees and their loved ones described the horrifying moments as they scrambled for information.

Garry Trimble said his wife, hospital employee Denise Brown, called him from inside the hospital shortly after 3pm.

'She woke me up and told me there was a situation, somebody's out there shooting people,' Trimble said as he waited for his wife to come out. 'I could hear in her voice she was shaking and about to cry.'

A heavy police presence is seen outside the hospital a short time after the shooting

Police cars are seen parked outside the hospital on Grand Concourse during the active shooter situation

Armed officers with a dog are on the scene in The Bronx Friday afternoon

Fire Department rescue workers head towards the scene after the inside the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in New York City

Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center describes itself as the largest voluntary, not-for-profit health care system in the south and central Bronx

Gonzalo Carazo described the scary scene to WCBS-TV. 'I saw one of the doctors and he had a gunshot wound to his hand,' Carazo said.

'All I heard was a doctor saying, 'Help, help!'' Carazo locked himself in a room for about 15 minutes until police came and led him out of the hospital.

'I thought I was going to die,' said Renaldo Del Villar, a 55-year-old patient who was in the third-floor emergency room getting treatment for a lower back injury.

Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center describes itself as the largest voluntary, not-for-profit health care system in the south and central Bronx.

The 120-year-old hospital claims nearly 1,000 beds spread across multiple units. Its emergency room is among the busiest in New York City.

The hospital is about a mile and a half north of Yankee Stadium.

In 2011, two people were shot at Bronx Lebanon in what police said was a gang-related attack.
A 98-year-old Massachusetts woman in a wheelchair who was arrested last weekend for blocking construction of a natural gas pipeline remained defiant at her arraignment.

Frances Crowe and seven co-defendants had their criminal trespass charges reduced to civil infractions Thursday at Southern Berkshire District Court and were released pending a July 18 hearing.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that on the steps of the courthouse, the Northampton woman said her actions are about 'the future of life on the planet'.

The grandmother-of-five from Northampton asked: 'Are the corporations going to rule the future, or will people rise up and say no?'

Frances Crowe, 98, was arrested on Saturday for protesting a pipeline in Massachusetts

The grandmother-of-five from Northampton was among eight arrested during the protest

She was protesting an easement that allows the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. to widen its right of way through the forest, connecting two pre-existing pipelines

'Corporations come and go, but life is in jeopardy,' she said.

Crowe is a well-known peace and environmental activist. She was arrested Saturday at Otis State Forest in Sandisfield. She was protesting an easement that allows the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. to widen its right of way through the forest, connecting two pre-existing pipelines.

She led the group in holding a mock funeral for the fossil fuel industry. They crossed into a restricted area and were planning on trying to bury a coffin in the hold dug up for the $93million pipeline, but were arrested before they got a chance.

Following her arrest, the Sugar Shack Alliance, an activist group which Crowe is a member of, released a picture of her being led out of the area in a wheelchair by officers.

Crowe has been arrested three times since turning 90. She's pictured above at her Thursday court date

'Crowe put herself - and her wheelchair - in a contested area of the Otis State Forest in Sandisfield, Massachusetts, to protest the construction of a planned 3.8 mile pipeline loop owned by Kinder Morgan and affiliate Tennessee Gas Pipeline, on 17 acres of the conserved Otis State Forest that contains biologically-important wetlands, and sacred Native American sites,' the Alliance wrote in a press release. 'The pipeline was intended to store fracked methane gas originally proposed to serve customers in Connecticut.'

Supporters of the pipeline said it will bring more fuel to the area, notable to nearby residents in Connecticut. But opponents say the area already has enough fuel and that the pipeline will mostly be used as a storage vessel before the energy is shipped overseas.

Locals are particularly weary about the project since another pipeline exploded, causing an evacuation of part of the town.

The pipeline also runs through protected wetlands and a sacred Native American burial site.

'We don't need to dig up the soil for a pipeline,' Crowe told News10. 'Solar and wind will take care of all of the energy needs for the state.'

Crowe has been a lifelong protester. She's pictured above speaking to then-Massachusetts Gov. William Weld at a protest event in Northampton in 1996

Crowe has been a protester nearly her whole life, and is somewhat of a local legend. During World War II, when she was in her 20s, she was a peace activist. During the Vietnam War, she helped counsel conscientious objectors, and was arrested for spray-painting 'Thou Shalt Not Kill' on casings of missile tubes at a nuclear submarine base in Connecticut.

Another issue that she has constantly fought against is nuclear power. She was arrested a total of nine times for trespassing near the Vermont Yankee nuclear power station.

This weekend's arrest was her third arrest since turning 90.

The others arrested in the protect included Dennis Carr, 59, of Cummington, Eric Burcroff, 57, of Plainfield, Ellen Graves, 76, of West Springfield, Priscilla Lynch, 65, of Conway, Elizabeth Ramirez, 47, of Holyoke, Laura Simon, 63, of Wilder, Vt. and Constance Harvard, 69, of Northampton.
New York State Police out of Waterloo arrested an Auburn man Thursday night for allegedly raping a child under the age of 13.

Matthew P. DeSimone, 27, has been charged with first-degree rape, a class B felony and luring a child to commit a class B felony, which is a class D felony. State police would not provide further detail on the charges, saying the investigation is ongoing. Police did say there was no concern of other potential victims.
The third suspect in the brutal home invasion stabbing death of a tech CEO has been tracked down and apprehended.

Travione Keonte Reynolds, 21, was booked Thursday in Fayette County, Georgia on suspicion of murder in the June 23 slaying of 74-year-old Albert DeMagnus in his suburban lakefront mansion.

Reynolds was arrested by US Marshals some 40 miles away from the crime scene, in a residence in DeKalb County, according to Fayette Sheriff Barry Babb.

Demagnus' wife told police she awoke in the early morning hours hearing a disturbance in another part of the home and saw three men near her husband, who was suffering from an apparent stab wound.

Arrested: Jeffery Wallace (left) and Kavion Tookes (right) were arrested last week. A third suspect, Travione Keonte Reynolds, (not pictured) was arrested on Thursday

Victim: Albert Demagnus was stabbed to death during a home invasion. His wife was home at the time as well but was unharmed and called 911

The homeowner's wife told authorities three men demanded cash and jewelry before two of them fled the scene in her husband's car, while another drove off in the vehicle they arrived in. That's when the wife called 911, at around 2.30am.

Jeffrey Lee Wallace, 22, and Kavion Wyzeenski Tookes, 21, allegedly fled the crime scene in DeMangus' gray Lexus but crashed it in a high-speed police chase.

The two suspects were able to elude police on foot from the crime scene, and cops caught one of them using an improvised 'Trojan horse' strategy.

When a Lyft driver approached the police perimeter road checkpoint around 4.am to pick up a passenger in the area, cops got a hunch that her fare might be a suspect.

Sheriff Babb happened to drive the same kind of car as the Lyft driver, so he and three deputies loaded in and drove up to the pick-up point.

'The subject walked all the way up, was about to open the door and get in our vehicle, when we exited and identified ourself as the sheriffs office,' Babb told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The second of the two men who crashed the Lexus was located in the area around daybreak.

A police car and crime scene outside of Demagnus' home in Fayette County, Georgia Friday

Reynolds, who allegedly fled in another vehicle, was able to elude arrest for nearly a week before authorities tracked him down on Thursday. A mugshot was not immediately available, but he is described as a black male, six-foot-four and 180lbs.

Demagnus was taken from the crime scene to Piedmont Fayette Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

He was the CEO of Computer Management Services, an IT contracting firm, according to the Georgia Secretary of State's Office.

All three suspects in the case are being held without bond on charges of home invasion, armed robbery, and murder.
An airborne drone filmed a group of unsuspecting swimmers using inflatables come dangerously close to two, six-foot-long great white sharks.

A lifeguard hurriedly swam into the waters off southern California last Sunday to warn a group of swimmers who were unaware that two great white sharks were spotted at a distance of just 900 feet.

The close call took place at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point on Sunday, when a man operating a camera-fitted drone noticed two large sharks swimming in dangerously close proximity to a boat that was towing people in inflatable water toys.

'I spotted one then I spotted two,' the drone operator, Barry Curtis, told CBS Los Angeles.

Curtis says he then ran to alert the lifeguard.

The lifeguard then showed his supervisor the footage that was captured by Curtis' drone.

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An airborne drone filmed a group of unsuspecting swimmers using inflatables come dangerously close to two, six-foot-long great white sharks, it was reported on Friday

The close call took place at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point on Sunday, when a man operating a camera-fitted drone noticed two large sharks swimming in dangerously close proximity to a boat that was towing people in inflatable water toys (above)

Barry Curtis was on shore and operating his drone when he alerted lifeguards that bathers were in dangerously close proximity to the sharks

'I spotted one then I spotted two,' Curtis said. GPS technology on the drone indicated that the sharks were about 900 feet away from the swimmers

Curtis says he then ran to alert the lifeguard. The lifeguard then showed his supervisor the footage that was captured by Curtis' drone. Since it was too dangerous to wait for the shore boat, another lifeguard (above) sprinted into the water and swam out to the boat to warn the bathers, who had gathered on the dingy

Curtis said the bathers were fortunate to be alive since great white sharks like to attack towed devices

'These people were towing three people behind the boat, my hope and prayer was that I wasn't going to witness a tragedy,' Curtis said. Lifeguards posted notices warning of sharks in the water

'He saw that and that's when he got on his radio and said I'm gonna call the shore boat and tell them to leave the area,' Curtis said.

But it was too dangerous to wait for the shore boat, so another lifeguard sprinted into the water and swam out to the boat to warn the bathers.

'They had just towed by both of the ones I had been filming and they had no idea there were sharks in the water,' Curtis said.

He said that the bathers were fortunate to be alive.

'They've done tests where they're dragging stuff behind boats and Great Whites like the element of surprise and they come out of the water and go for towed devices,' Curtis says.

'These people were towing three people behind the boat, my hope and prayer was that I wasn't going to witness a tragedy.'
A crush of photographers and reporters nearly broke a lamp in the Oval Office on Friday as they elbowed for room to see Donald Trump meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

It's customary for a limited contingent of journalists, called a press pool, to be allowed into the president's office to witness him greeting heads of state.

But Moon's arrival attracted a larger than usual contingent of foreign press from Korean outlets, and the White House gamely tried to accommodate them all.

Few in the group were familiar with how Oval Office photo-ops work.

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White House director of Oval Office operations Keith Schiller (right) saved an expensive lamp from tumbling to the ground on Friday when a crush of Korean photographers slid a couch into an end table as they jockeyed to get pictures of South Korean president Moon Jae-in

A visibly annoyed President Donald Trump scolded the press but Moon seemed amused

The lamps on the Oval Office end tables have heavy marble bases, making the near-tumble unusual

As they clambered over each other to get the best view, still and video cameras smacked at least one print journalist in the head.

A few photographers pushed a couch. Which nudged an end table. Which sent an expensive lamp tipping over toward its doom.

A quick-thinking Keith Schiller, the former Trump bodyguard who now serves as director of Oval Office operations, saved the day with a one-handed grab.

'Easy, fellas. Hey!' a visibly annoyed Trump scolded. 'Fellas! Fellas! Easy!'

'Wow, you guys are getting worse.'

Moon seemed amused.

A sequence of still frames from this C-SPAN video shows the lamp starting to tumble and Schiller moving quickly to catch it

An unusually large crush of photographers and TV journalists is commonplace when heads of state from the Far East visit the White House

As impatient shutters snapped fast enough to sound like a Washington downpour, the president turned to his Korean counterpart.

'They knocked the table down,' he said.

'It's actually a very friendly press. Don't let that get you, although we just lost a table.'

Schiller, one of Trump's longest-serving aides, was famously dispatched to the FBI quarters on May 9 with a letter telling then-director James Comey that he was being fired.

Comey was three time zones away in California and found out by watching TV.
Airlines are cheating passengers out of millions of pounds in compensation for delayed flights, an investigation has found.

Ryanair, British Airways, Norwegian, Thomson and Emirates are among the worst offenders, the consumer group Which? claims.

Passengers flying from the EU or with an EU airline are entitled to up to 530 if their flight is at least three hours late.

But Which? found airlines were wriggling out of paying up.

Until last year, British passengers whose claims were rejected by an airline had to take their complaint to industry regulator the Civil Aviation Authority.

Which? said the CAA ruled in favour of passengers in 53 per cent of appeals during the 12 months to last August.

But some airlines were particularly reluctant to honour legitimate claims, with the regulator telling Norwegian Air to pay up in 83 per cent of cases.

The Spanish budget airline Vueling, which is owned by the same parent company as British Airways, was told to pay passengers in 79 per cent of cases, while Ryanair was close behind on 77 per cent.

BA had 1,166 flights delayed by more than three hours and was advised by the CAA to pay up in 48 per cent of cases.

Thomson had to pay up in 69 per cent of appeals, Thomas Cook was overruled in 41 per cent of cases, and EasyJet decisions were overturned 39 per cent of the time.

The compensation system for airlines was overhauled last year

Passengers flying from the EU or with an EU airline are entitled to up to 530 if their flight is at least three hours late

The industry is facing a backlash for poor customer service, rip-off charges and cramped seats. BA has set aside 100million for those affected by its global IT meltdown over the May Bank Holiday weekend, which left tens of thousands of passengers stranded.

Alex Neill, of Which?, said: Some airlines seem to be making it as difficult as possible for passengers to receive the money they are entitled to for flight delays. We want to see airlines introduce measures so that, where possible, passengers are compensated automatically.

Which? says airlines often cite extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather, unforeseen technical problems and strike action to avoid paying up.

But the investigation showed airlines had also exploited the fact that the CAA has no power to enforce its judgments, and in many cases airlines simply ignored the regulators rulings.

BA had 1,166 flights delayed by more than three hours and was advised by the CAA to pay up in 48 per cent of cases

Labour MP Louise Ellman, who chaired the Commons transport committee, said: This is totally unacceptable. The rules must be strengthened.

The compensation system for airlines was overhauled last year.

Now most passengers much take their complaint to one of several new alternative dispute resolution bodies, depending on which one the airline has signed up to. These can force airlines to pay compensation, but experts fear passengers may be put off because some may have to pay a 25 fee if they are unsuccessful.

Which? said the system was too muddled and should be replaced by a single ombudsman.

A CAA spokesman said: Nearly 80 per cent of passenger journeys from the UK are now covered by airlines who are signed up to dispute resolution services.

BA said: We fully honour our EU compensation obligations.

Ryanair said 504 complaints were received in an eight-month period in 2016 when it carried more than 83million customers, adding: This shows just how good Ryanairs compliance is.

Emirates said: Many delays are caused by factors beyond our control and not the airlines responsibility, such as inclement weather, bird strikes, and airport closures. In the event of delays or cancellations, we always ensure our customers are looked after.
The wage bill at the foreign aid department has soared by 40 per cent in seven years.

It now stands at 133million  38million up on 2010 when David Cameron took power.

His target of diverting 0.7 per cent of national income abroad saw spending reach 13.3billion last year.

The huge sums were revealed as a Tory former minister said part of the aid budget should instead go on pay rises for police and nurses.

In 2010-2011, the Department for International Development had 1,822 staff. By this April this had leapt to 2,208, when other ministries were axeing jobs and slashing budgets.

Half of the 386 extra employees have been added since Priti Patel took charge of the ministry last July.

Half of the 386 extra employees have been added since Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel took charge of the ministry last July

The pay bill on her watch has risen by 7 per cent. Dfid hands out the highest salaries in Whitehall, averaging 53,000 a head, and it is one of only three of all 19 government departments to keep recruiting.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, Conservative MP for North East Somerset, said: When the nations finances are under such strain it is troubling that it costs so much to spend taxpayers money.

Overseas aid seems to be the department of spendthrifts.

Alex Wild, of the Taxpayers Alliance lobby group, said: For all the talk of austerity, some parts of the public sector continue to have vast amounts of taxpayers money lavished upon them.

It is absurd that the Government has taken the tax burden to a 30-year high while still borrowing more than 6.5million an hour, only to spend the proceeds on wasteful projects overseas and higher salaries for Dfid staff.

When Mr Cameron became prime minister 8.45billion was being spent on international development annually.

The outlay rose 57 per cent to 13.3billion last year, 700 a household.

Because spending is linked to national output  the budget will grow in line with the economy even as other departments face cuts.

Miss Patel called for Dfid to be abolished before she became International Development Secretary. But she launched an impassioned defence of the aid target in the run-up to the election when it appeared the 0.7 per cent target might be watered down.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, Conservative MP for North East Somerset, said: When the nations finances are under such strain it is troubling that it costs so much to spend taxpayers money.' He is pictured speaking in the Commons in 2015

This week she tried to head off criticism by promising a crackdown on world bodies, charities and suppliers squandering aid money.

She said she would impose stricter controls on daily allowances which can run as high as 600 per person as well as expenses run up by administering aid programmes.

She said performance contracts would scrutinise grants to bodies such as the World Health Organisation and the UN. While Whitehall has endured the biggest cuts since the Second World War over the past six years, foreign aid has largely remained untouched.

Many Tory MPs and peers believe ministers should drop the 0.7 per cent spending pledge.

EX MINISTER: HERE'S HOW WE CAN REWARD PUBLIC SECTOR WORKERS Mr Halfon said: 'We face a particular difficulty in our country where many public sector workers have had to struggle, particularly those on lower pay. The overseas aid budget should be used to fund a pay rise for public sector workers, a Tory former minister said yesterday. Robert Halfon, who was sacked from his frontbench role by Theresa May after the election, said the 1 per cent pay cap should be scrapped. This should be funded by sacrificing the sacred cow of the aid budget to ease the burden on taxpayers and benefit the lowest-paid state workers, said the Tory MP for Harlow. People recognise that many public sector workers have had to struggle over the past few years, he told the BBC. We have to look, potentially, at sacred cows. What Im suggesting is that we look at some of the overseas aid budget, which is going to be over 13billion in the coming year. Mr Halfon insisted he was passionate about overseas aid but added: We face a particular difficulty in our country where many public sector workers have had to struggle, particularly those on lower pay. So I think temporarily, while the economy remains difficult, while we get down the deficit, we need to look at sacred cows like the overseas aid budget and use that to help the lowest-paid public sector workers. Mr Halfon, a former apprenticeships minister, said the extra cash could help boost the salaries of teachers, nurses and police officers. Advertisement

A Dfid spokesman said: The International Development Secretary is leading a robust efficiency review which is estimated to save 500million by 2019/20, higher than the target set in the 2015 spending review.

These savings will be made through reform of procurement and commercial practices, estates, IT and pay.

The department has some of the lowest overheads in Whitehall and has already reduced admin costs by a third to deliver the best value for money for the taxpayer.

The Mail has repeatedly highlighted how foreign aid cash can be wasted. Miss Patel has claimed to date there hasnt been one newspaper article about foreign aid thats been 100 per cent accurate.

But when the newspaper asked her to point out any errors in seven stories published over the past year, she could not do so. In January, we revealed that more than 1billion has been given away in straight cash handouts over the past five years.

Despite warnings of fraud, officials have quietly quadrupled expenditure on cash and debit cards that recipients can spend at will. The budget has soared from 53million in 2005 to an annual average of 219million in the period 2011-15.
A man accused of murdering his five-year-old son to get back at his wife during their 'tumultuous divorce' has been extradited to Los Angeles.

Aramazd Andressian Sr., 35, stepped off a plane at Long Beach Airport in California with shackles around his arms and legs on Friday as he faces a murder charge in the disappearance of his son, Armazd Andressian Jr.

Andressian Sr. was arrested in Las Vegas last week, where a judge said he was busy 'socializing' instead of grieving his son, whose body has not been recovered since he went missing in April.

Police believe the boy was killed in the six-and-a-half hours after he left Disneyland with his father on April 21.

The 35-year-old was found alone the following day, passed out from prescription pills in a car doused with gasoline, unable to account for his son's whereabouts.

Investigators believe the murder was 'pre-planned', and motivated by the divorce from the boy's mother, Ana Estevez.

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Aramazd Andressian Sr. is accused of murdering his five-year-old son to get back at his wife during their 'tumultuous divorce'

The 35-year-old was extradited from Las Vegas, where a judge said he was 'socializing'

Andressian was arrested shortly after his son's disappearance in April (mugshot on the left) but he was later released when police didn't have enough to keep him behind bars. He's pictured on the right in his most recent mugshot, taken after his second arrest last Friday

The boy's body has not been found, but police arrested Andressian last Friday believing they have a strong enough case against him.

His arrest was also spurred by fears the 35-year-old was planning to flee the country, since Andressian was living out of a hotel in Las Vegas, hundreds of miles away from his home in Los Angeles.

Andressian had also altered his appearance by shaving his beard and dying his hair blonde, leading Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell to say he was 'becoming a flight risk.'

During his court appearance on Tuesday, Andressian waived his right to an extradition hearing and said he had not been trying to evade authorities.

He appeared carefree, smiling and laughing at one point as he told Justice of Peace Eric Goodman: 'If California wants me they can come and get me. I never came here in an intent to flee.'

Andressian Sr. cracked a joke with the judge at his court appearance in Nevada on Tuesday

In court on Tuesday, Andressian agreed to be extradited back to California to face the murder charges

California authorities believe Andressian killed his son in a six-and-a-half-hour period after the he was seen leaving Disneyland with his son on April 21

Andressian and his son left Disneyland at around 1am on Friday, April 21.

The 35-year-old told authorities they headed to Lake Cachuma about 150 miles away, but detectives searched the area twice, and say there was no evidence the boy was ever there.

When Andressian failed to hand the boy over during a planned custody exchange on April 22, Estevez reported her son missing.

That same morning, Andressian was found unconscious in Arroyo Seco Park, where police said he attempted to take his own life.

Andressian, who could not account for what happened to his son, was arrested and later released when police didn't have enough to keep him behind bars.

The 35-year-old later moved on to Las Vegas, where Lt. Joe Mendoza said his behavior was inconsistent with that of a grieving parent.

'I can only speak for myself. If my son was missing, I would be doing things that (the boy's mother) was doing. Circulating fliers, looking for your son,' Mendoza said. 'He was not doing that. He was socializing in Vegas.'

Mendoza also said: 'He has not been cooperative, whatsoever.'

Detectives believe Andressian killed his son in an attempt to get back at his estranged wife for their 'tumultuous' relationship, Mendoza said. They were sharing custody of the boy while going through a divorce.

Investigators believe that Andressian killed his son to get back at his ex-wife Ana Estevez for their tumultuous marriage. Estevez pictured left and right with their son

The child's mother. Ana Estevez, spoke to NBC4 after the court appearance on Tuesday.

'No justice in the world will bring my Piqui back,' Estevez said, using her son's nickname. 'However, Ara will pay tenfold for all that he has done.'

She also released a statement saying: 'My heart is shattered and I will miss my son immensely each and every second of every day for the rest of my life.'

Andressian's attorney, Daniel Nardoni, has said his client 'is adamant that he never harmed his son Aramazd and is innocent of the charges.'

If convicted on the charges levied against him, Andressian faces 25 years to life in prison.

The five-year-old's body has not been found. Pictured, Los Angeles County Sheriff and South Pasadena Police departments searching a drain in May in hopes of finding the boy
A woman duped into an affair with a high-flying lawyer has hit out after regulators yesterday ruled that he could keep his job.

Anna Rowe, 44, accused the married father of being dishonest when he lured her into bed under the false name Antony Ray after using a picture of a Bollywood star on a dating site.

She was so incensed that she launched a national campaign calling for cat-fishing  deceiving people into a romance with a false persona  to be made illegal.

It prompted a national outcry and more than 41,000 people signed a petition for the problem to be debated as a matter of urgency in Parliament.

But the Solicitors Regulation Authority has ruled his astonishing web of deceit did not call into question his fitness to practise so he can continue to work.

Anna Rowe, 44, accused the married father of being dishonest when he lured her into bed under the false name Antony Ray after using a picture of a Bollywood star on a dating site

Miss Rowe, of Canterbury, Kent, who lost her job as a teaching assistant after speaking out, accused the watchdog of failing the public.

I have spoken to friends who are lawyers and they say the SRA is making a complete mockery of their profession, she said.

The first week of law school sees them all told about the code of conduct and at the heart of that is the need to act with integrity at all times. Would those in other regulated professions be able to act so dishonestly and keep their jobs? I very much doubt it.

I just do not understand how this does not raise serious questions about his honesty and his ability to practise.

It seems that he is exempt because although he is a lawyer he is not dealing directly with the public.

In a letter, the Solicitors Regulation Authority said it agreed the lawyer misled her over his real name on his Tinder profile.

Officials interviewed Antony Ray  whose real name cannot be revealed for legal reasons  and he admitted using the false details.

But they wrote: He has said that he used these details to protect himself and his family from having their details in the public domain.

As a result, the regulator said the matter relates only to personal and private lives and no steps are needed to protect consumers of legal services.

An SRA official added: He has not used his position as a solicitor to gain any advantage or act in a way which would damage the trust the public places in the provision of legal services.

Further, we do not consider his actions have impaired his ability to carry out his professional role and there is no evidence of any risk to legal consumers as a result of his actions.

Miss Rowe exchanged thousands of messages with Antony Ray, supposedly a divorced father-of-three, during a lengthy online courtship.

He sent her photographs and left dozens of voicemail messages before they began a 14-month romance.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, used a photo of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan (pictured), who looks similar to him, on his Tinder account

But it soured as she became about suspicious about his erratic behaviour, supposed long work hours and secrecy about his family.

Miss Rowe turned detective and discovered that not only was her lover a serial cheat but married with a family in the North of England.

At this point, she realised he had also used a photo of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, who looks similar to him, on his Tinder account.

Miss Rowe was so angry she asked police to investigate him for fraud but was told his actions were not illegal. Since she has spoken out publicly ten other women from London, the Home Counties and the Midlands came forward to say that they had relationships with Antony Ray.

These spanned nine years from 2007 and many of the victims had similar stories about their treatment at his hands. Miss Rowe said she has had hundreds of messages of support and is still being contacted by other women.

One got in touch after reading a magazine article about me in a hospital waiting room, she added. She first got in touch with him in 2010 and realised immediately that we had both dated the same man.

The SRAs role is to investigate claims of professional misconduct and breaches of its code, which states lawyers must act with integrity.
Perched on a golden throne, the Queen marks the 150th anniversary of Canada's formation today.

The picture of the monarch, herself wearing pale gold, shows Her Majesty wearing her platinum maple-leaf brooch on her left shoulder.

Set with diamonds, it was given to her mother by her father George VI in 1939 on their trip to Canada  the first tour of the country by a reigning monarch.

Her Majesty wore a platinum maple-leaf brooch on her left shoulder for Canada Day

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are on a three-day tour of Canada to celebrate the anniversary.

The portrait of the Queen was taken by Toronto-based photographer Ian Leslie Macdonald and released in honour of Canada Day.

It marks the day in 1867 when the dominion of Canada was born as the British North America Act united the British colonies of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick with the province of Canada to form a new nation.

Mr Macdonald is the regimental photographer of the 48th Highlanders of Canada and took an official portrait of the Queen earlier this year to commemorate her platinum anniversary as Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment.
Nearly 75 years after his first combat mission, the world's greatest living flying ace went up in a Spitfire for the first time on Tuesday and returned to deliver his resounding verdict: 'Wunderbar!'

Hugo Broch was a 21-year-old Luftwaffe new boy when he shot down his first enemy plane in January 1943 on his very first operation. He flew 324 sorties, won Germany's highest military decoration, the Knight's Cross, and shot down 81 aircraft.

His tally is unsurpassed by anyone alive, and more than double the 38 of Britain's top World War II ace, 'Johnnie' Johnson.

But in all those bitter air battles, Herr Broch never encountered the most famous plane in British aviation history because he did all his fighting against Russia.

Nearly 75 years after his first combat mission, World War II veteran Hugo Broch went up in a Spitfire for the first time on Tuesday

He might have heard other pilots speaking with awe of the agility and panache of the British fighter, but he could only guess how he might have tackled one himself. Until this week.

For at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar was a Spitfire with his name on it. Also at the former RAF base in South London were distinguished RAF veterans who were thrilled to meet their first Luftwaffe pilot  and rather thankful that they'd never bumped in to him in their youth. Not that it was ever anything personal.

Broch was a 21-year-old Luftwaffe new boy when he shot down his first enemy plane in January 1943 on his very first operation

'I was only ever fighting the machine, not the man,' explained Herr Broch, inspecting a Spitfire that had shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 109 just like the one he used to fly.

'It is very nice to be flying over English territory without a war going on down below.'

This week has been emotional for this modest and nimble 95-year-old from Leverkusen. He had not been at the controls of a plane since 1960, when he gave up flying on the orders of his wife, Renata, and he has never spoken in public about his wartime career.

Yet he feels the time is right to share his story. On Monday, he received a standing ovation at the Chalke Valley History Festival in Wiltshire after he spoke.

The next day, he was brought to Biggin Hill by Dan Snow's new History Hit TV channel to find out what it was like to fly a Spitfire.

Herr Broch needed no assistance climbing into the rear cockpit of the Mk IX Spitfire. The fighter, flown by former Royal Navy Harrier pilot Don Sigournay, downed a Bf 109 over Arnhem in 1944. It was converted to its two-seater training role after the War.

The Luftwaffe ace was treated to a victory roll over north Kent and given control of the aircraft for several minutes before returning to land.

'That was wonderful,' he said in German after pulling back the cockpit hood. 'It makes me feel young again. I want to take one home for my personal use!'

On Monday, he received a standing ovation at the Chalke Valley History Festival in Wiltshire after he spoke. The next day, he was brought to Biggin Hill by Dan Snow's new History Hit TV channel to find out what it was like to fly a Spitfire (pictured above)

Herr Broch was full of praise for his pilot who, in turn, pointed out that his passenger had been a safe pair of hands, too.

Among those applauding was former Flight Lt Colin Bell DFC, who flew 50 operations in his de Havilland Mosquito. Upon being introduced to Herr Broch, he gave him a hug.

'He was only defending his country just like I was defending mine,' said Mr Bell, who will address the Chalke Valley History Festival this weekend.

Also present was former Spitfire pilot Flight Lt Rodney Scrase DFC, who served in North Africa and Italy. He was delighted to see Herr Broch climb into a Bf 109 after his turn in the Spitfire.

Biggin Hill has one of just two still flying, though it was not operational on the day.

The German looked mesmerised as he reacquainted himself with the workhorse he had not sat in since the War.

The big question we all wanted answered, of course, was whether Herr Broch would rather have fought in a Spitfire or a Bf 109.

Herr Broch was full of praise for his pilot who, in turn, pointed out that his passenger had been a safe pair of hands, too

'They were both excellent,' he said diplomatically. And which would he take home if he had the choice? 'I would like to have an hour in one and then the other!'

The former pilots wanted to know how he had survived all his missions. 'You had to make sure the enemy was never behind you or you were in danger,' explained Herr Broch. What happened when they were? 'It never happened,' he said with an impish smile.

Herr Broch's trip to the UK was organised by German historian Robin Schaefer, who said that a day like this would be inconceivable in Germany.

'Veterans like Hugo are caught between the Left who call them murderers and the Right who want to stir up trouble,' he said.

Britain's Left may bang on about our 'Little Englander' obsession with World War II, but this could hardly have been a more open-minded exercise in international reconciliation.

'How fabulous that a Luftwaffe ace with 324 missions to his name should spend his 325th over Britain in a Spitfire without anyone shooting at him,' said aviation historian Paul Beaver.

The day before, Herr Broch was close to tears after the reception he received at Chalke Valley along with two other German veterans. One of them, anti-tank gunner Gunter Halm, is also a holder of the Knight's Cross.

Herr Broch's trip to the UK was organised by German historian Robin Schaefer, who said that a day like this would be inconceivable in Germany

He received the decoration in person from Field Marshal Rommel for his actions against the British during the Battle of El Alamein in the North African desert.

Both men had planned not to wear their decorations, but the organisers persuaded them to do so since they were awarded for gallantry and are recognised by the modern German state.

Herr Halm recalled that after being taken prisoner in Normandy, he met a British officer wounded during the desert battle. 'We talked for hours and as I returned to my quarters, he said: 'Comrade, it is sad we were born in different fatherlands.' '

There were laughs when Herr Broch recalled the dos and don'ts of life in the air  'no bean soup for lunch; too explosive'  and that very first victory.

'I saw the enemy and so I shot him down, but when I got back I was punished for breaking formation. They discredited the kill and put me on manual duties. Typical Germans!'

In other words, the world's highest scoring ace, with a score of 81, actually had 82 victories.

So now he has ticked off a flight in a Spitfire, what else does Herr Broch have on his to-do list?

'There is one other thing,' he said. 'I want to go to the moon.'
While the chance of a devastating event like the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor blast may be rare, millions of objects are known to be floating through space, and scientists warn a collision is bound to happen sooner or later.

To stay on top of the risk, NASA researchers are creating 3D supercomputer simulations that could help first responders prepare for how an asteroid might behave once it crosses through Earths atmosphere.

As a part of the effort, the researchers ran large-scale simulations of a Chelyabinsk-like asteroid, revealing the dramatic fluid flow that takes place as the space rock melts and vaporizes on its journey toward the surface.

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To stay on top of the risk, NASA researchers are creating 3D supercomputer simulations that could help first responders prepare for how an asteroid might behave once it crosses through Earths atmosphere

The researchers with NASAs Asteroid Threat Assessment Project used the Pleiades supercomputer at the Advanced Supercomputing facility to simulate potential asteroids of all different sizes.

This includes the Chelyabinsk space rock, which smashed windows and damaged buildings for 58 miles around in 2013 when it exploded over Russia.

More than 1,200 people were injured by the blast.

Using NASAs Cart3D and Lawrence Livermore National Labs ALE3D modeling software, the researchers were able to create a multitude of impact scenarios.

The dramatic simulation of a Chelyabinsk-like object shows its fiery transformation as it passes through the atmosphere.

When this happens, it melts, vaporizes, and finally, breaks apart.

In the simulation, the object enters the atmosphere at 45,000 miles per hour.

The high-pressure shock wave can be seen in red, orange, and yellow as it envelops the space rock.

The dramatic simulation of a Chelyabinsk-like object shows its fiery transformation as it passes through the atmosphere. When this happens, it melts, vaporizes, and finally, breaks apart

THE CHELYABINSK BLAST A meteor that blazed across southern Urals in February was the largest recorded meteor strike in more than a century. More than 1,600 people were injured by the shock wave from the explosion, estimated to be as strong as 20 Hiroshima atomic bombs, as it landed near the city of Chelyabinsk. The Chelyabinsk space rock smashed windows and damaged buildings for 58 miles around in 2013 when it exploded over Russia The fireball measuring 18 meters across, screamed into Earth's atmosphere at 41,600 mph. Much of the meteor landed in a local lake called Chebarkul. Scientists have uncovered more than 12 pieces from Lake Chebarkul since the incident. However, only five of them turned out being real meteorites. Officials can be seen standing next to a 20-foot hole thought to be the site of a meteor fall resulting from the space rock Advertisement

According to NASA, this causes the asteroid to fracture and flatten like a pancake.

Fragments can be seen breaking off as well.

But, while they may seem tiny, these fragments can be extremely destructive.

The dispersed fragments (black) deposit most of the energy into the atmosphere within a relatively short distance, creating dangerous blast waves and thermal radiation on the ground, NASA explains.

The simulations come as a part of NASAs ongoing efforts to prepare for an eventual asteroid strike.

While the chance of a devastating impact like the 2013 Chelyabinsk event may be rare, millions of objects are known to be floating through space, and scientists warn a collision is bound to happen sooner or later. Stock image

IMPACT WILL HAPPEN 'SOONER OR LATER' EXPERT WARNS Researchers have discovered most of the asteroids that are about a kilometers in size, but are now on the hunt for those that are about 140m - as they could cause catastrophic damage. Although nobody knows when the next big impact will occur, scientists have found themselves under pressure to predict - and intercept - its arrival. 'Sooner or later we will get... a minor or major impact,' said Rolf Densing, who heads the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, ahead of International Asteroid Day on Friday. It may not happen in our lifetime, he said, but 'the risk that Earth will get hit in a devastating event one day is very high.' For now, there is little we can do. And yet, the first-ever mission to crash a probe into a small space rock to alter its trajectory suffered a major setback when European ministers declined in December to fund part of the project. 'We are not ready to defend ourselves' against an Earth-bound object, said Densing. 'We have no active planetary defense measures.' Source: AFP Advertisement

Back in November, NASA teamed up with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a series of exercises intended to simulate an asteroid emergency.

In the exercise, the experts prepared for a hypothetical object 300-800 feet wide approaching far too quickly to be redirected, necessitating a mass evacuation of the metropolitan Los Angeles area with 100 percent chance of impact.

Its not a matter of if  but when  we will deal with such a situation, said Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator for NASAs Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

But unlike any other time in our history, we now have the ability to respond to an impact threat through continued observations, predictions, response planning and mitigation.
ALBANY  The new Tappan Zee Bridge will be known as the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge under legislation approved Thursday by New York state lawmakers and signed by Cuomo's own son, current Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The measure also includes a two-year extension of the policy giving the mayor of New York City control over his city's schools, as well as $55 million for upstate communities affected by recent flooding and help for a struggling upstate race track and casino. It passed the Assembly and the Senate on Thursday and was promptly signed into law by the Democratic governor.

The new name for the state's newest big bridge comes two years after the elder Cuomo died. Cuomo said the tribute would have made his father uncomfortable.

"He would say, 'I don't want a bridge named after me,'" Cuomo told reporters, noting that his father's official state portrait was painted from a photograph after his father refused to pose for it, considering the painting an act of vanity.

The elder Cuomo served as governor from 1983 to 1994 and was frequently mentioned as a possible White House contender. His son pushed to build the new bridge to replace the current, aging Hudson River crossing, formally named the Gov. Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge.

The legislation signed Thursday included a grab bag of initiatives, programs and policies negotiated by Cuomo and top lawmakers behind closed doors in recent days.

The 15-year-old policy giving New York City's mayor control of city schools was set to expire Friday if lawmakers hadn't voted to renew it. Lawmakers ended their regular session last week without a deal to extend the policy, only to be ordered back into session by the governor.

If mayoral control had lapsed, oversight of the nation's largest school system would have reverted to dozens of community school boards. Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, has said centralized control has led to better educational outcomes, greater efficiency and programs like universal pre-kindergarten.

"Providing a two-year extension gives the system an important measure of stability that's key to initiatives that have produced record achievement," de Blasio said Thursday.

In exchange for supporting an extension of the policy, Republicans in the state Senate demanded help for residents along Lake Ontario hard hit by recent floods. Lawmakers also included the extension of local sales taxes and inserted language to allow Vernon Downs race track and casino to keep more of the money it now sends to the state. The facility in central New York had threatened to close if the state didn't help.

With something for just about every lawmaker the measure easily passed and allowed lawmakers to leave Albany.

"It's not perfect, but it's a balance that showed compromise," Deputy Senate Majority Leader John DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, said of the final bill that allowed lawmakers to adjourn for the year.

During debate on the Senate floor Thursday, several lawmakers listed items that didn't make the final bill and will go unaddressed for another year. The list includes more money to deal with growing train and subway delays and breakdowns in New York City and ethics reforms to take on Albany's culture of corruption.

"No ethics reform year after year, scandal after scandal," said Sen. Daniel Squadron, D-Brooklyn.
Russian scientists working on the Mayak satellite - which is set to be the brightest 'star' in the night sky - have announced that it is nearing completion.

Engineers have crowd-funded around $20,000 (15,400), which is enough to build and test the satellite which is due to be launched in a fortnight.

Its designers say it could be used to combat space junk by using a parachute-like structure to lower the orbits of debris so they can burn up in Earth's atmosphere.

However, some astronomers have slammed the creation, which is no larger than a rugby ball, calling it a 'nonsense' project that could 'ruin' dark skies for everyone.

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Astronomers have slammed the Mayak satellite (pictured), which is no larger than a rugby ball, calling it a 'nonsense' project that could 'ruin' dark skies for everyone

CROWDFUNDING SPACE PROJECTS Crowdfunding has become a popular way of raising money for space exploration projects in the last few years. In 2013, the asteroid-mining company Planetary Resources raised more than $1.5 million (1m) via the crowdfunding site Kickstarter to help develop its public-use Arkyd space telescope. The company's first space craft was successfully deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) last year. Another Kickstarter campaign by a group called Lunar Mission One, aiming to send a robotic spacecraft to drill deep into the rocks near the moon's south pole, received more than $1 million (716,000) in pledges in 2014. Advertisement

Called the 'Mayak' or 'Beacon', the satellite is set to outshine everything in the sky, apart from the sun, thanks to a giant reflective sheet of material.

The controversial satellite is due to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Friday 14 July.

Its the work of engineers from the University of Mechanical Engineering in Moscow.

'We fight so hard for dark skies in and around our planet,' Nick Howes, an astronomer and former deputy director of the Kielder Observatory in Northumberland, told IFLScience.

'To see this being potentially ruined by some ridiculous crowdfunded nonsense makes my heart simply despair.'

The launch of Mayak is expected to be taken up in a Soyuz 2 rocket, with help from Roscosmos, the Russian space agency.

The team is planning to place the spacecraft in a sun-synchronous orbit 370 miles (600km) above the ground.

This means it will always be in the path of sunlight, so will always be shining at different locations on Earth as it rotates.

The small spacecraft will launch a giant pyramid-shaped solar reflector in orbit.

'Russian cubestat 'Mayak' to launch Jul 14 will deploy a reflector that may be as bright as mag minus 10. Astronomers likely to be annoyed', tweeted Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Dr McDowell also noted that with telescopes scanning much of the sky each night it 'could cause problems'

'Russian cubestat 'Mayak' to launch Jul 14 will deploy a reflector that may be as bright as mag minus 10. Astronomers likely to be annoyed', tweeted Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

He also noted that with telescopes scanning much of the sky each night it 'could cause problems'.

Facebook user Paulonius Woodham, who says he is a teacher and student in Perth, wrote on his Facebook; 'Brightest star in our night sky? No just a useless piece of junk that they will send up to join all teh other useless junk polluting orbit'.

Facebook user Paulonius Woodham, who says he is a teacher and student in Perth, wrote on his Facebook; 'Brightest star in our night sky? No just a useless piece of junk that they will send up to join all teh other useless junk polluting orbit'

The controversial satellite, which is set to be the brightest 'star' in the night sky, is due to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan

The reflector is 170 square feet (16 square metres) in size and made of a thin polymer film 20 times thinner than human hair.

Each edge will be 2.7 meters (9ft) long, with a total surface area of 6 square meters (65 square feet).

The Cubesat will used also a braking system to open a parachute that will catch space debris.

But the aim of the project is to promote space research in the country, and to make science and engineering more appealing to young Russians.

A previous proposal, which involved attaching a reflective panel of plastic to a cargo ship heading to the Mir space station, was designed to see if orbiting mirrors could illuminate cities or other parts of Earth by reflecting sunlight.

Its designers say it could also be used to combat space junk by using a parachute-like structure to lower the orbits of debris so they can burn up in Earth's atmosphere

The launch of Mayak scheduled for 14 July and is expected to be taken up in a Soyuz 2 rocket, with help from Roscosmos, the Russian space agency

The idea was that the mirrors could extend daylight hours for farmers, for example, reports Ars Technica.

'We are sending a spacecraft into orbit that will be the brightest star in the sky, visible from any point on our planet,' project leader Alexander Shaenko, head of the modern cosmonautics course at Moscow State University of Mechanical Engineering.

'We want to show that space exploration is something exciting and interesting, but most importantly that today it is accessible to everybody who is interested.'

Students from the university are also taking part in the crowdfunded project to launch the orbital spacecraft.

The team is planning to place the spacecraft in a sun-synchronous orbit 370 miles (600km) above the ground. This means it will always be in the path of sunlight, so will always be shining at different locations on Earth as it rotates

A previous proposal, which involved attaching a reflective panel of plastic to a cargo ship heading to the Mir space station, was designed to see if orbiting mirrors could illuminate cities or other parts of Earth by reflecting sunlight. Pictured is the Myak team
Nasa has been forced to deny a bizarre conspiracy theory that it is running a child slave colony on Mars.

The theory was cooked up by an ex-CIA case officer who made the wild allegations on a US national radio show yesterday.

In response, a Nasa spokesman said that 'there are no humans on Mars', and dispelled another rumour that the agency faked sending rovers to the red planet.

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The bizarre comments were made by ex-CIA case officer Robert David Steele (pictured at a talk in 2008), who runs a conspiracy website. A Nasa spokesman responded that 'there are no humans on Mars'

HAS NASA FOUND ALIEN LIFE? The agency's statement comes just days after a rumour surfaced that it was soon to announce the discovery of alien life. The hacker collective Anonymous set conspiracy theorists abuzz this week after it claimed Nasa is on the verge of announcing the discovery of alien life. In a video, shared to an unofficial YouTube channel said to be affiliated with the vigilante group, a masked presenter cited snippets of a recent talk by Nasa Associate Administrator Dr Thomas Zurbuchen to support their prediction. But shortly afterwards Nasa confirmed that no such announcement is on the way. Dr Zurbuchen took to Twitter on Tuesday to assure that the reports were false, and said that we still do not know if we are alone in the universe. Advertisement

Guy Webster, a spokesman for Nasa on Mars exploration, told the Daily Beast: 'There are no humans on Mars. There are active rovers on Mars. There was a rumor going around last week that there weren't. There are.

'But there are no humans.'

The child colony rumour surfaced on the national radio programme The Alex Jones Show, hosted by an eccentric conspiracy theorist of the same name.

Mr Jones has previously claimed that the notorious Sandy Hook shooting never happened and that the Boston bombings were a government hoax.

The bizarre Mars colony comments were made by Robert David Steele, a former CIA case officer who was a guest on this week's programme.

Mr Steele, who runs his own conspiracy theory blog, claimed that children have been secretly shipped to Mars over the last two decades to work as slaves.

'We actually believe that there is a colony on Mars that is populated by children who were kidnapped and sent into space on a 20-year ride,' Mr Steele said.

'So that once they get to Mars they have no alternative but to be slaves on the Mars colony.'

Mr Jones agreed, saying 'clearly they don't want us looking into what is happening' because 'every time probes go over they turn them off.'

'Look, I know that 90 per cent of the Nasa missions are secret and I've been told by high level Nasa engineers that you have no idea. There is so much stuff going on,' he said.

Nasa has been forced to deny a bizarre conspiracy theory that it is running a child slave colony on Mars. The theory was cooked up by ex-CIA case officer who spouted the wild allegations on a US national radio show on Thursday

Nasa rarely comments on wild conspiracy theories, and the agency's statement comes just days after a rumour surfaced that it was soon to announce the discovery of alien life.

MailOnline has contacted Nasa about these claims.

The hacker collective Anonymous set conspiracy theorists abuzz this week after it claimed Nasa is on the verge of announcing the discovery of alien life.

In a video, shared to an unofficial YouTube channel said to be affiliated with the vigilante group, a masked presenter cited snippets of a recent talk by Nasa Associate Administrator Dr Thomas Zurbuchen to support their prediction.

But shortly afterwards Nasa confirmed that no such announcement is on the way.

Dr Zurbuchen took to Twitter on Tuesday to assure that the reports were false, and said that we still do not know if we are alone in the universe.

Contrary to some reports, theres no pending announcement from Nasa regarding extraterrestrial life, wrote Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator, Nasa Science Mission Directorate.

Are we alone in the universe? While we do not know yet, we have missions moving forward that may help answer that fundamental question.
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While conspiracy theorists seem to see faces on Mars almost every day, an amateur astronomer has revealed a rather more impressive effort from Jupiter.

Using data from NASA's JunoCam, amateur astronomer Jason Major, created this incredible image, which he named 'Jovey McJupiterface.'

By rotating the NASA image 180 degrees and orienting it from south up, two white oval storms turn into eyeballs, and the 'face' of Jupiter is revealed.

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Using data from NASA's JunoCam, amateur astronomer Jason Major, created this incredible image, which he named Jovey McJupiterface

JUPITER'S CYCLONES Turning counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere just like on Earth, the cyclones are clearly clustered near the poles. The diameters of some of these cyclones stretch 870 miles (1,400 kilometers). Even bigger - though shapeless -weather systems are also present in both polar regions. But, the two poles don't really resemble each other, puzzling experts. Jupiter's poles appear dramatically different from neighboring Saturn's, according to the scientists, with nothing like the hexagon-shaped cloud system over Saturn's north pole. Advertisement

The original image was acquired by JunoCam on NASA's Juno spacecraft on May 19, 2017 at 11:20 a.m. PT (2: 20 p.m. ET) from an altitude of 12,075 miles (19,433 kilometers).

Other recent images have revealed a look at Jupiter's stormy atmosphere from the seventh close flyby of NASA's Juno spacecraft.

The image below, captured from roughly 29,100 miles (49,900 kilometers), above the clouds, shows the 'String of Pearls' phenomenon and a lone orange storm seen not far away.

It also reveals a view of the south polar region, as Juno soared over 65.9 degrees south latitude.

According to NASA, the remarkable image was enhanced to reveal the striking color differences of Jupiter's storms.

'Four of the white oval storms known as the 'String of Pearls' are visible near the top of the image,' according to NASA.

'Interestingly, one orange-colored storm can be seen at the belt-zone boundary, while other storms are more of a cream color.'

The image was captured by the JunoCam on May 19, during its seventh close pass.

A stunning new image has revealed a look at Jupiter's stormy atmosphere from the seventh close flyby of NASA's Juno spacecraft. The image, captured from roughly 29,100 miles (49,900 kilometers), above the clouds, shows the 'String of Pearls' phenomenon and a lone orange storm seen not far away

Earlier this month, a video stitching together over 2,000 still frames reconstructed from a recent flyover of Jupiter revealed a breathtaking new look at the largest planet in our solar system.

In March, NASA's Juno spacecraft conducted the Perijove 5 flyby, bringing it roughly 2,700 miles from Jupiter's cloud tops.

Using dozens of observations from the JunoCam, a mathematician in Germany has created a stunning time-lapse video showing the planet from all angles  and, set to dramatic sci-fi music, the footage reveals the alien beauty of the massive gas giant.

The video, originally created by mathematician Gerald Eichstaedt, took 60 hours to make, using 36 images from the JunoCam, according to Wired.

It reconstructs Juno's flyby from the perspective of the spacecraft, using the PJ-05 images and SPICE trajectory data, the creator explains on YouTube.

The final product, using 2,703 still frames in all, is a 125-fold time-lapse compared to real time.

The remarkable video shows a look at some of the massive planet's most striking features, including its chaotic cyclones that are up to 1,400 km (870 miles) across  roughly the length of Japan.

After uploading the timelapse to an online space forum, it was picked up by animator/filmmaker Sean Doran, who then smoothed it out and enhanced the frames, Wired reports.

The image shows Jupiter's south pole, as seen by NASA's Juno spacecraft from an altitude of 32,000 miles (52,000 kilometers). The oval features are cyclones, up to 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) in diameter. Multiple images taken with the JunoCam on three separate orbits were combined to show all areas in daylight, enhanced color, and stereographic projection

Doran also added otherworldly music from the 2001: A Space Odyssey soundtrack.

Just last week remarkable new images from the Juno spacecraft revealed new secrets about its atmosphere and interior that challenge previous assumptions about the giant gas planet.

The Juno mission, which launched in 2011 and began its first orbit last year, allows scientists to view Jupiter in new ways thanks to the probe's highly elliptical orbit, which passes over the planet's poles and dives within 5,000km (3,100 miles) of its cloud tops.

A NASA statement described the planet as 'a complex, gigantic, turbulent world' that is far different than scientists previously thought.

NASA'S JUNO MISSION Nasa's Juno spacecraft (pictured, a graphic representation) reached Jupiter last year after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile journey from Earth The Juno probe reached Jupiter last year after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile journey from Earth. Following a successful braking manoeuvre, it has now entered into a long polar orbit flying to within 3,100 miles (5,000 km) of the planet's swirling cloud tops. The probe will skim to within just 4,200 km of the planet's clouds once a fortnight - too close to provide global coverage in a single image. No previous spacecraft has orbited so close to Jupiter, although two others have been sent plunging to their destruction through its atmosphere. To complete its risky mission Juno will have to survive a circuit-frying radiation storm generated by Jupiter's powerful magnetic field. The maelstrom of high energy particles travelling at nearly the speed of light is the harshest radiation environment in the Solar System. To cope with the conditions, the spacecraft is protected with special radiation-hardened wiring and sensor shielding. Its all-important 'brain' - the spacecraft's flight computer - is housed in an armoured vault made of titanium and weighing almost 400 pounds (172kg). Juno is in a harsh radiation environment, so its delicate electronics are housed in a special titanium vault. Eventually, Juno will succumb to the intense radiation and will be commanded to plunge into Jupiter's atmosphere to avoid any collision with the planet's moons. Pictured is a 1/5 scale model size of the solar-powered Juno spacecraft Advertisement

Two papers in the journal Science and 44 papers in Geophysical Research Letters describe a trove of discoveries made since Juno began orbiting Jupiter last year.

'We knew, going in, that Jupiter would throw us some curves,' said Scott Bolton, Juno principal investigator from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio.

'There is so much going on here that we didn't expect that we have had to take a step back and begin to rethink of this as a whole new Jupiter.

Juno's findings are 'really going to force us to rethink not only how Jupiter works, but how do we explore Saturn, Uranus and Neptune,' Bolton added.

The remarkable video shows a look at some of the massive planet's most striking features. And, set to a dramatic sci-fi music, the footage reveals the alien beauty of the massive gas giant

This sequence of enhanced-color images shows how quickly the viewing geometry changes for NASA?s Juno spacecraft as it swoops by Jupiter. The images were obtained by JunoCam. Once every 53 days the Juno spacecraft swings close to Jupiter, speeding over its clouds

With dozens of cyclones hundreds of miles across - alongside unidentifiable weather systems stretching thousands of miles - the poles look nothing like Jupiter's equatorial region, instantly recognizable by its stripes and Great Red Spot, a raging hurricane-like storm.

'That's the Jupiter we've all known and grown to love,' Bolton said.

'And when you look from the pole, it looks totally different ... I don't think anybody would have guessed this is Jupiter.'

He calls these first major findings 'Earth-shattering. Or should I say, Jupiter-shattering.'
It could save the Earth from an apocalyptic impact - and protect humanity.

NASA has revealed the latest progress on its radical plan to create a spacecraft that can crash into an asteroid and alter its course.

Called Dart, it is hoped it will blast off and hit its first target in 2022.

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Called Dart, it is hoped the refrigerator-sized spacecraft will blast off and hit its first target in 2022. Will impact nine times faster than a bullet, approximately 3.7 miles per second.

THE FIRST TARGET Scientist have timed the 2022 mission to coincide with a 'close approach' by the Didymos asteroids - meaning it will be about 6.8 million miles (11 million km) from the Earth. The asteroid is called Didymos -- Greek for 'twin' -- because it's an asteroid binary system that consists of two bodies: Didymos A, about one-half mile (780 meters) in size, and a smaller asteroid orbiting it called Didymos B, about 530 feet (160 meters) in size. DART would impact only the smaller of the two bodies, Didymos B. Advertisement

'DART would be NASA's first mission to demonstrate what's known as the kinetic impactor technique -- striking the asteroid to shift its orbit -- to defend against a potential future asteroid impact,' said Lindley Johnson, planetary defense officer at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

'This approval step advances the project toward an historic test with a non-threatening small asteroid.'

The target for DART is an asteroid that will have a distant approach to Earth in October 2022, and then again in 2024.

The asteroid is called Didymos - Greek for 'twin' - because it's an asteroid binary system that consists of two bodies: Didymos A, about one-half mile (780 meters) in size, and a smaller asteroid orbiting it called Didymos B, about 530 feet (160 meters) in size.

DART would impact only the smaller of the two bodies, Didymos B.

The Didymos system has been closely studied since 2003.

The primary body is a rocky S-type object, with composition similar to that of many asteroids.

The composition of its small companion, Didymos B, is unknown, but the size is typical of asteroids that could potentially create regional effects should they impact Earth.

'A binary asteroid is the perfect natural laboratory for this test,' said Tom Statler, program scientist for DART at NASA Headquarters.

'The fact that Didymos B is in orbit around Didymos A makes it easier to see the results of the impact, and ensures that the experiment doesn't change the orbit of the pair around the sun.'

HOW THE MISSION WILL WORK After launch, DART would fly to Didymos, and use an on-board autonomous targeting system to aim itself at Didymos B. Then the refrigerator-sized spacecraft would strike the smaller body at a speed about nine times faster than a bullet, approximately 3.7 miles per second (6 kilometers per second). Earth-based observatories would be able to see the impact and the resulting change in the orbit of Didymos B around Didymos A, allowing scientists to better determine the capabilities of kinetic impact as an asteroid mitigation strategy. The kinetic impact technique works by changing the speed of a threatening asteroid by a small fraction of its total velocity, but by doing it well before the predicted impact so that this small nudge will add up over time to a big shift of the asteroid's path away from Earth. Advertisement

'DART is a critical step in demonstrating we can protect our planet from a future asteroid impact,' said Andy Cheng of The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, the DART investigation co-lead.

'Since we don't know that much about their internal structure or composition, we need to perform this experiment on a real asteroid. With DART, we can show how to protect Earth from an asteroid strike with a kinetic impactor by knocking the hazardous object into a different flight path that would not threaten the planet.'

Small asteroids hit Earth almost daily, breaking up harmlessly in the upper atmosphere.

Objects large enough to do damage at the surface are much rarer.

Objects larger than 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) in diameter -- large enough to cause global effects - have been the focus of NASA's ground-based search for potentially hazardous objects with orbits that bring them near the Earth, and about 93 percent of these sized objects have already been found.

DART would test technologies to deflect objects in the intermediate size rangelarge enough to do regional damage, yet small enough that there are many more that have not been observed and could someday hit Earth.

NASA-funded telescopes and other assets continue to search for these objects, track their orbits, and determine if they are a threat.

To assess and formulate capabilities to address these potential threats, NASA established its Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) in 2016, which is responsible for finding, tracking and characterizing potentially hazardous asteroids and comets coming near Earth, issuing warnings about possible impacts, and assisting plans and coordination of U.S. government response to an actual impact threat.
Twitter is working on a new feature that will allow users to flag tweets that they think contain false or misleading information.

According to the Washington Post, the feature is still being tested at the prototype phase and if it is released, could be a tab in a drop-down menu alongside tweets.

The company is developing the tool in an attempt to combat abuse and factually inaccurate tweets that may come from accounts run by bots, extremists that use Twitter to recruit, and even racist and misogynistic trolls.

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In the US, during the recent election, automated Twitter accounts helped to create an illusion of popularity by political candidates, a report by the University of Oxford has found

Fake news stories are becoming a significant problem.

A Pew Research Center study found that about two in three US adults (64 per cent) say fabricated news stories have caused them 'a great deal of of confusion' about basic facts concerning current issues and events.

The survey of 1,002 US adults found that 23 per cent of respondents said they had shared a fake new story.

To compound the matter, in 2014, Twitter said that 23 million of its users tweet automatically without human input - via bots.

In the US, during the recent election, these automated accounts helped to create an illusion of popularity by political candidates, a report by Oxford University claims.

According to the Washington Post report, the sources who spoke about the tool remained anonymous because they weren't allowed to speak about it.

One anonymous source said that it's still not clear how the feature will work, and Twitter is still determining how to design it.

In 2014, Twitter said that 23 million of its users tweet automatically without human input - via bots, but a new Twitter feature could allow users to flag tweets that they think contain false or misleading information

However, Emily Howe, a spokeswoman for Twitter, told the Washington Post that there are 'no current plans' to launch the feature, but she did not comment on whether on not the feature was actually being tested.

'There are no current plans to launch any type of product along those lines,' said Ms Howe.

According to a Twitter blog post earlier this month, written by Twitter's vice President of Policy Colin Crowell, Twitter is 'working hard to detect spammy behaviors,' including attempts to manipulate trending topics, and 'reducing the visibility of potentially spammy Tweets or accounts' while Twitter investigates whether a policy violation has occurred.

In March, Facebook launched a feature that alerts users when a story has been disputed by independent fact-checkers

Facebook is also attempting to combat the fake news problem - in March, it launched a feature that alerts users when a story has been disputed by independent fact-checkers such as Snopes.

Google has also launched a similar feature which adds fact-check 'tags' to news and search results.

The company works with third-party verification sites such as PolitiFact and Snopes to check content.

The process for developing the new Twitter tool is slow because there are worries that people could use a flagging button to manipulate the system.

If the feature is eventually released, it would undergo several testing steps.

The first step begins with the current phase: Prototyping.

Then, employees test the feature before it's released so a small group of public users.

Then, it's launched throughout the entirety of Twitter - however, many prototypes do not reach the employee testing stage.

Twitter is also looking into software's that use machine learning to, detect signals from account to figure out if they are fake.

Google has also launched a similar feature which adds fact-check 'tags' to news and search results. The company works with third-party verification sites such as PolitiFact and Snopes to check content

For example, if an account is tweeting political messages in English, but it comes from an IP address in a country such as Russia, the software could take notice.

Other aspects that could be looked at include checking if the the account is frequently retweeted by credible accounts such as reporters in mainstream news outlets.

The attempt at combating fake news will be challenging for Twitter, which has 300 million monthly users.

In addition, tech companies are reluctant to police users' expression.
My children scramble over the last boulder and we are there. They whoop with celebration; I gasp with exhaustion. We've just walked up the tallest mountain in England. Momentarily, we are the highest people in the country, so I slump down on a rock to enjoy a sandwich and admire the 360-degree panorama.

Just to go one better than me, my 13-year-old son clambers on top of a nearby cairn and shouts: 'I'm the king of the castle!' And for once, he is right.

Scafell Pike is 3,209ft high (978m), that's more than three times the height of The Shard.

Tip top: Englands loftiest mountain Scafell Pike, in glorious Cumbria

From the flat, rocky summit, you can look out over all the peaks and valleys of the Lake District. On a clear day you can see Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Half-way up Scafell Pike is Broad Crag Tarn, the country's highest lake, and at the foot is Wastwater, England's deepest lake, and St Olaf's, one of our smallest churches.

With so much to see, this extraordinary spot should be one of the UK's most iconic attractions.

Reaching peak fun: Simon with his adventurous children Harry, 15, and Millie, 14

Yet while Scotland's Ben Nevis and Wales's Snowdon win travel awards and popularity polls, Scafell Pike mostly remains a specialist attraction for hardy hikers and mountaineers.

Ben Nevis takes far longer to climb  but the summit attracts almost four times as many tourists as England's highest peak. I've walked up Scafell Pike several times, and it's always a memorable adventure. Even if you take your time, any reasonably fit person with the right shoes can be up and back in half a day.

I had worried my 15 and 13-year-old would pull up their hoods and grumble all day  but they seem to love it even more than me. They are certainly faster on the steep bits.

It is healthy, free and great for family bonding. I end up proudly telling everyone how well my children did, posting on social media embarrassing photos of them posing like mountaineers.

So why don't more people visit this crucial piece of England's landscape heritage? I puzzle this as we stride back down Scafell Pike with barely another soul in sight. In a recent magazine poll of Britain's most popular mountains, it didn't even make the top ten.

Perhaps it's because this is not an easy place to reach. The busy shops and B&Bs of Windermere are far to the east, close to the M6. In contrast, Scafell Pike lies in the remote west of Cumbria.

The most direct route your satnav will follow is via Hardknott Pass. This is an intimidating stretch of narrow, steep, serpentine mountain track. They call it 'Britain's most outrageous road'.

In the right vehicle and with clement weather, it can be an exciting experience, but I didn't trust my old banger to make it over the Pass in the rain, so took the much longer road looping round the coast.

Beauty spot: England's deepest lake, Wastwater (pictured), is on the Scafell trail

Then you have to find your way up the mountain. There are various routes: some short, some long, and some much harder than others. They all criss-cross and if the weather changes abruptly, as it does on mountains, it's easy to get lost.

I once became disoriented in the drizzle and ended up heading down the mountain before I realised my mistake. So it's best to take a good map or even better, hire a local guide.

For the price of a pair of walking boots, a knowledgeable expert will ensure you don't get lost and show you the best of the landscape.

If you're more of a do-it-yourself sort visiting Scafell Pike for the first time, start from the National Trust car park in Wasdale for the easiest, most direct 'Hollowstones' route.

And, however you get to the top, don't forget to celebrate with a selfie and a bite of Kendal Mint Cake. After all, you will have reached what the great Lakeland writer Alfred Wainwright called 'the summit of England'.
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If you're scared of the dark and claustrophobic then these would be your hotels from hell.

Located deep in the earth's crust, MailOnline Travel has scoured the world for the wackiest cave hotels around.

With no windows and varying phone reception, these quirky abodes invite guests to get in touch with Mother Nature.

Beckham Creek Cave, Arkansas

Nested in a natural cavern, high within a bluff overlooking the valley, Beckham Creek Cave in Arkansas describes itself as being 'unlike any other place on earth'

Completely remodelled with slick contemporary furnishings, the cave-style home is set within a private 260-acre resort, offering peace and quiet

Nested in a natural cavern, high within a bluff overlooking the valley, Beckham Creek Cave in Arkansas describes itself as being 'unlike any other place on earth'.

Completely remodelled with slick contemporary furnishings, the cave-style home is set within a private 260-acre resort, offering total peace and quiet.

The unusual abode offers four luxurious bedrooms and four bathrooms to sleep eight people. Eight more guests are welcome to stay in the property providing they take their own sleeping mats. Rates start at $1,200 per night.

There is also a state-of-the-art kitchen with high-end gas appliances and double convection ovens. Hiking, canoeing, fishing, helicopter rides, and horseback riding are all activities that can be arranged via the resort.

The Grand Canyon Caverns, Arizona

We all dream of 'getting away from it all', but there aren't many hotels which can offer a suite 220 feet below ground level with no natural light. The Grand Canyon Hotel in Arizona boasts the oldest, darkest, deepest, quietest, and largest suite in the world, in a cavern that took 65 million years to form

Water is carried down to the room by staff, and an employee is stationed at the top of the lift shaft should guests suddenly decide in the middle of the night that it's... well, a bit too quiet. The suite, which is 200 feet wide, 400 feet long and with a 70 foot ceiling, can sleep up to six, with two double beds and a sofa bed provided

We all dream of 'getting away from it all', but there aren't many hotels that can offer a suite 220 feet below ground level with no natural light.

The Grand Canyon Hotel in Arizona boasts the oldest, darkest, deepest, quietest, and largest suite in the world, in a cavern that took 65million years to form. To get to the room managers have dubbed the 'love cave' guests must take a lift 22 storeys down.

The largest dry cavern in the United States, it is naturally completely dark and completely quiet because it contains no life forms at all. Water is carried down to the room by staff, and an employee is stationed at the top of the lift shaft should guests suddenly decide in the middle of the night that it's... well, a bit too quiet.

The suite, which is 200 feet wide, 400 feet long and with a 70 foot ceiling, can sleep up to six, with two double beds and a sofa bed provided.

The Lookout Cave, South Australia

The Lookout Cave Underground Motel in South Australia was originally a miner's dugout built during the mid-1960s

After several years of renovation, the rabbit warren of chambers was transformed into a homestay. Since opening in 1993, more rooms have been added to the underground property

The Lookout Cave Underground Motel in South Australia was originally a miner's dugout built during the mid-1960s.

After several years of renovation, the rabbit warren of chambers was transformed into a homestay.

Since opening in 1993, more rooms have been added to the underground property.

A two bedroom apartment was completely refurbished in 2011 to give it more of a modern feel.

The natural sandstone walls were left untouched to 'heighten the sensation of living underground'. Amenities include Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

Sala Silvermine, Sweden

Forget the penthouse suite, one unusual hotel is sending its most important guests 500 feet below ground to sleep. The Sala Silvermine Hotel, in Vdstmanland County, Sweden, has created a room so far beneath the earth's surface that it can only be accessed through a mine lift shaft - which sends guests 509 feet into the ground in a matter of seconds

The bizarre bedroom comes complete with a luxurious double bed, silver furnishings and champagne platter. But anyone who lives by their phone would be best off staying in one of the hotel's 14 ground-level rooms as there is certainly no mobile signal down there

Forget the penthouse suite, one unusual hotel is sending its most important guests 500 feet below ground to sleep.

The Sala Silvermine Hotel, in Vdstmanland County, Sweden, has created a room so far beneath the earth's surface that it can only be accessed through a mine lift shaft - which sends guests 509 feet into the ground in a matter of seconds.

The bizarre bedroom comes complete with a luxurious double bed, silver furnishings and champagne platter. But anyone who lives by their phone would be best off staying in one of the hotel's 14 ground-level rooms as there is certainly no mobile signal down there.

In fact, the only way visitors can communicate with the outside world is through the dedicated personal intercom connected to reception on the surface. Guests are warned to wear warm clothing, as some parts of the cave drop to two degrees Celsius.

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Matera

Designated part of a Unesco World Heritage Site, the spectacular Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita hotel in southern Italy is set right in the rock face in a series of 18 caves that have been inhabited for more than 2,500 years

The layout of the caves is untouched and the decor is minimal so as not to detract from the caves' history, but luxurious touches have been added, such as candles propped in among the rocks and scooped ceramic bath tubs

Designated part of a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita hotel in southern Italy is set right in the rock face in a series of 18 caves that have been inhabited for more than 2,500 years.

The ancient, abandoned caves of Basilicata village have been painstakingly turned into a boutique hotel - a project that took ten years to complete.

Set in Maters, in the famous Sassi - which literally translates as rocks - the hotel is part of an area of buildings carved right into the mountainside.

The layout of the caves is untouched and the decor is minimal so as not to detract from the caves' history, but luxurious touches have been added, such as candles propped in among the rocks, warming fireplaces and scooped ceramic bath tubs.

Guests who stay at the hotel will not only be sleeping in a slice of history, they will also be able to dine in an ancient church, known as the Cripta della Civita.

Gamirasu Cave Hotel, Turkey

Gamirasu Hotel, which was used as a monastic retreat in the Byzantine era, is located in the heart of Cappadocia in central Turkey. The property boasts 35 meticulously restored cave rooms ranging in price. The Byzantine King suite includes an in-room Jacuzzi and private chauffeur

It is the only hotel in the Cappadocia region that features a Byzantine Orthodox church from the 11th century. A kitchen and dining room once belonging to the monastery also maintain their original functions

Gamirasu Hotel, which was used as a monastic retreat in the Byzantine era, is located in the heart of Cappadocia in central Turkey.

The property boasts 35 meticulously restored cave rooms ranging in price. The Byzantine King suite includes an in-room Jacuzzi and private chauffeur.

It is the only hotel in the Cappadocia region that features a Byzantine Orthodox church from the 11th century.

A kitchen and dining room once belonging to the monastery also maintain their original functions.

All of the foods on offer are sourced locally, with the breakfast buffet featuring dried apricots fresh from the roof and milk straight from the village cow.

Another plus point is the Roman-style swimming pool, which was installed in 2010.

La Claustra Airolo, Switzerland

La Claustra in Switzerland is a former army fortress that is nestled within the rocky face of a mountain 6,725 feet above sea level. On site facilities include a Jacuzzi and stocked library

The property is located near the Sasso San Gottardo attraction - a former defensive stronghold that has been transformed into an exhibit space - while the Andermatt ski area is less than 7 miles away

La Claustra in Switzerland is a former army fortress that is nestled within the rocky face of a mountain 6,725 feet above sea level.

On-site facilities include a Jacuzzi and stocked library. All of the rooms, which are simply furnished, have air conditioning and Wi-Fi is free of charge.

Topping things off, guests can choose to indulge in a six-course dinner, which is apparently served every evening.

The property is located near the Sasso San Gottardo attraction - a former underground defensive stronghold that has been transformed into an exhibit space - while the Andermatt ski area is less than seven miles away.

Les Hautes Roches, France

Les Hautes Roches in France is an 18th century manor house nestled against a cliff. The property, which now operates as a hotel, has 14 rooms overlooking the meandering Loire river

Twelve of the rooms are sculpted into the rock, while the other two are situated on the first floor of the manor house. The caves originally belonged to a nearby abbey and were used as dormitories for the monks

Les Hautes Roches in France is an 18th century manor house nestled against a cliff.

The property, which now operates as a hotel, has 14 rooms overlooking the meandering Loire river.

Twelve of the rooms are sculpted into the rock, while the other two are situated on the first floor of the manor house.

The caves originally belonged to a nearby abbey and were used as dormitories for the monks.

After careful renovation, the site was transformed into a luxury homestay. An onsite restaurant serves up 'traditional yet bold' cuisine whipped up by an award-winning chef.

Kokopelli's Cave, Mexico

Kokopelli's Cave in Farmington, New Mexico, is a one-bedroom wonder carved within a 65-million-year-old rock formation. Guests have to 'really want to stay there' and must clamber 70 feet down a sloping path and enter by ladder. For that reason, backpacks are advised over wheeling suitcases

A balcony has been created outside the hotel by fencing off the edge of a cliff. It may not be suitable for vertigo sufferers, but it offers fantastic views

Kokopelli's Cave in Farmington, New Mexico, is a one-bedroom wonder carved within a 65-million-year-old rock formation.

Guests have to 'really want to stay there' and must clamber 70 feet down a sloping path and enter by ladder. For that reason, backpacks are advised over wheeling suitcases.

The hotel - which consists of a master bedroom, living area, dining room, kitchen and bathroom - was blasted out in the 1980s by father-and-son geologists Bruce Black Snr and Bruce Black Jnr.

The 1,650 square-foot hotel is 280 feet above the La Plata River in beautiful, isolated wilderness near the Mesa Verde National Monument.

Its owners say visitors are guaranteed peace and quiet, as well as remarkable views.
If you've ever dreamed of living the quiet life, you'll no doubt be jealous of the residents of Tilt Cove, Canada.

This tiny town in Newfoundland and Labrador, on Canada's east coast, has a population of just four.

All four residents are part of the town's government, with the mayor Don Collins claiming there 'is a lot to do to keep it on the straight and narrow'.

Tilt Cove on Canada's east coast has a tiny population of just four people - although it still has a postal service and rubbish collection the town only has two streetlamps

Tilt Cove was once a thriving copper mining town, which boasted a population of 2,000 people.

However, the mine closed in 1967 following an accidental collapse, leaving most of the residents jobless - forcing them to leave town forever.

Today, Tilt Cove still has postal, rubbish collection and road maintenance services - as well as two streetlamps.

It also has a museum that houses pictures, letters and artifacts that detail the town's history. Named The Way We Were, the museum was built single-handed by Collins using local timber as a 40th birthday present for his wife.

Margaret Collin's family have been here since 1813. Her brother and his wife are the only other two residents in Tilt Cove.

'There's nobody else and we're happy the way it is,' one resident said

Tilt Cove is perched on the outer reaches of eastern Canada

She recalls a time when the town was busier, boasting a bowling alley and a nightclub.

But even though the population has dwindled, with her own daughter making it an ambition to leave for a less sleepy environment, Mrs Collins has no desire to move.

'There's nobody else and we're happy the way it is,' she told the BBC.

Tilt Cove is found on the Baie Verte Peninsula of Newfoundland, and, thanks to its remote location and unspoiled beauty, proves a big draw for tourists in the summer, who travel the six km of dirt road to visit the town famous for being small.
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Tomorrow will mark 20 years since Britain returned Hong Kong to China.

And to mark the occasion, one local photographer has recreated old photos of the region to chart its evolution.

Mr Yu Chun Yu walked the streets of Old Town Central armed with a collection of vintage photos and shot contemporary scenes in exactly the same locations.

Pottinger Street, for example, otherwise known to locals as Stone Slabs Street thanks to its uneven paving, is one of Hong Kong's oldest streets and unsurprisingly looks very different today compared to the 1930s.

And Queen's Road Central, now a thriving shopping district, is almost unrecognisable when compared to a portrait of it from 1962, before it was dominated by skyscrapers.

Britain returned Hong Kong to China on July 1 1997, after governing the colony for 156 years.

Pottinger Street, otherwise known to locals as Stone Slabs Street thanks to its uneven paving, is one of Hong Kong's oldest streets

Pictured here in the 1930s, it was named in 1858 after Hong Kong's first governor, Henry Pottinger, an English-Irish colonial administrator

Queen's Road Central is now a thriving shopping district surrounded by glimmering skyscrapers

Even back in 1962, the roads were populated with cars but there are no skyscrapers to block out the sky, and no road markings

This photo captures a different view over Queens Road Central, this time facing eastbound, and presents another busy scene

In 1962, a dog can be seen wandering around in the streets as pedestrians crowd the pavements lined with shops

Today, the buildings on D'Aguilar Street bear flashy digital adverts and garish yellow road markers, but it wasn't always so

D'Aguilar Street, seen here in 1952, was once known as 'Fashion Street', thanks to its abundance of tailor shops

Hollywood Road, seen here today, is the home of Man Mo Temple (left) which was built in 1847 to pay tribute to the God of Literature
Disneyland is making a significant change to one of its longest-running rides in a move that has divided fans.

As of July 24, the corporate giant will be doing away with a scene in its Pirates of the Caribbean ride, first launched in 1968, which involves women being sold off as brides, and turning the famed redhead 'wench' into a plundering rifle-toting pirate instead.

The move - which will concern the ride at Disneyland Paris, and next year at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Orlando - has earned praise from some fans and ridicule from others.

As of July 24, Disneyland is turning the famed redhead 'wench' on its Pirates of the Caribbean ride into a 'plundering' rifle-toting pirate instead. This artist's impression reveals the character under a sign that reads 'auction - surrender yer loot'

In the original ride (pictured), first launched in 1968, the redhead is sold off to the pirates with a sign that reads: 'Auction, take a wench for a bride'

In the original section of the ride, actors pose as local women with a sign that reads: 'Auction, take a wench for a bride'.

New artwork released by Disney reveals that signs will feature the phrase: 'Auction, surrender yer loot.'

In the current version, the pirates shout 'we wants a redhead', but going forward, instead of being sold off, the redhead in question will join the pirates.

Kathy Mangum, a senior vice president with Disney Imagineering, said: 'Our team thought long and hard about how best to update this scene. Given the redhead has long been a fan favorite, we wanted to keep her as a pivotal part of the story, so we made her a plundering pirate!'

In the current version, the pirates shout 'we wants a redhead', but going forward, instead of being sold off, the redhead in question, seen here toting a rifle, will join the pirates

The Pirates of the Caribbean ride (pictured) was the last Disneyland attraction to be overseen by founder Walt Disney, who died the year before it made its debut in 1967

Disneyland announced on Thursday: 'You'll discover that a familiar character is playing a new role joining the pirates ranks and helping the local townspeople unload their valuables at the Mercado auction.'

But some fans were quick to protest the change, citing it as another example of 'political correctness' taking too much of a front seat.

One wrote: 'What a terrible idea. That scene is THE iconic scene of the entire attraction. Never once have any [of my family thought] that selling brides was a good thing. Never once did we think that Disney was encouraging that type of behavior.'

Another argued: 'This is NOT a change we want. Why does equality mean women have to look like or act like men? Must we remove ALL of Walts ideas from the park? This is a change I absolutely oppose.'

Fans were quick to protest the change, citing it as another example of 'political correctness' taking too much of a front seat

Others, however, took to Twitter to share their approval.

One tweeted: 'Nice! That looks like a pretty great change. I wonder if this addresses the fat shaming in that scene too.'

While another weighed in: 'People are actually mad about the redhead in Pirates going from being an object to an actual individual?'

It's not the first time the ride has undergone tweaks to shed some of its more contentious aspects.

Others, however, took to Twitter to share their approval over the new version of events

The overhaul will apply to rides at Disney's parks in California, Orlando and Paris, pictured

In 1997, a scene that involved pirates chasing women was altered so that they were chasing the pies carried by women, and not the females themselves.

Disneyland Resort's then-president Paul Pressler told The New York Times that year: 'There is very little that is politically correct about Pirates of the Caribbean. In fact, in order to be politically correct, we would probably have to close down the whole ride.'

Pirates of the Caribbean was the last Disneyland attraction to be overseen by founder Walt Disney, who died the year before it made its debut in 1967.
Christian Wilkins is fresh from an eye-opening reality TV debut on SBS' Filthy Rich and Homeless.

And on Thursday, he told Nova FM's Fitzy and Wippa that he's already in talks with several interested parties about his next documentary, 'Wilkins' World.'

The 22-year-old said the proposed series would focus on following him living the high-life alongside his Today Show star father Richard, 63.

'Wilkins' World': On Thursday, Christian Wilkins told Nova FM that he's in talks to star in a new reality series called 'Wilkins' World' alongside his Today show star father Richard, 63

The new series came up after host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald teased Christian about the arduous task of 'going back to the homestead and work out which pool to swim in.'

In a eureka moment of sorts, the radio star then asked: 'Has anyone pitched a show with you and your father?'

'A few people have come to us and said "what about Wilkins' world?"' he replied, much to the hosts delight.

Negotiations: 'A few people have come to us and said "what about Wilkins' world?"' he told radio hosts Fitzy and Wippa

'Yes! I would love it!' Fitzy replied, before adding: 'Would dad (Richard) do it... he would!'

In reply, the socialite quipped: 'Maybe if you guys narrated it?'

Despite the host's insistence they'd love the show, Christian admitted the offers were 'not something that we've seriously considered so far.'

Would Dicky do it? After being asked if his TV veteran father Richard would agree to the show, Christian replied to the hosts: 'Maybe if you guys narrated it?'

While Wilkins' World would surely follow the well-off father and son duo living the high life, the 22-year-old was on the show discussing his much different SBS series.

He's one of five wealthy Australian's the show Filthy Rich and Homeless follows, as they're forced to live below the poverty line on Melbourne streets for ten days.

Forced to find his own food and shelter on Thursday's episode, Christian was seen taking refuge in a squat house, at one point cowering in his room as a fight broke out nearby.

Don't give up hope! Despite the host's insistence they'd 'love' to see the show, Christian admitted the offers were 'not something that we've seriously considered so far'

Slumming it: While Wilkins' World would surely follow the well-off father and son duo living the high life, the 22-year-old has been starring in a very different SBS series entitled: 'Filthy Rich and Homeless'
On Wednesday she was seen on a photoshoot for Victoria's Secret in New York's swanky West Village.

And Taylor Hill was back in the city on Thursday, turning the sidewalk into her personal runway as she modeled two sexy styles that both showed off her cleavage and her toned and tanned tummy.

On a day when the thermometer hit a steamy 85F, the 21-year-old raised the temperature even more in a black, bra-style cropped top with spaghetti string straps and washed out, low-rise jeans, showing off her decolletage and tiny waist.

Stepping out: Taylor Hill showed off her toned and taut tummy in a photoshoot on the streets of Manhattan's swanky West Village in NYC

The 21-year-old teamed them with a long black duster patterned with colorful flowers that flowed out behind her as she walked.

Taylor, who stands a willowy 5ft 9ins, strutted her stuff in block-heeled black sandals with one strap across her toes and another round her ankle.

Her brunette tresses were styled in soft curls that cascaded over her shoulders

Sexy style: The 21-year-old Victoria's Secret model wore a black, bra-style cropped top and washed out, low-rise jeans, showing off her decolletage and tiny waist

Slender star: The Colorado native, who stands a willowy 5ft 9ins, strutted in perilously high block-heeled black sandals with a strap across her toes and another around her ankle

In her second outfit, the Colorado native donned a sheer cropped top with two panels of black lace preserving her modesty.

The fashion stylists added black, high-waisted, wide-legged pants to the look.

Taylor may have been seen during a break in filming as she was carrying a cool drink and walking in sneakers rather than high heels.

A different look: She donned a sheer, cropped top with two panels of black lace preserving her modesty plus black, high-waisted, wide-legged pants. Taylor may have been on a break in filming as she was carrying a cool drink and walking in sneakers rather than high heels

The in-demand model, who is dating actor- model Shank Michael, 31 recently returned from Shanghai in China.

She and actress Lily Collins were in the city to promote Lancome's Declaring Happiness exhibition.

The beauties are both spokeswomen for the French cosmetic brand.
She recently returned from a well-deserved holiday in South America.

And Fiona Falkiner debuted a sleek new hairdo in a snap shared to on Instagram on Friday.

The 33-year-old showed off stylish new bangs and captioned the post: 'Bang, bang.'

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Back with a bang! The Biggest Loser's Fiona Falkiner has debuted a new sleek hairdo this week after returning from South American holiday

The Biggest Loser host and model looked sophisticated in the image, wearing a grey coat and black and white striped T-shirt.

She kept her makeup simple and youthful with bold brows and a nude lip.

The new change comes after she wrapped up hosting duties on The Biggest Loser: Transformed, which did not receive positive reviews and ratings.

Cropped 'do: The beauty ditched her middle part hairstyle for a chic new look

Bikini babe: The 33-year-old, who recently returned from her holiday in South America, took to Instagram story to show off her bangs and captioned the post: 'Bang, bang,' and included a water gun emoji

With her pals: Despite poor figures for The Biggest Loser, Fiona committed to the role and afterwards treated herself to a South American adventure with friends

Ten program chief Beverley McGarvey said: 'We're disappointed. It really hasn't resonated with audiences the way we had hoped.'

'We hoped it would do a lot better but it simply hasn't. We think we've given it as long as we possibly can,' she said.

Despite the poor figures, Fiona committed to the role and afterwards treated herself to a South American adventure with friends.

Epic adventure: She treated herself to a well-deserved holiday in South America, travelling across Columbia, Bolivia and Peru

Old look: Fiona previously had slightly longer locks before undergoing a change

On her trip, she shared snaps of her travels across Columbia, Bolivia and Peru with her legions of followers.

Aside from her hiking trails and stunning photos of picturesque vistas, the model showed off her bikini body on a beach in the Bolivian city of Cartagena.

Wearing a tiny black two piece and wayfarer-style sunglasses, Fiona was all smiles in her sultry holiday photo.
They're some of the biggest names in rock music.

But now Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds have teamed up with animal support group PETA to show their softer side.

The Australian band were joined by another iconic rock artist to support the animal rights group in a touching new video.

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Rockers: Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds have teamed up with animal support group PETA to show their softer side

Nick Cave joined forces with rocker Iggy Pop in a video that encouraged people to 'be the person your dog thinks you are.'

Nick wrote and sang the song Breathless for the emotional campaign, which is an upbeat track with moving lyrics.

One line of the song states: 'The rabbit hides beneath the ground, for he is defenceless without you.'

Important message: Nick Cave joined forces with rocker Iggy Pop for the video that encouraged people to 'be the person your dog thinks you are'

Iconic: Nick wrote and sung the song Breathless for the emotional campaign, which is an upbeat track with moving lyrics

The video shows an animated Iggy Pop saving various animals from abuse in his dog's dream.

In just two days, the video has racked up over 25,000 likes.

The video has also welcomed comments from classic rock fans in support of the two artists using their platform to help promote the group.

Creative: The video shows an animated Iggy Pop saving various animals from abuse in his dog's dream

PETA president Ingrid Newkirk told The Daily Telegraph this week that the response to the video has been overwhelmingly positive.

She said: 'Nick Cave and Iggy Pop have left PETA breathless with this sweet video.'

'If everyone acted like the people our dogs think we are and depend on us to be, the world would be a far kinder place.'
The Today Show is celebrating 35 years this week, with the likes of Tracy Grimshaw, Georgie Gardner, Liz Hayes, and Steve Liebmann returning for a reunion on Friday.

And noticeably absent from the celebrations was Studio 10 star, Jessica Rowe.

The 47-year-old was given the flick from the Today show in 2006, after Channel Nine's then-boss Eddie McGuire, reportedly said he wanted her 'boned.'

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Where's Jessica? Studio 10 star Rowe is noticeably absent from Today's 35th birthday reunion after THAT Eddie McGuire controversy (pictured on Today in 2006 with Karl Stefanovic)

Also appearing on Today on Friday, was former weather presenter, Sami Lukis, and George Negus.

Performing on the day for crowds, was One Direction's Niall Horan, who is in Australia and preparing to perform on The Voice finale.

During the reunion special, the journalists all spoke about their favourite moments of the show and later tucked into a tower of cupcakes, with Lisa remarking: 'We want to say a special thank you to all our former hosts!'

Back together: The Today Show is celebrating 35 years this week, with the likes of Tracy Grimshaw, (R, bottom row) Georgie Gardner (third R, bottom row), Liz Hayes, (second R, bottom row) and Steve Liebmann (second R, top row) returning for a reunion on Friday

Celebrations: The journalists later tucked into a tower of cupcakes, with Lisa remarking: 'We want to say a special thank you to all our former hosts!'

Controversial: The 47-year-old was given the flick from the Today show in 2006, after Channel Nine's then-boss Eddie McGuire, (pictured) reportedly said he wanted her 'boned'

Earlier this week, Jessica made a VERY brief appearance in a video montage on Today, as they marked the 35-year milestone.

The video flashed back to footage of previous hosts.

Jessica, who co-hosted Today alongside Karl Stefanovic, was seen on screen for a noticeably shorter time period than her peers.

However, as she now co-hosts Studio 10 on a rival network, the lack of footage could well be Nine reluctant to promote Channel Ten competition.

Familiar face: Earlier this week, Jessica made a VERY brief appearance in a video montage on Today, as they marked the 35-year milestone

Group shot: Lisa and Karl thanked their Channel Nine colleagues during the celebration

Say cheese! Liz Hayes (2-L) and Tracy Grimshaw (3-L) posed for a snap while wedged between Today's Karl and Lisa

The TV presenter was sacked from her role on Today while on maternity leave and was replaced by Sarah Murdoch.

Today is now co-hosted by Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic.

Former Nine News Director Mark Llewellyn claimed in 2006 that Eddie, who was Channel Nine's CEO at the time, said while referring to Jessica's future at the network: 'What are we going to do about Jessica? When should we bone her? I reckon it should be next week.'

Eddie later denied using the term 'bone' in these discussions.

Jessica has since spoken out about the tumultuous period of her career.

Career setback: The TV presenter was sacked from her role on Today while on maternity leave and was replaced by Sarah Murdoch

'It was a terrible time in my life,' the journalist revealed on her Studio 10 show, last year.

'And it was not helped by public abuse, abuse from within the network that I worked at and abuse from someone who was in charge of that particular network.'

Jessica claimed she made a scapegoat by Channel Nine's management.

In her new memoir, Is This My Beautiful Life, Jessica recounts the time she interviewed Brigadier Michael Slater in East Timor and asked him how safe he felt given there were armed soldiers behind him.

The interviewee then pointed out the armed soldiers had been placed there by Channel Nine stage managers, which later led to backlash against the network including Jessica.

'Of course, I realised the buck stopped with me, but I felt like I was being hung out to dry, ' she said.
He became famous by flipping decrepit houses with his ex Christina on HGTV's Flip or Flop.

But it seems Tarek El Moussa may have wanted to avoid the stress of renovations when he chose to rent a newly constructed, cherried-out pad in Newport Beach back in October.

The 35-year-old reality star reportedly moved into the flashy home a few months before he filed for divorce in January, according to TMZ.

New digs: It seems Tarek El Moussa may have wanted to avoid the stress of renovations when he chose to rent a newly constructed, cherried-out pad in Newport Beach back in October

The four bedroom two bath contemporary beach home, which rents for an eye-watering $15,000 a month, boasts a light color palette as well as some very high-end features.

On the ground level, the living room features a large fireplace as well as a wall of glass that opens out onto the patio.

The adjoining dining room has a table with room for eight, as well as an Edison bulb chandelier.

Single life: The 35-year-old reality star reportedly moved into the flashy home a few months before he filed for divorce in January

Airy: On the ground level, the living room features a large fireplace as well as a wall of glass that opens out onto the patio

Plenty of room: The adjoining dining room has a table with room for eight, as well as an Edison bulb chandelier

Food time! An all white kitchen features an extremely large marble island, as well as a professional gas range

An all white kitchen features an extremely large marble island, as well as a professional gas range.

Upstairs, the master bedroom is roomy enough for a sizable, modern four-poster bed.

The master bath is decked out in Carrara marble, and appears to also include a dressing room and walk-in closet.

Classic: Upstairs, the master bedroom is roomy enough for a sizable, modern four-poster bed

Ritzy: The master bath is decked out in Carrara marble, and appears to also include a dressing room and walk-in closet

Open-air: A roof deck with space for another dining table provides an amazing venue for entertaining

A roof deck with space for another dining table provides an amazing venue for entertaining.

TMZ also reported that Tarek has rented the domicile through June of next year, and plans on staying in the area long term.

In an E! News tour of the new home that will air on Thursday, Tarek also reveals that he decided to change the name of his boat.

'Bad Decisions... because apparently I've made a couple,' quipped the television host, before revealing ex Christina 'laughed about it' upon hearing the news.
She went from winning Dolly Magazine's model search in 2000 to walking on international runways.

And Jessica Hart took time off from her busy schedule for a leisurely walk around New York City on Thursday.

The 31-year-old model appeared makeup free while out and about, as she chatted animatedly to a friend on the phone.

Off duty! Model Jessica Hart shows off her trim pins in denim daisy dukes as she goes out for a casual stroll in New York City

Opting for a cool and casual look, she wore a denim jacket over a white T-shirt paired with daisy dukes, putting on a leggy display.

The statuesque Victoria's Secret Angel, who was sporting braids in her hair, kept the ensemble low key with a pair of black sneakers, as she carried a backpack.

Jessica, who is known for her trademark gap-tooth smile, accessorised with a gold watch, gold necklace and small hoop earrings.

Cool and casual: The 31-year-old model appears to have taken the day off from her busy schedule for a leisurely walk around New York City, on Thursday

Leggy display: The 31-year-old model also rocked a jacket over a white T-shirt, and paired with black sneakers

Relaxed: Jessica, who is known for her gap-tooth smile, accessorised with a gold watch, gold necklace and small hoop earrings

Her relaxed outfit comes after she recently turned heads in a stunning blue frock with a deep plunging neckline, paired with Cartier jewels at the Royal Ascot Races.

She accessorised with a black woven, brimmed hat and matching small handbag by Bertoni 1949.

The Sydney-born beauty recently talked about how lucky she was to still be in demand as a model at 31, in an interview with Sydney Morning Herald.

'I'm just going with the flow and people are booking me, so that's good,' Jessica said.

Fashionista: Her relaxed outfit comes after she recently turned heads in a stunning blue frock with a deep plunging neckline, paired with Cartier jewels at the Royal Ascot Races

Elegant: She accessorised with a black woven, brimmed hat and matching small handbag by Bertoni 1949

'There are the young ones now, too, but there is still a lot for us ones around that are approaching the hill,' she added.

She also urged teenage girls not to grow up quickly in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

'Teenagers today seem way older than I was. For me at 15 was probably what today is as a 10-year-old. Everyone is growing up so quickly and wearing things older than their age,' she told the publication.
She had a tempestuous relationship with TV funnyman Steve Coogan which seem to end after a fierce public argument.

But Downton Abbey's Daisy Lewis, 31, appears to have bounced back from her heartache, appearing at Tatler's English Roses party hosted by Kate Reardon and Michael Kors on Thursday sporting a new blonde pixie crop.

The refined actress smiled gracefully, highlighting her perfect high cheekbones and beguiling brown eyes as she mingled among high-society faces.

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Roses in red: Downton Abbey actress Daisy Lewis, 31, looked resplendent at Tatler's English Rose party on Thursday, stepping out in a rose red jumpsuit that showcased her decolletage

Stepping out in a red dress that hugged her slender figure, Daisy looked resplendent in the intricate garment which was strapless to showcase her decolletage.

In keeping with the theme, the rose-red item cut off above the ankles putting her delicate pointed black heels on display.

Proving that less is more, Daisy's simple ensemble oozed elegance and sophistication at the annual high-society gala.

High society: Proving that less is more, Daisy's new haircut seemed to perfect showcase her pretty features

Troubled waters: Daisy appears to put a turbulent 2016 behind her, moving on from her relationship with comic Steve Coogan

Daisy appears to put a turbulent 2016 behind her, moving on from her relationship with comic Steve.

The couple were last seen engaging in a blazing row outside London's exclusive Groucho Club in May.

One eyewitness outside the Groucho explained: There was a bad vibe between them and it spilled out into the street. They were at each other  it was heated.

'First she had a face like thunder, then started crying, and thats when he put her into a taxi and sent her off on her own. People were aghast at seeing such an emotional confrontation.

Falling out: The couple (pictured together in March 2016) were last seen engaging in a blazing row outside London's exclusive Groucho Club

Classic: Daisy's simple ensemble oozed elegance and sophistication at the annual high-society gala

'Halfway through, a fan came over and Coogan was really brusque with him, telling him they were having a private conversation, and putting out his hand to fend him off.

The worst part was he seemed so uncaring and cold towards Daisy. There was not a hint of kindness. He seemed more interested in himself.

The couple met through friends in June 2015 and reportedly had a make-or-break trip to the Lake District just two weeks before their public blazing row.

One source at the time put the turmoil down to Steve's jealousy.

Describing the relationship, they said: It all seemed to be going fine until she suddenly became more of a star. Steve could not bear the thought that he was not the main attraction all the time.

He started chipping away at her confidence. He did not like the fact she was doing a play with James Norton.

'He was so unsupportive. As soon as Daisy was keeping her own schedule and doing well, he seemed to feel she was in the way of his limelight. Basically Steve Coogan is a full-blown, old-fashioned narcissist.

Laughs aplenty: Daisy was seen laughing out loud as she tried out different shades of makeup

Kisses: Margo Stilley was spotted planting a kiss on Daisy's cheek as they chatted together




Racing Demon (Theatre Royal, Bath)

Verdict: Anglican angst

Rating:

The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium)

Verdict: Feels a bit pooped

Rating:

David Haig as Rev Espy in Racing Demon

How proudly should we proclaim our Christian heritage? In Sir David Hares 1990 play Racing Demon, that question is asked by Church of England vicars who agonise over their faith and how hard they should force the Gospel down the throats of indifferent parishioners.

A niche issue in 2017 Britain? Not if you consider how our country is currently anguishing about the cultural threat of militant Islam.

Priests are rich figures for a dramatist. Dog collars and ecclesiastical robes have an immediate stage impact; the clergy are also analytical bystanders, eloquent and gripped by moral questions.

David Haigs Rev Lionel Espy is team leader (one of those terms that encapsulates the wetness of middle-of-the-road Anglicanism) in a parish in South London. His faith is discreet and he prefers to make sermons about Nineties political issues rather than about God and death and spiritualism.

Two of his colleagues (excellently played by Sam Alexander and Ian Gelder, who has done this part before) warm to Espys subtle ministerial approach, but young curate Tony (Paapa Essiedu) is outraged. He aches for a more burning evangelism and he finds an ally in an intemperate bishop (Anthony Calf) who wants to sack Espy.

A few plotlines  about female priests and a Sunday newspaper seeking gay vicar scandals  feel dated. But there is still a laugh for a line that the thread linking Church and state has been as thin as dental floss ever since we failed to confer on the Falklands conflict the status of a holy war.

The tension between modernising hand-wringers and pulpit-bashers in the C of E remains as acute today as it was 27 years ago.

There is more interest today in prayer book traditionalism and in cathedral worship, but it is rather comforting to see how little the Church has changed in three decades.

Jonathan Churchs respectful, coolly-staged production is a cerebral, delicate delight from Alpha to Omega. Lovely acting from all concerned, including Rebecca Night, Amanda Root and William Chubb.

Rufus Hound as Toad of Toad Hall in the Wind in the Willows

For a more commercial evening you could head for the London Palladiums The Wind In The Willows musical, but Im afraid I found it bland and unmemorable. It has little of the elegant humour of Kenneth Grahames novel about Mole and Ratty and Badger and the vainglorious Toad.

The show is perfectly efficient in terms of anthropomorphicised woodland creatures singing saccharine songs about sticking up for your friends. The props and stage effects do the business (Toads numerous toys are well done), and I liked a song in which a family of hedgehogs complained about the difficulty of crossing a road these days.

But much of the rest of it feels formulaic. Different animals are given different British regional accents. The songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe go in one ear and out the other. Rachel Kavanaughs direction turns rather silly and in-yer-face when the weasels occupy Toad Hall.

Gary Wilmot makes a dignified Badger, but Simon Lipkins Rat felt more like a pantomime Buttons and Rufus Hound is pretty awful as Mr Toad. You need to do more to convey a character than merely pulling your mouth to one side and fnarr-fnarring under a green moustache.

Maybe Mr Hound was too busy agitating for Jeremy Corbyn during the rehearsals period to concentrate on finding some pathos and likeability in silly old Toad.
He's the A-list funnyman with a reputation for pushing the envelope.

And Will Ferrell, 49, certainly did that when he engaged in a slap battle with Beau Ryan, 32, on The Footy Show last night.

The interview, in support of new film The House, began on a warmer note with Beau greeting Will and his co-star Amy Poehler, 45, with hugs - but things soon got physical.

Opening by describing The House as 'very funny' the presenter then asked the two actors if they 'had fun' making their latest flick together.

'I don't know if I'd call it fun,' joked Will.

Amy chimed in wryly: 'It did feel like work every day. Like hard work. When it was over, I was glad.'

Things continued to get boisterous when the subject turned to those with red hair.

All calm. The interview, in support of new film The House, started on a loving note with Beau greeting Will and his co-star Amy Poehler, 45, with hugs. But things soon got physical

Amy, whose six-year-old son Abel has flaming locks, observed: 'There's a lot more redheads in rugby than almost any other sport,' then gushed 'I love red-headed people, I made one.'

The three then ran down a host of nicknames for redheads, in which Beau suggested 'ginger ninjas' and 'fanta pants'. Will threw out a fresh take with 'blood mops.'

All smiles. Things continued to get boisterous when the subject turned to those with red hair

But it was when the host pulled out his signature spinning wheel that things got really interesting.

The drill goes, the guests are asked questions in turn and if they get them wrong, they have to perform a challenge like eating a dry Weet-bix or taking a smack to the face.

Double time. The interview ended with Beau copping a fresh, this time double slap, from funnyman Will Ferrell

Will asked Beau to guess the actor's favourite Footy Show segment, to which the host answered 'Joking Off' incorrectly. 'It's Beau Knows,' Will corrected, before readying his hand and striking the former footy star's face.

'I think I'm a bit concussed,' quipped the presenter before seeking sweet revenge.

He asked the A-listers which bird rugby icon Mario Fenech takes his nickname from but let slip that it's the 'The Falcon' while posing the question.

'What an a-hole' joked Will. But, being a good sport, the actor then deliberately answered incorrectly with 'Kestrel', which earned him a slap from Beau.

Funny or hard man? Amy observed that her co-star 'Barely flinched' after a slap from Beau

Amy observed that her co-star 'barely flinched' after the slap. 'That cleared my sinuses,' a deadpan Will retorted.

The interview ended with Beau copping another, this time double slap, from the funnyman.

The presenter then seemingly took a time out maybe proving his earlier observation correct that while rugby players look tough, they're actually a bunch of 'p---ies.'
Erika graduated from Northland Preparatory Academy in 2008, and from the University of Arizona in 2012 with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation from U of A she accepted a position with Teach for America in San Antonio, Texas. She taught 5th grade for two years at an under-served inner-city school. After completing her two-year commitment to Teach for America she moved to Austin, Texas and has taught 3rd and 4th grades there for the past three years.
He was sensationally booted out of Big Brother after having a blazing row with his housemates and later dropped from his stripping troupe, The Dreamboys.

But Lotan Carter ensured he stayed in the limelight after his explosive exit as he was launched into a pool in just his Y-fronts at a party flooded with reality stars.

The unfazed father-of-one, 28, pulled funny faces as he climbed out of the water at the Fake Bake bash at London's Haymarket Hotel on Thursday.

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Making a splash: Lotan Carter seemed intent on staying in the limelight after his Big Brother exit as he launched himself into a pool in just his Y-fronts at a party flooded with reality stars

The former stripper was sent flying into the water by Fake Bake brand owner Sandra Vaughan as amused guests stood around and snapped photos of his humiliation.

Seeming unconcerned by the fall, a shirtless Lotan wrapped a white towel around his waist as he padded out of the room.

He seemed to be in high spirits at the party and enjoying the female attention following his Big Brother exit as he posed for photos with two women.

I at the deep end: The unfazed father-of-one, 28, pulled funny faces as he climbed out of the pool at the Fake Bake bash at London's Haymarket Hotel on Thursday

Making waves: The former stripper was sent flying into the water by Fake Bake brand owner Sandra Vaughan as amused guests stood around and snapped photos of his humiliation

Laughing away: He seemed to be in high spirits at the party and enjoying the female attention following his Big Brother exit

But first let me take a selfie: He pulled his best pout as he posed for photos with the two ladies

His wild outing comes as Lotanrevealed he was secretly rushed to hospital during his time in the Big Brother house after suffering with a perforated stomach ulcer.

The stripper was removed from the show after 'aggressive and threatening' behaviour, but claimed the source of his anger came from feeling unwell.

Speaking to The Sun Online the father-of-one revealed: 'I had an ulcer in my stomach and it erupted with the stress.'

Explaining that he threw up blood at least '150 times', he added: 'I was petrified. I went from being mad because I was stressed and in so much pain, to crying because I was throwing up so much.'

Having a whale of a time! The trio appeared to be in great spirits

Keeping it casual: He rocked a leather jacket and ripped blue jeans on the night

The star added that he was feeling unwell when the blazing row with Isabelle Warburton was started, which saw him throw a drink, and ultimately lead to his removal from the house.

After the row, his ulcer burst and Lotan was rushed to hospital where he stayed overnight.

However, after returning, Lotan - who could be seen wearing a hospital bracelet in the Diary Room - claimed he wanted to leave the Big Brother house but was told by producers to stay, leaving him shocked when he was ultimately removed.

Green with envy: Tina Stinnes, who appeared very briefly on Love Island and Made In Chelsea, wore an emerald drape minidress

Putting on a show: She wrapped her arms around Celebs Go Dating star Lady Nadia Essex as they larked around for the cameras

Lovely in lace: TOWIE star Amber Turner wore a tiny white miniskirt and red cold shoulder lace top

Legs for days: She flaunted her bronzed limbs in a pair of metallic barely there heels

Awkward: Amber's ex-boyfriend Jamie Reed also attended the party with his new partner Jade Lewis

'They pestered me and pestered me to go back in, even though I was ill and I said multiple times I wanted to leave, but they wanted to publicly kick me out, rather than just let me go,' he claimed.

MailOnline have contacted Channel 5 for comment.

Fans of Big Brother were taken aback by the intense nature of the argument Lotan was involved in on Sunday night - with many claiming it was the biggest bust-up in the history of the reality show.

Not bothered? Amber seemed unfazed by the awkward run-in as she posed with a friend

Quite the turnout: Shanie Ryan (L) and Josie Gibson put on stylish displays in printed ensembles

Viewers witnessed an incredibly aggravated Lotan throw the end of his drink at housemates Isabelle, Deborah and Hannah after Isabelle made reference to him being a bad 'role model' to his son.

As the stormy fight escalated with numerous housemates getting involved, security was called in urgently to the mansion while tempers frayed.

Despite being separated from each other, anger continued to seethe amongst the contestants as they placed blame on one another and reflected on the volatile evening that began with them simply partaking in a routine task.

What's going on here? Hayley Sparkes wore a chic Bardot dress while TOWIE's Debbie Douglas threw some questionable shapes

Double trouble: Debbie joined her co-star Carol Wright who looked chic in a nude lace dress

Following the altercation and Lotan's subsequent removal from the house, the star was dropped from his stripping troupe, The Dreamboys.

David Richards, the Managing Director of The Dreamboys, affirmed in a statement that the troupe 'do not condone' any of the behaviour shown by Lotan on the show, and have decided to cancel his contract, as they pride themselves on hiring 'respectful' and 'gentlemanly' performers.

The full statement released on Wednesday read: 'We can confirm that Lotan is no longer a part of The Dreamboys.

'His contract with the group ended when he entered the Big Brother house, win, lose or draw, and he will not be returning to The Dreamboys show.'

Shocking: Fans of Big Brother were taken aback by the intense nature of the argument Lotan was involved in on Sunday night

Stressed: Explaining that he threw up blood at least '150 times', he added: 'I was petrified. I went from being mad because I was stressed and in so much pain'
She set the fashion world aflutter at 14 when she provocatively told the public 'You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing' in 1980.

And 37 years later, Brooke Shields looked sultry-as-ever while stripping down to her CK skivvies for a daring shoot with Social Life Magazine.

The 52-year-old actress still stunned, as she showed off her statuesque figure and toned abs in white lingerie from the iconic American brand.

Still got it! Brooke Shields, 52, looked stunning as ever in new photos where she strips down to Calvin Klein skivvies to show off her statuesque figure in the brand's white lingerie

Throwback! Brooke first set the fashion world aflutter in a provocative ad campaign for the brand back in 1980 where the then-14-year-old asked 'You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing'

In the brand new images, the mother-of-two flaunts her 6'0" figure in simple white underthings.

She puts her world-class physique center stage, showing off her perky chest in a cupped bra while flaunting her fantastic stems and flat-as-can-be tummy with classic boy shorts.

Brooke leans back and runs one hand through her hair elegantly while delivering a sizzling gaze at the camera.

Mean jeans! The mother-of-two also shared a memorable story about her Calvins with the magazine, revealing she couldn't find any of the iconic jeans once she searched her closet

So many memories: She received her own jeans several days later, which was an emotional experience for the starlet

Brooke also shared a touching anecdote after publisher Justin Mitchell asked the star how it felt 'to be back in [her] Calvins.

'Well the funny thing was... After the [Calvin Klein] show I went back to my house and looked through all my jeans, and I realized that I dont own one pair of Calvins.'

The model-actress asked her agent if she could get some jeans sent over and when they arrived days later, it was an emotional experience for Brooke.

A personal moment: The Princeton alum said she 'didnt want anyone else to be in the room' when she tried on the pants because she 'wanted to have my own experience'

'I sat on the floor going through the jeans . . . and yes, it was an emotional moment for me and I didnt want anyone else to be in the room. I wanted to have my own experience.

'Dont worry, I didnt get on the floor and do the pose. If I had done that, I would have had to be sent away,' she joked, 'But I did look at myself in the mirror and I thought: Okay, okay, this is good . . . you look good.'

The Princeton alum also got to share the experience with her daughter Rowan, which she described as a 'full circle moment.'

'Full circle:' Brooke explained she had a 'full circle moment' when she gave her 14-year-old daughter Rowan a pair of jeans because her girl was about the same age as Brooke when she first modeled for Calvin

Not the time: Brooke Shields also opened up about keeping her daughters away from modelling until they finish college in the interview

She continued 'And then a really cool thing happened. I got to give two pairs of the jeans to my daughter Rowan. She is fourteen years old.

Thats close to the age I was when I shot the ad. I didnt say anything when I gave her the jeans, and we didnt talk about it, but it was definitely a full-circle moment.'

Though the Suddenly Susan star was happy to share her denim with her daughter, the native New Yorker revealed she's banned her young daughters from modelling until they finish college in her interview.

The star, whose daughter Rowan is 14 and her youngest Grier is 11, was vocal about rejecting the industry's use of teenagers in campaigns and on the catwalk.

Banned: Brooke won't let 14-year-old Rowan (left) and 11-year-old Grier (right) follow in her modeling footsteps until they're old enough. She is pictured here with her girls last year

'I have curves, and I've worked on my strength.' the 52-year-old star told the magazine

'We shouldn't just see 15-year-old bodies. I don't want a 15-year-old body. I don't want to look like a little boy,' Shields, who is married to Chris Henchy, told the magazine.

'I have curves, and I've worked on my strength.'

Brooke, a Princeton graduate who started acting and modeling at just 12, wants her children to focus on education.

She explained: 'It's a cutthroat and demoralizing business. Plus, they want you when they want you, and you have to be there for auditions and work, and my kids aren't missing school.'

'It's a cutthroat and demoralizing business': Brooke said that the fashion industry has 'no loyalty whatsoever'

Radiant: The actress looks stunning in a white coat as she shows off her timeless good looks

Brooke, who recently signed on to model for Calvin Klein again for the first time in 37 years, said her own education helped to keep her afloat in the tough modelling industry.

'If I hadn't had the intellectual piece as my friend, I would have been more devoured by an industry that has no loyalty whatsoever.

'You do think because you've been in the industry all of your life it will be loyal, but it's the antithesis of that.'

Protective: The 52-year-old, seen here with her husband Chris Henchy and daughters in 2015, wants her children to focus on their education

Many of Brooke's peers in the modelling world have encouraged their daughters to follow in the footsteps at a young age.

For example, Cindy Crawford's daughter Kaia Gerber, 15, is quickly making her mark in the fashion industry.

Kate Moss' daughter Lila Grace, 14, recently landed her first fashion campaign as the new face of The Braid Bar.
The history of rock n roll is a celebration of cars. From Chuck Berrys Maybellene in her Cadillac coupe de ville, to Princes Little Red Corvette, and Springsteen racing in the streets with his hot-rod 69 Chevy, the V8 engine is as vital to pop music as the electric guitar.

One question that the soulless Horizon: Dawn Of The Driverless Car (BBC2) failed to pose was: what rocker will ever write a love song to a robotic electric transport pod?

Could you have imagined Freddie Mercury belting out Im In Love With My (Driverless) Car, or The Beatles harmonising on Baby, you cant drive my car because a computer chip does that, beep-beep-mm-beep-beep yeah!

Thats the trouble with science. It doesnt understand what matters.

Pictured: Teena Gade on Horizon: Dawn of the Driverless Car. But could you imagine a rock song about a car you can't drive yourself?

Billionaire nerds such as Paypal founder Elon Musk are filling labs with technicians to build self-steering, battery-powered vehicles that can whisk us along motorways on autopilot.

But it appears they have never considered how much humans hate being at the mercy of moving machines. Many people loathe lifts, for instance, and would rather tramp up five flights than trust their lives to a thick metal cable.

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Instead of posing the nude participants behind coloured screens on Naked Attraction (C4), presenter Anna Richardson should just give some dirty macs to these shallow exhibitionists, like the common flashers they are.

Chances are, those same people will be terrified in driverless cars.

Admittedly, this documentary did attempt to point out some of the drawbacks of ditching the driver.

Pictured: Anna Richardson, the presenter of Channel 4's Naked Attraction

A woman from New Scientist magazine said that more than half a million people in Britain earn their living behind the wheel of buses, taxis, HGVs and delivery lorries. What are they going to do for jobs?

It was obvious, though, that the producers didnt really understand the first thing about mankinds love affair with the internal combustion engine, when Sara Pascoes voice-over suggested that F1 racing cars could soon be guided solely by the onboard electronics  no temperamental playboy maniacs required.

At that point it became plain the whole concept makes no sense. Formula 1 without its Vettels and Schumachers is meaningless.

A few warning voices were hooted. One commuter sadly said the daily drive home with the radio blaring was a rare interlude in his day. If he was relegated to the role of passenger in an automaton, he would have to spend even more time reading emails.

The show ended with an impassioned inventor bragging that technology had brought a stream of improvements since the Stone Age, and driverless cars were another leap towards Utopia.

Pictured: Piers Morgan with Amber Wright, 20, a murderer from Florida who lured her ex-boyfriend to a brutal death when they were 15

If that were true, Ross Poldark would look as dashing on an escalator as on horseback. Would your heart thrill to the Capn on a moving staircase, ladies?

Meanwhile, there was something of the automaton about Amber Wright, 20, a murderer from Florida who lured her ex-boyfriend to a brutal death when they were 15. She didnt so much talk to Piers Morgan on Killer Women (ITV) as recite her lines mechanically. When he caught her in a lie, her internal program selected another defence tactic.

This series works best when scraps of doubt linger over the true facts. If theres even a speck of danger that the woman in the prison jumpsuit is serving an unjust life sentence, we feel an involuntary rush of sympathy.

But there was no question about Wrights guilt. She was a manipulative psychopath who should never be released.

The show only caught our emotions when the boys parents talked of their grief. The incredulous look on the fathers face, when the word forgiveness was mentioned, told its own story.
She was spotted stumbling around the streets of Ibiza appearing slightly worse-for-wear last week.

But Chloe Sims seemed determined to brush any holiday controversy aside on Thursday as she attended the TINGS magazine launch party at Mews of Mayfair in London.

The 34-year-old TOWIE star flashed a broad smile as she showcased her eye-popping cleavage in a daringly plunging scarlet jumpsuit.

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Red hot: Chloe Sims seemed determined to brush aside any controversy caused by her holiday antics on Thursday as she attended the TINGS Magazine launch party in London

The mother-of-one flaunted every inch of her lithe frame in the skintight one-piece which featured bias-cut tailoring to cinch in her tiny waist.

Looking preened to perfection, Chloe wore her long blonde extensions in a middle parting with polished waves framing her face.

She plumped her famous pout with a slick of taupe lipgloss and highlighted her eyes with bronze iridescent shimmer.

Looking good: The 34-year-old TOWIE star flashed a broad smile as she showcased her eye-popping cleavage in a daringly plunging scarlet jumpsuit

Red-hot! She matched her manicure and pedicure to her sizzling ensemble

Her outing comes after Chloe gesticulated wildly to her friends during a bleary-eyed moment in Ibiza, where at one point appeared to point to the sea in the darkness.

Appearing to have lost something, the starlet was seen to search through her belongings by the water.

She looked to be totally oblivious to the other holidaymakers who ambled past her bemusedly.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Chloe for comment.

Looking preened to perfection: Chloe wore her long blonde extensions in a middle parting with polished waves framing her face

Turning heads: The mother-of-one flaunted every inch of her lithe frame in the skintight one-piece which featured bias-cut tailoring to cinch in her tiny waist

Firm friends: She wrapped an arm around Vas J.Morgan, a blogger who enjoyed a fleeting stint on TOWIE

On Saturday, the starlet posted a snap to her Instagram page of her sexy ensemble, which was presumably taken before hitting the town.

Holding one arm aloft, the beauty popped her hip to accentuate her small waist, and gracefully crossed one leg slightly in front of the other.

She simply captioned the photo 'R.E.D.', a far more sober display than the one which followed.

Family: The TOWIE stars and cousins posed together at the fun-filled bash

(L-R) Chloe Sims, Vas J Morgan, Joey Essex and Demi Sims

The last season of TOWIE saw Chloe embroiled in a feud with Megan, who accused the former of getting close to her ex beau Pete Wicks after photographs emerged that appeared to make the pair look intimate - a claim that Chloe vehemently denied.

While the tattooed hunk insisted there was nothing romantic going on between them and their friendship is strictly platonic, Megan had questioned why Chloe hadn't called her to give her a 'heads up' about the photos.

Tension grew between the girls, prompting both of them to speak about each other behind one another's back, with Chloe branding Megan an attention-seeker.

Awks: Her outing comes after Chloe gesticulated wildly to her friends during a bleary-eyed moment in Ibiza, where at one point appeared to point to the sea in the darkness

Worse for wear: Amping up the sex appeal for her evening of high jinks, Chloe's red leotard featured a raunchy high cut side which featured criss-crossing lace over her hip

Painting the town red: Chloe Sims, 34, seemed to be going a little overboard on Friday night, as she was spotted stumbling around the streets of Ibiza looking very worse for wear

Strike a pose: Last week, the starlet posted a snap to her Instagram page of her sexy ensemble, which was presumably taken before hitting the town




Baby Driver (15)

Verdict: Exhilarating and original

Rating:

Edgar Wright, writer and director of the thrilling Baby Driver, hails from sleepy Somerset. Of course, everyone has to come from somewhere  Alfred Hitchcock was a son of drab, suburban Leytonstone.

But its still kind of marvellous that a fellow who grew up in the shadow of the Mendip hills, and whose last film, 2013s The Worlds End, was inspired by a teenage pub-crawl he once went on in Wells, has now created a roaringly high-octane crime movie reminiscent of the best of Quentin Tarantino.

The characters in Baby Driver include a trigger-happy psycho called Bats (Jamie Foxx) and the scarcely less scary Griff (Jon Bernthal), neither of whom are comfortable in the company of the kid with the iPod fixation

Baby Driver is set in Atlanta, Georgia. Its hero is a fresh-faced getaway driver, nicknamed Baby (Ansel Elgort), whose job is to whisk ruthless, armed bank-robbers from the scene of their latest heist.

This he does brilliantly, but he is a reluctant participant, coerced into high-stakes crime by a gangster called Doc (Kevin Spacey), as payback for once trying to steal Docs car.

So far, so unoriginal. Indeed, Wright makes a virtue of filling his film with plotlines so familiar they almost count as cliches. Weve all seen a million heists, car chases, menacing Mr Bigs, and protagonists falling for sweet waitresses in diners, which is what happens here to Baby, as soon as he sets eyes on Debora, winningly played by Lily James.

She is a dreamer, a romantic, whose ambitions extend no further than heading west on 20, in a car we cant afford, with a plan we dont have. And she reminds Baby of his dead mother, who  another cliche  he keeps picturing in flashbacks.

So what turns the cliched and commonplace into virtues? Its the way Wright, sometimes obviously, sometimes with deft subtlety, references other films. There are repeated nods to Tarantinos Reservoir Dogs, for example, and to Walter Hills 1978 film The Driver. The Pixar animation Monsters, Inc. actually gets a namecheck.

And when Baby loses one lens from his sunglasses during a getaway, Wright plainly intends it as a homage to Warren Beattys character in the iconic ambush scene from Bonnie And Clyde.

But there is something else, something more that stops this film looking stylish, but essentially derivative, and makes it excitingly, enticingly original. It is, in a word, music.

Baby has been left with tinnitus from a childhood road accident that killed both his parents. He drowns it out by plugging his iPod into his ears, turning his life into one long playlist.

When he waits outside banks for Docs ever-rotating crew, when he out-screeches the pursuing cops, even when he sits in on briefings for the next job, his constant companions are rock, R&B and disco music.

He even mixes his own tracks, secretly recording snatches of his accomplices conversations, then going home and turning them into his own, rather literal, version of gangsta rap.

Baby lives with his ageing, deaf foster father, Pops (CJ Jones), who knows the boy has a good heart but has fallen in with some dodgy characters.

And my, are they dodgy. Apart from Doc, they include a trigger-happy psycho called Bats (Jamie Foxx) and the scarcely less scary Griff (Jon Bernthal), neither of whom are comfortable in the company of the kid with the iPod fixation. Buddy (Jon Hamm) seems more congenial, but then he has a respectable background as a banker. Now hes a gamekeeper turned poacher, on the run with his lap-dancer girlfriend, Darling (Eiza Gonzalez).

Baby Driver is set in Atlanta, Georgia. Its hero is a fresh-faced getaway driver, nicknamed Baby (Ansel Elgort)

Wright keeps the action more real and less exuberantly comedic than in his most successful films, Shaun Of The Dead (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007). He certainly doesnt rein in the violence, which at times is gruesome and, it has to be said, somewhat glorified. But his playful side is never far away, even when things start to look deeply worrying for Baby, who is forced into one final raid on a post office just when he thought he had paid his dues. Will he get to head west on 20 with lovely Debora, or will he have to face the music?

All Ill tell you is that its a blast and a joyride finding out. I think that if you love car chases, youll love this movie; Wright choreographs them superbly. And if you love music, youll probably love this movie; the soundtrack features something for everyone, including Queen, T.Rex, The Beach Boys, The Damned, Dave Brubeck and, of course, singing the title song, Simon & Garfunkel.

I was going to add that if you love movies, youll more than likely love this movie, except that my wife has just come back from seeing it at the Odeon Hereford on my thunderous recommendation  and pronounced it deeply disappointing, with risible dialogue and silly characterisations.

And her two friends thought the same. So maybe Baby Driver is this seasons La La Land, for which the critical hosannas were so loud that some audiences went away unimpressed. All the same, Ill stick my neck out and anoint it with the full five stars.

Alone in Berlin

Verdict: Dour but moving

Rating:

In Alone In Berlin couple Anna and Otto Quangel (Emma Thompson and Brendan Gleeson) stick their necks out, sounding their own feeble but stubborn counterblast to the Nazi regime

In Alone In Berlin, a decent, unremarkable, rather stolid couple called Anna and Otto Quangel (beautifully played by Emma Thompson and Brendan Gleeson) also stick their necks out, sounding their own feeble but stubborn counterblast to the Nazi regime as World War II unfolds. Vincent Perezs film is based on Hans Falladas compelling 1947 novel of the same name, which in turn told the true story of a husband and wife who are left grief-stricken by the death in battle of their only son.

Otto, a factory foreman, channels his hurt into a series of postcards, on which he writes treasonous messages damning Hitler and the German war effort.

With Annas help, he discreetly leaves the cards all over the city, much to the growing fury of the SS. The films tension stems from the efforts of a clever police chief (Daniel Bruhl) to track the miscreants down, but actually what I admired about it was its defiant lack of melodrama.

There is no chorus of jackboots crunching on gravel (which must be a first for a film set in Berlin in 1940), and, unlike the book, theres no real indication that the propaganda has had the slightest effect in encouraging meaningful dissent against the Nazis.

Of the 285 cards that Otto writes, 267 are handed straight to the authorities.

Instead, there is just a creeping sense of menace as the net closes around the Quangels, while Thompson and Gleeson, with their studiously understated yet powerful performances, show the nobility embodied in even futile resistance.

I found it a deeply moving film and a worthy monument to a pair of decidedly unlikely war heroes.

Gru has an evil twin Dru? How despicably silly! Despicable Me 3 (U) Rating: In Despicable Me 3 reformed baddie Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is expelled from the Anti-Villain League for failing to capture Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), a former child actor whose show was cancelled when he got spots There hasnt been much love in the U.S. reviews for this energetic computer-animated comedy, and its true enough that Despicable Me 2 felt like the end of the road, especially once its best characters, those cute but naughty little Minions, branched out with a terrific 2015 spin-off of their own. But here we are again, and actually I quite enjoyed the rampant zaniness of Despicable Me 3. This time, reformed baddie Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is expelled from the Anti-Villain League for failing to capture Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), a former child actor whose show was cancelled when he got spots. He is now the worlds most fiendish super-villain, a master of disguise who has made a deadly weapon out of bubblegum. As revenge for the destruction of his acting career, he plots to raze Hollywood to the ground. Meanwhile, Grus wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig) has been kicked out of the AVL too, so now they must foil Bratt as freelance operatives. But the project is complicated when Gru is contacted by the twin brother, he never knew he had. His mother (Julie Andrews, would you believe) confirms the existence of his twin, and soon he is whisked off to meet Dru, (also Carell), who has villainous ambitions of his own. Its all extremely silly, nicely animated, and with just enough funny one-liners (Gru must live with the knowledge that Dad died of disappointment when I was born) to entertain grown-ups as well as children. Advertisement

Hot on the tail of the street cats of Istanbul

Kedi

Rating:

Kedi is an engrossing documentary about the multitude of street cats living in Istanbul

You dont need to be a cat-lover to enjoy Kedi, an engrossing documentary about the multitude of street cats living in Istanbul. But I should think that at least eight out of ten of those who see it wont need any persuading that cats really are remarkable creatures.

The title of Ceyda Toruns film means feline, and it springs from her conviction that cats are no less integral to the mighty Turkish citys identity than the Bosphorus and the Blue Mosque. Without the cat, she says, Istanbul would lose part of its soul.

Torun has made a memorable film. She follows the lives and loves of several street cats, and doesnt have to strain too hard to anthropomorphise them. One is the neighbourhood psychopath and responds only to tough love. Another revels in human contact and nearly passes out with pleasure when it is petted.

But this is a portrait, too, of a city and a society. One woman, an artist, says that it is difficult to express femininity in modern Turkey. She envies cats and their sureness of what they are.

Okja

Rating:

Okja, a Netflix film, is also about the animal kingdom, but from a very different perspective. Tilda Swinton plays the boss of a U.S. food conglomerate, which has genetically engineered 26 super-piglets that grow to the size of hippos. This is partly in an effort to solve the worlds food shortages, but mostly to make loads of money.

The piglets are dispatched around the world, and one winds up in rural South Korea. There, the young girl, Mija, who has raised it and called it Okja cannot bear to be parted from her beloved pet when the corporation suits, led by a cartoonish Jake Gyllenhaal, come to whisk it off to New York.

So Mija, in league with Paul Danos radical animal rights activist and his gang, plots to save Okja. Like the creature itself, Bong Joon-Hos film is a strange hybrid  part sharp satire at the expense not only of the U.S. food industry, but also animal-rights crazies, and part cutesy Disney-style flick. But its stylishly and appealingly done.
She's the twice unlucky in love reality star whose year has been turbulent to say the least.

And as news breaks of her radio contract being terminated less than two years after she debuted on-air, Sam Frost continues to ride the wave of her tumultuous time in the spotlight.

From announcing her sad split from Bachelorette beau Sasha Mielczarek to appearing in unflattering photos during a girls' day out, the latest round of bad news for the 28-year-old comes after she's reported to have moved on with a new boyfriend.

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Turbulent times: From her radio show being cancelled to her split from Sasha Mielczarek as well as her blossoming romance with new 'boyfriend' Dave Bashford, Sam Frost has had quite a year of ups and downs

On Friday, Southern Cross Austereo confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Sam will no longer be a part of the network, while her nightly radio show with Rove McManus will also be axed.

'Rove and Sam's 7-8 pm show on the Hit Network will finish up today, June 30,' a spokeswoman told DMA.

'Rove's remaining within the SCA family and working on a new project with another part of our business. Sam's contract has now ended and we wish her well with her coming up TV work.'

Axed: It was confirmed on Friday that the 28-year-old's contract with Southern Cross Austereo has ended after less than two years, during which her show with Rove McManus experienced terrible ratings

Previously on air during the prime time breakfast slot, the duo's show was pared back and pushed to a less popular time of 7pm - 8pm in January, due to poor ratings during their first year.

Sam's career news comes just weeks after she was pictured stumbling out of a Sydney bar during a day out with her girlfriends.

The images showed the former Bachelor contestant appearing a little worse for wear as she made her way out of the Darlo Country Club in Darlinghurst on a Saturday afternoon.

Sam's slip ups: The news comes just weeks after the former Bachelorette was pictured stumbling out of a Sydney bar with her girlfriends during a day out

Bizarre behaviour: Images and video footage from the day showed Sam in a less than flattering light

Other images as well as video footage from the day also showed the former finance assistant performing a bizarre act in front of her pals.

Meanwhile, Sam's slender frame sparked concern amongst fans this year.

The blonde's selfies attracted comments from her Instagram followers, who asked what 'happened to the happy healthy glowing Sam?'

Cause for concern: Earlier this year, fans took to Sam's Instagram to share their concerns for the star's health, urging her to 'please eat a burger'

'Honestly love you to death @fro01 please eat a burger. Much love,' one fan commented under a photo shared in April.

'Where is the spark in your eyes gone...? :-/ In the future, with time & space, this will no doubt be a time that you reflect back on as a tough time where you were clearly not healthy or happy. I wish you well,' another wrote.

Sam has previously opened up about her struggles whilst being in the spotlight.

Sharing her struggles: During her radio show last year, Sam revealed she'd been having suicidal thoughts after bullying from online trolls

Last July, she revealed she had been having suicidal thoughts after bullying from cruel online trolls about her radio show, and had been undergoing therapy.

On her radio show, she bravely revealed her struggles.

'It got to a point where I wouldn't want to leave my house. I was in a really, really dark place,' Sam said.

'My relationship was also struggling because I shut Sash out': The slender star admitted her struggles had put a strain on her relationship with then-boyfriend Sasha as well as her family

'I shut my friends out, I shut my family out and I would go home from work and stay in that dark, horrible place. My relationship was also struggling because I shut Sash out.'

'It wasn't until Sash (boyfriend Sasha) said to me after three or four months: ''Sam I don't know what to do anymore because all you do is cry and you're not talking to me".

'And I said to him I don't want to be here anymore. I don't want to wake up every day anymore.'

Sad split: Just weeks before receiving news that her radio program had been pushed to a night-time slot, Sam announced her split from Sasha, whom she'd met on The Bachelorette

And following months of breakup rumours, Sam finally announced her split from boyfriend Sasha Mielczarek in December last year.

'After 18 months together, Sam Frost and Sasha Mielczarek have come to a mutual decision to end their relationship,' a statement at the time read.

'It is important to stress that there is no bitterness or scandal, they have just come to the realisation that the best way forward is to separate,' part of it read, adding that they remain friends.

Denials: After 18 months together and weeks of denying breakup rumours, Sam and Sasha released a statement telling fans they'd split

The announcement came after the former radio presenter continually denied that she'd broken up with her beau.

Hitting back at the claims on Facebook - before deleting her account - Sam claimed her and her ex were 'stronger than ever' and 'prefer to keep social media out of our relationship.'

But it appears Sam's luck in love may be turning around once again, with sources close to the star confirming she's currently dating Dave Bashford.

Moved on? It appears Sam's luck in love may have turned around, with the blonde rumoured to be dating Dave Bashford (pictured)

The rumoured couple have known each other for 'a long time,' according to WHO's source.

And although they're taking things slow, the insider added that the pair are definitely dating.

Just weeks after the news of her breakup from Sasha was announced, Sam was pictured canoodling with new beau Dave during an Australia Day picnic in Sydney in January.

Taking things slow: An insider recently revealed the rumoured couple have known each other for 'a long time,' and Dave has even made his feelings for Sam public by commenting on her latest Instagram snap

It appears that things are heating up between the pair.

Earlier this week, Sam posted a sexy snap of herself Instagram and Dave was quick to comment underneath, calling the Bachelorette babe 'hot.'

Having found fame through reality TV, it appears Sam's career has come full circle, with the blonde set to star in Channel Seven's Hell's Kitchen.

Sam landed the role in March and will cook alongside nine other celebrities inside the Hell's Kitchen restaurant helmed by legendary chef Marco Pierre White.
She's been nominated for two Academy Awards, but has never taken one home.

But on Thursday Naomi Watts sure looked like a winner as she strolled down the red carpet for a Netflix screening in New York City.

The 48-year-old King Kong actress stars in the new show Gypsy for the streaming platform.

Dressed to impress: On Thursday Naomi Watts sure looked like a winner as she strolled down the red carpet for a Netflix screening in New York City

Naomi looked wonderful in her floral frock, which featured black three-dimensional flowers sewn to the top of the garment, and pink and crimson buds sewn on the bottom.

A pair of black strappy heels completed her elegant ensemble.

She accessorized with a shiny gold box clutch, chandelier earrings and several sizable rings.

Her trademark blonde tresses were parted in the middle and fell to just above her shoulders.

Unique: Naomi looked wonderful in her floral frock, which featured black three-dimensional flowers sewn to the top of the garment, and pink and crimson buds sewn on the bottom

Her good side! Naomi provided a better look at her outfit while waiting to film Stephen Colbert's show

Youthful: A smokey eye, subtle blush and pale mauve lipstick ensured the Hollywood vet was ready for her turn in front of the cameras

A smokey eye, subtle blush and pale mauve lipstick ensured the Hollywood vet was ready for her turn in front of the cameras.

Of course other celebs were on hand for the tony event as well.

China Beach actress Dana Delany, 61, definitely turned some heads thanks to her sheer shirt, which revealed a black bra underneath.

Risque: China Beach actress Dana Delany, 61, definitely turned some heads thanks to her sheer shirt, which revealed a black bra underneath

Classic: Murder on the Orient Express starlet Lucy Boynton, 23, also drew some glances in her rose-colored, long sleeve dress

Distinctive: Brooke Bloom, who starred in Alpha House, also chose a short black skirt, into which she tucked a white collared shirt with ruffles on the front

She paired the edgy top with a short black skirt with a sheer hem and black strappy sandals.

Brooke Bloom, who starred in Alpha House, also chose a short black skirt, into which she tucked a white collared shirt with ruffles on the front.

Murder on the Orient Express starlet Lucy Boynton, 23, also drew some glances in her rose-colored, long sleeve dress.

Elegant: UK native Melanie Liburd, 29, stunned in a light pink strapless gown, which showed off her considerable assets

Inspired? Perhaps taking a cue from Naomi, Kingsman star Sophie Cookson, 27, also chose a floral print for her dress in the form of a giant blow-up of a flower

UK native Melanie Liburd, 29, stunned in a light pink strapless gown, which showed off her considerable assets.

Perhaps taking a cue from Naomi, Kingsman star Sophie Cookson, 27, also chose a floral print for her dress in the form of a giant blow-up of a flower.

The short frock also showed off her lengthy limbs.

The whole cast: The 48-year-old King Kong actress stars in the new show Gypsy for the streaming platform

Colorful: Actress Sarita Choudhury, 50, donned a multicolored skirt for the occasion
She enjoyed a luxury holiday with her smitten boyfriend Karl Stefanovic in Bora Bora last week.

And Jasmine Yarbrough showed off her post-holiday glow as she arrived at Brisbane airport on Friday to visit her mother.

Looking tanned and relaxed, the 33-year-old Los Angeles model beamed as she hauled her Louis Vuitton luggage through airport terminals.

She's back! Jasmine Yarbrough showed off her post-holiday glow as she arrived at Brisbane airport on Friday to visit her mother

She showed off her slender frame in black skinny jeans paired with a white T and yellow jacket, which highlighted her bronzed glow.

The pretty blonde, who is usually based in LA, will no doubt be catching up with her boyfriend Karl while she is in the country.

The Today show host was filming his breakfast TV program on Friday morning as the team celebrated 35 years on air.

High spirirts: Looking tanned and relaxed, the 33-year-old Los Angeles model beamed as she hauled her Louis Vuitton luggage through airport terminals

Radiant: The shoe designer appeared makeup-free and wore her blonde locks in a messy updo

Chatting away: As she made her way outside to the pickup area, the fresh-faced beauty was seen chatting on her smartphone while waiting for a ride

As she arrived, the shoe designer appeared makeup-free and wore her blonde locks in a messy updo.

Making her way outside to the pickup area, the fresh-faced beauty was seen chatting on her smartphone while waiting for a ride.

Minutes later, Jasmine's mother pulled up and helped the stunner with her luggage before the pair drove away.

Smitten: The Los Angeles- based stunner began dating Today's Karl, 42, late last year

Great to see you! Minutes later, Jasmine's mother pulled up and helped the stunner with her luggage

The smile says it all: Jasmine and her mother no doubt have plenty to catch up on, one week after Jasmine was seen frolicking with her man Karl on billionaire James Packer's Arctic P yacht

Model behaviour: Jasmine is signed to Paddington model agency Scoop

Meeting the family: Karl previously met Jasmine's family during a whirlwind trip to Mexico

Jasmine and her mother no doubt have plenty to catch up on, one week after she was seen frolicking with her man Karl on billionaire James Packer's Arctic P yacht.

The couple, who began dating late last year, have been seemingly inseparable in recent months following Karl's divorce from ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn, 44.

From adrenline-fuelled jetski rides in Bora Bora, to meeting the family in Mexico, Karl and Jasmine's whirlwind romance continues to blossom.

A source previously told Woman's Day magazine that the Today host is 'serious' about his future with the stunning blonde.

Bright future: A source previously told Woman's Day magazine that the Today host is 'serious' about his future with the stunning blonde

'Karl and Jasmine went to stay with her parents twice while she was in Australia, and Karl was desperate to prove to her family that he's really serious about her,' a source told the publication

'Karl and Jasmine went to stay with her parents twice while she was in Australia, and Karl was desperate to prove to her family that he's really serious about her,' a source said.

'He made a point of taking her dad to one side and telling him he's genuinely in love and this is in no way a rebound or fling.'
He only joined the production last week.

But Ron Howard has already taken his place on set, if a new image posted to his social media accounts on Thursday is any indication.

The 63-year-old Academy Award-winning director's enigmatic photo pictures his feet, which are clad in hiking boots, next to what appears to be a package of bottled water.

Two feet and not much else: Ron Howard has already taken his place on set of the Han Solo spin-off, if a new image posted to his social media accounts on Thursday is any indication

On Instagram his caption read: 'me in between camera set-ups...my 1st day on the Untitled Han Solo Movie and that's about all I'd want to reveal at this time-'

A tweet of the same photo contained a similar sentiment, though it showed slightly more excitement.

'Cool scene today,' he gushed, 'but I'm afraid this is the most revealing image I dare share from my first day on the set of the Untitled Han Solo movie.'

The social media messages are the first since it was announced that the Hollywood vet would be taking over the Star Wars stand-alone after its original directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were dumped over 'creative differences'.

Waisting no time: The 63-year-old Academy Award-winning director only joined the troubled production last week

It will not be Howard's first foray into space or aliens, having helmed 1995's Apollo 13 and 1985's Cocoon.

He has a string of both critical and commercial hits on his resume, including The Da Vinci Code, Angels And Demons, Parenthood, Splash, Backdraft, Frost/Nixon, Willow, Cinderella Man, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and his Oscar-clinching A Beautiful Mind.

However his most recent films - including The Dilemma, In The Heart Of The Sea and Inferno were less fondly received.

Producer Kathleen Kennedy, who is the president of Lucasfilm, announced Tuesday on StarWars.com that Lord and Miller would not continue to direct the forthcoming movie about the smuggler-turned-hero, played by Harrison Ford in previous films in the franchise.

Gone: Filmmakers Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, both 41 and seen here in NYC in 2014, will not proceed further in directing the Han Solo biopic, Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy said Tuesday

Kennedy said that Lord and Miller 'are talented filmmakers who have assembled an incredible cast and crew, but its become clear that we had different creative visions on this film, and weve decided to part ways.'

Lord and Miller, who inked on to direct the motion picture two years ago, cordially exited the high-profile project in the statement on the site.

'Unfortunately, our vision and process werent aligned with our partners on this project,' said the directing duo, who were previously behind the lens of films such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street and The Lego Movie. 'We normally arent fans of the phrase "creative differences" but for once this cliche is true.

No longer at the helm: (L-R) Woody Harrelson, Miller, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Lord and Donald Glover (along with Chewbacca, played by actor Joonas Suotamo) posed in this shot from inside the Millennium Falcon, Solo's famed ship

'We are really proud of the amazing and world-class work of our cast and crew.'

According to Variety, the duo wanted to 'inject more humor into the storyline and encouraged improvisation,' which didn't go down well with exec producer Lawrence Kasdan.

However fans will recall one of the original Han Solo Harrison Ford's most memorable scenes - where he tries to explain away a gunfight to a Death Star officer over an intercom - was completely improvised.

Next up: Ehrenreich, 27, stars as a younger version of the role Harrison Ford originally played in 1977's Star Wars

The new movie - which cameras have been rolling on in London since February - stars Alden Ehrenreich as a young version of the Millennium Falcon captain, with Donald Glover playing a young Lando Calrissian (played by Billy Dee Williams in the original series).

Rounding out the cast of the anticipated summer blockbuster are Michael Kenneth Williams, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke and Thandie Newton.

Insiders told The Hollywood Reporter Tuesday that production is slated to last for 'several weeks,' with re-shoots slated for next month.
With just nine contestants vying to be crowned this year's MasterChef winner, the reality show is drawing near.

And the competition is really heating up, with 'Japan week' starting on Sunday.

Judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston will head to the country with the contestants for the exciting culinary adventure.

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'It's absolute, hectic craziness!' Masterchef's top nine contestants head to Tokyo for 'Japan week' with the judges (pictured) as the competition heats up

In a promo for the week, contestant Sarah can be seen saying how intense the experience is.

'It's absolute, hectic craziness,' Sarah says.

'This is next level,' Karlie adds.

Pressure! In a promo for the week, contestant Sarah can be seen saying how intense the experience is

Ben said it felt 'surreal' to be in Japan, while Eloise said she feels like she is in a 'dream.'

The contestants can be seen walking the streets in Japan before they get to cooking.

At one point, fan-favourite Callan can be seen picking up ingredients before getting into the kitchen.

Intense: 'This is next level,' Karlie adds

George then commends a dish, saying it's 'outstanding,' before Gary can be heard raving about another kitchen creation.

'I want the rest of my life to be filled with dishes like this,' he says.

According to TV Week, the contestants have to buy their own ingredients for Sunday's mystery box challenge and on Monday, have to make an eight-course meals for the judges and guest judges.

There will also be other challenges before one contestant gets the boot.

On Thursday's show, being eliminated was Sam.

Sam, Callan, Eloise and Diana were the four unlucky contestants desperately trying to keep their place in the competition.
The United Way of Northern Arizona is celebrating half a century of improving community conditions with a special fundraising drive for one of its most significant programs, the KinderCamp initiative, which helps ensure all children entering kindergarten are ready to learn.

The 50 for 50 Drive, which is separate from the general campaign that will start in September, hopes to raise $50,000 for the KinderCamp program in honor of the United Ways golden anniversary.

What better way to mark 50 years than to spotlight a program that has lifelong consequences for our local children? said Coconino County Supervisor Liz Archuleta, who is chairing the special campaign. This program is at the heart of what the United Way does, and it is a great example of the partnerships they form to improve the lives of our residents.

Originally known as the United Fund of Flagstaff, what is now the UWNA was incorporated on June 24, 1967 by a small group of dedicated citizens looking to raise funds through workplace campaigns for about a dozen nonprofits in Flagstaff. These included the American Red Cross, Easter Seals, Big Brothers, the Guidance Center and  in this era of the Vietnam War  the USO.

Its first annual campaign in 1967 was for $60,000, said UWNA President and CEO Steve Peru. That quickly grew over the years, as did the number of agencies benefiting from annual United Way campaigns. This year, 34 Flagstaff agencies received funding as well as another 17 groups based in Page and the northeast part of the state.

What hasnt changed over the past 50 years is how carefully we select organizations and programs to fund, Peru said. We have a powerful volunteer base that helps us evaluate whether programs aligned with our mission of creating lasting, positive changes that improve the education, financial stability and health of local residents.

As it evolved, UWNA has become a facilitator in creating new programs as well. Mostly notably, the United Way has brought together diverse groups to establish a local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program; the backpack program to fight chronic hunger in schools; and the KinderCamp initiative.

The KinderCamp program was launched in 2005 after a community needs survey conducted by UWNA identified early childhood learning as a major issue of concern, said Kerry Blume, who was the head of UWNA at that time. The United Way teamed up with ACES -- a collaboration of early childhood advocates including the Flagstaff Unified School District, Head Start, Coconino County Public Health Department, Northern Arizona University and the Arizona Community Foundation. They secured a substantial grant from the Administration for Children, Youth and Families Childcare Bureau (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and KinderCamp was born.

We found that many Flagstaff students needed to develop social or academic skills to take full advantage of the learning experience in their kindergarten class, Blume said. What was really innovative about the KinderCamp program was that it combined the expertise of kindergarten teachers with Head Start teachers and each profession contributed to a new way of designing this boot camp so all children could have those skills the first day of class.

Peru noted that the program levels the field for students who have not had the opportunity to attend preschool, adding that children who graduate from the four-week camp are less likely to suffer separation anxiety from their parents in the first days of school, are comfortable with the demands of a school day schedule and demonstrate a new-found confidence in the classroom.

Over 13 summers, UWNA has been able to grow the program into Williams, Winslow, Page and Lakeside in Navajo County, said Peru. In addition to making sure youngsters are academically, socially and emotionally ready for school, an important aspect of the KinderCamp experience is that teachers meet with the parents or guardians of each student in the students home. In addition to answering any questions, the teachers provide them with a literacy kit filled with books and activities for the parents to share with their child.

KinderCamp doesnt just connect the future student to his or her school, Peru said. It is a big factor in engaging the families so that they have a sense of belonging to the schools community.

For more information, visit at www.nazunitedway.org.
It was one of television's most memorable dramas.

And now one of its main stars Alyson Hannigan has opened up about her days on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

The 43-year-old actress said she would not be opposed to a revival of the show.

Throwback! Alyson Hannigan has opened up about her days on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and how she would love to see a 'cartoon' revival

After the Buffy gang got together for the 20 year anniversary of the show, which was celebrated with a photo shoot, Alyson said it was just like the old days.

Speaking to OK! Magazine she said: 'It was a lot of fun, it was almost as if no time had passed. We were talking about our age and chiropractors it was like, "Yeah, its definitely been 20 years".'

'It was really fun and such a great day, I wished we had done more than one photo shoot.'

Buffy revival? Alyson believes that any remake of Buffy would need a fresh approach

Alyson said that if the show was being filmed today, a lot of things would've turned out differently for the main characters and that any revival would need a fresh approach.

'I like the idea of a Buffy cartoon!' the star said.

Despite the show being filmed 20 years ago, Alyson revealed that she still keeps in touch with her cast mates, including Tommy Lenk and Sarah Michelle Gellar, who she texts.

And although she spent seven years of her life making the show, Alyson said she never watches the episodes back.

Old friends: Despite the show being filmed 20 years ago, Alyson revealed that she keeps in touch with her cast mate
Lady Gaga teased fans Thursday by revealing she's set to kick off another pop-up tour in Las Vegas on July 13.

The music star announced on Twitter she is set to a do a one-time reprise of her 2016 three-city tour with Bud Light in support of her most recent album Joanne.

'The #DiveBarTour was so much fun I had to make one more stop before the #JOANNEWorldTour. See you at a secret location on 7/13! @BudLight,' the 31-year-old tweeted.

Surprise: Lady Gaga will make a one-night only appearance in Las Vegas on July 13 before she embarks on a 60-date world tour in support of her album Joanne

Back with Bud Light: The singer, 31, announced the news on Twitter on Thursday

Her news sent fans into a frenzy as they worried about where they should go to to try and get in on the one-night act.

The beer giant reassured them via Twitter that more details would be forthcoming in due course.

@budlight tweeted: 'Locations are on the DL for now, but we'll keep you posted!'

But where? The beer giant reassured fans via Twitter that more details would be forthcoming in due course. @budlight tweeted: 'Locations are on the DL for now, but we'll keep you posted!'

Two additional dive bar dates will take place, each featuring a different recording artist, on July 26 in Los Angeles August 30 in New Orleans.

Performances will be live streamed on Bud Lights Facebook page.

'To us, dive bars are where friendships are forged over beers and music,' Andy Goeler, vice president of Bud Light, said in a news release.

'Were thrilled to be teaming up with our friend Lady Gaga once again and were excited to bring two new musician friends on the tour with us this summer to take the tour to the next level and engage consumers everywhere.'

Gaga just finished filming a remake of A Star Is Born with Bradley Cooper and has been taking some down time with new boyfriend Christian Carino.

She kicks off her 60-date world tour in Vancouver, Canada, on August 1.
They played mother and son in ET The Extra Terrestrial in 1982.

And Dee Wallace and Henry Thomas proved they were still 'in touch' at the 43rd Saturn Awards in LA on Wednesday night.

The then-nine-year-old Thomas starred as Elliot in Stephen Spielberg's sci-fi smash, in what was only his second ever film role, while Wallace played his mom Mary.

In touch: ET co-stars Dee Wallace and Henry Thomas reunited at the 43rd Saturn Awards in LA on Wednesday night

Missing from the mini family reunion was Drew Barrymore, who played Elliot's baby sister Gertie.

The 68-year-old Wallace looked smashing on the night in a chic black dress, accentuating her youthful looks at one stage by pretending to pole dance on the red carpet.

Her on-screen boy, now 45, looked equally evergreen, complimenting her colors in a charcoal suit and black shirt.

Back at the tenth iteration of the awards ceremony in 1982, Thomas was nominated for Best Actor, losing out to William Shatner as Captain James Kirk in Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Kahn.

Baby-faced: Missing from the mini family reunion was Drew Barrymore, who played Elliot's baby sister Gertie

35 years on: The then-nine-year-old Thomas starred as Elliot in Stephen Spielberg's sci-fi smash, in what was only his second ever film role, while Wallace played his mom Mary

Regarded as one of the greatest films of all timer ET surpassed Star Wars as the highest grossing film ever when it was released, holding the record for 11 years, when it was eventually replaced by another Spielberg masterpiece, Jurassic Park.

On the night Dee and Henry flanked Gareth Edwards for a pic, who was the ceremony's big winner.

He picked up Best Director and Best Science Fiction Film for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which also took home Best Visual Effects on the night.

Missed out: Back at the tenth iteration of the awards ceremony in 1982, Thomas was nominated for Best Actor, losing out to William Shatner as Captain James Kirk in Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Kahn

Still got it: The 68-year-old Wallace looked smashing on the night in a chic black dress

Only as old as you feel: She accentuated her youthful looks at one stage by pretending to pole dance on the red carpet

Classic: Regarded as one of the greatest films of all timer ET surpassed Star Wars as the highest grossing film ever when it was released,

Flying: It held the record for 11 years, when it was eventually replaced by another Spielberg masterpiece, Jurassic Park

Star Wars Story: On the night Dee and Henry flanked Gareth Edwards for a pic, who was the ceremony's big winner; he picked up Best Director and Best Science Fiction Film for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which also took home Best Visual Effects on the night

Dr Strange took Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture, The Jungle Book was named Best Fantasy Film, while Don't Breathe clinched Best Horror.

10 Cloverfield Lane meanwhile took Best Thriller, as well as Best Actress for Mary Eizabeth Winstead, and Best Supporting Actor for John Goodman.

Ryan Reynolds took Best Actor for Deadpool, Tilda Swinton was named Best Supporting Actress for Doctor Strange, while Tom Holland won Best Performance by a Younger Actor for his turn as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War.

The Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors was honored with the Life Career Award.

Icons: The Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors, pictured with Evil Dead's Bruce Campbell, was honored with the Life Career Award

Sci fi stars: TV staple Virginia Madsen was on hand, as was The 5th Wave's Talitha Bateman

Dead men walking: The Walking Dead's Scott Gimple and Michael Cudlitz picked up their show's Best Horror Series award
She's been promoting her new film The Beguiled.

And Elle Fanning, 19, seemed to take a break from her promotional duties to spend some time in Studio City.

She was spotted leaving a studio in the Los Angeles enclave in casual oversized jeans and a T-shirt while carrying a huge bag filled to the brim.

Dressed down: Elle Fanning, 19, seemed to take a break from promoting her new film The Beguiled as she was seen leaving a studio in Studio City, California on Thursday

The talented teen looked happy and content as she left a studio in the Los Angeles suburb in baggy jeans that were being held up by a brown belt.

Elle paired the large pants with a beige T-shirt and easily slid her feet into a pair of silver slides from Schutz.

She wore her naturally blonde hair unkept and loose around her shoulders and parted in down the middle.

The fresh-faced beauty wore no makeup on her naturally lovely complexion and looked happy after a long day of work.

Heavy packer: She didn't appear to be traveling lightly though as she slung two bags over her shoulder; a large denim purse and a huge Urban Outfitters bag that looked full to the brim

She didn't appear to be traveling lightly though as she slung two bags over her shoulder; a large denim purse and a huge Urban Outfitters bag that looked full to the brim.

The Live by Night actress - who boasts 1.3M followers - recently took to Instagram to promote her latest flick The Beguiled.

The Miu Miu muse reunited with her Somewhere director Sofia Coppola for the Civil War drama, which hit limited US cinemas on June 30 and UK theaters July 14.

Elle admitted she and the 46-year-old Cannes-winning director 'blushed' while filming the scene where her rebellious student Alicia awakens Colin Farrell's Union soldier with a sneaky kiss.

Elle finished off her outfit with a pair of silver Schutz slides, and wore her naturally blonde hair unkept and loose around her shoulders and parted in down the middle

Latest project: Elle reunited with her Somewhere director Sofia Coppola for the Civil War drama, The Beguiled, which hit limited US cinemas on June 30 and UK theaters July 14

'It's good!' 19-year-old Fanning told ET on Tuesday of locking lips with the 41-year-old Irishman.

'Colin was totally comfortable and nothing weird at all. He was super cool about it and made you feel fine. It wasn't too weird, but also you are like, "Oh God, I am kissing Colin Farrell!"'

The Beguiled - also starring Nicole Kidman - is not a remake of the 1971 Clint Eastwood flick, but rather an adaptation of Thomas P. Cullinan's 1966 Southern Gothic novel.
His former flame Anita Pallenberg sadly passed away aged 73 on June 13.

And Rolling Stones icon Keith Richards was pictured for the first time since her passing as he headed to a recording studio in Manhattan, New York City on Thursday.

Putting on a brave face, the musician looked every inch the rocker as he wore his trademark trilby, with a colourful green and white striped scarf worn under it.

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Sad time: Keith Richards was pictured for the first time since the death of his ex Anits Pallenberg as he headed to a recording studio in Manhattan, New York City on Thursday

On trend as ever, The Rolling Stones icon kept off the chilly bite to the air with a camouflage print bomber jacket.

The guitarist courted the attention of New Yorkers as he wrapped up snug in a striking scarlet scarf.

Prepared for a spell of sunshine, he accessorised with a pair of mirrored sunglasses as he headed into the recording studio.

Throwback! His former flame Anita Pallenberg (pictured with Keith) sadly passed away aged 73 on June 13

Back to work: The singer looked every inch the rocker as he wore his trademark trilby, with a colourful green and white striped scarf worn under it

As for romance, the musician has been mourning the death of his former Italian born beauty Anita in recent weeks, whose cause of death is currently unknown.

In tribute, the rocker wrote on Instagram: 'A most remarkable woman. Always in my heart.'

The long term girlfriend of the musician is the mother to his three first children: Marlon, 48, Angela, 45 and Tara Jo Jo Gunne who died just two months old.

'A most remarkable woman. Always in my heart': The rocker has been mourning the death of his former long term girlfriend Anita Pallenberg in June

Revealed: The long term girlfriend of the musician is the mother to his three first children: Marlon, 48, Angela, 45 and Tara Jo Jo Gunne who died just two months old

The former flames, who were dating between 1967 and 1979, remained amicable when they split up.

Keith met Patti Hansen, 61, later in 1979 and went onto marry her in December 1983.

The married lovebirds raised two daughters together: Theordora, 32, and Alexandre, 31.

Blast from the past! Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (L-R) reunited to launch their memorabilia exhibition in London last year

Last year, he reunited with his band members Sir Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts, who have a combined age of 286.

They joined forces to launch their brand of memorabilia exhibition in London at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea.

The band put more than 500 artefacts on display until September which immortalised The Rolling Stones for hundreds of fans.

They went onto release another album together Blue and Lonesome late last year.
She confessed she felt guilty about returning to Coronation Street following her maternity leave.

And Helen Flanagan couldn't get enough of her adorable daughter Matilda as they celebrated her second birthday on Thursday.

The Coronation Street star and her family headed to San Carlo Restaurant in Manchester to mark the occasion.

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Happy birthday! Helen Flanagan couldn't get enough of her adorable daughter Matilda as they celebrated her second birthday on Thursday in San Carlo in Manchester

Resting her child on her hip, the Corrie beauty, 26, looked effortlessly elegant in a striking statement jacket complete with four gold buttons on the cuffs.

The actress dressed to impress for her daughter's big day with a flash of fuchsia pink as she stepped out in sky-scraper heels which complemented her blouse and lipstick.

Pulling out all the stops on her glamorous looks, she styled her glossy golden locks in tight corkscrew curls.

With her daughter clinging to her neck, Helen looked every inch the doting mum as she made her way home from the Pocahontas-themed party at the Italian eatery.

Doting mum! The actress dressed to impress for her daughter's big day in a striking statement jacket complete with four gold buttons on the cuffs

The birthday girl looked as cute as a button in a tangerine coloured attire and little sandals complete with tassels.

Taking to Instagram, the mum wrote: 'Happy 2nd Birthday to our beautiful amazing daughter, mummy and daddy love you more than anything.'

Helen shares two-year-old Matilda with her fiance Scott Sinclair who she has been dating since 2009.

Super cute! Helen looked every inch the doting mum as she made her way home from the Pocahontas-themed party at the Italian eatery

The happy family recently enjoyed a sun-soaked break to Mallorca where they spent quality time together.

As for the spotlight, Helen has recently reprised her role as Rosie Webster in the ITV soap.

Despite loving her high-flying career as an actress, the mum-of-one discussed how she feels guilty leaving her mum to look after her daughter.

Romance: Helen shares two-year-old Matilda with her fiance Scott Sinclair who she has been dating since 2009

Helen told OK! magazine: 'My mum is doing most of the childcare, but I did get a bit of "mum guilt" when I first had to leave her to go back to Corrie.

'Ive never felt anything like that before.

'Then I thought, Im not doing anything wrong  just because Im going to work doesnt mean that Im a bad mum.'
She is currently expecting her first child with husband Kevin Hart.

And showcasing her pregnancy figure as she enjoyed a day at the beach on Thursday, Eniko Parrish looked sensational while sporting a skimpy floral bikini.

She had joined her actor beau, 37, by the sea in Palm Beach, Florida, as the couple indulged in a spot of R&R together while soaking up the sunshine.

Baby mumma! Eniko Parrish proudly showcased her pregnancy figure as she headed to the beach in Palm Beach, Florida on Thursday with her husband Kevin

Eniko proudly flaunted her pregnancy curves as she cooled off from the searing temperatures with a dip in the sea.

The dark-haired beauty chose to don a pastel-hued patterned two-piece that paired together a halter-neck bikini top and matching bottoms.

While her top boasted a scooped neckline that stole a look at Eniko's assets, her string bikini bottoms ensured her peach posterior was firmly on display, thanks to their Brazilian cut.

Expecting: The beauty is currently pregnant with her first child and was seen flaunting her blossoming baby bump in a skimpy floral bikini

Just peachy! The pastel coloured design stole a look at Eniko's pert derriere and she appeared to go make-up free for the couple's jaunt at the beach

They tied together in bows at either hip and sat just underneath Eniko's bare baby bump which commanded attention as she paraded around on the sand - showing off her tattoo that sits on her lower stomach.

Eniko scraped her tresses back from her face and piled them on top of her head in a tousled knot.

She appeared to go make-up free for her jaunt by the beach and hid behind a pair of mirrored aviator shades.

Her beau Kevin, meanwhile, was seen quenching his thirst with a bottle of water, while choosing to go shirtless, as he and his spouse kicked back together underneath a coral parasol umbrella.

Quenching their thirst: Comedian Kevin was seen re-hydrating himself with a bottle of water as he relaxed while shirtless underneath a parasol with his wife

The Central Intelligence star is already dad to two children; 12-year-old daughter Heaven and nine-year-old son Hendrix from his previous marriage to his ex-wife Torrei Hart.

They had tied the knot in 2003, but filed for divorce in 2010, with it being finalised a year later.

Kevin went on to marry Eniko in 2016 and confirmed that the couple were expecting their first child together in May, as the US celebrated Mother's Day.

Exciting: The actor announced his baby joy via a cute Instagram post as the US celebrated Mother's Day in May

He posted a selfie of the couple cuddling up to one another and added the caption: 'We are laughing at the fact this time next year we will be celebrating her 1st actual Mother's Day. #Harts #Blessed.'

Another photo saw Eniko posing with her baby bump for a mirror selfie, with Kevin revealing the couple are expecting a little boy together.

The third and final photo in his touching post had been a scan image of their unborn child, with the words 'Miracle in the making' penned across it.

Mini-me: Kevin revealed he and Eniko are expecting a baby boy alongside a bump selfie of his wife
She was recently named the 'World's Sexiest Woman' by Maxim Magazine.

And Hailey Baldwin proved why she had earned that title, as she made a sexy statement while heading out in Soho, New York City on Thursday.

The 20-year-old model put on an incredibly leggy display in a pair of extremely short denim cut-offs, which also teased at her perky derriere.

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Pins on parade! Hailey Baldwin, 20, put on an incredibly leggy display in a pair of extremely short denim cut-offs as she headed out in New York on Thursday

The daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin stole the spotlight with her risque ensemble as she headed for a shopping trip in the Big Apple.

Hailey oozed sex appeal as she flaunted her enviably toned pins in the seriously tiny pair of shorts.

Keen on flashing more flesh, the photogenic star also showed off her impossibly flat stomach in a tiny bralet which she teamed with a biker jacket.

Completing the edgy look, the 5 ft 7 in star donned a pair of black grunge-inspired lace-up boots.

Rear she is! The daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin oozed sex appeal as she flaunted her enviably toned pins in the seriously tiny pair of shorts

Big honour: Last month, the rising star was named as Maxim magazine's World's Sexiest Woman for their annual Hot 100 issue

The blonde bombshell scraped her locks into a high top-knot and accessorised with a large gold hoop earrings and a pair of shades.

Last month, the rising star was named as Maxim magazine's World's Sexiest Woman for their annual Hot 100 issue.

And Hailey ensured to turned up the heat on the red carpet in a backless white mini dress which hugged onto the contours of her sensational figure.

Sizzling: Hailey ensured to turned up the heat on the red carpet for the Maxim bash in a white mini dress which hugged onto the contours of her sensational figure

A pair of silver statement earrings adorned her ears and matched her towering metallic platform heels that added many inches to her 5ft7in frame.

In Maxim's June/July 2017 Hot issue, Hailey opened up about life in the spotlight, saying, 'I was always the entertainer in my family.'

But even with her sexy reputation and being named the World's Sexiest Woman, she said, 'Last night, I was at my pastor's house with his wife and kids having family dinner and playing Bananagrams and board games.
She bravely revisited her own personal experiences of anorexia when she slipped into the role of an eating disorder sufferer for new Netflix film To The Bone.

And Lily Collins looked noticeably slimmer when she promoted the movie at a special screening of the film in Los Angeles on Thursday evening after revealing she 'lost weight safely' with the help of a nutritionist for the role.

The outing comes as Lily admitted her friends and family were shocked by her new appearance as she had to tell them it was for the role.

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British beauty: Lily Collins, 28, looked noticeably slimmer at the To The Bone screening in LA on Thursday... after admitting she shocked friends and family with her weight-loss for anorexia role

Shock: Lily bravely revisited her own personal experiences of anorexia as she slimmed down for the role (L) with the help of a nutritionist

The daughter of musician Phil Collins, 28, wore a burgundy dress and sky-scraper heels for the outing.

Flying the British flag for beauty in America, the Surrey native wore her brunette locks in a poker straight fashion which she scraped off her face with a neat parting.

The actress was joined by her co-star Keanu Reeves who plays the unconventional doctor who is assigned to treat Ellen (Lily) for a severe eating disorder in the movie.

Team work! The actress was joined by her co-star Keanu Reeves who plays the unconventional doctor who is assigned to treat Ellen (Lily) for a severe eating disorder in the movie

Storytelling: The film follows the story of a 20-year-old anorexia sufferer who is seen performing a string of harmful behaviour including calorie counting and obsessive exercise

Keanu, 52, looked dapper as he dressed up his plain black tee with a suit jacket and trousers to mark the occasion.

The trailer - released on Tuesday ahead of its premiere on July 14 - shows Ellen performing a string of harmful behaviours including: calorie counting, food restriction and obsessive exercise.

Lily hired a nutritionist to help her lose weight as safely as possible for her role as an anorexia sufferer.

Stunning: Lily covered up in a biker jacket as she joined the Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos at the outing

But the star was shocked when her slender frame was recently met with an unexpected positive reaction.

Speaking to NET-A-PORTER magazine, she said: 'I was leaving my apartment one day and someone Ive known for a long time, my moms age, said to me, Oh, wow, look at you!

'I tried to explain (that I had lost weight for a role) and she goes, No! I want to know what youre doing, you look great! I got into the car with my mom and said, "This is why the problem exists.'

Real life: She couldn't stop smiling in the company of screenwriter Marti Noxon who drew on her personal experiences of having an eating disorder as inspiration for the movie

Lily explained that it was a risk to remind herself of her own traumatic experiences of suffering with an eating disorder when she took on the role of Ellen.

Speaking on a recent appearance for The Today Show, she said: 'Theres always going to be that thought of stepping back into the shoes of something that wasnt positive for you may be painful.

'But that was so therapeutic for me but also to give to Ellen as the character. I suffered from an eating disorder as a teenager for quite a few years.'

Cosy! Alex Sharp wrapped his arm cosily around his co-star Lily as they posed before the event

But the rising starlet discussed how she wanted to bring attention to the 'taboo subject' as discussed how it is important to talk about eating disorders.

'This project came along on my desk when I was in the middle of writing my book unfiltered talking about my experiences.

'It was kinda like the universe saying this is something you need to talk about for yourself but also to bring to the attention of people in general,' she added.

'I was playing a character. My experiences with this were a beautiful gift to be able to give to the character.'

Together! Marti, Scott Stuber, Lily and Keanu (L-R) were excited to watch their work on the big screen
She has recently welcomed a son as a new addition to her family.

But Billie Faiers spent some quality time with her daughter, Nelly, as they enjoyed a girls' day on Thursday.

The former TOWIE star, 27, headed to the local park in Essex with her adorable tot, two, to have some fun.

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Park life! Billie Faiers spent some quality time with her daughter, Nelly, as they enjoyed a girls' day at the park on Thursday

The blonde beauty sat Nelly on her knee as she went down a slide, before whizzing her across on a zip wire.

She showed off her amazing figure in tight grey workout gear, teamed with a denim jacket.

The pair have recently been on a family holiday with family and Billie thrilled her Instagram followers with a series of swimsuit snaps.

In one snap, the reality star looked beautiful in a royal blue plunging swimsuit which showed off her pert cleavage and enviably slim waist while she enjoyed a sunshine holiday last week.

Weeeee! The former TOWIE star, 27, headed to the local park in Essex with her adorable tot, two, to have some fun and hit the slide together

Wow factor: The pair have recently been on a family holiday with family and Billie thrilled her Instagram followers with a series of swimsuit snaps

The swimsuit featured criss-cross string detailing which gave a daring flash of the star's toned midriff and her honed pins.

Billie's caramel bob was damp, no doubt from a refreshing swim, and she wore a slick of berry lipgloss on her full pout.

The former The Only Way is Essex personality later posed for a sweet snap with her lookalike daughter Nelly in matching floral print swimsuits.

Angelic Nelly, two, looked cute as a button in a red, purple, green and white swimsuit as she cracked a beaming smile.

Precious time: The former The Only Way is Essex personality later posed for a sweet snap with her lookalike daughter Nelly, two, in matching floral print swimsuits

Billie looked ecstatic to be spending time with her firstborn as she held on tight to Nelly, while clad in a tiny matching bikini which showed off the mum-of-two's honed midriff.

The flattering design perfectly offset the star's glowing tan and drew attention to her ample assets as she stood in the crystal clear water.

Her blonde bob was swept back into a chic ponytail.

Earlier this month, Billie wowed her followers when she donned a snakeskin-print halterneck bikini and gold-framed aviator sunglasses for a sweet snap with newborn son Arthur, who arrived in March.

Proud mother: Billie Faiers took to Instagram earlier this month to share a shot of herself snuggling with her newborn son Arthur on Thursday afternoon

'Snoozing with my bubba,' she captioned the image, in which she also showed just how quickly her physique has bounced back since the birth of her son.

Her snapshot comes weeks after she treated her fans to a scintillating image of herself wearing a sizzling red bikini.

Billie appeared to be proud of her slimmed-down frame in the sexy crimson two-piece as the snap was the second of its kind - shared two weeks apart - although this time she opted to bare her taut stomach.

In the latest of the shots, Billie pulled her very best pose for the camera while peeling on a pair of huge sunglasses and slicking back her blonde locks.

Displaying her eye-popping assets, she sported a sexy wraparound bikini top which displayed all the best elements of her stunning frame.

The stunning star has since been quizzed about how much weight she has lost since giving birth in March, proudly remarking: 'I'm back in my skinny jeans.'

Billie confessed in an interview with new! magazine that she isn't sure exactly how much weight she has lost since welcoming Arthur, but can tell she is definitely starting to regain her shape by fitting into her pre-pregnancy wardrobe once more.

'I'm back in my skinny jeans': The former TOWIE star, 27, was clearly proud of her frame in the sexy crimson two-piece as the snap was the second of its kind - shared two weeks apart

Falling pregnant with Arthur had seen the reality star go up a dress size from a size 8 to a size 10 and she admits that while she's on her way to regaining her shape, she still has a bit of a way to go until she is happy.

Billie claimed: 'I'm not 100 percent confident yet, I'm not as toned on my tummy as I would like to be.'

Following the weight loss she has seen already, although she admits she was 'lucky' enough not to have put on many pounds while expecting, Billie has credited her slender frame to breast feeding.

Post-baby figure: Billie has been flaunting her svelte shape on social media and has confessed she doesn't know exactly how much weight she has lost, but she is already fitting back into her pre-pregnancy wardrobe

Sensational: The former TOWIE star looked just incredible in a series of holiday snaps she uploaded to Instagram during her recent trip to Dubai

She had decided against breast feeding her eldest child, daughter Nelly, now two, as she had struggled with it.

But with the help of her sister Sam Faiers - who is a huge advocate of breast feeding and is currently trying to wean her son Paul, one, off of breast milk - Nelly has been able to do so with Arthur.

The Essex native revealed she was 'so glad' to have given breast feeding a go after becoming a mother for the second time round.

'I'm not 100 percent happy': Despite quickly regaining her shape, Billie has confessed she doesn't feel like her tummy is 'as toned' as she would like it to be

Slender: She insists she was 'lucky' enough not to put on much weight when expecting, only going up a dress size from a size 8 to a size 10

And revealing it has its perks, she added to Closer: 'You can feel your tummy almost contracting while you breastfeed.

'It's funny, but I think it'#s definitely helped me slim down.'

Now with two young children vying for her attention, Billie admitted that she is finding it 'more challenging' being a family four.

Although, she claims daughter Nelly is 'such a good big sister' and said: 'Arthur is lovely, we're getting on really well and Nelly loves him too.

'I think she thinks he's her little doll.'

Hands full: Now with two young children vying for her attention, Billie admitted that she is finding it 'more challenging' being a family four

Billie shares her two children with her fiance and long-term partner Greg Shepherd.

Her businessman beau had popped the question during Billie's first pregnancy in 2014 while the duo were holidaying in the Maldives.

And despite having their hands full with their two babies, the couple are now turning their attentions to their wedding and are hoping to set a date for their big day later this year.

Speaking to TV Life magazine, Billie divulged that the couple's wedding plans are 'coming along well' and teased that she would love to tie the knot on a beach.
When Johnny Anaya arrived at the Flagstaff Visitor Center for his 10 a.m. walking tour Saturday morning, he expected to share stories of the historic buildings and events in Flagstaff. Instead, he got a piece of his own personal history.

The last time Anaya saw Robert Schomburg was April of 1968, after the two met while in the Marine Corps. The two were both at Camp Pendleton after returning from Vietnam.

He was the chaplains assistant and I was in field communications, Schomburg said. Whenever I wasnt doing anything Id kick back and talk to him.

The two grew close, Schomburg accompanied Anaya and his family to Disneyland a few times, and Schomburg fondly remembered Anaya offering him a place to stay before he had to return to the base.

The two lost touch after Camp Pendleton, both had wives and families and moved to separate states, Schomburg to New Mexico and Anaya to Flagstaff, where he grew up.

Schomburgs wife passed away last year, and in April, he and Loretta Sprau, Schomburgs special lady friend decided to try to reconnect with Anaya.

We put his name into Google and his tours popped up, Sprau said. We finally picked a date and said Lets go.

Anaya, a historian and artist, retired from teaching about a decade ago and now gives history tours of downtown Flagstaff. He gives tours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Sprau booked the tour under her name, to try not to tip off Anaya about the surprise.

I used to tease him because he was the chaplains assistant, Schombug said. Id call and ask Is God here? and hed say God is everywhere.

So, when Anaya arrived at the Visitor Center Saturday morning, that was exactly what Schomburg asked.

Where is God? Schomburg said to his old friend, who had yet to recognize his buddy.

Whats your name? Anaya finally asked, once Schomburg had given all his clues.

When Schomburg finally introduced himself, Anayas face lit up.

What are you doing in Flagstaff? Anaya asked.

Looking for you, was the reply.

Many times I have thought of you, Anaya said, and pointed out a Marine Corps pin on his hat. Anaya said other visitors have claimed to have served with him, so he was skeptical at first.

Now that I see him, I know its him, Anaya said. Im overwhelmed. (Sprau) called me this morning, and then he starts saying things to me that are not quite what other people would say. He used to hang around with me quite a bit.

The two immediately began sharing stories of their time in the military, reminiscing back almost 50 years, when the two helped move furniture into the then brand new Camp Las Flores, and the times the two spent together in the chapel on base and at the beach.

That was about 50 years ago, but it feels just like yesterday, Anaya said. We were always going someplace.

Both men joined the Marines in 1964, when Anaya was 19 and Schomburg was 17. They were both sent to serve in Vietnam, and became friends once they returned to the United States.

Ive really missed him for a long time, Schomburg said.

Anaya, who is used to sharing history of the city, said he was shocked to have some history hit me right in the face.

This is personal history, Anaya said with a laugh.
She's newly single following her break-up with Leonardo DiCaprio.

But it's clear Nina Agdal isn't moping around following the loss of her movie star boyfriend.

Indeed the model looked positively radiant as she nipped out on a smoothie run with a male pal in New York on Thursday.

Oh boy! Nina Agdal shows off her perfect model figure as she goes braless on smoothie run with male pal in New York on Thursday

The 25-year-old Danish born beauty swung her blonde hair around as she joined her pal on the sunny street.

Her model figure was on show as Nina went braless in a black bodysuit, worn with a cross body bag, black mesh trucker hat and black pants.

Nina and The Revenant star Leo are believed to have called time on their romance in May, after a year together.

A source told DailyMail.com at the time: 'They both decided it was a good idea to break up.

'They are staying friends and are on good terms.'

Looking good: The 25-year-old Danish born beauty swung her blonde hair around as she joined her pal on the sunny street

The 42-year-old actor and the blonde beauty were first romantically linked when Leonardo invited Nina to accompany him to the Cannes Film Festival in 2016, and just a few months later the pair were snapped kissing on a beach in Malibu, California.

In July, Ninas grandmother Lona confirmed the couples relationship, and jokingly warned the actor to 'behave' around her granddaughter or else he would have to answer to her.

Lona said: 'We have not said hello to him [Leonardo] but we hope that he behaves towards her. Otherwise he will get me to deal with.

'I can tell you that it is six years since they first met, and now the relationship apparently developed.'

In great shape: Her model figure was on show as Nina went braless in a black bodysuit, worn with a cross body bag, black mesh trucker hat and black pants

Meanwhile Nina, recently admitted she was 'so scared' about having to speak English when she moved to Miami, Florida, from her hometown of Hillerd, Denmark.

She had just $40 to her name when she decided to make the move overseas.

She said: 'English was my worst subject in school. I was very shy about saying anything and was so scared. I landed with $40 and a little piece of paper with the address for the model apartment.'
The term 'cram before the exam' refers to the art of trying to fit an entire semester worth of study in, the night before a test.

Now, Chris Hemsworth has been accused of potentially performing a comparable feat in order to keep Tourism Australia happy about the $450,000 in taxpayer funds he receives to promote the country online.

After failing to tag @australia on Instagram for three months,'The Daily Telegraph theorised 'gentle encouragement' was responsible for his recent promotion 'blitz.'

Chris Hemsworth has been accused of potentially 'inundating' fans on Instagram with six promotional Australian tourism posts over a two-week period, having not done so in three months

In under two weeks, he's shared six idyllic snaps showing him basking the natural beauty of his home country, each one tagging Tourism Australia's account.

And after his stunning Spanish wife Elsa Pataky jumped on-board with a post of her own, the publication speculated that something was amiss.

They questioned if 'he was given a little gentle encouragement to hit the accelerator for the deal that saw him pocket $450,000 as Australias global tourism ambassador.'

The Daily Telegraph then reportedly contacted a government insider, who confirmed that social posts were a big part of Chris' overall deal.

The Daily Telegraph theorised his recent 'inundation' was in order to keep Tourism Australia happy about the $450,000 in taxpayer funds he receives to promote the country online

After not tagging @australia on Instagram for three months,' they questioned whether 'gentle encouragement' was responsible for his recent promotion 'blitz'

'While no one is calling up Chris Hemsworth nagging him to post, there is definitely a desire to have him posting when he is back in Australia.'

'With no posts since March, everyone was pleased to see him hit Instagram this week.'

A spokesperson for Tourism Australia then made sure to remind the publication that as far as they were concerned, Chris had been very active in promoting the country.

The Daily Telegraph then reportedly contacted a government insider, who confirmed that social posts were a big part of Chris' overall deal

The insider said: 'With no posts since March, everyone was pleased to see him hit Instagram this week'

They also noted that there is no parameters or legally binding deliverables, and that they merely encouraged their ambassadors to be as active as they like.

Most recently, Chris shared a snap of a breathtaking sunset from a northern New South Wales beach.

He was joined by his wife Elsa, daughter India Rose, five and twin boys Sasha and Tristan, three.

The post was captioned: 'Surfing, fishing, roasted marshmallows and sunsets!! What more do you want! @australia.'

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Chris Hemsworth's representatives for comment.

A spokesperson for Tourism Australia then made sure to remind the publication that as far as they were concerned, Chris had been very active in promoting the country

Most recently, Chris shared a snap of a breathtaking sunset from a northern New South Wales beach (post pictured)
Maria Fowler emphatically proved shes fully regained her pre-pregnancy body as she hit the beach with her family in Greece.

The former TOWIE star, 30, is currently enjoying a sunshine break in the picturesque coastal town of Parga, and she looked toned and trim while paddling in the surf with fiance Kelvin Batey and their baby daughter Evie.

Sporting a khaki green bikini, Maria  who gave birth nine-months ago  showed off her abs while treating her only child to a playful dip in the shallow water.

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Looking good: Maria Fowler emphatically proved shes fully regained her pre-pregnancy body as she hit the beach with her family in Greece

Joined by partner Kelvin, the couple took turns swinging the youngster above the water - much to her apparent delight.

In keeping with her beach ready look, Maria opted for limited make-up, while her brunette locks were tied into a messy ponytail.

Meanwhile long-term partner Kelvin showed off his six-pack while wading in to the ocean in a pair of colourful Bermuda shorts.

Upbeat: Sporting a khaki green bikini, Maria  who gave birth nine-months ago  showed off her abs as she waded into the shallow water

High spirits: The former reality TV star beamed as she treated her daughter to a playful dip in the surf

Three's company: Partner Kelvin soon joined his loved ones in the water

Making their way back onto the beach, the couple looked the picture of happiness while strolling close to the coastline.

But with temperatures soaring they soon found themselves beneath the shade of a waiting sun-lounger.

Settling down, they ensured Evie stayed cool buy covering her with a small towel.

I've got you: Maria looked on as Kelvin held his daughter aloft

Mother's daughter: The brunette cradled Evie, who looked adorable in a blue bathing suit and white sun hat

My turn: Maria and Kelvin took turns with their young daughter as they splashed around in the water

The couple have slipped into their role of parents with ease after they were excited to welcome their first child into the world in September 2016.

At the time of the birth, Kelvin gushed on Twitter: 'Finally got my girls home after a complicated birth.

'So proud of the both of them and thankful things are ok now. Evie Paris Batey 25/9/16.'

'To meet my soulmate & be lucky enough to start a family with her is the best thing that has ever happened to me. nothing can compare. so happy.'

Good times: The family are currently enjoying a family holiday in the Greek coastal town of Parga

Bouncing back: Maria showed off her post-pregnancy figure as she made her way back onto the beach

Apple of her her: Maria doted on her daughter throughout her latest family outing

Close: Making their way back onto the beach, the couple looked the picture of happiness while strolling close to the coastline

Relaxed: In keeping with her beach ready look, Maria opted for limited make-up, while her brunette locks were tied into a messy ponytail

Maria has previously discussed she struggled to lose her baby weight at first after she gave birth.

She told the Daily Mirror: 'You do see some stars who lose their mummy tummies crazily quickly - posing up with a flat stomach weeks after the birth.

'That wasn't the case with me. I didn't want to go too quickly because I knew that would not be healthy.

'And I wanted Evie to be rooted in any exercise that I did so I would not spend much time away from her.'

Opening up: Maria has previously discussed she struggled to lose her baby weight at first after she gave birth

That's better: With temperatures soaring the family soon found themselves beneath the shade of a waiting sun-lounger
She stepped into the role of the Today Show weather presenter at the beginning of the year.

And Natalia Cooper is certainly loving her new gig.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, the talented television journalist gushed about the program, stating: 'The Today Show is one of the best shows on TV'.

Rising star: Natalia Cooper has slotted in seamlessly to her role as the Today Show's weather presenter, and spoke to The Daily Telegraph about the job on Saturday

The 32-year-old star added that the role 'was a dream come true'.

Former weather presenter Steve Jacobs stepped down after 12 years in the job, and Natalia has seamlessly stepped into his shoes, reporting in rain, hail and shine right across the country.

The brunette has won the praise of her co-stars, including newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys.

BFFs: Co-star Sylvia Jeffreys (left) gushed over Natalia in the interview

The gang's all here! Natalia seems to have slotted in to the Today Show clique

'She brings a brilliant burst of sunshine to every weather hit and, best of all, never shys away from a challenge,' Sylvia told the publication.

She then cheekily added: 'Ses our Danger Mouse and we love her!'

Indeed, Natalia seems to have slotted in to the Today Show clique, who pride themselves on being a tight-knit team.

Fun-loving: Natalia's Instagram features a number of snaps with Richard 'Dickie' Wilkins

The weather guru frequently posts pictures posing with her co-stars to her Instagram account, including a number of comedic snaps featuring Richard 'Dickie' Wilkins.

The beauty also spoke candidly about her personal life in her interview with The Telegraph, opening up about her marriage to Carl Fox.

The couple tied the knot last year, with Natalia saying: 'I have married my best friend and hes behind me 100 per cent'.
Natalie Roser appears to have sprung back to full health in spectacular fashion.

After being released from a five-day stint at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital on Tuesday, the 27-year-old looked her busty best on Friday.

Taking to Instagram to flaunt her stunning frame in a bright yellow bikini, she hinted at a potential cure, captioning the snap: 'Got a little bit of Vitamin D today.'

Back so soon! After a hospital scare earlier in the week, Natalie Roser appears to have sprung back to health Friday, seen stunning frame in a bright yellow bikini

The Australian model's ample assets spilled out of the skimpy bikini as she struck a sensual pose at the beach.

She ran her hands through her blonde hair and offered an ecstatic smile.

Her tanned and toned torso was also on display in the vibrant two-piece.

'That's good because vit. D deficiency is seriously a problem,' a commenter wrote in reply to the beauty's snap.

'Got a little bit of Vitamin D today': In the caption, the 27-year-old Australian bikini model hinted a potential cure to her recent illness, exclaiming: 'Got a little bit of Vitamin D today'

Her in-good-health appearance was a relieving site, after the health scare Natalie experienced just days before.

She was released from Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital on Tuesday after spending five days battling an infection.

Even on Wednesday, the bikini model appeared to still be suffering from poor health.

'Here we go again at home nurse visits': She was released from Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital on Tuesday after spending five days battling an infection

The 27-year-old took to Instagram on to tell her 859,000 followers: 'Here we go again at home nurse visits.'

Natalie shared a photo of medicine, syringes, and cloths spread out on a table alongside patient tags with her name on them.

She had only recently arrived in Australia after spending time away with her actor boyfriend Harley Bonner.

Road to recovery: On Wednesday, Natalie shared a photo of medicine, syringes, and cloths spread out on a table alongside patient tags with her name on them

It was after Natalie returned that she was hospitalised for an infection, taking a makeup-free selfie from her hospital bed to alert fans.

At the time, she appeared positive about her recovery.

She wrote: 'I've spent the past four nights in at Royal North Shore Hospital battling an infection, and I am a very happy girl because I get to go home soon!'

'Nothing like a round of sickness to rebuild your motivation': Natalie appeared keen to get back to the gym this week, as she shared a throwback in activewear

New flame: Before being hospitalised, Natalie had only recently arrived in Australia after spending time away with her actor boyfriend Harley Bonner (right)
He has photographed celebrities such as Kate Moss, while she is the favourite makeup artist of Kim Kardashian.

And Mario Testino and Charlotte Tilbury have been honoured for their talents by being appointed on the culture committee of historic London nightclub Annabel's.

The celebrity favourites join CNN style host Derek Blasberg and brand consultant Hikari Yokoyama on the esteemed panel.

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A-list: Celebrity make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury (right) has been honoured for her talents by being appointed on the culture committee of historic London nightclub Annabel's

Derek, 35, who is friends with Gwyneth Paltrow, Karlie Kloss and Jessica Chastain, will also advise the club about their extensive dress code.

The American fashion writer's appointment comes amid rumours that the venue might drop its strict 'no jeans, no trainers' rule to cater to a younger crowd.

The historic club, which opened in 1963, is famously discerning about what guests can wear and has banned items such as cowboy boots, leather, sportswear or 'exposed undergarments'.

The historic club has hosted stars such as the Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Nixon.

Firm friends: Charlotte is close pals with Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian and Salma Hayek amongst others

Excited: Charlotte said: 'I am so thrilled to join this amazing committee of people on such an incredible project'

Elite: The lavish Berkeley Square basement, opened by Mark Birley in 1963, now attracts a crowd ranging from Kendall Jenner and Rita Ora. Membership costs 2,750 a year and the joining fee is 1,250 for new members

Nowadays, Annabel's is a royal haunt and is regularly visited by Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Ann.

But that is not to say the club hasn't dabbled in edgy pop culture as the exclusive venue was used for an Alexander McQueen fashion show.

The lavish Berkeley Square basement, opened by Mark Birley in 1963, now attracts a crowd ranging from Kendall Jenner and Rita Ora.

Membership costs 2,750 a year and the joining fee is 1,250 for new members.

A-list photographer Mario shot to fame in the late 1990s and shot iconic images of Princess Diana before her death in 1997.

Icon: Mario Testino is also on the committee of the favoured haunt

Social butterfly: The legendary photography counts Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne as some of his close friends

Friends in high places: He also counts Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Rita Ora and Kate Moss as members of his inner social circle

Legends: The historic club has hosted stars such as the Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Nixon

He is a royal favourite and captured the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Mario said: 'I have many fantastic memories of the nights I've spent at Annabel's, and I'm excited to be part of her next chapter.'

Charlotte said: 'I am so thrilled to join this amazing committee of people on such an incredible project. I've been visiting Annabel's ever since I was a teenager and some magical memories have been created there - I can't wait to make some more!'

Derek added: 'Over the decades Annabel's has hosted a veritable who's who of the fashion elite.

Big responsibility: Hikari, who is dating White Cube gallery owner Jay Jopling and a firm fixture on the FROW, will be tasked with finding art for the clubs walls

'It's a place that is synonymous with great taste, indulgence and fabulous style. In a place like Annabel's it's impossible to feel  and look  anything but spectacular and I'm thrilled to be offering my creative input.'

Hikari, who is dating White Cube gallery owner Jay Jopling and a firm fixture on the FROW, will be tasked with finding art for the clubs walls.

The art insider, who is half American and half Japanese, has been described as having 'the most incredible eye' by designer Erdem Moraloglu.

Man about town: The celebrity favourites join CNN style host Derek Blasberg (pictured right) and brand consultant Hikari Yokoyama on the esteemed panel
She's been busy shooting a new movie.

And Katie Holmes looked to be getting a burst of energy as she prepared for another busy day in Montreal, Canada on Friday.

The 38-year-old was spotted with a cup of coffee in hand as she headed towards a car, rocking a casual cool look.

Pep in her step! Katie Holmes got a burst of energy as she prepared for another busy day in Montreal, Canada on Friday

Katie wore a long-sleeve black top, jeans, and clean white Converse sneakers.

She wore her brunette tresses down and opted for minimal makeup upon her youthful features.

Katie accessorized with a sophisticated gold necklace and carried her black wallet.

The Dawson's Creek actress, who has 11-year-old daughter Suri Cruise from her marriage to Tom Cruise, is currently in Montreal shooting The Gift opposite Patrick Stewart.

Low-key: She wore her brunette tresses down and opted for minimal makeup upon her youthful features

All in a day's work: Holmes is currently in Montreal shooting The Gift opposite Patrick Stewart (pictured last week)

Last week the talented thespians were seen shooting scenes around the French-Canadian city.

There aren't many details about the drama, which is yet to be listed on IMDB, but does have Quebecois director Claude Lalonde 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.
Like soaps equivalent of Hotel California, you can check out of EastEnders any time you like but you can never leave. Not permanently.

This week alone Robbie Jackson, Sonia Fowler, Yolande Trueman, and Linda Carter proved that, like so many others before them.

Steven Beale made it as far as New Zealand, spending years safely ensconced there, before succumbing to the lure of Walford. Well who wouldnt?

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Back on home turf: Linda Carter was making her grand return to EastEnders on Friday night

Perhaps bringing back Lauren Branning with him helped, although he had been gay when hed left.

Despite only being in Milton Keynes, Robbie had lasted 14 years hardly ever visiting. Sonias sojourn to Kettering (without the ts) on the other hand could only been described as paffetic.

As for Linda, Micks beloved missus returned after six months inexplicable exile - in Watford - and then, after one episode, left again.

Perhaps one look at the Taylors was enough. No one could blame her for that.

He's back! Despite only being in Milton Keynes, Robbie had lasted 14 years hardly ever visiting

Back behind the bar: As for Linda, Micks beloved missus returned after six months inexplicable exile - in Watford - and then, after one episode, left again

Suddenly that much-trumpeted traditional priority faaaaamily had gone out of the window.

Incredibly the prospect of Danny Dyer in his pink dressing gown, Shirley working as a barmaid, and Abi as the cook didnt seem that appealing after all.

If she wanted to get away from them she knew where to go  back to Watford.

Even though it was at most a 20-minute drive, to the Carters Watford was another weld, an unreachable land like Londons Timbuktu or North Korea.

Linda had gone into exile there - like Watfords answer to Julian Assange. Once in, she could not come out.

Her son Lee had split up with Whitney and left home, taking his depression with him. Shirley had been tried and sent to prison, and Sylvie Carter electrocuted in the bath and buried (dead). And Linda just stayed in Watford.

Party time: Mick had gone all out, decking out the pub in cheap tat that recalled Charles wedding to Diana but to be honest, L never looked appy to be back

When the ceiling of the Queen Vic collapsed she rang up  occasionally  but when Nancy was run over in Bulgaria and Mick legged it to there (yes really) putting Shirley in charge (of a pub !) still L left them to it.

She didnt even support her precious Johnny through his finals.

I missed you, he simpered. Not enough to go to Watford.

I never got the chance to say how sorry I was about Ronnie and Roxy, Linda commiserated to Jack (a bit late), compounding her hollow words by adding: you know where we are if you need us.

Yes, in Watford

Having eschewed all these more important events the thing she had finally come back for was her 40th birthday party  held at The Vic as local by-laws required every occasion to take place.

Mick had gone all out, decking out the pub in cheap tat that recalled Charles wedding to Diana but to be honest, L never looked appy to be back.

Secret: Watching Mick and Linda in bed together after so long was so uncomfortable it was excruciating

What happened to my parakeets? she demanded, looking at the new wallpaper in the living room. Who chose it?

Whitney, Mick muttered.

That figures she said pointedly. I hardly recognise the place.

It might look different but were the same, he fumbled, crushed.

Are you? she mused, staring at him sharply. So has Whitney done anything else I should know about?

It sounded as if she knew the answer. (Whitney had snogged him. Twice. And he liked it.) Presumably she had heard about it from Lee, probably by phone rather than visit her from Dover.

Watching Mick and Linda in bed together after so long was so uncomfortable it was excruciating.

Danny Dyers body was covered in red spots (a reaction to the washing powder) and Linda was covered from head to toe in the worlds least erotic nightie.

Ouch: Danny Dyers body was covered in red spots (a reaction to the washing powder)

When he moved in to kiss her, she recoiled: Do you mind if we go straight to sleep. Ive got a splitting headache.

Shortly afterwards she received a text, ordering a cab as she got out of bed.

Mums had a fall, she explained. Ive got to go to her.

Do you want me to drive you? he offered  a crazy notion that hadnt occurred to him during the last six months. She did not.

We soon saw why. Elaine was fine, as she had clearly been for weeks if not all along, and was running a boozer of her own. Linda had been lying to Mick even more than he had to her.

Did you tell him? her mother asked.

No I couldnt, Linda sighed tearfully.

In hospital: Bizarrely Dots fall overshadowed the return of Robbie Jacksonision since introducing the Taylor family the week earlier

She hadnt been able to pluck up the courage to tell him the truth: she preferred Watford to Walford.

Sonia on the other hand was someone destined to never leave Albert Square, despite her alf-arted attempts to abandon her daughter Rebecca there.

Now she was back (again)  to be re-united with her.

What Martins trying to say is that Bex is really happy here ! argued Stacey, completely forgetting that Bex had been mercilessly bullied and miserable for months.

At least Dots accident gave Sonia the chance to lord it over her friends and neighbours chiding them for not looking out for her even though she herself was living in Kettering.

Bizarrely Dots fall overshadowed the return of Robbie Jackson, which even after only a few days already looked like ex-producer Sean OConnors worst decision since introducing the Taylor family the week earlier.

Return: Without Wellard as his foil, Robbie had grown up into a lovable idiot who just was not that lovable anymore

Without Wellard as his foil, Robbie had grown up into a lovable idiot who just was not that lovable anymore.

In fact rather than bring him back making sure he was immediately likeable, they had chosen the strange decision of making Robbie instantly unbearable instead.

He offended his only friend Martin preening about his new job as the Market Enforcement Officer and telling him: its about time Bex had a male role model she could really look up to.

As for the stall-holders, he began his bonding session, grinning maniacally, making sweeping hand gestures and winking like a crazed, kamikaze, approximation of Reggie Holdsworth doing David Brent.

Good morning Bridge Street Traders ! he rallied with Dean Gaffney gurning and grandstanding in the manner of an actor who hadnt realized he wasnt still in panto.

Awkward: In fact rather than bring him back making sure he was immediately likeable, they had chosen the strange decision of making Robbie instantly unbearable instead

Gradually you realized that the madman who had written it knew that it was terrible. But tragically, they thought that it was funny. Like Gaffney himself, they were labouring under the illusion he had any comic talent whatsoever.

They also had no concept of the fact that if the characters found him irritating the viewers would too  because he was.

Right, who wants to sum up what weve just seen? he asked after his presentation.

That was a pointless load of twaddle, summarized Donna, who actually is witty. And you are a massive waste of skin. With a bad suit and even worse hair.

Our thoughts exactly

I dont know who this bloke is but I cant say Im warming to him, concluded Kush whod never met him before.

Martin had of course and was his mate in fact, put it more concisely.

I think I hate Robbie Jackson.
Sandra Bullock's stalker has been released from inpatient treatment at a mental health facility.

TMZ reported on Friday that Joshua James Corbett, the man who broke into Bullock's home in 2014, was released from a mental health facility after receiving approval from a doctor two weeks ago.

Bullock, 52, has also been granted a permanent restraining order against Corbett, who must now stay 200 yards away from the actress until June 2022.

Released: Sandra Bullock's stalker has been released from in-patient treatment at a mental health facility and is now required to stay 200 yards away from the actress for the next five years (pictured 2015)

The request was approved by a judge after Bullock's lawyer Ed McPherson appeared in court on Friday to make the actress' temporary restraining order against Corbett a permanent one.

Bullock was granted a temporary restraining order against Corbett earlier in June, TMZ reports, and when applying for the order the actress said police had discovered a notebook at the time of Corbett's arrest in which he had allegedly written he wanted to sexually assault her, according to The Wrap.

TMZ reported that news of the release may come as a surprise to Sandra and her lawyer, who both were under the impression Corbett would remain at in-patient treatment for six months.

Corbett is now in an outpatient program and will continue to be monitored.

Being monitored: TMZ reported on Friday that Joshua James Corbett, who broke into Bullock's home in 2014, was released from a mental health facility two weeks ago after receiving approval from a doctor (pictured 2014)

In May, Corbett struck a plea deal and was released from jail, where he was being held in jail on $2.185 million bail for charges of felony stalking and burglary over the 2014 incident.

A judge ordered him to serve five years probation under the terms of the deal.

According to TMZ, he will have to attend a mental health facility for inpatient treatment, while he will be monitored by a probation officer to make sure he is taking his medication.

Hard news: TMZ reported that news of the release may come as a surprise to Sandra and her lawyer, who both were under the impression Corbett would remain at in-patient treatment for six months (pictured 2015)

In addition, the judge ruled that Corbett has to stay away from the Miss Congeniality star for 10 years.

The terrified Oscar winner, who lives with her adopted children Louis and Laila, bumped into the intruder when she was awakened by a loud noise in her home in 2014.

She was forced to hide in a closet while she guided police to her home.

Corbett was clutching a black notebook with a two-page letter to Bullock and magazine photos of the actress when he was arrested.

Horrifying: The terrified Oscar winner, who lives with her adopted children Louis and Laila, bumped into the intruder when she was awakened by a loud noise in 2014 (pictured 2016)

He was unarmed, but police later found several automatic weapons and illegal tracer ammunition in his home.

The illegal weapons were found while officers were trying to find eight legal firearms Corbett owned, but needed to surrender due to temporary restraining order issued against him.

However an appeals court later ruled Los Angeles police detectives illegally searched his home, and prosecutors were not be able to submit the as evidence at his trial.

Corbett previously expressed remorse for going to the star's home, saying during a court hearing: 'I'd already hurt somebody that I didn't intend to. I did not want to affect my family with my actions.'
Phaedra Parks is putting her latest scandal on the back-burner.

On Friday, the reality star spoke during Essence Festival in New Orleans, in the wake of getting fired from Real Housewives Of Atlanta last month.

The 43-year-old was reportedly kicked off the popular series for spreading rumors that Kandi Burruss and husband Todd Tucker were planning to drug and rape Porsha Williams.

All smiles in the wake of controversy: Phaedra Parks spoke at Essence Festival in New Orleans on Friday in the wake of her scandalous Real Housewives of Atlanta firing

The Georgia native took the stage at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center as a part of Essence magazine's Empowerment Experience.

For the event, the mother-of-two wore a navy-and-black mesh dress, paired with chunky black accessories and strappy sandals.

Mary J. Blige, Kenya Moore, Soledad O'Brien, Tina Knowles-Lawson, and more also spoke at the Festival on Friday.

Talk it out: Essence book editor Patrik Henry Bass conducted the on-stage chat with the former RHOA star

Joining the television personality's talk was Essence book editor Patrik Henry Bass.

Phaedra gushed about the event on Instagram, sharing the list of the weekend's high-profile speakers.

'Last year it was an honor for me to join the @essencefest #EmpowermentEXP Stage. Im thrilled to announce that I will return to #EssenceFest on Friday, June 30 at 2:35 PM for a sit-down with ESSENCE Editor Patrik Henry Bass. I look forward to seeing you and continuing to uplift and inspire,' she captioned it.

Speaking up: Phaedra participated in the festival's Empowerment Experience on Friday

But the University of Georgia alum has been surrounded in scandal lately.

She was fired from RHOA in May, after wrongfully saying Kandi and her husband were planning to sexually assault fellow co-star Porsha, according to TMZ.

In the wake of the controversy, Phaedra since blamed the show's production staff, claiming they fed her lies.

One last scene?: Phaedra is rumored to be filming her final RHOA scene apologizing to Porsha Williams for the show's tenth season

And this Essence Festival appearance comes just a couple weeks after rumors swirled that the scandalized star had filmed her final scene with the Bravo franchise.

All About The Tea reported that Phaedra recently taped an apology for the show's tenth season.

Porsha has reportedly agreed to shoot a sit-down conversation with her former friend for her final send-off.
Here's an issue that's not getting nearly enough attention: President Trump's assault on refugees. Not only is it bad public policy, it's a deeply immoral violation of the country's most basic values.

The refugee issue has been largely overshadowed by Trump's inflammatory attempt to bar travelers from six Muslim-majority nations -- a plan that was partly upheld by the Supreme Court. Barely noticed was the court's decision to sustain Trump's order blocking all refugees for 120 days and limiting America's annual intake to 50,000.

Immigration lawyers think they can loosen those strictures by arguing that some refugees have "bona fide" attachments, in the court's language, to American relatives and institutions. But the bottom line is clear: At a time when the global refugee crisis is worse than ever, Trump is trashing the American tradition of welcoming the world's most vulnerable outcasts.

"The court's ruling will leave refugees stranded in difficult and dangerous situations abroad," said Hardy Vieux, legal director of the pro-refugee organization Human Rights First, to the New York Times. "Many of these individuals may not have 'bona fide relationships,' but have strong reasons to look to the United States for protection."

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees documents the extent of this crisis. More than 65 million people worldwide have been forced from their homes. More than 22 million are classified as refugees, meaning they've crossed international boundaries seeking sanctuary. More than half of those refugees are children.

"The willingness of nations to work together, not just for refugees but for the collective human interest, is what's being tested today," says Filippo Grandi, the UN's chief refugee official.

The Obama administration was slow to meet that test, but greatly accelerated its efforts to help refugees during its last months in office. For the fiscal year ending last September, the U.S. accepted 85,000 refugees, and announced a target of 110,000 for this year.

The new president, by contrast, is failing Grandi's test. During Obama's final four months, the U.S. took in 32,000 refugees; during Trump's first four months, only 14,000 were admitted. Last October, 1,297 Syrians were accepted; in May, only 156. The figures for Somalis dropped from 1,352 to 294; for Iraqis, from 1,323 to 221.

Trump insists his policy protects national security. "We must keep America SAFE," he tweeted after the court decision. But there is no evidence -- absolutely none -- to support his claim that refugees pose a threat to the country's safety.

The Migration Policy Institute examined almost 800,000 refugees who have resettled in the U.S. since 9/11 and concluded: "Exactly three resettled refugees have been arrested for planning terrorist activities."

The reason is obvious, said the Institute: "The refugee resettlement program is the least likely avenue for a terrorist to choose. Refugees who are selected for resettlement to the United States go through a painstaking, many-layered review before they are accepted. ... The process typically takes 18 to 24 months, with high hurdles for security clearance."

Trump is flat-out wrong. Refugees are a benefit to the country, not a threat. A new report by the think tank New American Economy says that refugees earned more than $77 billion in household income in 2015 and paid almost $21 billion in taxes. "Rather than a drain on communities, the high rate of labor force participation of refugees and their spirit of entrepreneurship instead sustains and strengthens their hometowns," said the report.

A final point: The process of resettling refugees reflects the American virtue of community self-help at its very best. Local volunteers, most belonging to faith-based organizations, provide these refugee families with their basic needs, from jobs and rides to groceries and apartments.

In Bethesda, Maryland, the Washington suburb where we live, three different congregations -- Presbyterian, Jewish and Muslim -- jointly sponsored a refugee family from Afghanistan and raised enough money to support them for a year.

"We got pro bono help for them with medical, dental and housing," says Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer of the Bethesda Jewish Congregation. "We have 90 members between the three congregations that came together to work on this project."

Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant from Turkey, founded the highly successful Chobani yogurt business in upstate New York and employs many refugees. "The minute they get a job, that's the minute they stop being refugees," Ulukaya told "60 Minutes." "They are the most loyal, hard-working people right now in our plant here."

As we prepare to celebrate our nation's birthday, there's no doubt that Ulukaya understands the true spirit of America a lot better than Donald Trump.
Evolving terror threats have pushed the United States to implement increased security standards for all flights flying into the country, not just focusing on electronics

The United States announced Wednesday it would implement tough new security rules for all airlines flying into the country, but held off from a threatened expansion of its carry-on laptop ban.

Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly said evolving terror threats made it imperative to raise overall security standards, rather than take a piecemeal approach on personal electronics.

"Make no mistake: our enemies are constantly working to find new methods for disguising explosives, recruiting insiders, and hijacking aircraft," Kelly said.

"We cannot play international whack-a-mole with each new threat. Instead, we must put in place new measures across the board to keep the traveling public safe and make it harder for terrorists to succeed."

The move put off for the moment an extension of the ban on laptops and other carry-on personal electronics to flights from Europe, something that had been under discussion for months.

The laptop ban was instituted in March for eight North African and Middle East countries based on intelligence that the Islamic State group was working to build a bomb into a tablet or laptop computer.

For the same reason, Britain also banned similar-sized electronics from being carried into cabins on direct flights from six countries.

US Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly said in a speech that terror threats to airlines has not diminished, and he is "concerned that we are seeing renewed interest on the part of terrorist groups to go after the aviation sector"

In a speech at a conference of the Center for a New American Security, Kelly said the terror threat to airlines has not diminished.

"In fact, I am concerned that we are seeing renewed interest on the part of terrorist groups to go after the aviation sector -- from bombing aircraft to attacking airports on the ground, as we saw in Brussels and Istanbul."

He said airlines and airports around the world would have to implement a mix of new technological and physical screening methods for passengers and their devices.

- 2,000 daily flights in focus -

Homeland Security officials said the agency would issue directives to about 180 air carriers in 105 countries, including US carriers, that fly into the United States.

Collectively, about 180 air carriers operate about 2,000 US-bound flights each day, carrying some 325,000 passengers

Collectively they operate about 2,000 US-bound flights each day carrying some 325,000 passengers.

Kelly also said the United States would push harder for foreign airports to accept "preclearance" immigration operations manned by US Customs and Border Patrol officials to process US-bound passengers before they board their flights.

Such operations have already been established in 15 locations in six countries, including Canada, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.

But it raises sensitive sovereignty issues to have US law enforcement officials operate inside another country.

US officials remained vague about the specific requirements of the new program.

Airlines will be pressed to adopt a mix of new measures, including installing new screening technology, making more use of chemical sniffer dogs, and other unspecified steps.

But the precise requirements in each case would depend on individual airlines, the airports they fly from, and their current levels of security. Some will have to make only minor improvements, they said.

Asked about timeframes, officials would only say that they would give adequate time for the airlines to adapt.

"We are raising the bar globally" for security standards, said one senior official who declined to be identified.

They also said they expect nearly all carriers to be able to meet the new standards.

Those that cannot or will not, they said, would be forced to reject all passenger electronics, either in the cabin or hold of the aircraft, or may even find themselves unable to fly to the United States.
Australian Cardinal George Pell, a top aide to Pope Francis, has been charged with several sex offences in Australia

Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell said Thursday that he would return to Australia to try to clear his name after becoming the most senior Catholic cleric to be charged with criminal offences linked to the Church's long-running sexual abuse scandal.

Pell was ordered to appear on July 18 at court in Melbourne for a preliminary hearing on multiple sexual assault charges related to offences allegedly committed decades ago, when he was a senior cleric in his homeland.

Pope Francis granted Pell a leave of absence, making it clear the cardinal would not be forced to resign his post as head of the Vatican's powerful economic ministry.

Claiming he had been the victim of a campaign of "relentless character assassination", Pell vowed to beat the charges and return to work in Rome.

"I am looking forward finally to having my day in court. I am innocent of these charges," the 76-year-old said. "They are false. The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me."

In a supportive statement, the Vatican noted Francis's respect for the Australian's "honesty" and "energetic dedication" to his work on Church financial reform.

"The Holy See expresses its respect for the Australian justice system that will have to decide the merits of the questions raised," the statement said.

"Cardinal Pell has openly and repeatedly condemned as immoral and intolerable the acts of abuse committed against minors; has cooperated in the past with Australian authorities... and finally, as a diocesan bishop in Australia, has introduced systems and procedures both for the protection of minors and to provide assistance to victims of abuse."

But Marie Collins, an Irish survivor of clerical sex abuse, said Francis should never have appointed Pell, given his failure to address abuses carried out by priests under his charge.

While Pell deserves to benefit from the presumption of innocence over his own conduct, "it has been proved he is guilty of the appalling mishandling of cases of abuse when still in place in Australia and causing untold pain to the victims in those cases," Collins wrote on her blog.

- Multiple complainants -

Vatican watchers said it was unlikely Pell would ever return to his post given the time it will likely take for his case to come to trial and be completed.

The cardinal is already a year past the age at which Holy See employees are supposed to retire and suffers from a heart condition.

Pell was missing from a mass Francis gave for five new cardinals on Thursday and will not appear at any public events in Rome before his departure for Australia, the Vatican confirmed.

Police in the Australian state of Victoria said Pell had been charged with "historical sexual assault offences".

Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said there were "multiple complainants" but provided no details as to the precise nature of the charges, or the age of the alleged victims.

Pope Francis greets Cardinal George Pell (L) after mass at the Vatican in November last year. Pell is Australia's most senior Catholic.

A lawyer for two unidentified men who had made abuse claims against Pell said they were "over the moon".

"It's been very difficult for them to stick their neck out," the lawyer, Ingrid Irwin, told Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper. "To come out against someone who is second to God, in some people's minds, has caused all sorts of problems for them."

SNAP, a US-based network of survivors of clerical abuse, praised the Australian authorities' action.

"We hope it will inspire other countries to follow in their footsteps," spokeswoman Joelle Casteix said. "Sexual abuse thrives when it is allowed to flourish in secrecy."

- 'Mucked up' -

The announcement of the charges against Pell coincided with the final stages of Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse, ordered in 2012 after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations of institutional paedophilia.

The commission has spoken to thousands of survivors and heard claims of child abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools.

Pell appeared before the commission three times, once in person and twice via video-link from Rome. In one hearing, he admitted that he "mucked up" in dealing with paedophile priests in Victoria state in the 1970s.

The Pell charges stem from investigations by a police task force into allegations emanating from the Royal Commission and from a state parliamentary inquiry.

Cardinal George Pell gave evidence to Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse via video-link from Rome last year

The commission said in February that seven percent of Catholic priests were accused of abusing children in Australia between 1950 and 2010 but that the allegations were never investigated.

It found that 4,444 alleged incidents of paedophilia were reported to church authorities and, in some dioceses, more than 15 percent of priests were perpetrators.

Widespread abuse has also been uncovered in recent decades in other countries with large Catholic communities, badly tarnishing the standing of the Church in Ireland and North America in particular.

Francis came to office four years ago promising zero tolerance and an end to Church cover-ups of the kind portrayed in "Spotlight" the 2015 Oscar-winning drama about the Boston Globe's exposure of unpunished abuse in its local diocese in the early noughties.

But critics say he has made little headway, leaving the Church still reluctant to hand paedophile priests over to civilian authorities.
Li Tao (L) and Duan Rongfeng are among a new generation of gay Chinese willing to take a stand on their sexuality, despite family pressure to conform.

When Piao Chunmei's son told her he was gay, she reacted the way many Chinese parents do, sleepless and crying for days due to the lingering shame of same sex relationships in China.

But she eventually accepted her son and is now part of an expanding network of gays and their parents who help other families cope with the stress of coming out in a country which until 2001 classified homosexuality as a mental illness.

Deep-seated cultural expectations for each generation to produce a male heir -- heightened by China's "one-child policy", which expanded to two in 2015 -- added to the pressure to conform. But a new generation is more willing to take a stand on their sexuality, despite what their relatives may think.

Piao and her fellow volunteers bridge the generation gap.

"We don't want to shut them in the closet where no one can see them," said Piao, an effervescent 54-year-old who works for a Shanghai cosmetics equipment company.

Taiwan's top court recently ruled in favour of same-sex marriage, Shanghai's low-key annual gay pride festival is in its ninth year, and opinion surveys increasingly indicate greater public acceptance of China's gays.

On May 20, "Lover's Day" in China, a group of mothers, affiliated with the US-founded PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), caused a stir by appearing at a Shanghai park where parents regularly display advertisements seeking marriage matches for their heterosexual children.

The gate-crashing parents did the same for their gay children -- before police escorted them out.

But coming-out in family-oriented China remains traumatic, often tearing households apart or leading to suicides. The fears are so intense that advocacy groups estimate millions lead a double life -- hiding their identity by marrying heterosexuals.

"Family is the most important part (of coming out) in terms of our emotions, but it's the hardest area to break through," said Duan Rongfeng, a 40-year-old gay Shanghai architect.

- Bridging the gap -

Volunteers for PFLAG say they are seeing more people confident enough to come out, especially in cosmopolitan cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, which are have more relaxed attitudes than rural areas.

PFLAG organises various discreet events but earlier this month arranged its biggest yet, a four-day ship cruise from Shanghai to Japan, which organisers said drew more than 1,000 people.

The group took to sea to avoid interference from authorities, as LGBT events are often abruptly shut down.

"Having two sons is even better. My one son has turned into two," says He Fenglanm who admits she initially struggled to cope when her son Li Tao (C) told her he was gay.

But Duan, also a volunteer, estimates more than 100,000 parents and children nationwide have been helped by PFLAG's loose network, which he said is expanding to smaller cities and China's interior.

Piao's initial devastated reaction to her son's announcement reflects the lack of understanding common among Chinese parents.

She wondered whether she had caused it by giving him too much candy as a child or if he was corrupted at university or by foreigners. She asked him to seek a medical cure.

But after reading about gay suicides, she relented.

"I was afraid he would disappear before my eyes," she said.

- 'He can't change' -

Anguished parents reach out to Piao daily by phone, social media, or in person. To some, she is affectionately called "Big Sister Mei," but others accuse her of corrupting their kids.

Her unwavering message: you can't change your child's sexual identity.

"I would give my life away to make him change," she admits of her own son.

"But he can't."

Piao said most Shanghai parents eventually come around and families end up stronger, but success is less assured outside major cities.

coming-out in family-oriented China remains traumatic, often tearing households apart or leading to suicides. The fears are so intense that advocacy groups estimate millions lead a double life -- hiding their identity by marrying heterosexuals.

Fearing ostracism, Piao and her son relocated several years ago from northeastern China to Shanghai.

The support network helped He Fenglan, 55, pull out of a year-long spiral of despair after her son came out three years ago.

"The first thing I thought was, how could I face relatives? How could I face society? How could I face close friends? The problem of 'face' is very important," said He, who was "repulsed" by homosexuality.

But she added: "You see more and more gays coming out, as well as their parents. You feel you are not alone in this world."

Today she embraces her son's identity and the prospect of his relationships with a uniquely Chinese twist.

"Having two sons is even better. My one son has turned into two."
US President Donald Trump defended his decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Accord during a speech on the future of the US energy sector

US President Donald Trump on Thursday strongly defended his decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord, declaring himself "proud" of the move.

"In order to protect American jobs, companies and workers, we've withdrawn the United States from the one-sided Paris Climate Accord," Trump said to applause, during a speech on the future of the US energy sector.

"I will tell you we're proud of it," he said. "And when I go around, there are so many people that say thank you. You saved the sovereignty of our country."

"And maybe we'll be back into it someday, but it will be on better terms," he vowed. "It will be on fair terms."

Climate change has become a major bone of contention between the United States and its Western allies, and the issue is set to loom large when Trump meets Group of 20 leaders in Hamburg, Germany next week.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared headed for a collision course with Trump, vowing Thursday to seek a clear commitment to fight global warming from at the July 7-summit, and calling the 2015 Paris deal "not negotiable."

The Paris Agreement commits signatories to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, which is blamed for melting ice caps and glaciers, rising sea levels and more violent weather events.

Trump -- who on the campaign trail labeled climate change a Chinese hoax -- on June 1 announced America's shock withdrawal from the accord, which he dubbed a "bad" deal.

The United States is the world's second largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China.
A study on the impact of climate change in the US predicts economic change could migrate from the relatively poor and hot South and Midwest to the North and West

If the United States fails to take decisive measures to combat climate change, it will become a poorer country facing more dramatic inequality, according to a study.

The poorest third of US counties could see income drops as great as 20 percent if current trends continue, according to the worst-case projection of the study, published in the journal Science.

An interdisciplinary team of climatologists and economists based its findings on economic models and 116 projections of the impact of climate change.

The study comes just weeks after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris accord aimed at combating climate change.

The pact to limit global warming

His move drew intense international criticism, but Trump insisted on Thursday he was "proud" of having pulled out from the agreement, saying the move would save US jobs and protect American sovereignty.

The new study, however, predicts large-scale economic losses and potentially the greatest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in American history, according to Solomon Hsiang, professor of public policy at the University of California at Berkeley, the study's principal author.

Southern states and those in the lower Midwest that already tend to be hot and relatively poor have the most to lose if economic activity migrates to the North and West, the study said.

"In the absence of major efforts to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience, the Gulf Coast will take a massive hit," said Robert Kopp, a professor of Earth and planetary sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick in New Jersey, a co-author of the study.

"Its exposure to sea-level rise -- made worse by potentially stronger hurricanes -- poses a major risk to its communities," he said.

"Increasingly, extreme heat will drive up violent crime."

Hsiang said climate change would seriously affect Americans' economic potential for decades to come.

Some regions stand to gain, however.

Cooler and richer counties, along the northern border with Canada and in the Rocky Mountain area, could benefit as the costs of medical care, agricultural products and energy decline.

The study team analyzed the potential impact of rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, more intense storms, and continuing sea-level rises on a wide array of fields, including agriculture, criminality, health, energy demand, the labor market and coastal economies.

The researchers estimate that for each 0.55 degree Celsius of global warming, the US economy will lose about 0.7 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with each additional degree of warming costing more than the one before.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte swept to an election victory last year largely on a pledge to wipe out his nation's illegal drugs trade within three to six months

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte marks his first year in power on Friday. Here are key numbers that help explain key events and issues surrounding his presidency:

- 3,171 -

The number of people police have reported killing as part of Duterte's controversial campaign to eradicate illegal drugs from society.

Philippines drug war

Duterte has made his so-called "drug war" the top priority of his first year in office, saying that otherwise the Philippines will become a narco-state.

Critics allege that Duterte has unleashed a campaign of mass murder by police and unknown assailants, urged on by the president who said he would be "happy to slaughter" millions of addicts.

While the government does not keep count of vigilante killings, it has recorded 2,098 "drug-related" homicides over the past year and 8,200 other violent deaths that are under investigation.

- 75 -

Percent of adult Filipinos who are satisfied with the Duterte administration's performance, according to the latest nationwide public survey conducted by an independent research institute from March 25 to 28.

Only nine percent said they were dissatisfied, according to the survey, showing that many Filipinos back Duterte and his drug war tactics.

- 6.4 -

Percentage economic growth in the first quarter of the year. Although this was below many analysts' expectations and the lowest quarterly expansion in a year, the Philippine economy remained one of the fastest growing in Asia Pacific.

Analysts have praised Duterte for tasking reputable figures with stewardship of the economy. They expect the Philippines will continue to be one of the region's best performers. The government is aiming for growth of 6.5-7.5 percent this year.

- 24 billion -

Amount of money in US dollars that Duterte has said will come from China due to his efforts to improve bilateral ties that soured under his predecessor over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The figure includes $15 billion in investments and $9 billion in soft loans that were committed during Duterte's visit to China last year.

However critics say the actual money hasn't come in yet and there are fears the country will not really benefit due to issues such as corruption, lack of transparency and hidden conditions that will favour China.

Analysts also fear that Duterte is yielding the Philippines' claims in the South China Sea to China in exchange for the money.

- 422 -

Number of people -- militants, soldiers and civilians -- authorities have reported being killed in fighting between Islamist militants and government forces that began on May 23 in the southern city of Marawi.

The fighting, which continues, has been the biggest crisis for Duterte as president. Duterte declared martial law across the southern Philippines, home to 20 million people, in response to the fighting. He said the militants were trying to establish a caliphate in the south for the Islamic State group.
A picture taken on June 11, 2017 shows a church in the village of Ein Qiniye in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights

When about a hundred Arab Christians recently attended the small church at Ein Qiniye in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, it was a turnout not often seen there.

Few Christians remain on the Israeli-held part of the strategic plateau northeast of the Sea of Galilee, where Christians believe Jesus walked on water.

Only two isolated Christian families still live there, according to the families themselves and a researcher on the Golan Heights.

Their churches open only on rare occasions, such as for a recent solidarity visit by Arabs from the Israeli cities of Haifa and Nazareth.

Without such visits and the perseverance of the Adibs, the last Christian family left in the village of Ein Qiniye, the Maronite church perched on hills overlooking the Sea of Galilee would have faded into oblivion.

Assaf Adib, 57, speaks during an interview in the village of Ein Qiniye in the occupied Golan Heights on June 11, 2017

Israel seized 1,200 square kilometres (460 square miles) of the Golan from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.

Before that, says Assaf Adib, 57, about 600 Christians and 300 Druze lived in the village but with the outbreak of war most of the Christians fled westward to the disputed Shebaa Farms area along the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire line.

In Ein Qiniye today, he says there are 1,800 Druze -- an offshoot of Shiite Islam -- while the Christian population has shrunk to the 12 members of his family.

Some of his close relatives moved a short distance north to the Golan Druze town of Majdal Shams, Adib said.

"My father and my uncle followed the Druze families and went to take refuge in Majdal Shams."

Worshippers attend mass at a church in the village of Ein Qiniye in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on June 11, 2017

They were allowed to return to Ein Qiniye with the Druze after the war but the other Christians were unable to get back home and were left in Syria or Lebanon.

Around 510 square kilometres of the Golan remain today under Syrian control.

Syria and Israel are still technically at war, although the border was largely quiet for decades until 2011, when the Syrian civil war broke out.

Suriya Samaane, 72, is a member of an Israeli Christian support group from the Galilee which makes occasional solidarity visits to keep the little hilltop church going.

"We come from Nazareth to support the Christian presence in Ein Qiniye," she told AFP outside the building after attending mass.

- 'No future' for Arabs -

In Majdal Shams, Orthodox Christian Ibrahim Nasrallah, 80, recalls the time before the war, when "no one spoke of Christian, Muslim or Druze: we were all Arabs first and then Syrians," he told AFP. "Thirdly we were Christians."

Worshippers attend mass at a church in the village of Ein Qiniye in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on June 11, 2017

"Before 1967 Christians left Majdal Shams to work in Quneitra," he said, referring to the nearby once-prosperous provincial capital in southern Syria now torn apart by the civil war there.

"The most educated went to Damascus," Nasrallah said, adding that two of his children have resettled inside Syria but he will remain where he is.

"Outside Majdal Shams I am like a fish out of water. I will not leave until I die."

Before the occupation, Christians accounted for 12 percent of the population of the Golan, which then had 340 villages and 150,000 inhabitants, according to researcher Salmane Fakhreddine.

Today, about 22,000 Syrian Druze live on the Israeli-controlled side of the Heights as well as 25,000 Israeli settlers who moved in after 1967.

In Majdal Shams, the only church is closed and has long since fallen into disrepair.

"When my father died the priest had to come to our house to perform the funeral mass," Nasrallah said.

Ibrahim Nasrallah, 80, recalls the time before the war, when "no one spoke of Christian, Muslim or Druze"

He was then laid to rest in a cemetery shared by Druze and Christians among pine trees.

"In 1984 when we had my son Iyass baptised we got the Israeli authorities to open the Banias church," south of Majdal Shams, Nasrallah added.

Iyass worked in Haifa for a time but eventually moved to Germany.

Back home for a visit, he is convinced he made the right decision in leaving the region.

"There is no future for the Arabs," he said.
Rodrigo Duterte ends his first year as Philippine president hugely popular, taking Filipinos on a promised "rough ride" of drug war killings and foreign policy U-turns

Rodrigo Duterte ends his first year as Philippine president on Friday as a hugely popular leader, after taking Filipinos on a promised "rough ride" of drug war killings and foreign policy U-turns.

Duterte has been heavily criticised for his unprecedented crackdown on drugs, which has claimed thousands of lives, and he marks 12 months in office enduring the biggest crisis of his rule as Islamist militants occupy parts of a southern city.

The 72-year-old has also upended decades of foreign policy stability, launching verbal bombs against traditional ally the United States while steering the Philippines closer to authoritarian regimes in China and Russia.

Yet an overwhelming majority of Filipinos support him, according to a series of surveys by pollsters over the past 12 months, with the most recent one showing 75 percent were satisfied with his administration's performance.

"People like the man," Ricardo Abad, head of sociology and anthropology at Ateneo University in Manila, told AFP, referring to Duterte's decisive leadership style.

"People may disagree with his policies, or are maybe ambivalent towards them, but because they like him, people will tend to give him the benefit of the doubt."

Many people overseas know Duterte for his apparent joy in prosecuting his drug war -- he said he was "happy to slaughter" millions of addicts -- as well as gutter language in which critics are frequently called "sons of whores".

Philippines President Rodridgo Duterte has been heavily criticised for his unprecedented crackdown on drugs, which has claimed thousands of lives

But many Filipinos look past the crass talk and see a down-to-earth, anti-establishment figure who empathises with their struggles and is willing to take extreme actions to make dramatic change across all sectors of society.

"He brought an entirely new style of leadership, which people probably thought we needed," Edmund Tayao, a political science professor at the University of Santo Tomas, told AFP.

- Rough ride -

In his inauguration speech, Duterte typically sought not to sugarcoat his plans for the Philippines.

"The ride will be rough. But come join me just the same," Duterte said.

The roughest part of the ride had for most of the past year been his crackdown on drugs.

Police killed 3,171 drug suspects, according to official figures.

Unknown assailants killed another 2,098 people in drug-related crimes, while there were 8,200 more murders with no known motive, according to the police.

Philippines drug war

Rights groups and other critics warned Duterte may be orchestrating a crime against humanity, alleging he had unleashed corrupt police and vigilante death squads on a campaign of mass murder.

Duterte had made the drug war the top focus of his presidency until May 23, when gunmen rampaged through the southern city of Marawi flying black flags of the Islamic State group.

He immediately imposed martial law across the southern third of the Philippines, home to roughly 20 million people, to quell what he said was an IS bid to establish a local caliphate.

But despite a relentless bombing campaign backed by the United States, Duterte's military has been unable to dislodge the militants. The fighting has claimed more than 400 lives, according to the government, and it shows no signs of ending.

- Super majority -

Many Filipinos look past their leader's crass talk and see a down-to-earth, anti-establishment figure who empathises with their struggles

Another example of Duterte's popularity is his "super majority" in the lower house of congress, where there are just seven opposition members in the 296-member chamber.

Even one of the opposition lawmakers, Edcel Lagman, offered grudging praise this week.

"Despite his unpresidential demeanour, profane language, abusive rhetoric and flawed policy statements, President Rodrigo Duterte, in his own inscrutable way, has held the nation together," he said.

But Lagman said, with Duterte's promises of "change" yet to become reality, his popularity had started to slide.

If that is happening, Duterte's "super majority" could fall apart.

In the Philippines, lawmakers from parties across the political spectrum typically flock to a popular president in the early stages of his or her term.

But the politicians, driven by self-interest rather than ideology, have also in the past quickly jumped off the bandwagon when approval ratings dropped.
British and Irish Lions player Mako Vunipola (C) was born in New Zealand and used to aspire to be an All Black

Wellington may be far-flung for most British and Irish Lions but for huge prop Mako Vunipola, who grew up dreaming of being an All Black, it is a return home.

Vunipola, who will pack down against Owen Franks in the second Test at Westpac Stadium on Saturday, was born in Wellington 26 years ago and with his size and skills could well have been an All Black had his family not moved to Britain.

The powerful, 121 kilo (19st) loosehead recalled Friday how, in his younger days, he always imagined himself as an All Black, and rampaging Jonah Lomu in particular.

"I wasn't that old, maybe eight or nine. When I was growing up I used to watch the All Blacks and be in love with them, mostly because of Jonah Lomu obviously him being Tongan heritage.

"I always wanted to be like him. Being born in Wellington as well. I had a lot of family over here. This is actually the first time I've been back since I left as a child."

With his size, even as a youngster, Vunipola was steered towards the front row by his father, former Tonga captain Fe'ao Vunipola, who likened him to ironman All Blacks prop Olo Brown, who played 56 Tests in the 1990s.

But that was lost on a boy who only had eyes for Lomu, the phenomenon who died two years ago following a kidney ailment.

"He used to joke around calling me the next Olo Brown when I was younger. I didn't have clue who he was," Vunipola said.

Although England prop Vunipola is a popular member of the Lions, video footage emerged several days after the first Test showing him grabbing Franks between the legs in a scrum.

The incident went unnoticed by the referee and there were no complaints from Franks.

Vunipola said it was not malicious as he was just trying to bind to avoid being penalised.

"Either I bind there or I drop my arm and it's a penalty to them so I'd rather grab them (testicles) than grab nothing."
Egyptian cleric Abu Omar was kidnapped in Italy in 2003 before being transferred to Egypt, where his lawyers say he was tortured

A former CIA agent who was found guilty of kidnapping an Egyptian imam by an Italian court more than a decade ago said Thursday she intended to return to Italy to face her sentence, but hopes to avoid prison.

Sabrina de Sousa, who holds dual American and Portuguese nationality, said she would leave Portugal to face the Italian courts over the abduction of radical preacher Abu Omar from a Milan street in 2003 in an operation allegedly led jointly by the CIA and the Italian intelligence services.

She has already gone on trial in absentia along with 22 others in what were the first legal convictions in the world against people involved in the CIA's extraordinary renditions programme that followed the September 11, 2001 attacks.

"I'm going back to Italy next week to serve a sentence that will be determined by the Italian courts," 60-year-old de Sousa told AFP, saying she hoped to be released on parole and carry out community service.

At the end of February, Italian President Sergio Mattarella granted her "a partial pardon of one year's imprisonment", reducing her jail time to three years of a lenient form of sentence that does not necessarily need to be served behind bars and allows the convict to work.

Italy then withdrew the European arrest warrant issued after her arrest in October 2015 at Lisbon airport.

In an email sent from the US, where she just had surgery, de Sousa said even if she were able to do her community service in Portugal she "would have reason to be very concerned about what would happen to me".

"Portugal after all threw me in prison for 10 days with no plausible reason for doing so".

Omar was kidnapped on February 17, 2003, before being transferred to Egypt where his lawyers say he was tortured, in a case that highlighted the controversial secret renditions of suspected radicals by the United States and its allies.

"This operation was approved by the highest levels of the US government," said de Sousa.

"What US officials in Washington and some in the Italian Government were told was that Abu Omar was a dangerous terrorist; and with that justification the CIA chief in Rome obtained the necessary approvals," she added.

"This obviously turned out not to be the case and Abu Omar was released from an Egyptian prison. As with most cover-ups lower level officers like myself end up paying the price for decisions for which we had no input."
If its the last day of June in Flagstaff, then its time to roll out the red, white and blue.

Those colors used to be reserved just for the Stars and Stripes. But fashion has caught up to Old Glory, and this coming holiday weekend will no doubt see Flagstaff awash in patriotic dress and decorations.

Last weekend was a preview of how the Mountain Town does summer, holiday or not. On Saturday alone, the choices included the rodeo, a folk festival, Pride in the Pines, mariachi dancers and an outdoor expo. And dont forget Movies on the Square after dark.

And did we mention most motels had No vacancy signs out front? When it hits 116 degrees in Phoenix, its hard to keep Flagstaff a secret in the summer (even if we topped 90 degrees for seven straight days).

So this weekend, expect more of the same, but in spades. Music will be in the air, with a kickoff concert by the Cadillac Angels in Heritage Square Friday night and a concert Tuesday afternoon by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Both are free, so arrive early.

And then theres art  as in Art in the Park (Wheeler, that is) through Sunday, and the Hopi Festival at the Museum of Northern Arizona through Sunday. Movies on the Square is screening Moana on Saturday night and Babbitt Ford is hosting a classic car show Sunday.

On Monday, Flagstaff jumps the gun on Independence Day with fireworks at Continental Country Club after a day of live music, picnicking and kids games  called Lights on the Lawn.

Then on July 4th, there are two footraces at 7 a.m., a band concert at 8:30 in Heritage Square and the annual Chamber of Commerce parade at 9. Attendance has been climbing from 10,000 past 15,000 to an estimated 20,000 in recent years  even finding a spot with a good view to stand, much less sit, can be a challenge. Organizers assure us that the Beaver Street construction will not disrupt the route, which goes south on Beaver starting at Elm, east on Aspen and north on San Francisco back to Elm. If you miss it or want more, there are also parades in Parks and Munds Park later in the day.

And as mentioned above, the FSO will perform the annual free Independence Day Concert, a Flagstaff tradition dating back more than a century, at Fort Tuthills Pepsi Amphitheater. Gates open at 2  bring a blanket and stretch out on the lawn.

And that night, there will be more fireworks in Williams, Winslow, Page and Twin Arrows. And as a bonus this year, the forecast is for perfect outdoor weather, with the monsoon slated to start after everyone is back to work Wednesday. Remember, though  no private fireworks or charcoal barbecues during Stage 2 fire restrictions.

For a detailed listing of holiday weekend events, check the Daily Almanac on Page A2 or visit our online calendar at www.azdailysun.com.
Hong Kong remains in lockdown for Chinese President Xi Jinping's landmark trip to the city, marking 20 years since it was handed back to China by Britain

China's President Xi Jinping will want for nothing during his three-day visit to Hong Kong after taking over two entire luxury hotels with more than 1,300 rooms between them.

The glitzy harbourfront Grand Hyatt and Renaissance, in the business and commercial district of Wan Chai, are usually bustling with guests as well as visitors to their popular bars and restaurants.

But now all entrances are blocked by metal barricades or guarded by security as the politically turbulent city remains in lockdown for Xi's landmark trip to mark 20 years since it was handed back to China by Britain.

Xi checked in Thursday and will leave Saturday, with it unclear who is footing the extensive room bill.

Local media said he would stay in the lower-profile four-star Renaissance for security reasons, with the five-star Hyatt for his entourage.

Staying at the Renaissance reportedly costs as much as HK$28,000 ($3,586) per night, with the presidential suite including living and dining rooms, a conference room, and a marble bathroom.

A presidential suite at the Grand Hyatt costs three times as much, according to local media, with guests asked to call direct to organise bespoke facilities. One high-end suite at the hotel comes equipped with a giant glass-walled infinity bath and in-room spa treatments, according to the website.

Booking out both hotels for two nights at even the most basic standard room rate would be worth more than five million Hong Kong dollars -- over 700,000 US dollars.

The Grand Hyatt confirmed to AFP that "one group of people" had booked out all its rooms, while the adjacent Renaissance would not comment on arrangements.

High-profile visitors usually choose the Hyatt, but stop short of booking out the whole hotel and the one next door.

The hotels are next to the convention centre which is the focal point for the anniversary celebrations and is protected by a massive security cordon, including machine-gun toting police officers and two-metre high (6.56 feet) waterfilled barricades.

Authorities are anxious to keep protesters away from Xi, who is visiting for the first time since he became leader in 2013, as political tensions remain high and concerns grow Beijing is threatening the semi-autonomous city's freedoms.

The nearest protest area to the hotels is almost 500 metres (1,640 feet) away and the famous Victoria Harbour has become a restricted flying zone.

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Er...no, you can't bring that in here. Fruit was on the list of things reporters were not allowed to take to a military parade where Chinese President Xi Jinping was inspecting the troops in Hong Kong

Opium, umbrellas and fruit were all banned for reporters covering Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to a military parade in Hong Kong on Friday, on a peculiarly exhaustive list of items considered too dangerous to bring along.

Xi was visiting a People's Liberation Army airfield in northern Hong Kong, one of the most highly anticipated events during his landmark three-day visit to mark 20 years since the city was handed back to China by Britain.

Ahead of the parade, journalists were sent written instructions spelling out security measures which included 14 categories of prohibited accessories.

Some were to be expected: weapons, lighters, blades.

Others less so.

Cyanide, opium, morphine and heroin, were specifically off limits under the categories "toxic substances" and "addictive narcotics".

Animals, plants, drinks, food and fruit were also out.

Those who wanted to look their best for Xi may have had trouble as cosmetics and deodorant were banned because they contained liquid.

Troublingly for reporters, whose stock-in-trade is writing things down, pens were also verboten.

Umbrellas were given their own separate category on the blacklist -- they became symbolic of the city's pro-democracy movement, dubbed the "Umbrella Revolution", in 2014.

Reporters were supplied with approved pens and umbrellas were issued in PLA goodie bags, used by many of those watching to shade them from the blazing sun.

The military said in a statement that the items had been banned to "ensure security".
India is bracing for upheaval as it storms ahead with its most ambitious economic reform in decades

Indian opposition parties vowed Friday to boycott the launch of a new new national tax, adding to the strain ahead of the country's biggest ever fiscal reform.

Businesses are bracing for upheaval as India rolls out the long-awaited goods and services tax (GST) with the aim of transforming the nation of 1.2 billion people and its $2 trillion economy into a single market.

The main opposition Congress party dismissed the tax launch event at midnight on Friday as a "publicity gimmick".

Other parties said they would join a boycott of a special sitting of the two parliament chambers -- to be held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the tax takes effect.

There have only been three previous midnight sittings of parliament in India's history, to mark its independence in 1947 and the 25th and 50th anniversaries.

Congress said the nationalist government was "insulting the very memory of India's freedom struggle and the sacrifices associated with it".

Rashtriya Janata Dal party spokesman Manoj Kumar Jha said the party would "boycott this mega spectacle of optical illusion."

"Though we have been in favour of GST, we believe there are pressing concerns, particularly among the small and medium level traders and manufacturing units, which remain unaddressed," he said.

- Tax on 'sin' -

The GST will start Saturday even as businesses complain they are ill-prepared for the massive changes about to ripple through India's unwieldy economy.

The government promises the new regime will simplify trade by replacing more than a dozen levies with one tax, combat corruption and enrich state coffers by bringing the informal economy into the digital era.

Most economists agree the reform -- first proposed in 2006 -- is long overdue, but warn the initial shock to the economy is likely to drag, rather than stoke, growth in the short term as businesses adjust.

There are already signs the transition could be rocky.

Some industries are on strike, others fear an avalanche of paperwork, while some retailers remain unclear about what to charge.

Textile workers have been staging protests in New Delhi and other cities in the run-up to the launch.

On Friday the Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, a national traders association that claims 60 million members, called for a day long strike to protest the GST.

"Since August last year we have put forward our demands on GST but the government has never responded," national secretary general Vijay Prakash Jain told AFP. "We told the government, either fix this, or we will strike."

Some of its demands include a rollback of taxes on textiles and packaged grains, and a switch to quarterly filing of tax returns instead of the monthly record mandated under the GST.

It took more than a decade to get the GST through parliament and bickering over the particulars now means there are four tax rates -- 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent -- instead of one as originally envisioned.

So-called "sin" goods like tobacco will be slapped with extra levies, while states will still be allowed to separately tax some products including alcohol, petrol and aviation fuel.

The sweeping reforms comes less than a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew India's largest banknotes in a sudden move designed to outmanoeuvre tax cheats. The action was blamed for a crippling cash shortage and slowing growth.
Tents in a Syrian refugee camp outside Arsal in eastern Lebanon on June 14, 2013

A girl died and seven Lebanese soldiers were wounded on Friday when five militants blew themselves up and a sixth threw a grenade during army raids on two refugee camps near the Syrian border.

Four of the suicide bombers struck in the Al-Nur camp near the border town of Arsal, the army said. A young girl, whose parents are both refugees, was killed and three soldiers wounded.

A medical source in the provincial capital Baalbek said the girl was two and a half years old.

Troops recovered four explosive devices.

During a raid on Al-Qariya, another camp near Arsal, one militant blew himself up and a second threw a grenade at troops, wounding four of them.

The civil war, which has raged in Syria since March 2011, has triggered an exodus of more than 1.1 million refugees into neighbouring Lebanon and has repeatedly spilt over.

The raids were aimed at "arresting terrorists and seizing weapons," the army command said.

A military source told AFP that troops made a number of arrests.

"The objective of the operation was to arrest a wanted man and it was this man who was the first to blow himself up," the source said.

A leading Syrian opposition body late Friday accused the Lebanese army of violating refugee rights.

"The National Coalition strongly condemns the systematic attacks today against refugee camps in Arsal... during which (refugees) were humiliated and treated like hostages," a statement said.

"We ask the Lebanese authorities to provide the necessary protection to Syrian refugees according to international humanitarian law," the National Coalition said.

There have been multiple clashes along the border between the Lebanese army and jihadists of the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda.

In August 2014, the army clashed with jihadists of IS and Al-Qaeda's then Syria affiliate Al-Nusra Front in the Arsal region, with militants kidnapping 30 Lebanese soldiers and policemen as they withdrew back along the border.

After long and arduous negotiations, 16 of the kidnapped men were released in December 2015 in exchange for Islamist prisoners held in Lebanese jails.

The jihadists executed four of their hostages while a fifth died of wounds he suffered in the initial Arsal clashes, leaving nine members of Lebanon's security forces still in their hands.

Since 2014, both the Lebanese army and Shiite militant group Hezbollah have carried out attacks on Syria-based jihadists in eastern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has intervened in the war in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad, sending tens of thousands of fighters.

Its strongholds in Lebanon have been hit by several deadly attacks claimed by IS.
Japan has unveiled ambitious plans to put an astronaut on the moon around 2030 under new proposals from the country's space agency.

Japan has revealed ambitious plans to put an astronaut on the Moon around 2030 in new proposals from the country's space agency.

This is the first time the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has said it aims to send an astronaut beyond the International Space Station, an agency spokeswoman told AFP on Friday.

The idea is to first join a NASA-led mission in 2025 to build a space station in the moon's orbit, as part of a longer-term effort by NASA to reach Mars.

Tokyo hopes that contributing to the multinational mission and sharing Japanese technology will land it a coveted spot at the station, from which it could eventually send an astronaut to the Moon, the spokeswoman said.

The plan was presented at an education ministry panel this week, with a more formal blueprint expected next year, according to public broadcaster NHK.

The announcement comes as China and India develop their space programmes.

In November, China's Shenzhou-11 spacecraft returned to Earth, bringing home two astronauts from the rising power's longest-ever orbital mission.

Beijing has also unveiled illustrations of a Mars probe and rover it aims to send to the Red Planet at the end of the decade.

NASA and other global space agencies are working hard on sending astronauts to Mars by the 2030s.

In March, the US Congress passed a bill -- signed by President Donald Trump -- directing NASA to send a manned mission to Mars in 2033.
China slammed the US decision to slap unprecedented sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash, a move that came after US president Donald Trump said Beijing's efforts to put the brakes on Pyongyang's nuclear drive had failed

China slammed the United States on Friday for its decision to slap unprecedented sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash.

"We urge the US side to stop their wrongful actions on this issue to avoid any effect on other cooperation issues," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters during a regular press briefing.

"We have stressed many times that we firmly oppose any unilateral sanctions," he said, adding that Beijing had "comprehensively implemented" all UN Security Council measures on Pyongyang.

The comments followed a Thursday decision by the US Treasury Department to sever the Bank of Dandong from the US financial system for acting "as a conduit for illicit North Korean financial activity."

The bank, it said, had been "facilitating millions of dollars of transactions for companies involved in North Korea's WMD (weapons of mass destruction) and ballistic missile programs."

The department also sanctioned two Chinese individuals said to have established front companies to facilitate financial transactions for North Korea, and a Chinese shipping company accused of helping to smuggle banned luxury goods into the country.

The decision came after US president Donald Trump said Beijing's efforts to put the brakes on Pyongyang's nuclear drive had failed.

In a tweet, he thanked his counterpart Xi Jinping for his work on the issue, but concluded that Chinese actions had "not worked out."

Speaking Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters that the sanctions were "not directed at China, this is directed at a bank, as well as individuals and entities in China."

Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang to curb its nuclear ambitions. His administration has said military action was a possibility.

The announcement came on the same day that it emerged the Trump administration had approved $1.3 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as a breakaway province.
Jay Z revealed his mother is a lesbian on his new album 4:44.

The superstar made the revelation about Gloria Carter in the lyrics to the soulful track Smile.

'Mama had four kids but she's a lesbian / Had to pretend so long, that she's a thespian,' raps Jay-Z, who has spoken of how his father's absence contributed to his troubled youth in public housing in Brooklyn.

'Don't matter to me': Jay Z reveals his mother Gloria Carter is a lesbian on new album 4:44; the two are pictured together in 2011

'Don't matter to me if it's a him or her / I just want to see you smile through all the hate,' he raps.

In doing so the husband of Beyonce confirms for the first time hushed rumors about his mother's sexuality. He also explains how she turned to substances to cope with the stigma.

Smile opens with a snippet from Stevie Wonder and closes with a poem by Gloria herself, who recites: 'The world is changing and they say it's time to be free / But you live with the fear of just being me.'

Jay-Z, like many rappers of his generation, employed homophobic slurs in his early music but was also one of the first prominent voices in hip-hop to speak out in favor of gay rights.

Family matters: Jay also refers to wife Beyonce in his music

Jay-Z elsewhere throws veiled barbs at other rappers including onetime protege Kanye West, who last year ranted against Jay-Z and in support of then president-elect Donald Trump before entering a hospital.

The rapper has especially harsh words for the estate of pop icon Prince, a longtime rebel in the music industry who had signed a deal with Tidal shortly before his death.

He denounces the 'greedy bastards' who have commercialized Prince with moves such as bringing his catalog onto leading streaming service Spotify.

Close: Jay Z, left, is seen with his mother, right, and wife Beyonce in 2010

'I'm surprised you ain't auctioned off the casket,' Jay-Z inveighs.

But Jay-Z's mind on 4:44 is more on his own 'legacy' - which is the title of the last song in which the 47-year-old addresses his children, vowing that the family's fortune and philanthropy will outlive him.

'I'd like to see a nice peace fund / Ideas for people who look like we / We going to start a society within a society.'
Chinese and Indian troops pictured at the Nathu La border crossing between the two countries

India condemned a new road that China is building on the rivals' Himalayan border on Friday, saying it raises "serious security" concerns.

The two sides are trading increasingly stern diplomatic warnings over the new hotspot, a remote scrap of territory where the frontiers of China, India and Bhutan meet.

Beijing made a formal protest this week, accusing Indian border guards of crossing from the northeastern state of Sikkim into its Tibetan territory to stop the road building.

India's foreign ministry said Friday that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops entered the area to "unilaterally" construct the road.

"India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India," a ministry statement said.

"India cherishes peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas. It has not come easily," it said, urging Beijing to resolve the skirmish through dialogue.

India and China have long disputed parts of their Himalayan border, and regularly accuse each other of making illegal troop encroachments.

Bhutan has also lodged a formal protest to China, saying the road violated a bilateral agreement.

Bhutan, which does not have diplomatic relations with China, still disputes sovereignty of the land. And the showdown is part of a wider friction between India and China over the 4,057 kilometer (2,520 mile) border.

China has insisted several times this week that India withdraw troops who are "trespassing" on its side of the frontier.

It insists that it has every right to build the road and that it controls the territory under an 1890 accord made with Britain when it was colonial power in the region.

"We can tell you that the Chinese people hold a friendly and goodwill relations to the Bhutan people but our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Friday.

"The nature of this standoff is quite clear, its a trespass by the Indian side to the Chinese border. So the obvious thing is their withdrawal from the Chinese side."

- 'Chicken neck' -

India and China's ties have been dogged by mistrust stemming from a brief war in 1962 over the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh which has a large ethnic Tibetan population.

Flare-ups around Sikkim are rare. It is the least populous and second smallest of India's states, but its location gives it strategic importance.

India and China's ties have been dogged by mistrust stemming from a brief but bloody war in 1962 over Arunachal Pradesh which has a large ethnic Tibetan population

India's seven remote northeastern states are connected to the rest of the country by a narrow sliver of land known as the "chicken's neck". Sikkim is wedged between Nepal, Bhutan and China.

"The Chinese have realised that India is vulnerable at the 'chicken neck' so it could be a way to test the reaction of the Indian establishment," said Sameer Patil, a defence and security analyst at the Mumbai-based Gateway House think-tank.

Tensions along the frontier rose in 2014 when Chinese soldiers moved into territory on the Sikkim-Tibet border claimed by India, sparking a two-week stand-off.

Hundreds of Indian and Chinese troops faced off on the de facto border, overshadowing a visit by China's President Xi Jinping.

The latest border "scuffle" was triggered after PLA soldiers damaged two old Indian bunkers, according to Indian media.

China has reportedly since stopped pilgrims crossing into Tibet to visit a mountain shrine to the revered Hindu god Shiva because of the showdown.

India has a number of disputes with China. It is angry at China for proposing to finance Pakistan infrastructure in disputed Kashmir, which India also claims.

It also blames China for blocking its efforts to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the international club that controls the global nuclear trade.
Six years after the Arab Spring, gay and transgender communities continue to fight for rights and recognition across the Muslim world

The Arab Spring brought a taste of liberty for north Africa's gay and transgender communities, but six years on their battle for rights and recognition continues, activists say.

In Madrid for WorldPride 2017, one of the globe's biggest celebrations of LGBT rights, activists from the Muslim world called for greater freedom or the de-penalisation of homosexuality in countries where being gay is so frowned upon it can lead to jail.

In Tunisia, the fragile democracy ushered in after the 2010-2011 revolution against dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has allowed for open debate on the situation of the country's LGBT community.

But homosexuality is nevertheless still punishable by three years in jail as per article 230 of the criminal code. Paradoxically, the country made abortion legal in 1973, ahead of France.

- Silence and control -

At a three-day gathering of more than 180 activists, Tunisian activist Hafedh Trifi said the "priority" was to abolish this article and the anal test used to see if someone had gay sex -- a practice he qualified as "inhuman" and "degrading."

He said the LGBT community had called for the repeal of this article ahead of elections in 2014, but was met by "silence from all parties."

In the Islamist Ennahda party that forms part of the ruling coalition, he added, some "say that it is an illness that must be treated, or that you have to kill, imprison or send homosexuals away into exile."

But it's not just about religion. In October 2015, Tunisia's President, the secular Beji Caid Essebsi, said on television that article 230 would not be repealed.

"I'm against it," he said.

In neighbouring Algeria, meanwhile, openly gay imam Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed says that "there is the impression that it isn't even possible to debate these issues."

Homosexuality there is also punished by jail -- as it is in Morocco and Libya -- and he says his country is in the hands of a "military-economic oligarchy" that fears diversity.

"If people live in a climate of diversity and debate, (the elite) will lose control, and it knows it," says this imam who has lived in France since the 1990s.

"It's easy to control a harmonised population."

- Beware of cliches -

In Egypt, the fall of dictator Hosni Mubarak in 2011 did not free up the situation.

There, the law doesn't explicitly penalise homosexuality, but gay men are regularly jailed for "debauchery."

But in a talk on the LGBT community in the Islamic world, Muslim activist Daniel Ahmed Said warned against blanket-labelling Muslim countries as homophobic.

He said that in north Africa and the Middle East, French and British colonisations from the 19th century brought "rigid morals with regards to sexuality."

Trifi concurred, saying that laws against homosexuality in Tunisia came with the French protectorate, set up in 1881.

- Secular Turkey -

Further afield, the situation is particularly complex in Turkey, where secularity is one of the pillars of the modern republic proclaimed in 1923.

A first Gay Pride march took place in Istanbul in 2003. But authorities have banned it since 2015, citing security concerns.

This year, police fired rubber bullets at a small group of activists that tried to defy the ban.

Sedef Cakmak, an activist and councillor for Istanbul's Besiktas district, said the prohibition hides political and religious motives.

She told AFP that authorities in the secular country couldn't openly say that the 2015 ban was for Ramadan, but on the phone, she was told that it was due to the Muslim holy fasting month coinciding.

In 2014, the 35-year-old added, 80,000 people took part in Istanbul's Gay Pride march.

She said "the government saw that the LGBT movement is becoming a political actor in the country, so they started to see this as a threat."

Turkey is currently under a state of emergency implemented after a failed coup in July 2016 to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and critics say their freedoms are not safeguarded.

Homosexuality is legal in Turkey, but on the other hand, Cakmak says, "there are no laws that forbid discrimination on sexual orientation and identity."

"So literally the state is saying 'we don't care about what happens to the LGBT community'."
Displaced Iraqis walk past the ruins of the Nuri mosque in the Old City of Mosul on June 30, 2017

Iraq will declare victory over the Islamic State group in Mosul during the "next few days," a senior commander said Friday, as the jihadists fell back in neighbouring Syria.

IS, which declared a cross-border "caliphate" encompassing swathes of Iraq and Syria three years ago, is now facing twin offensives in Mosul and Raqa, its two most emblematic strongholds.

But while the loss of the two cities would be a major blow to IS, it would not mark the end of the threat posed by the group, which is likely to return to insurgent-style attacks that were its hallmark in years past.

"In the next few days, we will announce the final victory over Daesh," Staff Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi, a senior commander in the elite Counter-Terrorism Service, told AFP in Mosul, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

The retreat of Islamic State group

However, there has often been a gap between the declaration of victory and the actual end of fighting in a given area in the course of Iraq's multi-year war against IS.

Iraqi forces launched the gruelling battle for Mosul on October 17, advancing to the city and retaking its eastern side before setting their sights on the smaller but more densely populated west, where IS still holds limited territory.

Assadi estimated that there are between 200 and 300 IS fighters left in the city, most of them foreigners.

His remarks on victory in Mosul came as IS withdrew from a series of villages in Syria's Aleppo province where President Bashar al-Assad's forces are advancing.

"IS withdrew from 17 towns and villages and is now effectively outside of Aleppo province after having a presence there for four years," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Regime forces had been advancing through a sliver of southeastern Aleppo province around a key highway linking Hama province to the southwest and Raqa province further east.

A Syrian military source in rural Aleppo confirmed the withdrawal.

- IS escape route cut -

"The military operation is ongoing and Daesh withdrew from the Aleppan countryside towards rural territory in Hama and Raqa," the source told AFP.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are also fighting to retake Raqa, IS's de facto capital in the country.

On Thursday, they cut off IS's last escape route, trapping the jihadists inside the city.

"The SDF has been able to completely encircle Raqa," Abdel Rahman said.

The SDF broke into Raqa on June 6 after spending months chipping away at jihadist territory around the city.

Its fighters have since captured two eastern and two western districts of the city and are pushing towards its centre, where IS fighters are holding tens of thousands of civilians.

Around 2,500 jihadists are fighting in the city, according to British Major General Rupert Jones, a coalition deputy commander.

A member of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service stands next to the destroyed Nuri mosque in the Old City of Mosul

In Mosul, Iraqi forces captured the iconic Nuri mosque on Thursday, the site where IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made his only known public appearance in 2014, calling on Muslims worldwide to obey him.

IS blew up the mosque and the famed Al-Hadba (hunchback) leaning minaret last week as Iraqi forces closed in.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi hailed the recapture of the mosque as a sign of IS's impending defeat.

"We are seeing the end of the fake Daesh state," Abadi said in an English statement on his Twitter account.

The US-led coalition against the jihadists also said that the end of the battle was near.

Speaking about an announcement of Mosul's recapture, coalition spokesman Colonel Ryan Dillon said that: "I can't put a timeline on that for them, but I see it closer to days than a week or weeks."

He praised the Iraqi forces's "grit and determination" and said coalition support would help bring "an imminent liberation".

An Iraqi military vehicle drives past the ruins of the Nuri mosque in the Old City of Mosul on June 30, 2017

The end of the battle will usher in a whole new set of challenges for Iraq, including retribution against residents of the city suspected of having IS ties -- an issue highlighted by the UN rights office on Friday.

"We are seeing an alarming rise in threats, specifically of forced evictions, against those suspected of being (IS) members or whose relatives are alleged to be involved with (IS)," spokesman Rupert Colville said.
A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces crosses a street on June 27, 2017 on the western city limits of Raqa after the area was seized from the Islamic State group

Islamic State group jihadists recaptured an eastern district of their Syrian bastion Raqa on Friday, a monitor said, rolling back the advance of US-backed fighters.

"IS fully retook Al-Senaa, which was the most important neighbourhood taken by the Syrian Democratic Forces," said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"IS fighters attacked the SDF with suicide bombers and (weaponised) drones, and also used tunnels," he told AFP.

The densely built-up neighbourhood was the closest that the SDF and allied Arab fighters known as the Elite Forces had come to the city centre.

On Thursday, dozens of jihadists disguised in SDF uniforms launched an attack on Al-Senaa from the city centre, carrying out three suicide car bomb attacks and overrunning six SDF positions.

By Friday, the SDF and its allies withdrew from Al-Senaa to the adjacent neighbourhood of Al-Meshleb.

"They are now reinforcing their defensive positions in Al-Meshleb," Abdel Rahman said.

An IS statement published on social media early Friday said its fighters had been locked in "hours-long" clashes with the SDF in Al-Senaa and Al-Meshleb.

The SDF broke into Raqa on June 6 after spending months chipping away at jihadist territory around the city.

With the loss of Al-Senaa, the SDF is left in control of Al-Meshleb and two districts in the west of the city.

On Thursday, the SDF cut off the last escape route for IS from Raqa, trapping the besieged jihadists inside their de facto Syrian capital.

Around 2,500 jihadists are fighting inside Raqa, according to British Major General Rupert Jones, a deputy commander of the US-led coalition backing the SDF.

The United Nations estimates some 100,000 civilians remain in the city, with the jihadists accused of using them as human shields.

Raqa became infamous as the scene of some of the worst IS atrocities, including public beheadings, and is thought to have been a hub for planning attacks overseas.
Mount Sinabung volcano spews thick volcanic ash, as seen from Brastagi in North Sumatra province in May 2017. A German tourist missing for over a week has been found dead in the vicinity of another Indonesian volcano in North Sumatra

A German tourist missing for over a week after setting off to hike an Indonesian volcano has been found dead, a search and rescue official said Friday.

Klaus Wolter, 48, who lives in Singapore, went missing last Wednesday after telling the hotel he was staying at that he wanted to trek up Mount Sibayak, an active volcano in North Sumatra province.

Scores of rescuers began scouring the volcano -- which last erupted over a hundred years ago -- the day after he set off, in a frantic search which lasted eight days, and at one point included a helicopter.

Wolter's body was found on Thursday near a waterfall several kilometres away from where he was last seen.

The rescue team took hours to retrieve the body due to the rough terrain, the head of the local search and rescue mission office, Budiawan, said.

"The wife of the victim has confirmed that it is her husband," Budiawan, who goes by one name, told AFP.

There have previously been fatalities among tourists climbing volcanoes in Indonesia.

In 2010, an Italian tourist was killed after falling into a ravine when climbing Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia.
A Pakistani reporter has been detained and charged under cybercrime laws for criticising security forces on social media, officials and his family said Friday, the latest sign of a state crackdown on free speech.

Zafarullah Achakzai, who works at Urdu daily Qudrat, was picked up from his house Sunday by the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC), the security force deployed in restive Balochistan province.

'FC personnel in uniform came in five vehicles and raided my house late Sunday night. They cordoned the streets and asked for my son without mentioning any charge,' Achakzai's father Naimatullah Achakzai, who is also chief editor of Qudrat, told AFP.

Pakistani journalist Zafarullah Achakzai (left), receiving a young journalist award from former Baluchistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi

Pakistan is ranked among the world's most dangerous countries for journalists, and reporting critical of the military is considered a major red flag, with journalists at times detained, beaten and even killed.

'We did not know where they took him... After five days they handed him over to the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency), which charged him under cybercrime laws for criticising the FC,' Achakzai said.

He said that Zafarullah appeared in court on Thursday and was remanded into FIA custody for six more days as the investigation continues.

Two local government officials confirmed Zafarullah's arrest and charges.

'If my son had done anything wrong, he should have been arrested according to the law and not picked up in the middle of the night like an outlaw,' Achakzai said.

The Balochistan Union of Journalists criticised the 'illegal confinement'.

Zafarullah had criticised the FC on his Facebook page for the deteriorating law and order situation in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, and for security forces' 'failure' to bring the perpetrators of sectarian killings to justice, a colleague told AFP, requesting anonymity.

'If his criticisms violated any law, he should have been arrested properly as he like every other citizen has right to due process,' the colleague said.

Pakistan is ranked among the world's most dangerous countries for journalists, and reporting critical of the military is considered a major red flag, with journalists at times detained, beaten and even killed.

Pakistani journalists protest holding banners reading 'arrest killers of Bakhsheesh Elahi' in Haripur , Pakistan. Journalist Elahi was waiting for the morning bus when a lone gunman on a motorcycle pulled up beside him and shot him dead

The country has also had a history of enforced disappearances over the past decade. In January five social media activists went missing for several weeks after taking a stand against religious intolerance and criticising the military, raising concerns of government involvement that were denied by officials.

Pakistan's parliament passed the cybercrime law last August, despite opposition from rights activists. Campaigners have long complained of creeping censorship in the name of protecting religion or preventing obscenity.

Human rights organisations said they feared more arrests.

'We are concerned at the authorities' zero-tolerance for critics on social media,' the independent Freedom Network said in a statement, adding that Zafarullah's detainment was a 'grim' sign that 'more arrests will follow'.
A Syrian child receives treatment following a suspected toxic gas attack on the rebel-held town of Sheikhun, on April 4, 2017

Russia on Friday dismissed a report by the UN's chemical weapons watchdog that sarin was used as a chemical weapon in a April 4 attack in the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun.

The United States and its allies have accused the Moscow-backed Syrian regime of being behind the attack, a claim Russia rejects.

"We must state that (the report's) findings are still based on rather questionable data," the foreign ministry in Moscow said in a statement.

"It is not surprising that the contents of the report by the special mission of the OPCW are in many ways biased, which suggests that political motivation is present in the actions of this organisation."

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said Friday that a report from its fact-finding mission "confirmed that people were exposed to sarin" in Khan Sheikhun.

The report did not assign blame for the attack that killed at least 87 people including many children.

US President Donald Trump launched a retaliatory cruise missile strike days later against a Syrian airbase from where it said the chemical weapons attack was launched.

The French foreign ministry said Friday in a statement that the OPCW report "concludes without doubt that sarin... was used in the attack on Khan Sheikhun" and that its findings were "undisputable."

Moscow has rejected the suggestion that its ally Assad was behind the strike, saying the Syrian government has gotten rid of all chemical weapons.

Russia has suggested that rebel fighters were implicated in the attack and that the West is using it as an excuse to push for regime change in Syria.

It also criticised the OPCW for not sending experts to the site of the attack and vetoed a Western-backed UN resolution demanding that the Syrian government cooperate with an investigation.

The foreign ministry said it will "examine the report in detail" and give its full evaluation on July 5.

The report's findings will now be taken up by a joint UN-OPCW panel to determine who was responsible for the attack.
A picture taken from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights shows smoke billowing from the Syrian side of the border on June 25, 2017

An Israeli warplane struck a Syrian army post on Friday, the Israeli military said, hours after stray fire from Syria's civil war hit the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

"In response to the projectile launched earlier today at Israel from Syria, an Israel Air Force aircraft targeted the Syrian army position that fired the mortar," the English-language Israeli statement said.

"The errant projectile was a result of internal fighting in Syria."

It was the fourth such exchange in a week as Syrian troops battle rebels, including hardline Islamists, on the other side, leading to occasional stray fire.

There have been no casualties on the Israeli side but the Jewish state also responded to the previous three incidents by striking Syrian government positions.

Rebels recently launched an offensive against government forces in Quneitra on the Syrian side of the armistice line.

Israel has conducted several air strikes in Syria since that country's civil war erupted in 2011, most of which it has said had been against arms convoys or warehouses of its Lebanese arch-foe Hezbollah.

The Iran-backed movement is a key supporter of the Syrian regime and is fighting alongside government forces.

In April, Israel shot down what it identified only as "a target" over the Golan, hours after Syria accused it of hitting a military position near Damascus airport.

Israel did not confirm or deny the reported Damascus attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that he would not tolerate any spillover from the fighting in Syria.

"We will respond to every firing," he said. "Whoever attacks us, we will attack him. This is our policy and we will continue with it."

- 'Determined to respond' -

Netanyahu was speaking at the Israeli settlement of Katzrin in the Golan, when a Syrian mortar shell hit further north and the Israeli military retaliated.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is "determined to respond firmly and forcefully to any violation of our sovereignty"

"During my speech, shells from the Syrian side landed in our territory and the Israel Defence Forces have already struck back," he said.

Israel seized 1,200 square kilometres (460 square miles) of the Golan Heights from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.

Around 510 square kilometres of the Golan are under Syrian control.

"Our line is clear," Netanyahu said in his Hebrew-language speech on Wednesday.

"We are not interfering in the bloody conflict in Syria, which has been going on for more than six years, but we are determined to respond firmly and forcefully to any violation of our sovereignty."

"We shall not permit radical Islam, led by Iran or Daesh, to open a terrorist front against the State of Israel from the Syrian side of the Golan Heights," he added using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State Jihadist group.
This handout photograph provide by Gilgit-Baltistan Police (GBP) on June 27, 2017 shows Mariano Galvan, an Argentinian climber, posing for a photograph in Gilgit-Baltistan region, northern Pakistan

The chances of survival for two climbers missing on a treacherous peak in northern Pakistan known as "Killer Mountain" have faded as bad weather hampers search and rescue efforts, police said Friday.

The two climbers, Alberto Zerain, a Spanish alpinist, and Mariano Galvan, an Argentinian national, went missing while attempting to summit the 8,125 meter peak, Nanga Parbat.

"Helicopters have been trying to fly over the mountain since Wednesday but bad weather and poor visibility mean they haven't found anything," a police official at base camp told AFP.

"The mountain has been shrouded in cloud for the past few days and the rain is causing constant avalanches," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Karrar Haidri, spokesman of the Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed that the climbers had not yet been found.

"Bad weather is hampering rescue efforts however the attempts will continue," he said.

A total of 14 foreign climbers were attempting to summit Nanga Parbat this year when bad weather forced them to return to base camp last week.

The two missing climbers left base camp on June 19 but were holed up in their tent for three days at an altitude of 6,100 metres (20,000 feet) due to bad weather. They tried to summit again but lost contact with fellow climbers last Friday.

This handout photograph provide by Gilgit-Baltistan Police (GBP) on June 27, 2017 shows Alberto Zerain, a Spanish climber, posing for a photograph in Gilgit-Baltistan region, northern Pakistan

The "Killer Mountain" Nanga Parbat earned its grisly nickname after more than 30 climbers died trying to conquer it before the first successful summit in 1953.

In 2013, gunmen shot dead 10 foreign climbers and their Pakistani guide at the Nanga Parbat base camp.

Northern Pakistan is a magnet for mountaineers and is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world, including K2 - at 8,611 metres, the world's second highest peak, but often deemed a more challenging climb than the highest, Mount Everest.

Nestled between the western end of the Himalayas, the Hindu Kush mountains and the Karakoram range, the Gilgit-Baltistan region houses 18 of the worlds 50 highest peaks.

It is also home to three of the worlds seven longest glaciers outside the polar regions. Hundreds of its mountains have never been climbed.
France launched counter-terrorism operations in Africa's Sahel region in 2013

President Emmanuel Macron is due in Mali on Sunday to consolidate Western backing for a regional anti-jihadist force, as France beefs up its counter-terror operations in the area.

The so-called "G5 Sahel" countries just south of the Sahara -- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger -- have pledged to fight jihadists on their own soil, as instability and Islamist attacks rise.

With its base in Sevare, central Mali, the 5,000-strong G5 Sahel force aims to bolster the 12,000 UN peacekeepers and France's own 4,000-strong military operation known as Barkhane operating in the region.

Macron will attend a summit on July 2 with leaders of the African nations involved, "marking a new step" as the force is formally launched, a source in the French presidency told AFP.

Operations across Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, all hit frequently by attacks, would be coordinated with French troops, the source said, while help would be given to set up command centres.

The new force will support national armies trying to catch jihadists across porous frontiers.

Macron visited Gao in northern Mali in May, his first foreign visit as president outside Europe, and said French troops would remain "until the day there is no more Islamic terrorism in the region".

France launched an intervention to chase out jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda who had overtaken key northern cities in Mali in 2013.

That mission evolved into the current Barkhane deployment launched in 2014 with an expanded mandate for counter-terror operations across the Sahel.

- International support? -

Macron is hoping that the 50 million euros ($57.2 million) the European Union has pledged to the Sahel force will be supplemented by extra support from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States, which already has a drone base in Niger.

The French president will specify the final details of his nation's support on Sunday, but the focus is expected to be on equipment.

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution that welcomes the G5 Sahel deployment but does not grant it UN authorisation, and France was forced to drop a request for a special UN report on financing for the force.

The UN peacekeeping mission is due to deploy its own rapid intervention force composed of Senegalese troops in Mopti, the same region the G5 Sahel force will be based.

Sources in the French presidency told AFP it wants the Sahel force to be active on the ground by autumn, before looking for wider sources of funding by the end of the year or in early 2018.

The question of funding is sensitive as Chad's leader Idriss Deby has said that for budgetary reasons his troops cannot serve simultaneously at such high numbers in the UN peacekeeping mission and also in the new force.

Deby and Macron are due to meet on the margins of the Bamako summit, according the French presidency, as Chad's military is widely viewed as the strongest of the five Sahel nations.

- 'Security traffic jam' -

African Union President Alpha Conde underlined Wednesday that the continent must "take responsibility for the fight against terrorism," echoing the views of Macron's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

However, cooperation remains key.

The G5 Sahel force's top commander, Malian general Didier Dacko, said that at first each country's contingent would operate on its own soil, gradually becoming more focused on mutual borders.

There would be "close collaboration with Barkhane forces and the UN mission," Dacko told AFP.

Macron was keen on his last visit to Mali to promote economic development rather than military might, with hopes that improving the situation of young people would dim the allure of joining jihadist groups.

Conflict in the area is also driven by land disputes, the lack of a functioning state in some areas and poor governance where it is operative, experts say.

In a letter to the Security Council in April, International Crisis Group researchers warned the benefit of the G5 Sahel force was "unclear" in the context of so many military troops already present in the region.

They said the new deployment "risks aggravating what amounts to a security traffic jam."
US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have been at odds how best to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs

President Donald Trump welcomed South Korea's Moon Jae-In to the White House Friday for talks on how to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, with the leaders at odds on whether to isolate or engage the regime.

"We have many options, with respect to North Korea," Trump declared as he headed into an Oval Office meeting to be followed by a joint declaration with the newly-elected president.

Both the US president and his South Korean counterpart -- making his first foreign trip since his resounding victory at the polls -- sounded an upbeat note ahead of the meeting.

"Our personal relationship is very, very good," said Trump, who hosted Moon and first lady Kim Jung-soon the previous evening for a reception and a formal dinner.

"We had a fantastic dinner at the White House, accomplished a lot having to do with North Korea and trade," Trump said.

Moon, speaking through a translator, said the previous night had afforded some "very honest discussions on issues that include North Korea."

"It was an opportunity to reconfirm the fact that the United States and Korea are working together on the same path towards a great alliance," he said.

He also sought to underscore the warmth of the relationship, noting that Trump was among the first foreign leaders to call to congratulate him on his election.

Also on Friday's agenda is the negotiation of a bilateral trade deal between the United States and South Korea, described by Trump as "a major trading partner."

"Hopefully it will be a fair deal for both parties," said the US leader.
Hong Kong's police officers intervene in an altercation between Pro-China protesters and pro-independence representatives during President of China Xi Jinping's three-day visit to mark the 20th anniversary of the handover from Britain to China

In the midst of celebrations marking 20 years since Britain returned Hong Kong to China, Beijing declared that the document which initiated the handover "is no longer relevant."

The remarks on Friday came a day after UK Foreign Minister Boris Johnson stressed Britain's commitment to the historic Sino-Britain Joint Declaration, which gave Hong Kong rights unseen on the mainland through a "one country, two systems" agreement.

The U.S. State Department also said Thursday that the US "remains concerned about any infringement of civil liberties in Hong Kong," and expressed support for the "further development of Hong Kong's democratic systems."

In response to the US and UK statements, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang detailed Hong Kong's "comprehensive achievements with the support of the central government and mainland."

China's President Xi Jinping (C) reviews troops from a car at a garrison of the People's Liberation Army in Hong Kong on June 30, 2017

Citing Hong Kong's low unemployment rate and free economy during a regular press briefing Friday, Lu said: "Now Hong Kong has returned to China for almost two decades and this communique is a historical document."

"It's no longer relevant," Lu said, "and the UK has no sovereignty, governing power or the right to supervision over Hong Kong."

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday to lead handover anniversary celebrations, has said that he wanted to ensure the continuation of the "one country, two systems" set-up.

Xi's three-day visit comes three years after "Umbrella Movement" protesters crippled the city for months as they camped out on thoroughfares, calling for reforms and the protection of Hong Kong's unique status.

A huge security operation has been put in place for the Chinese president's visit and the anniversary celebrations, with thousands of police deployed to keep demonstrators away.

The Sino-British declaration said Hong Kong would be a "Special Administrative Region" of China, and would retain its freedoms and way of life for 50 years after the handover date on July 1, 1997.

As part of the deal, Hong Kong was guaranteed rights including freedom of speech and an independent judiciary, but there are concerns those liberties are disappearing as Beijing becomes ever more assertive.

Young activists calling for self-determination or independence have emerged as a result.

"I've no doubt that Hong Kong's future success will depend on the rights and freedoms protected by that treaty," Johnson said.
Police arrest a protester demonstrating against the US Senate Republican health care bill

US President Donald Trump, after insisting a "fantastic" health care overhaul was imminent, injected more confusion Friday by suggesting if the current Senate bill fails they should immediately repeal Obamacare and pass a replacement later.

Republican leaders have struggled to win sufficient support from within the party for their plan, now under threat of collapse in the Senate where conservatives and moderates remained at odds.

The bill would jettison much of the Affordable Care Act -- the current law known as Obamacare -- and replace it with provisions intended to allow greater options for patients, reduce federal funding of Medicaid, end Obamacare taxes and change the way government helps pay for insurance.

"If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date!" Trump tweeted early Friday.

The president's suggestion came as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was seeking to craft a compromise that satisfies party factions before Congress leaves town for a one-week recess.

The tweet was sure to jolt negotiations. A full Obamacare repeal with no replacement is unlikely to placate Republican moderates, many of whom remain concerned about how upending the present law, particularly its expansion of Medicaid, could leave millions of Americans uninsured.

A nonpartisan review by the Congressional Budget Office last week projected that the current Senate bill would swell the number of uninsured by 22 million by 2026.

In January, CBO said a bill that repeals much of Obamacare -- including its subsidies and obligation to buy healthcare -- would leave 32 million uninsured.

- Trump zig-zag -

Trump's tweet earned praise from a handful of conservatives, notably Senator Rand Paul.

"I have spoken to @realDonaldTrump & Senate leadership about this and agree. Let's keep our word to repeal then work on replacing right away," Paul said on Twitter.

But Democrats warned such a move could spell disaster for many struggling to maintain coverage.

"So basically you think we should throw millions of Americans out of the airplane & figure out the parachute later?" House Democrat Cheri Bustos tweeted.

Trump's suggestion is the latest health care zig-zag from the White House.

On Tuesday, as he sat with grim-faced Republican senators to discuss the path forward, he called their current bill "great" and said they were "very close" to reaching a deal.

But in the same remarks, he signaled he might accept it if the effort fell short.

"If we don't get it done, it's just going to be something that we're not going to like. And that's okay," Trump said.
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An Iraqi Shiite fighter is seen with an image of Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on his vest during an offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi Friday thanked Iraq's top Shiite cleric for his role in the war against jihadists, crediting him with saving the country and setting the stage for victory.

Three days after Mosul fell to the Islamic State group in 2014, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani called on Iraqis to volunteer to fight the jihadists, a step that helped to halt their sweeping offensive.

But the call also leaves a complicated legacy, leading to a resurgence of Shiite militias that have carried out abuses and the establishment of new paramilitary groups, both of which could be a source of future instability.

Abadi issued a statement expressing his "deep thanks and gratitude" to Sistani for "his great and continuing support to the heroic fighters."

The cleric's 2014 call for volunteers "saved Iraq and paved the way for victory" over IS, Abadi said

Abadi's message comes as the battle to retake second city Mosul nears its conclusion -- a redemption for forces that performed poorly there three years before.

Sistani made the call via a representative speaking at Friday prayers on June 13, 2014, days after multiple Iraqi divisions collapsed in the face of the IS assault in the north.

"Citizens who are able to bear arms and fight terrorists, defending their country and their people and their holy places, should volunteer and join the security forces to achieve this holy purpose," he said.

It sparked a flood of volunteers who were organised under what became known as the Hashed al-Shaabi, or Popular Mobilisation forces -- an umbrella group for pro-government paramilitaries that is officially under the command of the country's premier.

But pre-existing Shiite militias that took part in the brutal Sunni-Shiite sectarian bloodshed that plagued Iraq in past years were also placed under the Hashed al-Shaabi banner and have played a major role in operations against IS.

These groups provided a pool of capable fighters that Baghdad could rely on to combat IS.

But they have also carried out abuses including kidnappings and summary executions in Sunni Arab areas that ultimately undermine Iraq's efforts to counter the jihadists.

The Hashed al-Shaabi's role after the war against IS ends is a key question, and the forces could be a source of instability.

Rivalries could lead to violence between units, and Hashed fighters have already clashed with Iraqi Kurdish forces in the country's north.

The Hashed may also have a political impact, with some commanders potentially seeking to translate military success into political capital in the 2018 parliamentary elections.
US President Donald Trump, shown in this photo from Tuesday, told Erdogan that all sides in the Qatar dispute should step up "efforts to fight terrorism and extremism in all its forms"

US President Donald Trump spoke with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday regarding the diplomatic isolation of Qatar by its Gulf neighbors, whose demands include the closure of a Turkish military base in the emirate.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt abruptly cut off economic and diplomatic ties with Qatar earlier this month and issued an ultimatum with 13 demands, accusing Doha of support for extremist groups. Qatar denies the claims.

Trump called on all sides to "work to stop terrorist funding and to combat extremist ideology," according to a readout of the call.

Ankara, which has close ties with Doha but also maintains good relations with other Gulf states, is seeking to mediate the crisis.
The United Nations has about 95,000 peacekeepers serving in its missions worldwide. They include these Ethiopian troops patrolling the Abyei Administrative Area, a disputed territory between Sudan and South Sudan, in December last year

The United Nations on Friday approved a nearly $600 million cut to its peacekeeping budget following pressure from the United States to reduce funding to the world body.

The General Assembly approved by consensus the annual budget expected to total $7.3 billion, down from the current $7.87 billion spent on peace missions worldwide.

UN member-states agreed to $6.8 billion to finance 14 missions, but an additional $500 million earmarked for peacekeeping in Haiti and in Sudan's Darfur region will get final approval in December.

The United States, the biggest financial contributor to peacekeeping, had sought a nearly $1 billion cut to the bill and the European Union had also pushed for savings to bring costs down to $7.3 billion.

The budget, however, fell short of what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had sought from member-states.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the financing is "meaningfully smaller than what we had last year" but that the world body will "make every effort to ensure that the mandates are implemented."

"We cannot overstate the value of peacekeeping," said Dujarric. "It remains the most cost-effective instrument at the disposal of the international community to prevent conflicts and foster conditions for lasting peace."

UN officials have repeatedly argued that the cost of peacekeeping is a fraction of military expenditures worldwide.

Most of the budget cuts will come from the closure of the mission in Haiti, a sharp drawdown of peacekeepers in Darfur along with some downsizing to the large peace operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

- Only getting started -

After the budget deal was reached in a General Assembly committee on Wednesday, US Ambassador Nikki Haley claimed victory and vowed there would be deeper cuts in the future.

"Just five months into our time here, we've already been able to cut over half a billion dollars from the UN peacekeeping budget and we're only getting started," Haley said.

Washington pays 28.5 percent of the peacekeeping budget and 22 percent of the UN's core budget of $5.4 billion.

While the United States pushed for the biggest cut, European countries and Japan also wanted to rein in the budget while Russia and China did not put up opposition to moves to streamline missions, diplomats said.

China, Japan, Germany, France along with the United States are the five top financial contributors to peacekeeping.

Italian Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, whose country is among the top 10 peacekeeping financiers, said that while the cuts were "substantial," the "operational activities in all locations have been protected and preserved."

Ambassador Elbio Rosselli of Uruguay, whose troops serve in Haiti and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said better management of the missions could help cushion the blow from the budget cuts.

"It's going to hurt," Rosselli told reporters, but "there are problems in peacekeeping that are not exclusively related to funding."

The Security Council on Thursday approved a major drawdown of peacekeepers from the UNAMID mission in Darfur but kept the force levels for the MINUSMA operation in Mali unchanged.

On Friday, the United Nations officially closed its mission in Ivory Coast, ending its 13-year presence in the West African country.

The United Nations has about 95,000 peacekeepers serving in its missions worldwide.
Local residents look at burnt bodies after an oil tanker caught fire following an accident on a highway near the town of Ahmedpur East, some 670 kilometres (416 miles) from Islamabad on June 25, 2017

The death toll from an oil tanker explosion in central Pakistan has risen to 190, hospital and government officials said Friday as 16 more people succumbed to their injuries.

The tanker overturned early Sunday on a main highway from Karachi to Lahore while carrying some 40,000 litres of fuel.

It exploded minutes later as crowds from a nearby village gathered to scavenge for fuel, despite warnings by the driver as well as motorway police to stay away.

"The death toll from the tanker fire incident is now 190 after expiry of more injured people," Tahira Parveen, medical superintendent of Bahawalpur Victoria hospital, told AFP.

A senior local administration official confirmed the toll.

Motorway police spokesman Imran Shah has said that a government inquiry into the incident had found at least five police officials guilty of hiding information.

The tragedy marked a grim start to Eid, the celebrations closing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Pakistan has a poor record of fatal traffic accidents due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.
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Foo Fighters will play a televised concert at the Acropolis in a rare rock show at one of the world's most iconic historical sites, producers announced Friday.

The alternative rock icons led by Dave Grohl of Nirvana fame will perform July 10 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the nearly 2,000-old stone theater on a slope of the ancient citadel that overlooks Athens.

Proceeds from the concert will go to unspecified Greek charities.

The concert will later air on US public broadcaster PBS as part of the series "Landmarks Live in Concert," in which artists play celebrated venues and discuss the significance with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.

"I've always wanted to work with the Foo Fighters and do a show in Greece," Daniel Catullo, the director of the series, said in a statement.

"We've had some incredible shows so far, but this one officially sets our standard at a new level," he said.

Other episodes include Italian crossover tenor Andrea Bocelli playing Florence's central Palazzo Vecchio and Alicia Keys singing at the Apollo Theater, New York's historic jazz venue.

The so-called Herodeon, built in the first century AD under Roman rule, seats nearly 5,000 people and has frequently been the site of historic concerts, though generally from the classical and opera world.

Artists from other genres who have played the Acropolis include Elton John, Frank Sinatra and Sting as well as French electronic pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre.

Foo Fighters on September 15 release their ninth studio album, "Concrete and Gold," which according to early indications will mark a return to the heavy, whirling guitars reminiscent of Nirvana.
Passengers enter a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway in New York City

Jumping turnstiles on the Manhattan subway will no longer be an offense punishable by arrest and imprisonment, a New York prosecutor said Friday, a move designed to unclog the city's courts and prisons.

Defrauding the metro is currently punishable by up to one year in prison and a $1000 fine, according to the city's penal code.

The threat is not merely hypothetical, with almost 10,000 people arrested in 2016 for the crime in the borough of Manhattan alone, according to a statement by public prosecutor Cyrus Vance.

Around 60 percent of cases land in court while the rest are abandoned, a spokesman for the district attorney told AFP.

Starting from September, the prosecutor's office along with the mayor and the police envision a "drastic reduction" in the number of cases pursued.

Offenders will instead be offered alternative punishments including educational workshops, psychological care or community work.

"The criminal prosecution of these low-level, non-violent offenses should not be a part of a reformed 21st-century justice system. Absent a demonstrated public safety risk, criminally prosecuting New Yorkers accused of these offenses does not make us safer," said Vance in a statement.

He added the measures would "further eliminate unnecessary incarceration, and reduce the risks of deportation, loss of housing, and loss of employment that often accompany a criminal prosecution," while allowing police to focus their efforts on more serious and violent crimes.

In March 2016, Vance and New York police announced a number of measures to reduce the number of arrests following minor infractions like public urination or littering.

Authorities are hoping to reduce the number of misdemeanor cases processed from almost 94,000 in 2009 to 50,000 in 2017.
Several US states, mostly under Republican control, have tightened their voter identification laws, in moves that have been accused of being discriminatory

Several states have rejected a White House request for sensitive personal data on all registered voters, scoffing at President Donald Trump's election fraud commission and warning the information could be misused in voter disenfranchisement efforts.

On Friday the number of states rejecting the request in full or in part grew to at least 13, including California, New York, Virginia and Indiana, which is home to Vice President Mike Pence, who leads the panel that was commissioned in May.

"I will not hand over Minnesota voters' sensitive personal information to the commission," said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon.

"I have serious doubts about the commission's credibility and trustworthiness."

At least six of the officials, mostly secretaries of state, refusing to submit private data are from Trump's Republican Party.

Trump created the controversial panel as a way to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process.

Critics fumed, given that proven instances of voter fraud are rare, and that Trump, just days after being sworn in, insisted without evidence that between three million and five million people voted illegally in the 2016 presidential election.

The Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity further sounded alarm bells when its vice chair Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, sent a letter to all 50 states Wednesday asking for information on all registered voters.

Kobach sought names, addresses, date of birth, party affiliation, the last four digits of social security numbers, military status, data on felony convictions and "voter history."

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla delivered a sharp rejection on Thursday, and warned that the appointment of Kobach, whom he said has a long history of sponsoring voter suppression efforts, "sends a clear and ominous message."

"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."

Much of the information is publicly accessibly. States that said they will not hand over private protected data, such as social security information, include Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio and Rhode Island.

Several US states, mostly under Republican control, have tightened their voter identification laws, in moves that have been accused of being discriminatory.

Many Democratic lawmakers argue that requirements that voters produce identification like drivers licenses disproportionately disenfranchise minority and low-income Americans.

In May the US Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that stated that a 2013 package of reforms in North Carolina, including a strict voter-ID requirement and restrictions on early voting, was enacted "with racially discriminatory intent."

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Grimes said she would not release voters' sensitive personal data to the federal government.

"Kentucky will not aid a commission that is at best a waste of taxpayer money and at worst an attempt to legitimize voter suppression efforts across the country," she said.
A vehicle belonging to the UN-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) arrives at the war-torn town of Golo in the thickly forested mountainous area of Jebel Marra in central Darfur on June 19, 2017

The UN Security Council's decision to cut peacekeepers in Darfur shows the conflict in Sudan's war-torn region is a "closed chapter", the foreign ministry said on Friday.

The council on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution that will reduce the number of troops and police serving in the joint African Union-UN mission in Darfur known as UNAMID by at least 30 percent.

Deployed in 2007, UNAMID has about 16,000 blue helmets on the ground who are tasked with protecting civilians in the war between Sudanese government forces and ethnic minority rebel groups that erupted in 2003.

"The ministry of foreign affairs welcomes the cut in UNAMID mission," a statement said.

"The UN Security Council resolution confirms that Darfur is now a closed chapter and that the region has returned to peace."

The council agreed to a gradual reduction of UNAMID peacekeepers to be carried out in two phases of six months.

The smaller UNAMID will be redeployed to the thickly forested region of Jebel Marra, where most of the recent violence has been reported.

"The ministry will help in step by step withdrawal of the peacekeeping forces," the ministry said.

The United Nations says at least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced in Darfur since the conflict erupted in 2003.

The fighting began when ethnic minority rebels took up arms against Khartoum's Arab-dominated government, accusing it of marginalising the region.

In recent months Sudanese officials have claimed that the conflict in Darfur has ended, but reports of fighting between government forces and rebels continue to emerge.
Jay-Z, daughter Blue Ivy Carter and Beyonce Knowles at the 66th NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans in February

The wait may be over for the names of the twins of music power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z. Signs point to the names as Rumi and Sir.

The pop diva and rapper, whose real name is Shawn Carter, have filed to US authorities to copyright "Rumi Carter" and "Sir Carter," ensuring no one else profits from the names to sell anything from fragrances to music.

The filings with the US Patent and Trademark Office come from an identical California address to an earlier application for the name of the couple's five-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.

Jay-Z and Beyonce and their representative have not commented on the twin's names or even confirmed their birth, although Beyonce's father acknowledged her delivery over social media.

Gossip site TMZ first reported the copyright filings and noted that they were dated Monday, the same time the parents were said to return to their Los Angeles home with the twins.

Rumi is the name of the 13th-century Persian poet who endures as one of the best-loved writers of the Sufi spiritual tradition, with verses that celebrate love, joy and tolerance.

Jay-Z on Friday released his 13th album, "4:44," in which he alludes to Persian poetry on the song "Marcy Me," which describes his upbringing in a public housing project in Brooklyn.

Appearing to liken his rhyming skills to the literary tradition, Jay-Z raps, "Sufi to the goofies / I could probably speak Farsi."

The choice of "Sir" is less obvious, although the two names raise speculation that both children are boys.

News of the twins -- first revealed when a pregnant Beyonce showed her bare baby bump on Instagram -- has delighted the two stars' fans, some of whom expect a musical dynasty along the lines of the Jacksons.

Blue Ivy has already appeared in music including on Jay-Z latest album, in a song in which the rapper vows that his family will carry on his business empire and help represent African Americans.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The Florida Supreme Court scrutinized a prosecutor over her refusal to seek the death penalty in two dozen murder cases, and a justice suggested during arguments Wednesday that Gov. Rick Scott had the power to suspend the state attorney.

The case involves whether the Republican governor violated the state constitution by taking 24 murder cases out of the hands of Orlando-area State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who has said capital punishment is costly and drags on for years.

Attorney Roy Austin said Ayala, a Democrat, is an independently elected official who has the discretion to seek the death penalty or not. He said nothing in Florida law forces her to do so.

State Attorney Aramis Ayala talks to reporters after her lawyer asked the Florida Supreme Court to return 24 murders cases Gov. Rick Scott reassigned to another prosecutor because Ayala won't seek the death penalty. The court heard arguments Wednesday, June 28, 2017, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Brendan Farrington)

"All State Attorney Ayala asks of this court is that this court return those 24 cases to her and treat her the same and with the same respect that is given to every other state attorney in Florida," Austin said.

It's a case seemingly without precedent that began in March when Ayala said she wouldn't seek the death penalty against Markeith Loyd in the fatal shooting of an Orlando police lieutenant and his pregnant ex-girlfriend. That outraged those who felt that death is an appropriate punishment for Loyd, while death penalty opponents praised Ayala for saying she wouldn't seek the punishment in any murder case because it's inefficient and ineffective.

Austin said he knows of no other case where a governor has stripped a state attorney of a case without their consent. Florida Solicitor General Amit Angarwal said there has never been a state attorney who had set such a blanket policy.

Angarwal said state law allows the governor to make sure laws are enforced. In Ayala's case, he said, "It can't be enforced. It's like that law has been nullified."

While the court is split between three liberal justices, three conservatives and a moderate, even the liberal justices questioned Ayala's position because she refused to consider the death penalty on a case-by-case basis.

"That's my concern, is that we are really taking the death penalty off the table," Justice Barbara Pariente said. "She didn't run on that platform, and yet she's made this announcement after. Isn't there something that allows the governor in that situation to say, "You know, 'I have good and sufficient reason to remove you from those death penalty cases.'"

Justice Fred Lewis noted that under the state constitution, Scott could have sought Ayala's suspension.

"This is not, to me, a conflict of interest kind of issue, this is 'I'm not going to follow the law as written on the books of the state of Florida," Lewis said before asking the governor's attorney why Scott didn't suspend Ayala.

Scott's attorney said "the state constitution does give the governor kind of a sledgehammer to deal with some very big problems" but he is instead choosing to use a scalpel here.

Ayala's attorney said she's made it clear that she will prosecute homicide cases and seek a harsh penalty. In Florida, the only two sentencing options in first-degree murder cases are life without parole and death.

"We have to separate sentencing from whether or not we're charging," Austin said. "Sentencing, I would note, is a quasi-judicial function which the governor cannot intervene on."

After the arguments, Ayala told reporters, "There are no Florida statutes that required (me) to seek the death penalty. There was no blueprint for me to follow. I did what I believed was proper under Florida law and no laws have been violated."
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A man yelled "Freedom!" as he crashed his vehicle into Arkansas' new Ten Commandments monument early Wednesday, nearly three years after he was arrested in the destruction of Oklahoma's monument at its state Capitol, authorities said.

The privately funded Arkansas monument had been in place outside the state Capitol in Little Rock for less than 24 hours before it was knocked from its plinth and smashed to pieces.

Michael Tate Reed, 32, of Van Buren, Arkansas, was booked in the Pulaski County jail shortly after 7:30 a.m. on preliminary charges of defacing objects of public interest, criminal trespass and first-degree criminal mischief. An arrest report lists his occupation as "unemployed/disabled."

Personnel from the Secretary of State's office inspect the damage to the new Ten Commandments monument outside the state Capitol in Little Rock, Ark., Wednesday morning, June 28, 2017, after someone crashed into it with a vehicle, less than 24 hours after the privately funded monument was installed on the Capitol grounds. Authorities arrested a male suspect. (AP Photo/Jill Zeman Bleed)

Authorities did not know whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. A video arraignment was set for Thursday morning, a Pulaski County sheriff's spokesman said. A call to the number listed for Reed on a police report went straight to voicemail.

Arkansas Secretary of State's Office spokesman Chris Powell said officials believe a Facebook Live video posted on a Michael Reed's account that depicted the destruction is authentic.

In the video, the sky is dark and the Arkansas Capitol's dome is visible. Music is heard followed by a female voice, likely on the radio, saying, "Where do you go when you're faced with adversity and trials and challenges?" The driver is then heard growling, "Oh my goodness. Freedom!" before accelerating into the monument. The vehicle's speedometer is last shown at 21 mph (33 kph) and then a collision can be heard.

The monument fell and broke into multiple pieces as it hit the ground.

Oklahoma County sheriff's spokesman Mark Opgrande told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Reed was the same man arrested in October 2014 in the destruction of Oklahoma's Ten Commandments monument at the state Capitol.

In a 2015 email to the Tulsa World , Reed apologized for wrecking Oklahoma's monument and said he suffered from mental health issues.

"I am so sorry that this all happening (sic) and wished I could take it all back," Reed said.

Arkansas' granite monument weighed 6,000 pounds (2,721 kilograms). It was installed Tuesday morning on the southwest lawn of the Capitol with little fanfare and no advance notice. A 2015 law required the state to allow the display near the Capitol, and a state panel last month gave final approval to its design and location.

"Obviously, I'm very disappointed that someone would carry out an act of violence that's actually against the people of Arkansas," said Republican Sen. Jason Rapert, the state lawmaker who led the push for the monument. Rapert said he was confident he could quickly raise funds for a replacement.

Travis Story, the general counsel of the American History and Heritage Foundation, which raised money for the monument, said the group already has ordered a replacement but that it would take a couple of months.

Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who signed the legislation requiring the monument's installation, wrote in a tweet that "resorting to property destruction is never the answer to a policy disagreement."

The American Civil Liberties Union condemned the destruction of the monument, which it has called an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.

"We strongly condemn any illegal act of destruction or vandalism," ACLU of Arkansas Executive Director Rita Sklar said. "The ACLU remains committed to seeing this unconstitutional monument struck down by the courts and safely removed through legal means."

Arkansas' monument is a replica of a display at the Texas Capitol that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005. After Oklahoma's monument was destroyed in 2014, a replacement was erected but then ordered removed by that state's Supreme Court, which determined its location on state property violated a constitutional prohibition on the use of state funds to support a religion.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said he declined to pursue criminal charges against Reed because it was apparent he had a long history of mental illness and because the offense was a property crime. Prater said Reed's family lives in Arkansas and secured a facility there that could treat him.

"Had it been a violent crime where he had harmed another person, burglarized someone's home or something like that, I would have been forced to handle the case differently," Prater said.

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Associated Press writer Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed to this report.

This photo provided by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office in Little Rock, Ark., shows Michael Tate Reed, of Van Buren, Ark., who was booked into the jail Wednesday morning, June 28, 2017, on preliminary charges of defacing objects of public interest, criminal trespass and first-degree criminal mischief. He is accused driving a vehicle into Arkansas' new Ten Commandments monument on the state Capitol grounds in Little Rock. (Pulaski County Sheriff's Office via AP)

The new Ten Commandments monument outside the state Capitol in Little Rock, Ark., is blocked off Wednesday morning, June 28, 2017, after someone crashed into it with a vehicle, less than 24 hours after the privately funded monument was placed on the Capitol grounds. Authorities arrested a male suspect. (AP Photo/Jill Zeman Bleed)

The new Ten Commandments monument outside the state Capitol in Little Rock, Ark., is blocked off Wednesday morning, June 28, 2017, after someone crashed into it with a vehicle, less than 24 hours after the privately funded monument was installed on the Capitol grounds. Authorities arrested a male suspect. (AP Photo/Jill Zeman Bleed)

A 6-foot-tall privately funded Ten Commandments monument is seen on the Arkansas Capitol grounds in Little Rock on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, after it was installed by workers two years after lawmakers approved a measure allowing the statue on state property. (AP Photo/Jill Zeman Bleed)

This 2014 booking photo provided by the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office shows Michael Tate Reed. Reed, of Van Buren, Ark., was admitted to a hospital for mental treatment and formal charges were never filed after he allegedly drove his car into the Ten Commandments monument on the state Capitol grounds in 2014. On Wednesday, June 28, 2017, Reed was arrested for driving into and smashing the monument. (Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office via AP)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A Wisconsin inmate featured in the hit Netflix series "Making a Murderer" lost another bid Wednesday to get out of prison while state attorneys fight a ruling overturning his conviction.

A three-judge panel from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Brendan Dassey must stay behind bars for now. The panel's brief order gave no explanation.

Dassey, now 27, was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 in the death of photographer Teresa Halbach two years earlier. He told detectives he helped his uncle, Steven Avery, rape and kill Halbach in the Avery family's junk yard in Manitowoc County.

A federal magistrate judge overturned his conviction in August, ruling that detectives took advantage of Dassey's age - then 16 - and cognitive disabilities to coerce the confession. Dassey's attorneys asked that he immediately be released from prison, but state attorneys insisted he be kept behind bars while they appealed. The appeals court sided with prosecutors at the time.

Last week, the three-judge appeals court panel upheld the magistrate's ruling and ordered that Dassey be released from prison unless the state decided within 90 days to retry him.

Dassey's attorneys quickly filed new paperwork seeking his immediate release. Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel asked that Dassey be kept behind bars, saying the state would seek review by the full 7th Circuit. The three-judge court panel sided with Schimel on Wednesday.

Dassey's attorney, Steven Drizin, didn't immediately return voicemail messages Wednesday afternoon seeking comment on the decision.

Avery was sentenced to life in prison in a separate trial. He's pursuing his own appeal in state court.

Both men contend police framed them because they were angry with Avery for filing a lawsuit against Manitowoc County over his wrongful imprisonment for a sexual assault he didn't commit.

Their cases gained national attention in 2015 after Netflix aired "Making a Murderer," a multi-part documentary examining Halbach's death. The series spawned widespread conjecture about the pair's innocence and generated calls from the public to free them. Both men have amassed thousands of fans on social media.

Authorities who worked on the cases said the documentary was biased.
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Hoping to defuse a highly explosive mix in central Athens, Greek authorities have banned separate gatherings planned by police unionists and anarchists - both ostensibly themed against violence.

The issue arose when the Poasy police union called an open public meeting for Thursday evening in an anarchist stronghold to discuss anarchist attacks on police.

The selected venue was a square in the Greek capital's Exarcheia neighborhood, which is the focal point of frequent street fighting between Molotov cocktail-bearing anarchists and riot police.

Anarchist groups responded by calling a Thursday evening public meeting against police violence in the main square of the adjacent Kolonaki area of Athens. Other anarchists planned protests in Exarcheia against the police union gathering.

The ban issued Wednesday covers both Exarcheia and Kolonaki.
BOSTON (AP) - A Boston police detective has been charged with lying to federal officials so he could fly armed on personal trips and allow a friend to avoid going through airport security.

Sgt. Det. Bruce Smith was charged Wednesday with making false statements to the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security and unlawfully entering a secure airport area with the intent to evade security requirements.

Prosecutors allege Smith violated federal law when he flew with a weapon on about 28 trips from Logan International Airport even though he wasn't on police business.

Police Commissioner William Evans called the allegations "troubling."

Smith, a police officer since 1989, was placed on administrative leave.

He made a court appearance Wednesday and was released. His attorney didn't immediately return a call for comment.
MIAMI (AP) - Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty against a Guantanamo Bay detainee accused of orchestrating the deadly 2002 Bali nightclub bombings in Indonesia and other attacks, a U.S. military official said Wednesday.

The detainee known by the single name Hambali was notified last week that prosecutors are preparing to try him before a military commission at the U.S. base in Cuba on charges that include terrorism and murder in violation of the law of war. He is accused of conspiring with leaders of al-Qaida in a series of attacks, including the bombings in Bali in October 2002 that killed 202 people.

A Pentagon legal official known as the convening authority must still approve the charges before the case can proceed to an arraignment.

FILE - This Oct. 15, 2002 file photo shows bomb wreckage from the Sari night club and surrounding buildings in Kuta, Bali. Two explosions killed 202 people and left hundreds injured in the worst ever terrorist attack in Indonesia. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty against a Guantanamo Bay detainee accused of orchestrating the deadly bombings in Indonesia and other attacks, a U.S. military official said Wednesday, June 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim, File)

Marine Corps Brig. Gen. John Baker, the chief defense counsel, said in an email that he was notified that prosecutors do not intend to seek the death penalty even though some of the charges are potentially capital offenses.

Baker said he would be submitting a request for additional resources to "effectively represent" Hambali but the decision to not seek the death penalty means he will not have to find experienced capital attorneys. Such lawyers are typically civilians.

A Department of Defense spokesman, Air Force Maj. Ben Sakrisson, declined comment because the charges had not yet been forwarded to the convening authority.

There are two military commission death penalty cases pending at Guantanamo and both have been bogged down for years in pretrial litigation. One case involves five men charged with planning and aiding the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack. The other is for the alleged mastermind of the deadly October 2000 bombing attack on the USS Cole in Yemen. Both have stalled largely due to issues related to the fact that the defendants were held for years in clandestine CIA facilities and subjected to treatment now widely regarded as torture.

Any trial of Hambali, whose full name is Encep Nurjamen, would involve similar issues. The 53-year-old Indonesian was also held by the CIA and also subjected to what the U.S. government has called its "enhanced" interrogation program.

He is accused of being the "operational mastermind" of the Southeast Asia-based Islamic extremist group known as Jemaah Islamiyah, an affiliate of al-Qaida. Charging documents provided to The Associated Press allege he orchestrated the Bali bombings, whose death toll included seven U.S. citizens, as well as an August 2003 attack on the J.W. Marriott hotel in Jakarta, which killed 11 people, and other plots.

Hambali is one of 41 prisoners still held at Guantanamo. If the case against him moves forward, he would be the first charged since President Donald Trump took office.
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. (AP) - Authorities say they are investigating the death of a toddler found under some blankets in the back of an SUV parked the wrong way on a Northern California street.

Sacramento County Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Tony Turnbull says the child was found unresponsive Wednesday in the backseat by Rancho Cordova police officers and pronounced dead at the scene.

He says a man and a woman found near the car were detained for questioning.

Turnbull says the couple owns the car and that a records check revealed the man had an outstanding warrant out of Arkansas.

Turnbull says the child did not have obvious signs of trauma and that the Sacramento Coroner's office will determine a cause of death.

Police did not immediately release the names, ages or relationship of the child or the adults.
ELLSWORTH, Wis. (AP) - An emergency official says one person was injured when a tornado touched down in western Wisconsin, damaging 25 to 30 homes and farm buildings.

Gary Brown, emergency manager for Pierce County, says the person was in a barn when the storm hit and part of the building collapsed. The person was taken to a local hospital but no condition was available.

The tornado struck about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in an area between Ellsworth and Spring Valley, Wisconsin, which are about 60 miles (97 kilometers) east of Minneapolis.

Brown says he saw several houses that had very significant damage.

Meteorologist Todd Krause at the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, Minnesota, says after morning storms moved on, there was enough afternoon sunshine to heat up the atmosphere and trigger the tornado.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans' struggle to pass a health care bill is jeopardizing another one of President Donald Trump's top priorities: overhauling America's tax system.

A day after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., delayed a vote on a bill to scrap much of Democrat Barack Obama's health law, questions lingered about whether congressional Republicans could pass big, complicated pieces of legislation.

"The whole idea is to do health care first because you gain an advantage there to go on and do tax reform," said Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan. "We've sort of bollixed that up, but I'm encouraged."

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin speaks during the daily press briefing, Thursday, June 29, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Senators were still struggling Wednesday to reach an agreement on key parts of the health bill before they leave Washington for a weeklong recess. Moderates complained that too many people would lose coverage while conservatives said the bill wouldn't do enough to lower insurance premiums.

It is important for Congress to resolve the health bill before moving on to a tax overhaul.

Here's why: The health bill provides nearly $1 trillion in tax cuts that won't add to the nation's mounting debt. Republicans are counting on those tax cuts to help them write a new tax code that raises less money.

Also, Republicans are using a complicated rule that enables the Senate to pass both a health bill and a tax package with a simple majority, preventing Senate Democrats from blocking the legislation. Under the rule, Congress has to resolve health care - by either passing a bill or killing it - before lawmakers can pass a tax package.

"They need to resolve health care one way or another before they do tax reform," said Rohit Kumar, a former tax counsel for McConnell who is now with PwC.

Thirty-one years after the last tax overhaul, there is widespread agreement that the current system is too complicated and picks winners and losers. There is, however, widespread disagreement over how to fix it.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the administration is involved in "listening sessions" with lawmakers, CEOs, think tanks and others to formulate a final tax plan for later this year. Mnuchin said the eventual tax overhaul will be "responsible" and "paid for," but the administration has yet to provide much detail outside of a one-page outline released in April.

"There will be complete transparency when we come out with the plan," Mnuchin said at the Thursday White House briefing.

Republican leaders in Congress want to simplify the tax code and make it more efficient in a way that does not add to the federal government's mounting debt. That means some would pay more and some would pay less, a heavy political lift among politicians who have deep political and practical disagreements.

"I think what it says is that it's harder than it looks," Kumar said, adding: "I think part of what you're seeing here is the steep learning curve of what it takes to govern and the trade-offs that have to be made and the compromises that have to be made even with members of your own party," Kumar added.

Some rank-and-file Republicans want to cut taxes even if it adds to the debt.

"The debate will be whether it's a tax cut or a revenue-neutral tax-shifting bill," said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. "I'm sort of on the tax cut side of that."

For individuals, Republicans leaders want to lower overall tax rates and make up the lost revenue by eliminating some popular tax breaks, including the federal deduction for state and local taxes, a proposal opposed by Democrats and some Republicans in states like New York, New Jersey and California.

For businesses, House Republicans want to lower the top corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent. They would make up the lost revenue by increasing taxes on imports and eliminating the deduction for interest on debt, two proposals that face widespread opposition, even from other Republicans.

Trump wants to reduce the corporate tax rate to 15 percent but has been less specific on how it would be financed.

The Trump administration has said the president hopes to release a comprehensive plan in September. But Congress will be dealing with several other big issues, including funding for the government and extending the government's ability to borrow.

"I was much more optimistic earlier in the year," said Jon Traub, a former Republican staff director for the House Ways and Means Committee who is now with Deloitte Tax.

"I've become more pessimistic as the days have ticked by, closer and closer to the crunch time of when a bunch of big things have to be done with a limited number of days left on the calendar," Traub said.

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Associated Press writer Josh Boak contributed to this report.

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DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) - Tour de France rider Jan Bakelants has apologized for "inappropriate" comments about female hostesses at the race's daily award ceremonies, saying he was trying to be funny.

Belgian media quoted the AG2R La Mondiale cyclist from Belgium as saying in an interview that he packed condoms for the race because "you never know where those podium hostesses have been hanging out."

It also quoted him as saying that three weeks without sex on the Tour wasn't difficult because "there's always the podium misses."

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme demanded an apology.

Bakelants obliged Thursday, tweeting: "My sincerest apologies to all those offended by my words in a so called humouristic itw. My words have been inappropriate."
LONDON (AP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative minority government secured lawmakers' backing for its legislative plans by a narrow margin Thursday, but only after making a sudden concession on abortion funding to stave off defeat.

The House of Commons voted by 323 to 309 to approve last week's Queen's Speech, which laid out the government's agenda for the next two years.

The slimmed-down package jettisoned several pledges made by the Conservatives before Britain's June 8 election, which saw May's party humiliatingly stripped of its parliamentary majority.

British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street in London, to attend Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament, Wednesday, June 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Rejection of its legislative plan would have been a major - and possibly fatal - blow to May's already weakened administration, which struck a deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party this week to make sure it can win key votes.

May called the snap election in a misjudged attempt to bolster her majority and strengthen her authority during talks on Britain's departure from the European Union. Instead, it left her weakened at home and abroad, and tipped Parliament into a new era of deal-making, compromise and concessions.

In a sign of the government's fragile hold on power, government ministers were forced into a major concession hours before the vote. Fearing defeat on an opposition amendment, ministers said they would pay for women from Northern Ireland to travel to England for abortions.

Abortion is banned in Northern Ireland unless a woman's life or mental health is in danger, and hundreds of women a year travel to other parts of the U.K. to terminate pregnancies. They must pay for the abortions, as well as for travel costs.

Labour Party lawmaker Stella Creasy obtained a vote on a motion calling for women who travel from Northern Ireland to get government funding. Several Conservative legislators said they would support the amendment because it corrected a longstanding injustice, prompting the government's scramble to change its policy.

In a letter to lawmakers, Equalities Minister Justine Greening said women from Northern Ireland had previously been asked to pay, but "from now on it is our proposal that this will no longer happen."

Creasy said the government's about-face was "very encouraging" and agreed to withdraw her amendment without a vote.

"There is a recognition that there has been an injustice for too long," she said.

This month's election left the Conservatives with 317 of the 650 seats in Parliament, several short of a majority, while Labour won a better-than-anticipated 262 seats.

Creasy's amendment was one of several attempts by the Labour opposition to defeat the weakened government over its plans for the economy and for Britain's exit from the European Union.

Other Labour proposals called on the government to reverse cuts to public spending, lift a pay cap on civil servants and the emergency services and soften the Brexit terms of to keep full access to the bloc's single market.

The government defeated all the proposed changes with support from Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionists, a Loyalist party whose 10 lawmakers have agreed to back the Conservatives on key votes.

The DUP deal - secured with a promise of 1 billion pounds ($1.29 billion) in new spending for Northern Ireland - has dismayed some Conservatives on account of the smaller party's socially conservative policies on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

It has also complicated attempts to restore a power-sharing administration in Belfast, drawing accusations from the Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein that the British government has abandoned its position of neutrality toward Northern Ireland's rival political forces.

British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street in London, to attend Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament, Wednesday, June 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
CHICAGO (AP) - A judge says statements a Chicago police officer made to a detective shortly after fatally shooting a black teenager can be used by prosecutors at the officer's murder trial.

The judge ruled in the case of Jason Van Dyke, who is charged with first-degree murder in Laquan McDonald's 2014 shooting. Van Dyke and the detective - who was charged Tuesday with conspiring to obstruct justice to help Van Dyke - both testified Wednesday.

The Chicago Sun-Times (http://bit.ly/2siI2Q8 ) reports that Van Dyke's lawyers argued he had been forced to answer questions that might incriminate him. Van Dyke told the judge he only gave statements because he believed he'd be fired if he didn't.

Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, charged in the shooting death of black teenager Laquan McDonald, takes the witness stand during a hearing in front of Judge Vincent Gaughan Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building in Chicago. (Nancy Stone /Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)

Now-retired Detective David March testified he never told Van Dyke he'd be disciplined for refusing to speak.

Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, charged in the shooting death of black teenager Laquan McDonald, is sworn in before testifying during a hearing in front of Judge Vincent Gaughan Wednesday June 28, 2017, at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building in Chicago. (Nancy Stone /Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - The Latest on cyberattacks (all times local):

4:20 p.m.

A top European security official says cyberattacks are doing more damage than ever and that our dependence on the internet is leaving modern society increasingly vulnerable.

A woman sits backdropped by a real time cyber attacks world map, at the headquarters of Bitdefender in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, June 28, 2017. A new, highly virulent strain of malicious ransom software that is crippling computers globally appears to have been sown in Ukraine, where it badly hobbled much of the government and private sector on the eve of a holiday celebrating a post-Soviet constitution. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

The European Union's security commissioner, Julian King, said Thursday that attacks are "becoming more strategic because they endanger our critical infrastructure and indeed our democratic processes." King says "they're also becoming more endemic, as those threats permeate and spread from our IT networks into the vital operations of our business sectors and our public sectors."

He said that "our current dependence on the internet, and the connected devices and technology is, at the moment, greater than our ability to protect ourselves and we need to do something about that."

His remarks came after more cyberattacks this week disrupted ports, hospitals and banks around the world.

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3:10 p.m.

A Pennsylvania health network that fell victim to a worldwide cyberattack is unable to offer lab and diagnostic services at 14 community and neighborhood offices for a second straight day.

Heritage Valley Health System said Thursday that it is still unable to provide those services at its two hospitals, Heritage Valley Beaver and Heritage Valley Sewickley. Lab and diagnostic services at its satellite offices were closed Wednesday, too.

After the cyberattack early Tuesday, some surgeries had to be rescheduled. Heritage hasn't detailed the extent of that disruption.

Heritage Valley provides care for residents of western Pennsylvania, parts of eastern Ohio and the panhandle of West Virginia. Its two hospitals, both west of Pittsburgh, have about 500 beds combined.

Heritage officials say there's no evidence confidential patient information had been accessed.

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2 p.m.

A small Danish ship repair company says the malicious software that froze computers around the globe has forced it to re-order engine parts because the track-and-trace parcel system with Dutch-based transport company TNT is down.

Steffan Mastek of the Petersen & Soerensen company says the parts are needed for a ship promised to be returned to its owner on Friday.

Mastek said Thursday the parts they reordered are being "driven up by road by a courier we ordered and at our expenses."

Mastek added that another parcel is stuck in Finland.

Petersen & Soerensen, located in Svendborg, central Denmark, employs about 85 people in two repair and maintenance shops.

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11:40 a.m.

Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk, one of the global companies hardest hit by a malicious software that froze computers around the globe, said Thursday that most of its terminals are now operational, though some remain crippled.

The Copenhagen-based company said that some terminals are "operating slower than usual or with limited functionality." Problems have been reported across the shippers' global business, from Mobile, Alabama, to Mumbai in India.

The shipping company is one of a number of major corporations and government agencies - from logistics firm FedEx to Ukraine's banking system - to have been hit by the software epidemic.

Maersk, as the shipper is known, says it's able to accept bookings again via the INNTRA booking platform but that its logistics division, Damco, "has limited access to certain systems."

Maersk says it can't be specific about how many sites were affected or when business will get to normal. It also said it had deliberately shut down "a number of IT systems" which also had an impact on email systems.

FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2014, file photo of A.P. Moller-Maersk containers on a ship in the Panama Canal. Hackers Tuesday June 27, 2017 caused widespread disruption across Europe, hitting Ukraine especially hard. Russia's Rosneft energy company also reported falling victim to hacking, as did shipping company A.P. Moller-Maersk, which said every branch of its business was affected. (Thomas Borberg/Polfoto via AP,file)
NEW YORK (AP) - The American Academy of Arts and Letters will soon have new leadership.

Executive director Virginia Dajani is stepping down after 27 years, the academy told The Associated Press on Thursday. She will be succeeded by Cody Upton, currently the director of operations. During her time as executive director, Dajani presided over numerous capital projects and helped expand the academy's lucrative awards programs.

Dozens of honors are given annually, the prize money exceeding $1 million. Dajani also helped guide the organization's transition from the National Institute of Arts and Letters, of which the academy was a separate entity, to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

The academy is an honor society founded in 1898. Members over the years have included Mark Twain, Duke Ellington and Joan Didion.

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The story has been corrected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, not the National Academy of Arts and Letters, in the third paragraph.
VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Latest on Vatican Cardinal George Pell being charged with sex offenses in Australia (all times local):

4:50 p.m.

Vatican analysts say Pope Francis is now facing pressure to make good on promises to forcefully confront the sex abuse crisis after his top financial adviser was charged in his native Australia with multiple criminal counts of sexual assault years ago.

Cardinal George Pell, left, is flanked by Vatican spokesman Greg Burke as he arrives to meet the media, at the Vatican, Thursday, June 29, 2017. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney says Vatican Cardinal George Pell will return to Australia to fight sexual assault charges as soon as possible. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Cardinal George Pell says he is taking a leave of absence as the Vatican's finance czar after Australian police charged him with multiple counts of "historical" sexual assault. Pell appeared before reporters on Thursday to deny the accusations and denounce what he called a "relentless character assassination."

Anne Barrett Doyle of BishopAccountability.org, an online archive of clerical sex abuse documents, said she was surprised by the charges "simply because of their boldness."

In an email to The Associated Press, she said: "Some say Pell is being scapegoated. While Pell undeniably is the poster boy for the Australian church's wrongdoing, false allegations are relatively rare."

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9 a.m.

The Vatican spokesman says Pope Francis has appreciated Cardinal George Pell's honesty and commitment during his three years working to reform the Vatican's finances.

In a statement read to reporters Thursday, spokesman Greg Burke recalled that Pell has "openly and repeatedly condemned as immoral and intolerable" acts of sexual abuse against minors.

He noted that Pell has cooperated with Australia's Royal Commission investigation into sex abuse and that as a bishop in Australia, worked to protect children and compensate victims.

The statement said the Holy See had learned "with regret" of the charges and that Francis had granted Pell a leave of absence to defend himself.

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8:30 a.m.

Cardinal George Pell says he is taking a leave of absence as the Vatican's finance czar after Australian police charged him with multiple counts of "historical" sexual assault.

Pell appeared before reporters on Thursday to deny the accusations, denounce what he called a "relentless character assassination" in the media and announce he would return to Australia to face the charges.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said Pope Francis had learned with "regret" of the charges and had granted Pell a leave of absence to defend himself. He said the Vatican's financial reforms would continue in his absence.

Pell has been summoned to appear in court in Australia's Victoria state next month.

Cardinal George Pell meets the media, at the Vatican, Thursday, June 29, 2017. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney says Vatican Cardinal George Pell will return to Australia to fight sexual assault charges as soon as possible. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Cardinal George Pell arrives to meet the media, at the Vatican, Thursday, June 29, 2017. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney says Vatican Cardinal George Pell will return to Australia to fight sexual assault charges as soon as possible. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Cardinal George Pell meets the media, at the Vatican, Thursday, June 29, 2017. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney says Vatican Cardinal George Pell will return to Australia to fight sexual assault charges as soon as possible. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Cardinal George Pell arrives to make a statement, at the Vatican, Thursday, June 29, 2017. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney says Vatican Cardinal George Pell will return to Australia to fight sexual assault charges as soon as possible. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Priests walk in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Thursday, June 29, 2017. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney says Vatican Cardinal George Pell will return to Australia to fight sexual assault charges as soon as possible. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Cardinal George Pell sits before making a statement, at the Vatican, Thursday, June 29, 2017. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney says Vatican Cardinal George Pell will return to Australia to fight sexual assault charges as soon as possible. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) - Florida Atlantic University is suing to fire a campus police officer who officials say threatened to shoot his lieutenant.

The Palm Beach Post reports the school's trustees have asked a judge to overturn an arbitrator's June 15 ruling that reinstated William Hernandez Jr. and awarded him back pay.

The school says it fired Hernandez a year ago after he threatened to shoot the lieutenant during an argument over the agency's canine program.

The threat was allegedly heard by the lieutenant and the acting police chief, who fired Hernandez a month later. Neither is named in court filings.

Arbitrator William McGinnis Jr. ruled that because the acting chief was a witness, an outside investigator should have been hired.

The Police Benevolent Association argued Hernandez was fired for being a union activist.
TORONTO (AP) - Canada is extending its military mission against the Islamic State group in Iraq for another two years.

Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan said Thursday that Canada is renewing its contribution to the Global Coalition until March 31, 2019.

Canada has about 200 special forces soldiers operating in northern Iraq supported by a combat hospital, a helicopter detachment, a surveillance plane and an air-to-air refueling aircraft. The government calls it an advise-and-assist mission to help train local forces, but opposition parties say Canada is involved in combat. They pointed to word that that a Canadian special forces sniper, supporting Iraqi forces, killed an Islamic State fighter from 3,540 meters away, in what the Canadian military said is a world record.

Canada previously removed its fighter jets from the mission.
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (AP) - Jurors have found a Florida police chief not guilty of culpable negligence in the death of a woman who was accidentally shot during a citizens academy "shoot/don't shoot" exercise.

News outlets report that Punta Gorda Police Chief Tom Lewis was acquitted on Thursday.

Authorities say former officer Lee Coel mistakenly shot and killed 73-year-old Mary Knowlton during a role-playing scenario last summer. Prosecutors had argued that Lewis, as Coel's boss, was partially responsible.

Lewis' attorney told jurors that it was the officer's failure to provide standard safety checks that led to the retired librarian's death.

Coel has been charged with manslaughter, and his trial is set for next year.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - President Donald Trump's commission investigating alleged voter fraud in the 2016 elections has asked states for a list of the names, party affiliations, addresses and voting histories of all voters, if state law allows it to be public.

A Wednesday letter from the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity gives secretaries of state about two weeks to provide about a dozen points of voter data. That also would include dates of birth, the last four digits of voters' Social Security numbers and any information about felony convictions and military status.

Some Democratic officials refused to comply, saying the request invades privacy and is based on false claims of fraud.

Trump lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton but has alleged, without evidence, that 3 to 5 million people voted illegally. In addition to the voter information, the letter asks state officials for suggestions on improving election integrity and to share any evidence of fraud and election-related crimes in their states.

The data will help the commission "fully analyze vulnerabilities and issues related to voter registration and voting," vice chairman and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach wrote.

On Thursday, Virginia's governor and the secretaries of state in California and Kentucky, all Democrats, responded that they will not share the information.

The California and Virginia officials said attention would be better spent upgrading aging voting systems or focusing on Russia's alleged election meddling. Trump has alleged "serious voter fraud" in both states.

"California's participation would only serve to legitimize the false and already debunked claims of massive voter fraud," Democratic Secretary of State Alex Padilla said in a statement.

Clinton won California by about 3 million votes.

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe said there is no evidence of voter fraud in the state.

"At best this commission was set up as a pretext to validate Donald Trump's alternative election facts, and at worst is a tool to commit large-scale voter suppression," he said in a statement.

Trump created the commission through an executive order in May.

The panel is seeking "public information and publicly available data" from every state and the District of Columbia, said Marc Lotter, a spokesman for Vice President Mike Pence, who is chairing the commission. Lotter described the intent of the request as "fact-finding" and said there were no objections to it by anyone on the 10-member commission, which includes four Democrats.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat, said he is not sure whether he will share the data because of privacy concerns. Vermont's top election official, Democrat Jim Condos, said it goes beyond what the state can publicly disclose.

In Missouri, Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said he is happy to "offer our support in the collective effort to enhance the American people's confidence in the integrity of the system." Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams, a Republican, said he'll provide what state law allows.

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Associated Press writers Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Adam Beam in Frankfort, Kentucky; Doug Glass in Minneapolis; Lisa Rathke in Montpelier, Vermont; Alan Suderman in Richmond, Virginia; and Ken Thomas in Washington contributed to this report.
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown's ambitious plans to build two massive tunnels, reengineering the hub of California's water system, would destroy native fish species already on the brink of extinction, lawsuits filed Thursday said.

The $16 billion proposed tunnels along the state's largest river won a critical first round of approval from two federal agencies early this week, but days later a group of fish and conservation groups filed federal lawsuits attempting to stop the project.

"Politics has trumped science once again," Doug Obegi, a senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council. "The agencies tasked with protecting our natural resources are making things worse."

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2016, file photo, water flows through an irrigation canal to crops near Lemoore, Calif. Environmental and fishing groups have filed challenges Thursday, June 29, 2017, seeking to block California Gov. Jerry Brown's ambitious plan to build a pair of massive water tunnels in California. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

The proposed twin tunnels, both four stories high and 35 miles (55 kilometer) long, would be California's most ambitious water project in decades.

State officials say the tunnels are needed to reengineer the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the largest estuary on the West Coast, which provides water to much of the nation's most populous state.

The Sacramento and San Joaquin - two of California's largest rivers - send mountain snowmelt into the delta and then out to sea through the San Francisco Bay.

Water is currently pumped from the delta and sent south through hundreds of miles of canals to farms in the vast San Joaquin Valley and communities as far south as San Diego.

Supporters say the tunnels will modernize and secure water deliveries from the delta, now done by aging pumps that pull the rivers and the fish in them off-course.

The project won a first critical round of approval Monday from National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They ruled that the project would not lead to the extinction of endangered and threatened native species, including some salmon species and the Delta smelt.

State officials say they have added thousands of acres of habitat restoration, boosting chances that the imperiled fish species will survive. The plan doesn't convince the fish and conservation groups filing lawsuits.

"This version of the tunnels will wipe out California's salmon fishery and the families and communities that rely on salmon," said John McManus, executive director of the Golden Gate Salmon Association.

He's joined in the two lawsuits by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Defenders of Wildlife and the Bay Institute.

Before construction can begin, the project requires approval from other state and federal agencies. Local districts that serve farms and communities have yet to confirm their commitment to paying for the tunnels.

Nancy Vogel of the California Natural Resources Agency declined to comment.

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This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Doug Obegi's name.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois' legislative leaders met twice Thursday but surrendered few details about how close they are to a budget pact with one day remaining before the start of a third consecutive fiscal year without a spending plan

The relatively calm day in an otherwise cacophonous Capitol was interrupted by the announcement that the Senate's minority leader, Lemont Republican Christine Radogno, would vacate her Senate seat Saturday, although she pledged to keep working until the moment of her departure.

The first woman to lead a caucus in the Illinois General Assembly stepped forward last winter to broker a budget compromise with Democratic Senate President John Cullerton. She faced disappointment when she could get none of her 21 other Senate Republicans to go along with the "grand bargain" they fashioned, but told reporters she is not a casualty of the contentious, two-year budget battle.

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2016, file photo, Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Springfield, Ill. In a statement issued Thursday, June 29, 2017, Radogno said that she will step down as senator on Saturday, July 1. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)

"Though I leave political office with a sense of sadness and some disappointment, I leave with no regrets," Radogno said. "I did my best - that's all I could do."

Without a budget by Saturday morning, bond-rating houses have threatened to downgrade Illinois' creditworthiness to "junk" status. Universities could face the loss of academic accreditation and the treasury will soon run short of money to cover even the court-ordered payments that have kept Illinois government on autopilot while erecting a $6.2 billion annual deficit and $14.6 billion in past-due bills.

House Speaker Madigan said the House would vote Friday on the Democrats' version of an annual budget, a $36.5 billion spending plan they say spends $800 million less than Rauner himself proposed last winter. Without elaboration, Madigan said negotiations continue over Rauner's demands that are tangential to the budget, including cost-cutting changes to workers' compensation, state employee pension benefits, a statewide property tax freeze and local government consolidation.

The Chicago Democrat has complained for two years that Rauner is not "reasonable" in seeking discussions of "non-budget" items in talks over a fiscal plan. But this week, he staked out his own. They include Rauner's promise to sign a school funding overhaul that won wide legislative majorities, requiring state regulation of rates by companies selling workers' comp insurance, and mandating an open procurement process for a $9 billion contract the Rauner administration plans to sign for managed-care health coverage.

Madigan said he is negotiating on Rauner's demands in an effort to compromise.

"I don't see that I'm being unreasonable," Madigan said. "I'm here. I'm proposing to vote on things I don't believe in. ... But in the spirit of compromise, I'm prepared to vote" for those measures.

Radogno's exit sets off a succession scramble which includes Deputy Republican Leader Bill Brady of Bloomington, the unsuccessful GOP candidate for governor in 2014.

A social worker, the 64-year-old Radogno was elected to the Senate in 1996. She and Cullerton assumed their leadership positions on the same day in 2009. Cullerton called their tenure "nine years of cooperation and professionalism."

Rauner called her a "consummate professional" who "championed fiscal discipline and human services." House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said "Chris always stayed above the fray in this very partisan environment."

Madigan, a legislator since 1971, applauded Radogno's hard work, honesty, integrity, and forthrightness and concluded his praise with an apparent shot at Rauner.

"The genius of the legislative process lies in the ability to compromise," Madigan said. "Chris Radogno understood that."

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Contact Political Writer John O'Connor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor . His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/john%20o'connor

FILE - In this June 27, 2017, file photo, Illinois Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno answers questions before attending a meeting of the four legislative leaders at the Capitol in Springfield, Ill. In a statement issued Thursday, June 29, 2017, Radogno said that she will step down as senator on Saturday, July 1. (Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register via AP, File)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A former StarKist tuna company executive has pleaded guilty in federal court to price-fixing packaged seafood sold in the United States.

Stephen Hodge, a former senior vice president for sales at StarKist Co., entered his plea Wednesday in federal court in San Francisco, the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March.

Hodge met with rival industry executives to "fix, raise and maintain the prices" of packaged seafood such as canned tuna, the department said.

Hodge's lawyer, Steven Kowal, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Thursday.

The criminal charge filed on May 30 reflects broader concerns about competition within the canned tuna industry, federal prosecutors said.

The U.S. government began investigating price fixing of canned tuna between StarKist, Bumble Bee Foods and Chicken of the Sea more than two years ago.

In May, industry giant Bumble Bee Foods agreed to pay a $25 million fine after pleading guilty to price fixing. Two of its executives also pleaded guilty for their participation in the conspiracy, the department said.

Bumble Bee general counsel Jill Irvin has said that the company hired a chief compliance officer last fall and recently reformed its guidelines and policies.

Bumble Bee has cooperated with federal prosecutors, Irvin said.

The FBI's San Francisco office is leading the investigation.

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This story has been corrected to show the plea was entered on Wednesday, not on May 30.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on congressional investigations into Russian interference in U.S. elections (all times local):

8:45 p.m.

President Barack Obama's national security adviser, Susan Rice, will be interviewed by the House Intelligence Committee next month.

President Donald Trump has criticized Rice and alleged that she may have committed a crime when she asked government analysts to disclose the name of Trump associates documented in intelligence reports.

Rice has denied that she did anything inappropriate, as she was authorized as Obama's national security adviser to seek identities of people whose names were redacted from intelligence reports.

Rice spokeswoman Erin Pelton says Rice is cooperating with House and Senate intelligence committees, as she had said she would.

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3:45 p.m.

The House Intelligence committee is threatening a subpoena if the White House doesn't clarify whether there are any recordings or documents from President Donald Trump's meetings with fired FBI Director James Comey.

The panel had set a June 23 deadline for the White House to respond. The day before, Trump tweeted that he "did not make, and do not have, any such recordings" but also said he has "no idea" if tapes or recordings exist.

The Thursday letter from GOP Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, who is leading the Russia probe, and Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California says Trump's tweet "stops short of clarifying" whether the White House has any tapes or documents. They say they would consider using "compulsory process" if the White House doesn't respond.

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12:30 p.m.

Democrats on two House committees are asking the Justice Department's inspector general to investigate whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions violated his recusal from the Russia probe by taking part in the May firing of FBI Director James Comey.

House Oversight and Judiciary Committee Democrats urged Inspector General Michael Horowitz Thursday to examine what they called "a lapse in judgment."

Sessions insisted in an appearance earlier this month before the Senate intelligence committee that he had not violated his decision in March to recuse himself from any investigation related to inquiries involving President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. During his testimony, Sessions said it would be "absurd" to suggest a recusal from a single investigation would render him unable to manage leadership of the FBI.
A Department of Homeland Security officer who was filmed kicking a tasered and handcuffed man in the head was charged in a Los Angeles federal court yesterday with the incident which occurred last year outside a Social Security Administration office.

Jason Michael Rouswell, 46, of Los Angeles was indicted on a charge of violating the civil rights of a man on October 20 in Pomona.

Prosecutors offered no details of the incident, but video obtained by KCBS-TV shows a beefy looking officer in uniform kick a man lying face down on a street with his hands cuffed behind his back.

The man on the ground, identified in the indictment only as C.S., was injured by the kick, according to the indictment.

A man, named only as C.S., was tasered and handcuffed on the ground in Pomona last October

In the video, filmed by witness Alex Garcia, a federal officer can be seen kicking the man's head  while he is lying handcuffed on the ground.

Mr Garcia said that officers were chasing the man known as C.S. when he started to retreat.

'He starts backing away, they pull out their Tasers.'

'He said don't shoot, don't shoot. So they shoot him, they Tase him and he falls to the floor,' he told CBS Los Angelas.

Only On 2: Federal Officer Shown Allegedly Kicking Handcuffed Suspect In The Head In Pomona  CBS Los Angeles https://t.co/LD7J5unSkJ  James Cheung (@Fujita5) June 30, 2017

Mr Garcia said that he started filming because he believed the officers were using excessive force.

He said that following some police action by the social security office, a man was tasered, fell to floor and was handcuffed before he was kicked in the head by an officer.

'He wasn't struggling or resisting arrest, he was tasered and handcuffed in the floor,' Mr Garcia said.

Two officers were guarding him when witness Alex Garcia decided to film the incident



Rouswell is an inspector with the Federal Protective Service that guards U.S. federal facilities.

Rouswell didn't immediately respond to a message sent to a work email address in his name.

He didn't have a lawyer, but agreed to surrender Monday, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office said.

His footage captures the moment a federal officer kicks a handcuffed C.S. lying on the ground

Rouswell could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Messages left after-hours for Department of Homeland Security spokespeople seeking comment on the incident or Rouswell's employment status were not immediately returned.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States has blacklisted a small Chinese bank accused of illicit dealings with North Korea, escalating the pressure on Beijing to rein in its wayward ally amid increased signs of frustration among President Donald Trump and his top advisers with China's diplomatic efforts.

The Treasury Department on Thursday declared the Bank of Dandong a "primary money-laundering concern," proposing to sever it entirely from the U.S. financial system, pending a 60-day review period. Although Trump's treasury secretary said the move didn't target China, it comes a week after the president lamented that China's promise to help with North Korea "has not worked out."

Calls to Bank of Dandong rang unanswered on Friday. Beijing, however, criticized Washington's action, saying that unilateral sanctions outside the U.N. Security Council were inappropriate.

"We also firmly oppose any individual country to exercise long-arm jurisdiction under its own domestic law," said Lu Kang, spokesman for China's foreign ministry.

Lu added that Beijing will investigate possible wrongdoings by Chinese individuals and entities under Chinese laws.

Trump had been leaning on President Xi Jinping to help stop the North's development of nuclear weapons before they can threaten the U.S. homeland. A main focus of the coordination has been getting China to fully enforce international sanctions intended to starve North Korea of revenue for its nuclear and missile programs.

The U.S. action is likely to anger China, which handles about 90 percent of North Korea's external trade, and whose banks and companies are said to provide Pyongyang access to the U.S.-dominated international financial system.

The sanctions bar Americans from doing business with Bank of Dandong, which is based in a northeastern Chinese city on the North Korean border that serves as a gateway for trade with the isolated nation. The U.S. also slapped sanctions Thursday on a Chinese shipping company and two Chinese people that it said have facilitated illegal activities by North Korea.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the U.S. still wants to work with Beijing on combating the North Korean threat.

"We are in no way targeting China with these actions," Mnuchin told a White House news briefing.

The punitive steps were presaged by a tweet from Trump last week reflecting dissatisfaction with Beijing's efforts.

"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 tweeted on June 20.

The Trump administration may be struggling to maintain international pressure on Pyongyang.

The president was to meet for the first time Thursday with South Korea's new leader, President Moon Jae-in, who has long advocated outreach to North Korea. His predecessor had staunchly backed Trump's harder line.

Mnuchin said the Bank of Dandong has facilitated millions of dollars of transactions for companies involved in North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.

Anthony Ruggiero, a sanctions expert and former Treasury Department official, described it as a small Chinese bank "sitting at the heart" of trade between North Korea and China.

"This is a strong message to Chinese leaders that the Trump administration will act against North Korea's sanctions evasion in China," he said.

The other targeted Chinese entities are:

-Dalian Global Unity Shipping Co., which Treasury accused of transporting 700,000 tons of freight annually, including coal and steel products, between China and North Korea. It cited a U.N. expert panel as saying the company has violated a ban on trade in luxury goods with the North.

-Chinese national Sun Wei, said to have been running a cover company for North Korea's Foreign Trade Bank, which is already subject to U.S. sanctions.

-Chinese national Li Hong Ri, said to have established several front companies that end up benefiting Koryo Bank, a U.S.-sanctioned conduct for financial transactions on behalf of North Korea.

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Associated Press writers Vivian Salama and Josh Lederman contributed to this report.
HONG KONG (AP) - In the two decades since Britain relinquished its Hong Kong colony to China, the mainland's influence has risen steadily on the territory.

Some residents uneasy about the changes that have taken place since the July 1, 1997, handover worry about further changes to come during the formal transition period lasting until 2047.

Much to Beijing's chagrin, people still display British colonial emblems out of nostalgia and longing for a time they feel had faster economic growth and better opportunities. Authorities have tried to remove such symbols at times, trying to steer the city away from its colonial past and toward its Chinese future.

In this combination of photos, left: Participants stand for China's national anthem at a Hong Kong school meeting highlighting achievements of students who visited the mainland on exchange programs, Tuesday, June 6, 2017; and right: Wreaths mourning soldiers who died during first and second World Wars are placed outside St. John Cathedral in Hong Kong, Monday, June 12, 2017. Chinese nationalism, especially aimed at children in schools, is a recurring and divisive theme in Hong Kong, while at the same time memorials to long-ago wars fought by the city's former ruling power are reminders that some still mourn the past under British colonial rule. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

But rising concerns about the future have led many residents to question their identity, especially among young people who increasingly call themselves Hong Kongers rather than Chinese.

Associated Press photographer Kin Cheung has documented Hong Kong's transition to Chinese rule with several pairs of abstract photos based on daily life and local symbols.

Recurrent in the images are the themes of nationalism versus colonialism, justice and freedom under Beijing's control, and the color red, a symbol of good fortune and Beijing support.

These themes unite the images to tell Hong Kong's narrative.

In this combination of photos, left: An LED screen seen between buildings emits a red glow in Hong Kong on Saturday, May 20, 2017; and right: A man wearing the British flag shorts jogs at King George V Memorial Park in Hong Kong on Friday, June 2, 2017. Two decades after Hong Kong was handed to China, many residents continue to live their lives as before, holding onto old habits and routines as well as beliefs inspired by the former British colonial rulers, such as democracy, freedom of speech and justice. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

In this combination of photos, left: The corner of a red LED screen is seen next to the statue of the Goddess of Justice at the former Supreme Court in Hong Kong, Thursday, June 1, 2017; and right: A man wears devil horns in front of the Fringe Club, which was built in the colonial style, in Hong Kong, Saturday, May 27, 2017. After the 1997 handover, Hong Kong cherished its autonomy, including its judicial independence, but with recent confrontations between pro-Democracy and pro-Beijing supporters, many believe that the "one country, two systems" principle is under threat as China seeks to impose its will. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

In this combination of photos, left: Clouds float over Victoria Harbor as a red LED display is seen at a shopping mall in Hong Kong, Wednesday, June 7, 2017; and right: A window frames a painting of clouds at a primary school in Hong Kong Friday, June 2, 2017. Hong Kong is often described as China's window to the world but many residents feel their own freedoms have been circumscribed after control was handed to China in 1997, like an expansive photo hemmed in by a frame. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

In this combination of photos taken on Friday, June 2 2017, left: A red lantern hangs outside a shop in Western District in Hong Kong; and right: A man pushes a trolley with a red plastic bag next to a wall depicting British themed graffiti art in Hong Kong. Traditional Chinese symbols like red lanterns are a familiar sight in Hong Kong alongside British icons despite periodic attempts by the authorities to remove the latter, underscoring attempts to steer the city away from its colonial past to its Chinese future. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

In this combination of photos, left: Red neon light is reflected in a puddle in Hong Kong, Friday, June 2, 2017; and right: A man is silhouetted in a sliver of light as he walks in front of the Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong Kau Yan Church which was built in colonial style, Monday, May 29, 2017. As Beijing tightens its grip on Hong Kong, residents navigating the city's complex political situation often must choose sides, politically or culturally, or else find space to exist in the few gaps left. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

In this combination of photos, left: A mannequin with a red head is displayed at a fashion store in Hong Kong, Tuesday, June 20, 2017; and right: A student stands in a replica of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, Wednesday, June 21, 2017. Confrontations between pro-Beijing and pro-democracy forces have heated up in Hong Kong's semi-democratic Legislative Council and elsewhere as authorities take a hardline stance against challengers. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

In this combination of photos, left: Red carpeted steps lead up to a stage with screens displaying an image of the universe, in Hong Kong, Thursday, June 22, 2017; and right: A red sculpture is displayed outside the Bank of China headquarters in Hong Kong to celebrate the anniversary of Hong Kong handover to China, Friday, June 23, 2017. Massive amounts of "red capital" have flooded into Hong Kong from the mainland since the 1997 handover. Chinese investment benefits mainland investors but Hong Kong residents believe the advantages for them are less clear. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

In this combination of photos, left: Residents look at the sunset glow over Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong, Sunday, June 11, 2017; and right: A woman carries a red umbrella past Sun Yat-sen Museum, which was built in the colonial style, Saturday, May 20, 2017. Two decades after the handover, China's presence is inescapable for many in Hong Kong, hanging over residents like a cloud, though authorities might like people to believe being under Beijing's control is more of a shield. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) - Kusal Mendis top-scored with 86 and the top order rallied around him to give Sri Lanka a solid 316-5 against Zimbabwe on Friday in the first one-day international in Galle in 17 years.

Sri Lanka opted to bat first having won the toss but lost a wicket early when opener Niroshan Dickwella gave his away on 10 to medium-pacer Tendai Chatara.

Mendis and opener Danushka Gunathilaka added 117 runs for the second wicket.

Gunathilaka made 60 off 77 deliveries including five boundaries and a six. He mishit a reverse sweep and was caught at backward point off spinner Sean Williams.

Mendis hit eight boundaries and a six in his 80-ball innings before being caught and bowled by captain Graeme Cremer.

Upul Tharanga anchored the rest of the innings with a 73-ball 79 not out which included eight boundaries and a six.

He combined for 74 with captain Angelo Mathews (43), and 56 with Asela Gunaratne (28).

Chatara returned the best bowling figures of 2-49.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump and South Korea's new leader showed joint resolve on North Korea on Friday despite their divergent philosophies for addressing the nuclear threat, yet the U.S. opened up a new front of discord by demanding a renegotiation of a landmark 2012 trade pact between the two countries.

Concluding two days of meetings at the White House, Trump and President Moon Jae-in each delivered tough talk opposing North Korea's development of atomic weapons that could soon threaten both allies.

The "reckless and brutal regime" requires a determined reply, Trump said. And Moon, who has long advocated outreach to Pyongyang, vowed a "stern response" to provocation, promising to coordinate closely with Trump as he looks to intensify economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.

President Donald Trump meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, June 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

While they avoided a potential conflict on the most burning national security crisis facing each country, they showed little harmony on trade.

Summoning the economic nationalism that has marked much of his international agenda, Trump highlighted America's trade imbalance with South Korea. Two-way trade in goods and services was $144 billion last year, with the U.S. running a $17 billion deficit.

"The fact is that the United States has trade deficits with many, many countries, and we cannot allow that to continue," Trump said. "And we'll start with South Korea right now."

Ahead of their first face-to-face discussions, South Korean companies announced plans to invest US$12.8 billion in the U.S. over the next half-decade. Nevertheless, Trump wasn't placated. He said the two sides would renegotiate a 2012 free trade agreement, calling it a "rough deal" for America, echoing the sentiments he has voiced about the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. The White House later confirmed Trump has asked his trade representative to begin the process of renegotiation.

Trump accused Seoul of helping steel reach the U.S. at unfairly low prices. It was an apparently reference to Chinese steel. Trump also demanded that market barriers to U.S. auto makers be lifted to give them "a fair shake at dealing with South Korea."

To rub it in, Trump called on his top economic officials to address their grievances to Moon in front of journalists.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the trade imbalance had grown sharply since the trade deal took effect due to unfair "rulemaking" governing U.S. industrial products entering South Korea, particularly autos.

It all amounted to an unusual display of one-upmanship in a meeting between close allies. After the talks, Moon largely skirted the differences on trade, calling the U.S.-South Korean economic partnership an "essential pillar" of the alliance. Such language is traditionally reserved for their joint effort in the 1950-53 Korean War and the ongoing presence of 28,000 U.S. forces in South Korea.

After the flood of accusations of South Korean wrongdoing, Moon said through an interpreter: "Economic growth and job creation will be promoted to ensure our peoples enjoy greater mutual benefits."

South Korea is America's seventh largest market for exported goods such as U.S. electrical machinery, aircraft, medical instruments and beef. It is also the sixth largest supplier of U.S. imported goods, benefiting Korean makers of cars, phones and pharmaceuticals.

Since the deal went into effect, American goods exports to South Korea have slipped 2.8 percent, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. At the same time, South Korean goods exports to the U.S. have boomed by 23.4 percent. U.S. services providers have fared better, with their exports climbing 29.3 percent in the last five years.

Earlier this week, Myron Brilliant, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, warned that reopening the agreement "could lead to its unraveling," benefiting only U.S. trade competitors.

Despite the trade tensions, Trump and Moon sought to establish a personal bond.

Moon praised the American as a man of "determination and pragmatism," and said Trump had accepted an invitation to visit South Korea with first lady Melania Trump later this year. Trump declared their relationship "very, very good."

And they revealed no disagreement on North Korea, though Trump harkened back to an election campaign demand for "fair burden-sharing," with South Korea paying more for the U.S. military presence in its territory.

Trump urged all nations to join the U.S. in imposing sanctions to starve North Korea of resources for its nuclear and missile programs. He demanded North Korea "choose a better path and do it quickly, and a different future for its long-suffering people."

"Our goal is peace, stability and prosperity for the region - but the United States will defend itself, always will defend itself - always," Trump said. "And we will always defend our allies."

Moon said the leaders agreed to strengthen their deterrence and coordinate on North Korea policy, employing both sanctions and dialogue "in a phased and comprehensive approach." He urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations on ending its nuclear program, something it shows no sign of doing.

Speaking later at a Washington think tank, Moon suggested that if North Korea released three Americans it is currently holding, it could spur talks, as could a freeze on missile and nuclear tests. But he ruled out the possibility of stopping U.S.-South Korean military drills in exchange for the freeze.

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Associated Press writers Josh Boak, Jill Colvin and Ken Thomas contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, June 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump welcomes South Korean President Moon Jae-in to the White House in Washington, Friday, June 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

President Donald Trump listens as South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during a joint statement in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, June 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) - The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast comes to an end Friday, 13 years after it intervened to implement a peace agreement as the West African economic powerhouse was split in two by civil war.

While many praise the mission's success in stabilizing the country after years of conflict and post-electoral violence, others point to a recent series of army mutinies as a sign that peace remains tentative.

"The departure of UNOCI shows the remarkable progress that has been accomplished in Ivory Coast on the path to peace, lasting stability and economic prosperity," said Aichatou Mindaoudou, the U.N. secretary-general's special representative for the country.

U.N. peacekeepers first worked to maintain a cease-fire between the rebel-controlled north and the government-controlled south after an attempted coup in 2002 led to civil war. A peace deal in 2007 ultimately brought key rebel leaders into the administration, but deep divisions remained.

The country again came close to civil war in 2011 when then-leader Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat after losing the election and some 3,000 people were killed in the violence that followed. Current President Alassane Ouattara was later installed with the help of his former rebel allies and the international community.

Some 6,900 uniformed personnel were authorized under the original U.N. resolution authorizing the peacekeeping mission, but that number had fallen to roughly 2,600 at the end of last year.

As of Friday, the mission that most recently cost $153 million a year will be over. The U.N. Security Council in April 2016 voted unanimously to end the mission, a motion of confidence in the country's progress.

For many Ivorians, the departure of the peacekeepers is a positive sign even as worries flare about the recent military tensions. Many recall it was only six years ago that post-electoral conflict claimed so many lives.

"The U.N. mission should stay in place a few more years during the process of reconciliation and restructuring the army," said Firmin Kouakou, a student in the financial capital, Abidjan. "The seeds that led to the previous crisis are gradually re-emerging."

Gbagbo, the former president, is still awaiting trial on war crimes charges at The Hague along with his ally Charles Ble Goude, and critics have accused Ouattara's administration of prioritizing the human rights abuses perpetrated on his supporters.

While the last election in 2015 was peaceful and saw the incumbent re-elected, Ouattara is constitutionally barred from running again. Observers say that vacuum could create more uncertainty about the country's political future.

Disgruntled soldiers have launched a series of mutinies in recent months, paralyzing commerce and raising concerns about further unrest. The recent discovery of an enormous cache of weapons in the former rebel stronghold of Bouake has created even more alarm in a country with a long history of conflict. Authorities have said they are investigating.

Human rights groups are urging the government to do more as the U.N. mission departs.

"The vast majority of the commanders and leaders implicated in a decade of serious human rights violations - on both sides of the military-political divide - have not been held to account," said a statement released Friday by Human Rights Watch and others.

Drissa Traore, the vice president of the International Federation for Human Rights, said that "it's too early to say whether the recovery is sustainable."

Traore added: "The peace dividends that the United Nations has contributed to could be reversed unless the Ivorian government addresses pervasive immunity and the army's lack of discipline."

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Associated Press writer Krista Larson in Dakar, Senegal contributed.
LONDON (AP) - A British man has been jailed after hitting a Muslim teen with a slab of bacon after hurling insults at her and her mother.

Alex Chivers was sentenced at a London court on Thursday to six months in jail for assault and a public order offense. The 36-year-old admitted to religiously or racially-aggravated assault.

Police said Friday that he approached two Muslims on June 8 in north London and made abusive Islamophobic comments before striking the teen with bacon.

This is an undated handout image issued on Friday June 30, 2017 by the Metropolitan Police of Alex Chivers. Chivers was on Thursday jailed for 6-months after hitting a Muslim teen with a slab of bacon after hurling insults at her and her mother. (Metropolitan Police/via AP)

Detective James Payne said other people were present during the attack including someone who filmed the incident. Payne called the assault "truly shocking."

It came five days after Islamic extremists attacked people on London Bridge and at Borough Market.

British police have reported a rise in hate crimes.
BERASTAGI, Indonesia (AP) - Indonesian rescuers have retrieved the body of a German hiker who went missing last week on a dormant volcano in western Indonesia, an official said Friday.

Klaus Wolter, 48, from Odenburg city, was reported missing by his hotel on June 22, a day after he began what should have been a day hike up Mount Sibayak in North Sumatra province.

Search and rescue official Budiawan said the body was brought down the mountain Friday in a nearly seven-hour relay operation through rugged, forested terrain and a river.

Rescuers carry the body of German hiker Wolter Klaus as they walk down a trail at Mount Sibayak in Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Friday, June 30, 2017. Klaus was reported missing last week while hiking on the dormant volcano. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara)

Wolter's father, wife and younger brother received the body before it was transferred to a police hospital for an autopsy.

About 150 soldiers, police and volunteers backed by a police helicopter searched for Wolter after he was reported missing, but were hampered by the rugged terrain and bad weather.

His body was discovered Thursday near a waterfall by five university students who were camping on the 2,200-meter (7,200-foot) mountain.

"I can confirm that it is the body of Klaus Wolter," said Budiawan, who uses a single name.

Hendra, one the five students, said the body was about 20 meters (12 feet) from the waterfall, the left leg seemed to be cut off and there were some wounds on the body.

In 2013, rescuers found a Japanese hiker alive in a ravine four days after he fell from a cliff on Mount Sibayak.

Mount Sibayak is one of about 130 volcanoes in Indonesia. Its last major eruption was in 1881, but its geothermal activity remains high.

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This story has been corrected to fix names.
On a table in the waiting room of the Gage County Medical Clinic, among the magazines and medical pamphlets, theres a framed newspaper photo from the early 1980s.

In the photo, there are four men: doctors Patrick McGuffey, David Gloor, Eric Thomsen and Lance Gowen, all posing in front of the then-new clinic beneath the headline, They Believe In Beatrice.

About 35 years have passed since that photo was taken, but the sentiment remains the same. Now, Gowen will be retiring from the practice where he started his career in 1982.

It's gut-wrenchingly hard leaving those folks, Gowen said.

After obtaining his medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical School in Omaha, Gowen did his family practice residency in Lincoln with Thomsen and McGuffey.

Toward the end of their residency, the three met Harvey and Joyce Soderholm, a couple who had just returned from Australia. The Soderholms were back in Nebraska after spending time abroad performing Christian fellowship. They offered mentoring on topics like bible study, parenting, relationships and evangelism, Gowen said.

The new doctors really liked the couple and theyd been interested in getting some guidance in living a Christian life, Gowen said.

We hit it off with them, he said. They were willing to give us the guidance and direction we wanted, provided we were within about an hour of Lincoln, where they were relocating.

A few months after meeting the Soderholms, the doctors were leaving a meeting at the residency when they were approached by a recruiter from Beatrice Community Hospital.

The hospital had a need for more physicians. One had recently died, and others had left the area. They were only looking for two doctors, Gowen said, but they were willing to take all three.

We are forever thankful to them for that opportunity because it allowed us to practice together, it allowed us to get the spiritual help and direction that we needed, he said. We're just very thankful for the hospital and the community for that.

Being within a short distance of the Soderholms meant the doctors at Gage County Medical Clinic were never far from the Christian mentorship they needed, Gowen said.

A year after coming to Beatrice, Gowen said, Dr. Gloor started at the practice. In the 35 years since they started, things have changed quite a bit.

Today, he said, most of the work is done in the clinic, but in the 80s, there was a different system.

It's been a sea change in medicine, Gowen said. We did a little bit of everything and all those things, I don't do anymore.

With Gowens departure, and the retirement of Dr. Alan Langvardt of the Beatrice Medical Center a few months ago, the city will have a need for new family physicians, Gowen said.

The doctors Gowen started with at the Gage County Medical Clinic, who are all still working, are about the same age as Gowen. There will be a shortage sometime in the future if the city cant attract new doctors.

He said Beatrice does have some advantages over cities like Aurora, which has seen a lack of new family practitioners in recent years. What smaller towns, like Aurora, lack in 24-hour emergency medical care, Beatrice has. Beatrices proximity to the hospitals in Lincoln could also attract new doctors, he said.

I think the hospital's pretty aggressively recruiting, looking for new practitioners, Gowen said. The medical staff that they have though is really, really good. I'd say that it's the best that it's ever been since I've been here.

Diane Vicars, director of marketing for the Beatrice Community Hospital agreed. The hospital might not have all the resources that bigger cities have, but those services are within arms reach.

It's best for our patients because we can provide all that local care right here, Vicars said. But if you need a specialist, it's just up the road and we can get you that specialist.

After retirement, Gowen is heading east to spend more time with his youngest daughter who lives in North Carolina with her husband, he said. He hopes that his oldest will follow suit. Everything else remains to be determined.

One thing is for sure, though, he said, hes going to miss Beatrice.

People share stuff with you that's very personal, and you just get really, really close to them, Gowen said. I've come to... value the relationships that you get to establish with people... What makes it very hard is you get really close to people.
Doctor accused of sex harassment kills 1 at NYC hospital

NEW YORK (AP) - A doctor forced from a New York hospital because of sexual harassment accusations returned Friday with an assault rifle hidden under a lab coat and shot seven people, killing one woman and leaving several doctors fighting for their lives, authorities said.

The gunman, Dr. Henry Bello, fatally shot himself after trying to set himself on fire at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, they said. He staggered, bleeding, into a hallway where he collapsed and died with the rifle at his side, officials said.

People in the hospital described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted. Employees locked themselves inside rooms and patients feared for their lives after an announcement that an armed intruder was loose in the building.

"I thought I was going to die," said Renaldo Del Villar, a patient who was in the third-floor emergency room getting treatment for a lower back injury.

Law enforcement officials identified the shooter as the 45-year-old Bello, who was described on the hospital website as a family medicine physician. Officials said Bello used an AR-15 in the attack on the 16th and 17th floors.

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Illinois man charged with kidnapping Chinese scholar

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Kidnapping charges were filed Friday against a central Illinois man in connection with the disappearance of a visiting Chinese scholar last seen three weeks ago and who is believed by authorities to be dead.

Yingying Zhang, the daughter of a working-class factory driver from China, disappeared on June 9, just weeks after arriving at the University of Illinois where she was pursuing studies in agriculture sciences.

Federal authorities say 27-year-old Brendt Christensen of Champaign, Illinois, is accused of kidnapping Zhang shortly after she stepped off a bus near the university campus. Video show her getting into the front seat of a black Saturn Astra.

According to the affidavit filed in federal court, on Thursday, while Christensen was under surveillance, agents overheard him explaining that he kidnapped Zhang. Authorities say based on this, and other facts uncovered during the investigation, agents believe Zhang is no longer alive.

Authorities have not indicated if a body has been found.

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Trump suggests just repeal Obamacare, then try to replace it

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump barged into Senate Republicans' delicate health care negotiations Friday, declaring that if lawmakers can't reach a deal they should simply repeal "Obamacare" right away and then replace it later on.

Trump's tweet revives an approach that GOP leaders and the president himself considered but dismissed months ago as impractical and politically unwise. And it's likely to further complicate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's task as he struggles to bridge the divide between GOP moderates and conservatives as senators leave Washington for the Fourth of July break without having voted on a health care bill as planned.

"If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date!" Trump wrote.

The president sent his early-morning tweet shortly after Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse appeared on Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends" to talk about a letter he had sent to Trump making that exact suggestion: a vote on repealing former President Barack Obama's health law followed by a new effort at a working out a replacement.

Trump is a known "Fox & Friends" viewer, but Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky also claimed credit for recommending the tactic to the president in a conversation earlier in the week.

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Pentagon OKs 6-month delay in transgender enlistments

WASHINGTON (AP) - Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is giving the military chiefs another six months to conduct a review to determine if allowing transgender individuals to enlist in the armed services will affect the "readiness or lethality" of the force.

Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said Mattis made the decision Friday. The delay in allowing the enlistment of new recruits does not affect transgender troops who are already serving openly in the military.

"After consulting with the service chiefs and secretaries, I have determined that it is necessary to defer the start of accessions for six months," Mattis said in a memo that was sent Friday to the service chiefs and secretaries and was obtained by The Associated Press. "We will use this additional time to evaluate more carefully the impact of such accessions on readiness and lethality."

In the memo, Mattis said he believes the department must measure "each policy decision against one standard" - whether it affects the ability of the military to defend the nation.

Mattis' decision formally endorses an agreement hammered out last week by the leaders of the four military services, which rejected Army and Air Force requests for a two-year wait. And it reflects the broader worry that a longer delay would trigger criticism on Capitol Hill, officials familiar with the talks told The AP.

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Trump voting commission will get limited state voter data

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A request for detailed information about every voter in the U.S. from President Donald Trump's voting commission is getting a rocky reception in the states.

Some of the nation's most populous states, including California and New York, are refusing to comply. But even some conservative states that voted for Trump, such as Texas, say they can provide only partial responses based on what is legally allowed under state law.

Given the mishmash of information Trump's commission will receive, it's unclear how useful it will be or what the commission will do with it. Trump established the commission to investigate allegations of voter fraud in the 2016 elections, but Democrats have blasted it as a biased panel that is merely looking for ways to suppress the vote.

New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner, a Democrat who is a member of Trump's Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, defended the request Friday. He said the commission expected that many states would only partially comply because open records laws differ from state to state.

"If only half the states agree, we'll have to talk about that. I think, whatever they do, we'll work with that," said Gardner, adding that the commission will discuss the survey at its July 19 meeting.

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Trump ups trade tensions with SKorea in welcoming new leader

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump and South Korea's new leader showed joint resolve on North Korea on Friday despite their divergent philosophies for addressing the nuclear threat, yet the U.S. opened up a new front of discord by demanding a renegotiation of a landmark 2012 trade pact between the two countries.

Concluding two days of meetings at the White House, Trump and President Moon Jae-in each delivered tough talk opposing North Korea's development of atomic weapons that could soon threaten both allies.

The "reckless and brutal regime" requires a determined reply, Trump said. And Moon, who has long advocated outreach to Pyongyang, vowed a "stern response" to provocation, promising to coordinate closely with Trump as he looks to intensify economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.

While they avoided a potential conflict on the most burning national security crisis facing each country, they showed little harmony on trade.

Summoning the economic nationalism that has marked much of his international agenda, Trump highlighted America's trade imbalance with South Korea. Two-way trade in goods and services was $144 billion last year, with the U.S. running a $17 billion deficit.

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GOP bill would let churches endorse political candidates

WASHINGTON (AP) - Churches should have the right to endorse political candidates and still keep their tax-free status, say House Republicans targeting a law that prohibits such outright politicking from the pulpit.

Republicans repeatedly have failed to scrap the law preventing churches and other nonprofits from backing candidates, so now they are trying to starve it. With little fanfare, a House Appropriations subcommittee added a provision that would deny money to the IRS to enforce the 63-year-old law to a bill to fund the Treasury Department, Securities and Exchange Commission and other agencies.

The subcommittee passed the bill Thursday.

Republicans say the law is enforced unevenly, leaving religious leaders uncertain about what they are allowed to say and do.

"I believe that churches have a right of free speech and an opportunity to talk about positions and issues that are relevant to their faith," said Rep. Jim Renacci, R-Ohio.

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Carrie Lam sworn in as new Hong Kong chief executive

HONG KONG (AP) - Carrie Lam was sworn in Saturday as Hong Kong's new leader on the city's 20th anniversary of the handover from British to Chinese rule, in a ceremony presided over by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Lam's inauguration as the semi-autonomous Chinese region's fifth chief executive was partly overshadowed by harsh remarks from Xi in his address to the assembly, in which he pledged zero -tolerance for any acts seen as jeopardizing Hong Kong and China's stability and security.

Lam and her Cabinet swore to serve China and Hong Kong and to uphold the Basic Law, the territory's mini-constitution. In a short speech, she reviewed the dynamic financial center's achievements and challenges, pledged to support central government initiatives and declared that "the future is bright."

The life-long bureaucrat was selected through a process decried by critics as fundamentally undemocratic, involving just a sliver of a percent of Hong Kong's more than 3 million voters.

Ahead of an earlier flag raising ceremony, a small group of activists linked to the pro-democracy opposition sought to march on the venue carrying a replica coffin symbolizing the death of the territory's civil liberties. They were swiftly stopped by police and Chinese flag-waving counter protesters, with the action ending about an hour later.

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Texas officer shot while investigating vehicle break-in dies

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - A police officer in San Antonio died Friday of wounds suffered when he and his partner were shot by a man they intended to question about a vehicle break-in, police said.

Officer Miguel Moreno, a nine-year veteran of the police force, was shot in the head during the encounter Thursday. The gunman fired on Moreno and his partner, Officer Julio Cavazos, as they stepped out of their patrol car. Cavazos also was shot but returned fire and attempted to pull Moreno out of the line of fire.

Cavazos underwent surgery and is expected to recover, police Chief William McManus said during a news conference earlier Friday. The gunman died in the shootout.

The officers were patrolling north of downtown when they decided to question two men because they were near the vehicle that had been broken into, McManus said. He said the officers didn't consider the men suspects.

"I'm at a loss to describe what a tragedy this is," McManus said.

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Science Says: Hot dogs minus added nitrites may be no better

NEW YORK (AP) - Backyard cooks looking to grill this summer have another option: hot dogs without "added nitrites."

Are they any healthier?

Oscar Mayer is touting its new hot dog recipe that uses nitrite derived from celery juice instead of artificial sodium nitrite, which is used to preserve the pinkish colors of processed meats and prevents botulism. Kraft Heinz, which owns Oscar Mayer, says sodium nitrite is among the artificial ingredients it has removed from the product to reflect changing consumer preferences. The change comes amid a broader trend of big food makers purging ingredients that people may feel are not natural.

But nitrites are nitrites - and the change makes little difference - according to those who advise limiting processed meat and those who defend it.

Kana Wu, a research scientist at Harvard's school of public health, said in an email that it is best to think of processed meat made with natural ingredients the same as those made with artificial nitrites.
GENEVA (AP) - After a long legal battle, the remains of a former Burundian king who died in 1977 have been re-buried near Geneva after a Swiss court ruled that he deserves to rest in peace in Switzerland as he had wished.

In a small ceremony, the remains of King Mwambutsa IV were reinterred Friday in the suburb of Meyrin.

It comes more than five years after they were dug up and placed in an undertaker's custody as part of a legal case brought by proponents of a return of the remains to Burundi.

A Swiss federal court decision in April rejected efforts, supported by the government of Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, to have the remains sent back.

Government officials in Burundi declined to comment.

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This version corrects to spell the name of the late monarch to Mwambutsa.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump amid tensions over Washington's decision to arm Syrian Kurdish forces fighting the Islamic State group, a Turkish official said Friday.

Mahir Unal, a spokesman for Erdogan's ruling party, said the two leaders spoke by phone but did not provide details on their discussions. He told reporters, however, that the Turkish leader later also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Turkey considers the U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish militia group - the People's Protection Units, or YPG - to be terrorists linked to outlawed Kurdish insurgents in its country.

The YPG is the largest group within the Syrian Democratic Forces battling to oust IS from its Syrian stronghold of Raqqa.

Ankara has vowed to intervene if the YPG poses a security threat. This week Turkey's military returned fire in response to a cross-border attack by the group.

Earlier, Brett McGurk, the top U.S. envoy for the international coalition against IS, met with Turkish foreign ministry and military officials, a Turkish official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations.

McGurk said on Twitter he was holding consultations with Turkey on "mutual efforts to defeat (IS) and ensure it can never return."
EL DORADO, Kan. (AP) - Corrections officials say they are reviewing what led to a several-hour uprising by inmates at a south-central Kansas prison.

Kansas Department of Corrections spokesman Todd Fertig says no violence or injuries resulted from the protest inside the El Dorado Correctional Facility. Fertig says the incident ended about 5 p.m. Thursday with inmates being returned to their cells.

As the head of the Kansas Organization of State Employees union representing prison workers, Robert Choromanski said the disturbance began shortly after 10:30 a.m. when some prisoners refused to return to their cell houses.

In this Dec. 18, 2003 photo, inmates head to lunch at the El Dorado Correctional Facility, in El Dorado, Kan. The Kansas Department of Corrections said some inmates on Thursday, June 29, 2017, refused to return to their cells at the state's maximum-security prison, but that no violence or injuries have been reported. (Fernando Salazar/The Wichita Eagle via AP)

He says inmates controlled parts of the prison that included the gym, the yard and the kitchen.

He says special response teams from prisons in Lansing, Hutchinson and Winfield were sent to El Dorado to assist.
WEST GOSHEN, Pa. (AP) - A man driving down a Pennsylvania highway shot a recent high school graduate in the head, killing her during a road rage incident that authorities described as a high speed "cat-and-mouse game" as the two tried to merge into a single lane.

Bianca Roberson, 18, was shot in West Goshen on Wednesday, the Chester County District Attorney's office said. Her car veered off the road and was later found in a ditch. The shooter fled in a red pickup truck, driving partly along the shoulder of the highway until exiting the road. He is still at large.

Authorities said the driver is a man of medium build, 20 to 40 years old with blond or light brown hair. Police have released a sketch of the man based on an eyewitness account as officials continue their manhunt for the suspect. His truck was described as a red pickup with faded paint.

West Goshen Police Chief Joseph Gleason speaks to the media during a news conference outside police headquarters, Friday, June 30, 2017, in West Goshen, Pa. A man driving down a Pennsylvania highway shot recent high school graduate Bianca Roberson, 18, in the head, killing her, as the two tried to merge into a single lane, authorities said. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Roberson had just graduated from Bayard Rustin High School in West Chester. She was headed to Jacksonville University in Florida in the fall.

"Bianca had her whole life ahead of her," said West Chester Area School District Superintendent Jim Scanlon. "What should be a time of great joy and celebration in a young person's life has turned into a horrible tragedy."

"We were all excited for her," her father, Rodney Roberson, told WCAU-TV. "She was excited. We were just happy for her."

District Attorney Thomas Hogan called the road rage shooting a "totally random, senseless act of violence."

"Every cop in three states is looking for this red pickup truck," Hogan said.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Goshen police. There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest.

"To that man who fired that shot, turn yourself in now," Hogan said. "Every second you are out there you are only making this worse for yourself and making this worse for this young lady's family."

West Goshen Police Chief Joseph Gleason holds a sketch of a suspected road rage shooter during a news conference outside police headquarters, Friday, June 30, 2017, in West Goshen, Pa. The man is suspected of shooting of high school graduate Bianca Roberson, 18, in the head, killing her, as the two tried to merge into a single lane on, authorities said. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

West Goshen Police Chief Joseph Gleason speaks to the media during a news conference outside police headquarters, Friday, June 30, 2017, in West Goshen, Pa. A man driving down a Pennsylvania highway shot recent high school graduate Bianca Roberson, 18, in the head, killing her, as the two tried to merge into a single lane, authorities said. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump's meetings with the South Korean president (all times local):

7:25 p.m.

South Korea's president is strongly urging China to stop its economic retaliation over the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system intended to protect against North Korea.

President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in shakes hands in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, June 30, 2017, where they made statements. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

President Moon Jae-in (jah-yihn) says the measures have caused $8 billion in damage to his nation's economy.

China claims the THAAD system's radar ranges into its territory. But Moon says, "It's not right for China to try to unfairly influence Korea's sovereign decision" to deploy the system.

Moon, who took power in May, says the previous South Korean government did not sufficiently discuss the issue with China before deployment.

Moon has delayed the full rollout of THAAD pending an environmental review.

He was speaking Friday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

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7 p.m.

South Korea's president is suggesting that the release of three Americans held by North Korea could kick-start long-stalled negotiations with Pyongyang.

President Moon Jae-in (jah-yihn) says another impetus for talks would be for North Korea to halt its nuclear and missile tests. He says the ultimate goal has to be denuclearization.

But he is ruling out stopping U.S.-South Korean military drills in exchange for a nuclear and missile freeze by the North, saying the allies' drills are legal and defensive while the North's nuclear activities are illicit.

Moon was speaking Friday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank after meeting President Donald Trump.

North Korea shows little interest in resuming talks on its nuclear program.

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3 p.m.

The White House is confirming that President Donald Trump has asked his trade representative to begin the process of renegotiating the U.S. trade deal with South Korea.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer was calling a special meeting to "start the process of renegotiating and amending the deal." She says Trump wants to make sure he "gets the best deal and a better deal if possible when it comes to trade."

Trump has been critical of the Korean trade agreement during his two days of meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in (jah-yihn).

Trump notes that the U.S. trade deficit with the Asian country has grown substantially since the start of the agreement.

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12:30 p.m.

The Oval Office was a rough-and-tumble place when President Donald Trump sat alongside South Korean President Moon Jae-in (jah-yihn) for their White House meeting.

A large contingent of U.S. and South Korean media members were jostling to get video and photos of the two leaders. U.S. Secret Service members asked Korean media to stop running as they entered the room.

During the exchange, a lamp on a table was nearly knocked over. But White House aide Keith Schiller caught it before it fell.

Trump said, "You guys are getting worse," and said a table had been knocked over. He later joked that "it's actually a very friendly press."

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12:10 p.m.

President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation to visit South Korea this year.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in (jah-yihn) says he invited Trump and his wife, Melania, to visit.

Moon says Trump "graciously accepted" the offer. He spoke Friday in the White House Rose Garden.

Moon adds that the visit will "demonstrate not only our friendship but also the intimate bond our peoples have come to foster through thick and thin."

The U.S. has been a longtime military ally of South Korea, which faces a nuclear weapons threat from North Korea. But Trump is also concerned about the trade deficit with South Korea, which has grown since a free trade pact began between the two countries in 2012.

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11:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump says "the era of strategic patience with the North Korean regime has failed." He's delivered a joint statement in the Rose Garden with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Trump adds: "Frankly, that patience is over."

Trump railed against the North Korean government as a "reckless and brutal regime" as he addresses the media with Moon.

He points to the death of American college student Otto Warmbier, who died shortly after being released from North Korean custody.

Trump says his goal is "peace, stability and prosperity" for the region, but warns the United States will "always" defend itself and its allies.

Trump also praises the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea as "a cornerstone of peace and security in a very, very dangerous part of the world."

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11:05 a.m.

President Donald Trump says that he will start to reduce the U.S. trade deficit by renegotiating a trade deal with South Korea.

The United States recorded a $27.6 billion trade deficit with South Korea last year. The deficit began to increase from $13.2 billion in 2011 after a free trade agreement between the two countries took effect in 2012.

Trump said: "We cannot allow that to continue." The president is meeting Friday at the White House with South Korean President Moon Jae-in (MOON JAAH IHN).

Trump made the remarks while in the cabinet room with advisers. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says that U.S. autos, steel and other companies still face trade barriers in South Korea.

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10:45 a.m.

President Donald Trump says the United States is negotiating a new trade deal with South Korea.

While welcoming South Korean President Moon Jae-in (MOON JAAH IHN) to the White House on Friday, Trump said: "We want something that will be very good for the American worker."

The president says they discussed North Korea and trade over dinner Thursday night.

Trump said: "We are renegotiating a trade deal right now as we speak with South Korea and hopefully it will be an equitable deal, it will be a fair deal for both parties." He has called the existing trade deal bad for U.S. workers.

Moon says his presidential election in South Korea was to reconfirm a strong trade alliance with the U.S.

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10:20 a.m.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in (jah-yihn) is back at the White House for his second day of meetings with President Donald Trump.

Moon arrived at the White House for an Oval Office meeting with Trump. Trump and Moon are scheduled to make joint statements later in the morning from the Rose Garden.

The two leaders dined together on Thursday night and Trump said they discussed security issues involving North Korea and trade.

Moon is aiming to show he's serious about dealing with the North Korean threat despite calling for engagement with the North to address its nuclear weapons development.

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9:50 a.m.

South Korea's president has laid a wreath at the Korean War Memorial in Washington ahead of more talks with President Donald Trump.

President Moon Jae-in (jah-yihn) was accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, whose father served in the U.S. Army during the 1950-53 Korean War.

It was the second occasion during Moon's four-day visit that he has paid tribute to American veterans of that conflict.

On Wednesday, he visited a memorial in Quantico, Virginia, honoring Marines who in 1950 enabled a mass evacuation of Korean civilians, including Moon's parents.

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9:30 a.m.

President Donald Trump is welcoming South Korean President Moon Jae-in (jah-yihn) back to the White House on Friday after the two leaders had dinner Thursday night.

Trump wrote on Twitter that they had a "very good meeting" with Moon and they discussed North Korea and trade.

Trump and Moon will be meeting in the Oval Office and then making statements to reporters.

The U.S. and South Korea want to show that they are on the same page over dealing with the North Korea nuclear threat.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, June 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump walks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to make statements in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, June 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, June 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump welcomes South Korean President Moon Jae-in to the White House in Washington, Friday, June 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
NEW YORK (AP) - The theater director who endured death threats and lost corporate sponsors after staging a Donald Trump-inspired version of "Julius Caesar" has a message to any artist fearful of facing similar backlash - don't flinch.

"We can't allow ourselves to feel overwhelmed. We can't allow ourselves to feel we're completely isolated. We're not," Oskar Eustis, artistic director of The Public Theater, told The Associated Press.

"We're speaking for the majority of the country and we need to draw strength from that and step out and take the risks that will really fulfill the arts' historic function."

FILE - In this June 6, 2016 file photo, Oskar Eustis attends the 2016 Public Theater Gala Benefit "United States of Shakespeare" at the Delacorte Theater in New York. The theater director who endured death threats and lost corporate sponsors after staging a Donald Trump-inspired version of "Julius Caesar" has a message to artists fearful of any backlash - don't flinch. "We can't allow ourselves to feel overwhelmed. We can't allow ourselves to feel we're completely isolated. We're not," Eustis, the artistic director of The Public Theatre, tells The Associated Press. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File)

Eustis sparked controversy when he chose to portray Caesar as an ego-driven populist with fluffy blond hair, a gold bathtub and a leggy Slovenian wife for his free Shakespeare in the Park summer production.

While Trump's name was never mentioned, the backlash was swift after photos and video appeared online of the Trumpian Caesar dying in a bloody group stabbing in Act 3, as has happened onstage for some 400 years.

Some screamed that the production condoned the assassination of Trump, even though the play clearly warns those who commit political violence even for noble reasons about the futility of their actions. Several protesters stormed the stage and police are investigating threatening phone calls made to Eustis' family.

"I thought we might provoke some response but what I thought is we'd provoke response to our production, and what we got was not a response to our production but a response to a completely slanted, biased reporting on a photograph and video tapes of our production," said Eustis.

Delta and Bank of America pulled their sponsorships of the production and, perhaps most painfully, The National Endowment for the Arts, which Trump once proposed eliminating, made a point of saying it had no role in the show.

"The NEA being forced to distance themselves from our production is a very sad commentary on how incredibly vulnerable they feel as a federal agency. I don't have any criticism for them at all. They are fighting for their life," said Eustis.

He said The Public , with deep roots in the community and wide financial support, will weather the storm. He said it has received more than 35,000 supportive emails, letters and social media comments, along with some 2,000 letters containing checks. (Filmmaker Michael Moore also promised to kick in $10,000.)

What Eustis most fears is that the blowback will have a chilling effect on less secure theater companies "because they'll be afraid of the consequences." Theater companies with Shakespeare in their name but nothing to do with The Public have already become targets of vitriol.

Arian Moayed, a Tony-nominated actor and artistic director of the innovative theater company Waterwell , watched the events unfold with dread. He was onstage in his own updated production of "Hamlet," this one set in Persia in the early 20th century.

"What happened to The Public and Oskar is kind of the worst fear for any theater-maker or artists of any field, mostly because we do live in a world where artistic freedom is all we have," Moayed said.

The venerable Shakespeare & Company felt the collateral damage as far away as Lenox, Massachusetts. It was the target of caustic emails and voicemails from people mistakenly assuming it had a role in the show.

Allyn Burrows, the artistic director, chose to use the controversy to engage, quietly emailing hate-spewing critics back with a "Julius Caesar" synopsis and trying to tamp down the vitriol. "We're used to screaming around here. We're a theater company, right?"

While calling Eustis' approach "bold," Burrows said theater companies must follow their own muses when making art and be prepared to explain it. "You create theater to engage people in conversation. You can't necessarily then be discriminatory on what kind of conversation it is."

The theater community has struggled with the change in the White House. With Barack Obama, they had a president who often came to Broadway shows and who even helped champion one in "Hamilton." Trump does not seem to share his predecessor's enjoyment of live theater.

The fault line was quickly exposed when then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence went to "Hamilton" and was given a pointed message about diversity from the cast after the show. Trump hit back, saying theater "must always be a safe and special place." Theater professionals scoffed: Theater, they say, must never be safe.

The stage world's response to Trump has included Robert Schenkkan's play "Building the Wall," a Broadway transfer of George Orwell's "1984," and the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington this fall reviving "The Arsonists," about liberal apathy. More political plays are on tap as artists tackle the Trump era.

"I feel that people are making more work or wanting to create more," said Mia Yoo, artistic director of La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in downtown Manhattan. "Something this galvanizing is going to push us in a new direction that, hopefully, something good will come out of this."

Moayed hopes theater can serve as a bridge between a divided America. "It's so black and white in our industry right now. It's either you hate Donald Trump or you love Donald Trump and there's nothing in between," he said.

"When you bring both sides of the equation to the table and have them just look at each other - face-to-face - without judgment and without irony or cynicism, you really can make an impact."

Meanwhile, Eustis finds a silver lining in the sudden jolt of electricity that William Shakespeare is enjoying.

"The brouhaha over 'Julius Caesar' is an illustration of the fact that the arts have the ability to be on the cutting edge of positive change. We have the ability to make statements about democracy, about free speech, about robust debates, about the fact that controversy is a good thing for the arts. It's what the arts are supposed to provoke. This is an opportunity that I hope folks won't let go by."

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Mark Kennedy can be reached at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago police, federal agents and prosecutors launched an initiative Friday aimed at stemming the flow of illegal firearms in the city as part of efforts to curb rampant gun violence that President Donald Trump says is at "epidemic proportions."

Trump's remark on Twitter came ahead of an announcement by Chicago police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives about the formation of the Chicago Crime Gun Strike Force.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office said an additional 20 ATF agents have been sent to Chicago. Tim Jones, the ATF's special agent in charge of the strike force, said the agents will be assigned permanently to the city.

Commander Tim Jones, head of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Strike Force, speaks at a news conference, Friday, June 30, 2017, in Chicago where it was announced that Chicago police and federal agents are collaborating on an initiative to stem the flow of illegal firearms in the city as part of efforts to curb rampant gun violence in the city. (AP Photo/G-Jun Yam)

State police, intelligence analysts and state and federal prosecutors will target illegal guns and repeat gun offenders, Chicago police said. Superintendent Eddie Johnson said in a statement that "we are foundationally changing the way we fight crime in Chicago."

Trump tweeted Friday morning that "Crime and killings in Chicago have reached such epidemic proportions that I am sending in Federal help." In January, he warned Chicago about its high number of homicides, saying on Twitter that he is ready to "send in the Feds."

Adam Collins, spokesman for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, said the city wants the assistance.

"Six months ago we made it clear that we would welcome additional federal support, and six months later we appreciate the 20 new ATF agents that are now arriving," Collins said in an email. But as the police department released figures that show the number of homicides, shooting incidents and shooting victims has dropped, Collins said "the progress CPD has made this year has happened without any of the new resources from the federal government we requested."

Police officials said they started talking about beefing up ATF's Chicago presence in November during then-President Barack Obama's administration and earlier this week, officials announced the ATF had loaned the city a van outfitted with ballistic testing equipment to help police more quickly solve gun crimes.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joel Levin told a Friday afternoon news conference that prosecutors are in the midst of ramping up federal gun prosecutions, saying his office has prosecuted more federal gun cases this year than in all of 2016 - and in 2016, his office prosecuted more such cases than it had in a decade.

Trump's latest tweet said there have been 1,714 shootings in Chicago this year. According to the police department, there have been 1,703 shooting victims. There were 1,935 shooting victims in the city during the same period last year. Also, there have been 1,360 shooting incidents so far this year - 224 less than were reported during the same period in 2016. So far this year, there have been 320 homicides compared to 322 by this time last year, according to the police department.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Friday that the Justice Department will send more federal prosecutors to Chicago to "prioritize prosecutions to reduce gun violence."

"The police have been demoralized in many ways," Sessions said earlier in the day on Fox News Channel's morning show, "Fox & Friends." ''In many ways, the policies in Chicago have not been working. Murders are way, way too high."

Sessions last week pledged federal assistance to 12 cities to help them develop individualized, long-term strategies to fight violence. But Chicago was not among them.

The Justice Department said that's because Chicago already was part of a similar Justice Department program called the Violence Reduction Network, which began in 2014. Under that initiative, federal agents teamed up with their local counterparts to share resources and intelligence.

The Justice Department spokesman said the department will keep working with cities including Chicago under the new crime-fighting program, called the Public Safety Partnership. And he noted that dozens of additional ATF agents had "surged" into Chicago so far this year.

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Associated Press writers David Runk in Detroit and Sadie Gurman in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

FILE - In this April 5, 2017, file photo, Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson speaks during a news conference in Chicago. Chicago police, federal agents and prosecutors plan to announce Friday, June 30 they are launching a new initiative to stem the flow of illegal firearms in the city as part of efforts to curb rampant gun violence that President Donald Trump says is at "epidemic proportions." (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford, File)

FILE - In this March 30, 2017, file photo, Georgia Jackson, 72, is overcome with emotion after learning that her two grandsons were found fatally shot in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood. Chicago police, federal agents and prosecutors plan to announce Friday, June 30 they are launching a new initiative to stem the flow of illegal firearms in the city as part of efforts to curb rampant gun violence that President Donald Trump says is at "epidemic proportions." (Chris Sweda /Chicago Tribune via AP)
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Gay spouses may not be entitled to government-subsidized workplace benefits, the Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday in a unanimous decision that was quickly condemned by gay-rights groups.

The court overturned a lower court's decision that favored same-sex marriage benefits, ordering the issue back to trial. Social conservatives hope the case will help them chip away at the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling legalizing gay marriage.

Gay rights groups denounced the ruling as an "absurd distortion" of established law regarding marriage equality.

FILE - In this June 29, 2015, file photo, supporters of the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling on same-sex marriage gather on the steps of the Texas Capitol for a news conference celebrating marriage equality and looking to important work ahead in Austin, Texas. Gay spouses may not be entitled to government-subsidized workplace benefits, the Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday, June 30, 2017, in a unanimous decision quickly condemned by gay-rights groups. The court overturned a lower court's decision that favored same-sex marriage benefits, ordering the issue back to trial. Social conservatives hope the case will help them chip away at the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

"Marriage is marriage and equal is equal. We will take steps to protect these families," said Kenneth Upton Jr., Dallas-based attorney for Lambda Legal.

Friday's decision was a major reversal for the all-Republican Texas high court, which previously refused to even consider the benefits case after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution grants gay couples who want to marry "equal dignity in the eyes of the law."

The Texas court only agreed to hear it after coming under intense pressure from Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton, as well as dozens of other conservative elected officials, church leaders and grassroots activists. They filed a flurry of briefs saying the case may help Texas limit the scope of the Supreme Court ruling - especially in how it's applied to states.

The decision didn't block same-sex spousal benefits but said the U.S. Supreme Court decision did not decide the issue. The U.S. Supreme Court "did not hold that states must provide the same publicly funded benefits to all married persons," the Texas Supreme Court wrote in its opinion.

The case came from Houston, where a coalition of religious and socially conservative groups sued America's fourth-largest city in 2013 to block a move to offer same-sex spousal benefits to municipal employees.

The groups argued that the U.S. Supreme Court didn't declare spousal benefits a fundamental right of marriage, and that it should be up to states to decide. The city argued that the gay marriage ruling meant all marriages are equal, so anything offered to opposite-sex couples must be offered to same-sex ones.

The groups suing also called the case a chance for Texas to defend religious liberty. Texas voters approved a gay marriage ban in 2005.

Jared Woodfill, a conservative activist at the center of the case, called the decision a big victory for states' rights and religious rights. He said he hopes the case will eventually help push the U.S. Supreme Court to someday overturn its gay marriage ruling.

"Courts can change their mind," Woodfill said. "From time immemorial, family law has been left to the states."

Conservative activists will argue to the trial court that the decision to offer same-sex benefits was an overreach by the Houston mayor's office that violated state law, and that benefits shouldn't be supported by taxpayers who would consider it a violation of sincerely held religious beliefs, Woodfill said.

Houston has been paying the benefits and Friday's decision doesn't stop them, but Woodfill said opponents will use the ruling to ask a judge to block them pending a trial on the issue. Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city is reviewing the ruling but won't stop providing the benefits.

"The City of Houston will continue to be an inclusive city that respects the legal marriages of all employees," Turner said. "Marriage equality is the law of the land, and everyone is entitled to the full benefits of marriage, regardless of the gender of their spouse."

Gay rights groups noted that the Texas decision came just days after the U.S. Supreme Court narrowly ruled that states may not treat married same-sex couples differently when issuing birth certificates. That decision overturned an Arkansas court ruling that said married lesbian couples were not entitled to have both spouses listed on their children's birth certificates.

Sarah Kate Ellis, president and chief executive of GLAAD, an LGBT rights group, called the Texas ruling a "warning shot to all LGBTQ Americans that the war on marriage equality is ever-evolving, and anti-LGBTQ activists will do anything possible to discriminate against our families."

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Follow Jim Vertuno on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JimVertuno
Two inmates at Ohio's prison hospital have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease, causing the facility this week to cut off use of its tap water and install new faucets and filters.

Environmental tests have been done in hopes of finding the source of illnesses at the Franklin Medical Center in Columbus, prison officials said.

The prison hospital houses close to 600 inmates who need medical and long-term care, some who may be more vulnerable to Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia that in some cases can be fatal. The prison also has pregnant inmates.

A notice sent by the prison's warden earlier this week after the second illness was confirmed said inmates were not to use the showers and advised against drinking the water. A second, separate section of the prison wasn't affected.

Bottled water was being handed out to inmates and the prison's 500 staff members.

Most of the faucets and showers now are safe to use after new filters were installed over the past few days, according to an internal memo sent Thursday and obtained by The Associated Press.

Some of the faucets will require special fittings and still were not safe to use, the notice said.

The bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease usually grow in closed water systems. People can get sick if they inhale mist or vapor from contaminated systems, and those with compromised respiratory systems are particularly vulnerable to it.

Symptoms include breathing difficulties, coughing, fever and muscle aches.

Both the male inmates who were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease have pre-existing health conditions, said JoEllen Smith, a spokeswoman for the prisons department.

The agency has been working with the Columbus Health Department and an outside consultant, she said.

The union representing workers at the prison said the two men who were sickened were in an area near each other.

Buffy Andrews, operations director for the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, said the prisons department has kept workers informed about the problem and acted quickly to shut off access to the water and find the source of the illnesses.

Two years ago, dirty cooling towers at San Quentin State Prison in California were to blame for an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease that sickened more than 80 inmates and employees.
BERLIN (AP) - Germany's foreign minister welcomed on Friday the prospect of a meeting between the U.S. and Russian presidents on the sidelines of next week's Group of 20 summit in Hamburg. He said the two countries are needed to solve the world's conflicts.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet for the first time amid hopes that the pair can find common goals on issues such as Syria, on which they have major disagreements.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told foreign reporters in Berlin on Friday that "we need these two countries' ability to agree in many conflicts in the world."

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, right, attends a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, June 29, 2017. (Sergei Karpukhin/Pool Photo via AP)

Gabriel added that "it would be almost strange if they were in one city at the same meeting" and didn't get together.

The minister renewed his criticism of a U.S. Senate vote on sanctions against Russia that included a provision which could affect European - including German - businesses involved in importing Russian natural gas.

It explicitly cites the need to promote U.S. energy exports. Gabriel said that was "honest - I'm not sure whether it's smart to write it into a draft bill, but it made clear what this is about."

"To say that I, as the American state, will now use sanctions mechanisms to torpedo European projects - I don't think that's right," he said.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The U.S. Mint has proposed a new $1 coin with designs honoring a landmark anti-discrimination law that passed in territorial Alaska in 1945, years before the U.S. Civil Rights Act.

The Alaska Native woman influential in the law's passage, Elizabeth Peratrovich, is featured on most of the design options. The new coin, scheduled for release in 2020, is part of a mint program honoring Native Americans and their contributions.

Peratrovich's testimony and advocacy have been credited as pivotal in efforts to pass the anti-discrimination law. This was at a time when, according to the Alaska Federation of Natives, many Alaska Natives faced poverty and unemployment because of segregation.

This undated image provided by the U.S. Mint shows coin designs featuring Elizabeth Peratrovich, scheduled to be unveiled in 2020. Peratrovich, an Alaska Native woman whose passionate testimony is credited with swaying the Alaska Territorial Legislature into passing an anti-discrimination bill nearly 20 years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, will be featured on a new $1 coin honoring Native American civil rights leaders. (U.S. Mint via AP)

Gov. Bill Walker has said it was the first piece of anti-discrimination legislation passed by any state or territory since the Civil War. The U.S. Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964.

Here is a look at Peratrovich and the U.S. Mint program.

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WHO WAS ELIZABETH PERATROVICH?

Peratrovich was a Tlingit, born on July 4, 1911, in a southeast Alaska fishing community. She died in 1958, shortly before Alaska officially became a state.

She and her husband, Roy Peratrovich, were involved in the Alaska Native Brotherhood and the Alaska Native Sisterhood, organizations that had been founded to fight for civil rights for Alaska Natives.

The couple argued for passage of anti-discrimination legislation, an effort that failed in 1943.

The issue came up again for debate in 1945. Elizabeth Peratrovich's testimony before territorial lawmakers and her advocacy for the issue have been hailed as influential in winning the law's passage.

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HOW IS SHE REMEMBERED?

Feb. 16 of each year is designated as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in Alaska. It is not an official state holiday but a day for remembrance of her contributions.

Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott, who is Alaska Native, said Peratrovich's "legacy of courage helped me and countless others grow as leaders of our people and have an equal voice in our state and our country."

Mallott made those comments in 2015, in a letter urging the U.S. Treasury secretary to put Peratrovich on the $10 bill. Walker and tribal organizations in the state also supported Peratrovich's nomination.

The Treasury Department ultimately decided that Alexander Hamilton would remain on the $10 bill, which, as part of a planned redesign, also will honor the suffrage movement.

One historian has argued that while Peratrovich deserves to be honored, the drama surrounding her testimony may have been overblown.

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WHAT WILL THE NEW COINS LOOK LIKE?

That's still unclear. Peratrovich's likeness or name appears on most of the design options. But final approval on a design is pending.

One side of the coin will feature whatever design is settled on. The other will feature Sacagawea, who is noted for her contributions to the Lewis and Clark expedition. Sacagawea's likeness has been featured on the $1 coin since 2000.

Issuance of the new coin, in 2020, would coincide with the 75th anniversary of the passage of the anti-discrimination law.
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - An insurance provider whose imprisoned client drove into a crowd at Oklahoma State University's 2015 homecoming parade will provide $100,000 to the victims.

A judge is expected to decide how the money will be divided during an August hearing, The Oklahoman reported (http://bit.ly/2s9hOM9 ).

Mark Smiling, an attorney for Farmers Insurance, said the victims, along with medical care and insurance providers, won't receive a lot of money. He said that's common when there isn't enough insurance proceeds to pay for an accident's full damages.

"It's totally up to the judge's discretion how he's going to divide those proceeds," Smiling said.

The crash killed four people and injured dozens of others.

Prosecutors alleged the driver, Adacia Chambers, 27, sped up before slamming into the parade spectators. Chambers' attorneys said she has a mental illness and experienced a psychotic episode at the time of the crash.

Chambers pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in January. She was sentenced to life in prison.

The victims incurred medical bills that ranged from hundreds of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. But Chambers' liability coverage capped at $100,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage.

"Most of your carriers don't write huge policies on young people," Smiling said. "She had a little more than the minimum, but not enough there to cover all the damages."

The insurance company has already paid more than $37,000 to Stillwater for damages. At the hearing, $12,537 in coverage for property damage also will be divided up.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A Mississippi lawmaker who said weeks ago that people should be lynched for removing Confederate monuments is now criticizing the vandalism of a historical marker about a lynching that galvanized the civil rights movement.

State Rep. Karl Oliver's district includes the community of Money, where black teenager Emmett Till was kidnapped and killed in 1955 for whistling at a white woman in a grocery store.

During the past two weeks, someone obliterated photos and other information about Till on a state marker outside the shuttered store. Vinyl was peeled from one side of the cast aluminum marker.

The damaged side of the Mississippi Freedom Trail marker at Bryant's Grocery on Money Road is seen on Monday, June 26, 2017, in Money, Miss. In late April, vandals bludgeoned the sign, damaging the vinyl cover. Recently, someone removed the vinyl cover altogether. The marker memorializes the place where 14-year-old Emmett Till, allegedly whistled at store clerk Carolyn Bryant, a white woman, and was subsequently kidnapped and murdered by Bryant's husband, Roy Bryant, and brother-in-law, J.W. Milam, in 1955. (Kathryn Eastburn/The Greenwood Commonwealth, via AP)

"This cowardly act of destruction that was inflicted on this particular historical monument should serve as further evidence of the need for, and responsibility of, our state's leadership to maintain and protect these precious historical insights to our past," Oliver said.

His statement was first reported in the Greenwood Commonwealth newspaper. Through a House spokeswoman Friday, Oliver confirmed to The Associated Press that the statement came from him.

"This is the exact same destruction I seek to prevent across our state," said Oliver, who has previously said he will push for a state law to prevent the destruction of historical monuments.

In a Facebook post May 20, Oliver wrote that Louisiana leaders were acting like Nazis by taking down Confederate monuments in New Orleans. He wrote, in all capital letters, that they should be "LYNCHED."

After coming under sharp criticism and being stripped of a committee leadership position, Oliver posted an apology May 22 on Facebook. When lawmakers met in special session June 5 for the first time since the post, Oliver privately apologized to some black colleagues but he sat in silence as 11 members of the Legislative Black Caucus gave speeches denouncing what he had said.

The Till maker was erected in 2011 as part the Mississippi Freedom Trail, a series of state-funded markers at significant civil rights sites. Allan Hammons, whose public relations firm made the Till marker, is repairing it at an estimated cost of about $500. When the marker was new, it cost about $8,000.

The damaged sign is outside the long-closed Bryant's Grocery & Meat Market, where a 21-year-old white shopkeeper, Carolyn Bryant, said Till whistled at her in August 1955. The 14-year-old, who was visiting from Chicago, was kidnapped, tortured and killed because of her accusation. His mother, Mamie Till Mobley, insisted on an open-casket funeral in Chicago so people could see her son's mutilated body.

An all-white Mississippi jury acquitted Bryant's husband, Roy Bryant, and his half brother, J.W. Milam, in the killing, but the two men later confessed in a paid interview with Look magazine.

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Follow Emily Wagster Pettus on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus .
Police in New York say an Arizona man has been extradited to the state more than 40 years after he fled a rape conviction.

Todd Matus, now 62, was convicted in absentia of raping and sodomizing an 18-year-old girl in Dix Hills, and was sentenced to between five and 15 years in jail, according to Suffolk County Police.

The then-21 year old agreed to drive the girl home from a disco before taking her to a secluded wooded area and assaulting her.

Officials say he fled while free on bail and was living under an assumed name.

Todd Matus, 62 (pictured), was extradited back to New York after living in Arizona for more than 40 years after he fled following a 1976 conviction of raping and sodomizing an 18-year-old girl

Matus traveled to Vermont, Nevada, Hawaii and then Arizona, where he assumed another person's identity and had been living under that alias for more than 40 years.

He was returned to New York this week after being arrested last fall at his home in Flagstaff, Arizona.

When Matus attempted to obtain Social Security benefits in the summer of 2016, it was discovered that the person whose alias he was using had died in 2005.

He served about nine months in jail on forgery and identity theft charges.

Matus (pictured in 1975) fled while free on bail, eventually making his way to Arizona. When Matus attempted to obtain Social Security benefits in the summer of 2016, it was discovered that the person whose alias he was using had died in 2005. He served about nine months in jail before being brought to New York

Flagstaff Police Department discovered Matus's real identity and he was turned over to the Suffolk County Police Fugitive Unit after completing his sentence in Arizona.

Matus was arraigned Thursday in Suffolk County Court on a charge of bail-jumping and was remanded, pending sentencing.

Police say he will serve his five to 15 years in prison for his rape and sodomy convictions after he faces his new charge of jumping bail.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - A North Carolina man has been sentenced to two years in prison in connection with a series of computer hacks that targeted former CIA Director John Brennan and other government officials.

Twenty-three-year-old Andrew Otto Boggs of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, pleaded guilty earlier this year to unauthorized computer access for his participation in the hacking group "Crackas with Attitude." In 2015 and 2016, the hackers gained access to personal online accounts of senior U.S. government officials. Boggs was known online as "INCURSIO."

The sentence imposed Friday by U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee in Alexandria matched that sought by prosecutors.

Another member of the hacking group was 24-year-old Justin Liverman of Morehead City, North Carolina. He's also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

The group's leader is facing prosecution in the United Kingdom.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 elections (all times local):

5:30 p.m.

Former Trump campaign official Michael Caputo will go before the House Intelligence Committee July 14.

That's according to Caputo's lawyer, Dennis Vacco. He says Caputo has also provided "limited information" to the committee in response to a request.

The private testimony is part of the panel's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible ties to President Donald Trump's campaign.

Caputo lived years ago in Russia, and worked for a period for the Russian-owned Gazprom Media after he returned to the United States.

Caputo has long denied any wrongdoing.

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10:15 a.m.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he hopes a special counsel investigation into the Trump campaign and Russia can "come to an end sooner rather than later."

During an interview Friday with Fox News' "Fox & Friends," Sessions also endorsed special counsel Robert Mueller in the face of derision from President Donald Trump. Mueller is leading an investigation into possible coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign.

Sessions said he was confident in Mueller and said he had a good reputation.

He said while Mueller was entitled to add whom he wants to his team, "I think he should look for people who have strength and credibility by all people."

That appeared to be a reference to Republican concerns that some attorneys on Mueller's team have previously contributed to Democratic candidates.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Less than three months after President Donald Trump and China's leader strolled the manicured lawns at Mar-a-Lago, the White House is suddenly engaged in a multipronged pressure campaign against Beijing, born of frustration with the limited results of their much-touted cooperation on ending North Korea's nuclear threat.

Delivering a one-two punch to China on Thursday, the Trump administration approved a $1.4 billion arms sale to Taiwan and blacklisted a small Chinese bank over its business ties with North Korea. The State Department earlier in the week gave Beijing a dismal grade in a new human trafficking report that was endorsed by Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and senior adviser.

The actions culminated days of increased irritation among the president and his top aides over China's reluctance to tighten the economic screws on Pyongyang. Until recently, American officials had been hailing the improved coordination with China and describing it as the centerpiece of their strategy for preventing North Korea's isolated totalitarian government from being able to strike the U.S. homeland with nuclear weapons.

FILE - In this April 7, 2017, file photo President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together after their meetings at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. The White House is suddenly engaged in a multipronged pressure campaign against Beijing, borne of frustration with the limited results of their much-touted cooperation on ending North Korea's nuclear threat. On June 29, the Trump administration approved a $1.4 billion arms sale to Taiwan and blacklisted a small Chinese bank over its business ties with North Korea. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Trump hinted at his loss of patience last week, tweeting that his bid to secure a tougher Chinese approach "has not worked out." China represents about 90 percent of North Korea's trade. After a meeting Friday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in that focused heavily on North Korea, Trump made no reference to Beijing.

The shifts in Trump's China policy in some way reflect the natural ebbs and flows that are to be expected in great power relations. The U.S. and China have the world's two biggest economies, with all the commercial opportunities and headaches such a dynamic entails. While America's military is by far the strongest, the gap with China is rapidly narrowing. On security, diplomacy, foreign investment and other matters, it's only natural that U.S. and Chinese interests will collide.

But Trump's rapid flip-flops on China are a departure from the practice of past U.S. presidents, who found persistent behind-the-scenes pressure and engagement of Beijing more likely than headline-grabbing confrontations to produce deals on everything from carbon emissions to currency exchange rates.

Trump was blisteringly critical of China as a candidate, saying he would not allow the Chinese "to rape our country." He also fielded a call from Taiwan's president weeks after his election victory. Trump's tone drastically shifted in the run-up to the summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida. He toned down threats to upend the U.S. "One China" policy, which acknowledges Beijing's claim to Taiwan. And he said China doesn't manipulate its currency.

Amid the unpredictability, China's government has relied heavily on a close relationship that has developed between its U.S. ambassador, Cui Tiankai, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser. Kushner, who is heavily involved in foreign policy, speaks frequently with the ambassador.

"I think that channel has not provided them with the correct understanding with what they need to do on a range of issues," said Bonnie Glaser, a senior adviser for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "On North Korea, they just didn't hit the mark."

The White House insisted that its actions this week were not aimed at punishing China for its reluctance to ramp up pressure on North Korea. The State Department said the arms sale to Taiwan was approved under a long-standing U.S. policy to help the self-governing island's self-defense. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who announced the sanctions on the Chinese bank, said that "we are in no way targeting China."

But officials, particularly at the White House, have voiced increased exasperation in recent days.

Dennis Wilder, who spent four years as President George W. Bush's top East Asia adviser and six years as senior editor of President Barack Obama's daily intelligence briefing, pointed to what he heard was a disappointing U.S.-China security dialogue last week in Washington. Instead of engaging in an open back-and-forth on North Korea strategy, he said, Chinese officials including foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi presented Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis with well-recited policy positions.

"The Trump administration was looking for a candid dialogue, not talking points," said Wilder, now a Georgetown University professor, adding that Mattis and Tillerson left with the impression that China was "very reluctant" to take on its banks doing illicit business with North Korea. "The body language was clear: China is still not willing to see North Korea as a strategic problem."

Briefing foreign policy experts this week on China and other matters, a senior U.S. official noted that Tillerson has raised the problem of North Korea and China in every one of his meetings with top foreign diplomats. The U.S. has made clear to China that Chinese banks and companies conducting business with Pyongyang will face sanctions, if there is no movement on North Korea's nuclear activities, said the official, according to a participant in the meeting. The individual wasn't authorized to speak publicly on the matter and asked that his name and that of the senior official be withheld.

The Trump administration may not have harbored lofty expectations for its diplomacy with Beijing. Several administrations have wearied with diplomatic efforts to change China's thinking on everything from environmental and economic policy to stopping a North Korean nuclear program that will soon be able to threaten America's West Coast.

For Trump, the desire for a quick breakthrough runs head-on into China's focus on long-term objectives. As frustrating a partner as Pyongyang has been for the Chinese, experts see Beijing still preferring Kim Jong Un's totalitarian regime over a unified Korean peninsula on its border, solidified by a U.S. alliance. Trump and Xi's personal bond, however strong, is unlikely to change such thinking.

___

Follow Bradley Klapper at http://twitter.com/bklapperAP and Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne accepted full responsibility after she was suspended from riding for four weeks following a positive test for a banned substance.

Payne was found guilty by stewards at a Racing Victoria hearing of having traces of Phentermine, a prohibited appetite suppressant, in her system when she delivered a urine sample at a meeting at Swan Hill racecourse on June 11.

The 31-year-old will be free to ride at the Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot in August as her suspension, which had been imposed on June 23, and will expire on July 21.

Payne was found guilty by stewards at a Racing Victoria hearing of having traces of Phentermine, a prohibited appetite suppressant, in her system when she delivered a urine sample (David Davies/PA)

Payne said in a statement: I would like to make it clear that I take full responsibility for what has happened. The onus is 100 per cent with me as a rider to know what I am taking and the rules around it - regardless of whether it has been prescribed to me or not.

STEWARDS: @RVStewards have suspended @mj_payne's licence to ride in races until 21 July 2017 under AR81A https://t.co/oTQgd4Acne pic.twitter.com/HH6fxMJyk5  Racing Victoria (@RacingVictoria) June 29, 2017

I regret not seeking more guidance, and making certain that any treatment would lead to a breach of the rules and why we are here - I wasnt thorough and that is completely my fault. My sincere apologies to everyone that this has happened in the manner that it has.

I accept the stewards decision and appreciate its keeping with other penalties for riders in breach of this rule. Going forward, Im very much looking forward to finding a solution in working with my surgeon. I look forward to working hard and being in great shape on my return to racing.

Payne has only just returned to Australia after she rode Kaspersky into fifth place in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot last Tuesday.

She made history in 2015 when she became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup with 100-1 chance Prince Of Penzance.

Stewards at the Racing Victoria inquiry heard that Payne was prescribed the drug to help treat gastrointestinal symptoms after she suffered a bad fall in May 2016 which required pancreatic surgery.
A woman has been convicted of impersonating a man over two years in an astonishing deception to trick her female friend into sex.

Gayle Newland, 27, of Willaston, Cheshire, created a disturbingly complex online persona to achieve her own bizarre sexual satisfaction.

A retrial jury at Manchester Crown Court found her guilty of committing sexual assault by using a prosthetic penis without her victims consent.

Gayle Newland arriving at Manchester Crown Court (Peter Byrne/PA)

Newland was jailed for eight years in November 2015 after she was convicted of the same offences by another jury at Chester Crown Court. But the conviction was quashed in the Court of Appeal last December and a retrial was ordered after it was ruled that the trial judges summing up of the case was not fair and balanced.

The complainant said she was persuaded by the defendant to wear a blindfold at all times when they met and only found out she was having sex with Newland when she finally took off her mask.

Newland claimed her accuser always knew she was pretending to be Kye Fortune  a Facebook profile she created at the age of 15 using an American mans photographs and videos  as they engaged in role play while struggling with their sexuality.

She said no blindfold was used as they had sex on about 10 occasions at the complainants flat in Chester in 2013. The defendant also told the court she did not strap bandages to her chest or wear a swimsuit and a woollen hat to conceal her appearance.

The jury found her guilty of committing sexual assault by using a prosthetic penis without her victim's consent (Peter Byrne/PA)

The defendant spent hundreds of hours talking on the telephone to her friend as Kye and more than 100 hours in each others company.

These encounters, according to the complainant, included her wearing a blindfold at all times together  including watching television, going on a car journey also wearing sunglasses and even sunbathing.

Prosecutor Simon Medland QC told the jury: This manipulative, deceitful and very crafty young woman went to such astonishing lengths to control the complainants life and make her do the things the defendant wanted her to do.

The verdicts can be reported after reporting restrictions imposed at the start of the retrial were lifted.

Newland was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault and cleared of a fourth count. The jury of nine women and three men reached majority guilty verdicts of 11-1 after deliberating for 17 hours and 25 minutes.

The defendant cried in the dock, shook her head and at one point said: I cant go back to jail.
A scaled-back version of President Donald Trumps controversial travel ban has come into force in the US.

The new rules are not so much an outright ban as a tightening of already-tough visa policies affecting citizens from six Muslim-majority countries as well as all refugees

Administration officials promised that implementation this time would be orderly after a previous ban brought protests and chaos at airports worldwide in January.

Activists protest outside the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

Customs and Border Protection spokesman Dan Hetlage said his agency expected business as usual at our ports of entry, with all valid visa holders still being able to travel.

However, immigration and refugee campaigners are vowing to challenge the new requirements and the administration has struggled to explain how they will make the United States safer.

Under the temporary rules, citizens of Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen who already have visas will be allowed into the United States.

But people from those countries who want new visas will now have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with an entity like a school or business in the US.

The travel ban makes about as much sense as a chicken sitting on a half dozen ping-pong balls. Get what I'm sayin' here people?  jann arden (@jannarden) June 30, 2017

It is unclear how significantly the new rules will affect travel. In most of the countries singled out, few people have the means for leisure travel and those that do already face intensive screenings before being issued with visas.

The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups challenging the ban, called the new criteria extremely restrictive, arbitrary in their exclusions and designed to disparage and condemn Muslims.

The state of Hawaii filed an emergency motion on Thursday asking a federal judge to clarify that the administration cannot enforce the ban against relatives - such as grandparents, aunts or uncles - not included in the State Departments definition of bona fide personal relationships.

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer met with customs officials and said he felt things would go smoothly.

For tonight, Im anticipating few issues because, I think, theres better preparation, he told reporters at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday night. The federal government here, I think, has taken steps to avoid the havoc that occurred the last time.

Much of the confusion in January, when Mr Trumps first ban took effect, resulted from travellers with previously approved visas being kept off flights or barred entry on arrival in the United States.

Immigration officials were instructed on Thursday not to block anyone with valid travel documents and otherwise eligible to visit the United States.

Lets call Trump's travel ban what it is: A racist and anti-Islamic attempt to divide us up.  Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) March 6, 2017

Karen Tumlin, legal director of the National Immigration Law Center, said the rules would slam the door shut on so many who have waited for months or years to be reunited with their families.

Mr Trump, who made a tough approach to immigration a cornerstone of his election campaign, issued a ban on travellers from the six countries, plus Iraq, shortly after taking office in January. His order also blocked refugees from any country.

He said these were temporary measures needed to prevent terrorism until vetting procedures could be reviewed. Opponents noted that visa and refugee vetting were already strict and said there was no evidence that refugees or citizens of those six countries posed a threat.

They saw the ban as part of Mr Trumps campaign promise to bar Muslims from entering the United States.

Lower courts blocked the initial ban and a second, revised Trump order intended to overcome legal hurdles. The Supreme Court on Monday partially reinstated the revised ban but exempted travellers who could prove a bona fide relationship with a US person or entity.
Milton Keynes has been identified as Britains top new-build property hotspot outside London.

Research from website Zoopla and property analysts Hometrack found Milton Keynes has the highest concentrations of new-build homes.

Crewe, Ilford, Salisbury, Middlesbrough and Northampton are also on the top 10 new-build hotspots list.

The findings were made by looking at new private housing starts in the previous 12 months as a percentage of all housing sales over the same period.

Milton Keynes (Yui Mok/PA)

Zoopla spokesman Lawrence Hall said: Clearly, areas such as Milton Keynes and Crewe are benefiting from new investment by developers.

The research found house prices in Milton Keynes have increased by 30.9% over the last five years, compared with the national average growth rate of 23.6%.

Mr Hall said: New homes are typically developed in areas of high demand, which has already contributed to a rise in property values.

Homes under construction (Martin Keene/PA)

At the other end of the spectrum, the research found the Shetland location of Sandness was found to have the smallest concentrations of property sales accounted for by newly-built properties.

Here are Britains top 10 new-build hotspots outside London, according to the research from Zoopla and Hometrack:

2. Crewe

4. Salisbury

6. Telford

8. Middlesbrough

10. Northampton
If Richie Porte believes Team Sky are not as strong as they have been going into previous editions of the Tour de France, Nicolas Roche agrees and has a simple explanation as to why: neither Porte nor Roche are still there.

Irishman Roche left Sky to join Porte at BMC Racing in the winter, and will return to the Tour this summer to help Porte in his bid to break Skys stranglehold on the race.

Chris Froome is looking to win his third straight Tour title and Sky their fifth in six editions, but his former team-mate and good friend Porte looks the man most likely to deny him given recent form.

Nicolas Roche rides on the front during the 2015 Tour de France

In his pre-race press conference on Thursday, Porte said "Sky are probably not as strong as they have been," and Roche was quick to agree with a smile. "I think so," he said. "Were not there!"

Porte was part of the Sky teams that helped Sir Bradley Wiggins win the Tour in 2012, and Froome to win in 2013 and 2015 while Roche rode in support of Froome in 2015, although the 32-year-old was left out of last years team.

"More seriously, they have a very strong team but so do we," Roche added. "Theyre saying they have four or five riders in their squad who have finished in the top 10 of grand tours before, but so do we.

"I think this year we have as strong a team whereas in other years they were capable of crushing any other team."

Sky may have an outstanding record in the race since 2012 but Roche insists there is no magic formula to the way they prepare, and no reason they cannot be beaten.

"I think every team prepares for the Tour with great importance, according to their budget and capabilities, in the best way they can," he said. "Obviously Sky put everything into the Tour so they put in a lot more than some of the smaller teams.

"But most teams now have been inspired by the way Sky prepare for the Tour, and the differences from one team to another are smaller and smaller."

Porte and Roche may have left Team Sky, but they remain good friends with Froome  part of the huge group of professional cyclists who live in and around Monaco and regularly train together.

"There are about 60 pro riders between the Cote dAzur and Monaco and regardless of what jersey we have on we meet up on Monday mornings when we can and ride," Roche said.

"Imagine if you had to change friends every time you changed teams. You would have no one left by the time you ended your career. Thats the beauty of this sport."
A thug who launched an Islamophobic attack on two Muslim women while being filmed by his friend has been jailed.

Alex Chivers, 36, struck one of his victims with an open packet of bacon and shouted You deserve this during the assault on the mother and daughter in Enfield, north London, at around 4.40pm on June 8.

He also made reference to the Islamic State terror group when he shouted Isil scum at one of the women.

Chivers, of Bryanstone Road in Waltham Cross, two miles north of the attack, was handed a six-month jail term after pleading guilty to one count of racially or religiously aggravated common assault, and one count of causing racially or religiously aggravated alarm or distress, the Metropolitan Police said.

The incident was filmed on camera by one of Chivers associates, who police said remains at large. Chivers was sentenced at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on June 29.

Detective Constable James Payne, from Enfield community safety unit, said: This was a truly shocking incident.

The victim was out with her mother and getting on with her day when Chivers abused her and then set upon her with something he knew would both upset and offend her.

We know other people were present during this attack, including an associate of Chivers who filmed the incident.

Inquiries are ongoing to trace these people and if you have any information that may assist in identifying them please contact the community safety unit at Enfield via 101.

The community safety unit here in Enfield would encourage all victims of hate crime to contact police so that the culprits can be identified and brought to justice.

Alex Chivers, who has been jailed (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Chivers was given a 26-week jail term for the assault, and 12 weeks imprisonment for a public order offence, to run concurrently.

He was also ordered to pay a 115 victim surcharge and will complete a 12-month supervision order when he is released from jail.

Muslims are forbidden from eating pork and previous incidents in other parts of the UK have seen extremists prosecuted for similar attempts to cause upset to members of the Islamic community.
The drowning deaths of seven men, including five young friends, at a popular south coast beach last summer were through misadventure, a coroner concluded.

Tragedy struck as Mohit Dupar, 36, tried to reach Brazilian Gustavo Silva Da Cruz, 19, as he got into difficulty at Camber Sands, near Rye, East Sussex, last July 24  but both died.

A month later, five young friends, who all lived in the London area, were of Sri Lankan origin and aged 18 to 27, drowned at the same beach after being seen playing volleyball in the sea last August 24.

Nine deaths occurred at Camber in the four years from 2012  including the seven last summer. But lifeguards were not deployed until after the five deaths last August, despite recommendations from the RNLI to employ them three years earlier.

Recording his conclusions following a five-day inquest in Hastings, East Sussex, senior coroner Alan Craze said it was not known whether deploying lifeguards would have prevented the deaths.

Mr Craze said: The RNLI had recommended, amongst other measures, deploying lifeguards at the beach in 2013 but this had not happened. Of course, it is not known whether such a step would have prevented the deaths, but it has now been implemented.

Nitharsan Ravi, one of the five men who drowned in the sea at Camber Sands

The five friends who died last August 24 were Kenugen Saththiyanathan, 18, known as Ken, and his brother Kobikanthan Saththiyanathan, 22, known as Kobi, both of Normandy Way, Erith, south-east London, and their friends Nitharsan Ravi, 22, of Admaston Road, Plumstead, south-east London, Inthushan Sriskantharasa, 23, of Chadwell Road, Grays, Essex, and Gurushanth Srithavarajah, 27, of Elsa Road, Welling, south-east London.

Although rip currents were not believed responsible, Camber has sandbars that can catch people out when the tide comes in rapidly, sometimes causing people to wade through water to reach shore, the inquest heard.

Oceanographer Dr Simon Boxall believed the five men got into trouble after heading out to a sandbar to play ball a significant distance out at sea, and then got caught out.

Amid a fast incoming tide, it appeared the men may have panicked trying to help one of their friends and then got into trouble as they tried to get back to shore.

Prior to the seven deaths last summer, Camber had no lifeguards. Instead, the area was manned by beach patrol staff whose tasks included reuniting lost children with their parents and dealing with lost property.

But three years before last summers seven deaths, the RNLI had offered to deploy lifeguards following a risk assessment after the death of Tanzeela Ajmal, 31, in 2012 and a number of near misses, the inquest was told. The RNLI also offered to provide lifeguards at Camber in 2009.

A view of new Lifeguard Stations on Camber Sands

The RNLIs lifesaving manager, Darren Lewis, said there was no legal requirement for local authorities and landowners to provide lifeguards.

He said: Sadly we cannot guarantee a tragedy like this will never happen again. There is currently no statutory requirement for local authorities and landowners to provide lifeguards.

Rother District Council said it has made improvements year on year at Camber in response to risks identified. But even with lifeguards, the council said the sea can be unpredictable.

Dr Anthony Leonard, the councils executive director of business operations, said lifeguards were now in place working alongside the existing beach patrol team.

He said in a statement: Like their families, we would not want anyone else to have to suffer the tragedy of losing a loved one in these circumstances. Year on year, we have made improvements to the service offered at Camber in response to the risks identified.
The Democratic Unionists have ridiculed a Sinn Fein call for the Prime Minister and Taoiseach to intervene in Stormonts crisis talks, insisting the republicans dont need anyone to hold their hands.

DUP negotiator Edwin Poots was responding to the partys demand that Theresa May and Leo Varadkar engage as a matter of urgency to inject the step change needed to secure an agreement.

No 10 said Mrs May had been in touch with the parties during the process but Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire was the UK governments representative in the talks.

DUP negotiator Edwin Poots stresses budgetary consequences of Stormont stand-off. Tells Sinn Fein to get back to government. pic.twitter.com/eaV6GZjVFZ  David Young (@DavidYoungPA) June 30, 2017

After further negotiations at Stormont Castle on Friday  the day after Thursdays deadline for agreement came and went  Mr Poots said: I think Sinn Fein can do the business very quickly, they know whats required of them  they dont need anybody to hold their hands.

They just need to sit upstairs, make the decisions that need to be made and come and tell us of those decisions so we can get on with the business.

Accusing the DUP of refusing to budge on central issues, Sinn Fein negotiator John ODowd earlier urged the two governments to press the main unionist party to give ground.

Talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein at Stormont apparently broke abruptly and acrimoniously tonight. Agreement a long way away.  David Young (@DavidYoungPA) June 30, 2017

Mr ODowd claimed the DUP had become emboldened by its parliamentary deal with the Conservative Party at Westminster and had entrenched its stance at Stormont as a result.

After weeks of negotiations the DUP have still not agreed to the rights-based society that we require, he said.

Mr ODowd said the main sticking points were related to his partys demands for an Irish Language Act, a Northern Ireland specific Bill of Rights and legalisation of same sex-marriage in the region.

The DUPs relationship with the Tory government has emboldened them, it has entrenched their positions in regards all those measures that need to be resolved, he said.

He added: The British government need to remove their partisan approach and set aside their relationship with the DUP if these talks are to succeed.

Mr ODowd suggested any progress that had been made had been snail like.

He said: We will stay here as long as there is a glimmer of hope that there will be success in these talks, but we are realists and we are experienced negotiators and we know there needs to be a step change in these talks  hence the reason we are calling on the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister to become directly involved.

Mr Poots said his party wanted Sinn Fein to compromise on issues including the Military Covenant and confidence building proposals to reform the workings of the Stormont institutions.

DUP negotiator Edwin Poots insists Sinn Fein "can do the business very quickly" (Niall Carson/PA)

Whilst we understand that Irish language is hugely important to Sinn Fein  health, education, jobs, the economy, infrastructure, the environment, agriculture  all of these issues are hugely important to us, hugely important to the public, he said.

He told Sinn Fein to get moving so we can get government back in place.

In response to the Sinn Fein call, a No 10 statement said: James Brokenshire is on the ground in Belfast and will be continuing to engage intensively with the parties - today and over the weekend. The Prime Minister has met with all five parties and will continue to have close engagement with the Northern Ireland Secretary and the Taoiseach, who she spoke with earlier this weekend.

James Brokenshire

The UK Government has extended the talks process until Monday, despite Stormont parties missing Thursdays statutory deadline.

Discussions are set to continue over the weekend.

Mr Brokenshire will make a statement to the House of Commons on Monday outlining the Governments intentions going forward.
June 28 (Reuters) - Insurer and reinsurer MS Amlin said on Wednesday it would move its European business to Belgium to make sure it can continue to serve customers after Britain leaves the European Union.

"(MS Amlin) today announced plans to re-domicile its European business, Amlin Insurance Societas Europaea (AISE) to Belgium in response to Brexit. MS Amlin will retain its global headquarters in London," the firm said in a statement.

AISE has a Brussels-based branch and offices in Antwerp, MS Amlin said, adding it writes marine, casualty, property and fleet business through its UK domicile and its branches in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany.

"We chose Belgium as our European headquarters for AISE because of its business-friendly financial centre, high-quality regulatory framework and geographical position in Europe," Kim Hvirgel, CEO of AISE, said.

"This is a strategic move that ensures our European brokers and clients experience no disruption from the UK's exit from the EU."

Subject to regulatory approval, the move is expected to be completed well in time for 2019 renewals, the firm said.

Lloyd's of London and QBE have already announced plans for EU subsidiaries in Brussels. ($1 = $1.0000) (Reporting by Noor Zainab Hussain in Bengaluru; editing by Carolyn Cohn)
BELGRADE, June 29 (Reuters) - Serbia's first female prime minister, who has set European Union membership as priority, won parliamentary support for her new cabinet on Thursday.

Ana Brnabic, also Serbia's first openly gay head of government, was picked by president Aleksandar Vucic, who stepped down as prime minister to take the more ceremonial role after winning an April election in a landslide. But as head of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), Vucic will control a parliamentary majority.

The government received the support of 157 lawmakers, while 55 voted against in the 250-seat parliament. New ministers will be sworn in later in the evening.

Opposition deputies said Brnabic, who is not affiliated with any party, was unlikely to have any real leverage on the work of her cabinet in which most ministers come from Vucic's SNS and the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS).

In her speech to parliament, Brnabic pledged to modernise state administration and speed up accession talks with the European Union while working on strengthening ties with Russia.

Brnabic, who was minister in charge of state administration in Vucic's cabinet, named Nenad Popovic, a well known businessman with strong links to Russia, as one of her deputies. Dusan Vujovic will remain finance minister.

She added that her government would focus on achieving average economic growth of 3.5 percent a year and would tackle environmental issues, including power production from renewables and waste control -- both key elements in the Balkan state's plans to join the EU.

(Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; editing by Ralph Boulton)
By David Brunnstrom and Arshad Mohammed

WASHINGTON, June 29 (Reuters) - The United States plans to sell Taiwan $1.42 billion in arms, the first such sale under the administration of Donald Trump and a move sure to anger China, whose help the president has been seeking to rein in North Korea.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters the administration had told Congress of the seven proposed sales on Thursday.

"It's now valued about $1.42 billion," she said.

The State Department said the package included technical support for early warning radar, high speed anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and missile components.

Nauert said the sales showed U.S. "support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability," but there was no change to the United States' long-standing "one China" policy, which recognizes Beijing and not Taipei.

The United States is the sole arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Beijing has given Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen the cold shoulder since she took power last year because she leads an independence-leaning ruling party and refuses to recognise the "one China" policy.

On Friday, Tsai's office said that her government will continue "to seek constructive dialogue with Beijing, and promote positive developments in cross-strait relations."

"(The arms sale) increases Taiwan's confidence and ability to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," Tsai's office tweeted.

Asked about the sale at an event on Thursday evening in Washington, China's Ambassador Cui Tiankai said the United States was "incorrigible" when it comes to Taiwan, the official party paper the People's Daily reported on its website.

"But we should still continue to instruct (them) and continue advancing on the right track of China-U.S. relations because this is what truly fits with for both countries' long term interests," the paper quoted Cui as saying.

The sale, which requires congressional approval, would be the first to Taiwan under Trump and the first since a $1.83 billion sale that former President Barack Obama announced in December 2015, to China's dismay.

The previous package included two navy frigates in addition to anti-tank missiles and amphibious attack vehicles.

A State Department official said the latest package primarily represented "upgrades to existing defense capabilities aimed at converting current legacy systems from analog to digital."

Taiwan's defence ministry said the items would enhance air and sea combat capability and early warning defences. It said Taiwan and the United States would continue to consolidate their security partnership to contribute to long-term stability in the region.

STRONG SUPPORT

In a strong sign of congressional support, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee welcomed what he called the "long-overdue" arms sale.

"Sales of defensive weapons, based on Taiwan's needs, are a key provision of our commitments as laid out by the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances," said Rep. Ed Royce, referring to legislation and informal guidelines that steer U.S. relations with Taiwan.

U.S. officials said in March the administration was crafting a big arms sale to Taiwan, but such talk died down as Trump sought to persuade Beijing to do more to rein in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, an increasing threat to the United States.

Earlier on Thursday, China responded angrily and said it had protested to Washington after a U.S. Senate committee approved a bill calling for the resumption of port visits to Taiwan by the U.S. Navy for the first time since the United States adopted a one-China policy in 1979.

The bill also directs the Pentagon to help Taiwan develop an indigenous undersea warfare program and recommends strengthened strategic cooperation with Taipei.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman said the bill was in violation of the principles of U.S.-China relations and called on Washington to halt military drills with and arms sales to Taiwan "to avoid further impairing broadly cooperative China-U.S. relations."

U.S. officials told Reuters this week that Trump - who alarmed Beijing after assuming office by breaking with decades of precedent and talking to Taiwan's president - was becoming increasingly frustrated with China over its inaction on North Korea and trade.

According to the officials, Trump is now considering trade actions against Beijing, despite having heaped praise on Chinese President Xi Jinping after an April summit.

Also on Thursday, Washington stepped up pressure on Beijing by imposing sanctions on two Chinese citizens and a shipping company for helping North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and accusing a Chinese bank of laundering money for Pyongyang.

Trump plans to meet Xi again on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Germany next week, U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster told reporters (Reporting by Arshad Mohammed, David Brunnstrom and Yeganeh Torbati; Additional reporting by J.R. Wu in TAIPEI and Christian Shepherd in BEIJING; Editing by Richard Chang, Jonathan Oatis, Paul Tait and Michael Perry)
Nebraska is the best place in the world because of our people.

Over the years, smart, hardworking and loyal Nebraskans have transformed the prairie where buffalo roamed to a growing state that leads the world in ag biotechnology, medicine and manufacturing. Our people are second to none.

I know from experience that when you hire a Nebraskan, you are getting someone with a great work ethic and strong character. While character is the foundation of our strong workforce, it is also important that we take the long view on developing skills to connect the next generation of Nebraskans to good-paying careers. By equipping the next generation with the tools they need to find a great opportunity and career here in the Good Life, we can ensure that our state remains the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family.

As I travel the state, I hear from many job creators and business owners about skills gaps. The biggest gaps most communities are working to address are in the areas of manufacturing and information technology. Manufacturing is our states second biggest industry, and many firms have faced challenges hiring welders and electricians. Nebraska is also home to the Silicon Prairie, the startup community in the Midwest which has an enormous need for coders and designers.

While many view a four-year degree as the path to a career, communities across Nebraska are working to put a focus on vocational education opportunities as another path to good-paying job opportunities. For example, Lincoln and Grand Island have established independent programs that are successfully graduating students to help fill these skills gaps and connect young Nebraskans to great careers.

I worked with the Legislature to launch the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) in 2015 to inspire support for additional public-private partnerships to address the skills gap. DYTI is a program that connects young Nebraskans to careers in the manufacturing and technology sectors. This program helps to foster partnerships between private industries and public schools that promote engagement in hands-on career exploration and relevant workplace learning for 7th and 8th grade students. By focusing on middle school students, these schools are exposing students to these opportunities early on, and giving them the option to continue to pursue their interest into high school and beyond.

Over the past two years, we have already seen success stories in the programs supported by DYTI. Hastings High School increased enrollment 16 percent in Skills and Technical Sciences classes for incoming freshman who participated in a full year of DYTI programs in eighth grade. DYTI metrics from previous grant recipients, such as Flowserve in Hastings, have indicated a significant increase in student interest and participation in IT and manufacturing. Distefano Technology & Manufacturing in Omaha saw an increase in students who indicated an interest in manufacturing careers. 53.8 percent of students indicated interest prior to exposure to the mobile manufacturing trailer compared to 100 percent of students after experiencing the trailer. We are continuing to track the success of these grants, and the continued interest of students as they move into high school and towards their career path.

This year, three companies received grants:

 Becton Dickinson of Broken Bow  manufacturer of medical supplies

 Cyclonaire Corporation of York  manufacturer of pneumatic conveying systems, components, and accessories

 Aulick Industries of Scottsbluff  manufacturer of transportation equipment for agricultural, landscaping, and construction products

DYTI is helping young Nebraska students prepare for high-skill, high-wage jobs while also helping our job creators fill skills gaps and grow Nebraska. This is just a part of the story. My team continues to identify strategies to help connect young Nebraskans to good careers. As we work to grow and develop our states workforce, I would like to hear from you. If you have ideas to share, please consider contacting my office by emailing pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2244. We value your input!
TAIPEI, June 30 (Reuters) - Peace can only be achieved if troops are battle-ready, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen told new military graduates on Friday, as the United States prepared to sell $1.42 billion in new arms to the self-ruled island, a move sure to anger Beijing.

"Peace is not a matter of course...," Tsai said. "Only by actively preparing for battle can the battle be stopped. Only with our own strength can peace be maintained."

Without referring to China, Tsai said Taiwan remains under "huge military threat".

China deems the island a wayward province under its "one China" policy and has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Tsai has been trying to shore up the island's defences since she took power last year, as Beijing refuses to engage with her government because she leads an independence-leaning ruling party and refuses to recognise the "one China" policy.

The U.S. State Department said it notified Congress of a proposed arms sale on Thursday, the first under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The arms package includes technical support for early warning radar, high speed anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and missile components.

The United States is the sole arms supplier to diplomatically-isolated Taiwan.

Tsai, who is also commander-in-chief of Taiwan's armed forces, also said that reform of military pensions would take into account "the special nature" of the armed forces.

A planned new pension system for military personnel would provide for "reasonable life security", Tsai said, even as protesters unhappy over legacy benefits being cut were shown on live television protesting outside the graduation ceremony.

This week, parliament approved bills to reduce the government's financial load on pensions for civil servants and teachers, fulfilling one of Tsai's campaign promises and delaying the possibility of a default in payments to retirees by a decade.

Reform of military pensions is expected to be the most difficult to negotiate. (Reporting by J.R. Wu)
MOSCOW, June 30 (Reuters) - Polyus, Russia's largest gold producer, said on Friday it was pricing its share placement in Moscow and London at $66.50 per share.

The company did not provide further details in its Russian regulatory disclosure.

Its price range was previously set at $33.25-$35.30 per global depositary share in London, corresponding to a price of $66.50-$70.60 per ordinary share in Moscow. The company was offering between 7 and 9 percent of its shares, including new shares. (Reporting by Polina Devitt; editing by Christian Lowe)
By Joel Schectman, Dustin Volz and Jack Stubbs

WASHINGTON/MOSCOW, June 30 (Reuters) - As U.S. officials investigated in January the FSB's alleged role in election cyber attacks, U.S. technology firms were quietly lobbying the government to soften a ban on dealing with the Russian spy agency, people with direct knowledge of the effort told Reuters.

New U.S. sanctions put in place by former President Barack Obama last December - part of a broad suite of actions taken in response to Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election - had made it a crime for American companies to have any business relationship with the FSB, or Federal Security Service.

U.S. authorities had accused the FSB, along with the GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency, of orchestrating cyber attacks on the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, a charge Moscow denies.

But the sanctions also threatened to imperil the Russian sales operations of Western tech companies. Under a little-understood arrangement, the FSB doubles as a regulator charged with approving the import to Russia of almost all technology that contains encryption, which is used in both sophisticated hardware as well as products like cellphones and laptops. Worried about the sales impact, business industry groups, including the U.S.-Russia Business Council and the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, contacted U.S. officials at the American embassy in Moscow and the Treasury, State and Commerce departments, according to five people with direct knowledge of the lobbying effort.

The campaign, which began in January and proved successful in a matter of weeks, has not been previously reported.

In recent years, Western technology companies have acceded to increasing demands by Moscow for access to closely guarded product security secrets, including source code, Reuters reported last week. Russia's information technology market is expected to reach $18.4 billion this year, according to market researcher International Data Corporation.

The sanctions would have meant the Russian market was "dead for U.S. electronics" said Alexis Rodzianko, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, who argued against the new restrictions. "Every second Russian has an iPhone, iPad, so they would all switch to Samsungs," he said.

A spokesman for the U.S. Commerce Department Bureau of Industry and Security declined to comment. A State Department official said Washington considered a range of factors before amending the FSB sanction and regularly works with U.S. companies to assess the impact of such policies.

The lobbyists argued the sanction could have stopped the sale of cars, medical devices and heavy equipment, all of which also often contain encrypted software, according to a person involved in the lobbying effort. The goal of the sanctions was to sever U.S. business dealings with the FSB - not end American technology exports to Russia entirely, the industry groups argued.

"The sanction was against a government agency that has many functions, only one of them being hacking the U.S. elections," said Rodzianko.

The lobbyists assembled representatives from the tech, automotive and manufacturing sectors to make the case to the U.S. Treasury Department, said the person involved in the lobbying effort. The industry groups did not argue against the intent of the sanction but asked for a narrow exception that would allow them to continue to seek regulatory approvals from the FSB while still keeping in place the broader ban on doing business with the spy agency.

"PUNISHMENT FOR VERY BAD ACTS"

The industry groups represent a number of technology firms with a large presence in Russia, including Cisco and Microsoft.

Reuters was unable to determine which companies were directly involved in the lobbying. Microsoft said it did not ask for changes to the sanctions. In a statement, Cisco said it also did not seek any changes to the sanction but had asked the Treasury Department for clarification on how it applied.

In order to get encrypted technology into Russia, companies need to obtain the blessing of the FSB, a process that can sometimes take months or even years of negotiation. Before granting that approval, the agency can demand sensitive security data about the product, including source code - instructions that control the basic operations of computer equipment.

The United States has accused Russia of a growing number of cyber attacks against the West. U.S. officials say they are concerned that Moscows reviews of product secrets could be used to find vulnerabilities to hack into the products.

Some U.S. government officials rejected the industry groups' arguments. They openly embraced the prospect of any ripple effect that cut further trade with Russia.

Kevin Wolf was assistant secretary at the Commerce Department and oversaw export control policy when the FSB sanction was put in place. Wolf said within days of the sanction taking effect, Commerce received numerous calls from industry groups and companies warning of the unintended consequences.

But for Wolf, who was "furious" with Moscow over the alleged cyber attacks, any additional curbs on trade with Russia was a bonus rather than an unintended downside.

"I said, 'Great, terrific, fuck 'em ... The whole point is to interfere with trade'," recounted Wolf. "The sanction was meant to impose pain (on Russia) and send a signal as punishment for very bad acts."

Wolf left the Commerce Department when President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20.

Other officials felt that the impact on legitimate trade was too great. "The intention of the sanction was not to cut off tech trade with Russia," said a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the process.

The lobbyists had also argued that since the sanctions only applied to U.S. technology makers, it would put them at a disadvantage to European and Asian companies who would still be able to interact with the FSB and sell products in Russia.

"We were asking for a narrow technical fix that would give a fair deal for American companies," Dan Russell, CEO of the U.S.-Russia Business Council, said in an interview.

The advocacy worked. State and Treasury officials began working to tweak the sanction in January before Obama left office, according to people involved in the process.

On Feb. 2, the Treasury Department created an exception to the sanction, about two weeks after Trump took office, to allow tech companies to continue to obtain approvals from the FSB. (Reporting by Joel Schectman and Dustin Volz in Washington and Jack Stubbs in Moscow; Editing by Ross Colvin)
By Polina Devitt and Diana Asonova

MOSCOW, June 30 (Reuters) - Russia's largest gold producer, Polyus sold $879 million worth of shares in Moscow and London, it said on Friday, a sale that analysts said showed a high level of western investor appetite for Russian assets.

Polyus, controlled by the family of Russian tycoon Suleiman Kerimov, delisted from the London Stock Exchange in 2015 after Western sanctions over Moscow's role in the Ukraine crisis began to bite for Russian companies.

It returns to London buoyed by an 8 percent rise in global gold prices this year.

British investors bought about half of the shares, VTB Capital, a bookrunner on the deal, said in a statement. The share of investors from North America totalled around 20 percent.

The sale of 9 percent of the company's shares follows a separate $887 million sale of 10 percent to a Chinese consortium led by Fosun International.

The offer price was set at $33.25 per global depositary receipt (GDS), corresponding to a price of $66.50 per ordinary share, at the lower end of a previously announced range.

Half of the proceeds from the deal went to Polyus and will be used for general corporate purposes, Chief Executive Pavel Grachev told an event at the Moscow Exchange. The other half went to the Kerimov family.

Appetite for Russian assets has been strengthening since the start of this year, driven by a rising oil price and expectations that U.S. President Donald Trump would ease fraught U.S.-Russian relations.

"We see sufficient interest towards the Russian risk and equity in general from foreign institutional investors," Kvasov told the Moscow Exchange event. "I hope that this deal will not be the last one this year. We see a window for further potential placements this year."

Colin Croft, fund manager at Jupiter Fund Management, said the sale showed there was still good demand for Russian assets.

"Despite all of the on-going geopolitical concerns - all the worries about Trump and sanctions and so on - they still managed to get it out the door," he said. "It was a pretty sizeable deal so that shows that Russia is still open for business."

Anton Malkov, head of equity capital markets at Sberbank CIB, said further Russian deals were possible in the market in the autumn if oil markets and geopolitics remained calm.

Market optimism has been tempered in the past few weeks, with Trump embroiled in a row at home over his associates' ties to Russia, and the United States imposing a fresh round of sanctions on some Russian entities.

However, Polyus is a pure producer of gold, considered a safe haven during times of political and financial uncertainty.

Russian, European and Middle Eastern investors each took about 10 percent of the offering, Boris Kvasov, the head of equity capital markets at VTB Capital, said. The $879 million includes an over-allotment option, the sale was worth $799 million excluding it.

Long-term investors, including sovereign funds, took about 80 percent of the allocation. Russian pension funds took less than 1 percent, Kvasov said.

"The quality of investors, not only the fact of the placement itself, was important to Polyus," Grachev said.

A consortium formed of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) with Middle-Eastern Sovereign Wealth Funds participated in the deal. It included investors from the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. (Reporting by Polina Devitt, Diana Asonova and Olga Popova in Moscow, Simon Jessop in London; Editing by Jack Stubbs and Robin Pomeroy)
JAKARTA, June 30 (Reuters) - Indonesian police displayed on Friday scores of notebooks inscribed with Islamic State propaganda seized during a raid on the home of suspected militant and said some appeared to have been used by children.

Police found hundreds of notebooks containing Islamic State propaganda in Indonesia during the raid in connection with the stabbing death of a policeman in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province on June 25.

At the top of every page of the books read the inscription: "You are all obliged to go to war".

Authorities believe Islamic State has thousands of sympathizers in Indonesia and are increasingly worried about the group trying to get a foothold in Southeast Asia as it loses territory in the Middle East.

"We're still investigating who funded the printing of these books," police spokesman Rikwanto told a news conference.

The material was displayed at the national police headquarters, alongside an air gun and other items.

The front covers of the notebooks had a picture of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and quotes attributed to him as made at Friday prayer,

"Tell all the apostates in the Muslim countries, these are their last days. And tell every infidel, we're not playing anymore," a quote attributed to Baghdadi read.

Russia has said it believes it might have killed the Islamic State leader in an air strike in Syria on June 17.

Indonesia has the world's largest population of Muslims but is officially a secular country. Most Muslims practice a moderate form of the religion.

Children's handwriting was found in some of the books, including notes about the solar system, which police said could mean the books had been used by children to take notes in school.

Police shot dead one suspect and arrested another man after the attack in Medan. The wife of the arrested man told police her husband had spent six months in Syria in 2013, authorities said previously.

Police believe the men were part of Jemaah Ansharut Daulah, an umbrella organization on a U.S. State Department "terrorist" list which supports Islamic State and has hundreds of Indonesian followers.

Islamic State sympathisers have carried out a series of mostly low-level attacks in Indonesia over the past few years, and there are fears about the return of hundreds of battle-hardened Indonesians who have gone to Syria to support the group. (Reporting by Nilufar Rizki; Writing by Gayatri Suroyo; Editing by Ed Davies and)
By Nigel Hunt

LONDON, June 30 (Reuters) - Chicago wheat futures rose sharply to a one-year high on Friday with the advance driven by diminishing outlooks for spring wheat crops in both the U.S. and Canada.

Corn and soybeans showed more modest gains as the market awaited the release on Friday of USDA's acreage and quarterly stocks report.

The most active wheat futures contract on the CBOT was up 2.8 percent at $5.09-3/4 a bushel at 1046 GMT after peaking at a one-year high of $5.11-3/4.

Spring wheat on the Minneapolis Grain Exchange is up more than 30 percent this month, its biggest monthly rally since July 2010.

Drought conditions in the northern U.S. Plains worsened in the past week and there are forecasts for more hot and dry weather that could crimp the harvest.

"U.S. spring wheat futures have soared to a three-year high, as drought conditions in the northern plains increase the talk of greater crop abandonment and concerns build over the availability worldwide of quality and high protein wheat supplies," said David Sheppard, managing director at UK merchant Gleadell Agriculture in a market note.

The latest weekly U.S. Drought Monitor, released on Thursday by a consortium of climatologists, showed "extreme drought" covering 25 percent of North Dakota, by far the top U.S. spring wheat producer, up from about 8 percent a week ago.

"The market is cutting their high-protein wheat crop forecasts," said Tobin Gorey, director of agricultural strategy at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

"Many will be sceptical that U.S. winter wheat prices should be this high and rising. We are approaching the heaviest point of the 2017 winter crop harvest and that is being added to comfortable supply."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture was due to release updated planting figures on Friday. Analysts expect the USDA to lower its U.S. spring wheat planting estimate to 11.2 million acres, from a March forecast of 11.3 million.

Canadian farmers have also planted slightly less wheat than expected, according to a Statistics Canada report issued on Thursday.

December milling wheat in Paris was up 1.0 percent at 180.25 euros a tonne.

Dealers said the strength of the euro has helped to cap gains in EU wheat prices despite a downgraded outlook for the French crop following a recent hot spell.

Chicago corn futures were also higher with the most active contract up 1.0 percent at $3.73-1/4 a bushel while soybean futures rose 0.4 percent to $9.19-1/4 a bushel. (Additional reporting by Naveen Thukral in Singapore; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
KHARTOUM, June 30 (Reuters) - The United States said on Friday it was "very concerned" about Sudan's human rights record, which was supposed to have improved by early July in order for Washington to lift sanctions against the country.

In January, the outgoing Obama administration gave Sudan 180 days to improve its record and resolve its political and military conflicts before Washington lifted some economic sanctions that had been stepped up in 2006 for what it said was complicity in violence in Sudan's Darfur region.

But with the deadline approaching, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum said on its Facebook page it wants to see the Sudanese government make "stronger progress" towards these goals.

"The United States remains very concerned about Sudan's human rights record, including the continued closing of political space, and restrictions on religious freedom, freedom of expression, including press freedom," the statement said.

The embassy said it was still monitoring the government's progress to determine if it had met the requirements for sanctions to be lifted in July.

"In this process we have pressed to ensure Sudan has adhered to its unilateral cessation of hostilities in conflict areas and ceased all indiscriminate aerial bombardment, a key human rights concern," it said.

The United Nations says up to 300,000 people have been killed and millions displaced during the Darfur conflict.

On Thursday the U.N. Security Council agreed to gradually reduce the number of peacekeepers in Darfur that could almost halve the number of troops over the next year if conditions are conducive and the government is cooperative.

Sudan is one of six countries whose citizen are subject to new restrictions on travel to the United States, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision this week to revive parts of President Donald Trump's temporary travel ban on nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Sudan said on Tuesday it hoped the restrictions would not affect the planned lifting of sanctions. (Reporting by Khaled Abdelaziz; Writing by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Alison Williams)
By Stephen Kalin

MOSUL, Iraq, June 30 (Reuters) - U.S.-backed Iraqi forces attacked Islamic State's remaining redoubt in Mosul's Old City on Friday, a day after hailing the end of the insurgents' self-declared caliphate with the capture of an historic mosque that symbolised their power.

Dozens of civilians, mostly women and children, fled across the frontline towards the troops as bullets whizzed through the air. They were thirsty and tired, and some had been wounded.

Commanders of Iraq's Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) cautioned that with the mostly non-Iraqi IS militants dug in among thousands of civilians and likely to fight to the death, the battle ahead remained challenging.

CTS Major General Maan al-Saadi told Reuters it could take at least four to five days of fighting to capture the last handful of neighbourhoods along the banks of the Tigris River, defended by about 200 militants.

"The advance continues to Midan neighbourhood," he said. "Controlling it means we have reached the Tigris River."

The IS militants themselves denied the setbacks. The group, whose leader declared a caliphate over parts of Iraq and Syria three years ago, still occupies an area the size of Belgium across the two neighbouring countries, according to one estimate.

The fall of Mosul would mark the effective end of the Iraqi half of the caliphate, although the group still controls territory west and south of the city, ruling over tens of thousands of people.

Its stronghold in Syria, Raqqa, is also under siege. U.S.-backed forces encircled the city after closing the militants' last way out from the south, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. Islamic State forces launched a counter-attack on Friday..

DESPERATE CIVILIANS

The insurgent position in Mosul is several hundred metres wide and thousands of civilians are trapped there in harrowing conditions, with little food, water, medicine and no access to health services, according to those who managed to flee.

Those who escaped on Friday streamed through alleyways near the Grand al-Nuri Mosque, which Islamic State fighters blew up a week ago.

They scrambled over mounds of rubble in the street, carrying small children and helping the elderly across.

A Reuters correspondent saw smoke billowing over the riverside districts amid artillery blasts and burst of gunfire. Western troops from the U.S.-led coalition were helping with aerial surveillance and mortar fire, he said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Hailer al-Abadi declared the end of Islamic State's caliphate -- which he called "a state of falsehoood" -- on Thursday after CTS units captured the ground of the ruined 850-year-old mosque.

It was from the mosque's pulpit that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared his caliphate three years ago to the day.

The insurgents chose to blow it up rather than see their black flag taken down from its al-Hadba, or Hunchback, leaning minaret where it had been flying since June 2014.

The suffering of tens of thousands whose lives have been wrecked for having lost relatives, their homes or their businesses dampened feelings of victory.

"I hear victory speeches on the radio but I cannot help feeling sad when you see people without homes and others fleeing with their children under the blazing sun," said Mahmoud, a taxi driver in the eastern side of Mosul which was taken back from the militants in the first 100 days of the campaign.

GRINDING WARFARE

The symbolic victory of the Iraqi forces came after more than eight months of grinding urban warfare which has displaced 900,000 people, about half the city's pre-war population, and killed thousands of civilians, according to aid organizations.

Islamic State's weekly publication al-Nabaa, denying they were losing the battle for Mosul, said the Iraqi army had virtually collapsed and suffered 300 killed and wounded.

"The epic battle of Mosul is one of the most important battles of Islam and its lessons will be applied in other confrontations, God willing," read a headline.

A U.S.-led international coalition is providing air and ground support to the offensive, which army and federal police units are also taking part in, attacking from different directions.

"Tight alleyways with booby traps, civilians and ISIS fighters around every corner make the Iraqi security force's advance extremely challenging," coalition spokesman U.S. Army Colonel Ryan Dillon said.

Baghdadi's speech from the Grand al-Nuri Mosque on July 4, 2014 was the first and only time he has revealed himself to the world.

He has left the fighting in Mosul to local commanders and is believed to be hiding on the Iraq-Syrian border, according to U.S. and Iraqi military sources.

The group has moved its remaining command and control structures to Mayadin, in eastern Syria, U.S. intelligence sources said last week, without indicating if Baghdadi was also hiding in the same area.

The secretive Islamic State leader has frequently been reported killed or wounded. Russia said on June 17 its forces might have killed him in an air strike in Syria. But Washington says it has no information to corroborate such reports and Iraqi officials have also been sceptical.

Graphic of Battle for Mosul http://tmsnrt.rs/2rEoDr4

(Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Richard Balmforth)
By Eveline Danubrata and Cindy Silviana

JAKARTA, June 30 (Reuters) - When 7-Eleven opened its first Indonesian outlets in 2009, it made a bet that hip cafe-like versions of its globally recognised convenience stores would pull in hordes of young, urban consumers.

The strategy worked: the franchise quickly became known as a hot place to hang out, drink signature Slurpees and use free wifi. What failed was a plan to attract repeat customers willing to spend money.

Eight years after the chain's first Jakarta store opened, PT Modern Internasional Tbk, the owner of the 7-Eleven master franchise in Indonesia, is closing all its domestic outlets, which totalled 161 at the end of 2016. The company last week cited "limited resources" as a reason for the closure.

Japan's Seven & i Holdings Co Ltd, the ultimate parent of the global 7-Eleven chain, said it would "search for someone to take on the franchise and hope to restart business soon."

"Indonesia is an important country for us. This is not the end for 7-Eleven's business," a spokesman said by phone, adding the closure had "almost no impact" on its results.

In addition to thrifty Indonesian consumers, industry participants also blame intense competition and a 2015 nationwide ban on alcohol sales at minimarkets for the franchise's struggles.

"The concept is interesting, but is it profitable?" said Tutum Rahanta, deputy chairman of the Indonesian Retailers Association. "The crowd is created by people who just hang out, but those who want to shop and who can really generate profits don't go there."

Consumers also tend to associate 7-Eleven's competitors such as Indomaret and Alfamart with daily necessities, which serve as a buffer against the alcohol sales ban, Rahanta said, adding 7-Eleven's reach was limited to Jakarta.

Last year, Indomaret and Alfamart accounted for 51.2 percent and 38.5 percent of the retail value for Indonesian convenience stores, respectively, according to research firm Euromonitor International. 7-Eleven had a 0.7 percent share.

Modern reported a nearly 24 percent fall in its net sales for 7-Eleven to 675.3 billion rupiah ($50.7 million) in 2016 from a year earlier. Modern also has other businesses in medical image and photocopy equipments.

Modern's attempt to sell the 7-Eleven franchise and other assets to a unit of PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk for 1 trillion rupiah also failed last week.

While 7-Eleven's local demise is a product of commercial realities, its closure has still come as a shock to fans.

"It was always full of people," said Amanda Viega, a 20-year-old university student who would frequently catch up with friends at 7-Eleven and is now looking for alternative venues.

($1 = 13,325.00 rupiah) (Reporting by Eveline Danubrata and Cindy Silviana; Additional reporting by Sam Nussey in TOKYO, Jessica Damiana and Gayatri Suroyo in JAKARTA and Chayut Setboonsarng in BANGKOK; Writing by Eveline Danubrata; Editing by Mark Potter)
By Athit Perawongmetha

BANGKOK, June 30 (Reuters) - Thailand is home to some of the world's biggest crocodile farms, where tourists can see the giant reptiles lounging in the hot sun, chomping on chicken, or swarming in emerald green pools.

Some 1.2 million crocodiles are kept on more than 1,000 farms in Thailand, according to figures from the Thai department of fisheries. Some are equipped with slaughterhouses and tanneries to produce luxury products.

Sri Ayuthaya Crocodile Farm is one of Thailand's biggest and has been operating for 35 years.

"We're an all-in-one farm, creating jobs for the people, creating income for the country," said Wichian Rueangnet, the owner of Sri Ayuthaya, which has an estimated 150,000 crocodiles.

Sri Ayuthaya is registered with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), allowing it to legally export products made from the critically endangered Siamese freshwater crocodile, including to top buyer China.

"We do everything from raising crocodiles to slaughtering, tanning and exporting crocodile products," Wichian said.

Crocodile leather products include Birkin-style handbags, which sell for up to 80,000 baht ($2,356) each and crocodile leather suits, which fetch around 200,000 baht ($5,885), Wichian said.

Crocodile meat is sold for as much as 300 baht per kg (2.2 lb). The bile and blood of the reptile, made into pills because they are believed to have health benefits, are worth 40,000 baht and 500 baht per kg, respectively.

The industry has been facing a setback as exports of Thai crocodile leather products fell more than 60 percent in 2016 to 13 million baht from 34 million baht in 2015, commerce ministry figures show.

Click here http://reut.rs/2trx2zL for a photo essay that depicts the crocodile industry in Thailand. ($1=33.96 baht) (Writing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Neil Fullick)
I read The Beatrice Daily Sun article "Worldlawn celebrates new building," from the June 24 issue, and I drove up to Beatrice to attend the public grand opening of the new and expanded Worldlawn Power Equipment on Friday, June 23.

The last time I was in Beatrice was only about eight months ago. I was impressed by the once-empty, old Husqvarna building being transformed into the breath-taking, huge Worldlawn Power Equipment centerpiece in Beatrice, which produces professional and commercial lawnmowers and snow throwers, among other products.

I found the speech by Worldlawn's President, Hardy Shao, quite impressive. Although the company has its parent company in China, the opening of the new facility in Beatrice employs local Nebraskans who sell to local Nebraskans and even some residents in northern Kansas. I have relatives in Marysville, Kansas, Wymore, Blue Springs and Lincoln, Nebraska -- all within easy reach of the facility in Beatrice.

I was impressed by the speech by the mayor of Beatrice, who said we "must keep the economic bus moving in the right direction." I agree. My own family has had ties to Gage County since my great-grandfather and veteran, Charles Marples, moved to rural Blue Springs in 1875. Sadly, he died the next year.

My grandfather, John Marples, grew up around Blue Springs/Wymore. His first marriage ended in divorce in Gage County, then he moved to Oklahoma and then near Phillipsburg, Kan. where he is buried. My late dad, John William Marples, had deep ties to Gage County, which was also the home of his uncles, Will Marples and Harry Marples, and Harry's sons, Wayne H. Marples and William John "Billy" Marples.

As you might expect: both my dad, Bill, and his first-cousin, Billy, had the exact same namesakes. I shook hands with Gov. Pete Ricketts at the Worldlawn Power grand opening. I have know him for years.

I told the Governor it showed where his trade-missions pay dividends. I wish Worldlawn success.
MOSCOW, June 30 (Reuters) - Russia has suspended payments to the Council of Europe for this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday, retaliation for its delegation there being stripped of its voting rights.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe suspended the voting rights of Russia's delegation after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014.

Lavrov informed Thorbjorn Jagland, general secretary of the European human rights body, about Moscow's decision to halt payments in a phone call on Friday.

He said the payments would not resume until the rights of Russia's delegation were fully restored, Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Moscow has also been angered by a number of rulings by the European Court of Human Rights, the Strasbourg-based court that polices the European Convention on Human Rights.

The court ruled this month that a Russian law banning what it described as the promotion of homosexuality to minors breached European treaty rules. Moscow said it would appeal what it called an unjust decision.

The court said last year that Moscow had violated the European Convention in all but six of its 228 judgements in Russian cases. (Reporting by Jack Stubbs and Andrew Osborn; Writing by Dmitry Solovyov; Editing by Christian Lowe/Andrew Osborn)
By David Brunnstrom and Lisa Lambert

WASHINGTON, June 30 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump called for a determined response to North Korea after talks with South Korea's President Moon Jae-in on Friday where he stressed the importance of their alliance but took aim at Seoul over trade and sharing the cost of defense.

Trump said the United States was renegotiating what he characterized as a "rough" trade deal with South Korea agreed to five years ago by his predecessor, Barack Obama, and reiterated that an era of "strategic patience" over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs had ended.

"Together we are facing the threat of the reckless and brutal regime in North Korea," Trump said as he stood alongside Moon in the White House Rose Garden. "The nuclear and ballistic missile programs of that regime require a determined response."

Despite the tough rhetoric, it remains unclear how Trump will find a way forward on North Korea, which is working to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has warned the consequences of any military solution would be "tragic on an unbelievable scale." Trump had pinned his hopes on persuading China, North Korea's neighbor and main trading partner, to do more to rein in Pyongyang, although he has lately grown frustrated that Beijing has not taken stronger action.

Trump called on regional powers to implement sanctions and demand North Korea "choose a better path and do it quickly."

Moon, who warned of a "stern response" to any provocations, urged Pyongyang to return promptly to talks.

"Our two leaders will employ both sanctions and dialogue in a phased and comprehensive approach," Moon said of South Korea and the United States.

Trump and Moon have said they are open to renewed dialogue with North Korea but only under circumstances that would lead to Pyongyang giving up its weapons programs.

Moon told an event at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank that moves by North Korea that could create conditions for dialogue could include a freeze on its nuclear and missile tests, or the release of three Americans it is holding in the country.

To be successful, talks would have to involve North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and have as their ultimate aim the complete dismantling of North Korea's nuclear program, he added.

Trump sought to woo China since a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April but the honeymoon period appears to be over. On Thursday, the United States targeted a Chinese bank and sanctioned Chinese individuals and a firm for dealing with North Korea and approved a $1.42 billion arms deal with Taiwan - decisions that angered Beijing.

STEEL AND AUTOS

South Korea is a long-standing American ally but Trump has spoken harshly about U.S. trade imbalances and threatened to tear up the bilateral trade pact.

"We will do more to remove barriers to reciprocal trade and market access," Trump said, adding that the two leaders had talked about the thorny trade areas of steel and autos.

Trump said he was encouraged by Moon's assurances that he would seek a level playing field for American workers and businesses, particularly automakers.

A joint statement said the two sides had agreed to work together to reduce over supply of basic materials such as steel and non-tariff barriers. It also said Trump had accepted an invitation from Moon to visit South Korea this year.

Bonnie Glaser, senior adviser for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said it was unwise for Trump to air the trade issue so publicly.

"Public complaints by Trump about unfair trade and inadequate defense spending provide opportunities for China and North Korea to drive a wedge between the allies," she said.

Trump also emphasized the need to ensure equitable sharing of costs for defense, returning to a theme he raised during his campaign and brought up with other allies, including NATO countries and Japan.

A senior U.S. official said in a briefing before the president's meeting with Moon that South Korea was in many respects a "model ally," given its spending of 2.7 percent of GDP on defense and Moon's plan to grow capabilities.

"We shouldn't view South Korea as somehow laggard on that front," the official said on condition of anonymity.

The U.S. goods trade deficit with South Korea has more than doubled since the U.S.-Korea free trade pact known as KORUS took effect in 2012. The agreement was forecast to boost U.S. exports by $10 billion a year, but in 2016 they were $3 billion lower than in 2011.

At the start of Friday's talks, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the largest component of the deficit was automotive trade and many non-tariff barriers to U.S. auto exports to South Korea remained.

"I think the way to address it is to deal product by product with what we can do to change the export side and what we can do to reduce the bad imports side," he said.

Ross said later on Friday that some progress had been made in the talks.

The current pact was agreed to despite protests by supporters of Moon, who was then in opposition. But analysts have suggested that given the need to preserve a unified front in the face of a hostile North Korea, there could be compromise on both sides to resolve issues. (Additional reporting by Fatima Bhojani, Roberta Rampton, Tim Ahmann, David Chance, David Lawder and Eric Beech; Editing by Bill Trott and Andrew Hay)
By David Brunnstrom and Lisa Lambert

WASHINGTON, June 30 (Reuters) - Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in met for a second day of summit talks on Friday focusing on North Korea's nuclear threat and on trade, after the U.S. president said they had discussed a new trade deal to replace one that he sees as unfair.

Moon, making his first trip to the United States since becoming president in May, was greeted again by Trump at the White House, where he attended a dinner hosted by the U.S. president on Thursday.

Trump has spoken harshly about U.S. trade imbalances and threatened to tear up a five-year-old trade agreement reached with South Korea by his predecessor Barack Obama. Moon, meanwhile, has taken a wary stance on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system that the United States deployed in South Korea in March.

After Thursday's dinner, Trump tweeted that he had a "very good meeting" with Moon and that "many subjects (were) discussed including North Korea and new trade deal!"

At the start of Friday's meeting, Trump said a renegotiated trade deal would be more equitable and "many options" were being discussed on North Korea.

The U.S. goods trade deficit with South Korea has more than doubled since the KORUS pact took effect in 2012, from $13.2 billion in 2011 to $27.7 billion in 2016. It was forecast to boost U.S. exports by $10 billion a year but they were $3 billion lower in 2016 than in 2011.

Moon said on Wednesday that unfair trade practices would be eradicated and factors that limited competition, such as market entry barriers and price regulations, would be re-evaluated under his administration.

His meetings with Trump, however, are likely to focus on North Korea. Moon has said he wants to form a friendship with Trump and find common ground on North Korea.

He told Reuters last week he wanted to discuss a two-phased approach, starting with a freeze on North Koreas nuclear and missile development followed by complete dismantlement.

Trump wants China, North Korea's neighbor, ally and main trading partner to do more to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear and missile program.

He sought to woo China after a summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, but has grown frustrated that their relationship has not resulted in stronger action.

Washington on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Chinese citizens and a shipping company for helping North Korea's weapons programs and accused a Chinese bank of laundering money for Pyongyang.

The administration also announced plans to sell Taiwan about $1.42 billion in arms, prompting angry response from Beijing, which considers Taiwan a renegade province and opposes sanctions outside a U.N. framework. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and Frances Kerry)
By Andrea Shalal

BERLIN, June 30 (Reuters) - The German government on Friday sought to contain a further erosion of ties with Turkey after it banned political appearances by President Tayyip Erdogan outside the G20 summit, a move Ankara said amounted to double standards.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel defended the move given serious differences between the two allies over a range of issues, including the jailing of a German-Turkish journalist, but said Germany remained committed to mending ties with Turkey.

He also said he believed Germany should have responded with more "emotional" solidarity to last year's failed coup attempt in Turkey, a point repeatedly made by Turkish leaders.

"I think we made a mistake," he said.

"There are big differences that aren't easy to overcome, but I want to say this expressly, we are looking forward to President Erdogan's visit to the G20 summit," Gabriel said.

Turkey lashed out on Thursday at German politicians for opposing Erdogan's planned public appearances in Germany.

"It is regrettable that some politicians in Germany are making unacceptable comments with domestic political calculations," Turkey's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Huseyin Muftuoglu, said in a statement.

Gabriel said Germany did not want to see Turkish domestic conflicts played out among the 3 million people of Turkish descent in Germany.

Turkey is frustrated about Germany's refusal to extradite military officers and others who have sought asylum in Germany. Gabriel says those requests must be handled on a case-by-case basis, according to German law.

He said Germany's decision to ban political speeches by politicians from all non-European Union member states for three months before elections in those countries mirrored similar restrictions in place for German politicians at home.

"We have no interest in escalation, but we also have to be sure that our peaceful coexistence isn't threatened," he said.

Steffen Seibert, spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel, told a government news conference he had no information indicating that Erdogan would not attend the G20 summit next week in Hamburg.

"President Erdogan is an important guest for us and we welcome his participation in the G20 summit," Seibert said. (Editing by Victoria Bryan and Janet Lawrence)
By Pedro Fonseca

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 30 (Reuters) - Labor unions staged a nationwide strike on Friday to protest against legislative changes to Brazil's labor and pension laws that are central to the economic reform agenda of embattled center-right President Michel Temer.

Subway and bus services shut down in Brasilia, the nation's capital, while demonstrations blocked roads and snarled traffic in the megacities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as union activists took to the streets.

However, the protest appeared to have limited impact and triggered none of the violent clashes between police and protesters that marked a much larger strike in April.

It came after Brazil was riveted this week by a corruption charge filed against Temer by the country's top prosecutor.

The charge, the first ever leveled against a sitting president in Brazil, marked a milestone in a three-year probe by investigators that has revealed stunning levels of corruption in Latin America's largest country.

Temer, one-third of his cabinet, four past presidents and dozens of lawmakers are either on trial, facing charges or under investigation for corruption. Over 90 people have been found guilty so far.

Brazil's largest oil workers federation said in an emailed statement that Friday's work stoppage would continue for an indefinite period, and that all 10 refineries where it represents workers were affected.

Executives at state-controlled oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA acknowledged that the job action had a limited impact at oil refineries. But they said exploration and production activity, along with logistics, carried on as normal.

Temer, who replaced impeached leftist President Dilma Rousseff last year, was charged with graft on Monday by Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot after executives of the world's biggest meatpacker, JBS SA, accused him of taking millions in bribes.

He has denied any wrongdoing and resisted repeated calls to resign. But the lower house of congress is preparing to vote on whether he should face a trial in the Supreme Court, which would prompt his removal from office for at least 180 days.

Other criminal charges against Temer are widely expected to be filed by Janot, and a ruling on Friday by Supreme Court Judge Edson Fachin appeared to come in anticipation of that.

Fachin said each and every charge against the president would have to be investigated separately, meaning that Temer could potentially face more than one trial before the court.

Unions fiercely oppose Temer's labor reform bill as it reduces their power over workplaces by cutting mandatory dues and allowing companies and employees to negotiate contract terms more freely. The bill has already been approved by the lower house of Congress and will likely pass the Senate within a few weeks.

Unions also criticize Temer's pension overhaul proposal as it would make Brazilians work more years before retiring.

Economists and investors see pension reform as the only way for Brazil to shore up its finances in the long run without resorting to tax hikes. (Reporting by Pedro Fonseca in Rio de Janeiro and Ricardo Brito in Brasilia; Writing by Silvio Cascione; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Tom Brown)
Isaac Stanley Becker  Jun 29, 2017 - BERLIN - Speaking in Germanys Parliament on Thursday, Chancellor Angela Merkel predicted a difficult meeting of the worlds major economies next week in Hamburg over the climate agreement spurned by the Trump administration.



Despite the withdrawal of the United States, the worlds second-largest polluter, from the Paris climate agreement, the EU remains committed to it and it was not up for renegotiation, she said.



Since the U.S. announced that it would exit the Paris agreement, we cannot expect any easy talks in Hamburg, Merkel said, referring to the Group of 20 summit.



She said talks in Hamburg must serve the substance and aims of the Paris accord and made clear that she would not countenance calls to revise the agreement to forge a global consensus around limiting greenhouse gases.



Four weeks after President Trump announced he would take the United States out of the accord in order to negotiate a better deal, Merkel said the pact is irreversible.
India should learn lessons from its defeat in 1962 and stop clamouring for a war, China warned on Thursday, saying the precondition for settling the current stand-off in the Sikkim sector is that New Delhi withdraws its troops immediately.



China said its troops were building a road in its own territory and not on land that belonged to Bhutan.

Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson Wu Qian was reacting to Indian Army chief Gen Bipin Rawats statement that India was ready to take on China, Pakistan and internal security issues.



Such rhetoric is extremely irresponsible. We hope (the) particular person in the Indian Army could learn from historical lessons and stop such clamouring for war, he said at the monthly defence ministry briefing in Beijing, indicating Chinas aggressive position in the current dispute.



The topic of a new 35-tonne tank, built and tested by China in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), came up at the briefing, after a Chinese journalist asked whether it was better than its Indian counterparts and whether China will use it against India



in a war. A type of tank undertook trial on the (Tibet) plateau. The purpose of is to test the parameters of the equipment and is not targeted against any country, Wu said.

- Beijing, (Hindustan Times,) 29.06.2017
The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) today warned they wold resort to a sudden work stoppage if the government does not provide them with a reasonable solution to the SAITM issue.

GMOA Secretary Haritha Aluthge told a news conference that the GMOAs Central Committee had directed its executive committee to take a decision on the strike and that the next couple of days would be crucial.

Perhaps the strike will be launched today, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. It is the final option we have been left with. SAITM should be nationalized and we will not agree to any other solution. However, we will not let any harm be caused to patients during these strikes, he said.

Dr. Aluthge said the government had announced that they would not hold any discussions with the GMOA anymore even though the doctors were still ready to solve the SAITM issue through official discussions without resorting to a strike.

He said the SAITM had continued its procedure without having the approval of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) violating the world standards with regard to medical education. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)
The government may have to attract foreign expertise in order to wrap up the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with China, India and Singapore, Sri Lankas Foreign Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake said this week.

We continue to prioritize our free trade agreements with India, China and Singapore. If our local resources are overstretched, we should seek the external expertise and training to conclude these negotiations, he said.

Karunanayake was speaking during the Emerging Issues in the Indian Ocean seminar held at the Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies, on Wednesday.

Sri Lankas chief negotiator for the FTAs, Institute of Policy Studies Executive Director Dr. Saman Kelegama, passed away last week. Prior to Dr. Kelegamas demise, the cabinet issued a statement that the FTAs would be finalized by the end of this year. Following Karunanayakes comments yesterday, it is possible that the trade negotiations might be delayed until the foreign expertise required is absorbed by the negotiators.

However, the trade negotiations are carried out under the Development Strategies and International Trade Ministry, which was created in 2015, while legally the powers lie within the Industry and Commerce Ministry.

Karunanayake, who was until last month the countrys Finance Minister, too is now entering the fray with his policies of commercial diplomacy, which bear striking resemblance to the economic diplomacy policies of National Policies and Economic Affairs Deputy Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva, who before the same ministerial reshuffle was Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister.

Meanwhile, Singapore Member of Parliament Professor Mahdev Mohan noted that the countries with limited experience in negotiating international trade pacts could possibly end up getting lesser benefits from an agreement compared to the countries with more experience in negotiations.

China, India and Singapore all have experience negotiating dozens of FTAs. Sri Lankas two bilateral agreements with India and Pakistan, which arent full FTAs due to the lack of trade in services, are largely considered to be weak with many arguing that they are failures.

Sri Lanka exported US $ 375 million in goods under the Indo-Lanka FTA in 2016, down from US $ 407 million in 2015, while under the Sri Lanka-Pakistan FTA Sri Lankas exports fell to US $ 52 million in 2016 from US $ 59 million in 2015.

Imports from these countries are several times Sri Lankas exports, although the imports are mostly outside the FTAs.

Sri Lankas two regional trade agreements, the South Asian FTA and Asia Pacific Trade Agreement, have also failed to create substantial economic dividends for the country with exports of US $ 8 million and US $ 126 million, respectively in 2016.

Despite Sri Lankas past failures with regard to FTAs, the current government is focused on fast-tracking the FTA negotiations.

According to the initial statements made by Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama in mid-2016, the Singapore-Sri Lanka FTA would have been negotiated in less than six months, a record, considering that Singapores current record for finishing FTA negotiations is 21 months, with Turkey. While the FTA negotiations with China have been dragging for some time, the new FTA with India, which is based on an older, controversial agreement, was also expected to be negotiated in record time.

It is not unusual for FTA negotiations to take over five years. Mohan said that every possible eventuality arising out of an FTA needs to be discussed exhaustively.

Once the power brokers have decided to get into agreements, we technocrats have to pick up every possible thing that could go wrong and discuss it, he said. The Chinese and Indian FTAs have drawn heavy resistance locally, mainly from protectionist nationalist elements, which have claimed that the agreements would leave Sri Lanka at a disadvantage.

A section of trade economists in Sri Lanka argue that the countrys FTAs are negotiated mainly for geopolitical purposes and lack strong dispute resolution mechanisms and exit strategies. Arguments are instead made to reduce tariffs and improve domestic trade facilitation to create a positive step towards free trade, as opposed to FTAs, which are a regressive step towards free trade due to the discouraging of trade from other states, which may currently or in the future have potential for more competitive production processes, thereby promoting misallocation of resources.

However, Mohan predicted that these agreements could be just the start of Sri Lanka negotiating multiple pacts with India and China. (CW)
Aries (Mesha):



Help and goodwill of kinsmen, happy family reunions and success in studies are assured by Mercury about to begin transit in your 4th House. Venus in your 2nd House may bring you an increased income and enjoyments and pleasures. You need not unduly worry about the Ashtamaya Shani Erashtaka you have come under if you take to a simple, austere and righteous lifestyle. It is a period when a person should prove his own worth to himself by harnessing his full potential to become resourceful to meet any challenge in life with success.



Taurus (Vrushabha):



The influence of Mercury due to enter your 3rd House on July 3 will put you on the alert to possible troubles either from the law enforcement agencies or from enemies. Lagnadhipati Venus in your Lagna signifies a time of great joy and happiness ahead. Meanwhile, you have got a respite from the ill effects of Ashtamaya Shani Erashtaka as Saturn has left your 8th House for the 7th House in its retrograde movement. As Saturn in the 7th House is not favourable either, you have to be in preparedness to face possible challenges.



Gemini (Mithuna):



Lagnadhipati Mercury due in the 2nd House on July 3 can bring you wealth and success, but your reputation is at risk. Saturn now in your 6th House is quite auspicious for you. You are assured of increased wealth and improved health as a result. The Sun  Mars combination in the Lagna makes you more energetic, dynamic and proactive. Meanwhile, Venus in your 12th House as its lord will fortify you with acumen, a pragmatic outlook and a bent for a righteous living.



Cancer (Kataka):



The adverse influence of Mercury due to enter your Lagna could undermine your integrity and morale and leave you a victim to deception and misguidance by others. Venus in your 11th House is a redeeming feature for it can bring you wealth, comforts and pleasures. Saturns retrograde movement to your 5th House may cause conflicts with sons. The inauspicious Sun  Mars conjunction in the 12th House warns that you are vulnerable to circumstances that could cause you physical harm and taint your reputation.



Leo (Sinha):



Troubles from enemies, disease, and marital problems are possibilities due to the adverse effects of Mercury due shortly in the 12th House. However, favourable effects such as comforts and luxuries, happiness and fulfillment are on the cards due to Venus Swakshetra in the 10th House. Saturn now in your 4th House may lead to distancing from close relatives and even estrangement from spouse. The beneficial effect of the Sun in your 11th House can counter malefic influences that can harm you



Virgo (Kanya):



Comforts, wealth and pleasures are held out by Mercury due to enter your 11th House shortly. In fact, a very auspicious time is ahead of you given the favourable event of Venus entering your 9th House. Saturn now in your 3rd House holds out increased power and influence, sound health and comfortable conveyances. A rise in career and gainful foreign travel for those in the state service in particular are among the other benefits indicated. Meanwhile, thanks to powerful Mars now transiting in the 10th House gains from your activity, fame and higher status are strong possibilities.



Libra (Thula):



Mercury due in your 11th House spells doom for your enemies and rivals and will bring wealth to you. Lagnadhipati Venus in your 8th House may bring you living comforts, pleasures and enjoyments. Saturn now in the 2nd House being the Yogakaraka may produce beneficial effects such as increased wealth and happiness in the family. However, Mars in the 9th House could cause mental unrest, loss of wealth and even haemorrhage. Given these conflicting effects you have to exercise foresight and prudence in all circumstances.



Scorpio (Vrushika):



Setbacks and disappointments resulting from unforeseen impediments are likely. Marital happiness and bright matrimonial prospects are held out by Venus in the 8th House. You have come again under Ashtamaya Shani Erashtaka with retrograde Saturn entering your Lagna again. You have to consider the Erashtaka as a period that calls for the best in you  the latent strengths in you for your own and others benefit.



Sagittarius (Dhanu):



Increased wealth and happiness are assured by Mercury entering your 8th House. Venus in your 6th House assures you of good health and success in contests and competitions among other benefits. You are temporarily relieved of the direct impact of Jamma Shani Erashtaka as Saturn has moved into your 12th House. However, you have to be on your alert, as Saturn can cause you more harm from the 12th House.



Capricorn (Makara):



Disharmony and dissention in the family are likely due to mercury entering your 7th House. Increased wealth and the delightful company of friends are assured by Venus in your 5th House. Saturn in your 11th House assures you of a sound financial position and enhanced comforts. Meanwhile, enhanced power and authority are held out by the Sun  Mars combination in your 6th House. This is a favourable time for politicians in particular.



Aquarius (Kumbha):



Mercury in the 6th House will bring you fame and popularity. Enhanced power and new friends are assured by Venus in your 4th House. A rise or a change in your career is in store for you following Lagnadhipati Saturns return to your 10th House on June 21. Sportspersons with a strong Sun at birth and running favourable Dasas can look forward to rewards and recognition for their outstanding performances.



Pisces (Meena):



Events that could mar your marital happiness are a possibility. Venus in your 3rd House will make you more powerful and influential. You are likely to take to a simple and austere lifestyle due to the influence of Saturn in the 9th House. Mars - Sun combination continuing transit in the 4th House could cause fever, problems in the digestive system and injuries
A judge sentenced a man to life in prison for the repeated rape of a teenage girl.

Kenneth Wayne Jones, 42, was placed in state custody after a sentencing hearing on Thursday in Yellowstone County District Court. Jones lived in the Billings and Roundup areas, as well as in Arkansas.

District Judge Rod Souza also issued a sentence of 10 years for a felony count of tampering with witnesses and informants, which runs concurrent to the sentence for Jones' rape conviction.

Billings police first received a report of the rapes in 2016. The victim reported multiple sexual and violent abuses by Jones that first started in 2014, according to court documents. The girl was 14 at that time.

After his arrest, Jones pleaded not guilty in July 2016. His case went to trial in February, when he was found guilty on both counts.
Relatives of Abu Hanif, who was beaten to death by a mob wail during his funeral in Naramari village (Daily Mail)

NEW DELHI AFP June29, 2017

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned on Thursday a string of murders targeting minorities under the pretext of protecting cows, which are considered sacred by many Hindus, after critics accused the government of turning a blind eye.



Modis remarks --his first on vigilantism in nearly a year-- come days after a Muslim teenager was stabbed to death on a train after being accused of carrying beef.



India has been reeling from a spate of vigilante murders in recent months, targeting Muslims and low caste Hindus accused of killing cows or consuming beef.
Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) Chairman Professor Carlo Fonsekas term of service came to an end today after serving for five and half years.

Speaking to the media while leaving the SLMC premises, Prof. Fonseka said his tenure had ended today and added that no request had been made by the government for an extension of his service.

I was appointed to this post in 2012 by former health minister Maithripala Sirisena. My official tenure was to end on December 31, 2016, as a SLMC Chairmans tenure is generally valid for a period of 5 years, he said.

He said however, the President had taken steps to extend his tenure by 6 more months.

I have handed over my resignation one month earlier. I am 85 now. I thought I would not be able to perform my service effectively, he said. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)

Video by Buddhi
Russia is in talks with Sri Lanka on the credit purchase of Gepard-class Project 1166.1 frigates, the Gepard 5.1, Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) spokeswoman told Sputnik on Thursday.

"The delivery of the project Gepard 5.1 to Sri Lanka is planned on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement on providing a state export credit for its financing," Maria Vorobyeva said.

She said the issue is being addressed with government bodies including the Russian Finance Ministry. (Sputnik News)
Spain has well recognized the foreign policy of Sri Lanka and it has helped much to strengthen diplomatic ties between Spain and Sri Lanka, says Ambassador of Spain in Sri Lanka Jose Ramon Baranano Fernandez.

Ambassador Jose Ramon Baranano Fernandez expressed these views when he met Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake at the Foreign Affairs Ministry this week.

Speaking further at the meeting, Spanish Ambassador said that he would take action to encourage Spanish businessmen to invest in Sri Lanka. Ambassador Jose Ramon Baranano Fernandez who said that Sri Lanka has become the tourism destination for Spanish visitors pledged to help Sri Lanka to develop the countrys tourism sector to the level of international standards.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake said that the assistance given by Spain to Sri Lanka is highly appreciated. The Minister further said that the unity government under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has implemented a long term policy planning to take the country forward.
BOI Chairman Upul Jayasooriya and other senior officials with WCC Chairman Ahmed Moulana and delegates

The World Capital Centre (WCC) signed a US$ 2 billion investment agreement with the Board Of Investment (BOI) yesterday, for the much hyped and long awaited tallest building in the Asian region and the 9th tallest to be in the world.

The World Capital Centre also known as WCC is a globally renowned chain with its operations spread across the world and will be the centre of multiple trading and service providing establishments, having an astonishing twin tower with modern amenities of 117 floors, gracing a height of 625 metres to be built in

the heart of Colombos commercial area.

It will include 1,200 residential units, 2,000 hotel rooms, 3,000 retail outlets, 5,000 car-parking spaces, the WCC 7-star hotel, 20 luxurious swimming pools, gold presidential suites with gold-plated interiors, worlds fastest double-decker elevators, first Michelin starred restaurant in Sri Lanka, stunning observation deck and a helipad on the topmost floor.

The signing ceremony was represented by the Chairman of BOI - Upul Jayasooriya and the other senior officials of the BOI while WCC was represented by its key figure heads, the Chairman of WCC - Ahmed Moulana, Deputy Chairman of WCC - Vivekanandarajah A. Moorthy, Director of WCC - Dr. Senaka Silva, Director of WCC - Dr. Arosha Fernando, Director of WCC - R. Sadesh Kumar, Director of WCC - Wijendran Balakrishnan, MD of WCC - Imran Saleem, CEO of WCC Media - Shafraz Jalaldeen, and the Secretary of WCC - Waruni

V. Ranasinghe.

This proposed building would be the tallest in Asia and the 9th in the world as accepted by the Skyscraper Centre of U.S.A., and will be the largest tower in the world having a total built up area of 800,000 square metres first of its kind in Sri Lanka, which would be an ultimate tribute to Sri Lanka as well as in the Asian economy, expected to be completed by end of year 2022.

Sri Lanka being centrally located in South Asia is perfectly poised to be the launch pad for the Capital Centre owing to all the bilateral trade agreements, close ties with the developing nations and the long trade history with the rest of the world. While many international banks have been operating in Sri Lanka for decades, the ending of the war has seen the expat community blooming together with large multinational companies looking to invest in new businesses or to open up branches.

Within the region, Sri Lanka is very easy to do business with and eventually has the potential to become what Dubai is to the Middle East, what London is to Europe, what Singapore is to South-East Asia or what New York is to the Americas. WCC intends to be the first financial centre to offer an innovative vehicle for investment companies to have their South Asian base here in Sri Lanka giving an extraordinary boost to the economic development of

the country.
Government will, within the next 30 days, take a final decision on the future of the countrys national carrier, Srilankan, informed sources said yesterday.

They said the government would decide whether to covert Srilankan into a public-private- partnership, a State-owned venture or to privatize it and would reveal its decisions by way of a public statement on July 30,

The sources said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had also instructed the government to take a decision soon.

This comes amid the previous disclosure that some airlines have had informal talks with the Sri Lankan Government on partnering the national carrier. Government had also said that it was considering operating the airline on the basis of a public-private-partnership so that it would be turned into a profit-making venture. (Yohan Perera)
Swiss Lanka Hotel School CEO Sandun Ranaweera exchanges agreement with LSBF Regional Business Development Director Jenny Zhang. Also in the picture are (left) LSBF Business Development Manager Kanishka Asiri Wijekoon and Swiss Lanka Hotel School Managing Director Camilus Ranaweera

Pic by Nisal Baduge

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed between Swiss Lanka Hotel School and London School of Business and Finance (LSBF), UK on 22June 2017 in Colombo,

Sri Lanka.

The MoU will give an opportunity to students of Swiss Lanka Hotel School, to pursue a bachelors degree in hospitality management organised by LSBF. This opportunity will be provided exclusively for the students who have already completed the diploma in hotel management awarded by Swiss Lanka.

The LSBF which comes under Global University System (GUS) is internationally recognised for its teaching and research strengths in the field of business management, international law, hospitality management and health and social care. The students will be able study programmes from the fulltime while working on their industrial attachments.

LSBFInternational affairs Director who arrived in Sri Lanka for this important occasion said This exciting development recognises the Swiss Lanka Hotel School in strengthening the advanced diploma programmes in the field of hotel/ tourism management and diploma in culinary arts, have been recognised for this prestigious partnership. She further stated that LSBF is looking forward to working closely with Swiss Lanka and developing a relationship that has great potential for both the LSBF and Swiss Lanka Hotel School. The Swiss Lanka Hotel SchoolManaging Director Camillus Ranaweera thanked the LSBFInternational AffairsDirector and said I have great pleasure in signing the Memorandum of Understanding between our two institutions. I view this as a long-term, fruitful and symbiotic relationship where we can share and develop. I look forward to building upon this opportunity to strengthen our mutual relationship on behalf of future human resources for the hospitality and tourism industry in Sri Lanka.

This is one more example of the two institutions collaborating to bring higher education opportunities to students in Sri Lanka. The prospective students have the rare opportunity of completing the first year of their studies in Colombo. After completing the local diploma the students can proceed to LSBF to continue the advanced in hospitality management. Once at LSBF, the doors are open for the Sri Lankan students to go to Australia, Singapore, USA or Europe for further education.
When glancing at a glittering jewel or an intricate piece of jewelry, one rarely pauses to think of the tale that lies behind the glimmer and shimmer.

The production of gems and jewelry consists of three main segments  Lapidary Work, Jewelry Manufacturing and Laboratory Testing.

The Lapidary Industry is centered upon the artists/artisans (a.k.a. lapidaries) dedicated to cutting, polishing and engraving gemstones and other minerals, their task being to transform raw material into an object of value and beauty. It is said that the training period of a lapidary takes up to 10 years to complete.

The industry makes up a vital part of the gem and jewelry trade. Our island is home to most of the existing varieties of gemstones and its Lapidary Industry proudly boasts of over 2000 years existence, during which Sri Lanka has shared its knowledge and expertise in the art with a number of foreign nations, including Tanzania and Madagascar.

Aside from the production and processing of minerals found in the country, the Sri Lankan Lapidary Industry is now capable of adding value to material brought to SL from foreign countries. A wide variety of machines and tools are employed in the task of manufacturing gems. In Sri Lanka, Lapidaries have adopted a semi-automated process,by use of international knowledge and technology, experts have fashioned an original local system of machines.

As of late, the Lapidary Industry also produces gems for the Watch Industry, which calls for work of the highest precision. (Stones are usually cut to a tolerance of 0.01 millimeter)

The field of Jewelry Manufacturing refers to the art of creating personal ornamental apparel using various metals such as gold, silver and platinum. After the casting, the work becomes manual  polishing, setting and plating, however there exists in Sri Lanka a handful of jewelers who use advanced technological systems in the entire process. Most Sri Lankan jewelers however prefer a blend of technology and manual. For example, a masterpiece is made by hand then sent to a machine in order to create a 3D form of the molds design, following which a second machine prints it out. This process is known as CAD/CAM Services.

Today jewelry manufacturers are faced with a daunting challenge in the form of the diminishing number of smiths, while a fair amount of the existing jewelry makers, especially those living in rural villages, lack awareness about modern practices and technology.

The primary purpose of the Gem & Jewelry Laboratories is to instill confidence in the buyer. The laboratories are operated by qualified gemologists using state-of-the-art machinery who test the gems at 2 stages in the production process, before and after the mounting of them gem/gems. A buyer may also visit a laboratory himself/herself in order to test a gem or a piece of jewelry that theyve purchased. The seller usually presents the certificate issued by the laboratory to the buyer at the time of purchase.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewelry Association, the FACETS International Gem & Jewelry Exhibition 2017 will feature a number of stalls featuring the tools used by Lapidaries, the machines used in Jewelry Manufacturing as well as the equipment used in Laboratories. Visitors may have the jewels they possess tested at the laboratory stalls and witness some of the basic processes followed by lapidaries and jewelers under one roof.
In Mali, French peacekeepers were found to have engaged in paedophilia

There are 62 peace operations around the world

Is this the beginning of what was proposed in 1947- the creation of a UN military?

The United Nations is often scapegoat for the falling short of its peacekeeping troops and deployments. Why are they not in Syria or Yemen, Libya or along the Palestinian/Israeli border?

Why did the US and the UK make it impossible for the few UN troops present at the onset of the genocide in Rwanda to have their numbers significantly augmented? As a result those few on the ground had no choice but to withdraw when some of their members were killed and their genitals stuffed in their mouths.



All good questions if not easy to answer. In Syria, for example, where exactly would they be deployed? But a better question is why didnt they go in at the beginning of the civil war when things werent so complicated and Al Qaeda and ISIS were not around?



Then there is the bad behaviour of UN troops. In Mali, French peacekeepers were found to have engaged in paedophile activity with local children. In the Congo peacekeepers from the Indian subcontinent have been found to be raping. In Bosnia, Dutch troops washed their hands and pulled back after they felt they couldnt do anything to avert the onset of a pogrom that happened almost before their eyes. In Somalia, US troops supposedly there under UN command, fled when the going got rough, and then President Bill Clinton blamed the UN for the debacle.



On the other side of the coin are the great unsung victories of the UN troops- in El Salvador where at the end of the civil war the UN held the ring and organised fair elections. In Namibia at the end of the colonial war against South Africa the UN did the same. In Cyprus it averted a Bosnian-type Christian/Muslim war. The Lebanon, Sinai, Cambodia and Macedonia are all success stories in bringing about or confirming a peace.



Sometimes it is not troops that are needed but observers and inspectors. In Colombia the Farc left-wing guerrilla group that has fought the government for decades is supposed to be disarming under the terms of last years peace agreement. The UN is tasked with finding the arms caches and dismantling them- a painstaking and dangerous job. Farc says there are more than 900 caches, all over the country. Some of them are only reachable by river or on foot through dense jungle and high mountains. The fear is, reported the Financial Times, which if the UN does not reach the caches soon paramilitaries or criminal groups will.

The Security Council may take such action by air, sea or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security



Today there are 62 peace operations around the world deploying over 150,000 personnel. Of these 69% are deployed by the UN, 29% by regional organisations (usually with the blessing of the UN) and 2% by ad hoc organisations. Two of the big powers on the Security Council, France and the UK, have long been sending their soldiers under the UN flag. More recently so has China- in Africa it has over a thousand soldiers.



The US has long provided aircraft to move UN troops to their destinations.



Last year the number of UN peacekeeping personnel fell by 6% largely because of the end of successful work in Liberia and Cote dIvoire, the first decrease since 2011.



Today Africa has 26 peacekeeping operations, the Americas 3, Asia and Oceania 7, Europe 18 and the Middle East 8. (These figures comprise both the UN and regional organisations, such as the EU and ECOWAS, the West African military organisation.)



3,500 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives since the establishment of the first UN peacekeeping operation in 1948. However, the annual fatality rate of uniformed personnel decreased steadily between 1990 and 2016.



Last week the UN took a new departure. Pushed by France, the Security Council unanimously backed the deployment of a new multinational military force of 5,000 to fight terrorist groups operating in parts of Africa. In short, it is a counter-terrorism force, able, unlike peacekeepers, to take the offensive and use sophisticated fire-power. The troops will come from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.



France will provide much of the financial and logistics support. Its mandate is to combat terrorism, drug traffickers and people smuggling, all of which thrive in the Sahel.



Is this the beginning of what was proposed in 1947- the creation of a UN military? Article 42 of the Charter says, The Security Council may take such action by air, sea or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security. Some say that is not their image of the UN. But the African decision could be a harbinger of plans to come. As long as the Security Council remains the supreme authority over deployments, then, probably, most people would support this development. We all need the UN to have a future that works.



Copyright: Jonathan Power. For 17 years Power was a foreign affairs columnist for the International Herald Tribune.
The Washington Post  Jun 29, 2017 - ROME - One of the most senior Vatican officials to be charged with sex offenses denied on Thursday the allegations levied against him by Australian police, saying he would take a leave of absence to defend himself.



Speaking to reporters in the Vatican, Cardinal George Pell denounced relentless character assassination in the media and confirmed he would return to his native Australia to face the charges. Australian police earlier Thursday announced that Pell faces multiple charges of historical sexual assault offenses, that nations term for charges related to past conduct.



The controversy is a challenge to Pope Francis attempts to address the churchs long-running abuse scandal, particularly since many of the details of the Australian issues were well-known at the time the pontiff appointed him to his current role.
A 480-acre solar farm planned for the hills northwest of Billings received its contract terms and pricing from Montanas Public Service Commission on Thursday.

Take it or leave it, the MTSUN solar farm was guaranteed a 10-year contract and a sales price of about $20 per megawatt hour for its power, which would be sold to NorthWestern Energy, the states largest utility.

It wasnt clear whether the solar company could make the contract terms work. MTSUN had originally sought a much higher rate based on what it would cost NorthWestern for the energy and capacity. The 10-year contract, similar to policy set last week by the PSC, has also been recognized by PSC staff and one commissioner as unworkable for solar projects.

Developer Mark Klein was hesitant to say too much about the PSC action. The terms wont be finalized until mid-July, but he did acknowledge that the short contracts were tough.

"Obviously, very, very short contracts are not helpful in terms of developing any sort of generation project, whether its solar, wind or even conventional, Klein said. Theres a certain amount of time you need to pay off the debt. Its a balance between prices and the term of the contract.

Several commissioners stuck to their commitment to short contracts, despite concerns from developers that such short terms made it impossible to obtain financing.

Ten years makes sense to me, said Roger Koopman, commissioner from Bozeman. All the arguments about financing and the difficulty of attracting financing frankly doesnt make sense to me. None of that has been established in the record. Frankly, Ive come to not see it as credible.

Last week, the PSC reset contract rules for small generation projects that under federal law qualify for guaranteed rates and terms from Montanas largest utility NorthWestern Energy.

States are required to set a price and contract lengths to promote alternative energy resources under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, or PURPA, which has been on the books since the energy crisis of the 1970s. That law both promotes energy conservation, while also encouraging an increase in energy supply, including through renewable energy sources.

The commission then took the shorter contracts a step further and applied them to NorthWesterns future generation projects, as well. The gist of the change to shorter contracts was that contracts that set a price for a couple decades potentially locked utility customers into power rates that might turn out to be higher than future market prices.

At 480-acres, MTSUNs 80-megawatt development along Alkali Creek Road would be the largest solar farm in the state, generating enough electricity to power about 14,400 homes. Its to be built on state trust land. Developers signed a lease with the state last September.

The project, expected to be operational by the end of 2018, will cost $90 million to $110 million and employ 190 people during its construction. The property taxes in 2019 are expected to be $1.2 million to $1.6 million. The state will receive $240,000 of those taxes, with Yellowstone County getting the rest.

The electricity taxes on the property are about $32,000 a year.

The solar farm is located roughly 4.6 miles northwest of the Billings airport near a power substation that used to service the Corette coal-fired power plant in Billings. Corette was torn down in 2015.
From left: World Bank Sri Lanka Country Director Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough, World Bank Sri Lanka External and Corporate Relations Lead Dilinika Peiris, World Bank Sri Lanka Senior Country Economist Ralph van Doorn and World Bank Sri Lanka Economist Kishan Abeygunawardana

Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshan

By Chandeepa Wettasinghe

The World Bank is expecting Sri Lankas budget deficit to run up to 5.2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year compared to the more ambitious 4.7 percent of GDP projection of the government, although the development lender placed its faith in Sri Lanka achieving its long-term deficit targets.

We think that the fiscal deficit will continue to narrow, to 5.2 percent of GDP in 2017 thanks to revenue improvements; for example the VAT implementation for the first full year, World Bank Sri Lanka Senior Country Economist Ralph van Doorn said. Sri Lankas budget deficit for 2016 was 5.4 percent of GDP, improving from a 7.4 percent of GDP deficit in 2015.

van Doorn said that he cannot specify exactly where the World Banks projections differ from the governments. Its difficult to say, because we also have different GDP projections. We cant really compare each of these numbers. There are both numerator and denominator differences. Its not easy to look side-by-side, he said. According to the World Bank, Sri Lankas GDP will grow by 4.7 percent this year without taking into account the effects from successive natural disasters.

The Central Bank on the other hand revised its growth target down to 4.5-5 percent after accounting for the natural disasters, down from 5-5.5 percent growth projections earlier.

van Doorn said that the World Banks budget deficit is also higher than the governments because it has taken the execution of budget proposals into consideration, in addition to the World Banks own views.

We have our own projections. We look at the numbers and the plans and our own ideas. The budget speech was in November, we looked at the execution of the budget and we looked at certain trends, which were likely to go on, he said.

Despite van Doorns reluctance to pinpoint where the fiscal indiscipline would arise from, he said that the governments target of a primary account surplusthe difference between revenue and recurrent expenditurecould be achieved this year. This would translate into the budget deficit being driven by capital expenditure.

However, despite the projection of a short-term hiccup, the World Bank is expecting the deficit target for 2020 to be met. We think that the government is able to reach the 3.5 percent of GDP deficit by 2020. We may have slightly different projections from the government but thats okay, what matters is the target of 3.5 percent of GDP by 2020, van Doorn said.

The 2020 deficit target is the linchpin of the International Monetary Funds US$ 1.5 billion Extended Fund Facility. van Doorn also said that the direction of policy reforms is also very important, and praised the draft Inland Revenue Act, which makes the tax system simpler, allowing to generate more tax revenue after it comes into force.

New income tax bill draws WB praise

The draft Inland Revenue Bill drew praise from the World Bank for its attempts to create a simple tax system and encourage investment.

It looks like a much simpler Act than it used to be. Its easier for businesses to file taxes and comply with the tax law, van Doorn said.

Just 7 percent of the labour force and 7 percent of companies in Sri Lanka pay taxes, he pointed out.

According to van Doorn, the new Inland Revenue Bill also promotes investments, instead of promises of investment.

The previous incentive regime gave tax holidays upfront in return for promise to invest. We saw in some cases where the investors didnt invest as much as it was promised, so the incentive was to make profits while they invested.

The incentive regime under the new Inland Revenue legislation is going to reward investment only if you invest, he said.

He said that after companies invest and file their taxes, they can claim refunds according to their investment.

I think its a big step forward, van Doorn said.

He noted that coupled with the governments announced plans to improve doing business in Sri Lanka, and plans to phase out para-tariffs in the tradable sector, the new investment regime in the bill will spur investments into the export sector.
The standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in the Doka La tri-junction area indicates the continuing deterioration of bilateral relations between the two Asian giants over the past two years.

The current series of incidents dates back to the first week of June. At its heart lies Chinese road-building activity in a strategically significant region near the Chumbi Valley, which is around 500km from the Siliguri Corridor, which connects mainland India to the Northeast along with Nepal to Bhutan. The area is also part of a long-standing territorial dispute between China and Bhutan.

Beijing says that its construction activity is legitimate, given that its claim over the region is indisputable and has a historical basis. The Chinese foreign ministry has also hit out at what it sees as third party intervention in what is a dispute between two sovereign nations.

Bhutan, however, does not have formal diplomatic relations with China and deals with Beijing predominantly via the Chinese embassy in India. Indian forces, located in the region, also play a critical role in training and assisting Bhutanese troops, with collaboration on security and external affairs historically being important components of ties between Thimphu and New Delhi.

Beijing has released these photos as proof that Indian troops have trespassed the country's boundary.

In response to the series of events, the Bhutanese government, on Wednesday, lodged a formal protest with Beijing. Calling on China to stop the work immediately, Bhutans ambassador to India Vetsop Namgyel stated that Doklam is a disputed territory and Bhutan has a written agreement with China that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, peace and tranquility should be maintained in the area.

India and China are no stranger to border face-offs. Periodic spats have been a feature of activities along the Line of Actual Control - the 3,488-km-long effective border between the two nations. Given the two countries differing perceptions when it comes to the LAC, there have been regular reports of border "transgressions". What adds a layer of complexity to the scenario is the ambiguity around the perceptions of each side. This is in part a matter of design, which perhaps can be mitigated to a certain degree by sharing of maps.

However, despite New Delhis requests to do so, Beijing has not been forthcoming.

The two most-prominent recent incidents of such tensions along the LAC were the 2013 Daulat Beg Oldi and 2014 Chumar sector standoffs. The latter, in fact, had occurred as Chinese President Xi Jinping was set to arrive for his maiden visit to India. Often such incidents are viewed in India as timely activation of tactical pressure points by the Chinese side or localised events, wherein responsibility tends to lie with local commanders.

However, the current series of events unfolding in the Doka La are distinctly different. For starters, it appears that Beijings decision to press India along Sikkim hasnt come out of the blue and neither is it a local command decision. The first public indications of Beijings approach can be witnessed in Chinese ambassador to India Luo Zhaohuis remarks at the United Service Institution in May 2017. Outlining a four-point roadmap for improving Sino-Indian ties, hed referred to the possible demarcation of the Sino-Indian border in Sikkim.

For the record, China, in 2003, recognised Sikkim as a part of India and repeatedly Chinese officials have acknowledged that the boundary in this area was negotiated under the Anglo-Chinese convention of 1890. While India since the time of Jawaharlal Nehru has asserted that the boundary so negotiated was also demarcated in 1895, the Chinese side has historically been wishy-washy on that.

Added to this, the public diplomatic effort that China appears exerting at the moment indicates a clear design. Reports of border transgressions with regard to the LAC are not often documented and highlighted across Chinese state media outlets, even if the relevant issue is mentioned in the routine foreign ministry briefings. However, the current spat has been well-documented across all major state media platforms and has also been allowed to resonate on tightly controlled social media in the country.

What, however, is most significant about the current spat is the involvement of Bhutan. Beijing has, over the years, made overtures to settle the territorial dispute between the two countries as part of a package deal. Its a deal that involves Thimphu giving up the Doka La area. The proposal has been available as an option since 1996, but has not gone far given the strategic and security components along with concerns of populations in the border areas.

In this context, the current situation indicates a two-fold effort by Beijing. The first is to outline India as diplomatically a third party and then pressure Thimphu into allowing a Chinese embassy and establishing formal diplomatic ties.

The second, a desire to alter ground realties, which would end up making a settlement in its favour a foregone conclusion.
When "gau raksha" or cow protection sentiments go awry and the nation starts reporting cases of cow vigilantism from all over, its reasonably okay as such events may damage the national secular fabric, but they dont pose a security risk to the country. And if none other than the prime minister of the country debunks malpractices of cow vigilantism as Narendra Modi did so vociferously on Thursday, then the chances of damages to the national security recede even further.

But what happens when the nation is confronted by external threats directly impinging on national security? This is precisely what is happening in context of Indias rapidly deteriorating relations with neighbouring China. Its a matter of huge concern and the threat is that going by the current rate of a series of mini crises the eminently avoidable situation may get even knottier and may eventually get out of hand.

The recent standoff between India and China over the developments in Sikkim may well turn into a national security crisis if the situation is not handled deftly  and the handling this time would require efforts not just at political and diplomatic levels but also at the level of the two militaries.

Beijing has released these photos as proof that Indian troops have trespassed the country's boundary.

There is nothing unusual about the Sikkim incident. Such border flare-ups have been opening at the drop of a hat simply because the international border between India and China is yet to be settled. Yes, it is a bit odd that China has chosen a completely different venue for the latest border flare-up this time: Doka La along the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction. Its another matter that the Chinese favourite venues of border flare-ups have of late been in Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir and in Arunachal Pradesh. Its also another matter that the Chinese have done a similar thing at the same old Sikkim venue in 2008.

Its equally surprising  and perhaps confounding too  that this time its the Chinese who have been playing the victim. This time the Chinese have projected the Indians as the aggressors  a rarity. But why?

The Chinese have traditionally been in the drivers seat in virtually most of boundary dispute related flare-ups, thus imparting signals that they can do anything and convey the all-important diplomatic signal that they are the ones who are driving the agenda, not India.

But this time the Chinese have queerly voluntarily projected themselves as cry babies of sorts  a role reversal. Why? I feel that its not without purpose. There is method in this madness. The obvious method is that this time by playing the purported victim of India, Beijing is playing to the international gallery. The subtle message to the international community is that if China were to take action then India and only India would be responsible for this.

This situation has come about because of an unprecedented situation that has evolved in the past few days ever since the Sikkim crisis unfolded. Consider the following war of the words involving the Indian and the Chinese armies.

Indian army chief, who visited Sikkim in view of the spiking border tensions, went on record as warning China that India was ready for a "two-and-a-half front war" scenario, indicating tackling a simultaneous twin war front with China and Pakistan and half-the-war in view of the debilitating internal security situation in India because of diverse problems like secessionism and home-grown terrorism.

On its part, the Chinese military rejected as "irresponsible" Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat's remarks that India is ready for a "two-and-a-half front war" and asked him to "stop clamouring for war" and learn from history  an obvious reference to the humiliating military defeat India suffered in the only war fought with China in 1962.

Responding to General Rawat's remarks, the People's Liberation Army spokesman Col Wu Qian said: "Such rhetoric is extremely irresponsible... We hope that the particular person in the Indian Army could learn from historical lessons and stop such clamouring for war.

On the face of it, this is indeed an irresponsible remark from the Indian army chief. He has unnecessarily stirred up the avoidable war hysteria. But normally Indian army chiefs are not known to make such unusually harsh remarks. Now that General Rawat has made such remarks, the obvious question is whether it is his personal opinion or he has been instructed/encouraged by the political leadership to make such incendiary remarks.

Prime Minister Modi needs to intervene at the soonest possible and send a signal to China that the Indian political leadership disassociates itself from such remarks.

Such a clarification from the Modi government is essential because thus far the heat and dust over the Sino-Indian boundary dispute has been kicked up largely on political and diplomatic levels but rarely on military levels. But this time the militaries of India and China are getting involved.

This is highly dangerous. The Indian Army and the Peoples Liberation Army of China need to get out of the frame. It may not remain a mere war of words between India and China if the two militaries were to get involved and throw potshots at each other.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose has found an enduring place in the hearts and minds of his people. It is now seventy-two years since Netaji disappeared. it is alleged that he died in an air crash in Taipei (then Formosa) on August 18, 1945. But questions remain.

On August 16, 1945, the Japanese who had been Netajis allies in South-East Asia during the Second World War and had supported him to form and arm the Indian National Army to fight the British on their eastern front, were escorting Netaji to safety. The Second World War was effectively over by then with the defeat of Nazi Germany in May 1945, and the surrender of Japan on August 15, 1945, following the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945.

The mystery surrounding what really happened to Netaji after August 18, 1945, continues to challenge us despite three official inquiries. The official Japanese report of the incident is that there was indeed an air crash on August 18, 1945 and Netaji died as a result of third degree burns that he sustained when the said military aircraft caught fire on hitting the ground from a height of about a hundred feet as reported by Habib-ur Rahman and other so-called eye-witnesses.

Some passengers, including Habib-ur Rahman, survived. It is indeed possible for passengers to survive if an aircraft comes down from a height of about 100 feet. Unfortunately Netaji according to the Japanese report, was alive after the crash, but he succumbed to the serious burns that he suffered in escaping from the burning aircraft.

It's more than 70 years and so many questions still remain unanswered.

There have been to date three official inquiries into the so-called disappearance of Netaji. According to the first two  the Shah Nawaz Committee (1956) and the Khosla Commission (1970), Netaji had died in the alleged air crash on August 18, 1945. According to the findings of the third inquiry namely, the Justice Mukherjee Commission of Inquiry (2006), there was no plane crash and therefore Netaji could not have died in the alleged plane crash.

You must all be aware of the decision taken by Prime Minster Narendra Modi last year to declassify all files relating to Netaji in the custody of the government of India and release them to the public domain. PM Modi, true to his promise made to the Bose family and the people of India, released all the said files on January 23, 2016. The national archives of India has been given the responsibility to digitalise all the files and place them on their website. they have been doing so almost every month since last year. Anyone interested to access these files can go to www.netajifiles.gov.in.

I will come back to the topic of the current status of declassification of Netaji files and the surrounding controversies after I have spoken to you about Netaji  the man.

Among the pantheon of leaders that we have seen over 100 years of Indias struggle for independence, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose stands out. With the passing of years, the charisma and the magnetism of Netaji have not faded, but grown and spread especially among the younger generations.

What is heartening is that Netaji has found a permanent place in the imagination of the people despite active efforts on the part of various Congress regimes to erase the man and his role from the historical record. School textbooks include at best a brief and cursory mention of the role Netaji played in the struggle for independence.

It is time for us to rectify such distortions of history. We need to fully document the impact of the Indian National Army, the first and only revolutionary army of India which led the final assault on the British Empire from the eastern front.

The profound impact that the trial of the INA officers had on the British Indian armed forces and the revolutionary fervour that it unleashed is hardly known. Our current historians have ignored such facts of history. In fact, foreign scholars have done more in this regard. For example, Joyce Lebra, an American scholar, in her book The Indian National Army and Japan writes  "Despite the military defeat of Japan and with it the INA, popular support for the INA ultimately helped precipitate British withdrawal from India."

Here is an American scholar who is recognising the critical role of the INA in our freedom struggle which most Indian historians, with the exception of a few such as Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, have not done.

Indian historians, many of whom claim to be Nehruvians, have unashamedly written a biased history of India. I feel compelled at this stage to mention that Gandhi, Nehru and Patel collectively failed to deliver a free and united India which Netaji and his brother-in-arms, Sarat Chandra Bose, had worked towards all their lives from the 1920s. From the war front in Burma, Netaji appealed to the Mahatma not to give into partition which would only bring disaster. Even as Partition plans were being made later in 1947, Sarat Chandra Bose fought a lone battle to save the unity of India and Bengal. He failed. The result - endless conflict in our region. Subhas Chandra Bose was in all senses a man ahead of his time - a statesman whose attributes and achievements resonate to this day. Allow me to draw your attention to just a few remarkable aspects of his personality:

 Subhas Chandra Bose was a man of vision  of a free and independent India where all its peoples regardless of religion, caste, gender or creed would enjoy the benefits of the resources and wealth of mother India, where every person would have enough to eat and every child would attend school. His Haripura address is just one of many statements to this vision.

 His courage and fearlessness are legendary. He once wrote  "fearlessness in thought and action is to me is the supreme virtue in life". And throughout his life, Subhas Bose showed absolute fearlessness both in a moral and physical sense.

 His moral courage was expressed early on when he took responsibility for what has come to be known as the "Oaten incident" and was rusticated from Presidency College. His moral courage was again evident when he threw away a promising career in the Indian Civil Service because he felt he could not serve two masters  the British rulers and his motherland.

 Netajis fearlessness had no limits. He took off from Calcutta, while under house arrest, on a long and perilous journey right across India, Afghanisthan via Moscow to Germany, determined to enlist foreign assistance to fight for Indias freedom. Again, his submarine journey from Germany back to South-East Asia during the height of the second world war is a death-defying exploit.

 During what was undoubtedly a most dangerous voyage on the high seas in the stifling environment of a submarine, Netaji was reportedly calm and stoic throughout the journey. His aide Abid Hasan has spoken about how Netaji continued to reflect and strategise about his dream of a free India while they travelled under the seas.

 Again we find, in retreat from Burma with the advancing Anglo-American army, Netaji shared the immense hardships of his soldiers of the Indian National Army. Netaji personally ensured that the soldiers of the Rani of Jhansi regiment were able to safely navigate their way through the jungles back to Thailand and to their homes. Netaji had a choice to travel in an army vehicle but chose to walk with the "Ranis".

 He never shied away from what he believed in. He did not hesitate to stand up for what he thought was right, whether towards the British authorities, his jailors in India and in Mandalay, and later in his dealings with the Japanese Imperial Army generals when he did not agree with them.

 Even with the Mahatma himself over the fundamental issue of the use of force to achieve Indian independence, Subhas Bose stood his ground. And the Mahatma respected Subhas Bose for it. Of their final meeting, Subhas Bose reported (Indian struggle)  "If his (Subhas) efforts to win freedom for India succeeded  then his (Gandhis) telegram of congratulation would be the first that he (Subhas) would receive".

 Netaji was a man of action, a dynamic and utterly committed life force who inspired all who came in contact with him. This was the man who in the short space of less than a year returned from Europe to Asia, negotiated at the highest levels of the Japanese government, revived the Indian National Army, formed the provisional government of Azad Hind, and led the INA as supreme commander in a battle against the Anglo-American forces on the Indo-Burmese front.

 The energy, commitment and sheer perseverance of this man were seemingly inexhaustible, and remain as an inspiration to this day.

 Finally, for today, Netaji was a champion of gender equality and saw in Indian women much more than the traditional and time-honoured roles of running households and raising children. As a young man, Subhas Bose had supported CR Das in calls by the Swaraj Party of the early 1920s, for women to have not only the right to vote, but to be able to do so at a younger age than males.

He believed passionately that women had a vital role to play in the political, economic and social life of India. Perhaps his crowning achievement in this respect was the formation of the all-female Rani of Jhansi regiment of the INA. It is now time to bring closure to the mystery as to what happened to Netaji after August 18, 1945.

To do this, I, on behalf of the Bose family and all those who have been part of the declassification campaign, have appealed to the government of India, particularly to Prime Minister Modi, to release all remaining files in the custody of the government, including intelligence files which can help us to get to the truth. We have also urged our government to request the governments of Japan, Russia and the United Kingdom to release whatever information they might hold about Subhas Chandra Bose. Netaji was in Japanese care in August 1945, and so we must appeal to the Japanese government to provide whatever additional information they may hold which might help to reach a closure.
India and China have gradually wounded up for a very cold railway race to solidify their presence in Himalayan regions of Leh and Tibet, respectively. It is also a race to infrastructural arms that will have great impact on the Siliguri Corridor and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, in the foreseeable future.

In December, last year, India fast-tracked its plans for building the worlds highest railway track, the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line. Concrete plans for it began in early September, as the ministry sought land from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. This happened barely months after the Chinese government announced the Sichuan Tibet Railway  its second Himalayan railway network to Tibet  in March 2016. The project, aimed at escalating Chinese migration and industry in the Tibet region, was tactically announced in the month of the Tibetan National Uprising Day (March 10), which was also the month of the Tibetan uprising of 2008.

In 2017, as India battles icy spectres in its own backyard  Kashmir and Gorkhaland  it has begun tracking its hill regions. While China refurbishes its Silk Road nostalgia in various South Asian economic corridor initiatives, the railways are Indias stab at economic counter-militarisation in the Himalayas.

The QinghaiTibet railway.

Touted as a bid to facilitate tourism and commercial development in the Himachal and Kashmir regions, the 498-km-long Bilaspur-Leh railway network, rising to an altitude of 3,300 meters may be seen as a much-needed source of development in politically disturbed states of north India. However, the influence of China on the new developments in the Indian Railways, is hard to snub. Not simply due to the fact that the Bilaspur-Leh line will surpass Chinas Qinghai-Tibet Railway (opened in 2006)  currently the worlds highest railway network  at a cost of about $350 million!

Economic militarisation

On June 27, railway minister Suresh Prabhu laid the foundation stone of the new broad gauge line at Leh. The Bilaspur-Leh railway network is recognised as one of the four strategic networks, touching upon the Indo-China border, by the Ministry of Defence.

In mid-May, this year, Nepal became a signatory to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is Chinas daring foreign policy of economic militarisation  the dream of President Xi Jinping. It was announced in late 2013. Since then, nearly 70 countries from Asia, Africa, West Asia and Europe have joined in.

Today, its Maritime Silk Road Initiative  which is meant to connect China to Southeast Asia, South Asia and Africa through a fast-network of roads, railways, ports and optic fiber lines  poses a strategic threat to India, especially in the Siliguri Corridor, courtesy the imminent political acquiescence of Nepal and Bhutan.

Chinas attempts to inaugurate an embassy in Bhutan is a move to initiate its railway expansion through Bhutan, via West Bengal to Bangladesh. The Lhasa-Xigaze Railway is also slated to reach Kathmandu, via Tibet, and further south, close to the Sikkim border and Lumbini  too close for comfort for India.

The BRI comprises approximately 70 per cent of global population and Chinese money valued at $4 trillion. According to a World Bank estimate, Nepal may be in need of anything between $13 and $18 billion investment on its infrastructure to maintain its economic growth. This is where China  projected as the future universal donor in South and South East Asia  comes in.

Beijings "incursions" into South Asia do not end at Kathmandu. Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Myanmar have also fallen in line with the BRI policy. Political commentator, Wade Shepherd, describes this as a "romanticised rendering of the ancient Silk Road".

Arguably, the roots of the brewing economic militaristic contest between China and India lie with the Pakistan-controlled territories of India, where Chinese investments aim to conjure in the messiah of industrial and technological development. Last month, citing reasons of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, India stayed away from Beijings BRI summit, attended by 120 countries.

Naturally, India stood out as the sole self-conscientious objector in the Belt initiatives, while itself being wounded inside a circuit of South Asian economic alliances.

Indias role for South Asia and itself

The context of a likely Indo-China railway war has been set in motion since Xi Jinping assumed office as the President of Peoples Republic of China, in 2012. There have been allegations of Chinese troops crossing the Line of Actual Control, in 2013, 2014 (at the time of Xis India visit), and in each year until 2017. China has been aggressively non-committal at the United Nations Security Council, over proscribing Masood Azhar, the chief of the extremist outfit, Jaish-e-Mohammed. It has also voted against Indias full membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Beijing must have been distraught over Indias permission to the Dalai Lama to enter the monastery town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh earlier this April. Terming this as a "provocation", Chinese foreign policy spokespersons "went ballistic, threatening India with dire consequences and asserting that India should remember that it is substantially weaker than China, both economically and militarily. Lecturing and criticising India on a number of foreign policy issues accompanied this".

Tthe newly inaugurated Dhola-Sadiya bridge  Indias longest bridge  is more of a military asset than architectural or economic.

Indias role in South Asia is changing, dramatically. From being committed to the defence of a landlocked Nepal, to which it is also the largest seller of arms, to the Indian Military Training Team mission in Bhutan, which is in line with Indias policy of providing air defence to Bhutan and building strategic roadways, India has largely concentrated on a military infrastructure. Even the newly inaugurated Dhola-Sadiya bridge, connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh  Indias longest bridge  is more of a military asset than architectural or economic.

Tourism seems to be the buzzword for railway and bridge constructions in both the nations. In a cold race to this economic militarisation, it can only be desired that India does not fail to camouflage these developments as a domestic industry, rather than highlight them as a military expansion driven by foreign policy; such as what Kiren Rijiju, junior home minister said after the inauguration of the Dhola-Sadiya: "With China getting more and more aggressive, it is time we strengthened our physical infrastructure to defend our territory."

The inevitable background  the conflict with Pakistan over Kashmir  is hard to be camouflaged, however. The reason for this is Chinas prevailing interest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the Karakoram and the Siachen glacier. The latter is the destination for Chinas most recently announced expedition, disguised as an exploration of climatic changes and biodiversity in the Tibet plateau.

Notwithstanding these provocations, Indias developmental strategy of railways in the Leh must not betray any sentiment of all its roads leading to Kashmir. Nor can it let sour its trade relations with China. Rather, its economic militarisation should first empower its own citizens and its neighboring nations  Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh  before they fall prey to Chinese infrastructure.

A very cold sun is setting on the desert frontiers Indo-China. Chinese expansions have shown India the way to lead into a post-modern war with a two hundred-year-old technology  the railways.

Can Indias railway expansions empower Nepal, Bhutan or Bangladesh with the same productivity in labour and technology that China promises?
July 1, 2017, marks the 20th anniversary of the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China. The landmark event marked the end of British rule in Hong Kong as well as the end of the British Empire.

This anniversary reminds me of my firms involvement in 1994 in facilitating resolution differences which had arisen between Britain and Hong Kong concerning the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, under a special arrangement of one country, two systems.

In the early 1990s, after we had acted for the Bachchans in the Bofors libel case in the English Court, my firm were removed as the Indian High Commissions solicitors on orders from the new administration led by Prime Minister VP Singh. A few weeks later, I happened to be seated next to the Chinese Ambassador at an event in the House of Lords.

He had read about me being involved in the hosting of a dinner for the first time by British Prime Minister, John Major, for immigrant businessmen in the Cabinet Room of 10 Downing Street. He was also aware that my firm was no longer acting for the Indian government in UK. Following my lunch encounter, the Chinese Ambassador asked me if I would be willing to help China to set up a modern legal system. I agreed and the Chinese Ambassador then arranged a weeklong visit to Beijing for me during the 1990 Christmas holidays. The Chinese Embassy promptly fixed my meetings in Beijing.

Back then in 1991, there were only four law firms operating in China and to my surprise, I found that they were not qualified lawyers but were appointed lawyers by the Communist Party.

On my return, the Chinese ambassador told me that the government would like me to set up an office of my firm in Beijing which I eventually did. Some time later, my firm started acting for Chinese Government owned corporations like CNPC and Min Metals in their international arbitration cases. This brought me in close contact with the Chinese Government. During this period I became a frequent visitor to China.

On one such visit I was scheduled to travel with the British trade minister, Sir Richard Needhams on his official visit to China. This visit was unilaterally cancelled by the Chinese government because China was concerned that the then governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patton, had sought to introduce democracy in Hong Kong, when the colony did not have the same under British Colonial rule.

China suspected Pattons action as a premeditated attempt by the British government to go back on the agreement to handover Hong Kong in 1997.

I immediately contacted the then Chinese ambassador in London, Ma Yu Zen. He explained to me that China was increasingly concerned about the UK turning back on the Hong Kong handover agreement and China wanted confirmation from the highest level that this was not the British Governments plan. The Ambassador also knew that I was close to the Prime Minister, John Major, and he asked me if I could help. I agreed to speak with the powers behind the throne in the UK.

I then arranged a lunch meeting at my office for Lord Feldman and Lord Hasketh, to meet privately at my office without any Civil Servants being present and have confidential discussions over lunch with the Chinese team led by the Ambassador. Lord Feldman was then the Chairman of the National Union of Conservatives and in this capacity, he met the British Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street once a week for 30 minutes. Lord Hasketh who was the leader of the House of Lords was also a close confidant of the Prime Minister.

At this lunch meeting at my office which lasted for about three hours there were frank discussions between the representatives of 10 Downing Street and PRC representatives. The British team assured the PRC representatives that it was not in the British Governments interest to go back on the handover of Hong Kong.

It was decided at this meeting that further meetings would be held without any civil servants being present. This meeting restored good understanding between PRC and Britain. Thereafter, I accompanied Michael Heseltine on his visit to China as president of the Board of Trade and later on his second visit to China as deputy prime minister of Britain.

The Chinese government was pleased with me for arranging this private meeting for a second channel dialogue between the governments. Some months later, the Chinese Ambassador whom I met frequently informed me that the central committee of the Chinese Communist Party would be grateful if I could arrange a similar second channel dialogue with the then Indian Government to resolve the border dispute.

I was told that as Tibet was recently made part of China, all that the PRC government wanted was for the demarcation of the boundary with India on the basis of what was Tibets boundary. The Chinese ambassador presented me historical books and documents and highlighted to me that there were no minerals in the Himalayan mountain range of which China was claiming Indian territory.

During my discussions with the Chinese ambassador, I asked him if China would be prepared to exchange on the basis of reciprocity, the territory covering the route to Mansarovar and Kailash which were considered holy places for pilgrimage for many Indians. The ambassador assured me that China wanted peace and friendship with India and that the PRC would be prepared to consider any such proposal from India. This proposal was forwarded by me in writing to the then Indian foreign minister, Jaswant Singh, through my then client, Menaka Gandhi.
GILLETTE, Wyo.  The assessed valuation of Campbell County in northeastern Wyoming has dropped by $1.1 billion between 2016 and now.

The Gillette News Record reports (http://bit.ly/2t5AtJM ) the county's assessed valuation, or taxable value of property, fell to $4.183 billion in 2017, putting it close to the same level it reached in 2006. The county's assessed valuation has seen a steady decline since it set a record for reaching $6.2 billion in 2015.

County Assessor Troy Clements says a majority of the loss was due to a $700 million decrease in the assessed valuation in the local coal industry.

County officials say they've made several changes to the budget and full-time positions and drastically cut the budget for a capital construction project to become more efficient.

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Information from: The Gillette (Wyo.) News Record, http://www.gillettenewsrecord.com
U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said he is likely to recommend that the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument remain unchanged.

That statement made at a press conference this week in Whitefish shocked Montanans because less than two months ago, Zinke opened a public comment period on the idea for shrinking or eliminating 27 national monuments, including the Breaks in northeastern Montana. Following a directive from President Donald Trump, the monument review targeted designations of 100,000 acres or more that were made by Presidents Bill Clinton (12), George W. Bush (4) and Barack Obama (11).

The Missouri Breaks Monument was created after extensive public comment and review that demonstrated strong support for preserving a stretch of wild river that looks much like it did when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the Corps of Discovery up the Missouri in 1802.

As reported Wednesday in The Billings Gazette, Zinke stepped out of a Western Governors Association meeting Tuesday in Whitefish and told journalists: My likely recommendation will be to leave the Missouri Breaks as is. I think its settled to a degree that I would rather not open up a wound that has been healed.

Zinkes comment reflects understanding of the monuments popularity with hunters, anglers, campers, hikers and boaters who treasure this public land. He obviously knows that the monument designation doesnt apply to any private land. The monument preserves traditional uses of this public land, such as grazing, and maintains mineral leases that existed at the time of designation in 2001.

When applauding the wisdom in Zinkes remarks about the Breaks, it must be noted that the monument isnt formally off the target list yet. Zinke said likely, perhaps qualifying what monument supporters hope is a promise to protect the monument.

To be sure, Zinkes words are reassuring for conservationists who have seen Interior Department issue a series of puzzling and disturbing orders since Trump appointed Zinke to lead Americas largest land agency.

National monuments have been designated for various reasons. They have been controversial since President Theodore Roosevelt first used the Antiquities Act to designate national monuments more than a century ago. Designations have protected national treasures, such as the Grand Canyon and other spectacular lands that eventually became national parks.

We call on Zinke to make good on his statement of preservation for the Breaks Monument.

We urge him not to refight other national monument issues that previous presidents vetted in public and deemed in need of protection. Especially with President Trump proposing a 12 percent budget cut for the Interior Department and across-the-board reductions in federal employees, theres no money to waste on rehashing settled arguments.

Lets move on to the burning issues of how to better manage our federal public lands  to prevent and fight wildfires, reduce the maintenance backlog in our national parks and staff public agencies to adequately serve agriculture, conservation, mineral and recreation interests.

We call on Zinke to stand by his statement in Whitefish this week. Dont shrink or abolish the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Leave it be  perfectly beautiful public land.
Your recent editorial withdrawing your endorsement of Gianforte shows there is still some semblance of intelligent life in Montana, although clearly in the minority. I was born and raised in Montana and am a graduate of MSU and UM. As a voter, I have always been an Independent. The recent elevation of a New Jersey thug as Montana's representative to the Congress of the United States, where he can support the destruction of health care and self-serving tax cuts for the wealthy, confirms my belief that Montana is a good place to be from and suffers from its own demented belief that the Second Amendment to the Constitution is the only one that is important and the First Amendment should apparently be disregarded. To paraphrase H.L. Mencken: "No one ever went broke or lost political office by underestimating the intelligence of the American public." Now confirmed yet again in Montana.
 Career Pivoting: Is Experience Really What Matters? will meet from 3:30 to 5 p.m. July 14 at i.Lab at the University of Virginia at 621 Nash Drive. cvillebic.org/sip. (434) 242-5886.

 Concealed Carry Training is offered by the Orange County Sheriffs Office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15 at the Practice Range at 17167 Mountain Track Road in Orange. Registration must be received by Friday. (540) 672-5435.

 Drop Spindle Class, led by Russell Hubert, is offered from 11 a.m. to noon Monday at Highland at 2050 James Monroe Parkway. $10 includes materials. Register in advance at highland.org or 9434) 293-8000.

 How to Start Your Own Small Business meets from 10 a.m. to noon July 11 at Virginia Workforce Center at 2211 Hydraulic Road. centralvirginia.org/events. (434) 295-8198.

 Piedmont Virginia Community College Financial Aid Office offers assistance to current and prospective students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms from 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 17. 501 College Drive. pvcc.edu/finaid. (855) 877-3941.

 Piedmont Virginia Community College holds Veterans Education and Transition Services sessions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 20 and 27 and Aug. 17 and 24 for veterans and service members interested in attending PVCC. pvcc.edu/veterans. (434) 961-5282.

 Piedmont Virginia Community College holds Getting Started information sessions for prospective students from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Fluvanna County Public Library in Palmyra, from 6 to 7 p.m. July 10 at Nelson County Memorial Library in Lovingston and from 6 to 7 p.m. July 11 at Greene County Library in Stanardsville. pvcc.edu/outreach. (434) 961-5275.

 Piedmont Virginia Community College holds an information session for its culinary arts associate degree programs from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Jefferson City School Center at 233 Fourth St. NW. Additional sessions will be in July and August. Attendance is required at one of the sessions for any new student interested in pursuing an associate of applied science degree in culinary arts. pvcc.edu/culinary. (434) 961-6581.
Updated at 3:57 p.m.

Albemarle County police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide that took place near Barboursville early Sunday morning.

Police found Jordan Cavanaugh-Jackson, 26, of Barboursville, dead after responding to reports of gunshots in the 3500 block of Creels Mill Road. Jacksons brother Christian Cavanaugh had fled the scene in a pickup truck, according to police.

About 10 minutes later, officers spotted Cavanaughs vehicle, which had crashed in the 1700 block of Stony Point Road. They found Cavanaugh inside, dead of an apparent gunshot wound.

This is the first homicide of the year in Albemarle County. The department has reported one homicide per year in the county since 2013.

Police called Sundays murder-suicide an isolated incident and said there is no danger to the general public.

No other details about the incident were released Sunday.

Anyone with information is asked to call the county police at (434) 296-5807.
As extreme drought conditions spread from nearly 8 percent up to 25 percent of the state Thursday, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, so did emergency grazing provisions for ranchers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is now allowing grazing of Conservation Reserve Program lands, through Sept. 30, in any county whose border is within 150 miles of a county with a severe drought designation. So, because the eastern edge of Burleigh County touches the western edge of Cass County, all of the CRP land in between is available as long as provisions are met.

About 20 farmers and ranchers, mostly from Burleigh and Morton counties, as well as representatives from a number of commodities organizations gathered at Farm Credit Services in Mandan this week to learn their options.

In order to gain access to the CRP lands, ranchers need to meet with local Natural Resources Conservation Service officers to make a grazing plan, said Brad Olson, North Dakota Farm Service Agency conservation program manager. The plan is based on the number of cows and grass available and requires the maintenance of a set stubble height and that only 75 percent of the acreage is grazed.

Emergency haying is not allowed until the end of the primary nesting season on Aug. 1 for North Dakota and only 50 percent of the acreage can be cut.

Olson said there are 19,130 acres of CRP land in Burleigh County, 7,270 acres in Morton County, 23,796 in McLean, 2,901 in Mercer and 451 acres in Oliver County.

To date, a large portion of the state is short four to five inches of rainfall compared to average, said North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. Hot conditions, with temperatures reaching into the 90s, are pending for Monday through Wednesday. The state Agriculture Department is expecting a 30 to 50 percent forage loss and a 50 to 70 percent loss in hay production.

In addition to CRP grazing, other relief options for ranchers include the Livestock Forage Program.

Ranchers in counties with extreme drought conditions, for even one day, are eligible to apply for three payments of $90 per cow. At four weeks of extreme drought or one day of exceptional drought ratings, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, payments go to four $120 payments per cow. Four weeks of exceptional drought brings five payments of $150 per cow.

There is a limit of $125,000 in loss payments of any kind distributed to each rancher, Olson said.
IndiGo is the market leader in the domestic aviation sector with a share of little over 41 per cent.

New Delhi: Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of airline IndiGo, nosed down for the second session today, falling by over 6 per cent as the carrier has shown interest in buying out Air India's global operations.

The stock tumbled 6.13 per cent to Rs 1,161.05 on the BSE. On the NSE, it went down 6.22 per cent to Rs 1,160.05. The stock had fallen over 2 per cent in the previous session also.

The letter from IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh to this effect was sent to Minister of Civil Aviation Gajapathi Raju soon after the Cabinet on Wednesday gave its in-principle approval to Air India's disinvestment.

"Kindly treat this letter as our expression of interest in acquiring the international airline operations of Air India and Air India Express. Alternatively, we are equally interested in acquiring all of the airline operations of Air India and Air India Express," Ghosh said in the letter.

IndiGo is the market leader in the domestic aviation sector with a share of little over 41 per cent. Air India has a debt of Rs 52,000 crore and is surviving on a bailout package of Rs 30,000 crore approved in 2012.
Most of the food grain brands in Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) have been deregistering themselves to fall under the zero percent tax bracket once the GST regime is rolled out.

Bengaluru: Most of the food grain brands in Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) have been deregistering themselves to fall under the zero percent tax bracket once the GST regime is rolled out. According to Bharat Kumar R Shah, the chairman of The Bangalore wholesale food grains and merchants association, the centre has made it mandatory for those who sell food grains and pulses in brands to pay taxes.

The government thinks that the branded food grain merchants earn 50 to 150 per cent margins and hence they need to pay taxes, said Mr Shah. However, the profit margin for branded food grain manufacturers in APMC trade is only half or 1 per cent net. If they levy 5 per cent tax, their products will become non-viable for the consumers. It is difficult for the merchants to sustain in the market as brands, Mr Shah said.

The food grain and pulses brands that belong to MNCs or bigger firms can afford to fall under 5 percent tax slab. But sadly, most of the food grain manufacturers in APMC are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), earning low margins. The SMEs have registered their brands for unique identification and they process good quality raw materials, which is purchased by APMC for higher prices. Now that the products sold by the branded food grain merchants are taxable, they are left with no other option but to deregister themselves and sell their products without a brand name.

Talking about the level of preparedness among APMC members, Mr Shah said that only 30 per cent of traders in the state are ready to embrace the change. Most of the APMC markets are not computerised and the traders depend heavily on auditors. In addition, the rural dealers have no clue about GST. We feel that we need another 8 months to follow new tax norms properly. I feel that it can not be partially implemented in our trade. Only 30 percent of APMC markets are ready to implement GST in Karnataka, said Mr Shah.

Once the brands deregister themselves, a number of problems might arise such as food adulteration and misuse of brand names. If the products are sold without a brand name, retailers or wholesalers might manipulate consumers. If the branded products quality falls short, necessary actions can be taken against them. It now becomes difficult to keep the quality of goods in check. I dont think that will now be possible if the brands unregister themselves, said Mr Shah.
Bearing the brunt of widespread farmers protests in many states, the government at the centre tried to mitigate the likely fallout of the implementation of the GST on the agriculture sector by reducing the tax rate on fertilisers to five per cent from 12 per cent.

New Delhi: Bearing the brunt of widespread farmers protests in many states, the government at the centre tried to mitigate the likely fallout of the implementation of the GST on the agriculture sector by reducing the tax rate on fertilisers to five per cent from 12 per cent. The decision to reduce the tax rate on fertilisers was taken at the Council meeting on Friday, chaired by finance minister Arun Jaitley, hours before the roll out of the biggest tax reform of the country at the Parliaments central hall at midnight.

Farmers in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab are protesting against the low minimum support prices which is making agriculture an almost unsustainable enterprise. Political parties have jumped into the protest bandwagon, chief amongst them the Congress which has been asking the BJP to implement its pre-election promise of giving farmers MSP plus the 50 percent cost of production.

Six farmers were killed in Mandsaur in MP during farmers protest following which Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had visited the are charging up the political atmosphere. Some felt it (12 per cent GST rate) may be a burden on the consumer. There was a consensus (in the GST Council) to bring rate to 5 per cent, Mr Jaitely told reporters after the 18th meeting of the Council.

He said that a decision to reduce the tax rate on fertiliser was taken because of apprehensions that price of the crop nutrient may go up. The Council also cut tax rate on exclusive parts of tractors from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. The tractor manufacturers have been pitching for lower tax rate for components. They wanted tractor industry to be kept at par with construction equipment.

The GST council meeting was followed by a dinner hosted for the members by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a special thanks giving for the decisions the panel took since its formation in September last year.
25 Years Ago-1992

Mayor Bob Dykshoorn and North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad were among the dignitaries who addressed the crowd that gathered for the recent grand opening of Mandans newly-renovated depot, which will now be a center for Native American arts and crafts. Original work from throughout the state, as well as from other Indian reservations, will be on display.

Marine 2nd Lt. Michael W. Haney, son of Dennis and Nancy Haney, Mandan, and Marine 2nd Lt. William T. Hagerott, son of George and Carol Hagerott, rural Mandan, have graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. Haney received a bachelor of science degree in oceanography; Hagerott received a bachelor of science in English. Both are 1988 graduates of Mandan High School.

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Funerals this week:

Raymond Waechter, 83, Bismarck, raised, educated at Glen Ullin. Married Anne Reitan, 1936. Lived in Minneapolis until 1941, moving to Glen Ullin to manage the Curlew Elevator and Lumber Co. Moved to Bismarck, 1966, where he owned, operated the Auto-Dine Fast Food Restaurants. Member of the Bismarck Rotary. Past board member of Missouri Slope Nursing Home, past president of Fairveiw Cemetery board. Survivors include one son, three daughters and their families, one brother, two sisters.

Clyde Arenz, 67, Mandan, raised, educated at West Allis, Wis. Served with U.S. Army, 1943-46. Married Ollie White, 1946. Worked in Milwaukee area 14 years. Moved to Mandan, 1968. Was sales manager and vice president of L & H Manufacturing, retiring 1988. Survivors include wife, two sons, two daughters, one brother.

Kathleen (Gathman) Mosser, 39, Flasher, raised, educated at Berthold. Married Vergil Mosser 1969. Lived at Devils Lake and operated a day care. Moved to Flasher 1989. Was a 4-H leader and volunteer. Survivors include husband, two sons and two daughters, three sisters, seven brothers and her mother, Bernice Gathman.

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Temperatures recorded Tuesday, June 30: a high of 65 degrees; 48 degrees for the low.

50 Years Ago-1967

David Wise, Morton County state's sttorney, gave the main address at Morton Countys Eighth-Grade Commencement held in the Mandan Memorial Building. Eleanor Rippel, assistant county superintendent of schools, presented the diplomas; she was assisted by Hazel Bergman. Also speaking was Dawn Shaw, county president of the Young Citizens League.

LaRae Holle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Holle of New Salem, has been crowned the new Morton County Dairy Princess. The recent New Salem High School graduate was chosen from 26 contestants. The annual crowning and banquet is sponsored by the Mandan Lions Club, the Mandan Chamber of Commerce, the Morton County Extension Service, the Mandan Creamery and Produce Co. and Foremost Dairies.

Remund Ford-Mercury of Mandan has been sold to B. Jack Norby and Elmer T. Rath, according to a recent announcement by Harvey Remund. The motor company was originally titled Western Auto, which Remund purchased from Phil Blank in 1956. The business was first located at the corner of First Street and Second Avenue Northwest. In July 1962 Remund leased land from the NP Railroad in the 900 block of East Main Street and built an entire new complex. Remund Ford has 36 employees, of which six are sales people.

75 Years Ago-1942

St. Martins Church of Huff, built from stone hauled by parishioners from the neighboring hills 10 miles south of Mandan, was recently dedicated by the Most Rev. Vincent M. . Ryan, bishop of Bismarck. It was standing-room-only for the rite of dedication, followed by a solemn High Mass. The Knights of Columbus choir of Mandan sang the choir parts of the Mass with the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, in full regalia, serving as a guard of honor. Following the service, the ladies of the parish and the ladies of Fort Rice mission served dinner to a huge crowd of parishioners and visitors.

For 30 years, St. Martins parishioners attended a little frame church, which was destroyed by lightning on July 19, 1940. Slender resources necessitated a search for means of rebuilding an inexpensive church, and it was finally decided to build it of field stone. Members of the parish hauled the stones, one skilled worker was employed and the rest of the labor was contributed by the people. The church seats 200 persons and has a full basement, plus a wind charger to provide power for the fan to circulate heat in winter and cool air in summer.

Rev. Father J.G. Sailer was pastor at the time the building began, but was forced to relinquish his pastorate due to illness. Rev. Father Conrad Lotter is the current pastor who also donned overalls and worked on the structure.

100 Years Ago-1917

Prying open the front door of the C.G. Conyne Jewelry Store last night, one burglar ransacked the place and secured perhaps $150 worth of stock, while another kept watch at the door. Mr. Conyne is unable to give an exact estimate of his loss but knows three watches, a number of lavaliers (pendant necklaces) and a stock of cuff buttons were taken. The more expensive and better grade jewelry is placed in the big safe each night, while china and sterling silverware are left outside. Strangely, the burglars did not take any of the silverware.

Mike Barnes yesterday took on a load of liquor and refused to go to bed and sleep it off, so Chief of Police Reynolds locked him in a cell for the balance of the day. This morning Barnes paid a fine of $5 and costs.

In response to the proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson, 480 young men of the city of Mandan have registered at various polling places in the city. In Morton County, 1,707 young men registered, about 10 percent of the population.

Adam Stoltz and wife, Fifth Avenue N.E., were terribly shocked by live wires last evening. Recently, Stoltz removed the electric meter from a living room to the cellar of his home. Last evening, he accidentally took hold of the live wires and was terribly shocked. Unable to release the wires, he was hurled about the room by the force of the current. His wife then appeared on the scene and seized his arm to pull him away and, as a result, she too was badly shocked. Today, both are under the care of a physician.

125 Years Ago-1892

On Thurs., June 30, at 2:30 p.m., the thermometer recorded 81degrees above zero.

Fireworks!! Fireworks!! Fireworks!! All can be purchased at Langs store.

The grand Fourth of July parade will leave the Odd Fellows hall at 9:30 a.m. sharp, headed by the Mandan silver cornet band. Mandan will celebrate the countrys birthday with all the patriotic enthusiasm she can muster.

It is said that the horse racing at the Fourth celebration in this city will surpass that of previous years.

There is no doubt about the music at the Fourth celebration being good. The band boys, under the leadership of Mr. Bruns, have been working hard at rehearsals during the past few weeks.

"The promoters of the Fourth celebration urge the citizens to decorate their places of business. Let everybody show their patriotism.

That little pesky nuisance, the mosquito, has arrived and in all probability, there will be millions of them at Mandans big Fourth celebration, looking for a feast.

* * *

There have been some interesting school elections in Mandan and Morton County but none more interesting and exciting as the one held on Tuesday for the Superintendent of Schools. The weather was fine, and a large vote was polled  much larger than was predicted.

The total vote in the county was 947 of which Mr. Lorin received 363. The opposing candidates  John Fleming, principal of the Mandan schools, and B.W. Shaw, Mandan attorney  received 320 and 254 votes, respectively. But, the outcome could have been much different according to the votes cast within the city of Mandan because of the 362 votes cast there, Atty. Shaw took the majority with 152 votes over Fleming and Lorin. Needless to say, many Mandan voters are very disappointed with the countys election results.
New Delhi: Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday dubbed incidents of lynchings in the country as "barbaric" and said they should not be seen from a religious angle.

Law enforcement agencies at the district and the state level must take effective steps to prevent such incidents in future, the minister said, a day after a man was killed in Jharkhand for allegedly transporting beef.

"It has been condemned by and one all. The prime minister also, for the second time, spoke about it. It is happening in different parts of the country and it is barbaric and atrocious. No religious angle is linked to it," he told reporters in New Delhi.

The latest incident of lynching has been reported from Ramgarh in Jharkhand where the victim, identified as Alimuddin Asghar, was intercepted by a mob on suspicion of transporting beef in his van.

Asghar's lynching yesterday came even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned acts of violence in the name of cow vigilantism. Addressing a gathering at Sabarmati Ashram, Modi had said that "killing people in the name of gau bhakti (cow worship) is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve.
Srinagar: The second meeting of an all-party consultative group, constituted by the Jammu and Kashmir government to evolve a consensus on the GST implementation in the state, was held here on Thursday.

The government claimed that the parties were in agreement on the extension of the new tax regime but with safeguards to protect the fiscal autonomy of the state.

"There was a general consensus in the meeting that non-implementation of the GST regime would trigger economic and financial chaos in the state with the inter-state trade vis-a-vis J-K taking a big hit," an official spokesman said here.

He said the meeting was held under the chairmanship of former deputy chief minister and MP Muzaffar Hussain Beigh. The members of the consultative group including former finance minister and NC leader Abdul Rahim Rather, CPI(M) state secretary M Y Tarigami, Congress leader Aijaz Ahmad Khan, Hakim Mohammad Yasin of PDF, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat of PDP, Sunil Sethi of BJP, Ghulam Hassan Mir of DPN and Independent legislators Sheikh Abdul Rashid and Pawan Gupta attended the meeting.

The meeting held threadbare discussions over the legal, legislative, financial, economic and administrative aspects of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime with the chairman explaining in detail the nuances of the new tax regime. The spokesman said Beigh complimented the state government for having initiated a debate on the issue with all shades of the political opinion to evolve broad-based consensus before Jammu and Kashmir is brought under the tax regime.

"If we talk of bringing a separate law, the Centre will have to amend two chapters in the Constitution to delegate powers of taxation to the state of J-K. It will become a huge political issue across the country. Besides, it will also entail amending Section 5 of J-K Constitution which can't be done. More so, any attempt on fiddling with Section 5 will open a Pandora's box which will have huge political ramifications for J K in future," he said.

Presenting the government's view, Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu said the government will ensure adequate safeguards for protecting the special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir as enshrined in Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Regarding GST, the finance minister said it would be an integrated tax regime which would replace 16 taxes currently being levied by the Centre and the state government.

Drabu said the existing tax incentives under the industrial policy will be continued and the cross-LoC trade can be maintained in the current form. "In case the GST is not extended to the state, the businesses will be crippled as no trader from Jammu and

Kashmir will be able to do business with their counterparts from other parts of the country," Drabu said, adding the consumer in J-K will be the worst hit due to double taxation.

Drabu said in the absence of an alternative trading link, J-K is literally integrated with mainland Indian market. "Entire requirements are imported from it and everything produced or manufactured in J-K is exported to the same market. Twin taxation systems dissociated from each other will entail costs to business and to public finance system. "Trading processes will be subjected to twin taxation systems making everything costly in J-K, a cost that ultimately the consumer shall have to bear," he said, adding traders will have to pay more for managing twin systems and it could create a situation that J-K may not get buyers or sellers for its products.

NC's Rather, who is the former chairman of the Empowered Committee of Finance Minister on GST, said his party was not against the implementation of the GST in the state in principle but it wanted adequate safeguards to protect the fiscal autonomy of the state.

Khan of the Congress said his party had piloted the evolution of the Goods and Service Tax regime across the country. "Our party has laid the foundation of GST. We are in favour of it but we are concerned about how it is implemented in J-K. The law must be introduced in an applicable form in the state," he said.

Tarigami said consultations were beneficial for evolving a consensus but stressed that Article 370 should not be belittled. "We have to take people along to preserve the relationship between India and J-K. I congratulate the government for debating the issue with us," he said.

The all-party consultative group had earlier met here on June 24 to discuss the issue.
Hyderabad: Textile traders organised a rally on Thursday in connection with their bandh against the Goods and Service Tax. About 1,500 traders and workers marched from Tobacco Bazaar to James Street police station and culminated in a meeting. Traffic was slowed down for two hours.
Mumbai: With his film Jab Harry Met Sejal gearing up for release and shooting for Aanand L Rais untitled next, superstar Shah Rukh Khan is a very busy man now.

A day after he released the poster of Sidharth Malhotra-Sonakshi Sinha starrer Ittefaq (It Happened One Night), which he is co-producing with good friend and filmmaker Karan Johar, SRK addressed the rumours of him doing a special dance number in the film.

Rubbishing the rumours, Shah Rukh told a daily, Not at all. I dont have any song in Ittefaq. If I start having songs in every film I produce, Ill only be doing songs then. We are planning to produce nine films in the next two years. So, then I would have to do nine-10 songs (laughs). So no, theres no song like that.

The shoot of Ittefaq, which is a remake of 1969 thriller by the same name, starring Rajesh Khanna and Nanda, has already been wrapped up and the makers are working on the marketing plan for the movie.

Talking about the latest development, SRK said, The film is over. We should be out with the marketing in a few days. Karan is sitting with the team and planning it now.

After Sridevis Mom, Akshaye Khanna will again be seen in Ittefaq.

The film is slated to release on November 3.
Mumbai: Romantic drama 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' is one of the most re-watched romantic movies but actor R Madhavan believes his days as a chocolate boy hero are over.

The actor will be next seen in Tamil thriller 'Vikram Vedha', written and directed by Pushkar and Gayathri.

"I'm done with chocolate boy roles. Although my mind is still young, my body is not the same. When I run on screen, my body runs like a 48-year-old man. I even told my directors Pushkar and Gayathri that we should head to Switzerland and shoot a colorful movie like a Yash Raj Films production. I would love to play those roles, but I'm not quite sure now," the actor told reporters here at the press meet of 'Vikram Vedha'.

The gangster-cop thriller has Madhavan essaying the role of a rugged encounter specialist 'Vikram.'

The actor says people in the Hindi film industry have watched the trailer of the movie, thanks to Shah Rukh Khan who released it on his Twitter page recently.

"Since Shah Rukh Khan released the trailer of 'Vikram Vedha,' it has already grabbed the attention of Bollywood filmmakers. The entire industry has watched it, and everyone unanimously appreciated composer Sam's effort."

Madhavan said he did not have enough time to shoot the film simultaneously in Hindi but he is open to take it to Bollywood.

Heaping praise on his co-star Vijay Sethupathi, who plays the role of a gangster in the movie, Maddy said it was a great honour to collaborate with him.

"I feel proud to have worked with Vijay Sethupathi. I've shared the screen with greats like Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan. Usually, in multi-starrers, I make it a point to meet my co-stars during rehearsals. But I met Vijay for the first time on the movie set."

The actor said despite being pitted against each other in the film, they got along really well off the screen.

"We got along really well. He's a fantastic guy. We had a great relationship. He's the most intelligent actor that I've ever worked with."

Sethupathi said he was initially nervous about working with Madhavan, but the actor turned out to be really friendly.

"Initially, I was quite nervous since Maddy is a big star and has worked with a lot of legends. But he is really sweet. Despite him being a senior actor, I never had any second thoughts about giving my opinion to him on a scene," he said.

Also starring Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Kathir and Shraddha Srinath in pivotal roles, 'Vikram Vedha' is produced by YNOT Studios and is slated for release on July 7.
Mumbai: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is currently gearing up for his forthcoming Imtiaz Alis release Jab Harry Met Sejal with Anushka Sharma.

After a few promotional stints by the actor in Ahmedabad, and his meeting with the Chief Minister of Gujarat for Jab Harry Met Sejal, Shah Rukh has resumed work on filmmaker Aanand L Rais film, where he essays the character of a dwarf. Anushka Sharma plays the role of a mentally challenged, whereas Katrina Kaif plays herself in this Aanand L Rai film.

The three had earlier starred together in Yash Chopra's swansong, 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'.

According to a leading tabloid, Shah Rukh Khan will groove on veteran Shashi Kapoors iconic peppy song Humko Tum Pe Pyaar Aaya, from the classic 1965 film Jab Jab Phool Khile, which featured beautiful actress Nanda opposite Shashi Kapoor.

The tabloid reported, SRK will be seen dancing to the classic from Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965). It's an amusing sequence.

While in the original song Kapoor is seen dancing lively amidst the backdrop of natures beauty, it would be interesting to see Shah Rukh groove on the same beats.

Earlier, it had been reported that usage of VFX would be done to get the desired dwarf character on Shah Rukh. However, a source has revealed some insights about his looks.

The source said, The makers will not superimpose SRK's face on a dwarf actor. They will shoot using Forced Perspective, a technique that employs optical illusion to make an object appear farther away, closer, larger or smaller than it actually is. It will make SRK look shorter with the added effect of oversized costumes and shoes, that will add to the desired look."

The film is slated for a Christmas 2018 release.
Vivacity brims in each word. She speaks as if she never missed out on her audience till recently. Aswathi Menon, the Avva Avva girl in Satyam Sivam Sundaram, as we all know her, has made a less-trumpeted comeback to big screen. Glad that you noticed me, she screams in excitement when called her for an interview for her second coming through Raffis Role Models. Even in a short screen-time, Lucy auntie has managed to tickle a funny bone or two with her performance. Fifteen years, and wonder how time flies! In 2002, she disappeared all of a sudden after Mohanlal-starrer Onnaman.

My family decided to go back to Dubai. I waited for a while for some good opportunities to come through, but that was a dry moment for Malayalam cinema back then. The kind of offers that were coming was not so tempting. Somehow, it didnt touch my heart, rewinds Aswathi. In Dubai, an enriching acting experience awaited her  in theatre. An active involvement on a newer platform kept aflame the actor in her. There is a lot of theatre happening there. A majority of it happen in terms of community theatre. A lot of production houses produce theatre over the weekend and I have been part of about five productions, says Aswathi.

A stint with customer service and marketing in a real estate firm was never an excuse for her acting skills take a back seat. Later, her hubby Vikas, an HR specialist, felt it so unfair to let his wife, a passionate actor, stick to a nine-to-five routine. But when he asked her to go back, she asked, Are you mad? It has been so many years, who will call me for a role?

Thanks to my husband, I am back in films again. He has seen me doing so much of theatre. I am able to follow my passion, Aswathi put in her papers in November and returned to Kochi. A phone call to her initiator Raffi changed the course of her life again. He asked me if I could join him in Goa if I was free. I liked holidaying. He called me back to ask if I was interested in a small role in his film. And I was game for the loose Lucy, she giggles. Ask how her life changed after Lucy. I shed a few pounds and look much better now. In no hurry, Aswathi patiently waits for good roles to come her way.
Mumbai: Close on the heels of questioning of popular actor Dileep and his director friend Nadirshah in the actress abduction case, state police chief T P Senkumar has asked the probe team to find out the "truth" and not to rely on "suspicion."

Senkumar, who is retiring from the top post today, said he had given a direction in this regard to the investigators who are probing the sensational case.

"I have asked the entire team to find out the truth. The whole team should sit together, discuss and collect evidence and should not rely on suspicion," he told PTI.

The outgoing DGP's directive is widely seen as an expression of dissatisfaction over the way the case is being handled by the team headed by ADGP (South one) B Sandhya.

Bringing the sensational February 17 incident back to focus, the police had questioned Dileep, Nadirshah and the actor's manager in Kochi for 13 hours two days ago following some fresh 'leads' in the case.

The police recorded the trio's statements after the release of a letter, purportedly written by the prime accused in the case 'Pulsar' Suni addressing the actor discussing the abduction incident.

A complaint filed by Dileep alleging attempt to blackmail him by a friend of the accused had also surfaced earlier this week.

Seizing on the development of the case, senior Congress leader and MLA P T Thomas today reiterated his demand for a CBI enquiry into the incident.

He told reporters here that the alleged casting of suspicion on the probe team by DGP itself is a concrete reason to hand over the case to CBI for investigation.

"Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had stated the day after the incident itself that there was no conspiracy behind the crime. Besides that, the recent developments in the case also indicate that the state police will not be able to carry out a free and fair probe," he said.

Thomas also said that the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) failed to express solidarity with the victim during its annual general body meeting at Kochi yesterday.

He condemned the alleged outrage of two actor-turned MLAs, Mukesh (CPI-M) and Ganesh Kumar (LDF-backed independent) against media persons at a press conference after the AMMA meeting when the later repeatedly posed questions regarding the case. CPI(M) MP P K Sreemathi also came out against the AMMA, alleging that they did not stand with the victim.

"AMMA says it will stand by both the assaulted actress and the actor who is facing charges in connection with the incident. Is it not male chauvinism and anti-woman stand?" Sreemathi asked in a Facebook post.

A group of Congress activists staged a protest march in Kollam against actor-turned MLAs Mukesh and Ganesh Kumar and AMMA president and CPI(M) MP Innocent and burnt their effigies for allegedly not supporting the victim.

Meanwhile, Women in Cinema Collective, an outfit of women workers in the Malayalam film industry, has filed a complaint with the state Women's Commission to protect the rights of the victim.

The WCC expressed concern over the attempt from certain quarters to "victimise the victim" and said it had taken all measures to counter this.

The actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films besides Malayalam, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car for two hours by the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on February 17 night and later escaped in a busy area in Kochi.

Six persons, including 'Pulsar' Suni, Martin and Vigeesh were arrested in connection with the incident so far.
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday demanded death penalty for Tahir Merchant and Karimullah Khan for their key role in 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

Counsel for CBI, Deepak Salve said that role of Tahir Merchant in the deadly blasts was serious and he was one of the main conspirators.

Demanding death penalty for Khan, the CBI counsel said that he was one of the prime conspirators of the bomb blasts, who had the knowledge of RDX and weapon movement.

The prosecution also asked for life imprisonment for Riaz Siddique.

The special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (TADA) court earlier on June 28 adjourned the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case after the convict Mustafa Dossa passed away.

The court deferred the case after the Special Public Prosecutor informed it about Dossa's death, saying that he was not in a position to argue in this case.

The court asked the Special Public Prosecutor as to why Dossa was not admitted to hospitals yesterday itself or even before that.

On this the Special Public Prosecutor replied that he didn't complaint about his health condition on Thursday.

Dossa, who was admitted to the JJ Hospital after hypertension and diabetes complaint, passed away on Wednesday.

"He was admitted following chest pain and infection," J.J Hospital Dean T.P. Lahane told ANI.

"Mustafa Dossa also had uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes," he added.

Dossa had informed the special TADA court about his heart problem and said he wanted to undergo a bypass surgery.

The prosecution on June 27 argued that convict Feroz Khan should be given death penalty for his role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

Salve stated that his role was parallel to that of Yakub Memon.

Salve said he would seek extreme punishment for all six convicts in the case.

Speaking to reporters, Salve said, "I quoted the judgments made by Supreme Court regarding Mustafa Dossa and Feroz. I have appealed for maximum punishment for them on the applicable grounds. Mustafa Dossa and Mohammad Dossa were present at the first conspiracy meeting where they decided to send arms and ammunitions and create riots. Feroz was close to the group and has played an important role in transfer of arms and ammunitions".

The TADA court had convicted six people - Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Feroz Abdul Rashid Khan, Taher Merchant, Karimulla Khan and Riyaz Siddiqui - in the case on June 16 and acquitted Abdul Qayyum Sheikh, who was then released from Arthur Road Jail.

Addressing media after the court's order, Salve said, "Mustafa Dossa conducted a conspiracy meeting in Dubai which was attended by Dawood Ibrahim and others. They hatched a conspiracy of Mumbai blast to take revenge of Babri Masjid demolition."

He further said that "the accused used to travel between Dubai and Pakistan for arms and ammunition training where Pakistan had given them green channel entry. Their targets were Indian politicians, high officials and Hindus".

About 257 people died while 713 others were injured after a series of bomb blasts rocked Mumbai City on March 12, 1993.
Mohammed Pahelwan walks free after being acquitted by the court on Thursday. (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad: In a major setback to the police, the VII Additional Metropolitan Sessions court on Thursday acquitted Mohammed Bin Omer Yafai alias Mohammed Pahelwan, the main accused in the attack on AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi.

The prosecution failed to prove the charges against him, including the charge of criminal conspiracy for allegedly masterminding the attack. The court sentenced four others involved in the attack to 10 years rigorous imprisonment.

Those convicted are the other accused Hassan Bin Omer Yafai (A2), Abdullah Bin Younus Yafai (A3), Younus Bin Omer Yafai (A6) and Afif Bin Younus Yafai (A13). The prosecution could not also prove the criminal conspiracy charges against these suspects.

The Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge T. Srinivas Rao, in his 96-page judgement sentenced the four persons to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 8,500 each after finding them guilty of 14 different offences under the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Indian Arms Act.

The court also set off the remand period of the convicts while pronouncing the judgement.
A Cause for Claws Thrift Store (701-751-5828)  Seeks volunteers to sort, test, repair and set up store displays. All profits support a low-cost spay and neuter clinic.

Abused Adult Resource Center (701-222-8370)  Volunteers advocates needed to help answer the crisis calls in the evenings and on weekends. An advocates role is to listen, offer support and give options. Free training provided.

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 Augusta Place Prospera Community (701-323-3274)  Assist residents with activities, bingo and Sunday visits.

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Hyderabad: Police on Friday arrested a doctor from Telangana's Khamman district for allegedly selling babies to childless couples.

R Srinivas, who holds a Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree and runs a hospital in Kurivi town of Mahabubabad district, sold at least five newborns to childless parents over the past five years, Khammam Assistant Commissioner of Police PV Ganesh said.

The doctor was booked under IPC Section 370 (buying or disposing of any person as a slave) and relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice Act, the ACP said.

According to the officer, the doctor sold the newborns, all girls, belonging to tribals after delivery at his hospital to childless couples for amounts ranging between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh.

Explaining his modus operandi, the police officer said Srinivas, post delivery of newborns, would tell their parents that their children are not well and that Rs 1-2 lakh is needed for treatment.

"Believing Srinivas, the parents, mostly daily wagers, abandoned their children at the hospital. He later sold them to childless parents," the officer said.

The health authorities are in the process of sealing the hospital, he said.

Srinivas' arrest came a day after one of the babies sold by him was rescued yesterday by ICDS officials and police from Khammam town, the ACP said.

A case was registered against Srinivas a month ago in Mahabubabad district for allegedly conducting illegal sex determination tests, the ACP added.

Meanwhile, the doctor has denied the allegations levelled against him.
The decision to suspend the yatra from Sikkim came after a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops over a disputed area along the Sino-Indian border. (Representational image)

New Delhi/Beijing: Even as the Indian Government on Friday suspended the Kailash Mansarovar yatra to Tibet through Nathu La in Sikkim after Beijing refused to allow pilgrims into Tibet, Beijing on Friday maintained that Indian troops must first withdraw from the Doklam area.

The government on Friday called off the Kailash Mansarovar yatra through Nathu La in Sikkim in view of rising tensions between India and China, stopping the third batch of pilgrims which had gathered in Delhi for the holy trek from moving any further.

The decision to suspend the yatra from Sikkim came after a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops over a disputed area along the Sino-Indian border.

The Centre has informed 400 people, who wished to take the Nathu La route to the shrine, that the pilgrimage from this end had been called off.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the special ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament for the launch of 'Goods and Services Tax (GST)', in New Delhi on Friday. The GST comes into effect on Saturday after the midnight. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Nearly 70 years after Independence India with a $2-trillion economy became a single market without state border checkposts at midnight, after President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed a button in the Central Hall of Parliament to mark the advent of the Goods and Services tax.

Speaking at a ceremony just before midnight, Mr Mukherjee said the GST had many contentious issues. He said he had moved the constitutional amendment for GST and had met the chief ministers of Gujarat (Mr Modi), (undivided) AP and some other states.

Mr Modi said the GST  he called it a Good and Simple Tax  would be a mechanism to check corruption, improve trade and governance. There will be no kacha bill and pucca bill, he said. GST is an economic reform that would soon become social reform, he said.

Mr Modi and finance minister Arun Jaitley stressed that the GST was the outcome of the collective effort of different governments.

Several Opposition parties boycotted the ceremony, resulting in the absence of former prime minister Manmohan Singh who had tried to push the GST for years. The GST, which replaces five Central taxes and six state taxes, has been welcomed but there are doubts if the infrastructure is in place. Some sections affected by the rise in tax under GST staged protests.
Chennai: With the Opposition trying to put his government on the mat in the TN Assembly on the tobacco product bribery issue, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami Thursday said the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) was already conducting a probe into the issue of gutka being sold in the state in connivance with a minister and top police officials.

Responding to the Opposition Leader MK Stalins demand that a CBI probe be ordered into the issue of a minister and top police officials being bribed by gutka manufacturers for allowing the sale of chewable tobacco, the Chief Minister said the DVAC began probing into the issue after the then Chennai City Police Commissioner S.George wrote to the home secretary on the issue .

The Opposition, however, alleges that Mr George himself has been named in a diary recovered by I-T officials that is said to contain details about how money was paid to top officials.

Virtually rejecting Mr Stalins demand for a CBI inquiry, Mr Palaniswami said the government had on January 23 ordered the DVAC to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the allegations and that the probe was on. The probe was ordered in response to a letter that the then Chennai Police Commissioner had written to the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary on December 22 last year that with the help of some Chennai Police officials, anti-socials were involved in the manufacture, sale and distribution of banned gutka, Mr Palaniswami said.

He also recalled that the Madras High Court had on January 27 observed, there was no need for its interference in the matter, while dismissing a writ plea filed by an individual seeking a CBI probe into the alleged gutka scam. We see no reason why the court should step into this issue when the authorities are themselves conscious of the gravity of the issue, Palaniswami quoted the First Bench, comprising then Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M Sundar.

Immediately after Mr Palaniswamis reply, DMK members, led by Mr Stalin staged a walkout saying that they were not satisfied with the chief ministers statement. Earlier, Speaker P Dhanapal, while allowing Mr Stalin to raise the issue, said the Leader of Opposition had presented some evidence to him in his chamber.

While demanding the CBI probe, Mr Stalin said the I-T Department has seized a diary in which a minister and top police officials were named as having received bribes periodically to allow its sale though it is banned across the country.

Later, speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, Mr Stalin said the CM minister should immediately sack the Health Minister and top police officials from their posts due to their alleged involvement. If truth has to be established in this case, only a CBI inquiry can do that, Mr Stalin said.
ALAPPUZHA: The houseboat industry in Alappuzha is worried over the impact of GST being implemented from July 1. The houseboat sector will come under the 18 percent tax rate instead of 15 percent at present. The operators had urged Finance Minister Dr T.M. Thomas Isaac to include the sector in the tour operator category, instead of in the luxury hotel tax slot.

Mr K. Jayavijayan, general secretary, All-Kerala Houseboat Owners' Association, said the houseboat sector was included in hotel category. The association had wanted the GST rate be reduced to five per cent as the industry has been facing a crisis due to the liquor curbs. Mr T.G. Raghu, secretary, Alappuzha Tourism Development Cooperative Society, pointed out that the business would be hit if the tax is not relaxed. "The customers will not absorb the price increase," he felt.

The houseboat industry was struggling to stay afloat due to the competition from Sri Lanka. The international tourist flow to Kerala has plummeted of late. As many as 1,000 houseboats ply in Alappuzha alone through the Vembanad lake every day. "We will know the tax rate only when it is implemented. If it's 18 percent, it would hit us hard. So we have requested the finance minister to include us in the tour operator category which comes under five percent tax rate," said Mr Tomi Pulikkattil, a houseboat owner. The industry is currently paying 15 per cent tax. It employs over 5,000 people directly
KOCHI: The small and medium retail traders and merchants are likely to bear the brunt of the initial technical and logistical problems associated with the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) Saturday. Problems in adopting the required software, confusion over the carryover stocks and supply chain logistics are some of the key issues worrying the small and medium traders.

I feel that many of the small and medium retailers are unlikely to open shops on Saturday, said K.M. John, secretary of Kerala Merchants Chamber of Commerce and vice-president of All Kerala Distributors Association. According to him, most retailers have opted for a policy of minimum inventory for the past few days to avoid complications connected with the carryover stocks.

The Kerala Rice Millers Association, drugs and pharmacists and many others have expressed apprehensions over the impact of the GST. Rice millers are mainly worried about 5 per cent GST for the branded and packed rice. The cost of a 10-kg pack is likely to be up by Rs 25, it said. It has requested the state government to prevail upon the Union government to drop the idea given the specificities of Kerala.

All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association has warned of a shortage of medicines in the state due to the GST rollout. The drug retailers are worried about the rates coming under the 12 per cent slab. According to A.N. Mohanan, president of AKCDA, the wholesale traders will suffer a loss of 8 per cent and retailers 10 percent due to the GST while selling carryover stocks after June 30.

The carryover stocks bought with 5 per cent VAT at the first stage of the sale will now attract a 12 per cent GST, he said. He says there was no move on the part of the manufacturers and the government to resolve this issue so far. In such a situation the wholesalers and retailers have no option other than returning the carryover stocks to producers and get fresh stocks as per the new rates. A delay in this transaction can lead to an acute shortage of medicines in the state, Mr Mohanan said.

According to Mr John, although the rollout of GST from July 1 was talked about in the official circles, the seriousness of the matter was realised by the traders only ten days ago. VAT was introduced in 2005 after 2-year long preparations from 2003. So the transition was without problems. But the same cannot be expected now, he said.
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court refused to stay the process initiated by the Transmission Corporation of Telangana to absorb outsourced persons in 23,699 regular posts.

A bench comprising Acting CJ Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice T. Rajani while dealing with a PIL by M. Sravan Kumar, an unemployed man, challenging the proceedings issued by Transco to absorb outsourced persons in regular posts, made it clear that it cannot stay the process in view of the statement of the Transco counsel that a lengthy process is involved. Mr Vidyasagar, senior counsel for Transco, said a committee was verifying the biodata of applicants. After arriving at an agreement with the unions, the matter will be placed before the Transco board. Adjourning the case for four weeks the bench told the petitioner to move an application if something happens.
Srinagar: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will roll out in the country at midnight but Jammu and Kashmir is the only state which will fail to keep date with it. In view of special status it enjoys under Article 370 of the Constitution, it has to pass special laws to make the umbrella tax that will subsume a string of taxes into one consolidated tax applicable to the State.

The 101 Constitutional Amendment Act of the Indian Constitution under which the GST would be applicable to all States doesnt apply to J&K as of now.

A consensus is evading the political parties on the issue and all efforts and pleas made by the PDP-BJP coalition government particularly Finance Minister, Haseeb A, Drabu, so far, have failed to convince the opposition which has publicly vowed to fight any move that would weaken further J&Ks special status guaranteed under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. It has also said that GST would also cause irreparable financial losses to the State.

The Kashmir Inc is also up in arms and Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) called for one-day shutdown on Saturday against what it alleged is the governments agenda to implement GST in the State despite stiff opposition from various quarters. We will fight it tooth and nail come what may, its president Muhammad Yaseen Khan said at a press conference.

The separatists, on the other hand, have accused Drabu, of showing loyalty to Nagpur by seeking to implement the 'RSS agenda' on Jammu and Kashmir.

The official sources here said that the government is trying hard to build consensus over the GST. A special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is being held from July 4 to discuss the implementation of GST in the state. A special one-day session was called on June 17 to debate the draft legislation on the GST approved by the State Cabinet earlier issue but it was adjourned indefinitely after the House witnessed noisy scenes.

Till a decision is taken, Jammu and Kashmir will be the only state where a status quo will continue over the GST.

The official sources said that the PDP-BJP government had decided to go ahead with the GST following an appeal was made by Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, who also warned that the State would only suffer in case it fails to implement the GST. But not only is consensus evading the government and the opposition, there is apprehension in the PDP that the issue might be seized by the opposition and the trade bodies for open face-off in the event of which the separatists could only add fuel to the fire.

Politically also it is a between the devil and deep blue sea kind of situation for the PDP. It is reportedly under tremendous pressure from ally BJP and the Central government to implement the GST in the State but, on the other hand, it is being openly accused by the opposition of trying to weaken further the special constitutional status of the State by seeking to go ahead with the new tax regime.

"It is very sensitive issue. Also, we need to convince ourselves that public opinion matters. If the opposition succeeds in convincing the public on the supposed harm of the GST it may well prove politically ruinous for us," said a PDP leader.

The government recently set up an all party consultative group under senior PDP leader and former deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussain Beig who has served also as finance minister in a previous PDP-Congress government. The group met here twice but there has not been any major shift in the already stated positions.

The second meeting of the group was held here on Thursday and Beig said, "If we talk of bringing a separate law, the Centre will have to amend two chapters in the Constitution to delegate powers of taxation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It will become a huge political issue across the country.

He added, "Besides, it will entail amending Section 5 of J&K Constitution which can't be done. More so, any attempt on fiddling with Section 5 will open a Pandora box which will have huge political ramifications for J&K in future."

Presenting the government's view, Drabu said it will ensure adequate safeguards for protecting the special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir as enshrined in Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

"The way ahead to harmonize GST in the State could be by extension of only such limbs of the Constitutional Amendment 101 to the State which are already applicable to Jammu and Kashmir in one form or another with some other provisions of technical nature required for harmonization of our taxation structure with the new tax regime," he asserted.

Meanwhile, in the absence of GST, there is no possibility of any trade in taxable goods in Jammu and Kashmir.

There will be four sittings of the J&K Assembly on July 4, 5, 7 and 8. The Legislative Council is also meeting separately from on July 4, 5 and 8.

"Hopefully, there will be consensus on the issue and the GST will soon make its way into Jammu and Kashmir too," said an official spokesman.
Bengaluru: Typing impact into your search bar will automatically display impact of GST as the top option to click on. This pretty much sums up what has been in the minds of everyone with the implementation of GST knocking on the door.

According to Adwait Thakur, GST expert, the paradox revolving around the new taxation norm is still seen even among accountancy professionals. The larger mass of people who are totally clueless about how to look at the latest implementation by the government include even top Chartered Accountants. A right picture of the impact can be mapped only after keeping a close eye for a month on how markets function and how life changes for the common man, he said.

M.C. Dinesh, President, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry believed that the whole scenario of GST coming in is unnecessarily hyped. It is high time we realise that the government will have no plans of penalizing the common man in the name of development. Taxes will be hiked only for luxury, while for necessities GST plays an angelic role, he said.

Infographic

Dinesh added that GST should be considered a move by the government to bring positive returns to all in the long run. When all the money that comes into the economy is been accountable with more tax-payers coming into the picture, the government will have more funds to serve the people better. With an economy more stable and transparent, the change we await is totally revolutionary, praises the industrialist. At the same time, the common man is curious on how to plan the family budget starting next month. Balancing the budget will become a major hurdle for me from now on. With no confirmed information yet to the change in prices, the first few months from now on will be like on a see-saw. For those who land big sums, the impact will be nothing, says Anil Devan, a vegetable vendor who adds, The figures that come across in WhatsApp messages, newspapers, and on TV screens differ a lot from each other. GST is something that needs more clarity for aam aadmi like me.

Mahalakshmi Parthasarathy, member of Citizen Action Forum demanded that the government should be dynamic in understanding the public sentiment. The government should observe how the implementation would affect the daily life of the common man and be ready to tweak decisions which would favour them on a practical scale as well. Life saving drugs getting costlier in the absence of a good insurance cover for the middle-class families is something that the political wisdom of our leaders should see through. With banking transaction charges going up, the authorities should be careful not to add to the distress of citizens, she said.

Providing proper information and education on GST before direct implementation would have led to a congenial atmosphere minimizing confusions at a wider level, said Ms Parthasarathy.
New Delhi: Senior advocate KK Venugopal's name has been cleared for appointment as the Attorney General for India, following the decision of Mukul Rohatgi to step down as the top law officer.

A decision to appoint the 86-year-old veteran lawyer as the successor of Rohatgi was discussed before the departure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a visit to the US, Netherlands and Portugal.

Sources said that "Venugopal had a meeting with Modi before his departure for a three-nation tour."

When contacted and asked about his priority as the Attorney General, Venugopal said, "I will speak only after the notification is issued."
New Delhi: Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday condemned the killing of a man on the suspicion of carrying beef in Jharkhand and said the matter must not be viewed from a religious angle.

"It has been condemned by and one all. The Prime Minister also, for the second, time spoke about it. It is happening in different parts of the country and it's a really shame, barbaric and atrocious. Don't bring religious angle into this," Naidu said.

He asked the law enforcing agencies, including the police, at the district and the state level, to take effective action so that there is no recurrence of such incident in the future.

Just hours after Prime Minster Narendra Modi condemned the killings in the name of cow protection, a Jharkhand man was attacked by a mob on the suspicion carrying beef in his car on Thursday.

He was stopped by a group of people near Bajartand village before being brutally killed.

The van was later set on fire.

A case has been registered on the basis of a video footage of the lynching.

Superintendent of Police Kishore Kaushal said a thorough investigation will be made into the whole incident.
New Delhi: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday broke ranks with the opposition on GST, stating that it would attend the government's midnight launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime tonight.

Justifying its divergent position from that of most opposition parties, senior NCP leader Tariq Anwar said his party had supported the legislation during its passage and there was no reason for it to skip the function, to be held in the central hall of Parliament.

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar would be present at the mega event, which is expected to be attended by actor Amitabh Bachchan and industrialist Ratan Tata, among others.

On Friday, the Congress, in an all-out attack on the government, called the event a "grand self-promoting tamasha (gimmick)".

Apart from the Congress, opposition parties such as the Left, the RJD and the Trinamool Congress have declared their intention to skip the function.

Former Prime Minister H D Dewe Gowda's Janata Dal Secular), however, said it would attend the programme. The Congress also accused the NDA government of "insulting" India's freedom struggle, as the previous three midnight functions held in the central hall were events related to the country's independence.

"We agree with the Congress to an extent, but we supported the legislation when it was introduced (in Parliament and state assemblies). The party has, hence, decided to attend the midnight meeting," Anwar told PTI.

The NCP is supporting Meira Kumar, the opposition candidate for presidential poll.
Ukhrul (Manipur): An Assam Rifles jawan was killed and three others were injured in a blast here on Friday morning.

The bomb blast took place at the security checking point of Ramva AR post, under Shangshak Police Station of Ukhrul District.

The area has been cordoned off by security forces and no civilians are allowed in the area.

Further details are awaited.
New Delhi: India on Friday said that it is deeply concerned about the recent Chinese actions in the Sikkim sector, saying that the construction of a road in the area would change status quo between the two countries.

Asking all parties (China and Bhutan) to respect bilateral agreements, the Ministry of External Affairs said that it is extremely important that the parties come to a collective consensus on the issue.

It is important that consensus on border issue between India and China through Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected, it said.

"We have conveyed to China that road construction would represent significant change of status quo with security implications for India," it added.

The MEA also added that India is committed to working with China to find peaceful resolution of all issues in border areas through dialogue.

Meanwhile, China has also said that constructive talks are necessary between the two countries to resolve the situation.

Bhutan had also issued a demarche to China via New Delhi to stop building a road in the district of Sikkim at a point where the Bhutan, India and China borders meet.

China on the other hand, has maintained that the road was being built in its territory. Beijing had also accused India of sending troops across the border to stop the construction of the road.

On the other hand, Indian media said China had stopped pilgrims crossing into Tibet to visit a mountain revered as the home of the Hindu god Shiva.

India and China have long disputed parts of their frontier in the Himalayas.

In 1962 there was a brief war over Arunachal Pradesh. In 2014, Chinese troops moved into Sikkim territory claimed by India, sparking a two week standoff.
Chennai: Traders in Tamil Nadu, of various hues and holograms, have one thing in common. They are mostly nervous and angry about the impending GST.

"We have been opposing GST from the very beginning as it would cripple trade and business - from the petty shops to large establishments. It will destroy us, yet the Centre has gone ahead and decided to force it upon us. We will resist with all our might", says T. Vellaiyan, president of TN Vanigar Sanga Peravai. "This will be the second freedom struggle for us all".

Rival traders' association chief A.M. Vikramaraja is just as furious. "Five lakh small traders in Tamil Nadu will just disappear; GST will finish us all", he says. "We have been pleading with both the Centre and the State to drop GST. The State Government is assuring they will help us but if Delhi pushes GST through, we will fight tooth and nail. Prime Minister Modi must remember there's Parliament poll in 2019", says Vikramaraja, president of TN Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu, adding, "Over 60 lakh traders in Tamil Nadu will shut shops and take to the streets to agitate. Our fight will stun the country".

According to Vellaiyan, the traders, big and small , believe that the Centre is pushing through GST due to pressure from Western powers."The PM has become America's stooge. He wants to digitise everything so that the Americans can control our trade and business online; that's why he promised to flood 25 lakh villages across the country with the Internet.

Now we know the motive behind the digital revolution", says Vellaiyan.To those who understand a wee bit of computers, the Internet and digitisation, Vellaiyan's theory could sound hugely incredible; but then, that's how rattled and angry his trading community is over GST.
Chennai: A summer vacation at their relatives residence in Chennai turned fatal for three young boys, all aged under 15 years, as they drowned in a lake near their uncles residence in Kundrathur on Wednesday.

Police said the boys were supposed to return to their village in Salem district on Thursday to report back to school.

The boys were identified as S. Manikandan (15), S. Shakthivel (13) and S. Sanjay (12). About a week ago, the boys had come to their maternal uncle, Sivas residence in Indra Nagar here with their mother, Anjali.

On Wednesday, the boys went for a swim around noon in the Ayan Lake near Poonthandalam without informing anybody in the house. However, the trio didnt return home late into the evening after which the mother and relatives began to worry. After scanning the entire neighboured, a relative found the clothes of the boys on the banks of the lake. But, the boys were nowhere to be found.

Rescue personnel were informed about the incident. Meanwhile, locals who ventured into the lake found the boys and fished them out of the water. They were taken to the Chromepet Government General Hospital where they were declared brought dead. Police said that the boys didnt know swimming and suspect them to have ventured deep into the lake and may have been caught in the slush.

Kundrathur Police registered a case and handed over the bodies to the family members after autopsy. The boys parents are casual labourers and the family had come to Chennai about a week ago.
Chennai: The Madras High Court on Thursday asked the state government why it has not arrested the police personnel allegedly involved in the idol theft case. When the petition filed by Elephant G. Rajendran came up for hearing before Justice R. Mahadevan, Inspector General of Police, Idol Wing, A.G. Pon Manickavel appeared before the court, as per the earlier direction of the court.

Additional public prosecutor C. Emilias submitted that the then head constable Subraj was arrested and the police are searching for the then Inspector and now DSP Kader Batcha and another constable.

The judge orally asked the APP, Why you have not arrested them. Don't you know their whereabouts? The APP, Emilias said it will take some time to know their whereabouts.

The judge also asked Pon Manickavel what was the strength of the Idol Wing department. After Pon Manickavel explained the details, the judge asked him to file an affidavit as to what was the requirement and how many staff he requires.

The judge posted to June 30, further hearing of the case. The judge also adjourned to July 21, the hearing on another petition filed by Rajendran, which sought a direction to the authorities to provide police protection to him and to his family. In his petition, Rajendran alleged that he received information on Thursday that a high ranking police officer made a comment on him stating that He always gives trouble to the government by filing petitions, harassed real estate persons, now he filed a petition against police. I will teach a lesson to him. He sought to transfer the investigation of idol theft case to CB-CID.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's midnight tryst with India's biggest tax reform was boycotted by a large chunk of the Opposition, led by the Congress, with party vice-president Rahul Gandhi dubbing the implementation of the GST as a gimmick which was being rushed through in a half-baked manner and in a self-promotional spectacle.

Apart from the Congress, the Trinamul, RJD, BSP, the Left parties and the DMK boycotted the event even as the Nationalist Congress Party and the Samajwadi Party decided to attend it in deference to President Pranab Mukherjee.

The JD(U) sent Bihar commercial taxes and energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, but its top leaders, including Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and the partys Rajya Sabha member Sharad Yadav, gave the event a miss. Mr Gandhi, who is abroad, took to twitter to say that a reform which holds great potential was being rushed through without planning, foresight and institutional readiness, like during demonetisation last year.

Unlike demonetisation, GST is a reform that @INCIndia has championed & backed from the beginning...But like demonetisation, GST is being executed by an incompetent & insensitive Govt w/o planning foresight &institutional readiness #GSTTamasha (sic), Mr Gandhi tweeted.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that the government had imposed highest ever GST rate in the world while the UPA had proposed putting a cap of 18 per cent on tax.
Chennai: DMK Working President MK Stalin on Friday hit out at the ruling AIADMK for "failure" to take proper action on various issues, including alleged payment of bribes for sale of banned gutkha.

"They are not taking proper action," he said, responding to a question from reporters on allegations of sale of free sarees distributed by the Tamil Nadu government in Kerala.

Free dhoties and sarees are distributed in Tamil Nadu through PDS outlets during Pongal festival in the month of January every year.

On all allegations, including payment of bribes to a Tamil Nadu Minister and officials and horse-trading ahead of the February 18 trust vote, the government was just saying that it will act if it received a complaint, he said.

He alleged that the ruling AIADMK was sustaining itself "only to carry on corruption."

Stalin, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly slammed the Health Department under Health Minister C Vijayabaskar for being "lax" in implementing the ban on gutkha.

Meanwhile, the PMK said it would stage a protest demonstration on July 4 here, seeking a CBI probe into alleged payment of bribes for sale of banned gutkha.

Seeking the sacking of a State Minister and officials allegedly involved in the scam, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss said here in a statement that only a CBI probe would ensure punishment for those involved in the scam.

Alleging that the Tamil Nadu government was trying to hide the gutkha corruption, he said it was "condemnable."

The demonstration demanding a CBI probe and resignation of the Minister and officials will be led by PMK president GK Mani.
The Congress party will not participate in the special midnight meeting on the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday decided to boycott the governments special midnight June 30 meeting on GST, calling it a grand self-promoting tamasha (gimmick).

The party also accused the government of insulting Indias freedom struggle, as the previous three midnight functions held in the central hall of Parliament were related to the country's independence. The Congress party will not participate in the special midnight meeting on the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

He said while the Congress party accords a lot of importance to the independence movement, the struggle may not be as significant for the BJP since they had no role in it. Azad said midnight events in Parliament had always been linked to India's Freedom - the first was in 1947 to mark India's independence, then in 1972 to commemorate its silver jubilee and in 1997 for 50 years of independence.

The issue is that the celebrations are equated to the independence and its silver and golden jubilees. The GST session is an insult to the independence movement., Congress leader Anand Sharma told reporters.
Twelve warrants were issued in May when Dakota Access Pipeline protesters did not show up for hearings or trials scheduled in Morton County.

Warrants are not a problem unique to the protester cases, but they account for a significant number of the approximately 596 cases still open.

According to court records, there are 109 pipeline-related cases marked "inactive," which usually means an arrest warrant has been issued. That number has been increasing, as more cases head to trial and Morton County state's attorney files new charges against people whose cases were previously dismissed for lack of evidence.

Bobbi Weiler, whose client Brian Renville Jr. got a bench warrant after he lost touch with her, said this was her first case in which a protester did not show. She said she may have had a bad address or phone number, as she has not been able to reach him since October.

Protester clients, whom she represents on a contract basis for the public defenders, are either "really involved or I haven't heard from them," she said.

Sam Saylor, attorney for the Water Protector Legal Collective, said it is common after large arrests that some people will "fall off the radar." Some don't know about their court dates, he said.

Misdemeanor warrants are rarely served out-of-state, so it is unlikely someone would be extradited back to North Dakota to face their charges.

But Saylor said the warrants probably will catch up with people. For example, the warrant may surface during a background check when people apply for jobs or professional licenses.

Saylor is trying to alert people to their warrants so they can get their cases resolved.

In May, 46 cases were closed, court records show. Of those, 22 were dismissed by the prosecutor, though new charges could be filed in the future. Another 12 cases were dismissed and defendants were re-charged with higher level misdemeanors. Ten people pleaded guilty to misdemeanors in exchange for fines under $1,000 and a deferred sentence.

Most of the cases handled in May related to an incident on Oct. 22 when 126 people were arrested walking across private property to a pipeline construction site. The prosecutors have been dismissing most of these cases and re-charging the defendants.

One person, Aaron Turgeon, who was accused of recklessly endangering police and civilians with his drone, was acquitted by Judge Allan Schmalenberger.

Alex Wilson's case was dismissed midway through trial after South Central District Judge Gail Hagerty found the prosecutors had not showed probable cause that the protest was tumultuous and disorderly enough to constitute a riot.

According to court records, a total of 250 pipeline-related cases have been closed.

The Morton County State's Attorney's Office did not respond to an email seeking comment for this story.
Chennai: The DMK will not attend the special function in Parliament on Friday midnight to usher in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

Party spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP, T.K.S. Elangovan, made the announcement on Thursday. He said It is only a function to announce a new tax law. Such a function was not held earlier when banks and insurance companies were nationalised and several other landmark bills were passed, he told reporters.

He also accused the government of trying to gain publicity for implementing a new tax law. Expressing apprehensions over GST, he said it is not known how it would impact trade, business or the common man.

Strongly opposing the roll out of GST, DMK working president in a statement here recalled that DMK had urged the Centre to postpone the roll out of GST regime to September and said the AIADMK government did not listen to his demand for referring the GST bill to a select committee of the Assembly. He said the state government would be held responsible for implementing the new tax regime without taking the necessary arrangements.

Mr Stalin said the tax for textiles and hotels had been increased by five per cent and added that small traders would be severely hit. Power loom workers in CM Edappadi K. Palaniswamis native district of Salem were protesting while workers in cracker industries were holding agitations against 28 per cent tax on crackers.

There are apprehensions over tax exemption to Tamil films, Mr Stalin said and charged the Chief Minister with not worrying about anything. Tax for biscuit is higher than that for gold biscuits and the equipment used by differently-abled people had been taxed, he said.
Chennai: Strongly opposing Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswamis announcement of constructing a memorial for former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, PMK founder S.Ramadoss on Thursday said such a memorial would be seen as a symbol of corruption since she was convicted by the Supreme Court on disproportionate assets case.

He said the Supreme Court had explained Jayalalithaas role in the case and the former CM was not punished since she was not alive at the time of the judgment. Recalling that the PMK had already filed a petition in Madras High Court demanding the removal of Jayalalithaas name and portrait from government offices, Ramadoss said setting up a memorial for her would not be acceptable.

Citing the Supreme Courts observation that Jayalalithaa had allowed the three convicts in the case, AIADMK general secretarty V.K. Sasikala, Sudhakaran and Ilavarasi only to distribute and protect the wealth earned through corruption, he said Jayalalithaa was the prime accused in the case.

Memorials could be built only for those leaders who were clean and honest in public life and those who sacrificed themselves for the people, he said. The state government should abandon plans to build Jayalalithaa memorial to avoid misguiding future generations, he added.
Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated two water projects in Gujarat's Modasa district, asserting that farmers across the state will soon get water through various irrigation schemes.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Prime Minister Modi said, "We have ensured that farmers across Gujarat get water through our various irrigation schemes. National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) is helping farmers sell their produce online at the right price across the entire country. We have introduced PM Fasal Bima Yojana to ensure maximum protection with minimum premium. We are also ensuring that bus stations in Gujarat are comparable to airports in convenience and cleanliness".

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also present for the occasion.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will have lunch at Gandhinagar Raj Bhawan, which will be followed by the inauguration of the Mahatma Mandir exhibition and conference. He will also address a youth symposium.

Prime Minister Modi will also address a textile summit, take part in a roadshow and unveil other state-centric projects.

He will leave for New Delhi this evening to attend the Goods and Services Tax (GST) roll out mega event in Parliament.
Mumbai: NDA ally Shiv Sena on Friday came down heavily on the Centre over its decision to privatise national carrier Air India, saying had such a decision been taken by the previous Congress-led UPA government, the BJP would not have spared it.

It also asked the finance minister to spell out the reasons which made the 'Maharaja' (the Air India's characteristic logo) a "beggar."

The Sena's taunt comes two days after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Cabinet has given "in-principle" approval for the disinvestment of Air India.

The Civil Aviation Ministry is charting out the disinvestment of the debt-laden carrier.

"Had this decision been taken by the previous government, the BJP would have exposed the Congress in public. The BJP would have asked how can a government that cannot run an airline, run the nation," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana.

"But the BJP today has indulged in the sale of the national carrier," it noted.

The Sena also sought to know from Jaitley the reasons for Air India's downfall and losses in the last few years, and those responsible for it.

The airline earlier had a local market share of about 35 per cent which has gone down to a mere 16 per cent. This happened as many routes were sold off to private companies by the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Sena claimed.

"This is corruption. If done during the Congress regime, the Modi dispensation had a chance to undo the damage. Why did they not do it?" it asked.

"Today the airline is being sold off as it has a debt of Rs 50,000 crore. Tomorrow the government will say they are unable to provide for the security cost of Kashmir valley and will thus auction it. They cannot be trusted," the Sena claimed.

Surviving on taxpayers' money, Air India has been in the red for long and various proposals, including government think tank NITI Aayog's suggestion for complete privatisation, have been made.

The airline has a debt of more than Rs 52,000 crore and is surviving on a Rs 30,000-crore bailout package extended by the previous UPA government in 2012.
Chennai: In a move that would further strengthen DMKs ties with the three AIADMK alliance MLAs, DMK working president MK Stalin has invited them to take part in the platinum jubilee function of his party organ Murasoli.

The three MLAs  Thamimum Ansari (Manithaneya Janayaga Katchi), Thaniyarasu (Kongu Ilaignar Peravail) and Karunas (Mukkalathor Puli Padai)  had given their assent to participate in the function, showing the widening gap between the AIADMK and its allies who contested on the two leaves symbol in the 2016 elections and entered the Assembly.

With Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamis government surviving on a wafer-thin margin of five MLAs, every legislator is crucial for the continuance of the government, which is hit by dissensions within the party.

The AIADMK had won a confidence vote in February 18, but it could face another test after two months since the DMK is certain to call for a no-confidence motion after two months, especially after the open fight between the supporters of the Chief Minister and AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran who has vowed to act decisively after August 5.

If the AIADMK allies join the DMK front, the government would have only 119 MLAs in the 234-member state Assembly, just two more than the numbers needed for a majority, at a time when most of the party MLAs are involved in a bitter and open fight among themselves.

Four Cuddalore MLAs are acting against the Minister MC Sampath and another minister Rajendhra Balaji had an open tussle with MLA and former minister Vaigai Selvan. Seven MLAs joined together to issue open statements against the MLAs supporting Dhinakaran and there appears to be a free for all in the party.

The three MLAs had already met Stalin twice on the release on parole of Perarivalan, a convict in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. They met him earlier and appealed to him to support their demand of Perarivalans parole.

They had staged a walkout from the Assembly on the ban on cattle sale for slaughter issue. Ansari had already announced that he would vote for Congress candidate Meira Kumar in the Presidential elections.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi was being received with high honours by US President Donald Trump in Washington on June 26, China ratcheted up pressure on India along the sensitive Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet trijunction of the 4,057-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Beijing harshly denounced New Delhi for violation of Chinese sovereignty through illegal trespass by the Indian Army into the Doklam Plateau to halt construction of a road by the Peoples Liberation Army and obstruct Chinese border troops normal activities. It also blocked access to Indian pilgrims headed for the Kailash Mansarovar journey through the Nathu La pass until India unconditionally withdrew forces from Doklam.

In the context of the first Modi-Trump one-on-one, China ominously reminded India that the latter cannot afford a showdown with China on border issues because it lags far behind China in terms of national strength and the so-called strategic support for it from the US is superficial.

Although tension between Indian and Chinese forces on the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet border had been mounting for a while owing to Indian concerns that China wants to cut off Indias access to its Northeast via the Chickens Neck, it was Mr Modis successful visit to the US which broadened the stakes of the Doklam standoff and sharpened Beijings belligerence.

The jingoistic Chinese state-owned publication, Global Times, went down memory lane to narrate how India isnt able to balance China and that whenever the US or the Soviet Union played the India card to check China, it boomeranged on India. In typical condescending tone, China advised India to learn from historical lessons and correct its errors, alluding to the defeat in the 1962 war when neither the US nor the USSR came to New Delhis rescue.

An unflattering cartoon showing the Indian elephant being moved by an American hand as a pawn on a chessboard and references to New Delhi being snared into a geopolitical trap by Washington rounded off Chinas overall verdict of the Modi-Trump summit and its linkage to the jostling between the two armies in Doklam.

Beijing always views New Delhis willingness to behave proactively on the land border or in the vast maritime waters of the Indian Ocean and the West Pacific Ocean in terms of some extra-regional actor instigating or encouraging it. If India stands up for its small, unprotected neighbour, Bhutan, which has firmly objected to the road building in Doklam by the PLA in disputed territory, it is interpreted in Beijing as bravado by New Delhi boosted by Americas strategic embrace. If the Indian Navy engages in military exercises with Vietnam, Japan or Australia, again the perception in China is that there is an American hand behind such manoeuvres.

Obsessed with the notion of India serving American designs to contain it, China magnifies incidents like the Doklam dispute into bigger proportion. What has also riled China in this particular flashpoint is that the Indian Army is bolstering the cause of tiny Bhutan, which has been facing tremendous Chinese pressure to concede territory in Doklam. Thimphu has protested the PLAs unilateral action, or use of force, to change the status quo of the boundary in Doklam, enraging Beijing because puny Bhutan is resisting mighty China by relying on Indian security assurances and troop backup.

The Chinese foreign ministrys criticism of India as a third party, which is interfering and disrespecting the sovereignty of Bhutan, demonstrates how peeved Beijing is at New Delhis assertiveness to defend the rights of its small, lightly-armed neighbour sandwiched between China and India. And lurking behind this anger is Beijings belief that Mr Modi is challenging China with a swagger due to his successful meeting with Mr Trump.

While all bets are off whether the American President, who is a master of flip-flops, would continue Barack Obamas policy of attempting to contain China, Beijing is apprehensive of the headway Mr Modi has made in striking new defence deals with the US. The agreement for India to acquire 22 aerial surveillance Guardian drones worth $2 billion from the US is aimed at improving Indias naval monitoring capabilities in the Indian Ocean and beyond where the PLA Navy has been prowling with submarines and aircraft carriers.

Specific mention in the Modi-Trump joint statement of India and the US expanding engagements on shared maritime objectives and reiteration of their joint call for respecting freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific have not gone down well in China since these moves impinge on Chinese military objectives.

Until recently, Beijing seemed to have won over Mr Trump by dangling the carrot of cooperation to curb North Koreas missile and nuclear programmes. The distinct lack of American pushback on the PLA Navys lording over the South China Sea, Mr Trumps inward-looking isolationist instincts, and his open praise for China had suggested that Beijing would have a freer rein in Asia than before.

All that is now muddled by Mr Modis breakthrough with the Trump administration. The designation of Pakistan-sheltered Syed Salahuddin of the Hizbul Mujahideen as a global terrorist by the US, and

Mr Modi and Mr Trumps explicit demand that Pakistan should ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries are further indirect blows to Beijing. China prefers that Pakistan remain active and unfettered to pin down India in Kashmir and thereby prevent India from attaining the status of what the Modi government terms as a leading power in world affairs.

Chinas lame defence of Pakistans record on terrorism after the Modi-Trump joint statement indicates that the old pattern of anxiety in Beijing over India-US bonhomie has not gone away despite Mr Trumps iffiness. Chinas military mobilisation and posturing over the Doklam row must be read in this global backdrop. Beijing rarely goes public with a bullhorn over Indian troops incursions into its side of the LAC. This time is different as the dragon is enraged at Indias rise and the plethora of global partnerships being strengthened by Mr Modi.

Undeterred by Chinese bellicosity, India must keep developing its border infrastructure, speeding up deployment of its Mountain Strike Corps, and doing more for imperiled neighbours like Bhutan, while guarding against Chinese retaliation in the Ladakh or Arunachal sectors of the LAC. India must prove that the history China crows about does not necessarily repeat itself but can be rewritten.
It does not matter if Junaid Khan was stabbed or clubbed to death. It is of no consequence whether the mob concluded that he was carrying beef in his bag or if the tragedy was a result of an argument that went too far. None of this is of any relevance because the 16-year-old was targeted for what he looked  Muslim.

If journalistic ethics and editor(s) of this paper would have permitted, I would have preferred not to write this piece under my name. There are times when there is need for expressions to transcend individuals and for personal assertions to evolve into  or yield to  collective sense and sensibility. This is one such occasion when joint action is the need, in action and in thought. This is one of those dark periods in history when clarifications and justifications cannot be accepted. It does not matter if Junaid Khan was stabbed or clubbed to death. It is of no consequence whether the mob concluded that he was carrying beef in his bag or if the tragedy was a result of an argument that went too far. None of this is of any relevance because the 16-year-old was targeted for what he looked  Muslim.

Communal profiling is the credo of the politically and socially dominant in contemporary India. Sadly, as deputy superintendent of police, Mohammed Ayub Pandiths lynching in Srinagar demonstrated, once the genie is out of the bottle, there is no way of putting it back. The first signs of what lay ahead surfaced 25 years ago, a few days after Babri Masjids demolition when a Muslim journalist wrote a first person account in a major Indian magazine, a rarity then. He did not  and doesnt still  had the stereotypical Muslim look, yet he confessed that in the afternoon of December 6, 1992, as the television screens showed dust settling over the rubble of what had been a decrepit 16th century mosque, he instantaneously understood what it meant being Muslim in India.

In the past quarter of a century, the sense of being the other has deepened as various groups  in the name of religion, caste, nation or even the party  have granted themselves the right to handout extra-judicial punishment merely on suspicion or supposition. It was assumption that led the mob to storm Mohammed Akhlaqs house in Dadri merely on the basis of rumour. Since then the list has lengthened and names, which meant little previously, became milestones on the highway to hatred. All are part of the list because they were either locally known as Muslims or carried identifiable insignia of the religious community. Does this mean that for safety it is advisable to shed all markers of any religious group just as, post-1984, Sikhs shaved their hair off? Can one look different and yet not be communally profiled?

Scrutiny of data illustrates the horror. Data journalism initiative, IndiaSpend, painstakingly culled out stark figures: More than 50 per cent of victims or survivors, since 2010, violence-centred on bovine issues were Muslims. They also comprise 86 per cent  24 persons of the 28  of those who died in these attacks. More chillingly, 97 per cent of 63 incidents were reported after May 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office. If the ruling party still refuses to accept complicity, it must be stated that almost half of these violent incidents occurred in states where the BJP is in power. If anyone presumed that public outcry and widespread condemnation after the Dadri lynching would have toned down the fervour of vigilante groups, they were sadly mistaken. During the period for which data was put together, the highest number of gautankwadi (a Kafkaesque word made up to denote terrorism in the name of cows) activities was reported in 2016  25 incidents, or slight more than two attacks every month. This year may well be more gruesome: 20 attacks already and half the year still remains. To what level will public executions and attacks further rise in 2017? Will there be any attempt on part of the political leadership to send a message to the cadres and the executive that attacks must cease?

It is not that Muslims are the only ones being profiled and targeted. In several states and for several years  since Atal Behari Vajpayees tenure  dalits have been attacked by vigilante groups who assumed, without evidence, that the dead cow they were skinning was actually killed by them surreptitiously. Upper caste hostility towards dalits has been let loose with deathly earnest after two Thakurs became chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. On the day that people protested in several cities, reports surfaced of fresh vigilantism, this time in a Jharkhand village. Just the stage changed the narrative remained the same. Post-haste, a conclusion was reached without investigations and punishment meted without trial. Kangaroo courts go about their business without effort from the government to stop them. The theatre of macabre violence was staged all the way on the train on which Junaid was killed.

We are witness to a new form of mob violence that is passively assisted by the state. A lethal form of spontaneous mass violence is being justified in the name of nation and religion. Their persistence is wearing down sensibilities. The intensity of anger at Akhlaqs lynching is now absent as the list gets longer. Targeted deaths are fait accompli. Last time people returned their state awards in protests. What do people have to surrender now besides their lives and sensibility?

None of this, however, has ever been done by active goading of the ruling regime. On Thursday, probably in his strongest criticism of fringe supporters, Mr Modi denounced those who kill in name of cow. His intervention at this critical stage must be welcomed, but action and self-introspection must follow his words. State governments must act, specially in BJP-governed states, against vigilantes who maim and kill. They cannot continue hiding behind collective memory lapse.

The guilty must be tracked down, detained under severest laws, speedy trials must be conducted and the state must leave no stone unturned to ensure their prosecution. Mr Modi must also weigh if past interventions, specially in August 2016, were too mild and take corrective steps. Unless he demonstrates his decisiveness, bigotry will run amuck and derail his vision of new India.
The Union agriculture minister hasnt been an ideal advertisement for his leaders great Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative. In hurriedly answering natures call, avowedly at a remote location somewhere in Bihar, Radha Mohan Singh perversely put things in perspective regarding the sanitation drive. How much further India must improve as a society was made evident by a Cabinet minister having to relieve himself in the open. Another issue cropped up as the social media had a go at the minister: a red beacon was apparently spotted in the revealing picture of Mr Singh caught in the act. A mindset of privilege wont change overnight, and it may be unfair to expect a new normal to replace the old ways at a stroke.

The ministers urgency in seeking release, much like Peter Sellers in The Party displaying the overwhelming feeling of relief in the act, shouldnt, however, be seen as condemnation of the entire Swachh movement as Bihars entire political class makes it out to be. The sanitation programme is vital for India, and rural areas are taking great pride in declaring themselves ODF, or open-defecation free. The facetious may see these acts in terms of numbers, but defecation in a controlled environment is a grave civilisational challenge for us even after so many years have rolled by in the new millennium. Surely, the grand plans to build 12 million individual, cluster and community toilets by October 2019 should not be scoffed at just for one ministers indiscretion in an unwittingly publicised trip to answer the call of nature in bucolic style.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at last said something strong against cow vigilantes, who are on a killing spree but are still called gau bhakt (cow devotees) and gaurakshak (cow protectors) by the Hindutva lot, at Gandhis Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on Thursday. We are relieved. We hope something positive will flow from this, and that killer squads would be made to face their comeuppance under the law. But it should be noted that the PM should have taken the lead in delegitimising the killers by calling them out through using a different terminology, rather than stick to cow devotees. Mr Modi needs to go that extra mile for his words to have effect.

The PM said in no uncertain terms killings in the name of the cow will not be tolerated. He also said such acts were unacceptable. His statement came in the wake of the killing of 16-year-old Junaid, and the protests that erupted in Indias cities on Wednesday under the rubric Not In My Name. The impact of Mr Modis words might have been compelling if he had named the teenager who was pummeled by a goon squad for being a beef eater, tortured, knifed to death (all this in a moving local train just outside the nations capital) and his lifeless body flung out of the train.

Last August, the Prime Minister had said cow vigilantes engaged in anti-social activities by night and became killers in daytime. This was a step forward from his sphinx-like silence on an issue that was already roiling the country and creating a communal divide, not to say a deep sense of insecurity among Muslims in the country.

It would be in the fitness of things if, in the light of the PMs recent Ahmedabad musings, the government directed a stocktaking of the way things have moved since Mr Modis first warning 10 months ago.

Unofficial estimates suggest 20 episodes of lynching-deaths of Muslims have occurred in the first six months of this year at the hands of the so-called cow-protection brigades despite the PMs disapproving remarks in various parts of the country. That makes a mockery of his August statement.

It cannot have passed notice that hours after the PMs Sabarmati remarks, a Muslim man was killed in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand by cow vigilantes. This is a fraught moment for India and the government has failed to intervene.

It is not enough for the PM to say that Mahatma Gandhi would have disapproved of the actions of cow brigade killers. The Mahatma is someone their philosophy has taught them to hate, and one of their ideological kin assassinated him. The government must act now, Gandhi or no Gandhi.
GST will help realise over Rs 2 lakh crore additional revenue for both Central and State governments and rationalise prices.Though the prices of commodities may vary owing to transportation costs, GST regime will be beneficial to consumers and also help the authorities to contain tax evasion. I firmly believe that the threshold limit is likely to be reduced from the second year of implementation.

India is one of the last of the large countries to adopt the GST. The GST, from a theoretical point of view, could be the best form of indirect taxes as it impinges only on value addition from the production point to consumption level. Further, GST avoids the complication of sales tax which may not provide for full input credit leading to multiple taxation. The cascading effect in sales tax is difficult to avoid. So the crux of the GST is that value additions get taxed in a manner that it leaves a clear paper trail for authorities to track any evasion.

Secondly, the producer and intermediate traders get all their input taxes set off against the final levy on the consumers, as GST is seamless. The tax on services used during production process or sale process could also be set off in effect that it will be that nobody would gain by evading GST. The VAT was a variation of GST. But it had been levied by states following the role tax policies dividing the country into many markets reducing efficiency of the tax as well as providing opportunity for massive tax evasion. When there is major change in tax policies of government, there will always be several uncertainties pertaining to change. When, as Revenue Secretary of GOI, I introduced computerised assessment of imports for customs duty purpose at Delhi airport in 1994 to prevent delays and corruption, the custom house agents and the customs officers at the assessment level joined hands and made the system to fail. There was surprisingly resistance from the then chairman of CBEC (Central Board of Excise and Customs). The then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh was surrounded by importers and custom house agents near the entrance to north gate block office pointing out how the computerised assessment was a useless system. I refused to backtrack and thanks to the brilliant work of Dr. N. Seshagiri, the then Director of NIC and Dr. Garg, present director of computer emergency response team, the system was back in force.

Today the CBEC is spending hundreds of crores of rupees in modernising computer systems for customs and as well as GST. Some state governments have raised the bogey of a fall in tax revenue. The same fear was expressed during the implementation of VAT, but most states found that their revenue showed tremendous buoyancy. PAN was similarly introduced by me when I was Revenue Secretary. Again there were fears but the glitches were overcome in short time. I still remember 22 years ago I had issued directions that PAN should be used by central excise, customs and also by sales tax departments of states so that there's one reference number for any tax payer. It is unfortunate that CBEC paid scant regard to this at that time. I am extremely happy to note that PAN will be used for all registrations under GST so that it becomes a universal tax identity number.

I would like to point out here that Europe has VAT which is almost like GST in its features. There are certain guidelines issued by the European Union regarding minimum tax level and tax rates also vary from member to member. Indeed the GST that's proposed to be implemented is a compromise arrived at amid dissenting voices. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley must be credited for working out a consensus to implement the GST even in a rough form. You must remember that even in an aircraft there will be problems but they are ironed out over a period of time even as the problems are discovered. In view of the great advancement in software and hardware technology, most of the problems could be sorted out. I am absolutely confident that the fears of states are unfounded. If GST is implemented, it should yield substantially more revenue than VAT at present. During my term as Revenue Secretary, we considered 16% tax across the board for goods and services to be an ideal rate. But considering various other factors the government is now ordained to arrive at a consensus and decide on different rates. Hopefully after one year of GST, they should be in a position to reduce rates further. Both the Centre and state governments will get over Rs 2 lakh crore additional revenue per annum through GST. The consumers too will benefit under certain conditions subject to state VAT and central excise. For instance, if an item is to be taxed at production point say 20 % and if VAT of 14% is levied in a state, the total burden on consumers will be 34%. Under the GST regime this 34% will get reduced to 18%. The prices of commodities will be uniform and the differential price will be due to transportation cost. By and large, there is unlikely to be overall impact on price level. There are likely to be problems during the GST implementation. On the flip side the disputes will come down.
Field Marshal Wavell, a distinguished infantryman before he became a somewhat less distinguished Viceroy of India, wrote: Let us be clear about three facts: First, all battles and all wars are won, in the end, by the infantryman. Second, the infantryman always bears the brunt; his casualties are heavier, he suffers greater extremes of discomfort and fatigue than the other combat arms. Third, the art of the infantryman is less stereotyped, and far harder to acquire in modern war, than that of any other arm.

US Marines Rifleman Creed teaches: My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. Down to the basics, soldiering is about killing. An Army that does it best wins.

In his 1953 bestselling novel, Battle Cry, Leon Uris had a marine recruit being punished for the transgression of calling a rifle a gun by being asked to do rounds, naked, of the drilling ground chanting: This is my rifle, this is my gun. This is for fighting, this is for fun! In military parlance, a gun can be anything that fires a projectile. A howitzer is a gun, as is a cannon. The rifle is a specific weapon used by an individual soldier. It is a gun fired from shoulder level having a long spirally grooved barrel intended to make a bullet spin and thereby have greater accuracy over a long distance. It is what a soldier mostly uses to do his work.

Stalin famously said: The only real power comes out of a long rifle. Gen. Douglas MacArthur typically put it into context when he said: Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons. Their development owes to a well-known post-WWII study of the pattern of usage of infantry weapons by US infantrymen in combat by Brig. SLA Marshall, the prominent military analyst. Marshalls study revealed that most infantrymen used their weapons very little, preferring to take cover and firing occasionally. The study also revealed that infantrymen most likely to fire their weapons were those closest to a soldier firing a Browning automatic rifle. This was because when the BAR man fired, he was able to literally hose down a wide arc in front of him. When he did this, the opposing infantry lay low and infantrymen by his side were able to rise from behind cover and fire their weapons. This clearly suggested a need for greater deployment of automatic weapons.

The reader may be wondering why a smaller calibre weapon when it seems that for most things in life, bigger is better? This change in thinking, as far as rifles were concerned, was as a result of three observations. First was due to the fact that the large calibre round, 7.65 mm or .30 calibre (bullet diameter), needed a large explosive charge to propel it at the desired 700-800 metres per second. The recoil, as a result of this explosive charge in the automatic fire mode, often made the weapon virtually uncontrollable. Not only was the soldier unable to aim properly, but often the recoil caused injuries.

The other observation was that what was needed was not a marksmans weapon firing accurately up to 800 metres. Statistical analysis by the US Army of rifle engagements in WW II, Korea and Vietnam revealed that 90 per cent of them were at ranges less than 300 metres and 70 per cent at 200 metres and less. Therefore, the emphasis on long-range accuracy of 300-800 metres was found somewhat redundant.

What followed from increasing dependence on automatic weapons was that greater quantities of ammunition were now needed. The propensity to consume ammunition reached the astounding rate of 50,000 rounds per kill in the Korean War. This obviously means that the soldier now needs to carry greater quantities of ammunition. The smaller the calibre, the greater the number of bullets the soldier can carry into the battlefield.

The debate is coming around full circle now. After 50 years, militaries the world over, specially the ones who have fought long wars during this period, are actively considering going back to the old 7.62 round. This is mostly because of the development of soldiers armour, which easily stops the 5.56 round. Riflemen want stopping power. The reduced weight of the 5.56 also means reduced lethality. Battlefield experience also tells that while the 5.56 round does more damage, it kills less. It often leaves behind wounded soldiers still capable of combat. US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan have discovered to their cost that a wounded but determined soldier can exact as much damage as an able-bodied one.

The INSAS, a rifle that drew heavily from other designs but never really performed like any of them. During the Kargil conflict, damaged and jammed weapons were returned to the factory and fresh lots had to be sent out. There were complaints of jamming, the magazine cracking due to the cold and the rifle going into automatic mode when it was set for three-round bursts. There was also a problem of oil being sprayed into the eyes of the operator. Some injuries during firing practice were also reported. Similar complaints were also received from the Nepalese Army.

In August 2005, after 43 soldiers were killed in a clash with Prachandas Maoists, a Nepalese Army spokesman called the rifle substandard and said their counter-insurgency operation would have been more efficient with better weapons. Even now, we hear of Indian infantrymen in combat zones who prefer to fight with the AK-47, like US infantrymen preferred it to the M-14 in the Vietnam War.

Recognising this, the Indian Army decided to phase out the INSAS and in 2011 issued tenders for a new quartet of infantry weapons. Whatever be its choice, the Army must get on quickly with its final evaluations and take a decision soon. Considering the time taken  six years  clearly a sense of urgency needs to prevail.

Recently, the Indian Army rejected an indigenously-built assault rifle, citing poor quality and ineffective firepower, and is soon likely to take a fresh call on procuring similar weapons to replace the INSAS rifles. The Army decided to reject the 7.62x51 mm guns built by the Rifle Factory Ishapore after they miserably failed the firing tests. It has been reported that the rifles had excessive number of faults and stoppages to the extent of more than 20 times the maximum permissible standards. The Army had earlier rejected another indigenously-built assault rifle called the 5.56 mm Excalibur guns, as it did not meet the required standards.

Given the pattern of recent defence spends, it seems our strategists once again have reverted to the old habit of spending all on the big and extravagant that are least likely to be used, than on arms for the foot soldier who in the ultimate analysis, even today, still wins or loses battles for his country. Thus while debates have raged and money obviously made on purchases of SU-30 and Rafale jets, 155mm self-propelled guns and main battle tanks, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, little thought has been given to the foot soldier and his weapon. This is the weapon that is used for fighting and is not for fun on Republic Day at Rajpath.
The malicious code in the new virus encrypted data on computers and demanded victims pay a $300 ransom.

The primary target of a crippling computer virus that spread from Ukraine across the world this week is highly likely to have been that country's computer infrastructure, a top Ukrainian police official told Reuters on Thursday.

Cyber security firms are trying to piece together who was behind the computer worm, dubbed NotPetya by some experts, which has paralyzed thousands of machines worldwide, shutting down ports, factories and offices as it spread through internal organizational networks to an estimated 60 countries.

Ukrainian politicians were quick on Tuesday to blame Russia, but a Kremlin spokesman dismissed "unfounded blanket accusations". Kiev has accused Moscow of two previous cyber strikes on the Ukrainian power grid and other attacks since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

A growing consensus among security researchers, armed with technical evidence, suggests the main purpose of the attack was to install new malware on computers at government and commercial organizations in Ukraine. Rather than extortion, the goal may be to plant the seeds of future sabotage, experts said.

International firms appear to have been hit through their operations in the country.

Slovakian security software firm ESET released statistics on Thursday showing 75 percent of the infections detected among its global customer base were in Ukraine, and that all of the top 10 countries hit were located in central, eastern or southern Europe.

Arne Schoenbohm, president of BSI, Germany's federal cyber security agency, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday that most of the damage from the attack had hit Ukraine, and Russia to a lesser extent, with only a few dozen German firms affected.

"In all of the known cases, the companies were first infected through a Ukrainian subsidiary," the German official said.

SMOKESCREEN

Ukraine's cyber police said in a statement on Thursday morning that it had received 1,500 requests for help from individuals and companies in connection with the virus.

The malicious code in the new virus encrypted data on computers and demanded victims pay a $300 ransom, similar to the extortion tactic used in a global WannaCry ransomware attack in May.

A top Ukrainian police official told Reuters that the extortion demands were likely a smokescreen, echoing working hypotheses from top cyber security firms, who consider NotPetya a "wiper", or tool for destroying data and wiping hard disks clean, that is disguised as ransomware.

"Since the virus was modified to encrypt all data and make decryption impossible, the likelihood of it being done to install new malware is high," the official, who declined to be identified, wrote in a phone text message to Reuters.

Information Systems Security Partners (ISSP), a Kiev-based cyber research firm that has investigated previous cyber attacks against Ukraine, is pursuing the same line of inquiry.

ISSP said that given that few people actually paid the $300 demanded for removing the virus, money was unlikely to be the primary object of the attack.

"It's highly likely that during this attack new attacks were set up," said ISSP chairman Oleg Derevianko.

"At almost all organizations whose network domains were infected, not all computers went offline," he said by phone. "Why didn't they all go offline? We are trying to understand what they might have left on those machines that weren't hit."

Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said the virus was first and foremost spread through an update issued by an accounting services and business management software.

"Also involved was the hosting service of an internet provider, which the SBU (Ukraine's state security service) has already questioned about cooperation with Russian intelligence agencies," he said, according to a statement.

DESTRUCTIVE INTENT

Technical experts familiar with the recent history of the cyber escalation between Russia and Ukraine, say these latest attacks are part of the wider political and military conflict, although no "smoking gun" has been found to identify the culprits.

John Hultquist, a cyber intelligence analyst with FireEye, said the failed ransomware attack disguises an as yet unseen destructive motive. "If it were an attack masquerading as crime, that would not be unprecedented at all," Hultquist said.

Some cyber security researchers have said the fact that the Kremlin's two flagship energy companies are victims of the attack could suggest Moscow was not behind it.

Russian oil major Rosneft was one of the first companies to reveal it had been compromised by the virus and sources told Reuters on Thursday computers at state gas giant Gazprom had also been infected.

For technical reasons, NotPetya appears to be more targeted than last month's global ransomware attack, known as WannaCry. When first infected by WannaCry, computers scanned the internet globally for other vulnerable machines.

By contrast, NotPetya does not randomly scan the Internet to find new computers to infect. It only spreads itself inside organizational networks, taking advantage of a variety of legitimate network administration tools.

This makes it far harder for anti-virus software or network security technicians to detect. It also gives it the capacity to infect other Windows computers, even those with the latest security patches, several security firms warned on Thursday.

"Petya is proving to be more sophisticated than WannaCry in terms of scope, ability to be neutralized, and apparently, the motivation behind its launch," corporate security consulting firm Kroll has advised its clients.

So far, NotPetya appears only to have been distributed inside Ukraine via a handful of so-called "watering-hole attacks" - by piggy-backing on the software updating feature of a popular national tax accounting program known as MEDoc.

Kaspersky, a global cyber security firm based in Russia, also said they found a second distribution point on a local news site in the city of Bakhmut, Ukraine, which infected visitors who clicked on the site with the ransomware-like attack.

"Our analysis indicates the main purpose of the attack was not financial gain, but widespread destruction," said Costin Raiu, Kasperskys global head of research.

"NotPetya ..combined elements of a targeted watering hole attack weve traditionally seen used by nation states with traditional software exploitation to devastate a specific user base," Lesley Carhart, a Chicago-based security researcher, wrote in a blog widely shared online by top security experts.

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Accroding to report, phone makers have plan to absorb the impact from GST.

Top smartphone vendors Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Gionee, Intex and Lava have assured the smartphones' pricing will not be impacted once the Goods and Service Tax (GST) rolls out in the country.

The introduction of GST is said to have its impact on smartphone pricing along with various consumer-facing sectors, but smartphone makers, in a statement to The Economic Times, have confirmed that they have plan to absorb the impact from the new tax system that comes into effect from July 1.

There will be no impact on pricing, Gionee managing director Arvind Vohra told the ET. Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi and Oppo, and Indian handset maker Lava also give their assurance on no change in smartphone pricing after GST kicks in. Also, according to people familiar on the matter, Samsung is unlikely to increase pricing of its exiting models under GST.

However, new phones models may increase by 4-5 per cent after the GST rate was fixed at 12 per cent.

In an earlier statement to Business Today, Nokia also said that they are GST-ready. They said: The Nokia 6 and the Nokia 5 prices already take into account the GST tax rates. The GST rollout will not affect the prices of the Nokia phone that have been announced so far.

However, retailers are hesitant to stock up new products in first few weeks of July due to initial market fluctuations GST would cause.

As a result, the two Nokia models scheduled to be launched within the first two weeks of July are expected to get delayed.

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As of now, the company is said to owe no less than $3.2 million to Microsoft, as the software giant is the lease owner of Vertus headquarters.

Luxury phone manufacturer Vertu is on the edge as it is once again struggling to deal with its finances. The company is now unable to even pay its bills and owes millions of dollars to its partners, suppliers, and service providers.

The primary reason is the plummeting demand for the super-expensive smartphones which lag behind in terms of functionality as compared to flagships launched by Samsung or Apple. Vertu was passed from one owner to other after Finnish manufacturer Nokia decided to give up on it.

Vertu was eventually bought by a Chinese investment firm in 2015, but the company ended up being owned by Hakan Uzan, a Turkish businessman in March this year.

As of now, the company is said to owe no less than $3.2 million to Microsoft, as the software giant is the lease owner of Vertus headquarters. Also, property service owner CBRE has to be paid $540,000, while approximately 200 employees have not been paid as well.

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Although Samsung has renamed the smartphone, it is just not enough to shake the fears of the device being combustible. However, it is highly unlikely that Samsung would use the same innards for the Galaxy Note 7 FE that were responsible for the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco.

As the launch date of the refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is inching closer, the number of speculations has also started piling up. There are reports that the smartphone will be dubbed as the Galaxy Note 7 FE, where FE stands for Fandom Edition. Few online reports also suggest the expected price of the device, falling just under $600 mark.

Currently, it seems that the device will go on sale in South Korea. However, it is most likely that the smartphone will ship to other markets as well. But the most important question here is whether you should buy the refurbished Galaxy Note 7/ Galaxy Note 7 FE?

Although Samsung has renamed the smartphone, it is just not enough to shake the fears of the device being combustible. However, it is highly unlikely that Samsung would use the same innards for the Galaxy Note 7 FE that were responsible for the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco.

Its been almost eight months since the Galaxy Note has been discontinued, which must have given the company enough time to identify the issues with the original model and bring it back to life with a new soul.

Furthermore, Samsung chose to go with a smaller battery this time around, possibly down to 3200mAh from 3500mAh. The smaller battery size will avoid the cell compression issue, resulting in a safer mobile experience. But the drawback here is that a small battery size means lower battery life, which isnt very convincing if you are someone seeking great productivity, the type of consumers the Note series aims to cater.

The age of the hardware should also be taken into consideration here. By the time the Galaxy Note 7 FE sees sunlight; it will be almost ten months to the Note 7s demise, meaning other flagships launched in 2017 have already achieved what the Note 7 brought to the market as a fresh offering.

However, the Galaxy Note 7 FE will still incorporate competitive features such as the zippy Exynos 8890 processor backed by 4GB of RAM and 64GB internal storage, a 12MP rear camera sensor and IP68 water and dust resistant certification. But then again it doesnt bring anything new to the table.

If you look beyond the dated hardware, the Galaxy Note 7 FE will still be an updated machine on the software end. It will come with Samsungs latest software updates and could feature companys latest virtual AI assistant Bixby.

Although Samsung fanatics will get what they expect from a Galaxy Note series phablet in the form of Galaxy Note 7 FE, there is still a very concrete possibility that users will prefer a more loaded Note 8 over the Galaxy Note 7 FE. If the rumours are to be believed, the Galaxy Note 8 will boast a host of new features including a dual camera setup and a new processing unit with more RAM, all packed in a slim bezel-less design.

That being said, the purchase decision can boil down to the pricing of both the devices. There are reports that the Galaxy Note 7 FE will cost from as low as $420 up to $600, which really doesnt make sense considering the latest flagships that have better specifications on the brochure can be grabbed at lower prices. For example the OnePlus 5 is available for a price as low as $479 and comes with the latest Snapdragon 835 paired with 6GB/8GB RAM and a dual camera setup.

Also the users who import the smartphone have to lose out on the official Samsung warranty, which is a big setback. If you are someone who loved the Galaxy Note 7, its advanced S Pen and the superior build but had to give it back to Samsung due to obvious reasons, should consider buying this phone. However, if you want to be an early adopter of the latest technology, then take note that the upcoming Apple iPhone 8, Galaxy Note 8 and the LG V30 are just around the corner.

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Immigration attorneys offer services at the Los Angeles airport as the new travel ban affects citizens from six Muslim-majority countries. (Photo: AP)

Lawyers and rights activists took up positions at major US airports as a weakened version of President Donald Trumps travel ban took effect on Friday.

But there were no signs of the chaos that erupted when the first version of the restriction, derided as discriminatory against Muslims, was imposed in January.

Attorneys working pro-bono set up makeshift, just-in-case legal aid stations  some with signs in Arabic  at airports in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington and other cities.

Protesters angry over Mr Trumps immigration policies also turned out, with some in Los Angeles holding black-and-white placards denouncing Mr Trump as a fascist.

But the first hours of the new version of the ban, as allowed by the Supreme Court, appeared to unfold calmly. The new rules arent so much an outright ban as a tightening of already-tough visa policies affecting citizens from six Muslim-majority countries.

Under the temporary rules, citizens of Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen who already have visas will be allowed into the US. But those who want new visas will have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with an entity like a school or business in the US.
United Nations: India has voted against the UK to back of a UN General Assembly resolution seeking the International Court of Justice's opinion on the decades long dispute between Britain and Mauritius over an island in the Indian Ocean.

In a diplomatic blow to Britain, the General Assembly voted by 94 to 15 to ask the Hague-based court to examine the legal status of the Chagos Archipelago, which Mauritius maintains is part of its territory that has been unlawfully claimed by the UK since 1965.

Britain cut off the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965 before granting it independence in 1968.

India was among the nations voting in favour of the resolution proposed by Mauritius and co-sponsored by the Group of African States.

"As part of our longstanding support to all peoples striving for decolonisation, we have also consistently supported Mauritius, a fellow developing country from Africa with whom we have age-old people to people bonds, in their quest for the restoration of their sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said in his statement to the General Assembly on the resolution.

Akbaruddin said India supports the draft and votes in favour of it, "continuing with our consistent approach on this important issue of decolonisation". Speaking before the vote, Mauritius Minister Mentor and Minister for Defence Anerood Jugnauth told the 193-member General Assembly that the Chagos Archipelago has been part of his country since at least the 18th century, when France had governed it.

He said the entire territory had been ceded to the United Kingdom in 1810, and kept intact until the unlawful excision of the Chagos Archipelago in November 1965.

He added that information had come to light about British efforts to manipulate the international community at the time, and to present the United Nations with a fait accompli regarding the separation.

Those facts alone should warrant a fresh look at the situation, he emphasised. He said "a vote for the draft resolution is a vote in support of completing the process of decolonisation, respect for international law and the rule of law."

Akbaruddin said as a country that has gone through the throes of decolonisation, India since its own independence in 1947, has always been in the forefront of the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

He stressed that India shares with the international community, security concerns relating to the Indian Ocean. "We are conscious of our collective commitment towards ensuring the security and prosperity of our oceanic space.

On balance, however, it is a matter of principle for India to uphold the process of decolonisation and the respect for sovereignty of nations," Akbaruddin said.

The archipelago's biggest island Diego Garcia is the site of a major British-American military base that is still in operation and served as a key US base during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

The US voted against the draft resolution saying it was an attempt to circumvent the ICJ's lack of jurisdiction over a bilateral issue in which one of the parties had not consented to the submission. It said the military base on Diego Garcia, jointly operated by the United States and the United Kingdom, was critical to regional and global security.

The US said the issue was not decolonisation, but a bilateral territorial dispute that would undermine the Court's advisory function. Britain's envoy to the UN Matthew Rycroft said the UK is opposing the resolution "because referring a bilateral dispute to the ICJ is not the appropriate course of action.

"The request for an advisory opinion is an attempt by the Government of Mauritius to circumvent a vital principle: the principle that a State is not obliged to have its bilateral disputes submitted for judicial settlement without its consent.

And let me be clear: we do not and we would not give that consent, because we are clear about what was agreed with Mauritius," he said. Rycroft added that UK created the British Indian Ocean Territory for defence purposes, and in 1966, concluded an agreement with the United States of America for joint defence

use of the territory.

The extensive facilities that have since been established, are primarily used as a forward operating location for aircraft and ships, and they make an essential contribution to regional and global security and stability, he said.

He noted that Britain's current agreement with the United States regarding the use of the Archipelago as a military base lasts until 2036. "We cannot, 19 years away, predict exactly what our defence purposes will require beyond that date. We should not and will not make arbitrary, or ill-informed, or premature

decisions. We cannot gamble with the future of regional and global security," he said.

The British envoy asserted that UK stands by its commitment that when it no longer needs the territory for defence purposes, it will pass on the Archipelagos

sovereignty.
Washington: The US Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to President Donald Trump by allowing his temporary bans on travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and all refugees to go into effect for people with no connection to the United States while agreeing to hear his appeals in the closely watched legal fight.

The court, which narrowed the scope of lower court rulings that had completely blocked his March 6 executive order, said it would hear arguments on the legality of one of Trump's signature policies in his first months as president in the court's next term, which starts in October.

The justices granted parts of his administration's emergency request to put the order into effect immediately while the legal battle continues.

The court said that the travel ban will go into effect "with respect to foreign nationals who lack any bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States."

The Supreme Court left the lower-court injunctions against the ban in place, but only with respect to the challengers to the ban themselves and others in similar circumstances, meaning they involve people in the United States who have relationships with foreign nationals abroad and whose rights might be affected if those foreigners were excluded from entry.

But the court said the injunctions were too broad to also include barring enforcement of the ban against foreigners who have no connection to the United States at all.

"Denying entry to such a foreign national does not burden any American party by reason of that party's relationship with the foreign national," the court said.

The court also said it would allow a 120-day ban on all refugees entering the United States to go into effect on the same grounds, allowing the government to exclude from the United States refugee claimants who do not have any "bona fide relationship" with an American individual or entity.

Three of the court's conservatives said they would have granted Trump's request in full, including Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch.

The case is Trump's first major challenge at the Supreme Court, where he restored a 5-4 conservative majority with the appointment of Gorsuch, who joined the bench in April. There are five Republican appointees on the court and four Democratic appointees.

The March 6 order called for a 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 enable the government to implement stronger vetting procedures. It was blocked by federal judges before going into effect on March 16 as planned.

Trump issued the order amid rising international concern about attacks carried out by Islamist militants like those in Paris, London, Brussels, Berlin and other cities. But critics have called the order a mean-spirited, intolerant and un-American "Muslim ban."

The state of Hawaii and a group of plaintiffs in Maryland represented by the American Civil Liberties Union argued that the order violated federal immigration law and the Constitution's First Amendment prohibition on the government favoring or disfavoring any particular religion. Regional federal appeals courts in Virginia and California both upheld district judge injunctions blocking the order.

Trump signed the order as a replacement for a Jan. 27 order issued a week after he became president that also was blocked by federal courts. The revised order was intended to overcome the legal issues posed by the original ban, which also included Iraq among the nations targeted and a full ban on refugees from Syria.

The revised order also jettisoned language that gave preferential status to persecuted religious minorities, which critics said could be taken as favoring Christians and other religious groups over Muslims.

Trump has called the March order a "watered down, politically correct" version of the January one. But the order still embodied his "America First" nationalist message and reflected his views of the dangers posed to the United States by certain immigrants and visitors.

The administration has said the travel ban is needed to allow time to implement stronger vetting measures, although it has already rolled out some new requirements not blocked by courts, including additional questions for visa applicants.
Washington: President Donald Trump welcomed South Korea's Moon Jae-In to the White House Friday for talks on how to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, with the leaders at odds on whether to isolate or engage the regime.

"We have many options, with respect to North Korea," Trump declared as he headed into an Oval Office meeting to be followed by a joint declaration with the newly-elected president.

Both the US president and his South Korean counterpart -- making his first foreign trip since his resounding victory at the polls -- sounded an upbeat note ahead of the meeting.

"Our personal relationship is very, very good," said Trump, who hosted Moon and first lady Kim Jung-soon the previous evening for a reception and a formal dinner.

"We had a fantastic dinner at the White House, accomplished a lot having to do with North Korea and trade," Trump said.

Moon, speaking through a translator, said the previous night had afforded some "very honest discussions on issues that include North Korea."

"It was an opportunity to reconfirm the fact that the United States and Korea are working together on the same path towards a great alliance," he said.

He also sought to underscore the warmth of the relationship, noting that Trump was among the first foreign leaders to call to congratulate him on his election.

Also on Friday's agenda is the negotiation of a bilateral trade deal between the United States and South Korea, described by Trump as "a major trading partner."

"Hopefully it will be a fair deal for both parties," said the US leader.
Washington: Donald Trump's administration has approved $1.42 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan, a US government official said Thursday, in a move likely to provoke the ire of Beijing which considers the island a rebel province.

The US official emphasized that there is "no change to our longstanding 'One China' policy" -- stating that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of it -- which Beijing says is a prerequisite for maintaining relations.

Announcement of the sale comes at a sensitive moment for the US and China, as President Trump is working to establish a partnership over trade differences and efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy but China sees it as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if necessary.

The US is the island's most powerful ally and arms supplier despite having no official relations with Taipei after switching recognition to Beijing in 1979.

The latest plans are consistent with terms of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the US official said, under which Washington keeps trade ties and sells Taipei weapons to "maintain a sufficient self-defense capability".

Taiwan thanked the US for its continued commitment under the legislation and said the deal "increases Taiwan's confidence and ability to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait".

"We will continue to seek constructive dialogue with Beijing, and promote positive developments in cross-strait relations," said a statement from Taiwan's Presidential Office.

"At the same time, we will continue to increase our defense investments, including in indigenous defense industries and defense-related research, in order to demonstrate our commitment to Taiwan's self-defense," it added.

The defense ministry said the sales will boost the island's air and sea combat capabilities.

The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of the defense sales comprised of seven parts, the US official said, which are "based on an assessment of Taiwan's defense needs" and include upgrading defense systems from analog to digital.

Meanwhile, Chinas embassy to the United States urged Washington to immediately revoke its wrong decision and halt $1.42 billion worth of planned arms sales to Taiwan.

The Chinese government and Chinese people have every right to be outraged, the embassy said in a statement release late on Thursday, adding that the sale sends a very wrong message to Taiwan independence forces.

The United States is the sole arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems its own. It has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert on Thursday told reporters the administration had told Congress of seven proposed sales, the first such sale under the administration of Donald Trump.
Hong Kong: President Xi Jinping inspected troops based in Hong Kong on Friday as he asserts Chinese authority over the former British colony China took control of 20 years ago.

Xi rode in an open-top jeep past rows of soldiers lined up on an airstrip on his visit to the People's Liberation Army garrison. He called out "Salute all the comrades" and "Salute to your dedication" as he rode by 3,100 soldiers arranged in 20 formations.

Armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles, helicopters and other pieces of military hardware were arrayed behind the troops. It was a rare display of the Chinese military's might in Hong Kong, where it normally maintains a low-key presence.

Xi, who's also chairman of the Central Military Commission, wore a buttoned-up black jacket in the steamy heat during his 10-minute review of the troops at the Shek Kong base in Hong Kong's suburban New Territories. It's part of a visit to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover, when Britain gave up control of the Asian financial hub to China on July 1, 1997.

Hong Kong was granted the freedom to run most of its affairs after it came under China's control under the "one country, two systems" principle. However, Beijing is in charge of the city's defense and foreign affairs and the troops based in the city are deployed from the mainland,

The Chinese military has its headquarters in a former British base downtown and has other installations around the city but troops are typically confined to base.

Xi's three-day visit to mark the anniversary includes presiding at the inauguration of the city's new leader, Carrie Lam, on Saturday. Security has been tight for his visit as authorities brace for protests.

Some 26 people, including young activist leader Joshua Wong, have been released on bail after being arrested for protesting on Wednesday. The department said Friday the activists have not been charged but are required to report back to police in September.

The activists, some of whom were detained more than 30 hours, had climbed onto a giant flower sculpture that was a gift from Beijing and is near the hotel complex where Xi is staying.

Pro-democracy supporters fear Beijing is tightening its grip on Hong Kong and undermining guarantees of wide autonomy under "one country, two systems." US officials said they were concerned that China's communist leaders weren't sticking to their promises.

"Looking ahead to the remaining 30 years of 'one country, two systems,' we cannot allow Hong Kong to go the way of Beijing's failed authoritarianism," US Sen. Marco Rubio, chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said in a statement.
About 15 western European countries allow same-sex couples to adopt children, whether within marriage or civil partnerships. (Photo: Representational/ AP)

Paris: Germany legalised gay marriage on Friday, which now is authorised in about 20 nations around the world, the majority of which are in Europe.

In April 2001 the Netherlands became the first country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in a civil ceremony.

Twelve European countries followed Belgium, Britain (except Northern Ireland), Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

In Germany, the upper house had already approved the bill, and the measure is now expected to enter into force before the end of the year. Some European countries only allow same-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships, including Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta and Switzerland.

In October 2014, Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to authorise this type of civil union. Many eastern European countries including Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia deny homosexuals the right to marry or enter into unions.

In December 2015, Slovenians voted in a referendum against efforts by their national parliament to legalise gay marriage. About 15 western European countries allow same-sex couples to adopt children, whether within marriage or civil partnerships.

They include Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. Other countries, including Finland, Germany and Slovenia, let gay people adopt the children of their partners.

Canada led the way in North America, authorising same-sex marriage and adoptions in June 2005. In the United States, a Supreme Court decision in June 2015 legalised gay marriage nationwide.

Mexico's federal capital led the way in Latin America, authorising civil unions in 2007 and full marriages in 2009. Same-sex marriages are also legal in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay. Chile's civil union law recognises same-sex couples, and Costa Rica allows them to share health and pension benefits.

On the African continent, where around 30 countries ban homosexuality, only in South Africa can gays legally marry and adopt children. In the Middle East, Israel leads in terms of respect for homosexual rights, recognising gay marriages performed elsewhere even though such marriages are not performed in Israel itself.

Gay couples can jointly adopt children. In the Asia-Pacific region, the only country that allows gays to marry is New Zealand, which passed a law in April 2013.

Several Australian states practice civil unions, which are not recognised nationwide. But adoptions by gay parents are legal.

In May, Taiwan's constitutional court ruled against laws that prevent same-sex unions and gave the government two years to draft new legislation.
Germany has allowed same-sex couples to enter civil partnerships since 2001, but same-sex marriages remain illegal.

Berlin: German lawmakers have voted to legalize same-sex marriage in a snap vote only days after Chancellor Angela Merkel changed her longstanding position.

Lawmakers voted 393 for legalizing "marriage for everybody" and 226 against with 4 abstentions.

Meanwhile, Merkel voted against a law to legalise same-sex marriage which passed parliament, saying she believed it was the preserve of a man and a woman.

"To me, marriage as defined in the German basic law means the marriage between husband and wife, and that is why I vote against the law today," she said shortly after the vote.

But she did say that her thinking had changed on the question of child adoption by same-sex couples, which she long opposed, labelling her past comments on it "unsatisfactory".

"Since then I have thought a lot about the matter of child welfare and have now... come to the conviction that same-sex couples should be able to jointly adopt children," she said.

Merkel had allowed her conservative party's lawmakers to vote their conscience rather than follow the party line in the vote, which was strongly supported by leftist parties.

Germany has allowed same-sex couples to enter civil partnerships since 2001, but same-sex marriages remain illegal.

All of Merkel's potential coalition partners after the September 24 election, including the center-left Social Democrats of her challenger, Martin Schulz, have been calling for same-sex marriage to be legalized.
The award recognising the 25-year-old's exceptional work towards solving hunger and malnutrition in India was presented to him by Queen Elizabeth II. (Photo: LinkedIn)

London: Anti-hunger activist Ankit Kawatra was awarded the Queen's Young Leaders Award for 2017 at a ceremony in the Buckingham Palace here.

The award recognising the 25-year-old's exceptional work towards solving hunger and malnutrition in India was presented to him by Queen Elizabeth II late last night. Kawatra is the founder of Feeding India, an organisation that aims to eradicate hunger and food wastage in India.

"Getting this honour from the Queen herself at the Buckingham Palace is a huge honour, something that I could not even dream of. I also believe that this is a landmark for both countries, especially since UK and India have a shared history on so many fronts.

"An Indian's presence at the Buckingham Palace today symbolises the long way the two countries have come, and proves once again, how we can do so much more if we work together peacefully," Kawatra said.

Having begun with merely 5 people in 2014, Feeding India presently functions across 43 Indian cities with 4,500 volunteers serving 8 million meals to the needy by rescuing excess food.

Kawatra also attended a 10-day residential program before receiving the award, during which he stayed at the University of Cambridge.

A United Nations Young Leader for the SDGs, Kawatra, at the workshop, highlighted the importance of solving the problem of hunger and encouraging people to take action towards the "725 million people around the world who do not even have basic food and nutrition."

"Undernourished people fight hard to get three meals a day and cannot fight for themselves, let alone fight for their human rights," he said. During the visit, he also engaged in networking with leading business heads and philanthropists at political events.

Established by The Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Trust, the Royal Commonwealth Society and Comic Relief, the awards mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne and six decades of service to Commonwealth nations.

Queen's Young Leader Awards are designed to "discover, celebrate and support 60 exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth, aged 18-29, who are taking the lead in making a lasting difference in their communities and using their skills to transform the lives of others".

"We recognise not only what these amazing young people have achieved, but also their potential in changing people's lives for the better in the countries and communities in which they live," Astrid Bonfield, chief executive of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, said.
Around 31,000 refugees in neighbouring countries had also returned, bringing to 260,000 the number of refugees who have returned to the country since 2015. (Photo: Representational/AP)

Geneva: Nearly half a million displaced Syrians have returned to their homes since the beginning of the year, mainly to find family members and check on property, the UN refugee agency said Friday.

The agency said it had seen "a notable trend of spontaneous returns to and within Syria in 2017." Since January, about 440,000 people who had been displaced within the war-ravaged country had returned to their homes, mainly in Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Damascus, Andrej Mahecic, a spokesman for the agency, known as the UNHCR, told reporters in Geneva.

In addition, around 31,000 refugees in neighbouring countries had also returned, he said, bringing to 260,000 the number of refugees who have returned to the country since 2015. But Mahecic said this is a mere "fraction" of the five million Syrian refugees hosted in the region.

He said the main factors prompting the displaced to return home were "seeking out family members, checking on property, and, in some cases, a real or perceived improvement in security conditions in parts of the country." He said it was too early to say if the returns might be directly linked to a palpable drop in violence since Turkey agreed at talks in Astana in May with Russia and Iran, allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to establish four safe zones across Syria to ban flights and ensure aid drops.

But this week, the UN's special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told the Security Council that since the May 4 deal, "violence is clearly down. Hundreds of Syrian lives continue to be spared every week, and many towns have returned to some degree of normalcy."

Mahecic nonetheless cautioned that "while there is overall increased hope linked to the recent Astana and Geneva peace talks, UNHCR believes conditions for refugees to return in safety and dignity are not yet in place in Syria."

"The sustainability of security improvements in many return areas is uncertain, and there remain significant risks of protection thresholds for voluntary, safe and dignified returns not being met in parts of the country," he said.

"Access to displaced population inside Syria remains a key challenge," he added. But "given the returns witnessed so far this year and in light of a progressively increased number of returns", the agency had begun scaling up its operations inside Syria to better be able address the needs of the returnees, he said.

Syria's war has killed more than 320,000 people and forced millions from their homes since it began in March 2011.
Regime forces had been advancing on a sliver of southeastern Aleppo province around a key highway linking Hama province to the southwest and Raqa province further east.(Photo: AFP)

The ISIS no longer has a presence in Syrias Aleppo after withdrawing from a series of villages where regime forces were advancing, a monitor said.

ISIS withdrew from 17 towns and villages and is now effectively outside of Aleppo province after having a presence there for four years, said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Regime forces had been advancing on a sliver of southeastern Aleppo province around a key highway linking Hama province to the southwest and Raqa province further east.

Abdel Rahman said regime forces seized control of the road late Thursday night, prompting the remaining ISIS fighters to flee. A Syrian military source in rural Aleppo confirmed the withdrawal.

US-backed Kurdish and allied Arab fighters ousted the jihadists from Kobane on the Turkish border in 2015 and from the key city of Manbij last year. Syrias conflict has left over 3,20,000 people dead since 2011.
Jerusalem: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that his government has approved the "Israeli Cabinet Resolution on Strengthening Ties with the Republic of India."

This resolution is a direct result of the Israeli Prime Minister's instructions to concentrate governmental efforts on strengthening political, economic, scientific and cultural ties with India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first serving Indian prime minister to visit Israel to mark 25 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Jerusalem.

Celebrating 25 years of Indo-Israel diplomatic relations, the Government resolution aims at combining the capabilities of both the Indian and Israeli economies for the benefit of both countries.

The measures to be taken by the government ministries stress the importance of our growing partnership in various fields: Agriculture, Water, Innovation and Research and Development, Space, Cyber, Health and more.

In addition, the resolution has placed an emphasis on bringing the modern people of two ancient nations closer together, through deepening cultural ties and encouraging tourism.

A flagship project will be undertaken by the both governments in the field of water and agriculture, which will demonstrate Israel's capabilities while providing solutions to current Indian needs.

The project will include, inter alia, solutions to the following concerns: water conservation, reducing pollution along the Ganges River, using recycled water in irrigation and increasing agricultural production.

Israel's ambassador to India Daniel Carmon said, "This landmark resolution is a significant tool providing ministries and governmental agencies a road map and resources in order to implement PM Netanyahu's vision of further bolstering the relationship between both our countries".
Russia said on June 17 its forces might have killed Baghdadi in an air strike in Syria. (Photo: AP)

Teheran: Irans state news agency quoted a representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday as saying Islamic States leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was definitely dead.

Terrorist Baghdadi is definitely dead, IRNA quoted cleric Ali Shirazi, representative to the Quds Force, as saying, without elaborating. IRNA later updated the news item, omitting the quote on Baghdadis death.

The Quds Force is in charge of operations outside Irans borders by the countrys elite Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian Foreign Ministry officials were not available to comment on the report of Baghdadis death.

The secretive Islamic State leader has frequently been reported killed or wounded since he declared a caliphate to rule over all Muslims from a mosque in Mosul in 2014, after his fighters seized large areas of northern Iraq.

Russia said on June 17 its forces might have killed Baghdadi in an air strike in Syria. Washington said on Thursday it had no information to corroborate such reports. Iraqi officials have also been sceptical in recent weeks.
Sheikh Mohammed has called the demands by the four Arab countries 'unreasonable' and said setting a deadline impinged on Qatar's sovereignty. (Photo: AP)

Doha: Qatar said on Thursday it was working with the United States and Kuwait to respond to a list of demands presented by Arab states who have accused Doha of supporting terrorism, an allegation that ignited a regional crisis between the US allies.

The feud erupted on June 5 when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and travel links with Qatar, accusing it also of courting regional foe Iran. Qatar denies the allegations.

Doha was ready to discuss "legitimate issues" with Arab states to end the crisis but some demands were impossible to meet because the underlying accusation was untrue, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said in a statement earlier on Thursday.

"We cannot 'sever links with so-called Islamic State, al-Qaeda and Lebanese Shia terrorist group Hezbollah' because no such links exist," the statement said. "And we cannot 'expel any members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard' because there are none in Qatar."

The four countries have sent Doha a list of 13 demands, including closing the state-funded Al Jazeera television station and reducing ties to Iran, an official of one of the four countries said. They gave Doha 10 days to comply.

The deadline is expected to expire on Sunday. Kuwait, which retained ties with Qatar, is trying to mediate in the dispute with the support of the United States.

In Washington on Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told reporters that Qatar, together with the Americans and Kuwaitis, was preparing responses.

"We have to set the conditions first in order to pursue these negotiations," Sheikh Mohammed said.

At a later event, Sheikh Mohammed said the future of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council could be at risk. The security group comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

"We believe this is a big question mark for the future of the GCC," the foreign minister said in response to a question.

The group was formed to guard against external threats, he said, adding: "When the threat is coming from inside the GCC, there is a suspicion about the sustainability of the organization."

Sheikh Mohammed has called the demands by the four Arab countries "unreasonable" and said setting a deadline impinged on Qatar's sovereignty.

Doha was ready to discuss "legitimate issues" with Arab states to end the crisis but some demands were impossible to meet because the underlying accusation was untrue, the foreign minister said in a statement earlier on Thursday.

"We cannot 'sever links with so-called Islamic State, al-Qaeda and Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah' because no such links exist," the statement said. "And we cannot 'expel any members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard' because there are none in Qatar."

The director of Qatar's World Trade Organization office, Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, said Qatar was considering a complaint at the WTO against a "blockade" by the Arab states.

The UAE ambassador to Russia has said Qatar could face fresh sanctions if it does not comply with the demands. The Gulf states could ask their trading partners to choose between working with them or Doha, he said in a newspaper interview.

NATO ally Turkey has backed Doha in the rift. Qatar's defence minister is due to visit Ankara on Friday and will hold talks with his Turkish counterpart, sources at Turkey's defence ministry said.

A new contingent of Turkish forces had arrived in Doha, Al Jazeera reported.
Beijing: China has built new military facilities on islands in the South China Sea, a US think tank reported on Thursday, a move that could raise tensions with Washington, which has accused Beijing of militarizing the vital waterway.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said new satellite images show missile shelters and radar and communications facilities being built on the Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs in the Spratly Islands.

The United States has criticized China's build-up of military facilities on the artificial islands and is concerned they could be used to restrict free movement through the South China Sea, an important trade route.

Last month, a US Navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in a so-called freedom of navigation operation, the first such challenge to Beijing's claim to most of the waterway since US President Donald Trump took office.

China has denied US charges that it is militarizing the sea, which also is claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Trump has sought China's help in reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and tension between Washington and Beijing over military installations in the South China Sea could complicate those efforts.

China has built four new missile shelters on Fiery Cross Reef to go with the eight already on the artificial island, AMTI said. Mischief and Subi each have eight shelters, the think tank said in a previous report.

In February, Reuters reported that China had nearly finished building structures to house long-range surface-to-air missiles on the three islands.

On Mischief Reef, a very large antennae array is being installed that presumably boosts Beijing's ability to monitor the surroundings, the think tank said, adding that the installation should be of concern to the Philippines due to its proximity to an area claimed by Manila.

A large dome recently was installed on Fiery Cross and another is under construction, indicating a sizeable communications or radar system, AMTI said. Two more domes are being built at Mischief Reef, it said.

A smaller dome has been installed near the missile shelters on Mischief, "indicating that it could be connected to radars for any missile systems that might be housed there," AMTI said.

"Beijing can now deploy military assets, including combat aircraft and mobile missile launchers, to the Spratly Islands at any time," it said.
Beijing: China on Friday said the diplomatic channels with India are "unimpeded" for talks over the stand-off in the Sikkim sector but for any "meaningful dialogue" the Indian troops must withdraw from the Doklam area over which Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty".

"The diplomatic channels for the communication between Chinese and Indian sides remained unimpeded," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here.

He said the Indian troops "trespassed" the recognised delineated boundary between China and India on June 18. This is the first time China came out thewith precise date about Indian troops entering the disputed Doklam area (referred by China as Donglong) near Sikkim allegedly to stop Chinese troops from constructing a road.

"So the most pressing issue should be the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. So it is the pre-condition for any meaningful dialogue," he said when asked whether any talks were going on between the two countries over the issue.

He said in additions to the photographs of alleged Indian "incursion" into Donglong area, the Chinese foreign ministry will also upload a map on its website to provide a "better understanding of the reality".

He also refuted Bhutan's allegation that Chinese troops' attempts to build the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly.

Lu said China has "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area." He claimed that the Doklam area was under Chinese administration from emperor Qing dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China established in 1636.

Lu said the area where Chinese side undertook road construction "totally belongs to the Chinese territory" and offered to release details on this on foreign ministry's website.

"From historical evidence we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area," he said.

Before the 1960s, if the Bhutan residents around the border wanted to graze their cattle they had to get the approval from China, he said. "The Tibetan dynasty and Qing dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border," he said.

"In addition to the jurisprudential evidence, the historical convention in 1890 (the Sinio-British treaty) has clearly defined it as the crossing point between China, Bhutan and Indian boundary.

"The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," he said.

He claimed that the evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side. "Even though China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relationship we always maintain traditional friendship. We can tell you that Chinese people are friendly and want good relations with Bhutan people," he said.

"But our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," he said. A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong.
Quetta: A Pakistani reporter has been detained and charged under cybercrime laws for criticising security forces on social media, officials and his family said Friday, the latest sign of a state crackdown on free speech.

Zafarullah Achakzai, who works at Urdu daily Qudrat, was picked up from his house Sunday by the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC), the security force deployed in restive Balochistan province.

"FC personnel in uniform came in five vehicles and raided my house late Sunday night. They cordoned the streets and asked for my son without mentioning any charge," Achakzai's father Naimatullah Achakzai, who is also chief editor of Qudrat, said.

"We did not know where they took him. After five days they handed him over to the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency), which charged him under cybercrime laws for criticising the FC," Achakzai said. He said that Zafarullah appeared in court on Thursday and was remanded into FIA custody for six more days as the investigation continues.

Two local government officials confirmed Zafarullah's arrest and charges. "If my son had done anything wrong, he should have been arrested according to the law and not picked up in the middle of the night like an outlaw," Achakzai said. The Balochistan Union of Journalists criticised the "illegal confinement".

Zafarullah had criticised the FC on his Facebook page for the deteriorating law and order situation in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, and for security forces' "failure" to bring the perpetrators of sectarian killings to justice, a colleague said, requesting anonymity.

"If his criticisms violated any law, he should have been arrested properly as he like every other citizen has right to due process," the colleague said.

Pakistan is ranked among the world's most dangerous countries for journalists, and reporting critical of the military is considered a major red flag, with journalists at times detained, beaten and even killed.

The country has also had a history of enforced disappearances over the past decade. In January five social media activists went missing for several weeks after taking a stand against religious intolerance and criticising the military, raising concerns of government involvement that were denied by officials.

Pakistan's parliament passed the cybercrime law last August, despite opposition from rights activists. Campaigners have long complained of creeping censorship in the name of protecting religion or preventing obscenity. Human rights organisations said they feared more arrests.

"We are concerned at the authorities' zero-tolerance for critics on social media," the independent Freedom Network said in a statement, adding that Zafarullah's detainment was a "grim" sign that "more arrests will follow".
China today said the diplomatic channels with India are "unimpeded" for talks over the stand-off in the Sikkim sector but for any "meaningful dialogue" the Indian troops must withdraw from the Doklam area over which Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty".



"The diplomatic channels for the communication between Chinese and Indian sides remained unimpeded," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here.



He said the Indian troops "trespassed" the recognised delineated boundary between China and India on June 18. This is the first time China came out the with precise date about Indian troops entering the disputed Doklam area (referred by China as Donglong) near Sikkim allegedly to stop Chinese troops from constructing a road.



"So the most pressing issue should be the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. So it is the pre-condition for any meaningful dialogue," he said when asked whether any talks were going on between the two countries over the issue.



He said in additions to the photographs of alleged Indian "incursion" into Donglong area, the Chinese foreign ministry will also upload a map on its website to provide a "better understanding of the reality".



He also refuted Bhutan's allegation that Chinese troops' attempts to build the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly. Lu said China has "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area."



He claimed that the Doklam area was under Chinese administration from Emperor Qing's dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China established in 1636.



Lu said the area where Chinese side undertook road construction "totally belongs to the Chinese territory" and offered to release details on this on foreign ministry's website. "From historical evidence we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area," he said.



Before the 1960s, if the Bhutan residents around the border wanted to graze their cattle they had to get the approval from China, he said.



"The Tibetan dynasty and Qing dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border," he said.



"In addition to the jurisprudential evidence, the historical convention in 1890 (the Sinio-British treaty) has clearly defined it as the crossing point between China, Bhutan and Indian boundary.



"The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," he said.



He claimed that the evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side.



"Even though China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relationship we always maintain traditional friendship. We can tell you that Chinese people are friendly and want good relations with Bhutan people," he said.



"But our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," he said.



A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.
Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who was just two years old when he lost his parents in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, is looking forward to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who in a special gesture, will meet the boy during his visit here next week.



Modi's decision to meet Moshe, now 10, has been welcomed by the child's family which said that the gesture made them realise that Indians share their pain and they have not been forgotten.



Modi will also meet Moshe's Indian nanny Sandra Samuels, who managed to escape with him from the Nariman House which came under attack by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists, and his grandparents Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg.



"I could not believe my ears when I got a call from the Indian envoy saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to meet us. My immediate thoughts were that we have not been forgotten and that Indians share our pain," Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg told PTI.



"I am deeply moved and can't explain how good I feel at this gesture from the Indian Prime Minister. We are looking forward to that opportunity," Rabbi Rosenberg added.



Asked what he would tell Modi when he meets him, Rosenberg said that he wanted to do his grandson's 'Bar Mitzvah', a ceremony performed for Jewish boys at the age of 13 which Indian scholars in Israel compare with upnayana or the thread ceremony, in Mumbai for which he would invite Modi.



"We feel we have a home in Mumbai and that we have a family there. I would like to do Moshe's bar mitvah there in two and a half years and will ask Prime Minister Modi to attend it," the Rabbi said.



Moshe was barely two years old when his parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg, serving as emissaries of Chabad in Mumbai, were killed along with six others by LeT terrorists at the Nariman House, also popularly known as Chabad House, in Mumbai attacks in 2008 in which 166 people were killed.



The Nariman House was one of the five places targeted by the terrorists.



Moshe now goes to a yeshiva (religious school). He is still very attached to his nanny Sandra who works in Jerusalem and joins the family over the weekends.



"He is always overjoyed when he sees her and plays with her the whole weekend," the grandfather said.



Israel honoured Sandra, who risked her own life to save then two-year-old Moshe from the clutches of death, with an honorary citizenship in September, 2010.



She works with young kids in Jerusalem during the week and joins the Rosenberg family in the north during the weekends, Shimon said.



Sources said that the time and venue of the meeting with Modi on July 5 has not been decided yet but it will happen in Jerusalem.
NDA ally Shiv Sena today came down heavily on the Centre over its decision to privatise national carrier Air India, saying had such a decision been taken by the previous Congress-led UPA government, the BJP would not have spared it.



It also asked the finance minister to spell out the reasons which made the 'Maharaja' (the Air India's characteristic logo) a "beggar."



The Sena's taunt comes two days after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Cabinet has given "in-principle" approval for the disinvestment of Air India.



The Civil Aviation Ministry is charting out the disinvestment of the debt-laden carrier.



"Had this decision been taken by the previous government, the BJP would have exposed the Congress in public. The BJP would have asked how can a government that cannot run an airline, run the nation," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.



"But the BJP today has indulged in the sale of the national carrier," it noted.



The Sena also sought to know from Jaitley the reasons for Air India's downfall and losses in the last few years, and those responsible for it.



The airline earlier had a local market share of about 35 per cent which has gone down to a mere 16 per cent. This happened as many routes were sold off to private companies by the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Sena claimed.



"This is corruption. If done during the Congress regime, the Modi dispensation had a chance to undo the damage. Why did they not do it?" it asked.



"Today the airline is being sold off as it has a debt of Rs 50,000 crore. Tomorrow the government will say they are unable to provide for the security cost of Kashmir valley and will thus auction it. They cannot be trusted," the Sena claimed.



Surviving on taxpayers' money, Air India has been in the red for long and various proposals, including government think tank Niti Aayog's suggestion for complete privatisation, have been made.



The airline has a debt of more than Rs 52,000 crore and is surviving on a Rs 30,000-crore bailout package extended by the previous UPA government in 2012.
The India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962, Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley asserted today, hitting out at China for asking the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons".



A day after China's oblique reference to the war the two countries had fought 55 years ago, the defence minister also said the current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim sector was triggered by Beijing. Bhutan, he added, had made it clear that the land in question belonged to it.



"The situation in 1962 was different and India of 2017 is different," Jaitley said when asked about China's warning yesterday.



China had asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong area as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to settle the boundary issue. It warned that the Indian Army should learn "historical lessons".



"Bhutan government had issued a statement yesterday in which it made it clear that the land in question belonged to Bhutan. It is located near India's land. There is an arrangement between India and Bhutan for giving security," Jaitley told Aaj Tak news channel.



The defence minister said the Bhutan government had made its stance clear and China was trying to alter the status quo in the area.



"I think after this the issue has become very clear," Jaitley said.



The genesis of the flashpoint was China's attempts to build a road in the strategically key area of Donglong. Its link to the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction could give China a major military advantage over India.



The Indian Army had blocked construction of the road by China in Donglong, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan.



The Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release today that Indian was "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".



A 220-km section of the 3,488-km India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh falls in Sikkim.



Official sources said China had removed an old bunker of the Indian Army in Donglong by using a bulldozer after the Indian side refused to accede to its request, triggering the present troubles.


"After which, the state government immediately got into the groove and initiated steps for welfare and progress of the common people," Adityanath said at an event here.



Earlier, the people were totally frustrated because of the corrupt and dynastic policies of the state governments in the past 14 to 15 years, he said without naming the Samajwadi Party and the BSP that were in power during the period.



"The situation of law and order was bad and the state had lagged behind in the race of development... I had inherited a very dismal machinery," the chief minister, who has just completed 100 days in office, said.



"There was no control on bureaucracy, government staff was not attending the office, files were gathering dust, middlemen were having control in government offices and this had become the identity of Uttar Pradesh," he said.



Elaborating on the works initiated by his government in the 100 days it had been in office, he said that it was working without bias and discrimination for the all-round development of all sections of the society.



The government and administration has been made sensitive and answerable, the chief minister added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today said that corruption and dynastic policies of the past 15 years had left people "totally frustrated" as he lamented that he had inherited a dismal state machinery.The chief minister said the BJP got a massive mandate in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections due to the works done by the Narendra Modi government.
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh also took a jibe at the saffron fringe for killing people in the name of cow protection. The former PM said that law and constitution does not encourage hate crimes.



Singh, speaking at a function to celebrate Eid, advocated that people of "Hindustan" should come together to guard the nation. "We should create an ambience which concurs with lessons we have got from our law and constitution.. so that we can hug each other with a sense of brotherhood," the veteran Congress leader stated.



His comments came at a time when reports highlighted that cow vigilantism has claimed 23 lives since 2014 -- the year NDA government was installed at the centre.



Singh said the bad influence being peddled in the name of religion reminded him of a couplet of renowned Urdu poet Allama Iqbal, whose original name was Muhammad Iqbal. "Mazhab nahi sikhata aapas me bair rakhna (Religion does not teach mutual hate)," Singh qouted famous poetic expression of Iqbal.



Prime Minister Modi too had condemned mob lynching under the garb of "gua bhakti (cow protection)" and lamented that even Mahatama Gandhi would not have liked what was happening.



Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu, however, described lynching incidents as "barbaric" but argued that they should not be seen from a religious angle. "It has been condemned by and one all. The prime minister also, for the second time, spoke about it. It is happening in different parts of the country and it is barbaric and atrocious. No religious angle is linked to it," Naidu said.
A major mishap was averted at Patnas Jaya Prakash Narayan International Airport on Friday evening when the engine of an Indigo aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, caught fire during its take-off for New Delhi. However, the pilot, in an exemplary display of application of mind, applied brakes and averted an imminent accident. In the process, one of the tyres of the aircraft was reported to have burst.







Though all the passengers travelling by Indigo flight 6E 415 were evacuated safely through emergency exit doors, no aircraft would take-off or land on the runway for the next few hours here. An airport source confirmed that the engine of the Indigo aircraft caught fire before take-off, but denied reports about tyre burst.



Engineers are on the job. We will ensure that normal operations resume as fast as possible, said Patna airport director Rajendra Singh Lahoria.



Meanwhile, all the flights scheduled for Patna were diverted to other routes. This includes the aircraft in which Lalu Prasad, after appearing in a Ranchi court in fodder scam case, was returning to Patna. That flight was asked to return to Ranchi. On the other hand, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, who was scheduled to participate at the GST launch in New Delhi, was stranded at Patna airport as his Jet flight, supposed to take off after Indigo, was delayed due to mishap.


One of the 13 people accused of lynching a man in Jharkhand yesterday has been arrested as Chief Minister Raghubar Das today directed the police to nab the culprits of two such recent killings so that they could be punished through fast-track courts.



In Ramgarh where the incident took place yesterday, authorities today imposed prohibitory orders barring assembly of more than four persons at a place amid tension in the district, officials said.



One person has been arrested and the police is conducting raids to nab the other accused named in the FIR, said Inspector General of Police M L Meena who visited Ramgarh and held meetings with senior police and administrative officials.



The state government announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the dependents of the deceased.



In New Delhi, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu denounced the lynching incidents and other kinds of violence as "condemnable and barbaric" and appealed against giving a political or communal angle to such cases.



A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke strongly against the killings in the name of the cow, Naidu said no civilised society can accept such incidents and that it was for the law enforcement agencies of the respective states to take the strongest possible action.



The Jharkhand chief minister, while reviewing the law and order situation in the state, told the police that the guilty should not go scot-free, whoever he might be, and a repeat of such incidents should be prevented.



A mob surrounded a van bearing a West Bengal number plate in the Bazaar Tand area of Ramgarh police station yesterday, dragged out the driver Mohd Allimuddin, a resident of neighbouring Hazaribagh district, and thrashed him, injuring him seriously.



The police rushed to the spot and took Allimuddin to a hospital, where he was declared "brought dead" by doctors, a police officer said.



Earlier on June 27, a mob had attacked a person on suspicion that he slaughtered a cow after allegedly finding the carcass of the animal near his house in Giridih district of the state.



The chief minister directed the police to take strict action against those involved in these two incidents which have triggered an outrage across the country.



Das told the police to arrest the culprits at the earliest so that they could be punished through fast-track courts, a government statement said.



He said no one has the right to take law into his own hands and the administration of law is above all.



"It is time for stern action," he said.



Das said if incidents of cattle smuggling come to light, the officer-in-charge of the area concerned, DSP and other senior officials would face action.



Director General of Jharkhand Police D K Pandey said one of the 13 accused in the Ramgarh incident has been arrested while 13 accused have been arrested in connection with the Giridih incident.



Along with CID, four special teams have been set up to nab the culprits, he added.



The situation is tense but under control and additional security forces have been deployed in identified points of the district, Inspector General of Police M L Meena said.



Kishore Kaushal, Superintendent of Police, Ramgarh, said the report from forensic laboratory has not been received so far.



Naidu said, "Lynching or killing any human being is condemnable, barbaric and civilised society cannot accept it."



The union minister said the prime minister had made the stand of the government very clear through his remarks that no one should take the law into their hands in the name of cow protection.



Addressing a gathering at the Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat yesterday, Modi had said that "killing people in the name of 'gau bhakti' (cow worship) is not acceptable and this is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve".



Naidu told PTI, "Some people are trying to overplay, some are trying to politicise it and some are trying to communalise it. I appeal (to them) not to politicise or communalise such incidents. Let us not give it a religious colour. Let us not divide the society."



He also emphasised that it was the duty of the respective state governments to "take appropriate, prompt and strong action against the people who are responsible".



Naidu appealed to the people not to take law into their own hands, but report any violation to the law enforcement agencies.



"If any violation of law is seen, people must report to the law enforcement authorities and impress them to take action. And, if they do not take action, then people must protest asking for action," Naidu said.
The GST rollout is being touted as a big political day for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his NDA government but the BJP's fortunes would depend on the impact in the next few months.



Though implementing the GST before September is a constitutional necessity, Modi has put his stakes as its immediate political consequences will be felt in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, where polls are due later this year.



During his recent visit to the US, the prime minister exhibited confidence by suggesting to overseas CEOs that GST execution could be a subject of studies in US business schools.



The BJP leadership, said sources, is hoping to exploit it as one of the main campaign issues during the 2019 elections as it did with demonetisation in Uttar Pradesh (UP) if the application of GST is not too rough and prolonged.



Modi, who will address the central hall of Parliament minutes ahead of the launch, is also expected to share his piece of mind during his speech on the 68th Chartered Accountants' Day celebrations on Saturday here.Even at the time of the surprise announcement on demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, the government and the BJP had to rough ride initial months of turbulence owing to shortage of cash.



But, with Modi pitching his move as an anti-corruption drive and encashed it politically by converting it into a rich versus poor debate, the BJP reaped electoral dividends in UP.



Similarly, the BJP is cagey now on the fallout of the big ticket economic reform since the traders have already hit the streets in many states, including those administered by its own party, such as Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, to protest against GST.



A BJP general secretary expressed concern when asked whether the party will go to town with the heralding of the new tax regime as it did with demonetisation. We will have to see the reactions in a couple of months before calculating our political strategy, he stressed. The party leader still said like the government, the BJP too will explain the benefits of GST.



Another BJP leader, however, was slightly less apprehensive on its negative fallout.

He said, unlike demonetisation which enveloped most of the country, GST is going to impact only 80 lakh registered traders and businessmen.



Union minister Nitin Gadkari insisted that GST will bolster the country's economy by ensuring transparency and wiping out black money from the banking system.

At a news channel-organised event, Gadkari also argued that it will knock out the existing inspector raj, red-tapism and enhance revenue generation opportunities of the states and the Centre.
Even as the Congress and the RJD decided to boycott the midnight session in the Central Hall of Parliament to launch the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, the JD(U), part of the Grand Alliance government in Bihar, will be part of the jamboree in New Delhi.



Though Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wont attend the mega event, his trusted Cabinet colleague and Commercial Taxes Minister Bijendra Yadav will represent the state.



This will be the second occasion in the last fortnight when the alliance partners have taken a divergent stand. The JD(U)s support to the BJP candidate and former Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind on June 19 had almost split the Grand Alliance when the RJD backed the Opposition nominee Meira Kumar.



Nitishji was always in favour of GST. Bihar was the second state after Telangana which ratified the GST Bill at a specially convened session of the state legislature, said a close aide of the chief minister.



Nitish Kumar always favoured passage of GST Bill right from its inception. His former deputy, Sushil Modi, who, by virtue of being the finance minister of Bihar, was also the chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers looking into the GST a few years ago.



Sushil Modi, who had taken over from Asim Dasgupta of the Left Front, had mooted several new proposals. But he had to quit midway as chairman of the panel after he resigned as Bihars finance minister when the JD(U) and the BJP parted ways in June 2013, the aide added.
A division bench of the High Court of Karnataka headed by Chief Justice S K Mukherjee on Friday recused from hearing a PIL seeking directions to remove Raghaveshwara Bharathi as the seer of the Ramachandrapur Mutt.



The bench passed an order stating personal inconvenience of one of the judges of the bench. The PIL will be listed before another division bench.



Petitioners, Edurkala Ishwara Bhat and others had moved the court seeking directions to regulate Ramachandrapur Mutt and other mutts in the state by passing a regulatory statute by the state legislature.



The petitioners contended that the seer transgressed and violated all norms prescribed by the scriptures and has indulged in proscribed activities and is an accused in several cases.



The petitioners sought directions to appoint a committee to suggest the successor to the Mutt and to manage its administration.


Five security force personnel were seriously injured in an attack by suspected GJM activists in the Darjeeling hills, while a 20-year-old truck driver, who was injured in an incident of arson, died in Kolkata on Friday.



The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) activists set afire several houses and offices across the hills on the 16th day of the indefinite bandh called by it to press its demand for a separate state.



Life remained crippled due to the bandh in Darjeeling where Internet services were shut. Security forces patrolled the trouble-torn areas.



Meanwhile, the West Bengal government sought 10 companies of CRPF from the Centre to deal with the situation, the request having come just two days after the army contingents were withdrawn at the states request.



The attack on the security personnel took place on Thursday night when they had gone to a village near Teesta Valley to conduct a search operation.



A mob targeted the security personnel with stones and khukri (traditional Nepali dagger), injuring five of them seriously. The injured police and CRPF personnel were rescued and admitted to a hospital, police said.



In another incident, the house of Mirik Municipality vice chairman M Zimba was set on fire by protesters on Friday. The supporters also ransacked the Rangli Rangliat police outpost and snatched a self-loading rifle and a pistol. Two police vehicles were set ablaze in the incident, police said.



Aniket Chetri, the truck driver who had received 70% burns when his truck was set afire on June 20 by GJM activists, died at a hospital in Kolkata on Friday. With this, the state police said the toll in the violence has risen to two. On June 17, a man was killed during clashes.




One of the worlds largest stroke rehabilitation trials in India has found that family-led rehabilitation is ineffective.



The trial, carried out on 1,250 Indian stroke patients for six months, raises serious questions about the efficacy of doing physiotherapy at home by a family member to improve the condition of stroke patients.



As the community rehabilitation is believed to have cut down stroke-related disability in low and middle-income countries, the researchers set out to check out the efficacy of caregiving by a family member, who was trained to do some of the simple physiotherapies at home.



The goal was to find out if the stroke survivors were able to do something on their own after six months.



But there was no difference in the degree of recovery or quality of life of people who received this extra treatment, said the lead author of the study Richard Lindley from the The George Institute for Global Health and the University of Sydney.



Our results suggest that effective rehabilitation need to be provided by professionals, may impose major challenges to poor communities with limited financial resources, he added.



It is estimated that 1.6 million people suffer a stroke in India every year with early case fatality rates ranging from 27-41%. This equates to 1.5 million people suffering a stroke each year, and a further 5,00,000 people, each year, living with stroke disability.



Between January 2014 and February 2016, the researchers studied 1,250 randomly picked patients from 14 hospitals including the BGS Global Hospital in Bengaluru.

They were divided into two groups  one that received the care at home and the other control group that followed the standard drill.



After six months, it was found 47% patients in both groups were either dead or dependent. There was no significant difference in death (12% versus 14%) and rehospitalisation cases (14% vs 13%), said the study published in The Lancet.



Caregiving at home was ineffective. The main reason is only 30 minutes of physiotherapy at home while the rehabilitation should be 1-2 hours daily, Jeyaraj Pandian, the lead Indian neurologist from Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, told DH.



As there are only 35 stroke units in India, mostly in the cities, the study highlighted the need to create many such facilities, particularly in rural areas, to protect the people from the potentially prohibitive costs of treatment, he said.


The state government on Friday has ordered the trifurcation of Bangalore University. Bangalore University (Central) and Bangalore University (North) Universities have been carved out of Bangalore University.



The BU will function from Jnanabharathi Campus, while BU (Central) from Central College. The BU (North) will start functioning from a campus to be built at Amaravathi near Devanahalli. The state government has allocated Rs 15 crore to BU (North) and Rs 10 crore to BU (Central).



Bangalore University has affiliation of more than 625 colleges. The process of appointing new vice chancellors, recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff, identification of land and related activities will begin from Saturday, marking the birth of two new universities. On July 17, 2015, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000 (Karnataka Act 29 of 2001), to bring reforms in the governance and administration of the Bangalore University and improve academic quality by trifurcating it.



Meanwhile, a meeting of senior officials of Higher Education department on Friday decided to call for separate admissions for all three universities. Earlier, Bangalore University had called for admissions for the new academic year leading to speculation whether the university will be trifurcated or not.

Probe against former VC



The Higher Education Ministry has ordered an enquiry into allegations against former vice-chancellor of Bangalore University Dr B Thimmegowda, N Puttaswamy, an engineer and other staff.



The Principal Secretary (Higher Education) has written to the registrar, Bangalore University in this regard. The government order comes in the wake of Karnataka Rajya Shikshana Vedike president K Gangadhar Murthys complaint into the irregularities during Gowdas tenure.



According to Murthy, the five major allegations include economic irregularities, corruption in construction projects, advance promotion of Dr M Narayanaswamy in violation of norms, facilitating 18 students to obtain MEd programme illegally and dereliction of duty in maintaining attendance of second semester MEd students in 2014-15.



Besides, Gowda, Murthy has named syndicate members and Dr Hasin Taj, former chairman, education studies department in the complaint.



Murthy has sought either a CCB or CID or judicial enquiry in the allegations.
Doctors Day on Saturday, July 1, is meant to honour medical professionals across the country for the services they provide. However, many doctors in the city are unhappy, especially with the introduction of the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Bill by the state government.



Many doctors expressed concern over medical professionals being targeted in the state. Doctors are being considered criminals. They are being made to surrender to the public. The Bill makes us treat patients at gunpoint, said Dr Veeranna, secretary of Indian Medical Association, Karnataka.



There were more than 12 cases of attacks on doctors last year. The number of verbal attacks are numerous," he said.



Dr R Ravindra, secretary of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) said a patient shouted at him on Friday asking for discounts though he was already given a discount. He also said doctors were targeted by patients at ESI Hospital, Rajajinagar and Manipal Hospital.



People have little idea about the proposed Bill. They think we are overcharging and that the government is trying to reduce charges, he said.



Dr Sudarshan Ballal, chairman of Manipal Hospitals said patients complain that the government has passed a Bill and that they should be given treatment at a lower cost.



Whenever a Bill like this comes up, people take advantage of it whether there is merit or not. But it should settle down once they understand that the Bill has not yet been passed, he said.



Doctors said the patient-doctor relationship which existed in the past, is now destroyed. Assaults on doctors and vandalisation of hospitals have become order of the day. Poor outcome of a treatment is attributed to negligence without understanding the complications of the treatment, doctors said.



They said this will affect the morale of doctors and they cannot practise the profession with joy.



Dr N K Venkataramana, founder and chief neurosurgeon of BRAINS, said people do not know the meaning of negligence. There are movies and serials against us. These things should be discussed in the larger interest of the profession and to ensure that a wrong impression is not created, he said.



The state has many multispecialty hospitals and doctors. If the Bill gains momentum, these doctors will leave the state, said Dr Vivek Jawali, chairman and head of the department of cardio vascular sciences, Fortis Hospitals.



He said patients are often thankful for the services. A wrong idea should not be given to them for short-term populist gains. Within six months, everything will fall into place, he said.



Fewer students are taking up this profession, according to experts. Many medical institutions have a shortage of students, said Dr Jawali.
Former finance minister P Chidambarams son Karti Chidambaram did not appear before the CBI in a corruption case despite a summons.



He has asked for more time, CBI officials said on Friday. He was asked to appear before the CBI between June 27 and 29 in connection with the investigation into the clearance given by Foreign Investment Promotion Board to INX Media for receiving funds from Mauritius when Chidambaram was the finance minister.



Cases were also registered against ASCSs director Padma Vishwanathan and INX Medias Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani Mukerjea, who are currently in jail.
One of the 13 people accused of lynching a man in Jharkhand on Thursday has been arrested.



Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Friday directed the police to nab the culprits of two such recent killings, so that they can be punished through fast-track courts.

In Ramgarh, where the incident took place on Thursday, authorities have imposed prohibitory orders barring the assembly of four or more people, amid the tension in the district, officials said.



One person has been arrested and the police are conducting raids to nab the other accused named in the FIR, said Inspector General of Police M L Meena, who visited Ramgarh and held meetings with senior police and administrative officials.



The state government announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the dependents of the deceased.



In New Delhi, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu denounced the lynching incidents and other kinds of violence as condemnable and barbaric and appealed against giving a political or communal angle to such cases.

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke strongly against murders in the name of cow protection, Naidu said no civilised society can accept such incidents and that it was for the law enforcement agencies of the respective states to take the strongest possible action.



The Jharkhand chief minister, while reviewing the law and order situation in the state, told the police that the guilty should not go scot-free, whoever they might be, and that such incidents should be prevented.




The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly K B Koliwad on Friday submitted to the High Court of Karnataka that he cannot accept conditional surrender of the two Kannada magazine editors, who have been sentenced to one-year imprisonment by the privileges committee of the Assembly.



Once editors surrender before the Speaker, efforts will be made to convene a special Assembly session to decide on earlier resolution to arrest the two. The condition of not to arrest journalists cannot be accepted, said Additional Advocate General (AAG) A S Ponnanna, representing the Speaker. Justice Ashok B Hinchigeri sought to know when the state government will convene the next session of the Assembly.



The court was hearing the petitions filed by Ravi Belagere and Anil Raj, the editors of Kannada weekly Hai Bengaluru and Voice of Yelahanka, respectively. The petitioners have moved the court seeking quashing of the resolution adopted by the Assembly awarding jail term for them.



Shankarappa, the counsel for petitioners, said that the editors were prepared to appear before the Speaker if a date is fixed for surrender. The court asked AAG to get information from the government on the time required to convene the special session of the legislature and adjourned the hearing for lunch.



When the hearing resumed, the AAG submitted that he could not contact the chief minister as he was out of Bengaluru. The judge asked him to inform the governments decision to the court on Saturday.



Earlier, while hearing petition, Justice Hinchigeri opined that matters of this kind must be mutually settled instead of seeking courts interference. If a settlement is not possible then the court will pass orders, he said.



Produce arrested before court



Justice Hinchigeri expressed his displeasure after learning that one of the cousins of Anil Raj, who was arrested by the police on Thursday night, had not been produced before the magistrate till Friday. He asked the police to explain the delay. K S Mohan, cousin of Anil Raj, was arrested by the police for harbouring and protecting Raj. Anil's advocate informed the court that the police harassed Mohan's family members. The judge directed the government to immediately produce Mohan before the magistrate and complete the procedure.

Journalists to stage protest today



Various media organisations have called for a protest on Saturday seeking the withdrawal of the orders against Ravi Belagere and Anil Raj. On the occasion of Press Day, the scribes have decided to stage a protest by wearing black bands, demanding that the chief minister resolve the issue at the earliest. Various forums including Press Club of Bengaluru, Bengaluru Reporters Guild, TV Journalists Association, Senior Journalists Forum and Working Journalists Association have expressed concern over the Assembly resolution to arrest the two journos.


A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Opposition Presidential candidate Meira Kumar began her campaign from the same venue on Friday.



Meira, too, like the prime minister, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and spun the charkha. Accompanied by state Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki and leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Shankarsinh Vaghela, she spent around 45 minutes at the ashram.



Everyone knows the importance of Sabarmati and Sabarmatis Sant (Mahatma Gandhi). Just by going there, one gets shakti (power), the former Lok Sabha speaker told the media. The unity of the Opposition is based on the ideology it has learnt from the Mahatma. So, after filing the nomination and scrutiny, I first visited the Sabarmati Ashram and paid my respects.



Later, speaking to the media at the Congress party head office in the state, Meira said her fight against NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind was based on the ideology where all have the right to free speech, social equity, poverty alleviation and destruction of casteism.





Kovind, Meira in Tamil Nadu today



Presidential candidates of both National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Ram Nath Kovind and Meira Kumar are expected to arrive in Tamil Nadu on Saturday as part of their campaign for the July 17 elections.



The BJP sources here said on Friday that Ram Nath Kovind will meet all the legislators and MPs of both the AIADMK factions. The ruling AIADMK (Amma) camp led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and the rebel group headed by former chief minister O Panneerselvam have extended him their support. Similarly, Meira Kumar will also arrive in Chennai and will meet the Congress MLAs.


Sea erosion has intensified in coastal districts following heavy rain in the last few days. Huge waves have washed away a large chunk of land in Kuthpadi, Padukere, Malpe and Kaipunjalu of Udupi taluk.



Roads have developed cracks in some areas and services of JnNURM buses to Padukere, Malpe and Kaipunjalu have been suspended. Meanwhile, Dakshina Kannada received light rain on Friday. In the last 24 hours (ending on Friday 8 am), the district received an average of 32.7 mm rainfall.



It continued to rain in Kodagu district. While intermittent rain was reported from Bhagamandala, Talacauvery and Napoklu, Virajpet and Gonikoppa witnessed drizzling throughout the day.



Belagavi and surrounding villages received light rain. There was drizzling in Khanapur town and parts of the taluk. Sky remained overcast for the whole day. Incessant rain lashed Dharwad city while there were intermittent showers in Hubballi.



Intermittent rain continued to lash Malnad region on Friday. Hosanagar and Thirthahalli received rain intermittently while there was moderate rain in Shivamogga, Bhadravathi and Sagar. In the last 24 hours (ending Friday 8 am), Yadur in Hosanagar taluk received rainfall of 76 mm, Hulikal-49 mm, Mastikatte-63 mm, Mani-60 mm and Thirthahalli-37.20 mm. Water level in Linganamakki dam rose to 1,754 feet against maximum level of 1,819 feet as catchment area received rainfall of 19 mm.

Various parts of Uttara Kannada district received rain on Friday. There was drizzling in Bhatkal, Honnavar, Karwar, Haliyal, Dandeli and Mundgod. In last 24 hours (ending Friday 8.30 am), the district received 312.40 mm of rainfall. Yellapur received 43.6 mm of rainfall, Siddapur (44.2 mm), Bhatkal (39 mm), Sirsi and Kumta (32 mm each), Joida (30.2 mm) and Ankola (26.6 mm).

DH News Service



Farmers suspect water release to TN



The activists of the Raitha Sangha and other organisations staged a protest by getting into Cauvery river at Srirangapatna in Mandya district on Friday, alleging that the state government was releasing water to Tamil Nadu from Krishnaraja Sagar dam. The farmers said that the government was releasing water even before the storage in KRS dam reached 100 feet. Farmers also staged a dharna in front of the office of Cauvery Neeravari Nigam in Mandya. They claimed that around 4,000 cusec of water was being released to Tamil Nadu since Thursday night.
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday brushed aside Chinese threats on the ongoing face-off near the India-China-Bhutan border in Sikkim.



The India of 2017 is different from the India of 1962. Those were different situations, Jaitley said in a television interview, countering the veiled warning from China.



On Thursday, a spokesperson of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) described Indian Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawats comment that India was ready for a two-and-a-half-front war as extremely irresponsible.



Such a rhetoric is extremely irresponsible. We hope that the particular person in the Indian Army could learn from historical lessons and stop such clamouring for war, PLA spokesperson Col Wu Qian had said in Beijing.



The Chinese foreign and defence ministry launched a media blitzkrieg accusing India of trespassing into what they claim is their territory. Bhutan, however, strongly denied the claim. The Bhutan government, in a statement issued on Thursday, made it clear that the land in question belonged to it.



The said land is located near Indias border. There is an arrangement between India and Bhutan for giving security, Jaitley said.



The defence minister said Bhutan had made its stance clear and China was trying to alter the status quo in the area.



I think after this (Bhutans statement), the issue has become very clear, he said.

China has been staking a claim on the contentious area in Bhutan to gain a strategic edge over India.




Karnataka could well learn a lesson from Telangana with respect to the anywhere registration scheme. Telangana has suspended the scheme following instances of multiple registration of properties.



The scheme has been in place in Bengaluru Urban district since 2011. A notification issued in 2011 divided Bengaluru Urban district into five registration districts  Gandhinagar, Rajajinagar, Basavanagudi, Shivajinagar and Jayanagar  and the sub-registrar office in each of these districts was merged with the jurisdiction of the respective district. In short, properties in a registration district could be registered in any sub-registrar office pertaining to that district. The Stamps and Registration department received complaints of multiple registrations of properties.



But instead of reconsidering its earlier decision, the government proposed extending the scheme to the entire state. The proposal was, however, put on hold after the Law Department stated that it violated the rules. The department opined that the jurisdiction of sub-districts and the district cannot be the same and that it violates Sections 5 and 6 of the Central Act. Thus, the proposal of merging the districts was dropped in 2015. In a second opinion in July 2016, the Law Department stated that an administrative decision had to be taken to cancel the scheme, which presently exists in Bengaluru Urban district.



There were far too many instances of multiple registrations in Telangana. In one case, the Telangana government even ordered a police investigation. On May 30, 2017, it suspended the anywhere registration scheme. We are hopeful that Karnataka will take a similar decision, said Shivakumar, the president of the nonprofit, Committee on Judicial Accountability, which filed the complaint with regard to multiple registrations in Bengaluru.



The circular issued by the Telangana government on May 30 categorically directed the sub-registrars not to register properties outside their jurisdiction. All the sub-registrars are directed not to entertain any document falling under other jurisdiction of sub-registrar offices under the provision(s) of anywhere registration, it read.


The sixth edition of Bangalore Open Air (BOA), citys very own Heavy Metal Music concert is back again. BOA caters to metal music aficionados in Bengaluru and has been instrumental in bringing popular heavy metal bands and artistes to the city.



The headlining act this year is American Death Metal band NILE. Previous editions of BOA have seen bands like Napalm Death, and the legendary Polish Death Metal band Vader.



NILE was formed in 1993 by the bands founding member, Karl Sanders in his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, USA. Their genre is best described as technical death metal. The music and lyrics are inspired by Near Eastern Mysticism, history, religion and ancient art.



The band also draws inspiration from the writings of H P Lovecraft, an American horror fiction author.

The band consists of Karl Sanders, vocalist and lead guitarist, George Kollias on drums, Brian Kingsland on the bass guitar and vocals and Brad Parris on the guitar. Nile is best known for combining traditional and technical metal and the complexity and speed they play with.



Sanders and Kollis said that they had planned to visit India much earlier but could not because they were denied visa eight times. When asked what they expect from the Indian fans at their first show, Sanders said: I want them to enjoy themselves with some metal, enjoy the brotherhood and camaraderie with people who also love metal. There is nothing more powerful than this bond. You can feel that communal power in the air.



It is a very primal bond that cannot be put into words, said Kollias on the heavy metal scene and the fans. Coroner from Switzerland, Marduk from Sweden, Kryptos from India are some of the other bands performing today.



The event will be held on Saturday at Royal Orchid Resort and Convention Centre, Yelahanka from 3 pm.

DH News Service
Karnataka Wine Boards (KWB) plans to popularise locally made wine is likely to suffer a setback from Saturday.



The Supreme Court order on the closure of liquor vends located within 500 metres on the either side of national highways across the state also applies to the sale of wine, according to KWB managing director T Somu.



Going by the Supreme Court orders, wine will not be sold in wine taverns and other liquor outlets falling within the restricted zone. Also, it cannot be sold in malls or stores along highways. However, wine tourism, grape stomping and wine making will not be affected.



The board will now write to the Union and the state governments highlighting the health benefits of wine and request them to exempt wine from the list.



Locally made wine and unfortified wine should be accorded a special status and their sale should be permitted, at least near places where it is brewed, said another KWB official.



All wine with more than 2% alcohol comes under the excise rules. But the ones which do not have alcohol should be considered for exemption. The state government should also consider the hundreds of people employed in this sector if the sale of wine is affected, the official said.

DH News Service
After sending a communication to the government on Air India, IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh has said that the airline will not embark on buying Air India if it is not profitable for the company and employees.



The no-frills carrier on Thursday wrote to the Ministry of Civil Aviation expressing its interest to acquire Air India, hours after the government gave its in-principle nod to divest the national carrier.



In a letter to employees on Thursday soon after approaching the government, Ghosh assured them that every action would be taken in the best interest of the airline.



Let me be very clear that if it is not profitable and does not add value to our employees, customers and shareholders, we will not embark on this journey. As one of those who bleed blue and who have helped build this great organisation, you can rest assured that your leadership team and the founders of IndiGo will never do anything to jeopardise what you helped build and will always act in the best interest of IndiGo, Ghosh said in the letter.



Eyes intl operations



IndiGo had informed the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) that it is interested in buying the international operations of Air India and Air India Express and if this option is not available, then they would be in for buying it as a whole. Sources said IndiGos plan appears to be consolidating its international market as it has already consolidated its numero uno position in the domestic market.



Ghosh told the employees that IndiGo is primarily interested in Air Indias international operations. He said a significant domestic network has been created in the past years and this gives confidence to build a world-class international airline.

The MoCA has described the expression of interest by IndiGo as unsolicited but formal. Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said the airline would have to apply when the bids are opened.



IndiGos letter came even before the government decided on the contours of disinvestment. A Group of Ministers under Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would sit together to finalise the details.
A security firm hired by the company that built the Dakota Access Pipeline thats now facing regulatory scrutiny said Wednesday its the subject of a misinformation campaign.

TigerSwan, based in North Carolina, ran afoul of state regulators this week when the North Dakota Private Investigative and Security Board filed a complaint in state district court alleging the firm doesnt have a license to operate here. The firm provided intelligence to Energy Transfer Partners and coordinated with law enforcement, the board said, and maintains roving security teams to monitor valve sites.

The $3.8 billion oil pipeline was the subject of monthslong protests south of Mandan sparked by concerns raised by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

In a statement late Wednesday, a TigerSwan spokesperson said the firm has been the subject of a deliberate misinformation campaign for the past few weeks, an apparent reference to articles published by The Intercept that relied in part on leaked documents.

Working in concert with local law enforcement and providing information about violent and illegal behavior allows us to advise clients on a safe working environment, the statement said.

TigerSwan did not address the specific allegation that its unlicensed in North Dakota, but said it looks forward to addressing these with the state regulatory body.

Opponents have denounced TigerSwan, which was founded by retired military special forces members, after internal documents recently surfaced indicating the company's workers in North Dakota used military-style counter-terrorism measures, had a close working relationship with public law enforcement and used propaganda.

"We worked hard at trying to make sure everybody remained peaceful and prayerful, but the goal of TigerSwan was to frame the dispute as extremely violent," said Dave Archambault II, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux, which has led opposition to the pipeline. The tribe fears environmental harm. Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners says the pipeline is safe.

Associated Press contributed to this report.
The citys famous watering holes pulled down their shutters well before their regular closing time on Friday.



Pubs and bars close at 1 pm on weekends, but most were shut by 11.30 pm. At midnight, a Supreme Court ban on liquor vends within 500 metres of national highways came into force.



Many prominent roads in Bengaluru are national highways in official records.

Some swanky bars on Lavelle Road closed at 9.30 pm, leaving customers high and dry.



The excise department has decided to implement the Supreme Court order. Excise commissioner Manjunath Nayak held a meeting to discuss the situation, hours before the ban kicked in.



As many as 827 liqour vends in the city and 6,015 in the state face closure in the wake of the verdict.



Officials believe at least 1,000 shops could survive as the government has already stripped some roads of their state-highway status.



On the other hand, owners of popular bars and pubs in Indiranagar and Koramangala and on MG Road and Church Street are pinning their hopes on some government manoeuvre to save their businesses.



Pubs moving out



Some are talking about moving to other locations. Pecos is among the vends moving out.



N Srinivasa Gowda, operational manager, Pecos, Indiranagar, said: We have already moved our Church Street outlet to BTM Layout. We will be moving our Indiranagar outlet further down the street to a place not covered by the ban.



A bar in Indiranagar will now serve food and non-alcoholic beverages, its manager said.



Another bar in the area sounded more optimistic. This was the first place exclusively for beer in the whole of South India. It is disheartening to know we cannot run this anymore. However, I think the state government will be in favour for us, he told DH.




A Derbyshire police officer who saved a woman's life by rescuing her from a burning flat has been nominated for a national bravery award.

PC Caroline Holt and her colleague PC Handley Farrell volunteered to go to a house where there was a woman who had phoned the police threatening to kill herself.

When they arrived, the pair saw smoke coming from upstairs and the woman at the window. She was not co-operating with officers so they decided to smash the windows. PC Holt went through a restricted entry that only she could could access.

She found the woman at the top of the stairs, refusing to move. PC Holt dragged her down but the woman would not exit through the window that had been smashed, so the officer had to return upstairs to where the fire was to get the keys, allowing the woman and other people living in the flats to escape.

For her actions PC Holt, who is based in Swadlincote, has been nominated for the annual Police Federation awards which take place in July. The rescue took place in Elvaston in January this year.

Back in March, she was also given an award at Derbyshire police's Celebrating Achievements ceremony by the former Chief Constable Mick Creedon.

Chief Superintendent Jim Allen, the city's most senior cop, said: "This is typical of Caroline - committed, selfless, determined and brave. This instance is the epitome of her commitment to policing and the community of Derbyshire.

"Alone, and with no regard for her own safety, she entered a perilous situation to rescue a woman from a fire. The woman didn't want to be rescued and had to be bodily dragged from the premises, downstairs, by Caroline, all the while knowing that the fire was getting more and more serious. Without Caroline's intervention the woman would have died."



Mark Pickard, chairman of Derbyshire Police Federation said he was proud of her work.

He said: "PC Holt's actions were that of sheer grit and determination. Knowing the extent of the danger they were both in, PC Holt went back upstairs to the fire to pacify the woman who was non-compliant, in order to get her to safety. This was incredibly selfless and brave, well deserving of a national Police Bravery Award."
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A Derby construction boss says tower blocks with only one fire escape route  like Grenfell Tower  should be torn down.

Ian Hodgkinson, owner of Pride Park-based Hodgkinson Builders, said such buildings were death traps and do not belong in 21st century Britain.

The bricklaying chief also wants sprinkler systems to be fitted in every high-rise, no matter how old they are.

At least 137 high-rise blocks in 41 local authorities have now failed fire safety tests in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed at least 80 people.

Mr Hodgkinson said the numbers were shocking and called for drastic action to be undertaken.

He said: Id image there are around 50 to 60 tower blocks in the UK that, like Grenfell Tower, only have one fire escape.

These should all be torn down. Its not on at all. I think this country is beyond that.

OK, weve got a bit of a housing crisis. But nothing is as important as peoples lives.

Combustible cladding was thought to have aided the spread of the fire in Grenfell Tower on June 14.

Since then, cladding samples tested as part of a national investigation into the use of panelling on high-rise blocks have so far produced a 100% failure rate, a Government spokesperson said.

Earlier this week, Mr Hodgkinson took to social media site LinkedIn to voice his horror at the revelations.

He posted: Every tower needs retro sprinkler systems fitting as do every new build from now on!!!!!!!

On Wednesday, it emerged the chairman of an expert panel assembled to help the Government in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster had previously advised against the retrospective fitting of sprinklers in high-rise buildings.



Mr Hodgkinson said the Government must ignore that advice to ensure there is no repeat of the tragedy.

He said: If Grenfell Tower had sprinklers, we would not have heard of this on the news. It would have been an isolated fridge fire in London. There would have been no headlines about it whatsoever.

In 2015, Mr Hodgkinson hosted then housing minister Brandon Lewis at the opening of the Hodgkinson Brickwork Academy in Ilkeston.

Mr Hodgkinson revealed he contacted Mr Lewis after the Grenfell Tower fire. He said: I sent a text to Brandon and asked if he could raise the issue of sprinklers with the current housing minister, Alok Sharma.

Brandon came back to me and said the Government carried out a consultation about the retro-fitting of sprinklers in 2015 and that he was all for it.

Why the Government is resisting it, I do not know. For 2,000 to 3,000 per apartment, flat or house, I think retro fitted sprinkler systems are a no-brainer.

To pay for it, councils, when granting planning permissions, could include a section 106 agreement that requires that developer to pay into a fund that can be built up and used to cover the cost.

The Government said it was urging councils to carry out their own safety checks and to put mitigation measures in place where there are concerns.
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More than 82,000 people of all ages visited the poppies cascading down the side of the Silk Mill Museum in the first two weeks it was open to the public.

The Weeping Window ceramic poppies are part of the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red display, by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper which was on show at the Tower of London in 2014. The majority the 888,246 poppies on display from that installation were made by Derbyshire ceramicist Paul Cummins and his team in Derby.

The original installation, was created in conjunction with Historic Royal Palaces and marked the centenary of the outbreak of war in 1914 and two key sculptures from Blood Swept Lands, Weeping Window and Wave are currently on tour around the British Isles until November 2018.

The Weeping Window , which has several thousand ceramic poppies, has proved to be a popular draw with people visiting from New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and the USA as well as Derby, Derbyshire and further afield in the UK.

People are encouraged to write messages about who they might like to remember from the the 1914-18 war or any other conflict and to say what they think of the display either on cards, which are posted on walls inside the Silk Museum or on social media.

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The large number of visitors has also led local businesses in the Cathedral Quarter noticing a boost in footfall and trade.

The poppies will be at the Silk Mill Museum on Cathedral Green until Sunday, July 23. Admission is free.
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Pop-up shops selling pork scratchings and chocolate are set to open at intu Derby today.

Two of the countrys hottest new food and drink businesses will be selling some of Britains most-loved snacks as part of a start-ups competition run by Intu and Virgin StartUp.

Snaffling Pig and Love Cocoa will be at Intu Derby from today for one week for the semi-final stage of Foodpreneur 2017, a competition designed to shine a light on the countrys most creative and innovative food and drink start-ups.

Nick Coleman and Andy Allen, who last year secured a 70,000 investment on BBC2s Dragons Den, are the entrepreneurs behind flavoured pork scratching brand Snaffling Pig, while chocolate bar business Love Cocoa is run by James Cadbury, the great-great-great grandson of Cadbury founder John Cadbury.

The two businesses are competing for six weeks of free space within Intu and will need to get thousands of Derby shoppers excited about their products to stand a chance at winning the top prize.

Love Cocoa founder James said: I entered Foodpreneur because I think weve got a great product and we want to get it out to more and more people. Being chosen as a semi-finalist and getting to open a pop-up shop at Intu Derby for the week is the perfect opportunity to do that.

Love Cocoa is a British handmade chocolate that is free from gluten, refined sugars and other nasty ingredients. My great-great-great grandfather set up Cadbury chocolate back in 1824 and, at the time, they were the purest on the market so were taking that inspiration into this century.

The entrepreneurs will be judged on everything from customer engagement to their social media presence as they attempt to promote their product to Intu Derby shoppers for the first time. If successful, they will be invited to pitch their business to a number of industry experts including Dragons Den star Levi Roots  best known for his Reggae Reggae Sauce - in the final stage of the competition.

Snaffling Pig co-founder Nick said: We starting Snaffling Pig two-and-a-half years ago with a mission to take the humble but awesome crackling to places it has never been before. Thats taken us on quite the adventure, including into business with a Dragon, but weve never had a Pig Shop!

As a result were really looking forward to spreading some porky love with the good people of Derby.

They are among eight Foodpreneur semi-finalists opening pop-up shops at Intu shopping centres across the country this week.

Adam Tamsett, general manager at Intu Derby, said: As part of our mission to create new experiences for customers that make them smile, were excited that customers of Intu Derby will be among the first in the country to enjoy these fantastic new food and drink businesses. We think theyre going to be fantastic new additions to the centres strong line-up of retail and leisure brands.

At the same time, were looking forward to helping these entrepreneurs flourish with the opportunity to reach thousands of new customers in our centre and benefit from all the support on offer from Intu and Virgin StartUp.
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The executive leadership at Rolls-Royce says a 150m investment package announced this week will "complete" Derby as a centre of excellence for its 71.3bn civil aerospace business.

The global engine maker has committed itself to Derby for the next 30 years by choosing to build an extra large 90m test bed at Sinfin.

The facility will help develop a new generation of engines and safeguard thousands of jobs for decades. Other Rolls-Royce buidlings in Sinfin, Hucknall and Annesley will also be upgraded to boost capacity.

The decision is a huge relief to shop floor workers in Derby, many of whom saw every recent investment in manufacturing capacity abroad  in Indianapolis, Singapore, Germany and even India  as a sign their own days were numbered.

Britain's vote to leave the EU added to those fears.

However, Rolls-Royce president for civil aerospace Eric Schulz said those concerns can now be put to rest.

Speaking to the Derby Telegraph, Mr Schulz said: "I know there have been a lot of questions in the past [about investment going to places such as Indianapolis Singapore, Germany and India]. But Rolls-Royce is a global company, we have to invest a bit everywhere.

"We invested heavily in Singapore, [where a 300m aerospace campus has been built]. We have also installed a sister line for the Trent WXB in Dahlewitz, in Germany. And again, that has been needed because the level of volumes we've been getting out of Trent WXB, due to the success of [Airbus's A350XWB jet].

"So when we look forward, the new test bed in Derby will come in addition to the two large test beds we already have here, which we call 57 and 58, and that will complete our ability to make Derby the centre of excellence for the large engine business."

Members of the trade union Unite in Derby said the 150m package was the "biggest deal we've ever done" with Rolls-Royce, which has an order book of 71.3bn in its civil aerospace division.

Mr Schulz said he was "delighted" that a deal was reached.

He said: "With this agreement now in place, I believe the workforce in Derby is feeling good today. They have seen so many investments go outside the UK over the years because we are a global business and we needed to be where we needed to be.

"I would say now is the turn of Derby to get a big investment from Rolls-Royce, which will perpetuate our business and continue to make us the big player we have to be."

The new test bed has been earmarked for land currently used as a car park for Rolls-Royce staff in Wilmore Lane.

It is expected to be ready by the end of 2020.
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Police and emergency services are currently at the scene at a Derby car park following reports of a car fire in the early hours of Friday morning.

There is a heavy police presence at Redwood Park off Sinfin Lane where a car park has been cordoned off.

Police have confirmed there was car fire at about 5.50am and are currently investigating the circumstances. No further details have been released yet.

Residents have spoken of their shock over the fire and the moment they were awoken by a "loud bang" which "rattled" a house in the early hours of the morning.

One person, who still lives near the park, said: "I woke up at 5.47am and heard a horn followed by a loud bang. I'm not sure what the explosion was but it rattled my house. I heard a lot of screeching of tyres before then, it sounded like two cars."

Peter Andrews, who lives on Stroma Close nearby, said he heard what sounded like a "high-speed chase" in the early hours.

He said: "We often get racers round here so I wasn't surprised to be woken up by engines revving and tyres screeching at around 5.30am. But then I heard a car horn go off for about a minute before a giant bang. I looked out of my window and I couldn't see anything so I got my coat and shoes on and headed outside. I could see smoke and a glow coming from the park.

A mum, who just dropped her daughter off at the nursery, said: "The nursery is very keen to stress that this has nothing to do with them.

"I used to live in a house which backed onto the park and we used to hear every scream, shout or movement at night.

"It's not a very nice area and I'm glad we moved."

Key Points

There was a car fire at a car park near Redwood Park off Sinfin Lane at about 5.50am this morning (Friday)

Police have closed and cordoned off the car park while "thorough" investigations continue.

A car has been covered in a green tarpaulin

No more details as to what happened have been released yet.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward. People with information should call 101.

Residents have spoken of shock and said "loud bangs" were heard in the early hours.

A Derbyshire Constabulary spokeswoman said: "We have closed the car park while we investigate the cause of the blaze and it will remain closed for some time.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and we hope people understand the need to carry out a thorough investigation.

"Witnesses or anyone with information should call us on 101 and quote incident 106 of today."

A Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were called out at 5.54am. A crew from Kingsway attended the scene and are still present as an investigation is still taking place."

The spokesman said the fire service could not give any more details about what happened.
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Vandals have caused up to 20,000 worth of damage to climbing equipment at Markeaton Park.

The park's Challenge Academy adventure hub is closed as a result.

Derby City Council said inspections would now take place to see when it could reopen.

Amo Raju, city councillor and cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: "Over last weekend the site was deliberately targeted by young people intent on vandalising the facility and causing criminal damage.

"This included permanent damage to the powerfan and the zip-line which need replacing plus further damage to the general fabric of the site which could cost up to 20,000.

"Besides this damage they are also endangering themselves by using the equipment without supervision which is extremely dangerous. The company who run the academy are concerned that somebody may be seriously hurt or fatally injured.

"Due to these actions by a thoughtless few the site will be closed for the coming weekend and possibly beyond while inspections take place. This will be disappointing for the many people, schools and youth groups who enjoy the academy."

Mr Raju said staff at the academy, which is a non-for-profit community interest company, were "greatly saddened" at the incident.

He added: "Coming from teaching and military professions, they hope to provide a challenging, adventurous and positive learning experience.

"Challenge Academy want to engage with local youngsters who may have carried out these incidents in an effort to show them a positive and challenging experience in a safe environment and to discuss the potential consequences of their actions."

Challenge Academy also has a site in Baggeridge Country Park, which is just south of Wolverhampton. The site at Markeaton Park includes aerial treks, a climbing wall and other features.

Equipment at the park has been damaged in previous incidents. In July 2015 vandals damaged a zip wire just one day after it was installed as part of a new adventure park.

The park's creators built the structure with a view to bringing in schoolchildren for team building exercises.

Anyone with any information about the latest incident should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
A recall election in a town of about 45 people is expected to be among the first tests of North Dakotas new voter identification law later this year.

The new law, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature and signed by Gov. Doug Burgum in late April, goes into effect Saturday along with a swath of other bills. Saturday marks the beginning of a new two-year funding cycle known as a biennium.

Proponents of the new law said it will help protect the integrity of state elections while addressing concerns raised by a federal lawsuit over voter ID requirements passed in the previous two legislative sessions.

Still, a court order requiring the state to provide affidavits to voters who cant produce a valid ID is still in effect, said Deputy Secretary of State Jim Silrum. He expects affidavits to be available alongside the procedures laid out in the new voter ID law during a City Council recall election in the small town of Courtenay and a sales tax vote in Williston, both scheduled for October.

Those are the first elections scheduled after the new law takes effect, at least to our knowledge, Silrum said.

Itll actually give people more options for those elections, he said. We do need to have the court case decided or the judge has to make a ruling. Until then, the new law goes in place but the injunction still holds.

The new law doesnt include an affidavit option but instead allows voters without an ID to cast a ballot thats set aside until they can produce one. An ID thats out of date could be supplemented with a current utility bill or bank statement.

Valid forms of identification under the new law are IDs issued by the state Department of Transportation or a tribal government. It also includes options for those in special circumstances, such as living in a long-term care facility.

Tom Dickson, an attorney for seven members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa who sued Secretary of State Al Jaeger over previous voter ID changes, has said the new law doesnt comply with a federal judges ruling from last year. Asked this week whether he intends to ask the judge to block the new laws implementation, he said we are looking at it.

There hasnt been any activity in that case since U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovlands Sept. 20 order. No hearings are currently scheduled.

Casey Bradley, the auditor for Stutsman County, where Courtenay is located, said hes waiting for the release of a new election law manual from the Secretary of States Office to help train poll workers. He said consistent changes in identification requirements makes it harder for voters to keep up.

They kind of get accustomed to something, and the next election its changed, Bradley said.
 The Washington Post Manages to Outdo the BBC with Anti-Israel Headline | Main | Washington Post Book Review Eviscerates Anti-Israel Writers 

June 29, 2017

Expert in Nazi Propaganda Omits James Walls Affiliation With Neo-Nazi Publication in Wikipedia Article

James M. Wall meeting with Martin Luther King in 1967. (Screenshot from The Link.)

James M. Wall, former editor of The Christian Century, is notorious for his hostility toward Israel and its supporters in the United States.

On his blog, Wall has referred to Israels supporters in the United States as a fifth column? and for a while, he was associate editor for a website called Veterans News Now, a publication that promotes hostility toward Jews throughout the world and has promoted the work of David Duke, a former Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan. His behavior is a huge embarrassment for his former employer, The Christian Century, the flagship publication of mainline Protestantism in the United States.

CAMERA has written extensively about Walls descent into the netherworld of antisemitism on a number of occasions, including articles that can be seen here and here. Articles on the failure of Christian Century and the United Methodist Church to hold Wall accountable for his hateful writings about Israel and its Jewish supporters can be seen here and here.

All this is worth recounting because a few weeks ago, a well-known historian, Randall Bytwerk, who taught for many years at Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan, apparently wrote an article about Wall at Wikipedia.

The article, which can be read here, is a pretty straightforward text, detailing his career as a journalist, movie critic and Democratic politician and activist. The documentation demonstrating that Bytwerk wrote the Wikipedia article in question can be seen here and here.

What is amazing is that the text makes no mention whatsoever of Walls affiliation with Veterans News Now, which was so embarrassing to Christian Century that it was forced to issue a statement about the controversy here.



It is almost impossible that a historian would miss this controversy (even after a quick Google search), and no responsible historian would omit it from an article, but Bytwerk did. After the controversy broke, National Vanguard, a neo-Nazi publication came to Walls defense, as did Veterans Today, another racist publication affiliated with Veterans News Now. (No links.) What makes Bytwerks omission even more astounding is that he is an expert on Nazi propaganda and is the curator of Calvin Colleges online archive of German Propaganda. Veterans News Now, where Wall served as associate editor, traffics in many of the antisemitic tropes that the Nazis used and would be familiar to Professor Bytwerk. Did Randall Bytwerk not know about the controversy surrounding James M. Walls affiliation with Veterans News Now and his unwholesome enmity toward Israel and its supporters which manifested itself as his career progressed and came into full bloom in his retirement? How could he miss it? In any event, CAMERA supporters can be glad because Wikipedia can be edited by its readers. It may take some effort, but the information about James M. Walls transformation from a respected mainline Protestant journalist into a purveyor of hate can be inserted into the Wikipedia article by anyone with a computer and a modem. It is a sad subject, but the fact is, James M. Wall tarnished his legacy all by himself and no encyclopedia article about his life can legitimately ignore the issue.



Posted by dvz at June 29, 2017 04:39 PM

"How could he miss it?" Did you ask the guy before slamming him in a published article? And as for "Wikipedia can be edited by its readers", try editing Wikipedia and you will find that it is tightly controlled by a professional PR team that quickly bans anyone who presents sourcing that disagrees with the narrative that they have been assigned to push. DVZ responds: Yes. Queried him via email. No response yet. Will post response when and if received.

Posted by: Tang at June 30, 2017 11:43 AM

Here's a great article showing James Wall for all his lies about Israel.

Wall is even a supporter of Ahlam Tamimi the terrorist behind the Sbarros massacre in 2001.

https://www.algemeiner.com/2013/07/09/the-christian-century-must-remove-anti-semite-from-masthead/

Posted by: Barry Meridian at July 5, 2017 07:12 AM

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GAUTIER, Mississippi -- The seven-member Gautier City Council, led by Mayor Phil Torjusen, was sworn in to office Thursday night during a ceremony on the campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Torjusen was one of three new members of the board, along with Ward 1 councilman Cameron George and Ward 2 councilman Richard "DJ" Jackson. The other four members are at least on their second term: councilwoman at-large Mary Martin, and councilmen Casey Vaughan, Rusty Anderson and Adam Colledge of Wards 3,4 and 5, respectively.

"The positive attitude, teamwork and momentum seen in this council and its taff, I truly believe, will propel the City of Gautier forward and we will see our city continue to grow and flourish," said City Manger Paula Yancey in her opening address.

"Being with the City of Gautier this past year has been one of the best experiences of my career and tonight marks the beginning of an exciting chapter as we welcome our new leaders and as our city continues to grow," she said.

Christian Hartley of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce served as the mistress of ceremonies, while Rev. Jerome Blanks of New Era Baptist Church in Gautier provided both the invocation and benediction.

Gautier Police Chief Dante Elbin led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, while Lauren Watson sang the National Anthem. Gautier Municipal Court Judge Jason Thornton administered the oath of office, beginning with Torjusen and then each council member individually.

"It feels like it's real now," Torjusen said immediately afterward. "The waiting is over. My family is in town and we're going to have a family weekend together, but I'm looking forward to getting to work on 5th."

Municipal governing bodies typically meet on the first Tuesday of the month, but with July 4 falling on a Tuesday this year, all of the new administrations will have to wait until Wednesday for their first official meetings.

Martin, beginning her third term, said she hasn't lost her passion for helping her city.

"I enjoy it and I love it," she said. "I know it's a headache on some things, but I enjoy it because I love our city. We became a city about 30 years ago and there have been very few council meeting I've missed in those 30 years. It's just a pleasure to serve. It really is."
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NEWPORT, Pend Oreille County (AP)  An eastern Washington aerospace company has been fined $500,000 by the state Department of Labor and Industries, one of the largest penalties ever assessed by the agency.

The agency announced the settlement Thursday in its case against Zodiac Cabin & Structures Support LLC of Newport, Washington.





. . .
Woman, horse die in collision with gravel truck

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP)  Authorities say an Idaho Falls woman is dead after a head-on collision in a construction zone south of Idaho Falls.

An Idaho State Police news release says 65-year-old Shirley Williams was driving in a pickup truck pulling a horse trailer on Wednesday when a man driving an empty gravel truck veered into oncoming traffic, hitting Williams' truck head-on. The male driver also crashed into Williams' horse trailer and another car behind him.

The Post Register reports that Williams was taken to a hospital where she later died from her injuries. The other two drivers were not injured. Officials say all were wearing seat belts.

A horse also died after the crash.

The news release says the male driver was arrested on a charge of vehicular manslaughter.




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PORTLAND (AP)  The family of a Washington man killed when a tree fell on his car in the Columbia River Gorge seeks $2.2 million in a lawsuit against the state of Oregon.

The suit filed Wednesday in Portland asserts the Oregon Department of Transportation has a duty to maintain trees along Highway 30, and the tree that crushed 27-year-old Jorge Figueroa showed obvious signs of decay.





. . .
$3.5B wind farm set for coal state

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP)  President Donald Trump's efforts to roll back coal and climate-change regulations aren't discouraging a utility from making a $3.5 billion investment in wind energy.

Rocky Mountain Power plans to spend big on wind power and related infrastructure in three Western states by 2020. Utility officials said Thursday they're ready to present details of their plan to regulators in Wyoming, Utah and Idaho.

The plan involves building new power lines and putting longer blades on existing wind turbines. But the biggest part will be building more wind turbines in Wyoming, the top coal-producing state. The new Wyoming turbines will generate enough electricity to power as many as 190,000 homes.

Rocky Mountain Power spokesman David Eskelsen says the utility plans farther out than the policies of any one presidential administration.




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Q. This is the ultimate in getting the job done fast and in time, in time meaning less than 24 hours of lapse. Any thoughts on this one? Clue: You can bank on it.

A. It's the ultimate hurry up and wait, since the brain from a deceased donor must arrive at the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center within 24 hours, says Sean O'Neill in New Scientist magazine. Average time is more like 17 hours, incredibly fast given the brain has to be removed intact and transported from anywhere in the U.S.





. . .
The HSUS has long supported transparency in labeling when it comes to animal agriculture and associated products, and believes that Americans care about the origins of their food. Photo by iStockphoto

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An analysis completed by The HSUS and the Humane Society Legislative Fund revealed that of 47,000 comments received by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to a request for public input on the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule (87 Fed. Reg. 7042), 99.5 percent opposed the agencys delay of the rule and requested that the agency make it effective and put it in practice. This is an extraordinary outpouring of public concern about a long overdue upgrade and clarification of the organic standards and it would mark a much-needed improvement in federal animal welfare standards for pigs, chickens, cattle, and other farm animals.

The Obama Administrations USDA promulgated the final rule on January 19th. Right out of the gate, the Trump Administration delayed implementation of the rule for three months, and then it extended the delay another six months, establishing a 60-day comment period where the agency asked the public if its prior expressions of approval for the rule still applied. Our exhaustive analysis of the comments reinforced what the public said in the original round of comments: consumers and farmers want a strong and meaningful standard that amplifies the animal welfare components of the USDA organic label.

The original January 2017 rule was hardly a slapdash production. It had been in the works for over a decade and there was substantial, extended feedback from farmers, consumers, and other key stakeholders that stretched throughout almost the entirety of the four terms of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The overwhelming preponderance of feedback backed the idea that animals raised under organic label be given outdoor access and be afforded high animal welfare standards.

The USDA rule encompasses an array of housing, husbandry, and management standards, including the prohibition of certain cruel practices like tail docking of cattle; the transportation of sick, injured, or lame animals; or mulesing of sheep (cutting the skin from the back legs and rump). It clarifies the requirement that animals cannot be tightly confined, and sets minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements for egg-laying chickens. The rule requires that producers provide a sufficient number of exits and design outdoor areas to promote and encourage birds to go outside on a daily basis.

Lets be clear that this is not just about animal welfare. Its about consumers and the marketplace and what people want to buy. And Its about supporting the livelihood of pig farmers, egg producers, and other men and women involved in livestock agriculture. Organic farmers, with a real brand behind them, can demonstrate to their customers that they are honoring more humane and sustainable husbandry practices on the farm, and can demand a higher price for value-added, ethically sourced products. Consumers will pay a premium because the animals are treated well, not fed antibiotics or hormones, and not chewing on feed crops sprayed with inorganic pesticides.

Conventional producers are fond of saying that people vote with their pocketbooks, and that animal advocates may talk a good game about giving animals more space and outdoor access, but that in the marketplace, consumers default to lower price points rather than higher ethical standards. But if their efforts to subvert this rule tell us anything, they reveal that conventional producers are wary of consumers having this kind of information and this kind of choice. Organic is the fastest growing product line in the grocery business, and consumers are reaching for the products on the shelves with this label emblazoned on the packaging. But they are also asking that the label mean something, and that the weak standards put in place in 2000 (a full decade after the 1990 passage of the Organic Foods Production Act) be fortified so that there is authenticity behind the organic brand.

If some consumers want organic products, then give it to them. They feel better about their food purchases and think its healthier and more humane. If farmers want this opportunity to feed the demand of a surging market, give it to them. Every cut of meat, half gallon of milk, and dozen eggs provides revenue-generating opportunities for thousands of family farmers adhering to a standard and showing sound husbandry practices.

These are common sense standards that should be customary and standard on farms. Its kind of remarkable that allowing animals to be able to stand up and stretch their limbs requires a special label in the first place.

The conventional pork industry has seen more than 90 percent of producers go out of business in the last 40 years, the dairy industry 88 percent, and the egg industry more than 95 percent. Their adoption of industrial-style production methods, combined with the anti-competitive practices, drove farmers out of business and hurt rural communities as much as any other factor. An authentic organic label is about stopping the hemorrhaging of people from rural communities and actually growing the ranks of family farmers.

Make no mistake, the attack on this rule is an attack on family farmers throughout the nation. It is an attempt to gut federal animal welfare standards in agriculture. And it is an attack on consumer choice and the integrity of the organic label. The latest outpouring of comments (46,500+ out of 47,000 comments favored the rule) is democratic redundancywith stakeholders, time and again, demanding meaningful standards for the organic label.

There should be no confusion about the message. The written record is unmistakable and transparent. The American people have spoken, and its time to honor their wishes.

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Two brothers charged in the armed robbery of a Cannon Oil gas station and the assault of the clerk will have their cases heard by a grand jury.

On Friday, attorneys for 23-year-old Roderick Dewayne Sistrunk and 19-year-old Raynod Cortez Sistrunk waived preliminary hearings  allowing the first-degree robbery and first-degree assault cases against each to pass to a grand jury.

On March 22, a clerk at the Cannon Oil on Alabama Highway 27 south of Enterprise was taking trash out when two armed men approached him and forced him into the store, according to an Enterprise Police Department press release.

The duo then demanded money and cigarettes, and one of the suspects pistol-whipped the clerk  causing a laceration to his head.

A week later, Enterprise Police obtained warrants for the Sistrunks. The brothers were arrested shortly thereafter in Panama City, Florida, after Raynod allegedly shot Roderick in the stomach following a dispute.
Daniel Fuchs sees his teams recent win at the International SimChallenge in Paris as a validation of his choice to attend medical school at ACOM.

No one expected a small program like ours to be as recognized as it is, he said. I think it proves the instruction we receive here is among the best.

At the event, Fuchs and three other ACOM students competed against other international teams in simulated patient scenarios using high-tech mannequins. The ACOM team had previously won a U.S. competition to get the invite to the Paris event, which was held at the Society in Europe for the Simulation Applied to Medicine meeting.

Were a small, new school and we went up against schools that have existed for 100 years or more, fellow team member Daniel Becak said.

According to Sarah Senn, ACOM director of communications, the competition comprised two rounds, with two teams advancing to the second and final round. During the first round, China, Poland and Portugal competed against each other, followed by France, the Netherlands and the US. The two groups of countries competed with different cases and the two top scoring teams moved into the finals. ACOM students competed on Thursday, June 15, in the preliminary round to earn their spot in the finals against the team from France on Friday, June 16.

In the final round, contest organizers threw the team a curve ball by presenting them with a scenario in which they had to treat a patient with gunshot wounds to the face and chest. To add even more realism to the scenario, instead of using a mannequin, the patient in the exercise was a person wearing a cut suit that simulated the patients injuries and allowed students to perform procedures.

Senn said during the scenario, the team had to perform a surgical airway because the facial trauma prevented the patient from being intubated. The team also had to put in a chest tube, while stabilizing the patient, transfusing blood and organizing the right specialists to come and attend the patient.

Fuchs said the cohesion of the team helped them successfully complete the scenario.

A lot of our success has to do with us leaving our egos at the door, he said. No one on the team was any more or less than anyone else on the team.

Dr. John Gianinni, director of simulation, said he was proud of the teams success. Gianinni said simulation labs like the one at ACOM are a fairly new development in medical instruction. Gianinni said the labs provide invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students, which comes in handy when they must face real world scenarios.

It desensitizes them to it, takes away the stress and they perform better when theyre working, he said. They dont forget these lessons.
Top global travel website travelmag.com has named Carlingford in its top 20 'most charming towns in Ireland list.

TravelMag.com asked 300 writers, photographers and selected travel professionals with a love for all things Irish, to name the 20 towns in Ireland that they they consider to be the most charming, with Carlingford in Louth making the list.

The website was glowing in its praise for the north Louth village:

"Stand on the shore of Carlingford and look across the lough and you will see Northern Ireland. A lot of history linked to the other side of the Irish Sea can be found in the medieval streets of Carlingford.

"An old toll gate and mint are overshadowed however by the impressive King John Castle that was built around 1210 by the Normans after they first invaded Ireland in 1173. The towns strategic location has ever been its source of success and strife.

"But divisions aside, the town is packed with historic remnants and you can find some excellent seafood here too."
Louth Fianna Fail TD and spokesperson on North-South Bodies and Cross-Border Co-Operation, Declan Breathnach, has said it is imperative that a deal is reached on the Northern Ireland Assembly talks before the new deadline of Monday 3rd July.

Deputy Breathnach said, Its time for politicians from all sides to step up to the plate, leave their disruptive baggage behind, and work together to strike a deal to get the Assembly back up and running. A rudderless leadership in Northern Ireland is most disturbing. We all know that where a vacuum exists, volatility and even violence or unrest is never too far away.

As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement the Irish and British Governments must add greater impetus to reaching a solution to re-activate the Assembly before the new deadline of the 3rd of July.

The situation is especially acute given the need to pass a budget. The Head of Northern Irelands Civil Service David Sterling has taken control of Stormont finances due to the previous failure to pass a budget. He has written to each department setting out their spending limits. He is now controlling money equivalent to 75% of the entire years budget and which he can direct.

If no budget is in place by the end of July he can spend up to 95%. This in effect will mean a 5% reduction in spending across the Northern Ireland Public Service.

This is totally separate from the deal reached between the DUP and Theresa May where they have secured 1 billion in additional funding for Northern Ireland.

Brexit compounds and further exacerbates the problems facing Northern Ireland. Indeed Northern Ireland is the most exposed part of these Islands with no leadership to protect their interests. The fact that the DUP are supporting Theresa Mays fragile government does not help either, concluded Deputy Breathnach.
Irish Heart has announced a new partnership with The Irish Mens Sheds Association which will see their nurse-led Mobile Health Unit provide free blood pressure checks to all members of the Association who wish to avail of the service in areas throughout the Louth region.



For more than 50 years Irish Heart has been committed to effecting positive change in peoples lifestyles to prevent heart disease and stroke, the number one cause of death in Ireland, and this partnership is key to reaching one of the most at-risk groups in Ireland  men.



According to Irish Heart, statistics show that in spite of increased male life expectancy, men on the island of Ireland continue to die, on average, four-and-a-half years younger than women.

It is against this backdrop that The Irish Mens Sheds Association is committed to encouraging its members to take better care of their health through a support network that allows them to take more of an interest in their own health and well-being.

The partnership with Irish Heart further enhances these efforts by offering members easy and free access to dedicated and confidential services like a one-to-one with a health check nurse.



Already Irish Hearts Mobile Health Unit has attended Mens Sheds cluster meetings in 11 counties and has provided free blood pressure checks for nearly 300 Mens Sheds members, referring 42% of those tested on to their local GP for a follow-up.

High blood pressure is a silent risk factor which requires a quick check to detect it. To date mens sheds across half the country have benefited from the partnership with free checks delivered in: Dublin, Clare, Longford, Louth, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Galway, Kildare, Cork and Cavan.



Marese Damery, Health Check Manager with Irish Heart said:

Irish Heart is very proud to partner with the Irish Mens Sheds Association to help promote better heart health awareness for men.

"Through the mobile unit our nurses engage with the men, encourage them to know their blood pressure, empower them to make any necessary lifestyle changes to improve their heart health and live life better.

"Many men are reluctant to go to the doctor for a check up and through our mobile health service, we go to them which is a vital prompt not only to carry out a vital blood pressure check, which can be a serious risk factor for stroke and heart attack, but in many cases to refer them to their GP for a follow up.

The Irish Mens Sheds Association was formed as a vehicle to support the development of the burgeoning Mens Sheds movement throughout Ireland, to provide information, resources and support to member sheds, to listen and respond to members concerns and provide a safe and encouraging environment where men can talk openly about their feelings, emotions and health concerns.

The Irish Men's Sheds Association's link with Irish Heart is one of our most valuable partnerships, said Association CEO Mr Barry Sheridan.

Irish Heart's Mobile Health Unit has been a very welcome presence at sheds up and down the country. We know that men's sheds provide huge health and wellbeing benefits to their members.

"Our Sheds for Life initiative is building on those gains all the time, and Irish Hearts advice and expertise helps give our shedders even more certainty and control over their heart health, so they can continue to participate fully in their sheds and their communities.

As this partnership evolves Irish Heart aims to offer free blood pressure tests to all members of the Irish Mens Sheds Association and, in time, full heart health checks to all those who wish to avail of them.
A Dundalk-based company is competing against some of the worlds most innovative energy companies today in a unique Pitch Off competition organised by ESB.

This ESB Pitch Off is part of the Free Electrons Accelerator Programme, an initiative spearheaded by eight global utilities and accelerators including ESB. The aim of the programme is to recruit and support the next generation of ideas in clean energy, energy efficiency, electric mobility and on-demand customer services.

The 12 finalists were selected from 450 applications, and are now participating in customer adoption modules in Silicon Valley, Lisbon, Singapore and Dublin.

Taking place in Trinity College, Dublin on Friday 30 June, the start-ups have just four minutes to pitch their company proposition to a panel of global venture capitalists and energy experts. Mark Little, Storyful founder and technology entrepreneur, will host the high profile Pitch Off.

Derek Roddy, chief executive of Climote, the Dundalk-based home heating control specialist, will be flying the Irish flag as he vies for the $25,000 prize fund. Roddy and his global counterparts will use this unique opportunity to showcase their product and tell of their future plans to a room full of investors waiting to discover the next big thing in the energy sector.

Paul Mulvaney, Executive Director of Innovation at ESB, said:

This accelerator programme and ESB Pitch Off event is a great platform for global utilities like ESB to support innovative start-ups to help them refine and develop their products for the marketplace, he said. All of our business lines are working with all the finalists to identify market opportunities and further develop their products. For instance, HST Solar, the US-based solar design and engineering platform company, will be working with ESB and Bord na Mona on our recently announced joint venture solar power project in the Midlands.
Tanaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, this week announced the primary schools in Louth that have received a Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Award.

The programme aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) among primary school students and teachers.

The recipient schools from Louth are:

St. Peter's National School

Monksland National School

Scoil Naisiunta Muire Gan Smal

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Kilkerley N.S.

Scoil Naisiunta San Nioclas

Scoil Mhuire na Trocaire

St Peter's National School

St Oliver's National School

St Mary's Parish Primary School

St Joseph's National School

Scoil Naisiunta Muire na nGael

Scoil Naisiunta Ard Mhuire

The awards recognise the achievements of children and teachers in the application of STEM in their classrooms.

To qualify, schools are required to keep a log of STEM activities that they have undertaken throughout the academic year and which involved the whole school.

Schools are awarded credit for visiting Discover Science Centres, carrying out their own experiments, using digital technology and maths, going on STEM-related field trips, hosting visits from scientists and engineers, and holding a science open day in the school.

Speaking about the announcement, Tanaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, said:

I am delighted to congratulate these young Louth students and their teachers on this wonderful achievement.

"The Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Awards guide and inspire the next generation of inventors, problem solvers and creative thinkers.

"I am confident these students will lead the way and continue to make us proud in the future.
Supporting female entrepreneurs means physically breaking the glass ceiling with a jackhammer, not just talking about it, writes Christie Whitehill, founder of the Tech Ready Program.

Female entrepreneurs are fighting back. Over the last 10 years and more, the global economy combined with the progress of technology has fostered an extremely healthy environment for entrepreneurs to turn their great ideas into reality. From Facebook and Uber to Freelancer and Etsy, these ideas are being funded healthily and turned into reality. Unfortunately, over 75% of those ideas are born from the minds of males.

This is not about the quality of the ideas or the fact that most of them are from males, its about the fact that for whatever reason, females have not been able to contribute equally. Its not for lack of ideas, either. Accentures research shows that 29% of women in developed countries would like to start a new business in the next five years. So, what gives?

According to the Startup Genome Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2017, only 22% of tech startups have a female founder or co-founder, while only 25% of IT positions are taken up by women. Deloitte believes there may be fewer women in IT today than there were in 2015. This is immensely troubling. While there is a lot of talk in the media about female entrepreneurs, female business leaders and women breaking the glass ceiling, it doesnt generally address the most important aspect of the issuewhy are women so poorly represented in startups?

Only by addressing this question is it possible to move forward and start to truly support female entrepreneurs. After all, a handful of women breaking the glass ceiling wont open a big enough space for the rest to come through. Thanks to our insatiable love of data, its getting easier to pinpoint exactly where we are failing female entrepreneurs. Ironically, we are failing them the same way we are helping themthrough technology.

We must understand professional womens relationship with technology better both in terms of how it is a hindrance as well as how it is a positive. According to a report completed by Davidson Technology last year, Men generally outnumber women 2:1 and this is consistent in all states. Of the total IT participation, 69% are men and 31% women. Furthermore, Core coding type roles are still less inclined to attract a large representation of women. In Executive roles, the number of women is extremely low at 14%.

Accenture also reported that last year, Digital fluency, the extent to which people embrace and use digital technologies to become more knowledgeable, connected and effective, is helping to close the gender gap and level the playing field for women at work. Getting on the right side of the digital fluency gap can change the picture for womenand their countriesin dramatic ways.

Not only does the Accenture report highlight the positives technology can provide, it also pinpoints an extremely important facet of the issue which has so far not been discussed enough. That is that it is ultimately about getting on the right side of the digital fluency gap which will ultimately change the opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Of course, the Davidson Technology report illustrates that fluency in technology for women is not where it needs to be.

With two failed startups and some success as well, I can attest to this. What was not hard was networking, getting in front of the right people and selling my ideas. But what happens once you achieve the funding? For an entrepreneur, financial support comes in a variety of guises, from money and nothing more to everything including education modules and personal support. But you cant guarantee what kind of support will come with the funding you find.

While I had very confident funders with my failed businesses, it was up to me to find the additional support and education that I required to fill the gaps I was missing. The difficulty there is that you often dont know what you need until you have made a mistake. Surely this is the same for men, though, right?

It is, but as the statistics show, there is an educational gap specifically with females when it comes to technology. Technology is driving the large majority of business ideas, which means this is a much bigger problem for females and far more likely to discourage a female entrepreneur from pushing forward with her business idea.

Today there are several avenues that are encouraging female entrepreneurs to push forward with their idea and help level the statistics around male and female founders. This is a great start. But we now need to push forward and make sure that support for female entrepreneurs is not just through networking groups. It needs to be through educational groups as well, specifically around technology and business building, and they need to be supportive of not just women, but of each other.

While many of these groups, courses or education providers compete against each other, knowledge is something that is best taken in large doses. Women should do as much learning as possible, particularly in areas of weakness, and join as many support groups as possible.

There is no shortage of women wanting to start a business. To refresh on the extremely important statistic from Accenture, 29% of women in developed countries would like to start a new business in the next five years. Imagine if even half of them felt empowered enough and knowledgeable enough to do it. That would create some balance pretty quickly!

About the author

Christie Whitehill is the Founder & CEO of Hatching Lab and the 8-week Tech Ready Program, an accelerator course that connects female entrepreneurs with industry experts to equip them with the skills and confidence to validate their business idea and to select the appropriate technology to build their Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The program has launched in Sydney and will roll out nationally over the coming months.
An increasing number of small business owners will complete their tax returns themselves this year, according to research undertaken by cloud accounting provider MYOB.

The companys June SME Snapshot revealed that 41% of owners plan to complete their own returns, up from 41% last year. John Moss, MYOBs chief strategy officer told Dynamic Business that the increase has been driven by technological advancements in cloud accounting software, which make it easier for owners to complete their own tax returns.

Of the findings, two came as no surprise to Moss  37% of owners have forfeited weekends to meet their tax obligations, while 44 said the EPFY process had significantly impacted their work/life balance.

We know that Australian small businesses are already a time-poor group, and we also know that small business owners feel the compliance burden of GST and EOFY tax reporting, he said.

At this time of year small businesses struggle to balance their time in the business with their additional compliance obligations, and the result is having to work late into the night and at the weekends.

Moss said there were a few key things small business owners could do to speed up the tax-time process and regain their time:

Always forward plan for EOFY tax-time to alleviate time pressures associated with this heavy administration task

Use up-to-date online technology with automated data feeds to help you keep accurate and complete records

Connect with your accountant to help with your tax time strategy and to ensure you are claiming correctly. This will ensure you are able to process your tax claims faster.

Although 41% of respondents told MYOB they wouldnt be using the $20,000 instant asset tax write-off, and a further 16% were unsure if they would, Moss said the overall response to the measure has been positive.

Given that it has only been in effect for two years, 43% uptake is a great result, he said. The $20K write-off is something small business owners have found extremely helpful. There could be a number of reasons for the 41 per cent who arent planning to use it, but if the measure is extended again, some of those businesses may change their mind in the future.

See also: Federal Budget: small business $20k instant asset write-off scheme extended by one year and A permanent $20,000 instant asset tax write-off for businesses tops SME wishlist, MYOB finds.
Voting is a sacred act and for many people, it remains a private one. That will change under President Trumps Election Integrity Commission.

The commission chaired by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach and Vice President Mike Pence is charged with investigating voter fraud. The problem is that this is not a widespread problem, no matter what Trump tweets. The Washington Post found four cases in the entire country for 2016. Thats out of 135 million ballots cast. And in Michigan, a state audit found no evidence of voter fraud in Detroit.

The commission has been flying under the radar. But this week, the group sent a letter to all 50 secretaries of state.

Everyone  Republicans, Democrats and independents alike  should be alarmed by the information this commission is demanding. The Chicago Tribunes headline sums it up well: Trumps voter fraud commission wants voting history, party ID and address of every voter.

But it gets even worse when you read the fine print:

The chair of Donald Trumps Election Integrity Commission has penned a letter to all 50 states requesting their full voter role data, including the name, address, date of birth, party affiliation, last four Social Security number digits and voting history back to 2006 of potentially every voter in the state.

And heres the kicker: Kobach said that any documents that are submitted to the full Commission will also be made available to the public.

So when you went to the polls, did you expect that your name, address, date of birth, party affiliation, voting history and part of your Social Security number would be released for public consumption?

California, Kentucky, Virginia, Massachusetts and Connecticut have already rejected the commissions intrusive request.

Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson should quickly follow suit to protect voters privacy and not contribute to this waste of taxpayer dollars.

Michigans SOS races tend to be quiet affairs, especially as nominees are picked at party conventions. But an issue like voter privacy could become explosive in next years open race.

UPDATE: If youd like to weigh in on this, the number for the Michigan Secretary of States office is 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424). It is staffed Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also send comments through their website HERE. You can also try the Michigan Bureau of Elections at 517-373-2540.
President Donald Trump aims to save taxpayers US$1 trillion over the next 10 years with a little help from Americas high-tech industry.

Our goal is to lead a sweeping transformation of the federal governments technology that will deliver dramatically better services for citizens, the president said Monday at a roundtable session of the American Technology Council, composed of the leaders of 18 U.S. tech firms including Apple, Amazon and Microsoft.

Were embracing big change, bold thinking and outsider perspectives to transform government and make it the way it should be, and at far less cost, he declared.

Outdated federal IT is a big problem, the president acknowledged, but were going to be working on it and were going to solve the problem, and up to a trillion dollars in savings for taxpayers over the next 10 years. Over a trillion.

Although savings from upgrading federal IT could be substantial, the $1 trillion number may be overly optimistic.

The presidents estimate of $1 trillion in savings over a decade sounds like it was made up in the fly, Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT, told TechNewsWorld.

The president also told participants in the roundtable discussion that his administration is fixing airport systems, upgrading Defense Department and Veterans Administration systems for seamless transfer of information between the agencies, and working diligently on immigration so tech companies can get the foreign workers they need to continue to innovate.

Wheres the Money?

The president last month signed an executive order calling for modernization of federal IT.

The modernization plan required by that order isnt due until August, so well have to wait for that to learn what, specifically, modernization entails, said Julian Sanchez, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute.

It will be months, if not years, from there before we can assess whether its actually being implemented effectively, he told TechNewsWorld.

The focus of the order is on upgrading antiquated federal hardware and software. That will require money  money that appears to be absent from the presidents budget.

If youre talking about an IT overhaul of the federal government, I didnt see a comprehensive plan in any of the budget documents that I went through, said Chris Bronk, an assistant professor in the College of Technology at the University of Houston.

An IT overhaul also would require leaders, which seem to be missing at the moment.

Youre not going to get results from big changes if you dont have federal executives with a mandate to make the changes, Bronk told TechNewsWorld.

The Trump administration is just slow at bringing people into federal jobs, he pointed out. We dont even have a federal CIO yet. Without a federal CIO, how can you have a federal modernization strategy?

Shared Services

The executive order also calls for moving to shared IT infrastructure and cloud services, a process started by the Obama administration.

Moving to shared infrastructure and cloud services entails up-front costs, but has the potential to save the government a decent amount of change in the long run by exploiting economies of scale  and by scaling better as the demands of individual agencies change  as well as making it easier to harden federal systems against cyberattack, Catos Sanchez noted.

Sweeping changes in federal IT have been proposed before, but they tend to lose steam quickly.

Consider that the government maintains a massive underground facility where federal employee records are still maintained on paper after decades of failed efforts at a digital transition, Sanchez observed.

You have all the usual hurdles of sweeping technology changes in large institutions coupled with the red tape  some of it there for sound reasons, like avoiding corruption or ensuring the privacy of citizens sensitive data  that makes federal procurement a slower and more cumbersome process than most businesses have to deal with, he added.

Archaic hardware and software is just part of the problem.

There is no central buyer of IT solutions and services. That means individual institutions, agencies and groups negotiate with vendors they choose, explained Pund-ITs King.

That tends to make systems costlier and more complex than necessary, and stymies integration efforts, he continued. Unless those issues are also targeted by the presidents plan, its hoped-for benefits will be difficult or impossible to achieve.

Closing Industry-Government Divide

The presidents attempt to give the nations tech industry a bigger role in transforming federal IT has promise, said Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Past administrations have told the tech industry, we want your guidance,' he told TechNewsWorld. This is the first time Ive seen a president say, Our IT infrastructure is out of date. Its the first time Ive seen the whole IT discussion go all the way to the president.

Whats more, a government-industry partnership could help close the virtual divide between the sectors.

We hope that divide closes, because its important they cooperate, McGregor said.

Drawing on insights from Silicon Valley  something the previous administration also tried to emphasize  could yield real gains if theres the will and focus to follow through on a transformative approach, Catos Sanchez added.

However, it could also easily become an excuse for annual photo ops with tech celebrities, which doesnt yield anything concrete, he acknowledged.

Ill hope for the former, said Sanchez, but I wont be shocked if we get the latter.
California's Ban on High Capacity Magazines Blocked by Federal Judge

California voters suffered a setback in the fight to make the state safer from gun violence. The ban on high capacity magazines, approved last year by a majority of voters, has been blocked by a federal judge pending the outcome of the case.

The new law, which was slated to take effect this weekend, would have required owners of high capacity magazines to risk fines and criminal penalties just for possessing the ammunition magazines that fit 10 or more bullets. Since 2000, California law has prohibited purchasing or selling these type of magazines. This lawsuit was filed in San Diego by the California arm of the National Rifle Association.

Preliminary Injunction Junction

At this stage of the case, the judge's order preventing the enforcement of the new law is only temporary. Preliminary injunctions only have an effect while a case is pending, and can be reversed at any time during the case if the court no longer believes the requirements are met.

Essentially, the court granted the preliminary injunction because the NRA argued that owners of the high capacity magazines in the state could suffer damages and injury if the law was allowed to go into effect. The law would allow owners to be fined $100 for a violation of the law, as well as face up to one year in jail.

One Court Can Rule Them All

Perhaps what is most surprising about this decision is that a federal court in Sacramento rejected a similar challenge. However, the San Diego court's temporary injunction applies statewide.

Generally, the federal courts have the authority to block enforcement of a law, not just statewide, but also nationwide. This was recently seen with executive order travel bans that were temporarily blocked by the federal courts.

Related Resources:
Microsoft on Thursday said it has agreed to buy a Hexadite, which incorporates artificial intelligence in its automated responses to cyberthreats.

Microsoft was in talks to buy the firm for US$100 million, according to earlier published reports. However, Microsoft and Hexadite did not disclose terms of the official agreement.

The acquisition will help bolster the companys efforts to help commercial Windows 10 customers deal with advanced attacks on their networks, Microsoft said. It currently offers Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection to detect zero-day attacks, ransomware and other advanced threats, and the Hexadite technology will build on that.

The acquisition will include Hexadites endpoint security automated remediation. Support for activations of WDATP, which currently protects 2 million devices, will continue.

Our vision is to deliver a new generation of security capabilities that helps our customers protect, detect and respond to the constantly evolving and ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, said Terry Myerson, EVP of the Windows and devices group at Microsoft.

Hexadites technology and talent will augment our existing capabilities and enable our ability to add new tools and services to Microsofts robust enterprise security offerings, he said.

Automation and Orchestration

Hexadite is not detection technology, said Dan Cummins, senior analyst for security at 451 Research.

Rather, it is incident response automation and orchestration, fed by data that originates  usually  on detection sensors or systems and then is processed by a SIEM, where its correlated and perhaps enriched with other data, internal or external, he explained.

Hexadite further enriches and prioritizes, Cummins told the E-Comerce Times.

Their primary differentiation, I believe, is their belief in nearly full automation of investigation, response and closeout, even for complex incidents, he noted.

Good Fit

Broadly speaking, IT vendors pursue acquisitions because buying existing technology is generally faster and cheaper than building it themselves, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

The technology being acquired should fit well within the buyers strategy and skill sets. Thats clearly the case here, given both companies focus on and innovative work in proactive security services, AI, machine learning and the needs of enterprise customers, he told the E-Commerce Times.

In addition, it helps if there are existing connections between the companies, King continued.

One of Hexadites early investors is Moshe Lichtman of Israel Venture Partners, who spent two decades as a senior executive with Microsoft, including five years running the companys Israel R&D center, he noted. It doesnt require a stretch of the imagination to consider how Lichtman may have vetted and facilitated the deal.

Rapid Detection

Hexadite was cofounded in 2014 by CEO Eran Barak, Chief Product Officer Barak Klinghofer and CTO Idan Levin. The three executives previously worked at Elbit Systems, where Barak led the companys cybertraining and simulation team, Klinghofer was cybersolutions architect, and Levin was a cybersoftware engineer.

The founders developed a new ground-up method of rapid detection and response to cyberthreats after working on military and other threat scenarios.

After seeing first hand how companies around the world investigated threats and anticipated a massive increase in subsequent alerts compounded by a global skills shortage, they knew that automation would be the only way security teams had a chance, said Nathan Burke, marketing director for Hexadite.

The companys Automated Incident Response Solution uses technology that is able to detect, investigate and respond to cyberthreats within minutes, compared to more traditional methods, which could take weeks to deal with similar situations.

Hexadite early last year received $8 million in series A funding from Hewlett Packard Ventures, Ten Eleven Ventures and YL Ventures, which also had invested in the companys seed round.

At the time, Hexadite had grown to protect more than 500,000 devices worldwide across various industries, based on initial seed money of about $2.5 million. Hexadites customers include IDT, Nuance and Telit.

In connection with that early investment, Mark Hatfield, cofounder of Ten Eleven Ventures, joined the Hexadite board. Hatfield has a strong track record in the technology industry, with prior investments in Cylance, CounterTack, Trust Digital, Resilient Systems (CO3) and Digital Guardian.

Hexadite and HPE last year entered a reseller agreement, which [provided that Hexadites AIRS technology would be offered in combination with HPEs Arcsite detection technology, using AI to manage cyberthreats.

The acquisition of Hexadite provides Microsoft with important resources for enterprise security based on AI, said Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Hexadite appears to provide multiple benefits to Microsoft, he told the E-Commerce Times, including a security service for enterprise and cloud solutions, customers for security services, and valuable IP and expertise for AI applications.

Automation/orchestration is a growing area in cybersecurity, noted Ed Cabrera, chief cybersecurity officer at Trend Micro.

Trend Micro earlier this year entered a partnership with CyberSponse to provide automated incidence response to cyberthreats, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Main Focus

The deal represents one of Microsofts most important cybersecurity acquisitions since its 2015 purchase of Adallom, a specialist in cloud security, for about $250 million. Microsoft used Adalloms technology to bolster its ability to protect its Azure and Office 365 services from cyberthreats.

Dealing with security threats has been top of mind a Microsoft. The company was at the center of the massive Wannacry Ransomware attack in May, which hit more than 300,000 computers in at least 150 countries worldwide. The attack was linked to the Shadow Brokers suspected theft of hacking tools  originally developed by the National Security Agency  that attacked legacy Windows systems that were not properly patched.

Microsoft earlier this year announced a series of upgrades to its enterprise security toolkit, including Azure SQL Database Threat Detection, which uses machine learning to find suspicious database activity; and Enterprise Threat Detection, which uses machine analytics and proprietary telemetry sources to monitor for advanced threats. The rollout was part of a $1 billion annual investment that Microsoft made in addressing security threat issues.

Microsoft has called for a Digital Geneva Convention, which would create a global regulatory system to manage cybersecurity issues.

Hexadite, which has a team of researchers in Tel Aviv, will be fully absorbed into Microsofts Windows and Devices group at the close of the acquisition.
A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs decision to pursue a new direction in processing health records has created a highly visible endorsement of the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) information technology by federal agencies. President Trump cited the VAs action as an example of the administrations commitment to vastly improve federal IT management.

The VA earlier this month awarded a contract to Cerner to develop an electronic health record (EHR) system for the department. The Cerner program will replace the existing VA patient data system, known as VistA, which was developed in-house and has been in use for at least 30 years.

The sheer size of Veterans Affairs, which serves 8.7 million veterans through 1,700 facilities, makes the decision to use an outside contractor noteworthy, as federal agencies strive to meet recently introduced initiatives promoting the outsourcing of information technology.

For vendors, the policy turn indicates more potential in the federal market. VA did not immediately disclose the value of the Cerner contract, but it could amount to several billion dollars. The U.S. Department of Defense in 2015 awarded a similar medical records contract to a consortium of companies including Leidos, Cerner and Accenture, which was valued at US$4.3 billion. DoD noted that the eventual cost of the program could reach $9 billion.

Time for a Change

The VistA system, which VA personnel designed in their off hours decades ago, has been heralded as a pioneering effort in EHR management. The program became a template for both government and private healthcare providers.

However, VA Secretary David Shulkin recently decided that it would be more appropriate for the agency to concentrate on healthcare and leave data processing to commercial specialists.

The departments system is in need of major modernization to keep pace with the improvements in health information technology and cybersecurity, Shulkin said.

Software development is not a core competency of VA, he added.

I said recently to Congress that I was committed to getting VA out of the software business, that I didnt see remaining in that business as benefiting veterans, Shulkin said, and because of that, were making a decision to move towards a commercial off-the-shelf product.

In addition to the need for modernization, the shift to the Cerner offering was triggered by the VA and DoDs shared goal to create a seamless health record that would follow service personnel from active duty through veteran status.

After spending hundreds of millions on the effort, the agencies abandoned the project, largely because of the inability to provide proper interoperability functions, according to Shulkin. DoD then engaged the consortium of Leidos, Cerner and Accenture to provide EHRs for the military.

The prudent course for VA would be a similar approach based on the same technology, Shulkin concluded. As a result, the Cerner contract was issued as a sole source, noncompetitive transaction that potentially will assure compatibility by way of Cerners Millenium offering as the core technology for both the DoD and VA.

Another benefit of the sole source award is that it will save time, given that the DoD competitive process took more than two years from the initial Request for Proposals to the final contract award, Shulkin noted.

The emphasis on commercial off-the-shelf solutions began late in the Obama administration.

Agencies need a more centralized and collaborative software management approach so that they can optimize utilization of commercial and COTS software licenses and maximize the use of best-in-class software purchasing and management solutions, Anne Rung, then U.S. chief acquisition officer, said last year.

The effort to upgrade federal IT has been reinforced by the Trump administration.

Our goal is to lead a sweeping transformation of the federal governments technology that will deliver dramatically better services for citizens [and] stronger protection from cyberattacks, the president said in a recent meeting with technology executives.

VA Secretary Shulkin recently announced that were upgrading technology to allow the seamless transfer of veterans medical records from the Defense Department, which has been a huge problem for decades and decades for our great veterans, Trump said.

Conversion Challenges

The VA could encounter significant hurdles in implementing the COTS system.

Many COTS solutions are built around private sector healthcare models and workflows with zero direct application to how the VA actually works, while VistA was developed specifically to meet VAs needs according to its best practices, noted Deanne Clark, senior health informatics consultant for DSS, in an online post.

Many private sector COTS vendors of EHR programs have failed to meet federal interoperability standards, she pointed out.

Additionally, the VistA system, as an open technology government-developed program, has been adopted widely for use in the private sector health system, Clark said, and it received a top ranking by 20,000 clinicians.

The VA will face challenges switching to an unproven system while simultaneously maintaining the existing VistA system during the conversion period, she said.

Despite those misgivings, Clarks company, which has been a supporting contractor to VA, hopes to remain steadfast in that role.

We want to see VA succeed at this effort, she told the E-Commerce Times.

While the VA will switch out of VistA, Clark still sees value in the private sector version of VistA that will remain a service provided by her company.

We support VA and our veterans, but we will continue to innovate, enhance, and modernize VistA for our present and future commercial clients, and hopefully throughout the duration of VAs transition to COTS, she said.

Multiple factors went into VAs choice to use the COTS approach, Clark acknowledged.

I know that Secretary Shulkin based the decision on a number of factors, and I am not aware of all of the information he had available to make that decision, she said.

Contracting Competitors Busy at VA

While potential competitors for the VA contract could be miffed that the department used a sole source procurement, several seem satisfied with their existing business with the department.

For example, VA early last year gave 21 companies spots on a multiyear IT support contract known as T4NG, with a potential value of $22 billion.

The department in 2015 awarded a $624 million IT contract for health scheduling services to a former Lockheed Martin unit that is now a part of Leidos, along with Epic Systems, a major health IT provider.

We remain focused on and committed to our mission of delivering a world-class electronic health records [system] to the men and women of our Armed Forces, said Leidos Senior Vice President Jerry Hogge.

Our MHS Genesis solution was designed with system interoperability in mind. The VA Secretarys decision to accelerate getting the DoD and VA on a common electronic health record system represents a profoundly important milestone for our nations veterans, their families and beneficiaries, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Epic declined to comment directly on competitive issues but noted its continuing work with VA.

The company is proud to serve our veterans both through the VA scheduling project and through our customers that care for millions of veterans across America, Epic said in a statement provided to the E-Commerce Times by spokesperson Meghan Roh.

In fact, there is a good possibility that Cerner might enlist other companies to support the COTS contract with VA.

We look forward to sharing more information as we build the team of innovative and experienced partners that will join us to complete this vital work, Cerner said in a statement provided to the E-Commerce Times by spokesperson Dan Smith.

In cooperation with the DoD, the VA project will improve interoperability, Cerner said, as well as the creation of a single longitudinal health record that can facilitate the efficient exchange of data for current and former service members.
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(Photo: REUTERS / Phil Noble)The first female bishop in the Church of England Libby Lane steps outside following her consecration service at York Minster in northern England on January 26, 2015 as the Archbishop of York John Sentamu (L) looks on.

Falling numbers at services should not necessarily trigger despair for churches because people will still "encounter God" without taking their place in a pew, says one the newest bishop appointees in the Church of England.

Dame Sarah Mullally, the former Chief Nurse for England in the country's National Health Service, has been named as the next Bishop of Crediton in south west England.

Dame Sarah was the youngest ever Chief Nursing Officer for England in 1999, is a mother of two grown up children and came to the church late in life and after being ordained in 2001.

She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2005, under the UK system of granting people titles, in recognition of her contribution to nursing and midwifery.

She is the fourth woman to become a Church of England bishop after the first female bishop was consecrated in Janaury.

She told The Telegraph newspaper clerics must recognise that young people are as likely to hear the Christian message through social media sites such as Facebook or in cafes as in a church.

Church of England attendance has slowly declined for decades. The proportion of Britons attending a local morning service have fallen by half in 40 years, by some measures, to just 1.5 per cent of the population, The Guardian newspaper reported June 7.

New figures, however, have indicated a much steeper fall in the numbers considering their views to be broadly in line with the church.

The yearly British Social Attitudes survey found that in just two years between 2012 and 2014, the number of people describing their beliefs as being Church of England or Anglican fell from 21 per cent to 17 per cent.

That is a loss of 1.7 million people and it prompted the former archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, to repeat warnings that the church is "a generation away from extinction," The Guardian reported.

In January the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Archbishop of York John Sentamu both said the Church of England will no longer be able to carry on its current form unless the downward spiral its membership is reversed "as a matter of urgency."

The two most senior bishops in the church said in The Telegraph the church could face a dramatic shortage of priests within a decade as almost half of the current clergy retire.

Meanwhile dwindling numbers in the pews will inevitably plunge the Church into a financial crisis as it grapples with the "burden" of maintaining thousands of historic buildings, they insisted

The Church of England is the officially-established Christian church in England and is considered the mother church of the 80-million strong worldwide Anglican Communion.

Typical Sunday attendances have halved to just 800,000 in the last 40 years  although the church has previously claimed the decline has been levelling off in recent years.

Income from donations in the offering plate has risen slightly in the last few years as declining congregations dig deeper.
Latest News

NMC withdraws from three national awards The awards are Dr BC Roy National Award, Silver Jubilee Research Award and Hari Om Ashram Alembic Research

Maharashtra government approves upgradation of 92 schools Upgradation of primary schools will provide better education to EWS students

KTET October 2022 registration last date today The Kerala TET Exam 2022 is scheduled to be conducted on December 3 and December 4, 2022
Heritage Auctions is selling off a super-rare original 1957 prospectus for the Haunted Mansion, prepared by Ken Anderson as a first approximation of what Disneyland's "spook house" might be.



I happen to have browsed one of these, and I count myself lucky because I wasn't able to find anyone at Imagineering who'd ever seen it. Bidding stands at $1600.



The Haunted House/Haunted Mansion Disneyland Notes and Plans Group (Walt Disney, 1957). Here is one of the single most important lots we have ever offered in relation to Disneyland. After reviewing a Ghost House in one of Harper Goff's original concept sketches, Walt Disney gave the idea of a Ghost House to Ken Anderson. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Disney then visited the "Winchester Mystery House" in San Jose California. Walt asked Ken Anderson to create a story for a theme park haunted house. This is the group of extensive hand-typed notes and preliminary plans for a Disneyland "Haunted House." It is in a soft binder with a label that reads, "2nd Revision September 17 'The Haunted House' By Ken Anderson." This has his notes from the Winchester House visit, with his entire 24-page story for the attraction. The binder has a two-page table of contents and a spec page for the Winchester House. Also included are two small sheets with his notes on the Winchester House dimensions. Also included, a folded 30" x 18" architectural drawing print of the inside of the proposed ride. Print reads Ken Anderson 9/2/57. This plan is loose. The Front Elevation plan is in the last page of the binder and is a fold-out. Minor handling, edge wear and folds to two architectural plans. Good condition.

The Haunted House/Haunted Mansion Disneyland Notes and Plans Group (Walt Disney, 1957) [Heritage Auctions]

(Thanks, Paul!
Yesterday, MSNBC hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough were subject to typical (if unusually gross) insults from the President of the United States, leading to a standard round of milquetoast criticism from his fellow Republicans and futile rage from everyone else. But it's their claim that Trump tried to blackmail them through the threat of negative press coverage that's making news all around the world. Even the BBC has it as its top story.

What started yesterday as an undignified personal spat between Donald Trump and the hosts of a cable news show has morphed into something much more sinister  allegations of White House machinations that tread ever so close to outright blackmail. If what Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough say is true, they were the targets of political dark arts reminiscent of the schemes of the Watergate "fixers" during the Nixon White House. Could Trump aides have really used the threat of an embarrassing story in a tabloid newspaper to pressure the two hosts to provide more favourable coverage?

Trump admitted it, in one his bizarrely revealing attempts at misdirection

Watched low rated @Morning_Joe for first time in long time. FAKE NEWS. He called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no! Bad show  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 30, 2017

and yet we're so deep into the surreal dreamland of his presidency that it seems nothing he says or does could possibly lead to consequences. It's as if he's so deranged that his own party simply doesn't feel his behavior will reflect badly on them, irrespective of their support for and tolerance of it.

To many Americans, this seems almost like empty dramaa distraction, perhaps, from the partial implementation of the administration's travel ban on visitors from several Muslim-majority countries. But I wonder if to people in other countries, Trump has always been a superficial spectacle. This story has unusual international import because it looks a lot like the kind of secretive political wetwork they associate with quieter, more dangerous men. So attention is being paid to reportage like this:
Police warn of scammers claiming to be from Government

Police are warning of scammers claiming to be from the Government targeting people from the Island.

The Isle of Man Constabulary says complaints have been received about callers falsely claiming to be Government representatives.

The caller tells their victim they need to attend their house to remove the boiler and install a new one.

Officers are urging anyone who receives such a call not to give their details to the caller.
Police appeal for help finding missing woman



Aurelie Fatout, also known as Riley, was last seen near Douglas Head.

Police are appealing for help from the Manx public to find a woman who is missing from home.

Aurelie Fatout, also known as Riley, was last scene near the first footpath on Douglas Head, and may have walked down towards the Camera Obscura.

She's described as 5ft 3in with dark brown hair, tanned with a French accent.

She was last seen with her hair tied back, wearing a black coat and white Nike trainers.

Police insist she isn't in any trouble, but ask anyone who has information on her whereabouts to contact Police Headquarters on 631212.
Here's an immersive experience that you can truly, well, get immersed in: JAWS on the water. With dates from now until the end of July, you can watch any one of the Jaws movies while sitting on an inner tube on Lake Travis at Volente Beach Water Park in Leander, Texas.

Cue the scary musicDuh nuhDuh nuh

Imagine relaxing on an inner tube with a cold drink in hand on a perfect Texas summer night, your feet languidly dangling in the calm Lake Travis water. Now imagine you're also watching the greatest thriller ever made, projected across the water while unknown terrors threaten from the watery depths

Birth.Movies.Death.Events, along with Fandango and Alamo Drafthouse, are hosting this perfectly terrifying summer happening. Tickets are $55 and includes dinner (which, oddly enough, isn't seafood).

(RED)
Sandra Bullock's stress level is at an all-time high due to the fact that her stalker, Joshua James Corbett, was released from a mental health facility today.

The man who once stood outside the acclaimed actress' bedroom is now free to walk the streets after a judge ordered him five years of probation.

On June 8, 2014, the terrified Oscar winner was hiding in a closet after she heard a loud noise disturbing her sleep. She hid in her closet as she guided police to her home as she and her two adopted children, Laila and Louis, feared for their lives.

Corbett was unarmed the night he broke into Bullock's home, although, he carried a notebook filled with cut-out magazine pictures of Bullock and 25 pages worth of hand-written notes.

"I will forever be thinking of you and Louie, my son, as you are my wife by law, the law of God and you belong to me and me to you," one note read.

The 52-year-old actress did not show up during the case, but her 15-minute 911 phone call was sufficient enough for the judge to understand her terror.

Corbett appeared at Bullock's house three nights in a row and was ordered by the court to stay away from Bullock for 10 years.

"It's clear that he was stalking her repeatedly and maliciously," Deputy district attorney, Wendy Segall, said. "There is not a more clear-cut case of stalking than this one."

Although Corbett claimed he never meant to hurt Bullock, he is still to remain as far away from her as possible.

"I'd already hurt somebody that I didn't intend to. I did not want to affect my family with my actions."

Sandra's lawyer, Ed McPherson, was in court on Friday for a hearing to turn Sandra's temporary restraining order into a permanent one.

The judge agreed and Joshua Corbett is required to stay 200 yards away from Sandra until June 2022.
Written by ACM



*Strasbourg/CoE+Prefectoral Palace+EUParliament Press Conference/Angelo Marcopolo/- The 1st Time that we met Helmut Kohl, was at CoE's 1997 Summit in Strasbourg, Together with Chirac and Yeltsin, (Smiling and Joking, Face to Face, at a corridor of PMC Building), they had just created the "Trilateral" Franco-Germano-Russian meetings, later Developed by Shroeder, Merkel, Putin, Medvedev, etc, before fading away... But Now, 20 Years Later, on 2017, when Kohl suddenly left us, his Legacy touches More Topical Issues, than some would dare acknowledge !

(Helmut Kohl at CDU's 2010 Congress at Karlsruhe - Photo Eurofora)

--------------------------





First, it's a Fact that the Historic German Chancelor is much More Popular than ...NATO or even the G7 (former G8) Summits :



Indeed, while the Memorial Ceremony on his Honour, scheduled for Saturday, 1/7/2017, at EU Parliament in Strasbourg, is due to gather here More Heads of State/Government than the CoE and NATO Summits of 1997 and 2009, respectively, as the Director of EU Parliament's Office, Luis Martinez-Guillen, observed, (noting f.ex. the EU, Russia, even China + USA Delegations, several Famous former Leaders, etc), Nevertheless, the Record-Brief Time ("only 10 Days !") that the Competent Services had in order to Organize the Security of this Top Meeting now, ("the Shortest ever, and with the Less possible Restrictions on local People's everyday Lives", as Lower-Rhine Prefecture's Secretary General, Yves Seguy, also Replied to an "Eurofora" Question at a Press Conference Today, on the 5.000 Guards, Blocked Circulation and No-Fly Zone, etc., protecting the event), Fits Well an Exceptional Lack of foreseable Unrest or Trouble during such kind of Mega-Events :



- Contrary to what was the case, f.ex., back on 2009 NATO's 60th Anniversary Summit, when Strasbourg City had been almost Cut in Two Parts : one placed behind Huge Barricades, and anOther Exposed to Loud and Massive Protest Demonstrations, Street Violence, Gas, even Fires, etc, "this Time, at my Knowledge, at least until now, Nobody has asked to make any protest at all. There is Not the same Tension as then", noted the Experienced President of Strasbourg's "Euro-Metropole", Robert Herrmann, evoking also "Eurofora"'s Memory from those incidents of the Past. I.e., in other words, Nothing Similar to the usual Mass Counter-Demonstrations of G7-G8 Summits, etc...



But, in fact, some among the most Topical Issues that Kohl's Legacy realy touches Nowadays, (from GeoPolitics to Economic-Social matters, even BioEthics, etc), are Not expected to be openly Acknowledged by most Establishment's Medias, simply because they seem, Politicaly, ...too "Hot" !



>>> F.ex., those "Trilateral" Franco-Germano-Russian Leaders' Meetings, inaugurated with Kohl in Strasbourg, back on 1997, (Comp. Supra), and well Alive a Decade later, f.ex. on 2006, at Compiegne Castle, near Paris, (where Jacques Chirac had Welcomed Angie Merkel and Vladimir Putin : Comp. "Eurofora" co-Founder's NewsReport from that Historic area), and even Later-on, with again renewed participants, Obviously point at De Gaule's vision for a "Greater Europe : from the Atlantic Ocean to Ural Mountains", which has almost ...Vanished some Years Ago, particularly after the Ukranian conflict of 2014, that Threatened to Cut the European Continent again in 2 Separate Parts, almost as it was the case in that Bleak Past of the former "Cold War" era...



In Addition to those "Sanctions" and Counter-Sanctions, etc., which have already Costed a lot to Europe, both in terms of Tragic Human Lives' lost, even among Many innocent Civilian People, but also in terms of Economic Growth opportunities Lost, (as, f.ex., OECD's Head, Angel Guria, has Admitted, speaking to "Eurofora" : See ....), followed even by several High-Tech. Cooperation chances between EU and Russia, being Wasted, etc, Moscow's recent Exclusion from the original "G 8" Summits, (which were hastily Reduced into "G 7", during Barack Hussein Obama's era), was Strongly Criticized by Helmut Kohl himself, (f.ex. on the occasion of the Publication of his Book "Out of Concern for Europe", on 2015).

And it's not only by Chance, that Kohl's Family has just, notoriously Invited to the forthcoming 1.7.2017 Strasbourg's European Memorial Ceremony, also Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, (as well as former US President Clinton, etc), whose venue has been clearly Confirmed to "Eurofora" Today.



Indeed, by another "Coincidence", it was on "Peace" and Reconciliation, that the Historic Leader of the German ReUnification, had Focused the 2nd Time that We briefly but topicaly met Helmut Kohl, during the 2004 European Parliament's Elections, together with the ChristianDemocrat/EPP Leader Joseph Daul, at Strasbourg's shore to the River Rhine... The World was then at the aftermath of Controversial Iraq War II, mutatis-mutandis, as Now we are still in the Middle of the adjacent, and even more Dangerous, Syrian bloody conflict. However, the aftermath of Kohl's era had just Achieved, then, on 2004, to Facilitate and Attract also Europe's ReUnification, with EU's Enlargement to Central-Eastern European Countries, plus Malta and Cyprus.



+ In Fact, even Before seeing Kohl physicaly, we had already Felt certain important Changes to which he has notoriously Contributed : - Even if we had been Living in Strasbourg already as early as since the Middle 1970ies, and despite the 1st EU Parliament's Elections, since Back on 1979, (almost the Same Time than Young Student Jean-Claude Juncker, the current EU Commission's President - was studying at the Same Faculty of Law here, visiting COE's Assembly and even got Married), nevertheless, it's, indeed, a Fact, that Modern "Europe" Started really to Exist during the 1990ies :



- I.e. just after the German ReUnification, which Marked "Cold War"'s End, Russia's Accession to a PanEuropean CoE, Headquartered in Strasbourg, Maastricht and Shengen (EU Citizens' Free Movement), as well as the Preparation of EuroZone, ECHR's Awakening, with a its First "Hot" Judgements on key Human Rights issues, closely Followed by a Big Reform, (Initialy due, in fact, to prepare former Central-Eastern European Countries, to Reforms necessary for Economic Cooperation, but, already Affecting all Core Human Rights Values, such as Prohibition of Torture, Protection of Life, etc., mainly in Turkey, added also to various other Issues throughout its PanEuropean area, etc. All that (and even more) thanks also to what he had just Contributed to Do.



------------------



- Economy and Europe's Future and even Identity were Not so separate Issues, as some may think, for Political Leaders as Helmut Kohl, the Historic Initiator of Maastricht Treaty and of uro-Zone. During his era, EU Parliament held one of its Most Important Public Debates ever, on Europe's State of the Union and its foreseable Future : that of October 1995, in Strasbourg, including on the forthcoming entry into force of the uro common Currency, for he 1st Time in History, with the Participation of All EU Institution's Heads, and even UNO's Secretary General, etc, on the Occasion of which, some among the Future Problems, and their Possible Solutions, had been already, astonishingly Foreseen !



- So that, when We anew Crossed Helmut Kohl's moves, back on 2011, at Nearby Freiburg, where he had come to meet with then Pope Benedict, during his official visit to Germany (Comp. relevant "Eurofora"'s NewsReports from Freibourg: ....), the Experienced Chancelor had just Strongly Criticized an Exceptionaly too "Laxist" policy on Financial and Monetary issues, related to uroZone, by his "Socialist" successor, former Chancelor Schroeder, especialy around 2000-2002 (i.e. since his Alliance wih "Joshka"'s "Greens"). This had also allowed, and even incited a "Socialist" Prime Minister of Greece to make it Enter in the urozone much Earlier than the Country should, i.e. even Before making the Necessary Economic Reforms, in order to Snap the April 2000 Election, which maintained him on Power during 4 undeserved Years more...



In Exchange, he Lifted Greece's "VETO" against Turkey's Controversial and UnPopular EU bid, (as USA's a.o. "Socialists" wanted then), provoking a still persisting Political Problem in the EU. As even EU Parliament's vice-President Wieland told "Eurofora" on that matter : - "The Socialists pushed Greece precociously in the uroZone, because they wanted Turkey to reach the EU"...



=> Thus, a Trend to Accumulate Debt, which had already Started, as a kind of "Silent Killer", as Early as Since the 1981 First "Waves" of Massive Clientelism and Nepotism of former, mainly "PASOK" Governments, that had notoriously Hired and/or appointed in the State-Controlled Sector, an Excessive Number of Counter-Productive, Cashy Job Holders and Cronies, suddenly "Erupted", with an obvious "Explosion" on Autumn 2009, revealing a Huge, unprecedented Amount of Debt, Triggering uroZone's Biggest ever Crisis.



All this Resulted in 2 quasi-Parallel Crisis: a Political (with 3 "No" to EuroReferenda in France, Netherlands and Ireland, followed by the Emergence and Spread of "EuroScecptic"/"Populist Parties throughout all the EU, which Delayed or even Blocked European Integration), and an Economic one, (which Threatened "uroZone" almost with Extinction). Taken Both Together, they were the Biggest Threat ever met by urope nowadays, and Kohl (who always stood Against Turkey's controversial and unpopular EU bid) was obviously Right to Denounce that 1999-2002 Bad Deal.



---------------------------------------------------------



+ At another Key moment : During the latest Electoral Campaign in Germn Federal Elections : that of 2013, "Eurofora" had followed Angie Merkel's kick-Starting pre-electoral Meeting, at the Beginning of August, in Kohl's Home City : LudwigsHaffen :



- There, almost Everything appeared to Work Smoothly : Merkel started by her Famous and Popular, then, "No to Multi-Kulti !" - as she had also notoriously done in the 2009 European and National Elections, Brillantly Winning Both, Together, then, with Sarkozy in France (2007+2009), and Cameron in the UK (2010 + 2015).



+ She had added a Coherent Appeal for Healthy and "Strong Families" in Germany, announcing more Measures also for Natural Families and Births, as well as for Raising and Educating Children, etc., Merkel obviously Tabled, then, mainly on a Natural, Endogenous, German/European Population Increase, strikingly Similar to the views expressed, Nowadays, by ...embattled Prime Minister of Hungary, Victor Orban, (f.ex. in his Recent Speech at the Budapest World Family Summit, on May 25, 2017 : See ...).



The rest was around a Modern pro-European : "Strong Germany, inside a Strong Europe in the World", based on a Solid Economy, WithOut Debt, and Technological Innovation, etc.



She went on to Brillantly Win in the subsequent, September 2013 Federal Election, with almost 40% of the Votes.



And in the immediately Following EU Summit, October 2013 in Brussels, Merkel looked Better and Stronger than ever : Radiant, Smiling and very Active, she Focused on proudly Raising the European Flag for Freedom, Independence and High-Tech. Development, by Defending Citizens' Personal Data Protection from Foreign Spying (we were then at a "Snowden" revelations era on Obama's infamous NSA), against Cyber-Aggressions, and in favour of decisively Boosting independent European Digital Innovations in the World, (etc).



But, suddenly, After that Voting Time, something mysteriously Negative happened : Already, overNight, Merkel's ChristianDemocrats' initialy Absolute Majority at the Bundestag (according to all Exit Polls), was, Later-on, unexpectedly Reduced into a Minority, Lacking of just Four (4 !) MPs in order to become able to form a Government. Followed 2 Series of Long, "Bumpy" and nerve-Exhausting Negotiations, first with the "Greens", and, then, with the "Socialists", up to Late December... And then, after an unusual for her, "Globalist" holiday resort at a too well known area of Switzerland, (opposite to the always Discreet but spectacular areas of Tyrol's Mountains that she usualy prefered), Merkel suddenly appears with ...Cruntches, Unable to Walk ! Collegues in a Berlin Press Conference ask if there was any Investigation for a possible Covert Aggression against the German Chancelor.... And, meanwhile, Merkel has been Obliged, earlier, to make quite a lot of Political Concessions : Among Others, the Turks are given a Right for "Double" Passports, allowing them to Massively get also German Nationality Papers, for the 1st Time in the History of the Country. A Turkish politician with an impossible Nama (as herself uses to say, Joking), pushed by the "Socialists", is appointed Minister for ..."Integration", and, therefore, all previous, Pre-Electoral Refusals of "Multi-Kulti" (Comp. Supra), ...Disappear from eyesight ! Worse : While Merkel had just anounced, in Brussels' EU Summit of early December 2013, her Intention to Travel to meet with the Russians and other Stakeholders in order to settle the issue of various Trade Areas, so that, instead of allegedly Contradictory, they become Complementary, so that EU Countries could have Access to a Wide Area from Portugal up to Vladivostok, (etc), on the Contrary, soon breaks out the Bloody Ukranian Conflict, from the Beginning of 2014, and her initial plans are Hindered. And, just 1 Year Later, on 2015, the Ludwigshafen (Comp. Supra) appeal for German Families' Natural Births-generated Population (Comp. Supra), are practicaly pushed aside, by sudden Claims that Europeans' Ageing woud be "Fatal", so that Only Youngsters hastily Imported from far away Foreign Countries, immediately Starting by More than 1 Million of Mass Asylum Seekers/Irregular Migrants' "Tsunami" intruding in Europe through Turkey, with the notorious Problems....



- Helmut Kohl anew surfaces at the News' Limelight, just after these events, on April 2016, anew near Ludwigshafen, when he Welcomes an exceptional Visit to his Home by Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban, in the middle of what was called the Mass Asylum Seekers/Irregular Migrants "Crisis" through Turkey. But both Kohl and Orban avoid to criticize the alleged position of Chancelor Merkel, (who, at any case, Evolved considerably on 2017, after the recent Islamist Terrorists' Deadly Attacks Targetting Innocent Civilian People) : They simply stress, in public, that it would be Better for Europe to Find appropriate Solutions, already inside the Foreign Countries of Origin or Transit, Beyond our Continent, instead of massively inundating the EU.



__________________________



Last, but not least, on the Crucial, Nowadays, issues of BioEthics, (particularly Nowadays, with what is happening f.ex. in Germany, under the Pressue of the Declining "Socialist" party and some opportunists), already at Helmut Kohl's political defeat, Back on 1998, "Eurofora"' co-Founder had been genuinly Surprized to see, almost immediately then, a German Medias' Publication Warning about alleged Risks, in a period "After Kohl", to see, sooner or later, emerge, in one way or another, various kinds of Horrible results from more or less atrocious, and, at any case, Dangerous Genetic a.o. "Tests on Human persons"...

During Kohl's era as Prime Minister, indeed, it was, in principle, Unthinkable to autorise such things as, f.ex. Genetic Manipulations on Human Embryos, Genetic a.o. "Tests" on Human beings, Same Sex Marriages, and even less the Suborination of Children to Homosexuals' power, under disguise of so-called "Adoption", the Atrocity of "Surrogate Mothers", etc...



=> An Unforgettable in Memory image, in this regard, is, for "Eurofora", that of Helmut Kohl himself, exceptionaly visiting the Governing Party CDU's Annual Congress at nearby Karlsruhe, back on November 2010, together with Chancelor Angie Merkel, during a Diner organized just after a Crystal-clear Majority of ChristianDemocrat representatives, after a Long and quite "Hot" Debate, (that Merkel had wished as wide as possible, so that all concerned delegates have a chance to express their views), finaly Rejected a Motion which had asked to Legalise systematic Pre-Natal Genetic Tests, which, as many were Afraid, might have been opened Dangerous ways for some to slyly practice "Eugenism", with Obvious Big Risks against all Humanity.



There too, Kohl was still so Popular, that Many People stood, for a Long Time, around his Table (where "Eurofora" had been also kindly Invited to join the bystanders), which had become the No 1 main "Attraction" of the most important Evening during that Mega-Event....

(See relevant, Original Photo by "Eurofora").



Helmut Kohl's real Legacy there, becomes Nowadays even more Important, when it has just been Discovered by several Medias that former USA President Barack Hussein Obama, had reportedly abused of his Powers on BioEthics to the point to have even issues a Formal Order to all American Ambassadors accross the World, already as Early as Since 2011, (i.e. even Long Before this became Legal in the US, via a Few appointed judges of the Supreme Court, Later on 2015), pushing them to Interfere in the domestic affairs of various Independent and Sovereign Countries.



This was Revealed these Days by the Scandalous Intervention of an Obama-appointed US Ambassador in EU Member State Romania's current efforts to Protect the Natural Family, between a Man and a Woman, by a Constitutional value Amendment, so that Nobody would eventualy provoke a sudden move by a simple and precarious pseudo-"Majority" of the moment in a Parliament. F.ex., mutatis-mutandis. I.e., as in the currently Out-going German Bundestag, where the Declining "Socialists" are obviously Afraid that, After the September 2017 Elections, the notoriously expected Entry of "AFD"' and Other New MPs, might radicaly Change the Political Majority, so that they rushed now to push for a Last-minute adoption of the Controversial "Same Sex Marriage", including even the so-called "Adoption" of Children by Homosexuals :



Something which may, notoriously, provoke even Grave Dangers for All Humanity, by inevitably creating many Thousands of "Clients" for shady Lobbies of Technocrats eventually seeking to Dominate and Manipulate the Artificial Procreation of Human Beings, (Unavoidable in the case of Homosexuals, because of the Impossibility of Natural Births).



>>> By the way, it's also a Fact that, only a Few Months before Helmut Kohl's Political Elimination by the "Socialists" and other Adversaries, back on 1998, here in Strasbourg, inside the CoE, the PanEuropean Committee of Experts preparing the 1st ever Legaly Binding International Convention on the Protection of Human Rights vis a vis Bio-Medicine, etc., i.e. CoE's "Oviedo" named Convention on BioEthics, a Controversial Majority had just pushed to conclude on a Draft Text which did Not Protect enough mainly the Human Embryo, but also the Germ Line, Persons Unable to Consent, Human Organs from Trafficking, etc, as it had been Strongly and Loudly Denounced, then, particularly by a Cypriot Expert and, much More, by a Couple of German Experts, who were very Upset and Angry about that, seeking to Speak out to Journalists at the CoE, including with "Eurofora", for quite a long and intense moments, Warning in such a Dramatic way, that we shall Never Forget !



Shortly After that Exceptional 1997 Incident, (personaly witnessed by "Eurofora" at the CoE in Strasbourg), on core and "Hot" BioEthic Issues, the Long-Time German Prime Minister Kohl had been suddenly Thrown Out of Power, and replaced by "Socialist" Governments, from 1998, which Started to Push, among others, also for Genetic Tests on Human Embryos and Adults, etc.



Such Facts obviously contribute to Alert everybody, Today, 20 Years Later, on 2017, when, suddenly, Helmut Kohl passed away, anew in the Middle of so many and "Hot" GeoPolitical, Socio-Economic, and BioEthical Issues, (Comp. Supra).







(../..)



***



("DraftNews", as already send to "Eurofora" Subscribers/Donors, earlier. A more accurate, full Final Version, might be published asap).



***




On June 28, 2017 ELN Research Director ukasz Kulesa participated in a Special Session of the Structured Dialogue, conducted in Vienna during the 2017 OSCE Annual Security Review Conference.

As an introduction to the discussion, ukasz delivered a presentation on minimizing the risks from divergent threat perceptions, military doctrines and force postures. In his presentation, ELN Research Director discussed his food-for-thought paper prepared for the Structured Dialogue, based on previous ELN research into military incidents and de-escalation.

The Structured Dialogue on the Current and Future Challenges and Risks to Security in the OSCE Area is a process launched at OSCE Ministerial Council in Hamburg. It addresses challenges and risks in the politico-military sphere and explores possibilities of reversing the negative trends in the European security.
Goldman Sachs has cut its forecast for crude oil for the next three months from an average of $55 to $47.5 per barrel. In doing so, the investment bank explained how it also got carried away and violated the rules of commodity investing, while arriving at its earlier forecast.

Goldman misjudged the speed at which the shale oil drillers would return. The traders and speculators anticipated a breakout from the $55 per barrel levels following the OPEC deal. The subsequent rush to create long positions, in turn, helped the shale oil companies to hedge their produce at a favorable price.

Goldman highlighted the violation of three principles by itself and the markets that led to a wrong forecast of oil prices.

First  Anticipating and trading future developments in commodities can be self-defeating. Traders jumped in taking long positions about four to seven months before the undersupply was to take effect. Their action helped shale oil producers to hedge their production and increase output, thereby delaying the whole rebalancing process.

Second  Traders bullishness crossed the supply cycle. Shale oil drillers can ramp up production in about six to nine months, which has become oils new supply cycle. However, in December 2016, traders took long positions for December 2017. "When Dec-17 reached $57.50/bbl, this created a significant return opportunity for US producers to hedge, together with an unprecedented ability to ramp up supply," Goldman said as reported by CNBC.

Third  The markets expected a flip to backwardation well before the stockpiles fell and it was not sustainable.

Furthermore, SocGen also reduced its third quarter average forecast of US crude oil futures from $55 to $47.5 per barrel.

Meanwhile, OPEC is not paying any heed to market calls for a deeper cut. "UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei was the latest minister to suggest there are no plans or talks on further curbs. This follows on from comments from Russia that such a topic is not on the table," said ANZ in a note, as reported by CNBC.

Notwithstanding, crude oil has risen sharply from the lows of $42.05 per barrel, as we had expected and is on track for its best weekly performance since the week ending May 19.


A restricted version of visa bans that US President Donald Trump wanted to introduce soon after the start of his Presidency have now come into effect.The revised rules affect visa applications from citizens of six, mainly Muslim, countries who will only be able to get a visa if they have a close relationship with an entity of person in the US.These relationships include a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling, under an agreement reached after months of legal argument.Grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, fiancees or other extended family members are not considered to be close relationships.The countries affected by the new visa rules are Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen who face a ban for 90 days. The rules are also tough on potential refugees who face a ban of 120 days if they cannot prove a relationship.Journalism students, workers or lecturers who have valid invitations or employment contracts in the US are exempt from the new executive order. The exemption does not apply to those who seek a relationship with an American business or educational institution purely for the purpose of avoiding the rules, a State Department spokesman said.The rules state that a legitimate business link must be formal and documented. Hotel or car rental reservations, for example, will not be regarded as a legitimate relationship.The rules apply to visa applications from Friday 30 June. However, visas that have already been granted for future travel will not be revoked.While the US Supreme Court has partially restored Trump's original executive order there will be further legal argument and a final ruling is expected towards the end of the year. Further legal arguments will not be heard until at least October.
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Looking at the world through the eyes of the Web
President Donald Trump signed two presidential pipeline permits for San Antonio-based NuStar Energy, including one for a pipeline he joked needed to be buried farther underground to accommodate his plans for a border wall along Mexico.

My administration has just approved the construction of a new petroleum pipeline to Mexico, which will further boost American energy exports, and thatll go right under the wall, right? Trump said Thursday at an event titled Unleashing American Energy.

Well have it go down a little deeper in that section, right under the wall, Trump joked. Trump, who signed the permits Wednesday, was flanked by Vice President Mike Pence and Energy Secretary and former Texas governor Rick Perry at the public event.

NuStar spokesman Chris Cho said the companys CEO Brad Barron attended the Thursday ceremony along with other industry leaders.

The first permit clears the way for NuStar to expand the types of products transported by the Dos Laredos Pipeline  a 10-mile, 8-inch wide pipeline from Webb County into Mexico. The pipeline, which already carries 32,000 barrels-per-day of liquified petroleum gas, will now be able to transport diesel fuel and other refined products into Mexico.

The second permit allows to build a second pipeline next to its existing 64,000 barrel-per-day Burgos Pipeline. The new pipeline would be 34 miles long, 10-inches wide and have a capacity of 108,000 barrels-per-day and will cross approximately 30 feet below the Rio Grande Rivers bottom, according to filings with the Department of State.

It would deliver petroleum products including liquid petroleum gas, natural gas liquids and refined products to the Burgos Gas Plant near Reynosa that is operated by Mexicos state-owned oil and gas company PEMEX.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The golden era of American energy is now underway, and Ill go a step further  the golden era of America is now underway. Believe me, Trump said.
As he reached middle age, John Gambinis Sicilian roots were tugging hard.

Though a successful home builder, hed long yearned to buy land to grow something, preferably something that would tie his Mediterranean ancestry to the Texas Hill Country  like a vineyard.

Except that by the time he was ready to take to the soil in 2008, the Texas vintners scene already was pretty well established, with 162 wineries drawing tourists to tasting rooms in nearby places like Fredericksburg and New Braunfels. As he swallowed the notion that hed come too late to Texas wine, an article on some pioneering olive growers caught his attention. The Texas olive oil scene was only starting to happen.

I got together with my family members and said, Hey, this ties into our heritage, Gambini said. Our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents were farmers and cooks back in Sicily, so they had to have been involved in olive oil.

Olive oil has been around for thousands of years, served on tables since 6,000 BC in Galilee.

I really wanted to build a business that could realistically last forever, Gambini said.

Legend has it that it was the goddess Athena who delivered the olive tree to the Greeks, securing her namesake of the city of Athens. Plant scientists are hopeful that what came easily to the ancients ought to be doable across the world in Texas, but with Texas springtime spin of temperature roulette, the jurys still out.

Industry kudos have proven that the potential is there. In 2009, Gambini transplanted some California olive trees to launch his 17-acre orchard in Dripping Springs, and a year later started pressing his oil under the Texas Hill Country Olive Co. brand. Bottles from that inaugural batch won a silver medal at the New York International Olive Oil Competition.

Hes won medals every year since, this year taking home a silver medal at a competition in France.

Gambini spoke from his table at the inaugural Texas Olive Conference on June 16 in San Antonio, where he and other Texas olive growers displayed bottles of extra virgin olive oil with Texas-themed labels and $20-plus price tags.

His wasnt the only oil that has won awards and commanded a shelf space-worthy following. Southeast Texas Olive Co., a Beaumont-area operation started by an Italian petroleum engineer, has also taken home the silver from the New York competition. Texana Brands, which has a 156-acre olive orchard in Artesia Wells, this month rolls out its line of extra virgin and herb infused oils at H-E-B.

The conference provided a series of educational talks by Texas A&M University plant specialists as well as Californians who dominate the U.S. olive industry.

While Texas production is minuscule compared with Californias, Texas growers boast being second in U.S. olive production and note that California has a more than 50-year head start. Texas olive acreage documented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture census of agriculture went from zero in 2002 to 760 acres in 2012. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension researchers now estimate there are about 1,800 acres of olive trees planted in the Lone Star state. The AgriLife team of extension agents are working with growers to learn the best olive varieties for the state and figure out how to best deal with climate challenges.

This is our first conference as a unified olive industry in Texas, said Kerry Thornhill-Houston, a Dimmit County grower who is secretary of the Texas Association of Olive Oil. We dont have good yield numbers, were really kind of just growing. The more established orchards are just now coming into production  I just had my first harvest last year.

Fewer than 20 percent of Texas olive growers started out with a professional farming background, Houston said. She herself worked in finance. During a visit to the family ranch in Asherton, she learned that Texas Olive Ranch  the then-largest olive orchard in the state  was pretty much next door to their property. The Texana ranch was only 37 miles away in Cotulla. So she already knew that olives could grow there.

We thought, this is something interesting, lets try it, she said. And then you fall in love with it. You become enamored of olive oil. And then once youre in, you really cant get out, because its an ongoing project. A big project.

While there are a couple of Texas orchards that are 100 acres or larger, the majority are 20 acres or less. The successful ones are in a narrow band of Texas that gets cool winter nights, but not prolonged freezes, and overall warm weather without being so hot that it withers the trees and prevents budding.

You hate to tell someone not to plant, lets say, north of Interstate 10, she said. You can grow olive trees anywhere, but its certainly going to be more ornamental. And you can pick your fruit, brine it, and put it in a mason jar, but thats all it will be.

Texas A&M advised against oil production in the state, saying it would be very difficult to be commercially feasible, she said.

Olives are believed to have originated in Syria and Turkey at least 5,000 years ago and then spread throughout the Mediterranean region. The top olive oil producing country today is Spain, followed by Italy, Greece and other Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Tunisia, Portugal, Syria and Morocco. Australia is having some success with olives, as are India and Argentina. California, the only U.S. state with significant olive production, still produces less than 1 percent of the worlds supply.

But California has a large swath of Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Texas climate is continental, which can bring relatively cold winters. Its more than a matter of latitude. Even North Texas gets too many frosty nights for olives. Texas subtropical Rio Grande Valley meanwhile is just too hot. Olive trees that might thrive near Galveston are unlikely to sustain fruit in Texas-Mexico border towns like Weslaco, where the climate is ideal for producing the states famed red grapefruit.

One problem is the Rocky Mountains, which serve as a barrier that funnels arctic air away from California and pushes it south toward Texas, said Monte Nesbitt, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension specialist who spoke at the conference.

Ice plays heck with with plant cells, Nesbitt said, explaining how water droplets can crystallize in the intracellular space and kill the olive plant.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Theres been little published research on olives in Texas, but from being out among growers trees scientists are learning that lack of cold may be just as detrimental. It may be similar to the way Hill Country wine grapes and peaches need a certain number of chill hours to flower, Nesbitt said. This years warm winter knocked out about 70 percent of the Texas peach crop. In 2013, those peach trees were blossoming beautifully until a freeze hit in late March.

Pazs orchard has had a dismal year, which researchers at first attributed to a Jan. 7 freeze that knocked off about 10 percent of his leaves. But going back over the temperature data, they realized there were a lot more cold nights during January and February of 2016 winter, and last year Paz had a bumper crop.

Olives are evergreen trees, but their fruiting mechanism is mediated by the ambient temperatures they experience in the winter, and some of those temperatures need to be cold, Nesbitt told the growers. So here is the dilemma. We dont like too much cold, but we need cold in order to produce.

The good news for Texas producers is that many U.S. consumers are just discovering the taste of quality extra virgin olive oil, are willing to pay a premium for it, and are learning that its a perishable product with a shelf life that declines with exposure to light and heat. That means Texas foodies and Texas visitors are likely to snap up bottles that havent crossed the oceans and interstates under potentially damaging conditions.

I know in Texas this is such a new industry, such a new product, that a lot of people are figuring out how to grow and develop your trees. So once you do get to the harvesting to the crushers, figure out what you need from your milling location relationship with them, Swafford said. It will be a huge benefit to be able to have your own label because in Texas now the market is so huge that theres really not much competition for everybody.

One of the benefits we have is that Texans love Texas products, and so thats a really really good start.

Extra virgin essentially means extra pure, and by having only small amounts to press at an on-site or area mill, Texas producers can have more control over the entire process, said Joshua Swafford of the Central Texas Olive Ranch in Georgetown.

There are currently at least seven olive oil mills in Texas, to include the Sandy Oaks mill in Elmendorf, Texas Mobile Olive Mill, and Gambinos Hill County Olive Co. mill, which is part of a tourist-friendly complex that includes the orchard, a shop and bistro.

Since olives are inherently non-genetically modified and gluten-free, producers can pursue labeling features that appeal to consumers. The Go Texan brand available through the Texas Department of Agriculture is another marketing tool, said Mary Bolton, a marketing specialist with California Olive Ranch.

Consumers want to know who it came from. Theres a level of respect if they know that it came from a person in the U.S.. They can feel that, they can touch that, Bolton said. As farmers, you probably dont necessarily agree with the non-GMO mentality, but it does sell.

lbrezosky@express-news.net
Some advocates say a new Snapchat feature dubbed Snap Map could help predators locate children and teens more easily, and also enable bullying.

Snap Inc. says in its June 21 announcement that the feature lets a user See what's happening, find your friends, and get inspired to go on an adventure!

On Snapchat, users can now pinch their fingers to zoom out from the Snapchat camera and make a map appear. There is a heat feature that shows places where large numbers of users are submitting snaps to Our Story, but the new addition also adds features that have some child safety advocates worried.

Its a major privacy threat because kids dont look at privacy options, said Ross Ellis, founder and CEO of the organization Stomp Out Bullying, in a phone interview. Some kids will look at privacy options, she said, but most wont.

Through Snap Map, people can look at photos and videos posted to the public Our Story on a map that shows where they were taken. Only some posts sent to Our Story make it on the map, and the app doesnt show who took them.

It also allows users to opt in to sharing their location with their friends through what Snap is calling Actionmojis, little cartoons of a person geolocated on the map. Teens could be in danger if they opt in and their friends include people they dont know in real life, advocates say.

It is important to be careful about who you share your location with, as it can allow people to build up a picture of where you live, go to school and spend your time, warned the organization Childnet International in a blog post. Given how specific this new feature is on Snapchat  giving your location to a precise pinpoint on a map  we would encourage users not to share their location, especially with people they dont know in person.

Will Gardner, CEO of Childnet International, agreed that risks include aiding bullies in finding out where people spend their time, or providing sensitive information to child predators. Sharing location information could enable grooming, trolling or cyberbullying, Gardner added.

Grooming is when someone builds an emotional connection with a child to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or trafficking, according to the U.K. charity the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

When Childnet International runs sessions in schools with children, a key message is to keep personal information safe, Gardner said.

Location information is very personal information, he said. Sharing your personal information with people that you only know online, or posting such information, can mean you lose control of who can contact you.

When people update the app, Snapchat walks them through the new feature, and allows them to select whether to show their location. Users can select from a few different settings: My Friends, Select Friends and Only Me (Ghost Mode). Location information is not shared with friends in Ghost Mode, but if someone opts in, his or her location will be updated when the app is opened.

If someone hasnt been on the app for a period of time, their actionmoji will disappear from the map.

The safety of our community is very important to us and we want to make sure that all Snapchatters, parents and educators have accurate information about how the Snap Map works, Snap spokeswoman Rachel Racusen said in an emailed statement.

Location-sharing is off by default, she said, and completely optional.

Snapchatters can choose exactly who they want to share their location with, if at all, and can change that setting at any time, Racusen said. Its also not possible to share your location with someone who isnt already your friend on Snapchat, and the majority of interactions on Snapchat take place between close friends.

Snapchat has a parent guide that explains the app and walks parents through how to talk to their kids about it. Snapchat also asks users for their birthday and wont let those younger than 13 create an account. But some advocates warn that kids will lie about their age.

The controls that they built in appear to me to be very granular and very strong, said Stacey Gray, policy counsel with the Future of Privacy Forum, a nonprofit organization focused on consumer data privacy. The location is not being sent as a default. You have to specifically, affirmatively opt into it, and even there you have the choice about whether to share it with your friends, just with a couple of friends  whatever you want. And thats not the case with a lot of other location-based applications.

The organization, Gray said, is not too concerned about Snapchat in particular, but she added that collection and use of precise location data everywhere is becoming ubiquitous from mobile apps.

The potential issues with Snapchat, Gray said, are less privacy-focused and more socially focused, such as is it going to potentially be used for bullying, to tell someone all their friends are hanging out without them?

The feature could enable some bullies to further their efforts, giving them a persons location or enabling them to post a teens whereabouts online, said Ellis of Stomp Out Bullying.

Most bullies are not going to go to your house, but some do, she said. I know several people that bullies have gone to their house, or what theyve done is listed their victims address online, which is not good.

She added she is very concerned, about someone who really wants to go that extra mile to annoy someone, or be cruel, or even threaten.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

In its parent guide, Snapchat notes that bullying violates its community guidelines.

Make sure to talk to your kids about why bullying is wrong, the guide says. Also remind them to talk to you or any other trusted adult if they are ever on the receiving end of bullying or unwanted content.

Ellis worry wasnt reserved for bullying.

It could be a predator, she said. There are older men posing online as 16-, 17-year-old boys, so that in itself is not safe.

Parents cant afford to stay ignorant about technology.

Parents must be tech-savvy, Ellis said. Parents really need to know what their kids are doing online, whether its Snapchat or Instagram or whatever. So you cant just say to your kid, OK, you can have an account. And sometimes parents dont even know that their kids have these accounts.

Users should remain in Ghost Mode for now, recommended Justin Patchin, professor of criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center.

Patchin noted that a lot of bullying happens at schools, so kids usually know where their target lives, meaning the app doesnt really create anything there. But parents should be concerned about the new feature, he said.

Potentially it could create an opportunity to find that child at a different location, right, he said, so if theyre hanging out at the mall, right, or hanging out at a friends house, the capability would allow them to be located there.

Im not so concerned about it from the perspective of the offline bullying  but it does create issues with even just predators right, or anybody knowing where you live or where youre at.

sehlinger@express-news.net

Twitter: @samehlinger
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San Antonio information technology firm IPSecure Inc. is more than doubling its facilities at Port San Antonio and expanding its staff of 120 by up to 50 employees, IPSecure and the port said Wednesday.

The defense contractor is adding another 12,000 square feet at 903 Billy Mitchell Blvd., including additional secured compartmentalized information facility, or SCIF, space, according to the announcement.

IPSecure estimates the expansion will cost around $1.2 million, Jeff Medina, its director of cyber strategy and integration, said via email.

SCIFs are rooms designed for classified discussions, similar to the White House Situation Room.

The company keeps a low profile (just check out its minimalist website) but has several high-profile clients, including the Air Force, National Security Agency and Defense Information Systems Agency. IPSecure is also pursuing clients in the commercial sector.

IPSecure provides a wide range of IT services, but the bulk of its work is in cybersecurity, Medina said in an interview. IPSecure initially focused on telecommunications security for the Defense Department but has since grown its areas of specialization to include testing of computer networks to secure them from external and internal threats, according to Wednesdays announcement.

Construction for the expansion is expected to be completed later this year, said Port San Antonio spokesperson Paco Felici. IPSecure already has one completed SCIF space, he said, and is working to build out another in the expansion.

IPSecure was founded in 2000 by former Air Force avionics electronics lead Jesse Rodriguez. Its headquarters are in North San Antonio at 12001 Network Blvd. IPSecure started with 8,000 square feet at Port San Antonio in 2015.

The intent was to be within arms reach of our current Air Force customers, and supporting the Air Force weapons systems there locally under the purview of the 24th and 25th Air Force, Medina said of the expansion.

The 24th Air Force in San Antonio is part of U.S. Cyber Command and rents space at the port.

IPSecures space at the port provides the company an opportunity to train all our operators on a training platform and what we call a joint information operations range, to become advanced network defenders, penetration testers, etc., before ever putting them on a production network, Medina said.

Employees can also use the facilitys secure environment to test ideas and products before putting them out into the real world, where the military depends on the reliability and availability of its data, Medina said.

IPSecure also uses its space at the port for some of the outreach programs it supports, he said, such as military cyber professional associations, and CoderDojo.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The company is looking for programmers, network defenders, penetration testers, IT engineers and information security system managers, among other professionals, Medina said. The expanded staff is needed to support new contracts, he said.

We were just blessed to have won two or three contracts here recently with the Air Force, so we need a place to on-board folks, get them spun up, Medina said.

As IPSecure breaks into the commercial sector, it is also going to operate a commercial security operations center at the port, he said.

IPSecure has about 120 employees and expects to be at 170 within the next two or three months, Medina said. Many of IPSecures employees are onsite helping government customers, not based in IPSecures facilities, he said.

sehlinger@express-news.net

Twitter: @samehlinger
Remember that 60,000- square-foot mansion in Manvel, near Pearland?

Construction started in 2001, according to property records, and the unfinished space could have held up to 55 bedrooms and at least 30 bathrooms. It was listed for $3.6 million at one point, but it never sold.

Earlier this year, the owner agreed to partner with a U.S. Navy veteran who wanted to turn the mansion into a residential facility for at-risk military veterans.

"I want to reach them before they have to lose everything and become a homeless vet," said the eight-year Navy veteran, Christa Mode, 40. "I want to reach them before they ever consider suicide as an option."

The U.S. Defense Department closely tracks suicides by active and former service members, and it has started many nationwide programs aimed at preventing such deaths. The department counted more than 475 suicides in 2015 just among active-duty and reserve service members. While veterans made up 8.5 percent of all U.S. adults, they accounted for 18 percent of adult suicides.

Mode moved to Texas this January and laid plans for The Bailey House, named after the WWII veteran in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life," which Mode encourages people to watch from a suicide-prevention perspective.

That dream ran into a roadblock last month when the city of Manvel declined to grant the necessary zoning permits.

"I really did want to build something beautiful there, but it's OK," Mode told the Houston Chronicle.

Mode and the property owner, Houston real estate investor Jim Youngblood, figured out a Plan B. Youngblood will vacate his current office building near the Texas Medical Center at 4702 Old Spanish Trail. He'll move his offices to the Manvel mansion, at 2354 County Road 59, and open retail space there as well.

Mode said she will open a drop-in peer-support facility at the Old Spanish Trail building. Youngblood said the location is better-suited to the purpose - it's just down the road from the Veterans Affairs hospital complex and accessible by bus routes.

"I will have living space available, but for the most part it's going to be peer-to-peer mentorship," Mode said. She wants to offer a variety of programs - some Christian, some non-religious, some aimed at survivors of sexual trauma.

"Rape happens in the military more than anybody cares to admit," she added.

Mode said she was inspired to support other veterans partly because of her own experience serving as a Navy Seabee equipment operator in both Iraq and Afghanistan, working in convoys targeted by roadside bombs, also known as improvised explosive devices.

"I had a few bad days, and they haunt me," she said. "I experienced IEDs. I had the unfortunate experience of watching a very young Marine die right in front of me."

After leaving the military in December 2014, Mode said she found a new purpose after going through the faith-based Branches of Valor program. Now she wants to use her experience to help other veterans.

She recently founded a nonprofit, the Bailey Organization, and organizes volunteers and interested parties through a Facebook page: www.facebook. com/pg/TheBaileyHouseVet Facility.

Youngblood said he hopes to move his offices into the Manvel mansion early next year, after six to nine months of work. He also hopes to attract other businesses or retail stores to occupy part of the massive house. Then, the 7,700-square-foot building on OST would be ready for The Bailey House.

Andrew.Kragie@chron.com

Twitter.com/AndrewKragie
A recently approved increase in bonus pay offers a lift for Air Force pilots, but most doubt that it will stop the alarming exit of veteran aviators from the service, Lt. Col. Jason Earley, commander of the 435th Fighter Training Squadron here, believes.

Pay isnt the only issue for them, he said, noting ongoing efforts to address quality-of-life challenges at home and abroad  the necessity and frequency of overseas deployments chief among them.

The Air Force chief of staff  his boss  agrees.

Were not going to buy our way out of this, Gen. David Goldfein said in a recent interview on a visit to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Youve got airlines that are hiring at a rate that we havent actually seen in the past and offering significant salaries, he said. But thats compounded with a force thats increasingly stressed coming out of 26 years of continuous conflict.

The service was short by about 1,500 aviators last fall, a crisis that prompted Congress to raise the maximum annual retention bonus for Air Force pilots from $25,000 to $35,000 a year, capping it at $455,000 over 13 years of an airmans career. Top brass at the Air Force had asked for more.

The services Personnel Center reported that only 48 percent of eligible pilots accepted a bonus last fall. It expects to lose more aviators through the end of the current fiscal year but plans to increase the number of fliers it graduates to 1,400 a year starting in 2018 and is working to retain more veterans.

U.S. airline hiring, meanwhile, exceeded 4,100 pilots in 2016 and is projected to be more than 3,500 pilots a year through 2025, the Air Force says.

Earley, a veteran pilot who goes by the nickname Ugly, said exit interviews hes had with departing aviators at his training squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph indicate that the increase in bonus pay is a good step but not the kind of money that will make a clear, distinct line in somebodys mind.

The Air Force, he noted, is trying very hard to reduce the number of additional duties that are placed on pilots, specifically, and outside their core responsibilities of flying every day, and Ive seen some significant efforts in that as well.

Goldfein linked the pilot shortage to problems of general readiness, echoing Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who recently warned that years of the budget sequester had steadily eroded Americas substantial advantages over its principal adversaries, Russia and China, as well as the regimes that run North Korea and Iran.

Russia is not yet on par with the U.S. military and cant match American technology or skill, but that will change if Washington doesnt replace its aging fleet of planes, said Loren Thompson, a defense analyst with the Lexington Institute and an expert on the Air Force. The Air Forces aircraft inventory averages 27 years old.

I would say the two biggest challenges that the chief faces are readiness and replacing aged aircraft, Thompson said. Those two goals tend to work against each other because the more money you spend on keeping the current fleet in the air, the less money you have to buy new planes, even though youre wearing out the legacy fleet.

The 2013 congressional budget deal that triggered automatic spending cuts known as sequestration worsened many of the Pentagons problems. Goldfein said it led to the grounding of 1 of 3 Air Force squadrons.

If you werent training for or flying in combat operations, you werent flying, he said.

The last round of cuts forced Air Force pilots to requalify and stopped aircraft maintenance, a left turn from which the service has yet to recover.

I will tell you that the cost of not having the right level of readiness is it will take longer to win  we will win, but it will take longer, and less airmen will come home, Goldfein said. And we just need to be sure were clear-eyed as a nation. That ought to be unacceptable, and its certainly unacceptable to me as a chief to ever send an airman in harms way without being fully ready. But the reality is, if the nation calls on its Air Force to go, well go, just like those whove gone before us.

The Air Force is far smaller than it was during the Gulf War, when it had 134 squadrons and just short of 1 million airmen. Today, Goldfein said, the Air Force stands at 55 squadrons and 660,000 men and women in uniform. Thats too small for the many no-fail missions Washington has given it, even as rivals work to gain parity with the U.S., he said.

Goldfein also said Pentagon leaders were well aware of the burdens carried by young officers serving in a military that has been at war to some degree since the 1991 conflict with Iraq. He said he and Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson have heard the pilots message loud and clear. Lieutenants starting out, Goldfein said, have a busy four years, with a tour of the Middle East and another elsewhere, such as Kunsan Air Base in South Korea.

Theyll do four two-week Red Flag exercises. Theyll do six weeks of squadron officer school, and theyll do four one-week exercises of some kind doing theater security cooperation or some other important training. When you add that up in a four-year tour, they get about 12 to 16 months at home, and so that has continually stressed the force, he said.

Goldfein said the Air Force is cutting back as much as possible on queep  paperwork and other nonflying duties loathed by pilots  and on training that doesnt add to a squadrons readiness. Improving their quality of life requires giving them time, white space on the calendar to balance their service with their family life, Goldfein said.

Clearly, we appreciate Congress support to up the bonus; we havent done that in years, and so if we can take financial burdens off a family, help with school, do those things, then clearly that, I think, is an incentive. So its not insignificant that we are actually raising the bonus, but thats not going to do it by itself, he said.

Goldfein, who has been a fighter, reconnaissance and drone pilot, with 4,200 hours in the cockpit, added, In my mind, the organizational chart of the United States Air Force has me at the bottom and squadron commanders at the top, and we all exist to support them to get the mission done.

sigc@express-news.net
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EL CENIZO  Jennifer Meadows twisted the knobs on a phoropter, zeroing in on Irma Sanchezs ideal glasses prescription. A few more twists and turns of the knobs, and Meadows, an optometrist and major in the Army Reserve, had it pegged.

Shes nearsighted, Meadows said of her patient.

Despite worsening vision, Sanchez, 38, hadnt visited an optometrist in a decade. For that matter, years had passed since she last sat in a dentists chair or set foot in a doctors office.

I needed new glasses, Sanchez said. This is great.

Sanchez, who doesnt have health insurance, is not alone.

Over a two-week period in late June, the Reserve partnered with students from across the Texas A&M System to provide health care and infrastructure projects to thousands of people living in impoverished neighborhoods around Laredo known as colonias.

The mission, under the Innovative Readiness Training program, builds partnerships between the Defense Department and underserved U.S. communities. For the Army, it is a valuable opportunity to prepare its reservists for overseas deployment in underdeveloped regions.

For Texas A&Ms Colonias Program, the Armys need to train was its chance to bring much-needed services to the neighborhoods.

I know for sure that this exercise has already saved one life, said Oscar Munoz, director of the colonias program. A physician detected a heart murmur in one resident and sent him to an area clinic for further examination. It might not have had a happy ending if he hadnt been treated here.

Along the Texas-Mexico border, there are nearly 2,300 colonias, where an estimated 500,000 residents, about half of them younger than 18, live without one or more infrastructure basics, such as potable water, paved roads, sewage system, storm drainage and electricity.

The colonias program, founded in 1991 by the Legislature, is designed to help colonia residents develop sustainable solutions to their infrastructure needs.

About two years ago, during a quarterly meeting in San Antonio with other university departments, Munoz crossed paths with Olin Findley Brewster, an Army Reserve ambassador with A&M. Brewster asked if Munoz had ever considered the IRT program.

I told (Munoz) Hell, I think I can help, Brewster said. Hed never heard of the program.

The Armys program had never come to Texas. Over the next 18 months, the two programs got to work, marrying needs and services.

The Army deployed 122 health care professionals to four colonias, two civil service units to survey economic and development opportunities in seven colonias, and an engineering unit to resurface 2 miles of unpaved road.

For its part, the A&M System brought dozens of nursing students from Corpus Christi and Round Rock to work alongside the reservists.

At the Larga Vista Community Center in Laredo, the line of patients began forming early in the morning. The site averaged 162 patients each day.

Most of the men say theyve never seen a doctor, said Sgt. Cristine Martinez, a nurse in charge of the Larga Vista site. Most of the patients came for vision and dental care.

One older man put on glasses for the first time and burst into tears, Martinez said.

According to the 7458th Medical Backfill Battalion, the reservists from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, performed 963 medical exams, 889 dental exams and 1,184 optical exams. Capt. Daniel Wong, a physician, noted the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among his patients. In some areas along the border, 50 percent of adults are obese, and the rate of diabetes is as high as 30 percent among adults in some communities.

Unfortunately, I had to scare some of them half to death, Wong said.

After the residents had their medical checkups, Wong sent them to collect a months supply of medicine, then on to the Gateway Community Health Center, which receives funding from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department.

From a military perspective, were here primarily to train our troops and prepare for their combat missions, said Lt. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan of Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Usually, we spend time around the world helping others, but we get an extra benefit here of helping Americans.

This is what public service is all about, said A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, who visited the sites around Laredo with Buchanan during the last week of the mission. Were able to step in for a brief while and change a bunch of lives, and maybe save a bunch of lives.

Munoz has submitted applications for nine projects under the Armys program. Four have been approved: a medical mission to El Paso, a civil affairs mission to Laredo, and medical and engineering missions to Brownsville.

We were not only able to provide medical services, were also now ensuring that there is sustainability, Munoz said. Im looking forward to next years exercises.

anelsen@express-news.net

Twitter: @amnelsen
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AUSTIN  The president of a conservative Republican group that wants to oust House Speaker Joe Straus said it will promote an alternative candidate for the leadership post by next week, ahead of the special legislative session that begins July 18.

I think Strauss days as speaker are numbered, said Jared Woodfill, president of Conservative Republicans of Texas. But he would probably disagree.

Others also disagreed. Trying to topple a speaker during a legislative session  in the midst of his term as leader  would be a rare, dramatic move.

Nevertheless, Woodfills group is working to build support for the challenge.

Its targeting Straus with accusations that hes not conservative enough and is focusing on his opposition to legislation that would restrict the public restrooms that transgender people can use in schools, universities and government buildings.

Straus and others have voiced concern about an economic backlash if the state passes a measure seen as discriminatory.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has put the Conservative Republicans of Texas on its list of hate groups due to the way it works on issues affecting lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual people.

Woodfill said the center  which came to prominence fighting racial discrimination and has broadened its watchdog role  is ultra-liberal and a hate group opposed to family values.

He added that his group was put on the list after opposing the Houston equal rights ordinance.

Conservative Republicans of Texas is working through social media and phone calls to GOP primary voters, urging them to contact their state representatives to advocate replacing Straus.

It says an automated phone survey in GOP House districts shows Republican primary voters want a new speaker.

There is some precedent for trying. Straus predecessor as speaker, Rep. Tom Craddick of Midland, faced a wave of unrest at the end of the 2007 regular session but said he wouldnt recognize lawmakers for a motion to vacate the speakers post.

A leadership change didnt occur until the next scheduled speakers election at the start of the 2009 regular session, when Democrats and Republicans brought Straus to power.

Rules since have been changed to allow an appeal if the speaker refuses to recognize a lawmaker who wants to remove him. It would require a request signed by 76 of the 150 House members.

Straus, R-San Antonio, has knocked back challengers since 2009 and was elected unanimously in January by the House to a record-tying fifth term as speaker.

While the acrimonious regular legislative session stirred disappointment and anger among the right and the left in the House, a number of lawmakers in the chamber have said Straus remains in a strong position.

I dont think theyre going to be successful. I think he still has strength in the House, said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton.

He said an effort to vacate the speakers post is always disruptive, and it hurts the effort of passing conservative legislation.

Rep. Justin Rodriguez, D-San Antonio, said a move to get rid of Straus in the special session would be very futile. My sense from my colleagues is that hes on solid footing with the House, and were prepared to follow his lead in the special session.

Straus spokesman didnt provide a comment.

It would be a Herculean task to convince a majority of House members to not only reject Straus, but to agree on an alternative in such short order.

There are lot of linkages here that have to be connected. You just dont have enough time or the critical mass to do that, said James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin. I think theres an effort out there to make an issue out of the speaker and to make it seem as if his position is less secure than it is. Its not the first time weve seen this. Its even less plausible when youre talking about having a few weeks in which to do all the politicking.

Henson also pointed out that conservatives had a number of victories in the regular session, saying: I dont know that you can really go to a lot of these primary voters and very convincingly say, The Legislature didnt give you anything that you wanted, and we really need a big change in the leadership in the chamber.

Conservatives applauded the passage of legislation in the regular session including a sanctuary cities ban, a requirement for health care providers to bury or cremate fetal remains and protection for religiously affiliated adoption organizations that deny adoptions based on sincerely held religious beliefs, which critics say will allow discrimination against gay people among others.

The to-do list set out by Gov. Greg Abbott for the special session contains other high-profile priorities that failed, including school vouchers, automatic rollback elections when cities or counties raise property taxes above a certain amount and regulations on the public restrooms  or at least school restrooms  used by transgender people.

The Senate, under Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, passed all three in the regular session. The House rejected the idea of vouchers, didnt vote on automatic rollbacks and approved a bill on school bathrooms that people, including Patrick, said wouldnt do much.

Straus has said the Houses priorities instead include issues such as reforming and better funding the public school finance system, saying that would improve education while addressing the property tax issue, since schools rely on local property taxes along with state aid and some federal money.

Woodfills group is seizing on comments by Straus, including a speech in San Antonio in which he compared Abbotts special-session agenda to a pile of manure  citing a Ronald Reagan joke about the boy who when confronted by a pile of manure, said delightedly: There must be a pony in here somewhere.

Our most recent effort is to get folks to call and encourage their representative to remove Straus as speaker and to put someone in who is going to move forward with the Republican Party of Texas platform and make sure the conservative legislation that has gone to the House and died passes in a special session, Woodfill said.

The groups Steven Hotze of Houston, who has been a Patrick supporter and worked along with him to fight Houstons equal rights ordinance, made a Facebook video with the same message.

If they dont hear from their constituents, all they are hearing from are the lobbyists and the Austin insiders, Woodfill said. Most of them campaigned on these promises to pass these pieces of legislation that are not even seeing the light of day in the House. We want the representatives to know that the people are watching. And some of these, we are going to be looking for primary opponents.

Woodfill said a statewide phone poll done by the Yates Co. of more than 1,000 Republican primary voters in GOP House districts found 68 percent wanted Straus removed as speaker in the special session. He said the margin of error was plus or minus 4 percentage points.

The speaker is chosen by House members from around the state, but Straus isnt elected statewide. He is elected to the House from District 121.

The wording of the survey, Woodfill said, was this: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed conservative legislation for the upcoming special session which House Speaker Joe Straus had blocked. Should Texas House Speaker Joe Straus be removed as speaker of the Texas House and replaced with a conservative Republican so conservative legislation can pass?

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac
The City Council voted unanimously Thursday to initiate preparations for potential annexation on nine small parcels in and around San Antonio, despite some concerns about the process.

In the ensuing weeks, city planners will complete analyses of financial effects and service delivery to the five commercial corridors and four enclaves under consideration. Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni told the council that one driving force behind the ultimate staff recommendation, which could be to annex less than what was proposed Thursday, would be the citys ability to provide fire protection in a timely manner.

The city has scheduled a number of public hearings on annexation between Aug. 2 and Aug. 15. The council could vote on the matter at its Aug. 31 meeting, according to city documents.

Generally, state law requires that cities create a three-year municipal annexation plan, but the lengthy process is not required in this instance because each area under consideration has fewer than 100 residential dwellings.

The five commercial corridors range in size from 8.27 square miles in a tract near Potranco Road and West Loop 1604, to 0.6 square miles along Culebra Road, in the Alamo Ranch Parkway corridor. The other three are the Interstate 10 West corridor, between the city limits and Fair Oaks Ranch, the Babcock Road corridor, northwest of the I-10-Loop 1604 intersection near The Rim, and the Wiseman Boulevard corridor on the far West Side.

The four enclaves are small parcels at Vance Jackson and Loop 1604; along Bitters Road between Blanco Road and U.S. 281; the Foster Road area on the East Side; and the I-10-Loop 1604 intersection on the far East Side.

Though the council voted unanimously to proceed with staffs gathering of information, there was robust debate about if and how the city should move forward. Some members worried that San Antonio cant sufficiently handle what it has currently in terms of service delivery and infrastructure and shouldnt be adding more to the mix until its current house is in order.

Others wanted to push forward, in part because of the potential of state legislation coming out of an imminent special session that could stifle cities attempts at future annexations.

Councilman Greg Brockhouse, who successfully pushed for individual votes on each parcel instead of a single all-encompassing vote, said he would support annexing land near military bases as a way of protecting their missions. He seemed to have little issue with pockets of land completely surrounded by the city.

He balked at plans to annex portions of Alamo Ranch adjacent to his District 6, though he voted with the rest of the council to allow staff to begin the proceedings and to collect the requisite information about service delivery and financial implications for the area.

Brockhouse challenged the plan, saying it appeared that the municipal government was attempting to grab land before Sept. 1, when the law could change on annexation. State Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, attempted during the regular session to pass a bill that would require that the residents of a proposed annexation area approve of the move first.

The timeline in which we are attempting to push this through, though, appears to be in response to the potential legislation out of Austin, Brockhouse said. I would have concerns that we are doing this to avoid what Sen. Campbell may or may not do and preclude us from ever doing annexation in the future.

Councilman Manny Pelaez, who often talks about his decisions through the prism of his children, said he talks to them about making decisions without being afraid. He also reminded those who were watching the debate unfold that the discussion was about moving forward on gathering information and ultimately receiving a staff recommendation on annexation and that the council wasnt voting Thursday on actually annexing any land.

And Ill tell you, Im hardly afraid of gathering information to better inform future decisions. Im also not at all afraid of what some senator, Sen. Campbell, thinks or doesnt think. When I do the difficult job of balancing competing interests and competing priorities, I need information.

jbaugh@express-news.net

Twitter: @jbaugh
HOUSTON  As summer heats up across the South, a federal judge here is expected to decide in the coming weeks whether prison inmates have the right to live in cooled housing areas when the mercury rises above 90 degrees.

In anticipation of the coming heat, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison held a landmark two-week hearing concluding Thursday in a lawsuit brought by inmates at the Wallace Pack Unit northwest of Houston, where prisoners  including the elderly and infirm  want emergency relief. The case comes in the wake of 22 indoor heat deaths at Texas Department of Criminal Justice units since 1998.

Lawyers for the six inmates who sued say the hearing marked the first time a group of inmates collectively testified about their exposure to heat and what its like to live day to day in un-air-conditioned prison housing units.

According to Jeff Edwards, one of the team of lawyers who argued the case for the inmates, the case boils down to two questions: Do the Pack Unit inmates face a substantial risk of harm from extreme heat, and is Texas violating the Constitution by exposing them to cruel and unusual punishment?

The team from Edwards Law in Austin and the Texas Civil Rights Project argued that standards of human decency dictate that inmates  especially those who take medicines that affect their bodies ability to fight heat, and those with diabetes, hypertension and other conditions that make them sensitive to heat  should be allowed to live in temperatures below 88 degrees.

TDCJ administrators testified that the prisons make every reasonable effort to protect inmates during heat waves, offering an unlimited supply of ice water, cold showers and respite areas.

But they told the judge that given their budgetary constraints, air-conditioning the entire facility is not economically feasible.

Based on court documents and testimony during the hearings, the temporary cooling systems the judge is considering range from $100,000 to just over $1 million. A permanent fix would cost between $450,000 and $22 million, plus yearly operating costs.

Court testimony revealed that the TDCJs budget is $3.3 billion, including profits from the agencys commissary of $30 million.

Robert Herrera, warden at the Pack Unit since 2010, told the judge that hed personally spoken with hundreds of inmates about drinking the water, taking cold showers and going to respite areas if theyre hot. But he said he was limited in terms of implementing policies to relieve the heat.

How many heat illnesses was too many? he was asked.

Any incident is one too many, Herrera said.

Cody Ginsel, the highest-ranking TDCJ official to take the stand, echoed that sentiment when asked about the heat deaths at state facilities.

Any death is one too many, but we have improved following the deaths, said Ginsel, who now oversees private prisons but was formerly deputy director of correctional institutions.

Several inmates took the stand, in handcuffs and leg irons, saying they have headaches and feel dizzy when its hot and humid in the dorms. They slept on the concrete floor and blanketed themselves in wet clothing.

Michael Ray Denton, 39, who does not have heat sensitivity, said hed experienced heat illness on two occasions in his unit, where the windows dont open.

He testified that in the summer of 2009, he became dizzy and vomited.

Honestly, my head was hurting so bad I felt like someone was sticking an ice pick in my brain, he testified.

In the summer of 2015, Denton asked the guards for respite in the air-conditioned areas of the prison, which TDCJ officials said they permit any time as needed. He was told he could go to the infirmary but would have to permit the staff to check his core temperature using a rectal thermometer. He passed on respite for this reason, and others testified that they did as well.

A doctor called by the state testified that enough preventative measures were in place for inmates to avoid substantial harm when it is hot indoors. Attorneys for the inmates cited previous testimony from Dr. Susi Vassallo, a national expert on heat illness, who said humans need more than occasional exposure to cooling to endure a multiple-day heat wave.

In addition to air conditioning in the dorms, the inmates lawyers are asking for insect abatement, an explicit heat wave policy and special accommodations for heat-sensitive inmates.

Ellison is expected to rule before the end of July on the temporary fixes. His findings will apply to all 1,400 inmates at the Pack Unit.
AUSTIN  The judge weighing Texas pre-emptive sanctuary cities lawsuit against Travis County was persistently skeptical in court Thursday about whether he had the appropriate jurisdiction to take the case away from another federal judge in San Antonio who already started hearing evidence in a related legal challenge.

David Hacker, an attorney representing the state, asked Austin-based U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks to deny Travis Countys request to throw out the lawsuit brought by Attorney General Ken Paxton last month.

Paxton is seeking a declaratory judgment on the constitutionality of Senate Bill 4, the controversial measure Republican state legislators approved in May. Hacker argued that Sparks Austin courtroom is the proper venue to litigate SB 4 matters, urging the judge to merge their case with a broader legal challenge underway in a San Antonio court and hear the entire argument in Austin.

This case belongs to you, Hacker told Sparks. This court easily could take the evidence (from San Antonio), consolidate it here and make the ultimate decision.

Sparks balked at Hackers request to move the case, which has drawn national attention as the next major immigration-related battle. He also said he has an unrelated trial beginning in August that likely will stretch beyond Sept. 1, when the law will take effect.

I have twice the docket he has, Sparks said, referring to the San Antonio jurist, U.S. District Court Judge Orlando Garcia. San Antonio has a track record of evidence that Judge Garcia can take into consideration.

The law will permit local police officers to inquire about the immigration status of people they legally detain or arrest. It also could punish elected officials who do not honor every request from federal immigration authorities to hold a person until their status can be investigated. Officials who do not comply, from police chiefs to county sheriffs, can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a $1,000 fine for a first offense and up to $25,000 for each infraction that follows. They could be removed from office as well.

During Mondays nearly seven-hour hearing in San Antonio, Garcia heard from a coalition of cities, counties and civil rights groups who argued that SB 4 is vague and was designed to discriminate against minority Texans, particularly Latinos. The states lawyers said the law was meant to create a uniform process by which local law enforcement agencies cooperate with federal immigration authorities, rejecting claims about racial animus.

In a nod to the partisan politics surrounding the case, Sparks said several times that both sides  the Republican state lawmakers who passed the law and the local Democratic officials who oppose it  see a potential upside to the legal challenge ahead.

The city of Austin got in this because its political and they get a lot of advertisement, said Sparks, who did not say when he would reach a decision.
A San Antonio registered nurse and family nurse practitioner is facing new complaints about his conduct from the Texas Board of Nursing after first coming under scrutiny by that agency last year.

Keith A. Wichinski, 45, has denied all of the boards allegations. Hes scheduled for a disciplinary hearing in Austin before an administrative law judge in September to address the matter.

The latest allegations filed by the Texas Board of Nursing on June 6 accuse Wichinski of exceeding his scope of practice and failing to adequately monitor a patient while working at Nurse Practitioner Associates and providing care to residents at Daybreak Community Services in San Antonio from Oct. 13, 2016, through March 1.

The Texas Board of Nursing first targeted Wichinski last year when it accused him of nontherapeutic prescribing practices, claiming he issued 8,798 prescriptions for controlled substances to patients in an 18-month period from Dec. 1, 2013, through June 8, 2015.

Wichinskis nursing licenses remain active and he still is allowed to see patients and prescribe medications, his attorney Justin Nichols said.

No criminal charges have been filed against Wichinski, who didnt respond to requests for comment.

Weve denied the charges and look forward to a hearing to disprove them coming up later on this year, Nichols said. We certainly disagree with the boards assessment, and well attempt to resolve it with the State Office of Administrative Hearings or hopefully with the board (members) themselves before a hearings necessary.

The case had been scheduled to go to mediation in April, but that never happened.

My understanding is there was a change in attorneys going on and it was not the appropriate time to mediate, Nichols said.

The board accuses Wichinski of providing complex psychiatric care to a resident, prescribing her the psychiatric medications Lithium, Invega, Depakote, Benzotropine and other medications and failing to adequately monitor her during treatment.

The board claims Wichinski failed to order regular blood tests to check the medication levels in the patients blood.

Subsequently, the patient experienced lethargy, disorientation and shaking with an increased Lithium blood level, the Texas Board of Nursing charges state.

A woman who answered the phone at Daybreak Community Services San Antonio office Wednesday referred questions to the facilitys corporate office in Burleson.

Officials there didnt respond to requests for comment.

The state nursing board also accuses Wichinski of exceeding his scope of practice as a family nurse practitioner by providing psychiatric services for children with developmental disabilities while he cared for patients through Advantage Care Services in San Antonio from April 1, 2016, through April 6 of this year.

Wichinskis alleged conduct exposed the patients to a risk of harm from psychiatric care provided without sufficient training, the boards latest charges state.

The board also accused Wichinski, while caring for patients through Advantage Care Services, of failing to adequately supervise a nurse practitioner student by allowing her to care for patients at the psychiatric clinic while he was not present on April 6.

The board further accused Wichinski of providing presigned prescriptions to a nurse practitioner student to prescribe medications to psychiatric clinic patients on April 6.

Wichinski no longer does any work through Advantage Care Services, program director Gisel Hita said.

As soon as Advantage Care Services became aware of the situation, we immediately stopped using his services, Hita said. That was in April, she said.

pohare@express-news.net
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A city police officer was not expected to survive after a stop of two men walking Thursday afternoon near San Antonio College turned into a gunfight that left another officer injured and a suspect dead.

This is a very grim reminder of how dangerous (policing) can be, Police Chief William McManus said during a news conference Thursday evening.

The shooting came after the ambush killing of SAPD Detective Benjamin Marconi on Nov. 20 in front of police headquarters and more than a month after the death of San Antonio firefighter Scott Deem, who was killed in the line of duty.

The officers, identified as Miguel Moreno, 32, and Julio Cavazos, 36, both nine-year veterans, were investigating reports of a suspicious person when they stopped two individuals walking on East Evergreen Street near Main Avenue north of downtown, police said.

As soon as the officers stepped out of their vehicle, one of the individuals opened fire.

Moreno suffered a gunshot wound to the face and is not expected to survive. Cavazos was shot in the chest and is expected to be okay, McManus said Friday morning.

It was not clear what prompted the gunman to shoot so quickly.

That is the big question right now, McManus told reporters.

Cavazos pulled his partner out of the line of fire as more police arrived and took one person into custody. The shooting occurred only two blocks away from the SAC police station.

Police identified the gunman as a man in his late 20s or early 30s from Louisiana. McManus said he was shot once in the buttocks by Cavazos, and once in the head, possibly by himself.

The gunman was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead hours later.

It happened so fast, McManus said Thursday. One was down, one was in custody immediately. There was no further danger.

The suspect who was apprehended was interviewed by homicide detectives. He was released and police plan to consider him as a witness, McManus said Friday morning.

The officer who was shot in the head is in grave, grave condition, McManus said. He is not expected to survive.

McManus said the officer shot in the chest was wearing body armor. He was expected to recover, officials said.

As the incident was unfolding, San Antonio College was placed on lockdown, which was lifted at 4:30 p.m.

The shooting occurred about a block from where local LGBTQ activists are planning to make a rainbow crosswalk on Saturday using chalk. Several gay bars are located in the area.

R. Sebastian Sanchez was watching TV on Thursday afternoon in his apartment near the corner where the shooting occurred.

He said he heard what he thought were fireworks.

I thought, because we are so close to the Fourth of July, that it was one of the college students setting them up, Sanchez said.

But then he said he heard what sounded like gunshots. He counted five of them. Thats when he called 911 before walking outside to investigate.

Sanchez said he started to walk toward the officers to have a better idea of what was going on.

At this point, he was kneeling and he had his partners head in his lap, Sanchez said.

He said the officer screamed at him, Get inside. Dont get hurt!

Homer Pahona, an employee at a nearby bar, heard what sounded like shots at about 3:15 p.m. and ran outside to see the gunfight.

I saw one of the officers resuscitating the other, he said.

Pups Pizza employee Alysia Garcia, 22, was working near a service window when she heard about seven shots ring out.

At first I thought it was just construction, she recalled, approaching the window and seeing nothing at first.

When she heard a second round of shots, she ran to the window and saw police approaching a shirtless man.

You see this guy rolling around on the floor  all the cops came and they grabbed him quick, really fast, she said snapping her fingers.

Crime in the area

McManus said the Police Department had increased patrols in the neighborhood in response to an increase in street crimes.

While some like Garcia said they feel safe walking along Main Avenue, other residents and employees say they have noticed more homeless individuals in the neighborhood, some of whom engage in drug use and prostitution.

Laura Alexander, who has lived at the Aurora Apartments on Howard Street, which is just a couple of blocks from where the shooting occurred, said many of the homeless congregate in Crockett Park.

Theyre very scary people, said Alexander, who has lived in the apartments for six years.

Alexander said shes seen several people use or sell drugs when she visits the park to walk her dog. Many sleep in the covered gazebo at the center of the park.

She has noticed an increased police presence in the neighborhood, which helps alleviate the problem briefly, but soon the illegal activity returns.

Mimi Rodriguez, a bartender at Sparkys Pub, agreed. She said she sees a lot of people gather at the Walgreens and Exxon on San Pedro Avenue and West Cypress Street. Once, she saw someone run into the gas station, steal a pack of cigarettes and flee.

George Pickering, who moved to the area in January, has also noticed a lot of prostitutes at the Walgreens and Exxon.

But Tamara Hemmitt, a manager at Luthers Cafe, said she hasnt noticed many problems. There occasionally are issues at the gas stations, but that happens in every neighborhood, she said.

The shooting drew messages of sympathy from local and state leaders.

We appreciate the work of the doctors and nurses at SAMMC, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. We ask for your continued prayers for our officers, their families and the SAPD community.

State Attorney General Ken Paxton also issued a statement on the shooting.

I am asking all Texans to join me in praying for the wounded San Antonio police officers, he said. My office is willing and ready to assist in the ongoing investigation in any way necessary. Our law enforcement officers are true Texas heroes and deserve our prayers and support now and always.

Gov. Greg Abbott took to Twitter to offer his support.

Our prayers are with these 2 San Antonio police officers in critical condition after shooting. #BackTheBlue, he tweeted.

jbeltran@express-news.net

Staff Writer Sergio Martinez-Beltran contributed to this report.


30/06/17 GUNS NOT AN ISSUE SAYS MASIU

By Aloysius Laukai

BOUGAINVILLE has enjoyed relative calm and peace despite the presence of arms used during the crisis.

Member for South Bougainville, Timothy Masiu made the remarks when commending the ex-combatants and youths in the region for honouring the peace agreement by not using arms in any dispute whatsoever.

During his campaign visits, Mr Masiu was asked about, among other issues whether the referendum will proceed if Bougainville was not free of guns as stipulated in the peace agreement.

He said referendum will be conducted despite the presence of guns.

Member Masiu said there are more guns in Papua New Guinea than on Bougainville yet the national government is insisting that Bougainville rids itself of the guns as a condition for referendum.

I am proud, and I commend the ex-combatants and youths for the way they have not tried to use guns in any disputes. It is a demonstration of the determination of the people of Bougainville to have peace as they progress towards referendum and ultimate independence, Mr Masiu said.

In fact there are more guns in Papua New Guinea than there are on Bougainville yet the national government is turning its back and insisting that Bougainville gets rid of guns on the island, the member added.

Mr Masiu reiterated that the ex-combatants have given assurance that the guns would be disposed but in the meantime time they are being kept for security reasons.

ENDS/TM


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A San Antonio police officer who died Friday morning, one day after he and his partner were shot near downtown in the middle of the afternoon, was killed by a career criminal whose past arrests include charges of kidnapping, drugs and evading arrest.

Officer Miguel Moreno, 32, was pronounced dead at 11:11 a.m. Friday at the San Antonio Military Medical Center.

About 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Moreno and Officer Julio Cavazos approached two men near a car that appeared to have been broken into in the 200 block of West Evergreen Street near San Antonio College, Police Chief William McManus said. Moreno and Cavazos had just exited their cruiser when one of the men, later identified as Andrew C. Bice, pulled out a handgun and shot Moreno in the head and Cavazos in the chin, though the bullet eventually lodged itself in his chest cavity.

The ensuing chaos caused panic in the busy surrounding area and prompted SAC officials to place the campus on lockdown for almost an hour.

More Information San Antonio officers killed in the line of duty Benjamin Marconi was shot and killed during a traffic stop in front of police headquarters downtown, just before noon Nov. 20, 2016. Robert Deckard Jr., was shot in the head Dec. 8, 2013, as he pursued two robbery suspects. He died Dec. 20 after almost two weeks in intensive care. Edrees Mukhtar died Dec. 29, 2012, almost three weeks after he was hurt in a car crash while on duty. Stephanie Brown died March 15, 2011, after a drunken driver going the wrong way crashed into her marked vehicle head-on. Sergio Antillon died Oct. 29, 2010, after he was taken off life support following more than two weeks of intensive care. He was struck by a drunken driver after he stopped to help a motorist on Loop 410 on his way home from work. Robert Davis was critically injured when he was hit by another officer's patrol vehicle. He died Dec. 1, 2008. Mario Moreno was gunned down while serving a warrant Sept. 21, 2007, on the Northwest Side. John Wheeler died Oct. 14, 2005, after a drunken driver's vehicle crashed into Wheeler's patrol car, killing him and the other driver. Juan Morales, a motorcycle officer, died Dec. 11, 2001, in a hit-and-run wreck while on his way to work. Hector Garza died March 29, 2001, while responding to a domestic disturbance call. John "Rocky" Riojas died Feb. 3, 2001, when he was shot during a chase. Oscar Perez was shot to death March 24, 2000, when he attempted to arrest a drug fugitive. See More Collapse

Bice, 34, was wounded in the buttocks when Cavazos returned fire as he was moving his partner to safety. Bice fled down Evergreen and shot himself in the head yards away from the attack, dying shortly after 5 p.m. at University Hospital, according to the Bexar County medical examiners office.

McManus said Thursday that it was unclear what motivated the attack.

The shooting came seven months after the ambush killing of Detective Benjamin Marconi on Nov. 20 in front of police headquarters and more than a month after the death of firefighter Scott Deem, who was killed in the line of duty.

Moreno is the second San Antonio police officer to be killed in the line of duty on this date. Russell Spannagel, a 24-year-old patrolman, was conducting a follow-up investigation June 30, 1973, when he was disarmed by a suspect and fatally shot. When police arrived at the scene, they found the suspect standing over Spannagel, still holding the gun.

Troubled past

Although officials originally said Bice was from Louisiana, the medical examiners office had an address for him on the Northeast Side.

Bices criminal history dates back to as early as 2003, when he pleaded no contest and received a four-month sentence on a family violence charge in Terrell Hills, court records show. He also pleaded no contest to a 2005 charge of evading arrest from the Texas Highway Patrol.

In 2006, he pleaded no contest to a charge of possessing between 4 and 200 grams of a controlled substance, a felony that earned him a two-year prison sentence, according to court records. He also served about seven months in prison, from February until September 2007.

In Louisiana, authorities from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office detailed Bices extensive criminal history. From a period of Aug. 7, 2008, to Jan. 20, 2017, he was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail nine times on more than 30 charges, including multiple charges of kidnapping and burglary, drunken driving, resisting arrest and cruelty to a juvenile.

McManus said the man who had been with Bice and initially identified as a suspect was interviewed and released by police, who are considering him as a witness.

City in mourning

As news of Morenos death spread, a memorial to the fallen officer grew at Public Safety Headquarters on Santa Rosa Street downtown and tributes were posted on social media.

An impromptu memorial also was created in the location where Moreno and Cavazos were shot.

Flowers and a big sign that reads Tobin Lofts Love SAPD were put up Friday morning as a way of remembering the officers.

Aaron Mendoza, 22, was not the first one to write on the sign, but he was the first to write Morenos name.

I wrote his name up there so people know he actually had a name, he actually was somebody, Mendoza said.

Susie Leal, 24, said Morenos death was heartbreaking.

The fact that this officer died is so unfair, Leal said. They have their families like we have our families.

John Fernandez, who served four years in the Marines, starts at the police academy next week. He said he wanted to show respect for the officers and police.

We are strong supporters of law enforcement, Fernandez said after placing light blue flowers with his family at the memorial.

Flags at all city facilities were lowered to half-staff in honor of Moreno, according to a statement from Mayor Ron Nirenbergs office.

We continue to offer our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family and the San Antonio Police Department community, Nirenberg said in the statement. We also extend our sympathies and prayers to Officer Julio Cavazos, who also was critically wounded in the incident.

Nirenberg, who invited the community to fly flags in honor of Moreno as well, asked that flags continue to fly at half-staff until the officers burial. Morenos funeral arrangements are pending.

Moreno, a graduate of Lanier High School, is survived by his mother, father, three sisters and a brother, according to a statement from the Police Department.

Gov. Greg Abbott also ordered Texas flags in San Antonio to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Moreno through Monday.

This is a sad day for the San Antonio community, and the entire state of Texas, as we mourn the death of Officer Miguel Moreno, Abbott said in a statement. This senseless act of violence against two courageous and committed law enforcement officers demonstrates the risk our men and women in blue face every day. We owe Officer Moreno and Officer Julio Cavazos a great debt of gratitude for their service and bravery in the face of danger.

A truly, truly beautiful man

At a news conference Friday morning before Morenos death was announced, McManus offered an update on the conditions of his two officers.

Officer Cavazos has successfully completed surgery, though he has more surgeries to go. He will survive, according to doctors reports, McManus said.

McManus said other officers characterized Moreno and Cavazos as good guys.

Were going to lose a truly, truly beautiful man, Officer Moreno. Great cop, McManus said.

During Fridays update, McManus refuted a report that the area where his officers were shot is dangerous.

Theres one media outlet, not an electronic one, that thinks this may have happened because that area is dangerous, and that  theres a lot of crime in that area, and that is simply not the case, McManus said. That horrible, tragic incident could have happened anywhere in the city.

However, at a news conference Thursday shortly after the shooting, McManus stated that the officers were in the area because of crime.

They were on directed patrol for street crimes that are occurring in the area, McManus said. Im not sure exactly what type of crime they were on directed patrol for, but they were on directed patrol to deter crime.

Staff writers Jacob Beltran, Kelsey Bradshaw, Caleb Downs, Emilie Eaton, Alia Malik, Madalyn Mendoza and Sandra Santos contributed to this report.
HOUSTON  Special prosecutors assigned to build a criminal case against Attorney General Ken Paxton are asking for a second time that a judge delay the trial until they can be paid.

The special prosecutors made the request on Thursday at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center as they and Paxtons legal defense team met Judge Robert Johnson for the first time since the case was moved out of Paxtons home base of Collin County.

Paxton is charged with two counts of felony securities fraud for convincing members of his investment group to sink money into a North Texas technology company without disclosing he would make a commission. He also faces a lesser felony charge of failing to register as an insurance adviser with the state.

The attorney general maintains his innocence and contends he is the victim of political retribution.

The team of three special prosecutors are owed $205,000 in back pay from 2016, but the commissioners court in Collin County has refused to sign off the payments in light of a lawsuit filed by a Paxton ally who says the payments exceed the countys local cap on attorneys fees.

Whether the special prosecutors are paid is an issue that is before the 5th Court of Appeals. Any decision by the court will likely be appealed to the Criminal Court of Appeals, potentially stretching into the fall.

We havent been paid in 18 months, Brian Wice, one of three special prosecutors assigned to Paxtons case, said to the judge in arguing to temporarily defer scheduling the trial.

Not my dog, not my problem, responded Dan Cogdell, one of Paxtons criminal defense attorneys. Mr. Paxton has the right to a trial ... a speedy trial.

The prosecutors payments first wound up in the court in lawsuits filed by Jeffory Blackard, a real estate developer and Paxton ally who argues the special prosecutors pay rate of $300 per hour exceeds the countys cap on fees.

The Collin County Commissioners Court has since voted not to pay the special prosecutors and have filed a writ of mandamus with the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas.

Judge George Gallagher, a Tarrant County judge who was overseeing the case when proceedings were held in Collin County, denied the special prosecutors motion to delay the trial until payment issues were resolved. However, the special prosecutors got a delay anyway when Gallagher decided to move the case to Harris County.

Escorted by seven officers from the sheriffs office, Paxton walked into the courtroom holding hands with his wife, Angela.

Johnson, the judge for the 177th State District Court, asked both parties to submit procedural timelines of the case by July 7 and to return to court for another hearing on July 27.

The hearing marks the first time Paxton and many of the attorneys on both sides of the case have met Judge Johnson, a newly-elected jurist assigned to oversee the high-profile case two weeks ago.

The trial date has changed twice in recent months amid legal wrangling. Paxton was to go to trial in May before his previous judge moved the trial to Harris County and set a September trial date. That judge has since been removed from the case after losing jurisdiction to continue presiding, leading to the appointment of the new judge.
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Dear Nico,

This column could have been about a hard-charging district attorney (thats you) fulfilling a campaign pledge, cracking down on a baby killer. When you ran for office, you made Bexar Countys high child abuse and neglect numbers a central concern.

Your drive to indict Genene Jones, a former nurse suspected of killing more than a dozen infants at San Antonios county hospital more than three decades ago, fits this narrative well.

Instead on Thursday, you excluded a San Antonio Express-News reporter, photographer and columnist (that was me) from attending a news conference at your office: presumably, a briefing on two new murder charges handed down against Jones.

Was it something we said?

As Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood, youre leading a fresh investigation into those deaths to prevent Jones from being freed from prison next March.

Thats a great story for a local newspaper.

Its also a great story for you personally. Judging from the multiple press conferences youve called to announce new murder charges against Jones, youre aware of this as well. Otherwise, why dribble them out this way?

But Thursday, you sent one of your investigators, Brian King, into a hallway of the Paul Elizondo Tower to inform the media assembled there that no one employed by the San Antonio Express-News was permitted to attend the press conference.

Its a private meeting, King said as other journalists entered a door marked Authorized Personnel Only.

Its in a secure office, King continued. Its in a secure part of the building. Its not in a public part of the building. And so, Ive been asked just to let yall know that at this point, for you guys not to come into this meeting.

King would not say why you singled us out, Nico.

Last week, you did the same to San Antonio Express-News reporter Bruce Selcraig, who learned from another reporter that youd called a press conference about a new murder charge against Jones. When Selcraig arrived, he was herded into a side room and not permitted to attend the press conference with the other reporters.

This must have been another private meeting.

You did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

And so, Nico, Im wondering: Was it something we said?

Was it the January 2015 column about how you abused your power as district attorney to quash the job prospects of a professional rival?

Was it the August 2016 column about how you abused your power as district attorney to peddle a dangerous and discredited notion that vaccines can and do cause autism?

Or was it the April 2017 editorial about how you might have abused your power as district attorney by threatening to destroy the legal practices of two defense lawyers?

Are you noticing a trend here, Nico?

Apparently, that recent editorial struck a nerve. Last month, you released a statement accusing the San Antonio Express-News of publishing fake news because, for some reason, we want to hurt you.

There is clearly an agenda to attack me and the District Attorneys office, you wrote. They continuously ignore the truth and fail to report the facts. I have always been transparent, available and willing to discuss all issues with any member of the community or media.

Clearly, that last sentence is no longer true.

Heres my theory on why:

You have a temper, Nico. Youre driven by revenge. And you have a persecution complex.

In other words: It is something we said.

The problem is, when a newspaper says things, thats called reporting. Reporting is composed of facts. As an opinion columnist, I marshal facts to support my arguments. In any case, youve never challenged the accuracy of anything that weve reported in particular. Youve only complained, with pretension but no evidence, that its unfair.

Now, by excluding us from press conferences on a matter of public interest, youre continuing the trend that we have repeatedly observed and reported.

Once again, Nico, you are abusing your power as district attorney.

bchasnoff@express-news.net
A recent in-house study conducted by Alamo staff confirmed what we suspected: Only a small portion of our visitors are from San Antonio. Of course there are many San Antonians who genuinely love the Alamo and visit on a regular basis. But to others, its that famous place to show off to out-of-town friends and relatives.

I wonder if residents realize just how important the Alamo and the city of San Antonio have been  not just to Texas  but to the histories of Mexico, the United States and even the world. As a historian, I have had the opportunity to understand their immense significance.

Before it became the fort known as the Alamo, the compound was Mission San Antonio de Valero. The best preserved structure of the mission is the church with the rounded parapet on top. However, a mission was much more than a church. It was a religious and industrial arts school designed to convert local indigenous people to Catholicism, instruct them on how to become loyal self-sufficient Spanish subjects and fashion them into protectors of the Texas frontier. The Spanish missions and their sister presidios formed a defensive line against the French in Louisiana.

The role of the mission was to create a town in what the Spanish considered a wilderness. Twenty years after Valeros move to its current location on Alamo Plaza in 1724, Gov. Tomas Felipe de Winthuysen reported that Valero has two priests and approximately four hundred families of diverse Indian tribes, most of whom are now Catholic. Because of the conscientious efforts of the priests (the converts are) expert in many crafts, such as masonry, carpentry, blacksmiths trade; making wool and cotton goods, straw beds, and course woolen cloth worn by the men, women, and children.

Officials ordered the mission closed in 1793 after another inspection determined that Valero had become a village of Spaniards  exactly what had been intended all along. Descendants of these mission converts still reside in San Antonio.

Location helped ensure San Antonios success. Not only are the headwaters of the San Antonio River nearby, but the Edwards Plateau, the South Texas Plains and Blackland Prairies converge here. Abundant water and a variety of vegetation attracted wildlife, which attracted native people traveling both north and south. Missionaries recruited local Coahuiltecan Indians who frequented the springs and tree-lined valley. Once established as an outpost on the Spanish frontier, San Antonio became a midpoint between Spains Rio Grande settlements and its missions in East Texas. Texas became Spains northern defensive boarder after France sold Louisiana to the United States in 1803, the same year that a military company called the 2nd Flying Company of San Carlos de Alamo de Parras occupied old Mission Valero. The name Alamo comes from that Spanish cavalry unit.

San Antonio played a critical regional role in the 19th century. American explorer Zebulon Pike passed through here in 1807. In 1811, Father Hidalgos revolt, which would eventually lead to Mexicos independence from Spain, swept over San Antonio. Two years later a column of Spanish soldiers annihilated a force of Tejano rebels and American filibusters on the Medina River, 20 miles outside town. By 1820, Mexicos war for independence had caused the population of Texas to plunge.

The first wave of American colonists to help rebuild Texas diminished population arrived shortly after Mexico achieved its independence from Spain in 1821. Leaders in San Antonio welcomed the newcomers, believing they would bring prosperity to the region. The town became a major theater of operation in the Texas Revolution when hostilities pitted the central Mexican government against the colonists and their San Antonio allies in 1835. Its strategic location and symbolic importance ensured that it was fought over twice: the Battle of Bexar (1835) and the Battle of the Alamo (1836).

San Antonio remained an important but dangerous locale even after the establishment of the Republic of Texas. An 1840 peace conference at the Council House on Main Plaza between Texans and Comanche Indians turned into a bloody melee called the Council House Fight. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who returned to the Mexican presidency six years after his defeat and capture at San Jacinto, twice sent Mexican soldiers to recapture the town in 1842. Statehood (1845) and the War with Mexico (1846-1848) finally created the stability needed for progress.

The U.S. Army took up residency at the Alamo, using it for the next 30 years as a supply hub from which it maintained a line of western forts. After the Civil War, San Antonio played a vital role in the Texas cattle industry. During this period the City Council even designated Alamo Plaza as daytime parking for freight and chuck wagons.

By the 1880s, though, the railroad had reached San Antonio and the former frontier settlement had become a modern city with streetcars, electric lights, an opera house and manicured parks. The 20th century ushered in even more changes, with San Antonio giving rise to modern military aviation as well as developing into a premier medical center. Today the city thrives on tourism  much of it tied to San Antonios unique past.

San Antonians have many things about which to boast: the world champion Spurs, the River Walk and a vibrant economy built on commerce, service, scientific research and high tech.

With the approach of the 300-year anniversary of San Antonios founding, it may be time for us all to take stock of the citys rich history. It has served as a home to native people drawn to its numerous springs, an outpost symbolizing Spanish culture and power, Mexicos northern frontier from 1821 to 1836, the leading edge of Mexican-Texan conflict, a major jumping off spot in Americas westward expansion, all before eventually developing into the seventh-largest city in the United States.

San Antonio has had a front row seat to major historical developments spanning the past three centuries. We can be proud to welcome visitors to San Antonio, the historic crossroads of the Southwest.

Bruce Winders is curator of the Alamo and holds a doctorate degree from Texas Christian University.

COMING SUNDAY: SA Conservation Societys wins and losses.
300617EX COMBATANTS SUPPORT PANGUNA WOMEN

By Aloysius Laukai



South Bougainville Ex combatants yesterday supported the actions made by Panguna women to block the ABG team from meeting with landowners to sign a MOU to open the closed PANGUNA COPPER MINE.

Chairman of the South Bougainville Ex-combatants Association, DAVID KONGKORI told New Dawn FM that the issue needs proper consultation between all stakeholders and not just the PANGUNA landowners.

He said that the issue could create division and must not be allowed to proceed with one part of the community against it.

MR. KONGKORI said that the ex-combatants view is that the ABG must not push for the re-opening when underlying issues that started the conflict are yet to be addressed.

He said that the GOVERNMENT must not think about how much in Kina they can get out of Panguna but also look at the reconciliation issues that are still outstanding between the PANGUNA landowners themselves.

MR. KONGKORI said Panguna people are still divided with different factions still operating like the MEKAMUI UNITY GOVERNMENT and the MEKAMUI Original government just to name a few.

He said all the people of Bougainville who died fighting for PANGUNA must not be forgotten in any new deals.

MR. KONGKORI said that as fighters of war, we dont want to fight for the same thing again.

Ends


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Barbara Broccoli has launched a project to tackle racism in the British film industry.

Idris Elba

The 57-year-old filmmaker, who has helmed multiple James Bond films including 'Skyfall', has joined with 'Star Wars' producer Kathleen Kennedy to tackle the issue of racism in the industry and want to see the diverse society reflected "in front of and behind the camera".

Broccoli said: "We live in a diverse society and it is vital both culturally and commercially that our industry reflects this in front of and behind the camera."

Many Bond fans have now speculated that this crusade could mean the 44-year-old 'Luther' star Idris Elba could be next to replace Daniel Craig as the 007 spy, making him the first black actor to play the role.

The actor will have to compete with other Hollywood stars including Tom Hiddleston, Aidan Turner, Tom Hardy and Damian Lewis, who are also all in the running to take over as the Secret Service agent 007.

However, Hiddleston was seemingly axed by the franchise producer, who discounted the 36-year-old heartthrob because she thought he was too smug for the role.

Ironically, the 'Jungle Book' star believes people are getting tired of hearing the term "diversity" thrown about in relation to the movie and television industry in the UK and across the pond in the US.

He said: "It's become a bit of a corny word. People are just like, 'Oh, stop talking about it.'"

Broccoli and Kennedy are spearheading the 20million campaign and the British Film Institute (BFI) has now pledged the money to start the plan to "demystify" the movie world.

Lucasfilm reportedly has a scheme with 28 trainees working on the new Han Solo movie and of those 75 per cent are women, 68 per cent were recruited from outside Greater London and 45 per cent are from black and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Anne-Marie says it felt "surreal" collecting her Jack Daniels Best Newcomer Award at The O2 Silver Clef Awards on Friday (30.06.17).

Anne-Marie at The O2 Silver Clef Awards

The 'Ciao Adios' hitmaker felt privileged to pick up the accolade at the star-studded ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, and to be in the same room as some of the "biggest legends" in the music industry including Barry Gibb, Alice Cooper and Blondie.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Anne-Marie said of the award: "It feels so good to be amongst some of the biggest legends in music it feels quite surreal. I can't wait to see everyone and actually be close to them, I'm not going to get too close because they'll probably call the police."

The 26-year-old beauty plans on keeping her prize in her bedroom so she can wake up everyday and feel motivated by her achievement.

She said: "I'm going to put it somewhere where I wake up and can see it every day. Whenever I won a karate competition, I used to have a trophy there to remind me that I've done something really amazing. With music you don't really get that much until you win an award like this, it is going to be a big thing for me."

The biggest award went to Dame Shirley Bassey, the recipient of the Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Award, who said she was "incredibly touched" to be bestowed with the honour.

Blondie were handed the American Express Icon Award while Phil Collins, 66, picked up the Amazon Outstanding Achievement Award.

Chic legend Nile Rodgers was recognised with the Raymond Weil International Award,

Best Female Award went to 30-year-old Scottish soprano Emeli Sande and the Royal Albert Hall Best Group Act to folk group Mumford & Sons.

Other winners included 56-year-old legendary DJ Pete Tong, the recipient of the Innovation Award, and Alexander Armstrong, 47, who received the PPL Classical Award at the star-studded ceremony.

The Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards, which has been running for 42 years, has raised nearly 10 million to fund the Nordoff Robbins charity who provide music therapy for people of all ages.
Prince Harry has hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a true inspiration.

Queen Elizabeth II

The 32-year-old royal, who is the grandson of the monarch, has praised his 91-year-old grandmother for taking on the "challenge" of being a leader at "such a young age".

Speaking about the Queen and her achievements at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards, which took place at Australia House in London on Thursday (29.06.17), Harry said: "The Queen, who assumed the challenge of leadership at such a young age herself."

And Harry believes the Queen - who has held her title since 1952 - has demonstrated how important to be "selfless" and committed to your service, whatever your role may be.

He continued: "She has shown us all the importance of selfless commitment and service."

And Harry - who is the youngest child of the Prince of Wales and his late wife Princess Diana - has claimed everyone "aspires" to be like his relative and to live up to the "standard" she has set for people across the globe.

He said: "I know all of us aspire to the standard that she has set for people throughout the Commonwealth and the World."

However, the Queen is not the only member of the royal family Harry has praised, as he recently credited his three-year-old nephew Prince George and two-year-old niece Princess Charlotte - who are the children of his brother Prince William and his wife Duchess Catherine - as the "most amazing things".

Speaking previously, Harry, who has been pushed to fifth in line to the throne following the birth of his two relatives, said: "The reason I am now fifth (in line) is because of my nephew and niece and I could never wish them away.

"They are the most amazing things ever."
The Prince of Wales and Duchess Camilla are set to visit Prince Edward Country on Friday (30.06.17).

Duchess Camilla and Prince Charles

The 68-year-old royal and his second wife - who he married in 2005 - are set to take a trip to the southern municipality in Ontario today as part of the couples three-day tour of Canada, which will take them from Iqaluit, Nunavut to Wellington, Ontario.

It has been reported as part of the pair's tour they will explore the work carried out in the area, to help develop the Prince Edward County.

A statement, which has been obtained by Star.com, read: "The work being done to develop and promote the farm to table and shop locally movement in Prince Edward County."

And the owner of a winery in the county, Norman Hardie, is eager for the royal couple to witness the "exciting things" that happen in the area.

He said: "The county is very much an agricultural community.

"I think it's amazing for Prince Edward County, there's a lot of exciting things happening there."

And the entrepreneur is "over the moon" for Charles and Camilla to visit, because he "never" thought they would grace his land.

He explained: "I'm just over the moon. I never would have guessed in a million years that this would have happened.

"Overall I think it's so good for everyone in the county,"

During Charles and Camilla's visit they will be welcomed at the Wellington Farmers' Market by vendors and artisans, before they celebrate Canada's 150th birthday in Ottawa and Gatineau.
There is cotton and textile production in the state, and the government now wants to promote apparel manufacturing, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has said. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 3-day Textiles India 2017. Around 2,500 international buyers, 1,000 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors are participating in the mega event.

Naidu said khadi has become a fashion brand today, and this is entirely attributable to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who globe trots and promotes khadi. Citing an example that a weaver has bagged order for the next 10 years, Naidu said, there will be a premium price for all (Indian) skills in future.

Speaking on the occasion, Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani said that the spindles capacity in the state has now risen to 33 lakh. He said Gujarat contributes 38 per cent to Indias total man-made fibre production. The state also manufactures 25 per cent of the countrys technical textiles.

There is cotton and textile production in the state, and the government now wants to promote apparel manufacturing, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has said. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 3-day Textiles India 2017. Around 2,500 international buyers, 1,000 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors are participating in the mega event.#

The representative of the Korean Federation of Textile Industry said there are numerous Korean textile projects in China, Vietnam, and other countries, and that the Korean companies look forward to invest in India. He said Korea recently became net importer of textiles, and there is plenty of room for improving Korea-India bilateral textile trade.

Thanking Prime Minister Modi for making GST a reality, Arvind CMD Sanjay Lalbhai said Progressive and simple GST for entire textile value chain will provide level playing field, especially for those who are compliant. This will push Indian textile industry to be more competitive. This is expected to create 20 million jobs in the country. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The UK Government has pledged to help improve access to its markets for the worlds poorest countries post-Brexit, department for international development said in an official statement. The government commits to protect current trading relationships, keep prices in check and help build our trading partners of the future, the statement said.

The commitment to least developed countries (LDCs) means that around 48 countries across the globe, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Haiti and Ethiopia will continue to benefit from duty-free exports into the UK on all goods other than arms and ammunition, known as everything but arms.

On leaving the EU, the UK government will also explore options to expand on relationships with developing countries such as Jamaica, Pakistan and Ghana  all of which currently benefit from a mixture of reduced or zero tariffs on the goods they export to the UK  as well as maintaining existing trading arrangements and avoiding costly tariffs.

The UK Government has pledged to help improve access to its markets for the world's poorest countries post-Brexit, department for international development said in an official statement. The government commits to protect current trading relationships, keep prices in check and help build our trading partners of the future, the statement said.#

The government continues to deliver improved support to these countries by helping them break down the barriers to trade, supporting critical trade infrastructure like ports and roads, and building trade skills in those countries, so that they can take better advantage of trading opportunities.

Our departure from the EU is an opportunity to step up to our commitments to the rest of the world, not step away from them. Free and fair trade has been the greatest liberator of the worlds poor, and todays announcement shows our commitment to helping developing countries grow their economies and reduce poverty through trade, international trade secretary Liam Fox said.

Helping developing countries harness the formidable power of trade means we are not only creating trading partners of the future for UK businesses, but supporting jobs at home too. Building a more prosperous world and supporting our own long-term economic security is firmly in all our interests, said international development secretary Priti Patel.

Around 20 billion a year of goods are shipped to the UK from these developing countries, accounting for around half of UKs clothing, a quarter of our coffee and other everyday goods such as cocoa, bananas and roses.

Without these trading arrangements, clothing, for example, from some of the poorest countries could face tariffs of over 10 per cent, which could be passed on to UK consumers through higher prices at the till.

In 2015, the UK imported textiles worth 7.8 billion from countries which benefit from preferential access to UK markets. These accounted for 45 per cent of all the UKs textile and apparel imports. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The US largest retailers have held onto their top spots by focusing on value and embracing new ways consumers are shopping, according to the annual Top 100 Retailers list by the National Retail Federations STORES Magazine and Kantar Retail. The top 100 retailers are listed by US sales, which may include estimates for private or closely held companies.Retailers will always be measured by sales numbers, and ranking the leaders is important. But so are the stories behind the numbers - its those stories that bring the Top 100 to life. The nations largest retailers are posting strong vitals. Theyre embracing creative disruption, reinventing physical stores as places for brand experiences and exploring new ways to connect with the consumer, STORES media editor Susan Reda said.

The US' largest retailers have held onto their top spots by focusing on value and embracing new ways consumers are shopping, according to the annual Top 100 Retailers list by the National Retail Federation's STORES Magazine and Kantar Retail. The top 100 retailers are listed by US sales, which may include estimates for private or closely held companies.#

All of the Top 10 stores in the Top 100 list published in the July issue of STORES are the same as last year, and the order of the top four remains the same: Wal-Mart followed by Kroger, Costco and The Home Depot.At 55 years old, Walmart may be the oldest new kid on the block, but it still has the energy and mindset of a startup as it continues to successfully battle the competition, Reda said.Coming in at number five is CVS Caremark, moving up from number seven last year, followed by number six Walgreens Boots Alliance (down from number five), number seven Amazon (up from number eight), number eight Target (down from number six), number nine Lowes (up from number 10) and number 10 Albertsons (down from number nine).All but Target showed sales growth, with Amazons rise attributed to investments in apparel, groceries and mass market. Poised to possibly move into the Top 10 in the future was Royal Ahold Delhaize USA, which rose to the number 11 spot from number 17 after spending nearly three years upgrading its stores.Other noticeable changes included the success of dollar stores, where revenues have grown drastically over the last year. Dollar General (previously number 22) edged into the Top 20 for the first time after seeing an 8.5 per cent increase in revenue.This years Top 100 manifests a number of trends we see across the industry. Multi-format retailers are powering growth, online is ascendant and aggregation by traditional channel definitions doesnt provide the same scale advantages it once did, Kantar Retail chief insights officer Leon Nicholas said. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The exports of handwoven carpets from Iran increased by 18.4 per cent year-on-year to $345.7 million in the last Iranian year that ended on March 20, according to Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. In terms of quantity, Iran exported 5,700 tons of handwoven carpets during the year, registering a growth of 7.5 per cent.

The exports of handwoven carpets from Iran increased by 18.4 per cent year-on-year to $345.7 million in the last Iranian year that ended on March 20, according to Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. In terms of quantity, Iran exported 5,700 tons of handwoven carpets during the year, registering a growth of 7.5 per cent.#

The increase in handwoven carpet exports was mainly due to the resumption of exports to the US post-implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (or the nuclear deal signed by Iran with world powers in 2015). Traditionally, the US is the biggest market for Persian carpets.

The exports of handwoven carpets from Iran increased by 18.4 per cent year-on-year to $345.7 million in the last Iranian year that ended on March 20, according to Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. In terms of quantity, Iran exported 5,700 tons of handwoven carpets during the year, registering a growth of 7.5 per cent.#

Iran also exported 55,500 tons of machine-woven exports valued at $306.5 million during the 12-month period, indicating a decrease of 8.9 per cent and a rise of 4.3 per cent, respectively.

The exports of handwoven carpets from Iran increased by 18.4 per cent year-on-year to $345.7 million in the last Iranian year that ended on March 20, according to Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. In terms of quantity, Iran exported 5,700 tons of handwoven carpets during the year, registering a growth of 7.5 per cent.#

The exports of other textile items weighed 98,500 tons and were valued at $278.3 million, showing a year-on-year growth of 8.6 per cent and 1.7 per cent, respectively.

The exports of handwoven carpets from Iran increased by 18.4 per cent year-on-year to $345.7 million in the last Iranian year that ended on March 20, according to Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. In terms of quantity, Iran exported 5,700 tons of handwoven carpets during the year, registering a growth of 7.5 per cent.#

Some 3,800 tons of apparel worth $46.2 million and 8,100 tons of leather products valued at $61.3 million were also exported during the year.

The exports of handwoven carpets from Iran increased by 18.4 per cent year-on-year to $345.7 million in the last Iranian year that ended on March 20, according to Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. In terms of quantity, Iran exported 5,700 tons of handwoven carpets during the year, registering a growth of 7.5 per cent.#

Thus, Iran earned over $1.13 billion in revenue from exports of textile items during the year, which was 1.7 per cent decline compared to the earlier year. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Lenzing, a leading supplier of high-quality, botanic cellulose fibres, ranging from dissolving pulp to standard and specialty cellulose fibres, to the textile and nonwovens industry, and headquartered in Austria, has announced plans to invest in Thailand, to substantially increase its share of specialty fibres to, thereby, grow its revenue.Following the expansion drive already underway in Lenzing and Heiligenkreuz, Grimsby (Great Britain) and Mobile, Alabama (US), the supervisory board of Lenzing AG approved the proposal of the Management Board yesterday to build the next state-of-the-art facility to produce lyocell fibres in Thailand.

Lenzing, a leading supplier of high-quality, botanic cellulose fibres, ranging from dissolving pulp to standard and specialty cellulose fibres, to the textile and nonwovens industry, and headquartered in Austria, has announced plans to invest in Thailand, to substantially increase its share of specialty fibres to, thereby, grow its revenue.#

For this purpose, Lenzing is establishing a subsidiary in Thailand and purchasing a commercial property in Industrial Park 304 located in Prachinburi near Bangkok. In the coming months, the required permits and licenses as well as technical planning will be finalised. A definitive decision on constructing the new production plant will be made in the first quarter of 2018. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2020.The selection of Industrial Park 304 in Prachinburi was based on its excellent overall infrastructure, outstanding expansion opportunities, and the sustainable biogenic energy supply. Similar to the plant in Mobile, the planned production facility will be constructed on the basis of the latest state-of-the-art technology and feature a capacity of up to 100,000 tons annually. This site will strengthen the worldwide lyocell network of the Lenzing Group and enable its global customers to source Tencel branded fibres from Europe, North America, and Asia.Lenzing CEO Stefan Doboczky said, The planned expansion underscores our commitment to support the business growth of our customers, which will result in their offering even more environmentally friendly products by using Tencel fibres, the worlds most sustainable botanic fibres. The expansion to Thailand represents the next consistent step in the implementation of our sCore TEN strategy as a means of increasing the share of specialty fibres and expanding our geographical footprint. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi said her best scenes in the upcoming movie Partition: 1947 are with the legendary late actor Om Puri.

Huma said Om Puri was 'a great human being apart from being a fine actor' and she is thankful to director Gurinder Chadha for making a film on such a sensitive subject.

During the trailer launch of Partition: 1947, Huma was asked about her experience with the late actor, to which she said, "I think my best scenes in the film are with Om Puri. He played my father in the film and I would like to thank Gurinder for giving me such a lovely on-screen father. From the first meeting, he was such a wonderful person to be with."

"Last year around this time, he met my parents and we were so happy to have him. It is a great loss (that he passed away)," she said.

According to Gurinder, Om Puri was very happy to be a part of the film as he is a Punjabi and there was a Punjabi connection as well.

"He was very happy to know that I have taken such a subject for the film. In the film, though he played an old blind man, whenever the music starts we would get up and dance as he was full of life," Gurinder said.

Though the film's story revolves around the India-Pakistan partition, according to Huma, the core story is very emotional and humane.

"What I loved about the film is, it is a human story... it is heartbreaking for anyone to leave their own country for political reason."

Adding to that, Gurinder said: "We screened the film in Australia and people loved it there because it is an emotional story."

"Partition: 1947", featuring Huma Qureshi, Om Puri, Hugh Bonneville, Manish Dayal, Michael Gambon among others, is scheduled to release on August 18.
LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/29/17 -- To celebrate Canada's 150th birthday, First West Credit Union is reinforcing its commitment to local communities-the heart of Canadian culture-by donating $150,000 to B.C. non-profits.

Today, three charitable organizations each received $50,000 as part of a year-long Simple Generosity campaign First West initiated to recognize exceptional volunteer efforts. The grant recipients, Foundry Kelowna, Lower Mainland-based Just Breathe and Saanich Neighbourhood Place, were chosen out of the more than 100 nominees and will each receive funding toward initiatives they have planned to benefit the Canadians they serve.

"First West is fully invested in our local communities and the people and organizations that make them so wonderful," says First West CEO Launi Skinner, herself an active volunteer. "What better way to celebrate our country's founding than by celebrating what we believe makes Canada so special."

The three recipients were chosen from among applicants in regions served by First West's Envision Financial, Valley first, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial regional brands.

Foundry Kelowna is part of the British Columbia Integrated Youth Services Initiative, a provincial movement to provide patient-centered care for young people age 12-24 and their families. With a focus on early intervention and cooperation between clinical and social support programs, the Foundry will bring 25 organizations and service agencies under one roof to offer solution-based programs, transforming the way youth mental health is addressed in our communities.

"Foundry Kelowna is an exciting new way to look at helping youth and families experiencing mental illness," says Doug Rankmore, CEO of Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, a core Foundry member. "This gift demonstrates leadership in the business community in how to play a critical role in creating and sustaining a healthy, vibrant community."

Just Breathe is a fund created by youth actress Kaitlyn Bernard to support Camp Goodtimes from the Canadian Cancer Society. Based in Maple Ridge, B.C., Camp Goodtimes provides a unique and fun recreational experience for more than 400 children and teens and their families who have affected by cancer. The money gifted by Envision Financial will support the expansion of the Youth Council which facilitates positive peer-to-peer connections, enable the Year-Round Family Support Program to organize and fund additional events, and fund additional summer camp spots and travel assistance for kids and families.

"We are so grateful that Kaitlyn has chosen our Camp Goodtimes program as the beneficiary of her Just Breathe initiative," says Sandra Krueckl, vice-president, Cancer Control, Canadian Cancer Society, B.C. and Yukon. "The $50,000 grant she has received from Envision will go a long way towards ensuring more children and teens get to experience the magic of camp and enjoy a welcome escape from their battle with cancer."

Victoria's Saanich Neighbourhood Place supports the wellbeing of families through quality education and care programs for children and caregivers.

"The funding will be used to revitalize a 10,000 sq. ft. piece of property that is currently overgrown and underused," says Collen Hobson, executive director of Saanich Neighbourhood Place. "We're looking forward to creating a low impact, natural play space for young children in our community called The Little Woods."

First West's Simple Generosity is an innovative 12-month program that recognizes an individual or team who has demonstrated exceptional volunteer efforts. Those selected can then donate $1,500, courtesy of First West, to the charity or non-profit organization of their choosing. Paired with the Canada 150 grants, First West will donate $228,000 to local communities in 2017 through the Simple Generosity program.

"Financially supporting charitable organizations is paramount, but it's important to recognize that people also make a difference by volunteering all of their capabilities," says Susan Byrom, senior manager of community investment at First West. "It was important for us to recognize those who give back with their hearts and hands."

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia's third-largest credit union with nearly $12 billion in assets under administration, approximately 240,000 members and more than 1,750 employees. It operates 54 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Enderby & District Financial and Island Savings divisions. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information.

Follow us on Twitter: @firstwestcu

Contacts:

Media Contact

Jason Brown

Manager, Public Relations & Communications

604.539.7415

mediarelations@firstwestcu.ca




BREGENZ, Austria, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Do Japanese children's shoes fit? The Austrian research team Children's Feet - Children's Shoes went to Japan to test the fit of preschoolers' shoes in May 2017.

The team's research has shown that wearing too-short shoes damages children's feet. The experts have examined around 10,000 children in seven European countries, and travelled to Japan this year to continue their research.

The project in Tokyo und Nagano included nine preschools and 620 children. Working with Clemens Hagen, an Austrian orthopedic shoemaker who has lived and worked in Japan for over 20 years, the team had a look at preschoolers and the fit of their shoes.

Their findings:

72.1% were wearing too-short street shoes

81.6% had too-small indoor shoes

Dr. Christian Klein, the team's orthopedist: "These results correspond to the findings of our European studies. In Japan, like in Europe, children's feet are suffering damage that would be easily preventable."

The research team recommends checking the fit of kids' shoes regularly to make sure they have at least 12mm extra space at the toe. There are two ways to do this:

To make a cardboard template, trace an outline of the foot, add 12 mm to the longest toe, then cut out a strip about two fingers wide. If the template lies flat in the shoe, then the shoe is long enough. Or use the plus12, a tool the team developed for measuring the inside length of shoes.

The team will be analyzing further data to determine the status of podiatric damage caused by ill-fitting shoes. An investigation into the fit of kids' shoes in the next age group (elementary school) is planned.
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, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 19, 2017) - Trenchant Capital Corp. (TSXV: TCC) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases of May 18, 2017 and June 26, 2017, it has closed a third and final tranche of its prospectus offering (the "Debenture Offering"), pursuant to which it has raised additional gross proceeds of $730,000 through the issuance of 730 9% secured convertible debentures (the "Debentures") priced at $1,000 per Debenture. The total gross proceeds of the Debenture Offering were $7,740,000 and, with the previously closed Series A Convertible Preferred Share Offering, the total proceeds raised are $10,440,000. The syndicate for the Debenture Offering was led by Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. and included Canaccord Genuity Corp., GMP Securities L.P., Raymond James Ltd., Echelon Wealth Partners Inc., Mackie Research Capital Corporation, PI Financial Corp., Hampton Securities Limited, Integral Wealth Securities Limited and Leede Jones Gable Inc. (collectively, the "Agents"). The Agents received a cash commission of 6.5% of the gross proceeds of the Debenture Offering. The net proceeds of the Debenture Offering were used to fund the Waiward Investment (as further described below).

The Debenture Offering

The Debentures issued in the first, second and third tranches of the Debenture Offering will mature on March 31, 2022 and the outstanding principal of the Debentures will bear interest (the "Debenture Interest") at the rate of 9.0% per annum, payable quarterly in cash. Commencing on May 18, 2018, the outstanding principal amount of the Debentures may be converted, at the option of the holder, into common shares of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at a conversion price equal to the greater of: (i) 95% of the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares for the 30 trading day period ending three business days before the conversion date, and (ii) $1.00 per Common Share, provided that, unless the conversion is being effected in connection with a redemption by the Company, no more than 25% of the aggregate principal amount of Debentures held by a holder may be converted in any 180-day period.

The Company may prepay the outstanding principal of the Debentures, and the Debenture Interest thereon, in cash, at any time after May 18, 2019, by paying the Debenture holders 105% of the outstanding principal amount of the Debentures in year three, 103% of the outstanding principal amount of the Debentures in year four, and 101% of the outstanding principal amount of the Debentures in year five, plus any accrued and unpaid Debenture Interest thereon. The Company has pledged all of the outstanding shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary (the "Lender") to the holders of the Debentures as security for the Company's outstanding obligations under the Debentures. The holders of the Debentures have no recourse to the Company other than with respect to the shares of the Lender. The Agents and the Company have agreed to extend the deadline the Company has to apply to list the Debentures on the TSXV from August 16, 2017 to September 30, 2017.

Waiward Investment

The Company, through the Lender, has made a third and final advance of $730,000 to the Borrower pursuant to the terms of a loan agreement dated March 2, 2017, as amended (the "Loan Agreement"), between the Borrower and the Lender. The Borrower is a limited partnership related to Hillcore. The Company has loaned an aggregate of $7,740,000 to the Borrower under the Loan Agreement (the "Waiward Investment"). The Waiward Investment is secured by the Borrower's indirect equity interest in Waiward Steel Limited Partnership ("Waiward Steel"), one of Canada's largest steel fabricators and erectors.

In business for over 40 years, Waiward Steel is an industry-leading provider of construction, engineering and drafting services. Using a multi-disciplinary approach and managing strategic partnerships across Canada, Waiward Steel adds value to projects from conception to completion. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Waiward Steel operates one of Canada's largest steel fabrication facilities, with over 200,000 square feet of fabrication space and the ability to produce up to 1,000 tons per week. With over 600 employees, Waiward Steel has been named one of Canada's Top 50 Best Managed Companies every year since 2005. Waiward Steel serves multiple sectors across Western Canada and around the world. For more details on Waiward Steel's operations see www.waiward.com.

The outstanding principal of the Waiward Investment bears interest at the rate of 12.5% per annum, with 10% payable quarterly in cash and 2.5% being added quarterly to the outstanding principal of the Waiward Investment and payable on the maturity date of March 31, 2022. The Borrower has paid the Lender a fee equal to 7% of the Waiward Investment.

The Borrower has also granted the Company a five-year unit purchase option entitling it to purchase up to an aggregate of 3.9% of the Borrower's indirect holdings in Waiward Steel (including the 2.76% announced in the news release of May 18, 2017 and the 0.74% announced in the news release of June 26, 2017), with an escalating exercise price based upon the projected earnings of Waiward Steel.

The Borrower may prepay the outstanding principal of the Waiward Investment, and accrued interest thereon, at any time after May 18, 2019 by paying the Lender 105% of the outstanding principal amount of the Waiward Investment in year three, 103% of the outstanding principal amount of the Waiward Investment in year four, and 101% of the outstanding principal amount of the Waiward Investment in year five, plus any applicable interest thereon.

Hillcore Strategic Alliance

The Company has entered into a strategic alliance with Hillcore that grants the Company rights of first negotiation to provide special situation debt financing to Hillcore's pipeline of current and future private equity investments. The Company expects that such financings may include secondary, subordinated, mezzanine or non-traditional debt, asset backed securities and back-leveraged/holdco debt. The Company has also been granted certain back-in and tag along negotiation rights, as well as negotiation rights, for capital market transactions with respect to projects for which the Company has provided financing. HCG5 Investment Limited Partnership ("HCG5"), a limited partnership related to Hillcore, holds approximately 17.3% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.

MI 61-101 Disclosure

The Waiward Investment continues a "related party transaction" as such term is defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), which requires that the Company, in the absence of exemptions, obtain a formal valuation for, and minority shareholder approval of, the related party transaction. The Company is relying on the exemptions in Sections 5.5(e) and 5.7(c) of MI 61-101 as the above transactions have been approved by Eric Boehnke, a director of the Company who is not an interested party to the Advance and who owns 4,955,793 Common Shares, representing 43.0% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before making the Advance as the Company determined to make the Advance on an expedited basis.

About the Company

The Company aims to become a diversified investment and venture capital firm with a focus on providing special situation debt financing to established companies with a proven track record. The Company expects to benefit from its strategic alliance with Hillcore, a leading independent Canadian investment and advisory firm, that grants the Company rights of first negotiation to provide financing and management services to Hillcore's pipeline of current and future private equity investments.

About the Hillcore Group

Hillcore is a leading independent Canadian investment and advisory firm that invests predominantly in the life sciences, real estate, seniors living, financial, industrial and energy sectors. With offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal, Hillcore employs approximately 2,500 people throughout Canada across its various groups and portfolio companies. Entities under management by Hillcore had an asset value in excess of $4.4 billion as of December 31, 2015.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

TRENCHANT CAPITAL CORP.

Per: "Eric Boehnke"

Eric Boehnke, CEO

For further information, please contact:

Trenchant Capital Corp.

Eric Boehnke, CEO

Phone: (604) 307-4274

Neither TSXV 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 news release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the proposed business and operations of the Company following completion of the Waiward Investment, the Advance and the Sidecar Loan, and the proposed timing for the application for listing of the Debentures on the TSXV. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the Company's inability to apply to list the Debentures on the TSXV in the time expected or failure to obtain the approval of the TSXV for the listing of the Debentures the Company and Hillcore being unable to agree on terms for the Second Investment; general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and other risks outside of the Company's control. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors 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 time frames or at all. Except as required by applicable laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

This offering is made only by prospectus. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the securities being offered. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained from one of the dealers noted below. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.
SINGAPORE -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/17 -- Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia (BSA), an integral value provider with customer-centric solutions, is proud to have 16 employees certified as Fogra Digital Print Experts VPC (DPE-VPC). The certification measures a professional's expertise with regards to the latest international colour standards and developments in the world of digital printing.

In compliance with ISO 12647-8 standards, the certification accesses an individual's experience with digital output systems, PDF-based workflow, and imaging process with pre-flight knowledge. Certified DPEs are able to demonstrate their ability in colour communication, data preparation for hybrid workflow and reliably solve typical problems systematically.

"Colour accuracy and management is key to quality print, and as a leading company in digital printing, we are constantly investing in this to add value to our customers," said Mr Jonathan Yeo, General Manager for Konica Minolta BSA. "We are therefore pleased to have 16 certified Fogra Digital Print Experts in Validation Print Creation (VPC) in the region."

The certified Fogra Digital Print Experts will add value and credibility to Konica Minolta's leadership in production print and industrial print business and customers' business. The DPEs will have the ability to assist customer in installing ISO 12647-8 (VPC) to ensure colour quality and accuracy across digital prints.

Press Contacts:

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia Pte. Ltd.

Celine Long

Email Contact



PR Contact:

Huntington Communications

Eugene Chuang

Email Contact



Carina Chan

Email Contact




GOTHENBURG, Sweden, June 30,2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Due to a conversion of shares from Series A to Series B in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association, AB SKF confirms the following. As per 30 June the Company's share capital amounts to SEK 1,138,377,670 and the total number of shares amounts to 35,643,181 shares of Series A and 419,707,887 shares of Series B. The number of votes in the Company amounts to 77,613,970. AB SKF does not hold any own shares.

Aktiebolaget SKF

(publ)

The information in this press release is information which AB SKF is required to disclose under the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014. The information was provided by the above contact persons for publication on 30 June 2017 kl. 08:00 CET.

For further information, please contact:

PRESS: Theo Kjellberg,

Director, Press Relations

tel: 46-31-337-6576, mobile: 46-725-776576

e-mail: theo.kjellberg@skf.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS: Patrik Stenberg,

Head of Investor Relations

46-31-337-2104; 46-705-472-104

patrik.stenberg@skf.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/skf/r/announcement-of-change-in-the-total-number-of-votes-in-ab-skf,c2297991

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Business / Companies

by Zimbabwe Eyes for Human Rights

I remember just before independence when the majority from all walks of life envisioned a Zimbabwe free of torture and persecution. In fact, nobody so this coming, up until the dawn of a new era when the dream of Zimbabwe we all longed for became a reality.Since the despot assumed power reckless killing of dissent voices has become an order of the day. A man once viewed by the world as a messiah has turned out to be a curse to the once prosperous nation.Those close to him have attested to his ruthlessness and brutality, at worse even to his closest loyalists such as Mujuru family, both husband and wife were taken out of Zanu-PF ruthlessly because there were too close to the throne and too close for comfort.Not long ago, we have witnessed intensified state sponsored demolition of houses owned by opposition members. Many people have been left homeless in Matebeleland recently, this is because it has become the norm that every time before the general elections ZANU would begin to intimidate and at worse kill opposition members. the question is when will this madness come to an end.It's unimaginable that children as young as 1 year have been left destitute as a result of state sponsored violence unleashed deliberately on innocent people. A good example is the Tshuma and Dube families that have been tortured and left in a state of coma for some weeks. While other members of the families are understood to have escaped into neighbouring countries yet a handful are still unaccounted for.The Zimbabwe human rights bodies have condemned the appalling developments that are reminiscent to Murampatsvina and Gukurahundi and urged the government to desist from fanning divisions unnecessarily when in fact they should preach peace and unity.
Rights Issue for 610 million euros (excluding the extension clause)

Subscription ratio: 9 new shares for 23 existing shares

Subscription price: 22 euros per new share

Trading period of the preferential subscription rights: from 3 July to 13 July 2017 inclusive

Subscription period: from 5 July to 17 July 2017 inclusive

Regulatory News:

Tikehau Capital Announces the Launch of a Share Capital Increase with Preferential Subscription Rights for an Amount of 610 Million Euros (Which May Be Increased to 700 Million Euros in the Event of the Exercise in Full of the Extension Clause) to Prepare for the Next Phase of Its Development

Tikehau Capital (Paris:TKO) (the "Company") announces today the launch of a share capital increase with preferential subscription rights to existing shareholders for a gross amount of 610 million euros, which may be increased to 700 million euros in the event of the exercise in full of the extension clause (the "Rights Issue

The proceeds from the Rights Issue will primarily be used to finance the Company's next phase of development and to accelerate its growth. In an Alternative Asset Management industry consolidating around two profiles of players (multi-strategy asset management companies and specialized boutiques) the Company intends to:

Invest in funds and strategies that it intends to launch: the Group is preparing to launch new funds in 2017 in three of its business lines: private debt (in particular direct lending (Tikehau Direct Lending IV) and debt securitization (CLO III)), real estate and private equity;

Finance its growth operations, to develop new and existing strategies and to consolidate and expand its operations;

Seize opportunities for external growth in several strategies in France and abroad.

The Company received subscription commitments from certain current shareholders and other institutional investors. Tikehau Capital Advisors and Fakarava Capital1, shareholders with ownership of 28.6% and 9.5% of Tikehau Capital respectively, have undertaken to subscribe for a global amount of 165 million euros and will sell (by any means including by way of block trades) their remaining preferential subscription rights. Furthermore, the Fonds Strategique de Participations, Esta Investments Pte. Ltd (Temasek group), MACSF epargne retraite, MACIF, AXA Investment Managers, Credit Mutuel Arkea, FFP Invest, Amundi Ventures, Compagnie Financiere Luxembourgeoise S.A. and ZV Holding have undertaken to subscribe for an amount of approximately 390 million euros.

Main terms of the Rights Issue

The Rights Issue will be realized with preferential subscription rights (the "Rights"). The number of shares to be issued will amount to 27,742,059 new shares (i.e., a gross amount of 610,325,298 euros), which may be increased to 31,903,367 shares in the event of the exercise in full of the extension clause (i.e., a gross amount of 701,874,074 euros). Each holder of Tikehau Capital's shares will receive one (1) Right for each share held (according to trading records) as of the close of trading on 30 June 2017. Rights will be detached on 3 July 2017 and existing shares will therefore trade ex-right from 3 July 2017.

The subscription of the new shares will be reserved, as a preference, to the holders of Rights, 23 Rights entitling holders to subscribe for 9 new shares on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible

Subscriptions on a reducible basis (a titre reductible) will be accepted, subject to reduction in the event of oversubscription. Any new shares not subscribed for on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible) will be distributed and allocated to the holders of Rights having submitted additional subscription orders on a reducible basis (a titre reductible

Based on the closing price of the Tikehau Capital share on the regulated market of Euronext Paris on 28 June 2017, the theoretical value of the Right is 0.41 euro (it being reminded that this value may fluctuate during the Rights trading period, in particular depending on the evolution of Tikehau Capital's ex-right share price), and the theoretical value of the ex-right share is 23.04 euros.

The subscription price for the new shares set at 22 euros per share (nominal value of 12 euros and issue premium of 10 euros) represents a discount of 4.52% to the theoretical value of the ex-right share price (TERP) and of 6.18% to the closing price (23.45 euros) on 28 June 2017.

The Rights Issue will be open to the public in France only.

Tikehau Capital has agreed to a lock-up period of 180 calendar days after the settlement-delivery date of the Rights Issue, subject to certain exceptions.

As part of the subscription commitments, the investors (except for AXA Investment Managers) have each agreed to a lock-up period of 180 calendar days for the shares subscribed through the Rights Issue after the settlement-delivery of the Rights Issue, subject to certain exceptions.

Indicative timetable of the Rights Issue

The Rights will be listed and traded on Euronext Paris under the ISIN code FR0013264991 from 3 July 2017 to 13 July 2017 inclusive. It will not be possible to buy or sell the Rights after the close of trading on 13 July 2017. The subscription period for the new shares will run from 5 July 2017 to 17 July 2017 inclusive. The Rights not exercised before the end of the subscription period, i.e. before the close of trading on 17 July 2017, shall then become null and void.

The settlement/delivery and beginning of trading on Euronext Paris (Segment A) of the new shares will take place on 26 July 2017. The new shares will carry dividend rights and their holders will be entitled to any dividends distributed by Tikehau Capital from the date of issuance. The new shares will be, as from their issuance date, fully fungible with Tikehau Capital's existing shares and will be traded under the same ISIN code FR0013230612.

Placement of the Rights Issue

BNP Paribas, Citigroup and Natixis are acting as Joint Bookrunners and Joint Global Coordinators in connection with the Placement Agreement. Morgan Stanley Co. International plc is acting as financial advisor to the Company. The Rights Issue will not be underwritten.

Information available to the public

The French language prospectus including (i) the registration document (document de reference) of Tikehau Capital registered with the French Market Authority (Autorite des marches financiers ("AMF) on 27 April 2016 under number R.17-029 and (ii) a securities note (note d'operation) (including the summary of the prospectus) which was filed with the AMF and received visa number 17-306 dated 29 June 2017 is available free of charge from the Company (32 rue de Monceau 75008 Paris France) as well as from the websites of the Company (www.tikehaucapital.com) and the AMF (www.amf-france.org). The public's attention is drawn to the risk factors included in chapter 3 of the registration document and in chapter 2 of the securities note.

A Company presentation is also available on the website of the Company (www.tikehaucapital.com/en/publications).

About Tikehau Capital:

Tikehau Capital is an asset management and investment group which manages 10.3bn euros of assets, with shareholders' equity of 1.5bn euros2. 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

The English version of this press release may differ from the French version for regulatory reasons.

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 Capital Increase 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.

This press release does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Directive 2003/71/EC as amended (the "Prospectus Directive

The rights issue is open to the public in France only

With respect to each member State of the European Economic Area other than France (the "Member State"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of securities requiring a publication of a prospectus in any Member State. As a result, the securities of Tikehau Capital may only be offered in the Member States (a) to qualified investors, as defined by the Prospectus Directive; or (b) in any other circumstances, not requiring Tikehau Capital to publish a prospectus as provided under Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this paragraph, "securities offered to the public" in a given Member State means any communication, in any form and by any means, of sufficient information about the terms and conditions of the offer and the securities so as to enable an investor to make a decision to buy or subscribe for the securities, as the same may be varied in that Member State.

The above selling restrictions are in addition to any other selling restrictions which may be applicable in the Member States.

The distribution of this press release is directed only at (i) persons outside the United Kingdom, subject to applicable laws, or (ii) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments who fall within the definition of "investment professionals" in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 as amended (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth bodies corporate, unincorporated associations and partnerships and trustees of high value trusts as described in Article 49(2) (a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The rights issue is only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such rights will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on, this press release or any information contained herein.

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. Securities may not be offered, subscribed or sold in the United States of America absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements thereof. The securities of Tikehau Capital have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and Tikehau Capital does not intend to make a public offer of its securities 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.

1 Tikehau Capital Advisors and Fakarava Capital, held by the founders and management, announced they intend to participate to the Rights Issue for an aggregate amount of 165 million euros on 19 June 2017. Tikehau Capital Advisors has committed to participate for a minimum amount of 150 million euros on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible), which may be increased, as part of a subscription on a reducible basis (a titre reductible), to a maximum order of 200 million euros. Fakarava Capital has committed to participate for a minimum amount of 15 million euros on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible

2 As of 31.12.16

These materials are not an offer for sale of Tikehau Capital shares in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. Tikehau Capital shares may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Tikehau Capital does not intend to register in the United States any portion of the offering or to conduct a public offering of the shares in the United States. Not for publication, distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170629006450/en/

Contacts:

Press:

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
Crescent Capital Group LP, a leading alternative credit investment firm, announced today that its European Specialty Lending strategy provided a unitranche financing for the acquisition of Aston Barclay by Rutland Partners earlier this month.

Aston Barclay is the United Kingdom's leading independent car auction group, with four sites currently operating across the UK. Headquartered in Chelmsford, the business provides vehicle remarketing services to fleet and dealership vendors and has been owned by the Scarborough family since 1984.

"Aston Barclay is at an exciting stage of growth as it plans new auction sites and significant IT systems investments, and Crescent's financing for this acquisition will be invaluable to the success of the company's future," said Christine Vanden Beukel, Managing Director and head of Crescent's European Specialty Lending strategy. "This transaction is representative of the flexible capital we are able to provide to middle market companies."

About Crescent Capital Group

Crescent Capital Group LP is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Boston, London and New York. With over 70 investment professionals and more than 150 employees, the firm invests at all levels of the capital structure, with a significant focus on below investment grade credit through strategies that invest in senior bank loans, high yield debt, mezzanine debt, distressed debt and other private debt securities. As of March 31, 2017, Crescent Capital Group LP managed approximately $24 billion in assets, with a relatively equal split between marketable securities and privately originated debt investments.

About Rutland Partners

Rutland Partners is a leading private equity investor with over twenty five years' experience in investing in and supporting UK based companies. The value of investee companies will usually range from 20 million to 150 million with Rutland committing between 10 million and 50 million per investment. Rutland has raised over 700 million in committed capital across three funds: Rutland Fund I, Rutland Fund II and its latest fund Rutland Fund III (263m). Rutland Partners LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Rutland is also a member of the British Venture Capital Association. For more information on Rutland, please visit www.rutlandpartners.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005029/en/

Contacts:

Crescent Capital Group

Mendel Communications

Bill Mendel, +1-212-397-1030

bill@mendelcommunications.com

or

Rutland Partners

Oliver Jones, +44 20 7451 0700

oliver.jones@rutlandpartners.com
SINGAPORE--(Marketwired - June 30, 2017) - Zecotek Photonics Inc. (TSX VENTURE: ZMS) (FRANKFURT: W1I) (OTC PINK: ZMSPF), a developer of leading-edge photonics technologies for healthcare, industrial and scientific markets, is pleased to provide an update to the forming of its new China based subsidiary Zecotek China Ltd. The formation of the new subsidiary has accelerated the potential adoption of the LFS by medical scanner developers as well as non-medical OEMs in China. Zecotek China is working closely with new medical and non-medical OEMs. Testing of the LFS crystals have been completed and we expect to receive purchase orders in the near future.

"While medical imaging OEMs are currently driving our growth in crystals sales in China, we are receiving significant interest from non-medical and government organizations to use the LFS for industrial applications," said Dr. A.F. Zerrouk, Chairman, President, and CEO of Zecotek Photonics Inc. "For over two years we have focused on China and performed the extensive ground work necessary to access this substantial and growing market. Together with our strategic partner EBO Optoelectronics, we have gained access to the Chinese medical imaging market. Now with Zecotek China, our newly formed subsidiary, we are attracting both non-medical and government organizations searching for scintillation crystals with superior performance characteristics. Our LFS crystal is gaining an excellent reputation in the Chinese marketplace, for its purity, consistent cost performance and patent protection worldwide."

On May 16, 2017, Zecotek first announced it was forming a wholly owned subsidiary in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone which will operate with in the Zecotek Imaging Systems division. Zecotek China was created to conduct business with greater ease and efficiency and gain access to tax incentives and infrastructure within the local business environment. China is the second largest medical device market in the world and is growing at an unprecedented rate.

EBO Optoelectronics is the largest crystal array producer and supplier in China. It has an impressive international customer list including the top medical imaging OEMs in the world, and is using Zecotek's LFS scintillation crystals exclusively for their PET (positron emission tomography) arrays. Zecotek China is working closely with EBO Optoelectronics and its customers both in and out of China.

Zecotek's management team is taking the necessary steps to become the leading supplier of scintillation crystals and other photonics technologies in China and around the world.

About Shanghai EBO Optoelectronics Co. Ltd.

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Shanghai, EBO has more than 120 employees and 4,000 square meters of manufacturing space. Shanghai EBO fabricates and supplies crystal arrays to an extensive customer base which includes: Neusoft Medical Systems, Samsung Medical, Topgrade Healthcare, FMI Medical Systems, IHEP of CAS, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and many domestic and foreign universities and research institutions. EBO has the highest standard processing production line and offers shaped crystal customization and crystal array assembly to end users.

About Zecotek

Zecotek Photonics Inc (TSX VENTURE: ZMS) (FRANKFURT: W1I) (OTC PINK: ZMSPF) is a photonics technology company developing high-performance scintillation crystals, photo detectors, positron emission tomography scanning technologies, 3D auto-stereoscopic displays, 3D metal printing, and lasers for applications in medical, high-tech and industrial sectors. Founded in 2004, Zecotek operates three divisions: Imaging Systems, Optronics Systems and 3D Display Systems with labs located in Canada, Korea, Russia, Singapore and U.S.A. The management team is focused on building shareholder value by commercializing over 50 patented and patent pending novel photonic technologies directly and through strategic alliances with Hamamatsu Photonics (Japan), the European Organization for Nuclear Research (Switzerland), Beijing Opto-Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. (China), NuCare Medical Systems (South Korea), the University of Washington (United States), and National NanoFab Center (South Korea). For more information visit www.zecotek.com and follow @zecotek on Twitter.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what may have been stated.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. If you would like to receive news from Zecotek in the future please visit the corporate website at www.zecotek.com.

For Additional Information Please Contact:

Zecotek Photonics Inc.

Michael Minder

T: (604) 783-8291

ir@zecotek.com
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 3:55 am ET Friday, Germany's Federal Labor Agency is set to release unemployment data for June. The jobless rate is forecast to remain unchanged at 5.7 percent. Ahead of the data, the euro dropped against its major rivals. The euro was worth 1.1409 against the greenback, 127.83 against the yen, 1.0935 against the franc and 0.8769 against the pound as of 3:50 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Company code: 2888

No: 1

Subject: SKFH announces adjustment of the conversion price of the third issue of domestic unsecured convertible corporate bonds

To which item it meets--article 4 paragraph xx: 49

Date of events: 2017/07/11

Contents:

1. Date of occurrence of the event: 2017/07/11

2. Company name: Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd.

3. Relationship to the Company (please enter "head office" or "subsidiaries"): Head office

4. Reciprocal shareholding ratios: N/A

5. Cause of occurrence: The conversion price of the third issue of domestic unsecured convertible corporate bonds shall be adjusted in accordance with the rules governing the issuance of the bonds.

6. Countermeasures: Due to the distribution of cash dividend, the conversion price of the third issue of domestic unsecured convertible corporate bonds shall be adjusted in accordance with the rules governing the issuance of the bonds. With effect from 2017/08/04, the new conversion price for the third issue of domestic unsecured convertible corporate bond will be adjusted from NT$9.41 to NT$9.17 per share.

7. Any other matters that need to be specified: None
Wolters Kluwer's Finance, Risk Reporting business today announced that Chartis Research has named the company a Category Leader in its Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) Report for 2017. Chartis uses in-depth research and a clear scoring system to determine which MiFID II solutions can best meet an organization's needs.

The report evaluates MiFID II technology solution providers on two key factors- completeness of offering and market potential. According to Chartis, Category Leaders, such as Wolters Kluwer, are "risk technology vendors that have the necessary depth and breadth of functionality, technology, and content, combined with the organizational characteristics to capture significant market share by volume and value." Category Leaders offer best-in-class solutions and deep domain knowledge "addressing the needs of very large clients with complex risk management and technology requirements, as well as addressing the needs of smaller clients with standardized requirements looking for integrated solutions from a single vendor Category leaders can also demonstrate an appetite for ongoing investment in innovation."

"MiFID II's drive to increase transparency across the industry is forcing financial institutions (FIs) to transform their business processes and technology. The regulation is also impacting several areas of FIs' operations, requiring them to focus more on pre-trade transparency, best execution and post-trade reporting. For FIs, this will create a multitude of new challenges not least in the amount of disparate data they will have to access and analyze, often in tandem with other complex system adaptations demanded by other regulations," said Hugh Stewart, Research Director at Chartis. "As a Category Leader Wolters Kluwer provides a proven and successful combination of resources to address these challenges, as well as comprehensive software and support services."

"Banks impacted by MiFID II should be under no illusion. The regulation will fundamentally transform their technological requirements. Alongside the new data requirements from MiFID II firms will need to grapple with other testing requirements and accounting standards such as International Financial Reporting Standard 9 (IFRS 9) and the European Central Bank's Analytical Credit Datasets (AnaCredit) in the Euro area. Their systems need to be up to the challenge," said Richard Bennett, Vice President. Regulatory Reporting, EMEA, for Wolters Kluwer's Finance, Risk Reporting business. "We are delighted that Chartis has recognized our leading capabilities and look forward to working with our clients on ensuring compliance."

In the past few months leading banks from every corner of the world have implemented the company's OneSumX solution for Regulatory Reporting, Risk and Finance. Major financial services providers to have recently announced their use of Wolters Kluwer include Nordea, BBVA, CIBC, Australia's Queensland Treasury Corporation and The Swedish Export Credit Corporation.

In its annual RiskTech100 Rankings, Chartis has ranked Wolters Kluwer #1 for Regulatory Reporting for six consecutive years.

About Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk Compliance

Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk Compliance (GRC) is a division of Wolters Kluwer which provides legal, finance, risk and compliance professionals and small business owners with a broad spectrum of solutions, services and expertise needed to help manage myriad governance, risk and compliance needs in dynamic markets and regulatory environments.

Wolters Kluwer N.V. (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. Wolters Kluwer reported 2016 annual revenues of 4.3 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide.

About Chartis Research

Chartis is the leading provider of research and analysis on the global market for risk technology and is part of the Insight division of InfoPro Digital, which includes market leading brands such as Risk and Waters Technology. Chartis' goal is to support enterprises as they drive business performance through better risk management, corporate governance and compliance and to help clients make informed technology and business decisions by providing in-depth analysis and actionable advice on virtually all aspects of risk technology.

RiskTech Quadrant, RiskTech100 and FinTech Quadrant are registered trademarks of Chartis Research (http://www.chartis-research.com).

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005023/en/

Contacts:

Wolters Kluwer

Paul Lyon, +44 20 3197 6586

Mobile: +44 77 6539 1824

Director of International Corporate Communications

Governance, Risk Compliance

Paul.Lyon@wolterskluwer.com
27 July 2017

Acacia Mining plc

LSE:ACA

("Acacia" or the "Company")

Update on Discussions with Tanzanian Government

Acacia notes comments made by Barrick Gold Corporation on their second quarter results conference call that "discussions with the Government of Tanzania are just getting underway" with respect to the issues impacting Acacia's operations in Tanzania.

ENQUIRIES

For further information, please visit our website: http://www.acaciamining.com/ or contact:

Acacia Mining plc +44 (0) 20 7129 7150

Giles Blackham, Investor Relations

Camarco +44 (0) 20 3757 4980

Gordon Poole / Billy Clegg / Nick Hennis

Disclaimer and forward-looking statements

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of Acacia in any jurisdiction.

This announcement includes "forward-looking statements" that express or imply expectations of future events or results as opposed to historical facts. These statements include, financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future production, operations, costs, projects, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates" and other similar expressions.

All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Acacia, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences between the actual results, performance and achievements of Acacia include, but are not limited to, changes or developments in political, economic or business conditions or national or local legislation or regulation in countries in which Acacia conducts - or may in the future conduct - business, industry trends, competition, fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold or certain other commodity prices (such as copper and diesel), currency fluctuations (including the US dollar, South African rand, Kenyan shilling and Tanzanian shilling exchange rates), Acacia's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, Acacia's ability to recover its reserves or develop new reserves, including its ability to convert its resources into reserves and its mineral potential into resources or reserves, and to process its mineral reserves successfully and in a timely manner, Acacia's ability to complete land acquisitions required to support its mining activities, operational or technical difficulties which may occur in the context of mining activities, delays and technical challenges associated with the completion of projects, risk of trespass, theft and vandalism, changes in Acacia's business strategy and ongoing implementation of operational reviews, as well as risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development, mining and production and risks and factors affecting the gold mining industry in general.

Although Acacia's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, Acacia cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Accordingly, investors should not place reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this announcement. Any forward-looking statements in this announcement only reflect information available at the time of preparation. Save as required under the Market Abuse Regulation or otherwise as may be required under applicable law, Acacia explicitly disclaims any obligation or undertaking publicly to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast or estimate and no statement made should be interpreted to mean that Acacia's profits or earnings per share for any future period will necessarily match or exceed its historical published profits or earnings per share.
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NTT DOCOMO International PR Public Relations Department Tel: +81-3-5156-1366 Fax: +81-3-5501-3408 URL: www.nttdocomo.com Contact: https://nes.nttdocomo.co.jp/PINQ01/showinquiry.do

TOKYO, Dec 26, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today its Japan Welcome SIMTM series will introduce Plan 0 to allow overseas visitors in Japan to access the Internet for free via the DOCOMO mobile network, from December 26. The free service will initially be available in Hokkaido and Niigata prefectures, after which other areas will be added sequentially.Along with the addition of Plan 0, Japan Welcome SIM's Plan 1000 and Plan 1700 will be renamed as Plan S and Plan M respectively, and a Plan L will be newly added for large-volume users of high-speed data communications. These changes will also apply from December 26.DOCOMO has launched various fee-based plans for Japan Welcome SIM since July, but Plan 0 is the first free plan in the series. Customers can qualify for the free service by viewing designated advertisements in their home countries before visiting Japan. Plan 0 is being offered in collaboration with local governments and business partners that are interested in targeting specific foreign visitors through advertisements and by setting various conditions for service usage, such as application periods, SIM pick-up periods, SIM handover locations, total SIMs to be offered, and more.Service Imagehttp://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_DOCOMOServiceImage.jpgJapan Welcome SIM is provided as a 3-in-1 SIM card compatible with regular, micro and nano formats. Access to the DOCOMO network is provided for 15 days under various plans -- Plan 0, Plan S, Plan M and Plan L. Plan 0 offers free Internet in exchange for viewing a certain number of video ads and completing a survey prior to arriving in Japan. Ad-free access at 128 Kbps is available for Yen 1,080 (Plan S), or high-speed (max. 788 Mbps(1)) 4G access is available with Plan M (Yen 1,836 for 600 MB) and Plan L (Yen 2,376 for 1.2 GB). Users can continue to enjoy the high-speed service by topping up their SIMs for Yen 216 (100 MB), Yen 756 (500 MB) or Yen 1,296 (1 GB). Alternatively, the SIMs can be topped up with free high-speed data through methods such as watching video ads or completing surveys. Even after purchased high-speed data amounts have been used up, access to the network is still available at 128 Kbps for the remainder of the 15-day period.Japan Welcome SIM applications are accepted in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai at New windowhttps://docomo.prepaid-sim.jp/lp (credit card registration required).(1) The data rate shown is the theoretical maximum downlink speed available in certain locations throughout Japan. Access is provided on a best-effort basis and actual speeds May vary depending on the transmission environment, network traffic, and type of device used.For information on compatible devices and other conditions of use, please visit New windowhttps://docomo.prepaid-sim.jp/faq/lp and refer to the applicable FAQ section.Prices shown include tax.DOCOMO makes stays in Japan more convenient and enjoyable by offering visiting tourists and businesspeople data communication options and a translation service that leverages artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. DOCOMO also supports the stimulation and revitalization of regional economies through its "+d" initiatives for the creation of new value through collaboration with various partners.About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO provides innovative, convenient and secure mobile services that enable smarter living for each customer. The company serves over 65 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world's first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ for more information.Source: NTT DOCOMOContact:Copyright 2017 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/17 -- Dominovas Energy Corp. (OTCQB: DNRG) CEO Neal Allen Provided the following update to shareholders this morning:

As the end of third quarter quickly comes to a close for Dominovas Energy, great progress has been realized. In 2017, Dominovas Energy accepted the challenge to become a major player in the African energy sector by leveraging its Power Africa membership along with its mandate to exploit three specific energy technologies: Fuel Cell, Clean Coal and Hydro.

Fuel cell, as the initial focus of Dominovas Energy's foray into the energy sector, presented as the most challenging opportunity in that the "proof of concept" for a commercially viable deployment is what is most needed to support sales. Initially, Dominovas Energy via its relationship with the University of Johannesburg anticipated that a 50 kilowatt (50kW) unit deployment would satisfy pundits and act as a showcase for potential customers to platform the veracity and viability of the RUBICON. However, Dominovas continued to have ongoing discussions with potential large scale off-takers for the RUBICON and ultimately determined that the most viable deployment for the RUBICON, both economically and from an engineering perspective, would be to stay the course and deploy the RUBICON in minimum 1 Megawatt (1MW) arrays. The Company is in the business to deploy "utility-grade" energy systems and that is what must be presented to the market that we serve.

In support of this strategy are Dominovas Energy's previously reported financial partner Graecrest Energy along with its strategic partner Leveraged Green Energy. These and other key strategic partners are working closely with the Company to deliver the first of its kind MW systems. Africa remains a quite viable market for Dominovas Energy with South Africa leading the charge. The fact that Dominovas Energy was, as previously reported, able to secure Egoli gas as its natural gas supplier in South Africa is a cornerstone for the future financially viable deployment of the RUBICON in South Africa. Dominovas Energy has additionally contractually engaged with a current and well-established fuel cell market leader in South Africa for the purpose of utilizing Dominovas Energy's venerable supply chain, in concert with exploiting their already established client base. The opportunity to deploy SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) given the technology's veracity allowing for baseload power further enhances the scope of coverage and significantly increases the customer base for both of our companies. Collectively, we are anticipating that we will have under Power Provider Agreements a minimum of 3 financed MWs of power before year's end.

Dominovas Energy's previously announced 450MW clean coal powered power plant project, as evidenced by the previously announced and executed Letter of Intent with the Republic of Madagascar and Agence Malgasy pour le Developpement economique et de Promotion d'entreprises ("AMDP") is progressing at a rapid pace. Procedurally, Dominovas has identified and begun the process of engaging its strategic partners as necessary to provide this project financing, feasibility studies, EPC services, engineering services, as well as vendor identification for the providing of turbines and all other related equipment. The project in Madagascar is expected to include several global strategic partners with an expected total budget of US $2.5 billion dollars. The 4th quarter should welcome the commencement of feasibility studies necessary for the confirmation of sufficient coal supply and quality, water resources along with the identification of present supportable capacity with analyses of the future needs of Madagascar, as dictated by anticipated growth in the mining, agriculture, tourist, housing and manufacturing sectors.

Lastly, Dominovas Energy is quite excited about the progress that has been achieved in the Republic of Angola. The previously reported 18MW hydro project has advanced to the stage of Dominovas Energy having contracted COBA via their Angola office to provide the initially requested feasibility studies to the government for our hydro project on the 15th of June 2017. Full feasibility studies will additionally be provided to the government in order to commence "breaking ground" later this year. Project financing will be provided and facilitated by Graecrest Energy, as has been previously reported. Project completion is anticipated to be 1st quarter of 2018. COBA is a multinational and multidisciplinary group of Engineering and Environmental Consultants, founded in 1962. The COBA Group provides engineering consultancy services ranging from basic and planning studies, technical, environmental and economic feasibility studies, design and construction design, as well as project management and works supervision, to operation follow-up and behavior monitoring. The COBA Group has offices/subsidiaries in three continents and experience in more than forty countries and encompasses several companies, in accordance with functional specializations or geographical areas. Dominovas is fortunate to have COBA Angola as a strategic partner in Angola, as COBA is the preeminent engineering firm in Angola evidenced by over four decades of experience and engagement with and within the Republic of Angola.

It is important to note that typically energy projects of these magnitudes have particularly long and arduous sales and business development cycles. We have been fortunate that our strategic partners and alliances have enabled us to significantly reduce the typical timelines into an economically supportable construct. Certainly, I understand shareholders' impatience when it comes to quantifiable results, but infrastructure projects that by contract will generate revenue for 20-30 years after completion are projects that I feel will generate the quantifiable value that shareholders expect and deserve. Dominovas Energy is in the energy business for the long haul, and we are specifically committed via our partnership with Power Africa to help close the gap for many of the over 600 million Africans in sub-Sahara Africa that are without power.

The first 3 quarters of 2017 have ushered the closing of several of Dominovas Energy's sales cycles and the maturation of its business development in Africa. Moving stridently into the development and operational phase of our projects has been much anticipated by us, our strategic partners, and our shareholders. Most definitely Dominovas Energy could not have achieved the success that we have without the support and confidence of our shareholders and the investment community.

Energy is the foundation and core of economies worldwide. Dominovas Energy is proud to be at the forefront of providing technological and sustainable solutions to frontier markets that will be affordable to our customer base, but will also provide a basis for long term economic growth and stability to our company.

About Dominovas Energy Corporation (OTCQB: DNRG)

Founded in 2005, Dominovas Energy Corporation (DEC) is a publicly traded company, based in Nevada. With its operating headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Dominovas Energy Corporation is a leading power solutions provider to emerging markets around the world. DEC seeks to deploy its proprietary RUBICON Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology, the ORCAS hydro systems and sourced clean coal technology for deployment in multi-megawatt power generation units worldwide. The worldwide need of clean and efficient production and distribution of is well documented. Dominovas Energy recognizes that worldwide, the markets offer immense potential for commercial development of energy resources. Dominovas Energy is aggressively moving to allocate its intellectual and financial capital forthwith, in order to strategically address this opportunity. By engaging throughout the world, Dominovas Energy is committed to creating shareholder value by not only generating guaranteed revenue streams, but also by increasing the value of "human and community capital." Devoted to core values by operating under the utmost of honesty and integrity in all its business transactions, Dominovas Energy is additionally dedicated to respecting the rights of all individuals, while acknowledging and respecting all cultures necessary to support the growth and development of the communities and countries in which it operates. The Company strongly believes that the impact of advanced "energy" technology can and will positively change the world, and Dominovas Energy is resolute in its mission to provide electricity where and when economically viable.

For more information, visit www.dominovasenergy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, as well as other statements made by Dominovas Energy Corporation (the "Company"), contain forward-looking statements that reflect, when made, the Company's current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the Company's operations and business environment, which may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from any future results. All statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or the Company's strategies or expectations are forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as is applicable would be discussed under captions as follows: "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's filings as would be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as required. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. It should be remembered that the price of the ordinary shares and any income from them can go down as well as up. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events and/or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Michael Watkins

8006791249

info@dominovasenergy.com




First Results of Drill Hole V2017-01A Continue to Support Presence of Higher Grades in the Central Core Including a near Surface 302-Metre Intersection of 0.55% Cu (0.59% CuEq)

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 30, 2017) - Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) ("Los Andes", or the "Company") is very pleased to announce the initial results of the 2017 diamond drill program. Assay results for the first 698 metres of V2017-01A have been released. These assay results confirm the presence of higher grade mineralization in the project's central core.

The key results from the drill hole V2017-01A are:

302.1 m @ 0.55% Cu, 115 ppm Mo and 1.4 g/t Ag from 71.9 m downhole

Including:

28.0 m @ 0.61 % Cu, 42 ppm Mo and 1.6 g/t Ag from 134.0 m downhole.

134.0 m @ 0.60 % Cu, 150 ppm Mo and 1.5 g/t Ag from 226.0 m downhole.

These results demonstrate the continuity of the higher mineralization intersected during the successful 2015/2016 drilling campaign 150 metres to the north of drill holes V2015-03 (39.1 m @ 0.74 % Cu, 145 ppm Mo, 1.9 g/t Ag from 44.1 m downhole) and V2015-05 (120.0 m @ 0.54 % Cu, 169 ppm Mo, 1.4 g/t Ag from 72.0 m downhole). The drill hole is also 100 metres south of the 2015 drill hole V2015-08 (502.0 m @ 0.63 % Cu, 209 ppm Mo and 1.3 g/t Ag from 130 m downhole).

Cautionary Statement: All thicknesses from intersections from drill holes are down-hole drilled thicknesses. True widths cannot be determined from the information available.

Background

Historical drilling was carried out on the Vizcachitas project in three campaigns during 1993, 1996/1997 and 2007/2008. However, the higher grade central core had only been drilled in the 1990's campaigns and with generally shallower drill holes, therefore not properly reflecting the potential of this core area.

During 2014, a complete review of the historical information was performed to better understand the project, including the re-logging all of the 146 drill holes located within the property. The re-logging was led by Gonzalo Saldias, a Chilean geologist and one of the most recognized experts in Chilean porphyry systems. This detailed review showed that the historical logging and geological model had not properly identified the importance of the higher grade early diorite porphyry and hydrothermal breccias. The re-logging showed that these higher grade geological units extend over a distance of 1,400 metres north-south and 700 metres east-west. The mapping showed that these breccias have grades increasing with depth and demonstrates the potential for higher grades below the historical drilling.

In 2015, Los Andes began a drill program to confirm a new geological model and to demonstrate the extent of the central core mineralisation. A first stage of this campaign was completed in 2015/2016, with eight diamond drill holes totaling 3,661 metres. During 2017, Los Andes has carried out a second stage of this campaign with the purpose of demonstrating the northern and southern extension of the high grade core.

Location of Drill Holes:

Hole Easting Northing Elevation

(metres) Azimut

(degrees) Inclination

(degrees) Final depth

(metres)













V2017-01 365,778 6,413,544 2,003 110 -60 (69.90) Abandoned V2017-01A 365,786 6,413,534 2,003 105 -60 851.25 V2017-02 366,278 6,413,255 2,090 290 -65 1,030.60 V2017-03 365,936 6,413,856 2,049 290 -80 (62.00) Abandoned V2017-04 366.200 6,413,056 1,978 110 -70 653.00 V2015-08 Ex 365.159 6,413,542 2,154 290 -75 1,001.00 V2017-05 365,996 6,413,879 2,080 270 -80 931.90 V2017-06 366,037 6,413,538 2,073 110 -65 857.00 V2017-07 366,099 6,413,337 2,046 110 -60 721.10 V2017-08 365,996 6,413,879 2,080 15 -70 400.25 V2017-09 365,785 6,413,377 1,993 120 -70 (85.50) Abandoned V2017-09B 365,785 6,413,382 1,993 120 -75 Active V2017-10 365,682 6,413,878 2,040 65 -75 Active V2017-11 365,745 6,413,745 2,024 85 -75 Active

All coordinates are in UTM WGS84

A drill hole location plan is available on our website: www.losandescopper.com

Summary of Drill Holes

Drill Hole V2017-01A

This hole was drilled on the southwestern part of the central core with a southeastern direction. The drill hole is 150 metres north the 2015 drill holes V2015-03 (39.1 m @ 0.74 % Cu, 145 ppm Mo, 1.9 g/t Ag from 44.1 m downhole) and V2015-05 (120.0 m @ 0.54 % Cu, 169 ppm Mo, 1.4 g/t Ag from 72.0 m downhole). The drill hole is also 100 metres south of the 2015 drill hole V2015-08 (502.0 m @ 0.63 % Cu, 209 ppm Mo and 1.3 g/t Ag from 130 m downhole).

The top of bedrock was intersected at 71.9 metres in diorite porphyry with disseminated chalcopyrite which continued to a depth of 238.0 metres. Within this sequence there was secondary enrichment from 134 to 162 metres where the average grade was 0.61 % Cu, 42 ppm Mo and 1.6 g/t Ag. At a depth of 238 metres the rock type changed to medium grained diorite and continued to a depth of 513.15 metres. Within this sequence there is a well mineralised sequence running from 226 metres to 360 with 0.60 % Cu, 150 ppm and 1.5 g/t Ag. From a depth of 513.15 to the end of the drill hole at depth of 851.25 metres the drill hole is primarily in igneous breccias and a hydrothermal breccias. The assay results are pending from 698 metres to the end the drill hole.

This drill hole has demonstrated the continuity of the mineralisation between the drill holes 2015/2016 drill holes to the north and south. This near surface mineralisation would be mined during the first few years of an operating mine. It also shows the high primary grades within the medium grained diorites. These early phase diorites consistently have grades above 0.5 % Cu and are the target of this drilling campaign.

Key intersections from drill hole V2017-01A:

Hole Number Depth From (m) Depth To (m) Length (m) Cu % Mo ppm Ag g/t CuEq % V2017-01A 71.9 374.0 302.1 0.55 115 1.4 0.59 including 134.0 162.0 28.0 0.61 42 1.6 0.63 including 226.0 360.0 134.0 0.60 150 1.5 0.65

* Copper equivalent grade has been calculated using the following expression: Cu Eq (%) = CuT (%) + 2.5 x Mo (%) + 110.55 x Ag (%), using the metal prices: $ 2.2 / lb. Cu, $5.5 / lb. Mo and $15.2 / Oz (same reference prices as in reporting of 2015/2016 results). All thicknesses from intersections from drill holes are down-hole drilled thicknesses. True widths cannot be determined from the information available.

QA/QC

Quality assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of duplicate and standard samples in to the sample stream. Drill core samples were sawn in half, labelled, placed in sealed bags and were shipped directly to the preparatory laboratory of ALS Minerals in Coquimbo, Chile. All geochemical analyses were performed by ALS Minerals in Lima Peru. All samples were assayed using the method ME-MS61, a four-acid digestion with an ICP-MS finish. Copper samples with grades above 0.6 % Cu were reanalysed using ALS method Cu-OG62, a four-acid digestion with an AAS finish.

Mr. Amberg is the Qualified Person responsible for the preparation of this news release.

Team Credentials

Mr. Amberg MSc CGeol FGS is a geologist who is a graduate of the Royal School of Mines, London, has an MSc. from University College and is also a Chartered Geologist with the Geological Society of London. He has close to 30 years of diverse experience having worked in Asia, Africa and South America for both multinational and junior companies. He began his career in 1986 working with Anglo American in South Africa before moving on to an exploration position with Severin-Southern Sphere. In 1990 Mr. Amberg moved to Chile where he first worked with Bema Gold on the Refugio project before taking up a position with Rio Tinto. At Rio Tinto he was involved in exploration programs in the Atacama and Magallanes Regions and managed the Barreal Seco (now part of Las Cenizas) exploration program. In 1996 he joined Kazakhstan Minerals Corporation in Kazakhstan, setting up and managing offices for the drilling and resource estimation for JORC compliant feasibility studies on three large projects that are now operating mines. He became General Director for two joint ventures in KazMinCo where he managed all technical and local issues. In 2001 he returned to Chile where he started a geological consulting firm specialising in project evaluation and NI 43-101 technical reports. Mr. Amberg's clients included Rio Tinto, Barrick, Codelco, Anglo American, Pan Pacific Copper and various junior mining companies. He joined Los Andes Copper in 2012 as Chief Geologist and is now also the President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Amberg MSc CGeol FGS is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.

Gonzalo Saldias is a geologist who is a graduate of Universidad Catolica del Norte, Chile. He has over 35 years of experience working within Chile and internationally; mainly on copper porphyry, epithermal gold silver and iron-oxide copper gold systems. For the last seven years, he worked for Antofagasta Minerals evaluating copper porphyry projects within Chile, assessing their geological and economical potential. Prior to that he had worked for ten years with Placer Dome Latin America, generating and evaluating exploration projects within the region. Prior to Placer Dome, he worked for Codelco as head of exploration geology for the El Salvador Division, developing the prospective areas near to the mine. He also worked for Northern Resources, Homestake, Utah, Anaconda and as an independent consultant.

For more information please contact:

Antony J. Amberg, President & CEO

Tel: +56 2 2954-0450

Aurora Davidson, CFO

Tel: 604-697-6207

E-Mail: info@losandescopper.com or visit our website at: www.losandescopper.com

Certain of the information and statements contained herein that are not historical facts, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Securities Act (British Columbia), Securities Act (Ontario) and the Securities Act (Alberta) ("Forward-Looking Information"). Forward-Looking Information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend"; statements that an event or result is "due" on or "may", "will", "should", "could", or might" occur or be achieved; and, other similar expressions. More specifically, Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information; including, without limitation, the achievement and maintenance of planned production rates, the evolving legal and political policies of Chile, the volatility in the Chilean economy, military unrest or terrorist actions, metal and energy price fluctuations, favourable governmental relations, the availability of financing for activities when required and on acceptable terms, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, current and future environmental and regulatory requirements, the availability and timely receipt of permits, approvals and licenses, industrial or environmental accidents, equipment breakdowns, availability of and competition for future acquisition opportunities, availability and cost of insurance, labour disputes, land claims, the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates, currency fluctuations, expectations and beliefs of management and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Management's Discussion and Analysis in the Company's financial statements. Such Forward-Looking Information is based upon the Company's assumptions regarding global and Chilean economic, political and market conditions and the price of metals and energy, and the Company's production. Among the factors that have a direct bearing on the Company's future results of operations and financial conditions are changes in project parametres as plans continue to be refined, a change in government policies, competition, currency fluctuations and restrictions and technological changes, among other things. Should one or more of any of the aforementioned risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from any conclusions, forecasts or projections described in the Forward-Looking Information. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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.
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

A Mvurwi woman was caught panties down with another man while her husband was battling for life at hospital, chief Makope heard on SundayYolanda Solomon was caught red handed panties down with Christopher Kadyara at Lucknow farm in Mvurwi last week while Solomon's husband Potifah Kachiri was in hospital.Kadyara pleaded guilty to the charge of snatching a married woman and Chief Makope slapped him with one beast for violating Ubuntu \ hunhu wemunhu.Meanwhile, Kachiri still loves his wife and has forgiven her for her shenanigans.Cases of infidelity in Chief Makope' s area of jurisdiction are mushrooming and he has vowed to punish the culprits accordingly."Cases of infidelity are on the rise in my area of jurisdiction but l will not take anything to chance the culprits will be punished accordingly."
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/17 -- Veresen Inc. ("Veresen") (TSX: VSN) today announced the expiry of its previously announced solicitation of consents in connection with a proposed amendment of the Indenture under which its outstanding 4.00% Medium Term Notes, Series 1 due 2018, 5.05% Medium Term Notes, series 3 due 2022, 3.06% Medium Term Notes, Series 4 due 2019, and 3.43% Medium Term notes, Series 5 due 2021 (each series, and collectively, the "Notes") were issued. The solicitation of consents is described in the Consent and Proxy Solicitation Statement and the related Consent Form dated June 2, 2017 that can be found at www.sedar.com. Adoption of the proposed amendment to the Indenture requires the consents of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Notes (the "Requisite Consents").

As of 4:00 PM MT on June 28, 2017 (the "Expiration Time"), consents in excess of the Requisite Consents have been obtained. Pursuant to the terms of the Consent and Proxy Solicitation a consent fee of $0.25 for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes will be paid to holders who have provided valid consents prior to the Expiration Time, subject to and in accordance with the procedures outlined in, and the terms of, the Consent and Proxy Solicitation Statement. As outlined in the Consent and Proxy Solicitation Statement, the consent fee will be paid following the execution of the Supplemental Indenture to implement the amendments to the Indenture. The solicitation was made in connection with the proposed business combination between Veresen and Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina") pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement Agreement dated May 1, 2017. All costs of the solicitation will be borne by Pembina. The nature of the proposed amendments to the Indenture are such that they will not have any effect on the terms of the Notes until the transaction between Veresen and Pembina is completed. The Supplemental Indenture will be available on www.sedar.com following its execution.

Cancellation of Meeting of the Holders of Notes

Concurrent with the receipt of the Requisite Consents, Veresen also announced that the previously scheduled meeting of the holders of Notes that was to occur on July 6, 2017 has been cancelled.

Further Information

CIBC World Markets Inc. served as solicitation agent for the solicitation.

This announcement is not a solicitation of consents with respect to the Notes. The solicitation is being made solely pursuant to the Consent and Proxy Solicitation Statement and the related Consent Form. The solicitation is not being made to holders of notes in any jurisdiction in which the solicitation would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. Neither Veresen nor the solicitation agent are making any recommendation in connection with the solicitation.

About Veresen Inc.

Veresen is a publicly-traded dividend paying corporation based in Calgary, Alberta that owns and operates energy infrastructure assets across North America. Veresen is engaged in three principal businesses: a pipeline transportation business comprised of interests in the Alliance Pipeline, the Ruby Pipeline and the Alberta Ethane Gathering System; a midstream business which includes a partnership interest in Veresen Midstream Limited Partnership which owns assets in western Canada, and an ownership interest in Aux Sable, which owns a world-class natural gas liquids (NGL) extraction facility near Chicago, and other natural gas and NGL processing energy infrastructure; and a power business comprised of a portfolio of assets in Canada. Veresen is also developing Jordan Cove LNG, a 7.8 million tonne per annum natural gas liquefaction facility proposed to be constructed in Coos Bay, Oregon, and the associated Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. In the normal course of business, Veresen regularly evaluates and pursues acquisition and development opportunities.

Veresen's Common Shares, Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares, Series A, Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares, Series C, and Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares, Series E trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols "VSN", "VSN.PR.A", "VSN.PR.C" and "VSN.PR.E", respectively. For further information, please visit www.vereseninc.com.

Contacts:

Veresen Inc.

Mark Chyc-Cies

Vice President, Corporate Planning & Investor Relations

(403) 213-3633

investor-relations@vereseninc.com

www.vereseninc.com




-Transaction reinforces the continued progress of Atento's strategic growth initiatives

-Expands penetration into higher value-add solutions, aligned with the launch of Atento Digital

SAO PAULO, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Atento S.A. (NYSE:ATTO), the leading provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing solutions (CRM/BPO) in Latin America, and one of the three top providers worldwide, announced the signing of a strategic partnership and the acquisition of a minority stake at Keepcon, a leading provider of semantic technology-based automated customer experience management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The addition of Keepcon will expand the Artificial Intelligence and automatization capabilities of Atento's omnichannel platform. The integration of Keepcon's semantic technology with Atento's existing solutions allows for the monitoring, analysis and management of customer sentiment and needs through social media in real-time. This can be delivered through a blended automatized and agent-based solution or through a fully automatized solution.

The announcement is aligned with the launch of Atento Digital, a newly created global business unit integrating all of Atento's digital assets to generate additional value for clients and drive growth across verticals and geographies. The new platform will integrate digital marketing tools, automatization of front and back office customer processes and a robust omnichannel platform to generate efficiency and results for customer acquisition, management and retention.

Alejandro Reynal, Chief Executive Officer of Atento, commented, "The partnership with Keepcon will expand our digital capabilities, allowing us to provide differentiated customer experience solutions to generate competitive advantages for companies and increased satisfaction for consumers."

Matias Rozenfarb, Chief Executive Officer of Keepcon, added, "We are very excited about the partnership and the opportunities that Atento will bring to our clients and our employees, and we look forward to generating value by providing new capabilities to the company."

Digital services comprised 6% of Atento's total revenues in 2016, and we expect the launch of Atento Digital and our partnership with Keepcon to drive incremental digital services growth in 2017. Atento is the leading provider of customer related digital services in Latin America with a share of 11% in a market totaling 1 billion USD and with growth rates averaging above 9% in the coming five years (Frost & Sullivan and company estimates).

About Keepcon

Keepcon was created almost 9 years ago becoming the main semantic technology provider in the Spanish and Portuguese speaking markets. Based on the uniqueness of its proprietary linguistic approach, Keepcon originally created an automatic content moderation service becoming one of the largest players in semantic technology in this market. 3 years ago Keepcon started creating new services leveraged on the same technology, adding English to its semantic solutions and becoming a leading automated customer experience management service in Latin America by providing actionable insights for marketing and automation of customer care processes. While having offices in US, Brazil and Argentina, Keepcon has 40+ world class customers mainly in America and Europe. More info at www.keepcon.com

About Atento

Atento is the largest provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing (CRM/BPO) services in Latin America, and among the top three providers globally, based on revenues. Atento is also a leading provider of nearshoring CRM/BPO services to companies that carry out their activities in the United States. Since 1999, the company has developed its business model in 13 countries where it employs more than 150,000 people. Atento has over 400 clients to whom it offers a wide range of CRM/BPO services through multiple channels. Atento's clients are mostly leading multinational corporations in sectors such as telecommunications, banking and financial services, health, retail and public administrations, among others. Atento's shares trade under the symbol ATTO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In 2016, Atento was named one of the World's 25 Best Multinational Workplaces by Great Place to Work for a third consecutive year. For more information visit www.atento.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "intends," "continue" or similar terminology. These statements reflect only Atento's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance or results. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competition in Atento's highly competitive industries; increases in the cost of voice and data services or significant interruptions in these services; Atento's ability to keep pace with its clients' needs for rapid technological change and systems availability; the continued deployment and adoption of emerging technologies; the loss, financial difficulties or bankruptcy of any key clients; the effects of global economic trends on the businesses of Atento's clients; the non-exclusive nature of Atento's client contracts and the absence of revenue commitments; security and privacy breaches of the systems Atento uses to protect personal data; the cost of pending and future litigation; the cost of defending Atento against intellectual property infringement claims; extensive regulation affecting many of Atento's businesses; Atento's ability to protect its proprietary information or technology; service interruptions to Atento's data and operation centers; Atento's ability to retain key personnel and attract a sufficient number of qualified employees; increases in labor costs and turnover rates; the political, economic and other conditions in the countries where Atento operates; changes in foreign exchange rates; Atento's ability to complete future acquisitions and integrate or achieve the objectives of its recent and future acquisitions; future impairments of our substantial goodwill, intangible assets, or other long-lived assets; and Atento's ability to recover consumer receivables on behalf of its clients. In addition, Atento is subject to risks related to its level of indebtedness. Such risks include Atento's ability to generate sufficient cash to service its indebtedness and fund its other liquidity needs; Atento's ability to comply with covenants contained in its debt instruments; the ability to obtain additional financing; the incurrence of significant additional indebtedness by Atento and its subsidiaries; and the ability of Atento's lenders to fulfill their lending commitments. Atento is also subject to other risk factors described in documents filed by the company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the statements were made. Atento undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/329706/atento_fondo_blanco_rgb_logo.jpg
Low-maintenance building products manufacturer Epwin Group has disposed of one of its subsidiaries, Indigo Products, to Indigo Acquisitions, it announced on Tuesday. The AIM-traded firm said the disposal of Indigo Products, for total consideration of 1, to Indigo Acquisitions, followed the insolvency of Entu UK earlier in the year. Indigo was primarily engaged in fabricating window frames for Entu, prior to that business entering administration. During the 10-month period to 31 October, ...

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.
RENO, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/17 --Lifeline Biotechnologies, Inc. ("The Company") (OTC PINK: LLBO) updates it shareholders and provides information to the public.

The Company recently transferred breast cancer detection technology to Cyrcadia, Inc. in exchange for 4,670,000 shares of Cyrcadia, Inc. common stock and a $110,000 cash and $220,000 promissory note. The additional 4,670,000 shares added to Lifeline's original 8,000,000 shares totals 12,670,000 shares. Lifeline's ownership is increased to over 45% of Cyrcadia, Inc., making Lifeline Cyrcadia, Inc.'s largest single shareholder.

The technology transfer enabled Cyrcadia, Inc. to license Cyrcadia Asia Limited for the marketing of Cyrcadia, Inc. products throughout the Asian markets. Rob Royea, Cyrcadia, Inc.'s former CEO, is moving to Hong Kong to manage the Asian opportunity, representing a population of 1.8 billion people.

Cyrcadia, Inc. received the following compensation for the license to Cyrcadia Asia Limited: An $830,000 Cyrcadia, Inc. equity investment at $1.00 per share with an equal $1.00 warrant; a $1,050,000 promissory note; Cyrcadia Asia, Limited assumed approximately $3,000,000 in product development costs for the Bluetooth  and added sensor costs. Cyrcadia, Inc. received an equity interest in Cyrcadia Asia, Limited. Additionally, Cyrcadia Asia Limited assumed approximately $500,000 of Cyracdia, Inc.'s annual general and administrative expenses. Cyrcadia Asia Limited will license Cyrcadia, Inc. for the developed Bluetooth and additional sensors products once development is completed. The transaction is valued at approximately $5 million.

The Bluetooth capabilities will enable patient data to be transmitted directly, over the Internet, to the testing physician, and/or the data interpretation center. The added sensors will enable the systems to exactly locate the tissue abnormality or cancer within the breast tissue. By locating the abnormality, the physician performing the biopsy will know exactly where the probe should be inserted into the tissue.

About Cyrcadia, Inc.:

Cyrcadia, Inc., a Nevada corporation, founded by also known as Cyrcadia Health, was founded by Lifeline Biotechnologies, Inc. ("LLBO"), as First Warning Systems in 2008, based in Reno, NV. Cyrcadia, Inc.'s product line, as originally, exclusively licensed for further development, manufacturing and marketing worldwide by LLBO it's major shareholder, is a device and software service that detects breast tissue abnormalities leading to health risk assessment and management including early breast cancer identification. Three clinical trials, conducted by LLBO, with over 500 participants, have achieved proof of concept and superior outcomes when compared to other diagnostic protocols. Cyrcadia, Inc. is in a final clinical trial and a 510(k) device classification to validate the fourth generation of its product. The progress of this final trial has produced the following: Preliminary indications suggest, test-patient wear time could be reduced to two hour (2) vs the 24 hour wear time at the commencement of the trials. Additionally, the preliminary results have indicated a probable 84% accuracy and sensitivity, specificity at 75%. Final results to be confirmed upon the completion of the trials.

Cyrcadia, Inc. expects to apply for FDA Clearance and a CE Mark, (to market in the European Union and Asian markets), with anticipation of launching its technology to market possibly in late 2017 or early 2018.

Cyrcadia recently received two awards at Cannes Film Festival for it's documentary "Detected Movie"

Cisco Systems, Inc. is financially supporting the filming of a documentary by Ironbound Films called "Detected Movie" about the evolution of Cyrcadia, Inc.'s technology. Please visit www.DetectedMovie.com and Cyrcadia, Inc. at www.cyrcadiahealth.com.

Per Federal FDAAA 801 guidelines, Cyrcadia, Inc. will release information on trial locations, as well as clinical trial data only at time of trial completion or FDA clearance for disclosure.

About Lifeline Biotechnolgies, Inc.:

In 2008, the principals of Lifeline Biotechnologies, a Nevada corporation, based in Reno, NV, created Cyrcadia, Inc. via stock ownership and a revenue royalty based license of its patented, circadian rhythm based, pattern recognition technology. Lifeline conducted three rounds of proof of concept trials, testing over 500 patients. The initial trial, of the three, was conducted at Ohio State University's oncology hospital. The principal investigator for that trial was Dr. William Farrar. The patients were also tested by the mammogram process and the results were compared. Overall, Lifeline's process was superior in identifying breast tissue abnormalities and breast cancer at earlier stages. The test results were validated by the aerospace engineers (foremost pattern recognition engineers in the world) at Nanyang Technological University "NTU"), Singapore. The principals of Lifeline and the engineers at NTU filed for and received software patents on the technology. Those patents were assigned to Lifeline Biotechnologies. The patents were the basis of the license granted to Cyrcadia, Inc. The main purpose for creating Cyrcadia, Inc. was to increase the value and reduce the cost of capital. This has been confirmed. At the time of Cyrcadia, Inc.'s formation, Lifeline's value was less than six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000). Currently, Lifeline's current market cap is over twelve million dollars ($12,000,000). The current value is projected to grow with Cyrcadia, Inc.'s future achievements.

Safe Harbor: This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the ability to obtain financing, successful development of the Company's product or market acceptance of the product and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions.

Lifeline Biotechnologies

Information at: Info@lbti.com

Website: www.lbti.com




BALTIMORE, MD--(Marketwired - June 30, 2017) - Producing clear accessible content just got simpler with VisibleThread Readability. The enterprise tool for business & government users analyzes and suggests how to simplify text content using Natural Language Processing.

VisibleThread Readability proofs any type of digital content; PDF, Word docs, text and Webpages (URLs). Corporate and government writers can now optimize all content for a better user experience in seconds. Best of all it's FREE.

Try it here: https://www.visiblethread.com/visiblethread-readability-sign-up/

Writing content (product specs, online forms, blog posts) using Plain Language techniques means better visitor engagement and compliance. We designed VisibleThread Readability to put quality control in the hands of business writers, subject matter experts, and other content contributors in government and corporate environments.

"People need well written and accurate information," said Lindsay Dudbridge, Manager of Clinical Content for the American Society of Clinical Oncology. "I want them to be able to find information they understand and that's the value of our website. Our ability to present information clearly has been due to VisibleThread."

Writers specify a URL, upload a PDF or Word doc, or enter text into the intuitive web interface. The software scores the content, saving communicators laborious review. The tool is ideal for organizations explaining complex products and services, including healthcare, legal, financial services, technology, and government agencies.

"Clear, concise language is today's online currency. It's an imperative for government agencies & businesses that want to engage with customers and citizens," said Fergal McGovern, CEO and Founder of VisibleThread. "While SEO focuses on getting people to a page, accessible content keeps them engaged, and allows them to complete tasks online. Organizations who can communicate clearly gain competitive advantage and build brand trust."

A recent survey of top Ad Age advertisers showed numerous websites with low or failing grades for clarity. For advertisers spending $ billions to drive traffic to substandard websites, this flaw compromises user experience and marketing goals.

The Plain Language Act of 2010 mandates that US Federal agencies communicate benefits and services plainly, without confusion, a must for today's publicly-facing digital government. VisibleThread conducted a study of federal agency websites, analyzing content quality: 2017 U.S. Government Website Clarity Index Report

VisibleThread Readability is available at https://www.visiblethread.com/products/visiblethread-readability/

For media who want a free, complementary access, mail: john.nolan@visiblethread.com.

VisibleThread Readability is part of the VisibleThread Marketing Suite, a content auditing readability and compliance tool for Marketing & Communications Teams. The Marketing Suite is an enterprise solution that instantly improves the clarity and message consistency of online & offline content. Digital Marketing teams can now quality control and manage all documents and full websites within minutes.

About VisibleThread:

Founded in 2008, VisibleThread is a market leader in language & content auditing. With offices in the US, Europe and Australia, we help Global Brands produce and maintain clearer web copy and enterprise content. Our products are used by content and contract specialists, digital communications professionals, bid response teams, legal reviewers, marketing, UX and IT development teams. www.visiblethread.com

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/6/28/11G142025/Images/VisibleThread-clarity-scoring-3517bf302798bc8388189054a51ca11e.jpg

Media Contact:

Joel Greenberg

DCPR

Joel@dcpr.com

202-363-1065

202-669-3639 cell
Plans to Enter Nevada, Oregon, and California Cannabis Markets

BOULDER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / June 30, 2017 / CLS Holdings USA, Inc. (OTCQB: CLSH) ("CLS Holdings" or the "Company,") a diversified cannabis company operating as Cannabis Life Sciences, announced today that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with privately owned Pure Harvest Cannabis Producers, Inc. of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pure Harvest (www.PureHarvestCannabis.com) is a science-based medical cannabis company led by a team of respected veterans in business and in the cannabis industry. Pure Harvest plans to become a licensed vertically integrated cannabis business involved in all aspects of the cannabis cycle including plant science, cultivation, production, medical and recreational dispensaries, and delivery.

Pure Harvest intends to accomplish this through an active acquisition strategy combined with greenfield development. Pure Harvest has recently signed non-binding letters of intent to acquire two high potential cannabis verticals that operate in Nevada. The CEO of Pure Harvest, David Lamadrid, is expected to join CLS Holdings as the new CEO if and when the transaction is closed.

Upon closing, CLS Holdings is expected to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada and change its name to "Pure Harvest Cannabis Group, Inc." The letter of intent is subject to a number of conditions and contingencies, including due diligence to be performed by both parties.

Jeffery Binder, the Chairman of CLS Holdings, who is expected to remain on the combined company's board of directors stated, "We have been seeking a value add transaction with a company involved in the production and/or distribution of cannabis and are pleased and excited about the potential the Pure Harvest transaction offers our shareholders. We believe that Pure Harvest has an experienced team with strong potential to emerge as one of the most dominant cannabis operators in the Western US."

About Pure Harvest Cannabis Producers, Inc.:

Pure Harvest is an emerging privately owned development-stage company formed to become a licensed cannabis producer and distributor of high quality cannabis products to support patient wellness and healthy living. Initial target markets include Nevada, Oregon, and California. Pure Harvest has negotiated general business acquisition terms for two Nevada-based cannabis vertical operators under respective non-binding letters of intent. The founders and management team of Pure Harvest are veterans in business and the US cannabis industry with a combined 25 years of experience (www.PureHarvestCannabis.com).

About CLS Holdings:

CLS Holdings USA, Inc. (OTCQB: CLSH) plans to become a diversified cannabis company, specializing in the extraction and conversion of cannabinoids. CLS stands for "Cannabis Life Sciences," in recognition of the Company's patent pending proprietary method of extracting various cannabinoids from the marijuana plant and converting them into a higher quality and quantity of products. The Company's business model includes licensing operations, processing operations, processing facilities, sale of products, brand creation and consulting services.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to whether certain transactions will be completed, the terms of such transactions, the descriptions of the companies and the business that the target company could bring to CLS Holdings. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "intends," "expects," "plans," "goals," "projects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.

These forward-looking statements are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance and we cannot guaranty that the proposed transactions described in this press release will occur. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. These cautionary statements should be considered together with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. Except as required by applicable law, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to reflect actual results, later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Information

Corporate:

Chairman and CEO

Jeff Binder

jeff@clsholdingsinc.com

888-438-9132

Investors:

Hayden IR

Brett Maas, Managing Partner

brett@haydenir.com

646-536-7331

SOURCE: CLS Holdings USA, Inc.


WOLFSBURG (dpa-AFX) - The United States Department of Justice said that the former general manager of Volkswagen AG's (VKW.L, VLKAF.PK, VOW.BE) U.S. Environment and Engineering Office, who was a senior aide to VW's head of engine development, pleaded guilty for his role in violating the Clean Air Act in connection with VW's sales of 'clean diesel' vehicles in the U.S.



The Justice Department noted that Oliver Schmidt, 48, a citizen and resident of Germany, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., to commit wire fraud and to violate the Clean Air Act; and to one count of violating the Clean Air Act. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 11, along with five other VW executives and employees. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Sean F. Cox of the Eastern District of Michigan, who accepted Schmidt's plea today. Sentencing has been scheduled for December 6.



As part of his guilty plea, Schmidt admitted that he agreed with other VW employees to mislead and defraud the U.S. and domestic customers who purchased diesel vehicles, and to violate the Clean Air Act. In the spring of 2014, a non-governmental organization in the U.S. published results of a study that showed substantial discrepancies in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from certain VW vehicles when measured on the road compared to standard drive cycle tests.



During the summer of 2015, Schmidt was told of the existence of cheating software in certain VW diesel vehicles that had been in place for years that would cause the vehicles to emit substantially higher amounts of NOx when the software detected that the car was not being tested, he admitted.



Schmidt admitted that he participated in discussions with other VW employees in the summer of 2015 to determine how to respond to questions from U.S. regulators about VW's diesel vehicles without revealing the defeat device. After a meeting with VW management in July 2015, VW management instructed Schmidt to seek a meeting with a senior employee of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and to obtain approval from CARB for the sale of additional VW diesel vehicles in the U.S. without disclosing the fact that VW was cheating on emissions tests.



Schmidt admitted following VW management's instructions. During two meetings in August 2015, Schmidt attempted to obtain approval for the sale of additional VW diesel vehicles by responding to questions from CARB without revealing what he knew was the truth - that the real cause for the vehicles' substantially higher emissions on the road was that VW had intentionally installed software designed to cheat and evade emissions testing, he admitted.



The Justice department noted that Schmidt further admitted that he knew that in August 2015 VW employees submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) two reports pursuant to the Clean Air Act that were fraudulent and misleading. Moreover, Schmidt knew that VW was falsely marketing diesel vehicles to the U.S. public as being environmentally friendly and compliant with U.S. environmental regulations, including by promoting increased fuel economy, he admitted.



As part of his guilty plea, Schmidt agreed that during his participation in the scheme, he and his co-conspirators caused losses to victims of more than $150 million and that he obstructed justice.



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LUND, Sweden, Nov. 30 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: NVP, OTCQX: NEVPF), the mitochondrial medicine company, today announced an increase of the number of shares and votes in NeuroVive of 1,760,000 as a result of a directed share issue in NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB, resolved by the Board of Directors on 2 November, 2017.

Today, the last trading day of the month, there are in total 52,326,197 shares and votes in NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB.

This information is information that NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 08:35 a.m. CET on 30 November 2017.

For more information please contact:

Daniel Schale

Director of Communications

NeuroVive

+46(0)46-275-62-21

ir@neurovive.com

NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (publ)

Medicon Village

SE-223 81

Lund, Sweden

Tel: +46(0)46-275-62-20 (switchboard)

info@neurovive.com

www.neurovive.com

About NeuroVive

NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB is a leader in mitochondrial medicine, with one project in clinical phase II development for the prevention of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (NeuroSTAT and one project in clinical phase I (KL1333) for genetic mitochondrial diseases. The R&D portfolio consists of several late stage research programs in areas ranging from genetic mitochondrial disorders to cancer and metabolic diseases such as NASH. The company's strategy is to advance drugs for rare diseases through clinical development and into the market. The strategy for projects within larger indications outside the core focus area is out-licensing in the preclinical phase. NeuroVive is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden (ticker: NVP). The share is also traded on the OTCQX Best Market in the US (OTC: NEVPF).

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/neurovive-pharmaceutical/r/amended-number-of-shares-and-votes-in-neurovive-pharmaceutical-ab--publ-,c2402804

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The Portal is Offering a Plethora of Great Content from Videos and Articles to Live Events, All Geared Toward Helping Men Better Themselves

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 30, 2017 / Legendary Man is inviting visitors to explore their new website, designed to be an online portal uniting men from around the world, and operating around the goal that celebrates all men as they are, champions their transformation, and inspires men to serve others.

To check out the new website and browse through all that it has to offer, please visit www.legendary-man.com.

Created to offer men content ranging from in-depth articles and feature stories to videos and live events, the site introduces visitors to founder Nate Lind and his vision behind Legendary Man, as well as the idea of the 12 Champions - the embodiments of the timeless stories and journeys that all men share. Each represents the roles men play in life, the paths they walk, the lessons they learn, and the way they interact.

"The Champions have been with us since the dawn of time. We see them over the ages in art, literature, myth, and religion," Lind says. "The community will see that, not only do the Champions embody figures in modern and historic times, but are also virtues within."

Community members can also learn about and register for Legendary Man events, including the upcoming inaugural Quest of Champions, slated to take place on July 22nd in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"This live-action hero's journey is an afternoon adventure through the city that's part Amazing Race and part Treasure Hunt," Lind notes, adding that the quest will encourage players to complete physical and mental challenges, seek out new locations where the participants will see "figures in history that embody what being a legend means."

Additionally, visitors can check out the Legendary Man online store which provides tools that empower, excite, and fulfill men in their journey through modern masculinity and features merchandise from hoodies and tanks to health and grooming products.

The site also features social capabilities at the forefront, offering users one-click functions to share content across their social media channels.

About Legendary Man:

Legendary Man is a worldwide association of men who are inspired to share their own hero's journey as they explore the meaning of modern masculinity. To learn more, visit www.legendary-man.com.

Contact:

Nate Lind

info@legendary-man.com

505-697-1995

SOURCE: Legendary Man
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE MDC Veterans Activists' Association says it will tomorrow donate various goodies to victims of Gukurahundi and political violent cases recorded since the formation of the MDC in 1999.The association's deputy chairperson, Gideon Mangena, said the event would be held at Sizinda Hall in Bulawayo."We will be giving the victims of political violence from both the Gukurahundi and MDC activists, who suffered political violence from 1999 to date," he said."The function will be held at Sizinda Hall in Bulawayo starting at 10am."We have asked all the provinces to bring 10 victims, five of Gukurahundi and the other five MDC activists, who experienced violence as from 1999 to date."Mangena said the party had started building houses for people who lost their property in politically-motivated violence."What we do is that after completing the construction, we conduct a handover ceremony, where we officially open the houses and give the beneficiaries the keys," he said.Mangena said they had built houses in St Peters on the outskirts of Bulawayo, Hurungwe in Mashonaland West and Harare's Glen View area."We have lined up some other programmes for Nyika area in Masvingo. We also construct tombstones for the MDC members who passed away and conduct memorial services for the cadres," he said."The most successful tombstone unveiling event, which we held recently, was for Mthokozisi Ncube in Filabusi. There are many others that we intend to deal with."
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) announced the company's Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Randy Sloan is leaving the company in mid-July. Kathleen Wayton, who is currently the airline's Vice President of Corporate Delivery-Operations & Reservations, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. The company also announced it has hired Stan Alexander into a new role of Vice President & Chief Technology Architect, effective July 10. Alexander will lead the Technology Teams responsible for Enterprise Architecture, Enterprise Data & Analytics, Enterprise Data Delivery, and Enterprise Integration Strategy. Most recently, Stan served as the principal consultant of Digital Pilot LLC, an affiliate of the Feld Group Institute. Southwest also promoted Anthony Gregory as the new Vice President of Ground Operations, effective July 1, 2017. His key responsibilities include overseeing airport operations for Southwest's entire domestic and international network. Gregory joined Southwest Airlines in 2007, and has served in leadership positions in Ground Operations, Financial Planning & Analysis, and Network Planning. 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.
SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - June 30, 2017) - Low- to moderate-income California families will get help saving for college thanks to legislation supported by State Treasurer John Chiang and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The Every Kid Counts Act, authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), provides $3 million in funding to create the Every Kid Counts College Savings Matching Grant Program. Eligible participants of the program will receive a dollar-for-dollar match contribution of up to $200 in college savings.

"Through underinvestment and, even worse, apathy, we are pricing ourselves out of the California Dream. At a time when the wealth gap between the haves and the have nots has seemingly turned into a hopeless chasm, California must re-imagine new and cost-effective ways for its citizens to afford a decent home, a college diploma and a dignified retirement," said Chiang. "With the support of the Governor and the lawmakers, my office will now begin incentivizing thousands of low- to moderate-income families to get in the habit of socking away a few dollars each month, with an eye toward making a college degree a reachable dream for their children."

Research shows that children with savings accounts, however small, are seven times more likely to attend and graduate college.

The ScholarShare Investment Board, which oversees ScholarShare, California's 529 college savings plan, will administer the program.

"The Every Kid Counts Act is a significant step forward in the effort to help bring greater educational attainment to those families who need it the most," said State Treasurer John Chiang, chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board. "Faced with skyrocketing tuition, we must empower California families to save, invest, and plan for their children's futures."

According to a Pew Research Center study, individuals with a college degree are outperforming their peers with only a high school diploma on virtually all economic measures. The current difference in annual earnings between millennials with a bachelor's degree and those with a high school diploma is $17,500. A substantial increase from only four generations ago when that difference was $7,500, the study shows.

The signing of the legislation reflects the ongoing commitment of California and its state-sponsored college savings investment plan, ScholarShare, to develop innovative programs to even the educational and economic playing field. By encouraging families to save for future college expenses, the hope is that more children will go to college and enjoy greater economic opportunities.

To learn more about the Every Kid Counts Act, visit http://www.treasurer.ca.gov/scholarshare/.

For more news, please follow the Treasurer on Twitter at @CalTreasurer, and on Facebook at California State Treasurer's Office.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/6/30/11G142119/Images/scholarsharereleaseimg-873a97955340aedcaaa19686a0516519.jpg


MEXICO CITY (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump announced a set of energy initiatives, including relaxing offshore drilling rules, to 'unleash American energy' and a push for 'American energy dominance' worldwide.



In a speech at the Unleashing American Energy event Thursday, he highlighted six initiatives that will direct his Government's energy policy.



He focused on nuclear energy and fossil fuel exports, but did not mention the use of renewable energy like wind or solar.



Trump announced a complete review of U.S. nuclear energy policy, aimed to revive and expand the nuclear energy sector, which he said produces clean, renewable and emissions-free energy.



The Department of the Treasury will address barriers to the financing of highly efficient, overseas coal energy plants. Trump said Ukraine has asked the United States to supply them 'millions and millions of metric tons' of coal, and added that America 'will sell to everyone else all over the globe who need it'.



Trump said his administration has approved the construction of a new petroleum pipeline to Mexico, which will further boost American energy exports.



The State Department said it issued Presidential permits to NuStar Logistics, L.P. for the construction of New Burgos Pipeline that has the capacity to deliver 108,000 barrels per day of refined petroleum products. It will cross the U.S.-Mexico border near Penitas, Texas.



Thursday, a major U.S. company, Sempra Energy, signed an agreement to begin negotiations for the sale of more American natural gas to South Korea.



Later in the day, the Department of Energy approved two long-term applications to export additional natural gas from the Lake Charles LNG terminal in Louisiana.



Trump said his government is opening up 94 percent of offshore land that has been closed to development under the previous administration, and creating a new offshore oil and gas leasing program.



The Obama administration had banned drilling in parts of the Atlantic and the Arctic.



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Between June 27-29, some 9,000 participants were expected to turn out for this year's PowerGen Europe conference and exhibition in Cologne, which marked the 25th anniversary of this industry event in Europe.As a first-time attendee to this event I was told PowerGen Europe has a comparable relevance for the conventional power industry in Europe as Intersolar Europe has for the solar community. With 440 exhibitors and visitors from more than 100 countries, PowerGen Europe is significantly smaller than Intersolar Europe, which in comparison drew 40,000 visitors and had more than 1,100 exhibitors. Coming from the renewable energy space, two observations struck me the most: the conference programme of this year's event, which was split up into 50 sessions and featured 260 speakers, allocated more attention to the "new energy world" (i.e. renewables, storage, distributed generation and digitisation) compared to the conventional energy world. The conference featured seven parallel "tracks' covering the following topics: Strategies for change Mastering the digital era Renewable Energy Integration & Energy Storage Gas fired generation Steam based generation Modern plant management Those first four tracks deal with the new energy world, while the latter three address legacy technologies. Speaking to Crispin Coulson, marketing team leader from the conference and trade fair organizer PennWell, he admitted that the focus of the conference had shifted considerably over the past few years. Whereas in Amsterdam two years ago still more than 70% of the conference papers addressed issues related to conventional power generation, in Milan last year the share of papers covering topics surrounding carbon-based power generation had already dropped to around 60%. This year's even in Cologne marked the first year where the weighting of the conference program accurately reflects the fact that Europe-wide net electricity generation capacity additions only occur on the renewable side, whereas conventional capacities are increasingly phased out. Views of the world Nonetheless, some of the discussions that followed the conference presentations revealed that ...

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Regulatory News:

Air Liquide (Paris:AI):

The responsibilities within the Group's executive management team are evolving as of July 1, 2017, following the recent departures of Pierre Dufour, Senior Executive Vice President and Jean-Pierre Duprieu, Executive Vice President, both of whom have retired. As of July 1, three Executive Vice Presidents Michael Graff, Fabienne Lecorvaisier and Guy Salzgeber are nominated, as well as two new Senior Vice Presidents Francois Jackow and Francois Venet.

The Air Liquide Executive Committee, chaired by Benoit Potier Chairman CEO, is henceforth composed of the following members:

Michael Graff , Executive Vice President, Americas Hub Executive Vice President, based in Houston. He also supervises the Electronics business line, Safety and Industrial Systems. He is Chairman of the Board of Airgas.

, Executive Vice President, Americas Hub Executive Vice President, based in Houston. He also supervises the Electronics business line, Safety and Industrial Systems. He is Chairman of the Board of Airgas. Fabienne Lecorvaisier , Executive Vice President, in charge of Finance, Operations Control and General Secretariat.

, Executive Vice President, in charge of Finance, Operations Control and General Secretariat. Guy Salzgeber , Executive Vice President Europe Industries Hub Executive Vice President, based in Frankfurt. He supervises Group Procurement.

, Executive Vice President Europe Industries Hub Executive Vice President, based in Frankfurt. He supervises Group Procurement. Francois Darchis , Senior Vice President Innovation and Development Vice President He also supervises IT, Industrial Merchant business line and the Group's Sustainable Development program.

, Senior Vice President Innovation and Development Vice President He also supervises IT, Industrial Merchant business line and the Group's Sustainable Development program. Jean-Marc de Royere Senior Vice President. He is in charge of International, Governance, and the Group's Sustainable Development program. He chairs the Air Liquide Foundation.

Senior Vice President. He is in charge of International, Governance, and the Group's Sustainable Development program. He chairs the Air Liquide Foundation. Francois Jackow , Senior Vice President. He is in charge of the Healthcare activities and supervises the Africa, Middle East and India Hub located in Dubai, as well as the Customer Experience program.

, Senior Vice President. He is in charge of the Healthcare activities and supervises the Africa, Middle East and India Hub located in Dubai, as well as the Customer Experience program. Francois Venet , Senior Vice President, Strategy Vice President. He supervises the Large Industries business line and Engineering Construction.

, Senior Vice President, Strategy Vice President. He supervises the Large Industries business line and Engineering Construction. Francois Abrial , Asia Pacific Hub Executive Vice President, based in Shanghai.

, Asia Pacific Hub Executive Vice President, based in Shanghai. Pascal Vinet , CEO of Airgas.

, CEO of Airgas. Kwong Weng Mok , Deputy Vice President of Asia and Asia Pacific Large-scale Projects.

, Deputy Vice President of Asia and Asia Pacific Large-scale Projects. Armelle Levieux, Vice President Group Human Resources.

Armelle Levieux joins the Executive Committee in her capacity as Vice President Group Human Resources, a position she has occupied since March 2017. An engineer by training, she joined the Air Liquide Group in 1996 and has since occupied several positions in business development, marketing, and operations in Europe. In 2013, she was appointed Chairman of the Management Board of Seppic, the specialty ingredients subsidiary in the Healthcare activity.

In connection with its customer-centric transformation strategy and its NEOS company program, the Group began to evolve in 2015 towards a network organization, which fosters proximity to customers and markets. It also brings closer together operational teams, World Business Lines, and corporate functions in order to accelerate decision-making.

Accordingly:

The Base in Paris and the four Hubs in Houston, Frankfurt, Shanghai, and Dubai are responsible for defining the Group's operational strategy and for its global performance.

in Paris and the four in Houston, Frankfurt, Shanghai, and Dubai are responsible for defining the Group's operational strategy and for its global performance. The Clusters , which bring together the Group's operational entities, are responsible for operational management and execution of the strategy.

, which bring together the Group's operational entities, are responsible for operational management and execution of the strategy. The World Business Lines participate in defining medium-term strategic objectives and in particular are in charge of industrial policy, business transformation, and alignment of skills with needs.

participate in defining medium-term strategic objectives and in particular are in charge of industrial policy, business transformation, and alignment of skills with needs. Innovation and Development combines the Group research and innovation resources, Digital Transformation, the Global Markets Technologies activity, and the Hydrogen energy initiative.

With an experienced management team, reflecting the diversity of its geographies and markets, and an agile organization, the Group is well positioned to pursue its strategy of profitable growth over the long term.

The world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 80 countries with approximately 67,000 employees and serves more than 3 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide's scientific territory and have been at the core of the company's activities since its creation in 1902.

Air Liquide's ambition is to lead its industry, deliver long term performance and contribute to sustainability. The company's customer-centric transformation strategy aims at profitable growth over the long term. It relies on operational excellence, selective investments, open innovation and a network organization implemented by the Group worldwide. Through the commitment and inventiveness of its people, Air Liquide leverages energy and environment transition, changes in healthcare and digitization, and delivers greater value to all its stakeholders.

Air Liquide's revenue amounted to 18.1 billion in 2016 and its solutions that protect life and the environment represented more than 40% of sales. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, EURO STOXX 50 and FTSE4Good indexes.

www.airliquide.com

Follow us on Twitter @airliquidegroup

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005398/en/

Contacts:

Air Liquide

Corporate Communications

Caroline Brugier, +33 (0)1 40 62 50 59

or

Aurelie Wayser-Langevin, +33 (0)1 40 62 56 19

or

Investor Relations

Paris

+33 (0)1 40 62 50 87

or

Radnor

+1 610 263 8277


Technavio has announced the top six leading vendors in their recentglobal noodles marketreport until 2021. This research report also lists 14 other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005478/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global noodles market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The concept of packaged food originated with the need for easy-to-cook and easy-to-consume foods. The changing lifestyles of consumers, the convenience of consumption, and increased health awareness are the major factors driving the growth of the global packaged food market. However, incidences of food contamination, government regulations, and the emergence of local brands might have a negative impact on the growth of the market in the coming years.

Competitive vendor landscape

The global noodles market is subject to rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences. Manufacturer performance in the market may be affected by the changing consumer spending pattern; regional, national, and local economic conditions; consumer tastes; and demographic trends. The changing economic conditions are affecting customers' living standards and will also affect vendors' businesses in the coming years.

Manjunath Reddy, an industry expert at Technavio for research on food, says, "Intense competition among manufacturers, coupled with rapid technological changes, constitutes a significant risk factor for vendor operations. Hence, to survive in this competitive environment, it becomes imperative for manufacturers to differentiate their product offerings through a clear and unique value proposition.

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

Top five noodles market vendors

Nestle

Nestle, along with its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes food and beverages globally. Nestle South Africa launched a new variant in its Maggi noodles range on October 8, 2015, called Maggi 2 Minute Noodles with real Morogo (a variety of African wild spinach). The product was launched after three years of extensive research on native South African edible plants.

NISSIN FOODS

The company offers numerous products in the foodservice, chilled and frozen food, confectionery, instant noodles, and beverages segments. Through this acquisition, the company plans to strengthen and expand its business foundations in Hong Kong and Macao.

PT INDOFOOD SUKSES MAKMUR

PT INDOFOOD SUKSES MAKMUR is an Indonesian company that operates in the food industry. It produces a wide range of packaged food products. The company offers instant noodles under the Indomie and other brands across APAC, North America, Europe, and African markets.

Ting Hsin International Group

The company manufactures food and beverage products. Its subsidiaries include Sanyo Foods, Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding, Wei Yingzhou, and Wei Zhanglvyun. The company's two fast food chains are Dicos and Master Kong Chef's Table. While Dicos specializes in fried chicken, Master Kong Chef's Table is a restaurant chain that sells branded noodles.

Toyo Suisan Kaisha

Toyo Suisan Kaisha is engaged in the purchase, processing, and marketing of seafood and other foods. The company manufactures and sells instant noodles, processed foods, fish paste, and frozen food products under the Maruchan brand.

Unilever

Unilever is a conglomerate and provides a range of consumer goods, including foods, beverages, cleaning agents, and personal care products. The company offers various noodle products through the Knorr brand. Its noodles brands include Knorr Soupy Noodles Mast Masala, Knorr Chinese Schezwan Noodles, and Knorr Chinese Hot and Spicy Noodles.

Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

Browse Related Reports:

Global Snus Market 2017-2021

Global Tortilla Chips Market 2017-2021

Global Fat Replacers Market 2017-2021

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005478/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
AMITYVILLE, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/17 -- Iconic Brands, Inc. (OTC PINK: ICNB) the company is pleased to announce that Bellissima has entered the final phase of the Canadian approval process with a tasting panel submission this week. This tasting is the last hurdle for a brand to clear before gaining final board approval. The company is excited to be in front of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario a/k/a the LCBO. This region of Canada is the gateway for our platform in Canada and represents the majority of the Canadian sales channels and is a key step toward full nationwide distribution in Canada.

The company will be having a product tasting at EHP Liquors at Costco in Riverhead, New York 1774 Old Country Rd, today between 12 PM and 3 PM, please stop by and see us and grab a case for the weekend on your way to the East End, no membership required.

The company expects to announce several new retail chains for our consumers in the coming days.

Iconic Brands and Bellissima Prosecco would like to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July, Enjoy many bottles of our Crisp Clean Fresh Organic Prosecco with friends this summer, and please drink responsibly.

Please visit our website and join the mailing list at www.BellissimaProsecco.com and see our product availability map, Christie's appearance schedule which we will continue to update, and great new recipes; also follow us on twitter at @BellissimabyCB.

Please visit our website www.bivivodka.com to learn about the finest Sicilian Craft Vodka on the market today. Please watch the great videos with Chazz Palminteri to learn about our brand and see the map for our list of current retailers.

About Iconic Brands, Inc.

Iconic Brands Inc. ("Iconic") is a beverage company with the highest expertise of developing, from inception to completion, alcoholic beverages for itself and third parties. Iconic Brands markets and places products into national distribution through long standing industry relationships. Iconic is also a leader in "Celebrity Branding" of beverages, procuring superior and unique products from around the world and branding its products with internationally recognized celebrities. Currently offering Bivi Vodka, www.BiviVodka.com and Bellissima Prosecco, www.BellissimaProsecco.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology including "could", "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential" and the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested in this report. Except as required by applicable law, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements so as to conform these statements to actual results. Investors should refer to the risks disclosed in the Company's reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov.

Iconic Brands, Inc.

Info@IconicBrandsUSA.com




Knorr-Bremse does not share the view of Haldex board of directors - regards it as to impede the prerequisites for the execution of Knorr-Bremse's offer

Sound roadmap for the merger clearance process in place

Extraordinary general meeting in Haldex requested to be held without delay

MUNICH, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / June 30, 2017 / Knorr-Bremse AG ("Knorr-Bremse") has taken note of the decision of the board of directors of Haldex AB (publ) ("Haldex") to withdraw the support for Knorr-Bremse's offer to the shareholders of Haldex, announced by Haldex on 29 June 2017, without prior consultation with Knorr-Bremse.

As previously communicated, Knorr-Bremse had received indications by the EU Commission that it is likely to initiate an in-depth investigation (Phase II). Knorr-Bremse does not share Haldex's assessment that an in-depth investigation would not increase the likelihood of obtaining the EU Commission's approval. A Phase II will enable the EU Commission to investigate Knorr-Bremse's proposed acquisition of Haldex in-depth and to further evaluate the arguments which Knorr-Bremse has brought and continues to put forward. Knorr-Bremse has neither received indications nor reason to believe that the initiation of a Phase II investigation will have a negative impact on the feedback which market participants provide to the EU Commission. The assessment which the EU Commission has provided to Knorr-Bremse is preliminary at this stage of the review process and reflects so-called "serious doubts" with respect to certain overlapping business areas. It does not prejudice the EU Commission's final assessment at the end of a Phase II investigation, in which the EU Commission will need to conclude not whether there are serious doubts but whether Knorr-Bremse's proposed acquisition of Haldex will actually significantly impede effective competition. Overall, Knorr-Bremse takes a confident view on a potential in-depth investigation by the EU Commission in Phase II. Knorr-Bremse has spent considerable resources on the merger clearance process, is prepared to make very large efforts and to offer significant remedies to get the transaction cleared by the authorities. This includes all areas that have been considered as areas of concern by the EU Commission. In addition, to reduce the burden on Haldex, Knorr-Bremse has, since early spring 2017, undertaken to bear Haldex's costs for its external advisors engaged in the planning of potential remedies as well as for the compilation of relevant information for merger control authorities. This undertaking remains unchanged during a Phase II investigation. Knorr-Bremse has set up a structured process to implement divestments that may be required to address competitive concerns and has received indicative bids from several promising interested parties. Knorr-Bremse believes that there would be even more interested buyers but has so far limited the number of participants in the process to address Haldex' concerns regarding the impact on Haldex' organization.

Consequently, Knorr-Bremse does not share the view of the Haldex board of directors that it is in the best interest of Haldex's shareholders not to further assist Knorr-Bremse in the process of obtaining regulatory approvals and to contest the grant of approval by the Swedish Securities Council (the "SSC") to extend the acceptance period of Knorr-Bremse's offer. In Knorr-Bremse's opinion, these decisions by the Haldex board of directors impede the prerequisites for the execution of Knorr Bremse's offer. Knorr-Bremse has therefore today exercised its legal right to request that Haldex convenes an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to decide whether to support and endorse Knorr-Bremses application to the SSC as well as to support and cooperate with Knorr-Bremse in the continued merger clearance process. Given the urgency of the matter, Knorr-Bremse has proposed that the extraordinary general meeting is summoned and held without delay, and ideally held not later than on 28 July 2017.

Knorr-Bremse has asked the SSC to withhold further dealings with Knorr-Bremse's application for extension of the acceptance period until Haldex's shareholders have had the opportunity to resolve whether to support and endorse the application or not.

As part of the merger clearance process, Knorr-Bremse has today submitted a comprehensive divestiture commitment to the EU Commission in an effort to dispel the doubts which the EU Commission has previously communicated to Knorr-Bremse.

Klaus Deller, Chairman of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG, said: "We have made a highly attractive offer to shareholders and openly presented Haldex with our deal rationale and our perspectives on how we can best possibly cooperate to drive innovation and profitable growth in the future. We cannot understand the step taken by the Haldex Board as it causes significant uncertainty for Haldex shareholders, customers and employees alike. We have worked on the basis of a sound roadmap for the merger clearance process. We will therefore continue to drive this process with full commitment and as planned. By requesting an extraordinary general meeting we will take the necessary steps to create clarity for all stakeholders as soon as possible."

Background to the offer

On 5 September 2016, Knorr-Bremse announced a public offer to the shareholders of Haldex to tender all shares in Haldex to Knorr-Bremse. On 25 April 2017, it was announced that the acceptance period for the offer is extended until 26 September 2017. The completion of the offer is conditional upon, inter alia, that all necessary clearances from authorities are obtained on terms acceptable to Knorr-Bremse.

On 28 June 2017, Knorr-Bremse announced that it has received indications that the EU Commission might initiate a Phase II investigation and that against that background it has applied for permission from the SSC to extend the acceptance period until 9 February 2018. At the same time Knorr-Bremse stressed that it takes a confident view on the potential in-depth investigation by the EU Commission in Phase II.

Knorr-Bremse AG

For additional information contact:

Knorr-Bremse AG



Dr. Detlef Hug

Email: Detlef.Hug@knorr-bremse.com

Phone: +49 89 3547 1402

Eva Doppler

Email: Eva.Doppler@knorr-bremse.com

Phone: +49 89 3547 1498

Additional contacts for media in Germany



FTI Consulting SC

Carolin Amann

Email: Carolin.Amann@fticonsulting.com

Phone: +49 69 92037 132

Thomas M. Krammer

Email: Thomas.Krammer@fticonsulting.com

Phone: +49 89 71042 2116

Additional contacts for media in Sweden



Comir

Johan Hahnel

Email: Johan.Hahnel@comir.se

Phone: +46 8 31 17 70

This announcement is not an offer, whether directly or indirectly, in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa or in any other jurisdictions where such offer pursuant to legislation and regulations in such relevant jurisdictions would be prohibited by applicable law. Shareholders not resident in Sweden who wish to accept the Offer (as defined below) must make inquiries concerning applicable legislation and possible tax consequences. Shareholders should refer to the offer restrictions included in the section titled "Important notice" at the end of this announcement and in the tender offer document which was published on 26 September 2016. Shareholders in the United States should also refer to the section titled "Special notice to shareholders in the United States" at the end of this announcement.

Important notice

The Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa by use of mail or any other means or instrumentality (including, without limitation, facsimile transmission, electronic mail, telex, telephone and the Internet) of interstate or foreign commerce, or of any facility of national security exchange, of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa, and the Offer cannot be accepted by any such use, means, instrumentality or facility of, or from within, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa. Accordingly, this announcement and any documentation relating to the Offer are not being and should not be sent, mailed or otherwise distributed or forwarded in or into Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa.

This announcement is not being, and must not be, sent to shareholders with registered addresses in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa. Banks, brokers, dealers and other nominees holding shares for persons in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa must not forward this announcement or any other document received in connection with the Offer to such persons.

Statements in this announcement relating to future status or circumstances, including statements regarding future performance, growth and other trend projections and the other benefits of the Offer, are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as "anticipates", "intends", "expects", "believes", or similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to many factors, many of which are outside the control of Knorr-Bremse AG. Any such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Knorr-Bremse AG has no obligation (and undertakes no such obligation) to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except for in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Special notice to shareholders in the United States

The Offer described in this announcement is made for shares of Haldex AB, a company incorporated under Swedish law, and is subject to Swedish disclosure and procedural requirements, which are different from those of the United States. The Offer is made in the United States in compliance with Section 14(e) of, and Regulation 14E under, the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange Act"), subject to the exemptions provided by Rule 14d-1(d) under the U.S. Exchange Act and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Swedish law. Accordingly, the Offer is subject to disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments that are different from those applicable under U.S. domestic tender offer procedures and laws.

To the extent permissible under applicable law or regulation, Knorr-Bremse AG and its affiliates or brokers (acting as agents for Knorr-Bremse AG or its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly purchase, or arrange to purchase, shares of Haldex AB, that are the subject of the Offer or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Sweden, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform U.S. shareholders of Haldex AB of such information. In addition, the financial advisors to Knorr-Bremse AG, may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Haldex AB, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities. Knorr-Bremse AG and/or its affiliates or brokers have purchased shares of Haldex AB during the period following the announcement of the Offer on 5 September 2016.

NEITHER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY U.S. STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THIS OFFER, PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR DETERMINED WHETHER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE IN THE UNITED STATES.

SOURCE: Knorr-Bremse AG via the EQS Newswire distribution service including Press Releases and Regulatory Announcements
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 30, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of United Technologies Corporation ("United Technologies" or the "Company") (NYSE: UTX). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.

The investigation concerns whether United Technologies and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here to join a class action]

On July 21, 2015, United Technologies cut its 2015 earnings guidance, citing weak performance by the Company's UTC Aerospace Systems ("UTAS") and Otis Elevator Co. ("Otis") units. On a related earnings conference call, the Company's officers advised investors that, in their view, the assumptions relating to UTAS and Otis that had formed the basis of the earnings guidance were "way too aggressive" and that United Technologies did not "dig deep enough" when setting the guidance.

On this news, United Technologies' share price fell $7.77, or 7.03%, to close at $102.71 on July 21, 2015.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE family of a woman (26) who was allegedly killed by her brother who buried her body in their backyard suspects that she was murdered after she witnessed him killing someone.Silindi Ncube from Old Magwegwe allegedly killed his sister Patience before burying her in the backyard of their home.Their aunt, Mrs Mangisi Khumalo, yesterday said Silindi could have killed his sister to cover up another murder."There is another pit which was covered with concrete. So we suspect that someone was killed and buried there. We have since reported it to the police."She could have witnessed her brother killing someone. And we suspect that Silindi killed her to cover up the crime," said Mrs Khumalo.She said after killing Patience, Silindi buried his sibling together with her passport and cellphone in the shallow grave.He allegedly planted onions on the grave.Mrs Khumalo said the family was convinced that another body could be buried in the backyard of their home.Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango yesterday said investigations were still underway.Silindi is on the run and police are yet to establish the motive behind the callous murder.Police exhumed Patience's body on Wednesday morning as shocked residents watched.News that Patience had been killed and buried in their yard broke out on Tuesday and shocked residents gathered at the house as police searched for the body.Patience, who was a worker at a retail outlet in Entumbane suburb, was killed while on leave and was supposed to be back at work last Tuesday, the day her body was discovered.Last month, a 42-year-old mother of four from Bulawayo's Pumula South suburb was arrested after she allegedly killed her four-year-old niece and buried the body in the yard of a house she was renting.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 30, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of FleetCor Technologies, Inc. ("FleetCor" or the "Company") (NYSE: FLT). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.

The investigation concerns whether FleetCor 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 December 19, 2016, Chevron Corporation ("Chevron"), FleetCor's largest U.S. partner, announced that it had terminated its relationship with the Company and signed a long-term contract with FleetCor's primary competitor. On this news, FleetCor's share price fell $5.08, or 3.43%, to close at $142.96 on December 19, 2016.

On March 1, 2017, the investigative news and legal analysis company Capitol Forum published an article, based on interviews with numerous former FleetCor employees and FleetCor customers, describing how FleetCor's business model relies on overcharging customers and padding fee income through improperly assessing late fees. On this news, the Company's share price fell $5.25, or 3.09%, to close at $164.75 on March 1, 2017.

On April 4, 2017, Citron Research ("Citron") published a report similarly accusing FleetCor of being a "predatory company by design, whose cores strategy is to methodically rip off its customers, using business practices and fees that are designed to deceive." On this news, FleetCor's share price fell $8.55, or 5.69%, to close at $141.60 on April 4, 2017.

On April 27, 2017, Citron published a follow-up report describing FleetCor's development of a scheme to categorize its partners based on the level of improper fees the Company could charge without the customers complaining. On this news, FleetCor's share price fell $5.73, or 3.79%, to close at $145.65 on April 27, 2017. On May 1, 2017, Chevron sued FleetCor for breach of contract. Following the filing of Chevron's complaint, FleetCor's share price fell $10.18, or 6.87%, to close at $138.00 on May 2, 2017.

On May 3, 2017, Citron reported on the Chevron lawsuit, stating that the lawsuit indicates that Chevron's termination of the FleetCor contract was due to the Company's mistreatment of its customers. On this news, FleetCor's share price fell $6.74, or 4.88%, to close at $131.26.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/17 -- US Oil Sands Inc. ("US Oil Sands" or the "Company"), an innovator of oil extraction technologies, announces it has closed the first US$2.5 million tranche of its previously announced US$5 million senior secured convertible loan facility with ACMO S.a R.L. ("ACMO"), the Company's largest shareholder, to fund remaining PR Spring Project (the "Project") start-up costs and to provide working capital for the Company (the "Financing"). For further details on the Financing, please see the Company's press release dated June 13, 2017.

VOLUNTARY DELISTING

In conjunction with the Financing, the Company's common shares have been delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange effective June 29, 2017. The Company continues to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws and subject to Canadian continuous disclosure requirements.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pursuant to the Financing, the Company has reconstituted its Board of Directors such that the number of directors has decreased from five to three members, each of whom are nominees of ACMO. The remaining Board members are Harry Quarls (as Chairman), Mark Brown and Ed Chwyl, while Al Holcomb and Serafino Iacono have resigned.

LIQUIDITY

As at June 30, 2017, before giving effect to the Financing, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of C$1.3 million, a working capital deficit of C$13.1 million, including its US$7.5 million loan facility and accrued interest thereon, and no commitments for capital expenditures. After closing the first tranche of the Financing, the Company has C$4.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and expects positive working capital of C$0.2 million due to the increase of US$2.5 million from the Financing, the reclassification of the Company's US$7.5 million loan facility to long-term debt, and the forgiveness of the accrued interest thereon. Included in the working capital figure is US$3.8 million of current liabilities directly related to the Project. There is minimal capital required to complete the remaining start-up activities, barring encountering any major construction and/or design deficiencies. The Company requires the aforementioned financial resources to fund excess costs that may arise during the start-up activities, operating losses until reaching positive cashflows from operations, the discharge of its current liabilities, and shortfalls in cashflow due to timing of receivables collection.

The Company's ability to remain a going concern is dependent upon the availability of additional financing including the second tranche of the Financing, successful commercialization of the Company's proprietary bitumen extraction technology, the generation of positive cashflows from operations and the ability to discharge obligations as they become due.

PR SPRING PROJECT UPDATE

The Company will continue to work on start-up and optimizing plant operations targeting first-oil and market sales in Q3.

ABOUT US OIL SANDS INC.

US Oil Sands (www.usoilsandsinc.com) is engaged in the exploration and development of oil sands properties and, through its wholly owned United States subsidiary US Oil Sands (Utah) Inc., has a 100% interest in bitumen leases covering 32,005 acres of land in Utah's Uinta Basin. The Company plans to develop its oil sands properties using its proprietary extraction process which uses a bio-solvent to extract bitumen from oil sands without the need for tailings ponds. The Company is in the pre-production stage, anticipating the commencement of bitumen production and sales once it has completed start-up of the Project.

The foregoing contains forward-looking information relating to the future performance of the Company including expectations relating to the use of proceeds of the Financing, the Company's continued status as a reporting issuer, capital requirements to complete the remaining start-up activities and the Company's business and operations on a go-forward basis. Forward looking information is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions precedent of the Financing in a timely manner or at all, risks affecting the commercialization of the Company's technology, the actual results of exploration activities, changes in world commodity markets or equity markets, the risks of the petroleum industry including, without limitation, those associated with the environment, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, title disputes, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the oil and gas industry, the availability of additional financing, and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities (available at www.SEDAR.com). Forward-looking statements are made based on various assumptions and on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made.

Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information contained herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these assumptions, beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

Contacts:

US Oil Sands Inc.

Cameron Todd

CEO

403-233-9366



Glen Snarr

President & CFO

403-233-9366

info@usoilsandsinc.com



Investor Relations

Jack Copping

Manager, Corporate Development

403-233-9366 ext. 27

jack.copping@usoilsandsinc.com




SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCIA, MEXICO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/17 -- Metallorum Holding, S.A.P.I. de C.V. ("Metallorum") announces that on June 30, 2017, it completed the purchase of an aggregate of 16,370,215 common shares of GFM Resources Limited ("GFMR") from its affiliate Compania Minera Autlan, S.A.B. de C.V. ("Autlan"). The number of shares represents ownership of 85.77% of the issued and outstanding common shares of GFMR. Prior to the acquisition, Metallorum held no shares of GFMR.

GFMR is a Yukon-incorporated company listed on the NEX with a head office at Suite 2000 - 1066 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V7W 2Y3, Canada. Metallorum is a private Mexican company with offices at Av. Pedro Ramirez, Vazquez, 200 - 10, col. Valle Oriente, 66269 San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Metallorum paid Autlan the amount equivalent to CAD $264,000 in cash, or CAD $0.0161 per common share, being less than 115% of the most recent closing market price of GFMR common shares.

The acquisition was completed on a private sale basis pursuant to a Share Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Agreement") between Metallorum and Autlan. Metallorum and Autlan are both under the common control of Mr. Jose Antonio Rivero Larrea, a Mexican national with an office address at Av. Pedro Ramirez Vazquez 200-10, Col. Valle Oriente, 66269 San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. As the controlling shareholder of Metallorum, Mr. Rivero Larrea may be deemed to be a joint actor with Metallorum. The transaction did not affect Mr. Rivero Larrea's control of GFMR. The transaction was a part of a corporate reorganization of Mr. Rivero Larrea's shareholdings. Mr. Rivero Larrea is also a director of GFMR.

The acquisition was completed outside of Canada and would be exempt from the formal take-over bid requirements of securities legislation pursuant to the exemption set out in Section 4.2 of Multilateral Instrument 62-102 (the "Instrument"). In accordance with that exemption, the purchase was made from only one person, no offer was made generally to the common shareholders of GFMR, and the purchase price for the common shares was less than 115% of the market price of the common shares, calculated in accordance with the Instrument.

This press release is being disseminated as required by National Instrument 62-103 "Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues" and Multilateral Instrument 62-104 "Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids". An early warning report (the "Early Warning Report") containing the information with respect to the foregoing matters will be filed shortly under GFMR's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and a copy thereof shall be promptly sent to anyone who requests it from the person noted below.

About Metallorum:

Metallorum is a Mexican corporation that acquires, develops and operates precious metal projects and assets in Mexico and North America. It is a special purpose vehicle established by SFM Holding - a private family-controlled holding company, and Compania Minera Autlan, S.A.B. de C.V., a listed company in the Mexican Stock Exchange.

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 press release.

Contacts:

Mr. Horacio Alcocer

Chief Financial Officer

(+52) 81 8152-1549




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/17 -- GFM Resources Limited (the "Corporation") (NEX: GFM.H) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Debt Forgiveness Agreement (the "Forgiveness Agreement") with its majority shareholder, Compania Minera Autlan, S.A.B. de C.V. ("Autlan"), of Mexico, a public company in Mexico controlled by Mr. Jose Antonio Rivero Larrea, a director and the chairman of the Corporation, pursuant to which Autlan has cancelled all outstanding indebtedness owed by the Corporation to Autlan (the "Debt Cancellation").

As background for entering into the Forgiveness Agreement, on March 1, 2007, the Corporation entered into a Convertible Loan Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with Grupo Ferrominero, S.A. de C.V. ("Grupo"), at that time Autlan's controlling shareholder. Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, Grupo would fund amounts from time to time to a maximum of $500,000 per year. Each advance would bear interest, commencing on the date of the advance, at the Prime Rate offered by the Corporation's bank on such date. The loan was repayable on demand. On September 30, 2007, an Amending Agreement was entered into whereby, should Grupo exercise its conversion right after one year from the date of the advance, then the principal amount of the advance would be converted only into common shares of the Corporation, instead of units consisting of one share and one share purchase warrant, and restricting the convertibility to a maximum of five years from each advance.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Corporation settled all of the principal amounts owed until then through the issuance of shares and warrants pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement and the Amending Agreement, ownership of the loan was transferred to Autlan, and all subsequent advances were provided to the Corporation by Autlan.

Under the terms of the Forgiveness Agreement, Autlan forgives an aggregate of $1,663,644, corresponding to all principal amounts and accrued interest to this date, including the debt of the Corporation's Mexican subsidiary, GFM Resources de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., and thus the Corporation is debt-free as at this date. There are no further financial obligations from the Corporation to Autlan.

As the Corporation is listed on NEX, it is subject to TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9, which incorporates Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Debt Cancellation is not subject to the valuation requirements of MI 61-101. The NEX did not require the Company to obtain minority shareholder approval for the Debt Cancellation.

In addition, Metallorum Holding, S.A.P.I. de C.V. ("Metallorum"), a private Mexican company also controlled by Mr. Rivero Larrea, has agreed to purchase 16,370,215 common shares owned by Autlan in a private transaction at a price of $0.0161 per common share. Mr. Rivero Larrea controls both Autlan and Metallorum, and accordingly there will be no change in control of the Corporation, as Mr. Rivero Larrea will continue to be the Corporation's majority beneficial shareholder in approximately the same proportion.

Subsequent to the completion of the sale of shares from Autlan to Metallorum, the Corporation will rely on the financial support of Metallorum to continue operations and meet its obligations. There is no guarantee that such support will be forthcoming.

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 press release.

Contacts:

Salvador Miranda

Chief Financial Officer

(+1) 604 925 2839




Western is an integrated Canadian forest products company, and is the largest coastal British Columbia woodland operator and lumber producer. The Company has an annual available harvest of approximately 6.1 million cubic metres of timber, of which approximately 5.9 million cubic metres is from Crown lands. Western has a lumber production capacity in excess of 1.1 billion board feet from seven sawmills and one remanufacturing plant. Principal activities conducted by the Company include timber harvesting, reforestation, sawmilling logs into lumber and wood chips, and value-added remanufacturing. Substantially all of Western's operations, employees and corporate facilities are located in the coastal region of British Columbia, with sales worldwide.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The global ceramic balls marketis projected to grow to around 520 thousand metric tons by 2021, at a CAGR of close to 6% over the forecast period, according to Technavio's latest report.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005726/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global ceramic balls market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

In this report, Technavio covers the market outlook and growth prospects of the global ceramic balls market for 2017-2021. Based on the end-users, the market is divided into oil and gas, petrochemical, and process industry segments.

The most popular grade of ceramic balls is 25% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), as they are hard, durable, abrasion resistant, and can withstand high pressure and high temperature. They are used in various applications in the petrochemical, oil and gas, metallurgical, chemical, and process industries.

Technavio's research study segments the global ceramic balls market into the following regions:

APAC

EMEA

Americas

Ceramic balls market in APAC

"APAC is both the largest and fastest growing segment of the ceramic balls market, driven by the increasing industrialization and manufacturing activities in the region. China, India, and Japan are the key contributors to the growth of ceramic balls market in the regionsays Ajay Adikari, a lead analyst at Technavio for glass and ceramics research.

The increasing demand for ceramic balls from its end-user industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and process industries are expected to drive the ceramic balls market in the region. Also, the healthy economic development, along with the considerable growth in building and construction activities, is likely to support the market growth for ceramic balls in the region.

This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing

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Ceramic balls market in EMEA

In 2016, EMEA was the second largest geographical segment in the global ceramic balls market and is expected to witness a considerable growth over the forecast period. End-users such as the petrochemical and oil and gas industries are creating higher demand for ceramic balls in the region. The growing energy sector in the region is also expected to contribute to the growth of ceramic balls market in the near future. Additionally, the rising population and increasing urbanization in the Middle East and Africa are key driving factors for the ceramic balls market.

Ceramic balls market in the Americas

"The ceramic balls market in the Americas is projected to showcase a CAGR of nearly 5%, driven by the substantial growth in the petrochemical and process industries in the region. The US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and Chile are the key countries for the ceramic balls market in the Americassays Ajay.

The US is one of the global players in the oil and gas industry due to the presence of large crude oil reserves in the country. Advancements in technology and production levels of oil and gas have encouraged the demand for ceramic balls in the region. Also, the increase in the shale gas production in the region is expected to boost the ceramic balls market during the forecast period.

The top vendors in the global ceramic balls market highlighted in the report are:

Axens

Honeywell International

Pingxiang Funeng Chemical Industry

Saint-Gobain

Browse Related Reports:

Global Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Market 2017-2021

Global Concrete Floor Coatings Market 2017-2021

Global Sapphire Glass Market 2017-2021

Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like industrial gasesmetals and minerals, and olefins. 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. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005726/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/17 -- Nerium Biotechnology, Inc. ("Nerium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the voting results of its annual meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held on June 29, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This year's Meeting had extraordinary participation from Nerium's shareholders, with a total of 31,272,131 common shares, or approximately 85.75% of the outstanding common shares of Nerium, having been voted at the Meeting.

We are pleased to announce that Nerium's shareholders voted to elect all six of Nerium's director nominees to the board of directors (the "Board"). Each Nerium director nominee received at least 77% of the votes cast by shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting. The dissident's director nominees each received 20% of the votes cast by shareholders, which includes the 7.48% of the votes cast by the dissident shareholders. The voting results of the election of directors are as follows:

DIRECTOR VOTES FOR ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Nominees (a) Richard Boxer 24,746,081 (b) Michael Burke 24,746,081 (c) Dennis Knocke 24,203,270 (d) Peter Leininger 24,747,081 (e) Kerry Mitchell 24,746,081 (f) Gustavo Ulloa, Jr. 24,747,081 Dissident Nominees (g) Brad Buscher 6,514,828 (h) Fred Beruschi 6,514,828 (i) DeeDee Drays 6,514,828 (j) J. Louis Kovach 6,514,828 (k) Murray Nye 6,514,828 (l) Randy Whitaker 6,514,828

"We thank Nerium's shareholders for their consideration and support during this process," said Richard Boxer, Chair of the Special Committee of Nerium's Board. "We are pleased that the Company's shareholders voted overwhelmingly to reject the dissident's nominees and elect all of Nerium's nominees to the Board. Your directors will continue to act in the best interests of Nerium and all of its shareholders, and are committed to addressing legitimate shareholder concerns. We intend to provide shareholders with a more detailed update on the Company's business in the coming weeks."

All other matters set out in the Company's management information circular were approved by the requisite majority of the shareholders at the Meeting.

About Nerium Biotechnology, Inc.

Nerium Biotechnology, Inc. is a biotechnology company involved in the research, product development, manufacture and marketing of Nerium oleander-based products. The Company's shares are not listed on any stock exchange or quotation system.

Forward Looking Statements: Statements made in this press release that relate to future plans, expectations, events or performances are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not based on historic facts, but rather on current expectations regarding future events. They are based on information available to management and/or assumptions management believes are reasonable. Many factors could cause future events and outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements are based on what management believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise such forward-looking statements. More information about the Company is available in its disclosure documents, all of which are available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Contacts:

Joseph B. Nester

Executive Vice-President

Phone: 210-822-7908 (ext. 101)

Email: jnester@neriumbiotech.com




Technavio analysts forecast the global construction composites marketto grow at a CAGR of almost 6% during the forecast period, according to their latest report.

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Technavio has published a new report on the global construction composites market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The research study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global construction composites market for 2017-2021. The market is segmented onfiber type (glass fiber and natural fiber), end-user (industrial, commercial, housing, and civil), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, and ROW).

The global construction sector is striving to reduce the cycle time, from the inception to the completion of the project, by 50% and lowering the cost by one-third. To achieve this target, it would be necessary to implement off-site manufacturing and the use of low cost and novel materials. The larger focus on sustainability and the need for green products are increasing the use of construction composite products as they use recycled plastic materials and wood wastes. Moreover, aggressive distribution strategies pursued by vendors are contributing to the market growth.

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Technavio chemicals and materials research analysts highlight the following three factors that are contributing to the growth of the global construction composites market:

Growth in housing and construction sector

Superior properties of composites

Strong demand for composites in construction sector

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Growth in housing and construction sector

Composites are widely used in the building and construction industry for interior and outdoor applications such as decking. Decking accounts for the largest share of the market and the demand for these products are expected to increase significantly during the forecast period. APAC offers significant growth opportunities because of the growth in the housing sector. North America and Europe represent mature markets for decking.

Hitesh Bhatia, a lead metals and minerals research analyst at Technavio, says, "Composites play a vital role in the housing and construction sector with their unique functionalities that are often unavailable through conventional building materials. The growth in the housing and construction sector is expected to positively impact the global construction composites market, thus, increasing their demand."

Superior properties of composites

Composites can meet a myriad of design requirements posed by engineers and architects, which are conveniently supported by significant weight savings and high strength-to-weight ratio when compared with conventional building materials.

"The composites structures bring down the weight by 30%-40% as compared with the same structures designed with aluminum. Composites offer great resistance to weathering and harsh chemicals that tend to damage conventional building materials. They also offer corrosion and damage resistance and work well under a wide range of temperatures," adds Hitesh.

Strong demand for composites in construction sector

The construction sector has been providing a conducive platform for the growth of the global construction composites market. Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) has taken over conventional building materials owing to its superior performance. Products manufactured using composites offer lightweight advantages, require less supporting structure, and offer greater resistance to corrosion and rot as compared with conventional building materials.

A staggering growth is observed in Europe and North America because of low residential housing construction, whereas, APAC looks promising and favorable for the growth of the market. Structural damage repair has been gaining momentum in the construction sector. This is backed by government fund allocation for retrofitting old infrastructures, especially, bridges and roads.

Top vendors:

Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies

CPG International

Fiberon

Trex Company

UPM

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About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

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Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
Technavio's latest report on the global knee replacement devices marketprovides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

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Technavio has published a new report on the global knee replacement devices market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The research study by Technavio on the global knee replacement devices market for 2017-2021 provides a detailed industry analysis based on the procedure type (primary, partial, and revision knee replacements), end-user (hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers), and geography (the Americas, EMEA, and APAC).

Knee replacement devices or knee prosthetics are some of the most important implants used for the treatment of end-stage knee osteoarthritis. The increase in the prevalence of knee-related problems such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have increased the demand for knee replacement devices globally. Technavio analysts forecast the global knee replacement devices market to grow to USD 8,684.9 million by 2021, at a CAGR of more than 3% over the forecast period.

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The top three emerging trends driving the global knee replacement devices market according to Technavio healthcare and life sciences research analysts are:

Growing demand for cementless knee replacement

Emergence of 3D printing of knee implants

Growing preference for robot-assisted knee replacement surgeries

Growing demand for cementless knee replacement

Cementless knee replacement devices can lead to many post-operative complications such as bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS), which may lead to hyperthermia, hypertension, inflammation, fracture, and neurological impairment after they have been implanted in the body. In order to avoid these complications, cementless knee replacement devices are being used by surgeons.

"Cementless knee replacement devices have a rough surface and microscopic pores, which results in reduced pain and enhances mobility functions. These implants are also time-saving, which results in many surgeons recommending cementless knee replacement surgeriessays Barath Palada, a lead analyst at Technavio for orthopedics and medical devices research.

Emergence of 3D printing of knee implants

The growing demand for knee replacement devices is encouraging vendors to invest in developing breakthrough technologies. One such key technology is 3D printing of knee implants, which uses computer-aided digital models to create customized implants as per patients' requirements that fit perfectly.

ConforMis is one of the first companies to provide 3D implants for the knee. The company's iTotal joint replacement system uses 3D printing to create customized knee replacement devices, which can fit a patient perfectly. Thus, the emergence of 3D printing in the development of various knee replacement devices will have a positive impact on the market growth.

Growing preference for robot-assisted knee replacement surgeries

The technological advancements in the field of medical surgery are boosting the popularity of robot-assisted technology to complete complex surgeries with high precision and more flexibility than the conventional techniques. In a knee replacement procedure, the robotic system helps the surgeon to perform the surgery with the help of mechanical arms along with surgical instruments and cameras.

"Robot-assisted knee replacement surgery minimizes complications and risks, reduces pain and blood loss, aids in faster recovery, and causes less noticeable scars than the conventional techniques. The process is carried out with the help of 3D computer mapping and micro-robotics, and creates minimal or no damage to the peripheral bones and tissuessays Barath.

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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, resellers, and end-users.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

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Technavio Research

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UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/17 -- Mobi724 Global Solutions Inc. (the "Company") (CSE: MOS)(CSE: MOS.CN)(CNSX: MOS)(OTCQB: MOBIF), a technology leader in the digital incentives, couponing and payment space, announces that it has issued 6,798,577 common Shares of the Company at market price to the previous shareholders of the Solutions Inc. pursuant to the terms of pre-defined anti-dilution provisions and agreements with those shareholders. This issuance has been reviewed by the audit committee and approved by the Board of directors and these shares issued form part of the purchase price for the remaining 49% shares of Solutions Inc. which transaction was announced on October 28, 2015, reported in the financial statements and covered during the last annual meeting. The Purchase Price was subject to a pre-defined anti-dilution provision with a cap of 18.05% of the total issued and outstanding shares of the Company and this issue covers events up to the Company's Board of directors meeting on May 1, 2017. This is the final issuance with respect to the anti-dilution provisions.

Forgiveness of debt

On June 28 and June 30 2017, the Company issued 501,566 common shares at market price varying between $0.23 and $0.235 in forgiveness of $115,664.41 of bona fide debt. On June 28, 2017 the Company also issued 202,898 common shares at a price of $0.1725 (market price less the maximum allowable discount pursuant to the settlement agreement) in payment of a $35,000 portion of a lawsuit settlement.

Options

The Company also announces that on June 30th, 2017 it has granted 710,000 stock options under its stock option plan to its employees, officers and consultants. Each option shall vest gradually over a period of 3 years (1/3 per year, the first 1/3 vesting upon grant) and will allow the optionee to acquire 1 common share of the Company at a price of $0.35 until June 30, 2020. Details are found on Form 11 filed on the CSE on June 30, 2017.

About Mobi724 Global Solutions

Mobi724, a leader in the fintech industry based in Montreal (Canada), offers a unique and fully integrated suite of payment & digital marketing solutions with a combined EMV Payment, Card Linked Offers, and Digital Marketing platform that works on any card and any mobile device. Mobi724's solutions add value to all types of transactions benefiting banks, retailers and cardholders by leveraging available user and purchasing data to increase transaction volumes and spend. Mobi724 provides a turnkey solution to its clients to capture card transactions on any mobile device, at any point of sale or from any payment card. Mobi724 provides its customers with full and comprehensive traceability and enriched consumer data through its offering. Its solutions enables card associations, retailers, manufacturers, offer providers, mobile operators and card issuers to create, manage, deliver and "track and measure" incentive campaigns worldwide to any mobile device and allow its redemption at any point of sales.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this document, including those which express management's expectations or estimations with regard to the Company's future performance, constitute "forward-looking statements" as understood by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are, of necessity, based on a certain number of estimates and hypotheses; while management considers these to be accurate at the time they are expressed, they are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and risks on the commercial, economic and competitive levels. We advise readers that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other known and unknown factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Investors are advised to not rely unduly on the forward-looking statements. This advisory applies to all forward-looking statements, whether expressed orally or in writing, attributed to the Company or to any individual expressing them in the name of the Company. Unless required by law, the Company is under no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events, or other circumstances.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed this news release and does not accept responsibility for its adequacy or accuracy.

Contacts:

MOBI724 Global Solutions Inc.

Marcel Vienneau

1-514-394-5200 x 413

www.mobi724globalsolutions.com




News / National

by Staff reporter

PRESIDENT Mugabe has passed three Bills into law in a move that is expected to improve the ease of doing business.The National Competitiveness Commission Bill, the Judicial Laws Amendment (Ease of Settling Commercial and Other Disputes) Bill as well as the Deeds Registries Amendment Bill have been passed into law, Parliament said in a notice.The National Competitiveness Commission Act establishes the National Competitiveness Commission and provides for its functions and management.The law also seeks to enable a competitive environment for Zimbabwean businesses through the development, co-ordination and implementation of key policy improvements as well as repeal of the National Incomes and Pricing Act of 2007.The Judicial Laws Amendment (Ease of Settling Commercial and Other Disputes) Act provides for an Intellectual Property Tribunal, constituted in terms of the Intellectual Property Tribunal Act, to be declared a specialised division of the High Court.The law alters sections of the High Court Act, the Magistrates Court Act and the Small Claims Court Act to speed up and facilitate the settlement of disputes.The law brings legal proceedings in the country up to speed with the realities of the digital era and facilitates the settlement of matters in a rapid and effective manner.On the other hand, the Deeds Registries Amendment Act will ensure that the deeds registry process will be conducted electronically as part of the ongoing ease of doing business reforms being championed by the Government.The provision for online deeds is set to revolutionise business operations particularly issues around property ownership transfers."The registrar may establish an electronic registry, for which purpose notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act, the Registrar may  (a) digitise every register, deed, document or other record under his or her charge; and (b) establish and maintain a computer system for the purpose of applying information technology to any process or procedure under this Act, including the despatch and receipt and processing of any deed, return, record, declaration, form, notice, statement or other document for the purposes of this Act. (2) The electronic registry shall become operational from such date as the Registrar, in consultation with the Minister, shall specify by notice in a statutory instrument," reads part of the Act.
The status of Aadhaar is the most confusing thing in India right now. While there are multiple notifications coming from the government making it mandatory for various services, the Supreme Court is hearing cases against the move and has been making observations or giving directives on the way ahead.

The government seems itself caught in a legal maze. So are the common people. At least that is what one can make out of the supreme confusion that is ruling over linking of PAN and Aadhaar.

Over the last 2 days there have been reports saying 30 June is the last day for linking both identity proofs. However, there are fresh reports saying 30 June is not the last date and the government is yet to announce a deadline.

In all this, the government has remained silent, without issuing any clarification.

However, lets get one thing out of the way.

It is mandatory to link your Aadhaar card to your PAN card.

For those who do not have Aadhaar.

According to the Supreme Court, if you do not have an Aadhaar or do not wish to get an Aadhaar as of now, you dont need to worry, at least for now. Your PAN will not be canceled in such a case. "Only a partial relief by the court has been given to those who do not have Aadhaar and who do not wish to obtain Aadhaar for the time being, that their PAN will not be cancelled so that other consequences under the I-T Act for filing to quote PAN may not arise," the CBDT had said in a circular.

For those who have an Aadhaar and PAN, I recommend that you get the numbers linked as early as possible. If you read the latest government notification you will realise that Aadhaar-PAN linking will become mandatory from 1 July and not before 1 July.

What if you cant make it by tonight? Your PAN will become invalid, but only eventually.

According to a report in The Economic Times: After July 1, the linking will become mandatory and the government may declare a date after which the PAN not linked to Aadhaar will become invalid. The government has not declared that date yet.

Fear that PAN will become invalid has forced many to visit the Income Tax website and link their cards. The website became accessible for several hours due to high traffic. Even tax and investment experts say that there is confusion over regarding the issue. The government should have in no uncertain terms explained the consequences of not linking.

One thing is for sure. Since the government has not declared the deadline, you still have time to get it done. If you have errors in your cards, we suggest you get them fixed quickly and get the cards linked.

Even if the PAN becomes invalid immediately, your life is not going to come to stand still. Of course, there will be some pain points. You will have difficulties to make some financial transactions, which require PAN, or even file returns.

However, for those who have Aadhaar, it is better to go ahead and link it with PAN. That makes all your dealings with the government easier.
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The stage is all set for the rollout of the major indirect tax reform measure  Goods and Services Tax (GST)  in Parliament's Central Hall tonight amid boycott by the Congress, the Trinamool Congress and other Opposition parties even as finance minister Arun Jaitley urged them to reconsider their decision.

Opposition parties have opposed to the rollout calling it a 'black law'. Speaking to ANI, Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal said that the party will decide whether they will attend Friday night's event by afternoon.

"Inevitably all sectors will be affected (with the GST rollout). Not to say that the Railways will be immune from this. We are studying the impact. In any case it is the law of the land so we will adopt it. We have already set up a group to look into the implications of GST on all our operations," PTI quoted Prabhu as saying on sidelines of IMC annual general meeting in Mumbai.

Railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Thursday said the Indian Railways has set up a group to study the impact of the soon-to-be-launched GST on its operations.

However, Suresh Prabhu was quick to add that in the long-run the new tax regime will be a great boost to overall growth which will help the economy clip at double-digits.

The immediate impact of GST will see a 50 basis points increase in AC and First Class train fares to 5 percent from 1 July.

But the historic Central Hall was thought to be a better choice considering the importance of the new indirect tax code that unifies more than a dozen separate levies to create a single market with a population greater than the US, Europe, Brazil, Mexico and Japan put together.

The GST Council, that brings together the Centre and state governments, has met 17 times to thrash out how the tax will work. Originally, the launch of GST which had been in the works for over a decade, was to be done from Vigyan Bhawan  the largest convention centre in the national capital that has hosted majority of the meetings of the GST Council.

The GST Bill was originally piloted by President Pranab Mukherjee when he was the finance minister in the previous UPA government.

Trivia: State and Centre govt have met 17 times in the past to thrash out how the tax system will work

Protesting against the launch of GST tonight, business traders in Bhopal called for a bandh. According to ANI, all major markets will remain shut today.

From July 1, 2017, India will move to a one-tax, one-nation regime. All goods and services will be taxed under one of four slabs5%, 12%, 18% and 28%wherever they are purchased. Read the full analysis here

India has a dual GSTCentral GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST). There is also an integrated GST (IGST) on the inter-state supply of goods and services, which can be set off against CGST and SGST that is to be paid.

GST is paid when a consumer buys something (even a company buying inputs). The tax is levied on every transaction in the supply of goods and services, barring certain exempted items such as petroleum products. The tax levied at one stage can be set off or deducted from the tax to be paid at the next stage.

The GST Council including the union finance minister (who will be the chairman of the council) and the state finance ministers will finalise the GST rates.

The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), a non-government , private company with the central government holding 24.5 percent stake, will provide IT infrastructure and support services to the governments, taxpayers and other service providers for the implementation of GST.

The council has finalised a simplified form instead of invoice-wise returns, according to this release by the Central Board of Excise & Customs, the government department overseeing the implementation of GST. There would be no late fees or penalties for late returns, and regular returns would need to be filed from September.

The GST council has relaxed the tax filing norms for two months  July and August, 2017  for those still maintaining manual records or in the process of GST transition.

Alcoholic drinks, electricity and five petroleum products (crude oil, petrol, diesel, natural gas and aviation turbine fuel) are out of the purview of GST. These will continue to attract VAT and central excise. The petroleum products have been excluded only temporarily.

Daily use consumer items such as cereals, pulses, dairy produce, fresh meat, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits are all exempt from GST, according to government data.

Which items are covered under GST and which are not subject to GST?

"It's really unfortunate because they are distancing themselves from the process of reformation in the country. I hope they (Congress) realise by evening and re-think and join us in the Central Hall. I still appeal to the Congress and other parties boycotting GST event to reconsider. It's not a party function," Naidu said.

Ahead of the historic rollout of the GST tonight, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu urged the Congress to 'realise and rethink' their stand. Speaking to ANI, Naidu said that the Centre hoped that the main Opposition party joined the government for the midnight Parliament session.

Therefore, we never had an unified indirect tax structure. Rather being a single internal market, India was a patchwork of 30 markets. Further, each state charged a tax (called Central Sales Tax) on the products of other states passing through its territory.

Every state in India levies its own taxes. One needs to look at the breakup of a restaurant bill in Bengaluru and Mumbai. Each state has its own Value Added Tax (VAT), so the same meal will be priced differently. Karnataka charges 14.5 percent VAT on restaurant meals while Maharashtra charges 12.5 percent. This has historically been the case in independent India.

Cars, as a whole, have been kept in the highest tax slab. What differentiates the impact of GST on cars and the prices that they will now be available in depends on the sub-division of cars into four categories  small cars, large cars, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will have a major effect across car segments in the automobile industry. GST has four rates  5 percent, 12 percent, 18 percent and 28 percent.

Gandhi, currently abroad on a holiday, hit out at the government, accusing it of being "insensitive" for rolling out GST without planning, foresight and institutional readiness, as it did during demonetisation.

Party vice-resident Rahul Gandhi dubbed the implementation of GST as a "tamasha", saying it was being rushed through in a "half-baked" manner as a "self-promotional spectacle".

As the launch of the biggest tax reform nears, the Congress seems to have stepped up its attack on the NDA government.

"We oppose #GST, its a black law but since Pres will attend launch we will go as we do not want to create controversy," parety leader Naresh Agrawal was quoted as saying by ANI.

According to ANI news agency, Samajwadi Party has decided to go for the launch function.

Despite Rahul Gandhi stepping up his attack on the NDA for rushing with the rollout of the GST, the opposition seems to be split.

Samajwadi Party will go for the midnight event, cracks in the opposition camp

He also defended the the multiple rates saying the structure was needed under the GST to ensure price stability and revenue neutrality.

As many as one crore traders and businessmen are expected to come under the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a tax reform that will also help in economic integration, said Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha.

Earlier, Biocon CMD Kiran Mazumdar Shaw had tweeted that GST Council has failed in delivering the 'one nation one tax' promise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Anand Mahindra, Executive Chairman, Mahindra Group, tweeted out: "At the stroke of the midnight hour...India will awake" as a common market for the 1st time. To do the obvious is often the most difficult..

Meanwhile, India Inc seems to be cheering the mega launch event despite the worries and concerns over the hiccups.

The decision is likely to come as a relief for the agriculture sector which is seeing unprecedented protests from farmers due to rise in input costs.

The council reduced rate on fertilisers to 5% from 12% and on exclusive parts of tractors to 18% from 28%.

Meanwhile, GST Council continued to change the tax rates. At the 18th meeting today, ahead of the launch ceremony, the panel cut the rates on fertilisers and tractor parts.

"Fertiliser prices will come down marginally with GST rate being slashed to 5 percent from 12 percent proposed earlier, a decision taken in the interest of farmers, Union minister Ananth Kumar said today. The reduced GST rate will bring down burden on farmers by Rs 1,261 crore, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters. "Prices of urea, DAP, MoP, and mixed fertilisers will come down marginally with reduction in GST rate from 12 percent to 5 percent," he said. Kumar claimed that the reduced GST rate on fertilisers will help in bringing prosperity in rural areas. "I feel the GST, which is going to be unfolded is focused on gaon, garib and kisan. A new history been created again with GST rollout," he said.

Quoting Chankaya, Modi said that no matter how difficult the way, efforts have to be put to make it successful.

"There are 18 chapters of Bhagwad Gita. And GST has 18 chapters too,"he said.

From Gita to Chankya, Modi invokes everything 'Bharatiya' to drive home the importance of GST.

"There were 24 regulations made. Without any dissent, each commodity tax was decided. There were two principles behind it. Revenue should be neutral and that the poor should not be burdened," he says.

Citing cooperative federalism, Jaitley points out says there was no need to have a vote on any decision at the 18 GST Council meetings.

Arun Jaitley says while fixing rates revenue neutrality and the poor were in mind

"Here, after many years, this place is witness to GST. There cannot be a holier place than Parliament for talking about GST. It took 2 years, 11 months and 17 days to talk about this reform."

"Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Kalam Azad, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Sarojini Naidu, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were all seated in this holy place. On 14 August 1947, when India got its Indpendence, this holy place was a witness to it."

Modi says the CEntral Hall is the fitting choice for the GST launch.

Narendra Modi says there cannot be a holier place than Parliament for the launch

Quoting Chankaya, Modi said that no matter how difficult the way, efforts have to be put to make it successful.

"There are 18 chapters of Bhagwad Gita. And GST has 18 chapters too,"he said.

From Gita to Chankya, Modi invokes everything 'Bharatiya' to drive home the importance of GST.

But now from Leh to Lakshadweep, it is one nation one tax.

"Albert Einstein said, if there is any thing in the world that is most difficult to understand that is income tax. With different kinds of 500 taxes in India, I am thinking if Einstein was here, what would he say if he were to see so many taxes," he says.

Narendra Modi wonders what would Albert Einsteen have said seeing many taxes in India.

Narendra Modi says from Leh to Lakshadweep, it is one nation one tax

"This has been one of the key arguments of the Congress party to take on Modi in Parliament when the NDA government pushed for GST this time. From that point, convincing the Congress party to agree for the crucial constitutional amendment leading to the GST rollout, has been a big political victory for the Modi camp."

"GST was delayed, caught badly in the political bargaining during the UPA-regime. Interestingly Modi, too, had opposed GST when he was the Gujarat Chief Minister.

"Credit goes to Narendra Modi and finance minister Arun Jaitley for getting the critical political consensus, mainly from the Congress party, that was needed to go ahead with Project GST. Lack of political consensus has been the biggest hurdle for GST eversince the idea was first debated in India some one and half decade back.

Firstpost's Dinesh Unnikrishnan on why the political consensus is a big win for both Narendra Modi and Arun Jaitley:

The proposal for GST was first mooted in 2007. The responsbilitiy of preparing a line of action for implemetation of GST was given to state finance ministers whose help was taken for Value Added Tax too. The introduction of GST is a momentous moment for the nation," says the president.

This historic moment is the culmination of 14 year long journey which began in December, 2002: President Pranab Mukherjee. #GST pic.twitter.com/zfyR5cPJtQ

"I remain confident that GST was a matter of time and that it can be easily passed," the president says. "It is remarkable that in the 18 meetings of GST Council so far the decisions have been taken through consensus. I congratulate them," says the president. The Council has pleasantly surprised everyone of us by completing its task on time.

The Council has pleasantly surprised everyone of us by completing its task on time.

"It is remarkable that in the 18 meetings of GST Council so far the decisions have been taken through consensus. I congratulate them," says the president.

"I remain confident that GST was a matter of time and that it can be easily passed," the president says.

It is an interesting coincidence that Pranab Mukherjee is presiding the GST launch ceremony, eight years after he, in the capacity of union finance minister in the UPA government, announced the basic structure of GST as designed by Dasgupta committee and six years after he introduced the constitutional amendment in 2011. But, Mukherjee could not push the big reform then because of lack of political consensus and agreement on the broader structure. UPA carried the GST dream for long, but without success. The luck turned out to be on NDAs side.

Pranab Mukherjee, who could not push for the reform, presides over the launch

"This is a defining moment for the country as the introduction of GST is a business reform intended to harmonize the indirect tax structure across the country with significant benefits for all sections of society - the focus now shifts to smooth implementation of GST, Mani said.

"The introduction of GST signifies the completion of all processes necessary to launch the most eagerly awaited tax reform in the country and will significantly improve the ease of doing business in India; this is a defining moment in the country's economic landscape whose benefits will accrue over the next few years.

The launch of GST will truly unite the country as far as taxation of goods and services is concerned; we now hope that that the government moves to a considerate and empathetic implementation regime with a focus on making the reform acceptable to all sectors of the economy.

MS Mani, senior director, Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, hailed the decision and said that this is a defining moment for the country.

The stage is all set for the rollout of the major indirect tax reform measure  Goods and Services Tax (GST)  in Parliament's Central Hall on Friday night amid boycott by the Congress, the Trinamool Congress and other Opposition parties even as finance minister Arun Jaitley urged them to reconsider their decision.

The launch will take place at the stroke of midnight after speeches by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of Vice-President Hamid Ansari, MPs, chief ministers and state finance ministers besides a host of industralists and legal luminaries.

The hour-long event seeks to evoke memories of the "Tryst with Destiny" moment of 1947 when first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made his famous speech to mark India's independence.

After deliberations on Thursday, the Congress announced a boycott of the function, saying the government was seeking to "trivalise" the freedom movement and to garner publicity.

The party said such a midnight function in the Central Hall of Parliament had occurred only thrice - August 15, 1947, when the country attained independence, and in 1972 and 1997 to mark the silver and golden jubilees of attaining freedom.

With the Congress boycott, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was invited to be on the dias, won't attend.

Congress allies including the Rashtriya Janata Dal and DMK also announced they will skip the event while the Left parties have left it to individual members to decide. The JD(U), which broke ranks with the opposition on the President's election, will register its presence with Bihar Energy Minister. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not attend and Janata Dal-United MPs are free to attend or keep away.

Reacting to the Opposition decision, Jaitley said they should display broad shoulders and own up to the consensus decision to usher in GST after a 15-year consultation process.

"I can say this without fear of contradiction that there has never been such exercise of this kind of political consultation and political consensus in bringing the GST. And now those who have been a party to this consultation and decision making process must also accept," he told reporters here on Thursday.

"I hope every political party will reconsider and revisit its decisions and be a party to the launch of a massive reform to which they have been themselves privy to," he added.

"Symbolic boycotts are not evidence of any kind of disassociation from these decisions... The government believes this is probably the single most important taxation reform in the last 70 years. I am sure it will prove beneficial both to the economy and the country," Jaitley said.

GST, termed as the most radical tax reform since Independence, seeks to subsume all central indirect taxes like excise duty, countervailing duty and service tax as also state levies like Value Added Tax, entry tax and luxury tax to create a single, pan-India market.

So far, apart from Jammu and Kashmir, all the states have passed the State GST (SGST) law. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to join the GST regime by 1 July.

GST was first discussed in the Kelkar Task Force report on indirect taxes in 2003 and a proposal to introduce a national GST by 1 April, 2010 was first mooted in the Budget Speech for the financial year 2006-07.
New Delhi: Employees of public sector banks have threatened to go on a day long nation-wide strike on 22 August against the government proposal to merge state-owned lenders.

Besides, they want the government and the Reserve Bank of India to declare wilful default as a criminal offence and desist from writing off of corporate non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans, United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) said.

An umbrella body of nine unions, UFBU has also asked the government not to increase service charges in the name of GST.

Goods and Service Tax (GST), which will be effective on Saturday, has raised tax from 15 percent to 18 percent for all services offered by banks.

Government has recently merged five associates with SBI and there are talks of the second round of consolidation among state-owned banks which may materialise by the end of the current fiscal.

The government wants to create five large banks of global size using the inorganic route. There are 21 state-owned banks in the country at present.

India's banking sector is saddled with NPAs or bad loans amounting to Rs 8 lakh crore, of which around Rs 6 lakh crore is accounted for by the state-owned banks alone.

"Instead of taking urgent remedial measures to recover the alarmingly increasing bad loans which are threatening to drive the banks into a serious crisis, the government is taking steps like MOU, PCA, NPA Ordinance and IBC that are only aimed to cleaning the balance sheets at the cost of the lenders who represent hard earned savings of the people," AIBEA General Secretary CH Vekatachalam told PTI.

All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), an affiliate of UFBU, said very tough measures are required including criminal action on wilful defaulters to recover the huge bad loans given to the corporate houses, big business and top industrialists.

It was also observed that the burden of the corporate NPAs are put on the shoulders of the common public and banking clientele in the form of hike in fees, charges and penalties, for every type of normal banking services, he said.

Vice president of National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW), an affiliate of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Ashwani Rana said: "Merger is not panacea for all pains in the bank and merger doesn't provide guarantee that NPA will be eradicated."

Rather the government should talk to all the stakeholders including unions and shareholders to find out solutions, Rana said.

The unions unanimously pitched for ensuring accountability of top management for bad loans and put in place stringent measures to recover bad loans and abolishing Banks Board Bureau.
On Friday midnight, President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Indias biggest indirect tax reform in Parliament hall.

Beginning today, India will cease to exist as a fractured economic union of 29 states and seven union territories and will become an economy with uniform tax rates for specific group of goods and services across the country. For a company operating pan-India, GST - the biggest indirect tax reform since independence will break the barrier of tax regimes that existed in different states. It will club a host of central and state levies and replace them with a single destination-based tax system.

In simple terms, this would mean that tax need not paid at each stage of manufacturing and retailing, but only at the destination. Tax paid at earlier stages can be claimed by as input credit.

For the common man, GST is unlikely to come as a price shocker since the burden of cascading rates will disappear. The prices of majority of goods used daily by the masses will come down. These will include food items -- fresh meat, fish, chicken, eggs, milk, butter milk, curd, natural honey, fresh fruits and vegetables, flour, besan, bread, prasad, salt, bindi, sindoor, stamps, judicial papers, printed books, newspapers, bangles, handloom, etc. Majority of the goods (about 81 percent of the total) will be under the 18 percent slab while remaining will come under 5 percent, 12 percent, and 28 percent slabs. Additional cess will be levied on luxury goods. Rough diamonds will be taxed at 0.25 percent rate and gold at 3 percent. With multiple tax slabs and cess and exceptions, GST is far from perfect and not a simple structure as countries with a flat GST rate structure.

For industries, the impact on their businesses will be mixed. One needs to wait and watch how this is going to ultimately play out. The companies are still busy preparing the price changes on their products in the GST regime. Some FMCG firms like Dabur, has already expressed concerns of likely loss in their revenues post-GST roll out. The service industry may have some pain ahead since hike in service tax (from 15 percent to 18 percent) will be a turn off for customers. There is also confusion with respect to claim of input credits. The initial hiccups will be many and it is imperative for the government to set up dedicated offices in each state to address grievances and offer clarifications to traders. While bigger businesses with deep pockets and resources are more or less prepared to migrate to the new regime, small businesses may have a tough time to comply. Many of the tiny business units that operate without even a computer to do accounting will have to invest and hire a chartered accountants service to comply with the new regime.

Big boost for economy

For the economy, the GST will offer gains in the long-term, with economists projecting 0.5 percent to one percent upside to the economy. With GST becoming a reality, India will join the club of several developed economies in the world with a uniform tax structure. Some 159 countries in the world are GST-compliant. More importantly, the passage of GST will show the world that India has finally broken out of the reforms jinx and is ready for its next round of big reforms.

Incidentally, the GST launch coincides with a slew of other key reform steps such as decision to privatize national air carrier Air India, introduction of insolvency and bankruptcy code and major subsidy rationalization exercise using the direct benefit transfer model. The introduction of GST and the simpler tax regime it promises will appeal to foreign investors looking at India  an idea Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been hard-selling to foreigners for long.

Big political win for Modi

Though the GST is a big political win for Narendra Modi, the political blame game is already on. The latest salvo was fired by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi hours ahead of the launch. In a series of tweets, Gandhi said GST is a half-baked idea and came down heavily on the government for self-promotion. In the days ahead, as nation goes through the initial pain of transition to the new tax regime, Modi government can expect more attacks from a united opposition. The signals are already clear with Congress party and Trinamool Congress not participating in the launch function. But, as mentioned in an earlier piece, the Congress party doesnt have strong reasons to show the world for its last minute fight with BJP on the GST launch, after being party to the GST-decision making process all along.

Credit goes to Narendra Modi and finance minister Arun Jaitley to get the critical political consensus, mainly from the Congress party which is needed to go ahead with Project GST. Lack of political consensus has been the biggest hurdle for GST ever since the idea was first debated in India almost one and half decades back. GST was delayed, caught badly in the political tussle during the UPA-regime. Interestingly Narendra Modi, when he was the Gujarat Chief Minister, too, had opposed GST at some point. This has been one of the key arguments of the Congress party to take on the prime minister in Parliament when the NDA-government pushed for GST this time around. From that point, convincing the Congress party to agree for the crucial constitutional amendment leading to GST roll out, has been a big political victory for the Modi camp.

Implementation is the key

The mega launch is over. Once the hype settles down, the government machinery will have to work overnight for the next few months at least to facilitate a smooth transition. The government has given relaxation till September for companies to comply with the new rules. But the big disruption will happen not among big companies but small businesses, which are largely in the informal sector. One cannot thus rule out job losses and panic reactions in this segment.

The GST launch sans implementation plan can backfire for the Modi government in the months ahead. Expectations of benefits are sky-high among the public from the new tax regime. The government would do well to tread cautiously as the roll out is likely to be a major disruptor for both big and small industries. Immediate follow-up actions to bring awareness and facilitate the transition must be carried out at state levels.

One big question is whether there are enough dispute institutional mechanisms when the GST is rolled out and companies work on invoices and tax credits. The key point here is that dedicated offices must be set up to address grievances and clarify rules for small entrepreneurs. Already, there are concerns among small businesses about the transition process. The government will have to work overtime to ensure that GST roll out doesnt become a repeat of post-demonetisation chaos. The likely adverse outcome of GST could include increase in compliance cost for small entrepreneurs. Many of them may choose to shut shops resulting in job losses.

But the bottomline is this: No matter what the initial hiccups and the political debate on the timing and preparedness, the passage of GST marks an important chapter in the history of Indian economy. Its long-term gains are certain.
Chennai: Realty developer House of Hiranandani said the Goods and Services Tax, demonetisation and RERA were landmark developments in the country, but it was "unlikely" that GST will have any impact on property prices.

The intent of the government was to streamline tax administration and bring more businesses under the tax net, House of Hiranandani, Chairman and Managing Director, Surendra Hiranandani said adding "it is unlikely that GST will have any impact on property prices."

"We feel the current rate of 12 percent on under construction projects might marginally bring down prices in the affordable segment owing to input tax credits, but it is unlikely that similar impact will be felt in mid-priced or premium developments," he said in a statement.

He also said, the GST, RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) and demonetisation would make the industry "more transparent" in the long term.

"Demonetisation, RERA and GST are all landmark developments.. They are being implemented within a short span of each other which is bound to cause short term upheavel till economy gets accustomed," he said.

More clarity would prevail once GST is implemented and government clarifies its stand on the abatement available for land cost for calculating service tax on under-construction projects, he added.

Calling for immediate attention to stamp duty by the government, he said, "It will continue to remain in force even after implementation of GST and the rates are varying from state to state."

"The additional burden on the sector on account of the stamp duty averages 5 percent to 7 percent.. We hope that state governments abolish the same which will bring down the final cost of the apartment," he said.
New Delhi: Mobile phone bills are expected to go up while recharges would yield less talktime for prepaid customers from Saturday under the new GST tax regime. Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), telecom services would be taxed at 18 percent compared to 15 percent currently.

This means that a user would get a talktime of about Rs 80 on a recharge of Rs 100, compared to about Rs 83 earlier. Similarly, costs for postpaid users would also go up to the extent of three percentage points. So, for a monthly usage of Rs 1,000, users will have to pay Rs 1,180 instead of Rs 1,150 currently. However, it remains to be seen whether telecom operators choose to absorb some impact of the increased tax levy (as they can claim input credit) or pass it on entirely to their customers.

Emails to telecom operators remained unanswered. A number of retailers in the city remain clueless about the impact of the new tax regime on telecom services. "It is only on Saturday, once we start recharging for customers, that we will get to know how much talktime the customer is getting. But going by simple calculation, it (talktime) is expected to be lesser," said one of the

shopkeepers in the bustling Connaught Place area. He added that it will take a few days for the situation to normalise.

Many customers who walked in for recharges, too, seemed unaware of what the GST roll out would mean for prepaid services. Telecom operators are already under intense pressure, inflicted by newcomer Reliance Jio's competitive pricing. The industry had expected some relief from the GST Council in the form of a lower tax slab for telecom services. However, the same was increased following which industry lobbyists made multiple representations stating that telecommunications is an essential service and should attract a lower tax rate of 5 percent.

"Today it (industry) is saddled with an unprecedented debt of more than Rs 4.5 lakh crore, with revenues of less than Rs 2 lakh crore... we are hopeful that the government will... revise the current rate of 18 percent, which is fairly high to the requested rate of 5 percent," Cellular Operators' Association of India Director General, Rajan S Mathews told PTI.

This rate of five percent is better aligned to telecom as it is an essential service and critical infrastructure, he opined.
New Delhi: As many as one crore traders and businessmen are expected to come under the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a tax reform that will also help in economic integration, Union Minister Jayant Sinha said on Friday.

The Minister of State for Civil Aviation said that multiple rates were needed under the GST in efforts to ensure price stability and revenue neutrality.

The GST, a unified regime for indirect taxes, is to be rolled out at midnight on Friday.

There are four tax slabs under the GST  5, 12, 18, and 28 percent. Speaking at the conclave on the GST organised by television channel Aaj Tak, Sinha said the tax reform would make things easier.

Around one crore traders, businessmen and others are expected to come under the GST ambit. Currently, there are 80 lakh individuals and entities paying various central and state taxes, Sinha said here.

To a query on the Opposition deciding not to attend the GST launch function at midnight, Sinha, who had earlier served as the Minister of State for finance, said the GST is not a political issue but a tax reform that would bring in revolution.

Sinha also said that tax collection has gone up post demonetisation while the cash to GDP ratio has come down to around 10 percent from 12 percent earlier. He was responding to a question on how much money has come into the system after demonetisation.
Bhopal: Commercial establishments in major cities in Madhya Pradesh remained closed on Friday as part of a bandh called to protest "anomalies and complexities" in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which will be rolled out in a special function in Delhi Friday midnight.

Shops in main cities like Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur downed their shutters while commercial activities remained suspended in small towns as well.

The bandh was called by various organisations of traders.

In the state capital, important commercial markets like MP Nagar, New Market, Chowk, Bairagarh, BHEL township etc. largely remained closed.

"We are not against the GST but are protesting its anomalies and complexities. The Centre is going to impose this new tax regime without any prior preparation. The government has not taken traders into confidence," Bhopal Chamber of Commerce and Industries general secretary Vishnu Bansal told PTI.

He said different tax slabs under GST will affect rates of almost 1,500 items covered under grocery business. Traders will also have to face practical problems due to varying tax slabs, he added.

Bansal said a total of 72 traders' organisations extended their support to Friday's bandh.

According to Bansal, business in almost all major cities and towns was affected due to the bandh.

Commercial activities were also hit in Indore, the commercial capital of the state, where main market areas like Rajbada wore a deserted look. Grocery market in Siyaganj, food grains market in Sanyogitaganj and Sarafa Bazar also remained closed.

President of Indore's Ahilya Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Ramesh Khandelwal said the new tax regime would entirely disturb the current set up of traders.

He said that most of the essential commodities fall under the higher tax slab in the GST.

"The chamber, along with other traders' organisations, will launch a hunger strike as well as a 'dharna' from 2 July in support of the demand to remove various anomalies in the GST," he added.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A ROW has erupted between local financial institutions and Government over the bankability of 99-year leases, which had been primed as the solution for farmers to unlock credit from banks.This comes as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) says its interactions with banks show that they will start accepting 99-year leases until "some aspects" have been included in the leases.RBZ Deputy Director (Economic Research) Mr Samuel Tarinda revealed this at the ongoing ZNCC annual congress here yesterday."The major bone of contention (to banks funding agriculture) is the 99-year leases, which are being perfected . . . incorporating the aspects that the banks would want so that they (farmers) use them as collateral," he told delegates."But I think banks view farming as a business and where they see value, definitely they will support but this is where we are coming in terms of the collateral registry that we have just developed recently so that some of the movable assets that they (farmers) do have can also be considered as collateral, not just the title to the land. So I think once some of those issues have been resolved, you must see banks seeing value in supporting agriculture."However, Lands and Resettlement Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, shot back and expressed concern at the attitude by banks saying the amendments done on the 99-year leases recently were suggested by financial institutions."We have completed work on the 99-year leases and all the amendments that we did on the 99-year leases were on the advice by the bankers,' he said."We did what they wanted and I am surprised that they continue to say that the 99-year leases are not bankable . . . it is the attitude that bankers have."I have seen white former commercial farmers getting millions (of dollars) from the same banks to fund agriculture when they didn't have an offer letter.And when the (black) farmer goes to the bank and is denied that money, it is just the attitude, which means our banks are not supportive to our farmers," said Dr Mombeshora.He urged banks to change their attitude and support farmers, adding that the 99-year leases are only designed to give confidence to farmers that they can invest on the piece of land they have and would not be chased away.There was renewed hope for farmers that they would access loans from banks this season after Government announced that the 99-year leases had been perfected and ready to be used as collateral.Banks have reduced lending to the agriculture sector by about 15 percent in the last 17 years after Government embarked on the land reform exercise.Currently, 16 percent of banks' loan book goes to the agriculture sector, compared to over 30 percent in the 1990s, which resulted in high production levels for all major cash crops.The RBZ says it is negotiating with banks so that they increase their lending to agriculture to 30 percent."We would desire to have that percent (14 percent) go back to yesteryears. . . As you are aware, the Reserve Bank, together with the banking system, we have been supporting agriculture in terms of financing and I think when you look at the outstanding credit at the moment, about 16 percent of total credit is going to the agriculture sector directly."We would like to see that percentage grow again and I think in 1996 it was about 35 percent, now (it) is down to 16 percent and we want to get back to 30 percent and . . . we have been discussing with banks so that we can allocate at least 30 percent of their portfolio to the agriculture sector," said Mr Tarinda.He added that agriculture's value chain linkage with the manufacturing sector could catapult the economy to stardom.Agriculture contributes about 60 percent of raw materials used in the manufacturing sector, making its revival critical.The RBZ says it has also licensed about 180 microfinance institutions (MFIs), some of which are more suited to cater for the needs of smallholder farmers in particular and the agriculture sector in general.Mr Tarinda said already, some of the MFIs have advanced money to farmers and farmers' organisations with a view to growing productivity."I think 10 percent of their portfolios is currently within the agriculture sector," he said.
New Delhi: Within a span of less than 24 hours, domestic market leader IndiGo has emerged as a serious contender for Air India. Till the same time yesterday, the only tentative known buyer for the national carrier was the Tata Group. A source close to developments said they are very serious about this when asked about IndiGos unsolicited expression of interest in Air India. IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh wrote to Civil Aviation Minister A Gajapathi Raju yesterday, invoking nationalism by speaking of disproportionate Indian international traffic which the Gulf and South East Asian countries manage to attract. In the letter, Ghosh has also asserted his airline was best placed to buy Air India and that the target airlines international operations are of prime interest.

Ghoshs reasoning though, has failed to impress analysts, sector experts and investors. Will this be the right call for IndiGo, which has commanded respect for its integrated approach to domestic market leadership as a cost warrior? This Bloomberg report said the IndiGo shares continued to slide for a second day on the bourses. The scrip tumbled 5.2 percent to Rs 1,172.15 this morning, the biggest intra-day loss in five months. The two-day decline erased about $485 million or close to half a billion dollar in market value of IndiGo.

And analysts at brokerage IIFL equities said in a note to clients this morning that though Air India is the largest airline in the international segment and third largest in the domestic market, it has loss-making operations and debt of about Rs 50,000 crore despite many rounds of equity infusion by the government. Air India is not an ideal acquisition target. Even if the contours of the deal take care of balance-sheet stress, operational inefficiencies may be difficult to iron out. We continue to like IndiGo for its efficient cost structure and balance-sheet strength. However, potential acquisition of AI may create an overhang on the stock.

Remember, Air India derives two-thirds of its revenue from the international segment while its share of the domestic market is only 14 percent. It has made a net loss in each of the last 10 years and the debt on its books has steadily grown over the years. At Rs 50,000 crore, the debt pile is bigger than IndiGos market cap, the IIFL analysts noted. So in staking a claim for Air India, is IndiGo punching far above its weight?

The analysts also pointed out that in operating metrics in FY15 of the Indian airline industry, IndiGo was the most efficient while Air India was the least efficient (EBIDTAR 1.08 versus Air Indias 0.2). They also said Air India has been trailing on international load factors among competitors  IndiGo, Jet Airways, SpiceJet each carried more passengers per international flight than Air India in 2016-17. Ditto for domestic loads on Air India flights versus competitors.

Earlier this week, the Union Cabinet had given an in-principle approval to the disinvestment of governments stake in Air India, and also formed a Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to oversee this process. IndiGos expression of interest arrived within hours of the Cabinet clearance.

In the carefully worded letter which Ghosh sent on the matter, he said Over time, India has allowed disproportionate access to airlines of some of the city states in the middle east and south east Asia. The massive hubs that these airlines have built have significantly benefited at the expense of India. As a consequence of this, Indias air transportation hubs reside outside the geography of our country. It is time for India to take back its fair share of international traffic and bring back this economic wealth to where it rightfully belongs.

The IIFL analysts have pointed out that purchasing Air India would work for IndiGo since this would mean scale of operations (mainly in the international segment), which would otherwise take years to build. IndiGos already strong domestic network would be able to feed into AIs international network and vice versa. IndiGo would also benefit from access to international routes and slots at major international airports.

But the downside to the deal is significant.

1) The Indian domestic market is increasingly moving towards low-cost carriers. Full-service carriers such as AI are struggling due to its inability to command enough pricing premium to fully offset additional costs. AIs international operations, although loss-making, would be relatively more attractive than the domestic business.

2) IndiGo has built a very efficient airline ground-up. However, as regards turning around AI, we believe the odds are stacked against it. Jet learned it the hard way after buying Air Sahara. Kingfisher bought Air Deccan, which turned out to be disastrous.

3) Integration issues range from multiple types of aircraft (which cannot be changed overnight), related high maintenance costs, and higher staff costs (not easy to retrench).

What Ghosh has invoked in his letter is the grant of Fifth Freedom rights (which allows an airline to carry revenue traffic between foreign countries as a part of services connecting the airline's own country) and Sixth Freedom rights (the right to carry passengers from a second country to a third country by stopping in one's own country) to carriers from the Gulf and from some Southeast Asian countries. This has allowed these airlines to develop hubs at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur etc. Perhaps largely due to flawed grant of bilateral flying rights to our worthy neighbours, Air India has been booking losses on its international operations. This situation has improved significantly in FY17 but the airline continues to book overall losses on international operations.

Ghosh has also aid in the letter that given IndiGos track record of having created a consistently profitable airline with a strong balance sheet, kindly treat this letter as our expression of interest in acquiring the international airline operations of Air India and Air India Express. Alternatively, we are equally interested in all of the airline operations of Air India and and Air India Express. We would like to point out that our confidence and ability to build for our country one of the worlds largest international carriers is driven by the significant domestic network we have built over the years. In our view, no other carrier is better placed to realize this potential and we would not even dream of embarking on such a journey but for our domestic feed network.

Not only will Ghosh likely have a tough time convincing his investors about the sagacity of wanting to bag Air India, there may be some deft political maneuvering also involved.

This Hindustan Times report shows how the Shiv Sena has already begun opposing Air India disinvestment.
New Delhi: Having joined the race to buy out Air India, IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh has told employees that it will not embark on the journey if it is not profitable and jeopardises the interest of the airline.

Making its intention clear to become a world-class international carrier, IndiGo became the first airline to formally express interest in loss-making Air India soon after the government decided on its disinvestment even as the modalities are being worked out.

IndiGo, the country's largest airline with a domestic market share of a little over 41 percent, is keen on snapping up the international operations of Air India as well as its profitable low-cost arm Air India Express.

As an alternative, the budget carrier is "equally interested" in buying out all the operations of Air India and Air India Express, according to the letter sent by Ghosh to the Civil Aviation ministry.

After showing its interest in Air India disinvestment -- a development which was first announced by the ministry -- Ghosh wrote to IndiGo staff listing out the reasons behind the move and sought to assure them that every action would be in the best interest of the airline.

"Let me be very clear that if it is not profitable and does not add value to our employees, customers and shareholders, we will not embark on this journey," Ghosh, who is also a Whole-Time Director, told employees on Thursday.

"As one of those who bleed blue and who have helped build this great organisation, you can rest assured that your leadership team and the founders of IndiGo will never do anything to jeopardise what you helped build and will always act in the best interest of IndiGo," he said.

Noting that IndiGo is primarily interested in Air India's international operations, Ghosh said that over the past decade, a significant domestic network has been created which gives confidence to build a world-class international airline in the scale and scope of some of the largest airlines in the world.

With a fleet of nearly 135 aircraft, IndiGo operates over 900 flights on an average every day. Besides, the carrier has more than 450 planes on order.

In his letter to the employees about interest in Air India, Ghosh stressed that without IndiGo's domestic feed network, it does not make sense to embark on this journey.

"... if we do go down this path, it would require significant restructuring of the acquired operations. In that journey, we are not going to take on debt and liabilities that could not be supported by the new restructured operations," he noted.

Asserting that IndiGo will not embark on the journey if it is not profitable, Ghosh said the leadership team and the founders will never do anything to jeopardise what has been built.

As it pursues aggressive plans, IndiGo has also flagged concerns over some overseas airlines being given "disproportionate access" to the Indian aviation market.

"Over time, India has allowed disproportionate access to airlines of some of the city states in the Middle-East and South-East Asia. The massive hubs that these airlines have built significantly benefited at the expense of India.

"As a consequence of this, India's international air transportation hubs reside outside the geography of our country. It is time for India to take back its fair share of international traffic and bring back this economic wealth to where it rightfully belongs," Ghosh said in the letter, dated January 28, written to the ministry.

Before IndiGo made this letter public on Thursday, Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey had said IndiGo has written a letter with an unsolicited expression of interest in the divestment procedure of Air India.

The cabinet has decided to form an Air India-specific alternative mechanism to take forward the disinvestment plan.

Various issues, including the treatment of unsustainable debt of Air India, hiving off certain assets to a shell company and de-merger and strategic disinvestment of profit-making subsidiaries, will be looked into.

Air India has a debt burden of over Rs 50,000 crore and is staying afloat on taxpayers' money.
Consensus seems to be evading between the ruling and the opposition parties for bringing Jammu and Kashmir under the ambit of Goods and Service Tax regime, with the National Conference in a major turnaround yesterday demanding a separate GST Law to protect the fiscal autonomy of the state.

In the second meeting of the all party consultative group on GST set up by the state government, former finance minister and senior National Conference leader Abdul Rahim Rather said his party was not in favour of extending constitutional amendment 101 Act to Jammu and Kashmir, and wanted the government to formulate its own law. Rather, the former chairman of the GST Council had earlier demanded adequate safeguards before extending the amendment to Jammu and Kashmir.

Well placed sources told Firstpost that when Muzaffar Hussain Baig, member of parliament, who heads the consultative group on GST, was asked during the meeting on Thursday whether his party was in favour of extending the constitutional amendment 101 Act to Jammu and Kashmir. Beg, however, bluntly replied in negative, in a way departing from his parties traditional stance on the issue which has been seeking only safeguards and not a separate law.

The National Conference wants to create a political chaos in Jammu and Kashmir which is why the party is shifting its goal posts on GST. I have suggested in the meeting that Jammu and Kashmir should seek safeguards for protection of Section 5 of the J&K Constitution which gives powers to it to impose taxes and should have a say in imposition of taxes by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, said.

Baig said Article 246-A of the Constitution of India, under which the government of India will impose GST, should be preceded by the rider that the constitutional powers of J&K under Section 5 of the State Constitution shall remain intact so that the state government can exercise its powers on (tax) rates at any time.

J&K government has not only failed in convincing the opposition but has also lost the battle of perception in the valley due its alliance with BJP. The party is facing huge resentment in Kashmir and any move to erode the special status projects the party as a virtual arm of the Hindu nationalists.

Jammu and Kashmir finance minister Haseeb Drabu had said on Wednesday that anything can spark off in valley. It is in the interest of the society of J&K to build a political and legislative consensus over GST. Eventually anything and everything is political in Kashmir.

National Conference had expressed concern over the extension of Constitutional Amendment 101 of the Constitution of India to Jammu Kashmir. The state enjoyed special status under article 370 and draws its taxation powers from its own constitution. The opposition is seeking clear drafting of what government is going to do but the government says it will ensure the concerns are addressed but the actual drafting is the property of the house.

The first all party community, which was headed by senior PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig that was boycotted by the opposition yesterday, was to evolve a consensus to avoid further politicisation of the implementation of the GST.

The traders have also shown concern over the rollout of the GST in Jammu and Kashmir. A one day token strike was also observed in Jammu and Kashmir.

An influential group of citizens from Kashmir termed the government proposal to extend 101st Constitutional Amendment for the introduction of GST in the state a lethal assault on its autonomy.

The state would lose its law-making powers on taxation matters (once the GST is implemented). The Parliament would then make laws on indirect taxes for J&K and the GST Council would decide on tax rates for us, he said, former High Court judge Hasnain Masoodi, said during the roundtable.

Our position is different from other states. While constitutional amendments are ipso-facto applied to all other states, these cannot be extended to J&K until and unless the state government gives its concurrence, he said.

The State, once stripped of its power to decide on the imposition of tax - an important component of its sovereignty, shall lose, whatever is left of its autonomy, the group said in a statement.
Jaipur: Niti Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya praised the Rajasthan government for initiating various reform measures, including 'ease of doing business' policy.

He said that amendments in labour laws, land on lease permission for solar energy, rent act in urban development, toilet construction work under Swachh Bharat Mission, Mukhyamantri Jal Swawlamban Yojana (MJSY) are some of the remarkable reforms in last three years.

Pangariya was in Jaipur along with his team to take part in a programme 'Development Dialogue with Niti Aayog' with Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje.

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant also praised the innovations taken by the state saying that with such innovative schemes and steps, Rajasthan can be on the top. Member of Niti Aayog, Ramesh Chand, suggested to start e-auction of crop produce in all mandis under E-National Agriculture Marketing Project. He also suggested for the protection of community land and expansion of greenery for the promotion of high yielding varieties of various crops and expansion of animal husbandry in the state.

He emphasised the need for promoting contract farming, focusing on the development of forestry on private land and discouraging the crops which need more water while focusing on agricultural reforms.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje reiterated her commitment as an active participant of Rajasthan in the national development agenda being prepared by the Niti Aayog.

She said that for the long term and sustainable development, the state government will focus more on development of identified areas in collaboration with the Centre.

She said the state will go ahead with the guidance of the Aayog in the formulation and implementation of the schemes for the permanent settlement of the problems inherited from previous government.

Raje said that with the involvement of the Aayog in the service delivery system, improving the administration system and better coordination, "We will develop Rajasthan progressively and will set an example for other states."

She demanded support from the Aayog for the allocation of funds from the green climate fund of the Ministry of Environment along with financial assistance of Rs 3,000 crore from the Centre.

She also sought a special annual grant of 7,275 crore for 10 years for providing Clean drinking water to 7.5 crore people of Rajasthan.
New Delhi: After 17 tumultuous years, a nationwide Goods and Services Tax (GST) will rollout from midnight tonight, overhauling India's convoluted indirect taxation system and unifying the US $2 trillion economy with 1.3 billion people into a single market.

GST, which will replace more than a dozen central and state levies like factory-gate, excise duty, service tax and local sales tax or VAT, is India's biggest tax reform in the 70 years of independence and will help modernise Asia's third largest economy.

Here is a look at the timelines that shaped 'one nation, one tax' system:

* February 1986: Finance Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh proposes a major overhaul of the excise taxation structure in the budget for 1986-87.

* 2000: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpyee introduces the concept, sets up a committee headed by the then West Bengal Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta to design a GST model.

* 2003: The Vajpayee government forms a task force under Vijay Kelkar to recommend tax reforms.

* 2004: Vijay Kelkar, then advisor to the Finance Ministry, recommends GST to replace the existing tax regime.

* 28 February, 2006: GST appears in the Budget speech for the first time; Finance Minister P Chidambaram sets an ambitious 1 April, 2010 as deadline for GST implementation. He says the

Empowered Committee of finance ministers will prepare a road map for GST.

* 2008: Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers constituted.

* 30 April, 2008: The Empowered Committee submits a report titled 'A Model and Roadmap Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India' to the government

* 10 November, 2009: Empowered Committee submits a discussion paper in the public domain on GST welcoming debate.

* 2009: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announces basic structure of GST as designed by Dasgupta committee; retains 2010 deadline.

* BJP opposes GST basic structure.

* February 2010: Finance Ministry starts mission-mode computerisation of commercial taxes in states, to lay the foundation for GST rollout.

* Pranab Mukherjee defers GST to 1 April, 2011.

* 22 March, 2011: UPA-II tables 115th Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha for bringing GST.

* 29 March, 2011: GST Bill referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance led by Yashwant Sinha.

* Asim Dasgupta resigns, replaced by the then Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani.

* November 2012: Finance Minister P Chidambaram holds meetings with state finance ministers; decides to resolve all issues by 31 December, 2012 for GST rollout.

* February 2013: Declaring UPA government's resolve to introducing GST, Chidambaram in his Budget speech makes provision for Rs 9,000 crore to compensate states for losses incurred because of GST.

* August 2013: Parliamentary standing committee submits report to Parliament suggesting improvements on GST. GST Bill gets ready for introduction in Parliament.

* October 2013: Gujarat Chief Minister Narnedra Modi opposes GST Bill saying state would incur losses worth Rs 14,000 crore every year due to GST.

* 2014: GST Bill cleared by Standing Committee lapses as Lok Sabha dissolves; BJP-led NDA government comes to power.

* 18 December, 2014: Cabinet approves 122nd Constitution Amendment Bill to GST.

* 19 December, 2014: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley introduces the Constitution (122nd) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha; Congress objects.

* February 2015: Jaitley sets 1 April, 2016 as deadline for GST rollout.

* 6 May, 2015: Lok Sabha passes GST Constitutional Amendment Bill.

* 12 May, 2015: The Amendment Bill presented in the Rajya Sabha.

* Congress demands the Bill be sent to Select Committee of Rajya Sabha; demands capping GST rate at 18 percent.

* 14 May, 2015: The GST Bill forwarded to joint committee of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

* August 2015: Government fails to win the support of Opposition to pass the bill in the Rajya Sabha where it lacks sufficient number.

* July 2016: Centre opposes capping GST rate at 18 percent; gets states around.

* August 2016: Congress, BJP agree to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill.

* 3 August, 2016: Rajya Sabha passes the Constitution Amendment Bill by two-thirds majority.

* 2 September, 2016: 16 states ratify GST Bill; President Pranab Mukherjee gives assent to the Bill.

* 12 September: Union Cabinet clears formation of GST Council

* 22-23 September: Council meets for first time.

* 3 November: GST Council agrees on four slab tax structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent along with an additional cess on luxury and sin goods.

* 16 January, 2017: Jaitley announces 1 July as GST rollout deadline. Centre, states agree on contentious issue of dual control and taxing rights on goods at high sea.

* 18 February: GST Council finalises draft compensation bill providing to make good any revenue loss to states in first five years of GST rollout.

* 4 March: GST Council approves CGST and Integrated-GST bills.

* 20 March: Cabinet approved CGST, IGST and UT GST and Compensation bills.

* 27 March: Jaitley tables CGST, IGST, UT GST and Compensation bills in Parliament. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha pass all the four key GST Bills - Central GST (CGST), Integrated GST (IGST), State GST (SGST) and Union Territory GST (UTGST).

* 18 May: GST Council fits over 1,200 goods in one of the four tax slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent. Over 80 percent of goods of mass consumption either exempted or taxed under 5 percent slab.

* GST Council fixes cess on luxury and sin goods to create kitty for compensating states.

* 19 May: GST Council decides on 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent as service tax slabs.

* 21 June: All states except Jammu and Kashmir pass SGST law.

* 28 June: Mamata Banerjee announces her party's decision to skip midnight launch of GST.

* 29 June: Congress, Left too decide to skip launch.

* 30 June Midnight: GST set to rollout.
Top health advocates have called the attempt by the US to pressure India to grant additional patents on drugs and vaccines as appalling and are writing a letter to a US lawmaker to register their protest. On 23 June, four American lawmakers including Richard Neal (D-MA), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Orrin Hatch wrote to US president Donald Trump to use the then-impending Indian prime minister Narendra Modis Washington visit to address New Delhis "inadequate" protection of patents, trademarks and copyrights, and the "arbitrary" style of pricing medical products.

The letter points out that India accounts for less than two percent of total US exports of goods and services  "(I)f tariff and investment restrictions were fully eliminated (by India) and standards of IP protection were made comparable to US and western European levels, US exports to India would rise by two-thirds, and US investment in India would roughly double," the letter reads referencing an American international trade report.

"Indias weak standards and insufficient enforcement remain an area of concern for US rightholders, including with respect to pharmaceutical patents and in the area of copyright protection," the letter adds.

It also criticises the governments decision to cap prices for coronary stents.

"Moreover, India has imposed additional barriers in 2017. One such example is the expansion of Indias nontransparent and arbitrary system of pricing on medical products, recently expanded to include coronary stents."

"According to some US producers, Indias arbitrary system has forced them to sell certain products at a loss in order to retain access to the Indian market," the senators and representatives complained.

To recall, leaked diplomatic cables last year by Knowledge Ecology International (KEI), a non-profit working on drug patents, showed that Colombian officials were worried after a conversation with a staffer from Hatchs office about the potentially negative impact of US funding for the Colombian peace process should Colombia issue compulsory licences for producing cheaper versions of a cancer drug manufactured by Novartis.

Colombia, nevertheless, went ahead and reduced the price of the drug Imatinib by 44 percent.

On 26 June, Trump, in his joint statement in the White House with Modi, sought "to create a trading relationship that is fair and reciprocal".

"It is important that barriers be removed to the export of US goods into your markets, and that we reduce our trade deficit with your country," Trump said.

Their respective teams will look into "creative ways to improve bilateral trade", the joint statement added.

"Modi has already bowed to pressure from (former US president Barack) Obama on granting compulsory licenses on cancer drug patents. He leads a country of more than a billion people, and he should not sacrifice their health and their lives of people in India to gain the affection of an unpopular US president who has the attention span of a six-year-old," Jamie Love, director of KEI, told Firstpost in an email interview.

"The United States is paying too much, and so does everyone else, just not to the degree that the US gets ripped off. What Trump and Modi should focus on is a new trade framework that focuses on sharing the costs of funding research and development as a public good," he added.

The US Trade Representatives Special 301 report  a Congressionally-mandated annual report that has been issued every year beginning in 1989  puts India under the 'Priority Watch List' for its "serious intellectual property rights deficiencies".

In response to the American lawmakers appeal to Trump, a number of top health advocates are sending a letter to Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, that they "are surprised and dismayed that you are pressuring India to grant additional patents on drugs and vaccines".

In 2015, the income per capita of India was 35 times lower than the per capita of the US.

"A country with as much poverty as India should not enforce patents on drugs and vaccines the same way as high-income industrialised countries," the letter further states.

India is a "critically important source" of affordable generic products in many developed and developing countries.

"The practical effect of the type of trade pressures you advocate is to enhance the monopoly power and raise the prices of new drugs for cancer and many other diseases. This is appalling," it adds.

The recently-released draft reform healthcare bill wants foreign countries to pay more for medicines through directing American executive agencies to review all multilateral and bilateral agreements for greater IP protection and possible enforcement options in case of violations, and to review other countries supply and procurement systems and price differentials.

"The implication of the proposed actions to force higher drug prices on other countries is that Big Pharma would take it easy on US consumers and payers. To date, there is no evidence of any such price moderation by Big Pharma either on existing or new medicines despite much stronger IP protections in multiple bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements since the 1990s, wrote Brook K Baker, professor at Northeastern University School of Law, in his blog on 23 June.

Trumps draft executive order on healthcare is an issue of fierce debate in the US with a Congressional report estimating that 22 million Americans would lose insurance by 2026 should this bill be passed.

"As the draft executive order shows, Trump wants to make foreign countries pay more for medicine, even though that will do nothing to make medicines more accessible in the United States, and exorbitant prices already cost lives around the world," said Peter Maybarduk, director of Public Citizens Access to Medicines Program on 27 June in a press statement.

Meanwhile, in a World Trade Organisations Council for TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) meeting on 13 June, India along with Brazil, China, Fiji and South Africa tabled a first-of-its-kind proposal that called on governments to examine the growing concern of "imbalance between intellectual property and the public interest".

It asked member States to hold dialogue "on measures within the IP system that they have adopted to promote the public interest, including but not limited to compulsory licensing, patentability criteria, IP and competition, and the Bolar exception".

The flexibilities within TRIPS allow governments to tailor their national IP laws within the minimum standards set by the TRIPS agreement taking into account their developmental needs, including public health interests. However, a September 2016 report of the UN Secretary-Generals High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines shows that many governments are reluctant to use these flexibilities, including issuing compulsory licenses, for various reasons that include undue political and economic pressure from powerful governments and corporations.

India has used this flexibility only once in March 2012 when Indian generic manufacturer NATCO Pharma was granted compulsory license to manufacture Bayers drug Sorafenib Tosylate (Nexavar) used for the treatment of kidney and liver cancer.

"Political and economic pressure placed on governments to forgo the use of TRIPS flexibilities violates the integrity and legitimacy of the system of legal duties and rights created by the TRIPS agreement and as reaffirmed by the Doha Declaration," India had said in a statement to the TRIPS meeting of 13 June.

"Patent rights cannot be allowed to impede protection of public health," it said.

It also invited Colombia to share its experience of covert threats from "domestic and foreign parties" when it was to issue a compulsory license on Imatinib.

The Trump administration has made IP rights one of its topmost priorities "and conflated it with the issue of big-ticket investments in India", a Hindu report citing sources said.

Issues around patent protection and affordability of health products is one of the trickiest sticking points in India-US bilateral relations.
It was earlier reported that Sajid Nadiadwala is in talks with Telugu superstar Prabhas to facilitate his debut in Hindi cinema. While nothing has materialised on that front so far, new reports suggest that Prabhu Deva has signed Prabhas for a film.

India Today reports that Prabhu is all set to direct Prabhas in a film after the latter wraps up the shoot of his next, Sujeeth's action thriller Saaho. While a range of filmmakers have been trying to rope in Prabhas for a film after the record-breaking success of SS Rajamouli's war epic Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, Prabhu seems to have struck a deal.

The report quotes Prabhu as saying, "There's no point in doing a film together just because it makes business. I have been thinking of a film with Prabhas for a while now. Right now, he's busy with his next Telugu film Saaho, post which we will do our film together."

However, there is no clarity on the details of this film, including whether it will be a Hindi film or a bilingual. But before that, Prabhas might do a cameo in Prabhu's next starrer, Chakri Toleti's Khamoshi.

The Indian Express reports that producer Vashu Bhagnani has reportedly roped in Prabhas for a special appearance in the Hindi film Khamoshi that stars his Baahubali co-star Tamannaah Bhatia and his future director Prabhu in the lead roles.
The makers of Jab Harry Met Sejal have decided to use a unique bunch f 'mini trails' instead of the mainstream teaser-trailer strategy to introduce viewers to the characters of the film.

In the first trail, we saw Shah Rukh Khan admitting that Harry is a tharki, and in the second one, Anushka Sharma's Sejal makes him sign an indemnity bond, thus relieving him of all legal charges if they have sex.

In the third mini trail, the duo's chemistry was on display, with Khan getting exasperated with Sharma's Sejal and her calling him an "A-1 character".

Now, in the fourth one, we watch Harry ask Sejal what her name is, and as soon as she gleefully answers his question and is about to tell him the meaning of the name, he tells her that it is not necessary, in quite a snarky manner. But they keep making waves with their hands, which is exactly what her name means  flowing, river water.

We also see more instances of Harry getting mad at Sejal; it seems as though she has lost the key to her hotel room. In the beginning of the trail, she fails to catch it when he throws it, and later, they seem to be searching for something in bushes, near a fountain and under a seat.

What we know so far about the film is that Shah Rukh Khan plays a Punjabi tour guide and that Anushka Sharma is a Gujarati lawyer. This second-time collaboration between Khan and Sharma, after Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, was shot in Prague, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Budapest.

The film recently ran into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to the use of the word intercourse in the second mini trail, which was shown on television channels. He later said that he will pass the trail with the word only if the film receives one lakh votes from the public.

Jab Harry Met Sejal, directed by Imtiaz Ali, will release on 4 August, after a change in dates to avoid a clash with Akshay Kumar's Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.

Watch the mini trail here:


Netflix has released the trailer of Death Note, the big screen adaptation of a Japanese manga series of the same name.

The film is directed by Adam Wingard and follows the life of Light Turner, a high school student who stumbles upon a journal titled Death Note. The journal is actually dropped from the sky by Shinigami Ryuk, the God of Death.

The journal allows the boy to kill anyone, whose face and name he knows, the way he wants to.

The film stars Nat Wolff, Margaret Qualley, Keith Stanfield and Willem Dafoe, who is the voice behind the Shinigami.

The trailer gives us a glimpse into the action-packed, dramatic plot, laden with car crashes, gunshots and more such 'accidental' deaths.

The God of Death coming down on earth and conferring such tremendous power on a human makes for a titillating story.

The film could prove to be the ultimate entertainer for someone who enjoys supernatural elements and relishes the heroism displayed by the protagonists, while they save the world from evil forces.

The trailer will also excite non-manga fans but most manga fans seem to disappointed.

The makers of Death Note have been receiving severe flak for the blatant whitewashing, which is a longstanding Hollywood problem. The viewers have criticised the makers for casting white actors in roles meant for people of a different race.

However, producer Roy Lee had responded to the criticism in a Buzzfeed interview saying that the series has been adapted for a different culture altogether, so some changes are bound to be there.

The film will release on Netflix on 25 August. You can watch the trailer here:
By Phil Stewart and Robin Emmott

| BRUSSELS

BRUSSELS European allies pledged more troops to support Afghanistan's hard-pressed military on Thursday but left details on numbers vague until the United States clarifies its new strategy to break a stalemate with the Taliban.Despite public fatigue, Europe's latest offer for reinforcements underscores the West's determination to defeat Taliban fighters who harboured al Qaeda militants behind the September 2001 attacks on New York and Washington.It also reflects a growing realisation that the United States and its allies were too hasty in pulling down their large troop presence in 2011, which allowed militants to regain ground and weaken efforts to build Afghanistan's democracy."Looking back on it, it's pretty much a consensus that we may have ...reduced the numbers a little too rapidly," U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis told a news conference following a meeting of NATO defence ministers.Since drastically drawing down from a peak of more than 130,000 NATO troops in 2011, allies have scrapped an earlier plan to pull out of the country despite the high costs of the United States' longest-running war.In a closed-door meeting, Mattis pressed NATO allies and non-member partners to provide more personnel to help train the Afghan armed forces. That would add to the 13,450 U.S. and multinational troops involved in training in the country. NATO commanders are working on the basis of around 1,200 additional troops for next year, diplomats said, but Mattis declined to go into numbers. He said so far he filled 70 percent of the gaps identified by NATO and voiced confidence following his talks in Brussels that "we'll be filling the rest."

"We still have a few gaps and nations are stepping up," Mattis said.The United States is considering sending up to 5,000 more troops beyond what NATO allies offer, officials say."NO TIMELINE"

Britain, Norway and Lithuania were among countries to publicly commit to more personnel. British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said London would add just under 100 troops, taking its contribution to 585. Spain said it had not made a decision but was ready to help where it could."We are in it for the long haul, it's a democracy that has asked for our help and it is important that Europe responds," Fallon said, noting the widening Taliban insurgency across the country and frequent suicide attacks that have hit Kabul.Some governments declined to offer more, including Canada, which withdrew the last of its troops in 2014.Progress hung on a new U.S. strategy still being devised and which Mattis is expected to present in mid-July to Donald Trump, after the U.S. president sharply criticised U.S. policy in Afghanistan during his election campaign.

After almost 40 years of conflict in Afghanistan, NATO's will be the latest effort to break what its Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called a stalemate, stressing the need for a peace deal involving regional powers.Several attempts in recent years to broker a settlement between the Western-backed government in Kabul and the Taliban, have all failed. Without the militants at the table, experts say it is hard to envisage a meaningful solution.The U.S. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats has also warned the outlook for the country is bleak even with more NATO and U.S. troops.Mattis did not comment on that intelligence assessment but signalled his long-term support for Afghanistan, declining to say when it might end."I don't put timelines on wars," he said, adding the West had learned the consequences of allowing its enemies to plot against it from ungoverned spaces. (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Robin Emmott,; editing by Ed Osmond and John Stonestreet)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 39-year-old cleric for Harare-based His Grace Ministries, Onbert Mapfumo, has been jailed 28 years for rape.Mapfumo made headlines when he admitted to rape in a live radio programme.After his conviction by Harare magistrate, Hoseah Mujaya, Mapfumo will for the next 22 years rue the day he swayed from the alter and opted to take advantage of one of his flock by raping her twice.Mapfumo was initially jailed for 28 years on both counts of rape before Mr Mujaya suspended six years on condition he does not commit a similar offence.Mr Mujaya also jailed a 48-year-old Harare man, Maushe Musoseri for 18 years for raping a 7-year-old girl in Mbare on the 30th of April, 2017.Musoseri was facing two counts of rapping two minor children in a ZESA metre room at block 14B, Matapi fats before giving them a dollar each and warning them against disclosing the incident to anyone.State Prosecutor George Manonokore however successfully proved one count of rape.Musoseri will spend the next 15 years in jail after initially being jailed for 18 years before the suspension of 3 years.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday granted bail on medical grounds to an 89-year-old convict serving the life term in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

A vacation bench of Justices Manmohan and Yogesh Khanna released retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal on bail till 4 July on the ground that he has to undergo a surgery.

The court granted him the relief till 4 July instead of three months sought by the convict, so that the bench which is hearing the anti-Sikh riots cases can take a final decision on his plea.

"A prayer is made for suspension of sentence for three months. In view of the circumstances placed before us, the sentence of the appellant is suspended until 4 July," the bench said in its interim order.

The convict is already on interim bail since 24 March on medical grounds.

Bhagmal, through his counsel, had stated that he is suffering from enlarged prostate for which he has to undergo surgery which would require staying in the hospital.

Taking note of his medical condition, the bench extended his bail on furnishing of a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with one surety of the like amount.

It directed Bhagmal to give the address at which he would be available and the mobile number on which he can be contacted by the CBI during the interim suspension of his sentence.

The bench asked the convict not to get in touch with any witness or the legal heirs of the deceased.

"In case, there is a violation of this condition, it will be open to the CBI to move an application for recall of this order," it said, adding that Bhagmal shall not leave the National Capital Territory of Delhi without its permission.

Bhagmal, former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, Girdhari Lal and two others were held guilty in a case relating to the murder of five members of a family in Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment on 1 November, 1984 after the assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi.

They had challenged their conviction and the sentence awarded by the trial court in May 2013.

The trial court had acquitted Congress leader Sajjan Kumar but awarded life term to Bhagmal, Khokhar and Girdhari Lal and three-year jail term to two others  former MLA Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar.

The convicts have filed appeals before the High Court while CBI too has filed an appeal alleging that they were engaged in "a planned communal riot" and "religious cleansing". The agency has also appealed against the acquittal of Kumar.

The high court had on 29 March this year issued show cause notices to 11 accused including Khokhar and Yadav in five 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases.

The accused, who was acquitted of the charges, were asked why should the court not order reinvestigation and retrial against them as they faced allegations of "horrifying crimes against humanity".

The bench had issued notices on the complaints filed regarding the violent incidents on 1 and 2 November, 1984 in the Delhi Cantonment area.
New Delhi: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday expressed concern over the kind of atmosphere being created in the country in the name of religion.

Everybody should try to ensure communal harmony in the society and live like a family, Singh said at an Eid Milan function in New Delhi.

"We all Indians have to defend the country by walking shoulder to shoulder. We have to stay in brotherhood and create an atmosphere that is in accordance with the path shown by our Constitution", he said.

"Whatever atmosphere is being created in the name of religion (in our country), I am reminded of Iqbal's couplet...'Mazhab nahin sikhata aapas mein bair rakhna, Hindi Hain Hum, Watan Hai, Hindosta Hamara' (Religion does not teach us to bear ill-will among ourselves; We are of Hind, our homeland is Hindustan)", he added.
China has directly violated the agreements of 1988 and 1998, and affected the process of demarcating the border between Bhutan and China, says a press release sent out by Bhutan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs late on Thursday evening.

Firstpost has learnt from sources that the Bhutanese border is on high alert and border security has been tightened amidst growing tensions.

This is perhaps the first time that the mountain country has sent out a strong message against Chinese incursions and claimed the area in question is a disputed one between Bhutan and China.

The government has conveyed China, both on the ground and through diplomatic channel, the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the agreements. Bhutan alleges Peoples Liberation Army of constructing a motorable road from Dokala in the Doklam area towards the Bhutan Army camp at Zompelri on 16 June.

Bhutan and China and both countries have written agreements of 1988 and 1998 stating that the two sides agree to maintain peace and tranquility in their border areas pending a final settlement on the boundary question.

The MFA press release reads:

In view of the many queries raised recently in the media regarding the Bhutan  China boundary in the Doklam area the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to convey the following:

On 16 June, 2017, the Chinese Army started constructing a motorable road from Dokola in the Doklam area towards the Bhutan Army camp at Zompelri. Boundary talks are ongoing between Bhutan and China and we have written agreements of 1988 and 1998 stating that the two sides agree to maintain peace and tranquility in their border areas pending a final settlement on the boundary question, and to maintain status quo on the boundary as before March 1959. The agreements also state that the two sides will refrain from taking unilateral action, or use of force, to change the status quo of the boundary.

Bhutan has conveyed to the Chinese side, both on the ground and through the diplomatic channel, that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the agreements and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between our two countries. Bhutan hopes that the status quo in the Doklam area will be maintained as before 16 June, 2017.

The country's national newspaper, Kuensel on Friday also reported of the Chinese infringement of the border talk agreement.

PTI reports on Monday cited China accusing Indian troops of trespassing, and threatened to block Nathu La pass, a route used by Indian pilgrims to go to Hindu sites in Tibet and Bhutan. India on the other hand accused China of destroying its bunkers on their side. Following which, army chief General Bipin Rawat visited Gangtok on Thursday during his routine visit post a scuffle between Indian and Chinese troops.

Bhutan and China has held 24 rounds of boundary talks since it began in 1984. Two areas, one in the central northern sector and four in the western sector have been the subject of talks as there are differences in claims in these areas. The disputed area in Pasamlung in the central north comprises of 496 square kilometres. The disputed areas in the western section are Dramana, Charithang, Sinchulung, and Doklam, in the dzongkhags of Haa and Paro.

With inputs from PTI
Byculla jail inmate Manjula Shetye was dead at least 30 minutes before she was taken to JJ Hospital, Mumbai Mirror has reported. Shetye, the woman prisoner, died on 23 June and was taken to the hospital five hours after being beaten up in the jail. The distance between the jail and the hospital is roughly a kilometre.

Shetye's post-mortem examination has revealed that her death was caused due to fatal blows on her skull and other parts of the body, according to NDTV.

The report did, however, rule out the allegation that a wooden stick had been inserted in her private parts. This confirmed the results of a magisterial inquest into her death which had ruled out any injury on her private parts.

The post-mortem report further stated that Shetye had about 11 to 13 contusions all over her body. The dean of JJ hospital, TP Lahane, said the womans lungs were damaged, reported Hindustan Times.

The Mumbai Mirror report quoted a member of the forensic team at JJ Hospital as saying, What we found is, multiple contusions led to localised collection of blood, which is called peripheral pulling of blood in medical terminology." The victim may have died due to neurogenic shock, added the forensic doctor.

Shetye's death had enraged inmates of Byculla jail and sparked off a protest on Saturday, with some of them going to the prison terrace and some others making a bonfire of newspapers and documents inside the premises to vent out their anger.

The Nagpada police had later booked nearly 200 inmates of the Byculla jail, including Indrani Mukerjea, lodged in the same prison, for rioting, unlawful assembly, assault on a public servant and other relevant sections of the IPC.

Indrani has moved a Mumbai court alleging that she was beaten up by the jail officials after the convict's death triggered a protest in the prison. Six jail staffers had been placed under suspension and police had registered a case under IPC section 302 (murder) against them. The staffers are jailer Manisha Pokharkar and guards Bindu Naikode, Waseema Shaikh, Sheetal Shegaokar, Surekha Gudve and Aarti Shingane. The Mumbai police crime branch has taken over the probe into Shetye's death.

The Times of India has reported that the six jail staffers were asked to mark attendance at the Arthur Road jail, but none has turned up since Wednesday.

Shetye was in the last year of her 14-year sentence. She had been convicted of murdering her sister-in-law Vidya in 2014. There are various theories surrounding why she was killed with the prominent one being that she was thrashed because she complained about two eggs and four slices of bread.

The Maharashtra State Women's Commission (MSWC) will set up a three-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the death. Further it had summoned Inspector-General of Prisons Swati Sathe who spent an hour at the MSWC office and gave them a detailed report.

With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: Senior IPS officer RK Pachnanda took charge as the chief of the Indo-China border guarding force ITBP on Friday.

Pachnanda, a 1983-batch police officer of the West Bengal cadre, was handed over the baton of the about 90,000-personnel strong, mountain warfare-trained force by outgoing Director General Krishna Chaudhary.

The Indian Police Service (IPS) officer will head the paramilitary force, raised in 1962, for over a year till he retires in October next year.

Pachnanda comes to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) with the rare distinction of serving in all the major central paramilitary forces and organisations including the CRPF, the CISF, the BSF, the Special Protection Group (SPG), the CBI and the NDRF.

Prior to his appointment as the ITBP chief, he was serving as the DG of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

He will also hold the charge of the NDRF DG as the government has not appointed his successor till now.

Son of an army officer, Pachnanda has also served in various capacities in his cadre state of West Bengal.

He takes charge of the ITBP in the backdrop of a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops over a disputed area along the Sino-Indian border in Sikkim.

The paramilitary force, however, is not present in this area as the Army is deployed there.

Soon after Pachnanda took over charge at the force headquarters here, senior ITBP officials briefed him about the status of its current deployment along the border and other theatres.

The ITBP is also witnessing a major enhancement and development of its border posts and frontier roads along the Sino-Indian border, a number of which are in the Himalayan ranges.

The force, raised in the aftermath of the 1962 Chinese aggression, works under the command of the Union home ministry.

Earlier, the outgoing DG was accorded a farewell parade at the force's camp in Greater Noida near Delhi.

Apart from its primary task of guarding the 3,488-km border, where ITBP troops are deployed at freezing heights of up to 18,700 feet, the paramilitary is tasked with rendering a variety of duties in the internal security domain including undertaking anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh.
Kolkata: Barely two days after getting the army withdrawn from the Darjeeling hills, the West Bengal government on Friday rushed to the Centre seeking 10 companies of the CRPF to contain the situation in the strife-torn hills.

"We had asked for 10 companies of the CRPF from the Centre for the hills earlier. But they had sent us only four companies of women police personnel and three companies of SSB. We have again asked them for ten companies of CRPF in the hills," state director general of police Surajit Kar Purkayastha told reporters at the secretariat.

Currently, there is only state police, but no army in the hills, he said. Describing the unrest in the hills as "destructive activities of some extremists," Purakayastha said the state government would not tolerate this situation and would take strong action against those responsible.

"Some destructive incidents have occurred in the hills. Some extremist-sponsored destructions in the name of protests were going on there. Our police has shown optimum tolerance, but the state will not tolerate all this and strong action will be taken against those found guilt... Culprits will be arrested," Purakayastha said.

Going by the current situation in the hills following ransacking of government offices by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha activists and enforcing an indefinite bandh for carving out a separate state of Gorkhaland out of the West Bengal, the state government has decided to send DG & IGP (Home Guards) Raj Kanojia, the DGP said.

The state government earlier had sent senior police officials to the hills amid the ongoing GJM agitation there.

The state government has also decided to provide a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh to the family members of truck driver Aniket Chhetri who died at the SSKM.

GJM supporters on 19 June had allegedly set ablaze the entire truck with Chhetri inside on 19 June when he was transporting bricks to Sikkim. "We will be compensating Chhetri's family with Rs 2.5 lakh and will offer job to any one member," he said.
New Delhi: The Shri Ram College of Commerce on Friday released its second cut-off list for the BCom (Honours) and BA (Economics Honours) courses.

A student from general category should have 97.50 per cent for the BCom (Hons) course, but admissions for the BA (Economics Hons) for the same category have been closed.

Students of the OBC category should have 95.75 per cent for BA (Eco Hons) and 94.50 per cent for BCom (Hons). SRCC had released its first cut-off list on 23 June.

For the BCom (Hons) course, SC category students need have 91.25 per cent, ST  84 percent, persons with disabilities  87.25 percent and Kashmiri migrants  87.50 percent.

For BA (Eco Hons), SC category students require 94 percent, ST  91 per cent, persons with disabilities  94 per cent and Kashmiri migrants  94 per cent.

"Candidates are advised to contact personally for completing the admission process on any day, during the admission schedule for second cut-off, between 9 am and 1 pm, with prescribed documents," said a release issued by the college.
Killing people in the name of Gaubhakti is not acceptable, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said. "This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve." Gandhi not only did not approve the Hindu ways of protecting the Holy Cow but also went to say that "gau raksha samitis" should be renamed gau vadh samitis.

Gandhi was a deeply religious person, and held the Mother Cow in high reverence, also appreciating the animals significance in Indias rural economy. He, however, was equally aware of the politics behind cow protection: that cow  one of those matters where Hindus and Muslims have completely different views  has been turned into a symbol, like the pig.

Simply put, Gandhis thinking on this vexed issue  it was as vexed back then as it is now  goes like this: Cow is holy, no doubt, but not worth shedding human blood for. Because a Muslim is also my brother. Firstly. I would like to persuade him to give up cow meat. If he doesnt, then I will ignore the matter. If I really feel very deeply about the cow that is going to be slaughtered, then I should offer my life to save the animal  not take somebody elses life for it.

In his key text 'Hind Swaraj' (1909) , Gandhi devoted better part of a chapter on this question. The 10th chapter is titled The Condition of India (cont.): The Hindus and the Mahomedans. Here is the whole of the relevant part; emphasis added:

Reader: Now I would like to know your views about cow-protection.

Editor: I myself respect the cow, that is, I look upon her with affectionate reverence. The cow is the protector of India because, being an agricultural country, she is dependent on the cow. The cow is a most useful animal in hundreds of ways. Our Mahomedan brethren will admit this.

But, just as I respect the cow, so do I respect my fellow-men. A man is just as useful as a cow no matter whether he be a Mahomedan or a Hindu. Am I, then, to fight with or kill a Mahomedan in order to save a cow? In doing so, I would become an enemy of the Mahomedan as well as of the cow. Therefore, the only method I know of protecting the cow is that I should approach my Mahomedan brother and urge him for the sake of the country to join me in protecting her. If he would not listen to me I should let the cow go for the simple reason that the matter is beyond my ability. If I were overfull of pity for the cow, I should sacrifice my life to save her but not take my brother's. This, I hold, is the law of our religion.

When men become obstinate, it is a difficult thing. If I pull one way, my Moslem brother will pull another. If I put on a superior air, he will return the compliment. If I bow to him gently, he will do it much more so; and if he does not, I shall not be considered to have done wrong in having bowed. When the Hindus became insistent, the killing of cows increased. In my opinion, cow-protection societies may be considered cow-killing societies. It is a disgrace to us that we should need such societies. When we forgot how to protect cows, I suppose we needed such societies.

What am I to do when a blood-brother is on the point of killing a cow? Am I to kill him, or to fall down at his feet and implore him? If you admit that I should adopt the latter course, I must do the same to my Moslem brother.

Who protects the cow from destruction by Hindus when they cruelly ill-treat her? Whoever reasons with the Hindus when they mercilessly belabour the progeny of the cow with their sticks? But this has not prevented us from remaining one nation.

Lastly, if it is be true that the Hindus believe in the doctrine of non-killing and the Mahomedans do not, what, pray, is the duty of the former? It is not written that a follower of the religion of Ahimsa (non-killing) may kill a fellow-man. For him the way is straight. In order to save one being, he may not kill another. He can only pleadtherein lies his sole duty.

But does every Hindu believe in Ahimsa? Going to the root of the matter, not one man really practises such a religion because we do destroy life. We are said to follow that religion because we want to obtain freedom from liability to kill any kind of life. Generally speaking, we may observe that many Hindus partake of meat and are not, therefore, followers of Ahimsa. It is, therefore, preposterous to suggest that the two cannot live together amicably because the Hindus believe in Ahimsa and the Mahomedans do not.

These thoughts are put into our minds by selfish and false religious teachers. The English put the finishing touch. They have habit of writing history; they pretend to study the manners and customs of all peoples. God has given us a limited mental capacity, but they usurp the functionof the Godhead and indulge in novel experiments. They write about their own researches in most laudatory terms and hypnotize us into believing them. We in our ignorance then fall at their feet.

Those who do not wish to misunderstand things may read up the Koran, and they will find therein hundreds of passages acceptable to the Hindus; and the Bhagavadgita contains passages to which not a Mahomedan can take exception. Am I to dislike a Mahomedan because there are passages in the Koran I do not understand or like? It takes two to make a quarrel. If I do not want to quarrel with a Mahomedan, the latter will be powerless to foist a quarrel on me; and, similarly, I should be powerless if a Mahomedan refuse his assistance to quarrel with me. An arm striking the air will become disjointed. If everyone will try to understand the core of his own religion and adhere to it, and will not allow false teachers to dictate to him, there will be no room left for quarrelling."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unequivocal condemnation for the self-styled gau rakshaks in India, who have suddenly taken upon themselves to rid the nation of anyone who as much as looks at a passing cow, came as a relief to many. Opposition parties had a different, yet predictable, reaction to the prime minister's speech, which he delivered at the centenary celebrations of the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

"Today I want to say a few words and express sadness on some of the things going on. We are a land of non-violence. We are the land of Mahatma Gandhi. Why do we forget that? No one spoke about protecting cows more than Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave. Yes. It should be done. But, killing people in the name of Gau Bhakti is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve. As a society, there is no place for violence. No person in this nation has the right to take the law into his or her own hands in this country. Violence never has and never will solve any problem," Modi said.

The prime minister's comment came in the wake of the recent lynching of Junaid Khan on a Delhi-Mathura train on suspicions of carrying beef. Thousands of people across the country took to the streets on Wednesday evening in an unprecedented citizens protest against the recent incidents of mob violence across the country that have targeted Muslims and Dalits.

The common grudge that several Opposition leaders had against the prime minister's 'scathing' rebuttal to the cow-vigilantes across India, was that "just words are not enough. Modi trying to subvert democracy."

Too little too late; words mean nothing when actions out-do them: #RahulGandhi on PM Modi's remarks against killings in name of #cow (file) pic.twitter.com/5R3wEIw6el  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 29, 2017

"Modi should ask himself as to who has created this atmosphere of lawlessness in the country. Pro forma condemnations are not enough. The prime minister must reaffirm that he believes in the founding values of the Indian state," said Congress' Manish Tewari.

Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi, in a sarcasm-laced remark, said the "presence of Gandhiji's living spirit in Sabarmati Ashram" must have affected Modi. "What he has said is absolutely right, but it should be followed by very strong action on the ground. All the perpetrators (of hate crimes) have to be caught and prosecuted and the public's confidence in (law and order) has to be revived," Gandhi told IANS.

Incidentally, last year August, in a similarly-toned speech in Telangana's Medak district, Modi had lashed out at 'fake' cow vigilantes and had said that state governments should take action against them. "These people are hell bent on destroying the society and are disturbed by the unity of India. These people, in the name of gau rakhsha, are trying to create conflict in the society," Modi had said.

"Beware of nakli gau rakshak (fake cow vigilantes)," he had said. "I ask the state governments to protect our people. The cow protection which Mahatma Gandhi used to talk about cannot be wrong. But these fake gau rakshaks are not concerned about cows," Modi had said.

"The states should conduct a strict investigation against these gau rakshaks," he had said. "Even a true gau rakshak should be vigilant so that these fake people do not spread tension in the society," the prime minister had said. "The unity and strength of our nation is our primary responsibility," Modi had said, adding that strict action was required against cow vigilantes.

"These people need to be punished. It is only then that we can proudly take our nation to new heights," Modi had said. Unfortunately, the incidents of mob lynching or incidents of violence related to cow-vigilantism only went up since last August.

Both of Modi's "scathing" warning to the perpetrators were criticised and exalted at the same time. Supporters of the prime minister rather slammed the critics and said that it was impossible for the prime minister to control how fringe/extremist groups or people acted in every nook and corner of the country. This article from October 2015, questioned the premise on which Modi was being blamed for these incidents.

"Is Narendra Modi the elected Prime Minister of the Union of India or is he the daroga of Bishara that we keep asking him for answers? Even if he were to relent and say something on this what would he say other than all the secular platitudes of all the political and literary intelligentsia that wouldnt amount to making a whiff of difference to the family of Akhlaq? He could have possibly taken the moral high ground, but thats about that."

Modi's speech last year was after the Una incident in Gujarat, when gau rakshaks had attacked Dalits involved in the trade of skinning dead bovines. Every voice which questioned the intent and timing of Modi's speech (the one made last year August and the one made on Thursday) met with the same response. "How is the prime minister to be blamed" asked the supporters.

The fact is, no one expects the prime minister to be a local cop and arrange a crackdown on the cow vigilantes or even the perpetrators of the mob initiated violence. But by being utopic in his addresses and furthering his image as a statesman, Modi is only doing more harm than good. Blaming the BJP-ruled states and the chief ministers also helps no one because violence or murder does not restrict itself to any region or area.

That being said, we cannot rule out hidden agenda behind these crimes. Another fact is, that 97 percent of these attacks were reported after the Modi government came to power in 2014 and Muslims were the target of 51 percent of violence centred on bovine issues over nearly eight years (2010 to 2017) and comprised 86 percent of 28 Indians killed in 63 incidents. The figures were curated by IndiaSpend based on analysis of the English media. However, that does not indicate or prove that Modi or his government are behind these attacks.

But here is the catch  if Modi cannot be questioned or held accountable for these acts of crime, then why even bother to give a public speech? The Modi-led BJP government, a nationalistic Hindutva party which thundered its way to power, has always been decried as a party which does not walk the talk. However, rarely political parties or any government for that matter walks the talk. But at least, supporters of other parties or leaders don't jump at every opportunity they get to defend their leaders with weak and sometimes even lame excuses as these.

When the supporters say, how is the prime minister to be blamed or what will he do, it is quite bemusing, because, if we cannot ask questions to the prime minister, who has lofty ideas of nation and the identity of an Indian, then why, as a nation, do we even lend him an ear when he speaks on a crucial subject as cow vigilantes or atrocities against the minorities?

Next time along, the media should not lose their sleep over Modi speaking because he is just the prime minister, what can he do?
New Delhi: Information and broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday again appealed to the Congress and other opposition parties to attend the midnight function in Parliament for the launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Naidu said it was not right to say that the entire opposition was boycotting the event as many non-NDA parties like the AIADMK, Janata Dal-United, Biju Janata Dal, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, YSR Congress and Indian National Lok Dal were set to attending it.

The event will be held in the Central Hall of Parliament to coincide with the time of the GST rollout from 1 July.

"I once again make an appeal to political parties, particularly the Congress party, to please join this combined effort... It is not a celebration, it is a revolutionary taxation transformation," Naidu said at India Today's Midnight Conclave on GST.

The Congress on Thursday announced it would boycott the GST rollout in Parliament on Friday night, saying the country was "ill-prepared" for its implementation and the Central Hall should not be used for such midnight events.

"I am making an appeal with folded hands, as one of the ministers, in the larger interest of the country to send a message to the people and also to the global community which is observing a country of India's size going for this taxation reform is really going to be historical moment. A country should be seen as one. Having voted together, having been part of the process of consultation, suddenly now you don't want to attend this function, please reconsider," he said.

Naidu also said the government had invited former prime minister Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda to speak at the joint session.

"Some people are not able to digest the fact that (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi is here to stay and is becoming more and more popular every day," he added.
News / National

by Staff reporter

FORMER war veterans chairman, Jabulani Sibanda has been removed from remand by Harare magistrate, Ms Rumbidzayi Mugwagwa on the matter in which he was facing charges of insulting the President in 2015.The magistrate instructed the state to proceed by way of summons when its house is in order.Sibanda has been on remand since his arrest in 2014.On his last court appearance five months ago, Sibanda, through his lawyer, Sobusa Gula-Ndebele protested at the State's failure to conclude its investigations to pave way for a trial.On January 30 this year, prosecutor, Sebastian Mutizirwa indicated that they were still waiting for determination of the matter at the Constitutional Court.The State alleges that on October 27, 2014, Sibanda addressed a war veterans' meeting at Hubert Mine in Mutasa, Manicaland province, where he claimed Mugabe and his wife, Grace were plotting a bedroom coup against then Vice-President Joice Mujuru.Sibanda allegedly claimed that he would not allow for political power to be "sexually transmitted" from Mugabe to his wife.Mutizirwa appeared for the State.
New Delhi: There is no possibility of the Congress reconsidering its decision to boycott the special midnight meeting to launch GST, senior party leader Anand Sharma said on Friday. "This is not a minor issue that the government will request and just few hours before the event a major Opposition party will amend its decision. Keeping in mind Parliament's decorum and country's tradition, we have decided not to participate in the celebration," Sharma told reporters.

There have been big achievements and also problems in the past but the government has never called a midnight Parliament session, he said. "In 1971, India tasted victory when Bangladesh got independence and Pakistan's Army had surrendered that time... Indira Gandhi had not called a midnight Parliament session. Nuclear experiment happened, India made its mark in space, economic reforms took place, several major things happened. But when this was not done ever before why do it now," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi should give an explanation to the public on why the issue of H1B1 visas was not raised with US president Donald Trump during their recent meeting, Sharma said. "Before the prime minister left for his state visit to USA, we had urged him that he must protect the interests of IT professionals who go to America and discuss the issue of H1B1 visas because they cannot be treated as immigrants as they are skilled professionals. He has returned without bringing any credible assurance from the US president. Why is he silent? He owes an explanation to the people..." he said.

Sharma also expressed concern about the current security scenario  recent "serious incidents", which have come as "signals" from neighbours including Pakistan and China. The government, he demanded, should take the "senior leadership of the Opposition into confidence about the security scenario and how government plans to address this situation".
Kolkata: Train services were on Friday affected in Kharagpur and Adra division of south eastern railway due to 'rail roko' call given by Bharat Jakat Majhi Pargana Mahal (BJMPM), the largest outfit of tribals in west Midnapore, SER sources said.

The outfit has called the 'rail roko' to protest the 'Hool Divas' not being properly celebrated in the state. They also demanded that importance should be given to their Alchiki language.

Every year, 30 June is commemorated as Hool Divas by tribals in memory of their 30,000 ancestors who were martyred during the Santhal Rebellion of 1855-56.

The services have been affected from 6.30 am on Friday.

Agitations have been organised at Nekurseni and Khemasuli stations of Kharagpur division, and Chhatna, Madhukunda, Garhdhrubeswar and Salboni stations of Adra division, the sources said.

Three trains, Khargpur-Hatia passenger, Kharagpur-Tatanagar passenger and Adra-Mednapur passenger, have been cancelled. Several other trains, including Howrah-Mumbai Duronto, have either been terminated, controlled

or detained, they added.
Srinagar: Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar on Friday to prevent protests called by separatists.

The separatists have called for post-Friday-prayer protests in the Kashmir Valley against the United States administration's decision to declare Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist.

The restrictions were imposed in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of five police stations  Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj and Safa Kadal, the police said.

Shops, public transport and other businesses remained shut in these areas.

Heavy deployments of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been made in sensitive areas of Srinagar and other districts, the police said.

Traffic movement was normal where there were no restrictions. Inter district transport also moved as usual.
From New York to London and from Tripoli to Mosul, Indian nurses have toiled hard under all circumstances. Such is their value at the international scene that forty-six of them could walk out unharmed from the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul three years ago. But, in 'God's own country' they are now making a pitched battle to gain a respectable level of subsistence.

Thanks to the adamant attitude of 1,280 private hospitals that dot the nook and corner of the state with their never ending quench for profit, these nurses, both men and women, are the worst paid workers of Kerala.

Their minimum salary is so low that it would embarrass them to compare it with even a daily wage labourer doing mason work in the state. While immigrant labourers from West Bengal or Bihar earn anywhere between Rs 700 to 900 a day, the nurses in their own backyard get as low as Rs 300 to 400.

While the labourer winds up his work in nine hours, the nurse's job seldom has a deadline and would depend more on the medical emergencies at hand. Compare this to the Rs 27,000 a nurse earns every month at the entry level in the government sector and the volume of the injustice hits you hard.

All this happens in spite of a Supreme Court appointed special committee's directions in 2016 to all state governments to ensure that private hospitals with more than 50 beds pay a basic salary that is commensurate with what a nurse gets in the government sector. A whopping 95 percent of the private sector keeps violating this Supreme Court order at will and the government has been looking the other way.

"We have no option now. Even if we starve to death we have decided that we will fight this to the end because we cannot survive on this meagre salary in today's world. In the next few days, 80,000 of us are going to march to the government secretariat in protest and nurses across private hospitals will start boycotting work soon,'' Jasminsha, president of United Nurses Association (UNA) told Firstpost.

At a time when the state is reeling under a fever endemic, this is one trouble the government can do without. Though the latest round of talks with the nurses and the association of the hospitals' managements have failed, the state has asked the nurses to hold their horses until the end of July to find a solution.

The nurses meanwhile are continuing with their agitation but without affecting Out Patient and other duties across hospitals. An indefinite dharna has already started in front of the government secretariat.

Gross injustice against 'white angels'?

The may be called 'angels in white' but in God's own country, their treatment does not befit the name. Take the case of 23-year-old Reshma PB (name changed), a staff nurse at Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)  one of the premier multi-specialty hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram. She is the only breadwinner at her home of four people. Her father had undergone two cardiac operations and her younger brother is still in school. With her meagre earnings of Rs 6,000, which she gets in hand after all the deductions per month, Reshma has been struggling to make ends meet.

"The outside world knows this (KIMS) as the best paying hospital. But only we know the condition. They have made it compulsory for us to stay in their hostel for which again we need to pay the fees. How will I ever pay off my student loan? I want to support my ailing father but with this salary, how can I ever?'' asks Reshma.

Sujatha P (name changed) has fifteen years of experience as a nurse at the Baby Memorial Hospital (BMH) in Thrissur. Her husband has returned from the Gulf due to ill health and today she is left to take care of a family of six that has two children studying in high school and ailing parents. Even after all these years of service, her salary still languishes at a dismal Rs 9,000 a month after deductions.

"I have colleagues here who earn as low as a few thousand at the same time those who earn my salary in spite of being six years junior to me. There is no proper system for all this. While these hospitals earn crores every month in terms of nursing fees from patients, when it comes to giving us a respectable pay, they turn their heads away,'' says Sujatha.

Sujatha was among the pioneers who sat on hunger strike as early as 2012 to demand better pay. "At that time, none of us knew what kind of salary that we had a right to. Most of us were desperate for a job and not many complained. Now we are better organised to deal with the situation,'' she added.

The need to give the nurses a better pay is perhaps best understood when you look into the kind of work these men and women do. Though they rub shoulder to shoulder with doctors and often are a notch above the doctor when it comes to giving personal care to ailing patients, the pay disparity is huge to even make a comparison of.

"Take the case of those who work in operation theatres. If we have a day shift, we just don't even know what time we will come out from there. Above this, we will have to rush back for emergency cases. We do it with pride. But it hurts when it comes to treating us as second class employees,'' added a nurse, working in a private hospital in Kottayam.

'Second class employees' is perhaps the norm across this sector because while specialised doctors take huge paychecks well above their eligibility, most of the times done by hospitals in desperation to retain or to poach them from elsewhere, the nurses hardly have a say in what they get.

It was in 2011 that a case was first filed in the Supreme Court of India, asking for better wages for nurses working in private hospitals across the country. The apex court appointed a committee to study the issue and give directions, which took half a decade to come through; when it finally did in January 2016, the Supreme Court asked all state governments to ensure that private hospitals pay the nurses salary at par with the government nurses.

But apart from a few hospitals, not many have taken any concrete step towards achieving this and the Kerala government  be it the LDF or the UDF  has hardly moved a finger on this issue.

In spite of appointing a minimum wages committee in the state to look into the issue, the stalemate continues.

What the hospitals say

The private hospitals in the state are saying that it would be near impossible for them to give in to the demands of the nurses. The Kerala Private Hospitals Association (KPHA), that is at the moment talking to the nurses with the government as moderator, said the steep cost of running the health care sector is what is forcing them not to increase the wages for the nurses.

"See, a huge chunk of our members have below-50 bed hospitals, which means they do not churn out that kind of a profit to give a hike of more than 30-35 percent to the nurses. But their demand is way over this which cannot be justified at any cost,'' advocate Hussain Koya Thangal, general secretary KPHA told Firstpost.

Thangal goes on to add that the recommendation of the apex court-appointed committee has no relevance in Kerala's case since the health sector is a state subject and that they have been able to get a stay order from the Kerala High Court on this matter.

He goes on to say that it would be wise to leave it to the state government to issue a notification in this regard and then see whether it would be possible for either party to go with it.

But not many agree with what Thangal says. This is primarily because of the double standards the hospitals show when it comes to paying the doctors and the nurses.

"If their excuse is that hospitals cannot afford the cost of hiking the nurses' salary then that is just a lame excuse. How are they able to pay such hefty salaries to the doctors? They very conveniently forget the fact that most of the time it is not the doctor but the nurse who puts in extra hours to look after the patients. Why should they be discriminated like this?'' asks CR Neelakandan, a civil rights activist who has now sworn his support to the nurses' strike.

The KPHA meanwhile is trying all it can to break the strike. It has even blamed the nurses for the timing of the strike as the state is in the grips of a terrible endemic, which is getting worse with the monsoon.

But the nurses association clears the air. "We have not boycotted duty yet and will not do it when there is a health emergency going on in the state. All the nurses who are striking are doing it after their shift is over. So in fact, we are losing rest and sleep. But then when the times are desperate we have to take such steps,'' added Sibi Mukesh, Thiruvananthapuram district secretary of UNA.

Playing into the hospitals' hands?

Many experts who have worked with the nursing sector say most of the blame for these shoddy affairs of things lies in the sudden drop in demand for nurses abroad.

Professor Roy K George is the state president of the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI), which had been at the forefront of the fight to get higher pay for nurses. Roy says that initially, nurses who were just out of training were happy to get a certificate of experience from any private hospital and use it to go abroad to get a decent paying job.

"We have ourselves to blame for letting these hospitals exploit us. For experience certificates, many were even ready to work without pay for a few months. But then things changed at the international scene and the demand for nurses dropped in the last few years and many even returned. But the hospital managements here were only too happy to continue exploiting them. The resistance is coming through now but initially who gave them the stick to beat you?'' asks George.

The Labour Commissioner has meanwhile urged the nurses to wait till a final round of talks along with the state government on 20 July, a time frame which the nurses feel is too far away for their liking.

Though the nurses have not initiated a pan-Kerala strike, which is likely in the coming days, district wise agitations and strikes have already started at many hospitals. All eyes would now be on the state government, which is expected to resort to a notification as the final resort if the talks collapse altogether.
New Delhi: Senior advocate KK Venugopal's name has been cleared for appointment as the Attorney General for India following the decision of Mukul Rohatgi to step down as the top law officer.

The proposal to appoint the 86-year-old veteran lawyer as the successor of Rohatgi was discussed before the departure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his recent visit to the US, Portugal and the Netherlands.

"Venugopal had a meeting with Modi before his departure to a three-nation tour," sources said.

When contacted on Friday and asked about his priorities as the Attorney General, Venugopal said "I will speak only after the notification is issued."

He told PTI that the notification is likely to be issued in a day or two.

The law ministry had recently referred the file relating to the appointment of Venugopal as the Attorney General to the Prime Minister's Office for a final call, sources had said.

After the decision is finalised, the President has to sign the Warrant of Appointment of the Attorney General.

A noted constitutional expert, Venugopal is the recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan. He would become a law officer for the second time after being an Additional Solicitor General during the Morarji Desai government during the seventies.

He has been associated with several government instrumentalities and has been representing them as a senior advocate. Lately, he has been appearing for the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate before the Supreme Court in the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

The apex court had asked him to continue in the matter despite Venugopal's replacement by the ED after he had taken a view different from the agency and the government on the removal of an investigation officer.

He also represented the Madhya Pradesh Government during the hearing of National Judicial Appointments Commission Act in which he supported the validity of the central law to do away with the collegium system of appointment of judges for the higher judiciary.

However, his association with the BJP regime goes back to the Ayodhya movement when he had appeared for the then Kalyan Singh Government in Uttar Pradesh by assuring the Supreme Court that the disputed medieval structure would be protected.

Later, when on 6 Decemeber 1992, the structure was brought down by the kar sevaks, he had appeared before a bench of then Chief Justice MN Venkatachaliah at his residence in the evening.

Venugopal had recently appeared for senior BJP leader LK Advani and others before the apex court which restored the charge of criminal conspiracy against them and ordered the completion of the trial in the Babri Masjid demolition case, in two years.

He has also appeared for PJ Thomas when his appointment as the Chief Vigilance Commissioner by the erstwhile UPA government was challenged in the apex court which had set aside the government's decision.

He also appeared for Dandi Swamy Sri Vidyanada Bhartiji and J Jayalalithaa, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in 2008 in the Sethusamudram case, popularly known as Ram Sethu matter, against the construction of the ambitious shipping canal project of the previous UPA government.

The Supreme Court had stayed the construction of the controversial Ram Sethu or Adams Bridge project, a barrier located southeast of Rameshwaram, which connects Talaimanar coast of Sri Lanka.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government will soon implement recommendations of the Marathi language policy, education minister Vinod Tawde said on Friday.

The minister's statement comes after a meeting with noted social historian Sadanand More, who is also the chairman of the advisory committee for Marathi language.

"The first draft recommendations are received. It will be reviewed with Marathi language department followed by Cabinet approval. Once it clears all the necessary stages, it will be implemented soon," Tawde said.

The advisory board was formed to increase the use of Marathi language in science, education and trade sectors.

More said, "A team for advisory committee was formed which further divided their focus on literature, art, judiciary, media, industry, economics and education. We have made recommendations as per these divisions and also recommended a review after every three years. It should be done to find out whether implementation is going on as per the recommendations."

There should be another review after every 10 years to find out the results of the implementation, More said.
Ahmedabad: Meira Kumar, the opposition's presidential candidate, will launch her campaign from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on Friday in the presence of Gujarat Congress leaders.

Kumar, who arrived in Ahmedabad on Thursday evening, would visit the ashram at around 9.30 am and then meet the Congress MLAs at the party headquarters in the Paldi area, said Gujarat Congress spokesperson Himanshu Patel.

Sabarmati Ashram was home to Mahatma Gandhi from 1917 to 1930.

Upon her arrival at the airport in Ahmedabad, Kumar, who will contest against NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind in the 17 July presidential poll, said it was a "battle of ideologies" and not a "Dalit versus Dalit" fight.

"Attempts are being made by some to project the election as a Dalit versus Dalit fight. It was from Gujarat that the ideology of Gandhiji spread across the country and world. That is why I have come here to make the people realise that we fight for our ideologies," she told reporters.

After meeting the Congress MLAs on Friday, Kumar will interact with the media in the afternoon, said Patel.
Srinagar: Separatist Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was on Friday placed under house arrest as he was heading towards Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of Srinagar for the Friday prayers.

A posse of policemen stopped Mirwaiz from leaving his residence and informed him that he has been placed under house arrest, a spokesman of the Hurriyat chairman said.

He said the Hurriyat leader was heading to Jamia Masjid for delivering a sermon ahead of the Friday prayers.

A police official said the step was taken as there was apprehension of law and order problems in view of the protest call given by the Hurriyat after Friday prayers.

Meanwhile, authorities on Friday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar as a precautionary measure against protests by separatist groups over the US' decision to declare Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin a "global terrorist".
Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the time is right for India to focus on textiles exports in a big way, and urged states to take steps to promote clothing diversity in the global market. "I think, the time has now come for us to concentrate on textiles exports in a big way. India is a country with diverse culture, fashion and traditions. This diversity is clearly reflected in the (variety of) clothing culture present in different regions," he said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 'Textiles India 2017' seminar at Mahatma Mandir. "We should catalogue and map our clothing diversity and clearly earmark strengths and specialities of each state or region. Each state should appoint nodal officers dedicated to a few well-known products, who would facilitate producers and traders across the value chain," Modi said.

He said the intervention should start from production level right through to the export of garments and should meet specific requirements of domestic as well as export markets. "We should formulate an action plan to study and map the requirements of people in large global markets and monitor new trends in fashion and textiles in these areas on a real time basis," the prime minister said.

He stressed on innovation and research in textiles for the industry to grow and tap new markets. The NDA government has taken several steps to boost textiles industry, which is the second largest employment generating sector after agriculture. "Ours is a nation of aspirational youth, who wish to spend on textiles, apparel, and handcrafted lifestyle products," Modi said.

"The domestic market for apparel and lifestyle products, currently estimated at $85 billion, is expected to reach $160 billion by 2025. This growth will be driven by the rising middle class," he said. He also said that the government's industry-friendly initiatives like repealing of 1,200 "outdated laws" and carrying out 7,000 reforms have resulted in India becoming a preferred investment destination.

"India has moved up by 32 places in the last two years in the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum. This is the highest for any country. India moved up 19 places on the World Bank Logistics Performance Index of 2016. "We have also moved up 16 places on the Global Innovation Index of the World Intellectual Property Organisation in 2016. We are third among the top 10 FDI destinations listed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development," he said.

"The textiles industry has a pivotal position in the Indian economy. It is strong and competitive across the value chain. India has an abundant supply of raw material like wool, cotton, silk, jute and man-made fibre. In fact, it is the world's largest producer of cotton and jute, and second largest producer of silk and man-made fibre," the prime minister said.

"This provides us the distinct advantage of backward integration, which many other countries may not have. In addition, India has strong spinning, weaving, knitting and apparel manufacturing capacities. Young, skilled labour is available at a reasonable cost," he added. Besides Modi, Union Minister of textiles Smriti Irani, Union Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta, Arvind Ltd CMD Sanjay Lalbhai, Raymonds Chairman Gautam Singhania, US Polo CEO David Cummins, among others, were present at the event.

Modi said India's high economic growth has resulted in higher disposable income which has resulted in more people willing to spend on products like textiles, apparel and handcrafted products.

"Our high economic growth has resulted in higher disposable income. The resulting higher demand for products offers a huge domestic market." Earlier, Modi inaugurated India's biggest textile fair at Gadhinagar exhibition ground in the presence of Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday released coins and a stamp on Mahatma Gandhi's spiritual guide, Shrimad Rajchandra, at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.

He released a commemorative first-day cover and a stamp of Rs 5, and coins of Rs 150 and Rs 10 denominations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Jain poet-thinker, which has coincided with the Sabarmati Ashram's centenary celebrations.

Shrimad Rajchandra is known to be the spiritual mentor of Mahatma Gandhi.

The prime minister called for spreading their message of truth, non-violence and equality around the world.

He said the Gandhian philosophy would guide the human beings through the hazards of living.

Rajchandra was as an extraordinary man who believed in simple living, Modi said, adding that his life was worth a post-graduate and doctoral research.

We were paying heavily for neglecting the great contribution of the illustrious sons of the soil, he said.

"Had we established Mahatma Gandhi as the messiah of peace in the world, the secretary-generals of the United Nations would perhaps have paid tributes to him first and then assumed office to preach non-violence to the world," he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A HARARE man threatened to commit suicide when his girlfriend tried to end things with him.It was revealed at the Harare civil court when Niam Bepe was seeking protection order against Alfred Mutare for harassing and stalking her while promising to take away his life if she ever left him.Bepe said Mutare had another girlfriend who used to harass her whenever the two went out on a date"I no longer love this man he used to be my boyfriend but I just want him to leave me alone."When I started dating him he never told me he had a girlfriend. I later discovered it when the lady approached me insulting me."He has been threatening to commit suicide at my place if I ever end things with him so I am just afraid."I am no longer at peace because he stalks and harasses me forcing me to love him."He should just date the other lady not me," she said.However, Mutare denied all the allegations claiming that he still loves Bepe and could not let her go.He said:"I have never stalked or harassed her in anyway because I am still in love with her."We are still dating and I cannot let her go just like that."She is just fabricating things in this court."Presiding magistrate Amanda Muridzo granted Bepe the protection order she sought.
Just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked cow vigilantes not to kill people, 1,600 kilometres away, Asgar Ali was lynched in Ramgarh, 60 kilometres from Ranchi in Jharkhand, by a mob of 30 men. His Maruti van, carrying raw meat which was suspected to be beef, was waylaid at a crowded marketplace.

The Telegraph reports that the police had reason to believe they had prior information and that the murder has the hallmarks of premeditation.

HMV television channels celebrated Modi's warning as an indication that the whip had been cracked. They forgot Modi had said the same and in fact, in a more strong language in Delhi and Hyderabad in August 2016, after the flogging of Dalits for skinning dead cattle in Una, Gujarat. Nothing has changed. No state government has prepared a dossier on the cow vigilante groups, hardly any police force cracked the whip which is why in broad daylight, a group could dare to kill Ali and burnt his van.

If anyone is a holy cow in India today, it is the gau rakshak.

The law indeed bans cow slaughter in most states in India but the militant version of the cattle class has taken it upon itself to dispense instant justice in its kangaroo courts. With branches of support available in good measure online, Indians have begun to wear their 'Hinduism' on their sleeve resorting to "whataboutery" to defend the bloody acts. It is as if India at 70 has opted to run with the cows and hunt with the gau rakshaks.

In what is the gaumata of all ironies, Modi came under attack for taking on criminals masquerading as cow vigilantes. A Twitter handle @Shankhnaad put out a table of events on which Modi was silent and questioned his outburst only on "violence labelled as cow vigilantism''. He tweeted: "Our Secular PM @Narendramodi ji has never spoken on real issues we are facing. But he is quick to please the leftist gang. Has he surrendered?''

Our Secular PM @narendramodi ji has never spoken on real issues we are facing. But he is quick to please d leftist gang. Has he surrendered? pic.twitter.com/uZ7HcBoktW  ShankhNaad (@ShankhNaad) June 29, 2017

Surrender or a political masterstroke? The way I see it, Modi clearly wants to be seen doing his 'rajdharma'. To him, the 'Not In My Name' protests in cities across India  that some lampooned as a lesser crowd than outside a public toilet  is like Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002 all over again. Publicly, at no less a sacred platform than Sabarmati Ashram, Modi has conveyed to India that he is on her side.

But is it too little, too late? Reports now suggest that the initial argument that broke out on a Mathura-bound train with 15-year-old Hafiz Junaid and his brothers involved a Delhi Jal board staffer, someone you would not think is a typical gau rakshak. The verbal clash over a seat or perhaps the fact that a game of Ludo was occupying more space on the seat than necessary, swiftly moved into the realm of religion, attire and food habits. The air became thick with hatred, vitriol and rancour. A knife, it would seem, was the only way to slice through it and find closure.

Ab Tak Athaees (28 so far). Junaid.

If this is what Pakistan meant by its policy of inflicting a thousand cuts on India, it is succeeding. Over a period of time, the ability of Pakistan-backed terror groups to use misguided Indian Muslim youth to plant bombs and kill innocent Indians, has succeeded in creating a Hindu-Muslim divide. The notion that while all Muslims are not terrorists, all terrorists are Muslims. Therefore, their patriotism is suspect. So if a Muslim is killed, even if it is a teenager like Junaid or a 42-year-old like Asgar, it deserves no apology or mourning. This is the claustrophobic and depraved India we have become now, no longer the land of Ganga-Jamuna culture.

It does not mean all Hindus have succumbed to the bloodlust. But what should worry is that a significant number does not feel the burden on his conscience if a non-Hindu is killed. It is almost as if "he deserved it''. The Hindustani has a "so what?'' reaction when the blood of a Muslim or a Dalit is spilled. "Where were you in 1984?'' "Where were you when Muzaffarnagar happened?'' "Where were you when Kashmiri Pundits were thrown out?'' are by now, familiar tactics to shift the focus from the lynchings of today. It is as if 1984 is used to justify 2017. Failure to make enough noise in 2013 is used to put the label of an anti-BJP activist on you. It is not Asgar alone who was lynched, anyone who makes a point that suggests harmony, is lynched online. A bit like "tumhare smartphone me ghus kar marenge''. (We will smash you inside your smartphone).

The counter to such a narrative is necessary but it cannot be a 'Not in My Name' that talks only about the Muslims because that is being narrow in its outlook. Already, there is criticism that most of those who assembled were the elite intelligentsia, in whose presence a journalist wrote "you could smell hand sanitiser in the air". That they did not come out when Una happened because that concerned Dalits but are in protest mode now, because Muslim is a better stick to indulge in BJP-bashing.

What the Left liberals do not realise is every time they use the Muslim card to beat the BJP with, it only helps the ruling party because Muslims aren't its constituency in any case. In today's India, it only leads to reverse consolidation of Hindus, cutting across caste lines, in the BJP's favour.

Does it mean there should be no protests? No. But for any protest to be successful, it needs to ensure it does not bind itself in boundaries of caste and religion. 'Not in My Name' erred by talking only of lynch mobs targeting Muslims. The moment it did so, it provoked a "who cares'' reaction. The protest should have ideally spoken about Indians without getting caught in the labels of Muslim, Christian, Dalit or Hindu. Any attempt to make India a more sane and less violent nation can only happen if those who raise a banner of protest carry a large umbrella. In a divided nation, unity of purpose is the only insurance.
Aligarh: Former Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor Zameer Uddin Shah on Friday voiced anguish over lynching incidents and warned that the situation will spill out of control if "men of reason do not stick out their necks" and speak out against them.

Hailing Hindus who broke their silence and participated in the 'Not in My Name' march, Lieutenant General (retired) Shah said these are the people of courage who will save the country from narrow-minded "self righteous criminals".

"The lynching of 16-year-old Junaid in full public view is a clear warning that if those in authority and men of reason do not stick out there necks and speak against such continuing atrocities then the situation is likely to spin out of control", Shah asserted.

Till now I was silent because I was in government service but today I can pour my heart out before the rest of my countrymen on this issue", Shah, a war veteran and a decorated officer, told PTI.

Protesting against the lynching of a Muslim boy, civil society groups took out 'Not In My Name' demonstrations in Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Shah said, "To begin with I would like to salute those members of the Hindu community who broke their silence by participating in the Not in my Name' march".

I am proud of my association and my memories of my days in the Indian Army which is a symbol of our pluralistic culture...I recollect so many incidents when Hindus would join us in our Eid Namaz and I have no hesitation in pointing out that I personally participated in so many functions in temples as a commanding officer in my regiment, Shah said.

Such religious functions, he recalled, were always marked by speeches about amity of service to the country.

"This is the spirit which makes our army strong and unbeatable," he asserted.
One Assam Rifles jawan was killed and three others were injured on early Friday morning in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast that took place in Ukhrul district of Manipur, ANI reported.

Manipur: One Assam Rifles jawan lost his life in a bomb blast that took place in Ukhrul district early morning today pic.twitter.com/8TFeO3qkVy  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

#Visuals One Assam Rifles jawan lost his life in a bomb blast that took place in Manipur's Ukhrul district earlier today pic.twitter.com/yLJ5QHjSwf  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

The IED, which was planted at 27 Assam Rifles check post at Ramva, exploded at 7.20 am.

Police and Assam Rifles personnel have cordoned off the area, which falls under Sangshak police station limits in Ukhrul district. A combing operation was on.

A similar attack was carried out against Assam Rifles on 15 June in which one jawan was killed and four others were injured. A banned terror outfit called Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) had claimed the responsibility of the attack.

The outfit claimed to have carried out improvised explosive device (IED) blast at Kashung village in Ukhrul district, a statement issued by the outfit had claimed.

There has been increase in incidents of IED blasts and ambush on security forces in Manipur since last few months, says an India Today report.

To maintain the law and order situation in the state and to prevent attacks on security forces, the state government had constituted a seven members committee, adds the report.

With inputs from PTI
Jammu: One civilian was injured on Friday as Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district.

"A woman identified as Naseem Akhtar, 35, was hit by a splinter in her shoulder during the ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in the Bhimber Gali (BG) sector", Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said.

A water tanker was also hit by a shell fired from across the LoC in Basooni village, where the lady sustained the splinter injury.

Earlier the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire and resorted to unprovoked shelling and firing on Friday on LoC in the BG sector of Rajouri district.

Reacting to an earlier report, the spokesman clarified that firing and shelling was going on in BG sector which falls in part in both Rajouri and Poonch districts.

"BG sector falls in two districts of Poonch and Rajouri, but Friday's firing has taken place in the Rajouri part of the sector", the spokesman said.

Mehta said Pakistan Army used small arms, mortars and automatics to fire at Indian positions in the BG sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The shelling and firing started at 4.15 am. The Indian Army is strongly and effectively responding to Pakistan", the defence sources said.

Two Indian soldiers were injured on Thursday in Pakistan firing.
Srinagar: Pakistan on Friday violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of Kashmir, injuring a woman.

The Indian Army retaliated to the Pakistani firing.

"Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Gwalta area of Uri Sector around 9.30 am," a police official said.

He said 45-year-old Shakeela Bano sustained splinter injuries in the action of Pakistani troops.

The injured woman has been taken to a hospital where her condition is stated to be stable.
Lucknow: Two separate police complaints were lodged on Thursday against senior leader Azam Khan over his controversial remarks against the Indian Army.

Separate complaints were filed at Hazratganj and Gautampalli police stations. The complaint at Hazratganj was lodged by Janki Sharan Pandey.

Khan's remarks also triggered protests across Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.

In Sambhal, workers of the Hindu Jagran Manch torched Khan's effigy and demanded that he be tried for treason.

Similar protests were reported from Chandausi, Jaunpur, Mathura and Lakhimpur Kheri.

On 27 June, former Uttar Pradesh minister Khan had kicked up a storm with his remarks against the Indian Army.

Addressing party activists in Rampur, the Samajwadi Party national general secretary referred to "shameful violent incidents" in places such as Kashmir, Tripura, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Khan said excesses by security forces had led to "women in some places chopping off the private parts of army men".

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit out at the Samajwadi Party leader, demanding that Khan's party "sack" him for seeking to "divide the country" on religious lines.
Vadodara: Union minister and RPI leader Ramdas Athawale on Friday alleged that Congress has made Meira Kumar a "scapegoat" by fielding her as the opposition's candidate for the presidential election.

Athawale, speaking to reporters after inaugurating a school and holding meetings with district officials over issues of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, said when Congress was in power it didn't give her suitable post, and "now when the defeat of the opposition candidate is certain, they have fielded Meira Kumar as a scapegoat."

"This clearly shows that Congress has no commitment to get elected leaders from marginalised sections to high offices, and decided to field her only as a token exercise," said Athawale, a prominent Dalit leader from Maharashtra.

NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind's victory in the election was a foregone conclusion, he said.

The Union Minister of State for Social Justice also welcomed the prime minister Narendra Modi's stern message on Thursday that killing in the name of cow-protection will not be tolerated.

As to coming Assembly elections in Gujarat, Athawale said he would meet BJP president Amit Shah regarding possible tie-up between BJP and RPI.

On reservations, he said he favoured lifting of the 50 percent ceiling. A twenty-five percent quota should be provided to poor sections of upper caste communities such as Gujjars, Patels, Marathas, Jats, etc and the Constitution should be amended for this, he said.
Ahmedabad: Opposition candidate Meira Kumar on Friday launched her presidential election campaign from Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati ashram in Ahmedabad and said her fight is for take forward the ideology of the Father of the Nation.

Incidentally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also visited the ashram on Thursday to mark its centenary. It was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 and from here he led the Indian Independence movement.

Kumar spent around 40 minutes in the ashram along with state Congress leaders Bharatsinh Solanki and Shankarsinh Vaghela.

She will contest against NDA's Ram Nath Kovind in the 17 July presidential election.

"The battle which I am fighting at present is for the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi. We have to take forward the ideology of Gandhi", Kumar said launching her campaign.

"I have come to gain some power from this place. I spent some time at the 'Hriday Kunj', Gandhiji's home in the ashram. I have gained lot of energy to take forward this battle", the 72-year-old Congress veteran said, adding that coming to the ashram gave her peace.

"I wish prosperity for the people of Gujarat and especially those who are marginalised", she said.

Kumar also tried her hands on the 'charkha' (spinning wheel) in the ashram.

She was chosen as the opposition's nominee for the presidential election after NDA declared Kovind, a Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh, as their candidate. Kumar is the daughter of late Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram.

Upon her arrival at the airport on Thursday night, Kumar had said, the election is a "battle of ideologies" and not a "Dalit versus Dalit" fight.

"Attempts are being made by some to project the election as a Dalit versus Dalit fight. It was from Gujarat that the ideology of Gandhiji spread across the country and the world. That is why I have come here to make the people realise that we fight for our ideologies", she had said.

Kumar is scheduled to meet state Congress leaders on Friday afternoon.
Do something wacky without much thought and get flak from everyone around. Then try desperately to get out of the awkward mess like a mouse caught in a trap. This, more or less, has been the story of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Congress government in Karnataka.

The latest in Siddaramaiah's comedy of errors turns out to be a tragedy for the media in general and two Kannada editors  Ravi Belagere, editor of Hi Bangalore and Anil Raju, editor of Yelahanka Voice  in particular. The 21 June ruling of Karnataka Assembly Speaker KB Koliwad of sentencing the two editors to a year's imprisonment has pushed the chief minister into quite a spot which he is trying to squeeze out of.

The editors had allegedly breached the privilege of the legislature by writing articles that "defamed" Koliwad and a BJP MLA. The Speaker also fined them Rs 10,000 each, saying that, if they failed to pay up, their jail terms would be extended by six months.

After protests poured forth from all quarters, including newspapers, the Editors Guild, Amnesty International and others, Siddaramaiah developed cold feet. While the police is yet to implement the Speaker's orders allegedly because of a go-slow caution given by the chief minister, the matter now rests with the Karnataka High Court which on Thursday advised both sides to come to an amicable settlement pending its final ruling.

Getting into an awful predicament is easier than getting out of it. Siddaramaiah now says he or his government had "nothing to do with" the recommendation of arrest of Belagere and Raju. The chief minister found himself in a fix after KC Venugopal, the AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka, expressed his displeasure with the Speaker's decision.

On his part, the Speaker said that he only accepted the recommendations of the Privileges Committee and that he is in no position to rescind the order. Only a special session of the legislature is empowered to withdraw his decision, he said.

Amorphous privileges, obscure laws

In 1999, the newspaper where I worked convened an in-house meeting of senior editors and called legal experts to discuss, among other things, the threats we faced from parliamentary privileges. Various legal luminaries explained to us over three days that what constitutes a breach of privilege and what should be the punishment for it has been left bewilderingly vague by relevant laws.

The legislative or parliamentary privilege is a legacy from medieval Britain where an emerging Parliament had designed it as an insurance against a dominant monarchy. It was  as it still is in India  an unexplained and uncodified law, which has the potential to be used by politicians to browbeat journalists when faced with a threat, real or imaginary.

There has never been a doubt that the power to punish journalists for breach of legislative privilege must be invoked in the rarest of rare cases and only when the alleged crime amounts to obstruction of the functioning of legislators and the legislature.

Exploiting 'breach of privilege' as an authoritarian tool to intimidate journalists only translates to using a provision, meant for protecting the freedom of legislators on the floor of the House, to deny the media its own independence guaranteed by the Constitution.

The question of whether Belagere and Raju were fair in their articles is immaterial to the debate on whether the legislature must have the power to punish journalists by using a provision that raises more questions than it answers.

The Tamil Nadu example

The most blatant abuse of the privilege weapon was witnessed in Tamil Nadu on 7 November, 2003 when the Assembly Speaker, at the bidding of then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, "sentenced" the publisher of The Hindu S Rangarajan, editor N Ravi, executive editor Malini Parthasarathy, associate editor V Jayanth and special correspondent Radha Venkatesan as well as S Selvam, the editor of DMK paper Murasoli to 15 days of imprisonment.

The Supreme Court stayed the arrests and referred the matter to a Constitutional bench. Jayalalithaa subsequently dropped the privilege case after a nationwide furore against her assault on the press and after she lost the 2004 Lok Sabha election.

Compared to the 15-day jail term for the Chennai journalists in 2003, the one-year imprisonment for the two Kannada editors is even harsher. Besides, the Privileges Committee report on Belagere was not even discussed in the Assembly as it should have been.

The Karnataka Assembly Speaker's ruling was, in fact, the climax of anger against the media that had been bottling up for some time among all parties.

Pent-up anger bursts forth

On 22 March, legislators cutting across party lines bashed the media in the legislature for allegedly damaging their reputation. A Janata Dal (Secular) legislator said that a videographer of weddings was running a TV channel in his constituency and demanded "minimum qualifications" for journalists.

Health minister Ramesh Kumar said the media had falsely accused him of having grabbed land without bothering to give his version. Some objected to the media showing legislators dozing off in the legislature ("We are also human," they claimed). Others objected to some channels making a big thing out of Siddaramaiah changing his car after a crow had sat on it.

On 28 March, the Speaker set up a joint House panel to find ways to "regulate" the media. Then on 21 June, the Speaker slapped jail sentences on two journalists.

It's nobody's case that TRP-driven journalism doesn't flourish in India and that media is a fountain of wisdom and an epitome of moral turpitude, but politically motivated and draconian moves to regulate channels and newspapers are an affront to a free society.
New Delhi: The India of 2017 is different from the India of 1962, defence minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday, a day after China asked New Delhi to learn from its 1962 military debacle.

"If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different, the India of today is different," Jaitley said at India Today's Midnight Conclave in response to the reported remark by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson.

China warned India on Thursday that it will escalate the current border row if Indian troops didn't withdraw from "Chinese territory" and told New Delhi not to "clamour for war".

Jaitley said that Bhutan government had made it clear that China was trying to claim Bhutanese land and said this was "absolutely wrong".

"After the statement of the government of Bhutan, I think the situation is absolutely clear. It is Bhutan's land, close to the Indian border, and Bhutan and India have an arrangement to provide security.

"Bhutan itself clarified... China is trying to alter the present status-quo. After this, I think the issue is absolutely clear. To say we will come there and grab the land of some other country is what China is doing and it is absolutely wrong," the minister said.

Jaitley's comment came amid a stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Dokala area close to the Siliguri corridor that connects the rest of India to its North East.
Opinion / Columnist

Former South African leader, Thabo Mbeki was in the news recently, saying only Zimbabweans should speak about when President Robert Mugabe should go and he would oppose any South African who wanted a say on the matter.This is ironic, as it is coming from a person - a foreigner - who had the most telling influence on the direction Zimbabwe took after 2008, laid foundations for a new Constitution and arguably shaped Zimbabwe's destiny.It was quite deceptive and disingenuous for Mbeki to say only Zimbabweans can openly speak about when Mugabe goes, when his country has borne the brunt of the Zimbabwe crisis, which has forced millions to cross into South Africa, straining that country's social services infrastructure.I want to issue a disclaimer: I admire Mbeki very much and his African Renaissance thrust had me on the edge of my seat.My admiration for Mbeki was so much that it influenced what university I went to and I read a lot about him, although that does not make me an expert on his thought process and his ideology.However, by the day I am getting more disillusioned with his approach on handling matters particularly on Zimbabwe and African conflicts in general.Mbeki's hand is visible in the negotiations in South Sudan and Zimbabwe, where, borrowing from the South African example, his emphasis was on establishing peace, which he believes is more important than justice.While, this can be seen as a good approach, to begin by stemming the violence, the question is whether this is viable and sustainable in the long run.For example, in Zimbabwe, Mbeki was crucial in stopping the violence in the aftermath of the 2008 election, establishing peace, but the lack of restorative justice means many wounds are still open and there is an uneasy feeling that the country may return to violence at the flick of a switch.One of MDC-T's demands during the Global Political Agreement (GPA) negotiations was a reform of the State security apparatus, something which Mbeki was unable or unwilling to engage with and to this day, the military continues to dabble in civilian affairs.Electoral reform was one of the sticking points of the GPA and to this day, Mbeki's failure to deal decisively with the issue continues to haunt Zimbabwe, as the country hurtles to the next election while it is yoked by the former South African leader's failure to deal with the issue during negotiations.This is because Mbeki was pre-occupied with peace - the here and the now - without worrying about what tomorrow held and there should have been emphasis on restorative justice.I am not putting all the blame on Mbeki's shoulders, as I have pointed out in previous instalments, the opposition is sometimes naive and politically innocent when it comes to dealing with Zanu PF's shrewd contrivers.The opposition had its shortcomings during the GPA negotiations, which Zanu PF opportunistically exploited and continues to manipulate to this day.Mbeki could have seen these faults, but because his pre-occupation was that peace should prevail, his ends were served, but there is no telling what long-term effect this will have on Zimbabwe or any of the countries where he was the lead negotiator.What this means is that while Zimbabwe got peace in 2008, which by and large continues to hold to this day, there was lack of emphasis on institutions that would ensure that peace holds on forever.While emphasis was on peace, Mbeki should also have emphasised justice, so that perpetrators of violence and human rights abuses are fully aware that a coalition government does not mean that sins of the past are forgotten and that victims should be afforded closure.This is not to say Zimbabwe is outsourcing all its problems to Mbeki, but rather, the GPA gave us the chance to start afresh and the foundations of the country after 2008 should have been based on the pillars of peace and justice, with a long-term view.Mbeki's dishonesty then comes to the fore when he literally tells South Africans to shut up on Zimbabwe.With elections next year and an economy on its knees, there is no telling what 2018 holds for South Africa, as, if there is a surge in violence or the economy tanks, then they can expect more Zimbabweans to cross the Limpopo.This is not a threat and I am not blackmailing South Africa, but it's reality, which will strain Pretoria's resources, contribute to higher unemployment and ultimately a surge in crime.What happens in Zimbabwe has a domino effect on South Africa and it is disingenuous for Mbeki to say South Africans must not pronounce themselves on when Mugabe must go.Mbeki was quoted as saying: "If the people of Zimbabwe believe President Mugabe has overstayed his welcome, let them say President please go away'."A Twitter user retorted that this was akin to saying: "If German Jews were tired of Hitler and the holocaust, they should have just told Hitler Fuhrer, please go away'."Mbeki knows more than anyone that Zimbabweans tried to tell Mugabe to leave by voting for MDC-T's Morgan Tsvangirai in 2008, but the response was brutal.Because the process concentrated on peace - not necessarily justice - wounds, anger and suspicion from 2008 continue to fester.Mbeki may have been well-meaning, but he comes across as a dishonest broker, who believed that Zimbabwe's only chance of peace was with Zanu PF remaining in power.He had the same line of thought when he was negotiating in South Sudan that the country's only chance for peace was with Omar al-Bashir being in power in Sudan.But peace failed to hold in South Sudan because papering over the past and blindly pursuing peace at the cost of justice is unsustainable and is bound to flounder.
Beijing: China on Friday sought a "meaningful dialogue" with India over the border row in the Sikkim sector and asked it to withdraw its troops from Doklam, insisting that Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area.

"Diplomatic channels are unimpeded between India and China for talks on the standoff in Sikkim", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

"The pressing issue is to have a meaningful dialogue for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Doklam area in Sikkim sector", he said.

A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong.

Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

Lu also refuted Bhutan's allegation that China violated agreements by constructing a road inside its territory.

In a strongly worded statement, Bhutan had also asked China to stop constructing the motorable road from Dokola in the Doklam area towards the Bhutan Army camp at Zompelri which it says affects the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries.

But Lu said China had "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area".
New Delhi: Congress leader Anand Sharma on Friday said that India and China should try to defuse the current tensions by adhering to the 2005 agreement on 'Political Parameters and Guiding Principles' on the boundary issue.

"It is important for both China and India to adhere to the guiding principles to resolve all matters as decided between the prime ministers in 2005. We must as a country ensure that there is no deviation and those principles are adhered to in spirit so that there is no possibility of any escalation," said Kumar.

He was speaking to reporters outside the Congress party office.

India and China in 2005 inked the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the Boundary Question, during the visit of then Chinese premier Wen Jiabao to New Delhi who held talks with then prime minister Manmohan Singh.

The agreement had been firmed up by the then special representatives of the two countries - MK Narayanan and Dai Bingguo.

Kumar said the government should take senior opposition leaders into confidence on what was being done to address the security concerns of the country.

"We are equally concerned on the recent developments on the Indian frontier on the borders with our western neighbour Pakistan, which has been marked by a series of incidents... While India stands firm in protecting its sovereignty, integrity and its national interest, it is important that the prime minister takes the senior leadership of the opposition into confidence on what is the security scenario and how they wish to address it," he said.

Asked for his opinion on the prime minister's recent visit to the US, Kumar said that Modi did not do enough to protect the interests of Indian professionals on the H-1B visa issue.

"Before the PM left for his visit to US, we urged him that he must protect the interests of Indian professionals on H-1B visa to US. They cannot be equated with immigrants as they are skilled professionals and do great work. The prime minister has returned without any credible assurance from president Trump," said Kumar.

He also said there was pressure by US pharmaceutical companies on Modi to take more than 100 expensive medicines off the list of essential medicines, and added that the government should not succumb to the pressures of US pharma companies.
Hyderabad: Police on Friday arrested a doctor from Telangana's Khammam district for allegedly selling babies to childless couples.

R Srinivas, who holds a Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree and runs a hospital in Kurivi town of Mahabubabad district, sold at least five newborns to childless parents over the past five years, Khammam Assistant Commissioner of Police PV Ganesh told PTI.

The doctor was booked under IPC section 370 (buying or disposing of any person as a slave) and relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice Act, the ACP said.

According to the officer, the doctor sold the newborns, all girls, belonging to tribals after delivery at his hospital to childless couples for amounts ranging between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh.

Explaining his modus operandi, the police officer said Srinivas, post delivery of newborns, would tell their parents that their children are not well and that Rs 1-2 lakh is needed for treatment.

"Believing Srinivas, the parents, mostly daily wagers, abandoned their children at the hospital. He later sold them to childless parents," the officer said.

The health authorities are in the process of sealing the hospital, he said.

Srinivas' arrest came a day after one of the babies sold by him was rescued on Thursday by ICDS officials and police from Khammam town, the ACP said.

A case was registered against Srinivas a month ago in Mahabubabad district for allegedly conducting illegal sex determination tests, the ACP added.

Meanwhile, the doctor has denied the allegations levelled against him.
New Delhi: Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday dubbed incidents of lynchings in the country as "barbaric" and said they should not be seen from a religious angle.

Law enforcement agencies at the district and the state level must take effective steps to prevent such incidents in future, the minister said, a day after a man was killed in Jharkhand for allegedly transporting beef.

"It has been condemned by and one all. The prime minister also, for the second time, spoke about it. It is happening in different parts of the country and it is barbaric and atrocious. No religious angle is linked to it," he told reporters here.

The latest incident of lynching has been reported from Ramgarh in Jharkhand where the victim, identified as Alimuddin Asghar, was intercepted by a mob on suspicion of transporting beef in his van.

Asghar's lynching on Thursday came even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned acts of violence in the name of cow vigilantism. Addressing a gathering at Sabarmati Ashram, Modi had said that "killing people in the name of gau bhakti (cow worship) is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve."
Varanasi: A watchman has been arrested for allegedly raping a 65-year-old French woman who had been living for a year in a rented accommodation in Varanasi, police said on Friday.

Om Prakash was arrested on Thursday from his brother's house in Mirzapur district.

The watchman, who worked in the survivor's rented place in Shooltankeshwar area, is believed to have quietly entered her room on Wednesday night. When she resisted, he beat her up and snatched her mobile phone, said senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nitin Tiwari.

He fled from the scene after that.

The French national, a regular visitor to Varanasi for a decade, is undergoing treatment at a hospital where her health condition is stable.

She was associated with a city-based NGO that worked for differently-abled persons and those from the marginalised sections.

Based on her complaint on Thursday, an FIR was registered against the accused under IPC sections 376 (rape) and 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), said Tiwari. Prakash has been arrested and sent to jail.

The French activist, who had been staying in Varanasi for a year, was sent for a medical examination. The report is awaited, police said.
Forget about a Congress mukt Bharat. If things in the major Opposition parties continue the way they are, the BJP might be looking at a non-NDA mukt Bharat!

The top leadership of some of these Opposition parties and their gen-next are caught in a political vortex that threatens to push them into an existential crisis, much like it happened with Congress, a one-time pan-India entity. BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi haven't made the decimation of these parties a political goal, the way they did with the Congress, in the hope that they could some day turn out to be allies.

The assault  partly self-inflicted by the Congress  on its image, appeal and credibility has been so severe that the party is desperately battling for survival. The situation has been compounded by the fact that the aging and ailing Congress president Sonia Gandhi, barring stray appearances on critical occasions, has stepped into the shadows in the last few years, to leave the space and spotlight for her son, party vice-president and Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi, whose political track record is marked by a series of failures. So much so that even the most ardent of party workers now believe they have nothing but prayers and miracles to bank on.

It has been a litany of woes for the 132-year-old party, which after two stints in power in 2004 and 2009, is staring at a crisis more severe than the one it faced in the 80s and 90s, when regional parties raided its Brahmin-SC minority votebank. The process was finally complete in 2014, when a resurgent BJP led by an aggressive Modi squeezed the life out of Congress, which drew a blank in over a dozen states and union territories, and managed just 44 Lok Sabha seats. Since then, it has lost 13 of the 16 Assembly elections.

The party, which once dominated the country's political landscape, presently rules only half a dozen states including poll-bound Karnataka, recently acquired Punjab, and a clutch of smaller states.

Portrayed as a youth icon when he first won his parliamentary seat in 2004, Rahul is now dismissed as a leader with low credibility, little vision, poor appeal, and hardly any voter-worker-people connect, even as he awaits his anointment as party president to replace his mother, who had astounded critics by turning around the fortunes of the party when she entered active politics in 1998-99. Since Rahul has failed to rekindle hope, no one knows how and to what extent dispirited Congresswallahs will react once his elevation is formalised.

And check the status of bigger states where non-NDA parties have an important role to play whether or not they are in power. Tamil Nadu, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha  with 39, 40, 42, 80, 48 and 21 parliamentary seats respectively  account for 50 percent of Lok Sabha's 543 seats.

As the biggest Opposition party after Congress in Lok Sabha, AIADMK has been in turmoil after its supremo J Jayalalithaa died in December 2016, with several pretenders to the throne battling each other for dominance and supremacy. Jayalalithaa's confidante Sasikala is in jail, her nephew Dinakaran is fighting to establish his claim on the party, Chief Minister Palaniswami and former chief minister O Panneerselvan, Jayalalithaa's neice Deepa Jayakumar, and a host of other aspirants have all thrown their hats in the ring as her successor, each trying to undercut the other. The tussle is likely to increase and ebb in the coming days in the state, where Jayalalithaa's leadership had fetched it 37 out of 39 Lok Sabha seats. This situation has made it a veritable hunting ground for the BJP, as it strives to build its presence there in the resultant confusion.

Indeed, what is happening in Tamil Nadu in Jayalalithaa's absence would be a big lesson for one-man/one-woman parties like Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal or Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party, where the outfit's fate is inextricably tied to its charismatic leader: Great when the going is good, catastrophic when it is not.

As the third largest party with 34 Lok Sabha MPs in 2014, Trinamool Congress has its own demons to fight in West Bengal. Mamata and her party may have tided over the crises brought about by the Saradha, Rose Valley chit fund and other scams, but as the list of her party leaders getting implicated in these exposes gets longer, there is no knowing how the electorate will react to them in the 2019 general elections. She has been grooming her nephew Abhishek to keep the family's grip on the party she has single-handedly nurtured, but a big question mark hangs over his leadership quality. Like other outfits built around one larger than life image, Trinamool Congress does not have the cushion of additional leadership in case of exigencies, leaving it open to the risk of dissipation, fragmentation and disappearance.

Not that having, creating or building such a cushion is always successful. Take the case of Lalu Yadav's RJD in Bihar, Sharad Pawar's NCP, the Thackerays' Shiv Sena and its splinter group MNS in Maharashtra, or Mulayam Singh's Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.

Lalu's daughter is a Rajya Sabha member while his two sons are ministers in Nitish Kumar's Cabinet in Bihar, which has 40 Lok Sabha seats. The 70-year-old Lalu installed them in ministerial positions with age on their side, to help them gain experience and political skill. But instead, they are being made to expend their time and energy in dealing with tax authorities in cases that are likely to drag on, much like their father was battling for several years with the fodder scam. There are already reports of strains in the grand alliance between JDU and RJD on issues ranging from demonetisation to the upcoming presidential elections, which could lead to a realignment of forces in the state.

Sharad Pawar, 77, is mentoring his daughter and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule, but his nephew Ajit Pawar and the rest of the party leadership are unlikely to watch from the sidelines if he anoints her as his successor in NCP whose national role is defined by its presence in Maharashtra. The battle of succession in the Shiv Sena began even before Bal Thackeray's demise, with the anointment of his son Uddhav as his heir and the emergence of a splinter group under Raj Thackeray. The split sapped the party of its energy in the state where BJP once played second fiddle, but now leads the alliance.

In Uttar Pradesh, the war in the Yadav family bled the camps arraigned behind SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son and former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, and there is little sign of a let-up. BSP, also under one leader Mayawati, is also floundering politically. Unlike her mentor Kanshi Ram who groomed her for the leadership position to keep the Dalit party going, Mayawati has shown  deliberately or otherwise  no such acumen or foresight.

The crisis faced by the two UP parties is underlined by the fact that in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BSP drew a blank, SP got five (all for the Yadav clan), and the Congress two (just Sonia and Rahul), while BJP secured 72 out of 80 seats. The story was repeated in the 2017 Assembly elections, with BSP managing 19, SP 48, Congress seven, and BJP romping home with 311 out of 403 legislative seats.

BJD's story in Odisha is unlikely to be any different from BSP's or AIADMK's. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has not groomed a second rung leadership for the party that stormed the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the state. Sensing space for an alternative, BJP has been trying to increase its footprint here as in other parts where it hasn't been a factor before the Modi era.

Four other key states  Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh  have 91 parliamentary seats between them, but are all BJP ruled, with the main opposition party Congress showing little signs of a fightback notwithstanding the acts of omission and commission of the ruling party.

BJP is already eyeing Congress-ruled Karnataka which goes for state elections in 2018, a year before it votes for a new set of 28 MPs. The other big state in the neighbourhood, Andhra Pradesh, is led by NDA ally Telugu Desam, and will hold elections in 2019 for 42 MPs and 175 MLAs.

The absence of a fallback leadership in some non-NDA parties and evidence of an open or incipient turmoil in some others increases the possibility of an Opposition-mukt country in 2019 unless these parties wake up to the dangers that lies before them.
Rahul Gandhi has found a simple formula to ensure that his absence in the Central Hall of the Parliament is neither missed nor questioned when President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi press the GST app button at midnight to make a tryst with the new one nation one tax policy, and that is to make the entire Congress party  45 Lok Sabha and 58 Rajya Sabha MPs  as well as special invitees such as former prime minister Manmohan Singh and finance ministers of Congress-ruled states abstain from the momentous event.

The idea, it seems, is if none of the Congress members are present in the Parliament House then you can't point fingers and ask where is Rahul Gandhi. Why is he holidaying abroad when the Parliament is to host an event that is set to impact the entire length and breadth of the country and every Indian citizen in some way or the other. Why does he have scant regard for the Parliament and its domestic politics?

He chose to give a miss to the debate on farmers' distress apart from making a guest appearance and playing hide and seek with Madhya Pradesh Police on the Rajathan-Madhya Pradesh border less than 24 hours before he left the Indian shores to land in the cooler confines of the western world. He also chose to miss the opposition parties' unity meets and the nomination of their presidential candidate. The Congress' problem, however, is that it needs to protect the perceived aura of the party's eternal soon-to-be-president.

The party couldn't afford to be seen isolated in its boycott. So, its leaders dialled numbers of some other opposition leaders who would go to any extent to be seen opposed to anything that relates to Modi even if they are not exactly on Congress's side. Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Mamata Banerjee's TMC, the Left parties, Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, Karunanidhi's DMK responded to Congress's call to boycott the GST rollout. Leaders of Congress and its allied parties are either facing the brunt of investigations by central agencies on corruption, or, are facing existential crisis. What Congress leaders don't realise is that in the process, the tall talks of opposition unity have been broken into pieces. Parties like NCP, TRS, AIADMK, YSR Congress, BJD, JD(U), JD(S), INLD and Mulayam Singh Yadav's Samjawadi Party, which also sit in the opposition benches are going to attend the special session.

Congress and some other like-minded parties have once again displayed the politics of negativism and cynicism. The Congress has, obviously, not learnt lessons from its electoral defeats and the continued erosion of its support base, nor does it have any willingness to do a genuine brainstorming to review its position.

The GST, after all, was Congress' baby, and that too of the Manmohan Singh government, which functioned under the command and control of Rahul and Sonia Gandhi. The party by making its presence felt in the Parliament could have safely claimed credit for the Act. Finance minister Arun Jaitley on multiple occasions has given due credit to Congress. Finance ministers of Congress-ruled states, Left-ruled Kerala and Tripura, TMC's West Bengal and Samjawadi Party's Uttar Pradesh (where Akhilesh Yadav ruled till over three months ago) were all part of the GST Council which unanimously formulated all the rules and regulations for the new tax regime.

No doubt, the Parliament House's special session on GST will have the resonance of a trademark Modi event, but there couldn't be a rational counter to his idea of holding a midnight session with the president, prime minister and finance minister addressing the nation to mark the launch of one of the biggest reforms since Independence. The new tax regime will come into force from the midnight of 1 July, 2017.

Also the Parliament of India signifies the federal structure of Indian polity. GST is well, and truly reflects that federal nature. The invitation to all members of GST Council  finance ministers of all the states  was thus honourably issued. The invitation to two former prime ministers  HD Deve Gowda and Manmohan Singh  to be seated at the podium was in the same spirit. Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is not in a position to move due to health reasons. So was the invite to former celebrity MPs including Amitabh Bachchan and Lata Mangeshkar whose persona is reflective of Indian society and art. In the same line, industry and business magnates were invited to be a part of this historic occasion.

The Congress calls the special midnight session of the Parliament as an "insult to the freedom fighters". The party's argument is that a midnight session could only be associated with India's independence, and thus the only three times such session had been held was in 1947, in 1972 (25 years of independence and 1997 (50 years of independence).

Thus as per Congress' wisdom, the special midnight session can only be convened in 2022 (75 years of independence) and 2047 (100 years of independence).

What Congress wants to say, but is not summoning the courage to say, is that nobody can ever have the right to compete with Jahawarlal Nehru's midnight "tryst with destiny" speech at midnight of 14 August, 1947. All midnight events associated with the Independence will have a recall value of Nehru's famous speech.

By Congress' logic the Parliament of India must never meet at midnight howsoever demanding the situation may be; it, and if ever it has to be convened, it must relate with Nehru, is a laughable argument. India of 2017 though remembers and pays a rich tribute to its freedom fighters and other national heroes it has moved beyond politics of entitlement and single family dynastic succession rule.

The Congress leaders are advised to read a recent article former finance minister P Chidambaram. "Not many years ago we made a tryst with destination tax, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but we hope substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when businesspersons and consumers spend a sleepless night, India will awake to a new tax regime. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in our economic history, when we step out from the old to the new, when a century ends, and when the tax payers of a nation, long oppressed, hope to find a new dawn.... It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her tax payers and to the still larger cause of tax justice."
Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress led UDF Opposition has decided to boycott the government function to be held at Kochi on Saturday as part of rolling out of GST from midnight, to protest against not discussing and passing the state GST bill in the assembly.

"The protest is against the implementation of the law through an ordinance instead of discussing the same in the state assembly," Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said here on Friday.

The GST bill has been passed by all states, except Jammu and Kashmir.

Though Kerala had an opportunity to do so, government had brought an ordinance in this regard making the house a 'scarecrow', he said.

Chennithala also said that implementing a law significant to the state without a discussion in the assembly amounted to "showing disrespect to democracy."
New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday dubbed the implementation of GST as a "tamasha", saying the reform was being rushed through in a "half-baked" manner as a "self-promotional spectacle".

Gandhi, currently abroad on a holiday, hit out at the government, accusing it of being "insensitive" for rolling out GST without planning, foresight and institutional readiness, as it did during demonetisation.

"A reform that holds great potential is being rushed through in a half-baked way with a self-promotional spectacle #GSTTamasha," he said on Twitter.

"But like demonetisation, GST is being executed by an incompetent and insensitive government without planning, foresight and institutional readiness," Gandhi also tweeted.

The Congress leader said India deserves a GST rollout that does not put crores of its ordinary citizens, small businesses and traders through tremendous pain and anxiety.

He claimed that unlike demonetisation, GST was a reform that the Congress had championed and backed from the very beginning.

Gandhi's tweets come a day after the Congress announced its boycott of the midnight GST launch event by the government at the Central Hall of Parliament tonight.

But like demonetisation,GST is being executed by an incompetent&insensitive Govt w/o planning foresight &institutional readiness #GSTTamasha  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 30, 2017

The Congress is boycotting the event on grounds that a taxation reform could not be equated to midnight celebrations of Indian Independence the Central Hall has seen on August 15, 1947, and later, on 50 years of freedom in 1972 followed by the celebration of the Golden jubilee of Independence in 1997.
Beijing: China on Friday condemned a $1.3 billion US arms sale to Taiwan and called on the United States to stop any weapons deal with the island, which Beijing considers a rebel province.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a press briefing that Beijing has lodged a formal protest with Washington and urged the US government to "uphold its solemn commitment to the One-China principle".

"Taiwan is an indispensable part of China's territory and we firmly oppose this arms sale to Taiwan," Lu said.

His comments come after China's embassy in the United States slammed the sale, saying it was a "wrong move" that would hurt relations between the two countries. "The wrong move of the US side runs counter to the consensus reached by the two presidents in Mar-a-Lago and the positive development momentum of the China-US relationship," the embassy said.

"It will harm the mutual trust and cooperation between China and the US," it added.

Chinese president Xi Jinping met with his US counterpart Donald Trump at the billionaire's luxury resort in Florida in April.

Relations between the two countries had appeared to improve since the talks, with Trump hailing an "outstanding" relationship with Xi.

But there are signs the honeymoon might be over with Trump criticising China for not doing enough to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions and the US slapping sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash.
Opinion / Columnist

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Questions have to be asked."CAN HE?" "YES HE CAN". Does Dr Nkosana Moyo have the charisma that can surpass and supersede that of his competitors in the political institution? The answer is, YES!.Does he have the prerequisite people skills, knowledge and technical job skills to fix the Zimbabwe economy which has taken a nose dive? The answer is ,YES!. Can Dr Nkosana Moyo endear himself with the rural folk in all the regions in Zimbabwe? The answer is, YES! His background(is testimonial to this), can play a pivotal role in facilitating that.He grew up in the rural areas. Hence, he knows the culture of the rural folk. Above all, he is the son of a Shona and a Ndebele. He is likely to be accepted in all regions in Zimbabwe.His proficiency in Shona and Ndebele, gives him an urge above his competitors. He knows Ndebele and Shona culture (norms and values). That can make it easy for him to interact with people from all corners of the country. He knows the needs of the rural folk and the urbanities .He knows which needs of workers, need to be gratified, this he also derives from his past experience in working for the current government and also working in high profile positions in different areas in the world. He (Dr Moyo),if elected, as the president of Zimbabwe ,will be a uniting factor for all Zimbabweans, because of his nature and the way he was nurtured. Furthermore , his relationship with the international world or community , might be an advantage for Zimbabwe when it comes to soliciting funds for Zimbabwe . For example ,he has rubbed shoulders with the IMF and UN. That can be an advantage. More so, he has lived and studied in the UK , that too can be an advantage which can go a long way.The UK has a great influence in the world. It will treat him as one of its own. A good example of people that it has treated as its own ,who studied there, are Thabo Mbeki (RSA ) (the UK attached a lot of trust in him), son of Gaddafi (studied in UK) (he was liked by the UK media ) ,just to name a few. Another personality, who they have a connection with, is the current Syrian president.The UK government has found itself in an ambivalent position, as it cannot declare full war against him, although, its obligated by the international community to do so. In a similar vein, Dr Nkosana Moyo, might have great favours from the UK (repeat), if elevated to power in Zimbabwe. My opinion. This comment is not a political campaign for Dr Nkosana Moyo, to win votes in the forthcoming elections. These are facts about him.
Sydney: Australia's Catholic leaders have spoken out in support of Cardinal George Pell describing the Vatican finance chief as a "thoroughly decent man" after he was charged with historical sexual offences.

Pell, who has been ordered to face a Melbourne court hearing in July, said Thursday he would return to Australia "as soon as possible to clear his name" after consulting with his doctors.

The pre-eminent cleric rose through the ranks to the highest offices of the church in Australia before leaving to manage the Vatican's powerful economic ministry.

The Australian's successors spoke warmly of his legacy and reputation.

"The George Pell I know is a man of integrity in his dealings with others, a man of faith and high ideals, a thoroughly decent man," the Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher said in a statement.

But Fisher said that while his archdiocese would help Pell with accommodation on his return to Australia to face the charges, "it is not responsible for the Cardinal's legal bills arising from these matters".

The Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart said Pell had been his friend and fellow priest for more than half a century, and deserved a fair trial.

"The Archbishop is conscious of the Cardinal's many good works which have been acknowledged both nationally and internationally," he added.

"It is a matter of public record that Cardinal Pell addressed the evil of sexual abuse in the Church on becoming Archbishop of Melbourne in 1996."

Archbishop of Hobart Julian Porteous told Hobart's Mercury newspaper he was "shocked and disappointed" at the charges and did not believe they "have got any substance to them", adding that Pell was "a man of absolute integrity".

Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, one of the country's most high-profile Catholics, joined in the praise calling Pell a "very fine man".

He was Archbishop of Melbourne from 1996 to 2001 before becoming the Archbishop of Sydney from 2001 to 2014.

He then left for the Vatican after being hand-picked by Pope Francis to make the church's finances more transparent.

Pope Francis has granted Pell a leave of absence, with the cleric summonsed to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 26 July, a week later than the initial hearing date of 18 July.

Police have not revealed details of the charges against the 76-year-old, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.
Hong Kong: Tanks, missile launchers and chanting troops greeted President Xi Jinping in a potent display of Chinese military might on Friday as part of his landmark visit to politically divided Hong Kong.

The show of force came hours after activists were released from police custody following their arrest over a protest.

Xi arrived in the city on Thursday to mark 20 years since Hong Kong was returned to China by Britain, with authorities desperate to stick to the script during anniversary celebrations.

A huge security operation has shut down large parts of the city, with thousands of police deployed to keep away demonstrators angry at Beijing's tightening grip on the freedoms of nearly eight million people.

Xi inspected troops at China's People's Liberation Army airfield in rural northern Hong Kong, wearing a black Mao suit and riding an open-top camouflage jeep in the largest military parade since the 1997 handover.

As the jeep slowly drove past row upon row of air, naval and land personnel, Xi shouted "Hello comrades!" as the troops responded "Hello chairman!"

Armoured vehicles topped with missile launchers and military helicopters lined Xi's path along the airstrip for the eight-minute extravaganza.

Members of the public waved flags from packed stands and were given gift bags including a camouflage cap, water and snacks in the blazing heat.

Press were issued a notice ahead of the event barring them from bringing an eclectic list of items, including make-up, deodorant, plants, animals, opium and heroin.

There were fears that the PLA would crack down in Hong Kong when it was returned to China, particularly after the brutal crushing of student protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, but it has kept a very low profile.

Friday's parade was a rare display.

The PLA is responsible for defending the city and comprises only mainland troops, with Hong Kong residents unable to serve, but it is barred from interfering in local affairs.

A banner behind the troops read "Fully implementing 'one country, two systems', this great policy", referring to Hong Kong's semi-autonomous set-up.

As part of the handover deal, Hong Kong was guaranteed rights including freedom of speech and an independent judiciary for 50 years, but there are concerns those liberties are disappearing as Beijing becomes ever more assertive.

Xi's three-day visit is his first since becoming leader in 2013, and comes three years after huge pro-democracy rallies crippled Hong Kong.

Student protest leader Joshua Wong and young legislator Nathan Law were among those detained by police Wednesday night for "public nuisance" over a protest a stone's throw away from the hotels where Xi and his entourage are staying.

The 26 activists arrested were released from police custody in the early hours of Friday after threatening to go to the High Court to petition against their ongoing incarceration.

Police told AFP they had not been charged, but bailed to report back in September.

Activists say they have been followed by police and "thugs" since the protest. In many major Hong Kong newspapers, coverage of protests was eclipsed by exhaustive accounts of Xi's itinerary and quotes from him, at a time when the media stands accused of succumbing to pressure from Beijing.

The United States State Department urged China to respect civil liberties in Hong Kong, including press freedom, in a statement Thursday.

In public comments during his trip, Xi has pledged support for Hong Kong and reassurance that its semi-autonomous system of government is in tact.

But he also praised the government for "dealing a blow" to an independence movement that has infuriated Beijing.

Calls for the city to break away from China grew out of the failure of the mass pro-democracy rallies in 2014 to win political reform.

Xi will attend a banquet at the harbourfront convention centre Friday night, followed by a variety show, with pro-democracy and pro-independence groups expected to protest outside the venue and across the harbour.
China slammed the United States on Friday for its decision to slap unprecedented sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash.

"We urge the US side to stop their wrongful actions on this issue to avoid any effect on other cooperation issues," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters during a regular press briefing.

"We have stressed many times that we firmly oppose any unilateral sanctions," he said, adding that Beijing had "comprehensively implemented" all UN Security Council measures on Pyongyang.

The comments followed a Thursday decision by the US Treasury Department to sever the Bank of Dandong from the US financial system for acting "as a conduit for illicit North Korean financial activity."

The bank, it said, had been "facilitating millions of dollars of transactions for companies involved in North Korea's WMD (weapons of mass destruction) and ballistic missile programs."

The department also sanctioned two Chinese individuals said to have established front companies to facilitate financial transactions for North Korea, and a Chinese shipping company accused of helping to smuggle banned luxury goods into the country.

The decision came after US president Donald Trump said Beijing's efforts to put the brakes on Pyongyang's nuclear drive had failed.

In a tweet, he thanked his counterpart Xi Jinping for his work on the issue, but concluded that Chinese actions had "not worked out."

Speaking on Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters that the sanctions were "not directed at China, this is directed at a bank, as well as individuals and entities in China."

Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang to curb its nuclear ambitions. His administration has said military action was a possibility.

The announcement came on the same day that it emerged the Trump administration had approved $1.3 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as a breakaway province.
Hong Kong: President Xi Jinping inspected troops based in Hong Kong on Friday as he asserted Chinese authority over the former British colony China took control of 20 years ago.

Xi rode in an open-top jeep past rows of soldiers lined up on an airstrip on his visit to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison. He called out "Salute all the comrades" and "Salute to your dedication" as he rode by each of the 20 troop formations.

Armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles, helicopters and other pieces of military hardware were arrayed behind the troops.

It was a rare display of the Chinese military's might in Hong Kong, where it normally maintains a low-key presence. Xi, wearing a buttoned-up black jacket in the steamy heat, spent about 10 minutes reviewing the troops at the Shek Kong base in Hong Kong's suburban New Territories.

It's part of a visit to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover, when Britain gave up control of the Asian financial hub to China on 1 July, 1997.

Authorities have ramped up security as they brace for protests. Police arrested 26 pro-democracy activists for staging a sit-in Wednesday evening at a giant flower sculpture given as a present by Beijing near the hotel complex where Xi is staying.

The activists were all later released on bail but without being charged, local broadcaster RTHK said, with some not freed until early Friday, more than 30 hours after they were detained.
Washington: US President Donald Trump announced the approval of a pipeline to transport oil to Mexico, crossing the border near the town of Penitas, Texas, and running "under the wall" he has promised to build along the frontier.

At a conference at the Department of Energy headquarters, Trump on Thursday said that he had approved construction of the pipeline, which he added will increase US energy exports.

The president went on to remark that the pipeline will "go right under the wall", a reference to his controversial election promise to build a physical border barrier between the US and Mexico, ostensibly to halt illegal immigration, Efe news reported.

Trump offered no further details about the route or location of the new pipeline, although later the Energy Department reported that the New Burgos Pipeline will cross the border near the town of Penitas and will be able to transport 108,000 barrels of oil per day.

The announcement came during a speech in which the president defended the "energy revolution" that, he said, the US is experiencing under his administration with the reduction of excessive regulations that had been put in place by his predecessor, Barack Obama.

Trump used his speech at the Energy Department to announce several new initiatives that he touted as being key to economic growth and the start of a "golden era of American energy".

Specifically, Trump will have the opportunity to discuss the new pipeline next week with his Mexican counterpart, Enrique Pena Nieto, at the G20 summit, to be held in Hamburg, Germany.

That meeting will be the first for the two leaders since Trump's inauguration and comes at a time of bilateral tension over the US president's controversial proposal to build the border wall and his intention of making Mexico pay for it, something that has been categorically rejected by the Mexican government.
Washington: US President Donald Trump and his South Korean counterpart held talks on how to halt North Korea's nuclear drive, but remained at odds over whether to isolate or engage the Pyongyang regime.

Trump welcomed the newly-elected South Korean President Moon Jae-In to the White House for a formal dinner that preceded the heavier lifting that was to come later in the evening during talks on what to do about their ongoing standoff with the North.

"We're going to have tremendous discussions tonight," Trump said at the dinner, flanked by his wife Melania and by Moon, on his right. Seated next to Moon at the elegant, flower bedecked table was his wife, First Lady Kim Jung-soon.

Members of Trump's cabinet and Korean delegation were also seated at the elegant dinner table, which ran the length of the room.

"I know you've been discussing with our people some of the complexities of North Korea and trade and other things, and we'll be discussing them all as we progress -- and it could be very well late into the evening," Trump said.

Earlier on Thursday, Moon lobbied US leaders to back his policy of engagement with North Korea, as the Trump administration vowed to increase pressure on Pyongyang over its nuclear program.

The Trump administration has been trying to isolate the North Korean regime following a series of missile tests, including by persuading China -- Pyongyang's main diplomatic ally -- to help bring Kim Jong-Un into line.

But speaking on board his flight to the United States Wednesday, Moon said Seoul and Washington should offer concessions to Pyongyang if it complies with their demands, according to multiple South Korean reports.

"Without rewarding North Korea for its bad actions, South Korea and the United States should closely consult what they may give the North in return for a nuclear freeze," he said.

"A nuclear freeze is a gate to dialogue and the exit of the dialogue is a complete nuclear dismantlement," he added.

The visit is the first since Moon's resounding election victory just a few weeks ago.

The day commenced Thursday with Moon being received by congressional leaders.

Moon met with House Speaker Paul Ryan and top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi in an ornate room in the US Capitol, with Ryan hailing "strong" bilateral ties but only briefly addressing security issues on the Korean peninsula before reporters were ushered out.

"We have shared concerns such as the threats posed to both of our nations from North Korea," Ryan told Moon.

The South Korean president responded by saying that when it comes to humanitarian issues, "we must cross boundaries and all party lines and all try to unite together as one."

Moon also met with US senators including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain and Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker.

Trump and Moon were to continue their talks -- likely again dominated by North Korea -- at the White House on Friday.

Washington, South Korea's security guarantor, has more than 28,000 troops in the country to defend it from its communist neighbor, which has been intensifying missile tests -- including five since Moon's inauguration.

Pyongyang is seeking to develop nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States.

Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang to curb its nuclear ambitions and his administration has said military action was a possibility.

Washington and Seoul "share precisely the same goal, which is the complete dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs," a senior US administration official said.
Washington: US President Donald Trump will have a first face-to-face meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Germany next week on the sidelines of the G-20 leadership summit, the White House said on Thursday.

The agenda of the meeting is still being worked out, officials said, adding that Trump is planning to have bilateral meetings with a host of other world leaders on the sidelines of the G-20 summit.

"The President has asked us to work together across all departments and agencies to do, really, three things: to confront Russia's destabilising behaviour, whether it's cyber threats, whether it's political subversion here in Europe and elsewhere", US National Security Advisor, Lieutenant General HR McMaster told reporters at a White House news conference.

"The second is to deter Russia. Because nobody wants a major power war, right?, so what is it that we have to put in place to be able to deter conflict. Then the third thing is to foster areas of cooperation", he said.

There are a lot of problems in the world that can be discussed during the meeting. North Korea, for example, is one of them; the fight against transnational terrorist organisations is another, said the US National Security Advisor.

In Germany, he said, Trump would hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, China, Mexico, Indonesia, and Singapore.

There could be more. In G-20, the primary objectives are to promote American prosperity, to protect American interests, and to provide American leadership.

"These three objectives tie together every engagement President Trump has with foreign leaders, whether here in the White House, as you saw with the strengthening of our strategic partnership with India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on Monday and we will see on Thursday with the strengthening of our alliance with South Korea during president Moon Jae-in's visit", McMaster said.

"Additional objectives for the trip include, first, to strengthen American alliances," he said.

America First, he stressed, does not mean America alone.

Trump has demonstrated a commitment to American alliances because strong alliances further American security and American interests, he added.

These meetings with leaders of other countries are also aimed at developing a common approach to Russia.
In a series of quick blows aimed at Beijing, US president Donald Trump's administration has seemingly reversed its China policy, signalling a new tumultuous phase in the relations between the two world's biggest economies.

Within the span of a week, the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on a Chinese bank, two Chinese citizens and a shipping company for helping North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes. It also announced its plans to sell Taiwan $1.42 billion worth arms, placed China on its global list of the worst offenders in human trafficking and forced labour.

According to a CNN report, the cooling of relations between the two superpowers comes in contrast to Trump's 'unusually cordial' relations with Chinese president Xi Jinping in their first meeting in February, with the US president describing Xi as a "terrific person" with whom he had a "very good relationship."

The timing of the US onslaught, ahead of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs return to Beijing on 1 July and during Xi's visit, is seen as particularly provocative by US-China relations experts, according to a report in The Guardian.

"It is very symbolic and it is basically raining on Xis parade in Hong Kong, The Guardian quoted Bill Bishop, a Washington-based China specialist, as saying.

The cooling relationship between Trump and Xi is being seen by experts as indicative of US' growing frustration over China's reluctance to deal with the North Korea missile crisis and de-escalate its presence in the South China Sea.

US-Taiwan arms deal

The US plans to sell Taiwan $1.42 billion in arms, the first such sale under the administration of Trump and a move sure to anger China, whose help the president has been seeking to rein in North Korea.

US state department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters the administration had told Congress of the seven proposed sales on Thursday.

"It's now valued about $1.42 billion," she said.

Nauert said the sales showed the US "support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defence capability", but there was no change to the US' long-standing "one China" policy, which recognises Beijing and not Taipei.

The US is the sole arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Beijing has given Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen the cold shoulder since she took power last year because she leads an independence-leaning ruling party and refuses to recognise the "one China" policy.

US targets Chinese bank over North Korea

The US imposed sanctions on a Chinese bank and a shipping company on Thursday for helping North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and accused a Chinese bank of laundering money for Pyongyang.

US treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin said the actions were designed to cut off funds that North Korea uses to build its weapons programme. "We will follow the money and cut off the money," he told a news conference.

A treasury department statement identified the bank as the Bank of Dandong and the firm as Dalian Global Unity Shipping Co Ltd. It identified the two individuals as Sun Wei and Li Hong Ri.

The sanctions imposed on the two Chinese citizens and the shipping company blacklists them from doing business with US-tied companies and people.

US foreign policy experts say Chinese companies have long had a key role in financing Pyongyang. However, Mnuchin said the action was not being taken to send China a message. "This wasn't aimed at China. We continue to work with them," he said.

China's ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai, said China opposed the US using domestic laws to impose "long-arm jurisdiction" on Chinese companies or individuals, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Friday.

"If a Chinese company or individual has acted in a way that violates UN Security Council resolutions, then China will investigate and handle the issue in accordance with Chinese law," he told an event in Washington on Thursday evening.

'China among worst human trafficking offenders'

The US state department on Tuesday placed China on its global list of the worst offenders in human trafficking and forced labour, a step that could further aggravate tensions with Beijing.

The report said China convicted fewer sex and labour traffickers in the 12 months ended on 31 March than in the previous year, forcibly repatriated North Koreans without screening them for indicators of trafficking and handled most forced labour cases as administrative issues rather than criminal prosecutions.

Republican Representative Chris Smith, who authored the anti-trafficking law that mandated the state department report, called for sanctions against China as punishment for its record on human trafficking.

A response to growing US frustration?

US officials told Reuters this week that Trump was growing increasingly frustrated with China over its inaction on North Korea and bilateral trade issues, and is now considering possible trade actions against Beijing.

A senior White House official told reporters on Wednesday that China was "falling far short of what it could bring to bear on North Korea in terms of pressure."

The US attacks against China came as Trump was due to meet South Korean president Moon Jae-in at the White House on Thursday to discuss steps to push North Korean to abandon its weapons programmes, which have become an increasing threat to the US.

It also came after the US sanctioned a Chinese industrial machinery wholesaler, Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co, in September for its ties to North Korea's nuclear programme, the first time Washington had taken such a step against a Chinese firm.

With inputs from Reuters
Berlin: European leaders said on Thursday they are ready to defend the Paris climate accord and free trade when they face President Donald Trump at the Group of 20 summit.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe was "more determined than ever" to see the climate deal succeed.

The Trump administration's "America First" approach to trade has caused widespread concern internationally, as has its decision to pull out of the Paris accord. Trump announced the withdrawal shortly after returning from last month's Group of 7 summit in Italy.

Merkel told the German parliament that "we cannot expect easy talks in Hamburg" on climate issues when leaders of the G20 global economic powers meet in the city 7-8 July.

"The disagreement is obvious, and it would be dishonest to gloss over it," she said. "I won't do that, in any case."

Still, meeting later on Thursday with European participants in the G20, she sought to downplay prospects of an outright clash with Trump. She and French President Emmanuel Macron said there is agreement on issues such as fighting terrorism and they will seek joint solutions.

Trump announced on 1 June he was pulling the US from the Paris deal. The US could try to rejoin the agreement under more favourable terms or work to establish "an entirely new transaction," Trump said.

After meeting the leaders of Britain, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway and the European Union in Berlin, Merkel said they were "united" behind the climate accord.

Macron underlined the Europeans' "very strong commitment" to the Paris deal. He said he had "at least the hope, in any case, that one or another will be brought to reason and can follow us."

But Merkel stressed that "the United States of America is an important part of the G20, and we will do everything to work together while not papering over differences."

The chancellor wasn't hesitant to demonstrate the scope of Europe's differences with the current US administration over the Paris accord's goals for curbing carbon emissions and global warming.

In her speech to German lawmakers, Merkel said that "since the decision by the United States of America to leave the Paris climate accord, we are more determined than ever to lead it to success."

"The Paris agreement is irreversible and it is not negotiable," she said.

Later, though, Merkel brushed off a question about chances of G20 members except Trump drawing up a statement on climate change.

"I don't want to participate in speculation today about 'what happens if,'" she said. "The message is that we want to find solutions together, even though we know that in some questions, for example the climate question, it is not very easy."

Macron said that "it is no use isolating a state." "We do not share his view of things on this subject," he added, speaking about the climate accord. "But it is always preferable to make a joint declaration and leave open the opportunity to countries around the table to sign up in the medium term."

Macron has invited Trump to attend Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on 14 July. He stressed that "the relationship with the United States is a long-term one. It is a deep relationship in numerous areas which allows us today, despite everything, to share disagreements."

Merkel argued that the G20 a forum that rose to prominence in the wake of the global financial crisis  is needed more than ever because countries working together can change things far more effectively than with uncoordinated national policies.

"Anyone who thinks that they can solve the problems of this world with isolationism and protectionism is making an enormous mistake," she told lawmakers.

Merkel said she wants from the G20 "a clear signal for free markets and against isolation, and a clear commitment to the multilateral trading system."

Hamburg is mounting a huge security operation to protect the summit in the heart of Germany's second-biggest city, which Merkel said was a "big challenge."

"We know that there will be protests, and that is more than legitimate in a democracy. But I hope ... that these protests will be peaceful."

The G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, France, Britain, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United States and the European Union. Also attending the summit will be the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Guinea, Senegal, Singapore and Vietnam.
Paris: French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was charged Friday with allegedly misusing European Parliament funds to pay two parliamentary aides who also work at her National Front headquarters. Her lawyer said she will fight the charges.

The prosecutor's office said Le Pen was summoned and handed preliminary charges of breach of trust and complicity in breach of trust concerning two aides when she served in the European Parliament.

Le Pen is suspected of using parliamentary funds to pay Catherine Griset from 2009 to 2016 and bodyguard Thierry Legier from 2014 to 2016 for allegedly working as aides in Strasbourg, a seat of the European Parliament, even though they have clear roles in her far-right National Front party.

Le Pen is also charged with complicity in breach of trust in her role as president of the National Front from 2014-2016. That charge could not immediately be clarified.

Investigators suspect some National Front lawmakers used legislative aides for the party's political activities while they were on the European Parliament payroll. Griset was charged in February for allegedly receiving money through a breach of trust.

Le Pen denies the charges. She plans to file at the Appeals Court on Monday demanding that the preliminary charges be annulled due to "the violation of the principle of separation of powers," her lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut, said in a statement. She will also seek a suspension of the investigation.

His reference to "separation of powers" may relate to a contention that the French justice system should not interfere in political party affairs. Bosselut could not immediately be reached for comment.

Other European parliamentarians, including Le Pen's father Jean-Marie Le Pen and her companion Louis Aliot, have also been on the radar of the European investigative body OLAF (Office europeen de lutte antifraude) for allegedly misusing parliamentary aides' wages.

Le Pen had twice refused summonses from authorities while campaigning, first for the French presidential election which she lost 7 May to Emmanuel Macron, then for a lawmaker's seat in the French National Assembly which she won on 18 June. Due to that win, Le Pen gave up her seat in the European Parliament.
New Delhi: India has told China that the building of a road by Chinese troops in a border region will have "serious security implications for India" and urged Beijing "not to change the status quo unilaterally".

"India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India," an External Affairs Ministry statement said.

This was India's first public reaction to an ongoing stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops on their border. Beijing has sharply escalated the rhetoric, with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) telling New Delhi to remember its 1962 military debacle.

The statement said India had underlined that New Delhi and Beijing had in 2012 reached an agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and other countries would be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries.

"Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding," the Indian statement said.

The latest standoff occurred in Donglong or Doklam, a disputed territory between Bhutan and China. Beijing has accused India of obstructing road building in the area, which it claims as its own. Beijing has also charged New Delhi with acting at the behest of Bhutan, which also lays claim to Donglong.

The external affairs ministry denied that Indian border troops crossed the boundary in the Sikkim sector of the China-India frontier and entered Chinese territory.

It said a PLA construction party entered Doklam on 16 June and attempted to build a road despite objections from a Royal Bhutan Army patrol. Bhutan lodged a protest with China on 20 June.

On Thursday, Bhutan said the construction of the road inside its territory was a violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements with China.

India said that in keeping with the tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact "through the unfolding of these developments".

It said that, in coordination with the Bhutanese army, Indian soldiers who were present at general area Doka La "approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo". "These efforts continue," it said.

India said the matter was under discussion between the foreign ministries since then, both in New Delhi and Beijing. It was also discussed at a meeting of border personnel at Nathu La on 20 June.

"Where the boundary in the Sikkim sector is concerned, India and China had reached an understanding also in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the 'basis of the alignment'. Further discussions regarding finalization of the boundary have been taking place under the special representatives framework. It is essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally. It is also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the special representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides," it said.

The statement said India had consistently taken a positive approach to the settlement of its own boundary with China, along with the associated issue of the tri-junctions. It said India cherished peace and tranquillity on the India-China border. "It has not come easily. Both sides have worked hard to establish institutional framework to discuss all issues to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas," the statement said. "India is committed to working with China to find peaceful resolution of all issues in the border areas through dialogue."
By Gayatri Suroyo and Stefanno Reinard

| JAKARTA

JAKARTA When an angry mob of Islamists threatened to burn down a place hosting a gay and lesbian film festival in Jakarta in 2010, Indonesian police came to protect those staging it.A volunteer at the festival, Adi, 28, now fears that instead of safeguarding their rights authorities are targeting his community, forcing them to hide their lifestyles or even consider moving abroad. Indonesia's Islamists have long sought to criminalise gay sex. The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), the vigilante group that threatened the now defunct Q! film festival in Jakarta, has previously broken up what they said were gay parties and then urged the police to detain the men. But what is sending a new chill through the gay community is that police seem to have taken on the vice patrol role themselves. In May, officers detained 141 men in a raid on the Atlantis sauna, accusing them of involvement in a gay prostitution ring in a part of Jakarta that is also home to many heterosexual "spas".A month earlier, police raided a hotel in Indonesia's second-biggest city of Surabaya over an alleged "sex party" and made the 14 detained men undergo HIV tests before publicly releasing the results, local media reports said. "Before this, we used to think of the police as our safety net when mass organizations, or anyone claiming to represent the people, came to attack us," said Adi, who works in e-commerce and asked to be identified using only one name."Now if I want to do anything, I'll do it in my apartment, in a private space," he said, adding he was thinking of emigrating. U.S. CONGRESSIONAL LETTER

With the exception of the ultra-conservative Aceh province in northern Sumatra, where Islamic law is enforced and two men were publicly flogged last month for gay sex, homosexuality is legal in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country.

Police denied targeting the LGBT community.The police raided the Atlantis and the Surabaya hotel because the gatherings there had caused "turmoil in the community", national police spokesman Rikwanto said. "As long as they are kept private and their (LGBT community's) personal affairs are kept to themselves, then it will not be a problem," he said.Indonesia's reputation for tolerance and pluralism was already under scrutiny after Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, an ethnic Chinese Christian, was sentenced last month to two years in prison for blasphemy in a trial that came after mass Islamist-led rallies last year.His case highlighted the role of Islamic vigilante groups like the FPI, who helped organise the protests against him. The groups are known for raiding bars and brothels during the fasting month of Ramadan. Some have been suspected in arson attacks on churches.

Predominantly Muslim Indonesia has substantial minorities of Christian, Buddhist, Hindus, Confucianists as well as non-Sunni Muslim creeds, such as Shias, who have expressed worries about the vigilantes. Members of the U.S. Congress sent a letter to the Indonesian government last week, stating their concern over the reports of possible human rights abuses targeting the gay community."These attacks are an unfortunate symptom of the growing radicalisation in Indonesia that has targeted women, religious and ethnic minorities, and which could negatively impact diplomatic relations and foreign investments in your country, if left unchecked," said the letter signed by 35 congress members.An Indonesian presidential spokesman declined to comment on the letter. President Joko Widodo last year gave qualified support for the gay community, telling the BBC "there should be no discrimination against anyone", but noted homosexuality is not popular in his country.

Homosexuality remains a taboo topic with the public, which is why the gay community gathers away from the public eye in saunas and underground parties. A Pew Research Center poll in 2013 found 93 percent of respondents in Indonesia disagreed that "society should accept homosexuality". SHARED ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Activists say controversial anti-pornography laws, under which offenders can face up to 15 years' jail, were being misused against some of those rounded up during the recent raids in Jakarta. Police also seemed to be using shaming tactics in the raids. The men detained at Jakarta's Atlantis sauna were nearly all later released without charge, but not before being strip-searched, photographed and marched semi-naked from the venue into vehicles. Adding to their humiliation, photos were then shared on social media. "Honestly, after what happened, I'm scared. Because what the police stripped naked was not just your body, but your name, your place of work. I'm a lecturer so it could be a problem for me," said Ahmad, 33, who works at a university in Jakarta. He declined to give his full name or place of work, but nonetheless pledged he would not be deterred from visiting gay bars in Jakarta.Amnesty International said the police raids were further evidence of an "increasingly hostile environment" for the gay community, fuelled over the past year by "reckless, inflammatory and inaccurate statements made by public officials apparently under the guise of defending public morality." Vice President Jusuf Kalla last year asked the United Nations Development Programme to stop $8 million of funding of LGBT-related activities in Indonesia, while Defence minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has suggested homosexuality was part of a "proxy war" waged by foreign states. (Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Bill Tarrant)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Mosul, Iraq: After eight months of grinding urban warfare, Iraqi government troops on Thursday captured the ruined mosque at the heart of Islamic State's de facto capital Mosul, and the prime minister declared the group's self-styled caliphate at an end.

Iraqi authorities expect the long battle for Mosul to end in coming days as remaining Islamic State fighters are bottled up in just a handful of neighborhoods of the Old City.

The seizure of the nearly 850-year-old Grand al-Nuri Mosque  from where Islamic State proclaimed the caliphate nearly three years ago to the day  is a huge symbolic victory.

"The return of al-Nuri Mosque and al-Hadba minaret to the fold of the nation marks the end of the Daesh state of falsehood", Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a statement, referring to the hardline Sunni Muslim group by an Arabic acronym.

The fall of Mosul would in effect mark the end of the Iraqi half of the Islamic State caliphate, although the group still controls territory west and south of the city, ruling over hundreds of thousands of people.

Its stronghold in Syria, Raqqa, is also close to falling.

A US-backed Kurdish-led coalition besieging Raqqa on Thursday, fully encircled it after closing the militants' last way out from the south, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.

These setbacks have reduced Islamic State's territory by 60 percent from its peak two years ago and its revenue by 80 percent, said IHS Markit.

"Their fictitious state has fallen", an Iraqi military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, told state TV.

However, it still occupies an area as big as Belgium, across Iraq and Syria, according to IHS Markit, an analytics firm.

The cost of the fighting has been enormous. In addition to military casualties, thousands of civilians are estimated to have been killed.

About 09,00,000 people, nearly half the pre-war population of the northern city, have fled, mostly taking refuge in camps or with relatives and friends, according to aid groups.

Those trapped in the city suffered hunger, deprivation and Islamic State oppression as well as death or injury, and many buildings have been ruined.

Arduous Task

Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) troops captured the al-Nuri Mosque's ground in a "lightning operation" on Thursday, a commander of the US-trained elite units. CTS units are now in control of the mosque area and the al-Hadba and Sirjkhana neighborhoods and they are still advancing, a military statement said.

Other government units, from the army and police, were closing in from other directions.

An elite Interior Ministry unit said it freed about 20 children believed to belong to Yazidi and other minorities persecuted by the jihadists in a quarter north of the Old City which houses Mosul's main hospitals.

A US-led international coalition is providing air and ground support to the Iraqi forces fighting through the Old City's maze of narrow alleyways.

But the advance remains arduous as Islamic State fighters are dug in the middle of civilians, using mortar fire, snipers, booby traps and suicide bombers to defend their last redoubt.

The military estimated up to 350 militants were still in the Old City last week but many have been killed since.

They are besieged in one square kilometer (0.4 square mile) making up less than 40 percent of the Old City and less than one percent of the total area of Mosul, the largest urban centre over which they held sway in both Iraq and Syria.

Those residents who have escaped the Old City say many of the civilians trapped behind Islamic State lines  put last week at 50,000 by the Iraqi military  are in a desperate situation with little food, water or medicines.

"Boys and girls who have managed to escape show signs of moderate malnutrition and carry psychosocial scars", the United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF said in a statement.

Thousands of children remain at risk in Mosul, it said.

Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself ruler of all Muslims from the Grand al-Nuri Mosque's pulpit on 4 July, 2014, after the insurgents overran swathes of Iraq and Syria.

His 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".

He 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 alZanki, 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 Old City's stone buildings date mostly from the medieval period. They include market stalls, a few mosques and churches, and small houses built and rebuilt on top of each other over the ages.
Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi declared the end of the protracted reign of the Islamic State in the country on Thursday. His announcement came just moments after government troops captured the ruined mosque at the heart of Islamic State's de facto capital Mosul.

"We are seeing the end of the fake Daesh state," Al-Abadi tweeted.

We are seeing the end of the fake Daesh state, the liberation of Mosul proves that. We will not relent, our brave forces will bring victory  Haider Al-Abadi (@HaiderAlAbadi) June 29, 2017

This is not a literal end of the Islamic State. Rather, it is a symbolic one. After Iraqi forces invaded the vicinity of Nuri al-Kabeer Mosque in Mosul, the Islamic State blew up the mosque to contain the troops. Islamic State leader Abu Bakr-al Baghdadi had delivered a sermon declaring the establishment of the group's rule in Iraq and Syria in this particular mosque in 2014. Islamic State's move to blow up the mosque was termed as an "official declaration of defeat" by the prime minister. Therefore, capturing this worn down structure is now considered a sign of victory by Iraq. However, as Reuters points out Iraqi authorities expect the long battle for Mosul to end in "coming days". It is not over yet, unlike what Al-Abadi seems to imply. Al-Abadi's enthusiasm to declare the end of the Islamic State has lasted longer than expected. Last week, he tweeted that "we will soon announce the liberation of our city and our victory over Daesh."

Our forces are in the alleys of Old Mosul and we will soon announce the liberation of the city and our victory over Daesh there  Haider Al-Abadi (@HaiderAlAbadi) June 22, 2017

It is a victory, but only a symbolic one. However, Al-Abadi's assurances seem hollow and repetitive, considering the number of times he has told the world that the end of the Islamic State is near.

After Iraqi military retook Ramadi from the Islamic State in December 2015, a triumphant Al-Abadi declared that the terror group will be defeated by 2016, The Independent reported. "2016 will be the year of the big and final victory, when Daeshs presence in Iraq will be terminated," he had said.

At the end of 2016, he said "it would take three months to remove the terror group from Iraq," as Reuters reported. After three months, he asked for some more time.

He predicted in March, 2017 that his country will defeat the Islamic State military forces "within weeks", according to Fox News. "Weeks" might be a connotation for "years" for the prime minister. (His symbolic victory cannot be considered as an actual removal of the Islamic State from Iraq)

Baghdadi killed or alive? That is the question

The claims of defeating the Islamic State don't just end with Iraqi prime minister's statements, reports of killing Baghdadi and securing a victory over the terror group are abound.

On Friday, an NDTV report quoted a representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying that Baghdadi is "definitely dead". He threw this information on the reporters and refused to elaborate.

Just days before this, Russia claimed that it has killed the Islamic State chief in an air strike during a meeting of Islamic State leaders just outside Mosul. Just days after this declaration, Moscow said it could not yet confirm that the elusive Islamic State chief had been killed. US defence officials also said they have been unable to confirm the reports of his death.

Baghdadi was also said to have died of his injuries a week after being blasted in a US-led airstrike in June, 2016. The Islamic States news agency al-Amaq said, "Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been killed by coalition air strikes in Raqqa on the fifth day of Ramadan." Just months after, he was also believed to have been poisoned along with three of his commanders.

The question remains, even if Baghdadi is dead, would that mark the end of the Islamic State?

Highly unlikely.

Baghdadi dies, Islamic State still lives

The future of the Islamic State after Baghdadi's death might be similar to the Al-Qaeda. After Osama bin Laden was killed, then US president Barack Obama said, "There's no doubt Al-Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us" and bin Laden's death would not by itself end the organisation.

Even five years after bin Ladens death, The Atlantic report points out that Al-Qaeda has remained active and in some cases, it has expanded. The Al-Qaeda's resilience is an example of how terrorist organisations can outlast their leader.

The report also mentions a 2011 study of "leadership decapitation" of terrorist groups, conducted by Robert Pape and Jenna Jordan of the University of Chicago, which found that for religious groups like Al-Qaeda, the death or imprisonment of a leader doesn't hasten the group's demise, and indeed may have the opposite effect.

The idea in killing the leader of any terror group is only to "cut off the head of the snake." As the Newsweek article says, it will only be a PR victory and won't alter the command and control of the organisation. Despite being on the brink of military defeat, the groups ideology will be much harder to wipe out.

"The structure of Islamic State is destroyed, but the underlying forces are not - they are being worsened," AlJazeera quoted an expert as saying.

Therefore, presuming Baghdadi is dead, it wont lead to an immediate collapse of the entire organisation. It might trigger the Islamic State fighters to launch more attacks in revenge, as the Taliban was planning after Ladens death. Alternatively, the Islamic State fighters might join other organisations but continue with the same terror activities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's much-anticipated visit to Israel from 4 July marks 25 years of formal diplomatic ties between India and the West Asian nation. The visit will be high on symbolism, seeking to take the ties beyond the traditional emphasis on defence and security to a broad multi-dimensional relationship.

In recognition of the importance of the relationship, the Israeli government is preparing to receive Modi with the kind of ceremonial welcome reserved for visiting United States' presidents. According to the Jerusalem Post, Modi will stay in the same luxury suite that had been prepared for US president Donald Trump at the King David Hotel for his recent trip to Israel. The three-day state visit is the first by an Indian prime minister to Israel.

India's defence ties with Israel have been in the spotlight ever since it became a major supplier of defence equipment to India; it has been the third largest defence supplier in the last three years. But the efforts during Modi's visit would be aimed to go beyond the defence ties, to focus on the broad-based relationship that has been built up in the past few years.

The two sides will seek to "institutionalise the relationship", as Israeli Ambassador Daniel Carmon had said. The two sides are expected to set up a high-level mechanism for water management, agriculture and innovation and sign agreements on cyber security, science and technology and space.

While Israel's prowess is well known in India in the agriculture and water management sector, what Indians are not familiar with is Israel's reputation as one of the leading start-up countries in the world. Israel has a proven track record in the quality of its IT startups.

India and Israel have significant cooperation in the field of agriculture. Under the India-Israel action plan, Israel has set up 15 centres of excellence in agriculture and horticulture in Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. The centres demonstrate Israeli best practices that can be used to improve Indian farming practices.

While the central government has taken measured steps in building the bilateral relationship, state governments have been active in reaching out to Israel for help and assistance in agriculture and water management.

Modi had visited Israel in 2006 when he was chief minister of Gujarat. The BJP has traditionally been closer to Israel, having long admired Israel for its use of hard power. It was expected that Modi would make Israel one of his early destinations  he had publicly indicated that he would be going to Israel after he met Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington in September 2014. But the visit is taking place now, after three years in office.

The two leaders have already met twice abroad on the sidelines of United Nations-related events and are said to have an easy access to each other over the phone. Netanyahu had recently thanked Modi, calling him "my friend", as he tweeted:

Thank you, my friend, for your kind holiday greeting. The people of Israel eagerly await your historic visit. https://t.co/Is1NmfWiMF  Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) April 11, 2017

Israel values its ties with India, especially at a time when Israel has been losing the traditional support of the European countries over its hardline stance of building new Jewish settlements in Palestine territories.

India's ties with Israel have been historically linked with Palestine. A strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, India recognised Israel in 1950 but established diplomatic relations only in 1992. Over the years, India has attempted to balance its ties with Israel and Palestine.

India's relations with Israel have moved in carefully graded steps, but in the past few years, India has slowly shed its hesitation in acknowledging the deepening ties with Israel. Modi has ended the usual practice of Indian leaders of clubbing a visit to Palestine with every visit to Israel. He will visit Israel and then travel to Hamburg for the G20 meeting. However, Palestine president Mahmoud Abbas paid a state visit to India last month.

Modi will attend a large event of the Indian diaspora which forms another link between India and Israel. He is expected to address a gathering of the Indian origin community at the Convention Centre in Tel Aviv. Over 4,000 persons have registered for the event.

Israel has a population of about 85,000 persons of Indian origin. Most of them are Indian Jews who migrated to Israel in the 1950s onwards. The organisers have expressed hope that Netanyahu, who is expected to attend most of Modi's functions in Israel, would also attend the meeting of Indian Jews.
Jerusalem: Moshe Holtzberg, the Israeli child who was just two years old when he lost his parents in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, is looking forward to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who in a special gesture, will meet the boy during his visit to Jerusalem next week.

Modi's decision to meet Moshe, now 10, has been welcomed by the child's family which said that the gesture made them realise that Indians share their pain and they have not been forgotten.

Modi will also meet Moshe's Indian nanny Sandra Samuels, who managed to escape with him from the Nariman House which came under attack by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists, and his grandparents Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg.

"I could not believe my ears when I got a call from the Indian envoy saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to meet us. My immediate thoughts were that we have not been forgotten and that Indians share our pain," Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg told PTI.

"I am deeply moved and can't explain how good I feel at this gesture from the Indian prime minister. We are looking forward to that opportunity," Rabbi Rosenberg added.

Asked what he would tell Modi when he meets him, Rosenberg said that he wanted to do his grandson's 'bar mitzvah', a ceremony performed for Jewish boys at the age of 13 which Indian scholars in Israel compare with 'upnayana' or the thread ceremony, in Mumbai for which he would invite Modi.

"We feel we have a home in Mumbai and that we have a family there. I would like to do Moshe's bar mitzvah there in two and a half years and will ask Prime Minister Modi to attend it," the Rabbi said.

Moshe was barely two years old when his parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg, serving as emissaries of Chabad in Mumbai, were killed along with six others by LeT terrorists at the Nariman House, also popularly known as Chabad House, in Mumbai attacks in 2008 in which 166 people were killed.

The Nariman House was one of the five places targeted by the terrorists.

Moshe now goes to a yeshiva (religious school). He is still very attached to his nanny Sandra who works in Jerusalem and joins the family over the weekends.

"He is always overjoyed when he sees her and plays with her the whole weekend," the grandfather said.

Israel honoured Sandra, who risked her own life to save then two-year-old Moshe from the clutches of death, with an honorary citizenship in September, 2010.

She works with young kids in Jerusalem during the week and joins the Rosenberg family in the north during the weekends, Shimon said.

Sources said that the time and venue of the meeting with Modi on 5 July has not been decided yet but it will happen in Jerusalem.
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a high-level meeting of top foreign policy officials to discuss ties with India amid tension with over ceasefire violations in Kashmir.

During the meeting Sharif would be briefed about important foreign affairs issues, including ties with India and Afghanistan.

The meeting is being attended amongst others by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and senior officials of the Foreign Office.

The meeting was held amid tensions between India and Pakistan after a number of ceasefire violations in Kashmir for which both sides blame each other.

It comes days after the US declared Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist.
Islamabad: Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his disappointment over the "complete silence" in the Indo-US joint statement on the "atrocities" in Kashmir and asked the Foreign Ministry to "proactively highlight" the human rights violations in the Valley.

Sharif visited the Foreign Ministry and undertook a comprehensive review of the foreign policy priorities in the wake of the recent developments in and around Pakistan and the emerging global and regional scenario.

He "underscored the importance of securing peace and stability in the region through sustained dialogue," the prime minister's office said in a statement.

Sharif also "reiterated his priority for a peaceful neighbourhood and resolution of disputes through dialogue". On the Kashmir issue, Sharif asked the ministry "to proactively highlight the serious human right violations being committed in Kashmir and the denial of the right of self-determination to Kashmiris".

"He expressed his disappointment over the complete silence in the US-India joint statement on the atrocities being committed by the Indian Security Forces against innocent Kashmiris," the statement said.

Sharif also underscored the high importance that Pakistan attached to its continued partnership with the US. He asked the ministry to prepare initiatives on Afghanistan and building economic and trade linkages to promote Pakistan's development.

He recalled his meeting with Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and their agreement to evolve a bilateral and quadrilateral mechanism for controlling cross-border terrorism.

Sharif also appreciated Pakistan's 'all-weather' ally China's role for improving Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. He emphasised the importance of highlighting the unmatched contributions and sacrifices made by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and of projecting Pakistan's soft image.

Pakistan should progressively end its reliance on foreign assistance and funding by developing and generating its own resources, Sharif said.

He said that the trade, investment and scientific collaboration should be the strategic pillars of Pakistan's foreign policy.

Taking a note of the virtual suspension of medical visas by India, especially for those needing urgent transplants, Sharif directed that urgent steps be taken to provide such medical facilities across Pakistan at reasonable prices. In this regard, he also directed that a volunteer roster of medical professionals from amongst overseas Pakistani doctors be developed to complement the existing human resource in Pakistan.

Earlier, adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, in his welcome remarks recounted the important achievements made in the Foreign Policy realm under the prime minister's stewardship.

Sharif expressed satisfaction over the status of strategic partnership with China and the launch of $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, reviving the strategic dialogue with the US, strong relations with Russia, major improvement in relations with Central Asia culminating in Pakistan's membership of SCO.

Sharif said that these achievements were facilitated by "significant gains" made in fighting terrorism and in achieving economic turnaround.

Foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua in her presentation talked about the challenges Pakistan was facing in key areas including Afghanistan, India and the US. She also briefed Sharif on the recent developments in the Middle East.

The meeting was held days after the US designated Syed Salahuddin, chief of Hizbul Mujahideen, as a "terrorist" on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington earlier this week.

During Modi's visit to the US, India and the US vowed to strengthen cooperation against terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba and D-Company, while asking Pakistan to ensure that its soil is not used for terror strikes against other nations.

In a joint statement released after talks between Modi and President Donald Trump, the two nations called on Islamabad to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups".

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and senior officials of the foreign office among others.
Vatican City: Pope Francis suffered a major blow when his top financial adviser, Cardinal George Pell, was charged in his native Australia with multiple counts of sexual assault from years ago, bringing a criminal case in the long-running abuse scandal inside the frescoed walls of the Vatican for the first time.

The 76-year-old Pell, the highest-ranking Vatican official ever implicated in the scandal, forcefully denied the accusations and took an immediate leave of absence as Vatican finance czar to return to Australia to defend himself.

"The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me," Pell told reporters on Thursday in the Vatican press office. "News of these charges strengthens my resolve, and court proceedings now offer me an opportunity to clear my name."

The pope thanked him for his "honest" work and collaboration, and set about trying to ensure that the financial reforms he had entrusted to Pell would continue in his absence.

But the case creates a thorny image problem for the pope, who has already suffered several credibility setbacks in his promised "zero tolerance" policy about sex abuse in the worldwide scandal.

In 2014, Francis won cautious praise from victims' advocacy groups when he created a commission of outside experts to advise him and the broader church about the "best practices" to fight abuse and protect children.

But the commission has lost much of its credibility after its two members who were survivors of abuse left in frustration. Francis also scrapped the commission's signature proposal, a tribunal to hear cases of bishops who covered up for abuse, after Vatican officials objected.

That one of his top advisers now stands charged with abuse himself increases the pressure on Francis to get the abuse commission back on track and press ahead with the financial reforms that he was elected pope to enact.

"It's a big crisis for Pope Francis, because Cardinal Pell was the man he called from Sydney to Rome to reform the Vatican finances," noted Christopher Lamb, correspondent for the British Catholic magazine, The Tablet.

"Pope Francis has said 'zero tolerance' for abusers, that he was going to sack bishops who cover up, but at the same time there have been number of cases where he's been accused of having not taken strong enough action."

Notably, Francis didn't force Pell to resign. He has said he would wait for Australian justice to run its course before making a judgement himself.

The developments also posed a new obstacle for Francis as he tries to overhaul the Vatican bureaucracy and bring its finances up to international accounting and transparency standards.

If the case drags on, he will be pressed to ensure that the economy secretariat can work effectively. Reforms already were strained by Pell's repeated clashes with the Italian-dominated bureaucracy, mired by delays, resistance and the complexity of bringing order to the Vatican's financial fiefdoms.

Just last week, one of Pell's top allies, the Vatican auditor general, resigned without explanation two years into a five-year term, raising questions about whether the reform effort was doomed.

The charges against Pell were announced Thursday in Melbourne by Victoria state Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton, who said the cardinal  Australia's senior Catholic  was ordered to appear in court 26 July to face multiple counts of "historical sexual assault offences", meaning offences that generally occurred some time ago.

Patton said there are multiple complainants against Pell, but he gave no other details.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said the holy see had learned with "regret" of the charges and that the work of Pell's office would continue in his absence, albeit only its "ordinary" affairs.

In a statement he read to reporters while sitting next to Pell, Burke said the Vatican respected Australia's justice system but recalled that the cardinal had "openly and repeatedly condemned as immoral and intolerable" acts of sexual abuse against minors.

He noted Pell's cooperation with Australia's Royal Commission investigation of sex abuse and that as a bishop in Australia, he worked to protect children and compensate victims.

Pell said he intends to return to Rome eventually to resume his work as prefect of the Vatican's economy ministry. The Vatican said Pell would not participate in any public liturgical events during his leave.

The charges came while many of the world's cardinals were in Rome for a ceremony a day earlier to elevate five new cardinals, and Pell did not participate in a mass in St Peter's Square on Thursday.

For years, Pell has faced allegations that he mishandled cases of clergy abuse as archbishop of Melbourne and, later, Sydney. But more recently, Pell himself became the focus of a clergy sex abuse investigation, with Victoria detectives flying to the Vatican to interview him last year.

It is unclear what the criminal charges against Pell involve, but two men, now in their 40s, have said that Pell touched them inappropriately at a swimming pool in the late 1970s, when Pell was a senior priest in Melbourne.

Pell's actions as archbishop came under scrutiny in recent years by a government-authorised investigation into how the Catholic Church and other institutions have responded to the sexual abuse of children.

The Royal Commission found shocking levels of abuse in Australia's Catholic Church, revealing that 7 percent of priests were accused of sexually abusing children in the past several decades.

Last year, Pell testified to the commission that the church had made "enormous mistakes" in allowing thousands of children to be raped and molested by priests. He conceded that he, too, had erred by often believing the priests over victims who alleged abuse. He vowed to help end a rash of suicides that has plagued church abuse victims in his hometown of Ballarat.

But he also became something of a scapegoat in Australia for all that went wrong with how the church handled the scandal.
DOHA/WASHINGTON Qatar said on Thursday it was working with the United States and Kuwait to respond to a list of demands presented by Arab states who have accused Doha of supporting terrorism, an allegation that ignited a regional crisis between the U.S. allies.The feud erupted on June 5 when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and travel links with Qatar, accusing it also of courting regional foe Iran. Qatar denies the allegations.The four countries have sent Doha a list of 13 demands, including closing the state-funded Al Jazeera television station and reducing ties to Iran, an official of one of the four countries said. They gave Doha 10 days to comply.The deadline is expected to expire on Sunday. Kuwait, which retained ties with Qatar, is trying to mediate in the dispute with the support of the United States.In Washington on Thursday, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told reporters that Qatar, together with the Americans and Kuwaitis, was preparing responses.

"We have to set the conditions first in order to pursue these negotiations," Sheikh Mohammed said.At a later event, Sheikh Mohammed said the future of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council could be at risk. The security group comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman."We believe this is a big question mark for the future of the GCC," the foreign minister said in response to a question.

The group was formed to guard against external threats, he said, adding: "When the threat is coming from inside the GCC, there is a suspicion about the sustainability of the organization."Sheikh Mohammed has called the demands by the four Arab countries "unreasonable" and said setting a deadline impinged on Qatar's sovereignty.Doha was ready to discuss "legitimate issues" with Arab states to end the crisis but some demands were impossible to meet because the underlying accusation was untrue, the foreign minister said in a statement earlier on Thursday.

"We cannot 'sever links with so-called Islamic State, al-Qaeda and Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah' because no such links exist," the statement said. "And we cannot 'expel any members of Irans Revolutionary Guard' because there are none in Qatar."The director of Qatar's World Trade Organization office, Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, said Qatar was considering a complaint at the WTO against a "blockade" by the Arab states.The UAE ambassador to Russia has said Qatar could face fresh sanctions if it does not comply with the demands. The Gulf states could ask their trading partners to choose between working with them or Doha, he said in a newspaper interview.NATO ally Turkey has backed Doha in the rift. Qatar's defence minister is due to visit Ankara on Friday and will hold talks with his Turkish counterpart, sources at Turkey's defence ministry said. A new contingent of Turkish forces had arrived in Doha, Al Jazeera reported. (Reporting by Tom Finn in Doha and Yara Bayoumy and Warren Strobel in Washington; Additional reporting by Tulay Karadeniz,; Writing by Sylvia Westall and Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Ralph Boulton and Grant McCool)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Beijing: China on Friday indicated it was open for talks with India, saying a "meaningful dialogue" over the border stand-off is the "pressing issue".

This is a climbdown for Beijing which earlier ruled out any talks until India withdrew its troops from "Chinese territory".

"Diplomatic channels are unimpeded between India and China for talks on the stand-off in Sikkim," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

"The pressing issue is to have a meaningful dialogue for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Doklam area in Sikkim sector," Lu added.

Lu again charged Indian troops with trespassing the Chinese border. India has denied the allegation.

He also rejected Bhutan's claims over Donlong, calling it Chinese territory.

Recently, China had warned India it will escalate the current border row if it did not withdraw troops from Chinese territory and said this was a precondition for a meaningful dialogue to settle the boundary issue, warning that the Indian Army should learn 'historical lessons', in an oblique reference to the 1962 war.
New Delhi: A high-level meeting on Friday reviewed the situation in the Sikkim sector where tensions have flared up between Indian troops and Chinese military over construction of a road by China in a strategically key area near the India-China border.

The meeting was attended by army chief General Bipin Rawat, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar among others and it carried out detailed analysis of the overall situation in the sensitive areas.

General Rawat, who returned from Sikkim on Friday morning, presented a detailed account of ground realities in the wake of the stand-off between the two armies triggered by China's attempts to build a road at Donglong which Bhutan says belonged to it.

The situation was reviewed in the meeting, sources said.

General Rawat had on Thursday had visited the army's formation headquarters in North Sikkim and was briefed by top commanders about the face-off as well as the current situation.

The flashpoint was China's attempts to build a road in the strategically key area of Donglong as its link to the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction could give China a major military advantage over India.

The Indian Army had blocked construction of the road.

Commenting on the issue, the external affairs ministry on Friday said India was "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to Beijing that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".

A 220 kilometres section of the 3,488 kilometres India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh falls in Sikkim.

On Thursday, China had asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong as a precondition for a "meaningful dialogue" to settle the boundary issue, warning that the Indian Army should learn "historical lessons", in a reference to the 1962 war.

Reacting to it, defence minister Arun Jaitley said India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962.

"If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different and India of 2017 is different," Jaitley said when asked about China's warning on Thursday.

The defence minister said the Bhutan government had made its stance clear and China was trying to alter the status quo in the area.
The ongoing face-off between the Indian and Chinese troops over a road construction on the borders of a 269-square kilometre plateau in Bhutan raises questions for both India and China, to which there may not be any convincing answers.

But, if one goes by history and logic, China's answer will be more embarrassing than India's. In fact, what India is doing in the Doklam plateau is exactly the same as what China is doing in the Korean peninsula at the moment.

The question for China is: Why is it in such a hurry to construct roads in a so-called disputed territory? Especially, since the territory's status has to be determined through peaceful boundary negotiations with Bhutan  that have been on since 1984 (as of now, there have been 24 rounds of China-Bhutan border negotiations, the last one being held in Beijing in August 2016).

The question for India, on the other hand, is: Why are Indian troops fighting for Bhutan in "Bhutanese territory" to repel the encroaching Chinese soldiers? Especially given the fact that India and Bhutan do not have a formal defence or security treaty between them, that calls for one to come to the rescue of the other under attack or threats.

Now, let us look at China. The Chinese claims over Bhutanese territory cover a total of 764 square kilometres  the North West (269 square kilometres), constituting the Doklam, Sinchulung, Dramana and Shakhatoe in Samste, Haa and Paro districts; and Central parts (495 square kilometres), constituting the Pasamlung and the Jakarlung valley in the Wangdue Phodrang district.

In 1996, China offered Bhutan a "resolution package deal", proposing an exchange of Pasamlung and Jakarlung valleys, totalling an area of 495 square kilometres in Central Bhutan, with the pasture land of Doklam, Sinchulung, Dramana and Shakhatoe, amounting to 269 square kilometres in North Western Bhutan. But Bhutan rejected it. In 1998, Bhutan and China signed a peace agreement promising to 'maintain peace and tranquillity on the Bhutan-China Border Areas'.

China has violated this 'peace agreement' by trying to construct roads in Doklam. As Ambassador of Bhutan to India Vetsop Namgyel has said, "Doklam is a disputed territory and Bhutan has a written agreement with China that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, peace and tranquillity should be maintained in the area." China cannot describe its actions as legitimate, which it does by describing the area as "a part of Chinese territory".

Now comes the question to India, a question that, in fact, has been asked by China. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang, India is objecting to the Chinese efforts to build the road on behalf of Bhutan (which, incidentally, does not have any diplomatic ties with Beijing), "a universally recognised sovereign country".

He then advised, "Hope countries can respect the sovereignty of the country (Bhutan). The China-Bhutan boundary is not delineated, no third party should interfere in this matter and make irresponsible remarks or actions."

However, China knows the answer to this question very well, given its own stance in the Korean peninsula under similar circumstances. The United States, bound by a security treaty with South Korea, has deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile systems to counter possible nuclear missiles from North Korea, following two nuclear tests by the latter in 2016. But China has vehemently opposed the deployment of THAAD in South Korea.

Beijing apprehends that THAAD in South Korea could weaken its second strike capability and destroy strategic stability between China and the Unites States. It is very much worried over THAAD's technological capabilities, primarily the X-ray AN/TPY-2 radar system it employs, which, if directed at China, would provide a surveillance system for missiles launched within a radius of 1,500 to 2,000 kilometres.

This will speed up the forecasting time of the US National Missile Defense System (NMD) and significantly increase the missile intercept rate. Accordingly, China has demanded the removal of THAAD from South Korea, failing which it has threatened to "destroy" bilateral relations with Seoul.

Now, is South Korea not a sovereign country for China? After all, THAAD in South Korea does not pose a direct threat to China; it is an anti-ballistic missile system designed to destroy intermediate-range ballistic missiles originating from North Korea, not China. But then, the reality is that China considers stability in the Korean peninsula to be extremely important for its own security and any imbalance there (in favour of the US-South Korea alliance) will change the regional dynamics. And here, there are some merits to China's apprehensions.

It is exactly similar to India's apprehensions when China unilaterally changes the status quo in the area near Chumbi valley, the tri-junction of Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. Chinese intrusions into the territory under Bhutan's control have ominous signals to India from the strategic point of view.

Chumbi Valley is only 500 kilometres from Siliguri corridor  the chicken neck which connects India to North East India and Nepal to Bhutan. This explains the rationale behind the aforesaid package deal that China has offered to Bhutan  Central areas for Bhutan in exchange the North-Western areas, which lie next to the Chumbi Valley tri-junction, for China.

The Chumbi Valley has enormous strategic importance for India in the sense that dominance here by China will adversely affect the stability in the Siliguri corridor, vital not only for the linkage between Indian mainland and the north-eastern Indian states but also to ensure security for Kolkata and the north Bihar plains.

And this is all the more important after China opened a railway network in August 2014 connecting Lhasa with Shigatse, a small town near the Indian border in Sikkim. China now wants to extend this line up to Yadong, situated at the mouth of the Chumbi valley. And once this is done, potential threats to the Siliguri corridor from China will take a menacing proportion.

It is obvious, therefore, for India to be concerned about Chinese incursions into the Bhutanese territory the same way China is worried over the deployment of THAAD in South Korea. Even otherwise, India-Bhutan relations are guided by the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, signed in 1949 and renewed in 2007. Bhutan and India are supposed to consult each other closely on foreign affairs and defence matters.

The Indian Army has always been present in Bhutan and is posted on many China-Bhutan border posts. The Indian Army maintains a training mission in Bhutan, known as the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), not to speak of the exemplary work done in that country by the Border Roads Organisation, a subdivision of the Indian Army Corps of Engineers.

Besides, the Royal Bhutan Army relies on the Eastern Command of the Indian Air Force for air support during emergencies. Above all, in 1958, the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had declared in the Indian Parliament that any aggression against Bhutan would be seen as aggression against India.

Bhutan is just not an ordinary country for India. It is as important to India as North Korea is to China.
Beijing: Rejecting Bhutan's claims, China said on the Doklam area in the Sikkim sector has been a traditional pasture for Chinese cattle grazers over which it has historically exercised "complete and comprehensive" control.

The Chinese assertion came amid a stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops after the Indian Army blocked construction of a road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan.

"From historical evidence, we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters.

He said that before the 1960s if the Bhutan residents around the border wanted to graze their cattle they had to get the approval from China.

He claimed that the Doklam area was under Chinese administration since emperor Qing's dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China established in 1636.

"The Tibetan dynasty and Qing dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border," he said.

"In addition to the jurisprudential evidence, the historical convention in 1890 (the Sino-British treaty) has clearly defined it as the crossing point between China, Bhutan and Indian boundary," Lu said.

"The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," he said.

He claimed that the evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side.

Lu said the area where Chinese side undertook road construction "totally belongs to the Chinese territory" and offered to release details on this on foreign ministry's website.

He refuted Bhutan's allegation that Chinese troops' attempts to construct the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly.

"Even though China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relationship we always maintain a traditional friendship. We can tell you that Chinese people are friendly and want good relations with Bhutan people," he said.

"But our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," he said.

"The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," the Chinese spokesman said.

Bhutan foreign ministry had issued a statement on Thursday underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory was a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affected the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries.
Beijing: Underlining the importance of "strategic communication" between China and India, a Chinese expert said in comments published on Friday that leaders of both countries must discuss bilateral problems in a bid to resolve them.

Hu Shisheng, the Director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said strategic communication between China and India was necessary for the two countries.

He said in a commentary published in the state-run Global Times that India's refusal to attend the Belt and Road Forum Summit in Beijing "exposed the strategic discord between the two" countries and said, "strategic mutual suspicions seem to be increasing".

Hu said: "China and India should take efforts to remove and clear the suspicions as soon as possible. Enhancing bilateral trust will greatly benefit Sino-Indian relations and bilateral cooperation in the region."

According to Hu, at present interactions among top leaders of China and Russia, the US and Europe were very effective.

"It is hoped that the Sino-Indian interaction between the two countries' leaders can reach the same level.

"The interactions among top leaders should not only involve the main content of strategic communication but also establish a friendly tone and direction for strategic communication and cooperation.

"Besides, the working relationship among Chinese and Indian departments is important. When prominent events occur, the two countries' ministries and military forces should enhance communication.

"In normal times, India and China can use the existing bilateral mechanisms to solve specific problems between them."

"In addition, India and China can carry out think tank dialogues at bilateral, regional and global levels, and launch reports for these dialogues," he added.

Hu's comments, based on a speech delivered by him, come at a time of heightened tensions between India and China over several issues including their dragging border row.

Hu said attention should be paid to several aspects of the strategic communications between China and India.

"One is not revisiting old issues or disputes on which both have reached consensus already... And leaders of the two countries should take the initiative to discuss solutions to specific problems."
Geneva: Nearly half a million displaced Syrians have returned to their homes since the beginning of the year, mainly to find family members and check on property, the UN refugee agency said Friday.

The agency said it had seen "a notable trend of spontaneous returns to and within Syria in 2017."

Since January, about 440,000 people who had been displaced within the war-ravaged country had returned to their homes, mainly in Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Damascus, Andrej Mahecic, a spokesman for the agency, known as the UNHCR, told reporters in Geneva.

In addition, around 31,000 refugees in neighbouring countries had also returned, he said, bringing to 260,000 the number of refugees who have returned to the country since 2015.

But Mahecic said this is a mere "fraction" of the five million Syrian refugees hosted in the region.

He said the main factors prompting the displaced to return home were "seeking out family members, checking on property, and, in some cases, a real or perceived improvement in security conditions in parts of the country."

He said it was too early to say if the returns might be directly linked to a palpable drop in violence since Turkey agreed at talks in Astana in May with Russia and Iran, allies of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, to establish four safe zones across Syria to ban flights and ensure aid drops.

But this week, the UN's special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told the Security Council that since the 4 May deal, "violence is clearly down. Hundreds of Syrian lives continue to be spared every week, and many towns have returned to some degree of normalcy."

Mahecic nonetheless cautioned that "while there is overall increased hope linked to the recent Astana and Geneva peace talks, UNHCR believes conditions for refugees to return in safety and dignity are not yet in place in Syria."

"The sustainability of security improvements in many return areas is uncertain, and there remain significant risks of protection thresholds for voluntary, safe and dignified returns not being met in parts of the country," he said.

"Access to displaced population inside Syria remains a key challenge," he added.

But "given the returns witnessed so far this year and in light of a progressively increased number of returns", the agency had begun scaling up its operations inside Syria to better be able address the needs of the returnees, he said.

Syria's war has killed more than 320,000 people and forced millions from their homes since it began in March 2011.
London: Theresa May on Thursday won her first confidence vote by a narrow margin in the House of Commons on her parliamentary agenda set out in the Queen's Speech, her first major test as the prime minister of a minority government in the UK.

The MPs voted in favour of the Queen's Speech by 323 votes to 309 with a majority of 14.

May was expected to sail through with the support of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) voting with the Conservatives as part of a "confidence and supply" arrangement after the Tories lost their overall majority in the 8 June snap general election.

Votes on the Queen's Speech establish whether a government commands the confidence of the House of Commons. If the Conservatives were to lose, it could trigger another general election and therefore the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) support was crucial to ensure the vote goes through.

Under the deal with the DUP, May has a working majority of 13, which also helped her win her first vote in the Commons on Wednesday 323 votes to 309 on Opposition Labours proposal to scrap a cap imposed on public sector pay.

In what is being hailed as a new kind of politics in Westminster circles, backbench MPs won their fight to allow women from Northern Ireland to access abortions on the UKs state-funded National Health Service (NHS). More than 50 MPs from the major political parties had backed a call for Northern Irish women to have the same rights as women in England because in Northern Ireland abortions are only allowed if a woman's life is at risk or there is a permanent or serious risk to her physical or mental health.

An amendment on the issue which had cross-party backing, had been selected for inclusion in the Queen's Speech debate.

During the debate in the Commons on Thursday, UK Chancellor Philip Hammond was asked by the Conservative Sir Peter Bottomley, why, in the case of women from Northern Ireland, "only the poor should be denied lawful abortions". Sir Peter was among MPs from various parties to sign the amendment, co-ordinated by Labour's Stella Creasy.

Hammond told him that Justine Greening, the UKs minister for women and equalities, "either has made or is just about to make an announcement by way of a letter to members of this house explaining that she intends to intervene to fund abortions in England for women arriving here from Northern Ireland".

Following the concession from the UK government, the other amendments to be debated and voted on included a call for several of Labour's manifesto pledges to be adopted, plus one to ensure that Brexit delivers the "exact same benefits" of the current European Union (EU) single market and customs union membership.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hoped to highlight apparent divisions within the Conservative ranks over whether to put jobs and the economy first in Brexit talks. The party tabled the amendment criticising what it says is the absence of measures to "reverse falling living standards" such as action on energy bills and wages.

Corbyn claims that May has no mandate for continued austerity measures after she failed to win an outright majority at the last election. "The Conservative programme is in tatters following the public verdict at the general election. Theresa May does not have a mandate for continued cuts to our schools, hospitals, police and other vital public services or for a race-to-the-bottom Brexit. Labour will fight these policies every step of the way," he said.

Another amendment was tabled by Labour MP Chuka Umunna, which calls for the UK to remain in the single market and customs union after Brexit  which is not in line with the Labour's official stand.

May faced a hectic schedule on Thursday as she rushed back from a summit in Germany in time for the parliamentary proceedings in the UK.

In Berlin, May joined German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders to discuss plans for the G20 summit in Hamburg next week and how to put pressure on US President Donald Trump over his refusal to sign up to the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as the stalled trade deal between America and the European Union (EU).
Baghdad: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that thousands of children have been trapped in areas still held by the Islamic State militants in the old city of Mosul.

"Children are facing multiple threats to their lives. Those stranded in the fighting are hiding in their basements, fearful of the next onslaught. Those who try to flee, risk being shot or wounded. Hundreds of civilians have already been reported killed and used as human shields," Unicef's representative in Iraq Peter Hawkins said in a statement on Thursday.

"Boys and girls who have managed to escape show signs of moderate malnutrition and carry psychosocial scars of the conflict, as a consequence of what they have been through," Hawkins added.

The Unicef reiterated its call on all parties of the conflict in Mosul to protect the children from the ongoing violence, Xinhua news reported.

"Children must be kept out of harm's way no matter the circumstances," the representative said.

The Iraqi forces have been fighting inside the old city, but the troops are making slow progress due to the stiff resistance of Islamic State militants and a large number of roadside bombs and booby-trapped buildings, in addition to Islamic State snipers taking positions in the buildings and narrow alleys of heavily-populated neighbourhoods.

According to recent UN reports, some 1,00,000 civilians are still trapped in the Islamic State-held areas in the old city center and the adjacent al-Shifaa neighbourhood.

Mosul, 400 km north of Iraq's capital Baghdad, has been under Islamic State control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling Islamic State militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
Washington: The US State Department has approved arms sales to Taiwan worth a total of $1.4 billion, the first such deal with the self-governing island since President Donald Trump took office, officials said Thursday.

The sale will anger China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory. It comes at a delicate time for relations between Washington and Beijing over efforts to rein in nuclear-armed North Korea.

The sale to Taiwan comprises seven items, including technical support for early warning radar, anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and components for SM-2 missiles, according to a US official who requested anonymity to discuss the details before they were formally announced.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the Trump administration had notified Congress of its intent to approve seven proposed deals now valued at around $1.4 billion. Nauert said the approvals did not violate the Taiwan Relations Act that governs US contacts with the island.

"It shows, we believe, our support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense policy," Nauert said. "There's no change, I should point out, to our 'one-China policy.'"

Taiwan's defense ministry on Friday thanked the US, saying, "The arms sale will help strengthen our country's self-defense capability and maintain the peace on Taiwan strait."

Lawmakers, which are generally strongly supportive of such sales, have 30 days to object. The US is legally obligated to sell weapons to Taiwan for its self-defense.

The US official said the sales represented upgrades, converting existing systems from analog to digital. The total includes roughly $1.3 million in transactions that are considered "foreign military sales," plus another commercial deal that also requires US government approval and brings the total to $1.4 billion.

The last US arms sales to Taiwan, worth $1.8 billion, were announced in December 2015. They included two decommissioned U.S. Navy frigates, anti-tank missiles, amphibious assault vehicles and Stinger surface-to-air missiles, and was the first sale for four years.

China objected strongly, but it did not notably set back US-China relations and military ties, which has happened after past arms sales to Taiwan.

However, relations across the Taiwan Strait have deteriorated since then, as Taiwan last year elected a leader from an independence-leaning party, Tsai Ing-wen. China has increased diplomatic pressure, cut off its contacts with the island's government and discouraged travel there by Chinese tourists.
Washington: US President Donald Trump's ban on refugees and travellers from six mainly Muslim countries went into effect late Thursday, after a US Supreme Court decision allowed it to go forward following a five-month battle with rights groups.

The Trump administration says the temporary ban is necessary to block terrorists from entering the country, but immigrant advocates charge that it illegally singles out Muslims. The 90-day ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and the 120 day ban on refugees, will allow exceptions for people with "close family relationships" in the United States.

But activists said the government has defined that too narrowly, excluding relationships with grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles and others. And many were concerned about a possibly chaotic roll-out of enforcement of the ban, like that in January when it was first announced.

Immigration rights activists and lawyers were waiting to help arrivals at New York's John F Kennedy International Airport and other airports to be sure those from the six countries with valid US visas were allowed in after the ban went into effect at 8 pm Thursday Eastern time (0000 GMT Friday).

The Department of Homeland Security, which was heavily criticized for mishandling many arrivals when the ban was first attempted in January, promised a smooth roll-out this time. They stressed that anyone with a valid visa issued before the ban begins would still be admitted, and that all authorized refugees booked for travel before 6 July will also be allowed. "We expect business as usual at the ports of entry starting at 8 pm Thursday," said a DHS official. "Our people are well prepared for this."

The Trump administration insists the ban was necessary to protect the country from terror threats, and to give immigration authorities more time to tighten vetting of travellers and refugees.

"As recent events have shown, we are living in a very dangerous time, and the US government needs every available tool to prevent terrorists from entering the country and committing acts of bloodshed and violence," a senior administration official told reporters Thursday.

Trump claims political victory

But implementing it, even with exceptions, was also claimed as a political victory by Trump, after Federal appeals courts twice blocked his order saying it violated Constitutional protections of religion and overshot his own presidential powers.

Immigrant rights groups and Democrats in Congress continued to label trump's order "illegal" and said the exemptions provided in a Supreme Court ruling on Monday remained unfair.

According to guidelines issued by the State Department, people with "close family relationships" would be exempt from the ban. It defined that to include parents, spouses, children, sons- and daughters-in-law, siblings and step- and half-siblings. But "close family" does not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, fiances and any other "extended" family members, the guidelines say.

People with formal relationships with a US entity  who have for instance been offered a job or been accepted to study or lecture at a university  will also qualify for visas during the ban. But a hotel reservation, even if already paid for, does not qualify.

'Redefining family'

Democratic legislator Bennie Thompson blasted the government for a "lack of preparation and transparency" in putting into place the ban.

"Just hours before the president's unconstitutional and misguided travel ban takes partial effect tonight, administration officials briefing Congress were unwilling or unable to provide meaningful answers about how they determined whom the ban would affect," said Thompson, the senior Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee.

Rama Issa, executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, said the government is redefining what a family is. "I was raised by my grandparents, so the idea of grandparents not being part of a family is very foreign to me," she said at Kennedy International, preparing to help arrivals after the ban takes effect.

"I'm engaged to get married. I have family who lives in Syria today  not only my father, but my aunts and uncles who I would love to be at this wedding, and unfortunately are not going to be able to be here."
NASA Denies Sending Children To Be Slaves On Mars

Trending News: NASA Is Tangled Up In A Child Slave Colony On Mars Conspiracy

Long Story Short

A conspiracy theory broadcast to a wide range of the country on The Alex Jones Show alleges that NASA has been running a program to send children to Mars where they will become slaves for a future human colony. NASA denies the theory, but when has that every stopped the conspiracy theorists?

Long Story

Queue the X-Files music and brace yourself for one of the most outlandish conspiracy theories in recent memory (and that's really saying something).

Alex Jones, the host of InfoWars and a man who President Donald Trump has praised for his "amazing" reputation, hosted a guy on his show that claims children have been shuttled to Mars on a 20-year ride in order to be slaves on a future colony, reports The Daily Beast.

We actually believe that there is a colony on Mars that is populated by children who were kidnapped and sent into space on a 20-year ride, said guest and "CIA insider" Robert David Steele. So that once they get to Mars they have no alternative but to be slaves on the Mars colony.





And not just your average space colony laborers. Steele says the children will be murdered for their blood and bone marrow to be used as growth hormone.

"Pedophilia does not stop with sodomizing children, said Steele. It goes straight into terrorizing them to adrenalize their blood and then murdering them. It also includes murdering them so that they can have their bone marrow harvested as well as body parts.

Okay, so it's not the first time someone has said crazy stuff on some random broadcast. The problem is, InfoWars isn't some random broadcast. This particular show was broadcast to 118 radio stations and has over 17,000 views on YouTube at the time of writing.

But surely a show with that kind of audience would have a host to keep the guest in check, right?

Wrong. Jones, didn't bother to refute his guest's delusional beliefs. Instead, he spewed off this crap: ...clearly they dont want us looking into what is happening because every time probes go over they turn them off.

And then, Jones said this: Look, I know that 90 percent of the NASA missions are secret and Ive been told by high-level NASA engineers that you have no idea. There is so much stuff going on."

Ah, the old, 'if it's secret, they must be hiding something big defense.' Classic conspiracy theory BS. Sounds just like the whole defense for Pizzagate, which convinced a man to walk into a harmless pizza shop with a loaded gun because people were convinced Hillary Clinton and the Democrats were covering up a child sex ring. And Jones was actually one of the people who advocated for Pizzagate (he has since apologized). Oh, brother.

For some reason, NASA has chosen to deny the ridiculous children on Mars conspiracy theory.

There are no humans on Mars. There are active rovers on Mars. There was a rumor going around last week that there werent. There are, said NASA's Mars exploration spokesperson, Guy Webster, to The Daily Beast. But there are no humans.

Why did you do that NASA? Why the 'F' would you respond to such ridiculous rumors? Don't you know people are going to believe them even more now?

Ugh. NASA, why?

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Why did NASA respond?

Drop This Fact

Another InfoWars host, Mike Cernovich, who pushed Pizzagate hashtags, has been praised by Donald Trump Jr. as someone who will win a Pulitzer for his long gone time of unbiased journalism.
CARACAS Venezuela's state prosecutors' office said on Thursday that it is calling in the former head of the National Guard for questioning about "serious and systematic" human rights violations during the recent wave of anti-government protests. For three months, critics of President Nicolas Maduro have taken to the streets almost every day to protest against what they call the creation of a dictatorship. The protests, which have left nearly 80 dead, frequently culminate in violent clashes with security forces.Maduro says they are an attempt to overthrow him with the support of Washington.

General Antonio Benavides, who was taken off the job last week after troops under his command were filmed firing handguns at protesters, is to appear before prosecutors on July 6.

"There has been evidence of excessive use of force in the repression of demonstrations, the use of unauthorised firearms ... cruel treatment and torture of persons apprehended, as well as raids without warrant and damages to property," the office said in a statement.The Government of the Capital District, where Benavides now works, did not answer phone calls seeking comment.

Chief Prosecutor Luisa Ortega, who broke with Maduro this year, has condemned the excessive use of force by the National Guard as well as the increasing use of military tribunals to try those arrested in protests. Government officials and leaders of the ruling Socialist Party have described her as a "traitor," and the Supreme Court has received a request to have her removed from her post for "serious offenses." (Reporting by Diego Ore; editing by Silene Ramirez and Jonathan Oatis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Hong Kong: Chinese president Xi Jinping said on Thursday China would work to ensure a "far-reaching future" for Hong Kong's autonomy, but he faces a divided city with protesters angered by Beijing's perceived interference as it marks 20 years of Chinese rule.

Britain returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule on 1 July 1997, under a "one country, two systems" formula which guarantees wide-ranging freedoms and judicial independence unseen in mainland China.

Beijing has promised Hong Kong's capitalist system will remain unchanged for "at least" 50 years until 2047, but it has not clarified what happens after that.

"Hong Kong has always tugged at my heartstrings," Xi said on arrival at Hong Kong airport for the handover anniversary in front of flag-waving crowds at the start of a three-day visit.

"... We are willing, together with different sectors of Hong Kong society, to look back on Hong Kong's unusual course in the past 20 years, draw conclusions from the experience, look into the future and to ensure 'one country, two systems' is stable and has a far-reaching future."

Xi's message was consistent with those of other senior Chinese leaders visiting Hong Kong, that Beijing will safeguard the city's development and prosperity.

In reality, however, fears of the creeping influence of Communist Party leaders in Beijing have been starkly exposed in recent years by the abduction by mainland agents of some Hong Kong booksellers who specialised in politically sensitive material and Beijing's efforts in disqualifying two pro-independence lawmakers elected to the city legislature.

Xi did not respond to journalists, including one who asked whether Liu Xiaobo, China's Nobel Peace laureate and jailed dissident, would be released and allowed to travel overseas to be treated for cancer.

Speaking later, Xi praised Hong Kong's outgoing leader, Leung Chun-ying, who cracked down hard on pro-democracy Occupy protests in 2014, for his substantial contributions to the country, "especially safeguarding national security".

"These past five years have not been easy at all," Xi added.

He urged officials to support incoming leader Carrie Lam, who will be sworn in on Saturday, and contribute to the "China dream".

An annual 1 July protest pressing social causes, including a call for full democracy, is expected to take place after Xi leaves on Saturday. On Wednesday night, police arrested several well-known pro-democracy activists, some of whom scrambled up a monument symbolising the city's handover from British to Chinese rule.

Among them was student leader Joshua Wong, who said on his Facebook page on Thursday his detention for more than 16 hours was highly unusual and police had yet to take his statement.

Hong Kong "has been lied to"

Part of the major rift under Chinese rule in Hong Kong has been a push by activists, including the 2014 street protests, to get China to live up to a constitutional promise under Hong Kong's mini-constitution to allow universal suffrage as an "ultimate aim".

"This promise has been shattered under the watchful eyes of the whole world," organisers of Saturday's planned rally wrote in a statement. "Hong Kong has been lied to for 20 years. Let's retake Hong Kong for a real and fully fledged democracy."

A massive security presence is expected with thousands of police deployed to maintain order as protests simmer.

At least 200 protesters sat in sweltering heat outside Hong Kong's highest court on Thursday night to demand the release of dissident Liu.

"Xi Jinping should release Liu Xiaobo," said Annie Tam, who watched as her six-year-old son held a candle. "I respect Liu very much. He really is sacrificing himself for democracy."

The streets of Hong Kong have been festooned with Chinese banners and paraphernalia, including two huge harbourfront screens carrying celebratory messages. Upwards of 120,000 youngsters will join China patriotic activities at a time of growing disillusionment with Beijing among the city's younger generation.

"We ... just hope our people can live in peace and contentment," said Lee Wing-lung, 66, a retired engineer standing opposite the hotel where Xi is staying, taking snapshots with his phone.

"I hope Hong Kong can have a good and peaceful atmosphere."

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said in London Britain hopes that Hong Kong will make more progress towards democracy.

"As we look to the future, Britain hopes that Hong Kong will make more progress towards a fully democratic and accountable system of government," Johnson said in a statement.

"Britains commitment to Hong Kong  enshrined in the Joint Declaration with China  is just as strong today as it was 20 years ago."

Many observers point out that the British did nothing to promote democracy until the dying days of more than 150 years of colonial rule. Britain, looking for new trade partners as Brexit approaches, is also keen not to upset China, the world's second-largest economy.

Chris Patten, Hong Kong's last governor, told the Guardian newspaper British "kowtowing" to China would become increasingly craven after Brexit.
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Oscar Mayer, a unit of Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ:KHC), says they might have found a way to make their hot dogs a bit healthier.

The iconic brand is touting over its new hot dog recipe that uses nitrite derived from celery juice instead of artificial sodium nitrite, which is a preservative used to give processed meats its pinkish color and prevents botulism (a type of food poisoning).

Kraft Heinz says they changed their recipe to reflect consumers growing desire for products containing natural ingredients. The push also comes amid a broader trend of other big food companies announcing similar plans to remove artificial ingredients from their products.

However, critics says that the change makes little difference.

Kana Wu, a research scientist at Harvards school of public health told The Associated Press that processed meat is still processed meat even if it's made with natural ingredients.

Wu was part of a group that helped draft the World Health Organization report in 2015 that said processed meats such as hot dogs and bacon were linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. However, Wu notes that WHO did not pinpoint what exactly about processed meats might be to blame for the link.

One concern about processed meats is that nitrites can combine with compounds found in meat at high temperatures to fuel the formation of nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens in animals. Its a chemical reaction that can happen regardless of the source of the nitrites, including celery juice.

But the U.S. Department of Agriculture caps the amount of artificial nitrites that can be added to meats to prevent excessive use, said Andrew Milkowski, a retired Oscar Mayer scientist who consults for the meat industry. Meat makers also add ingredients to processed meat like bacon that help block the formation of nitrosamines, he said.

Though the terms nitrates and nitrites are used interchangeably, the meat industry says its mainly sodium nitrite that companies currently use to cure meats such as hot dogs, cold cuts and bacon.

The Associated Press contributed to the report
Investors had high expectations for Constellation Brands' (NYSE: STZ) fiscal first quarter results, given that the alcoholic beverage giant frequently trounces management's forecasts. Its announcement this week didn't disappoint.

In fact, the alcoholic beverage giant continues to dominate the beer market with its portfolio of high-end brands. Gains in this segment more than offset weak results in the wine portfolio as Constellation Brands boosted its full-year profit outlook.

More on that earnings forecast in a moment. First, here's how the big-picture operating results stacked up against the prior year:

What happened this quarter?

Constellation Brands capitalized on heavy beer-drinking holidays including Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day to soak up more market share at the high end of the industry this quarter. Prices rose as well, which more than offset soft demand in its wine and spirits business to send profitability rising.

Highlights of the quarter included:

Beer sales rose 8% due to a mix of higher volume and increased average prices. Constellation Brands' portfolio, led by the Corona brand, posted a 12% rate of depletions, which measures consumption volume at distributors.

The wine and spirits segment shrank by 4% on weakening depletion trends in the wine portfolio, which management blamed on the timing of promotions. Spirits saw healthy, double-digit growth thanks to strong demand for High West Whiskey and SVEDKA Vodka.

Operating income ticked higher by 3% to keep the reported margin unchanged at 29% of sales. After accounting for unusual charges and the divestment of its Canadian wine business, adjusted operating margin jumped over 5 percentage points to 35% of sales.

Net income soared nearly 30% higher thanks mainly to a far lower income tax expense.

What management had to say

Executives were pleased with the results. "We're off to a great start for our new fiscal year," CEO Rob Sands said in a press release. "Across the business, we're driving consumer demand for our exceptional portfolio of premium products while executing strong financial and operational performance," Sands continued.

Management noted that Corona, the country's top-selling premium beer, led the beer business to another blockbuster quarter that paired market share gains with increased average prices.

The company recently launched a few innovations in the franchise that are performing well above expectations in test markets right now, according to executives.

Looking forward

Sands and his team have an aggressive marketing plan that they believe will return the wine business to solid growth over the rest of the fiscal year. The beer division, meanwhile, is performing even better than expected and that is the main driver behind management's increased earnings outlook.

While still targeting beer sales growth of between 9% and 11%, Constellation Brands boosted its operating income target for the segment to gains of between 13% and 15% from the prior outlook of between 11% and 13%. As a result, per share earnings are now expected to rise to $8 at the midpoint of guidance, compared to past target of $7.85.

The company still plans to achieve free cash flow of as high as $825 million this year despite investing $1 billion expanding its Mexican beer production capacity. This fiscal year should mark peak spending on that initiative, after which annual cash flow should jump toward $2 billion as the company cashes in on its bigger, more profitable beer operations.

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As a former teacher and administrator in our nation's K-12 education system, it would be hard to find someone more bearish on publicly traded education companies than me.

I expected the end of for-profit education long before the crash came, and I was wary of Blackboard as an investment before it was taken private. Simply put, when profits are introduced into how we educate our youth, the emergence of impropriety is far too common.

That's why I surprised myself this week when I started investigating Instructure (NYSE: INST), a company that got its start by providing a cloud-based platform -- dubbed Canvas -- for educational institutions, and has now expanded into corporate training via its Bridge platform, and interactive videos on Arc.

While this is a small-cap stock, a recent IPO, unprofitable, and shares have doubled since February of last year, I don't think it's as risky as those characteristics might make it seem. For long-term investors, I don't consider volatility a risk. Instead, permanent losses of invested capital -- over a yearslong time frame -- is the chief concern.

Here's why I'm optimistic when it comes to Instructure.

A meaningful moat

By far the most important thing in mitigating risk with any investment is a thorough investigation of a company's moat. With Instructure, I think a very solid moat is in place in the form of high switching costs.

It's no secret that the internet is going to fundamentally change the way that education works -- both in the K-12 and higher education realm. Early entrants into the platform building to meet this shift were clunky; as a college student in 2004, I can still remember how awful it was to try and use Blackboard to accomplish anything.

But with Canvas, Instructure seems to be on to something. More than 2,000 different organizations use Instructure, and that likely comes out to much more than the same number of schools. That's because when a district uses Canvas, it only counts as one customer, even though several schools could be using the platform.

Revenue retention has been above 100% ever since the company went public, meaning that customers are sticking around. And sales have been booming as ever more schools and companies sign on.

Because of the nature of the business, as more and more customers sign on, margins improve dramatically.

Crucially, switching costs are also very high. If revenue retention alone doesn't convince you, consider the headaches -- both financially and mentally -- of retraining your entire teaching force to use a new platform. As a former teacher, I can tell you with 100% certainty: No principal or administrator wants to deal with this.

Cash to keep the company safe

Of course, not being profitable -- or pulling in positive free cash flow -- can take a toll on a company's balance sheet. But in the regard, Instructure seems to be fairly safe. Currently, the company has over $38 million in cash on hand and absolutely no long-term debt.

While cash burn has been significant in the past few years, management is confident that trend will reverse itself in the third quarter of this year, when most new schools go online with their subscriptions. Said CFO Steve Kaminsky in the most recent conference call: "We remain confident that will be cash flow positive in the second half of this year extending into the full year of 2018, where the cash generated in Q3 will be larger than the use of cash for quarters 1, 2 and 4 combined."

If that's not accomplished, then I may be understating the risks. But I believe management can deliver on this promise.

A mission with many forms

But perhaps the biggest reason to think that Instructure isn't as risky as it's characteristics might have you assume is its mission: "To make software that makes people smarter."

That might sound like a trivial thing to focus on, but it has the three traits I look for in a company's mission:

Simple: It can help dictate employee activities toward an end goal. Powerful: This isn't just about making money. It's about helping the world. Optionable: There isn't just one path to creating software that makes people smarter.

The last is what I'm most focused on here. The company started with Canvas as a way to meet the needs of colleges and universities in Utah, and then expanded. Because of its success, it began to offer a training platform -- Bridge -- to businesses outside of education. It's most recent effort -- Arc -- aims to make videos interactive for both platforms.

The point isn't that Instructure has it all figured out. Rather, it's that the company has demonstrated -- over its very young life -- that it is nimble enough to try different ways to accomplish its overarching goals. That type of flexibility reduces the risks of relying on one way of generating revenue -- which can quickly be disrupted in today's world.

Take those things together and I believe that while the stock's ride may be bumpy over the short term, there's a lot to like about the company's mitigation of long-term risks thus far.

10 stocks we like better than InstructureWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

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Berkshire Hathaway said it would swap its preferred shares in Bank of America Corp to buy 700 million common shares, following the bank's plan to raise its dividend.

Berkshire expects to use $5 billion of Bank of America's 6 percent preferred stock that it currently owns to fund the acquisition.

Bank of America on Wednesday boosted its annual dividend to 48 cents per share from 30 cents, beginning in the third quarter.

(Reporting By Aparajita Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)
Japan and the European Union were rushing Friday to finalize an agreement on easing barriers between their huge economies, hoping to have the gist of a deal before the Group of 20 industrial nations meets next week in Germany.

The EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan met with senior Japanese officials shortly after arriving in Tokyo.

"We are making our utmost efforts," Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said. "We need to take into consideration respective sensitivities and make utmost efforts from the perspective of national interests."

He told reporters he expected the talks to be both "fierce and tough."

Local reports said one main point of disagreement was Japan's up to 40 percent tariffs on imported cheese.

Together, the 28-nation EU and Japan form a market of nearly 640 million people and account for nearly a third of global economic activity. Japan is the EU's No. 2 trading partner after China.

European and Japanese leaders have remained committed to lifting trade barriers and expressed concern over the President Donald Trump's "America First" approach to trade.

After Trump withdrew the U.S. from a Pacific Rim trade pact that had been championed by President Barack Obama, Japan and other Asian-Pacific countries involved have continued talks on a revised version of that initiative, called the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The work on a Japan-EU trade agreement has taken over a decade.

Both Japan and the EU have a tradition of protecting their politically powerful farm sectors. Dairy products are an especially sensitive issue for both the EU, with its long traditions and half the world's market share for cheese, and for Japan, where farmers are struggling to compete.

Japan has sought to limit its concessions on dairy imports in the EU talks to the 29.8 percent level for mozzarella, Gouda and Camembert agreed to during its TPP negotiations, Japanese media reports said. The tariff on processed cheese is 40 percent.

"We will resolutely protect our interests. There is no cause for concern," Yuji Yamamoto, Japan's minister of farming, forestry and fisheries told reporters in Tokyo.

Japan is keen to see the EU reduce its tariffs on vehicles, electrical machinery and other industrial products.

Both sides also are targeting each other's "non-tariff measures," such as onerous regulations that deter exporters from even trying to sell in a market.
Deutsche Bank's external counsel in Washington, D.C. rejected on Thursday demands by U.S. House Democrats to provide details of President Donald Trump's finances, citing privacy laws.

The response by Deutsche's lawyers at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld is the second rejection by the bank for information on Trump's finances.

Deutsche Bank has loaned the Trump organization millions of dollars for real-estate ventures, and five Democrats on the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee want information on Trump's finances.

"We respectfully disagree with the suggestion that Deutsche Bank freely may reveal confidential financial information in response to requests from individual members of Congress," Deutsche's counsel wrote in a letter seen by Reuters.

Maxine Waters, ranking Democrat on the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee, said in an emailed response to Reuters on Thursday that she would pursue Deutsche Bank.

"Trump has made it entirely clear that he has a lot to hide, and it appears that Deutsche Bank is willing to cover for him," said California's Waters. "Efforts by Trump, his family members and associates, and Deutsche Bank to avoid scrutiny only intensify our resolve to follow the Trump money trail.

Investigations are being conducted in the United States into possible collusion between Trump's campaign team and Russia during his 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. The White House and the Kremlin have denied that there was any interference in the election.

Waters and four other lawmakers first asked the bank in May to share details about Trump's real-estate business and whether Trump had financial backing from Russia.

Deutsche Bank's Washington-based external counsel responded that it would not share confidential information about Trump's finances.

U.S. House Democrats have argued that U.S. federal laws protecting banking customers' confidentiality did not apply to requests from Congress.

A disclosure document posted on the U.S. Office of Government Ethics website earlier in June showed liabilities for Trump of at least $130 million to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.

The Democrats do not have the power to compel Deutsche Bank to comply with their request. The Financial Services Committee has subpoena power but Republican committee members, who are in the majority, would have to agree.

(Reporting by Tom Sims; Editing by Toni Reinhold)
If you listened to the rhetoric from President Donald Trump during the election you would think one of the most important factors to Americans is where their car was produced. Trump spent a lot of time criticizing vehicle production in Mexico, and studies classifying which vehicles are most "American-made" continue to get a lot of attention. Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is going against the grain, though, and gambling that where the vehicle is produced doesn't matter as much as we believe.

Out of the frying pan into the fire?

As we know, Ford recently canceled its plan to construct a new $1.6 billion plant in Mexico to build the next-generation Focus. And while Trump was quick to claim victory, the truth is Ford isn't bringing that production back into the United States. In fact, it's going even further away, to China.

"We've done a lot of research, and consumers care a lot more about the quality and the value than they do about the sourcing location," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford's president of global operations, in a conference call, according to Automotive News. "IPhones are produced in China, for example, and people don't really talk about it."

In fact, starting next year Ford will go roughly a full year without producing a single Ford Focus aimed for the U.S. market and production of the vehicle in Michigan will end in the middle of next year before coming online in China roughly a year afterwards.

Why the change of heart?

The bottom line for these decisions is almost always the same, especially when it comes to smaller and lower-margin passenger cars: profits. As demand for smaller vehicles continues to decline in the U.S., it's simply a better business decision to avoid retooling two plants in North America to produce the next-generation Focus, compared to just its Chongqing plant in China. Ford believes moving the production to China will save an additional $500 million -- that's incremental to the $500 million it saved by canceling its Mexico plant plans -- for a total of $1 billion.

That's a hefty chunk to save, especially as profits tighten with the U.S. automotive industry plateauing. The move doesn't come without risks, though. That's a large gap in production between mid-2018 and 2019 that Ford will have to fill by stockpiling inventory beforehand. If Ford doesn't predict the necessary supply and demand it could face bloated inventory, which would require higher profit-eroding incentives to move the vehicles. On the flip side, it could face a shortage and leave incremental sales and revenue on the table.

This is a scenario investors will become more familiar with in the coming years. In fact, General Motors (NYSE: GM) is facing a similar scenario with its Chevrolet Cruze, and it's possible GM will one day decide to shift production of that vehicle to its Mexico plants or even its Chinese operations. One thing is for sure, Ford's feeling the pressure to make these decisions to fatten its bottom line, and the risks that come with those decisions are worth watching for investors.

10 stocks we like better than FordWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

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Daniel Miller owns shares of Ford and General Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Germany's foreign minister welcomed on Friday the prospect of a meeting between the U.S. and Russian presidents on the sidelines of next week's Group of 20 summit in Hamburg. He said the two countries are needed to solve the world's conflicts.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet for the first time amid hopes that the pair can find common goals on issues such as Syria, on which they have major disagreements.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told foreign reporters in Berlin on Friday that "we need these two countries' ability to agree in many conflicts in the world."

Gabriel added that "it would be almost strange if they were in one city at the same meeting" and didn't get together.

The minister renewed his criticism of a U.S. Senate vote on sanctions against Russia that included a provision which could affect European  including German  businesses involved in importing Russian natural gas.

It explicitly cites the need to promote U.S. energy exports. Gabriel said that was "honest  I'm not sure whether it's smart to write it into a draft bill, but it made clear what this is about."

"To say that I, as the American state, will now use sanctions mechanisms to torpedo European projects  I don't think that's right," he said.
Mazda is recalling more than 307,000 cars because the parking brake may not fully release or could fail to hold the cars, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers certain Mazda 6 cars from the 2014 and 2015 model years and the Mazda 3 from 2014 through 2016.

The company says water can get into the brake caliper, causing a shaft to corrode and bind. If that happens, the parking brake can get stuck in the on position or fail to fully engage. That can let the cars roll unexpectedly if parked on a slope.

The problem affects only cars with a hand-operated parking brake lever system, according to documents posted Friday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The company got its first report of the problem in April of 2015 in Canada but decided to monitor it because it hadn't received other reports. By February of 2017 Mazda had 13 reports in the U.S. of the problem happening on both models. It traced the cause to a sealing boot that wasn't keeping water out. A collision was reported in Germany when a Mazda 6 rolled off unexpectedly, damaging the rear end. Another crash with bumper damage was reported in the United Kingdom. Mazda says it has no reports of injuries.

A company spokeswoman in the U.S. says more than 307,000 cars were recalled in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan. She did not have information about whether the recall extends to other countries.

Dealers will check the rear brakes. If shafts are corroded, they'll replace the calipers. If not, they'll replace a boot that keeps water out.

Owners will be notified starting August 21.
The New Hampshire-based company that's the oldest and largest maker of protective gear for firefighters is being sold to a Pennsylvania company.

Globe Manufacturing Co., the largest employer in Pittsfield, is being sold for $215 million to MSA Safety, which is based in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, in an all-cash deal.

Rob Freese, Globe's vice president of marketing and sales, tells the Concord Monitor he expects few changes under the deal. The management team of Freese, his brother who oversees manufacturing and company President Don Welch will remain intact.

Globe also has a manufacturing facility in Ada, Oklahoma, and a footwear plant in Auburn, Maine.
President Donald Trump highlighted a deal between Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG) and South Korea during a joint appearance with the countrys president on Friday.

Trump, who discussed a variety of trade issues with President Moon Jae-in during his visit to the White House, praised South Korean companies for investing in the U.S. Multiple companies, including Samsung, announced combined investments of $12.8 billion to coincide with President Moons meeting with Trump.

Cheniere, the only company that exports liquefied natural gas (LNG) from U.S. shale, said earlier this week that its export terminal in Louisiana began shipments to South Korea this month, officially kicking off a deal that was signed in 2012. Under terms of the 20-year agreement, Cheniere will make 3.5 million tons of LNG available to Korea Gas Corp. on an annual basis.

I was gratified to learn about the new investments South Korean companies are making in the United States. This month Cheniere is sending its first shipment of American liquefied natural gas to South Korea in a deal worth more than $25 billion, Trump said during a speech at the White House.

Korea Gas is already in discussions with Cheniere to increase its supply of LNG, according to Platts.

South Korea has joined Mexico, Chile and Japan as buyers of U.S. natural gas, as the nation boosts exports amid a period of abundant supplies.
In a last ditch effort to find a compromise on the Senates health care bill before the July 4 recess, White House and congressional officials are skipping their weekly meeting on tax reform and plan to regroup after the break, FOX Business has learned.

There is no meeting this week because the Senate needed flexibility in their schedule, Natalie Strom, assistant press secretary, confirmed to FOX Business.

A spokeswoman for the House Ways and Means Committee also confirmed the weekly meeting will not happen this week.

Since the start of the new Congress, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, National Economic Council director Gary Cohn, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, have met weekly to put together a comprehensive tax reform plan.

This week, however, the meeting was cancelled as the Senate struggled to cobble together enough support for their new health care legislation, forcing McConnell and Hatch to go back to the negotiating table, leaving no time to meet with the other members of the group, according to people familiar with the matter.

After a week-long internal debate, McConnell announced Tuesday that they did not have enough support to go ahead with a vote before the July 4 recess.

Since then, moderate and conservative Republicans, the two factions who have struggled to come to a consensus, have been negotiating for a better bill in the hope they can make a deal before they leave for the Congressional holiday.

The White House also has taken a more active role in trying to strike a deal between both groups. President Donald Trump called a meeting with all Senate Republicans at the White House after McConnell conceded they did not have the votes.

At the meeting, Trump showed his support for the ongoing discussions about repealing and replacing President Obamas signature health care law, the Affordable Care Act.

We have to have healthcare. And it can't be Obamacare, which is melting down, Trump told reporters at the time.

Vice President Mike Pence has also continued to be involved with the health care debate. On Thursday he met with Republican Senators McConnell, Susan Collins of Maine, Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia, Ted Cruz of Texas, Dean Heller from Nevada and Kentuckys Rand Paul on Capitol Hill.

Collins, Cruz and Paul are three of the lawmakers who have publicly opposed the bill as its currently written.

Pence also held a dinner with Republican Senators Mike Lee from Utah, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Nebraskas Ben Sasse to discuss, amongst other topics, the health care bill, at his residence in Washington D.C.

Lee has also been a vocal critic of the bill and has been negotiating with leadership in an effort to get him to vote yes, though he is still not ready to make that commitment, according to Senate aides.

A spokesman for McConnell had no comment. Ryans spokeswoman did not return emails for comment. A spokesman for Hatch and a Treasury spokeswoman did not return calls for comment.
Kellyanne Conway, counselor to President Donald Trump, explained why she is optimistic that a health care bill will be put in front of the president this summer.

We have 19 of the 23 co-ops [that] have failed, 83 insurers left the exchanges already with two dozen more promising to do so. In Sen. Hellers Nevada, two more just pulled out of the exchanges. Youve got bare counties there that literally have no way for people to access private insurers in their counties or basic entry, she told FOX Business Lou Dobbs.

Conway believes Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will continue to work with the Senate until health care legislation is passed.

If the president himself and vice president himself were not engaged in this process they would just leave it to the Senate, she said. Thats not Donald Trumps way and thats not what hes been doing with health care legislation, she said.

The counselor to the president also discussed why its important for Trumps immigration policies to be approved by the Senate.

Kate Steinle is one of many whose lives have been snuffed out by people who should not have been here. We dont give federal funds to cities that call themselves sanctuary cities that are harboring illegal aliens and getting money from [the] DOJ and DHS, she said.
Appellate Court of Illinois, Fourth District. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. BYRON MERRIWEATHER, Defendant-Appellant. NO. 4-15-0407 Decided: June 27, 2017

OPINION

 1 In February 2006, a jury found defendant, Byron J. Merriweather, guilty of first degree murder. In May 2006, the trial court sentenced him to 70 years in prison. On direct appeal, this court affirmed his conviction. In December 2008, defendant filed a pro se postconviction petition, which the trial court dismissed as frivolous and patently without merit. This court affirmed. In February 2013, defendant filed a pro se motion for leave to file a successive postconviction petition, which the trial court denied in March 2015.

 2 On appeal, defendant argues (1) this court should vacate his de facto life sentence and remand for resentencing and (2) the trial court erred in denying him leave to file a successive postconviction petition. We vacate the trial court's judgment and remand with directions.

 3 I. BACKGROUND

 4 Because the parties are familiar with the facts of this case, as they were set forth in detail in our initial Rule 23 order, we will only lay out those facts necessary to address the issues in this appeal.

 5 In September 2004, a grand jury indicted defendant on the offense of first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9-1(a)(1) (West 2002)) in connection with the shooting death of Steven McDade in June 2003. Defendant was born in June 1985, and at the time of the shooting, he was 17 years old. In February 2006, a jury found defendant guilty. In May 2006, the trial court sentenced him to 70 years in prison, which included a 45-year term plus an automatic 25-year firearm enhancement.

 6 On direct appeal, defendant argued (1) the evidence was insufficient to convict him because the witnesses against him were not credible, (2) the trial court erred in allowing the jury to hear about his juvenile record, (3) the court denied his right to a fair trial when the State presented a large amount of evidence alleging he committed other uncharged and gang-related acts, and (4) he received ineffective assistance of counsel. This court affirmed defendant's conviction and sentence. People v. Merriweather, No. 4-06-0847 (2008) (unpublished order under Supreme Court Rule 23).

 7 In December 2008, defendant filed a pro se petition for postconviction relief under the Post-Conviction Hearing Act (Act) (725 ILCS 5/122-1 to 122-8 (West 2008)). Defendant alleged he received ineffective assistance of counsel when counsel failed to locate, interview, subpoena, and call to testify Paul Martin, Vincent Smith, Latonya Hamilton, Troy Wells, Franchise Poston, and Valentino Merriweather, all of whom could have contradicted the State's evidence or provided exonerating testimony. Defendant claimed Merriweather and Martin would have testified he was not the shooter. Poston allegedly would have testified his daughter, Sevon Poston, was out of town at the time of the incident and could not have witnessed the shooting. Wells would have testified defendant was not at the park at the time of the shooting, so Yolanda Roberts could not have seen him exit Chester Hoskins's vehicle. Finally, defendant claimed Hamilton would have testified she went to the park with Roberts and did not tell her defendant was the shooter. Defendant alleged trial counsel was ineffective for failing to move to suppress evidence gained through the use of an eavesdropping device and for not presenting evidence of another viable suspect. Defendant also alleged appellate counsel was ineffective for failing to raise the issue of trial counsel's ineffectiveness.

 8 In February 2009, the trial court dismissed the petition, finding it frivolous and patently without merit. On appeal, this court affirmed, with one justice dissenting. People v. Merriweather, No. 4-09-0160 (2010) (unpublished order under Supreme Court Rule 23).

 9 In February 2013, defendant filed a pro se motion for leave to file a successive postconviction petition, stating a claim of actual innocence based on newly discovered evidence. Defendant attached the affidavits of Tommie Slayton, Valentino Merriweather, Miriah Davidson, and Bertram Givan. Each affidavit stated Troy Wells shot and killed McDade.

 10 In February 2014, defendant filed a pro se motion to supplement the record, which included an affidavit from Rashon Pike. Therein, Pike stated he saw T-Y pull out a gun and shoot a man. The next morning, Pike left for Chicago, and he had not returned to Bloomington since the incident. Pike stated he came into contact with defendant in Menard Correctional Center and learned defendant was incarcerated for the park shooting.

 11 In March 2015, the trial court denied the motion for leave to file a successive postconviction petition. The court found the existence of Slayton, Merriweather, Davidson, and Givan as potential witnesses was not newly discovered. The court noted Slayton, Merriweather, and Givan each alleged they were with defendant in the park at the time of the shooting and Davidson was known to defendant prior to trial. The court found defendant offered no explanation as to how, with due diligence, he could not have not developed or discovered the testimony of these four individuals prior to trial. This appeal followed.

 12 II. ANALYSIS

 13 A. Defendant's Sentence

 14 Defendant argues his 70-year sentence is a de facto life sentence and unconstitutional as applied to him, relying in part on Miller v. Alabama, 567 U.S. 460, 465 (2012), which held a mandatory life sentence without parole for juvenile offenders violated the eighth amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments. Relying on People v. Thompson, 2015 IL 118151, 43 N.E.3d 984, however, the State argues defendant may not raise an as-applied constitutional challenge to his sentence for the first time on appeal from the denial of leave to file a successive postconviction petition. We agree with the State and find this issue forfeited.

 15 In Thompson, 2015 IL 118151,  7, 43 N.E.3d 984, the trial court found defendant, 19 at the time of the crime, guilty of first degree murder and sentenced him to natural life in prison. Years later and after several appeals, the defendant raised an as-applied constitutional challenge to his sentence for the first time on appeal following the denial of his section 2-1401 petition for relief from judgment (735 ILCS 5/2-1401 (West 2010)). Thompson, 2015 IL 118151,  15-17, 43 N.E.3d 984. The defendant argued his claim was not subject to the traditional forfeiture rule because it rendered the judgment void. Thompson, 2015 IL 118151,  17, 43 N.E.3d 984.

 16 Our supreme court disagreed, finding judgments void only where jurisdiction is lacking or where the judgment is based on a facially unconstitutional statute, making it void ab initio. Thompson, 2015 IL 118151,  31-32, 34, 43 N.E.3d 984. The court distinguished facial challenges from as-applied challenges, finding the latter is dependent on the particular circumstances and facts of the individual defendant or petitioner. Therefore, it is paramount that the record be sufficiently developed in terms of those facts and circumstances for purposes of appellate review. Thompson, 2015 IL 118151,  37, 43 N.E.3d 984. The supreme court found the trial court is the most appropriate tribunal for the type of factual development necessary to adequately address defendant's as-applied challenge in this case. Thompson, 2015 IL 118151,  38, 43 N.E.3d 984. Thus, the court concluded the defendant forfeited his as-applied challenge to his sentence by raising it for the first time on appeal. Thompson, 2015 IL 118151,  39, 43 N.E.3d 984.

 17 The supreme court also found the defendant's reliance on People v. Luciano, 2013 IL App (2d) 110792, 988 N.E.2d 943, and People v. Morfin, 2012 IL App (1st) 103568, 981 N.E.2d 1010, to be misplaced because those cases involved defendants who were sentenced to mandatory natural life in prison based on the commission of murders committed when the minors were under the age of 18. Thompson, 2015 IL 118151,  41, 43 N.E.3d 984. The court pointed out the appellate courts in those cases found Miller should be applied retroactively and remanded for a new sentencing hearing. Thompson, 2015 IL 118151,  41, 43 N.E.3d 984.

 18 Defendant relies on People v. Nieto, 2016 IL App (1st) 121604,  35, 52 N.E.3d 442, which found, [w]hen considered as a whole, Thompson implies that courts must overlook forfeiture and review juveniles' as-applied eighth amendment challenges under Miller, notwithstanding the general rule prohibiting as-applied challenges raised for the first time on appeal. We disagree with the First District's reading of Thompson. The supreme court in Thompson found the holdings of Morfin and Luciano to be consistent with its decision in People v. Davis, 2014 IL 115595, 6 N.E.3d 709, on the issue of retroactivity. Thompson, 2015 IL 118151,  42, 43 N.E.3d 984. However, the focus of the defendants being minors in Morfin and Luciano did not affect Thompson's central holding that as-applied constitutional challenges may be forfeited if raised for the first time on appeal. It would be inconsistent for the supreme court to note the need for a sufficiently developed record in adult cases involving as-applied constitutional challenges, but not in cases brought by juvenile defendants. We decline to follow Nieto. Instead, we find defendant forfeited his as-applied challenge to his sentence under Miller by raising it for the first time on appeal.

 19 We note the United States Supreme Court has found when a new substantive rule of constitutional law controls the outcome of a case, the Constitution requires state collateral review courts to give retroactive effect to that rule. Montgomery v. Louisiana, 577 U.S. ___, ___, 136 S. Ct. 718, 729 (2016). Our supreme court has found Miller created a new substantive rule that must be applied retroactively. Davis, 2014 IL 115595,  34, 38, 6 N.E.3d 709. However, the court has also stated if a new rule qualifies as a substantive rule, then defendants whose convictions are final may seek the benefit of that rule through appropriate collateral proceedings. People v. Price, 2016 IL 118613,  32; see also Montgomery, 577 U.S. at ___, 136 S. Ct. at 732 (noting a state may not deny a constitutional right in collateral proceedings, assuming the claim is properly presented in the case). In this case, that appropriate collateral proceeding is a successive postconviction petition. Thus, to raise his claim through a successive postconviction petition, defendant must obtain leave from the trial court. 725 ILCS 5/122-1(f) (West 2016). We note the arguments defendant has advanced for the first time on appeal may well convince the trial court to grant defendant such leave.

 20 B. Successive Postconviction Petition

 21 Defendant argues the trial court should have granted his motion for leave to file a successive postconviction petition, which raised a colorable claim of actual innocence supported by a newly discovered affidavit. We find remand to the trial court is required.

 22 The Act provides a mechanism for criminal defendants to challenge their convictions or sentences based on a substantial violation of their rights under the federal or state constitutions. People v. Morris, 236 Ill. 2d 345, 354, 925 N.E.2d 1069, 1075 (2010). Relief under the Act is only available for constitutional deprivations that occurred at the defendant's original trial. People v. Guerrero, 2012 IL 112020,  14, 963 N.E.2d 909.

 23 Consistent with the above principles, the Act generally contemplates the filing of only one postconviction petition. People v. Ortiz, 235 Ill. 2d 319, 328, 919 N.E.2d 941, 947 (2009). The Act expressly provides that [a]ny claim of substantial denial of constitutional rights not raised in the original or an amended petition is waived. 725 ILCS 5/122-3 (West 2016); see also People v. Pitsonbarger, 205 Ill. 2d 444, 458, 793 N.E.2d 609, 620-21 (2002) (stating the procedural bar of waiver is not merely a principle of judicial administration; it is an express requirement of the statute). [A] defendant faces immense procedural default hurdles when bringing a successive postconviction petition, which are lowered only in very limited circumstances as successive petitions impede the finality of criminal litigation. Davis, 2014 IL 115595,  14, 6 N.E.3d 709.

 24 A successive postconviction petition may only be filed if leave of court is granted. 725 ILCS 5/122-1(f) (West 2016). To that end, section 122-1(f) of the Act (725 ILCS 5/122-1(f) (West 2016)) provides, in part, as follows:

Leave of court may be granted only if a petitioner demonstrates cause for his or her failure to bring the claim in his or her initial post-conviction proceedings and prejudice results from that failure. For purposes of this subsection (f): (1) a prisoner shows cause by identifying an objective factor that impeded his or her ability to raise a specific claim during his or her initial post-conviction proceedings; and (2) a prisoner shows prejudice by demonstrating that the claim not raised during his or her initial post-conviction proceedings so infected the trial that the resulting conviction or sentence violated due process.

Thus, for a defendant to obtain leave to file a successive postconviction petition, both prongs of the cause-and-prejudice test must be satisfied. Davis, 2014 IL 115595,  14, 6 N.E.3d 709. In determining whether a defendant has established cause and prejudice, the trial court may review the  contents of the petition submitted.  People v. Gutierrez, 2011 IL App (1st) 093499,  12, 954 N.E.2d 365 (quoting People v. Tidwell, 236 Ill. 2d 150, 162, 923 N.E.2d 728, 735 (2010)). Where a defendant fails to first satisfy the requirements under section 122-1(f), a reviewing court does not reach the merits or consider whether his successive postconviction petition states the gist of a constitutional claim. People v. Welch, 392 Ill. App. 3d 948, 955, 912 N.E.2d 756, 762 (2009).

 25 Even if defendant is unable to show cause and prejudice, the  failure to raise a claim in an earlier petition will be excused if necessary to prevent a fundamental miscarriage of justice.  Ortiz, 235 Ill. 2d at 329, 919 N.E.2d at 947 (quoting Pitsonbarger, 205 Ill. 2d at 459, 793 N.E.2d at 621). In order to demonstrate a miscarriage of justice to excuse the application of the procedural bar, a petitioner must show actual innocence. People v. Edwards, 2012 IL 111711,  23, 969 N.E.2d 829. To support a claim of actual innocence, the evidence in support of the claim must be newly discovered; material and not merely cumulative; and of such conclusive character that it would probably change the result on retrial.  Ortiz, 235 Ill. 2d at 333, 919 N.E.2d at 950 (quoting People v. Morgan, 212 Ill. 2d 148, 154, 817 N.E.2d 524, 527 (2004)). On an actual-innocence claim, leave of court should be granted when the petitioner's supporting documentation raises the probability that it is more likely than not that no reasonable juror would have convicted him in the light of the new evidence.  Edwards, 2012 IL 111711,  24, 969 N.E.2d 829 (quoting Schlup v. Delo, 513 U.S. 298, 327 (1995)). This court reviews de novo the denial of a defendant's motion for leave to file a successive postconviction petition. People v. Gillespie, 407 Ill. App. 3d 113, 124, 941 N.E.2d 441, 452 (2010).

 26 In the case sub judice, defendant filed a pro se motion for leave to file a successive postconviction petition on February 11, 2013. Along with the petition, defendant attached the affidavits of Slayton, Merriweather, Davidson, and Givan. On February 13, 2014, defendant filed a pro se motion to supplement the record with Pike's affidavit because complete consideration of the successive postconviction petition required inclusion of the document. Also on February 13, 2014, defendant filed a Pro-se Petition for Successive Post-Conviction, raising a claim of actual innocence and relying on Pike's affidavit.

 27 In July 2014, defendant wrote a letter to the trial court asking about the status of his February 2013 motion for leave to file a successive postconviction petition. In November 2014, defendant filed a motion for the court to answer his February 2013 motion. In January 2015, defendant wrote a letter to the circuit clerk, asking for the status of his February 2013 motion. In March 2015, the court denied defendant's February 2013 motion, finding the affidavits from Slayton, Merriweather, Givan, and Davidson did not constitute newly discovered evidence. The court made no mention of Pike's affidavit.

 28 Section 122-5 of the Act (725 ILCS 5/122-5 (West 2016)) grants the trial court discretion to allow amendments to postconviction petitions at any stage of the postconviction proceedings prior to the final judgment. See also People v. Watson, 187 Ill. 2d 448, 451, 719 N.E.2d 719, 720 (1999) (stating section 122-5 allows a trial court, in its discretion, to allow a defendant to amend his postconviction petition). Here, the court does not appear to have ruled on defendant's motion to supplement the record with Pike's affidavit. It is not even clear whether the court was aware of the motion to supplement when it ruled on defendant's February 2013 motion, as it did not reference Pike's affidavit. As the trial court is in the best position to evaluate the merits of the defendant's motion (People v. Harper, 347 Ill. App. 3d 499, 503, 807 N.E.2d 1001, 1004 (2004)), we find the appropriate action is to remand this cause to the trial court for a ruling on defendant's request for leave to supplement the record with Pike's affidavit. See People v. Pinkston, 2013 IL App (4th) 111147,  20, 989 N.E.2d 298; see also Ill. S. Ct. R. 366(a)(5) (eff. Feb. 1, 1994) (stating the reviewing court may, in its discretion, remand a case as may be required).

 29 III. CONCLUSION

 30 For the reasons stated, we vacate the trial court's judgment and remand this cause with directions for the court to rule on defendant's motion to supplement the record and for such further proceedings as may be warranted. As part of our judgment, we award the State its $75 statutory assessment against defendant as costs of this appeal.

 31 Vacated; cause remanded with directions.

PRESIDING JUSTICE TURNER delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion.

Justices Pope and Knecht concurred in the judgment and opinion.
While Illinois took a preliminary step toward ending its two-year budget stalemate Friday, the nations wealthiest state, Connecticut, failed to reach a resolution on a spending bill before the start of the new fiscal year.

Instead, Gov. Dannel Malloy (D-Conn.) will assume control over the states finances through an emergency executive order Friday, in order to continue appropriations until lawmakers reconcile their differences and agree on an actual budget.

This is a regrettable path, and one that I worked very hard to avoid. The executive order offers me less ability to avoid very deep cuts that will have a very real impact on our state and its citizens," Malloy said Friday. "State leaders have a lot of very tough work ahead. And the cuts in state services that will take effect at midnight tonight will not be painless on the people of Connecticut."

The fiscal impasse comes as the state descends into economic turmoil.

Despite having a per capita personal income that is more than 143% of the national averageaccording to Moodys the states economy continues to lag behind others. Revenue shortfalls in the state register around $450 million for the current fiscal year alone, while estimated deficit totals are projected to clock in near $5 billion for the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years combined, according to The Connecticut Business & Industry Association. Debt outstanding levels and unfunded pension liabilities relative to revenues are among the highest of any state in the country, Moodys Investors Service said in May.

Additionally Connecticut has yet to recover many of the jobs it lost during the financial crisis, according to Moodys, and, as previously reported by FOX Business, income-tax collections are projected to fall in fiscal year 2017 for the first time since the recession.

The three major rating firms have downgraded the states credit rating in response to the ongoing budget crisis. In its most recent downgrade, which landed Connecticut with the third-lowest rating out of every state behind only New Jersey and Illinois. Moody's said the downgrades reflect continuing erosion of Connecticut's finances, evidenced by the pending elimination of its rainy day fund, growing budget gaps and rising debt levels.

Connecticut's financial despair comes despite the state governments approval of one of its largest tax rate increases ever in 2015, which has had a negative impact on some business investment.

Connecticut will lose revenue from two big companies in the coming years, as both General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Aetna (NYSE:AET) will move their headquarters out of the state. In 2015, GE, Aetna and Travelers (NYSE:TRV) wrote a letter to Gov. Malloy saying they were considering whether it makes any sense to remain in the state in light of the massive tax hike approved that year.
There are mounting concerns President Donald Trumps tweeting is hijacking his agenda and distracting from the administrations focus on its economic growth plan. But In Trump We Trust author Ann Coulter disagreed, telling the FOX Business Networks Stuart Varney, Ive heard that argument, I love the tweets and yesterdays tweet was fantastic.

Coulter then weighed in on the presidents controversial tweet about MSNBC co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying, Even my friends who disagree with me on whether the president should tweet were all calling yesterdays thing, okay youre right, after the Mika tweet hes got to keep tweeting, it was fantastic.

Coulter agreed that the president should be able to use Twitter to defend himself against the media.

The idea that the aggression, the war between the president and the media, its fantastic, its been a one-sided war until now.

When asked if the presidents tweets will enhance the presidents agenda on health care and tax reform, Coulter responded,

Yes, it makes the media look even sillier than the Russia conspiracy theory. Do you think theyre talking about any of the presidents agenda on CNN or MSNBC because youre not watching if you think they are?

Coulter then said the media should, rename themselves the smirking network, thats all they do about Trump.

When asked if the administration would be more effective without the tweets, Coulter reacted, No, I do not think they could. I think its fantastic, the people get to hear from the president directly.

According to Coulter the medias coverage of Russian meddling has grown tired.

I cant even watch MSNBC and CNN anymore, Id rather have them talk about some dumb facelifts than have them talk about this nonsense with the Russian conspiracy theory.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) said that President Trump should resign after attacking Morning Joe host Mika Brzezinski over Twitter.

On Thursday, Trump tweeted that Brzezinski had a low IQ and accused her of showing up at his Mar-a-Lago estate with her face bleeding badly from a face-lift.

We cannot sustain his behavior. In the middle of trying to call an immigration day yesterday, Republicans had to address the question of bleeding face liftI am very very concerned about his leadership of anything that we propose in the United States Congress including the mean health care bill, she told FOX Business Neil Cavuto.

The Texas congresswoman elaborated on why Trump should resign from office.

What I said on the floor and I maintained, I maintained that the president resign and I think it is because he is ill suited...and the idea that his continuous assault on women only compounds the fact that I would ask him, its a job that he does not seemingly like, he needs to resign and I stand by that because he is inappropriate for the office, she said.

Lee also discussed why she will most likely be voting no against the administrations health care bill and sanctuary city bills.

I know that the health bill needs a no vote and the sanctuary cities [bills] needs a no vote and probably the reason is because of all the power now given to the executive, she said.
As Republicans in the Senate struggle to coalesce around a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, President Donald Trump appeared to back an alternative idea Friday morning: repeal first, replace later.

If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 30, 2017

While some might be worried about the potential consequences of repealing the bill without having an agreed upon replacement in the works, former New York State Lt. Gov. Betsey McCaughey said she doesnat foresee this causing Americans to lose coverage and in fact, it could have the opposite effect.

aI think repeal [first] will be terrific because it will remove insurance regulations that are preventing insurers from offering affordable plans,a McCaughey told FOX Business, while adding it would be an important legislative win for the administration that has struggled so far to get its major agenda items passed.

Ideally, ObamaCare would be repealed and replaced at the same time, but a repeal-first strategy would be better than passing either the current House or Senate bill, according to the Cato Instituteas Michael Tanner.

aRepeal alone would be better than the status quo. In part, because Congress could not stop there. It would have to come back and enact additional reforms,a Tanner told FOX Business. aIf Republicans actually repeal ObamaCare, their conservative base will turn out for them in the midterm elections. If they pass a phony repeal bill, their base will stay home, and they will lose Congress.a

The idea has support from Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), who has been pushing to separate the two items after it became clear that deep divides within the GOP would prevent any near-term agreement on a replacement bill. Sen. Sasse sent a letter to the president Friday suggesting that if McConnell cannot reach a consensus when lawmakers return from recess, they should vote to repeal right away and then use August to work on a replacement.

Another proponent? Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who tweeted Friday that he had spoken with the president and Senate leadership about the proposal.

I have spoken to @realDonaldTrump & Senate leadership about this and agree. Let's keep our word to repeal then work on replacing right away.  Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) June 30, 2017

This comes after the GOP introduced a draft bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act last Thursday, which has since been met with some intraparty opposition over a number of different items, including the continuation of ObamaCare subsidies, changes to Medicaid and a Congressional Budget Office estimate that 22 million Americans would lose insurance under the proposal over the next decade.

Gradually slowing the expansion of Medicaid has been a big sore spot for Senate Republicans, as critics argue this measure would endanger Americaas most vulnerable populations. However, McCaughey said itas the Affordable Care Act's mandated expansion that has actually restricted health care access among this demographic.

aObama says that the Republicans are trying to destroy Medicaid. No, his law destroyed Medicaid a it turned it from a safety net into way of life for half of America.Itas unaffordable and itas endangering access a for the truly poor,a she said.

Another major piece of the bill that has slowed approval is a 3.8 percent ObamaCare tax on high earnersa investment income. Critics viewed removal of this tariff as a way to use health care to disguise a tax cut for the richest Americans, so this week lawmakers discussed including it instead in legislation at a later date.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said earlier this week a vote on the draft proposal, originally scheduled for this week, would be delayed until after the July 4 weekend. Senator John Thune (R-SD) confirmed to Fox News on Wednesday that Republicans were aiming to amend the bill by Friday and send the fresh draft to the CBO for scoring over the July 4 recess. The chamber had intended to hold a vote when lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill the week of July 10.

White House senior advisor Kellyanne Conway told Fox News Friday the president and his staff remain confident health care will get done this summer followed by tax reform by yearas end.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he was sending federal help to fight crime in Chicago that has reached "epidemic" proportions.

The president, who in January decried the high crime rate in the Midwestern U.S. city as "carnage," did not specify what type of help he planned to send.

"Crime and killings in Chicago have reached such epidemic proportions that I am sending in Federal help. 1714 shootings in Chicago this year!" Trump wrote in an early morning Twitter post.
You can run, but you cant hide in Omaha.

A Nebraska State Police aerial patrol clocked a motorcyclist doing 146 mph while weaving through traffic and using the shoulder in a busy suburban area on the West Dodge Expressway.

A police spokesman told the Omaha World-Herald that it was one of the highest speeds they have ever seen. Scofflaw motorcyclists are a particular problem, as they are more easily able to evade police in traffic than cars and trucks can.

But after spotting the bike, the pilot followed it to an apartment complex and directed a patrol car to his location. Turns out the 28-year-old had a suspended license and was riding an unregistered motorcycle. Along with those infractions, he was charged with speeding and careless driving.

The police posted about the incident on Facebook, and Trooper Tom Hicken told the World-Herald that we wanted to get the message out. We are watching.

MAINE POLICE ARREST "GOOD DRIVER" GOING 139 MPH
James Cromwell was sentenced to jail for refusing to pay fines related to his arrest at a protest at a New York power plant.

A town judge in Wawayanda on Thursday sentenced the Oscar-nominated actor to seven dails in jail, the Times Herald-Record of Middletown reports.

Cromwell was among a group found guilty of obstructing traffic at a December 2015 sit-in at the site of a natural gas-fired power plant being built in Wawayanda. The protesters say the plant poses a threat to the environment.

Cromwell says he hopes that people can see the injustice of the jail sentence and that others may be inspired to join the pickets.

Cromwell lives in a neighboring town. He has appeared in more than 50 films, including "Babe" and "L.A. Confidential."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Joe Jackson, the 88-year-old father of late pop star Michael Jackson, was involved in a car accident near the Las Vegas strip on Friday morning.

TMZ reported Jackson walked into a Panda Express near the crash and complained of chest pains. The celebrity news site added paramedics rushed Jackson to University Medical Center for observation.

Mr. Jackson was a passenger in a vehicle that was traveling westbound on West Sahara Avenue east of Decatur Boulevard, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told Fox News. Another vehicle traveling eastbound on West Sahara attempted to make a left hand turn to enter a private drive at 4590 West Sahara Avenue.

"The vehicle failed to yield the right of way and collided with the vehicle Mr. Jackson was in. He was transported to University Medical Center for observation due to a complaint of injury. The at-fault driver was cited for failure to yield right of way. There were no signs of impairment on the drivers involved. There will be no further updates.

Jackson later announced he was fine on his website.

Earlier today while in the car with my assistant we got involved in an accident as they drove in front of us, he wrote. I got out of it without a scratch. My assistant, however, had to be taken to the emergency [room] because the airbag in the car broke his thumb. We are leaving and going back out to enjoy our lunch at home. All is well. Thank God.
Calvin Harris is regretting going off on Taylor Swift via Twitter just a month after the couple broke up in July 2016.

The pair dated for 15 months before calling it quits.

It was completely the wrong instinct, the 33-year-old told British GQ. I was protecting what I see as my one talent in the world being belittled. It felt like things were piling on top of me and that was when I snapped.

The Scottish DJ vented his frustrations on Twitter after a rep for the 27-year-old pop star confirmed she wrote his hit song, This Is What You Came For. At that time, Swift was immediately rumored to be dating 36-year-old British actor Tom Hiddleston.

I figure if youre happy in your new relationship you should focus on that instead of trying to tear your ex bf down for something to do, Harris tweeted at the time. I know youre off tour and you need someone new to try and bury like Katy [Perry] ETC but Im not that guy, sorry. I wont allow it. Please focus on the positive aspects of YOUR life because youve earned a great one. God bless everyone have a beautiful day.

Harris acknowledged he may have taken things a bit too far.

Its very difficult when something I consider so personal plays out very publicly, he explained. The aftermath of the relationship was way more heavily publicized than the relationship itself. When we were together, we were very careful for it not to be a media circus. She respected my feelings in that sense. Im not good at being a celebrity. But when it ended, all hell broke loose. Now I see that Twitter thing as a result of me succumbing to pressure. It took me a minute to realize that none of that matters. Im a positive guy."

He added,  For both of us it was the wrong situation. It clearly wasnt right, so it ended.

Swift has since moved on from Harris. Shes now reportedly dating 26-year-old British actor Joe Alwyn.
Long gone are the days when Renee OConnor was a battling bard who traveled with Xena to fight ancient gods, warlords, and kings. These days, the 46-year-old actress is taking on a new challenge: discovering the power of prayer.

The Texas-native is starring in a new film titled A Question of Faith, which tells the story of three families living in the same community where they discover Gods love and forgiveness. The drama is scheduled to close MegaFest, a four-day faith and family festival, on July 1 in Dallas.

I love to be a part of a film that gives a positive message, OConnor told Fox News. This was the type of film that Im always looking for, something thats spiritual and tries to make people feel good or more inspired. The opportunity came up and I really wanted to work on the film.

A GUIDE TO THE '80S WOMEN'S WRESTLING BEHIND NETFLIX'S 'GLOW'

She said theres a great need for films like A Question of Faith."

I think they are out there. You just have to look for them, she explained. I think theres definitely a larger audience looking for films with a message People are looking for something that will inspire them, help them connect more with the community, connect with something higher than ourselves.

"I think people look at the definition of a faith-based film and may think its not for them But I definitely think its a strong market now and people do want to see more of these films It helps not to judge the genre and instead, step into a movie and learn more about the story and be carried away by something thats bigger than ourselves.

Some viewers may be surprised by OConnors newest role. In Xena: Warrior Princess, which premiered in 1995, she starred as Gabrielle, the leading heroines trusty sidekick. Their action-fueled adventures focused on their friendship and many viewers speculated they were gay. Xena, played by New Zealand actress Lucy Lawless, became a lesbian icon. However in 2015, Lawless told the New York Times the two women were initially oblivious to their characters' blossoming love story.

OConnor isnt worried her new role may shock fans from the LGBT community. Her goal is to make audiences, no matter their background, feel good with a positive message.

I think the people who have been following me all of these years, they know that I want to try to help them elevate their experiences, she explained. I just want to help people connect with one another For someone to feel that Im trying to create separation that kills me they would feel that way. I would not want them to feel that way at all. That would be sad for me."

OConnor previously appeared in the 2015 film Beyond the Furthest Star, a faith-based drama. She and her husband are also producing Watch the Sky, a family flick.

"I just think theres a need for more of us to understand each other and have a lack of judgement," she added. "I am conscientious of the roles I take and what my fans would think... I just happen to be drawn to family-friendly genres."
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. NASEDRA K. LUMPKIN, Plaintiff - Appellant, v. ATTORNEY GENERAL, STATE OF FLORIDA, ASSISTANT STATE PROSECUTOR, Julie Hogan, ASSISTANT STATE PROSECUTOR FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, Nicholas B. Cox, FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, Defendants - Appellees. No. 16-17359 Decided: June 28, 2017

Before JULIE CARNES, JILL PRYOR, and EDMONDSON, Circuit Judges.

Nasedra Lumpkin, a Florida prisoner proceeding pro se, appeals the district court's dismissal -- pursuant to 28 U.S.C.  1915(e)(2)(B)(ii) -- of his 42 U.S.C.  1985 complaint for failure to state a claim. No reversible error has been shown; we affirm.

We review de novo the district court's dismissal for failure to state a claim pursuant to section 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii), applying the same standards that govern Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6). Mitchell v. Farcass, 112 F.3d 1483, 1490 (11th Cir. 1997). We view the complaint in the light most favorable to the plaintiff, accepting the fact allegations in the complaint as true. Dimanche v. Brown, 783 F.3d 1204, 1214 (11th Cir. 2015). In addition, we construe liberally pro se pleadings. Alba v. Montford, 517 F.3d 1249, 1252 (11th Cir. 2008).

As an initial matter, we reject Lumpkin's contention that the district court erred in applying 28 U.S.C.  1915 to his complaint. Lumpkin's complaint was a civil action filed by a prisoner against government officials, and Lumpkin was granted permission to proceed in forma pauperis in the district court; so, Lumpkin's complaint was subject to the screening procedures of section 1915. See 28 U.S.C.  1915(e)(2)(B)(ii), 1915A(a).

In his complaint, Lumpkin named as defendants the State of Florida, Florida's Attorney General, two assistant state prosecutors, and a state court judge. Lumpkin alleged that defendants engaged in a conspiracy to violate his constitutional rights by filing an unlawful charging instrument and probable-cause affidavit in conjunction with Lumpkin's state-court criminal proceeding. Lumpkin also alleged that defendants violated his Sixth Amendment rights by taint[ing] the jury through illegal testimony.

Lumpkin purports to assert a claim pursuant to 42 U.S.C.  1985; he does not specify under what subsection he intends to bring his claim. Because Lumpkin's complaint contains no allegations about a conspiracy to prevent an officer from performing his duties, he states no claim for relief under section 1985(1). Lumpkin also states no claim for relief under the first portion of section 1985(2), which applies only to conspiracies alleged to have deterred testimony in federal court. See McAndrew v. Lockheed Martin Corp., 206 F.3d 1031, 1036 n.2 (11th Cir. 2000) (en banc).

In addition, because Lumpkin has failed to allege the existence of a racial, or perhaps otherwise class-based, invidiously discriminatory animus behind the conspirators' action, he has stated no claim for relief under section 1985(3). See Childree v. UAP/GA AG Chem., 92 F.3d 1140, 1147 (11th Cir. 1996). For the same reason, Lumpkin states no claim for relief under the second portion of section 1985(2), which also applies only if the conspirators act with intent to deny to any citizen the equal protection of the laws, or to injure a person who seeks to enforce equal protection of the laws. Cf. Kush v. Rutledge, 103 S. Ct. 1483, 1487 (1983) (noting that both the second part of section 1985(2) and section 1985(3) contain language requiring that the conspirators' actions be motivated by an intent to deprive their victims of the equal protection of the laws.); Griffin v. Breckenridge, 91 S. Ct. 1790, 1798 (1971) (explaining -- in the context of section 1985(3) -- that the language requiring intent to deprive of equal protection, or equal privileges or immunities, means that there must be some  invidiously discriminatory animus behind the conspirators' action.). Lumpkin, thus, has failed to state a claim for relief under 42 U.S.C.  1985.

Construing liberally Lumpkin's complaint as one attempting to assert a claim under 42 U.S.C.  1983, Lumpkin can still state no claim for relief. First, the State of Florida is no person for purposes of section 1983. See Will v. Mich. Dep't of State Police, 109 S. Ct. 2304, 2312 (1989). In addition, each of the named defendants is entitled to immunity. Lumpkin has alleged no facts demonstrating that the state court judge acted in the clear absence of all jurisdiction: the state court judge is thus entitled to absolute immunity from damages arising from acts taken in his judicial capacity. See Sibley v. Lando, 437 F.3d 1067, 1070 (11th Cir. 2005). Likewise, the Florida Attorney General and the state prosecutors are entitled to prosecutorial immunity for conduct involved in initiating Lumpkin's prosecution and in presenting the State's case. See Imbler v. Pachtman, 96 S. Ct. 984, 995 (1976).

Moreover, because Lumpkin seeks to challenge the constitutionality of his convictions -- and because a judgment in Lumpkin's favor would necessarily imply the invalidity of his conviction or sentence -- Lumpkin's section 1983 claim is barred by Heck v. Humphrey, 114 S. Ct. 2364, 2372 (1994).

Because Lumpkin's complaint states no claim upon which relief could be granted -- and because amendment would be futile -- we affirm the district court's dismissal.

AFFIRMED.

PER CURIAM:
Jeffrey Gildenhorn, a restauranteur in the Washington, D.C. area and former mayoral candidate, tragically choked to death on Wednesday while dining at the citys Palm steakhouse.

Gildenhorn, 74, was the owner of the American City Diner, a nostalgia-filled restaurant in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of northwest D.C.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE STARTS CHOKING

NBC Washington reports that following the incident, Gildenhorn was rushed from the Palm Restaurant to George Washington University Hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

All of us in the Palm Restaurant family are saddened over the loss of our longtime friend and patron, Jeffrey Gildenhorn, said a spokesperson for the Palm Restaurant in a statement obtained by The Washington Post. He was an institution in our city and at our restaurant. We applaud the effort and quick response of the medical response team. Our thoughts are with Mr. Gildenhorns family and friends.

Gildenhorns restaurant, too, expressed their grief over the death of its owner in messages posted to its doors.

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Today we are mourning the [loss] of our dear boss, friend, neighbor, family and employer, Jeffrey Gildenhorn, the staff notified patrons of the diner, which was closed all day on Thursday. We are broken-hearted about this sad news and ask to understand our reasons for closing today/until further notice. Our grief is overwhelming.

Gildenhorn initially opened the American City Diner in 1989, after running his familys liquor store in the same D.C. neighborhood since 1965. His business empire would eventually include 11 retail business, according to a biography on the diner's website.

He also ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor of Washington D.C. in 1998, losing the Democratic Primary to eventual D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams.

THE WEEK IN PHOTOS

Gildenhorn is remembered by friends and patrons as a character with a big personality, as well as a passion for all-things D.C.

"He was a character, but he loved this city incredibly, said an American City Diner patron who spoke to NBC Washington.He loved this city and he loved everything about it."

The American City Diner had reopened as of Friday morning.
Traces of a deadly brain-eating amoeba were found in a water system in a parish in Louisiana this month, but officials said the water is safe to consume.

The brain-eating amoeba, called Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled living organism found in warm freshwater and soil, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

NEW ORLEANS TOURISTS ATTACKED: 4 ARRESTED IN FRENCH QUARTER BEATING



The amoeba spawns primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), an infection in the brain that causes the eradication of brain tissue.

The Louisiana Department of Health told water and town officials Thursday that the amoeba was detected in Terrebonne Parish, according to the New York Post. In a statement, the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Water District 1 said the amoeba was found in our ACR-182, last fire hydrant on Island Road.

ALARMING RAT LUNGWORM PARASITE SPREADING THROUGH FLORIDA, RESEARCHERS WARN

The water district said the organism was found in the same location that also tested positive in Aug. 2015.

We changed disinfectants on June 12, 2017, to a free chlorine, and will remain on free chlorine until September 1, 2017, the statement said.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

The office confirmed that the water is safe to drink but cautioned residents not to let the water go up their nose.
New data released Friday revealed the number of women giving birth in the United States has hit a historic low, causing some to fear that the country is heading toward a "national emergency."

The number of births compared to the year before fell 1 percent, bringing the fertility rate in the U.S. to 62 births per 1,000 women between the ages 15 and 44, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's provisional 2016 population data.

The study found teenage girls and women in their 20s were having fewer babies compared to before. The birthrate among women in their 30s and 40s showed an increase, though not enough to prevent an overall decline.

DOCTORS WARN AGAINST PLACENTA PILLS AFTER BABY'S ILLNESS

The historic low has some experts fearing the nation is heading toward a "national emergency," causing economic and cultural turmoil, The Washington Post reported.

Experts, however, have an optimistic view of the future despite the low birthrates.

Donna M. Strobino, a professor of population, family and reproductive health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told the newspaper that millennials are the ones to be watching. Some believe millennial women are postponing parenthood, but others believe most are choosing to skip having children altogether.

'ALARMING' RAT LUNGWORM PARASITE SPREADING THROUGHOUT FLORIDA, RESEARCHERS WARN

Strobino said teens having fewer babies is a positive trend.

"What this is is a trend of women becoming more educated and more mature. Im not sure thats bad," Strobino said.

The U.S. also still has higher fertility rates compared to other developed countries. There's also more births compared to deaths.

Overall, the historic low shouldn't alarm people. Demographer William Frey told The Washington Post that when the economy takes an uphill turn, people will start having more children.
The last day of June is an international recognition of Asteroid Day, a global, public discussion of the hazards posed to Earth and our civilization by asteroid and comet impacts.

June 30, 2017 marks the 109th anniversary of the 40-meter-wide asteroid impact over Tunguska, Siberia, that flattened 2000 square km (800 square miles) of conifer forest. That 3- to 5-megaton explosion, generated by an asteroid impact that occurs on average every millennium, is a reminder of the devastation that awaits our society if we fail to act to prevent a future impact.

Last year the United Nations recognized Asteroid Day as a global education event, aimed at raising awareness of cosmic impacts and the need for nations to work together to head off a future impact event. The professional society of astronauts and cosmonauts, the Association of Space Explorers, introduced the United Nations measure that recognized Asteroid Day.

We space fliers have seen the cosmic scars on Earth created by past impacts, and our international collaboration in space is an example of how we should apply our joint skills in space technology to find rogue asteroids and divert them from a collision with Earth.

Asteroid Day is a 24-hour global conversation kicking off on the eve of June 30, and features a day-long live broadcast from this years Asteroid Day headquarters in Luxembourg. The broadcast features asteroid science documentaries, interviews with scientists, astronauts, and policy makers, and interactive conversations with asteroid experts around the globe. In addition, close to a thousand events celebrating Asteroid Day will take place around the globe; you can see the program and the map online at AsteroidDay.org. You can also participate on Twitter at #AsteroidDayLive.

During my astronaut training, I explored the depths of Arizonas Meteor Crater, hiked the floor of Texas Odessa impact crater, and took in the view from the rim of the Henbury Crater complex in Australias great red Outback. From orbit, I observed a dozen or more impact scars scattered across the globe, some of the approximately 190 craters showing how our home planet has endured billions of years of cosmic bombardment.

We humans will endure another devastating asteroid or comet impact  one that could wipe out a city, a region of a continent, or our global civilization  unless we work together at finding dangerous asteroids and demonstrate our ability to change the orbit of one headed our way.

We need to support efforts to launch an infrared space telescope to hunt for the million or so objects that could threaten us, and ask your lawmakers to fund a deflection demonstration, like the joint NASA-ESA AIDA mission to nudge the orbit of a harmless asteroid with a high-speed spacecraft collision.

Were all piloting this spaceship Earth together, and Asteroid Day is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to protect it.

On behalf of the Association of Space Explorers, Ill be speaking about Asteroid Day and the asteroid hazard at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on June 30. Lets talk asteroids!

For more information go to www.AstronautTomJones.com.
With the seeming unraveling of the European Union the worry across the continent is whether NATO can survive and whether this post World War II organization linked to the EU is prepared to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. There is little doubt the NATO alliance faces security challenges more complex and demanding than at any time since the end of the Cold War.

Russia has flexed its military muscle in Crimea, the eastern Ukraine and Syria. It has tried to intimidate the Baltic states with the aggressive use of cyber-attacks and disinformation and has modernized its military hardware consistent with its hostile nature.

NATO has added to its defense portfolio with a clear anti-terror program against ISIS, al Qaeda and Boko Haram  modifying its traditional mission.

And in a gesture to President Trump, it vowed to live up to the Defense Investment Pledge of spending 2 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

NATO 2.0 is a combination of the old and the new, missions that have recently converged. Since 2014 NATO has conducted the most elaborate reinforcement of its collective defense since the end of the Cold War. This includes: forward presence in the eastern part of the alliances; rapid reinforcement capability; the strengthening of nuclear deterrence and cyber defenses and creating a Joint Intelligence and Security Division.

Are these steps sufficient to deter possible Russian aggression and terrorist threats? The only way to tell is by enemy inaction. For example, cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated than in the past. They have reached a threshold where they can become as harmful as a conventional attack. Recent cyber incidents, including the WannaCry and Petya attacks, indicate the increasing threat posed by malicious state and nonstate actors. According to the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) there are more than 30 sovereign states that have offensive cyber operation programs. Furthermore, these capabilities are increasingly in the hands of criminal and other nonstate actors.

Ensuring the security of Allies is not only about deterrence and defense in Europe. It is also about what happens beyond European borders. NATO has had extensive experience in projecting force through operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan. It is also involved in dealing with the continental migrant crisis. In fact, the steep decline in illegal migration between 2015 and 2016 is due to NATOs presence in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas in a program called Operation Sea Guardian. NATO claims to have formal partnership with over 40 countries and a range of international organizations.

Despite cavalier statements made during the campaign season, NATO is as important today as when it was created in 1948. However, any organization with a seven-decade history requires reexamination. NATOs mission should be carefully assessed along with troop deployments. The financial commitment of members should be reasserted.

Since the U.S. doesnt have resources or the inclination to be the worlds policeman  to cite an unfortunate cliche  it can enhance its influence through multilateral organizations like NATO. In fact, NATO could serve as a model for fledging organizations in other parts of the world. In President Trumps Riyadh speech he made reference to an Arab NATO in the Middle East. Clearly this would probably not include Article 5, the proposition that an attack on one is an attack on all, but in most other respects the NATO architecture would be duplicated.

As I see it, NATO as the bulwark of defense for democratic institutions is critical. Europeans may believe they are capable of an independent force, but this view is misguided. Europe needs NATO as its first line of defense and the U.S. needs NATO to hold back the tide of terrorism.
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Jack Phillips is no stranger to controversy.

The owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Colorado, Phillips ignited a national debate after he refused to create a wedding cake for a gay couple in 2012. Since then, Phillips says he has lost a chunk of his business revenue, received death threats and been subjected to vile online reviews.

But thats not the worst of it, Phillips told Fox News in an exclusive interview. For him, the most trying piece of the whole controversy is the hateful comments directed  even unintentionally  at his wife and daughter.

In all of this, the threats against me or disparaging comments, the worst part is that I have to answer the phone so theyre not threatening my wife or my daughter when they pick it up, Phillips said. They dont wait to see whos on the phone. You pick up the phone, theyre already talking.

Phillips added that he also tries to shield the other employees at the bakery from negative comments directed at him  at times becoming emotional as he spoke about his employees and family.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide whether Phillips discriminated against the gay couple when he refused to bake them a wedding cake due to his religious beliefs. Phillips said he didnt refuse the couple service and offered to sell them anything in the store. But when it came to actively participating in the couples wedding, thats where Phillips drew the line.

So the nations highest court is now tasked with striking a balance between the religious rights of Phillips with the couples right to equal treatment under the law.

Oral arguments will likely be held in the court's fall term.

This has always been about more than a cake, David Mullins, one of the men who tried to purchase the wedding cake, said in a statement this week. Businesses should not be allowed to violate the law and discriminate against us because of who we are and who we love.

Mullins husband, Craig, added that the two are disappointed that the court has continued with the case.

US SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE COLORADO GAY WEDDING CAKE CASE: TIMELINE

Phillips doesnt usually speak about the harassment hes been subjected to since he refused to bake the cake, but the grandfather of three told Fox News that hes been pretty regularly bombarded with vulgar comments over the phone and through email.

He says hes only received two actual death threats but he's also been told that he doesn't deserve to live and that Christians should be thrown into the Roman Colosseum with lions."

One of those threats, Phillips said, came just a few weeks after he refused to bake the cake  long before the story garnered national attention. Then, a man called to say that he knew Phillips' daughter, Lisa, was working at the bakery. The man proceeded to give point-by-point driving directions to the cakeshop, where he would murder them.

It could have just been somebody calling and they knew the area, and it could have been someone in Connecticut looking at a map, Phillips recalled. "But they knew that Lisa was there.

Phillips was also hurt, he said, when a member of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission compared him to a perpetrator of the Holocaust.

Freedom of religion and religion has been used to justify all kinds of discrimination throughout history, whether it be slavery, whether it be the Holocaust, Commissioner Diann Rice said in a brief. I mean, we can list hundreds of situations where freedom of religion has been used to justify discrimination."

Phillips teared up as he described how even after his father was severely injured during combat in World War II, he still was part of a team to help liberate a Nazi concentration camp.

For her to compare standing for my faith and not making a cake to Hitlers atrocities just is unspeakable, an emotional Phillips said.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM OR DISCRIMINATION? GAY WEDDING CAKE AT CENTER OF COLORADO APPEALS COURT CASE

Kristen Waggoner, an attorney with the Alliance Defending Freedom, the conservative nonprofit legal organization that represents Phillips, called the comment deeply offensive and biased.

Waggoner argued Thursday that the small business owner is the one who has been persecuted since the interaction with the couple.

She said she recently spoke at an internationally-attended summit on religious persecution and was approached by people concerned about how Christians are treated in the U.S.

The marginalization of Christians in America today  removing them from their jobs, banning them or purging them from entire professions  thats a step toward physical persecution, Waggoner said she was told.

You see that kind of marginalization in other countries, too. Its a more polite type of persecution, but nonetheless it is. Its forcing someone to choose between their faith and making a living and supporting their family in their vocation, Waggoner told Fox News.
Before the 2016 presidential election, a longtime Republican opposition researcher mounted an independent campaign to obtain emails he believed were stolen from Hillary Clintons private server, likely by Russian hackers.

In conversations with members of his circle and with others he tried to recruit to help him, the GOP operative, Peter W. Smith, implied he was working with retired Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, at the time a senior adviser to then-candidate Donald Trump.

He said, Im talking to Michael Flynn about thisif you find anything, can you let me know? said Eric York, a computer-security expert from Atlanta who searched hacker forums on Mr. Smiths behalf for people who might have access to the emails.

Emails written by Mr. Smith and one of his associates show that his small group considered Mr. Flynn and his consulting company, Flynn Intel Group, to be allies in their quest.

What role, if any, Mr. Flynn may have played in Mr. Smiths project is unclear. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Smith said he knew Mr. Flynn, but he never stated that Mr. Flynn was involved.

Mr. Flynn didnt respond to requests for comment.

A Trump campaign official said that Mr. Smith didnt work for the campaign, and that if Mr. Flynn coordinated with him in any way, it would have been in his capacity as a private individual. The White House declined to comment.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating Russian attempts to sway the U.S. election and whether there was collusion between Russians and the Trump campaign. President Trump has denied any collusion and called the investigation a witch hunt. The Russian government has denied it interfered in the election.

Click for more from the Wall Street Journal.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Thursday at the NATO defense ministerial meeting in Brussels the U.S. may have cut the number of troops in Afghanistan "too rapidly" amid a resurgent Taliban.

Mattis' remarks came as NATO agreed to send more forces in response to commanders' requests for as many as 3,000 troops to train and work alongside Afghan security forces. That number does not include an expected contribution of almost 4,000 American forces, divided between the NATO mission and America's counterterrorism operations against Taliban, Al Qaeda and Islamic State militants in Afghanistan.

Mattis said at a news conference after the meeting that he was pleased by allies' willingness to contribute more. The U.K. said it would pledge 100 more troops, though they will serve in a noncombat role.

"We still have a few gaps and nations are stepping up," he said. "We've filled 70 percent of those gaps right now and I'm very, very optimistic that based on what I heard here we'll be filling the rest."

Mattis added that upon returning to Washington, he will consult with U.S. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and then will submit a recommended new Afghanistan strategy to President Donald Trump. "We will refine U.S. troop numbers at that time, within that framework," he said.

He also appeared to place blame on the Obama administration for cutting the number of troops "too rapidly."

"We may have pulled our troops out too rapidly, reduced the numbers a little too rapidly, but the difference today is that the Afghan army is actually able to carry the fight and they've been carrying the fight for some time now so there's always new ideas you can come up with. Theres never a lack of those," Mattis said. "Theres new opportunities and certainly the political will is there to carry this fight forward"

While justifying the need for more U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, Mattis pointed to the results of "leaving ungoverned areas."

"You see it coming out of Syria where ISIS has attacked this very town from Syria, it's not like you can declare a war over or want it over or say I'm going to quit and you're not going to pay a price for it," he said.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the 29 NATO nations had pledged to spend 4.3 percent more in defense spending, or $12 billion more. The announcement came following months of pressure from President Trump for each country in the alliance to spend more.

The expected deployment of more Americans is intended to bolster Afghan forces so they eventually can assume greater control of security.

Stoltenberg said the NATO increase does not mean the alliance will once again engage in combat operations against the Taliban and extremist groups.

There are now about 8,400 U.S. troops based in Afghanistan, with an additional 2,000 or so on temporary deployment. Some 6,600 troops from NATO and partner forces also are there.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Former national security adviser Susan Rice will testify before the House intelligence committee about Russian actions during the 2016 presidential campaign and allegations that she 'unmasked' the names of Americans in contact with Russian officials, a high-ranking committee source told Fox News Thursday.

It was not immediately clear when Rice would testify, with one congressional source telling Fox News the committee had issued a list of dates when they would hear from witnesses, but not names.

Rice spokesman Eric Pelton told Fox News that Rice was "cooperating with the bipartisan Russia investigations conducted by the Intelligence committees, as she said she would."

SUSAN RICE SUGGESTS RACE, GENDER BIAS LINKED TO 'UNMASKING' BACKLASH



Rice has come under fire for her alleged role in revealing the names of Trump associates during last year's presidential election. Congressional investigators have issued subpoenas to the NSA, CIA and FBI seeking "unmasking" information related to three individuals: Rice, former CIA Director John Brennan, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power.

Rice initially told PBS' Judy Woodruff in March that she knew nothing about the unmasking of Trump associates. But weeks later on MSNBC, she admitted she sometimes sought out the identities of Trump associates who communicated with foreigners, a request known as unmasking in the intelligence community.

But I leaked nothing to nobody, Rice told MSNBC, a reference to media reports detailing, among other conversations, those between then-national security adviser Michel Flynn and Russian ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak. Reports of those conversations led to Flynn's resignation in February.

In an interview with New York Magazine published earlier this week, Rice suggested that her race and gender may be playing a role in the controversy.

Fox News' James Rosen and Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
In 2015, the United States closed its embassy in Yemen as a civil war tore the country apart. The U.S. Marines guarding the embassy had to ditch some of their weapons before boarding a chartered commercial airliner with embassy staff as Iranian-backed forces stormed the capital city of Sanaa and helped themselves to abandoned embassy vehicles as well as the compound itself.

US special operations forces who had been hunting Al-Qaeda in Yemen were also withdrawn when the Iranian-backed group known as the Houthis seized the capital.

But despite the forced departures, the American military now finds itself increasingly involved in Yemen's civil war - and there are fears it could be open-ended.

In October, the Houthis fired two missiles at a pair of U.S. Navy warships in the Red Sea. Neither missile hit its target after the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason launched three missiles of its own to intercept the incoming Houthi missiles. It is believed to be the first time a Navy warship fired interceptor missiles to defend itself during a missile attack.

Days later, the U.S. Navy retaliated by launching Tomahawk cruise missile from USS Nitze--destroying three Houthi coastal radar sites in Yemen that the Pentagon said were used to attack the American warships.

The United States is supporting a Saudi Arabia-led coalition fighting the Houthis.

But for some, the biggest threat to the United States remains Al Qaedas Yemen branch.

The forced American withdrawal from Yemen slowed the fight against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula or AQAP, according to American officials at the time.

That is probably one of the most lethal branches of Al Qaeda and it has proven itself to have these ambitions to attack our country, said Stephen Seche, the U.S. ambassador to Yemen from 2007-2010.

They have a bomb maker name Ibrahim Nasiri who is very, very focused on trying to get these non-metallic, non-ferrous explosives that can evade all our detection equipment. That's a serious risk and a serious concern for me and everybody concerned about national security.

In 2009, AQAP sent Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, now known as the Underwear bomber, aboard an airliner headed to Detroit with the aim of detonating his explosives and killing everyone aboard. The explosives never went off and he was arrested at the airport.

In 2011, a U.S. drone killed the radical American-born Muslim cleric Anwar Al Awaki, who had been directing and planning attacks on the U.S. It was the first U.S. drone strike on a U.S. citizen. Weeks later, his son was also killed in a drone strike.

Since President Trump has taken office, airstrikes against Al Qaeda in Yemen have more than doubled compared to the past five years. There have been more than 80 this year.

U.S. military actions in Yemen also have increased.

U.S. special operations forces have returned in small numbers. In two ground raids, one U.S. Navy SEAL, Ryan Owens, was killed days after President Trump took office.

All this comes as the civil war, which many see as a proxy fight between Saudi Arabia and Iran, rages inside Yemen, killing thousands of civilians.

The Saudis launched the surprise war against the Houthis almost two years ago. The Saudi and Emerati coalition has been accused of carpet bombing residential areas and war crimes.

Some fear the United States is getting sucked into another fight without end.

The way we're dealing with failed states in the Middle East is on a whack-a-mole kind of approach which means we kind of deal with the crisis of the moment, said former defense secretary and CIA director Leon Panetta in an interview with Fox News.

Panetta worries the U.S. may be bowing too much to pressure from Saudi Arabia to get further involved militarily in Yemen in what is looking more like a proxy war against Iran and the Houthis they are backing.

The Obama administration frankly did not pay enough attention to Iran's support to terrorism in that region particularly at the time they were negotiating with the Iranians, said Panetta. I think it's very important for President Trump not to simply bounce to the other extreme.

The former U.S. ambassador, who left Yemen at the start of the Arab Spring in 2010,had this warning:

There is a proclivity to stumble into these wars, into these conflicts if you will and I think that's the danger, Seche said. This is a low level conflict that then grows and our interest and our involvement in it grows and it almost sneaks up behind you until you realize that you are knee deep in the muck, and it's very hard to extricate yourself at that point.
A scaled-down version of President Donald Trumps travel ban took effect at 8 p.m. ET Thursday, with none of the dramatic scenes of protest and chaos that greeted the original version of Trumps executive order five months ago.

The Departments of Homeland Security, State and Justice went ahead with the implementation after the Supreme Court partially restored the order earlier this week.

The new rules tighten visa policies affecting citizens from six majority Muslim nations: Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. People from those countries who need new visas will now have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with an entity like a school or business in the United States.

Citizens of those countries who already have visas will be allowed into the U.S. as usual.

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer met with customs officials and said he felt things would go smoothly.



"For tonight, I'm anticipating few issues because, I think, there's better preparation," he told reporters at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday night. "The federal government here, I think, has taken steps to avoid the havoc that occurred the last time."

Much of the confusion in January, when Trump's first ban took effect, resulted from travelers with previously approved visas being kept off flights or barred entry on arrival in the United States.

Lower courts blocked that initial order and, later, a revised Trump order intended to overcome legal hurdles.

In guidance issued late Wednesday, the State Department said the family relationships valid for entry would include a parent, spouse, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling already in the United States. It does not include other relationships such as grandparents, grandchildren, aunts and uncles.

As the order took effect, the state of Hawaii filed an emergency motion asking a federal judge to clarify that the administration cannot enforce the ban against fiances or other relatives not included in the State Department's definition of "bona fide" personal relationships.

The "bona fide relationship restriction also applies to refugees, regardless of their country of origin, unless they are able to obtain a so-called national interest waiver from the State Department or U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, the U.S. has almost filled its quota of 50,000 refugees for the budget year ending in September and the new rules won't apply to the few remaining slots. With the Supreme Court set to consider the overall ban in October, the rules could change again.

Business or professional links must be "formal, documented and formed in the ordinary course rather than for the purpose of evading" the ban. Journalists, students, workers or lecturers who have valid invitations or employment contracts in the U.S. would be exempt from the ban. The exemption does not apply to those who seek a relationship with an American business or educational institution purely for the purpose of avoiding the rules.

Consular officers may grant other exemptions to applicants from the six nations if they have "previously established significant contacts with the United States;" "significant business or professional obligations" in the U.S.; if they are an infant, adopted child or in need of urgent medical care; if they are traveling for business with a recognized international organization or the U.S. government or if they are a legal resident of Canada who applies for a visa in Canada, according to the State Department guidance.

Even before Hawaii's filing, immigration and refugee advocates vowed to challenge the new requirements. The American Civil Liberties Union has called the new criteria "extremely restrictive," ''arbitrary" in their exclusions and designed to "disparage and condemn Muslims."

Karen Tumlin, legal director of the National Immigration Law Center, said the rules "would slam the door shut on so many who have waited for months or years to be reunited with their families.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration approved a new questionnaire for U.S. visa applicants that asks for social media handles and accounts used during the last five years and travel history, including the source of funding for trips, over the past 15 years, for more rigorous vetting.

The travel ban may have the largest impact on Iranians. In 2015, the most recently available data, nearly 26,000 Iranians were allowed into the United States on visitor or tourist visas. Iranians made up the lion's share of the roughly 65,000 foreigners from the six countries who visited with temporary, or non-immigrant visas that year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe is under mounting scrutiny and increasing calls for him to step aside amid allegations of politicized leadership, conflicts of interest and significant investigative missteps at the nations top law enforcement agency.

McCabes close alliance with Trump nemesis and former director James Comey, the well-chronicled fact his wife took a huge campaign donation from Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and a general suspicion of the Obama intelligence community brass are all leading to pressure on FBI Director-Nominee Christopher Wray to not keep him around, according to former FBI insiders.

The latest challenge is coming from a former FBI agent who told Fox News that McCabe has created an overly politicized environment at the bureau, and her career suffered because of it.

There is no way McCabe can survive. Id be surprised."  Former FBI Assistant Director James Kallstrom

McCabe is vicious to anyone who either stands up to him or is a threat to his power and [he] is a screamer, said former Supervisory Special Agent Robyn Gritz, who lost her job after 16 years with the FBI investigating some of the most high profile terrorist incidents in recent history, after getting tangled up with her superiors, who pushed her out and pulled her security clearance.

One of those superiors was McCabe.

He saw me as a real threat to his climb because I knew my stuff and had been close to John Pistole, the prior deputy director. Andy resented that big time, Gritz told Fox News.

According to Circa News, Gritz's sexual discrimination and retaliation complaint is one of three such administrative inquiries faced by McCabe.

Perhaps more damning, former FBI Assistant Director James Kallstrom said McCabe, who President Trump interviewed for the top job after firing Comey, may not have the bureau's rank and file behind him.

McCabe is where hes at because hes very good at relating up the chain of command, but not down the chain of command, and thats very typical of bureaucracies, Kallstrom said. McCabe told Congress FBI morale is high. I have not heard one person from the bureau tell me the FBI is happy because the investigative unit was thrown in front of the bus.

Kallstrom was referring to McCabes reported role in several controversial probes during the 2016 election. According to the Wall Street Journal, it was McCabe who told lower-level FBI investigators to stand down in their inquiry into whether illegal influence-peddling or financial crimes were being committed at the Clinton Foundation. Meanwhile, McCabe did not recuse himself from the investigation into presidential candidate Hillary Clintons emails, despite an apparent conflict of interest involving his wife.

Jill McCabes losing campaign for a Virginia state Senate seat reportedly received $700,000 from Clinton allies at the same time that McCabe was second-in-command at the FBI during the investigation into her use of a personal email server for State Department business and alleged mishandling of classified information.

Comey declined to bring charges after determining that Clinton lacked criminal intent. Comeys handling of the case was sharply criticized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in the memo outlining the rationale for firing Comey earlier this year. Kallstrom believes McCabe should have recused himself from any decisions involving the Clinton probe.

Ive talked to numerous agents that have some knowledge of whats going on inside the FBI, said Kallstrom. "The appearance of conflict of interest is substantial, and you cant have a high position in the bureau and have even the apparent conflict of interest.

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, believes McCabe also has a conflict of interest in the ongoing probe into alleged Trump collusion with Russia in the 2016 election. The probe already cost retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn his job as Trump's national security adviser.

But even before the FBI eyed Flynn, he and McCabe had a history together, at the center of which was Gritz.

McCabe wrote false and nasty comments on numerous documents about me when he had not one bit of proof of any lack of performance, Gritz told Fox News, I was always rated in the top two ratings.

Flynn spoke out in her defense at the time, since the two had worked together when he led the Defense Intelligence Agency.

I thought she was a real pro, Flynn told NPR. Flynn was one of several top generals, including Stanley McChrystal and Keith Alexander, who wrote commendations for her counter-terrorism work, said Gritz.

In a June 29 letter addressed to Rosenstein, Grassley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, asked why McCabe did not recuse himself from the probe into Flynns connections to Russia. Justice Department protocol advises employees to recuse themselves from investigations if their involvement creates even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

With Flynn a potential witness for Gritz, Grassley wondered in his letter if McCabe had any retaliatory motive against Flynn for being an adverse witness to him in a pending proceeding.

The FBI, DOJ and the governments Office of Special Counsel would not comment for this report.

With all of the various controversies swirling and President Trump under pressure to "drain the swamp" and fight back against the so-called "deep state," Kallstrom is not betting on McCabe lasting much longer at the bureau. Wray, who was formally advanced by the White House this week, is expected to be confirmed when the Senate takes up his nomination.

There is no way McCabe can survive," Kallstrom said. "Id be surprised."
Things are getting so bad for the Republicans that theyre considering a last resort: bipartisanship.

Thats rightthe party that controls the White House, Senate and House might need some Democratic votes.

The immediate focus is the stalled Senate health care bill, which has a public approval rating of only 12 percent to 27 percent, depending on the poll. Nine GOP senators have expressed varying degrees of opposition to the bill. Conservatives dont like parts of it, moderates dont like parts of it, and even with President Trump cajoling lawmakers by phone and in person, the party cant seem to get to 50.

The New York Times says Mitch McConnell gave his senators a warning: Either Republicans come together, or he would have to work with Democrats to shore up the deteriorating health law.



Democrats are willing to negotiate, but their price is preserving most of ObamaCare with some changes. After seven years of Republican promises to repeal and replace the law, that sounds like a non-starterunless Trump and McConnell have no choice.

The larger problem is that the party that now runs Washington hasnt been able to push through a major piece of legislation. Theres been no progress on tax reform, which is tied in some ways to the tax reductions in the GOP health bill. Theres been no progress on an infrastructure program. Theres been no progress on constructing a border wall. And the GOP has to find the votes to approve a debt ceiling increase or face a government default.

Listen to the voices of Republican frustration, as reported by Politico:

Rep. Steve Womack: Wed better get our act together. Were better than this.  Were not governing right now. Were stuck.

Rep. Tom Reed: The fact that were not getting to these issues  health care, budget, tax reform  is frustrating. We came here to move the needle.



The problem for Republicans is that they own these issues now. They are still trying to figure out how to be a governing party. The divisions within the party, and the gap between Trump and Republican lawmakers, has made each step agonizingly slow.

Gridlock in Washington can usually be blamed on the out-of-power party. And the Democrats have done their part to slow-walk just about everything, just as the GOP did during the Obama years.

But we are now faced with a Republican form of gridlock. And their success in 2018not to mention the presidents successwill rest on breaking it.
Democratic state officials already are refusing to cooperate with the voter fraud investigation ordered by President Trump, saying they will not hand over the extensive voter roll data the commission is seeking.

The response comes after Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state serving as vice chair of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, wrote to all 50 states this week asking for their input as well as voter registration data.

I have no intention of honoring this request. Virginia conducts fair, honest, and democratic elections, and there is no evidence of significant voter fraud in Virginia, Virginia Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe countered in a statement Thursday, claiming the commission is based on the specious and false notion that there was widespread voter fraud last November.

Trump created the panel via executive order in May to review alleged voter fraud, after making the explosive claim that 3 million to 5 million people illegally voted in the 2016 presidential election.

TRUMP LAUNCHES VOTER FRAUD PROBE

In his letter, Kobach had asked for recommendations on how to improve election integrity and for guidance on which laws hinder that goal. But what rankled Democratic officials was his request for voter information including names, dates of birth, political party, the last four digits of Social Security numbers, voter history (elections voted in), felony convictions, military status and more.

Kobach specified in the letter he would only request publicly-available voter roll data under each states laws.

Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said in a statement that her office would provide such information in the spirit of transparency. But, suggesting some of the requested data would not be sharable under state law, she said she would ensure the privacy of voters is honored by withholding protected data. Merrill also voiced concern that state officials have not been told precisely what the Commission is looking for.

Virginia and California were more brazen in their response.

ACLU SEEKS EVIDENCE FOR TRUMP VOTER FRAUD CLAIMS

McAuliffe, a former Democratic National Committee chairman and longtime Clinton family ally, said, At best this commission was set up as a pretext to validate Donald Trumps alternative election facts, and at worst is a tool to commit large-scale voter suppression.

The governor declared he would not divert resources to this.

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla struck a similar chord, saying in a statement he would not provide sensitive voter information to a commission that has already inaccurately passed judgment that millions of Californians voted illegally.

He added, California's 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.

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes  a Democratic official in a state with a Republican governor  also said she does not intend to release Kentuckians' sensitive personal data to the federal government.

Kentucky will not aid a commission that is at best a waste of taxpayer money and at worst an attempt to legitimize voter suppression efforts across the country, she said in a statement.

Kobach told The Kansas City Star he's just looking for the "best data possible."

He rejected as "nonsense" any claims that the data could be used to suppress the vote, saying, The purpose of the commission is to quantify different forms of voter fraud and registration fraud and offer solutions. And so you have to have this data in order to do any meaningful research.

Trumps voter fraud claims and commission have been controversial from the start.

He originally called for a major investigation into voter fraud back in January, after telling congressional leaders that 3 million to 5 million people illegally voted in the November election.

Trump said the probe would focus on those registered to vote in two states, those who are illegal and registered voters who are actually dead.

The commission was not created until months later and was panned by critics as a vehicle to pursue his claim about millions voting illegally. Trump won the Electoral College vote, and with it the presidency, but lost the popular vote to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton by about 3 million votes.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said back in January he had seen no evidence to back up Trumps claim of millions of illegal votes. Trump has since said the issue mostly revolves around voter registration problems.

A 2012 Pew study indeed found evidence of outdated voter registration forms, though the author of that study tweeted earlier this year there is zero evidence of fraud.

There have been some documented cases of voter fraud, however, including cases Kobach has pursued in Kansas.

Kobach told Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures in May that the commission, chaired by Vice President Pence, would look beyond the 2016 election to cover voting irregularities and fraud and registration problems.

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 at the time.

Asked Friday about the state-level pushback, Pence Press Secretary Marc Lotter said the commission is seeking publicly available information per state law and noted that no one on the bipartisan commission itself objected.
After Sen. Chuck Schumer called this week for a fresh start on a bipartisan health care bill, President Trump voiced doubts about whether the Senate Democratic leader was serious.

Perhaps the party's rhetoric has something to do with that.

From the moment Senate Republicans floated their initial draft, Democratic officials have issued dire warnings that the plan would kill thousands.

These [Medicaid] cuts are blood money. People will die. Let's be very clear: Senate Republicans are paying for tax cuts for the wealthy with American lives, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren declared.

The following Sunday, Sen. Bernie Sanders appeared on NBCs Meet the Press to predict thousands would die if a projected 23 million drop or lose insurance, accusing Republicans of trading health care for tax breaks to the rich.

Is this what America is supposed to be about, taking away health insurance from kids with disabilities, from people with cancer in order to give tax breaks to billionaires? the Vermont independent said.

TRUMP ISSUES OBAMACARE CHALLENGE: REPEAL NOW, REPLACE LATER IF NO DEAL

With Senate Republicans now scrambling to come up with a new version of ObamaCare replacement legislation -- after the original version was scrapped for lack of support -- tensions over the tone of the debate could effectively close the door to a bipartisan breakthrough.

"He hasn't been serious," Trump said Wednesday, of Schumer's call to negotiate health care with Democrats.

While the door was barely open for bipartisan talks to begin with, House Speaker Paul Ryan characterized Democrats rhetoric as hysterical during an interview with a Wisconsin radio station.

"The rhetoric is just over the top, said Ryan on Thursday, according to The Associated Press. I have seen a lot in my day and this rhetoric, it's hysterical, it's hyperbolic. It's really something.

The brief time when we were *not* accusing those we disagree with of murder was nice while it lasted, Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch tweeted after Sanders' comments.

But it didn't last.

Forget death panels. If Republicans pass this bill, they're the death party, Hillary Clinton tweeted about the Senate's initial bill.

Some Democrats traveled the country to ring the alarm. Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper came to Washington to lobby against the measure, which he said was immoral and would lead to 100,000 deaths by 2026.

Democrats fine-tuned their attack by pinning down a figure for how many people would die if Republicans got their way. They cited figures from the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, that up to 217,000 more people could die by 2026 if the bill passes.

A column promoting their research paper was posted on CAPs website on June 22, the day before the Senate Republicans unveiled their draft repeal-and-replace plan.

Their analysis was based on a May Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis of coverage losses under House Republicans' health care plan. CBO's subsequent analysis of the Senate bill showed similar reductions in enrollment, though made clear that millions would "lose" health insurance because they would no longer be forced to buy it.

According to CAP, if 23 million fewer people have health insurance, then the coverage losses from the Senate bill would result in 27,700 additional deaths in 2026 (and 217,000 over the decade).

In an email to Fox News, Devon Kearns, media relations director for CAP, said their report assumed that one death will occur for every 830 people who lose coverage, a methodology first used by the White House Council of Economic Advisers under the Obama administration to calculate reductions in mortality associated with the ObamaCare.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi went further in suggesting GOP health care plans were dishonoring God.

"I know my colleagues are people of faith. They tell us that all of the time, said Pelosi.

"So, this is God's creation, we have a real responsibility to it," she continued. "To minister to the needs of God's creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us."

Fox News' Jennifer G. Hickey contributed to this report.
A federal judge in California on Thursday blocked a state law that would have barred gun owners from possessing high-capacity ammunition magazines.

San Diego-based U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez ruled that the ban approved by the Legislature and voters last year takes away gun owners' Second Amendment rights and amounts to the government taking people's private property without compensation.

"Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of otherwise law-abiding citizens will have an untenable choice: become an outlaw or dispossess one's self of lawfully acquired property," Benitez wrote.

California law has prohibited buying or selling the magazines since 2000, but until now allowed those who had them to keep them.

He issued a preliminary injunction blocking the law from taking effect while he considers the underlying lawsuit filed by the National Rifle Association-affiliated California Rifle & Pistol Association.

The State of Californias desire to criminalize simple possession of a firearm magazine able to hold more than 10 rounds is precisely the type of policy choice that the Constitution takes off the table, the injunction read.

Meanwhile, a Sacramento-based judge on Thursday rejected a similar challenge by several other gun owners' rights organizations, creating what Ari Freilich, staff attorney at the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, called "dueling opinions" that may be sorted out on appeal.

"Unfortunately this law will be delayed but we are confident it will go into effect, and soon," he said.

He called the San Diego lawsuit and ruling part of an effort by the NRA "to delay and dismantle California's law brick by brick."

Had the ban taken effect, owners would have been required to get rid of their magazines by sending them out of state, altering them to hold no more than 10 bullets, destroying them or turning them into law enforcement agencies. Possession could have been punished by $100 fines or up to a year in jail.

Owners can now keep the magazines until a final ruling by Benitez or if an appeals court overturns his injunction, said Chuck Michel, attorney for the NRA and the California Rifle & Pistol Association.

"This court recognized that the Second Amendment is not a second-class right and that law-abiding gun owners have the right to own these magazines to defend themselves and their families," Michel said.

State lawmakers approved the ban last year as part of a package of bills adding to what already were some of the nation's strictest gun laws. Voters agreed in November when they approved Proposition 63, a measure that toughened the penalties by allowing violators to be fined or jailed.

Benitez said he was mindful of voters' approval and government's legitimate interest in protecting the public but added that the "Constitution is a shield from the tyranny of the majority."

Gun owner's constitutional rights "are not eliminated simply because they possess `unpopular' magazines holding more than 10 rounds," he wrote in a 66-page decision.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra criticized the decision but did not say what he will do next.

"Proposition 63 was overwhelmingly approved by voters to increase public safety and enhance security in a sensible and constitutional way," Becerra said in a statement. "I will defend the will of California voters because we cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to gun violence."

Supporters say that magazines often holding 30 or 100 bullets are typically used in mass shootings and aren't needed by hunters or civilian owners.

"Clearly it escalates the lethality in any mass shooting when high-capacity magazines are involved," said Amanda Wilcox, a spokeswoman for the California chapters of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence whose daughter was fatally shot.

Forcing assailants to change magazines more frequently gives victims time to flee or subdue the shooter, Becerra argued in court filings.

Moreover, the government wouldn't own the magazines in the way it would property seized for a new highway or public building, he argued, since the magazines would be destroyed by law enforcement agencies.

Becerra said opponents' Second Amendment challenge has repeatedly been rejected by other courts, allowing at least seven other states and 11 local governments to already restrict the possession or sale of large-capacity ammunition magazines.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
President Trump and "Morning Joe" co-host Joe Scarborough continued their contentious back-and-forth on Twitter on Friday, with Trump labeling Scarborough's show "FAKE NEWS" and Scarborough accusing the president of trying to use a National Enquirer story to blackmail him into positive coverage.

Trump kicked off the feud on Thursday, tweeting scathing insults aimed at Scarborough and his co-host and fiancee, Mika Brzezinski. The pair, who have been fiercely critical of Trump, even questioning the president's mental health, responded Friday morning in a Washington Post opinion piece and then on their television show. Trump, who said Thursday morning he didn't watch "Morning Joe" anymore, apparently decided to tune in on Friday, and the prolific tweeter struck back just before 9 a.m.

The primary point of contention in Round 2 of the fight was Scarborough's claim that Trump aides once tried to blackmail him into providing positive coverage by threatening Scarborough with a negative National Enquirer story.



"Watched low rated @Morning_Joe for first time in long time. FAKE NEWS. He called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no! Bad show," Trump wrote.

Scarborough replied to Trump in a pair of tweets: "Yet another lie. I have texts from your top aides and phone records. Also, those records show I haven't spoken with you in many months. Why do you keep lying about things that are so easily disproven? What is wrong with you?"

The National Enquirer's website on Friday featured a lead story about Scarborough and Brzezinski's "sleazy cheating scandal" that had run earlier in June. The two, who are now officially engaged, had been rumored lovers for some time before they went public with their relationship. Brzezinski, who had been married for 23 years, only finalized her divorce this year. Scarborough divorced his second wife in 2013.

"At the beginning of June we accurately reported a story that recounted the relationship between Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the truth of which is not in dispute," said an accompanying statement from Dylan Howard, the vice president of American Media, the Enquirer's parent company. "At no time did we threaten either Joe or Mika or their children in connection with our reporting on the story. We have no knowledge of any discussions between the White House and Joe and Mika about our story, and absolutely no involvement in those discussions."

Earlier Friday, Scarborough, a former Republican congressman, and Brzezinski, a former network correspondent, discussed the tweets during their MSNBC show.

I am very concerned about what this once again reveals about the president of the United States, Brzezinski said.

Scarborough added: Were okay  the countrys not.

Scarborough said Trump "attacks women because he fears women," and both co-hosts played amateur psychologist, alluding to Trump's history making controversial remarks about women and saying those incidents may reveal something greater about the president.

"He appears to have a fragile, impetuous, childlike ego that weve seen over and over again," Brzezinski said. "Especially with women. Its like he cant take it.

She added: This has brought us back 30 years  women in the White House need to set him straight.

Scarborough said he "would not allow any of my children to behave this way" and called into question Trump's "emotional state" multiple times.

If you dont like our show, and if you care about whats best for America, turn us off," he said.

The tweet that drew the most criticism Thursday was one that mocked Brzezinski over a supposed facelift. The White House sharply disputed attempts to cast the tweet as an attack on women.

Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway said Trump has been promoting women for years as a businessman and now as president and suggested Scarborough and Brzezinski were being hypocritical.

Its incredible to watch people play armchair psychologist, outwardly ridiculing the presidents physicalities, mental state, calling names  [and] feigning shock when he wants to fight back and defend himself," Conway told "Fox & Friends" on Friday.

In their Washington Post piece, Scarborough and Brzezinski described Trump's behavior as "unmoored."

"America's leaders and allies are asking themselves yet again whether this man is fit to be president," they wrote. "We have our doubts, but we are both certain that the man is not mentally equipped to continue watching our show, 'Morning Joe.'"

Later in the column, the pair again questioned Trump's "mental health" -- as they have numerous times on air -- and said Trump had an "unhealthy obsession" with their show.

The controversy began Thursday with two early morning tweets from Trump.

"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 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!" Trump wrote.

In their Washington Post column, Scarborough and Brzezinski said Trump was the one who had requested multiple meetings with the duo and also denied Brzezinski had a face lift or was bleeding from a procedure. Instead, they wrote Brzezinski had "a little skin under her chin tweaked."

The White House defended Trump, with Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders on Thursday saying the president was merely fighting "fire with fire."

Congressional Republicans -- led by House Speaker Paul Ryan and Sens. John McCain, Ben Sasse and Lindsey Graham -- quickly denounced Trump's tweets, however.

MSNBC contributor Donny Deutsch viciously attacked Trump near the top of Friday's show, declaring that when Trump "goes low" Deutsch would go just as low, turning the tables on a phrase made famous by former First Lady Michelle Obama.

"He's physically disgusting to look at," Deutsch said, adding: "He's not mentally okay."

Later, an incredulous Deutsch said: "To talk about women that way -- and the irony is you physically look like you do?"

Deutsch also challenged Trump to a physical fight.

"Were from Queens  Ill meet you in the schoolyard, brother. Ill meet you in the schoolyard," Deutsch said.

Trump assailed the "Morning Joe" co-hosts Thursday after two mornings spent attacking other media outlets -- most notably The New York Times and CNN.

During the Republican presidential primaries, the "Morning Joe" co-hosts were often accused of having too-cozy a relationship with Trump, who often called in to the show. But their rapport soured after Trump became the likely nominee and, despite a brief period of seeming reconciliation following Trump's November win in the presidential election, Scarborough and Brzezinski have been fierce Trump critics during his presidency.
Sen. Bernie Sanderss wife has been accused of heartlessly trying to boot disabled group home residents when she was president of a Vermont college and closed on a real estate deal now under FBI scrutiny.

The home with 16 residents was on property Jane OMeara Sanders purchased for Burlington College in 2010 as part of an expansion project, the conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch claimed Thursday.

Reports this week say Sanders is under FBI investigation in connection with her role in securing financing for the project which didnt pan out and led to the colleges closure.

Sanders and Sen. Sanders have reportedly hired defense attorneys in connection with the probe. Sen. Sanders called the accusations against his wife pretty pathetic and politically motivated.

Judicial Watch says Mrs. Sanders sent a letter to an attorney representing the HowardCenter group home in January 2011, saying she was having trouble evicting the 16 residents.

It is simply not fair to expect the College to continue to carry the burden of the expenses associated with housing both you population and ours until February 2012, she said in the letter Judicial Watch obtained under a public records request.

The home for the disabled was being leased from the diocese and Jane was supposed to help relocate the residents, not evict them, Judicial Watch reported. The group contended the comments showed Mrs. Sanders heartlessness.

The office of Sen. Sanders, I-Vt., did not return a request for comment.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Vermont initiated eviction proceedings against HowardCenter after selling the 32-acre property to Burlington College, Vermonts alternative weekly Seven Days reported in March, 2011.

The eviction notice gave HowardCenter until November 2010 to leave.

But the diocese extended the notice after HowardCenter said it needed more time to find another home, the paper reported.

Mrs. Sanders was chagrined to be caught up in what amounted to an eviction of mentally disabled tenants, according to the paper.

We are not trying to be the bad guys here, she was quoted as saying. We have always said that wed be helpful and wed try to help them as they found a new home  and we have. At first, we agreed to delay for one semester, and even that was pushing it for us. Six months beyond that is not realistic.

Sanders told the weekly that Burlington and the diocese had made financial sacrifices to allow HowardCenter to stay past the eviction date.

We thought a years time was appropriate, and its worrisome that they havent found a place yet, but there is really no choice any longer, she was quoted as saying.
The Chattanooga Parking Authority has announced downtown parking meters will not be enforced (and therefore need not be paid) on Tuesday, July 4, in honor of the holiday.

Parking in an unlawful area or manner (bus or loading zones, yellow curb, no parking, handicap space, Fort Wood Residential District, etc.) is enforceable 24 hours / 7 days a week.






An investigation by the international chemical weapons watchdog has confirmed Friday that sarin nerve gas was used in a deadly April 4 attack on a Syrian town.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said the attack on the town Khan Sheikhoun, in Syria's Idlib province, left more than 90 people dead, including women and children.

OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu has condemned the attack as an "atrocity" and says the "perpetrators of this horrific attack must be held accountable for their crimes."

The investigation did not apportion blame. Its findings will be used by a joint United Nations-OPCW investigation team to assess who was responsible.

President Trump cited the images when he launched a punitive strike days later, firing cruise missiles on a Syrian government-controlled air base from where U.S. officials said the Syrian military had launched the chemical attack.

It was the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Trump's most dramatic military order since becoming president months before.

Syrian President Bashar Assad denied responsibility for the attack. Syrian ally Russia argued after the incident that the victims had died of exposure to toxic agents released when Syrian warplanes hit a rebels' chemical weapons depot.

The conclusion that sarin was used had been expected. The OPCW Director-General, Ahmet Uzumcu, said two weeks after the attack that tests carried out on samples taken from victims and survivors indicated they had been exposed to sarin or a sarin-like substance.

U.S. envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley issued a written statement expressing confidence in the report, "which confirms what we already knew: chemical weapons were used against the Syrian people."

"Now that we know the undeniable truth, we look forward to an independent investigation to confirm exactly who was responsible for these brutal attacks so we can find justice for the victims," Haley added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
President Trump issued a blunt challenge to Republican senators on Friday to repeal ObamaCare now and replace it at a later date if they are unable to strike a deal on more comprehensive legislation  as rank-and-file lawmakers also voiced concern that time is running out to strike a deal.

If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date! Trump tweeted.

The challenge came as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was working behind the scenes to hammer out a new health care bill draft after scrapping a previous version in the face of flagging GOP support.

McConnell initially had wanted to have some semblance of a deal by Friday so it could be evaluated by budget scorekeepers and ready for a vote when lawmakers return from July 4th recess. But with no deal in hand as of late Friday, talks are expected to drag on.

Asked Friday afternoon about the presidents challenge, White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump hasnt changed his thinking and is still committed to working with the Senate on legislation  while exploring all options.

Republican senators are doing the same.

Nebraska GOP Sen. Ben Sasse floated a plan B, saying if McConnell cannot reach a deal by July 10, the Senate should consider repealing the maximum amount of ObamaCare now  while adding a one-year delay before it takes effect, giving senators time to work out the details of a replacement plan.

With Congress out until July 10, calendar pressure is building.

Ten Republican senators have signed a letter calling on McConnell to cancel the August recess if significant progress hasnt been made on fixing health care, funding the government, dealing with the debt ceiling and improving the tax code.

"Our current Senate calendar shows only 33 potential working days remaining before the end of the fiscal year. This does not appear to give us enough time to adequately address the issues that demand immediate attention, they wrote.

Despite Trumps tweet, repealing ObamaCare without a plan to replace it may be unlikely, considering the confusion it could cause in the insurance marketplace and for consumers.

But crafting a new Senate bill has proved challenging. Sources confirmed to Fox News that McConnell and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman got into a heated argument earlier this week over Medicaid. McConnell pushed for trying to slow the growth of Medicaid spending, while Portman expressed concerns about this, accusing leadership of overreaching on the bill. Portman would normally be an ally, and tensions with him could portend problems for winning over several other members thought to be on the fence or resistant to the current direction.

Leadership aides lately had downplayed the significance of the supposed Friday deadline for a deal. Talks are ongoing, and aides say they still are seeking a compromise that can garner 50 votes  the minimum needed to get some version of health care legislation passed, with Vice President Pence playing the role of tie-breaker.

Amid rising premiums and diminishing insurer options in many markets, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price on Friday stressed the importance of crafting a new plan.

The status quo is unacceptable, he told Fox & Friends.

Senate GOP sources said there is agreement between the White House and Senate lawmakers to add at least $45 billion to address the opioid problem, which could help win over wavering senators.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, essentially has called for Republicans to start over and work with his party on a new bipartisan bill. In a statement, Schumer cited an updated estimate regarding the coverage impact of the now-scrapped bill in declaring, The Senate version of Trumpcare is even worse than we thought.

Rather than pushing a partisan bill that cuts taxes for the rich and slashes Medicaid, Senate Republicans should start over on health care and work with Democrats on a bipartisan plan to improve our health care system, he said.

Fox News Mike Emanuel contributed to this report.
President Trump said Friday that the era of strategic patience with the North Korean regime has failed, as he met with South Koreas president in Washington to discuss the nuclear weapons threat from Pyongyang and other top issues.

Frankly, that patience is over, he said, citing the death of American student Otto Warmbier as an example of the brutality of the North Korean regime.

The United States will defend itself, always will defend itself and its allies, Trump said.

Trump welcomed South Korean President Moon Jae-in for formal talks at the White House a day after they met over dinner. As well as concerns over North Korea's technological progress toward a nuclear-tipped missile that could strike the continental U.S., Trump is pushing for a narrowing of the U.S. trade deficit with South Korea.

Since his 2016 election campaign, Trump has been critical of a 2012 bilateral free trade agreement and barriers to U.S. auto exports. South Korea had trade surplus of $17 billion with the U.S. last year when including both goods and services.

"We are renegotiating a trade deal right now as we speak with South Korea and hopefully it will be an equitable deal, it will be a fair deal for both parties," Trump said alongside Moon in the Oval Office. ""We want something that will be very good for the American worker."

On North Korea, Trump said earlier, "we have a very, very strong and solid plan." On Thursday, the Treasury Department blacklisted a Chinese bank accused of conducting millions in illicit business with North Korea as Washington intensified pressure on Beijing to crackdown on its wayward ally.

The South Korean leader has sought to make clear to the U.S. that he is also serious about dealing with his neighbor's threat, despite his inclination to restart dialogue with the North.

Moon's conservative predecessor, who was impeached in a bribery scandal, took a hard line toward North Korea. In recent interviews, Moon has said sanctions alone cannot solve the problem of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, but the "right conditions" are needed for dialogue.

In another point of contention, Moon has delayed the full deployment of a U.S. missile defense system, which is intended to defend South Koreans and the 28,000 U.S. troops based in the country, pending an environmental review.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Trump dismantled his controversial voter fraud commission as the group faced lawsuits, oppositions from states and fighting among its members.

On social media, Trump accused Democrat States of refusing to turn over information requested by the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity  tasked with investigating alleged voter fraud in the 2016 election  because they know that many people are voting illegally.

System is rigged, Trump said, calling for more stringent voter ID laws.

A June 2017 letter addressed to states from the commission asked for publicly available voter roll data. However, the letter also requested a lot of specific details, including: parts of Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses and information regarding felony convictions or military status.

Officials plan to erase the information already collected by the commission, White House Director of Technology Charles Herndon said in a declaration submitted to federal court.

The commission was also hit with a bevy of legal obstacles by organizations and state lawmakers regarding its practices.

What was the commission?

Trump created the commission through an executive order in May. It was expected to investigate instances of alleged voter fraud in the 2016 election.

Vice President Mike Pence chaired the commission with Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach serving as its vice chair.

Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, a Democrat on the commission, sued the group in federal court. He alleged, in part, that it violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents made available to other members.

Dunlap also blamed Kobach and his allies for stonewalling progress on the commission.

Why did Trump create it in the first place?

In the days following his inauguration, Trump called for a major investigation into alleged voter fraud in the U.S.

Trump has claimed multiple times that between 3 and 5 million illegals voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, thus costing him the popular vote. These claims have not been verified.

However, critics have said the commission was part of a campaign to make it more difficult for lower-income and minority voters to access a ballot box. Others said it was an effort by the Trump administration to distract from the ongoing investigation into Russian collusion in the 2016 election.

Why did Trump decide to disband it?

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the commission rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense.

She said the Department of Homeland Security has been asked to review the groups initial findings and determine [the] next course of action.

In his declaration, Herndon said state voter data will not be transferred to or accessed or utilized by DHS, Politico noted.

Kobach called the disbanding of the commission a tactical change and said DHS can still pursue its own probe into election fraud in a quicker manner.

"The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks," Kobach said. "The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling."

Several secretaries of state, Republican and Democrat, bucked a request for sensitive data by the commission or said they would only provide limited data.

Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, suggested the commission go jump in the Gulf of Mexico.

Even Kobach said his state would only provide some of the data requested by his commission.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Faroe Islanders have turned the sea red after slaughtering hundreds of whales as part of a centuries-old hunt, which has been harshly criticized by animal rights groups.

The hunts, or drives date back to the late 16th century. Authorities on the islands allow islanders to drive herds of pilot whales into shallow waters, where they are killed using a spinal lance that is inserted through the animals neck to break its spinal cord.

The grisly image shows a hunt on June 16.

'UNPRECEDENTED' ORCA HUNTING FRENZY CAPTURED ON FILM

The first hunt of this year was on May 21, according to ocean conservation group Sea Shepherd, which claims that 84 pilot whales were killed in the hunt. Hundreds more whales have died in subsequent hunts according to Sea Shepherd, which describes the drives as incredibly cruel.

The Faroe Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Norway.

According to the Faroese Government, approximately 450 pilot whales have been killed in the Faroe Islands so far this year. Some 295 pilot whales were killed during hunts, which are known as Grindadrap in the local language, last year, according to official statistics. Some 501 were killed in 2015, according to official statistics.

A spokesman for the Faroe Islands government told Fox News that whaling in the islands is sustainable and conducted in accordance with international law. There is no doubt that whale hunts in the Faroe Islands are dramatic and result in a lot of blood in the water, he explained, via email. They are, nevertheless, well organised and fully regulated.

HUGE SEAL BATTLES OCTOPUS IN INCREDIBLE FIGHT TO THE DEATH

The spinal lance used to kill the whales was designed by a Faroese veterinarian and ensures that the mammals lose consciousness and die within a few seconds. Normally, the entire pod of whales is killed in less than fifteen minutes, the spokesman said. A rounded blowhole hook is used to haul the whales further up onto the shore.

The government says that the pilot whale population in the eastern North Atlantic is approximately 778,000, of which around 100,000 are around the Faroes. The Faroese catch around 800 whales a year on average, it says. The long-term annual average catch of pilot whales in the Faroe Islands represents less than 1 percent of the total eastern North Atlantic whale population, according to the spokesman for the Faroe Islands government. It has long since been internationally recognised that pilot whale catches in the Faroe Islands are fully sustainable, he said.

The hunts can happen at any time of the year and are noncommercial - meat and blubber from each drive is shared among the local community. The whales are not an endangered species.

KILLER WHALES ARE TORMENTING ALASKAN FISHERMEN

The islands are a self-governing group of islands that is part of Denmark, but are not part of the European Union, where whaling is banned.

Last month officials in the Danish capital Copenhagen had to hose down the citys famous Little Mermaid statue after it was found doused with red paint in an apparent protest at the Faroe Islands whale hunts. On the ground in front of the statue was written in red, in English, "Denmark defend the whales of the Faroe Islands."

Activists recently urged the European Union to take action against Denmark over the Faroe Islands whale hunt.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
As NASA makes plans to one day send humans to Mars, one of the key technical gaps the agency is working to fill is how to provide enough power on the Red Planets surface for fuel production, habitats and other equipment. One option: small nuclear fission reactors, which work by splitting uranium atoms to generate heat, which is then converted into electric power.

NASAs technology development branch has been funding a project called Kilopower for three years, with the aim of demonstrating the system at the Nevada National Security Site near Las Vegas. Testing is due to start in September and end in January 2018.

The last time NASA tested a fission reactor was during the 1960s' Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power, or SNAP, program, which developed two types of nuclear power systems. The first system  radioisotope thermoelectric generators, or RTGs  taps heat released from the natural decay of a radioactive element, such as plutonium. RTGs have powered dozens of space probes over the years, including the Curiosity rover currently exploring Mars. [Nuclear Generators Power NASA Deep Space Probes (Infographic)]

The second technology developed under SNAP was an atom-splitting fission reactor. SNAP-10A was the first  and so far, only  U.S. nuclear power plant to operate in space. Launched on April 3, 1965, SNAP-10A operated for 43 days, producing 500 watts of electrical power, before an unrelated equipment failure ended the demonstration. The spacecraft remains in Earth orbit.

Russia has been far more active developing and flying spacecraft powered by small fission reactors, including 30 Radar Ocean Reconnaissance Satellites, or RORSAT, which flew between 1967 and 1988, and higher-powered TOPAZ systems. TOPAZ is an acronym for Thermionic Experiment with Conversion in Active Zone.

Nuclear power revival

NASA has funded several nuclear power technology efforts in the 50 years since SNAP, but financial, political and technical issues stymied development. Three years ago, the agencys Game Changing Development program backed Kilopower, with the goal of building and testing a small fission reactor by Sept. 30, 2017, the end of the current fiscal year. The project is costing about $15 million.

"It'll be the first time that we operate a fission reactor that could be used in space since [the] 1960s SNAP program," said Lee Mason, who oversees power and energy storage technology development at NASAs Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

The tests in September are designed to validate Kilopowers design and performance. After that, NASA would be ready to proceed with developing a higher-fidelity system for testing on Mars or elsewhere, Mason said.

The test reactor, which is about 6.5 feet tall (1.9 meters), is designed to produce up to 1 kilowatt of electric power, but to keep costs down, the test unit does not include a full array of Stirling engines to convert energy generated by the fission process into heat. Thermal simulators will be used for the balance of the engines to verify the reactors power output, Mason said in an interview with Space.com.

NASAs interest in fission resurfaced after a 2010 study that looked at options for RTG systems.

"At that point, we were trying to find a small fission reactor that could provide similar power output as the radioisotope power systems," Mason said.

NASA engineers figure human expeditions to Mars will require a system capable of generating about 40 kilowatts of power, which is about what is needed for "about eight houses on Earth," according to the agency. Curiositys RTG was designed to supply about 125 watts  less energy than what is needed to power a microwave oven  though power levels fall as the radioactive plutonium decays. [How Will a Human Mars Base Work? NASA's Vision in Images]

Solar power is another option, but that would restrict power generation to regions that are exposed to enough sunlight to charge batteries. Inside the moons Shackleton Crater, for example  a prime candidate for lunar sorties due to its water resources  it is completely dark. The sunniest spots on Mars receive only about one-third the amount of sunlight as Earth does.

"If you want to land anywhere, surface fission power is a key strategy for that," Michelle Rucker, an engineer at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, said during a presentation in December to NASAs Future In-Space Operations working group.

Fission reactors also can continue working in adverse weather conditions, such as Mars ubiquitous dust storms.

"Weve landed some really cool things on Mars and theyve had some pretty remarkable power systems  but theyre not going to cut it for human missions," Mason said during last months Humans to Mars Summit in Washington, D.C.

The biggest power requirement for future human expeditions is running the equipment to produce fuel, air and water, plus running the habitat and recharging batteries for rovers and science equipment. NASA envisions sending four or five small fission reactors, each capable of generating about 10 kilowatts of power, to Mars, Mason said at the Humans to Mars Summit.

The units would be launched cold and activated once they reach their destinations.

"Theyre not operating at launch, whereas once you fuel an RTG, its operating, and you have to process the thermal output," Mason said. "The reactors also have a very low radiological inventory at launch  less than 5 curies  so its benign  There are no fission products until the reactor is turned on, and thats when there will be some radiation."

Partners in the Kilopower project include NASAs Glenn Research Center, the Department of Energy, Los Alamos National Lab and the Y12 National Security Complex, which supplies the reactors uranium.

Irene Klotz can be reached on Twitter at @free_space. Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook and Google+ . Original article on Space.com .
NASA has released video and simulations of how it would try to save the planet if a "life-threatening asteroid" were on course to collide with the Earth.

The government agency is using 3-D models and one of its most powerful supercomputers in order to produce simulations on a variety of astroid impact scenarios. This allows first responders and other agencies to identify threats and make better decisions should an event occur in the future.

SCIENTISTS 'CAN'T RULE OUT' COLLISION WITH ASTEROID FLYING BY EARTH IN 2029

NASA showed off the findings on its website.

The work is being done by experts on the Asteroid Threat Assessment Project at the NASA Advanced Supercomputing facility at Ames Research Center in Californias Silicon Valley. The efforts are in conjunction with NASAs Planetary Defense Coordination Office.

Below is the entire video of the simulation:

The research is shared with a number of different parties, including university scientists, national research labs and different government agencies.

The work follows an asteroid collision in 2013 in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk. The blast from the asteroid injured more than 1,200 people and damaged building 58 miles away.

Scientists have recently said they "can't rule out" a collision with asteroid 99942 Apophis, which is slated to come very close to Earth in 2029.
Like the rest of the automotive industry, Toyota is beginning to think past the traditional automobile and focus on mobility. And with that, the company has shown off its Human Support Robot (HSR), after testing it with a U.S. war veteran in his home.

The HSR is part of a number of projects Toyota is working on to aid mobility mobility for those who have impaired functions. The at-home test, a first of its kind, was done with the help of Romulo "Romy" Carmago, who suffered injuries in Afghanistan that caused him to become paralyzed from the neck down.

The robot contains wheels and has visual sensors, along with an arm that can do tasks for those it is helping, like handling door knobs or grasping objects.

GECKO INSPIRED ROBOT COULD SNAG SPACE JUNK

It also has the ability to make video calls and has been used in Japanese hospitals to help with the country's population.

At Toyota, we have a commitment to enriching lives by advancing mobility for all  whether its around town or across your living room, said Doug Moore, senior manager, Technology for Human Support at Toyota, in a statement obtained by technology website The Verge. This includes developing technology solutions to assist people with limited mobility. We see our research with Romy and the HSR as a natural extension of our work as a mobility company that helps people navigate their world.

Below is a video of how it works:

The origins of the HSR date back a decade, when Toyota started its Robot Partner program. Since then, the company has experimented with robots in a number of different applications, including helping paralyzed people walk.

In 2015, Toyota created the Toyota Research Institute, saying it would put $1 billion into it over five years, to help advance artificial intelligence and different mobility solutions, including robots.
A 19-year-old Florida man is accused of selling 13 fraudulent Walt Disney World tickets to a family of tourists.

HAZMAT CREW CALLED TO DISNEYLAND AFTER GEESE POOP ON GUEST

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office tells the Orlando Sentinel that Branden Bullerin posted the tickets for sale on Craigslist.

An arrest affidavit says a woman from Tampa contacted Bullerin on June 18, wanting to buy the tickets. She met with him and bought the tickets for $1,000.

Officials say when the woman and her family arrived at the park they were told the tickets were expired.

The woman then contacted authorities.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MY LIFESTYLE NEWS

Bullerin is charged with grand theft and possession of a fraudulent admission ticket. He remains in jail on a $10,500 bond. Jail records don't list an attorney.
The Hall of Presidents isnt the only Disney attraction getting an overhaul.

Suzi Brown, a spokeswoman for Disneyland Resorts, confirmed on Friday that the popular Pirates of the Caribbean ride will be swapping out a scene in which a pirate buys his wife at auction.

The scene, which appeared in the Pirates rides at Disney World, Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, depicts a group of bound women on an auction block, with a banner reading Auction, take a wench for a bride hanging above their heads.

DISNEY SAYS TRUMP LIKENESS AT HALL OF PRESIDENTS WILL SPEAK

As riders pass by, the pirate characters can he heard saying We wants the redhead, in reference to the most prominently displayed of the wenches at auction, The O.C. Register reports.

Soon, however, the banner hanging at the site of the scene will read Auction, surrender ye loot, according to the Associated Press.

The redhead, too, will be recast as a pirate who will be overseeing the surrender of said loot at the three Disney parks in Orlando, Anaheim and Paris.

Our team thought long and hard about how to best update this scene, said Kathy Mangum, senior vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, in a statement obtained by The O.C. Register.

THE WEEK IN PHOTOS

We think this keeps to the original vision of the attraction as envisioned by Marc Davis, X Atencio and the other Disney legends who first brought this classic to life.

This isnt the first time Disney has modified its Pirates rides to become more family-friendly. In 1997, Disney redesigned a scene in which pirates were chasing women, and changed it so the pirates looked to be chasing the women for the trays of food they carried.

In a post to the official Disney Parks Blog, Magnum also confirmed that the Paris version will feature new characters, including Captain Barbossa, from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, and the ghostly visages of Davy Jones and Blackbeard.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Characters from the Pirates film franchise had already been added to the U.S. version of the ride between 2006 and 2011.

Brown confirmed that the changes to the auction scene will be made in July at the Paris park, and next year in the U.S. parks, the Associated Press reports.
Eric Nassau will be performing at Charles and Myrtle's Coffeehouse on Saturday, July 15, at 8 p.m. The coffeehouse is inside Christ Unity Church at 105 McBrien Road. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door.

Eric Nassau will also be featured at the Chattanooga Market on Sunday, July 16, at 2 p.m. That show is free.

Review for Eric Nassau:

Eric Nassau has been traversing the country since 1996, sharing his unique voice and bringing community together through song. Through his travels, he has been featured at Festivals throughout the Midwest, at the folk clubs in LA , NYC and Chicago, won the weekly Songwriter shoot-out at Eddies Attic in Atlanta and is a treasured performer in his hometown of Columbus.

In the tradition of folk troubadours, his original songs reflect lived-in soles and handed-down stories, personal anecdotes mixed with imagination and charm. His stage show backs this up; his engaging personality reaches out to audiences like a friend you havent seen in years.
A Japanese airline apologized on Wednesday for forcing a wheelchair-bound man crawl up a flight of stairs to board his flight.

Hideto Kijima, 44, said the incident occurred on June 5, during his return trip to Osaka, Japan, from the southern Japanese island of Amami, where he was vacationing with friends.

Just prior to boarding, employees for Vanilla Air  the budget affiliate of All Nippon Airways  told Kijima that the small airport had no elevator or lift to safely carry a disabled person from the tarmac to plane. Kijima's friends offered to carry him up the staircase, but Vanilla Air said the airline didn't allow passengers in wheelchairs to be carried up the boarding ramp, The Japan Times reports.

JAPAN REPORTS FACTORY OUTPUT, UNEMPLOYMENT ROSE IN MAY

At that point, Kijima resisted airline staff who tried to stop him, sat down on the stairs, and slowly hoisted himself up to the plane.

I just had to ignore them and keep moving up, or I could not go back to Osaka, Kijima wrote. Ive never thought I would be refused to fly for not being able to walk. Its a human rights violation.

When he got to the top, Kijima was placed in a wheelchair and brought to his seat.

Vanilla Air initially told the Japan Times that they didn't allow passengers to be carried aboard because of "safety concerns." But on Wednesday  more than three weeks after the incident  the airline confirmed that it had issued an apology to Kijima.

We apologized to him for the unpleasant experience, Vanilla spokesman Akihiro Ishikawa said. We also explained that we are taking measures to improve our service.

Vanilla Air says it's also installing lifts to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs.

Kijima, an advocate of barrier-free traveling, said he has visited 158 countries and used 200 airports, and has never been rejected before. The 44-year-old has been paralyzed from the waist down following a rugby incident in 1990.

THE LATEST: DEFENSE, PROSECUTION FACE OFF IN FUKUSHIMA TRIAL

Ishikawa said Amami is currently the only airport on Vanillas 14 international and domestic routes without lifts for wheelchair users.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Radio host Dana Loesch defended a video ad she fronted on behalf of the National Rifle Association Thursday, saying that liberal critics' reaction to it was "insane."

Loesch told Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" that the ad, titled "The Violence of Lies" was recorded in April. It features images of violent protests against conservative speakers at the University of California at Berkeley and attacks on supporters of President Trump.

"Im talking over video clips that show actual leftist violence," Loesch told host Tucker Carlson. "Rioting, property damage, arson, physical assault, and apparently me condemning violence is whats inciting and dividing America."

The video drew condemnation from several liberal commentators and lawmakers, including Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

Loesch called Murphy's tweet "incredibly reckless and irresponsible."

"There was nowhere in this video ... where I called for anyone to move toward violence, to silence anyone, or where I called for anyone to even pick up a firearm and enact violence," she said. "We just had a couple weeks ago, due to some of this rhetoric like we see from Sen. Murphy, had a crazy leftist lunatic go out and open fire on a bunch of Republican [congressmen] after he double-checked to make sure they were Republican.

"This has to stop, and Im not going to stop condemning violence, and its a shame that other people on the left, Tucker, wont do the same."
A Maine high-school teacher who is married with two children is being investigated after her alleged affair with one of her students may have led to the teen trying to kill himself.

Jill Lamontagne, 29, was placed on administrative leave earlier this month after the 17-year-old boys family told the school that hed had a sexual relationship with her, according to the New York Post.

The teen was admitted to a hospital on June 9 after downing a cocktail of drugs. He subsequently told a nurse that he had tried to kill himself because of a girl," the Post reported.

The student reportedly later told his aunt that rumors about the relationship with Lamontagne were accurate.

MARRIED TEACHER MOM, 31, ARRESTED FOR MULTIPLE SEX ROMPS IN HER CAR WITH TEEN BOY STUDENT

A lawyer representing the teacher in court denied the allegations.

Details of the alleged relationship between the teacher and her student were initially disclosed in a protection-order form completed by the boys mother, according to the Journal Tribune of York County.

He said he loved her, he said it happened numerous times, in the classroom, at her house, in her car, the students mother wrote in the complaint. She told him she hadnt had a sexual relationship in two years.

A district court judge extended a protection from abuse order granted after the student attempted suicide. That order bans the Kennebunk High School health teacher from contacting the alleged victim for two years, the Portland Press Herald reported.
A man caught on camera burning an American flag on the front porch of a Richmond, Va. home surrendered to police, authorities said Thursday.

Andrew Rosas, 26, of Richmond, was charged with arson after he turned himself in Wednesday evening.

Jim Tanner, the owner of the home where the fire was set, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he wanted Rosas "prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

"If hes going to burn a flag for no reason at all, who knows what hes going to do?" Tanner told the paper.

Tanner found his flag in ashes on his porch after he woke up Wednesday morning. He checked his surveillance camera video and discovered a man had walked up to his house around 2 a.m., tried to untie the flag, and then pulled out a lighter to burn the flag when it wouldnt come off.

Tanner told local media outlets the fire could have damanged his home and those of his neighbors if it had spread.

"These houses are 115-120 years old," Tanner told WRIC. "They go up real quick. Theyre tinderboxes."

STOLEN AMERICAN FLAG IN CALIFORNIA QUICKLY REPLACED BY VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

It was not immediately clear whether Rosas would face additional charges. Burning a flag with malice is a misdemeanor offense in Virginia.

HOW U.S. MARINES SAVED SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT'S PARENTS IN EPIC BATTLE

It was also not clear what Rosas' motive was for setting the flag alight.

"I don't think this was about burning an American flag. I think this is about, well, I can't get this unhooked so I'm just going to catch it on fire," Tanner told WTVR.
A female physician was killed at a Bronx hospital on Friday after a doctor opened fire at his former workplace, wounding several people before turning the gun on himself, police said.

The gunman, identified by police as Dr. Henry Bello, pulled out a rifle from under his white lab coat and shot multiple people at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital shortly before 3 p.m. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, cops said.

The shooting was an "isolated incident" and not related to terrorism, according to New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The fire system in the building was activated after the shooter tried to light himself on fire, New York Police Commissioner James O'Neill said. Bello was later found dead from the self-inflicted gunshot.

Officers searched the building floor by floor before discovering the gunman dead inside the building. Bello had opened fire on the 16th and 17th floors, police said. There was no immediate word on a motive, and it was not clear when he last worked at the hospital.

On the 17th floor, officers encountered the male suspect lying on the floor dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. An assault rifle was found nearby, ONeill said.

The subject was wearing a white medical-type coat," O'Neill continued. "A female victim was also discovered on the 17th floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A total of six additional victims were found on the 16th floor. They have been removed to the emergency room of the hospital. Five of them were seriously injured and one had a gunshot wound to the leg.

"At this point there is a lot we are piecing together," de Blasio said. "There are many, many details that we are still putting together."

The FBI currently has "a couple" of agents on scene, but the NYPD is still the lead.

President Donald Trump was made aware of the incident.

"We had a real tragedy here in the Bronx this afternoon," de Blasio said.

Two law enforcement officials said that Bello was allowed to resign in 2015 amid sexual harassment allegations. According to New York State Education Department records, Bello had a limited permit to practice medicine.

According to police reports, he had a history of sexual harassment cases. Police say Bello was arrested in 2004 on a charge of sexual abuse after a woman told police he grabbed her, lifted her up and carried her off, saying, "You're coming with me."

He was also arrested in 2009 on a charge of unlawful surveillance after two women reported he was trying to look up their skirts with a mirror. The arrest was later sealed.

Fox News' Jake Gibson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Gary, Indiana, man accused of killing seven women has objected in court to his planned trial date on murder charges in two of the slayings.

Darren Vann appeared in court Friday morning for the first time in more than a year, handcuffed and flanked by sheriff's police. The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports the 46-year-old Vann objected to the March trial date and swore at Lake Superior Court Judge Samuel Cappas when told prosecutors had requested a handwriting sample.

Vann was required to appear in court so he could be advised of his trial rights in the strangulation deaths of 19-year-old Afrikka Hardy and 35-year-old Anith Jones in October 2014. He waived his appearance at prior hearings.

Vann faces the possibility of the death penalty, if convicted.

___

Information from: The Times, http://www.nwitimes.com
With President Donald Trump's travel ban taking effect, the White House declared victory on the first major policy push of his presidency. But it could not have been the win Trump imagined.

What was once described as a blanket ban on Muslims, and then became a temporary ban on visitors from seven majority-Muslim countries, is now a list of confusing new visa restrictions. Trump's eye-popping campaign promise to deliver security by limiting entry into the U.S. has become the incredible shrinking travel ban, a plan rewritten, tweaked, watered down and litigated nearly beyond recognition.

All but lost in the five-month editing process and court fight is the president's stated aim: keeping dangerous people out of the U.S. Trump initially billed the temporary ban on visitors from certain countries and refugees as an urgent and necessary tool to keep out would-be terrorists while the government crafted new "extreme vetting" procedures. But five months and no ban later, the administration has made little effort to build a stronger case and offered scant new evidence to back up its claims.

The restrictions that took effect Thursday evening, reinstated temporarily by the Supreme Court, are a far cry from Trump's initial executive order, which sparked protests, chaos at airports and legal challenges in his administration's earliest days. That order was withdrawn after being replaced with a version that Trump himself described as "watered down" and "politically correct."

"What the Supreme Court did was watered it down even further," Kari Hong, an immigration law expert at Boston College Law School, said of the version that took effect.

The justices' ruling exempts people if they can prove a "bona fide relationship" with a U.S. person or entity. Under State Department guidelines, visa applicants from six Muslim-majority countries for the next 90 days need to show close family or business ties to the United States. Citizens of Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen with a parent, spouse, fiance, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling already in the United States could be allowed to enter.

Journalists, students, workers or lecturers who have valid, formal invitations or employment contracts in the U.S. are exempt from the ban.

The same requirements, with some exceptions, apply for the next 120 days to refugees from all nations who are still awaiting approval.

Experts aren't expecting large numbers of people to be immediately affected. Temple University law professor Peter Spiro, an immigration law expert, noted the numbers are difficult to predict because of likely legal challenges over the interpretation of the term "bona fide," which the court did not define.

While Trump declared the court ruling a "win," his administration did not lay out a clear case for the national security merits of the plan.

In a conference call with reporters Thursday, only one of five administration officials  one representing the White House  couched the Supreme Court order as a step that will have a marked impact on improving national security. The other four officials, from the departments of State, Justice and Homeland Security, described the actions more narrowly.

Asked specifically how the measures would improve security, a State Department official said only, "The guidance we have from the president is to put a pause on certain travel while we review our security posture."

The officials all spoke on condition of anonymity despite describing a public executive order.

The White House sees the Supreme Court decision as a temporary measure, and is confident it will win on the merits when the court hears the case later this year.

John Malcolm, a vice president at the conservative Heritage Foundation, said the Supreme Court's decision to allow parts of the ban to take effect and to hear the case was a good sign for those who support the ban.

"I think it sends a strong signal that the president is likely to prevail. As I think he should," Malcolm said, adding that he believed the court was allowing "90 percent" of what the president initially set out to do to take effect.

But it remains unclear whether even the original ban would have improved security.

National security experts have warned that the proposal alienated moderate Muslims and turned off allies whom the U.S. relies on in the fight against extremist groups.

The Homeland Security Department's intelligence arm found in February that citizenship is an "unlikely indicator" for a terrorism threat to the United States. A draft report obtained by The Associated Press said few people from the six countries affected by the ban have carried out attacks or been involved in terrorism-related activities in the U.S. since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011. The government said the draft report was "from a single intelligence source versus an official, robust document" and said it was incomplete.

Spiro said the travel ban has been "absurd from the get-go and it's no less absurd now." He argued that any national security ends could be accomplished with a much narrower focus on people who have historically posed a risk. "It's all about politics. It has nothing to do with security and counter-terrorism activities," he said.

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AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report.

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Follow Colvin and Caldwell on Twitter at https://twitter.com/colvinj and www.twitter.com/acaldwellap
A Florida woman who was fatally shot Wednesday hours after gushing about her success on her Facebook page may have been killed because of her social media posts, her family said.

Makeva Jenkins, 33, a mother of three children, managed The Prime Enterprise, a business consulting company, Palm Beach Post reported. She was homeless three years ago and posted about her financial success on Facebook  boasting that she was making multi six figures.

"Fast forward to now: We overcame being homeless in 2013/2014 to reaching my six figure mark in 2015 to now making multi six figures," Jenkins wrote in a Facebook post at 11:24 p.m. Wednesday. "No matter what the road looked like, I followed my heart and stuck with it growing my business."

Jenkins ended the post by saying, "Anyone can do it. It takes determination and consistency."

But just after 2 a.m., a masked gunman knocked on Jenkins' Lake Worth home. Her three kids  two girls, ages 1 and 13, and a boy, age 7  and two other adults were also at the residence, CBS 12 reported.

MAN INDICTED IN SLAYINGS OF 2 DOCTORS IN LUXURY CONDOMINIUM

An altercation ensued and the gunman shot Jenkins in the head. She was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The gunman sped off in the family's vehicle and ditched it nearby. Police are still searching for the man.

Though Jenkins' Facebook page is littered with personal posts, including one showing her bank account, relatives are worried that her last message was what led to her death, according to Palm Beach Post.

"Everybody loved her," the relative told the newspaper.

"Im speechless. My heart is just so heavy. I just cant believe it," another friend said.

14-YEAR-OLD DIES AFTER BEING SHOT AT FLORIDA GUN RANGE

On Thursday, someone posted on Jenkins' page confirming her death.

"Regretfully, the news reports are true. The family of Makeva Jenkins asks that their privacy be respected at this most trying time. All of your love, condolences, and well wishes are appreciated," the post read. "However, please refrain from calling or texting concerning the events. Please keep the family in your prayers."
Whatever it means, Georgia doesn't care.

The state banned the word, covfefe, a term made famous by one of President Donald Trumps tweets, from being printed on the states vanity license plates.

On May 31, 2017, Trump tweeted: Despite the constant negative press covfefe. The tweet left the public confused, but also entertained. The word took social media by storm and became a popular internet meme.

Trump tweeted later in the day: Who can figure out the true meaning of covfefe??? Enjoy!

The term or typo has been printed on t-shirts, mugs and other merchandise. The word was even added to the list on the popular mobile game, Words With Friends.

Covfefes next mention was on vanity license plates.

GEORGIA POLICE ARREST 3 TEENS WHO SCALDED THEN RAPED WOMAN NEAR HER KIDS

Nearly 21 states had orders for covfefe vanity license plates, Newsweek reported. Georgia announced that the term, as well as any other variation of the word, will not be allowed on its vanity plates. The state did not say why it banned the word.

Bruce Brown, an Atlanta lawyer, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the states decision to ban the word may be a violation of the First Amendment.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

Given the word covfefe has a political meaning, the state cant ban it because there are no provisions for rejecting political speech in their statute, and Id say it is unconstitutional because rejecting all political speech means their decision is not viewpoint-neutral, Brown said.

Covfefe joins the list of the other 8,000 terms the state prohibited which include: H0TBODY, BUTT AND PERVERT."
The Cornerstones preservation group is stepping in to help rescue an endangered building by Finley Stadium.

One of the last remaining buildings of the Ross-Meehan Foundry is owned by the city and county.

They are taking steps to turn it over to Cornerstones, which will seek requests for proposals from developers and seek to get it back on the tax rolls.

It is located next to the First Tennessee Pavilion.

A portion of the roof collapsed recently and it was fenced off.
The Latest on the Trump administration's revived travel ban for visitors from six mostly Muslim countries (all times local):

5:55 a.m.

Iran's foreign minister has denounced the partial reinstatement of President Donald Trump's travel ban as a "truly shameful exhibition of blind hostility to all Iranians"  and a measure that will prevent Iranian grandmothers from seeing their grandchildren in America.

Friday's remarks by Mohammad Javad Zarif came after the Trump administration set criteria for visa applicants from the six Muslim-majority nations and all refugees that require a "close" family or business tie to the United States.

The guidelines sent to U.S. embassies and consulates initially said applicants must prove a relationship with a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling in the U.S. Later, the State Department and the Homeland Security Department added "fiance" to that definition of "close familial relationship"  but not grandparents or grandchildren.

Zarif, who has persistently assailed the travel ban, wrote on his Twitter account that the "U.S. now bans Iranian grandmothers from seeing their grandchildren, in a truly shameful exhibition of blind hostility to all Iranians."

___

4:10 a.m.

The scaled-back version of President Donald Trump's travel ban is likely to generate a new round of court battles.

The new rules took effect Thursday evening but didn't spark the protests and chaos at airports around the world that marked the original order last January.

Instead of an outright ban as once proposed, the new rules tighten already-tough visa policies affecting citizens from six Muslim-majority countries. Refugees are covered as well.

Customs and Border Protection spokesman Dan Hetlage says his agency expects business as usual at ports of entry, with all valid visa holders still being able to travel.

Nonetheless, immigration and refugee advocates are vowing to challenge the new requirements.

The Trump administration has struggled to explain how they immigration policy will make the United States safer.
A Georgia judge has ordered a New Mexico man to carry around a photo of an 18-year-old girl who died when his truck plowed into her SUV, saying he should think about the life he took in a seven-vehicle pileup near Atlanta.

Daniel Crane, 50, pleaded guilty last week to charges of vehicular homicide and following too closely in the Aug. 20 collision that killed Summer Lee. Crane was northbound on Interstate 75 in Henry County, just south of Atlanta, when his tractor-trailer hit the back of Lee's SUV and pushed it into five other vehicles, killing her and injuring seven others, according to local media reports from the time.

At sentencing June 22, Senior Judge Rusty Carlisle agreed with the state's recommendations, including a two-year sentence made up of 60 days in jail and the remainder on probation. But the judge also told Crane he was adding his own condition: Carry around a photo of Lee and a copy of the statement her mother read at the hearing for the duration of his probation.

"I believe in my heart Summer would want me to forgive you, but please know the difference in forgiving and forgetting," Kimberly Lee told the court, in part, reading from a statement she wrote beforehand. "I know through my faith I must forgive if I plan on seeing her again when my day comes, so I would like to say I forgive you."

There were no dry eyes in the courtroom after victim impact statements were read at the sentencing hearing, Carlisle said. But he was particularly struck when Kimberly Lee said she had forgiven Crane for her daughter's death.

"I said to myself, 'This fella needs also to be reminded of the fact that she forgave him and of the life that he took,'" Carlisle said in a phone interview Friday. "It may stay folded in his pocket and he may never look at it, but if he knows he's got to pick it up every morning and put it in the pocket of whatever clothes he wears, then maybe that will make him think a little bit about what happened."

Lee said in a statement released through the prosecutor's office that the sentence was "appropriate."

"We were pleased when the court took an extra step to require the defendant to carry my daughter's picture with him as well as the statement I read to the court," the woman added.

Crane, who received credit for jail time already served, has been released, said Henry County Solicitor General Trea Pipkin. He lives in Jemez Springs, New Mexico, according to court documents.

Several numbers listed for Crane were either disconnected or rang repeatedly with no answer. Timika Dennis, a partner at the law firm that represented Crane, said they do not comment to the media.

Pipkin, who prosecuted the case, said neither he nor the family asked the judge for the extra conditions.

"Summer's story has touched all of us here at the office and to have assisted her great family in some small way has truly been the most enrichening ingredient of a very sad case," Pipkin said.

In fact, Carlisle said, he had spoken to no one about the case and knew nothing about it until he entered the courtroom that day. Having retired as a judge in greater Atlanta's Cobb County and now a senior judge, he was sitting in for the day because the judge overseeing the case was absent because of a death in the family.

"It's a sad thing," said Carlisle, who noted that Crane appears to have been distracted at the time of the crash. "There's nothing in the world that anybody can do to change what happened, but maybe things can change in the future."
A married health teacher is accused of repeatedly having sex with a 17-year-old student in court papers filed by his mother after he tried to commit suicide.

The claims against Jill Lamontagne, 29, from Maine, only came to light in mid-June after the alleged victim tried to take his own life.

Details of the alleged relationship between the mother of two and her student were disclosed in the protection-order form filled out by the alleged victims mother, reports the Journal Tribune of York County.

Its claimed the teen boy was admitted to the hospital on June 9 after taking a cocktail of drugs.

He later told a nurse he had tried to kill himself because of a girl, before admitting to his aunt that rumors about the relationship with the teacher were true.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT REVISITS ELITE PREP SCHOOL ALREADY UNDER FIRE

He said he loved her, he said it happened numerous times, in the classroom, at her house, in her car, the boys mother wrote in the complaint.

She told him she hadnt had a sexual relationship in two years.

According to the complaint, the student said he felt used by his teacher but wanted to continue the relationship.

He claimed that Lamontagne performed oral sex on him, and that other stuff happened between them as well.

According to the court filing, one sexual encounter took place when Lamontagne instructed him to come over to her home, and that the two of them fooled around. A lawyer representing Lamontagne in court Monday denied all the allegations.

She has worked at the school  where she was also a student  for five years and is the lead health teacher.

She has been placed on leave from Kennebunk High School and had a civil protection order issued against her.

SAN ANTONIO POLICE OFFICER DIES AFTER DOWNTOWN SHOOTING

Regional Schools superintendent Katie Hawes said the school is working with the appropriate agencies to ensure the safety of our students and our staff.

Hawes also said the district would consider firing Lamontagne if she is charged.

Lamontagne has not been criminally charged in this case. She remains on administrative leave while the school district investigates the claims against her.

According to her personal blog, she earned her bachelors degree in health sciences from the University of Southern Maine in 2010, followed by a masters degree in inclusion education from the University of New England in 2013.

Her Mission Statement reads: My mission is to be an exceptional role model for my students. As a health teacher, I educate students about many aspects of their lives/lifestyles and I believe that I need to practice what I preach.

To be successful in teaching students about these very sensitive topics, I am trustworthy, honest and reliable.

I strive to be all of these things, along with kind, healthy and responsible so that I am a great role model and mentor for my students.

Story first appeared in The Sun.
A Mexico native serving time in a prison south of the border for rape had his naturalized U.S. citizenship revoked by a federal judge Tuesday after authorities discovered the man failed to disclose a previous child sex assault conviction dating back more than 20 years.

The decision to denaturalize Jose Arizmendi, 54, made him the 88th person in the last eight years to have his citizenship revoked, according to a review by SeattlePI.com. Arizmendi had been living in Texas, making him the ninth person from the Lone Star State in eight years to be denaturalized.

The Justice Department is committed to preserving the integrity of our nations immigration system, Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler said in a statement. We will aggressively pursue denaturalization in cases where individuals lie on their naturalization applications, especially in a circumstance like this one, which involved a child sex abuser. Civil denaturalization cases are an important law enforcement tool for protecting the public, including our children.

Arizmendi, who is currently serving an 18-year sentence in Mexico for the rape of a minor there, did not tell officials at his immigration interview in October 1995 about his conviction six months earlier for the aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to a Department of Justice news release. Arizmendi was given 10 years of probation in that case, The Houston Chronicle reported.

When officials approving his immigration request asked if he had ever been arrested or convicted of a crime, Arizmendi told them: No.

Partly based on that answer, Arizmendi became a U.S. citizen in 1996. But immigration officials eventually uncovered the child sex assault conviction and alerted the DOJ, which initiated proceedings to strip Arizmendi of his citizenship in February 2015.

Because of a 10-year statute of limitations, U.S. authorities couldnt revoke the citizenship based on the criminal conviction alone  but due to Arizmendis lie to immigration officials, they were able to strip it as a civil denaturalization.

Applications for naturalization must be candid with all material facts, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Abe Martinez said in a statement. Like in this case, failing to disclose material data should result in denaturalization.
A scaled-down version of President Donald Trumps travel ban took effect at 8 p.m. ET Thursday, with none of the dramatic scenes of protest and chaos that greeted the original version of Trumps executive order five months ago.

The Departments of Homeland Security, State and Justice went ahead with the implementation after the Supreme Court partially restored the order earlier this week.

Trump administration says I do to adding fiances to travel ban exemptions

Who does Trump's executive order block from entering the US?

'TUCKER CARLSON TONIGHT'

Radio host Dana Loesch defended a video ad she fronted on behalf of the National Rifle Association Thursday, saying that liberal critics' reaction to it was "insane."

Loesch told Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" that the ad, titled "The Violence of Lies" was recorded in April. It features images of violent protests against conservative speakers at the University of California at Berkeley and attacks on supporters of President Trump.

GRETA FIRED

Greta Van Susteren is out at MSNBC less than six months after she started at the cable channel.

Van Susteren broke the news of her own ouster Thursday, tweeting "I'm out at MSNBC" shortly before the network issued its own announcement. Van Susteren's husband, John Coale, told CNNMoney, "They let her go," and added that she and MSNBC were "working out contract issues now."

UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT WINS SUIT

A man from El Salvador in the U.S. illegally who sued San Francisco after police turned him over to immigration authorities in violation of the city's sanctuary law is set to be awarded $190,000, his attorney said Thursday.

Pedro Figueroa-Zarceno, 33, reached the settlement agreement with the city attorney's office, said Saira Hussain, a staff attorney at the Asian Law Caucus who represented Zarceno. The agreement must be approved by the Board of Supervisors.

COMING UP ON FOX NEWS CHANNEL

TBA: President Trump and President Moon Jae-in make joint statements. Watch live on FoxNews.com.

8;45 AM ET: Vice President Pence joins South Korean Pres Moon Jae-in to pay tribute to the veterans of the Korean War at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Watch live on FoxNews.com

COMING UP ON FOX BUSINESS

8:30 AM ET: Alan Greenspan, former Federal Reserve chairman, will be a guest on Mornings with Maria

9 AM ET: - Sen. Pat Toomey will be on Varney & Company

10 AM ET: Sebastian Gorka, will appear on Varney & Company

10:30 AM ET: Secretary Ryan Zinke will be on Varney & Company

5 PM ET: Anthony Scarramucci, Fmr Trump Transition Team Exec Cmte Member will appear on Risk & Reward
A North Carolina man is charged with lying to the FBI when he denied telling someone he planned to fly to Syria and wanted to help others fly there to support the Islamic State.

An indictment unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Charlotte charges 29-year-old Alexander Samuel Smith of Waxhaw with two counts of making a false statement to an agency of the United States.

The indictment says Smith began communicating in July 2014 with an FBI confidential source who identified himself as an Islamic State representative. It says Smith offered to get a "buddy pass" for the source through his girlfriend, who worked for a U.S. airline. It also says Smith wanted to travel to Syria.

Smith's attorney, federal defender Kevin Tate, declined comment Friday. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
An Oklahoma dad took matters into his own hands and set up a sting operation to capture a man allegedly sending sexually explicit messages to his 15-year-old daughter, reports said.

The unidentified father in Del City discovered the inappropriate messages and photos while using the parental control app called Family Time, KOCO reported.

The app allows parents to monitor their children's phone calls, text messages and block apps and games deemed inappropriate.

The 33-year-old man eventually set up a time to meet the teen, and the father conjured up a plan to nab him.

"He had planned everything with her," the father told KOCO. "He was ready, and we were, too."

MARRIED TEACHER'S ALLEGED AFFAIR WITH STUDENT BEING INVESTIGATED AFTER TEEN TRIED TO COMMIT SUICIDE

The father lured the man to the family's backyard by posing as his daughter online. On the day of the takedown, the teen's stepmother waited for the man in a tent in the backyard while the father and four other family members waited inside the house.

"As he walked in and looked into the tent, my first nephew jumped out, my cousin jumped out after that and I came with the zip ties," the father recalled. "He admitted immediately that he was there to have sex with my daughter."

Surveillance video captured the sting. Police told KSWO that the family members held the man down until officers got there.

VETERAN BEATEN TO DEATH IN COLORADO WHILE TRYING TO SAVE TEENS BEING ATTACKED

"The family took it upon themselves to pretend to be her and invite the suspect to the house to meet her in the backyard in a tent for the purpose of having - to have sex," the Del City Police Department said.

The father turned over to police the sexually explicit content he found.

"So the moment he entered my yard, that point in time, I had to do what was right as a father," the father told KOCO. "You walked into the wrong backyard. Thats all there is to it."
An 18-year-old who died in an apparent road rage incident was shot in the head before the vehicle crashed and a manhunt is on for a driver, authorities in Pennsylvania said Thursday.

Bianca Nikol Roberson and a man driving a red pickup truck were trying to merge in a lane simultaneously on Route 100 in Chester County on Wednesday evening when the incident turned deadly, the district attorneys office said.

"And a man in the red pickup truck pulled out a gun, and shot her in the head, killing her," Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said.

Robersons car then veered off the road and crashed, WPVI-TV reported. Highway-camera footage revealed Roberson and the man in the pickup having some sort of incident before the crash.

Police said the pickup truck fled the scene and now authorities are searching for the driver.

This is now a murder case, Hogan said. A young woman has died senselessly.

Roberson had recently graduated West Chester High School and was heading to Jackson University in two weeks to begin freshman orientation, according to the station.

Her family is hoping the driver turn himself in.

If you don't even think it was your fault, and have a conscience, come forward and give us some closure and explain in your own words what happened," Robersons father Rodney said.

Police said the driver was about 30 to 40 years old with a medium build and blond hair, adding that the make of truck was a Chevy. Police consider the man armed and dangerous.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff in San Antonio to honor Officer Miguel Moreno who died Friday.

The police officer was shot Thursday afternoon after he and his partner approached two men and one immediately pulled out a handgun and opened fire.

Morenos partner, Officer Julio Cavazos, who was also shot, underwent surgery and is expected to survive.

BRONX-LEBANON HOSPITAL SHOOTING: GUNMAN DEAD, MULTIPLE SHOT IN NYC, POLICE SAY

A San Antonio police department spokesman identified 34-year-old Andrew Bice as the man who shot both officers before being killed in the shootout.

The other man the officers approached did not know that his companion was going to pull out a weapon and is cooperating with authorities.

After being shot, Moreno was dragged out of the line of fire by Cavazos, Fox 29 San Antonio reported.

Cavazos was shot in the chin but still managed to return fire, striking the assailant in the buttocks, the station reported.

Doctors found a bullet fragment lodged in his lung, according to the station. The bullet first struck his bullet-proof vest, the station reported.

CHICAGO, TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAVE DRAFT POLICE REFORM DEAL

The gunman was later found dead with a bullet wound to the head. Police aren't sure if the bullet came from his own gun in an apparent suicide, or from an officer's.

The shooting happened in the vicinity of San Antonio's downtown, near San Antonio College.

Moreno and his partner had been San Antonio cops for nine years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump's first, temporary ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations was short-lived, but it sparked confusion, panic and anger that lasted through months of court rulings. The Supreme Court is now taking up the case in the fall. In the meantime, the government can enforce parts of a second version of Trump's order.

So what's new this time?

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BANNED FOREIGNERS

Old order: Three-month ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries, including those who had valid visas but were outside the United States when the ban was signed.

Supreme Court version: Iraq has been dropped from the ban.

For 90 days, the government can bar new visa applicants from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Iran and Libya who can't prove they have a "bona fide relationship" with close relatives or a business in the United States. The State Department says valid relationships include a parent, spouse, fiance, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sibling already in the United States. Journalists, students, workers or lecturers who have valid, formal invitations or employment contracts in the U.S. will also be welcome.

Refugees hoping to come to the United States who aren't already approved for travel must now also prove one of these relationships. Otherwise, they'll be barred for 120 days.

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SYRIANS

Old order: Syrian visitors, immigrants and refugees were barred from the United States indefinitely.

Supreme Court version: Syrians will be treated in the same manner as citizens of the other five designated countries.

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REFUGEES

Old order: Four-month halt to refugees entering the United States.

Supreme Court version: The refugee ban will be in place for 120 days. But refugees already vetted and approved for travel through July 6 will be allowed to move to the United States. The "bona fide relationship" standard applies after a cap of 50,000 refugees that Trump set for the fiscal year is met. That is likely to happen soon. The new rules will likely affect refugees in the next fiscal year, which starts in October. The Supreme Court will hold a hearing on the ban that same month.

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TIMING

Old order: The Jan. 27 order was immediately put into place, causing chaos and panic at airports as the Homeland Security Department scrambled to figure out who was covered by the order and how it was to be implemented.

Supreme Court version: It went into effect at roughly 8 p.m. Eastern time Thursday, more than 72 hours after the Supreme Court issued its opinion.
The Academic Affairs Division at Chattanooga State Community College has announced the following faculty promotions and tenure recognition approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents:

Business: Assistant Professor  Jeremy Burchfield, Amanda Davis, and Angela McClister; Tenure  Angela McClister.

Engineering & Information Technologies: Associate Professor  Val deOlloqui; Tenure  Robert Coulter.

Humanities & Fine Arts: Associate Professor  Lori Barton and Evans Jarnefeldt; Tenure  Rachael Falu, Wesley Jarrett, and Josh Tucker.

Mathematics & Sciences: Associate Professor  MIranda Taj; Assistant Professor  Andrew Maginniss; Tenure  Aaron Wilmon.

Nursing & Allied Health: Associate Professor  Meredith Brown; Assistant Professor  Karrie Barnett, Shirley Cohen, Ose Martinez, and Mark Matney; Tenure  Robin Hoffecker.

Social & Behavioral Sciences: Associate Professor  Joe Boshears, Emily Dunlap, and Angie Wood; Assistant Professor  Tania Henson-Brooks; Tenure  Lindsay Holland.

Faculty promotions approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents in the Tennessee College of Applied Technology include:

Master Instructor II: Jimmy Jones, Motorcycle & Marine Service Technology.

Instructor: Renee Johnson, Massage Therapy.
President Donald Trump is making his second foreign trip as president this week, which will include a visit to Poland before attending the two-day G-20 Summit in Germany on July 7. The following week, he'll visit France for Bastille Day.

Here's what you should know about the president's planned events.

Poland

Trump will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster told reporters on Thursday.

Trump and Duda "will discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues, deepening an alliance based on shared values and common interests," the White House said in a statement earlier this month.

Trump will also attend a summit in Warsaw devoted to the Three Seas Initiative, which will be held July 6 to July 7. The initiative's focused on expanding and modernizing energy and infrastructure ties in a region of Central Europe from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Adriatic and Black seas in the south. The countries of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia are all part of the initiative. Trump will speak at the summit, and his "remarks will focus on infrastructure and energy security," McMaster said.

TRUMP TO SPEAK TO POLES AT SITE THAT HONORS NATION'S HEROISM

The president is also expected to meet with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, according to McMaster. The president will deliver a speech at a memorial to the 1944 Warsaw Uprising in Krasinski Square and "will praise Polish courage throughout history's darkest hour."

During the Warsaw Uprising -- the largest act of resistance in Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II -- insurgents and civilians fought the Germans for more than two months. The revolt was brutally crushed and resulted in the death of more than 200,000 Poles and the city's destruction.

THE G-20: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT

Germany

Trump will attend the Group of 20 (G-20) Summit in Hamburg, Germany, which is set to take place July 7 to July 8. The G-20 is made up of 19 countries - Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States - plus the European Union.

Trump will hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. Last week, McMaster and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn would not say whether the president intends to address accusations that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, just saying the agenda is "not finalized" for this or for any other meeting.

TRUMP, PUTIN TO MEET AT G20 SUMMIT IN GERMANY

Trump also plans to meet with the leaders of several other countries -- which include Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, McMaster said.

G-20 leaders will hear the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra perform the evening of July 7 at Elbphilharmonie, a Hamburg concert hall which opened earlier this year, according to the G-20's website.

France

Accepting an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump will visit France on July 14 to celebrate Bastille Day, the White House announced last week.

The French national holiday commemorates when the Bastille, a fortress and prison, was stormed on July 14, 1789. The event marked a turning point in the French Revolution.

The occasion will also be used to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I, Macron's office said. American soldiers will walk alongside French soldiers during the traditional Bastille Day military parade down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris.

During Trump's visit, the two presidents are also expected to "further build on the strong counter-terrorism cooperation and economic partnership between the two countries," along with discussing other issues, The White House said.

Macron invited Trump to visit when they met for the first time at a NATO summit in Brussels, Belgium, in late May and famously shared a white-knuckled handshake. Macron had extended the invitation again last week when he and Trump spoke via telephone.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
It may be off the beaten path, beyond a parking lot of a roadside diner, in fact, but this is where the USS Ling submarine has been a beloved attraction of the New Jersey Naval Museum in Hackensack, New Jersey since 1973.

Now, its turned into a 25-hundred ton problem.

The nearly 312-foot long World War II-era vessel remains berthed along the shore of the Hackensack River, and has served as a floating museum operated by a group of loyal veterans from the Submarine Memorial Association, a nonprofit organization, who have worked for decades to keep the sub's history alive. A small museum on shore has also helped to tell the tales of submarines and ships used in the U.S. Navy, which has drawn thousands of visitors through the years.

VETERANS SEARCH FOR HOME FOR WWII SUBMARINE

But new owners of the property have plans to redevelop the area and have served the museum curators an eviction notice, creating a troubling challenge for the museum and the sub.

Les Altschuler, vice president of the Submarine Memorial Association spoke with Fox News about the dilemma, saying, "physically yes, we can move, we don't have a place right now to move to. As far as the Ling, unless someone comes up with something we haven't heard already, as to how you can move it, out of the river here, to some other place, its going to stay in the river."

When the USS Ling was first commissioned in 1945, it was capable of being on war patrol for 60 to 90 days. Today, the vessel, which weighs 25,000 tons when submerged, is rusting and rotting in a river that is now filled with thick silt and only 3-feet deep at low tide. There's no way to float it, and it can't fit under the bridges nearby anymore because they don't open.

Then there was the problem of getting onto the sub itself. When Hurricane Sandy hit it 2012, the museum on land flooded and the sub floated. It took months for both to reopen. Visitors returned after the massive cleanup, but at the sub location, the piling support to the pier which held the gangway began to deteriorate, eventually causing the pier to break away in 2015. That led the museum and sub to shut down.

RUSSIAN NAVY TEST-FIRES SUBMARINE-LAUNCHED MISSILE

While this massive submarine doesn't technically have to go under the eviction notice because its not on the land that developers own, environmentalists say it should, and the only way to get it out is to dismantle it, piece by piece.

Capt. Bill Sheehan, the executive director of the Hackensack Riverkeeper organization, told Fox News: "unfortunately, the only thing I think we can do is bring in equipment and cut it up and take it away.

He said when the boat arrived at the river, it was 30 feet deep. Now, at high tide, its 10 to 12 feet deep.

As much as I feel for the people who want to keep it operational and keep the boat on exhibit, it is just not fit for it anymore," he said.

The Hackensack Riverkeeper group is recommending that the submarine be carefully dismantled and taken away in pieces, after trying to save some of the main parts of the sub that could be memorialized.

Members of the Submarine Memorial Association disagree that the sub should be destroyed, and say if they can get the developer to take a look at some of their designs and help pay for the project, there is a way the sub can be saved  and even incorporated into the landscape that is expected to be filled with condominiums.

When asked how he would respond to those who want the USS Ling to be carved up and hauled away, Altschuler said: "What I say to those people, is that the Navy has made it quite clear that as long as the boat is in the river, it cannot be cut up. The DEP (Department of Environmental Protection), the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and every other agency will not let a submarine be cut up sitting in a river. It's not a problem to the environment because it's contained, and the boat is not being cut up from what I know and thats the last thing that any submariner wants to see."

For now, the eviction notice does not appear urgent, there are no bulldozers or construction crews on site, which means the USS Ling will stay in the silt for now, until a plan, or a project to keep the submarine afloat comes along.

To learn more or donate to the efforts to keep the USS Ling as a working museum, go to the USS Ling's Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/uss-ling
Police in South Carolina are seeking a man who apologized after attempting to rob a convenience store.

The Sun News reports that Horry County police say they responded June 18 to a Circle K in Little River after the unidentified man walked inside and demanded money while holding a knife.

MAN JAILED AFTER HITTING MUSLIM TEEN WITH BACON

A police report says a night clerk told them the man entered the store around 1 a.m. and approached the counter. Police say the "unfazed" clerk didn't give the man money and told him to leave. The man realized his efforts were going nowhere and apologized, put the knife back in his pocket and left.
Letourneau pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree child rape against a 12-year-old male. She became pregnant and gave birth that year. Letourneau was released in 1998, but was again caught having sex with the boy. She was impregnated again, and this time was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for violating her probation. She was released from prison in 2004, and married the youth in 2005. Earlier this year, he filed for divorce.
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Three former executives of Tokyo Electric Power Co. apologized in court Friday for the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, but pleaded not guilty to charges of professional negligence.

Tsunehisa Katsumata, the 77-year-old ex-chairman of TEPCO, and two former vice presidents said they don't think they bear criminal responsibility because they couldn't predict the enormous tsunami that flooded the plant.

That issue is expected to be the crux of their trial, the first to consider whether officials of the utility can be held criminally responsible. TEPCO itself has not been charged. The trial at Tokyo District Court is likely to take more than a year.

A prosecutor told the court that the three defendants had access to data and studies that anticipated the risk of a tsunami exceeding 10 meters (30 feet) that could trigger a loss of power and severe accidents.

"They continued running the reactors without taking any measures whatsoever," the prosecutor said. "If they had fulfilled their safety responsibilities, the accident would never have occurred."

The lawyers in a Japanese trial are generally not identified by name.

Three reactors had meltdowns, and radiation spread into surrounding communities after the nuclear plant north of Tokyo was hit by a powerful earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011. Tens of thousands of residents were forced to evacuate, and some areas remain uninhabitable more than six years later.

"I apologize for the tremendous trouble to the residents in the area and around the country because of the serious accident that caused the release of radioactive materials," Katsumata said as he bowed slightly.

He and his co-defendants, Sakae Muto, 67, and Ichiro Takekuro, 71, said they couldn't foresee the disaster.

"When I recall that time, I still think it was impossible to anticipate an accident like that," Muto said. "I believe I have no criminal responsibility over the accident."

Prosecutors considered the case twice and dropped it both times, but a citizens' judicial panel overrode their decision and indicted the former executives. They are being tried by a team of lawyers appointed by the court.

The former officials are accused of not taking sufficient preventive measures despite being aware of the risk of a major tsunami at least two years before it happened.

Defense attorneys said in court that the tsunami projection was not well-established and divided experts. They said the actual damage was much larger than projected, so if TEPCO had taken steps based on the projection, it would not have prevented the disaster.

The prosecution began presenting more than 230 pieces of evidence including emails between safety officials and the two vice presidents that suggested increasing concern and a need to take additional tsunami measures at the Fukushima plant.

TEPCO was already conducting a tsunami safety review following a 2007 earthquake in northern Japan, and the three former executives routinely participated in it, according to the prosecutors. In March 2008, a TEPCO subsidiary projected that a tsunami as high as 15.7 meters (47 feet) could hit Fukushima based on historical data, prompting a consideration of the construction of seawalls, the prosecution said.

In an email that year, a TEPCO construction official said the updated tsunami estimate made Fukushima's safety measures insufficient, and they needed a "logical" excuse to keep the plant running. At a meeting later that year among TEPCO construction officials, a tsunami exceeding 10 meters (30 feet) was described as "disastrous." Muto later instructed them to take time for a further examination by experts, in effect delaying the plan, the prosecution said.

The three men are charged with professional negligence resulting in death and injury, including the deaths of more than 40 senior citizens during and after evacuation from a hospital, and injuries to 13 people including TEPCO employees during emergency work.

Government and parliamentary investigative reports have said that TEPCO's lack of a safety culture and weak risk management, including an underestimation of tsunami risks, led to the disaster. They also said TEPCO ignored tsunami protection measures amid collusion with regulators and lax oversight.

TEPCO has said it could have been more proactive with safety measures, but that a tsunami of the magnitude that crippled the plant could not have been anticipated.

The criminal trial for the TEPCO executives was prompted by an appeal by more than 5,700 people from Fukushima and other parts of Japan, urging prosecutors to investigate and send the utility executives to court to determine who was responsible for the disaster.

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Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at twitter.com/mariyamaguchi

Her work can be found at https://www.apnews.com/search/mari%20yamaguchi
Iraqs prime minister on Thursday declared an end to the Islamic States so-called caliphate in the Middle East as forces pushed deeper into the Iraqi city of Mosul and the Syrian city of Raqqa.

Iraqi forces began a bush deeper into Mosuls Old City, where ISIS militants were making their last stand and by afternoon they had reached an al-Nuri Mosque  the site where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made his lone public appearance in July 2014, declaring a caliphate in Syria and Iraq.

We are seeing the end of the fake Daesh state. The liberation of Mosul proves that," Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Twitter. "We will not relent. Our brave forces will bring victory."

Iraqi and coalition officials said Islamic State fighters destroyed the mosque and denied the militants assertion that U.S.-led coalition airstrikes had destroyed it.

U.S.-led coalition Ryan Dillon told reporters at the Pentagon that fighting in Mosul remains difficult with tight alley ways, booby traps, civilians and ISIS fighters around every corner. He still insisted, however, that victory would come in days rather than weeks.

Even after Mosul is retaken, however, Islamic State still controls significant pockets of territory in Iraq that Iraqi forces say will require many more months of fighting to liberate. Some 300 ISIS fighters remain holed up inside the last Mosul districts the militants hold, along with an estimated 50,000 civilians, according to the United Nations.

The fight for the Old City has seen some of the most difficult urban combat yet for Iraqi forces in the campaign against ISIS. Eight months into the Mosul offensive, ISIS now holds less than a square mile of the city, but the advances have come at considerable cost. Damaged and destroyed houses dot the Old City neighborhoods retaken by Iraqi forces and the stench of rotting bodies rises from beneath collapsed buildings.

"There are hundreds of bodies under the rubble," said Iraqi special forces Maj. Dhia Thamir. "But they are all Daesh."

Meanwhile, across the border in Raqqa, coalition forces predicted a long, bloody battle ahead for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, whose fighters succeeded in completely encircling the militants' de-facto capital Thursday. U.S.-led coalition officials estimated that as many as 2,500 ISIS fighters remained in the city.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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The latest on Venezuela's political crisis (all times local):

8:15 p.m.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is promoting an intelligence chief being investigated for human rights abuses to be chief of the nation's army.

Maduro announced that he is promoting Gustavo Gonzalez on Friday, just hours after Venezuela's chief prosecutor said she was investigating Gonzalez for "grave and systemic human rights violations."

Gonzalez has served until recently as chief of the feared Sebin intelligence agency.

He is the second high-ranking official that Maduro has rewarded this week after being accused of abuses against the opposition. On Thursday, Maduro decorated a colonel seen forcefully pushing the president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

Venezuela has been embroiled in three months of political upheaval that has left nearly 80 people dead and thousands detained.

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6:50 p.m.

Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami is throwing his support behind two high-ranking officials suspected of committing systemic human rights violations during three months of anti-government protests.

In a call to government broadcaster VTV on Friday, El Aissami called the state prosecutor's accusations "slanderous allegations."

Former National Guard chief Antonio Benavides Torres and intelligence agency director Gustavo Gonzalez have been summoned to appear next week as part of the prosecutor's investigations into rights abuses.

El Aissami also defended the Supreme Court's recent decision barring chief prosecutor Luisa Ortega Diaz from leaving the country and freezing her bank accounts. He called the restrictions "necessary measures of justice."

Ortega Diaz has recently been challenging the socialist government's legal actions. Earlier Friday, she asked the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for protection for herself and all those working in her office.

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5 p.m.

The last United Airlines flight has departed from crisis-ridden Venezuela.

A crewmember waved a Venezuelan flag out the pilot's window as the jetliner departed from its gate Friday.

The U.S. airline announced earlier in June that it was suspending its service to the capital city of Caracas as of July 1. The airline said the service was "not meeting our financial expectations."

United Airlines joins a growing list of air carriers that have suspended flights to Venezuela amid the country's economic and political turmoil.

Videos taken from inside the United jet showed one emotional crew member saying, "We will see each other again."

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3:20 p.m.

The head of Venezuela's intelligence agency is being summoned to court on suspicion of committing grave and systemic human rights violations.

Chief prosecutor Luisa Ortega Diaz's office says it is investigating cases of arbitrary raids, illegitimate detentions and people being held in jail despite court orders that they be let free.

Intelligence agency director Gustavo Gonzalez has been ordered to appear at the state prosecutor's office on Monday.

Legal rights activists have denounced the detention of thousands of Venezuelans participating in anti-government protests. Opposition leaders have also decried raids by authorities that have left buildings in shambles.

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3 p.m.

Opposition leaders are asking Venezuelans to step up their participation in street protests in advance of President Nicolas Maduro's constitutional rewrite.

Leaders of the Democratic Unity coalition say they are recruiting Venezuelans to join Committees for the Rescue of Democracy to organize neighbors.

A poll by one Caracas-based university this week found that nearly 20 percent of Venezuelans have participated in the protests. A majority of those surveyed also said they believed it was dangerous to demonstrate.

At least 77 people have been killed in three months of near-daily anti-government demonstrations that typically end with authorities launching tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters.

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1:30 p.m.

Venezuela's chief prosecutor is asking the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for protection after the Supreme Court barred her from leaving the country and froze her bank accounts.

Luisa Ortega Diaz announced on Twitter Friday she is asking protection for all those working at her agency from the Washington-based organization charged with safeguarding human rights. The commission is a branch of the Organization of American States.

The Supreme Court has recently taken steps to strip power from the state prosecutor's office and instead assign many of its responsibilities to the pro-government public ombudsman. That came after Ortega Diaz began challenging the socialist government's legal actions.

The court is also considering a complaint filed by a socialist party lawmaker who accuses Ortega Diaz of becoming a de facto opposition leader.

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This story has been corrected to .show that Gonzalez was named head of the army, not the military.
As the White House warned against a potential impending chemical attack in Syria, the U.S. Pentagon on Tuesday confirmed that its detected active preparations for use of chemicals in the Middle Eastern nation.

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, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Monday evening.

Syrian President Bashar Assad's government and Russia dismissed the White Houses allegation that Damascus was preparing a new chemical weapons attack

Spicer warned that should Assad conduct another mass murder attack using chemical weapons, then he and his military will pay a heavy price.

The White House said the recent activities by the Syrians appear to be similar to preparations the [Assad] regime made prior to the chemical weapons attack in April.

Heres a brief look at Syrias recent alleged war crimes.

April 2017

A gas attack widely blamed on the Assad regime on April 4 killed 89 people in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in northwestern Syria.

The U.S. says that attack was launched from the Shayrat air base. It was the second nerve gas attack the U.S. has attributed to the Syrian government since 2013.

We were attacked with four strikes, 27-year-old Syrian journalist Hadi Abdullah told Fox News following the attack. When people went to help, they were choked with the poisoned gas.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, an international chemical weapons watchdog, confirmed in June that sarin gas was used in the attack.

ACTIVITY SEEN AT SYRIAN BASE WHERE CHEMICAL ATTACK ORIGINATED, DEFENSE OFFICIALS SAY

Aside from the U.S., the United Kingdom, Israel, France and Human Rights Watch attributed the attack to Assads forces.

Syrian doctors blamed a combination of toxic gases released during the airstrikes for the high death count. Victims showed signs of suffocation, convulsions, foaming at the mouth and pupil constriction.

The governments recent use of nerve agents is a deadly escalation  and part of a clear pattern, Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch said in a statement. In the last six months, the government has used warplanes, helicopters, and ground forces to deliver chlorine and sarin in Damascus, Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo. Thats widespread and systematic use of chemical weapons.

When people went to help, they were choked with the poisoned gas.

Assad had denied responsibility for the attack on the rebel-held town.

Days later, President Donald Trump launched a retaliatory cruise missile strike on a Syrian government-controlled air base where U.S. officials said the Syrian military had launched the chemical attack.

It was the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Trump's most dramatic military order since becoming president months before.

CHEMICAL WEAPONS ATTACK LATEST IN LITANY OF SYRIAN ATROCITIES

Trump said at the time that the Khan Sheikhoun attack crossed "many, many lines," and called on "all civilized nations" to join the U.S. in seeking an end to the carnage in Syria.

Syria maintained it hadn't used chemical weapons and blamed opposition fighters for stockpiling the chemicals. Russia's Defense Ministry said the toxic agents were released when a Syrian airstrike hit a rebel chemical weapons arsenal and munitions factory. Russia is a close ally of Assad.

March 2015

Human Rights Watch and the United Nations blamed the Syrian government for dropping toxic chemicals  such as chlorine  on the northwestern town of Sarmin via multiple barrel bomb attacks.

The Syrian Air Force used makeshift weapons deployed from helicopters in a March attack, according to a confidential report from the United Nations and an international chemical weapons monitor released in August 2016.

RUSSIA ACCUSES US OF PROVOCATION OVER SYRIA CHEMICAL-ATTACK WARNING

Human Rights Watch said one attack killed six people, including three children. The nonprofit organization alleged that at least 206 people were affected by the chemical attacks.

Syrian authorities appear once again to have shown complete disregard for human suffering by violating the global prohibition against chemical warfare, Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East and North Africa director for the nonprofit, said in a statement at the time.

April 2014

The U.N. report also alleged that the Syrian Air Force dropped bombs with chlorine on the town of Talmenes in April 2014.

Human Rights Watch blamed the government for dropping barrel bombs with chlorine gas on three towns in Northern Syria in mid-April.

SURVIVORS OF SYRIA CHEMICAL ATTACK GRAPPLE WITH FALLOUT

Syrias apparent use of chlorine gas as a weapon  not to mention targeting of civilians  is a plain violation of international law, Houry said at the time.

August 2013

More than 1,400 people  including hundreds of children  were killed in what is believed to be the largest-scale use of chemical weapons to date.

The U.S. government alleged that Syrian specialists loaded warheads with deadly chemicals and launched them behind the governments defensive lines in the middle of the night on August 21.

U.N. investigators visited the sites and determined that ground-to-ground missiles loaded with sarin were fired on civilian areas while residents slept. The U.S. and others blamed the Syrian government, the only warring party at the time known to have sarin gas.

Victims in the attack suffered from shortness of breath, blurred vision, disorientation, weakness, vomiting and eventual loss of consciousness, the BBC reported at the time. Those symptoms are consistent with exposure to a nerve agent, according to the BBC.

May 2013

For two days at the beginning of May, government forces and militias raided the coastal towns of Bayda and Baniyas, burning homes and shooting families to death.

While troops were allegedly searching for army defectors and other dissidents, at least 248 people were killed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Russian authorities say a massive thunderstorm around Moscow has killed at least one person, injured several others and forced scores of planes to divert to other airports.

Weather experts are describing the storm as the biggest in decades, with one comparing it to the Biblical deluge.

The regional health department says a man was killed by lightning in Dmitrov, north of Moscow, and several others were injured by falling trees.

Two passenger jets were also hit by lightning as they approached Moscow but landed safely, suffering only minor damage, according to Interfax. About 40 planes had to be diverted.

Moscow's circle railroad reported a temporary disruption after a tree fell on the tracks. More than 4,000 people also lost power.

Another powerful thunderstorm in May killed 16 people and injured dozens in Moscow.
The Houston Museum will host an Appalachian Talk by author Leslie Harper Worthington on Saturday, Sept. 9. Dr. Worthington will discuss how grown children of Appalachian people view their parents and ancestors today through original essays.

Appalachian people are frequently depicted as poorly educated whites who isolate themselves in mountain hollows, said Dr. Worthington, whose family is Appalachian but left the region before she was born. ..so I have felt some displacement. That's what my essay in the collection Seeking

Home is about. I studied the literature of the area for my PhD.

In Seeking Home, editors Dr. Worthington and Jurgen E. Grandt turn that stereotype upside down by showcasing Appalachias ethnic diversity through a lively collection of essays discussing fiction, poetry, letters and songs.

This collection begins with a personal narrative in which Dr. Worthington relates how she discovered her own home through teaching Lee Smiths Fair and Tender Ladies.

Dr. Worthington is the dean of Academic Programs and Services at Gadsden State Community College in Alabama. Ms. Smiths Fair and Tender Ladies is the story of a Virginia mountain girl, Ivy

Rowe, who wrote of her Appalachian life in words that are colloquial and often misspelled. Dr. Worthington's study of the book inspired her to seek out essays from other Appalachian decedents for her book Seeking Home.

Other essays range from the anticipatedRon Rash, Barbara Kingsolver, Harriette Simpson Arnowto the unanticipatedCharles Fraziers magical realism, a Confederate soldiers journals, and three different examinations of Affrilachian poets. Adding further texture to the collection are essays examining the diversity in Appalachian music, including Cherokee song and dance, a discussion of Appalachian mining songs, and an examination of recording technology and authenticity, she said.

Her co-editor, Dr. Grandt, is an associate professor of English at the University of North Georgia. He was mostly interested in the music of Appalachia. He's a jazz musician. We were both English professors at Gainesville State College which is now the University of North GA, located in the Georgia Mountains.

Seeking Home confirms that just as there are many Souths, there are also many Appalachias. The region is multifaceted, multicultural, and all we have to do is be willing to examine the variety.

In September, Dr. Worthington will give a 45 minute talk at the Houston Museum. I was hoping to read some of my essays and talk about Appalachian literature and culture. My previous book was about Cormac McCarthy who is from Knoxville. He's Appalachian and a Tennessean so I thought

the audience might be interested. I'd also like to talk about some of the essays in the collection, more than likely the ones about literature because that's my area, for example Rob Rash.

To reserve a seat for this free event, go to thehoustonmuseum.org. It will be held Saturday, Sept. 9, from 1-4 p.m. at 201 High St. Dr. Worthington will speak about her new book at 1 p.m.




New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone.
A Spotsylvania County pawnbroker has settled a lawsuit brought by Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring claiming it made illegal, unlicensed motor vehicle title loans and charged excessive fees for them.

According to the attorney general, B&B Pawnbrokers Inc., located off Lafayette Boulevard, will offer more than $60,000 in refunds to more 840 consumers to resolve the lawsuit filed in July 2015 by Herrings office.

In recent years we have seen a rash of pawnbrokers around Virginia skirting laws and overcharging consumers, Herring said in a news release. This case was the one that brought the overcharging pawnbrokers to our attention, and I am pleased that we were able to reach a fair and reasonable resolution to this lawsuit that stopped the illegal conduct, and that will put dollars back into the pockets of Virginia consumers.

According to the settlement, B&B agreed to offer refunds totaling $58,153.83 to 843 borrowers who paid more than Virginias pawnbroker statutes allow. This category includes loans made between Jan. 1, 2015, and April 30, 2016.

B&B also agreed to offer refunds totaling $3,880 to four borrowers to fully refund fees paid in connection with the companys 19 illegal motor vehicle title loans, the release said. This category of relief includes certain automobile-secured loans made between May 2012 and May 2014.

In addition, B&B agreed to pay $2,500 as a civil penalty for alleged violations of the Virginia motor vehicle title loan statutes and $11,121 in attorneys fees.

Individual consumers who received loans from B&B during the periods involved and who have questions about the settlement may contact the company directly at 540/891-8851.

B&B is the latest pawnbroker to resolve allegations made by the Virginia Attorney Generals office.

In May, Herring announced that Spotsylvania Gold & Pawn Inc. will provide about $37,000 in refunds to more than 1,400 consumers.

In March, Spotsylvania County-based Pawnking LLC and Stafford County-based All Star Pawn & Gold LLC agreed to provide more than $62,000 in refunds to more than 1,000 consumers to settle illegal interest and fee allegations.

And in 2014, Liberty Pawnshop & Gold LLC in Fredericksburg reached a settlement with the state after being accused of issuing auto title loans without a license.
Chattanooga police officers, civilian employees, community members and partner agencies were recognized Thursday night at the Chattanooga Police Department Annual Awards Ceremony held at Calvary Chapel.

Each year the Chattanooga Police Department honors officers and civilians whove performed an exceptional act or served in an exceptional manner. The recipients represented examples of bravery, dedication and extraordinary work ethic.

I got to finish my career in law enforcement doing what I like best, recognizing the sacrifice, heroics, and service of the men and women of the police department and our partners in the community," said CPD Chief Fred Fletcher.

By honoring these dedicated men and women, CPD not only shows the respect deserved for a job well done, but also highlights the standards and expectations of the department and the community it serves, said officials.

Officer of the Year ~ Officer Chris Mullinix



Patrol Officer of the Year ~ Officer Zackary Crawford



Investigator of the Year ~ Investigator Brad Brown



Civilian of the Year ~ Amy Schaefer



Rookie of the Year ~ Officer Patrick Cavanaugh



Supervisor of the Year ~ Sergeant Tommy Meeks



Manager of the Year ~ Lieutenant John Chambers



Life Saving Awards ~ Sergeant Tim Tomisek, Sergeant Steve Wiertel, Sergeant Andrew Peker, Officer Brian Angel, Officer Curtis Roth, Officer Zackary Crawford



Chiefs Awards ~ Sergeant Josh May, Sam Wofford, Zachary Wiley, Kenneth Elwood, Kenny Reynolds, Raymond Hass, Caroline Huffaker



Special Recognition ~ Crime Analysis Unit, Traffic Unit, Crime Scene Unit, Victim Services Unit



Chiefs Certificate of Appreciation ~ Shirley Varner, Pam Hickman, Alice Turner



Spirit of Community Policing ~ Officer Rob Simmons



Distinguished Alumnus ~ Bobby Simpson, Curtis Greene



Law Enforcement Partner of the Year ~ Hamilton County District Attorneys Office



Community Partners of the Year ~ James Moreland, Stacy Johnson



Federal Partner of the Year ~ U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)



Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association ~ Jeffery Evans



Chaplain of the Year ~ Ben Brychta



*Distinguished Legacy Award - Assistant Chief Tracy Arnold



*First-time award for career contributions to community policing, mentorship, and enhancing CPDs response to victims of crime presented by Paul Smith, Group Violence Intervention Field Advisor at John Jay College








Tucked back in the woods off River Road in Spotsylvanias River Bluffs subdivision, just an eighth of a mile from the Rappahannock River, is 3 River Oak Place. Built entirely of pine and blue spruce, the house has a rustic, cabin feel and is right at home in its wooded setting.

In the early 1980s, Hugh and Mitzie Montgomery searched the area for just the right lot on which to build their dream house. In 1985, they found it, 7.5 acres in a newly opened section of River Bluffs.

Ive always been a water person, so it had to be near the water, said Hugh Montgomery, who retired from his Navy career as a top civilian in the Department of Naval Operations. When Mitzie walked onto the lot, she said, This is it.

Montgomery said the couple always envisioned the house as their forever home. But sometimes physical realities get in the way of lifetime plans, and navigating a multi-level home is not as easy for them as it used to be.

The Montgomerys have decided to seek out single-level living arrangements elsewhere and have listed the property with Sherry Hannigan of Celtic Realty in Fredericksburg. The asking price is $600,000.

Just as they had done their homework in finding the right lot, the Montgomerys also made sure they had the right house to put on it.

We saw a chalet featured in a magazine that was on display at the Atlanta Home Show, so we went to see it, Hugh Montgomery said. I liked the design but we wanted to be sure, and we found out we could rent it for a weekend. So we did.

They were sold on the idea, but the 1,800-square-foot chalet, which was more like a ski lodge, would have to be modified and expanded to make it their home. They took the idea and transformed it into a three-level, 3,300-square-foot home with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Theres also an oversized two-car garage nearby.

Given his science and technology background, Montgomery was committed to making the home both solid and energy efficient. He found a local contractor by the name of Bill Barnes who understood what the couple was looking for.

Im an energy guy, said Montgomery, so upgraded 2-by-6 framing was used to allow for serious wall insulation, which he said is rated at R34. We overbuilt everything.

A look around at the construction bears that out. The timbers are heavier than those specified in plans and they are held in place by more bolts than called for as well.

By 1986 the house was complete enough to live in, he said. So lacking the funds to keep Barnes on, the couple moved in and completed the house themselves. The fit and finish are nigh on perfect because Montgomery would have it no other way.

He also succeeded in fulfilling his energy-efficiency goal. The house is all electric, and the power bill for this past Maya hotter-than-average monthwas $71.

They wanted a house with lots of windows that would welcome natural light and let them enjoy their peaceful surroundings without wasting energy, so all of the windows are low-emissivity and either double- or triple-glazed. Framed glass doors provide access to various porches, balconies and decks.

THE INSIDE STORY

The main level offers an open floor plan with a soaring ceiling in the living area. A handsome stone fireplace is a focal point here. Main-level flooring is hardwood throughout.

Also sharing the space is the island kitchen and dining area. Premium kitchen appliances combine with pine cabinetry and white countertops to provide a functional space. Adjacent to the dining area is a sunroom to the rear and access to the expansive deck on the side.

The robustly constructed deck forms a wide, country front porch, and wraps around most of the home. It ended up becoming a convenient carport as the terrain lowers around the back of the house.

The master suite is also on the main level. It has skylights, a large walk-in closet and access to a small deck. The extra bracing that was part of the overbuilding process is on display in the master.

Montgomery notes that there is way too much furniture here for their next home, so much of it can convey if a prospective owner is interested.

Beautiful, hand-lacquered steps lead to an upstairs loft that overlooks the great room and maintains the open floor plan design. Two secondary bedrooms up here share a full bathroom.

The basement was designed as a self-sufficient in-law apartment with its own full bathroom, small kitchen and walk-out access. The large main room could easily become a family recreation area.

An exercise room and the laundry room are on this level, as well as a cedar closet that was built under the basement stairs.

The cedar closet is one example of how Montgomery made sure that every nook and cranny was put to good use. Other examples include bathroom medicine cabinets that were built into bathroom walls and spaces next to a shower and vanities that were turned into useful space.

Household utility systems were also involved in the planning and design process. The extra-efficient water heater, for example, is located directly beneath the kitchen and bathrooms above it, which means hot water arrives seconds after turning on a faucet. Along with the water purification system, Montgomery has integrated a charcoal filtration system that removes radon from the well water.

The nearby garage, Montgomery said, was designed not to mimic the house but to complement it. The garage has a barn-style roof, while the main house has a Dutch Colonial roof, which is likened to a barn style that gives slanted walls to the upper level of the structure.

In addition to space for two vehicles, there is walk-up storage space in the attic, and basement space for storage of yard equipment and supplies.

The 7.5-acre lot offers lots of opportunities for exploring and communing with nature. Tranquil views of the Rappahannock are just an easy downhill walk away.

Montgomery is clearly proud of the house he and Mitzie built. And while the couple hates to give it up, there is also a plan for that. Were not just looking for the next owner, Montgomery said. Were looking for the next steward.
Federal prosecutors say they have broken up a narcotic-trafficking ring in the Fredericksburg area as part of a two-year, multi-jurisdictional investigation.

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia said in a news release that heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone were sold by the defendants out of Westmoreland, Caroline and King George counties. King George Sheriff Steve Dempsey also announced drug charges against four other people in a separate local investigation by his office.

According to a federal indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Richmond, the suspects in the federal probe are accused of storing, using and selling drugs from three rental homes, one in King George and two in Colonial Beach, between January 2015 and May of this year.

Through our intense and collaborative investigation, we collectively stopped a large amount of illegal drugs from being delivered and distributed in Westmoreland County and surrounding localities, Westmoreland Sheriff C.O. Balderson said in an email.

Five of the men face the bulk of the charges, ranging from drug trafficking to conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone and gun charges: Dwayne Alonzo Proctor, 37, of Westmoreland; Terrell Sylvester Johnson, 28, of Westmoreland; Jeffrey Diaz Dudley, 26, of Westmoreland; Dominic Brown, 27, of Caroline; and Lawrence Buckner, 37, of King George.

The five men are scheduled to face trial on Aug. 14.

If convicted, the men would have to forfeit a range of possessionsproperty in Westmoreland; $2,802 in cash; a variety of designer watches, shoes and travel bags; and 10 guns, according to court records.

Three other suspects were charged with distributing heroin as part of the alleged ring.

Edward Wayne Shupe, 47, of King George, and Kim Eileen Capps, 47, of Fairfax, each was charged with one count of selling heroin. Capps has a trial set for July 11 and Shupe is scheduled to face trial on July 20.

Clifton Wayne Howdershelt, 53, of King George was charged with selling at least 700 grams of heroin between January 2015 and this May as part of the operation, according to court records. He also was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He pleaded guilty to his charges, according to court records. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 24.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Virginia State Police, and the Caroline, King George and Westmoreland sheriffs offices.

Meanwhile, the King George Sheriffs Office announced local indictments against four suspects in another drug investigation.

According to a Sheriffs Office release, Timothy Edwin McDowney Jr., 22, of Colonial Beach, faces two counts of trafficking drugs; Demetrius Antwaan Smith, 38, of King George, faces five counts of trafficking and one count of manufacturing and distributing drugs; Jerome Stanley Owens, 40, faces three counts of trafficking and two counts of manufacturing or distributing drugs; Renita Monika Gray, 33, of King George, faces three counts of trafficking.

Sheriff Dempsey said in an email that the goal of the task force investigation was to reduce the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities by targeting those who supply them.

These arrests represent the progress weve made, and will continue to make, toward this goal, he added.
A Stafford County judge is considering a Henrico County mans request to withdraw his guilty plea to first-degree murder and take the case to trial.

Corey Andrew Terry, 28, was convicted Nov. 30 in connection with the May 20, 2016, slaying of 20-year-old Austen Agnor in the parking lot of the now-closed Exxon station on Courthouse Road, just down the street from the Stafford Sheriffs Office.

Agnor was shot seven times during what was supposed to be a child custody exchange between Terry and Agnors wife, Crystal Agnor, who shares a young daughter with Terry from a prior relationship.

Terry was originally supposed to be sentenced Thursday, but instead Judge Victoria Willis heard several hours of testimony regarding Terrys request for a new trial.

His new attorney, Mark Murphy, argued that Terry clearly didnt understand what he was doing when he agreed to the first-degree murder conviction. He said Terry felt pressured by his former attorneys, Amr Ahmed and Elizabeth Hutson, to take the plea and mistakenly thought that hed be able to argue for a lesser conviction at a later date.

He certainly didnt make an informed decision, said Murphy, who noted that the deal Terry took was only marginally better than a straight guilty plea.

Ahmed and Hutson testified extensively during Thursdays hearing. Both said they discussed in detail every element of the case and made it clear that the final decision was up to Terry. They denied pressuring Terry, though Hutson acknowledged, We did not feel that a trial would be in his best interests.

At the end of the hearing, Willis said she was taking the case under advisement and would review a transcript of the hearing before making her decision. It is expected to be at least a couple of weeks before the transcript will be prepared.

According to the evidence presented previously by prosecutors Lori DiGiosia and Ryan Frank and court records, the Agnors were married in October 2015, about a month before Austen Agnor left for a military assignment with the Army.

He returned from Texas on May 18 of last year, two days before his death. He and his wife had just moved into their new residence in Maryland.

The Agnors agreed to meet Terry in Stafford for a court-ordered visitation. They chose Stafford because it is about halfway between where they and Terry lived.

Court records show that Terry and the Agnors had had a number of unpleasant exchanges on the telephone and on social media, including a phone call to Crystal Agnor that day in which Terry threatened to smoke your family and his family.

Murphy presented evidence that Austen Agnor had made a number of threatening comments to Terry as well. He said Agnor had also used racial slurs against Terry and taunted him about having his former girlfriend and his daughter.

Terry told police after the shooting that he was protecting himself when he shot Agnor and came to Stafford with no intention of harming anyone. Murphy argued that are many factors that could lead a jury to determine that Terrys actions amounted to something less than first-degree murder.

Prosecutors argued there was no reason to let Terry withdraw his plea. Not only did his attorneys discuss his case multiple times with him, they said, the judge also asked a series of questions during the plea process to make sure Terry knew what he was doing.
Aaron Carter, the singer-rapper who began performing as a child and had hit albums starting in his teen years, was found dead at his home in Southern California. He was 34. Representatives for Carters family confirmed the singers death Saturday. They did not provide any immediate further comment. A sheriff's official says deputies responding to reports of a medical emergency found a person deceased at the home in Lancaster. Aaron Carter, the younger brother of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, performed as an opening act for Britney Spears as well as his brothers boy band, and appeared on the familys reality series, House of Carters.
No doubt, its great fun to launch a water rocket, program a Lego-based robot to follow basic commands and build an intricate tower from balsa woodthen load it down with sand until the whole structure collapses.

But the 2017 Dahlgren STEM Summer Academy is about more than exposing students to various challenges. It keeps participants from ending up brain dead, which rising seventh-grader Carolyn Reid of Stafford County says can happen when school is closed.

It also gives them food for thought, now and in the future.

The 96 students from the Dahlgren School, Fredericksburg and the counties of King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford are spending this week working with scientists and engineers from Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. They hear men and women who build weapons to defend the nation or use equipment to track its enemies talk about the way they apply skills learned in science and math classes.

It really gets [the students] thinking, Yeah, I could do that,  said John Wright, who started the academy in 2005 and is retiring this week after directing the Navy bases STEM outreach programs.

Getting more American students interested in jobs as scientists and engineers is a Department of Defense goal, said Scott Gingrich, the academys director. He said the DoD was worried that the United States didnt have enough up-and-coming professionals in those specific fieldsand outsourcing wasnt an option.

Hiring the Chinese [to work on] the railgun probably isnt the best idea, Gingrich said.

The Navy is developing a railgun that uses the friction from electromagnetic energy, not gunpowder or propellants, to fire a projectile, and it was a topic of conversation at the academy this week.

David Campbell, a physicist at the Navy base, has worked on the railgun for four years. He designs launch packages for the weapon, which he says still needs a lot of testing to overcome problems with physics before its ready to be put on ships.

Campbell told about 30 parents during an open house at the academy, held at King George Middle School, that he attended the camp when he was 12. He keeps coming back as a mentor to share the message that people really can use math and science skills learned in school in some cool life situations, such as working on the Navys newest generation of weapons.

Thats why Im here, to continue the legacy, Campbell said.

Lucy Hensley, a rising ninth-grader at James Monroe High School, was working with Carolyn, the Stafford student whod rather keep her skills fresh than go brain dead. Carolyn is a rising seventh-grader at A.G. Wright Middle School.

The two were trying to figure out how to get their Lego NXT robot to move troops, otherwise known as Lego figures, from the home base to a landing zone. The students were divided into 16 teams of six each, and no students from the same school were paired together.

Each team included a scientist or engineer as well as a middle-school teacher. The camp also had nine junior mentors, high school students who attended the academy in the past. The College of William & Mary provides curriculum and staffing support.

On tabletop boards big enough to play pingpong, the students used a basic programming language to make their robots complete missions. They had to rescue a stranded swimmer from the blue portion of the exercise area or create a warning beacon on the yellow part that denotes land.

Some students would rather build robots than program them, Lucy said, so each played to his or her strength, and then the team rotated jobs.

Its fun to work with other people and do challenges, she said.

Xavier Edeln, a rising eighth-grader at Thornburg Middle School, said the challenges forced the students, who didnt know each other before the camp began, to come together.

You have to cooperate with other people and that helps with communication skills, he said.

Gingrich floated throughout the school cafeteria and outside displays, explaining to parents and visitors what the students were trying to accomplish. He could probably understand the frustration of Caeden Ribel, a rising ninth-grader at James Monroe, who said it took him 25 tries to get his robot to turn, swivel and back up the way he wanted it too.

They learn essentially that computers are very fast but very stupid, Gingrich said. Theyre so dumb that they do what you tell them to do and not what you want them to do.

The students and their parents also learn about internships available at the Navy base and programs that will pay college students and help toward their higher education. Theyre all competitive and attract applicants from across the nation, according to Wright.

There are a lot of opportunities out there, Campbell said.

More information on the Navys programs for students is available at navsea.navy.mil/Career-Opportunities/Join-Our-Team/Internships/.
SUPERVISOR Charles Belfield watched on a recent afternoon as a construction crew worked on the walls of a new structure thats rising just off State Route 205 near Colonial Beach.

If all goes as planned, this time next year visitors will be able to tour a piece of history there, a reconstruction of the birthplace of the countrys fifth president, James Monroe.

Its been a long time coming, but were thrilled to finally be building this reconstruction of the house Monroe grew up in, said G. William Thomas Jr., president of the James Monroe Memorial Foundation, which is doing the project in conjunction with Westmoreland County.

We believe this will be a great tourism opportunity, especially in conjunction with the two well-established historic sites already in this county [George Washingtons Birthplace National Monument and Stratford Hall, the home of the Lees of Virginia], he added. With these three unique historic sites, youve got a powerful economic engine into the 21st century.

The foundations website notes that the reconstruction of the James Monroe Birthplace farmhouse and related buildings will cost in excess of $500,000, and that the foundation is currently raising the money for it.

But thats not all thats coming to the Monroe Birthplace property, the birthplace in 1758 of the Founding Father who would also serve as a Virginia governor and senator, as well as the new nations secretary of war and state.

Westmoreland County, with key funding via a $650,000 Virginia Department of Transportation grant, has a contractor now building a James Monroe Timeline Walk behind the restoration house and the visitor center already on the site.

The roughly half-mile walk will feature a raised boardwalk, parking, granite interpretive panels, granite benches, signs and related improvements to make it accessible

Westmoreland County Administrator Norm Risavi noted that the trail is part of an overall plan for the property that supervisors signed off on more than 15 years ago.

He called the trail a nice addition, circular with markers that explain the high points in the life of James Monroe, noting that the county put just under $164,000 into the project.

In 2001, a Charlottesville architectural firm commissioned by the county prepared the master plan for a multiphase development of the birthplace site. The county tasked it with creating a park that celebrates Monroes birth and life, and provides recreation for local residents.

Belfield, who resides in neighboring Richmond County, said hes a student of history whos extremely proud to be working on the project. The painter by trade said theres a twofold focus on the project: making every fundraised dollar count while constructing a house as close to the researched details of the actual Monroe home as possible.

He noted that the William & Mary Center for Archaeological Research did an extensive evaluation of the site, much of which was used in the planning for the reconstruction.

Belfield said that Monroes birthplace is different from Washingtons, just down the road, because James lived at the home of his birth until he was 16, while George and his family left his when he was 3.

The William & Mary Centers report said that while its not clear exactly when James father, Spence Monroe, took up residence on his several hundred acres in Westmoreland, his marriage in 1752 would no doubt have spurred him to build a house soon after.

Belfield said that the house being built on the site where archaeological remains were discovered is just over 61 feet long (with an added shed) and just under 20 feet deep . A historical woodcut of the house also was used in the design.

Wood siding, two brick chimneys and a steep roof of cedar shake shingles will give the structure the look of the period. Monroe himself described the interior as a dwelling house with a passage with several rooms below and above.

In 1774, when Monroe was 16, his father died. He left his childhood home after being enrolled at the College of William & Mary by his uncle, Joseph Jones.

Belfield noted that while details havent been firmed up yet, the foundation expects to have a range of sponsorship opportunities as the project continues, such as the chance to sponsor things like doors and windows.

Thomas said fundraising is ongoing and donations are welcome, with details provided on the foundations website, monroefoundation.org

Laurence Gouverneur Hoes and his wife, Ingrid Westesson Hoes, established the James Monroe Memorial Foundation in 1928. The great-great-grandson of James Monroe, Hoes had always hoped for the foundation to acquire the farm and reconstruct the Monroe Family Home, barn and outbuildings as an interpretive venue.

On April 4th, 2005, Westmoreland County signed a 99-year lease with the foundation that will allow the foundation to work in conjunction with the county to restore and open Monroes birthplace to visitors.
The case of Anne Williams, former owner of Peaceable Farms, has been continued again.

The 58-year-old former Somerset resident was set to face 27 charges of animal cruelty at trial Friday in Orange County District Court, but it has since been delayed until October 31.

In addition to the misdemeanor charges, Williams faces 13 felony counts of embezzlement stemming from an investigation launched in October 2015 at her Somerset farm where she operated a nonprofit animal sanctuary called Peaceable Farm.

The search of her property followed numerous complaints the sheriffs office received about emaciated and neglected horses at the site.

Williams was originally scheduled to stand trial on the 27 misdemeanors last July, but the case has been continued multiple times as she switches attorneys. Williams current lawyer, Joseph King of Alexandria, is her third in less than a year. She hired him in April.

According to Orange Countys Commonwealths Attorney Diana OConnell, King was not ready to proceed with the trial Friday. The Commonwealth also is trying to accommodate the schedule of numerous veterinarians who will testify, OConnell said.

The trial is expected to last a full day.

Williams was initially arrested Oct. 26, 2015, after the Orange County Sheriffs Office found more than 100 horses in various health conditions and more than a dozen dead animals on her Liberty Mills Road property.

Williams has been free on a $100,000 bond for the embezzlement charges and a $75,000 bond for the animal cruelty charges.

She is scheduled for a motions hearing in circuit court on the embezzlement charges in August.
The energy was palpable at Stafford High School on Thursday morning as hundreds of teachers and staff members crowded into the auditorium for the fourth day of the county school systems first teaching and learning summit.

Superintendent Bruce Benson remarked that the energy level on the last day of the professional learning summit equaledand possibly surpassedthe excitement on the first day. He asked those in attendance if they enjoyed the summit, and almost everyone in the crowd eagerly displayed a thumbs up in response.

The summit, titled Learning Together, Leading Together, is the first of its kind in Stafford. Benson said he saw the success of similar events in his previous work with other school divisions and wanted to try it in Stafford.

The summit is just one way in which the school system has committed to increasing its emphasis on professional development.

The School Board voted earlier this year to fund the four-day summit. Benson said the summit will be held annually, and has already been factored into next years budget.

This is just the beginning, he said.

Jan Streich, executive director of learning and organizational development, played an instrumental role in putting together the summit, which offered educators the opportunity to share best practices and learn leadership and team-building skills.

She explained that the principals from each of the schools in the county put together teams of teachers and specialists. The idea is to foster peer learning by encouraging these educators to return to their schools and lead others.

During the summit, each team worked on school improvement plans and discussed the steps they need to get there. Then, they met with other teams to exchange ideas. At the end of the day, the participants filled out exit surveys and staff would make adjustments for the following day based on those responses.

Sharing and exchanging ideas is one of the biggest goals of this summit, Streich said. The idea is to build a community of teacher leadership. Teachers know what teachers need.

This years summit focused on learning a set of student skills and abilities, identified as C5W, in the systems strategic plan. C5W stands for communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, citizenship and wellness.

It is based on the philosophy of preparing students to become not just 21st-century learners, but all-century learners, Streich said.

She noted that the end of the school year may seem like a strange time for the summit, since teachers and staff may be weary and looking forward to vacation. But holding the event in June gives them the entire summer to soak in the information and plan for the year ahead, she said.

Streich has been involved in professional development for many years, and has learned the importance of community involvement in public education. She has been impressed by the support for the summit not only within the school system, but by the Board of Supervisors and community partners.

Those partners donated thousands of dollars worth of items for door prizes, including gift cards to restaurants and even a TV, she explained.

This kind of community support is very unique, Streich said.

Heather Eland, a teacher at Hartwood Elementary, said it was interesting to switch from the role of teacher to learner. It reminded her of how much energy it takes to learn, and reaffirmed much of what she is already doing as a teacher.

It also taught her that there is always room for improvement, and that exchanging ideas with other teachers can bring a much-needed, fresh perspective to the table.

Rarely do we need to reinvent the wheel, Eland said. Usually, we just need to tweak something to be more effective. By sharing ideas in these groups, we are learning what works and what doesnt.

I think everyone is now ready to soak up the messages we learned during the summit and share them, Eland added.

School Board Chairwoman Holly Hazard said the enthusiasm at the summit is a testament to its success. She encouraged staff and teachers to harness that passion and take it back to their classrooms with them in September.

This summit is not the end, Hazard said. It cant beour students are too important.
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. announced Friday that Alan Lebovitz has been promoted to senior vice president  management, effective Saturday. He succeeds Jerry Sink who recently retired from CBL after a 25 year career with the company.

As senior vice president of CBLs management division, Mr. Lebovitz is responsible for overseeing the staff and operations of the companys 123 properties representing 76.9 million square feet and approximately 300 personnel. He will spearhead CBLs strategic initiatives to provide experiences for customers as well as efforts to generate additional revenues and income throughout the portfolio. In addition, Mr. Lebovitz will continue to oversee the companys third party and asset management services.

Alan is well-respected for his enthusiastic hands-on and team-centric management style, said Stephen Lebovitz, president and chief executive officer. His breadth of experience in various divisions throughout his tenure at CBL makes him the ideal candidate to lead our management division into the future. Alan has in depth knowledge of the CBL portfolio and strong relationships with the mall teams. We look forward to Alan bringing new ideas to our management area including ways to improve the customer experience and greater use of technology for communication and analytics. Alan is well respected as a leader within the organization and we are pleased to recognize his accomplishments and contributions through this well-deserved promotion.

Mr. Lebovitz joined CBL in 1995 as assistant general manager and tenant coordinator at WestGate Mall in Spartanburg, S.C. He relocated to CBLs corporate headquarters in Chattanooga in 1997 as a project manager in the development division and worked on both new mall, community center and outparcel development as well as redevelopment projects. After progressing through various positions in development, leasing and management, Mr. Lebovitz was promoted in 2002 to VP  Asset Management and in 2009 was promoted to senior vice president  Asset Management and focused on strategic planning and growth initiatives. Prior to joining CBL, Mr. Lebovitz worked with Goldman, Sachs & Co in New York in real estate asset management and as a retail demographic analyst in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Lebovitz received his BA from Northwestern University and his MBA from Vanderbilts OWEN Graduate School of Management.
In the weeks since President Donald Trump signed an executive order to open up offshore sites in the Atlantic Ocean to energy explorationremoving a prohibition on offshore drilling imposed by the Obama administrationthe topic has been buffeted by partisan political debate.

We wish instead that the discussion focused more on the realities of where America stands in its pursuit of energy independence, on whether such activities would inhibit the operations of Hampton Roads military installations and on the possibility, albeit remote, that an oil spill could harm Virginias shoreline, beaches and fragile coastal ecosystems.

President Trump has the same power to open up offshore sites to drilling that President Obama used to close them. And with that, the partisan battle lines are drawn and opposing litigators draft their legal arguments.

Given the certain political and statutory wrangling, actual exploration of offshore oil and natural gas reserves and subsequent drilling remain a long way off. In the end, even with a green light to drill, energy industry decisions about offshore endeavors hinge on its evolving priorities and investment strategies as they relate to profitability based on oil and gas prices.

Without exception, every discussion on Americas energy future these days involves the diversification of energy resources. The nation is on a path that will over time lead it to weaning itself from the use of fossil fuels, even as production and consumption of natural gas, a cleaner fuel than oil or coal, has moved the United States closer to energy independence.

Moreover, rising domestic oil productionlike rising gas production as a result of hydraulic fracturing, or frackinghas contributed to the global oil glut and lowered local gasoline prices to the $2-per-gallon range when prices are usually up for the summer travel season.

Simultaneously, advocates of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which include everyone from environmentalists to industry behemoths such as Dominion Energy, point to the increasing megawatts of electricity these alternatives produce and their growing importance to the nations energy supply menu.

Meanwhile, Dominion was recently granted a permit for a third nuclear reactor at nearby North Anna Power Station. Company officials say that while the permit is good to have as an option, the cost of such a project makes pursuing it unlikely any time soon.

At a time when renewable energy industries are expanding and adding jobs, and more Americans (65 percent, according to a 2017 Pew Research Center poll) say the U.S. should prioritize development of renewables over fossil fuels, the prospect of offshore drilling seems to offer an incentive to go backward rather than forward.

While the presidents order pertains to sites off the coast from Virginia to Massachusetts, Pentagon officials have been quick to point out the potential for offshore drilling activities to interfere with operations of the many military installations in southeastern Virginia. Local and federal officials are already worried about the impact that rising sea levels caused by climate change will have on those same military bases and the employment they provide.

The prospect of new jobs is key to the pitch for offshore drilling, but Virginians should be at least as concerned about the jobs that the military bases and the commercial Port of Virginia have provided for so long.

Finally, while offshore drilling accidents and spills are relatively rare, the environmental damage inflicted when they do happen is widespread and long-lasting.

The 1969 well blowout off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif., is remembered for its major impact on wildlife and Southern Californias tourism-dependent beaches, for the safeguards it brought about and for spawning the anti-offshore drilling movement.

The April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico, which killed 11 rig workers, demonstrated that the protections in place to prevent such disasters are not foolproof. Official studies called the environmental effects to the Gulf Coast and thousands of marine species devastating, adding that the spills lethal legacy continues today due to the lingering toxicity of the oil and chemical dispersants.

When it comes to passing judgment on offshore drilling, considering the realities of the issue is much more constructive than leaping to expected partisan conclusions.
As a mother to a child with a disability, it feels like the American Health Care Act and the presidents proposed budget intentionally target families like mine.

Many may not be aware that Medicaid dollars are used to fund crucial support and services that allow people with developmental disabilitieslike my 9-year-old sonto remain in their communities.

The final version of AHCA that passed the U.S. House of Representatives will cut $880 billion from Medicaid, and the presidents budget seeks to cut another $627 billion. Early reports about the Senate version dont look any better.

In Virginia alone, there are more than 11,000 people with developmental disabilities who are waiting for Medicaid funded waiver services that would allow them to live, work and be included in their communities. Too often, children and adults with medical support needs who are waiting for services are forced into institutional settingsnursing homes, training centers and hospitalsfor the kind of care that could be provided in their homes for a fraction of the cost.

Our schools could also be impacted by cuts or caps to Medicaid. School speech, occupational and physical therapists bill Medicaid for services provided to students like my sonservices he needs to attend public schools and maximize his potential.

Furthermorethe presidents budget would cut funding for social services and school health programs. And it eliminates funding for state developmental disability councils such as Virginias Board for People with Disabilities.

Virginias Medicaid program provides coverage to the fewest people required by federal law," says Virginia Health and Human Resources Secretary Bill Hazel. "We have no more room to cut.

I rarely agree with this president, but hes right in calling the AHCA mean. The AHCA and the presidents proposed budget stand to hurt the most vulnerable among us: low-income Americans, children, seniors and people with disabilities.

Angela Langrehr

Stafford
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CHI Memorial Medical Group welcomes Jaime Ponce, M.D. Dr. Ponce earned his medical degree at Escuela De Medicinia Ignacio a Santos, Instituto Tecnologico Y De Estudios Superiores De Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico. He completed his internship and residency in general surgery at East Tennessee State University.

Dr. Ponce is board certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. He is bilingual with fluency in English and Spanish.

Dr. Ponce has been practicing bariatric surgery since 1998 and has extensive experience with gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, gastric sleeve procedures, and endoscopic procedures like the intragastric balloon and revisional surgeries. He is medical director of CHI Memorial Weight Management Center.

Many in our community struggle with weight issues and the impact that has on their overall health, says Glyn Hughes, president, Mountain Management. Dr. Ponce understands the struggle and works with each person to develop the best plan for long-term weight loss success, leading to better overall health.

CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care is at 7405 Shallowford Road, Suite 160, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Office hours are MondayThursday, 9 a.m.5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.1 p.m. For more information, to make an appointment, or to register for a free informational seminar, visit www.ChattanoogaBariatrics.com or call 899-1000.
Environmental lobby group Greenpeace is pushing for an end to area-based payments, following publication of the latest data on farmer subsidy receipts.

In its annual analysis of the top 100 recipients of direct payments, the organisation points to billionaires, aristocrats and companies based in tax havens as the main beneficiaries.

Vacuum cleaner tycoon Sir James Dyson is listed as the largest private recipient of basic payments, worth 1.6m last year, even though he is listed 14th on the Sunday Times Rich List, with an estimated fortune of 7.8bn.

See also: Farm leaders defend subsidies amid Greenpeace criticism

Despite the inclusion of so-called greening rules applied to BPS last year, Greenpeace says this has made no difference to the distribution of farm subsidies in the UK.

Overall, the top 100 recipients received a combined 49.9m in basic payments last year, more than was paid out to the bottom 35,000 combined, it notes.

Rethink

Greenpeace policy director Doug Parr says the time has come for a radical rethink of farm support  and Brexit provides a golden opportunity.

Its simply indefensible that taxpayers money is being used to bankroll huge subsidies going to billionaires largely on the basis of how much land they own, he said.

Public money should reward farmers for contributing to the public good, whether its by producing sustainable food, building thriving rural economies, reducing flood risk or protecting our wildlife.

Dr Parr believes new Defra secretary Michael Gove has said some encouraging things about reforming farm subsidies so they improve environmental protection and food quality.

Now he needs to show hes willing to take on the vested interests profiting from the status quo and push through a major reform.

Misguided

But NFU vice-president Guy Smith says the Greenpeace claims are misguided.

The issue of capping subsidies has been debated for over 20 years, he said. On the surface it looks sensible and just, but once you consider the detail, it becomes anomalous.

Mr Smith suggests that limiting payments to smaller farms will simply encourage large estates to split themselves into smaller land parcels.

There is also a question of where you should set the threshold and why. Is someone who earns 10,000 in subsidy any more deserving than someone who earns 15,000, or 100,000?

Mr Smith points out that it is often the largest landowners who are doing the most in terms of environmental protection, and also employing more people, so contributing to the rural economy.

New policy

As for revamping the way farmers are supported after Brexit, Mr Smith says the future model should take into account the terms of trade of any deal with the EU.

We are open to suggestions, but whatever replaces the CAP must give farmers enough time to adjust.

It must also reflect the overall level of support being offered to our main competitors, otherwise British farmers will struggle to compete.

It is likely that volatility mitigation (as provided by the current support system) will have to be included, as well as measures to protect the environment and improve productivity.
A group of veterinary students from Oregon State University will travel to Nicaragua this summer to conduct six days of free clinics on a rural island that has no regular veterinary care.

The contingent, members of the OSU chapter of the International Veterinary Students Association, will pay their own way to spend the first week of August on Ometepe Island, home to an estimated 10,000 people and 50,000 animals.

The clinics include physical exams, deworming, vaccinations, spays, neuters and public health education.

The Ometepe residents rely on pigs, cows, donkeys, horses and chickens for food, transport and work. In addition, there is a large population of stray dogs and cats that can spread disease.

OSU students, under the supervision of volunteer veterinarians, spay and neuter hundreds of dogs and cats on Ometepe every summer. This is the 10th year of the program, and its made a difference, Sue Tornquist, the Lois Bates Acheson Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and a longtime volunteer on the trip, said in a press release from OSU.

We now see many dogs that come to the clinic and only need preventive care, since so many have been spayed and neutered already, she said.

In addition to funding their own travel costs, students raise money to purchase veterinary supplies such as vaccines, needles, syringes, gauze and sutures. The total averages about $1,500 per student.

Anyone interested in helping to support the students can adopt a Nicaraguan animal for $20.

In exchange, you will receive a photo and story about the animal that was in our care, including a description of the type of care provided for the animal, said Kristin Wineinger, co-chair of Oregon States IVSA chapter.

For more information or to donate, visit http://stuorgs.oregonstate.edu/ivsa/donate.
A scammer called a Corvallis woman Wednesday and, claiming the womans daughter had been kidnapped, asked her to wire him money, according to a police report.

The womans grown daughter had not in fact been kidnapped and was safe at work, the report states.

According to the report, the woman was headed to wire money when she happened upon two police officers at Northwest Highland Drive and Northwest Sequoia Avenue about 3:30 p.m.

She told police the caller had briefly put her on the line with whom she believed to be her daughter and who screamed, Mama, mama, I need your help. Please help me, the report states. She said the scammer, who spoke in a heavy Spanish accent, had told her to stay on the line while she wired him money. She said he didnt specify an amount of money but said just go and get as much money as you can get, the report states.

The scammer hung up when the woman contacted police, according to the report. The officers told the woman it was likely a scam and suggested she call her daughter. The police spoke on the phone with the daughter, who said she had not been kidnapped.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
Niklas Pohler case : Co-defendant Roman W. receives 15 months probation

Bonn A Bonn juvenile court has sentenced co-defendant Roman W. to 15 months probation in the case of Niklas Pohler. The main defendant was acquitted around two months ago, having also been on trial for the death of Niklas.

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In the trial concerning 17-year-old Niklas Pohler, who was killed in Bad Godesberg on May 7, 2016, a juvenile court in Bonn sentenced co-defendant Roman W. to 15 months of probation for his role in the youths fatal beating.

While a Bonn court acquitted main defendant Walid S. on May 2, expressing serious doubts about his role as perpetrator, the court was certain that 22-year-old Roman W. was one of a group of three young men who attacked Niklas. For us, there is no doubt that he is the perpetrator who was described as being dressed in white (clothing). While Roman W. had not responded to the allegations throughout the entire trial, his defense attorney Peter Krieger remained convinced that his client was not there on the night of May 2. The 22-year-old did confess, however, that he had attacked a witness in the case.

Roman W. clearly identified

In the court verdict, it was stated that Roman W. had clearly been identified by friends of Niklas. Even if he was not to be blamed for the fatal blow to the head which killed Niklas, he had been guilty because of his participation in the fight that led to the death of the teenager.

Circumstances contributing to a milder sentence included the fact that he had been previously without any criminal charges, and the court believed he had been falsely prejudiced by some of the media as a bully who was known to police. The court also took into consideration that he had already been behind bars for seven months while on trial, and said that he had initially acted to de-escalate the fight, before himself becoming involved - probably because of a provocation, said Judge Volker Kunkel.

Witness threatened and attacked

Weighing more negatively in the sentencing, the court addressed the fact that the defendant had threatened and struck a witness: This was a deliberate and targeted attack on the judicial systems search for the truth, said Judge Kunkel. Courts are dependent on the courage of witnesses.

The court ordered Roman W. to pay 500 euros to the victim support group White Ring and ordered him to complete 100 hours of social service. In addition, he was told that he was not allowed to approach a witness in another case involving an attack. If he is found guilty of something during the period of probation, he will have to sit out the sentence in prison. Defense attorney Peter Krieger announced he would file an appeal.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
Netflix & Lana Wachowski Announce 'Sense8' Returning For 2-Hour Finale

By Rachel Cromidas in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 29, 2017 10:21PM



Sense8 promotional image.

Fans lamenting the news that Netflix is canceling Sense8, Lana and Lilly Watchowski's globe-hopping sci-fi drama are getting an encore they were hoping forNetflix and Lana Wachowski announced Thursday that, at fans' urgings, the show will briefly return to Netflix next year for a two-hour finale.

The Chicago-based Wachowskis posted on Facebook that "passionate letters" and petitions from fans made the Netflix encore a reality. Netflix said in a statement to the Sun-Times that fans were going to get "the ending they totally deserve."

"It is my great pleasure as well as Netflix's (believe me, they love the show as much as we do but the numbers have always been challenging) to announce that there will be another two hour special released next year," Wachowski added:

The Facebook post, below:




clarajancita at 30-06-2017 12:43 PM (5 years ago) (f)

The uniform worn by Nigerian female police officers about 69 years ago before independence could have passed for a nice party wear. This is a throwback picture of female members of the Nigeria Police Force during a parade in Sokoto State - northern part of Nigeria as taken in the year 1948. The women reportedly belong to the regular unit of the Nigeria Police Force as they were inspected by a male superior before a patrol in the North-West geopolitical zone. Just as the police has been modernized and restructured over the years, the uniform has been improved to suit the current taste of clothing as seen in the 21st century.

The uniform worn by Nigerian female police officers about 69 years ago before independence could have passed for a nice party wear. This is a throwback picture of female members of the Nigeria Police Force during a parade in Sokoto State - northern part of Nigeria as taken in the year 1948. The women reportedly belong to the regular unit of the Nigeria Police Force as they were inspected by a male superior before a patrol in the North-West geopolitical zone. Just as the police has been modernized and restructured over the years, the uniform has been improved to suit the current taste of clothing as seen in the 21st century.

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) established in 1820 is the principal law enforcement agency in Nigeria with a staff strength of about 371,800. There are currently plans to increase the force to 650,000, adding 280,000 new recruits to the existing 370,000.

The NP is a very large organization consisting of 36 State commands grouped into 12 zones and 7 administrative organs. The agency is currently headed by IGP Ibrahim Kpotun Idris.

Check out the current (2017) uniforms of female police officers below:

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) established in 1820 is the principal law enforcement agency in Nigeria with a staff strength of about 371,800. There are currently plans to increase the force to 650,000, adding 280,000 new recruits to the existing 370,000.The NP is a very large organization consisting of 36 State commands grouped into 12 zones and 7 administrative organs. The agency is currently headed by IGP Ibrahim Kpotun Idris.Check out the current (2017) uniforms of female police officers below:

Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 30-06-2017 12:43 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
felicilin at 30-06-2017 01:08 PM (5 years ago) (f)

Germanys parliament has voted on Friday (June 30) to legalise gay marriage after Chancellor Angela Merkel did an about-face that freed members of conservative party to vote their conscience rather than follow party lines.

Germanys parliament has voted on Friday (June 30) to legalise gay marriage after Chancellor Angela Merkel did an about-face that freed members of conservative party to vote theirrather than follow party lines. legalise gay marriage

Norbert Lammert, president of the parliament, said 393 lawmakers voted to approve the amendment, while 226 voted against and four abstained.

Merkel, who will seek a fourth term in a national election on Sept 24, said on Friday she voted against the Bill given her personal view that marriage should be between a man and a woman, but she hoped parliaments approval of the measure would lead to more social cohesion.

For me, marriage in the Basic Law is marriage between a man and a woman and that is why I did not vote in favour of this bill today, she told reporters moments after the 393-266 vote in favour of an amendment that will legalise same-sex marriage.

I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace, she added. Many other European countries, including France, Britain and Spain, have already legalised same-sex marriage.

legalise gay marriageNorbert Lammert, president of the parliament, said 393 lawmakers voted to approve the amendment, while 226 voted against and four abstained.Merkel, who will seek a fourth term in a national election on Sept 24, said on Friday she voted against the Bill given her personal view that marriage should be between a man and a woman, but she hoped parliaments approval of the measure would lead to more social cohesion.she added. Many other European countries, including France, Britain and Spain, have already legalised same-sex marriage.

Post Reply Posted: at 30-06-2017 01:08 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
Former Samsung President Gregory Lee hired by Nokia News oi -Vijeta Nokia has appointed former Samsung Electronic's North America head as the President for its own enterprise.

Nokia announced today that it has appointed Gregory Lee as the President of Nokia Technologies. Gregory has also served as President and CEO of Samsung Electronics in North America.

Lee joined Nokia after heading Samsung Electronics in North America for 13 long years. His role in Samsung was to take care of the entire portfolio of Samsung consumer electronics including smartphones, tablets and home appliances in the given area.

Rajeev Suri, President and CEO of Nokia, expressed his enthusiasm on Lee joining the organization, "We have chosen the right leader to take NokiaTechnologies forward at a time of renewed excitement about the Nokia brand around the world. Gregory's passion for innovation and operational excellence, along with his proven ability to build and lead global consumer technology businesses make him well suited to advance Nokia's efforts in virtual reality, digital health and beyond."

Lee reflected on Nokia's success and efforts so far while stating,"I am excited by the opportunity to lead Nokia Technologies. The NokiaTechnologies team has produced innovative products and solutions in dynamic, high growth segments of the consumer technology market, and I am honored to be in a position to help build on this success in the future."

Samsung has not disclosed any information regarding replacement for Lee. As a matter of fact Samsung's website still lists Gregory Lee as the President of Samsung Electronics in North America.

With Gregory joining Nokia, it can be accepted that the enterprise will be exposed to several systematic and analytical changes. Nokia recently launched a series of latest smartphones including, Nokia 3, Nokia 6 and Nokia 9 and is trying hard to find its rightful place in the global smartphone market by bringing changes to its team as well as its operational strategies.

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MIUI 9 to be unveiled soon? News oi -Samden Sherpa Xiaomi is preparing to officially unveil its next MIUI version MIUI 9.

After almost a year of development, it looks like Xiaomi is finally preparing to officially unveil its next major version of MIUI Android skin for its Mi smartphones.

The news comes from the company's account itself. As such, a few days back Xiaomi,s MIUI official had released a message which read, "forward these letters, you will have the universe and good luck!". And the interesting part, the letter came with MIUI boldly written in the message.

While the message may be simple but we are also assuming that the company is trying to say more. It might be that Xiaomi is giving us hints on what will happen with the company's user interface which has been in the testing and development phase for some time now.

A report from China-based site MyDrivers has pointed out that MIUI 9 is expected to come with features like a split-screen mode, picture-in-picture mode, SMS scheduling, screen recorder and there should be other new features as well with the update.

Further, MIUI 9 will also likely bring performance improvements and bug fixes compared to the current version. However, it is still a mystery in terms of which smartphones will be receiving the update but most likely the device released in 2017 should be the ones to get the update first. Mi 6, Mi MIX, Mi Note 2, Redmi Note 4X, Redmi Note 4, and Redmi 4.

Talking about the roll out, Xiaomi is expected to push out MIUI 9 a month or so earlier than last year. The roll out of MIUI 8 began around August 2016. However, considering the past of Xiaomi right from MIUI 6, the iteration time interval between each version has been no more than one year.

Going by the present situation, as we are approaching a year mark it is widely expected that MIUI 9 will be released sooner rather than later.

That being said, there is also another possibility that Xiaomi could launch a beta version of MIUI 9 first in July. Then, it could be rolled out for Mi phone users in August. The company had applied the same strategy with MIUI 8.

In any case, rumors are saying that now we are just weeks away from an official unveiling. While Xiaomi fans may have something to look forward to, we just have to wait for now.

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Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 gets security update News oi -Vijeta A security update has been released for Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 in Europe to mitigate as much as 65 exposures related to smartphone and Android version on the smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 is getting its first security update. The over-the-air update started rolling out in Europe and has all the security measures. The OTA update has been labeled A320FLXXU1AQE1.

The changelog does not specify the specific security vulnerabilities that have been covered by the update however there are reports of 65 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) related to Galaxy A3 and Android that have been mitigated by the update.

Samsung releases frequent updates for its S series flagships given the total Galaxy S units out there are far ahead in numbers than that of A3 units. Moreover, Galaxy S models have been circulated through a bigger market globally where as A3 is mostly confined to European and western countries.

Apart from the security patch, the update also enhances performance and stability of the device. Samsung Galaxy S3 has an octa-core processor clocked to 1.6 GHz and is paired with 2GB of RAM. The smartphone has a 4.7 inch display which makes it a handy device easy to carry around and operate.

Galaxy A3 users can check the update manually if they haven't received it already by heading to Settings > About Device > Software Updates.

The update has only been released in Europe and moreover the 2017 version of Galaxy A3 is yet to release in India. This also gives potential buyers a slight hint whether they should choose the device or not since without update it is certainly bugged up.

Chances are that India will receive an update version, which is, if the device is ever released in India.

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Telecom sector revenue of this financial year may decline by 6% : ICRA News oi -Priyanka ICRA added that telecom services are expected to get marginally costlier for the entire subscriber base under new Goods Services Tax (GST) - from the existing service tax at 15 percent GST rate of 18.

According to the new report by ICRA, heightened the competitive intensity and pricing pressures have resulted in the telecom industry's revenue and EBITDA declining by an estimated 5 percent and 10 percent respectively during the financial year (FY) 2017.

Harsh Jagnani, Sector Head & Vice President - Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited elaborates:"Competition has impacted the revenue generation and profitability of all the players in second half of FY 2017, post the RJio launch. ICRA estimates the FY2018 revenue and EBITDA to decline by 6 percent and 28 percent respectively. The EBITDA for FY2018 is estimated at Rs. 46,000 crores, translating into modest operating margins of 20 percent, which, in light of the sizeable debt levels presents a high credit risk."

He added that the industry debt is likely to rise from Rs. 4.6 lakh crore as on March 31, 2017, to Rs. 4.8 lakh crore as on March 31, 2018.

"The pressure on cash flows on the one hand and the need for constant capex on the other, pose a challenge towards debt servicing, highlighted by the gross debt/EBITDA crossing 10x and the interest coverage worsening to 1.25x for FY2018, " Jagnani further added.

Since the launch of Reliance Jio, with constant downward calibration of prices, the gross ARPU levels for the ICRA sample (Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications, and Idea Cellular) have fallen by around 15 percent.

The data subscriber base for the ICRA Sample declined from 151.8 million as of September 2016 to 127.9 million as of March 2017, with RJio gaining most of these subscribers. This, coupled with the fall in realizations, resulted in a decline in gross ARPU from Rs. 181 for H2 FY2016 to Rs.159 for H2 FY2017 for the ICRA sample.

ICRA pointed out that, the total industry debt as on March 31, 2017, is Rs. 4.6 lakh crore - deferred spectrum debt at Rs. 1.8 lakh crore and non-spectrum debt at Rs. 2.8 lakh crore which includes estimated bank debt of Rs. 1.1 lakh crore. Given the insufficiency of cash flow generation in comparison to repayment obligations and the CapEx requirements, the industry would need additional funding requirements to the tune of Rs. 70,000 crore for FY2018.

Jagnani summarizes: "Organic deleveraging is unlikely at least before FY2019, and that too only after the industry witnessed improved pricing ability. Meanwhile, some companies are looking at inorganic deleveraging through stake sale in non-mobile services assets. In addition, the industry is seeking some concessions from the GoI to help it tide over this difficult phase. Estimated at Rs.65,000 crore for FY2017 and Rs. 40,000 crore for FY2018, the industry's contribution to the non-tax receipts of the Government of India has been significant."

ICRA added that telecom services are expected to get marginally costlier for the entire subscriber base under new Goods Services Tax (GST) - from the existing service tax at 15 percent GST rate of 18 percent. While the pre-paid subscribers would get lower usage value from fixed denomination packs, the tax burden on post-paid subscribers would increase.

However, with regard to full talk-time pre-paid vouchers, the higher tax incidence would have to be absorbed by the telcos leading to some additional pressure on their cash flows. Additionally, the compliance and data collection requirements would increase and the telcos would need to invest in revamping their IT and accounting systems to keep track of revenues across various states. Although, the industry would now be able to avail input credit of taxes (VAT on the purchase of goods), which was not available till now.

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Overall, dont let the bhoot mislead you, nothing bhootiya about this story. Had the makers tried to push the envelope, the idea could have been outstanding for a bhootiya comedy.
Chicago's Violent Crime Is 'Driven By Morality,' Says White House Spokeswoman

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 30, 2017 8:42PM



Deputy White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, June 29 / Getty Images / Photo: Alex Wong

There are a variety of underlying causes of violence in Chicago, from disinvestment from neighborhoods of color to a fractured gang culture to a broken school funding system.

But when White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked on Friday about another commonly cited causeeasy access to illegal gunsshe said "morality" was the driving factor.

"I think that the problem there is that it's a crime problem. I think crime is probably driven by morality more than anything else," Sanders said, according to CNN.

Crime in Chicago 'is probably driven by morality more than anything else,' Sarah says when asked if easy access to guns is a problem.  Glenn Thrush (@GlennThrush) June 30, 2017



The comment came the same day that Donald Trump called out Chicago's shooting totals to date, saying crime had reached "epidemic proportions," ahead of the official announcement of a new Chicago Crime Gun Strike Force.

Crime and killings in Chicago have reached such epidemic proportions that I am sending in Federal help. 1714 shootings in Chicago this year!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 30, 2017

The new strike force brings 20 extra permanent Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents to Chicago to partner with police. The federal resources also include six intelligence research specialists, 12 Chicago Police Department task force officers, two task force officers from the Illinois State Police, and four ballistics specialists, according to the Department of Justice. Officials announced on Monday that the ATF's advanced ballistics van was on the ground in Chicago.

The strike force has been in operation since June 1, the DOJ said.

The office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel was pleased to see the new initiative to help combat Chicago violence, which has long been a talking point for Trump and various conservatives. "Six months ago, we made it clear that we would welcome additional federal support, and six months later we appreciate the 20 new ATF agents that are now arriving," said spokesman Adam Collins.

The Department of Justice on Friday meanwhile also took the announcement of federal resources as opportunity to again take a dig at Chicago's sanctuary-city statuswhich Mayor Rahm Emanuel and other local politicians in the face of Trump's anti-immigration and tough-on-crime rhetoric.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement:



"The Trump administration will also continue to pursue every avenue available to ensure that states and cities comply with federal immigration law and protect our citizensrather than protecting the criminal illegal aliens who prey upon them. So-called "sanctuary" policies tie the hands of law enforcement by rejecting common sense and undermining federal laws that would remove criminal, illegal aliens from the streets and remove them from this country. These policies are opposed by some 80 percent of the American people because they endanger us all by letting dangerous criminals stay in this country that are due to be removed."

(Politifact noted that responses on public support of sanctuary cities varied widely based on the phrasing of the question by pollsters.)

Meanwhile, the blowback to Sanders' comments was full-throated and pointed. New Yorker contributor Clint Smith cut to the chase:
Chuck Renslow, Iconic Founder Of International Mr. Leather, Dead At 87

By Rachel Cromidas in News on Jun 30, 2017 9:28PM



Photo via Leather Archives & Museum Chuck Renslow, the founder of Chicago's iconic International Mr. Leather pageant and a defining figure of Chicago's LGBTQ community, is dead at 87.

Renslow, a Chicago native who suffered long-term health problems in recent years, is known in Chicago and beyond for founding a plethora of LGBTQ bars, bathhouses, clubs and events, as well as a photo studio and multiple gay publications, venues and bookstores, according to the Windy City Times. Gold Coast, the bar he founded in 1958, is known as the country's first leather bara bar devoted to the gay leather subculture.

A longtime political activist, Renslow was on the board of directors of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, was the U.S. representative to the International Lesbian and Gay Association, and founded the Prairie State Democratic Club. He was a champion of civil rights and supported local and national Democratic politicians as a former Democratic Party 43rd Ward precinct captain, among other distinctions.

Perhaps most notably, Renslow founded the International Mr. Leather competition in 1979, which is now the largest leather contest in the world. Renslow was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 1991the same year he helped to found the unparalleled Leather Archives & Museum in Rogers Park.

International Mr. Leather organizers posted a memorial to Renslow on their website Friday, praising his longstanding contributions and commitment to his communities:

"Born in Chicago on August 26, 1929, Chuck Renslow grew up during an era of repression, yet he boldly chose to live his life as an openly gay man," the statement says. "As an out gay man in an era that was anything but accepting, Chuck managed to become a dynamic force in Chicago politics."

Renslow was also an accomplished photographer, and he encouraged the artistic works of several of his lovers and friends.

The Leather Archives & Museum issued a statement on Renslow's death and enduring legacy, saying:



"As LA&Ms co-founder, Chuck gave deeply and worked with great passion for over 26 years to save the names and faces of Leather, kink, BDSM and fetish people, communities, and history, and he fought to ensure that Leatherfolk were the ones who would tell' their own stories so that they might better understand and bring enhanced visibility to 'Leather history.' As co-founder, longtime President and, most recently, Chairman of the Board, Chuck has left his mark throughout our institution and touched each of us very deeply. He will be missed."
Huh, It Looks Like Peapod Is Now Selling Hot Doug's Sausages

By Stephen Gossett in Food on Jun 30, 2017 7:40PM



Via Peapod Hot Doug's: The Movie; and former owner Doug Sohn continues to serve up sausages at Wrigley Field. Now, it looks like you can even get Hot Doug's sausages delivered to your door. What a time to be alive!

Peapod is now selling Hot Doug's-brand sausages, sourced from the same butcher that supplied the old restaurant, Paulina Meat Market. They're pre-packaged (though fully cooked), so It's not quote like walking into the old Avondale destination, but short of that Wrigley concession stand, it's the closest you'll get. The food delivery service has had its four Hot Doug's sausage optionssmoked Hungarian sausage, jalapeno jack brat, curry brat and sweet Chinese sausageavailable for about a month now, Tribune food writer Luisa Chu reports. Each comes in a pack of four and is currently priced at $6.99 per package. Foie gras is not included, if you're trying to go that old route.

Now If they'd just list some duck-fat fries, we'd be set.

[H/T Tribune]
TV series The First Half of My Life, a 42-episode production adapted from Hong Kong author Isabel Nee Yeh-su's best-selling novel with the same title, will run on Beijing Satellite TV beginning July 4.

Actor Chen Daoming [Photo provided to China Daily]

With a star-studded cast boasting Chen Daoming, Mei Ting, Ji Dong and Ma Yili, the series examines the women's independence issue in modern society through the perspective of a housewife-turned-career woman.

Luo Zijun (Ma) was once a carefree wife, but her affluent life encounters an abrupt change after being divorced unexpectedly. With the help of two best friends, she rises again to lead a new life.

Huang Lan, the producer, says the series wants to tell audience "women should not rely on marriages, but should seek their own happiness by their own effort".

Qin Wen, the scriptwriter, says she tries to capture the new changes in modern China through ordinary people's life.
Management changes in Project Development team

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jun 29, 2017) - Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. ("Sabina") or (the "Company") (TSX:SBB) is pleased to announce that it has engaged Cutfield Freeman & Co ("CF") as its Financial Advisory Firm.

Cutfield Freeman & Co is a global mining financial advisory firm that provides independent advice on all aspects of mining finance.

Bruce McLeod, President and CEO stated, "We are very pleased to have engaged Cutfield Freeman as our financial advisor as we look for opportunities to fund the construction of the Back River project pending a positive NIRB recommendation. CF has a proven track record in financing alternatives for mine construction which we believe will assist us in our objectives to finance Back River at a reasonable cost of capital. Preparatory work is underway and opportunities are being developed to assist us should we receive a positive NIRB recommendation sometime in mid-July."

Management Changes

The Company also announces the departure of Wes Carson, Vice-President, Project Development for the Company. Mr. Carson has left the Company to pursue other career opportunities. A search is underway for a replacement to lead project development and construction activities and take the project into production. During the interim, Jeff Eng, Director of Engineering for the Company will oversee all project development activities.

Sabina Gold & Silver Corp.

Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. is a well-financed, emerging precious metals company with district scale, world class undeveloped assets in one of the world's newest, politically stable mining jurisdictions: Nunavut, Canada.

In September, 2015, Sabina released a Feasibility Study on its 100% owned Back River Gold Project which presents a project that has been designed on a fit-for purpose basis, with the potential to produce ~200,000 ounces a year for ~11 years with a rapid payback of 2.9 years. At a US$1,150 gold price and a 0.80 exchange rate, the Study delivers a potential after tax internal rate of return of approximately 24.2% with an initial CAPEX of $415 million.

The Project is advancing through the environmental assessment process with final public hearings with the Nunavut Impact Review Board completed during May 31 - June 3, 2017 in Cambridge Bay.

In addition to Back River, Sabina also owns a significant silver royalty on Glencore's Hackett River Project. The silver royalty on Hackett River's silver production is comprised of 22.5% of the first 190 million ounces produced and 12.5% of all silver produced thereafter.

The Company had cash and equivalents of C$43m at March 31, 2017.

All news releases and further information can be found on the Company's website at www.sabinagoldsilver.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All technical reports have been filed on www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (the "forward-looking statements"), including our belief as to the extent, results and timing of exploration programs and various studies including the FS, and exploration results, reserves estimates, potential production from and viability of the Company's properties, production and operating costs and permitting submission, timing and receipt of necessary permits and project approvals for future operations and access to project funding. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the future circumstances, outcomes or results anticipated in or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur or that plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. While we have based these forward-looking statements on our expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee that such future events will occur and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and assumptions include, among others, the effects of general economic conditions, commodity prices, changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government and regulatory authorities and misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. In addition, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Known risk factors include risks associated with exploration and project development; the need for additional financing; the calculation of mineral resources and reserves; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in metal prices; title matters; government regulation; obtaining and renewing necessary licences and permits; environmental liability and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain of our officers or directors; the absence of dividends; currency fluctuations; labour disputes; competition; dilution; the volatility of the our common share price and volume; future sales of shares by existing shareholders; and other risks and uncertainties, including those relating to the Back River Project and general risks associated with the mineral exploration and development industry described in our Annual Information Form, financial statements and MD&A for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2016 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Although we have 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws. This news release has been authorized by the undersigned on behalf of Sabina Gold & Silver Corp.

Bruce McLeod, President & CEO

375-555 Burrard Street, Two Bentall Centre

Vancouver, BC V7X 1M7

Tel 604 998-4175 Fax 604 998-1051

http://www.sabinagoldsilver.com
VANCOUVER, June 29, 2017 /CNW/ - eCobalt Solutions Inc. (TSX: ECS; OTCQB: ECSIF) (the "Company" or "eCobalt") is pleased to report the results of our Annual General and Special Meeting (AGM), held Wednesday, June 28, 2017 in Vancouver, BC.

A total of 40,799,002 common shares of the 129,831,656 common shares outstanding were voted, representing 31.42% of the issued and outstanding common shares of eCobalt. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business before the meeting, including the election of all directors as follows:

Nominee Votes in

Favour Votes

Withheld Paul Farquharson 24,086,339 92,175 Scott Hean 24,051,671 126,843 Robert Metka 24,082,768 95,746 Gregory Hahn 24,078,542 99,972 David Christie 24,083,739 94,775 David Smith 24,086,128 92,386

eCobalt would like to announce the addition of David Smith to our Board. Mr. Smith is the Senior Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. and has held this position since 2012. Previously he held the position of Senior Vice-President, Strategic Planning and Investor Relations. Prior to joining Agnico's investor relations team in 2005, Mr. Smith was a mining analyst and also held a variety of mining engineering positions, in both Canada and abroad. Mr. Smith is a Chartered Director, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Denver Gold Group and an alternate Director of the World Gold Council. He has a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Queen's University in Kingston and the University of Arizona, respectively. Mr. Smith is also a Professional Engineer.

"We are very honoured to have Mr. Smith join our Board. His technical expertise and operational experience will greatly enhance the strategic direction of our company. We look forward to working with David as we advance our project to production" stated Mr. Paul Farquharson, President & CEO.

Chairman of the Board, Robert J. Quinn and Director, Dr. David Stone both made the decision to retire from the Board at this year's AGM. The Board of Directors would like to thank Mr. Bob Quinn and Dr. David Stone for their dedication and valued contribution to the Company.

Mr. Paul Farquharson, President & CEO added "On behalf of the Board and management we wish to thank both Mr. Quinn and Dr. Stone for their unwavering commitment and loyalty over the years. Bob joined the Board in 1999 and as an attorney, provided the Board and management with solid advice throughout his term as Director and Chairman of the Board. Dr. Stone joined the Company in 2002. His technical experience as a mine backfill expert proved critical in the initial design phases of the Idaho Cobalt Project and he will continue to provide valuable technical advice to the Company throughout the coming years. We wish them both the best in their future endeavours."

Other resolutions passed at the meeting were (1) the re-appointment of Smythe LLP, Chartered Accountants, as the auditors of the Company; and (2) ratification and approval of all unallocated options, rights or other entitlements under the Company's Stock Option Plan.

Detailed voting results for the 2017 meeting are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

At the Board of Directors meeting following the AGM the following officers were appointed:

Scott Hean Chairman of the Board Paul Farquharson President and CEO Marcus Tran CFO and Corporate Secretary E.R. (Rick) Honsinger Senior Vice President

The Company recently commissioned and completed an independent compensation review that benchmarked the Company's compensation policies against its peer group. The results of this independent review and recommendations were recently adopted by the Board of Directors and are effective immediately. In addition, the Company has also adopted equity ownership guidelines encouraging executive management and directors to hold a minimum level of share ownership based on their annual cash salaries or retainers. These goals are encouraged to be met within three years from the time of service commencement.

About eCobalt Solutions Inc. (www.ecobalt.com)

eCobalt Solutions is a well-established Toronto Stock Exchange listed company committed to providing ethically produced, environmentally sound, battery grade cobalt salts, essential for the rapidly growing rechargeable battery and renewable energy sectors, made safely, responsibly, and transparently in the United States. eCobalt's primary asset, the 100% owned Idaho Cobalt Project, remains the only advanced stage, near term, environmentally permitted, primary cobalt deposit in the United States.

eCobalt Solutions Inc.

"J. Paul Farquharson"

J. Paul Farquharson

President & CEO

Cautionary Statement on Forward Looking Statements

Cautionary Statement on Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Statements in this news release pertaining to expected financings, filings, uses of proceeds or project completion dates are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Such projections are and will inevitably always be dependent on assumptions about future mineral prices and development costs which will be subject to fluctuation due to global and local economic and industry conditions. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements is included in filings by the Company with securities regulatory authorities and is available at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Although the Company has disclosed that the Idaho Cobalt Project remains the sole, near term, environmentally permitted, primary cobalt deposit in the United States and offers a unique potential for North American consumers to secure an ethically sourced, environmentally sound supply of battery grade cobalt chemicals, there is no guarantee that the Company will attain commercial production of such cobalt chemicals for use in the rechargeable battery sector. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The statements contained in this news release in regard to eCobalt Solutions Inc. that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including eCobalt Inc.'s beliefs, expectations, hopes or intentions regarding the future. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to eCobalt Solutions Inc. as of such date. It is important to note that actual outcome and the actual results could differ from those in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as technological, legislative, corporate, commodity price and marketplace changes.

SOURCE eCobalt Solutions Inc.
Autoren Amann, Frank Aschoff, Heiko Baader, Roland Balzer, Horst Dr. Bandulet, Bruno Dr. Barbera, Frank Barisheff, Nick Baudzus, Roman Bauernfeind, Reinhard Dr. Bergold, Uwe Dr. Bernecker, Hans A. Blaschzok, Markus Bock, Robert Dipl.-Kfm. Bocker, Hans J. Prof. Dr. Boehringer, Peter Bogner, Stephan Bonner, Bill Borg, Gregor Prof. Dr. Bozicevic, Falko Brkan, Tiho Brockmann, Claus Browne, John Buchenberg, Wal Buchwalder, Rene Buntrock, Christian Butler, Theodore Buttner, Jurgen Barligea, Ralph Chapman, David Christenson, Gary E. Clark, Jeff DAF Daughty, Richard Dennin, Torsten Prof. Dr. Deutsch, Reinhard dottore Droke, Clif DZ Bank AG Eibl, Christoph Eichelburg, Walter K. Eliseo, Jordan Elitebrief Engdahl, F. William Faber, Marc Dr. Feiten, Marco Fekete, Antal E. Prof. Fietkau, Claus-Peter Fischer, Andre Fischer, Martina Flierl, Ralf Foellbach, Paul Dr. rer. nat. Friedrich, Marc Fritsch, Rudy J. Fugger, Horst Furst, Christian Gan, Heiko Gasteiner, Michael Gburek, Manfred Gehrt, Ronald Geyer, Christoph Gilburt, Avi Gleason, Mike Gleason, Stefan Goldberg, Martin GoldMoney Graf, Hans-Wolff Grandt, Michael Dr. h.c. Grass, Claudio Greyerz, Egon von Grummes, Florian Haase, Daniel Hahn, Alexander Hamer, Eberhard Prof. Dr. Hamer, Eike Dr. Hamilton, Adam Hansen, Ole Hartmann, Robert Hedrich, Werner Heibel, Stephan Heidkamp, Bjorn Hell, Sebastian Hellmeyer, Folker Hellwig, Sonia Hemke, Craig Hera, Ron Heuschuch, Oliver Hewitt, Mike Hirsekorn, Alexander Hirt, Walter Hochreiter, Gregor Mag. Hoffman, Andrew Holmes, Frank Hommel, Jason Hook, Captain Hoose, Andreas Hopf, Philip Hurtz, Armin Huster, Hannes Hufner, Martin W. Dr. Hommel, Jason Kagels, Karsten Kamber, Kurt W. Kestermann, Oliver Kilbach, Michael King, Eric Klude, Carsten Klumpp, Frank Kneist, Jan Koning, John Paul Kosares, Michael J. Kuner, Jurgen Kammerer, Christian Kolz, Wilfried Lange, Friedrich A. LBBW Lechner, Christian Leuschel, Roland Lewis, Jeffrey Dr. Lips, Ferdinand Lorch, Matthias Lorenz, Michael Dr. habil. Lundeen, Mark J. Maa, Rudiger Mack & Weise Mahnert, Jorg Malisch, Ralph Manly, Ronan Martenson, Chris Dr. Martin, Paul C. Dr. Mauldin, John Maund, Clive May, Thomas Mayer, Walter Mayr, Richard Meier, Rainer Merk, Axel Meyer, Frank Mezger, Markus Minenportal.de Mittermaier, Christoph Dr. Morgan, David Mross, Michael Muratovic, Tea Muchler, Frank Mullenmeister, Hans Jorg Muller, Johannes Muller, Jurgen Dr. Mohrer, Christian Nef, Rolf Nieuwenhuijs, Jan Nitzsche, Marc Norcini, Dan Nowacki, Jurgen RohstoffRaketen Otte, Max Prof. Dr. OByrne, Mark Paulick, Steffen Pento, Michael Petch, David Pfauntsch, Uli Piepenburg, Matt Polleit, Thorsten Prof. Dr. Proettel, Thorsten Puplava, Jim Porschmann, Thorsten Rabe, Jens Radomski, Przemyslaw Rakhimov, Sean Redaktion Rethfeld, Robert Rettinger, Detlef Dr. Reymann, David Richardt, Florian Richebacher, Kurt Dr. Rickards, James Riemenschneider, Volkmar Dr. Rohstoff-Spiegel Rohstoff-Welt.de Roos, Hubert Roy-Byrne, Jordan Russell, Richard Saiger, Johann A. Salomon, Stefan Savage, Gary Saville, Steve Schall, Lars Schallenberger, Frank Dr. Schiff, Peter Schilbe, Stefan Schiml, Markus H. Schmidt, Mirko Schroder, Robert Schulz, Hans-Dieter Dr. Schafer, Henning P. Senf, Bernd Shedlock, Michael Shepherd, Ceri Siebholz, Dietmar Dr. Siegel, Martin Silberman, Greg Singer, Klaus Smart Investor Smeding, Nadine Smith, David Sobolev, Boris Speck, Dimitri Sprott, Eric St. Angelo, Steve Stahl, Markus Dr. Stanzl, Jochen Steffens, Jochen Steininger, Marius Stemper, Ralph W. Storfner, Sebastian Strehk, Marko Streitmayer, Sven Stoferle, Ronald Peter Mag. Suchecki, Bron Summa, Benjamin Taggart, Adam Taylor, Jay The Gold Report Theuerzeit, Thomas Tiggre, Lobo Todd Stein & Steven McIntyre Torney, Marcel Tschol, Egon Turk, James Ullmann, Werner Vartian, Christian Mag. Vermeulen, Chris Vertrauliche Mitteilungen Vitye, Robert Vogel, Gabor Vogt, Claus Vorndran, Philipp Vronsky, I.M. Waldenberger, Karl-Heinz Warmbein, Uwe Watson, Roland Weber, Wolfgang Weinberg, Eugen Weiner, Keith Dr. West, James Weygand, Harald Williams, Kelsey Williams, Lawrence Willie CB, Jim Wolff, Ernst Wolter, Manfred Wright, Scott Wrzesniok-Robach, Wolfgang Zihlmann, Peter Zimmel, Manfred Zipfel, Hannes
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China has urged India to immediately correct its mistake and withdraw border troops that illegally entered Chinese territory, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense said Thursday.

Indian border troops recently crossed the China-India boundary at the Sikkim section and entered the Chinese territory, and obstructed the normal activities of Chinese border troops in Doklam, Wu said at a regular news briefing.

The spokesperson said Chinese border troops have taken corresponding measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (L, front) and his wife Peng Liyuan (R, front) greet the crowd upon their arrival in Hong Kong, south China, June 29, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

"Hong Kong's development has always pulled at my heartstrings," Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Hong Kong Thursday, just two days ahead of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

"I'm pleased to have set foot in Hong Kong once again after nine years," Xi said on his first trip to the Asian financial hub as China's top leader.

"Hong Kong's development has always pulled at my heartstrings," he said, adding that he was looking forward to experiencing in person new changes Hong Kong had undergone over the years.

Xi arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport on Thursday.

He and his wife Peng Liyuan were greeted by a group of high-ranking officials at the airport, including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and Chief Executive-elect Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

The Chinese president's three-day tour in Hong Kong will see him attend celebrations marking Hong Kong's 20th return anniversary and the inauguration of the HKSAR's fifth-term government. He will also inspect the HKSAR.

Celebrations scheduled for the next few days to mark the occasion include artistic performances, a fireworks display and a flag-raising ceremony among others.

Already, streets of Hong Kong are decorated with Chinese national flags and HKSAR flags, while outdoor big screens carried celebrating messages. "I believe that through the series of events to be staged in Hong Kong, our determination and confidence in developing and building a better Hong Kong will surely be enhanced," he said.

According to Xi, the upcoming return anniversary would be an important as well as joyous occasion for both the country and Hong Kong. He said his Hong Kong tour would serve to express best wishes for the HKSAR, showcase the central government's support for Hong Kong, and help the region plan its future.

Xi congratulated the HKSAR on the great achievements it has made over the past 20 years since its establishment, and encouraged the HKSAR to create new glory.

The central government, which has offered strong backing for Hong Kong in the past 20 years, will as always support the HKSAR in growing its economy and improving people's well-being, Xi said.

He also said he would join people from all walks of life in Hong Kong to review the SAR's extraordinary 20-year journey, sum up its experience and plan the future to ensure the smooth and long-term successful practice of the "one country, two systems" policy.
Fertility Rate Data

When unemployment spikes during severe economic downturns, birth rates usually drop. Thats been true for the past decade, thanks to the Great Recession and its aftermath. But theres a stark difference this time around: The economy is improving, but birth rates arent.Newly-released federal estimates find that the fertility rate fell further last year to 62.0 births per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44, a historic low. In fact, 4 million fewer babies were born between 2008 and 2016 than would have been born had the rate continued at pre-recession levels, according to University of New Hampshire demographer Kenneth Johnson.Over the long term, the baby bust could carry profound consequences for public policy if fertility rates dont rebound. Classrooms could see more empty seats. Smaller workforces would likely reduce tax revenues. And demands for social services could shift.Multiple factors have contributed to these low fertility rates. The first is the recession. Research has linked recession-era spikes in unemployment to corresponding decreases in a states fertility rate . Arizona -- whose economy suffered immensely with the bursting of the housing bubble -- has incurred the largest fertility rate decline of any state, a drop of 22 percent since 2007. Fewer births could compound matters in parts of the Northeast and Rust Belt where economies are struggling and populations have been declining for years. In contrast, North Dakota benefited from an oil boom and was the only state with a 2015 fertility rate above pre-recession levels.Second, its well established that younger workers were hit particularly hard during the recession. Many of those who found jobs have been burdened with low wages or weighty student loan debts that make supporting children difficult. Whats more, many young adults who are more financially secure have chosen to delay marriage.Another factor is immigration. Recent immigrants have among the highest fertility rates. If it were not for immigrant women, total annual U.S. births -- meaning the actual overall number of births, not the rate per capita -- would now be below levels reached in the late 1980s. But immigration gains from Mexico have halted, and states that have seen large numbers of immigrants in the past are now experiencing particularly sharp fertility declines.The effects of reduced fertility wont be clear for decades. But its possible to make a few educated guesses about them.For starters, fewer workers in future years would likely cause tax bases to shrink. That poses serious problems, especially given the countrys aging demographics and the large segment of baby boomers already retiring. Consider Medicare: There were 3.1 taxpaying workers per Medicare recipient in 2015, a number projected to drop to 2.3 by 2030, according to the Medicare Board of Trustees.Some speculate that a smaller workforce with less competition could benefit workers who wouldnt otherwise secure better-paying jobs. But Chris Christopher, of the financial information firm IHS Markit, warns that such a scenario would be problematic. It may be good for some individuals, but it would not be a good situation for the economy as a whole, he says.Just how much todays low fertility rates actually reshape the future workforce will also depend on other factors. Economists believe immigrants could potentially offset the fewer births, and more women participating in the workforce would also help fill labor shortages.Additionally, fewer babies would likely yield a more mobile workforce, since families with kids tend to buy homes and stay in place. Average household sizes have slowly shrunk over several decades, and a continuation would increase demand for housing units with fewer bedrooms.One of the first effects of the fertility decline will be a drop in elementary school enrollment. The Maryland Department of Planning projects the states public elementary school population will decline each year until 2021, based on the lower number of births recorded in the past few years. Jurisdictions that arent adding residents via migration will need to rethink plans to build new or larger schools.But lower birth rates do bring some good news. Falling rates of unintended pregnancy and far fewer births to teenage women are an important component of the declines. According to the National Center for Health Statistics , the teen birth rate has dropped 46 percent between 2007 and 2015. Rates have also dipped for women in their 20s, although not nearly as sharply. Meanwhile, birth rates for women in their 30s and early 40s have continued to climb, and are now at their highest levels since the 1960s.Some population scholars say these trends hold a lot of promise. Discouraging early childbearing and unintended childbearing has positive implications from everything to education to the workforce and parenting, says Kristin Moore of Child Trends, a think tank studying children and families. Women in their late 20s and 30s are more economically stable than those in their teenage years, which should lessen the demand for social services. Theyll also likely maintain better health insurance, Moore says.At this point, the biggest unknown is how many women are merely delaying childbirth and how many are forgoing it altogether. Its reasonable to expect many who married in their late 20s and early 30s to have kids over the next few years, as recent gains in fertility for those in their 30s show. Although younger Americans have delayed marriage longer than prior generations, surveys suggest theyre still intent on having children. A Gallup poll found that views on the ideal number of children have changed little since the late 1970s.Homeownership for young adults is also slowly rebounding, another sign that more young couples could be preparing to raise families. But the gains in births for older women havent been nearly enough to offset the declines among younger age brackets.Only time will tell whether low fertility -- and all the policy implications that accompany it -- represents a temporary phenomenon or a more permanent feature of American society.
The Texas Supreme Court on Friday said that while same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, the "reach and ramifications" of the rights of gay couples have yet to be determined.In a unanimous decision, the nine-member court reversed a lower court's ruling in favor of the city of Houston's decision to extend spousal benefits to same-sex city employees and their married partners. The court ordered the case sent back to the trial court in Houston.The high court conceded the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage two years ago in Obergefell v. Hodges, but added that it is unclear what other rights the decision extends to same-sex couples. That must be hashed out in the courts in cases like this one.Conservative groups hailed the ruling as protecting traditional marriage, while those fighting for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans called it an attempt to "undercut" the rights of the LGBT community."The Texas Supreme Court's decision this morning is a warning shot to all LGBTQ Americans that the war on marriage equality is ever-evolving," Sarah Kate Ellis, president of the national LGBT rights group GLAAD, said Friday. "Anti-LGBTQ activists will do anything possible to discriminate against our families."The case dates to 2013, when two local taxpayers sued then-Houston Mayor Annise Parker, the city's first openly gay mayor. Relying on a legal opinion from the city attorney, Parker had decided to extend spousal benefits to gay couples, even though an amendment to the city charter banned the practice.Jack Pidgeon, a pastor, and Larry Hicks, an accountant, sued Parker, arguing that no city employees have a "fundamental right" to receive government-subsidized spousal benefits and that it was "perfectly constitutional" to extend benefits to some married couples and deny them to others.When Obergefell was decided 18 months later, the state of Texas and government-funded entities, like universities, began extending spousal benefits to same-sex couples in their employ. But conservative groups continued to fight the city of Houston's decision.The Texas Supreme Court initially refused to hear the Houston case. But after pressure from the top elected Republicans in the state, including Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton, the high court made the very unusual decision to re-open the case.On Friday, the Supreme Court said the Obergefell ruling did not detail what additional rights, other than marriage, are guaranteed to same-sex couples."Pidgeon and the Mayor, like many other litigants throughout the country, must now assist the courts in fully exploring Obergefell's reach and ramifications, and are entitled to the opportunity to do so," Justice Jeffrey Boyd wrote in the court's decision. "We reverse the court of appeals' judgment, vacate the trial court's temporary injunction order."The city of Houston has not yet responded to the court's ruling.
The lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania doesnt have many official duties. Maybe thats one reason Mike Stack, the current holder of that office, has gotten himself into trouble.Stack and his wife Tonya are alleged to have screamed at and otherwise verbally abused members of his state police security detail, as well as other state employees who cook and clean at their official residence. There have been complaints that troopers were asked to turn on flashers and sirens to speed up trips in nonemergency situations. State Rep. Kevin Boyle claims that Tonya Stack flipped him off at a public event and threw a cup of soda at him. Stacks office announced in May that she has entered a residential treatment facility to deal with a difficult mental health issue.Before the extent of Tonya Stacks difficulties became known, Gov. Tom Wolf had pulled Mike Stacks security detail and placed restrictions on staff working at his official household. I do not delight in this decision, Wolf wrote to his lieutenant governor. He also called for the state inspector general to look into the allegations against Stack. But there may not be much more Wolf can do. Stack has spurned any talk that he might step down, and there are no hints that he has engaged in illegal behavior.As lieutenant governor, the 53-year-old Stack is provided with an official residence near the state Capitol. Despite that, he has billed the state for overnight stays at hotels in Philadelphia, even though he has a home in that city. In response to media reports about this, Stack has returned some of the money.Still, all that negative attention hasnt stopped Stack from vowing to run for re-election next year. In Pennsylvania, the governor and lieutenant governor run together in the fall, but are nominated separately in primaries. Stack, who served 14 years in the Pennsylvania Senate, was not close to Wolf before their political fates were bound together. And they arent any closer now.Some previous lieutenant governors have been given jobs of real substance, such as taking a lead role on energy policy or running emergency management. Guess how many assignments Stack got? says Terry Madonna, a political scientist at Franklin & Marshall College. Zero. For me, thats always a telltale sign.Its hard to see Wolf running alongside Stack in 2018. If he decides not to, the governor will have to find a political ally of his own to stand against Stack in the primary next year. If he goes that route, he runs the risk of angering Philadelphias Democratic machine, which Stack is part of and Wolf, a former businessman, is decidedly not.Thats why, for both men, the question of what the inspector general finds will be crucial.
Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno announced her resignation Thursday, another sign of the lack of progress at the Capitol as Illinois teeters toward a third year without a comprehensive spending plan.The first woman to lead a legislative caucus left little doubt her departure was in part born of frustration over the partisan stalemate that has sent state government finances spiraling downward despite her efforts to reach a compromise that would satisfy a demanding Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and a Democratic-led General Assembly."I will say that I feel strongly that the governor has the right agenda, but it's not that easy getting there. We need fundamental change in this building, but we need to compromise in order to get there," said Radogno, 64, of southwest suburban Lemont."We have to put aside personalities. We have to prioritize what we want. Nobody gets 100 percent, but what do you absolutely have to have? When you negotiate, you need to understand and get in the skin of the person you're talking to," she said, providing advice for the governor and other legislative leaders.The 20-year veteran lawmaker had earned plaudits for working with Democrats. Radogno said for months she had been looking for a "natural break" in the legislative schedule to begin her retirement. In what could be viewed as an ominous acknowledgment, Radogno said she chose Saturday, the start of the state's new budget year, to retire because "I'm not sure there's another natural break coming anytime soon."Radogno's announcement came as the state faced increased warnings of financial doom if it went past Friday's deadline without a spending plan.Facing a downgrade to "junk" credit status, a federal court ruling that could require increased payments to Medicaid providers, uncertainty for some school openings in the fall, the future of what remains of a frayed social service safety net and the prospect of road construction project shutdowns, Democratic Comptroller Susana Mendoza said the consequences to the state of failing to reach a budget agreement by midnight Friday go from the current "horrific" to "catastrophic."Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan pledged to open Friday with a House vote on his members' version of a state $36.5 billion spending plan, despite no agreement on items Rauner has made a prerequisite toward signing a budget and tax increase -- including changes in workers' compensation and a freeze on property taxes.Rep. Greg Harris, Madigan's top budget negotiator, said that depending on the fate of the spending plan, Democrats would then vote on their tax plan. Filed late Thursday, the proposal would raise the personal income tax rate from the current 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent.Unlike tax legislation approved earlier by the Senate, it would not be retroactive to Jan. 1 but instead begin with the July 1 start of the budget year. That change is designed to avoid having people pay even more in income taxes the rest of the year to catch up for the past six months. Also out is an expansion of sales taxes to some services. The hike would be permanent, against Rauner's desire to make it temporary.By calling the budget and tax plan in the House, Madigan will be taking the temperature of House Republicans with Rauner's must-have issues still undecided. Even if all House Democrats vote for measures in this special legislative session, at least four Republican votes are needed for passage."We are staring into the abyss," Harris said. "I think everyone who cares about the state of Illinois should support this. This is the chance."If those measures fail to gain enough support, Harris said Democrats would consider a series of backup bills to spend money in key areas such as social services and education. But those efforts would not come with the needed dollars to actually pay for the programs, meaning they are likely designed to provide political cover to allow Democrats to say they voted in favor of projects important to their districts even if a broader deal isn't reached."Those are the contingencies, we don't want to vote on those," Harris said.Madigan also maintained that he and Democratic Senate President John Cullerton insisted that Rauner sign a Democratic-passed bill to rewrite how the state divvies up money for public schools. Rauner had previously vowed to veto the measure, calling its level of funding for Chicago Public Schools a "bailout."Madigan also said that any efforts to change the workers' compensation system for people injured on the job must include a rate review of premiums charged by insurers. Democrats contend 2011 changes should provide more savings to businesses, but insurers are increasing their profits instead. Republicans are pushing for further cuts to fees doctors, hospitals and pharmacies receive for treating workers with rates closer to those set under Medicaid.On property taxes, Democrats have agreed to Rauner's call for a four-year statewide freeze, but are pushing for several exemptions that Republicans contend would result in little relief. They include exemptions for Chicago and troubled school districts such as CPS. The freeze also would not apply to levies that are used to pay debt or pension payments for employees, including police and firefighters.Madigan declined to detail areas where Democrats may be open to further "adjustments" on their property tax proposal. He also refused to predict if a resolution would come ahead of the start of the new budget year, saying anything is possible if the sides remain "reasonable." That was a dig at Rauner, who he has repeatedly accused of pushing an "extreme" agenda."I think I have moved considerably to engage on all of these issues," Madigan said. "I don't see that I am being unreasonable. I am here. I am proposing to vote for things I don't believe in. I don't think the government should be about the business of reducing the benefit level of an injured worker. That's not the right thing to do. But in the spirit of compromise I am prepared to vote for that."House lawmakers Thursday also approved a new version of an already passed measure that could raise monthly phone fees for 911 services -- money that Mayor Rahm Emanuel hopes to route toward paying down Chicago's pension debt. Rauner has threatened to veto the initial measure.The version of the bill that's now on Rauner's desk would extend the Emergency Telephone System Act, which is set to expire Saturday, and would allow Chicago to raise its 911 fee to $5 per month from $3.90, while jurisdictions outside the city would see their monthly rate go from 87 cents to $1.50 per line.A Rauner aide last week called on lawmakers to pass a new bill that does not include the surcharge hikes but ensures that the Emergency Telephone System Act is extended to provide for local 911 services.Instead, Republicans and Democrats in the House came together to pass a backup version of the bill that continues the 911 funding stream if the law expires because of a Rauner veto or inaction of the original proposal. The Senate approved the legislation Wednesday.The idea is that if Rauner vetoes the first bill while lawmakers are out of town, they can send him the second bill without having to make a special trip to Springfield to take a vote.But the day's news was dominated by word of Radogno's retirement from a leadership post she has held since 2009 -- when she succeeded Frank Watson of Downstate Greenville, who had suffered a stroke.Even before her announcement, behind-the-scenes efforts to replace Radogno were being made by state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington, who served as her top deputy in the Senate GOP caucus, and by state Sen. Karen McConnaughay, the former Kane County Board chairman from St. Charles.In a statement, Rauner called Radogno "a consummate professional and public servant, who has championed fiscal responsibility and human services that help our most vulnerable residents."Talk of Radogno's decision had begun spreading privately during the closing days of June in the aftermath of months of contentiousness with a Democratic legislative majority and a Republican governor who has extensively used his personal wealth to command loyalty among GOP lawmakers.But Radogno found her members' loyalty to Rauner sometimes created conflict with loyalty to her leadership, some Republicans said privately. That surfaced in working with Cullerton to try to negotiate an end to the impasse known as the "grand bargain."Rauner eventually contended the so-called bargain did not go far enough to satisfy him, and Democrats accused him of stripping away GOP votes from a version of the package.Radogno said she was "disappointed" that a bipartisan package failed to materialize in May but told reporters, "If that was my motivation (to resign) I would have been gone then."Though Radogno has been in the General Assembly for two decades, a decision to step down had been expected as the grind of legislative sessions, particularly serving in the minority, began to take its toll.Besides the political battles, Radogno also had some personal tragedies during her tenure, including the June 2014 death of her 31-year-old daughter, Lisa, who worked for then-U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk's office in Washington."As you may know, my daughter was on the Hill, so politics was really important to her, so knowing (that, I) doubled down my interest in it," Radogno said, tearing up."But it did give me the perspective that nothing's forever and I don't want to be squandering my life with my husband and my grandkids and my other daughters," she said. "We only all have a certain amount of time and that experience told me that's for sure."
President Trump's commission investigating alleged voter fraud in the 2016 elections has asked states for a list of the names, party affiliations, addresses and voting histories of all voters, if state laws allow it to be public.A Wednesday letter from the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity gives secretaries of state about two weeks to provide about a dozen points of voter data. That also would include dates of birth, the last four digits of voters' Social Security numbers and any information about felony convictions and military status.Some Democratic officials refused to comply, saying the request invades privacy and is based on false claims of fraud.Mr. Trump lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton but has alleged, without evidence, that 3 to 5 million people voted illegally.
(TNS) -- Why should Europe think it has a right to boss Google around, telling the second-most-valuable U.S. company what it ought to post on Page 1 of your search results?Because Google isnt really the free service we have gotten used to thinking it is: Consumers pay for the service with their data, which Google tracks, tests, sorts, and uses to sell advertising, the European Commission said last week , when it fined Google $2.7 billion. That was for pushing its own Google Shopping out front and squashing competing sites by dumping them onto the lonesome back pages of our search results.Its as if the Europeans are making the case that Google is not a creator or publisher free to display what it chooses, but is instead what American law calls a common carrier, like a railroad or a phone company. That means its service is so central to the economy that its operators have no right to sell exclusive service to favored partners at others expense.The idea is to prevent big businesses from choking competition and squeezing consumers, the way the powerful old Standard Oil Co. ganged up with the Pennsylvania Railroad to overcharge rival oil shippers, crush rivals, and eventually drive fuel prices and profits way high. We respectfully disagree, says Kent Walker, Googles top lawyer. Warehouse and Web services giant Amazon, not Google, is the formidable competitor where a majority of Americans go to shop online, he argued in a blog post, Why dont you go after Amazon?Googles targeted search ads are useful to stores and consumers since your feedback tells us they are relevant, Walker went on.Google, however, doesnt so much ask for our feedback: It studies our online moves, and uses what it learns to sell advertising designed to guide us to places we are more likely to buy things.It works. As readers moved online, Google got rich stripping ads from print and video publishers. Europe says it is now investigating Googles advertising practices, as well as its Android smartphone software requirements.But Google didnt squash European competitors by doing anything illegal, Walker argues; Were winning, so we must be better.Not quite everyone uses Google. When EU Commission chief Margrethe Vestager wants to search by phone without being tracked, she told Wired magazine this year, she avoids Google and uses DuckDuckGo, an eight-year-old search site founded Gabriel Weinberg and based on a leafy block across from the Paoli SEPTA-Amtrak station. Run with a skeleton staff, DuckDuckGo positions itself as the anti-Google, pledging not to store your history or track your Web traffic.But Weinberg, usually happy to promote his cause, told me his company is not commenting on the Google case. DuckDuckGo claimed 16 million searches a day last week, up from 11 million a day during the same week last year, and nine million a day the year before. Google in its European Commission defense lists DuckDuckGo and Microsofts Bing search engine as proof that competitors can grow despite its dominance.U.S. regulators have not acted on suggestions that they treat Google search as a common carrier that ought to be equally open to all. The Europe decision might put new pressure on American regulators, but they arent likely to copy it, says Michael Carrier, an antitrust scholar at Rutgers University Law School in Camden. Google has a reasonable point when it says it quickly displays useful results. And there are many alternatives, starting with Amazon, Carrier added.The $2.7 billion fine is immaterial to Google. They have like $92 billion in cash on hand, noted Tara R. Hedlund, senior vice president at Pennsylvania Trust Co. in Radnor, which controls about 6,000 Google shares. But the commission warned that it will start fining Google $250 million a day if it doesnt change its practices.Meanwhile, DuckDuckGo is joining other Web-dependent firms in mobilizing support for Net neutrality, the Federal Communications Commissions Obama-era policy, endangered under President Trump. That policy says the government should guarantee that Comcast and other Internet carriers dont favor content in which they have a financial interest  like what Europe busted Google for.Other Web-dependent companies  including Netflix, Mozilla, Twitter, Soundcloud, Medium, Reditt, and Amazon  have joined with Common Cause, the ACLU, and the American Library Association in declaring July 12 an Internet-Wide Day of Action to Save Net Neutrality.Their advocacy group Fight for the Future promises prominent messages on their homepages and an online messaging campaign urging the FCC to reverse proposals to slash Title II, the legal framework for net neutrality rules, a deregulation move that has been broadly favored by Comcast and other big internet providers.
(TNS) -- After nearly a year of planning and study, a group tasked by Houston's city council with figuring out how the city might support fast-growing technology companies on Thursday laid out plans for turning the recent talk about building a vibrant startup scene into action.The report to the City Council was the second of two rounds of recommendations for what would help Houston grow its stock of technology companies. The first came from a group convened by the Greater Houston Partnership, and was aimed at the business community. This one, funded by the city itself , is aimed at government action."We've got the raw ingredients," says Council member Amanda Edwards, who chaired the council's task force. "But now we have a comprehensive plan."The plan has three fundamental points: The city should talk about and advocate for its tech startups, lay the groundwork for an "innovation district" that would concentrate tech startups in a central neighborhood, and become a "testing ground" for new technologies like self-driving cars, drones and advanced manufacturing.Here are a few specifics:Attend conferences about startup ecosystems, and host high-profile events in Houston to elevate the tech community.Create a founder's visa program to help talented foreigners stay in Houston to start companies.Overhaul city procurement processes to become a client of young tech companies.Get a data science center moving again, after the failure of the University of Texas plan to build one.Potentially leverage tax incentives to designate a building or a neighborhood that could serve as the epicenter of yet-to-be-founded tech companies.John Reale, who heads a year-old software startup incubator called Station Houston, sat on both the business group and the city's task force. Standing in jeans, sneakers, and a T-shirt from one of Station's member companies, Reale made the case for action and strategies for channeling it."We have to create this culture," Reale said. "If you take one piece from all of this, it's that you need active leadership."The plan won't be like Houston's bike plan, which required approval by the Council. Rather, there may be pieces brought to council in support of the plan, such as tax incentives to support the innovation district. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who was briefed on the plan yesterday, has asked the task force to come up with a list of action items to pursue.One of them will likely be designating a neighborhood to be the target of tax incentives and other assistance for tech companies. Station Houston's current lease downtown will end next year, and Reale is in the market for a new building. He has said that he envisions Station being at the center of whatever area the city decides to support.The neighborhood that has been bandied about most as a potential destination for such an innovation district is EaDo, with its abundance of warehouses and breweries, its proximity to downtown, and capacity for future development. Council member Robert Gallegos was already on board with the idea."With regard to starting an innovation district, I'm hoping EaDo would be at the top of your list," he told Edwards and Reale.As the pair emphasized, there is precedent for successful innovation districts in places like Chicago and Cincinnati, which the task force visited in formulating its recommendations. But the Brookings Institution, which has conducted much of that research, also warns against doing something superficial that doesn't have real economic energy behind it."In a number of cities, local stakeholders have applied the label to a project or area that lacks the minimum threshold of innovation-oriented firms, start-ups, institutions, or clusters needed to create an innovation ecosystem," researchers wrote in 2015."This appears to result either from the chase to jump on the latest economic development bandwagon, the desire to drive up demand and real estate prices, or sometimes a true lack of understanding of what an innovation district actually is," they continued. "The lesson: labeling something innovative does not make it so."
Every year an average of 10 volunteer firefighters quit the West Barnstable, Mass., Fire Department, about 27 percent of the departments total. Fire Chief Joseph Maruca never finds out why half of those department members leave, but does know that about one-third of his crew leaves for career firefighting positions at larger, nearby fire departments, typically after serving in West Barnstable fewer than four years.West Barnstable, with its white clapboard church and saltbox houses on the shores of Cape Cod Bay, is a classic New England village with a population of 3,500, popular with retirees.Constantly recruiting new firefighters is a strain on the department, and on Maruca. The situation got bad enough that officials looked into staffing the department only with career firefighters. Maruca found that not only would that cost taxpayers more, it would also reduce the number of firefighters responding to each call.Nationwide, volunteer fire departments save municipalities, and taxpayers, $139.8 billion per year in firefighting costs, according to a 2014 report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). About 70 percent of Americas firefighters are volunteers, and 85 percent of the nations fire departments are all or mostly volunteer, according to NFPA. The smallest communities  those with fewer than 10,000 residents  are almost always served by volunteer departments, also, according to NFPA.Across the country, small, rural fire departments like West Barnstables are struggling to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. But even where the number of volunteer firefighters is holding steady, the number of calls is exploding. The nationwide tally of the calls departments respond to each year has tripled in the last 30 years, according to NFPA. These numbers influence a communitys ability to deal with emergencies, both large and small.Career and volunteer firefighter and emergency services are the infantry in every community when disaster strikes, said Denis Onieal, acting U.S. Fire Administrator. There is no force at the state level or at the federal level, with the exception of the National Guard, that can provide a community with rescue, mitigation and recovery services like the fire and emergency services community.Communities like West Barnstable illustrate why some departments are struggling to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. Small towns like ours are losing our young adult populations, Maruca said. They are moving to where there are more jobs and a lower cost of living.Unfortunately, though, the cities these young people move to dont necessarily see the benefit of more, young volunteers, says Kimberly Quiros, chief of communications for the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). People who are transplants to new areas may not have that community tie that makes them want to volunteer with the fire department. And people may not even be aware that their community needs volunteers.Volunteer fire departments once depended on local employers who offered full-time jobs with benefits to their volunteers and were willing to have employees leave work to fight fires. Today a typical job is as a per-hour worker with unpredictable shifts for a national or international company with no ties to community. The nations top employer is Walmart. Second on the list: McDonalds, according to stock market information analyzed by 24/7 Wall St. and reported in USA Today.According to an analysis of Federal Reserve data by the nonprofit group Young Invincibles, reported in, millennials (born from 1982 to 2004) earn 20 percent less than baby boomers did at the same age, and millennials have more student loan debt.Because the number of volunteer firefighters nationwide has declined 15 percent between its all-time high in 1984 and its all-time low in 2011 and, because over that same period, the number of calls has increased nearly 300 percent, existing firefighters are suffering from burnout. (Most of that increase is in medical calls, Quiros said.)Fighting fires as a volunteer requires the same training career firefighters receive. The training requires a significant time investment. Even as people have less time to volunteer, the training required to volunteer has become more intensive, taking more time, Quiros said.Training is not the only burden that volunteers carry along with career firefighters. Certain cancers, sudden cardiac death and trauma-induced mental health issues are additional health burdens carried by all firefighters. Insurance coverage for these health issues varies by state and fire department.Last October, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial included, for the first time, the names of 24 firefighters who died of cancer on its plaque honoring those who died in the line of duty the previous year, The Washington Post reported. It was an acknowledgment of a 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study that found that certain types of cancer  not limited to lung cancer  are linked to firefighting. (New York state recognizes 23 types.)After 9/11, national attention was drawn to the cancer risk after the untimely deaths of rescue and recovery workers at Ground Zero. But the risk is shared by everyone who spends time in or around burning buildings, and may have increased over the decades. Buildings and furniture are more toxic now, Quiros said.Cancer risks can be reduced by wearing personal protective equipment, especially self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), not only during the fire, but also during cleanup, said Quiros. Gear should be cleaned right away. Soot-smudged gear is a badge of honor in some departments, but it is also a cancer hazard. Dirty gear should never be brought home.Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse are other long-overlooked health risks of firefighting. Nearly 100 firefighters commit suicide each year, Quiros said. Thats more than die annually in the line of duty, she says. The NVFCs Share the Load Program provides a 24-hour hotline answered by firefighters who are trained counselors who can direct callers to additional resources for dealing with addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD and other issues.Since the early 1990s, about half of all firefighters who die in the line of duty died of sudden cardiac death. This is likely because  with the heat, the climbing, the heavy gear and smoke exposure  fighting fires puts much more stress on the heart than is experienced by the average person, Quiros said.The fire department saved my life, said Kevin D. Quinn, wringing out every ounce of paradox from that statement, as a volunteer firefighter for 41 years and current chair of NVFC. Well aware of the heart health risks for firefighters, Quinn never smoked, didnt drink, ate well and does 22 push-ups a day as a reminder of the 22 veterans who commit suicide each day. He had frequent check-ups, and had never been diagnosed with a heart condition.When a fire chief in North Carolina invited him to raise awareness of special physical exams for firefighters by visiting the North Carolina department and having an exam along with the fire crew, Quinn resisted at first. He travels a lot in his position, but eventually he relented and joined the department for the exam. Afterward, he was told he had a serious heart condition. A second opinion back home led to surgery.Three months after the surgery, Quinn was back on duty for his fire department. He waited that long because it was a requirement of his commercial drivers license. He wasnt aware of feeling unwell, but now he feels better than he has in years.Quinn recommends that every firefighter get a physical that complies with the NFPA 1582 standard. This is much more specific to the health risks faced by firefighters than a typical well-patient checkup.What can fire departments and communities do to recruit more firefighters? Some departments have had success with programs created by NVFC.Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department in Minnesota, which serves 45 square miles and 80,000 residents, was doing a great job with its fire prevention program, said Shannon Ryder, division chief. Fire calls are way down. The number of department members in this mixed career-volunteer department was holding steady, she says, but the heavy schedule of fire prevention programs was wearing its firefighters down.When she heard about NVFCs Fire Corps program about 10 years ago, Ryder was skeptical. The nationwide program began in 2004 to engage community volunteers to help their fire departments in non-emergency roles, including fundraising, cleaning equipment and trucks, bookkeeping and other paperwork, and education programs.When it came across my desk in 2008, Ryder said, I wondered who in the world would sign up to help with all this random stuff for nothing but a T-shirt? Still, it seemed like just the help her department needed, so she gave it a try. Not only did people sign up, they stayed. The SBM Fire Department will soon have 21 Fire Corps members who have been with the department for 10 years.Fire Corps members can get to work with very little training. Because a fire department invests less in each Fire Corps member, it doesnt need as big of a commitment from them in return. Less strength is required, so elderly or disabled people easily find a role. But Fire Corps members can participate in additional training to help their fire departments in all sorts of ways, from driving a truck to serving as a first responder.Fire Corps is a partner program under the Citizen Corps initiative and is funded through FEMA. That makes it a companion to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, and the two complement each other. While CERT provides operational or emergency support during times of disaster, Fire Corps provides non-operational support every day.Ryder says that many of the Fire Corps members in her department are also CERT volunteers. She thinks participating in Fire Corps keeps them involved in helping the community in a way being a CERT member alone cant.Not everybody wants to ride the big, red truck, said Ryder, who now believes in the program so fully that she is the Fire Corps state coordinator for Minnesota. There are more people who want to give back to the community than you would think.For Maruca, the solution to his recruiting problem is an NVFC program called Make Me a Firefighter and a lot of effort. Make Me a Firefighter provides marketing materials that Maruca can adapt to his own needs. His first effort was advertisements on Facebook that targeted users in his region by age. (Because of state law, firefighters in Massachusetts need to be between 18 and 65 years old.)The ad provided a link to the Make Me a Firefighter national website, where potential recruits can search for fire departments in their area. Quiros said that more than 25 percent of departments nationwide have signed up to be in the programs database.When Maruca received emails generated by the national database, he replied immediately, asking the potential recruits to stop by and learn more about the department. Then, once a week, simply because the response was so overwhelming, he sent out a welcome email to all the new contacts that included an application. If he didnt hear back, he would email again a month later, with another invitation and application.One of the things he most appreciates about the program is that the people who responded were a more diverse group than he sees through traditional word-of-mouth recruiting. If your fire service is made up of community members, it reflects the community, Maruca said. That can mean increasing a departments racial or ethnic diversity, but it also means loosening the grip of the clique of families that seem to fill every small-town fire department. And that may be more difficult.In his town, Maruca sees women as his biggest untapped pool of recruits. Women make up half of almost every community, he says, yet they are only 10 percent of his recruits. Departments across the country have similar numbers. No matter where you are in the country, this is your biggest area for growth, he said.Through the program and the Facebook ads, the department received 62 inquiries. Ten of those people applied, Maruca said. That was more recruits than he had spaces to fill in the next training class, so some recruits are waiting to attend the next.Its a hopeful sign, Maruca said, but the new normal is constant attention to recruiting and more flexibility in assigning deployments. Its a very dynamic process to keep us functioning.All of these challenges dont mean that emergency managers should give up on using their traditional infantry of volunteer firefighters, Quiros said. A stronger volunteer fire department means a stronger community response to just about any emergency. Instead, she suggests, emergency managers should advocate for their fire department as they would for any true partner in their mission. When volunteer firefighters have the resources they need, she said, the whole community benefits.
When President Trump unveiled his fiscal year 2018 Budget Blueprint this spring, the emergency management community shuddered.The administration has proposed $667 million in cuts to state and local grant funding for FEMA efforts, including the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program. It also calls for a 25 percent non-federal cost match for FEMA grant awards that currently require no cost match.The cuts would have a profound negative impact on states abilities to prevent and respond to disasters, according to leading professionals from across the emergency management community. Already-thin staffs would have to be pared back even further. Preparedness would take a back seat to more immediate needs, leaving communities vulnerable.On the upside, this draft budget is only an opening salvo. Members of Congress will no doubt have their own ideas for how to best fund the nations emergency response and national security infrastructures, and many will be leery of stripping down programs that directly aid their communities. Nonetheless, emergency management leaders from around the nation are sounding an early alarm that these cuts, if enacted, could have a potentially crippling effect.As director of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, Andrew Phelps is flummoxed by the prospect of paying for these potential cuts.As a profession, we in emergency management never see things that we can stop doing. We just get more creative in how we use our limited funds, he said. We will probably have to work with our state and local authorities to see how we can offset some of those losses, but here in Oregon we are facing a $1.6 billion budget deficit, so coming up with additional funds to offset federal losses is going to be problematic.The hurt would come across the board.Take the Homeland Security Grant Program, a $3.8 million item in Oregon last year that helps to pay for equipment and training. The president wants a 25 percent cut and a new 25 percent match. That money goes quite a long way for us, Phelps said. We have a geographically diverse state where communication can be an issue, and a lot of this money goes to fund more robust communications infrastructure. We all know that being able to talk during a disaster is key.The state also could take a hit to its $5.2 million Emergency Management Performance Grant funding, money that goes to support local and tribal emergency managers salary and benefits. We would be talking about pretty significant staff cuts. Just in my office that would be a reduction of six or seven full-time employees. For the local and tribal partners it would be 25 percent of their workforce that ends up not being funded.Especially hurtful would be cuts to the states share of the national $100 million Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant pool of funding. Mitigation is not sexy, he said. There are no flashing lights, it doesnt make the 11 oclock news, but thats where emergency managers earn their paychecks: by effectively mitigating hazards.The mitigation grants help localities keep their hazard mitigation plans current. Without a current plan, a municipality cannot tap additional hazard mitigation funding, so the loss of pre-disaster grant monies could potentially have a ripple effect. Then we start to see a cycle of escalating costs, Phelps said.While mitigation may not be glamorous, it is effective. Phelps recalls catastrophic flooding events in 1996 and 2006, which led to significant mitigation investments. That planning money paid off in 2015 when historic heavy rains caused almost no negative effect. With the amount of rain they got they should have been underwater, but they saw no impact at all, and that was directly due to that mitigation work that was done.At the California Office of Emergency Services, Director Mark Ghilarducci says the Trump proposals would deal a crippling blow to security. If it were to be implemented the way it is outlined, it would have draconian and dramatic effects, he said. The White House wants to cut state and local grants that are the foundation of national security. These cuts would literally cripple these activities.He finds the new match requirement especially irksome. It isnt that states do not want to help shoulder the load: Its that they already are. They talk about a match, he said. When you look at the work state and local governments are doing, we are already committing a tremendous amount of resources. That position resonates with all the state homeland security directors.The Homeland Security Grant Program supplied California with $60 million last year in support of counterterrorism training. The proposed reductions would decimate those programs and would make us more vulnerable to a terrorist attack, Ghilarducci said. Where does homegrown extremism take place? At the local level. So if we want to see more Orlando shooters and San Bernadino shooters, then sure, lets cut what we are doing at the local level.Last year the state drew $27.8 million in Emergency Management Performance Grants, money that supports headcount that is desperately needed at a time when most of the 58 counties are under federal disaster declarations after six years of drought. Theres a lot going on around here. Which part do you you want me to not deal with? Should I cut off my right arm, or my left? he said.Like many in the emergency management community, Ghilarducci is especially baffled by calls to pare back the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant program. He points to well established data showing that for every dollar invested in mitigation, communities save $7 in response.Isnt it intuitive that if you go out and build resiliency and harden your community to lessen the impact of a disaster, then overall when a disaster hits, the impact will be much less? he said.It isnt just the money that worries him, its the potential impact on national security, an integral element in any disaster response consideration. This is not just about natural disasters. Its homeland security, its hardening critical infrastructure, he said. Imagine a catastrophic disaster in Los Angeles. The state would be hurt, the ports of L.A. and Long Beach would be hurt, and the damage from that would have a ripple effect across the country and across the world.Edging north toward the Arctic Circle, the proposed cuts are having an equally chilling effect. Alaskas budget has been pummeled by low oil prices, and the emergency community there already has been digging deep to meet its obligations during tough financial times.We as state government need to look at where we can reduce our costs. We look at it all the time. How can we do better business? How can we bring down the cost of responding to disasters? said Mike OHare, Alaskas director of the division of homeland security and emergency management. Deep cuts on the federal side now will only make a bad situation worse.The mitigation money in particular would be difficult to replace. People will come up with money when its for people running into harms way to save lives, and they dont see mitigation that way, he said. In tight fiscal times its tough to invest in proactive stuff. Its a hard sell.Cuts to the Homeland Security Grant Program would likely leave some communities out in the cold when it comes to critical equipment including search-and-rescue gear and communications upgrades.In Alaska, communities write individual applications for this money, and a peer-review committee doles out the funds. If the budget stands as presented, the process stays the same but not every application will get funded, OHare said. We might have to piece together funding over a number of years, or there just may not be enough money for some things. We may have to execute on just the top two or three applications and let the others go.On the other hand, maybe it wont be anywhere near that bad. Nothing is set in stone yet, and OHare has seen federal emergency money on the block before. Typically, nothing ever comes of these threats. All these proposals happen every budget cycle, and in our experience there has been flat funding with no increases, he said.Its a point well worth considering, as the emergency management community attempts to align its resources. The presidents budget brief is just an opening gambit. Congress ultimately has the power of the purse. That said: What is the political prognosis? Will these reductions ever see the light of day?Its worth noting that the budget brief drew a less-than-enthusiastic reception from congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle upon its initial release.Inexplicably, the presidents budget slashes proven FEMA antiterrorism grant programs and leaves high-risk surface transportation infrastructure vulnerable by imposing cuts to TSA [Transportation Safety Administration] and law enforcement support programs, said Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, D.-Miss., ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee. The president needs to go back to the drawing board before submitting his final budget request and return to Congress with a plan that is realistic, actually keeps us safe and doesnt decimate the government, Thompson added.The ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committees emergency preparedness, response and communications subcommittee, Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D.-N.J., derided the proposal.President Trumps ill-conceived proposal to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in FEMA state and local grant funding is further proof that the president has no idea of what it takes to protect this nation, he said These grants have been crucial to developing effective emergency preparedness and response plans for terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Cutting them to this extent will undo the progress weve made and leave our infrastructure, and our communities, vulnerable.Republicans for their part showed little eagerness to defend the budget.The proposals are just the beginning of the negotiation process with Congress, said House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R.-Texas. Likewise, Rep. Dan Donovan, R.-N.Y., chairman of the emergency preparedness subcommittee, called the budget blueprint step one in the negotiating process.In light of this lukewarm reception, even by the presidents own party, we shouldnt panic, said Wendy Smith-Reeve, director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management. Rather, emergency management professionals should be speaking up to try to influence the political deliberations, a view shared by other state-level leaders.Its incumbent upon the emergency management community do a better job of articulating where we were 10 years ago, where these grant dollars have gotten us, and where we are going to be in 10 years if we have this money available to help protect against these threats and hazards, Oregons Phelps said. We do a good job of that at the local and the state level, but it is a little more difficult to do that at the national level.He encourages emergency management professionals to engage directly with key lawmakers as the budget process unfolds. Every conversation we can have hopefully helps to build that case a little bit, he said.Others are laying the groundwork for Plan B, considering what steps they might take if these or similar cuts do come to pass.Here in Alaska the private sector knows how to get things here quickly. They are experts in logistics, which is a skill we need in emergency management, OHare said. It doesnt cost much to get those folks to the table to explore how we can work together. Its mostly just a matter of time and some coffee.Time and coffee alone wont likely be enough to close the gap, if actual funding levels end up looking anything like the initial draft issued this spring.But some doubt it will come to that. Ghilarducci, for instance, declared the budget dead on arrival and predicted a major congressional overhaul. Still, the mere threat of such sweeping cuts should put the emergency management community on notice that nothing is guaranteed under this new administration.
(TNS) -- Auto industry representatives have made a push in Washington for greater federal oversight and authority to regulate self-driving cars while consumer safety watchdogs warned Congress about the dangers of proposed federal legislation that they say goes too far.The automotive industry said it supports legislation that would give the industry the ability to test and deploy much larger fleets of driverless cars and make it clear that federal regulations takes precedence over state laws.Stronger, more consistent regulations are needed, they say, to spur innovation and prevent a confusing patchwork of state legislation from getting in the way."As we meet today, the U.S. lacks a critical uniform national framework to advance these technologies," said Mitch Bainwol, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.Bainwol was among several industry representatives and safety advocates who testified today before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in favor of a package of 14 bills set to be introduced sometime in July. That legislation is similar to legislation Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, and others are planning to introduce in the Senate in the coming weeks."It will be very comprehensive. ... It recognizes we need to have a complete rewrite of federal regulations for motor vehicles when you take the driver out of the car," Peters said of the legislation he is working on.The need for a comprehensive, clear regulatory framework is gaining urgency because automotive and technology companies are making rapid advances, and in some cases are getting ahead of existing regulations.Meanwhile, 22 states  including Michigan  have adopted legislation related to autonomous vehicle testing. Automakers and tech companies including Ford, General Motors, Google's Waymo and many others are testing fleets of self-driving cars in Michigan and elsewhere.David Strickland, general counsel for the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets, said "states should be discouraged from creating a patchwork of inconsistent laws and regulations relating to such standards that have the potential to stifle this emerging industry."Industry experts say the introduction of self-driving vehicles has the potential to reduce traffic accidents, improve highway safety and very likely will eventually spark the most dramatic change in the way transportation works in America in the past 100 years. But for that to happen, the government needs to strike the right balance between encouraging innovation and regulating the industry.U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., argued that smart federal regulation is essential for U.S. automakers to stay ahead of global industry innovation."It is not about if this technology is going to be developed, it is where it is going to be developed and by whom," Dingell said.Dingell told the Free Press earlier she and others are also talking with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, about the draft bills.As currently drafted, the legislation debated today in the House would:Establish sole authority for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over the regulation of highly automated vehicles.Expressly preempt any state laws that prevent the testing or deployment of self-driving cars or technology.Dramatically increase the number of vehicles that automakers can deploy annually that dont meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The industry says this is necessary because, for example, federal regulations require a steering wheel and driverless cars might not have a steering wheel. The legislation would increase the annual exemptions for such vehicles from 2,500 annually per automaker to 100,000 annually.William Wallace, policy analyst for Consumers Union, the parent organization of Consumer Reports, warned Congress not to go too far by weakening states' regulatory authority and said NHTSA needs to be better-funded to monitor the industry."Preemption of state and local authority should be narrowly tailored and limited to areas where NHTSA has set strong federal standards," he said.Both the industry and safety advocates say they are excited about the possibility that driverless cars could lead to fewer traffic accidents and fatalities.After years of steady declines, fatal traffic accidents in the U.S. increased 3.5% in 2015  the largest increase in 25 years  and were on track to increase to more than 40,000 in 2016, according to a mid-year report issued by NHTSA last year.But Wallace argued that the industry's expectation for safety benefits from driverless cars might be overstated."In the current versions of the draft bills, it is unclear what statistics or analyses support the dramatic expansion of exemptions available for highly automated vehicles. In particular, no specific safety-related justification has been presented," Wallace said.A number of representatives also expressed concern that the proposed legislation gives NHTSA more power and authority than it is capable of doing with its current staffing and funding."The little weve heard from NHTSA is troubling," said Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J. "While the bills before us deal with a number of industry requests ... there are no directives for NHTSA" to develop clear testing standards.Said Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., "I am concerned that no one is here from NHTSA today to testify."
As cities around the globe adopt new smart cities road maps and strategic plans for new technology implementations, the town of Cary, N.C. , has taken an entirely different approach  one that leverages a combination of their existing facilities, citizens and private-sector companies.Rather than overlaying sensors or building new infrastructure from the ground up, Cary is inviting private-sector companies to incubate their technologies inside the existing Town Hall campus  a self-described "mini-city" that provides an optimal test-bed for Internet of Things (IoT) technologies across the following city domains: smart parking, energy and utilities, public safety, traffic management, citizen engagement, and IT co-creation.This Simulated Smart City's public mission is to incubate IoT technologies powered by public-private partnerships, creating an ecosystem to test, develop and showcase solutions on the Town Hall campus to drive economic growth and improve people's quality of life by harnessing technology  especially technology that leads to smart outcomes.The town of Cary's Innovation and Analytics Manager Reid Serozi toldthat there are significant benefits to this experimental approach, including that [Cary] already owns the infrastructure, [and] can be messy without interrupting our citizens lives.We might have three to four smart cities solutions being tested at the same time, with the goal that eventually one of those solutions would graduate into the public right away, he added.This flexibility gives the town the ability to identify and roll out the most optimal solution for its residents and create economic development opportunities as a byproduct. As far as how to identify what problems to tackle through this process, Serozi explains that its so important to do the discovery. So, were talking to folks across the town [about] what problems you would like to solve.This approach also correlates to the theme at the Smart Cities Connect Conference in Austin, Texas, this week  that more cities are looking to shift their smart cities approach from infrastructure to people Serozi further plans to leverage the expertise of his citizens to validate the effectiveness of technology that's being tested.We have subject matter experts across our town  from public safety to transportation  that can help us test these different things, he said.Connecting the collective insights of its citizens, private-sector companies and government provides a resilient platform for the town of Cary to solve the right problems at scale.
A decades-long campaign to curb the price of prison phone calls was dealt a serious blow this month. On June 13, a federal court struck down 2015 federal regulations that would have limited the cost of intrastate calls.In simpler terms, the court decided that the federal government cant regulate what state prisons and county jails charge for calls made within state lines. The ruling voids the Federal Communications Commission's 11-cents-per-minute cap on intrastate calls.Now, after years of pushing for action from the FCC, activist organizations like the Campaign for Prison Phone Justice must turn their attention to state and local governments -- but they aren't optimistic.[Price caps] might happen in a few states, but in most places we wont see anything, says Paul Wright, executive director of the Human Rights Defense Center, which houses the Campaign for Prison Phone Justice.Advocates like Wright argue that the issue is crucial not just ethically but socially and economically for states and localities: Studies have shown that maintaining contact with family members reduces prisoner recidivism. Advocates also maintain that the high price of calls acts as yet another burden on an already overburdened population.The entire [prison phone] industry model is nothing more than a regressive tax on some of the poorest people in the country, says Carrie Wilkinson, director of the Campaign for Prison Phone Justice.Wilkinson says that, since their campaign began in 2011, some states have voluntarily lowered the price of calls. In Washington state, a 15-minute call from a prisoner used to cost up to $18 -- now, it costs just $1.65.Still, some states continue to charge high prices (and were allowed to because the lawsuit put the FCC's 2015 cap on hold).Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky and Maine all charge more than $4for a 15-minute call, according to the campaign. Kentucky, the most expensive state in the country for prison phone calls, charges $5.70. That doesnt sound like much, but daily calls can cost families up to $180 a month. If their loved one is incarcerated for a year, that's $2,160 -- an expense that more than half of Americans can't afford.At the county level, "things are really a disaster, says Wright.According to data collected by the Prison Policy Initiative, hundreds of counties charge $15 to $18 for a 15-minute intrastate phone call, and at least three charge almost $25. Relatively few come close to the 11-cents-per-minute or $1.65-per-15 minutes cap imposed by the FCCs now-vacated regulation.The telecommunications companiesthat contract with prisons to offer these services (and thus receive profits from prisoners' phone calls) have defended the pricing, saying its needed to cover the expense of the monitoring technology. In an email torepresentatives from CenturyLink,one of the plaintiff's in the case, responded to the recent ruling:[The court] reached the correct ruling, which found the FCC, under former FCC Chairman Wheeler, acted beyond its authority on intrastate rates and acted unlawfully and unreasonably on other key elements of its rules governing inmate calling. CenturyLink looks forward to working with the FCC leadership and state and correctional authorities on lawful and reasonable ways to help address the complex problem of inmate calling services.But advocates like Wilkinson are skeptical that the cost of monitoring technology justifies the call prices. They believe the real reason for the high prices is the contracting process, which often offers jails and prisons the opportunity to collect part of the profits from prisoners' phone calls through "site commissions."When considering which telecom companies to contract with, "[site] commission percentage is often the first thing on that list, says Wilkinson. In many cases, the higher site commission a company offers, the more likely the prison is to contract with them, says Wilkinson. To offer bigger commissions, companies have to hike up prices. Prisons and jails, meanwhile, argue that they use those commissions to pay for rehabilitation programs or other beneficial amenities for prisoners.Some state prison systems have already taken steps to cap prices or eliminate site commissions -- Mississippi, New Jersey and New York, for example. Even so, campaigning for price reductions on a state or county level will take an extraordinary amount of organization and resources, says Wright.Ive had utilities commissioners in states tell me not to even waste my time [meeting with them], he says.He stresses, though, that governors and mayors have regulatory or executive powers they could use to fix this problem in some places. If major cities with large incarcerated populations, like Los Angeles, took it upon themselves to regulate prices, huge numbers of prisoners would feel the difference, even without a nationwide cap, he says.Regardless, Wright believes that class-action litigation on behalf of prisoners and families will be the next major frontier on this issue.As people continue not finding relief within the regulatory or legislative process," he says, "litigation may wind up being a more equal playing field."
(TNS) -- The FBI will not investigate a cyberattack that crashed the Federal Communications Commissions website during an influx of comments on an agency plan to reverse net neutrality.Agency chief Ajit Pai said the FBI declined to investigate the FCC cyberattack that followed a Last Week Tonight with John Oliver segment in May, when Oliver called on viewers to submit comments opposing Pais plan to scale back net neutrality rules.In speaking with the FBI, the conclusion was reached that, given the facts currently known, the attack did not appear to rise to the level of a major incident that would trigger further FBI involvement, Pai wrote to a pair of Senate Democrats, who were skeptical of the attack. The FCC and FBI agreed to have further discussions if additional events or the discovery of additional evidence warrant consultation.The June letter came in response to a May letter from Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Brian Schatz of Hawaii. Both were skeptical of the timing of the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, which hijacked a network of compromised internet connected devices and flooded the FCCs Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). Multiple DDoS incidents crashed the ECFS Sunday into Monday, presumably at the height of comment submissions influenced by the Last Week Tonight episode.Democrats pressed Pai for the specifics of the attack and the steps he was taking to address it, including contact with investigators like the FBI. Pro-net neutrality advocacy groups like Fight for the Future made unclear speculative claims that big broadband providers manufactured the incident and that the FCC was being intentionally misleading about the facts.Pai described the attack as a non-traditional DDoS that targeted a specific ECFS interface normally used by automated programs or bots for bulk filings. Hits to the interface increased 3,000% beginning around 11 p.m. on May 7, at the start of Olivers show.He added that a custom link Oliver created to help viewers file comments directed traffic to the regular comment filing system and not the interface targeted in the attack.Malicious traffic originated from cloud-based bots and was not associated with IP addresses usually linked to individual human filers and effectively blocked or denied additional web traffichuman or otherwiseto the comment filing system. Eventually the bot swarms peaked early May 8 at 30,000 requests per minute, or three times the total daily traffic for any day in the previous sixty days and the maximum the FCCs commercial, cloud-based servers could handle.I agree that this disruption to ECFS by outside parties was a very serious matter, Pai wrote. Please be assured that I have directed the Commissions Information Technology (IT) staff to continue to closely monitor ECFS and expeditiously address and report any potential issues to my office.The FCC is still investigating the nature of the attack, but despite it Pai noted the FCC still received more than two million comments in 10 days, versus more than two million comments over 110 days in the related 2014-15 proceeding.House Democrats unsatisfied with Pais answers sent a follow-up response Monday to the FCC and National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center raising concerns about FCCs cybersecurity preparedness.We ask you to examine these serious problems and irregularities that raise doubts about the fairness, and perhaps even the legitimacy, of the FCCs process in its net neutrality proceeding, wrote Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including ranking member and New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone.Democrats asked for more information on the alleged cyberattacks, how the FBI determined the situation didnt warrant their attention, and what steps the FCC is taking to prevent future attacks, while providing commenters with additional means of ensuring their voices are heard.Fight for the Future was equally unswayed, saying Pais explanation raises more questions than answers.The agency also claims the attacks came from cloud providers,' the group said in a statement . If this is the case, cloud providers keep records of the exact resources used by each account for billing purposes. Why hasnt the FCC employed legal means to identify who allegedly attacked their systems?Reporters asked FCC officials in April if the system was ready for a large influx of comments before it began receiving comments in May, noting the system crashed in 2014 after Olivers first episode on net neutrality. Officials said the agency also suffered cyberattacks to the comment system in 2014, and warned it could happen again.
Cellulosic biofuels could provide an environmentally sustainable way of meeting energy needsbut with a few important caveats, according to a new review of research by a team from the US Department of Energy-funded Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC). Their paper is published in the journal Science.

Although not yet a market force, cellulosic biofuels are routinely factored into future climate mitigation scenarios because of their potential to both displace petroleum use and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Those benefits, however, are complicated by the need for vast amounts of land to produce cellulosic biofuels on a large scale.
Joins Wyoming Business Council

After serving as the Green River Chamber of Commerces CEO for the past five years, Rebecca Eusek will be making her way to Rock Springs to work for the Wyoming Business Council.

Eusek was originally hired to replace Janet Hartford in 2012, after Hartford left for another job opportunity. She was 24 and was previously employed by the Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism Board as an administrative assistant and grants specialist.

I was really just starting my career, Eusek said.

She said going into the position despite being so young was one of the biggest challenges she faced while working at the chamber. However, she was quickly accepted by the community and chamber members, which she said helped her build a number of positive relationships that have resulted in strengthening the chamber during her tenure. Eusek also recognizes she isnt the sole reason the chamber has remained successful, saying the volunteers, employees and partners supporting the chamber have had a hand in its success.

I want to thank the staff, board, volunteers and partners. Without their help, I wouldnt be where Im at, Eusek said.

At the Wyoming Business Council, she will act as the south central regional director, focusing on Sweetwater County, as well as Carbon County. For Eusek, the career change gives her an opportunity to continue helping Sweetwater County grow.

I love Wyoming and I want to see Sweetwater County and Carbon County prosper, she said.

The WBC provides grant-based aid to enhance business opportunities in Wyoming. Locally, the WBC has had a hand in providing funding for the new general aviation facility at the Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport, as well as funding to build the Green River Visitor Center the chamber operates out of, the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce Visitor Complex and the stalls at the Sweetwater County Events Complex. Eusek said she looks forward to help with bringing new businesses to the area, along with helping the two counties create new opportunities through grant funding.
On the forthcoming 20th anniversary of China's resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong (July 1), I won't beat the drum for British colonialism; however, once Britain came to realize the colonial era was over, it can boast a comparatively good record in managing the process of decolonization.

It did not simply abandon colonies to chaos, as one or two other European countries did; every effort was made for a peaceful transition.

The transition of sovereignty in 1997 was an excellent example. Obviously, the British cannot claim all the credit: It was a joint enterprise between the governments of Britain and China and the people of Hong Kong.

During my time in the U.K. Diplomatic Service, there are two episodes of which I am particularly proud; first, my involvement as head of the Foreign Office's South Africa section in the transition of that country to a multi-racial democracy, and then, a few years later, my involvement, from the British Embassy in Beijing, with the successful transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong.

On the night of June 30, 1997, I was a medium-level diplomat based in Beijing. All my superiors were in Hong Kong attending the celebrations, and a colleague and I were tasked with monitoring what was happening in the Chinese capital.

He chose to report on the television coverage of the official celebrations, while my job was to go out on the streets and observe the reactions of ordinary Chinese people. There were street parties all over Beijing, and I simply joined in. I freely admitted that I was British, and wanted to celebrate jointly with the people of China.

Not once did anyone show any hostility towards me, and I was able to say, in my report to London next morning, that the attitude of the Chinese people on the streets could best be expressed by saying I was not allowed to buy my own drinks all evening. We were friends: We had managed a great enterprise together.

I have always loved Hong Kong, where I studied Putonghua before beginning my career as a diplomat in China. My younger son was born there, and I maintain friendships and return frequently. Everyone asks me if I have noticed many changes. Well, of course, as in any modern city, there have been developments, but less has changed than in the great mainland cities, due to the rapid development of the economy.

The biggest change in Hong Kong is that, when my son was born in 1989, nobody spoke Putonghua. (Trying to guide the Cantonese monoglot ambulance driver to the hospital with my wife in labour was a nightmare!).

Now, Hong Kong is fully integrated with the economy and society of the mainland, while retaining all its long-established character, thanks to the "one country, two systems" principle enjoying twenty years of success.

Hong Kong's "capitalist" system combines a low-tax, low-intervention government with an emphasis on the importance of social cohesion. The late Deng Xiaoping, when pioneering his reform and opening policy in the parts of Guangdong Province closest to Hong Kong, recognized that these two elements were a potential basis for China-wide growth, and they were seamlessly incorporated in the new Hong Kong after the transfer of sovereignty.

And the new HKSAR government also addressed its primary task of providing security and enforcing the rule of law, without the least bit of social turmoil spoiling the harmony of the transition.That has basically continued ever since.

Deng's visionary policy of "one country, two systems" remains unique in the history of our world so far. Along with the Basic Law, the result of widespread consultations between influential bodies in both Hong Kong and the mainland, this policy has maintained Hong Kong's economic success, which brings an enormous contribution to the Chinese nation, and Hong Kong's traditional culture, which enriches the whole world.

Hong Kong, under Chinese sovereignty, regularly maintains its position as the world's freest economic entity, and the territory also enjoys an international reputation as one of the world's least corrupt economies, indeed a vital attraction for any investor.

As a British observer and commentator, I have obviously followed this process from a British perspective. But the British can never really claim to have done the work of creating Hong Kong. This achievement is due to the hard work and dedicated commitment of the Chinese people.

Hong Kong's citizens have earned their current prosperity, and must be delighted to see the commitment shown by the central government to ensuring stability, especially during a very turbulent period of the Asian financial crisis that erupted in the very week of the 1997 handover; indeed, there have been other severe global crises since.

However, the HKSAR, with its ground-breaking symbiotic relationship with the mainland and the national government, goes from strength to strength.

Tim Collard is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/timcollard.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Glenn Hill, a former fire chief credited with bringing the Green River Fire Department up to date passed away last week at the age of 83.

He evolved the fire department into what it is today, current GRFD fire chief Mike Nomis said.

Hill started serving with the volunteer fire department in 1949 while still in high school. According to his 2010 Green River High School Hall of Fame induction biography, he was immediately excused from class when the fire whistle blew and allowed to fight fires. Graduating in 1951, Hill served in the U.S. Air Force until 1956, when he returned to Green River and its volunteer fire department. In 1965, Hill became the towns fire chief.

The job was part time, which he fulfilled while working as president of First National Bank. In 1985, the city made the departments fire chief and emergency management director position full time and Hill continued heading up the department until his retirement in 1995.

Nomis worked under Hill for five years, saying he could always tell if the department was fighting a good fire depending on how Hill sounded on the radio when issuing orders to the firefighters.

Nomis said he also didnt shy away from letting someone know when they made a mistake.

He was a great fire chief and a great leader, Nomis said. He did a lot of great things, not just for the fire department, but for the community.

During his time as fire chief, he coordinated a successful city-wide effort to lower the citys Insurance Service Office fire rating in 1984. This resulted in lower insurance rates for Green Rivers residents. He also represented Wyoming as a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Missouri Valley Fire Chiefs Division from 1991-1993. He was the first president from Wyoming to serve the MVFCA, as well as the first person in 50 years to be elected to two terms.

In 2002, the city recognized Hills service by naming the fire departments headquarters on Shoshone Drive in his honor.

Outside of the fire department, Hill was a founding member of the Hole in the Wall Gang ambassadors for the Green River Chamber of Commerce. He also served for 14 years as a member of the Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees, 10 of those years being the boards chairman. In 1973, Hill served on the Nomination and Resolution Committee for the Wyoming School Board Association.

Outside of education, he was appointed by former Gov. Mike Sullivan to be a member of the State Investment Fund Committee in 1990 and appointed to the Wyoming Community Development Committee by former Gov. Jim Geringer in 1996.

To honor Hills memory, Nomis said the fire department drove Engine 22, the last fire truck the department purchased under Hill, in the Flaming Gorge Days Parade Saturday.
Gary D. Littrell, 71, of Green River, died June 8, 2017, at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind. He died following a sudden illness.

Gary was born February 28, 1946, to Novella Lorene Littrell in Cave-In-Rock, Ill., where he attended schools and graduated from high school in 1964. He was employed at Minerva Oil Mine from 1964- 1975.

During this time, Gary also served in the U.S. Army as a Helicopter Technician from 1964-1967 in the Vietnam War. He moved to Green River in 1975 to work at then Allied Chemical and retired in 1998 from General Chemical, now TaTa Chemicals. He married Birdie L. Register on May 18, 1998.

His interests included spending time with family and friends; spending time with his grandchildren playing games, attending their special functions, and annual trips to Thermopolis,playing with his beloved cat, D.D., riding his bike 20 miles a week, reading, traveling and attending the recreaction center and senior center.

He is survived by his wife, Birdie L. Littrell; two sons, Mike (Tammy) Register of Green River and Frank (Tracy) Register of Captain Cook, Hawaii; one daughter, Tahnee Littrell of Cave-In-Rock, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Mat (Sarah) Register of Rock Springs, Tobey (Chris) Zicopula of Altus, Okla., Noel (Aaron) Register of Spokane, Wash., Cherish (Conall) Ravenscraft of Kealakekua, Hawaii, Veronica (Mike) Register of Rock Springs, Kayren and Dalton Vinyard of Cave-In-Rock, Ill., and two great- grandchildren, Robert Deneen Vinyard and Rowyn Grace Register.

He is also survived by one brother, Virgil LaDon (Mildred) Littrell; three sisters, Brenda Birch, Jan Angel, Pat Polete; and several nephews and nieces.

He was preceeded in death by his mother, Novella Lorene Littrell and brothers, Bill Douglas and Glendon Douglas.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life with military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 28 and VFW at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 29 at the Eagles in Green River.

In lieu of flowers, donations to either the American Legion Post 28 or the Golden Hour Senior Center are appreciated.
Having attended legislative committee meetings, educator trainings, and community events these past several weeks, I felt it was time to update you on school funding and another topic I have been working on since being elected:

School funding: Pick up a Wyoming newspaper these days and chances are good that you will read about the dire education funding crisis. We face a cumulative shortfall of over $1.5 billion in our school operations account and roughly $500 million in our school construction account through the year 2022. The legislature is charged with solving this funding conundrum, but both the executive and judicial branches have, and will continue to weigh in on the topic. In January, I recommended to the legislature a list of efficiencies, savings, and reductions that could be immediately realized. The legislature concurred with most and codified the recommendations during the 2017 session. Their work during the session was very challenging and continues to be to this day--I am thankful for their willingness to serve Wyoming in these tough times.

What is most important in all of this? Its pretty simple, really--we stay focused on Wyomings future. Without a strong public education system, our students will not be the skilled workforce and civic leaders our state needs. All metrics point to growth for Wyomings students. From school quality to test scores to graduation rates, we are making measurable progress and leading in many areas. But we have room to grow. And when we look to the future and what our students need to succeed in a 21st century world, at the core of that discussion is something known as the basket of goods. (W.S.  21-9-101). In this basket are the knowledge items-reading, social studies, math, etc. and the skills-problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, etc. that the legislature has identified as being critical for each Wyoming high school graduate to possess. It was from this basket, created in the late 90s, that our school funding model was built.

The legislative recalibration committee must answer a fundamental question right now-do they leave the basket of goods alone and work from the existing school funding model or do they develop a new basket of goods of skills and knowledge? Boiled down, keeping our current basket of goods means taxes are probable. Redefining the basket of goods may prevent new taxes, but may minimize what we consider an adequate education for Wyoming students. Either scenario presents profound challenges and potential litigation. The basket of goods deserves a careful look with two goals in mind: 1) Guarantee an adequate and equitable education for all students and, 2) Realize cost efficiencies and savings. Tackling the school funding albatross without carefully examining the basket of goods is an exercise in futility.

Military Readiness: Shortly after being sworn into office in 2015, I realized that there was a lack of awareness/emphasis on joining the military as a unique and viable post-secondary option. The importance of military service cannot be overstated and I know the technical and leadership skills people possess after spending time in the military.

Thus, we began our journey to improve in this area by placing military service on equal footing with college and career in our strategic mission for Wyoming education. We have made a lot of progress in this regard working shoulder to shoulder with Major General Luke Reiner and his team at the Military Department. This summer we are working together with the legislature to better utilize the Guards Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy program which catches at-risk youth and gets them back on track.

It is an amazing program, but there are some education policy obstacles that need to be removed before we can optimize this resource. We are also working on options with our teacher licensing board and the legislature to better accommodate military families and military spouses in the education profession.

Lastly, we are working to include Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores in our statewide accountability model along with current state assessments and the ACT as one more way to measure post-secondary readiness. All in all, I am proud of the work we have accomplished on this topic and believe it will help all children find their best path after high school, whether that be to college, workforce training, the workforce, or the military.

Enjoy the dog days of summer. They will be gone before we know it.
The governing body passed the recent fiscal year 2017-2018 budget this last week as part of the June 20 council meeting.

This years internal budget process was again focused on maintaining service levels with less funding. To get to this approval we as the city, the council, the finance committee, the department heads, and staff had to focus on the budget with a view of being able to reset, rethink, and refocus all areas of the city. While we are always looking at the budget throughout the year, and managing all of its elements, we zeroed in on our initial internal and external meetin...
Green River is sitting on a fantastic business opportunity.

With Rock Springs canceling their July 4 fireworks show, Green River can capitalize and draw Rock Springs residents to the city for its own fireworks display.

Were not criticizing the Rock Springs municipal government for its decision to save money by cutting the yearly display. In fact, its a move which proves both how dire funding to Sweetwater Countys municipalities is, as well as the citys commitment to not laying off its employees. However, there are more than a few Rock Springs residents who will make an evening...
Rick Breininger attempts to make contact with other radio operators at Collier Park Saturday afternoon. Breininger and the Sweetwater Amateur Radio Club were at the park to take part in the annual Field Day activities hosted by the American Radio Relay League.

While most were flocking to Evers Park and Expedition Island Saturday afternoon for the Flaming Gorge Days festivities, a small, dedicated group of men were stationed at Collier Park working to contact as many people as they could.

Stationed near a portable radio antennae and talking to whomever they could make contact with, many would likely overlook the radio operators as a group of hobbyists enjoying the afternoon in the park. While that was true to a certain extent, the Sweetwater Amateur Radio Club's activity was both a exhibition and an emergency response training exercise.

Rick Brein...
 Flash

Following the worldwide WannaCry ransomware attack in May, a new wave of massive cyber attack has struck targets globally since Tuesday. Experts warn that the latest attack may grow even more and last longer.

Massive attack spreads widely

Ukrainian authorities said Tuesday that a massive cyber attack has struck dozens of the country's government agencies, banks and private companies.

The websites of the Ukrainian cabinet and several ministries, the country's power distributor, the state railway operator, the largest airport, several banks, and a string of retail and fuel networks have been hit by the attack.

In addition, the radiation monitoring at the Chernobyl nuclear facility was reportedly affected by the attack.

Experts estimated that the attack, which has affected about 80 websites, was the largest in Ukraine's modern history.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said that the information systems of Ukraine's critical infrastructure were not affected by the cyber attack.

"It was an unprecedented attack, but our IT-experts are doing their job and protecting critical infrastructure. Important systems have not been affected," Groysman wrote on Facebook.

According to Moscow-based cyber security company Group-IB laboratory, more than 80 companies in Russia and Ukraine came under the massive cyberattacks on Tuesday, including Russia's oil giant Rosneft.

The cyberattack targeted a number of oil, telecommunications and financial companies in Russia and Ukraine, blocking computers and demanding 300 U.S. dollars in Bitcoins, Group-IB told Russia's Prime news agency.

According to media reports, other big companies in Europe affected by the attack include Danish shipping conglomerate Maersk, British advertising agency WPP, Dutch shipping company TNT Express, and French construction and high-performance materials company Saint Gobain.

The cyber attack that had caused chaos in Europe also halted operations at the U.S. Port of Los Angeles' largest terminal on Tuesday.

The APM Terminals, operated by the shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk which handles about 16 percent of the world's shipping fleet, was shut down for hours on Tuesday as the company's IT systems were disturbed, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

Just weeks ago the world was gripped by a mysterious computer virus known as WannaCry, which infected 300,000 computers in 150 countries and wreaked havoc on some of the world's largest companies.

Attack likely to grow even more

Kaspersky Lab said Wednesday that the new ransomware attack that started Tuesday "is likely to grow even more."

In an updated blog posting, the multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus services provider said its experts concluded that the new malware is significantly different from all earlier known versions of Petya, a family of encrypting ransomware that was first discovered in 2016.

Petya targets Microsoft Windows-based software systems, infecting the master boot record to execute a payload that encrypts the file table with the New Technology File System (NTFS) format, which is used by current Windows versions for storing and retrieving files on a hard disk or other data storage devices, demanding a payment in Bitcoin in order to regain access to the system.

Unofficially, the author of the posting noted, "we've named it ExPetr or NotPetya."

"The attack appears to be complex, involving several attack vectors," according to the posting. "We can confirm that a modified EternalBlue exploit is used for propagation, at least within corporate networks."

EternalBlue, generally believed to have been developed by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) to exploit a vulnerability in Microsoft's implementation of the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, was made available on the Internet by the Shadow Brokers hacker group on April 14.

Although it was patched by Microsoft on March 14, EternalBlue was used as part of the worldwide WannaCry ransomware attack on May 12.

As in the WannaCry case, the attacker behind the new ransomware tried to extort payment equivalent to 300 dollars in Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency, from its victims for what the attacker called a "decryption key."

A Finnish expert on computer security has said that the latest cyber blackmail program may continue much longer than the WannaCry computer virus attack earlier this year.

"The spreading of Petya will come to a halt only when it has contaminated all those systems it has been able to enter," Mikko Hypponen, research director of the Finnish computer security company F-Secure, told national broadcaster Yle on Tuesday.

The expert explained that the reason is that it has no central server that could be used to stop it.

In Australia, all companies are vulnerable if their computers aren't patched, a cyber security expert warned on Wednesday, as the race begins to protect against the latest global ransomware attack.

So far in Australia, the Cadbury Chocolate factory and global law firm DLA Piper are the only business to have been reportedly affected, but this number is expected to rise, according to National Surveillance and Intelligence Managing Director Navid Sobbi.

"It exploits vulnerabilities in unpatched windows operating systems," Sobbi said.

The virus blocks all access to the users files and displays a ransom message that demands 300 dollars worth of the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, be paid.

But according to Sobbi, it appears even if the users pay, the virus still won't return the files.

Although similar to the WannaCry virus, Petwrap (NotPetya or GoldenEye) is actually just a new variant of the 2016 virus Patya, Sobbi said.

"It employs the same exploits as WannaCry, but so far there is no kill switch found in it and there has been no weaknesses, unlike WannaCry."

So far, it remains unclear where the virus originated from or who is responsible.
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China and Germany share common stance on major issues, and their cooperation is playing an increasingly positive role in the world.

Shi made the remarks ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Germany in early July. Xi will also attend the G20 summit in Hamburg.

Shi said China and Germany are working closely in cooperation in multiple fields, and have made fruitful achievements.

Amid new international situation, such as the Brexit and the rise of far-right politics and populism, the two countries share common stance on major global issues, such as the embrace of economic globalization and multilateralism, opposition of trade protectionism and commitment to Paris climate agreement.

Both of the world's two major economies focus on real economy and structural reform to promote economic growth. The two countries are also advocates of a more efficient world economic and financial governance system, according to Shi.

No country can address the global issues singlehandedly. The world needs cooperation partners like China and Germany, said Shi, adding that China-Germany cooperation is playing a positive role in global issues.

Shi said huge potential still exists in China-Germany cooperation, such as business opportunities in China's economic structural reform, industrial upgrading and urbanization, as well as the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The coupling of the two countries' development strategy, the "Made in China 2025"and Germany's "Industry 4.0," are benefiting industries and research institutes of both countries.

China and Germany are also exploring patterns for their cooperation in third-party markets which have achieved success in Brazil and the United States, showing that the world has enough market space to accommodate the joint development of the two countries, Shi added.
The Carmichael Show is ending its three-season run on NBC after star Jerrod Carmichael, a Winston-Salem native, said that he has decided to move on to other projects.

For three seasons (okay 2.5), I got to make a show that I love with my friends, Carmichael said in a statement released to the press. Its something Ive wanted to do since I was 13. Now, Im excited to go make other things that I love. Thank you to every person who worked on or watched The Carmichael Show.

The series, which debuted in summer of 2015, was based on Carmichaels family, who still live in the Triad area. The show was set in Charlotte, and was known for taking on topical issues including such subjects as racism, protests, mass shootings, the Bill Cosby scandal, assisted suicide and politics.

In a statement, 20th Century Fox TV, which produced the show, said The Carmichael Show was such a wonderful show that we choose to focus today not on its loss but on the three incredible seasons we had the pleasure to produce.

The third season of the show began airing on May 31, and is currently being shown Wednesdays on NBC.

Carmichael, who started his show business career in stand-up comedy, has been the star of two HBO comedy specials. He also appeared in such movies as Neighbors and Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and is also seen in the current theatrical film Transformers: The Last Knight. He has provided voices for the animated series Lucas Bros. Moving Co. and the forthcoming theatrical animated movie Ferdinand. He will also provide a voice in the forthcoming Amazon Prime series Comrade Detective, which has American actors dubbing over Romanian characters.
GREENSBORO  Facing deportation, another Triad woman who is living in the U.S. illegally has sought sanctuary at a Greensboro church, this time with her family.

Minerva Cisneros Garcia and two of her sons moved into Congregational United Church of Christ on Wednesday. She joins Juana Luz Tobar Ortega, a grandmother from Asheboro who sought refuge at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church a month ago.

This is the second known case in North Carolina and one of about 20 known cases across the country, according to a broad network of faith groups known as The Sanctuary Movement.

Cisneros Garcia, who goes by the last name Cisneros, has lived in Winston-Salem for the past 17 years, working factory jobs, paying taxes and raising her three boys. She said during a news conference Thursday from the churchs pulpit that seeking refuge at the church was her only option. She spoke as her youngest sons held onto their favorite stuffed animals.

They need me here, a nervous Cisneros said before the cameras.

Those gathered held up signs that said No deportation and Save Minerva Garcia.

Anne Carter, a member of St. Barnabas, came to Congregational United on Thursday morning to show support for Cisneros.

We just dont want them to lose hope, Carter said. This is harder than you might think.

Cisneros, who does not have a criminal record, illegally entered the U.S. from Mexico in 2000, looking to escape her violence-plagued community and for better educational opportunities for her son, 21-year-old Eduardo, who is blind.

Before she spoke Thursday, members of the congregation handed her red roses and a pink shawl that had been knitted and prayed over.

Eduardo spoke following his mother, pleading for help.

This is frustrating listening to her go through this, he said. I need my mom. I hope that (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) finds it in their heart to let her stay.

In 2013, Cisneros was given a stay of removal by ICE due to Eduardos needs, which had been granted each year since, according to supporters.

But at her annual check-in with ICE on May 25, she was ordered to leave the country by June 30.

Eduardo, who attended a specialized school for the blind in Raleigh, received permission to be in the country through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program begun by President Barack Obama. Her youngest sons, Antonio, who turns 7 this weekend, and Matteo, age 3, were born here and are citizens.

I think its clear that the laws of the land are not always laws that are in tune with our moral principles, said the Rev. Noel Anderson, a member of The Sanctuary Movement. I think we have a moral obligation to challenge those policies that are hurting the people who are most vulnerable among us.

Congregational United is working out details of the familys living arrangements, such as summer camps for Antonio and Matteo, and a school for Antonio if they are still living here in the fall.

The effort for Cisneros has gone nationwide, with supporters setting up a Change.org petition to be turned over to ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The petition had 12,646 signatures on Thursday.

The leadership at Congregational United had long signaled an interest in providing sanctuary to people who face deportation.

The church converted offices into bedrooms with three twin beds. The family brought along pet gold fish, now on a dresser.

As the faith community, we are doing what Congress has refused to do: protect immigrant families from an immigration system that is separating families and deporting people who are woven into the fabric of their communities and congregations, said the Rev. Julie Peeples, Congregational Uniteds pastor.

As in the case of Tobar Ortega, Cisneros supporters are asking U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over immigration matters, to request that ICE stay her deportation.

According to a statement from the senators office, the appropriate officials regarding this case have been notified and in contact with Cisneros.

In previous cases elsewhere, presidential administrations have long held a policy of not entering places of worship or schools.

But there is a sense that ICE is taking a more aggressive approach. Several recent high-profile cases involve separating parents from their children.

Its a humanitarian crisis, Peeples said. This is important because our neighbors are living in fear. This is now urgent.

ICE officials say they are simply following the law, even if their actions follow tougher rhetoric by the current administration.

Supporters see hope in the case of a woman in Denver, Colo., who lived in a church for three months before recently receiving a two-year stay after intervention by one of her senators.

Peeples acknowledged the congregation may be taking legal risks.

But it pales in comparison to what they are dealing with, she said. They need our prayers, but they also need more than that.
GREENSBORO  A Greensboro bicyclist struck by a vehicle early June 24 has died, police said Thursday.

Mark Nadler, 25, was riding a bicycle north on the southbound lane of Warren Street about 1:45 a.m. when he was struck by a vehicle in the intersection at Sherwood Street, police said in a news release.

Police said Nadler failed to yield the right of way to a 2001 Honda Accord driven by a 22-year-old Greensboro woman.

Nadler was taken to Moses Cone Hospital where he died Thursday, police said.

The Crash Reconstruction Unit is still investigating the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Greensboro Police Department at 336-373-1000.
BERLIN (AP)  German lawmakers voted Friday to legalize same-sex marriage, a move widely supported across the country that brings Germany in line with many of its Western peers. Chancellor Angela Merkel voted against the measure, but paved the way for its passage by allowing members of her conservative party to vote according to their conscience.

Lawmakers voted 393-226 to legalize "marriage for everybody," with four abstentions. Underlining the delicate political tightrope that Merkel walked, the "no" votes came entirely from her conservative bloc, although some prominent party members, including Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen and her chief of staff Peter Altmaier, voted for it.

"This is a historic day," said Greens lawmaker Volker Beck, who leapt to his feet to applaud once the result was announced and was showered with confetti by supporters.

"It is really an amazing victory," said Beck, who has campaigned around Europe for gay rights.

Gay couples outside the chancellery, not far from parliament, kissed and hugged after the decision was announced, waving rainbow flags and carrying signs saying "Marriage for everybody."

"We've been happily married for eight years, but we could never call it that," said 38-year-old Shoshana Brandt, standing alongside her partner and their son. "We are happy and proud that we are now equal and we can live our love."

After years of lukewarm opposition to gay marriage following her party's line, Merkel said Monday that lawmakers could take up the issue as a question of "conscience," allowing members of her conservative coalition to individually vote for it if they wanted.

That prompted her center-left rivals to call for a quick vote on the issue, adding it to the agenda Friday on parliament's last regular session before Germany's Sept. 24 national election.

Berlin Christian Democrat Jan-Marco Luczak, one of 75 lawmakers from Merkel's bloc who voted for the measure, urged his fellow party members to join him.

"It would be absurd to try and protect marriage by preventing people to marry," he told lawmakers in the debate ahead of the vote.

Many applauded Merkel's comments that opened the way for the vote, but Social Democrat lawmaker Johannes Kahrs noted that the chancellor has been a longtime opponent of gay marriage.

"Many thanks for nothing," he said bluntly.

Germany has allowed same-sex couples to enter civil partnerships since 2001, but has not granted them full marital rights, which include the possibility of jointly adopting children, even though gay marriage enjoyed some 80 percent support, according to recent polls.

More than a dozen countries in Europe have legalized gay marriage, all in the western part of the continent, and Germany had been the largest where it was not yet legal. Almost a dozen others have some sort of same-sex unions or civil partnerships, according to the Pew Research Center.

Amnesty International praised the law as a "victory for equality."

"Germany has become the 23rd country to recognize same-sex marriage and has sent a clear message to the world that gay and lesbian people should be entitled to the same rights as everyone else, and to full and equal protection of the law," Amnesty's Europe director John Dalhuisen said.

The new law won't take effect for several months because it still needs to pass the upper house of parliament and be approved by the president, although those are formalities. It is also expected to face legal challenges.

Merkel told reporters later that her vote against the measure was based upon her reading of the country's law concerning marriage but added that she did think gay couples should be able to adopt.

Germany's constitution is vague, saying only that "marriage and the family shall enjoy the protection of the state," but Merkel said that for her, "marriage as defined by the law is the marriage of a man and a woman." Still, she urged all views to be respected.

"It was a long, intensive, and for many also an emotional discussion. That goes for me personally too. And I'm hopeful not only that there will be respect for either side's opinions, but that it will also bring about more peace and cohesion in society," she said.

All of Merkel's potential coalition partners after the September election, including the center-left Social Democrats of her challenger, Martin Schulz, have been calling for same-sex marriage to be legalized.

Analysts have suggested that by opening the door to gay marriage, Merkel removed yet another issue that her opponents could have used against her in an election year  a nod to her pragmatic approach to politics.

In her nearly 12 years as chancellor, Merkel has moved her party to the center and away from conservative orthodoxy, speeding up Germany's exit from nuclear power and ending military conscription, among other moves.

___

Frank Jordans contributed to this report.
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday announced that NATO will sustain mission in Afghanistan beyond 2017.

Stoltenberg said around 13,000 troops from 39 NATO and partner countries are in Afghanistan, training the Afghan forces within the framework of NATO-led Resolute Support mission.

"Afghan security forces are fully responsible for security across the country," he said, adding that, "But the security situation on the ground remains extremely challenging. So today, we reconfirmed our enduring commitment to Afghanistan."

Stoltenberg said several NATO allies and partners had committed to increase their troop levels.

The Resolute Support Mission is a NATO-led mission launched in January 2015 to provide training, advice and assistance for the Afghan security forces and institutions.
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The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said children continue to bear the brunt of multiple emergencies in Sudan as it is faced with rapid spread of acute watery diarrhea, a UN spokesman said Thursday.

The acute situation follows a significant influx of South Sudanese refugees, and high rates of malnutrition, especially in the Jebel Marra Area of Central Darfur, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here.

UNICEF urgently requires 22 million U.S. dollars to provide lifesaving aid to more than 100,000 children, he said.

"With the continued conflict in South Sudan and widespread food insecurity, Sudan expects to receive three times as many refugees in 2017 than what was expected at the beginning of the year," said the spokesman.

More than 16,600 cases of acute watery diarrhea were found in the past 10 months alone, with 317 deaths. White Nile State in central Sudan is the most affected with over 5,800 reported cases. Almost 20 percent of the affected population are children.

"The current number of weekly reported cases is similar to levels we had at the peak of the rainy season last year. In the White Nile State, with almost 100,000 refugees living mostly in camps, the situation could worsen as the rainy season begins," said UNICEF's Sudan representative, Abdullah Fadil.

In addition, more than 155,000 refugees from South Sudan have taken refuge in Sudan since early this year, including about 100,000 children.

According to recent assessments in the newly accessible Jebel Marra area in Central Darfur, there are high levels of malnutrition, with severe acute malnutrition levels. Immunization rates are also very low with children as old as seven years having never been vaccinated and an estimated 23,000 school aged children in need of education support.
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STAMFORD  After months of construction, the new building in the commercial center of Springdale has assembled its final piece: a tenant.

Express Kitchens opened two weeks ago its Stamford showroom, making it the first occupant of the single-story structure at 1011 Hope St. The new establishment represents the 10th store for the Hartford-based kitchen maker and designer, whose chief executive sees Stamford as fertile territory for his quickly growing business.

Of all the markets in Connecticut, Stamford is probably the hottest market, Express founder and CEO Max Kothari said. In the last few years, weve been progressing down I-95, going from Hamden, then to Orange, then to Bridgeport, then to Norwalk and now Stamford. We believe in Stamford  its a great market.

Kothari cited the appeal of the approximately 3,000-square-foot building, which stands on one of the most heavily traveled roads in the city. He already knew the city well  Express Kitchens installed the kitchen cabinets in the Element One apartment building, which opened last year on Morgan Street.

(Landlord) August Lenhart has done a tremendous job with the visibility of that building on Hope Street, Kothari said. If you drive on Hope Street, you see that its a great design.

The Hope Street showroom sells a range of kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops. Kitchen vignettes throughout the store display various styles and layouts. Cabinetry wood varieties include birch, oak and melamine. Countertop options feature eco stone, quartz, granite, laminate and silestone.

A complete kitchen installation, including new cabinets and countertops, typically ranges between $8,000 to $14,000, according to Kothari.

Project managers Deborah Wolak and Michael Geerer lead the Stamford outlet. They help customers choose their parts and designs, schedule sizings of their kitchens and then review and modify plans on a desktop in the showroom. We have gotten a lot of new business, Wolak said. Quite a few folks have put in to have a measure done.

Among the first wave of arrivals, Stamford resident Ryan Ilse paid a visit last week to check out cabinets to install in his parents kitchen. Id been watching the building during the construction, so I figured Id stop by, Ilse said. Its always good to see a new business here.

Express Kitchens stands across the street from a Mohawk Kitchens store at 1010 Hope St. Kothari said he does not see Express as a competitor to Mohawk because he sees Mohawk serving a higher end of the market. Mohawk officials also see the two businesses co-existing on the street.

Mohawk Kitchens welcomes Express Kitchens to the neighborhood, said Mohawk owner Neal Laughlin.

Express name reflects its expeditious service, Kothari said. A contractor could choose cabinets and countertops at any showroom and then pick up the materials a couple of hours later at Express warehouse in Hartford, according to Express officials.

The business is expanding quickly. Another Express Kitchens showroom is set to open in August in New London. Nine of the 10 existing outlets are in Connecticut; the other is in Springfield, Mass.

Kothari founded Express Kitchens in 2002, while studying in an executive management program at Harvard Business School. Today, the firm employs about 120.

Our secret sauce is very simple: We are probably the best aligned to customers needs when they are looking to remodel kitchens, Kothari said. All 120 of us breathe and eat kitchens all day long.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
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DANBURY  The Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce stepped up its state lobbying efforts last year, fighting against legislation it deemed anti-business, such as tolls on the borders, a hospital tax, and paid family and medical leave.

Its efforts in Hartford were among the highlights of the past year for the business organization, said board chairman Jim Arconti as he addressed a crowd of about 200 people at the groups Annual Meeting held Friday at Amber Room Colonnade.

We are especially proud of our efforts this legislative session to help turn back recently proposed budget changes, Arconti said. We are encouraged that the governor heard the states business community and has begun to make some necessary changes to state government operation, which has been spending above its means.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal was the featured speaker and addressed topics such as health care, immigration, education, college debt and keeping young people in Connecticut. He spoke passionately of a broken immigration system and the need to fix it.

We are the greatest nation in history because we are a nation of immigrants, Blumenthal said. We are a less effective and less fair nation when we are polarized, like we are now.

Blumenthal said Connecticut is in danger of losing one of its most valuable resources: young, skilled workers.

We dont have a Grand Canyon and were not a big state. What we do have is really smart, able people, he said. Im not talking only about businesspeople. Im talking about our welders and pipe fitters  the guys and gals at Electric Boat. That quality workforce is what we are in danger of losing.

He pointed to General Electrics move to Boston and Aetnas announcement that it is moving its headquarters to New York City as examples of larger cities attracting businesses that will hire young professionals.

We need to find a way to get them back here, he said. Thats our challenge.

Arconti said another highlight of the past year was supporting the efforts of Danburys Main Street Partnership, which seeks to attract and retain business in downtown.

Another significant partnership is with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, Arconti said. The board promotes job and incumbent worker training and has doled out more than $6 million to area companies over the last six years. Local corporations such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Belimo, MannKind, Danbury Hospital, Cartus, and Eaton have utilized the program.

Arconti said the Danbury regions economy continues to outperform the rest of the state with low unemployment, high manufacturing wages, and strong retail sales.

Stephen Bull, president of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, said the region thrives economically because of its diversity, strong workforce and pro-business leadership.

The state of Connecticut can learn a lot from greater Danbury, Bull said. We are fortunate to live in an area with extremely pro-business public officials. Its not by accident that we continue to be successful.

cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338
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China firmly opposes the United States selling arms to Taiwan and urged the country to stop any weapons deal with Taiwan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Friday.

Lu told a daily press briefing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the United States selling weapons to Taiwan violates international law, the basic norms of international relations, and the principles of the three joint communiques between the two countries, harming China's sovereignty and security interests.

He said that the Chinese government and people are determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose to outside interference.

Media reported the U.S. State Department Thursday approved an arms sale to Taiwan worth about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars, the first such deal with Taiwan since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

Lu said China strongly urged the United States to honor its commitments and stop any weapons deal with Taiwan so as to avoid further damage to relations between China and the United States.

Also on Thursday, media reported the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of having dealings with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Lu said China opposes any unilateral sanctions outside the framework of the UN Security Council, and has fully implemented the UN Security Council resolutions on the DPRK.

If Chinese enterprises or individuals undertake any actions against UN Security Council resolutions, China will investigate and deal with them based on domestic laws and regulations, Lu said.

"We strongly urge the United States to cease incorrect actions, in order to avoid affecting bilateral cooperation," he said.
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Sony has traditionally used both MWC in February-March and IFA in early September to launch new smartphones, and it now looks like 2017 will be no exception. Today it's been revealed that the Japanese company will in fact hold a press conference at IFA, on the eve of the trade show's official opening. Sony's event will take place on August 31 at 1 PM local time.

While the company itself obviously hasn't given us any details about what we should expect from the conference, a leak from last month painted a pretty clear picture - namely, that the Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, and X1 should all debut on that occasion.

The XZ1 and XZ1 Compact are to both sport the Snapdragon 835 and 4GB of RAM, reportedly, while the X1 will settle for the SD660, but gets 4GB of RAM too. As its name implies, at 4.6" the XZ1 Compact will be the smallest of the bunch, and the 5.2" 1080p XZ1 will be slightly bigger than the 5" X1. Both the XZ1 Compact and the X1 get 2,800 mAh cells, whereas the XZ1 will boast a 3,000 mAh battery.

Source
Smart keyboard and prediction tech company SwiftKey has pushed out a new update to its app. The update brings along a host of changes, including support for GIFs, expanded transliteration, and some bug fixes.

"We now support GIFs  categories only (for now)," the change-log for the update says. The feature can be accessed from the emoji panel. Moving on, transliteration support has been added for several new languages including Bangla, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu.

The update also includes keyboard shortcuts for Bluetooth and hard keyboards. As for bug fixes, issues like crashing on deleting "!" or punctuation in the Japanese layout have been fixed.

Source | Via




Haiti - Policy : Towards a Hospital Management reform





Marie Greta Roy Clement, Minister of Public Health with technical and financial support from the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) and the International Health Unit of the Center Hospitalier de l'Universite de Montreal (USI), organized a two-day workshop on hospital management reform last week. A reform that is particularly important in the context of projects under construction or reconstruction of hospitals, for which the rehabilitation of infrastructure must necessarily be accompanied by a profound reform of their management.



Opened in the presence of Elisabeth Beton Delegue, Ambassador of France to Haiti, and Ambassador of Canada to Haiti Ms. Paula Caldwell St-Onge, this workshop was devoted to sharing experiences and discussing the results, tools, lessons learned, recommendations and actions envisaged, following the implementation of two specific projects.



The first project is the Reconstruction of the Hospital of the State University of Haiti (HUEH), with an amount of more than 80 million dollars, co-financed by France, the United States and Haiti and including an important component of governance support. This project is now at an advanced stage of physical implementation, but major challenges remain to improve its management in the context of a reopening planned before the end of 2018.



The second project involves the construction of the Gonaives hospital, funded by Canadian cooperation, reinforced by a management support project implemented by the USI.



This workshop made it possible to restore, among other things, the work of two years of support for the strengthening of the HUEH, in particular on themes : governance, human resources, management and finance, medical project and equipment maintenance.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Panama : Donation of rice and maize seeds





In the context of bilateral cooperation, the Panama Agricultural Research Institute (IDIAP) donated this week to Haiti, a first lot of 8 selected seed varieties of rice and maize, which will be handed to farmers so they can recover after the Hurricane Matthew.



The event took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MURE) of Panama, in the presence of Axel Villalobos, Director General of IDIAP, Willian Exantus, Charge d'affaires of Haiti in Panama, Luz Divina Arrededondo, Representative of the Directorate General for International Cooperation, of Stephanny Moncada, representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and several members of the MIRE.



The IDIAP specifies that among the varieties that have been handed over to the staff of the Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs are:



Rice: IDIAP-GAB-6; IDIAP 38; IDIAP-GAB-8; IDIAP-52 -05;

Maize: IDIAP MQ-12, PRO-4A, IDIAP-MV-1102, IDIAP-MV-0706.



Varieties that should adapt to climatic conditions and soils in Haiti, says the Institute.



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics : 11 million Euros for agricultural vocational training





Thursday, Philippe Bauduin, Deputy Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD) for the Caribbean, European Union Ambassador Vincent Degert, the Minister of National Education Pierre Josue Agenor Cadet, the Director General of the National Institute of Vocational Training (INFP), Maguy Durce, the Minister of Agriculture Carmel Andre Belliard, signed an agreement that materializes the financing of the Rural Vocational Training Improvement Project (PAFMIR) to the tune of  11 million thanks to co-financing of 8 million from the European Union and 3 million from AFD.



Launched in 2016 and renewable every five years, the PAFMIR must, in particular, allow an increase in the supply of training in 6 existing centers in rural areas, the accompaniment of reflections on the conditions for a sustainable funding mechanism and the strengthening of capacity for steering and implementing reforms by the State.



Minister Cadet welcomed this multi-party cooperation. He said he believed that this project would enable the Ministry to make progress in its reform of this sub-sector and was convinced that "[...] the development of the country requires the training of high-level technicians in order to meet the needs of enterprises [...]"



According to Philippe Bauduin, this project aims to offer quality vocational training to young people living in rural areas. "Through this new commitment, together with our European partner, we reinforce our desire to coordinate and pool our support to public policy, between technical and financial partners. By placing the Haitian State in full responsibility for steering implementation, this project is a challenge for the Haitian authorities as well as an opportunity to fulfill an essential public service : the vocational training for the socio-economic development of the country."



For his part, Ambassador Vincent Degert stressed "If the natural potentialities and the financial resources remain useful assets for the growth of a country, the latter to be properly exploited, necessarily need an accompaniment in human capital, which remains the 'raw material' for development.



This Project to improve vocational training (PAFMIR) is the result of a joint study with the Haitian State through the National Vocational Training Institute and its partners, including the Ministry of Agriculture, to improve the quality of the vocational and technical training available to young Haitians so that they have the necessary skills to participate fully in the economic development of their country."



Maggy Durce highlighted the spin-offs of this project that valorize agricultural trades and other rural professions.



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Reconstruction : Rehabilitation of the Camp Coq-Vaudreuil road section





Thursday, President Jovenel Moise, accompanied by Senator Dieudonne Luma Etienne (North) and the Minister of Public Works Fritz Cayot, went to Camp Coq, in the commune of Limbe, in order to lauch the works to rehabilitate the section of 30km of road between Camp Coq and Vaudreuil.



The Head of State, for whom the transport and infrastructure sector is a high priority, alongside agriculture highlighted the importance of the work on this stretch of road as well as the Gonaives-Ennery and Ennery-Plaisance sections which are already under way with a view to improving the living conditions of the populations of the areas concerned.



Work on the Camp Coq-Vaudreuil road segment is expected to be completed in approximately 6 months.



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2017/06/29 | Source

Korean movie of the week "Gyeongju" (2014)

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Directed by Zhang Lu

With Park Hae-il, Shin Min-a, Yoon Jin-seo, Kim Tae-hoon, Kwak Ja-hyeong, Shin So-yul,...

Synopsis

At his friend's funeral Choi Hyeon, a professor in Beijing encounters his old friend Chun-won with whom he had a trip to Gyeongju, a historical city 7 years ago. Talking over drinks with his friend, Choi suddenly reminds of 'Chunhwa', an obscene painting which they saw in a cafe in Gyeongju, but which Chun-won can remember nothing about. The next day Choi makes an impulsive decision to head to Gyeongju. Full of expectation, he searches the cafe only to find that the painting is no longer there, but is an attractive new lady owner Yeon-hee. After wandering around the city Choi revisits the cafe without knowing that another story between he and Yeon-hee is about to begin.

Release date in Korea : 2014/06/12

Read William's review

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By Lily Lee | Published on 2017/06/29

Being in a historical drama is more challenging than it seems. Specially for the actresses, being able to look good in the traditional clothes, Hanbok, and the center parted hair-dos can be a bit of a difficult look to pull off if your proportion is not right. Moreover, the tone of the voice and languages used in the historical dramas are very different from that of a modern drama. For example, there are quite a few actresses who have been rated as a talented, good actress through a modern drama that goes through a heavy criticism for not being able to use the right tone in a historical drama.



Jeon In-hwa



The veteran actress Jeon In-hwa is like, the ancestor of the Historical Drama Goddess. There were many actresses who have played the role of Jang Hui-bin (aka Royal Noble Consort Hui, also known as Jang Ok-jung.) but the most memorable Jang Hui-bin of all time would be the one played by Jeon In-hwa.



Lee Young-ae



Actress Lee Young-ae's "Dae Jang Geum" is a legendary character, and I believe it's one of the drama that introduced many international fans into the world of K-drama. Recently, she starred in another historical drama, "Saimdang: Light's Diary". Normally, many actresses gets criticism for their unnatural acting is historical dramas but this time, actress Lee Young-ae's gotten the opposite judgement as the viewers got used to her historical drama image and thought the modern version of her character was rather unnatural compared to it.



Go Hyun-jung



Her acting in "Queen Seon-deok" created the Mi-sil sensation across South Korea. She is without a doubt, one of the most ruthless villainess of K-drama world and it could not have been possible without the mad acting skill provided by the actress Go Hyun-jung.

Han Ji-min



She is seriously the princess of Joseon era living in modern time. She has the ideal facial structural suited for Hanbok look and possess a great acting skill for historical dramas. That is why she is getting all the love calls from different directors, which resulted in her appearance in "Yi San", "The Rooftop Prince", "The Fatal Encounter", "Detective K" and etc.



Kim Yoo-jung & Kim So-hyun



The casting of these two in "The Moon Embracing the Sun" was perfect. Because of their outstanding acting as child actresses, they are also getting a lot of love calls from different historical dramas. Recently, actress Kim Yoo-jung took a part in "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" and actress Kim So-hyun in "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" and "Ruler: Master of the Mask".

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Han Hyo-joo



Actress Han Hyo-joo in "Dong Yi" has been praised highly for her acting also. We all remember her appearance into the palace after she was rose to the high class.

Kim Tae-hee



Like I mentioned earlier, there have been many different actresses who have been given the role of Jang Hui-bin and when actress Kim Tae-hee took the role in the drama dedicated to explain her perspective (combined with a bit of a fictional concept), she created a whole another character unlike any Jung Hui-bin characters in K-drama history. Many people were worried about her acting in historical drama in the beginning but soon, she was able to shut them down with her improved acting and the way she created her own Jang Hui-bin.



Lee Hanee

Actress Lee Hanee found her perfect character Royal Consort Suk-yong in "Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People". She is exceptionally beautiful in portraying this treacherous historical figure and her talent in the traditional music have shined brightly in the drama.

Seo Hyun-jin

Let's not forget one of my favotire actress, Seo Hyun-jin. Her face structure suits the historical dramas very well and her graceful acting was excellent in "The Daughter of the Emperor".



Park Min-young



Her gender-bender role in "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" was widely loved by many people as the drama became such a hit (Actually one of my favorite historical romance drama), and now she is in the on-going drama "Queen for 7 Days", making everyone cry their eyes out.



Ha Ji-won



Actress Ha Ji-won's acting in Hwangjin-i was legendary, in my mind. This is one of the few historical drama I loved as a little girl and I still remember how amazed I was at her beauty as I watched every single episode of this drama on air.

There are many more brilliant actress who have gotten a good review on their historical drama acting and I can't list every single one of them, but if you have a favorite that I missed or have a favorite among this list, comment below and share with us! (:

By. Lily Lee
While Juhannus is no longer a religious holiday, it is celebrated almost religiously in Finland. For a couple of days in June, the streets of Helsinki become almost ghostly as Finns escape their daily routines to spend a few sleepless nights far away from the city centre. Last weekend families and friends met yet again for a celebration of light around the thousands of lakes and on the many islands that the Finnish landscape has to offer.

Finns are known by many to be prudent and punctual, but Juhannus is a holiday when relaxation is key. Life as we know it comes to a halt  outside of the emergency services and the occasional bar and restaurant it is rare to find anyone working. Instead of in offices, you will find Finns in saunas all around the country. Some even dare to take a dip in the water despite the chilling temperatures after an exceptionally cold spring.

Juhannus, also known as Midsummer, was originally a celebration of not only light, but also fertility. While such traditions date back to so-called pagan times, Catholic celebrations of the birth of John the Baptist have subsequently taken place on the same date as Midsummers day. It is indeed from the Finnish name of John the Baptist, that is Johannes Kastaja, that the word Juhannus is derived.

Today, few Finns commemorate John the Baptist during their Midsummer celebrations. There are, however, other age-old traditions that remain incorporated into the festivities. These include the aforementioned sauna, as well as, and perhaps more surprisingly, dancing.

Midsummer celebrations do not solely incorporate typically Finnish traditions, however. Originally begun as an attempt to kill evil spirits, the now famous midsummer bonfire is a tradition that has made its way to Finland from the east in the early twentieth century. Simultaneously, the Swedish-speaking community in Finland, particularly on the Aland islands, continue to celebrate midsummer in a traditionally Swedish way, by erecting a flower-decorated maypole on Midsummers Eve.

Midsummers Eve is sometimes, mistakenly, thought to be celebrated during summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year and one during which the sun barely sets in Finland. This year, however, summer solstice fell on Wednesday 21 June, a few days before Midsummers Eve. Yet, while Juhannus is a celebration of light, the exact date of the summer solstice matters little. Rather, for most Finns, Juhannus marks a sneak preview into the upcoming holiday period.

Nicole Berglund

Helsinki Times
NC Magistrates Win Religious Liberty

Contact: Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Media@LC.org; Press Kit



ASHEVILLE, N.C., June 30, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals handed North Carolina magistrates a huge victory by ruling that the plaintiffs who opposed their religious liberty opt out of same-sex "marriage" lacked standing to challenge the law.



Liberty Counsel represented, among others, Magistrate Brenda Bumgarner, who has an excellent record during her 10 years of service as a magistrate, and who sought a religious opt out of performing "marriages" for same-sex couples. Liberty Counsel filed an amicus brief that argued that SB 2 is not only constitutionally permissible but actually required for magistrates and judges. SB 2 states: "Every magistrate has the right to recuse from performing all lawful marriages under this Chapter based upon any sincerely held religious objection."

In 2015, Liberty Counsel filed suit on behalf of magistrates seeking accommodation for their religious convictions regarding same-sex "marriage." The state house and senate passed SB 2 granting an accommodation, and both houses later overrode the governor's veto. Liberty Counsel dismissed its suit, but then the new law was challenged by those who want to force magistrates to violate their religious convictions and consciences.

"We celebrate this victory for North Carolina magistrates who have the constitutional right to follow their conscience and rights to free exercise without fear of punishment," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "The LGBT agenda seeks to steamroll over the conscience of everyone, including those who serve in the court system who believe in natural marriage. We were proud to defend Magistrate Brenda Bumgarner and others in this case as it sets a precedent and has an effect on all judges and their sincerely held religious beliefs," said Staver.

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.
Paul Murphy TD (left) and Cllr Michael Murphy celebrate as they leave the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Photo: Collins Courts

When the first verdict of not guilty was delivered, the courtroom erupted in a deafening cheer of "Yeeessss!"

On his feet before the judge, Deputy Paul Murphy almost appeared to buckle in relief, clearly emotional.

In that instant it was clear this was no mere political stunt: he had feared jail.

The uproar was instantly shushed by the roomful of supporters - there was more to come. A lengthy chain of unanimous verdicts of not guilty on all counts, for all six defendants.

It had taken the jurors just three hours and 10 minutes to decide. Some had feared it might take them a week to plough through the two months of evidence.

Sobs

However, in the end it all seemed to hang on one simple point. By mid-morning the request had come through that the jury wanted to watch the air support footage of the Jeep.

It was clear the jurors wanted to explore the avenue suggested by the defence teams - that the vehicle containing Joan Burton always had the potential to reverse away from the protest.

At the end, this was the crux of the case.

One by one, the verdicts of not guilty came in and each defendant looked as though an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Mr Murphy mouthed "thank you" to the jury and Scott Masterson and South Dublin councillor Michael Murphy both gave a thumbs-up in response to their verdicts, as the court again erupted in cheers, roars and sobs of relief.

There was a standing ovation, with even most of the jurors relaxing with broad smiles.

Then a familiar chant broke out: "No way, we won't pay."

Most unusually, there was no firm warning from the bench to tone down the noise in court.

Instead, Judge Melanie Greally calmly waited for the din to subside before thanking the jury and excusing them from further jury service.

Then, turning to the Jobs-town Six, she said they were free to go.

In an extraordinary sight, supporters reached out to shake the hands of two of the jurors as they left the courtroom.

The emotion in court was extraordinary - and it was even more so outside.

"Oh this is great, I can't believe it," said one woman on the phone, tears rolling down her face.

"It was a civil rights issue, nothing to do with water," said supporter Brian McMullen, from Crumlin, who had been present for the whole trial.

Among other supporters was Ken Purcell, who was one of the original defendants until charges were withdrawn before the case was put to the jury.

Mr Murphy's wife Jess Spear said she was "incredibly relieved", but if her husband and the rest of those on trial had been convicted the campaign would have started "immediately" to get justice.

Asked if the last two years had been difficult, she said that, as a campaigner herself, it had inspired her "each and every day".

Outside, shouts rang out of "Jobstown innocent, Labour guilty".

"It's a great vindication of the people of Jobstown, of the anti-water charges movement and solidarity as well," said Ruth Coppinger.
The desperate mother of an eight-year-old Dublin boy who lives with severe autism feels they have been "abandoned" by the Government.

Edel and Anton Dooley's son Jacob is non-verbal and doubly incontinent.

He also has pervasive dev- elopmental disorder, mixed expressive receptive language disorder and intellectual disability, with sensory issues yet to be diagnosed.

The Dooleys, from Swords, said they have reached breaking point while struggling to cope with Jacob's violent outbursts which are having a serious impact on the family's two other children and his mother, who is his main carer.

Speaking on RTE Radio One's Today with Sean O'Rourke, the couple said the family were assessed by the HSE, which determined that Jacob needed two-to-one support at all times to ensure his own safety and that of the people around him.

While it provides several hours of support as part of a home care package, it does not provide the necessary hours to ensure that Jacob receives two-to-one at all times.

"The HSE actually assessed us when they were getting the home care package in place," said Mr Dooley.

"Part of their assessment was that Jacob required two-to-one at all times from care-givers. They gave us five working hours of actual support.

"They've acknowledged that Jacob needs two-to-one support but they're still happy for Edel, when I'm at work and there's no carers there, to look after Jacob and another two children alone. It's wilful neglect."

The couple said their home has become a battleground due to Jacob's violent behaviour.

Ms Dooley said he is now strong enough to be a threat to his own safety and that of the rest of the family.

Choked

"Over the Christmas holidays, Anton took our two other children to visit family in Donegal," she said.

"I was choked by Jacob when we were playing. He pinned my arms down with his knees and he choked me to the point where I almost passed out. He also pushed me down the stairs."

The couple said they feel "alone and abandoned" by the Government.

"I sent photos of my injuries to Health Minister Simon Harris' office, but nothing," said Ms Dooley

"Our son is not the problem, the problem is that the support is not there."
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BRISTOL, Tenn.A traffic stop in Bristol, Tennessee, has resulted in the arrest of a man on drug charges.

Robert Wassom, 39, of Bristol, Tennessee, faces charges of possession with intent to resale Schedule II, driving suspended license, open container and speeding. Further charges are pending lab results, city police said in a news release.

On Friday afternoon, officers conducted a traffic stop on a speeding 1995 Lincoln Continental in the 6500 block of state Route 394, police said. Upon speaking with the driver, officers discovered he had a suspended drivers license.

The driver, identified as Wassom, had been charged with this offense multiple times in the past and was taken into custody for continuing to drive while his privileges are suspended.

During the arrest, officers discovered Wassom possessed several grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a powdery substance suspected to be heroin, police said. Due to the amounts and packaging of the drugs, and the presence of digital scales, officers seized the vehicle and approximately $200 in cash.

Wassom was transported to the Sullivan County jail and is currently awaiting arraignment.
Nearly 80 PA people have been charged for Jan. 6 riot. Three are dead.
With only so many minutes to go around, Geronimo makes most of his

IU
Israel is home to approximately 140,000 members of the Druze faith, but today there's a dozen or so young students waiting patiently for me as I park my car next to the Shrine of the Prophet Bha'a Aldeen, a local Druze holy site. By this point, I have spent several months in Israel and have only heard whisperings about the Druze community. They remain something of a mystery to the outside world, with terms like "secret religion" and "hidden in plain sight" used at times to describe them. But Green Horizons, a Jewish National Fund organization that offers outdoor educational activities to Israeli youth, is hoping to shed new light on their fascinating world by connecting Druze youth with nature, and Israel, as a whole.

For today's adventure, I'm joining a group of mostly 8th and 9th graders led by Mohammad Hamid. Everyone is from Beit Jann, a small village nestled high in the hills of Israel's Upper Galilee. Mohammad tells me we are going to hike up Mount Ha'Ari, meaning "lion" in Hebrew and named so because locals say lions lived in the area thousands of years ago.

For the modern day Druze youth, iPhones and Instagram have connected them to the outside world, but these hiking excursions are one way to renew their relationship with the land. Most of the kids speak both Hebrew and Arabic, and are currently learning English in school, so they're excited to practice their language skills with this American that's joined the group.

"We get together once a week and we have a lot of fun," Ravea Nafaa, the most outgoing of the bunch, tells me. "We go camping all around this area, and even though we go to the same school, Green Horizons has brought us closer together."

After a few icebreaker games, we settle into a circle for mint tea and generous servings of manakeesh, a traditional pizza-like snack that the parents have prepared. Each of us got to choose our preferred topping-a tomato sauce or thyme, plus a whole tomato or cucumber for a side dish. I confess that I've never eaten a tomato or cucumber whole like that before, and the hilarity of my awkward attempt at trying to is not lost in translation. Mohammad also assigns each member of the group a task so that clean-up is done quickly.

Beit Jann has one high school with around 200 kids in each grade, so the weekly Green Horizons meetings are a breath of fresh air and a unique learning experience for the students. "For many years, I dreamt of expanding our programs for Druze youth, and I am very happy that this year we have successfully opened three groups," Lavi Zamora, CEO of Green Horizons, told me before my visit. "While we count Jewish National Fund-USA as a partner, we hope to continue to raise the resources necessary to give every Druze kid the chance to be a part of this important program."

"We learn how to make fires, survive in the wild, and it's always an adventure," says Jana Shaheen, one of the younger participants in the program. I was also told how after graduation, the boys will go to the army, while the girls will be off to university. Although the Druze are part of Israel's Arab minority, they have a long and proud history of serving in the Israel Defense Forces. "The Druze community is an integral part of Israeli society. I have fought alongside and commanded many Druze soldiers, and have friends from the community," Zamora told me, explaining the uniqueness of Israel's Druze population. Young women, however, do not serve in the military, but they still have ambitions to become doctors, teachers, and explore the world outside their village.

Green Horizons aims to prepare each of them for their journeys with challenging excursions, all of which are led by experienced counselors, like Mohammad. Standing at the edge of a scenic lookout, Mohammad says Beit Jann is known as the "Switzerland of Israel," drawing tourists who come for the horseback riding and stunning panoramic views.

"Parents enroll their kids in this program in the hopes that it will get them outside and interacting with the environment around them. And it does," he says. Zamora also explains that the program helps Druze youth meet their Jewish counterparts from nearby communities. "They travel and learn together, and it's in this way that they understand how intertwined their communities are to each other and to the State of Israel."

Looking out across the land, the kids call out the names of the cities dotting the landscape below us, and point to the highway that will take me home. Green Horizons may inspire them to take that road to far off lands and make a difference in the world, or they may come back to Beit Jann to lead a group of their own someday. No matter which path they take, one thing is certain: They will not only know how to survive, but they will thrive and be successful.
(JTA)-On Jan. 16, 1949, Toby Fassman married Max Cohen (Steven M. Cohen's parents, now both of blessed memory). At 24, Toby was among the last of her circle of friends in Brooklyn to marry, and several jokingly remarked that Max had rescued her from lifelong singlehood.

Today, if a 24-year-old Jewish woman were heading for the huppah, most would presume that she's either Orthodox or reckless. Indeed, of 25- to 54-year-old American Jews who are not haredi, fully half are unmarried. While marriage rates peak around age 40 at 71 percent, they drop again to just 57 percent among those 10 years older. Of those 45-54, 13 percent have never been married and another 21 percent are divorced or separated.

These patterns of marriage-and non-marriage-are just a few of the startling findings we reveal in a new report published by the Jewish People Policy Institute in which we analyze data from the Pew Research Center's Portrait of Jewish Americans survey.

Of course, the rise of singlehood, late marriage and non-marriage is not at all unique to American Jews, but is endemic to American society in recent years. As the Pew Research Center reports, "The share of Americans who are married is at its lowest point since at least 1920."

But for Jews and Jewish life, the postponement of marriage or lifelong singlehood hold disturbing consequences for Jewish community. While intermarriage has long been understood as inhibiting Jewish engagement and connection, the same is almost as true of non-marriage.

Take, for example, synagogue membership among non-haredi Jews aged 25-54: It reaches a healthy 65 percent among the in-married, but only a paltry 22 percent among the non-married and an even tinier number, 13 percent, among the intermarried. While almost all in-married Jews attend Passover seders (93 percent), that's true of just over half the intermarried or non-married (53 percent and 59 percent, respectively). And not only do the in-married act more Jewish, they feel more Jewish. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) say that being Jewish is very important to them, as compared with just 40 percent of the singles and 25 percent among the intermarried.

All over the Jewish world outside of Orthodoxy, we see shrinking numbers and older participants and fewer young Jews involved in organized or institutional activities. That's true of Reform temples, Conservative shuls, membership organizations and federation campaigns. And all the wonderful alternative innovations-independent minyans, Chabad Houses, Base Hillels, Moishe Houses, social justice initiatives, Israel advocacy left and right-are simply not anywhere near compensating for the losses in legacy institutions.

To understand why non-Orthodox Jewish activity at home and community is in such decline, we need only look at diminished numbers of young adult and middle-aged Jews who live with a spouse, and specifically a Jewish husband or wife.

Child-rearing strongly shapes stronger connections with things Jewish, even beyond marrying someone Jewish (by birth or conversion), in dramatic contrast with being single or married to a non-Jew. Those raising a child in the Jewish religion vastly surpass childless adults in Jewish engagement, and the childless in turn surpass those raising non-Jewish children.

Take, for example, synagogue membership: 65 percent among those raising Jewish-by-religion children, 25 percent for those with no children at home, and 0 percent for those raising non-Jewish children. We see the same pattern for seder attendance: 96 percent, 56 percent, 28 percent. And so it goes for one indicator of Jewish engagement after another.

In displaying a close connection between family status and religious involvement, Jews are not at all unique or even distinctive. Religious engagement has long been linked to life cycle. Americans-including Jews-increasingly join religious institutions and practice home-based rituals shortly after they have children. Sylvia Barack Fishman's research found that intermarried Jews and spouses are often surprised at the strength of their feelings about religious identification after-but not before-their children are born. The baby boom of the postwar years occasioned a building boom of churches and synagogues. For Jews (and others), what is new is the extended years of singlehood and religious detachment, posing unprecedented challenges to Jewish families, communities and institutions.

So, recognizing that children-specifically Jewish children-are so vital to Jewish engagement, we can ask: How many Jews in the parenting years (25-54) outside of the haredi world are raising Jewish children? The startling answer is less than a third, and even less (21 percent) if we're talking only about children whose religion is Jewish. Fully 60 percent of this 30-year cohort has no children at home and 8 percent are raising non-Jewish children.

What will it take for Jewish engagement at home, in the community, in institutions and elsewhere to thrive? Probably the most critical answer: Jews will need to start marrying, marry younger, marry Jewish spouses and raise Jewish children. Over the past few decades, among those Jews outside of Orthodoxy, the relevant trend lines have moved in the opposite directions: less marriage, later marriage, intermarriage and fewer Jewish children-probably about 1.4 for non-Orthodox Jews, far below the 2.1 needed for population replacement.

There are strategies that reverse these negative trend lines. It turns out that Jews who are more connected to other Jews through their adolescent and young adult years are more likely to marry, to marry younger, to marry Jews and to have Jewish children. Camps, youth groups, Israel travel, campus activities and young adult communities all build Jewish social networks-more Jews in relationships with more Jews.

These interventions of course contribute to Jewish cultural capacity and religio-ethnic commitment. But as important, if not more important these days, is that they build friendships that lead to marriage or romantic connections. Only by increasing the opportunities for Jews to marry, and to marry Jews, will we be able to significantly bend the trend lines. Creating more Jewish marriages and filling more Jewish baby carriages inevitably leads to seeing more Jews in the pews, as well as other places where Jewish engagement gets acted out.

We may not be able to move the average age at marriage below 24. But perhaps by providing opportunities we can increase the sheer number who marry and who marry at a younger age, when they stand a better chance of becoming engaged Jewish parents.

Steven M. Cohen is research professor at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and director of the Berman Jewish Policy Archive @ Stanford University. Sylvia Barack Fishman is the Joseph and Esther Foster Professor of Contemporary Jewish Life in the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University, and also co-director of the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute.
"Fraud happens to everyone from youngest to oldest, and to people of all backgrounds. Today we are going to talk about making elders a tougher target... Just like you and I head into work on Monday morning, full-time scammers head to their warehouse each Monday, too," said Detective Leamon "Lee" Davis of the Orange County Sheriff's Office at the 11th Annual Education and Prevention Symposium held on Friday, June 16, in acknowlegement of World Elder- Abuse Day. Sally Kopke of Vitas Healthcare welcomed the crowd of almost 200 nurses, caregivers, professionals on aging, and social workers to the event, appropriately titled "Breaking the Silence of Elder Abuse" sponsored by AARP, the Orange County Government, 50 Plus FYI Resource Network, and Vitas Healthcare.

Mimi Reggentin, program manager of the Orange County Office on Aging, shared that event organizers and partners wanted to start off the day with some real- life stories of elder-abuse, of which "there are way too many." She introduced Detective Davis to participants, noting that the Orange County Department on Aging had created a fraud prevention booklet in partnership with the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Throughout the 6-hour symposium, experts in law enforcement, elder law, and senior health-care shared valuable tips on protecting seniors from a variety of elder-abuse scams. As vulnerable members of society, elders can benefit from the following scam-prevention tips:

 Protect your personal information. Detective Davis warned that we should all be very careful with whom we share our date of birth, social security numbers, and "PINS." Remember to use "inside voices" at the pharmacy when asked our date of birth and address to pick up our prescriptions.

 Do you know where your wallet or purse is right now? Detective Davis recommended keeping these items on your person at all times to remove the possibility of crimes of opportunity.

 Do not answer a phone call (whether home or cell) if you are not familiar with the number. A Seminole County area policewoman commented that she never answers unknown numbers; if the call is important, a message will be left.

 Verify. Verify. Verify. Many of us have received phone calls from our credit card company's fraud department. Typically, the caller asks if you have made purchases that deviate from your usual buying patterns or geographical locations. (For example, you live in Florida, but a purchase was made at a grocery store in Montana). Recently, Emily Newman of the Orlando Senior Help Desk (www.orlandoseniorhelpdesk.org) received a similar call. She verified a recent purchase with the caller, but when asked for additional information, she chose to call the customer service number on the back of her credit card to verify the caller. Newman said that she never gives out personal information without verifying the identity of the caller or asking to speak to a supervisor.

 Hang it up! Pedro Portuondo of the Senior Resource Alliance's Elder Prevention Program (www.sraflorida.org) noted that it is perfectly "okay" to hang up on a caller. If you are targeted by an unwanted sales call or an unknown caller, simply cut them off. While it may be "their job" to keep you on the phone, it is "your job" to safeguard yourself and your valuables.

 Keep up on the latest scams. Seniors vs. Crime (www.seniorsvscrime.com) is a special project of the Florida Attorney General. This organization, as well as area police (including the office of Detective Davis), are willing to come out to talk to senior groups about crime prevention. (Contact Detective Leamon "Lee" Davis at the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Economic Crimes Unit at 407-254-7000 X 70612)

Sally Kopke (l) and Vicki Fuller of Vitas Healthcare at the Elder-Abuse Symposium, held in honor of World Elder Abuse Day sponsored by AARP, the Orange County Government, 50 Plus FYI Resource Network, and Vitas Healthcare.

A "popular" scam is the kidnapped or "stuck" relative (often a grandchild) who needs thousands of dollars in ransom money, or funds to get home from a far-away place. If you receive a call like this, think twice before you give your credit card information to a voice on the phone. Ask yourself, "Is my grandchild even out of the country?" If tempted to respond, verify the information with parents or friends first. Then, report the situation to local law enforcement.

Wire money only as a last resort. Wires can be hard to trace and impossible to retrieve once sent. This advice applies to readers of all ages. Recently, a Longwood teenager was approached by a potential employer who sent her a $5,000 check (as an advance); and then requested $1,000 be wired to a third party. While the teenager wanted to be a good employee and follow the request, the situation "just didn't feel right." The teen reached out to her parents, who were able to reverse the transfer of funds in the nick of time. Local police confirmed the scam.

Just as we advocate for our young people; it is important that we be extra vigilant and share our knowledge and protect our elders from exploitation, financial and otherwise. No matter the age group, if a situation "just doesn't feel right," it's time to reach out to a trusted source for help.
My favorite Mother's Day gift was a refrigerator magnet set with more Yiddish words than even my "Bubbie" (grandmother) spoke. Every time someone passes through my kitchen, they rearrange the magnets to make a sentence that speaks to them. My daughter's message reads, "My mother has chutzpa (boldness)." My neighbor left behind a note saying, "What's your shtick (talent, special area of interest)?" Although I only recognize about half the words (fortunately, it comes with a dictionary), there is something so appealing about the vocabulary that brings the text to life. Right now, I'm playing with the magnetic words "plotz" (collapse from excitement), and "kvetch" (complain).

I decided to bring my magnet set to Orlando's Yiddishe maven (Yiddish expert), to see what a real specialist could create with it. On the third Thursday of each month, volunteer Yiddish instructor Joan Pohl can be found surrounded by a crowd of seniors at a Longwood/Lake Mary Senior Living community, eager to practice the Yiddish language during the one hour conversational class.

For the past eight years, the longtime Winter Park resident has enriched and reconnected Yiddish speakers with a heritage that could have easily been forgotten. Pohl's class, sponsored by the Jewish Pavilion, brings a taste of the Yiddish culture and language to the 15-40 students who attend the monthly offering. She also supplies a "nosh" or snack, homemade by her mother, who recently relocated to Central Florida.

Pohl, a retired speech pathologist, welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. While most of the students hail from Brookdale Island Lake in Longwood and Oakmonte Village in Lake Mary, others commute from surrounding areas, even as far away as the Villages, for the one-of-a-kind chance to communicate in a forgotten tongue.

Born in Israel, Pohl grew up in New York and Miami, and was the child of two Holocaust survivors, Aaron and Monya (Malka) Kornicki, from Poland and Germany. Her paternal grandmother, Rachel Kornicki, spoke Yiddish in the home while her parents were away at work. Pohl has fond memories of her Yiddish roots, and is happy to have a skill that she can she share with the senior community.

Pohl noted, "Teaching Yiddish is as rewarding for myself as it for the seniors. Though I am probably a generation younger than these seniors, their stories and childhoods are identical to mine. We are all the children of refugees, raised with grandparents and the Yiddish language in our homes. Spending time with other speakers (from beginner to fluent) has brought back feelings from my childhood and theirs, as well."

Yiddish instructor, Joan Pohl (r) with husband, Frank, and mother, 'Malka'.

She concluded, "I am so grateful for this opportunity to share my love for Yiddish and to give back to my roots. I love this language and culture of inclusion, where everyone is welcome, and where we 'come back to the past to create the future'. I invite community members of all ages and all backgrounds to join us for 'A Taste of Yiddish,' starting again in the fall. Knowledge of Yiddish is not required, just bring a sense of humor and a taste for learning."

Come and "plotz" with the group, but save the "kvetching" for later.

Contact http://www.jewishpavilion.org or call 407-678-9363, to find out more about Yiddish Class, meeting again in September.

Tidbits from the Sandwich Generation is a series of blogs by Pamela Ruben, Jewish Pavilion Marketing Director, about managing the multi-generations. Check out additional posts at http://www.jewishpavilion.org/blog. For no cost help for issues pertaining to older adults contact the Orlando Senior Help Desk, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, at 407-678-9363 or visit http://www.orlandoseniorhelpdesk.org.
Until I moved to Israel, the closest I got to farming was knowing were to get good produce at a farmers market. Since living in Israel, I see how the simple act of eating and growing produce is a fulfillment of God's promise, and Ezekiel's prophesy which impacts and moves me personally.

"I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing. Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. They shall be safe in their land... (Ezekiel 34:26-27)

When we bought our house in Israel, it was important to landscape our yard not just with beautiful trees, but with ones that demonstrate the blessing of the Land. Israel is the only country in which there were more trees at the beginning of the 21st century than at the beginning of the 20th century. We have a cherry, apricot, lemon, lime, apple, and plum tree, and a grape vine. At this time of year we see the fulfillment of that promise about which Ezekiel prophesied. No sooner have we picked and devoured the fruit of our cherry tree, then it's time to harvest the apricots. This year, our apricot tree produced more than 1000 sweet gems. And in two months it will be time to pick the grapes and plums. But not to let any blessing go to waste, our grape leaves have been picked and used to make a Middle Eastern favorite, stuffed grape leaves.

Because lemon trees blossom and give fruit twice a year, rarely does a week go by that my wife doesn't pluck a fresh juicy lemon to use in cooking, or squeeze in tea. But none of this is because I suddenly became a great farmer. And always when I pluck fresh fruit from my yard, or simply walk into the house passing the apricots and grapes, I am mindful of the One from whom this blessing is derived.

I often get choked up at how the miracle of an ordinary tree so embodies God's blessing of His people in our Land. Looking out at the barren land between my house and Bethlehem, I sometimes imagine how this miracle is so vivid, not just in the fruit itself, but in the stark difference between what this area looked like before-barren, rocky, and devoid of life.

In 1867 Mark Twain visited Israel, and wrote his impressions in "Innocents Abroad." He described a desolate country-devoid of both vegetation and people. He called Israel "... A desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds... a silent mournful expanse... a desolation... we never saw a human being on the whole route... hardly a tree or shrub anywhere. Even the olive tree and the cactus, those fast friends of a worthless soil, had almost deserted the country."

If he could only see it now overflowing with life, with abundance, the modern-day miracle of Israel on a deep, spiritual level personified in our vegetation, in the fruit salad growing throughout my yard.

Once, I was hosting a college professor whose specialty is Middle Eastern and modern Israeli history. In looking out at my neighborhood, he asked how I knew that this land wasn't in fact once owned by Palestinian Arabs. I answered that because I had a great teacher in college and I learned to look to see what's there and what's not there. Had the land been owned by Palestinian Arabs, it'd likely have been terraced and used for cultivating grapes or olives as are visible in so much of the Judean hills in which I live. Under Ottoman law from more than a century ago, one who cultivated the land, owned the land. In many places, that's still observed here today. A short 50 years ago, these hills were virgin, undeveloped, and never cultivated.

The miracle of the growth of modern Israel affirms not just God's blessing but embodies Robert F. Kennedy's rhetorical question, "Some men see things as they are and ask why, I dream things that never were and ask why not." Israel received the gift of the Land but also saw the promise in the Land. Barren mountains, and swamps teeming with malaria, have become fertile. We have the privilege of not just being the recipient of God's promise, but His partners in making this so.

But as Israelis and Jews, it doesn't stop there. We affirm the biblical injunction known as the separation of terumah and maaser from produce of the Land. (Numbers 18) This is based in a time that the Temple still stood, and these offerings were distributed in a specified manner to the Kohanim (Priests), Leviim (Levites) and the poor. The Temple doesn't stand now, and we don't bring offerings there, so terumah and maaser are no longer distributed or eaten in Jerusalem. Yet the requirement to separate and designate them still applies. In that way, we affirm that even picking and eating apricots, or buying potatoes at the grocery store, has its source in the God of Israel.

And every seven years we observe the shmita year, the biblically ordained sabbatical year, during which the Land is left to lie fallow and all agricultural activity, including plowing, planting, pruning and harvesting, is prohibited. The biblical injunction is mentioned and reiterated multiple times such as "You may plant your land for six years and gather its crops. But during the seventh year, you must leave it alone and withdraw from it. The needy among you will then be able to eat just as you do, and whatever is left over can be eaten by wild animals." (Exodus 23:1011). Shmita is also underscored in Leviticus (25:2022), Deuteronomy (15:16) as well as in Jeremiah, Nehemiah, Kings and Chronicles.

Simply, making or eating something as mundane as a salad connects us to the Land, to the Bible, and to God, every day. In seeing the abundance of the Land as embodied in my own back yard, I can't help but think of the spies Moses sent and the abundant fruit they bore with them along with the report, "The Land which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good Land." (Numbers 14:7)

Apricots from Feldstein's tree.

So through an act as simple as picking one (or a thousand) apricots, we not only literally enjoy the fruit of the Land that God promised, but also thrive on that and so many other blessings just by being here. Indeed, it feels like the prophet Ezekiel has come to visit and invoked this blessing on us personally.

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. He has a three-decade career in nonprofit fundraising and marketing and throughout his life and career, he has become a respected bridge between Jews and Christians. He writes regularly on major Christian web sites about Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He can be reached at FirstPersonIsrael@gmail.com.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (JTA)-A cache of 75 original Nazi objects discovered earlier this month by the Argentine Federal Police has been evaluated as "unprecedented" and "the biggest" discovery of its type.

The objects, discovered earlier this month in a hidden room of a house in the northern part of the city, included equipment used for Nazi medical experiments during the Holocaust. They were analyzed a week ago at Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France, Federal Police Commissioner Marcelo El Haibe told JTA on Monday.

The police found a bust relief of Adolf Hitler, medical devices marked with swastikas used to measure head and body size, Nazi puzzles for children and knives, among other objects.

Among the objects discovered was a magnifying glass attached to a photo of Hitler using the magnifying glass.

"We checked some marks and characteristics, and it is the same object that Hitler holds in his hands in the photo," El Haibe, a member of Interpol who accompanied the pieces to Lyon, told JTA. "Interpol colleagues from Germany, Israel and United States were surprised by the globally unprecedented discovery. No one has a record of this magnitude a discovery of original Nazis objects, and we have started a collaborative process to search the route of the objects to Argentina."

According to El Haibe, who also serves as the chief of the Protection of Cultural Heritage department of the federal police, only a very high level of Nazi officer had access to this quality and quantity of objects, and apparently tried to save the objects when the Nazi regime was failing.

On Monday night, the Argentine Jewish political umbrella DAIA displayed some of the objects at its headquarters in the AMIA Jewish center here. The AMIA building was destroyed in a 1994 terrorist bombing and rebuilt in 1999.

DAIA President Ariel Cohen Sabban praised the police for their work in making the discovery.

"From this building we spoke several times about the lack of security in this country, but today it's time to recognize the good work done by the police and the Security Ministry," he said. "These objects are an irrefutable testimony to the Nazi horror and that Argentina was a refuge" for the Nazis.

Before receiving an award from DAIA, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich spoke to over 200 attendees crowded in a small room where a sample of the objects were on display. She said her ministry has asked the judge in charge of investigating the discovery that all of the objects be donated to the Holocaust Museum of Buenos Aires, "so that all Argentinians and also visitors who come to Buenos Aires can see this shocking collection."

Among the attendees were Germany Embassy officials, judges, intellectuals and businessmen, as well as the Jewish philanthropists Eduardo Elsztain and Marcelo Mindlin, who was named recently the president of the Holocaust Museum of Buenos Aires.

"This collection is a great responsibility; we will prepare our site to receive this contribution," Mindlin told JTA. "There will be a lot of fanatics that will want to enter, there will be people trying to steal objects," he added, noting that "huge security issues" must be worked out.

In June 2016, a collector from Argentina paid $680,000 for a pair of Nazi-owned underpants and other memorabilia.

"It's impossible that one collector would have this invaluable amount of original Nazi objects," DAIA vice president Alberto Indij told JTA. "These [objects] likely belonged directly to Hitler or Joseph Mengele. Someone escaped with all this objects. There isn't a person that bought all this. No, these were Nazi officers trying to hide and save these objects."

The magnifying glass and accompanying photo of Hitler were not put on public display, but Indij saw them at Interpol headquarters and confirmed their existence to JTA.

Mengele, a doctor who performed experiments on Jewish prisoners, lived in Argentina for a decade after the war in the same area of Buenos Aires where the Nazi medical tools were discovered. El Haibe said there could be some link between Mengele and the recently discovered tools.

"There are strong coincidences of tools, practices, locations; we are investigating this hypothesis right now," he said. "But for sure this did not belong to a low-level Nazi follower. This belongs to a very high-level Nazi official who brought them to Argentina."

Argentina was a refuge for Nazis like Mengele after World War II. Adolf Eichmann was captured in the northern area of Buenos Aires in 1960, and another war criminal, Erich Priebke, also lived there.

A video about the Interpol evaluation, dubbed Operation Near East since many objects of Asian historical significance also were discovered during the raids earlier this month, was released Monday by the Argentine Federal Police.

The objects were found June 9 following a nine-month police investigation. They are in the custody of the justice who is tasked with investigating the find, who has put a gag order on most aspects of the case.

One suspect identified by the police is not in Argentina. There are Argentine and non-Argentine suspects being investigated, but no further details have been provided. Argentina has had an anti-discrimination law on the books since 1988 that covers the possession and sale of such objects.
JERUSALEM (JTA)-When the Islamic State claimed credit for an attack on Israeli soil for the first time Friday and vowed to strike again, the response here was not fear but incredulity.

Israeli officials generally dismissed the militant Islamist group's assertion that it was behind the shooting and stabbing in Jerusalem that left a 23-year-old policewoman dead along with her attackers.

Top U.S. experts on the group said the officials would be wise to think again.

"This is a pattern that we see. ISIS makes threats, very grandiose threats, accompanied by snuff videos and things of that nature,"Rukmini Callimachi, a New York Times reporter who monitors the group online, told JTA. "Reaction in the West is this is the talk of deranged people, it's all talk and no action, and then one by one, countries that have been called out have seen bloodshed on their soil."

Callimachi and other U.S. analysts warned that the Islamic State rarely bluffs about attacks. The group has long vowed to destroy the Jewish state, they said, and it may finally be following through.

The Islamic State, or ISIS, claimed responsibility soon after the attack, which involved a pair of coordinated assaults by three West Bank Palestinians in and around the Old City Friday night. Through its official online news agency, the Islamic State announced that "lions of the caliphate carried out a blessed attack on a gathering of Jews in al-Quds," referring to Jerusalem by its Arabic name. It warned the attack "will not be the last."

Hamas, the militant Islamist Palestinian group that controls the Gaza Strip, rejected the Islamic States's claim early Saturday morning, with a spokesman calling it an "attempt to muddy the waters." The attack was carried out by "two Palestinians from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and a third from Hamas," Sami Abou Zouhri said.

For their part Israeli officials, including in the Israel Security Agency, or Shin Bet, and Israel Defense Forces were unimpressed by either group's declarations They said the attackers appeared to have been part of a local cell with no organizational backing.

"As we understand it, there is no connection between ISIS or Hamas to what happened," a high-ranking military official told JTA Sunday on condition of anonymity. "We understand at the moment that it's a local initiative, a local terrorist cell, without any connection to any terrorist organization."

But Callimachi said it was unusual for the Islamic State to falsely claim an attack and it was unclear what the group would gain from doing so in Friday's attacks, which she described as "small potatoes." She noted that many attacks connected to the Islamic State are deemed initially to be the work of lone wolves, with evidence of ties to the group only emerging later, often too late to make headlines.

"Contrary to public perception, ISIS does not claim every attack," she said. "They actually have a very good track record-there are far more instances of attacks ISIS did but never claimed than the opposite.

"It doesn't make sense that they would want to [falsely] claim this small attack in a territory where they have already been accused of inspiring attacks at a time when they have had major attacks in places like Europe and Iran."

Callimachi also pointed out that the Islamic State has repeatedly threatened Israel, including in a December 2015 video believed to feature its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The group eventually followed through against other countries it menaced, she said, including the United Kingdom and Iran.

Local officials confirmed the group's claims of a car ramming and stabbing in London on June 3 that killed eight people and a shooting in Tehran on June 7 that killed 18, as well as of two deadly attacks in Britain earlier this year.

Following the Iran attack, Michael S. Smith II, an adviser on terrorism to the U.S. Congress, had predicted Israel would be next. Increased use of Hebrew on Islamic State communication channels hinted to him that something was afoot. With the group suffering military losses in Syria and Iraq, he said, targeting Israel is a good way to win recruits and distinguish itself from competitors.

Smith speculated that both Israeli and Hamas officials were hesitant to credit the Islamic State with the Jerusalem attack for fear of giving it a propaganda victory. He reasoned that neither party wants to see Hamas -- which Smith says ideologically "agrees with the Islamic State more than it disagrees"-face competition to take an even more violent approach to its conflict with Israel.

"I would suspect there's recognition that jumping to claim an attack was Islamic State would be strategically problematic," he told JTA. "Israel and Hamas leadership, although probably not coordinating their response, have similar sets of concerns here-namely that the dynamic becomes one where there is a need for more conflict to assert Palestinian leadership."

Current and former Israeli officials who work in counterterrorism acknowledged there is still much they do not know about Friday's attacks. But some voiced skepticism that the Islamic State could make inroads among the Palestinians, who have generally rejected the group's ideology. Even if it did, they suggested the group would not significantly alter Israel's already challenging security reality.

Islamic State affiliates have claimed rocket fire into Israel, and officials deemed at least two terrorist attacks in the country last year to have been inspired by the group. Yet Palestinian violence against Israel and Zionism long predates the Islamic State, and large numbers of Palestinian youths have been launching lone wolf attacks against Israelis since October 2015, moved by personal and political frustrations.

Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz said Monday that while Israel had no evidence the Jerusalem attackers were linked to any organization, it takes the Islamic State threat "very seriously" and allocates "significant resources" to thwarting attacks at home and abroad. He said Israel is at less risk from the Islamic State than other countries in part because of its well-established defenses and policy of deterrence.

"As far as terror in general is concerned, we feel that Israel is better organized to deal with it as a result of experience and creativity and innovation, in terms of relevant legislation, which is very important, and also in terms of public awareness and fast response by military, police and armed civilians with military experience," Katz told JTA in an email exchange. "Although even with all that, we are unfortunately unable to completely prevent attacks like the one in Jerusalem, which took once again the life of a young policewoman."

Asked if Israel should be more concerned about the Islamic State, Amos Yadlin, a retired major general who served as Israel's chief of military intelligence, reiterated his oft-stated view that the group is "not a critical threat." The second intifada, a bloody Palestinian uprising between 2000 and 2005, taught the country how to handle terrorism, he said, leaving him to worry about other security challenges in his current role as head of the head of the influential Institute for National Security Studies think tank.

"With all due respect, we face much bigger concerns than some stabbings," Yadlin told JTA, pointing especially to Iran and its patron in Lebanon, the Shiite Islamist militant group Hezbollah. "The rest of the world is already fighting ISIS, but with these other terrorists we're alone."
Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Stephen M. Greenberg, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, wrote to the parents of the late Otto Warmbier, who tragically died shortly after being returned to the U.S following an extended period of incarceration in the notorious North Korean jails.

In their letter to the Warmbiers, the leaders said "We want you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The government of North Korea must be held to account. Their record of massive violations of human rights and the notoriously inhumane nature of their prisons underscore the need to hold them to account. We pray that you and your family will be comforted by the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and know of no further sorrow."

Warmbier, whose mother is Jewish, became active in the Hillel after a Birthright trip to Israel, during which he received a Hebrew name.

Warmbier's family kept his Jewish faith a secret so officials could negotiate his release from North Korea, according to an official who negotiated the student's release.

The official said North Korea justified Warmbier's imprisonment based on the regime's claim that the Friendship United Methodist Church in Wyoming, Ohio, ordered him to steal a propaganda poster, and those working for his release did not want to undermine the claim and hurt negotiations, the Times of Israel reported.

"We didn't want to share it," said Mickey Bergman, who worked on negotiations for Warmbier's release, referring to Warmbier's faith. "The family chose, rightfully so, not to share that information while he was in captivity... because they didn't want to embarrass [North Korea] by explaining that he actually was Jewish" and not affiliated with the Friendship United Methodist Church.

"That's why that part of the story was kept quiet," added Bergman, who is executive director of The Richardson Center-an organization that works to negotiate for people who are held prisoner or hostage by hostile regimes.

Warmbier was remembered by friends and loved ones at a public memorial officiated by his college Hillel rabbi.

Rabbi Jake Rubin, executive director of the Brody Jewish Center at the University of Virginia, called Warmbier "one of the most intellectually curious people I've ever met" during the service held June 22 at Wyoming High School near Cincinnati, The Associated Press reported.

Some 2,000 people attended the public service at the high school and more mourners lined the street. U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican from the Cincinnati area, told reporters outside that North Korea must be held accountable for Warmbier's detention and death.

"This college kid never should have been detained in the first place," said Portman, who met secretly with North Korean officials in New York last December to press for Warmbier's release. He said North Korea's treatment of Warmbier demonstrated "a basic disregard for human rights, for human dignity."

Warmbier traveled to North Korea for a five-day New Year's tour of the country organized by Young Pioneer Tours. Ten other U.S. citizens were in his tour group. During his stay at the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang, Warmbier allegedly tried to steal a propaganda sign from a staff-only floor of the hotel, supposedly as a souvenir.

A video purporting to show the theft was released by state-run Korean Central News Agency on March 18, 2016. In the 18-second low-resolution video, an unrecognizable figure removes the sign from the wall and places it on the floor, leaning it against the wall. This action is shown twice, followed by a higher-resolution picture of the sign on the wall. The face of the person removing the poster is not visible during the video clip.

Two months after his imprisonment, Warmbier suffered severe neurological injury from an unknown cause. North Korean authorities said Warmbier's coma was a result of botulism and a sleeping pill, although U.S. physicians found no evidence of botulism. The United States made diplomatic efforts to seek Warmbier's release, and Warmbier was released in June 2017, after nearly 18 months in captivity. Warmbier arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 13 and was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for immediate evaluation and treatment.

Warmbier died on June 19, 2017, six days after his return to the United States. Some U.S. officials blamed North Korea for his death.
Jeremy Corbyn, left, speaking to faith leaders at the Finsbury Park Mosque on June 19, 2017, after worshippers were struck by a hired van as they were leaving following Ramadan prayers.

(JTA)-Nearly 50 years after she left her native South Africa for Britain to escape apartheid, Sharon Klaff again is finding herself unable to imagine a future for her family in her country and society because of racism.

And this time, the problem is hitting nearer to home, said Klaff, 69, a yoga teacher and Jewish mother of two.

Troubled by the Labour Party's recent electoral successes despite its perceived failure to tackle anti-Semitic vitriol in its ranks, Klaff felt even more concerned Sunday when London Mayor Sadiq Khan-a Muslim Labour politician who on his first day in office reached out to the city's Jews-allowed hundreds of protesters to march Sunday at an anti-Israel event with flags of the Hezbollah terrorist group.

"There probably isn't a place for me here as a Jew," Klaff, who attended an unauthorized counterprotest against the annual Al-Quds march, told JTA. "And I'm kind of wondering where's the place of anyone who belongs to Western, democratic civilization."

In the Jewish media, few spoke out quite as pessimistically as Klaff about the march or Labour's performance in the June 8 general elections, when the party gained 29 seats rather than suffer the collapse anticipated by critics of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

But amid record levels of anti-Semitic hate crimes, these events nonetheless compounded for many British Jews a growing sense of isolation and the polarizing effects of terrorism on a society that already was struggling with its impending divorce from the European Union.

Corbyn, a far-left politician, ascended to leadership of Labour in 2015. Last year a parliamentary committee of inquiry determined he was not doing enough to curb the growing prevalence of anti-Semitic hate speech in his party.

The previous year, Corbyn attended a memorial ceremony for Palestinian terrorists who were killed by Israel before the initiation of peace talks. And in 2009, Corbyn described during a speech in parliament both Hamas and Hezbollah as organizations "dedicated towards the good of the Palestinian people and bringing about peace and social justice and political justice." Corbyn last year said he regretted calling the militants his "friends" in the same speech.

The British media gave unprecedented coverage to Labour's anti-Semitism problem under Corbyn. Critics say he has failed not only to prevent hate speech against Jews and Israel in his party's ranks, but also to punish anyone responsible for it.

A record high 1,309 anti-Semitic incidents in 2016 and growing anger over Islamist terrorism further highlighted the party's perceived failures.

Subsequently, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Jonathan Arkush, in an unusual statement for his nonpartisan group said last year, "Frankly, most people in the Jewish community can't trust Labour."

The rare rebuke was cited frequently by pundits who said Corbyn's Labour was unlikely to threaten the ruling Conservative Party headed by Theresa May, who called an early election. May was seeking a public reaffirmation of her leadership after replacing David Cameron as prime minister; he resigned after a majority of voters supported leaving the European Union.

Her gambit backfired spectacularly. May lost her party's absolute majority in parliament, forcing it to form a coalition with a smaller party from Northern Ireland and handing Corbyn an important success that shocked British Jews.

Prior to the election, 77 percent of Jewish voters said they supported May's Conservatives and only 13 percent backed Labour.

"We were unable to stop anti-Semitic politics being normalized on the left and we were unable to stop it from moving into the mainstream," David Hirsh, a British Jewish columnist and prominent sociologist at the University of London, wrote in a column in The Jewish Chronicle titled "Antisemitic Politics is the New Normal."

To Klaff, "Corbyn's success, the acceptance of Hezbollah flags on the streets of London, it's the culmination of something that I first started noticing about seven years ago, I guess, that is making me feel increasingly uncomfortable in the United Kingdom."

She cited a conversation that she had recently with a yoga student of hers, a housing union activist in his 20s who supported Corbyn.

"I told him that Corbyn is responsible for anti-Semitism. He wasn't interested," Klaff recalled.

Corbyn did not participate in the Al-Quds march over the weekend. But he had attended several previous events, including in 2012 when he was photographed smiling in front of a Hezbollah flag held by an Al-Quds marcher. The photographer who took the picture said Corbyn may have not been aware of the flag in the background.

At Sunday's event, organizers instructed participants to say they support Hezbollah's political wing but not its military one. The distinction is rejected by Hezbollah itself, although the European Union in 2013 classified only the armed wing as a terrorist group.

In 2002, Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, said Israel's creation was the expression of Allah's will to "gather the Jews in one place" for "the final and decisive battle."

The United States, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands and several other countries regard all of Hezbollah's organs as belonging to the same terrorist entity.

The refusal by police and the City of London to ban the march, and their action against counterprotesters, drew harsh condemnations by critics from the Jewish community in an apparent reflection of growing exasperation.

Hezbollah "seeks the genocide of Jews worldwide," Gideon Falter, chairman of the Campaign Against Antisemitism watchdog, wrote in a scathing statement. "As Britain mourns those we have so recently lost to Islamist terrorism," he added, police "permitted Hezbollah supporters to mount a show of force through the heart of London. This is the reality of the supposed crackdown on extremism and terrorism."

Jack Mendel, a journalist who covered the march for the Jewish News of London, made light of the situation on Twitter, where he wrote about a photo he took of three marchers draped in Hezbollah's flag.

"Awkward! Three people came in the same terror flag," he wrote.

Mendel also noted in a column published Monday that whereas police ignored the flags, one officer advised him to be careful not to hurt his toes after noticing Mendel was wearing flip-flops.

"There's a certain sense of helplessness when Hezbollah's terror flags fly in my city, and police are more concerned with my well-being," Mendel wrote.
Sharon F. Weil has been hired as the new director of Programming and Development at the Kinneret Council on Aging. She follows Leslie Collin who led Kinneret for 10 years from 2007 to 2017. Weil will be responsible for creating in-house events and developing community outreach programs as well as Kinneret's yearly Health Expo and 8 over 80 fundraising event. In addition, she will be responsible for overseeing the onsite food pantry and daily continental breakfasts.

"I am really excited to be working with such an incredibly warm and professional lay leadership at KCOA," said Weil. "There is a lot of opportunity at this time in KCOA's history and I am looking forward to partnering with all relevant parties in our community to advance our mission... together."

KCOA provides low-income elderly families, and elderly individuals, on a nonprofit basis, rental housing and related facilities and services, especially designed to meet the physical, social, and psychological needs of the aged, as well as contribute to their health, security, happiness and usefulness in longer living.

"The Kinneret Board is very excited to welcome Sharon as our new director of Programing and Development," said Carol Feuerman, KCOA Board president. "With her wonderful enthusiasm and extremely positive attitude, we know that she will enrich the lives of our residents. In addition, her diverse background will enable KCOA to continue providing all the programming and services that are the basis for our mission. We all look forward to working with Sharon as we move forward in our new chapter!"

Weil is no stranger to the Jewish community. Before relocating to Orlando four years ago with her three children and husband, Aaron, who is the executive director and CEO of Central Florida Hillel, she ran the annual fundraiser for Hillel in Pittsburgh which was the largest fundraiser in the Pittsburgh Jewish community in terms of attendees and dollars raised. Prior to event management for Hillel in Pittsburgh, Weil ran her own professional organizing business where she assisted clients in the organization of their homes and/or small office operations, and created "a safe place" for individual clients to go through the emotional process of transitioning and separating from their accumulated life "clutter."

Prior to that, Weil lived in Israel for a decade with her family where she worked in the high-tech sector organizing international trade shows on three continents. She has a BA in social work with a minor in business administration from The University of Maryland where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1991.

History and background of KCOA

Constructed between 1968 and 1972, the Kinneret Apartments provide housing for over 300 seniors with very-low to low income. The apartments were built with federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) spearheaded by leading members of the Jewish community. One bedroom and efficiency apartments are available and include appliances, air conditioning and 24-hour security. The cost of utilities is included except telephone and cable. Specific eligibility requirements for Kinneret I and Kinneret II are covered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Later formed as a separate 501C3 nonprofit organization in 1985, the Kinneret Council on Aging (KCOA) is specifically tasked with funding and supporting the supportive services for the residents of the Kinneret Apartments. KCOA provides, oversees and manages the apartments' independent living community lifestyle, with amenities, social activities, and programming. Kinneret offers an extensive lineup of ongoing programs aimed at enhancing residents' quality of life. These include onsite weekly exercise classes, cultural activities and holiday celebrations. Excursions include trips to Publix, Walmart and area restaurants and an optional meal delivery program is offered during the week for a nominal fee. KCOA is continually looking to better serve the need of the diverse, resident population.

While Kinneret was founded on Jewish traditions and values, all programs and services are provided to our low-income residents on a not-for-profit and non-discriminatory basis. Kinneret residents are low-income seniors from all backgrounds, all walks of life and who have limited resources beyond their ability to pay rent. No other federally or community-funded housing facility in Central Florida can boast the array of services that are available to the residents at Kinneret.
(JNS.org) Students from San Francisco State University and members of the local Jewish community filed a lawsuit this week, asserting the university has an extensive history of fomenting discrimination against Jewish students.

The suit alleges that SFSU and its administrators knowingly fostered this [anti-Semitic] discrimination and hostile environment, which has been marked by violent threats to the safety of Jewish students on campus.

The California school embraced and systematically supported anti-Jewish hostility, with its support of student groups that target, threaten and intimidate Jewish students, depriving them of their civil rights, according to the suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The non-profit organization, The Lawfare Project, and the law firm Winston & Strawn LLP are representing the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs present an extensive list of incidents, dating back to 1994, in which Jewish SFSU students were discriminated against, including the hostile disruption of an April 2016 speech by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, which instigated the lawsuit.

At that event, Jewish students were subjected to genocidal chants by a furious mob and physically threatened. The lawsuit also alleges that campus police present at the event did not intervene despite the obvious threats to the safety of Jewish students.

These defendants seem to believe that they are above the law, that discrimination against Jews is entirely acceptable, stated Amanda Berman, The Lawfare Projects Director of Legal Affairs. It is time for profound institutional change at SFSU... Jewish victims of this pervasively hostile environment have been left with no choice but to ask a federal court to compel it.
PJ Library books are sent free to children ages 6 months to 8 years. In Orlando, 540 families receive the books.

A popular Jewish children's book program is helping to preserve the richness and vibrancy of Jewish culture, one book at a time.

PJ Library, the flagship program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, delivers more than 170,000 free Jewish children's books and music CDs throughout the United States and Canada each month. That subscriber base includes 540 families in Central Florida, where PJ Library is administered by the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando.

Books are sent to children ages 6 months to 8 years, with each subscriber receiving a title carefully selected for high-quality content and age-level appropriateness.

A newly released national survey found that Orlando families who participate in the PJ Library program say it has influenced or supported how they talk about and practice Jewish traditions in their home. Ninety-eight percent of local survey respondents say PJ Library helps them have conversations about Jewish traditions, values and customs with their children.

PJ Library's Triennial Family Survey, which was released Tuesday, found that the program plays an important role in the lives of Jewish families regardless of background. However, it is also more likely to influence interfaith families than inmarried families when it comes to celebrating Jewish holidays and learning more about Judaism. In fact, in Greater Orlando 100 percent of interfaith families who responded say PJ Library has increased their confidence to engage their children around Jewish traditions, values and customs.

"Working to preserve a strong Jewish community for future generations is at the heart of everything we do at the Foundation and through PJ Library," said Harold Grinspoon, the founder of PJ Library. "Books are a natural way to invite people into a global community and to pass values and traditions on to the next generation, ensuring our children and their children grow up connected to their Jewish heritage."

To ensure that parents are equipped to talk with their children about Jewish values and traditions, PJ Library includes information for parents on the inside flaps of each book, and provides tips and resources on its blog. This approach has resonated with parents, with 91 percent of Orlando respondents calling the program a valuable parenting tool and 92 percent saying it has helped them think about the kind of Jewish practice they want to have in their home.

In addition to creating connections between families, PJ Library is fostering meaningful communal ties in Orlando.

"By nearly every measure, PJ Library has been a valuable engagement tool for our community," said Jennifer Cohen, the Federation's Director of Outreach and Engagement, who coordinates the program locally. "It was especially heartening to see that 78 percent of the Orlando survey respondents are interested in getting more connected to local Jewish activities, organizations and people as a direct result of their positive PJ Library experiences."

Through its PJ Library/Shalom Families program, the Federation gives PJ Library participants the opportunity to connect with other young families through regular community events, many of which incorporate a PJ Library story, character or value into the theme. The most recent was a Tikkun Olam Park Cleanup Day on Sunday at Fort Mellon Park in Sanford.

The Jewish Federation's PJ Library/Shalom Families events bring young families together for uniquely Jewish experiences. Many of the programs incorporate a lesson, story or character from PJ Library books.

Under Cohen's leadership, community engagement among young Jewish families has thrived, with many recent events filled to capacity.

Clearly, Cohen says, PJ Library is about much more than books.

"We're providing our young families with the Jewish experience, which is at the heart of the Federation's mission," Cohen says.

The survey found that in Orlando, 94 percent of people who attended a PJ Library/Shalom Families program were "very likely" to recommend them to a friend or family member, far outpacing the national average of 77 percent for similar-size communities.

"We love welcoming 'first-timers' to Federation community events-48 new families so far this year," Cohen says. "They enjoy the experience so much that they come back-and they bring their friends. That's how a community grows, and we're so glad to have PJ Library as a tool to spur that growth."

Parents of children 6 months to 8 years old can request a PJ Library subscription at http://www.pjlibrary.org.
Netanyahus office defends vote to freeze Western Wall agreement

JERUSALEM (JTA)The Prime Ministers Office in Israel said it was working to ensure that Jews of all streams can feel comfortable praying at the Western Wall after the Cabinet voted to freeze an agreement that would have made a permanent space there for women and men to pray as they wish.

Non-Orthodox and feminist groups in Israel and the Diaspora reacted with outrage Sunday at the news that the government had suspended the 17-month-old agreement under pressure from haredi Orthodox interests.

Cabinet Secretary Tzachi Braverman said in a statement Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had issued directives instructing that work be expedited to create a comfortable egalitarian section to the south of the Western Wall plaza. A small prayer area near that site, known as Robinsons Arch, has been in use since 2000.

Braverman said Netanyahu had issued a directive that Jews from all streams be able to continue praying thereas they are able to do today.

Braverman also said that Netanyahu instructed him and fellow minister Tzachi Hanegbi to continue dialogue in order to try and reach a solution.

It is important to Prime Minister Netanyahu that every Jew is able to pray at the Western Wall, Braverman said in the statement, adding: I recommend that those trying to exploit this issue be precise with the facts.

Leaders of Diaspora Jewry and the Women of the Wall group originally sought a space at the familiar Western Wall plaza to the north of Robinsons Arch where women and men could pray together and women could wear tallitot and yarmulkes and pray from a Torah scroll. The January 2016 compromise called for a larger and more permanent prayer space to the south of the plaza, a single entrance to the entire Western Wall complex, a pluralistic joint committee to oversee the southern area and a budget to pay for it.

Following Sundays announcement of the Cabinet vote to freeze the compromise, its proponents issued statements criticizing Netanyahu for reneging on his commitments. They are unlikely to be assuaged by Bravermans terse defense of the status quo.

Freezing the compromise only deepens the already accelerating divide between Diaspora Jews and Israel, precisely at a time when Jewish unity has never been more important, Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York, said in a statement Monday. We call on the government to immediately restore and move ahead with the Kotel agreementa rare, unified compromise between all denominations that would be a landmark achievement for all Jews.

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, the head of the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party and one of two Cabinet members to vote against the decision to freeze the agreement with liberal groups, said in a statement that it constitutes a severe blow to the unity of the Jewish people, Jewish communities, and the fabric of relations between the State of Israel and the Jews of the Diaspora.

Liberman said at the beginning of his party factions meeting Monday that he would not bring down the government over the issue, however, but work to come to a compromise.

Yair Lapid, head of the opposition Yesh Atid party, spoke in English at the beginning of his partys faction meeting in order to reach the Jewish Diaspora, particularly U.S. Jews, he said.

I want to tell you that the vast majority of the citizens of Israel oppose the two decisions taken yesterday by the government, he said, referring to the Western Wall decision and a separate conversion bill that would solidify conversions in Israel under the authority of the haredi-dominated Chief Rabbinate.

Do not give up on us. We have no intention of giving up on you. We are one people. It might take time. It might take elections. But in a democracy the majority decides and the majority in Israel want us to be one nation.

He also said, We will fight this together until these two decisions are canceled.

Sephardi Orthodox Shas Party leader Arye Deri, who opposes the Western Wall compromise, said during his partys meeting that dividing the Western Wall destroys Jewish unity.

He added: Every Jew in the world, and non-Jews, can come pray there.

We have nothing against Jews, in any place they may be. They are all our brothers. Our fight is against the approach, this ideology which is attempting to bring a new Judaism here, is trying to destroy everything that we built here over the years.

Ban on Jewish Pride flags at gay march called unbridled hypocrisy

(JTA)Jewish groups denounced the banning of Jewish Pride flags at a march in Chicago celebrating the lesbian community and called for an apology.

Organizers of the 21st annual Chicago Dyke March told the three women asked to leave the march that the rainbow flags with a white Star of David in the center would be a trigger, or traumatic stimulus, for people who found them offensive.

A Dyke March collective member told the Windy City Times that the women were told to leave because the flags made people feel unsafe, and that Sundays march was anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian.

The Anti-Defamation League said in a statement Monday that march organizers should apologize to the women for what it described as an outrageous action.

The community of LGBTQ supporters is diverse and that is part of its tremendous strength, said Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADLs CEO. Both the act and the explanation were anti-Semitic, plain and simple. We stand with A Wider Bridge and others in demanding an apology. We appreciate the Human Rights Campaigns support and we call on other leaders from LGBTQ and progressive communities to join us in condemning this exclusion.

The Human Rights Campaign, which calls itself the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization with 1.5 million members, tweeted its support for the women.

Marches should be safe spaces to celebrate our diversity and our pride. This is not right, the group wrote.

The Chicago Dyke march in a statement issued late Sunday said that Palestinian and Jewish anti-Zionist marchers approached the women and expressed concern about the flags since they are visually reminiscent of the Israeli flag due to the placement of the Star of David in the middle, and because such flags are widely used in pinkwashing efforts.

The women were asked to leave, according to the statement, after they began defending the state of Israel and Zionism as a whole. The statement continued: It became clear that the political position of the marchers was at odds with the anti-racist and anti-Zionist ethos of Dyke march Chicago.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights NGO, also denounced the banning of the Jewish Pride flags, saying it brings disgrace to a movement that is dedicated to equal rights for all.

Equal rights that is except for Jews who dare to celebrate their ties to their people and the Jewish homeland, Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the center, said in a statement.

He added: The unbridled hypocrisy and anti-Semitism of these campaigners degrades the cause for equality for all in our society and for LGBTQ rights around the world.

The Chicago Jewish Voice for Peace, which backs the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, offered its support to march organizers, retweeting its statement that We stand 100% w @DykeMarchChi more coming, heres partial teaser: @AWiderBridge whose staffer was asked 2 leave partners w Israeli military!

U of Delaware lecturer loses job for saying Otto Warmbier got what he deserved

(JTA)An adjunct professor at the University of Delaware who said American Jewish college student Otto Warmbier got exactly what he deserved will not be rehired to teach at the university.

Katherine Dettwyler, who teaches anthropology, criticized Warmbier on social media and in the comments section of an article published on the National Review website.

The University of Delaware has announced that Katherine Dettwyler, who last taught in the spring as an adjunct faculty member, will not be rehired to teach at the University in the future, the school announced Sunday in a statement, the Delaware News Journal reported.

The announcement came days after the university issued a statement denouncing her remarks.

Is it wrong of me to think that Otto Warmbier got exactly what he deserved, Dettwyler said in a post on her Facebook page, according to reports and screenshots of the page, which can no longer be accessed online.

Warmbier was detained in North Korea for over a year and died shortly after returning home in a coma. North Korea has denied that Warmbier was mistreated while in custody after being sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for stealing a propaganda poster on what North Korea claimed were orders from an Ohio Methodist church.

These are the same kids who cry about their grades because they didnt think theyd really have to read and study the material to get a good grade ... His parents ultimately are to blame for his growing up thinking he could get away with whatever he wanted. Maybe in the US, where young, white, rich, clueless white males routinely get away with raping women. Not so much in North Korea.

She also posted that Warmbier behaved like a spoiled, naive, arrogant U.S. college student who never had to face the consequences of his actions while he was in North Korea.

Throughout negotiations to return Warmbier home, the family did not disclose that he was Jewish so as not to antagonize North Korea, which believed he was affiliated with the church.

Sheldon Adelson questioned for second time in corruption case against Netanyahu

JERUSALEM (JTA)American Jewish billionaire philanthropist Sheldon Adelson was questioned by Israeli police for a second time in a corruption investigation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Adelson met Monday with investigators from the serious crime investigative unit. His wife, Miriam, also was scheduled to meet with investigators.

Police have assured the Adelsons that they are not suspects in the investigation, known as Case 2000. Adelson first met with investigators in May when he and his wife visited Israel in connection with President Donald Trumps visit.

On Sunday night, the couple attended a Birthright Israel event marking the projects 600,000th participant.

Adelson, a casino magnate, is the owner of the pro-Netanyahu daily newspaper Israel Hayom, which is distributed for free. Part of the investigation includes accusations that Netanyahu and Arnon Mozes, publisher of the daily Yediot Acharanot, discussed a deal in which Netanyahu would receive favorable coverage in Yediot in exchange for legislation that would cut into the circulation of Adelsons paper.

In recordings obtained by police of Netanyahu and Mozes discussing such a deal, they referred to Adelson as the gingy, or redhead. Investigators reportedly have asked if Adelson was aware of the deal. Reports following the first round of questioning said that Adelson was not made aware of the deal by Netanyahu.

Miriam Adelson reportedly deals with the couples Israeli affairs, including the newspaper. The Adelsons and Netanyahus are considered to be close friends.

Jewish Agency, Reform movement cancel meetings with Netanyahu following Western Wall decision

JERUSALEM (JTA)The Jewish Agencys board of governors canceled a scheduled dinner with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the Israeli government decided to freeze a plan to create an egalitarian prayer section at the Western Wall.

Also Monday, the heads of the Reform movement in the United States and Israel said they would cancel a meeting with the prime minister scheduled for Thursday in the wake of the decision. The meeting had been arranged several weeks ago.

The Jewish Agency announced the cancellation on Monday, the day of the dinner. The statement also said the group would change its entire agenda for the remaining two days of its meetings in Jerusalem in order to address the ramifications of these decisions.

A Knesset ceremony Monday to kick off the board of governors meeting also was canceled.

The Jewish Agency also announced that it had unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the Israeli government to reverse its decision to suspend the deal and a separate decision to advance a bill that would only recognize conversions completed under the auspices of the haredi Orthodox-dominated Chief Rabbinate.

The resolution said the proposed conversion bill has the devastating potential to permanently exclude hundreds of thousands of Israelis from being a part of the Jewish people. It also said the board deplores the decision to freeze the Western Wall agreement intended to establish the Kotel as a unifying symbol for Jews around the world, as stated: One Wall for One People.

The Government of Israels decisions have a deep potential to divide the Jewish people and to undermine the Zionist vision and dream of Herzl, Ben-Gurion, and Jabotinsky to establish Israel as a national home for the entire Jewish people, the resolution also said.

The Jewish Agencys newly installed board of governors chairman, Michael Siegal, told Haaretz on Monday that his agency would re-evaluate its relationship with the Israeli government.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, explained in a statement that his movement had been deeply encouraged 18 months ago when Netanyahu and his Cabinet, over the objection of haredi Orthodox parties, had passed an agreement that was negotiated by the Reform and Conservative movements, Women of the Wall, the Jewish Agency and the Israeli government.

Jacobs said Netanyahu rescinded the agreement without discussion with North American leaders.

The decision cannot be seen as anything other than a betrayal, and I see no point to a meeting at this time, Jacobs said. After yesterdays shameful decisions, we feel that at this moment, after more than four years of negotiations, it is not clear that the current Israeli government honors its agreements.

The agreement would have doubled to nearly 10,000 square feethalf the size of the Orthodox main section just to its northa section where men and women could pray together on the western side of the Temple Mount. A committee of non-Orthodox leaders and government officials was to manage the non-Orthodox section, and a single entrance was to lead to both sections.
For me, the main takeaway from the British election June 8 was that Jeremy Corbyn, the far-left leader of the opposition Labour party, didnt win it.

Most of the ridicule in the wake of the election has been aimed at Conservative party Prime Minister Theresa May, for her political error worthy of an Elizabethan farcecalling an election with the aim of increasing her majority, only to end up needing the votes of a right-wing Unionist party in Northern Ireland in order to form a government.

The scorn heaped on May by most of the British media has been matched with fulsome praise tossed in Corbyns direction. Since Labour, under his leadership, had been tipped for electoral annihilation, the fact that he received a respectable portion of the vote was heralded as if hed actually won the thing.

For Labour, the last decade has mirrored its experience in the 1980s. Back thenat a time when there was no Twitter universe for left-wing activists to counter the invective directed at the party from right-wing tabloid newspapersLabour, with its myriad far-left factions, became an electoral wreck.

Towards the end of the Margaret Thatcher era, a Labour leader named Neil Kinnock brought the party guardedly back into the mainstream. But Labour didnt win an election for nearly 20 years until Tony Blair won handsomely in 1997and that fact, more than any other, continues to nag at Corbyn and his acolytes, who dream of a reinvented party firmly on the socialist left.

Corbyn came out of the 2017 election more than 60 seats short of a working parliamentary majority. To my mind, for him to win an election remains a tall order. If theres another one soon, hell have to mobilize the youth vote all over againmuch easier said than doneand hell need to pray for another benevolent news cycle in which all the focus is on the errors and slips of his opponent.

If theres another election much later, he will still need to deal with the ironclad doubts a majority of British voters retain about his suitability to lead their country.

One of the most troubling spectacles of Corbyns tenure has, of course, been the numerous anti-Semitism scandals plaguing the party, often involving key Labour figureslike former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who remains discreetly suspended, rather than expelled, for telling open lies about Adolf Hitlers alleged support for Zionism. There is, therefore, a whiff of schadenfreude in the air when you realize that had Corbyn taken the issue of anti-Semitism seriously, had he not embraced friends like Hamas and Hezbollah, he might have been in a position to make Theresa Mays attempts to form a governing coalition nearly impossible.

In four districts in northern London, all with significant Jewish populations, the overall swing to Labour in the city wasnt enough to overcome to overcome the Conservative candidates. At least two of the defeated Labour candidates said afterwards that the partys electoral fortunes in these London constituencies had been damaged by the anti-Semitism scandals. But had Labour won these four parliamentary seatsand it came agonizingly close to doing soMay would have been forced to turn to hostile opposition parties to form a government. Had that happened, she would likely have failed.

Yet Labour remains a force in British politics, and I modestly hope British Jews wont give up on the party. One lesson the party can take from its 2017 experience at the polls is that winning elections is possibleif certain aspects are appropriately tweaked. Whether those Labour figures who still have some influence within the party, and some distance from Corbyn, can persuade the members that a leadership change should be one of those aspects doesnt strike me as hugely viable.

But British Jews can play a role in ensuring the party isnt entirely hijacked by the far left, which regards BDS as an article of faith and dismisses any charge of anti-Semitism as a Mossad-directed smear campaign. Jews certainly have Labour alliesboth established ones, like John Mann, a parliamentarian who has diligently combated anti-Semitism for more than a decade, and new ones, like London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

This week, Khan told a Jewish gathering in London what they had been waiting to hear from a Labour politician for many months. The Labour must rebuild trust with you, the Jewish communityit cant be acceptable that there is any community that feels the Labour party is not on their side, he said.

There was another remark from Khan that caught my eye: There is no hierarchy in racism. Racism is racism. That is an exquisitely bold statement for someone to make in the age ofintersectionalitywhich argues there is, in fact, a hierarchy in racism, and that Jews are very low down on itand it is also a message Labour needs to absorb.

Khans challenge to his party on the anti-Semitism issue is particularly significant during a week when even liberals in America are cooing on their admiration for Corbynand this should be borne in mind by those tempted to side with President Donald Trump in his bizarre Twitter campaign against the London mayor. Friends can be found where you least expect them, after all.

Ben Cohen writes a weekly column for JNS.org on Jewish affairs and Middle Eastern politics. His writings have been published in Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, The Wall Street Journal and many other publications.
In the fabulous opening of Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye engages in a uniquely Jewish argument: taking two dissenting opinions and agreeing that they are both right. This is possible because of Talmudic study; an exercise in which only Jews can engage and whose twisted logic all Jews are born to innately understand.

Jews are used to debate. Debating (okayarguing) is built into our DNA. We will argue over the best bagels, the age of the universe and the best shortstop the Yankees ever had. The best of friends can go toe to toe with rising decibels, quickly de-escalate and have a cup of coffee to decry (together) the state of the world.

But something has changed. It has come upon us rapidly and almost without warning. The ability for people to discourse politely and agree to disagree has become a contact sport. Civility has taken a vacation. It erupted violently during the political campaign of 2016. Ohit was there already, under the surface, but there.

Reaction to the campaign tactics of Donald Trump did not in and of itself turn the conversation ugly and confrontational. But it sure helped.

Id punch him in the face. Get him out of here. Lock her up. Given permission like that, the emotions come out of hiding in full force. Not that our president was alone in this, certainly he did not start it, but when a candidate for the highest office in the land gives a nod/nod wink/wink to coarse speech and behavior it has a wave effect.

In the 1960s on the left, the SDS (Students for a Democratic Society) fomented riots on campuses across the country. They were radicals demanding changes on campus and in society. Many of their goals were lofty but their tactics were similar to early Nazism.

Their most public and radical acts took place at the University of California, Berkleya campus uniquely dedicated to dissent and disruption. They were part of a wave of disruption and disgust at our entry and tactics in Viet Nam, and the fact that their age group was being sent to die in a war that presented no clear and present danger to the United States.

Times change. The Alt-Right has taken full advantage of the new media available to become a rising presence in our society. In the past 18 months they have become more and more visible and their rhetoric more inciting and dangerous.

The backlash from the Left however is no less inciting or less dangerous. Not to let a speaker appear because you do not agree with their line of reasoning or political preferences is no reason to threaten violence and death if they appear where they were invited. You dont like what Ann Coulter says or the way she says it? Dont go to the event. And if you do go, act respectful and have your own questions ready.

The protestors who prevented the Secretary of Education from entering a public school in Washington, D.C., may have been right in their argument but dead wrong in their tactic. The graduates who walked out at Notre Dame on Vice President Pence were just as wrong.

If we cannot dialogue, if we cannot peacefully agree to disagree, the whole American experiment goes down the drain. If we cannot listen to people with whom we disagree or whose ideas we disrespect, we are no longer who we claim to be.

There are exceptions. Israel has no reason to sit down with people whose entire goal in life is to see that the Jewish Homeland, along with all Jews, will no longer exist. The entire BDS movement or the organization calling itself Jewish Voice for Peace are not worthy of dialogue. Their money comes from States and organizations that want to see the end of the Jewish State and then the end of the Jewish World.

In the United Nations seldom anything good transpires. Some years ago I had a client in the ad business whose product was an ideal promotional and fund raising item for the U.N. After some research I located the proper department and the proper person therein. The meeting with me, my client and three officials was a real eye opener. The entire discussion centered on Whats in it for us? Stated almost that blatantly. I learned a really good lesson that day.

The U.N. is corrupt. Decisions are based on moneymuch of it under the table. Thank God for one of the things this administration did right. Its name is Nikki Haley. Despite her best efforts, they will never be friendly or even fair to Israel. That is not the place to look for a just solution to any Mideast problems.

So, when it comes to the Alt-Right, a purely White Supremicist Group or to finding a partner to discuss any solution to the so-called Israel-Palestinian problem, Tevye would wrestle with a solution and finally, in exasperationlift his hands over his head and exclaim: There is no other hand!
The Israeli authorities last week confiscated two tractors, a hydraulic excavator and other equipment used by Palestinians to carry out illegal quarrying that has been damaging a rare nature reserve in the Judean Desert.

If major American newspapers reported the story, the headline would probably read: Israel Confiscates Palestinians Tractors.

I say if, because theres really not much chance The New York Times or Washington Post would ever cover a story that reflects badly on the Palestinian cause. That would undermine their drive to promote the creation of a Palestinian state.

The Palestinians have been carrying out quarrying activities in the area for several years, and have significantly increased the quarrying over the past few months, especially in the upper part of Darga ravine, a seasonal stream that runs from the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, Israel Hayom reported. The extensive quarrying has been systematically destroying the ecosystem in the rare nature reserve...

According to Marco Ben-Shabbat, head of the Israeli Civil Administrations inspection unit, the Palestinians simply go from one place to the next in search of places to dig up. Its unthinkable that a place that has been uninterrupted for 2,000 years was harmed in this way in a matter of a month. Ben-Shabbat said he had contacted the Palestinian Authority in an effort to have it prevent the damage to the nature reserve without Israeli intervention, but to no avail.

All this illegal quarrying also happens to be a blatant violation of the Oslo accords, which forbid any such activity without Israeli consent. But since the news media and the international community routinely ignore the many other Palestinian violations of the accords, why would they speak up about this one?

Last October, Haaretz correspondent Zafrir Rinat revealed that sewage from West Bank areas administered by the Palestinian Authority has been polluting streams inside Israel for years... Last week the problem led for the first time to a beach being closed in the Netanya area, near the mouth of the Alexander River.

And the Beit Yannai beach was not the only victim of the sewage from the Nablus-area olive oil factories, according to Rinat: The Nature Authority says this sewage kills off a lot of animal life, and rehabilitation work done in the area goes down the drain. The authority has warned about this problem multiple times in the past.

American and European newspapers often quote Haaretz when it publishes articles that reflect badly on Israel. They praise Haaretz as The New York Times of Israel and present it as an authoritative source of information about Israel and the Palestinians. But on the rare occasion when Haaretz prints something that reflects badly on the Palestinian Authority, the major U.S. dailies lose interest.

Recall the international news media last year turned a blind eye when the Israeli authorities shut down a charcoal factory in the Palestinian Authority-ruled city of Yabad that was causing serious air pollution in the region. Israel repeatedly warned the PA about the problem, but the PA refused to acteven though local Palestinian villages were suffering a disproportionately high rate of respiratory problems because of the smoke from the factory.

The implications of Palestinian pollution are significant for the issue of whether or not to create a Palestinian state. Any attempt by Israel to act against pollution emanating from Palestine would constitute a violation of another countrys national sovereignty. The Israelis would be condemned and perhaps even face international sanctions. Toxic smoke would fill Israels air and deadly sewage would flow into its rivers, and Israel would be unable to stop it.

Thats why Palestinian advocates in the news media and peace groups never talk about the charcoal factory in Yabad, or the olive oil factories in Nablus, or the quarrying in the Judean Desert. They know that the dirty little secret of Palestinian environmental destruction would raise serious questions about the cause of Palestinian statehoodquestions they would prefer not to answer.

Stephen M. Flatow, an attorney in New Jersey, is the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in a Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995.
http://www.carolineglick.com

How can we explain the international communitys indifference to Palestinian suffering?

Every day, angry bands of protesters burn the flag of Israel, call for the destruction of the Jewish state and insist that Israel and its Jewish citizens be shunned from polite society and thrown out of the global economy all in the name of opposing the Occupation.

Although the breathless protesters insist that all their efforts are directed toward the Palestinians, as it works out, none of their assaults on Israel have improved the Palestinians lot. To the contrary, their protests have given a free pass to those that do the most to harm Palestinians.

The angry, hateful protests against Israel tell us nothing about either the history of the Palestinians relations with the Jewish state or their present circumstances.

And what are those circumstances? Consider the stories of two different groups of Palestinian prisoners. The first story relates to the Palestinian terrorists imprisoned in Israeli jails after being tried and convicted of engaging in terrorist attacks against Israel. Led by terrorist mastermind Marwan Barghouti, who is serving multiple life sentences for killing multiple Israelis, in April more than a thousand jailed terrorists opened a hunger strike demanding an improvement in their prison conditions.

The New York Times published an op-ed by Barghouti and massively covered the strike. Numerous other marquee media organizations similarly provided sympathetic coverage of the event.

Hidden beneath mountains of column inches was the basic fact that the terrorists demands made clear that their strike was ridiculous.

They werent demanding food. They werent demanding fair trials or the right to speak to their attorneys. They were demanding that Israel add 20 new channels to their standard, free cable television access. They demanded that Israel let them have telephones in their rooms. They demanded that Israel buy them air conditioning units.

In other words, they were demanding that Israel treat them better than it treats its own soldiers.

The second prisoner story is the story of the 12,000 Palestinians that have been jailed in Syrian regime prisons since the start of the Syrian civil war. These men, women and children are denied sufficient food and water. They are subjected to torture. Several cases have been reported of Palestinian female prisoners being subjected to gang rapes. More than 500 Palestinians have died in jail. More than 500 Palestinian children are behind bars.

And the plight of the Palestinians on the outside is no better. Nearly 4,000 Palestinians have been killed by regime forces since the start of the war. Yarmouk refugee camp has been all but depopulated. Whereas before the war began in 2011, more than 120,000 Palestinians resided in the camp just 8 km. from central Damascus, today a mere 20,000 remain. Those who remain have been besieged by regime forces for nearly three years. They have been starved and parched. Running water was cut off years ago. And yet, the only journalist who has consistently covered the story is Palestinian affairs correspondent Khaled Abu Toameh, writing for the niche website of the Gatestone Institute.

As Abu Toameh noted in a report on the Palestinians in Syria last August, the leaders of the PLO and the Palestinian Authority like their sometimes-rivals- sometimes-partners in Hamas have refused to intervene on their behalf.

To the contrary, the PLO happily reopened its embassy in Damascus last year, despite the fact that it is accredited to a regime that is slaughtering the people that the PLO claims to represent. Abu Toameh wrote bitterly, The Palestinians of Syria would have been more fortunate had they been living in the West Bank or Gaza Strip. Then the international community and media would certainly have noticed them. Yet when Western journalists lavish time on Palestinians delayed at Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank, and ignore barrels of explosives dropped by the Syrian military on residential areas in refugee camps in Syria, one might start to wonder what they are really about.

This week we got reminder of what this is really about from an odd source. During his interview with NBCs Megyn Kelly, Russian President Vladimir Putin grew exasperated with Kellys repetitious line of questioning about whether or not Russia colluded to get President Donald Trump elected last November. After repeatedly denying Kellys allegations, Putin insisted that the Russian-US elections narrative is simply a conspiracy theory invented by Democrats and their allies to avoid the blame for Hillary Clintons defeat.

In Putins words, Its easy to say, Its not our fault. Its the Russians They intervened. They interfered. Putin then compared the anti-Russian conspiracy theory to anti-Semitism.

Its like anti-Semitism, Putin explained. Anti-Jewish conspiracy spinners use the Jews as a means to deflect blame for their failures. In his words, The Jews are to blame. Youre [not] an idiot. Because the Jews are to blame. Putins statement is important for two reasons.

First, the former KGB chief knows a thing or two about anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Russia has played an outsized role in inventing them for precisely the reason that Putin gaveblame deflection.

It was a precursor of the KGB, the czars secret police, that wrote the infamous Protocols of the Elders of Zion which purported to expose a Jewish world conspiracy to control humanity for nefarious ends.

And in 1949, it was the KGB that created the anti-Semitic conspiracy that has animated and controlled Western discourse on Israel ever since. It was then that the Soviets invented the term anti-Zionism, and began referring to Jews as Zionists.

And this brings us to the second noteworthy aspect of Putins discussion of anti-Semitism. The KGB rebranded Jews as Zionists and anti-Semites as anti-Zionists to rescue anti-Semitism as a tool of political warfare from the ruins of Auschwitz.

Until then, it was socially unacceptable to hate Jews.

After the KGB moved to pan Zionism as a form of colonialism and imperialism, it became fashionable again.

What Putin explained in his remarks is that conspiracy theories are not accidental occurrences. They are deliberate, premeditated acts of political warfare that serve specific political purposes for their creators. Anti-Zionist conspiracies, like their traditional anti-Jewish antecedents are particularly attractive because Jews are such an easy target. Their small numbers and the ease with which they can be singled out makes them natural targets of conspiracy mongers. After all, who will stand up for Israel and the Jews? Jews, of course, have no credibility as defenders of the Jewish state, because, well, theyre Jews.

As for non-Jewish defenders of Israelthey can dismissed as hired guns or religious fanatics or discredited in any number of other ways. Sadly, while Putin has no compunction about standing up to the anti-Russia conspiracy spinners, with each passing year, the American Jewish community has had more and more difficulty recognizing that they are the target of a conspiracy theory and acting appropriately. Rather than stand up for Israel and against its detractors, more and more American Jews have joined them. And those who do not join them try to get out from under the conspiracy web by pretending that it is a rational argument, rather than a conspiracy.

Indeed, increasingly, American Jewish organizations make distinctions between Israel and Judea and Samaria. They dont take their tours beyond the 1949 armistice lines. They say that boycotts of Jewish products made beyond the lines are legitimate. They try to dialogue with anti-Israel activists and blackball Israeli conservatives. And lo and behold, it doesnt work.

It doesnt work because it cannot work. Because the conspiracy mongers are not interested in compromising, they are interested in delegitimizing the very notion that Jews can argue with them. The toll this has taken on the American Jewish community was clearly in evidence this week at the Israel Day Parade in New York. Fifteen years ago, some 100,000 area Jews marched in the parade. This year, official counts put the number of marchers at 40,000. A disproportionate number of them were Orthodox.

Fifty years after the Six Day War, Israel has become a hard subject for American Jews to discuss not because it is hard on the merits to defend, but because the conspiracy theories which have taken control of the non-Jewish discourse on Israel have captured the American Jewish discourse as well. The most pressing duty of the American Jewish community then is to finally recognize the nature of the battle they are beset by and fight it as hard as they can.

The long-suffering Palestinians will no doubt thank them for doing so.

Originally published in The Jerusalem Post.

Caroline Glick is the senior Middle East Fellow at the Center for Security Policy in Washington, DC, the deputy managing editor of The Jerusalem Post and a contributor to the Jewish World Review.
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Placing India high in its scheme of things, Chinese appliance maker Midea on Friday announced a Rs 800 crore investment to set up a manufacturing facility in Pune.

The unit will have a production line for appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and water appliance products. Spread over 43 acres in Pune, the facility will employ 500 people and be operational by 2018-end.

Besides, Midea would also set up an R&D centre, which will develop India specific products, and invest into manufacturing of key components as compressors and water pumps through groups parts and components divisions GMCC and Welling at Pune.

India is a key market in our global growth strategy and will be an important manufacturing hub in future, Andy Gu, Midea Group vice-president, said.

He added: Our investment is an example of Mideas belief in the Indian market and reiterates our commitment to Make in India.

The new facility will also provide export opportunity to the company besides meeting domestic demand. It will have capacity to manufacture 5 lakh refrigerators, 6 lakh washing machines and 10 lakh water appliances.

We are also going to invest into key component manufacturing as 4 to 5 millions compressors and we are also going to build motors for our appliances, probably 6 millions, he added.

Midea groups part and component divisions GMCC, which is worlds one of the largest compressor manufacturers, will invest into the facility.

This would be part of the Rs 800 crore investment. This would start with for airconditoners but it would also be for refrigerators later, he added.

On being asked that how the company would establish in the segment which is highly competitive now, Gu said: The Indian market has huge space for growth as the penetration level in India is very low in appliance segment and we are confident.

Besides, Midea would explore export opportunities from here although it would primarily focus on the domestic market.

When we set up a factory, we also look into possibility of export business, he added.

Founded in 1968 in Guangdong, China, Midea had a sales revenue of nearly $24 billion in 2016. It is a leading global player in consumer appliances, HVAC systems and robotics and industrial automation systems.

In 2012, Midea had formed a joint venture with US-based heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems - Carrier Midea India Private Limited (CMI) and has a pan-India distribution network for air-conditioners.
A planned $15 billion safety overhaul of Indias ageing rail network is facing delays as the countrys state steel company is unable to meet demand for new rails, according to two government documents seen by Reuters.

State-owned Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has promised to meet only around 78% of demand in the year to end-March 2018, prompting Indian Railways to escalate the problem to the office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, communications between the railways and the steel ministry show.

The shortfall means upgrades of the accident-prone network could move at a slower pace than the five years initially planned, and underscores the problems facing Modi as he tries to modernise Indias infrastructure. Supplies of rails are only expected to improve next year.

(The) ambitious programme of capacity augmentation undertaken by railways and track renewal, the foremost priority in the recently created (railway safety fund) ... crucially hinges on the supply of rail, Railways board chairman AK Mital wrote in a letter to steel secretary Aruna Sharma on May 19.

Unless SAIL steps up supply, the whole programme will be at risk.

The state rail operator is in the middle of a $130 billion, five-year overhaul to modernise the worlds fourth-biggest network.

The government in February launched an additional $15 billion fund to tackle a 25% rise in train accidents due to track defects over the past two years.

Loss-making SAIL, whose revival is being managed by the steel ministry, supplied about 620,000 tonnes of rails in the fiscal year to end-March, well short of demand of 1 million tonnes. In a meeting called by Modis office on Feb. 14, SAIL told the railways that supplies would fall well short of demand this fiscal year too, according to the letter.

For 2017/18, it has committed to provide 1.14 million tonnes, against a request for 1.46 million tonnes as demand ramps up to meet the safety programme.

This represents about 78%, but the rate of supplies for the first two months suggested SAIL would struggle to meet even its own reduced target, Mital said in the letter.

The shortfall needs to be made good quickly and supply rate accelerated to meet the committed quantity (for this fiscal year), Mital wrote.

SAIL and Modis office did not respond to requests seeking comment. The railways had no immediate comment and Mital did not respond to a request for comment.

SAIL monoploy

Indian Railways have considered ending SAILs monopoly on supplying rail, but Modis cabinet in May made the use of local steel mandatory for government infrastructure projects, ruling out the use of imports.

Local firm Jindal Steel and Power Ltd has tried for years to win a rail supply contract, but is battling a long-standing preference by Indian policymakers for state companies over private firms for big-ticket government projects.

Executives at SAIL, which has lost money in the last seven quarters, have said a surge in demand to replace old tracks and lay new ones meant it was struggling to meet supply targets, despite a rise in production from its existing plant.

Steel secretary Sharma wrote to SAIL on May 29, in a letter seen by Reuters, noting that the railway upgrade was a very important national project and that any shortfall in rail supplies to this project would be taken seriously.

Sharma told Reuters a new SAIL mill at Bhilai, in eastern India, will help the steelmaker boost capacity, which should ease the rails deficit. SAIL has targeted total capacity of 2 million tonnes per year from its Bhilai plant.

We are conscious about the concerns of the railway ministry but we have enough rail manufacturing capabilities within the country, she said.
Indias biggest importer of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) is trying to re-negotiate prices with the US seller, sources said, undermining plans by US President Donald Trump to export more gas to the country.

At a joint news conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House this week, Trump said the United States looked forward to exporting more energy, including new major long-term contracts to purchase American natural gas.

The effort is part of Trumps policy of seeking to assert power abroad through a boost in natural gas, coal and petroleum exports. He said on Thursday that the golden era of the US energy business was now underway.

But any new LNG agreements with India will depend on how GAIL and Cheniere of the United States deal with a long-term supply contract signed in 2011 for an estimated $22 billion.

Indias GAIL has deals to buy 5.8 million tonnes of US LNG per annum for 20 years, mostly with Cheniere, but is now asking to re-negotiate the price. A commissioning cargo was sent last year, but supplies in earnest will only likely start in 2018.

Two sources at state-run GAIL said they were trying to re-negotiate the contract.

At current US prices, the landed cost of the LNG (in India) is not very attractive, said one of the sources on condition of anonymity, as he was not cleared to speak to media. Neither source gave any details on what price GAIL was seeking.

We are trying a mix of options on pricing, and re-negotiating is one of them, the source said. My perception is that the talks with Cheniere in this regard are not very likely to succeed.

Officially, GAIL has declined comment on the row.

Cheniere, currently the only US company exporting LNG, said it was not open to a lower price.

Our customers expect us to deliver on our commitments, and we expect the same. This is a signed long-term contract that we believe will provide long-term value and we expect the contract to be adhered to, said Eben Burnham-Snyder, a spokesman at Cheniere.

The contract price is calculated on a formula based on US spot prices for natural gas, and currently costs India $8.50 per million British thermal units (mmBtu). Traders said that Cheniere would struggle to send cargoes at a lower price.

GAIL UNDER PRESSURE

Asian spot LNG prices, which exclude all extra costs like shipping, have fallen by more than 40% this year to $5.40 per mmBtu amid ballooning oversupply as production from Australia and the United States rises.

RK Garg, head of finance at Petronet LNG, Indias biggest gas importer, told Reuters that at current oil prices, long-term gas contracts were being offered at $6-7 per mmBtu.

Mangesh Patankar, head of business development at energy consultancy Galway Group, said that GAIL was trying for lower prices because the company was struggling to sell contracted US LNG on to end-users in India, who are demanding cheaper gas from GAIL themselves.

A lot of the (LNG) buyers are doing that right now. With the ramp up in Australia and US volumes, and demand being not that active in the end-user market, a lot of the buyers have had to do that, he said.

Other LNG buyers, including top importer Japan, are also pressing for better terms.

Washington has been using LNG as a diplomatic and political tool. Although sales are a commercial matter, Washington has been laying foundations for contracts with key buyers, including China.

Trump has made LNG exports a central part of his trade policy, aimed at reviving industry and creating jobs. Asian markets account for about 70% of global LNG shipments, and India is one of the fastest-growing importers.

Trump will be visiting Poland next week and plans to promote US LNG exports at a meeting in Warsaw with a dozen leaders from central and eastern Europe.
Mutual funds have to work on due diligence practices before picking up corporate bonds and should not just rely only on credit ratings given the rising defaults, Sebi chairman Ajay Tyagi said.

There are instances of defaults on debt portfolio so naturally mutual funds need to strengthen their due diligence and evaluation mechanisms and not only depend on credit rating agencies, Tyagi told an Amfi summit in Mumbai on Thursday.

The Sebi chief also warned mutual funds (MF) against playing too much on debt funds, given the poor shape of many corporates, also the bad loans in the banking system and the possibility of some of such funds finding their way into the fund houses.

Care should be taken that NPAs do not get shifted to MF portfolio by way of debt transfer, Tyagi warned.

The warning from the markets watchdog comes amidst many companies including Amtek Auto, Jindal Steel & Power, Ballarpur Industries having defaulted on their debt coupon payments in recent past and given the pathetic shape of the balance sheets of many companies and their possible liquidation in the medium term.

Last fortnight as many as 12 largest defaulters were named by the Reserve Bank and asked banks to refer them to the National Company Law Tribunal.

These 12 companies like Essar Steel, Bhushan Steel, Bhushan Power, Lanco Infra and Amtek Auto among others owe over Rs 2 trillion to banks, which is a quarter of the entire bad loans of the banking system.

The others named by RBI are: Alok Industries, Monnet Ispat, Electrosteel Steels, Era Infra, Jypaee Infratech, ABG Shipyard and Jyoti Structures.

Of these, already Essar Steel, Bhushan Power, Bhushan Steel, Lanco, Amtek and Electrosteel have already been referred to NCLT for insolvency proceedings by banks.

Asking large institutional investors to play a more active role in ensuring better corporate governance, Tyagi said they need to to get more actively involved in monitoring corporate governance.

But he was quick to note that MFs compared to other institutional investors are far more responsible when it comes to corporate governance wherever there are invested in.

From 2012-13, when 51% of MFs strayed from voting decisions, in 2015-16 it has come down to only 8%. MFs have been participating in corporate governance and decision-making at boards. This is very encouraging. We want other investors to also do the same, Tyagi said.

Alleged lack of corporate governance came to the fore at the countrys most respected corporations like the Tatas and Infosys in recent times.

Tyagi also reiterated call for asset managers to consolidate schemes saying too many funds are creating confusion. There are over 2,000 schemes being run by 45 fund houses. More schemes lead to confusion among investors.

Supporting consolidation in the industry, he said merger or consolidation can improve ease of doing business.

There was also the tax issue and the government has agreed to it but I think it needs to be pursued by Amfi so that mergers can take place, Tyagi said.

Asking the industry to tap the vast untapped hinterland instead of being content with the top 15 cities, he said, there is good penetration beyond the top 15 cities but more needs to be done. Despite doubling of AUM only 16 percent AUM come from beyond the top 15 cities.

Pointing out that those who have trodden hinterland path have benefited immensely, he said, AUMs beyond the top 15 cities has more than doubled since 2013-14. This is a matter of satisfaction that MFs are spreading to more areas and remote towns and more increase in equity schemes shows more individuals are participating.

This has also led to an increase in the portfolios which have grown to 5.7 crore. Besides, equities funds are also outperforming their benchmark indices, which shows that MFs have emerged as a back bone of domestic investments. They have provided a stabilising factor against global and macro situations, the chairman said.

Tapping the hinterland is also needed to achieve the Amfi projection of taking the AUM to the century trillion mark, he said.

The Amfi has projects the industry AUM of Rs 94 trillion by 2025. This will not be possible only from the top 15 cities. It should be a core strategy for MFs to strengthen investors base.

On the move towards allowing a combined KYC for all financial sector investments through the bank account, he said he fully supports this and added that Sebi is in advanced discussions with government and RBI for having simplified and uniform KYC.
As the Kashmir Valley erupted into turmoil after the elimination of Burhan Wani, local militant of the Hizbul Mujahideen, I met two local policemen in Srinagars Army Base Hospital. Both had been injured because of stones thrown at them during clashes with agitators on the street. It took me a while before I could persuade them to share their stories; the condition was that they were to be filmed against the light in a silhouette, so their identity would be hidden in the shadows. And that I was to not use their real names. In some ways, this expression of acute vulnerability was the precursor to the horrific, shameful mob lynching of Ayub Pandith, on the holy night of Shab-e-Qadr outside the citys Jama Masjid.

For the past year, of all the security personnel operational in the state, it is the Valleys police officers who have been most imperilled by the relentless conflict. That the men I met wanted to mask their identities must never be seen an absence of courage; on the contrary these men are the hardiest, bravest, most hands-on officers, anywhere in the world. When ten terrorists were able to lay a siege to Mumbai on 26/11 for three days, despite the presence of the elite National Security Guard, I remember a police officer from Kashmir calling me to say they should have summoned a team from the Valley  so experienced are they at smoking out militants and rescuing civilians from encounters.

But at the same time, Kashmiri policemen are the softest targets in this 27-year-old insurgency, trapped between the service to their uniform and the rage of the street. Because they are drawn from the same community that is often locked in bitter battle with them during agitations and protests, they are attacked, violently, by both militants and civilians. In the sharply polarised Kashmir Valley, where jingoists and separatists have hijacked the discourse, squeezing out every inch of nuance, I cannot think of a single group that is more endangered by all sides than the Jammu and Kashmir police.

Inside the hospital one policeman told me that when he travelled to the city from his village which was two hours away he made it a point to wear civilian clothes that did not out him as a cop. Else, he would be in the line of fire on the highway where protesters had blocked entry and exit points. He only wore his uniform when he was at duty in Srinagar. They hate us, he told me, they talk to us about Azaadi; we talk to them about law and order.

Because communities are close knit in Kashmir, multiple ironies make the situation even more complicated  like homes where one brother is a police officer and another relative a militant. The mob that lynched Ayub Pandith shouted slogans in support of Zakir Musa, the terrorist who replaced Burhan Wani briefly as the head of the Hizbul Mujahideen and who called for a caliphate in Kashmir. But, Zakirs father is a civil engineer employed with the government, and one of Zakirs co-travellers, militant, Ishaq Parray/aka Newton is from a family where his brother-in-law is a serving police officer. Yet, videos released by Zakir Musa openly threatened Kashmiri men with death if they chose to sign up for the police force. The police officers I met told me they would never flinch from their duty but they worried for their families. In some cases people have torched the homes of policemen. Our worry is for them.

The biggest casualty of the Kashmir conflict has become the contestation of grief; lost lives are mourned and commemorated depending on which side of the ideological trenches your war is and how much whataboutery you are willing to indulge in. Mercifully, everyone rose in unison to unequivocally condemn what happened to Ayub, recoiling from its chilling ugliness. But there is merit in calling out the strange doublespeak of a Kashmir policy where policemen who are reviled by the secessionists are then expected to protect them.

In 2016, pro-Pakistan Hurriyat representative Syed Ali Shah Geelani specifically named an individual police officer in South Kashmir whom he held responsible for eye injuries caused by the use of pellet-spray guns during clashes with protesters. A terrified family, worried about repercussions to them, then went and sought forgiveness from Geelani  who snubbed them and gave no guarantees of safety.

Police officers spoke to me of protesters who are no longer scared of tear gas shells and situations where backed by a crowd of a few hundred people, even women have surrounded the post of an individual officer and snatched his weapon. They look at us with suspicion, they abuse us, and they loathe us. What can we do? We tolerate it, said a 34-year-old police officer to me, Ya pathar, ya gaali Either a stone or an expletive  that is my life; I am used to it now.

Barkha Dutt is an award-winning journalist and authorThe views expressed are personal

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Next week, Narendra Modi becomes the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel. His trip confirms a change in policy thats long been in the offing: Indias abandonment of an inflexible, anti-colonial position of support for Palestine in favour of stronger commercial and military ties with Israel.

Under Modis administration, Indian diplomats refrained from condemning Israels 2014 war on Gaza in a vote in the UN Human Rights Council  an abstention that surprised their Israeli counterparts who were used to seeing India take an almost ritual stance of solidarity with the Palestinians.

Part of the thaw in relations with Israel reflects a pragmatic turn away from the old positions of non-alignment. But it isnt entirely free of ideology. Many Indians look admiringly at Israels bludgeoning treatment of the Palestinians and at the way the Israeli military responds to Palestinian violence. Where in the past we sympathised with the Palestinians as a people oppressed by a colonial power, now many Indians sympathise with Israels seeming battle with Islamist terrorism. There are clear parallels between Zionism and Hindutva, two ideologies that developed in the early 20th century seeking to equip a religion with the force of a nation-state.

While Indians might be warming to Israel, the citizens of Israels greatest ally, the United States, are growing increasingly sceptical.

Criticism of Americas unflinching support of Israel is more palpable than before. The Boycott Divest Sanction movement (which hopes to copy strategies used against apartheid-era South Africa to marginalise Israel) has become prominent on many college campuses. Its been enough of a cause for concern that a pro-Israel official like Andrew Cuomo, the governor of the state of New York where I live, signed an executive order promising to punish groups that sought to boycott Israel.

A fixture of US presidential campaigns is the appearance candidates make at an annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobbying group. Candidates normally go to the AIPAC conference and try to highlight their love for Israel and their faith in the US-Israel alliance. Last year, it was remarkable to see Bernie Sanders (the only Jewish presidential candidate in the election) decide not to attend the AIPAC conference and then do the almost unthinkable: Insist on the rights and dignities of Palestinians.

Sanders is hardly a friend of Palestine; he couldnt be confused with those European or Indian leftists practiced in denouncing Israeli excesses at the drop of a bomb. But he does reflect a shift in American society thats borne out by statistics.

While more Americans still sympathise with Israel over Palestine, attitudes are changing. According to a 2016 Pew survey, in the last 10 years, support among millennials for Israel has declined while tripling for Palestine. For the first time, more people on the American Left (classified in Pews terms as liberal Democrats) support Palestine than Israel.

Israel also enjoys less support among minority groups in America. According to a 2015 study, Hispanic Americans on average were 10 points less likely to sympathise with Israel over Palestine than non-Hispanic Americans. So, too, are blacks more critical of Israel. A 2014 Pew survey revealed that African Americans were more likely than white Americans to blame Israel for that summers conflagration in Gaza and to believe that Israel had used too much force.

Blacks, Hispanics, young people and unmarried women together form what American political analysts term the rising electorate, which is now a majority of American voters. Staunch support for Israel remains the preserve of older, mostly white Protestants, many of whom believe in a strong US-Israel alliance for millenarian, evangelical reasons. As that group ages and others grow, changing public opinion may encourage new policy imperatives in West Asia.

This is not to say that Americas firm backing of Israel is about to end. Indeed, one of the few capitals where Donald Trump enjoys a genuinely warm reception is Tel Aviv. Benjamin Netanyahu sees Trump as a more reliable ally than Barack Obama, who was critical of the Israeli prime minister. Still, under Obama in 2016, the Americans agreed to a new package of military aid for Israel worth nearly $4 billion per year.

But the trend is clear. In the long-run, it may transform Americas ties with Israel, and drive Israel to seek closer friendships elsewhere.

Kanishk Tharoor is the author of Swimmer Among the Stars: Stories.

The views expressed are personal

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The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd (KMVN) has decided to give preference to Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims who were denied entry from Nathula pass in Sikkim following India-China face-offs over road construction on the borders of a plateau in Bhutan.

The annual Kailash Mansarovar yatra takes place via Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. According to officials, 13 pilgrims, who were to take Nathu La route, will now join those entering China through Uttarakhand.

So far 13 pilgrims have expressed interest in taking the route from Uttarakhand. They will be included in the 5th and 6th batches of pilgrims, said DK Sharma, regional tourism officer of KMVN, the nodal agency for the yatra.

The 5th and 6th batches are yet to leave New Delhi, the starting point of the pilgrimage. Officials said adjustment of the pilgrims, denied entry through Nathu La, depends on vacancies left in forthcoming batches.

Vacancies usually occur if a would-be pilgrim is found to be medically unfit for the arduous trek to Kailash Mansarovar, located at an altitude of 15,160 feet, in Tibet.

The first batch has returned from Kailash Mansarovar. Two more batches are in Tibet and two more batches are on the way.

Officials claimed the pilgrimage from Uttarakhand has been going on smoothly.

We have not received any complaints from pilgrims indicating the bad unusual behaviour of Chinese authorities with Indian pilgrims going from this way, said Sharma.

The pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, takes place from June to September every year.
The Uttarakhand High Court told education department officials on Friday to provide infrastructure to government-run schools in six months or face salary deduction in January next year.

A bench of justice Rajeev Sharma and justice Alok Singh warned the state government that the court may think of recommending imposition of article 360 (financial emergency) in the state if there was no money to take care of schools.

In November last year, the high court had directed officials to improve the condition of schools, but education and finance departments said financial reasons hampered implementation of the order.

The dearth of funds cannot be permitted to come in the way of implementation of the judgment dated 19.11.2016. We in a very subtle manner remind the state government of article 360 (of the Constitution of India), the bench said.

We will not elaborate further, since this may have serious political ramifications. It is expected from the state functionaries to reduce their unproductive expenses on luxurious items and to divert the necessary funds for improving the education system at the grass root level.

The court asked the state government to provide basic infrastructural facilities, such as benches, desks, blackboards, and separate hygienic toilets, to schools in six months.

Failure to implement the order, the bench said, will result in deduction of salaries of the gazetted officers, including principal secretary (education), secretary (education), deputy secretary (education), and all directors in the department, for January 2018.

The court said luxury cars would be purchased only after the chief secretarys approval.

The government will be required to submit status reports to the court in every three months.
Soumya Singh has big black eyes and a sunny smile. She doesnt seem to be weighed down by life. It could be because she is three months old.

We met Ms Singh one blazing afternoon in an auto-rickshaw. No, we did not see her in real life. We just saw her picture on the mobile phone of Pooran Singh, an auto-rickshaw driver from Lakshmi Nagar to Patparganj.

Ms Singhs father has his phone fixed on his steering handle. The daughters image is the phones wallpaper. Each time the phone rings, her smiling face flashes on the screen.

Apparently Ms Singh is fast acquiring a personality. She doesnt cry, the auto-rickshaw driver says, adding that she loves being in a crowd.

Ms Singh was born in a Safdarjang Enclave hospital. Her parents hail from Bhindthis Madhya Pradesh district was, until recently, known for its dacoits.

The legendary bandit Phoolan Devi had famously surrendered in Bhind. (This is completely coincidental but Ms Singhs mothers name is also Phoolan.)

The auto-rickshaw driver says that while Ms Singh is too young to go around town on her own, she has already toured the Red Fort and India Gate. He wants his daughter to become something big in life.

Ms Singhs home is a slum in Central Delhis Badarpur with no access to running water or electricity.

A year or two later, she will discover that not all homes in the city are as meagre as hers.

The odds will be stacked against her but we hope she fulfils her fathers dream.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has set a target of building 20,000 new flats every year to fulfil the increasing housing needs of the city, said Union housing and urban poverty alleviation minister M Venkaiah Naidu.

He was speaking at the launch of DDAs Aawasiya Yojana (housing scheme) 2017 on Friday under which 12,072 flats have been put up for sale in Delhi.

Our target is to give at least one lakh affordable houses to the people of Delhi by 2022, said Naidu.

DDA has so far raised 11.69 lakh dwelling units in the city.

The target set by Naidu, however, may not meet the housing needs of Delhi residents because as per the Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) 2021, based on a projected population of 230 lakh by year 2021, the Capital would require an additional 24 lakh dwelling units.

Though the GST rate of 12% on under-construction real estate projects is higher than the current tax rate of 10%, the cost of units for homebuyers is likely to come down if the developer passes on the benefit of input tax credit to buyers available to him for procurement of raw materials such as steel and cement.

Sources in DDA said that the preparations for the next housings scheme is on and DDA has identified land for building over 16,000 units, 33% of which will be for high-income groups.

Construction is on at some of the projects. The new flats will come up in Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, Rohini, Preet Vihar, Phazulpur, Mandawali and Khichripur.

The new scheme will have about 33% HIG flats, most of which will come up in Vasant Kunj in south Delhi, Dwarka in Southwest and Rohini in northwest.

Bulk of the 5,000 EWS houses and 5,000 LIG houses will come up in the east and Rohini zone while some are also planned for Dwarka sector 14 and 19.

Officials have been asked to prepare a detailed project report and initial estimates, sources said.

The DDA wants to launch the next project by December 2018.

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If you are a glutton for McDonalds burgers, get ready for some serious heartburn.

As many as 43 of the 55 outlets belonging to the American fast food chain in Delhi temporarily suspended operations from Thursday, after its North and East India licensee failed to renew eating-house permits.

As soon as news of the development spread, Delhiites rushed to their nearest McDonalds outlets in the hope of landing one last burger before they downed shutters. Only a few emerged successful.

I have been eating at McDonalds for several years now. Their sudden decision to suspend operations is shocking. Where will I get them now? asked Rohit Sharma, a 29-year-old IT professional working in Connaught Place.

McDonalds burgers have been the most sought-after meal for many, from college-goers to corporate employees. I logged on to the McDonalds website to get a burger delivered at my home. I had barely typed in my address and order details when a message that read  Sorry, the assigned store(s) is not able to make deliveries now  flashed before my eyes, bemoaned 20-year-old Pooja Dubey, a first-year BTech student. This is the final nail in the coffin. Where can I get my favourite burger now?

Experts believe the temporary closure of these outlets will further hit the reputation of the American food chain, which had already lost its tag of being the largest fast-food restaurant chain to Dominos Pizza about four years ago.

The licensee  Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL)  is a joint venture between entrepreneur Vikram Bakshi and McDonalds India Pvt Ltd (MIPL).

The eating-house licenses of a number of McDonalds restaurants in Delhi have expired. The CPRL board is working towards obtaining the required permits. Pending this, the CPRL is temporarily suspending operations at the affected restaurants, a statement issued by the MIPL read. However, it did not specify the reason or the likely duration of the suspension.

Though unfortunate, it is correct that around 40 McDonalds restaurants have temporarily suspended operations in Delhi from today morning, Bakshi, who is on the CPRL board, said.

Bakshi and McDonalds have been at loggerheads over control of the CPRL, and the matter is being pursued at the London Court of International Arbitration. The legal scuffle began after Bakshi was removed from the post of CPRL managing director in August 2013.

A highly placed source told PTI that more outlets in the Capital could be shut due to the CRPLs failure to renew licences.

McDonalds India spokesperson Barry Sum downplayed reports of possible job losses due to the closure. We understand that the CPRL is retaining employees of the affected restaurants and will pay them their salary during the period of suspension, he said.

(With PTI inputs)

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At 12.01 am on Saturday, India will move to a new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime that unifies the country into a common market. As expected of a disruptive reform  GST definitely qualifies as one  this change will cause some disruption. Some experts have said the move has been rushed and that various pieces of the infrastructure required for the new tax regime arent fully ready. Truth is, no one can or will ever be fully prepared for something like GST. The change could have been set for September 1, and people would still be asking for more time.

In its purest form, GST, experts said, would add between 1 and 2 percentage points to Indias growth rate. Thats between $20 billion and $40 billion added to the countrys Gross Domestic Product. The regime that India has just moved to isnt as pure as it was originally visualised. It was in the interests of the states to ensure their revenues were protected. And it was imperative, as far as the central government was concerned, that the new regime did not translate into higher prices (that would have been political suicide). The result is a compromise  a far-from-simple structure replete with multiple rates. Worse, there are exemptions. And still worse, there are cesses (taxes on the tax). Finally, it has also meant the creation of an anti-profiteering body that is straight out of Indias Licence Raj era.

There is no denying that even in this flawed form, the next tax regime will be simpler than the old, and, consequently, will result in some economic gains, but it is difficult to ignore what could have been. Still, the new tax regime does unify the country into one market, and taxes final consumption rather than intermediate use. The hope now is that the government will, over time, bite the bullet on some of the exemptions and cesses and simplify the structure further, may be even reduce the number of so-called tax slabs from the current four to two.

The most significant collateral benefit of GST is what it has done to the governments reformist credentials. Not since Manmohan Singh went all out to ensure the clearance of the Indo-US civil nuclear deal has a government shown the kind of intent and purpose the National Democratic Alliance has in ensuring the passage of the GST laws. Over the past few weeks, it has also moved rapidly ahead with what many consider an impossible task  the privatisation of the State-run Air India. Earlier this week, the Union Cabinet signed off on this. Not many would have bet on a new and simpler indirect tax and a decision on Air Indias privatisation happening in the same week.
Private sector players may soon get powers to grant accreditation to universities, colleges and other institutions of higher learning in the country. At present, this function is vested solely with the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous institution under the UGCs jurisdiction.

Official sources said this step could be taken to end the NAACs monopoly and ensure transparency in the accreditation process.

Government think-tank NITI Aayog had recently asked the human resource development (HRD) ministry to allow accreditation by reputed private players. Sources said the government was likely to accept its recommendation.

Just like NAAC, which is a government body, there will be other private agencies that carry out the work in keeping with strict protocols prescribed by the UGC. Universities and institutions will be free to choose which agency they want to approach. This will bring in greater transparency and reduce the time taken for accreditation, a senior HRD official said.

If the recommendation comes through, the task of identifying potential private accreditation agencies will begin soon, he added.

NAAC had suspended its application process in March to carry out an overhaul of its grading system. The move was initiated after complaints of subjectivity in the accreditation process  besides alleged corruption and misconduct by peer teams during field visits  emerged from various quarters.

At present, we rope in teachers and professors from different institutions to carry out inspections for accreditation work. This, naturally, affects their normal routine. As there is an urgent need for independent assessors who specialise in conducting accreditation work, private players should be given an opportunity. However, this must be done under a strict regulatory framework to ensure that quality is maintained, said former cabinet secretary TSR Subramanian, who has prepared the draft report on the new education policy.

A++ is the highest grade currently being provided by NAAC, which accredits universities, autonomous colleges, affiliated/constituent colleges and scientific institutions, among others. Following complaints of corruption, weightage of 80% has been proposed for self-reported data analysed through software-based capturing and 20% for data provided by peer review teams.

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Thousands of students are breathlessly waiting for the University of Delhis second cutoff list, expected to be released on Saturday, for admissions in the various undergraduate courses offered by over 60 colleges.

The university announced the first list on June 23 and it was the first time in many years that the colleges released cutoffs lower than that of the previous year in almost all courses. There will be five cutoff lists this year and the classes will begin on July 20. DU received around 2.2 lakh applications for about 56,000 seats in its 63 colleges.

Admissions under the first cutoff list closed on Wednesday and experts have said the second list may see a dip of 0.25% to 3% across the courses.

Many students, including the Hindustan Times Campus Journalists, are looking forward to the next round. Some of them said they even chose not to take admission under the first list and decided to wait it out hoping to get into their dream college.

Ramsha Khan from Jamia Senior Secondary School says it is good that the first cutoffs registered a slight dip but points out that students with scores above 90% are not sure whether they will get admission to a college of their choice even after the second or the third list is announced. She is targeting a BA English (hons) at a college in north campus or Lady Shri Ram College.

The young woman, who loves reading, writing and is learning to play the guitar, feels that the competition among students trying to get into DU has just about intensified. Khan plans to pursue a career in journalism and is anxious to see where the fifth cutoff stops at.

Sagar Dawar of St Columbas School is also among those students who decided to wait for the next lists. He plans to take up zoology honours and is all geared up to take action (applying to colleges) on time when the second or third cutoffs are announced.

Though his heart is set on pursuing an MBBS course someday and working with the World Health Organization (WHO), Dawar is determined to also pursue his passion for English and reading, a thing of beauty, after he completes his graduation.

Holy Child Auxilium Schools Khuisangmi Konghay is interested in taking up BSc (Hons) in statistics and like Dawar is hopeful of making it to her dream college in the subsequent lists. She says the dip in cutoffs was a huge relief but she was not motivated to finalise her decision to take admission in the few lesser known colleges she qualified for.

Then there are students who want to change their tracks completely.

Shivam Jha, who studied in Ramjas School and spent some time at Delhi Technological University, wants to switch to humanities and take up English in college. Though Jha is still not sure of the college he is likely to get a seat, he wants to wait and see how things unfold in the next list before taking admission.

Being a student in India you can say one thing for sure: There arent many kids who take up the science stream on their own wish. Unfortunately, I was one of them, he says on his decision to switch to arts.

Once thrust into the world of quantum mechanics and organic compounds, Jha says he was expected to take the road most taken. After two semesters of mechanical engineering in Delhi Technological University and intensely doing nothing but cramming up a thousand-page textbook on the morning of the exam, I eventually figured out that this was not what I wanted to do, he says.

I have been told that its never too late to change your fortunes and get on the right track so here I am trying to find purpose in my life, he adds.

Remya Nair of Holy Child Auxilium was also delighted after the first cutoff list because even a .25 to 2.0% plunge can make it or break it for thousands of students across the country. Nair, who has half of her family members working in the medical field, surprised everyone at home by taking non-medical subjects in Class 11.

I have applied for BTech programmes and because I like to keep my options open I will also be applying for various DU courses, she says.

For Vrinda Saxena, also of Holy Child Auxilium, as well the slight dip in this years cutoffs came as a huge relief. As a majority of the best colleges in north campus kept their cutoff at 97.5% for economics in the first list, she is hopeful about making it in the second or third list.

For Saxena, the initial feeling of not getting through a college in the first list was a little heartbreaking but she is expecting some improvement in her Class 12 Board marks after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has opened the re-verification process.

Ive been giving a lot of entrances and interviews lately and what Ive realised, beyond cutoffs giving us the chills, is that the admission process is not very smooth for the uninitiated. It is quite ironical that students and so called veterans of admissions helped us and not the college help-desks, she says.

On the brighter side, nonetheless, I am waiting for the best and in the meantime having a good laugh at the memes - after all, that humour is based on us, says Saxena.

For those making a beeline for the colleges of their choice after the second list is out, an interactive College Explorer with institutes address, programmes, websites etc will make the search easier.

Click here for more. http://www.hindustantimes.com/static/du-cutoffs-map/
According to a recent study, religious participation is linked to lower suicide rates in many parts of the world, including the United States and Russia, but does not protect against the risk of suicide in sections of Europe and Asia.

In Catholic-dominant Western and Southern Europe, residents appear to be placing less importance on God and religion and have less confidence in religious institutions. In East Asia, traditional faiths such as Buddhism and Confucianism focus on individual spirituality rather than collective spirituality, which entails social support and moral guidance.

Secularization and the individual pursuit of spirituality are two important factors that weaken the strength of local religious communities, and this reduces the protective nature of religious participation against suicide, said a Michigan State University scholar Ning Hsieh.

Suicide is one of the 20 leading causes of death worldwide. While the religion-suicide relationship is hotly contested among researchers, the current study is one of the first to examine that relationship outside Western industrialized countries. The study analyzes data on suicides and religious participation from 1981 to 2007 in 42 countries encompassing seven regions. Religious participation is measured by the percentage of people attending religious services at least once a month.

Hsieh found that religious participation is related to higher suicide rates in Southern Europe, which includes Croatia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain; Western Europe, which includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and Netherlands; East Asia, which includes China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

The regions are classified by geography except for English-speaking countries, which are grouped based on shared cultural values. Those countries are Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Religious participation protected against suicide in many countries in the English-speaking region as well as in Latin America, Eastern Europe and Northern Europe. Hsieh said the United States and other Western countries outside Europe, including Australia and Canada, have also experienced secularization, albeit more slowly than Western and Southern Europe. The United States in particular remains more religious than most Western societies, she said, in part due to immigration and more decentralized political and educational systems that are inclusive of religious views.

Although suicide is a global health concern, Hsieh noted, suicide prevention should consider regional and local norms, values and religious institutional circumstances. Without a careful consideration of context, a policy that is effective in one country or region may aggravate suicide risk in another, she said. The findings are published in the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour.

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The Zika virus may not seem as big a threat but dont let your guard down  especially if youre pregnant or trying to be. In the recent past, cases have been detected in India. While cases of the birth defect-causing virus have dropped sharply from last years peak in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean, Zika hasnt disappeared from the region and remains a potential threat.

Its hard to predict how much risk people face in locales with smoldering infection, or if cases might spike again. For now, pregnant women still are being urged not to travel to a country or area with even a few reported cases of Zika, because the consequences can be disastrous for a foetus brain. Its part of the new reality, said Dr. Martin Cetron of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Those trying to conceive, and their partners, are advised to check with their doctor on how long to wait after visiting a location with active Zika infection. There are lingering questions, too, about Zikas risk beyond pregnancy, enough that U.S. scientists just began studying babies in Guatemala to learn if infection after birth also might damage the brain. The challenge is getting those messages to the people who most need it when Zika is fast receding from the publics radar  even as money may be drying up to track the virus and the babies it injures.

Zika does its damage by attacking developing brain cells called neural progenitor cells, and babies retain many of those cells for months after birth. (iStock)

In the past month, Puerto Rico and Brazil, hard hit by Zika last year, declared their epidemics over. But smaller numbers of infections continue around the region, according to the CDC and the Pan American Health Organization. Zika hasnt gone away, said CDC acting director Dr. Anne Schuchat. We cant afford to be complacent.

What about nonpregnant travelers? CDC has counted 140 cases so far this year in U.S. states, all of them who had symptoms. The vast majority of people who get Zika dont notice symptoms, yet still are potential spreaders of infection if mosquitoes back home bite them and then someone else. That happened late last year in parts of South Florida and Texas, and local health officials remain on alert in case it happens again. There is no treatment for Zika.

Babies born to Zika-infected mothers can experience severe brain-related defects even if mom had no symptoms. Abnormally small heads, called microcephaly, are the most attention-getting defect. Babies also may have hearing or vision loss, seizures, trouble swallowing or restricted limb movement. Zika infection also can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

Whats the risk? About 1 in 20 women with Zika so far have had babies with birth defects in U.S. territories, according to the latest pregnancy registry data. Risk was higher if mom was infected during the first trimester, but even third-trimester infections sometimes led to birth defects.

Some babies appear fine at birth only to develop health problems later on. What if Zika can harm a newborns still-developing brain like it does a fetal brain? After all, one way Zika does its damage is by attacking developing brain cells called neural progenitor cells, and babies retain many of those cells for months after birth.

To find out, the National Institutes of Health just funded a new study in Guatemala, where Zika still is spreading, to track the health of 500 newborns and 700 other children ages 1 to 5. Our concern is that a developing brain in early life can be impacted significantly, Dr. Flor Munoz of Baylor College of Medicine, who will help lead the study, said in a statement. Its an important question to address not just for children that live in the endemic areas, but also for children who travel to these areas.

This kind of virus almost certainly is not going to disappear completely, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIHs National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently told Congress. Several other vaccine candidates are in earlier stages of testing.

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The Bandhwari solid waste treatment plant that is located along the Gurgaon-Faridabad road in the Aravallis will soon generate 10MW of electricity every day. The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) and Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the plant. A Chinese firm will help the corporations to segregate the waste, officials said.

The entire project is expected to cost over Rs 330 crore and within two years, the plant will be able to produce electricity for which the waste collection process has been started by the MCG and MCF.

Door-to-door collection, transportation, processing and disposal of municipal solid waste from various waste generators including individuals, residential, commercial and industrial establishments in both the cities amount to over 1,250 tonnes of municipal waste per day, said SS Rohilla, spokesperson for MCG.

The entire project will take two years to produce electricity, officials said. The processing unit would comprise bio methanation facility, composting facility, RDF processing facility, RDF to power plant, flue gas treatment facility, leachate treatment plant and sanitary landfill with a view to protect the environment as well.

For this project, Ecogreen Energy Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of China Jinjiang Environment Holding Company Ltd, has agreed to work with the Haryana government and will segregate the municipal solid waste into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and compost. Only RDF will be used for generating power at the proposed waste-to-energy power plant.

The MCG officials will also visit China to learn more about the technology that will help them develop the plant more efficiently, said MCG officials.

A team will also be formed that will independently review and monitor the progress of the unit at regular intervals, according to officials present at the event where the MoU was signed.

The waste management plant that is located on the Gurgaon-Faridabad road has been a landfill site, where waste from Gurgaon and Faridabad is dumped without treatment. The 32-acre plant is capable of handling only 600 tonnes of garbage every day, but it is receiving nearly 1,500 tonnes a day. Officials said that they will now be able to treat waste and produce electricity for the two cities.

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The citys tryst with monsoon is only a few days away. According to the Met office, heavy rainfall is forecast in Gurgaon on Saturday and a sustained spell of wet weather thereafter. A thunderstorm is forecast on Saturday as well, with the maximum temperature hovering around 33C.

The city has been receiving showers since last week. After suffering a long, grimy spell during which the mercury shot up to disconcerting levels, residents heaved a sigh of relief as the skies turned grey and were even out enjoying the rains.

The city woke up to overcast skies on Friday. It started raining from 12pm and continued for 30 minutes. Met officials said there were scattered spells of rain since 5am but it wasnt before 12pm that the heavens opened up and the city received heavy rain.

While the city recorded a maximum temperature of 35C on Thursday, the minimum temperature hovered around 26C.

However, doctors in the city advised caution saying that even as the rains on Friday brought the mercury down and gave residents some respite from the sweltering spell, they should take necessary precautions to avoid catching a viral or bacterial infections that are largely blamed on waterlogging and unhygienic conditions during the rainy season.

Commuters caught in the rain in Gurgaons Sector 31 on Friday. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

Residents should take precautions during monsoon, as bacterial infections tend to catch them unawares. We advise people to stay dry as far as possible, BK Rajora, chief medical officer, civil hospital, Gurgaon, said.

Rajesh Kumar, a senior doctor at Paras Hospital, said, With the onset of rains, residents tend to fall for the lure of street food. This often leads to a significant jump in the number of typhoid and diarrhoea cases. Residents also run the risk of being affected by water-borne diseases. Hence, they should see to it that there is no waterlogging in areas where they reside.

Read I Gurgaon: Heavy rain likely today, brace for flooded roads

Doctors said cases of typhoid and diarrhoea are being reported in the city everyday. Though there hasnt been any outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases yet, the residents need to take caution, the doctors said.
Old enmity and personal rivalry have been revealed as the possible motives behind the murder of Narender Kataria in Sector 9. Police on Thursday arrested two of the accused and are on the lookout for two others who are at large.

On June 22, Narender Kataria, a property dealer from village Basai, was shot multiple times by four assailants, who later fled to the village.

Police said all the four accused are from the same village as the victim. Two of the accused had an altercation with Kataria in 2010 and had a grudge against him, the police said.

The two accused, who were arrested by police, have been identified as Shashikant alias Sunny and Arjun alias Brahmprakash. Two others Sumit, who is said to be the prime accused, and Lalit alias Mauny are absconding.

Police said Mauny, who had been behind bars for killing a person who ran a cow shelter in Basai, got out on parole a month ago.

Arjun was involved in the shooting of an advocate last year, the police said.

Two motorcycles and a country-made pistol, along with five cartridges, were recovered from the two accused persons.

Police said they are searching for more weapons that could have been used for the killing.

Sources said after killing Kataria, the accused fled to their village where they fired a shot in the air. Though not many locals took note of it, it was a mistake that gave police some vital clues and led to the arrest of two of them.

A special investigation team of Gurgaon police was formed to investigate the case. The two persons who had been identified by the Kataria family as suspects, were not found to have had any role in the crime. It took a lot of effort by the investigators to get a breakthrough in the case, Sumit Kuhar, DCP, West, said.

Acting on a tip-off, two members of the SIT  Sajjan Singh of CIA, Palam Vihar and Bijender Singh, station house officer (SHO), Sector 9 arrested the two accused from Chandu village on the outskirts of the city. The duo were planning to leave Gurgaon.

Sources said the family one of the accused had recently got a large sum of money from the sale of a piece of land they owned and they plotted the murder out of an old grudge that they held against the family.

A murder case was registered at the Sector 9 police station.

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The residents of Gurgaon have installed a 24*7 community fridge thats for all and by all. Stationed at the exit gate of Suncity flats in Sector-54, Gurgaon since last Friday, the fridge is stocked with vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items, available free of cost for the needy. Anyone can donate food for it.

This is part of a bigger initiative we are trying to implement in our society. We began waste management and segregating the dry waste that is recyclable. Over 30 families were involved in the initiative. While we were doing that, we thought of also working towards reducing our food waste, says Gurgaon resident and IT professional Rahul Khera, one of the minds behind the initiative, Sharing Shelves, which attempts to reduce food wastage.

We waited to get sponsorship from a brand, but when that didnt materialise, we bought a display fridge with a glass door, posted about it on social media, and received an overwhelming response... On the first day, I went there a couple of times, and every time I went, I found new packets in the fridge, he adds.

The community fridge is stationed at Suncity, sector -54, Gurgaon where anybody can donate food for the needy.

Recalling the reactions from passers-by, Khera says, People asked things like Sach mein free hai khana? and Mujhe bhookh lagi hain, main yeh khana lelu?... Ive started speaking to auto drivers and vendors on the initiative. I tell them to accompany me, for them to really believe it.

The good samaritans behind this concept encourage others to donate surplus food for the fridge, or start one of their own. Ive received response from several Gurgaon residents enquiring about it, as they want to do something similar in their society. People have called to even extend monetary help.We plan to expand it at other locations within and outside Suncity, says Khera, who adds that they will soon have a sticker book encompassing green and red dots, kept next to the fridge. We want it to be easy and accessible for the donors and the takers. Weve collated guidelines for donors that include marking the date of produce, while also specifying if the food is veg or non-veg, he adds.

Residents give a thumbs-up to the initiative. Such initiatives are always wonderful. If executed properly, the right people get benefitted, says Pooja Dalmia. Another resident, Deepti Mittal adds, The concept is good, but really needs to take off all across India.

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The Gurgaon police arrested two men on Thursday evening in connection with an incident last week where a Scorpio tried to run over the station house officer (SHO) of Sector 29 on MG Road. Three bystanders were injured in the incident. The two men were picked up from Gurgaon-Faridabad Road.

The incident took place last Friday night. Two men in a black Scorpio, which was parked near JMD Mall on MG Road, hit the accelerator and tried to run over the SHO after being told to pull over by the police. The SUV missed the SHO, but hit his vehicle instead and also injured three bystanders. Though the police chased the youths, they managed to escape.

The Scorpio had tinted glasses and we werent able to identify the persons in it. We initially thought there were 3-4 men, but investigations revealed that only two men were in the car at the time, Vikas Kaushik, SHO of Sector 29, said.

The police had no information about the accused except for partly noting down the vehicles registration plate as it sped away.

We went through a series of registration numbers and found that only one black Scorpio was issued a new registration number. On contacting the owner, who resides in Delhi, we got to know that the car had been gifted to the owners brother-in-law, Sachin Dyma (who was driving the car on the night of the incident), Kaushik said.

The SHO said the police tracked the location of the car and nabbed the two on Thursday around 5pm from Gurgaon-Faridabad Road.

Dyma, who has been identified as the main accused, hails from Faridabad. He, along with his friend Tinu Nagar, who resides in Noida, was arrested and the black Scorpio was seized. No weapons or illegal items were found in the car.

Kaushik said that the two, aged around 20, were drunk that night and on seeing the police, they panicked.

They said they got scared after the cops asked them to stop their vehicle. They said they had been consuming alcohol. The SUV had tinted glasses( which is in violation of the rules). They hit the police car and injured three bystanders as they tried to get away, the SHO said.

While Sachin is doing a diploma in civil engineering from Lingayas University in Faridabad, Tinu is a class 10 dropout, the police said.

The two will be produced before a magistrate on Friday afternoon.

The Gurgaon police launched a drive on MG Road after reports of alleged drink driving and molestation in the area.

On Sunday, rapper Fazilpuria was seen arguing with the cops after being caught allegedly for drink driving.

Earlier on June 9, the occupants of speeding Fortuner which was asked to pull over by the police, allegedly got into a brawl with the cops.
Hollywood star Hugh Jackman has said he is done with playing Wolverine in films, but he still keeps reprising his role on Saturday nights at home.

The 48-year-old actor, who played the adamantium-clawed mutant in the X-Men film franchise, said he claws back as the popular character when his children are being naughty, reported FemaleFirst. Hell come back, just not with me... Except Saturday nights at my house. I dress up. When my kids are not doing their homework, I dress up and the claws come out, I just have to do that (raise an eyebrow) with the claws and it works, Jackman said.

The actor has two kids - son Oscar, 17 and daughter Ava, 11 with actress wife with Deborra-Lee Furness.

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The first 100 days of the BJP-led coalition government in Goa have been more about appeasing alliance partners than setting up base rules for governance, observers say.

Forming the government on March 13 after having lost the popular mandate, the BJP tied up with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Goa Forward Party in order to attain magical majority figure of 21, but this unplanned alliance between the parties has often resulted in disputes between the smaller partners. The BJP is then confined to play the role of a referee as it tries to strike a balance.

For example, when tourism minister Manohar Asgaonkar  a Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party member -- blamed the Indian tourists for spoiling Goan heritage and also asked for a ban on the Lamani community. This triggered outrage and forced BJP MLA Michael Lobo to apologise for the comments.

Next, MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar was quoted by media asking for a complete ban on beef slaughter. His remark came days after a VHP leader in Goa had asked for outlawing beef. The statement went down so badly with the Christian and Muslim community in Goa that chief minister Manohar Parrikar had to step in to clear the air.

We believe in law. We will follow it. I cannot stop anyone as long as freedom of speech exists. As far as I am concerned, I am here to ensure law is followed, the law will be followed, Parrikar had said.

But even after these clarifications the issue has failed to die.

It was an unplanned and a completely unexpected government. The Goans had never expected that the BJP will come to power and to make it interesting, Manohar Parrikar will return to the state as the chief minister. So its very difficult to find the baseline of this government. It looks in a state of confusion right now, said senior journalist Fredrick Noronha.

The common minimum programme which the chief minister had talked about soon after forming the government in March was also presented to the state after a delay of three months, and failed to deliver.

While coconut was declared as the state tree in the CMP after a massive unrest amongst the Goans since last year after the then BJP govt led by Laxmikanth Parsekar had denotified it and given it the status of grass other core issues like shifting of casinos or getting more employment opportunities was completely ignored.

This was an issue which had caught the ire of the people. In fact this was one of the issue which got the kingmaker Goa Forward Party votes. Coconuts form the core identity of the locals and the previous government had just gone ahead and snatched it from us. So this was definitely one area wherein this new coalition government had to act and they did that, said Mayabhushan Nagvenkar, another senior journalist from the state.

The denotification of coconut as grass had resulted in massive deforestation as the distillers in the state got a free hand in cutting of the trees without getting a proper permission from the forest department.

Issues such as amendment to the Tenancy Act and Investment Promotion Board that were earlier rejected by the BJP government are now getting a special mention in the agenda.

But the Opposition calls the BJP-led coalition directionless. Whatever announcements they have made are a repeat of the 2012 election manifesto. Then also Parrikar had said that they will shift the casinos and had given a deadline and the same has been done this term as well. Its a pure tactic to fool the people, said Congress spokesperson Yatish Naik.

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A civil liberties activist, who has mounted a legal challenge to the widespread use of Aadhaar by the government, has been told his 12-digit identification number has been biometrically authenticated even though he did not apply for one.

Gopal Krishna said he received several emails earlier this month from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) telling him that an electronic authentication of his Aadhaar card, which involves taking finger and iris prints and submitting several documents, had been done.

Krishna is a signatory to a bunch of petitions challenging the governments stand making the Aadhaar mandatory. The government has been pushing for the card to be linked to various government schemes and for income tax returns.

Krishna pointed out the mistake to the UIDAI over Twitter after receiving the first authentication email addressed to one P Krishna. Since then he has received two similar emails about his Aadhaar authentication.

How can my Aadhaar authentication happen when I have not given my biometrics and iris, and indeed never even applied for one? Krishna, a member of the Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties, told HT.

UIDAI officials ruled out any glitch in the system, saying they communicate with emails that applicants provide them. They hinted to a possible mix-up at the level of Aadhaar enrolment centres that are run by private parties.

Authentication emails are sent to email ids given by applicants at the time of enrolment, one official said on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media.

While a clerical mistake was a possibility, Krishna said it underlined weak backend support for managing the biometrics and details of a billion people.

In March, Mahendra Singh Dhonis personal details were leaked by a sanctioned Aadhaar enrolment agency, exposing flaws in the identification projects data collection and storage systems.

The central government has been pushing for the use of Aadhaar, saying it is necessary to plug leakages in its subsidy schemes and to ensure benefits reach those targeted.

But critics say the move violates privacy, is vulnerable to data breaches and helps government spy on people. The Supreme Court is hearing several petitions against making Aadhaar mandatory to avail public services.
The Israeli embassy in India has released a video showing its citizens welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hindi before he starts his three-day visit to Israel from next Tuesday.

Posted on Wednesday to the embassys Twitter account, the video starts with Israelis sending their warm wishes in broken Hindi followed by an exhilarated welcome by the staff in New Delhi.

Aap ki yatra shubh ho, mangalmai ho, a participant says. Bharat aur Israel ke sambandho mein vriddhi ho aur mazboot bane, adds another.

Daniel Carmon, Israels ambassador to India, can also be seen at the end of the little over a minute video, welcoming Modi in both Hindi and Hebrew.

The video instantly touched the hearts of many Indians, including Modi who took to Twitter to thank them.

The love for our PM and our country is so overwhelming.A Big Thanks from all Indians (sic), a social media user wrote.

Lots of love and respect to Israeli people from a Indian (sic), commented another user.

Twitter Screengrab

Twitter Screengrab

With the tour scheduled to begin on July 4, Modi will become the first Indian premier to set foot on Israel. Hailing it as a historic visit, his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu extended his greetings earlier this week on social media.

Thank you, my friend, for your kind holiday greeting. The people of Israel eagerly await your historic visit. https://t.co/Is1NmfWiMF  Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) April 11, 2017

The two leaders are expected to hold talks on a host of diplomatic as well as non-security areas, including water, agriculture, health investment, space, and even bringing Bollywood to Israel.

Apart from the diplomatic activities, Modi will also meet Moshe, the 11-year-old Jewish survivor of the 26-11 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Moshe was barely two when his parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg were killed along with six others, by Pakistan-based Lashkar-i-Taiba terrorists in the Chabad House attack in 2008.
More than 27 years after communal riots in Bihars Bhagalpur district claimed over 1,000 lives over a period of two months in 1989, the Patna high court has acquitted Kameshwar Yadav, a key figure named in connection with the infamous incidents.

Yadavs acquittal came on Thursday, after he had spent almost 10 years in jail following his conviction and sentencing to life imprisonment by a court on November 28, 2007. He had been held guilty for rioting and killing a shopkeeper during the 1989 Bhagalpur riots.

While pronouncing the acquittal, the Patna high court directed authorities concerned to immediately release Yadav from the Bhagalpur central jail, where he had been serving his life term.

A high court third bench, comprising justice Ashwani Kumar Singh, observed in its 39 page judgment that there was no concrete evidence in the police investigation that proved the involvement of Yadav in the riots.

Former special public prosecutor Mohammad Salauddin said Kameshwar was the lone accused in the case lodged by Bibi Waleema in which she had accused him of killing her son, Mohammad Munna, when the latter.was downing the shutters of his shop (in October 1989).

This Bhagalpur Kotwali police station case (no. 83/90), involving Yadav, was one of the 27 riot cases in which the accused escaped conviction for want of evidence, over 27 years ago. These cases were reopened by the Nitish Kumar government in 2006, for fresh investigations.

As such, after conviction and sentencing in November 2007, the court of ADJ Arvind Madhav found Yadav guilty of shooting dead Mohammad Qayyum and sentenced him in 2009.. Yadav was charged with firing upon Qayyum while leading a mob of rioters on October 24, 1989.

Yadav appealed in the Patna high court against the judgment of conviction and order of sentence which was passed by the trial judge. But when the division bench passed it judgement on September 3, 2015, justices Dharnidhar Jha and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, had diverse views.

In the result, the appeal succeeds and the same is allowed. The conviction of the appellant for charges, for which he had been held guilty of, is hereby set aside along with the sentences upon him. The appellant is in custody, he shall be released forthwith, if not wanted in any other case, said Jha in his judgement.

However, justice Amanullah disagreed and accordingly recorded a separate judgment. In light of the discussions made hereinabove, the Court does not find any ground for interfering in the judgment of conviction and order of sentence against the appellant and accordingly the appeal being devoid of merit, stands dismissed, said Amanullah.

Yadavs counsel Subodh Kumar Jha told HT that the chief justice of Patna high court then referred the matter to a third bench of justice Ashwani Kumar Singh for his opinion. This bench ordered Yadavs acquittal on Thursday for lack of evidence.

Jha said a factor which went in Yadavs favour was that he was made accused on February 7, 1990, four months after Qayyum was killed.

He further stated that Yadav, a resident of Parbatti in Bhagalpur, lost his wife Geeta Yadav (2004) and his son Sanjay Yadav (2002)

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West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee ratcheted up her opposition to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Friday, alleging the new system is an epic blunder as an arrest clause in the rules could be misused to hound businesses.

Banerjees Trinamool Congress, which rules West Bengal, is the first among a string of opposition parties to announce it would boycott a much-publicised Friday midnight function in Parliament to roll out one of Indias most ambitious reforms.

Read: GST launch LIVE updates | Council meeting begins, Congress says Parliament cannot be used for self-advertisement

I am shocked to find that the GST rules contain a rather draconian arrest clause which can lead to major harassment of business, particularly the small and medium, with some sections even being non-bailable too, she wrote on her Facebook wall.

Banerjee dovetailed the arrest rule with her accusation that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre promotes vendetta politics against anyone opposing it.

Given the atmosphere in the country of vindictively targeting anyone who dares to disagree with the Central Government, I am deeply concerned that the arrest clause in GST may well be used to target business leaders who raise their voice of dissent on any policy matter or any practices, she remarked.

The chief minister pointed out that VAT rules, which the GST will override, dont allow field officials of the state government to arrest anybody. They have to file an FIR, if they feel a person has committed a serious tax offence, she wrote.

She said West Bengal opposed the arrest clause at GST Council meetings, but the Centre overruled the states protests.

The mockery of Inspector Raj is back... But in the case of GST, the Inspectors will have the power to arrest on 4 different types of offences which can lead to jail from 1 year up to 5 years, she said.

The GST will replace about 20 central and state taxes such as factory-gate duties, service and local taxes while unifying Asias third-largest economy and 1.3 billion people into a single market.

But opposition parties, small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs, traders, weavers and informal-sector workers have protested against the new system over various issues, including the tax rates.

At the stroke of midnight on 14th August, 1947, India won her freedom. Now, at the midnight of 30th June, 2017, freedom and democracy stand to face grave danger, Banerjee commented.
Police forces across the Northeast have taken a leaf out of the book of militant groups for a united front.

Assams director general of police Mukesh Sahay suggested on Thursday the creation of an umbrella organisation of police forces in eight states in the region.

He put forth the idea at the 24th conference of director generals (DGs) and inspector generals (IGs) of police of the Northeast.

Satyendra Garg, joint secretary (Northeast) in the ministry of home affairs, attended the meeting, besides officers of region-specific paramilitary forces such as Shokin Chauhan, director general of Assam Rifles. The plan includes West Bengal police for strategic reasons.

The Assam police chief said if militants can have an umbrella organisation, so can the police for better coordination among the forces across the Northeast. All DGs and IGs endorsed the idea while Garg seemed to appreciate it, a senior police officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre said.

The diverse militant outfits of the Northeast currently have two umbrella organisations. One is the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW), a front comprising six groups, including SS Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent and National Democratic Front of Boroland.

The other is the Manipur-based organisation Coordination Commitee or CorCom that has groups such as the Kangleipak Communist Party and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup.

The groups often coordinate for subversive strikes in each others territories and beyond.

The police chiefs of states bordering Myanmar suggested fencing of the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border but Garg said it would not solve the problem because of difficult terrain and common ethnicity on either side of the border. He added that rather the Assam Rifles should realign for a stronger border posture.

Shokin Chauhan, the director-general of Assam Rifles offered training at the Assam Rifles Training Centre in Nagalands Dimapur.

Chauhan also suggested joint operations and patrolling by the police and Assam Rifles.

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One Assam Rifles jawan was killed and three others were injured in a militant attack on Friday in Manipurs Ukhrul district.

According to informed sources, the attack took place at 4 am in Shangshad area.

No weapons were, however, snatched in the attack, they said.

Reinforcements were rushed for combing operations. But sources fear that the militants have already escaped to their camps across the border.
Wild elephants are seriously obstructing the Bihar governments flood protection measures in the Kusaha area of Nepal, about 12 km north of Birpur, a border town in Supaul district, which are crucial for the well being of vast areas of north Bihar.

For, it was in Kusaha that the eastern afflux bund (embankment) on the Kosi river had been breached in August 2008, causing widespread devastation in five districts of north Bihar as well as in some parts of the Himalayan country. The catastrophe had claimed almost 500 lives and affected over three million people.

Officials engaged in flood protection measures said elephants inhabiting the nearby protected forest zone frequently came out of their abode and blocked the mobility of men and machinery deployed by the Bihar water resources department (WRD), alongside the afflux bund.

These elephants cause damage to anti-flood structures like spurs, which have been built to deflect strong current of water and minimise the rivers impact on the embankment, said a source overseeing the flood protection measures.

The wild elephants have also been demolishing camp offices set up by the department to protect the 32 km long eastern afflux bund, constructed on the upstream of the Kosi. The structure has been built to check the increased level of water caused by the construction of Birpur barrage on the river.

READ| Bihar floods force people living along Kosi to eat rats

On June 14, the elephants went on the rampage and damaged the camp offices at Madhuban and Kushaha areas in Nepal. Free movement of wild animals in the Kosi project area in Nepal is indeed a matter of concern and we are taking steps to contain the menace, said principal secretary of the WRD Arun Kumar Singh.

To facilitate the unhindered movement of the departments field engineers and machinery on the bund, the WRD has created road diversions at many places, so that if elephants block the main road, the WRD personnel can take these diverted routes to reach their destinations.

The Nepalese government has also installed solar power fencing alongside the protected forest zone to prevent the animals from entering the nearby villages. The solar powered wires provide mild shock to the animals, when they came in contact with the fence.

READ| Another Kosi? 14 lakh people face flood threat

However, despite the steps initiated by the WRD as well as the Nepalese administration, the elephants remained a serious threat to the embankment, said the departments officials.

Notably, rodents had significantly contributed to the breach in the embankment in 2008. They had cut the metal wires used in the structure causing extensive damage to it, which had gone unnoticed till the embankment had caved in.

READ| Rescuers scramble to save animals in flooded wildlife parks of Bihar, Assam

The Indian government was so worried about the free movement of wildlife in Kushaha that it had strongly raised the issue at the 8th meeting of the Indo-Nepal Joint Committee on Kosi and Gandak Projects (JCKGP) last year. It had appealed to the Nepalese delegation to take immediate measures on this count, or else it would be very difficult to carry out anti-erosion and other flood protection activities.

Wild animals, especially elephants, are creating havoc and they need to be controlled either by patrolling or other suitable measures, the Indian delegation had said at the meeting of the JCKGP. As part of security measures, the Indian side had reiterated the need for deployment of permanent armed police force (AFP) at Rajabas and Kushaha. It insisted that round the clock patrolling should be conducted in the area throughout the year for the safety of the Kosi project facilities.

READ| Bihar braces for Kosi fury after Nepal landslide, flood alert in 8 districts; evacuation on

Moreover, the WRD is much more concerned this time around as the Kosi is heavily inclined towards the afflux bund at Rajabas area of Nepal and attacking the spurs attached with the embankment. The situation demands utmost vigil and it cant be possible unless there is unhindered mobility of men and machinery all through the embankment, said officials.

According to additional secretary, disaster management department (DMD) Anirudh Kumar, the Kosi breach had affected over three million people in five north Bihar districts  Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnia and Araria. The Bihar government had demanded about Rs 14,000 crore from the centre to compensate the losses. However, the state received only Rs 1,000 crore, he said.

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The elder brother of a 20-year-old woman gang-raped and murdered in Rohtak this May was charged with raping a widow and stealing valuables from her.

Sonepat police in Haryana pressed charges on Friday against the 24-year-old suspect, who is jobless and allegedly an alcoholic. But he wasnt arrested.

A 40-year-old widow, a neighbour, alleged that he barged into her house when she was alone, raped her and took away a mobile phone and gold earrings.

Based on her complaint, police registered a case. An officer said the womans statement will be recorded before magistrate on Saturday. Her medical examination will be done too.

The mans sister was brutally raped and murdered, triggering national outrage over womens safety in Haryana as the incident was compared with the fatal December 2012 gang-rape of a paramedical student in New Delhi.

Her decomposed and mutilated body was found at a secluded place in the Rohtak industrial area, where dogs were tearing out the flesh.

Police arrested two men  a suspected jilted lover and his friend  after the familys complaint. DNA test reports hold the duo guilty.

The incident was so gruesome that chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced trial in a fast-track court.

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Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Friday it was unfortunate that the Congress was distancing itself from the GST launch event, hoping the opposition party will rethink their stand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the new tax regime at midnight, replacing a messy mix of more than a dozen state and central levies that will unify the countrys $2 trillion economy and weave 1.3 billion people into a common market.

Opposition parties TMC, Congress and Left see undue haste in the implementation of the goods and services tax, causing hardships for millions of tiny neighbourhood shops that dont even use a calculator. They have decided to boycott the gala event.

Current effective tax rate includes central excise duty, VAT and all various local levies. * This is the cess that will be applicable on cars

The Janata Dal-United (JD-U) will send a representative to the Parliament event. Earlier, Bihar CM Nistish Kumar was expected to attend. Lalu Prasads Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) -- like the Congress -- will not be present.

Its really unfortunate because they are distancing themselves from the process of reformation in the country. I hope they (Congress) realise by evening and re-think and join us in the Central Hall, Naidu told at a programme organised by a TV channel.

I still appeal to the Congress and other parties boycotting GST event to reconsider. Its not a party function, he added.

The government promises that the transition to a single, nationwide tax on goods and services will streamline business and boost the economy by tearing down barriers between 31 states and union territories. It is estimated to add 0.4% to 2% to GDP growth.

But some businesses are still figuring out how it will work as they race against time to adopt or upgrade cash registers and computer system so they are able to file monthly tax returns that comply with the new tax regime.

For some businesses, the GST is complex with four broad tax categories of 5, 12, 18 and 24%, and myriad exceptions, as opposed to a simpler, flatter and broader sales taxes in other countries.
In the making since 2000, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will finally kick-in from July 1.

The GST was launched at midnight at a function inside Parliaments Central Hall.

Touted by the government as the biggest tax reform since Independence, the GST is meant to boost growth and scrap local taxes that add to overhead costs and stymie businesses.

Read: Rehearsals, decorative lights, Central Hall clean-up: How the GST launch function will unfold

Foodgrains, cereals and vegetables have been zero rated under GST, other rate slabs are 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. A cess will also be added to certain sin and luxury products.

Below are the highlights of the event:

12:00am: GST is like VAT, there was initial apprehensions and teething problems. But we will have to overcome them: President

11:56pm: GST is the example of the maturity of the relation between states and centre: President

11:55pm: There were apprehensions about GST and the vast array of goods and services it encompasses, but the Council has ensured that this work is done: President

11:51pm: GST is the culmination of a 14 year-long journey that began with the Kelkar Committee report in 2002: President

11:50pm: GST is not only Goods and Services Tax but also Good and Simple Tax: Modi

11:46pm: GST is a system that will allow states and the centre to work together towards a new India. And GST will be an important aspect of a new India: Modi

11:42pm: It is true that computer literacy is a problem but we know it is not unsurmountable. It is time to end cynicism and help this new momentum: Modi

11:40pm: GST is simple, transparent and will end corruption and black money: Modi

11:33pm: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel unified the country and GST will bring economic unity to India: Modi

11:30pm: The Central Hall of Parliament has seen many historical moments, so it is the perfect venue for launch of GST: Modi

11:25pm: GST is not the legacy of one political party but the collective legacy of all political parties: Modi

11:21pm: India will move in a new direction with GST implementation: Modi

11.18pm: GST Council met 18 times, and there was never any need for voting, because of the unanimity: Jaitley

11:16pm: The old India was economically fragmented, the new India will create one tax, one market and for one nation: Jaitley

11:16pm: The underlying principle of fixing GST rates was to ensure tax neutrality and to avoid unnecessary burden on the common man: Jaitley

11:15pm: I got my first lessons on GST from former finance minister of West Bengal, Asim Dasgupta: Jaitley

11:10pm: GST shows India can rise above narrow politics: Jaitley

11:07pm: Arun jaitley begins his speech by thanking GST Council.

11pm: GST ceremony begins in Central Hall of Parliament with national anthem.

10:50pm: Traders from Adarsh Vyapar Mandal celebrate GST launch in Lucknow.

Lucknow. (HT)

10:42pm: Rollout of the GST is historical as it will bring about a revolutionary change in the country, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis says.

10:40pm: Being a weaver by community, I hold responsibility to highlight the grievance of the textile sector. GST destroys handlooms, says Congress MP Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu.

10:35pm: Did you know?

It is only fourth time in the history of Independent India that a midnight function is being organised in the Central Hall of Parliament. The previous three were the moment of Independence on the night of August 14-15, 1947, its silver jubilee celebration in 1972 and the third the golden jubilee celebration of Independence in 1997.

10:30pm:

10:24pm: Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu today wrote to Jaitley appealing for immediate review and reversal of GST proposals on handlooms and powerlooms raw material and products.

10:00pm: Ministers and invitees start arriving at Parliament House for GST launch.

9:56pm:

Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Telangana Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu protesting against #GST in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex pic.twitter.com/1J5Hqo42vP  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

9:55pm: In bringing out any reforms, there will be initial hiccups, but those can be addressed: Venkaiah Naidu.

9:50pm: There is apprehension about the GST within the BJP leadership itself, West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra says. He adds even Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stiffly opposed the tax regime before taking over the countrys top post.

9:47pm: The commerce ministry has aligned provisions of the foreign trade policy with GST.

9.40pm: Next three GST Council meetings will be held on first Saturdays of the month starting from August 2017, reports ANI.

9:32pm: GST will adversely impact sales, profits in short-term, Dabur said in its regulatory filing.

9:12pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Vigyan Bhawan to meet GST Council members from across states.

9:00pm: Arun Jaitley to address a GST-related meeting at the Talkatora Stadium on July 6.

8:58pm: Delhi BJP to organise camps to help trader organisations and the common people on problems and misconceptions related to the GST.

8:49pm: Under the GST regime, tax base will expand. More people will pay tax honestly. The GST experience may lead to lower tax rates in the future while tax revenue will go up, says power minister Piyush Goyal.

8:47pm: Tamil Film Chamber of Commerce says in view of the lack of clarity on amount and extent of taxation on film exhibitions after GST kicks in, film theatre owners will cease screening movies from Monday.

8:45pm: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal says GST will bring a paradigm shift in the entire indirect tax system.

8.32pm: I think India will grow faster, better, economy will be benefited, all the states will be benefited: Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra CM.

8:30pm: GST Council reduces tax rate on tractor parts from 28% to 18%. Fertilizer from 12% to 5%, says Jaitley.

8:20 pm: Parliament house decked up ahead of GST launch.

8:15pm: GST Council reduces tax rate on fertilizer from 12% to 5%, says Jaitley.

7:53pm: School supplies like pencils and books are unlikely to get costlier under the GST regime, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar says.

7:52pm:

BJP's version of #GST excludes too many items, has too many rates, &eliminates UPA's 18% cap. Nation is unready for its hasty implementation  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 30, 2017

7:40pm: GST council meeting begins in New Delhi.

7:36pm: The challenge before the Congress party is now that they have to decide whether they will take fringe positions or will choose mainstream position,Jaitley says.

7:35pm: Jaitley rejects Opposition charge of GST launch being a self- promotion, saying they should focus on mainstream rather than latching on to fringe issues.

7:30pm: Congress leader Anand Sharma says there is no reason to celebrate the GST rollout as the country is not yet ready for the new tax regime. Parliament cannot be used for advertisement, he adds.

7:20pm: Arun Jaitley to address media ahead of midnight Parliament session to usher in GST.

7:15pm: Finance minister Arun Jaitley chairing GST Council meeting in New Delhi.

7:10pm: Goa government to abolish its much criticised entry tax on the state borders as a fallout of the introduction of GST.

7:05pm: Chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian says GST is not a destination, it is a journey. Hope to bring health, real estate, petrol under GST.

7:00pm: PM Modi to address rally at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru stadium on Saturday: TV reports

6:45pm: The GST may not be perfect and may cause some inconvenience initially but the government will make amendments if that happened, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari says.

6:37pm: At the stroke of midnight on 14th August, 1947, India won her freedom. Now, at the midnight of 30th June, 2017, freedom and democracy stand to face grave danger, Mamata says in a Facebook post.

6:36pm: Mamata adds the GST rules will lead to harassment of small traders and businesses.

..that arrest clause in GST may well be used to target business leaders who raise voice of dissent on any policy matter/any practices: WB CM pic.twitter.com/tSsFClyIrr  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

6:35pm: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee says GST will bring back the dreaded Inspector Raj.

6:34pm: A special session of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly will be held from July 4, to discuss the implementation of GST.

6:33pm: Union finance minister Arun Jaitley says Jammu and Kashmir will suffer major losses if it does not implement GST.

6:32pm: Jammu and Kashmir misses the July 1 deadline for GST rollout as the state government maintained that it is in consultations to build a consensus for implementing the new tax regime.

6:30pm: To create a workforce of GST-trained professionals, the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship announced a 100-hour certificate course to understand the new tax regime, officials said. The course will start from July 15 in three cities.

6:00pm: Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant says implementation of GST will make India a formal, easier and simpler, and a more revenue generating economy.

5:40pm: Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma slams the BJP-led NDA government for holding the GST roll out function in Parliaments Central Hall, terming it as an insult to its prestige and a publicity tool while asserting that the party will not participate in the launch.

5:30pm: GST Network launches an offline Excel based format for traders and businesses to upload sales data on the GST portal. This Excel template can be downloaded from the GST common portal (www.gst.gov.in), and can be used by taxpayers to collate all invoice related data on a regular basis.

4:55pm: The Aam Aadmi Party terms the GST a good idea with bad implementation, saying the high tax levies under the new regime will encourage tax evasion, increasing the size of grey market.

4:50pm: The GST rollout will end Inspector Raj, weed out black money from the system and end corruption, says Union minister Nitin Gadkari.

A hoarding on GST near Ashoka road in New Delhi. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)

4:30pm: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah says his party is not opposed to the GST, but against its usage as a propaganda tool.

4:15pm: Over a hundred textile traders protest at the Banappa Park in Bengaluru.

4:00pm: Rahul Gandhi dubs the implementation of GST as a tamasha, saying the reform was being rushed through in a half-baked manner as a self-promotional spectacle.

3:46pm: Unlike demonetisation, GST is a reform that Congress has championed and backed from the beginning but like demonetisation, GST is being executed by an incompetent and insensitive govt without planning foresight and institutional readiness: Rahul Gandhi

3:45pm: India deserves a GST rollout that does not put crores of its ordinary citizens, small businesses and traders through tremendous pain and anxiety, tweets Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi

3:15pm: Kerala finance minister Thomas Issac said he wont be participating in the midnight roll out of the GST. We are free not to join the event, he said in Delhi.

3:00pm: The fear of unknown is the biggest challenge in the roll out of goods and services tax, GST Network chief Navin Kumar said, hours before its implementation.

2:50pm: Even though the traders staged protest, Madhya Pradesh finance minister Jayant Malaiya said GST will not have any adverse impact on the financial health of the state.

2:45pm: In Bhopal, majority of shops in various cities remained closed during the bandh. (HT Photo)

2:35pm: Telangana government has set up a toll free number 18004253787 to clarify doubts on GST. Several trade organisations have organised meetings to educate traders about GST and its impact.

2:27pm: We oppose GST, its a black law but since President will attend the launch we will go as we do not want to create controversy: Samajwadi Partys Naresh Agrawal told ANI.

2:00pm: Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh said GST will end corruption. Only those who want to weaken economy are opposing it; it will be historic, Singh told ANI.

1:05pm: Traders stop Jhansi Express train to protest against GST in Kanpur (ANI Photo)

12:50pm: Traders in Lucknow shut shops to protest against GST rollout. (HT Photo/Deepak Gupta)

12:35pm: Did you know?

The Vajpayee government started discussion on GST by setting up an expert panel in 2000.

12:25pm: Who is liable to pay GST?

Businesses and traders with annual sales above Rs20 lakh are liable to pay GST. The threshold for paying GST is Rs 10 lakh in the case of north-eastern and special category states.

12:02pm: What gets cheaper, what becomes costlier?



 Nil GST rates on meat other than frozen, chilled or fresh fish, dairy products, eggs, salt, fresh fruits, vegetables, non-branded cereals, flour, jaggery.

 Tax burden comes down: Footwear (below Rs 500), medicines, mobile phones, readymade garments, musical instruments, processed food, contact lenses, iron ore, cars for physically challenged.

 Tax burden goes up: Butter, television, footwear above Rs 500, biscuits, jam, wrist watch, cornflakes, baby food, small cars, mid-segment cars

11:48am: Ahead of the rollout, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu urged Congress to rethink its stand on GST . Its really unfortunate because they are distancing themselves from the process of reformation in the country. I hope they (Congress) realise by evening and re-think and join us in the Central Hall, Naidu said.

11:44am: Ahead of the launch, traders staged protest and called for bandh protesting the scheduled implementation of the new tax regime.

11:42am: In Jammu and Kashmir, the only state yet to pass the GST Bill, an all-party meeting was held on Thursday in Srinagar to evolve a consensus. All parties felt non-implementation would trigger economic and financial chaos.

11:41am: JD(U)s Nitish Kumar has also decided to skip the launch ceremony. State minister Vijendra Yadav will attend the event on behalf of JD(U).

11:40am: Congress, Left, DMK, Trinamool have decided to skip the launch event.

11:33am: Two short films will also be screened during the launch.

11:32am: PM Narendra Modi, vice president Hamid Ansari, speaker of the Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan will also grace the occasion.

11:30am: GST will be launched in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee.

11:26am: The event will be telecast live on Lok Sabha TV and Doordarshan.

11:25am: The event is expected to be 80-minute long and will be organised in the Central Hall of the Parliament.

For complete coverage on GST, click here

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General category employees working with the Centre, state government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs) have accused the personnel and training department of violating the Supreme Court judgment regarding reservation in promotions.

Several employee associations under the banner of Samta Andolan Samiti (SAS), an anti-reservation outfit, will gather in New Delhi on Saturday to work out a strategy to press the Centre for ensuring that merit, and not quotas, should be the decisive factor in elevating employees.

Samir Singh Chandel, working president of the SAS, said at a press conference here: The central and state governments are acting under the pressure of the Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST) lobby and are practising vote bank politics to lure reserved category voters. The governments are least bothered about general category people. All this is happening in the name of social engineering.

SAS claimed the Centre wants to table a bill for reserving promotions for SCs, STs and OBCs in government jobs in the forthcoming session of Parliament. But government sources said the bill has been pending and there has not been any new decision.

The organisation has filed a complaint at Parliament Street police station against V Narayanasamy  former minister of state in the PMO during the UPA regime and the current chief minister of Puducherry  for alleged contempt of the SC order regarding reservation in promotion.

The repeated contempt of SC order has resulted in percentage of reserved category bureaucrats in the total strength of about two crore central and state government and PSUs employees rising from 22.5 to 34 across the country. In some departments, the percentage has shot up to 100, Parashar Narayan Sharma, president of the SAS, said.

In 2012, the Constitutional Amendment Bill (117th) providing quota in promotions on government posts to SCs and STs was passed in Rajya Sabha, but could not be passed in Lok Sabha as parties failed to reach a consensus.
The midnight session of Parliament to launch the goods and services tax (GST) marked a first in Indias history. While Parliament was convened for a midnight session several times in the past, all those occasions were celebratory in nature. Its the first time that a session has been convened to mark the implementation of a government policy, the GST.

Midnight sessions in the past:

August 14-15, 1947: The Constituent Assembly of India met in the Constitution Hall (now the Central Hall of Parliament) on the eve of the countrys Independence. It started at 11 p.m. and went on till after midnight.

August 14-15, 1972: To celebrate the silver jubilee of Indias Independence.

August 9, 1992: To mark 50th anniversary of Quit India Movement.

August 14-15, 1997: To celebrate the golden jubilee of Indias Independence
With less than six months to go for the crucial Gujarat assembly polls, 23-year-old Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) is yet to take a call on whether it will join Congress or form a third front. The Patidars body agitating for OBC status maintains their aim is to end the over two-decade-old BJP rule in Gujarat. While Hardik had earlier said he would transfer his votes to the Congress, given the internal disarray in the party, he is currently maintaining a degree of ambiguity.

Excerpts:

HT: Is your outfit PAAS joining hands with the Congress?

Hardik: There are no such plans as of now. The PAAS had supported the Congress in local body elections when I was in jail in 2015. But local body and assembly are different set of elections. The core committee is not in favour of joining the Congress.

HT: There are reports that while PAAS refrained from accepting it in public but many of its members are in touch with the Congress and may contest on its ticket.

Hardik: As a social outfit we may come in touch with political leaders and parties. But that does not mean that PAAS is leaning toward the Congress.

HT: Has the Congress approached you?

Hardik: Yes. Gujarat Congress in-charge Ashok Gehlot has tried to approach me through various channels but I have not met any of their leaders till date.

HT: Gujarat has been a two-party state. Then why Congress is not an option for the PAAS when it wants to ensure the BJPs defeated in the next elections?

Hardik: We can see the Congress is making hardly any efforts to put up a strong opposition to take on the BJP. Joining it, at least at this moment, may not be in our favour.

HT: Will the PAAS field its own candidates in the election?

Hardik: As of now, we dont have any such plan. We have finalised our strategy for the assembly elections but we will make it public only after a month.

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Chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday he was not a full-time politician and would return to Gorakhpur after serving people.

Politics to me is a means to serve the people and having done that I will finally return to Gorakhpur, he said when asked about his opinion on the perception that he was a natural successor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Adityanath was speaking at a programme organised by a private news channel.

He said he was happy serving people of the countrys largest state. On a question from where he would contest the assembly election, Adityanath said, Gorakhpur was his land of work and worship but he would contest from anywhere the party wanted him to do so.

Adityanath is an MP but to continue as chief minister he needs to get elected to the state legislature within six months of being appointed as chief minister.

On the law and order situation in the state, he said the mining, forest and other mafia, who were running gangs with political patronage, have been rendered jobless after the governments crackdown on them.
India expressed serious concern on Friday over Chinese construction activities in Donglang area, saying they amount to a significant change of status quo even as Beijing insisted the standoff in Sikkim sector could only be resolved by New Delhi recalling its troops to their original positions.

In a riposte to the Chinese militarys warning that India should learn lessons from the 1962 border conflict and not clamour for war, finance minister Arun Jaitley said circumstances had changed over the past five decades: If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different, the India of today is different.

Jaitley said at a media event that Bhutan had accused China of trying to change the status quo by claiming Bhutanese territory, and this was absolutely wrong. He added, It is Bhutans land, close to the Indian border, and Bhutan and India have an arrangement to provide security.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang brushed aside questions on Donglang mountain pass being at the centre of a territorial dispute between China and Bhutan, and said the region was an indisputable part of China. Indian troops had trespassed into the area on June 18, Lu told a news briefing. Bhutan claims the area.

Yet the crux of the current situation lies with the Indian side. The Indian troops trespassed the recognised and delineated boundary between China and India, he said.

So the most pressing issue is the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. That is the precondition for any meaningful dialogue, Lu said.

In New Delhi, the external affairs ministry said in a statement it was deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions as the construction represents a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.

The statement also acknowledged for the first time since the standoff began on June 16 that Indian troops were acting in coordination with the Bhutan government. It said Indian troops in Doka La area approached a Chinese road construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo by building the road.

Government sources countered Beijings allegation that Indian troops entered Chinese territory, saying the Sikkim-China border alignment was still not settled and was being discussed by their Special Representatives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and foreign secretary S Jaishankar on the standoff. The two armies are at a distance with no reports of altercations or physical contacts between the troops, the sources said.

The sources dismissed reports that 3,000 troops had been arrayed on both sides. They said footage on social media purporting to show the current standoff was from an earlier incident.

The sources said Sikkim is an integral part of India though its border with China had not been finalised. Since Sikkim and Bhutan are contiguous, there is no question of Indian troops entering Chinese territory as is evident from the 1954 survey maps, they said.

On Thursday, Bhutan too asked China to maintain status quo, saying the construction activity violated two agreements signed by Beijing and Thimphu in 1988 and 1998 to maintain peace and tranquillity along their disputed border.

India also pointed out that under a bilateral agreement of 2012, the two sides had agreed the boundary in the tri-junction area between China, Bhutan and India would be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries.

Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding, the statement said.

There were also signs that the two sides were working to bring the situation under control. Spokesperson Lu said the diplomatic channel of communication between the two sides remained unimpeded while the Indian statement noted that the matter was being discussed in New Delhi and Beijing. The issue was also discussed by border personnel at a meeting in Nathu La on June 20.

Though New Delhi has not decided to raise the matter at the apex level in case of a meeting between Modi and Xi at the G-20 Summit in Germany during July 6-8, India is prepared to wait and watch without ceding any ground.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathu La has been suspended by the Chinese but the pilgrimage through Lipu-Lekh pass and Taklakot is still on. Also, border trade through Nathu La has not been suspended even for a day.

Unlike other disputed sections of the India-China border, the frontier in Sikkim has largely been peaceful. The last Indian fatalities in a border clash were recorded in 1975. The recognition of the borders of Sikkim by China in 2003 had helped improve the situation in the sector.

Though the Donglang or Doklam area is under Chinas control, Bhutan has claimed it for long. China and Bhutan do not have formal diplomatic relations and maintain contact through their missions in New Delhi.

Chinas foreign ministry sought to reinforce its claim on Donglang, with spokesperson Lu saying: From historical evidence, we can see Doklam has been a traditional pasture for Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over this area. Before 1960s, if Bhutan residents on the border wanted to herd their cattle in this area, they have to get the approval of China.

He added, In addition from jurisprudential evidence the historical convention in 1890 has clearly defined Gipmochi snow mountain as the crossing point of China-Bhutan-India boundary.

Lu also attempted to play down the lack of diplomatic ties between Thimpu and Beijing, saying the two sides always maintain friendship. However, Chinas determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering, he added.
The government expressed deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim on Friday, and said it had conveyed to Beijing that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.

Indias reaction follows a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the area, prompting Beijing to take a tough stance and demand withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a precondition for meaningful dialogue to resolve the situation.

Beijing had also accused India of being a third-party to China-Bhutan dispute.

Reacting to Chinas contention, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said it was essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.

It is also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides, the ministry added.

India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India, MEA asserted in a press release.

The ministry also narrated the sequence of events since June 16 when a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.

In coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue, the ministry said.

In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments, it said.

As far as the boundary in the Sikkim sector was concerned, India and China had reached an understanding in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the basis of the alignment, the ministry said.

Further discussions regarding finalization of the boundary have been taking place under the Special Representatives framework, it added.
A woman was injured as Pakistan violated the ceasefire on Friday, targeting Indian posts and civilian areas with mortar bombs and automatic weapons along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district.

Indian troops effectively retaliated.

The Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing from small arms, automatic weapons and mortars from 0415 hours on Indian Army posts along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali (BG) sector, a Defence spokesman said.

A 35-year-old woman identified as Naseem Akhtar suffered splinter injured when a shell exploded near her house in Basooni hamlet of Balakote sub-sector, police officials said.

A water tank was also damaged in a shell fired by the Pakistan Army.

Panic has gripped locals due to heavy shelling by the Pakistan Army.

On Thursday, two Indian Army jawans were injured when Pakistani troops fired from small arms and shelled mortars on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch district.

On June 27, Pakistani had violated the ceasefire by shelling areas along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali sector.

There have been 23 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in June besides a cross-LoC attack.
Jammu and Kashmir will introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) by the first week of July, the state finance minister Haseeb A Drabu said in Parliament on the sidelines of the event to launch Indias biggest indirect taxes reform.

The state assembly will meet on July 4 and take it up after which the cabinet is expected to approve it on July 5. We are hoping to send it for Presidents approval the next day, Drabu told Hindustan Times.

So by 6th of July, GST should be approved for implementation, Drabu, who attended the launch function, said.

Barring J&K, all states have implemented the initiative that would create a unified tax across the country.

Earlier, finance minister Arun Jaitley wrote to chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed urging her to implement GST in the valley to avoid any increase in prices.

Drabu earlier said the government will factor in constitutional, legislative, administrative and institutional issues distinct to the state while implementing the GST.

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The Goods and Services Tax (GST) comes into force on Saturday but Jammu and Kashmir is yet to introduce the new tax structure with the state government discussing the issue at various levels, including opposition parties, to build a broader consensus before bringing it.

The states move not to introduce GST could become a political embarrassment for the NDA government, though the financial loss will be more for the state, finance ministry officials said.

Political pundits, however, hoped that the state will decide to implement GST before midnight of June 30 when it will be rolled out by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In case, the state does not come on board, gradually it may not be able to sell its products to other states and this will create problems for the people of the state, Navin Kumar, chairperson of GST Network, told the Hindustan Times.

Analysts said goods, especially handicraft items, being sourced from J-K will be difficult to get outside the state.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley also said the prices of goods in the state will increase in case it decided to stay outside the GST net. Jaitley said any delay in introducing GST would create a disadvantage for both consumers and the industry in the state in the intervening period.

J-Ks finance minister Haseeb A Drabu said on Thursday the state government will factor in constitutional, legislative, administrative and institutional issues distinct to the state while implementing GST.

Drabu also said non-implementation of GST would lead to complete chaos with traders and businessmen being hit the worst and ultimately it would lead to acute scarcity of consumer goods in the state.

Unlike other states, it would take a legislative amendment to adopt GST in the state.

While the government claims that the GST would integrate the economy of Jammu and Kashmir with that of mainstream India, significantly benefitting it in the process, opposition parties and traders fear that its implementation will compromise the fiscal autonomy and special status of the state.

Traders have threatened to embark on a massive agitation if the tax regime is forced on them, and the National Conference has advised the government to desist from implementing something that would have irreversible ramifications on the states fiscal autonomy.

Barring J-K, all state governments have introduced the new tax structure, which will create a uniform and simplified structure across the country and boost government revenues.

Kerala introduced the GST through an ordinance on June 21. West Bengal too adopted the ordinance route to approve the implementation of the new tax structure. Besides, Kerala and West Bengal, Manipur, Meghalaya, Karnataka, Punjab and Tamil Nadu too approved the implementation of GST in June.

The 14th meeting of the GST Council was also held in Srinagar between May 18 and 19.

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Arrested former Calcutta high court judge CS Karnan has been released from the state-run SSKM hospital and sent back to Presidency jail hospital after his health condition improved.

His health condition improved and we have decided to release him from the hospital. However, he requires medical supervision, a senior official of the SSKM hospital said.

Karnan was released from the SSKM hospital Thursday night. He was admitted on June 22 after he had complained of chest pain and uneasiness.

He is currently at the Presidency correctional home (jail) hospital. Doctors there are keeping an eye on him, a senior official at the correctional home said.

Karnan was sentenced to six months imprisonment on May 9 by the Supreme Court. He had remained untraceable till his arrest.

The SCs seven-judge bench had held him guilty of contempt of court for his comments against the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the higher judiciary.

Karnan had retired earlier this month.
Eminent advocate and constitutional expert KK Venugopal is set to be the next attorney general of India, government sources said on Friday.

Venugopal, 86, replaces Mukul Rohatgi, who completed his 3-year term last month and expressed his desire against a second stint. President Pranab Mukherjee has cleared the appointment, the sources said.

I expect an order to be notified in a day or two, Venugopal told Hindustan Times.

In 1992, as the counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government, Venugopal refused to defend the BJP-led Kalyan Singh government in the Babri Masjid Demolition case before the Supreme court. He withdrew from the case saying My head hangs in shame at the incident. But he subsequently defended BJP leader LK Advani in the case.

Venugopal has also appeared in several high-profile cases, including the 2G telecom spectrum litigation in which he was the amicus curie. He also argued against reservation for OBCs in the Mandal case.

With over six decades of experience, Venugopal is among the sharpest legal minds in the country, once holding the office of the additional solicitor general of India during the Morarji Desai government in 1977.

Venugopal was born into a Nair family in Kerala, to the famous barrister KM Nambiar.

He got his law degree in 1954 from R L law college, Belgaum, and joined the bar at the Mysore High court and subsequently the Madras bar.

Venugopal was designated as a senior advocate by the Supreme Court of India in 1972. He moved from Madras to Delhi almost three decades ago.

Venugopal has been also been a great nurturer of talent. His chamber has produced many advocates of note such as former finance minister P Chidambaram, senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, late M N Krishnamani and sitting Supreme Court judge Rohington Nariman. Besides, many high court judges too have come from his chambers.

Venugopal, has strong views over issues such as the appointment of judges. He believes there is a need to improve the existing collegium system of appointment of judges to the higher Judiciary, and had recently suggested more transparency in the process. He also believes that it is open for Parliament to phase out the collegium system by means of a constitutional amendment and replace it with a more broad-based appointments process.

He also favours the institution of four regional and highest courts of appeal against high courts, and a Supreme Court that deals only with cases involving the interpretation of the Constitution.

On the issue of death penalty, Venugopal thinks cases involving the capital punishment must be dealt with by a five-judge bench only as deciding over somebodys life is too heavy a responsibility to be borne by one judge individually.

Venugopal is also an avid collector of art and books.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day tour of Gujarat by asking farmers to make the most of agricultural schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which are meant to safeguard their interests.

His suggestion came in the backdrop of the recent farmer agitations in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Several states  including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Maharashtra  have waived off loans to placate agitators.

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is no ordinary scheme. It provides insurance cover if the yield is affected due to lack of rain or crop failure he said, expressing happiness over a large number of farmers in his home state availing schemes floated by the NDA government. Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat before he went on to become the countrys premier.

The Prime Minister also announced his decision to build a grand monument for Lord Buddha in Aravalli. Addressing people at the inaugural ceremony of a water supply project in Modasa, Modi said: There used to be a general notion that Lord Buddha is popular only in the eastern belt of the country. But the (recovery of ancient Buddhist relics during an) excavation at Dev ni Mori near Shamlaji temple in Aravalli established that Lord Buddhas influence had reached the western belt too.

Modi said it was his dream to build a monument at Dev ni Mori, so people from all places across the world can come and view the relics. This dream will be fulfilled with the help of peoples participation and blessings.

The Prime Minister claimed that ancient Chinese traveller Huan Tsangs diary had referred to Vadnagar  his hometown  as a place where nearly 10,000 Buddhist monks lived centuries ago. Hence, it was only fitting that he dedicate a Rs 552-crore drinking water scheme, which would provide for over 600 villages and three towns, in the district.

Keen on creating awareness of the region and its needs among young engineers, Modi suggested that the authorities include a chapter on government-run water projects in the curricula of technical institutes across Gujarat. For now, we have ensured that farmers in the state get adequate water through various irrigation schemes, he added.

The state will go to the polls in another six months.

At another event in Gandhinagar, Modi said India is going up the Global Competitiveness Index.

India has moved up 32 places in the last two years in the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum. This is the highest for any country, Modi said at the Textile Conclave and Expo 2017 , where more than 80 countries are taking part.

India moved up 19 places on the World Bank Logistics Performance Index of 2016. We also moved up 16 places on the Global Innovation Index of the World Intellectual Property Organisation in 2016. We are third among the top 10 FDI destinations listed by the UN Conference on Trade and Development, he said.

Modi further said more than 7,000 reforms have been implemented to improve ease of doing business. Processes have been simplified and made transparent. The government has repealed over 1,200 outdated laws. These are just a few examples. he said.

We have one of the most liberal investment policies for foreign investment in the textile and apparel sector. We allow 100% FDI through automatic route in textile and apparel sector.

The Prime Minister also presided over the inauguration ceremony of a multi-storeyed sports complex built on public-private partnership.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday expressed concern over the kind of atmosphere being created in the country in the name of religion.

Everybody should try to ensure communal harmony in the society and live like a family, Singh said at an Eid Milan function here.

We all Indians have to defend the country by walking shoulder to shoulder. we have to stay in brotherhood and create an atmosphere that is in accordance with the path shown by our Constitution, he said.

Whatever atmosphere is being created in the name of religion (in our country), I am reminded of Iqbals couplet...Mazhab nahin sikhata aapas mein bair rakhna... he added.
Indian envoy to China, Vijay Gokhale, would stay there till October before he takes over as economic relations secretary at the foreign ministry headquarters in New Delhi.

Sources said it would take a while before the government names its next ambassador to China as the two contenders, Gautam Bambawale and Harshvardhan Shringla, the high commissioners to Pakistan and Bangladesh, have equally strong credentials.

If Bambawale gets the Beijing posting, the envoy to Poland, Ajay Bisaria, is likely to be sent to Pakistan.

Bambawale has extensive experience in China affairs, but his Beijing stint could be less than a year since he retires in September 2018. The 1984-batch Indian Foreign Service officer was the first consul general of India in Guangzhou in 2007.

Shringla has five more years of service and might work to his advantage because a longer term is seen ideal for a sensitive posting such as Beijing, especially under current circumstances.

Bilateral ties between the two Asian giants plummeted amid a stand-off over China building a road near the border in Sikkim. The neighbours share a 3,500km frontier, parts of which are disputed.

Besides, Beijing has been blocking Indias bid for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Sources said envoys with a reasonably long tenure are preferred for important postings, but theres no such norm or hardly followed.

The government can extend an ambassadors term, if required. But the practice is rare, barring the case of foreign secretary S Jaishankar.

For Bambawale, it would be one tricky neighbour to another is he moves to Beijing.

His possible replacement in Islamabad is Bisaria, an IFS officer of the 1987 batch, who was private secretary to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He handled the Eurasia division of the foreign ministry that deals with Russia before he was sent to Poland as the Indian envoy.

Gopal Baglay, the external affairs ministry spokesperson, is tipped to join the prime ministers office (PMO) as a joint secretary.

He has vast experience in handling Pakistan  both as joint secretary of the territorial division that deals with the neighbour and as Indias deputy high commissioner in Islamabad. And he has served in the office of former external affairs minister SM Krishna.

Ravish Kumar, the consul general in Frankfurt, could be drafted in as be next spokesperson, the most visible face of the foreign office.

He would be the fourth spokesperson after Syed Akbaruddin, Vikas Swarup and Baglay since the NDA government came to power in 2014.

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COLUMBUS  A 31-year-old man who relocated to Columbus a few months ago pleaded no contest to reduced drug charges and a traffic violation stemming from a March parking complaint.

Platte County Court Judge Frank Skorupa scheduled Derek Jones for sentencing July 26 for his convictions of attempted possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and impeding traffic in connection with a March 18 incident.

The terms of Jones plea agreement with the county attorneys office require the defendant to comply with all of the recommendations of a pending substance abuse evaluation.

Attempted drug possession is a Class I misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. The drug paraphernalia and traffic violations are both infractions.

Court documents describe a Columbus Police investigation that got underway the morning of March 18 with a report that two vehicles were parked diagonally, blocking the southbound lane at the intersection of 15th Street and 40th Avenue.

Jones, a recent transplant from Florida, was found sleeping behind the wheel of a 2015 Honda Civic at the intersection.

The investigation quickly morphed into Jones arrest on suspicion of possession of cocaine and heroin. Officers observed syringes and metal spoons with a powdery residue inside the vehicles console, along with approximately 30 small jewelers bags containing white residue.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Friday dubbed the implementation of the Good and Services Tax (GST) a tamasha, saying the reform was being rushed through in a half-baked manner as a self-promotional spectacle.

Gandhi, abroad on a holiday, hit out at the government, accusing it of being insensitive for rolling out GST without planning, foresight and institutional readiness, as it did during demonetisation.

A reform that holds great potential is being rushed through in a half-baked way with a self-promotional spectacle #GSTTamasha, he said on Twitter.

But like demonetisation, GST is being executed by an incompetent and insensitive government without planning, foresight and institutional readiness, Gandhi also tweeted.

The GST will replace about 20 central and state taxes such as factory-gate duties, service and local taxes while unifying Asias third-largest economy and 1.3 billion people into a single market.

But the system has attracted protests over new tax rates such as 3% for gold, and between 18% and 28% for essential commodities.

Small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs, traders, weavers and informal sector workers have been protesting across the country over the tax rates.

The Congress leaders reaction on Twitter comes a day after his party, along with the DMK and the Left, decided to skip the midnight launch of GST in Parliament. Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress had earlier said they would give the event a miss.

Congress leader Anand Sharma said the GST was conceptualised by the Congress and the BJP stalled it for seven years. We repeatedly cautioned the government that it is not one-nation one-tax, neither is it a perfect bill, Sharma said.

Gandhi said India deserves a GST rollout that does not put crores of its ordinary citizens, small businesses and traders through tremendous pain and anxiety.

He claimed that unlike demonetisation, GST was a reform that the Congress had championed and backed from the very beginning.
After 17 tumultuous years, a nationwide Goods and Services Tax (GST) will see the light of day at midnight tonight.

To make the occasion a memorable one, Parliament officials are not leaving anything to chance. A full rehearsal was conducted ahead of the function. Officers from various departments, including those from the finance ministry, attended the rehearsal event.

Parliament has been decorated with festival lights and the circular-shaped Central Hall has got a makeover for the function that 800 guests are expected to attend.

Programme for the event:

10.55 pm: President Pranab Mukherjee arrives at Parliament House, to be received by Prime Minister Modi and his cabinet ministers

11 pm: President arrives in Central Hall

11.01 pm: Playing of national anthem

11.02 pm: Felicitation and introductory remarks by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

11.10 pm: Two short films will be screened

11.15 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modis speech

Follow live updates here

11.45 pm: Address by the President of India

12 midnight: Launch of GST

12.04 am: Playing of national anthem

12.05 am: President leaves Central Hall of Parliament

Read: Full list of GST rates

Expected to be present

Vice President Hamid Ansari, Speaker of the Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan , Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, business tycoon Ratan Tata, former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal, BJPs Sushil Kumar Modi.

Those who will skip

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, Lalus Rashtriya Janata Dal, DMK. Nitish Kumar will not attend, but will send a minister.
The unusually aggressive standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Nathu La in Sikkim has shattered the decades-long peace in the region and cast a shadow over trade between the two countries through the strategic mountain pass, a top political leader from the state has said.

This is a new phenomenon and definitely a very serious incident, PD Rai, the MP from Sikkims lone Lok Sabha constituency, said about the incident involving military personnel from the two sides.

Rai said traders in the area are worried about the fallout from the serious standoff, the likes of which hasnt happened at Nathu La since the 1960s.

Nathu La, at an altitude of 4,545 metres, is located between Tibet Autonomous Regions Yadong County in Xigaze prefecture and Sikkim.

For a long time, for decades, there was no serious issue at the border (in Sikkim). We have had many decades of peace. (There was) no such great build-up (of troops) at the border; never seen anything major, Rai told HT over phone.

The last time there was tension was in the 1960s, Rai said, adding that at the time there was lot of exchange of gunfire.

Government of India has to pay a lot of interest to the area and ensure there is no trouble, he said.

Rais statement came against the backdrop of Indian Army chief Gen Bipin Rawats visit to Sikkim on Thursday.

Rai added that suspending the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La was quite a move by the Chinese.

The stopping of the pilgrimage was a very strong move by the Chinese government, he said. The pilgrimage through the new route had been conducted smoothly since it was inaugurated in 2015.

It was running smoothly. We were planning huge things around it. Market it better, attract more tourists. Suddenly, brakes have been applied on the plans, Rai added.

Local traders are most worried. Trade through Nathu La was resumed on July 6, 2006 and it is an important source of income for local residents.

In 2014, the volume of trade through the pass, closed between October and May because of the extreme weather, was around 28 crore. But clearly thats not close to the potential.

Currently, India allows the export of 29 items and the import of 15 items from China

It (trade) seems very difficult under the circumstances. There are definitely dark clouds looming over (trade), Rai said.
A married woman and her paramour were tied to a tree and mercilessly beaten up, allegedly on the orders of a village panchayat in north Bihars Muzaffarpur district.

The panchayat at Gopinathpur village in Motipur block, 95 km north of Patna, ordered that the lovebirds be tied to a tree and beaten up after they were caught in a compromising position on Wednesday when the husband of the woman was away.

The 30-year-old woman and her 27-year-old lover from neighbouring Sitamarhi district were held hostage for about 20 hours by a mob of nearly 100 villagers, which complied with the panchayat orders, and rescued by police only after the video of the incident went viral on social media.

Confirming the incident, deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Krishna Murari Prasad said two FIRs were registered in connection with the incident at Kathaiya police station late on Thursday night. Five men have been made accused in the first FIR, lodged on the statement of the woman. The other FIR was lodged against the woman and her paramour by her husband, he said.

The DSP said the woman had expressed her desire to live with her lover. The police will take a decision on the matter as per law, he said.

Station house officer (SHO) of Kathaiya police station, Pramod Kumar Singh, said the woman, who was married eight years ago, had admitted to her extra-marital affair for the last three years. Her lover had come to Gopinathpur from Sitamarhi after receiving her phone call, the SHO quoted the woman as saying..
An Udaipur couple, who wanted their 13-year-old daughter to explore the world outside Facebook and Twitter, registered her for the European Peace Walk, a 500-km trek through six countries.

Udaipurs Tanya Rathi was the youngest participant in this years walk through the European countries, which ended on June 22.

Tanya, a Class 8 student of the Delhi Public School, completed the walk from Sopron in Hungary to Trieste in Italy in 17 days, said her father Vinay Rathi who accompanied her.

There were times when we had breakfast, lunch and dinner in three different countries as we jumped borders, said the teenager who returned to the lake city on Wednesday.

The European Peace Walk began 100 years ago in honour of the history of World War I. The walks concept of crossing borders is paramount. One day the walkers had breakfast in Hungary, lunch in Slovenia and slept in a Croatian brewery.

Tanyas mother Sonal said the registration fee was 60 USD and walkers pay for all expenses along the way.

It is a unique walkathon during which the walkers from different countries spend more than two weeks together to exchange cultures, Tanya said, adding that her father heard about the walk from a friend who participated in it last year.

Tanya and her father were the Indians in this years walk in which 68 members participated. They left Udaipur on June 3 and the trail began two days later.

It took us 17 days to complete the trail through Hungry, Slovenia, Austria, Croatia and Italy. We walked about 25km a day and came across many adorable sites, and had unforgettable experiences by taking a fair chance to observe the rich heritage and diverse culture of Europe, Tanya told HT.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has directed pruning of gular or cluster fig trees considered inauspicious by devotees participating in the kanwar yatra.

The CM gave the directive while chairing a meeting to supervise arrangements for the kanwar yatra beginning on July 8. Over 3 crore devotees are expected to participate in the annual pilgrimage.

This is the first time a chief minister supervised arrangements for the kanwar yatra that is an annual feature during the Shravan month of Hindu calendar.

Reviewing the arrangements, the chief minister directed that trees like gular (cluster fig) that devotees consider inauspicious should be pruned, a first of its kind decision.

Its surprising, for gular is a medicinal plant and is even used during yagnas. May be the pruning order is due to the fact that gular is a dense and full tree with its branches almost touching the ground. May be the order is to ensure that the vessel filled with holy water doesnt get damaged, said Acharya Chintamani Joshi, principal of Meerut-based Sanskrit Degree College.

Yogi has also asked the officials to meet kanwariyas before the yatra and explain the dos and donts while they are on the move.

Since the police have also received non-specific intelligence inputs regarding possibility of violence, orders have been issued to install CCTV cameras at sensitive points of the yatra. Drones too will be used to keep a watch on the yatra.

Additional director general of police, Meerut zone, Anand Kumar said, Thirty companies of paramilitary forces along with civil police of the zone would be deployed on the yatra route.

Western UP has for long been a sensitive point, as lakhs of kanwariyas who fetch Ganga jal from Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand converge at the historic temples of Augharnath in Meerut and Pura Mahadev in Baghpat to offer it to Lord Shiva.

During the last five days of the yatra, helicopters would monitor traffic for four hours, the ADG said after attending a joint meeting with the officials of Uttarakhand in Saharanpur.

No vulgar songs

The chief minister has also asked officials to ensure that kanwariyas arent allowed to play vulgar film songs. They will be allowed to play only bhajans and not film songs that are either vulgar or provocative, the chief minister said.

Seven districts of Meerut zone  Meerut, Hapur, Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur and Shamli are most affected during the kanwar yatra from where communal tension has been reported in the past.Loud and provocative DJs have often led to trouble so this time DJs per se may not be allowed or encouraged, a police officer said.

Appreciating the advice of the chief minister, Qari Shafeeq of Milli Council said, Playing film songs loudly is against religious ethics and the chief minister s guidelines in this direction will help in creating better a religious atmosphere during the Yatra.

The Uttarakhand government has banned DJ in Haridwar and Rishikesh during the yatra. The issue was also raised in the meeting of the officials of both states for preparations and coordination during the yatra.

VHP leader Sudarshan Chakra Maharaj said that kanwariyas should restrain themselves from an undesirable competition of playing loud DJ. VHP leaders and activists were also educating the devotees to not adopt practices which were against ethics and to create a religious atmosphere during the yatra instead of making it troublesome for others, he said.
The education department has asked the block education officer of Barabanki to conduct review meetings with teachers in smaller groups if there arent adequate numbers of chairs.

This comes after Hindustan Times highlighted the plight of government school teachers, who were made to sit on floor during the monthly review meeting at Dariyabad Block Resource Center in Barabanki on Wednesday,

Also, senior officials of the basic education department have decided to find out the conditions in other districts too.

Dariyabad may not be just one case where teachers were made to sit on the floor due to lack of proper infrastructure . There could be several other districts and blocks following the same pattern, said Sarvendra Vikram Bahadur Singh, director, basic education.

The department would carry out an enquiry regarding the budget allocations etc for the meetings and would also seek help from Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to assist in improving the conditions at block levels, he said.

In Barabanki, government school teachers sat on the floor during the monthly review meeting on Wednesday while the block education officer and other officials remained seated on chairs on raised platforms, raising many eyebrows.

When contacted, Manmohan Singh, Barabanki block education officer who presided over the meeting in Dariyabad, said it was his first meeting and he wasnt aware of the arrangements. He said he was told that the seating arrangement on floor was made as there werent adequate number of chairs.

A senior official of the education department said, The block education officer has been asked to conduct meetings in smaller groups if there arent adequate numbers of chairs.

Read more: Teachers made to sit on floor during review meetings in UP

The teachers, who attended the meeting, said the conditions were embarrassing as they were not only made to sit on the floor but were denied even drinking water. There were no arrangements for water or tea during the two hour meeting, they said.

The meetings are held every month and the teachers are made to sit on floor every time in Dariyabad.
Days after seeking capital punishment for 1993 Mumbai blasts convicts Mustafa Dossa  who recently succumbed to cardiac arrest  and Firoz Khan, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought the death penalty for Karimullah Shaikh and Tahir Merchant.

Shaikh and Merchant allegedly made transport arrangements for the co-accused who were trained in Pakistan. The prosecution alleged that the two also arranged for their passports.

Special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi contended that they were key players in the conspiracy. Shaikh had to shoulder the most responsibility. He shared a good rapport with the Pakistani spy agency ISI and Pakistani Army personnel. He said he had a good relationship with the airport authority, Salvi argued.

The prosecution alleged that he attended all key conspiracy meetings. Shaikh has attended conspiracy meetings at Dubai with Tiger Memon and other gangsters. He was responsible for making sure arms and ammunition landed at Shekhadi port, the prosecution contended.

Shaikh absconded for 15 years. He refused to co-operate with the court and investigating agencies even after his arrest. Now, 24 years have passed and victims families are waiting for the justice. Keeping that in mind, the CBI has sought death for both accused, said Salvi.

Salvi said he will conclude his argument tomorrow. On Saturday, the court will argue on quantum of sentence for extradited gangster Abu Salem.

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A 32-year-old man died after his trailer hit another vehicle on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Friday.

According to the police, the trailer was loaded with a cargo and was going towards Pune from Mumbai.

As it was crossing the Khalapur area, it hit another vehicle which was moving ahead of it.

The trailer driver, Sambhaji Barkar, suffered severe injuries to his head. A few local residents rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was declared brought dead, said a police officer from Khalapur police station.

The other vehicle did not stop after the accident. We are now trying to identify the vehicle and its driver. Prima facie, it seems it was a heavy vehicle and got partially damaged in the accident, he said.

The police suspect the victim was sleeping at the wheel.

We have sent to his body to a government hospital for post-mortem, the officer said.

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The Shiv Sena on Friday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union governments decision to privatise Air India, saying tomorrow the government may similarly look to sell Kashmir citing expenditure on its security.

In an editorial in the partys mouthpiece Saamana, the Shiv Sena said, Air India is an icon of the countrys pride and prosperity. If this decision was taken by the previous Congress government, the BJP would have heavily criticised it and asked if the government cannot run the national carrier how is it going to run the country.

The government is looking to sell Air India because the debt has climbed to Rs50,000 crore. Tomorrow, saying they cannot afford expenses of providing for Kashmirs security our administrators may even go out to sell Kashmir, the Sena said.

Read more: HT Exclusive: Things are sorted between BJP-Sena, says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

It said the previous Congress regime was responsible for declining financial health of Air India, but the situation was expected to improve under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

The party said, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley laid the figures and called Air India a white elephant, but he did not speak about why the national carrier, which at one point of time had a good name and an identity, has reached this stage. Air Indias share in the industry has dropped because officials in the civil aviation ministry sold a lot of profit-making routes to private airlines. That was corruption. The Modi government had an opportunity to make things good, which it did not do.

The government shifted Air India headquarters out of its landmark location in Mumbai to Delhi, and thats where the Maharajas kingdom became shaky, the party said.

Read more: Five hurdles the Shiv Sena faces in ruling the Mumbai civic body

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Although the monsoon was weak in the first two weeks, this weeks downpour ensured the city got its average rain for June.

While the average rainfall for June is 523.1mm, the suburbs recorded 523.2mm from June 1 to Friday morning and south Mumbai got 559mm.

Between 8.30am on Thursday and 8.30am on Friday, Santacruz weather station, representative of the suburbs, recorded 16.2mm and Colaba, representative of south Mumbai, recorded 18mm.

Under the weather departments classification, 15.6mm to 64.4mm of rain is considered moderate, 64.5mm to 115.5mm heavy, 115.6mm to 204.4mm very heavy and more than 204.5mm extreme.

Meanwhile, the weather bureau predicted light to moderate rain across the entire state over the weekend.

Read more: Monsoon hits Mumbai but weather radar for better updates still not ready

Weather systems like the off-shore trough and weather depressions over the Arabian Sea have become feeble. We expect light showers for central Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada. But the Konkan coast, including Mumbai, is likely to receive moderate rainfall till Monday, said Shubhangi Bhute, director, regional meteorological centre (RMC) Colaba, India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Between 8.30am on Thursday and 8.30am on Friday, Bhira in Raigad district recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 239mm, followed by Pen at 160mm, Sudhagad Pali at 146mm, Matheran at 165mm, Shahpur at 125mm, Murud at 113mm and Tala at 117mm. In south Konkan, Mandangarh in Ratnagiri district recorded 126mm, Harnai 93.6mm and Chiplun at 95mm.

Meanwhile, day temperatures in Mumbai were closer to normal levels, while the night temperature was a degree above normal.

Moisture level at Colaba and Santacruz was 85%.

Read more: Mumbaiites, get ready for flooded and bumpy roads again this monsoon

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Three days after the body of a two-year-old boy was found at a chawl in Malad (West), the police arrested his aunt for killing him.

Indu Kandu, 30, was booked on Thursday for allegedly strangling Vivaan Kandu and dumping his body outside her house based on circumstantial evidence, said the police.

The police narrowed down on Indu after her statement did not match with those of the other relatives and residents who were present in the area from Monday evening when Vivaan went missing to Tuesday morning when his body was found.

It seems that Indu held a grudge against Vivaans mother. She was also the last person that Vivaan was seen with, said an officer not wishing to be named.

We also noticed that when we took the dog squad to the spot, Indu and her husband Dharmendra Kandu disappeared from the crowd that had gathered there. That made them the immediate suspects, said the officer.

Officials said they are investigating whether Indu kept the body near the house someone else helped her with it.

She was produced at the metropolitan court on Friday that remanded her in police custody till July 7.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, one of Indus relatives said, We have full faith in the judiciary and the Mumbai police. If Indu has indeed killed the boy, then we would accept the courts decision even it orders her death.

During her interrogation, Indu had claimed that she took Vivaan, who was like a son to her, from his house but her daughter dropped him back. She then claimed that she helped to look for Vivaan.
A cybercriminal in Mumbai used a combination of phishing and vishing to dupe a woman from Bandra of Rs24,999 by sending her an SMS, a forged email and making a couple of fraudulent phone calls luring her with a holiday in Goa with her family.

The woman, in her 30s, works in the marketing department of a newspaper. On June 8, while she was at work, she received an SMS on her phone from an unknown number offering her a three-day stay in Goa. The SMS mentioned the name of a tours and travel agency and the phone number of one Praneet.

The woman called on the number, where Praneet picked up and gave her all necessary details about two Goa resorts and prices. He also took her email address and sent her two emails with information on the resorts and the package. The woman said the email had beautiful pictures of the resort.

The woman then consulted with her husband and decided to take up the discounted offer. Praneet had given her the contact number of his boss Yogesh. When she called on the number, one Yogesh picked up, who posed as the owner of the Goa resort.

The woman on June 9 transferred Rs24,999 in the account given to her. She booked three tickets and a three-day stay in the resort from June 23 to June 26. She was told that they will send her the tickets by June 21.

When she did not receive her tickets, she called them again, but their phones were switched off. On June 22, she again called on one of the numbers, where a woman picked up and told her that she had been duped. The woman then rushed to the local police and registered a First Information Report (FIR) with them.

The woman should not have made an advance payment without meeting the person. We are going through the call records and tracing the email address used by the fraudsters. We will take help from the cyber police as well. The possibility of the accused duping more people using the same modus operandi cannot be ruled out, said a police official requesting anonymity.
The Dakshin Gangotri (DG) glacier snout that forms a part of the East Antarctica ice sheet (EAIS) is fast melting away because of rise in global temperatures, says a paper in the first volume of Antarctic research by India published in the Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy.

Scientists from Geological Survey of India (GSI) have been monitoring the changes in DG glacier snout since the beginning of Indian Antarctic Expedition in 1983.

Monitoring changes of the ice sheet is important since Antarctica carries 70% of total fresh water of the planet. Scientists said if all ice from Antarctica melts, it will raise sea levels by about 60m across the globe, submerging most of the modern day coastal cities.

About the glacier Dakshin Gangotri glacier is located in the western part of Schirmacher Oasis. This Oasis is located at a distance of more than 2000km north of geographic South pole, at Princess Astrid coast of East Antarctica. In this Oasis, the second research base of India Maitri is located. This station was commissioned in the year 1989. The Geological Survey of India has been monitoring Dakshin Gangotri glacier snout since the beginning of Indian Antarctic Expedition in 1982. Continuous data over the last two decades shows a phase of major recession in DG glacier snout every five years, and minor recession at every two to three year interval between 1996 and 2010. During 2014-15, the DG glacier snout receded by 1.31m as compared to the previous year. Similarly, the western wall receded by 2.37m from the previous year.

For three decades, Indian scientists have been monitoring recession in the DG snout  it forms the main snout occupying the valley region  and the western wall which includes approximately 7 km-long ice front (including ice wall and ramps) of the western flank of the DG snout.

The analysis found that the shrinking of the DG snout between 1996 and 2011 has cleared 4800 square metres (m2) area. This figure increases by about 10 times after including the vacated area by Western wall, the study said.

The Russian Novolazarevskaya research station has estimated that since 1996, average surface air temperature varies between -9.2 degree Celsius and -11.1 degrees Celsius.

The present calculation indicates the disappearance of ice from the snout of Dakshin Gangotri glacier, which is a part of East Antarctic Ice Sheet is related to the meteorological parameters such as increase in surface air temperature, ground temperature and wind speed. But a perfect correlation does not exist between recession and local meteorological parameters, indicating existence of complex system between recession and natural parameters.

The observation shows that the decline in ice mass is more pronounced at the western wall that lies at a higher elevation and therefore receives more solar radiation. In contrast, the snout of the DG glacier that rests in a small valley and protected from direct solar radiation for longer duration.

Between 2001 and 2016, the cumulative recession of the ice at the western wall is 21.73 metres  thats an average recession of 1.44 metres every year. With an average recession at the snout of the DG glacier of around 0.6 to 0.7 metres every year, the total recession of ice between 1996 and 2016 is 14.38 m.

During the period 2001 to 2016, the recession of ice in the western wall saw two peaks  that of 10.96m in 2002-2003 and 10.45m in 2012-2013. At 1.31 metres, the decline in ice at the DG snout glacier was the highest in 2014-15 followed by 1.21m (2002-03), 1.10m (2007-08 and 2008-09) and 1.01m (1997-98).

Antarctica and Greenland hold 90% of the total ice of the earth. The Antarctic environment also controls many ocean circulations which is essential to marine life, and is directly related to our existence.

Every year, Antarctic loses huge volumes of ice in the form of icebergs. Some of the largest Antarctic icebergs are capable of providing water to some of the major rivers of India for many years.

Read more: India set to become major scientific player in polar region

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Brushing aside the opposition of some resident groups and environment activists, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) awarded the contract for the Metro 3 depot at Aarey Colony on Thursday. The MMRC awarded the Rs328-crore contract to M/s Sam (India) Builtwell Pvt Ltd to build a depot on a 25-hectare plot at Parajapur village in Aarey Colony.

The depot is being constructed for the 33.5-km Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro 3 corridor. The car depot, which is considered to be the nerve centre of the Metro project, will affect 3,130 trees on the plot. Construction is expected to begin next month.

Citizen groups and environmentalists have fiercely opposed the move to house the depot at Aarey Colony, one of the few surviving green patches in Mumbai. A citizen group had even challenged the move in the National Green Tribunal, seeking relief to keep the land use of Aarey Colony as a no-development zone. Environmentalists also stated construction would destroy the green patch and impact its rich biodiversity. The Shiv Sena, ally of the ruling BJP, has also opposed the depot.

We have done a survey and 3,130 trees will be affected. Now, how many will be cut and how many will be transplanted, is subject to approval from the Tree Authority, said SK Gupta, director projects and acting managing director, MMRC, a corporation set up by the state government to build the Metro 3 project.

Meanwhile, environment activists are confident work on the plot will not start because there is a stay order by NGT on commencement of work. We are sure that the number of trees affected by the depot will be more than 3,130. They (MMRC) has not given an accurate picture. However, they cannot start work because theres a stay order, said Zoru Bhathena, one of the petitioners fighting to save the trees.

The MMRC maintained there was no stay on the depot construction at Aarey Colony. A senior MMRC official said they had sought the opinion of the advocate general before starting the bidding process. There was never a stay; the original petition in NGT was about the eco-sensitive zone. The actions, which the petitioners demanded, have been taken by the government, the official said.

MMRC officials said they have tweaked the design of the proposed depot to minimise the number of trees that would be affected. The new design would save 1,073 trees within the plot where the depot will be built. Out of the 30 hectares, 3 hectares will be used for the main line and (Aarey) station. We have not touched a patch within the contiguous plot which has a dense tree cover. It is a 5 hectare patch, Gupta said.

M/s Sam (India) Builtwell Pvt Ltd, the Delhi-based firm that bagged the contract, has previous experience of construction of such depot for Delhi and Lucknow Metro projects. Gupta said construction will begin by next month and will be completed in 30 months.

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A gang of 7 women in the garb of beggars, along with a little girl, stole gold worth Rs8 lakh from a jewellery store in Naigaon in Vasai on Thursday. The women and the child entered the shop on Thursday morning, and when the owner had gone out to throw garbage in the civic bin, the young girl replaced a black bag which contained the gold and left the shop when the owner rebuked them. A case of theft has been registered with the Manickpur police, who have seized the CCTV footage, which caught the robbers in the act.

When Jain shooed away the beggars, and later went to open the black bag to put the gold for display, he found all his jewellery was missing. Within seconds, I realised that the beggars had stolen the black bag, said Jain in his complaint to the Manickpur police.

An official from Manickpur police station said, We have registered a case of theft against unknown persons, and have seized the CCTV footage from the shop which caught the robbery. The thieves were so clever that they covered their head with their saree fold to avoid being identified by the cameras, he said.

We have launched an intensive search to nab the thieves. This is the first such modus operandi used by the beggars to loot gold shops, he said.
The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will participate in the launch of the goods and services tax (GST) in Parliament on Friday evening, even as their ally Congress plans to boycott it.

NCP Rajya Sabha MP Majeed Memon said, The NCP will attend the GST rollout event in Delhi. We are not boycotting it.

The Congress-led Opposition will boycott the event, on grounds that the country is not prepared for its implementation.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and West Bengal chief minister was the first to decide against attending the function at Parliaments Central Hall to usher in the new uniform tax regime.

The Congress, DMK and Left parties followed suit.

Pawar enjoys cordial relations with BJPs leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Read more: GST rollout: A look at tax rates and how it will impact your basic expenses

The NCP had extended unsolicited support to the BJP to stabilise its government in Maharashtra after the party failed to get a majority in the Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2014.

The Shiv Sena, BJPs warring ally, will support the Central government in the implementation of the GST, which will come into effect from the midnight after June 30.

Senas Sanjay Raut, Rajya Sabha MP, said, The government has the Senas backing. All our issues have been addressed and there is no reason to oppose. Our party MPs may attend the launch of GST if convenient for them.

The Shiv Sena earlier had reservations about the new tax regime, fearing it will hit the revenue of the Sena-controlled Mumbai civic body, which fills a large chunk of its coffers through octroi.

Once GST is rolled out, octroi will be scrapped.

The party, however, agreed to come on board after being assured of adequate compensation by the BJP-led government.

Read more: GST impact on economy: Five things to watch out for
Almost after a week after farmers protests in Kalyan against a proposed defence airport in Nevali turned violent, police arrested 26 accused on Thursday night. They are among those who were injured during the protests and admitted to hospital. Police said they were involved in pelting stones and damaging police vans.

In light of the unrest, senior police officer from zone 4, Mohan Waghmare, has been transferred. Hill Line senior police inspector Mohan Waghmare was transferred owing to this incident. He is a good at his job, but senior police officers decided to transfer him. When violence broke out, he was the first person to reach the spot. He handled the situation for 30 minutes, aided by a small police force, said an officer, who did not wish to be identified.

On June 22, more than 6,500 villagers were about to conduct a silent protest against the construction on the farm land. However, a mob that had planned to destroy police vans and assault officers arrived and set seven police vehicles on fire. They also blocked several roads. The situation was brought under control only six hours later.

Deputy commissioner of police from zone 4, Sunil Bhardwaj, refused to comment on the transfer, but confirmed the arrests.

Till now, we have arrested 58 people who were involved in violence. We sought permission from doctors to nab the accused after they were discharged from the hospital. We questioned the accused, but they refuse to co-operate, he said.

Police have formed 10 teams to nab the accused who are on the run.

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Maharashtras school education department will help students of Classes 1 to 5 learn how to read within six months. Alarmed by a study that said only 27% class 8 students can read a basic text and 31% can divide numbers, the department rolled out a new programme for 66,600 schools  comprising government and private aided schools  to raise learning levels in mathematics and languages.

The department will distribute learning kits consisting dictionaries, puzzles and books to schools and also train teachers to make learning fun, said a government resolution (GR) issued recently by the department. This is part of the states Pragat Shaikshanik (Progressive Educated) Maharashtra programme that aims to improve the quality of school education and for that they hold baseline and competency tests across all schools thrice a year to assess children.

Annual status of education (ASER) survey showed that majority of children in Maharashtra cannot read basic sentences, said Nanda Kumar, principal secretary of the department. The survey found that students in class 8 are unable to read class 2-level texts and do not know basic maths. Our programme will teach them how to read in three to six months, he added.

Educators said one of the reasons behind the low learning levels are teachers, who fail to hold students attention in class. Todays generation is exposed to fast-paced technology, this has brought down their attention span, said Father Francis Swamy, principal, St Marys School, SSC, Mazgaon and joint-secretary of the Archdiocesan Board of Education, which runs 150-odd schools in Mumbai.

While private schools bridge this gap using smart boards, computers or even tablets, government schools face a paucity of funds in purchasing such expensive equipments. So the state has decided to spend Rs48 crore on the project.

On the other hand, aided schools will receive guidance from the department, but they will have to use their own funds. Some of the principals objected to this saying that government-aided schools do not have the means to afford learning equipments. Just like government schools, small aided schools, which do not have the backing of a big trust or society, also struggle to provide quality education to students at low costs, said Swamy. He added that salary grants are used to pay teachers and non-salary grants are not enough to cover these expenses.

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An inquest by the Maharashtra prison authorities has contradicted the local polices report and held that there is no sign of sexual assault or fresh injuries on Manjula Shetye, 38, the murder convict who died allegedly after an assault by jailors at Mumbais Byculla prison for women on Friday.

A day after the death, the Nagpada police had recorded a witness statement and filed a report that said Shetye was grievously assaulted by prison staff for complaining about missing food rations. The jailors had held Shetyes legs apart and inserted a lathi in her private parts, the police report had said quoting the witness. Six jailors were booked in connection with the death that sparked a violent protest by other inmates.

Reacting to the inquest finding, womens rights activist and lawyer Flavia Agnes said, Initially there is an FIR against the jail officials and then they are presenting an inquest panchnama that says there is no injury mark on the body. There is something fishy going on as there are two contradictory things that are coming out. Agnes called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The inspector general of prisons, Rajvardhan Sinha, said, There is no sexual assault as per inquest and interim post-mortem report. We pointed that out in front of the [Maharashtra State Womens] commission. The inquest report said that there were different marks on Shetyes body but did not indicate if they were the result of a recent assault.

The state womens commission had taken suo motu cognisance of HTs report quoting the police FIR and witness statement and asked the jail authorities for a detailed report. The commission chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, said, We have formed a special committee and we will be interrogating the case accordingly.

Senior lawyer Majeed Memon said, If those who are in authority are themselves involved in serious crimes like murder within their own premises, the law does not expect any independent witnesses in such circumstances. In order to arrive at the truth, the reliance will have to be on medical evidence and other circumstantial evidence. Those in authority can also fabricate and destroy evidence and therefore one has to be cautious to arrive at whole truth.

Scores of prisoners, including former media bigwig Indrani Mukerjee, in jail accused of murdering her daughter Sheena Bora, had also been booked after they protested following Shetyes death.

The witness in the case had said that Shetye had complained that two eggs and five pieces of pav (bread) were missing from the morning rations for their barracks. She had appeared in pain when she returned from the jailors office. Five jailors then turned up in the barracks and stripped and assaulted Shetye. Two of them had held her legs apart while another had inserted a lathi into her private parts, the police recorded the witnesss as saying. Shetye was left bleeding on the barrack floor. She fell unconscious some time later in the bathroom it was only then that the prison doctor was summoned and he sent her to JJ hospital, but it was too late.
LINCOLN  Citing a need to protect the reputation of the Nebraska State Patrol, Gov. Pete Ricketts on Friday removed Col. Brad Rice as its superintendent.

The initial findings of an internal review of State Patrol policies, procedures and leadership conduct suggested "interference in internal investigations at the highest level," the governor said.

"It is imperative that (the patrol's) reputation be beyond reproach," Ricketts said. "Col. Rice did not live up to my expectations."

Ricketts said he met with Rice early Friday morning and "relieved him of his duties."

Six State Patrol officers were placed on administrative leave pending an ongoing investigation by State Human Resources Director Jason Jackson.

"Protecting the public safety is the paramount duty of the state," Ricketts said, and Nebraskans need to have confidence in the integrity of the State Patrol.

Ricketts appointed Maj. Russ Stanczyk as the patrol's interim superintendent. He said he will begin an immediate search for a new leader of the patrol.

Jackson has "looked into specific investigative files" at the patrol, the governor said, and "he's not done."

The emphasis, Ricketts said, has been on "how State Patrol personnel have behaved internally."

Ricketts instituted the agency-wide review earlier in June.

Initial findings of the continuing investigation have been turned over to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for further investigation, the governor said.

During a news conference a week ago, the governor said a number of concerns had been raised, including how a Sheridan County fatal crash in October involving the patrol was handled internally.

Another concern was a grievance filed by the State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council recently over the safety of some patrol members' protective vests and body armor.

Other anecdotal concerns have been raised throughout all levels of the organization, Ricketts said last week.

State Sen. Ernie Chambers last week called for the firing of Rice. He told the Omaha World-Herald that it appeared some patrol officers lied about the cause of a fatal crash in Sheridan County in October and that Rice supported them.

In October, a trooper saw a 2001 Mercury Sable, with no license plate, run a stop sign on a county road north of Gordon in Sheridan County, the patrol reported. The trooper attempted to stop the car, and it slowed, but then turned and accelerated rapidly down another county road.

Two miles north of Gordon, the patrol car intercepted the vehicle, which crashed into a ditch and rolled.

The driver, Antoine L. Ladeaux, 32, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, was ejected and died at the scene of the crash. Three passengers in the vehicle were taken to the Gordon hospital where they were treated and released.

The case went before a Sheridan County grand jury in December, and the trooper involved was cleared of any wrongdoing, but questions have been raised about whether there was internal interference in how the State Patrol report of the accident was framed.
The Juhu police swung into action on Thursday afternoon after receiving information about a three-year-old boy going missing from Irla in Vile Parle (West). With the help of CCTV cameras and a good samaritan, they traced him within an hour.

According to the police, the three-year-old boy, identified as Dhanush, had come with his parents to Kishan Patel chawl in Irla to attend a religious ritual of a deceased relative. They are residents of Jogeshwari. Around 12.30pm, while his parents were busy speaking with their relatives, Dhanush started running around, and when his parents started to look for him he was nowhere to be found.

The family then rushed to Juhu police station, who as per SC guidelines, treated the missing incident as kidnapping. A team of sub inspector Yeshwant Chavan and constables Besarkar and Lavte checked CCTV cameras in the area, where the boy was seen running alone towards SV road from the Irla market road area. Around 1.45 pm, a good samaritan, Bhavesh Joshi, saw the boy running around alone, and helped the cops find him.
UPA candidate and former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar will come to Mumbai on Friday, as part of her preparations for presidential elections scheduled this month.

She will meet all legislators of the Congress and its allies who are or were in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in the city over dinner.

The election for the highest office of the country will be held on July 17. UPA-led by Congress has nominated Meira Kumar against Ram Nath Kovind, BJP-led NDAs candidate for the polls.

The 72-year old politician and five-time Member of Parliament (MP) will meet MLAs and MLCs of UPA partners  NCP, Samajwadi Party and Peasants and Workers Party of India (PWP)  at Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, Nariman Point.

Read more: Oppn candidate Meira Kumar says presidential poll a battle of ideology, not castes

The Congress has also directed all its MLAs from Maharashtra and Goa to attend the meet.

It will be a joint meeting of all legislators of the Congress and other allies. Meira Kumar will address them, said a senior Congress leader.

We have also asked all legislators and MPs to come. NCP chief Sharad Pawar will not be there as he was present at the time of filing nominations, but all the senior leaders from Maharashtra will remain present for the meet, said a senior NCP leader.

Abu Asim Azmi, MLA and Samajwadi Party state president confirmed that he is attending the meet.

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Liquor baron Vijay Mallya never intended to repay the loans he took for Kingfisher Airlines, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed in its supplementary charge sheet, which it filed against the embattled businessman and 10 others earlier this month.

In the supplementary charge sheet, the CBI alleged that Kingfisher Airlines Ltd, its corporate guarantor United Breweries (Holding) Ltd and personal Guarantor Vijay Mallya misled banks and obtained loans with the intention of cheating. The agency claimed that evidence it had gathered showed that Mallya and UBHL had dishonest intention not to repay the dues of the bank from the inception.

By 2009, Kingfisher had taken loans totalling Rs 4998.5 crore from various banks and needed another Rs 2,500 crore, of which a consortium of 17 banks sanctioned a loan of Rs 2,000 crore. The charge sheet lists number of allegedly false claims made by Mallya while obtaining these loans.

The CBI said the first thing KFA lied about was how the money would be invested in KFA. According to the CBI, while obtaining a loan of Rs 950 crore from IDBI Bank, KFA they would infuse Rs 200 crore of this in the company in three years. It was repeatedly conveyed by KFA that additional equity of $ 400 million would be infused though strategic investors, CBI claimed in the charge sheet.

Investigation further revealed that KFA were making such false promises of equity infusion to various banks from as early as January 2006, without any real intentions of fulfilling such promises, read the charge sheet.

The second lie was about inflated value of the Kingfisher Airlines brand.

The airline claimed to have obtained brand valuation reports from two firms, Grant Thornton and Brand Finance. CBI claimed that Grand Thornton had assigned a highly exaggerated and inflated value of Rs 3406.3 crore to KFA while Brand Finance said it was worth Rs 1,911 crore.

The CBI alleged that Mallya quoted Grant Thorntons figure when he used KFAs brand value as collateral against a loan from SBI and deliberately concealed Brand Finances valuation.

The charge sheet read, Mallya and KFA, with a view to induce the bank to sanction a higher loan, used the said inflated and exaggerated valuation report of Grant Thronton, while a report based on more realistic projections prepared by Brand Finance was deliberately concealed from the bank.

The third false claim, according to the CBI, concerned negative lien on 12 aircraft. Negative lien is a promise by a borrower that a property offered to bank under lien will not be sold. However, they are not always part of the securities mortgaged with the bank.

The agency claimed that while availing loan from banks, Mallya offered 12 aircraft as negative lien to induce banks to offer higher loans. However, the CBIs investigation revealed that the aircraft in question were on lease and he would get ownership of them only by August 2015. The deadline to repay the loan was January 2014.

The forth false claim, the CBI said, was about his personal guarantee.

Mallya stood as personal guarantor while obtaining loans from banks and declared assets worth Rs 1,395 crore in his statement he gave to the banks in April 2009. With this, he also assured the banks that the properties would not be sold.

This list included Mallyas shares in two companies  worth Rs 66.28 crore in Gem Investment and Tradition Co Pvt Ltd and worth Rs 61.70 crore in Pharma Trading Co. The agency claimed that the values of these shares had been grossly inflated.

The CBI claimed that the two companies were small and had no business activities. It said the value of Mallyas shares in Gem Investment was no more than Rs 1.20 lakh and those in Pharma Trading only Rs 90,000. The CBI alleged that Mallya intentionally didnt declare his properties outside India, which include a resort in South Africa valued at Rs 746.25 crore.

READ MORE

ED says Vijay Mallya created 20 shell companies; to confiscate more assets

No criticism of India at Mallya hearing, says UK

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Taking a cue from the forest ministers tweet that the socio-economic value of a tree is Rs23.72 lakh a year, Mumbais tree conservationists calculated the worth of the 3,130 trees that will be cut for Metro-3 car shed at Aarey Colony. The value  a staggering Rs742 crore a year.

On Thursday, Sudhir Mungantiwar tweeted, Humans fail to recognise the value of trees. Trees absorb, block noise and reduce glare from the sun. A well placed tree can reduce noise by 40%. We have asked MMRC to plant 100 times more trees than the trees they have cut.

Humans fail to recognize the value of trees.Trees absorb & block noise & reduce glare. A well placed tree can reduce noise by as much as 40%  Sudhir Mungantiwar (@SMungantiwar) June 29, 2017

The MMRC on Thursday awarded the civil works contract for the car shed to Delhi-based construction company Sam (India) Builtwell Pvt. Ltd.

The car depot, which will be designed for 35 rakes of eight-car trains across 25 hectares, is likely to lead to a loss of 3,130 trees. The cost of construction of the car shed is Rs328 crore.

Environmental group Vanashakti alleged the MMRC has gone ahead with the work at Aarey without waiting for a final order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), where the matter is being heard.

In June last year, NGOs Vanashakti and Aarey Conservation Group (ACG) filed a petition seeking long-term protection of Aarey landscape to consider it as forest and maintain it as no-development zone. The matter is up for hearing on July 24.

Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti highlighted that cost of construction for the car shed is half the amount in terms of the value of the 3,000-plus trees. If we go by the average that a healthy tree can provide oxygen for 30 years, the loss would escalate to Rs22,000 crore. The estimated cost of Metro-3 is Rs23,136 crore. So there is no benefit, he said. Additionally, the MMRC has not submitted the details regarding permissions for work at the 3-hectare casting yard land or any other permissions from the state pollution board, civic body, land-use, among others.

Activists said Aarey is a real-estate gold mine as the value of the Metro car shed area amounts Rs10,000 crore with an average floor space index (FSI) of 3. It is clearly a real estate project for the authorities. They are getting Rs13,000 crore as 50-year interest loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The amount will ultimately have to be paid by citizens, said Zoru Bathena, Khar resident and activist.

MMRC officials refused to comment about the loss of trees or their value, but said that they are not bound by NGT to start construction at Aarey. There is no stay on Metro depot construction activity from NGT, said an MMRC spokesperson.

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While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is currently following the Bombay high courts order to demolish 482 illegal shrines in the city, the Shiv Sena has demanded a policy to regularise such structures.

The corporation passed a notice of motion put up by house leader and corporator Yashwant Jadhav on Thursday. It will now be sent to the municipal commissioner for his comments.

Jadhavs proposal states that the demolition of such shrines hurts the sentiments of people across religious communities. There are examples of illegal buildings being regularised in the city and the state, he said.

Acting on a public interest litigation (PIL), the apex court had ordered the demolition of illegal shrines in 2011. Following this, the BMC published a list of illegal shrines, most of which are in public places.

Of the 482 illegal shrines in Mumbai, the BMC demolished 197 till June 27. The most illegal shrines are in the E ward of Byculla (55) followed by 52 in the G/North ward of Dadar.

Observing that rights to practise ones religion cannot be allowed in any and every place, the Bombay High Court (HC) has set a November 2017 deadline for BMC to demolish all illegal structures.

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A committee of officials and engineers, formed to probe cracks on the surface of the old bridge over river Hindon, have found the structure to be unfit for vehicular movement and beyond repair, following a preliminary assessment.

The district administration on Thursday had shut the bridge for vehicular movement after cracks surfaced on its structure. The district magistrate had constituted a committee of engineers from the UP public works department (PWD), PWD (NH division) and the UP State Bridge Corporation Limited.

The committee held a meeting on Friday after a preliminary assessment of the bridge and found that the most plausible solution is the construction of a new bridge.

The bridge was resurfaced in 1956-57, as revealed by a stone slab near the structure. Its pillars were probably constructed during the British era. We are still searching for the official documentation that contains the specifications of the bridge. However, as per a physical inspection and preliminary assessment, the bridge seems to be beyond repair and even unfit for vehicular movement, said Manish Verma, executive-engineer, UP-PWD.

We are still trying to ascertain if repairs of any sort can help, he said.

The team of engineers is also exploring options to resurrect the bridge before sending a final report to the district magistrate, which will be forwarded to the state government.

According to engineers, the beam and the slabs have developed large cracks at two to three points that render the structure vulnerable and plying of vehicles may further damage it.

The bridge spans nearly 300 metres over the Hindon and is close to three other bridges, which lead to Vasundhara, Mohan Nagar and Ghaziabad. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

They said that the bridge is already past its lifespan of 50 years and several repairs had to be undertaken to correct the upper part of the structure.

The bridge spans nearly 300 metres over the Hindon and is close to three other bridges, which lead to Vasundhara, Mohan Nagar and Ghaziabad. Officials are of the view that a new bridge is the most viable option but it may take a while to get clearances and funds for it.

Since the cracks surfaced on Thursday, the traffic police are diverting the traffic from Ghaziabad to the one-lane bridge. The traffic from Mohan Nagar continued to move as usual on the first bridge towards Ghaziabad city and Meerut.

Despite the police roping in personnel and volunteers from the civil defence to streamline traffic flow, long snarls were observed during the rush hour on Friday.

The bridges over river Hindon are estimated to cater to around one lakh vehicles per day as it provides a link to Delhi, Ghaziabad city, trans-Hindon areas, Meerut and other areas over GT Road.

We have verified the report with engineers. They have said the bridge cannot be repaired and it is unsafe. The bridge corporation has recommended rebuilding the bridge. So, a new bridge will be needed now. The engineers report will be sent to the state government at the earliest, said Ministhy S, district magistrate.

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The Uttar Pradesh special task force (UP-STF) on Friday arrested three members, reportedly of the Anil Dujana gang, who were allegedly involved in a bid to eliminate rivals belonging to Sundar Bhatis gang.

Anil Dujana and Sundar Bhati are gangsters who were involved in several cases of murder, kidnap, robbery and looting. Both are currently behind bars.

According to the police, Ankit of Etawah, Babbal of Ghaziabad and Vishal Rawat of Hathras were planning to kill two members of Sundar Bhatis gang. The accused have eight cases of murder, attempt to murder, robbery and theft against them names in several districts, including Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad.

Four members of Anil Dujana gang arrested after police encounter

For over a decade, members of both gangs have resorted to looting iron bars from trucks on highways to make a quick buck. It is because of this rivalry that both groups have locked horns for supremacy and are trying to gain the upper hand, said Raj Kumar Mishra, deputy superintendent of police, STF.

It was upon information that the three accused from Anil Dujana gang had planned to attack Sundar Bhati gang that we traced and arrested them in Dankaur. A case was also registered against them, Mishra said.

Western UP Gangster Dujana wins panchayat polls from behind bars

Officials said that rivalry between the two gangs for supremacy in looting iron bars had led to the murder of one Harender and a police personnel in 2015 in Dadupur area of Greater Noida. Then, the police had arrested members of Anil Dujana gang.

Dujana is presently behind bars in Maharajganj while his arch-rival Sundar Bhati is lodged in Banda jail. It is because of growing rivalry and gang war, which has so far led to a number of murders and bloodshed, that the state officials decided to lodge them in different jails and away from the NCR.

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In another instance of the public taking law into their hands, a 32-year-old man was allegedly beaten up by a group of men after he objected to one of them urinating in the open in Noidas Sector 49.

According to police, the incident took place on Thursday evening, when advocate Gaurav Vasoya objected to a person from urinating in the open. The group of people, who were allegedly drunk, in turn started beating up the advocate.

Victims father, Kushal Pal Singh said his son Gaurav objected to a person who was urinating in the open at the main entrance of Sector 49. When they started arguing, Gaurav withdrew and was coming back home, which is 50 metres from the entrance.

The men followed Gaurav and started beating him up. They chased him up to our house and vandalised our verandah, Singh said.

One Anil Kumar came to Gauravs rescue, but he also met the same fate, Singh added. The miscreants tried to snatch Kumars bag, but failed in their attempt, he told police.

Singh said that there is a paan kiosk near the entrance of Sector 49, where several people gather in the evening. He said Gaurav was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis Swachh Bharat Mission and has been advocating for cleanliness in the locality.

According to Singh, the men were drunk and they came in two cars. They hurled stones and thrashed Guarav using a plastic chair, he alleged.

Arun Kumar Singh, the superintendent of police (City), said, A case has been registered against five people in Sector 49 police station. We are scanning the CCTV footage of the area to examine the matter.

Girendrapal Singh, the station house officer of Sector 49 police station, said a complaint has been registered in this regard. We are gathering more information about the incident. The CCTV footage shows a fight took place between the men and further investigations are on in the matter, he said.
The business community in Noida is anxious and excited about the implementation of GST in the country. Ghaziabad traders shut their establishments against GST. At the midnight hour of July 1, the Union government of India will introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST), touted to bring all taxes under one umbrella.

Noida traders said that though the move is welcome, lack of proper training will cause anxiety among the business community.

We welcome this move by the Union government as this is the biggest tax reform and registered businessmen wont have an issue. However, there is a lot of confusion regarding the format of bills and processing of bills under GST. Traders are confused on how to transport stock, how to get their purchases billed and how the billing process will function, said SK Jain, chairman, Federation of Industrialist Traders and Jewellers Association.

In the first 15 days, the business is expected to be slow due to lack of information among the business class. Though we welcome the move, we are worried about its implementation and administration. Better training should have been given in advance, said Sudhir Singhal, store manager, Manohar Lal Jewellers.

We have been holding workshops in the district of late but businessmen need better training when it comes to GST. The government should provide sanctioned bills for each business so that there is less confusion, said Jain.

Entrepreneurs in the district welcomed the move saying that the implementation of the biggest tax reform will result in removal of bureaucracy and red tapes in business.

All entrepreneurs have welcomed this move as it will help us get rid of bureaucratic hassles state-wise. More importantly, there is a GST council, which we can approach even in case of a confusion, Vipin Malhan, president, Noida Entrepreneurs Association, said.

The Ghaziabad udyog vyapari welfare association on Friday staged a peaceful protest and shut shops at major markets in Chopla and Loha Mandi.

We demand that the roll out be postponed by at least six months as traders have little knowledge of GST. Apart from e-billing, the manual billing system should also be allowed. Traders should be educated and informed properly before the GST rollout and penalty clauses should not be levied for at least two initial years, said an office-bearer of the association.

The GST will affect small traders who have been doing manual billing and are not tech-savvy. They will now have to bring in software and IT equipment. The shutdown on Friday was successful, Rajnish Bansal, a garment trader from Turab Nagar market, said.
Red signal jumping is relatively frequent at night, but the virus is spreading. The young and the drunk are more prone to do it. However, 26-year-old engineer Satyajot Singh, of Sector 71 Mohali, will rue not stopping his luxury SUV, a Toyota Fortuner, at the Sectors 16-17 red light at the heart of the city  near the municipal corporation building at 9am on Friday for the rest of life.

Arrested in the evening, Satyajot, jumped the red light and his SUV hit an Activa that was negotiating the signal as his signal was green, killing driver Gyan Massih, 55, a labour contractor of Sector 41.

Police claim that Satyajot was drunk.

Such was the speed he was driving that after hitting the Activa, his car crossed over the road divider and hit two other cars  Maruti Swift and Hyundai Verna  bang opposite the MC building.

Madan, an employee of the contractor Massih, was injured in the accident.

At the lights, Massih turned right towards Sector 17 when the signal was green, while Satyajot was coming from Matka Chowk and was to go straight. He did not stop even as the light was red.

We have arrested Satyajot Singh of Sector 71 who is an engineering graduate. His father Harbhajan is a real estate developer, said Ram Gopal, DSP (central) Chandigarh.

He said, Satyajot was drunk when the accident took place. We have got his medical examination done that confirms it.

The police have registered a case under Sections 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 304 A (causing death by negligence) and 427 (mischief causing damage) of the IPC at the Sector-17 police station, Chandigarh.

He will also face a case under Section 185 (driving by a drunken person or by a person under the influence of drugs) of the Motor Vehicle Act.

(The story has been updated. The previous version wrongly mentioned the age of the deceased as 35-year-old)
Superstar Rajinikanth on Wednesday night flew to the US with his daughter Aishwarya for a routine medical check-up, amid rumours that the 67-year-old is unwell. A reliable source close to the actor has clarified that he is absolutely fine and has gone to the US for a regular medical check-up, just like he was present there last year around the same time. He is expected to return to Chennai on July 10 and will join the sets of his film Kaala two days later.

In Kaala, being produced by Dhanush, superstar plays a slum-lord-turned-gangster and he will also have lines in Hindi and Marathi. The film is tipped to be made as a Tamil-Hindi bilingual and will also be dubbed in Telugu. The project marks the reunion of director Pa. Ranjith with Rajinikanth after Kabali, and it is believed that Kaala revolves around the lives of oppressed Tamils in Mumbai and their fight for equality.

Important sequences of the film will be shot in Chennais schedule where the makers have erected a set of Dharavi set on a budget of over a crore. Santhosh Narayana is scoring the music, while national award-winning Sreekar Prasad will take care of editing.

Kaala will be a bilingual film.

As the film has been mostly shot against the backdrop of Mumbai, the makers have decided to simultaneously shoot the film in Hindi. If not every scene, those featuring Rajinikanth and some key supporting cast will be shot in Hindi. Unlike Kabali, the film wont be dubbed in Hindi, and Rajinikanth is expected to mouth his lines in Hindi and in Marathi at some key junctures. Also starring Nana Patekar as a politician and Pankaj Tripathi as a cop, the film also features Anjali Patil and Samuthirakani.

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Gays, lesbians and transgender people have been a feature of art -- and life -- throughout the ages, from the ancient Greeks to the Renaissance, 18th-century Japan to Native American tribes. Thats the message conveyed by Madrids Prado Museum, which has organised a special tour through its collection to mark WorldPride 2017, one of the globes biggest celebrations of gay rights, taking place in the Spanish capital.

It includes a bust of Aristogeiton, who with his young lover Harmodius was feted in ancient Athens; paintings by Sandro Botticelli, accused of sodomy; and work by 19th-century French artist Rosa Bonheur, who openly lived with a woman. In every culture, in every era, homosexuality is very much a reality that goes hand-in-hand with the reality of mankind, despite how it may have been interpreted by morality and religion, says curator Carlos Navarro.

Earliest chat-up line

In his book A Little Gay History, R. B. Parkinson writes that same-sex desire certainly seems to have been part of human experience from the earliest recorded times. In a poem from ancient Egypt, around 1,800 BC, one male god tries to seduce another by saying What a lovely backside you have!, writes the Egyptologist and former British Museum curator.

This is perhaps the earliest known chat-up line in human history, and it is between two men. The Prados tour takes in 29 already-on-display or never-shown works of art, in a bid to show how the LGBT community has been depicted at times of deep intolerance or societal approval.

A post shared by El sindrome de Stendhal (@elsindromedestendhal) on Jun 28, 2017 at 3:47am PDT

Cue the bust of Aristogeiton -- whose sculptures are usually exhibited next to those of Harmodius, his lover as per the ancient Greek custom of sexual relationships between younger and older men. Together they killed one of two tyrants of Athens around 514 BC, an act that eventually ushered in democracy.

So grateful were Athenians that they put up statues of the men -- the first in the classical world that didnt portray gods but human beings, and to boot a homosexual couple feted as the founders of democracy, says Navarro. Much later on, in times of persecution, the existence of such statues was a reminder that same-sex relationships had once been socially acceptable and could be again.

Sodomy trials

The Prado also wants to tell the stories of some of the personalities who created the art on show. Botticellis Scenes from the story of Nastagio degli Onesti is included on the tour, a piece by an artist who was accused of sodomy, tried and acquitted.

A post shared by Museo Nacional del Prado (@museoprado) on Jun 22, 2017 at 4:38am PDT

At the time in 15th century Florence, art from the classical world -- gay relationships and all -- was making a comeback, prompting a stern backlash from authorities. After the shock of his trial, Botticelli started following Girolamo Savonarola, a fanatical preacher who identified the recovery of the classical world with the arrival of corruption in the Christian world, says Navarro.

The artist had been a pioneer in painting classical mythology, but ended up destroying many of his own works of art. The same goes for Leonardo da Vinci, a man who had a luminous personality before his sodomy trial but became introverted soon after, says Navarro.

But there is good news along the tour too in the form of Rosa Bonheurs painting El Cid that depicts a lion -- an animal she loved and kept at home. She was a pioneer in her sexuality, her way of life, but also in societys recognition of her. She was famous, rich, and was in charge of her life at a time when women took a back step, says Navarro.

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Pre-monsoon showers in Uttarakhand have resulted in overflowing rivers, waterfalls and landslides. While the state has not issued any advisory for visitors, nevertheless, the first-hand experience of some travellers is enough to highlight the problems one might face.

It took us more than three hours on Thursday to exit from Nainital as two major routes, NainitalKaladhungi and Nainital bypass were blocked. There was an overflowing waterfall and boulders blocking the way, said Udit Ghildiyal, an avid traveller. The state government spokesperson, Madan Kaushik said Uttarakhand is a major tourist destination and the government is not in favour of creating unnecessary panic.

Officials and rescue teams are on alert and the chief minister also reviews the place on a daily basis. Therefore, there should be no concern about the security of tourists, said Kaushik. Here is a checklist of places to be avoided:

Chopta encounters heavy landslides in the monsoon. (Shutterstock)

Chopta: This place is known for its magnificent beauty and stunning views of the Himalayas. However, the route to Chopta passes via Ukhimath and encounters heavy landslides.

Wan village: Located on a height of 8,000 feet from the sea level, Wan village in Chamoli district is the base camp for various trekking trails popular among adventure lovers. It includes sites like the Aali alpine meadow, Roopkund frozen lake, Bedni meadow and the Homkund trek. The Wan village and these treks witness routine landslides during the rainy season.

In the monsoon, Corbett Fall records increased water levels. (Shutterstock)

Corbett Fall: Over the years, Corbett Fall has emerged as a popular destination. The fall is close to Corbett National Park. The park remains closed during the monsoon, however, tourists keep visiting the fall. The locals advise that monsoon is not the right season to visit owing to increased water levels.

Dronagiri trek: The Dronagiri mountains in the Garhwal hills, located at 22,000 feet from the sea level is a preferred destination for adventure lovers. The Dronagiri trek was announced as the trek of the year by the state tourism department earlier this year. Heading to Dronagiri during the monsoon is not advised due to the difficult terrain, landslides and overflowing rivulets.

Overflowing waterfall on Nainital Highway and a boulder blocking traffic on the Highway. (Udit /HT photo)

Dharchula: This town, close to the Indo-Nepal border, in Pithoragarh district is a tourist paradise, but reaching there during the monsoon is a risky affair. The Pithoragarh National Highway gets blocked repeatedly and there is always a risk that a boulder or debris could fall on the vehicle.

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Adaa Khan feels the TV industry has changed a lot over the years. According to her, unlike earlier times, small screen is now driven by TRPs and not acting. She also says that somehow it hampers the content of the show.

There is a lot of competition among actors and channels these days. There is a lot of weightage given to the TRPs. I think more than acting, importance is given to which show is doing well, says Adaa, who is known for her shows such as Amrit Manthan, Piya Basanti Re and Naagin.

Disappointed with the current scenario of the TV industry, Adaa adds, Earlier, the popularity of the show had a lot to do with the performances of the actors and they would be praised for the same. But today, people hardly talk about acting and its all about number game.

Adaa tries to stay away from competition and says that shes not part of any rat race. If someone is doing good, I am happy for them. Whatever role I take up, I try and do justice to it to the best of my ability and rest, I leave it to the audience to decide. Numbers are not in my hand. If things dont work out I work harder for the next and learn from the past, she adds.

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Krushna Abhishek and Kashmera Shah are now parents of twin boys through surrogacy. The actor couple, who tied the knot in Las Vegas in the US in 2013, welcomed their babies six weeks ago. Since then, the babies have been in the neo-natal care section of the hospital and as per reports, will soon be home.

Krushnas manager confirmed the news adding that the twins are doing perfectly fine. Krushna and Kashmira are now parents to twins. They had the babies through surrogacy. Krushna is not here at the moment as he is abroad shooting for his upcoming show The Drama Company along with Sudesh Lehiri and the rest, the manager told a leading daily.

Whats catching everyones attention is the reason behind the couple not announcing the news earlier. Reportedly, the couple didnt want the news of their twin boys to come out, as they wanted to share all the details once the babies were healthy and out of neo-natal care centre.

This is not the first time the actors have kept something under wraps. Their marriage was also kept a secret, only revealed in 2015  two years after they got hitched. When asked the reason behind it, Kashmira had said that they werent keen on revealing the news because they wanted to keep their marriage a private affair. Also the reason they exchanged vows in a foreign land, away from public glare.

Shambu dada laayenge comedy ki dunia mein ek naya rangmanch bahut jald sirf Sony Entertainment Television par.@kingaliasgar @Krushna_KAS pic.twitter.com/TMNFMoNfFs  Sony TV (@SonyTV) June 28, 2017

Meanwhile, professionally, the first teaser of Krushana upcoming comedy show Drama Company is out. It marks actor Mithun Chakrabortys comeback on the small screen. The show also stars Ali Asgar, Sanket Bhosle, Sugandha Mishra and Sudesh Lehri. Comedian-actor Sunil Grover is expected to make a special appearance on the show.

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A US drone strike in the eastern Kunar province resulted in multiple casualties among fighters of the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan, known as Khorasan province.

US forces in Afghanistan targeted the militants in Kunars Manogi district on Thursday night, provincial police spokesman Faridullah Dehqan was quoted as saying by Khaama Press. According to Dehqan, three militants were killed and a fourth was wounded.

There was no comment from the IS on the report.

The US and Nato have stepped up efforts to push back militants in Afghanistan. At a meeting in Brussels, Nato agreed to send around 3,000 troops to train and work alongside Afghan security forces, according to the Associated Press.

Last month, the US had agreed to deploy an additional 4,000 troops for counter-terrorism operations against Taliban, al-Qaeda and IS militants, which would take the total number of American troops in Afghanistan to more than 12,000.

Meanwhile, Taliban militants stormed a security post in Farah province on Thursday, killing at least six policemen and wounding three, officials said. Abdul Marouf Folad, the provincial chief police, said the attack was followed by a three-hour gun battle, with nine militants also killed.

In a separate incident, a pickup truck hit a roadside bomb in Nangarhar provinces Achin district on Friday, killing seven people. No one claimed responsibility for the attack, though the area has seen expanding attacks by IS militants.

(With inputs from AP)
Two television hosts attacked by US President Donald Trump questioned the Republican leaders mental health on Friday and accused him of trying to exert pressure on them over unfavorable coverage, calling it blackmail.

Trump drew a barrage of criticism on Thursday, including from his fellow Republicans, after he called Mika Brzezinski, a co-host of the MSNBC Morning Joe program, low I.Q. Crazy Mika and said she was bleeding badly from a face-lift when she visited his Mar-A-Lago estate around New Years Eve.

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

He referred to her co-host Joe Scarborough, a former Republican U.S. congressman, as Psycho Joe.

The two television anchors, who were on friendly terms with Trump early in the 2016 presidential campaign but have been critical of him since he took office, responded with a column in The Washington Post on Friday.

This year, top White House staff members warned that the National Enquirer was planning to publish a negative article about us unless we begged the president to have the story spiked. We ignored their desperate pleas, they wrote.

Read more | Donald Trump slammed over facelift outburst against female TV host

Scarborough added on the Morning Joe show on Friday that he received calls from three top administration officials asking the co-hosts to call Trump and apologize for their coverage of his administration. They told him that if he called and apologized, Trump would get the story killed, Scarborough said.

The calls kept coming, and kept coming. And they were like Call, you need to call. Please call. Come on, Joe. Just pick up the phone and call him, Scarborough said. Its blackmail.

In a Twitter message on Friday, Trump effectively denied the allegation, giving a different version of what transpired around the National Enquirer piece.

Watched low rated @Morning_Joe for first time in long time. FAKE NEWS. He called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no! Bad show  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 30, 2017

There was no immediate comment from the National Enquirer. The tabloid specializes in scandalous stories about celebrities and has been supportive of Trump.

In the Post column, Brzezinski and Scarborough lambasted Trump as mentally unstable, saying he had an unhealthy obsession with their television program, and cited what they called his continued mistreatment of women.

On the Morning Joe show, Brzezinski, a daughter of former White House national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski, said her main concern was how such behavior affects the country.

I am very concerned as to what this once again reveals about the president of the United States, said Brzezinski, who is engaged to be married to Scarborough.

Trump uses Twitter prolifically and often as a vehicle to attack critics, including the Morning Joe hosts, but Thursdays tweets were seen by many as offensive.

Brzezinski and Scarborough dismissed as lies Trumps claims, made in the Thursday Twitter messages, that he refused to have dinner with them or that Brzezinski had had a face lift.

They also said they had seen a change in the president over the last few years.

President Trump launched personal attacks against us Thursday, but our concerns about his unmoored behavior go far beyond the personal. Americas leaders and allies are asking themselves yet again whether this man is fit to be president, they wrote in the Post column.
Australias Catholic leaders have spoken out in support of Cardinal George Pell describing the Vatican finance chief as a thoroughly decent man after he was charged with historical sexual offences.

Pell, who has been ordered to face a Melbourne court hearing next month, said Thursday he would return to Australia as soon as possible to clear his name after consulting with his doctors.

The pre-eminent cleric rose through the ranks to the highest offices of the church in Australia before leaving to manage the Vaticans powerful economic ministry.

The Australians successors spoke warmly of his legacy and reputation.

The George Pell I know is a man of integrity in his dealings with others, a man of faith and high ideals, a thoroughly decent man, the Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher said in a statement.

But Fisher said that while his archdiocese would help Pell with accommodation on his return to Australia to face the charges, it is not responsible for the Cardinals legal bills arising from these matters.

The Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart said Pell had been his friend and fellow priest for more than half a century, and deserved a fair trial.

The Archbishop is conscious of the Cardinals many good works which have been acknowledged both nationally and internationally, he added.

It is a matter of public record that Cardinal Pell addressed the evil of sexual abuse in the Church on becoming Archbishop of Melbourne in 1996.

Archbishop of Hobart Julian Porteous told Hobarts Mercury newspaper he was shocked and disappointed at the charges and did not believe they have got any substance to them, adding that Pell was a man of absolute integrity.

Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, one of the countrys most high-profile Catholics, joined in the praise calling Pell a very fine man.

He was Archbishop of Melbourne from 1996 to 2001 before becoming the Archbishop of Sydney from 2001 to 2014.

He then left for the Vatican after being hand-picked by Pope Francis to make the churchs finances more transparent.

Pope Francis has granted Pell a leave of absence, with the cleric summonsed to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 26, a week later than the initial hearing date of July 18.

Police have not revealed details of the charges against the 76-year-old, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.
China has built new military facilities on islands in the South China Sea, a US think tank reported on Thursday, a move that could raise tensions with Washington, which has accused Beijing of militarising the vital waterway.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of Washingtons Center for Strategic and International Studies, said new satellite images show missile shelters and radar and communications facilities being built on the Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs in the Spratly Islands.

The United States has criticized Chinas build-up of military facilities on the artificial islands and is concerned they could be used to restrict free movement through the South China Sea, an important trade route.

Last month, a US Navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in a so-called freedom of navigation operation, the first such challenge to Beijings claim to most of the waterway since US President Donald Trump took office.

China has denied US charges that it is militarising the sea, which also is claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Trump has sought Chinas help in reining in North Koreas nuclear and missile programs, and tension between Washington and Beijing over military installations in the South China Sea could complicate those efforts.

China has built four new missile shelters on Fiery Cross Reef to go with the eight already on the artificial island, AMTI said. Mischief and Subi each have eight shelters, the think tank said in a previous report.

In February, Reuters reported that China had nearly finished building structures to house long-range surface-to-air missiles on the three islands.

On Mischief Reef, a very large antennae array is being installed that presumably boosts Beijings ability to monitor the surroundings, the think tank said, adding that the installation should be of concern to the Philippines due to its proximity to an area claimed by Manila.

A large dome recently was installed on Fiery Cross and another is under construction, indicating a sizeable communications or radar system, AMTI said. Two more domes are being built at Mischief Reef, it said.

A smaller dome has been installed near the missile shelters on Mischief, indicating that it could be connected to radars for any missile systems that might be housed there, AMTI said.

Beijing can now deploy military assets, including combat aircraft and mobile missile launchers, to the Spratly Islands at any time, it said.
Chinas embassy to the United States urged Washington to immediately revoke its wrong decision and halt $1.42 billion worth of planned arms sales to Taiwan.

The Chinese government and Chinese people have every right to be outraged, the embassy said in a statement release late on Thursday, adding that the sale sends a very wrong message to Taiwan independence forces.

The United States is the sole arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems its own. It has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert on Thursday told reporters the administration had told Congress of seven proposed sales, the first such sale under the administration of Donald Trump.
China will launch a series of artificial intelligence (AI) projects and increase efforts to cultivate tech talent as part of a soon to announced national AI plan, the China Daily said on Friday, citing a senior official.

The country is focusing on AI as it is seen as a tool to boost productivity and empower employees, the paper said.

China will roll out a slew of AI research and development projects, allocate more resources to nurturing talent and increase the use of AI in education, healthcare and security among other things, said Wan Gang, the minister of science and technology at a conference in Tianjin.

The plan will soon be released to the public, said Wan.

China will build cooperation with international AI organisations and encourage foreign AI firms to set up R&D centres in the country, he added.
Ahvaz, an Iranian city set the record for the hottest temperature in the country on Thursday, according to a report in The Washington Post.

The city may have also tied with others for highest temperature recorded on earth if meteorologists go by US-based forecaster Weather Undergrounds recording.

The report cited a forecaster at French meteorological agency MeteoFrance, Etienne Kapikians tweet to say that Ahvazs maximum temperature hit 53.7C, a new absolute national record of reliable Iranian heat.

53.7C a Ahwaz #Iran ce 29 juin ! nouveau record absolu national de #chaleur iranien fiable & record mensuel (juin) pour le continent #Asie pic.twitter.com/nVPaXtnyBB  Etienne Kapikian (@EKMeteo) June 29, 2017

However, the report noted Weather Undergrounds recording of 129.2F or 54C, and said it tied for the hottest credible temperatures recorded in modern times with that of Death Valley, California, US, on June 30 2013, and Mitribah in Kuwait on July 21, 2016.

The Weather Underground reading will have to be reviewed and confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization to stand the record.

Officially, Death Valley has set the record for the hottest temperature on July 10, 1913 at 134F or 57C, the daily said.

However, Christopher Burt, a weather historian for Weather Underground, dismissed that weather recording, concluding it was essentially not possible from a meteorological perspective, and that the weather observer committed errors.

The Israel Meteorological Service has also said the countrys hottest temperature, 54C, was recorded at Tirat Tzvi, on June 21, 1942.

India recorded its hottest temperature of 51C at Phalodi in Rajasthan on May 19, 2016.

The Post said the recent heat waves and record temperatures represent extremes consistent with what climate scientists expect due to the global warming phenomenon in the world.
Donald Trump unleashed a brutal personal attack Thursday on respected female television host Mika Brzezinski, sparking an instant backlash, in the latest stunning salvo in the presidents ongoing war with the media.

Trumps Twitter outburst -- in which he describes the journalist bleeding badly from a facelift -- appears to have been triggered by Brzezinskis sharp comments during the morning show she co-hosts with Joe Scarborough on the left-leaning MSNBC network.

I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (dont watch anymore), wrote Trump, an avid cable news watcher.

Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Years Eve, and insisted on joining me. She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no! he tweeted.

In recent days Trump has escalated his attacks on US media outlets -- which he accuses of peddling fake news about him -- singling out CNN over the retraction of a story about his administrations supposed links with Russia, but also assailing rival cable networks, the New York Times and the Washington Post.

But the vulgarity of his latest assault triggered a torrent of criticism including within his own party.

Inappropriate. Undignified. Unpresidential, tweeted Jeb Bush, Trumps rival for the White House nomination last year, while the top Republican on Capitol Hill, House Speaker Paul Ryan, conceded the presidents comments were not appropriate.

What were trying to do around here is improve the tone, the civility of the debate. And this obviously doesnt help do that, Ryan told a news conference.

Fights fire with fire

Trumps spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders was staunch in defending her boss.

I think that the president has been attacked mercilessly on personal accounts by members on that program, and I think hes been very clear that when he gets attacked, hes going to hit back, she told the daily White House briefing.

I think the American people elected somebody whos tough, whos smart, and whos a fighter, and thats Donald Trump. And I dont think that its a surprise to anybody that he fights fire with fire.

Hes not going to sit back and be attacked by the liberal media, Hollywood elites, she added.

But at least half a dozen Republican lawmakers judged the president had crossed a line.

Please just stop, wrote Senator Ben Sasse on Twitter. This isnt normal and its beneath the dignity of your office.

This is not okay, agreed Kansas lawmaker Lynn Jenkins.

The Trump-Brzezinski feud lit up the internet, where critics were reminded of Trumps notorious attack last August on Fox reporter Megyn Kelly, who he said had blood coming out of her wherever after she challenged him in a campaign debate.

Out of his mind

Brzezinskis employer MSNBC sprang to her defense, tweeting: Its a sad day for America when the president spends his time bullying, lying and spewing petty personal attacks instead of doing his job.

But the TV host herself -- whose father was Zbigniew Brzezinski, national security adviser to Jimmy Carter -- appeared uncowed. She responded with a post of her own, a photo of a young child reaching for Cheerios cereal.

Made for little hands, the caption read -- a schoolyard taunt that has been leveled against the image-conscious Trump since the days of his candidacy.

In her Thursday show, Brzezinski had suggested the president was psychologically unhinged.

Everybody in Washington, in the administration, needs to look at this from... a point of view where theyre not lobotomized because youre sitting in there and youre so scared of him, and you think you need to suck up to the president.

If a boss at NBC, MSNBCs parent company, started tweeting wildly about peoples appearances, bullying people, talking about people in the competition, lying every day, undermining his managers, throwing them under the (bus) -- that person would be thrown out.

There would be concerns that the person who runs the company is out of his mind.

Early in the 2016 campaign the Morning Joe hosts were accused of being too friendly with Trump, a frequent guest on air.

The relationship however soured last August, when Trump tweeted: Some day, when things calm down, Ill tell the real story of @JoeNBC and his very insecure long-time girlfriend, @morningmika. Two clowns!

Brzezinski, 50, is engaged to marry her co-host Scarborough, 54, a Republican former congressman.
A 41-year-old Indian-American has been identified as the suspect by the US police in Texas for shooting at two people, one of them fatally.

Sayantan Ghose is being pursued in the shooting of 43- year-old Clarence Wayne Harris II and 36-year-old Amanda Harris.

The police received a call on Wednesday for a disturbance at a house in League City. They reached the spot to find Wayne dead and Amanda, injured, local Television Channel KHOU reported.

According to League City police, Wayne had been shot multiple times and his body was found lying in the driveway in front of the house while Amanda had suffered a gunshot wound.

Amanda was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Police said there was a party at the house, and at some point, the victims, who were also the owners of the house, had an argument with Ghose, which led to the shooting, the report said.

Ghose had fled the scene before the police could arrive.

The police described the suspect as a white man of Pacific Island descent with a shaved head. He was last seen driving a grey 2011 Toyota Corolla with Texas license plate number - DK6 M556.
Japan has revealed ambitious plans to put an astronaut on the Moon around 2030 in new proposals from the countrys space agency.

This is the first time the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has said it aims to send an astronaut beyond the International Space Station, an agency spokeswoman told AFP on Friday.

The idea is to first join a NASA-led mission in 2025 to build a space station in the moons orbit, as part of a longer-term effort by NASA to reach Mars.

Tokyo hopes that contributing to the multinational mission and sharing Japanese technology will land it a coveted spot at the station, from which it could eventually send an astronaut to the Moon, the spokeswoman said.

The plan was presented at an education ministry panel this week, with a more formal blueprint expected next year, according to public broadcaster NHK.

The announcement comes as China and India develop their space programmes.

In November, Chinas Shenzhou-11 spacecraft returned to Earth, bringing home two astronauts from the rising powers longest-ever orbital mission.

Beijing has also unveiled illustrations of a Mars probe and rover it aims to send to the Red Planet at the end of the decade.

NASA and other global space agencies are working hard on sending astronauts to Mars by the 2030s.

In March, the US Congress passed a bill -- signed by President Donald Trump -- directing NASA to send a manned mission to Mars in 2033.
Irans state news agency quoted a representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday as saying Islamic States leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was definitely dead.

Terrorist Baghdadi is definitely dead, IRNA quoted cleric Ali Shirazi, representative to the Quds Force, as saying, without elaborating. IRNA later updated the news item, omitting the quote on Baghdadis death.

The Quds Force is in charge of operations outside Irans borders by the countrys elite Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian Foreign Ministry officials were not available to comment on the report of Baghdadis death.

The secretive Islamic State leader has frequently been reported killed or wounded since he declared a caliphate to rule over all Muslims from a mosque in Mosul in 2014, after his fighters seized large areas of northern Iraq.

Russia said on June 17 its forces might have killed Baghdadi in an air strike in Syria. Washington said on Thursday it had no information to corroborate such reports. Iraqi officials have also been sceptical in recent weeks.
The bloody clashes between Indian and Chinese troops nearly 50 years ago at Nathu La in Sikkim, the scene of an ongoing standoff, are a grim reminder of how the unsettled border of the two countries has triggered hostilities.

The fighting that erupted on September 11, 1967 was preceded by months of accusations from both sides about incursions and territorial intrusions.

The language used by China at that time to warn Indian authorities was strikingly similar to the aggressive narrative emanating from Beijing five decades later. It even included references to the 1962 border war, which was fresh in the minds of military commanders on both sides at the time.

The Chinese Government must tell the Indian Government in all seriousness: You must draw lessons from your past experience, stop provocative activities along the China-Sikkim border and cease all your calumnies against China, otherwise you are bound to eat the bitter fruits of your own making, said a note handed over by Chinas foreign ministry to the Indian embassy in Beijing on April 11, 1967.

On September 10, a day before hostilities broke out, the foreign ministry issued another terse warning , calling Indian leaders reactionaries who were component part of the worldwide anti-Chinese chorus currently struck up by US imperialism and Soviet Revisionism in league with the reactionaries of various countries.

The message, sent to New Delhi through the Indian embassy, said: The Chinese Government sternly warns the Indian Government: the Chinese Border Defence Troops are closely watching the development of the situation along the China-Sikkim boundary. Should the Indian troops continue to make provocative intrusions, the Indian Government must be held responsible for all the grave consequences.

The external affairs ministry countered the Chinese allegations with its own version of events, saying Chinas troops had violated agreements.

The Chinese Government is well aware that the Sikkim-Tibet border is a well-defined international border and has been recognised as such by China. By launching an armed attack the Chinese Government is seeking to build up tension at a point on the border which has never been in dispute, the external affairs ministry told Beijing in a note.

The initial clashes in 1967 lasted four days. While the 1962 war was a debacle for New Delhi, the Indian Army proved more than a match for the Chinese five years later. According to an account of the clashes written by Maj Gen Sheru Thapliyal, who was posted in Sikkim at the time, the Indian side lost more than 70 soldiers while the Chinese casualties were more than 400.

We gave them a bloody nose, a former Indian diplomat told Hindustan Times.

A second round of clashes erupted at Cho La on October 1, 1967, leading to more casualties. But Indian troops stood their ground and forced the Chinese soldiers to withdraw at Cho La.

Since then, the border in the Sikkim sector has remained free of violence. In 1967, Sikkim was a protectorate of India and it joined the Indian union as a state in 1975. China recognised the frontier in the Sikkim sector in 2003.

The last bullet fired along the China-India frontier was in the Arunachal Pradesh sector in October 1975 , when border patrols from the two sides accidentally came face-to-face amid dense fog at Tuhung La and an Indian soldier was killed. This is often cited by Indian politicians and diplomats to drive home how calm the boundary with China is, say, compared to that with Pakistan.
A modified version of US President Donald Trumps travel ban went into effect on Thursday evening, barring refugees and people from six Muslim-majority nations from entering the country.

According to the final guidelines issued by the state department, all refugees and visitors from Libya, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Syria are banned from entering the US for periods of 120 days and 90 days respectively  time needed to fix the screening process.

The guidelines exempt visitors with bona fide relationship with those already in the US  close family like parents, children, siblings, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, stepchildren. Also exempted are those coming to study, work or attend conferences.

However, those affected by the ban include grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, cousins and fiances. This was cited by lawyers of the state of Hawaii as the reason for filing a suit just minutes before the order went into effect, asking a federal judge to stop the government from enforcing the illegal and unconstitutional ban.

On Monday, the US Supreme Court upheld the travel ban Trump had sought by citing national security concerns, saying it will affect all foreign nationals who lack any bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.

The top court left the executive branch to determine what will and will not constitute a bone fide relationship.

The state department on Thursday sent cables to its missions, allowing preparations to be made in order to prevent a repeat of the chaotic rollout of the original order in January.

It will be business as usual for us, a senior administration official told reporters previewing the new rules taking effect. We expect things to run smoothly, and our people are well-prepared for this and they will handle the entry of people with visas professionally, respectfully, and responsibly, as they have always done, with an eye toward ensuring that the country is protected from persons looking to travel here to do harm.

The new order is a modified version of an executive order issued by Trump on March 6, narrowing the scope of the original order that applied to seven Muslim-majority countries (including Iraq). The order was stayed by lower courts for being discriminatory against a particular religion and unconstitutional.

While protests and challenges have been muted this time in comparison, they were not altogether missing. In a statement calling for congress to overturn Trumps ban, cited by The Washington Post, Amnesty Internationals Naureen Shah has said, the order is separating families based on these definitions is simply heartless  and it further proves the callous and discriminatory nature of Trumps Muslim ban.

And, Johnathan Smith, legal director of Muslim Advocates, has said, Defining close family to exclude grandparents, cousins, and other relatives defies common sense.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a high-level meeting of top foreign policy officials to discuss ties with India amid tension over ceasefire violations in Kashmir.

Radio Pakistan reported that Sharif would be briefed about important foreign affairs issues, including ties with India and Afghanistan.

The meeting is being attended amongst others by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and senior officials of the Foreign Office.

The meeting was held amid tensions between India and Pakistan after a number of ceasefire violations in Kashmir for which both sides blame each other.

It comes days after the US declared Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist.
In the first high-level engagement with the Indian leadership, Nepals deputy prime minister (DPM) and foreign affairs minister, Krishna Bahadur Mahara will embark on a three-day visit to New Delhi from Sunday.

Soon after he took charge as DPM and foreign minister, his Indian counterpart, Sushma Swaraj had congratulated Mahara and invited him to New Delhi.

Maharas visit comes after Nepal successfully conducted two rounds of local polls even as demands of Madhes-based parties were yet to be met after year-long negotiations.

The visit comes as there has also been immense pressure from China on the previous Pushpa Kamal Dahal  Prachanda and present Sher Bahadur Deuba governments to work closely with Beijing in key areas like connectivity, energy, trade, commerce and tourism, among others.

The previous government had signed a framework agreement on One Belt One Road (OBOR) with Beijing and the present government had committed to implement the agreement and formed three separate high-level mechanisms to execute the initiative.

Recently, a Chinese delegation had pressed Kathmandu to implement the past accords and understandings reached with Beijing, including the OBOR agreement.

India had abstained from the nearly 30-country transcontinental connectivity and infrastructure initiative devised by China, saying it violated sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Besides meeting Indian leadership and committing to work with it as the previous Nepali governments, Mahara will also discuss the upcoming India visit of Prime Minister Deuba, possibly by the end of July, his office said.

Deuba has agreed to visit India first as his first bilateral visit after assuming office after Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated and invited him.

This is a visit to strengthen our ties with India and will prepare ground for the PMs India visit, his advisor, Yubraj Chaulagain told HT.

Apart from reviewing and assessing India-funded projects, apprising about the latest political developments and laying ground for the visit of PM Deuba, Mahara will seek Indias support for Nepals bid for UN Human Rights Council membership.
Tehreek-e-Azadi Jammu and Kashmir (TAJK), a front formed by Jamaat-ud-Dawah days after its chief Hafiz Saeed was placed under house arrest in January, was quietly banned by the Pakistan government against the backdrop of mounting pressure on Islamabad from an international watchdog.

Pakistans National Counter-Terrorism Authority added TAJK to the list of organisations proscribed by the interior ministry on June 8.

The Lashkar-e-Taiba, the JuDs military arm, the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Pakistani Taliban are also among the 65 organisations banned by the interior ministry.

However, the JuD and its other front organisation, Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation, continue to be on the ministrys list of organisations under watch  meaning they are not outlawed.

The ban on TAJK came into effect less than a fortnight before a plenary meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Valencia, Spain, evaluated the steps taken by Pakistan to cut off funding to terror groups such as LeT and JuD, which have both been banned by the UN and the US.

Sources said Pakistans decision to place Hafiz Saeed under house arrest on January 30 was largely prompted by pressure from the FATF and the US. That action was taken weeks before the FATF held a plenary meeting in Paris during February 20-24 to discuss the global response to terrorist financing and other issues.

India had raised the issue of groups such as the JuD being able to raise funds across Pakistan without any hindrance at the Paris meeting of the FATF.

At the FATF plenary meeting in Spain, Pakistans record of countering the financing of terror groups again came under close scrutiny. A report prepared by the FATF was critical of Pakistans continued complicity in the financing of terrorist entities.

The report noted that entities designated under UN Security Council Resolution 1267  a reference to Hafiz Saeed  still received and distributed funds without authorities taking steps to control such activities.

The FATFs International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) requested the Asia Pacific Group (APG) to submit a follow-up report on Pakistan following the APG annual meeting in July.

Even if the APG decides not to provide this report, the ICRG has permitted its co-chairs to request Pakistan to provide a comprehensive report in September on steps taken by it to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1267, which asks states to freeze the assets of terrorists, cut off access to weapons and ban them from travelling abroad.

Hafiz Saeed has been closely associated with the TAJK since early this year. He had declared that the JuD would observe 2017 as the year of Kashmir.

This is not the first time the JuD has formed a front organisation to evade scrutiny by international bodies. After the JuD was banned by the UN in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, it re-emerged as the Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation.

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Pakistan is beefing up security in the tribal northwest, the military said Friday, after days of protests over twin blasts which killed 69 people in the town which has suffered most from militancy this year.

The announcement by the military came a day after protesters rejected an offer from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to financially compensate victims, demanding better security instead for Shias living in the restive area.

Parachinar, the capital of mainly Shia Kurram tribal district, became a scene of carnage last week when the bombs ripped through a crowded market days ahead of the Eid celebrations marking the end of Ramadan. More than 200 people were wounded in the blasts.

Security fears coupled with a perceived slow response to the attack from Pakistani leaders have brought protesters into the towns streets, as well as in other cities across Pakistan this week, and caused a furore on social media.

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Parachinar on Friday to meet tribal elders and community leaders. Military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor told reporters the army will launch a safe city project and improve security in the area.

Read more | Blast near Shia mosque in Pakistans Parachinar kills 22

Some of the protesters demands were political, he said, but added the army chief had ordered all those related to security be solved.

Politicians have been criticised for what was seen as a tepid response to the attack and towards Shiites in the area, though some said they had been unable to visit due to security concerns. Several media outlets have also reported being kept away by security forces.

Kurram, one of Pakistans seven semi-autonomous tribal districts, is known for sectarian clashes between Sunnis and Shiites, who make up roughly 20 percent of Pakistans population of 200 million.

Ghafoor added that Pakistan has begun building a fence along its border with Afghanistan to curtail the movement of militants across the porous frontier.

Read more | Pakistan: 38 killed in two suicide attacks in Quetta, Parachinar

The fencing will be done in two phases, he said: first the highly sensitive areas, and then the entire border.

Pakistan inherited its 2,400-kilometre (1,500-mile) border with its western neighbour when it gained independence from Britain in 1947, but Afghanistan has never formally recognised it.

Both routinely accuse the other of harbouring militant proxies to carry out cross-border attacks, while their militaries have engaged in numerous skirmishes in recent years.
Pakistani reporter has been detained and charged under cybercrime laws for criticising security forces on social media, officials and his family said Friday, the latest sign of a state crackdown on free speech.

Zafarullah Achakzai, who works at Urdu daily Qudrat, was picked up from his house Sunday by the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC), the security force deployed in restive Balochistan province.

FC personnel in uniform came in five vehicles and raided my house late Sunday night. They cordoned the streets and asked for my son without mentioning any charge, Achakzais father Naimatullah Achakzai, who is also chief editor of Qudrat, told AFP.

We did not know where they took him... After five days they handed him over to the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency), which charged him under cybercrime laws for criticising the FC, Achakzai said.

He said that Zafarullah appeared in court on Thursday and was remanded into FIA custody for six more days as the investigation continues.

Two local government officials confirmed Zafarullahs arrest and charges.

If my son had done anything wrong, he should have been arrested according to the law and not picked up in the middle of the night like an outlaw, Achakzai said.

The Balochistan Union of Journalists criticised the illegal confinement.

Zafarullah had criticised the FC on his Facebook page for the deteriorating law and order situation in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, and for security forces failure to bring the perpetrators of sectarian killings to justice, a colleague told AFP, requesting anonymity.

If his criticisms violated any law, he should have been arrested properly as he like every other citizen has right to due process, the colleague said.

Pakistan is ranked among the worlds most dangerous countries for journalists, and reporting critical of the military is considered a major red flag, with journalists at times detained, beaten and even killed.

The country has also had a history of enforced disappearances over the past decade. In January five social media activists went missing for several weeks after taking a stand against religious intolerance and criticising the military, raising concerns of government involvement that were denied by officials.

Pakistans parliament passed the cybercrime law last August, despite opposition from rights activists. Campaigners have long complained of creeping censorship in the name of protecting religion or preventing obscenity.

Human rights organisations said they feared more arrests.

We are concerned at the authorities zero-tolerance for critics on social media, the independent Freedom Network said in a statement, adding that Zafarullahs detainment was a grim sign that more arrests will follow.
Chinas President Xi Jinping will want for nothing during his three-day visit to Hong Kong after taking over two entire luxury hotels with more than 1,300 rooms between them.

The glitzy harbourfront Grand Hyatt and Renaissance, in the business and commercial district of Wan Chai, are usually bustling with guests as well as visitors to their popular bars and restaurants.

But now all entrances are blocked by metal barricades or guarded by security as the politically turbulent city remains in lockdown for Xis landmark trip to mark 20 years since it was handed back to China by Britain.

Xi checked in Thursday and will leave Saturday, with it unclear who is footing the extensive room bill.

Local media said he would stay in the lower-profile four-star Renaissance for security reasons, with the five-star Hyatt for his entourage.

Staying at the Renaissance reportedly costs as much as HK$28,000 ($3,586) per night, with the presidential suite including living and dining rooms, a conference room, and a marble bathroom.

A presidential suite at the Grand Hyatt costs three times as much, according to local media, with guests asked to call direct to organise bespoke facilities. One high-end suite at the hotel comes equipped with a giant glass-walled infinity bath and in-room spa treatments, according to the website.

Booking out both hotels for two nights at even the most basic standard room rate would be worth more than five million Hong Kong dollars -- over 700,000 US dollars.

The Grand Hyatt confirmed to AFP that one group of people had booked out all its rooms, while the adjacent Renaissance would not comment on arrangements.

High-profile visitors usually choose the Hyatt, but stop short of booking out the whole hotel and the one next door.

The hotels are next to the convention centre which is the focal point for the anniversary celebrations and is protected by a massive security cordon, including machine-gun toting police officers and two-metre high (6.56 feet) waterfilled barricades.

Authorities are anxious to keep protesters away from Xi, who is visiting for the first time since he became leader in 2013, as political tensions remain high and concerns grow Beijing is threatening the semi-autonomous citys freedoms.

The nearest protest area to the hotels is almost 500 metres (1,640 feet) away and the famous Victoria Harbour has become a restricted flying zone.
Russian hackers discussed during the 2016 presidential campaign whether they could obtain emails pilfered from Hillary Clinton and ultimately get them to an adviser to then-candidate Donald Trump, according to a report published Thursday by The Wall Street Journal.

The Journal said investigators probing Russian meddling in the election have examined intelligence agency reports about how hackers wanted to get emails from Clintons server to an intermediary and then to Mike Flynn, a retired lieutenant general and senior adviser to Trump who went on to serve briefly as his national security adviser. The newspaper also references a Republican operative who was convinced emails missing from Clintons server were in the hands of Russian hackers, and who implied in conversations that he was working with Flynn.

The newspaper said it was not clear whether Flynn played any role in the quest of the operative, Peter W Smith, who died shortly after speaking with the newspaper. The Journal said Flynn did not respond to requests, the White House declined comment, and the campaign said Smith never worked for it and that any such action undertaken by Flynn, if true, was not on its behalf.

Congressional committees and special counsel Robert Mueller are investigating Russian influence in the election and potential coordination with the Trump campaign. Russia has been blamed for pilfering emails of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta and of the DNC.

But the newspaper said Smith and the hackers were focused on some 33,000 emails that Clinton said had been deleted and that Smith believed, with no proof, were acquired by hackers. Officials have said there is no evidence Clintons private email server was hacked.

Smith told the newspaper that he was unsure of the authenticity of emails hackers eventually did send to him and he told them to pass them to WikiLeaks, the same outfit that published the emails taken from Podesta and the committee.

We knew the people who had these were probably around the Russian government, Smith told the newspaper. He died on May 14 at 81, about less than two weeks after being interviewed.

In emails Smith sent to potential recruits for his project, and which the newspaper reviewed, he referenced Flynn and Flynns son, Michael G Flynn, several times.

Mike Flynn was fired after less than a month because of revelations that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about his communications with Russias ambassador to the United States.
Its official. The population of Sikhs in Australia has grown by 75% in five years, according to the census 2016 data released by the Australian government over this week.

With 1.26 lakh followers  up from 72,000 five years ago  Sikhism is now the fifth largest religion of the country, after Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.

In the 2006 census, Sikhism was not even among 20 religions recorded in Australia. As compared to the 2006 census that had recorded just about 26,000 Sikhs, there has been a five-fold rise in the communitys numbers Down Under in a decade.

CENSUS 2016 Sikhism is fifth largest religion Down Under with five-fold rise in the communitys numbers in decade

WHY DOWN UNDER

The migration of Sikhs to Australia dates back to 150 years, but the past decade has seen a massive surge of student migration rather than skilled migration, from Punjab.

The rush Down Under on student visa is seen as passport to permanent residency. Lack of employment opportunities in India and the lure of better lifestyle are the driving factors.

Though the latest census shows the Sikhs forming 0.5% of Australias 2.4 crore population, a sizeable number of them may still not be permanent citizens of this country.

The last census of 2011 shows that the largest component of Sikhs was living on rent because they didnt own a home and a majority represented the newly arrived student community.

Australian immigration law has toughened up considerably since 2009. Skill lists, visa rules, and permanent residency requirements have changed rapidly. Despite that, the huge influx of new Sikh and Punjabi-speaking arrivals has continued in a steep upward trajectory in the last five years, with Victoria emerging as the destination of choice for them.

Victoria, with Melbourne as its capital, is home to 52,762 Sikhs, followed by New South Wales ( 31,737), Queensland (17,433), Western Australia (11,897), South Australia (8,808) and Canberra (2,142). Northern Territory and Tasmania have a smaller population of under 700 Sikhs each.

HINDUS GROW TOO

Hinduism, another religion with its roots in India, has grown three-fold since the 2006 census which recorded 1.48 lakh Hindus in Australia.

The latest census data has recorded 4.4 lakh Hindus  a little less than 2% of the countrys population. Hindus are more densely populated in New South Wales with Sydney as its capital.
US President Donald Trumps ban on refugees and travelers from six mainly Muslim countries went into effect late Thursday, after a Supreme Court decision allowed it to go forward following a five-month battle with rights groups.

The Trump administration says the temporary ban is necessary to block terrorists from entering the country, but immigrant advocates charge that it illegally singles out Muslims.

The 90-day ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and a 120-day ban on refugees, will allow exceptions for people with close family relationships in the United States.

But activists said the government has defined that too narrowly, excluding relationships with grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles and others.

And many were concerned about a possibly chaotic rollout of enforcement of the ban, like that in January when it was first announced.

Immigration rights activists and lawyers were waiting to help arrivals at New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport and other airports to be sure those from the six countries with valid US visas were allowed in after the ban went into effect at 8 pm Thursday, Eastern time (0000 GMT Friday).

A woman attends a town hall meeting following a rally to protest restrictive guidelines issued by the US on who qualifies as a close familial relationship under the Supreme Court order on the Muslim and refugee ban at Union Square on June 29, 2017, in New York. (AFP)

The Department of Homeland Security, which was heavily criticised for mishandling many arrivals when the ban was first attempted in January, promised a smooth rollout this time.

It stressed that anyone with a valid visa issued before the ban begins would still be admitted, and that all authorised refugees booked for travel before July 6 will also be allowed.

We expect business as usual at the ports of entry starting at 8 pm tonight, said a DHS official. Our people are well prepared for this.

The Trump administration insists the ban was necessary to protect the country from terror threats, and to give immigration authorities more time to tighten vetting of travelers and refugees.

As recent events have shown, we are living in a very dangerous time, and the US government needs every available tool to prevent terrorists from entering the country and committing acts of bloodshed and violence, a senior administration official told reporters Thursday.

Map showing Muslim-majority countries affected by US President Donald Trump's travel ban, which went into effect late Thursday. (AFP)

Trump claims political victory

But implementing it, even with exceptions, was also claimed as a political victory by Trump, after federal appeals courts twice blocked his order saying it violated constitutional protections of religion and overshot his own presidential powers.

Immigrant rights groups and Democrats in Congress continued to label Trumps order illegal and said the exemptions provided in a Supreme Court ruling on Monday remained unfair.

According to guidelines issued by the State Department, people with close family relationships would be exempt from the ban. It defined that to include parents, spouses, children, sons- and daughters-in-law, siblings and step- and half-siblings.

But close family does not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, fiances and any other extended family members, the guidelines say.

People with formal relationships with a US entity  who have for instance been offered a job or been accepted to study or lecture at a university  will also qualify for visas during the ban. But a hotel reservation, even if already paid for, does not qualify.

Recent Immingrants join activists for an evening protest in Manhattan hours before a revised version of President Donald Trump's travel ban. (AFP)

Even as travel officials across the US were making final preparations for putting the ban into place, opponents were preparing new legal manoeuvers.

Late Thursday, Hawaii asked federal district Judge Derrick Watson to clarify the scope of the travel and refugee bans in the Pacific island state  and who, specifically, the ban refers to when stating that only an immigrants close family members can travel to the US.

In Hawaii, close family includes many of the people that the federal government decided on its own to exclude from that definition. Unfortunately, this severely limited definition may be in violation of the Supreme Court ruling, Attorney General Douglas Chin, said in a statement.

Redefining family

Democratic legislator Bennie Thompson blasted the government for a lack of preparation and transparency in putting the ban into place.

Just hours before the presidents unconstitutional and misguided travel ban takes partial effect tonight, administration officials briefing Congress were unwilling or unable to provide meaningful answers about how they determined whom the ban would affect, said Thompson, the senior Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee.

Rama Issa, executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, said the government is redefining what a family is.

I was raised by my grandparents, so the idea of grandparents not being part of a family is very foreign to me, she said at Kennedy International, preparing to help arrivals after the ban takes effect. Im engaged to get married. I have family who lives in Syria today  not only my father, but my aunts and uncles who I would love to be at this wedding, and unfortunately are not going to be able to be here.
The United Nations and the European Union praised Iran on Thursday for implementing the landmark nuclear deal with six major powers, but US Ambassador Nikki Haley accused Tehran of destructive and destabilizing actions from ballistic missile launches to arms smuggling.

The speeches at a Security Council meeting on implementation of a UN resolution endorsing the July 2015 nuclear agreement showed the deep division over Iran between the five major powers who view the deal as a major achievement and the Trump administration, which is reviewing it.

President Donald Trump, congressional Republicans and Israel have assailed the agreement as a windfall to Iran that only delayed its pursuit of nuclear weapons. GOP lawmakers say it saved Irans economy by lifting economic penalties and allowed the country to funnel more money to terrorist groups.

Haley said only that the US would adhere to the deal to rein in Irans nuclear program while conducting the comprehensive review.

She focused on what the US views as Irans repeated violations of the 2015 resolution, which she accused the Security Council of ignoring. She cited ballistic missile launches and illicit procurement of missile technology as well as proven arms smuggling.

Irans destructive and destabilizing role in the Middle East goes far beyond its illicit missile launches, Haley said. From Syria to Yemen and Iraq to Lebanon, Irans support for terrorist groups continued unabated. Irans weapons, military advisers and arms smugglers stoke regional conflicts and make them harder to solve.

By contrast, the focus of UN political chief Jeffrey Feltman, EU Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida and ambassadors from Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany was on Irans adherence to the nuclear agreement, though there were also expressions of concern about its missile tests and smuggling.

Feltman told the council that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply encouraged by the continued commitment by all participants to the agreement, calling it the embodiment of successful multilateral diplomacy, political will and perseverance.

He noted the International Atomic Energy Agency has issued seven reports, the latest in early June, documenting Irans continued implementation of its nuclear-related commitments and said Guterres believes sustained implementation of the deal will guarantee that Irans nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful.

The diplomatic achievement, Feltman said, gives us all hope that even the most difficult issues among states can be addressed through dialogue, understanding and reciprocity.

Vale de Almeida, speaking on behalf of EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini who coordinates the nuclear deal, said, The initial results are clear and speak for themselves: Irans nuclear program has been rolled back and placed under tight inspections.

At a time when the world is again faced with the threat of unchecked nuclear capabilities  a reference to the threat from North Korea  he said the Iran deal known as the JCPOA is a pillar of the international non-proliferation agenda that needs to be fully implemented.

In an apparent reference to the US debate over the deal, Vale de Almeida stressed: We would not be in a better position to address all the other non-nuclear matters (with Iran) without the JCPOA in place.

Britains deputy UN ambassador, Peter Wilson, called the Iran agreement one of the most important diplomatic achievements in recent memory.

He said the United Kingdom encourages all countries and parties to the agreement  a message that appeared especially aimed at the US  to uphold their commitments, including ensuring that the Iranian people gain further tangible benefits from sanctions relief.

But Wilson also said some less positive issues raised in Guterres latest report need to be addressed. He cited Irans Jan. 29 launch of a medium-range ballistic missile, reported violations of a ban on conventional arms transfers, including new evidence of an attempted arms shipment from Iran to Somalia, and multiple violations of a travel ban, including by Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force.

Haley stressed that the United States wont turn a blind eye to such violations and will interdict cargo prohibited under the UN resolution and continue to impose sanctions on Iran.

The continuance of the Iranian regimes destructive, destabilizing behaviour will prevent us from ever having a normal relationship with the United States and the rest of the world, she said. And the regimes continued oppression of its own people speaks volumes about its true nature.
The United States imposed sanctions on two Chinese citizens and a shipping company on Thursday for helping North Koreas nuclear and missile programs and accused a Chinese bank of laundering money for Pyongyang.

US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the actions were designed to cut off funds that North Korea uses to build its weapons program. We will follow the money and cut off the money, he told a news conference.

A Treasury statement identified the bank as the Bank of Dandong and the firm as Dalian Global Unity Shipping Co Ltd. It identified the two individuals as Sun Wei and Li Hong Ri.

The sanctions imposed on the two Chinese citizens and the shipping company blacklists them from doing business with US-tied companies and people.

Bank of Dandong did not respond immediately to a request for comment. A staff member at Dalian Global Unity would not comment on the sanctions and subsequent calls to the firms office in Dalian went unanswered.

Mnuchin said US officials were continuing to look at other companies that may be helping North Korea and may roll out additional sanctions.

US foreign policy experts say Chinese companies have long had a key role in financing Pyongyang. However, Mnuchin said the action was not being take to send China a message. This wasnt aimed at China. We continue to work with them, he said.

US officials told Reuters this week that President Donald Trump was growing increasingly frustrated with China over its inaction on North Korea and bilateral trade issues, and is now considering possible trade actions against Beijing.

On Wednesday, a senior White House official told reporters China was falling far short of what it could bring to bear on North Korea in terms of pressure.

The US move came as Trump was due to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House on Thursday to discuss steps to push North Korea to abandon its weapons programs, which have become an increasing threat to the United States.

It also came after the United States sanctioned a Chinese industrial machinery wholesaler, Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co, in September for its ties to North Koreas nuclear program, the first time Washington had taken such a step against a Chinese firm.

Chinas Foreign Ministry said in the same month Hongxiang was under investigation for illegal behavior and economic crimes following the provisions of UN resolution 2270, which imposed tighter sanctions on North Korea in March.

Mnuchin said the United States would discuss efforts to choke off funding for North Koreas nuclear and missile programs with China and other countries at next weeks Group of 20 summit in Germany.

The US Treasury Department said in an online notice published on Thursday the Bank of Dandong had served as a gateway for North Korea to access the US financial system. Authorities said 17% of Dandongs customer transactions in the banks US accounts had ties to North Korea.

Anthony Ruggiero, a former senior Treasury official in the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, said the action against Bank of Dandong was the first time US authorities sought to punish a Chinese bank accused of helping North Korea.

The action would immediately cause Western firms to cut off any transactions with Bank of Dandong, he said. It may also cause financial institutions in Western Europe and the United States to further scrutinize whether their Chinese business could have links to North Korea.

The designation will make reputable Western banks ask questions about larger financial institutions in China, said Ruggiero, who is now a senior fellow at the non-profit Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
A 19-year-old US woman faces a manslaughter charge after fatally shooting her boyfriend in a YouTube stunt gone wrong, with the sheriff on Thursday dismissing claims that it was an accident.

Monalisa Perez shot 22-year-old aspiring YouTube star Pedro Ruiz on Monday after he convinced her to fire at him with a powerful handgun from about a foot (30 centimeters) away, while he held an encyclopedia in front of his chest, authorities in the state of Minnesota said in court documents.

Ruiz had presented another book, with a bullet hole on one side and no exit hole, as evidence that the encyclopedia would stop the bullet, police said.

Me and Pedro are probably going to shoot one of the most dangerous videos ever, Perez wrote Monday on Twitter. HIS idea not MINE.

Ruiz died at the scene from a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Police recovered a .50 caliber pistol used in the stunt, which was filmed by GoPro cameras that Ruiz had set up.

Ruiz had been trying to build an online following by performing dangerous stunts, according to police and media reports.

He and Perez had a YouTube channel called La MonaLisa, with videos dating back one month in which the couple published accounts of their daily lives.

The couple have a three-year-old daughter who reportedly witnessed the incident.

Family and friends told US media that the death was an accident. They said Ruiz had been talking about performing the stunt for some time but they had tried to talk him out of it.

I said, Dont do it, dont do it, Claudia Ruiz, the mans aunt, told local TV station KVLY, adding that his response was, We want more viewers.

Norman County Sheriff Jeremy Thornton dismissed the claims of an accidental shooting.

I wouldnt call it an accident. It was an act that was purposely done, Thornton told AFP. An accident would be an accidental discharge, he said.

Perez, who is pregnant with their second child, was released from jail on $7,000 bail on a second-degree manslaughter charge, on condition that she wear a GPS monitor and not access firearms, according to TV station KVRR.
Like his legendary ancestor, Captain Cary Crockett made a name for himself as a fighting man, tasked with taming the Philippine frontier.

Clouds of malarial mosquitoes swarmed and the air hung heavy with humidity that evening in 1904. It was typical August weather in the Philippines. Captain Cary Ingram Crockett was resting in his hammock, perhaps recalling the relative comfort of the barracks in Manila where his company had been posted. Now on the island of Samar, along the Gandara River, Crockett and his men were a long way from the hustle and bustle of the capital city, but they were used to life in the jungle. For the past two years they had spent most of their time in the field fighting bandits and pulahan religious fanatics. Crocketts company was one of the most disciplined and well trained in the ranks of the young Philippine Constabulary.

The jungle at night has its own unique natural sounds: the buzz of insects and the cries of animals. Yet, not all the sounds on this particular evening were normal; Crocketts sentries heard swirling water and clapping paddles as they rubbed against wooden hulls. Since the river was closed to all traffic, those sounds meant one of two things: soldiers on their way upriver, or pulahanes on a raid. Sentries shouted out a challenge, and the call turned out the guard.

Tennessee-born Crockett, a distant relative of the famed frontiersman Davy Crockett, had come to the Philippines in 1899 as a civilian contract wagon master, scout and guide for the U.S. Army. In those early days, soon after the 1898 Spanish cession of the islands, Crockett scouted routes and transported men and supplies across Luzon as American troops fought to put down insurrectionists. Two years in the field provided Crockett with a firsthand view of the battles and tactics used by both sides. As a wagon master of the 1st Division train under Maj. Gen. Henry Ware Lawton, Crockett was credited with rescuing a drowning trooper from the 4th Cavalry exactly the sort of Kipling adventure he had sought when he initially signed on to go to the Philippines.

In 1901 Crockett and his brother, Eugene, joined the newly formed Philippine Constabulary. The organization had been established on Aug. 8, 1901, as a paramilitary police force under the general supervision of the islands civil governor general. The constabularys role was to maintain peace across the Philippines and help complete the pacification of the islands. Crockett quickly demonstrated his natural leadership skills as a soldier and his ever-fearless approach to taking on the enemy. By 1904 hed risen to the rank of captain.

Brigadier General Henry Tureman Allen, commander of the constabulary, and Gov. Gen. Luke Edward Wright sent Crockett and his men to the island of Samar to reinforce and resupply the garrison and take command of the constabulary station at San Pelayo, a small fort adjacent to the Gandara River and surrounded by a cluster of thatch nipa huts, mangrove swamps and thick jungle. Crocketts company added muscle to the existing station and patrolled the upper reaches of the Gandara, where they would engage the pulahanes, who had executed their murderous raids across Samar.

Members of an extremist religious movement and warrior cult, the pulahanes (Tagalog for those wearing red) were concentrated on the islands of Leyte and Samar. The latter acquired the nickname Bloody Samar when pulahanes in the town of Balangiga massacred Company C of the 9th U.S. Infantry.

These native warriors were steeped in traditional mythology and practiced fanatical combat. Dressed in bright red shirts, flowing white capes and baggy pants, they were led by priest-warlords who stirred their followers into a frenzy. Notorious fighters, the pulahanes weapon of choice was the crescent-shaped, razor-sharp talibong (bolo knife), which they used to deadly effect in close-quarters fighting. The pulahanes also made good use of captured weapons, and in many a battle they were better armed than the constabulary troops chasing them.

What made the pulahanes truly dangerous was their belief that death in battle guaranteed an eternity in paradise. Their battle tactics were simple: advance in mass, fire a volley, draw their talibongs and rush toward foes in a frenzy, screaming, Tad! Tad! (Chop! Chop!).

On that August night on Samar, peering into the darkness, Crockett and his men made out three large dugout canoeseach carrying four constabulary barrotas soldiers and a number of native porters. The sergeant commanding the expedition told Crockett he was transporting rations and dispatches to Blanca Aurora, at the head of the south fork of the Gandara, where he was to meet up with his company before joining an expedition tasked with reconnoitering pulahan strongholds.

Since arriving at San Pelayo, Crockett and his men had limited their patrolling. In the vegetation-choked jungle, such forays were time consuming and prone to ambush; in contrast, boat patrols upriver allowed for speed and stealth. With five small wooden canoes at his disposal, Crockett could only transport 17 men and supplieswholly inadequate for an extended expedition to the interior of Samar. The sergeant let his men rest before setting out in the morning. Crockett and two squads of Company A accompanied the visitors.

The eight boats left San Pelayo with the incoming tide and headed upriver, arriving two hours later at the bamboo stockade known as Camp Gandara. The Army officer commanding a company of Visayan Scouts and a medical officer met them over breakfast; the scouts briefed Crockett and his men on pulahan movements and attacks in the region.

Eager to arrive at their rendezvous point before dark, Crockett decided to proceed, regardless of the risk. The trip was uneventful. After hours of paddling the group arrived at Blanca Aurora and were greeted by a Visayan Constabulary unit of nearly 100 men camped near the rivers edge.

Lieutenant George Bowers, commander of the Samar Constabulary in Tarangnan, and Lieutenant Charles Schreiner had spent the previous nine days looking for the pulahanes main stronghold on the Magpagpao mountain range north of Cagtotoy. It was there in Samars interior that Bowers and his company captured 35 pulahan women and children. He planned to send his prisoners back to his headquarters in Tarangnan.

Bowers asked Crockett to join forces and campaign together, but, having left San Pelayo without an officer in command, Crockett needed to return without delay. The next morning, August 21, as the sun rose, Crockett and his men readied for their departure. Bowers had selected his best sergeants to take the supplies and prisoners downriver to Tarangnan in the barrotas.

Crockett and his men prepared their smaller and faster dugouts for the trip downriver. They planned to stop at Bulao, a burned-out village on the left bank of the Gandara they had passed on the way upriver and where they had noted fresh tracks in the tall grass. Bulao stood on a strategic bluff, a vantage point that offered a commanding view of the river and jungle below. It was one of the few large villages and centers of commerce in the region, making it a prime target of the red-shirted pulahan fanatics for both supplies and hostages.

Reaching the village, Crockett and his men jumped from their dugouts and made their way through the tall grass, passing numerous skeletons of adults and children. Back on the river the sergeants and porters in the fully loaded barrotas set out downriver toward Tarangnan. It was a quiet day, the sun glaring down and the steam of the jungle building. As the boats rounded a bend a short distance from Bulao, one of the sergeants spotted a band of pulahanes swimming across the river. The sergeant and his soldiers opened fire. At that instant a red-clad figure waving a bolo rose from the tall grass on the north shore and yelled to the captive women to overturn the soldiers barrotas and swim for shore. In an instant the constabulary soldiers were struggling in the water, weighed down by rifles, ammunition and field gear. Some tried to hang on to the sides of the boats and fight the current. Both riverbanks came alive with pulahanes.

On the north bank pulahan leader Antonio Anugars best riflemen took aim and fired, while a large force of bolomen lay in wait. On the south shore a mass of bolomen chased the overturned canoes full of supplies.

Those constabulary troops able to find their footing and fight the current returned fire, but within minutes seven had been shot and were drifting lifelessly downriver. An eighth soldier, taking aim at a pulahan bandit, was shot in the chest and, with his rifle held in a death grip, slowly sank below the surface.

Five surviving soldiers made it to the south bank but were met by shrieking bolomen. Private 2nd Class Ynocencio Delao, the first to reach the shore, saw a pulahan captain named Lucas seize a barrota and head downriver in pursuit of 15 helpless porters adrift in the current. Delao leapt into another barrota along the shore and went in pursuit. Well ahead, Lucas began hacking at the helpless porters with his bolo. As Delaos barrota drew near he took aim at Lucas and fired a single shot, killing the pulahan captain. Delao saved the lives of five porters, though he arrived too late for the others butchered by Lucas.

Delao made his way to the shoreline and scrambled up the slippery and muddy bank on his hands and knees to rejoin his squad. While doing so, he lost his grip on his rifle and could only watch helplessly as it slid into the river. Private Valentine Buna, now the only armed squad member, formed the remaining soldiers into a compact spearhead, with the hope of fighting off the pulahanes. Drawing upon their training and discipline, Buna with his single rifle and four other privates with bolos fought their way through a mass of fanatics to gain the safety of the dense jungle.

Crocketts force had just begun its reconnaissance of Bulao when the gunfire erupted downriver. Any shot heard in the jungle was a bad sign, so Crockett ordered his troops back to their canoes. As they rounded the bend in the river, they could see the water erupting all around the barrotas. Crockett and his men beached their canoes on the north shore and ran into the thick conga grass lining rivers edge. The pulahanes hadnt noticed their approach, and the soldiers deployed in a skirmish line, their left flank along the river.

Kneeling in the tall grass, the constabulary troops took careful aim with their Springfield rifles. At Crocketts command the men fired a volley that killed or wounded a number of bandits. The pulahanes returned fire, but their aim was off, and their salvo fell short, wounding five of Crocketts men in the feet and legs. The captain ordered a charge, the bugle notes ringing out as the soldiers rushed their enemy. The pulahanes drew their bolos and charged toward the blue-shirted soldiers. As the pulahanes moved to outflank his small command, Crockett gave the order to form a battle circle, which his men executed in one flawless movement. Facing outward in two ranks, the soldiers fired steadily at the advancing enemy.

Crocketts company included some of the most skilled fighters in the Philippinesmen trained to make every shot count. Each knew that to survive the day he must drop four or five pulahanes before they could get close enough to use their bolos, and every volley tore holes in the pulahan ranks.

In his campaign hat and sweat-stained khaki uniform with crimson epaulets, Crockett stood out as the officer in command. The pulahanes centered their attack on him, hoping to break the constabulary ranks and discipline. Crockett fired round after round from his 12- gauge Winchester shotgun, and five pulahanes soon lay dead or dying at his feet. As one of the red-shirted fanatics leapt forward swinging his bolo, Crockett parried with the shotgun, catching the heavy bolo blade in the guns stock and dispatching the pulahan with a blow to his skull.

His shotgun empty, Crockett drew and fired away with his Colt revolver. Pulahan captain Francisco Banaldie, singling out Crockett, drew his bolo and crawled toward the American, then rose and charged from just feet away. Though Crockett emptied his revolver into his attacker, the rounds seemed to have little effect, as Banaldie pressed on without faltering. The pulahan towered over the kneeling officer and brought down his bolo blade with sweeping blows, striking Crockett across the shoulders and chest. Before Banaldie could muster a fatal blow, he dropped dead.

Other pulahanes closed in on the severely wounded Crockett, who lay partially covered by dead insurgents. Sergeant Tranquilino Pajara, though having been shot and slashed, placed his body between his captain and the attackers. Pajara and the bodies of the slain pulahanes shielded Crockett from further bolo thrusts in the throes of hand-to-hand combat. While Pajara helped Crockett extricate himself from beneath the corpses, Privates Serefin Fortunato, Cosme Bravo and Santos Figueroa rallied their company and sent volley after volley of lead into the enemy, killing those who persisted with their bolos or the butts of their Springfields. The enemys eventual retreat into the jungle signaled the end of the battle at Bulao, in which Crockett and his 16 constabulary soldiers had held off some 300 pulahanes and killed at least 40. It was a fight that truly embodied the motto of the Philippine Constabulary: Always Outnumbered, But Never Outfought.

At Camp Gandara, doctors treated Crockett and the other wounded constabulary troops, and the next day a steam-powered launch headed upriver to recover captured weapons, including four Krag rifles taken from 9th Infantry soldiers massacred at Balangiga.

For their bravery against overwhelming odds and at the risk of their own lives on that August day, Captain Crockett, Sergeant Pajara and Privates Fortunato, Bravo, Figuroa and Delao were each awarded the Insular Governments highest honor, the Philippine Medal of Valor.

Crockett would fight in several more battles on Samar and elsewhere in the Philippines before being posted to the newly opened Constabulary Officers School at the Santa Lucia Barracks in Intramuros in February 1905. There he drew upon his expertise as a combat-hardened jungle fighter, developing a curriculum to help ensure that officers would be well prepared for their future postings, able to balance their responsibilities as both the military and civil authority in their new commands.

Crockett remained in the constabulary until 1908, when he resigned and accepted a lieutenants commission in the U.S. Army. He served in the 28th Infantry as an intelligence officer during the 191617 Punitive Expedition in Mexico and during World War I as a member of the headquarters staff of the 88th Division in France. Following the war he was one of General John J. Black Jack Pershings military advisers in Nicaragua. Crockett returned to the Philippines in 1932 as aide-de-camp to Gov. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. He ended his professional career heading up an American Red Cross commission in Spain. Crocketts adventurous life came to an end in 1947.

Joseph T.N. Suarez is a historian and author of the folio Philippine Air Service, 19201921. He serves as an executive advisor at Booz Allen Hamilton and is a former director of the National Air & Space Society, Smithsonian Institution. For further reading he recommends Jungle Patrol, by Vic Hurley, and Bullets and Bolos, by John R. White.

Originally published in the November 2013 issue of Military History. To subscribe, click here.
B aywatch star David Hasselhoff has bought a villa on the Indonesian island of Gili Meno.

The small and pristine, car-free retreat is focused on preserving nature and looking after its wildlife.

The Hoff, 64, seen below with fiancee Hayley Roberts, 37, a Welsh former shop assistant, said: The search for freedom is one of my biggest songs in life. At Gili Meno, I knew Id found it the moment my feet hit the sand.

I thought, wow, I can breathe here. The water was unlike any Ive seen  it was paradise. The waves were fantastic and there were very few people. I think there were more turtles on the island than tourists.

The Hoff is now encouraging others to follow in his footsteps and buy one of the 86 remaining properties in the Bask development.

Ranging from studios and lofts to three-bedroom villas, they are being marketed as investments rather than homes. Buyers and their guests are entitled to use their property for up to 30 days a year, with the villas let out as part of the resort for the rest of the year.

The official opening will take place in early 2019 and prices currently start at 172,000, about half the cost of comparable property in Bali. Owners will receive annual returns of 7.5 per cent guaranteed for the first two years, and thereafter a share of the resorts gross rental revenue.

The Hoff's slice of paradise  and other A-list pads... 1 /38 The Hoff's slice of paradise  and other A-list pads... The Hoff's slice of paradise Baywatch star David Hasselhoff has bought a villa on the Indonesian island of Gili Meno. Scroll right... Getty Images for Paramount Pictures Gili Meno The Hoff said: The search for freedom is one of my biggest songs in life.... baskgilimeno.com Gili Meno ...At Gili Meno, I knew Id found it the moment my feet hit the sand." baskgilimeno.com Gili Meno There are 86 remaining properties in the Bask development. baskgilimeno.com Gili Meno Ranging from studios and lofts to three-bedroom villas, they are being marketed as investments rather than homes. baskgilimeno.com Gili Meno Buyers and their guests are entitled to use their property for up to 30 days a year, with the villas let out as part of the resort for the rest of the year. baskgilimeno.com Gili Meno The official opening will take place in early 2019 and prices currently start at 172,000, about half the cost of comparable property in Bali. baskgilimeno.com Gili Meno Owners will receive annual returns of 7.5 per cent guaranteed for the first two years, and thereafter a share of the resorts gross rental revenue. baskgilimeno.com Gili Meno The resort features 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping and luxury catering. Its Baywatch, but not as we know it > Scroll right for more A-list homes... baskgilimeno.com Liams Hampstead oasis is 1.65m Liam Gallaghers old cottage is for sale in Vale of Health bordering Hampstead Village. The rocker and his girlfriend Debbie Gwyther, pictured, now live in an apartment in the next-door north London village of Highgate. If you fancy a summer cottage in a quiet spot, the property is for sale for 1.65m. Rex Brand Beckham hits Covent Garden David Beckham and his business partner Daniel Kearns are leasing a unit in Floral Street, Covent Garden, for their Kent & Curwen British heritage sportswear flagship store which is expected to open in September. Designed by Paris-based Architecture + Associes, the concept is inspired by a skylit vintage gym and features a central box in aged metal and hand-blown green glass. Getty / Alamy Megs neighbours are Justin and Harry Actress Meg Ryan has bought a flat in New Yorks fashionable Tribeca district. The Harry Met Sally star splashed out 7m on a three-bedroom, three-bathroom flat in the same building as singers Justin Timberlake and Harry Styles. Getty Haslams house for a born entertainer Nicky Haslam, interior designer to celebrities including Mick Jagger, Roman Abramovich, Bryan Ferry and Rod Stewart, created a glam Knightsbridge home thats now on the market for 16.95m. The five-bedroom house is pure Haslam luxury, with a spa floor including gym, Jacuzzi, steam room and rainshower room. > Scroll right for more A-list homes... Damien McFadden Kims 7 million TV mansion Seen by more television viewers than just about any other mansion in recent years, Palazzo Dei Sogni is for sale in the Hollywood Hills for 7.08m. Styled to resemble an Italian castle, it has been the TV home in several big shows including Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Built in 1983 and remodelled in 2005, the 7,800sq ft pile has seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and sits in an acre of grounds. > Read more... Getty Home of an icon Pop star Diana Vickers will portray the late, great Dusty Springfield in the new musical Son of a Preacher Man and, as part of her research, she should surely book a viewing at the lateral Art Deco house in Aubrey Walk, Kensington where Sixties icon Springfield lived with her lover, Norma Tanega. The modern, seven-bedroom home is for sale for 15.5m after a 1m price drop. > Read more... Dave Benett Sugar sidekick sells sanctuary Lord Sugars aide Claudine Collins is selling her Belsize Park flat. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat close to Primrose Hill, South End Green and Hampstead Heath, is on the market for 1.35m. Warm in winter and cool in the summer, Collins says her house has been an ideal sanctuary away from her hectic business lifestyle. > Read more... Rex In vogue A slice of British Vogues heritage is for sale as the fashion powerhouse enters a new era, with Alexandra Shulman handing over the editorship to Edward Enninful. Beatrix Miller edited the magazine for 21 years until 1985, and now her Mulberry Walk house in SW3 is for sale for 8.95m. > Read more... Fancy Fitzrovia or Cornwall? Film-maker Monty Whitebloom, who will release Look Away starring Chloe Sevigny and Aiden Poldark Turner this year, is selling both his home in Fitzrovia and his retreat in Cornwall. The 18th-century mews, just off the media hotspot of Charlotte Street, has been listed for 2,425,000. > Read more... Getty "Paparazzi-proof" Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have reportedly bought a NY penthouse in a block favoured by celebrities for its "paparazzi-proof" credentials. The A-list couple are thought to have forked out almost 15.6m for the Tribeca home. > Read more... Getty Plenty of room for the girl squad Singer Taylor Swift has her sights set on west London so she can be close to her British actor boyfriend Joe Alwyn. She needs plenty of space for her squad, plus a pool and an extravagant interior design, so this 8,000sq ft four-bedroom Chelsea townhouse, with interiors by Rabih Hage, could be a hit with the Shake it Off singer. > Read more... Getty Uptown Funk The publisher of mega chart hit Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, New Songs Administration's HQ is one of London's more discreet celebrity addresses. But the building's musical days could be numbered as the licence has been changed to residential use - offering the chance to create a three-bedroom house - with permission in place for a basement. It's on the market for 1.65 million, through Lurot Brand. > Read more... Getty Rentals royal links Fashion designer Lindka Cierach counts royals as clients. The Duchess of Cambridge and actress Dame Helen Mirren have been spotted in her designs. So its fitting that Cierachs former Parsons Green home has an understated glamour. The five-bedroom house is for rent at 2,300 per week with Hamptons International. > Read more... Getty LA housewife heads for NYC high life Former Real Housewives reality star, Yolanda Hadid is swapping Los Angeles for New York's 30 Park Place, where a penthouse would set you back 23.3m. Hadids new home is in the tallest Downtown residential tower at 926ft, with 82 storeys and sweeping 360-degree views of New York City. > Read more... Getty Harry's new direction Only weeks after snapping up a bachelor pad in New York, Harry Styles has listed his Hollywood Hills mansion for sale. He bought the three-bedroom home in January last year for 5.3m and seeks 6.6m after renovating it. > Read more... Getty A lake view pool Muse singer Matt Bellamy has listed his four-bedoom penthouse in a historic lakeside Italian villa for sale for 1.5 million. The band recorded their 2011 Emmy-winning album The Resistance in a studio, which is included in the sale. The flat is spread over the top two floors of the 19th century building in Moltrasio, a village on the banks of Lake Como and offers panoramic views of the lake from its large terrace. > Read more... Getty Diane Keaton's former beach house The former home of Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton in Laguna Beach, California, is for sale. The Annie Hall star, 71, bought the four-bedroom, six-bathroom house in 2004 for 5.7m and worked her magic in the restoration. She sold the 4,158sq ft residence in 2006 for 9.8m and it has just come back on the market at 12.3m. > Read more... Getty A home in Hampstead fit for Kimye A Hampstead home is for sale by architect Claudio Silvestrin, who has designed for rapper Kanye West. The five-bedroom, five-storey house has panoramic views across the city and a terraced garden designed by Chelsea Flower Show Gold winner Chris Beardshaw. All this grandeur comes with a hefty price tag. The 7,940sq ft property is 22.5 million through Beauchamp Estates. > Read more... Alamy Gaga's fashion designer's cut-price home Fashion designer Ashley Isham, whose designs have been worn by Lady Gaga has knocked nearly 1 million off the asking price of his Holloway home. The former tram shed which Isham turned into a vibrant loft space on feng shui principles, was listed last year for 4.35 million. Its back on the market at 3.5 million, this time with The Modern House. > Read more... Getty A Rolling Stones crash pad A five-bedroom detached home where the Rolling Stones stayed before some of their concerts has been listed for sale for 1.1m. The late Stones co-founder and guitarist Brian Jones with the band in the Sixties, was born in Cheltenham and was a good friend of Kerry Hamer, then-owner of the house. > Read more... Getty

The resort features 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping and luxury catering.

There's also Nest, an underwater sculpture exhibition by Jason de Caires Taylor, installed on a reef, which can be viewed by snorkel. Its Baywatch, but not as we know it
News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits.

Tuesday, October 25, 4:30  7 p.m.

Orr Area EMS Open House

Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798.

Orr Fire Hall

4540 Lake St., Orr

Tuesday, October 25, 12  6 p.m.

Essentia Health Job Fair

Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org.

901 9th St. N., Virginia
Starting this Saturday, July 1st, Jordan Brand will kick off their brand new line of Air Jordan 5 colorways that pay tribute to Michael Jordans beloved flight suits.

Per Nike,

Inspired by Michael Jordans high flying dunks, the Air Jordan line is deeply rooted in the idea of flight. First it was spelled out on the Air Jordan IV tongue, and then it inspired the entire design of the V. Taking the flight inspiration up a notch up from its predecessor, the V channeled WWII fighter planes. From the shark-mouth art to its reflective tongue and exaggerated lace locks, the V was the perfect complement to Jordans tenacious style of play. This season, the V returns and pays tribute to another trend that Jordan helped pioneer: the flight suit. Made famous during his rookie season, MJs iconic flight suits remained a staple throughout his career. Most notably, MJ favored the suits during now iconic photoshoots for the Bred and Royal Air Jordan 1s..

In total, there are five brand new Air Jordan 5s scheduled to release in the coming months, bookended by a red-sueded Flight Pack West colorway that is releasing tomorrow, July 1st, and a blue-sueded Flight Pack East that will be dropping on September 30th.

In between, Jordan Brand will be rolling out a premium Triple Black Air Jordan 5, a White/Cement colorway and a Camo rendition.

Check out each of the release dates below and take a closer look at the upcoming 5s in the gallery above.

Air Jordan V Flight Pack West (Red Suede) is available starting July 1st.

Air Jordan V Premium Black/Black is available starting July 8th.

Air Jordan V Cement is available starting August 5th.

Air Jordan V Camo is available starting September 2nd.

Air Jordan V Flight Pack East (Blue Suede) is available starting September 30th.

AJ5s
Yesterday afternoon Jordan Brand officially unveiled five brand new Air Jordan 5 colorways thatll be releasing in the coming months, but none were as exclusive as the Transformers edition that Mark Wahlberg unveiled on instagram.

The Optimus Prime inspired Air Jordan 5s are built on a glossy, black patent leather upper, featuring a grid pattern throughout and an 84 stamped on the heel which serves as a nod to the year the Transformers tv series debuted.

As Marky Mark explained in the caption of his IG post, these kicks are the only one of its kind.

Here is the only official#Transformers shoe out there. Thank you to my guys at @jumpman23 for making this special shoe for me.#wearejordan #Re2spect

Take a look at the kicks in the video below.

Tranformer 5s
After a long & strategic rollout over the past couple months, Scottish DJ Calvin Harris finally releases his highly anticipated new album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1.

Laced with 16 tracks in total, the follow up to 2014s Motion features guest appearances from some of the biggest names in the entire music business, including Future, Big Sean, PartyNextDoor, Schoolboy Q, Migos, Young Thug, Pharrell, Lil Yachty, Travis Scott, Khalid, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande & many more. Meanwhile, production is handled entirely by Calvin himself of course.

My music vision for this year is feel good + inclusive, Harris said earlier this year. thank u to everyone for having an open mind and embracing it I appreciate u so much.



Led by the previously heard singles Slide, Heatstroke, & Feels, fans can now stream the project in its entirety via Apple Music. Hit play and let us know what record youre feeling the most?

Calvin Harris
The tasteless 'vintage' band t-shirts feature the reality stars' own faces superimposed over band logos, including that of Pink Floyd, The Doors, and Metallica, as well as the faces of musical icons such as Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.

The shirts, which were on sale for $125 each, sparked controversy as fans of the musical acts criticized the stars for exploiting the deaths of the legendary artists for money. While many were offended by the clothing line, many asserted that the shirts were not only disrespectful, but unlawful, as the Jenners never received permission from the artists' estates to use the images.

Violetta Wallace, the mother of the late The Notorious B.I.G., was among many who lashed out over social media, posting to Instagram:
Armstrong & Co. storm the RHK.

Armed with enough pyrotechnics and explosives to blow the roof (and back wall, and the bloody doors!) off the average indoor venue, Green Day lit up a grey day at the RHK with a performance that was equal parts earnest charm, infectious energy and concussive bombast.

Indeed, its still unclear as to whether the rain cleared up of its own accord, or if the clouds were actually evaporated by the heat from the pillars of flame that arched behind the band, dancing like some hellish version of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas.

Arena veterans at this stage, the Bay Area punks know exactly how to thrill an audience. The setlist was tastefully sprinkled with offerings from their latest platter, Revolution Radio; and it was impressive to see that songs like the epic Still Breathing and the delicate Ordinary World already stand toetotoe with fan favourites like Basket Case, Hitching A Ride, Know Your Enemy, and Boulevard Of Broken Dreams in the singalong stakes.

Audience interaction has always been an important aspect of the bands live experience and tonight is no exception. Kids are dragged up onstage early doors and the microphone is passed around generously throughout. One lucky fan goes home with a guitar, and special mention must be made of the young fan brought up to sing the final verse and chorus of the bands breakthrough 1994 hit, Longview.

Not only did she nail the vocal, but she did it while commandeering the stage like a pro; initiating call and response chants with the crowd, jumping off drum risers, and generally rocking out like she owned the place. We can only hope that shes gone home to start her own band and to make some serious plans for her next attempt to take the throne.

King for a day, princess by dawn, indeed.
Irish actress Eve Hewson has signed with major Hollywood talent label Creative Artists Agency, joining A-listers such as Tom Hanks, Martin Scorsese, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, and Steven Spielberg.

The 25-year-old actress, who is the daughter of U2's Bono and antinuclear activist and businesswoman Ali Hewson, plays Maid Marian in the recently-wrapped Robin Hood: Origins, a new take on the classic tale. The film also stars Taron Egerton, Irish actor Jamie Dornan, Jamie Foxx, and Rogue One actor Ben Mendelsohn.

In 2014, the actress revealed that her famous father was initially unenthused about her career choice, and that she had to beg him to allow her to pursue her dream.

I basically said to my dad that, look, Im just as passionate about movies as you were about music, and when you were 18 you wouldnt let anyone stop you so youve gotta let me do this."

She also emphasized that her father's fame has played no hand in her success at landing roles.

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Whats great about Hollywood is that it is so cutthroat, and it really f***ing doesnt matter who you are. If youre not right for the part, youre not right the part. No director is going to sacrifice their film because they want someones famous kid in it for a headline."

Herson, known for her roles in the Stephen Spielberg film Bridge of Spies and Steven Soderbergh's TV series The Knick, also stars in the crime drama remake Papillon, and the romantic drama Paper Year, which are both set for release this year.
'Ni Tu Ni Yo' drops this 4 July

JLo will release her third Spanish-language single Ni Tu Ni Yo featuring Gente de Zona this 4 July. The song comes off her new Spanish-language album, which her ex-husband, Marc Anthony, is producing.

Lopez announced the date of Ni Tu Ni Yo via her Instagram and Twitter, featuring striking cover art of the pop star in a vibrant canary yellow gown custom-made by designer Michael Costello for the single cover.

Estrenando Nueva Musica... #NiTuNiYo #July42017 #newmusic #July4th A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) on Jun 29, 2017 at 5:41am PDT
On this day 10 years ago, REM Set up camp in Dublinfor a five-night residency where they explored new material, tested out arrangements, and rehearsed songs for their 14th studio album, Accelerate, later released in 2008.

The 39 tracks on the 2-disc set, recorded over the course of the 5-night stint, cover a wide range of material from R.E.M's back catalogue including deep cuts and fan favourites not performed live in years. In a moment of candour upon entering into unchartered territory, vocalist Michael Stipe dubbed it an experiment in terror."

All this is to say that if you missed a chance to pick up a copy in 2007, heres your second opportunity to get what's been called "the best R.E.M. record you never heard." This must-have release has just been reissued on Craft Recordings and should suit the tastes of both longtime fans and the uninitiated alike.

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The grammy award-winning US act have penned a lucrative deal with the Hilfiger fashion label.

Tommy Hilfiger have signed The Chainsmokers as global brand ambassadors for Tommy Hilfiger menswear, beginning in the autumn of 2017. The duo  comprising Andrew Taggart and Alex Paul  broke through in 2014 with the single Selfie, which was a Top 20 hit.

Formed in 2012, The Chainsmokers have sold more than 10 million singles and are currently the third most streamed artist in the world. In 2017, the duo won the Best Dance Recording Grammy with 'Dont Let Me Down' featuring Daya, and their single  loser', featuring Halsey, was recognized as the Top Collaboration of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards. Details of the deal have not been revealed, though there can be no doubt that it is a lucrative one for the band.

Tommys pioneering approach to fusing fashion and music is part of our menswear heritage, said Daniel Grieder, CEO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe. Our partnership with The Chainsmokers reflects the companys strategic commitment to bring the next generation of Tommy Hilfiger consumers into our mens business with exciting fashion collections, curated shopping experiences, and digital commerce convenience.

The Chainsmokers are at the center of modern pop culture and their music resonates with a global audience, the companys founder Tommy Hilfiger said. I admire the way they have carved out a new niche that fuses indie, pop, dance, and hip-hop. Were extremely excited to work with them in the fashion space.

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Like Tommy Hilfiger, we have always believed in celebrating individuality and breaking conventions, said The Chainsmokers. Tommy paved the way for collaborations between fashion and music, and we are excited to collaborate with a brand that aligns so closely with our own artistic approach and shares our passion for creating memorable experiences for our fans.

The campaign was photographed by Lachlan Bailey in San Francisco.
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MADISON, Wis. - The last cold cuts are rolling off the line at the Oscar Mayer facility in Madison, ending nearly 100 years of production at the Wisconsin plant.

The factory was closing Thursday, the Wisconsin State Journal reported. The 72-acre plant was one of seven locations slated for closure when Oscar Mayer's newly merged parent company, Kraft Heinz, announced restructuring in November 2015.

"It's a sad day for Oscar Mayer. It's family and friends," employee Mike Carlin said.

The Madison facility has been the company's headquarters since 1957. New products also were developed at the location.

The plant employed 4,000 people at its peak in the 1970s. It had about 1,300 employees in 2013.

Debbie McDougal celebrated 29 years with the company on Tuesday. She started there while she was going to school.

"You buy a car, get a paycheck - the next thing you know, you're a lifer," she said.

About 30 employees will remain at the facility until the end of July, cleaning the plant and dismantling equipment, said Doug Leikness, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which is representing the plant workers.

A small number of Madison employees will transfer to Davenport, Iowa, where a new Oscar Mayer plant is being built.

Carlin has decided not to relocate.

"I have a house here, I have a life here," he said. "It's another day. I've just gotta go on and find something else."

The City Council has created a committee to work with a consultant to create a plan for redeveloping the site.
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CHICAGO - Walgreens Boots Alliance is scuttling its yearslong effort to buy competitor Rite Aid and will instead buy more than 2,000 of its stores for $5.18 billion.

The less-ambitious move follows resistance from federal regulators since the two drugstore chains first proposed a merger in 2015. Thursday's announcement represented the second time the two companies have tinkered with terms of a transaction, as they tried to win approval from the Federal Trade Commission.

Walgreens, based in suburban Chicago, also has agreed to pay Camp Hill, Pa.-based Rite Aid a $325 million fee for ending the earlier agreements.

Under the terms of the new deal, Walgreens will acquire 2,186 Rite Aid stores, representing about half of its locations, three distribution centers and other Rite Aid inventory. Walgreens expects to convert the Rite Aid stores into Walgreens stores. The deal is expected to close within the next six months, pending regulatory approval.

"Given the changes in the market during the longer than expected Federal Trade Commission review process and the ongoing uncertainty about the potential outcome, we have decided, after detailed discussion with Rite Aid, not to continue to pursue the acquisition of the whole company," said Walgreens CEO Stefano Pessina, in an earnings call Thursday.

He said the new deal remains true to the strategy behind the original agreement and will be simpler to deliver. Pessina also said the new transaction takes into account issues previously raised by regulators.

Pessina said Walgreens would decide later whether it will sell or close any Rite Aid stores.

Walgreens first announced its intention to acquire Rite Aid in 2015. At the time, the deal was valued at about $17.2 billion, including debt.

The combination of Walgreens, the largest U.S. drugstore chain, and Rite Aid would have created a drugstore giant with more than 11,000 stores nationally, even with the sale of more than a thousand stores. That would have been a few thousand more than the nearest competitor, CVS Caremark Corp.

But facing regulatory pushback, Walgreens announced in December 2016 that it would sell 865 Rite Aid stores to Fred's Pharmacy for $950 million. Then in January, Walgreens slashed its offer for Rite Aid by more than $2 billion.

Fred's will receive $25 million as reimbursement for expenses of the now-terminated deal.
Navigating Houston's airports is about to get easier.

Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports are launching a new way-finding program this month. Using fly2houston.com, travelers can get turn-by-turn directions on their smartphone.

"The fact that there is no app necessary  that travelers at our airports can use it simply by going to fly2houston.com on their smart device  offers another powerful and valuable tool to our customers," Kathleen Boyd, head of marketing for the Houston Airport System, said in the news release.

MORE: Houston's Hobby Airport turns 90 years old

The airports are working with San Francisco-based LocusLabs to pilot the technology. LocusLabs has named this product "Maps Online."

Both graphic and text directions are provided and each step of the path has turn-by-turn points listed, as well the estimated time it will take to walk to the destination. It also offers searchable navigation, with location information and search terms for points of interest including gates, ground transportation, ticket kiosks, shops, restaurants and security checkpoints, according to the news release.
Three years of bankruptcies and billions in financial losses later, U.S. oil companies remain their own worst enemy.

Oil prices have fallen 20 percent in recent weeks into the $45-a-barrel range, largely because of irrational exuberance. Earlier this year, prices rose above $52 a barrel for West Texas Intermediate, prompting investors to acquire oil assets, inspiring traders to buy futures contracts and leading analysts to declare the 3-year-old bust over.

Apparently, none of them realized that infusing cash into those companies would extend the bust for another year.

Oil companies pump crude. That's what they do. They took their newfound capital and hired oil field services companies to hydraulically fracture hundreds of uncompleted wells and to drill hundreds of new ones. The Baker Hughes rig count has grown in the Permian Basin from a low of 132 in April 2016 to 369 last week. Nationwide, the rig count has grown from 330 to 769.

All of those rigs will soon add oil to a market still awash in crude. Crude and refined petroleum product inventories remain at near-record levels. Demand over the past four weeks is down 3 percent from last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Prices, therefore, are unlikely to rise until the U.S. rig count goes down or the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries cuts production, according to Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., a Houston-based energy investment bank.

"The market wants rig count lower by about 100 rigs to alleviate the fear of a tsunami of U.S. crude oil in 2018," analysts wrote last week. But the company added that large exploration and production companies have sufficient funds to keep drilling, leaving some analysts worried that the flood is inevitable.

North American land rigs, though, aren't the only source of new crude.

Around the world, oil companies are investing in their existing wells to increase output and lower per-barrel costs. With few analysts predicting crude prices above $60 a barrel before 2020, owners of existing wells that break even at $60 a barrel or more are looking for ways to cut operating costs or to increase output. Shutting down production makes little sense because 90 percent of a well's cost is sunk before the first drop of oil is produced.

BP plans to spend $17 billion a year through 2021 on the company's very expensive Gulf of Mexico platforms to increase production by 5 percent a year, CEO Bob Dudley told investors recently. Company executives want to slash operating costs by 50 percent.

"Our strategy is to take this investment that we spent so much money building, and keep it full" to the platform's capacity, Richard Morrison, BP's regional president for the Gulf of Mexico, told the Reuters news agency.

Oil investors looking to OPEC for help with prices will be disappointed, as I've repeatedly pointed out for three years now. The cartel cut production by more than 1 million barrels a day in December, but that was only after members had boosted production by 1 million barrels in 2016. Cutting new barrels is an easy promise to make. Going lower is harder.

OPEC also didn't apply any quotas to Libya and to Nigeria, where civil unrest had led to involuntary production cuts. Both countries have since ramped up again, adding barrels back to the global market and pushing prices down.

While OPEC ministers will meet later this month to review member adherence to the quotas, cutting more barrels is not on the agenda. With non-OPEC countries boosting production, OPEC is worried about losing global market share.

U.S. oil exports, for example, have doubled since Congress let them begin again in 2015. President Donald Trump has also said he wants the U.S. to export more oil and natural gas to "dominate" global markets.

OPEC members know full well that U.S. oil companies will capitalize on any price increase, and they don't want to do U.S. exports and profits any favors.

None of this is good news for Houston, which has lost 75,000 jobs from the 2014 oil price collapse. Oil industry workers here design new wells and build equipment to drill them, which means fewer rigs leads to fewer jobs.

So why do U.S. oil companies consistently overproduce? It's called the free market.

Everyone knows that commodities boom and bust. But the scale and length of the cycle is rarely predictable. Companies that get in early do the best before the associated costs of land and contractors shoot up. Once pumping, the operating costs of the well are minimal compared with the initial capital investment, so most banks and investors require companies to keep wells running, no matter what happens to the price, to recover as much of their investment as possible.

The U.S. also forbids companies from colluding to prop up prices, and no one has the authority to set quotas the way OPEC does. Only investors can limit production by withholding the capital needed to drill.

Eventually, the price of oil will rise again and make a lot of people rich, but not now. What we've just witnessed was a false dawn.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Michigan's attorney general on Thursday called for shutting down twin oil pipelines beneath the waterway where Lakes Huron and Michigan meet, as the state released a consultant's report outlining alternative scenarios for the future of oil transport in the ecologically sensitive tourist destination.

Republican Bill Schuette said a "specific and definite timetable" should be established for decommissioning the nearly 5-mile-long section of Enbridge's Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac, which environmental groups want removed but the Canadian pipeline company insists is in good shape.

"The safety and security of our Great Lakes is etched in the DNA of every Michigan resident," Schuette said, adding that "the final decision on Line 5 needs to include a discussion with those that rely on propane for heating their homes, and depend on the pipeline for employment."

The segment is part of Enbridge's Lakehead network, which transports oil and liquid natural gas to markets in the U.S. Midwest, East Coast and eastern Canada. Line 5 runs underground from Superior, Wis., across Michigan's Upper Peninsula to the straits area, where it divides into two 20-inch pipes that rest on the lake floor. It continues south through the state's Lower Peninsula to Sarnia, Ontario, carrying 23 million gallons of light crude and liquid natural gas daily.

Enbridge's reaction

Enbridge, based in Calgary, Alberta, says the pipeline delivers crucial supplies of oil for gasoline, propane and other refined products and is closely monitored.

"After more than 60 years in service, Line 5 is in outstanding operating condition because of the rigorous maintenance done through the decades," said John Gauderman, director of operations for the Great Lakes region. "We intend to keep it that way."

Critics say the underwater section of Line 5, in place since 1953, has been buffeted by strong currents and shows signs of wear. They note that Enbridge offered similar assurances before another of its pipelines ruptured in southern Michigan in 2010, fouling the Kalamazoo River in one of the nation's largest inland oil spills.

Schuette said in a news release that he "strongly disagrees" with a suggestion in the report by the engineering consulting firm Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems that Line 5 could operate indefinitely.

Running for governor?

Environmental activists said the attorney general, who is expected to run for governor next year and has said previously that Line 5's "days are certainly numbered," should prove he means business by ordering a shutdown. Although the federal government regulates oil pipelines, Michigan owns the straits area Great Lakes bottomlands and could revoke an easement it granted to Enbridge when Line 5 was installed, said Liz Kirkwood, director of For Love of Water.

"He has the authority to act now, and we want him to act now," said David Holtz, chairman of the Sierra Club's Michigan chapter.

The Michigan League of Conservation Voters dismissed Schuette's statement as "hollow posturing" and urged Republican Gov. Rick Snyder to "finally put Line 5 out of service." The Michigan Chamber of Commerce said the pipeline was important to the state's economy and its fate shouldn't be determined by "bumper stickers or emotional political appeals."

State agencies considering what to do about Line 5 commissioned two reports from separate consulting firms, one analyzing risks posed by the existing situation and the other focusing on future option. Enbridge covered the more than $3 million cost. Officials announced last week that the state had canceled the nearly-finished risk analysis after discovering a conflict of interest involving one of the firm's employees.

The Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems report released Thursday lists six alternatives, including continuing the Line 5 segment's current operations or shutting it down. Others include building a new pipeline through Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan that wouldn't cross open Great Lakes waters; moving Line 5's oil through other existing pipelines; using surface oil transport methods such as rail cars, trucks or barges; and putting new pipelines in the straits that would run through a trench or tunnel.

The report doesn't endorse a particular alternative but analyzes each for technical and cost feasibility. It also assesses the condition of the existing pipelines and possible outcomes of oil spills in the area.

Enbridge said it needed more time to study the 337-page report before commenting, while environmental groups said it was too friendly toward the company's position.

It describes truck and ship transport as impractical and says a more southerly pipeline would cost around $2 billion while posing significant environmental and economic hazards. The tunnel or trench options would be much less expensive, it says, and simply shutting down Line 5 would boost gasoline and propane prices statewide.

A final version will be issued this fall after several public information and comment sessions.
President Donald Trump has ordered his Cabinet to move ahead on replacing the Obama administration's offshore drilling program, with an eye to opening up the Atlantic and Arctic coastlines to oil and gas development.

In doing so Trump hopes to expand offshore drilling into coastal areas that have long been off-limits to the industry, while undoing a decision by former president Obama that the environmental risks in drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic were too great.

The announcement came during a speech at the Department of Energy in Washington Thursday, as Trump announced a series of energy developments including the approval of a new pipeline to Mexico for petroleum products and a new LNG export terminal in Lake Charles, Louis.

"The truth is we have near limitless supplies of energy in our country," Trump said. "This administration is looking not just American energy independence but American energy dominance. We will export american energy all over the world."

The Interior Department will study the entire U.S. coastline for offshore drilling opportunities in developing a new five year drilling plan, Interior officials said Thursday, adding that Trump had singled out the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas in the Arctic and the southern Atlantic Ocean as opportunities for federal leasing.

RELATED STORY: At offshore drilling regulator, focus on "economic development"

So begins what typically is a years long process, in which the administration will have to conduct substantial environmental reviews and open up their plans up to extended periods of public comment.

At the same time, the administration is facing litigation from environmental groups challenging its plan to undo a ban on Arctic oil and gas development ordered by Obama on his way out of office.

"We're going to let the court make their determination, but were going to move forward," Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Kate McGregor said in a briefing with reporters Thursday. "We'll be sticking to every rule on the books. We will find areas for efficiencies where we can, but we will not be cutting any corners."

In the meantime, the Obama administration's existing five year offshore drilling program will remain in effect.

The announcement comes as offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and other regions continues to lag, with oil companies putting projects on hold while crude prices hover around $50 a barrel.

But for an industry that perceived itself to be at odds with the Obama administration, Thursday's news offered some optimism.

"Today's announcement gives confidence for the future that this administration recognizes the benefits to be gained from safe, responsible development of America's abundant natural resources," said Dan Naatz, a senior vice president at the Independent Petroleum Association of America.
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NEW ORLEANS - Lower-income renters in New Orleans are facing the loss of their homes and uncertain futures as affordable-housing subsidies start to expire in a city that already has experienced steep rent increases and stagnant wage growth.

Michael Esnault, a 69-year-old disabled veteran, says he searched for about three months before finding a new place after the management at his former complex, American Can Apartments, told him his rent would double to $1,400. He was one of dozens at the complex affected by the loss of the subsidies.

"We looked at a place not too far from here, a two-bedroom shotgun," he said, referring to a long, narrow home found in many New Orleans neighborhoods. "They were asking $1,900 a month. I can't afford that. I know many more who can't, either."

Carolyn Horton, 74, said she has yet to find a new place and plans to temporarily move into her grandson's home in New Orleans. She said she'll probably end up moving in with her son and his family in Denver.

Housing advocates say Esnault's plight is indicative of a wider problem facing tenants across the city.

"American Can is just the tip of the iceberg," said Breonne DeDecker, a program manager for Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative, a housing nonprofit.

Cashauna Hill, executive director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center, described the situation as a "very-large-scale problem" that will affect the city for years.

A former can manufacturing plant was transformed into the American Can Apartments in 2000 with the help of $39 million in public resources, including bonds and grants. In return, developer HRI Properties had to keep at least 20 percent of the 268 units at affordable rates when the property opened a year later.

In 2013, HRI Properties sold the complex to Georgia-based Audubon Communities Management. Attorneys for the complex didn't respond to a request for comment.

The lower rents expired in March, but the complex is allowing those affected to stay until the end of October at the reduced rates, said Hannah Adams, an attorney with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services who worked with Esnault.

The length of subsidies varies from development to development, ranging from as little as five years to 15 years or more, said Ellen Lee, director of housing policy and community development for Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

Affordable-housing subsidies for about 1,200 units will expire in 2021, with another estimated 5,000 scheduled to expire 10 years later, she said.

Since Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, rents in New Orleans have increased by about 50 percent, while wages have only risen by about 2 percent, Hill said.

Orleans Parish residents must earn at least $18.54 an hour to afford a two-bedroom home as of this year, according to a 2017 report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. That's out of reach for many in a city driven by the hospitality industry.

In the New Orleans area, more than three-quarters of all hotel jobs have median hourly earnings of less than $15, including tips, said Allison Plyer, chief demographer for The Data Center in New Orleans, which compiles such statistics.

Short-term rental programs, such as Airbnb.com and HomeAway.com, also have become increasingly popular in tourism-heavy New Orleans, and have pulled rental units off the market, DeDecker said. Short-term housing in some neighborhoods is commanding up to $300 a night.

"They make more money doing that than renting to an actual resident of New Orleans," she said.

Lee said city officials are trying to find ways to extend affordable rents while addressing the longer-term issue of affordable housing.
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In the annals of Houston culinary history, Beaver's was one of the pioneering restaurants that helped the city grow into a nationally recognized dining destination.

Introduced by chef Monica Pope in 2007, Beaver's combined the "gastropub" concept of high-end bar fare with the laid-back character of a classic Houston icehouse. The menu fused craft cocktails and beers with amped-up local favorites such as a chicken-fried rib-eye steak and an overstuffed fried shrimp po-boy using locally baked bread. Barbecue was prominently offered on the menu, too. Unfortunately, the smoked meats never lived up to the quality of the rest of the food.

Ten years later, under the direction of co-owners Jon Deal and Todd Johnson, Beaver's has a new, second location on Westheimer near the Galleria - and a new commitment to ambitious barbecue. Thanks to chef and pitmaster Arash Kharat, Beaver's is finally serving barbecue worthy of its Houston roots.

Kharat grew up in the Alief area and went to Elsik High School. His father was a corporate chef for Marriott, and Kharat followed in his footsteps by working restaurant jobs after high school. He eventually settled into a corporate chef job in the oil and gas industry.

Three years ago, he visited Glitter Karaoke in Midtown. At the time, the bar was known for hosting pop-up cooking events, including Blood Bros. BBQ featuring fellow Alief natives Terry and Robin Wong (the owners of Glitter) and pitmaster Quy Hoang. Kharat started hanging around and helping out with the barbecue pop-ups.

He eventually cooked up his own pop-ups at Glitter, featuring creative twists on barbecue that incorporated culinary influences from the diverse Alief neighborhood where he grew up. Vietnamese, Chinese and Indian ingredients became part of his regular repertoire.

Kharat used social media to get the word (and pictures) out about his 'cue. The pop-ups became so popular, organizers had to start selling advance tickets.

He eventually quit his corporate job and started helping out full time with Blood Bros. BBQ as well as training with chef Ara Malekian of Harlem Road Texas BBQ.

"I just told them I'd do whatever they needed," Kharat says. "Trimming briskets, cleaning smokers, anything I could do to learn the craft of barbecue."

In 2016, the team at Beaver's recruited him to be head chef and pitmaster at the new location. Working from two Pitmaker "vault" smokers, Kharat has succeeded in bringing the quality of the barbecue at the new location up to par with Houston's best smoked-meat purveyors.

To be sure, the menu still features a great selection of cocktails and beers, alongside food favorites such as brisket queso and frito pie mac 'n' cheese. The Texas barbecue trinity of brisket, ribs and sausage is also a fixture worth ordering at the new location.

More Information Beaver's 6025 Westheimer 713-714-4111 beavershouston.com See More Collapse

Other more inventive barbecue dishes are available from time to time, usually on weekends. A meaty beef chuck rib is a standout. And if you are so inclined, you can ask to have the whole thing battered and fried. Though fried barbecue is sure to agitate purists, it's surprisingly delicious (and extraordinarily decadent).

Empanadas are a popular menu item, too. Kharat rotates different fillings into the crispy fried pies, including shredded, smoked brisket. His take on "poutine," a Canadian dish of gravy-soaked and cheese-covered french fries, features a generous dollop of vinegary pulled pork.

Now that the barbecue offerings at the Westheimer location are on point, Kharat has begun working to duplicate the quality at the original Beaver's location on Decatur in Sixth Ward. He still occasionally consults with Pope on sourcing ingredients and other restaurant matters.

A decade on, a Houston food favorite is coming full circle.
Truth BBQ in Brenham, helmed by 29-year-old pitmaster and Lake Jackson native Leonard Botello IV, is opening a second location in Houston. Johnny Carrabba is an investor in the venture.

Though only two years old, Truth BBQ captured a coveted Top 10 spot in Texas Monthly's recent Top 50 ranking of the state's best barbecue joints.

Botello's prodigious talent as a pitmaster and a focus on house-made sausage, side dishes and desserts, as well as the old-school, convivial atmosphere of the tiny location just off Highway 290 in Brenham, has made it a must-visit destination for barbecue fans across the Texas.

Carrabba is one of Houston's most successful and prolific restaurateurs. He opened the original Carrabba's on Kirby Drive with his uncle Damian Mandola in 1986. After selling the concept to a corporate chain, he retained the Kirby flagship as well as a location on Voss Road.

In recent years he's opened Grace's and Mia's restaurants near the original Carrabba's, and expanded his holdings in 2016 when he purchased Common Bond bakery in Montrose.

Carrabba is aware that some critics may see the partnership as a "corporate takeover" of a beloved Texas barbecue joint. He insists that viewpoint couldn't be further from the truth.

Carrabba says that when he first met with Botello at Truth BBQ, he "admired his work ethic, passion, and attitude. (Carrabba's is) still a family-run business. I believe we can help him out."

"This is Leonard's show."

According to a release, the second Truth BBQ location will open inside the 610 Loop in fall 2017.

"I knew if I could cook it, they would come. When I had the opportunity to establish myself in a small town like Brenham, on the side of Highway 290, I couldn't pass it up because barbecue on the side of the road is some of the best barbecue I've had. Everything just fell into place at the right time and in the right location." said Botello in a statement. "Finding the perfect (Houston) spot has been in the works for several months, and I am grateful to now have an opportunity to take Truth back to my hometown, which has been a goal of mine for several years."
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BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, Mexico - Chances are you'll be luckier than I and you'll get a warm day when you visit the ancient paintings at Baja California's La Trinidad Cave.

But I was there in the cool of January and gritted my teeth as I dived into the cold river that meanders through a canyon of rock the colors of chocolate and cinnamon.

This is a rite of passage - quite literally - required to see the fascinating prehistoric images at La Trinidad, named for the three-peaked mountain above the canyon.

Guide Salvador Castro Drew's email the day before was terse and slightly mysterious: "Meet at the town arch at 9 tomorrow and bring your swimsuit."

That all became clear after a bumpy, four-wheel-drive journey across the desert and a 20-minute hike during which we examined petroglyphs along the trail.

The river wasn't wide, but it was deep enough to require swimming to reach our destination. Giant boulders were conveniently placed to provide privacy as other tourgoers and I changed into our swim togs.

Splashing out at the far side, Patricia Berman, visiting from Corvallis, Ore., announced, "Whoo! I've been known to jump into mountain lakes, but usually I've been hiking all day and I'm hot and dusty and it's 90 degrees out."

More Information If you go GUIDES From Mulege, tour La Trinidad Cave with Salvador Castro Drew; $50 U.S. per person includes a sack lunch, plus 100 peso (about $5 U.S.) government fee, plus 45 peso permit to take photos. Reservations: mulegetours@hotmail.com A private half-day or full-day mule ride with Loreto-based Saddling South runs from $39-$99 U.S. per person ($59 for a half-day with a goat-cheese-making lesson.) Multiday trail rides and cultural-focus pack trips with overnights typically run $180-$190 per day. saddlingsouth.com YOUR BASE Loreto, the first mission (founded 1697) and capital of Spanish California, is a delightful base for exploring central Baja. Locals say the city of 15,000 is among the safest, most peaceful towns in Baja. In 2012, it won designation as a Pueblo Magico, an honor bestowed by the government on Mexico's most authentic cultural communities, bringing with it grants to restore the central plaza, construct a seaside malecon - boardwalk - and otherwise spruce up the city for tourists. It is famous for its sea kayaking to nearby Sea of Cortez islands, part of Bay of Loreto National Park. Alaska Airlines flies 737s into Loreto from Los Angeles. LODGING I enjoyed cozy Hotel 1697, with about four rooms right off the downtown plaza in Loreto, central to everything, and secure, free parking in back. It has no front desk; you just say hello to folks at the connected restaurant and brew pub, El Zopilote, where co-owner Kieran Raftery (an Irish import) serves a lovely Rattlesnake IPA at one of Baja's few craft breweries. Rooms start at $40 U.S. per night. MORE INFO loreto.com See More Collapse

But as we shook like wet dogs and climbed to the cave site, we saw that it was worth it.

Rustic figures

The cave had collapsed some years earlier, but that didn't obscure the rustic figures of animals, fish and humans in daubs of black, white and red that festoon the entry wall.

Salvador, a 53-year-old native of nearby Mulege, has devoted years to learning about the paintings here, offering guided trips to supplement his family's ranch income.

The paintings vary in origin from 1,500 to 7,500 B.C., he said. Little is known about the original artists, but some were the indigenous Cochimi people, who fished in the sea and roamed inland for seeds and desert fruits.

White paint came from limestone. Black came from iron. Red and yellow from desert plants.

Some images are phenomenally well-preserved, a credit to the dry climate and remote location. A red deer head looks as if it might have been stenciled on the wall last week. (Online experts credit the "Trinidad Deer" as the best prehistoric deer painting in Baja.)

Two fish shapes are next to what Salvador described, only half in jest, as "an ancient barbecue fork."

A shaman figure perpetually holds his arms to the skies. White handprints dot the wall, as if kindergartners had been playing with paint.

Children were given peyote and encouraged to add to the wall painting as part of ceremonies, Salvador said. Some, too young for peyote, would die. Others, who had hallucinations, might become shamans.

Cave of the Serpent

The next day, I'm riding with Ivette Granados Marines, a 43-year-old guide with Sea Kayak Baja Mexico, a Loreto-based outfitter, in her friend Erika's dusty old Pathfinder, which starts when you thread the key into the ignition that hangs by loose wires from the steering column.

We're lurching along a rocky path when I am astounded to see a tarantula the size of my hand sedately crossing the track in front of us.

Nobody else thinks it's a big deal.

We're on our way to see more cave paintings, this time at "Cueva La Serpiente," the Cave of the Serpent. It's 35 minutes up the arroyo from San Javier, a village of 1,000 people in the craggy hills of the Sierra de la Giganta, 23 uphill miles from the seaside city of Loreto.

Ivette has been wanting to check out the cave as a possible new excursion for the guide service. I tag along.

We stop at San Javier, where Jesuits founded their second permanent mission in the Californias in 1699 (the first was Loreto, two years earlier). Here, natural springs turn the desert hills green.

Building materials for the primitive church came by mule from Loreto. Out back, the missionaries planted orchards. An incredibly gnarled 300-year-old olive tree still bears fruit, its trunk twisted like the rubber band that drives a child's toy airplane.

Ivette and I follow a path through orchards to the home of her friend Erika Castanon Moreno, whose four-wheel-drive we need to borrow. Her small home is of concrete blocks, with an open-air, palm-frond-roofed dining area.

There is a chicken coop. Empty.

"They had chickens but a puma came," Ivette explains.

Erika's bright-eyed son, Esteban, 10, climbs a tree and plucks tangerines for us to take on our cave hike. We pile into the Pathfinder and stop to fill up at a nearby home where they sell gasoline from a bucket. Erika's husband, Luis, sucks on a plastic hose to start a siphon.

At the wheel, Erika zigzags through the village, stopping every few feet to hang out the window and hail a friend.

She studied oceanography at a university, she confides to me.

"I am an oceanographer, and now I live here in the mountains. Lots of things grow here. The weather is a little different, and there is mucho agua - lots of water!"

Erika used to be a kayaking guide in Loreto.

It is 5 degrees Celsius (or 41 Fahrenheit), the coolest all season, Erika announces as we head out of town on a rough road. We soon splash across the dribbling stream of Arroyo Santo Domingo.

"In storms, the water is this high," she indicates, holding a hand to the car's roof. Hurricane Odile socked this area in 2014, she adds. "Everybody slept in a big room at the school. We were all friends that night!"

Near the trailhead, we stop at Rancho Santo Domingo to meet the straw-hatted rancher, Humberto Verdugo Garcia, and his wife, Raquel Morillo Talamantes. Humberto will be our guide and, because the cave is on his ranch, will collect the 100 peso fee set by the government.

We drive behind him a few minutes, yielding momentarily to that tarantula, then rock-hop up a talus hillside to the cave.

There are fewer paintings here. Some have been obliterated or partially hidden by rock fall. There is a snake image, very faded. (Another "Cave of the Serpent," to the north of this, has more spectacular snakes with - inexplicably - deer antlers.)

But here there is a nice image of a spouting whale. The triangular whale spouts look like "early Margarita glasses," Humberto jokes.

Back at the ranch, Humberto and Raquel invite us for coffee under their palapa.

"It is ranch coffee! With goat milk!" Ivette whispers to me.

The milk is rich and light yellow. There's a tub of coarse sugar. It's deliciously reviving.

Humberto tells us that he and Raquel can also give tourists a lunch of roast goat, with goat cheese and other sides. Ivette suggests she might add it to her excursion.

We leave with big smiles and lots of handshakes.

Hardy inhabitants of Baja

The next day I am on a mule.

I booked a half-day ride near San Javier with mule wrangler Trudi Angell, who came here from California's Napa Valley in the 1970s. Now she has dual citizenship.

For years she ran a kayak guide service called Paddling South. These days, she runs a string of mules, with a new business name: Saddling South.

Trudi's 27-year-old daughter, Olivia, and their Weimaraner dogs, Luna and Hershey, accompany us on a ride through the high desert of cactus, mesquite, aromatic wormwood and desert lavender.

Mules are the hardy work animal of choice in Baja. Trudi sets her mules loose to fend for themselves in the hot summers here because they are so adept at finding food and water.

"They're in the natural-foods store when they're out in the desert!" she quips.

Trudi likes to take visitors to the small ranches near San Javier to meet the locals, who are likewise hardy. (A 2013 photo book, "The Bare-Toed Vaquero," from University of New Mexico Press, delightfully documents this self-sufficient breed of "rancheros.") What Trudi calls the "Goat Cheese Ride" is one of her most popular outings, with a stop at Rancho Viejo.

We stop in to meet the lady of the ranch, Maria del Rosario de los Santos de Romero. She just goes by "Chari." She shows us a batch of goat cheese in the works beneath a shelf weighted with big rocks to squeeze out the whey.

"This is where they will bring out the goats for milking and they give a cheese-making lesson," Trudi tells me.

Olivia shows me the ranch's old stone-walled corrals and a pen of bleating baby goats, which are among the more adorable creatures on the planet.

We leave the ranch and amble along old jeep trails on our mules, Raton, Chino and Dulce, as we gaze up at the high Mesa San Geronimo. From its top, Trudi tells me, you can see both coasts of Baja, which is 50 miles wide here. We see quail, a red-tailed hawk and turkey vultures.

I'll end the day back in a cozy hotel seaside in Loreto. Over a cold beer, I'll tell strangers how I've fallen in love with the raw beauty of Baja's high desert. The giant spider, they can keep.
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The sound of Quran rang through the house in the bittersweet moments that marked the end of Ramadan.

It was time for the last iftar, the meal at sunset when Muslims observing Ramadan break fast, of the year. The holiest month for Muslims had come and gone, and Eid was upon us.

Tea, Turkish coffee, traditional Eid "kahk" and petit four cookies followed Iftar. Our son, Adam, blew out the candles burning in the Ramadan lanterns, marking the end of the holy month.

Wearing matching Eid pajamas, our kids eagerly opened their gifts. A new tool set, puzzles, books and toys for Adam. A silver rattle, walker and toys for the baby.

Then it was time for bed. Tomorrow, we would wake up to Eid, the holiday that follows Ramadan.

WE START Eid celebrations with prayer. Greetings of "Eid Mubarak" and "Happy Eid" along with hugs and kisses fill the mosque.

Everyone is dressed in their new Eid outfits. It is "sunnah," following the examples set by Prophet Muhammad, to wear one's best clothes on Eid.

This year, the White House issued a statement "on behalf of the American people" to wish "Muslims in the United States" a Eid Mubarak. President Trump, however, failed to embrace American Muslims after repeatedly making Muslims feel alienated during his campaign by abandoning the tradition of hosting an iftar at the White House.

The first White House iftar is believed to have been hosted by President Jefferson in 1805.

But there in the mosque, Eid takbeerat sounded out, as worshippers followed along with the sheikh's chant. Prayer followed, and that was followed by a sermon on the meaning of Eid and the importance of continuing the good deeds of prayer and charity after Ramadan.

Following the service, elder members of the congregation gave money to the kids, an old tradition my kids now get to experience, and candy bags were given out, too.

Giving to charity is a big part of Ramadan and on Eid, "Zakat," or charity, is paid.

The congregation and gathering with family and friends is my favorite part of Eid. This Eid was particularly sweet for me: My two childhood best friends and I all had babies celebrating their very first Eid, and one of them was in town for the holiday. We have celebrated every Eid together for as long as I remember, so being reunited and having our babies together will hold a very special place in my heart.

Sarah Raslan

Following prayers, we went out for brunch with the family, then took the kids to play with friends. My mom prepared an elaborate feast for dinner, and we joined family friends for tea and more kahk and petit four.

I'm already looking forward to next year.

Sarah Raslan, formerly of the Houston Chronicle, is currently an associate editor.





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The statistic is stunning: Moms in Texas are five times more likely to die during childbirth than in California.

Over the past year, new national attention has been focused on maternal deaths in the U.S, which have increased over the past two decades at a time when the rest of the world has seen its numbers fall. The problem is especially pronounced in Texas, where one recent analysis found moms dying at a rate higher than anywhere in the industrialized world.

The death rate, which has doubled to 36 deaths per 100,000 births since 2011, doesn't make sense "in the absence of war, natural disaster or severe economic upheaval," a state task force wrote last year.

Much has been written about what's driving the increase: Are GOP cuts to women's health programs like Planned Parenthood driving the increase? (No, according to some.) Other possible factors  the opioid epidemic, increasing obesity rates and Texas' highest-in-the nation uninsured rate  can't fully explain the spike.

So, what can be done about it?

Julia Belluz, a senior health correspondent for Vox News, recently traveled to California to learn what that state has done to cut its maternal death rate in half, down to 7.3 deaths per 100,000 births in 2013 -- a third of the national average.

Her reporting quickly led her to the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, a decade-old Stanford initiative that gives hospitals tools and guidelines to prevent maternal deaths:

"The organization, which runs as a collective and is mainly funded by the California Healthcare Foundation, California Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was imagined in a Los Angeles airport hotel meeting room in 2006, a time when the state's maternal mortality rates had recently doubled. "A group of concerned doctors, nurses, midwives, and hospital administrators, including CMQCC medical director Elliott Main, started a maternal mortality review board to pore over each death in detail and identify its root causes. Pretty quickly, hemorrhage and preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced severe high blood pressure) floated to the top of the list as the two most common  and preventable  causes of death." Vox.com

With detailed maternal data  sorely lacking in most of the country  the collective was able to hone in on what actually was driving maternal deaths. One big one: Too many women were having unnecessary C-sections, leading to risky complications in subsequent births, a problem that was addressed by simply making doctors aware of their cesarean rates and getting them to compete with each other.

Another problem they found: Hospitals were well equipped to take swift life-saving action when a baby went into a distress, but less so when a mother did.

RELATED: A pregnant doctor, a rare disease, a tragic turn

Through the collective, participating hospitals have been equipped with "toolkits," which are "evidence-based, step-by-step recipes  downloadable for free  on how teams of health care providers in hospitals can best prepare for and manage the sometimes deadly complications that arise with childbirth."

The collective found that, often when mothers began to hemorrhage, hospitals weren't ready with the tools needed to treat them immediately. So they created the "hemorrhage cart," modeled after the code blue cart that has become standard at hospitals across the country to quickly treat patients that go into cardiac arrest.

Another improvement was teaching hospitals how to better measure blood loss during pregnancy; that way, medical teams know more quickly when they need to take action.

RELATED: New Houston center takes aim at maternal mortality

Is it possible that by reducing C-section rates and giving hospitals better tools and guidelines, that Texas also could reverse its trend?

Boston University maternal health expert Eugene Declercq told Belluz the main difference between Texas and California is that California had the will to take on the problem.

"The argument we make internationally is that [a high maternal death rate] is often a reflection of how the society views women," Declercq said. "In other countries, we worry about the culture  women are not particularly valued, so they don't set up systems to care for them at all. I think we have a similar problem in the US."

___

Mike Hixenbaugh writes about health care and medicine for the Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Send him tips at mike.hixenbaugh@chron.com.
A car crashed through the front of a fire station late Thursday near the Greatwood community in Fort Bend County, local television stations report.

Around 11 p.m. the car - a Lexus - slammed into the Sugar Land Fire Station No. 6, at the intersection of Sansbury and Crabb River Road.
Two armed robbers are on the run after they nabbed wallets, cell phones, jewelry and cash late Thursday from two Cypress-area businesses.

The duo are described as males wearing black clothing. One had a black rag over his face and the other had a red rag over his face, said Deputy Thomas Gilliland with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators believe the pair targeted a Family Dollar store at FM 1960 and Kuykendahl about 9:55 p.m., then headed about 5 miles away and robbed customers about 11:15 p.m. at a Walgreens at 19710 Holzwarth Road, Gilliland said.

Investigators do not believe the Walgreens heist late Thursday was related to two other southwest Houston Walgreens that were targeted early Thursday. In those cases, burglars appeared to be looking for narcotics.

At the Family Dollar Thursday night, the two robbers approached the employee at the front counter and demanded the money in the cash register.

At the Walgreens, the pair, armed with handguns, ordered the store manager and another employee to open the location's office and hand over what cash was inside.

Then, they forced four women and three men who were in the business to give them their wallets and cell phones.

REWARD OFFERED: Police are looking for two men after Houston woman is robbed, hit with vehicle

According to a tweet by ABC 13 reporter Courtney Fischer, there were 10 to 15 people in the Walgreens at the time of the robbery, including at least two teenagers.

The uncle of the two teenagers told ABC 13 that the robbers "held everybody hostage in there, then took everybody's belongings, everybody's wallet. They took my nephew's wallet. They put a gun to his head and basically took what they could and took off."

WALGREENS ROBBERIES: Suspects at large after pharmacy break-ins at two major hospitals

The robbers left the Walgreens in an unknown direction. Friday morning, they were still at large.

No shots were fired and one was injured in either robbery, Gilliland said.

Investigators believe the two incidents were connected because of similar descriptions of the robbers and their proximity, Gilliland said.

The sheriff's office is investigating. Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constables initially responded to the Walgreens.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Harris County Sheriff's Office Robbery Unit at 713-274- 9210.
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A man whose car was being burglarized by three men decided to fight back Friday afternoon, throwing a glass bottle at the perps' getaway van shattering its back window.

The man told Oak Ridge North police officers the burglars fired a shot at him as they were driving away from the parking lot of Carol's Lighting just north of Robinson Road on the Interstate 45 northbound feeder. However, officers were not able to confirm whether any shot was fired. No one was hurt in the shooting.
The Supreme Court ruled that a limited version of President Donald Trump's original travel ban could go into effect until it considers the case again in the fall. But the decision came with a curious stipulation: Visitors need a "bona fide" relationship with a person or entity in the United States.

The court left it to the government to decide the meaning of that relationship, and details are slowly trickling in on the Trump administration's plans.

The new criteria for visa applications goes into effect Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern.

Here's what you need to know:

- - -

Who is affected?

The travel ban affects visa applicants from six predominantly Muslims nations: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Visas will be granted to those who can prove - in a formal and documented way - that they have a close relationship with a family member living in the United States or that they are connected with an entity such as a workplace or university.

The State Department's new guidelines stipulate that a close family member is a parent, spouse, sibling, son, daughter, son-in-law or daughter-in-law. Stepfamily relationships also apply.

The government doesn't consider close relationships to include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, fiances and other "extended" family members.

- - -

What are some of the criticisms of this version of the ban?

One of the controversies behind the new travel ban is the idea that the government can determine the meaning of a "bona fide" or close relationship.

Officials also say that individuals will be judged on a "case by case" basis and that the relationship itself will not be the only determining factor. Officials say they will consider cases in which a grandmother or an aunt raised someone now living in the United States.

Another criticism is that the travel ban as it stands is not an effective policy to protect against terrorism attacks. As The Post's Mark Berman points out, "There have been 10 fatal attacks in the United States tied to Islamist extremist ideology or otherwise deemed international terrorism since 2001. None of the people behind any of those attacks are from the banned countries (Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen; Iraq was included in the first ban but dropped for the second version)."

- - -

Where did the ban come from, and what happens now?

This version of the travel ban does not go as far as Trump would have liked.

Trump first signed the executive order in late January that caused panic and chaos at airports because green card- and visa holders were turned back. Immigrants and refugees who were traveling on planes to the United States found themselves stranded and confused, and federal agencies were left to determine the meaning of the order's language without any real guidance from the White House.

Now, officials expect a smoother transition because the latest ban applies only to new visa applicants.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court said the Trump administration needs to clarify its policy on vetting procedures before justices come back to the case in October.

"We fully expect that the relief we grant today will permit the Executive to conclude its internal work and provide adequate notice to foreign governments" within 90 days, the court said.
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An average of 19 children suffer gunshot wounds every day in the United States, according to a new public health study that culled several national databases to tally cases from 2002 to 2014. Nearly 1,300 die each year.

The unusually detailed look offers some good news about firearms injuries  such as a steady decline in accidental shooting deaths  but also finds that the U.S. accounts for more than nine of every 10 firearm deaths among children under 14 in high-income countries worldwide.

Firearms are the No. 2 cause of injury-related death among American children, second only to car crashes.

Its a very comprehensive report, said Dr. David Wesson, Texas Childrens Hospitals associate surgeon-in-chief for academic affairs. Its got information about pretty much all types of firearms-related injuries; it also has information about nonfatal firearms injuries.

For Wesson, who was not involved in the study that was published in the June edition of the medical journal Pediatrics, the data offers insights that can help prevent such injuries, which are often so severe in childrens small bodies that trauma surgeons like him cant save the victims.

If you have a gunshot wound to the head ... theres really not much we can do, he said. So injury prevention is something I think about a lot.

'IT DIDN'T HAVE TO HAPPEN': After decades of sewing up children shot accidentally, a surgeon grows frustrated

On average, 1,297 children died from a firearm-related injury each year from 2012 to 2014, the study reports. A little more 50 percent were homicides, about 40 percent were suicides and 6 percent were unintentional. Nearly 6,000 children per year were wounded but survived.

The authors  four researchers with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control or Prevention and one University of Texas at Austin sociologist  report some good news: Intentional shooting deaths have become steadily less common since a peak in 2007, when 1.4 children out of every 100,000 died in shooting homicides each year. That rate declined by 36 percent to 0.9 children per 100,000 in 2014.

Eleven states in the South and Midwest had significantly higher rates of child shooting homicides. The two highest were Louisiana and Illinois. Chicago especially has suffered from frequent shootings in recent years.

Children younger than 13 who died by firearm homicide often were killed during conflict between family members or a relative's romantic partner, according to the authors.

"This highlights how children can be caught in the crossfire in cases of domestic violence and points to the importance of addressing the intersection of these forms of violence," said Katherine Fowler, a lead researcher for the study.

Data drawn from three national reporting systems revealed that, while children generally have lower suicide rates than other age groups, Some of the steepest increases from 1999 to 2014 have been found among children 10 to 14 years of age, according to the study.

Since 2007 alone, firearm suicides among children ages 10 to 17 have increased by 60 percent, Fowler added in an email. Suicide rates were highest in a few large, rural states: Alaska, Montana and Idaho.

Detailed analysis found that the most common circumstances for a child or teens suicide included a crisis, a relationship problem or an issue with a romantic partner.

The study also found that more than a quarter of children who took their own lives had told someone about their intent before doing it, suggesting more lives might be saved by interventions.

The researchers found an average of 82 unintentional shooting deaths per year from 2012 to 2014  though the real number may be much higher, according to research by the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety. The majority of those accidents happened while children were playing with guns or showing them to other kids, the study said.

Previous research shows that children are curious about firearms and will touch a firearm even when instructed not to do so, which points to the importance of adult supervision and the need to store firearms safely and out of the reach of children, the authors wrote.

For parents who want a gun handy for self-protection, safety instructors suggest keeping one gun nearby in a fingerprint-activated safe and locking the rest in a complex gun safe.

Ken Stonebraker, a gun safety instructor in Dallas, told the Chronicle last year that hiding a gun or keeping it out of reach is not enough. For parents who want a gun handy in case of intruders, he suggested following his example: Keep one gun nearby in a fingerprint-activated safe and lock the rest in a complex gun safe.

Paul Slogan, an employee at Lone Star Gun Safes in Houston, said last year that fingerprint-activated safes are more secure. However, he said, "with kids, anything's better than nothing." A simple gun lock, a cable that runs through the chamber and magazine, costs less than $20. A trigger lock's price tag is about $10.

Wesson said the study also provides new levels of detail about nonfatal shootings, which get much less attention.

Researchers found an average of 5,790 U.S. children survived gunshot wounds each year, based on data from emergency-department reporting databases and elsewhere. Out of every 100 injuries, about 70 were assaults, 20 were accidents and three were intentionally self-inflicted.

Houston's new police chief, Art Acevedo, has instructed his department's detectives to investigate such nonfatal shootings as if they were homicides, in an effort to catch violent offenders before they kill someone.

READ MORE: Houston's police chief tells detectives to focus more on nonfatal shootings

Wesson said the report came from top-notch researchers whose work he considers credible. The study has attracted widespread media coverage.

However, that coverage led to the discovery that the report's first sentence misinterpreted an ambiguously phrased statistic from another study, claiming that evidence showed "4.2 percent of children aged 0 to 17 in the United States have witnessed a shooting in the past year."

That statement misinterpreted the original study it cited, the editor of the Dallas Morning News wrote after that paper published Washington Post story about the study. That data point came from a question parents were asked in a survey: "At any time in (your child's/your) life, (was your child/were you) in any place in real life where (he/she/you) could see or hear people being shot, bombs going off, or street riots?"

The authors of that earlier report "caused confusion by mislabeling a complicated stat," editor Mike Wilson wrote. "The CDC-UT researchers should have found the information suspect. The Washington Post should have asked more questions about that line from the CDC-UT study."
A Houston man was sentenced Friday to more than four years in federal prison for his role in running pill mills that obtained oxycodone pain medication through clinics in Houston, Dallas and Channelview.

Fahim Ahmed Khan, 59, was also ordered to pay a $17,500 fine by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater in Dallas.

Khan, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in August, was among more than two dozen people indicted in the Northern District of Texas, accused of obtaining prescriptions by luring phony patients - often homeless people - to the clinics.

He collected $420 to $600 in cash for each patient who obtained a prescription for oxycodone, and the pills were then resold, according to federal court documents outlining Khan's guilty plea.

The prescription ring operated from January 2013 to at least July 29, 2014, according to federal documents. Khan established relationships with medical professionals and clinic owners - among those, Muhammad Faridi and Dr. Richard Andrews of the McAllen Medical Clinic in Dallas, who were described by federal officials as co-conspirators.

Khan also developed relationships at TIG Healthcare and Diagnostic Clinic on Harwin Drive in Houston and the ABS Medical and Chiropractic Clinic in Channelview, according to court documents filed in conjunction with his guilty plea.

Khan remains free on bond but has been ordered to begin his sentence on Sept. 5. His attorney, Mark Bennett, declined to comment on the case.

Altogether, 26 people have been convicted in the scheme, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney John R. Parker in Dallas.

Khan was never a licensed medical practitioner and he never obtained a registration number from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, according to court documents.
Published June 18, 2017

The memory came to Juan Rodriguez last week, as Father's Day was approaching.

He flashed back to a day about five years ago.

He had asked Karen, his oldest daughter who was then in middle school, to help him on a job where he'd be replacing a gas tank.

He told her to put on work gloves and slide next to him, under the car.

"I need you to extend your hands and hold this tank up very strongly," he said. "If you don't, it will fall on our heads." Karen didn't know that Juan had already placed jack stands to avoid an accident. "I wanted her to take her job very seriously," he remembered.

As Juan worked, Karen grew tired and said she couldn't hold the tank much longer. He encouraged her not to let go. He felt she needed to understand how the family made a living, and that it was hard work, but he also wanted her to come away feeling strong and capable.

Until now, Karen hadn't realized that day had been scripted by her father.

Before then, she said, she used to like getting her hands dirty and rubbing them over her body, "pretending that I had worked really hard."

That day, she did work hard, and the lesson was learned.

Juan is a quiet man who doesn't like to lecture and doesn't feel the need to act "macho." He prefers to show his three daughters the way.

Those memories have become bittersweet, as the end of the month draws closer, and he faces deportation.

For many years, Juan's wife, Celia, worked as a janitor from late in the morning until nighttime. That meant Juan was the one picking up the girls from school, because he could make his own schedule as an independent mechanic.

"I have been with them all the time. I have nursed them since they were babies," Juan said.

Celia said the girls confide in him more than her, a closeness born from all those hours together.

"They go to him for everything," she said.

For Juan, summertime has always been the happiest part of the year, because the girls are out of school. He said he tries to make something special for them each day.

Last Friday afternoon, he was in the kitchen of their southeast Houston home, checking on the carrot bread that he was baking. On the stove, a pot of creamy "atole" was boiling, extracting the essence of sweet corn that El Salvadorans like the Rodriguezes prepare as a traditional hot drink.

But one of the things the girls like most is going "with Papi to work," Karen said. Every time they go to a client's home, they follow a ritual. One of the girls prepares a lunchbox with refreshments and snacks; another takes the tools out of their car and puts them in order, so Juan can work. When the job is done, a daughter collects the tools while Juan talks to the client. Since they were little, they understood that they had to be respectful with customers. "I told them that it wasn't just my work but our family's business," Juan said.

Rebecca would sometimes grab a tool and pretend to be repairing something next to him. The memory makes him smile.

"It's not like with my mom, the handbags and shoes," Karen said. Working around cars "is our way of getting involved in his world and being able to spend more time with him." She thinks it inspired her desire to study engineering in college.

For Juan, those days gave him opportunities to impart life lessons, "so that when they grow up, no one can try to pull a fast one on them. They will know what things are worth. They will know how to fix things on their own."

Celia tried to distract Juan last week, hoping he'd stop checking on the girls all the time. They were on a mission, strategizing about the gift they would buy him for Father's Day.

The girls had wanted to purchase a Keurig coffee maker, and they had searched the internet for models last Thursday while their parents conferred with lawyers fighting to keep Juan in the country.

Karen had saved $100 from allowance, but she needed about $50 more to complete the purchase, which she hoped her mother would lend her until she got paid at her summer job.

A New America Keep up with the latest immigration coverage here. To see more stories about the Rodriguez family, go here. And to see what the Rodriguezes are going through in photos, go here.

But neither parent wanted them to buy the coffeemaker, perhaps because they realized that he might not be able to enjoy it for long.

Juan knows this could be the last Father's Day he spends with his family before being deported. He must present himself at Immigration and Customs Enforcements headquarters in Houston on June 29.

Since that "black day in February," when ICE informed him of his upcoming deportation, Juan has felt that "every day is a miracle. One less to the deportation but, thank God, one more with my family."

Juan is particularly worried about Rebecca, his middle daughter who is 15. He said she is the most fragile. She doesn't talk much, and anytime she hears about the deportation, she starts sobbing. She barely leaves her room.

"I just don't want to hear about anything. I just try to avoid it," Rebecca confided last week. "Being alone, it helps me forget about it."

Kimberly, the youngest, knows something "really bad" is happening to her family. So the 10-year-old tries to cheer everyone up by leaving sticky notes around the house that say "I love you" and preparing fruit salads for visitors.

Kimberly said she doesn't want to worry her family with her deepest fears.

"I heard a woman saying that, in El Salvador, they had to give money to bad people, because if they didn't, they would be killed," she said in a quiet moment away from the others. "I know it's my parents' hometown, but I don't want to go. Where am I going to hide so that nothing happens to me?"

She broke the tension by changing the subject, to the poster she was going to make for Juan. She would use blue letters to write out a Father's Day card and tell him she loved him. And the adornments would be in orange, she said, because that's his favorite color.

Kimberly Rodriguez, 10, the youngest daughter of Juan Rodriguez, who is facing deportation to El Salvador, created a handwritten card for her father on Father's Day, Sunday, June 18, 2017, in Houston. Kimberly Rodriguez, 10, the youngest daughter of Juan Rodriguez, who is facing deportation to El Salvador, created a handwritten card for her father on Father's Day, Sunday, June 18, 2017, in Houston. Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 21 Caption Close OUT OF TIME 1 / 21 Back to Gallery

On Sunday, Juan woke up just after 4 o'clock. He cleaned the house, then laid down next to Celia in bed and turned on the TV, hoping it would rouse her. He was anxious for Father's Day.

They had a light breakfast but let the girls sleep, since everyone had been up late the night before, spending time with extended family and drawing out each moment.

No one likes saying "good night" anymore.

Soon, there was a fluttering behind the door that leads to the bedrooms. The girls were up.

One by one, they came to see their father, each carrying presents and all shouting, "Happy Father's Day" in Spanish.

"How beautiful!" Juan said, amused by gift bags that featured Superman.

"You are our hero!" the girls said as he unwrapped the clothes they had bought him - socks and T-shirts, and shorts and shoes.

The girls asked him to save the envelope for last. Tucked inside, there was a letter from each one.

Rebecca encouraged him, for one day, to "forget about everything." Kimberly said that she was happy that he was with them. And Karen thanked her father for "being the most extraordinary dad.

"Thank you for fighting for us and for everything you provide to usDaddy, these are difficult times, but God will not forsake us. God will be with us at all times, and we must have faith that we will be victorious. Good things happen to those who love and follow the Lord"

For a moment, they believed that. None of them thought that this Father's Day would be the last one they'd spend together.
Hours before an executive order banning visitors from six predominantly Muslim nations went into effect Thursday night, Wafa Abdin worried about what it would mean for the refugees she helps resettle in Houston.

A Supreme Court decision Monday had given her some hope that a Trump administration executive order barring travelers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, and refugees from all countries for 120 days, would be significantly narrowed in scope. The high court ruled that the ban could not be applied to visa applicants and refugees with a "bona fide relationship" - or close family ties - with a "person or entity" in the United States.

Then Abdin learned which family members and entities are included - and which are left out.

The State Department defined "close family" as a parent and parent-in-law, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and sibling.

Fiances were added late Thursday night, but grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law are excluded.

More Information Resettlement Refugees resettled in Texas and Houston (Fiscal Year 2017: Oct. 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017) Texas: 4,398 Houston: 1,221 Refugees resettled in Houston by country of nationality Afghanistan: 33 Bhutan: 30 Burma: 95 Burundi: 7 China: 2 Colombia: 8 Cuba: 10 Dem. Rep. Congo: 287 Egypt: 2 El Salvador: 27 Eritrea: 63 Ethiopia: 11 Gambia: 1 Honduras: 4 Iran: 85 Iraq: 305 Pakistan: 3 Palestine: 4 Rep. of South Sudan: 1 Rwanda: 1 Somalia: 58 Sudan: 27 Syria: 157 Source: U.S. State Department, Refugee Processing Center See More Collapse

"That is not good news," said Abdin, vice president of Immigration and Refugee Services at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. "That makes it much more restrictive."

Case-by-case basis

Few places will feel the effects more than Houston, home to one of the largest refugee populations in the country. One in four residents is foreign-born, meaning the travel restrictions will likely impact thousands of families hoping to be reunited with loved ones.

Abdin's clients often include children whose parents have died and are being raised by aunts, uncles or grandparents. Such informal adoptions, where the families don't have legal documents proving guardianship, are common in war-ravaged countries, she said.

Senior administration officials, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said the list of close relationships is based on the definition of family in the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act. Officials said exceptions may be made in some circumstances.

"We will look at it case by case," said one administration official. "It won't be the relationship that's the determining factor."

But Lee Gelernt with the American Civil Liberties Union's Immigrant Rights Project, called the State Department guidelines "dramatically inconsistent" with the Supreme Court ruling.

"There is no basis for government saying in-laws can come but not grandparents ," Gelernt said, adding that the court's decision does not give the government "license to draw distinctions between family members."

Late Thursday, the state of Hawaii filed an emergency motion challenging the administration's definition of close family and asking a federal judge for clarification of the scope of the ban.

"In Hawaii, 'close family' includes many of the people that the federal government decided on its own to exclude from that definition," said the state's attorney general, Douglas Chin. "Unfortunately, this severely limited definition may be in violation of the Supreme Court ruling."

Resettlement agencies

Also exempted from the ban under the Supreme Court ruling are visitors who have a "formal, documented" relationship with an "entity" - such as a workplace or university - in the U.S.

But under the State Department guidelines, refugee resettlement agencies do not qualify as acceptable entities.

"That will leave countless refugees stranded," Gelernt said.

More than half of refugees admitted to the U.S. have family ties in the country, according to the administration officials.

Greg Chen, director of governmental relations with the American Immigration Lawyers Association, contends that resettlement agencies should be included as a qualifying entity.

"Every refugee brought in the U.S. resettlement program has a relationship with an agency," he said.

Refugees who are in transit through July 6 will be allowed to enter, administration officials said. It is unclear what will happen to those scheduled to arrive after that date.

The travel ban also institutes a cap of 50,000 refugees for the fiscal year. As of Wednesday night, 49,009 refugees had been admitted. Those with a credible "bona fide relationship" will be admitted, even if the cap is reached.

Still, Abdin worries about the impact of the ban on her clients, many of whom have been waiting in refugee camps for 10 years or longer.

"Their identities have been verified," she said. "They have been through all levels of security. Their lives have been on hold for so long. Sometimes, coming here is the difference between life and death."
Police are searching for four suspects connected to the disappearance of 13-year-old Shavon Le'Feye Randle, who went missing outside the Dallas area Wednesday morning. An Amber Alert was issued following her alleged kidnapping.

The Lancaster Police Department has identified 26-year-old Darius Fields, 19-year-old Michael Titus, 25-year-old Laporshya Polley and 24-year-old Devontae Owens as persons of interest.
A state district judge Friday dismissed a Houston firefighters' lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the city's pension reform package, removing a potential barrier to the city's efforts to solve a 16-year fiscal crisis.

State District Judge Patricia Kerrigan granted the city's request to dismiss the case while denying the firefighters' motion to temporarily block the state law, known as SB2190, from going into effect Saturday.

The reform plan positions the city to pay down its $8.2 billion pension debt over 30 years by issuing $1 billion in pension obligation bonds, cutting retiree benefits by $2.8 billion and capping future costs in case the market dips.

Mayor Sylvester Turner said he was pleased.

"The city will move forward with sustainable pensions for our first responders and city employees," he said in a statement.

Houston Firefighters' Relief and Retirement Fund Chairman David Keller, meanwhile, said he was disappointed, adding the board would discuss the next steps with its legal team.

Kerrigan's order gives the pension board the option to refile its lawsuit, which argued the reform law infringes on the fund's exclusive right to select its own actuaries and choose the actuarial assumptions that will be used to determine contributions into the pension system.

The pension board lobbied aggressively and unsuccessfully against the reform plan in Austin, where state lawmakers, who control the fire pension, had to approve the deal.

The city's next hurdle is voter approval in November to issue $1 billion in pension obligation bonds, which Turner plans to infuse into the underfunded police and municipal pensions.
The Texas Supreme Court held Friday that same-sex couples are not necessarily entitled to government employment benefits, sending the case challenging the city of Houston's provision of benefits back to trial court.

The unanimous opinion does not prevent the city from offering employment benefits to same-sex spouses, as it has done intermittently for the last four years.

Rather, it says the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision recognizing gay marriage two years ago in Obergefell v. Hodges did not resolve whether employees' same-sex spouses have a right to benefits.

"The Supreme Court held in Obergefell that the Constitution requires states to license and recognize same-sex marriages to the same extent that they license and recognize opposite-sex marriages, but it did not hold that states must provide the same publicly funded benefits to all married persons," Justice Jeffrey S. Boyd wrote. "Of course, that does not mean ... that the city may constitutionally deny benefits to its employees' same-sex spouses. Those are the issues that this case now presents."

Houston plans to continue providing spousal benefits to same-sex couples while it reviews the decision, Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement.

"Marriage equality is the law of the land, and everyone is entitled to the full benefits of marriage, regardless of the gender of their spouse," Turner said.

Plaintiffs' attorney Jared Woodfill cheered the decision as "a huge win."

"The court has limited Obergefell in terms of how broadly it should be interpreted," Woodfill said, adding, "It recognized that there's an argument to be made at the trial court that taxpayer dollars should not be used in violation of one's deeply held religious beliefs."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who filed an amicus brief last year supporting the plaintiffs, echoed Woodfill.

"I'm extremely pleased that the Texas Supreme Court recognized that Texas law is still important when it comes to marriage," Paxton said in a statement. "While the U.S. Supreme Court declared a right to same-sex marriage, that ruling did not resolve all legal issues related to marriage."

Houston began offering same-sex benefits in November 2013, after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

Plaintiffs Jack Pidgeon and Larry Hicks quickly sued, alleging the payments were an illegal use of taxpayer money.

A year later, a trial court temporarily blocked the city from providing same-sex benefits - a ruling that held until the July 2015, when the state's Fourteenth Court of Appeals removed the temporary injunction in light of Obergefell.

The state Supreme Court's ruling essentially wipes that slate clean and instructs the trial court to reconsider the case.

Woodfill said he intends to ask for another injunction preventing the city from providing same-sex benefits and requiring Houston to "claw back" benefits paid to employees' same-sex spouses before Obergefell.

The city did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the monetary value of benefits paid during that period, and Woodfill said he did not know.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer advocacy organizations condemned the decision as undercutting marriage equality.

"The Texas Supreme Court's decision this morning is a warning shot to all LGBTQ Americans that the war on marriage equality is ever-evolving, and anti-LGBTQ activists will do anything possible to discriminate against our families," Sarah Kate Ellis, president of the New York-based group GLAAD said in a statement.

Lambda Legal, which co-authored an amicus brief backing the city, said it would work with Houston attorneys on the case.

"This absurd contortion of the Obergefell ruling defies all logic and reason," Dallas-based Lambda Legal attorney Kenneth D. Upton, Jr. said in a statement. "Marriage is marriage and equal is equal."
Just follow the law!

We heard that line over and over last week when City Council deliberated on joining a lawsuit against Senate Bill 4.

There's just one problem, and too many ignore it or simply just don't know: Our immigration laws are broken.

Instead of imagining harsher punishments for undocumented immigrants, or deputizing local police for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or spending billions on border security, our politicians should be proposing actual fixes to the law.

They should fix immigration courts that have around a half-million cases awaiting adjudication. Rather than hiring more judges, our politicians actually cut court budgets in 2011. The wait-time for a hearing is more than two years. Any path to a legal answer on refugee status or documentation essentially forces immigrants into this jurisprudential purgatory. That's two years of living, working, driving and raising families while suffering in immigration limbo. That's what following the law looks like.

Following the law also means facing barriers that didn't exist for past generations.

"Everybody except for Native Americans came here as legal immigrants," District F Council Member Steve Le said as he cast a vote opposing Houston joining the anti-Senate Bill 4 lawsuit.

Until World War I, immigration law in the United States was little more than a lice check at Ellis Island or Galveston Island. Some didn't even have to pass that test.

Former two-term Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples, a Republican, wrote in his 2013 book, "Broken Borders, Broken Promises," about how his great-grandfather simply jumped off a trans-Atlantic ship and swam to shore.

Hundreds of thousands of others just skipped the line thanks to federal bills like the Cuban Adjustment Act and Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act.

But this legal history didn't stop people who trace their roots to Ireland or Cuba or Vietnam from standing before City Council - or speaking as a member of City Council - during the SB4 debate and wondering out loud why today's immigrants have so much trouble following the law.

People didn't change and neither did the reasons they emigrate. The laws are simply different. They're also arcane and make the process for legal immigration inaccessible for many.

"That's in part why the undocumented population, particularly from Mexico, is as large as it is," Thomas A. Saenz, president and CEO of MALDEF told the Chronicle editorial board. "Because many of those folks are in line to get visas, but they're expected to wait 12 years, or longer in many cases, before their number comes up."

So what is Congress doing to address this broken system? The Republican-run House is preparing to vote on a set of bills that will raise penalties for illegal reentry and cut funding for local governments that don't cooperate with federal immigration officers.

These bills won't help families and workers integrate into American society. They won't give local communities the resources they need to handle the challenge of new Americans.

The only people punished will be Houstonians like Juan Rodriguez, the subject of Chronicle reporter Olivia P. Tallet's "Out of Time" series. Rodriguez has checked in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the past decade after coming to Texas without proper documentation to join his wife and first-born daughter. He's paid more than $30,000 in legal fees over that time, all while raising a family, and has received a 60-day reprieve from deportation. By any reasonable measure, Rodriguez is following the path tread by past generations. He deserves an immigration system that reflects American values. Right now it just reflects an intractable Congress.
One of the most high-profile government workers cashing a paycheck financed by American taxpayers isn't doing his job.

Our president once starred in a television series in which he famously fired people who didn't do what they're supposed to do. So sometimes you have to wonder how Sean Spicer manages to stay on the public payroll.

We're specifically talking about the White House press secretary's refusal to appear in daily televised briefings, which have been a staple of communication between the public and the presidency for decades. In the latest development in the increasingly toxic relationship between the White House and the press, the American people no longer see and hear a spokesman for the president answering questions on a daily basis.

Instead, the peculiar rules about what comes out of these briefings seem to change every day. Sometimes we see pictures, sometimes we don't. Sometimes we hear live audio of a spokesperson talking, but video footage is forbidden. Sometimes even the sound is turned off.

As a result, the midday White House briefing that's become standard viewing for a generation of news junkies and engaged citizens has become as unpredictable as a wacky game show. On some days, cable news networks show nothing but photographs and graphics over the sound of reporters and spokespeople for the president yelling at each other. On other days, we hear that the White House has arbitrarily banned all live audio and video broadcasts of a briefing that's supposed to keep us informed about what's happening in our government.

The briefings aren't about show business, they're supposed to be about the people's business. These daily briefings have long served as the primary connection between the presidency and the citizens of the United States and, indeed, the entire world. Our concerns aren't a fight about television networks getting pictures; this is a fight about the White House trying to diminish the only forum in which it's required to answer hard questions on a daily basis. Answering questions on camera is one of the most important ways powerful people are held accountable in the 21st century.

Even some allies of the Trump Administration reportedly are frustrated with this daily briefing fiasco, because these televised news conferences carried live into millions of households are an extremely effective medium for delivering the GOP's message. President Trump is a television star, so he should understand that. But he's also a provocateur who seems more interested in picking fights than passing legislation.

Unfortunately, what we're seeing - or not seeing - out of Washington reflects a growing trend in government. Highly paid public information officers for everything from state agencies to local school boards now routinely refuse to speak on camera and sometimes even refuse to answer questions in phone interviews, instead responding to media inquiries with written statements. That tactic allows them to dance around hard questions and dodge follow-up queries about what their agencies are doing with taxpayer dollars.

That's not acceptable for any government entity, whether it's at the statehouse or the White House. Every elected official from a small-town mayor to the president of the United States needs to be held accountable to taxpayers. In the 21st century, they need to answer questions on camera.
"Socialistic" is what Gov. Greg Abbott has deemed local laws that protect trees.

If Martin V. Fleming were around to hear that, he'd probably threaten the governor with his No. 10s.

That's his size 10 shoes, mind you, not his 10-gauge shotgun.

Fleming, also known as "Uncle Mart," earned a place in Texas history for his defense of an old oak in the North Texas town of Comanche around a century ago. A few words about his "No. 10s" scared off workmen who were preparing to chop down the tree where he liked to hitch his horse. Now the so-called Fleming Oak is one of the Texas A&M Forest Service's historic trees.

Any modern-day Uncle Mart's out there should considering writing their state representatives and senators about their own favorite oaks, pecans and cypresses, because the governor's call for a special session, which begins July 18, includes an item on overriding local arboreal ordinances.

Why create so much unrest in the forest? Why the trouble with the trees? Apparently the governor has a score to settle with the city of Austin. As the Texas Tribune reported last month, local regulations in the central Texas city once compelled Abbott to replant trees on his property after a large, protected pecan was killed by the construction of a new swimming pool. That personal experience apparently convinced him to fight against tree regulations across the state.

Perhaps next Abbott wants the state to weigh in on quality of street lights on his block or noise regulations on Sixth Street. There's no issue too small for Comrade Abbott's all-powerful central government.

It feels like something is rotting at the root of our Texas spirit. Protecting old trees - whether on public or private property - once united our state in common cause. No tale is better known than the Treaty Tree in Austin, where Stephen F. Austin supposedly signed the first boundary agreement with local Native Americans.

When the land was up for sale and townsfolk were worried that some future developer would chop down the 500-year-old live oak, Austin City Council actually bought up the plot and turned it into a park in 1937. And when a vandal poisoned that oak in 1989, Texas spared no expense in trying to save the tree or prosecute the perpetrator.

Whether they have a historic meaning or just serve as a convenient hitching post, Texans know there's something special about the old, majestic trees that dot our landscape. Their roots reach back to the past and their branches will shade future generations long after we're gone. Once a century-old oak is chopped down, there's no big-box store or Amazon order that can replace it. Trees represent our history and heritage, and preserve a quality of life.

Conservatives used to believe in conserving our state. Now we don't know what they believe.

But we're sure that Uncle Mart wouldn't be too happy about any of it.
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Singapores workforce is ageing quickly, according to Minister of State for Manpower Sam Tan. As we live longer, we can expect this proportion to continue to grow, he said in a speech last week.



Over the last decade, the proportion of residents aged 60 and above in the labour force has increased from 5.5% in 2006 to 13% in 2016, government figures showed.



But the employment rate of older residents aged 55-64 has increased from 64% in 2012 to 67% in 2016. Singapore has one of the highest employment rates in the world for persons aged 65 and over, according to the minister.



He said many older workers want to continue to work for as long as they can, to earn a regular income, and keep themselves active. And employers recognise that, in our tight labour market, older workers, with their years of experience, reliability and loyalty, are a valuable asset at the workplace.



Starting 1 July this year, the re-employment age will be raised from 65 to 67 in order to meet the age groups aspirations  and the government has introduced initiatives over the past years to ensure age-friendly workplaces.



In 2013, it introduced WorkPro to support companies in implementing age-friendly practices and redesigning workplaces to create easier, safer and smarter jobs for older workers. It enhanced the program in July last year to provide companies with greater support in job redesign. Employers can now receive funding up to $300,000, up from $150,000 under the WorkPro Job Redesign Grant.



According to Tans figures, more than 200 companies have made use of the Job Redesign Grant, and close to 4,000 older workers aged 50 and above stand to benefit from the efforts.



The minister believes technology is a key enabler for older workers, as it helps automate routine and physically demanding tasks. About 95% of the job redesign projects the government has supported are technology-related enhancements.



About 70% of employers are willing to redesign job scopes to accommodate older workers, according to a 2016 survey by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP).



TAFEP and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has, on average, received less than 80 age discrimination complaints against employers per year, said Minister for Manpower Lim Swee Say las April. This constituted about 10% of the total complaints received by TAFEP and MOM each year.



The government will raise the re-employment age to 67 from 65 starting July 1. The policy will apply to workers younger than 65 during the day it takes effect.




Canada became a country in 1867 but didn't actually get its own flag until 1965.

For nearly 100 years after Confederation (with a few Union Jack interludes), Canada flew the Red Ensign, a design based on the flag used by British naval vessels and Canada's Coat of Arms. But by the middle of the century, nobody much liked the flag, or what it said about Canadian sovereignty.

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Lester B. Pearson, then serving as prime minister, led the charge for a new flag and kicked off the official debate in 1964 with his very own design.

Pearson shakes hands with student Jim Soni in May of 1964 outside the Parliament buildings. The University of Toronto student presented the prime minister with a petition supporting his proposal for a maple leaf flag.

But while most Canadians agreed the new flag should feature a maple leaf, the PM's three-leaf design, known as the Pearson Pennant, was widely panned. John Diefenbaker and the Conservatives opposed the design on the grounds that it included no reference to Canada's ties with Great Britain.

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Pearson didn't give up easily though, and kept MPs in Ottawa over the summer to debate the flag. (Can you imagine a government doing this today?) But the PM eventually caved to the creation of a bipartisan committee composed of 15 MPs and dedicated to picking a design.

The committee turned to regular Canadians for ideas about what to do next.

Thousands of suggestions flowed in from the public, with the maple leaf, union jacks, Fleur-de-lis, and, of course, beavers the most common elements.

The committee narrowed the submissions to three: Pearson's design, the George Stanley red maple leaf we know today and the Stanley design plus a Small Union Jack and cluster of Fleur-de-lis.

The two rejected finalists.

The Conservatives on the committee voted for the Stanley design thinking the Liberals would vote for their leader's flag. They badly miscalculated and the result was a unanimous vote for the red maple leaf.

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Lester B. Pearson presents the winning design in December 1964.

Diefenbaker tried to block the new flag in the House of Commons, but a cloture motion forced a vote on Dec. 15, 1964 that approved the design.

The new flag was inaugurated on Feb. 15, 1965.

The Red Ensign comes down on Parliament Hill.

The new flag is raised for the first time.

But whatever happened to all those rejected submissions from regular Canadians? Thankfully, many have been preserved by the Library and Archives of Canada and by some plucky archivists in Saskatchewan.

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They are awesome.

What Do You Expect? It Was The 60s Trippy Trippier Advertisement A Groovy Stylized Map Beavers Were Popular Like Really Popular Advertisement So Were Geese And Designs With Multiple Maple Leafs The More The Merrier Advertisement Ok, We Get The Idea Some Were Political This submission included the following:"[Indians were] here 20,000 years ago, getting along peacefully until the White races came and stole nearly all they own. THEY ARE THE TRUE CANADIANS." Some Would Have Driven Conspiracy Theorists Crazy Advertisement Ski Company Logo? Modern Art? French And English Unity Was A Major Theme Advertisement Dangerously Close To The Star Spangled Banner The Cutest

And if that wasn't enough, here are many, many more.
Needy friends.

You know who I'm talking about. She's the mum in playgroup who gets hurt feelings when you don't respond to her 400 daily texts. She's the Debbie Downer who holds you emotionally hostage with her constant sob stories--the gal who always has a complaint about life, but never a solution to solve her problems. She's the neighbour who asks for a favour every time you pull out of your garage. She's the lady on the school run who won't STFU about Mary Kay, and peer pressures you into throwing a party even though you'd rather spend an evening rubbing sandpaper on your eyeballs than alienating your acquaintances at a pyramid scheme shindig.

I've had my own experience with a needy friend.

A few days after moving to Scotland, I accepted an invitation to have coffee with a lady I met at the library. She was a reader! She was friendly! She offered to show me around town! What could possibly go wrong?

We began with the requisite "get to know you" small-talk.

What do you do for a living?

How did you meet your husband?

What brought you here?

Then the red flags went 'a flying. She started asking me uncomfortable, personal questions.

How much money do you make?

Tell me about your sex life?

In hindsight, I should have called it quits right then and there, but some part of me felt like I had to answer her--like I owed her my time and vulnerability, just because she asked for it. Shortly thereafter, the hourly emails began.

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Then the texts.

Then the phone calls.

Then the monopolisation of my social time.

Then the demands on my finances.

That's how needy people operate. They don't respect your boundaries. They don't consider your wellbeing. They ask too much of you, to the point where you feel drained at the mere mention of their name.

As women, we often fall into the trap of people-pleasing. We let these so-called "friends" take advantage of us because we feel guilty saying no. But ladies, we need to stop that nonsense.

Just because someone gives you a ticket to the guilt-trip train, doesn't mean you have to climb aboard. No one can make you feel guilty without your consent.

The fact is, you have kids, and a husband, and a job, and a life of your own. You can't possibly please everyone in your circle, and if a needy friend is crossing the line, you have every right to dump her. After all, healthy friendships are based on give and take. When one party is all "take" and the other is all "give", the relationship is toxic.

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Hear me, dear reader: it's okay to break up with your needy friend.

Have the hard conversation telling her you need to take a step back. Limit your exposure to her. Unfriend her on Facebook. Block her phone number. Even ghost her if you have to. You don't have to be close with people who drain the life out of you. There is simply no rule mandating that you must attach yourself to a joy-sucking clinger.

I know that breaking up is hard to do, so let's practice with some role-play, shall we?

Needy Friend (NF): Can you be my closest confidant, even though I just met you five minutes ago?

You: It's gonna be a no from me, Dawg.

NF: Will you spot me couple of hundred pounds this week (due to my egregious mismanagement of my finances)?

You: No, to the No, to the No, No, No.

NF: How about I come along on your vacation and impose upon your family time?

You: How about nope>

NF: Why haven't you responded to my 4,000 messages?

You: Why haven't you visited Nopeville? I hear it's nice this time of year.

NF: Will you text me on the hour, every hour, to check on my fragile-yet-volatile emotional state?

You: Negatory, good buddy. Negatory.

NF: I just have to vent to you for the 7-millionth time about drama in my life that I created myself. Because I'm the Queen of Dramaland, in the Province of Drama, on the corner of Drama Ln and Drama Rd. (Our chief export is Dramamine.)

You: Ain't nobody got time for that.

See? It's not that hard. You feel better already, don't you?

The fact is, needy people will always find someone to leach off of.
PA Wire/PA Images

Theresa May has finally been dragged kicking and screaming into accepting EU citizens' rights after Brexit -- or at least paying lip-service to that idea. Her government's published proposals unveiled on 26 June 2017 are full of weasel words like "seek to ensure" and "seek to guarantee". One of the few categorical statements in the document is that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) "will not have jurisdiction in the United Kingdom". Instead, the rights of EU citizens in the UK would be subject to the UK domestic courts. And Brexit Secretary David Davis has vowed to "fight" against giving the ECJ a say on the rights of EU citizens after Brexit. This is the same David Davis who in 2014 filed a lawsuit against the British Government's surveillance legislation -- in that very same ECJ!

Lounani Case

Theresa May has never had a very secure grasp of anything to do with Europe. Despite some undoubted faults, the ECJ has a better set of priorities than the British domestic courts. This was well demonstrated by an extremely important but much under-publicised case decided by the ECJ in January 2017. Mostafa Lounani, a Moroccan national, who had been living in Belgium illegally since 1997, was convicted in 2006 of participating in the activities of a terrorist group. In 2010 he applied for refugee status in Belgium, claiming that he feared "persecution" if he was returned to Morocco. The Belgian authorities were deadlocked and referred the matter to the ECJ. Though Mr Lounani had not himself actually committed or attempted to commit any terrorist act but had only provided "logistical support" to a terrorist group, the ECJ found that that was enough to deny him refugee status.

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UK Supreme Court Contrast

Compare that with the UK Supreme Court decision in JS (Sri Lanka) v. Secretary of State [2010] UKSC 15. This was an application for refugee status by someone who had been actively involved in the military operations of the "Tamil Tigers" in Sri Lanka, an organization which is proscribed as a terrorist organisation in 32 countries around the world, including the EU - and the UK. His application for asylum was refused by the UK Home Secretary on the ground that he had been "a voluntary member of an organisation that had been responsible for widespread and systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity". Both the Court of Appeal and the UK Supreme Court found against the government and allowed JS's application for refugee status - disagreeing with both the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Canadian Federal Court of Appeal, which hold that mere membership of a predominantly terrorist organization may be enough to deny an applicant refugee status.

Relevance to EU Citizens' Rights

What has this got to do with the rights of EU citizens in the UK? Just this, that while the ECJ is primarily concerned to protect ordinary law-abiding members of society against terrorists and even non-terrorists with terrorist associations like Lounani, the UK Supreme Court seems more concerned to protect the interests of active members even of organizations proscribed by the UK itself as "Terrorist Groups".

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Human Rights vs. Human Rights
It's safe to say, that being a tour leader sounds like the best job in the world.

I interviewed tour leader, Kim Owen, whilst in Colombia, on her tour around South America to find out what it's really like. It turns out that it is pretty great, but like any job, it is also far more nuanced than that.

Kim's Story

Kim has been professionally working as a tour leader for Oasis Overland for four years, after spending two years as a geologist, following university.

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Having always wanted to travel, especially to see East Africa, Kim saved up and bit the bullet, going on an overlanding trip from Nairobi to Cape Town. By the end of the tour, she had 'fallen in love with the whole thing' and sent a job application off to Oasis' head office. She spent the next two years working in Africa, including going from Cairo to Cape Town, before being sent to loop around Central Asia, Iran and Turkey - where I first met her - and then to South America.

It all sounds rather glamorous. She says that it often doesn't feel like work as it's so sociable - she usually becomes good friends with her customers - and she has a permanent tan. She loves the self-sufficiency of being an overlanding tour leader, as it gives her the flexibility to improve the itinerary as the groups travels. I experienced this first-hand in Uzbekistan, when Kim worked out a way to take a rather long and last-minute detour to the shore of what was the Aral Sea, full of rusty, disused boats. It was very much a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see something of monumental environmental significance.

When everything is running smoothly and all the passengers are happy, she says it feels more like a lifetime of travelling with friends. But then, you go to countries like Venezuela or Iran and it's all substantially more stressful, as she is responsible for making sure the trip is as safe as possible in places where things can be far from 'safe'.

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Kim was keen to stress that 'it's a harder job than it seems', tour leaders will work all day every day for months at a time. There is no leaving the office at 5pm and no weekends. You continuously have to 'try to meet your customers' needs' and what people expect can vary wildly. She found it hard to not have a personal life, it's expected that she won't be able to be there for friends' birthdays and weddings now, or even be able to go for a drink after work with them. It is also certainly not a career that will make you rich, but on the flip side, it means everyone who does that job, does it 'for the love of it.' She adores being able to show people places she's been and 'seeing their excitement' and 'experience it with them'.

What Does She Actually Do?

The tour leader role is 'pretty broad'. Before a trip starts, there is a lot of planning, as Kim will get in touch with all of the local contacts and make bookings with them months in advance. This also means the itinerary must be planned down to the day - a challenge on a 6-month trip across Africa, for example. There's a lot of budgeting and research involved too, to ensure the books are balanced and the group won't end up somewhere they shouldn't on a public holiday.

When on the trip, it's about the logistics of getting passengers across a continent unscathed and happy, always being one step ahead so she can answer their many, many questions and generally making sure everything runs smoothly and to plan. With security issues, she and the driver will make a decision on the ground, with information from local contacts in the area, and advised by head office. In Venezuela during some major protests, this meant changing the itinerary to avoid a certain area altogether and re-planning an entire section of the trip. Kim will also keep trip and driving notes, to pass onto the next tour leaders for the route; detailing exactly what time we left somewhere, how long it took to get to the destination and what we did along the way provides a reliable roadmap in incredibly remote areas of the world.

After the trip has finished, there is a fair amount of paper work and finalising the accounts, as well as often having to transit the truck to the starting point of the next trip or to a base where it can be stored. This can involve days more of driving. From Turkey to London or Quito to Cusco, for example.

I asked Kim what she thought was needed to make a good tour leader, these are the skills she came up with;

Organisation

Planning

Timekeeping

Patience (and a lot of it!)

People Sills

Money Handling/budgeting

Flexibility

Willingness to do whatever comes up

Willingness to work anywhere and in any conditions

Cooking skills!

You sometime will also have to be a marriage councillor, psychologist...

Advice For Future Tour Leaders

Kim recommends that anyone interested in becoming a tour leader, especially for an overlanding company, goes on a trip first, preferably with the company you are interested in working for. It may seem an obvious point, but you need to be aware of the realities of what's involved. You will also initially need a small amount of money to support yourself through your first 3-month training trip after you've got the job. Whilst the company is likely to pay for the trip, you'll still need some cash to pay for the occasional meal and surprise extra as you won't get a salary yet.

Overall though, Kim has got to spend years travelling the world, has been paid to do it, and has loved every minute.

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Emma Rosen taking a radical sabbatical and trying 25 careers before turning 25, and hopes to inspire readers to explore less well-known careers.

View her website and blog here: www.25before25.co.uk
New Islington Marina - image credit: Jane Williams

Living on a canal barge I'm aware that 'pound' has two meanings, not only currency but also a stretch of canal between two locks. I'm a Trans woman. My home isn't on dry land, it floats. Its location, New Islington Marina, is close to Manchester's city centre and home not only to myself and husband, but also thirty seven other families. It lies in the pound between lock 82 and Butler Lane Locks. In a way it is a Pink Pound. The marina community and surrounding apartments is home to every letter in the LGBT alphabet. There is an important reason for this.

Paul Allen, a Gay friend recalled to me a trip made to Boston in 2009. He found himself sitting next to a man from Philadelphia returning to the U.S. He relates

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"The passenger and I started a conversation, during which he told me about his business trip to Manchester. He was from a State planning committee on an investigation to see how Manchester City Council had used the Pink Pound/LGBT communities to regenerate the city centre. He was so impressed with how successful this had been he was going to encourage the same process for American cities".

The Millennium Community of New Islington grew up around the Marina. In the early noughties, the council's strategy of using brownfield sites for new build housing was focussed here. An ambitious project to create over a thousand new homes was put forward with an array of properties from new builds to residential conversions of old mills. The marina with its colourful boats, afloat in a little park, provided a central focus for this new development. As so often happens with regenerated waterside locations, gentrification soon began. With the pioneering boat dwellers established, creative young professionals moved in. Among these were substantial numbers from Manchester's LGBT community. In neighbouring Ancoats, the quaintly named General Store carries Attitude Magazine, Diva and Gay Times as well as an amazing selection of designer teas. It is easy to stereotype our community, but such a product range signals an affluent new Gay population with money to spend; those pink pound coins provide the basis for artisanal restaurants, eclectic bars and high end interior design.

However, the stereotypical affluent Gay couple with a cute dog and lots of money can be misleading. In reality the LGBT community here on the Marina is diverse and far from rich. We do not work in media consultancies or bespoke interior design studios. Many of us work in Manchester's low paid hospitality industry. Trans individuals like myself can suffer an huge drop in income when they come out. A qualified professional, I found it impossible to get paid work after beginning transition. I was instead compelled to work on a minimal wage. My bi-gender partner has fared little better. Having lived in a narrow minded and puritanical North Wales town, suffering transphobia, workplace discrimination and harassment, moving to Manchester was a flight to a place of refuge, not exactly a stepping stone to assured affluence.

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I had never owned my own flat or had a place that felt like home. To me, home means a place to feel safe, a haven of acceptance and belonging; somewhere you can sleep at night without worrying about 'passing', being outed or hated. New Islington Marina, a harbour for up to 40 canalboats became that haven when I moved here in July 2016. Both myself and my husband found a close knit community we could finally call home. Moving from rented accommodation to a canal barge, we bought our first home from a lesbian couple who were moving to Skye. It provided a low cost starting point for our new business, Northern Grind. Aware of Manchester's reputation as a street food capital we set up a mobile barista company, trading in Manchester's many LGBT events. It was a decision we haven't regretted. The response has been amazing and our business is beginning to flourish. For me, the Pink Pound is both my home and my livelihood. I am part of Manchester's hospitality industry and contribute to local wealth generation. This is something I want to hang on to dearly.

Successful as the Pink Pound has been in regenerating post industrial Manchester's rust belt, there are alarming signs of corrosion. Last month saw an unexpected turn of events for all 38 of the Marina's residents. We received letters from Manchester City Council informing us that repairs to the Marina would mean eviction at the end of August. It was made clear that there would be no guaranteed return even after a 12 to 18 month closure period. A once safe, secure and supportive community is now facing displacement and disintegration. It seems like the Pink Pound, essential in pioneering the area's renaissance, is now no longer good currency with the City Council. Intent on handing the Marina over to a faceless, commercial management company the council now risk the jobs, homes and security of a whole community.

For me as a Trans woman, I face the very real possibility of a forced return to stealth and living in the closet. I risk losing my newly founded street food business and my home in the city that sustains it.

The marina residents are pledged to fight this decision which imperils their very livelihood and safety. Their resident's association: NIMRA is working hard to change it so that the community can remain. Their slogan 'Divided we Sink, United we Float' sums up how strong the feeling is and how devastating the loss of their homes would be.
Africa is growing 7-10 times faster than any other continent in the world and with that comes an increased need for foreign investment. China is Africa's biggest single trading partner and is now the largest lending country to infrastructure projects on the continent. In 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $60 billion in loans and aid to Africa and as of September 2016, Chinese companies have invested $56 billion into construction and infrastructure projects alone around the continent.

While many bi-lateral trade deals tend to be government-to-government, the Sino-African relationship is in principle mutually beneficial with both positive growth and macroeconomic indicators. Africa needs new infrastructure to speed up its development and China needs Africa to enable a free flow of mineral resources. Africa continues to be a developing resource for China and focuses on much needed modernisation while China focuses on gaining from extractive industries.

Chinese firms are running major infrastructure projects across the continent and are actively sourcing projects to fill the 'wish lists' of African governments in the construction, telecoms, road and rail sectors. Al Jazeera estimates that almost 30 per cent of all new infrastructure projects in Africa are as a result of Chinese investment.

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One of these projects is the $3.2 billion Nairobi-Mombasa railway which opened earlier this year in Kenya. China's Export-Import Bank funded 90 per cent of the build, while the Kenyan government financed the remaining 10 per cent. The Chinese backed railway will eventually extend to Rwanda, South Sudan and Ethopia and is part of China's "One Belt, One Road" project, which aims to create the world's largest platform for economic cooperation.

And it's not just Chinese backed infrastructure projects that are contributing to the long-term economic growth of the continent either. China is Africa's largest source of imports, accounting for 20 per cent of total imports into Sub-Saharan Africa. Exports to China from the continent are decreasing however, while Africa's demand for Chinese goods is increasing. South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, The Republic of Congo, and Zambia are China's primary trading partners on the continent and combined, account for more than 70 per cent of all Chinese imports as of 2016.

Attitude to China's presence on the continent is changing, last year Quartz published data from Afrobarometer showing that China's popularity is increasing among locals. 63 per cent of the 56,000 people surveyed responded that China's presence in their country was somewhat or very positive. Good news, as there are now over 2500 Chinese companies trading in Africa with around one million Chinese nationals moving to Africa in the last decade. "Public perceptions not only confirm China's important economic and political role in Africa but also generally portray its influence as beneficial. China's infrastructure/development and business investments are seen as reasons for China's positive image in Africa..." Afrobarometer said.
shaunl via Getty Images

CN: Suicide, self harm, gender dysphoria.

The recent Stonewall School Report had some shocking findings this week. The figures show that more than 60% of transgender pupils experience bullying, 80% of transgender youngsters have self-harmed and 40% have attempted suicide by the age of 19. On reading the key findings I can say that I am saddened, I'm disgusted, but I'm not surprised.

And for most readers, most commentators, most of the people condemning the systems that allow this to happen, these kids will remain a number, a statistic to be improved. However, in order to bring about real lasting change we need to understand more about what it is that leads these young people to hurt themselves and for that we need to hear their stories - so here is mine.

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I am transgender, I'm a non-binary transmasculine person. And though I do not want to be defined by my struggle or my mental health, it is part of my story. Here it should be said that this is not a story of all transgender people. It is not a one-story-fits-all. And it is probably not the "trapped in the wrong body" story you are expecting. But it is a story of a young person struggling to realise their gender in a world that did not allow space for that.

A friend of mine told me that as she knew she was a girl she had assumed she could grow up and grow boobs, be a woman and get pregnant. It wasn't until she got to school and began being taught about bodies, gender and sex, that she realised this would not happen. She was being told she was a boy and would grow up to be a man, and it is at this point that many of us become detached from and discontent with our bodies. Our sense of gender is so innate that it doesn't occur to children that their bodies are wrong until they are told that.

For me this meant that as my body began to change at puberty I became increasingly uncomfortable. I cannot say I felt trapped, and I think many transgender people will say they learn to love their bodies in some ways. My body has worked hard and been subjected to a lot to get me to this point. I have starved it and hurt it, I have tried to cut away the parts I didn't want, I have burned holes in it and pushed it to the point of near collapse at the gym to make it lean and harsh instead of round and soft. I have hated my body and what it stood for, I have hated that it marked me out as "woman". And yes, I have attempted suicide, more than once. I have thought that was my only option.

It is not surprising that so many young transgender people contemplate or carry out acts of self harm because we are taught to hate ourselves. Not overtly or always on purpose, but the media and our society teaches us that we are not normal and we are not beautiful. I hear you scoffing at that, "there are loads of trans* people in the media, look at The Danish Girl or Orange is The New Black. What about Caitlyn Jenner?". But these representations are flawed, too often transgender women are portrayed by cis men. Too often transgender women are only "beautiful for a trans woman" or beautiful after surgery. Too often we are shown trans bodies that are fully formed, post surgery and hormones and interventions. But that is not the lived experience of young people. In this country children cannot undergo interventions for gender confirmation. They may get hormone blockers to delay puberty but they are not considered able to consent to hormones or surgery until they are 18. Young transgender people need to see trans bodies in transition, they need to see trans identities that don't undergo surgery but are beautiful. They need to see trans people occupying a platform that is equal to their cis peers and they need to know that trans is OK.

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Glastonbury, one of the largest music festivals in the world, marks the start of the UK's festival season and opened its gates on 21st June 2017. As more than 200,000 people descended on Worthy Farm in Somerset, public safety was a priority. Following the series of recent terror attacks, a coordinated emergency strategy helps organisers fulfil a duty of care and keep attendees safe.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Organisers introduced increased security checks and police presence, however, the ability to communicate with attendees en masse is also an important element. In the US, eight of the 10 largest U.S. cities use critical event communications technology to communicate with residents during public events.

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One example is the Inauguration of President Trump. Prior to the Inauguration, public safety officials encouraged residents, visitors and attendees to text the keyword INAUG to 888-777 to receive the latest information and updates leading up to and throughout the event. Everbridge, the critical event technology, enabled Washington DC to manage all 900,000 attendees and communicate with them should an emergency occur.

The UK is yet to adopt direct communication with the public. In the case of music festivals and other highly attended events, should a crisis occur, strategies need to be put in place for attendees and emergency services to ensure safety. With any emergency, communication is critical.

How can 200,000 people quickly and efficiently navigate to safety? How do you target precise locations, or specific groups of people to keep them updated on a fast-changing situation? The answer is a secure, cloud-based critical event communications platform to enable the delivery of critical information in real time via multiple delivery methods.

There are a number of stakeholders that need to be considered, such as event attendees, residents, bands and employees. There are a variety of ways to communicate with these stakeholders using critical event technology during public events:

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- Text message: text message alerts can be sent en masse to inform attendees and residents of traffic information or advice during an emergency. For example, if an emergency were isolated to a certain area of the festival site, regular text messages could be sent directing attendees to safety.

- Telephone calls: similarly, organisers could target those impacted with recorded telephone messaging if more information is necessary.

- Social media: festival go-ers are likely to be active on social media. Sites such as Facebook and Twitter can be used to keep attendees and residents updated in near real time should an emergency occur.

- Digital signage: it is important not to assume attendees have access to their mobile phone. Digital signage around the event can direct people in and out of an event and display critical information.

- Tannoy systems: messages can be sent to tannoy systems to quickly communicate with large groups of people during an emergency.

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our city is dumb. The potholed streets, coin-operated parking meters, and drafty brick buildings many of us interact with every day havent changed much in a century. But its finally happening. From Oslo to San Diego , cities across the globe are installing technology to gather data in the hopes of saving money, becoming cleaner, reducing traffic, and improving urban life. In Digital Trends Smart Cities series , well examine how smart cities deal with everything from energy management, to disaster preparedness, to public safety, and what it all means for you.

Get 10 people in a room and ask what a smart city is, youll get 11 answers, Bob Bennett, Kansas City, Missouris chief innovation officer, told Digital Trends. That might be true, but most involved in smart city projects agree on one thing: No ones really there yet. I think its the Wild West at this point, and smart cities mean something different to everybody, said Jarrett Wendt, executive vice president of strategic innovations at Panasonic.

When asked for examples of smart cities (these are our four favorite smart cities), Bennett instead gave examples of smart silos: areas where certain cities are particularly thriving, though they may not tie into a bigger picture. Washington D.C. has great water analytics. Seattle is doing a lot right when it comes to environmental initiatives. San Diego has thousands of smart streetlights. Songdo, in South Korea, had the benefit of being built from the ground up as a smart city. Many of its lessons cant necessarily be applied to cities trying to work with existing infrastructure.

Data sharing is crucial

Better parking, efficient lighting, improved traffic flow, smarter security, improved waste management, and disaster planning are all areas where technology can make an impact. The biggest problems with these technologies, said Munish Khetrapal, managing director of Ciscos smarter cities and IoT department, theres a lot of fragmentation  You need a way to connect all these different standards and bring them all in a common, unified platform.

You need a way to connect all these different standards and bring them all in a common, unified platform.

Having access to the data from  for example  your environmental sensors and connected trash bins is the first step; making sense of it is the next. But sharing that data and analysis is just as crucial. Arvind Satyam, Ciscos managing director of smart cities and digitization division, gives the example of waste management and traffic departments working together. If the trucks are only picking up the bins that are, say, 70 percent full and above, the traffic management agency can use its real-time information to route them in the most efficient way.

There is a reason every city has their own challenges, said Blake Miller of Think Big Partners, a startup partnered with Cisco thats working on making Kansas City smarter. Every city may have crime and congestion, but think about the weather differences between San Diego and Denver or the potential natural disasters facing Seattle and Kansas City.

Looking at neighboring cities

Yet even if they have different problems, CIOs and mayors should still be looking at their neighbors and beyond  what Sara Gardner, Hitachis CTO calls looking sideways  to see whats working and whats not. In Europe, 56 cities built their own bad variations of the same service complained Sascha Haselmayer, CEO of Citymart, in Anthony Townsends book Smart Cities: Big Data, Civic Hackers, and the Quest for a New Utopia. Some cities have tried to involve citizens, promoting contests for residents to build apps.

The problem tends to be that geeks will build apps for getting bicycle directions, theyll build apps for finding cocktail and coffee specials, not the kinds of things that working mothers need, Townsend told CityLab. Ignoring these populations has dire consequences.

In Columbus, Ohios South Linden neighborhood, the infant mortality rate was twice that of New York City. Without reliable transportation, its hard to make pre- and postnatal appointments, said Vinn White, former deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), during a panel at Smart Cities Week (SCW) in Santa Clara. To win the 2015 Smart City Challenge proposal, the city suggested developing an on-demand ride service for pregnant women.

A lot of people think about smart cities and they think about flying cars and futuristic skyscrapers and stuff like that.

In order for cities to begin on the right track to becoming smarter, many stars need to align. The biggest factor is having leaders who are on board. Satyam cites Barcelona as a prime example; five years ago, he said, the government that was in place was not only willing to embrace technology but get different departments working together. Its not just about being smart in individual verticals, its about tying all these verticals together, he said. When a city has a strategic goal in mind  becoming carbon neutral, like Copenhagen, for example  it requires collaboration across the board.

Cities are big, huge moving ships that dont move very quickly, said Miller. Trying to rig everything together could mean that by the time everythings in place, your brand new technology is on its way to becoming obsolete. For a city with incredibly tight budgets, said Bennett, theres little room for failure.

Red tape can kill innovation

Sometimes funding isnt the issue. Procurement is a nightmare, said Charles Brennan, CIO of Philadelphia, during a SCW panel. I have less trouble getting money than I have spending it. A startup may want to work with a city but might struggle to fill out 30-to-40-page forms required for consideration. City ordinances that havent kept pace with technology can also pose a problem. Austin, Texas was looking at installing smart kiosks around the city. According to the ordinance, this smart kiosk is a sign, said Ted Lehr, an IT data architect with the city. Its the only thing we can label it as.

During the same SCW panel, he mentioned there might be pushback from the public with some of these initiatives. While Singapore or Dubai might unilaterally decide to implement technology, we are doing it in a way that has to engage our public, he said. Meanwhile, even cities with deep tech talent pools to draw from can come up short. Its hard for government to compete with the private sector, said Kevin Burns, CIO of Miami. A few panelists suggested appealing to Millennials civic pride and desire to make a difference to get them to accept lower-paying jobs within the government.

Building new infrastructure

In addition to outdated infrastructure, cities that arent starting from the ground up have inefficient buildings to incorporate into the picture. Its not actually the age of building, its the age of infrastructure, Scott McCormick, vice president of sales and business development for BuildingIQ, told Digital Trends in 2015 at a conference about San Joses future. The company uses analytics to double the efficiency of HVAC systems, as long as theyre not more than 40 years old. For newer buildings, the possibilities of smart buildings go beyond energy management. The tenant, customer, and visitor experience is all integrated with the technology, and then all the back building facilities management is integrated as well, Eric Simone, CEO of ClearBlade, told Digital Trends.

Every city has its own challenges.

That means a command center could give a building manager a picture of the HVAC system, lighting, security, and more. The heating and cooling could adjust based on the position of the sun. Visitors could have their faces scanned for security purposes, instead of having to check in at a desk. Theyd get a notification on their phone, directing them to the proper elevator bank to get to their meeting. Sensors on windows, appliances, and elevators could help vendors and service people provide predictive maintenance  fixing a problem almost before it starts.

In an emergency, buildings could also communicate to provide crucial information. The problem is for a project like this, for any big building, youre going to have 47 different vendor platforms you now have to look at, said Simone, who added that ClearBlade is the open, neutral platform that can tie it all together. These smart buildings are closer than you may think. The company is working on a project that should have its smart buildings up and running in three or four years. Its a lot easier to implement IoT on a building level than a city level, he said.

The problem of security

Another element for cities to keep in mind is security. In April, Dallass sirens started blaring in the middle of the night, the result of a cyberattack. Much more disruptive and dangerous would be if control of a hydroelectric dam fell into the wrong hands, for example. Another concern is creating or worsening a digital divide, where parts of a city are left without access to the same technology  even something as simple as internet access  as the rest of the city.

Cities such as Kansas City are trying to close those gaps, but its not going to happen overnight. In 10 years, though cities could operate differently  but its not as if theyll be unrecognizable. It wont look like Minority Report and it wont look like The Fifth Element, said Satyam. A lot of people think about smart cities and they think about flying cars and futuristic skyscrapers, and stuff like that. We believe that cities wont fundamentally look different in the next 10 years, but cities will be a lot more efficiently managed.

That definitely sounds less cool (and less Big Brother-ey) but it could look something like this: Youre driving down the road, and theres fog ahead. If the fog is backing up traffic really badly, your car will reroute you, but if its just reducing visibility, your car will automatically slow down and turn on the fog lights. Khetrapal sees a good outcome for smart cities that operate like this: How can the city adapt and respond the citizen, versus how the citizen adapt and respond to the city?

Source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/cities-looking-become-smart-need-look-beyond-adding-sensors/
I believe we have a well-protected identification system, she told journalists in Tallinn on Thursday (29 June).

Kaljulaid spoke with the media two days before the Baltic nation assumes its six-month presidency over the Council of the EU, during which it wants to focus on the benefits of digital technology.

Estonia is keen to profile itself as a digital pioneer. During the most recent parliamentary elections in 2015, 30 percent of the votes were cast online.

Other interactions Estonian citizens have with the state are also becoming increasingly digital.

Elsewhere in Europe, though, concerns over online voting and hacking have been central in recent elections.

But Kaljulaid was still confident in the system.

In addition to having a really secure personal identification system, which is a physical card, and two codes  I think, frankly, it's slightly stronger than somebody opening my passport with my photo that is six years old, she said.

We have made the system even stronger by the fact that e-voting lasts several days, said the Estonian president.

That means that even if someone were to force someone to support a certain candidate, they could simply vote again later  as only the last one counts.

It is changeable until the e-voting is closed. Trying to buy votes or influence the result simply doesn't fly, she said.

Kaljulaid also said that the vote is not traceable to the voter, and that e-voting was maybe even slightly more secure because, on a paper ballot, there may be fingerprints that could identify the voter.

However, the Estonian president, whose role is ceremonial, said she would not advise other countries to simply copy the Estonian model.

Every state has a different culture. This culture prevails also when you create your digital state. You need to find your own solutions which will convince your own people to use digital [methods], said Kaljulaid.

Moreover, she advised against rushing into e-voting.

I would never advise using e-voting as the first digital service to start digital change in your society, she said.

You need to start with simpler services: applications for registering a child at school or at music school, then gradually going to applying for social services over the internet.

When people gain confidence that the state is in no way betraying them  then you can move to a higher-risk services.

Kaljulaid said a lot of trust in cyber security is needed, as well as cyber hygiene.

According to the president, her citizens have a high level of cyber hygiene, and know that they regularly need to update their systems to close security weaknesses.

The cyber sphere is never totally risk-free, nothing in life is.  [But that is] not a reason to withdraw from the cyber system.
If you tried to search for Emma Watsons Wikpedia page in Iran in 2013, you wouldnt have been able to find it; the article was one of 963 blocked by the government. This tidbit about the Harry Potter actress is found in a 2013 University of Pennsylvania report on Irans censorship of Wikipedia. Researchers at Harvards Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society recently built on this publication by analyzing censorship of the site in 15 countries since 2014. In a report published in May, they found that censorship of Wikipedia has declined since then due to the sites new security measures.

In fact, they discovered that only three countries blocked access to parts of Wikipedia during the duration of the study: China and Uzbekistan were blocking the Chinese- and Uzbek-language versions of Wikipedia (read more coverage of censorship in China, and its use of fake social media posts to influence public opinion). Thailand had once blocked the Yiddish versionmost likely a weird misconfiguration, says Justin Clark, a software developer at the center and the principal author of the report. They derived their results partly by analyzing data from the Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedias parent organization) that showed when people load Wikipedia articles, and partly from 41 servers located in different countries around the world that tried to load Wikipedia and could determine if the website was blocked.

Clark says there are multiple reasons for the changing levels of censorship. The first is Wikipedias transition from HTTP to HTTPS. HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) guides the way a websites data is sent to a browser. Because the connection is unencrypted, however, other people can intercept that connection and see the data being sent. In HTTPS, the s stands for secure; the major difference between the two protocols is that HTTPS encrypts the data being communicated.

Wikipedias transition affected the way countries could block access, Clark explains. With HTTP, a country could block an individual Wikipedia article. But with HTTPS, the country needs to choose between blocking every article or none. Countries are choosing the latter. As the report states: Russia once again blacklisted Wikipedia over a single cannabis-related article, but the ban was reversed less than 24 hours later.

Monitoring censorship of Wikipedia matters because Wikipedia is one of the most prominent, and most important, sites out there, says Rob Faris, the research director at the center, who also worked on the report. How countries treat Wikipedia, he continues, is indicative of how important Internet freedom is not only to them, but also to the rest of the world. Clark adds that understanding the information controls imposed on the Internet is important for allowing an informed citizenry to emerge.

As the first complete empirical deep dive into incidents of the blocking of Wikipedia projects around the world, Faris says, the report will inform future research as other investigators follow its methods. He also notes that accessing Wikipedia server data is novel. Such research paves the way for examining global Internet outages, Clark says, especially those deliberately caused by countries during elections or protests. He adds that after the study concluded, China blocked access to Wikipedia in additional languages spoken there, and Turkey in all languages, so the Berkman Klein Center will continue to monitor Wikipedia around the world.
Williams Professor's Research Published in Two Journals

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Phoebe Cohen, assistant professor of geosciences at Williams College, has published her most recent research that dates shell-making in fossils to a time 200 million years earlier than originally thought.



The research was published this week in Science Advances. Additionally, Cohen's research with Spencer Irvine, Class of 2016, on vase-shaped microfossils (VSMs) was published this week in the journal Palaeontology.



In Science Advances, Cohen details her research into fossilized eukaryotes, which are complex life-forms that include plants and animals but also a wide diversity of single-celled organisms. These single-celled eukaryotes were discovered in Canada and show layers of mineral plates. At more than 800 million years old, they represent the oldest evidence of organisms controlling the formation of minerals, known as biomineralization.



These ancient life-forms built their exoskeletons using a different process than modern shell-making eukaryotes, Cohen said, adding this research shows how mineral-making evolved. Previous evidence dated biomineralization to 560 million years ago.


Mizoram: 31st Anniversary of Mizo Peace Accord Celebrated

Published: June 30, 2017

The 31st anniversary of the signing of the historic Mizo peace accord on June 30, 1986, was celebrated in Mizoram. The Mizo Accord was signed by the Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Laldenga, Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalkhama, and Union Home Secretary R D Pradhan. The accord ushered in an era of peace after 20 years of violence and disturbance that hampered Mizoram.

Mizo Peace Accord-Significance

On pre-condition of statehood to Mizoram, the Mizo Accord was signed. The MNF fighters surrendered en masse and government fulfilled its promise by giving full-fledged state status to Mizoram, along with its own High Court. Mizo was notified as an official Indian language. A university was proposed. Mizo religious and social customs were promised Constitutional protection. As per the accord, the MNF agreed to forgo all contacts with other insurgent groups in the Northeast.

Mizo Accord is considered to be the most successful agreement with insurgents. The peace established under the accord has been sustained in Mizoram for over 30 years. This is an achievement when the situation in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Assam still remains turbulent and unsettled.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2017

Topics: Current Affairs - 2017  Mizo Peace Accord  Mizoram  National  States

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Israelis You Should Know: Yitzhak Shamir

The Fellowship | June 30, 2017 Israelis You Should Know: Yitzhak Shamir

Lived: October 22, 1915  June 30, 2012

Known for: The seventh Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Shamir served as a military leader and politician before and after the establishment of the modern Jewish state.

Why you should know him: Born Yitzhak Yezernitsky in a Jewish village in what is now Belarus, Shamir later moved to Poland where he studied at a Hebrew high school and joined a Zionist youth movement. His law studies in Warsaw were cut short when he made aliyah (immigrated) to what was then British-mandate Palestine in 1935. Shamirs family was not so lucky, as his parents and two sisters were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Shamirs father, realizing that the Nazi extermination of the Jews was underway, once said, I have a son in the Land of Israel, and he will exact my revenge on them.

In the Holy Land, Yitzhak changed his surname to Shamir, which he told his wife means a thorn that stabs and a rock that can cut steel. He met his wife Shulamit when she made aliyah from Bulgaria, and the couple would have two children, Yair and Gilada.

Working in an accountants office, Shamir joined a Zionist paramilitary group that opposed British control of the Holy Land, spending the 1940s fighting for a Jewish state. Arrested by British authorities in 1946, a year later Shamir escaped by digging a 200-foot tunnel. He was rearrested, but soon granted asylum in the newly independent state of Israel in 1948.

In 1955, Shamir joined the Mossad, Israels intelligence agency, for which he worked for ten years. He directed Operation Damocles, which stopped German rocket scientists who were working on Egypts missile program. He also ran a unit that placed Mossad agents in hostile countries, created the Mossads planning division, and served on the agencys General Staff.

In 1973, Shamir was elected to the Knesset, Israels parliament, as a member of the Likud party. He became Speaker of the Knesset in 1977, Foreign Minister in 1980, and succeeded Menachem Begin as Israeli Prime Minister in 1983.

As Prime Minister, Shamir faced many challenges, including Israels situation following the 1982 Lebanon War, American calls for restraint during the Gulf War, and reestablishing diplomatic relations with several dozen nations in Africa, Asia, and elsewhere.

Shamir worked hard to help Jews from around the world make aliyah, including Operation Solomon (the airlifting of 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel) and bringing many Soviet Jewish refugees to their biblical homeland, as well.

Retiring in the 1990s, Yitzhak Shamir ended up as Israels third longest-serving premier, after only David Ben-Gurion and Benjamin Netanyahu.

After suffering from Alzheimers disease for many years, Shamir died in a Tel Aviv nursing home in 2012 and was buried at Mount Herzl. Israeli luminaries spoke out about this man who spent his life serving the Jewish state and her people.

Shimon Peres called Shamir a brave warrior for Israel, before and after its inception. Benjamin Netanyahu added that Shamir was part of a marvelous generation which created the state of Israel and struggled for the Jewish people. And as Shamirs body lay in state, Reuven Rivlin said:

Youre cast stone, Isaac, unbreakable. Bearing on your shoulders the burden of this nation the past and the future. Remembering in your heart the ashes of the crematoria and the hope of redemptionin the name of the state of Israel, we bow our heads to you. You were dedicated to the people all your life, and now from duty be released only by deathyoull be interred in the ground of Jerusalem, the ground of this good land, for which you have lived and fought.
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Considered one of the greatest French authors of all time, Victor Hugo cemented his place in the literary canon with The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and his epic historical novel Les Miserables.

Born in 1802, three-years after Napoleon seized power, he was already famous as a poet, artist and novelist by the time he was 30 and he had had time to study law.

As well as being a literary genius however, he could just as easily be remembered as a politician or a saint.

Commemorated in a Google Doodle on the 155th anniversary of the publication of the final chapter of Les Mis, here are some lesser known facts about the writers life, which was easily as colourful as his fiction:

He was a human rights activist

Hugo's influence extended beyond the world of literature. Many of his writings, including peasant Jean Valjean's quest for redemption after being jailed for stealing bread in Les Miserables, explored politics, poverty, justice and moral philosophy.

But he also used his status for push for social change.

After being elected to France's National Assembly in 1848, he broke with conservatives to call for universal suffrage, free education for all children, and an end to poverty.

His campaign to abolish the death penalty was also internationally renowned.

The best Google Doodles Show all 50 1 /50 The best Google Doodles The best Google Doodles Mister Rogers Google Doodle celebrating children's TV presenter Mister Rogers Google The best Google Doodles Lucy Wills Google Doodle celebrating haematologist Lucy Wills Google The best Google Doodles Falafel Google Doodle celebrating falafel Google The best Google Doodles St George's Day Google Doodle celebrating St George's Day Google The best Google Doodles James Wong Howe Google Doodle celebrating Hollywood golden age cinematographer James Wong Howe Google The best Google Doodles Seiichi Miyake Google Doodle celebrating Seiichi Miyake, developer of tactile paving Google The best Google Doodles Walter Cronkite Google celebrates US broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite's 100th birthday The best Google Doodles Lantern Festival 2016 Google celebrates the last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations with a doodle of the Lantern Festival Google The best Google Doodles Google Doodle celebrating 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France's most famous novel was written in Britain

A fierce critic of Napoleon, Hugo fled France after the 1851 coup d'etat that brought Bonaparte to power.

After spells in Belgium and Jersey he settled in the smaller Channel Island of Guernsey, where the writer would live for the next 15 years.

It proved to be one of the most productive periods of his life, as Hugo penned his two most celebrated volumes of poetry and most of Les Miserables - which he began in the 1845 but did not complete until 1862.

It means arguably the most famous work of French literature was actually written in Britain.

Recommended Why Les Miserables and Victor Hugo still matter

His cure for writer's block

As he laboured over Les Miserables, Hugo employed a unique strategy to force himself to write.

The author removed his clothes and locked himself in an empty room with nothing but a pen and paper to distract him.

He is said to have ordered his servants not to give him his clothes back until he had made progress on the novel, which eventually spanned more than 1,500 pages.

Saint Victor

Hugo is venerated as a saint in the Vietnamese religion of Cao Dai, which blends Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity.

The religious movement was founded in 1926, four decades after his death, with the French writer one of the first among its pantheon of saints.

A statue of Hugo sits in the Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh.

A complicated love life

Hugo married wife Adele Foucher in October 1822 and the couple lived together for nearly 46 years until her death.

But he also had multiple mistresses and enjoyed many casual affairs that biographers have abandoned attempts to compile a comprehensive account of his love life.

The womaniser's most devoted mistress, Juliette Drouet, joined him in exile in Guernsey and lived near his family home.

She wrote some 20,000 letters detailing her passion and venting her jealousy.
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Beyonce and Jay-Z have reportedly revealed the names of their newborn twins - Sir and Rumi.

Celebrity news site TMZ first reported the couple have trademarked the name for their new twins, believed to be a son and daughter.

It has now been confirmed by Sky News who say the couple have filed to US authorities to copyright 'Rumi Carter' and 'Sir Carter' to make sure no one else can profit from the names.

Although the pop superstar and the rapper have yet to comment on the matter themselves, the claims were submitted from an identical California address to an earlier application for the name of their five-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.

The 35-year-old star, whose 2016 album Lemonade narrowly missed out on a Grammy, announced she was pregnant in February. She posted an image showing her bump on Instagram.

 Grammys 2017: Pregnant Beyonce delivers moving performance

We would like to share our love and happiness. We have been blessed two times over. We are incredibly grateful that our family will be growing by two, and we thank you for your well wishes. The Carters, she wrote at the time.

Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Show all 16 1 /16 Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Blue Ivy kissing her mother, pregnant Beyonce Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce on a car Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Blue Ivy sitting next to her mother, pregnant Beyonce Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce underwater Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce underwater with other women Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce underwater Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce with daughter Blue Ivy Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce underwater Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce underwater Beyonce.com Beyonce's maternity photoshoot Pregnant Beyonce underwater Beyonce.com

TMZ said that the names were revealed in trademark documents filed to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Monday. Rumi is celebrated as the name of a Persian poet, born in 1207.

Beyonce and Jay-Zs company has filed papers to trademark the names for everything from fragrances and cosmetics to baby gear, tote bags and water bottles, TMZ said. Jay-Z's real name is Shawn Carter.

Reports said that Beyonce gave birth to the twins two weeks ago at University of California Medical Centre in Los Angeles and mother and children spent at the hospital for an undisclosed medical concern.
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A major 2.7m study into a controversial type of nicotine-based pesticide has found it can cause harm to bees, prompting environmentalists and some scientists to call for an outright ban.

Funded by two major agrochemical companies, the researchers discovered neonicotinoids were associated with negative effects on bees at sites in the UK and Hungary. However, they also found it had some positive effects on bees in Germany.

Nevertheless, writing in the leading journal Science, they concluded that the chemicals reduced the ability of bees to establish new populations the following year with a 24 per cent reduction in the Hungarian populations.

Neonics, as they are known, are already the subject of a partial ban by the European Union, which is considering preventing their use completely.

Other studies have reached similar conclusions but there were claims that these were either too small-scale or had not been carried out in real world conditions. The latest study was designed to put an end to the debate once and for all.

The Soil Association said the findings were the final, fatal blow to the idea that neonics were safe for bees. And one leading bee researcher, Professor Nigel Raine, of Guelph University, said that the overall message from the study was that the pesticides had appreciable negative impacts.

Syngenta, which provided some of the funding along with Bayer Cropscience, noted the researchers had found the direct mortality effects were likely to be rare and highlighted the positive and beneficial impact for bees at the German sites.

But it added that the study had also helped to identify issues that could be addressed to improve agriculture productivity while taking care of the environment.

Writing in Science, researchers said: For honey bees, we found both negative (Hungary and United Kingdom) and positive (Germany) effects during crop flowering.

In Hungary, negative effects on honey bees, associated with clothianidin [a type of neonic], persisted over winter and resulted in smaller colonies in the following spring (24 per cent declines).

In wild bees, reproduction was negatively correlated with neonicotinoid residues. These findings point to neonicotinoids causing a reduced capacity of bee species to establish new populations in the year following exposure.

Two leading bee scientists, who were not involved in the study, agreed that it showed neonics were damaging bees.

Professor David Goulson of Sussex University, said: This is by far the largest field trial ever conducted on the impacts of neonicotinoids on bees. Exposure of bees was entirely field-realistic; indeed, farmers simply followed normal farming practice.

The findings are in agreement with a number of earlier studies: field exposure to neonicotinoids has clear negative impacts on bumblebees and solitary bees.

Effects on honeybees were also predominantly negative but more variable. Interestingly, analysis of residues of neonicotinoids in bee nests suggests that much bee exposure was not from the treated crop adjacent to the colony but was coming from other sources in the landscape, suggesting widespread contamination of the environment.

In the light of this new study, continuing to claim that use of neonicotinoids in farming does not harm bees is no longer a tenable position.

Professor Raine said the long-awaited paper revealed varying impacts of neonicotinoid exposure.

But he added: The overall picture points towards appreciable negative impacts on these important pollinators across the time course of this study.

It is concerning that bumblebee colonies produce fewer queens, and solitary bees (Osmia bicornis) produce fewer offspring, where higher levels of exposure to neonicotinoids were found.

These bees represent the basis for the next generation of these species in the following year, and fewer of these important individuals could have significant impacts on population size and persistence.

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

However Professor Lin Field, head of the Department of Biological Chemistry and Crop Protection at Rothamsted Research, said the results were very mixed.

Overall most of the parameters tested show no significant differences and for those that do there are sometimes conflicting results, meaning that it is hard to draw any conclusions, she said. My feeling is that no firm conclusions can be drawn from these results.

Environmental groups called for the EU ban to be extended to all crops.

Vito Buonsante, a legal expert at ClientEarth, said: The fact that Bayer and Syngenta were involved in one of the studies will make it much harder for industry to trot out the traditional argument that the results can't be trusted as the methodology was wrong. This is yet more evidence that the EU should adopt a total ban on these chemicals.

Bees and wild pollinators are fundamental to our food supply, and we know neonicotinoids are threatening their existence. To let companies keep selling them, and farmers keep spraying them, would cause irreversible harm to the planet.

Sandra Bell, a Friends of the Earth nature campaigner, said the study showed neonics came with a nasty sting in the tail for our under-pressure bees.

Its time for a complete and permanent ban on these chemicals, she said. We can successfully grow crops without neonicotinoids, and without resorting to more pesticides. The UK government must now do more to help farmers grow the crops we need without harming Britains bees.

And Louise Payton, a Soil Association policy officer, said: This should now be the final, fatal blow to neonicotinoids.

With neonics widely polluting farms, and with UK farmers still treating most wheat, an outright ban is needed immediately.

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. 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In a statement, Syngenta sounded a positive note about the results of the study, led by experts at the UKs Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), but said it would seek to make improvements to their products.

Dr Peter Campbell, the companys head of research collaborations, said: We welcome the fact that the study concludes that neonicotinoid residues were detected infrequently... [and] direct mortality effects by exposure to high concentrations of neonicotinoids are likely to be rare.

We were also pleased to see that in Germany during crop flowering, the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments has a positive and beneficial impact for both honeybees and bumblebees.

The firm said other factors, such as beekeeping practices and planting wild flowers on field margins, could mean the impact of neonics was minimal or in some cases even positive.

Dr Campbell added: Syngenta is absolutely committed to improving bee health as bees are critical for the sustainability of agriculture and our business.

We are pleased that the CEH study has confirmed there are no consistent effects of thiamethoxam on bee health. The study has also helped to highlight areas where further measures can be taken to ensure our products improve agriculture productivity while taking care of the environment.
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Renewable energy generated a record amount of electricity in the first three months of this year, making up more than 26 per cent of the total produced in the UK, according to new government figures.

In total, some 24.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity came from wind, solar, hydro and other forms of clean energy, up by more than five per cent on the same period last year.

Onshore wind set a new record for a three-month period, providing 8.3 per cent of the UKs electricity.

Renewables provided 26.6 per cent of the total and, including nuclear, low-carbon sources made up 45.6 per cent.

Emma Pinchbeck, executive director of industry body RenewableUK, said in a statement: Renewable energy is a mainstream technology, which is cheaper and more advanced than ever.

Our innovative industries have matured to the point where we now reliably provide over 25 per cent of the UK with clean, sustainable power.

Its great to see that onshore wind has set a new record, producing more electricity than ever at a time of year when we need it most.

The record figures were produced despite lower wind speeds than last year, with the increase in renewable capacity more than making up for the shortfall.

 First commercial flight powered by renewable energy takes to skies

The Government report said: Onshore wind increased by 1.3 TWh (20 per cent) to 7.7 TWh in 2017 quarter one, the highest increase across the technologies.

Total wind generation increased by 10 per cent to 12.7 TWh; the increase in capacity was partially offset by lower wind speeds.

Solar increased by 16 per cent, from 1.5 TWh in 2016 quarter one to 1.7 TWh in 2017 quarter one due to increased capacity.

Decarbonising the UK economy is required to meet its international commitments as part of the attempt to reduce the effects of global warming.

10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke  filled with the carbon that is driving climate change  drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan

The UK has been doing relatively well in switching to low-carbon electricity, but has performed less well in the domestic heating and transport sectors.

The Governments own expert advisers, the Committee on Climate Change, chaired by former Conservative cabinet minister John Gummer, now Lord Deben, this week criticised ministers lack of action, warning the problem was happening, not waiting and it was neither justifiable nor wise to delay further.
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ASOS has been praised for using untouched photos of models that proudly show their stretchmarks in a move that has been hailed beautiful.

Consumers have commended the online retailers efforts for helping to make natural can be seen as normal after several images of women in swimwear and lingerie clearly show their natural skin without any airbrushing.

As such, delighted shoppers have taken to social media with an outpouring of support for the body positive message ASOS are sending.

So impressed with ASOS for not airbrushing the model's stretchmarks. She looks amazing! one Twitter user said in a post which has since been liked more than 158,000 times, with nearly 48,000 retweets.

Customers continued to share images of the models adding, 'ASOS not editing out girl's stretch marks on their swimwear photos is giving me so much life, look how beautiful they all are.

Another wrote, Hopefully this sets the standards of natural is normal!

Others were delighted to see that the move also extended to the brands curvy range, pointing out that the retailer was making a concerted effort not to show just one body type.

So proud of ASOS for using this beautiful curvy model you can see her stretch marks, she looks natural & amazing, one person tweeted.

An area of contention, numerous companies have been slated for their use of Photoshop to airbrush images especially within the fashion industry. Here, cellulite, stretchmarks and acne simply dont exist which makes ASOS decision to go against the grain all the more inspiring.

But, theyre not the only ones jumping on the body positivity movement.

New Zealand lingerie brand Lonely, American Eagles sister-company Aerie and Rheya swimwear have long used un-retouched portraits of women to advertise their products.

A decision which, in a world of advertising where so-called imperfections are erased without a thought, is groundbreaking.
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Eating chocolate is a world obsession that dates back to around 6000AD in Central America. Of course, its not what we would call chocolate today, as the ancient chocolately paste was mixed with water, honey and chilli to make a sort of early hot chocolate.

The first beans are thought to have been hauled back by Christopher Columbus in the early 16th century. And it was he and fellow explorer, Spanish Conquistador Don Hernan Cortes, we must thank for realising its commercial value, which has since spiralled into today's chocolate industry, where 660,000 tonnes of the stuff is sold annually in the UK. Thats an average of 11kg per person.

Sweets have come a long way from the timeless classics of Turkish delight and peppermint creams.

Dont get us wrong, each has certainly got its place, but as with anything in the food and drink world  from beer to cereals  consumers have moved on from the go-to brands in a search for a more ethical, sustainable, organic and hand crafted product. Instead, bars are subtly flavoured with more modern ingredients including sea salt, gin or chilli, making a more refined bar that isnt simply gobbled in one go. These bars, which are closer to their original state of cocoa, with vastly reduced amounts of sugar and milk  are to be enjoyed slowly, if you can.

So to celebrate, we are putting to the test some our favourite chocolate brands which have blended a quintessential tea  earl grey.

Coco Edinburgh: Earl grey tea and bergamot dark, 4.50, 80g- cocochoclate.co.uk

Based in Edinburgh, as the name suggests, the brand is one of Scotlands first chocolatiers, opening in 2004. Theres just the slightest crunch in texture from the earl grey leaves and it has a very delicate floral taste. It's made with beans from the Dominican Republic, and is vegan and gluten free.. We particularly like that the chocolate is hand wrapped in paper, and the wrapper is the visual epitome of how earl grey would look, with a purple floral design, (and no plastic in sight). Luckily, its not only available in Scotland, (you can buy online and in some shops around the UK) as this one needs to be shared. But if you are in Edinburgh, one of the two shops does chocolate connoisseur evenings.

Rococo: Earl grey tea, organic dark chocolate artisan bar, 5.50, 70g  rococochocolates.com

Food and drink news Show all 35 1 /35 Food and drink news Food and drink news Healthy living makes us more inclined to binge, research suggests Gluten-free breads, dairy-free milks and other plant-based products have been some of the most favoured foods in British supermarkets this year. However, while were busy filling our shopping trolleys with gluten-free goodness, were also jamming it with junk food and alcohol, new research suggests Getty/iStock Food and drink news Growing list of Vegan celebs Making the switch to veganism is a major lifestyle choice, one that many claim can improve energy levels, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and clear up any skin issues. Beyonce, Natalie Portman and Jessica Chastain are among the growing list of Hollywood stars who have eschewed animal products from their diets in recent years. 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. Researchers found that those who were sleep-deprived had specifically enhanced brain activity to the food smells compared to when they had a good nights sleep Shutterstock Food and drink news Drinking wine engages more of your brain than solving maths problems Drinking wine is the ideal workout for your brain, engaging more parts of our grey matter than any other human behaviour, according to a leading neuroscientist. Dr Gordon Shepherd, from the Yale School of Medicine, said sniffing and analysing a wine before drinking it requires exquisite control of one of the biggest muscles in the body Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news British dessert eating surges after people ditch healthy eating in February : In heartening news for anyone feeling guilty about quitting their New Year diet, it seems lots of us have given in to our sweet tooths once again. New data from nationwide food-delivery service Deliveroo reveals there was a surge in Brits ordering desserts in February compared to the first month of 2017 Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news US congress debates definition of milk alternatives A new bill has been created that seeks to ban dairy alternatives from using the term milk. Titled the DAIRY PRIDE Act, the name is a tenuous acronym for defending against imitations and replacements of yogurt, milk, and cheese to promote regular intake of dairy every day. It argues that the dairy industry is struggling as a result of all the dairy-free alternatives on the market and the public are being duped too Getty Images Food and drink news Cadburys launches two new chocolate bars UK confectionary giant Cadbury has launched two new chocolate bars, hoping to lure those with a sweet tooth and perhaps help combat some of the challenges it faces from rising commodity prices and a post-Brexit slump in the value of the pound.The companys new products will be peanut butter and mint flavoured. They will be available in most major super markets as 120g bars, priced at 1.49, according to the company Cadburys Food and drink news You can now get a job as a professional chocolate eater The company responsible for some of your favourite chocolate brands  think Cadbury, Milks, Prince and Oreo  have officially announced an opening to join their team as a professional chocolate taster. 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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

Wrapped in an air-tight foil, this bar has a slightly heavier crunch and a gorgeous smooth aroma of earl grey. It uses ground tea  which accounts for the texture  as well as a more noticeable touch of citrus. The 65 per cent bar is rich, but not bitter, as theres a little cocoa butter added in for to give it a silkier texture. The rather slight bar is split into horizontal sections  perfect for two bites. And the chocolate comes from their very own tree-to-bar farm, Grococo in Grenada.

Daylesford: Organic earl grey dark chocolate, 75g , 2.50  daylesford.com

At 63 per cent cocoa, this has the lowest chocolate content, but the best flavour  its stronger in smell and taste, but is still not overpowering. Instead it has a light, musky scent of bergamot which is partnered with the smoothness chocolate. While the earl grey flavour is the closet to a cup of the real stuff out of the five tested. The award-winning Cotswolds farms bar is not too thin and is divided into very small segments, helping you savour the bar  and its flavour  as it should be.

Presat: Tea Time Frolics, 85g, 4.25  libertylondon.com

As a milk chocolate, this one is slightly creamier than the others, but its still an excellent partner for the earl grey flavour. It has been infused with earl grey and adds a dash of bergamot oil. As part of one of the five Art Deco luxury bars, the Tea Time Frolics bar has been designed to celebrate a classic high tea. It's split into eight large sections, and has a velvety texture that's the milkiest of the lot, but still well balanced. It also has the strongest citrus taste of all the bars. Most of the chocolate comes from west Africa and all is fairly traded, where the Prestats own scheme gives farmers information on cultivation to help improve earnings.

Hotel Chocolat: Supermilk earl grey selector, 3.85  hotelchocolat.com

The brands supermilk chocolate has all the pleasure of milk chocolate and the power of the dark as there's a drop more milk and 20 per cent less sugar. Despite being 65 per cent cocoa, this one is a little milkier and is one of the grittiest in texture. The flavour is also very subtle in this bar, which comes as two slabs in one clear plastic packet. This one would be better suited for people who prefer a more milkier chocolate with a fainter perfume.

Verdict  our favourite is the Daylesford, for its smoothness and taste which is closest to a cup of the real stuff. Its also the cheapest too. Its closely followed by the Prestat tea time frolics bar, which is an ever so slightly creamier option, better suited to people who arent such fans of dark chocolate.
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Two summers ago Sileshi Alifom tried to create an East African lasagna. It was part of his ongoing campaign to refine the food at the white-tablecloth Das Ethiopian Cuisine in Washington DC. Semi-frozen sections of injera, the fermented Ethiopian flatbread, served as his noodles  Alifom layered them with a yellow split-pea puree, collard greens, red-lentil stew and a mild cheese, all flavours from his childhood.

While unorthodox, the Ethiopian lasagne is rooted in East African cooking. Neighbouring Eritrea was an Italian colony for decades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Under Benito Mussolini Italy occupied Ethiopia from 1936 to 1941. Its food and drink left a permanent mark on both Ethiopia and Eritrea, one of the very few outside influences on cooking in the region.

Yet regardless of its legitimacy, Alifoms lasagne did not set firmly, nor was it particularly pleasing to the eye. It was delicious  but was it something that was useable and sellable? He knows the answer, of course  he used to work for the Marriott chain. When you started digging into it, the thing was moving left and right.

You might wonder why anyone would feel the need to refine one of the worlds most singular cuisines, a spicy and essentially sweet-free set of dishes that are consumed with your hands, the tactile experience as important as the gustatory one. Chefs and restaurateurs have their motivations: they might be threatened by creeping gentrification. They may feel the need to raise the price of what some consider cheap immigrant food to cover expenses. Or they may just want to see the food evolve, as part of the creative process that pushes all cuisines forward, whether Spanish, Chinese or Japanese.

Whatever the reason, anyone who wishes to adapt Ethiopian food for a modern diner must confront the same problem: dishes such as red-lentil wat and split-yellow-pea alicha are loose and stewy, their wet ingredients hard to corral or, worse, potentially corrosive to inventions such as Ethiopian lasagne with injera. Alifom learned fast that to incorporate the flavours of Ethiopia into upscale preparations, he would need more culinary skill than he possessed. A chef, in fact, someone trained to see a stew not just as a stew but as a combination of components that could be transformed into something altogether new.

Historically, such a person has been hard to find in  or even introduce to  the Ethiopian immigrant community in the US. Most Ethiopian chefs in America learned their skills at home, passed down from one generation to another, and many of these chefs do not willingly share their secrets with strangers, other chefs or their own family members.

Mama said knock you out: Etetes Tiwaltengus Shenegelgn with chef Christopher Roberson (Washington Post)

Mum doesnt share the recipes. Like, the kids dont really know them. One knows, kind of, says Christopher Roberson, the newly installed chef at Etete on the edge of the rapidly gentrifying Shaw neighbourhood in Washington.

The mum in this case is Tiwaltengus Etete Shenegelgn, the namesake behind Etete, which means mama in Amharic. She is the mother of Yared and Henok Tesfaye, brothers who co-founded a parking business and channelled their profits into a restaurant to showcase their mothers cooking. Stylish in decor but still traditional in cuisine, Etete debuted in 2004 in the 1900 block of Ninth Street NW, a strip that once sought official city recognition as Little Ethiopia.

The block was actually not the first part of DC to entice Ethiopians, who began fleeing their country in the mid-1970s, following the overthrow of emperor Haile Selassie and the installation of a military government. The refugees first arrived in the Adams Morgan district, which soon became the nerve centre of Ethiopian food and culture in Washington, a city that had long attracted the East Africans with its mix of political power and educational opportunities.

But like Adams Morgan before it, the Ninth Street strip eventually grew too expensive for the family restaurants and businesses that had helped make it a destination. So the Ethiopian community shifted its base again, settling in suburbs such as Silver Spring, where expats continued to do what theyve always done: cater to their own kind, in a region that can accommodate such radical movements. The Washington area, after all, has the highest concentration of Ethiopian immigrants in America.

This pattern of rebuilding a community in a new location has meant that Ethiopian restaurants have rarely been forced to adapt to new diners and new palates. The restaurants largely serve the Ethiopian community, says Harry Kloman, a journalism instructor at the University of Pittsburgh, who has been researching and reporting on Ethiopian eateries since the early 2000s. You go into most Ethiopian restaurants in DC, you will find that most of the clientele is Ethiopian.

Besides, as celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson says, his fellow Ethiopians are not always open to change, perhaps a carryover from the African country which has remained largely independent throughout its history.

Were very traditional as people, Ethiopians, says Samuelsson, the chef behind Red Rooster in Harlem and Marcus at MGM National Harbour. If you look at most other African countries, theyve been colonised. So they were much more open to other things. Were not.

The Tesfaye brothers were determined to remain a presence on Ninth Street, even if it meant blowing up everything about their original Etete, including the prices, which now cross the $20 (16) threshold for larger plates. They have essentially conformed to a neighbourhood where one-bedroom apartments can cost 2,400 a month and where the retail options run the gamut from an art-house movie theatre to a specialist grocery shop.

The siblings found inspiration in the work of restaurateurs such as Ashok Bajaj, the New Delhi native who had pioneered upscale Indian cooking in Washington with the four-star Rasika in Penn Quarter. Were catching up with the neighborhood, Yared Tesfaye says weeks before the remodelled Etete reopens  its mid-March. Were trying to make it the Rasika of Ethiopian restaurants.

The new Etete does not just mimic restaurants where traditional Ethiopian dishes are presented in more refined settings, sometimes served on elegant plateware rather than gebeta trays covered with injera. Nor does the new Etete follow the lead of counter-service operations such as the Ethio Express Grill in DC, where you can cobble together a fast-casual meal that only passingly resembles Ethiopian cooking. Or the stylish but traditionally minded Letena where you can substitute rice or pitta bread for injera.

No, the Tesfaye brothers wanted a more comprehensive overhaul. They wanted a restaurant that pushed Ethiopian food into previously unexplored areas, seeking not only refinement but also, perhaps, a fusion with other cuisine. But the siblings, like Alifom at Das, knew they were out of their element. They and their mother couldnt create such a restaurant by themselves. They would need help, and not just the help of longtime friend Nancy Koide, co-owner of the modern Asian restaurant SEI, who updated the interiors and operations at Etete.

What Yared and Henok Tesfaye really needed was a chef. Enter Etetes Roberson. The 30-year-old African-American chef is not formally trained but he has studied under some of the finest chefs in Washington.

Roberson was not naive about the difficulties of his assignment. He was familiar with Ethiopian cuisine, both as a diner and as a cook who occasionally prepared the food at home. But he doesnt speak Amharic, which presented problems in collaborating with Shenegelgn, who has not mastered the English language. But perhaps most problematic, Roberson didnt grow up with the taste of Ethiopian food on his tongue. He would have to train himself to know when the flavours were right, no small task.

Shenegelgn proved to be a tough but patient teacher, especially in instructing Roberson on the art of cooking Ethiopian vegetables.

She was like, You have to do the lentils this way, and you have to know how to make it, says Roberson. Were going to make these things four times, five times. I want you to make it, and I want to taste it. I want you to keep making it until it tastes right.

Yet the chef was not limited to the flavours or techniques of Ethiopian cooking when composing dishes. The owners gave Roberson carte blanche to draw inspiration from his own culinary background.

As a result the opening menu at the revamped Etete reads unlike anything youve seen before in an Ethiopian restaurant. Roberson has created an injera taco, stuffed with doro wat, the signature chicken stew of Ethiopia. Hes rejigged the raw beef dish, kitfo, into a steak tartare preparation with injera crisps. Hes even added black-eyed-pea fritters to the menu, for a taste of West Africa. Traditionalists need not worry: There are also a couple of large-format offerings served on a platter with injera.

Most of Robersons dishes are small plates, borrowing the format common to countless restaurants in the Districts contemporary, tapas-centric dining scene. Such plates may be foreign to Ethiopian restaurants, but they preserve, in their own limited way, an important element in Ethiopian dining: the communal feast.

Robersons dishes, in fact, are not far removed from what other chefs have created in their limited experiments with Ethiopian flavors. When Samuelsson opened Marcus at MGM National Harbor late last year, he had a pot pie on the menu. It was filled with doro wat, chopped liver and egg. At Merkato 55, his short-lived adventure in Pan-African cooking in New Yorks Meatpacking District in the late 2000s, Samuelsson served a rack of lamb rubbed with berbere, the nuclear Ethiopian spice blend. Likewise, on his menu at Cockscomb in San Francisco, chef Chris Cosentino offers berbere-spiced carrots with charred dates and labneh.

You got to do it with a wink, says Samuelsson. My aim is to make something delicious, not to be authentic. Were not in Ethiopia, you know what I mean?

Whom, you may ask, is this upscale Ethiopian food designed to feed? American diners who want to try Ethiopian cuisine but dont want to eat with their hands? Second- or third-generation Ethiopian Americans who are not invested in authenticity?

Kloman, the journalism instructor and Ethiopian dining expert, thinks such fare may alienate the very people who used to frequent places like Etete. I think most everyday Ethiopians would not be the least bit interested in something like this, he says.

But then Kloman pauses and thinks about a strange phenomenon in Ethiopian restaurants: Americans are the ones who usually order the beers imported from Ethiopia, not the expats. Ethiopian immigrants apparently prefer Guinness or Heineken, which they view as status symbols.

So, Kloman reflects, maybe some immigrants would take to fancy Ethiopian food after all. As a pretence, he says, they might be interested.

 The Washington Post
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It was the streets made of marble glistening in the sun that first struck me the first time I visited Dubrovnik. Every one of the winding roads seemed to contain its own form of baroque or medieval beauty, with little shops, restaurants or cafes tucked into historic buildings. There are no cars in the Unesco-listed Old Town, either, which just adds to the feeling that youve been sent back in time.

Dubrovnik has not been immune to change over the decades. What was once a beautiful but not-so-touristy city is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in Europe, thanks to its beautiful weather, stunning architecture and incredible food and drink. Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, the citys fascinating history is complemented by some of the best beaches in Europe for sipping drinks and doing water sports.

Here is my selection of must-sees and things to do:

Old Town

Recognise it? Dubrovniks streets feature heavily in TV series Game of Thrones

By far the most beautiful area of Dubrovnik, the Old Town has 1,400 years of history and its architecture is some of the most impressive in Europe. Explore the streets and get a feel for the Croatian way of life.

Walk along the city walls

The Old Town is marked out by its famous medieval fortress walls  walking along them provides the perfect vantage point over the city and the sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic. You will come across museums, cafes and even an aquarium, all of which offer amazing views of Dubrovniks red rooftops and the Stradun  this quarters main street.

Catch a show at the Troubadour Jazz Cafe

If youre a fan of jazz or just live music in general, a stop at this famous bar is a must. Its the only place in Dubrovnik that plays live jazz every evening. Most nights the dancing makes its way out into the street, with locals and tourists alike appreciating the band. The terrace looks out over the cathedral, too, so youve got some beautiful architecture to look at while you groove along to the music.

Pick up some souvenirs in Gundulic Square

The only open market within the city walls, Gundulic Square is home to an array of local delicacies and typical Croatian products that are perfect for taking home after your trip. Bags full of locally grown dried lavender fill the air with heady, floral scents as you browse the stalls, and there are plenty of Croatian sweets and liqueurs to stock up on. The market is only open until 1pm, so get there early and enjoy the morning sunshine.

Vineyards

Being so close to the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic Sea means Dubrovnik is home to some truly incredible seafood. Paired with some local wine, theres nothing quite like a meal in the city.

Mali Ston Bay is home to some of the best oysters in the world

Grab some seafood street food at Barba

Octopus burgers, tempura prawns, local oysters  if youre a fan of fish and seafood then a meal at Barba is a must. The small family-run restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, is very affordable and serves great local beer to go along with the dishes on offer. You can even leave your mark by writing a message on one of the wooden forks and adding it to the collection on the wall.

Eat the world-famous oysters at Mali Ston Bay

Oysters have been farmed at Mali Ston Bay  just an hours drive from Dubrovnik  since Roman times, and are famous the world over for their unique, clean taste. For one of the best experiences in all of Croatia, hop on a boat and sail out to the beds, where one of the farmers will catch, prepare and serve oysters as fresh as they can possibly be. Washed down with some local wine, its guaranteed to be the highlight of any foodies trip, if not year.

Discover Croatian wine country on the Peljesac Peninsula

Croatian wine has experienced a complete transformation over the past 20 years, going from relatively unknown and generic varieties to some of the most exciting in Europe today. The Peljesac Peninsula is where some of the best is made, and there are many wineries offering tours, tastings and incredible views of the valleys that stretch into the oceans below. The Frano Milos Winery is one of the most exciting in Croatia, making the most of organic local Plavac mali grapes.

The Pejelsac Peninsula not only looks stunning  its where Croatias most exciting wines are produced

Life by the sea

Whether youre more of a sun-lounger or like getting involved in some activities on the water, Dubrovniks coastline and surrounding islands are one of the main reasons the city is so popular. Pack your swimming costume and enjoy the stunning weather of the Adriatic.

Hire a sea kayak and paddle to Lokrum Island

Seeing the abandoned Benedictine monastery on Lokrum Island is a sight to behold, and offers some of the best photo opportunities of any holiday Ive been on. To get there, however, you have to take to the water. The best method of transport by far is a sea kayak. Paddling out to the island offers spectacular views of Dubrovniks coast, and after a few beers or a coffee on Lokrum you can paddle back as the sun sets.

Bask in the beauty of the Adriatic at Banje Beach

Dubrovniks most famous beach is popular for a reason  beautiful sunshine, clean sand and the pale blues of the Adriatic Sea make Banje more like a Caribbean beach than a European one. As well as relaxing on the sand in the sun, you can hire a pedal boat (or even a jet ski) and explore the surrounding coastline.

Refresh yourself at Buza Bar

Buza Bar is one of Dubrovniks hottest spots and the perfect place to watch cliff-divers

Dubrovnik is home to many great bars, but Buza Bar is by far the best. Enter through the small gateway in the city walls, order a drink and take a seat while looking out from the cliff and across the ocean. Many come here to take part in a spot of cliff-diving, which is fascinating to watch, and its one of the few places in Dubrovnik that you can get a good look at the steep, striking cliffs that surround much of the city.

Still have time to spare?

1. Take the cable car to Mount Srd and see Dubrovnik from above for an unparalleled view of the city. Built in 1969, the cable cars go right up to the Imperial Fortress, where on a clear day you can gaze nearly 40 miles into the distance.

2. Go on a Game of Thrones walking tour and experience the real life settings of places like Kings Landing and the Red Keep. Dubrovniks Old Town has been featured in the series since it began, and for any fan of the show this is a must.

3. Go wine-tasting at the Matusko Winery and Wine Bar and discover how much Croatian wine has changed in the past 20 years. While the wineries of the Peljesac Peninsula are famous for making the wine, its the bars in Dubrovnik that helped spread the word.
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Elon Musk has finished the first part of his plan to dig huge holes under Los Angeles, and is almost ready to start putting cars into it.

His newest project, known as The Boring Company, has officially started digging under the city. The boring machine named Godot has finished the first part of a huge tunnel under the ground, he announced on Twitter.

The beginning of the plan marks a major step because it wasn't clear until now whether Los Angeles authorities would let Mr Musk start digging outside his property around the SpaceX building.

Mr Musk also said that the first car elevator  required to get the cars underground  is almost operational. It will start operating next week, he wrote on Twitter.

The idea behind The Boring Company is that people will be able to travel around underground and free up roads, reducing traffic especially in busy areas like Los Angeles. But unlike his proposals for the Hyperloop train, they'll do those journeys in their own cars  travelling underground and onto automated sleds, which will carry their cars to their destination.

"To solve the problem of soul-destroying traffic, roads must go 3D, which means either flying cars or tunnels," The Boring Company's website reads. "Unlike flying cars, tunnels are weatherproof, out of sight and won't fall on your head.

"A large network of tunnels many levels deep would fix congestion in any city, no matter how large it grew (just keep adding levels). The key to making this work is increasing tunneling speed and dropping costs by a factor of 10 or more  this is the goal of The Boring Company."
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The cyber attack that broke many of the world's biggest companies was intent only on destruction.

Experts say that initial suggestions that the software was being used to make money may have been a distraction. The software might instead be part of a plan simply to cripple as many systems, companies and countries as possible, they said.

The software itself suggested it was ransomware  when it was loaded up and had taken over users' computers, it asked for money to get the files back. But actually paying that money wasn't possible, and so it generated a tiny amount of cash.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. 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The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

Instead that ransom might have been a way of hiding the true motives of the people behind the malware.

"It is clear that this was targeted indiscriminately at Ukrainian businesses, and the Ukrainian government," Jake Williams, president of the security firm Rendition Infosec and a former member of the U.S. National Security Agency's elite cyberwarfare group, told The Associated Press in an online chat. "The 'ransomware' component is just a smokescreen (and a bad one)."

The attack started in Ukraine before making its way quickly and indiscriminately across the world. But the country took most of the brunt of the attack, with banks and other important infrastructure having their systems taken offline and so being unable to function.

"There is still a lot of damage, especially in banks," said Victor Zhora, CEO of the Kiev cybersecurity firm InfoSafe. "ATMs are working (again) but some bank operations are still limited." He estimated damage in "the millions of dollars, perhaps tens of millions."

And that's just in Ukraine. Microsoft said the malware hit at least 64 nations, including Russia, Germany and the United States. "I expect that we will see additional fallout from this is the coming days," said Williams.

The ransom system appeared to have been set up very badly, if attackers were aiming to make money. They asked victims to send proof that they had handed over cash to one specific email address  but that address was frozen by the provider within hours, taking it offline, and leaving the attackers making only $10,000.

Some security researchers said that the people behind the attack wouldn't even have been able to unlock encrypted computers, even if they wanted to.

Researchers have said that it's possible the attack came from Russia, and perhaps within the Russian state. Clues include the timing  the attack came the same day as the assassination of a senior Ukrainian military intelligence officer and a day before a national holiday celebrating the new Ukrainian constitution signed after the breakup of the Soviet Union

"Everything being said so far does point to Russia being a leading candidate for a suspect in this attack," said Robert M. Lee, CEO of Dragos Inc. an expert who has studied the attacks on Ukraine's power grid.

What's most worrisome and reprehensible, said Lee, is that whoever was behind the attack was unconcerned about the indiscriminate, collateral damage it caused  much of it within Russia itself. That's highly unusual behaviour for nation-states.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
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Twitter is exploring the idea of building a fake news button, a new report says.

The feature is currently said to be in a prototype phase, but could roll out in the future as a convenient way for users to stop the spread of false stories.

How it would work isnt yet clear, but anonymous sources familiar with the plans say a fake news button could sit next to individual tweets.

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Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

Users would be able to access it through a tiny tab appearing in a drop-down menu, according to the Washington Post.

In its current form, the drop-down menu on Twitter updates lets you mute or block a user, or report the tweet.

Its an interesting idea, though Twitter is being cautious because of fears that people might use the new button to game the system.

Twitter spokesperson Emily Horne has said that company has no current plans to launch it, though this could change as the feature develops further.

According to a recent study from the University of Oxford, pro-Leave bots played a small but strategic role in shaping Twitter conversations during the EU referendum last year.

Bots are working with trolls to spread propaganda and manipulate Twitter and Facebook users political views, and affected the outcome of the 2016 US Presidential election, it added.

The report called on social media sites to redesign themselves in order to regain trust.

Computational propaganda is now one of the most powerful tools against democracy. Social media firms may not be creating this nasty content, but they are the platform for it.

They need to significantly redesign themselves if democracy is going to survive social media.

Hackers have also started cloning trusted Twitter accounts in order to spread fake news.
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The UK government has been warned of the serious consequences that will be suffered if it insists on introducing highly controversial new technology regulations.

Theresa May wants to weaken encryption and increase censorship, and is planning to forcing internet companies to let spies and agencies read everyone's private communications.

UK government ministers this week discussed surveillance proposals with representatives from the US, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia at a Five Eyes meeting in Ottawa.

However, a coalition of privacy advocates has told the government that its plans will have disastrous consequences.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

Ministers and Attorneys General also noted that encryption can severely undermine public safety efforts by impeding lawful access to the content of communications during investigations into serious crimes, including terrorism, the ministers said in a Joint Communique following the Five Eyes meeting.

To address these issues, we committed to develop our engagement with communications and technology companies to explore shared solutions while upholding cybersecurity and individual rights and freedoms.

Ms May has accused technology firms of providing terrorists with safe spaces, and tried to deflect blame for the recent terrorist attacks at Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge on such companies, despite the fact that some of the perpetrators were known to security services.

While the challenges of modern day security are real, such proposals threaten the integrity and security of general purpose communications tools relied upon by international commerce, the free press, governments, human rights advocates, and individuals around the world, reads an open letter from the coalition, which is addressed to a number of ministers, including Amber Rudd.

Earlier this year, Ms Rudd branded WhatsApp encryption "unacceptable", and called on the company to let secret services read encrypted messages.

This wouldn't actually be possible, as WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption works in such a way that doesn't even allow the company to access users' messages.

Recommended May says Finsbury Park mosque attack justifies her internet crackdown

We urge you, as leaders in the global community, to remember that encryption is a critical tool of general use," it continues. "It is neither the cause nor the enabler of crime or terrorism. As a technology, encryption does far more good than harm.

The document calls the surveillance plans shortsighted and counterproductive, and explains that even if measures to restrict access to strong encryption are adopted within Five Eyes countries, criminals, terrorists, and malicious government adversaries will simply switch to tools crafted in foreign jurisdictions or accessed through black markets.

The letter adds: Meanwhile, innocent individuals will be exposed to needless risk. Law-abiding companies and government agencies will also suffer serious consequences.
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A Harley Street cosmetic surgeon says that the average age of women going under the knife is just 39  down from 42 three years ago.

While liposuction, tummy tucks, facelifts and Botox are generally associated with people trying stave off the ravages of old age later in life  Dr Julian De Silva says it's actually now often women who havent even hit middle age.

Meanwhile for men, the average age has fallen from 47 to 45, which is when the Oxford English Dictionary defines as the beginning of middle age.

He made the claims after reviewing thousands of patient records over the past five years, and said that it's vitally important for patients to be carefully vetted before they're operated on.

Recommended Chinplants are the latest plastic surgery craze to hit the UK

He said the Instagram culture of filtered selfies was partly responsible for the rise in people choosing to undergo surgery, but he insisted that many young people do thoughtfully consider it before taking the plunge.

"They have done their research and have made a positive decision to improve their appearance. They may see their large nose, baggy eyelids, thin lips or weak chin as a barrier to acceptance and want to make a positive life change."

The doctor, who runs the Centre for Advanced Facial Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery in Hammersmith, also said that social media gives more visibility to those whove undergone procedures.

Reshaping of the nose is the most popular procedure for men (Getty Images)

"(People) also pick up on very high profile cases where a relatively young, well-known person has improved their appearance through facial cosmetic surgery - a good recent example being the Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington having rhinoplasty at the age of 25 to improve the appearance of her nose. Her face was transformed by the surgery and it gave her added body confidence."

A review of the cosmetic industry in England by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh in 2013 saw the industry tightened up, banning two-for-one operation deals, enforcing a period of reflection for patients before undergoing surgery, and cleaning up advertising practices.

According to plastic surgeon Dr Daniel Martin, of Toronto, three key factors to consider are the recovery time (its general longer than people expect), whether their expectations are realistic, and choosing the correct surgeon for the type of procedure required.

UK cosmetic surgery trade body BAAPS says more than 30,000 cosmetic procedures were carried out on men and women in the UK last year. The majority of these  28,341  were carried out on women. The most popular procedure for women is breast enlargement, while for men its surgery to reshape their nose.
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A young Malaysian woman who suffered years of abuse over her mole-covered face could be crowned the next Miss Universe.

Evita Delmundo, 20, was born with large moles on her face and body as well as a large birthmark which spans across her neck and shoulders.

But despite years of relentless bullying, even being branded a monster, Delmundo has learned to find beauty in her moles and refused to have removal surgery.

With an Instagram account teeming with smiling selfies, the young woman appears to have confidence in spades but she is open about the fact that finding self-acceptance didnt happen overnight.

It definitely wasn't easy for me. I got bullied in primary school and the other kids would call me names like 'Monster' or 'Chipsmore', which was really tough to swallow as a young girl, she told Elle Malaysia.

"In primary school, no one wanted to be friends with me. Basically, I was a lonely girl."

As she grew up, Delmundo gained confidence but also became increasingly aware of her moles, a number of which have tufts of hair growing from them.

But despite dreaming of having them removed, doctors warned that the procedure could put the then 16-year-olds life at risk so she decided it was time to accept the body she was given.

Now working part-time in a local cafe, Delmundo has put the years of feeling heartbroken and shy behind her and is up for Miss Malaysia with the potential to go on and win Miss Universe.

In a world where were constantly judged on our looks, the young beauty hopes that her story and attitude will inspire others to accept their bodies just as they are.

None of us are born perfect and all of us have our own strengths and weaknesses. So don't see any of your flaws as a barrier to achieving what you want, she said.

At the end of the day, everyone has something special about them, so be proud of whatever makes you 'you.
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Property fraud can be complex. A case against fraudster Edwin McLaren just concluded at the High Court in Glasgow, having taken more than 320 days to present the evidence that saw him sentenced to 11 years.

That case involved a complex and lengthy crime that saw him net around 1.6m from vulnerable homeowners, often as they battled debt or struggled with bereavement. Its a case that gained notoriety both for the number of victims involved and the length of time it took  the longest criminal trial in the UKs legal history.

McLaren took advantage of desperate, old and vulnerable people. By offering his services as a financial adviser, he gained their trust and encouraged them to hand over the title deeds of their properties with the promise of a large pay-out that would clear their debts or help support them.

Neill Blundell, the head of corporate crime and investigations at Eversheds Sutherland, explains: McLaren clearly set up a scheme designed to defraud the owners that was intricate and clever but also reasonably straight forward. It required the victims to trust him and he got their consent to pay monies into particular accounts and to transfer their ownership. That was why it worked.

It is a lesson to us all to always probe these type of schemes to ensure their validity and also an indicator that we should take independent legal advice on anything of such importance as the ownership of our homes.

Yet while McLarens sentence made headlines, many such crimes are barely reported on by the media. And that is despite a growing trend for sophisticated property fraud, fuelled by an overheated market.

No warning

Essentially, property fraud is where someone steals your identity and sells or mortgages your property by pretending to be you, explains Alex Gosling, CEO of the online estate agents HouseSimple.com.

You may have no clue your property has been sold until a sold sign appears outside the front door.

Common types of property fraud include people selling properties they do not own to innocent third parties, or obtaining mortgages and pocketing the money. More sophisticated scams involve persuading people to pay into non-existent investment schemes.

Property owners who are particularly vulnerable are landlords, people who own their home without a mortgage, anyone whose home is not registered at HM Land Registry and those who work abroad regularly, leaving their home vacant. With increasing numbers of people going into residential care, theres also a real risk of empty family homes being targeted by criminals.

James Fownes, an associate partner and property litigation specialist at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, warns that the criminals are getting cleverer.

Fraudulent property schemes are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly take advantage of technology and access to personal data, he explains. Many schemes involve identity fraud or innocent parties being taken in by compelling and yet plausible marketing ploys that may seem too good to be true.

And this can leave victims considerably out of pocket. Situations where a property is sold using forged documents, can lead to difficult questions regarding the terms or rights of redress. For example, if a fraudster forges documents in order to sell person As property to person B, both persons A and B are innocent in terms of the transaction and both may wish to retain ownership of the property.

Corporate targets

There are many different types of property fraud and often the financial victim is a company  perhaps a loan firm or investment firm. However, the inconvenience to the homeowner can be immense, particularly if it is perpetrated as part of a wider identity theft.

Alan Andrews, a spokesperson for KIS Finance, has seen several recent attempts at fraud as his company provides bridging finance for property purchases and this is a popular target for fraudsters.

He says: Fraudsters seem to be under the false belief that fewer checks are done, meaning they have a great chance of pulling off their fraud.

In January 2017 a mother and daughter were found guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud. The owner of a valuable London property did not live at the address, had no mortgage on it and rented the property out.

The mother changed her name by Deed Poll to that of the registered owner. She applied for a bridging loan of 1.2m by duping the loan company, her solicitor and the surveyor, who came to the house to value the property, that she was the owner of the house.

On completion, the bridging loan was paid into a bank account in Dubai. When the application forms were sent to Land Registry to register the lenders mortgage interest in the property it was identified as fraudulent and the application was cancelled. The genuine owner of the property did not lose the property but the loan company had already paid out the funds.

Unknown victims

Corporate victims of property fraud will suffer but any individuals affected can find themselves potentially out of pocket but also facing legal difficulties.

Louise Scott-Nichols, a commercial property lawyer at LHS Solicitors, says: Unsuspecting parties to a transaction can not only suffer the loss of significant sums of money and their home from beneath their feet, but in addition damaged credit ratings that take years to build back up, escalating legal fees and in the case of a company, long-lasting damage to its reputation.

When it comes to mortgage fraud, unfortunately we cannot see the true picture as many victims do not know they have been victims of fraud until they come to sell their property, which may be many years later. It is likely that victims are 'building up' and gradually more and more are becoming aware of the problem and discovering they are victims.

There are steps that property owners who feel they may be vulnerable to this kind of fraud: the most important is ensuring that the home is registered at HM Land Registry, which most will be if they were bought or mortgaged since 1998.

Scott-Nichols adds: If the owner does fall victim and the property isnt registered at HM Land Registry, it will be extremely difficult to obtain compensation. Therefore, its vital to check with HM Land Registry.

When a property is registered its possible for the owner to receive alerts if someone applies to change the register. The owner can also put a restriction on the property title, meaning a solicitor would have to verify the true owner before they could progress with a sale.

More frequent frauds

Even for those who feel they are not likely to fall victim to an investment scam or that their property is not especially vulnerable to thieves, there are still plenty of real-estate-related scams that could cause unwitting victims some serious financial pain.

Paula Higgins, chief executive of the Homeowners Alliance, says that homeowners who live in their properties full time may be less likely to be affected by this type of fraud but they should not consider themselves off the hook.

The most common form of property fraud occurs during the buying process and surrounds interception of payment. The fraudster will be aware of when transactions will take place and will intercept the process via the conveyancer, who will receive notification to transfer the funds from the sale to a different bank account. The buyer duly sends the necessary funds to this account and the money is lost. Thankfully this kind of fraud is becoming less frequent as conveyancers are become more astute to the practise.

Other scams to be aware of include quick sale companies who agree to buy your home at a set price and then drop the price just before the deal completes and online shopping and auction platforms, where homes are advertised but they are not legally owned by the seller.
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France will set up a special court to handle English-law cases for financial contracts after Britain leaves the European Union, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Thursday as Paris steps up its charm offensive to attract banks.

In a roadshow in New York where he was meeting Wall Street banks, Le Maire, a conservative poached by new President Emmanuel Macron, said France no longer considered finance an enemy, in a dig to his Socialist predecessor.

Finance is not the enemy, unemployment is the enemy, Le Maire said, referring to former president Francois Hollande who swept to power in 2012 declaring finance his enemy and imposing a now-defunct tax on millionaires.

Seeking to capitalise on Macron's pro-business outlook, Le Maire told a conference at the Economic Club of New York that France would create a special court to handle disputes related to financial contracts governed by English law once Britain leaves the EU.

Most loan and derivative contracts in Europe are written in English law, but Britain's exit from the European Union raises problems about how they would be enforced outside of Britain.

All proceedings will take place in English. We will hire people with experience in common law regardless of where they come from, Le Maire said.

While Macron, a former investment banker, is more relaxed about the use of English than previous French leaders, the move marks a big step for a country that takes deep pride in its language and cherishes its legal system rooted in Roman law.

Long gone are the days when you could only do business or speak to regulators in French. We will always be proud of our language, but we also understand the need to make it easier for financial institutions operating in France, Le Maire said in a speech delivered in English.

Macron's government is keen to convince Wall Street banks to dump London for Paris, hoping to override concerns about its rigid labor laws and high taxes with plans to push through reforms to make doing business easier.

Attracting major U.S. banks to Paris, rather than letting them settle in London, Dublin, Amsterdam or Frankfurt, is about creating jobs in France, bringing wealth to France, Le Maire said.

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.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is to announce measures in the coming weeks to boost the attractiveness of Paris as a global financial hub, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.

In New York, Le Maire was due to meet executives from banks JPMorgan, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Lazard, private equity firm KKR, fund giant Blackrock and hedge fund Paulson & Co.

Former Bank of France governor Christian Noyer told Reuters this week that banks from London had been quietly securing licenses to operate from Paris after Brexit.

Reuters
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Hundreds of boxes of Weetabix have been held hostage by New Zealand customs officials following a complaint by rival cereal company Weet-Bix.

Around 300 boxes arrived last week for Christchurch grocers A Little Bit of Britain, but food giant Sanitarium argued that customers would get confused with their own cereal, Weet-Bix.

This week, Sanitarium sent a letter to Lisa Wilson, the co-owner of A Little Bit of Britain, informing her that the cereal will only be released if a sticker is put over the Weetabix label, and she blanked out the name Weetabix when selling it online.

Other British stores have complied with Sanitariums demands, but Ms Wilson has accused the company of bullying her small family business.

They [Sanitarium] walk in and slap an agreement down and it is quite daunting for a very small business ... they are trying to bully the small guys, Ms Wilson told The Guardian.

They are trying to force us to do what they want because they are a multimillion-dollar company, but we are not willing to bow to Sanitariums demands as we dont believe there is a case of trademark infringement here and we are standing up for that principle.

Ms Wilson said her grocery store sold about seven boxes of Weetabix a day, mainly to British expats. She said the look and taste of Weet-Bix and Weetabix were sufficiently distinct that customers would not get confused.

I dont feel we should have to cover the word up because they are different words and different customers, and the boxes look nothing alike, she said. They taste different as well. Brits who have grown up on Weetabix like it but Kiwis prefer their Weet-Bix. It isnt a competition.

Sanitarium said its Weet-Bix brand was protected by international law and is often prevented from being sold in other global markets due to the Weetabix trademark.

The row has sparked an angry reaction on social media from British expats and New Zealanders alike, with some saying that they will boycott Sanitariums products. The hashtag #freetheweetabix is trending on Twitter.
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A company promoting homeopathy for babies and toddlers, against all scientific evidence, is under investigation by Australian drug regulators.

The Little Book of Natural Medicines for Children is promoted by Brauer, one of Australias largest homeopathy companies, on its website.

Symptoms such as cough and cold, pain and fever, stomach aches and more can naturally be relieved and soothed with our products, the ebook claims.

One passage reads: Our homeopathic remedies have evolved from an ancient form of natural medicine used all over the world. Our tips can be tried on many different illnesses to deliver short-term relief and promote general wellbeing for your child.

The book also cites 15 gentle, natural, safe and effective medicines that use homeopathic ingredients to quickly restore your childs health and persuades parents not to expose [their] child to unnecessary medicines or harsh chemicals.

Ken Harvey, a professor of public health and drugs policy expert, told The Guardian that statements [in the book] are deceptive, misleading and in breach of a number of sections of areas of consumer law.

Homeopathy is based on the theory that disease symptoms can be treated by ingesting minute doses of substances that cause those symptoms. This has been repeatedly debunked by scientists.

Last year, a leading scientist declared homeopathy a therapeutic dead-end after a systematic review concluded the controversial treatment was no more effective than placebo drugs.

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.

Professor Paul Glasziou, a leading academic in evidence-based medicine at Bond University, was the chair of a working party by Australias National Health and Medical Research Council, which was tasked with reviewing the evidence of 176 trials of homeopathy to establish if the treatment is valid.

A total of 57 systematic reviews, containing the 176 individual studies, focused on 68 different health conditions  and found there to be no evidence homeopathy was more effective than placebo on any.

In November the US government began requiring that producers of homeopathic remedies provide proof for any health claims. If they cannot do so they must point out that there is no scientific evidence that the product works.
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An aspiring model who received life-changing injuries when acid was thrown in her face on her 21st birthday is set to receive more than 30,000 in donations after a fundraising page set up for her passed its target.

Friends set up the campaign after Resham Khan and her cousin Jameel Muhktar, 37, were attacked by a man throwing acid through their car window in Beckton, east London on June 21.

Police are hunting John Tomlin, 24, over the "horrendous" attack and the public have been warned not to approach him.

Daniel Mann, a university friend of Ms Khan who helped set up the fundraising campaign, said the incident has forced the pair to "put their lives on hold".

Recommended Aspiring model and cousin suffer unprovoked acid attack in East London

"Resham was due to start her new job on July 2nd which she can no longer do," Mr Mann wrote on the crowdfunding page. "Also she was called in for a job interview which she can no longer attend. Their life is currently on hold but we want them to see that this is temporary and things will get back to normal."

Donations have now reached over 33,000, just five days after the campaign was launched with a 30,000 target.

Mr Mann said Ms Khan had plans to open her own business over the summer but now "she feels as though her identity has been stolen from her, on her 21st birthday".

He said the money will help Ms Khan and her family with aftercare for the physical and mental trauma of the attack.

Writing on Twitter three days after it took place, Ms Khan said: "I'm devastated. I keep wondering if my life will ever be the same."

Resham Khan in hospital following an acid attack on 21 June (Gofundme)

John Tomlin is wanted by Scotland Yard in connection with the acid attack (Metropolitan Police)

Mr Mukhtar told Channel 4 News: "I don't know what's going to happen. I'm going to be scarred for life. I'm emotionally wrecked. I'm in continuous pain."

In a distressing interview, Mr Mukhtar described the feeling as "like somebody's ironing me 24/7".

Scotland Yard said Tomlin, who has distinctive tear drop and dagger tattoos on his face, is around six feet tall and is known to frequent the Canning Town area of the East End.

Detective Superintendent Neil Matthews said: "I would like to reassure the public that our continued focus remains on finding the person responsible for this horrendous act of violence.

"We will continue to progress these inquiries as quickly as humanly possible and fully understand concerns that they should be brought to justice quickly."

Cousins Jameel Mukhtar and Resham Khan before they were attacked with acid on 21 June (Gofundme)

The attack happened at 9.15am on Tollgate Road and the car drove off before colliding with a fence, police said.

Later that day officers including the Metropolitan Police's territorial support group raided a building in the East End, but no arrests have been made.

Writing on Facebook today, June 30, Ms Khan said he did not want the incident to "fuel a division among people".

"From a large majority, there will always be a sick and twisted minority. Stop tearing each other down, stop arguing religion and politics. Make peace with each other and the world.

"Letting this man or the events of the past fill you up with hate will only darken the soul," he said.
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A Muslim man who was left with life-changing injuries following an acid attack in east London has demanded to know why the assault is not being treated as terrorism.

Jameel Muhktar had to be put in a coma for two days after a man threw acid at him and his cousin Resham Khan through a car window as they sat at traffic lights in Beckton

If this was an Asian guy like myself, going up to an English couple in a car and acid attacking them, I know for a fact and the whole country knows that it would be classed as a terror attack, he told Channel 4 News.

It's definitely a hate crime. I believe it's something to do with Islamophobia. Maybe he's got it in for Muslims because of the things that have been going on lately.

"I don't know if people are trying to retaliate. We're innocent people. We didn't deserve that. I've never seen this guy in my life.

I don't have any problems with anybody. My cousin is 21, she's a business student. Why would anyone do that to us?

The attack came on Ms Khans 21st birthday, leaving her with horrific injuries to her face and body needing skin grafts, and her cousin with wounds to his stomach, face, neck, ears, arms and back requiring extensive surgery.

Mr Muhktar, 37, said he initially thought the attacker, described as white British, was conducting a practical joke when he knocked on the car window on 21 June.

He just squirted this clear liquid over us, which I thought was water until my cousin started to scream, he added.

Cousins Jameel Mukhtar and Resham Khan before they were attacked with acid on 21 June (Gofundme)

I was watching her burning. Next thing I know, Im burning, my seats burning, my trainers are burning, her skins peelingwithin seconds.

Mr Muhktar described how his clothes and shoes started melting to his body as he was left temporarily blinded, crashing the car into a barrier.

He desperately stripped off his clothes and tried to help his cousin while screaming for help from nearby houses.

Residents ran out with buckets of water and a hose in attempts to wash the acid off the victims.

When I went to hospital, they had to jet wash me to get the acid off, Mr Mukhtar said. It was excruciating pain, I was screaming like a baby.

He described the continued agony feeling like someones ironing me 24/7, adding: Im never going to be the same again, Im always going to be scarred.

I havent done anything to anybody and nor has my cousin, Mr Mukhtar added.

Jameel Muhktar, 37, in hospital following an acid attack on 21 June (Gofundme)

Were not terrorists. This guy tried to kill us, Im lucky Im alive.

Two crowfunding pages set up for victims have so far raised a total of almost 41,000.

Campaigners sad Ms Khan, who is studying business management in Manchester, had recently returned from an exchange programme in Cyprus and was due to start a new job within days.

Resham is usually a very confident young womanbut now she feels as though her identity has been stolen from her, friends said.

Although we have faith justice will be served once the criminal is caught, the scars Resham and Jameel will carry will last a lifetime.

Ms Khan said police did not take a statement from her for several days after the attack, writing on Twitter that an ambulance took too long to arrive and they had to be given a lift to hospital by a passing driver.

The type of acid used in the attack has not been confirmed, but calls are mounting for restrictions to be imposed on sales.

More than 24,000 people have signed a petition for Parliament to consider new laws to combat rife acid attacks.

Resham Khan in hospital following an acid attack on 21 June (Gofundme)

Sarmad Ismail, who started the petition, wrote: It is about time that the law gets changed for the purchase of acid, as anyone can buy it easily from any hardware store.

It is a very lethal and life damaging substance that should only be allowed to be purchased with a licencethe Government must do something about this.

The attack came amid fears of rising anti-Muslim hate crime following the terror attack on worshippers in Finsbury Park and concerns over a potential backlash to attacks claimed by Isis in London Bridge, Manchester and Westminster.

Police are appealing for information on a man they want to speak to regarding the acid attack, which took place in Tollgate Road at around 9.15am on 21 June.

A spokesperson described John Tomlin, 24, as white, around 6ft tall, of stocky build and with short fair hair, saying he is known to frequent the Canning Town area.

While enquiries into this attack remain ongoing, there is no current information to suggest that this attack was racially or religiously motivated, he added.

A Facebook page appearing to belong to Tomlin, who has a partner and young daughter, contains posts using language linked to the far-right.

Police want to speak to John Tomlin, 24, in connection with an acid attack in Tollgate Road, E16. (Metropolitan Police)

A sleeping lion can only be provoked so much before it wakes up and attacksand so will us British, reads one post shared in 2015.

We will stand and we will fight. We will reclaim what is rightfully ours. We will not surrender.

Police warned of the public not to approach Tomlin, who has distinctive face tattoos of a dagger and tears, but dial 999 immediately if he is seen.

Det Supt Neil Matthews, said: We will continue to progress these enquiries as quickly as humanly possible and fully understand concerns that they should be brought to justice quickly.

Officers from the Metropolitan Polices territorial support group raided a house in E16 hours after the attack but there have been no arrests.

Anyone with detail of Tomlin's whereabouts is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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British intelligence services are facing legal action that could force them to disclose details about their most secretive activities.

Campaign groups, Reprieve and Privacy International, have taken a case to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which oversees MI5, MI6 and GCHQ in an attempt to force them to disclose details of some of their sensitive work.

It concerns an order issued by the Prime Minister to security services, which requires risky and covert activities and are overseen by the Intelligence Services Commissioner, Repreive said in a statement.

In a previous case brought by the London-based group Privacy International, it was revealed that three such orders, also known as directions, had been made by the Prime Minister.

Two of the directions have been made public, including details about the interrogation of detainees held overseas by British personnel.

The handling of bulk personal datasets by intelligence services was also revealed.

However, the "Third Direction remains secret, redacted from public documents," Repreive said. It added that it was as serious and intrusive as two previous orders.

So both groups have launched the legal action, in hope of making this public.

They said they were concerned the conduct of intelligence services under this third direction may breach the UKs domestic and international obligations under the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The two first orders concerned torture and cyber surveillance, which had significant implications for human rights, and that this third order could have similar ramifications, they argued.

The blanket secrecy of intelligence services on the issue leave the door open for abuse, Reprieve said.

The British public have a right to know what the security agencies are doing in their name," the organisation's director. We know this secret policy hides a large area of covert activity that is at least as serious and intrusive as interrogating detainees overseas and the mass collection of personal data.

We also know from bitter experience that without basic transparency, British spooks are liable to cross legal and ethical red lines.

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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 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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA

Privacy International added that it aims to investigate the secret world of government surveillance and that it carries out legal action to ensure that surveillance is consistent with the rule of law.

The organisation's legal officer Millie Graham Wood, warned that the Intelligence Services Commissioner accepted secret services own interpretation of what is legal and that full and open oversight was therefore necessary.

She said: It is wrong in principle for there to be an entire area of intelligence activity about which the public knows nothing at all.

The risks of such secrecy are obvious given that the Commissioners who are supposed to oversee the activity have previously accepted the intelligence agencies interpretation of what is legal without question.

More than 6,000 people have already signed a petition calling on the government to publish the third direction.

The Home Office told The Independent it does not comment on ongoing cases.
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Kensington and Chelsea Council should be stripped of its powers following the utter chaos that has resulted from its handling of the Grenfell fire disaster, according survivors groups and the Labour Party.

They said the Government should impose new commissioners to run the local authority, which was plunged into further turmoil today after its leader, Nick Paget-Brown, quit after coming under intense pressure for his handling of the disaster, which claimed at least 80 lives.

Calls for his resignation reached fever pitch after he cancelled a meeting of the boroughs cabinet following a High Court ruling that handed the media the right to attend. The Prime Ministers spokeswoman criticised the decision and declined to say if Theresa May still had confidence in him.

The deputy leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, Rock Feilding-Mellen, who was responsible for housing, also quit this evening. Earlier in the day, Robert Black, the head of Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, stood down to assist with the investigation and inquiry.

Andrew Gwynne, Labours shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, said that the Government must now act to ensure survivors are given the support they need by appointing new leadership.

The response from the Government falls short of actually doing anything to address the utter chaos in the way this tragedy has been handled, he said.

Sajid Javid [the Communities and Local Government Secretary] needs to immediately ensure that all residents who are now homeless or in temporary accommodation are getting the support they need, and undertake an immediate review into the adequacy of corporate governance with a view to sending in commissioners to take control of the council if necessary.

Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor, echoed those calls, writing in a letter to the Prime Minister that the Government should appoint untainted commissioners to take over the running of the authority.

Yvette Williams, coordinator of the Justice4Grenfell campaign group, said the Government had to take concrete action, or risk civil unrest.

We are definitely calling for the council to be brought under executive control. Were calling for them to just go, the arrogance alone is just astounding, she said.

There has to be action, not just a statement anymore. Something needs to be seen to be done for the community. We are not just traumatised, we are angry. There will be civil unrest if this continues, there needs to be some kind of action that shows something is being done.

In his resignation statement, Mr Paget-Brown described the Grenfell fire as possibly the worst tragedy London has seen since the end of the Second World War.

He conceded that the council had faced criticism for not answering the publics questions and said he had to accept my share of responsibility for these perceived failings.

Kensington and Chelsea councillors also called for the Government to seize control of the council.

Liberal Democrat Councillors Andrew Lomas and Linda Wade wrote to Mr Javid on Tuesday to call for central government intervention.

It is regrettable that we have had to call for such an intervention, and do not do so lightly. However, there has been a fundamental breakdown in trust between RBKC and those it has a duty of care to provide for, they wrote.

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

Mr Lomas said the councils response had displayed rank incompetence and the only solution was to replace those in power.

As an elected councillor, if I feel shut out and impotent in these circumstances, then how do the survivors feel? he said. The council as a whole is part of the problem now, so part of the solution is trying to find a way of getting the community adjacent to Grenfell in the room so they feel they are being listened to.

RBKC Labour leader Robert Atkinson and deputy Labour leader Monica Press said the council had to take responsibility for its failures by bringing the council under executive control.

We are calling for the entire cabinet to resign and for commissioners to be sent in because we feel the cabinet specifically are not capable of managing, not only the current situation, but the borough, Ms Press said.

They took joint responsibility for those actions with the KCTMO and they decided to delegate far too much to the cabinet member for housing.

Mr Atkinson said: The council is simply not capable of organising anything. I want my residents to be rehoused, I want my residents to be given hot water, I want my residents to be taken care of.

Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy, whose friend Khadija Saye was killed in the blaze, said bringing the council under executive control would be the only way to regain the trust of the local community.

Jeremy Corbyn yesterday urged Theresa May to broaden the scope of the inquiry into Grenfell by splitting it into two parts, the first looking at specific issues around the fire and the second to look at the national issues".

Residents hit out at Theresa Mays appointment of Sir Martin Moore-Bick to lead the public inquiry on Wednesday after it emerged he had previously been accused of social cleansing after ruling in favour of Westminster council to rehouse a homeless mother-of-five 50 miles away in Milton Keynes.

The issue is of particular importance to Grenfell residents after the Government backtracked on its original promise to rehouse all victims within RBKC.

Campaigners called the appointment deeply distressing and completely inappropriate, and said it was outrageous that residents had not been consulted before the decision was made.

The retired Court of Appeal judge told residents on Thursday that he was doubtful the scope of the inquiry would satisfy their expectations.
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Pressure to keep costs down during the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower appears to have driven the decision to use cheaper cladding on the block, an investigation has revealed.

Leaked documents including an urgent nudge email from housing bosses suggest aluminium panels with a flammable core were selected for the west London tower in the place of a fireproof zinc material to save nearly 300,000  with reportedly little discussion of possible implications for residents safety.

An estimated 80 people died in the devastating fire on 14 June that detectives believe was started by a fridge-freezer unit before spreading to the 24-storey buildings combustible cladding, which subsequently failed safety tests.

The email from Kensington and Chelsea tenant management organisation (TMO) urged construction consultants Artelia UK, who were managing the 8.6m project, to assure the Tory councillor in charge of the refurbishment that prices would be kept low, reported The Times.

We need good costs for Cllr Feilding-Mellen and the planner tomorrow at 8.45am!" the email, sent on 16 July 2014, is alleged to have said.

A cost summary analysis from the same month also obtained by the newspaper appears to identify a saving of 293,368 by using aluminium cladding in lieu of zinc cladding.

Rock Feilding-Mellen, who is deputy leader of Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council, has been forced to relocate his family after reportedly receiving threats from angry residents outside his luxury 1.2million home.

The 38-year-old was said to be concerned for his safety after abusive posters and vandalism were seen outside his three-storey townhouse in north Kensington last weekend.

The Conservative council had a budget surplus of 274m, according to a draft account statement for this year describing the funds as usable reserves, and is said to have offered 100 rebates to the boroughs residents paying the top rate of council tax in 2014.

 Grenfell Tower death toll of about 80 came mainly from 23 flats

When the refurbishment project began in 2012 with the aim of improving the 1970s buildings insulation and making it more attractive, the use of fireproof zinc panels was proposed in a planning application submitted by architects Studio E, according to The Times.

But following a series of cost-cutting decisions, a revised planning application submitted two years later is said to require the aluminium cladding, which has a flammable plyethylene core, instead.

Minutes from an emergency residents meeting held on 17 March 2015 show that more than 100 people living in the block produced a long list of issues about the refurbishment.

The minutes detail anxieties about the way the firm Rydon was doing the work and mention the concern that TMO/Rydon are using cheap materials and cutting corners on workmanship. Other problems included grave concerns at standard of works inside a number of residents properties.

A spokesperson for Kensington council said Mr Fielding-Mellen had in fact increased the budget of the refurbishment project from 6.9m to 10.3m.

Cllr Feilding-Mellen and the cabinet were willing to approve significant and repeated increases in the overall budget based on the advice received from KCTMO, which was responsible not only for specifying and delivering the project but also for ensuring the building met the necessary and current building regulations, they said.

Any requests by Cllr Feilding-Mellen and the housing department to justify the TMO's requests for increases to the budget would have been made in the spirit of ensuring that public funds were being well managed and could be justified. Safety would not have been compromised.

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

Last night council officials adjourned a cabinet meeting after press were allowed to attend, claiming it would prejudice the forthcoming public inquiry.

The High Court earlier ruled that the council must let journalists attend the meeting  the first to be held by the local authority since the disaster  after reporters were initially told they were barred.

The decision by council leader Nicholas Paget-Brown, to postpone the meeting triggered an angry response including from opposition councillor Robert Atkinson, who demanded the cabinet's resignation.
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Eyebrows have been raised following the announcement that Sir Martin Moore-Bick has been appointed to lead the inquiry in the Grenfell Tower fire following his judgement on a social housing case brought against a neighbouring borough in 2015.

The retired Court of Appeal judge has been appointed to lead the inquiry into the fire at the west London tower block earlier this month in which at least 80 people died.

Theresa May promised the probe would leave no stone unturned and told MPs that she expected Sir Martin to deliver a preliminary report as soon as possible.

On Thursday Sir Martin went to the site to meet with a handful of residents to discuss the case and promised the inquiry would "open, transparent and fair".

But senior Labour MPs have questioned his suitability for the role following a 2014 court judgement against a social housing tenant.

Former shadow Energy Secretary Lisa Nandy questioned whether he could command the confidence of the survivors and predicted the inquiry could follow the same path as the child abuse inquiry which lost three chairs before it even begun hearing evidence.

Sir Martin, who retired as a Lord Justice of Appeal in December last year, ruled against Titina Nzolameso in November 2014 when she brought a case against Westminster Council.

Ms Nzolameso, a mother of five with serious health problems, was made homeless in 2012 and appealed for help from the council to rehouse her.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

The council then offered her a property in Bletchley, near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, even though she said she needed to stay in London for her childrens schooling and so she did not lose the network of friends she depended on when she was unwell with depression, diabetes and high blood pressure.

When she refused the offer of the house, the council said she had made herself intentionally homeless and no longer had a duty to find somewhere for her to leave under the terms of the Housing Act 1996.

Sir Martin agreed the council could take a broad range of favours in account but did not have a duty to explain what other accommodation it had available.

The Supreme Court eventually overruled him and found in Ms Nzolamesos favour but her legal team attacked Sir Martins decision saying it would be giving the green light for councils to engage in social cleansing.

Last year, Westminster Council was accused of social cleansing when The Independent revealed it was buying up affordable housing in Hounslow to transfer its social housing tenants to another local authority.

But the judge has been defended by some of his former colleagues who say he is a scrupulously fair and held in the utmost high esteem.

The barrister, who was first called to the bar in 1969, was first appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2005 as an advisor to Lord Charles Falconer and Jack Straw after a career specialising in commercial law with a focus on maritime and transport disputes.

The 70-year-old later took on the role of vice president of the court in 2014, serving for two years before he retired.
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At least 149 high-rise buildings in 45 local authorities have failed fire safety tests in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Cladding samples tested as part of a major national investigation into the use of panelling on housing blocks have so far produced a 100 per cent failure rate, a Government spokesperson said.

But concerns were being raised over the efficiency of the testing process after it emerged the checks did not extend to the insulation fitted behind the cladding.

Lord Porter, chairman of the Local Government Association, attacked the Government for testing only the core of the panels on high-rise blocks and not the insulation behind them, which may not be fire-resistant.

The Government has not done the retest properly, the Tory peer said.

They are not testing the whole system. We should be testing the insulation. There is more than a good chance that the insulation is probably the main problem.

It comes after Prime Minister Theresa May told local authorities to work on the assumption that cladding samples would fail safety tests.

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

Combustible cladding was thought to have aided the unprecedented spread of the fire in Grenfell Tower which killed at least 80 people on 14 June.

But the National Housing Federation has called on the Government to stop the testing and instead focus on making people safe.

Chief executive David Orr said: These tests were the right thing to do, but the results are now conclusive: aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding simply does not pass these tests and is deemed unsafe.

 Muslim woman engages passionately with Camden Council leader Georgia Gould

Across the country, valuable resources  from specialist equipment to expert time  are being poured into a testing process of which the results are already known.

A further 450 social housing blocks are set to be checked but fears were growing that the true figure of unsafe blocks could be far higher, with private residential high rises also affected.

A number of universities, including Nottingham Trent, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Edinburgh Napier, all identified blocks fitted with flammable panelling, and Essex University was also testing cladding on one of its halls of residence.

Testing was also being extended to buildings outside of the housing sector. NHS Improvement identified cladding on 36 hospitals that needed to undergo testing. The Care Quality Commission also advised more than 17,000 care homes, hospices and private hospitals to carry out fire safety checks.
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The Tory leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, Nick Paget-Brown, has resigned in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, saying he accepts a "share of responsibility" for the "perceived failings".

The move came as two other senior officials involved in the Grenfell tragedy also said they were standing down, following criticism of the councils response to the disaster, which claimed the lives of around 80 people.

Speaking on Friday evening, Mr Paget-Brown said: "The scale of this tragedy was always going to mean that one borough alone would never have sufficient resources to respond to all the needs of the survivors and those made homeless, on its own.

Recommended May criticises Tory council which shut down Grenfell fire meeting

"We have been very lucky to have the support of other London boroughs, the emergency services and the community associations based in North Kensington and I am very grateful to all of them.

"This council has also been criticised for failing to answer all the questions that people have.

"That is properly a matter for the public inquiry.

"As council leader I have to accept my share of responsibility for these perceived failings."

Pressure had been building on Mr Paget-Brown to step down throughout Friday after a chaotic council meeting was cancelled on Thursday evening.

He called a halt to the meeting  the first to be held with council staff since the devastating fire  after warning about recent real threats of assault on council staff and damage to building.

Journalists attending the meeting would "prejudice" the forthcoming public inquiry, he claimed.

Theresa May's spokesperson earlier criticised the council for shutting the meeting down, while the communities secretary, Sajid Javid, made similar remarks.

 Grenfell fire meeting scrapped after journalists gain access

Commenting on that meeting, the council chief said: "My decision to accept legal advice that I should not compromise the public enquiry by having an open discussion in public yesterday has itself become a political story and it cannot be right that this should have become the focus of attention when so many are dead or still unaccounted for," adding:

The task for my successor is to ensure that the strengths which also characterise this place, and North Kensington in particular, are seen to play their part in bringing the community together and ensuring that this borough, the most wonderful place, can start to move forward from this tragedy.

Sadiq Khan posted a statement on Facebook saying he welcomed the departure of the council leader.

Ever since the awful events of two weeks ago, it has been clear that the local community in and around North Kensington has lost trust in the council and that the administration is not fit for purpose, he said.

Last nights decision to abandon the councils cabinet meeting has merely compounded the misery for local people who are grieving, traumatised and desperate for answers.

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

Kensington and Chelsea council should be run by civil servant commissioners "to act in the best interests of residents until the voters of the borough can choose, at next May's council elections, who they wish to represent and serve them", Mr Khan added.

Moments after Mr Paget-Brown's resignation, deputy council leader and the cabinet member responsible for housing, Rock Feilding-Mellen, also announced he was stepping down.

He said: "It has been suggested several times since the tragic event of the 14 June that I should resign, but until now I have felt that it was my duty to do whatever I could personally to back the council's efforts to help the fire's victims, to encourage all of the dedicated officers within the council as they worked tirelessly for the relief effort, and to support the council's leader.

"It will be for others to judge whether it would have been better for me to resign immediately, but I would have found it hard to forgive myself if I had ducked out at such a moment of crisis for the borough.

In a separate development, the organisation which manages Grenfell Tower in west London announced it had agreed its chief executive would "step aside" so he can "concentrate on assisting with the investigation and inquiry".

A statement from the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) confirmed Robert Black's position, two days after retired Court of Appeal judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick was appointed to lead the public inquiry into the deaths of at least 80 people.
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Sadiq Khan has called on Theresa May to send in commissioners to run Kensington and Chelsea council.

The Prime Minister should appoint commissioners "immediately" to take over the administration of the authority as it reels in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, Mr Khan said.

The Mayor of London published a letter calling for action on his Facebook page, following the resignation of council leader Nicholas Paget-Brown and deputy leader Rock Feilding Mellen.

Mr Khan said the council was "not fit for purpose" and described its meeting last night -- from which the public was banned and journalists had to acquire a court order to gain access to -- as "shambolic".

 Sadiq Khan: Local community have got no confidence in the local council following response to Grenfell Tower

Local residents say they feel betrayed by the local authority's sluggish response to the fire which killed at least 80 people earlier this month.

"It is self evident that the leadership of the council has lost the trust of local residents," Mr Khan wrote in a letter to the Prime Minister.

He continued: "Without this trust, the council cannot effectively serve them or meet its responsibilities.

"It is also clear that a change in leadership from amongst the existing councillors will not address this situation -- in fact it may aggravate it further, as it fails to address the fundamental breakdown in trust that has taken place."

Mr Khan said the government therefore had "no option" but to "immediately appoint commissioners to take over the running of Kensington and Chelsea council" until elections in May 2018.

By this time, evidence presented to a public inquiry should enable voters to make an informed choice, Mr Khan said.

It is "crucial" the commissioners should be people of "high standing and probity," Mr Khan said, and have "genuine empathy" for local residents and their situations.

He added that they should be "untainted" in order to encourage confidence among locals.

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

"These commissioners should serve the local community who deserve to know that decisions will be taken properly, in and open and accountable way," Mr Khan said.

The Mayor appealed to the Prime Minister's personal experience as a councillor, adding the government needed to step in quickly.
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Young offenders are being locked in their cells for almost entire days and deprived of education and activity, according to deeply troubling reports released today on the conditions in the Feltham young offenders prison.

The London-based youth prison has seen a decline in standards, with key areas of safety and purposeful activity having sunk to the lowest level and conditions that are quite simply, not safe for either staff or boys, warned the Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke.

Inspections of the two sections of the institution, Feltham A and Feltham B, note a significant increase in serious violence and a notable rise in the use of solitary confinement, which sees inmates eating every single meal alone in their cells.

A restricted regime at the prison sees little or nothing being done to contribute to the education, socialisation or safety of the boys detained in Feltham A, which holds inmates aged between 15 and 18, the report warns.

The Inspectorate said the time prisoners got to spend out of their cells was inadequate, with inmates getting an average of just 4.5 hours out of their cells daily  a decrease from the still totally inadequate 5.5 hours reported two years ago.

Four in 10 of the boys at Feltham A were locked up during the school day, while 30 per cent were out of their cells for just two hours a day, preventing them from using basic amenities including showers and telephones. Despite sufficient school places and teachers, fewer than half the boys were getting to classes, inspectors said.

At Feltham B meanwhile, which holds young men aged between 18 and 21, some prisoners were in solitary confinement for more than 22 hours a day, with a third locked up during the core day and subsequently not getting to training or education.

The overall quality of learning and skills provision needs to improve, warned the report, stating that too many work and education programmes were cancelled or restricted by the regime.

Violence was also a major concern, with an ineffective response in Feltham A, which focuses on sanctions and regime restrictions, having led to a cycle of violence and punitive responses with no clear strategy to break it, inspectors warned.

Use of force had increased to a rate of 378 incidents per 100 children since the last inspection, when it had been at 273, while not all staff working with children in Feltham had been trained in techniques for managing and minimising physical restraint.

Staff in the segregation unit, which contains both children and young adults, continued to use control and restraint techniques designed for adult prisoners and carried batons.

Similar concerns were raised about the levels of safety in Feltham B, where staff face risks on a daily basis, with one officer seriously assaulted during the inspection.

Despite some good work being carried out by staff across many areas of the prison, inspectors found that the young men held there were living in an unsafe environment, were often afraid for their own safety and were enduring a regime that was unsuitable for prisoners of any age, let alone young men.

Reception and first-night environments did not help make new arrivals feel safe, and nearly half of the prisoners said they had felt unsafe at Feltham.

It added that too many prisoners arrived without an up-to-date risk assessment and sentence planning was not working effectively, while numerous restrictions and staffing shortfalls affected the provision of a full regime for most prisoners.

The prison saw a decline in standards in three of the four healthy prison tests since the time of the last inspection in 2015, prompting the inspectorate to describe it as deeply troubling that in an establishment of this kind the judgements awarded to the key areas of safety and purposeful activity had sunk to the lowest level."

Responding to the findings, Mr Clarke said the current approach being adopted in Feltham A was failing to deliver young inmates the reasonable expectation of not being in constant fear of being assaulted.

It would be wrong not to recognise the challenges faced by staff at Feltham A in creating a safe and decent facility. Violence was a serious problem and during the inspection there was a serious assault on an officer, he said.

Staff should be able to work in a safe environment and not be in constant fear of being assaulted. The current approach is failing to deliver that reasonable expectation and from the evidence available to us, is actually making it worse.

The focus on keeping people apart rather than trying to change their behaviour has not worked. Feltham A is not safe for either staff or boys.

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, described the reports as two of the worst in a series of poor inspection reports, accusing the states of neglecting the children in Feltham.

She said: These are two of the worst in a long line of terrible prison inspection reports. It is all the more disturbing that they concern children and young people.

These children are suffering abuse and neglect by the state. Feltham has failed to care for children and help them turn their lives around for decades. It is time to put an end to this abusive failing system and properly help children live law-abiding lives.

The inspectors findings add weight to the concerns raised in the High Court by the Howard League. The huge volume of calls that we have received about this prison should leave no one in any doubt about the scale of the problem.

Thousands of children and teenagers have been subjected to appalling treatment over the last two decades. The Government must act now to prevent more children being subjected to such misery.

Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, has urged that a new approach should be taken on imprisoning minors, which doesnt involve locking them up in large institutions like Feltham.

Recommended Chief Inspector of Prisons expresses fury after penal reform dropped

The solution to the awful situation described in these two reports cannot simply be working through a series of recommendations at local level, he said.

The Government has committed to a radical rethink of how we look after the very few children who need to be locked up  with a new approach based on secure schools and phasing out institutions like Feltham.

That has to turn into radical action, and should extend to the young and immature individuals held not only in Feltham B but also a wide variety of adult prisons.

Subjecting these young men to the brutalising conditions described in these reports can only store up problems for them and for all of us as they grow up.

Michael Spurr, chief executive of the National Offender Management Service, said: As the Chief Inspector points out there is much good work being done by staff at Feltham but this is undermined by levels of violence.

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More young people told Inspectors they felt safe than in the last Inspection in 2015 and a higher proportion of young people said they felt safe at Feltham compared to other young offender prisons, but much more needs to be done.

We are determined to improve safety and develop purposeful regimes focusing on the educational needs of the young people in our care at Feltham and across the youth estate. Following this inspection we reduced the number of young people at Feltham to enable the Governor to develop an improvement plan and relaunch his violence reduction strategy.

The new Youth Custody Service is focused on improving safety and performance across the youth estate, with a commitment to develop effective practice and to provide the support young people need to reform.
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Thousands of people are set to march on Parliament to protest against the Conservative government.

Demonstrators from across the UK will descend on Westminster on Saturday in a "show of strength and solidarity" against Prime Minister Theresa May.

Labour figures John McDonnell and Diane Abbott will speak to crowds at the rally organised by the People's Assembly Against Austerity, along with the general secretary of the Unite Union Len McCluskey and writer Owen Jones.

More than 9,000 people said they were planning to attend on the protest's Facebook page, with a further 22,000 expressing interest in the event.

Recommended Women march on Downing Street against Conservative deal with DUP

"Theresa May called the General Election to gain a bigger majority, and despite massive media bias in favour of the Conservatives, she failed spectacularly to deliver on that," organisers wrote on the social media site.

"Now the Tories are in chaos trying to prop up a Government with the deeply conservative and regressive Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)."

They said that everyone was "invited to come together in one massive show of strength and solidarity."

They added: "We're marching against a Government committed to austerity, cuts and privatisation. We're marching for a decent health service, education system, housing, jobs and living standards for all."

Drum and bass DJ Shy FX, bands Peace and Wolf Alice, and musician Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly will appear at the "Not One More Day" protest.

Activists will assemble at the BBC's Broadcasting House in west London at noon before marching to Parliament, with unions bussing in protesters from across the UK, including Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.

Demonstrators will hold a minute's silence for victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster and a minute's applause for emergency services.

The People's Assembly Against Austerity formed in 2013 to campaign against government cuts.
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British negotiators will begin talks with the US on a post-Brexit trade deal on 24 July, Liam Fox has revealed.

EU rules prohibit member states from making separate trade deals with countries outside the bloc.

But the Secretary of State for International Trade has repeatedly insisted there is nothing to stop the British Government scoping out how a future relationship with America might look.

Speaking on BBC Ones Question Time, Mr Fox said talks with his US counterparts would begin next month as he seeks to make new trade deals with very, very big markets outside Europe.

The former defence secretary was confronted by a fellow panel member about the risk that US negotiators may not be willing to strike a deal unless the UK agrees to less stringent food safety standards.

Concerns have been raised that British supermarkets could be flooded with chlorine-washed chicken, hormone-treated beef and pork laced with a controversial drug that is banned in more than 150 countries as part of a post-Brexit trade deal with the US.

Mr Fox avoided responding directly to that charge, but said: We are not rejecting Europe, we want an open and liberal trading arrangement with Europe.

But there are some very, very big markets out there that we will be able to take advantage of.

And as for [the claim that] the US will not talk to us, Ive got news for you, we are beginning our actual discussions on the 24 July.

 Liam Fox: 'We have become too lazy and too fat'

Mr Fox was in Washington earlier this month to meet US commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, and US trade representative, Robert Lighthizer.

He said then that negotiations would begin in July. But his Question Time appearance on Thursday evening was the first time a concrete date has been given for when UK-US trade talks will begin.

American food safety standards for a range of meat, poultry and dairy products are much lower than those imposed by the European Food Safety Authority.

Environmentalists warn Britain may be forced to accept lower quality products  from the use of banned flavourings to cloned meat and increased pesticides - in exchange for a quick deal.

In January, Philip Hammond said the Government would resolutely adhere to EU rules barring individual trade deals with third countries while the UK is still a member.

"Of course we want to strengthen our trade ties with the very many trade partners we have around the world, but we're very mindful of our obligations under the treaty and we will follow them precisely," he said.
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The surprise outcome of the general election sprang from a series of surprises combining in the closing weeks of the campaign. Some were predictable, but others marked fresh departures in British political life.

Canterbury is a good example of these trends, resulting in a narrow Labour win and the first Conservative loss in the constituency in a century and a half.

The political geography of Britain is changing. Sir Julian Brazier, the Conservative MP who lost the Canterbury seat after holding it for 30 years, says: The division is no longer between the middle-class voting Conservative and the working-class voting Labour. Polls confirm that the new political dividing line is between young and old (the dividing line being a quite advanced 47 years) and between the well-educated and less well-educated. These divisions determine party allegiance as well as attitudes to Brexit, immigration, homeownership and the use of social media.

Yet the world turns slowly; even in times of radical change most things stay as they were previously. Moreover, some developments that appear new have been with us for a long time, but without having much influence. Tactical voting always featured in British politics, but in Canterbury in 2017 it played a decisive role: Liberal Democrat and Green voters, recognising that their own candidates were bound to lose, plumped instead for Labour.

Sir Julian Brazier was the constituencys MP for 30 years before this months election (Julian Brazier)

Canterbury had never been the Conservative rotten borough some imagined it to be. Brazier won his seat repeatedly because Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens split the progressive anti-Conservative vote. Liberal Democrats had polled strongly in the constituency in the 2001, 2005 and 2010 general elections. But the Conservatives nearly annihilated their Liberal Democrat coalition partners in 2015, which won David Cameron a majority in Parliament, but opened the door for Labour in a constituencies like Canterbury.

Surprisingly, Labours swing to the left under Jeremy Corbyn did not deter Liberal Democrat defectors, almost all of them hostile to Brexit though not viewing a second referendum as feasible. Labours opposition to austerity and commitment to the NHS and the social services was attractive. I was not interested in politics until recently, says Sam Osborne, an IT specialist. I voted Lib Dem in 2015, but this time round I went for Labour. She worries that, if the NHS founders, Britain will move towards a ruinously expensive privatised healthcare system like the US.

I was working in the US a few years ago when I had to go to hospital, she says. When I was leaving, they presented me with a bill for $25,000. I have a friend there with breast cancer who is being harried by debt collectors because of her medical bills. She believes that the vote for Brexit, which was really all about austerity. will ruin the country, but does not think that there is much anybody can do about it at this stage.

A two-horse-race enhanced Labours chances of victory and perceptions of the two candidates were also important in winning over wavering Liberal Democrats and Greens. Labour had the advantage of fielding Rosie Duffield, 45, a single mother with two children, who has an engaging bubbly personality and a track record of vigorous campaigning on local issues, such as the uncertain future of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

She was an energetic candidate, one voter tweeting approvingly that he had just seen her canvassing in the early morning rain outside Canterbury West station. Given the importance of age in the election, she had the advantage of being a fresh face and much younger than her Conservative rival.

After 30 years as MP, Brazier was bound to carry a certain amount of political baggage. On the right of his party, he has a strong interest in defence policy and is a supporter of Leave in a constituency that narrowly voted Remain. Joe Egerton, with long experience as a Conservative party activist, is critical of Braziers regressive stance on a range of issues from fox hunting to immigration, saying that people thought he was not so much a Conservative, but had more of Ukip flavour. Egerton disapproves of what he sees as Braziers cavalier attitude to other Conservatives in the constituency and his tendency to treat it as if it was a family fiefdom.

Rosie Duffield, the new Labour MP, has a track record of vigorous campaigning on local issues (YouTube)

Other constituents complained that Brazier had simply been around too long and criticised him, fairly or unfairly, for not addressing local grievances and asking parliamentary questions about the downgrading of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. Brazier did his best to rebut such criticism by going to protest meetings and marches over the hospital, as well as attending a hustings with other candidates, but at all of them he got a mixed reception, including some hisses and boos.

Conservatives admit that Labour had a far stronger general election campaign than they did in both the social media and in canvassing door to door. Younger Labour supporters were adept in using social media, which guarantees a high level of engagement, making political organisation much quicker and simpler.

One activist student pointed out that it not difficult to reach people who look at their Facebook page 20 or 30 times a day. The impact of social media is largely unmonitored or disregarded by national television, radio and newspapers, so they were caught on the hop when Corbyn and Labour, though demonised by the tabloids and sneeringly dismissed by establishment commentators, gained rather than lost popularity.

Ben Hickman, a lecturer at Kent University, says: Students are totally immune to ideological barrages in the mass media. They just dont read it. Vilification of Corbyn may have been counter-effective, much as media hostility to Donald Trump in the US presidential campaign reinforced his anti-establishment credentials rather than discrediting him. Corbyns low-key response to portrayal of him as a dangerous revolutionary made his critics sound shrill and unreasonable. Charlie Mower, the young Labour activist in Whitstable, says he does not feel comfortable comparing Corbyn to Nigel Farage but says: Corbyn is somewhat similar to Farage in that, in contrast to many politicians, he comes across as a normal human being.

One effect of Corbyns successful campaign to the Labour party leadership in 2015 was to send party membership in Canterbury and Whitstable soaring from 450 then to 1,500 today. Sufficient numbers of these were active to outmatch Conservative campaign. Canterbury had one of the highest numbers of newly registered voters in the country, most of them probably Labour supporters.

A survey by Ian Watt, a keen observer of Canterbury politics, asked members of the citys largest Facebook group why Labour had won. Of the 137 responding, some 25 per cent said tactical voting, 22 per cent the student vote, 20 per cent Rosie Duffields campaign and 8 per cent the hospital agitation. This ignores the impact of national developments, but otherwise sounds realistic.

Jeremy Corbyn has galvanised the young vote, but will that trend continue? (AFP/Getty)

It is important not to join up too many dots together too quickly. Labour only just won in Canterbury and failed to win a majority nationally. Theresa May is still Prime Minister. People in the constituency are uncertain about what the future holds. Alex Claridge, a senior reporter on the Kentish Gazette says he wonders if Canterbury will vote Conservative again in our lifetime. But activist Labour student Christian Turner thinks Labour will have difficulty holding it next time round because the Conservatives will do everything to win it back. The constituency might even disappear under proposed boundary changes.

Contentious local issues surfaced in the election in Canterbury, but what is most striking is the new political and social alignments. Age and educational qualifications rather than class determine political attitudes. Much of this has to do with the high price of housing as people in middle class occupations like managers and lawyers no longer earn enough to get on the property ladder. A student pays an extortionate rent, but so does an up-and-coming solicitor or accountant. Neither may be able to afford to live in London, but neither can Londoners who take advantage of the high speed train link to move to Canterbury and Whitstable (though train fares are very costly). Fear of uncontrolled immigration remains high, particularly among those least able to compete successfully with migrants.

In the space of a year the Brexit vote and the general election result showed how many people feel unhappy with the status quo, though for very different reasons. Previous certainties are disappearing, but nobody knows what is to replace them.
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A Conservative MP has refused to appear on Channel 4 News, saying he couldnt be sure of its impartiality because of the apparent political leanings of veteran presenter Jon Snow.

Former Tory chairman Grant Shapps said he declined an offer to go on the programme after Snow was alleged to have shouted f*** the Tories while dancing with a group of students at Glastonbury Festival.

Mr Shapps tweeted on Thursday: Text from @Channel4News asking if Id go on tonight. Text back from me declining, explaining I couldnt be sure about interview impartiality.

Snow, 69, claimed after the festival that he had no recollection of shouting the chant, noting he took more than 1,000 selfies in the space of just a day.

An image of Snow posing with a group of festival-goers from universities in Liverpool was shared by Danny Millea on Twitter on Monday evening, who wrote: Having a dance with Jon Snow and hearing him shout f*** the Tories is what dreams are made of.

He noted Snow had bounced over and had a little dance with the students, adding: He was proper sound, had a good little boogie with him and a good laugh, walked off and he sarcastically said hes a neutral hahahah.

Snow, who declined an OBE because he believes working journalists should not take honours from the people they report on, declined to respond during a live broadcast on Wednesday night when a right-wing think tanks spokesman quipped not everyone hates the Tories as much as you do.

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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. 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Ofcom, the UKs communications regulator and media watchdog, has not responded on Snows comments and noted they could only consider complaints about content which is aired over licenced services.

Ofcom guidelines about neutrality only relate to what is broadcast or published and are wholly unrelated to do with what journalists decide to do in their own time.

Channel 4 News has not yet responded to a request for comment.
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The Conservative local government chief has savaged the Governments tower block safety checks after the Grenfell fire  warning not all of the cladding is being tested.

Ministers had blundered by testing only the core of the panels on high-rise blocks and not the insulation behind them, which may not be fire-resistant, Lord Porter said.

The Government has not done the retest properly, the Tory peer and chairman of the Local Government Association said.

Recommended Kensington council cancels meeting after journalists attend

They are not testing the whole system. We should be testing the insulation. There is more than a good chance that the insulation is probably the main problem.

Lord Porter said the insulation  between the wall of the tower block and the panel itself  needed to be of a certain type, in order to prevent the spread of fire.

The Government needs to listen to a wider set of opinions and not just the experts they have got. We cant have confidence in that.

The criticisms come after - astonishingly  every sample panel tested so far failed safety tests, a total of 137 at the latest count released yesterday.

Combustible cladding is thought to be the reason for the unprecedented spread of the fire in Grenfell Tower, which killed at least 80 people on 14 June.

This week, Theresa May told local authorities to assume that all samples they send in will fail the safety tests and take any measures that are necessary.

Lord Porter agreed that was likely, but said: They will fail because the thing thats being tested, at the request of the experts, isnt the right thing to test. We need to test the whole panel.

If that happened, he suggested, many panels would pass the test  because they have got a certificate to say that they were suitable.

We cant be certain that what we know now is any better than what we knew two weeks ago, Lord Porter warned, on the BBC Radio Fours Today programme.

However, that did not mean local councils had been wrong to evacuate tower blocks, because those decisions had been made because of other safety failings, he said.

When it was first revealed that around 600 tower blocks across England would be tested, the Government played down suggestions that most would fail safety tests.

There has also been criticism of how long it is taking to work through the samples sent in, more than a fortnight after the tragedy in West London.

Meanwhile, it was revealed today that the cladding used to refit Grenfell Tower was changed to a cheaper version, to save 293,000.

Whereas zinc panels would have been non-combustible, the aluminium cladding eventually used had a flammable polyethylene core.

Housing officials demanded good costs to satisfy a council boss, according to emails leaked to The Times, with little evidence of safety concerns being raised.

The cladding used is the focus of a criminal investigation and will be a central issue in the public inquiry, to be led by the retired appeal court judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick.
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A Conservative Minister defended the 1bn deal to prop up Theresa May's government with votes from the Northern Irish DUP, and then went on to say Britain cannot afford to give nurses a pay rise.

Liam Fox, the Secretary of State for International Trade, was on BBC Question Time when he justified the deal and followed it up by providing the rationale behind why the public sector pay cap would not be scrapped.

Speaking about the agreement with the DUP, Dr Fox claimed the two parties share a lot of common elements and that Northern Ireland needed the funding.

The MPs from the DUP clearly wanted to get better funding for Northern Ireland for infrastructure and who can blame them, he said.

The facilities in Northern Ireland should be better but also Northern Irelands infrastructure in terms of its economy has a number of deficiencies and Northern Ireland in terms of exports is the lowest exporting part of the United Kingdom.

The money will have to come from the Treasury and from within existing programmes that we already have, Dr Fox added.

The 55-year-old then went on to defend the Governments position on the public sector pay cap claiming it was important to live within your means.

We have a balance here to strike between our duty to remunerate those who work in the public sector and also to look after the interests of the tax payer who pay those wages," he said.

...We need to remember when we are talking about our public spending, we are spending as a country 46bn this year in debt interest for which we get nothing at all.

Thats because of the debts we have run up in the past and the interest we have accrued on those debts.

We have got to get to a point where we stop doing that. What people call austerity is actually living within your means, Dr Fox added

Tory and DUP MPs voted against Labours attempts to reverse the long-running freeze on public sector pay and Jeremy Corbyn took to social media on Friday morning to slam the Government.

Labours amendment, calling for the end of pay increase freezes, was voted down by 323 votes to 309.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell described the result as an utter disgrace.

"Tories and DUP just voted together to oppose Labour's policy to give emergency and public service workers a fair pay rise. Utter disgrace," he said.
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Theresa May has strongly criticised Kensington and Chelsea Council for shutting down its meeting into the Grenfell Tower fire, after it was ordered to admit journalists.

We would have expected them to have respected the court ruling about the meeting being open, the Prime Ministers spokeswoman said.

The criticism follows angry scenes on Thursday, when the beleaguered Tory leader of the council, Nick Paget-Brown, closed the meeting after a brief statement.

Recommended Tory local government chief warns tower block safety checks are flawed

He claimed it could not continue with journalists present, as this could prejudice the public inquiry into the tragedy in which at least 80 people died.

The spokeswoman declined to say whether Ms May still had confidence in Mr Paget-Brown after calls for his resignation.

The comments heap further pressure on the council leader, after it was revealed that the cladding used to refit Grenfell Tower was changed to a cheaper version, to save 293,000.

Whereas zinc panels would have been non-combustible, the aluminium cladding eventually used had a flammable polyethylene core.

Housing officials demanded good costs to satisfy a council boss, according to emails leaked to The Times, with little evidence of safety concerns being raised.

Opening the meeting at Kensington Town Hall, Mr Paget-Brown apologised for the authority's response to the disaster, as members of the public gathered outside.

But, after just 20 minutes, he shut it down, after reporters entered the room following a judges ruling that they should not be excluded.

The claim that reports of the meeting could prejudice the inquiry provoked astonishment, given that it will led by a retired appeal court judge, Sir Martin Moore-Bick, rather than a jury.

The No 10 spokeswoman said: Our view is that access to democracy should always be easy and we think that is vital if people want to retain confidence in our democratic system.

I can't speak for the council, but there are rules that state that all meetings must be open to the public except in certain circumstances.

In this specific case, the High Court ruled that the meeting should be open, and we would have expected the council to respect that.

Asked whether the Prime Minister retained confidence in Mr Paget-Browns leadership, the spokeswoman said: We are working very closely with Kensington and Chelsea throughout the ongoing recovery process.

She also revealed that that number of tower blocks that have failed safety tests has risen to 149, in 45 different local authority areas  which remains a 100 per cent failure rate

The fire safety expert panel  chaired by former London fire commissioner Ken Knight  met for the first time yesterday, the spokeswoman added.

It will advise on any immediate measures that can be put in place to make buildings safe.
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A disgruntled former employee of a New York City hospital who shot dead at one person while injuring six others has died, after turning the gun on himself.

The gunman, named by law enforcement as Dr Henry Bello, reportedly opened fire with an assault rifle just before 3pm. He had hidden the rifle under a white lab coat, police said.

Officials indicated the gun may have been an AR-15, which is a common assault weapon based on a military rifle, and has been used in mass shootings before.

Weve had a real tragedy here in the Bronx this afternoon, its something weve seen around the country. Now, we've experienced it here, New York Mayor Bill De Blasio said during a press conference outside the hospital.

This was a horrific situation unfolding in the middle of a place that people associate with care and comfort. A situation that came out of nowhere. But, even in the midst of this horror, there were many, many acts of heroism.

After reports of the shooting, the hospital was immediately placed on lockdown as police combed the hospital trying to find the active gunman. The fire department, meanwhile, responded to reports of multiple fires within the hospital  which officials said may have been started when the shooter tried to set himself on fire.

At least three doctors were among those who have been shot, according to reports. One woman was found dead, and a total of six victims were also injured and were taken to the hospital's emergency room. Five of those victims were seriously injured, and one had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Emergency service radio fire department chatter had indicated that the shooter was allegedly a male dressed as a doctor when he opened fire. Since he was previously employed at the hospital, that would indicate that the shooter would have had a strong knowledge of the facilities.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The Joint Counter Terror Task force was reportedly activated to respond to the shooting. Special agents with the New York Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were also responding to the incident at the hospital, the bureau tweeted.

Police cars and fire trucks could be seen surrounding the hospital after the shooting was reported. At one point, police were seen on the roof of the building, guns drawn.

The White House has been informed of the shooting, and the President is reportedly aware of the situation.

The Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Centre is one of the largest health care facilities in the Bronx, and New York City as well. The facilities claim to have nearly 1,000 beds across multiple units. It is about a mile and a half north of the famed Yankee Stadium, and is reportedly has one of the busiest emergency rooms in New York.
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A disabled man convicted of trying to rape a woman wrote in a diary that he enjoys the hunt, it has been reported.

Frank Yeager, from Pennsylvania, will now face between 10 and 20 years in prison after he attempted to rape a real estate agent.

The woman managed to escape after refusing to show him a secluded home where he had claimed there was a water leak.

When a male colleague arrived, Yeager fled, and when the real estate agents went to check the property for the leak, they found all the lights out, curtains drawn and no evidence of any issues.

The police were contacted and after investigating they found Yeager was obsessed with rape and had detailed drawings in his diary.

Rope, chains, guns and duct tape were also all found in his vehicle, according to the Daily Mail.

The 33-year-old allegedly planned to kill himself after committing the crime and said he was beyond help.

I truly enjoy the hunt and cannot wait for my prize, one diary entry read, according to WKBN.

If you are reading this I found a realtor woman and raped her. I have been planning and have wanted this my whole life.

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

Yeager had reportedly put together a list of more than 200 real estate agents and was searching for someone who looked like Paris Hilton.

When questioned by police Yeager confessed to the plot and said it was due to a life of bullying and never having had his own wife and children.

He had appealed his 10-to-20-year sentence but the request was thrown out.
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Morning Joe hosts Mika Brzezinksi and Joe Scarborough have responded to Donald Trumps scathing tweets about them by accusing the President of being unwell

We have known Mr. Trump for more than a decade and have some fond memories of our relationship together, the MSNBC hosts wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post. But that hasnt stopped us from criticising his abhorrent behaviour or worrying about his fitness.

The President had criticised the journalists coverage of him in a tweetstorm the day before, referring to them as low I.Q. Crazy Mika, and Psycho Joe. He also accused the pair of insisting on joining him at his South Florida estate around New Years Eve, adding that Ms Brzezinski was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time.

The tweets set off a chorus of condemnation from politicians on either side of the aisle  and from Ms Brzezinski and Mr Scarborough themselves.

Americas leaders and allies are asking themselves yet again whether this man is fit to be president, they wrote. We have our doubts, but we are both certain that the man is not mentally equipped to continue watching our show.

The journalists then gave their own version of the events around New Years Eve, claiming they did not insist on visiting the President-Elect, but reluctantly accepted his invitation to stop by. Mr Trump then invited them to his New Years Eve party, the hosts said, and they declined.

The pair also felt obligated to clear up the accusations around Ms Brzezinskis supposed cosmetic surgery, saying she had not had a facelift but instead had a little skin under her chin tweaked. The accusation that she was bleeding badly, they said, was a lie.

In fact, the hosts wrote, Mr Trumps insults about Ms Brzezinskis appearance play into a larger trend of the President's continued mistreatment of women.

From his menstruation musings about Megyn Kelly, to his fat-shaming treatment of a former Miss Universe, to his braggadocious claims about grabbing womens genitalia, the 45th president is setting the poorest of standards for our children, they wrote.

The piece also includes a none-too-subtle plea to the Mr Trumps daughter, Ivanka, and wife, Melania, to condemn the President's behaviour.

It would be the height of hypocrisy to claim the mantle of womens empowerment while allowing a family member to continue such abusive conduct, they wrote.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

Mr Scarborough and Ms Brzezinksi have maintained a close  but tumultuous  relationship with Mr Trump over the years. The relationship started out friendly, with the hosts inviting Mr Trump to speak on their show several times at the beginning of his campaign. But it began to sour when Mr Scarborough suggested Mr Trump could not win the presidential election  a statement Mr Trump quickly contested on Twitter.

The hosts, who claim to have spoken at length with Mr Trumps top aides, have since turned to excoriating Mr Trump on-air, calling him a fake president and accusing him of lying every day and destroying the country.

Earlier this year, the hosts claimed in their article, top White House officials retaliated by threatening to run a negative National Enquirer story about them if they did not beg the President to cancel it. The hosts said they declined.

Mr Trump took to Twitter on Friday morning to refute this version of events, claiming Mr Scarborough had called him to stop the article.

I said no! the President tweeted. Bad show.

The hosts however, concluded their piece by saying they do not take the attacks personally. Instead, they said, they continue to worry about the Presidents mental state.

The Donald Trump we knew before the campaign was a flawed character, they wrote, but one who still seemed capable of keeping his worst instincts in check.
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Donald Trump has said that the US "has many options" for dealing with the threat from North Korea, as he meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Mr Trump, who said earlier this week that North Korea was a problem that should be "dealt with rapidly," is set to discuss the issue of the isolated nation as well as trade with South Korea's new leader, whose pro-engagement stance toward the North could clash with the US administration's intent to crank up sanctions.

The US and North Korea's regional neighbours have expressed dismay about the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.

Mr Trump welcomed South Korean President Moon for formal talks at the White House. The two leaders had their first meeting over dinner Thursday, shortly after the Treasury Department blacklisted a Chinese bank accused of conducting millions in illicit business with North Korea.

"We accomplished a lot having to do with our thoughts on North Korea and very much our thoughts on trade," Mr Trump told reporters on Friday in the Oval Office. "We are renegotiating a trade deal right now with South Korea, and hopefully it will be an equitable deal. It will be a fair deal for both parties. It's been a rough deal for the US, but I think that it will be much different and will be good for both parties."

"We're also in the process of discussing our frankly many options. We have many options with respect to North Korea," Mr Trump added.

Mr Moon told reporters that his discussions with Mr Trump have been a great opportunity to further the trust between him and the US leader.

"It was also an opportunity to reconfirm that the US and Korea are walking together on the same path towards a great alliance," Mr Moon said. "Last night, at the dinner with President Trump, we discussed various issues through a diverse scope and very honest discussions and on issues to include the North Korean nuclear issue and other issues of mutual interest."

In pictures: North Korea military drill Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: North Korea military drill In pictures: North Korea military drill North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un watches a military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video

The South Korean leader has sought to make clear to the US that he is serious about dealing with his neighbour's threat, despite his inclination to restart dialogue with the North to address its nuclear weapons development.

Mr Moon did not mention trade in his remarks to the press in the Oval Office. After Mr Trump scuttled the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a landmark 12-nation trade pact proposed and finalised by former President Barack Obama, China and South Korea  both of which were not members of the TPP  were said to be joining trade talks with TPP member states in Washington's absence.

Mr Moon appeared to try to break the ice early on during Thursday's dinner, telling Mr Trump that he also suffers from fake news coverage, prompting laughs. Trump has used the term to describe media reports he doesn't like.

Mr Trump also wrote on Twitter that they had a very good meeting and that they discussed North Korea and trade. Those discussions are expected to continue on Friday.

Ahead of the meeting, US National Security Adviser HR McMaster confirmed that US military options for North Korea have been prepared.

"What we have to do is prepare all options because the President has made clear to us that he will not accept a nuclear power in North Korea and a threat that can target the United States and target the American population," McMaster said during remarks at a Washington think tank.

He also said the South Koreans were being "held hostage" by the North Korean regime.

"The threat is much more immediate now. We can't repeat the same failed approach of the past," Mr McMaster said. "The President has directed us to not do that and to prepare a range of options, including a military option, which nobody wants to take."

North Korea so far has executed five nuclear tests and a series of missile tests, defying UN Security Council and unilateral resolutions. In January, Kim Jong-un said that North Korea had entered the final stage of preparation for a test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, which would have the capability of reaching the US. Trump tweeted in response at the time: "It wont happen!"

Earlier this month, the American student Otto Warmbier died after having been detained in North Korea for more than a year. He was transferred back to the US in a coma, but had showed signs of severe neurological decline.
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Donald Trump, a self-proclaimed real friend of the LGBTQ community, has failed to acknowledge LGBTQ Pride Month.

The President sent out five different proclamations during the month of June  naming it, for example, Great Outdoors Month and National Ocean Month  but failed to proclaim the civil rights holiday.

The tradition of celebrating LGBTQ pride in June dates back to 1999, when former President Bill Clinton pronounced it Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in honour of the New York City Stonewall Riots. The 1969 riots are seen by many as the birth of the LGBTQ civil rights movement.

The month is now marked by Pride marches around the country, many of which boast thousands of participants each. The month is so widely recognised that many retailers create special Pride product lines every summer.

Former President Barack Obama recognised the month every year of his presidency. In one proclamation, he encouraged Americans to wave their flags of pride high and march boldly forward in parades and demonstrations, and celebrate how far we have come and reaffirm our steadfast belief in the equal dignity of all Americans.

Former President George W Bush, a Republican, did not acknowledge the month.

Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Show all 8 1 /8 Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP

Mr Trump told attendees at the 2016 Republican National Convention that he would do "everything in [his] power to protect LGBTQ citizens". At a rally after the mass shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub, Mr Trump claimed to be more LGBTQ-friendly than his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton.

Ask yourself who is really the friend of women and the LGBTQ community, Donald Trump with actions or Hillary Clinton with her words? he said. I will tell you who the better friend is and some day I believe that will be proven out big league.

The President changed his position on same-sex marriage during the campaign, eventually saying he is "fine" with the Supreme Court's decision. But he has also flip-flopped on transgender rights, rolling back Obama-era protections for transgender students shortly after taking office.

The President's failure to recognise Pride Month did not go unnoticed in the LGBTQ community. Many attendees at Pride marches nationwide carried Dump Trump signs along with their rainbow flags. Los Angeles even turned its annual Pride parade into a Resist March, where participants stuck "I Resist Homophobia" signs on his Hollywood star.

Washington DC march participant Daniel Dunlop told the BBC that Trumps failure to recognise Pride Month sent a strong message to the LGBTQ community.

"The fact that Trump did not even recognise Pride Month is an omen of what's to come, and we need to mobilise now, Mr Dunlop said.
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President Donald Trump has threatened to sue CNN over their coverage of his administration, according to audio obtained from a closed-door fundraiser at the former businessmans Washington DC hotel.

Its a shame what theyve done to the name CNN, that I can tell you, Mr Trump told supporters at the $35,00-a-plate fundraiser, according to audio obtained by The Intercept. But as far as Im concerned, I love it.

He added: If anybodys a lawyer in the house and thinks I have a good lawsuit  I feel like we do. Wouldnt that be fun?

Recommended Donald Trump attacks CNN after Russia story retracted

CNN had recently retracted an article alleging ties between a Russian investment fund and Trump administration officials. The piece, which was distributed on CNNs website and social media channels, was removed shortly after publication. It was later replaced by an editors note saying that it "did not meet CNN's editorial standards and has been retracted.

The network accepted the resignation of three seasoned journalists connected to the piece, and apologised to one Trump associate who had been named. The associate, former transition team member Anthony Scaramucci, tweeted that CNN did the right thing.

Apology accepted," he tweeted. "Everyone makes mistakes. Moving on."

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

The Trump administration, however, continued to use the piece as an example of media bias around the Russia investigation, and of the proliferation of fake news in general.

Wow, CNN had to retract big story on Russia, with 3 employees forced to resign, Mr Trump tweeted the day after the resignations. What about all the other phony stories they do? FAKE NEWS!

Responding to a question about the story on Tuesday, Deputy White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders bemoaned the the constant barrage of fake news directed at this President.

I think that we have gone to a place where if the media cant be trusted to report the news, then thats a dangerous place for America, she continued. And I think if that is the place that certain outlets are going  particularly for the purpose of spiking ratings  and if thats coming directly from the top, I think thats even more scary and certainly more disgraceful.

The press secretary also referenced an unverified video of a CNN employee purportedly calling the network's Russia coverage "bull****, and encouraged those at the press conference to watch it. The employee in the video is a CNN health editor who is not involved in the networks Russia coverage.

Mr Trump, in his Wednesday-night tirade, also referenced covert recordings of CNN employees. The President drew attention to commentator Van Jones, who was recently recorded calling allegations of Russian collusion a nothingburger.

Mr Jones later said he intended the comments as a suggestion to Democrats to deal with bread and butter issues, instead of focusing on Russia.

Still, Mr Trump used the tape to further his point that media are really dishonest people.

Van Jones  you see this man? Trump asked the audience. These are really dishonest people. Should I sue them? I mean, theyre phonies.

The President has previously referred to the news media as the enemy of the American people, and called the investigation into his campaigns ties to Russia the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!

On the campaign trail, Mr Trump promised to open up our libel laws to make it easier to sue journalists.

I'm going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money, he said.
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The state of Hawaii is once again challenging Donald Trumps travel ban, after the Supreme Court allowed a limited version of the restrictions to take effect.

The Court ruled this week that travellers from six Muslim-majority countries could be barred from entering the country, unless they had a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the US. The Trump administration has limited such bona fide relationships to parents, spouses, fiances, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and siblings of US residents.

Hawaii, however, has filed an emergency injunction to expand this definition, claiming grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, and other relatives of US residents should also be allowed to enter.

The injunction calls on a federal judge to clarify the meaning of bona fide relationships.

In Hawaii, close family includes many of the people that the federal government decided on its own to exclude from that definition, Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said in a statement. Unfortunately, this severely limited definition may be in violation of the Supreme Court ruling.

In March, Hawaii became the first state to sue over the revised travel ban, which barred visitors from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen for 90 days and suspended the US refugee program for 120 days.

Mr Chin at the time equated the executive order to a neon sign flashing Muslim ban, Muslim ban. A federal judge agreed, blocking the ban from taking effect. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision.

The result earned widespread condemnation from the Trump administration, with Mr Trump promising to take it to the Supreme Court, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions referring to Hawaii disparagingly as an island in the Pacific.

Mr Chin at the time said the administration's statements threatened the basic principles of American government.

The whole point of what America stands for is the idea that you can have an executive that gets checked by the two other branches, he told The Independent. And that includes the judiciary.

The Governor of Hawaii, meanwhile, said he would continue to stand up for the rights of immigrants to his state.

Hawaii is a very special place. We are a community of minorities, Governor David Ige told The Independent. ...Certainly we felt compelled to take a stand against the executive order which, to us, is clearly focused on national origin and religious basis.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Several lower courts echoed this sentiment, blocking the ban on the grounds of religious discrimination. But the Supreme Court, in announcing that they would take on the case, did not address this issue, ruling only that the temporary exclusion of these individuals would not harm anyone in the US.

The Court will make their full ruling during their next session in October. In the meantime, the ban will take effect  with exemptions for those with bona fide relationships. These relationships also include any business, educational or professional links that were formal, documented and formed in the ordinary course rather than for the purpose of evading the ban.

Mr Trump heralded the Court's decision as a "clear victory for our national security". But news of the bans reinstatement sparked backlash from Irans foreign minister, who decried it as a truly shameful exhibition of blind hostility to all Iranians" that bans Iranian grandmothers from seeing their grandchildren.

The ban will likely have the largest impact on Iranians, who received the largest share of nonimmigrant visas to the US of any of the six countries in 2015. Nearly 26,000 Iranians entered the US that year; the latest for which data is available.
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President Donald Trump is trying to compile a list of voter data from all 50 states by compiling an extensive range of information on American voting habits going back over a decade.

The Presidents commission on election integrity sent letters to all 50 states asking for voter names, birthdays, the last four digits of their Social Security numbers, and their voting records from 2006 until today. But, state officials from red and blue states alike are fighting back.

Officials more than 10 states, including Virginia, California, New York, and Kentucky all refused to honour the request for their voter roll data, saying they had an obligation to protect the fairness of their elections.

The White House called the refusals a "political stunt".

At best this commission was set up as a pretext to validate Donald Trumps alternative election facts, and at worst it is a tool to commit large-scale voter suppression, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, said.

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla argued that the request would only serve to legitimise the Presidents false claims that there was widespread voter fraud in the 2016 election, which Mr Trump says is why he lost the popular vote by nearly three million votes.

I will not provide sensitive voter information to a commission that has already inaccurately passed judgement that millions of Californians voted illegally, Mr Padilla said, referring to the Presidents claims that Californians voted illegally en-masse. Californias participation would only serve to legitimise the false and already debunked claims of massive voter fraud by the President, Vice President, and [Kansas Secretary of State Kris] Kobach.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

Mr Kobach is heading up the Presidents election integrity commission.

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes also defended her states voting record, which favoured Mr Trump.

Indeed, despite bipartisan objections and a lack of authority, the President has repeatedly spread the lie that three to five million illegal votes were cast in the last election, her statement read. Kentucky will not aid a commission that is at best a waste of taxpayer money and at worst an attempt to legitimise voter suppression efforts across the country.

States are required under federal law to compile central electronic voter files, however the availability of that data varies between states. Many states make the information available, but will charge fees to entities looking to access the data. Candidates for political office will frequently use that data to begin compiling their own voter databases. Some states also have restrictions on who is eligible to access the information.

Mr Kobach has been accused of pushing voter suppression tactics in his home state, and some have noted that the attempt to get voter roll data from across the country may be the first step toward implementing similar tactics on a national level. Mr Kobach has not disclosed how he plans on using the voter data, should he get it.

There are other indicators that Mr Trump's administration and Republicans are moving to suppress voting across the country. The House Appropriations Committee has voted to defund the Election Assistance Commission, which is the sole federal agency tasked with helping states make sure that their voting machines aren't hacked - even as an investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 is ongoing. In addition to that, the Department of Justice has sent a letter to the states indicating that it is reviewing the "maintenance procedures in each state" of voter rolls, and how they plan on removing voters from rolls - a sign for some that the Department is encouraging voter purging by the states.
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A woman has described how she failed to show up at her own wedding because she was being gang-raped in Nairobi, Kenya.

Terry Gobanga recalled how on the morning of her wedding day she was abducted by a group of men who proceeded to brutally attack her for six hours.

Ms Gobanga's excitement about marrying her fiance Harry turned to terror as she "felt sure [she] was going to die" while she was repeatedly raped by the men, and stabbed when she tried to fight back, before they eventually left her on the side of a road.

Speaking to the BBC, she traced the story back to the night before the wedding, the bride-to-be realised she had some of the clothes Harry was supposed to wear for the wedding. In the early hours of the next morning her friend took them to him, and Ms Gobanga walked her to the bus stop.

But as she was making her way back home, she was "suddenly grabbed from behind" by a men who proceeded to "dump" her in the back seat, she said.

"There were two more men inside, and they drove off. It all happened in a fraction of a second. A piece of cloth was stuffed in my mouth. I was kicking and hitting out and trying to scream," she said.

When I managed to push the gag out, I screamed: It's my wedding day! That was when I got the first blow. One of the men told me to co-operate or you will die.

Ms Gobanga recalled how the men took turns to rape her. I felt sure I was going to die, but I was still fighting for my life, so when one of the men took the gag out of my mouth I bit his manhood, she said.

He screamed in pain and one of them stabbed me in the stomach. Then they opened the door and threw me out of the moving car.

Ms Gobanga said that by the time police arrived, they thought she was dead. She was taken to hospital, and was able to communicate the fact she was a bride-to-be to the matron.

By coincidence, the first church the hospital called was the right one, she said. Her parents had been panicking after she failed to turn up at the church, and rumours "flew" that she might have simply changed her mind about the wedding.

When they heard where she was, her parents came to the hospital with the "whole entourage", and Harry was carrying her wedding gown.

A recent photograph of Ms Gobanga with one of her young daughters (Terry Gobanga/Facebook)

That was where the doctors stitched me up and gave me some devastating news: The stab wound went deep into your womb, so you won't be able to carry any children, she said.

While she and her fiance got married seven months after the brutal attack, tragedy struck again when he died less than a month later due to carbon dioxide inhalation.

Several years later, however, Ms Gobanga has re-married, and despite being told she wouldn't be able to have children, she has given birth to two daughters.

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

Summing up her traumatic experience and her attitude to adversity, she told the BBC: "I have forgiven my attackers. It wasn't easy but I realised I was getting a raw deal by being upset with people who probably don't care.

"The most important thing is to mourn. Go through every step of it. Get upset until you are willing to do something about your situation.

"You have to keep moving, crawl if you have to. But move towards your destiny because it's waiting, and you have to go and get it."
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A former Mexican drug cartel kingpin who dismembered a six-year-old girl with an axe in front of her parents has been sentenced to seven consecutive life terms in a US prison.

Marciano Millan-Vasquez, who was a member of the 'Los Zetas' organised crime gang, "brutally murdered anyone and everyone as it suited him and his cartel", the prosecuting lawyer said.

The 34-year-old, known as "Chano", was a regional boss in the Mexican border town of Piedras Negras. He has been in detention since his arrest in Texas in 2015.

Millan-Vasquez was found guilty last July of murder, violence, drug and weapons trafficking, and employing minors in a drug crime  a total of 10 counts.

During the trial, witnesses said he had hacked apart his victims with an axe and burned their bodies in barrels, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

At one of the gory murders  the horrific slaughter of a young girl  he reportedly told her father the crime was "so you can remember me", before ordering the murder of both parents.

Between January 2009 and July 2015, Millan-Vasquez was responsible for the murders of at least 29 people, according to testimony from the trial reported by local broadcaster KSAT.

US attorney Richard L Durbin Jr told the court in San Antonio, Texas, the killer had acted "without mercy or compunction".

At times [he inflicted] the cruellest of pain, forcing relatives to watch their loved ones murdered before he turned his blades on them, said Mr Durbin.

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

Los Zetas was described by the US government in 2009 as "the most technologically advanced, sophisticated and dangerous cartel operating in Mexico".

One former member of the cartel told the court Millan-Vasquez had taken part in a 2011 massacre in which up to 300 people were allegedly kidnapped, with many never seen again.

Piedras Negras, in the state of Coahuila, has a reputation as a hotbed for drug smuggling and violence.
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An investor who put $300,000 into a hedge fund managed by Martin Shkreli said she felt "betrayed" after being told she was in line for huge returns, only for the account to be closed just 31 minutes later, a jury has heard.

Prosecutors say Sarah Hassan was the victim of a scam orchestrated by the former pharmaceutical executive  dubbed the most hated man in America  who is standing trial charged with fraud relating to the drug company he once ran.

The 34-year-old denies the charges but faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Mr Shkreli gained notoriety in 2015 after a drug firm he founded, Turing Pharmaceuticals, spent $55m for the US rights to sell Daraprim, a life-saving medicine used to treat a parasitic infection called toxoplasmosis, which those with weakened immune systems, including Aids patients, rely on.

The company promptly raised the price from $13.50 to $750 per pill  a rise of 5,000 per cent.

Ms Hassan, who ultimately recouped her investment in a settlement that included a stock windfall, is the first witness to testify in the trial.

She told jurors she agreed to have dinner with Mr Skhreli after a friend of her father's told her he was "a rising star in the hedge fund world.

She said Mr Shkreli claimed to manage $40m and said she was "thrilled" when he reported in an email in September 2012 that she made nearly $135,000 in profit.

Despite never receiving formal account statements, she said she "trusted him and I trusted the numbers".

In another email sent to all investors, Mr Shkreli announced he was using all the assets in the fund to launch Retrophin, another biotech company.

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

When she tried to get her investment back, he stalled for months, Ms Hassan said.

"To be frank, I felt somewhat betrayed at this point," the 27-year-old told jurors at a federal court in Brooklyn, New York. "I was told I could get my cash from the fund months ago It just wasn't right.

She finally agreed to a settlement for $400,000 cash and stock shares she sold for $900,000 once the company went public.

Mr Shkrelis lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, questioned her on how his client had harmed her, aside from being difficult to deal with.

Recommended Pharmaceutical entrepreneur Martin Shkreli facing fraud trial

"I know it was frustrating  trust me, I've dealt with him  but at the end of the day, you had a successful agreement in which you more than tripled your money, correct?" he said.

She agreed. But she also said that until the settlement, she had to live with the fear that she lost her money.

Along with the Daraprim scandal, Mr Shkreli has become notorious for bragging about himself and trolling critics on social media.

A posting on his Facebook page on Thursday criticised reports that his legal team were struggling to assemble a jury.

Lawyers for Mr Shkreli are understood to have dismissed almost 250 potential jurors in the first two days of jury selection.

He wrote: "Lying media corporate drones love to lie for their shareholders."

But Mr Brafman told jurors that his client was "not on trial for all of the other stuff that made him a household name.

"You may not like Martin Shkreliand you may have reasons to hate Martin Shkreli, but that is not a basis on which to convict."

Additional reporting AP
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President Donald Trump's tweets got tough coverage at Fox News Channel, a usually friendly media outlet.

The US leader was heavily criticised after he lambasted Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for their coverage of his administration on Twitter  and was rude about Ms Brzezinski's appearance.

I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (don't watch anymore), Mr Trump wrote. Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Year's Eve, and insisted on joining me.

He added: She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!

Fox News anchor Shepard Smith led his afternoon newscast with Trump's actions, which he said "some critics are calling sexist cyberbullying."

He interviewed "MediaBuzz" host Howard Kurtz, who noted that Trump frequently punches back at critics, but said, "This is a punch where he has actually wounded himself."

Kurtz said, "It's perfectly clear to people who are not paid to defend him that he crossed a line." He said the White House can't blame the media for harsh coverage since it brought the issue on itself.

Smith also took the unusual step of reading three emails from viewers who criticised him for his coverage of the story. He said one reader wrote on social media that "Shep is a liberal hemorrhoid" who would better fit on MSNBC.

The criticism followed a chorus of criticism from members of Mr Trump's own Republican Party.

 Donald Trump appears to flirt with Irish reporter

Not okay. Beneath the office. Please just stop," were just some of the words aimed at the President.

Female senators were quick to jump on the sexist nature of the remarks, which came one day after Mr Trump singled out a female reporter for her nice smile.

This is not ok, tweeted Republican Senator Lynn Jenkins. As a female in politics I am often criticised for my looks. We should be working to empower women.

The President has been chastised in the past for calling women pigs and slobs, and bragging about being able to grab them by the p***** without their consent.

The remarks were also an escalation of Mr Trump's long-standing criticism of the news media, which he once called an enemy of the American people.

A wealthy businessman and former reality TV star with no previous experience in government, Mr Trump has been quick to respond to criticism of his presidency, lashing out at the media for its coverage of probes into potential collusion between his campaign team and Russia, and other matters.

He has sometimes singled out individual journalists, including a high-profile attack on former Fox News and current NBC journalist Megyn Kelly while he was running for office. That included a comment about blood coming out of her wherever, which was widely interpreted as a reference to menstruation.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

After his latest outburst Senator Ben Sasse, a frequent Trump critic pleaded: "Please just stop. This isn't normal and it's beneath the dignity of your office.

Even Mr Trumps usual supporters appeared unable to stomach the Thursday-morning missives.

Senator James Lankford, who has defended Mr Trump in the investigations into his presidential campaign, said the tweets dont help our political or national discourse and do not provide a positive role model for our national dialogue. House Speaker Paul Ryan called them simply inappropriate.

Mr. President, it is incumbent upon ALL of us to tone down this divisive political rhetoric, tweeted Representative Adam Kinzinger.
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As Republicans work swiftly to amend their controversial healthcare bill, different wings of the party appear to be divided on whether they should give a tax break to the rich or protect spending on some of the nations most vulnerable.

John Thune, the third highest-ranking Republican senator, told reporters there is interest among a number of our members to nuke the measures tax cuts for the wealthy to gain the votes of moderate Republicans on the bill.

With a majority of 52 senators, Republican Senate leadership can only afford two defections on the bill and still be able to pass it. No Democrats are expected to vote in favour of the legislation.

Recommended Senate Republicans trying to fix Obamacare repeal bill by Friday

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is reportedly rewriting his proposal to provide more money for opioid treatment and assistance to low- and moderate-income Americans, according to the Washington Post. This could potentially be done by preserving a 3.8 per cent tax on investment income that had been established by the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare.

Obviously wed like to get rid of all the taxes because the taxes were raised in order to pay for Obamacare, Mr Thune said. Were repealing Obamacare. The assumption would be that wed get rid of the taxes too.

If it takes something like [keeping the tax on the wealthy] to get our members on board to move this process forward, I think we have to consider that, he added. And I think there are a number of our members who do care about that.

However, when asked if he knew of any senators who would vote no if tax cuts to the wealthy were not included in the bills text, Mr Thune responded that there probably are a few.

Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Show all 8 1 /8 Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP

The 3.8 percent tax applies only to individuals who make more than $200,000 a year, and married couples that earn over $250,000 annually.

We [want to] address the issue of ensuring lower-income citizens are in a position to buy plans that actually provide them appropriate healthcare, said Senator Bob Corker. To do that, my sense is the 3.8 percent repeal will go away.

Republican legislators' overlapping concerns and competing interests have presented Mr McConnell with a balancing act. Moderate senators worry that millions of people would lose their insurance following cuts to Medicaid  a healthcare programme for the poor  while conservatives assert that the bill does not do enough to erase Democratic former President Barack Obama's signature domestic legislation.

The Congressional Budget Office now estimates that Medicaid spending would be 35 per cent lower than under Obamacare in 2036 if the Senate Republicans proposal were to become law.

The CBO also estimated that under the ACA, Medicaid spending would grow 5.1 per cent a year during the next two decades. Under the Republican Senate plan, it projected growth of just 1.9 per cent a year through 2026 and about 3.5 percent per year in the subsequent 10 years.

Senate Democrats requested the latest CBO report to analyse the impact of the Republican healthcare bill's Medicaid cuts between 2026 and 2036. The CBO can typically only score legislation in a 10-year window. But some of the changes to Medicaid proposed by Republicans would not go into effect until 2021, with more drastic cuts and a federal overhaul of the program in 2025.

Republicans are trying to send a revised version of their healthcare bill to the CBO by Friday so that the nonpartisan group can measure the legislations impact on coverage levels and federal spending by the time senators return to Washington DC in mid-July.

The CBO forecasted on Monday that the existing bill would lead to some 22 million people losing medical insurance by 2026 than under Obamacare  all while cutting the federal deficit by $321 billion.
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A researcher who claimed to be linked to former national security adviser Mike Flynn, reportedly tried to access Hillary Clintons private emails during the 2016 presidential campaign

Peter W Smith, a long time operative with Donald Trump's Republican Party, assembled a team to look for approximately 33,000 emails that Ms Clinton said she deleted from her private email server.

The US leader challenged Russian hackers to uncover them during the campaign.

Recommended Michael Flynn to receive new order to hand over Russia documents

Mr Smith believed the emails had already been obtained by Russian hackers, and that they may provide evidence of wrongdoing by Ms Clinton.

He is also alleged to have told colleagues that he was working on behalf of Mr Flynn, who Aater just 23 days on the job, was forced to resign as national security adviser, over revelations that he had discussed lifting US sanctions on Russia with their ambassador to Washington, and that he lied to the US vice-president about that conversation.

He said, Im talking to Michael Flynn about thisif you find anything, can you let me know? Eric York, a computer-security expert who worked with Mr Smith told The Wall Street Journal.

Mr Smith also told hacker groups that he had a line of communication to Mr Flynn, and sent at least one email offering to make introductions to Mr Flynns son, the newspaper reported. He also said the younger Mr Flynn was aiding in his efforts.

The Republican operative further claimed that he had helped Mr Flynn in attempting to form relationships with Russian officials during the presidential transition period.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

Mr Flynns extensive contacts with people inside both Russia and Turkey have made him a focus of ongoing investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

He has been subpoenaed to testify in front of the House intelligence committee, but is expected to plead the fifth.

US intelligence agencies have accused Russian operatives of accessing emails from the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign workers and releasing them to the media in an attempt to sway the election in favour of her opponent, Donald Trump.

Mr Smith told The WSJ that he and his team of lawyers, technology experts, and Russian-speaking investigators had heard from five different hacker groups who said they were in possession of Ms Clintons emails.

We knew the people who had these were probably around the Russian government, he said.

The emails, however, were never released. Mr Smith died on 14 May, 2017  10 days after he spoke with the newspaper.
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In a victory for Donald Trump, a limited version of his travel ban is set to take effect in less than 72 hours.

While chaos erupted at airports in January during the rollout of his first executive order on the issue, less disorder is expected Thursday.

What has happened?

The Supreme Court will hear arguments about whether Mr Trumps travel ban is lawful when the justices return for their next term, which begins in October.

In the meantime, a limited version of his order will be implemented starting on Thursday.

Who will be allowed to come to the US?

The justices determined that foreigners with a bona fide relationship to a person or entity in the US wouldnt be prohibited from entering the country. However, those applying for visas who have no such connections to the US could be barred.

There is uncertainty about what constitutes a bona fide relationship.

Jeremy McKinney, a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Associations executive committee, told The Independent that a majority of the bans implementation will take place at consular posts outside of the US and at pre-inspection sites at international airports inside and outside the country.

Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Show all 8 1 /8 Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP

He said the ban will likely only affect a small portion of visa-seekers from the six countries from which the administration wants to ban travel  Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Were still trying to imagine a scenario where a current visa-holder or visa-seeker from one of those six countries does not already have the requisite relationship with the person or the entity within the US, Mr McKinney said.

However, he noted that visa-seekers and visa-holders could face problems at airports  where there dont have access to legal counsel  if the Trump administration tries to implement a broader interpretation of the travel ban than what was provided by the Supreme Court.

Why is the Supreme Court letting a limited travel ban take effect?

The government argued that a 90-day pause on entry of travellers from six mostly Muslim countries is necessary to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from entering the United States as the administration reviews gaps in the governments screening and vetting procedures for visa applicants and refugees.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

The justices agreed with a lower courts ruling that people or entities in the US who have relationships with foreign nationals abroad  such as a state university that has admitted a student from one of the six countries  could be harmed by the implementation of the travel ban.

But, the high court also found that no burden is placed on American people or entities if a foreign national with no ties to the US is denied entry.

Why did the Supreme Courts decision differ from the lower courts?

Two federal appeals courts blocked critical parts of Mr Trumps executive order.

In a departure from the lower courts, the Supreme Court wrote that fully blocking Mr Trumps executive order from being implemented  thereby allowing foreign nationals unconnected to the US to enter the country  would appreciably injure the nations interests, without alleviating obvious hardship to anyone else.

Will the travel ban last?

The ban limits travel for 90 days from the six mostly Muslim countries and suspends the nations refugee program for 120 days. But, based on the results of its review of vetting procedures, the Trump administration can lengthen these time periods.
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A House committee has earned a rare bipartisan round of applause for beginning to roll back the US president's ability to wage war.

The House Appropriations Committee recently approved an amendment to revoke the Authorization for Use of Military Force, which allows the president to undertake war against al-Qaeda and its affiliates without Congressional approval. The law, passed shortly after the terrorist attacks of 11 September, 2001, has been used to approve conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

The new amendment, introduced by Democratic Representative Barbara Lee, would sunset these presidential powers eight weeks after Congress passes the 2018 defence spending budget. The appropriations committee has sent the budget to the House floor for a vote.

Recommended Trump gives Pentagon total authority over troop levels in Afghanistan

A visibly surprised Ms Lee welcomed the addition of the amendment on Thursday, condemning the AUMF as a blank check to wage war anywhere, at any time, and for any length.

The AUMF has been used to justify military action more than 37 times in 14 countries since 2001, according to the Congressional Research Service.

This issue is more urgent given the erratic behaviour and inexperience of our current Commander-in-Chief, Ms Lee said. No president should have a blank check for endless war, least of all President Donald Trump.

Mr Trump recently handed control of troop levels in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria over to the Pentagon.

Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear Show all 16 1 /16 Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2001 Afghans at the Killi Faizo refugee camp desperately reach for bags of rice being handed out to the thousands who escaped the bombardment in southern Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. (Chaman, Pakistan, December 4, 2001) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2002 Mahbooba stands against a bullet-ridden wall, waiting to be seen at a medical clinic. The seven-year-old girl suffers from leishmaniasis, a parasitical infection. (Kabul, March 1, 2002) All photos Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2003 A mother and her two children look out from their cave dwelling. Many families who, fleeing the Taliban, took refuge inside caves adjacent to Bamiyans destroyed ancient Buddha statues now have nowhere else to live. (Bamiyan, November 19, 2003) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2007 Students recite prayers in a makeshift outdoor classroom in the Wakhan Corridor, a mountainous region in northeastern Afghanistan that extends to China and separates Tajikistan from India and Pakistan. (Northeastern Afghanistan, September 2, 2007) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2007 Bodybuilders in the 55-60 kg category square off during a regional bodybuilding competition. Many Afghan men, like others around the world, feel that a macho image of physical strength is important. (Kabul, August 6, 2007) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2008 A woman in a white burqa enjoys an afternoon with her family feeding the white pigeons at the Blue Mosque. (Mazar-e-Sharif, March 8, 2008) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2009 Addicts inject heroin while trying to keep warm inside the abandoned Russian Cultural Center, which the capital citys addicts use as a common gathering point. Heroin is readily available, costing about one dollar a hit. (Kabul, February 9, 2009) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2009 An elderly man holds his granddaughter in their tent at a refugee camp after they were forced to flee their village, which US and NATO forces had bombed because, they claimed, it was a Taliban hideout. (Surobi, Nangarhar Province, February 7, 2009) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2009 Seven-year-old Attiullah, a patient at Mirwais Hospital, stands alongside an X ray showing the bullet that entered his back, nearly killing him. Attiullah was shot by US forces when he was caught in a crossfire as he was herding sheep. (Kandahar, October 13, 2009). Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2010 US Army Sargeant Jay Kenney (right), with Task Force Destiny, helps wounded Afghan National Army soldiers exit a Blackhawk helicopter after they have been rescued in an air mission. (Kandahar, December 12, 2010) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2010 An Afghan National Army battalion marches back to barracks at the Kabul Military Training Center. (Kabul, October 4, 2010) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2014 Eid Muhammad, seventy, lives in a house with a view overlooking the hills of Kabul. He and millions of other Afghans occupy land and housing without possessing formal deeds to them. (Kabul, November 21, 2014) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2014 Razima holds her two-year-old son, Malik, while waiting for medical attention at the Boost Hospital emergency room. (Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, June 23, 2014) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2014 Young women cheer as they attend a rally for the Afghan presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani. (Kabul, April 1, 2014) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2014 Burqa-clad women wait to vote after a polling station runs out of ballots. (Kabul, April 5, 2014) Paula Bronstein Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear 2015 Relatives, friends, and womens rights activists grieve at the home of Farkhunda Malikzada, who was killed by a mob in the center of Kabul. Farkhunda was violently beaten and set on fire after a local cleric accused her of burning a Quran. (Kabul, March 22, 2015) Paula Bronstein

Several Republicans supported Ms Lees amendment, including Representatives Scott Taylor, a former Navy SEAL, and Chris Stewart, a former Air Force pilot.

Republican Representative Tom Cole, the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labour, Health and Human Services, also backed Ms Lees amendment.

"We are at war against an enemy that did not exist in a place that we did not expect to fight," Mr Cole said. "How an AUMF can be stretched 16 years, certainly before I was in Congress, is beyond me."

If the amendment passes both the House and Senate, Congress would have a short 240 days to pass a new AUMF. The act has been a sticking point in Congress for years, meaning theres no guarantee a new authorization would make it through.

The lone nay vote on the amendment, House Appropriations defence subcommittee Chairwoman Kay Granger, said the addition to the spending bill is a deal breaker.

The amendment, Ms Granger argued, would tie the hands of the U.S. to act unilaterally or with partner nations with regard to al-Qaeda and ... affiliated terrorism.

It cripples our ability to conduct counterterrorism operations, she argued.
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The Trump administration has hardened its approach to China, blacklisting a small Chinese bank over dealings with North Korea while approving more than a billion dollars in military sales to Taiwan.

The twin moves, both expected to infuriate Beijing, came just days after President Donald Trump appeared to lose faith in his strategy of enlisting Chinese help on North Korea, arguing in a cryptic tweet that it had not worked out. Still, the US insisted it still wanted to work with China, North Korea's biggest trading partner, to combat the nuclear threat.

We are in no way targeting China with these actions, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said at the White House, referring to sanctions the US slapped on the Bank of Dandong, accused of illicit dealings with the North.

Recommended US says China is among worst offenders of human trafficking

It was unlikely China would see it that way, especially given the one-two punch with the sales to Taiwan, the self-governing territory that Beijing considers to be part of China. And Mr Trump has a history of linking the Taiwan conflict to his broader hopes for cooperation with China.

Shortly after being elected president, Trump stunned Beijing when he broke with decades of US policy by accepting a phone call from Taiwan's president. Two months later, after being sworn in, Trump reversed course and told Chinese President Xi Jinping he would honour the One China policy that recognises only Beijing, clearing the way for him to seek Xi's help on North Korea. He later held a summit with Mr Xi at one of his estates.

However, China's ambassador to Washington, Cui Tiankai said: And all these actions  sanctions against Chinese companies and especially arms sales to Taiwan  will certainly undermine the mutual confidence between the two sides and runs counter to the spirit of the Mar-a-Lago summit.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

The dual announcements came as Mr Trump was opening his first visit with South Korea's new leader, President Moon Jae-in, who has long advocated outreach to North Korea. Mr Moon's predecessor had staunchly backed Mr Trump's harder line.

Mr Trump has also been leaning on Mr Xi to help stop the North's development of nuclear weapons before they can threaten the U.S. homeland, with a focus on getting China to fully enforce international sanctions intended to starve Pyongyang of revenue. But last week, Trump tweeted that he appreciated Xi's efforts to help with North Korea but said it hadn't been successful.

At least I know China tried! Mr Trump wrote.

The military sales, worth a total of about $1.4 billion, are the first such deal with Taiwan since Mr Trump took office. A grouping of seven transactions, they include technical support for early warning radar, anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and components for SM-2 missiles, the US said. They consist mostly of upgrades to convert existing systems from analog to digital.

The administration said the approvals did not violate the Taiwan Relations Act that governs US contacts with the island, and, indeed, the US is legally obligated to sell weapons to Taiwan for its self-defence. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said it illustrated US support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defence policy.

There's no change, I should point out, to our One-China policy, Ms Nauert said.

Under the policy, the US recognises Beijing as the sole government of China but maintains strong unofficial ties with Taiwan and remains the island's main supplier of defence equipment.

Meanwhile, the Treasury Department proposed to sever the Bank of Dandong entirely from the US financial system, pending a 60-day review. The sanctions bar Americans from doing business with the bank, which is based in a northeastern Chinese city on the North Korean border that serves as a gateway for trade with the isolated nation.

Mr Mnuchin said the bank had facilitated millions of dollars of transactions for companies involved in North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes.

The US also slapped sanctions on Dalian Global Unity Shipping Co. and on two Chinese people that it said facilitated illegal activities by North Korea. The Treasury Department accused the shipping company of transporting 700,000 tons of freight annually, including coal and steel products, between China and North Korea.

Anthony Ruggiero, a sanctions expert and former Treasury Department official, described it as a small Chinese bank sitting at the heart of trade between North Korea and China.

This is a strong message to Chinese leaders that the Trump administration will act against North Korea's sanctions evasion in China, said Mr Ruggiero, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

The military sales will go forward unless Congress formally objects in the next 30 days. Legislators have generally been strongly supportive of such sales, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Republican Ed Royce, called it long overdue.

The last US arms sales to Taiwan, worth $1.8 billion, were announced in December 2015. They included two decommissioned U.S. Navy frigates, anti-tank missiles, amphibious assault vehicles and Stinger surface-to-air missiles.

China objected strongly to that sale, but it did not notably set back US-China relations and military ties, as has happened after past arms sales to Taiwan. However, relations across the Taiwan Strait have nonetheless deteriorated in recent years.

Associated Press
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Burma will refuse entry to members of the UN trying to investigate the alleged killing, violence and abuse against the Rohingya people, an official said.

The government of Aung San Suu Kyi has already said it would refuse to cooperate with a UN mission following a resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council in March.

Kyaw Zeya, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: "If they are going to send someone with regards to the fact-finding mission, then there's no reason for us to let them come."

 Aung San Suu Kyi pushes back against criticism of handling of Rohingya abuses

Mr Zeya added that visas to enter Burma would not be issued to any staff working on the mission.

The Burmese government has repeatedly denied claims that the Rohingya Muslim ethnic group is facing genocide in the country's remote Rakhine State. It previously brushed away evidence of human rights violations as fake news and "propaganda".

It also deemed "exaggerated" a UN report published in February which found babies and children were reportedly slaughtered with knives amid "area clearance operations".

The report concluded counter military operations by security forces were subjecting the Rohingya population to brutal beatings, disappearances, mass gang rape and killings.

Ms Suu Kyi, who came to power last year as apart of a transition from military rule, has been criticised for failing to stand up to the more than one million stateless Rohingya Muslims.

People in Burma, which is a Buddhist-majority country, have long seen the Rohingyas as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Some 75,000 Rohingyas fled the northwestern state of Rakhine to Bangladesh last year following security operations carried out by the Burmese army.

In March, the EU called for a mission to look into the allegations of abuse in the north of the country.

Indira Jaising, an advocate from the Supreme Court of India, was appointed to lead the mission in May.

But Burma insists that a domestic investigation, which is headed by former lieutenant general and Vice President Myint Swe, is sufficient to look into the allegations in Rakhine.

"Why do they try to use unwarranted pressure when the domestic mechanisms have not been exhausted?" said Kyaw Zeya.

"It will not contribute to our efforts to solve the issues in a holistic manner," he said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Last month, Ms Suu Kyi clashed with the EU over the necessity to carry through the UN resolution and send an international fact-finding mission to Burma.

Speaking in Brussels, Ms Suu Kyi said distrust between the two communities went as far back as the 18th century and that what the country needed was time.

"We have not ignored allegations of rape or murder or anything. We have asked that these are placed before a court and trialled," she said.

She added her government was disassociating itself from the UN resolution "because we don't think the resolution is in keeping with what is actually happening on the ground."

During a trip to Sweden earlier this month she said the UN resolution "would have created greater hostility between the different communities."
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Police in Thailand have reopened the investigation into the death of a backpacker on the island of Koh Tao, amid allegations of a cover up.

Seven tourists have died in mysterious circumstances on the island in the last three years and one remains missing.

Elise Dallemange, 30, from the Belgian capital of Brussels was found dead in the jungle on the tourist island on 27 April. Local police said she killed herself several days earlier.

Recommended Explosion at hospital in Thailand leaves at least 24 injured

But her mother, Michele van Egten, has strongly refuted this suggestion. She said said her daughter appeared to be in a good state of mind when they had last spoken 10 days earlier.

I do not believe what the police have told us. We fear somebody else was involved, Ms van Egten told Der Farang magazine. Were more and more thinking that the police information is not the right explanation.

Ms van Egten has used social media to appeal for information about her daughter and posted in local Facebook groups asking for anyone who may have seen her.

She is also planning to visit Thailand attempting to piece together what happened to her daughter.

Ms Dallemange had been travelling in Asia for the last two years and was living on the nearby island of Koh Phangan.

She was in the process of returning to Belgium via Bangkok, when she made a detour to Koh Tao on 19 April.

She checked into the Triple B Bungalows resort that night but three huts, including hers, were destroyed in a fire, believed to be electrical.

Ms Dallemange escaped the blaze and left for alternative accommodation in Tanote Bay, several miles away.

Three days before her body was found, She booked a ticket for Bangkok according to the Samui Times newspaper.

Her body was discovered by locals in the jungle on the island.

She died between April 23 and 24, Koh Tao police chief Pol Lt Col Chokchai Sutthimek told the Bangkok Post. He said her body was sent for autopsy at Surat Thani Hospital on the Thai mainland and at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police General Hospital in the capital.

But the Samui Times has claimed that local police have never questioned locals on the island. It reported that they had not broadened the investigation to include Koh Phangan, where Ms Dallemange apparently lived as part of a yoga and meditation community.

As a result, authorities on the island have been accused of keeping quiet to avoid bad publicity. The Independent has attempted to contact local police for comment but calls went unanswered.

The death has further added to the notoriety of Koh Toa.

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In February, Russian tourist Valentina Novozhyonova, 23, went missing while holidaying on the island and has not been seen since.

And in March, an appeals court upheld a death sentence handed to two Burmese immigrants, Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun, for the 2014 murders British backpackers David Miller and Hannah Witheridge. But there were concerns over the evidence and police handling of the case.

Also in 2014, Nick Pearson, 25, from Derby, was found dead in the sea. His family believed he was murdered, despite police claims of accidental death.

In January 2015, the parents of 23-year-old Londoner Christina Annesley, carried out their own investigation after their daughter died in mysterious circumstances on the island.

In the same month, Frenchman Dimitri Povse, 29, was found hanging near his accommodation, indicating suicide, but images later surfaced of his hands tied behind his back.

And in January 2016, the body of British backpacker Luke Miller, 24, was found in a hotel swimming pool. His famly later expressed concerns over the way the investigation was handled.
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A bride in India called off her wedding after watching her drunken husband-to-be perform a snake dance, in a case that highlights the perils of arranged marriages.

Priyanka Tripathi, 23, apparently refused all attempts by the grooms family and friends to persuade her Anubhav Mishra was a good match. She married a different man a day later.

Arranged marriages remain the norm in India despite modernising attitudes in other areas of social and cultural life.

In a similar case in 2015, an Indian bride walked out of her wedding after the groom failed to answer a simple maths question.

Recommended Bride walks out of wedding after groom fails to answer maths problem

Tuesday nights wedding collapsed after the grooms cringe-worthy attempts at the nagin dance, just before he was due to meet the brides family.

The routine, not dissimilar to a belly dance, which requires the performer to wriggle and roll, sometimes on the floor and often making a hissing noise, is popular at Indian nuptials.

According to The Times of India, the pair had exchanged gifts and conducted other pre-wedding rituals before the groom took to the dance floor.

But Ms Tripathi and her family were so unimpressed with Mr Mishras apparently drunken behaviour that the wedding, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, was immediately called off.

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. 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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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"The boy created quite a scene. I had to support my girl," the brides father reportedly said.

A recent survey found 84 per cent of married young Indians (aged 15 to 34) had their relationship arranged, while just 6 per cent were in a love marriage.

And half of young Indians who are yet to tie the knot say they favour their parents making a decision regarding their life partner.

Arranged marriages are often used to prevent mixing between castes. The survey showed a third of those not in an arranged marriage were with someone outside their caste, while 97 per cent of arranged marriages were found to be within caste.

During the 2015 wedding, also in Uttar Pradesh, a woman named Lovely Singh asked groom Ram Baran to solve the simple sum: 15 plus 6.

When he replied 17, she promptly left and accused him of being illiterate.

Despite pleas from the grooms family, Ms Singh refused to return to the ceremony and said she had been misled about his education.

Local police mediated between the families, and both sides returned all the gifts and jewellery that had been exchanged before the wedding.

It followed a month after a bride in the same state married a wedding guest after the original groom had a seizure and collapsed at the wedding venue.

His illness was a shock to his wife-to-be, who was apparently furious that she and her family had not been told of his epilepsy.
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Angela Merkel has voted against same-sex marriage in Germany because she believes that marriage is between a man and woman.

Despite her opposition, the Bundestag voted to legalise equal marriage by 393 votes to 226, and the Chancellor said she hoped the move would improve social cohension.

For me, marriage in German law is marriage between a man and a woman and that is why I did not vote in favour of this bill today, she told reporters moments after the historic vote.

 German parliament votes to legalise same sex marriage

I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace.

The Chancellor said she supported the bills introduction of full adoption rights for same-sex couples  a move she had previously opposed  and was fighting anti-LGBT discrimination.

Recommended German parliament votes to legalise same sex marriage

The issue has divided Ms Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) party, which remains the largest in the German parliament and has enjoyed comfortable poll leads and local election victories ahead of Septembers federal elections.

Political analysts said that despite condemnation from critics over her no vote, Ms Merkel had trodden a careful line on same-sex marriage.

While endearing herself to right-wing voters on a personal level, she ultimately allowed the vote to happen by freeing the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) from their obligation as a coalition partner not to put the bill forward.

The party called the snap vote under an amendment entitled marriage for all, which was guaranteed majority support in the Bundestag with the combined backing of the SDP, The Left party and Greens.

The Green Party's Volker Beck and members celebrate with confetti popper after the Bundestag voted to legalise same-sex marriage in Berlin on 30 June (AP)

Hundreds of members of the Bundestag rose to their feet in a spontaneous standing ovation when the result was announced, as the Green party launched rainbow confetti and celebrated with a cake.

Members of the public in the viewing gallery embraced and cheered, while celebrations broke out in Berlin's streets.

Johannes Kahrs, an SPD politician known for his LGBT campaigning, had launched a blistering attack on Ms Merkel over embarrassing delays to the legislation.

He finished his impassioned speech during a debate before the vote with: Frau Merkel, thanks for nothing.

The issue of same-sex marriage has divided German politics throughout Ms Merkels 12-year leadership.

Even as she moved her party to the centre, closing nuclear power stations, ending military conscription and opening Germanys border to refugees, the Chancellor has also supported an impending burqa ban and Europe-wide austerity.

A couple kiss in front of the Brandenburg Gate as they celebrate the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Germany on 30 June (EPA)

Ms Merkel, herself married twice, has always been unequivocal with her personal opposition to marriage equality, citing German law, her values as an evangelical Christian and those of her party, which describes its foundations as the Christian understanding between people and their accountability before God.

Standing for a free and constitutional democracy, a social and ecological market economy, Germany's inclusion in the Western values and defence community and a unified Europe the CDUs position  shaped by the countrys unique history  straddles the left-right divide seen elsewhere in Europe.

After years of wrangling, the Chancellor eventually triggered the historic vote to legalise same-sex marriage almost by accident.

Appearing in a wide-ranging live television interview on Monday, one of the last questions from the audience came from a gay man who asked when he would finally be allowed to refer to his civil partner as my husband.

Ms Merkel acknowledged that all parties apart from the CDU/CSU in the Bundestag were in favour of same-sex marriage, along with many German voters, and said she hoped the debate would become a decision of conscience.

The SPD pounced on the statement as a signal CDU politicians would not be whipped in a prospective vote, which they were suddenly free to call after apparently being freed from their obligations as a coalition partner.

We will push through marriage equality in Germany. This week, Martin Schulz, the SPD head and former European Parliament president, announced on Tuesday.

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

The Chancellor later accused the SPD of ambushing her by bringing forward the vote.

It's sad and completely unnecessary...that such a decision has turned into a political confrontation at the very moment when there was a realistic outlook for a process that could have crossed party lines, Ms Merkel told Wirtschaftswoche magazine earlier in the week.

Every member of parliament should be able to follow their conscience.

With almost all of its neighbours supporting legal unions between gay partners, calls had been increasing in Germany for the government to drop resistance that appeared increasingly anachronistic.

The Netherlands was the first European country to legalise same-sex marriage, back in 2001, followed by countries including Belgium, Spain, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Denmark, France and the UK.

Germany has allowed same-sex couples to enter civil partnerships since 2001, but same-sex marriages remained illegal.

The draft law legalising same-sex marriage was first moved in 2015 in the upper house of parliament by the state of Rhineland Palatinate.

It is expected to be signed into law by the President some time after 7 July but could face legal challenges.
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The government of Catalonia has legalised marijuana, making the autonomous Spanish region the latest part of the world to loosen restrictions on use of the drug.

The cultivation, consumption and distribution of cannabis will be permitted for members of designated clubs after the region's parliament voted to regulate them.

It follows a campaign which gathered 67,500 petition signatures, forcing a government debate.

Cannabis clubs previously existed in a state of legal limbo in Catalonia after emerging in response to strict fines issued by the national government to users caught taking the drug in public.

Cannabis around the world Show all 13 1 /13 Cannabis around the world Cannabis around the world Morocco Farmers destroy cannabis plantations under Moroccan police supervision in the northern Moroccan Larache region, pictured here in 2006 AFP/Getty images Cannabis around the world Colorado Growing business: Cannabis on sale at River Rock Wellness Sam Adams Cannabis around the world Oakland Oaksterdam in Oakland, California, is the world's only university dedicated to the study and cultivation of cannabis Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images Cannabis around the world Seattle A cannabis smoker marks the start of the new law by the Space Needle in Seattle Getty Images Cannabis around the world China Cannabis growing wild in China, where it has been used to treat conditions such as gout and malaria Cannabis around the world Uruguay Uruguay has voted to make the country the first to legalize marijuana AFP/Getty Cannabis around the world Colorado A groundswell of support from the public led to full legalisation in Colorado Getty Images Cannabis around the world Berlin A man smokes licenced medicinal marijuana prior to participating in the annual Hemp Parade, or 'Hanfparade', in support of the legalization of marijuana in Germany on August 7, 2010 in Berlin, Germany. The consumption of cannabis in Germany is legal, though all other aspects, including growing, importing or selling it, are not. However, since the introduction of a new law in 2009, the sale and possession of marijuana for licenced medicinal use is legal. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Cannabis around the world UK The UK latest figures show 2.3 million people used cannabis in the last year AP Cannabis around the world Amsterdam Tourists visiting Amsterdam will not be banned from using the citys famous cannabis cafes Getty Images Cannabis around the world Merseyside These 25 cannabis plants, seized in Merseyside police, could have generated a turnover of 40,000 a year Cannabis around the world San Francisco April 20, 2012: People smoke marijuana joints at 4:20 p.m. as thousands of marijuana advocates gathered at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. The event was held on April 20, a date corresponding with a numerical 4/20 code widely known within the cannabis subculture as a symbol for all things marijuana. Reuters Cannabis around the world Spain A cannabis users' association will pay the town of Rasquera more than 600,000 a year for the lease of the land

Some 118 of Catalonia's 127 ministers voted in favour of regulating the clubs, with broad cross-party support for the move.

Clubs must be self-sufficient non-profit associations that only distribute cannabis to members aged over 18. They will be limited to producing 150kg of the dried drug a year and subject to rules designed to stop drug tourism.

In 2014, officials in the Catalan capital Barcelona attempted to curb the boom in cannabis use over fears the city was growing to rival Amsterdam as a marijuana haven. Under the new legal framework, members will not be able to acquire cannabis for 15 days after joining a club.

Alba Verges, chairwoman of the parliamentary health commission, told HuffPost Spain: "The law we will approve is very advanced and gives a very clear message. Its time for a paradigm shift when it comes to legislating drugs."

Ministers voted on Wednesday after receiving a report compiled with with contributions from more than 30 cannabis experts, including psychologists, sociologists and pharmacologists.

On Saturday Nevada will become the fifth US state to have legalisation the sale of cannabis, while there are growing campaigns to follow suit in Germany and the UK.

Spain's federal government could look to challenge Catalonia's legalisation.

Last year Spain's highest court overturned Catalonia's 2013 ban on bullfighting after Madrid's ruling party argued it harmed artistic freedom and cultural heritage.

In early June the Catalan government announced plans to hold an independence referendum on 1 October, reigniting an ongoing row with Madrid over its secession.
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A fire has broken out in the exclusion zone surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

A pair of planes and a helicopter had been dispatched to tackle the blaze, which erupted during tree cutting works, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said.

The were joined by at least 100 firefighters and 22 fire engines on the ground.

In the exclusion and obligatory evacuation zone at the territory of Lubyanskoye Forestry, tree residue and the forest bed have caught fire," the State Emergency Service said in a statement. "The fire spread out to an area of some 20 hectares."

A helicopter is being used with a water spraying device as the fire has currently engulfed 25 hectares of land, according to RT.

This is not the first wildfire to break out near the Chernobyl nuclear power station.

In 2015, several forest fires erupted in the exclusion zone with one in particular covering almost 400 hectares of forests.

Fires in nuclear-contaminated zones can have serious ramifications as radioactive particles in trees and plants can be released once burned down.

There have been warnings that the fires in Chernobyls forests could lead to higher cancer rates.

The meltdown in the early hours of 26 April 1986 was the worst nuclear disaster in history.

One of four nuclear reactors at the Chernobyl power station exploded, blowing the roof off the Soviet plant and spewing out a cloud of radioactive material which drifted into other parts of the USSR, including Russia and Belarus, and northern Europe.

Contamination is still a problem, however, and disputes continue about how many will eventually die.

However, scientists have been surprised by the dramatic revival of its wildlife.

Wild horse, boar and wolf populations are thriving, while lynx have returned to the area and birds have nested in the reactor building without any obvious ill-effects.
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Germanys parliament has voted to legalise same-sex marriage by 393 votes to 226, despite Angela Merkel opposing the move.

The German Chancellor was seen voting with a red card, indicating a no vote, at the end of a heated debate in the Bundestag.

For me, marriage in German law is marriage between a man and a woman and that is why I did not vote in favour of this bill today, she told reporters moments after the historic vote.

I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace.

The Chancellor said she supported the bills introduction of full adoption rights for same-sex couples  a move she had previously opposed  and was fighting anti-LGBT discrimination.

The issue has divided Ms Merkels Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) party, which remains the largest in the German parliament and has shown comfortable poll leads ahead of Septembers federal elections.

Political analysts said that despite condemnation from critics over her no vote, Ms Merkel had trodden a careful line on same-sex marriage.

The German Chancellor was seen voting with a red card, indicating a no vote (Reuters)

While endearing herself to right-wing voters on a personal level, she ultimately allowed the vote to happen by freeing the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) from their obligation as a coalition partner not to put the bill forward.

The party called the snap vote under an amendment entitled marriage for all, which was guaranteed majority support in the Bundestag with the combined backing of the SDP, The Left party and Greens.

Johannes Kahrs, an SPD politician known for his LGBT campaigning, launched a blistering attack on Ms Merkel over embarrassing delays to the legislation.

He finished his impassioned speech with: Frau Merkel, thanks for nothing.

Several members of the Bundestag spoke against the change, including CDU/CSU group leader Volker Kauder.

On the grounds of conscience, I will not support anything that allows marriage except for man and woman, he said, arguing that civil partnerships were sufficient and the law was not discriminatory.

Gay couples gathered outside the Chancellery and Brandenburg Gate to kiss and hug, and wave rainbow flags (EPA)

Mr Kauder, a close ally of Ms Merkel, acknowledged that the CDU/CSU was split and said he has respect for both sides of the debate.

Jan-Marco Luczak, a CDU representative who was one of 75 politicians from the party who voted for the measure, urged his fellow members to join him.

It would be absurd to try and protect marriage by preventing people to marry, he added.

Volker Beck, a Green party politician who had championed the legislation, urged conservatives to support extending the right to marriage, saying the institution was safe, but discrimination against gay men and lesbians is over.

This is a historic day, he said after the result. It is really an amazing victory.

Katrin Goring-Eckardt, chair of the Green party, hailed history being made, saying she did not understand the CDU/CSU limiting the conservative institution of marriage.

The Greens celebrated with rainbow confetti and a cake when the result of the vote was announced on Friday morning.

Volker Beck said discrimination against gay men and lesbians is over (AP)

Hundreds of members of the Bundestag rose to their feet in a spontaneous standing ovation, as members of the public in the viewing gallery embraced and cheered and parties broke out in Berlins streets.

Gay couples gathered outside the Chancellery and Brandenburg Gate kissed and hugged, waving rainbow flags and carrying signs saying Marriage for all.

Weve been happily married for eight years, but we could never call it that, said 38-year-old Shoshana Brandt, standing alongside her partner and their son. We are happy and proud that we are now equal and we can live our love.

The issue of same-sex marriage has divided German politics throughout Ms Merkels 12-year leadership.

Even as she moved her party to the centre, closing nuclear power stations, ending military conscription and opening Germanys border to refugees, the Chancellor has also supported an impending burqa ban and Europe-wide austerity.

Ms Merkel, herself married twice, has always been unequivocal with her personal opposition to marriage equality, citing German law, her values as an evangelical Christian and those of her party, which describes its foundations as the Christian understanding between people and their accountability before God.

Standing for a free and constitutional democracy, a social and ecological market economy, Germanys inclusion in the Western values and defence community and a unified Europe the CDUs position  shaped by the countrys unique history  straddles the left-right divide seen elsewhere in Europe.

The issue of same-sex marriage has divided German politics throughout Angela Merkels 12-year leadership (EPA)

After years of wrangling, the Chancellor eventually triggered the historic vote to legalise same-sex marriage almost by accident.

Appearing in a wide-ranging live television interview on Monday, one of the last questions from the audience came from a gay man who asked when he would finally be allowed to refer to his civil partner as my husband.

Ms Merkel acknowledged that all parties apart from the CDU/CSU in the Bundestag were in favour of same-sex marriage, along with many German voters, and said she hoped the debate would become a decision of conscience.

The SPD pounced on the statement as a signal CDU politicians would not be whipped in a prospective vote, which they were suddenly free to call after apparently being freed from their obligations as a coalition partner.

We will push through marriage equality in Germany. This week, Martin Schulz, the SPD head and former European Parliament president, announced on Tuesday.

The Chancellor later accused the SPD of ambushing her by bringing forward the vote.

Its sad and completely unnecessary...that such a decision has turned into a political confrontation at the very moment when there was a realistic outlook for a process that could have crossed party lines, Ms Merkel told Wirtschaftswoche magazine earlier in the week.

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

Every member of parliament should be able to follow their conscience.

With almost all of its neighbours supporting legal unions between gay partners, calls had been increasing in Germany for the government to drop resistance that appeared increasingly anachronistic.

The Netherlands was the first European country to legalise same-sex marriage, back in 2001, followed by countries including Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Denmark, France and the UK (excluding Northern Ireland).

Germany has allowed same-sex couples to enter civil partnerships since 2001, but same-sex marriages remained illegal.

The draft law legalising same-sex marriage was first moved in 2015 in the upper house of parliament by the state of Rhineland Palatinate.

It is expected to be signed into law by the President some time after 7 July but could face legal challenges.

Among those planning to marry is the SPDs environment minister, Barbara Hendricks, who has been in a civil partnership for 11 years.

I still have to ask her, she equipped. To be honest, she said to me: Last time I proposed  this time its your turn. So I think Ill get a yes.
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Russia is cancelling its annual payment to the Council of Europe after claiming its 18 delegates are being persecuted in response to the annexation of Crimea.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Moscows contribution for 2017 was being withheld in response to a rampant campaignlaunched to persecute [Russian] parliamentarians.

No future payments will be made until the rights of the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (Pace) are fully restored, it added.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov informed the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, by telephone on Friday morning.

Russia says the Council restricted the powers of the Russian parliamentary delegation in 2014 in order to punish it for the invasion of Crimea.

Last month the Council condemned the annexation as "illegal" and said it was committed to "the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes, to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within internationally recognised borders and to the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms".

The Russian statement said that since 2014, the situation at the Pace has only been degrading: a rampant campaign has been launched there to persecute parliamentarians willing to normalise as soon as possible interaction with Russia within the Council of Europe".

"Given this situation, the Russian Federation made a decision to suspend the payment of its contribution to the Council of Europe for 2017 until the unconditional restoration in full of powers of the delegation of the Russian Federal Assembly (parliament) in Pace," it added.

Russia joined the bloc in 1996 with an annual budget contribution of 33m, out of a total budget of 454m.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The Council of Europes 47 members includes EU states as well as Russia, Turkey and Ukraine among others.

Its stated aim is to uphold human rights, democracy, rule of law as well as promote European culture.

The Council did not immediately respond to the announcement.

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It comes as Vladimir Putin signed a decree to extend Russias counter sanctions until the end of 2018.

"We will see how our relations develop with the countries that imposed sanctions on us, the Russian President said.

As for endless expansion of sanctions, if our counterparts lift their economic sanctions, then we will do the same.

Moscows tense relationship with the Council of Europe was tested earlier in June when the European Court of Human Rights, a body that sits within the Council, ruled that Russias so-called gay propaganda law reinforces stigma and prejudice and violates the right to freedom of expression.

The Russian government claimed that regulating public debate on LGBT issues may be justified on the grounds of the protection of morals.

But the judges said there was a clear European consensus about the recognition of individuals right to openly identify themselves as gay, lesbian or any other sexual minority, and to promote their own rights and freedoms.
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Simone Veil, a French survivor of the Nazi death camps who spearheaded campaigns to legalise abortion, has died in her Paris home at the age of 89, her family said.

One of Frances most prominent female politicians, Ms Veil commanded wide respect across the political spectrum.

She said her experiences in Auschwitz-Birkenau, where she lost part of her family, made her a firm believer in the unification of Europe.

Speaking to the Associated Press in a 2007 interview, she said: "The idea of war was for me something terrible. The only possible option was to make peace."

From being a deportee in the Second World War, Ms Veil rose to become the first elected President of the European Parliament and a symbol of the peace in Europe. She served as a parliamentary member between 1979 and 1993.

But Ms Veil is best known for leading the heated battle to legalise abortion in the 1970s as the health minister under the centre-right government of Valery Giscard-dEstaing.

At the time, her critics launched personal attacks against her and her family as the bill raged on the floor of the National Assembly.

At the height of her efforts to pass the legislation, one anti-abortion lawmaker accused her of "wanting to send children to the ovens" - this famously reduced her to tears.

But France eventually became the first mainly Roman Catholic country to legalise abortion and until today the country's abortion rights law is still called the Loi Veil.

Throughout the 1970s, she also campaigned to make access to contraception easier following the legalisation of the combined oral contraceptive pill in 1967.

Ms Veil is remembered as a staunch feminist and embraced the label. She saw herself as an advocate for the downtrodden and devoted much of her early career as a judge to improving conditions in French prisons.

Later, she became one of the most visible faces of France's dwindling community of Holocaust survivors and spoke passionately about the need to keep the memory alive.

She was born in Nice in 1927 and was one of four children. Her father was an architect until 1941, when a law by France's collaborationist Vichy government forced him and other Jews out of the profession.

The Gestapo deported Ms Veil, her parents and all but one of her siblings in March 1944. She was 16 years old.

With her mother and sister she was sent to the death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau but her father and brother were sent to a camp in the Baltic country and were never seen again.

In the preface of a 2005 book on the Holocaust, Ms Veil wrote: "I found myself thrown into a universe of death, humiliation and barbarism.

I am still haunted by the images, the odours, the screams, the humiliation, the blows and the sky, ashen with the smoke from the crematoriums."

In Auschwitz, Ms Veil caught the eye of a young Polish woman, who helped run the camp. Ms Veil later said in an interview the woman told her she was too pretty to die here and told her she would find a way for her to survive.

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. 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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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Ms Veil, her mother and sister were then sent to work at a Siemens factory outside the camp. Later, Ms Veil was transferred to work in a SS kitchen.

Her mother died of typhus at the Bergen-Belsen camp but her sister survived and returned to France with her after the war.

She served again as health minister in the early 1990s during the cohabitation government of left-wing Francois Mitterrand and right-wing Edouard Balladur.

She returned to Auschwitz to commemorate the 60th anniversary of its liberation in January 2005 and she told the Associated Press: "Without the people doing the killing, it was no longer a frightening place."

In 2010, she became the sixth woman to join the Academie Francaise as a guardian of the French language.

Tributes have been pouring in to celebrate Ms Veils life achievements.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his condolences to Ms Veils family.

"May her example inspire our compatriots, they will found the best of France, he said.

He was joined by prime minister Edouard Philippe, who said: Simone Veil will remain the face of a strong, humane and generous Republic. France has lost a figure that history rarely produces.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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Three seriously ill babies in the Gaza Strip have died this week after permits to grant the children treatment in Israel were denied by the Palestinian Authority (PA), Hamas has claimed.

More patients, including infants, were in danger of the same fate if referrals for treatment outside the coastal enclave were not expedited, Gazas Deputy Health Minister Yusuf Abu Rish said on Tuesday, adding that a recent spike in referral delays is part of the Fatah-run PAs long term efforts to destabilise the militant organisation.

Bara Ghaben, Ibrahim Tbeil and Mus'ab Araeer were all under the age of one and suffered from congenital heart conditions which could not be adequately treated in Gazan hospitals, where the health care system is on the brink of collapse.

 Gaza marks 10 years of Israeli blockade

All medical referrals - including travel permits and payment - for Palestinians to receive medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip are handled by the West Banks PA. Hamas officials have claimed there has been a decrease in the number of applications passed on to Israel by the PA in recent months, leaving patients in critical need of care.

Hanan Ghaben, who lost her five-day-old baby Bara, told Al Jazeera she and her husband applied three times for a permit without hearing back from the PA before their son died.

The health ministry said this week that 11 Gazans, including five children, have died after not being granted medical referral permits quickly enough, although spokesperson Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra has been quoted in several news outlets as saying there have been nine preventable deaths.

More than 1,600 Gazans are currently waiting for medical referrals to Israel, charity Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) said in a statement.

Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Show all 12 1 /12 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The fire in my heart is beyond my ribs. You left me beloved - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Let me get enough of you, as Im still hungry for your smile my son - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict They besiege me in my homeland so I flew to heaven - Rodaina Al Agha, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict And I am still facing the pain all by myself - Lama Shakshak, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My brother, I watched you go while my heart was tearing - Helen Mo'amar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My new doll is lonely in the rubble - Ayah Sha'ath, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict When a soul hugs another soul they never split, even in death - Ismail Matar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Everyone is gone and I stayed alone to make the world witness the injustice done to me - Hamza Shaheen, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The hand that carries the arms carries roses too - Madeeha Al Majayda, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My eyes tell you about a dream that overcame the fence - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict A childhood caught in an unjust siege - Hadeel Quidh, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict All the details are torn after you - Hamza Shaheen, 17

In 2016 the average number of requests approved per month was 2,041 - but in May and June 2017, while there were 120 requests made a day, the PA granted on average just 10.

Gazas sick are being held hostage to political infighting, spokesperson Dana Moss said.

The PA did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment, but has previously denied changing its policy or deliberating delaying referrals.

Relations between Ramallah and Gaza are currently at a historic low. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has been stepping up a quiet war to try and break Hamas hold on the Strip in recent months, strangling the electricity supply, medical aid and slashing wages for Gaza-based government employees.

Hamas took over the coastal enclave from Mr Abbas' Fatah party by force in 2007. Over the last decade, living conditions for Gazans have greatly deteriorated thanks to Israeli sea and land blockades and sky-high unemployment rates. The economy has effectively collapsed, and thousands have been killed in two brief wars with Israel in 2008 and 2014.

Ms Moss also blamed Israel for the current healthcare crisis. The state prevents Gazan doctors from travelling abroad for training and the blockade prevents essential medical equipment from reaching hospitals, she said.

A spokesperson for Cogat (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories) denied that Israel stops Gazan doctors from receiving training. "In 2016 alone, 221 crossings of doctors were coordinated for professional training abroad, whilst an additional 43 were coordinated in 2017," the organisation said in a statement.

"The list of doctors is determined by the Palestinian Authority," added the Cogat spokesperson.

The branch of Israels Defence Ministry which deals with Palestinian civil affairs told The Times of Israel in a statement that the country works to promote civil policies in order to assist the residents of Gaza.
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On the same day the Iraqi army retook Mosuls grand mosque and declared Isis reign in the country to be over, US-backed Kurdish forces managed to cut off all escape lines from Isis last stronghold - the Syrian city of Raqqa.

Isis is now completely besieged after the Kurdish-Arab Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) coalition managed to push towards the last remaining stretch of the bank of the Euphrates opposite the city which serves as the militants de facto capital.

War monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Isis launched a fierce counter attack on the SDF-held industrial districts in the citys east on Friday, retaking three neighbourhoods.

 Women secretly capture life inside Raqqa

The battle for Isiss last city has dovetailed with the campaign for Mosul - and like the fight for the Iraqi city, could be long and bloody.

Fighters on the ground have been slowly tightening the siege around jihadi militants in the northern city since November, assisted by coalition air strikes.

Several foreign volunteers make up their number - including 27-year-old Briton Kimmie Taylor, who fights with the Womens Protection Units (YPJ).

I know a lot of friends will die, especially in the city  its going to be a bloodbath, the 27-year-old told The Independent before the assault on Raqqa began in earnest earlier this month.

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

There are mounting concerns for Raqqas residents - who, like hundreds of thousands in Mosul before them, have been barricaded into their homes to prevent them from fleeting.

Faced with a fight to the death with no prospect of surrender, Isis are more likely than ever to use Raqqas estimated 100,000 civilians as human shields.

Naser Haj Mansour, a senior SDF official, told Reuters on Thursday he thought it could be maybe more than a month or a month and a half before the militia coalition retook the city.

While previous SDF timelines for its battles against Isis have proven overly optimistic, new analysis from IHS Markits Conflict Monitor suggests that it is highly unlikely Isis quasi-state project will live to see its fourth birthday.

By June 2017 the group has lost 60 per cent of its territory and more than 80 per cent of its income since the height of its powers in late 2014 - early 2015.

Combined with the fall of Mosul - during which fighters blew up the al Nuri mosque from which the caliphate was declared in 2014, a huge symbolic blow - morale in the organisation is thought to be very low.

Islamic State's project lies in ruins. To see just how bad things are going, consider that they even destroyed the historic mosque where Baghdadi first emerged to declare his caliphate, said Dr Shiraz Maher, deputy director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King's College London.

Once Raqqa has fallen Isis will have lost both its Syrian and Iraqi capitals - but the fight is not quite over.

In Iraq, pockets of Isis resistance in Hawija, Tal Afar and al-Qaim are now in the US-backed coalitions crosshairs, and in Syria, Isis still retains control of most of the 200 kilometre (130 mile) stretch of the Euphrates valley up to the Iraqi border.

Kurdish-led forces launch offensive on Syria's Raqqa

Isis has also besieged the city of Deir Ezzor, although the Syrian army is advancing to the jihadists front lines from the direction of Palmyra.

Analysts expect the group to morph into a full-blown insurgency across the two countries, and for Isis to step up terror attacks around the world in future.

Its important to differentiate between Isis as a global ideology and its physical quasi-state project, Dr Andreas Krieg of King's College London's Department of Defence Studies told The Independent.

As long as the root factors for violence remain - the Syrian civil war and all the local grievances that allowed Isis to flourish [in Iraq] - this philosophy will not be defeated.
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British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said that this confirmation cannot be ignored after international chemical weapons watchdog OPCW published its report concluding that banned sarin gas was used in an attack on rebel-held Khan Sheikhoun in Syria earlier this year.

At least 90 people were killed in the 4 April incident in Idlib province, which several Western intelligence services believe was carried out by President Bashar al-Assads forces.

Images of children convulsing as they died from exposure to the toxins caused outrage around the world, and prompted the US to carry out a retaliatory military strike on a Syrian airbase.

 Chemical attack '100 per cent fabrication', Assad says

The UK's own assessment is that the Assad regime almost certainly carried out this abominable attack, Mr Johnson wrote on Twitter.

I urge our international partners to unite behind the need to hold those responsible for this atrocity to account.

While the OPCW fact finding mission said in a statement accompanying the report on Thursday it had concluded that banned chemical agents were indeed used in the attack, it did not assign blame.

The organisation took pains to defend their methodology. Investigators did not visit to the scene, which was deemed too dangerous, but analysed samples from victims and interviewed witnesses.

A joint OPCW-UN panel is now tasked with trying to determine whether the Syrian government was responsible.

The Syrian government has repeatedly denied it has any chemical weapons stocks after surrendering its chemical arsenal to OPCW in 2013.

 Syria: Man loses 25 family members in suspected chemical attack

Damascus, along with its Russian and Iranian allies, has said that the casualties were caused when a conventional air strike on an al-Qaeda weapons depot nearby caused an explosion, releasing the deadly gases.

Sarin is a nerve agent banned under international law which attacks the bodys central nervous system and causes nausea, difficulty breathing, blurred vision and loss of control of bodily functions.

The Khan Sheikhoun attack was the most deadly chemical incident in Syria since 2013. The US responded with a retaliatory one off missile strike on a government airbase near Homs - the first direct intervention taken by the US in the country in more than six years of civil war.

In pictures: US missile strike against Syria Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: US missile strike against Syria In pictures: US missile strike against Syria The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) launches a tomahawk land attack missile in the Mediterranean Sea AP In pictures: US missile strike against Syria The United States military launched at least 50 tomahawk cruise missiles at al-Shayrat military airfield near Homs, Syria, in response to the Syrian military's alleged use of chemical weapons in an airstrike in a rebel held area in Idlib province EPA In pictures: US missile strike against Syria Shayrat airfield in Syria Getty Images In pictures: US missile strike against Syria US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a tomahawk land attack missile in Mediterranean Sea Reuters In pictures: US missile strike against Syria US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a tomahawk land attack missile in Mediterranean Sea Reuters In pictures: US missile strike against Syria President Donald Trump speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., after the US fired a barrage of cruise missiles into Syria in retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians AP In pictures: US missile strike against Syria Syria's President Bashar al-Assad Reuters

The US State Department said in a statement issued Thursday night that the The facts reflect a despicable and highly dangerous record of chemical weapons use by the Assad regime.

Earlier this week the White House said it believed the Syrian government was planning another chemical attack after abnormal activity was observed at an airbase.

Spokesperson Sean Spicer warned Bashar al-Assad that his regime would pay a heavy price for any future use of banned chemical agents.
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Far-right French leader Marine Le Pen has been charged by police over the misappropriation of European Parliament funds, her lawyer has said.

Ms Le Pen is facing allegations her party the Front National (FN) claimed millions of euros from the European Parliament to pay for France-based staff.

The prosecutor's office said she was handed preliminary charges of breach of trust and complicity in breach of trust concerning two of her aides when she served at the European Parliament.

The Front National (FN) leader won a seat in the French parliament for the first time taking her northern fiefdom of Henin-Beaumont with 58 percent of the vote. Her election meant she gave up her seat in the European Parliament.

Her lawyer Rodolphe Bosselut said the decision was "expected" and that Ms Le Pen would appeal.

The case was triggered by a complaint from the European Parliament, which accused the FN of defrauding it to the tune of about 340,000 (290,000).

According to French newspaper Le Monde, the European Parliament now estimates the reported fraud cost Brussels about 5m (4.4m) between 2012 and 2017 after "new information" emerged. Previously, it was estimated the alleged fraud had cost 1.9m.

The parliament believes the party used funds allotted for parliamentary assistants to pay FN staff for party work.

This reportedly included one of Ms Le Pen's top advisors Catherine Griset, who has been charged with concealment, and her body-guard Thierry Legier.

A total of 17 members of the FN, including Ms Le Pen's father Jean-Marie Le Pen, elected to the European Parliament are being investigated over salaries paid to around 40 parliamentary assistants.

In February, The European Parliament said it would start docking Le Pens pay unless she paid the money back.

Ms Le Pen denies the charges. She refused to attend a summons during the presidential campaign using her parliamentary immunity as an excuse but she pledged to "meet with the judges after the electoral sequence".

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The 48-year-old, who lost by a 20-point margin to Emmanuel Macron in May's presidential run-off, saw her party win just eight seats in the 577-seat National Assembly in this month's election.

In February, French police raided the FN headquarters outside Paris as part of the investigation into allegations.

Yet the scandal had little impact on her presidential campaign. 
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An investigation by the international chemical weapons watchdog confirmed Friday that sarin nerve gas was used in a deadly April 4 attack on a Syrian town, the latest confirmation of chemical weapons use in Syria's civil war.

The attack on Khan Sheikhoun in Syria's Idlib province left more than 90 people dead, including women and children, and sparked outrage around the world as photos and video of the aftermath, including quivering children dying on camera, were widely broadcast.

"I strongly condemn this atrocity, which wholly contradicts the norms enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention," Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu said in a statement. "The perpetrators of this horrific attack must be held accountable for their crimes."

The investigation did not apportion blame. Its findings will be used by a joint United Nations-OPCW investigation team to assess who was responsible.

The US State Department said in a statement issued after the report was circulated to OPCW member states that "the facts reflect a despicable and highly dangerous record of chemical weapons use by the Assad regime."

President Donald Trump cited images of the aftermath of the Khan Sheikhoun attack when he launched a punitive strike days later, firing cruise missiles on a Syrian government-controlled air base from where U.S. officials said the Syrian military had launched the chemical attack.

It was the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Trump's most dramatic military order since becoming president months before.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has denied using chemical weapons. His staunch ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, said earlier this month that he believed the attack was "a provocation" staged "by people who wanted to blame him (Assad) for that."

Both the US and the OPCW were at pains to defend the probe's methodology. Investigators did not visit the scene of the attack, deeming it too dangerous, but analyzed samples from victims and survivors as well as interviewing witnesses.

Syrians make fuel from plastic waste Show all 8 1 /8 Syrians make fuel from plastic waste Syrians make fuel from plastic waste Sifting through plastic: the workshop uses plastic from bottles and other waste materials to produce liquid and gas fuels. The liquid is refined into gasoline, diesel and benzene fuels, which in turn are sold for domestic and commercial use Reuters Syrians make fuel from plastic waste Khodor, 20, at the workshop in the rebel-held and besieged neighbourhood of Douma, Damascus Reuters Syrians make fuel from plastic waste Back to basics: a man checks the heat of a pipe pouring with fuel Reuters Syrians make fuel from plastic waste Khodor, 20, must keep an eye on the burning plastic inside the workshop in Douma Reuters Syrians make fuel from plastic waste A young man takes a container of the locally made fuel, which can be used for domestic heating and on farms and bakeries Reuters Syrians make fuel from plastic waste Abu Fahad on a rest break with his colleagues inside the workshop, where the air is heavy with toxic fumes Reuters Syrians make fuel from plastic waste Fuel drips into a container at the workshop. Most locals are glad of the family-run business, which has restored a degree of normality to the region Reuters Syrians make fuel from plastic waste Khodor extracts fuel from plastic in the workshop Reuters

"A rigorous methodology was employed for conducting an investigation of alleged use of chemical weapons that took into account corroboration between interviewee testimonies; open-source research, documents, and other records; and the characteristics of the samples including those provided by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic," the OPCW said in a statement.

The Syrian government joined the OPCW in 2013 after it was blamed for a deadly poison gas attack in a Damascus suburb. As it joined, Assad's government declared some 1,300 tons of chemical weapons and precursor chemicals which were subsequently destroyed in an unprecedented international operation.

However, the organization still has unanswered questions about the completeness of Syria's initial declaration, meaning that it has never conclusively been able to confirm that the country has no more chemical weapons.
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This 1 July marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong being handed back to China. While its a city still searching for its identity, the two decades since 1997 have done little to dent its unique East-meets-West flavour.

According to Euromonitor, Hong Kong is the worlds most-visited city: 26.5 million visitors landed in the Special Administrative Region of China in 2016. Thats just one superlative. Hong Kong is also one of the most densely populated cities on earth, but also one of the most diverse. Around 40 per cent of the territory is country parkland. The rest is restaurants, bars, buildings  and people, people, people.

Its not hard to have a good time in this most zingy of destinations. Hong Kong is Asias World City; and its not afraid to show it.

Try island life

For all its slick urban marketing, Hong Kong Island is dominated by a mountainous centre, with an area not much bigger than Manhattan. Its surrounded by the South China Sea, as well as myriad other islands that feel a whole world away from Hong Kongs humming skyscrapers and urban life (but handily, most are just half an hour away by ferry). Buzz over to Pak Kok, on the tip of hippy Lamma Island, to explore its low-rise island houses and green fields; or visit tiny Peng Chau, which has a shoreline and bobbing boats that make it look more like Greece than China. Short on time? Hop on the iconic green-and-white Star Ferry, which has ferried passengers across Asias most photographed stretch of water  Victoria Harbour  since 1888.

Dig in to dim sum (Hong Kong Tourism Board)

Eat dim sum

Forget champagne-soaked brunches (although this is another Hong Kong speciality). Hong Kongs mid-morning feed is all about dim sum  which translates to spending a leisurely few hours eating stacked-high baskets of hot little dumplings, steamed buns and rice noodle rolls, all washed down with endless cups of Chinese tea. Youll find casual dim sum joints on almost every street in Hong Kong, although one of the best is Michelin-starred Tim Ho Wan, which does plates of siu mai (prawn and pork dumplings) and har gow (prawn dumplings) for under a fiver each. At the other end of the scale is Maxims Palace at City Hall, where dishes come direct from a dim sum trolley: the traditionalists way.

Go on a hike

Thought Hong Kong was all skyscrapers and urban density? Well, er  it is. But thats only around 60 per cent of the story. The rest of the territory is protected country parkland, meaning that almost every skyscraper backs onto lush green hills. A 30-minute hike from Hong Kongs urban core will take you up the 554m Victoria Peak, which offers blockbuster panoramas over the island and the Kowloon peninsula. Or escape the tourist crowds by hiking a single set of steps to High West in Pok Fu Lam Country Park. Theres a smashing view of western and southern Hong Kong, and better yet theres not a 7/11 or a Burger King in sight.

Spot street art

For a city that only recently established a formal art scene (the Art Basel carnival rolled into town in 2013), Hong Kong can legitimately lay claim to some cutting-edge street art. The annual HK Walls street art festival this year overtook industrial-turned-arty Wong Chuk Hang, transforming walls into artworks and spray art. Side streets in hip Sheung Wan host graffitied shopfronts and geometric murals (head to Upper Station Street for the best). Or across the harbour, up in humming Sham Shui Po, is Spanish artist Okudas three-dimensional rainbow bear that stares down onto Tai Nan Street.

Go for a retro ride on a tram (Hong Kong Tourism Board)

Hop on a tram

Trams, the oldest form of transport in the city, are the most playful way to get around (albeit also the slowest). Known alternatively as ding-dings (ride one to find out why), the trams snake from the waterfront hipsterville of Kennedy Town in the west to residential Shau Kei Wan to the east of Hong Kong Island. Plus, theyre super cheap: just HK$2.3 (22p) a ride. You can also hire sauced-up open-air versions for parties.

Admire the architectural mash-up

Thanks to myriad influences from across the world, Central Hong Kong is a blend of glossy steel skyscrapers and low-rise colonial architecture that sit happily side by side  an easy analogy for the city itself. Start with IM Peis Bank of China: a pointy, slender tower that amusingly is said to reflect bad feng shui onto its neighbour, Sir Norman Fosters jenga-like HSBC. Nearby in Statue Square is the neo-classical former Legislative Council Building, while up the hill is the beige, colonial Foreign Correspondents Club  still the centre of Hong Kongs buzzing media community, although now equally famous as the cheapest bar in the city (the only problem being youll need a member to take you).

Get wet

If Hongkongers arent getting sloshed on free-flow Veuve Cliquot or bottles of Tsingtao, theyre getting the other type of sloshed: in the warm waters of the South China Sea. The territorys easy accessibility to myriad reservoirs as well as calm sea make it ideal for all kinds of watersports. Try wakeboarding on stunning Tai Tam Reservoir in the middle of Hong Kong Island, windsurfing at Stanley or kayaking around the islets of Sai Kung, considered by many to be the prettiest part of Hong Kong.

Drink in the views at a rooftop bar like Ozone (Ozone)

Drink at a rooftop bar

Lets start with the superlatives: Hong Kong houses the worlds highest alfresco bar, Ozone, on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in West Kowloon. (It even serves a cocktail called HK Skyline, with rum, absinthe and lavender smoke among other exotic-sounding ingredients, naturally.) Less vertiginous but no less impressive is banker favourite Sevva, a wraparound terrace overlooking the harbour and neon-lit skyscrapers of Central, and glam Ce La Vi in the California Tower, high above the Lan Kwai Fong party strip. Here during summer? Youll want your bar with some aggressive air conditioning  probably in a sexy-stylish speakeasy. New York export Employees Only has just opened its exclusive doors, Prohibition-style boozer Foxglove is helpfully hidden behind an umbrella shop facade and youll find neon-soaked gin palace Ping Pong in a vast basement space in trendy Sai Ying Pun.

Go shopping

This citys luxury shopping scene is well publicised  but leave the slick (although mercifully air-conditioned) malls for a snoop around one of Hong Kongs many local markets. There are the usual suspects  like Temple Street Market, where you can buy everything from imitation paintings and I Love Hong Kong t-shirts to fake branded underwear and vibrators  and the ones that are more interesting. The street markets in fast-gentrifying, boho Sham Shui Po on the fringes of Kowloon sell everything from multipacks of TV remotes to gelatinous bowls of snake soup; while 160-year-old Graham Street wet market, the citys oldest, sells super-fresh fish and vegetables under trademark swinging red lamps. Possibly the most unique is Chun Yeung Street market in North Point, named little Fujian for its influx of immigrants from the mainland China province, which has a tram line running straight through the middle of it.

Visit Tai O

The traditional stilt village of Tai O is the ultimate antidote to Hong Kongs concrete jungle. On the southwestern tip of Lantau Island, almost closer to Macau than the city centre, this tiny village is known  not exactly universally  as the Venice of Hong Kong. Tai O is also home to the territorys pod of pink dolphins as well as its finest boutique hotel: the carefully preserved nine-room Tai O Heritage Hotel. Once the local police station, the hotel still retains its law-abiding flavour: downstairs theres an old jail cell now used as a luggage room.
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Buy British Airways  fly Qatar Airways. Thats the prospect for about 4,000 BA passengers every day between 1 and 16 July now that another cabin-crew strike is under way. The stoppage is the latest episode in a long-running dispute involving members of the Unite union working for BAs Mixed Fleet at Heathrow. Thousands of passengers have had their flights cancelled, but the airline says the vast majority of its flights will operate  partly thanks to the planes BA is borrowing.

Remind me what the dispute is about?

It was originally about pay. Mixed Fleet was created in 2010, and currently constitutes about one third of BAs total cabin crew. They are employed on inferior terms to longer-serving staff. Mixed Fleet cabin crew who are members of the Unite union began strike action at the start of the year in a bid to improve what they called poverty pay. British Airways and Unite have now reached agreement on pay. The battleground has now moved to what the union says are punitive sanctions against 1,400 members who took part in previous strikes, involving the removal of bonus payments and staff travel concessions.

How many cabin crew will strike  and what is British Airways doing in response?

The airlines plans assume that the same number, around 1,400, will stop work. Thats about one in four of the Mixed Fleet total. BA has also brought in planes. While spare aircraft and crews are difficult to charter in July, because it's peak season, BAs part-owner, Qatar Airways, happens to have a lot of them sitting idle. They have been grounded by the geopolitical row in the Gulf, which forbids the Qatari airline flying to a number of neighbours.

Recommended British Airways to borrow planes from Qatar Airways

The Unite union had objected to the use of these planes, saying that Qatar Airways violated international labour standards. The union also claims: Qatar Flight Duty Time limitations and Rest requirements are inferior to the UK. But permission for the deal was granted by the Government eight hours before the strike began. They are being deployed on a range of short-haul routes from Heathrow, which have included Brussels, Zurich and other destinations. British Airways says any passengers who dont want to fly on Qatar Airways can switch to real BA flights or get a full refund.

How many flights will be affected?

BA says that 99.5 per cent of its schedule will operate - which implies one in about 200 flights will be cancelled. I have identified dozens of flights, all of them long-haul, that have been grounded because of the strike. The most numerous cancellations are on the Heathrow-Doha link, with 12 flights axed between now and Thursday, but other flights are affected including round-trips to New York, Abuja and Muscat. Over the 16 days of the strike, British Airways would normally expect to carry around 1.8 million passengers - and I estimate that around 10,000 will find their flight is cancelled. Passenger numbers could also be reduced because of reluctance to book on an airline threatened with a strike.

Flights that do not begin or end at Heathrow, eg those from Gatwick, London City and Stansted, are unaffected.

What are the options if your flight is cancelled?

Passengers are being offered alternative departures on British Airways or other airlines. They may also choose to cancel with a full refund, to postpone the trip or to reroute.

BA will not pay compensation for cancelled flights: industrial action is one of the relatively few grounds for an airline to refuse compensation due to extraordinary circumstances. But if passengers are disrupted as a result of the strike, BA must provide a duty of care: meals, refreshments and if necessary accommodation as appropriate.
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A new island has appeared off the coast in the US, near North Carolinas Cape Point, attracting adventurous tourists and photographers.

The mile-long sand bank first started appearing in the spring. It was just a little bump in April, visitor Janice Regan told The Virginian Pilot. She and her grandson Caleb, 11, explored it looking for shells on Memorial Day.

Instagram user chadonka posted an aerial image of the new island, showing just how large the new addition is.

"It's a hoss," Danny Couch, a local historian, tour guide and lifelong resident of nearby Hatteras Island told National Geographic. "Every 10 to 15 years we'll get something that's pretty dramatic. But this one is the largest one I've seen in my lifetime."

However, experts have said that the island, dubbed Shelly Island by locals, is dangerous and have warned visitors off exploring it.

Dave Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, advised people not to try to walk or swim across to the island because of the current  a flow as powerful as a riptide sweeps across in between the mainland and the new island.

Were worried about shark bites, but were more worried about drownings, Bill Smith, president of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, told The Virginian Pilot.

He added that five-foot sharks and huge stingrays have been spotted swimming in the waters around Shelly Island.

"It's just part of the natural process," Mark Dowdle, deputy superintendent of Cape Hatteras, told National Geographic. "I've seen parts of the Outer Banks erode for months, only to then fill back in again."

He added: I suspect it will continue to change. It always has. It most likely always will."
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The temptation to escape Britains unpredictable  or downright nasty  weather is too strong to resist come July. If you havent yet sorted out anything for the school holidays, or simply fancy getting away for a few days, get inspired by these sunny destinations. And its not too soon to start planning ahead for hot-weather getaways in October.

Lake Bled is beautiful in both summer and winter (Getty Images)

Go now

Slovenia

Catch two of Slovenias most exquisite sights on a two-centre holiday. Start in Lake Bled, whose magical medieval castle and island church are quite otherworldly in their beauty. Then continue to the delightful capital, Ljubljana, where you can join in the fun during the citys summertime cultural festival. Regent Holidays (regent-holidays.co.uk) has a six-night package departing 16 July for 860pp. The price includes flights, transfers, three or four-star accommodation and breakfast.

Mallorca

Tucked in a small bay just east of the Mondrago Natural Park on Mallorcas south-eastern coast is the pretty village of Porto Petro. Among the handful of hotels in the bay is the family-focused five-star Blau Privilege PortoPetro Beach Resort & Spa, which includes indoor and outdoor pools, a kids club, watersports and beach access. Classic Collection (classic-collection.co.uk) has seven nights B&B for two adults and two children in a junior suite with a sea view for 4,589 in total, including flights and transfers, departing 24 July.

Chill out on the coast of Mallorca (Getty Images/iStockphoto) (Getty/iStock)

Quebec

While Canada celebrates its 150th birthday in July, Montreal is having its own party to mark the citys 375th anniversary. Combine a visit to Quebecs biggest city with a few days in the provincial capital in this twin-centre holiday with Canadian Sky (canadiansky.co.uk). After three days in Montreal, take the train to 17th-century Quebec City and spend two nights in this handsome fortified city. The price of 1,429 includes flights, accommodation and return train travel, departing 8 July.

French Alps

Avoid the Riviera crowds and fill up on fresh, clean Alpine air thats still pleasantly warm. Samoens in the Grand Massif area of the French Alps is full of charm  so much so that its Frances only summer/winter resort to be listed as a historic monument. Take to the hills on a bike or on foot for an activity holiday with Peak Retreats (peakretreats.co.uk), or just relax by the villages nearby lakes and rivers. A seven-night self-catering holiday in a two-bedroom apartment at the luxury La Reine des Pres residence costs 1,142, based on four people sharing, and including Eurotunnel crossings.

Head to Quebec to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Book now for October

Greece

Summer lingers longer in Meganisi on Greeces Ionian side. The sea will have had a summers worth of heat, and the island slips into a mellow mood. Grab a group of six for a week in the stylish three-bedroom Villa Aleka, which has a pool and is just a 10-minute walk from the little port of Spilia. A weeks self-catering with GIC the Villa Collection (gicthevillacollection.com) from 1 October costs 692pp based on six sharing, or 992pp if its just for two. The price includes flights and transfers.

Samoens in summer is ideal for hiking and mountain biking (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Rajasthan

The route of Indias Golden Triangle is a well-trodden one as people go from the Taj Mahal to Jaipur to Udaipur. Once youve seen the sights, slow the pace down by spending a few days in the countryside. Transindus (transindus.co.uk) offers a 14-day tour that includes a laid-back spell in Deogarh as well as Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur. The price of 2,795pp includes flights, transfers, internal train travel, guides, B&B accommodation and some meals, for departures throughout October.

Sicily

Sicilys searing heat calms down a bit by the time October arrives, making it an excellent time to explore the islands western towns and Greek ruins by bicycle. Inntravel (inntravel.co.uk) has a seven-night self-guided holiday that includes visits to the Greek temple at Segesta, the hilltop village of Erice and the chance to unwind with wine-tastings at the Sirignano Wine Resort. Costing from 1,395pp, the holiday includes breakfast, most dinners, bike hire, hotel-to-hotel luggage transfers and maps. Flights and airport transfers are extra.

Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
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Hong Kong people are being whisked away to detention in mainland China, and this is apparently of no concern to Carrie Lam, who starts her five-year term in charge of the city this week.

Lams remarks in a television interview that the vanishing of booksellers from Hong Kong in 2015 and their subsequent detention by mainland Chinese security officials is a matter for the mainland authorities is chilling for all those who value the citys freedoms and rule of law.

The ability of Hong Kongs new chief executive to stand up to Beijing will be tested this week when President Xi Jinping visits the city to mark the 20th anniversary of its handover to China.

There are reports the citys cherished freedom of expression will be further curtailed during his visit, with banners criticising the Chinese government set to be removed by police to avoid causing embarrassment.

If true, it is the citys political leaders who are the embarrassment if they are willing to violate the human rights of Hong Kong residents just to appease Beijing.

 First direct train from UK to China arrives in eastern town of Yiwu after 7,500 mile journey

This is not scaremongering by liberals pushing a Western agenda as Beijing loyalists often argue. The blueprint was set out by Chinas third-in-command, Zhang Dejiang, when he delivered a speech on Hong Kongs handover on 27 May. He urged the citys leaders to steadfastly implement the constitutional obligation of national security under the Basic Law, the citys mini-constitution.

This would require Hong Kong to enact laws to prohibit acts such as subversion against the Central Peoples Government, theft of state secrets and the establishment of ties with foreign political organisations or bodies by political organisations or bodies of Hong Kong, under Article 23 of the Basic Law.

Look across the border to the mainland and you will see the disturbing repercussions of an agenda that distorts national security concerns. Under the pretext of protecting national security, President Xi has introduced a series of laws in China that restrict human rights. The definition of national security in these laws is virtually limitless, covering the welfare of the people, sustainable economic and social development, and other major national interests.

It is carte blanche for the government to go after those that legitimately scrutinise abuses of power or simply voice differing opinions. Government targets such as human rights defenders, activists and dissidents are frequently detained and persecuted, many on national security charges, such as inciting subversion of state power and leaking state secrets.

The last time an Article 23 proposal was considered in Hong Kong in 2003, half a million people came out on the streets to protest and the idea was put aside.

Glass-floored skywalk circling China's Tianmen Mountain Show all 6 1 /6 Glass-floored skywalk circling China's Tianmen Mountain Glass-floored skywalk circling China's Tianmen Mountain Tourists walk on the 100-meter-long and 1.6-meter-wide glass skywalk clung the cliff of Tianmen Mountain (or Tianmenshan Mountain) in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Getty Images Glass-floored skywalk circling China's Tianmen Mountain An aerial view of tourists walking on a glass-bottomed skywalk on the Panlong (coiling dragon) Cliff on Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China Getty Images Glass-floored skywalk circling China's Tianmen Mountain Tourists walk on the 100-meter-long and 1.6-meter-wide glass skywalk clung the cliff of Tianmen Mountain Getty Images Glass-floored skywalk circling China's Tianmen Mountain The 100-metre-long walk gives a clear view of the deep valley behind and is the third glass walkway in the scenic zone EPA Glass-floored skywalk circling China's Tianmen Mountain Tourist takes selfies on a glass-bottomed skywalk on the Panlong (coiling dragon) Cliff on Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China EPA Glass-floored skywalk circling China's Tianmen Mountain The Coiling Dragon Cliff skywalk, featuring a total of 99 road turns, layers after another, is the third glass skywalk on the Tianmen Mountain EPA

But since the 2014 pro-democracy Umbrella Movement, which brought a new wave of young activists to the fore, Beijing seems intent on pushing through these heavy-handed national security reforms. It appears Carrie Lams remit is to deliver on this, although she recognised during her election campaign that the issue is highly controversial, so that the government had to act cautiously to try and create the right social conditions for legislation.

Another cornerstone of Hong Kong, the independence of courts and judges, is also increasingly under attack. The citys judiciary has experienced intensifying pressure to give up its impartiality and independence in sensitive cases and instead bend to Beijings political requirements.

In February, after the sentencing of the seven police officers who assaulted democracy activist Ken Tsang during the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests, state mouthpieces initiated a well-orchestrated campaign attacking the impartiality of Hong Kongs judicial system.

Despite political pressure and even threats of physical attacks, judges in Hong Kong, overall, continue to be a strong line of defence in protecting individuals from abuses of power and safeguarding rights guaranteed in the Basic Law.

President Xi claims to promote rule of law, but judicial independence is glaringly absent in mainland China. The Chinese government seems intent to replicate such government control on courts in Hong Kong. In his handover speech, Zhang Dejiang announced Beijings determination to tackle problems facing Hong Kong, including the smearing efforts of internal and external forces to discredit the central government and Hong Kong government, through powerful legal weapons.

These legal weapons appear to be an extension of using vague charges of public disorder and unlawful assembly to intimidate people who dare challenge the authorities. Such an approach may use legal tools, but it is not lawful under international law.

Despite the wrecking ball the Chinese government wants to take to Hong Kongs freedoms, many local groups are prepared to defend these values even if their government wont.

Carrie Lam has an opportunity to defend human rights and resist the expansion of Beijings repressive policies to Hong Kong. However, if she and other political leaders acquiesce to Beijing, there are millions of Hong Kong people who are prepared to stand up for their rights.

Mabel Au is the director of Amnesty International Hong Kong
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In Hong Kong they dont gild the lily, they gild the bauhinia. A giant golden statue of the orchid-like flower, which is the symbol of the rambunctious Asian city state, stands in the middle of a harbour-side square in the Wan Chai district. It was erected 20 years ago to commemorate the official handover of Hong Kong from British colonial supervision to the authority of Beijing and the Chinese Communist Party.

In the shadow of the golden bauhinia on Saturday Chinas President, Xi Jinping, will deliver a speech in front of city officials to mark the occasion on 1 July 1997 when, after 150 years of British colonial rule, Hong Kong reverted back to the sovereignty of Beijing. He will also swear in Hong Kongs new political chief executive Carrie Lam. In the evening fireworks will explode over Victoria Harbour.

But the bauhinias golden sheen of Hong Kong-Beijing unity has been badly tarnished. And Xi, for all the warm and bland words he will deliver, knows it.

On Wednesday the statue itself was occupied by local pro-democracy activists, who draped a black cloth over the six-foot flower to symbolise the hardline rule of the [Beijing] authoritarian regime.

 Donald Trump's closest advisor Steve Bannon thinks there will be war with China in the next few years

The demonstrators were arrested. But there will be further protests on Saturday, with a pro-democracy march expected to attract tens of thousands of supporters. Xi will deliver his speech amid unprecedented security. Around a third of the Hong Kong police force, some 11,000 officers, will be deployed to keep order.

Twenty years ago, London and Beijing agreed to a one country, two systems compromise over Hong Kong. A Basic Law constitution, guaranteeing a high level of autonomy for the region and respect for its citizens civil and political rights (far greater than anything enjoyed by the citizens of mainland China) was put into effect. Under a joint declaration, the former colonys way of life was supposed to remain unchanged for 50 years.

Recommended Carrie Lam must stand up to China and defend human rights in Hong Kong

And some things havent changed. The territorys GDP growth rate has averaged just over 3 per cent since 1997, roughly half the rate of the previous two decades. But this reflects the natural slowdown of a maturing economy and the backwash of global economic forces more than malign influence from the mainland. The reality is that Hong Kongs economy has been largely left alone by Beijing. And a surge of mainland money and tourism have helped Hong Kongs economy, rather than hindered it.

The Peoples Liberation Army, which moved a garrison into the territory 20 years ago, has been a relatively unobtrusive presence. The courts are still independent. The press is still largely free. The civil service is still uncorrupted.

Yet there has been a subtle political asphyxiation. A move to a wider suffrage, which democracy activists insist they were promised by Beijing in 2007, has not materialised. Lam was selected by a committee of just 1,200 Hong Kong residents. The favoured political candidates of Beijing have ascended to power in the territory and around half of the members in the 70-seat legislature are loyal to Beijing. There have been attempts to enforce a patriotic and pro-Communist Party education in Hong Kong schools.

But the most chilling manifestation of Beijings authoritarian infiltration has been the kidnapping in 2015 of five Hong Kong booksellers for peddling works making salacious claims about top Communist Party officials. Few expect these kinds of incursions to end. One thing Xi has proved since he became Chinas president in 2012 is that he is no political reformer, as his Governments record of locking up bloggers and civil rights lawyers on the mainland shows.

Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year Show all 17 1 /17 Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year The final day, Day 15, of Chinese New Year sees the Lantern Festival, where red Chinese lanterns are released into the sky AFP/Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year A man takes a photo of colorful lights with his smartphone at a lantern fair in Beijing AFP/Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is the longest national holiday in China AFP/Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year Although China has used the Gregorian calendar since 1912, Chinese New Year is based on the ancient Chinese lunar calendar, falling on the second new moon after winter solstice AFP/Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year Roughly a sixth of the world will observe Chinese New Year, with celebrations in Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia AFP/Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year A Chinese family visits a lantern show Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year 2017 is the year of the tenth Chinese zodiac, the rooster REUTERS Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year The year's of the rooster include 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005 Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year Those born in 1957 or 2017 are fire roosters, and are considered trustworthy, with a strong sense of timekeeping and responsibility at work. Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year Fire roosters are recommended to avoid the colour red and their unlucky numbers: one, three and nine. Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year Fire roosters are also thought to be talkative, popular in a crowd and loyal Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year The rooster will be followed by the dog in 2018 and the pig in 2019 Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year A family visits a lantern show for the Lantern Festival in Zhangjiakou, China Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year People visit a light show celebrating the festival REUTERS Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year Beijing is bidding to host the Winter Olympics Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year A general view of signage Beijing's bid for the Winter Olympics logo during the Chinese Lantern Festival Getty Images Lantern festival marks last day of Chinese New Year Performers put on a show to celebrate the Lantern Festival Getty Images

Hong Kongs massive pro-democracy Umbrella Revolution of 2014 was divisive. Some of the older generation of Hong Kongers were alienated by the zealousness of the polite children, who occupied downtown districts for weeks. But the general restiveness in Hong Kong is real, and certainly not just confined to a minority of young hotheads.

Frustration, often sadly manifesting itself as outright bigotry, towards the one and a half million mainlanders who have moved to Hong Kong, pushing property prices into the stratosphere, is expanding. A growing number of Hong Kongs residents say they would like to emigrate. Fear over the future  political, economic and cultural  is palpable.

Twenty years have now passed since the royal yacht Britannia, bearing the last Governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, glided out of Victoria Harbour. But what do the next 20 hold for Hong Kong?

The International Monetary Fund expects its growth rate to pick up to 3 per cent a year, as Chinas gradually declines to below 6 per cent. But the citys economic fortunes are likely to increasingly ebb and flow with those of its giant neighbour, which is struggling to pivot to a more sustainable, less debt-driven and polluting, form of growth.

The same, whatever was agreed by London and Beijing two decades ago, is likely to be true of Hong Kongs political fortunes. British ministers lacked the courage to stand up to Beijing over Hong Kongs political freedoms even before the Brexit vote. Now, sucked into the vortex of extricating Britain from the European Union and desperate to do a major trade deal with Beijing to offset the economic damage of Brexit, London lacks even that ability or desire to speak out. More than ever, the people of Hong Kong know they are on their own.

Ben Chu is the author of 'Chinese Whispers: Why Everything Youve Heard About China is Wrong'
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The battle for Mosul is a ferocious struggle that has now been going on for 256 days, or two months longer than the battle of Stalingrad. The fighting between Iraqi government forces and Isis is much smaller in scale than in Russia 75 years ago, but is comparable in its savagery and the importance with which both sides regard the outcome of the battle.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is declaring the end of the Isis state-let as Iraqi forces capture the ruins of the al-Nuri mosque where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who may himself be dead, declared the caliphate three years ago. Isis wanted to avoid the humiliation of seeing the Iraqi flag replacing their own colours on the top of the famous minaret.

Wars in Iraq have seen many exaggerated declarations of victory since the US-led invasion in 2003, but this one has more substance than most, even if it is a little premature. Isis fighters still hold part of the Old City of Mosul where the ancient close-packed housing and narrow alleyways are ideal for their style of making war.

 Drone footage shows the devastation in Mosul's old city and the destroyed al-Nuri Mosque

Whatever the precise moment when the last Isis resistance is extinguished in the city, the Islamic State as a geographical unit in northern Iraq and western Syria is being smashed up. It still holds some big enclaves in the Tigris and Euphrates valleys, but it has lost almost its urban centres aside from Raqqa in Syria and Tal Afar west of Mosul. Isis is rooted in the five or six million strong Sunni Arab community in Iraq which has endured devastating losses since it lost power with the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

There is no doubt about the importance of the victory won by the Iraqi government forces. It could not have happened without the devastating US-led air strikes, but it was Iraqi ground troops which were decisive in defeating a fanatical but militarily skilful enemy which inflicted heavy losses on them.

The symbolic significance of recapturing Mosul is simple, but far-reaching. Isis strode onto the world stage in June 2014 when a few thousand of its fighters captured the city, which, with a population of two million, was the second largest in Iraq, after four days fighting against an Iraqi garrison supposedly numbering 60,000 men. It was a victory so astonishing that Isis believed that it could only have been won with divine assistance. Defeat for Isis in Mosul and failure on every other battlefront damages the claim for divine sanction for its rule.

The foundering of Isis is being lauded in Baghdad and by relieved government leaders around the world. But it may be that the enemies of Isis are being a little too speedy in dividing up the lions skin before checking that the animal has really expired. Looking back at history of the epic battle for Mosul, there are some conclusions that are less than comforting.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. 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In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. 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. 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Denunciations of Isis as a murderous death cult are not far off the mark, but understandable revulsion at its atrocities tends to obscure the fact that its commanders are experienced military experts. The movement has been written off previously by overconfident adversaries, such as during the period between 2007 and 2011 when it was hard hit by a reinforced US army in Iraq and the hostility of much of the Sunni Arab community. It survived by lying low and waiting for the circumstances to turn once again in its favour, as with the start of the uprising in Syria.



As regards to developments in Iraq and Syria after the impending fall of Mosul, keep in mind the old military adage: The enemy also has a plan. Isis has always known that it could not hold Mosul or any other stronghold in the face of air strikes called in by enemy ground forces. In battling for cities like Tikrit, Baiji, Ramadi and Fallujah over the past two years, it did not fight to the last man, leaving detachments behind to inflict maximum casualties on Iraqi forces before slipping away. Isis may be merciless in expending the lives of its militarily untrained followers as suicide bombers, but it is careful in conserving a core of veteran fighters who cannot easily be replaced.



In fighting in east Mosul, the city being split in two by the Tigris river, Isis fielded less than 1,000 combatants in the front line and the true figure is probably less than half that number. They adopted a tactical system of fluid defence in which two or three snipers with back-up teams could hold back Iraqi government forces from entering a neighbourhood for days. Suicide bombers, frequently driving vehicles full of explosives, would wait for targets to get close in narrow streets before attacking them. Swiftly moving from house to house through holes cut in walls or through streets with tarpaulins draped overhead to prevent observation by aircraft and drones, Isis squads hoped to avoid being detected from above and destroyed by planes or artillery fire.



Isis is inevitably going to lose Mosul, but the eight long months it has taken for this to happen is impressive. It may have as few as 350 fighters in the Old City presently, but these cannot be entirely fought out as was illustrated by a well-planned counter-attack a week ago. Overall, the way in which Isis has fought to hold Mosul for so long is even more impressive than its surprising capture of the city three years ago.



The prolonged fightback may be an ominous sign of what is to come. Isis commanders had evidently thought hard on how to postpone the fall of Mosul and they will have given similar thought to staying in business afterwards. They control some large towns like Tal Afar and others in western Anbar province, though these will fall in due course. Less easy to subdue are their rural enclaves like Hawaijah in Kirkuk province and vast tracts of desert and semi-desert where Isis had its base and hideouts before it expanded explosively in 2014.



The systematic spreading of fear through terrorism is an integral part of the way Isis conducts warfare. It involves assassinations and suicide bombing to show strength and dominate the news agenda at home and abroad. There are strong signs of these tactics being already at work in 11 cities and towns in Iraq and five in Syria, which Isis has lost, according to the Combating Terrorism Centre at West Point. It says there have been 1,468 attacks between the day of liberation of these places and April 2017, though some of these involved only a few shots or rockets fired by Isis.



Isis know it made a comeback before and will try to resurrect itself again, though this will not be so easy the second time round because opponents are forewarned. Much of the Sunni Arab community is displaced, its cities, towns and villages wrecked or abandoned. Isis will hope to exploit the Iraqi governments lack of troops to occupy effectively places it has recaptured. The return of government rule in Iraq and Syria often alienates local people because it almost always means corruption and racketeering. Isis is badly wounded, but it is still a long way from being dead.
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Theresa May can now measure her future as Prime Minister in weeks rather than days. Soon, it might become months. As the Queens Speech has been approved by the Commons, May can at least hope to make it through to the summer recess, which is due to start on 20 July.

A minority of Conservative MPs still believe this would be the right window for a leadership contest to choose May's successor. They believe her continuing presence  and her deal with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)  is retoxifying the Tories, so they need to oust her quickly. But the majority of Tory MPs seem prepared to allow May to limp on. The likelihood is that she will still be there when the party gathers for its annual conference in Manchester in October.

It is not that May is doing well. But every week she survives prolongs her shelf life. Even long-standing allies admit she is there by default rather than on merit.

This a lowest common denominator government led by the least worst prime minister the Tories have got, propped up by the DUP in the least worst way of scraping together a Commons majority. It provides a kind of stability, but not stable government. To survive, the Tories will need to make lots of concessions like the last-minute one on funding abortions in England for Northern Irish women. It was a reminder that Parliament, not the Government, now calls the shots  especially when MPs form a cross-party alliance on an issue, as they will do on Brexit.

Only seven Tory MPs need to threaten to rebel to create a mini-crisis for the Government, and the DUP will not necessarily support it on everything. There will be lots of climbdowns, tactical retreats, parliamentary ambushes and sometimes government defeats.

Civil servants look back fondly to the Con-Lib Coalition of 2010-15, which had a five-year programme and a majority of 76. It did provide stable government; in contrast, Mays must live from hand to mouth, and could fall at any time. No one knows what the hell is going to happen, said one Tory MP.

May has no meaningful domestic agenda. The Tory manifesto has been shredded, with her flagship policies like grammar schools ditched. The best she can hope for is to see through the Brexit negotiations and hang on until exit day in March 2019. She has not given up on that being a worthy legacy. But it is a long way away.

The Brexit talks will be a nightmare. Her lack of authority at home will weaken her hand. May could find herself trapped between Tory Europhobes who bolster her for now but would force her out if she softened her hard Brexit, and Parliament, where there is a majority for soft Brexit.

 Government stance on Brexit 'nonsense' and Labour 'cowards', Anna Soubry says

She is still there because there is no appetite for a divisive Tory leadership contest that would inevitably be dominated by what form Brexit should take. Some Tories believe the differences are so irreconcilable that the party could even split. A bloody contest could not be avoided by anointing a unity candidate, as the Tories did in 2003 when Michael Howard steadied the ship after Iain Duncan Smith was toppled. Cabinet ministers admit they could not agree on a coronation now because of their divisions on Brexit.

There is no obvious successor. Boris Johnson, hated by the EU, and Amber Rudd, too pro-EU for many Tory MPs, would have a better chance of winning a leadership election after the messy Brexit talks are over. Although the opposite is the case for Philip Hammond and David Davis, one senior Tory said: Anyone who jumps the gun will be crucified. One reason is that installing a new leader would provoke demands for them to call a general election, which is what Tory MPs fear most of all.

Cabinet tensions were on public display this week when Hammond, the Chancellor, made clear he wanted a longer transition period than David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, to ensure a smooth EU withdrawal. The Cabinet also did the splits over austerity. May wants to end the cap on public sector pay rises and would have hinted so if she had been asked at Prime Ministers Questions. Several Cabinet ministers agree but when they started to make this clear, Hammond dug his heels in, amid Treasury alarm at the unexpected post-election bills piling up. But the Tories survival instincts will surely ensure the deeply unpopular cap is lifted soon.

Cabinet tensions were on display when Philip Hammond made clear he wanted a longer transition period than David Davis to ensure a smooth EU withdrawal (PA) (PA Archive/PA Images)

In three weeks, we have gone from a control freak government in which Mays close aides bossed cowed ministers around, to a breakdown of the discipline that any administration needs. Its unsustainable, said one former minister. She is not a real prime minister. Downing Street has been hollowed out after several key staff resigned, perhaps sensing that this ship will not be afloat for long.

Labour is making the weather. It has got its act together as an effective opposition in a way rarely seen since Jeremy Corbyn became leader. It cleverly used the debate on the Queens Speech to make the Tories vote against ending the public sector pay cap. The rebellion by 49 Labour MPs against Corbyns deliberately opaque stance on the single market was not part of his script; the lesson is that oppositions cannot sit on the fence forever. But overall a newly-empowered Parliament is very good news for Labour, allowing it to make trouble for the Government. Corbyn wont be interested in a cross-party consensus on Brexit. It is more likely to go badly than well, so why share the blame?

They sometimes say that when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up. But Mays position is so fragile that she can only flatline; her next move from being down will be out.
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A city in southwest Iran posted the countrys hottest temperature ever recorded on Thursday afternoon and may have tied the world record for the most extreme high temperature.

Etienne Kapikian, a forecaster at French meteorological agency MeteoFrance, posted to Twitter that the city of Ahvaz soared to 53.7C (128.7F). Kapikian said the temperature is a new absolute national record of reliable Iranian heat and that it was the hottest temperature ever recorded in June over mainland Asia. Irans previous hottest temperature was 127.4F.

Weather Undergrounds website indicates the temperature in Ahvaz climbed even higher, hitting 129.2F (54C) at both 4:51pm and 5pm local time.

If that 129.2F reading is accurate, it would arguably tie the hottest temperature ever measured on Earth in modern times.

Christopher Burt, a weather historian for Weather Underground, has exhaustively analysed world temperature extremes and determined the 129.2F readings posted in Mitribah, Kuwait, on 21 July 2016, and Death Valley, California, on 30 June 2013, are the hottest credible temperature measurements that exist in modern records.

Officially, Death Valley set the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth on 10 July 1913, soaring to 134F (57C). But Burt posted a devastating critique of that measurement in October 2016, concluding it was essentially not possible from a meteorological perspective, and that the weather observer committed errors.

For the 129.2F reading Ahvaz posted on Weather Underground to stand and match the highest modern global temperature, it will require review by the World Meteorological Organisation.

Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran Show all 11 1 /11 Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran Wall of skateboards in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran Mathias Zwick Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran Tehran, the most progressive city in Iran, is home to the country's largest community of skateboarders. They number about 500. The Alborz Mountains overlook the north of the capital. Skateboarders like to meet over there to go down from mount Toshal to city center skatepark. In Tehrans heavy traffic, this horde of skateboarders is in the middle of a very dangerous journey Mathias Zwick Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran Documenting themselves with Go-Pro cameras, the crew of skateboarders rides through the city, past the wide-eyed gazes of passers-by. The footage will be posted on Instagram, a popular social network among young Iranians. Unlike Facebook, Instagram is not blocked by the Iranian government Mathias Zwick Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran In Southern Tehran, Ashkan kickflips in front of a mural depicting the ayatollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in 1979 Mathias Zwick Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran In recent years, groups of skateboarders appeared in all of Iran's major cities. Iranian cities, where modern and traditional architecture intermingle, are their playgrounds. Unlike Tehran, there is no skate park in Isfahan. Young skaters must settle for the street Mathias Zwick Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran In front of a mosque in Isfahan, around 211 miles south from Tehran, Erfan is towed by a carriage usually meant for tourists Mathias Zwick Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran Persian rugs are traditionally used for sitting to eat, drink tea or rest. While waiting for friends from Ispahan to joint them, the skateboarders from Tehran improvise a game with a board without wheels Mathias Zwick Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran The Grand Bazaar in Tehran is usually filled with people, but Friday is the weekly day of rest in Iran. Amid ghostly decor skateboarders lose themselves in the many narrow alleys of the labyrinthine market Mathias Zwick Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran In Tehran, Erfan, 24, rides hurtles past the portraits of Khamenei (left), the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1989, and his predecessor Khomeini (far right) Mathias Zwick Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran In Kerman, located in southeastern Iran, girls take ownership of skateboarding, too. Wearing mandatory veils and long sleeves, here are three that train regularly with boys Mathias Zwick Mathias Zwick: Skateboarders of Iran Although skateboarding is one of the few sports where genders intermingle, girls do not have the same opportunities than boys. Mandatory veils and long sleeves make practicing skateboard harder under the intense heat of a summer in Shiraz, said Ehlam, 21 years old, skater girl, electric guitar player and also breakdancer Mathias Zwick

The scorching temperature reading was brought about by a dome of heat centred over the Middle East.

The excessively hot air over Ahvaz, a city of 1.1 million people, felt even more stifling due to high humidity. As the temperature climbed into the high 120s, the dew point, a measure of humidity, peaked in the low 70s; a high level for the desert location (due to air flow from the Persian Gulf, to the south). The heat index  a measure of how hot it feels factoring in the humidity  exceeded 140F. This combination of heat and humidity was so extreme that it was beyond levels the heat index was designed to compute.

In the Persian Gulf city of Jask, Iran, about 800 miles southeast of Ahvaz, the humidity was even more suffocating. The dew point on Wednesday morning hit 91.4F. Dew points above 90 are quite rare. The highest dew point ever measured on Earth is 95F (35C), set at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on 8 July 2003.

Thursday marked the second straight day of record heat in Ahvaz. On Wednesday, it hit 127.2F (52.9C), breaking the record for Irans hottest June temperature, only to be exceeded the next day.

These Iranian temperature extremes come just a month after several locations in the Middle East recorded their hottest May temperatures during another exceptional heat wave.

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. 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On 28 May, the western Pakistani town of Turbat hit 128.3F (53.5C), tieing the all-time highest temperature in that country and the world record temperature for May, according to Weather Underground meteorologist Jeff Masters.

At the same time Masters reported that at the military base of Konarak, in eastern Iran, the temperature reached 127F, destroying the record of the highest temperature ever recorded in May in Iran (50.5C in Bostan in May 1999).

All of these record-breaking temperatures in recent years, including Thursdays reading in Ahvaz as well as those set in Kuwait and Death Valley in 2016 and 2013, represent temperature extremes consistent with what climate scientists expect to see in a warming world.

The National Academy of Sciences published a report in 2016 that said worsening heat waves are among the weather events that can be most easily connected to human-caused climate change.

A study published in the journal Nature Climate Change in 2015 cautioned that by the end of the century, due to climate change, temperatures in the Middle East may become too hot for human survival.

Washington Post
Taoiseach Jack Lynch entertains Jackie Kennedy at a reception at St. Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle, on June 30th 1967. It was her first formal function since her arrival in Ireland. On the left are Mairin Lynch and Mrs. Frank Aiken.

On June 15, 1967, Jackie Kennedy touched down at Shannon Airport with her two children Caroline and Johnny for a holiday in Ireland.

Speaking to the crowds after leaving the plane she said I am so happy to be here in this land which my husband loved so much. For myself and the children its a little bit like coming home, and were looking forward to it dearly. Nearly four years to the day her husband John Francis Kennedy had landed at Dublin airport.

Stepping off the Irish Airlines Boeing jet she was greeted by thunderous applause from the crowds of people eager to catch a glimpse of her.

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Jackie, Caroline and John Junior are pictured exiting Shannon Airport.

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As part of her trip, Jackie Kennedy visited The Curragh on 1st July to attend the Irish Sweeps Derby. Taoiseach Jack Lynch and his wife Mairin are pictured walking with her.

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She also visited the family homestead of her late husband at Dunganstown in County Wexford, as well as the Waterford Glass Factory where she was presented with a crystal glass centrepiece. She is pictured below arriving at the Cashel Palace Hotel.

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Throughout her holiday, Jackie Kennedy was greeted warmly by crowds across the country.

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Two weeks after landing at Shannon she arrived in Dublin, where she visited Aras an Uachtarain to see President De Valera. She is pictured here with Eamon and Sinead de Valera.

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That evening she attended a State banquet at Dublin Castle. She is pictured below arriving in style, wearing a full length green chiffon gown, white ermine fur stole and gold shoes.

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To see more photos like this visit Independent Archives, where all photos are available as a high quality print.
British insurer Equitable Life is considering setting up an EU subsidiary in Dublin, Photo: Bloomberg

The Irish government has secured deals with more than a dozen London-based financial houses and banks which will see the firms move some of their business to Ireland, according to a report in the Guardian.

The head of Irelands Industrial Development Authority (IDA), Kieran Donoghue, told the publication that each of the companies in question was looking for office space capacity ranging from between 10 and 500 staff.

Banks and financial services are required to be ready for Brexit by the end of March 2019.

Due to the time it takes applying for a licence from domestic regulators and securing office space, multinational companies based in the UK will need to finalise their post-Brexit plans in the coming weeks.

Read more: QBE Insurance chooses Brussels as its post-Brexit base

The Bank of England has said that financial firms must provide it with information regarding their Brexit plans by mid-July, the Guardian reported.

Mr Donoghue told the publication that several firms will not reveal their decision to move to Dublin until they had finished their discussions with the regulatory authorities in Ireland and Britain, the European Central Bank, and the US regulatory authorities.

Earlier this year global banking giant JP Morgan Chase agreed to buy a Dublin office building large enough for 1,000 staff for a reported 125m.

However Ireland has suffered a number of high profile losses in its bid to attract companies to move to Dublin.

Read more: JP Morgan snaps up Dublin site as part of Brexit planning

Insurers AIG and Lloyd's of London opted for Brussels and Luxembourg over Dublin for their post-Brexit relocation plans, while QBE is reported to be choosing Brussels as its post-Brexit base.

Earlier this month UK-based RSA said that it is to set up a subsidiary in Luxembourg to look after its German, French, Spanish, and Dutch business.
hot dragon said: i was very surprised by this. on the one hand i find it very hard to believe pell has done anything. on the other hand, he is a pretty public figure, he has been helped the authorities a lot in making a case against other priests, he has done his best towards victims. i doubt the authorities would have charged him without a VERY good case. i dont know where this is going. Click to expand...

Why is this hard to believe?? AND why do people ALWAYS ALWAYS question the victim? Why do we keep telling victims that we DO NOT believe them?Why do we believe the Cosbys of the world? The powerful? The famous? AND disbelieve the victims, especially when they are children.As a victim of date rape, I have first-hand knowledge of how this goes and I am sick of it. AS a teacher, I saw the sexual abuse cases--sat in meetings with parents--cried with them--held their hands. I had children who couldn't stand to be touched and one took a swing at me because his step-father was molesting him. The story finally came out.When are we as a society going to face the fact that some of the most prominent people are sexual predators? They use their positions of trust to assault--to shame and demean--to threaten.Here are some statistics:3,400 sexual abuse casesThats how many credible cases of abuse had been referred to the Vatican from 2004 to 2014, according to the Vaticans U.N. ambassador in Geneva, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi. There were an estimated 410,000 Catholic priests around the world in 2014, the Catholic News Service reported.2,572 priests sentenced to a lifetime of penanceAnother 848 over the last decade had been defrocked, according to Tomasi. The others were sentenced to penance and other mild religious sentences.Pope Benedict XVI defrocked 384 priests in 2 yearsThe former Pope, who resigned in 2013, essentially fired 384 of those priests in the last two years of his pontificate.AND you, Dragon find this case hard to believe??
Irish farmers will suffer a double whammy as a result of Brexit because there is no plan to make up the shortfall in the UK contribution to the EU budget, the ICSA has warned.

ICSA president Patrick Kent said Irish farmers were already paying a price for Brexit in the form of exchange rate volatility. He said farmers would not accept the added financial burden of reduced CAP payments.

It is estimated that current CAP funding of 58 billion could suffer a 7-9pc reduction, or a fall of 4-5 billion, as a result of Brexit.

However, Mr Kent insisted the CAP budget could not be cut as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

We believe that making up the shortfall [in CAP funding] must be a priority and that each of the EU-27, including Ireland, will have to bite the bullet, he said.

Speaking in Brussels last week, where ICSA was engaged in a series of lobbying meetings, Mr Kent called for increased Government efforts to protect CAP funding.

It is unacceptable that Ireland pays the price for Brexit and we need the EU to understand this. While the EU focus is on ensuring that the UK cannot be seen to have a Brexit without adverse consequences, it is even more untenable that member states who remain in the EU would be the losers, Mr Kent said.

ICSA pointed out that the value of the EU budget has been undermined in real terms by European Central Banks

policy of quantitative easing (printing money) which has pushed up the price of inputs such as chemicals, fertilisers and diesel.

The annual UK net contribution to the EU budget is not a straightforward calculation. While the 2015 UK contribution has been estimated at 13.5 billion (net of the UK rebate), the more typical net annual contribution has been around 10-11 billion.

This would suggest that the net reduction in the CAP post Brexit could be in the range 4-5 billion, implying a 7-9pc reduction in CAP payments.

The current 58 billion CAP budget delivers 1.5 billion in direct payments to Irelands farmers.

Irish MEP Marian Harkin pointed out that while the overall cut to the last EU Budget was 10pc, the reduction to the single farm payment (SFP) was just 3pc.

Ms Harkin described this concession to the agriculture sector as a recognition of its role in maintaining food security, protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainability of rural areas.

At the time, it was said that the then Agri Commissioner, Ciolos, escaped with his budget and his life on the condition that 30pc of the budget was for Greening, Ms Harkin said.

Pressure

However, she accepted that there will be exceptional pressure on the next EU budget due to the withdrawal of the UK contribution, with serious doubts that it will be compensated by agreement between the remaining member states to up their contributions.

The fact that the European Parliaments president Antonio Tajani recently had to refute a media report that he favoured shifting funding from agriculture to other policies is worrying, she admitted.

EU Budget Commissioner Gunther Oettingers statement to representatives of COPA that a hit of 10 to 13 billion could be expected to the overall EU budget post Brexit added to farmers concerns.

This would require raising member state contributions from 1pc to 1.1pc to sustain present budget levels, the Budget Commissioner said.

He also stressed the need for funding migration issues, border protection and the fight against terrorism.

The Brexit negotiations could mean that key discussions on the budget will be pushed back until autumn 2018, Ms Harkin predicted.

In my view food security for Europe is as relevant as ever and needs to be emphasised in advocating for maintaining the agriculture budget, she said.

However, equally important is to understand how vital environmental issues are going to be.

An indication of this was seen in the EU parliament last week when members voted to sustain a Commission proposal to ban the use of pesticides in Ecological Focus Areas, the Irish MEP said.

If we are to successfully lobby to maintain the CAP budget, next time out, it will be essential to show that CAP

has delivered on environmental and biodiversity issues as well as on food security, she maintained.
EU authorities must remove beef from any Mercosur deal with South American countries, as the US moved to ban fresh Brazilian beef, it has been urged.

The US Department of Agriculture informed Brazil that imports of fresh beef would be halted as it cited safety concerns.

It comes after it found repeated import violations, including abscesses and unidentified foreign material in the imports. Since March, US health officials have turned away 11pc or 1.9 million pounds of Brazilian meat.

IFA national livestock chair Angus Woods said the EU authorities must take note and remove beef from any Mercosur deal.

Irish and European farmers will be rightly questioning how EU negotiators can continue to engage with the Mercosur countries given this decision by the USDA, he said.

Mr Woods said the Mercosur countries had consistently failed to meet EU standards on the key issues of traceability, animal health and welfare controls, the ban on hormone growth promoters and environmental controls.

He said the US authorities have recognised that there is a problem and have insisted that consumers cannot be exposed to food products that do not meet US standards.

The ICMSAs Michael Guinan said there was a stark contrast in the US action compared with the discussions at EU level.

We can never accept a situation where food can be sold in the EU that we know for a fact has been produced to a far, far lower standard than the food that is produced within the EU, he said.

MEP Mairead McGuinness has already urged caution in giving any concession on beef that could damage the EU beef market.

The MEP said its clear there is momentum for agreement, with the Commission indicating a deal is possible by the end of the year.
Cattle ranchers in Brazil are demanding an overhaul of the vaccination program against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), including suspending it in some parts of the country, to tackle health problems raised by the United States last week when it banned Brazilian fresh beef imports.

The CNPC, a national council of cattle ranchers, asked the government, which oversees the vaccination program, to halve the doses, change the place where vaccines are administered on the animals from muscle to just beneath the skin, and to eliminate a substance called saponin from the vaccines.

Brazil, home to the world's largest cattle herd, has for decades required ranchers to administer FMD vaccines twice a year to the animals, aiming to eradicate an illness that has in the past prevented its beef from entering valued export markets.

The market for FMD vaccines is estimated by CNPC to be worth 500 million reais ($151 million) per year.

The largest producers are locally listed firm Ouro Fino Saude Animal Participacoes SA, Boehringer Ingelheim do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica, a subsidiary of German firm Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, and Ceva Saude Animal Ltda, the local unit of France's Ceva Sante Animale SA.

The United States suspended imports of Brazilian fresh beef last week, saying a high percentage of shipments failed to pass safety checks. One of the main problems were abscesses, which Brazilian ranchers blame on the vaccines.

CNPC also said Brazil should scrap the vaccination in 12 states that are home to around 120 million heads which have not reported a FMD case in more than 20 years.

"We can't continue the program as it is," CNPC head Sebastiao Guedes told Reuters on Thursday.

He hopes the U.S. ban would lead the government to listen to the suggestions for changes regarding vaccination.

Brazil's agriculture ministry opened an investigation into the problems, aiming to also check possible adverse reactions to the vaccines.

The producers declined to comment individually, saying the industry association Sindan would should answer questions on their behalf.

Sindan on Thursday defended the country-wide vaccination, saying ending it in some states could put the whole herd under risk due to lack of vaccination in some of Brazil's neighbors such as Venezuela.

It again denied infections or abscesses were a possible reaction to the vaccine, saying they would be likely linked to inappropriate handling of the process, such using dirty or damaged needles.
The European Parliament has backed away from efforts to prevent EU countries using forests and grasslands to offset their 2030 climate targets.

In a vote last week, the Parliament rejected an earlier vote by environment committee MEPs to halve the number of credits for grasslands and forests that would enable countries to knock down their overall greenhouse gas emissions.

But they did vote in favour of an earlier starting date for calculating emissions cuts - 2018 instead of the 2020 proposed by the Commission - a move that would require Ireland to make extra efforts to curb emissions.

Most of Ireland's MEPs voted in favour of the report, except for Independent Luke Ming Flanagan, who voted against it, Fine Gael's Sean Kelly and Independent Marian Harkin, who both abstained.

Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness said the vote was "of some help to Ireland" but that three-way talks between MEPs, EU governments and the Commission would be decisive.

"Agriculture will have to play its part," she said. "I hope we will end up in a situation that reflects the current difficulty [with] targets that were previously not achievable," she said of Ireland's 2020 targets, which the Government is not expected to reach.

Under the draft 2030 plan, Ireland is obliged to cut emissions by 30pc compared to 2005 levels in agriculture, transport, building and waste. Heavy industry is covered by the bloc's emissions trading scheme.

The target is part of a wider EU commitment to reduce emissions by 40pc by 2030 (in all sectors, including heavy industry) compared to 1990 levels. It is the EU's contribution to the international Paris climate accord, which was reaffirmed by EU environment ministers on Monday, who said it could not be renegotiated, as the US has requested.

During a debate last week, MEPs hit out at US president Donald Trump for pulling out of the deal, the first one to be signed by all global emitters.

"Simply put, the US administration's decision is a mistake," said European Parliament President Antonio Tajani.

EU governments have yet to reach a unified negotiating position on the EU's 2030 targets, which they will then have to take into talks with MEPs and the Commission.

IFA welcomes soya ruling

Soya, almond and other plant products can no longer be marketed as milk, yoghurt, cheese or butter, the EUs highest court said last week.

Following a challenge by a German trading association against products sold by vegetarian food company TofuTown, the Luxembourg-based court said EU law reserves the term milk only for milk of animal origin. That extends to milk products such as cream, yoghurt, cheese and butter, the court said.

The Irish Farmers Association welcomed the judgment, saying soya and nut-based products have been riding on the coat-tails of dairy .

I would urge all retailers to take due note of this momentous decision, and to take its logic to the next level, by ensuring that, in their supermarkets, those substitutes are not presented to consumers in the dairy cabinets, said IFA National Liquid Milk Chairman John Finn.
Accenture found that Irish consumers are increasingly open to so-called intelligent technologies taking an active role in purchasing decisions. Photo: Stock Image

Retailing will change more in the next 10 years than in the past 40, according to new research from Accenture, led by digitalisation.

The digital wave, could bring a cumulative $2.95 trillion (2.5 trillion) in value to the retail industry as quickly as 2025, according to the research. And Ireland will not be immune to the global movement.

Accenture found that Irish consumers are increasingly open to so-called intelligent technologies taking an active role in purchasing decisions.

Over a fifth of Irish consumers said they would use sensor-based digital services that pre-empt their needs without human intervention - including automatic orders placed on their behalf.

As consumers shift more of their lives online, Accenture said Irish buyers are willing to compromise on privacy to benefit from better shopping experiences or for financial rewards.

Four out of 10 consumers here would allow retail and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms to collect their personal data via intelligent devices in return for a better shopping experience or financial reward.

But consumers were more cautious about brands looking into their shopping history to pre-select products. Just one in five saying that they would be willing to subscribe to this.

Accenture said sharing - of cars, clothes and other products, replenishment of products including automatically, product personalisation and personal services - are the key trends as retail shifts to digital.
Jimmyb said: That makes Benedict Arnold look like a kindergartener. That implication is enough for a conviction and the death penalty. Click to expand...

This is the problem with the entire situation. One I suspected from Day 1.Trump may or may not have colluded with the Russians. I'll take Mueller's word on that.But the fact is he's dumb as dirt, he's a bigot, misogynist, islamophobe, homophobe, a liar, and above all, seriously deeply in debt.The Russians knew this. They used his unwittingly dumb *** to usurp the election. They fooled him into thinking he's they're friend, forcing him to praise them to the consternation and embarrasment of every free nation in the world.Trump kissed Putin's *** in front of the collective eyes of the nation and world. He gave legitimacy to an insane despot in North Korea, something the sane world refused to do. He stole from people left and right, be it Trump U, political donations, whatever. He appointed his dimwitted children and Kushner to his administration to pack their pocketbooks with the nation's money.We would have been better off with the flip side.
Irish technology, business and tax lobbyists have warned a failure to cut taxes on startup share options could encourage entrepreneurs to look elsewhere.

The calls come after the European Commission gave Sweden the go-ahead to eliminate income taxes on share options at startup companies.

The move, which will see an end to the taxing of stock options as income at young companies with fewer than 50 employees, is being seized on as evidence that Irish small firms need more support from taxation authorities here to compete.

"If there's one issue that needs urgent redress, it's this," said the head of Tech Ireland, Niamh Bushnell.

"The system around stock options today in Ireland creates a disincentive to talent and to risk-taking, two key ingredients of a scaling innovation ecosystem," she said.

"This is even more so when other countries see the light well before we do and make the playing field even more competitive."

Local startup entrepreneurs, such as former Twitter boss and Storyful founder Mark Little have complained that Irish tax law threatens the viability of Ireland-based technology startups. Dublin-based venture capital executives such as Draper Esprit partner Brian Caulfield have also criticised Ireland's lack of tax friendliness to startups in comparison to countries such as the UK.

"A workable share-based employee scheme is now required for SMEs that would enable them to attract and retain the best talent," said a spokeswoman for the Irish Tax Institute.

"The UK's Enterprise Management Initiative is a good model to consider where capital gains tax is payable by taxpayers when they sell their shares and have the funds to pay the tax," she added.

Under recent changes to UK law, share options with a market value of up to 250,000 (284,000) can be granted tax-free to employees of independent trading companies that have fewer than 250 employees and gross assets not exceeding 30m (34m).

Under Sweden's new rules, income taxes on stock options at smaller startup companies will eliminated.

Companies will be exempt from payroll levies on the stock options, which will be taxed as capital when they are sold.

The move is being undertaken by Sweden, under finance minister Magdalena Andersson, as a competitive measure to stop the perceived brain drain of its tech community to European city hubs such as London and Berlin.

Sweden, which is the home of the global music-streaming giant Spotify, has the highest number of 'unicorn' technology companies per capita in Europe.
Tesco Group CEO Dave Lewis, who has led a turnaround strategy at the retailer. Photo: Reuters

Tesco and its takeover target, Booker, have asked the UK's competition regulator to "fast track" examination of their 3.7bn (4.2bn) deal to a more detailed second stage.

Tesco, which has been headed by group CEO Dave Lewis since 2015, and the wholesaler Booker announced the cash and shares deal in January.

Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) formally started its initial Phase 1 review on May 30. The CMA is assessing whether the deal could reduce competition and choice for shoppers and other customers.

The initial investigation was due to run until July 25.

"We have now requested that the CMA uses the fast track process to allow it to move more quickly to examining the merger through a detailed Phase 2 process," the companies said yesterday.

They said they expect the CMA to issue a decision to refer to Phase 2 within the next fortnight.

The transaction will be cleared if that inquiry, which lasts up to 24 weeks, does not find it will reduce competition. If competition is affected, the CMA can seek remedies or block the deal.

A Tesco spokeswoman said it expected the deal to complete in January.

Some Tesco shareholders have criticised the deal, saying it was overpaying for the target and a distraction from its turnaround plan.

Booker supplies retailers including Budgens, restaurant chains including Wagamama and Carluccio's and operates cash and carry business Makro. (Reuters)
Alphabets early days have seen more pruning than expansion of its holdings.

Google's self-professed mission is to organise the world's information. But a company known for engineering excellence is still trying to solve the very human problem of how to organise itself.

In many ways the problem overshadows even this week's 2.4bn EU competition fine.

Nearly two years ago, Google co-founder Larry Page announced the tech giant would be remade as Alphabet, a holding company whose units would include Google and an array of unrelated pursuits in healthcare, self-driving cars and urban planning.

Wall Street cheered. Previously those riskier ventures had been lumped into Google's overall financial results. Investors would now see Google's performance independent of its so-called 'Other Bets', an eclectic collection of 11 ventures. They include Nest, a maker of wifi-enabled thermostats; Calico, which seeks to prolong the human lifespan; and X, the company's secretive research lab. Alphabet's top management also aimed to boost accountability by appointing chief executives to head each of the Other Bets.

Few people in Google's constellation of ventures had ever held the title before that.

But so far Alphabet has failed to show it can convert its Other Bets from experiments to businesses comparable to Google's core search and advertising operations. Interviews with two dozen former Alphabet executives and employees reveal an organisation grappling with how much time and resources Other Bets deserve in the pursuit of profitability.

In the first quarter, which ended March 31, the ventures lost a combined $855m (748m); that's on top of a collective $3.6bn loss for 2016. As a whole, Alphabet generated $90.3bn in revenue in 2016. Google's share of that was $89.5bn, while its 2016 operating income was $27.9bn.

Alphabet's early days have seen more pruning than expansion of its holdings.

The company has skinned back plans for Google Fiber, which delivers rapid internet service in 10 US metro areas. This month, Alphabet agreed to sell robotics company Boston Dynamics to Japanese multinational SoftBank Group Corp. It unloaded its Terra Bella satellite imaging business in February.

At one point last year, it was even looking to sell Nest, the largest of the Other Bets, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Google paid an eye-popping $3.2bn for the startup back in 2014.

Meanwhile, a series of executives have departed since the reorganisation, including the heads of Nest, an internet operation called Access and a venture capital firm known as GV.

An Alphabet spokeswoman declined repeated requests for comment. Supporters of the restructuring frame the early struggles as typical growing pains. For now, Wall Street isn't worried. Ruth Porat, the no-nonsense chief financial officer who has steered the restructuring, has won rave reviews from investors for enforcing financial accountability across Alphabet. Some Other Bets have made notable strides. Life sciences initiative Verily recently attracted $800m in outside investment.

Self-driving car project Waymo is considered among the leaders in the burgeoning industry.

Still, it's not yet clear the structure will enable Alphabet to do what most companies cannot: conceive the next wave of innovation in-house or through the development of key acquisitions. That goal is central to both the company's mission and investor expectations, analysts say. (Reuters)
Ruth Negga, pictured, along with Ciaran Hinds and Domhnall Gleeson, has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Irish actors Domhnall Gleeson and Ruth Negga will have a say in naming next year's Oscar nominees.

The actors have been invited to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) Class of 2017.

They will be joined by veteran Irish actor veteran Ciaran Hinds.

Negga made the cut for her performance in critically acclaimed film Loving.

Gleeson has not been nominated for an Oscar, but last year he appeared in four films that received multiple nominations; Ex Machina, Brooklyn, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Revenant.

Gleeson is also tipped to pick up numerous nominations in the coming months for his depiction of Winnie the Pooh creator AA Milne in Goodbye Christopher Robin.

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The Academy has invited several Irish actors and filmmakers to become members in recent years.

These include Gleeson's father Brendan, directors Lenny Abrahamson and John Crowley, Room author Emma Donoghue, Saoirse Ronan and U2 front man Bono.

This year's classmates include people from 57 countries in a bid to diversify the Academy's predominantly white, male membership.

Under the leadership of Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the Academy vowed to make its membership, which in 2016 was 92pc white and 75pc male, more inclusive.

Of this year's 774 invitees, 39pc are female and 30pc people are of colour.

It marks a 300pc increase in racial diversity since the 2016 #OscarsSoWhite debacle.

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Isaacs said it is up to the Academy "to ensure that new faces and voices are seen and heard, and to take a shot on the next generation the way someone took a shot on each of us."

This year's class is 774 strong and includes 'Wonder Woman' star Gal Gadot, comedian Amy Poehler and Mr Robot actor Rami Malek.

Former Twilight star Kristen Stewart, wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, and Harry Potter's Ron Weasley - Rupert Grint - are also all invitees.

Get Out director Jordan Peele, comedian Rebel Wilson and Ghostbusters actress Leslie Jones were also among the invitees, along with Mad Men star Jon Hamm and Rogue One actor Riz Ahmed.

This year's crop also includes Moonlight best picture director Barry Jenkins, Hamilton musical creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and fashion designer Tom Ford.

The oldest invitee is Betty White at 95 with Elle Fanning the youngest at 19.
A complaint that Marian Finucane made a remark that was "offensive" and "totally unprofessional" during a programme has been rejected by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI).

The authority's Executive Complaints Forum ruled that Finucane's radio programme, which referred to the death of former Cuban president Fidel Castro, was "fair, impartial and objective" and a remark she made about an interviewee was "playful and not dismissive".

The BAI received a complaint from listener Thomas Kirby about The Marian Finucane Show last November 26, when Castro's death was discussed with two interviewees.

After the interviewees left, Finucane, who earns 295,000 a year, read out some calls and texts from listeners.

These included one that read: "Marian, I've heard [the interviewee] talk on many issues over the years.

"He is an intelligent and rational man. However, when it comes to Cuba he sees everything through rose-tinted glasses."

The broadcaster then said: "Well, to the best of my know-ledge he's also married to a Cuban, so that could influence your thinking too, you know."

Mr Kirby lodged a complaint, stating that the interviewee explained his admiration for the Cuban system and his own assessment of human rights violations, but the remark by Finucane suggested his views "may exclude due consideration of that country's failings because he is married to a Cuban".

He accused Finucane of dismissing the interviewee's opinions with her remark, which was "offensive, totally unprofessional and insulting to the listeners' intelligence".

RTE told the BAI her remark was "light-hearted, accurate and arguably supplies listeners with useful information to assist them in contextualising the interviewee's views".

The authority noted the interviewee made no complaint, and it rejected Mr Kirby's complaint.
Neighbours star Matt Wilson has apologised after he suggested the gay character he plays on Australian soap Neighbours was written to "act straight" and "act normal".

Wilson appeared on Channel 5 show The Wright Stuff on Thursday and made the comments when speaking about whether or not a gay actor should play the role of his gay character Aaron Brennan.

"We've had this argument come up a couple of times," he said. "There is a lot of people who say, 'Why don't you get a gay person to play a gay character?' It's like saying why don't you get a person who's in a wheelchair to play a character in a wheelchair."

He continued, "We specifically designed the character to act straight and act normal. When I say normal I mean he doesn't stand out amongst the crowd.

"It's not like the guys on Modern Family where you see them, they're flamboyant and camp, and sort of walk around tiptoeing.

"That creates separation, that's us and them, and it shouldn't be like that. It should be all equal and nobody should have a problem with that. And the way the other characters react around my character is that there's never a problem. There's never a problem at all. It's kind of setting the standard."

Several viewers were offended by Wilson's comments, which they felt implied that camp gay men are not 'normal' and are creating a 'divide', and took to Twitter to comment.

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Wayne Dhesi, Youth Programmes Manager at Stonewall UK and founder of RUcomingout.com, shared the clip on social media and wrote, "his point about being normal was just so off the mark!"

The Aussie actor replied with an apology and attempted to explain.

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"Hi guys. Agreed. Choice of words wasn't right and apologies if it comes across as offensive!" he wrote.

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"The message I want to get across (and this is in support of one of my closes friends as he is having issues coming out) that he is sick and tired of people assuming that because his sexuality is different to the guy next to him that they "expected him to act different". This isn't the case, and shouldn't be preached on tv."

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Dhesi responded by pointing out that in challenging stereotypes we should not "dismiss those who 'fit' them". However, he thanked Wilson for acknowledging his poor choice of words.

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Wilson added, "Once again - apologies for offending you, I trust you can see through this and see we are promoting the same msg"

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Stefanie Preissner's RTE web series 'How to Adult' is not just for millennials, she tells Independent.ie

Watching RTE's new web series 'How to Adult' as a woman approaching 40 with a mortgage, pension, and a child, it's a shock to realise quite how clueless I am about the ins and outs of said mortgage, pension, or even the latest info on sexual health.

I'm not the only one, according to series presenter and writer Stefanie Preissner.

"Theres that sort of presumption that you have your shit together when you reach whatever age," she says. "But the producer of the documentary, a guy called Shane, hes brilliant, hes in his 40s, and the director is young, same age as me, and we were horrified as we were getting the information on sexual health stuff and mortgages, but he was equally horrified."

She adds, "The response has been brilliant. Its shocking, terrifying. A lot of people are saying, 'I'm 48 and this has taught me things I didnt know."

The series aims to educate the public on these issues as well as social media, the modern workplace, and fitness among others. Ostensibly it's aimed at millennials. But many Generation Xers and Baby Boomers could stand to learn a thing or two.

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It's not our fault. Preissner (29) blames the institutions who have failed to adapt to the modern workforce and gig economy in which we currently live.

"We're sort of portrayed as this kind of freelance, hippy, can't stop moving from one place to another, can't settle down liability because of that when actually mobile labour and all of those things are promoted and revered and supported in other countries," she says.

Speaking about mortgages, she says, "Lets say Ive moved on from the John B Keane era of This is my field. I dont have any interest in owning a house. If I was sure the rental structure was secure, if I was safe, the only reason to buy a house now is I know it cant be taken from me at a moments notice. And even then thats not even secure. People having houses taken away from them.

"I think that if you get very tongue in cheek, on Masloes Hierarchy of Needs, security and knowing youre safe, thats below all the rest of those things we need."

While How to Adult might sound like the antithesis of humour, Preissner's approach is pretty light-hearted. Viewers are likely to veer from shock to surprise to laughter.

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"I suppose the point of the documentary was to say to people these are the facts and they're scary and somehow thats reassuring," she says.

"Its like coming up to the Leaving Cert and you havet done any study and you resign yourself to the fact I cant even achieve those points for medicine so Im going to laugh it off. I cant possibly afford to be saving 25 a day to a pension, I cant afford to pay back a mortgage, pay 200,000 to rent money to rent a house."

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It's not all doom and gloom. Through the course of the series the Cork woman learned she's "actually well on my way to a fit and healthy lifestyle" and "on a par with the WHO recommendations" among other positive revelations.

One of the funniest is her visit to a sexual health clinic in which she visibly recoils at some of the information she gleans from the doctor.

"Weve moved on now slightly from Catholic Ireland and I dont think young men any more are afraid or embarrassed to buy condoms which was a major barrier to sexual health in the 80s and 90s," she says.

"But now there are other barriers. Were equally ashamed to go and get tested even though promiscuity has risen, were having various sexual partners, and this big lifestyle change.

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"Matt Cooper the other day said 'A job is not a condom'. You have to take responsibility for yourself and other citizens youre sleeping with. Get checked because there are scary things like HPV and oral sex resulting in a rise in head and neck cancers - so scary.

"I don't think it's right or proper that at the age of 29 I'm getting this information for the first time. I thought I had my finger on the pulse. I read up on things. If I don't know it you can be guaranteed other people out there don't know it.

"Like, cervical check is not an STI test. And you should be doing it regularly. Being embarrassed is not an excuse for poor health practices."

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Preissner reveals she thought she was "being dramatic" by having STI testing.

"I remember when I was about 6 in Mallow and I took a half day to go to the dentist, and I remember the mother of a friend of mine looking at me, oh, going to the dentist. Notions. It's like going to see a consultant dermatologist. You're looked upon like you're a hypochondriac."

Going forward Preissner hopes to tackle a plethora of other issues in How to Adult including tax, the business of death, and how to communicate.

CHeck out How to Adult on the RTE iPlayer HERE
A jury has seen CCTV footage of the moment a man was shot 18 times with a sub-machine gun in the car park of a pigeon racing club.

The jury in the trial of Christopher McDonald viewed footage that gardai say shows 36-year-old Keith Walker suffering the gunshot wounds that killed him.

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Mr McDonald (34), from the East Wall area of Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to Mr Walker's murder on June 12, 2015 in the car park of the Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on Shelerin Road, Clonsilla.

The trial has previously heard from State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy that the deceased suffered eighteen bullet wounds to the head and body.

Garda Patricia Davey today told prosecuting counsel Denis Vaughan Buckley SC that she compiled CCTV evidence gathered from the car park of the pigeon racing club, from a house on Sheepmoor Grove and from a Lidl supermarket in Blanchardstown.

Describing the footage at the pigeon club, she said an individual can be seen near the entrance of the car park at about 4.20pm on the evening that Mr Walker was shot dead.

An individual is seen five more times near a creche and other buildings in the area before Mr Walker arrives at 5.31pm, driving a dark-coloured car and travelling alone.

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Gda Davey told the jury that at 6pm Mr Walker is seen chatting to an unknown male and one minute later an individual approaches and shoots Mr Walker after taking an item from a bag. She said the individual, who was wearing black clothes and runners and had long dark hair, then left the scene and ran away.

Footage gathered from a house on Sheepmoor Grove in Blanchardstown shows a person wearing a dark top and bottoms walking by eight minutes after the shooting.

Five minutes after that, a person enters the Lidl car park wearing a dark top and dark, short, tight bottoms, black and white runners and carrying a light-coloured bag.

Detective Garda Gary McDonnell of the garda fingerprint section said he attended a laneway at Sheepmoor Grove on June 16, 2015 - four days after Mr Walker was shot.

While there he said he found a transparent latex glove which he said was saturated in what appeared to be sweat. He said he found it near to where a bag, machine gun and wig were located at the same laneway.

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Under cross examination Det Gda McDonnell told Bernard Condon SC that there was no garda in charge at the laneway.

Mr Condon asked him why gardai did not also gather other items, including a Kinder Bueno wrapper, that were located near where the gun and latex glove were found.

Det Gda McDonnell said the laneway was "covered in rubbish" with thousands of items that he did not think were of relevance. He said the lane appeared to be used as a dumping ground.

Mr Condon also asked him why a photograph taken at the scene claimed to depict "gloves" yet gardai had used only one glove in evidence.

Det Gda McDonnell said he only took one latex glove and that he made a note of finding one latex glove at the time.

The trial will continue in front of Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of six men and six women on Monday.
An Irish man described by the FBI as the world's 'largest facilitator of child pornography' is making a legal bid aimed at halting his extradition to the United States.

Eric Eoin Marques, who is alleged to be the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting, is wanted by the US authorities to face charges relating to conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography and advertising and distributing child pornography.

The charges against Mr Marques relate to images on over a hundred anonymous websites described as being extremely violent, graphic and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children.

The 30-year-old with an address at Mountjoy Square in central Dublin, has been in custody since his arrest in August 2013.

His surrender was ordered by the High Court in 2015 December, which he opposed. His appeal against that order was dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Mr Marques also brought actions over the DPP's decision not to prosecute him in respect of the offences for which his surrender is sought. He had offered to plead guilty to the alleged offences in Ireland.

Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal dismissed that action. Last month the Supreme Court turned down Marques bid to bring an appeal on that issue before it.

An application to the European Court of Human Rights, that would have put a stay on the extradition, had also been unsuccessful, the High Court has heard.

Mr Marques has now launched fresh judicial review proceedings aimed at halting his surrender over the Minister for Justice's alleged refusal to use her discretion to halt his extradition.

Mr Marques was not present in the High Court for today hearing before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly. However, his barrister, Micheal P OHiggins SC, spent much of the hearing outlining why his client should have access to records that were before the minister when she allegedly refused to use her discretion.

He said he needed the documents to find out did the minister actually choose not to make a decision whether to exercise her discretion not to extradite.

As for his grounds for judicial review, Mr OHiggins said the minister should have had the DPPs reasons not to prosecute him here, and that she should have advanced those reasons to his client. He also wanted to ascertain if shed had regard to irrelevant considerations and had not had regard to relevant considerations.

He also said an issue of fairness arose, especially when the requested material was in the possession of one party and that no indication had been given about a difficulty or problem providing it.

It doesnt appear to be claimed that what were seeking is irrelevant, but solely that it not necessary, he said.

He added that it was of note that the respondent (the minister) was not asserting privilege or confidentiality.

I say that as a matter of fundamental fair procedures, it is necessary in a public law case that a decision maker places face-up on the table the cards the decision maker has, he continued. Not only do we not have the cards face-up, we dont even have the cards uniquely in the possession of the minister.

He said his client argued that it was a breach of natural justice and fair procedure not to be given the DPPs reasons and not to be given a chance to reply to those reasons.

My client should be given a chance to make meaningful submissions, he said.

Counsel for the minister has been given until close of business on Wednesday to provide an amended statement of opposition. The hearing will then continue on Friday.
A plague of robberies and burglaries have shattered the trust on which the foundations of rural society are built, a Circuit Court judge has warned.

Judge Keenan Johnson was speaking in Portlaoise Circuit Court at the sentencing of three men who were arrested after two Garda vehicles were rammed by a stolen jeep.

During the course of the arrest, four gardai were injured.

Laois men Thomas McInerney (40), Twomey Park, Mountmellick, his brother Gerard McInerney (38), Moonbaun Close, Mountrath, and their cousin William McInerney (37), Newline Close, Mountrath, admitted possessing stolen property at Cloncourse, Mountrath, on July 12, 2016.

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Chief Superintendent John Scanlon had previously told the court the men were arrested following a significant Garda surveillance operation. It had focused on a stolen jeep and trailer that were left at woodland in Cloncourse.

The three men were observed attempting to leave the woodland in the stolen jeep. The jeep, which had been stolen from a farm in June 2016, crashed as it attempted to ram through a Garda checkpoint. All three men, who were in possession of black gloves and balaclavas, were arrested nearby.

One of the four gardai who was injured has yet to return to work, the court was told. The three men admitted to possessing a stolen trailer and the unlawful taking of a vehicle contrary to Section 112 of the Road Traffic Act.

Judge Johnson commended the four gardai who were hurt in the surveillance operation.

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He added: "The court is acutely conscious of the plague of robberies and burglaries that are afflicting rural Ireland and in particular farms on the Midland Circuit. The growth of these types of burglaries and robberies are an attack on the foundations of rural society and the source of much concern and worry to rural dwellers.

"Unfortunately, in recent years due to an upsurge in robberies and burglaries, that trust has now been completely and utterly shattered."

Judge Johnson took the men's early plea into account but said the men had been caught red-handed.

Thomas was given a sentence of five years and three months with the final 12 months suspended. William and Gerard each received four years and six months with the final 12 months suspended.
The company, which is a member of the Landmark Media Group, also operates its own website. Photo: Stock Image

The High Court has appointed a provisional liquidator to the publisher of four weekly newspapers in Co Wexford.

The court was told that provisional liquidator Kieran Wallace will keep the 'Wexford Echo', 'Gorey Echo', 'New Ross Echo' and the 'Enniscorthy Echo' open in the hope a buyer can be found.

The four titles, which are owned by Wexford Echo Limited, employ 30.

Mr Wallace was appointed, and granted certain powers, yesterday by Mr Justice Paul Gilligan following an application by lawyers for the company.

The judge appointed Mr Wallace, an insolvency practioner with KPMG, after being informed the company is insolvent and unable to pay its debts.

The company, which is a member of the Landmark Media Group, also operates its own website. Its directors are Thomas Crosbie, Noel Wall, Daniel Francis Linehan, Thomas Joseph Murphy and Sean O'Keeffe.

Seeking the appointment, Garvan Corkery Bl, for the company, said a winding-up order was being sought due to the decline of newspaper sales and advertising globally and in Ireland.

The company had been loss making and at the end of May had net liabilities of 834,000, he said. It had been dependent on the continued financial support of affiliates in the Landmark Media Group to meet its liabilities.

In light of its trading difficulties, Landmark had decided not to support the company any longer.

As a result, shareholders passed a resolution that it be wound up and a provisional liquidator be appointed.

Mr Wallace, counsel said, would be able to preserve the saleability of the titles and could effect a rapid sale if demand emerges. Any suspension of the publications, even temporary, could prejudice any possible sale of the titles, counsel said.

Counsel added the company provides sub-editing and page production services for two other titles in the Landmark Group, 'The Waterford News and Star' and the 'Nationalist and Leinster Times'.

The provisional liquidator would ensure that those services could also continue in the interim.
A man approached a boy aged 12 at a Luas stop and asked him for directions to a hotel before bringing him to his room and offering 50 to the boy to touch him, a court heard.

The man (51), who is married with three children, was released on bail with conditions. His bail conditions were adjusted to enable him to go on a family holiday next month.

The man, who lives in Co Kilkenny but cannot be identified for legal reasons, is charged with sexually exploiting the boy at a hotel room in west Dublin on October 20, 2016, contrary to Section 3 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998. He appeared before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court yesterday in custody.

Detective Garda Kate Flood told the judge she arrested the man at his home address that morning and brought him to Clondalkin Garda Station where he was charged.

Det Gda Flood told Judge McHugh she was objecting to bail owing to the seriousness of the alleged offence and the possibility he might re-offend.

She said it would be alleged the boy was approached at a west Dublin Luas stop by the man who asked him for directions to a nearby hotel. Det Gda Flood added that the court would hear that the man offered to show the boy his hotel room and they went together to the room.

She said it would be further alleged when they got to the room the man offered 50 to the 12-year-old if he touched him. She said the boy left the room and contacted gardai.

Det Gda Flood said later that night the man spoke to three gardai and said the boy had wanted to see the room because he heard someone famous had stayed there.

She said she believed that if released on bail the man might commit further offences and added he was currently on bail for harassing a 10-year-old boy.

Judge McHugh released the man on bail and remanded him to a date in September for service of his book of evidence.
A man whose murder conviction earlier this year made legal history as the first recorded after an acquittal, has been granted an extension of time to bring an appeal.

Richard Dekker (30), from the Blanchardstown area of Dublin was unanimously found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court last March of murdering 17-year-old Daniel McAnaspie in February 2010.

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The decomposed body of Mr McAnaspie, who had been in the care of the HSE, was discovered by a farmer in a seven-foot ditch in Rathfeigh Co Meath, 30km from where he had been killed.

Dekker's conviction came after a week-long trial and more than eight hours of deliberation by the jury at the Central Criminal Court in March.

When the foreman confirmed that the verdict was unanimous, at least one of Daniel's family could be heard whispering "well done, well done". As Justice Patrick McCarthy announced he was remanding Dekker in custody until a sentencing hearing on April 3 they cheered and clapped. One shouted: "Well done judge, well done jury" while others shouted "Justice for Daniel", a slogan that has been emblazoned on t-shirts worn by the teen victim's family during the trial.

Dekker himself did not react, but sat with his eyes closed as the verdict was announced. Prison guards quickly led him away.

The conviction made legal history as it is the first time a person has been retried under the Criminal Justice Procedure Act 2010, which allows the State to retry a person even after they have been acquitted.

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Dekker faced trial in 2013 but was acquitted by the trial judge on the grounds that there was not enough evidence. The State went to the Supreme Court and used the 2010 Act to overturn that decision and try Dekker again.

Dekker's lawyers sought an extension of time to appeal their client's conviction today which was granted by Mr Justice George Birmingham during case management procedures in the Court of Appeal.

His appeal was lodged three weeks late.
A DUBLIN youths poorly disguised raid on his local shop while armed with a knife and a metal pole was like a scene from a Coen brothers film, a court has heard.

The Dublin Childrens Court heard that the 16-year-old boy stole 670 from the shop which was about 200 metres from his home, was captured on CCTV, recognised by staff and strolled past two of his siblings before the alleged raid.

The teenager is charged with robbery and possessing weapons in connection with the incident in Dublin on a date in February.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) held that the case was too serious for the juvenile court and should be dealt with at circuit court level, which has tougher sentencing powers. After hearing a summary of the allegations, Judge John OConnor agreed with the DPP and he refused jurisdiction.

In an outline of the prosecution evidence, the juvenile court was told that the teenager was allegedly armed with a metal pole and a knife when he stole the cash from two tills. However, he was recognised by two shop workers who were able to identify him because it was his local shop.

The prosecuting garda agreed with defence solicitor Matthew Kenny that it was an opportunistic raid it was allegedly done to pay a drug debt and the staff would have been able to recognise him through a poor disguise.

Mr Kenny pleaded with the court to accept jurisdiction and said there has been a pattern where the boy benefits from being in detention but struggles when released and can cannot achieve long term goals despite initially co-operating with support services.

His family also have a history of anti-social behaviour and criminal behaviour, the court was told. His mother had difficulties raising the children on her own, the judge was told.

Mr Kenny said the culprit was also seen walking past two of the defendants siblings and made a poor attempt to disguise himself to rob a shop in order to pay a drug debt.

It showed a level of immaturity and was like something from a Coens brothers film, the solicitor said.

Refusing jurisdiction, Judge OConnor did not accept the raid was impulsive and said the teen had a very criminalised background.

Mr Kenny said his client may be sent forward to the higher court on a signed plea. The boy, who was accompanied to court by his mother, was remanded on bail to appear again in two weeks.
Regina Keogh, who was charged with the murder of Gareth Hutch at the district court leaves in the back of a garda car.

A woman accused of the murder of Gareth Hutch has been further remanded in custody.

Father-of-one Gareth Hutch (35), a nephew of Gerry the Monk Hutch, was gunned down as he was getting into his car outside Avondale House flats, on North Cumberland Street in inner city Dublin on the morning of May 24 last year.

His death came during a series of killings in the feud between Hutch and Kinahan gangs.

Mother of five Regina Keogh from Kings Inn Street, Dublin, was remanded in custody after she was charged and appeared at Dublin District Court on June 11 last.

Garda Sgt Enda O'Sullivan had said she replied: I didn't do it. I didn't murder anybody.

Her solicitor had asked that she be seen by a doctor as she is on a lot of medication.

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Today she faced her third hearing at district court.

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She remained silent as defence solicitor Emer OSullivan explained she was coming on record to represent her. Detective Garda Kevin Keys asked Judge Anthony Halpin for a further remand and to allow more time for the book of evidence to be completed.

The court has already heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment. Bail in murder cases can only be granted by the High Court.

She was further remanded in custody and will face her next hearing at the district court on July 28 next via video-link.

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The UKs National Crime Agency, in conjunction with An Garda Siochana and the London Metropolitan Police, arrested her 31-year-old brother Jonathan Keogh on June 10 in the Romford area of Essex in the UK on foot of a European Arrest warrant.

The arrest was made in relation to the investigation into the murder of Gareth Hutch. He remains in custody pending extradition proceedings.

Their brother Michael Keogh was shot dead on May 31 as he sat a car after leaving his flat at Sheridan Court in Dublin's north inner city.

In February, 30-year-old Thomas Fox, who has an address at Rutland Court, in north inner city Dublin, was sent forward for trial to the Special Criminal Court. He is also accused of the murder of Gareth Hutch.
A woman who defrauded the State of over 31,000 by claiming social welfare she was not entitled to has been ordered to perform 240 hours community service in lieu of a prison sentence.

Patricia Sweeney (60), who was working as a cleaner for a primary school at the time, also forged declaration of unemployment forms by signing the principal's name and using the school stamp.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Sweeney was entitled to work a 12 hour week on a casual basis and still claim her job seekers allowance. Deductions would be made on her benefit for the days she worked, but she had to be unemployed for three consecutive days out of a six day week.

Detective Garda Niamh Seberry told Antonia Boyle BL, prosecuting, that Sweeney had been working her hours over a three day week.

However in 2011 the school's board of management decided that a cleaner was needed in the school five days each week. Sweeney was then contracted to work the 12 hours over five days, meaning she was no longer entitled to the job seeker's allowance.

She continued to claim that she was working the hours over the course of three days and provided the Department of Social Department with the fake declaration of unemployment forms to support her claim.

Sweeney of Foxdene Green, Clondalkin, Dublin pleaded guilty to 21 sample counts of theft and forgery on dates between February 2011 and February 2015. The total amount overpaid to her was 31,700.70. She has no previous convictions.

Det Gda Seberry agreed with Elizabeth Davey BL, defending that Sweeney had been working in the school for 19 years and had always received weekly pay of 112. Her wages remained the same when she was required to work her 12 hours over five days rather than three.

Sweeney admitted to gardai in interview that she had used the school stamp without permission having spotted it in the secretary's office. She agreed that she had also signed the principal's names on the dockets.

Det Gda Seberry agreed with Ms Davey that Sweeney was immediately dismissed from the school. She is currently on job seeker's allowance but it is being deducted by 27.90 per week until the debt is cleared. She has paid back 1,649 so far.

Ms Davey handed in letters of remorse from her client. She said Sweeney accepted completely that she was in the wrong and shouldn't have done it. She was embarrassed and ashamed of her actions.

Judge Melanie Greally said that the offending was borne of financial hardship. She noted Sweeney had made full admissions and entered an early guilty plea. She said Sweeney was now making efforts to pay off the money and was deemed at low risk of re-offending by The Probation Service.

Judge Greally imposed 240 hours community service in lieu of 12 months imprisonment on the first count and imposed two year suspended sentences on the remaining counts.
Gardai are renewing their appeal for information about the disappearance of a 38-year-old man almost two years ago.

Wicklow man Barry Corcoran was last seen on Cremona Road, Ballyfermot on the night of Monday 6th July 2015.

"He has short grey hair and blue eyes and is described as walking with a slight shuffle and also has having an old scar on the bridge of his nose. When Barry was last seen he was wearing a dark rain jacket, blue jeans and black Puma runners," gardai said in a statement.

A source said that at this stage it is presumed that Mr Corcoran has come to a "foul end".

However gardai are continuing to pursue a number of theories and will consider if the dad-of-one could have died in a tragic accident and has not yet been found or that he does not want to be found.

Mr Corcoran's family, who have also made appeals for information in the past, are understood to be concerned and "fearing the worst" has happened to the young father.

The latest appeal comes just a week before the two year anniversary of Mr Corcoran's disappearance.

It is understood that a theory being investigated in the months immediately following Mr Corcoran's disappearance, that he was killed over a small drugs debt, has been discounted.

In that time there has been no sightings of him and no activity on his Post Office account.

Gardai are hopeful that their joint appeal with Crimestoppers will lead to new information which will move the investigation on.

A Crimestoppers reward is determined when the investigation has come to a successful conclusion and the information can be appraised by gardai.

"We believe there are persons who are in possession of further information and who know exactly what has happened to Barry. In two years circumstances might have changed and they might be in a position to come forward now," Detective Inspector Colm O'Malley from Clondalkin garda station said.

Crimestoppers are offering a reward for information that advances the investigation.
Figures to be released today will show drug companies paid public hospitals over 3.7m last year in different grants.

The biggest beneficiaries are Tallaght Hospital which got over 480,000; St James's Hospital which was paid over 339,000; and Beaumont Hospital, which got nearly 250,000.

The payments were made by a range of drug giants, including Menarini Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie Ltd, Actelion UK Ltd, GSK, Biogen and Eli Lilly.

The figures to be released by Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association do not state the purpose of the payments although they are generally under the heading of research.

The Irish Independent recently reported that drug companies are paying the wages of a significant number of staff in the country's children's hospitals

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Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin, which has been in the eye of a storm over waiting lists for scoliosis patients, confirmed that pharmaceutical companies pay for a nurse and a health and social care worker.

The companies are Nutricia Ireland, which specialises in the delivery of advanced medical nutrition, and AbbVie, which develops medicines for a range of conditions affecting children.

The nurses' salaries costs are 63,623 and the payment for the health and social care professional is 31,410.

A spokesman for Tallaght Hospital, which incorporates the National Children's Hospital, also confirmed that there are three junior doctors and two nurses whose salaries are funded by the drug companies.

He said they are all involved in research and some of the doctors also contribute to the regular on-call rota. The companies are Merck, Pfizer and Sanofi. All are paid according to HSE pay scales.

Temple Street Hospital told the Irish Independent that three posts are funded by drugs companies. They include a senior physiotherapist, a consultant and a research nurse at the National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders.

"All of the part-time posts are research-based," she said.
Thousands of breast cancer patients could be spared chemotherapy after scientists developed a new test which shows if the disease is likely to return.

The new test, which will increase the options open to doctors, is called MammaPrint and was designed by the University of California. It looks for 70 gene variants in blood or saliva which are known to increase the risk of cancer returning. It can predict which women are at low risk for years after they have surgery to remove cancerous tumours and could allow half of early stage breast cancer patients to avoid the severe physical and emotional side-effects which come with chemotherapy.

St Vincent's Hospital oncologist John Crown said Irish patients already have access to a similar test, known as Oncotype DX.

It can determine whether a woman can get significant benefit from chemotherapy.

In October 2011, Ireland became the first country in Europe to publicly fund the test and it has been made available to public and private patients here.

An early study showed that of 583 women who were screened, 339 were given hormone therapy alone after it was found they would have derived minimal or no benefit from chemotherapy.
Pro-choice campaigner Sarah Ewart (left), who travelled to England for an abortion due to fatal foetal abnormality, and Grainne Teggart, of Amnesty International, speak outside court in Belfast where judges said Stormont should deal with the controversial issue. Photo: PA

The UK government has avoided a Commons defeat by agreeing to will give Northern Irish women access to terminations on the NHS in Britain.

Theresa May's minority government made the late U-turn on abortion funding yesterday.

Labour MP Stella Creasy had tabled an amendment to the Queen's Speech calling for "adequate funding" to ensure free access to abortions in England for women arriving from the North.

But the Walthamstow MP withdrew her proposal after the government confirmed it intended to fund access.

Chancellor Philip Hammond was required to confirm the government's intention to fund abortions in England for women arriving from Northern Ireland, amid growing pressure from MPs of all parties.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland overturned a landmark verdict that the country's near-blanket ban on abortions is incompatible with human rights laws.

Senior judges said the issue should be dealt with instead by the Stormont Assembly.
Education Minister Richard Bruton has yet to get legal advice on plans to exclude only Catholic schools from giving preference to pupils from their own faith.

The latest attempt to end the so-called 'baptism barrier' has met with major resistance from all sides of the political divide except Mr Bruton's Fine Gael party.

Fianna Fail has indicated it will not support the proposal to allow minority religions to continue to discriminate on the grounds of faith. The party's education spokesman Thomas Byrne said the plan showed the minister hadn't put much thought into the issue.

Mr Bruton has indicated Catholic schools, which make up 90pc of schools nationwide, will have to accept all pupils regardless or religion - but more leeway will be allowed for minority religions.

Facilities under the patronage of the Church of Ireland and other religions will be allowed to factor ethos into their admission policies.

The controversial move comes after intense lobbying from Fine Gael ministers and backbenchers who warned the minister an outright ban on the baptism barrier could have unintended consequences for protestant schools.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin-Rathdown Josepha Madigan said the minister's plan acknowledged that "minority faith schools need protection".

"The approach chosen by Minister Bruton, I believe, achieves the necessary balance on this issue," she said.

Nine of 10 schools are under the ethos of the Catholic Church, whereas just 191 (6pc) are run by other religious organisations.

However, the Department of Education accepts that significant work will have to be done before any policy changes are made.

Fianna Fail claims Mr Bruton has failed to carry out even the most basic of constitutionality checks. "Fianna Fail is committed to reforming the procedures governing school admissions with a particular focus on the ending of the 'baptism barrier'," Mr Byrne said.

"We favour the introduction of a new set of selection criteria for over-subscribed schools, based on locality and catchment area."

"The proposals we have put forward also respect minority faith schools by ensuring that they are able to give admissions to children of their own denominational background, but only in their own catchment area."

The Irish Independent understands Mr Bruton considered the 'catchment area' but his officials pointed to "significant problems".

There is no centrally-administered system of catchment areas governing schools.

Meanwhile, Mr Bruton has given in to a Fianna Fail demand for more access for students requiring special needs classes. The opposition party threatened not to back the Schools Admissions Bill unless the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was given the power to force schools to open special classes where they are required. "Currently, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other special needs are being denied access to schools right across the country due to the absence of special classes," Mr Byrne said.

"The problem is particularly acute at second level and we have known for some time now that additional special classes are needed to ensure that children with special needs can be educated in a mainstream school as is their right."
The 'father of the Irish tricolour', revolutionary and soldier, Thomas Francis Meagher, has been honoured in a new stamp released by An Post.

The stamp is based on a portrait of Meagher with the colours of the tricolour in the background.

Meagher was born in Waterford and his family lived in what is now the Granville Hotel. He travelled to France to study revolutionary events in 1847 and returned a year later with the new flag of Ireland - a tricolour of green, white and orange, inspired by the French flag. It was flown for the first time from the Wolf Tone Confederate Club at 33 The Mall.

Later that year Meagher led the Young Irelanders in their failed uprising. He described the symbolism of the flag: "The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the 'orange' and the 'green' and I trust beneath its folds, the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may be clasped in generous and heroic brotherhood."

Convicted for his role in the uprising, Meagher was sentenced to death, but this was commuted to transportation for life to Van Diemen's Land, now Tasmania. In 1852 he escaped and settled in New York where he studied law and worked as a journalist.

At the start of the American Civil War he joined the Union Army, rising to brigadier general, before becoming governor of Montana. He died in a drowning tragedy in 1867.

The stamp is available from main post offices, from the stamp counters at Dublin's GPO or online via www.irishstamps.ie.
An Albany man accused of sex crimes is in jail after police in Bullhead City, Arizona, served a warrant issued by Linn County Sheriff deputies.

Christopher Michael Douglass, 35, was arrested on several sex abuse crimes against a juvenile female, according to deputies.

On May 16, 2017, deputies completed their investigation on May 16, and later learned that Douglass had fled the state to an unknown location. Once they received leads that he was possibly in Bullhead City, the police department there served the warrant. He was arrested on June 4 after a short foot chase.

Douglass was extradited to Oregon from Arizona and is now lodged in the Linn County Jail. He faces charges of first-degree sex abuse and second-degree unlawful sexual penetration. He was arraigned Thursday in Linn County Circuit Court.

This investigation is continuing, and the sheriff's office believes there could be more victims. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Senior Deputy Lacy at 541-967-3950.
Champagne is back with a resounding 'pop' as Irish consumers shake off the shackles of austerity.

CSO figures show that bottles of champagne are making their way back into the Irish shopping trolley for the first time in five years.

SuperValu is showing that champagne, prosecco and cava sales have increased by 15pc in the last year.

Wine racks are also well stocked across the country as the Irish palette favours a bottle of red or white over traditionally popular beers.

This was supported by senior executive of ABFI Jonathan McDade, who told the Irish Independent wine had edged up marginally over the last five years with an estimated rise from 26pc to 28pc in its consumption market share.

According to the head of SuperValu Wine, Kevin O'Callaghan, our love for all things wine is stemming from people understanding the wine market that bit more.

"Consumers once thought it was a scary product but now they don't feel stupid buying it and are open to new things," he told the Irish Independent.

He said Irish consumers are partial to a glass of fizz on a Friday night.

"People enjoy prosecco with a Friday night takeaway. It's a recognisable product - they don't specify what they want other than asking for a glass of prosecco."
A second Garda whistleblower has made serious allegations of widespread abuse by Garda intelligence of the powers surrounding the accessing of phone records, the Irish Independent can reveal.

The officer has claimed that tens of thousands of phone records were "unlawfully obtained" and that over a period of years retired gardai routinely accessed people's records without proper authorisation.

According to correspondence seen by this newspaper, the whistleblower claims that she repeatedly raised her concerns about the processes surrounding the accessing of phone records but was ignored.

The whistleblower was attached to a highly sensitive section known as the Telephone Liaison Unit (TLU).

The TLU is tasked with approving applications for phone calls and text messages to be traced as part of Garda investigations.

There are allegations:

That tens of thousands of phone records have been "unlawfully obtained" over a period of years.

A serving garda was arrested based on false information being submitted as part of an application.

Retired members of the force would routinely obtain phone records without authorisation.

Widespread concern was raised as to why clerical officers and clerks were submitting applications in the name of superintendents.

For years, there was no written procedure in place despite the sensitivity of the work carried out by the TLU.

The whistleblower is a serving middle ranking officer who is currently on suspension from the force for unrelated matters.

The officer in question has now written to the Garda Ombudsman and the Charleton Tribunal seeking that her allegations of her unlawful phone traces are investigated.

The officer also told Judge Peter Charleton that repeated confidential reports were sent to the force's Confidential Recipient but were ignored.

The whistleblower has also come out in support of a retired officer who said he was put under major pressure to routinely bypass strict protocols to listen in on private conversations for almost a decade.

Court documents reveal how the first officer, who was based in the monitoring section in Garda Headquarters, was "bullied" and "vilified" after repeatedly raising his concerns that some of the practice was illegal.

In February, he agreed an out-of-court settlement with An Garda Siochana and the Justice Minister.

A Garda spokesman last night said the allegations will be examined by a sitting judge.

"The original allegations referred to have been referred to the designated judge under the relevant legislation and who is independent in her functions in this regard. The outcome of that process is awaited," the spokesman said.

"An Garda Siochana is committed to co-operating fully with the Disclosures Tribunal. It would appear matters you make reference to are before both the Tribunal and GSOC and on that basis we would not be in a position to comment further at this time."
When baby Fianna was born at 23 weeks in December 2014 she was given just a 20pc chance of survival and doctors warned her parents to be prepared for the worst. But the little girl from Downpatrick, Co Down has defied the odds and astounded the medics to grow into a thriving and happy toddler.

Mum Aurla and dad Feargal Ward, both 31, were newly married and delighted to discover they were expecting a honeymoon baby in the summer of 2014. But their joy turned to devastation when Aurla, a civil servant in Belfast, began having severe pains at just six months pregnant.

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"Fianna was due to be born in April and we were really looking forward to starting a family," says Aurla.

"Everything with the pregnancy had gone really smoothly, until this point. I had gone to work as normal that morning and I noticed I was having a few pains but thought they were nothing.

"But as it was the day before New Years Eve I thought I would be better getting things checked out, so I called my husband who drove up and took me to the Ulster Hospital in Belfast."

When Aurla was examined, doctors found she was in labour and they would be unable to prevent an early birth. The mum-to-be was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where staff are trained to treat extremely premature babies.

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Baby Fianna was born a few hours later, at just 23 weeks and four days.

Devastatingly, the odds werent good as most babies born before 24 weeks sadly wont survive.

"It was such a shock," recalls Aurla.

"Fianna was only given a 20pc chance of survival when she was born. She weighed just 1lb and 2oz.

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"When we arrived at the Royal the staff told me and Feargal that they would not work on her if she looked too immature and that they would only whisk her away from us if they believed she had a chance of survival.

"So it was such a relief when the staff rushed Fianna to intensive care immediately after the birth.

"I was so glad they had not handed her straight to me because I knew what that would have meant.

"Although she was very immature, they went ahead and tried to keep her alive. The next days and weeks were so hard because we didnt dare to think she might be okay."

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Baby Fianna needed specialist care in hospital and throughout this traumatic time, Aurla and Feargal received support from TinyLife, the charity for premature and sick babies.

The charity recently received National Lottery funding from Big Lottery Fund to enable it to provide more support to families like theirs.

"Because of the risk of infection to Fianna only Feargal and I and our parents were allowed to see her. However, Helen the family support officer from TinyLife was there too as she was allowed on the unit," Aurla says.

"Helen came in every Tuesday and she was there for us. She was able to offer so much support, both practical and emotional.

"It was great to have someone else there to talk to and to reassure us. She knew the things that were running through our minds and the right things to say. TinyLife was invaluable to us."

Fianna spent 128 days in hospital, with her parents going through a roller coaster of emotions as they dealt with numerous challenges in her bid for survival.

Fianna means Celtic warrior huntress and Aurlas baby girl lived up to her name as she battled to live, undergoing a staggering 19 blood transfusions.

"Fianna was so tiny she hardly had any blood running through her body," says Aurla.

"She was so sick they had to check her blood all the time. But every time they took some out, theyd have to replace it because she had so little. We didnt get to hold her until she was about a month old, and even then it was for a very short time, just for a photo."

As they watched their daughter gradually make a little progress, Aurla and Feargal were hit with another blow  Fianna had an eye condition and there was an 80pc chance she could lose her sight.

"When she was born we didnt know if she would survive or not and then when we got through to March we thought she was doing well as she was moved into the high dependency unit which was brilliant. Then she developed a condition called retinopathy of prematurity which occurs in babies born at 31 weeks or earlier and that could have led to her going blind.

"We were told about it on the Wednesday and she had to undergo an operation on the Thursday to save her vision and thankfully it worked."

Living day by day, holding onto each tiny sign of progress, in May 2015 Feargal and Aurla finally got the news they had dreamed of when doctors told them they could bring their daughter home.

"Looking back I dont know how we did it but we did," says Aurla.

"From the day after she was born they told me to get her baptised and be prepared. Even after a while you still didnt dare to hope but we finally got there and got to bring her home."

But there were still challenges to face and the family were so grateful for the support TinyLife continued to give them.

"When Fianna got out of hospital TinyLife were great because at first we werent allowed to take her out near anyone and people werent allowed to lift her up," adds Aurla.

"After all we had been through and having her home I just wanted to be like a normal mum and take her out and about but I couldnt.

"TinyLife then offered us lots of support and now two years on we are still involved as we take part in their new TinyStart project."

Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, the Big Lottery Fund awarded TinyLife almost 620,000 (700k) to the TinyStart project in 2015. The charity is working with Lifestart to offer support and child development activities for premature babies and their families from birth up to age three in the Belfast, South Eastern and part of the Western Trust areas.

"Claire from the project comes out to the house every month to see how Fianna is developing  they just cant do enough. The support is always there when we need it, they are so reassuring."

Fianna is now 28-months-old and although she has some issues as a result of her prematurity, she is thriving.

"Fianna should have been two on April 24 but she is doing brilliantly. Even the consultants think she is a miracle," says Aurla.

"She has moderate hearing loss as a result of being premature but now she has hearing aids and they have made a tremendous difference to her life. Now she is trying to talk and she goes to creche like all the other kids.

"She also has to wear glasses because of the eye condition, however, she is just fantastic and has thrived since she left hospital."

Aurla is in no doubt they wouldnt be where they are today without the medics, and the support of TinyLife.

"When you are in the neonatal unit the staff never tell you that your child will survive. When you are in there you can understand why  things can change so quickly," she says.

"The hard thing for Feargal and me was that we built relationships with people and then they lost their baby and Ill never forget that.

"The medical staff are amazing, I owe them and TinyLife everything.

"We were very fortunate to have a positive outcome, but sadly not everyone does. Thankfully we are at the other end now and can now look forward."

For more information on TinyLife or the National Lottery funded TinyStart project, tel: 028 9081 5050 or visit tinylife.org.uk. Email info@tinylife.org.uk. Facebook & Twitter: @tinylifecharity
Shane pictured with Charlie, who he says he thanks for inspiring him to change his life. Photo credit: RTE's Liveline:CallBack

An ex prisoner who says a random act of kindness helped him turn his life around has been reunited with the man who came to his aid him during his darkest hours.

Shane O'Neill from New Ross served two prison sentences - one in Ireland and another in Belgium - after becoming caught up in drugs at a young age.

After being released from prison in Belgium, Shane was left in a bleak situation and said a kind hearted gesture from a fellow Irish man inspired him to transform his life for the better.

Speaking on RTE One's Liveline: Call Back, Shane said he began to reevaluate his life after he was imprisoned in Belgium and availed of the counselling and psychotherapy services that the system offered.

Expand Close Shane pictured with Charlie, who he says he thanks for inspiring him to change his life. Photo credit: RTE's Liveline:CallBack / Facebook

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Whatsapp Shane pictured with Charlie, who he says he thanks for inspiring him to change his life. Photo credit: RTE's Liveline:CallBack

After five months, Shane was released without money or accommodation in Brussels. He sought the help of the Irish Embassy but was worried to discover it was closed until Monday - a whole weekend away.

Speaking on the programme Shane said: "When I rang up my mother when I was in the Belgian prison, she didnt want anything to do with me so I knew myself it was my addiction and being with the wrong people and the wrong situations, she was fed up of it.

"Over there they do rehabilitation, they work with you one to one. The first day I met with a drug counsellor and I had regular psychotherapist sessions and weekly group meetings.

"It really made me think 'What are you doing with your life Shane  here you are in Belgium, locked up again'.

"I needed to knock it on the head and bite the bullet and get my life back together.

"I had to try and make my way to the Irish Embassy in Brussels because they let us out of that prison with no ticket and no money.

"I made it to the Irish Embassy  it was closed and not open until Monday morning.

"I didnt know what to do so I kind of walked around then for a while. I got a few Euro here and there off people, begging along the way. Then I had to find somewhere to sleep that Saturday night and Sunday night. The Irish embassy opened up at 9.30am on the Monday morning."

Shane said he was lucky to cross paths with good Samaritan Charlie Kiernan, a Dublin man who offered to help him in his hour of need. Worried that Charlie would judge him if he told him he had been a prisoner, Shane instead told Charlie he had been robbed.

"He was the first fellow that ever put his hand out to help me," said Shane.

"We got into a conversation and he said, 'Do you want me to book you a flight home tonight?' I said 'You'd hardly do that for me?'

"I wasnt after eating since Friday. I had only eaten small bits over the weekend. He said: 'You must be hungry are you?' And I said, 'Im starving.' He said 'Do you want to come with me? Ill get you something to eat.'

"He brought me up to an Irish pub and he got me a full Irish breakfast. I was delighted to see the food. We got up to the airport and he got me something to eat there and he bought me a few pints and we just waited on the flight."

Once the pair arrived in Dublin, Shane asked Charlie for his address so that he could repay him for his generosity and was shocked when he refused, insisting Shane use the money to help someone else in need in the future.

"It made me think the whole way home. I said, 'This man is my saviour, now Im going to really change my life."

Charlie and Shane were reunited for the first time on Thursday's episode on Liveline: Callback, one year after Shane shared his story on Joe Duffy's popular radio programme. Upon returning to New Ross, Shane made an effort to change his life, cutting ties with his old social circles and repairing the relationships with his family, which he says he has Charlie to thank for.

"Im back in full time employment since, which a year ago I wouldnt have been able. Now that Im clear of drugs and cigarettes and everything my head is clear now. Positive thinking and Im after turning my life around I reckon. I did it myself with the help of my family. The one thing I had to do was stop being around the people I was with."
When special needs assistant Esther Galvin noticed that one of her nipples looked a bit odd, she checked her breast - and found a lump.

The mother-of-two consulted her GP and was referred to her local Breast Clinic, which carried out a mammogram, a biopsy and an ultrasound.

"I had noticed that the nipple on my left breast was indented or inverted. It looked a bit odd, although there was no pain," she recalls, adding that shortly afterwards, in February 2016, she was diagnosed with an oestrogen-based tumour in her left breast and another under her left arm.

She was referred to an oncologist, who explained that she would require a course of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy for the removal of the lump and radiotherapy.

Then he asked an unusual question - if, following these treatments, Esther was deemed suitable to participate, would she be willing to take part in a clinical drugs trial?

Significant strides have been made in cancer treatment over the decades, primarily as a result of clinical trials.

Every medicine that is available now is available because of the people who have participated in the necessary trials that preceded its launch on the market.

Although she didn't know anybody who'd ever participated in a drugs trial - in fact, only about 650 cancer patients participate in such experiments in Ireland annually - the 52-year-old Cork city resident decided to give it a go.

Over the following months, Esther, from Rochestown, progressed through the recommended chemotherapy, followed by surgery and radiotherapy, and was put on an oestrogen-suppressing medication.

Once everything was over, she started the drugs trial in September/October 2016.

"I wanted to give it a go. I really wanted to do it because I felt it could be of benefit to me and other cancer patients," she says.

The programme required her to take a tablet for 21 days and then go without the tablet for seven more days.

"I meet the consultant once a month for a physical examination and a number of tests, including blood tests. I haven't noticed a huge difference since I started it.

"I'm living a normal life," she says, adding, however, that she does notice that she is no longer as interested in a glass of wine at the weekend - something she used to look forward to.

She's scheduled to continue the treatment until next autumn and after that will still be reviewed and tested every year for the next eight years on top of the normal check-ups she would get as a cancer survivor.

In the meantime, she says, she's planning to return soon to her job as a special needs assistant in an autism unit.

We need many more cancer patients to sign up for clinical trials, says cancer specialist Professor Bryan Hennessy, a senior lecturer at the RCSI and consultant medical oncologist at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

Trials have several benefits, both for individual patients and for the ongoing fight against cancer, he asserts.

"Clinical trials take us closer to functioning treatment that stops people dying from cancer," he explains, adding that participating in such research either offers a patient the chance of novel treatments or provides patients with no more options access to potentially new treatments that they could not otherwise avail of.

"I've seen patients derive significant benefits in the control of their cancer through trials," he says.

Furthermore, he emphasises, trials are now highly regulated, and constitute very specific and carefully targeted investigations.

Given our far better understanding now of what makes a cancer grow in a patient at molecular level, he says, the treatments designed to block the gene abnormalities that make cancer grow are usually highly sophisticated and very specifically targeted.

In many cases, he adds, the drug in question will already have been through a number of trials, and will have been shown to block cancer growth.

Added to this, he continues, there is a better public awareness and understanding of the benefits of trials and new treatments.

"Members of the public are more aware of the fact that trials are beneficial for the patient on trials," Dr Hennessy says, adding that there is growing awareness of the fact that patients on clinical drug trials get better outcomes than they would have on standard treatment. "These drugs have been extensively tested before they get to human trials and their side effects have already been well defined," he says.

However, it's important to increase awareness of this, he says, pointing to the Just Ask campaign by Cancer Trials Ireland to mark International Clinical Trials Day, which began last month.

The campaign encourages people living with cancer to ask their consultant oncologist if there is a relevant cancer trial that they can join to enhance their treatment options

"When people are aware of the potential benefits of such trials, they are more open to the idea of it," explains Professor Hennessy, who says trials have been running in Ireland for about 20 years.

"In recent years, people have started to ask about trials much more so than in the past, and we are trying to encourage that."

If a trial might not be available in your cancer centre or hospital, it's important to understand that a suitable trial may be available elsewhere in the country so just ask, he emphasises.

"I know of one patient who specifically asked to be referred to a trial in another hospital in a different part of the country so as to be included in it.

"Just because a trial is not available in your hospital, it doesn't mean it may not be available elsewhere.

"We feel strongly about the benefits of these trials. We are trying to encourage people and their doctors to look into the availability of trials elsewhere in the country," he says, adding that trials also have a potential benefit for the State - they save the HSE millions every year in drug costs.

"When a patient is on a trial, treatment is provided to them," he says. It is estimated that last year alone cancer drug trials saved the HSE more than 6m.

There is a growing belief that cancer trials should be an integral part of cancer care and not just an add-on, Professor Hennessy says.

Currently, only about 3pc of Irish cancer patients are participating in clinical trials - and this figure is something the group would like to see significantly increased.

"We'd like to double this to 6pc, or approximately 1,300 patients, in line with the proposed new National Cancer Strategy," Professor Hennessy says, adding that a good infrastructure for cancer trials needs to be put in place.

To this end, he says, the Government must increase funding to cancer trials. "We're asking for an extra 2.5m or 3m a year - which is about half the drug costs saved."

* For more information on cancer trials in Ireland, visit www.cancertrials.ie
Fr John Hennebry with his brothers Anthony and Michael and sister Ann.

Head of the Augustinian Order in Ireland and former Good Counsel College principal Fr John Hennebry celebrated 25 years in ministry at his old school with family, former colleagues and friends recently.

Returning to the chapel where he was ordained in 1992, with his sister, two brothers and relatives, Fr Hennebry was welcomed by chaplain Fr Michael Collender, school principal Mark O'Brien, deputy principals Aidan O'Brien and P.J. Walsh and former colleagues.

A Mass was concelebrated to mark the occasion and everyone enjoyed a reception afterwards.

From Tramore, Fr Hennebry came to teach at Good Counsel in 1993 and took over as principal after four years. He retired in 2014 and is now head of the Augustinian Order in Ireland, based in St Augustine's, Ballyboden, Dublin.

There are currently three Augustinian friars in the college and Fr Hennebry thanked school management for continuing the Augustinian tradition at the school.

Tributes were paid to Fr Hennebry and several presentations were made to him.

Fr Hennebry complimented the principal and deputy principals on their great work at the school, which has been growing year by year and currently has around 860 students.
Outgoing chairman of Wexford County Council Paddy Kavanagh said he made no apologies for being an Enniscorthy man during his time in the chair.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of Wexford County Council Cllr Kavanagh said that he had been very proud to see a number of projects come on stream during his time in the chair including the Hatch Lab in Gorey.

'I'm very much an Enniscorthy man and I make no apologies for that. I will always put my own first. The technology park in Enniscorthy is very much in hand and may even be ahead of schedule.

'Templeshannon is very much part of me, one side more than the other and I would like to assure people that it is very much in hand but we can't do things until there is a traffic management plan in place.

'When people see you in the chair they always say to you about going on junkets. I've been on three trips this year, one to London, one to Savannah, Georgia and one to Belgium.'

In respect of his London trip he said that it had been a very worthwhile trip and wished Michael Sills well for the future saying he was the man behind the London Wexford Association.

Speaking about his trip to Savannah Cllr Kavanagh said he had been delighted to get the opportunity to travel to Georgia saying it was 'somewhere I've only read about'.

He said the experience had been very positive and said that there is a lot of shared common ground between Wexford and Savannah and hopefully trade will pick up on this.

'This is the start of a very bright future for Wexford and Savannah', he said.

Cllr Kavanagh said that his final trip had been a trip to Belgium earlier this month. The trip was to commemorate the life of Willie Redmond who died on June 7, 1917.

'It was very moving at his graveside', said Cllr Kavanagh before speaking about the 800 Wexford people who lost their lives in World War 1.

Cllr Kavanagh said that his own grandfather had fought in the war but had been lucky enough to come home.

'The commemoration was very good for what in hindsight looks like a senseless war.'

He also thanked all the staff in the county council for their help. 'There are good and bad staff in every organisation; people who do and people who don't but the courtesy and respect shown to me by all members of staff particularly during my time in the chair has been second to none. I'd like to thank everyone for their courtesy and goodwill.'

He thanked staff members in the chairman's office, Barbara and Pat, whom he said, organise everything adding they had been a pleasure to work with.

Cllr Kavanagh thanked all the Director of Services for their help and CEO Tom Enright saying he was 'always only a phone call away'.

He finished by thanking his family, his colleagues, his vice chairman Cllr Michael Whelan and members of the press paying special thanks to the local press photographers.

Cllr Jim Moore paid tribute to Cllr Kavanagh saying he had carried out his duties as chairman with 'aplomb and great dignity. Your year was characterised by your openness and fairness, by your ability to handle debate and the odd conflict all underpinned by your well developed sense of humour and leadership.'

Cllr Kavanagh's vice chairman Cllr Michael Whelan also extended his congratulations saying that they had worked well together over the course of the year and thanked him 'for your fairness in meetings over the year'.

Sinn Fein's Cllr Johnny Mythen said Cllr Kavanagh represented Enniscorthy and the county very well during his tenure as chairman. 'It's not an easy role', he said adding 'it is often very thankless.'

Cllr Mary Farrell said Cllr Kavanagh had shown 'great leadership and great professionalism' while Cllr George Lawlor congratulated him on 'an excellent year and your candid manner was most welcome. Congratulations on the way you represented Wexford.'

Cllr Ger Carthy commended Cllr Kavanagh on 'a very successful year. You are a very proud Enniscorthy man and you spoke very passionately about your parents'.

Cllr Pip Breen said Cllr Kavanagh had been 'inspirational' while Cllr Davy Hynes said that 'although we didn't see eye to eye politically you have always been very fair to me'.

Cllr Kavanagh's successor, Cllr John Hegarty said Cllr Kavanagh 'showed great pride when representing Wexford' adding he 'hopes to build on the work you started'.

CEO of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, said Cllr Kavanagh had 'had a tremendous year which comes off the back of being chair of Enniscorthy Municipal District. It's been a very busy two years for you with a huge workload. You were often working on the farm and had to shower and change to come into county buildings.

'You put in a huge effort and a huge amount of time. You spoke with great passion, authenticity and humour. You spoke very well on behalf of the county.'
Alannah Keating from Gusserane, Grainne Hayes from Wexford, Mary Keating from Gussrerane and Tom Byrne from New Ross.

A cheque for 4,000 being presented by Cassagh Vintage towards activities at New Houghton Hospital.

The arrival of an ice cream van was the icing on the cake for New Houghton residents as they enjoyed their summer party in the sun on Wednesday.

During an action packed day the community hospital's 44 residents got to enjoy numerous activities organised by Antoinette Carberry and the activities' committee, including a performance by Cumas accordion band, Irish dancing, songs with Noel Dunne and the launch of a Bealtaine memories' booklet, in which residents jotted down their summery memories of attending dance halls, their school days and local history tidbits. Author and historian Sean Crowley launched the booklet, which include some witty observations.

Taking place on the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice, the residents enjoyed great weather and loved their ice cream, complete with flakes and syrup.

The Cassagh Vintage Club presented a cheque for over 4,000 for the activities fund which pays for bingo prizes and trips, from money raised on a recent road run.

It was an extra special celebration as in the recent HIQA regulation report 2016 it was noted that the hospital were compliant with their regulations and were one of 72 out of 494 sites investigated and one of only four in Wexford with compliance.
The Workmen's Club banner on show during the 50th anniversary celebrations of 1916 in New Ross in 1966. Photo: Patrick Browne.

The New Ross Workmen's Club committee are trying to find out as much information as possible about an historic gold flag kept at the clubhouse on Mary Street which features the symbol for the Catholic Workmen's Club on the front - a Holy Cross and three shamrocks - and the words: Awaken Your Courage Ireland' on the back.

The club is one of the oldest workman clubs in the region and the club flag is its symbol, produced at important events in the town.

Club vice chairman Tony Bennett said: 'We would like to donate the cloth to New Ross Muicipal District council for the benefit of everyone.'

It is believed that Irish patriot Michael O'Hanrahan and co-founder of the Carlow Gaelic League branch, who was born in New Ross, may have had something to do wth the flag - as both he and his brothers Harry and Edward founded the Carlow branch of the Gaelic League in 1899. Michael O'Hanrahan also founded the Carlow Workman's Club on April 9, 1899.

The club committee of John Bennett PRO, Kieran Murphy officer, Jim Howlett treasurer, Tony Bennett vice chairman, Jim Crowdle chairman, David Shannon officer, Stephen Bolger officer, Tom Kielthy, officer and John Hearne secretary, have been researching the history of the flag and are appealing to anyone with information about it to contact the club on 087 2140362.

Mr Bennett said: 'We have the full history up to a certain point. We believe the wording on the flag has something to do with the Gaelic League. The banner was used in 1966 for the 50th anniversary of 1916 and again in 2016 on the 100th anniversary, and for the centenary of Michael O'Hanrahan's birth in 2016 in the parade in New Ross.'

The flag is due to be donated to the council in an act of generosity.
A Wexford-based entrepreneur is out to prove that small business can be beautiful after spotting a gap in the market to assist start-ups.

Number 12 Lower George's Street, in Wexford town, which has been vacant for the past two and a half years, has recently been brightened up and occupied by a collection of small start-up businesses who officially opened their premises last week.

Bettie-Marie Burger-Smit, well-known in hospitality and tourism circles in Wexford, recently returned from working in Dublin to start up her own consultancy business, LightBulb Solutions, which assists in hospitality, retail and tourism.

Joining her in Number 12, is Pinaldo Design and Alterations, operated by Aldo Nel, who originally also hails from South Africa, has over 30 years' experience in the making of bespoke clothes, as well as tailoring and alterations.

Another start-up is Find-a Chef, owned by Emmet Maher, who is facilitating the shortage of chefs currently experienced in the hospitality trade, to assist clients with both short and medium-term assistance by providing chefs of various skill levels to businesses depending on their current requirements.

He is also assisting with operational and kitchen solutions, as well as exploring the outdoor catering and chef training in the future.

The final, but not finite company to operate from Number 12 is iClaims, loss assessors and claims consultants. Martin Mulhall has his original operation in Celbridge, however, is now expanding to Wexford, and bringing his years of experience in claims assessing to Wexford and surrounds

'I was only looking for a small office space, however when we saw this property it all became clear. I believe this type of collaboration can assist other small enterprises just starting up, and it could be well worth anyone interested in starting their own business to talk to others and see if there is scope in pursuing this cost-effective route,' said Bettie-Marie.

There are already two others looking at joining the group in Number 12, and anyone interested in contacting any of these businesses, should call LightBulb Solutions on 087 9404444, Pinaldo Design & Alterations on 087 096 6496, Find-a-chef 087 775 6811 or iClaims on 01-6272802.
Cast in the same mould as Richard Curtis' rom com Notting Hill, Hampstead is a twee tale of star-crossed lovers across the social divide, who find common ground in a court case over squatters' rights in verdant and des-res London NW3.

Robert Festinger's script is loosely inspired by the true story of a homeless Irishman called Harry Hallowes, who won title deeds worth two million pounds after living in a tumbledown wooden shack on Hampstead Heath for two decades.

Jaw-dropping truth is interwoven with sugar-coated fiction in Joel Hopkins' rose-tinted picture, which engineers romance between a socially awkward hermit and an American expat widow.

It's a chocolate box laden with first world problems and impeccably tailored strife.

We are supposed to muster sympathy for the heroine because she has been left in dire financial straits by her philandering husband. How does she cope with the stress of possible eviction?

By window shopping a designer grey beret with an eye-watering 120 price tag. Oh woe is her.

Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson catalyse only the faintest flickers of sexual chemistry as the plot meanders towards its life-affirming resolution.

En route there are flashes of earthy humour like when a rival for Keaton's affections feebly brandishes a ukulele as a weapon and Gleeson barks: 'What are you going to do? Strum me to death?.'

A terribly polite plucking is more likely.

It has been a year since Emily Walters (Keaton) lost her no-good husband Charles and she has channelled her grief and rage into volunteer work at a local charity shop.

Other female residents of her apartment block, led by busy body Fiona (Lesley Manville), include Emily in their social gatherings and offer withering advice on remarrying at the earliest opportunity.

'If you wait too long, you shrivel up like some imported apricot sitting on the shelf in Waitrose,' chirps Fiona.

She sets up Emily with creepy accountant James Smythe (Jason Watkins), who promises to clear the mounting debts 'no strings attached'.

After one uncomfortable date, Emily stares through her binoculars and spies Donald Horner (Gleeson) in his woodland retreat.

She becomes fascinated by the foul-tempered misfit and worms her way into his simple existence to the surprise of her well-to-do son, Philip (James Norton).

When greedy property developers serve Donald with an eviction notice, Emily coordinates the Save the Shack campaign with other do-gooder residents.

Hampstead is like a glass of expensive champagne that has lost most of its fizz, yet still slips down pleasantly.

Keaton and Gleeson are an attractive odd couple, who are more convinced of their characters' suitability than us.

Watkins is skin-crawling as a bean counter with ulterior motives and an ensemble of British character actors fill out the largely forgettable supporting roles.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during an official visit to the new V&A exhibition road quarter at Victoria & Albert Museum on June 29, 2017 in London, England. The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter was designed by British Architect Amanda Levete. (Photo by Nicky J Sims/Getty Images)

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge receives flowers from six year old Lydia Hunt the daughter of new director of the V&A museum and former Labour MP Tristram Hunt at Victoria & Albert Museum on June 29, 2017 in London, England

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is pictured during her visit to open the new multi-million pound extension at the V&A Museum in London on June 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / RICHARD POHLERICHARD POHLE/AFP/Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to open the new V&A Exhibition Road quarter. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 29, 2017. See PA story ROYAL Kate. Photo credit should read: Richard Pohle/PA Wire

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is pictured during her visit to open the new multi-million pound extension at the V&A Museum in London on June 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / RICHARD POHLERICHARD POHLE/AFP/Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to open the new V&A Exhibition Road quarter. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 29, 2017. See PA story ROYAL Kate. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

The Duchess of Cambridge at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to open the new V&A Exhibition Road quarter. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 29, 2017. See PA story ROYAL Kate. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives to open the new multi-million pound extension at the V&A Museum in London on June 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / RICHARD POHLERICHARD POHLE/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge unveils a plaque to open the new multi-million pound extension of the V&A Museum in London on June 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / RICHARD POHLERICHARD POHLE/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives to open the new multi-million pound extension at the V&A Museum in London on June 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / RICHARD POHLERICHARD POHLE/AFP/Getty Images

Kate Middleton has caused a fashion frenzy after debuting a new designer piece to her wardrobe.

Britain's Duchess of Cambridge (35) was on hand to attend the opening ceremony of a new wing of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London on Thursday and arrived in serious style.

Middleton's Jackie-O inspired Gucci dress, the tweed dress with web, retails for 2,200 and is just her latest fashion nod to the legendary former US first lady - in the last year, her style has matured and appears to be more than a little inspired by Jackie.

While all eyes may have been on her, her gaze was firmly fixed on the new Exhibition Road Quarter: she mouthed "Wow" as she walked into the Sackler Courtyard - the world's first all-porcelain public courtyard, paved with 11,000 hand-made tiles in 15 different patterns.

Expand Close Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is pictured during her visit to open the new multi-million pound extension at the V&A Museum in London on June 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / RICHARD POHLERICHARD POHLE/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is pictured during her visit to open the new multi-million pound extension at the V&A Museum in London on June 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / RICHARD POHLERICHARD POHLE/AFP/Getty Images

The Duchess, who studied History of Art at university, toured the V&A's new development, including the Sainsbury Gallery - a huge underground space that was created by digging 59ft (18m) under the museum.

The facility, which was largely funded by private donors, was completed in four years by British architect Amanda Levete and her practice, AL_A.

Ms Levete, who won the contract for the project in 2011, said: "It's an absolute honour to have the Duchess of Cambridge opening this building, and I feel very proud of the work my team have done."

The architect, who has recently been nominated for a CBE, said Kate was "quite stunned" when she first emerged into the porcelain courtyard because the "sun came out and the courtyard was glistening".

Expand Close Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during an official visit to the new V&A exhibition road quarter at Victoria & Albert Museum on June 29, 2017 in London, England. The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter was designed by British Architect Amanda Levete. (Photo by Nicky J Sims/Getty Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during an official visit to the new V&A exhibition road quarter at Victoria & Albert Museum on June 29, 2017 in London, England. The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter was designed by British Architect Amanda Levete. (Photo by Nicky J Sims/Getty Images)

The Duchess also unveiled a commemorative plaque in the Sackler Courtyard.

V&A director Dr Tristram Hunt said: "I think she was wowed by the architecture, and she was really interested in the engineering - how we dug down and yet kept the walls upright and didn't break a single glassware or ceramics."

Expand Close Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge receives flowers from six year old Lydia Hunt the daughter of new director of the V&A museum and former Labour MP Tristram Hunt at Victoria & Albert Museum on June 29, 2017 in London, England / Facebook

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Whatsapp Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge receives flowers from six year old Lydia Hunt the daughter of new director of the V&A museum and former Labour MP Tristram Hunt at Victoria & Albert Museum on June 29, 2017 in London, England

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The former MP added: "It's also a huge day for the museum; it really revives our original mission, which is the notion of Albertopolis, spreading out on to Exhibition Road."

The first public exhibition will launch in September in the Sainsbury Gallery, with seven nights of opera featuring a different show each night.

Expand Close The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to open the new V&A Exhibition Road quarter. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 29, 2017. See PA story ROYAL Kate. Photo credit should read: Richard Pohle/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to open the new V&A Exhibition Road quarter. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 29, 2017. See PA story ROYAL Kate. Photo credit should read: Richard Pohle/PA Wire

Kate, who is a patron of The National Portrait Gallery, also congratulated donors during a short reception to meet guests involved in the project's delivery.

Sir Tim Sainsbury, 85, a trustee of the Victoria & Albert Museum, said: "I think, like everybody else, the Duchess was immensely impressed by the scale and column-free big heights of the Sainsbury exhibition space.

"I think she genuinely enjoyed herself - she even said she's looking forward to many more future visits."
Actors Anna Faris (L) and Chris Pratt at the premiere of Disney and Marvel's "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2" at Dolby Theatre on April 19, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Actress Anna Faris knew Chris Pratt was planning a marriage proposal before he popped the question back in 2008 after finding the jewellery bag in his truck.

The House Bunny star began dating Chris in 2007 after meeting on the set of their film Take Me Home Tonight, and it didn't take long for the Guardians of the Galaxy hunk to purchase an engagement ring - which wasn't exactly a shock for Anna.

"We had talked about getting married and were living together," she explained on her podcast Unqualified. "One day I found a bag from a jeweller on the floor of his truck, so I knew something was coming."

However, the actress reveals "months" went by between her secret discovery and Chris getting down on bended knee in November, 2008 as the 38-year-old tried to find the perfect moment to ask Anna to be his wife.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Actors Chris Pratt (L) and Anna Faris at the premiere of Disney and Marvel's "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2" at Dolby Theatre on April 19, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) US actress Anna Faris and US actor Chris Pratt (R) pose for a photograph upon arrival at the European Gala screening of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" in London on April 24, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVASDANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images Actors Anna Faris (L) and Chris Pratt at The World Premiere of Marvel Studios Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA April 19th, 2017 (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) Actor Anna Faris applauds before the unveiling of the star for actor Ryan Reynolds on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Actress Anna Faris arrives at the 5th Annual Critics' Choice Television Awards in Beverly Hills, California May 31, 2015. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actress Anna Faris attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) Golden Globes 2015: Actress Anna Faris is a vision in Reem Acra. Anna Faris looks like she's heading for a Playboy mansion party rather than the red carpet. LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Actress Anna Faris arrives at the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on September 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) The 35-year-old 'Scary Movie' star is expecting her first child with husband, Chris Pratt. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Actors Chris Pratt (L) and Anna Faris at the premiere of Disney and Marvel's "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2" at Dolby Theatre on April 19, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

"My whole family took all of us to Italy and apparently he lugged (the ring) all around Italy and held on to it for a couple months," she said. "I think I knew for like, seven months, and so finally he asked me on my birthday."

And while Anna, 40, was pleasantly surprised by the romantic gesture, she had to come clean about seeing the bag in his car.

"I confessed because he was like, 'You knew this was coming,'" she added.

The stars tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Bali, Indonesia on 9th July, 2009, and the couple, parents to four-year-old son Jack, is now preparing to celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary.
A zip wire opening in London will give riders a whole new view of the capital.

Its actually a double zip line and lets you travel at speed while taking in the skyline  including the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Gherkin, Lambeth Palace and The Shard.

And at 35 metres above ground, it is the worlds biggest  and fastest  urban zip wire.

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Never mind the fact its an adrenaline-fuelled 225-metre descent from its launchpad in Archbishops Park, Southbank.

If youre keen to ride the zip line, you might want to get booking  tickets are expected to sell out within weeks. It opens on July 12 for 12 weeks and prices start from 22.50 for a standard adult ticket.

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And you can expect it to be as good as it sounds  the ride has come from the company behind the worlds fastest zip line, which is found in north Wales.

Barry Shaverin, founder of Zip World London, says: Giant zip lines and the greatest cityscape in the world  it seemed such an obvious idea to put the two together. And Archbishops Park is one of Londons best kept secrets  we really want to help it get the attention it deserves.
Australian Cardinal George Pell makes a statement at the Holy See press office in the Vatican city yesterday. Photo: Getty

The Pope is likely shaking the dust off a letter of resignation from one of his top men, Australian cardinal George Pell.

The letter has been gathering dust in a Vatican file for just over a year - Pell submitted it, as obliged, when he turned 75 last year.

Francis, if truly committed to reassuring the faithful a reforming Church had zero tolerance for a culture of silence, or worse, a wilful and deliberate cover-up of child sex abuse, would have said a year ago, "Thank you, George", and breathed a sigh of relief.

This is because controversy and George Pell have been inseparable from the time he was a priest in the Australian diocese of Ballarat in the 1970s to his ascension in 2014 as a chief adviser to the Pope and the Holy See's main beancounter.

And much of that controversy has been about the former archbishop's responses to priests who sinned grossly against children and his legalistic solution for dealing with abuse survivors.

The latest scandal, however, relates to neither of these things but to allegations that 40 years ago Pell himself was a sexual predator targeting boys.

Pell has been the subject of innuendo for years, but such is his charisma that defenders and detractors are vehemently polarised on the nature of the man - to some he is a bully; to others a pragmatist who does his best for a Church he passionately defends.

His mother Margaret 'Lil' Burke was a devout Irish Catholic. His dad George was Anglican. Pell was much influenced by his mother who he once described as "a woman of great strength and faith: a faith I suspect that was very Irish, and probably in particular a faith typical of the west of Ireland in its certainties and in its impatience with theological subtleties".

He seems to have inherited the certainty and impatience. While in Australia he was outspoken against homosexuality, dismissed those who took a 'smorgasbord' approach to Catholic doctrine, and saw protecting the Church's assets as his role.

The great conservative now has a court date in Melbourne on July 18 where he faces charges of historical sexual assault. He says he will be there.

The ramifications will reach the top in Rome from where Pell strenuously denied any wrongdoing, hired a leading firm of lawyers and claimed relentless character assassination by a hostile Australian media.

Nothing new there - he is no stranger to courtrooms and invariably takes a bulldog approach to opposition.

His time as a leading prelate in Victoria and New South Wales has been subject to forensic scrutiny by the ongoing Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Pell has been required to appear several times. There was outrage last year when he said he could not return for another hearing because of illness. If, as alleged by some of his detractors, this was a ploy to avoid further scrutiny, it backfired badly.

The commission went to Rome and the Vatican's treasurer made worldwide news with his extraordinary admission that if there were paedophile priests and brothers operating in the diocese of Ballarat in Victoria, where he was initially based, he never knew.

It did not concern him, he said. He later explained that meant it did not come under his list of duties.

It was interpreted widely to mean he was too busy establishing a foothold for his brilliant career, which would see him elevated to Archbishop of Melbourne, then of Sydney and finally a member of the Curia.

It appeared to this reporter that during the Rome hearing the cardinal showed himself to be a company man through and through.

He has been told of broken lives and a long list of suicides but the only emotion he showed was startled shock when Justice Peter McClellan, the chief commissioner, suggested the Catholic Church should consider a more modern corporate structure with clearly defined levels of accountability.

Pell has spent much time over the years denying he had more sympathy for offending priests that abuse victims. He finds it difficult to escape the resonance of a notorious photograph which keeps surfacing.

A press photo from 2002 shows George Pell walking to court with Gerald Ridsdale - a Ballarat priest who was convicted of 54 child sex offences. He sat with Ridsdale, with whom he once shared a house, and not with the victims.

Ballarat, a gold rush town in Victoria, is a hellmouth when it comes to child abuse - according to a recent report by the Abuse Commission almost one in 10 priests in the Diocese of Ballarat had allegations of child sex abuse levelled at them between 1950 and 2010.

He has since admitted the Ridsdale support was a mistake and often refers to the fact that he set up the first ever official church scheme for abuse survivors.

In 1996, as Archbishop of Melbourne, he established the Melbourne Response for abuse survivors. It was a scheme through which abuse survivors could come to the Church for redress.

He launched his diocesan scheme just before the Church launched its Towards Healing scheme which was a national response to a tsunami of sex abuse allegations that hit the Church.

The Melbourne response has been a huge subject of controversy. Its legalistic nature intimidated survivors, there was little or no pastoral care and Pell capped payouts.

He took this approach with him to Sydney when he became Archbishop there and notoriously challenged in the courts one abuse victim's claim against the Sydney diocese. Pell won.

Protecting Church assets became the mark of Pell's career in Australia.

The Pope has given him permission to go to Melbourne and the Vatican grapevine has it he won't be back.
Show of force: Chinese president Xi Jinping inspects troops of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison (AP)

President Xi Jinping has inspected troops based in Hong Kong as he asserts Chinese authority over the former British colony brought under Beijing's control 20 years ago.

Mr Xi rode in an open-top military vehicle past rows of soldiers lined up on an airstrip on his visit to the People's Liberation Army garrison.

He called out "Salute all the comrades" and "Salute to your dedication" as he rode by each of the 20 troop formations.

Armoured personnel carriers, combat vehicles, helicopters and other pieces of military hardware were arrayed behind the troops.

It was a rare display of the Chinese military's might in Hong Kong, where it normally maintains a low-key presence.

Mr Xi, wearing a buttoned-up black jacket in the steamy heat, spent about 10 minutes reviewing the troops at the Shek Kong base in Hong Kong's suburban New Territories.

Hong Kong was granted the freedom to run most of its affairs after it came under China's control under the "one country, two systems" principle.

However, Beijing is in charge of the city's defence and foreign affairs and the troops based in the city are deployed from the mainland.

His three-day visit to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover, when Britain gave up control of the Asian financial hub to China on July 1 1997, includes presiding at the inauguration of the city's new leader Carrie Lam on Saturday..

Authorities have stepped up security as they brace for protests.

Police arrested 26 pro-democracy activists, including young activist leader Joshua Wong, for staging a sit-in on Wednesday evening at a giant flower sculpture given as a present by Beijing near the hotel complex where Mr Xi is staying.

They were later freed on bail.

Police said on Friday the activists had not been charged but must report back in September.

AP
Katrin Goering-Eckardt and Volker Beck, of the Green Party, symbolically cut a wedding cake at the German Bundestag in Berlin (dpa/AP)

German legislators have voted to legalise same-sex marriage after a short but emotional debate, bringing the country in line with many of its Western peers.

Chancellor Angela Merkel voted against the measure, but she paved the way for its passage by freeing other members of her party to vote with their conscience.

Legislators voted 393 for legalising "marriage for everybody" and 226 against, with four abstentions.

Mrs Merkel said on Monday that MPs could take up the issue as a "question of conscience", allowing members of her conservative coalition, which has opposed same-sex marriage, to vote individually for it.

That prompted her centre-left rivals to quickly call for a snap vote, adding it to Friday's agenda in parliament's last regular session before elections on September 24.

While some in Mrs Merkel's conservative bloc spoke against the measure, Berlin Christian Democrat Jan-Marco Luczak urged his fellow party members to back it.

"It would be absurd to try and protect marriage by preventing people to marry," he said.

Many applauded Mrs Merkel's move that opened the way for the vote, but Social Democrat Johannes Kahrs noted in the debate that the chancellor had been a long-time opponent of gay marriage.

"Many thanks for nothing," he said bluntly.

Germany has allowed same-sex couples to enter civil partnerships since 2001, but has not granted them full marital rights, which include the possibility to jointly adopt children.

The new law will not take effect for several months because it needs to pass the upper house of parliament and be approved by the president, although those are formalities. It is also expected to face legal challenges.

Mrs Merkel told reporters after the ballot that her vote against the measure was based on her reading of the country's law concerning marriage and that she did think gay couples should be able to adopt.

Germany's basic law is vague, saying only that "marriage and the family shall enjoy the protection of the state", but Mrs Merkel said that for her "marriage as defined by the law is the marriage of a man and a woman".

She added, however, that she stood by her contention that the interpretation was a "question of conscience" and urged all views to be respected.

"It was a long, intensive, and for many, also emotional discussion - that goes for me personally, too - and I'm hopeful not only that there will be respect for either side's opinions, but that it will also bring about more peace and cohesion in society," she said.

All Mrs Merkel's potential coalition partners after the September election, including the centre-left Social Democrats of her challenger Martin Schulz, have been calling for same-sex marriage to be legalised.

It is not clear whether Mrs Merkel thought her comments on Monday would prompt such a quick vote, but many analysts have suggested that by opening the door to gay marriage the chancellor removed another issue that might have helped her opponents in their campaigns against her.

In nearly 12 years as chancellor, she has moved her party to the centre and away from conservative orthodoxy, speeding up Germany's exit from nuclear power and ending military conscription, among other moves.

AP
Iraqi special forces soldiers take a break near the front line during fighting against Islamic State militants in Mosul (AP)

Iraqi civilians flee through a destroyed house as Iraqi special forces move toward Islamic State positions in the Old City of Mosul (AP)

Iraqi troops are clearing up a key neighbourhood in Mosul after making significant gains against Islamic State militants in the city and the prime minister declared an end to the extremist group's self-proclaimed caliphate.

Lieutenant General Abdul Wahab al-Saadi and Lieutenant Colonel Salam Hussein said their forces were continuing to clear territory in the Old City after retaking the symbolic al-Nuri Mosque on Thursday.

Lt Gen al-Saadi said his forces were continuing to push forward from the Old City and had reached within 700 metres of the Tigris River, which roughly divides Mosul into an eastern and western half.

The mosque and its 12th century minaret were blown up by IS last week - an indication, the Iraqi government said, of the militants' imminent loss of Mosul.

On Thursday, prime minister Haider al-Abadi announced that full liberation of the city was near and Iraq's "brave forces will bring victory".

The operation to retake Mosul, closely backed by the US-led coalition, was launched in October with the Iraqi government initially pledging the city would be liberated in 2016.

Instead, it has been a long and deadly fight. Eight months on, IS holds less than two square kilometres of the city. Clashes have displaced more than 850,000 people, according to the International Organisation for Migration.

The Old City, with its tightly packed houses and narrow alleys, has seen some of the most difficult urban combat. Damaged and destroyed houses dot the areas retaken by Iraqi forces and the stench of rotting bodies rises from beneath collapsed buildings.

While IS has not confirmed any Mosul losses, its media arm, the Aamaq news agency, carried reports of fierce fighting on Friday on the city's outskirts and in the neighbourhoods of Bab Jadid, al-Mashahda and Bab al-Beidh, claiming IS fighters had killed more than 50 Iraqi soldiers.

Although IS claims are often exaggerated, the fact that the reports made no mention of the Old City was significant and could be interpreted as indirect confirmation of the losses there.

About 300 IS fighters are thought to be holed up inside the last Mosul districts, along with 50,000 civilians, according to the United Nations.

The al-Nuri Mosque was a symbolic win. The site is where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made his only public appearance in July 2014, declaring the self-styled Islamic caliphate encompassing territories then held by IS in Syria and Iraq.

But IS destroyed the mosque and its famed leaning minaret last week, Iraqi and coalition officials said. IS blamed a US air strike for the blasts, a claim rejected by a spokesman for the US-led coalition who said allied planes "did not conduct strikes in that area at that time".

Al-Baghdadi's fate remains unknown. Earlier this month, Moscow announced he may have been killed in a Russian air strike in late May on the outskirts of the Syrian city of Raqqa, which is being encircled by an array of anti-IS forces.

Russian officials stressed that the information was still "being verified through various channels".

AP
There are fears for a heavily pregnant woman and her unborn child after she was struck by lightning.

The woman remains in intensive care following the incident on Thursday.

The injured woman, who has not been named, was walking with her mother in Fort Myers in Florida when she was hit by lightning at around 4.30pm.

She fell to the ground and was unresponsive, before emergency workers managed to get her pulse back.

Lieutenant Jay Rodriguez told New York Daily News that the woman (27) is still in intensive care at Lee Memorial Hospital.

He said: "I checked this morning and she was alive in intensive care."

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Rodriguez added that she is due to give birth next week.

He said: "She is about ready to give birth, so we are worried about her and her child.

"Hopefully they are able to do their magic and make it work."

Three people have been killed by lightning strikes in the US so far this year, according to the National Weather Service.
A man who used to be homeless has landed a job with a six-figure salary after making an app for homeless shelters.

After quitting his job, Preston Phan, flew to San Francisco from his hometown of Seattle, in the hope of getting a job at one of the major technology companies.

But with little money in his bank account and no family in the region, the 29-year-old ended up sleeping at homeless shelters.

While he was able to earn some money working as a security monitor, in his spare time took coding lessons.

More often than not, he ran into difficulties when he tried to locate a bed at the shelters. So he decided to develop an app to simplify the process.

"I started developing an application where you can make the bed reservation through your phone and walk to the nearest location," Mr Phan told SF Gate. "I think that was the start of my career, actually."

His idea was initially rejected when he presented his work to the local Homeless Coordinating Board.

Undeterred, Mr Phan continued to work on his coding skills and during one of the classes he met with a representative from the social media company, Linkedin.

After speaking to him about his idea they offered him a well paid job with corporate housing and other added benefits. He will now be paid $115,000 (88,000) per annum.

Mr Phan started working at LinkedIn in April, but despite his day job, he said he wants to continue working on his first love.

"I do want to come back to the app. I feel like that [City Hall] rebuttal just wasn't really thought through," he said. "It would help people immensely. It would help them get back on their feet."
US President Donald Trump has launched a remarkably personal attack on television host Mika Brzezinski, describing her as "bleeding badly from a face-lift" as she begged to spend the New Year's holiday with him.

Mr Trump's team have described this week as "Energy Week", hoping to get the president to focus on the energy sector. They are also confronted with their stuttering plan to "repeal and replace" Obamacare.

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

But instead of focusing on the policies, as his White House aides berate the media for failing to do, Mr Trump spent Thursday morning attacking Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBC's politically-focused breakfast show, Morning Joe.

The tweets were greeted with disgust on social media, with many pointing out that Melania Trump said she wanted to make cyber bullying the focus of her work.

However, Mrs Trump gave his tweets a pass.

"As the first lady has stated publicly in the past, when her husband gets attacked, he will punch back 10 times harder," her communications director, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement.

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Brzezinski, daughter of former national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski, who died last month, is engaged to her co-host Joe Scarborough, a Republican former congressman for Florida.

The pair's sharp political debate is considered must-watch television for much of Washington; the television equivalent of BBC radio's Today Programme.

The head of news at MSNBC responded to the attack, tweeting: "Never imagined a day when I would think to myself, 'it is beneath my dignity to respond to the president of the United States.'"

Buzzfeed News pointed out that, shortly before Mr Trump tweeted, the couple were discussing his fake Time magazine cover.

Expand Close MSNBC's Morning Joe co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski have been attacked by Donald Trump (AP) / Facebook

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Paul Ryan, the speaker of the house, who frequently grants Mr Trump leeway with his social media use, said the tweet was inappropriate.

Republican senators, including Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, also criticised the tweets, describing them as undignified.

Brzezinski and Scarborough are fiercely critical of Mr Trump, who was once a friend of Scarborough's, and offered to officiate at their wedding.

Scarborough told Vanity Fair that in January, while having dinner at the White House with the president and Jared Kushner, Mr Trump suggested the couple wed at Mar-A-Lago or the White House.

Thats when Jared interrupted and said, Hey, you know what? Ive got my license. I could marry you, said Scarborough.

He claimed that Mr Trump replied: Why would you marry them? They could have the president of the United States marry them.

But Brzezinski, 54, is against the idea.

The White House that I grew up in was an amazing place. If it werent Trump, it might be something to think about, Brzezinski said.

The mental picture is just fascinating, but the reality is just  no. No, no, no, no, no.

In a heated White House press briefing spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Morning Joe had in the past called Mr Trump and his staff, including herself, "utterly stupid, mentally ill, liars".

She added: "I'm a woman and I've even attacked by that show many times but I don't cry foul. It's like the Twilight Zone. They do it day after day, then the president defends himself and everyone's appalled. "The American people voted for a fighter. They knew what they were getting."

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
US President Donald Trump has always had a weakness for simple and fantastical fixes. Illegal immigration? Build a wall. Jobs moving overseas? Tax imports. Unemployment in Appalachia? Dig more coal. Rising medical costs? Repeal Obamacare.

Mr Trump's gift for simple slogans served him well as a candidate. As president, however, it is failing him and endangering the country.

When the Supreme Court partially resurrected his executive order banning travel from six mostly Muslim nations, Mr Trump called it "a clear victory for our national security". It should be abundantly clear - by looking at the nationalities of terrorists who have plotted attacks against the US - that closing America's borders to the countries on Mr Trump's list offers only false comfort. It should also be clear that the rationale for the temporary travel ban - the need to review screening procedures - was little more than pretext.

In the original executive order, Mr Trump directed his secretary of homeland security, secretary of state, and director of national intelligence to submit a report within 30 days detailing "the information needed from any country to adjudicate any visa, admission, or other benefit" necessary to verify an individual is not a security threat. The administration has yet to produce such a report, and has made few changes to the visa screening process.

Nor do Mr Trump's budget priorities indicate he understands how to keep the country safe. His executive budget proposes a 7pc increase for the Department of Homeland Security, but much of that funding is directed to the Mexican border. A porous border is indeed a national security threat, but no wall would have stopped the September 11 hijackers or more recent attackers, who also would have met the Supreme Court's criteria for entry under Mr Trump's travel ban: bona fide relationships with American people or entities. His budget proposes a 25pc cut to the Urban Areas Security Initiative, which provides counter-terrorism funding to cities. Yet local police forces, in co-operation with federal agencies, have played a vital role in thwarting numerous attacks. Recent tragedies in London and Manchester underscore the importance of empowering and equipping cities to fight terrorism.

An effective national security strategy requires the use of soft power overseas, which rests partly on a commitment to humanitarian efforts, which Mr Trump is proposing to cut back, and partly on America's perceived moral authority, which he has been undermining.

A new survey shows that the world - including many close US allies - does not trust him to do the right thing. Little wonder, when he has failed to defend Nato's Article 5, which has been the bedrock of transatlantic relations for nearly 70 years, while playing footsie with Vladimir Putin.

If he continues to focus on closing doors and building walls to the exclusion of more effective approaches, the risk of more deadly attacks will grow.
Aug. 24, 1932  June 8, 2017

Marliene Costa passed away on June 8 at Silvercreek Assisted Living in Woodburn at the age of 84.

She was born in Indiana to Maxwell and Fern Hamilton. Marliene lived in several Midwestern states during her childhood including Quincy and Holly, Michigan as well as St Louis, Missouri.

Big brother Louis and Marliene spent many happy summers on their grandparents' farm. During her childhood she developed a love of horses, cats, dogs and country living.

During Marliene's teen years, her family relocated to Santa Rosa, California. She graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1950. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College for two years before completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science at University of California Berkeley in 1954.

While attending UC Berkeley, Marliene met and fell in love with architect David Francis Costa Jr. They were married in Larkspur, California on December 18, 1954. They honeymooned in Mexico, visiting several cities; Acapulco, Mexico City and Taxco. This was only the beginning of many travel adventures such as viewing the original prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux, France, a private tour of the pyramids of Egypt complete with a camel ride and driving around Germany in their brand new Mercedes-Benz convertible. Another travel highlight was visiting the USSR.

Their union was blessed with son, Richard, in 1960 and two years later daughter Patricia joined the family.

The young family moved to Albany in 1968 and started a life of country living on 80 acres in the North Albany area. In 1970, Marliene returned to work part-time at the Forestry Department at Oregon State University. After several years as an administrative assistant and office manager, she transferred to the Graduate School at OSU. While working full-time at OSU Marliene earned her Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She was then promoted to Assistant Dean of Graduate Minority Programs. Marliene retired at 62 to continue traveling with husband Dave.

In 2006 Marliene moved up to Sherwood, Oregon to be closer to family.

She is preceded in death by her husband David of 53 years; brother Louis Hamilton; and cousin Marna Shirley.

Marliene leaves behind son Richard Costa; daughter Patricia Costa; grandchildren Juan, Victoria, Robert, Alejandro; and one great-grandson, Maximiliano.

A private family service will be held.

Pets were always an important part of Marliene's life and throughout the years many beloved cats and dogs were adopted from the local humane society. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heartland Humane Society of Corvallis or the Multnomah Humane Society of Portland in care of Attrell's Funeral Chapel, 207 Villa Road, Newberg, OR 97132 (www.Attrells.com).
The move comes after the Supreme Court partially restored US President Donald Trump's executive order that was widely criticised as a ban on Muslims. Photo: PA

The Trump administration has released new criteria for visa applicants from six mostly Muslim nations and all refugees, requiring a close family or business tie to the United States.

The move comes after the Supreme Court partially restored US President Donald Trump's executive order that was widely criticised as a ban on Muslims.

Visas that have already been approved will not be revoked. That should help avoid the kind of chaos that surrounded the initial travel ban, as travellers with previously approved visas were kept off flights or barred entry on arrival.

While the initial order took effect immediately, adding to the confusion, this one was delayed more than 72 hours after the court's ruling.

The new instructions will affect new visa applicants from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen.

They must prove a relationship with a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling already in the US to be eligible. The same requirement, with some exceptions, holds for would-be refugees from all nations that are still awaiting approval for admission to the US.
An investigation by the international chemical weapons watchdog has concluded that sarin was used in the attack

The international chemical weapons watchdog has confirmed sarin nerve gas was used in a deadly April 4 attack on a Syrian town, but a report stopped short of saying who was responsible.

The attack on Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province killed more than 90 people, including women and children.

It sparked outrage around the world as photos and video of the aftermath, including quivering children dying on camera, were widely broadcast.

"I strongly condemn this atrocity, which wholly contradicts the norms enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention," said Ahmet Uzumcu, director-general of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

"The perpetrators of this horrific attack must be held accountable for their crimes."

The US blamed the Syrian military for the attack and launched a punitive strike days later. Syrian President Bashar Assad has denied using chemical weapons.

The findings of the probe will be used by a joint United Nations-OPCW investigation team to assess who was responsible for the attack. The OPCW has scheduled a July 5 meeting of its executive council to discuss the matter.

The US State Department said: "The facts reflect a despicable and highly dangerous record of chemical weapons use by the Assad regime."

Assad's ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, said earlier this month that he believed the attack was "a provocation" staged "by people who wanted to blame" the Syrian leader.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said the report does not back claims by the US and its allies that the sarin was dropped from aircraft.

"They don't know how the sarin ended up there, yet tensions have been escalating for all these months," Mr Lavrov said in Moscow.

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that while the report did not apportion blame, "the UK's own assessment is that the Assad regime almost certainly carried out this abominable attack".

The US and the OPCW defended the probe's methodology. Investigators did not visit the scene of the attack, deeming it too dangerous, but analysed samples from victims and survivors as well as interviewing witnesses.

The Syrian government joined the OPCW in 2013 after it was blamed for a deadly poison gas attack in a Damascus suburb.

As it joined, Assad's government declared 1,300 tons of chemical weapons and precursor chemicals that were subsequently destroyed in an unprecedented international operation.

However, the organisation still has unanswered questions about the completeness of Syria's initial declaration, meaning it has never conclusively been able to confirm that the country has no more chemical weapons.

The investigative team responsible for the report has previously concluded "with a high degree of confidence" that chlorine and sulphur mustard, commonly known as mustard gas, had been used as weapons in Syria.

AP
Donald Trump said he had 'no idea' if tapes or recordings of his conversations with Mr Comey existed

Republican and Democrat leaders on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee are threatening a subpoena unless the White House clarifies whether any recordings, memoranda or other documents exist of Donald Trump's meetings with sacked FBI director James Comey.

The panel had previously set a June 23 deadline for the White House to respond to its request.

The day before, President Trump said in a series of tweets that he "did not make, and do not have, any such recordings", but also said he had "no idea" if tapes or recordings of his conversations with Mr Comey existed.

The White House then responded to the committee request by referring to Mr Trump's tweets.

The committee had asked for any recordings after Mr Trump suggested there may be tapes just days after he fired Mr Comey, who was leading an investigation into Trump associates' ties to Russian officials.

Mr Trump has disputed Mr Comey's assertion that the president asked him for a pledge of loyalty during a dinner meeting.

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!".

A letter on Thursday from Republican congressman Mike Conaway of Texas, who is leading the Russia probe, and California Democrat Adam Schiff, says Mr Trump's June 22 Twitter statement "stops short of clarifying" whether the White House has any tapes or documents.

Mr Conaway and Mr Schiff said in a statement that the letter makes clear that should the White House not respond fully, "the committee will consider using compulsory process to ensure a satisfactory response".

The panel is investigating Russian intervention in the 2016 elections, including any possible links to the Trump campaign.

Interviews set for July include former national security adviser Susan Rice, who asked government analysts to disclose the name of Trump associates documented in intelligence reports.

She has firmly denied that she did anything inappropriate, but Mr Trump has said she may have committed a crime.

On Thursday, her spokeswoman Erin Pelton said Ms Rice "is co-operating with the bi-partisan Russia investigations conducted by the intelligence committees, as she said she would".

Meanwhile Democrats on two House committees asked the Justice Department's inspector general to investigate whether attorney general Jeff Sessions violated his recusal from the Russia probe by taking part in Mr Comey's sacking in May.

House Oversight and Judiciary Committee Democrats urged Michael Horowitz to examine "a lapse in judgment".

Mr Sessions insisted in an appearance before the Senate intelligence committee this month that he had not violated his decision in March to recuse himself from any investigation related to inquiries involving Mr Trump's 2016 campaign.

During his evidence, Mr Sessions said it would be "absurd" to suggest a recusal from a single investigation would render him unable to manage leadership of the FBI.

AP
Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski have hit back after criticism from Donald Trump (Invision/AP)

The co-hosts of a US morning talk show have struck back at abusive tweets from President Donald Trump.

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski claimed Mr Trump lied about a previous encounter in a tweet and said his "unhealthy obsession" with their Morning Joe programme does not serve his mental health or the country well.

The two MSNBC personalities postponed a holiday to respond to Mr Trump's tweet, which drew broad condemnation after he called Ms Brzezinski "crazy" and claimed she was "bleeding badly from a face-lift" when he saw them at his Florida estate in December.

"It's been fascinating and frightening and really sad for our country," she said on the programme.

"We're okay," said Mr Scarborough, her co-host and fiance. "The country's not."

The hosts, who also published a column on the Washington Post website on Friday, said they had known Mr Trump for more than a decade and had "fond memories" of their relationship, but that he has changed in the past two years.

They visited his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in late December to encourage Mr Trump to give them an interview.

Ms Brzezinski, who said she is alarmed at how the president deals with women who disagree with him, added that she believes her teasing about a Washington Post story about fake Time magazine covers with Mr Trump's face hanging at his golf facilities is what precipitated the latest Twitter attack.

"It is unbelievably alarming that this president is so easily played, he is easily played by a cable news host," she said.

"What does that say to our allies? What does that say to our enemies?"

They said Mr Trump was lying about Ms Brzezinski having a face-lift, although "she did have a little skin under her chin tweaked".

Their programme and Mr Trump have had a chequered relationship. They were criticised by some for being too close to him during the election campaign and giving his candidacy an early boost, but have turned sharply against him.

Ms Brzezinski in recent weeks has wondered whether Mr Trump was mentally ill and said the country under his presidency "does feel like a developing dictatorship".

The hosts said they have noticed a change in his behaviour over the past few years which left them neither shocked nor insulted by the Thursday tweet.

"The guy who is in the White House now is not the guy we know," Mr Scarborough said.

Mr Trump on Thursday launched a crude attack on Ms Brzezinski, tweeting: "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 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!"

The tweets united Democrats and Republicans in a chorus of protest that amounted to perhaps the loudest outcry since Mr Trump took office.

"Obviously I don't see that as an appropriate comment," said Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan.

H ouse Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called Mr Trump's tweets, "blatantly sexist". The president, she added, "happens to disrespect women ... it's sad".

AP
Foto: Index/123rf/Google Maps/Pixsell/Hrvoje Jelavic



Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa

SINCE the 1st of July, driving on already overpriced Croatian highways is going to become even more expensive. Instead of becoming as cheap as possible and therefore more available to Croatian citizens and numerous tourists visiting our country, these highways have become an end in themselves. In a country such as Croatia, where tourism is the most important branch of economy, the raising of highway prices has two effects: feeding the crooks who live on taxpayers money and rejecting tourists who, unlike the crooks, are really contributing to the entire country.



Specifically, the very construction of the highways is burdened with a series of corruption scandals. For example, the tunnels were painted several times, without any need, and that cost hundreds of millions of kunas.



Through the We are not giving away our motorways initiative, Croatian citizens decided they do not want to hand over the highways to concessioners and instead opted for keeping them in ownership of the State. Therefore, the burden that cost billions of kunas, and which keeps on growing, continued to rest on the backs of the citizens.



One of the reasons why Hrvatske autoceste (Croatian Highways) are such an expensive and inefficient company is the enormous number of people hired via political ties. The money that is spent for their salaries continues to drain taxpayer money.



New pricelist



According to the new pricelist applicable from the July 1, 2017, the 10% toll increase is related to the following sections: A1 Zagreb-Dugopolje, A1 Zagreb-Karamatici (Ploce), A1 Zagreb-Karlovac, A1-A6 Zagreb-Rijeka (Grobnik), A4 Zagreb-Gorican, A3 Zagreb-Lipovac, A3-A5 Zagreb- Osijek, A11 Mraclin-Lekenik, Bregana, Sveti Ilija Tunnel and Krk Bridge.



A single road section is more expensive than driving in Europe for an entire year



The prices have become so arrogantly high that on some routes they are higher than the prices of yearly vignettes in some European countries.



European countries recognize the potential related to fast and effective traffic, so they adjusted the prices of their roads accordingly. In Romania, the price of the yearly vignette amounts to 28 euros. In Switzerland, a country which is all but cheap, you can drive on a highway for an entire year for 37.42 euros.



In Bulgaria, the price of the yearly driving through the entire country amounts to 50 euros, just as is the case in Slovakia.



In comparison, the price of driving from Zagreb to Split is 26.81 euros. This means that a single trip from Zagreb to Split and back will cost you the same as Bulgarians and Slovaks pay for driving on all highways, through the entire country, in an entire year.



In the Czech Republic, the yearly vignette costs 55.51 euros, while in Austria the cost of the vignette amounts to 86.40 euros.



Besides, the fuel price is also not negligible and it is considerably more expensive to drive on the highway.



The toll price increase is justified by the claim that "the Croatian road sector is riddled by high debt and unable to pay its credit obligations." In translation  the highways are in debt, so we will take the money from citizens and foreign tourists.



Alternative routes and natural attractions



Therefore, we found alternative routes for all tourists on highway sections with increased prices. If you need directions for arriving to your designated destination and you do not want to pay a high price for it, you can find the directions for doing so in this article.



Besides, while driving on cost-free routes which we enumerate, you have the possibility to get acquainted with numerous Croatian natural attractions. Croatia has eight national parks and 11 nature parks. When driving to the seaside, among other things, you can visit Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica or Risnjak (click for instructions).



By clicking on a small map, a larger version will open with route details.



We will describe the most common route, Zagreb-Split, in detail.



Highway A1 Zagreb - Split



Instead of paying minimally 200 kunas for driving from Lucko to Dugopolje, on the 379-kilometer route, choose an alternative route for 0 kunas.



You will drive approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes by selecting the D1 road. The length of the route is 357 kilometers.



In Zagreb, exit on the Jadranska Avenue. Then follow the road for 1.7 kilometers until you reach the Brezovicka Road, Brezovicka Street, Grancarska Street, Kraljevecki Bregi Street, and Bregana Pisarovinska in order to arrive, after 24.3 kilometers, to the Karlovacka Street in Pisarovina.



Then drive from Donja Kupcina to Blatnica Pokupska for 15. 2 kilometers. Continue to Cerovac Vukmanici for another 17.9 kilometers. On D1, drive for 288 kilometers until you reach the exit to Split.







Highway A1 Zagreb - Dubrovnik



Instead of paying minimally 256 kunas for driving from Lucko to Karamatic on a 481 kilometer route, choose an alternative route to Dubrovnik for 0 kunas.



On the D36, D1, and D8 roads you will drive for about 8 hours and 40 minutes. The length of the route is 559 kilometers.



In Zagreb, take the Jadranska Avenue entrance.



Enter the D36 road over Bregana Pisarovinska. From there you will arrive to D1. Then follows the Homeland War Road, and after that, you continue to drive on D8 towards the exit for Dubrovnik. This part of the road is about 553 kilometers long and lasts around 8 hours and 22 minutes.









Highway A1 Split - Dubrovnik



You will drive approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes on the D8 and E65/M2 roads. The length of the route is 214 kilometers.



Instead of paying minimally 75 kunas for driving from Dugopolje to Karamatic, on the 102-kilometer route choose an alternative route to Dubrovnik for 0 kunas.



In Split, head to the Zbor narodne garde (The National Guard) Street. Then use the Poljicka Road to arrive to D8, then the E65/M2, and then on D8 again. After that, continue driving towards the exit for Dubrovnik.







A1-A6 Zagreb-Rijeka (Grobnik)



Instead of paying minimally 77 kunas for driving from Lucko to Grobnik, on the 149-kilometer route choose an alternative route to Rijeka city for 0 kunas.



You will drive on the D3 road for approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes. The route length is 187 kilometers. This route goes through Rijeka.



for approximately 5 hours and 23 minutes. The route length amounts to 336 kilometers.



Instead of paying minimally 141 kunas for driving from Zagreb to Lipovac, on the 265 kilometer long route choose an alternative route for 0 kunas.



Furthermore, instead of paying minimally 135 kunas for driving from Zagreb to Osijek, choose an alternative route for 0 kunas.







A3 Zagreb - Lipovac



You will drive on the D2 road for approximately 5 hours and 23 minutes. The route length amounts to 336 kilometers.



Instead of paying minimally 141 kunas for driving from Zagreb to Lipovac, on the 265 kilometer long route choose an alternative route for 0 kunas.



Furthermore, instead of paying minimally 135 kunas for driving from Zagreb to Osijek, choose an alternative route for 0 kunas.







A4 Zagreb - Gorican



You will drive on the D3 road for approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes. The route length is 107 kilometers.



Instead of paying minimally 47 kunas for driving from Zagreb to Gorican, on the 76 kilometer long route choose an alternative route for 0 kunas.



Furthermore, instead of paying minimally 42 kunas for driving from Zagreb to Varazdin, or at least 53 kunas to Cakovec, choose an alternative route for 0 kunas.







A5 Beli Manastir - Osijek - Svilaj



Instead of paying minimally 31 kunas for driving from Osijek to Svilaj, on the 90.4 kilometer route, choose an alternative route to Svilaj for 0 kunas.



The complete route is 75.4 kilometers long.



In Osijek Drinski drive until you reach the E73 road. This part of the route is 2.5-kilometer long. Then switch to the D7 road. Continue driving over D7 to the Vladimir Nazor Street in Velika Kopanica. This part of the route is 60.4 kilometers long.



Continue to the Gorjanci Street. It will guide you to Divosevci. Then follow the road of Kupina and Prnjavor. Finally, you will arrive to Svilaj. This part of the route is 12.5 kilometers long.







A11 Zagreb - Sisak



You will drive on the D30 road for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The route length is 58.3 kilometers.



Instead of paying 15 kunas for driving from Zagreb to Sisak, on the 29 kilometer route, choose an alternative route for 0 kunas.




A day heavy in green Indian equity markets saw a day, heavy in green, today. Nifty 50 ended, up by 321.5 points. Sensex ended, up by 1181.34 points. Top Gainers today were HDFC, HDFC Bank, Infosys. Top Losers ... November 11, 2022 | 3:43 pm

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Earlier this week, IMPD officers shot and killed 45-year-old Aaron Bailey, following a short pursuit on the citys northwest side.

According to IMPD, Bailey led officers on a short vehicle chase which ended in the intersection of 23rd and Aqueduct St. after the vehicle crashed. Two officers approached the vehicle to make apprehension, after which point shots were fired, striking Bailey who was transported via EMS to Eskenazi Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The loss of any life in our city is a tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers are with all individuals and families affected by (the) incident, said Indianapolis mayor Joe Hogsett in a written statement. Our residents expect that IMPD will stringently follow protocol by fully investigating and reviewing the actions that were taken. We will continue to engage local faith and community leaders to reiterate a commitment to handling this process with openness, transparency, and compassion.

Following the news, many members of the African-American community expressed outrage and called for an intense investigation to be conducted into the use of force.

Today, the African American Coalition of Indianapolis released the following statement on the fatal shooting:

We mourn for Aaron Bailey and with his family and loved ones over the terrible tragedy surrounding the loss of his life. We have witnessed numerous communities across the country experience the tragic loss of unarmed community members in police action shootings that have raised the question do Black lives matter? While we respect the role of IMPD in our community, we have learned that Indianapolis is not immune from this terrible situationwhere again a community is left with questions after the fatal shooting of an unarmed black person. This situation has angered, frustrated and frightened people in our community. Compounding on the tragic loss of life, is a sense that the justice system has failed many of the Black victims of police action shootings nationwide. We have witnessed too many failed indictments in the grand jury process, which too often leaves larger questions about the efficacy of the criminal justice system for all citizens.

For our part, members of the African American Coalition of Indianapolis have already expressed their concerns to IMPD Chief, Bryan Roach. Lines of communication that have been open and meant to encourage community and police relations remain so yet a trust gap persists. We will redouble our efforts to ensure that there is a just outcome for all parties involved. We are working with other concerned citizens on the broader issues of training, transparency, engagement and accountability. We are also calling for an independent investigation by a committee composed of law enforcement, civic leaders and concerned citizens. We intend to continue to monitor the investigation process and we expect IMPD and the Marion County Prosecutors Office to provide regular updates moving forward. We understand that the best of IMPD protects and serves. IMPD is our police department and it is incumbent upon us to work together to continue to define the type of police interactions we desire as citizens.

Signers:

Indianapolis Urban League

Indiana Black Expo

Indianapolis Recorder

Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis

Marion County Bar Association

Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League

100 Black Men of Indianapolis

Circle City (IN) Chapter of The Links, Inc.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Alpha Alpha Omega

Alpha Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

National Council of Negro Women, Indianapolis Section

The Greater Indianapolis chapter of the NAACP also released this statement in a press release:

Use of excessive force by law enforcement officers can no longer be tolerated in our communities. The lack of accountability erodes trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve which impedes the ability to solve crime, Mrs. Ratcliffe said. The NAACP is committed to a proactive approach to police shootings and all other forms of police brutality. Our solution to this egregious problem is accountability.

It is a human and civil rights issue. When there are no systems for accountability, safety is affected and anyone can be a victim. Let Indianapolis be the last time people lose their lives and families are terrorized by a police force without accountability. Law enforcement accountability means safer communities for us all.

The NAACP Indianapolis leadership, community leaders, faith leaders and concerned citizens are calling for:

1. A credible investigation into the incident and accountability for the law enforcement officers actions.

2. Establishment of a civilian review board with subpoena power

3. The U.S. Department of Justice to launch a full criminal and pattern and practice investigation into the Indianapolis police force, which has experienced a rash of police shootings in the past 10 years.

4. Congress to enact legislation to mandate official standards for and training in the use of force for all law enforcement officers. Congressman John Conyers, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, has introduced the Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act.

The NAACP Greater Indianapolis Branch believes a civilian review board with subpoena and disciplinary powers can create the necessary accountability for the Indianapolis police force.

It is appropriate that in conferring the police with powers, particularly the power to use lethal force, that civilians have a role in determining the standards by which they are policed, Mrs. Ratcliffe said.

An independent civilian review board affords citizens with an opportunity to engage in that role by providing a venue through which to air grievances, express concerns, and voice recommendations.
The stand-off between the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army of China in India's northeastern state of Sikkim has further escalated as both sides deployed around 3,000 soldiers on their respective sides, in what is turning out to be the largest troops deployment in the region in decades.

AFP/ File

While there was no official confirmation, The Times of India, quoting source reported that there had been other troop standoffs at the tri-junction over the years, the latest one at the Doka La general area was clearly the most serious.

"Both sides are as yet not willing to budge from their positions. Flag meetings and other talks between the rival commanders have not worked till now," a source told the newspaper.

On Thursday Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat reviewed the ground situation by visiting the headquarters of the 17 Mountain Division in Gangtok and 27 Mountain Division in Kalimpong.

Meanwhile China has stepped up its rhetoric against India. On Thursday Beijing made an oblique reference to the 1962 war, saying the Indian Army should learn from "historical lessons".

AFP/ File

"We hope the particular person in the Indian Army could learn from history lessons and stop clamouring for war," PLA spokesman Col Wu Qian said.

He was responding to a recent comment made by Gen. Rawat that the Indian Army is "fully prepared for a two-and-a-half-front war (a reference to China, Pakistan and internal security)."

The current stand-off centres on the Doklam plateau, Bhutanese territory that's claimed by China. China is trying to build a road from Doklam to Doka La  the tri-junction of India, Bhutan and China.

On Wednesday, China alleged that Indian troops had crossed the boundary and stopped road construction work.

Although China would do well to remember that all it took was one Indian soldier who left them with a bloodied nose in 1962.
Even after Prime Minister Narendra Modi categorically reacted against the violence perpetrated by cow vigilantes, there seems to be no impact of his speech invoking Mahatma Gandhi.

The Prime Minister had rejected the violence and said that "Killing people in the name of Gau Bhakti (cow worship) is not acceptable.This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve." Read More

#1 UP minister fails to tell full-form of GST

In what could bring an embarrassment for Yogi Adityanath government, one of its cabinet ministers failed to spell out the full form of GST, which is scheduled to be rolled out midnight today. Read More

#2 Chinese Army Was Trying To Construct A Road Inside Indian Territory, Indian Jawans Pushed Them Back

India has told China that its attempt to construct a road in the Doklam area in Bhutan will cause a "significant change of status quo", is a "violation of a 2012 understanding", and will lead to "serious security implications."

REUTERS

"On 16 June, a PLA (People's Liberation Army) construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity," said India Read More

#3 Yet Another Lynching In Jharkhand, Man Accused Of Rape And Murder Of An 8-YO Girl Beaten To Death

The state of affairs of law and order in Jharkhand has come under serious questions after yet another incident of mob justice surfaced. A man, accused of raping and killing an eight-year-old, was lynched in the Ramgarh Police Station of Dumka district.

ANI

The lynching took place after a mob after Mithun Hansda allegedly raped and later killed an eight-year-old girl on Tuesday. Read More

#4 PM Modi's War On Black Money Is Showing Results, Indian Money In Swiss Bank At Record Low

The crackdown on black money was one of the very first things the Narendra Modi-led government began, in 2014, immediately after it assumed office. The relentless crackdown, it seems, has started showing results.

AFP

Money parked by Indians in Switzerlands banks nearly halved to 676 Swiss francs. Read More

#5 This 11-Year-Old Indian Origin Boy Has An IQ Score Of 162, Higher Than Albert Einstein And Stephen Hawking

Arnav Sharma, an 11-year-old resident of Reading town in southern England has scored a whopping 162 points on a Mensa IQ test, the highest score possible.

What is more impressive about Arnav's score is that he has outscored two of the most brilliant people who have ever lived, Albert Einstein And Stephen Hawking. Read More
Do Indians want to give up their citizenship to take another nationality? A recent list of people opting for foreign nationality has kept Indians at the top according to the numbers in which they have applied for citizenship of other countries.

In 2015, 1.30 lakh people of Indian origin, comprising largely of expatriates on work visas, acquired citizenship of OECD member countries.

BCCL/Representational Image

This was followed by Mexico (1.12 lakh) and the Philippines (94,000). China came fifth with 78,000 opting to relinquish their citizenship.

These were the findings of the report International Migration Outlook (2017) released by Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (Oecd) in Paris on Thursday.

The report mentioned that in 2015, just over 20 lakh people acquired the nationality of an OECD country. This was slightly above (3%) the 2014 figure, even as it remains within the OECD average of the past 10 years.

AP/Representational Image

OECD is a global thinktank of 35 member countries, which include European countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. An earlier OECD report had pointed out that India had the world's largest diaspora with 156 lakh migrants.

"Improving the integration of immigrants and their children, including refugees, is vital to delivering a more prosperous, inclusive future for all," said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria in the report.

China retained its top position when it came to new immigrants to OECD countries.

unitedhinducongress/Representational Image

However, on this front, the refugee crisis led to a large influx of immigrants from Syria, pushing India down one spot to the fifth position.

Humanitarian migration, rather than migration for better jobs or lifestyle, dominated the scene during 2015 and would continue to do so in the immediate future, the report stated.

BCCL/Representational Image

However, in terms of standalone numbers, there was an inflow of 2.68 lakh immigrations from India during 2015 to OECD countries, as opposed to just 2.40 lakh in 2013.

Data showed that USA, Canada, UK, Australia and Germany continue to be the favoured destinations of Indian migrants. Both China and India continued to be the major source countries for international students.
Pakistan has banned Tehreek-e-Azadi, Jammu and Kashmir (TAJK) after India raised the issue at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global anti-financial terror body in February this year.

India claims that TAJK is the front of Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeeds Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). As per the website of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NCTA), Interior Ministry of Pakistan has Placed TAJK on the list of proscribed organisations on June 8. Organisations like Jaish-e-Mohammat, Al Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban and Balochistan Liberation Army are among the few names of 64 organisations.

AFP

On January 14, Hafiz had appeared at a Press conference held by TAJK Chairman Ghulam Mohammad Safi and a few days later Pakistan had put Saeed under house arrest.

In the video available with The Hindu, Safi said: I congratulate Hafiz Saeed that he has declared 2017 as the year of Kashmir and that he has agreed to run his programme under the banner of TAJK.

JuD had out the video and also had its logo. JuD, however, isnt banned in Pakistan, it was placed under the category of organisations under watch on 27 January this year. Saeed was put under house arrest three days later. India raised its concerns over the activities of TAJK at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary at Paris in February.
The Greek states take from two eponymous lists of Greek citizens with deposits abroad - along with probes of cash transfers to overseas accounts since 2010 - has yielded infinitesimal results compared with the often populist-tinged rhetoric that characterized political debate during the crisis years.
The Independent National Electoral Commission says it has so far registered about 16,000 new voters in Zamfara in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration.

INEC Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, Hajiya Amina Zakari made this known in Gusau on Friday during a tour of the zone.

Zakari said that the voters were captured between April 27 and June 23.

According to her, one million new voters have been added to the voter list nationwide since the exercise started.

The exercise has been going on smoothly except for the fact that some of the machines being used have worn out.

The situation is now being addressed at the headquarters in Abuja, and we hope that new machines will be procured, she said.

Zakari commended the eligible voters for their commitment as some of them had to trek long distances through difficult terrains to get registered.

According to her, the commission recently released 300 additional data capture machines and distributed them across the country to complement the existing ones.

The INEC national commissioner said, although, the continuous voter registration was taking place only at INEC local government offices, the additional 300 machines were distributed to new centres created for the registration.

ln Zamfara for instance, we distributed the six additional machines in Gummi, Gusau, Bungudu, Kwatarkwashi, Dansadau and Jangebe, she said.

She called on those who had issues with their permanent voter card to go to the registration centre and seek clarifications.

Source: (NAN)
One Boko Haram suspect has been arrested by the Troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, deployed to Buni Gari in Borno.

The arrest was confirmed by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the Director Army Public Relations, on Thursday in Maiduguri.

Usman said the suspect, 20, was arrested by the troops on June 25 while on perimeter patrol.

He added that preliminary investigation was initially difficult as he was found to be under influence of heavy dosage of drugs.

However, he has since stabilised and making useful statement.

The director noted that the troops of 29 Task Force Brigade also Discovered Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected terrorists along Wajiro-Mallam Kuramti cattle route.

Troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade also discovered an IED planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists while on patrol on June 28 along Wajiro-Mallam Kuramti cattle route.

The team safely removed and detonated it, he said.

Usman said the troops of 151 Battalion of the 21 Brigade also cleared an ambush by suspected terrorists.

He added that on June 28, at about 3.30 p.m. troops of 151 Battalion of 21 Brigade on patrol to Mayanti Village were ambushed by suspected elements of Boko Haram terrorists.

The troops successfully cleared the ambush by neutralising some of the terrorists, while a re-enforcement was immediately dispatched to mop up the general area.

The team recovered a 60mm Commando Mortar Bomb, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 51 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Usman said the remains of two soldiers killed in action were also buried in Gombe.

On June 28 the remains of two gallant soldiers that paid the supreme price on Saturday, June 17, along Damboa-Biu road in Borno State, 11NA/66/10788 Lance Corporal Auwal Halliru and 15NA/73/0188 Private Halilu Aliyu of 254 Task Force Battalion were buried according to Islamic rites at the Gombe military ceremony, Usman said.

Source: (NAN )
The Director -General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Abari, said that social values have been eroded, adding that Nigerian youths have embraced same sex marriage during a programme titled, Anti-Corruption: The Role of Media as Change Agents which was held in Abuja recently.

At the programme which was organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, he also urged youths to stop wearing dreadlocks and saggy trousers. He added that the wearing of tattoos, dreadlocks, sagging of trousers and the painting of hair have become a vogue among young women and men.

It is a good thing that the Federal Government has noticed the increase in the number of youths who engage in immoral acts. Now that the government is aware, we hope that the problem would be tackled and a lasting solution found.

Firstly, I think the FG is to be blamed for what is happening among youths. What has government done to help the plight of youths? Where are the schools it has built? Are the universities being properly funded? Where are the jobs? Has the government provided funds and grants? There are so many questions to be asked but these are just a few.

Remember that an idle mind is the devils workshop. In a country where corruption is the order of the day and the youths of the country are not cared for adequately, what do you expect?

Imagine a society where the basic amenities are working and the youths have so much to look forward to. In a country like that, issues such as lack of social values will be reduced.

I also believe that the family has a role to play in grooming youths. Parents should rise up to the occasion and caution their children. They should make out time to educate them on ways to live a life of purpose.

Again, if the government does not make things easy for parents, how then will they have time for their children such that they will lead them on the path of success?

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Popular musician, Ice Prince Zamani, on Thursday said artists in the country deserve kudos for making waves and giving Nigerian music more global recognition.

Ice Price, whose real name is Panshak Zamani  the brain behind the evergreen hit song Oleku  told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that growth in the Nigerian music industry had encouraged acceptability globally.

He made mention of Wizkids winning of the highly coveted Best International Act: Africa at the 2017 BET Awards.

One can see that Nigerian artistes themselves have made efforts at stepping up their game and making it more acceptable internationally.

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So much impact  like Wizkid is currently the Best African Act at the just concluded BET Awards in America, which just gives every other person hope.

It is amazing how fast the Nigerian music industry has evolved these past years.

Im really grateful to everybody that has worked toward opening the doors; from the likes of Fela, Sunny Ade, 2face, Dbanj, Don Jazzy.

Theyve been doing amazingly well, and may God keep granting them success as they keep opening doors.

It seemed impossible, and right now it just feels like one of those things already. Featuring a Nigerian artist would now be a major thing.

Theres so much big stuff coming up; it feels good to be a part of the industry that is really growing so fast right now, he said.

(NAN)
Two women bombers blew themselves up in a refugee camp in southeastern Niger, killing two other people in a suspected attack by Boko Haram Islamists from neighbouring Nigeria.

Boko Harams insurgency began in northeast Nigeria and has spread to Chad, Cameroon and Niger, claiming more than 20,000 lives and displacing 2.6 million people. They are increasingly staging suicide attacks using women and girls.

Wednesdays attack took place in Kabalewa, a village near the southeastern Niger city of Diffa, which is close to Nigeria.

Two women suicide bombers infiltrated the refugee camp and blew themselves up, killing two civilians in the camp, an aid worker said.

Private radio stations said the victims were a man and a woman. A local official confirmed the attack but did not give a toll.

Boko Haram members have been staging regular attacks in the Diffa region since 2015. There are more than 300,000 refugees and displaced people sheltered in the area.

Source: ( AFP )
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has stated that Nigerians are capable of overcoming those agitating for secession.

Symington made this comment in a speech at an event held in commemoration of the 241st anniversary of American independence in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the first American President, George Washington, had warned that those who seek to weaken a country would always seek to start by causing disunity.

Symington said just like America, Nigeria would remain a united country because of its determined people and leaders.

He said,

Every time we have been challenged, we overcame danger because we had visionary leaders committed to union and citizens committed to ensuring justice for all. Today, Nigeria is fortunate to have such leaders and citizens. Together, they are dedicated to keeping Nigeria united and just and to ensuring every Nigerian is heard and taken into account and treated fairly. Together, those Nigerians will overpower any call to divide this nation. Thanks to them, thanks to you, the lamp of unity and justice burns brightly both in our nations tonight. And the sight of a united Nigerias light lifts Africa and with it, the world.

The US envoy said Nigerias diversity is an inspiration to many countries.

He said that, just like the US, Nigerias plurality was a source of strength.

Symington added,

Wherever I meet a Nigerian, I ask What do you like the most about your country? I like our diversity, our resilience, our energy, our warmth, our spirit, our food. Just like the United States, Nigeria is a wonderfully diverse nation whose differences and diversity are sources of strength and reason for pride.

Source: Naijaloaded
Many people are talking on social media following the photo of a female police officer seen wearing a short skirt while on duty.

Police Spokesperson Esther Mwaata Katongo has condemned the indecent dressing attire by a Zambian female police officer of Sesheke, which is circulating on social media.

The spokesperson said that female officers are allowed to wear mini skirts but it must be below the knee.

Our policy is at least knee length no officer take the tailors to reduce the size. We attribute this to poor supervision by supervisors. They need to ensure that officers are modest in their dressing and are smart. A uniform is not for modelling, Katongo says.

Katongo has however said that the officer in charge of traffic, countrywide has called the supervisor at Sesheke to look into the matter.

Officers should always be decent in their dressing and help in portraying the good image of the institution. Their skirts should at least be knee high as opposed to what is in the picture, says Katongo.
RENO  Law enforcement officers across Nevada will be on heightened alert for those violating boating under the influence laws during the annual Operation Dry Water weekend, June 30-July 2. Operation Dry Water is a nationally coordinated heightened awareness and enforcement campaign, focused on deterring boaters from boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Alcohol use is a leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths, and in the top ten reasons for causing recreational boating accidents in general, said Nevada Game Warden Captain David Pfiffner, Nevadas Boating Law Administrator.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) will have officers on every major and most minor bodies of water across the state, and other law enforcement agencies are adding extra officers to many waterways in other parts of the state. In southern Nevada, the National Park Service will be working with NDOW at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Agencies are focusing their efforts on detecting impaired boaters and educating the public about the dangers of boating under the influence. In 2016, the leading cause of boater deaths, 15 percent, can be attributed to alcohol use.

Every boater makes a conscious choice when they decide to drink and operate a vessel, said Nevada Game Warden Lt. Paul Hearne. Boating under the influence is a 100 percent preventable crime. Operation Dry Water, participating law enforcement agencies and our boating safety partners encourage boaters to stay sober while boating.

Since the inception of the Operation Dry Water Campaign in 2009, law enforcement officers have removed 1,875 BUI operators from the nations waterways and made contact with over 604,250 boaters during the annual weekend. In 2014, 585 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and USCG units from 56 states and territories participated in Operation Dry Water.

For more information on Operation Dry Water, please visit operationdrywater.org.

See a list of participating of agencies by state at www.operationdrywater.org/agencies.

Find NDOW on Facebook, Twitter or visit online at www.ndow.org.
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NY Coffee Prices Fall as Arabica ICE Inventories Recover Barchart - 31 minutes ago December arabica coffee (KCZ22 ) this morning is down -0.90 (-0.53%), and Jan ICE Robusta coffee (RMF23 ) is up +9 (+0.49%). Coffee prices this morning are mixed. NY coffee prices saw support from a rebound... KCH23 : 167.90 (+0.12%) RMF23 : 1,836s (+0.49%)

Mixed Hog Market Barchart - 40 minutes ago Lean hog futures are trading mixed on the board with losses of as much as 65 cents, and gains in the deferred contracts trading 5 to 35 cents higher. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price was $4.01... HEZ22 : 84.025 (-1.00%) HEJ23 : 93.900 (-0.34%) KMZ22 : 94.750 (-0.79%)

Cotton Up By Triple Digits Barchart - 40 minutes ago Front month cotton prices are up 128 points to 149 points through the midday session. USDAs FAS reported 147,795 RBs of cotton was sold for export during the week that ended 11/3. That was down 24%... CTZ22 : 88.06 (+1.94%) CTH23 : 86.10 (+1.82%) CTK23 : 85.30 (+1.58%)

Wheats Higher so far for Friday Barchart - 40 minutes ago Midday wheat prices are trading in the black into the last trade day of the week. CBT SRW 4 1/4 cents to 5 3/4 cents in the black. Front month KC HRW prices are double digits higher with gains of as much... ZWZ22 : 811-4 (+1.00%) ZWH23 : 832-2 (+0.79%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.4419 (+1.09%) KEZ22 : 939-6 (+1.57%) KEPAWS.CM : 8.9805 (+1.64%) MWZ22 : 940-4 (+0.97%)

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Jean-Louis Laurent Josi, chief executive officer of AXA Asia and a member of the groups executive committee, has announced that he will be resigning from his operational responsibilities after 12 years with the company.He will remain with the insurer in an advisory role until the end of 2017 to facilitate a smooth transition. A successor will be named in the third quarter of this year, the company said.According to Laurent Josi, he is leaving AXA to pursue new professional projects. He expressed confidence that AXA Asia would be able to meet its goal of 100 million customers in Asia by 2030.Laurent Josi joined AXA in 2006 in Belgium, where he was part of the companys multi-distribution executive committee. From 2008 to 2011, he served as CEO of AXA Gulf and Middle East. From 2011 to 2015, he was CEO of AXA Japan Life. In March 2015, he was appointed to his final position as AXA Asia CEO.Thomas Buberl, global chief executive officer of AXA, said: I would like to warmly thank Jean-Louis for his remarkable achievements in his successive roles across the Group. He successfully led our operations in the Gulf and in Japan  and many of us remember the personal engagement and courage he showed with our Japanese teams in the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake  and was instrumental in defining the 2020 ambition for our Asian businesses. With the other members of the Management Committee, I wish him all the best for his next endeavours.
As sophisticated cyberattacks increasingly target businesses, the world's specialist insurance market is warning them to be properly prepared or face significant financial losses that could kill their business.According to Lloyd's report, titled Closing the gap  insuring your business against evolving cyber threats, businesses face the rising threat of ransomware, such as last month's Wannacry and the recent Petya attack, distributed denial-of-service attacks, and CEO fraud.The study, which was made in partnership with KPMG and DAC Beachcroft, cited Lloyd's underwriter Beazley , for instance, as having seen a fourfold increase in ransomware attacks on its customers from 2014 to 2015. It also predicted that this number will double this year.Study findings also revealed that financial services firms are the most targeted by organised cybercrime, and named retail as another sector that's seeing increasing cyberattacks.Oil and gas, meanwhile, can fall victim to espionage and occasional high-end disruptive attacks as they find themselves caught in national politics, the study said.The study also revealed the susceptibility of the public and telecommunication sectors to espionage-focused cyberattacks.Commenting on the study findings, Lloyd's CEO Inga Beale stressed the need for adequate protection against looming cyber threats.The reputational fallout from a cyber breach is what kills modern businesses. And in a world where the threat from cybercrime is when, not if, the idea of simply hoping it wont happen to you, isnt tenable, she said.To protect themselves businesses should spend time understanding what specific threats they may be exposed to and speak to experts who can help handle a breach, minimise reputational harm, and arrange cyber insurance to ensure that the risks are adequately covered.By reacting swiftly to mitigate the impact of a cyber breach once it has occurred, companies will be able to minimise the immediate costs and their exposure to subsequent slow burn costs, she said.Matthew Martindale, director in KPMG's cyber security practice, also cautioned businesses to prepare against a breach's long-term damage: Dealing with things like reputational issues and litigation in the aftermath of a breach, can add substantial costs to the overall loss. Businesses really need to start thinking about the cyber risk holistically rather than one that is currently very short sighted.This sentiment was echoed by Hans Allnut, partner and head of cyber & data risk at DAC Beachcroft, who said businesses should not only focus on immediate business impact, which he said may only be the tip of the iceberg, but also legal consequences which could take months, even years to deal with.Once notified, it is not uncommon for regulatory investigations to take more than a year before they reach a conclusion,  he said. Subsequent litigation can take even longer, particularly because the law surrounding data security and privacy is a relatively evolving area. In one UK data protection case, it took three years and a failed appeal before the litigation was finally settled.
ELKO  The Elko Police Department took a step toward filling some of its vacancies with the hiring of two new officers earlier this month.

Erik Anderson and Jacob Altman are the two newest sworn officers and introduced themselves to the public at the City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Anderson said he has enjoyed his time with the force so far.

I worked in the mines for a little bit and I figured it wasnt for me and I wanted to do community service, he said. I applied for the City a couple of times and on the third time I got hired. Im having a heck of a time out there right now. Its a lot of fun to be out in the community.

Altman grew up in the Elko and Spring Creek area and said he has a lot of law enforcement officers in his family that he does not want to disappoint.

He said he has enjoyed serving the community he grew up in.

Its fun and I hope to be around for a while and make you guys proud, he said.

With the two new hires, the department now has 40 sworn officers and seven civilian support staff members. The department is still looking to add more personnel, however.

The retirement of Lt. Rich Genseal earlier in the year has left Lt. Ty Trouten as the only lieutenant on staff.

Police Chief Ben Reed said the department will look to promote another lieutenant now that the job description has been updated.

Several of the job descriptions hadnt been looked at for many years so they failed to mention requirements, for example, that the employee must utilize modern technology. Basic stuff like Microsoft Word or modern computer software and things like that, he said.

While the department looks to promote an officer to lieutenant, they are also looking to add one more position to the staff. Reed said the amount of evidence the department has to handle requires a new position of evidence technician.

Were busy and a lot of the incidents we investigate include evidence thats placed in the evidence locker. We have almost 20,000 items in property and evidence and its not so easy to manage those and keep those straight, he said. Things are coming and going to the court, coming and going to the crime lab, being analyzed, being presented in jury trials  theres a lot of steps to getting rid of property and evidence that is much more technical these days.

Since there are only 40 officers in the department, Reed said he is looking for ways to maximize their efficiency.

Reed pointed out that technology allowing officers to write reports without having to return to the office will go a long way to keeping them on the streets.

Thats a good example of how we can use technology to keep more personnel on the street a larger percentage of the time, he said. Thats critical in law enforcement.
Ang later moved to Munich, where she served as Allianzs global account manager for Aon, before becoming head of global broker management in London. She then moved to Euler Hermes, where she was group head of distribution in Paris, before assuming her current role as CEO in 2014.

Ang, who will take up the new post on August 1 and will be responsible for Munich Re syndicate offices within the region, will be based in Singapore. She has a of a bachelor of arts degree, major in economics from the National University of Singapore.

Munich Re has recently partnered with the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), Swiss Re Capital Markets, and AIR Worldwide to create the Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility  a platform for funding relief efforts following a major disease outbreak. The PEFFs insurance fund will provide maximum coverage of US$425 million for an initial three-year period.





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Two state governments handed down their budgets last week, and with it their verdict on stamp duty.



NSW farmers are met with good news as their state government has decided to scrap stamp duties on crop and livestock insurance effective January 1 next year. There has been no such good news for SA growers, on the other hand.



In addition to the stamp duty relief, worth $12m over four years, the NSW Government has also allocated $182m to Local Land Services, $20m of which will go to biodiversity reforms, The Weekly Times reported.



Search and compare insurance product listings for Livestock from specialty market providers here



Commenting on the move, NSW Farmers president Derek Schoen said that while he welcomed the initiative, he claimed that most of the budget was a lot of repackaging of existing initiatives.



Meanwhile, Darren Arney, Grain Producers South Australia (GPSA) chief executive, has expressed disappointment that the state budget provided no relief on the emergency services levy or stamp duty for SA growers  this despite the state having the highest rate of stamp duty on farm insurance in the nation, at 11.5%, the report said.



This recent development sees South Australia bordering two states that have slashed insurance duties for farmers. The other was Victoria, which announced in May that it would remove stamp duty on insurance against damage to crops, including on multi-peril policies, livestock, and equipment.



Arney expressed concern the new levy on banks  if it was passed on to those with loans  may put an additional burden on SA growers.



The new tax will increase about $90m a year and will be charged at a rate of 0.015% per quarter on the state's relative share of the liabilities held by Australia's big five banks.



All the overheads including emergency services levy, the bank tax and the stamp duty add to the cost of production of grain and make South Australian farmers less competitive in a global market, Arney told The Weekly Times.



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Brokers and insurers in the marine market must keep pace with technological change as it is set to have a direct impact on the sector, an expert has said.Matt O'Sullivan, head of marine, Australia & NZ and marine practice lead, Asia Pacific at Zurich , said that whilst the marine market is well serviced by brokers, tech changes will have an impact.Advancements in technology are directly impacting how we move goods. This of course has a direct impact on the insurance of these products as new risks are emerging almost every day, OSullivan told Insurance Business.These developments will create greater risks for insurers, and provided we as an industry understand the new risks presented, it will give a greater opportunity for the insurance market to offer true risk solutions to our clients.The development of automated vessels is moving at pace as the industry is also impacted by other aspects of innovation in supply chains and storage.With new technology on the horizon, client risks will change, presenting emerging risks that both insurers and brokers need to monitor.Brokers and insurers need to understand the changing landscape of their customers, OSullivan continued.Brokers particularly need to understand where their customers risks currently are, and even more importantly, where their business is developing and any future risks.Cyber risk will play an increasingly important role in the marine market, OSullivan noted, but it is far from the only emerging risk in the sector.For brokers, OSullivan advised that asking clients for the scenarios and risks that keep them up at night is a good way to begin further discussions around risk and also a way to provide them with a wider view of risk beyond insurance protection.We should always take the opportunity when we are face to face with our customers to get a better understanding of their business, and not just from an insurance point of view, OSullivan said.
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Many small businesses with business interruption cover are ending up underinsured and over-exposed due to a common miscalculation of the sum insured total  a mistake which could cost both broker and client.Research from the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA) found that up to 43% of business interruption policies were underinsured by an average of 53%  and Zurich has warned that SMEs in particular could be left at risk.While business interruption cover can be placed readily in the market, the changing dynamics of factors impacting gross profit needs fuller consideration, according to the insurer.With the storm of just-in-time delivery, compressed supply chains and technological dependency, all of these key factors mean that your BI cover has to be correct, because if its not, it can mean the difference between you being in business, or not, John Taylor, practice and proposition underwriting analyst, commented. This is why we are working with brokers and SMEs to get the sum insured correct before the incident, rather than after it.In response to the challenges around business interruption cover, Zurich has been delivering broker and client proposition solutions over the last five years. It was the first insurer to introduce a BI calculator designed to make the process easier for brokers  as well as returning a more accurate result.While we havent seen a drop off in cover, so people arent economising to the extent of not insuring, the issue is actually: do we know thats the right sum insured if the worst happens? Mike Green, underwriting manager in Zurichs commercial practice proposition, commented. With brokers a key conduit to customers, the insurer wanted to provide a tool that would make the subject easier to broach with clients.Weve got something that helps brokers, and puts them in a strong position to have those discussions, he said.The internet-based calculator can be used anywhere, and gives the broker prompted questions to ask the customer  so that theyre not working from a blank sheet of paper. Made up of just four screens and 19 questions, the tool helps both the broker and the client understand why the questions are being asked by giving them context.It takes away a lot of the fear around opening up that conversation with the customer, Taylor explained.The insurer is so confident that its BI calculator will provide a more accurate sum insured, it offers a 10% discount on the business interruption cover premium if purchased after using the tool, Green commented: We accept the calculator might give a higher sum insured, therefore we feel its important to give the customer the confidence that the right sum insured does the right thing.After an event, quick cover and cheap premiums become irrelevant, Taylor added. What we sell is a promise that we will get SMEs out of a sticky moment when they have one, and our tool gives extra comfort on cover for any interruptions to their business.
The family of a woman killed when a New Jersey Transit commuter train slammed into a station last year filed a wrongful death lawsuit on Tuesday against the agency.

Fabiola Bittar de Kroons family is seeking unspecified compensatory damages in the lawsuit filed in state Superior Court in Hudson County.

The 34-year-old Brazil-born lawyer was standing on a platform when she was killed by falling debris in the Sept. 29, 2016, crash in Hoboken, N.J. It occurred just minutes after she had dropped off her 2-year-old daughter at day care.

More than 100 people were injured in the crash. It was later revealed that the engineer suffered from sleep apnea.

An NJ Transit spokesman said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.

The filing alleges NJ Transit should have implemented necessary safety technology and improvements, including positive train control. It also includes assertions that NJ Transit should be held responsible for requiring only one crew member in a driving cab or locomotive during a trains entry into the Hoboken Terminal.

A two-crewmember requirement has since been implemented by the agency.

The suit also says the agency failed to properly and adequately screen for, monitor and treat medical issues.

We now know that not only was this tragedy completely preventable, it was a horrific accident just waiting to happen on so many levels, said Tom Kline, one of the lawyers representing the family.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits New Jersey
QBE Chile Seguros Generales S.A. has completed a management buyout by purchasing the company in May 2017 from QBE Latin America Insurance Holdings.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Following the completion of the deal, QBE Chile rebranded to Unnio Seguros Generales (Unnio) and will continue to focus on commercial insurance, mainly property, casualty, engineering and other specialty lines.

Closing the year ending Dec. 31, 2016 with a direct gross written premiums (GWP) of US$30.7 million, QBE Chile was well placed to become wholly independent and enter its next phase of growth, said Santiago-based Unnio in a statement.

The management buyout was led by Diego Panizza, CEO, with capital provided by an affiliate of reinsurance broker Capsicum Re.*

The team was advised by Gustavo Zang (independent lead financial adviser), Capsicum Re Latin America and its parent company Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers LLP in London. Capsicum Res mandate was to advise on the reinsurance structure, pricing and distribution element of the transaction and also facilitate the capital raise required.

Id like to thank our advisers and partners, who were integral to the success of the transaction, particularly the Capsicum Re Latin America team, as the deal could not have completed without their unique ability to organize traditional reinsurance structures and non-traditional capital structures, commented Panizza.

There is a lot of support for Unnio and we are seeing rising demand for insurance products in the region, he said.

Rupert Swallow, CEO of Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers LLP, said: This is a groundbreaking deal for us and we are pleased to have played such a central role in supporting Diego and his team. Our ability to combine traditional reinsurance structuring with the connectivity to raise substantial capital underpinned the management teams objectives. This is a landmark transaction for our rapidly growing Latin American operation led by Joe Smith and we look forward to supporting Unnio as the business develops.

* Founded by Grahame Chilton and Rupert Swallow in 2013, Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers works in partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher as its primary treaty reinsurance broking outlet. It has offices in London, Bermuda, Rio de Janeiro, Miami and Santiago.

Topics Reinsurance
The fire that killed at least 79 people in a residential tower in London earlier this month has delivered a blow to an often overlooked section of the green industry thats crucial to delivering energy efficiency.

Local authorities across the U.K. are ripping foam insulation from housing blocks after concerns that plastic cladding on the Grenfell Tower acted as an accelerant to the June 14 blaze. In addition to drawing attention to fire safety rules, Britains housing crisis and income inequality, the disaster has implications for the fight against global warming.

Buildings like Grenfell Tower were insulated to save energy and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Companies from Arconic Inc. to Cie. de Saint-Gobain SA, which supplied cladding and insulation being probed after the fire, are concerned the tragedy will mark a defining moment for the industry, said Nick Molho, executive director of the Aldersgate Group.

A lot of the cladding failed safety tests, Molho said, whose organization brings together company executives and policy makers to advise on environmental issues. What we dont know is how on earth that was allowed to happen in the first place.

Efficiency  or squeezing more from each unit of energy whether its oil or electricity  has been an uncontroversial policy lever to use against global warming. The International Energy Agency, which advises 29 industrial nations, dubbed it the first fuel because saving energy is often the cheapest and easiest way to cut carbon-dioxide emissions. Some homeowners in old tower blocks where insulation is retrofitted may save as much as 750 pounds ($950) a year from their bills, according to the Green Alliance.

While theres plenty of insulation that resists burning, the kind used at Grenfell was made of a flammable plastic and appears to have worsened a fire that started with a faulty refrigerator. Flames spread quickly up the cladding fixed to beautify the outside of the building and protect a layer of plastic foam insulation.

Burning plastic foam on a 24-story tower about the size of Grenfell would add the energy equivalent of 30,000 liters (7,900 gallons) of gasoline, according to a rough calculation by Rockwool International A/S, which makes non-flammable insulation and cladding only from stone wool.

This is a global issue, Rockwool Chief Executive Officer Jens Birgersson said by phone, noting other tower fires in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul linked to faulty cladding. There have been many of these, but of course London is the city in Europe and of course, the fatalities here are horrendous.

Green Debate

Observations like that have reopened a debate about the value of using insulation in the first place and whether stricter rules are needed to ban products that burn, especially those made from plastics.

On June 26, Saint Gobain, based in Courbevoie, France, suspended the sale of some insulation products that its Celotex Group Ltd. supplied to the company in charge of renovating Grenfell. The suspension covered products used on towers more than 18 meters tall, which is the reach of traditional fire-fighting equipment. Arconic also halted sales of some of its flammable products after media reports that its Reynobond PE was used in a renovation at Grenfell.

A spokesman for Celotex said that the insulation product was tested as part of a rainscreen cladding system and that it was safe in the tested conditions. Arconic in a statement on June 26 said it supplied components used by the contractor working on the Grenfell tower but that it wasnt responsible for the installation or design.

Government Action

Local governments have started removing materials on other blocks, and officials say safety tests on at least 95 towers have failed.

We wish to discuss with the authorities how we can restore confidence in the products that we supply, Celotex said in a statement on its website.

The industry that makes foam insulation says it doesnt recognize Rockwools figures and is urging people to avoid wild speculation about the cause of the fire before the results of a government inquiry published.

We owe it to everyone involved to establish the full facts, said Simon Storer, CEO of the British Rigid Urethane Foam Manufacturers Association, which represents companies including Honeywell International Inc., Dow Chemical Co., BASF SE and Kingspan Plc. We still dont know that the cladding caused the fire. If we follow one route and take action and then find there were many other factors, then we are doing a disservice.

Kingspan could be hurt by potential changes to U.K. building regulations or a shift in consumer preference, even though they dont make the aluminium cladding with a polyethylene core that was installed on Grenfell tower, UBS AG analysts Gregor Kuglitsch and Miguel Borrega wrote in a note.

Green Concerns

Regardless of the ultimate conclusions, the fire already has put a cloud over the efficiency business.

Unlike wind turbines, solar panels and electric cars that have become iconic clean-energy industries, insulation and measures to reduce energy use never registered highly in the consciousness of consumers. The companies involved in the industry are as diverse as Google Inc.s Nest Labs Ltd., maker of a smart thermostat, and Johnson Controls International Plc, a maker of heating, ventilation and security systems for buildings.

Keeping policies that demand insulation is in line with U.K. Prime Minister Theresa Mays pledge to lower energy bills, yet industry insiders worry the government may react with a blunt tool that discourages many products. Some elements of the ruling Conservative Party and a right-wing research group called the Global Warming Policy Foundation are using the blaze to bolster their argument that climate change policies are having perverse and unintended consequences.

This could put people off insulating, said Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, a government and industry forum.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Climate Change
A federal safety agency has proposed a $610,000 penalty against a central Ohio company for exposing workers to machine hazards and harmful levels of silica.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said in a statement that violations were found during inspections of an Amsted Rail Company plant in Groveport, about 12 miles south of downtown Columbus.

The agency says a 60-year-old maintenance workers leg was crushed in a machine in January. OSHA then found multiple machine safety violations in a subsequent inspection.

A second inspection was opened in February after OSHA investigators discovered that four workers had been exposed to unsafe levels of silica, which can be harmful to humans.

The company didnt immediately return a telephone message seeking comment about the proposed penalties.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Ohio
Ironshores Mergers & Acquisitions and Tax unit has updated its transactional liability product to address regulatory risks in the healthcare sector.

Ironshore now offers a single limit and single retention coverage policy for healthcare transactions with capacity limits of up to $100 million available for transactional liability risks, with extended limits for select circumstances.

Ironshores M&A transactional liability coverage responds to breaches of representations and warranties to protect buyers in healthcare deals, including exposure related to the Federal False Claims Act, Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, HIPAA/HITECH and other state-mandated healthcare laws. Comprehensive coverage for healthcare regulatory risk benefits insureds receiving a high percentage of revenue from government payers, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Ironshores M&A and Tax unit has leveraged the organizational expertise of IronHealth, the specialty healthcare unit, to underwrite healthcare transactions directly with a combined single limit agreement and retention level.

Ironshore provides comprehensive, specialty M&A coverage for complex transactional risk throughout its global platform. Ironshore M&A lines include representations and warranties, warranty & indemnity, as well as tax liability programs.

Ironshores specialist production teams are located in New York, Miami, Toronto, London, Sydney, Singapore and Tokyo with multiple language proficiencies, including Mandarin

IronHealth product offerings address liability risk throughout the healthcare sector, including provider liability insurance, employer and provider stop loss cover, and HMO reinsurance.

Ironshore, a Liberty Mutual Company, provides broker-sourced specialty property and casualty insurance coverages for varying risks located throughout the world. Select specialty coverages are underwritten at Lloyds through Ironshores Pembroke Syndicate 4000.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Excess Surplus Medical Professional Liability
SUNZ Insurance Company, a large deductible workers compensation carrier, has promoted Karen Bolinder from director of Financial Operations to chief operating officer.

In her new position, Bolinder will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of SUNZ Insurance with direct oversight of the policy administration and payroll departments. Bolinder will also work closely with Therese A. Stevens, president of SUNZ, on the companys overall operations strategy and execution.

According to Steve Herrig, CEO of SUNZ, Bollinder will work to help the companys footprint continue to expand.

Bolinder has more than 30 years of diversified experience in accounting and business operations, policy administration, financial analysis, and system implementations, including guidance and support of operational and financial systems implementations. In addition, Bolinder has expertise in process improvement and workflow efficiencies as well as extensive experience in supporting executive management through meeting financial and managerial reporting needs.

SUNZ also announced it has appointed Glen J. Distefano to the position of 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.

Distefano joined SUNZ 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. He also helped create the current systems in place 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 mManager of Information Systems.

SUNZ Insurance, established in 2005, was founded specifically to provide large deductible workers compensation program for professional employer organizations, staffing agencies and large companies.

Topics Florida Workers' Compensation Tech
Lawmakers are figuring out how to spend $100 million earmarked in the recently approved North Carolina budget for continued cleanup and rebuilding from Hurricane Matthew.

The House approved unanimously Wednesday a measure to distribute the funds for things like low-income housing and public housing repairs, stream debris removal and farm repairs.

Money would benefit some of the areas hardest hit by last Octobers storm like Lumberton, Princeville and Fair Bluff. Community colleges that lost enrollment after the hurricane also would get help. The remainder of the money would go to the Golden LEAF foundation and to matching funds for federal disaster assistance programs.

Western counties affected by drought also can benefit from the measure now heading to the Senate.

The legislature approved $201 million in recovery funds last December.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Legislation Hurricane North Carolina
The wife of the gunman in the Orlando nightclub shooting has been dropped from a civil lawsuit brought by survivors of the massacre and victims families.

An amended complaint filed last week in state court in South Florida dropped Noor Salman from the lawsuit, leaving only the security firm for which gunman Omar Mateen was employed as a defendant.

The lawsuit alleges negligence and wrongful death by security firm G4S for maintaining Mateens firearms license even though he had made threats against co-workers. G4S has said it will vigorously defend itself and that the lawsuit is without merit.

Plaintiffs attorneys didnt respond to calls and an email seeking further explanation.

Forty-nine people were killed and dozens more were injured at the Pulse nightclub during last years massacre, which was the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Salman is facing two criminal charges in federal court. She was charged with aiding her husband, and obstruction for allegedly misleading investigators.

Earlier this week, federal prosecutors asked a judge to keep the obstruction charge against Salman in response to a request from her attorneys to dismiss the count.

The obstruction charge was filed in a federal district that covers Orlando, but shes accused of misleading investigators during an interview in Fort Pierce, which is in the Southern District of Florida.

Salman argued that the obstruction charge was filed in the wrong venue, but prosecutors say Orlando is the proper place since that is where the investigation and court proceedings are taking place.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits
An Arizona wildfire that forced thousands from their homes and came dangerously close to consuming a town was 43 percent contained by Thursday evening, authorities said.

Roughly 1,400 evacuated residents of the community of Mayer were allowed to go home earlier in the day and Yavapai County Sheriff Scott Mascher estimated 2,000 other residents of other small communities remained out of their homes.

Campgrounds were also emptied and 1,400 children attending summer camps were bused out as the fire approached.

The fire, which has now burned about 45 square miles, was one of the top firefighting priorities in the U.S. after it rapidly grew while burning through a dense, rugged forest.

More than 800 firefighters were battling the blaze burning in the communities around Prescott, which draws a mix of desert dwellers escaping the heat, retirees and visitors to its famed Old West-themed Whiskey Row lined with bars.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey toured the fire zone about 100 miles north of Phoenix and thanked firefighters.

The flames crossed a road a day earlier and approached the town of Dewey-Humboldt, but officials said firefighters saved the community from devastation.

Authorities estimated that the fire burned a handful of homes, but did not have an exact count.

The blaze also forced evacuations for children and campers in a cooler part of Arizona that many head to in the summer to escape the stifling heat.

About 1,400 children had to leave summer camps run by churches and the YMCA among others where children swim, ride horses and participate in outdoor games and activities. Several campgrounds  normally popular sites for the July Fourth weekend  were also forced to close.

Firefighters on Thursday were also battling wildfires in California, New Mexico, Utah and Washington state.

The Arizona blaze grew slightly overnight but fire officials said lower wind speeds would make it easier for firefighters to try to quell it.

Higher humidity also helped firefighters on Wednesday despite a temporary halt to aircraft operations because of an unauthorized drone flying in the area. Several helicopters and fire crews had to stop working for about 45 minutes to an hour because the drone posed a serious safety hazard. Authorities did not find the pilot.

Ducey, Arizonas governor, noted that Friday marks the four-year anniversary of a wildfire that killed 19 elite firefighters in Yarnell, about 45 miles southwest of Prescott Valley.

He praised the elite status of those young men that we lost. And I wanna take that same type of spirit out as we fight this fire over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Elsewhere, hundreds of people forced from their homes by a Utah wildfire were expected to return even as the blaze grew.

Fire managers said Thursday at 25-mph wind gusts expanded the wildfire near the ski resort town of Brian Head to more than 91 square miles, though firefighters boosted its containment to 15 percent. The fire was ignited by someone using a weed-burning torch.

In Southern California, a wildfire burning on the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base and in the city of San Clemente was about 10 percent contained. Officials there say higher humidity levels slowed the fires pace.

Fires that flared dangerously close to homes in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles and in the city of Burbank were knocked down.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Wildfire Arizona
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The IRGC commander in chief reacted to Rouhanis statement, saying, If the government is without a gun, it will be humiliated and will surrender to the enemies.

On June 22, Rouhani continued the factional feuding in an implicit and tactical attack on the IRGC, He said, Part of the economy was in the hands of a government without a gun and we handed it over to a government with a gun. This is not economy and privatization. They were already afraid of the gun-free government, let alone a government with a gun to which we have given control of the economy, a government that also had the media and everything else and nobody dared to compete with it.

Rouhanis reference to the government with a gun was directed at the government of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former president of the regime, who let the IRGC to control much of Irans economy.

Mohammad Ali Jafari, IRGCs chief commander, said in reaction to Rouhanis statements, We are not afraid of these rebukes, and added, They may introduce us as the gun-owners, yes we are gun-owners and more than that we own the missiles that break the enemy and we use them against the enemy to protect the regime,  and protect the Islamic Irans security. We believe that a government that does not have guns will be humiliated and will eventually surrender to the enemies. He continued his attack on Rouhani by calling him unfair, and said, The unfair attack on the Revolutionary Guards brings the idea to the minds that there are other objectives behind the attack but we just keep silent in order to maintain unity, adding, Messrs. take memento photos with the development projects that IRGC builds while they owe billions of dollars (to the IRGC) for the projects and then they speak unfairly.

Ahmad Khorshidi Azad, director of population servants of revolution, said in an interview with FARS news agency on June 27th, Some dont know that the government currently owes 32000 billion Tomans (~10 billion dollars) to (the IRGCs) Khatam-ol-Anbiya construction headquarters and whenever they cannot finish their development project and become desperate they go to the headquarters.

The factional feuding between the IRGC commanders and Rouhani occurred frequently during Rouhanis first term. The IRGC commanders have repeatedly attacked the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement, which Rouhani considers a great achievement that lifted sanctions, boostedthe economy, and increased security. During his presidential election campaign for his second term of office, Rouhani noted IRGC actions, and said, Some came and showed photos of underground cities to disrupt the JCPOA. They wrote slogans on missiles to disrupt the JCPOA

New conflict between IRGC and Rouhani is the recent missile attack on Deir ez-Zor in Syria. While Rouhani stated that Irans retaliatory missile strike was not the decision of an individual or a military organ, but such decisions are taken at the regimes Supreme National Security Council, the IRGC stated that the attack was coordinated by the headquarters of the armed forces under the command of the Supreme Leader. The IRGC commander continued, In a situation where the nation of Iran more than ever needs the sacrifices of their soldiers and the power and authority of their guns and missiles, the unfair attack on the Revolutionary Guards brings the idea to the minds that there are other objectives behind the attack but we just keep silent in order to maintain unity. We feel that such statements are aimed at creating false bipolarity, evasion and running away from obligations, while these methods will no longer work.

In the meantime, in an interview with FARS news agency referring to the new U.S. Senate bill, Ali Akbar Kalantari, member of the regimes Assembly of Experts, said, Experience has proven that whenever we back off, the enemy becomes embolden and more rude in their action. Kalantari then attacked Rouhani, saying, For example, the IRGCs recent attack against Daesh (ISIS) will make the enemy passive for a long time. The countrys diplomacy men should also consider this point that if they back off against the enemys greed and become passive, they will take advantage of this passivity and hit us.
The following is the full text of this artice:

The Free Iran rally has been developing every year. The 2017 gathering is expected to keep pace with the previous few years, with upwards of 100,000 supporters of the MEK traveling to France from throughout the world. Obviously, the participants will mostly represent Iranian expatriate communities, but each years event also draws hundreds of politicians and foreign policy experts who recognize the global value of the MEK and the 10-point plan that NCRI President Maryam Rajavi has laid out for the future of Iran.

A Long Fight between the Mullahs Regime and the MEK

The origins of the MEK date back to before the 1979 Iranian Revolution., the MEK helped to overthrow the dictatorship of Shah Reza Pahlavi, but it quickly became a bitter enemy of the emerging the religious fascism under the pretext of Islamic Republic. To this day, the MEK and NCRI describe Ruhollah Khomenei and his associates as having co-opted a popular revolution in order to empower themselves while imposing a fundamentalist view of Islam onto the people of Iran.

Under the Islamic Republic, the MEK was quickly marginalized and affiliation with it was criminalized. Much of the organizations leadership went to neighboring Iraq and built an exile community called Camp Ashraf, from which the MEK organized activities aimed at ousting the clerical regime and bringing the Iranian Revolution back in line with its pro-democratic origins. But the persistence of these efforts also prompted the struggling regime to crack down with extreme violence on the MEK and other opponents of theocratic rule.

The crackdowns culminated in the massacre of political prisoners in the summer of 1988, as the Iran-Iraq War was coming to a close. Thousands of political prisoners were held in Iranian jails at that time, many of them having already served out their assigned prison sentences. And with the MEK already serving as the main voice of opposition to the regime at that time, its members and supporters naturally made up the vast majority of the population of such prisoners.

As the result of a fatwa handed down by Khomeini, the regime convened what came to be known as the Death Commission, assigning three judges the task of briefly interviewing prisoners to determine whether they retained any sympathy for the MEK or harbored any resentment toward the existing government. Those who were deemed to have shown any sign of continued opposition were sentenced to be hanged. After a period of about three months, an estimated 30,000 people had been put to death. Many other killings of MEK members preceded and followed that incident, so that today the Free Iran rally includes an annual memorial for approximately 120,000 martyrs from the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran.

The obvious motive behind the 1988 massacre and other such killings was the destruction of the MEK. And yet it has not only survived but thrived, gaining allies to form the NCRI and acquiring the widespread support that is put on display at each years Free Iran rally. In the previous events, the keynote speech was delivered by Maryam Rajavi, who has been known to receive several minutes of applause from the massive crowd as she takes the stage. Her speeches provide concrete examples of the vulnerability of the clerical regime and emphasize the ever-improving prospects for the MEK to lead the way in bringing about regime change.

The recipients of that message are diverse and they include more than just the assembled crowd of MEK members and supporters. The expectation is that the international dignitaries at each years event will carry the message of the MEK back to their own governments and help to encourage more policymakers to recognize the role of the Iranian Resistance in the potential creation of a free and democratic Iranian nation. It is also expected that the event will inspire millions of Iranians to plan for the eventual removal of the clerical regime. And indeed, the MEK broadcasts the event via its own satellite television network, to millions of Iranian households with illegal hookups.

MEKs Domestic Activism and Intelligence Network

Whats more, the MEK retains a solid base of activists inside its Iranian homeland. In the run-up to this years Free Iran rally the role of those activists was particularly evident, since the event comes just a month and a half after the latest Iranian presidential elections, in which heavily stage-managed elections resulted in the supposedly moderate incumbent Hassan Rouhani securing reelection. His initial election in 2013 was embraced by some Western policymakers as a possible sign of progress inside the Islamic Republic, but aside from the 2015 nuclear agreement with six world powers, none of his progressive-sounding campaign promises have seen the light of day.

Rouhanis poor record has provided additional fertile ground for the message of the MEK and Maryam Rajavi. The Iranian Resistance has long argued that change from within the regime is impossible, and this was strongly reiterated against the backdrop of the presidential elections, when MEK activists used graffiti, banners, and other communications to describe the sitting president as an imposter. Many of those same communications decried Rouhanis leading challenger, Ebrahim Raisi, as a murderer, owing to his leading role in the massacre of MEK supporters in 1988.

That fact helped to underscore the domestic support for the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran, insofar as many people who participated in the election said they recognized Raisi as the worst the regime had to offer, and that they were eager to prevent him from taking office. But this is not to say that voters saw Rouhani in a positive light, especially where the MEK is concerned. Under the Rouhani administration, the Justice Minister is headed by Mostafa Pourmohammadi, who also served on the Death Commission and declared as recently as last year that he was proud of himself for having carried out what he described as Gods command of death for MEK supporters.

With this and other aspects of the Islamic Republics record, the MEKs pre-election activism was mainly focused on encouraging Iranians to boycott the polls. The publicly displayed banners and posters urged a vote for regime change, and many of them included the likeness of Maryam Rajavi, suggesting that her return to Iran from France would signify a meaningful alternative to the hardline servants of the clerical regime who are currently the only option in any Iranian national election.

Naturally, this direct impact on Iranian politics is the ultimate goal of MEK activism. But it performs other recognizable roles from its position in exile, not just limited to the motivational and organization role of the Free Iran rally and other, smaller gatherings. In fact, the MEK rose to particular international prominence in 2005 when it released information that had been kept secret by the Iranian regime about its nuclear program. These revelations included the locations of two secret nuclear sites: a uranium enrichment facility at Natanz and a heavy water plant at Arak, capable of producing enriched plutonium.

As well as having a substantial impact on the status of international policy regarding the Iranian nuclear program, the revelations also highlighted the MEKs popular support and strong network inside Iran. Although Maryam Rajavi and the rest of the leadership of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran reside outside of the country, MEK affiliates are scattered throughout Iranian society with some even holding positions within hardline government and military institutions, including the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Drawing upon the resources of that intelligence network, the MEK has continued to share crucial information with Western governments in recent years, some of it related to the nuclear program and some of it related to other matters including terrorist training, military development, and the misappropriation of financial resources. The MEK has variously pointed out that the Revolutionary Guard controls well over half of Irans gross domestic product, both directly and through a series of front companies and close affiliates in all manner of Iranian industries.

In February of this year, the Washington, D.C. office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran held press conferences to detail MEK intelligence regarding the expansion of terrorist training programs being carried out across Iran by the Revolutionary Guards. The growth of these programs reportedly followed upon direct orders from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and coincided with increased recruitment of foreign nationals to fight on Tehrans behalf in regional conflicts including the Syrian and Yemeni civil wars.

In the weeks following that press conference, the MEKs parent organization also prepared documents and held other talks explaining the source of some of the Revolutionary Guards power and wealth. Notably, this series of revelations reflected upon trends in American policy toward the Islamic Republic of Iran. And other revelations continue to do so, even now.

MEK Intelligence Bolstering US Policy Shifts

Soon after taking office, and around the time the MEK identified a series of Revolutionary Guard training camps, US President Donald Trump directed the State Department to review the possibility of designating Irans hardline paramilitary as a foreign terrorist organization. Doing so would open the Revolutionary Guards up to dramatically increased sanctions  a strategy that the MEK prominently supports as a means of weakening the barriers to regime change within Iran.

The recent revelations of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran have gone a long way toward illustrating both the reasons for giving this designation to the Revolutionary Guards and the potential impact of doing so. Since then, the MEK has also used its intelligence gathering to highlight the ways in which further sanctioning the Guards could result in improved regional security, regardless of the specific impact on terrorist financing.

For example, in June the NCRIs Washington, D.C. office held yet another press conference wherein it explained that MEK operatives had become aware of another order for escalation that had been given by Supreme Leader Khamenei, this one related to the Iranian ballistic missile program. This had also been a longstanding point of contention for the Trump administration and the rest of the US government, in light of several ballistic missile launches that have been carried out since the conclusion of nuclear negotiations, including an actual strike on eastern Syria.

That strike was widely viewed as a threatening gesture toward the US. And the MEK has helped to clarify the extent of the threat by identifying 42 separate missile sites scattered throughout Iran, including one that was working closely with the Iranian institution that had previously been tasked with weaponizing aspects of the Iranian nuclear program.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) led by Maryam Rajavi is thus going to great lengths to encourage the current trend in US policy, which is pointing to more assertiveness and possibly even to the ultimate goal of regime change. The MEK is also striving to move Europe in a similar direction, and the July 1 gathering is likely to show further progress toward that goal. This is because hundreds of American and European politicians and scholars have already declared support for the NCRI and MEK and the platform of Maryam Rajavi. The number grows every year, while the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran continues to collect intelligence that promises to clarify the need for regime change and the practicality of their strategy for achieving it.
A one-year-old baby boy has died in an accident on a farm in Co Kilkenny this afternoon.

Gardai were called to the location in Johnswell, Co Kilkenny at 3.20pm this afternoon.
The Court of Appeal has upheld the convictions of two former bank executives, jailed last year for a 7.2bn conspiracy to defraud the public about the true health of Anglo Irish Bank in 2008.

The former head of capital markets with Anglo Irish Bank John Bowe (aged 53), from Glasnevin in Dublin and the former chief executive of Irish Life and Permanent, Denis Casey (aged 57), from Raheny in Dublin, had pleaded not guilty to a single count of conspiring to mislead investors by using interbank loans to make Anglo appear 7.2bn more valuable between March 1 and September 30, 2008.

A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found them guilty following one of the longest criminal trials in the history of the State.

Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Bowe to two years and Casey to two years and nine months imprisonment on July 29, 2016.

The men had brought appeals against their convictions which were heard over a week in March. Publication of the appeal hearing was restricted for legal reasons but today, the three-judge Court of Appeal dismissed the men's appeals and upheld their convictions.

In a 138-page-judgment delivered today, President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice Sean Ryan said the court had taken into account the extensive grounds of appeal advanced on the men's behalf and the arguments concerning their convictions.

Mr Justice Ryan said the lengthy and complex trial ultimately turned on issues for the jury that were properly identified by the trial judge and the trial judge had exercised his function carefully and correctly.

The Court of Appeal found no fault with the trial judge's rulings and directions and the jury had come to conclusions that were open to them to find, the judge said.

Despite herculean efforts by the men's barristers and the myriad of issues raised on their behalf, the three-judge court was satisfied that the men's trial was satisfactory and their convictions safe.

Mr Justice Ryan, who sat with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice John Edwards, said the appeal must accordingly be dismissed.

Giving background, Mr Justice Ryan said the case had its origins in the global banking catastrophe of 2007/2008 and its impact on the Irish financial sector. More specifically it related to the existential crisis that befell Anglo Irish Bank Corporation PLC that ultimately resulted in its demise.

Between September 25 and 30, 2008, and prior to Anglo's financial year-end, a series of back-to-back transactions took place between Anglo and Irish Life Assurance Limited (ILA) in the total amount of 7.2 billion.

They had the effect of significantly increasing Anglo's accounts in regards to deposits as at September 30, 2008.

The prosecution submitted that these transactions were circular in nature and had no commercial substance, that the purpose was to deceive the market (potential and actual investors, depositors and lenders) by giving the false impression that Anglo had received customer deposits to that amount and that therefore the state of Anglo was better than it actually was.

Mr Justice Ryan said the men's grounds of appeal included arguments about the role of the State authorities, among them the Financial Regulator; Objections to the admissibility of the evidence of the prosecution's expert witness, Mr Mark Hunt FCA; Challenges to decisions of the trial judge as to evidence of events that occurred after Anglo's year end accounts and also after the interim results were published; Submissions on rulings and directions to the jury by the trial judge; A ground based on the acquittal of the co-accused Mr Peter Fitzpatrick and other evidence issues.

It was submitted that the then Financial Regulator, following a meeting, understood the purpose of the transaction and had no concerns nor required any further action from the bank on the matter.

It was further submitted that the trial judge erred in ruling out the defence of officially induced error and/or entrapment due to the action of State authorities, particularly the Financial Regulator.

A draft report by the Financial Regulator on October 22, 2008, which referred to the transaction as being unusual and worthy of attention, was available to both the NTMA and the Department of Finance, according to the court's judgment.

The trial judge held that the conduct of the Financial Regulator and State authorities generally did not furnish a defence to the accused, but could assist in mitigating any potential sentence.

Mr Justice Ryan said there was no evidence of entrapment. There was no trap. There was no specific invitation or persuasion to the particular acts. The fact the Regulator was generally in favour of the 'Green Jersey Agenda', as described, whereby he wished for the institutions to help each other out to maintain solvency was not a basis for suggesting entrapment could have possibly arisen.

Mr Justice Ryan said there was no basis for suggesting that Casey could have reasonably believed the Regulator would have approved or not approved.

Denis Casey.

A belief that somebody else in authority in a supervisory and regulatory capacity would approve of what a person is doing is not evidence of entrapment.

The position of Bowe in regard to entrapment was even weaker.

In relation to intent, Mr Justice Ryan said: irrespective of whether the Financial Regulator was aware or, and in fact even if he had condoned what was done, that was irrelevant. It would not provide the accused with a defence and would not have rendered legal that which is illegal.

Mr Justice Ryan said the general objections to the evidence of Mr Mark Hunt, and particular grounds of appeal, did not have merit and were rejected. The evidence of Mr Hunt, the prosecution's expert witness, was admissible and it did not encroach on the jury's function, the judge said.

Mr Justice Ryan said the court was satisfied that the trial judge did not err in the manner he charged the jury on the issue of intent for the common law offence of conspiracy to defraud.

It is sufficient for a conviction that the prosecution should prove merely that the accused intended to do the impugned act or to participate in the impugned scheme in circumstances where the relevant act or scheme would attract the value judgment, judged by the standards of ordinary reasonable men, that it was dishonest.

After the jury acquitted the men's co-accused Mr Peter Fitzpatrick, Mr Justice Ryan said Casey's lawyers were concerned that the jury might convict their client on the basis that he was the Group CEO of IL&P at the time, whereas Mr Fitzpatrick had been a lower ranking official in that company.

The apprehension was that because Casey had been Group CEO, somehow or other a higher onus might be placed on him.

Mr Justice Ryan said the trial judge legitimately decided not to interrupt the jury's deliberations for the purpose of giving them further instructions. The mere fact the jury addressed the case against Mr Fitzpatrick before that or Casey did not provide valid grounds to apprehend that they were minded to approach the case against Casey differently simply because he was the Group CEO.

JohnBowe.

Finally, the conclusion of the trial judge that Bowe had consented to the practice of recording phone calls was one that was entirely open to him. Bowe was a long term banker, a very senior figure in the Treasury Department and must have been aware of the long-established practice within the bank.
By Natasha Reid

An Irish man described by the FBI as the worlds largest facilitator of child pornography is making a legal bid aimed at halting his extradition to the United States.

Eric Eoin Marques, who is alleged to be the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting, is wanted by the US authorities to face charges relating to conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography and advertising and distributing child pornography.

The charges against Mr Marques relate to images on over a hundred anonymous websites described as being extremely violent, graphic and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children.

The 30-year-old with an address at Mountjoy Square in central Dublin, has been in custody since his arrest in August 2013.

His surrender was ordered by the High Court in 2015 December, which he opposed. His appeal against that order was dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Mr Marques also brought actions over the DPPs decision not to prosecute him in respect of the offences for which his surrender is sought. He had offered to plead guilty to the alleged offences in Ireland.

Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal dismissed that action. Last month the Supreme Court turned down Marques bid to bring an appeal on that issue before it.

An application to the European Court of Human Rights, that would have put a stay on the extradition, had also been unsuccessful, the High Court has heard.

Mr Marques has now launched fresh judicial review proceedings aimed at halting his surrender over the Minister for Justices alleged refusal to use her discretion to halt his extradition.

Mr Marques was not present in the High Court for today (Fridays) hearing before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly. However, his barrister, Micheal P OHiggins SC, spent much of the hearing outlining why his client should have access to records that were before the minister when she allegedly refused to use her discretion.

He said he needed the documents to find out did the minister actually choose not to make a decision whether to exercise her discretion not to extradite.

As for his grounds for judicial review, Mr OHiggins said the minister should have had the DPPs reasons not to prosecute him here, and that she should have advanced those reasons to his client. He also wanted to ascertain if shed had regard to irrelevant considerations and had not had regard to relevant considerations.

He also said an issue of fairness arose, especially when the requested material was in the possession of one party and that no indication had been given about a difficulty or problem providing it.

It doesnt appear to be claimed that what were seeking is irrelevant, but solely that it not necessary, he said.

He added that it was of note that the respondent (the minister) was not asserting privilege or confidentiality.

I say that as a matter of fundamental fair procedures, it is necessary in a public law case that a decision maker places face-up on the table the cards the decision maker has, he continued. Not only do we not have the cards face-up, we dont even have the cards uniquely in the possession of the minister.

He said his client argued that it was a breach of natural justice and fair procedure not to be given the DPPs reasons and not to be given a chance to reply to those reasons.

My client should be given a chance to make meaningful submissions, he said.

Counsel for the minister has been given until close of business on Wednesday to provide an amended statement of opposition. The hearing will then continue on Friday.

Court of appeal

Dismissing Mr Marques earlier legal actions in the Court of Appeal last December, Mr Justice Michael Peart said he agreed with the High Courts conclusion that the DPPs decision not to prosecute Mr Marques in Ireland was not reviewable and the Director was not obliged to give reasons for her decision not to prosecute.

Mr Marques had no right be it statutory, constitutional or otherwise to be prosecuted for an offence here even where he offers to plead guilty. There was simply no such right known to the law, Mr Justice Peart said.

Citing case law, he said the constitutional right of access to the courts is a right to initiate litigation, not a right to compel suit or prosecution.

Mr Justice Peart said Mr Marques had no free standing right to be given reasons for the decision not to prosecute. If he had no right to even request what he was requesting, he had no right to reasons why his request was refused.

Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan said they agreed with Mr Justice Pearts judgment.

Dismissing Mr Marques appeal against his extradition order, Mr Justice Peart said the single ground of appeal was essentially that, if he was convicted, Mr Marques would be exposed to a sentencing regime in America that would be unconstitutional here.

It was submitted that a sentencing judge in America is obliged to take account of other uncharged conduct as well as conduct an accused has been acquitted of at sentencing and to do so on the lower standard or proof  on the balance of probabilities.

Mr Justice Peart said the apprehensions expressed by Mr Marques were based on speculation. Insofar as he feared that a potential sentence could be enhanced by reference to him allegedly making a financial gain, that fear could not amount to a substantial or real risk of unfairness.

Mr Justice Peart said he agreed with the High Court judges conclusions that all of the common law cases referred to the court concerned the burden of proof at trial. None of them demonstrated a universal requirement that all matters at sentencing be determined beyond reasonable doubt.

Referring to the European Court of Human Rights case known as Abu Qatada v the United Kingdom, Mr Justice Peart said the facts relied on by Mr Marques cannot by any stretch of the imagination be compared to the heinous and egregious prospect of a conviction based upon evidence or confessions  extracted through the use of torture.

That, unlike the apprehended regime in the present case, was something that very clearly breached an international norm.

Mr Justice Birmingham and Mr Justice Sheehan again said they agreed with Mr Justice Pearts judgment.
A Catholic Bishop has warned that many parishes and dioceses in Ireland are still functioning in an unhelpful clericalist mode.

In a homily to mark the ordination of a priest in his diocese, the Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, said such a focus was not helping those who saw the need to re-energise the modern Irish church.

"Clericalism occurs when the clergy think they have to do everything and then find themselves exhausted because they cant do it.

"A clergy-dominated church or parish will fail to develop the apostolate of the laity. And that apostolate is not a threat to the ordained minister. The priest is ordained to do three things  to preach the Gospel, to celebrate the sacraments and to lead.

"In Ireland we used to have a great missionary tradition that inspired thousands of our best young men and women to dedicate their lives to mission and go to the ends of the earth. That energy is no longer there to the same extent.

"The task for the modern Irish Church is to be re-energised by the mission of every baptised person to evangelise and bless our hurting country with the one who is the Way, the Truth and the Life."

In a wide ranging homily Bishop Mckeown also warned that an Ireland which embraces a post-truth reality in which everything is only interpretation is not one closer to freedom but one in danger of domination by the strong.

"It is ironic that after decades when we were told that there was a clash between irrational faith and reason, we are now faced with the reality that our culture is talking about post-truth and it is believers who are insisting the possibility of truth!

"We have such a focus on the individual creating their own reality and truth that anyone who speaks of truth and reason is caricatured as being dogmatic, illiberal or bigoted.

"A modern French philosopher wrote some 30 years ago that We live in a world where there is more and more information and less and less meaning.

Reporting - digital desk
A scaled-back version of President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban has come into force in the US.

The new rules are not so much an outright ban as a tightening of already-tough visa policies affecting citizens from six Muslim-majority countries as well as all refugees

Administration officials promised that implementation this time would be orderly after a previous ban brought protests and chaos at airports worldwide in January.

Customs and Border Protection spokesman Dan Hetlage said his agency expected "business as usual at our ports of entry," with all valid visa holders still being able to travel.

However, immigration and refugee campaigners are vowing to challenge the new requirements and the administration has struggled to explain how they will make the United States safer.

Under the temporary rules, citizens of Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen who already have visas will be allowed into the United States.

But people from those countries who want new visas will now have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with an entity like a school or business in the US.

It is unclear how significantly the new rules will affect travel. In most of the countries singled out, few people have the means for leisure travel and those that do already face intensive screenings before being issued with visas.

The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups challenging the ban, called the new criteria "extremely restrictive," 'arbitrary in their exclusions and designed to "disparage and condemn Muslims".

The state of Hawaii filed an emergency motion on Thursday asking a federal judge to clarify that the administration cannot enforce the ban against relatives - such as grandparents, aunts or uncles - not included in the State Department's definition of "bona fide" personal relationships.

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer met with customs officials and said he felt things would go smoothly.

"For tonight, I'm anticipating few issues because, I think, there's better preparation," he told reporters at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday night. "The federal government here, I think, has taken steps to avoid the havoc that occurred the last time."

Much of the confusion in January, when Mr Trump's first ban took effect, resulted from travellers with previously approved visas being kept off flights or barred entry on arrival in the United States.

Immigration officials were instructed on Thursday not to block anyone with valid travel documents and otherwise eligible to visit the United States.

Karen Tumlin, legal director of the National Immigration Law Center, said the rules "would slam the door shut on so many who have waited for months or years to be reunited with their families".

Mr Trump, who made a tough approach to immigration a cornerstone of his election campaign, issued a ban on travellers from the six countries, plus Iraq, shortly after taking office in January. His order also blocked refugees from any country.

He said these were temporary measures needed to prevent terrorism until vetting procedures could be reviewed. Opponents noted that visa and refugee vetting were already strict and said there was no evidence that refugees or citizens of those six countries posed a threat.

They saw the ban as part of Mr Trump's campaign promise to bar Muslims from entering the United States.

Lower courts blocked the initial ban and a second, revised Trump order intended to overcome legal hurdles. The Supreme Court on Monday partially reinstated the revised ban but exempted travellers who could prove a "bona fide relationship" with a US person or entity.

AP
The latest Bord Bia Brexit Barometer, unveiled yesterday in Dublin, has shown up multiple key areas where companies can improve. Pooling info gathered by Bord Bia since last years UK vote to exit the EU, it contains data from 139 food and drink companies trading in the UK, with up to 15,000 people participating in over 350 hours of analysis.

Irish companies are seeing that there are still opportunities in the UK, said Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia chief executive. We are not looking to abandon the UK, but we are looking at how Irish companies access the UK market.

Everything that we are recommending companies to do works outside of the context of Brexit. We have gathered a lot of data since the UKs Brexit vote, but we are not seeing this just as a reaction to Brexit.

We are saying that Brexit is the catalyst to do the right things for your business. For instance, 64% of our clients say that they are sensitive to any delay in lead time. Mushrooms, for instance, have only seven days of shelf life, so any delay in a port is a big issue.

Some 88% say their business model is very dependent on low supply chain costs. And 68% say that they are unsure if their supply chain partners are Brexit-ready. Were helping companies look at these and other pressure points.

Tara McCarthy said Bord Bia is to use all of the data gathered to create a best-in-class business model for Irish food and drink companies. With a working title of The Bord Bia Way, the model will outline a stage-gated process that will help companies improve their export performance in areas such as supply chain, route to market, in situ UK resources, along with parameters on trade, talent and currency management.

From the moment last year when the British public voted to exit the EU, the world awoke and asked itself what are we going to do about currency volatility?. Understanding currency management is a key piece in any business plan; our clients said they would be severely challenged if the euro were to stay at 90p [it was at 87p yesterday].

Outside of that then are understanding your route to market, your supply chain, customs and non-tariff channels. While 85% of our clients say that their main competitors are from the UK, only 64% have a dedicated resource in the UK, and just 39% have a dedicated strategy for the market.

Up to 80% of companies have not considered the VAT and cashflow implications of Brexit, while 46% have limited on no knowledge of the regulatory requirements involved in exporting to non-EU countries.

Bord Bia is working with its food and drink clients to develop the model for The Bord Bia Way. The model will be tightened in September, due for launch next January. It will house the best-in-class business model, along with key elements of programmes such as Origin Green and other Bord Bia platforms which have helped build an unique platform for Irish food and drink exports.

To date, since the Brexit vote, the Department of Agriculture has given Bord Bia a 4m funding top-up to help Irish food and drink exporters navigate their way through future challenges. The sector remains uniquely exposed to the still very uncertain outcomes that will result from EU-UK breakup talks.

By the time The Bord Bia Way is introduced next January, people may have a clearer view on business life post-Brexit. The new route to market toolkit will bring together inputs from Ibec, Enterprise Ireland and all of the countrys leading food and drink companies, several of whom are global market leaders.

Similarly, for yesterdays event to roll out the latest Brexit Barometer findings, Bord Bia was also accompanied by many of the countrys leading food and drink stakeholders.

As well as Tara McCarthys central speech on the latest Barometer and summary of the top risks facing the industry, the event featured inputs from: Michael Carey, chairman, Bord Bia; Catherine Day, former secretary general of the European Commission; James Walton, chief economist, IGD; Aidan ODriscoll, secretary general, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Alison Cowzer, marketing and innovation director, East Coast Bakehouse; Jim Woulfe, CEO, Dairygold; Dean Attwell, CEO and co-founder, Oaklands; Michael Colgan, head of Brexit Unit, Revenue; and Padraig McEneaney, CEO, Celtic Pure.

The UK is by far our largest food and drink export market, worth over 4bn in 2016, and while our trading relationship predates the EU and the European Single Market, it has flourished to an exceptional degree within the framework of both, said Tara McCarthy.

This trade relationship is very much a two-way street  Ireland is also the UKs most important food and drink export market, with imports from our nearest neighbour valued around 3.8bn last year.

While geographical proximity and a finely matched profile of supply and demand underpin this relationship, so too do shared cultural values and complementary worldviews: we are uniquely well suited to support and meet each others food needs.

It is against this backdrop that Brexit  particularly the variant that puts the UK not only outside the EU but also the European Economic Area and the Customs Union  presents itself as a deep and unparalleled challenge.

www.bordbia.ie
British media secretary Karen Bradley said she was persuaded that Twenty-First Century Foxs bid could give the Murdoch family excessive influence over the media, after regulator Ofcom assessed the impact of the deal.

The proposed entity would have the third largest total reach of any news provider, lower only than the BBC and ITN, and would, uniquely, span news coverage on television, radio, in newspapers and online, said Bradley.

The media secretary said she would take a final decision on July 14, giving Fox two weeks to address her concerns. Shares in Sky rose on hopes a full investigation could still be averted by concessions over its 24-hour TV news channel.

Murdoch, and his family have long coveted full control of Sky, despite the damaging failure of a previous attempt in 2011 when their British newspaper business became embroiled in a phone-hacking scandal which forced them to abandon that bid.

A public inquiry into the affair revealed deep ties between Murdoch and the political establishment, making the renewed bid potentially toxic for prime minister Theresa Mays government which is fighting for survival after losing its majority.

Bradley had asked regulators to examine if Fox would have too much control of the media, and whether it would be committed to upholding broadcasting standards if allowed to buy the company which broadcasts in the UK and Ireland, as well as in Germany, Austria and Italy.

Fox said it was disappointed by the UK governments rejection of its plans to maintain editorial independence of Sky News, and said a full investigation could push the deals completion date back to next June.

We will continue to work constructively with the UK authorities, it said. During the previous takeover attempt Murdoch proposed spinning off Sky News into a separate company. However, Ofcom said it was concerned separating Sky News could be counter-productive, given the potential difficulties in funding the service outside of the Sky structure.

The British government said Ofcom had no concerns about Foxs genuine commitment to broadcasting standards but wanted to look further into the impact a deal would have on the range of media providers in the country. The UKs political leaders have long sought the backing of Murdoch and his Times and Sun newspapers, sparking accusations that he uses his media empire to play puppet master in the corridors of power.

Tom Watson, deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party and a long-standing Murdoch critic, said the government was going through the motions and would ultimately approve the deal. The parties will offer up something new, which they always had in their back pockets, the secretary of state will accept them, as she always planned, and this merger will go ahead, he said.

History shows, he said, that any concession by the Murdochs would not be worth the newsprint it was published on.
Teagasc countryside management specialist Catherine Keena said pollinators, especially bees, are important, but unfortunately are in decline.

We need more wildflowers in the countryside. Bees need food all year round, requiring a diversity of flowering plants in the landscape.
Crane operators who are members of the Unite trade union placed pickets at the Sisk site in Capital Dock and the Cairn Homes site at Hanover Quay.

Unite said the action was strongly supported, with around 20 members on the picket lines while up to 200 other construction workers refused to pass them.
Brendan O Se, who is an English language teacher at UCC, took first prize in the Photographer of the Year category at the iPhone Photography Awards  beating off competition from thousands of other images shot on the phone from all over the world.

Mr O Se, shot the image with an iPhone 6S and said he took it on an early morning walk in Jakarta in Indonesia last year

I shot this photo on an early morning photo walk around the docks in Jakarta in April 2016.

These were the hands of a dock worker who was taking a break. I was struck by the texture created by the accumulated dirt on his hands, he said.

In addition to winning awards in several international photography competitions, he was part of the original Apple World Gallery of images shot on iPhone 6 in 2015. His photograph of a street in Copenhagen was showcased on billboards and posters throughout the world.

The photograph was spotted on his Flickr account and after being contacted by Apple eventually led to being selected for the campaign.

I ignored it, thinking it was spam. But they emailed again and, to my amazement, I saw the name Apple.

Big thanks to Serap - https://t.co/6fs8f2QoKd for sending these images of my Apple shot in Istanbul. #ShotOniPhone6 pic.twitter.com/QXoVvCn96q  Brendan O Se (@fotopunctuation) June 13, 2015

They were interested in two photos, one from Copenhagen and another I had taken in Berlin, he told a newspaper in 2015.

Mr O Se took the top prize ahead of Yeow-Kwang Yeo of Singapore for The Performer and Kuanglong Zhang of Shenzhen, China, for The City Palace. The overall grand prize winner was Sebastiano Tomada of the US for his entry, Children of Qayyarah.

Competition creator Kenan Aktulun said that the competition has gone from strength to strength in the last decade.

We are amazed to see how Ippawards has grown from a small circle of people and friends of friends into a truly global audience with thousands of participants.

In this time of political upheaval we feel very thankful to host such a truly diverse group of people and their view of the world, he said.

This years winners were selected from thousands of entries submitted by iPhone photographers from more than 140 countries around the world.
It comes as it was revealed that Kieran Hartley, the substitute for Mr Crowley, complained three times to Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, over the the fact that the MEP has not attended any European Parliament meetings since his election in 2014.

Mr Crowley has been in hospital for some time and has been unable to attend parliament sittings.

However, MEPs cannot be replaced until they make a personal decision to resign. At that stage, their substitute takes up the seat.

Mr Crowley, like all other MEPs, is still entitled to receive the MEP basic salary of 8,484,05 a month as well as a 4,342 monthly general expenditure allowance to cover office rent, telephone and postal charges and other constituency activities.

MEPs are also entitled to a reimbursement of two-thirds of their medical expenses.

Co Kerry Fianna Fail TD, John Brassil yesterday, criticised Mr Hartley after it emerged that he has written to the party leader on three occasions.

In correspondence, Mr Hartley said Mr Crowleys absence means Fianna Fail is not represented and this put the party in a difficult position given the negotiations ahead with Brexit.

Reacting Mr Brassil said: To me, Brian making a full recovery is the most important thing.

He said that approaching Fianna Fail headquarters to make a complaint is insensitive and inappropriate.

Another Fianna Fail TD last night said that it may have been a case of Mr Hartley being overeager to take up the position.

I think maybe he has gone about it the wrong way and it might not help him in the long run.

Mr Crowley, who has been paralysed from the waist down since he was a teenager, was elected an MEP for Ireland South in 2014, but has been absent from parliament ever since.

A spokesman for Mr Crowley said: Brian is in the Cork Regional Hospital recovering from a series of leg and hip operations and, once discharged, will personally address all and every issue.

However, he has still been working away from his hospital base and through his office staff, the statement read.

However, he declined to say whether Mr Crowleys office in Brussels is still being staffed and said he will not be answering anything outside of the statement.

There was no response when efforts were made to phone his offices in Brussels and Strasbourg yesterday.

His substitute, Mr Hartley, pointed out that, as it stands, Fianna Fail has no representation for 1.4m people in the Ireland south constituency at the same time as Brexit is taking place.

On a political level, we need representation in the European Parliament, Mr Hartley told RTEs Sean ORourke.

A Fianna Fail spokesperson said: Brian was elected to the European Parliament in 2014 with the single largest vote in Ireland and while he is currently suffering from ill health, we understand that his office continues to provide a full range of services to constituents.

We wish Brian a full and speedy recovery.
Photo: From left, Jobstown defendant Ken Purcell, against whom charges were dropped, Scott Masterson, Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy, councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, Frank Donaghy and Michael Banks celebrate after being found not guilty of the false imprisonment of then-tanaiste Joan Burton. Picture: Courtpix

The six defendants were cleared of all charges by the jury at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, nine weeks after the Jobstown protest trial opened.

It took a jury just three hours and 10 minutes to return unanimous verdicts of not guilty.

The court room, which was packed to capacity, erupted in cheers as the verdicts were handed down shortly after midday. There were cheers of No way, we wont pay, and several supporters broke down in tears.

Judge Melanie Greally told the men once the crowd calmed down: You have been found not guilty. You are free to go.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Murphy said the decision of the jury meant that an inquiry into how gardai handled the investigation is required.

The Director of [Public] Prosecutions can only decide to prosecute based on the file given to them by gardai and certainly it is our view a lot in that file was not true. They amount to lies, so of course, there has to be an investigation, he said.

Mr Murphy also called for the charges against 11 other persons present on the day to be dropped because he said the entire investigation is tainted.

The six men had been on trial since April 26, charged with falsely imprisoning former tanaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen OConnell for three hours during a water charges protest in Jobstown.

All six defendants had pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and Ms OConnell by restricting their personal liberty without their consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght on November 15, 2014.

The charges against a seventh accused, Ken Purcell, were dropped at the conclusion of the prosecution case after Judge Greally ruled the extension of his garda detention in February 2015 was unlawful.

The accused were: Mr Murphy, 34, from Kingswood Heights in Tallaght; Councillor Michael Murphy, 53, from Whitechurch Way in Ballyboden in Dublin; Councillor Kieran Mahon, 39, from Bolbrook Grove in Tallaght; 34-year-old Scott Masterson, from Carrigmore Drive in Tallaght; 71-year-old Frank Donaghy from Alpine Rise in Tallaght, and 46-year-old Michael Banks from Brookview Green in Tallaght.

Ahead of delivering their verdict, the jury asked to watch garda air support video footage taken on the day of the Jobstown protest.

In her initial charge to the jury on Monday, Judge Melanie Greally outlined the definition of the charge of false imprisonment, which she said must involve total restraint. She said if there was a means of escape, or egress, than the restraint could not be total.

Ms Burton, when contacted last night, offered no comment to the verdict other than to say she will make comment in the coming days.

In the Dail, Solidarity TD Mick Barry described the outcome of the case as a stunning defeat for the political establishment who wanted to create a powerful chill factor to stop protests. He described Ms Burton as the star witness for the State in the case and accused the Labour Party of a shabby attempt to frame socialists for standing up for their communities.

Mr Barry said the Government used the Jobstown incident in an attempt to gain revenge against those of us on the Left who have defeated you on the issue of water charges.

The Government is wasting a fortune in taxpayers money on these cases. The Left are on the front foot now, he said.

Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said the Dail should not rerun the evidence: We respect the court decision of course. This was a jury trial. The jury makes it decision and justice takes it course.

While a court case is under way, in this House we have always followed the precedent of not commenting on it in detail. We follow that very carefully, as in many court cases there is always the possibility of appeal, and I intend to continue to do that today.
However, according to the survey by iReach Insights, this percentage drops dramatically to just 15% in the 18-34 age bracket.

The study found that almost nine out of 10 people in Ireland have a TV licence but that this drops to 78% for those aged between 18 and 34 years old. Of those in that age grouping who dont have a TV licence, the reason is that they dont want to spend their money on it (80%).

The survey found that almost 90% of people aged between 18 and 34 years old think paying 160 a year for a TV licence is too expensive

Unsurprisingly, 94% of adults have a TV in their household and among the younger age group (18-34) 90% own a TV.

A total of 93% of adults in Ireland have or use a laptop or PC, with more than half of the population using online players (TV) on laptop/PC.

When asked What do you watch on TV?, 92% claim to watch TV channels.

As with other questions posed, there was a distinct difference among younger people, with only 86% of those aged between 18 and 34 years old stating that they watched TV channels.

Half of adults in Ireland watch online TV players (49%) and on-demand services like Netflix and Apple TV (48%) on their television. This number spikes when looking at those aged between 18 and 34 years old, with 57% watching on- demand service on TV.

This is mirrored when looking at who watches on-demand services on laptops and PCs. A total of 39% of adults in Ireland watch on-demand services on their laptop with this number increasing to 51% in the 18 to 34 age bracket.

In terms of what people watch on their laptops and PCs, 53% watch online players, 39% watch on-demand services and 30% watch DVDs.

A new trend noted among the 18 to 34-year-old age grouping is that they are more likely to go online to watch TV and on-demand services and generally dont want to spend money for online players (85%).

This age cohort is less likely to own a TV and those who do own a TV are less likely to pay for a TV licence.

When looking at the new trend among the younger cohort, it seems that owning a TV is becoming less important and online streaming is becoming more popular. Does this mean that traditional broadcaster should shift their focus to online broadcasting? notes the report.

In May, Communications Minister Denis Naughten dropped plans to expand the licence fee to devices over 12 inches. The move would potentially have seen an extra 30,000 homes facing bills.
Speaking at the National Economic Dialogue conference in Dublin Castle as it emerged an unpublished European Commission report has warned the Government not to cut USC due to the risks this poses to the economy, Mr Donohoe said Irelands finances are in a healthy position.

Asked about the European Commissions latest post-bailout programme surveillance reports warning that scrapping USC and a series of other Government plans risk overheating the economy, Mr Donohoe said the recovery is firmly in place.

He said any changes will take place in the existing fiscal parameters. The first step in all of this is to gain a further appreciation of where our prospects for this year. When we are clearer on that, that will allow us to be clearer on resources that are available for 2018, he said.

The [Irish] Fiscal Advisory Council chairperson, Seamus Coffey, said today that in their reports they are saying we are not seeing overheating in any key markets at the moment, particularly in our employment market and in our housing market. But what they did raise is the vista that if certain trends, particularly in our labour market continue into 2018 the way they have in 2017, then we might get to a point next year that we have more work in our economy than we have people to do it.

While just under 275,000 people are on the live register in Ireland, Mr Donohoes claim is believed to be based on the fact that a large number of specialised IT, construction and other sectoral jobs may be created next year, with not all positions being able to be filled by existing workers.

However, the suggestion is likely to be criticised by groups who have repeatedly warned that the Governments widely stated recovery has yet to spread to all parts of the country, with hundreds of thousands of people seeing little, if any, change in their economic fortunes since the official end of the financial crash.

Meanwhile, Mr Donohoe says he agrees fully with Taoiseach Leo Varadkars plans to potentially cut income tax levels in the next budget, despite criticism this could result in a hollowing-out of the tax base. He said any changes will be focused on sustainable, long-term improvements for the State.
More than 30 Irish citizens are known to have travelled to war zones in the Middle East and Libya. Some five are thought to have died, including one fighting for IS.

The Draft National Risk Assessment 2017 said that the experience of other European countries showed that the terrorist threat level can escalate rapidly.

The report also warns of a significant risk of negative consequences if Irish society failed to maintain cohesion as second and third generation migrant communities emerge.

The document said that given Ireland was home for a large number of international data centres meant that a serious cyber-attack could have a particularly damaging impact.

And the report said there was a myriad of security concerns relating to Brexit, with the future of the European Arrest Warrant of greatest concern.

The report said the weakening of IS in Syria was likely to see an increase in the numbers of foreign terrorist fighters returning to their home countries who may pose a terrorist threat.

It said the recent low-tech or lone actor attacks in London and Manchester were particularly difficult for the authorities to detect and disrupt.

The report said exploring new modi operandi was considered a hallmark of IS and that those currently used in Syria could be exported to Europe, with future attacks possibly involving car bombs, extortion and kidnapping.

It said the challenging nature of the threat highlighted the need for continued co-operation among partner states.

It said that the experience in other European countries showed that levels of threat from terrorism can escalate rapidly and the source and intensity of that threat could differ.

Irelands terror threat is currently rated at moderate, meaning an attack is possible but not likely. It is the second of five stages.

The report added: It is important to consider the possibility of terrorist groups resorting to cyber measures to advance their aims by, for example, launching an attack on and disrupting critical information infrastructure and networks.

The report said there had been a 139% increase since 2012 in the number of foreign nationals in Ireland and that they now comprise 17% of the population.

It said this had happened without any of the upheaval that has occurred in other countries.

But it warned: Failure to maintain this level of cohesion, especially as second and third generation migrant communities emerge, represents a significant risk of negative consequences similar to those experienced by other countries.

On the security ramifications of Brexit, the report said of greatest concern was the European Arrest Warrant, which, it said, provided a vastly more effective extradition mechanism than previously existed.

It said it was also concerned about the future of the Mutual Legal Assistance, Europol, the police aspects of the Schengen Information System, the Prum system for the exchange of fingerprints, DNA and car registration data, the European Criminal Record Information System and the Passenger Name Record Directive.
Jaanus Poldme, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to the unprovoked attack on Kieran Murphy, aged 30, on April 2 at The Square, Castletownbere, Co Cork.

Judge Sean O Donnabhain wondered why the Director of Public Prosecutions had not decided on a charge of assault causing serious harm rather than the lesser charge of assault causing harm.

Mr Murphys skull was fractured by the blow from the bottle which was more than half full and which knocked the injured party unconscious and when he fell to the ground he fractured his jaw on impact.

Garda Martin Hegarty said the injured party had been assisting local community groups for the Tidy Towns competition and a voluntary clean-up had been going on earlier in the afternoon.

As Mr Murphy was returning to his van at 5pm, the accused approached him from behind and slapped the glass bottle against the side of his head.

The bottle smashed against the injured partys head, his skull was fractured and he was knocked unconscious.

When questioned about the assault, Poldme could not give any reason for why he assaulted the man.

The incident was captured on CCTV.

Siobhan Lankford, prosecuting, said the video of the incident was available to be seen at the sentencing hearing. Judge Sean O Donnabhain said he did not require to see it.

Peter OFlynn, defending, said Poldme had some history of engagement with mental health services.

Judge O Donnabhain remanded Poldme in custody for sentencing on July 28 at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
Michael Keegan-Dolans uncompromising approach to dance theatre takes its latest form in Swan Lake/Loch na hEala. It debuted at the 2016 Dublin Theatre Festival and has been widely acclaimed in its travels since, including five-star reviews for its run at Sadlers Wells in London.

Now, its returning a little closer to the Irish midlands that inspired it, at Clonmel Junction Festival next week.

It might have its source in a famous ballet, but Keegan-Dolans work is far from tutus and arabesques. Its style is simple, its effect powerful.

Its by turns bleak, funny and poetic as it deals with a wide range of material, from the Abbeylara shooting incident, to rural isolation, mental illness, political corruption and abuse.

I never know what Im doing, Keegan-Dolan laughs when asked about approaching such a range of issues.

Im 48. I think if you pay attention, and are not attached to agendas like career or wanting to be rich and successful, the themes start to pick you.

I didnt think, oh, Im ready to do this piece. I think I was ready and I did it. I think Id lived long enough. Id seen people die. Id seen babies being born. Id been through a lot. You feel like youve got nothing to lose then. And I felt very strongly about the issues in the show.

Keegan-Dolan trained as a dancer and worked in that field from the very beginning of his career. Yet, for many years now, there has been much that is writerly in his work.

Loch na hEala borrows from the Children of Lir, so that the contemporary-political is shadowed by a deep, mythic past, imperfectly buried. He did similar things with Giselle in 2003, and The Bull, a Celtic Tiger retelling of The Tain, in 2005.

Keegan-Dolan recalls working on a silent piece several years ago. I remember feeling that the characters had this two-dimensional quality. If they were real characters they would have spoken to each other, they would have shouted and cursed.

"So, the next thing I did after that was Giselle, and Id seen some really good Irish theatre. Id just seen Bedbound (by Enda Walsh) and I remember thinking, why not just let them speak?

I didnt go to university. I worked in dance and music my whole career, so its amazing how you think, I shouldnt dare write, its for the intellectuals. But I remember going to show Enda Walsh my script for Giselle and he told me, Yeah, thats f**king brilliant, just do it. Dont think about it. And I did.

Musically, Loch na hEala reaches out from Ireland to include Nordic influences, with a score by Cork musician Kevin Murphys group. Slow Moving Clouds.

Keegan-Dolan recalls a stint working in Denmark: I couldnt believe how brilliant Nordic folk music was. Like many Irish people, I assumed ours was the best in the world, but there are a lot of contenders.

I started looking for a fiddle player in Ireland and found Danny Diamond. And he just so happened to be in a band with this guy called Aki, from Finland, who plays the nyckelharpa, a medieval Swedish instrument, and it was just perfect.

Rehearsals for Loch na hEala involved recruiting a troupe of dancers from several countries and having them live in Longford during as the company put the piece together. Perhaps as a result, the work simply oozes a sense of place. You can feel the earth underneath its fingernails.

Its a practical thing, Keegan-Dolan says. These are things we dont maybe give a lot of thought to, but they are fundamental. Take a simple idea: I grow potatoes, carrots, that kind of thing. We eat that food. And the dancers and performers were fed that food too. Were kind of eating Longford, that particular nature of the ground here. I think that really does influence the outcome, no more than the shape and acoustic of the room youre in.

The dancers used to live up at the top of the town and walk in in the mornings to the rehearsal room in the old army barracks.

Their walks in affected the process that day  the people they met, the stories they came in what, what someone had said to them, how people spoke. I think you can slip into the mystical easily when you talk about that, but it is really tangible, actually.

The long gestation of Loch na hEala saw it take on a number of potential forms. In the end I went for a more direct, austere, simple production, Keegan-Dolan says.

Some of the company had fallen in love with a wild, looser version, but I wanted to keep it simple. Its amazing how little is there when you think of all the process and work that went into it. What holds it together is the intensity of the performances. Simple things are incredibly challenging and often very beautiful. To do something simple well is quite humbling. So I find that very interesting  to try and go and realise it.

Swan Lake/Loch na hEala is at Kickham Barracks for Clonal Junction Festival, July 5-7. junctionfestival.com

Clonmel Junction: Other highlights

Crash Ensemble Irelands leading contemporary-music ensemble are the artists in residence for CJ17. Theyll be putting soundscapes into the Black Sheep cafe, duets by cellist Kate Ellis and guest violinist Yuki Numata, and a free sunrise concert at St Patricks Well as part of their Crashlands series.

The Cave: Peter Broderick and Loah Mitchelstown Cave, July 7. Trek half a mile underground at Mitchelstown cave to find Sallay Matu Garnett, aka Loah, a Sierra Leonean/Irish singer, and the American multi-instrumentalist Peter Broderick. Itll be chilly down there, but worth it for such a lineup.

Changeling The White Memorial July 7-8, Midnight: Stephanie Dufresne and Laura Sheeran return with this show for a second year. Its an immersive exploration of the supernatural, the occult and the feminine, inspired by the story of Bridget Cleary, a Tipperary woman killed by her husband, who believed she was a changeling, in 1895.

The Humours of Bandon, July 4-7, Hickeys Bakery, Fishamble present Margaret McCauliffes coming-of-age story, set in the world of childrens Irish dancing competitions.

Martin Hayes and David Power, Bakers Bar, July 6: Gloaming founder member Hayes is joined by uillean piper Power in whats sure to be an evening of great trad music.
On the eve of what would have been the late Princess Dianas fifty-sixth birthday, it may seem like everything of interest or historical significance about her has already been written, but an extraordinary Cork/Kerry link has essentially been ignored.

At this time of the year we read and hear so much about Killarney, but how many people know that Dianas great, grandfather was the MP representing Killarney at the turn of the last century?

James Boothby Burke Roche had a colourful past that the people of Killarney could not forget fast enough, but maybe this will change when they realise his future significance.

In the wake of the Irish Parliamentary Partys split over Charles Stewart Parnells involvement in Kitty OShea divorce, Roche was elected to Parliament for East Kerry as an anti-Parnellite nationalist, which seemed particularly incongruous because Burke Roche was divorced himself five years earlier.

As such he was a real historical curiosity.

He was the third son of Edmond Burke Roche (1815-1874), who lived at Trabolgan House, Trabolgan, and owned extensive property in north and east Cork, as well as in the Dungarvan area of Waterford. A staunch backer of Irish causes, Edmond Burke Roche was MP for County Cork from 1837 to 1855.

He was closely associated with Daniel OConnell in the repeal movement. In 1865 Queen Victoria conferred the title of Baron Fermoy on Roche, who then sat in the House of Lords, where he continued to take an active interest in Irish affairs.

His son, James, lacked the fathers drive, and, as a result, developed into the classical neer do well. While on a visit to the United States in 1880 he met and married Frances Fannie Work, the daughter of Frank Work, one of New Yorks richest bankers. James and Fannie lived together in London, but she later testified that he never contributed anything towards her support.

James Boothby Burke Roche.

Her father provided her with $7,000 a year, and she gave it to her husband, who used some of it to fund his gambling. In December 1886 Roche sent his wife to New York to ask her father for more money. She brought their daughter with her, while he held on to their twin sons to ensure her return.

By then, however, her father had enough of his son-in-laws profligate ways. Work refused to provide further money for her reckless husband, and persuaded her not to return to London.

If I had my way I would make international marriage a hanging offense, Work stated. Its time this international marrying came to a stop, for our American girls are ruining our country by it. Roche arrived in New York with the twin boys in February 1887. He sent a message asking Frank Work to meet him and the boys at the steamer wharf, but his father-in-law sent a servant instead.

Roche met his wife the following day at her fathers mansion in the presence of her father, who flatly refused to provide any further money. This was possibly the last time Fannie saw her husband.

One day, shortly afterwards, Roche arrived at his father-in-laws mansion with the twins who were almost two years old. He rang the doorbell, and abandoned the boys on the doorstep. He just took off in his carriage without speaking to anyone.

Fannie Roche was granted a divorce on the grounds of desertion in March 1891. The case received widespread coverage in the United States, especially in New York, where it was front-page news in The Sun, and The Evening World, which reported that Scotland Yard detectives were unable to find her husband to serve the papers on him. The case was also reported in Irish newspapers, because of the familys political prominence. The Cork Examiner had carried an extensive report of the divorce case on March 2, 1891. It therefore seemed strange that people did not know that James Burke Roche had been divorced when he was selected to run for parliament in East Kerry in 1896 as an anti-Parnellite.

The Parnellite organ, The Irish Daily Independent, highlighted the story during the latter days of the 1896 campaign. Roches solicitor issued a statement emphasising that his client emphatically declared to me that he was never served with any divorce proceedings. Although Roche won the seat comfortably, less than half the 5,600 eligible voters cast their ballots. Moreover, the 680 votes for his opponent  Captain John McGillycuddy  was more than double the 253 votes he had received in 1992. The formal announcement of the election result was received with absolute silence, according to the Kerry Sentinel.

Edmund Maurice Burke Roche, Baron Fermoy (1885 - 1955) and his wife Lady Fermoy after attending a society wedding.

Despite his win, Roche appeared very agitated. He was left severely alone by the members of the Party, the Kerry Sentinel noted. These gentlemen appeared to be ashamed to be seen in the company of Mr Roche in public. Indeed, the reporter concluded that it seemed they would have preferred to hear of his defeat rather than his success. During his one term as an MP, Burke Roche was hardly seen in the House of Commons. He never made any speech and was not even mentioned in the house records during his final two years. He just faded into obscurity.

When the Irish Parliamentary Party reunited in 1900, there was obviously no room for him. At a big unity rally in Killarney on April 8, 1900, the mere mention of his name provoked groans from the gathering.

If you show you can purge the representation of Ireland of men of the stamp of your own misrepresentative, Mr Burke Roche, William OBrien told the crowd, it would be an easy preliminary step to the abolition of the accursed foreign rule. Roche did not stand for re-election.

Twenty years later when his older brother  the 2nd Baron Fermoy  died without a son, James Burke Roche became the 3rd Lord Fermoy, but he died the following month. He was succeeded by the eldest of his twin sons, Edmund Maurice Roche, who returned from the United States.

Edmund stood for parliament as a Conservative in an English constituency and duly won a seat in the 1924 general election, and was re-elected at each subsequent general election, until he stood down in 1935. In 1931 he married Ruth Gill, and they had three children.

Their daughter Frances married Edward Spencer at Westminster Abbey on June 1, 1954. The Queen and other members of the Royal Family were among the 1,800 guests at what was one of the society weddings of the decade. The fourth of their five children, was Diana Spencer, who married Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1981, and became the mother of both Princes William and Harry.

If Prince William becomes King, it will mean that an ancestor on his mothers side was the MP representing Killarney, at the same time one of his fathers ancestors was Queen Victoria, who had played a major role in putting Killarney on the international tourist map.
There arent many people who would travel 7,000 miles to India to have dental treatment  and on their own  but thats exactly what 74-year-old Dublin-based Carmel Murray has done on three occasions.

The first time, in 2004, she got the brainwave to divert there after attending her nieces wedding in Ceylon. She was suffering from gum disease and had researched a doctor from whom she could get treatment at a heavily reduced cost to Irish quotes.

Whatever about the challenge of getting dental treatment, Carmel wasnt prepared for the culture shock: When I landed in Cochin I hated it the first time with all the crowds and the traffic. I saw all these pairs of eyes  thousands of people.

"It took me a full week and then I got used to the many, many people and the dirt on the streets. It didnt put me off.

"I said oh God I have to come back here again. Its just fascinating  the culture, the cuisine, everything about it; its just another world. I just wanted to go back and now I want to go back and go back and go back.

That she has done: As a retirement present to herself in 2008 the former senior civil servant at the age of 65 spent two months there, again travelling solo. Last January she completed a month-long stint and plans to go again in 2018, taking in China as well, although her dental work is complete.

Carmel has always been fascinated with travel and in fact once turned down a marriage proposal because of her wanderlust. I had a gorgeous boyfriend and if I had any regrets at all its him. He wanted me to marry him at 24 and I said Are you mad? I want to see the world!

Geography was my favourite subject in school. I used to look at the world map and want to go here and there. And I was horrified when he asked me to marry him. I said No, come back when Im 30, but of course he went off and married someone else. I think hes the only one I would have married anyway.

Carmel admits to being extremely single-minded, as well as being single: I love men, dont get me wrong, but marriage would be too claustrophobic for me. I wouldnt like having to ask permission to do this and that. I still have loads of male friends  thats the way I want it.

And she remained faithful to her first love, travel: I have been around the world twice. Ive been to North America  east and west; South America, Australia, New Zealand, India, Nepal and of course every country in Europe. All since my 20s  I spent all my money on holidays.

She also invites other cultural influences into her home by hosting language students in her three-bedroom apartment, giving them bed, breakfast and dinner while also earning some extra money in the process. I have students here all year round. I have never ever lived on my own. Ive always had somebody in my life  foreign students coming in.

Although she says she feels only 40 in her head, Carmel agrees the novelty of people coming and going is good for healthy ageing.

I could write a book now about all the personalities, the different kind of people Ive met. It keeps me young. I have no control over my body getting old. Apart from me getting Alzheimers or dementia, I have every control over keeping my mind young and I do think very young. Im not going to get into a rut or think any other way than young.

When she realised that she needed to get with the programme, literally, regarding computers, or else be left behind she did two courses with Age Action. The second, completed in December before her month in India, enhanced her experience of travel.

The course was fantastic. I learnt to use the iPad and smartphone and I found out about using an Indian sim card because the first two times I was there Id ring family and Id have a 400 bill. So in January, I made a few calls every day to Ireland and it only cost 35 for the whole month. And I was able to do Facetime and talk to my sister on the iPad every night. I was able to keep in touch as if I was in Dublin. 

Carmel stresses the importance of remaining sociable as we age. I find that the people whove got really old dont engage with other people. I think its very important for older people to get out. If youre at home talking to the wall thats not very exciting. It would put years on me anyway.

n Carmel took part in the launch of the Healthy and Positive Ageing for All Strategy recently, which focuses on a holistic and whole-of-government approach to changing attitudes towards ageing in Ireland, with the voices of older people as a core element. You can find out more at http://bit.ly/2svKmjZ
Friday, June 30th, 2017 (2:17 pm) - Score 987

The High Court in London has today approved a request by Liberty, a human rights group, to challenge part of the Governments controversial Internet surveillance powers in the new Investigatory Powers Act. The effort is being supported by 53,313 raised via crowd-funding.

The IPAct contains a variety of measures, such as one that forces broadband providers (BT, Sky Broadband, Virgin Media, TalkTalk etc.) to store (for up to 12 months) comparatively detailed Internet Connection Records (e.g. details of all the websites / servers youve visited) about all of their customers, which can then be supplied to a valid authority without a warrant (here). This occurs irrespective of whether or not youre even suspected of a crime.

At the end of last year the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) warned that EU law does not allow general and indiscriminate retention of traffic data and location data, except for targeted use against serious crime (here). Since then the Government has delayed a consultation on related measures (here) and now Liberty intends to tackle both this issue and three others.

Martha Spurrier, Director of Liberty, said: Were delighted to have been granted permission to challenge this authoritarian surveillance regime. Its become clearer than ever in recent months that this law is not fit for purpose. The Government doesnt need to spy on the entire population to fight terrorism. All that does is undermine the very rights, freedoms and democracy terrorists seek to destroy. And as increasingly frequent hacking attacks bring businesses and public bodies to their knees, our Governments obsession with storing vast amounts of sensitive information about every single one of us looks dangerously irresponsible. If they truly want to keep us safe and protect our cybersecurity, they urgently need to face up to reality and focus on closely monitoring those who pose a serious threat.

The 53k of funding might sound like a lot, although a major High Court challenge could easily suck all of that up in double quick time and it might also leave the group exposed to later cost claims. As such Liberty has applied for a costs capping order. If granted, the case will be listed for a full hearing in due course.

The High Court has also allowed Liberty to seek permission to challenge three other parts of the Act once the Government publishes further codes of practice, or by March 2018 at the latest. The group has instructed Shamik Dutta at Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, Ben Jaffey QC, Martin Chamberlain QC and David Heaton to take on the case.
In 2013, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved changes and additions to Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards, also known as CIP v5, which are a set of requirements for securing the assets responsible for operating the bulk power system.

CIP is just one of 14 mandatory North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards that are subject to enforcement in the U.S. However, it gets a good deal of attention because this regulation is centered on the physical security and cybersecurity of assets deemed to be critical to the electricity infrastructure. Within CIP, there are eleven reliability standards currently subject to enforcement under CIP v5, but there are plans to introduce more in the future.

Obtaining compliance under CIP is more about policy and procedure than technology. The firms that help the responsible entities achieve CIP compliance aren't widely known to the public. Because cybersecurity requirements for the energy sector are so new, there isn't a lot of competition.

Most of the consultancies in this space have rarely strayed outside of critical infrastructure. They're specialized, and have a lot of institutional knowledge and previous experience with these types of systems. Some well-known commercial vendors are working in the space too, but most only sell products that address certain needs under CIP.

After talking with several experts and those familiar with CIP, as well as reading all of the NERC documentation, one thing became clear: CIP isn't about technical controls. If technical controls are considered, such as an IP camera or a firewall, the effectiveness of said control doesn't really come up.
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Why the next tech revolution will be a female affair In Spain, companies such as Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Siemens, IBM and Microsoft are all run by women. This is no coincidence. There is a drive from the top to attract female talent to an industry routinely dominated by men. Because, besides being ethical, it makes economic sense. Nowadays, it is commonly held that only companies with a diverse workforce will survive. And so the women in this feature are working to reverse the longstanding trend for girls to turn their back on careers involving technology and engineering. It is a huge challenge, but one they have gladly taken on

Rosa Garcia was 36 when she returned from the US to become president and CEO of Microsoft Iberica. I felt a tremendous responsibility, she says. We pioneers had to do a good job for two reasons: to encourage other women to believe they could make it to the top, and to make directors see that putting a woman in charge was good business.

Since then, Microsoft Iberica has taken on one female president after another. Rosa Garcia was followed by Maria Garana and then Pilar Lopez who is now at the helm, managing a team of 700.

But the winds of change are not just blowing through Microsoft. The same thing is happening at Google, which has Fuencisla Clemares running the show, Facebook with Irene Cano, LinkedIn with Sarah Harmon, Siemens with Rosa Garcia and IBM with Marta Martinez. Clearly, when women are offered the same opportunities as men, they know how to run with them.

Rosa Garcia, CEO and President at Siemens Spain. JAMES RAJOTTE

Technology doesnt have a history of Its always been done this way to contend with, says Mireia Las Heras, Professor of Human Resources at the IE Business School in Madrid. It is a more flexible industry and its been savvy about making the most of both male and female talent. In the more traditional [engineering] sectors, the atmosphere is more favorable to men. Its not intentionally exclusive, its just that men have always occupied the jobs and so structures and procedures have been created to suit them.

In 2014, Google published data on the diversity of its workforce, deciding on a transparent approach to the issue. The report showed there were 70% men and 30% women employed by the tech giant. And of the women, only 21% were in senior positions and just 17% had tech jobs. Subsequently, LinkedIn, Yahoo, Twitter, Pinterest, eBay, Apple and Microsoft also published detailed statistics on staff composition, revealing that there was still a long way to go. But at least here was an industry that looked prepared to face the problem head on.

According to a recent LinkedIn study, between 2006 and 2016 the number of women in positions of responsibility rose 18% in the tech industry globally. There has also been a rise in women filling tech-based vacancies in general; since 2006, there has been a 67% increase in female designers, 60% in female directors and 43% in female web developers.

Irene Cano, Country Manager Iberia at Facebook. JAMES RAJOTTE

The US boss of LinkedIn in Spain and Portugal, Sara Harmon, believes that we are making gradual progress. I do think tech companies have understood the importance of inclusion, she says. At LinkedIn, we try to be diverse because we want to be competitive. The approach the tech industry has adopted doesnt seem to have filtered down to other sectors. Everybody knows its right, but a lot of companies have still not realized that its actually good for business.

The women in this report all agree diversity gives companies a competitive edge. When you have access to different points of view, any debate becomes infinitely broader and better decisions are reached, says Fuencisla Clemares, Country Manager at Google Spain and Portugal. Our products are aimed at everyone, so our staff need to mirror society to enable us to come up with developments that will be useful for everyone  irrespective of their gender, race, religion, culture or sexual orientation.

Its important to see women at the head of technology companies. We need role models. We cant always be falling back on Marie Curie!

Last year, Google announced that the number of women working for them had crept up by one percentage point to 31% from 2014. In Facebook, there was also a one-point increase  from 32% to 33%. In Microsoft, however, the number of women working went into reverse. In 2015, 31,064 of its employees were women but this dropped to 29,302 in 2016. In an industry used to constant and often vertiginous progress, change in this sphere is proving an uphill struggle, resulting in criticism from womens associations and the media.

In the last eight years, Ive worked in an office with more women than men and Ive always tried to make sure my teams are diverse, says Irene Cano, Country Manager Iberia at Facebook Iberia. But although the women who have reached the top in the tech sector are very visible, we shouldnt get the wrong impression: in Spain, girls dont want to study STEM degrees [science, technology, engineering and mathematics]. And only 4% of CEOs in tech companies are women. I would be lying if I said I wasnt operating in a masculine environment. In most meetings I go to, I am still the only woman  at best there is one more at the other end of the room. Obviously, this does not do much to foster equality or make it easy to express oneself. The fact youre in a minority makes you feel your position is weaker when it comes to giving your opinion and taking decisions. But I havent felt its got in the way of my career development. As you can see, here I am. But I have had to put up with a lot of things I dont think my male colleagues have had to go through.

All six women say their position within their respective companies has at times been met with surprise and curiosity. Obviously, we are different and sometimes, depending on the culture and atmosphere, its harder for people to understand and appreciate your style, says Clemares. For example, when I worked in consulting I was told I wasnt being assertive enough and my message wasnt getting across. This surprised me because I had a great relationship with my clients but I sought help and was told: Talk louder. As it was a male-dominated environment and I was different, they didnt know how to deal with it. Did that mean I had to work harder? No. I developed my own style which was also effective and got results.

At the start of this month, the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAL) wound up its first mentoring program, run by the Women in Engineering Project, and which aims to address sexual inequality in the sector.

Engineering is still a hostile environment for women, said one of the female mentors working in the renewable-energy sector at the projects conference in the Marques de Villafranca Palace in Madrid. We miss you! We are very happy being surrounded by men but we have to reverse the trend and realize that we at least have a different vision to offer.

This view contrasted with the optimism of one of the male academics, who had declared at the start of the conference that a balance had all but been achieved, eliciting a murmur of protest and a shaking of heads from the predominantly female audience. No, no, no. The battle from where they were sitting was clearly a long way from over.

In Spain, 54% of degree students are women. Most study nursery education, nursing, psychology, medicine, primary education or law. In the academic year 2015-2016, women accounted for 12.1% of technological engineering students and 13% of mechanical engineering students. Only two of the female executives in this report studied science at university.

Women still find it hard to imagine themselves as engineers and mathematicians. Families and schools should think about how they are educating their girls

Its a general problem, says Sara Gomez, who heads the RAL project and is the first woman to direct the University School of Technical and Industrial Engineering at the Madrid Polytechnic. There are fewer girls and boys wanting to study engineering. There is a notable drop in applications. But in the case of girls, its more serious. Girls still find it hard to picture themselves as engineers or mathematicians. A gender balance only exists in architecture and biomedicine. Families and schools should think about how they are educating the girls. They have to impress upon them that the only thing limiting them are their abilities, not their gender.

According to a study carried out by the LOreal Foundation in 2015, 63% of Spaniards think that, from the moment theyre born, girls are treated like princesses who will never have the ability to access executive jobs in a scientific sphere.

Pilar Lopez, Country General Manager at Microsoft Spain. JAMES RAJOTTE

In 2016, the global gap between the numbers of men and women studying to enter STEM careers reached 47%, according to the World Economic Forum. The imbalance is often attributed to a combination of negative stereotypes and an absence of female role models that help boost self-esteem and nurture the aspirations of girls with an aptitude in this field.

In IBM we run a program in collaboration with the most important universities in the country, says Marta Martinez, General Manager for Spain, Portugal, Greece and Israel at IBM. We try to indicate where most of the technical jobs will be while debunking the myth that these jobs are hard. Its one of the most important things we do, but weve been realizing for a while now that the intervention has to come earlier.

A recent Microsoft study showed that 11-year-old girls share the same interest in science and technology as boys. However, by the time girls reach 15, their interest has diminished. When we visit schools, we find theres an enormous lack of confidence, says Pilar Lopez, Country General Manager at Microsoft Spain. The girls say, Those jobs are not for me, I wouldnt be able to do them. Theyre only for clever people. And this comes from girls with enormous potential.

Technology companies have grasped the importance of being inclusive because they want to be competitive. Its not just right, its also good for business

When Sara Gomez goes into classrooms to explain what engineering consists of, she gets strange looks and is sometimes asked if engineering isnt just for boys.

When we speak to the kids we still see behavior more appropriate to the era I studied in than to this one, says Gomez, who took her industrial engineering degree at the end of the 1970s when it was commonly believed that girls signing up for the course were only doing so so that they could marry an engineer. But some of the girls come to me afterwards to ask for more details because they dont dare do so in front of their male classmates. They are scared they will be considered odd.

Engineering student Jessica Amo says that, although women are still in the minority in class, the atmosphere at university is positive, though the stereotypes persist. You still hear people saying things like, What are you doing here? Go home and wash up, she says. And there are lecturers who warn us that we will have to develop our personalities so we can wield authority when it comes to work projects.

Marta Martinez, General Manager Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Israel at IBM. JAMES RAJOTTE

One role model who is being resurrected is Ada Lovelace, daughter of the British poet Lord Byron. She is considered not just the first female computer programmer but the first computer programmer in history, ahead of her male colleagues when she published a program in 1843 for a computer prototype designed but never made for the mathematician Charles Babbage.

Now her genius is being celebrated every year on October 15, a decision taken in 2009 as a means of inspiring future generations of women.

Not even computer students have heard of her, says Montse Cervera, an industrial engineering student at Carlos III University, Madrid. But this is great because we hardly have role models. We cant keep falling back on Marie Curie! Thats why its important to see women at the head of technology companies. It makes it look as though its easier to get there.

More current inspiration will come from the likes of Pilar Lopez, and the other five female executives. I am very conscious of the fact that we need to act as role models, says Lopez. Attracting female talent is a fundamental part of my job. That would also be the case if I were a man, but I have my experience and conviction to offer.

English version by Heather Galloway.
Spain has become a net recipient of migration once again. In 2016, more people came to live here than left the country  a trend not seen since 2009, when the economic crisis scared away both Spaniards and foreign residents.

A Latin American waiter at a Madrid bar. Carlos Rosillo

As a result, for the first time in five years the population of Spain has seen a rise. On January 1, 2017 the figure stood at 46.53 million, a 0.19% increase from the previous year, according to numbers released by the National Statistics Institute (INE).

Immigrant arrivals in Spain peaked in the early 2000s, during the economic boom derived from the real estate bubble. But the influx ended abruptly in 2009, the last year when immigrant arrivals exceeded departures. And it was not just foreigners who went back home  a lot of Spaniards also decided to go abroad in search of job opportunities.

The United Kingdom is still the favorite destination of Spanish emigrants

At the height of the crisis, in 2013, Spain lost a quarter of a million inhabitants this way. Since then, immigration has started to pick up speed again while emigration slowed down.

In 2015, more foreigners settled in Spain than those who left, but the number of emigrating Spaniards resulted in net emigration, even though it was by a small margin.

Last year, for the first time since 2009, the trend was reverted: net migration was positive, showing a figure of 89,126 people. The data for 2016 shows the most intense immigration since 2008: 417,033 new arrivals.

Of these, 85% were foreigners, while 15% were returning Spaniards. In 2016, 354,461 foreign nationals settled down in Spain, while 241,795 left.

The main country of origin is Venezuela, where a profound political and economic crisis has pushed nearly 30,000 people out of the country and into Spain. Just under 2,000 returned to Venezuela last year, leaving a net figure of 27,674 in favor of Spain.

Even so, the Venezuelan community remains small (63,491 individuals in 2016), as the country has not traditionally been an emitter of migrants to Spain.

The main country of origin is Venezuela, where a profound political and economic crisis has pushed nearly 30,000 people out of the country and into Spain

The second most important country of origin for immigration last year was Morocco, with 21,386 net arrivals. There was also significant immigration from Colombia last year (16,809).

The largest foreign communities living in Spain by far remain Romanians (678,098) and Moroccans (667,189).

Also last year, 150,739 foreign-born residents acquired Spanish citizenship.

After Venezuela, Morocco, Colombia and Romania, the fifth country in terms of net migration was Italy, with nearly 15,000 arrivals. While more British nationals come to Spain, many Spaniards choose to move to the UK, making the net migration figure smaller.

Spaniards prefer Britain

There are still more Spaniards leaving than coming back. In 2016, 86,112 Spaniards emigrated, while 62,572 returned. And despite fears over Brexit, Britain was their preferred destination. For every three Spaniards that moved there last year, only one came back.

In terms of favored destinations, after Britain, Spaniards chose to move predominantly to France, Germany and the United States.

Number of UK expats in Spain aged 65 and over doubles in 10 years A new joint report by Britains Office for National Statistics and Spains National Statistics Institute (INE) has found that that 121,000 (40%) of British residents in Spain were aged 65 and over in 2016, and that this number has more than doubled since 2006. Drafted as the first document in a new series on British nationals living abroad and EU citizens living in the UK, Living abroad: migration between Britain and Spain also found that there were 116,000 Spanish citizens resident in the UK between 2013 and 2015 with around half of these aged 20 to 39 years old. And 78% of Spanish citizens working in the UK worked in the following sectors: public administration, education and health, banking and finance, distribution, and hotels and restaurants.

English version by Susana Urra.
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ANGRY Islanders demanded answers at a packed meeting to discuss the beleaguered floating bridge last night (Thursday).

Outraged Isle of Wight residents and business owners branded the management of the project diabolical, after experiencing weeks of disruption since the new 3.2 million vessel came into service last month.

Campaigners from the Floaty McFloat Farce protest group claimed four separate studies by Southampton University found any increase in height, weight, or width of the bridge would make it unworkable.

Despite those studies, the Floating Bridge No. 6 is 28 tons heavier, three metres longer, and a metre wider.

Cowes Business Association chair Kate Kirby said: "We feel very strongly that we are part of one community and this has divided us.

"It just seems unbelievable. If I had designed this ferry, I would have been sued by now. Why are they getting away with it?"

Island Independents leader Cllr Julia Baker-Smith said: "I absolutely share the anger and frustration that's coming from everyone in this room.

"But I also feel a deep and intense sense of embarrassment on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council for what's happened.

"The group that I now lead were in administration at the time this procurement happened.

"We placed our trust in our officers and the professionals who had been hired to do a job, and I am utterly disgusted, appalled, and embarrassed by everything that's gone on."

This morning (Friday) East Cowes Cllr Karl Love, who was among those to attend the meeting, said the vessel had broken down again.

"It's just a joke. This is not acceptable - it's just disgusting.

"Even when it breaks down, there is no customer service," he said.

Those who attended the meeting, were encouraged to submit formal complaints to the Isle of Wight Council by emailing floating.bridge@iow.gov.uk.

A further protest has been organised for July 3 at 5.30pm in East Cowes.




FERRY company Red Funnel has been sold to a consortium British and Canadian pension schemes led by the West Midland Pensions Fund and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of the Province of Ontario.

The Isle of Wight ferry company's current owners, Infracapital, made the announcement today (Friday.)

Infracapital, the investment arm of M&G Investments, has owned Red Funnel since 2007 and has invested significantly in the business over the past decade or order to enhance both service and capacity, according to the company.

In a statement it said the fleet had been considerably upgraded, and both on-board experience and customer service have markedly improved with 93 per cent of customers rating Red Funnel's services as excellent or good.

Ed Clarke, co-founder and director of Infracapital, said: "Red Funnel provides essential services to both residents of and visitors to the Isle of Wight and we are very proud to have supported the business over the last decade.

"The hard work of the management team and the investments we have made have yielded significant benefits to customers, the local community and its economy. We are confident that Red Funnel will continue to grow under its new ownership and wish the business and its employees every success."

Michael Campbell, director of the consortium, said: "Red Funnel plays a critical role within the community, is led by a strong management team and a committed workforce who are dedicated to delivering safe, reliable essential Isle of Wight ferry services. We are pleased to continue the tradition of investment in this proud 150-year-old company."

Red Funnel chief executive Kevin George said: "We are very grateful for the support provided by Infracapital and our customers over the last ten years. Red Funnel has benefited hugely from a wide-ranging programme of investment and improvement, and I'm delighted that these are being recognised with fantastic customer feedback and repeat visitors.

"We are all excited to be working with the consortium as we continue to grow the business and provide safe and reliable ferry services, value for money and great customer service."


To be able to put together a logical speech that combines porn with subjectivism, scatology with the refoundation of the political left, or French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan with German-American film director Ernst Lubitsch, and then to throw in a dose of regional jokes and Taylor Swift references  this is not something that just anyone can manage. But the Slovenian thinker Slavoj Zizek, 68, has turned it into an art form. Or into a show, as his detractors like to say.

Zizek is a controversial philosopher, an agitator who thrives on political incorrectness. His erudition, command of theory and vast cultural knowledge have made him a modern-day Sartre of sorts, at least when it comes to his ability to penetrate the public sphere, say his supporters.

Simultaneously, his overwhelming communications skills, use of language (as far removed as one can imagine from that of academia) and familiarity with pop culture have helped Zizek take his message to twenty- and thirtysomethings who are angry at the current state of affairs and at the neoliberal paradigm. He has connected with them because of what he stands for.

Oh, and because of his YouTube videos.

Some people think that the character created by Zizek and its viral nature have overtaken Zizek the thinker

His viral speeches, including a hilarious one in which he explains the differences between French, English and German thought by analyzing toilet design in each of these countries, partly helps to explain the long lines on Wednesday outside the Circulo de Bellas Artes, a major cultural center in downtown Madrid, to hear Zizeks A Plea for Bureaucratic Socialism. The venue was filled to capacity and around 500 people were left out, according to organizer estimates.

The case of Carlos Fulgado, an 18-year-old physics student, helps explain the phenomenon. He showed up shortly before 5pm to make sure he would get a good spot for an event due to start at 7.30pm. Fulgado says he found Zizek in a mainstream way: from hearsay and by watching snippets of his YouTube videos, most particularly extracts from The Perverts Guide to Cinema and The Perverts Guide to Ideology, two documentaries which he hosted and wrote the script for.

Fulgado says he attempted to read In Defense of Lost Causes, but this was a little too hardcore for a reader who was 15 at the time. Since then, however, he has already made it through eight to 10 volumes by his favorite thinker.

Zizek's thoughts appeal to disaffected twenty and thirtysomethings. Jaime Villanueva (EL PAIS)

He has subverted the classic way of accessing philosophy, the 18-year-old says. Instead of speaking from an ivory tower, he appeals to hipsters. He knows how to empathize with young people, through references to David Lynch and Starbucks.

On Wednesday, Fulgado was the first attendee to rush to shake Zizeks hand when the latter showed up at Circulo de Bellas Artes.

But there was someone who had arrived there before him. Pablo Castellano, a 24-year-old philosophy student, had been standing in line since 3.45pm. He confessed that he had not read Zizeks most important work, but that he was very familiar with his YouTube material.

He is very popular among philosophy school students, but academically he has no presence whatsoever; he is not studied, he noted.

Death throes of capitalism

There is no question that Zizek can really draw crowds. Nearly 500 people had packed the room to hear his digression in favor of a socialist bureaucracy. His main idea: that following the rebellion in the public squares, we now need an invisible machinery to deal with the important things in our everyday lives, such as health and education.

Zizek proclaimed that we are witnessing the death throes of capitalism, attacked the vacuity of newly elected French president Emmanuel Macron, took aim at globalization, and called upon the Left to fight for a moral majority.

He has subverted the classic way of accessing philosophy. Instead of speaking from an ivory tower, he appeals to the hipsters

Carlos Fulgado, physics student

The whole thing was peppered with references to people like Malcolm X, and delivered in a style reminiscent of Italian comedy actor Roberto Benigni in terms of accent, seduction, and ability to make people laugh.

The audience watched a brilliant, chaotic, incisive monologist who displayed a full array of nervous tics that make him a Character with a capital C: he grabbed his nose, stuck his tongue out of the side of his mouth, pulled on his shirt and pushed his hair back compulsively while he gave rein to his counter-current thoughts.

At a meeting with the press at the Reina Sofia Museum, Zizek said that he finds it very hard to give a serious talk to more than 40 people at a time, but that it is essential to expand the limits of philosophy. The time has come to revisit the major metaphysical questions. We do not live in the era of superficiality. There is an audience for great, serious theoretical work.

Some people think that the character created by Zizek and its viral nature have overtaken Zizek the thinker. But the fact remains that there is a thinker indeed behind the character.

English version by Susana Urra.
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Charles Womack, publisher of the Jamestown News, awoke Thursday feeling like I had been punched in the gut after learning that a bill targeting newspaper legal notices had cleared the General Assembly late Wednesday.

A compromise on House Bill 205 gives Guilford County the option to participate in a solo pilot program in which it could post its legal notices on the county website as well as publish non-county legal notices for fees ranging from $10 to $450.

Those notices could be in place of or in addition to notices in newspapers. The bill says that Guilford commissioners are not required to adopt the ordinance.

Jeff Phillips, chairman of the Guilford commissioners, said that to my knowledge there have been no recent discussions on the matter.

Once our board members have had the opportunity to understand and discuss the details of the bill, I am confident we will come to the conclusion we believe to be in the best interest of our citizens.

Before the compromise was reached, Buncombe, Durham and Forsyth counties were included in the pilot program, but without the opportunity for publishing non-county legal notices for a fee. Forsyth commissioners sent resolutions to bill sponsors saying they were not interested in the option.

The compromise also eliminates a workers compensation exception for newspaper carriers that has been state law for 20 years.

Both elements were co-opted into HB205 by Sen. Trudy Wade, R-Guilford.

Wade said on the Senate floor Wednesday that the compromise treats newspaper employees as every other employee in the state.

Previously, Wade had said her support of her HB205 rewrite came from rectifying the unfair misclassification of newspaper delivery workers and salespeople as independent contractors.

The Senate approved the compromise by a 32-14 vote at 11:04 p.m. Wednesday, followed by the House by a 60-53 vote at 11:47 p.m.

The bill has been sent to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. His office has not responded for comment on whether he would veto the bill.

Political analysts and newspaper officials said they believe there is a decent chance Cooper could veto the bill because the House vote margin was less than required to override a veto, and Cooper won Guilford by a 61 percent to 37 percent margin in the 2016 election.

We know the core of it is Sen. Wade going after the News & Record, but we are caught up in the mix, Womack said. The News & Record is a sister publication of the Winston-Salem Journal.

Womack said the biggest impact of HB205 on his newspaper is the foreclosure filings it attracts.

Womack said he already had begun preparing for lost legal notice revenue once he recognized that Wade was pushing the bill.

The bill is likely to create uncertainty among foreclosure lawyers about where to place their legal notices to accomplish the goal of the notices, Womack said.

This may just affect Guilford right now, but it definitely creates the opportunity for a slippery slope.

Tammy McQueen-Dunn, president of the N.C. Press Association, said the group will continue to fight to ensure access to public notices for all citizens, not just those with a computer and internet connection.

The statistics clearly show that the reach of newspapers, both in print and online, provides for greater access to all, including the poor and the elderly, who for reasons of cost and availability, do not have connectivity.

Concerns about the limited broadband reach in rural counties led the House Finance committee to reject Senate Bill 343  sponsored by Wade with the legal notice language  by a 15-12 vote Wednesday.

McQueen-Dunn said the late-night wrangling to make this bill pass should shock any citizen who believes in representative democracy and is a perfect example of lawmaking at its worst.

There is only one winner here, and thats the senator who sponsored the bill and forced this issue at all cost.

Mitch Kokai, policy analyst with Libertarian think tank John Locke Foundation, said the fact that this provision lived on as various versions of the bill faltered shows that Sen. Wade had a strong interest in this issue.

While I suspect that Guilford commissioners would like to be able to save money for publication of legal notices, the negative publicity this issue has generated might make them wary of taking the option presented to them in HB205.

Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, said he voted against the compromise in part because of the way it has been handled and in part because it is simply a bad bill and appears to not be well thought out and involved stakeholders across the state.
Police officers detain one of the suspects in Inca (Mallorca) on Wednesday. Atienza (EFE)

Abdelkader Mahmoudi, one of the four jihadists arrested on Wednesday in Mallorca, was planning a knife attack on the island, in the main square of the town of Inca. After questioning Mahmoudi and the three other men arrested on Wednesday, High Court judge Santiago Pedraz has ordered the four to be held in custody.

After listening to telephone conversations as well as analyzing material confiscated by police, the judge has concluded that the four men are members of a group set up by Tarik Chadlioui, a Salafist imam who has recruited people to Jihadist cells and who has traveled from abroad to Mallorca repeatedly to build a terrorist structure.

The judge says Azdad took money donated by the religious community for his own uses

The group is accused of spreading propaganda and indoctrinating members to carry out terror attacks while at the same time making videos to help attract combatants. One recruitment video, in which three of the arrested men appeared, was posted on a channel with more than 12,000 subscribers. The video tells the story of the radicalization of a young Muslim in Spain who then decides to leave for Syria to join the so-called Islamic State.

According to the indictment, Abdelkader Mahmoudi had declared his intention to become a martyr and would have planned violent acts (slaughter in the main square of Inca, stabbing passers by). Mahmoudi is also accused of preparing and sharing Jihadist material on instant messaging. Videos were found on his phone of public executions.

Abdelkader Mahmoudi had declared his intention to become a martyr

The supposed leader of the group was Abderrahman Farid, who allegedly organized indoctrination meetings and looked for new recruits. Working with him was Azzouz Azdad, who took part in the preparation and distribution of Jihadist content. The judge says Azdad took money donated by the religious community for his own uses.

The arrest of the four men came as part of a joint operation between intelligence agencies in Spain, Britain and Germany that began on Tuesday afternoon. There has also been an arrest in Britain and another in Germany.

English version by Nick Lyne.
A Niger man held in Forsyth County as part of a federal investigation is now facing deportation back to a country where his family and friends say he will face certain death.

Ali Marounfa, 56, of Greensboro, was taken into custody June 16 by officers with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations. He was placed in the Forsyth County Jail under federal custody pending a bond hearing in federal court. But on June 22, Marounfa was taken into immigration custody, Bryan Cox, ICE spokesman, said in a statement.

Mr. Marounfa failed to depart the United States following the expiration of his tourist visa in March 2003, and he also has multiple criminal convictions in Guilford County, Cox said in the statement.

According to ICEs website, Marounfa is in custody at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Ga. Marounfa will have a bond hearing at a future date in front of a federal immigration judge in Georgia.

Federal immigration judges work for the Executive Office of Immigration Review, which is under the U.S. Department of Justice. It will be up to a federal immigration judge to determine whether Marounfa stays in the United States or is deported to Niger.

His family and friends have said that Marounfa has been a vocal critic of the Niger government.

Ibrahim Dodo, one of his friends, has said that Marounfa is a political figure and has publicly talked about what Marounfa has described as a corrupt government in Niger.

They will kill him upon arrival. ... They want this guy. The people from the government are saying how they are going to (kill) him, Dodo has told the Winston-Salem Journal.

Marounfa was married and now has two teenage daughters.

According to online court records, Marounfa was convicted mostly for traffic crimes and infractions, such as driving while license revoked, improper equipment and failure to notify the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles of an address change. He was convicted twice of misdemeanor assault of a female in 2005 and 2007. He received probation both times.

Cox said that, in general, every persons case is evaluated based on the totality of the circumstances. Immigration officials would consider mitigating factors, and the seriousness of a crime would be evaluated. Undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes of violence would be given particular consideration, Cox said.

No criminal charges related to the federal investigation have been filed. Cox said he could not comment on the federal investigation because charges have not been filed.

Dodo said Marounfas family has hired a lawyer, Jennifer Stevens, who is with the Charlotte law firm, Phillips and McCrea, PLLC. Stevens did not return a message seeking comment Thursday.
They have their goldfish, their family photographs and some clothes.

But most important for the Cisneros family, they have each other.

Minerva Cisneros Garcia and two of her children, Antonio, 6, and Mateo, 3, took sanctuary inside Congregational United Church of Christ in Greensboro on Wednesday, two days before a federal government deadline to self-deport to Mexico.

The reason Im here is to be safe and my kids to be safe, too, Cisneros said at a news conference at the church Thursday.

Cisneros settled in the country illegally 17 years ago, coming from Mexico with two children in tow, seeking better opportunities for them. One of those childre, son Eduardo, now 21, is blind. The other son, Diego, died of leukemia in 2007.

She moved to Winston-Salem, worked, bought a house, paid taxes and gave birth to her youngest boys. In May, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials declined to grant Cisneros a stay of removal, something it had done as a matter of routine for the past six years, and told her she had to show them proof of a bus ticket back to Mexico by today.

In an interview two weeks ago, Cisneros indicated that she wasnt interested in taking sanctuary inside a church because she didnt want to fracture her family. Her youngest boys are American citizens, and Eduardo has protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy begun by then-President Barack Obama and left in place by President Donald Trump. Eduardo did not want to return to Mexico  opportunities are limited for people with disabilities  yet, he is dependent on his mother for many things.

Cisneros said Thursday that the decision to move into the church with her family was difficult.

She told the youngest boys to think of it as a vacation. Eduardo, who works at Industries for the Blind in Winston-Salem, will live with family and friends and visit the church on weekends.

Once Cisneros made the decision to take sanctuary, Congregational United Church of Christ stepped in to open its doors. The congregation decided more than a year ago to be a sanctuary church, the Rev. Julie Peeples said.

There are a number of churches considering becoming sanctuary churches, and it just so happened that we were ready, Peeples said. Once we heard about this family, we went to the congregation and gave a description, we asked, Do we have consensus? Do we want to open our doors to them? And it was unanimous.

A sister church, Parkway United Church of Christ on Silas Creek Parkway, has also been involved in Cisneros plight.

The Rev. Craig Schaub, the pastor of Parkway UCC, spoke in defense of the churchs actions.

In circumstances like this, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is forced to execute a policy that is serpentine and unjust and broken and willy-nilly and inconsistent, a policy that tears families apart, a policy that sends people away, our neighbors, our family members who have shown time and again that they are upstanding residents of the community, who are family-loving, Schaub said. So in these circumstances, we have no choice but to fix our gaze on the truth of God that supersedes U.S. law.

Congregational UCC cleared out a few classrooms in its basement, gathered some donated furniture and made living quarters for the family. It will have access to a kitchen, showers and a playground. There is also room for Antonio and Mateos goldfish, one of the treasures from home they took with them.

A family friend will watch over their house in southern Winston-Salem.

The church notified ICE and local law-enforcement authorities about the sanctuary it has provided the family. As of mid-day Thursday, the church had not heard anything in response.

ICE spokesman Bryan Cox referred to an agency policy that says immigration-enforcement actions at sensitive locations should generally be avoided. Churches are considered a sensitive location.

Enforcement actions may occur under pressing circumstances, Cox said in a statement.

At the end of May, Juana Luz Tobar Ortega of Asheboro took sanctuary inside St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Greensboro.

Ortega offered Cisneros some advice when the two talked recently:

Be strong and patient.
Eight-year-old Keira Esainko hand-delivered a letter to Sen. Richard Burrs office this week, asking him to remember her baby sister when he votes on the proposed Senate health care bill.

Her 18-month-old sister, Lena, has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that damages the lungs and digestive system and has no cure.

Lena takes about 40 pills a day and is hooked to an airway clearance machine for a minimum of one hour a day.

My mom and dad explained the AHCA (American Health Care Act) to me and I would really like you to vote against it, the letter by the rising third-grader at Jefferson Elementary read. I think it would be unfair if Lena and everyone else who is sick couldnt go to the doctor because they cant afford it.

Lena goes to the doctor a lot, Keira said, asking the senator to please write her back. She delivered the hand-written letter at a protest outside the Winston-Salem office of Sen. Burr on Wednesday.

Lenas family is concerned that she will be unable to continue with her current treatment, seeing specialists at UNC-Chapel Hill Hospitals  which includes a pulmonologist, nutritionist and respiratory therapist  every couple of months.

When Lena turns 2, she will become eligible for a drug, Kalydeco, which costs more than $300,000 a year.

I believe our insurance would pay that now, but if capped how much would they pay and for how long? her mother Eileen Esainko said. I cant fathom that she wont be able to get the care that she needs.

The vote could render annual and lifetime caps on the amount of services insurance companies will cover, leaving patients on the hook to cover the remaining costs.

I dont want to pick and choose when to go to the doctor, said Esainko, who also delivered a letter to the senator. This is my little girl.

A spokesperson with Sen. Burrs office could not confirm whether the letter was received, but said Burr has been a leader on legislation that supports those with diseases like cystic fibrosis.

Sen. Burr introduced a bill that was signed into law, The Advancing Targeted Therapies for Rare Diseases Act of 2015, which was incorporated into the 21st Century Cures Act last year, according to a statement. That legislation helped facilitate better treatment and research for those with cystic fibrosis.

Regardless, Esainko said she is worried that the passage of the Senate bill could cause her daughter to be denied coverage as the genetic disease qualifies as a pre-existing condition.

Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, insurance companies could consider a persons health status when deciding on the charge for premiums.

If a person had a preexisting medical condition that would cost a lot of money, the insurance company could increase the cost of their premiums or even deny coverage.

That is not allowed under the ACA, which requires everyone to purchase insurance.

A neighbor and friend of the Esainkos, Christy Robinson, said the bill could change the entire health care system.

With so many born with cystic fibrosis at a lower socioeconomic level, that terrifies me, she said. Its become so real for Eileen and her family. She didnt think health care would ever be a political issue.

Esainko urged people not to think of this bill as a showdown between party lines, but to think of the little girl, who loves her dear stuffed animal Lovie and needs medicine to survive.

There is nothing that Lena could have done to prevent this and nothing she can do to change it, she said. Please do not vote to penalize her and others like her.
WASHINGTON -- Let's imagine a Chinese "applied history" project, similar to the one at Harvard's Belfer Center that helped spawn Professor Graham Allison's widely discussed book "Destined for War."

Allison's historical analysis led him to posit a "Thucydides Trap" and the danger (if not inevitability) of war between a rising China and a dominant America, like the ancient conflict between Athens and Sparta chronicled by the Greek historian Thucydides. A study by the Belfer Center's Applied History Project identified 16 similar "rising versus ruling" cases over the past 500 years, 12 of which resulted in war. What would the Chinese say about the lessons of past interactions with the West?

Chinese analysts, from President Xi Jinping on down, have nominally rejected Allison's pessimistic analysis. "There is no Thucydides Trap," Xi has argued, claiming that he had devised an alternative "new type of great-power relations" that would avoid war by recognizing that each Asian giant had its own legitimate interests. More recently, he has shifted to arguing that "China and the U.S. must do everything possible to avoid [the] Thucydides Trap."

Similar protestations have reportedly been offered privately in recent months by a string of senior Chinese officials, and China's modest cooperation with the United States in dealing with the North Korean nuclear threat provides some hope that this is indeed a "win-win" game, as Xi and other Chinese leaders so tirelessly repeat.

An interesting thought experiment would be to imagine a Chinese version of Allison, who decides to examine the ledger from their side. What would such applied history teach the Chinese about their looming intersection with the dominant power of the United States?

I'm no expert on Chinese history or foreign policy, so I'll simply sketch some areas of possible focus for a hypothetical Sino-Thucydides analysis. In each case, my imaginary Chinese scholars would apply Allison's rubric for applied history (developed by the late professor Ernest May), which asked how each case was like its historical antecedent, how it was different and how that evidence might produce a net assessment.

Here's my list of testable propositions, from a Chinese perspective:

(1) Economic and cultural power is no substitute for military power. China was a dominant economic and intellectual force when it first encountered European power, but it lacked technologically backed military muscle. Mistake.

(2) Weakness breeds contempt. Western powers made a show of pledging loyalty and tribute to China's rulers and warlords, but this masked hostile intent. The Chinese were wooed and corrupted by the West's influence. Mistake. Allison quotes Thucydides' precept: The weak (and by extension, the corrupt) suffer what they must. Rooting out (or at least controlling) corruption is a central Chinese task.

(3) The West preached openness as the way for China and other Asian nations to absorb advanced technology and Western know-how. But the West exploited that openness to create dependence. Even Japan, which built an astonishing manufacturing base, remained dependent on Western raw materials and energy supplies. Mistake. The result was a catastrophic war.

(4) Networks of aid and assistance are good covers for expanding influence and military power. The Marshall Plan was a sublime scheme for spreading U.S. influence and blunting the Soviet Union, in the name of relieving humanitarian suffering. China is devising similar outreach through the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the cooperative development project known as "One Belt, One Road." The United States has done everything it can to prevent other nations from signing up to China's initiatives. Mistake. Asian development is the handmaiden of Chinese power.

(5) The United States argues that transparency and an international rules-based order are the best guarantee of security for all sides. But what this really means, through modern history, is that the United States makes the rules and others obey the orders. Adherence to the "rules" would have checked China's expansion into the South China Sea (allowing perpetual U.S. domination). And if last year's Philippine arbitration ruling had been enforced, it would have rolled back China's projection of power through reclaimed islands and military bases. Mistake. History teaches that China should proclaim that its intentions are limited, benign and non-military -- even as its power expands and it creates the military bases that will allow it to challenge U.S. naval power in the South China Sea.

I've stacked the deck here, a bit, with some of the cases that lead many analysts to assume that a rational China, seeing these lessons of history, will opt for a course that increases the likelihood of confrontation. But maybe I'm wrong; maybe there really is an alternative "new type of great-power relations" that would posit different outcomes. I await such an analysis from my imaginary Chinese counterpart to Graham Allison.
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

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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
Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High 71F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.

Tonight

Becoming partly cloudy after some evening rain. Low 53F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning. Increasing clouds with periods of showers later in the day. High 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
The lower house of the German Parliament [official website] voted 393-226 Friday to legalize same-sex marriage. The decision came shortly after Chancellor Angela Merkel [official website] changed her conservative stance [NYT report] on the issue. Although Merkel voted against the move she encouraged lawmakers to vote with their conscience instead of along party lines. Before allowing civil unions in 2001, Germany had a history [Reuters report] of anti-homosexual legislation. Earlier this month the German Parliament passed a bill [JURIST report] to compensate thousands of individuals who had been persecuted and imprisoned for their sexuality. The law under which the individuals had been convicted is paragraph 175 [text] of Germanys criminal code, and was put in place in 1871. The scope of the law was broadened under the Nazi regime, and was used to convict men as recently as 1967. Homosexuality was decriminalized in West Germany in 1969. Germany is the 23rd country to legalize same-sex marriage and joins over a dozen European nations including Britain, France, Ireland and Spain. The measure was passed during Parliaments final session before summer recess.

In May Taiwans constitutional court, the Judicial Yuan [official website], declared [JURIST report] that same-sex marriages will be legally recognized. Despite the increase in countries ruling in favor of same-sex marriage [Reuters map], many are still prosecuted around the world for engaging in homosexual relationships. In April Nigerian prosecutors in Kaduna charged 53 men [JURIST report] for celebrating an LGBTQ wedding in violation of the states law against unlawful assembly and the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act [text]. A day earlier the Human Rights Watch [advocacy website] and other advocacy groups urged [JURIST report] UN Secretary General to investigate alleged abuse against LGBT people in Chechnya. According to the open letter about 100 gay and bisexual men have been detained, went missing, were tortured, or were murdered under the authority of Chechen officials. Also in April A UK high court stayed the extradition [JURIST report] of a gay British man, Rosslee Charles, to Turkey given concerns over his safety. In March Germany Justice Minister Heiko Maas [official profile] announced that the countrys cabinet has approved a measure [JURIST report] to pardon and provide compensation to approximately 50,000 men convicted under a Nazi-era law against homosexuality.
GMC is General Motors second largest division by sales volume in North America. While traditionally a truck brand, it continues to evolve, with smaller and more fuel efficient SUVs and crossovers added in recent years. That strategy is working well, with sales for the year to the end of May reaching 221,741 units, a year on year gain of five per cent.

Free Report What's next for the Automotive industry? The theory of the peak car  particularly in the triad markets of the US, West Europe and Japan  and the need for sustainable transportation have driven the pivot to mobility in the automotive industry. Both of these drivers are motivating OEMs to change, while society at large is interested in sustainable transport. GlobalDatas forward-looking report provides you with insights into the direction that the automotive industry is heading in the next few years. It covers: The forces transitioning automotive to mobility services

CASE megatrends, and their relationship with COVID-19

The way forward for autonomous vehicles

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Crossovers & SUVs

Is there a sub-compact SUV in GMCs future? It does seem possible, especially with vehicles such as the Jeep Renegade still selling well in North America and Ford planning to export the EcoSport from India to the US and Canada commencing in early 2018.

The potential for a small crossover or SUV for GMC goes back more than seven years.

The potential for a small crossover or SUV for GMC division goes back more than seven years: a concept turned up at the Detroit motor show in January 2010. No details of the architecture were given but the 103.6-inch wheelbase dimension stated by GM was identical to that of the first generation Opel Meriva. A small minivan/SUV crossover would have been an unusual move for the GMC brand and reports at the 2012 Detroit motor show said that there was no future for the Granite concept.

There have been reports out of the US that GM might introduce at least one new product smaller than the current Terrain. This may well be an SUV based on the Chevrolet Trax or Opel Crossland X.

GM has applied for an extension of its trademark of Graphyte as a vehicle name, it was discovered in January 2016. A GMC Graphyte could be a logical model to launch in North America, giving the division added reach at a time when interest in small SUVs remains on the rise. A release date of late 2018 is rumoured. Production would likely be either at Bupyeong in South Korea or at San Luis Potosi in Mexico.

The 4,630mm long Terrain is currently GMCs smallest model. The current generation of this SUV uses GMs Global Delta platform. Production commenced in May with the first deliveries to US dealers taking place a few weeks later. The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is closely related to this vehicle.

The D2UG Terrain had its global debut at the Detroit auto show in January, new for North Americas 2018 model year. There are three turbocharged engines: a 1.5- and 2.0-litre petrol/gasoline units and a 1.6-litre diesel. Model grades in the USA, the main market, are SL, SLE, SLT and Denali. The petrol engines are each linked to a standard nine-speed automatic gearbox.

There was a shock to the workforce in the town of Ingersoll when GM Canada announced that Terrain production would take place at San Luis Potosi in Mexico rather than at the CAMI plant in Ontario. The reason given was a planned expansion of Chevrolet Equinox build at the Canadian plant.

The Terrain should be facelifted in 2021 and replaced in 2026.

GMT177, a much older Terrain based on the Theta platform, is still sold in certain markets; mainly in the Middle East. This 4,707mm long SUV is a legacy of the era when General Motors sold two similarly sized models with this model name.

The just-replaced Terrain for North America was larger than the original SUV which had its global premiere at the Kuwait International Motor Show in November 2007. The shorter wheelbase (2,707mm) Terrain was launched in Middle Eastern markets one month after its motor show debut. Grille apart, this Terrain is identical to the Opel Antara which it was built alongside at GM Koreas Bupyeong plant.

GMCs North American dealers received the bigger, more aggressively-styled Terrain in October 2009 following that vehicles premiere at the New York Auto Show six months previously. It was the effective replacement for the GMC Envoy.

Terrain production at the CAMI plant in Ontario started in August 2009. Suzuki ceased manufacturing its XL-7 at the facility to make way for the 2010 GMC Terrain. GM Canada then bought out Suzukis 50% in the JV in December 2009.

The Terrain which is still sold outside North America in markets such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and the UAE will soon be replaced by D2UG.

The Terrain which is still sold outside North America in markets such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and the UAE will soon be replaced by D2UG. This is the model which has just gone on sale in North America.

A Canyon-based SUV is expected to be added to GMCs line-up in CY2020 or 2021. It would be a rival for the future Ford Bronco and use an evolution of GMs mid-size pick-up platform.

GMCs model range also includes a large crossover, the Acadia. The current generation model is not only shorter (4,917mm) than the previous one (5,101mm) but it is far lighter too. GM quotes the 2WD versions weighing from 1,794kg versus 2,112kg for the old model.

The 2017 Acadia was the first GM vehicle to use the C1XX architecture. This front- and/or all-wheel drive platform is mainly for crossovers and SUVs and was developed with several wheelbases in mind. The body structure incorporates press-hardened, high-strength steels, which allowed thinner components in some areas offering, so GM claims, comparable or better crash performance than conventional materials. They also help reduce the Acadias base curb weight by 700 pounds (318 kg), compared to the previous model.

The big crossover is manufactured in Tennessee at the former Saturn plant, whereas the previous model was built at Lansing in Michigan. The 2017 Acadia premiered at the Detroit auto show in January 2016.

GM Holden is to gain a version of the Acadia from CY2018. Two years later, the GMC original should be facelifted, and then again in 2023, with the follow-up model due for release in 2026. This vehicle will be based on C2XX, a thorough update of C1XX.

The current generation of the Yukon, (model code: K2UG) a family of big SUVs, was revealed to the media in September 2013 and was new in early CY2014 for the 2015 model year. While the frame of these models was new, the wheelbases are identical to those of the previous generation models.

General Motors 355hp 5.3-litre EcoTec3 V8 (L83) is standard, though the pricier Denali model grade brings with it a standard 420hp 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 (L86). Both engines originally came with a standard Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. For the 2015 model year, the Denali and Denali XL gained GMs Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed auto, in combination with the 6.2-litre engine.

The K2YG Yukon XL has an approximately 14-inch longer wheelbase and is approximately 20 inches longer overall, providing greater legroom for third-row passengers and almost twice the cargo room behind the third-row seat.

The Yukon and Yukon XL are the twins of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

The 2018 Yukon Denali receives a facelift and a ten-speed automatic gearbox.

There were only minor changes for North Americas 2016 model year. The same applied for the 2017 model year. The 2018 Denali was announced in May. As expected, it has had a facelift and gains a ten-speed automatic gearbox.

In common with GMs other large SUVs which are sold mainly in North America, the next Yukon series should be based on the T1XX architecture. There may also be PHEV variants, though this is not yet confirmed.

Pick-ups

The Canyon is a body-on-frame pick-up which is manufactured at GMs Wentzville plant in Missouri. The current generation was announced in September 2012, a teaser image showing part of its front end was revealed in August 2013 and the vehicle finally had its global debut at the Detroit auto show in January 2014.

New for North Americas 2015 model year, the Canyon remains available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. Body styles include an extended cab and six-foot bed, crew cab with five-foot bed or crew cab with six-foot bed. The Denali model grade was added for the 2017 model year, premiering at November 2015s LA auto show. It went on sale in late 2016.

The standard engine is a 193hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit, with a 302hp 3.6-litre V6 optional. A 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel Duramax engine became available during late 2015. This was part of the news for the 2016 model year line-up.

In April 2013, GM said the Canyon would offer 95% of the capability of some of its larger pick-ups but with better fuel economy. It would not be near-identical to the existing Chevrolet Colorado, either (as was the case with the previous generation Canyon and Colorado). That promise was fulfilled when the 2015 Canyon was revealed in January 2014: it looks quite different to the Chevrolet Colorado. In North American markets, both GM trucks are rivals for the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.

A Canyon successor should be on sale in late 2021.

Production of the 2015 Canyon commenced in late 2014. The next change should be a facelift for the 2019 model year. A successor model should be on sale in late 2021 and this is likely to be based on an update of the frame platform which is used for the existing vehicle.

GMCs best seller is of course the Sierra, big brother to the Canyon. General Motors revealed the latest generation model plus its twin, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado (Chevrolet Cheyenne in Mexico), to the media in December 2012. The public debut followed a month later at the Detroit auto show.

GM began building K2XG, the 2014 Sierra and Silverado/Cheyenne crew cabs, in May 2013. Build of other cab styles followed from late 2013. Engineering changes over the previous shape trucks include an aluminium hood, more high-strength steel in the body, a new frame, and electric power steering.

There are three engines, each of which is branded EcoTec3. The base unit is a 285hp 4.3-litre V6. There are also 355hp 5.3-litre and 376hp 6.2-litre V8s, part of GMs fifth generation small block family. A sole six-speed automatic gearbox originally featured but an eight-speed unit was new for 2015 model year 6.2-litre variants.

Crew cab customers, who represent more than 60 per cent of retail Sierra owners, can choose between two bed lengths: a 6-foot, 6-inch box is available in addition to the standard 5-foot, 8-inch box. Regular cabs continue to be available with the 6-foot, 6-inch or 8-foot box lengths, while the double cab comes exclusively with a 6-foot, 6-inch box.

Wheelbases are as follows:

Regular Cab with 6 6 box: 119 / 3,023mm

Regular Cab with 8 box: 133 / 3,378mm

Double Cab with 6 6 box: 143.5 / 3,645mm

Crew Cab with 5 8 box: 143.5 / 3,645mm

Crew Cab with 6 6 box: 153 / 3,886mm

The first 2014 GMC Sierras and Chevrolet Silverados were in US showrooms from July 2013.

The former Sierra & Silverado 1500 Hybrids were not replaced, due to low sales.

The 1500 Crew Cab is manufactured in Silao, Mexico and Flint, Michigan. The Regular Cab and Double Cab are manufactured at Fort Wayne, Indiana.

A facelifted Sierra 1500, along with equivalent changes for the Chevrolet Silverado, was announced by GM in July 2015. This was the 2016 model year truck. Its public debut was at September 2015s State Fair of Texas. The Denali Ultimate followed two months later, its debut being at the LA auto show. The 2016 Sierra Denali Ultimate went on sale in March 2016. The Sierra 1500 had only some minor changes for the 2017 model year.

General Motors is said to be developing an aluminium-bodied replacement for the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado twins.

General Motors is said to be developing an aluminium-bodied replacement for the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado twins. This would mean a short lifecycle (five years) for the current Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500. Alcoa and Novelis are believed to have signed contracts with GM for the supply of aluminium sheets for the next pick-ups.

The 1500 Crew Cab should be manufactured in Silao, Mexico and Flint, Michigan. The Regular Cab and Double Cab should be manufactured at Fort Wayne, Indiana. T1XG, the 2020 Sierra 1500, is expected to be in US dealerships from October 2018 and to have a 7-8 year life cycle.

Given that the current (K2XG) Heavy Duty versions of the Sierra have only been available since CY2014, GM will likely keep these in production until 2021. As with previous generations of this full-sized pick-up family, the Sierra 2500HD & 3500HD are twinned with the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD & 3500HD. GMC division however, has the unique Denali HD. All are built alongside one another at two plants and both model series were unveiled at the State Fair of Texas in September 2013.

These trucks, which went on sale in North American markets from the first quarter of 2014, feature what was claimed at the time of their introduction to be segment-leading capabilities across the range. This, GM, said, included the highest payload  7,374 pounds  and the highest conventional trailering rating  19,600 pounds.

A double-cab, which features forward-hinged rear doors, replaced the former extended cab, and allows easier access to the back seat, especially in tight parking spaces.

GM offers these trucks with the choice of a 397hp 6.6-litre Duramax turbo diesel or a 360hp 6.0-litre Vortec V8. A 6.0-litre bi-fuel V8, which can run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas, is available on regular-cab, crew-cab and double-cab Silverado 2500 and 3500 model variants. A version rated at 322 horsepower is standard on 3500s.

The transmission for the Duramax diesel is an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic, while other engines come with GMs Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic.

There are five wheelbases:

Regular Cab Long Box  133.5 / 3,393mm

Double Cab Standard Box  144.1 / 3,662mm

Crew Cab Standard Box -153.7 / 3,904mm

Double Cab Long Box  158.1 / 4,017mm

Crew Cab Long Box  167.6 / 4,259mm.

A facelift for the 2019 model year should keep the Heavy Duty Sierras looking fresh until the arrival of their K1XG replacements in 2021.

There were only minor changes for the 2016 model year. The main news for the 2017 model year was revisions to the Duramax diesel.

The next main news should be a facelift for the 2019 model year, which will keep the Heavy Duty Sierras looking fresh until the arrival of their K1XG replacements in 2021. These should use an adapted version of the T1XX architecture, with the trucks beds likely to be steel instead of aluminium, which is what Ford does with the F-150 and Super Duty versions of its T3 aluminium architecture.

Minivan

The Savana is a full-sized van and passenger van which has been in production for more than 15 years. It is built alongside the almost identical Chevrolet Express. Each of these vehicles comes with either three or four doors and can seat up to 15 passengers. The base engine is a 195hp 4.3-litre V6, with a 4.8-litre V8, a 5.3-litre V8 and a 300hp 6.0-litre V8 also available, as well as a 6.6-litre diesel V8.

The Savana had been due to be replaced as long ago as 2009, by GMT620, a twin of the next Chevy Express. GMs bankruptcy and the resultant refocus of engineering resources into other projects is apparently the reason why the replacements are yet to appear.

The next Savana is expected to be launched for North Americas 2019 model year. It should be based on T1XX, the same body-on-frame architecture that GMs next big pick-ups and SUVs such as the GMC Sierra and Yukon will use.

Future model plan reports for other manufacturers can be viewed in the OEM product strategy summaries section of just-auto.com.

Future product program intelligence

Additional data on vehicle lifetime and future product plans, such as code names, production plants and expected annual build, are available in PLDB from QUBE.
Photo Credit: Denys Turavtsov / Shutterstock.com

President Trump may not have built a wall yet, but he has made one thing clear: everything the Obama administration has established must go, including some of the recent changes regarding U.S. relations with Cuba.

Last year, Americans were finally starting to travel to the Caribbean island, and with Cubas borders finally open, many were picturing vacations featuring picturesque waters, salsa dancing, and Cuban cigars. But with this new change, travel is not going to be quite as easy.

If you were planning on heading to the island nation, let us shed light on what that now entails. These are the four things you need to know about traveling to Cuba under the new policy.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

1) U.S. Companies Cant Do Business with GAESA

GAESA is a huge military-owned conglomerate made up of so many companies in Cuba that they are said to control close to 60% of the Cuban economy. Basically, if you ever did anything tourist-y at all while in Cuba, you were most likely paying GAESA. This includes anything from the small trinkets at sea ports to hiring a guide for a tour. This is naturally going to make it extremely difficult to utilize American brands or companies to arrange anything in the country and effectively shuts down tourism from the U.S.

Photo Credit: avier gonzalez leyva / Shutterstock.com

2) How To Legally Travel To Cuba

What you need to understand is this change means you cannot go to Cuba for any old reason. When Obama opened travel between the two nations he established 12 legal ways to do so. Now there are restrictions. For example, individuals will be restricted from traveling for education or for trips, or that are cultural in nature. (Individuals can still travel as part of a group if they book through an official Cuban tour operatormore on that later) That means a few of the 12 legal ways are still okay.

The more practical travel reasons include:

Visiting familyOfficial government businessJournalism or Reporting purposesProfessional research and seminarsEducational activitiesReligious activitiesProfessional performances, entertainment or eventsPhilanthropic projectsActivities of private foundations or research or educational institutes

You can still book a flight or a cruise to Cuba as well, but again there are restrictions. For instance, you cannot book a cruise for a vacation unless you book through an office tour operator. Several airlines have pulled out altogether, including Spirit, Frontier and Silver.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

3) Official Licensed Touring Company

If you do plan to book a cruise through a tour company, it must be executed via a government-approved itinerary.youll basically be paying for a chaperone. They will tell you where you can eat, where you can sleep, and where to browse. In short, traveling to Cuba through a touring company will be pricier and more restricted.

4) The Loophole To Traveling To Cuba

Naturally it is only Americans that have travel restrictions to Cuba. So technically, you can get into Cuba by traveling through Canada or Mexico. Should you find yourself wanting to go, despite not having a valid reason as stated above, youcouldstill get there. Not that we are condoning trying to skirt the law, however U.S. citizens have certainly been doing it for decades. Beware, though that its a federal offense to lie to Customs officials when you return.

Authour : Nicki Jenns
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
Jirayr Sefilyan removed from courtroom for ten hours (video)

Jirayr Sefilyan, the leader of the opposition New Armenian Public Salvation Front, and Nerses Poghosyan, were removed from the courtroom for ten hours for not standing up and showing respect for the presiding judge when the latter entered the hall. During the previous hearing, the judge used sanctions against them warning that they would be removed next time. The lawyers of Sefilyan and Poghosyan announced that they would not participate in the session without them and left the hall. Before that, Sefilyan said no one could force them to stand up before the court. Five of the seven defendants have been removed from the court for the same reason. Jirayr Sefilyan was arrested last year for an attempt to overthrow the government through an armed revolt. Armenias Investigative Committee later announced the arrest of six other men accused of being part of an armed group formed by Sefilyan and said it had confiscated large amounts of weapons from them.
Raffi Hovannisian has proposal for Karen Karapetyan (video)

We cannot allow him [Serzh Sargsyan] to become the new prime minister or general secretary. And if he attempts to do it, the Heritage Party will stand by the people to prevent the rule of Serzh, Heritage Party Leader Raffi Hovannisian said on June 30. He then named the political forces and allies that will help the party in achieving the goal. If General Ohanyan, Vartan Oskanian, Nikol Pashinyan, Aram Sargsyan, Emon Marukyan, Gagik Tsarukyan, Dashnaktsutyun , certain members of the Republican Party of Armenia and other extra-parliamentary forces want to create a new situation in the country by next April, we are ready to start discussions with them, Mr. Hovannisian said. When asked whether he saw Karaen Karapetyan as prime minister, the Heritage leader said, I shall not accept him as long as he is Serzh Sagsyans henchman. Raffi Hovannisian says Karen Karapetyan needs to do a few things to be accepted by him and people. First, he should confess whether he has business interests in Armenia, for example, in Gazprom or Marriott Hotel in Tsakhkadzor. Second, if he says he is going to fight against a dominant-party system and admits that he represents a party which came to power with the help of voter fraud, I think Karen Karapetyan will be a representative of a nation that adds beautiful and fresh breath to the world, Mr. Hovannisian said. The Heritage leader claimed that after the 2013 presidential elections some people visited his home and offered him money to accept the outcome of the elections. But he demanded that the candidates compete in the second round. Just then I was told that the CEC had signed everything and there could be no talk about a second round. Raffi Hovannisian says the Heritage Party has neither disappeared nor split. He regrets that Zaruhi Postanjyan and Anahit Bakhshyan left their ranks but says it was a necessary step. We are in the same boat, in the same struggle. Raffi Hovannisian also introduced Andranik Grigoryan, Secretary General for International Affairs, and Gevorg Ghahramanyan, Spokesman for the party.
OMAHA  Nebraskas largest health care system, its providers and the states largest health insurer will offer new insurance products based on value-based care, CHI Health said in news release.

UniNet, CHI Healths provider network, has signed a new contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska that takes effect July 1. The agreement provides coverage for thousands of Blue Cross members for the next three years. CHI Health does remain out-of-network for the Select Blue network, a narrow Blue Cross Blue Shield network.

CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney is one of the hospitals in the health system.

In addition, employers will have more choices with a new product called Blueprint Health, which offers a new lower cost insurance option beginning Jan. 1. Its available to certain size employer groups in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island and Kearney.

The first employer to sign up is CHI Health, which is enrolling 20,000 people.

We feel good about our new, evolving and positive relationship with the Blues, CHI Health CEO Cliff Robertson said. Both organizations are committed to moving forward together and to delivering great care that is cost-effective and of the highest quality. Were thrilled weve been able to come to this agreement.

Weve learned a great deal from each other over the last couple of years, working together on our shared goal of making quality health care more affordable for Nebraskans, said Dr. Joann Schaefer, Blue Cross Blue Shield executive vice president. This collaboration on Blueprint Health is a positive step forward, and were excited to be able to offer this new option to Nebraska employers in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island and Kearney.

"This is great news for the community and great news for Good Samaritan. This partnership allows us to work together to lower health care costs for our patients and our business partners," said Mike Schnieders, president of Kearney's CHI Health Good Samaritan.

The agreement revolves around value-based principles, in which providers and hospitals are paid for improving the patients health.

The move to value is here and we are proudly leading the way, said Dr. Robertson. Our patients need and deserve the focus that value-based care provides.

CHI Health is a regional health network with a the mission to nurture the healing ministry of the Church while creating healthier communities. Headquartered in Omaha, the combined organization consists of 14 hospitals, two stand-alone behavioral health facilities, more than 150 employed physician practice locations and more than 14,000 employees in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa.
ODESSA  A 14-year-old Mitchell girl was killed Thursday when the car she was riding in collided with a semitrailer truck near the Odessa Interstate 80 interchange.

At 2:19 p.m., Abigail Okoye, 23, of Mitchell was driving a 2007 Honda Accord east on Interstate 80 near the Odessa interchange as a 2009 Peterbilt semitrailer truck was on the south side shoulder of the road. A Nebraska State Patrol dispatcher said the semi, driven by Drew Davis, 37, of North Carolina merged into traffic and collided with Okoyes vehicle, causing the car to go under the flat bed trailer Davis was hauling.

The crash killed front-seat passenger Rachell Kort.

The crash blocked the eastbound lanes, and I-80 traffic was diverted at Elm Creek and through Kearney as law enforcement conducted an investigation.

Okoye was not restrained at the time of the crash. Kort and Davis were restrained. Okoye was transported to CHI Good Samaritan in Kearney were she was listed in fair condition this morning.

Davis was uninjured. No citations or arrests were issued, and the incident remains under investigation.

Emergency personnel from Good Samaritan Hospital, the Buffalo County Sheriffs office, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department and the Nebraska State Patrol responded to the scene.

@HubChic
President Barack Obama bought into an ideology that said be nice to evil people and they will be nice back. So it was that he let the Syrian regime off the hook when it killed civilians with chemical weapons, figuring it would come around. Then there was this deal with Iran based on Islamic radicals softening up in a way they have not done. He wanted to get cozy with the Russians, and they poked him in the eye. And, of course, he then played palsy-walsy with Cuba, and here was his reasoning.

Yes, he knew Raul Castro has done some bad stuff and not all was hunky dory on the island. But if we trade with Cuba, the reasoning went, it will be to the economic good of both sides and the increased interactions of varied kinds will help induce true democracy. We trade with other autocracies and punishing Cuba accomplishes nothing and should come to an end, he grinned.

After his trip to make this deal that was all give and no get, he headed down to Argentina to provide further evidence of his sophisticated incompetence. He talked to a group called Young Leaders of the Americas and said they should not get involved in intellectual arguments about capitalism versus communism. They should simply choose what works for them. He went on to say that Cuba provided a good education for its people and good health care.

Now lets visit with reality and point out that the regime of Raul Castro and his late brother Fidel has murdered people left and right, mainly on the right, those who aspire to freedom. There are still political prisoners, the elections are fake and protest can get you in deep trouble. It is a desperately poor country not for a lack of trade that exists with many other nations but because of socialistic malfeasance. The good health care goes mostly to those with money and political power, and much of the education is sheer propaganda.

The deal Obama made with Cuba is not trade with the people but trade that cheats the people. It is trade with the Cuban government, those of high rank and with a further empowered military. There is little if any trickle down to the still-deprived. What you get from Castro is assertions that there is nothing to reform in this blessed land.

Then we have President Donald Trump saying he is discontinuing the deal but would be happy to renegotiate the terms. You want trade, Cuba? Fine. How about releasing political prisoners. How about easing up the oppression generally, you know, with real free speech? And how about the trade being general, something that also goes into the pockets of entrepreneurs and their workers?

Naturally enough, Trump took a bruising because this is oh, so awful and there was a chance for something good growing out of the Obama mission and now it is gone, liberals said. Nonsense. Cubas only chance resides in ditching socialism, not in bolstering it. Thats what Obama did, and this Washington star is thereby reminiscent of a Hollywood star, actor Sean Penn, when he praised Venezuelas socialist dictator Hugo Chavez and, after he died, Nicolas Maduro, his replacement.

These self-adulating thugs took a country with one of the noblest records in Latin America and converted it to a land of starvation, imprisonment and death. Thats the record of ultra-socialist regimes.

I dont know about those young people lectured in Argentina, but I would choose a free market over socialism any day. I would also point out to Obama that niceness abets evil.
Gail Blackmore, right, leaves court during a lunch break in her sentencing hearing, she was convicted of taking a 13-year-old girl into the United States to marry the now-imprisoned leader of a religious sect that practices plural marriage, in Cranbrook, Alta., Friday, June 30, 2017.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves a Teepee on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, June 30, 2017. Trudeau had a brief meeting this morning with indigenous activists who have set up a demonstration teepee on Parliament Hill ahead of Canada Day celebrations. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
According to many in the Wisconsin medical community, the prognosis for proposed legislation to overhaul the U.S. health care insurance system is grim.

Citing findings published by the Congressional Budget Office earlier this week, Dr. Nick Turkal, CEO and president of Aurora Health care said, We are very concerned that fewer people will have access to coverage, and furthermore that those who are covered will have less coverage but likely pay substantially more.

The CBO estimates that nearly half of all Americans could be affected negatively by cutbacks in essential health benefit requirements, which could jeopardize coverage for mental and substance abuse services at a time when our nation is experiencing an opioid abuse epidemic.

The Senate vote on the Better Care Reconciliation Act, designed to rewrite the 2010 Affordable Care Act, was slated for this week, but was postponed until after the Fourth of July recess.

In advance of the vote, the Wisconsin Medical Society on Monday urged U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson to consider the impact BCRA might have on Wisconsin residents.

In his letter to the senators, WMS president Dr. Noel Deep called for coverage of pre-existing conditions, including mental and behavioral health, continued subsidies for low-income citizens who want health insurance and adequate funding for Medicaid that does not penalize Wisconsins approach to providing health care to its low-income residents.

In 2010, when ACA was passed, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker partially expanded BadgerCare Plus, but rejected additional federal assistance on the prediction that it would cost the state more in the long run. In both the House and Senate versions of BCRA, non-expansion states like Wisconsin stand to lose billions of future federal taxpayer dollars.

There has been much made about how Wisconsin did not expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, Deep said. Any Senate legislation should spend federal funds fairly across the states and not fail to provide critical funding to states that did not utilize the ACA for coverage expansion.

Deep urged the societys 12,500 members to contact Johnson, believing he could cast one of the deciding votes on BCRA.

At the local level, some say it may be too soon to know what the impact will be.

I really say we need to wait and see what they finally do, says Cindy Johnson, director of Kenosha County Division of Health Services. The bill seems to be a moving target regarding public funds, public health, prevention and preparedness. Well have to see how it impacts the population and community as a whole, see who steps up to fill the gaps, and work around it from there.

Others feel it is vital to weigh in before the vote is taken.

Limiting access to basic coverage protection would be very counterproductive from a public and community health perspective, said Turkal, asserting that both House and Senate versions of the bill to replace the ACA were taking our country in the wrong direction.

He added: To achieve real and sustainable reform, we need to be managing the health of populations, and we need insurance reform that results in reduced premiums for all.
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Flipkart's sale on Xiaomi Redmi 4, Redmi 4A, Redmi Note 4



Xiaomi is putting its popular budget smartphones - the Redmi 4A, Redmi 4, and Redmi Note 4 - up for pre-orders on its website, Mi.com. Pre-orders are a guaranteed way for consumers to buy the smartphones without waiting in line during weekly sales. Speaking of weekly sales, separately, Flipkart is holding its sale for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 on Friday as well. The Mi.com pre-orders for the three budget Xiaomi smartphones begins at 12pm IST. The Redmi Note 4 sale on Flipkart also begins at 12pm IST.



To recall, Xiaomi Redmi 4A, Redmi 4, and Redmi Note 4 pre-orders on Mi.com are limited to one unit per customer. Notably, there is no cash on delivery option for payments, and customers will have to make the full payment online to be eligible for the pre-order benefits, which include guaranteed shipping within five days. The company notes that customers will be able to cancel their pre-orders before the smartphone is shipped to them.



Read More...


Six weeks after her death the remains of Rita Apine have been laid to rest in her native Lativa.

Rita Apine was cremated in Ireland last month and her ashes were sent by diplomatic post to her homeland where her funeral took place last Thursday.

Friends and family gathered in Jaunciema, a neighbourhood in Riga in Lativa to say goodbye to their daughter and friend. After the funeral service Rita was buried and flowers placed on her simple grave.

A fund had been set up in Kilkenny following the killing of the 29-year-old to help cover the cost her cremation and of bringing Rita back to be buried. Over 4,000 was donated to the fund by the people of Kilkenny.

Julia Sinjagina, a close friend of Rita's who lives in Kilkenny said that she wanted to  express my great gratitude to all the people who helped

Your help helped to cover the costs of cremation in Ireland and the funeral in Latvia, she said/

The young mother-of-two died following an incident in her home at Freshford on May 14. Over 400 paid their respects to Rita at a vigil in Freshford in the days after he death. A man has been charged with her murder and is remanded in custody.
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By Nick Brown

NEW YORK, June 29 (Reuters) - Bondholders of Puerto Rico's debt-laden power utility, PREPA, on Thursday said the agency had rejected a financing offer that might have allowed it to make a $450 million July 1 coupon payment.

Missing the payment could push PREPA, struggling with $9 billion of debt, into a version of bankruptcy created last year for Puerto Rico and its agencies, under the federal rescue law dubbed PROMESA.

A spokesman for Puerto Rico's fiscal agency AAFAF, which leads debt restructuring efforts, could not be reached on Thursday.

PREPA is viewed as a microcosm for a broader economic crisis in Puerto Rico, which has $72 billion in debt, a 45 percent poverty rate and a $50 billion pension gap. The U.S. territory's central government, and some of its agencies, have already filed for PROMESA's bankruptcy process, known as Title III.

The bondholder group said on Thursday it offered PREPA a $170 million loan to keep talks alive, but sides could not agree on terms.

"The bondholder group recognizes that PREPA is likely to file for Title III," it said in a statement.

PREPA began restructuring talks with bondholders nearly three years ago, but two separate restructuring agreements fell apart.

The latest, which would cut bondholder repayments by 15 percent in exchange for new bonds backed by a charge on customer bills, was vetoed by Puerto Rico's oversight board on Tuesday.

The board, created under PROMESA to manage the island's money, said it would aim to negotiate a new agreement with stakeholders that would cap the invoice charges. The decision riled creditors and some federal lawmakers, including U.S. Rep Rob Bishop, who chairs the House committee in charge of U.S. territory issues.

The board's rejection "poses more questions as to (Puerto Rico's) economic future and Congress will want answers to those questions," Bishop said in a statement on Wednesday.

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello on Thursday distanced himself from the PREPA saga, telling Reuters reporters in an exclusive interview that "I know as much information as you guys do" about the agency's fate.

"Hopefully we're going to find some stability on a path to resolving whether there is deal, no deal, Title III," Rossello said. "Once that's reconciled, we're going to push forward aggressively" with plans to privatize much of PREPA's operations.

Rossello said the latest deal was unworkable given the board's desire to limit electricity rates. "There was no way you could reconcile the deal with that objective," he said.

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Graphic-Puerto Rico: Adrift in debt Puerto Rico oversight board says still in talks with PREPA creditors ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Editing by Matthew Lewis)
* HCG chair expects CEO appointment soon

* HCG chair says picking from 'top notch' list of candidates

* Agrees C$252 million residential mortgage book sale

* Shares in Home Capital close down 1.5 percent

(Adds sale of mortgage book, closure of Buffett financing)

By Matt Scuffham

June 29 (Reuters) - Canadian lender Home Capital Group Inc's Chair Brenda Eprile on Thursday told shareholders it had attracted a "top notch" list of candidates for its chief executive role and would make an appointment soon.

The company earlier said it expects to record a loss in the second quarter due to costs related to its efforts to shore up liquidity and its shares closed at C$16.94, down 1.45 percent.

Home Capital has been searching for a new CEO since March 27 when it terminated the employment of former chief executive Martin Reid.

Industry sources say attracting a candidate with strong relationships with mortgage and deposit brokers is critical. The company is looking to build on an in-flow of deposits after last week agreeing a C$2 billion ($1.5 billion) financing agreement with U.S. billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

"We've got a very short short-list," Eprile said, adding that an appointment would be made within weeks.

Director Alan Hibben, a former Royal Bank of Canada executive who has played a key role in negotiating the bank's refinancing and asset sales, said that he was not one of the candidates, despite media reports linking him with the role.

Former CEO Reid's departure had sparked a withdrawal of funds from Home Capital's high interest savings accounts which accelerated after April 19, when Canada's biggest securities regulator, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), accused Home Capital of making misleading statements to investors about its mortgage underwriting business.

Home Capital reached a settlement with the OSC earlier in June and accepted responsibility for misleading investors about mortgage underwriting problems. The company said on Thursday it had closed the Buffett deal, which will see Berkshire Hathaway invest up to C$400 million take an initial 19.99 percent stake in the company, which could be increased to 38 percent.

It also agreed to sell about C$252 million of residential mortgages to an unnamed party. That follows the sale of a C$1.2 billion commercial mortgage portfolio which was announced earlier in June. Hibben said further sales or the refinancing of some assets could take place in July

Home Capital, which is expected to release second-quarter results on Aug. 2, said its expenses would increase by C$233 million ($179 million) before taxes, which includes C$210 million in costs related to its recent liquidity issue. The company said it received conditional listing approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange for Berkshire's initial investment of C$153.2 million for a stake of about 20 percent. Shareholders will vote on the second tranche of the deal in September. Some smaller shareholders told the meeting they planned to vote against the deal, which could see Berkshire Hathaway acquire the shares at a deep discount but sources say larger investors are expected to support it.

($1 = 1.3006 Canadian dollars)

(Additional reporting by Yashaswini Swamynathan in Bengaluru; editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Clive McKeef)
FRANKFURT, June 30 (Reuters) - Bayer warned on Friday it would have to adjust its full-year outlook, citing excessively high inventory levels at crop protection customers in Brazil and a weaker-than-expected consumer health business.

"At the end of the harvest season in Brazil, regular stocktaking revealed an unexpectedly high channel inventory level of crop protection products," the company said in an unscheduled statement.

Bayer said it would adjust its business outlook when it publishes second quarter results, due on July 7, without providing details.

It also cited unfavorable currency developments but added that the Pharmaceuticals Division and Covestro were performing strongly and that business at the Animal Health unit was line with expectations.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Harro ten Wolde)
HELSINKI, June 30 (Reuters) - Finland's state treasury said on Friday it expects to issue a second new euro benchmark bond in the third quarter.

The maturity of the bond is likely to be 10 years.

The treasury said in its quarterly review that the Finnish government's supplementary budget proposal for 2017 lowered the government net borrowing requirement slightly to 5.5 billion euros.

With redemptions, the gross funding requirement for the year is approximately 22.6 billion euros.

The treasury added it is expecting to issue a U.S. dollar-denominated benchmark bond in 2017, and tap auctions of existing euro benchmark bonds are also expected in the latter half of the year.

(Reporting by Tuomas Forsell, editing by Terje Solsvik)
Mandalay Resources Corp. (TSX: MND) announces that subsidiary Compania Minera Cerro Bayo has started giving notice of a force majeure to the primary customers, suppliers and contractors of its Cerro Bayo mine in Chile. The notice suspends Cerro Bayos obligations under contracts with these parties due to the flooding of the Delia NW mine on June 9. Mandalay is also initiating talks with unions about the potential impacts on employees while production is suspended, the company says. Mandalay says the company is reviewing alternatives for the future of mining at Cerro Bayo and is consulting with stakeholders, including employees, unions and government officials. Officials say they hope to provide plans for Cerro Bayo and the impact of the suspension on 2017 production guidance when Mandalay releases its second-quarter financial results, currently expected on August 10.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Hecla Withdraws Planned Offering Of Senior Notes

Hecla Mining Co. (NYSE: HL) says it is withdrawing its previously announced offer of $500 million of senior notes due in 2025 since current terms and conditions were not sufficiently attractive for the company to move forward. In addition, a concurrent tender offer to purchase its 6.875% senior notes due in 2021 has also been terminated.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Endeavour Mining Acquires Avnel With Its Kalana Project

Endeavour Mining Corporation (TSX: EDV) has agreed to acquire Avnel Gold Mining Ltd. (TSX: AVK) in an all-share transaction for approximately $122 million, the companies announced this week. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Avnel holds an 80% interest in the Kalana gold project in Mali and holds significant exploration permits in the surrounding area. Kalana is a fully permitted feasibility-stage project with a single open-pit constrained reserve of approximately 2 million ounces grading 2.8 grams per tonne. According to the feasibility study, it has an 18-year mine life and an expected production of 101,000 ounces per year at an average all-in sustaining cost of $784 per ounce, Endeavour says. Sebastien de Montessus, president and chief executive officer of Endeavour, says Kalana fits well within our strategy of building a high-quality portfolio of long-life, low AISC assets with exploration upside. Furthermore, this acquisition expands our footprint in Mali and reinforces our project pipeline, which will allow us to continue to leverage our in-house construction expertise.
* NSE index falls 0.14 pct, BSE index trades 0.12 pct lower

* NSE index on track to post third week of losses

* Nifty Auto index down as much as 0.9 pct

By Jessica Kuruthukulangara

June 30 - Indian shares edged lower on Friday as caution ahead of the launch of a unified goods and services tax (GST) hit auto makers, with benchmark indexes heading for their first monthly loss this year.

The revised tax structure will kick in from midnight Friday, marking India's biggest tax reform since independence, unifying its $2 trillion economy and 1.3 billion people into a common market. Weakness in Asian peers following losses on Wall Street overnight also hurt sentiment. The MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.7 percent. "There is some kind of profit-booking and sideways consolidation in the market, so most sectors are volatile," said Siddharth Sedani, head and vice president, equity advisory at Anand Rathi.

The broader NSE index was down 0.12 percent at 9,492.35 as of 0702 GMT, on track to post its third week of losses. The index was down 1.4 percent for the month, snapping a five-month winning streak.

The benchmark BSE index was 0.14 percent lower at 30,815.72. The index was down 1.03 percent for the week and 1.04 percent for the month.

Auto makers were among the top losers on worries that GST would push up prices of cars and lead to a decline in sales. The Nifty Auto index lost as much as 0.9 percent, with Tata Motors Ltd falling as much as 1.6 percent.

IndiGo owner InterGlobe Aviation Ltd slid as much as 5.7 percent after falling 2.2 percent on Thursday after the company expressed interest in buying a stake in Air India after the government approved plans to privatise the debt-laden state-owned carrier. Central Depository Services (India) Ltd surged as much as 80 percent on its trading debut, after raising 5.2 billion rupees ($80.43 million) in the country's most heavily over-subscribed initial public offering this year. (Reporting by Jessica Kuruthukulangara in Bengaluru; Editing by Vyas Mohan)
By George Obulutsa

NAIROBI, June 30 (Reuters) - Kenya started selling another 1 billion shillings ($9.64 million) worth of bonds via mobile phone on Friday after an initial 150 million shillings issued sold out in days.

The East African nation started selling a three-year infrastructure bond, called M-Akiba, on March 23, becoming the first country in the world to issue a mobile phone-based bond without any need for a bank account.

"Today we again celebrate our leadership in mobile money innovation," Kenya's finance minister Henry Rotich said during an event to launch the bond at the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

The initial 150 million shillings raised was the first tranche of the bond.

Friday's offering left another 3.85 billion shillings to be sold at a later date. The bond sale is a further advance in financial technology for the country which pioneered mobile money with M-Pesa in 2007.

Kenya has borrowed intensively in the past four years to fund an ambitious development programme, including new roads and a coast-capital railway, and the government wants to raise more cash.

However, few ordinary Kenyans bought government bonds, scared off by the minimum investment of 50,000 shillings and the need for a commercial bank account.

M-Akiba allows a single investor to put in a minimum of 3,000 shillings and a maximum 1 million shillings, earning tax-free interest of 10 percent. They will be able to trade them on the secondary market.

The bond was initially available on telecom companies' money transfer services, but has since also been opened to a similar operation run by commercial banks, known as Pesalink.

The bond will be on sale from June 30-July 21 and will be tradable on the stock exchange on July 25.

Rotich said that in future all infrastructure bonds offered by the government will have a portion of them dedicated for sale via mobile phone.

($1 = 103.7000 Kenyan shillings)

(Editing by Ed Osmond)
COPENHAGEN, June 30 (Reuters) - Maersk Line sees "great progress" in the restoration of its infrastructure after it was hit by a cyber attack this week, it said in an update to customers on Friday.

* "We are open for business and are accepting bookings," Maersk Line, A. P. Moller-Maersk's container shipping unit, said

* Bookings made via the so-called EDI system since Tuesday are stored safely and all will be confirmed early next week, it said

* "Almost all ports are operational and running close to normal," Maersk Line added

* Since Thursday Maersk Line has been able to reestablish business in the ports of Algeciras, Tangier, Callao Lima, Mumbai, Itajai and Buenos Aires

* Maersk Line is still working on expanding its services in Pier 400 in Los Angeles, Port Elizabeth in New Jersey and Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam

* For more on the company, click on (Reporting by Teis Jensen, editing by Terje Solsvik)
* Italian company pays up for bond

* Terms amended to get over the line

* Investors wary of legal risks

By Yoruk Bahceli

LONDON, June 30 (IFR) - Manutencoop paid a hefty price to get a troubled trade over the line.

The deal, which came four days later than originally planned, became the year's highest yielding junk bond in euros from a Single B borrower when it priced on Thursday.

The bond came with a 9% coupon but at a two-point discount to par, giving a yield of 9.519%. Manutencoop had to widen pricing substantially during the execution process.

Investors on Tuesday said the transaction would come with a 9% yield, already the wide end of the 8.75%-9% range heard on June 23 - the date the deal was originally slated to price. The only official guidance put out by leads was the final yield.

That yield was a good 150bp more than the previous highest this year from a Single-B name: a five non-call three senior secured from Travelex in late April.

As with that Travelex trade, Manutencoop - a facilities management outfit - also had to sweeten the terms of its deal in favour of investors, who pushed back on the original structure given the Italian company's involvement in three lawsuits.

The five-year senior secured notes were cut to 360m from the initial 420m proposed when the deal was mandated on June 21, and call protection was extended to three years from two.

The deal's covenants were also amended, with a 10% call at 103 and portability clauses removed from the documents. Other leverage-dependent covenants were amended to cut the level of debt the company will be allowed to take on.

CHALLENGES

A banker at one of the leads said the main challenges were investor concerns around the lawsuits.

Certainly, many investors told IFR that they were avoiding it due to these legal risks.

"How can you be sure that it isn't the tip of the iceberg?

It's endemic," one said, while a second investor recalled that the company has had major contracts pulled in the past.

The company is involved in two investigations for alleged antitrust violations and bribery. Manutencoop also said last month that it had been formally excluded by Italian procurement agency Consip from cleaning tenders for barracks and public hospitals.

It is appealing a third antitrust violation decision, having been fined 14.7m following an Italian competition authority decision in 2015.

MISREAD SENTIMENT

The deal was announced following an investor meeting to provide clarification on the lawsuits. But sources said the leads had misread investor sentiment in bringing the deal.

"Maybe the banks had a bit too much confidence in the market," said a third investor.

Sources also found it odd that the company proceeded with the deal despite ending up with a higher coupon than the bond that is being refinanced.

"Given their bonds have a 2020 maturity, why would you replace it with a higher coupon today?" asked the first investor.

The refinanced deal - a 300m 2020 senior secured issue - carries an 8.5% coupon.

However, the lead said such criticisms were misleading due to the additional leverage being added by the transaction, which is extending the issuer's curve.

As well refinancing the 2020s, proceeds will be used to buy back minority shares held by private equity sponsors, which the lead said was important to the company in order to pursue its long-term plans.

PRICING POWER

The deal is a further sign that pricing power in the high-yield market on both sides of the Atlantic is slowly turning around.

Companies have been able to dictate terms in recent months as a general lack of supply has left investors as price-takers.

And while that generally remains the case, examples such as Manutencoop and Travelex in Europe, and Norwegian oil company Aker and cable operator Charter Communications in the US show that investors are fighting back in certain circumstances.

Aker downsized a proposed US$500m deal to US$400m this week, while Charter Communications pulled a US$1.5bn deal last week, returning instead through a split-rated entity.

JP Morgan (B&D) and UniCredit were joint books.

(Reporting by Yoruk Bahceli; editing by Philip Wright, Sudip Roy, Julian Baker, Matthew Davies)
LISBON, June 30 (Reuters) - Portugal has made an early repayment to the IMF of 1 billion euros of bailout loans, and intends to repay early another 2.6 billion euros by August, the finance ministry said on Friday.

The ministry said the early payments would have no impact on planned debt issuance this year, adding that the country plans to continue to pay off IMF bailout loans early next year.

"At this moment 40 percent of the financing requirement for 2018 is already met, including 4 billion euros in payments to the IMF," the ministry said.

Portugal has been repaying expensive bailout loans to the IMF early because it can now borrow in debt markets at lower rates. Portugal received a 78-billion-euro bailout between 2011 and 2014, a third of which came from the IMF.

In May Lisbon requested permission from the European Union to pay off ahead of schedule 10 billion euros it owes the IMF. (Reporting By Axel Bugge)
JOHANNESBURG, June 30 (Reuters) - South Africa's trade surplus grew to 9.49 billion rand ($727 million) in May following a revised 4.97 billion rand surplus in April, data from the revenue agency showed on Friday. Exports rose 15.4 percent to 105 billion rand on a month-on-month basis in May, while imports were up 11 percent to 95.5 billion rand, the South African Revenue Service said in a statement. ($1 = 13.0550 rand)

(Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by Ed Stoddard)

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.
COLOMBO, June 30 (Reuters) - Sri Lankan stocks rose to an 18-month high on Friday led by blue-chips as foreign buying continued, brokers said.

Analysts said concerns over a proposed tax bill weighed on overall investor sentiment.

The Colombo stock index ended up 0.66 percent at 6,747.07, its highest close since Jan. 7. The bourse rose 0.47 percent during the week.

Foreign investors net bought 432.9 million rupees ($2.82 million) worth of shares on Friday, extending their year-to-date net inflow to 22.2 billion rupees worth of equities.

"Market is up with the continued foreign buying in big-cap shares," said Dimantha Mathew, head of research, First Capital Holdings PLC.

Brokers said local investors have been waiting for some clarity on the proposed inland revenue legislation, which some companies expect will result in higher cost of production.

The IMF, which has long urged Sri Lanka to boost tax revenue through modernisation and simplification of its fiscal system, has urged the government to submit to parliament a new Inland Revenue Act. Turnover was 1.2 billion rupees, well below this year's daily average of 928.8 million rupees.

Shares of Ceylon Tobacco Company Plc rose 3.07 percent, while Dialog Axiata Plc ended 3.45 percent higher and Hemas Holdings Plc rose 2.82 percent. ($1 = 153.4500 Sri Lankan rupees)

(Reporting by Ranga Sirilal and Shihar Aneez; Editing by Sunil Nair)
WARSAW, June 30 (Reuters) - Poland's finance ministry plans to offer treasury bonds worth 3.0 billion zlotys ($810.53 million) to 10 billion zlotys at one to two regular bond auctions in the August-September period, the ministry said on Friday.

The ministry said it could, depending on market conditions, also conduct one or two switch tenders in the August-September period.

No regular bond auctions, bills auctions or switch tenders are planned for July, the ministry also said.

More information about finance ministry's debt offers is available on the ministry's pages in the Reuters system ($1 = 3.7013 zlotys)

(Reporting by Marcin Goettig; Editing by Lidia Kelly)
DAR ES SALAAM, June 30 (Reuters) - Tanzania has lifted the banning on foreign investors participating in initial public offerings in the telecoms sector, the capital markets regulator said on Friday.

The removal of the restriction allows foreigners to take part in the IPO of Vodacom Tanzania Plc, a subsidiary of South Africa's Vodacom Group .

The Vodacom IPO was launched in March and initially only open to local investors, but take-up has been sluggish amid concerns over adequate liquidity in the local market.

(Reporting by Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Louise Ireland)
Editor's Note: Kitco readers, have your say! Check out our newest feature  KITCO CHAT!  where you can share your comments and ask questions directly to us.

Image Source: Tim Hortons

(Kitco News) - To help ring in Canadas 150th birthday, one of the countrys most iconic brands, Tim Hortons, has added Canuck-inspired dishes to its menu.

You can expect to see an abundance of maple leafs at participating locations with the introduction of Maple Bacon Iced Capps and Maple Timbits.

An addition not for the faint of heart, is the poutine donut  a Honey Dip Donut topped with potato wedges, gravy and cheese curds, emulating the popular French-Canadian classic with a twist.

But before you get too excited -- the poutine donut, ironically, will not be available in Canada. The celebratory menu will only be available at select American locations starting July 1.

How not Canadian was the response on social media. "They made a poutine donut  and it's only available in America?" said one person. "I say we make an Apple Pie donut and no Americans can have one!!!"

At Tim Hortons restaurants, were proud of our Canadian heritage and we want to share a piece of that in the United States, said Felipe Athayde, executive vice president of Tim Hortons US, in a recent press release. Our new Canadian inspired treats are a great way for Americans to get in on the 150th celebration of their friendly neighbor next door.

The news comes a few days after Tim Hortons locations across Canada re-introduced the popular RRRoll Up the Rim to Win, a contest that offers more than 16 million prizes to be won.
(Adds more quotes, BoE comments)

By Huw Jones

LONDON, June 30 (Reuters) - The European Central Bank and Bank of England warned on Friday that the Brexit plans of some banks are not good enough as they scrutinise their strategies to limit risks from an abrupt cutting in cross-border financial links.

Britain leaves the European Union at the end of March 2019, forcing banks to restructure in some cases so they can be sure of continuing to serve cross border customers to and from London.

"As you know, we asked the banks we directly supervise to share their Brexit strategies with us. Having analysed these strategies, I think it is fair to say that most banks are not where they should be," Daniele Nouy told a Brexit workshop in Frankfurt on Friday.

The BoE meanwhile, has given domestic and foreign banks in Britain a July 14 deadline to spell out how they would cope if there is no trading deal with Europe after the UK leaves the EU.

"My job is to ensure that banks are prepared and have emergency plans, which we'll review, then ask banks to improve," Carney told German financial daily Handelsblatt.

"We have been reviewing these plans since the referendum and in about ten days, banks have to give us an update. Our job is to worry about the worst case scenario, which would be no deal. But we think it's possible to have an agreement in the end," Carney said.

Banks have told the ECB that it was too early to plan for Brexit, but Nouy said it made no sense to adopt a "wait-and-see" attitude as the queue for new licences might be long.

Some euro zone bank branches in London may have to obtain a new licence to become a subsidiary, she said.

"And you should not count on transition periods that have not yet been agreed," she said.

Big trading banks that decide to open new subsidiaries in the EU are trying to work out whether they could still book trades at their hubs in London after Brexit to save on costs.

"The policy we choose with regard to booking models is likely to affect euro area banks' activities in the UK and elsewhere," Nouy said.

"Because this issue is relevant on a global scale, we need some time to develop our position. We want to get it right. Still, we are aware that you would like us to clearly articulate our policy stance sooner rather than later."

MORE CLARITY

Kieran Donoghue, head of International Financial Services at Ireland's Investment and Development Agency, said he expects more information about how much activity and staff banks will shift from London, from July 14.

"There will be much more clarity on what the groups intend to do. For the large and most complex, they will have to be Day One ready before April 2019," Donoghue told Reuters.

Donoghue said the increased scrutiny by regulators means that unlike in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote, financial firms can no longer think about shifting the absolute minimum to maintain customer links.

Financial centres in Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris and Luxembourg are already pitching for a slice of Britain's financial services market.

Ireland has received over 80 enquiries from banks, asset managers and insurers in Britain, with more than a handful expected to set up new operations or expand existing ones.

Some big firms may shift operations from London to several sites in the EU, Donoghue said, echoing the views of Christian Noyer, the former French central bank governor who is drumming up Brexit business for Paris. But Donoghue also said: "Regulators are pragmatic. You can't cut off London."

(Reporting by Huw Jones, editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
(Adds analyst comment)

BUDAPEST, June 30 (Reuters) - Hungarian haulier Waberer's International priced its initial public offering (IPO) at 5,100 forints per share on Friday, valuing it at 90.2 billion forints ($333 million) in Budapest's biggest stock market debut for nearly two decades.

Waberer's said it would raise about 14 billion forints (45.34 million euros) in net proceeds, which will be used partly to finance a planned acquisition of Polish rival Link. The Hungarian company, which has a fleet of 3,500-plus vehicles, has said it expects Link to cost about 32 million euros.

The IPO pricing makes shares in what is one of Europe's biggest haulage businesses look cheap compared with European rivals, said Balint Kovacs, equities analyst at local brokerage Equilor.

However, the sector carries risks, including changing European regulation as well as the outcome of talks on Britain's planned departure from the European Union, he added.

"Given that the shares were sold at the bottom of the proposed 5,100-6,300 forint target range and the number of shares sold is also well below expectations, the stock will feature a smaller free float and lower liquidity," Kovacs said in a note.

Waberer's, which launched the IPO on June 19, said that 82 percent of the total offering was bought by institutional investors, with retail investors taking just below 18 percent. The free float was planned to account for about 27 percent of the company's share capital and the stock is expected to start trading in Budapest on July 6, joining a market dominated by only four blue-chips companies that account for the brunt of turnover. (1 euro = 308.7875 forints)

(Reporting by Krisztina Than and Gergely Szakacs; Editing by David Goodman)
Stuff reports:

Old and new sores are likely to be opened up by a long-awaited review of the countrys copyright law, which has now taken a step forward. Media companies, Hollywood interests and consumers have struggled to agree on what is fair treatment of copyrighted works in the internet age. Consumer Affairs Minister Jacqui Dean set out the terms of reference for a review and said public consultations would begin early next year. But a Cabinet paper warned copyright was a complex area and the Government would not be able to resolve all issues to everybodys satisfaction.

Of course not. So the Government should look at what is overall best for the public interest.

Hollywood interests are understood to be worried New Zealand lawmakers might go down the same path recommended by Australias productivity commission last year, and consider including a broad fair use clause in the Copyright Act.

New Zealand should absolutely do this. The United States itself has a broad fair use clause and you cant argue the US doesnt have a very active content creation industry. Israel and Singapore have the same, and are hubs of innovation.

The Australian Productivity Commission found that the greatest economic benefit to Australia would come from a broad fair use clause, rather than having a statutory list of permitted uses. Any statutory list of permitted uses will be out of date almost as soon as it is printed. Would data and text mining have been included a few years ago?

Heres some of the uses that can come under fair use:

research

review

criticism

parody/satire

reporting

quoting

time shifting

format shifting

library lending

data mining

backups

One of its clients concerns appeared to be that a broad fair-use clause might make it easier for people to convert and store copies of movies and other content they had previously bought by uploading them to cloud storage services. While not necessarily of major concern in itself, that could blunt the tools copyright owners have in their arsenal to detect and control outright piracy.

A great example of why we should have fair use. Of course if you have purchased a work, you should be able to back it up on a cloud device.

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Dick Quax has a good idea:

Funds for the Auckland Council to deal with our regions transport congestion and stormwater troubles can be made available at the stroke of a pen if the council is ready to take urgent action.

This is clear from a solution put forward by the chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Michael Barnett.

Barnetts solution is a comparatively simple one that involves taking our water and wastewater supplier, Watercare Services, out of council ownership and using the proceeds of a share sale to finance multi-billion dollar transport and stormwater solutions.

He does, in my opinion go a step too far, however, by advocating for private investors to come in and have the water company listed on the stock exchange.

There is, however, a solution I feel sure councillors who genuinely want to free up funds to finance Aucklands infrastructure could support.

That is the Kiwibank model of ownership. This would keep Watercare in public ownership while releasing the funds the council desperately needs to implement the big transport and stormwater projects required for our fast growing region.

The NZ Super Fund and ACC have both indicated a desire to invest in utility operators. Why not get them to come in? The council would keep a significant shareholding to give voice to Aucklands community interest.
Sejong Soloists / Courtesy of Sejong Soloists



By Yun Suh-young





Poster of "IncheonMusic, hic et nunc"

A new music festival will begin in Incheon's Songdo city today under the title "IncheonMusic, hic et nunc."

The name means "here and now" in Latin and carries the vision of introducing new trends in music.

The Sejong Soloists, with Incheon National University, have organized the event. The Sejong Soloists is a string orchestra that the Juilliard School and Yale School of Music professor Kang Hyo established in 1994.

Kang Hyo is the festival's artistic adviser, utilizing seven years' experience as artistic adviser to the PyeongChang music festival. Kang Kyung-won, general manager of the Sejong Soloists, is the festival director.

The festival will be held from 6 p.m. at Incheon National University's Songdo Campus concert hall. It will begin with a discussion between Robert Blocker, dean of the Yale School of Music, and President Cho Dong-sung of Incheon National University on the topic "Music and Leadership."

The opening concert will be performed by nine musicians, including actor Yoon Suk-hwa, and Shin Soo-jung, dean of Seoul National University's music school.

The concert also has a social contribution program scheduled for July 2 for children and July 5-6 for the Incheon city hall and the Incheon metropolitan police agency.

On July 4, the organization will host a concert titled "Professor and the Young Virtuoso" at the Tri-bowl in Songdo and on July 7 at the Elim Art Center in Cheongra. Julliard School professor David Chan, who is also concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, will perform.

Starting next year, the festival will invite renowned musicians to become artists-in-residence to organize new programs. German composer, conductor and clarinetist Jorg Widmann has been named the first artist-in-residence.
Ingrid Drechsel, CEO and president of bayer Korea and chairperson of the Korea-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times. / Courtesy of KGCCI



By Kim Ji-soo





Many people associate Bayer with aspirin. However, they may not necessarily realize Bayer was a startup too when it was founded in 1863.

"During that period, there was a Grunderjahre' spirit in Germany, a founding or founder's sentiment. Nowadays, that concept is more commonly known as the American term, startup," said Ingrid Drechsel, CEO and president of Bayer Korea. She is also the new German chairperson of the 500-member strong Korea-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI). She was elected in mid-May.

Having spent more than three decades with Bayer, it seems natural that Drechsel is enthusiastic about startups. Leading Bayer Korea since 2015, she was ardent about prospects for the Korean startups as well.

"Sometimes, internally, I call Korea Ko-valley,' because Korea is No.1 in IT. Sure everybody is talking about Silicon Valley, but Ko-valley is the entire Korean Peninsula," she said.

"If we can bring Korea's information technology and Germany's engineering and planning together, it would be a really great combination and cross-pollination for a better world."

She showed the most recent Bloomberg Innovation Index, which has Korea on top, followed by Sweden and Germany in that order.

"Cross-pollination" seems like a motto for Drechsel, a biologist who trained at Heidelberg University and worked in Germany, Indonesia and Japan. She also worked with Russian-speaking, Middle East and African countries. What she means by the word is to really "exchange things and learn from each other" for evolution.

"I believe all things evolve and there is evolution still ongoing," she said.

In that vein, she recommended that President Moon Jae-in take the opportunity to further Germany-South Korea relationships at the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7 and 8. Prior to that, President Moon will make an official two-day visit July 5 and 6, meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

"Germany and Korea have a lot of things in common, including their difficult histories and post-war economic development," she said. German companies arrived in Korea early; Bayer Korea, for example, arrived in 1955, she noted.

Having noticed the nine months of instability in Korea from the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye to the eventual election of President Moon, she cautiously suggested it's time for the Moon administration to stabilize and find agenda to develop further.

The chamber has compiled another set of recommendations for bilateral exchanges for the Moon administration.

"Offering to co-work in these fields like green economics, green energy, sustainability, and also (to avoid) unemployment of the youth," she said. Another bilateral cooperation is for the Asian country to learn from German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Located mostly in southern Germany, these German SMEs provide the necessary stability to the Germany economy with their long-term thinking process.

"Korea took another path to development, and perhaps it was right back in the 1960s and 1970s," she said. "The president has good ideas. The question is how. Change is how you manage transition. It should be an evolution, not a resolution. It would be better to evolve things," she said.

The chamber has various exchanges going on regarding these topics; a noticeable one on education is a project with BMW and Mercedes-Benz and the KGCCI to provide vocational training to 90 young Koreans.

"The German style of dual education, where people can work at companies and then go back to university and then back and forth, is important because it can help companies have down-to-earth, and operation- and customer-oriented employees," she said.

Also, she and the KGCCI hosted an event called "Startups Meet Grownups." The chamber's Innovation Award, in its third year, recognizes most innovative German and Korean companies in terms of business, sustainability and digitalization, to help promote innovation in business and nurture closer bilateral economic ties.

As the head of Bayer Korea she oversees around 780 employees. Bayer first came to Korea in 1955 with Bayer Korea entering the agriculture area and then drugs for animals and then people. She has also infused startup culture within Bayer Korea. She launched its Korea version, Grant4Apps Korea with KOTRA this year. The three winning Korean startups  RecensMedical, Sky Labs and GomiLabs  are now working in Bayer's Korea office through to September.

"They are currently staying in our company. They listen and look at how we develop our business in a more structured way, and our people look at them to see how they flexible they are," she said.

She said when she assumed the stewardship of the Korea office, there was initial surprise that she was a female CEO. But things soon changed.

"My interpretation of the glass ceiling is that there is a glass ceiling for people who are more process-oriented rather than goal-oriented," she said. Future leaders, a significant portion of whom will be female, are more process-oriented, she said.

She had an interesting interpretation of innovation as well. "I like to engage people to try new things. The iPhone, self-driving cars and aspirin  these are innovations. But I also think of innovation on a daily basis, of doing things differently amnd doing different things," she said. For example, the three Korean startups in Bayer Korea are providing fruitful impetus to her employees.

One of the biggest pending mergers today is that between Bayer Group and Monsanto; she said there will be a global integration of the two companies once authorities approve the merger.

"As a biologist, I do not think GMOs are negative," she said, adding that GMOs will be controlled with a view to sustainability and social responsibility within the group's umbrella.

On profit, Drechsel said, "I am a true believer in If you perform your tasks well, and if you engage the people and they do a good job, the figures will come," she said.

Bayer Korea's pharmaceutical division has grown double digits in the past three years, thanks to the strong performance of key products in the heart health, eye disease and oncology areas. Bayer Korea reported sales of 523.2 billion won in 2016.

On the future of Bayer Korea, Drechsel said it will continue to invest in the areas of cardiovascular risks and diseases, oncology and women's health care.

The company will also continue to invest in agriculture, to provide adequate support for aging farmers and shrinking farmlands in terms of producing more out of the hectares they have.

janee@koreatimes.co.kr
Korea has great future as innovative economy'



By Kim Jae-kyoung



SINGAPORE  Samsung Electronics must form more alliances with startups and smaller firms to find new business models and accelerate innovation, according to a leading academic expert on this.



"Korean chaebol have ushered new ways of thinking about global innovation, and they've proven that massive industrial investment and cooperation could lead to global success," Bruno Lanvin, INSEAD's executive director for Global Indices, said in a recent interview.



"It is now important for giants such as Samsung and Hyundai to think beyond their current sectors of activity, and anticipate where and how innovation will be generated."



Lanvin is founder and co-editor of INSEAD's global indices, comprising the Global Innovation Index, the Networked Readiness Index of the Global Information Technology Report, and the Global Talent Competitiveness Index.



He expects disruptive innovation will emerge from new business models rather than just from technological breakthroughs.



In this regard, he recommended Samsung and Hyundai keep an eye on startups and smaller competitors rather than focusing exclusively on in-house innovation.



"Adding more content to a smartphone could require strategic alliances with content providers in the media and movie industries, including Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)," he said.



"Similarly, the automobile industry should seek alliances with battery manufacturers, software innovators, such as for self-driven cars, but also urban architects and smart city experts."



Tesla and Google are good examples of how to seek innovation through alliances, according to him.



"Tesla is establishing a new model in the automobile sector, combining significant in-house innovation, and synergy with other sectors such as space  strategic battles to acquire GPS guiding applications," he said.



"Google is establishing a strategic alliance with Avis to manage its fleet of self-driven cars, suggesting they are not looking at an ownership business model."



The advice comes as Samsung and Korea's other large firms, which emerged as global players by adopting a fast-follower strategy, struggle to find new business models.



The interview was conducted after INSEAD, one of the world's leading business school, released the Global Innovation Index 2017 a week ago. The index was co-produced by Cornell University and the World Intellectual Property Organization.



In the 2017 index surveying 127 economies, South Korea ranked 11th in the world and second in the Asia-Pacific region.



Korea's ranking, unchanged from last year, placed it ahead of countries such as Japan, France and Hong Kong.



Switzerland ranked highest as the world's most innovative country, followed by Sweden, the Netherlands, the U.S. and the U.K.



Fostering openness of economy



Lanvin, who worked for the World Bank before joining INSEAD, said that in order to join the Top Ten, Korea's society and economy must most significantly improve their performance in the area of "openness."



Korea, in particular, is lagging behind in trade openness, with the nation standing at 88th on tariffs and 100th on ICT services imports as a percentage of total trade. Its openness to external financing of research and development (R&D) ranked 89th and to foreign investment 111th.



However, he stressed Korea has good reason to become an innovation leader, citing its strength in the areas of Human Capital and Research (second), and Knowledge and Technology Output (sixth).



"Considering the points made above, Korea definitely has a great future as an innovative country," Lanvin said.



"From a policy point of view, fostering the openness of Korea's economy and society would be a promising avenue."



Lanvin suggests Korea take a cue from Switzerland, noting that best practices of how to become more open can often be found in the experience of countries that did not have a choice.



"One hundred and fifty years ago, Switzerland was among the poorest countries in Europe. Since it is landlocked and has practically no natural resources, it had to open its borders to trade, investment and ideas," he said.



"Quickly, the talents of its merchants, hotel managers, engineers and bankers helped the country to build its reputation far beyond cuckoo clocks and chocolate."



To foster corporate openness, the professor called for the "internationalization of governance of large Korean conglomerates by inviting foreigners to sit on their boards."



According to the 2017 innovation index, Korea did particularly well on indicators gauging patents (first), industrial design (first), gross expenditure on R&D (second) and research talent (second).



However, it came in 107th on the flexibility of labor markets for "cost of dismissal" and 55th for political stability and safety.




By Yoon Ja-young



A global hacking group is threatening to conduct cyberattacks on local banks and securities companies, putting the local finance industry on high alert.



According to bank officials, a group of hackers calling themselves Armada Collective sent messages to seven banks, some brokerages and the country's bourse operator Korea Exchange between June 20 and 23. The seven lenders are Shinhan, Kookmin, Woori, KEB Hana, Nonghyup, IBK, and KDB.



The hackers demanded they send between 10 and 15 Bitcoins ($24,000 to $36,000) to prevent a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. Bitcoin is a virtual currency, traded at around 3.3 million won each.



In DDoS attacks, attackers overwhelm the target website with data requests, paralyzing its internet server and blocking legitimate users from accessing the site.



The website of Lotte Duty Free, which was a target for China's economic retaliation over Korea's decision to deploy a U.S. missile defense system against North Korean threats, was paralyzed due to DDoS attacks by Chinese hackers.



The hacker group already carried out a small attack Monday on the Korea Financial Telecommunications & Clearings Institute (KFTC), Suhyup Bank, DGB Daegu Bank and JB Bank. The KFTC got a message from the hackers at 9:50 a.m. They threatened to stage a massive DDoS attack unless it paid a Bitcoin ransom by July 3.



A small DDoS attack immediately followed at 9:52 a.m., lasting for about 16 minutes.



According to the KFTC, its two centers at Yeoksam in Seoul and Bundang in Gyeonggi Province faced attacks, which didn't cause much problem. Other banks also continued providing banking services as usual since the attack was not severe.



However, the hackers could still initiate a larger attack today, which they designated as D-day in messages sent to financial companies.



Analysts say the hackers may have attacked the KFTC and small regional banks Monday as a test, since their systems are relatively vulnerable compared to those of large banks.



The hackers group claims it is capable of launching larger-scale attacks.



The Financial Supervisory Service sent official letters to local financial companies requesting them "not to accept the unjust demands of the hacking group."



"The infrastructure for e-finance services should be protected from invasions such as DDoS," it stressed, requesting the businesses to do their best to protect their systems and abide by security standards in the e-finance regulations.



The regulator said it is showing its determination not to succumb to the hackers, and the financial companies should not establish bad precedents by "negotiating" with them.



"With the expansion of fintech, cyber risks are increasing with hackers attacking the financial sector. We need to take measures to fend them off," Financial Supervisory Service Governor Zhin Woong-seob said in a meeting with bank CEOs Monday. Fintech refers to the convergence of financial services and technology.



Local web hosting company Internet Nayana meanwhile recently paid 1.3 billion won worth of Bitcoins to hackers after a ransomware attack paralyzed its servers and affected its client websites, despite criticism that it set a bad precedent that may prompt global criminals to target Korea.



The Financial Security Institute is monitoring 187 financial companies for protection. Local banks are also operating emergency task force teams to fend off a possible attack, strengthening monitoring.




CBA President Curtis Riskey, right, commemorates Noh Kyung-tae's new position as the director of CBA Korea during UNITE 2017, CBA's international convention, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Thursday. / Courtesy of Urim Books



Leading Korean publishing executive Noh Kyung-tae, CEO of Urim Books, was named the new director of CBA Korea. CBA President Curtis Riskey commemorated his new position during UNITE 2017, CBA's international convention, in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 29.

The position has been vacant since 2014, and Noh recognized the need for leadership among Christian publishing and retailing communities in Korea.

"I want to strengthen the impact of Christian resources in Korea and around the world," Noh said.

South Korea has a strong and vibrant Christian community. About a third of the nation is Christian, primarily Protestant denominations, with no dominant religion in the religiously pluralistic nation. Korea is the world's second-largest missionary-sending nation, just next to the U.S.

One of Noh's goals for CBA Korea is to help build healthy Christian media organizations to ensure continued distribution of Christian literature and resources in Korea and around the world.

Meetings at UNITE 2017 included discussion of a cooperative biannual conference in South Korea for training, international networking, and heightened awareness of Christian literature and content providers.

"Unity strengthens the power of organizations, and I see tremendous opportunity to advance the Gospel through cooperation among Christian organizations and associations," Noh said.

Riskey said CBA is honored to come alongside such a visionary leader as Noh. "Mr. Noh brings a broad range of successful experience that will benefit the development of Christian resources worldwide," Riskey said.

As the CEO of Christian publisher Urim Books and a board member of Korean Publishers Association, Mr. Noh serves as a visionary leader of the publishing industry. Urim Books has published more than 450 Christian titles authored by Dr. Jaerock Lee in 75 languages including English, French, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Hebrew. Dr. Lee's Manmin Central Church has 11,000 branches and associative churches around the world, according to Warren Bird, Director of Research and Intellectual Capital in the U.S.

In 2014, he founded Seoul Central Asset, a financial company in collaboration with Shinhan Financial Group.

He is the recipient of various awards, such as the Business Management Grand Prize by Hankook Ilbo Communication, and the Dong-A Ilbo Unity Prize. The Unity Prize recognizes key CEOs who help move the Korean economy. Noh has also received the Business Grand Prize from Shinhan Financial Group for six consecutive years.

Noh has always believed in strong relations between Christian companies and the community. He puts his beliefs into practice by conducting extensive social welfare projects through his company. His projects reach out to such organizations as Korea Youth Association, Seoul Hanyoung University (former Hanyoung Theological University) and Republic of Korea National Red Cross.

He is the president of Seoul Welfare Newspaper and received the Social Welfare Prize from the mayor of Seoul.

During Korea's recent elections, Noh was a special economy and industry adviser to Moon Jae-in, who was elected President in May.

There are 18 affiliate CBA groups around the globe, including CBA USA, each providing association services, training and events based on local needs and support. CBA began its international outreach in 1961 when it established a fund to support international Christian product retailers and suppliers.


Trump hints at renegotiating free trade deal

By Kim Rahn

WASHINGTON, D.C.  President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump had "frank and serious" discussions on North Korea, a free trade deal and other issues in their first meeting over dinner at the White House, Friday, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

After the meeting, Trump wrote on Twitter that he discussed with Moon a "new trade deal," indicating the U.S. request for a renegotiation of the countries' bilateral free trade agreement.

Yoon Young-chan, Moon's top press officer, refused to elaborate on this, only saying, "The leaders agreed to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, establish peace on the Korean Peninsula and ensure economic prosperity for both nations based on their strong alliance."

It was the first time that Trump has invited a foreign head of state and the spouse to dinner at the White House since his inauguration in January, Cheong Wa Dae said. First lady Kim Jung-sook and U.S. first lady Melania Trump were also present.

When the two leaders first met before dinner, they shook hands, although Trump did not show his usual powerful grip. They instead tapped each other's shoulder and arm lightly in a friendly manner.
By Rachel Lee



The leaders of South Korea, the United States and Japan will hold a three-way summit on July 6 on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Hamburg, Germany, Cheong Wa Dae said Thursday.



President Moon Jae-in, U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet the day before the G20 Summit slated for July 7-8 over a dinner at the invitation of Trump.



The three leaders are expected to discuss North Korea's nuclear program during the meeting, the presidential office said.



This is the first time for the three nations to hold a meeting since Moon took office in May.



Moon, currently in the U.S. for a summit with the U.S. president Friday, is expected to discuss how to deal with a possible threat from North Korea. Moon called for bipartisan efforts in resolving the North's nuclear ambitions to the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, Thursday.



The comfort women matter is expected to be on the agenda.



President Moon has signalled his willingness to renegotiate the issue with Chancellor Abe.



Under the deal made by the former Park Geun-hye government in 2015, the two nations agreed to "finally and irreversibly" resolve a decades-old dispute over Japan's use of sex slaves including Koreans during World War II. The Japanese government agreed to contribute 1 billion yen to a Korean foundation dedicated to supporting the victims.



But some surviving victims accused the government of failing to obtain Japan's acknowledgment of its legal responsibility and rashly reached the deal without consulting them. They said they do not want to receive the money from Japan unless the country acknowledges its legal responsibility and offers a sincere apology.



Moon is to hold a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on July 5.
















By Kim Se-jeong



The girl statue in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul can now stay there permanently. The Jongno District Office made a legislative move this week to protect the symbol of young sex slaves, mostly Koreans, exploited by Japanese troops before and during World War II.



According to the office, the district council ratified the ordinance to designate the statue as public property. Going into effect July 1, the ordinance will require permission from the district office for removal. The district office will also undertake maintenance on and around the statue.



The statue, erected in 2011, has been a subject of dispute with Japan as it wants it removed.



The demand grew particularly stronger after a December 2015 statement when the two countries' top diplomats announced the issue of sexual slavery was permanently "resolved" with Japan's one-time financial contribution to the Korean government for the care of surviving victims.



As for the statue, Korea recognized Japan's concern and said it "will strive to solve this issue in an appropriate manner." Japan viewed the statement as Korea's willingness to remove it.



The new ordinance was a result of orchestrated acts among local governments. Reportedly, the idea came from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Similar statues have also been erected in other parts of the country, and Jongno's move may encourage other local governments to follow suit.



Thursday's move is expected to further escalate tension between Korea and Japan regarding wartime sex slaves, who are also called "comfort women."



In a recent phone conversation with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in May, new President Moon Jae-in said many Koreans citizens cannot accept the 2015 statement. New Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has also echoed this view.












/ Korea Times graphic by Lee Jong-eun



By Park Si-soo





The Dongseo Highway / Yonhap

The Dongsea Highway will open tonight, enabling cars to reach Yangyang, a scenic coastal city in Gangwon Province, from Seoul within 90 minutes.

This represents a travel time cut of about 40 minutes.

Dongsea Highway extends 71.7 kilometers from East Hongcheon to Yangyang. It has 35 tunnels and 58 viaducts.

The highway is expected to boost economic growth in northern Gangwon Province and regions across Mt. Seorak and the east coast.

The expressway will have an opening ceremony at 8 p.m.
People look at wooden cutting boards at the Social Economy Fair held at Seoul Plaza, Friday./Korea Times photo by Kim Se-jeong



By Kim Se-jeong

A wig company, a travel agency, an arts and crafts firm, an interior design company, a rice cake producer and a cleaning and sanitizing company  these are some of the companies people will encounter at the Social Economy Fair which is ongoing at Seoul City Hall and Seoul Plaza.

What distinguishes these firms from others is that their ultimate goal isn't to make money, instead they want to do something good for society.

For example, WooZoo rents an empty residential building, renovates it and then rents rooms out to young jobseekers. Good Travel connects travelers looking for authentic local experiences with villages and communities that offer these.

Tteok Prince is providing rice cake catering service employing people with disabilities.

Joo Gaon provides cleaning and sanitation services for buildings. Most employees are mothers who wish to stay employed while raising their children, and healthy retired men. Joo Gaon has big companies as clients, but they also clean local libraries and nursing homes in the Songpa district of Seoul.

"This is an opportunity to let people know who we are and what we do," said a representative from Joo Gaon. "And hopefully, we'll find more clients during the fair."

While awareness about it is improving, the social economy is still a foreign concept to many people in Korea.

The three-day fair opened Friday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Korean government's policy to support the social economy. The Seoul Metropolitan Government, which is one of the fair's strongest supporters among local governments, organized the large-scale event  on the sidelines it also invited 150 social economy activists from around the world for training.

Two hundred social enterprises, cooperative associations and community businesses are participating in the fair.

Many visitors wandered about, sampling food, trying on clothing or gathering information. One section was set up for education on the social economy in general, displaying the social development of Seoul and Korea.

The Seoul city government's support for the social economy really took off with Mayor Park Won-soon when he was elected in 2011. Mayor Park was a social enterprises CEO himself of Beautiful Store, a secondhand shop, which has now 143 stores around the country.

The city has a 10 billion won fund which social business owners can borrow from at a good rate. It also rewards good performing companies with cash prizes. The number of registered social enterprises in Seoul is 3,501.

In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Mayor Park said the social economy is an alternative to the market economy.

"Unlike the market economy that aims at maximum profit and competition, the social economy's priorities are on people and building communities. The social economy helps minorities, the elderly and women to find work and offers care and welfare for them. It's a new solution to problems that have resulted from the market economy."
President Moon Jae-in shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington D.C., Thursday (local time). / Yonhap



By Jung Min-ho

President Moon Jae-in shook hands with U.S. President Donald Trump  with a firm but not aggressive grip  in what appeared to be a tactic to avert Trump's notorious yank-and-pull handshake technique.

Moon, known for his politeness and gentle manners, looked confident during his state visit to the United States, the most important ally of South Korea in defense.

/ Yonhap

As soon as Moon got out of a car in front of the White House in Washington D.C., Thursday (local time), Trump offered his right hand and tapped Moon on the shoulder lightly with his left hand.

Moon responded by giving him a firm handshake as he placed his left hand high on Trump's arm  similar to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's action.

Their first handshake lasted for about 4 seconds and both men smiled.












By Kim Hyo-jin



The traditional Korean dish "bibimbap" was the White House's pick for a dinner welcoming South Korean President Moon Jae-in to Washington, Thursday.



The dish comprised of rice mixed with a variety of vegetables, has an implied meaning of harmony and collaboration.



At the first meeting between Moon and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, it was served as the main dish at a reception dinner, a choice which officials believe reflected Washington's determination to emphasize the countries' strong alliance and hopes for cooperation.



Moon and Trump discussed North Korea's nuclear issue and Korea-U.S. trade deals over the "Chive Butter, Herbed Carolina Gold Rice Bibimbap."



It has been a popular dish when South Korean leaders welcome foreign leaders on their visits here.













Former President Park Geun-hye served her Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin bibimbap on his visit to Cheong Wa Dae in Novermber 2013.



Her predecessor Lee Myung-bak also treated his guests to the bibimbap with bean sprouts during a state banquet he hosted at the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit.



At the time, Cheong Wa Dae explained that the meal signified hope for worldwide cooperation against nuclear expansion.



During the 2007 inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang, ex-late President Roh Moo-hyun served North Korean officials with the dish, a move that reflected his hopes for conciliation and unity between the two countries.



The White House dinner between the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. was the first in six years since Trump's predecessor Barack Obama and President Lee had their dinner in October 2011.



Then, the main dish of the official dinner was wagyu beef from Texas but Obama treated Lee with bibimbap at Wooraeok, a Korean Restaurant in Washington D.C., a day before the state banquet.



The informal dinner was reportedly prepared as Obama hoped to communicate with Lee in a relaxed atmosphere. Hilary Clinton, then secretary of state, accompanied Obama and ate the dish too, according to officials.



The reception dinner for President Moon and first lady Kim Jung-sook lasted 125 minutes, 35 minutes longer than planned.
Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions demand 10,000 won for next year's minimum wage during a strike at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, Friday, a day after negotiations failed. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



By Kim Bo-eun





Negotiations for next year's minimum wage fell through once again, extending the talks beyond the official deadline.

Representatives of management, labor and the government held their sixth committee meeting at the Sejong Government Complex, Thursday.

In the meeting stretching on for eight hours, management proposed a minimum wage of 6,625 won an hour, a 2.4 percent raise from this year's 6,470 won, while labor insisted on 10,000 won.

Since last year, labor groups have insisted the minimum wage be raised to 10,000 won, as a means to alleviate income inequality. Management, which has for years proposed freezing the minimum wage in talks yielded to a 2.4 percent raise, in what appears as a consideration that the Moon Jae-in administration has pledged to raise the minimum wage to 10,000 won by 2020.

A key issue of contention is management's proposal of differentiating the minimum wage for eight sectors: internet cafes, convenience stores, supermarkets, gas stations, hairdressers, restaurants, taxis and concierge positions.

They claim raising the minimum wage poses a burden on small businesses and mom-and-pop stores. Meanwhile, labor representatives maintain there is no point of designating a minimum wage if it is not going to be applied universally.

The issue will be discussed in upcoming meetings next week.

Labor groups held a press conference in front of the Korea Employers Federation building in central Seoul, denouncing management's proposal, Friday.

"Management proposed a 155 won raise by the deadline. Calling for separate negotiations for eight sectors means they will pay workers in these sectors less than the minimum wage," the Arbeit Workers Union said.

The nation's two umbrella unions the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions also condemned management.

"Do they think they are making sense, calling for differentiated wages for sectors, refusing labor's propositions to discuss the issue with owners of small businesses?" they said in a statement.

The committee will continue its talks next week _ the seventh meeting is scheduled for July 3, and the eighth for July 5.

The minister of employment and labor must announce the minimum wage on Aug. 5 and an agreement needs to be reached 20 days prior to that in order to pass administrative procedures.

This puts the de facto deadline at July 16.

Minimum wage talks have conventionally passed the deadline. Since the minimum wage committee was launched in 1988 up through last year, it only reached an agreement within the deadline eight times.
By David T. Jones





In 1869, Mark Twain published Innocents Abroad: The New Pilgrims' Progress, which was regarded as a travelogue/humorous account of American touring. The group, however, was anything but "innocent" as, immediately post-Civil War, most males had combat experience and, well-equipped with firearms, they occasionally deployed them to good effect.

Such a difference from today's youth/adults that believe they can travel to the ends of the earth, seeking "safe adventures" to supplement jaded tastes, armed only with U.S. passports and projecting internalized naivety.

By and large, they survive their blithe indifference to real danger. Occasionally, one goes into a "deepest/darkest" location and, subsequently, the local U.S. consular officer is asked what (s)he wants to do with the shoe still containing a foot.

In many respects, Otto Warmbier illustrates again wide-eyed naivety meeting implacable evil. His return to the U.S. and subsequent death is an outrage. But it is more noteworthy due to Washington's-Pyongyang's increasingly fraught bilateral relations.

Pyongyang's explanation of his coma as resulting from botulism plus sleeping pill is medically laughable, but abuse possibly creating his condition is multifold. It suggests incompetent torturers with commensurate loss of face for Pyongyang (which hopefully purged the incompetents).

But we will not know what killed Warmbier since his family exercised their absolute right not to have an autopsy. We must respect that.

Now we are going back and forth over how to engage (or not) Pyongyang. Hard line? Soft line? With Beijing/Allies? By ourselves?

So, let me suggest a memo to "Dear Young Leader" on aspects of dealing with Americans.

First, the U.S. has a travel warning for North Korea, ignored by many U.S. citizens who, with a "What, Who Me?" reaction to seizure/arrest, have required the intervention of high level officials to obtain their release.

There is rarely criticism or sanctions against persons who ignored the ban and put themselves into harm's way.

Second, Warmbier may have taken a poster in a manner deeply offending Pyongyang authorities. His bad.

Well, young dear leader he probably just wanted it for his university dorm room.

Generations of Americans have done so, and you might find the "Greatest Generation" college-era posters in basement family rooms.

That was the depth of his offense.

Third, Warmbier was a comer, a "prize colt." We identify with him; he is our son or family of friends/colleagues. Definitely, not a "throw away" child from a third-echelon training school. His potential was noted, and he was being educated accordingly. We are not amused.

We have years of talking tough but not acting. Perhaps, without banning travel to North Korea (and avoiding civil libertarian hissy fits over restricting citizen rights), we should bluntly  not "diplomatically"  say any American citizen traveling to North Korea is stupid beyond belief and urge anyone currently residing there to depart immediately (paying compensation them if necessary).

There is a famous quote by 19th century German chancellor Otto von Bismarck, "God Looks after Drunks, Fools, and the United States of America." This time, even God failed.





Jones is a retired U.S. foreign service officer based in Washington D.C. Write to Jonesdt@aol.com.
This is the second in a two-part series about ROK-U.S. relationship by Park Jin, former chairman of the National Assembly's foreign affairs, trade and unification committee.



By Park Jin





There is no magic solution to the North Korea denuclearization challenge. In theory, all options remain on the table including dialogue and a military strike. There is, however, a basic solution to the problem; the past two and a half decades, since Pyongyang's abrupt withdrawal from the NPT in March 1993, have taught us that what works best is a carefully crafted application of sticks and carrots. Priority should be given to effective sanctions and pressure that will induce a visible change in North Korea's deceptive behavior. Once Pyongyang clearly desists from further provocations and indicates a genuine willingness to engage in an irreversible process of denuclearization, talks can be explored to negotiate specific terms and conditions, schedule a phased and transparent denuclearization scenario, and offer economic and security incentives. For now, North Korea remains its own nemesis in this regard.

China's role is limited. Beijing's economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang may go some length to assist the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, but it will fall short of being decisive. China is not fond of the idea of North Korea as an aggressive neighboring nuclear power. North Korea is not particularly trustful of China either. Nevertheless Beijing is even less fond of the collapse of the Pyongyang regime due to severe sanctions and pressure that may jeopardize the China-North Korea "comradeship" and stability in the region. In that sense, the North Korean nuclear quagmire is China's own making. So long as China prefers to have North Korea as a strategic buffer zone on the Korean peninsula vis-a-vis the U.S. to maintain the status quo, its Korean Peninsula policy will remain unchanged. That is not to say, however, that China is free of responsibilities; Seoul and Washington must continue to urge Beijing to take its share of responsibility to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue for peace and stability in the region. If China fails to do so, it will not only exacerbate the problem but also imperil its own national interests.

The KORUS FTA is a win-win arrangement for both nations. The brainchild of over five years of tough bilateral negotiations, it has served as a model FTA and a global standard. It is simply not right to say that the FTA favors only one side. Given that the KORUS FTA, when it was presented to the Korean National Assembly in the late 2008, was fiercely opposed by progressive groups for fear that it would destroy Korean jobs and degenerate Korea into an economic appendix to the U.S., it is rather ironic that five years on since its signing, the same agreement is being criticized in the United States. The recent increase in the U.S. trade deficit with Korea should be attributed not to the FTA per se, but rather to the global economic slowdown which led to an import fall to Korea in general. The KORUS FTA, however, will increase bilateral trade, including goods and services, reduce the US trade deficit and create jobs both in Korea and the United States. Korea's first import of American LNG and shale gas in large quantities, starting from this year, will bolster energy cooperation between the two countries and contribute to the reduction of the U.S. trade deficit.

Korean companies have for long created quality jobs in the U.S. Leading firms such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motors, KIA Motors, and LG Chemical have produced no fewer than 45,000 high-quality jobs in the U.S. through diverse FDIs. American jobs created by Korean firms have increased four-fold over the last five years. The figure becomes much higher if indirect employment in related industries and the supply chain is counted. Over the last five years, Korea's investment in the United States amounted to $37 billion; a rise of 60% since the KORUS FTA came into effect. In 2016, Korean FDI was $12.9 billion _ the highest ever in history. Those Korean firms whose leaders will accompany President Moon on his summit trip, such as people from Samsung, Hyundai, LG, SK and GS have already set up concrete business plans to increase various forms of investment which will in turn increase US jobs.

Korea is the largest buyer of U.S. defense products. According to SIPRI data, from 2005 to 2015, Korea purchased over $8.7 billion worth of US weapons systems, well ahead of the UAE, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Israel that are among the top 5 U.S. military export markets. Such a consistent purchase of U.S. military equipment has been encouraged to maintain close military interoperability for the ROK-US combined forces system. Accounting for the trade of non-military goods and services against the U.S. sales of military equipment, it becomes clear that the U.S. has consistently seen substantial trade benefits with regard to Korea.

Korea is paying more than half of the cost of maintaining U.S. troops in Korea. It spends about 2.4% of GDP on defense; this is a higher proportion than Britain, Germany, Japan, Australia and Canada. The current Korean government plans to increase its defense spending to 3% of GDP. As U.S. government officials have acknowledged, Korea pays at least 55 percent of all non-personnel stationing costs and increases its defense spending by 3 percent to 5 percent annually.

On top of this share of stationing costs as defined by the ROK-US Special Measures Agreement, Korea also adds direct and indirect provisions such as land, manpower, and various fee waivers. Taking these provisions into account, Korea pays around 65% of stationing costs. The Korean government has also covered 52% of the $14.8 billion cost of a base relocation to Pyeongtaek, southwest of Seoul, the largest overseas military base for the United States. The United States financed the relocation of the 2nd Infantry Division and the Yongsan base. Finally, the estimated costs of stationing the U.S. troops in Korea are less than the cost of withdrawing the troops and redeploying them to the U.S.





Park Jin is chairman, Korean-American Association. He can be reached by koreaparkjin@gmail.com
Moon's visit reaffirms strength of Korea-US ties



The first Korea-U.S. summit since President Moon Jae-in's inauguration took place in Washington, D.C. Friday evening amid mounting concerns over the two countries' differences about security and trade issues. Moon's first overseas trip ended a long break in summit diplomacy owing to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in December 2016.



The two leaders first met at a friendly dinner at the White House ahead of the summit with first ladies Kim Jung-sook and Melania Trump also present. Regardless of the outcome, Moon's first U.S. visit is meaningful in that the two leaders have started to get to know each other and build mutual trust, which is crucial for strengthening security and economic cooperation.



The visit was also significant in that it reminded the peoples of the two countries of the history of the ironclad alliance. It was a good choice for Moon to start his U.S. visit at a Korean War memorial for the U.S. veterans of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, also known here as the Jangjin Lake Campaign, which took place between Nov. 27 and Dec. 13, 1950. One of the decisive battles of the Korean War enabled the Hungnam Evacuation, a major U.S. military evacuation of civilians. Moon's parents were among the 14,000 refugees on the SS Meredith Victory who were transported to South Korea from the North Korean port of Hungnam.



The U.S. Marine Corps posted a live video of Moon's visit to the memorial on its Facebook page, which was met with thousands of comments from Americans, many of whom had family members who served in the 1950-53 Korean War. One American commented: "My dad served in the First Marine Division at the Chosin. It is gratifying to hear the President of Korea recognize their tremendous service."



Moon's emotional speech highlighted the special bond of the two countries established during the Korean War. "The ROK-U.S. alliance was forged in blood in the fire of war like this. It is not an alliance forged simply by signing several papers. As is the case with my life, the alliance between Seoul and Washington is strongly linked to the life of every single person on both sides," Moon said. "Because of that, I have no doubt about the future of the ROK-U.S. alliance."



The two leaders have some differing views on how to deal with North Korea's increasing military provocations. Lately, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery has become a contentious issue between the two countries due to Moon's reluctance for its deployment without proper domestic procedures. Trump also wants new negotiations on the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, claiming that the existing one has killed U.S. jobs.



Despite these complexities in bilateral issues, the two countries share a common goal for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. They should work together continuously to develop the Korea-U.S. alliance into a greater and stronger one.




By Kim Ji-myung





Neither the President of Korea nor of the United States seem to care much about diplomatic protocol, by what we have witnessed during their summit in Washington D.C.

Before leaving Seoul, Wednesday, President Moon Jae-in asked his staff to reduce the level of protocol required in the seeing-off and welcoming-back processes. The size of the entourage from the Cabinet accompanying him was reportedly kept to a minimum.

U.S. President Donald Trump, on his part, also seems to be the last person to pay attention to formalities. Upon their first encounter the two leaders may have confirmed unexpected commonalities, such as in their focus on pragmatic practices and tradition-destroying behavior.

Since former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment last year, many bilateral issues have remained suspended, waiting for solutions in one form or another, while many months have passed with no official contact between the leaders of the two nations.

Subtle military and diplomatic issues on top of diverse economic problems will pressure President Moon, who has been in office just over 50 days, being assisted by Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha  who may need assistance herself rather than serving as an aide to anyone.

Washington announced that the Korean presidential couple would be warmly welcomed, and accommodated at Blair House for three days.

President Moon not only wanted light protocol arrangements but also mentioned that he does not anticipate achieving much on this first visit to America. What does he intend to do as Koreans watch this summit? Do personal contacts between political leaders ever bring about deep and lasting results?

As far as North Korean nuclear issues are concerned, many Koreans believe that agreements reached with Pyongyang have meant nothing; we and the world have been deceived.

Only those very patient personalities or those very sympathetic for the North because they have relatives there will agree to try again to bring that regime to negotiations. To know someone in person or to have kin there makes a big difference in feelings toward any area or nation.

However, besides and far beyond personal feelings, national interest based on state power dominates international relations, according the late Prof. Hahm Byung-choon. An articulate scholar from Harvard and once the Korean Ambassador to the United States, he emphatically reiterated the grave reality of "power politics" in international negotiations. He had to face overwhelming frustration sitting as a diplomat representing a weaker party.

In April, 1978, he had an interview with the Washington Post about the South Korean initiative for independent defense capabilities halted by the United States.

The Washington Post quoted Prof. Hahm as saying that American reluctance to permit Korea's nuclear development "is a reflection of the West's assumed moral superiority, a conviction that Asians aren't to be trusted." Many Korean intellectuals "are torn between their acknowledged reliance on Americans for defense and their resentment at being what one called over-managed by American officials" as the Post put it.

Even in this wired world of internet-led globalizing cultures, diplomatic protocol still has significant implications, because how one party treats the visiting guest shows relative positioning. Presidential visits follow different protocols depending on the three levels of status: state, official and working visits.

When President Chun Doo-hwan visited Bonn, then West Germany, in April 1986, he was not offered a chair at his meeting with Chancellor Helmut Kohl according to reports. A cartoon in a local newspaper depicted the Korean President standing in front of the German chancellor's desk, facing his German partner who was sitting in his chair, if my memory is correct.

President Chun was an unwelcomed leader who took power by unlawful means. Official sources said that Korea's hopes to make President Chun's "state visits" to three European countries were not accepted, mainly because of too short notice, rather than political considerations.

The standard diplomatic protocol manuals state elements like ceremony, etiquette, titles, correspondence, savoir-vivre, wardrobe and dining are crucial. Yes, they came from Western traditions, and it is true that power controls reality in real politics. But since diplomatic protocols are now global standards, proper understanding and application would be beneficial to our nation.





Kim Ji-myung is the chairwoman of the Korea Heritage Education Institute (K*Heritage). Her email address is Heritagekorea21@gmail.com.
By Tong Kim

WASHINGTON, D.C.  A group of six high-profile American experts recommended in a letter to President Donald Trump on June 28 that he send a high-level presidential envoy to North Korea to jump-start talks in good faith and begin informal bilateral talks  with no preconditions  to explore options for more formal negotiations.

The prominent group included former secretary of defense William Perry (the author of the Perry Report on North Korea in 1999), former secretary of state George Shultz (during the Reagan administration), Robert Gallucci (the negotiator of the Agreed Frameworks in 1994), Siegfried Hecker (a world-renowned nuclear expert now with Stanford University), Richard Lugar (a retired chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee) and Bill Richardson (a former U.N. ambassador and governor of New Mexico).

"Talking is not a reward or a concession to Pyongyang and should not be construed as signaling acceptance of a nuclear-armed North Korea," their joint letter to the President said. The authors also wrote: "Kim Jong-un is not irrational  the primary danger is a miscalculation or mistake that could lead to war."

According to the authors, the U.S. should make clear that it does not have hostile intentions toward North Korea and it wants to explore a peaceful path forward. They were hoping that Pyongyang then would announce a freeze on tests of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. The initial goal of the talks would be limited to "reduce tensions and cap North Korea's arsenal."












Biden urges Republicans to work together as control of US Congress unclear
By Jhoo Dong-chan



The two sons of Lotte Group founder Shin Kyuk-ho, who have been engaged in a fierce dispute over control of the group, have finally met face to face.



But they failed to resolve their prolonged sibling feud, according to Lotte officials, as Chairman Shin Dong-bin continues to tighten his grip on Korea's fifth-largest conglomerate, with his elder brother Dong-joo seeking to take control away from his younger brother.



The two met at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, Thursday, accepting their mother Shigemitsu Hatsuko's recommendation for reconciliation.



Expecting no further feuds since Lotte Group founder and their father Shin Kyuk-ho officially retired as a director of the group's holding company last week, she suggested her two sons reconcile, according to industry observers.



Both sides accepted the recommendation and met each other, but reportedly failed to reach a reconciliation.



"It is now almost impossible for Dong-joo to take back the group's control. I believe the meeting was to prevent their feud from becoming a long-term legal struggle," an industry observer said.



A Lotte Group official said they do not know what the two talked about during the meeting.



"Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin and Lotte Holdings former Chairman Shin Dong-joo shared recognition for the necessity of reconciliation," the official said.



"Nothing was decided to or agreed upon during the meeting, but the chairman still has the will to talk to his bother and will do his best to settle the feud."



Last week, Lotte Group's holding company decided to retire Lotte Group founder Shin Kyuk-ho as a director of the holding company during a regular shareholders' meeting at its headquarters in Tokyo. The decision officially ends Shin's practical involvement in the group's management as he left the boards of Lotte Confectionary and Hotel Lotte last year. He also stepped down from the Lotte Shopping board in March.



The decision is expected to enhance Dong-bin's management position within the group, whereas his rival Dong-joo's suggestion to appoint four directors and one auditor of his choice was rejected. The SDJ Corp. chairman's request that Dong-bin be removed as group chairman was also rejected.



The two-year rivalry for management control of Lotte Group started ahead of a shareholders' meeting of Lotte Holdings in 2015.



Dong-bin, Kyuk-ho's second eldest son, who appears to have consolidated control of the 90 trillion won business empire by fending off a recent coup attempt by his elder brother Shin Dong-joo, is said to be in a better position to win managerial control of the holding firm.



In the meantime, Dong-joo brandished a letter purportedly written by their father proclaiming Dong-joo as the rightful heir.



Dong-joo continuously requested that his brother be retired as the group's chairman in previous shareholders' meetings, which only ended in failure.








Tran Dai Quang and Vladimir Putin shake hands at their talks in Moscow on June 29th (Photo: VNA)



At a joint press conference following talks between the two leaders in Moscow, the two leaders announced that the investment will be poured into 20 priority projects, including a joint Vietnamese-Russian oil and gas enterprise, the construction of a light industrial zone in Moscow and projects carried out by Vietnamese dairy group TH in some Russian localities.

Another USD500 million would be spent on projects with high potentials in new areas of bilateral cooperation like agriculture or medicinal herbs, the leaders said.

The two countries have also set an ambitious target of raising bilateral trade to USD10 billion by 2020.

Oil and gas will remain the top priority sector for cooperation between the two countries, Putin said.

Vietsovpetro, a Vietnam-Russia joint venture, accounts for a third of the crude oil extracted in Vietnam.

Putin said Russia is committed to providing Vietnam with LPG and other fuels. He also said Russian enterprises are ready to join in modernizing Vietnams power plants and help the country build new power plants.

The two leaders also agreed to coordinate closely with each other in implementing the Vietnam-Eurasia Economic Union (VN-EAEU) Free Trade Agreement in order to fully exploit its advantages for further cooperation in trade and investment.

The FTA, involving Vietnam, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, was signed in May 2015 and took effect on October 5 last year.

Vietnam and Russia are committed to creating favorable conditions for enterprises to step up trading, including signing agreements on food safety management and promoting payment in Vietnamese Dong and the Russian Rouble, the leaders said.

Joint ventures to assemble and produce cars in Vietnam will soon be set up and cooperation stepped up in energy and infrastructure. The two sides will also consider the possibility for continuing cooperation in the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

The two nations have also agreed to tighten coordination in humanitarian field. In 2019, the two countries will celebrate the 25th anniversary of a treaty on basic principles for the bilateral friendship, hence they will designate 2019 as the Year of Vietnam in Russia and vice versa.

On the East Sea (South China Sea) dispute, Quang and Putin agreed that any border or territorial dispute should be resolved by peaceful means without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with international law, first of all the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They agreed the Declaration of Conduct in the East Sea (DOC) should be implemented fully and effectively, and hoped that a Code of Conduct (COC) will soon be completed.

During their talks, President Putin affirmed that Vietnam will always be a priority partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region. He said he believes that Quangs visit will provide fresh impetus to the development of the bilateral ties in the coming time.

President Quang reiterated that Vietnam has consistently prioritised strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in order to promote further bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Vietnam appreciates Russias role and hopes Russia will continue making active contributions to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the Asian-Pacific region, he said.

The same day, the two leaders witnessed the signing ceremonies for several cooperation projects including the building a nuclear technology and science centre in Vietnam between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Russian Rosatom Group, a cooperation agreement on anti-money laundering between the State Bank of Vietnam and the Financial Market Relations Regulation Centre, and another between the Vietnam News Agency and the Sputnik.

A memorandum on technical cooperation between the two State treasuries was also signed in the presence of the presidents, along with a 2017-2022 cooperation program in aerospace technology between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities, and an agreement between the Vietnam Railways Corporation and the Russian Railways Open Joint Stock Company./.
President Tran Dai Quang shakes hands with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (Photo: VNA)



At a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow on June 29th as part of his ongoing four-day official visit to Russia, the President said that Vietnam sees Russia as one ofits top important and reliable partners, stated the State leader, highlighting political ties between the two countries as well as the coordination between the Vietnam Communist Party and the United Russia Party led by PM Medvedev.

He showed his delight to visit Russia for the first time since he took office in 2016, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of Russias October Revolution.

President Tran Dai Quang and PM Medvedev shared high determination of lifting the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a new height. They also agreed on measures to promote and deepen bilateral ties.

The Vietnamese President proposed that the two governments foster their cooperation in effectively implementing the Vietnam-Eurasia Economic Union free trade agreement, while realising solutions to promote trade to create favorable conditions for import-export activities between the two countries.

Both sides should support cooperation projects in each territory, especially those in oil and gas, energy, automobile assemble and production, and cow milk breeding and milk processing, he suggested.

He also thanked the Russian side for backing the Vietnamese community in Russia, while pledging that Vietnam is willing to assist the organisation of the Russian Culture Days in Vietnam in 2017.

For his part, the Russian PM expressed his sound sentiments towards Vietnam, and recalled his memory of the country through his visits.

PM Medvedev noted that bilateral ties have grown in all fields, especially the economy and trade, showing his hope that the Vietnamese and Russian governments will continue focusing on bolstering trade, investment. He suggested that the two sides stay active in seeking more cooperation projects.

Both sides share pleasure at the close coordination between Vietnam and Russia at multilateral forums, including the APEC. PM Medvedev vowed that Russia is willing to work with Vietnam to successfully organise the APEC Year 2017.

Earlier the same day, President Tran Dai Quang and the Vietnamese delegation laid flowers at the Ho Chi Minh statue in Moscow and planted a tree at the Ho Chi Minh square.

They laid a wreath at the monument in the Red Square commemorating unknown martyrs who died between 1941 and 1945.

They also paid floral tribute to the revolutionary leader Vladimir I. Lenin at his mausoleum and visited his commemoration area by the Kremlin wall./.
Sri Lankas Ambassador to the USA, Prasad Kariyawasam, who has been a member of the UN Committee on Migrant Workers since its inception in March 2004, and the first Chair of the Committee , was re-elected for the fourth time at the Election held at the UN in New York on 28 June 2017, at the 8th Meeting of State Parties to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

The 51 States Parties to the Convention voted yesterday to select 7 members to the Committee, out of 11 candidates, for the period 2018-2021. The 11 candidates were from Albania, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Mali, Niger, Philippines, Senegal and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankas candidate, Prasad Kariyawasam, was re-elected, securing the third highest number of votes, along with candidates from Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Colombia, Senegal, and Niger.

The UN Committee on Migrant Workers (CMW), consisting of a total of 14 elected members, as its main responsibility, monitors the implementation of the Convention, which is the most comprehensive international instrument that deals with the rights of migrant workers. The Convention which came into force in 2003, is an important component of the core international human rights treaties in the UN Human Rights Treaty System.

Ambassador Kariyawasams re-election to the Committee for successive terms signifies the endorsement by the States Parties of his competence and contribution to the work of the Committee in promoting the human rights of migrant workers, and recognition of Sri Lankas role in this regard as well, on the international stage.

Today, migrant workers account for a substantial component of the worlds approximately 250 million international migrants. Migrant workers around the world make a significant contribution to the growth and development of their countries of destination, and also to the improvement of the economies of their countries of origin through remittances. However, migrant workers are often vulnerable to exploitation and human trafficking. The Convention seeks to prevent and eliminate the exploitation of migrant workers throughout the migration process and promote a rights based approach to migration with a view to protecting the rights of migrant workers and members of their families.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

29 June 2017
Minister of Labour, Trade Union Relations and Sabaragamu Development W.D.J. Seneviratne said that Sri Lanka will make every endeavor to be an active partner of the ILO in achieving the anticipated goals of the green initiative. The Minister encouraged the ILO to provide a platform for effective global dialogue, to facilitate technology transfer from developed to developing countries, to convert their production technologies in to green technologies, and thereby facilitate prevention and mitigation of the impact of climate change, while supporting to create significant additional green jobs. Minister Seneviratne made these observations when he addressed the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva on 12th June 2017, in the context of the report of the Director General of ILO on Work in a changing climate: the Green Initiative.

During his intervention, Minister drew the attention of the Conference to the recent floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, and how it has affected the livelihoods of its people.

As a labour sending country, the Minister said Sri Lanka has significantly contributed to strengthen the governance of migration through a number of measures taken at the national level, bilateral as well regional initiatives such as the Colombo Process - the regional consultative forum of contractual labour originating countries in Asia which Sri Lanka Chaired till February 2017, and the Abu Dhabi Dialogue - a group of both labour sending and receiving countries in the GCC- Asia migration corridor, which is currently Chaired by Sri Lanka. He further said, based on these experiences, Sri Lanka will be an active partner in ILO programmes and activities in addressing the governance challenges of migration.

Drawing attention to Sri Lankas recent ratification of Seafarers Identity Document Convention No.185 and Maritime Labor Convention, 2006, Minister informed the ILC that Sri Lanka has ratified 43 ILO Conventions including all core Conventions, and that the country is in the process of completing the ground work required to ratify Convention 155 on Occupational Safety and Health and Conventions 97 and 143 relating to migration.

State Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations Mr. Ravindra Samaraweera who attended the initial meetings, made an intervention at the Plenary of the ILC on 7th June 2017 on behalf of Sri Lankas Chairmanship of the Group of 15, and noted the Decent Work as a vital pillar of the 2030 Agenda, and on behalf of the Group, acknowledged the need to enhance the working conditions for nearly 780 million working poor as a priority.

Sri Lankas Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, the Commissioner General of Labour Mr. R.P. Ananda Wimalaweera, Assistant Secretary of Ministry of Labour & Trade Unions and other officials from the Ministry, Department of Labour as well as of Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva as Government representatives, and representatives of trade unions and employer organisations, comprised the tripartite Sri Lanka delegation to the 106th Session of the Labor Conference.

Full text of the Statement

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka Geneva

14th June 2017
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
In his novel A Single Man, a masterpiece of love and loss, Christopher Isherwood wrote, As for the animals, those devilish reminders, George had to get them out of his sight immediately; he couldnt even bear to think of them being anywhere in the neighborhood. George, an English professor in Los Angeles, mourns the death of his much younger lover, Jim. George and Jim are loosely based on Isherwood and his lifelong companion, Don Bachardy, a celebrated portraitist 30 years his junior. During a particularly volatile time in their relationship, Isherwood killed off Bachardy in the fictive world of A Single Man, imagining a life alone, where even their animals were devilish reminders.

Actors Alan Cumming and Simon Callow play Bachardy and Isherwood, respectively, in a new literary podcast called The Animals, produced by Katherine Bucknell, who heads the Isherwood Foundation. Callow and Cumming read from the letters of Isherwood and Bachardy in episodes that follow the trajectory of the love between these two unconventional yet paradigmatic lovers.

Cumming, who won his Tony Award playing the Emcee in a revival of Cabaret  a musical based on Isherwoods most famous work, Goodbye to Berlin  is an ideal mincing Bachardy, exuding both boyish naivete and feline intensity. Callows stately Isherwood is the perfect counterbalance. You can hear in his voice an aging man trying to keep it together, yet the performance allows us a glimpse of the cracks in Isherwoods polished facade.

Simon Callow reads Christopher Isherwood, with an introduction by Katherine Bucknell

Alone in a cabin in the woods, listening to these voices flirting, and yearning, and quarreling, I felt as though I was privy to something private, something intimate, but something grand.

Dobbin and Kitty

In their correspondence, Isherwood and Bachardy referred to one another frequently as the Animals, each taking on the role of a particular creature: Isherwood was Dobbin, a stubborn, gray workhorse, and Bachardy was Kitty, a skittish, unpredictable, white kitten. This campy game of pet identities discussed in the third person  this Animalese, as they called it  gave them the ability to express and expose themselves in ways they may have otherwise been unable, revealing the complications of commitment, love and sex in a gay May-December romance in the latter half of the 20th century. The Animals of the podcasts title, then, refers to this game the lovers played, but there are also reverberations with Isherwoods work, for the author constantly showed in his writings a fascination with our animal creatureliness.

In A Single Man, for instance, Isherwood described George as the creature we are watching. In the secret world of the letters, Isherwood and Bachardy appear, like George, as creatures we are hearing  strange beasts torn between the call of the wild and a different call, one of domestication, of companionship, of commitment.

Alan Cumming reads Don Bachardy, with narration by Katherine Bucknell

Each episode follows the lovers (and their faunal totems) at a particular moment in their lives, through good times and bad. Bucknell, editor of Isherwoods four-volume set of diaries and the book of letters on which the podcast is based, acts as curator and narrator here, interjecting often to give the letters context and the story shape. For additional accoutrement, the episodes sometimes include bits from Isherwoods diaries and guest appearances, including one by David Hockney.

Emotions Isherwood could never novelize

Though A Single Man is tangentially about his relationship with Bachardy, these letters are the great unwritten book of their relationship, and listening to these selections, buttressed by an emotive score by composer Edmund Jolliffe, one can often hear Isherwoods lyricism, even, and perhaps especially, in moments of rage and desperation, when a lesser writer might lose his grasp of language.

Oh  I am so saddened and depressed when I get a glimpse, as I do so clearly this morning, of the poker game we play so much of the time, watching each others faces and listening to each others voices for clues, Isherwood wrote to Bachardy in 1963, during one of their most trying years. At the time, Bachardy was finally achieving a certain level of success as an artist and growing into his own as a man, taking on other relationships, keeping more elaborate secrets.

Isherwood continued, And then you say, for example, Dobbins in a strange mood, and then things start to get tense. And, because I know this, I start playacting to get them untense again, and that makes everything worse. And you are much the same. Although, somehow or other, you always seem franker than I am. Is that because you can afford to be? Am I scared of you? Yes, in a way. But I really almost wish I could be more scared.

These letters allow us to approach the complicated emotions that Isherwood could never adequately novelize. While we will never fully understand their love  for it, like any true romance, remains elusive not only to outsiders, but even to those involved  these episodes do allow us to take these animals in our hands, hold them to our bosom. In the push and pull between the call of the wild and the call of domestication, we glimpse the very thing we all seek: unbreakable connection and indefinable love, in their truest, most pure forms.

Don Bachardy in 2003 with two of his portraits of Isherwood, who died in 1986. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

An enduring love

The Animals podcast is (just as the Animals, Isherwood and Bachardy, are) a devilish reminder not only of the forces  political and cultural, societal and familial, mutual and individual, bestial and hominal  that conspire to snuff out the bright burning light of love, especially that of the homosexual variety (the love that only in very recent human history dares to speak its name), but of the ability for that love to survive and somehow flourish amid such opposition.

In 1963, that darkest of years for the pair, Isherwood inscribed a copy of his novel Down There on a Visit to Bachardy, Lets put our faith in the Animals. They have survived the humans and will survive. In listening to their letters, we bear witness to this animal endurance  a survival of the fittest love  one sure to leave us yearning for our own creaturely connections.

Malone is a writer and professor of English. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of the Scofield and a contributing editor for Literary Hub.
Juan Lara was headed back to the Port of Los Angeles two weeks ago from his daily pickup in the Mojave Desert when his truck erupted with engine trouble. He managed to bring the truck and its 50,000-pound load of borax limping into the port.

There the 63-year-old driver says he faced a bill for $10,500 in repairs for a truck he doesnt even own. That will take a big chunk out of his pretax pay of about $2,500 a week, which is reduced by more than half by his expenses for fuel, insurance and the truck lease itself. Subtract federal, payroll and state taxes, and Lara may be working for less than $18 an hour, with no benefits.

Lara is classified at his trucking company, California Cartage Express, as an independent contractor, not an employee, even though he says he drives exclusively for the company and operates under the control of its dispatchers.

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That isnt a storm cloud for you. That is an absolute tornado coming at you at about a hundred miles an hour. And you better scatter.  U.S. Judge William D. Keller warns a port trucking company that its independent drivers are employees

The vast majority of the roughly 12,000 regular truck drivers at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are classified by their bosses as independent contractors. But as federal and state judges and labor regulators have consistently ruled, theyre employees in all but name. They just dont get the benefits  access to employer-owned equipment, workers compensation and unemployment insurance, employer contributions to Social Security and minimum wage protection.

They dont get retirement or healthcare coverage, or reimbursement for their work expenses. Typically, they work on 90-day renewable contracts, which means they can effectively be fired at will, with no recourse to the protection against arbitrary treatment enjoyed by employees.

The misclassification of workers as independent contractors is a national scandal. But the port may be the single most concentrated example of this race to the bottom in the American workplace. Port trucking really is a case study in the bigger economic trends we have seen since the 1980s, says Jessica Durrum, head of the clean & safe ports campaign for LAANE, the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy. This is not about one or two bad apples.

Theres no mystery why shipping firms at the port prefer the independent contractor model: It saves them about 30% compared to the cost of operating with employee drivers. Thats the estimate of Fred Potter, director of the port division of the Teamsters, which represents about 500 drivers at the port and is trying to expand its representation.

The Teamsters goal is to get the drivers as much as 30% more in pay over the average $28,000 that the union says the independent contractors can pull down after expenses, but resistance by the firms has been ferocious. As long as the misclassification continues, Potter says, the employers who break the law have an advantage.

The drivers haul not only industrial cargoes, but merchandise for leading retail chains, including Target, Home Depot, Lowes and Wal-Mart as well as merchandise bearing some of the worlds most familiar brand names. Those chains and brands are the customers that shipping companies try to please by undercutting each others rates, and they have the power to require the shippers to comply with the law.

We reached out to the four big retailers; Target said it expects all its vendors to comply with our vendor standards and all applicable laws and regulations around labor, wages, overtime and more, including the appropriate classification of their workers. Home Depot said, were investigating the issue and were exploring ways to ensure drivers are aware of available channels to raise concerns with us. Lowes said it had no information to share and Wal-Mart didnt respond. We also reached out to California Cartage, Laras company, but they didnt respond.

Shipping companies claim that truckers prefer to be independent contractors. The market is telling us that independent contracting is where the talent pool is, says a spokesperson for XPO Logistics, a big port shipping firm. For them its about pay and flexibility, and thats important for us, too.

Of drivers offered the opportunity to be employees or independent contractors, says Weston LaBar, executive director of the Harbor Trucking Assn., more than 90% choose to be independent contractors. But that choice is really a sham because opportunities to be employees are limited; the few employee-only companies at the port face a significant economic disadvantage, says an industry insider who asked to remain unidentified because he serves in port management.

Legal rulings have almost uniformly found that the truckers meet all the markers of employees and almost none of independent business operators; LaBar concedes that 99% of the cases have been ruled in favor of the drivers.

As a National Labor Relations Board judge found in 2015 in a case involving Green Fleet Systems, the company dictated each drivers shifts, set payments unilaterally, effectively prevented them from working for other companies and required the drivers to park the trucks on company property between shifts  and charged them up to $15 a week for the parking.

In every real sense, they were neither independent nor businesses, ruled the judge, Jeffrey D. Wedekind. Rather, they were dependent drivers.

As the rulings pile up, so do the liabilities. The port firm Shippers Transport Express settled a federal court suit over the misclassification of more than 500 truck drivers for $11 million in 2015, while agreeing to convert the drivers to employee status. Of about 900 complaints filed with the California labor commissioner since 2011, rulings have been issued in more than 375  every one finding that the drivers are employees and ordering back pay totaling nearly $40 million, according to Julie Gutman Dickinson, a Los Angeles-based lawyer for the Teamsters. About 350 cases have been settled or sent to arbitration, and 150 are pending.

In May, U.S. Judge William D. Keller of Los Angeles ordered Pacer Cartage, a unit of XPO, to pay five drivers a total of $958,657 in unlawfully deducted wages, lease payments, expenses and interest. XPO is appealing the order.

During the trial Keller warned Pacer that case law had moved inexorably toward the conclusion that the drivers had been improperly classified as independent contractors.That isnt a storm cloud for you, he said. That is an absolute tornado coming at you at about a hundred miles an hour. And you better scatter.

The industry attributes its string of losses to politically tilted judges and regulators and the influence of plaintiffs attorneys and organized labor, as Greg M. Feary, the head of a law firm that represents the shippers, wrote in response to a recent USA Today investigation into lease abuses at the Port of Los Angeles.

The classification of drivers as independent contractors dates back to federal deregulation of the trucking industry in 1980. Companies that mostly employed Teamster members on fixed wages were soon supplanted by nonunion companies that sold their trucks to their drivers and paid them by the load. Established Teamster companies, including California Cartage, shifted to the new model. A vigorous trade in used trucks developed among drivers.

But the economics for drivers took a drastic turn for the worse in 2008, when the port instituted an initiative to get old, polluting diesel trucks scrapped and replaced with fuel-efficient, lower-emission  and much more expensive  new models. The goal was to quell local residents complaints about filthy air, paving the way for a port expansion to relieve congestion.

As a federal appeals court later observed, port officials believed that the conversion to clean trucks would be prohibitively expensive for independent drivers. The city of Los Angeles issued a mandate that all trucking firms at the port, which had better access to the capital needed to convert the fleet, would have to change back to the employee-only model. The shipping firms successfully sued to overturn the mandate in federal court.

Every day I come to work knowing Ill have to cover $60 for the lease that day, plus fuel and insurance, says Daniel Seko, 39, a driver for Intermodal Bridge Transport who gets paid by the load. In a good week, Seko says, he might earn $900 before expenses. If its not a good week, $500.

There are signs that the industry is moving toward an employee-only model, but at a snails pace.

One reason may be that the companies are hoping that the advent of the Trump administration heralds a more indulgent approach at the NLRB.

A few weeks ago, XPO asked an NLRB judge to suspend two cases in which the Teamsters accuse the firm of illegally misclassifying drivers, to see whether the new administration remains interested in the cases. The judge rejected the motion and scheduled a hearing for July 24 in Los Angeles.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.

UPDATES:

6:37 a.m., July 2: This column has been updated with a response from Home Depot.
The most important legislative priority of President Trumps administration so far is hanging by a thread in the Senate. The president of South Korea arrived in Washington on Thursday for talks as North Koreas nuclear threat increases. White House officials had wanted to focus public discussion this week on energy policy.

But Trump found time over the last two days to conduct a Twitter war with two cable TV news hosts who claim that his White House tried to threaten them with an unflattering story in a supermarket tabloid.

Donald Trump is not well, declared the headline of a Washington Post op-ed column by MSNBC hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brezizinski, which they used as talking points during a lengthy segment on their show, Morning Joe.

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In the column and on the program they said the White House used the threat of a National Enquirer story about their romantic relationship as leverage in an unsuccessful effort to extract an apology for on-air criticism of the president.

Trump fired back Friday on Twitter, insisting that it was Scarborough who had sought him out in an effort to have the Enquirer story spiked.

Watched low rated @Morning_Joe for first time in long time. FAKE NEWS. He called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no! Bad show, read the tweet. It was Trumps third about the pair over the course of two days.

The clash with the MSNBC hosts is the latest flare up in the fraught relationship between Trump and the news media that cover him. Earlier this week, the White House portrayed CNN as a source of fake news after the network retracted a story about an alleged tie between people close to Trump and Russia. Three CNN journalists resigned after the online story was withdrawn.

The fight between the president and the TV hosts seemed to take on a special venom, perhaps because the three have a long, personal relationship. Trump appeared many times on Morning Joe during his campaign, and he and the shows two hosts sometimes socialized together.

Trumps refusal to let the quarrel drop came despite widespread pleas by Republican members of Congress and even some of his staunchest backers in conservative media, who saw the Twitter battle as beneath the dignity of the White House and a distraction from White House efforts to push an agenda forward.

The fight began with messages on Twitter on Thursday, in which Trump called Brzezinski low I.Q. Crazy Mika and Scarborough Psycho Joe.

Trump claimed that he had at one point seen Brzezinski bleeding badly from a face-lift and alleged that the pair had invited themselves to Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, Fla., over the New Years holiday and that he had refused to see them.

Scarborough and Brzezinski were scheduled to be on vacation Friday, but appeared on the air to address the presidents behavior at the top of the second hour of their program. They denied the allegations and condemned Trumps behavior.

He appears to have a fragile, impetuous, childlike ego that we have seen over and over again  especially with women. He cant take it, Brzezinski said on the program.

The president is unmoored and has a disturbing obsession with Mika, they wrote in the op-ed column.

They also denied the claim that they had invited themselves to Mar-a-Lago. That is laughable, they wrote in the op-ed. Trump had invited them to dinner on Dec. 30, and Scarborough attended because Brzezinski did not want to go, they wrote.

After listening to the president-elect talk about his foreign policy plans, Joe was asked by a disappointed Mr. Trump the next day if Mika could also visit Mar-a-Lago that night, they wrote.

She reluctantly agreed to go. After we arrived, the president-elect pulled us into his familys living quarters with his wife, Melania, they wrote. After a pleasant conversation, the pair were back in our car within 15 minutes, they said.

The claim that Brzezinski was bleeding badly from a face-lift is also a lie, they wrote.

Putting aside Mr. Trumps never-ending obsession with womens blood, Mika and her face were perfectly intact, as pictures from that night reveal, they wrote.

And though it is no ones business, the presidents petulant personal attack against yet another womans looks compels us to report that Mika has never had a face-lift. If she had, it would be evident to anyone watching Morning Joe on their high-definition TV.

On the show, Scarborough said Trump attacks women because he fears women. He described a conversation with a member of Congress who recounted how Trump, in a meeting with 20 members of Congress, once described Brzezinski as having blood coming out of her eyes and ears  a remark similar to what Trump said about Megyn Kelly, the former Fox News anchor, following the August 2015 Republican primary debate.

Scarborough also described several calls from the White House in which he was told the National Enquirer was preparing an unflattering story about his relationship with Brzezinski. Scarborough and Brzezinski, who are both divorced, have been romantically linked for years but only went public with their relationship in May after they got engaged.

Scarborough said he was told that if they called Trump and apologize for your coverage, he will pick up the phone and basically spike the story.

David Pecker, the chief executive of American Media  the company that owns the National Enquirer  is a friend of the presidents.

Brzezinski said she was upset because the Enquirer was calling her teenage children and were pinning the story on my ex-husband.

When Scarborough had a conversation about the story with the White House, Brzezinski said her co-host was told, This can go away.

An MSNBC representative said that Scarborough and Brzezinski made executives at the network aware of the situation with the White House and the Enquirer in April when the conversations over the article began.

The Enquirer defended its story and said it had no knowledge of involvement by the White House.

Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough are co-hosts of MSNBCs Morning Joe, which is recorded at NBC News studios in Rockefeller Center. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

At the beginning of June, we accurately reported a story that recounted the relationship between Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the truth of which is not in dispute, American Media chief content officer and vice president Dylan Howard said in a statement.

At no time did we threaten either Joe or Mika or their children in connection with our reporting on the story. We have no knowledge of any discussions between the White House and Joe and Mika about our story, and absolutely no involvement in those discussions.

Scarborough said on Twitter that he had evidence to back his claim.

I have texts from your top aides and phone records. Also, those records show I havent spoken with you in many months, he wrote in a tweet directed to Trump.

MSNBC declined to release the text messages. At Scarboroughs request, the network also did not confirm which White House aides discussed the Enquirer story with him.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders brushed aside a question about the controversy during a short, off-camera briefing with reporters. On Thursday, she defended Trumps tweets, claiming that the president was fighting back against a steady barrage of on-air insults from Brzezinski and Scarborough.

In an April 13 interview with The Times, Brzezinski and Scarborough noted that their once-cordial relationship with Trump had deteriorated since the inauguration as they have expressed dismay at what they think has been a chaotic, undisciplined presidency.

Brzezinski said at the time that Trump is less tolerant of criticism coming from a woman.

He just wont even engage, she said. Joe will punch him in the face, and hell come back for more.

stephen.battaglio@latimes.com

Twitter: @SteveBattaglio

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UPDATES:

12:35 p.m.: This article was updated to include a statement from MSNBC, a comment by White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and additional details.

7:50 a.m.: This article was updated to include a statement from American Media chief content officer and Vice President Dylan Howard.

10:53 a.m.: This article was updated with a tweet from Scarborough.

This article was originally published at 6:05 a.m.
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.

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And Brian Brooks, who was OneWests vice chairman, reportedly will be tapped to be deputy Treasury secretary.

Waters and Green wrote to House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) on Friday asking that the panel examine the high potential for conflicts of interest with regard to the Trump administrations settlement with, and any pending investigations into, OneWest Bank while under Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchins leadership.

The American people must be able to have confidence that investigations conducted by this administration are thorough, transparent and objective, and that those who are responsible for violating the law are held accountable, wrote the lawmakers, who are senior members of the committee.

Sarah Rozier, a spokeswoman for Hensarling, said that Waters has called for Trumps impeachment and that she would find her requests for investigations taken more seriously if she wasnt so obvious in wanting to use them solely for political purposes.

We should allow these investigations to move forward, Rozier said.

The Justice Department announced in May that Financial Freedom agreed to pay $89 million to settle allegations it defrauded the Federal Housing Administration regarding reverse mortgage insurance payments. Last fall, two California advocacy groups asked the Department of Housing and Urban Development to investigate allegations that OneWest discriminated against or failed to serve minority communities.

And OneWests owner, CIT Group, said in its 2016 annual report that Financial Freedom was under investigation by HUDs inspector generals office.

Waters and Green said that they were concerned that Mnuchin serves in Trumps Cabinet and that two other former OneWest executives are poised to take prominent positions in the Treasury Department, but that the Trump administration has not announced what steps it will take to assure the public that no special treatment will be provided for one of their own.

The lawmakers said they wanted the committee to make sure the OneWest investigations operate without White House interference.

Spokespeople for Mnuchin and Otting did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Democrats have criticized Mnuchin for OneWests foreclosure practices.

Mnuchin has said that OneWest tried to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, but had inherited the worst mortgage portfolio in the history of time from failed subprime giant IndyMac Bank.

Mnuchin and other investors put up nearly $1.6 billion to buy IndyMac in 2009 and renamed it OneWest. They sold the bank to CIT Group in 2015 for $3.4 billion.

Twitter: @JimPuzzanghera

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com

UPDATES:

2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with comment from a spokeswoman for Hensarling and to indicate that a spokesman for Otting did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This article was originally published at 1:50 p.m.
The American Chiropractic Assn. estimates that the nations roughly 77,000 chiropractors treat more than 35 million Americans every year.

I suspect most if not all those patients have no idea that the $15-billion chiropractic industry owes its existence to a ghost.

Daniel David Palmer, the father of chiropractic who performed the first chiropractic adjustment in 1895, was an avid spiritualist. He maintained that the notion and basic principles of chiropractic treatment were passed along to him during a seance by a long-dead doctor.

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The knowledge and philosophy given me by Dr. Jim Atkinson, an intelligent spiritual being ... appealed to my reason, Palmer wrote in his memoir The Chiropractor, which was published in 1914 after his death in Los Angeles. Atkinson had died 50 years prior to Palmers epiphany.

Before learning of spinal adjustments from a supernatural entity, Palmer spent nine years as a practitioner of what was known as magnetic healing, in which he would diagnose and cure ailments by manipulating a magnetic field surrounding the patients body.

I bring all this up because I saw a chiropractor the other day  my first visit as a patient after having written a number of columns questioning the qualification of chiropractors to treat diabetes, which is a growing trend in the industry.

My wife insisted that I go after my car was rear-ended while I was driving on the 101 from Hollywood to downtown. My cars in worse shape than I am. I came away from the accident with a stiff neck.

It was while I was lying on my back in the chiropractors office awaiting his healing touch that two thoughts crossed my mind.

First: Why do chiropractors get to call themselves doctors? Theyre clearly not doctors, lacking both the extensive training and prescription-writing ability of a medical doctor. Yet to a lay person, it may be hard to distinguish between the two professions when they share a common (and highly prestigious) title.

Second: While the therapeutic benefits of a spinal adjustment seem undeniable  you do come away from a session feeling refreshed  why does what is basically physical therapy have to be wrapped up in so much pseudoscience and possible quackery?

Modern chiropractors focus primarily on the spinal column, seeking misalignments that might affect joints, muscles, nerves and organs. The basic idea is to restore a sense of balance to the body and help it heal naturally.

In recent years, some chiropractors have sought to expand their practices by claiming expertise in diabetes, neuropathy and other chronic conditions.

My chiropractic session included an examination using whats called a static surface electromyography device, a.k.a. surface EMG or static sEMG. What that means is that electrodes were held at specific spots along my spine.

This produced an impressive-looking readout in which colored bars (green and blue good, red and black bad) were assigned to different parts of my neck and back.

That readout, in turn, served as the basis of subsequent discussions with the chiropractor and his assistant, the crux of which was that Id need at least 12 more sessions at a cost of nearly $800, with a modest discount available for paying the entire amount upfront.

Surface EMG technology has been around for a while. Its used to measure electrical activity. I was told at the chiropractors office no fewer than three times that the technology is used by NASA, which clearly was meant to allay any suspicions I might have.

I dont trust it, said Fred Lerner, a Beverly Hills chiropractor and past chairman of the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the state regulatory agency. He told me he doesnt use a surface EMG machine at his practice and is wary of colleagues who do.

Youll have two different examiners and theyll get two different results, Lerner said. The findings arent reproducable.

I spoke with David Marcarian, who helped develop surface EMG systems while working for NASAs Ames Research Center and is now president of a Seattle company called Precision Biometrics. He said his privately held firms MyoVision device dominates the market for surface EMG machines in chiropractic offices.

Marcarian acknowledged that, because of his background as a NASA researcher, some chiropractors claim that surface EMG machines play a prominent role in the space program. In fact, he said, NASA uses the technology only to test other diagnostic equipment, not the well-being of astronauts.

The main reason static surface EMG has such a bad reputation is because so many chiropractors misuse the data, Marcarian said. Unscrupulous chiropractors use it to scare people into becoming patients.

The main reason static surface EMG has such a bad reputation is because so many chiropractors misuse the data.  David Marcarian, who helped develop surface EMG systems at NASA

As for chiropractors enjoying the titular benefits of doctor, Robert Puleo, executive officer of the state Board of Chiropractic Examiners, told me the practice dates back to 1922, when the state passed the Chiropractic Initiative Act.

It laid the groundwork for regulation of the industry and has remained largely unchanged for nearly a century.

It explicitly allows them to call themselves doctors, as long as they dont claim to be medical doctors, Puleo said.

This apparently was very important to early chiropractic practitioners, whose beliefs were somewhat at odds with established medicine.

D.D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, described the practice as an educational, scientific, religious system that imparts instruction relating both to this world and the one to come. In his 1914 memoir, he made the case that chiropractors should be permitted to treat patients on religious-freedom grounds.

The Constitution of the United States and the statutes personal of California confer upon me and all persons of chiropractic faith the inalienable right to practice our religion without restraint or hindrance, Palmer wrote.

Prior to passage of the 1922 law, Puleo said, California chiropractors were being thrown in jail. They were being accused of practicing medicine without a license.

Being granted the legal right to call themselves doctors conferred upon chiropractors instant legitimacy as medical professionals.

Puleo said his office is largely complaint-driven, meaning that it responds to complaints filed by patients but typically isnt out in the field looking for violations of the law. Unless we get complaints, theres not much we can do, Puleo said.

He advised patients to approach chiropractors with their eyes open, watchful for any claims that may seem far-fetched. The boards website allows people to search state records to make sure a chiropractor is licensed and see if there have been any disciplinary actions.

I mentioned earlier that Palmer credited a ghost with introducing him to the basics of the calling. As such, it seemed only fair that I allow the American Chiropractic Assn. to address the industrys otherworldly origins.

William Lauretti, an associate professor at New York Chiropractic College who serves as an association spokesman, admitted that D.D. Palmer was an eccentric.

However, Lauretti assured me that consultations with supernatural beings is not something thats part of the modern chiropractic profession.

Good to know. Still, when the chiropractor who examined me called Wednesday to book my next session, I declined. I said my necks feeling better.

I didnt bother mentioning that Ive had the Casper the Friendly Ghost theme song playing in my head for days.

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.

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Happy Fourth, Los Angeles! May your buns be firm and your apple pie sweet. Im Carolina A. Miranda, staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, with your weekly dose of important culture news and dog videos:

A visceral border experience

Mexican film director Alejandro G. Inarritu has created a VR experience that places the viewer in the Sonoran desert in the middle of a perilous border crossing. It goes on view at LACMA on Sunday, but I got an advance peek  and was left shaken. Its story of a dangerous crossing fits right in with key narratives that have shaped U.S. identity. (Think: Mayflower.) Los Angeles Times

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Plus, I spoke with Press Play about my experience inside the installation. KCRW

L.A. welcomes the Wilshire Grand

The Wilshire Grand opened this month as the tallest building in Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The new Wilshire Grand Center opened on Friday  and it is now the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne paid a visit to the structure, designed by longtime L.A. firm AC Martin Partners. He found that it has a certain guileless charisma. Los Angeles Times

Plus, in his weekly Sunday Calendar column, Hawthorne looks at how a young generation of architects have used design, installation and performance to play with ideas of impermanence and informality in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Los Angeles Times

Must-see: Beautiful show of African sculpture

Times art critic Christopher Knight reports that an exhibition of African sculpture at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art may be the most flat-out beautiful museum exhibition in Los Angeles so far this year. The show, titled The Inner Eye: Vision and Transcendence in African Arts, brings together about 100 sculptures that date from the 13th to the 19th century. You have until July 9. Do not miss! Los Angeles Times

A critics letter

Times theater critic Charles McNulty wrote his review for Letters From a Nut by Ted L. Nancy, currently on view at the Geffen Playhouse, in the form of a letter  one that reads like the most scathing Dear John. I hope you will keep your good fortune in mind when I say to you, with all due respect, the show is not very good, writes McNulty. And by not very good Im avoiding saying something much harsher. Oh, burn. Los Angeles Times

Berlin vs. L.A. music scenes

Times classical music critic Mark Swed looks at how Los Angeles stacks up against Berlin, one of the globes classical music capitals. L.A. has plenty to crow about, he reports: More new music likely came from the L.A. Phil than from all other major American orchestras combined. But L.A. may never come close to catching up with Berlin when it comes to opera. Los Angeles Times

Plus, Swed attended a two-day conference at the Music Academy of the West that surveyed the state of classical music. Los Angeles Times

In the galleries (and the desert)

The arts team has been hitting the gallery scene hard. Christopher Knight got a gander at Joel Holmbergs highly intriguing paintings of toilets at Michael Benevento Gallery and sculptures by Tatsuo Kawaguchi at Kayne Griffin Corcoran that he says collide French Dada with Zen koan.

Times contributing reviewer David Pagel was moved by the oddly powerful paintings of Chris Finley at Chimento Contemporary and the thrilling pointilist drawings of Eric Beltz at CB1 Gallery, works that make space and time elastic.

Reviewer Leah Ollman reports that the Getty Research Institutes Concrete Poetry: Words and Sounds in Graphic Space is a terrifically lively exploration of visual, spatial and other types poetry. Los Angeles Times

And Steve Appleford got a gander at the riotous events that went down at the Broad during the first of its summer happenings. Los Angeles Times

Looking ahead: Daniel Hawkins has built a lighthouse in the desert and he is having an opening on Saturday. You can find the rest of the weeks arts listings in my weekly Datebook. Los Angeles Times

Plus: MOCA will be free through Monday  and your last chance to see the great Kerry James Marshall show at the Grand Avenue location! Facebook

Icing on The Cake

Bekah Brunstetter, the playwright behind The Cake, and a writer on NBCs This Is Us. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The prolific writer Bekah Brunstetter is known for contributions to TV programs such as NBCs This Is Us. Her new play, The Cake, about a conservative baker faced with the task of making a cake for a same-sex wedding, has been garnering buzz in advance of its opening. It was really important to me to start with a character who has conservative values and make her the hero, she tells The Times Daryl H. Miller. And then, after we get to know her, have her do something that, quote-unquote, we  the liberal theater audience  dont agree with. Los Angeles Times

Joe Mantegna on Lenny Bruce

The Tony Award-winning actor is directing a play about comedian Lenny Bruce at Theatre 68 in North Hollywood. He tells The Times Jessica Gelt: Lenny Bruce is one of the rare performers who pushed the envelope for not just show business, but for society. Los Angeles Times

Egypts Jon Stewart

Bassem Youssef was once known as the Jon Stewart of Egypt. After fleeing his native country, he has begun anew in Los Angeles. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

A popular television satirist who mocks the powerful on a nightly program. That was Bassem Youssef, the surgeon-turned-comedian who became known as the Jon Stewart of Egypt. But death threats in his native country forced him to flee  and he is now in Los Angeles. The Times Jeffrey Fleishman has an intriguing profile of an entertainer forced to beginning anew. Los Angeles Times

A purgatory for McMansion Hell

Because one can never have enough Italianate balustrades: a McMansion in the Florida panhandle. (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

McMansion Hell, the popular blog run by Kate Wagner that picks apart the poor design aesthetics of McMansion architecture, was temporarily shut down this week after Wagner received a cease-and-desist letter from the real estate site Zillow. (She would often employ photos from the site in her comical deconstructions of the style.) After a media outcry, the site, quite mercifully, is back. Long may those Italian balustrades live! Archpaper

In the event that Zillow is still feeling litigious, however, Wagners latest report on McMansion architecture (Mediterranean vs. Moderns), features nothing but drawings. Curbed

In other news

 Cue the Jar Jar Binks jokes: The L.A. City Council has given the go-ahead to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Los Angeles Times

 Erin Christovale joins the Hammer Museum as an assistant curator. Congratulations! ARTnews

 Matt Stromberg has a piece about unusual cultural spaces in L.A., including galleries in a gray Ford Crown Victoria (a.k.a. Gallery1993) and a freight elevator (Elevator Mondays). The Guardian

 Californias Arts-in-Corrections program will expand to all 34 state-run adult correctional facilities in California. Sarah Linn has a look at the program. KCET Artbound

 Speaking of which, the California Arts Council, which helps operate Arts-in-Corrections, just saw a $6.8-million funding increase from the state. Very good news! KQED

 From rent control to homeless plans, Aaron Hillel draws up a list of 20 things that would make Los Angeles a better place to live. LA Weekly

 A combative new ad by the NRA features a host of modern architecture. Diana Budds looks at why Modernism remains a target. Co.Design

 To balance out that NRA ad: the video for Lin-Manuel Mirandas remix of Immigrants: We Get the Job Done from The Hamilton Mixtape. YouTube

 As audiences, we sit side by side with strangers, performing the democratic possibility of a collective experience from multiple positions and perspectives. Theater director Diane Paulus on how theater contributes to democracy. The Atlantic

 A ballerinas final performance in pictures. New York Times

 Amiruddin Shah, who grew up in a Mumbai slum, is about to begin four years of training with American Ballet Theatre. AP

 Journalist Ann Friedman has a thorough and wonderful Q&A with novelist Chris Kraus of I Love Dick fame. The Cut

 I was born in Casper, Wy., and this piece, by Marcus Patrick Ellsworth, on the towns first gay pride parade, is quite wonderful. MTV News

And last but not least

Because what you need in advance of a holiday weekend is video of a dog crashing a performance by the Vienna Chamber Orchestra. ABC 7

Sign up for our weekly Essential Arts & Culture newsletter 

carolina.miranda@latimes.com

@cmonstah

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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.
In his latest technical review, F1is Nicolas Carpentiers provides you with exclusive images and explanations about the novelties spotted over the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, starting with a closer look at the headrest that denied Lewis Hamilton a shot at winning the race in Baku.

HEADREST UNREST

Lewis Hamilton was leading the race when he received a call to pit so his mechanics could fix the headrest of his Mercedes W08 after the device had started to come loose at the rear. This meant the triple world champion had to hold it while doing 300kph on the main straight with only one hand on the steering wheel.

The team has looked into what went wrong: The pins that attach the headrest did not click into the socket, Niki Lauda told newspaper Osterreich. This was worsened by the heavy load caused by the air at high speed. We will do a redesign so that this does not happen again.

The headrest is attached to the monocoque with two clips at the front (which the driver can release with a buckle, see yellow arrow on the image below) and a pair of rivets at the back (see white arrows).

Its not the first time that the head protection device unexpectedly comes loose on a Formula 1 car. One will remember that Kevin Magnussens headrest flew off his car, which is not supposed to happen, when the then Renault driver crashed at the top of Eau Rouge during last years Belgian Grand Prix.

Article 14.6 of the technical regulations mandate three areas of padding for the drivers head which are so arranged [] that they can be removed from the car as one part. The headrests dimensions, material and protection area are also defined in the rulebook.

The FIA has called for the use of the CONFORM shock absorption foam manufactured by Aearo Technologies. With the degree of absorption varying depending on the ambient temperature, F1s governing body informs teams about the foam they need to incorporate in the headrest: the blue spec when its above 30C  see image of the 2016-spec Mercedes W07 above ; the pink option when its cooler.
Although its grown enormously in size over the years  more than 100,000 attendees are expected this year  the Anime Expo has remained faithful to its original spirit. Its first and foremost a place where people who love anime and manga hang out together and celebrate their favorite films, series, books and characters. There are screenings, panel discussions, workshops, lectures, concerts, contests and maid and butler cafes. But the principle attraction remains the chance to meet fellow otaku (fans).

Here are some highlights of the Expo, which runs through July 4:

In This Corner of the World

(5 p.m. July 2)

The World War II family drama won the Japanese Academy Award for animated feature this year, beating the megahit Your Name. Director Sunao Katabuchi will conduct a Q&A session after the screening.

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Fullmetal Alchemist live-action panel

(11 a.m. July 3)

Director Fumihiko Sori and actor Ryosuke Yamada will show clips and discuss the forthcoming live-action adaptation of Hiromu Arakawas hit fantasy-adventure manga, which has already been animated twice.

Lupin III: The Italian Game

(2 p.m. July 3)

Marking the 50th anniversary of the master thief, con man and would-be Casanova Lupin III, created by manga artist Monkey Punch (Kazuhiko Kato), the feature-length special will receive its U.S. premiere. The special is tied to Lupin the Third Part 4, which runs on Adult Swim.

Tokyo Ghoul live-action movie world premiere

(7:30 p.m. July 3)

Based on the popular animated series about flesh-eating monsters, Tokyo Ghoul is the Expos first live-action movie premiere. It screens ahead of its Japanese release, with director Kentaro Hagiwara in attendance. (Restricted to attendees over age 18).

SPJA charity auction

(10 a.m. July 4)

Each year, the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the organizers of the Expo, auctions drawings, autographed scripts and limited-edition swag to benefit a worthy cause. This year, the society is raising money for the Animators Dormitory, which provides housing for young artists. Although Japanese animation enjoys enormous popularity worldwide, a beginning animator may earn less than $10,000 per year, far too little to live on in Tokyo, where the industry is centered.

--------------------

Anime Expo

When: Through July 4

Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St.

Price: Registration prices vary.

Info: www.anime-expo.org/

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour >> 

calendar@latimes.com
Many Americans felt anxious after the election of Donald Trump. But few harbored the dread that Brian Knappenberger did.

The documentary filmmaker, who specializes in government suppression and surveillance stories, was in the final stages of editing Nobody Speak, about Hulk Hogans crippling lawsuit against Gawker and the 1st Amendment generally. What had been a sobering but manageable tale of the free press suddenly became something different.

I felt a chill, Knappenberger said in an interview. The Trump scenes [in the film] went from cautionary to Oh The guy who talks about opening up libel laws and who berates the press every five minutes is now in charge of the executive branch.

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An obscenity or two may escape the lips of many who covet a free press these days. New threats seem to materialize by the moment. For every important piece of journalism comes a doublespeak term, like fake news, meant to muddy the line between propaganda and uncomfortable facts. Each news-nourishing leak seems to arrive with a rattle of prosecution. Attempts by reporters to do their jobs yield changes in the unspoken rules that aid them.

Donald Trump answers questions at the National Federation of Republican Assemblies on Aug. 29, 2015, in Nashville, as seen in the documentary Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press. (Mark Humphrey / AP Photo)

And for every legitimate scoop or commentary, there is talk of lowering the threshold on libel and defamation laws, which since the landmark 1964 Supreme Court ruling of New York Times Co. vs. Sullivan  it set an extremely high bar for public figures seeking damages from media outlets  has been ironclad.

In recent days alone, the coal-mining magnate Bob Murray sued John Oliver, HBO, Time Warner and others for defamation over a Last Week Tonight commentary in which Oliver took aim at Murrays safety record and made a Dr. Evil-related quip. Sarah Palin filed a defamation lawsuit against the New York Times over a June 14 editorial that inaccurately said there was a link between an image distributed by her PAC and the shooting of then-Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords.

And on Thursday, Donald Trump Tweeted disparaging remarks about MSNBC hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, prompting strong condemnations even from within his own party.

All these issues run underneath Speak, which Netflix began streaming in late June after its acclaimed premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The movie serves as a kind of dark companion piece to 2015 Oscar best picture winner Spotlight. If that fact-based film, about a Catholic Church scandal and cover-up in the early 2000s, shows what a free press can do, Nobody Speak documents how easily that press could now go away  how future Spotlights could never come to pass.

Framed (and viewed) against a backdrop of Trump-era media hostility, Speak begins with Hogan suing Gawker in Florida over the publication of a sex tape. The litigation, it turns out, is being secretly financed by the Silicon Valley venture-capitalist Peter Thiel, who has a personal grievance with the site. The high-powered lawyers he hires succeed in winning a $140-million judgment that in turn forces Gawker to shut down.

The movie continues down a winding but scary path to a similarly cloaked-in-mystery acquisition of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. That unknown buyer ends up being Sheldon Adelson, whose attempted string-pulling eventually leads many reputable journalists to leave the paper. The film ends with Trumps inauguration and an unflattering look at his attitude toward the press in his first months in office.

Though Thiel and Adelson are activist conservatives, in both cases, Knappenberger believes, the issue is not politics as much as methodology. What troubles him is how these instances pave the way for the hyper-wealthy to seize media pulpits before the public can even realize what theyve done.

I think what both Thiel and Adelson did was give a kind of roadmap, said Knappenberger. The director was having lunch in the countrys media capital, the biggest news companies within a two-mile radius. Fears that these journalists will be deterred from their jobs  legally, politically, culturally, financially  hung heavy in the air.

There have always been private figures who try to get a hold of media outlets and try to shape coverage. But you know who they are, he said. Whats egregious here is the secrecy. Theyre two very dangerous blueprints.

Nor does the idea of Gawker as an outlier offer much solace. Yes, the Nick Denton-run site flirted with the bounds of good taste and, some believe, with journalism ethics. But experts note that assaults on the free press rarely begin at the center. They start at the margins, with outlets that make some uncomfortable, then metastasize inward.

The reason to save Gawker is not because Gawker was worth saving, the lawyer and 1st Amendment champion Floyd Abrams says in the film. The reason to save it is we dont pick and choose what sorts of [speech] are permissible. Because once we do it empowers the government to limit speech.

Previous threats

Alarmism about the state of a free press is often accompanied by a reflexive self-reassurance. It cant be this bad, we think. The republic has weathered worse crises and emerged intact.

History in one sense bears this out. U.S. leaders have often sought to impose restrictions on the press. Abraham Lincoln shut down hundreds of newspapers during the Civil War, even ordering a military occupation of the New York World.

Under Franklin Roosevelt during World War II, all news was vetted first by the governments Office of War Information, whose code, John Steinbeck wrote, made it so that all reporters were a part of the war effort. We went along with it, and not only that, we abetted it.

Richard Nixon had a prickly relationship with the press from the outset  that 1962 line You wont have Nixon to kick around anymore, because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference  culminating in his fierce battle nine years later to stop the publication of the Pentagon Papers.

Barack Obama prosecuted eight whistleblowers under the Espionage Act, more than all other presidents combined. He operated under a cloak of opaqueness so thick the heads of dozens of journalism groups came together to write a letter saying it amounted to censorship.

In each of the previous examples, the threat  both to America and to the press  passed. And while media complicity with the U.S. government is often alleged and sometimes accurate, anyone looking at coverage that followed these cases would be hard-pressed to claim a long-term stifling of press freedoms. In many instances, in fact, they led to some of the countrys best journalism.

But a big factor distinguishes the present day: None of these past suppressions came from a leader who seemed to fundamentally believe reporters had no right to do their jobs. Trump has called the press the enemy of the American people, regularly belittles it, makes noise about prosecuting it and has suggested hed like to neuter it.

The real threat here is that weve never had a president whos been antagonistic not only to the media but to the underlying principles of the free press, George Washington University professor Jonathan Turley, a 1st Amendment scholar and frequent commentator on these issues, said in an interview. Donald Trump is talking candidly about chilling the media; hes quite open about what hes trying to achieve.

Trump has made one of his rallying points the opening up of libel and defamation laws. The implication is that these laws would take a turn toward standards in Europe, where the burden lies with the defendant instead of the plaintiff.

Like many legal experts, Turley believes actually overturning Sullivan would be very difficult. Even if the president would follow through and press for legislation or bring a suit, the Supreme Court would likely push back; freedom of the press has been one of the rare issues not to divide the Court along ideological lines. And Sullivan is considered a gold standard of Supreme Court rulings.

Except the danger goes beyond a specific judicial overhaul.

With a shift in recent years among swaths of America to see large news outlets as a mouthpiece of the left, a restriction of the press is viewed not as an abhorrence but a political win.

Theres a danger this [free press] issue has become hyper-partisan, David Folkenflik, the media correspondent for National Public Radio and a voice in Nobody Speak, said in an interview. The effort has to been to de-legitimize the press as simply another actor in a great political drama, one that has no interest in anyone but itself.

(In Nobody Speak, disturbing scenes pop up of Trump supporters intimidating reporters to this effect. This dynamic was also in evidence Thursday in the reaction to the Trump-MSNBC square-off by on-air White House defenders, who flipped the script by saying the media was picking fights with Trump for its own vindictive or ratings-based reasons.)

And that, in turn, could help set up Trump-era muzzling. A scapegoated media combined with a president that wants to erode press freedoms makes lawsuits more palatable. And lawsuits, of course, dont need to succeed to be effective. It merely takes the threat of action against traditional outlets  already reeling from digital competition and advertising slowdowns  to have a chilling effect.

The margin of profitability has never been slimmer and collateral threats like litigation have never been more active, Turley said. This is a perfect storm in which I think the result can be a lot of self-censorship.

These factors were already in evidence in the Food Lion case against ABC for the networks undercover investigation. In that instance, back in the 1990s, even a seemingly favorable appeals-court ruling that the media could only be held liable for trespass caused many outlets to downsize their investigative divisions.

The Murray-Oliver court, in West Virginia, has yet to hear arguments. But the rights of a satirist to go after a public figure has been as much a fixture of American public life as a late-night monologue. The idea that a talk-show host could now readily be sued by a rich person who doesnt like whats being said about them is enough to cause shudders among anyone who believes in the sunshine-disinfectant proposition of modern journalismand make those personalities less inclined to tackle these subjects in the future.

Veteran journalist David Gregory noted the president is also blurring lines at a time when the very idea of truth has been undermined.

Many administrations campaign against the press and argue the news media is some combination of elitist liberals and a leftist conspiracy, the CNN commentator said in an interview. But whats different here is Trump creating an alternative reality and a set of facts that is demonstrably not true. And its happening in an environment where people can already create their own zones of information, which I think is what really makes it dangerous.

When it comes to the investigation into alleged Russian tampering with the 2016 election, some pro-administration outlets have also been meeting reveals in a troubling way. As news about the Robert Mueller investigation has moved forward, these outlets have spotlighted not the alleged wrongdoing of the powerful but the supposed sins of the people revealing them, hammering away at the leakers. The tactic amounts to a refinement of the age-old national-security rationalization: Not only are government figures automatically exonerated, but those exposing them should be reflexively punished.

A no-win situation

Some of the medias wounds are self-inflicted. Viewers of cable news do see a lot of stories about, well, cable news. That can make for compelling television  witness Anderson Coopers eye-rolling standoffs with Kellyanne Conway  but doesnt do much to shed the perception that the press is more interested in itself than the truth. Certainly that was in evidence Thursday and Friday in the wake of the Trump-MSNBC showdown, as many outlets devoted large chunks of broadcast real-estate to the back-and-forth.

But many outlets are also in a no-win situation. The only way to get the word out about a media being suppressed or lied to is to report on the ways thats happening, which can in turn seem like self-interest.

The Trump era can also magnify mistakes. Just a few days ago three CNN staffers resigned over an online story about Trump ties to a Russian investment fund. CNN, like print outlets, has broken a lot of news in this realm. Yet the company determined the journalists did not have the requisite sourcing to publish in this instance. The story was retracted with an editors note, as stories have been since the beginning of journalism.

But the response by the White House to the misstep was louder  and found more willing ears  than in other periods. Within a 24-hour period Trump had sent a series of tweets containing messages such as Wow, CNN had to retract big story on RussiaWhat about all the other phony stories they do? FAKE NEWS! Or So they caught Fake News CNN cold, but what about NBC, CBS & ABC?, adding print outlets. Collectively, the tweets garnered more than 200,000 likes.

And yet, through all this, some optimism slips in.

The prospect of the press losing its freedom seems to have energized it, both with the kind of stories its done and the zeal with which its done them.

The small ray of hope is maybe the media is starting to figure out why theyre here, Knappenberger said. In a long slow [economic] decline you never really think about it. And then Trump comes along and makes people realize what its all for.

Certainly that push is true from the public side, which has responded to a Trump presidency by reading and watching more. (Total viewers of cable news in the second quarter was up 86% year to year for MSNBC, 39% for CNN and 27% for Fox News.) At the very least its harder to erode the rights of the press if people are paying attention to it.

Maybe the greatest comfort comes from the fact that knee-jerk anti-media responses dont necessarily translate into deeply held conviction. Few people really want a free press taken away, even and especially those opposed to the so-called mainstream media; the voices they embrace will then have less room to flourish too.

Besides, even mainstream outlets may be more trusted than the public rhetoric suggests.

Its a little like politics  nobody thinks Congress is doing a good job but everyone votes for their congressman, said Folkenflik. I think of it as a kind of friendly antagonism. In a climate of so many fears, that may be far better than the other type.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

steve.zeitchik@latimes.com

Twitter: @ZeitchikLAT
A Los Angeles Police Department officer acted with malice when using excessive force against a college student from Whittier, a U.S. district court jury has found.

Daniel Garza, a 28-year-old kinesiology student at Cal State L.A., won $210,000 in damages on Monday after filing a lawsuit against the officer, L.A. Police Chief Charlie Beck and the city of Los Angeles.

On May 14, 2015, Garza was exercising in his front yard when Officer Mario Cardona parked his truck in his driveway across the street, got out and yelled at Garza to come here, according to the lawsuit.

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The officer, who was off duty, eventually crossed the street and assaulted the college student without provocation, punching him in the face and forcing him to the ground. While holding onto Garza, Cardona yelled that he had a kidnapping suspect in custody and a warrant for Garzas arrest, the lawsuit alleged.

A witness driving by stopped to film the scuffle. In the video, Garza can be heard screaming in pain and pleading for help while Cardona twists his wrists, the lawsuit stated.

Theres no reason to inflict pain on someone when theyre not resisting in handcuffs, said V. James DeSimone, Garzas attorney, who added that a warrant had never been issued for his clients arrest. Mr. Garza in no way fought back and merely tried to preserve himself by covering his head.

Although Cardona was off duty, he acted as a police officer, DeSimone said.

In July 2015, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted Garza a three-year restraining order against Cardona. The federal jury found that Garza was eligible to recover damages from Cardona. A ruling in the claim against the city of Los Angeles is expected soon, DeSimone said.

According to the lawsuit, Chief Beck sent Garza a letter last year, saying that his allegations about unauthorized use of force were unfounded. Reached by phone, an LAPD spokesperson said the department could not comment immediately on the case.

The city attorneys office could not immediately comment extensively on the case, but in a written statement said, Officer Cardona is responsible to pay the judgment.

leila.miller@latimes.com
Los Angeles public works crews have cleaned 16,500 homeless encampments since 2015, removing more than 3,000 tons of trash.

But the $14-million citywide cleanup effort  increasing dramatically since it was launched  has made only a marginal difference in the number of encampments across the citys sidewalks, alleys and riverbanks, a Los Angeles Times review found.

Inspectors for the citys CleanStat program recorded 365 blocks with encampments at the end of last year, a 12% decline from the beginning of 2016. But other records suggested that after being cleaned, hundreds of encampments simply re-formed elsewhere, usually nearby. Meanwhile, the city reported an 18% increase this year in those living on the streets.

Driven largely by complaints, the cleanups have become recurring dramas in areas favored by homeless campers  frustrating some residents who mistakenly may think that the citys goal is to evict the street dwellers.

Homeless cleanup surge City crews cleaned up more than 12,000 homeless encampments last year, a sevenfold increase over 2015. Downtown and Westlake led the city in cleanups. *The large number of cleanups in March 2016 reflects the processing of a service request back-log and does not necessarily mean that all the work occurred on those dates, according to a city spokeswoman.

* *Through March 25, 2017. Source: Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation Graphics reporting by Ben Poston Lorena Elebee / @latimesgraphics

Officials say it is only incidental that homeless people are displaced by the cleanups, which increased seven-fold last year over 2015. The increase effectively established a new city service  trash collection for people who live outdoors.

While residents and business owners may argue that the encampments should be permanently removed, legal settlements obtained by homeless advocates prevent city officials from confiscating homeless peoples tents and other personal property, or evicting those who have nowhere else to go.

With those constraints, public health officials define their purpose narrowly as protecting public health and safety, and follow a stringent protocol to ensure that street dwellers can remove their valuables before the crews arrive.

Public works officials defended citys spending on the homeless cleanup effort, even though its impact may be hard to see.

What might have happened had we not spent that money? said Kevin James, president of the Board of Public Works. Who might have ended up in an unsafe situation because of hazardous material or where someone is forced to walk into the street?  The money is well-spent.

But some business owners wondered if the citys efforts have been futile as they watch the steady carousel of homeless people who are moved from boulevard medians and beneath freeway overpasses only to return in days or weeks.

[Work crews] clean up and they come right back, said Joreen Chism, owner of LBIs Platinum Shears hair salon in North Hills. Its just a never-ending cycle. Youd think they would come and find a place for them, but they dont. They just tell them to move.

[Work crews] clean up and they come right back. Its just a never-ending cycle.  Joreen Chism, owner of a North Hills hair salon, referring to the nearby homeless encampments

Jeannine Tantin, 50, pauses as she clears out her possessions near the 405 and 118 interchange. (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times) (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times)

Around the corner from the salon, more than 140 cleanups have been conducted along Nordhoff Street near the 405 Freeway  among the most in L.A. for a single area, records show.

Citywide, nearly a quarter of homeless encampment cleanups occurred within 500 feet of a freeway, many along the 405 in the San Fernando Valley, the 101 in Hollywood and the 110 in South L.A.

On a chilly morning in early May, Jeannine Tantin, 50, was packing her tent below the 405-118 freeway interchange in Mission Hills. The previous night, she had slept in a nearby underpass where crews have conducted more than a dozen cleanups. She said she usually moves her belongings before cleanup crews arrive, and often returns to the area for the shelter.

They dont really clean an area, Tantin said. They just take peoples stuff.

Public Works Commissioner Heather Repenning said even if homeless people return to the same locations after cleanups, those areas are safer overall because of the citys work.

Part of the homeless crisis is managing people who are living outdoors, and part of managing that is making sure the basic public health levels are met and that people have outreach done to them so they can know how to access services, Repenning said.

Multiple pleas for service

Sanitation workers dispose of waste during a sanitation cleaning in Los Angeles. (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times) (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times)

Some in the city frequently report homeless encampments, hoping the city will clean up the areas that often become sullied with litter and human waste.

Teri Markson, senior librarian at the Panorama City branch, has called the citys 311 line multiple times to request that encampments be cleared from the east side of the library. She has also called the local council office and the Los Angeles Police Department for assistance in the neighborhood where crews have completed nearly 500 cleanups.

I do it all. Whoever gets here first, she said.

After weeks of calls and emails, city crews removed encampment structures and carts near the library in April, but Markson arrived to work two weeks later to find a new encampment next to the building.

Every library has an open-door policy. Our issue is not having them use the library; its the camping, she said.

One piece of homelessness initiative

The cleanups are part of a $100-million effort promised in 2015 to address the increase of homelessness in L.A., a problem that officials described as a state of emergency.

Since then, city voters have approved a $1.2-billion bond to speed the construction of housing for the homeless, and county voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax increase to raise $355 million a year to fund a 10-year plan to reduce homelessness. But cleanups will most likely continue for years before those efforts take hold.

When the cleanup effort started in 2015, areas where many of the citys homeless inhabitants reside  such as the Arroyo Seco, Tujunga Wash and countless alleyways and sidewalks  hadnt been cleared of garbage and bulky items for years, neighbors said.

City crews caught up with a backlog last March, recording 429 cleanups in a single day. Some locations have been cleaned repeatedly.

Councilman Jose Huizars downtown district, which includes skid row, led the city with nearly 900 tons of trash, according to the sanitation bureau.

What goes into each cleanup

LAPD officers speaks with a man who is living in an encampment area in Los Angeles. Sanitation workers later cleaned the area. (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times) (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times)

The process usually begins when someone submits a request by calling 311 or using the MyLA311 app. City sanitation workers scout the site to verify the existence of an encampment and then schedule it for cleanup, which occurs on average two weeks later, city data show.

Signs are posted 72 hours in advance to inform homeless people of the pending sweep. Outreach workers from the L.A. Homeless Services Authority visit the location to encourage residents to seek housing and treatment services.

On cleanup day, large trash trucks rumble down the street, accompanied by biowaste teams in white suits. Police officers are there in case anyone resists, something that officials said is rare.

The protocol requires sanitation workers to provide each homeless person with a 60-gallon plastic bag to fill with belongings. If theres too much personal property to fit in the bag, the remainder must be tagged and transported to a downtown storage facility to be held for 90 days. Often that doesnt happen.

The majority are gone before we get there, said Leo Martinez, who oversees homeless encampment cleanup for the city Sanitation Bureau. There is very little resistance and very little interaction.

Shopping carts are classified as trash and loaded along with mattresses, chairs, tarps and other items left behind.

Drug paraphernalia, crude weapons and wooden pallets could be seen at one recent spot. A piece of plywood at an abandoned South L.A. camp was scrawled with the message: This just aint no tent. Its my home.

Crews use rakes and shovels to remove items, being careful to avoid contaminated needles or other hazards, said sanitation Supt. Russell Zamora.

I always tell my group dont touch anything with your hands because you may think its just a pile of trash, but there may be a needle right in there, Zamora said.

After collecting any material that appears contaminated for separate disposal, the biowaste team sprays the area with disinfectant.

Case study: South L.A. cleanup

A homeless man leaves an encampment area with his belongings in a bag. (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times) (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times)

Danny Dancy was sitting glumly on a curb off Slauson Avenue in South L.A. near the encampment where hed been staying for months. Ten minutes later, a sanitation crew arrived to clear the sidewalk of his belongings  the sixth such cleanup there.

I imagine they are going to take everything, Dancy said. I think the money they spend could be put to a better use. Its tough because you dont have nowhere to go.

But help was around the corner. Homeless outreach workers were on hand to share information about shelters and other services with street dwellers who were frustrated or confused about what to do next.

Jeremiah Diaz, an employee with the homeless outreach organization Hopics, said as the city has increased the frequency of cleanups, he has noticed that homeless residents seem more willing to accept help. During one cleanup in May on Grand Avenue in South L.A., his group persuaded three campers to move into a shelter.

Its kind of a strong-armed way to do it, but we are getting a lot more interest in services, he said.

ben.poston@latimes.com

Twitter: @bposton

doug.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATdoug

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The weather promises to be sunny and hot, and a fireworks show is scheduled to light up Lake Isabella on Saturday night, setting up a perfect Fourth of July weekend for thousands of visitors expected to flock to the banks of the Kern River over the holiday.

But after a spate of drownings this month on the powerful 165-mile-long Kern, officials have a message for visitors: Stay out of the water.

This years melting Sierra Nevada snowpack, after one of the wettest winters on record, has swollen central California rivers with cold, fast-moving water.

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Casualties on the Kern, about three hours north of Los Angeles, have been mounting and include five drownings, two people missing and thought to have drowned, and a heart attack death, according to Sgt. Zachary Bittle, who coordinates search and rescue operations in Kern County.

With an expected holiday crush headed to one of the states most popular white-water rafting destinations, swift water rescue teams in Tulare and Kern counties are gearing up for the busy weekend by adding extra patrols at dangerous spots on the river. Theyre also urging visitors to stay away from the rivers edge and to avoid using store-bought flotation devices  if they enter the water at all.

Michael Phelps himself couldnt overcome the current of the Kern River, Bittle said.

The Tulare County Sheriffs department plans to station 15 to 22 rescuers on the river this weekend, according to Sheriff Mike Boudreaux. His team rescued three people from the waters Wednesday night, bringing the tally of river rescues in the county to more than 25 since April.

Officials fear that after five years of drought and relatively tame currents, people may be unused to this seasons high, fast-flowing water.

My concern is people are not taking the warnings seriously, Boudreaux said. There is nothing to joke about with this water.

Kern Countys swift water rescue team will meet with members of the countys fire department in Kernville on Saturday morning to strategize for the weekend, Bittle said. His team, composed primarily of volunteers, will also station additional people on the river to respond quickly to incidents.

Three people died on the Kern on the Fourth of July in 2011, the last big water year in California.

Other rivers across the region will remain closed for the holiday, including the Kings River and the Tule River, both in Tulare County. Visitors to those rivers could be fined, Boudreaux said.

For rescuers and other first responders, planning and training for the Fourth of July weekend has been in the works for months, since the large snow melt was forecast.

We are trying to make sure we are in a place we can respond quickly so we can rescue people before they become a statistic, Bittle said.

megan.bernhard@latimes.com

@meg_bernhard
Faced with dismal success rates, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College was desperate for new ideas to help some of the citys most underprepared students gain the math skills needed to earn a degree or transfer to a four-year university.

The college, like many of its California peers, had fallen short for decades. Only 8% of first-time students in 2014-15 completed a transfer-level math course within two years.

But a pilot program the college launched last year to help students brush up on basic arithmetic skills before easing into intermediate algebra has sparked a campus uproar  and an internal investigation into grade fraud.

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The investigation found the college had falsified the grades of several students to give them credit for intermediate algebra, which is required for an associate degree. No evidence was provided to prove that some students who received credit last year actually took the required exit exam, according to a May 31 memo by Arnold Blanshard, the internal audit director of the Los Angeles Community College District.

The memo, obtained by the Times, also said the signature of the math department head was falsified on the final grade form and that other procedures were violated.

L.A. Trade-Tech President Laurence Frank criticized the auditors findings as highly inaccurate, saying they were preliminary and incomplete.

The controversy underscores the challenges of charting new paths to address a problem that has stymied two-year colleges across the state for decades: an overwhelming number of students cant demonstrate the math skills required for an associate degree or transfer to Cal State or the University of California. Among nearly 171,000 community college students who took their first remedial math course six years ago, more than 110,000 have still failed to meet the requirement, according to state data.

That roadblock has kicked up a fierce and growing debate over whether the state should continue to require intermediate algebra  the long-held gold standard for entry into a four-year college  for associate degrees in all majors.

The politics of math: Is algebra necessary to obtain a college degree? 

District Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez said Blanshard would issue a supplemental report based on additional information provided to the audit team. At present, grades issued to about 15 of 100 students enrolled in the pilot program last spring and summer still need to be validated with evidence that they passed the algebra exit exam, district and college officials said.

In an interview, Rodriguez said irregularities were committed in rolling out the pilot program but he saw no intent to falsify student grades.

The initiative allows students to enroll in a non-credit basic skills class to refresh their learning, then progress to more advanced material and earn course credit if they demonstrate mastery of the required skills through an exam or other measures. For math, students use an online curriculum guided by an instructor, enabling them to complete intermediate algebra in one extended course at their own pace rather than a traditional four-course sequence.

While some irregularities occurred in the process, the intent, as I saw, was innovative, creative, courageous faculty trying to do everything they can to engage students in math and English, Rodriguez said.

The controversy has roiled the downtown Los Angeles campus of 13,000 full-time students. Several students were caught in the middle, as the college withheld their grades pending the investigation.

Aaron Galea, 19, said he completed the algebra course and scored a B on the exit exam last November. But his grade was withheld for months, jeopardizing his chance to graduate.

Ive done everything I needed to do but Im being held back for no reason, Galea said last month.

He said his grade was approved Thursday, a day after The Times raised the case with Rodriguez. Two other students, Bruce Lee and Eduardo Hernandez, said theyre still disputing issues with the algebra class they took last spring.

Some staff and faculty members remain deeply suspicious of campus leadership and believe too many corners were cut.

Concerns about possible improprieties were raised last fall in letters from Carolyn Walker, senior admissions and records supervisor, to the districts office of general counsel and Eloy Ortiz Oakley, chancellor of California Community Colleges.

Walker reported that she and her colleagues were ordered to waive prerequisites and post what she called fraudulent grades for intermediate algebra using improper procedures. She also said that numerous grade forms were improperly signed.

It was wrong what they were doing, said Walker, who is retiring this month after 28 years at L.A. Trade-Tech. Beyond a doubt, it was fraud.

The district referred the allegations to Blanshard, who launched his investigation in January. Blanshard declined interview requests.

Tayebeh Meftagh, math department chair, told The Times that someone else signed her name on the grade forms without her knowledge. But Meftagh said she would have signed them had she been at school at the time; officials said they were in a rush to post the grades because students were demanding them  including one who needed proof of completion for an imminent job interview.

Nobody did anything wrong, Meftagh said. We were all doing it for our students.

Leticia Barajas, a campus vice president who oversaw the pilot program, acknowledged some errors  such as using the wrong form to record the grades  and said they were corrected in subsequent semesters.

Like any innovation, we pilot it, we learn from it, we actually made adjustments, she said. We acknowledge the mistake.

Barajas said the pilot program reflected an urgent effort to improve the success of its students. About 85% of entering students test at eighth-grade level math and only 3% of students entering career technical programs complete the math needed to earn a degree or transfer to a four-year university, according to L.A. Trade-Tech data.

The campus, which has weathered other scandals involving grade fraud and embezzlement at an affiliated nonprofit foundation, was placed on probation for one year by a regional accrediting agency in 2009 because of academic and staffing problems.

Since then, the college has embarked on what Barajas calls a transformational initiative to help students complete degree programs more quickly, enlisting such partners as the USC Center for Urban Education and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. President Obama visited the campus in 2014, praising its good work.

The initiative, which won a $2-million state innovation award this year, includes course road maps to certificates and degrees, more online learning, expanded academic and counseling support and measures of success based on mastery of skills rather than time spent in classrooms.

The fate of students whose grades remain under scrutiny was unclear. One student at risk is Javier Carcamo, 24, who said he took the algebra course last spring, took an exit exam and received a C. But his instructor, Marco Cuellar, told Blanshard he never gave an exit exam for the class, according to documents obtained by The Times. Cuellar did not respond to interview requests.

I did the work, and Ill be really mad if they take my credit away, Carcamo said.

Frank and Barajas said they are putting in place the auditors recommendations for stronger controls to validate grades, train employees, prevent collusion and avoid abuse of executive powers. They said they intend to keep plunging forward on their reform work.

Yes, we screwed up, Frank said. But it was in the context of the start-up of a pilot and we have now figured out how to do this.

teresa.watanabe@latimes.com

Twitter: @teresawatanabe

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Along an otherwise vanilla stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard, the two-story Jetsons-esque building has always been hard to miss.

For starters, its purple.

Its also a big commercial structure on a part of the thoroughfare where many buildings are residential.

And until recently, it was topped with a large sign bearing an obscure name: Dooballo.

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For decades, the building at 1125 Crenshaw Blvd. was a mystery to the non-Korean neighbors who strolled, jogged and drove past. By night, fancy cars came and went, and when the glass double doors swung open, garish Korean dance music, popular with a middle-aged crowd, escaped.

Karaoke bars and a nightclub had moved into a building that once housed a mail-order vitamin business, and eventually many of those private rooms operated as room salons, or escort bars where hostesses pour drinks and keep men company while they drink.

By the time Officer Hebel Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Police Departments Wilshire Division barged into the building during a vice raid in the mid-2000s, it was the type of establishment where a dozen young women in short dresses fled out the back  obviously b-girls, he said.

Dooballo  which translates as on two feet  embodied the ethos of Koreatown in its early days: It was owned and run by Koreans, for Koreans. No outsiders need come calling.

A couple of years ago, Eunice Kim heard that Dooballos owners were tired of the nightlife business and wanted to sell. A successful fashion designer and businesswoman, shed become interested in photography while traveling for work and felt saddened that her fellow immigrants rarely had time to appreciate the arts, she said.

She bought the building and the adjacent parking lot in late 2015 for $7.5 million.

Eunice Kim, standing in a second-floor back room of the Crenshaw Boulevard building, has invited a photo gallery to take up temporary residence. An art dealer also has moved a collection there. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Now Kim says she wants to turn the building into an artistic and cultural hub and throw open its doors, bringing together the neighborhoods diverse residents.

Everyone just wants to build apartments; theres no cultural development, said Kim, now 75. For her generation of immigrants, she said, We were busy working and going to school, we had no time to think about cultural experiences.

Kims plan is to raze the purple building and rebuild a four-story structure to house a mix of classroom space, galleries and a ground-floor restaurant.

In the meantime, she has invited a photo gallery priced out of another part of Koreatown to take up temporary residence and had a friend, a fine-art dealer, move her sizable art collection into a second-floor gallery in the building.

Everyone just wants to build apartments; theres no cultural development.  Eunice Kim, the buildings new owner

Neighbors have met Kims vision with a mix of welcome and skepticism.

The idea seems so nebulous, said Judy Jeanson, who has lived nearby for a decade. She wonders how it will be profitable, and she wonders about Kims notion of giving back to the community.

Why anyone would think they need to give back to Crenshaw, I have no idea, Jeanson said.

But Mario Morales, who has lived two streets away since 1986, has started frequenting the gallery, where hes helped with exhibitions and gained an appreciation for photography.

I fell in love with it, he said. Ive met a lot of nice people, and I found an artistic nature that I never knew I had.

Dooballo opened in 1987 as a modest 50-seat restaurant at a time when outsiders were first noticing Koreatown as a rapidly growing commercial center. The restaurant, by all accounts, wasnt interested in welcoming or catering to non-Koreans, and the feeling was mutual.

Why anyone would think they need to give back to Crenshaw, I have no idea.  Judy Jeanson, who lives near the purple building

Nearby residents were wary of the newly ubiquitous Korean signage encroaching on their neighborhoods.

A Country Club Park neighborhood association president told The Times in 1988 that said residents fought and won a city regulation requiring commercial signs in their neighborhood to be larger in English than in other languages  unlike in neighboring Koreatown, where the streets were increasingly lined with Korean-language signage. We didnt want our area to be confused with Koreatown, he said.

Dooballo wasnt exactly reaching out to bridge the cultural gap.

Morales ran past the building every morning but never ventured into the club.

I figured there mustve been a lot of crazy stuff going on, he said.

It wasnt one of those things where people said, Im really glad Dooballo is there, said Chris Elwell, president of the Oxford Square Neighborhood Assn., who has worked for years to get the streets abutting the building designated for historic preservation.

Armando Arorizo has a gallery in the purple building on Crenshaw Boulevard, which the new owner hopes to transform into a mix of classroom space, galleries and a restaurant. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

In August, Kim walked into photographer Armando Arorizos gallery on 6th Street in Koreatown. She told him about the cavernous, if eccentrically colored, vacant structure as the application for the new building was slowly slogging through the citys approval process, and asked if he would be interested in taking up residence.

That same day, Arorizo, a veteran news photographer who worked for The Times in the 1990s, had received an eviction notice from the gallery space hed been occupying for 25 years. He took it as a sign.

It wasnt one of those things where people said, Im really glad Dooballo is there.  Chris Elwell, president of the Oxford Square Neighborhood Assn.

A few days later, Arorizo walked through an entry hallway painted entirely pink, then into a lobby with electric blue walls and thick carpet reeking of years of cigarette smoke. He counted 67 karaoke rooms  the building was last approved for 42 in 2013  each with gaudy flower-print wallpaper and red and gold velvet upholstery.

He got to work, tearing out the malodorous carpet, knocking down walls and painting the remaining ones white, transforming the former nightclub into the Perfect Exposure Gallery, a sun-filled, spacious venue with a grand piano.

He painted over graffiti on the outside and took down barbed wire atop the external walls, leaving the exterior purple for now.

Armando Arorizo sits at a grand piano in the space he moved into last year. The photographer ripped up the rooms foul-smelling carpet and painted over the gaudy wallpaper. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

The whole thing just blows my mind, said John Simmons, a cinematographer and photographer who has work space in the gallery. Its what every artist wants, a space where you can be creative. Its so multicultural.

Arorizo sent out fliers and went door to door, inviting neighbors to the first exhibit at the end of last year for a group show of 75 photographers.

I figured there mustve been a lot of crazy stuff going on.  Mario Morales, who lives in the neighborhood

Since then, the gallery has held exhibitions on Cuba, actor Edward James Olmos, former President John F. Kennedy and the works of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Nick Ut.

Construction for the new building is tentatively scheduled for 2018.

Elwell, the neighborhood association president, said hes reserving judgment.

Wed love to see something great go into that space, he said. Something the neighbors like, and that knits both sides of Crenshaw together.

victoria.kim@latimes.com

For more California news, follow me on Twitter @vicjkim
A twin engine Cessna with two aboard crashed on the 405 Freeway in Costa Mesa on Friday morning while coming in for a landing at John Wayne Airport. It is not the first aircraft accident involving the facility. Here are a few.

Feb. 13, 2017 Actor Harrison Ford was landing his single-engine Aviat Husky when he flew dangerously close to an American Airlines Boeing 737 awaiting departure. The actor was cleared to use Runway 20L, but he landed instead on the adjacent Taxiway Charlie. No one was hurt.

Nov. 9, 2002 A Vtailed Beechcraft Bonanza made a crash landing that injured the couple on board. The pilot was trying to land about 1:45 p.m. when the plane went down in a dirt patch short of one of the two runways, resulting in its closure for two hours. Commercial flights continue to operate on the other runway.

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June 24, 1998 A 49-year-old student pilot was killed when his rented Cessna 152 flipped and crashed on approach for landing in the late afternoon.

Witnesses said the aircraft suddenly plummeted to the ground upside down in a grassy area near the end of the runways. Federal Aviation Administration investigators suspected that the plane encountered wake turbulence from a Boeing 757 that had landed a few minutes earlier.

Aug. 12, 1997 A single-engine Cessna, built in 1949, crashed on a freeway connector from the 405 Freeway to State Route 55 while coming in for a landing. The pilot suffered minor injuries.

Witnesses said the plane appeared to be wobbling and its engine idling as it flew over a parking lot near the airport. The crash closed two lanes of the 405 for about three hours to make room for airport emergency vehicles.

Nov. 30, 1996 Shortly after takeoff, a small private jet crashed through the roof of an Irvine warehouse, killing the three people aboard and causing employees to flee the manufacturing complex.

The twin-engine Morane Sauliner 760 took off about 1 p.m., but the pilot sent a distress signal moments later and tried to return to the airport. The plane plummeted into the Baxter Healthcare Corp. complex about a mile north of the airport and burst into flames. No one on the ground was hurt.

Dec. 15, 1993 A chartered Westwind business jet, carrying two crew members and three passengers, including Rich Snyder, the president of In-N-Out Burger, crashed while on approach for landing. All were killed.

The aircraft had followed a Boeing 757 on the way to the airport and became caught in the jetliners strong wake turbulence. The business jet rolled over into a deep descent and crashed near the intersection of State Route 55 and Edinger Avenue in Santa Ana.

The crash investigation resulted in a new federal aviation rule, requiring enough time between heavy aircraft and following light aircraft to allow wake turbulence to diminish.

Feb. 17, 1981 An Air California Boeing 737 flying from San Jose crashed after initiating a go-around while coming in to land.

The crew was cleared to use Runway 19R, although the controller had cleared another flight to take off from the same runway. Upon realizing the mistake, the controller ordered the Air California flight to go around and the other aircraft to abort its takeoff.

The Air California captain delayed the go-around and started to put the landing gear up before a satisfactory rate of climb was achieved. This caused the plane to stall.

The 737 banked left at low altitude, causing the left wingtip to strike the runway. Then the nose came down and struck the ground. The aircraft pirouetted and skidded down the runway before coming to rest.

Four passengers received minor injuries. The other 91 passengers and five crew members were unhurt. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

dan.weikel@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @LADeadline16

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Fourteen people, including 12 Los Angeles County jail inmates, have been charged in connection with a series of violent prisoner assaults orchestrated by the Mexican Mafia, authorities announced Friday.

Members of the notorious prison gang directed associates in the county jail to assault or kill other inmates who they suspected had violated the organizations rules, according to an FBI statement.

Known as soldiers or surenos, gang associates carried out the attacks, including the brutal assault on a person who owed money to the organization, federal authorities said.

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In one instance, a Mexican Mafia associate ordered the killing of a person who was working with law enforcement officials, the FBI said. The person was stabbed several times in the head and upper torso.

Members of the FBIs San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force have been investigating the jail attacks since July 2016. Authorities monitored phone calls detailing the planned assaults of certain inmates.

In two instances, Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies were able to move the targeted inmates into protective custody before the planned attacks.

Twelve men who are currently incarcerated have been charged in the case, the FBI said. They are: Daniel Ramos, 31; Miguel Garcia, 33; James Piano, 41; Victor Hernandez, 40; Willam Membreno, 30; Eyreick Arballo, 33; Edgardo Moreno, 40; Miguel Arciniega, 20; Sergio Chavez, 20; Jose Salazar, 28; Greg Gonzalez, 30; and Rene Arana, 31.

On Thursday, federal authorities arrested Jose De Jesus Rivera, 33, of Compton, and Daniel Bustamante, 29, of Long Beach. They also are facing charges.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

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Bob Stone sat at his dining room table and twisted open 90 red capsules, one by one. From them he collected a small pile of powder.

In an hour, when the sun finished setting outside his Silver Lake home, he would use the drug to end his life.

Stone mixed applesauce with the powdered secobarbital, a powerful sedative that is fatal in high doses. He ate the bitter blend.

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His ex-wife Roberta Stone sat next to him, watching. She fixed her dark eyes on a bowl filled with dozens of empty red capsules.

Then they crawled into bed, and embraced. They whispered to each other. Half an hour later, she heard him stop breathing.

Stone, 69, had been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer the year prior, and chemotherapy had failed. He was one of 111 people last year who took advantage of a new law in California allowing people with terminal illnesses to request medicines from their doctors to kill themselves.

Bob Stone, 69, on his porch in the Silverlake neighborhood in July 2016. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Roberta Stone said she was grateful Bob avoided what hed called the  hard part  not death, but dying. Her brother endured six weeks of agony when dying of Parkinsons, she said.

Who would want that for someone they love, or for themselves? she said.

The debate around physician-assisted suicide laws tends to focus on patients. But Californias early experiences show the practice also has a profound impact on those left behind.

Family members have typically spent months, if not years, accompanying loved ones to doctors appointments, sitting by hospital beds, suffering the ups and downs of treatment. Theyve been part of an arduous process that sometimes seemed to strip their relatives of autonomy and dignity.

A request for end-of-life drugs can inspire regret or sorrow among family and friends. But, experts say, it can also be powerful and comforting for grieving family members to know they fulfilled their loved ones dying wish.

My parents didnt have that control. This is comforting to me

That Saturday morning in September, Roberta, a retired legal secretary with short curly hair and a toothy smile, felt nervous as she prepared to leave her home in Glendale. But shed promised her ex-husband shed spend his last day with him.

The couple divorced five years ago but never cut the ties of their relationship. After meeting in 1991 on a Sierra Club hike in Malibu, they were together always, she said.

When they were newly married, talking about growing old, he told her he didnt want to languish near the end of his life.

In July last year, Bob Stone told The Times in an interview that his mother, father and uncle endured painful medical treatments when they were sick, forced to spend their last few days in hospitals.

Stone said he was grateful to make his own decisions about the end of his life. His doctors had recently told him his cancer treatments had stopped working and he had as little as three months to live.

By July, hed already received the secobarbital prescription.

My parents didnt have that control, my uncle didnt have that control, he told The Times. This is comforting to me.

Dr. Neil Wenger, director of the UCLA Health Ethics Center, said many people who request lethal prescriptions dont necessarily intend to use them. Often theyre in clinical trials, fighting to extend their lives.

These patients do not want to die. These patients just want to control how they die when they absolutely must, Wenger said.

Sometimes they dont even pick up the pills from the pharmacy once theyve been prescribed them, he said.

But the mere conversations that are prompted when patients request the medicines can improve the patients care, as well as the familys experience, Wenger said. Talking openly about end-of-life options has spurred patients to write keepsake letters and record video messages for their children and grandchildren. Its pushed people to say things that may have otherwise been left unsaid.

The process, he said, can force a coming to grips with the end of life, pulling together ones affairs, not only financially, but also psychologically, emotionally  bringing families together.

Between June and December last year, 191 Californians received lethal prescriptions but only 111 took them, state data show. In Oregon, which was the first state to legalize the practice two decades ago, only about two-thirds of those who get the prescriptions end up using them.

Despite the relatively small number of people who die from physician-assisted suicide, the practice remains the subject of impassioned debate.

Writing lethal prescriptions is completely voluntary in California, and some medical facilities, including all Catholic and church-affiliated hospitals, have not allowed their physicians to prescribe such medicines. Earlier this month, a court ruled that a lawsuit to overturn Californias law would be allowed to go to trial.

A Gallup poll last year found that 69% of Americans support legalizing doctor-assisted suicide, up from 36% in 1950. Experts say that attitudes around death are shifting in part because people are planning for the first time to live into their 80s or 90s, and are considering conditions their parents or grandparents might have endured that they want to avoid.

Data from both California and Oregon show that the majority of aid-in-dying patients are white, college-educated, older than 60 and, like Stone, suffering from terminal cancer.

Bob had time to come to terms with it

Stone, who had a long career dedicated to helping the homeless, had a handful of things he wanted to do before he died. He traveled to Vietnam, Japan and Thailand, he reached out to old friends. He completed a project to photograph every state Capitol building.

He actually had on the side of his file cabinet a bucket list, Roberta Stone said.

But his energy level faded. He had a few good hours each day, at most. He was in hospice.

He decided he would take the secobarbital pills on Sept. 10. He told Roberta that it was on that day more than half a century earlier that hed moved to Los Angeles as a boy with his mother and siblings.

Bob had time to come to terms with it, she said. And I felt proud of Bob that  he knew what he wanted to do.

Anne Coscarelli, a clinical psychologist and founding director of the Simms/Mann  UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, said aid in dying can be very meaningful for patients families, especially after watching a loved one suffer with a tough illness.

They felt like this was that persons last wish, and that can be honored, she said.

Plus, family members can plan to be there for the death itself, which offers a sense of peace and comfort by being present together in that moment, she said.

Bob Stone continued to cross things off his list as September approached. He enrolled in lessons to learn to play Lady of Spain on the accordion, an instrument he gave up at age 11.

Five weeks later, he could play the song from memory. In August, he donated the accordion hed been holding on to since childhood.

Roberta Stone had been anxious that September morning, but she felt more at ease when she arrived at Bobs home. He was comfortable, happy.

She told him he didnt have to do it that day, but he said he wanted to.

When eating the applesauce and secobarbital mixture, he even joked that it was so bitter, next time hed mix it with pudding.

As they lay in bed moments later, wrapped around each other, Bob told her the medicine was working. She gasped.

He replied: No, its good. Its good.

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Jorge Ramirez, an Oceanside minister and immigrant who is in the country illegally, didnt think he would end up in line for deportation when he encouraged his U.S. citizen daughter to vote for now-President Trump.

In an interview at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, Ramirez  who said he holds conservative religious beliefs and considers himself a Republican  explained that Border Patrol agents picked him up after staking out his house early one May morning.

Ramirez said he does not know why he was targeted for removal from the U.S. The Trump administration has said that it is focusing on immigrants with criminal records and those who previously have been ordered deported. Ramirez said he falls into neither category.

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Trump said, Lets keep all the good people here and all the bad people out, Ramirez said.

Thats great, but Im here, Ramirez said of his detention. Im not saying Im the best person in the world, but Ive tried to live a good life.

He said he supports the Republican agenda on both fiscal and social issues and that he still supports Trump.

Everything that hes said against immigrants  its not that Im in favor, but bad people dont belong here, Ramirez said. In order to make America great, you have to have people contributing to this country.

Ramirez said he also encouraged his youngest daughter to volunteer with the campaign of Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista).

Ramirez came to the U.S. with his family when he was 11 and was raised in San Diego County. In high school, he joined the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps for the Marines, and when the Gulf War began, he tried to enlist. The military would not accept him because of his immigration status, he said.

Im USA all the way, Ramirez said. Its that American spirit. It just gets into you.

When he worked as a satellite television technician, he frequently went to Camp Pendleton. He always tried to show the Marines he encountered how grateful he was for their service, he said.

They sacrifice so much for freedom and for us, he said.

The issue he has with the way immigration policy is being implemented, he said, is that hes seen good people in detention.

To think that undeserving people are coming here makes me sad, Ramirez said.

Ramirez believes that going to immigration detention is part of Gods plan for him. He prayed for a way to sort out his immigration status not long before he was arrested by Border Patrol.

Inside the facility, hes been counseling and supporting other detainees with a message of hope and love, he said. Ramirez has spent his life as part of the Apostolic Church, where he is a music minister.

Ramirez had hoped to get released on bond at an immigration court hearing Thursday. His three children, all U.S. citizens, came with Juan Hernandez, the pastor for their church, to watch. They prayed in the waiting room.

His attorney, Ruben Salazar, said he felt positive about Ramirezs potential for bond and for getting relief from deportation when he presents his full case in immigration court.

Hes the kind of immigrant America seeks to have, Salazar said.

As the family was escorted into the courtroom, Judge David Anderson was telling Salazar that he would need more time to read through the 210-page packet Salazar had submitted to show Ramirezs ties to his community. It included several letters of support, records of Ramirezs tax filings, his school achievements and awards his children have won.

Anderson rescheduled the hearing for August, so Ramirez will have to wait in detention at least six more weeks.

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com

Morrissey writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune

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In film after film, Loren Janes leaped from speeding trains, jumped from towering cliffs and roared through city streets in gravity-defying car chases.

Thats him flying headlong into a saguaro cactus in How the West Was Won. Thats him tumbling down a staircase alongside a drunken John Wayne in McLintock! And, yes, thats him  not Steve McQueen  fishtailing down Taylor Street in San Francisco at 90 mph in Bullitt.

In a career that spanned decades and with a resume that included westerns, thrillers, comedies, dramas and sci-fi, Janes was the body double for everyone including Kirk Douglas and Shirley MacLaine , the person the studio could count on when the script called for someone to be thrown from a window, dropped into the ocean or shot dead outside a saloon.

2013 image of stuntman and stunt coordinator Loren Janes. (Don Kelsen / Don Kelsen) (Don Kelsen / Don Kelsen)

There is a certain idiot element with some stunt people, but Loren was just the opposite, said Mark Evanier, a Los Angeles-based comic book and television writer. He took his work seriously and, remarkably, he never broke a bone.

A lifelong Los Angeles resident, Janes died June 24 at 85 after battling Alzheimers disease. He outlived many of the actors he was hired to double in scenes deemed too risky for a high-paid celebrity.

When a script called for Esther Williams to leap from an 80-foot cliff in Jupiters Darling, Janes pulled on a wig, the appropriate swimming attire and jumped into the ocean. He did the same for McQueen, a temperamental actor who liked to do his own stunt work and seemed put out when the director told him he wanted Janes to do the dirty work in a particularly tricky escape scene in Wanted: Dead or Alive.

Loren Janes leaps during a scene from the television show The FBI. (Courtesy of Loren James) (Courtesy of Loren James)

So I ran and dove through the window, turned a complete somersault, landed on my feet, ran, hit the corner of that wooden walkway and vaulted over two horses, cleared them totally, lit on the third horse, which was Steves, in the saddle and grabbed it and off and around the corner.

McQueen was so impressed with the deftness of the stunt, Janes told National Public Radio in a 2001 interview, that he agreeably deferred stunt work to Janes thereafter. The two went on to work together for 21 years.

Janes was born in Sierra Madre on Oct. 1, 1931, and attended Pasadena City College and then Cal State San Luis Obispo before joining the Marines during the Korean War. He taught math and science at a private high school in San Fernando and made the U.S. Olympic team in 1956 and again in 1964, both times competing in the pentathlon.

He was still teaching when he heard MGM was looking for a stuntman to fill in for Williams during the cliff-jumping scene. The shot was to be filmed nearby on Catalina Island and, being an experienced swimmer and diver, he thought it seemed like easy enough work, so he took the assignment. Within six months, hed done stunt work on seven movies.

The principal finally called me in and said, You either teach school or work in the pictures. I said, Ill see you later, he told The Times in 2002.

Though his name was largely known only within the industry, he appeared  however briefly, and however violently  in Spartacus, The Magnificent Seven, The Ten Commandments, How the West Was Won, Its a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, The Dirty Dozen, The Graduate, Planet of the Apes, The Poseidon Adventure, Back to the Future, To Live and Die in L.A., Spider-Man, hundreds of movies and television shows in all.

He doubled for Jack Nicholson , Paul Newman, Frank Sinatra, Charles Bronson, John Wayne, Debbie Reynolds, Yul Brynner and McQueen over and over again.

The car chase scene in Bullitt  a jarring 10-minute adrenaline rush across the streets of San Francisco  became such a classic that it spawned its own subculture, websites, Google forums on where the scenes were shot, and an overlay for Google Maps that lets motorists retrace the chase route. In 2011, the Wall Street Journal even rented a Ford Mustang  albeit not the 1968 Ford Mustang GT used in the film  and took Janes on a slow-speed reenactment of the chase.

The chase scene in "Bullitt" became a classic.

Steve was a great driver, but he was only behind the wheel for about 10% of what you see on screen, Janes confided during the reenactment. He drove in scenes that required close-ups  but not in the ones that could kill him.

Sometimes Janes went to extraordinary lengths to eliminate, of at least soften, the risk of injury.

When a director on How the West Was Won explained a nearly suicidal train-jumping scene to Janes, he took it all in without speaking.

Id like to have you get shot up here, spin and leap off and hit that cactus and go over the cliff, the director said. You figure it out.

There has to be an easier way to die, he told himself. But he also went to work to make the scene happen.

Loren Janes leaps from a moving train onto a clean-shaven cactus in How the West Was Won. (MGM) (MGM)

Using a blowtorch, he burned off the spike-like needles on one flank of the cactus and cut the plants root so that the saguaro would sway when he hit it, rather than fling him back into the train, which he estimated would be going 25 to 30 mph.

The problem was, if I missed the cactus, Id have gone 40 feet into the rocks, he said. You have to do it right the first time.

The stunt worked and the scene became another entry in a career filled with eye-catching but nearly anonymous performances.

Though he did land several small speaking parts during his career, it was generally Janes body, not his face, that was served up to audiences. In perhaps his easiest stunt, he was asked to play the role of Norman Chaney on the television series L.A. Law. In the opening scene of the shows first episode, Chaney is found dead, never to appear again.

Later in life, Janes would lecture on the art of stunt work, and the selfless qualities body doubles must possess. He served as a board member of the Screen Actors Guild and was national chair of the guilds stunt and safety committee. He was also a co-founder of the Stuntmans Assn. of Motion Pictures and Television. For decades he was active with the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine, Calif., where he was a regular speaker. In 2001, he received a Golden Boot Award, given to actors for their contribution to westerns.

In 2016, Janes and his wife, Jan, lost their Canyon County home in the Sand fire. The blaze destroyed much of the memorabilia hed collected during his career.

steve.marble@latimes.com

twitter.com/stephenmarble

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The Trump administration has begun to arrest parents and relatives it suspects of paying to have children smuggled to the United States, sparking fierce criticism from immigrant advocates that officials are interrogating vulnerable migrant children with the intent of separating families.

Officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement say the new surge initiative, which involves identifying and arresting parents, relatives and others who have paid criminal organizations to bring children into the country, is a humanitarian effort to target human smugglers.

ICE aims to disrupt and dismantle end-to-end the illicit pathways used by transnational criminal organizations and human smuggling facilitators, said Sarah Rodriguez, an ICE spokeswoman. The sponsors who have placed children directly into harms way by entrusting them to violent criminal organizations will be held accountable for their role in these conspiracies.

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Refugee and immigrant advocacy groups across the country, however, are pushing back against officials claims of acting in the interest of children. They argue that the government is manipulating children fleeing persecution and violence in Central America in a bid to target their loved ones and sow fear across migrant communities.

Dont be fooled here by claims that this is an effort to protect children from smugglers, Michelle Brane, director of the Migrant Rights and Justice program at the Womens Refugee Commission, said in conference call with reporters Friday. What were seeing here is the United States government using children as bait with the clear intent of punishing parents and deterring them from protecting their children.

The administrations policy, Brane added, is not only un-American and cruel. Its just bad policy.

During President Obamas administration, tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors fleeing violence and gang activity in Central America were placed with sponsors, usually parents and close relatives, as they applied for legal status in the United States.

Family members targeted by ICE under the new policy would have been considered possible sponsors in the past, said Philip E. Wolgin, managing director for Immigration Policy at the Center for American Progress. If such adults are detained or deported, he argued, it will become much more challenging to find sponsors for the children, prolonging the likelihood that they are kept in costly government care.

Our concern is that sponsors will be less likely to come forward in the future, or that children may go into hiding, leaving them vulnerable to predator and traffickers, he said.

Already, immigrant and migrant advocacy groups are investigating about a dozen cases from Texas to Virginia that may involve the arrests of sponsors based on information gleaned from Customs and Border Protection interviews with children, said Cory Smith, vice president of Policy, Advocacy, and Communication at Kids in Need of Defense.

Its important to realize how vulnerable these children will be if they lose the only support system and family that they have in this country, Smith said. This is a soulless and shambolic policy by the Trump administration.

Nearly 170,000 unaccompanied children have been released to sponsors across the U.S. since October 2013, according to the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. More than 22,000 have been placed with sponsors in California, with just under 22,000 in Texas and about 17,000 each in New York and Florida.

Many refugee children crossing the Southwest border are fleeing violence in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, countries that have among the worlds highest homicide rates of children and adolescents, Smith said.

Yet ICE notes that some sponsors who gain custody of children have worked with human smuggling organizations. The agency also noted investigations by the Department of Homeland Security, which found documented abuse suffered by minors.

In March 2014, a 12-year-old Ecuadorean girl committed suicide after suffering repeated sexual assaults at the hands of a smuggling organization operating in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. In June 2015, investigators in Laredo, Texas, found a human smuggling organization was locking immigrants, including unaccompanied children, into tractor-trailers in which temperatures can exceed 140 degrees.

Leon Fresco, an immigration attorney and former deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Departments Office of Immigration Litigation under Obama, said the Trump administrations new initiative would probably be subject to legal challenge. It appears to violate the 1997 Flores settlement agreement, he noted, which requires that children can only be held in detention for immigration purposes for a minimum amount of time before getting them to a parent or guardian.

The problem is if you actually, intentionally, have a policy in place that says you are going to detain parents who come to pick up unaccompanied minors across the border, then what that means is that kids are going to be remaining in detention longer as no one will come to pick them up.

News of the Trump administrations latest crackdown on parents and family members comes just a day after Republican lawmakers in the House passed two strict immigration bills, which would increase prison sentences for immigrants caught reentering the country illegally and pressure sanctuary cities to cooperate with federal immigration officials.

On Thursday, a coalition of conservative states threatened to challenge Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, in court. In a letter to Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, attorneys general from Texas and nine other Republican-led states vowed to sue the Trump administration if it did not rescind the renewable two-year program that grants deportation relief and access to work permits to hundreds of thousands of Dreamers, immigrants brought into the United States illegally as minors.

All these efforts bring into question the strategy of this administration, said Greisa Martinez, advocacy director of United We Dream, the nations largest immigrant youth-led organization, and a DACA beneficiary. They keep saying that theyre going after the criminals and not the people, but it seems that theres a wider targeting of undocumented immigrants.

Jarvie is a special correspondent.

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When the Supreme Court said this week that President Trump s travel ban could go into place, it opened the door to a flurry of arguments over exactly who could be blocked from entering the U.S.

The courts decision to partially revive the ban  a compromise that allows exceptions for people with bona fide U.S. ties to enter before the justices hear arguments on the ban in the fall  has left immigrant groups wrangling over who can bypass the restrictions.

The revised ban now faces new legal challenges. The state of Hawaii has asked a judge who previously ruled against the ban to say whether the administration is violating the Supreme Courts instructions. The judge could issue his decision next week.

In the meantime, the debate rages with the ban in place for the first time since a chaotic rollout in January.

President Trump signs the original travel ban executive order on Jan. 27, 2017. (Susan Walsh / AP) (Susan Walsh / AP)

Refugees, as well as nationals of six countries, are not welcome

The ban covers Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The administration has said the nations have ties to terrorism, and that it needs 90 days to evaluate security vetting procedures to protect Americans.

In addition, refugees from any country are barred for four months.

An original version of the travel ban  signed by Trump on Jan. 27 and later struck down in federal courts  included Iraq on the list of countries. The order indefinitely barred Syrian refugees from entering the U.S. and gave preference to refugees who were religious minorities facing persecution.

The state of Hawaii and immigrant groups that won lower court injunctions against the travel ban have said the administration is violating the Constitution by targeting those six countries. Most residents of the nations are Muslims, and challengers to the ban say the president has focused on them as part of his campaign promise to suspend all Muslim immigration.

Two legal challenges to the ban, originating in Hawaii and Maryland, will be heard by the Supreme Court in the fall.

Immigration attorneys set up a table at Los Angeles International Airport as the new travel ban went into effect on Thursday. (Stephen Carr / AP) (Stephen Carr / AP)

People with close ties get into U.S. But whats a close tie?

When it allowed a limited version of the travel ban to proceed, Supreme Court justices said the government could not apply it to people who had well-established connections to the U.S.

The court listed employment, university admission and invitations to lecture  such as at a college  among those connections.

On Thursday, the departments of State and Homeland Security said people with green cards and visas that were valid before the ban went into effect wont be affected.

The same goes for people granted asylum, and those who could claim dual nationality with another country not on the travel ban list. Diplomats, visitors to the United Nations, NATO officials and certain foreign government representatives are also among the exceptions.

Several of those categories were added to Trumps second executive order on travel that was signed in March after the first one saw court setbacks.

A point of contention remains: How to define who has well-established ties to the U.S.

The administration is now facing criticism from immigrant advocates for its list, released late Thursday, detailing what kinds of family members are close enough to escape the travel ban.

Spouses, parents, in-laws and siblings are considered close; grandparents and other relations are not.

Initially, fiances were subject to the ban. After civil rights groups complained, Trump administration officials added fiances to the close-family list right before the ban went into effect.

How the Trump administration defines close family Close family that can go around the travel ban A parent, parents-in-law, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, fiance(e), son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sibling and half-sibling

Step relationships are included Family that cannot bypass the travel ban Grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law

Other extended family members

Travelers make their way up the arrival ramp at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday. (Jae C. Hong / AP) (Jae C. Hong / AP)

The situation for refugees is unclear

While the Supreme Court said the exemptions that apply to travelers from the six countries also must apply to refugees, it didnt provide clear details on how refugees could prove a bona fide connection to the U.S.

Resettlement organizations argue that the relationships these groups have with refugees they are assisting should count. The U.S. government disagrees.

That a resettlement agency in the United States has provided a formal assurance for refugees seeking admission is not sufficient, in and of itself, a senior administration official said in a briefing before the ban went into effect.

The Department of State has said refugees who arrive in the country through July 6 will be admitted whether they can claim a connection to the U.S. or not. Thats the date that the department expects a 50,000 cap on refugees to be reached for the fiscal year, which ends Oct. 1. The cap is listed in Trumps executive order on the ban.

As of Wednesday night, the department said 49,009 refugees had come to the country this fiscal year. Officials said they would give instructions later on what to do with refugees planning to arrive after July 6. The Supreme Courts order said the cap can be exceeded for refugees who claim a legitimate U.S. relationship.

How many people does this affect?

Lawyers who have sued the president said the travel ban, as it currently stands, will block significantly fewer people than previous attempts at a ban.

Most non-citizens who come to this country and are applying for a visa have a connection to the U.S., said Justin Cox, an attorney at the National Immigration Law Center who is part of a team representing refugee and immigrant groups fighting the ban in the Supreme Court.

On the other hand, there are more than 200 million people in the world who couldnt get in because these six countries have a population of about 180 million and there are about 65 million refugees, he said.

Cox said the government had too narrowly applied the courts instructions on who should be exempted from the travel restrictions. He said government was essentially shutting down refugee resettlement.

But Josh Blackman, a constitutional law professor at the South Texas College of Law Houston, said the Trump administration was on solid ground.

I probably would have also included grandparents, for no other reason than they tug at sentimental heart strings. But when administering the immigration laws, the government often draws lines that are harsh and arbitrary, he said.

Government officials said they have no estimate of how many people the travel ban will block. The six nations represent a sliver of international travel to the country. The U.S. has no embassy or limited consular services in many of them.

Data from 2015 show that there were 49,412 tourist and business visits to the U.S. by citizens of the six countries. Employment and student visas that year accounted for 13,000 visits.

Green cards, which make someone a legal permanent resident, were given that year to 31,258 people from the nations. Not all those people would be new immigrants. Some people secure green cards after living in the U.S. a long time.

According to Betsy Fisher, policy director of the International Refugee Assistance Project, there are about 26,000 refugees who have gone through extensive vetting and are approved by the U.S. government for relocation. The vast majority of those do not have tickets booked to travel before the July 6 deadline. A large portion have no family ties in the U.S.

jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com

Jaweed Kaleem is The Times' national race and justice correspondent. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The gunman who killed three law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge last summer had searched online for the home addresses of two white police officers who were involved in a fatal encounter with Alton Sterling, a black man who was killed outside a convenience store, according to an investigative report released Friday.

Investigators didnt find any indication that Gavin Long ever acted on the information, and his research wasnt the only evidence of his anger over the police treatment of African Americans. Details about his Internet search were revealed when East Baton Rouge Parish Dist. Atty. Hillar Moore III released an exhaustive report on Longs ambush of police. The prosecutor showed videos, photos and graphics to reporters, depicting exactly how Long attacked police on July 17.

Moore said investigators didnt find any evidence that Long had any support from anyone in Baton Rouge or attended any of the nightly protests here after Sterling was shot to death during a struggle with two officers on July 5.

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We believe that he was ready to die this day, Moore said. He believes that protests are worthless and that action needs to be taken, not protests.

The prosecutor said that after Long killed three officers and wounded three others, he was shot to death by tactical officers who acted appropriately. Long left a suicide note in which he wrote that people who knew him would be surprised he was suspected of committing such horrendous acts of violence but that he believed he had to inflict harm upon bad cops as well as good cops in hopes that the good cops (which are the majority) will be able to stand together and enact justice and punishment against bad cops.

He also had a printout from an Islamic holy book that was mostly in Arabic, and the report also found that he had been using methamphetamines and had alcohol in his system when he was killed that Sunday morning.

Long, a 29-year-old black man from Kansas City, Mo., sought out law enforcement when he attacked the officers that Sunday morning, killing Baton Rouge officers Montrell Jackson, 32, and Matthew Gerald, 41, and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Deputy Brad Garafola, 45.

The prosecutor speculated that Long initially may have been headed to the Baton Rouge Police Department headquarters but changed his mind when he saw an officers car pull into a gas station.

The attack occurred amid simmering tensions nationwide over the treatment of blacks by police. Just 10 days earlier, a sniper fired on a group of police officers in Dallas, killing five and wounding nine others. Two civilians also were wounded. Two days before that, an officer in Baton Rouge killed the 37-year-old Sterling during a struggle that was captured on two cellphone videos and sparked nightly protests in the city.

Long wore black clothing and a ski mask and was armed with two rifles and a pistol when he parked his rental car near a beauty supply store and approached an empty police vehicle at the convenience store next door. In less than 14 minutes, the former Marine methodically fired on officers, unloading 43 rounds.

After Long shot two officers, Garafola drew his gun, took cover behind a trash bin and tried to rescue one of the officers. Long shot him to death and shot the other officer twice more at close range.

Long traded gunfire with other officers before he was shot by several tactical officers who arrived to help.

Long served in the Marines from 2005 to 2010, including a seven-month stint in 2008 in Iraq. He was a data network specialist who reached the rank of sergeant before an honorable discharge.

Long never saw combat in Iraq, but he told doctors he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder because a friend showed him videos of maimed and decapitated bodies, medical records showed.

Doctors at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Kansas City diagnosed Long in November 2011 as suffering from an adjustment disorder with depressed mood, but not PTSD.

Long had posted rambling Internet videos calling for violence in response to police treatment of African Americans, which he said constituted oppression. He also purportedly described his actions as a necessary evil in a manifesto that an Ohio man says was sent to him by Long less than an hour before the shootings.

His mother, Corine Woodley, told PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley that her son would pretty much lose it and become furious every time he heard about a black man being shot by police in what he considered an unlawful manner.
To a nation of jailers:

A notable demand that is made upon the citizens of the United States of America is that of jury duty. Although many despise, hate and avoid it, there is a general sense that the task is necessary. We believe a society is only just if everyone shares in the apportionment of guilt.

To this demand of jury duty, I would like to add another, and in the same spirit. I propose that all citizens of the United States of America should serve a brief sentence of incarceration in our maximum-security penitentiaries. This service, which would occur for each person once in a decade, would help ensure that the quality of life within our prisons is sufficient for the keeping of human beings.

Once all you citizens of the United States are passing in and out of prison on a regular basis, will the conditions there not seem singularly urgent?

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The new population of inmates would not be separated from the general population. They would be like any others, and treated like any others. The length of incarceration would be randomly determined, anywhere from three to 90 days. Crucially, you would not be told in advance how long you would have to be there.

And of course, while you are in prison serving your incarceration duty, your behavior will have to be perfect. If you were to fight with another inmate or rebuke a guard, your time might be extended, and that would go for everyone: peons, aristocrats, elected officials. All elected and appointed officials, judges, federal, state servants, members of the military, would participate in incarceration duty. There would be no putting it off.

Just think, if everyone in the United States were to become, within a 10-year period, familiar with what it is like to be incarcerated, is there any question that the quality of our prisons would improve? It also follows that the skill and understanding of our juries might grow apace, as they would now know to what they were condemning those they condemn.

I understand that people have lives to live, and pressing things that must be done. You consider my proposal and you think to yourself that however nice this sounds, however right it is, you just dont have the time. But it is my humble belief that our jails and prisons are already full of people who have lives to live, people who have things that must be done. We must homogenize and justify our culture, and everyone must be availed of the opportunities that now only a subsection of our society enjoys. By that I mean: a visit to prison, and a set of coveralls.

I wonder, once all you citizens of the United States are passing in and out of prison on a regular basis, will the conditions there not seem singularly urgent? Just picture congressmen, priests, stock traders, truck drivers, people of every faith, color, description, all for once sharing in something.

Shall we not bring this unspeakably filthy laundry out into the open air?

Jesse Ball is a fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. In 2017, he was named one of Grantas Best Young American Novelists.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook
The small cove in San Mateo County known as Martins Beach, just south of Half Moon Bay, was used regularly by the public for at least a century  until 2010, when the Silicon Valley billionaire and co-founder of Sun Microsystems Vinod Khosla locked a gate on the only road that provides public access to it.

Khosla had bought 89 acres of coastal property surrounding Martins Beach two years before. He had been warned by San Mateo County and the California Coastal Commission  before and after buying the property  that he would be required to keep the public access open. Public access to Martins Beach, and to all land seaward of the mean high tide line in California, is guaranteed in the states constitution and mandated within the Coastal Act of 1976. Khosla closed it anyway, and he has kept it closed despite personal pleas and a legal order to reopen it.

My organization, the Surfrider Foundation, sued Khosla for failing to apply for a development permit that is required in order to change public access to the coastline. We won our case nearly three years ago. A San Mateo County judge ordered Khosla to restore the access to Martins Beach and to seek the necessary permit. Khosla appealed the ruling, arguing that he has a fundamental right to exclude the public from his private property without state interference. Though Khosla doesnt actually live at Martins Beach, he has stated in interviews that he views the battle over access as a matter of principle. On June 15, Surfrider defended our victory in court. A decision is expected within 90 days.

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Battles over public access to the beach have increased along with our states population and singular concentrations of wealth.

The fate of Martins Beach holds great significance for Californians. Although they are not new, battles over public access to the beach have increased along with our states population and singular concentrations of wealth. In December, the Coastal Commission levied more than $4 million in fines against a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who for nine years had barricaded a public access point to Las Flores Beach in Malibu with a private fence and gate. Similar battles were waged over access to Carbon Beach in Malibu with music mogul David Geffen and others. In Orange County, the developer behind a multimillion-dollar gated community tried for years to keep the public from Strand Beach, triggering an extensive  and expensive  legal battle.

If California is unable to wrest public access back from Khosla, it could set a very worrisome precedent in favor of the wealthy private citizens who would prefer to disregard the Coastal Act, Californias 40-year-old promise that public access to the states beaches is a universal right.

The case of Martins Beach is testing the publics power to enforce the Coastal Act in unprecedented ways. Because Khosla refuses to unlock the gate and reopen the public access, last year, for the first time in its 78-year history, Californias State Lands Commission directed its staff to explore the possibility of invoking eminent domain to obtain 6.4 acres of Khoslas estate  the land that sits under the road that was historically used to get to Martins Beach and an adjacent parking area. The agency took this extraordinary step after a year of attempting good-faith negotiations with Khosla and receiving outlandish demands in return. Khosla suggested the state pay $30 million for the 6.4 acres when, according to the commissions appraisals, that portion of land is worth $360,000. He also filed lawsuits against members of the State Lands Commission, the Coastal Commission, and the staff of San Mateo County.

If the Lands Commission goes the eminent-domain route, its unclear how the state will pay for it, since Californias budget does not allocate funds for buying public beach access back from private citizens. State Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) has introduced legislation that would allow the Lands Commission to create a subaccount for the acquisition of the land, to which the public and other agencies could donate. The bill has moved through the state Senate and is currently in the Assembly, where it is scheduled to be heard by the Judiciary Committee on July 11. The county of San Mateo is considering a contribution of $1 million to the fund, if it is approved.

In the meantime, the gate at Martins Beach has remained closed, except on rare days when it is opened at the whim of Khoslas property manager. Private security guards monitor the area and No Trespassing signs are posted nearby.

But as Khosla will ultimately learn, Californians will not easily cede their right to the shoreline. Residents continue to use Martins Beach, parking alongside Highway 1 and then walking a steep, lengthy path down to the cove. Many more have attended meetings held by the Coastal Commission and State Lands Commission.

At Surfrider, letters from concerned citizens pile up. Last year, Marilyn Barcellos of Campbell, Calif., asked our organization to carry a message to the Coastal Commission. Martins Beach is the only beach our families have been going to for over 120 years, Barcellos wrote. Im 69 now and Ive been going there since we were tiny kids, until the gate got locked by some rich guy. So unkind.

It is unkind. Its also illegal.

Chad Nelsen is the CEO of the Surfrider Foundation.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook

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To the editor: Dr. Tom Roberts makes an important point about the most difficult medical conversations, but these communications arent always about imminent death of a loved one. (I learned more about breaking bad news from business school than medical school, June 27)

I did my best to take care of my younger sister and her battle with a particularly sinister form of dementia. None of the many specialists we visited over the five years of her demise had the courage to tell me her exact diagnosis. The first time I heard of her specific malady was when I read it on her death certificate: Lewy Body Dementia.

Had I known about this radical brain disease, I could have researched and been better prepared for her and my family.

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All medical practices need to have someone whose special responsibility it is to translate bad news. This person need not be a doctor, just someone who has a gentle bearing and caring instincts.

Mark Dressler, San Juan Capistrano

..

To the editor: The statistics Roberts cited are disheartening: Forty-two percent of medical school graduates were never taught how to talk to patients about dying, and 48% reported they never received feedback on how they deliver bad news.

End-of-life conversations are difficult in part because they take time. They are more emotional than technical, and the information provided cannot be vague and impersonal. Physicians need to ascertain patients wishes so they can work together to grant them.

This is as valid a part of the treatment plan as the treatment itself. And it is sorely lacking.

Deb Rothschild, Palm Desert

..

To the editor: As my retirement from medicine nears, I find myself wishing more than ever that I had saved a nickel for every time Ive has to read the latest discovery from a medical student or resident who must let us all know a Fundamental Truth we have neglected as a profession.

In an op-ed article that could serve as a classic example of self parody, Roberts uses a conversation with a flustered nurse and the fact that a doctor checked his phone while talking to let us know that his Stanford business professors do a much better job with difficult conversations. Sure, except that many of these conversations involve firing people or evictions or explaining to reporters that your company wasnt really liable for those product-related deaths.

In the future, Roberts can use his business school smarts to explain why your co-pays are climbing, your MRI wont be covered, or why the doctors working for him suddenly felt they needed a new job.

Richard Williams, MD, Sunland

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
President Trumps surprise suggestion Friday that deadlocked Senate Republicans shift their focus to simply repealing Obamacare  and worry about replacing it later  has its roots in a Koch network proposal that has been shopped around Congress for months.

The influential Koch network, backed by the billionaire industrialists, floated the idea most recently at a retreat last weekend in Colorado Springs, Colo., where key conservative lawmakers heard an earful from frustrated GOP donors about the partys failure to deliver on their signature campaign promise.

Among those attending the gathering at the luxurious Broadmoor Hotel was Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who has been working with the White House behind the scenes on the idea.

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On Friday, as GOP leaders left Washington still unable to agree how to revamp the Affordable Care Act, Sasse went public with the proposal.

This two-step plan to keep our two promises  both repealing Obamacare and replacing it with a system that provides affordable and portable health insurance  seems like a no-brainer to this gym rat, Sasse wrote in a letter to the president he made public Friday.

Trump echoed the idea in a tweet arriving just moments after Sasse discussed the idea Friday morning on the Fox & Friends morning news show.

If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date! Trump tweeted.

If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 30, 2017

The turn of events alarmed many in Washington because it was a reversal of Trumps early view to do the Obamacare overhaul all at once.

Some predicted Trumps move would only further complicate negotiations over the current Senate bill, which failed to garner enough support this week for a planned vote.

But other Senate Republicans expressed interest, desperate to find a Plan B that doesnt preserve Obamacares taxes on the rich or cater to centrist senators trying to fend off deep Medicaid cuts. They also want to avoid turning to Democrats for help.

Senators left town for the long Fourth of July recess without agreement on the legislation drafted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Better Care Reconciliation Act, which falls short of a full Obamacare repeal. Instead, the bill ends Obamacares taxes and mandates  giving tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans  while leaving 23 million more Americans uninsured, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

McConnell was working the phones Friday from his home state of Kentucky as he struggles to secure 50 votes for passage, rewriting the bill to address concerns of conservatives who want a more robust repeal, and centrists worried that constituents will lose their healthcare coverage.

Whether the Trump-Sasse idea, which has also been backed by another key conservative, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, gains traction remains to be seen.

The president and the Nebraska senator are unlikely allies in part because Sasse  who did not endorse Trump  has been among the presidents most vocal GOP critics in the Senate.

But as Republicans seek a resolution to the Senate standoff, the proposal may have appeal. It would allow senators to make good on their repeal promise, while punting until later the tough job of coming up with a replacement.

Sasse suggests allowing a full year before the Obamacare repeal takes effect, but working through the August recess on fixes.

Id be fine with that, Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) said Friday on Fox, though he doubted the proposal would have enough votes for passage. What we would do is have the repeal go into effect at some date in the future, and give us the time in the meantime to develop the alternative.

In reality, however, its possible  perhaps even likely  that Congress would never agree on a replacement. That risks abandoning 22 million Americans who have received health coverage thanks to Obamacare, including many who voted for Trump. It could also create even more disruption in the individual insurance market and lead to a return of high-priced polices as well as discrimination against people with preexisting health problems.

For those reasons, many centrist Republicans find the idea as troubling as the current Senate bill.

Perhaps more than a viable strategy, the new proposal may be intended as a signal to Republican senators that time is narrowing to reach a deal.

McConnell said as much last week, warning senators he would have no choice but to reach out to Democrats for a bipartisan deal that would likely include none of the reforms we would like to make.

Getting the healthcare issue off the agenda would also free up time for the other main Republican priority  tax reform  which has stalled amid the Senates logjam, and is also a Koch network priority.

Political strategists at the Koch network  a conglomerate of small-government advocacy groups  lauded Sasses approach, which largely aligns with what they have been promoting in a position paper issued in January.

While we are continuing to work with the Senate to help improve their current legislation, the two-step repeal and reform approach that Senators Paul and Sasse have proposed would put Congress and the administration in the position to keep their promise and deliver that relief, said Nathan Nascimento, a vice president at the Koch-backed Freedom Partners chamber of commerce, in a statement. The group first posted its idea in January. The best way to provide relief to Americans suffering under Obamacare has always been to fully repeal Obamacare and work together to fix our broken health care system.

It wouldnt be the first time the Koch network has provided a legislative road map to Republicans in Congress in the Trump administration.

Freedom Partners encouraged Congress to use the little-known Congressional Review Act to rollback more than a dozen Obama-era regulations  even helping to compile the list -- which Republicans now count as one of the chief achievements of this Congress.

Sasses office said the senator did not discuss the healthcare plan when he attended the Koch seminar last weekend in Colorado, where he delivered a lunchtime speech on Sunday.

But the senator has been working with the administration, including Vice President Mike Pences office, for months on the healthcare plan.

Pence met privately June 23 with billionaire Charles Koch ahead of the weekend seminar.

Trump had once panned the two-step approach, disagreeing with McConnell and other congressional leaders who early on also preferred the repeal now-replace later strategy.

When Sasse floated it anew, the administration signaled its support.

lisa.mascaro@latimes.com

@LisaMascaro

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Many California firearm owners were given a reprieve Thursday from making a tough decision after a federal judge temporarily blocked a key provision of the states gun control laws approved last year in the wake of the San Bernardino terrorist attack.

At the request of attorneys for the National Rifle Assn., U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez issued a preliminary injunction blocking a law that requires Californians to dispose of large-capacity ammunition magazines by Saturday or face fines and possible jail time.

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.

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The NRA and its state affiliate are still pursuing lawsuits seeking court decisions on the law, and those may take months to resolve.

NRA attorney C.D. Michel welcomed the granting of the preliminary injunction.

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.

The plaintiffs include gun owners from the San Diego area and the California Rifle and Pistol Assn., the NRAs state affiliate which is headed by Michel, an attorney for the national group.

Gun rights advocates and some law enforcement officials said few people who own the newly outlawed magazines have turned them in to police and expect many people will hang on to them until courts decide the pending challenges to the law on the merits.

Until this is litigated, I think some will hold on [to the magazines], Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said. Others who are concerned about ramifications might sell them in another state.

No magazines have been turned in to the Kern County Sheriffs Office in the last three months, he said.

Youngblood, who is immediate past president of the California State Sheriffs Assn., said his deputies would not be going to homes and businesses with the primary purpose of searching for the outlawed magazines, even if the law had not been blocked.

If they show up in an investigation, they could be a tool for further investigation, he said.

In 2000, California banned the sale of large-capacity magazines, but those who owned the devices were allowed to keep them. That changed when 63% of California voters approved Proposition 63 in November. That initiative, and legislation adopted at the time, bans the possession of magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

Sean Brady, an attorney for gun owners, estimates tens of thousands of Californians still have large-capacity magazines. The law says that options for owners of the magazines include transferring them to a federally licensed gun dealer, destroying them or turning them over to law enforcement.

Anyone in possession of a banned magazine starting Saturday would have faced a citation for an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $100 per magazine, or could have been found guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $100 and up to a year in jail.

Patrick Lovette, a resident of San Diego County and a plaintiff in one of the lawsuits, says the ban on the magazines is unfair and unwarranted. The retired Navy veteran said in court papers that he owns multiple magazines that he would like to pass on to his heirs.

Updates from Sacramento 

But Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the primary proponent of Proposition 63, said the law was important to enforce.

Large-capacity magazines serve only one purpose: efficient and effective mass murder, Newsom said. Used in almost every mass shooting in the U.S. since the 1990s, large-capacity magazines enable murderers to unleash dozens of rounds without having to stop and reload. They belong in theaters of war, not peaceful communities.

State Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra argued in court papers that the ban on large-capacity magazines is justified because they have been found at the scenes of mass shootings at an Orlando nightclub, Columbine High School, Sandy Hook Elementary School and in San Bernardino, where two terrorists in 2015 killed 14 people attending a holiday party.

These large-capacity magazines are disproportionately used in crime, and feature prominently in some of the most serious crime, including homicides, mass shootings, and killings of law enforcement officers, Becerra said in his written answer to the lawsuit.

In a statement released Thursday night, Becerra vowed to defend the state law.

Restricting large-capacity magazines and preventing them from ending up in the wrong hands is critical for the well-being of our communities, he said in the statement. I will defend the will of California voters because we cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to gun violence.

The restraining order was sought by the California Rifle and Pistol Assn., which argued that the ban on large-capacity magazines violates both the 2nd Amendment rights of Californians to bear arms as well as protections against taking property without due process or compensation.

Banning magazines over ten rounds is no more likely to reduce criminal abuse of guns than banning high horsepower engines is likely to reduce criminal abuse of automobiles, the lawsuit says.

Becerra argued in court papers that plaintiffs have not demonstrated that any of these constitutional guarantees are even implicated by the challenged legislation, let alone violated by it. Possession of [large-capacity magazines] is not protected by the Second Amendment.

patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com

Twitter: @mcgreevy99

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8:00 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra.

This article was originally published at 6:00 p.m.
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.

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In the last election cycle alone, nearly $800 million was raised in California, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, which tallies federal contributions of $200 or more. (Given the massive success of Bernie Sanders insurgent small-dollar fundraising, the amount was doubtless even higher.)

While its impossible to say how much of that California money was spent within the state, its fair to assume  given the lopsided nature of most congressional contests  it was a small fraction.

Now Democratic efforts are underway to put California first, directing more campaign cash whence it came by focusing on seven targeted House districts in the Central Valley and the southern part of the state.

The party needs to pick up 24 seats to win control of the House in 2018. A significant investment close to home, the argument goes, could help Democrats a good distance toward that goal  its hard to see them taking control without picking up seats in California  and give donors in the state a more tangible stake in the midterm elections.

We dont mind helping other people, said Michael Eggman, who founded a political action committee, Red to Blue California, to steer money into the seven districts. But now theres an effort to ensure their hard-earned dollars make a difference in their own communities. Or if not their own communities, their aunts backyard in Bakersfield or their daughters backyard in San Diego.

Eggman, a farmer and beekeeper by trade, twice tried unsuccessfully to unseat Republican Rep.Jeff Denham of Turlock, one of the targeted seven. (All represent districts that voted in 2016 for Hillary Clinton; nationwide there were 23 Republican lawmakers elected in districts carried by the Democratic nominee.)

The intention, Eggman said, is to raise and spend $1 million in each of the seven California districts, not just on congressional contests but on races for city councils, boards of supervisors and other down-ballot offices. The idea is to target the best opportunities, he said, and start putting the pieces in place.

The long-range goal, very much in vogue among Democrats these days, is building the party infrastructure and a bench of candidates to ultimately take over some of the few remaining GOP sanctuaries in California. Were in it, Eggman vowed, for the long haul.

Along with Denham, the targeted Republican lawmakers are Hanfords David Valadao, Palmdales Steve Knight, Fullertons Ed Royce, Irvines Mimi Walters, Costa Mesas Dana Rohrabacher and Vistas Darrell Issa.

Operating on a separate but parallel track, former Rep. Ellen Tauscher has launched Fight Back California, which has the same political designs but a different approach.

Rather than advertising or campaign contributions, Tauschers political action committee plans to invest in research, door-to-door canvassing and other spadework intended to soften up the GOP lawmakers and learn what ticket-splitters  voters who simultaneously backed Clinton and their Republican member of Congress  have on their minds.

We want to understand what matters to them and what it would take for them to vote for a Democrat, said the committees chief strategist, Katie Merrill. The idea is to make sure whoever [is] nominated on June 6, 2018, will have a level playing field when they come out of the primary.

As sure as the sun sets over the Sierra, California will always export more money  both campaign cash and tax dollars  than it receives. It will never enjoy the clout, especially in presidential politics, many here feel the most populous and impactful state in the country deserves.

Tauscher, who represented the East Bay suburbs for 12 years, is realistic. She doesnt want or expect California donors to pull back from national politics or slam their checkbooks shut when out-of-state candidates come calling. Give, she said, but also help out in these seven races.

John Stewart, a Democratic donor in San Francisco, is one of her enthusiastic adherents, kicking in $100,000 to get Tauschers operation up and running.

Over the years hes written $5,000 and $10,000 checks for candidates in Maryland, Hawaii and New Hampshire, among other states. Im happy to contribute, he said, finding reward in the chance to help shape national politics from his home on Telegraph Hill.

But seizing control of the House by focusing on his own state? Priceless.

mark.barabak@latimes.com

@markzbarabak on Twitter

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In the heady days just after their surprise victory in November, Republicans talked optimistically of repealing Obamacare in January.

After all, they said, a previous Republican-controlled Congress already had passed a repeal bill, which President Obama vetoed. Now, they could simply pass it again and have it on President Trumps desk the day he was sworn in.

January became March, and March became May, and July will begin with the Affordable Care Act still the law of the land. Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) direly warned that if his caucus failed to reach agreement soon, they might have no choice but to negotiate with Democrats for a deal.

Good afternoon, Im David Lauter, Washington bureau chief. Welcome to the Friday edition of our Essential Politics newsletter, in which we look at the events of the week in Washington and elsewhere in national politics and highlight some particularly insightful stories.

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SOLVING THE PROBLEM BY MAKING IT BIGGER

The problem for Republicans is that at each step along the legislative way, the task of repealing Obamacare has gotten bigger.

The first major leap in complexity came in December. At that point, Republican leaders had a strategy with appealing simplicity: Repeal the law now, promise to come up with a replacement later.

Fairly quickly, however, Republican members of Congress realized that that approach was untenable (although, Trump and a couple of conservative GOP senators revived the idea in a Twitter message Friday morning).

Repeal now, replace later would upend the health coverage of millions of Americans, including a lot of Republican voters. GOP leaders reluctantly concluded that after seven years of promising a replacement without ever agreeing on one, they would actually have to deliver.

Writing a replacement forced Republicans to confront a second reality, one they had waved aside during their campaigns: Most of the Affordable Care Act has always enjoyed wide public support.

Americans strongly dislike one part of the law  the mandate that people buy health insurance or pay an extra tax. And a small but influential slice of Americans dislikes the higher premiums the law has required some people to pay.

But poll after poll has shown that the public likes most of the rest of Obamacare  the ban on insurance companies denying coverage to people with health problems, the end of lifetime limits and the billions of dollars of subsidies to help people of modest means pay their premiums.

Not only does the public like those parts of the law, so do a lot of Republican members of Congress. They might have said in their campaigns that they favored repealing Obamacare in its entirety, but they never really meant it.

Any bill to replace the current law would have to include those key elements in at least some form, Republican lawmakers decided.

That realization led to a second big jump in complexity early this spring: Conservatives, who really did want to repeal all of Obamacare, not just pieces, would agree to partial repeal only if they got something else out of the deal.

To solve the problem of keeping conservative support, Republican leaders devised a bill that not only would repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act, but also achieve the long-sought conservative goal of dramatically scaling back Medicaid.

Conservatives have argued the program of assistance to low-income Americans, which has formed a central part of the social safety net for more than half a century, costs too much and makes people too dependent on government help.

Cutting Medicaid, in turn, would free up money for a major tax cut that mostly benefits wealthy Americans.

The bill that McConnell unveiled in the Senate earlier this month achieved that goal with a vengeance. On Monday the Congressional Budget Office reported that within a decade, the Senate plan would knock more than 15 million people off Medicaid coverage.

The extent of those cuts, along with the other changes the plan would create, threaten huge disruptions across the healthcare system, as Noam Levey reported.

Even before the budget office report, one lawmaker whose vote McConnell had hoped for, Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada, announced that he planned to vote against the bill. For Heller, who faces a tough reelection fight next year, the healthcare debate offers nothing but headaches, David Montero and Mark Barabak reported.

Thursday, an additional budget office report looked further into the future and projected that McConnells plan would restrict money so tightly that it would slice Medicaid by more than a third over the next two decades.

The program currently insures about 75 million Americans, including almost 4 out of 10 children and 6 in 10 nursing-home residents.

Trump, who had promised in his campaign that he would not cut Medicaid or other entitlement programs, tried to deny the budget offices assessment. The White House put out a statement Monday saying the budget analysts had a history of inaccuracy and should not be trusted blindly.

Even among Republicans, that argument didnt go far. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), noted to reporters Tuesday that the head of the budget office had been appointed by Tom Price, who at the time was the chair of the House Budget Committee and now serves as Trumps secretary of Health and Human Services.

It is important that we have a scorekeeper. We can always complain about the nature of the score, Ryan said. Having said that, its important that we have a referee.

As Levey reported, the budget office report immediately put passage of the Senate bill in doubt. Within 24 hours, McConnell gave up on trying to push the bill through the Senate this week. He hoped to reach a new agreement by weeks end, but as Lisa Mascaro reported, that deadline came and went as well, with no quick fix in sight.

The debate has highlighted a split that threatens to paralyze Republicans on other issues: The partys traditional conservative faction and its more blue-collar, less affluent populist wing have very different needs and priorities.

McConnell spent the week trying to scale back the Medicaid cuts to win over not just Heller but other Republican lawmakers, including Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Rob Portman of Ohio, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who represent states with large numbers of white, blue-collar constituents.

But putting more money back into Medicaid, and perhaps scaling back the tax cuts, makes the bill less appealing to conservatives.

McConnell has a reputation as a master negotiator, but his strategy for the healthcare bill always depended on stealth and speed. He feared that prolonged public exposure would kill the bills prospects.

And, indeed, several new polls this week showed opposition rising, with only a fifth of Americans, or fewer, supporting the Republican bill.

With senators heading home for a weeklong Fourth of July recess, they will soon be in position to hear that opposition directly from constituents. The fate of Obamas signature domestic policy program  and health coverage of some 22 million Americans  hangs in the balance.

EXPANDING GOVERNMENT HEALTHCARE IS HARD TOO

Even as Republicans in Congress try to cut back federal spending on healthcare, Democrats in California want to expand it.

Earlier this spring, the state Senate passed a plan  or the outline of a plan, anyway  to create a statewide, government-run, single-payer health plan.

This week, however, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon called a halt, saying the Senate plan was woefully incomplete and that his chamber would not take it up this year.

Rendon, an advocate of single-payer, has taken a lot of heat from his left, especially from the states politically active nurses union. But columnist George Skelton says Rendon was right. The Senate plan would have massively increased the state budget, and no one had any idea how to pay for all of it.

Single-payer failed because one state cant handle it alone, Skelton wrote. Fortunately, one legislative leader had the common sense and courage to stop the foolishness.

SUPREME COURT ENDS ITS TERM WITH A BAN

Most eyes were on the Senate and healthcare this week, but the Supreme Court also wrapped up its work for the year on Monday.

Among their final acts for this term, the justices came up with a compromise that allowed the administration to start implementing part of Trumps travel ban. As David Savage explained, the ruling allowed the 90-day ban on travel from six Middle Eastern and North African countries to go into effect for visa applicants who dont have existing ties to the U.S.

As the administration interpreted it, that ruling meant that people from the six countries who had children or parents in the U.S. could still get visas. So could students admitted to a U.S. college.

No grandmas need apply, however, the State Department said. Family relationships beyond the first generation wouldnt count. Hawaii officials, who had challenged the ban initially, quickly announced they would go back to court to argue the rules were too restrictive.

The high court announced a number of other rulings in the last few days of the term. Heres Savages summary of their notable rulings this year.

As the term ended, one thing stood out  the courts newest member, Neil M. Gorsuch, was already have an impact, pushing the court to the right on religion, guns and gay rights, Savage wrote.

A FEW OTHER NOTABLE STORIES

Trump boasts of dumping many Obama-era regulations. Lauren Rosenblatt took a look at what those regulatory changes mean in practice.

Border wall prototypes could start going up in San Diego this summer, Joe Tanfani reported. But officials continue to make clear that a huge wall from one end of the border to the other isnt in the plans, despite the presidents rhetoric.

The White House panel looking into voter fraud wants states to turn over information about voters. Californias top elections officer said no, John Myers reported. Democrats fear the panel, co-chaired by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, is looking for excuses to propose new voting restrictions.

POLITICS IN THE TRUMP ERA

Trump has succeeded where Obama failed in spawning a new wave of liberal activism, Barabak reports. Across the country, groups are springing up to oppose the new administration, bringing new energy to politics on the left.

But despite that energy, Democrats face a big problem in the 2018 midterm elections, Cathy Decker wrote: Trumps name wont be on the ballot. Opposition to Trump energizes Democratic voters, but the party has not yet proven it can translate that enthusiasm into races further down the ballot, she said.

ALL THE PRESIDENTS TWEETS

Amid the debate over healthcare, the fight against the Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and everything else, Trump decided to begin a Twitter war with a couple of TV hosts.

The presidents blasts against Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough of MSNBC drew exasperated reactions from many Republican lawmakers.

This has to stop, senators wrote on Thursday.

It almost certainly wont. Trump continued the latest Twitter fight on Friday.

Some Democrats believe Trump has a grand strategy of trying to divert attention from other issues. The evidence suggests the more likely explanation is that he simply cant control his pique at what he sees as personal attacks and that he relishes the tabloid-style headlines that first made him famous.

His tweets seem to hurt him more than they help, and theres certainly no evidence that theyve kept public attention away from the healthcare debate.

In either case, Twitter has long been Trumps favored means of pushing his message. Were compiling all of Trumps tweets. Its a great resource. Take a look.

LOGISTICS

That wraps up this week. My colleague Christina Bellantoni will be back Wednesday after the holiday weekend with the weekday edition of Essential Politics. Until then, keep track of all the developments in national politics and the Trump administration with our Essential Washington blog, at our Politics page and on Twitter @latimespolitics.

Send your comments, suggestions and news tips to politics@latimes.com.

If you like this newsletter, tell your friends to sign up.

david.lauter@latimes.com

@davidlauter
Democrats in the California Legislature never shy away from hyping their state budgets as both responsible and visionary. But the rhetoric surrounding this years proposal, signed into law on Tuesday, has sounded more like a call to arms.

It is the latest sign that the era of President Trump has done more than change the mood of the majority partys lawmakers in Sacramento  its changed their approach to governing the nations most populous state.

This is a budget that does things for people, not to people, said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) as lawmakers debated the plan on June 15.

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Assembly Democrats nicknamed their proposal the protect and persist budget, the latest example of their seething anger over Trumps efforts to shift the nations priorities rightward. While the $183.2-billion spending outline only rarely veers into direct confrontations with federal policy, legislative leaders nonetheless see it as a national example  an alternative view on the role of government.

Its surprising that more folks dont want to emulate what were doing, said Assembly Budget Chairman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). Theres no question that Californias actions are in direct contrast to D.C.

The budgets most visible rebuke of Trump is its use of $45 million in state taxpayer dollars to provide legal services for immigrants. The appropriation is triple what those efforts normally receive and is scheduled to last at least through the early summer of 2020. A portion of the money  $545,000  was earmarked to help boost the legal services to people facing deportation.

Were a state that welcomes immigrants and doesnt demonize them, Ting said.

Republicans in the state Capitol were unsurprisingly critical over such items being included in a budget over which they had little say.

Negotiated behind closed doors, this budget shows the Democrats priorities, and clearly, the taxpayers of California are not high on that list, said state Sen. Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber).

Theres no question that Californias actions are in direct contrast to DC.  Assembly Budget Chairman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco)

While those dollars are small in comparison to the overall size of what it takes to run Californias government, they were funds that in other years could have gone to different services.

That amount of money matters, said Chris Hoene, executive director of the California Budget and Policy Center, which advocates for programs aimed at low-income families. Its a choice that comes with trade-offs.

Lawmakers also set aside a portion of revenues generated by last falls tobacco tax increase for family-planning services  help, but not total relief, in the event that Trump and congressional Republicans make good on promises to scrap federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

The California State Legislature remains committed in our steadfast support for #PlannedParenthoood! pic.twitter.com/cOdDNt7Suk  Blanca Rubio (@Blanca_E_Rubio) June 29, 2017

Elsewhere, the Legislatures liberal Democratic leaders used the budget to play defense by offering help for those they believe are vulnerable to Trumps proposed cuts in federal programs. It includes new money for subsidized child care and preschool, and it expands Californias earned income tax credit for the working poor.

Legislators believe the federal version of the earned income tax credit may not be safe once Congress has to pay for the presidents plans for new tax cuts.

It seems to be the only tax credit that Washington doesnt like, Ting said.

Other cuts could also be coming. The White House has proposed new, strict eligibility rules for food stamps (and a new rule for matching state government dollars) and as much as a $10-million reduction in federal affordable housing help for California.

What lawmakers couldnt do in crafting a new state budget, however, was to free up enough money to fill the gigantic hole that would be created by a retrenchment of Medicaid, the federal subsidy that helps provide free healthcare based on a persons or familys income. The states Medi-Cal program relies heavily on Medicaid dollars, even more so since the expansion of federal funding under the Affordable Care Act.

Heres how $183 billion in taxpayer dollars will be spent in Californias new budget 

Although Congress remains divided on what a repeal and replace plan for the 2010 law will look like, both the House and Senate versions would leave California recipients and elected officials in a quandary.

You would end up with a choice of who you cover and how you cover them, Hoene said.

On Wednesday, California officials estimated the latest GOP proposal, promoted by Trump but still in limbo with some senators, would cut $115 billion from federal healthcare dollars sent to the state in just the first seven years. The first-year reduction alone is estimated at $3 billion  more than one-third of the money in the states rainy-day reserve fund.

Legislators in Sacramento were asked time and again over the winter and spring whether they would craft even a partial backup plan, but they insisted it would be premature to act without more information. The budget signed by Gov. Jerry Brown that runs through June 30 of next year is balanced on the presumption of $68.9 billion in federal healthcare funds.

In some ways, say legislative staffers and advocates, the biggest impact of Trumps nascent presidency and its proposals for less federal spending may be that it has served as a wake-up call to the financial challenges that lie ahead. For more than two years, Brown has urged legislators not to commit to new long-term spending. His warnings have been that an economic slowdown  or even a mild recession  is almost certainly somewhere on the horizon.

The president, some believe, has given lawmakers a more visceral way to view the threats to Californias balanced budget. As such, frequent demands in the past by legislators for more spending were noticeably absent in the state Capitol this year.

The governor has kept warning about a downturn, said Hoene. The federal unease suddenly gives that a bit more reality.

john.myers@latimes.com

Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast

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Updates on California politics and government
Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones asked President Trumps immigration chief for help fighting Californias so-called sanctuary state bill weeks before the two hosted a town hall meeting in March on immigration enforcement that drew hundreds of people and erupted in protests.

In a March 13 email to Thomas D. Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Jones proposed holding the joint conference, saying the presence of a high-ranking official could make statewide news and change public opinion on Senate Bill 54. The legislation, vehemently opposed by Republican lawmakers and sheriffs including Jones, would prevent police and sheriffs departments from enforcing federal immigration laws.

I know this is a big ask, but I really feel that there is a showdown coming between the federal government and California on many fronts, and truly believe we could together head off that showdown on his particular bill, Jones wrote.

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The letter was obtained by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network and a coalition of other immigrant rights groups whose members are arguing that the sheriff misrepresented his intention for the March 28 town hall. Speaking to roughly 300 people at the event, which was held in a Sacramento gym, Jones said he wanted to host the forum to provide facts, not change minds, and said he was there not as a politician, but in his public safety role.

The sheriff said he and Homan wanted to dispel what he called misconceptions about how sheriffs and federal immigration agents collaborate on cases and share information.

Requests to Jones office for comment were not answered on Friday.

Senate Bill 54, introduced by Senate President pro Tem Kevin de Leon, (D-Los Angeles), would prohibit, with some exceptions, state and local agencies from using their facilities, property, equipment or personnel to detain, question or arrest immigrants.

Jones, a staunch critic of illegal immigration who lost a race for Congress in November, has said that his office has $4.8 million in ICE contracts. But he says his ardent opposition to the legislation stems from public safety concerns including diminished collaboration between law enforcement agencies, not potential financial losses to his department.

In the email to Homan, the sheriff said he was happy to have become the face of the anti-SB 54 campaign because I can speak intelligently and factually about what a disaster the bill would be.

He said their joint conference could focus on making it clear that federal immigration agents would be going into communities not to arrest every law-abiding immigrant, but people who fit ICEs priorities, such as criminals.

And that the best way to prevent wide nets being cast in the communities is for law enforcement to cooperate with ICE where the criminals already are  the jails, Jones wrote.

Angela Chan, policy director at Asian Law Caucus, which was among organizations that sought public records on the meeting, said the email did not come as a surprise given Jones track record on immigration enforcement and his departments financial ties to ICE.

But it is disheartening that he continues to go down this route, she said.

Heres why law enforcement groups are divided on legislation to turn California into a sanctuary state 

jazmine.ulloa@latimes.com

@jazmineulloa

ALSO:

Protests erupt at Sacramento town hall meeting as ICE director answers questions about immigration enforcement

What you need to know about Californias sanctuary state bill and how it would work

Controversial sanctuary state bill clears major hurdle after hours of debate

California sheriffs say sanctuary state bill would prevent immigration officials from going after violent offenders

Updates on California politics
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
The World Bank and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine have signed an agreement for the use of a EUR 3.03 million grant from the European Union to support the Strengthening Public Resource Management Project in Ukraine.

"When we are talking about grant support, it is a financial and advisory contribution for the joint work to achieve an effective result in the future," Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv said at a press conference on Friday in Kyiv .

Kubiv noted EUR1.1 million will be assigned to reforming the public finance sector and the public financial management system; EUR 1.9 million to reforming the civil service.

In particular, an Internet portal for public service vacancies will be created using these funds, the documentation will be transferred into electronic form, and data on civil servants will be opened.

He noted that EUR 3.03 million provided by the EU is part of a larger financing of EUR 5 million, covering the financing by the World Bank of the activities of Ukrainian state institutions under the EU program for reforming public administration and finance.
The top bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States has barred the bishop of the Los Angeles diocese from completing a planned sale of the St. James the Great Episcopal Church property in Newport Beach.

The pending sale, which was set to close July 3, came to light this month as Bishop J. Jon Bruno of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles was already under scrutiny by an ecclesiastical panel considering whether he committed misconduct in a separate attempt to sell the site in 2015.

The Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, issued an order Wednesday banning Bruno from closing the latest planned sale until the misconduct matter is resolved.

I am deeply concerned that his act of entering into a new contract for sale of the same property, while his approach to the earlier sale is still under review, has the potential to undermine the integrity of the churchs disciplinary process, Curry wrote. The secrecy with which the recent sales contract was undertaken adds to the potential for undermining the integrity of the churchs disciplinary process.

Curry restricted Bruno from closing the current sale or otherwise selling, contracting to sell or helping to sell the property.

An attorney representing Bruno referred questions to the diocese Thursday. A diocese spokesman did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The ecclesiastical panel has not yet issued a ruling following a three-day hearing in March that focused on Brunos attempt two years ago to sell the St. James property at 3209 Via Lido to a luxury townhouse developer. After a congregation member tipped the panel to the current sale attempt, it warned Bruno on June 17 not to sell the church before the panel had reached its decision.

An attorney for Bruno confirmed to the panel last week that Bruno entered a sale contract with Newport Beach-based developer Burnham-Ward Properties in May. The price and plans for the property were not disclosed.

Bruno changed the locks on the church in summer 2015 after committing to selling the site for $15 million to Legacy Partners, a developer that wanted to raze the church to build townhomes.

Not long after its eviction, the congregation filed an ecclesiastical complaint, alleging that Bruno acted deceptively and unbecoming of a clergyman when he tried to sell the property and that he didnt have permission of the diocesan government to do so.

The sale fizzled after the developers investment partner dropped out, but the church remains locked. Members now worship in a community room at Newport Beach City Hall.

This week, attorney Jerry Coughlan, who is representing the congregation in the misconduct proceedings, called for Bruno to be defrocked and that a forensic audit be conducted of the bishops books. Coughlan previously requested that the church be restored to the congregation.

His conduct demonstrates contempt for the (disciplinary) process, this panel and the Episcopal Church, Coughlan wrote in an amendment to his post-hearing brief.

hillary.davis@latimes.com

Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD
With July Fourth just around the corner, area public safety officials have been busy drawing up strategies to curtail the use of illegal fireworks.

Costa Mesa

In Costa Mesa, residents have regularly complained about the widespread use of banned fireworks, such as cherry bombs, firecrackers, bottle rockets and aerial shells, with some going so far as to say their neighborhoods feel like war zones around the holiday.

The pervasive booms and bangs, residents have said, terrorize pets and make it difficult to sleep.

Starting this weekend, police department volunteers will be visiting community hot spots, where we know that there have been problems before in terms of the use of illegal fireworks and handing out door hangers and talking to those residents, said Roxi Fyad, Costa Mesa Police Department spokeswoman.

Its important, she said, for residents to know to call the departments dispatch line  (714) 754-5252  to report scofflaws as soon as they see or hear illegal fireworks.

What were hoping is that people will know to call our dispatch line so we can go out there in time to see it ourselves and take action, Fyad said.

The city recently released a public service announcement featuring Police Chief Rob Sharpnack and Fire Chief Dan Stefano to discuss the penalties awaiting those who flout the rules.

Please be mindful of pets and neighbors, including babies, senior citizens and veterans, who might be bothered by loud fireworks, Stefano said. Costa Mesa is a zero-tolerance city.

Selling illegal fireworks is a felony, Sharpnack added. Possession and use of an illegal firework is a misdemeanor, punishable by a $1,000 fine and jail time.

The Police Department also is conducting undercover operations to stymie the use, sale and purchase of illegal fireworks. As of Thursday, officers had seized more than 600 pounds of contraband. Those operations will continue through Independence Day.

Newport Beach

In Newport Beach, undercover detectives have nabbed more than 1,000 pounds by combing Craigslist and other online classified advertisements, then arranging to meet with the sellers under the guise of purchasing the illegal fireworks.

The enforcement operations have netted seven arrests, according to police.

While it is illegal to buy, use or sell any fireworks in Newport Beach, other Orange County cities, including Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach, permit the use of safe and sane fireworks, or those that have a seal of registration from the state fire marshal. It is a misdemeanor to possess, store or transport fireworks without the seal in California.

Those possessing up to 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks, including aerial shells, roman candles, firecrackers and bottle rockets, could face a misdemeanor charge. Possession of more than 100 pounds is a felony.

Were trying to get these things off the street, and we want to let the people who are selling know that it is a crime that we take very seriously, Newport police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella said. Its not that were trying to ruin anyones fun or trying to squash the fun of the holiday, we just want people to know that these are real crimes, and there are real consequences for using dangerous fireworks.

These are dangerous explosives, Newport Police Chief Jon Lewis told the City Council this week. What weve had to do is coordinate with the Orange County bomb squad, and theres a locker specifically to store these in up at the county.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach will rely on reports from residents and other tactics to keep out illegal fireworks.

The first fine for possessing illegal fireworks is $500, followed by $1,000 penalties for subsequent incidents, police spokeswoman Angela Bennett said in a Facebook Live event Wednesday night

Bennett said residents should be patient when authorities are responding because of the large crowds hindering police response times.

However, a host of department units will be patrolling the city, including traffic, beach detail, the mounted horse unit, the special enforcement team, a saturation patrol and several fireworks suppression teams in plainclothes, Bennett said.

The Police Department has been investigating illegal fireworks tips and monitoring websites like Craigslist, Bennett said.

Special investigations bureau detectives on Tuesday night seized 1,100 pounds of illegal fireworks.

To report illegal fireworks, email specialinvestigations@hbpd.org, or call (714) 536-LOUD. Do not call 911.

Laguna Beach

The Laguna Beach Police Department has not yet seized any fireworks, but next week could produce a different outcome, said police Sgt. Jim Cota.
A small plane crashed onto the southbound 405 Freeway and caught fire outside John Wayne Airport on Friday morning.

Two people were aboard the twin-engine Cessna 310 when it crashed, according to Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration. Both survived the crash and were rushed to local trauma centers, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz. Their names were not released.

The Cessna touched down in traffic lanes just short of the runway at 9:35 a.m., said airport spokeswoman Deanne Thompson.

The plane struck the center divider and traveled to the southbound lanes before erupting in flames, officials said.

A fire engine stationed at the airport sprayed foam over a fence to help extinguish the burning aircraft, authorities said.

The southbound side of the freeway was closed at MacArthur Boulevard for hours; it reopened just before 5 p.m., according to Caltrans. The northbound lanes were reopened by 10:15 a.m., though traffic remained snarled as drivers slowed to watch emergency crews work.

Images from the scene show the cockpit of the aircraft in flames, and a video posted on social media shows a large plume of black smoke coming from the plane as cars slow to a stop on the northbound side of the freeway.

Omg a plane just crashed on the 405 pic.twitter.com/WQHAPYxMxS  K H (@melokai7) June 30, 2017

No motorists on the busy freeway were injured. One vehicle was slightly damaged: a Mitsubishi pickup clipped by the aircraft, Kurtz said.

The driver of the pickup, John Meffert, a 17-year Avalon firefighter, helped pull the pilot, a man in his early 60s, and the mans wife, who is in her mid-50s, from the plane and administered first aid before emergency responders arrived, Kurtz said.

Meffert was off-duty and driving to his home in Rancho Santa Margarita when the plane crashed.

I was on the phone with my dad and I told him, Theres a plane really low. I think this plane is going to hit me, Meffert said. The wing came across the front of my hood, and after that, thats when the plane crashed.

He jumped out of his vehicle and initially thought the occupants of the Cessna must be dead. Then he saw a womans head appear out of the plane.

I wasnt thinking about my own safety, Meffert said. I saw her face and head pop up out of the passenger side. If she could be there, I thought I could be there.

Kurtz said it was very fortunate that he was on the freeway at the time.

He did extraordinary work helping get these individuals out of the aircraft, Kurtz said.

I think any of us would hopefully help out others, Meffert said. I just happened to be there.

1 / 4 Emergency responders gather around the crash of a Cessna 310 aircraft on Interstate 405, just short of a runway at John Wayne Airport on Friday. (Chris Carlson / AP) 2 / 4 Firefighters stand by on the southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway where a small private Cessna airplane crashed short of the runway at John Wayne Airport on Friday. (Don Leach / Daily Pilot) 3 / 4 Emergency vehicles fill the southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway where a small private Cessna airplane crashed short of the runway next to John Wayne Airport on Friday. (Don Leach / Daily Pilot) 4 / 4 A piece of a small airplane rests on the 405 Freeway where a small private Cessna airplane crashed short of the runway at John Wayne Airport on Friday. (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

The plane  registered to Twin Props LLC in Santa Ana, according to FAA records  had just taken off from John Wayne Airport when the pilot declared an emergency, Gregor said. The pilot was trying to return to the airport when the plane crashed short of the runway, Gregor said.

All arriving flights at John Wayne Airport were halted temporarily but then resumed, airport officials said. Departures were not affected.

Later in the morning, about a dozen people stood in the parking lot of the Executive Park office complex overlooking the wreckage on the freeway.

Liane Lynch, who works in the complex, said she was planning to run an errand that would have required her to get on the 405 a few minutes before the crash, but a phone call delayed her.

Its just so scary, she said. I cant imagine the shock of driving and seeing the plane go down in your rear-view mirror.

Saul Pantaleon was on his lunch break from his job down the street and decided to drive to the Executive Park complex to get a better look. He said he often takes his children to that parking lot to watch planes land at the airport.

I think about it sometimes when I see the planes flying over (the freeway), he said. What would it be like if something like this happened?

Kurtz said the crash could have been much worse. The fact that a plane can crash-land on the freeway and only strike one vehicle is extraordinary, he said.

Los Angeles Times staff writers Joseph Serna and Veronica Rocha and KTLA contributed to this report.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN

UPDATES:

5:14 p.m.: This article was updated with southbound 405 Freeway lanes reopening.

4:15 p.m.: This article was updated with John Mefferts comments.

3:45 p.m.: This article was updated with further details.

12:10 p.m.: This article was updated with quotes from onlookers.

11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with information about the planes occupants and the northbound freeway lanes reopening.

11 a.m.: This article was updated with information about the planes registration and John Wayne Airport flights departure and arrival status.

This article was originally published at 10:45 a.m.
Its a start. But is it enough?

Some observers endorse plans by local cities to open the fiscal valves in an effort to bring down growing unfunded liabilities for public employees pensions. Others say those plans might be insufficient.

Local cities are paying above and beyond required payments to the California Public Employees Retirement System, or CalPERS. Newport Beach is tacking about $9 million a year to its payments, Costa Mesa about $500,000 a year and Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach about $1 million. Huntington also will pay additional contributions from a pension rate stabilization trust, and Newport is considering doing the same.

Without taking action, Newport Beachs projected unfunded pension liability for the new fiscal year, which starts this weekend, would balloon to $353 million, compared with $46 million 10 years ago. Costa Mesas unfunded liability is projected at $246 million for fiscal 2017-18, up from an estimated $46 million 10 years ago. In Huntington Beach, the latest number is $363 million, compared with $79 million a decade ago.

Devin Dwyer, who served on the Huntington Beach City Council from 2008 to 2012, said that citys prepayment plan is a good idea but is not the answer.

It wont make a big enough dent, he said.

Dwyer believes pension plans should be replaced with 401-k programs, which have defined employee contributions. New hires would be brought in under the 401-k system, and existing employees would transfer to the plan, with their promised pensions covered through the years already worked.

Dwyer said state legislators are the only ones who can enforce that transition, so cities need to band together to put pressure on them.

I am not real optimistic, Dwyer added.

Former Newport Beach Mayor Rush Hill, who was on the City Council from 2010 to 2014, said Newport is on the right path. He said pensions make for an important, volatile issue that needs constant focus.

Government often doesnt react until theres a crisis, he said, and aside from recent pension reform bills proposed by state Sen. John Moorlach  a Costa Mesa Republican whom Hill, a former staff member for Ronald Reagan, praised as Reagan-esque  legislators seem unwilling to touch the issue.

I would say the only group thats hard to convince theres a problem is the California Legislature, Hill said.

Newport Beach has the resources to make the hefty additional payments, Hill said. But if monumental reform ends up relieving the system of some of its burden, Newport could essentially end up subsidizing that with its large shares. Theres also a risk of paying too much too fast and losing that investment if the market crashes.

You have to reach a sweet spot, he said.

According to CalPERS, about 62% of its income is the result of earnings from investing employer and employee contributions in stocks, bonds and real estate. If investment returns fall, as happened with the financial crisis of 2008, local governments have to pay more toward pensions to make up the difference.

In 2008, CalPERS investments lost 3%. Losses swelled to 24% in 2009, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Fred Seguin  who retired from the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department after a 30-year run that included stints as acting chief, deputy chief and battalion chief  said he thinks CalPERS is fundamentally still a good system and strongly funded.

I would say, as we all look back in hindsight, if we didnt have that market crash, none of us would be talking about it now, he said.

In Seguins mind, the Great Recession opened some eyes and inspired CalPERS to make less-aggressive investments. Another positive development in the aftermath of the crash, he said, was the passage of the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013, or PEPRA. That law essentially lowered new hires future retirement benefits by capping how much of their compensation can be factored into calculating their pensions.

Seguin, whose pension is about $156,000 a year, said he thinks Costa Mesa is taking appropriate steps to reduce its unfunded pension liability.

In addition to budgeting $500,000 per year for added payments to CalPERS, the city is annually prepaying CalPERS for employee bargaining groups and using the savings from a prepay discount  more than $250,000 per year  to make additional payments.

Its at least a step in the right direction, Seguin said.

Hill said Newport has always been open with its unions about the mathematical realities of pensions. He remembers meeting at former Councilman Keith Currys house seven years ago with employee representatives to talk about it.

We sat around the kitchen table with pastries and coffee and said, Heres the deal. Heres the reality,  Hill said. And the union heads acknowledged they wanted to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Newport lifeguard Battalion Chief Brent Jacobsen was at that breakfast meeting. Around that time, the city approached his unit with potential layoffs. Instead, the permanent lifeguards group  about a dozen year-round, full-time guards  offered to start contributing to their pensions to preserve jobs.

City public safety employees currently pay 9% of their salaries toward retirement, but in the 1980s, the city started making that contribution on their behalf in place of raises, Jacobsen said. By taking that commitment back, the lifeguards essentially took a 9% pay cut.

Starting this month, they will pay 13.6% toward their retirements.

Jacobsen said that if he and other public safety employees had known the market crash would gut the retirement system, they wouldnt have sought to be included in the 3% at 50 plan, a pension formula that resulted from a 1999 state law. It allows some public safety employees to retire as early as age 50 with a pension rate set at 3% of their final years salary multiplied by how many years they were on the job.

When they signed on in the early to mid-2000s, the system was doing well, Jacobsen said.

No one ever thought that PERS would go where it went, he said.

Jacobsen, who is vice president of the Newport Beach Lifeguard Management Assn., said he plans to retire in the next four or five years but is eligible to leave now. More than half of the permanent lifeguards are, he said. If CalPERS were to fail, he would be out of luck.

He said he respects the Newport Beach City Council for getting ahead of the issue as best it can and trusts the strategies of top city leaders.

Rob Gagne, president of the Costa Mesa Firefighters Assn., said firefighters and other public employees have a long history of being partners to find solutions to keep our city fiscally sound.

During the economic downturn, Costa Mesa firefighters shared in the cost savings burden  freezing wages and cutting personnel to help our city balance its budget, he wrote in an email.

Some Costa Mesa officials, such as Councilman Jim Righeimer, have said retired public employees should take a cut in their pension benefits to help address unfunded liabilities.

Gagne rejected that notion. Firefighters, he said, do not receive Social Security, so our retirement system is our only source of retirement income.

Cutting retired first-responder benefits and their families benefits, after they have already been living on a fixed income, is wrong, he said.

Dwyer, the former Huntington councilman, believes the city ultimately will have to start cutting costs, like limiting the number of firefighters per truck.

Chad Stewart, president of the Huntington Beach Firefighters Assn., said the group is aware of the pressures heaped on governments and workers because of the pension issue. He said local firefighters have worked with city leaders to implement cost-saving measures. About 25% of the workforce will be on the lower-tier PEPRA pension plan by 2018, Stewart said.

As our population has grown and our emergency calls for service have exponentially increased each year  with nearly 21,000 calls in 2016  our staffing levels have stayed stagnant and we are constantly finding ways to do more with less for the people of our city, Stewart said.

In Laguna Beach, the unfunded pension liability as of fiscal 2014-15, the most recent year for which data is available, was $53 million. The amount increased $6 million in five years.

Laguna resident John Thomas said pensions are like a slow-motion train wreck.

You know its happening, he said. The question is, What is the solution? 

Without a significant improvement in safe investment returns, Thomas, a real estate broker and budget analyst, said cities have the following options: raise taxes or otherwise gain more revenue; cut services so more money goes to pensions; or get the rules changed statewide.

If Laguna changes their rules and other cities dont, then Laguna will have a tougher time hiring and retaining good people because they will be tempted to  work in cities with the old [pension] rules, Thomas said.

When it comes to public employee pensions, perspective is important, Thomas said.

We talk about the cost of the pension obligation, but no one talks about the value of a pension to an employee, he said.

When those guys walk out the door, they dont get a gold watch, Thomas said. Someone handed them something worth 2 or 3 million dollars.

hillary.davis@latimes.com

Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD

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In line with state legislation, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District is expected to launch a program this fall intended to educate district staff members and students on ways to prevent youth suicide.

The district board Tuesday unanimously approved the first reading of a new policy directing staff to implement a districtwide suicide prevention program for kindergartners through 12th-graders.

If the board approves the policy a second time, all staff members who have contact with students  including teachers, administrative staff, cafeteria workers and custodians  will be taught how to identify youths who may be at risk of suicide and how to intervene.

Students also will receive training in their classes to emphasize good decision making, healthy choices and resilience.

The policy is expected to return for final board approval Wednesday.

Phil DAgostino, the districts director of student and community services, said withdrawal from social settings, chronic absences and sudden declines in school performance could be signs that a student may commit suicide.

The one duty we all have is to care about kids, and these warning signs are what were alerting our staff to keep an eye out for, he said.

The districts plan comes on the heels of Assembly Bill 2246, authored by Assemblyman Patrick ODonnell (D-Long Beach) and approved by Gov. Jerry Brown in September. The legislation was inspired by a string of suicides among teenagers in San Diego and Palo Alto in recent years.

The law requires school boards to adopt policies on suicide prevention that specifically address high-risk groups such as children bereaved by a loved ones suicide, youths with disabilities, mental illness or substance abuse problems and those who are homosexual, bisexual or questioning their sexuality.

We recognize this is a major cause of death among youth and we take that very seriously, said Newport-Mesa board President Karen Yelsey. Weve been working toward this for a while, and we really hope this brings increased attention to emotional and behavioral health for our students.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children and young adults ages 10 to 24.

National statistics show that 17% of students in grades 9 through 12 reported seriously considering suicide in 2013.

In Orange County, statistics show 65 teenagers took their own lives between 2009 and 2013. Four of them were from Costa Mesa, four from Huntington Beach and one from Laguna Beach. Newport Beach and Fountain Valley had no youth suicides in that period, according to a report by the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Since children spend a significant amount of time in school, employees who interact with them daily are in a unique position to recognize the warning signs of suicide and refer the students to counselors or others who can help, according to the state legislation.

Though the law requires only that districts implement a plan focusing on grades 7 through 12, Newport-Mesa wanted to take it a step further and include every grade, DAgostino said.

That decision was made after four upper-grade elementary school students shared that they had suicidal thoughts last school year, D Agostino said.

It is an issue we are taking extremely seriously, DAgostino said. The fact of the matter is that mental health issues, especially as they pertain to anxiety, depression and drug abuse, are creeping into age groups in ways we havent seen before.

Staff and students in seventh through 12 grades are planned to be the first to receive training early in the school year. The district aims to phase in education for elementary school students and staff by the spring.

A task force intended to review sample policies from the state and customize a plan for Newport-Mesa began its work in March. The task force, made up of students, teachers, counselors, school psychologists and parents, will continue to advise the district as the program is implemented.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
We met on Transpac 2005 at the Trophy Party at the Ilikai Hotel.

Barbara was sitting at a dinner table with a mutual friend, Skip Allen. I stopped by to say hi to Skip, and he introduced us. The next morning, by fateful coincidence, I saw Barbara again, just as she emerged from one of the neighboring race boats, and just as I was walking down the dock with a crewmate, David Stotler (we were on Incredible, a Swan 53.)

Stotler and I were on our way to have breakfast at the Hawaii Yacht Club. A minute earlier or later and Barbara and I would have missed each other.

I asked Barbara if she would please join us for eggs benedict and champagne, and she said, Yes.

Then I replied, a bit presumptuously, Great, then we can plan the rest of our day together.

After breakfast, we drove over to the Honolulu Harbor to visit with my friend Doug Rastello and see Pyewacket before driving over to the Kaneohe Yacht Club for the Transpac party. After a burger, a beer and couple of hours there, we went cliff jumping at Kawena Falls, just off the Pali Highway.

In a leap of faith, literally, Barbara followed right behind me and also jumped from the 30-foot cliff into the pool below the falls. I was very impressed with her, and the day was going great!

So I then took her to one of my favorite places on Oahu, the Jacuzzi-sized blowhole called the Toilet Bowl, just around the corner from Hanauma Bay. How many women would eagerly agree to go to a place called the Toilet Bowl on a first date?

We then snorkeled around the point into the wide open bay, one of the most scenic spots in all of Hawaii. It was late in the day, the park was now closed, and we had the entire bay to ourselves.

We swam with a turtle, holding hands, and just as we stepped out of the water we enjoyed a freshwater rinse from a brief, light rain shower, followed by a beautiful rainbow.

We then returned to the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and changed for a luau that night at the Waikiki Yacht Club. Out on the dance floor, I asked Barbara for a kiss.

At the same moment our lips met for the first time, the fireworks went off at the nearby Hilton Hawaiian Village. What a magical first date!

She asked, What are we going to do tomorrow? I told her, sadly, I was flying out that night on a red eye back to LAX. We exchanged phone numbers and promised to get together again soon. She lived up the 405 in Manhattan Beach.

A week later, I invited her down to Newport Beach for a beer can regatta on Amante, our second date. I asked Barbara what was the No. 1 thing on her bucket list, and she replied, To sail around the world. How many women say that?

I quickly said, Me too, and we worked together to make it happen.

I bought Traveler, a North Wind 47, and we did a complete circumnavigation, visiting 61 countries on six continents. The first leg of our three-year round-the-world cruise was Transpac 2007, and Im please to say we trophied, placing second in the Aloha Class.

For many guys like me who grew up in Newport, because boating is such an important part of our culture, when you find the right woman, you take her to Catalina for the weekend to see how she does on the boat. It might be a deal breaker. This voyage on Traveler was a little extended version of that, and it all worked out great!

A year after we got back from our extended cruise, we did another Transpac together on Traveler, in 2011. During the half-way party on that race, I decided to pop the question.

But it was unplanned, totally spontaneous and I did not have a ring. So I went to the tool box and found a really nice stainless steel hose clamp that worked just fine as a temporary engagement ring. With the rest of our crew stunned and gathered around us in the cockpit, I took a knee, got a bit choked-up with happy tears, and asked her to marry me.

She said yes.

We got married four months later. At the ceremony, she presented me with a handsome, matching hose clamp for my wedding ring. After she slipped it on my finger, she adjusted it with a screwdriver.

In 2013, Tony Sandrolini invited both Barbara and me to race with him on La Sirena, a Beneteau 47.7, for our third Transpac together. Barbara and I were on opposite watches, hot bunking.

It was 2 a.m. with just two days to go, and a big squall was coming. From my bunk, I could hear the wind building. I dragged myself out of bed, and stood in the companionway to see if my help was needed.

The wind had gone from a comfortable 18 to a wild 30 knots, with horizontal rain, but no worries. I remember seeing my amazing wife, Barbara, at the wheel, quite capably and calmly directing the other crew members, drenched with rain, wearing her bikini, T-shirt and a PFD life jacket.

I said to myself, Shes got this, and went back to bed.

For this years Transpac, which starts Monday, we got invited back on La Sirena. This is my sixth Transpac, Barbaras fifth and our fourth together!

Mahalo for letting me share our Transpac love story with you.

MICHAEL LAWLER lives in Newport Beach.
Tourists and locals celebrating summertime on the Orange Coast and Catalina Island will be intrigued to learn that this year marks the 105th anniversary of 26-year-old Glenn L. Martins historic solo flight from Balboa Bay to Avalon Harbor aboard his homemade amphibian biplane.

Martins May 10, 1912, flight in his tiny Avalon Zipper, which he built in a garage attached to an abandoned Santa Ana Methodist church, set several international records. It was the first airplane flight to Catalina, the longest over-water flight in history, and the first water-to-water flight. The 33-mile flight took 37 minutes.

On his return trip to Balboa Bay the same day, Martin, whose pontoon-equipped craft was powered by a 15-horsepower Model V Ford gasoline engine donated by Henry Ford, set yet another record: He carried the days mail from Catalina to Balboa, the first air mail service in California history.

Young Martins feats made headlines around the world, and it wasnt long before several entrepreneurs began to establish amphibian airline passenger and freight services between Catalina and Balboa, Long Beach, Wilmington and San Diego, according to long-time Catalina resident Jim Watson, a nationally known aviation historian, columnist for the weekly Catalina Islander newspaper and producer of the award-winning television documentary Wings Across the Channel, the Golden Age of Seaplanes on Catalina.

One of those entrepreneurs was Syd Chaplin, the half-brother of motion picture legend Charlie Chaplin. In 1919, Syd Chaplin founded Chaplin Airline, the first airline on the West Coast and believed to be the second airline in the United States, said Watson, a former merchant seaman in Africa and the Middle East who moved to Catalina in 1995.

Chaplin Airline flew amphibians on scheduled and charter passenger and cargo flights from Catalina to several Southern California seaports, including Balboa, which was not far from Charlie Chaplins Laguna Beach vacation home, a sprawling beachfront estate that boasted 12 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. Built by Frank Miller, who also constructed Riversides famed Mission Inn, the house today is up for sale. The asking price is $29.5 million.

Chaplin Airline stayed in business for only a few years, and a half-dozen hastily established amphibian airlines that began operating out of the Hamilton Cove seaplane base near Avalon filled the void during the ensuing years. Flying the fabled Grumman Goose and Grumman Mallard seaplanes, they also flew to Balboa and other area port cities.

Land-based air links were ultimately established between Catalina and mainland destinations following the 1941 construction of Catalinas mountaintop airfield, the Airport in the Sky. A rudimentary airstrip also had been built, in 1923, by Eddie Martin (no relation to Glenn) in Orange County. Named Eddie Martin Field, it was subsequently enlarged and became the Orange County Airport, according to the Los Angeles Times. In 1979, it was renamed John Wayne Airport.

With the advent of commercial and private aircraft operations between Catalina and Southern California, as well as the arrival of military flights to the island, a series of deadly aircraft accidents began with the 1921 crash into the headlands south of Avalon of a Navy Curtiss seaplane that claimed three lives.

Including that 1921 accident, 57 military and civilian airplane and helicopter crashes that killed 106 and injured more than 50 have been recorded. This figure also includes the most recent incident, of May 10, 2016, which left two men dead when their one-engine Cessna disappeared into the Pacific following takeoff from Catalinas Airport in the Sky.

On Oct. 17, 1944, one of the two deadliest accidents occurred when a Navy blimp crashed into a Catalina mountain, killing six of the 10 men aboard. This was to be the islands worst accident until Jan. 30, 1984, when the six men aboard a private Lear jet were killed after their plane overran the runway while attempting to land at the Airport in the Sky, plunged over a 90-foot cliff and burst into flames.

When that 252-foot Navy blimp named K-111 crashed into the base of East Peak 73 years ago, the U.S. had been at war for nearly three years, and Catalina had been turned into a virtual fortress following reports that the Japanese might attempt to capture the island and use it as a springboard for landings on the West Coast. Japanese submarines had torpedoed and sunk several U.S. merchant ships off the Northern California coast, had shelled a large gasoline refinery at Goleta, north of Santa Barbara, and the jittery residents of Catalina worried that they could be the next victims.

Armed with a .50 caliber Browning machine gun and four 350-pound depth charges, blimp K-111, one of several blimps attached to Squadron 333, which operated out of the Tustin Lighter-Than-Air base and a second facility at Del Mar in San Diego County, was on nightly anti-submarine warfare patrol over the Southern California coast and Catalina island when disaster struck, according to newspaperman Watson, author of the 2012 book Mysterious Island, The Strange Side of Catalina.

After taking off from the Tustin base and passing over Newport Beach, the blimp headed for Catalina. From there, it was scheduled to turn south and fly along the coast to Dana Point, San Clemente, Oceanside, San Diego and northern Baja California before returning to its massive Tustin hangar.

According to Watson, the Navy concluded in its official post-accident report that the blimp was operating in extremely foggy conditions when it passed over blacked-out Avalon, hit the mountain about 11:30 p.m. and exploded in flames, killing six crewmen and injuring four others.

But, noted Watson, one of the survivors, machinist mate Ernest Jarke, gave a much different story to a Catalina Island Museum curator in the early 1990s when she interviewed him for an oral history project.

Jarke, Watson said, told the curator that on the night of the crash the sky was a clear and starry one and that the blimp, instead of crashing into the mountain, came to a slow, screeching stop after inexplicitly losing altitude and hitting a clump of trees which tore off one of its two engines.

There was no explosion, he said, and all of the crewmen jumped out of the gondola attached to the bottom of the helium-filled blimp and scrambled down a hill to safety.

The crewmen, however, made a fatal mistake when they returned to the disabled blimp to inspect the damage. As they walked around the airship, its gasoline-filled fuel tanks suddenly exploded.

Perhaps one of the crew had lit a cigarette, said Watson after reviewing the the tape-recording of Jarkes interview which has been preserved in the museums historical collections. No one will ever know what caused the explosion.

As is often the case with military operations gone wrong, official versions can curiously differ from eyewitness accounts of those who found themselves participants, said Watson.

Crewman Jarke, who suffered burns in the crash and spent several months recovering in a hospital, died in 2003 at the age of 86. He was the last survivor of one of Catalinas most tragic and mysterious episodes.

Meanwhile, the airlines, as well as the steamships that also carried passengers between Catalina and the mainland, are long gone.

Today, the only ways to reach the island from Orange County are by 90-minute catamaran service from the Balboa Pavilion and Dana Point Harbor, by private aircraft flying to the Catalinas Airport in the Sky or by charter helicopter.

DAVID C. HENLEY is a Newport Beach-based contributor to Times Community News
Las Vegas was once married to the mob, but the relationship  unlike the 1988 film  was anything but a comedy, a point clearly illustrated by a new exhibit at the Mob Museum.

Mob at the Movies trolls the cinematic archives to reveal how Hollywood portrayed organized crime, including the once-sinister underbelly of Sin City.

The collection includes a suit from the wardrobe department for The Sopranos as well as items from The Godfather, including a poster (in Italian) autographed by various stars. There is also an original script with notes made by the movies special effects coordinator. (Think fake blood, lots of fake blood.)

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Other films in the display are older and more obscure. For example, theres a poster from 1952s The Captive City.

The movie, which starred John Forsythe (his screen debut) and Joan Camden and was directed by Robert Wise, explored the links between gambling and corruption. Interestingly, in a poster, the movie was plugged by Sen. Estes Kefauver (D-Tenn.), who held hearings into organized crime around the country.

One of those 1951 Senate hearings was held in Las Vegas, inside whats now the Mob Museum. The courtroom used by Kefauver has been restored to its midcentury appearance.

The senator actually appeared in The Captive City. Turner Classic Movies website noted that Kefauver spoke of the evils of organized crime in a prologue and again at the end of the film.

Other oft-forgotten movies resurrected for the exhibit include Las Vegas Story starring Jane Russell, Victor Mature and Vincent Price and Las Vegas Shakedown with Dennis OKeefe and Coleen Gray.

Mob at the Movies continues through Aug. 1.

The museum in downtown Las Vegas is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $20.95, a savings of $3.

travel@latimes.com

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The test unfurling was a success. Los Angeles Times staff writer Charles Hillinger reported in a short story:

ORO GRANDE, Calif."It looks even bigger than I thought it would, declared Bob Older as the mammoth flag unfurled.

Older, a 55-year-old rancher, wanted to do something special to celebrate the nations bicentennial. He came up with the idea of flying the largest American flag ever flown.

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I checked Guinness and every reference source I could lay hands on, Older said. I wrote to the Library of Congress.

Older said he found that the largest ever flown was a 60- by 90-foot flag in New Jersey in 1947. A 209- by 110-foot American flag is being painted on the side of the Kennedy Space Center for the bicentennial. And a 104- by 235-foot flag has been draped over the side of a commercial building in Detroit. But Olders 67- by 102-foot flag is the largest of those actually flown, Older says.

Older decided to fly his flag on a mountain at his Mojave Desert ranch 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Bowers Flag Co. in Culver City made the flag for $5,000. Older spent another $5,000 on huge poles, cables, a special winch and site preparations.

On Friday he hoisted the nylon flag for the first time with the help of his ranch hand and a half-dozen men from nearby George Air Force Base.

Count the stripes. Ive never see the flag before, Older shouted, beaming with pride as the flag unfurled.

Friday, however, was just a test. The first official flag flying will be at 10 a.m. July 4.

The rancher has invited his neighbors for 100 miles around to come to the flag raising. An honor guard from George Air Force Base will be on hand as well as civic officials from 13 desert communities.

These two photos by staff photographer Bruce Cox accompanied Hillingers story on the June 28, 1976, Times local news section front.

The Guinness World Records website reports that the largest flag flown from a flagpole was a Mexican national flag measuring 112- by 196-feet on Dec. 2, 2011.

The World Flags 101 website reports that the largest flag ever flown was an American flag 255- by 505-feet hoisted on cables across Hoover Dam to celebrate the 1996 Olympic Torch run.

This post was originally published on July 4, 2012.

June 25, 1976: Rancher Bob Older signals winch operator while his 102 ft. x 67 ft. American Flag is unfurled for test before offical ceremony on July 4, 1976. This photo was published in the June 28, 1976 Los Angeles Times. (Bruce Cox / Los Angeles Times)

See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here
Secretary of the Kyiv City Council Volodymyr Prokopiv has reported that the Association of Cities of Canada will allocate 19 million Canadian dollars (UAH 380.7 million at the NBU rate) to Ukrainian cities for the development of self-government.

Prokopiv told journalists during the events on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Association of Ukrainian Cities in Kyiv on Friday that the Association of Cities of Canada would allocate these funds to several large cities of Ukraine, including Kyiv.

"Cooperation concerns almost all spheres of municipal economy: from what seemed to be very small, to large, large-scale ones. I provided an example of the master plan," the city council's secretary said.
One month after declaring martial law on the southern island of Mindanao, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte proclaimed success this week in preventing groups linked to Islamic State from declaring a mini-caliphate on the island.

The order in late May followed a week of violent clashes between government forces and fighters affiliated with Islamic State in the city of Marawi that left more than 100 people dead.

More than 200,000 people wait in limbo as the Philippines fights Islamic State's allies in Mindanao 

But how did groups hoisting the black flags of Islamic State all but take over this city of 200,000 people?

Heres a look at the long history of Islamic insurgency on Mindanao and how it ended up in the latest round of violence.





History of Islamic insurgency on Mindanao

Mindanao is an island in the southern Philippines bordering Malaysia. Its the second largest island in the country and is home to about 16 million people. More than half its population is Roman Catholic and around 20% are Muslim, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The island, which has low literacy and life expectancy rates, has been the epicenter of a decades-long Islamic insurgency. Historians say its origins stem from 1968, when Christian officers killed around 28 Muslims  an incident known as the Jabidah massacre  sparking clashes that lasted years.

Fast forward to today, and at least four Muslim separatist groups on the island have pledged support to Islamic State. Analysts say that in order to expand their reach, many of these groups are forming coalitions and cooperating with each other.

Who are these groups?

Abu Sayyaf Group

ASG is an Islamist militant group that formed in 1991, seeking an independent state for the Muslim population in Mindanao. Its leader, Isnilon Hapilon, pledged allegiance to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Baghdadi in a YouTube video in 2014. Soon after, other members released a video that pledged support to Islamic State. In February, the group reportedly beheaded a German hostage whom it had held for three months.

Maute

The Maute group is another radical Islamist organization on the island that fights the Philippine government and pledged support to Islamic State in 2015. The group formed in 2012 under the leadership of Omar Romato Maute. Many of its members come from other Muslim separatist groups on the island.

Ansarul Khilafah Philippines

This group was led by Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, who died this year. The group has pledged to help Islamic State by facilitating recruitment and hosting training camps.

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters

This group is responsible for many of the attacks on the island. It is also a pro-Islamic State group. It first emerged in 2010 after it splintered off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

What happened in Marawi?

The latest round of violence on Mindanao reached a boiling point May 23 when pro-Islamic State militants took control of several neighborhoods in the city of Marawi  one of the biggest Muslim cities in the Philippines.

Philippine forces clashed with militants linked to the Maute group when they attempted to capture Hapilon, the leader of Abu Sayyaf Group. Dozens of civilians died and thousands were stranded when Islamists and government forces launched into battle after the governments failed attempt to capture him.

Duterte, who has taken a hard-line approach to fighting drug crimes in the Philippines, imposed martial law on Mindanao. Soon after, armed forces entered the city in an attempt to retake control and carry out arrests.

Was martial law successful ?

It might be too soon to tell.

On Friday, Duterte declared the first month of martial law a success, saying that government forces have so far been successful in regaining control in Marawi and driving out pro-Islamic State militants.

However, the fighting in Marawi has driven hundreds of thousands of residents out and as the fighting enters its second month, causalities continue to mount.
Victims rights groups have long complained that criminal accountability for the sexual abuse of children by members of the Roman Catholic clergy has rarely extended above the level of priests, despite evidence that bishops and archbishops knew about many of the suspected crimes  and in some cases played a role in the abuse.

On Thursday, Cardinal George Pell became the highest ranking Vatican official to be formally charged with sexual assault in connection with the scandals that have dogged the church for decades.

Pell, Pope Francis  top financial advisor, had already faced questioning last year by a royal commission in his native Australia over accusations that he mishandled cases of clergy abuse when he was archbishop of Melbourne and, later, Sydney. More recently, accusations surfaced that he himself had abused boys going as far back as the 1970s, when he was a priest in Ballarat.

At a news conference Thursday, Pell said that the pontiff had given him leave to appear in court in Melbourne next month, and that he was looking forward to the opportunity to clear his name.

While criminal charges have been brought against more than 100 priests in Australia alone, few senior Catholic prelates around the world have been brought to account. Here are some of those cases:

Jozef Wesolowski

The Polish former archbishop was the first high-ranking official in the Roman Catholic Church to be sent before the Vaticans own criminal court on charges of sexual abuse. Accused of paying shoeshine boys for sex while serving as papal nuncio, or ambassador, in the Dominican Republic, he was recalled by Francis in 2013 and defrocked the following year. While living at the Vatican, he was found to have child pornography on a computer. He died before his trial could begin in 2015.

Former Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 2013. (Manuel Diaz / Associated Press) (Manuel Diaz / AP)

Bishop Robert Finn

The first American bishop criminally charged in the scandals was convicted in 2012 of failing to report suspected child abuse, a misdemeanor. Finn, who led the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., between 2005 and 2015, acknowledged that he knew that a laptop computer belonging to a priest under his authority contained hundreds of images of child pornography but did not tell police for five months. He was sentenced to two years of court-supervised probation.

Bishop Robert Finn in Baltimore in 2011. (Patrick Semansky / Associated Press) (Patrick Semansky / AP)

Msgr. William Lynn

The former secretary for clergy in the Philadelphia Archdiocese was the first U.S. church official charged or convicted in connection with the handling of complaints that priests had sexually abused children. Accused of reassigning pedophile priests in an attempt to protect the churchs reputation and avoid lawsuits, he was sentenced to three to six years in prison on a charge of child endangerment. He served 33 months before he was released in August after a state appeals court reversed his 2012 conviction and granted a new trial.

Msgr. William Lynn in Philadelphia in 2012. (Matt Rourke / Associated Press) (Matt Rourke / AP)

Bishop Pierre Pican

The French bishop was accused of covering up for a priest in his Bayeux-Lisieux diocese who admitted to sexually abusing children between 1989 and 1996. Pican told a French court that he confronted the priest after learning about one case, but did not alert police. Instead, he sent the priest on a lengthy retreat and made him seek psychiatric help. In 2001, Pican received a three-month suspended prison sentence.

Bishop Pierre Pican, center, flanked by lawyers outside the Caen court house in France in 2000. (Mychele Daniau / AFP/ Getty Images) (MYCHELE DANIAU / AFP/Getty Images)

Retired Bishop Andre Fort

The retired French bishop was charged this month with failing to report accusations of child molestation made against a priest in the Diocese of Orleans, which he led from 2002 until 2010. One of the priests alleged victims told a French radio station that he had informed Fort in 2010 about the abuse, which he said took place at a Christian summer camp in 1993. But it was not until the following year that Forts successor notified the authorities. It is the first such case in France in more than 15 years.

alexandra.zavis@latimes.com

Twitter: @alexzavis

UPDATES:

5:30 p.m.: This article was updated with the case of Andre Fort, a retired French bishop.

This article was originally published at 3:05 p.m.
Sura Hussein Abdulmaged was in her last year of high school and taking her final exams with hopes of winning admittance to Mosul University. She dreamed of being an engineer.

But then Islamic State came to town. Abdulmaged was at home that day in 2014 when she got the news that the jihadists had conquered the city. I was studying, she recalled. And I stopped studying. I was just shocked.

Abdulmaged had long viewed Zaha Hadid , the trailblazing Iraqi-born British architect, as a role model; Hadid was the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, architectures highest honor. But now Abdulmaged had to put her dream on hold.

Girls cant study engineering with ISIS, Abdulmaged said, using an acronym for the group. Its impossible. Its only for men.

Three years would pass before Iraqi forces mounted an effective counteroffensive against the group. The battle for Mosuls Old City still rages, but the military has driven Islamic State from key portions of the city, including the groups former outpost at Mosul University.

Now, the 21-year-old Abdulmaged and hundreds of other young volunteers are trying to repair the university scarred by war. Some are university students who gave up their studies when Islamic State took over. Others are young people like Abdulmaged, who hope to attend some day.

Left: Student volunteers help clean up the Department of Statistics and Informatics. Right, Talal Kasim Takay, a professor of forestry, left, and Muhammad Waled, walk through the pitch black hallways covered in tar. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

But first they must help restore what once had been one of the finest institutions of higher learning in Iraq. The Sunni Islamic State fighters looted the campus for anything valuable: ancient manuscripts, rare books, computers and cash. The militants smeared black tar on walls and torched most of the buildings as they were driven out by Iraqi forces this year. The heavy fighting left buildings and streets pockmarked by mortar shells. Some buildings collapsed.

Top, Student volunteers sweep up inside an administrative building near the library at Mosul University. Left, debris litters the courtyard at the Education College for Science building. Right, Volunteers help clear out glass debris from broken scientific apparatus in the first floor of the Education College of Science at Mosul University. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

As the Islamic State fighters gave up the campus, they also left booby traps.

Bombs  the university was full of bombs, said Talal Kasim Takay, a professor of forestry. So after the army liberated it and cleared it, they said it was safe to go back. We came.

But the cleanup work can be perilous, and warnings left by the military in red paint mark buildings yet to be cleared of explosives.

Undeterred, the young volunteers keep coming to reclaim their campus. One day this spring, Abdulmaged was among a dozen women and twice as many men who cleared rubble from an administrative building, kicking up a dust cloud so thick that they had to wear masks. The sound of glass crunching, metal clinking and debris dragging on the ground was constant.

The women dragged debris and furniture  Abdulmaged helped lug a large table  toward the windows, where men heaved the objects out the windows five stories up. The process often finished with a loud thud. The sound was jarring. An eerie silence hangs over the campus that once served 30,000 students.

Were trying to forward our lives, Abdulmaged said, in English, of the cleanup work. Abdulmaged, who learned English by watching TV, recalled what happened when Islamic State took the city. Time was stopped in that moment, she said.

Living under Islamic State, she said, was hell.

It was like a life in a cage, Abdulmaged said as she paused from her work. You cant move, you cant do anything. You have to wear a black thing from head to feet. I wasnt free. I was going out of the house  everything was OK, but not free. Normal life, but not free.

Sura Hussein Abdulmaged is a volunteer who is helping restore Mosul University after Iraqi forces expelled Islamic State fighters from the area. (Jessica Q. Chen and Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Takay, the professor, recalled that even during Islamic States occupation, some of students and teachers returned to the university to retain a sense of normalcy. The jihadists made Takay and other faculty continue teaching some courses, he said, but they had their own teachers, and they were teaching their own subjects related to faith and religious stuff.

Eventually, Takay said, people stopped coming and the university essentially shut down. Classes have yet to resume, though students are taking courses in the nearby town of Bartella. Portions of the university have reopened to conduct examinations.

Some pockets of the campus got by unscathed. In one classroom in an otherwise damaged building, chairs were in perfect rows and congratulations in Arabic was plastered on the wall.

Student volunteers remove the debris gathered from the cleanup at the administrative building (top left), Department of Statistics and Informatics building (top right). Bottom left, Sura Hussein Abdulmaged, second from left, and other student volunteers remove the carpet and debris on the floor as they help clean up the administrative building and volunteers wash off tar and ash from the walls of the Department of Statistics and Informatics (bottom right). (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Still, risks remain.

There are families that are not letting their kids come back to the university because they fear for their safety, said Mohammed Hamed Abdullah, a chemistry student who still has a year left to finish before graduating.

When asked about the threats of IEDs and booby traps, Abdullah replied, We are worried about it. But what can we do? We have to do something. We cannot just sit. This is how our lives are. Someone has to help, not just sit.

Abdulmaged, who also volunteers with groups that help Mosul residents left homeless by the war, said her parents are resigned to her working to clean the campus. Her father was a professor in the universitys department of agriculture and forestry.

Abdulmaged occasionally hears of fellow student volunteers dying from booby traps. Yesterday a girl and a man were hurt, she said. I heard about that. They died. Thats sad. They got something weird, they touched it and they explode.

Like so many residents of Mosul hardened by war, she speaks matter-of-factly about the dangers of their city.

Monther Al-Abasy replaces broken windows at an operational research building on campus. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

We are used to it. I dont know how I can explain, but its sudden. You can die in every minute. With ISIS you can die in every minute  they pretend you do something bad, they take you and kill you, she said.

She has no plans to stop her work on campus.

Im not afraid if I die, she said. This is an honor for me to do something as good as this. Its OK if I die.

marcus.yam@latimes.com

Twitter: @yamphoto
When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus cabinet voted to renege on a compromise plan for a plaza where women and men could pray together at the Western Wall, the decision was widely viewed as a move to placate ultra-religious parties in the ruling government coalition.

But analysts and former government officials say theres another key factor at play: The rise of President Trump has reinforced the perception among some in Israels right-wing government that the clout of liberal non-Orthodox Jews in the U.S. is diminishing.

Because there is a Republican administration in Washington, considered by the prime minister to be more sympathetic to Israel than the Obama or the Clinton administrations, it gave the prime minister the confidence to go ahead, said Gideon Meir, the former director of Israel-Diaspora relations at the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

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The government Sunday said it was freezing an 18-month-old agreement to expand an extra plaza along the wall in Jerusalems Old City for the egalitarian worship favored by Reform and Conservative Jews, as well as the Israeli feminist group Women of the Wall.

In 2016, a member of the liberal Jewish religious group Women of the Wall wears phylacteries and Tallit, a traditional Jewish prayer shawls for men, as she holds a Torah at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. (Gali Tibbon / AFP/Getty Images)

Orthodox synagogues have separate areas for men and women, and only men may lead in prayer or chant passages from the Torah. Following Orthodox tradition, the current Western Wall plaza is divided into two sections for men and women to pray separately.

Reform and Conservative Jews want the government to upgrade a smaller prayer area at the southern end of the wall to allow for mixed worship in which women can lead services and read from the Torah.

The decision to abandon the agreement preserved an ultra-Orthodox monopoly on the holy site that was the retaining wall of the 2,000-year-old Jewish temple there and the most popular destination for Jewish pilgrims to Jerusalem. It also came on the same day that an Israeli cabinet panel on legislation approved a bill to solidify an ultra-Orthodox monopoly over recognizing conversions to Judaism, another bone of contention with Diaspora Jews.

The decisions triggered a tide of pushback from leaders of American Jews, 71% of whom voted against Trump, according to some polls. Donors are writing to Israeli officials vowing to end financial support of Israel, and leaders of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the powerful pro-Israel lobbying group, came to Israel and held an emergency meeting with Netanyahu.

Reform and Conservative Jews are planning a protest outside of Netanyahus residence in Jerusalem on Saturday evening.

Reneging on the Western Wall compromise would have been harder with a Democrat in the White House, given liberal Jewish support for the Democratic Party, said Yoaz Hendel, a former advisor to Netanyahu. Its much easier to do it with a party in power whose political supporters are evangelicals and tea party members and Orthodox Jews, he said.

At stake are Israels strategically important relations  and a sense of shared fate  with Diaspora Jews, especially the large and influential community in the U.S.

Though their political views dont always mesh, liberal American Jewish leaders are frequently enlisted by Israels conservative government to come to Israels defense in Washington and, lately, on university campuses.

People are feeling that the government of Israel is pushing North American Jews away, and saying, Dont be hurt by our de-legitimizing your Judaism. But, by the way, we need to you to go to Capitol Hill and college campuses to fight anti-Israel boycotts, said Richard Jacobs, the president of the New York-based Union for Reform Judaism.

Its clear that the current [Israeli] government feels that it has such a strong protector and defender in Washington in the Trump administration, Jacobs added.

Although critics of the governments decisions Sunday included some prominent Orthodox Jewish leaders, Jacobs said that, for progressive Jews, its a difficult moment to not feel the distance between Israel and the core convictions of liberal American Jews.

On Friday, Netanyahu announced that the coalition had decided to postpone consideration of the conversion bill so a compromise could be found.

Domestic peace among the Jewish people is important to me, Netanyahu said, attempting to cool tensions with Diaspora Jews.

After Trumps victory in November, ultra-religious leaders in Israel portrayed it it as a sort of divine intervention against liberal Jews in the U.S.

Jews who seek to impose destructive reforms have suffered a blow, said Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, with rabbis from his ultra-Orthodox Shas party flanking him after the election. Their influence over us as the supporters of the administration in the U.S. has disappeared now, so we can go on strengthening the traditional Jewish religion, Deri said.

Following Orthodox tradition, the current Western Wall plaza is divided into two sections for men and women to pray separately. (Thomas Coex / AFP/Getty Images)

While Obama was inspired by liberal streams of American Judaism, Trump is seen by the Israeli establishment as more partial to Orthodox Jews, such as his son-in-law Jared Kushner and David Friedman, the new ambassador to Israel who once likened left-wing Jews to kapos, Jewish prisoners during the Holocaust who helped run concentration camps.

Trump legitimizes the Israeli me-first attitude toward American Jews, said David Barak-Gorodetsky, a professor at the University of Haifa. It says, We had to take you into account for all these years and accommodate Jewish liberalism for the sake of the relationship, but now we have a new president who is more friendly to the Orthodox cause.

But Michael Oren, a deputy minister and a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., warned that the Western Wall move will sap financial support from Diaspora Jews.

Oren also disagreed that the decision was linked to U.S. political trends, but instead reflected disputes over religion and state that have animated Israeli politics for decades.

But Meir, the former diplomat, argued that the decisions reflected a tendency by Netanyahu to focus on the Republican Party.

Everyone left of center in Israel is like a traitor in his eyes, he said. The same goes for American Jews.

Mitnick is a special correspondent.

@joshmitnick

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On this day 10 years ago, the late Steve Jobs released Apple's original iPhone.

From checking in on (a.k.a. stalking) your Facebook friends to listening to your favorite U2 album (Songs of Innocence, anyone?), Apple floored customers by converting a standard cell phone into a pocket-sized computer.

Since its inception, the iPhone has enabled users to access GPS, shoot digital pictures and video, talk to and get information on the web from Siri, and download a plethora of apps from the App Store.

Like it or not, the ubiquity of the iPhone and other smartphones has fundamentally changed human behavior and continues to permeate everyday life.

And, yet, Apple has appeased Dick Tracy fans with the development of the Apple Watch and plans to invest in other major projects, indicating the inevitable obsolescence and eventual phasing-out of the omnipresent iPhone.

Here's what insiders are predicting what Apple's next 10-year milestone may bring.

A-R Smartglasses Technology

Rumors have recently circulated around Apple's ambitions of developing a set of augmented-reality smartglasses.

The Silicon Valley giant took strides in doing so through their alleged acquisition of the German company, SensoMotoric.

The company website revels in SensoMotoric's ability to use technology to track eyes on glasses as well as for both virtual and augmented-reality purposes.

If the reported acquisition is accurate, then you can expect Apple's "iGlasses" project to go full-throttle into the development phase in the near future.

Tesla-Style Apple Car

Tesla has based its brand on pushing for a greener, more efficient vehicle that runs entirely on electric power.

Although reports about Apple's interest in buying Tesla were never confirmed, the latter's CEO Elon Musk has alluded to the former's desire to replicate its own model.

Dabbling in a war-of-words exchange over the back and forth movement of tech employees, Musk referred to Apple as the "Tesla graveyard."

With a production team of 600 people, not much is currently known about the Apple Car design or plans, other than its expected release date of 2021.

Tablet-Free Artificial Intelligence

You know you're a spoiled millennial when the tech world's tablet-style model is too "mundane" for your taste. And, yet, this has been one of Apple and other smartphone company's biggest criticisms.

If the following venture takes off, though, expect Apple to follow suit.

Designers Philippe Starck and Jerome Olivet from the French electronics brand, Thomson, presented their Alo phone, a device that does away with the prominent touch-sensitive screen and embraces hologram and voice-control technologies.

The story has been marred by Starck accusing Olivet of spreading "false information" about a 20-year-old smartphone concept, raising doubts about the ownership and originality of the unique proposal.

We hope the issue gets resolved quickly because the concept sounds really cool.
Frida Kahlo has inspired lovers of art for decades and some personal fans and professional curators of her work are showing their appreciation in a grandiose way.

Channel #FridaKahlo & don a flower crown to help @DallasMuseumArt set a Guinness World Record Thurs July 6. Details: https://t.co/JzrvfzgywO pic.twitter.com/uwnLXuYccs  KERA's Art&Seek (@artandseek) June 28, 2017

The Frida Fest, hosted by the Dallas Museum of Art, is attempting to set the Guinness World Record for the biggest gathering of people dressed as the Mexican master in one place. The lavish event will fall on July 6, commemorating the day which would have been Frida's 110th birthday as well as concluding the Museum's "Mexico 1900-1950" exhibit.

Fun date with my little Frida @DallasMuseumArt pic.twitter.com/nIPFIjHvDl  Zhaira Costiniano (@Zha1Cost) June 28, 2017

Participants are being asked to bring their own costumes and fulfill the Guinness committee's following requirements:

Each participant must sport a drawn unibrow on the face that joins the eyebrows, artificial flowers, no less than three, worn in their hair, a red or pink shawl, and a flower-printed dress with no slits up the sides and falls just below the knees on all sides.

The event also plans to feature the Itzcuintli short film, Frida Kahlo: A Ribbon Around a Bomb, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre production, Frida, Frida, Frida!, and some complimentary cake celebrating Frida's birthday.

We can't wait to see the Dallas crowd set the record!
A shooting took place inside a New York City hospital Friday afternoon in the Mount Hope section of the Bronx.

Reports of gunfire at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center occurred at 3 p.m. where officials claim that three doctors working in the facility were shot.

Although the condition of the victims are presently unknown, the shooter has, reportedly, been killed.

UPDATE: The shooter is deceased. Several others are injured regarding the shooting at Bronx Lebanon Hospital.  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 30, 2017

The New York Times is reporting that the shooter was a tall, thin man who had, allegedly, been wearing a blue shirt and a white lab coat.

Police sources indicated to the New York Post that the suspect, who reports suggest was in his mid-30s, was known to the hospital.

Details about the suspected shooter are still developing. However, some reports indicate that he was a former employee of Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center.

The situation is still unfolding as police continue their investigation.
Kyiv's Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) is challenging the bail Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky district court selected for Strana.ua editor-in-chief Ihor Huzhva in an appeal court.

"Not accepting the court ruling regarding the size of the bail, which is not enough for provision of proper procedural behavior by the suspect, Kyiv's Prosecutor General's Office filed an appeal seeking to increase the bail from UAH 544,000 to UAH 3.2 million," the press service of Kyiv's PGO reported on Thursday.

According to the report, the appeal was sent to the Kyiv's court of appeals.

As reported, Huzhva was arrested in Kyiv on Thursday, June 22, 2017. According to Ukraine's Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko, Huzhva demanded $10,000 in exchange for not publishing compromising material on a politician. According to the PGO, photographic and video evidence backs up charges of impropriety. Dmytro Linko, a Verkhovna Rada deputy from the Radical Party faction, confirmed on Friday morning that Huzhva had demanded money from him.

The same day, the Kyiv city prosecutor's office reported that Huzhva and his mediator had been detained on suspicion of large-scale extortion under Article 189, part 3, of the Criminal court of Ukraine.

On June 24, Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky District Court chose a preventive measure for Huzhva and placed him in custody for two months with an option of a bail in the amount of UAH 544,000.

On June 27, Huzhva's lawyer, ex-Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olena Lukash said that Huzhva had been released on bail.
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, the U.S. Administration announced on Thursday.

U.S. National Security Advisor Herbert McMaster told journalists that, while in Hamburg, Trump would meet with a number of foreign leaders, including Putin.

The work on the agenda of the future meeting between Trump and Putin has not yet been completed, McMaster said. He declined to answer whether the two leaders would discuss Russia's alleged interference in the U.S. election.

Trump plans to bring up 'irritants' in U.S.-Russian bilateral relations and possible areas where the two countries could work together, McMaster said.

The G20 summit in Hamburg will take place on July 7-8.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had said earlier in the day that Moscow presumed that a meeting between the Russian and U.S. leaders would take place in Hamburg. "We presume that a contact will take place, since the two presidents will be simultaneously in the same city, in the same building, and in the same room. Perhaps it would be wrong if they could not talk with one another; moreover, it would be wrong it they could not talk on numerous issues," Lavrov said at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Krasnodar.

Asked about the meeting's agenda, Lavrov said, "First of all, we should seek normalization of dialogue" between Moscow and Washington.
Defense Minister of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak has participated in the ministerial meeting of partner states of the non-combat mission of NATO in Afghanistan 'Resolute Support' and confirmed Ukraine's assistance to Afghanistan, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.

"NATO will remain in Afghanistan and we will increase our presence. We are grateful to Ukraine for being the country that contributed to our missions in Afghanistan. It has been doing this for many years. I met with Minister Poltorak and personally expressed gratitude to him," Stoltenberg said at a press conference in Brussels following the meeting of the NATO defense ministers and the partner states of the alliance.
Jun 30, 2017, 2:38pm ET

Mazda recalling Mazda6, Mazda3 over faulty parking brake

The recall covers more than 227,000 vehicles.

Mazda is recalling over a quarter-million vehicles to address a faulty parking brake design. The recall covers the company's Mazda3 and Mazda6 vehicle lines.

According to the recall, the faulty parking brake can either drag when the car is driving or slip when the vehicle is parked. The recall covers Mazda3 vehicle from the 2014 and 2016 model year and the Mazda6 from the 2014-2015 model years. In all 227,814 vehicles are covered by the recall.

Mazda says the faulty parking brake design allows water to seep into a vehicle's brake caliper. The brake part was manufactured by Akebono Brake Industries Co.

According to Automotive News, Mazda first became aware of the brake issue in 2015 when a customer in Canada complained about the brake dragging while driving. In 2016 a customer in Germany reported a crash after the parking brake in a Mazda6 failed and the vehicle rolled away.

So far there have been 13 reports linked to the defect in the United States. No injuries have been reported.

Mazda dealers will remedy the problem by either replacing the parking brake actuators shafts or applying a protective boot kit, depending on the condition of the brake. The recall is set to begin on August 21.
A former Children's Home of Easton worker will stay in prison for at least a year for sexually assaulting three girls within his care.

Troy Bussey, 33, took a plea deal that keeps him out of state prison. The deal calls for a one- to two-year sentence in Northampton County Prison.

Bussy sexually assaulted the three girls between Jan. 1, 2013, and Feb. 1, 2015, at the institution at 2000 S. 25th St. in Wilson Borough. The private, nonprofit facility provides foster care, residential and group home services for needy children, according to its website.

The deal negotiated by Assistant District Attorney Anthony Casola spared the victims from having to recount their abuse on the witness stand. Casola has since left the district attorney's office. Laura Majewski handled the sentencing Friday.

Bussey pleaded guilty to three counts of institutional sexual assault. Several serious sex offenses were dropped as part of the deal.

Also as part of the deal, Bussey didn't contest his designation as a sexually violent predator and a lifetime registration requirement with state police. Asked whether he accepted the designation, he said "I guess I don't agree with them but then again I have no say in that."

He also disputed Majewski's claim that he's likely to re-offend.

"I just know it's something I would never repeat again in my life," Bussey said. "I will never be at this point in my life period. This is the bottom of the bottom for me."

Despite his misgivings, he stuck with the plea deal.

One victim had sex with Bussey at least 10 times, police said. She was placed in the home in 2013 when she was under 16. A second victim said she was repeatedly groped by Bussey. She was placed at the home in 2015 when she was under 17.

A third victim under age 18 said she had sex with Bussey and that he touched her inappropriately.

Northampton County Judge F.P. Kimberly McFadden followed up the prison time with five years of probation. When Bussey is released he must spent 180 days on electronic monitoring.

He needs to stay away from children and complete sex offender treatment.

"You have to conform to every condition that is placed on you," the judge said. "You are going to be placed in a small box, a tiny little box. If you veer off the side of any of the parts of this box, they're going to haul you right back in."

Children's Home Executive Director Anita Paukovits previously said changes have been made to prevent similar sexual assaults from happening.

Bussey was charged in 2015 but disappeared for seven months. Police found him working at an industrial site in Palmer Township. He was living in the 100 block of North Third Street in Easton at the time.

The judge gave Bussey a final warning before sending him back to county prison.

"If you violate any one of those conditions at any time, you can pack your toothbrush because you're going to state prison," McFadden said.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
What fireworks can you legally buy? The Fourth of July is almost here and we're here to let you know what's allowed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Posted by lehighvalleylive.com on Thursday, June 29, 2017

Andrew Doerfler | For lehighvalleylive.com

Hamburgers? Check. Flags? Check. Fireworks? Hold up. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, strict rules dictate how you can celebrate the Fourth of July. The laws for fireworks can be a bit complicated  and in New Jersey, they just changed. Check out the video above and the Q&A below to figure out what you can and can't buy and use as you cheer America's independence.

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Ashli Truchon

What fireworks can Pennsylvania residents buy and use?

Pennsylvania law only allows the use "ground and hand-held sparkling devices," "novelties" and "toy caps"  anything that explodes and/or shoots into the sky is off limits without a permit. And even though fireworks stores in Pennsylvania sell the heavy-duty stuff, they won't let Pennsylvanians buy them. You'll likely get your ID checked at the door. Meanwhile, out-of-staters can fill their carts with the explosives of all sorts.

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What about New Jersey residents?

New Jersey is in luck  sort of. Gov. Chris Christie just relaxed the state's blanket ban on fireworks by allowing the sale and use of the same non-explosive, non-aerial fireworks allowed in Pennsylvania. But strangely enough, even though New Jersey resident live under rules no less strict than Pennsylvania's, they have more freedom in the Keystone State's stores than Pennsylvanians.

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While Jersey stores can't sell the serious explosives, Pennsylvania stores will sell the big stuff to Jerseyites  on the understanding that they'll light them somewhere it's legal. Now, whether the Jersey residents follow through on that promise is another story.

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Are there any exceptions?

In Pennsylvania, individual municipalities can issue permits for fireworks displays; the state has no role in the process, according to Pennsylvania State Police. To get a permit you'll have to get your display site inspected by the fire chief (or another "designated officer") and post a $500 bond to cover any damages that could occur. Anyone you hire to put on the display has to be registered with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. If you do it yourself, the municipality can deem you a "competent officer."

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In New Jersey, permits can also ("upon application in writing" and "upon the posting of a suitable bond") be granted by municipalities, but are limited to public displays put on by organizations. The law allows permits to be granted for "public display of fireworks by municipalities, religious, fraternal or civic organizations, fair associations, amusement parks, or other organizations or groups of individuals." Applications and permits must be forwarded to the state Department of Labor.

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What are the penalties for illegally using fireworks?

In Pennsylvania, illicit fireworks use can earn you up to a $100 fine. In Jersey, the fine could go as high as $500.

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Stephen Flood

What are the age limits for purchasing fireworks?

In New Jersey, the sale of the sparklers and party snaps is limited to people 16 years of age and older. In Pennsylvania, permits for real fireworks displays can only be granted to those at least 18 years old.

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How can I use fireworks safely?

When using sparklers or novelty fireworks, Pennsylvania State Police say you should be sure to read the the instructions closely. Stay in an open area, and only light one thing at a time. Don't allow children to use any of the items without adult supervision. And keep a bucket of water handy for proper disposal.

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Joe Gill

Read more about Lehigh Valley entertainment

Lehigh Valley summer festivals: 37 events to check out in 2017

WATCH: You can feed the giraffe at the Lehigh Valley Zoo's newest exhibit

Emeril Lagasse got cooking at the Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Fest

Beloved Bushkill Park shares progress on planned reopening

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Andrew Doerfler may be reached at adoerfler@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @adoerfler or on Facebook.
UPDATE: House, Senate send Pennsylvania budget to Wolf

Lehigh Valley state Sen. Pat Browne laid out the fiscal challenges facing Pennsylvania ahead of Friday's 43-7 vote in the Senate to approve the $32 billion Fiscal Year 2017-18 budget, even though lawmakers don't know how it's going to be funded.

A House vote was expected later Friday on the budget measure, House Bill 218. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf supports it, and lawmakers say they'll try next week to find $2 billion-plus to cover a two-year projected shortfall.

"It's no secret Mr. President that the commonwealth, like many jurisdictions throughout the nation, has faced tremendous financial struggles the past decade," Browne, R-Lehigh, said in comments from the floor of the Senate prior to the vote. "Current expenditures continue to outpace revenue for nine of the past 11 months, actual revenues have fallen short of revenue projections, legacy and mandated costs continue to grow."

#PASenate approved the 2017-18 spending plan by a vote of 43-7. My comments from the floor https://t.co/ffwE8PGVg8  Sen. Pat Browne (@SenatorBrowne) June 30, 2017

Browne, who is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said Pennsylvania is closing the fiscal year that ends Friday with a $1.5 billion deficit and faces a nearly $3 billion deficit in the year that begins Saturday.

"And our ability to utilize short-term budgeting strategies to balance the budget are running short," he said. "These all leave no easy answers for this chamber, this General Assembly, this government, for developing a fair and balanced budget.

"But despite all of these challenges, I believe that collectively we have crafted a 2017-18 general fund budget that is not only fiscally responsible but also provides the necessary resources for programs and services that are vital to the commonwealth and its citizens."

Senate officials say it holds spending virtually flat. Using the last approved budget of $31.5 billion as a baseline, it authorizes an extra $870 million over two fiscal years above that, including $400 million going on the just-ending fiscal year's books.

"The $31.99 billion Fiscal Year '17-18 general fund proposal before us represents a modest 0.6 percent increase over last year's supplemental budget and nearly $650 million less than what was originally proposed to us in February" by Wolf, said Browne. "With limited resources available it is even more crucial than ever that we ensure we are allocating the limited funding to programs and services that are vital to our citizens and have proven results."

It pushes education funding to its highest level ever, at $11.8 billion, as well as adds money for pension obligations and services for the intellectually disabled. It demands belt-tightening across government agencies and in Medicaid, and counts on savings from a shrinking prisons population.

"We need to scrutinize all spending and we also need to look for ways to control costs and to find synergies in program areas which will place the commonwealth on a more sustainable financial path for the future," Browne said. "Through more appropriate criminal justice policies and the merger of the Department of Corrections and the Board of Probation and Parole we will sustainably reverse the 20-year upward trend in spending in correction which can better be spent investing in our children, our citizens.

"The $103 million reduction in the Corrections Department in the merger ... is the first such reduction we've seen, Mr. President, in many years, and it is a very important path for us to take."

The budget also funds a study for a merger of the state departments of Human Services, Health, Aging and Drug and Alcohol Programs into a new Department of Health and Human Services.

"Mr. President, like the previous years, finding the correct balance between providing necessary resources and holding the line on spending and crafting a budget has proven tremendously challenging," Browne said in his remarks. "But as we look at the proposal before us for the '17-18 spending plan and House Bill 218 as amended, I believe we have been able to reach that balance.

"In recognizing the struggles that the commonwealth continues to face this budget provides a fiscally responsible and modest increase in spending for vital state programs and services while protecting hard-working families and job creators from onerous tax increases.

"Mr. President, in short, it is the right financial solution for Pennsylvania's future and I ask the members of the Senate to endorse the proposal."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
UPDATE: Sketch released of fatal, road rage shooting suspect

An 18-year-old West Chester woman who was believed to have been killed in a car wreck actually died from a gunshot wound to the head in what West Goshen Township police are now referring to as a road-rage incident.

Bianca Nikol Roberson, 18. (Facebook photo)

Police in southeastern Pennsylvania said they are looking for a white man, 30 to 40 years old, with blonde hair and a medium build who was driving a red, possibly Chevrolet pickup truck Wednesday afternoon. It was last seen exiting Route 202 southbound at Paoli Pike in Chester County, Pa., police said.

Bianca Nikol Roberson was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu about 5:30 p.m. on Route 100 in West Goshen, just north of Route 202, police said. West Goshen is about 70 miles south of Allentown.

Roberson and the pickup truck were attempting to merge into the same lane when the man opened fire, philly.com reported. Roberson's car crashed off the bypass.

Roberson recently graduated from Bayard Rustin High School and was soon to go to Jacksonville University in Florida, the news website said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-696-7400 or email detectives@westgoshen.org.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
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Some 40 pupils were sent home from a city school for the day for protesting against a teaching assistants redundancy.

The pupils at Hamilton Community College, the majority of whom are believed to have been in year 10, gathered with banners saying Keep her at Hamilton and chanted Save her in a bid to get the school to keep her job.

It is believed the teaching assistant, whose name we are not revealing, is set to lose her job at the end of this term, and has been at Hamilton for several years.

She is considered by pupils to be a valuable member of staff.

However the school called all the parents of the children involved and asked them to take them home for the day.

They have all been allowed to return today.

One mum the Mercury spoke to said: I got a phone call from the school to tell me to come in and take her home but no real explanation about why. My daughter said it was for protesting.

Its ridiculous.

Pupils were voicing their opinions, nothing more. No damage was done and if they cant protest at school about this, then where else can they?

I think the protest was bigger than the pupils first imagined but Im disgusted that teachers are handling it in this way.

The protest, some of which was captured on pupils mobile phones, shows a large group of them sitting down and standing on benches in the schools outside recreation area, shouting they wanted her to stay.

Another mum whose year 10 son was sent home said: There are children far naughtier than this doing things and they havent been excluded.

This was a protest against redundancy. It just looks like the teachers didnt know how to handle it.

I was told it was because they were being disruptive, but its hard to be angry with my son for protesting about something like this It (sending them home) doesnt really resolve anything, although theyve all been told they cant go to the end of term prom too.

It is believed the teaching assistants redundancy is one of several taking place at the school which is set to become an academy so that Rushey Mead Educational Trust (RMET), based at Rushey Mead Academy can formally sponsor the school.

Hamilton Community College is currently rated inadequate by education watchdog, Ofsted.

The Mercury contacted interim principal Jackie Gair but she declined to comment.

A Leicester City Council spokeswoman said the matter was disciplinary and therefore for the school to handle but that the authority was pleased with the way the situation was managed.
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Bookmakers have reported a flurry of bets on Leicester City signing Manchester City's 20million striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

More than 77 per cent of all bets placed on the 20-year-old strikers new club after the summer transfer window have gone on a King Power Stadium move.

City are 1/2 on with William Hill and 2/5 on with Bet Victor to sign the Nigerian, with West Ham second favourites with both bookmakers.

City and West Ham are both known to have an interest in signing Iheanacho, who is surplus to requirements at Manchester City.

They already have Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus and are looking for another experienced proven goalscorer, with Arsenals Alexis Sanchez their top target.

A spokesman for website Oddschecker, which compiles odds for many bookmakers, said: The move to Leicester City was as long as 25/1 a fortnight ago but as talk surrounding Iheanachos future steps up, it seems punters are keen to get on whilst they can.

A huge 120 bet on the Man City striker to join the Foxes was placed overnight. 

Ironically, overnight the odds have also shortened on Iheanacho moving to Southampton which has come in from 20/1 to 6/1.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that it is extremely important to tell the world community and the public about the aggressive actions of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

"Everything that happens in Ukraine will always be on the first positions of the Alliance's agenda," Stoltenberg said during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak at NATO Headquarters on Friday.

During the meeting, Stoltenberg noted the continuation of political support and cooperation with Ukraine and announced plans for a visit of the North Atlantic Council in the near future in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Charter on a special partnership between Ukraine and NATO. Within the framework of the visit, it is planned to hold a number of events with the participation of the leadership of the state.

Poltorak informed the audience about the current security situation in the east of Ukraine, the events related to the shelling of the OSCE Mission near Popasna, as well as the activation of sabotage activities in the country.

"We clearly understand all the challenges and threats, including the threats posed by cyber attacks to particularly important state facilities of the country. So, we are planning a set of measures to counter these threats," the Ukrainian defense minister said.
Fever Solstice, the five piece funk/soul/jazz fusion band that was formed by graduates from the iconic School of Rock in Dublin, are making a welcome return to Portlaoise.

The band, which was formed three years ago, is lined up to play The Courtyard at Kavanagh's Bar and Venue in Portlaoise on Thursday 6 July.

The band has toured extensively around Ireland on the music festival scene. It makes regular appearances at packed music venues in Dublin.

The band's bass guitarist Roisin Barrett hails from Portlaoise.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming gig in her hometown she said: We last played at The Courtyard about a year ago. It was a great buzz. I can honestly say that it was one of the best gigs we've played so far because the crowd really got into the grove. We're looking forward to playing again in Kavanagh's and showcasing some of our new material.

The other band members are Paddy O'Donnell (guitar), Sam Martin (drums) and Matthew O'Brien (organ) from Dublin and lead vocalist Grainne Swanton from Waterford.

Fever Solstice will be supported on the night by local solo artist Joe S and popular local band Cramptown Spaces.

The gig starts at 8pm. Tickets cost 5 each and are available at the door on the night.
Portlaoise is famous for its roundabouts and the town even has one which you can possibly drive through at 100kms an hour.

At least that is what road sign tells you as you approach but a local politician wants something done about it.

Fianna Fail TD for Laois Sean Fleming has contacted Transport Infrastructure Ireland regarding speeding and speed limits on roundabouts in particular one on the busy N80 Portlaoise to Carlow road.

"I highlighted the situation where there is a 100 km-per-hour speed limit in existence on the roundabout on the N80 where it meets the R425, at Rathleague as you leave Portlaoise heading towards Carlow," he said.

In the roads authority replied declined to committ to reducing the limit. It said that they have signs as you approach these roundabouts saying 'Roundabout ahead' and that drivers should reduce speed.

"In relation to roundabouts, the 'roundabout ahead' sign is one of a number of warning signs, referred to in section 6 of the Rules of the Road, that inform drivers of hazards ahead and the need for drivers to reduce speed and take particular care," he said.

However, Dep Fleming is concerned that these signs may not be sufficient and that the matter needs to be reconsidered as having 100km speed limits on roundabouts in excessive.

He said many such roundabouts throughout the country are major interchanges and people can travel at high speed on these roundabouts and people can be very fearful entering roundabouts where traffic is already travelling at very high speed.

Deputy Fleming asked that this matter be re-considered as part of the overall speed limit review not just in Co. Laois but nationwide.

He also highlighted the situation as you enter Graiguecullen on the N80 that there is also a 100 kilometre speed limit operation on the roundabout.
It is pretty likely that Vince Cable will be our next leader. There has been some concern about his position on freedom of movement and membership of the single market. The is hardly surprising given that he wrote a New Statesman article headlined Why its time to end EU free movement back in January.

There are signs that his line on Brexit has softened since last year, and his record is a million miles better than Labours. Well take no lessons from them given that 80% of their MPs voted against membership of the single market last night in Parliament and Vince, like all the other Liberal Democrats voted for it.

Last week, Vince wrote a piece for the Guardian on Brexit and how Labour is betraying the young people who voted for them in the General Election.

The party could be mobilising effective opposition to a hugely harmful hard Brexit, yet contradictions abound. Spokespeople attack this hard Brexitm but then sign up to leaving the customs union and single market, which is in essence what hard Brexit means. Others, including Sadiq Khan, argue that the party should campaign to stay in the single market. Labour was brilliantly successful in the election at mobilising young people, who were angry that their European future had been stolen from them but who perhaps didnt scrutinise the small print in the manifesto. Before long they will. They may not know that Jeremy Corbyn ordered his troops into the division lobbies to support the extreme Conservative-Ukip Brexit, but may now notice his insistence that Brexit is settled. Make no mistake, on Brexit Corbyn is betraying many who followed him.

He looks at the reasons why Labour has abandoned the pro EU stance of Blair and Brown before looking at the issue of immigration. He is scathing about Labours stance:

Labours shame is to effectively align themselves on Brexit with a party (the Conservatives) that has no interest in tackling housing, training and lack of investment. These are the problems that drive a lot of resentment about immigration, and they are problems made in Westminster, not Brussels. We need to call out May and Corbyn every time they gloss over this inconvenient truth.

And he is much clearer than he was in the New Statesman article about the Single Market being a good thing that we should be part of  but he thinks that the rules could change:

There are mechanisms by which Britain could remain within the worlds most lucrative single market while applying national measures to limit EU migration, such as by restricting admission to those with a prior job offer or qualifying the right to search for work. These possibilities could have been better explored before the referendum, but we start from the current mess. Labour should look afresh at Brexit so that it can work with other opposition parties and Conservative dissidents in the new parliament. If it does not, it will be complicit in a massive act of economic self-harm, voting to make Britain poorer and impoverishing our public services. Its new young supporters will soon notice  and Corbyns halo will surely slip.

I know that some specific questions remain and Im sure that they will be put to Vince in the coming weeks and months.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
Torture is bad. Well, there is nothing like stating the obvious. Nothing like shouting a truism from the digital rooftop.

Except that for 58 percent of Americans it is not a truism. It is not a position which they support. In fact, they support torture. Perhaps because their president claims it absolutely works.

This is despite the opposition of CIA experts and Defence Secretary James Mad Dog Mattis who made it perfectly clear to Donald Trump that he could either have torture or Mad Dog at the Pentagon. But he couldnt have both.

So the president backed down. Or has he?

This week the Associated Press reported details of what are known as Black Sites run by the United Arab Emirates and based in lawless South Yemen. Black sites are secret bases where people are sent to be tortured.

AP reported that there are at least 18 Yemeni black sites and at least 2,000 suspected Jihadists have disappeared into them. The secret prisons are inside military bases, ports, an airport, private villas and even a nightclub.

The means of torture are excruciatingly cruel. There is of course the tried and tested waterboarding and various techniques involving electricity, rape, clubs and fists. In one case the victims were locked for days in a container with the walls smeared with human faeces. One of the favourite techniques is to tie the victim to a spit and roast them over an open fire.

According to the AP report there is no evidence that any American personnel hit any torture victim, pushed any Jihadist under water or turned the crank of any roasting spit. Apparently, the CIA and Department of Defense can place hands on hearts and declare: We have not tortured anyone.

However, there is strong evidence that the United States is heavily complicit in what is happening at the Yemeni torture sites. According to the AP report, US personnel submit questions to UAE torturers. The torturers put the questions to their victims and then write up a detailed report for their American friends.

Not a single hair of any victim is touched by American hands. But does not mean they are clean?

Of course not, the lawboth moral and actualis clear. Anyone who knowingly benefits from the fruits of torture is as guilty as the person who actually carried out the torture, just as anyone who ordered or benefitted from a street robbery, fraud or murder is guilty of conspiracy to commit the crime.

If the AP reports are true than the Trump Administration is as guilty as sin and Mad Dog should start seriously thinking about clearing out his desk.

Of course, there is the original Trump argument that torture absolutely works. And besides, suspected terrorists deserve itdont they?

The first thing is that the victims are often just thatsuspected. They are arrested, detained and subjected to degrading torture which will scar them for life on the basis of suspicion. They have not been tried in any court of law.

Last Monday, 26th June, was International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture. The International Bar Association and the UN High Commission for Human Rights marked the occasion with a joint conference at Kings College London. Zeid Raad Al Hussein, the High Commissioner for human rights, made it absolutely clear that torture does not work. It dehumanizes victims and torturers and the information it extracts is highly suspect if not totally misleading and unreliable.

I can assure anyone listening or reading this that If any grinning sadistic torturer bearing an electric appliance came within ten feet of any of my body parts, I would tell them anything they wanted to heartruth or not.

* Tom Arms is foreign editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and the author of The Encyclopedia of the Cold War and the recently published America Made in Britain that has sold out in the US after six weeks but is still available in the UK.
One of the ways to spread the dangerous computer virus in Ukraine was using the online updating system of accounting software, as well as using the so-called dark net, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov has said.

The NSDC's press service cited Turchynov as saying during a meeting about the June 27 cyber attack in Ukraine that "the spread of this computer virus and analysis of its attack of information systems gives us the opportunity to say that this is part of a hybrid war, which Russia is waging against us."

"This occurred because of an automated online accounting software updating system. An IP hosting service of an Internet provider, which Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) was interested in because of ties with Russian special services, was also involved," Turchynov was quoted as saying.

Turchynov said the latest cyber attack demonstrated the low level of cyber security specialists working in government institutions. He said urgent measures need to be taken, adding that Ukraine's national cyber security center would make recommendations to the NSDC in the near future.
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AN LIMERICK man who fought for the welfare of farmers all his life has passed away.

Donal Murphy, Adare, died peacefully at Milford Care Centre this Thursday. He spent almost three decades as chief executive of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA).

Between 1971 and 2000, Mr Murphy negotiated at the highest level with taoisigh and agriculture ministers to ensure the best deal for farmers on the ground.

He took up a new new role after his time with the ICMSA and spent eight years as manager of the UCD farms. Thus helping the next generation of farmers.

Limerick ICMSA chairperson, Tom Blackburn, described Mr Murphy as a "gentleman" this Friday.

"He was a lovely, lovely man. He was a legend in the ICMSA  there is no question about that  a legend," said Mr Blackburn, who passed on the sympathies of all Limerick ICMSA members to the family.

My Murphy is predeceased by baby son James and brother Michael. He is sadly missed by his loving wife Agatha (nee Dooley), sons Andrew, Paul and Dermot, daughters Sarah, Aideen and Lucy, daughters in law, sons in law, beloved grandchildren, brothers Martin, Fr James, Andrew, sisters Kathleen, Sr Anne-Marie and Helen, large circle of extended family, relatives and friends.

Reposing at Milford Care Centre on Saturday evening from 4pm to 7pm arriving at Holy Trinity Church, Adare, for 8pm Requiem Mass on Sunday at 2pm. Burial afterwards in the Old Cemetery Adare. May he rest in peace.
THE Limerick Chamber is to lobby Irish Rail to open suburban stations on existing track around the city.

It comes after plans to transform OConnell Street revealed by the council showed a reduction to one lane of traffic on the main thoroughfare.

Chamber chief executive Dr James Ring said, having spoken to members, with up to 5,000 extra staff likely to come into the city centre under the Limerick 2030 plan, alternative solutions are needed to avoid gridlock.

At this moment in time, we just cannot take this traffic. It means alternatives to people driving must be looked at. One way is providing more city centre accommodation. But what we want to see is much better public transport, he said.

Dr Ring said at this moment in time Limericks public transport offering is just not good enough.

The buses are very unreliable, effectively all you have is a train to Dublin and Ennis every so often. If we got cars off the road and had a reliable bus service, people would be more inclined to use them, he said.

However, he believes trains can also come to the rescue of commuters, with new stations being built on underused lines across the city.

Along the Limerick-Ballybrophy line  which already serves Castleconnell  halts could open at Annacotty and Castletroy, he suggested.

A park-and-ride facility could open at Mungret on the old Limerick Foynes line, while the Limerick-Ennis line could serve both Corbally and Moyross.

And a stop could be provided on the Limerick  Limerick Junction line at Southill, he suggested.

If we dont do this, we will end up almost as bad as Dublin and Galway withj no-one getting anywhere in a hurry. Thats not what we want for this city, Dr Ring cautioned.

Separately, a call has gone out to Limerick councillors to be bold when it comes to looking at changing OConnell Street.

The councils plans, unveiled last week, were met with a muted response, with many people feeling they did not go far enough.

Now, social entrepreneur and former secretary general at the Department of Finance John Moran, the Rubberbandits and award-winning Copenhagen-based architect Mick Bradley have written an open letter to members who will ultimately sign off on the 9m plans.

We must do better than this, the letter states, the city which dreamt in the 1800s and through public petition defied the experts to have its way and build a towering home for the Bells of Alphonsus cannot be so average.

The letter  tying in with updated proposals from the social entrepreneur writing in the Limerick Leader this weekend  goes on to refer to Patrick and John Collison, who have enjoyed towering success in the Silicon Valley and John Holland, who designed the submarine.

Two Limerick lads have built a billion dollar company before they reached the age of Christ  and are still reaching further the skies. A Limerick schoolkid dreamed of a submarine and made it a reality. Well we say to you Limerick councillors  please continue to dream too.

Open letter to Limerick city council by @moranjohna1 signed by us. #LiveableLimerick If you're looking for a ride I've a bike outside pic.twitter.com/VWjxBt5b84  Rubber Bandits (@Rubberbandits) June 29, 2017

Demand everything you can dream of  become Europes new coolest metropol. A main street without cars and buses driving through it and people playing on its paved surfaces doesnt seem like such a big deal after that now does it, it adds.
BEAUTIFUL South duo Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott are to return to Limerick's Big Top for a show later this year.

The duo played at the Milk Market - dubbed the Big Top by bookers Dolan's - in 2014 and return to the venue this October.

Heaton, one of the UKs most successful songwriters with some 15 million album sales under his belt, and Abbott - lead vocalist in The Beautiful South from 94 to 2000 - will play the Big Top on Friday, October 27, with tickets going on sale next Friday, July 7.

The duo are gearing up to release new album Crooked Calypso on July 21, their third album on Virgin EMI.

According to the advance promo material, it boasts all the hallmarks of Heatons peerless songwriting: songs buoyant with melody, and redolent with biting wit, but also real emotion.

Things went a bit quiet for me about 10 years ago - my solo years - and I thought to myself: fair enough, this will be the beginning of my long, slow retirement, he says.

But since Jacqui and I started singing together again, it seems to have taken off once more. We get such a great reaction - to the records, to the concerts, to the old material and the new. And thats just great. You know, all I ever wanted was to be a professional musician in life, and Im amazed I managed it. I feel honoured. I feel lucky.

This album was good fun to write. The whole process of songwriting for me has become easier, more enjoyable. I used to go away to write songs, and put myself in a deliberate rut in pursuit of melancholy. I dont do that anymore," says Paul of the forthcoming album.

"I suppose its been a good few years for me. Theres a sense that people are happy to see us again. Thats made me more confident, and I suppose you can see that in the writing.

"Dont get me wrong, Im still grumpy, but Im content in my grumpiness now. Im no longer frothing at the mouth.

His collaborator Jacqui adds: Singing was something I was never going to do with my life. I just sort of fell into it, an accident, the result of me being in the right place at the right time. But Ive always loved singing Pauls songs, and I love them even more now. Im biased, of course, but hes just becoming better and better. Its an honour to sing alongside him.

As in the 2014 gig, expect material from their new album plus songs from the Beautiful South and Heatons Housemartin days.

Tickets go on sale next Friday. See www.dolans.ie and www.ticketmaster.ie.
GARDAI are appealing for the publics help to help solve the mystery identity of a body which has remained in a Limerick morgue for five years.

Inspector Paul Slattery, of Ennistymon garda station, said they are struggling to identify the remains of a man, believed to be a non-Irish national, which was discovered accidentally by men in a fishing boat near Loop Head in 2012.

For the past five years his remains have been held in the freezer compartment at minus 20 degrees Celsius in the morgue at the University Hospital Limerick.

It is at the discretion of the Coroner whether his remains will be held indefinitely.

Its not quite unprecedented, but it is an absolute mystery at this stage who the man is. It is the longest unsolved case weve had in Clare in 20 years. The man could have been an Irish resident or a tourist in the area; we just dont know, but any help from the public would be appreciated, Insp Slattery told the Limerick Leader.

Attempts to create a photofit of the man through a facial reconfiguration expert in Scotland also proved unsuccessful, he confirmed.

His DNA profile is among 17 profiles from unidentified bodies in the State, which are now on the national DNA database in Dublin.

Inspector Slattery said that no clothing or personal belongings were recovered which could assist them in their enquiries in this case, such is the case in many cases where remains are discovered along the west coast.

Our investigation in this case is still open, and we have been working with Interpol, Europol, the Forensic Science Laboratory in Dublin and the Missing Persons bureau in the hope of identifying him, he said.

Over a dozen bodies have been recovered off the coast of Clare in the past 18 months, and he said gardai have to increasingly rely on the DNA database in Dublin to help identify remains.

The establishment of the DNA database in Dublin has been of massive benefit to us in helping to identify remains and return them to their loved ones, and we have used it successfully in several cases so far this year. But the database is only as good as the information you put into it, and that includes DNA samples from relatives of missing people, he said.

Three bodies currently remain in the morgue of the University Hospital Limerick - two of which are unidentifiable, including those of a woman found near Doolin, while one has been identified but has yet to be claimed by the family.

A third body, which has been in the morgue since February, has been identified as that of a Romanian man and gardai in Limerick are liaising with the family in the hope of returning his remains to them.
Next election in Ukraine to be held in 2019

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko excludes the possibility of holding early election in Ukraine.

"The election season will begin in 2019, as stipulated by law," Poroshenko said at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Association of Ukrainian Cities in Kyiv on Friday.

There is still quite a lot of time to go before the election, he said at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Association of Ukrainian Cities.

Poroshenko said that after he was elected Ukraine's president, he called an early parliamentary election, and the next local elections were held in 2015.

"What was that done for? My friends, it is necessary to stop populism and allow the country to work for four years without election and to implement real reforms. It is better to have a strong motivation and contribute to the development of your communities instead of preparing for one-time handouts and bribes," Poroshenko said.
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The European Union's neighborhood and enlargement issues will be a priority of Estonian foreign policy during the country's chairmanship in the European Union, a spokesman for the Estonian Foreign Minister told Interfax, referencing the opinion of Foreign Minister Sven Mikser.

"Eastern Partnership will be the cross-cutting priority of Estonia during its chairmanship in the Council of the European Union. We would like to engage six Eastern Partnership countries, namely Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, in the negotiations," Mikser said at a meeting with EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini on Friday.

In addition, Mikser and Mogherini discussed unofficial meetings of EU foreign ministers in Tallinn, trans-Atlantic relations, and the renewed EU-Africa partnership.

Estonia will be in charge of the Council of the European Union in the period from July 1 till December 31.
The lives of the lesser Pakistanis In her book 'Reporting Pakistan', journalist Meena Menon avoids the big-picture India-Pakistan story and focuses instead on ordinary Pakistanis, in particular the minorities /news/talking-point/the-lives-of-the-lesser-pakistanis-111646993765374.html 111646993765374 story

Most books about Pakistan are chronicles of its dysfunctional democracy, commentaries on the many years the country has been under martial law, the complex civil-military interface or narratives of its complicated relations with India, or the existentialist threat to it from terrorism and religious extremism.

Meena Menons Reporting Pakistan touches on all of this, but the narrative also focuses on topics less discussed: the minoritiesthe Ahmadiyas, Shias, Hindus and Christians; women and the challenges they face; freedom of the press; and the almost invisible link between rural development work in India and Pakistan.

Menon was the last correspondent of The Hindu to be stationed in Pakistan. She, along with Snehesh Alex Philip of the Press Trust Of India, was expelled in 2014. There has been speculation that Menons encounter with Baloch rights activist Mama Qadeer Baloch, her interview with him and the coverage of his approximately 3,300km march from Quetta to Islamabad that began in October 2013, to protest against and raise awareness about Balochistans missing persons after his sons disappearance, were the reasons why her visa wasnt renewed.

Menons book essentially encapsulates her experiences during her nine-month stay in Pakistans capital citywhich she describes as green" but unreal"while drawing from recollections of a previous visit to Karachi and Hyderabad, in 2011.

There are few direct references to the turbulence of India-Pakistan ties, but she brings this out in other ways, in descriptions of the trouble it took to get a visa, or the two spies who would tail her. Neither terrorism nor Pakistan politics is discussed in the traditional way of listing the many terror groups, their linkages with the establishment", or the antagonistic and competitive relations between the main political parties. But politics, terrorism and sectarianism make their presence felt throughout the bookwhen she writes of the attacks on mosques and churches, or the assassinations of politicians like the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa law minister Israrullah Khan Gandapurgiving the narrative a coherence through examples of the sufferings of common people. It is this that will appeal most to readers and acquaint them with the lives of the ordinary people of Pakistan.

Reporting Pakistan: By Meena Menon, Penguin Viking, 384 pages, Rs599.

Menons work brings out how little the two countries know about the other. Despite war, deep suspicion and hostility I made friends," she writes, and I didnt quite feel I was living in an enemy country for most of the time, except when the presence of spooks became hard to ignore and any victory over India was celebrated with unholy glee." Her travails of being a foreign correspondent", the hospitality of Pakistani friends and their curiosity about the lives of Bollywood stars are some of the vignettes that capture the everyday lives of Pakistanis. Of fellow journalists in Pakistan, she notes they have been bold and brave despite the many threats, and between the security agencies and terror groups life hung on a thread for many professionals".

A section of the book details how minorities, including Ahmadis and Hindus, live in fear, and brings out the irony in the fact that Abdus Salam, Pakistans first Nobel laureate for physics, was from the Ahmadi community. There is also space devoted to a little-known Malayali community who live in and around Karachi and the Parsis of Pakistan. One of the more well-known among the former is B.M. Kutty, a peace activist and trade union leader. And though most people are familiar with Murree Brewery, which produces the regions best beer, few know that the owner, Bhandara, is from the minuscule Parsi community.

This is a book for those curious to seek information about people in Pakistan outside the exalted and privileged circles.
The Border Guard Service of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has asked the Ukrainian side to provide information on two Russian servicemen who went missing in Ukraine, Ukrainian State Border Guard Service spokesman Oleh Slobodian told Interfax on Friday.

"The Russian border guards have asked us to provide information on their servicemen. Thus, they have formally confirmed that their servicemen have gone missing in Ukraine," he said.

Ukrainian border guards, acting together with other structures concerned, are currently taking filtration measures with regard to the detained persons and working to establish their identities, he said. A decision on transferring them to the relevant agencies will be made after these measures have been completed.

Ukrainian State Border Guard Service head Viktor Nazarenko said earlier that Kherson unit border guards and Ukrainian armed forces servicemen had detained two unknown persons without documents in the Kherson region overnight into June 30. Those detained were subsequently identified as servicemen of the Russian FSB's Border Guard Service.
OSCE mission calls for stopping attacks on monitors, drones in Donbas

The Donbas conflicting sides should stop attacks on monitors and drones, Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission Alexander Hug said at a press briefing on Friday.

The sides should stop firing on OSCE monitors and drones, Hug said.

He confirmed that OSCE drones had come under attacks in Kyiv-held areas.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has denied reports alleging that its forward patrol base in Popasna, the Luhansk region, had been shelled.

"In response to an inaccurate report published by the press center of the ATO [Anti-Terrorist operation] staff, we report the following: the OSCE SMM forward patrol base deployed in the city of Popasna did not come under fire and did not sustain any damage. All mission employees are in safety," the OSCE SMM said on Facebook on Friday.

The mission acknowledged that its monitors had recorded intensive firing in that area late on June 29 and early on June 30, but all of them were safe at their forward patrol base. "Later on June 30, employees traveled to Severodonetsk to comprehensively discuss the security situation. The mission monitors are expected to return to Popasna today," it said.

The press center of the Ukrainian ATO in Donbas reported on Friday morning, with reference to the Ukrainian delegation to the Joint Coordination and Control Center (JCCC), that OSCE SMM employees had to evacuate their field office in Popasna after coming under fire by illegal armed groups.
The ongoing reform in Ukraine, including that in the Defense Ministry and the armed forces, enjoy NATO's full understanding and support, Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said.

"During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, we discussed issues related to the reform of the Ukrainian armed forces. We have a powerful group of NATO experts working in our country to help us reform our troops. Together with them, we have prepared all the necessary planning documents, the last of them being a program of development of the Ukrainian armed forces in the period up to 2020," the Ukrainian Defense Ministry quoted Poltorak as saying in Brussels.

In summing up the outcomes of his visit to NATO headquarters, Poltorak said it included discussions of Ukrainian armed forces reform, the operations of the NATO Trust Fund, and a comprehensive assistance package. "We are working successfully and in a planned manner virtually in all areas. We intend to speed up work in some of them," he said.

In commenting on prospects of Ukraine's accession to NATO, Poltorak said, "A lot of people think for some reason that accession to NATO is a business only for the Defense Ministry and the armed forces. However, membership in the alliance is a business for the entire country; after all, membership preconditions include not only the armed forces' preparedness to meet the alliance's standards but also society's preparedness."
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A man who rented a Marin County home through a scam Craigslist ad not only learned he was fleeced, but that he was wanted on a probation violation when sheriffs deputies knocked on the door to investigate why he and a pregnant woman were living there, officials said.

Francisco Reyes, 34, and the woman were moving into a bank-owned home in Bel Marin Keys that is up for sale, Lt. Scott Harrington of the Marin County Sheriffs Department said Friday.

Deputies were called to the house on Wednesday after a worker servicing the pool noticed the couple moving in with their dog. The worker thought the house was supposed to be vacant, so he called the property management company who in turn contacted the sheriffs department.

When deputies arrived, Reyes answered the door and told them he had rented the house through a Craigslist ad. He said he paid a man $6,300 and signed what he believed to be a legitimate lease agreement, Harrington said.

While running a criminal background check, deputies learned Reyes had a warrant out of Sacramento for violating his probation for domestic violence. While police were talking to him, he suddenly bolted for the front door and down the street.

Deputies lost sight of Reyes when he ran into a neighbors backyard. They looked for him for about 15 minutes before a plainclothes officer spotted him running down Bel Marin Keys Boulevard.

Reyes ran behind another house and a neighbor came out and directed deputies to a nearby yard.

As the deputies closed in, Reyes scaled a fence, jumped into a nearby lagoon and began to swim away. After a few yards, he gave up and swam back to the deputies, Harrington said.

Reyes is facing charges of probation violation and resisting arrest. Neither him nor the woman are facing charges for entering the vacant house.

They look like they were renting it out of good faith, Harrington said. Were going to be looking at the Craigslist ad. From our perspective, theyll be victims of a fraud on that incident.

Police have not yet determined how the couple entered the house, but the property management company has since changed the locks.

Alison Graham is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: agraham@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @alisonkgraham
More than half of Ukrainians surveyed oppose the blockage of Russian social media resources, according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv-based Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation.

Some 35.1% of respondents "categorically" opposed the bank of Russian social media platforms (VKontake, Odnoklassniki, Yandex and Mail.ru), while 18.3% "mostly" did not favor it. Some 11% "categorically" approved, with 10.8% "mostly" approving the ban. Some 10.4% of respondents had difficulty answering the question, while 0.4% did not answer it. Some 14.1% said they had not heard of the measure.

More people in Ukraine's western regions supported the ban (40% - supported, 35% - not), while in Ukraine's southern regions only 6% supported the measure, with 67% opposing. In Ukraine's eastern regions 15% of respondents supported the measure, against 61% opposed, while in central Ukrainian regions 20% supported the ban, while 55% opposed.

Asked whether they had used Russian social media platforms immediately before the ban, 40.8% said they had used Odnoklassniki, 40.6% VKontake, 27.8% Yandex and 21.5% Mail.ru. Some 38.6% said they had not used any of the platforms.

The national survey was conducted by the Kyiv-based Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Kyiv-based Razumkov Center from June 9 to June 13. Some 2,018 respondents aged 18 and over took part nationwide, with the exception of occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and annexed Crimea. The theoretical margin of error of the survey was 2.3%.
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One of the last things 19-year-old Adrian Castillo saw before he was killed was an MS-13 gang sign.

His suspected killer  23-year-old Jairo Chicas-Raimundo  allegedly flashed it at him, as Castillo hung out with friends in the parking lot of his southwest Houston school.

Chicas-Raimundo approached the high school senior, according to court records. He brandished a chrome revolver and flashed the gang sign. He fired.

Castillo's murder on Nov. 7 is believed to be Chicas-Raimundo's second over a period of three days, according to court records.

Chicas-Raimundo, a known member of the violent MS-13 gang, is behind bars after being charged Wednesday in connection with two murders in November.

He landed a murder charge for Castillo's death and a capital murder charge for the Nov. 5 death of Eleazar Vazquez, a member of MS-13's rival gang, La Primera, according to court records.

Chicas-Raimundo's arrest, on Tuesday, is the latest in a series of arrests connected to the two deaths. Two other men were accused in November of kidnapping and killing Vazquez. Another man was charged June 20 for tampering with evidence related to Vazquez's murder  he is believed to have wiped a car clean of Vazquez's blood after Chicas-Raimundo and the others allegedly killed him.

Vazquez's Nov. 5 death, the first of the two grisly crimes, began in a parking lot at 5903 South Gessner, in southwest Houston.

Witnesses told police Vazquez and another man were drinking in the parking lot when Chicas-Raimundo and at least one other person pulled up in a silver, four-door Nissan Murano, according to sworn statements from police officers.

Chicas-Raimundo was in the passenger seat, according to court records. He called Vazquez over, asking him to hop in and take them somewhere where they could buy cocaine. Despite Vazquez's apparent cooperation, Chicas-Raimundo is then believed to have whipped out a chrome revolver, brandished it at Vazquez and ordered him into the vehicle.

Witnesses said Chicas-Raimundo yelled at Vazquez the full name of MS-13, "Mara Salvatrucha!"

Chicas-Raimundo, and two other men, are believed to have taken Vazquez elsewhere and choked him. They dumped the man's body in the 14900 block of FM 521 in Brazoria County.

When police found Vazquez's body several weeks later, there was a red cable around his neck and four gunshots in his back.

Just two days after Vazquez's kidnapping, police suspect Chicas-Raimundo killed again. This time, his victim is believed to have been Castillo.

Chicas-Raimundo is suspected of driving up to Castillo's school, the Houston CAN Academy at 9745 Bissonnet, getting out of the same gray Nissan and firing the same chrome revolver twice at Castillo and one of his friends.

Chicas-Raimundo then drove away.

In addition to Castillo, one of the friends was also hit, according to court records. The wounded friend  whose name has not been released  drove Castillo to an urgent care facility in the 5900 block of Chimney Road where Castillo was pronounced dead.

Prior to the November murders, Chicas-Raimundo did not appear to have a criminal history in Harris County.

Houston police do not believe Chicas-Raimundo worked alone.

On Nov. 21, they arrested 30-year-old Juan J. Treminio after a routine traffic stop. Treminio admitted to his involvement in the deaths of Vazquez and Castillo, according to court documents.

A day later he was charged with capital murder in connection with Vazquez's death. A month later, another man, 23-year-old William Gerardo Cortez, was also charged with capital murder related to Vazquez's death."

The pair are accused of kidnapping, shooting and strangling Vazquez.

As of Thursday afternoon, no charges had been filed against Treminio or Cortez in connection with Castillo's death.

Cortez was arrested Dec. 20 for an outstanding city warrant.

Neither Treminio nor Cortez appeared to have a criminal history in Harris County, prior to their November charges.

A fourth man was charged June 20 for tampering with evidence in connection to Vazquez's death.

Melvin O. Ramirez, 19, is believed to have cleaned blood on Nov. 15 from the gray Nissan into which the other men dumped Vazquez's body the previous week, according to court records.

Ramirez's only prior criminal conviction was criminal trespassing, to which he pled guilty and was sentenced to 30 days in the Harris County Jail.

Chicas-Raimundo, Treminio and Cortez are all being held in the Harris County Jail without bail, according to court records.

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, Ramirez was still at large Thursday afternoon.
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Vicente Fox, who was the first opposition candidate to be elected Mexico's president after 70 years of the PRI party dominating the country's political institutions, visited the Gateway City on Thursday to talk about trade, immigration and the border wall.

Fox addressed the media at the Laredo Country Club to discuss the future of Laredo if NAFTA were to be dissolved and if President Donald Trump's border wall were to be erected. He was invited by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce to be the keynote speaker for its 2017 Vision Gala Dinner.

During a press conference held before the gala, Fox warned about the mistake it could be for the three nations that make up NAFTA  the United States, Canada and Mexico  if the trade deal were to disappear.

"We in Mexico are a little bit worried about the (current) situation in the United States with this disrupter that came in to change, and to disrupt, and to destroy what we have built over such a long time," Fox said about the proposed border wall and possible failed trade negotiations.

READ MORE: Latin pop star Prince Royce rocks Laredo Energy Arena

Fox, who was president of Mexico from 2000 to 2006, said that instead of building walls that could become "the worst historical mistake," the United States and Mexico need to build bridges of "trade" and "exchange."

"That's what is all about when you are a partner, when you are a neighbor, when you are friends," he said. "And that is what we expect out of this negotiation that is NAFTA that will happen very soon and it must have an outcome of a win-win-win situation."

Fox said the U.S. economy finally became competitive in manufacturing once it partnered with Mexico and Canada.

"The U.S. manufacturers went broke, GM, Chrysler ... because they were forced to produce in the United States," he said. "The United States does not have the capacity to manufacture competitively and only through the rescue of the federal government with the cost on the taxpayers these companies survived. And they survived by becoming NAFTA corporations. The U.S. economy is competitive because it's an open economy and it should stay like that."

Fox also said that if the trade agreement can't be renegotiated, Mexico will have to retaliate.

"Mexico is taking its own steps," he said.

"Every action has a reaction, every policy especially in economy has its consequences. If products coming from Mexico are taxed, of course Mexico will retaliate. It will take its own measures," he said.

RELATED: 'We realize the pain:' Laredo PD offers support to San Antonio PD after officer-involved shooting

Fox said Mexico will also have to tax all the products manufactured in the United States, like computers and other technology products.

"So, if we came into that scenario, we are both going to lose. It's a lose-lose game. It's something that nobody wants, except one guy, an ignorant that doesn't know how the economy works," Fox said, referencing Trump.

The AP reported in May that the Trump administration formally told Congress that it intends to renegotiate NAFTA with Canada and Mexico.

Mexico and Canada signaled that they welcomed the opportunity to modernize the agreement.

Miguel Conchas, president of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, introduced Fox by explaining the history of the Vision Speaker Series that started in 1999 as an effort to update and inform the community on the economy. Eventually, it evolved to what it is now and every year the series culminates with a gala and an address from a renowned speaker.
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Laredo police said the shooting of two officers Thursday in San Antonio brought back memories that are still too fresh.

Not even a month has passed since four of our own officers have been shot and (injured) from gunfire, LPD said. (We) realize the pain our fellow brother agency is going through.

The SAPD family was instrumental in our officers recovery while being treated in San Antonio hospitals.

On June 2, three LPD officers were shot and another injured during a shootout with a homicide suspect in the parking lot of a convenience store in central Laredo. The suspect was fatally shot during the exchange of gunfire. The three wounded officers were released from San Antonio-area hospitals in the days following the shootout.

We stand united with SAPD and the wounded officers and will be praying for their recovery, LPD said. We humbly ask our community here in Laredo for their support and prayers for these officers who are fighting for their lives at this moment.

READ MORE: SAPD: 2 officers down in shooting north of downtown, 1 suspect killed, another detained

SAPD Officer Miguel Moreno, 32, died from his injuries after a routine stop Thursday afternoon near San Antonio College turned into a gunfight that left another officer injured and a suspect dead.

This is a very grim reminder of how dangerous (policing) can be, Police Chief William McManus said during a news conference Thursday evening.

The shooting came after the ambush killing of SAPD Detective Benjamin Marconi on Nov. 20 in front of police headquarters and more than a month after the death of San Antonio firefighter Scott Deem, who was killed in the line of duty.

The officers, both nine-year veterans, were investigating reports of a suspicious person when they stopped two individuals walking on East Evergreen Street near Main Avenue north of downtown, police said.

As soon as the officers stepped out of their vehicle, one of the individuals opened fire. Moreno was hit in the face, and 36-year-old Julio Cavazos was hit in the chin, and the bullet lodged in his chest, McManus said.

It was not clear what prompted the individuals to shoot so quickly.

That is the big question right now, McManus told reporters.

Cavazos pulled his partner out of the line of fire as more police arrived and managed to return fire on the gunman, who has only been identified as a man from Louisiana. Cavazos struck the gunman once in the buttocks.

The gunman then made his way to the corner of Evergreen and Howard, where he was shot in the head. Police are unclear on the origin of the bullet, but they believe it might have been self-inflicted.

"It happened so fast. One was down, one was in custody immediately. There was no further danger," McManus said.

RELATED: Laredo police officer released from hospital after shot in face during June shootout

A witness was apprehended and was being interviewed by homicide detectives, as of 12:58 p.m. Friday.

McManus said the officer shot in the chest was wearing body armor. He was expected to recover, officials said.

The suspect was described as being in his late 20s to early 30s.

The San Antonio Express-News contributed to this report.
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A 54-year-old undocumented Mexican National was convicted Thursday by jurors in a Laredo federal court of assaulting a Border Patrol agent in late January.

The federal jury returned the guilty verdict against Miguel Cabrera-Rangel following a two-day trial and less than five hours of deliberation, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Assault on a federal officer by physical contact carries a term of not more than eight years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

The assault occurred Jan. 20, when a Border Patrol agent came across a group undocumented immigrants on a ranch located between State Highway 16 and State Highway 359 near Hebbronville.

READ MORE: Police: Laredo mom fell asleep after night out, let 3-year-old walk into busy street alone

The jury heard testimony about how the agent came upon the group and attempted to apprehend them, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Cabrera-Rangel began the struggle while instructing the other individuals with him to run away, a criminal complaint filed in the case states.

The agent was unable to call for backup after losing possession of his service-issued radio. He also lost control of his service flashlight.

Cabrera punched the agent in the face and struck him with the flashlight, causing a bilateral fracture of the nose along with lacerations and contusions, a news release states.

RELATED: Affidavit: Suspect said he intentionally crashed into Laredo man's car because he does not like him

The U.S. Attorneys Office said Cabrera, who fled the scene of the assault, was later apprehended on a fishing boat in Copano Bay off Corpus Christi.

Cabrera has been in custody since his arrest on Feb. 14. He will be sentenced at a future hearing before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana, who presided over his trial.

The FBI investigated the case in conjunction with Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. attorneys Michael Bukiewicz and Christopher Coker prosecuted the case.
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After a 3-year-old child was found alone in a street in central Laredo, the boy's mother told police she had been asleep because she had gone out the night before, according to LPD.

Naomi Ivana de Santiago Rodriguez, 31, was charged Sunday with abandoning, endangering a child by criminal negligence. She was behind bars as of Thursday afternoon at the Webb County Jail.
Texas Rep. Cecil Bell Jr. announced last week that he will seek another term in the state House of Representatives in 2018.

Bell, R-Magnolia, said he would run for another term to represent District 3, an area that covers parts of Montgomery County, including Magnolia, all the way to Southeast Montgomery County and Waller County.

Bell's announcement comes after Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, said he would be running again to represent District 16, which covers parts of Montgomery County, including Conroe, Montgomery, Willis, New Caney and Splendora. District 3 Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, said last week he would seek re-election as well.

District 15 state Rep. Mark Keough, R-The Woodlands, previously announced he would not be running again to serve in the state House. Instead, Keough will be running for Montgomery County judge in the March 2018 Republican Party primary election against incumbent County Judge Craig Doyal. Steve Toth, who previously held the District 15 seat, will run for that position again.

During this past session, Metcalf, Keough and Bell were sponsors of a bill that will have voters decide on who serves on the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors. That bill  House Bill 1982  has been signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott after breezing through the state Legislature.

Metcalf and Bell were part of a move by the Montgomery County contingency, which included Keough and state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, that had called on the governor to call for a special legislative session this summer.

Bell said there are still "big issues inside our state of Texas" that need to be addressed, including property tax concerns, "traditional values" and other matters.

"There are a lot of different conversations out there," Bell said.

Bell has represented District 3 since being sworn into office in January 2013.

Metcalf has represented House District 16 since winning the seat in November of 2014. He previously entered the race to succeed Creighton, who ran for and won the Senate seat that had been vacated by Tommy Williams. Creighton was sworn into office in August 2014, while Williams left the state Senate to take a position with Texas A&M University.

Metcalf will be facing a challenge in the Republican primary from Christian Ehmling, a local political activist who announced in April that he would be running for the seat. No challenger has announced to run against Bell, the former Magnolia ISD board member and local businessman.
It is necessary to develop an urgent program for evacuation of people from Donbas because of the approaching ecological catastrophe there and the processes that can not be localized, Deputy Minister for Temporary Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Heorhiy Tuka has said.

"This is not an issue of saving Donbas. It can not be saved. It is about the gradual liberation of this region from people, because people will not be able to live there for ten years," Tuka said on the air of the program 'Results of the Day' on 5 TV channel on Thursday evening.

According to him, a number of contaminated mines have been flooded in Donbas, including those containing radioactive materials. Water from them will spread to uncontrolled territories and the Russian Federation in the near future. The total area of pollution can reach 15,000 square kilometers. In addition, according to the deputy minister, massive subsidence and ground failures are expected in the region.

"There are a lot of problems that do not recognize borders and do not know what it is. The laws of physics equally act in the territory of Ukraine, and in the territory of the United States and elsewhere. As a result of the report [National Academy of Sciences], Donbas is already doomed for a maximum of ten years. Such processes have already begun, which can not be localized," Tuka said.

According to him, now the difference in the mineralization of the river Siversky Donets in the place where it enters the territory of Ukraine and in the place where it leaves is eight times. In 2016, according to the State Emergency Service, 88% of the reserve sources of drinking water in the government-controlled part of the Luhansk region were found unfit for use in everyday life.

According to the deputy minister, it is necessary to begin international discussions on the solution of the issue of environmental disaster in Donbas.

"The problem should be raised to the highest level and international discussions with the search for a solution to this problem are also necessary ... We must shout at the top of our voice to the whole of Europe about the possible consequences," Tuka said.
The Japan News-Yomiuri

In an era of growing uncertainty, Canada and Japan should strengthen ties to realize the two countries' shared values, such as free trade, sustainable development and human rights, Canadian Ambassador to Japan Ian Burney said on Friday at a Canada Day reception marking the 150th anniversary of the country's confederation.

In a welcome speech at the ambassador's official residence in Tokyo, Burney stressed the importance of cooperating with Japan to tackle global issues such as climate change and security threats.
Shell admit its hard to fight back the tears as she looks up at her 4-story home away from home. Four-stories, filled with more than 30 years of memories and friends she now considers family.

Im really going to miss it, said registered nurse Violet Borron who after a 45-year career in nursing will finally move on to the next chapter in her life -- retirement.

In her decades of service, Borron has become an institution at Covenant Health Plainview, truly dedicating herself to her patients and colleagues.

A self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, Borron worked most of career in the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Department before moving to her current position as Special Document Specialist.

I became a (Licensed Vocational Nurse) in 1972, said Borron.

Born and raised in Plainview, Borron explained she eventually moved to California after husband Phillip was drafted into the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

Once he was discharged, the Borrons returned to West Texas and Violet soon landed a job at Nichols Hospital in Plainview.

Borron said that some of her friends had become nurses and really enjoyed it.

They made it sound so cool, Borron added with a smile.

Intrigued, Borron decided to see what all the fuss was about and opted to become a Certified Nursing Assistant as a way to test the waters.

I really enjoyed it, so I decided to go back to school. I figured I needed a vocation and this was a way to help my family, Borron said.

Also, I wanted to learn more. I wanted to learn more advanced techniques so I could better help my patients.

Determined to make a difference, Borron enrolled in the first ever LVN clinical classes at the Plainview School of Nursing.

After receiving her license, Borron first took some time off to have her second son Michael and take care of their first born, Philip Jr.

Once she was ready to return to work, Borron said she started working at a number of doctors offices, including well-known Plainview pediatrician Dr. Dorothy Long as well as Dr. Benson, Dr. Gerald Waggoner and Dr. Hung Lee.

Though she was happy working in private practices, Borron admitted she was longing for a little more of a rush.

I really wanted to go work in the Emergency Room, Borron said with another laugh.

Watching her favorite television shows, Borron said she became fascinated with the adrenaline-filled, high-pressured environment of the emergency room.

It looked so exciting and it was somewhere you could really make a difference said Borron. To me, working in the ER was a real special place to work. That was my ultimate goal and dream was to work there.

And in 1987, Borron got her chance as she was hired unto the emergency department staff of Covenant Health Plainview.

It was everything I expected and more, said Borron, who had finally found her home.

Borron would spend the next 11 years as an ER staff nurse before becoming the departments nurse manager for the next 10 years.

During this time, Borron eventually earned her RN license and even obtained her paramedic certification.

I loved it, if we had patients that needed to be transferred and they needed critical help, I was able to go, Borron said.

But the thrills where also filled with heartache as any emergency room staff member can attest.

The hardest part was receiving major traumas involving teens or smaller children, Borron said.

It was always very emotional. I could always see my own children lying there. I identified with the parents so much.

For that purpose, Borron felt it was her mission to help those in traumatic situations.

It was a true love for the ER that kept me going, Borron said.

Borron worked in the ER up until 2008 when she decided it was time to turn the page in her career. Borron soon moved out of emergency and became a document specialist for the department. Later, Borron moved into her current job.

She has enjoyed the role, but now feels ready to trade in the rush for relaxation.

I have a lot of things I want to do, I just dont know where I want to start. I like to say I dont have a bucket list, I have a barrel list, joked Borron.

Leading up to her retirement this past week, Borron said she tried not to think about it much, noting that anytime she did she became emotional.

These people have become my family. We talk about Covenant being a family, and it really is. We rejoice in their happiness and their successes and we cry when sad things happen to them. You have a bond with these people, Borron said.

One bond Borron holds very dear is the bond with her best friend Janelle Drake, who worked many years alongside Borron in the emergency room and now works as a document specialist.

Im going to miss the comrade, the friendships. Im going to miss that probably the most  these people are like my sisters, weve been through so much together.

But Borron promised to visit the hospital very soon. Until then Borron will be hitting the road with her husband.

We are hoping to do some short get-away trips this summer, said Borron.

Borrons last day was Thursday, which included a special reception.
Three weeks after Dwight Watson became the first Wal-Mart DC 6012 and Transportation Center 6812 driver to reach the milestone of 4 million safely-driven miles, fellow driver Andy McAllister of Dickens has joined him in the elite fraternity.

McAllister, who began driving for DC 6012 on Dec. 7, 1986 -- three months after it opened -- reached 4 million miles Friday during a return trip from Waco. He now becomes the six Wal-Mart driver throughout the United States to reach the 4 million-mile mark. Plainview has the distinction of being Wal-Marts only distribution center to have multiple 4 million mile drivers.

Coincidentally, McAllister was Plainview D.C.s first 3 million-mile driver, in March 2007. Earlier this week, local driver Randy Willson became the distribution centers 41st driver to reach the 3 million-mile milestone.

Friday also marked the day that driver Bobby Massey got his new truck-tractor after reaching 3 million miles last the winter. Drivers who reach 3 million and 4 million miles are issued their own personalize truck-tractor as a reward, after a three-month lag for the tractor to be built and delivered. Masseys new tractor was put into service Friday, and the drivers celebrated with a barbecue luncheon.

As a 4 million-mile driver, Andy McAllister will get a new truck as well, explained Wal-Mart D.C. transportation chief Ted Baker. And after Dwight reached that milestone, we found out he gets to pick his color. Most have picked red, although one 4 million-mile driver from Loveland, Colorado, selected blue.

McAllister drives the claims run for the distribution center. He picks up returns at stores served by D.C. 6012, and delivers them to a company facility in Waco.

At 64, McAllister proudly admits, I love Wal-Mart. Its been my life, and the company has been good to me. Thats a lot of good people here, in the shop, the staff, safety department. Theyre all good.

When hes not driving, McAllister likes to fish and raises cattle on a farm in Dickens. He also hosts shooting events for fellow employees, where they participate in trap and target shooting.

Just like Dwight Watson who admitted facing increased stress before reaching 4 million miles on June 9, McAllister said hes been stressed out all this week. Ive been watching everybody a lot closer these last few days.

With 41 drivers with 3 million safe miles or more, Baker says Plainview has more than the next two closest distribution centers combined. Plainview has 31 active 3 million-mile drivers among its 210 drivers.
During today's meeting of Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak with Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the NATO Headquarters, the two discussed the security situation in Ukraine and worldwide.

They spoke about the upcoming large-scale Russian-Belarusian exercises West-2017, the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported on Friday.

"The upcoming West-2017 exercise planned by the Russian Federation will be extremely extensive, and can be used to launch aggression not only against Ukraine, but against any country in Europe that has a common border with Russia. NATO secretary general spoke about the threats they see, and said that the NATO grouping in Eastern Europe will be stepped up. Of course, for our part, we will also adequately respond to the conduct of the exercises," the Ukrainian Defense Minister said.

He noted that Ukraine will be ready to repel possible aggression.

"Large-scale troop movements and maneuvers are planned. Some 4,000 train cars have been ordered for the transfer of personnel. This is a very large grouping and naturally the conduct of such exercises on the border with Ukraine is a threat," Poltorak said.
WASHINGTON - The dispute within the Republican Party over health care widened further Friday as President Donald Trump joined with two conservative senators in calling for an outright repeal of the Affordable Care Act if the party fails to agree on an alternative plan by the end of the July Fourth recess.

The reemergence of what has for much of the year been a fringe idea within the GOP revealed not only the party's philosophical divide over how to revise Obamacare, but also senators' growing anxiety that they are headed home to see their constituents with little to show them.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., - who has said he cannot yet support the current draft of the Senate bill, because of the effects its cuts in Medicaid funding would have on his state - received a blistering reception at a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, town hall Friday. As he sought to discuss flooding issues, an attendee interrupted to mention Medicaid, prompting others to chant, "Health care! Health care!"

"If you wish to chant and stop others from being able to speak or be heard, that is not civil," Cassidy retorted.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., continued to work on forging a compromise that could garner sufficient support once his colleagues return to Washington on July 10. But Trump's suggestion that Republican senators should switch gears and immediately try to repeal the ACA if compromise is elusive could embolden conservatives, making it harder for McConnell to broker a deal.

An early-morning tweet was Trump's first public statement since taking office in favor of bringing down Obamacare with no replacement system in place - a move that could send the U.S. health-care system into deep turmoil.

"If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later date!" Trump tweeted.

Health industry officials have warned that overturning the existing law, which has extended insurance to roughly 20 million Americans and changed the rules under which insurance is offered across the country, would create chaos in a sector that accounts for one-sixth of the U.S. economy.

Robert Laszewski, president of Health Policy and Strategy Associates, said repealing the ACA without a replacement would be "a trauma" for an insurance market that needs regulatory clarity to set premium rates.

"There would be absolutely no certainty, whatsoever, about anything," Laszewski said.

A June 2015 Congressional Budget Office analysis projected that such an outright repeal would add $137 billion to the federal deficit between 2016 and 2025 and leave 24 million non-elderly adults without health coverage between 2021 and 2025.

Two GOP senators who espouse this approach, Rand Paul (Ky.) and Ben Sasse (Neb.), welcomed Trump's suggestion. But some of the high-ranking Republicans who have been working on the legislation rejected it as impractical, noting that it might force them to fashion a substitute with Democrats.

An even larger group of Senate Republicans suggested Friday that McConnell should scale back or cancel the chamber's month-long August recess, given the lack of progress they have made on not just health care but a tax-code overhaul, spending bills, the debt ceiling and a budget resolution.

Senate Republicans David Perdue (Ga.), Steve Daines (Mont.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), John Neely Kennedy (La.), James Lankford (Okla.), Mike Lee (Utah), Mike Rounds (S.D.), Luther Strange (Ala.), Dan Sullivan (Alaska) and Thom Tillis (N.C.) sent McConnell a letter Friday asking him to shorten or cancel the August recess so they can get more done.

"Delivering meaningful results was never assumed to be easy, but the millions of Americans who placed their confidence in our leadership expect our full and best effort," the 10 senators wrote.

Republicans are steeling themselves for attacks on their health-care negotiations over the July Fourth recess, with progressive activists planning to pressure any members of Congress they see at public events. Most GOP senators were keeping their plans close to their vests, though a handful, including Cassidy, Ted Cruz (Texas), Susan Collins (Maine), Jerry Moran (Kan.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) have announced town halls or parade visits.

Collins, a vocal critic of the current Senate draft, had publicized just one scheduled appearance - in the 1,300-person town of Eastport, Maine, near the Canadian border.

At Cassidy's town hall at the Living Faith Christian Center in Baton Rouge, he tried to make the case for transitioning Medicaid recipients into private insurance. But constituents interrupted him repeatedly, prompting him to chastise them for being rude.

"I'll tell you what's rude - kicking 22 million people off of health care in this country," said a man in the front row after the senator recognized him to speak.

The audience erupted into cheers.

Reminding Cassidy, a medical doctor, of his stint treating patients at a hospital for the uninsured, the man continued: "You worked at Earl K. Long for many years. You know what people are like at their lowest."

Senate Democrats are staging events aimed at highlighting how the Senate's draft bill could hurt health-care delivery in their home states. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., is visiting at least two rural hospitals over the break to underscore the impact of proposed funding cuts.

McConnell is trying to tweak his original proposal, which would make deep cuts in Medicaid while providing tax cuts to companies and wealthy Americans. The changes are part of an effort to bring on a handful of conservative and centrist senators who have questioned parts of the bill.

While it is unclear what specifically prompted Trump's tweet, an aide to Sasse said that the senator had discussed the idea of a straight repeal privately with White House officials in recent days. On Friday, Sasse released a letter to the president suggesting that if an agreement is not reached by the day that members return from their week-long recess, the president should call on Congress to repeal the ACA and work through August to craft a replacement by Labor Day.

Paul, who retweeted Trump on Friday morning, later fired off a second tweet saying he had spoken to Trump and Senate GOP leadership "about this and agree. Let's keep our word to repeal then work on replacing right away."

And Americans for Prosperity's chief government-affairs officer, Brent Gardner, whose conservative group is funded by Charles and David Koch, said the approach "has real merit."

Deputy White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump did not see July 10 as a deadline to pass legislation. She added: "We're still fully committed to pushing through with the Senate, at this point, but we're, you know, looking at every possible option of repealing and replacing Obamacare. We are focused on doing that."

Asked for the majority leader's response to Trump's Friday tweet, a McConnell spokeswoman said she did not have any new announcements.

Senate Republicans, along with their House counterparts, have repeatedly voted to abolish Obamacare without putting anything in its place, including as recently as 2015. In that Senate vote, only two Republicans dissented: Collins and Mark Kirk (Ill.), who lost his reelection bid last year.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, dismissed Trump's suggestion that Congress could simply repeal parts of the ACA then go back and replace them later.

"That doesn't achieve what President Trump set out to do," he said during an episode of C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" set to air Sunday. "I really think the Senate's approach - certainly in the House - of not simply repealing but starting to put into place the elements that can make health care affordable . . . that should continue to be our goal."

If Republicans use special budget procedures known as reconciliation to skirt a Democratic filibuster in the Senate to repeal the ACA, they could not immediately use the same procedures to replace it - meaning they would have to negotiate with Democrats.

"Democrats, no doubt, would obstruct any fair opportunity to replace the Affordable Care Act in the future," Brady said. "So the very best opportunity to begin this good, thoughtful transition to affordable care is right now in reconciliation."

But the calls for repeal reflect the anger that Trump and many conservatives feel about the measure McConnell crafted behind closed doors, which would cut $772 billion over 10 years from Medicaid, the public insurance program that covers nearly 70 million Americans, while providing $541 billion in tax cuts.

Chip Roy, who directs the Texas Public Policy Foundation's Center for the Tenth Amendment Action and once worked as an aide to Cruz, said he believed that Trump's tweet Friday was indicative of his "frustration with what's going on on Capitol Hill."

Senate leaders are rewriting their bill to provide $45 billion to combat opioid addiction and provide more financial assistance to low- and moderate-income Americans. They hope to win over conservatives by eliminating many of the ACA's insurance mandates and allowing higher tax deductions through expanded health savings accounts.

But they have not settled on how they would finance all these changes, since conservatives oppose the centrists' push to preserve one of the bill's current taxes as a way of funneling more money to those who cannot afford health coverage on their own.

McConnell had hoped to get his proposed revisions to the bill to the CBO by the end of the week. By late Friday, the bulk of the anticipated changes resulting from the week's negotiations had been sent to the office for review, two Republicans with knowledge of the process confirmed.

On Friday, Brady joined the chorus of conservatives who object to maintaining a 3.2 percent tax on investment income for high earners as a way of providing more money to low-income Americans in the health bill. The current draft repeals or delays all the taxes imposed by the ACA.

Keeping the tax, Brady said, would be a "tough red flag" if the bill comes back to the House.

Given the impasse, the bill continues to come under attack from the GOP's right and center.

On a Friday conference call with reporters, officials with several conservative advocacy groups said it does not repeal the ACA forcefully enough.

"We believe that real repeal means full repeal," said Andy Roth, vice president for government affairs at the Club for Growth. "Root and branch doesn't mean trimming the hedges, as is currently the case."

- - -

Ashley Cusick in Baton Rouge and The Washington Post's Mike DeBonis, David Weigel and Ed O'Keefe in Washington contributed to this report.

---

Video: The Republicans' time-crunched effort to pass a health-care bill is hitting a lot of resistance in the Senate. The Post's Paige Cunningham explains five key reasons the party is struggling to move their plan forward. (Video: Jenny Starrs/Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

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The cyber attack that crippled computer systems in Ukraine and other countries this week employed a ruse - the appearance of being ransomware - that seems designed to deflect attention from the attacker's true identity, security researchers said.

And many companies initially fell for it.

The first reports out of cybersecurity firms on Monday, when news of the attack hit, was that a new variant of WannaCry, a virus that encrypted data and demanded a ransom to restore it, was on the loose.

In fact, a number of researchers said this week, the malware - which researchers are calling NotPetya - does not encrypt data, but wipes its victims' computers. If the data is not backed up, it's lost, they said.

"It definitely wasn't ransomware and wasn't financially motivated," said Jake Williams, founder of Rendition Infosec, a cybersecurity firm, which has analyzed the virus. "The goal was to cause disruption in computer networks."

Moreover, the email address to make a payment to retrieve data is no longer accessible, said Matt Suiche, a hacker and founder of Comae Technologies, a cybersecurity firm.

He said in a blog post this week that the ransomware feint was likely a way to make people think "some mysterious hacker group" was behind the attack rather than a nation state.

"The fact of pretending to be a ransomware while being in fact a nation state attack . . . is in our opinion a very subtle way for the attacker to control the narrative of the attack," Suiche said.

Security researchers cautioned that it is too early to know for sure who is behind it. But some say that the targeting and distribution method of the malware point to Russia.

More than half the victimized computers were in Ukraine, including banks, energy firms and an airport.

Russia, which has annexed Crimea and has backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, has carried out an aggressive campaign of cyber attacks and harassment there.

In December, Russian government hackers disrupted the power grid in Kiev and a year earlier they knocked out power in western Ukraine.

In this case, to get into victims' computers, attackers infected a financial software program in Ukraine, called MEDoc, that delivers software updates to businesses through the Internet.

That's called a "watering hole" attack, which targets users who navigate to the site for updates or to browse. It is also a tactic that Russian government hackers have used in the past to compromise industrial control system networks, Williams noted.

MEDoc is one of only two software options Ukrainian businesses have to pay their taxes, noted Lesley Carhart, an information security expert.

"This was a clever choice" for several reasons, she noted in a blog post, including that the "distribution base" within the country was "extremely comprehensive" as many companies used the software.

NotPetya did not spread across the open Internet, she said in an email. "Its tactic was to compromise a few computers inside a network" once the hacker got in, say, by delivering the malware through MEDoc. Then it could rapidly spread to other computers in the same network using a variety of other methods.

"While most 'patient zero' computers were in Ukraine . . . the corporate networks those computers [connect to] could potentially span the globe, and infection could also spread to any customers, partners, or vendors with whom they had unrestricted network connections and shared accounts," she said.

That might explain how U.S. pharmaceutical giant Merck, the Danish shipping firm Maerskeven and the Russian oil company Rosneft got infected.

The Rosneft infection might be an unintended consequence - collateral damage, Williams said.

Valentyn Petrov, head of the information security service at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said that the attack's timing, on the eve of Ukraine's Constitution Day, indicated this was a political attack.

"We are in an interesting test phase in which Russia is using modern cyber weapons," Petrov said, "and everyone is interested to see how it is working - and how threats can be countered."

---

The Washington Post's David Filipov in Moscow contributed to this report.
Ukrainian rescuers continue an operation to extinguish the fire in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone and forced relocation of residents from the Lubyansky forestry in Chornobyl zone in Kyiv region.

"As of 14.00 on June 30, the fire extinguishing continues, due to the combined use of ground and air forces, the area of the fire was reduced from twenty-five to eight hectares. Firefighting aircraft of the State Emergency Situations Service dropped about 152 tonnes of water (37 passes)," the press service of the State Emergency Situations Service said.

The total radiation background in the exclusion zone is within normal limits. There is no threat of the spread of the fire to other forest areas.

In total, 36 firefighting units and 125 employees were involved in the operation. The State Emergency Situations Service provided 16 pieces of equipment (including one Mi-8 helicopter and two An-32P aircraft) and 63 employees.
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AUSTIN An administrative judge considering the revocation of former Beaumont ISD auditor Gayle Botley's state accounting license said Friday he might not make a decision until the end of the year, after a week of often-contentious testimony exceeded the hearing's allotted time.

Because of scheduling conflicts, the hearing isn't expected to reconvene until September.

Judge Michael O'Malley said his formal decision won't come anytime soon.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin found evidence to suggest school districts could be losing out on millions of dollars in funding due to the bullying of students.

The researchers used survey data from California to estimate that school districts there missed out on about $275 million annually when students stayed home from school because they felt unsafe in class. When a student misses school, the local district often receives less funding, depending on the state.
Ukraine's Kalanchak City Court has sanctioned arrest of two Russian border guards, who got lost in Ukraine, for 15 days, the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service told Interfax-Ukraine.

"Hearings of the Kalanchak City Court regarding two Russian servicemen have already been held. They were arrested for 15 days on the grounds of information provided by the State Border Guard Service," Oleh Slobobian, the spokesman for the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service, told Interfax-Ukraine on Friday.

As reported, border guards of the Kherson detachment in cooperation with the Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen detained two unidentified persons without documents in the Kherson region in the early hours of June 30, 2017, and subsequently established that the detainees are servicemen of the Russian Security Service's Border Guard Service.
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A Bexar County grand jury Thursday issued two more indictments against former San Antonio nurse and convicted child killer Genene Jones in the deaths of two infants in the early 1980s.

Jones, dubbed the Angel of Death after her conviction, is being charged anew with murder in the deaths of infants Richard Nelson, a 8-month-old who died in July 1981, and Patrick Zavala, 4-month-old who died in January 1982. Each indictment alleges that the children were injected with a substance unknown, according to court records.

In May, Jones was indicted in the killing of Joshua Sawyer, 11 months, in December 1981. Last week, Jones was indicted in the killing of Rosemary Vega, 2, in September 1981. As in the new indictments, Jones is alleged to have injected the children with a substance unknown.

The grand jury set bail at $1 million on each of the four indictments, according to court records.

I believe that she should take her last breath from behind bars. And that is our intent, Bexar County District Attorney Nicholas Nico LaHood said via livestream videos of a Thursday news conference on the indictments. The conference was held in his office for television media, but a DA investigator prevented Express-News journalists from entering, stating that the meeting was private, and being held in a secure area, and that they were not allowed to attend.

Calls, text messages and emails to Jennifer Rodriguez, LaHoods media liaison, for more information on the indictments were not returned.

Justice demands for all of these innocent childrens deaths to be investigated and accounted for, he said. We will continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads us and work diligently to account for every child whose life was stolen at the hands of Jones. He added that the investigation remained open.

In all four cases, she was working as a nurse at the pediatric intensive care unit at a local hospital, LaHood said. All four of these children were murdered within a 5-month period.

Jones, 66, made headlines when she was convicted of murder in 1984 by a Williamson County jury and sentenced to 99 years for killing Chelsea McClellan. Later that year, a judge in Bexar County sentenced Jones to 60 years in the death of Rolando Santos, 4 weeks old. Both children were injected with paralyzing drugs, according to court documents and information from Express-News archives.

She has served 33 years of the 99-year sentence and is incarcerated at the Texas Department of Criminal Justices Dr. Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville. But because of a new law designed to ease prison crowding, Jones could be released March 1, 2018.

Jones was believed to have killed dozens of infants while she worked in the pediatric intensive care unit at Medical Center Hospital, now University Hospital, in 1981 and 1982. LaHood told reporters Thursday that Jones is suspected of between 47 and 60 deaths, according to the livestream feed.

The New England Journal of Medicine noted in 1985 that the hospitals infant death rate increased by 178 percent when 34 babies died while she was on duty at the hospital.
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An exterior fire that spread into a house on the North Side left a firefighter injured Friday afternoon, according to San Antonio Fire officials.

San Antonio Fire units were dispatched to the 1700 block of Summer Park Lane around 4 p.m. Friday.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus spoke candidly Friday morning, expressing his disbelief and sadness as he provided updates on two officers shot downtown Thursday.

Officer Miguel Moreno and Officer Julio Cavazos, both nine-year veterans of the force, were shot in the 200 block of W. Evergreen St. near San Antonio College Thursday afternoon while approaching two suspects near a car that appeared to have been broken into. McManus said.

RELATED: Texas governor, officials send prayers for San Antonio police officers shot while on patrol

Moreno, 32, suffered a gunshot wound to the face and was pronounced dead at 11:11 a.m. Friday morning. Cavazos, 36, was shot in the chest and is expected to be okay, he said.

"I'm at a loss for words to describe what a tragedy this is," McManus, flanked by fellow SAPD officers, said. "Imagine one of your relatives was shot and killed on the street for apparently no reason."

The suspect who opened fire on the officers around 3:15 p.m. near Evergreen and Howard Streets has only been identified as a man in his late 20s or early 30s from Louisiana. McManus said he was shot once in the buttocks by Cavazos, and once in the head, possibly by himself.

A man arrested in connection with the shooting on Thursday, who had been walking with the gunman at the time of the shooting, is no longer being considered a suspect. Police plan to consider him as a witness.

"We don't believe [he] had any role in the shooting," McManus said.

RELATED: Photos: Chaotic scene unfolds after 2 officers shot

McManus said Friday morning that Cavazos and Moreno were on a "directed patrol," meaning they do not have to answer to police calls and have discretionary time dedicated to crime prevention. On Thursday, they were working to prevent vehicle burglaries specifically.

Around 3:15 p.m. The two officers came across a vehicle that appeared to have been burglarized. They stopped two men walking near the car, the gunman and the witness. McManus said the officers had no other intention than to ask both men for their identification.

"Things went bad real quick," McManus said.

One of the men started walking towards the officers as they got out of the squad car and the other man immediately opened fire on the officers, striking Moreno in the face and Cavazos in the chest.

Cavazos was able to pull Moreno from the passenger side of the vehicle to safety and return fire on the gunman, whom he struck in the buttocks, according to McManus.

The gunman fled on foot to the corner of Howard and Main, where he was shot in the head and died. Police are unsure where the bullet came from, though Sgt. Jesse Salame, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department, said the bullet may have been self-inflicted.

Following the gun battle, the two officers were rushed to San Antonio Military Medical Center for treatment.

"We are going to lose a truly, truly beautiful man," the chief said of Moreno.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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The Lubbock Police Department is on a manhunt for a 20-year-old wanted in connection with the brutal beating of his girlfriend earlier this month.

Dameon Ray Marmolejo is actively being sought on an aggravated assault warrant for the June 17 incident that left his girlfriend, Solidad Analyssa Marie Torres, 18, hospitalized.

According to Juanita Torres, the victim's mother, her daughter needed 15 staples and 3 sutures on the the top of her head. Juanita Torres issued a warning to the community on Facebook days after the incident, posting graphic photos of her daughter's wounds.

Lubbock police said Marmolejo is believed to still be inside city limits.

READ ALSO: New Braunfels man with history of 'deviant' sex acts with vegetables sentenced to life in prison

The incident has resulted in "nightmares and headaches" for the victim, according to Juanita Torres.

According to the victim's mother, her daughter and Marmolejo's relationship took a turn for the worse on June 17 when he noticed her daughter had downloaded the Snapchat app on her phone.

Juanita Torres said Marmolejo came into the house angry and began to strike her daughter. She said her daughter attempted to run for the front door, but Marmolejo grabbed her by the back of her hair and threw her to the ground, stomping her.

READ ALSO: BCSO: Texas fugitive arrested at Iron Maiden concert after friend posts seat location on Facebook

The victim's mother said that her daughter then ran to the bathroom where, she says, Marmolejo slammed her against the bathtub, causing a gash on her head.

Marmolejo called 911, but left the scene before paramedics arrived, Juanita Torres said.

Juanita said that her daughter is doing okay, but is still in pain.

A hashtag in Torres' honor, #JusticeForSoli, has been created on Facebook in hopes to help others know they are not alone, and "break the silence, stop the violence," Juanita said.

To report information on Marmolejo's whereabouts, call the LPD Crime Line at 806-741-1000.

jthorpe@express-news.net

@jerilynnthorpe
"It is important for us to establish cooperation in several areas in which Israel has interesting results, in particular, in secondary education there are lots of opportunities for children with special needs. Israel has a successful experience in inclusive education that we can borrow. The second important issue is the commercialization of results of scientific researchs, because Ukraine currently does not have such a powerful experience in creating space for the implementation of startups, the establishment of technological and industrial ties. " - the minister said. Also, along with the Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel Gennadiy Nadolenko and the Honorary Consul of the State of Israel in the Western region of Ukraine Oleg Vyshniakov, Grinevich spoke with Israeli deputies and ministers. Among the priority topics for discussion were the latest methods in Israeli education, ways of integrating of children with special needs into the general education, methods for identifying gifted children, introducing innovations and startups in education. "These meetings once again proved that Israel is a model for Ukraine, the experience of this young state can easily be borrowed and implemented into Ukrainian realities. We learned a lot about interesting perspectives and steps to improve Ukrainian education. I hope that they will be implemented soon, "said Oleg Vishnyakov, Honorary Consul of the State of Israel in the Western region of Ukraine. In particular, on the first day of the visit, Lilia Grinevich visited one of Tel-Aviv schools - "ORT Singalovski", where advanced approaches to learning are applied. Representatives of the school administration introduced the Minister of Education of Ukraine with their methods that help develop the children's creative abilities and, in general, reveal their potential. An important conversation was between Lilia Grinevich and her colleague - Minister of Education of Israel Naftali Bennett. He said: "The peculiarity of Israeli education lies in the fact that it is "informal "and focuses on the responsibility of the child. For example, an important role is played by teenage movements. At the age of 15, I have already led large groups of peers to campaigns, took responsibility for their welfare. Also, the army plays an important role, after which the Israeli men and women are formed as persons, who are sure that everything is in their force. And this confidence turns into \the basis for the creation of unique technologies and inventions."
There is a dispute on whether the state can release federal funds to border cities as reimbursement for providing humanitarian aid during a 2014 crisis. Thats when Central American immigrants arrived unexpectedly and in large numbers to the Texas border.

The state says they cant under the rules as they understand them. The feds tell the Houston Chronicle it can, as does a member of Congress who should know.

Given that one item is not in dispute  that these border cities provided this aid at local taxpayer expense  we urge state officials to see it the cities (and, apparently, the federal governments) way.

Heres the issue: In 2014, Central Americans, fleeing violence and oppression in their countries, arrived in waves. They mostly gave themselves up to border authorities. Many were unaccompanied minors. The federal government was unprepared, so Rio Grande Valley cities provided transportation, food and other amenities. McAllen alone says it provided some $700,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.

McAllen Mayor Jim Darling told the Houston Chronicles Paul Cobler: Really, it was an extension of what the federal government would have provided if they had the facilities to be able to do it.

Thats absolutely correct. These cities  to the tune of about $1 million  did the federal governments job.

But Gov. Greg Abbotts office says it has been told by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA that these expenses are not reimbursable from current federal appropriations. But FEMA tells the Houston Chronicle that the expenses can be reimbursed from current appropriations.

Obviously, someone is wrong.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, who has inserted language into appropriations bills to pave the way for the reimbursement, says it is Texas.

We put this language that allows the monies for southwest border states that get these Homeland Security dollars to do the reimbursement, he said. So, if they wanted to use it, they can definitely do that.

Some ascribe other motives to the governors office, which has made its mark weighing in against undocumented immigration. We prefer to view it as a misunderstanding.

But it is a misunderstanding that begs for clarity  and immediate action.
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Local News, Crime, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 30 2017

The New York Extreme Risk Protection Order bill will help prevent suicides, domestic violence, mass shootings, and other gun-related tragedies.

New York, NY - June 30, 2017 - Were making progress here in New York! The New York State Assembly recently passed the New York Extreme Risk Protection Order bill (ERPO) (A.6994), life-saving legislation that will help prevent suicides, domestic violence, mass shootings, and other gun-related tragedies.

Individuals in crisis often exhibit red flag behavior or other warning signs indicating that they are likely to harm themselves or others. These danger signs are often observed by family or household members. However, even when loved ones report their fears to law enforcement, police may not have the authority to intervene. The Extreme Risk Protection Order enables family, household members, and law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily suspend the individuals access to firearms.

An ERPO law is a critical tool for preventing and reducing gun violence in New York State particularly with respect to suicide-by-firearm. In fact, research has shown that states with ERPO laws have seen a measurable reduction in suicide rates.

NYAGV applauds the NYS Assembly for passing ERPO. However, our work is not done. We'll be pushing the NYS Senate to pass ERPO next session.
Growing up, Wong struggled with pressure from parents to become a medic, accountant or lawyer, a common grievance for young Asian women. Looking to keep her options open, Wong completed a year in pre-medicine at university. A talented pupil in both art and science-based subjects, Wong sought a career that would satisfy her interest in both disciplines. She discovered that she could have the best of both worlds.

Twenty years ago, Wong entered the IP profession. In the same year, Hong Kong introduced its Patents Ordinance which introduced provisions for patent filing and grant procedures. Wong, who now works as partner at Hogan Lovells overseeing IP work in both regions, describes 1997 as an important year for patents: When I started, I was in Hong Kong and thought that there were going to be a lot of developments in this area. I wanted to be part of it, so I gradually moved my career towards China.

Now, China is seen as an international leader in patent filing and innovation. For years, Asia has topped the list for the number of patents filed. In 2015, the number of patents enforced in China went from approximately 600,000 in 2010 to almost 1.5 million. In the same year, China accounted for 84% of total growth in patent filing. According to statistics from WIPO, China accounts for more active trade marks than any other country (10.3 million), more than a third of all the worlds industrial design registrations in force and fully 90% of utility models in force globally.

Turning tables

The increase in patent activity creates a number of potential problems for companies operating in China. Wong explains: It has moved on from the run-of-the-mill IP infringement. The infringers are raising the stakes. In the past, infringers have pursued brand owners with aggression but shown willingness to back away, provided that they made money from their exploits. Wong says that this culture is changing: They see it as a very lucrative business, not just as counterfeiting or infringement, but an opportunity to turn the tables around and sue proper brand owners for gaps they probably didnt see in their IP protection. Chinese entities fight for the IP rights of well-known brands, supported by a wealth of financial resources. They realise that its a massive industry that is growing. Wong says dealing with such cases has convinced her that the legal system in China is by no means perfect, but tremendously improving.

While the Chinese courts are more sophisticated than before and growing in its understanding of international laws and precedents, they struggled with an increasing backlog of cases. In effect, Wong says: It means that some of them would like to render really good decisions, but because of the time and pressure constraints that they have, they are not able to. Three years on from the establishment of specialised IP courts in China, positive changes have been seen. The courts have awarded substantial damages to plaintiffs and introduced stricter judicial reviews. In Wongs opinion, the Chinese government need to bulk up its efforts to develop international credibility, by ensuring that courts and administrative authorities are rewarded based on the quality of their cases and not the number of cases they turn: This is something that the government needs to show the world, is changing, Wong says.

They want to be able to do well but they have only got so many heads, so many judges and so much time. For example, 500 cases for one judge in a year, realistically, renders it very difficult to deliver quality decisions.

Open doors

In a statement, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry highlighted the rise of patent and trademark filing in Greater China, praising the region for making great strides in internationalizing their businesses as the country continues its journey from Made in China to Created in China. In April, the Chinese Trademark Office announced a significant reduction in fees. Many say that this decision signifies a large stride towards rebranding China as an open economy and a friendly home for SMEs. Wong notes: They have cut the fees and it makes it friendlier, but my point is, does it really? Since they implemented the new reduced fees, what weve actually unfortunately found is that the threshold of hijacking trade marks or IP generally, has gone down.

Historically, they would have had to pay a lot more in order to hijack IP. That threshold has gone right down and opened itself to more abuse in that respect. On the surface, reducing trade mark fees makes IP accessible to everybody. Wong argues: This does not necessarily mean that it is going to make SMEs lives any easier, especially the ones with foreign backgrounds. It has meant that they are more vulnerable to hijacking and fruitless claims than ever.

What are most companies bound to overlook when entering the Chinese IP market? Several things, Wong says, but most commonly she says, many have not grasped the fact that hijacking is actually a commoditised profession. She adds: You can get a full course on how to hijack peoples IP, you just pay and find out. I have always said to clients: If China is going to become important to you, it is worthwhile investing a little bit of money, for your own sanity, to make sure youve at least done the minimum.

In spite of the culture of overtaking foreign brand owners rights, Wong is encouraged by the way that high profile infringement cases have been handled in recent times: If you look at New Balance, Michael Jordan  those cases completely flip at the other side. Recently, in the Michael Jordan case, The Supreme Peoples Court has accepted a retrial and the appeal by the China entity.

In many ways, theres progress but its still an ongoing thing. Its certain that the courts are much better than they used to be in dealing with these things. Everybody knows if you litigate and youre willing to take it to the Supreme Peoples Court, you get a good judgement.

The best of both worlds

According to Wong, China is also making great strides in female empowerment: If you look at decision-makers in a lot of law firms, the movers and shakers  there are actually a lot of women we aspire to and can see as role models in their own way. In her role as partner, Wong relies on her abilities in people and client management. As a woman, Wong draws on her nurturing and empathetic nature to bring out the best in those around her, something she says is part and parcel of being a partner.

Like many professional women, Wong had to make several sacrifices. Now than ever, as an accomplished IP practitioner, Wong counts herself fortunate to be part of the profession: Hats off to those before us for breaking that glass ceiling. If I look at my predecessors 10 years ago, they struggled a lot and they had to give up a lot of things; however at the same time, they had to deal with the question of what happens to women who are not willing to give up all of that.

Today, Wong is a passionate advocate for living to the full. She encourages women to reconsider their chances of having successful careers, as well as healthy relationships and ample time to themselves: I try to make them understand that actually, theres no one way of doing it right. Our predecessors did it that way, but moving forward, the young generation coming through do not necessarily have to sacrifice time for loved ones and having a family life. Rather than just assuming  lets discuss it and figure it out. Maybe there is a way to go about it so you can have the best of both worlds.

I have heard about someone going back to work three months after giving birth. I do not think that is the way to do it. I do not think that is the right way to propagate women leadership. Not everybody is able to do that and nobody should be asked to. This is something that the next generation needs to hear.
Dating a friend is widely recognized to be a pursuit fraught with potential complications. If it works out, great  but if it doesnt, well, theres a good chance the friendship wont survive unscathed. I learned this lesson the hard way when I started dating a friend in high school. Not only were we good friends, but our families were also extremely close and had been for years.

When we broke up nine months later, all the usual post-breakup awkwardness and bitterness were multiplied tenfold by the fact that we were forced to hang out whenever our families got together, which was often.

On the flip side, when we rekindled the flame after college, our friendship and the friendship between our families became one of the best parts about our more-than-friendship. We had a shared history, our siblings adored each other and we even went on a few joint-family vacations.

Having personally experienced both the positives and the negatives of dating a friend, Ill say this: there are few things more precious than a friendship that becomes more than a friendship, but there are also few things more painful than losing a romantic relationship and a friendship simultaneously. The stakes are uniquely high.

To commemorate the end of Friendship Month at Man Repeller, I interviewed five couples who braved the stakes and went from friends to more than friends. Below, their thoughts on what that leap was like.

Ashley and Kelly

How long were you friends before you became more than friends?

Kelly: We were good ol fashion friends from the fall of 2010 to the fall of 2011. We started dating in the fall of 2011. Then we were friends with benefits until I moved to Seattle, and then back to just friends until October of 2013.

Ashley: We met in a college class and slowly became friends. He made me laugh a lot, but I was very suspicious of him. He seemed mischievous in a way I wasnt. And he was a white boy with a slight country accent who drove a pick-up truck. I assumed hed be more into a woman who reminded him of Taylor Swift.

How long have you been together as more than friends?

Ashley: We hooked up for a semester in college, then spent about two years being mostly just friends again while he did an internship in NY (I was still based in Indiana) then moved to Seattle. After a year in Seattle he came back to Indiana to visit, and we decided to try and date for real. That was about three and a half years ago.

Was the transition a weird at first, or completely natural/inevitable-feeling?

Ashley: We talked so much about every decision and all of our feelings so that even when it felt weird, it quickly went back to not feeling weird. When he showed up in Indiana the last time, I was terrified to try and date ANYBODY for real. But it quickly felt natural and right after all that talking and sharing.

Kelly: I believe we handled the evolution of our relationship very consciously. Nothing felt weird to me, but the transitions didnt just happen on their own. At each new point, we always had a conversation to find out where we were and how we felt.

I think that viewing relationships as an inevitable thing that happens between two people who are attracted to each other takes away from the emotional vulnerability, and work, that goes into building strong commitments.

Whats your couple backstory?

Ashley: We met in a seminar that was set up like a production company, and I was his boss. We had a good time together as buds. About a year later, after ending a terrible relationship and getting fired from my job, I went to a party at his house. He asked if anybody wanted to go four-wheeling, and I said I did. That ended up being our first date.

Kelly: She didnt really know it was supposed to be a date.

Ashley: The second time around, after hed lived in Seattle, he just showed up on my doorstep and kissed me. Then he asked if I was seeing anybody. Weve been together since that day.

Do you believe in the When Harry Met Sally adage that two people who are attracted to each other cant stay just friends?

Ashley: Im bisexual, and if this were true, I wouldnt have any friends. I think all of my friends are hot. And I have been attracted to most of them at some point or another, just not in a way that I could or wanted to sustain. So, I didnt.

Kelly: I think that viewing relationships as an inevitable thing that happens between two people who are attracted to each other takes away from the emotional vulnerability, and work, that goes into building strong commitments. Also, it really doesnt say much for platonic friendship if you can only be friends with people you arent attracted to.

Whats the best part (or parts) about dating/being engaged or married to your friend?

Kelly: The person I want to hang out with most is right next to me when I wake up.

Ashley: No matter where I am or what Im doing, if Im with Kel, we can turn it into a good time. We dont just like each other, we also like A LOT of the same stuff. And we introduce each other to new things all the time. Plus, hes fun to talk to about anything because hes animated, opinionated and hilarious.

If your friend doesnt share those feelings, dont be angry with them. This isnt a betrayal. Its just a difference in feeling.

Any drawbacks?

Kelly: Well, you spend as much time together as you possibly can, eventually you get irritated for pretty much no reason.

Ashley: We sometimes get stuck in our little bubble, just seeing each other, just talking to each other, just hanging out together, and its fun for a really long time. Until it isnt. Then were annoyed with each other. One of our goals this year is to spend more time with other people because we need that to avoid some of those moments when were staring at each other and thinking, OMG, GO AWAY!

What advice would you give to someone whos started developing feelings for a friend?

Kelly: Talk to your friend, see how they feel, and go from there. Be prepared for it not to go your way and that being just friends with this person is probably a whole lot better than not knowing them anymore.

Ashley: Take your time with the feeling, and prepare yourself to be extremely vulnerable. Also, if your friend doesnt share those feelings, dont be angry with them. This isnt a betrayal. Its just a difference in feeling. Try to know if you can live with that, and if you cant, be honest about it.

Maggie and Brice

How long were you friends before you became more than friends?

Maggie: Almost a decade. He was always the standard against which I measured other men, and we dated a bit when we were younger. I would have liked it to be more then, but it wasnt, so we became friends. I was always very proud to call him a friend.

Brice: I always harbored a greater appreciation and respect for Maggie than just a friend.

How long have you been together as more than friends?

Maggie: The best year of my life. (So far.)

Brice: We could say weve been together for a year, but we could also say weve not been apart for eight or nine or 10 in many ways.

A decade of dating in NYC can teach you a lot about yourself.

Was the transition weird at first, or completely natural/inevitable-feeling?

Maggie: Brice had moved to LA. I was in New York, building AYR. The company had just gone through some big milestones and I was totally fried. Pretty much out of the blue, he said, Look, I need to get out of town. Im booking a flight to New Orleans for this weekend. Are you coming? I didnt even think about it. We both needed an adventure. The moment we saw each other  we hadnt seen each other in a while  it was on. It felt like being on drugs. Everything was The Best. I was struck by this visceral sensation, like This is The Point. Of being alive. It was real life, better than I could have imagined. It just made total sense, and was a complete surprise at the same time.

Brice: I should have been with Maggie since 08, but then again, I suspect I am better because of the experiences in between. Im certain she, recalling 08 Brice, would agree. A decade of dating in NYC can teach you a lot about yourself.

Whats your couple backstory?

Brice: [Defers to Maggie]

Maggie: We met at our first job. We both went to work for J.Crew straight out of school  he was in mens design, I was in womens merchandising. We sought each other out, dated, then became friends. We were friends for a long time. Wed find ourselves in the same city  Los Angeles, or Paris  because of our work, and wed catch up. Id ask him for career advice, hed ask me for relationship advice. We dated different people, made other friends, had our own adventures, grew up.

Do you believe in the When Harry Met Sally adage that two people who are attracted to each other cant stay just friends?

Brice: I dont subscribe to that belief. That adage is sweeping and reductive. I respect friendship more than a fleeting escapade. That being said, yes, some people (read: men) cant not try and sleep with their attractive female friends, Im just not that guy.

Maggie: I believe in it to the extent that when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. Also, that Mallomars are the greatest cookie of all time.

The relationships I admire most are ones in which both people are freakishly into each other, and the way they communicate  their humor, their empathy  is mirrored equally.

Whats the best part (or parts) about dating/being engaged or married to your friend?

Brice: Fundamentally, I believe a partner  be they husband, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend  is first and foremost a friend. If the characteristics of a good partner were depicted in a word cloud, with the most important characteristics being the biggest, friend should overshadow the rest. In my past relationships, it didnt, and ultimately thats why they didnt work out. The relationships I admire most are ones in which both people are freakishly into each other, and the way they communicate  their humor, their empathy  is mirrored equally. Being with Maggie, Im having that experience for the first time.

Maggie: Before I got together with Brice, Id actually been saying for a while that I needed to date someone who already knows me. Who I am is not for everyone, but I have no interest in being anything other than myself. I think the best thing about falling in love with a friend is that you both go into it with complete acceptance  and appreciation and admiration  for each other. Theres a level of security, confidence and comfort thats impossible to create in an instant. Those things have to be earned, built over time. We were lucky to start with that base.

Any drawbacks?

Brice: Nope.

Maggie: Nope.

What advice would you give to someone whos started developing feelings for a friend?

Brice: Do something about it.

Maggie: Book a flight to New Orleans.

Dom and Nick

How long were you friends before you became more than friends?

Dom: We were friends for about three years before before we became more than friends. We met as teenagers and hung out a few times but mainly kept in touch via Myspace (yes Myspace, haha) and Facebook.

Nick: I really credit social media with allowing us to even have a friendship. We didnt go to the same school or live in the same neighborhood, so if we werent able to communicate via Myspace and AIM, who knows if we wouldve reconnected later and started dating?

How long have you been together as more than friends?

Dom: We reconnected in person on the weekend of Fourth of July in 2010. Nick was visiting Orlando to help a friend move into her college dorm. I was going into my junior year at the same university, and Nick reached out to me and asked if I wanted to hang out. We hadnt seen each other for at least two years, but Id never forgotten the kinship we had when we met as teenagers, so I said sure. Things moved quickly after we met up. We decided we wanted to be more than friends, and on July 17th, we officially got together. Weve been pretty much inseparable for the past seven years.

Building and nurturing a relationship that survives all the hiccups is not as easy as movies lead us to believe.

Was the transition weird at first, or completely natural/inevitable-feeling?

Dom: The transition was both natural and inevitable-feeling. From the very beginning, we realized how much we had in common, and how similar our life plans were. Its rare to feel such a deep physical, emotional and spiritual connection with someone at such a young age. I knew there was something special between us.

Nick: Ironically, the weirdest thing about dating each other was discovering how much we actually had in common. We are both obsessed with the show Girlfriends (from the early 2000s) and can quote it endlessly. We also both prefer to watch movies with subtitles, which is so odd and we both hesitated before admitting it to each other.

Whats your couple backstory?

Dom: Six out of the seven years weve been together were long-distance. As I mentioned, we started dating in July of 2010, and Nick moved to Kentucky for college that August. We spent the entire night before he moved away to college cuddled on the steps of a lifeguard house on the beach (we went there often at night to talk and listen to the ocean), and I remember telling him, We will be good. We will be better than good. We will be great. Since that night, we have always gotten through rough times in our relationship by saying those words to each other, and truly believing them. For six years, the closest we lived was a four-hour bus ride between D.C. and New York, and the farthest we lived was a seven-hour flight between London and New York. The weeks and months we spent apart felt like centuries, and the short weekends and long holidays we spent together felt like minutes, but every time we got to see each other, I was reminded of why I would wait a lifetime to spend just a moment with Nick.

Nick: Ill add that while the long-distance aspect could have weakened our relationship, it actually strengthened it. It forced us to appreciate the little thing (calls, texts etc.) and cherish the limited in-person time we had when we were together. When you spend every day together, its easy to overlook that kind of stuff.

I think you can be attracted to multiple people over the course of your life, but its all about timing.

Do you believe in the When Harry Met Sally adage that two people who are attracted to each other cant stay just friends?

Dom: No, I think two people who are attracted to each other can stay just friends. Building and nurturing a relationship that survives all the hiccups is not as easy as movies lead us to believe. It requires purposeful, consistent attention in addition to care, patience, understanding, willingness to grow and compromise. The initial attraction is just the tip of the iceberg.

Nick: I agree. I think you can be attracted to multiple people over the course of your life, but its all about timing. If you have a strong connection with someone and the timing is right, theres a better chance that attraction could lead to more. Dom and I could have stayed friends forever, but the timing to take it beyond that was right for us.

Whats the best part (or parts) about dating/being engaged or married to your friend?

Dom: Knowing I have the space and security to be imperfectly me. When I am with Nick, I know that I can make mistakes. I can be corny, I can be wrong (he actually loves when Im wrong, haha) and I can be who I am. As a black man, especially one of Caribbean descent, there are harsh pressures to conform to a variety of heteronormative conceptions about masculinity, but that rubric doesnt leave room for my entire identity. The relationship Nick and I have built is strong enough to withstand those pressures and allows us to be ourselves, unapologetically.

Nick: Planning a wedding is also so much more fun when youre engaged to someone whos first and foremost your friend. We both enjoy the same style of party, so we havent had any disagreement or clashes. To me, the seamlessness of this process so far is further proof that I am marrying the right guy.

Any drawbacks?

Dom: Sharing the bathroom and the mirror.

Nick: Ditto. We really need a bigger bathroom.

What advice would you give to someone whos started developing feelings for a friend?

Dom: Ask yourself what youre looking for (e.g. A relationship? Marriage? A friends-with-benefits situation?). You may not know what you want, which is okay, but you should still communicate that to this person and find out what they want. Be open and honest, and communicate as much as possible.

Nick: Tell them! Its always sad to hear a story in which one friend is hopelessly pining after another but hasnt told them. If you dont speak up, youre either robbing yourself of a more than friends relationship with that person, or youre robbing yourself of the chance to move on if they dont reciprocate your feelings.

Amanda and Hans

How long were you friends before you became more than friends?

Amanda: Six months.

Hans: An intense six months. We met while studying abroad in Cape Town. We lived in the same house full of international students.

How long have you been together as more than friends?

Amanda: Eight years?

Hans: That sounds about right.

Was the transition a weird at first, or completely natural/inevitable-feeling?

Hans: It definitely felt inevitable, but it was a bit weird at first. We were so close as friends and spent a lot of time together. Plus, we were traveling and working in East Africa, so it was sort of a sensory overload to begin with. I guess Im drawn to taking on lot at once.

Amanda: Definitely inevitable, but there were a few awkward moments in the beginning we laugh about now.

There was a natural attraction, but to stay more than friends, we had to make a conscious choice to make it work. There were so many difficult factors.

Whats your couple backstory?

Hans: Ill pick up where we left off in Cape Town. The semester was coming to an end and we grew super close as friends, so we each separately devised ways to stay together longer  like we both got internships in Nairobi.

Amanda: I had a big crush on Hans and all of our friends knew  except Hans, of course. I devised a trip to East Africa and invited him to come along. He didnt hesitate.

Hans: On our way to Nairobi, we traveled through Tanzania to Zanzibar (otherwise known as the most postcard-perfect romantic spot in the world). Thats where we became more than friends.

Amanda: I remember messaging my friends and saying, Guys, it FINALLY happened.

Do you believe in the When Harry Met Sally adage that two people who are attracted to each other cant stay just friends?

Amanda: There was a natural attraction, but to stay more than friends, we had to make a conscious choice to make it work. There were so many difficult factors. I lived in Vancouver, he was living in Wisconsin, etc. We didnt just fall into a relationship  it took work. And still does!

Hans: I dont really believe in what Billy Crystal a.k.a. Harry said. I think people can be attracted to one another and stay friends. There are lots of attractive people in the world, and its not hard to make friendly small talk about bagels or the weather, but finding true compatibility is a whole different ballgame.

Amanda: Still great dialogue in that movie.

Hans: And City Slickers was okay.

Whats the best part (or parts) about dating/being engaged or married to your friend?

Hans: We laugh a lot and share so many memories. Does that apply to every couple, though? Since we were friends first, there was never a first date vibe  we kind of went straight into the good stuff.

Amanda: We share so many friendships that we built before we were together. Its really nice to have people in our lives that have known us separately as individuals and together as a couple.

Hans: Everyone likes her more.

Any drawbacks?

Hans: None really come to mind for me. Even though we were friends for a while, there was always an attraction and a courtship even if it was through the channel of friendship. I was more subtle and strategic, but Amanda was pretty blunt. The first thing she ever said to me when we met around a crowded dinner table was, Wow, you smell nice. She said it just a bit too loudly, so everyone heard and stopped talking and laughed. Thats when I knew we would be more than just friends, but it took a while. The delay was definitely a drawback.

Amanda: I didnt know we would be more than friends. I just thought you smelled good.

We share so many friendships that we built before we were together. Its really nice to have people in our lives that have known us separately as individuals and together as a couple.

What advice would you give to someone whos started developing feelings for a friend?

Amanda: Its a high-risk, high-reward scenario. Keep that in mind before you go for it.

Hans: If youre developing feelings for a friend, take it slow and easy. Explore those feelings and spend lots of time getting to know the different sides of your friend before you make a move. Try to spend time with them in all types of situations  not just the fun ones. Youll get a better idea of what type of partner theyll make. We took a road trip with a few other friends early on, and we had to do a lot of problem-solving.

Amanda: Definitely travel together. Its the quickest way to see different sides of someones personality.

Hans: Amanda held it down on our road trip. We got a flat tire on a dirt road in Namibia while driving a very ill-equipped Volkswagen. We changed the tire together, then dug the car out of what was actually quicksand a few days later. Best of all, we somehow kept our damage deposit.

Amanda: On all of our adventures Hans keeps us laughing, even when there are hiccups and flat tires.

Hans: If you can find a friend like that who youre attracted to, make a move.

Jill and Alex

How long were you friends before you became more than friends?

Alex: We met the summer heading into high school.

Jill: And quickly became best friends, so we were just friends for about eight years.

How long have you been together as more than friends?

Jill: Eight years now!

Alex: It finally happened during the summer of 2009.

I believe if theres a certain level of maturity, you can be attracted to someone and remain friends. People tend to see it as very black and white, but I think there can be a blur to the line.

Was the transition weird at first, or completely natural/inevitable-feeling?

Alex: At first there was some hesitancy because of our friendship and our shared group of friends. Other than that it was felt very natural.

Jill: Yeah, it felt pretty inevitable for me, too. There were times during both high school and college that we almost dated, so when we finally got together it was exciting. As Alex alluded, the only tricky was announcing that we were dating, because we shared the same core group of friends (although most of them claimed to sense that they already knew it was going to happen.)

Alex: It didnt really surprise too many people.

Whats your couple backstory?

Alex: After we met the summer heading into high school, we quickly fell into the same group of friends (and were all still friends to this day). We were definitely close throughout high school, but we never crossed the line beyond friendship.

Jill: We were freshman gym-class square-dancing partners, though! (Yes, that actually happened). Honestly, theres never been a time when I havent felt comfortable with Alex. I think weve always shared a mutual attraction (I for sure had a crush), and as far back as I can remember, we were remained close. We almost dated once in high school and again during college, but we ended up with other people instead. Even so, we still visited each other in college and spent time together whenever we were on vacation from school, so the friendship component was always there.

Alex: After college, we were both single again, and I was getting my masters at Temple University in Philadelphia while Jill was living and working in New York. I started visiting her as often as I could, despite working full-time and finishing school. Once I graduated, I made a serious effort to find a job in New York so we could move in together. Thats when it all fell into place.

Jill: Once we finally became more than friends, we never looked back.

Alex: Weve lived in the same apartment on the Upper East Side ever since, and the neighborhood has been a big part of our lives. Its like a map that shows the history of our relationship, from our favorite bars and restaurants to the spot in Central Park where I proposed to her.

It can be tough to open up to someone youve only just started dating, but when youve already been friends with someone for almost 10 years, theres really no going backward.

Do you believe in the When Harry Met Sally adage that two people who are attracted to each other cant stay just friends?

Jill: Nah, I think thats silly. I believe if theres a certain level of maturity, you can be attracted to someone and remain friends. People tend to see it as very black and white, but I think there can be a blur to the line.

Alex: Im going to be honest and say Ive never seen the movie, but the idea makes sense I suppose.

Whats the best part (or parts) about dating/being engaged or married to your friend?

Jill: There are so many, but the first thing that always comes to mind is that its just so easy. When we moved in together, I expected this huge emotional shift or weird feeling to set in that Id have to try and kick, but it was totally seamless, as if wed always been living together. We were already aware of each others emotional ins and outs, so we knew how to have hard conversations without yelling or fighting. Theres always a certain level honesty thats built-in. Also, because theres such a solid friendship at the base of our relationship, we genuinely love spending time together and can have as much fun alone as we do with groups of friends. Weve basically grown up with one another, so theres a silliness to our behavior when were together (my mother frequently shakes her head at us). Alex is my safe space, the person I turn to in order to get away from everything else. Theres no one we look out for more than one another. In the end, I think that a love based in friendship is a deeper kind of love, one that I didnt know existed until I experienced it.

Alex: Jill knows the real me. Theres no hiding. It keeps me honest but also allows me to open up more and build on that preexisting foundation. It can be tough to open up to someone youve only just started dating, but when youve already been friends with someone for almost 10 years, theres really no going backward. Just thinking about all of the things youve said and done in front of this person makes any new stuff less intimidating to share. I think our rhythm and rapport are the two things I love most about our relationship, but I am not always conscious of either, because both have always come so easily thanks to our friendship.

Any drawbacks?

Jill: Not for me.

Alex: Nope.

What advice would you give to someone whos started developing feelings for a friend?

Jill: There are a lot of variables. The longer youve been friends, the trickier it can be  but also the more rewarding. You just have to be honest and open with one another the whole way through. Thats key. If youre compatible enough to be friends, and you have a mutual attraction, the risk of crossing that line can absolutely be worth it.

Alex: Dont question it, but be prepared for things to get serious fast.

Photos by Savanna Ruedy and Edith Young.
Last year, Energy was the MSCI World's best-performing sector and ended 2016 on a relative upswing as investors cheered OPEC-led oil production cuts attempting to alleviate a supply glut. There was just one small thing folks didn't anticipate: surging US shale oil production, which has offset OPEC's weak efforts. By June 21, crude was down over -20% from a February high, and Energy stocks are down -10.1% year to date-the world's worst sector.[i] Last year's outperformance? Largely gone. Energy is now lagging cumulatively over the last year and a half-and is only ahead by a fraction of a percentage point since January 20, 2016-oil's low.[ii] With hindsight, it's clear 2016's Energy outperformance was a countertrend rally in a longer-term slide. Although sentiment is catching up with reality, with a fundamental supply overhang unlikely to dwindle anytime soon, we think it's still too early to load up on Energy stocks.

Oil's latest downturn is an extension of a much larger slide that began mid-2014. (Exhibit 1) But our story begins long before then, in the 2000s, when sky-high oil prices incentivized US producers to invest in the technology[iii] they'd need to tap America's vast shale oil reserves. Shale oil was expensive and difficult to access, but nosebleed oil prices made it worth the cost. It took a few years, but by 2012, the efforts were bearing fruit, and US oil production was soaring. For a while, oil bounced in a high range, as demand was also growing at a fast clip. But as China's infrastructure buildouts slowed and Emerging Market growth rates cooled, so did energy demand growth. Meanwhile, supply kept soaring. By 2014, supply growth far exceeded demand growth, sending prices plunging to just $26 a barrel in January 2016.

Exhibit 1: Oil's Wild Ride

Source: US Energy Information Administration and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, as of 6/23/2017. Weekly US Field Production of Crude Oil and Crude Oil Prices: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - Cushing, Oklahoma, 1/2/2009 - 6/16/2017.

Because oil exploration and production requires high upfront costs that can take time to recoup, US firms didn't start responding to lower prices with supply cuts until mid-2015. They retrenched through mid-2016, as oil stabilized. Meanwhile, OPEC (and friends!) decided late last year to implement long-sought production cuts. Although investors cheered the deal, they overlooked telltale signs of a US rebound as firms took advantage of stable oil prices and their own improved efficiency. Oil-related investment resumed rising in Q3 2016. Rig count started rising last June. Now US oil production is approaching prior highs, entirely offsetting recent OPEC-led production cuts. The oil glut shows no signs of abating.

A month ago OPEC (and friends!) decided to prolong cuts, but since they had little effect before, extending them will probably be similarly ineffectual. America has largely replaced Saudi Arabia as the swing factor for global production. As US producers ramp back up, they're doing so with far fewer rigs and less capital. (Exhibits 2 & 3) As of mid-June, the US produced 9.4 million barrels per day (mbpd), just under its 9.6 mbpd peak two years ago and 1970's record-high 10.0 mbpd. Yet firms are using less than half the rigs used in 2015 (and 1970). In 2015, it took 1600 rigs to produce 9.6 mbpd. Now it takes less than 800 for 9.4 mbpd. In 1970 it took over 1000. Costs are down, too. In 2015, producers sank around $130 billion into exploration and production investment. That now stands at $72 billion. With rigs and investment trending upwards, America is unlikely to relinquish its hard-fought swing producer status any time soon.

Exhibit 2: Near-Record Production Despite Halved Rig Count

Source: Baker Hughes' North America Rig Count, as of 6/26/2017. Weekly US Oil Rig Count, 1/8/1999 - 6/23/2017.

Exhibit 3: Near-Record Production Despite Near-Decade-Low Investment

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, as of 6/26/2017. Real private fixed investment: Nonresidential: Structures: Mining exploration, shafts, and wells, Billions of Chained 2009 Dollars, Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate, Q1 1999 - Q1 2017.

What's behind American shale drillers' surging efficiency and productivity gains? Technology! Big data and automation aren't just reserved for Silicon Valley, but the Permian Basin and everywhere else folks drill for oil. Remote sensors on equipment (measuring everything from well pressure and heat to boring bits' RPM), using data gathered to continually improve techniques, constant monitoring to avoid outages, and computer-directed drilling have made finding and pumping oil far more precise. Companies employing such methods have slashed time to market, labor and the expense needed to get new wells into production. Breakeven production costs vary, but in some US locales are now as low as $15 a barrel and are averaging in the $30s. With crude oil still north of $40 there is incentive aplenty to ramp production, keeping a lid on prices.

Sector sentiment is souring with pricing, but a prolonged Energy upturn probably won't occur without full capitulation and better supply/demand balance. Although US demand is rising (May deliveries were the highest in a decade) and could ramp higher as petrochemical plants sprout, demand growth is waning in China, India and Japan-20% of global oil consumption. Unless global demand picks up a lot or global supply falls much more than OPEC has announced, oil prices-and Energy stocks with them-are likely to remain in the doldrums. Or take Brazil, where recession is sapping demand (6% of global consumption) and contributing to the supply glut as local energy firms offset weak domestic consumption with foreign sales. Record exports are expected to make it the second largest non-OPEC supplier[iv]-after the US.

Even as sentiment is starting to sour, Energy P/E ratios are still far above the rest of the market. Now, a lot of that is due to Energy's 2015 - 2016 earnings implosion, but it could signal that despite Energy's most recent underperformance, investors have yet to capitulate. Last year's countertrend is testament to that. And since a bottom-fishing mentality remains prevalent-"the market's just dying for a reason to buy this thing"-sentiment still appears too high. Lastly, with US drillers working to pay off creditors and oil exporting countries in need of revenue for government coffers, shareholder returns seemingly aren't a top priority.[v]

While falling oil prices are bad for Energy stocks-especially with sentiment yet to fully surrender-markets overall remain unrattled amid hearty global economic and earnings expansion. Energy's time will come, but for now we believe better opportunities lie in other sectors.
COLLINSVILLE  A Martinsville man facing more than a dozen charges in Henry County and Martinsville pleaded guilty Thursday to two of them.

As part of a deal with the prosecution, Harry Luther Smith pleaded guilty to one count of felonious credit card fraud in Henry County and one count of misdemeanor credit card fraud (reduced from a felony) in Martinsville. As part of the deal, prosecutors dropped but could reinstate the other charges, which included multiple counts of obtaining money or property by false pretense-third or subsequent offense and credit card theft.

The 50-year-old Smith entered the plea in Henry County Circuit Court.

Summarizing the county cases, Henry County Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Awbrey Watts said a family member of Smith reported some unauthorized transactions on her debit card and she suspected Smith had taken the debit card. The card was used 11 times in Henry County, in amounts ranging from $20 to $60, for a total of $420.

Watts said the victim testified at court hearings that she wanted Smith home because of health and family reasons. Watts also noted that Smith waived his preliminary hearing.

The Martinsville prosecutor did not give details about the allegations against Smith in the city.

Smiths lawyer, Public Defender Sandra Haley, said her client gave a statement to the Henry County Sheriffs Office and implicated himself in the city cases.

Judge David V. Williams ordered a presentence report and set sentencing for Sept. 27.

HENRY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

On Thursday, Jackson Dean Whitlow of Ridgeway pleaded no contest to breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny and petit larceny-third or subsequent offense (a felony) in connection with an incident on July 10, 2016. Judge Williams ordered a presentence report and set sentencing for Sept. 27.

In another case, Amber Nicole Stultz of Martinsville pleaded not guilty to a charge of breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny and a charge of petit larceny-third or subsequent offense (a felony)

After hearing testimony, Judge Williams found Stultz guilty of misdemeanor accessory after the fact to breaking and entering and found her guilty on the charge of misdemeanor receiving stolen goods, instead of the petty larceny charge.

Judge Williams sentenced Stultz to a total of 24 months in jail, with a total of 12 months active and the balance suspended on conditions including payment of $816.50 restitution.

Stultz was charged in connection with a break-in at a home on Cardwell Drive on Nov. 14, 2016.

The defense maintained that Stultz boyfriend broke into the home and took some items (including some jewelry) because the home owner owed him some gasoline money, and that the boyfriend and Stultz later pawned some items that were taken.

PATRICK COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

Terence Dwayne Lewis of Angleton, Texas, who pleaded guilty to four charges of sale of schedule I or II controlled substance, was sentenced to a total of 40 years in prison, with three years and nine months active and 36 years and 3 months suspended on conditions including supervised probation and payment of a $1,000 fine and $670 restitution. The offenses allegedly happened on June 19, June 20, June 23 and June 30, 2014.

Wendy A. McCraw of Mount Airy, North Carolina, pleaded no contest to communicating threat, and the case was taken under advisement. A court hearing was set for June 18, 2018. The offense allegedly happened on June 4, 2015.

George Kevin Rucker of Stuart, pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing schedule I or II controlled substance. A presentence report was ordered and sentencing was set for Aug. 23. The offenses allegedly happened on Aug. 7 and Oct. 23, 2015.

Kelsie Deann Belcher of Claudville pleaded no contest to three charges of distributing schedule I or II controlled substance. A judge ordered a presentence report and set sentencing for Aug. 23. The offenses allegedly happened on Sept. 21, Sept. 22 and Sept. 23, 2015.

Julie Diann Padgett of Patrick Springs pleaded no contest to distributing schedule I or II controlled substance. A judge ordered a presentence report and set sentencing for Sept. 27. The offense allegedly happened on Jan. 25, 2016.

Amy Renae Penley of Stuart pleaded no contest to two counts each of distributing schedule I or II controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute schedule I or II controlled substance. A judge ordered a presentence report and set sentencing for Sept. 6. The offense allegedly happened on Feb. 17 and March 4, 2016.
Shortly after midday on 29th June, an eleven person jury delivered 6 unanimous verdicts of not guilty to spontaneous cheers in the courtroom at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The verdict brings to its conclusion a trial by means of which the Irish ruling class sought to bring an end to the fundamental democratic right to peaceful protest.

It has been an extremely revealing process, laying bear the underhand methods of the whole Establishment which rallied behind the prosecution; exposing the complete absorption of the Labour Party leadership into that Establishment; and in its timing, it exposes how the Irish ruling class is preparing to jettison the most elementary democratic rights in the period of class struggle that opens up.

In its conclusion, however, this trial has ended in an ignominious defeat for the ruling class and key pillars of the Establishment come out of it completely tarnished by the whole process.

Shocking charges

The events around which everything turned occurred on 15 November 2014  one month after a monster demonstration in Dublin of 100,000 against water charges. On that day Labour Party leader and minister in the Labour-Fine Gael coalition, TD Joan Burton, was leaving a graduation ceremony at a school in Jobstown in Tallaght, South Dublin. This working class town, like so many in Ireland, had been the centre of growing anger and protests against austerity measures, and in particular against the government's attempt to push through water charges. As Burton left the ceremony, she was surrounded by a hundred-or-so anti-water charge protesters.

Bundled into a car, Burton and her assistant ended up blocked in after protesters staged a sit-down protest in front of the car to chants of we wont pay. After two hours or so, surrounded by an escort of approximately 50 gardai, the Tanaiste were eventually able to leave.

The events were immediately seized upon by right-wing TDs and the media as anti-democratic, imprisonment, outright intimidation, kidnapping; with the critics including Enda Kenny and a certain future Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, who described the events as thuggery committed by socialists who want to turn Ireland into a Marxist Leninist Republic!

However, it wasnt until February 2015 that it became clear that the ruling class intended to make an example of the Jobstown protesters to stamp down on the bubbling discontent. Over ten days the Garda made dozens of arrests and finally the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) brought shocking charges of false imprisonment against six men including left-wing Solidarity TD Paul Murphy  charges which can hold a maximum sentence of life imprisonment!

The dark underbelly of the state

From the very beginning all sorts of irregularities have made it clear that the accused were not intended to face a fair trial. Clear measures were taken to gerrymander the jury including the exclusion of anyone from the Tallaght area; exclusion of anyone who had been involved in water charges protests; and the exclusion of anyone politically sympathetic to the defendants!

This manner of gerrymandering juries to acquire verdicts in the interests of the ruling class and its Establishment is not unique in the recent period. In the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chief, Sean FitzPatrick, over potential criminal involvement in the collapse of the bank, candidates for the jury were selected on the basis of their answers to such questions as Did you ever dislike bankers? and Have you ever been hit by austerity? He was, of course, acquitted.

A Garda stitch-up

Throughout the case it became clear that there was a clear conspiracy to stitch up the accused by the gardai. Whilst numerous statements were taken following the events to cook up a case against the protesters, not a single one of the protesters was interviewed. Garda statements levelled accusations of malice and violent language at the accused, and attributed a coordinating role to TD Paul Murphy, including three statements from senior ranking gardai that claimed Murphy had asked the crowed, will we let her go or will we keep her all night?

In the end, however, these statements, designed to paint the accused as violent thugs, were completely contradicted by video evidence. It became clear that a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice existed among the gardai  and possibly the DPP  from the very beginning. So blatant was the contradiction between the statements and video evidence, that the judge presiding was forced to instruct the jury to pay less heed to the former because of the frailties of human memory. One wonders how frail memories manage to make the same mistake, which would have convicted six men to life in prison!

A rotten institution

It should be a cause for alarm for every trade union activist and anyone on the left that it was only video evidence that stood between the Gardas accusations and working-class activists receiving potential life sentences. It is in this context that the calls by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) to make photographing and filming of gardai a criminal offence should be understood.

The underhand methods employed in Jobstown are only the latest in a whole series of events that have completely brought Irelands police force into disrepute. Not a week goes by in which new scandals do not engulf the institution. From the finances of the police college; to the invention of hundreds of thousands of breathalyser tests; to the barbaric publication online of a mentally ill woman walking naked in public, which led to her suicide  the Garda has been revealed to be utterly rotten. It now stands at rock bottom of public confidence at a time when the ruling class is increasingly forced to base themselves on police methods.

The demise of the Labour Party

Throughout the court case the role of Prima Donna fell to Joan Burton whose performance has totally laid bare the bankruptcy of the Labour Party leaders. Once the party of James Connolly and James Larkin, the trial has exposed unprecedented levels of collusion and complete absorption of the partys leading echelons into the state.

At times, the testimony of Burton turned the whole courtroom episode into what would have been a laughable farce had the charges not been so serious. In her testimony Burton claimed that she had been terrified and ran for her life  despite being under the protection of 50 gardai  as she was pelted by such threatening objects as water bombs and eggs.

Despite claiming to be cowering from a baying mob, Burton and her colleague found time to record their contempt for working class protesters on their phones; her colleague describing the protesters as the fucking dregs of society. Whilst stuck in the back of the car, the TD found plenty of time to reflect on, what Michael Collins would think about this? to the amusement of onlookers at court.

At another point her absurd pomposity carried her to the point of painting herself as a continuator of the ideas of James Connolly. It is hard to imagine the cognitive dissonance experienced when someone who holds the working class in such contempt simultaneously lays claim to the tradition of Connolly!

The media plays its role

All of these tricks however could not ultimately swing the case. When the not guilty verdicts came in, the bitterness of the ruling class representatives in the media was placed on full display. The Irish Times, in the most hypocritical fashion, slated the role of left-wing social media outlets for their lack of impartiality and implied that those who produced such material were guilty of contempt.

Another opinion piece went further and even brought into question the role of jury trial in the age of social media. Indeed, a section of the bourgeois will now be seriously considering whether this basic democratic right should not be elbowed aside.

This fury is in spite of the manner in which the mainstream media played its role in the whole affair: from constantly whipping up an image of the Jobstown protesters as an unruly rabble; the long and sympathetic coverage of the prosecution and the near-blackout which the defence received. The mainstream media, and particularly the national broadcaster, RTE, have been completely exposed as just one more prop upon which the Establishment rests.

In the aftermath, a whole series of journalists tweeted their dismay that they had not achieved guilty verdicts. Former Environment Editor of The Irish Times commented his shock that the Jobstown 6 have been acquitted. Had I been on the jury, I would have found them all guilty of imprisoning @joanburton. A producer at TV3 tweeted that Nobody wins on the Jobstown trial and that the victims get no justice. Another journalist and broadcaster tweeted, Feel huge sympathy for @joanburton & Karen OConnell. I would have felt terrified in their place. The list goes on.

Ireland: class divided yet politically fractured

That the ruling class could not achieve a conviction of 6 protesters despite the entire Establishment lining up against the accused  including politicians, the Garda, the DPP and the media  represents an utterly humiliating defeat on their part. Perhaps the most discredited party to emerge from the whole affair will prove to be the Labour Party.

After the crash in 2007 Labour almost doubled its vote as it benefited from the swing of the mood in society to the left in reaction to the crisis of capitalism and the austerity policies of the Fianna Fail-Green coalition. By entering into coalition with Fine Gael in 2011, it showed which master it really serves: the Irish ruling class. At the last election, in 2016, it was shattered receiving just 6.6% of the vote and only 7 TDs. This trial may well go down as a key turning point for the Labour Party, which can now barely be said to serve a political purpose, neither for the working class, nor for the bosses.

Meanwhile in 2016 the two main parties in Irish politics had their combined vote share slashed to below 50%, forcing Fine Gael into a precarious, de facto coalition with Fianna Fail. Such a scenario has stripped away any notion that there exist substantial differences between the two main parties of the Irish ruling class. As the crisis of Irish capitalism has progressed, the result has been that Irelands traditional parties have been increasingly discredited, whilst a bubbling mood of anger has developed within the working class.

However, in the absence of any clear alternative, a vacuum has opened up and the political landscape has become increasingly fractured with the electoral emergence of the Independent Alliance, Anti-Austerity Alliance/People Before Profit/Solidarity, and of course Sinn Fein, which has been its main beneficiary.

This is a pattern that we are seeing across much of Europe and the world. Where the traditional parties stand for essentially the same pro-capitalist policies and there exists no clear alternative, the electoral landscape has fragmented. The recent election in the Netherlands has illustrated this, as did the election in 2015 in Britain, when Ed Miliband lead the Labour Party on a pro-austerity programme.

A new period

However, the transformation in Britain after the emergence of Jeremy Corbyn is instructive. Once a clear point of reference was given to the simmering anger in society, workers and youth rapidly crystallised their frustration around this new movement. This was then reflected in unprecedented class polarisation in the most recent election, with Tories and Labour parties taking over 80% of the vote share.

The Irish ruling class are deathly afraid that some accidental factor could become a similar nucleation point in Irish society. Such a phenomenon would sweep up the tremendous anger in society and could even cause the traditional parties to collapse into each other, destabilising a two-party system that has served the interests of the Irish capitalist class handsomely.

The lashing that Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, received in the Dail from Solidarity TD Mick Barry following the trials verdict is a reminder of this fact. This is the reasoning behind Fianna Fails latest calls for Dail speaking rights to be reformed so that small left-wing parties see their speaking time dramatically reduced. The Dail cannot become a tribunal from which Irish capitalism finds itself in the dock.

Ireland is heading for a period of unprecedented instability. Workers in Ireland are increasingly looking at the economic recovery and then at their own stagnant wages and living standards and are beginning to ask why they too are not seeing the results of this boom. Meanwhile the Irish ruling class looks to the future with trepidation. The end of the recovery is in sight and a new, potentially worse, world crisis looms. Meanwhile Brexit threatens to turn Ireland into collateral damage in the divorce between Britain and the EU; and each new spat over tax and trade between the EU and the US finds Ireland caught in the crossfire.

A new period of class struggle is opening up in Ireland. The ruling class is looking to beef up its means of repression in response yet it has found itself defeated at the preliminary stages.
AMHERST -- Edward Leyden of Ben Franklin Design and Manufacturing in Agawam has a customer in Canada who wants him to make a tiny metal part using 3-D printing.

"Steel. Using laser beams to print in three dimensions using powdered metal dust. It is where we are going whether we want to or not," Leyden said.

Leyden plans to prove that it can be done to his customer's specifications and satisfaction with the help of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and some of the equipment officials there unveiled to local manufacturers Friday afternoon.

The University of Massachusetts Institute for Applied Life Sciences opened Friday with five laboratories, called "Core Facilities," for use by manufacturers. The labs in the campus Life Sciences Laboratories Building, 240 Thatcher Road, are the result of a $95 million state investment and $55 million in support from the university, said Andrew Vinard, the institute's director of core facilities.

The project included half the building and all the equipment and fit out.

While the program, and the building in which it is housed, have life sciences in the name, the facilities are open to many industries, not just those involved in life sciences.

Companies can rent lab space and time on equipment or they can pay the UMass labs to make proof-of-concept prototypes in short production runs using sophisticated equipment. The companies will use the labs along with UMass researchers.

"That's the only way it makes sense for me," Leyden said. "It doesn't make sense for me to buy a half-million-dollar piece of equipment to do a prototype. But that's what the machine would cost."

With just 28 employees, Leyden said Ben Franklin Design is at a disadvantage when it comes to high technology compared with larger companies. But UMass' equipment helps close that gap.

"And this gives you a bridge to then go out and get the business of manufacturing the part when it goes into production," he said.

He has a second project he'd like to take to UMass as well.

"This is a big expenditure," Leyden said. "So that's why it's important it gets used. That's why we need to get the word out."

More than 100 manufacturers attended the meeting. That's a big number on the Friday afternoon of a holiday weekend. The crowd included Kristin Carlson, president of Peerless Precision in Westfield and president as well of the Western Massachusetts Chapter of the National Machine Tool Association, a trade group, as well as Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash.

The five labs opened Friday are: advanced digital design and fabrication, called ADDFab, which includes 3-D printing; device characterization, which works with wearable medical devices; high-frequency sensor development, which involves measuring materials in very thin layers; roll-to-roll fabrication of nanomanufactured materials; and sensor ingratiation.

These five join existing labs also offered to private industry like mass spectrometry, human sleep and the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center in Holyoke.

Ash said he's part of an administration run by Gov. Charlie Baker that doesn't believe manufacturing will go overseas.

"We are at the forefront of bringing it back to the United States and especially back to Massachusetts," he said.

The challenge, Ash said, is to increase the workforce here, especially the high-tech workforce.

"We are unique in Massachusetts in that we have jobs chasing people," he said.
SPRINGFIELD  The lone remaining antique wooden bench salvaged from Springfield's Union Station has been restored and reinstalled in four parts.

And in the next 10 days or so, city workers will go to New York City to pick up two unused double-sided, 15 feet long by by 5 feet wide wooden benches from the famous Grand Central Terminal, said U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield.

Springfield Union Station reopened Sunday following a $94 million reconstruction four decades in the making. It was a project spearheaded by Neal.

But during construction, a collection of antique Springfield Union Station benches that were at the station were stolen or lost except for one. Police and the city are still searching for them.

The contractor that renovated Union Station, Daniel O'Connell's Sons, salvaged the lone remaining historic waiting-room bench for reuse in the reopened depot at a cost of $25,820. The company used woodworking shop John Carlo Woodworking, of Westfield, said Springfield Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Christopher J. Moskal. The SRA owns Union Station.

The bench was split lengthwise into a one-sided bench and then each side halved, making four small benches.

Plans to have the work done by students at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy did not work out, Moskal said.

On Thursday, visitors milled through Union Station's soaring grand concourse charging phones and visiting the newsstand/convenience store. At this point, the station is served by Amtrak and by PVTA buses.

Peter Pan and its partner Greyhound will follow soon with bus service, and in 2018 the Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin commuter train service from Springfield through Hartford to New Haven, where connections can be made to Grand Central.

Neal said Thursday that he and staffers went into the basement of Grand Central Terminal with flashlights to see the benches headed to Springfield.

Once in Springfield, they'll be used around the sides of the grand concourse and marked with a plaque explaining their origins at Grand Central, which opened in 1871 and is the busiest train station in the country, Neal said.
BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics have had a tricky time nailing down a meeting with free agent Blake Griffin because of clashing priorities, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

The source told MassLive.com Friday afternoon that Griffin is said to prefer exploring his options early in the free agency period. That has made things difficult with the Celtics, who have other priorities, like the pursuit of Gordon Hayward and potentially a trade for Paul George.

The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week that Griffin could be Plan B, behind Hayward, in Boston's dream of signing one star and acquiring another via trade. But Hayward has visits set with the Celtics, Utah Jazz and Miami Heat, and could take several days to make a decision.

As Hayward gauges his opportunities, Griffin will look into his own. There's some speculation the recent Chris Paul trade might actually raise the odds of Griffin staying with the Los Angeles Clippers; they are reportedly focused on keeping Griffin after losing their other top player. The Phoenix Suns are also reportedly scheduled for a meeting with Griffin this weekend.

Because of Griffin's long injury history, teams will likely want to examine his medical information before offering a big, lengthy contract.
Photo taken on June 29, 2017 shows a view of a press conference after the preparation meeting for G20 at German Chancellery in Berlin, capital of Germany. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

BERLIN, June 29 (Xinhua) -- European leaders met here on Thursday, seeking a united front ahead of the G20 Summit in Hamburg on July 7 and 8.

After a meeting hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the leaders of France, Britain, Italy, Spain, Holland, Norway, and the EU said to a press conference that they would work together on climate change and free trade at the summit.

Merkel said European countries wanted to send a message of "determination" at the summit.

Earlier on Thursday, Merkel said in a speech to German Parliament that she would fight for free trade, international cooperation and the Paris climate change accord at the international forum.

"We cannot expect easy discussions on climate change at the G20 summit," Merkel said, pointing to the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

"Our differences with the U.S. are clear," she said.

The U.S. "America First" policy also conflicts with European countries' support for free trade.

Despite the stark differences, European leaders expressed no intention to isolate U.S. President Donald Trump.

French President Emmanuel Macron told the press that it did not make sense to isolate Trump, saying Europe shared "a lot" with Washington, including tackling terrorism. But he hoped the United States would "return to reason."

Merkel also said she would seek to find "common solutions" with Washington.
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The US Department of State on Thursday approved seven deals of weapon sales to Taiwan valued at about 1.4 billion US dollars.

The deals, the first arms sales to Taiwan under the Trump administration, include sales of early warning radar surveillance systems, the joint stand-off weapon, torpedoes, missiles, electronic upgrades, and related parts.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the sales has yet to get the required congressional approval.
An actor of Peking Opera shows how to do the make-up on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2017, also known as Summer Davos, in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 29, 2017. Guests of the Summer Davos, which was held here from June 27 to 29, were invited to experience the Art of Peking Opera. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
(File photo)

DALIAN, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) pledged here Thursday to strengthen border security cooperation to fight terrorism, secessionism and extremism.

Plans for joint border defense action this year and the work of a team of experts in 2018 were approved by the fifth meeting of the leaders of border administration authorities of SCO member states, held in northeast China's costal city of Dalian.

The meeting, chaired by China, was attended by more than 30 representatives of India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorism Agency.

The meeting decided to include the joint border defense action into a three-year cooperation program of SCO member countries to fight terrorism, secessionism and extremism.

Border departments of SCO member countries will deepen border law enforcement cooperation, organize regular meetings and carry out personnel training, according to the meeting.

Chen Dingwu, head of the border administration of China's Ministry of Public Security, said border law enforcement has become one of the important cooperation mechanisms among SCO member countries.

Joint law enforcement actions and practical cooperation have been carried out in border administration, anti-terrorism and crackdown on cross-border crimes, which maintained the security and stability of border areas of SCO member countries, he said.
Columbia University researchers have developed a tool that is likely to revolutionize the way we detect and treat pathogens in everything from human health to agriculture to water. Using only common household baker's yeast, they've created an extremely low-cost, low-maintenance, on-site dipstick test they hope will aid in the surveillance and early detection of fungal pathogens responsible for major human disease, agricultural damage and food spoilage worldwide.

The study appears in Science Advances.

"Our biosensor allows us to detect a pathogen for less than one cent per test; it is easy to use, cheap to produce and doesn't require cold-storage facilities," said Principle Investigator and Columbia University Chemist Virginia Cornish. "It stands to impact agriculture and health, especially in developing countries, where it is arguably needed the most. We're excited about the possibilities."

The project began as a search to find a cost-effective, simple way to detect cholera, but quickly evolved to address other needs.

"We realized that the same household baker's yeast people use every day to brew beer and make bread could be programmed to detect a myriad of targets," Cornish said. "We can now alter the DNA of the baker's yeast to give it new functions that make it useful for a variety of applications. The prospect of using this technology in rural communities with little access to high-tech diagnostics is particularly compelling."

Around the globe, fungal pathogens present an increasingly urgent public health burden, causing an estimated two million deaths annually and inflicting devastating losses on plant crops and population decline in animal wildlife. Still, fungal pathogens and the diseases they cause are often neglected and research to combat them is underfunded.

"Fungal pathogens are known as 'hidden killers,'" Cornish said, adding that the devastation is most pronounced in resource-poor areas where efforts to reduce infections have been hampered by the scarcity of cost-effective fungal diagnostics. While monitoring of global pathogen burden has been mostly limited to a small number of specialized centers, she explained, more effective surveillance could be established by making cheap diagnostics accessible at the point-of-care. Traditional diagnostics often rely on costly reagents, cold-chain distribution, specialized equipment and technical personnel, all of which are largely unattainable on-site.

To address this problem, and in close collaboration with experts in public health, Cornish and a team of her students swapped out naturally-occurring cell surface receptors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or baker's yeast, with pathogen-specific receptor proteins. They started by building a biosensor for the detection of Candida albicans, a human fungal pathogen (a type of yeast) that occurs naturally in the human gut, but can cause serious medical problems and even death if the population gets out of control.

After replacing bakers yeast's natural receptor with that of C. albicans, the researchers then altered its DNA to enable production of lycopene, the pigment responsible for the red coloring of tomatoes. This allowed the engineered yeast to turn red when in the presence of a target molecule, in this case, C. albicans fungus pheromones.

The experiment was a breakthrough success. The sensor turned red when exposed to the fungal target. The team had developed a functional, simple, highly-specific, one-component sensor using only yeast.

Next, the researchers successfully tested their assay for the ability to detect ten additional major pathogens, including Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a fungus responsible for a progressive tropical disease affecting the mucosa in the nose, sinuses and skin, and Botrytis cinerea, a grey mold that causes substantial crop loss worldwide. In each case, the test functioned accurately without sacrificing any of the sensitivity and specificity attainable with other, significantly more expensive tests.

With an operational assay in-hand, the team set out to make it versatile and user-friendly, designing a one-step rapid dipstick prototype, much like an at-home pregnancy test, that can be used in complex samples, including whole blood, serum, water, urine and soil.

"New research in the area of synthetic biology has given us the ability to leverage live cells in the development of much more specific and helpful tools than we have had in the past," Cornish said. "Our assay can be cheaply made, economically produced at large-scale, widely distributed as a stable dried product for household use, robustly applied to complex samples, is not reliant on cold-chain storage, and can be readily detected by the eye without additional equipment, making it a compelling and completely feasible tool for surveillance of pathogens around the globe. This is critical for human health, food security, bioterrorism, and maintenance of biodiversity."

The Columbia team is currently in conversations with global health non-profits and worldwide research, technology, development and citizen groups to determine the needs of specific countries. They believe there are many more applications for their sensor, including use in virus and bacteria detection, and a biosensor for cholera, a potentially-lethal diarrheal disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera, is in the works to aid in African surveillance efforts.

"The possibilities, as we see it right now, are limitless," Cornish said. "We've just opened the door to this exciting new technology. It's the beginning of a journey rich with potential."

Cornish's student research team, all co-first authors on the paper, are Nili Ostrov, Miguel Jimenez and Sonja Billerbeck. Other co-authors are: James Brisbois and Joseph Matragrano, also of Columbia University; and Alastair Ager, of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, and the Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK.
Taking a low-dose aspirin before bed can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, which can cause premature birth and, in extreme cases, maternal and foetal death.

A trial, led by Professor Kypros Nicolaides, Professor of Foetal Medicine at King's College London, Dr Liona Poon of King's College, London with Professor David Wright of the University of Exeter, found that administering low-dose aspirin (150 mg) led to a 62% reduction in the rate of pre-term preeclampsia, resulting in delivery before 37 weeks.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found an 82% reduction in the rate of early preeclampsia, resulting in delivery before 34 weeks.

The double blind, placebo-controlled trail of 1776 women at high risk for pre-term preeclampsia found a lower incidence of developing the disease in women taking aspirin than those taking a placebo. Pre-term preeclampsia occurred in 13 participants (1.6%) in the aspirin group, compared to 35 (4.3%) in the placebo group.

The pregnant women were given a dose of 150mg per day from between 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy up until 36 weeks.

The results prompted calls for low-dose aspirin to be routinely prescribed to women at risk of the disease.

Professor Nicolaides, Director of Harris Birthright Research Centre for Foetal Medicine at King's College London and Chairman of the Foetal Medicine Foundation, said the results of the trial offered 'definitive proof' of the effect of aspirin.

"This extensive study is definitive proof that women can take simple measures in the first trimester of pregnancy to significantly reduce their chances of developing pre-term preeclampsia."

Professor David Wright, Professor of Medical Statistics at the University of Exeter Medical School, said:

"Over the last ten years, we have developed new methods for assessing the risk of pre-eclampsia. We have applied these to identify women for inclusion in the ASPRE trial. The results show that aspirin can prevent preeclampsia in high risk pregnancies. I hope that they will alter clinical practice and improve pregnancy outcomes for mothers and their babies."

Pre-eclampsia causes the flow of blood through the placenta to be reduced, restricting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the foetus which could restrict growth.

A family history of the condition, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease increases the probability of developing the condition.

Severe pre-eclampsia can develop in around 2 per cent of pregnancies, with mild pre-eclampsia in up to 6 per cent of women.

The risk of complications is considerably higher when the disease is severe and develops early on in the pregnancy. It can lead to premature birth and, in extreme cases, death of both mother and baby.

The results of the study were announced at the 16th FMF World Congress in Fetal Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia on June 28, 2017.

It is the latest in a series of trials which have demonstrated the positive impact of taking low-dose aspirin.

An analysis of more than 30 trials investigating the benefit of a dose of 50 to 150 mg of aspirin per day for the prevention of preeclampsia showed that such therapy resulted in a 10% lower incidence of preeclampsia.

An analysis of individual participant data from the trials, the effect of aspirin was not affected by the stage in the pregnancy it was introduced. But other analyses have shown that aspirin started at or before 16 weeks of gestation resulted in halving the rates of preeclampsia, foetal-growth restriction, and perinatal death, whereas aspirin started after 16 weeks of gestation did not have a significant benefit.

The World Health Organization already recommends low-dose aspirin for the prevention of pre-eclampsia in women at high risk and recommends it be started before 20 weeks of pregnancy.

In the United States, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends the use of aspirin in women with a history of pre-eclampsia in more than one pregnancy or a history of pre-eclampsia resulting in delivery before 34 weeks of gestation.

The Combined Multimarker Screening and Randomized Patient Treatment with Aspirin for Evidence-Based Pre-eclampsia Prevention (ASPRE) trial was conducted at 13 maternity hospitals in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Greece, and Israel.

All women who had a routine prenatal visit in the participating hospitals were offered screening for pre-eclampsia combining maternal factors, such as weight, family history, medical history including diabetes, mean arterial pressure, uterine-artery pulsatility index, and maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and placental growth factor.

Pre-eclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are leading causes of maternal and infant illness and death globally. Such disorders are estimated to cause 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths each year, according to the Pre-eclampsia Foundation.

Pre-eclampsia is usually characterised by a sudden increase in blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can occur after the 20th week of pregnancy and often results in pre-term birth. It can lead to convulsions (eclampsia), renal or liver failure, cardiac, pulmonary and other maternal health complications.

Preeclampsia, especially before 37 weeks, often contributes to health complications for the baby including growth restriction, developmental delays due to their prematurity, or even death.

Article: Aspirin versus Placebo in Pregnancies at High Risk for Preterm Preeclampsia, Kypros Nicolaides et al., New England Journal of Medicine, doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1704559, published 28 June 2017.
China will roll out a slate of important artificial intelligence projects and step up efforts to cultivate AI talent as part of the country's upcoming national plan to gain a lead in the cutting-edge technology, a senior official said on Thursday.

Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang said the country will soon release a national strategy to detail how to boost the development of AI through 2030.

China will launch a series of core AI research and development projects, devote more resources to nurturing talent, and accelerate the application of AI in education, healthcare, security and other sectors, Wang said at the World Intelligence Congress in Tianjin.

The plan is ready and will soon be released for public review, Wan said.

He also said more steps will be taken to build closer cooperation with international AI organizations and encourage foreign AI companies to set up R&D centers in China.

Thomas Jakob, Asia Pacific regional president at Bosch Software Innovations, which is the software and systems division of Germany's Bosch Group, said the new AI plan will have roughly the same impact on the industry as the government's Made in China 2025 initiative has had on the manufacturing sector.

"At the moment, 62 percent of investment into the AI industry is going to the US and Europe. This will change as what Wan said this morning will help China better nurture AI talent and improve in other areas," Jakob said.

China attaches high importance to AI, which is widely seen as an effective tool to boost industrial productivity and empower employees.

A report from consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts that AI will contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030 and China will be among the biggest beneficiaries of that, with a 26 percent boost to its GDP in 2030.

Robin Li, known as Li Yanhong in Chinese, CEO of Baidu Inc, said: "China will lead the world in AI development, since the country has about 700 million internet users who are highly responsive to new technologies. This is an edge no other countries can rival."

The internet titan has increased its AI spending and brought in former Microsoft executive Lu Qi to spearhead its plan of mass-producing driverless vehicles within four years.

Liu Qingfeng, chairman of the leading voice-recognition technology company iFlytek, said AI is highly technology-intensive and the upcoming national plan will motivate companies to emphasize basic science, the source of innovation.

"It will help domestic enterprises better access overseas resources and invest in foreign companies, and give China a bigger say in the global technology arena," Liu said.

The company is developing an AI-enabled robot capable of outscoring 80 percent of Chinese students in the national college admission exams to become eligible, theoretically, for admission to a top-level university in 2020.
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So a team of researchers from the University of Edinburgh set out to examine the association between intelligence test scores measured at age 11 and leading causes of death in men and women up to age 79.Their findings are based on data from 33,536 men and 32,229 women born in Scotland in 1936, who took a validated childhood intelligence test at age 11, and who could be linked to cause of death data up to December 2015.Cause of death included coronary heart disease, stroke, specific cancers, respiratory disease, digestive disease, external causes (including suicide and death from injury), and dementia.After taking account of several factors (confounders) that could have influenced the results, such as age, sex and socioeconomic status, the researchers found that higher childhood intelligence was associated with a lower risk of death until age 79.For example, a higher test score was associated with a 28% reduced risk of death from respiratory disease, a 25% reduced risk of death from coronary heart disease, and a 24% reduced risk of death from stroke.Other notable associations were seen for deaths from injury, smoking related cancers (particularly lung and stomach), digestive disease, and dementia. There was no evident association between childhood intelligence and death from cancers not related to smoking.The authors outline some study limitations which could have introduced bias. However, key strengths include the whole population sample, 68-year follow up, and ability to adjust for important confounders.They also point out that significant associations remained after further adjustment for smoking and socioeconomic status, suggesting that these factors did not fully account for mortality differences. And they say future studies "would benefit from measures of the cumulative load of such risk factors over the life course."This study is the largest to date reporting causes of death across the life course, and it provides us with interesting results, say researchers based in Sweden, in a linked editorial."Importantly, it shows that childhood IQ is strongly associated with causes of death that are, to a great extent, dependent on already known risk factors," they write. And they suggest that "tobacco smoking and its distribution along the socioeconomic spectrum could be of particular importance here."In conclusion, they say: "It remains to be seen if this is the full story or if IQ signals something deeper, and possibly genetic, in its relation to longevity."Source: Eurekalert
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One group received intravenous amphotericin B for 14 days

The second group received 300 mg of itraconazole twice daily for the first three days, followed by a lower dose of 200 mg twice a day for the remaining 11 days.

The risk for death was lower in the amphotericin group as compared to the itraconazole group

The healing was faster and the relapse rates were lower in the patients who received amphotericin

Amphotericin B cleared the fungus from the blood almost four times as fast as itraconazole, as noted through laboratory tests on day 8 of the treatment

As expected, the side effects were more common in the amphotericin group

Most of the side effects in the amphotericin group did not reach serious proportions. One possible reason could be the hydration and the electrolyte treatment that the patients on amphotericin B received before the treatment.

Le T et al. A Trial of Itraconazole or Amphotericin B for HIV-Associated Talaromycosis. N Engl J Med 2017; 376:2329-2340; DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1613306

. It infects the lungs and can spread to multiple organs. The infection has a high death rate despite treatment with antifungal medications.. A highly effective medication may not be the safest option, and vice versa. The same issue arises during the treatment of talaromycosis. The current recommended treatment for talaromycosis is amphotericin B for 2 weeks followed by itraconazole for 10 weeks. Amphotericin B is associated with serious side effects related to the kidneys and blood, and is also quite expensive. It has to be given by an intravenous infusion, which increases the cost of the treatment.In a study referred to as the Itraconazole versus Amphotericin B for Penicilliosis (IVAP) trial, (penicilliosis is the older name for talaromycosisThe patients were divided into two groups:Both the groups were hospitalized for these two weeks.After the first two weeks of treatment, both groups received 200 mg of itraconazole twice daily for 10 weeks, which was later reduced to 100 mg twice daily and administered until the CD4+ count was stabilized for at least 6 months. The CD4+ count is associated with the immunity of the patient.The patients, in addition, received anti-HIV treatment and preventive treatment forpneumonia, another infection commonly noticed in AIDS patients.The research team found that:In terms of effectiveness,. Though this effect appeared to be similar in both the groups at the end of 14 days, in due course, i.e. at the end of 24 weeks, the risk was almost double in the itraconazole group.In terms of side effects:and included infusion-related reactions, increase in creatinine levels (which indicates reduced kidney function), low blood potassium and magnesium levels, and anemia . The researchers suggest that since amphotericin B clears the fungus from the blood in 8 days, treatment with amphotericin B for 8 days will probably be enough. More studies are needed to establish this.Source: Medindia


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Sex dolls aren't a new invention for men looking to find escape through sexual release. However, there are some who are taking the concept a little too far, to the extent of declaring their undying love for these sex dolls. In one of their recent stories, Channel News Asia dug up one such rubber romance' between Japanese physiotherapist, Masayuki Ozaki and the love of his life', Mayu, a sex doll.

 AFP

One not-so-fine day, Masayuki found the love die out of his marriage when his wife gave birth to their daughter. They weren't having sex anymore and that left the 45-year-old physiotherapist distraught. After my wife gave birth we stopped having sex and I felt a deep sense of loneliness, he tells AFP. But the moment I saw Mayu in the showroom, it was love at first sight. He blushes as he reveals this. Masayuki found his silicone sex doll in the window of a sex toy showroom and now, she shares a bed with him.

He confesses that his family was initially revolted by the idea. My wife was furious when I first brought Mayu home. These days she puts up with it, reluctantly, he says. When my daughter realised it wasn't a giant Barbie doll, she freaked out and said it was gross - but now she's old enough to share Mayu's clothes. The arrangement triggered angry outbursts within the family of three, initially. However, Masayuki reassures that they arrived at a delicate truce' of sorts.

 AFP

The physiotherapist goes on to reason in the same interview about how he is turned off by human relationships and that Japanese women are cold-hearted, adding further that, They're very selfish. Men want someone to listen to them without grumbling when they get home from work. While we can agree that Masayuki might be having the emotional intelligence quotient of an orangutan, I'm secretly wondering what these women he talks about would say about the men.

Speaking more about his undying love for his erm sex doll, Masayuki says, Whatever problems I have, Mayu is always there waiting for me. I love her to bits and want to be with her forever. He further adds, I can't imagine going back to a human being. I want to be buried with her and take her to heaven.

 AFP

In another instance, 62-year-old Senji Nakajima, quips, Human beings are so demanding. People always want something from you - like money or commitment. The Tokyo-born businessman man has a girlfriend named Saori who is a rubber doll. In the same interview to AFP, Nakajima confesses how his heart flutters when he comes home to his girlfriend. His family too has been divided on his relationship with the doll; while his son has accepted it, his daughter hasn't. However, Nakajima who has separated from his wife, proclaims, She never betrays me, she makes my worries melt away, adding that he will never date a real woman again. They're heartless.

The sex doll industry (yes, there is an industry) is thriving off this newfound means of love. And more and more Japanese men are falling head over heels in a new kind of love with these dolls. Honestly it's just little; but a lot downrightly creepy. But, hey, love knows no heart?

Is real human love redundant now?
As you all probably remember, Kendall Jenner came to India recently to shoot for the 10th anniversary edition of Vogue India.

She flew down to Jaipur to shoot for the magazine, for which she was accompanied by Sushant Singh Rajput, and even got a lot of backlash for it.

Now, we finally have the episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians' with her visit to India.

In case you didn't know, KUWTK is a reality (debatable, tbh) show that has been documenting the lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family for 13 seasons.

In this specific episode, Kendall can be seen recounting her experience in India to her half-sisters, Kim and Khloe Kardashian.

Then she told them about how she met Prince Manvendra during the visit.

She talked about how Prince Manvendra's story was so interesting, and how he had a lot of similarities with her dad Caitlyn Jenner, who came out as a transgender woman in 2015.

And, Kendall ended up inviting him for dinner at Kim's house in Los Angeles.

When Prince Manvendra came, he talked about how he went to San Francisco to raise funds for making India's first LGBTA community centre. Then he proceeded to share his experience of coming out.

They were intrigued by his story and wanted to know more.

When they asked him about his relationship with his parents now.

Then Kim also pointed out the similarities Prince Manvendra's coming out and Caitlyn's journey as a trans woman.

Then they were discussing the stigma around the whole world regarding coming out.

They asked him when did he realize he was gay, to which he said he was about 12-13 years old.

He was then asked if he was still in touch with his wife.

And Kim seemed really touched.

And, finally seeing so much similarity between Prince Manvendra's story and her parents' story,she invited the prince to meet her mom Kris Jenner, for the latter to understand Caitlyn better.

You can check out a clip from the KUWTK episode here:
Commuters using the London Underground network are being enticed to visit China via a series of posters.

London-based graphic designer Zhang Xiaofei came up with the advertising campaign titled Beautiful ChinaChina Beyond Your Imagination after being approached by the China National Tourism Administration.

"Showcasing my homeland across this great platform in the city I live in means a greater responsibility, and, in a way, is more personal and intimate to me," Zhang said. "The location means the work will face a larger and more diverse audience than most other mediums." With around 5 million people using the London Underground every day, Beijing-born Zhang said it is "an important part of the identity and social fabric of this diverse global metropolis".

"With its iconic logo and mapping system, the London Underground is a design classic itself," he said. "It provides a great advertising platform for Chinese tourism."

The large posters are already on display in tube stations including Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Baker Street, and Bank.

Zhang said he aimed to avoid stereotypes in the campaign and felt it needed a "different style to give people a fresh and multi-angled perspective" on China. He also said it needed to make an immediate impact to attract attention.

"Shouting out loud only attracts the first glance," he said. "But the second glance is when you grab people's mind and, hopefully, heart. To attract a second glance, I felt the need to use a different tone, a different look and provide the space for an emotional response and a sensory experience."

Zhang said the tagline China Beyond Your Imagination provides an opportunity "to create a world for people to dive in and immerse themselves".

"A seductive illustration style was used to construct atmospheric, dream-like scenery," he said. "The most rewarding thing was seeing many people stopping and standing in front of the postersletting people immerse themselves in that world for a brief moment, and that world would be the China beyond your imagination."
(File photo)

China and Russia will depict strategic deployment on their ties during Chinese President Xi Jinpings upcoming state visit to Russia, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui wrote in an article published on the Peoples Daily on Thursday, adding that the visit will bolster both sides efforts to dovetail the Belt and Road initiative with Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

Xi will kick off his Russian trip on July 3, followed by a visit to Germany, the Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.

China and Russia have maintained their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination at a high level in recent years, which can be evident by their more frequent high-level exchanges, closer pragmatic cooperation, booming cultural communication, increasingly intensified international collaboration, as well as sound exchange mechanisms between governments, enterprises and the public.

The social foundation backing good-neighborly and friendly ties have been cemented as well.The mature, stable and healthy China-Russia relationship has grown into a role model for the new type of state-to-state relationship in contemporary world and ballast stone for regional and world peace and stability, said the article.

Russia, as Chinas biggest neighbor and an indispensable stop along Belt and Road routes, echoed the China-made proposal in an active way.

The joint statement on aligning the Belt and Road initiative with the EEU signed by Xi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in May 2015 has proven the unwavering will of the two countries in building a community with shared future.

It also significantly expanded their strategic cooperation space, and added new energy for China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

The article also outlined the fruits yielded from their alignment since the statement was issued two years ago, citing the examples of energy sector, connectivity, cooperation in big projects, financial investment, economic and trade areas as well as people-to-people exchanges.

The eastern section of the China-Russia natural gas pipeline is under smooth progress, and Russia is to supply China with natural gas as planned upon its completion.

Besides, the first-stage construction of the Yamal liquid natural gas project involved by both countries will be completed by the year end.

In terms of connectivity, both the cross-border railway bridges linking Northeast China and Russias Far East region, and the big transport corridors are under steady construction. China Unicom, Chinas leading telecommunications operator, also established its business in Moscow.

In addition, China and Russia have made progress in some big projects, including the development of long-range and wide-body aircraft and heavy-lift helicopters.

China Development Bank and Export-Import Bank of China have secured a series of big investment deals with Russian financing institutions, the ambassador said, adding that Russias central bank has set up its office in China, while RMB clearing center was launched in Moscow.

Two-way trade between China and Russia recovered as well. The amount totaled at 223.1 billion yuan ($32.8 billion) in the first five months of 2017, up 33.7 percent on year-on-year basis.

Agricultural products as well as oil and gas equipment have grown into new engines of bilateral economic and trade cooperation. The booming cultural exchanges can be proven by medias enthusiasm for Year of China-Russia Media Exchange, as well as the institutionalization of their media forum.

Documentaries such as This is China and Hello, China co-produced by the two nations also draw people in both countries closer, he said at last.
Facts over ratings or just ratings over facts? Recently, it is like CNN and other Western mainstream media outlets are living some sort of unawakenable nightmare. In the first week of June, CNN was accused of cooking up a Muslim-led anti-terror protest after the London attacks. The video posted on social media showed CNN directing protesters where to stand with their signs and was also accused of providing printed out papers and props. The network called the allegations nonsense.

This was just days after the phrase CNN is ISIS started trending on Twitter after the website Infowars offered a $1,000 prize for anyone who is seen on TV with a CNN is ISIS t-shirt or sign, as an example to point out mainstream media bias.

CNNs nightmare continued when the cable news network was forced to retract and apologize for its story linking Anthony Scaramucci, an advisor to US President Donald Trump, with investigations into the Russian Direct Investment Fund. Three CNN journalists resigned after the publication of the Russia-related article involving Trump, Lex Harris, who oversaw the investigations unit, and two editors who worked on the piece.

Trump responded to the news on Twitter. Wow, CNN had to retract big story on Russia, with 3 employees forced to resign. Trump wrote on June 27. What about all the other phony stories they do? FAKE NEWS!

CNN Communications responded to Trumps accusation that CNN is falsely pushing phony Russian stories and losing viewers, saying that CNN just posted its most-watched second quarter in history.

Apart from saying that CNN was caught cold cooking up fake news, Trump called other networks and newspapers, including NBC, CBS, ABC, The New York Times, and Washington Post, all fake news.

But perhaps the US media and Trump are kissing cousins in the quest for ratings. I use the media the way the media uses meto attract attention, Trump wrote in his book Great Again, calling his relationship with the media a mutually profitable two-way relationship. In other words, one thing, and one thing only matters: ratings.

An undercover video released by James OKeefes Project Veritas seems to support the theory that ratings have more value than facts in the Western media. The video shows a CNN producer, John Bonifield, saying that Trump was probably right that the Trump-Russia story is a witch hunt. Calling the whole Russia story nonsense, the producer admitted that the continuous coverage is all about ratings in the end. Our ratings are incredible right now.

Trumps recent tweet attacking the Morning Joe show on MSNBC lends further support to the argument that ratings are king. The show, co-hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, is harshly critical of Trump and has even questioned his mental state. Trump called Scarborough a psychopath and Brzezinski stupid and crazy. Though Trump was slammed for his harshly worded tweet, Scarborough recently admitted that Trump is the reason behind his record ratings. Donald Trump is only making the media stronger, Scarborough said. We have record ratings for us at Morning Joe, record ratings for the subscription increases at The New York Times, the Washington PostEverybody is getting more viewers.

But it is not just Trump who has been abused by the news media. A recent paper found that US coverage of Muslims and refugees is predominantly negative as well. Furthermore, the Western media has a strong anti-China bias, often exaggerating the countrys negative aspects while downplaying the positives. In fact, China has been on the receiving end of Western media bias and wrong stereotypes for years, unfairly tarnishing its hard-won image on the world stage. The reason for some of the bias is because the Western media is trying to catch viewers eyes, other times it is because of ulterior political motives by some individuals and organizations. As the largely negative Trump coverage clearly shows, the US media does take sides for various reasons.

In the case of China, the examples are endless. Countless stories and opinions try to cast China as a threat or a devil on the world stage, from CNNs distortion of facts in covering the riot in Lhasa in March 2008, capital of Chinas Tibet Autonomous Region, to how the situation of the countrys millions of Chinese Muslims are discussed, many stories do not present China fairly and accurately.

For example, a Twitter user who goes by the name of Aisha from China and who claims to be a proud Chinese girl currently living in Pakistan recently posted a video of Muslims in Shanghai marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The video, taken from a high-rise residential building in Shanghai, shows the entire street below full of Chinese Muslims freely and openly practicing their religion. The famous Huxi Mosque in Shanghais Putuo District can be seen in the background, one of the many mosques in China.

In response to the video, one Twitter user said that many media reports say that Chinese Muslims are not allowed to pray or fast during the Muslim holiday, and asked if that was true. This pink warrior, as some Western media outlets call young tech-savvy Chinese who love their nation, wrote that Western newspapers just want to defame China, and in fact, Chinese Muslims are free to practice their religious activities. A user responded to her, saying that although Western media is against China social media is changing its monopoly by presenting a truer, fairer picture of China and the world. Others showed surprise after watching the video, saying they did not know so many Muslims live in China. One user even wrote that this proves Chinese Muslims are free to follow their religious obligations.

Try as one might, you would be hard-pressed to find such stories in the Western media, because frankly, it does not fit the Western narrative about China. Instead, you will almost certainly be given a completely different picture of China because the majority of stories and opinions appear to be overwhelmingly negative and frankly sometimes just outright dishonest. Thus, it is important to keep in mind that, while there is good reporting on China, media bias and stereotypes about China, as well ulterior political motives by some individuals and organizations, can and do unfairly distort the image of China.
Yesterday, an attempt was made to force the negotiations. We averted this with clarity. We will not allow anyone to ask for all or nothing. The negotiations are aimed at our reaching a compromise that benefits all sides. I explained to my colleagues that the Greek Cypriot side, like Greece, has the Law and the force of the Law, while the other side has the occupation and the army. This is the negotiation.
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MOD) has rebutted doubts about the combat capability of China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning.

MOD spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian called the claim idiotic nonsense at a regular press conference on Thursday when asked to comment on the remark made by some Japanese military experts. The experts claimed that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Izumo-class helicopter destroyer can sink the Liaoning in half an hour.
The US Department of the Treasury on Thursday blacklisted a Chinese bank, which it claimed conducts illicit dealings with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The Treasury says that the Bank of Dandong is a "primary money-laundering concern" and a "conduit for illicit the DPRK's financial activity." It proposes to remove the bank from the US financial system, pending a 60-day review period.

The department also sanctioned two Chinese individuals and one Chinese company, Dalian Global Unity Shipping Co., Ltd., over allegations of illegal dealings with the DPRK.

(Photo: News.cn)

"This is not directed at China. This is directed at a bank, as well as individuals and entities in China," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

The US is looking forward to continue working with the Chinese government to cut off the DPRK's illicit activities, he added.

The Chinese government has, on lots of occasions, reiterated its firm stance to promote denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and negotiation.

The Treasury's move came as South Korea's new president Moon Jae-in visited the US to discuss steps to push the DPRK to abandon its weapons programs.

Moon arrived in Washington late Wednesday on his first foreign visit since taking office earlier this month. Trump and Moon is scheduled to hold talks on Friday.
WASHINGTON, June 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and sanctions against some Chinese entities and individuals undermine the mutual confidence between China and the United States, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said here Thursday.

"And all these actions - sanctions against Chinese companies and especially arms sales to Taiwan - will certainly undermine the mutual confidence between the two sides and runs counter to the spirit of the Mar-a-Lago summit," Cui told reporters.

Stressing that China is always firmly opposed to arms sales to Taiwan, which, Cui said, violate the one-China principle as well as the three joint communiques between China and the United States.

On the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, China is implementing UN Security Council resolutions "fully and effectively," said Cui.

"If there is any Chinese entity or individual that violates UN sanctions, we'll conduct our investigation and we'll pursue the case in the court with the Chinese law," said Cui.

"But we are against this kind of so-called long-arm jurisdiction by the U.S. side," added Cui.

The U.S. State Department confirmed on Thursday that it had formally notified the U.S. Congress of arms sales to Taiwan valued about 1.42 billion U.S. dollars.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday also announced sanctions against a Chinese bank, a Chinese company and two Chinese individuals for allegedly helping the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
(Photo: Chinanews.com)

Chinas top diplomat to the U.S. denounced Washingtons latest decision to sell arms to Taiwan, which the U.S. Department of State announced late Thursday.

Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai debunked the U.S. government's statement, which said that arms sales would maintain Taiwans confidence to engage with the Chinese mainland in dialogue to improve cross-Strait relations.

Arms sales to Taiwan undermine the fundamental principle of cross-Strait relations and threaten, rather than support, the peace and stability across the Strait, which does nothing to serve the interests of the U.S., the ambassador told reporters at a reception event held by the Chinese Embassy on Thursday.

The Chinese ambassador stressed that China is always firmly opposed to arms sales to Taiwan, which violate the one-China principle as well as the three joint communiques between China and the United States.

The sale, valued about $1.42 billion, requires congressional approval, and would be the first to Taiwan under U.S. President Donald Trump and the first since December 2015.
Top-of-the-Thumb Leisure Ministries (TTLM) welcomes everyone to attend Pigeon River Mennonite Church on Sunday evening, July 2. A gifted pianist, Michelle Kuhl and Bill Osborne will present an evening of music and inspiration.

This event is part of TTLM's annual Vesper Series this summer. The program begins at 7 p.m. The air-conditioned church is located at 7120 Geiger Road, just south of Pigeon. After the program, there will be a time of fellowship and refreshments. Marvin Tulppo will serve as worship leader for the evening and the refreshments will be provided by Chandler Presbyterian and Kinde Presbyterian.
BAD AXE -- A Port Austin man was given a year in the county jail, a circuit judge ordered Monday, for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl sometime between 2015 and 2016.

At his February arraignment, Brandon Howard Mauk was charged with criminal sexual second-degree and accosting children for immoral purposes.

Mauk, 31, eventually took a plea agreement from the Huron County Prosecutor's Office in March, which resulted in him pleading guilty to an amended charge -- assault with intent to commit sexual penetration.

In exchange, the other charges were dismissed.

Mauk admitted to Huron County Circuit Judge Gerald M. Prill that his daughter had a friend spend the night for a sleepover and he sexually touched the 11-year-old girl when he tucked the girls into bed.

Mauk told Prill at arraignment that he placed his hand on her vagina for his own "sexual gratification."

The victim is not related to the defendant.

Mauk and his attorney William R. Weise appeared before Prill on June 26 for sentencing. Mauk faced up to 10 years in prison for the crime.

Prill placed the defendant on a 5-year probation period before handing down a 365-day sentence in the Huron County Jail. Mauk was given credit for 193 days served and ordered to pay $258 in fines and costs.

Mauk was also placed on Michigan's sex offender registry and cannot have contact with the victim or any person under the age of 17.
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...
President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in were meeting for the first time Thursday on the way forward against the growing North Korea threat that a top White House official said demands action.

A senior White House official speaking on background Wednesday said Trump was focused on ramping up diplomatic and economic pressure but Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the White House National Security Adviser, said later Wednesday that force was a possible option.

"What we have to do is prepare all options because the president has made clear to us that he will not accept a nuclear power in North Korea and a threat that can target the United States and target the American population," McMaster said at the Center for a New American Security.

"The threat is much more immediate now and so it's clear that we can't repeat the same approach -- failed approach of the past," McMaster said in an apparent reference to the Obama administration's policy of "strategic patience."

Moon was arriving at the White House with the Republic of Korea (ROK) delegation Thursday evening to be followed by dinner with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

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In an interview with Reuters last week, Moon, who campaigned for election on a policy of restarting peace talks with North Korea, said progress would depend on building a personal relationship with Trump.

"If President Trump and I make strong personal ties of friendship and trust and if we were to try to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue on the basis of these personal ties, then I believe we will be able to achieve the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue," Moon said.

"Together we will achieve the dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear program, peace on the Korean Peninsula and eventually peace in Northeast Asia," Moon said.

The White House talks came amid renewed warnings from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford that any conflict on the peninsula would devastate Seoul and inflict horrific casualties on the 25 million people, including an estimated 300,000 U.S. citizens, in the metropolitan area.

Here is how the forces on peninsula shape up, according to Pentagon reports to Congress, the Army's Training and Doctrine Command, numerous think tank reports and a 324-page white paper from the South Korean Ministry of Defense.

North Korea

North Korea is believed to have between fifteen to twenty nuclear weapons and has successfully tested a series of short, medium, intermediate-range, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

To date, North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, most recently in January and September of 2016 under the leadership of dictator Kim Jong-un.

North Korea also claims to have miniaturized a nuclear warhead to be small enough to place on a missile and has attempted to develop an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland, according to a recent report by the Council on Foreign Relations.

The North is also believed to have an arsenal of chemical weapons, including sulfur mustard, chlorine, phosgene, sarin, and VX nerve agents.

The North has also been building up its conventional forces. North Korea ranks fourth among the world's largest militaries with more than 1.1 million personnel in the country's armed forces, accounting for nearly 5 percent of its total population.

In addition, North Korea has seven million personnel in reserve, according to the U.S. Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

To back its military, the North has been "channeling resources into developing the defense industry as a top priority in order to maintain its war sustainment capability. North Korea has an estimated 300 armament factories," the South Korean Ministry of Defense said.

"With most of its war supplies stored in tunnel storage facilities, North Korea is assessed to possess a stockpile of war supplies that can last one to three months," the Ministry said.

North Korea's strategy is guided by the Juche principle -- "self-reliance in defense" -- and the Songun, or military first, policy. About 70 percent of its ground forces are forward-deployed toward the De-Militarized Zone at the 38th parallel.

"North Korea maintains a readiness posture capable of carrying out a surprise attack on the South at any time. The forward-deployed 170mm self-propelled guns and 240mm Multiple Rocket Launchers, for instance, provide North Korea with the means for massive, concentrated surprise fire on the greater Seoul metropolitan area," the South Korean Ministry of Defense said.

According to U.S. Defense Department reports, North Korea is believed to have more than 1,300 aircraft, nearly 300 helicopters, 430 combatant vessels, 250 amphibious vessels, 70 submarines, 4,300 tanks, 2,500 armored vehicles, and 5,500 multiple-rocket launchers.

The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) also estimates that North Korea has more than 4,000 artillery tubes along the DMZ.

"Much of the KPA (Korean People's Army) artillery is located in hardened positions forward along the border to maximize its weapons systems' ranges without needing to reposition to fire its opening salvos," TRADOC said in a "Threat Tactics Report."

TRADOC said that "Although the North Korean military may feature some positive attributes, the KPA suffers from many weaknesses as well. Much of the military's equipment is old and obsolete."

"The North Korean military consciously refuses to rid itself of any equipment and still operates tanks that date back to World War II," TRADOC said.

South Korea and U.S.

The South Korean army has about 490,000 troops, 2,400 tanks, 1,700 armored vehicles, 5,900 field artillery pieces and multiple-rocket launchers, 60 guided missiles and 600 helicopters.

The South Korean Navy has about 70,000 sailors and 110 surface combatants. The Air Force has about 60,000 airmen and 410 combat aircraft.

U.S. Forces-Korea, under the command of Army Gen. Vincent Brooks, consists of the Eighth U.S Army (EUSA), U.S. Naval Forces, Korea (NAVFOR-K), U.S. Air Forces, Korea (USAFK), U.S. Marine Forces, Korea (MARFOR-K), and the Special Operations Command, Korea (SOCKOR).

Brooks also serves as commander of the United Nations Command and commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command in the event of war.

The U.S. has about 28,000 troops in South Korea, 90 combat aircraft, 20 attack helicopters, 50 tanks, 130 armored vehicles, 40 field artillery pieces and multiple-rocket launchers and 60 anti-air Patriot missiles, according to South Korea's Ministry of Defense.

The U.S. has also deployed two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile launchers south of Seoul, but the new government has held up deployment of a full battery of six launchers pending an environmental study.

In addition, the U.S. has planned a massive response to back up the 28,000 U.S. troops already in South Korea in the event of conflict, according to the South Korean Ministry of Defense.

"The U.S. augmentation forces to be deployed to the Korean peninsula in the event of a war to support the defense of the ROK, consist of 690,000 ground, naval and air force troops, 160 vessels and 2,000 aircraft," the Ministry said.

"Pursuant to Article 2 of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the ROK and the U.S., the augmentation forces are to be increased progressively based on how the crisis situation develops," the Ministry said.

--Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Odd translation of Chinese dishes names likely to disappear, thanks to national translation guidance

The odd translation of Chinese dishes names into English will disappear soon, as a policy released by Chinese authorities on June 20 will take effect on December 1st. The policy will guide English translations for food and other services.

Translations of Chinese dishes with names that are odd, such as Chicken without Sex, Four Glad Meat Balls, and Tofu Made by Woman with Freckles, have created misunderstandings for years.

In fact, there is a lot of variety in Chinese cuisine, and their names have a lot of cultural meaning. Dishes are named according to appearance, taste, cooking methods, and ingredients, but their names also come from cultural elements, including the historical allusions and folk customs behind them.

Taking Dongpo Pork as an example, it implies the life story of Su Dongpo, a famous litterateur of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 A.D.). The Four-Joy Meatballs (Meat Balls Braised with Brown Sauce) contains peoples expectations for happiness, affluence, longevity, and joy. Research into their translation is as interesting as tasting the delicacies.

As a matter of fact, the ungrounded translations reflect a lack of service awareness, as names can influence foreign diners understanding of both Chinese delicacies and Chinese culture.

The new guidelines will standardize translation of dishes names, so that diners will not be puzzled by odd translations while enjoying the many delicacies in Chinese restaurants, both in China and overseas.
Panama JIT is a fixed match: Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri

Addressing a ceremony held in the memory of the martyrs of Model Town tragedy in Model Town in Lahore, PAT Chairman Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has said that the Panama JIT is a fixed match and some people are playing the role of a gate-keeper. He said that strategy for the next election is being formulated in the JIT proceedings. He said that those who have respect feel it when it is violated, adding that the rulers are not bothered about such notions as respect and honour.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri said that if there had been rule of law in the country, the martyrs of the Model Town tragedy would not have remained deprived of justice despite passage of three years. He said that he knows full well that he would not be able to get justice from these institutions, adding that he would continue to demand dispensation of justice till the last breath of his life. He said that in case of his death, his struggle for justice will be carried on by his next generation. He said that we would not allow the perpetrators of the Model Town tragedy become Raymond Davis. He said that suo moto notices were taken on as trivial matters as prices of sugar and samosas but the merciless shooting of around 100 innocent people could not be spotted.

The PAT Chairman said that Parliament has been rendered voiceless in the country. He said that institutions earn respect only when there is rule of law in the country. He said that we are knocking on the doors of courts for justice, further stating that the second and the third round of the Qisas movement is still left. He said that we have neither forgotten the faces of the killers nor the blood of the innocent people. He said that perpetrators are sitting in the government, and it is for this reason as to why the law is unable to take its course.

Dr Qadri said that the JIT of the government described the fake FIR registered by Police as defective during the investigation. Despite this, 42 PAT workers are being dragged in the anti-terrorism court for last three years. He said that the families of the martyrs have been kept deprived of their right for constitution of a neutral JIT for transparent investigation into the Model Town massacre and to top it all, the report of the Najfi Commission is not being made public. He said that it has been close to three years since we moved a petition in the High Court to get a copy of the judicial commission report but no decision has so far been handed down.

The PAT Chairman said that law is protecting the killers instead of the killed. He said that the investigative institutions are providing shield to the perpetrators instead of the oppressed. He said that courageous and honorable PAT workers rejected the offers of millions of rupees by the government.

The memorial ceremony in the honour of the martyrs of Model Town tragedy was also addressed by senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, Mian Manzoor Wattoo, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur and Rafique Najam.

Qamar Zaman Kaira said that we pay rich tributes to families of the martyrs of Model Town tragedy who are standing by Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri in his struggle for justice. He said that Dr Qadris political struggle against oppression and exploitation is very long. He said that it is Allahs punishment that every child of the ruling family is appearing before the JIT. He said that the fault of Jamshed Dasti is that he is the son of a labourer and has been able to sit next to the privileged lot in the assembly. He said that violence and oppression is the mindset of the ruling party.

Opposition leader in Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed said on the occasion that the Punjab Chief Minister and Law Minister take sleep-inducing tablets but the blood of the innocent people does not let them sleep. He said that the report of Justice Baqir Najfi Commission should be made public without any further delay. He said that all those lies that Rana Sanaullah spoke on June 17, 2014, the day of Model Town tragedy, have become exposed today.

Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo said that every political party of Pakistan, people belonging to all walks and segments of life including intellectuals protested in favor of the Model Town martyrs, adding that still non-provision of justice is a great tragedy. He said that we pay homage to the workers of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri.

Ijaz Chaudhry said in his speech that oppression committed in Model Town is a black chapter in our history. He said that he is ready to lay down his life for justice in favor of the martyrs of Model Town.

PTI leader Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri promoted moderate vision of Islam and imparted the lesson of peace and love. He said that killings his workers is an act of oppression and the worst brutality.

At the end of the ceremony, all political leaders joined Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri and the families of the martyrs to lay the floral wreath at the memorial place and made Dua.

President of MQI Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Hammad Mustafa Al-Madani, Brig. (r ) Farooq Hameed, Fayyaz Warraich, Brig. (r ) Muhammad Mushtaq, Mian Muhammad Munir, Allama Ziaullah Shah Bukhari, Hafiz Muhammad Ali Yazadani and Pastor Samuel attended the ceremony.
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN- Piper the dog, has a sweet face, cool goggles, and a pretty serious job to do in Traverse City at the Cherry Capital Airport. He and his trainer (and dad), Brian Edward, work hard every day to keep planes safe.

We're hanging with Piper, Cherry Capital Airport K-9 Team's famous pup! Posted by MLive.com on Thursday, June 29, 2017

Piper's official title at the airport is "Wild Life Control Animal", but Edward told us that really it's just play for Piper. Piper was on hand for the arrival of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, who are performing this weekend at the National Cherry Festival.

Piper, a Border Collie, is tasked with keeping wild life off the runways and away from the airport. He's chased off everything from loons, to owls, to deer, and even a porcupine on Thursday.

Animals can wreck havoc on aircraft, and using different techniques to clear them from the area was important for safety reasons. Pyrotechnics and sirens are often used, but dogs work a little differently. Edward had been reading about the benefits of a dog on site, and thought his own dog might qualify for the job.

Edward is technically the Airport Operations Supervisor, but he's also just knows as the "dog guy". He trained Piper at home for months, before slowly introducing him to the noises and sites at the airport. Now, Edward and Piper just have to show up in their red SUV and the birds scattered, knowing that a good chase has arrived.

Border Collies are known for their incredible work ethic, stamina, and ability to be trained, which might be why Piper is perfect for this job. Edward said that for Piper, work is "really just play, chasing things, and running everywhere".

Piper even has his own uniform, a day harness that protects him, and a night time one that lights up, so Edward doesn't lose him. He also wears a signature pair of protective dog goggles, that are just as cute as you can imagine.

Last year, Edward hand painted a pair of the goggles yellow, in honor of a visit from the United States Navy Blue Angels. Edward was compelled to honor Captain Jeff "Kooch" Kuss, pilot number #6, who was tragically killed during a training session just a few weeks before. Edward hand painted a #6 on the goggles in honor of him, and Piper wore them during the teams visit last July.

After Piper's 58,000 Instagram followers saw the goggles, which are made by Rex Specs, requests skyrocketed. The company decided to partner with Piper, and created a special version of the yellow goggles, and not only made them available to the public, but also donated 10% of the first one hundred sales directly to Edward.

Edward incurs his own costs to have Piper work at the airport, and liability insurance runs him about $800 a year. Rex Specs donation helped defray the cost of this, while also getting a really cool product out to the dog world.

In addition to working hard everyday at the airport, Piper really just loves being with people. During the Thunderbird's visit, Piper was by far the most popular guest there, and was surrounded by the flight team most of the time. He had his signature vest and goggles on, and was happy to receive their accolades, as well as a couple of tummy rubs.

Because even though he's a hard working, integral part of the Cherry Capital airport, he is still a cute pup, who loves to be loved.
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By Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com

The Michigan cherry is sweet, red and delicious. Northern Michigan is known for an abundance of the popular fruit, and the National Cherry Festival for 2017 will be July 1-8.

The festival is a tradition going strong since 1925, even though its roots stretch back to the 1900s, when local growers would hold informal spring ceremonies to bless the blossoms.

In 1925 the "Blessing of the Blossoms Festival" was held and the first-ever Cherry Queen was crowned. From there, the event grew from a one-day event to a week-long affair full of parades, contests, games, and of course, cherries.

The Cherry Festival has even attracted US presidents. In 1926 President Calvin Coolidge attended and was presented with a three-foot-diameter pie with more than 5,000 cherries. President Herbert Hoover came in 1929, and President Gerald Ford was a parade grand marshal in 1975.

The festival took a hiatus from 1942-1947 during World War II. It returned in 1948. Twenty years later, in 1968, the festival's length grew to a week long.

To peer more than 50 years in the past, take a look at these Grand Rapids Press photos from the Cherry Festival of 1964, a year that author Jon Margolis called "The Last Innocent Year: America in 1964."

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A young boy's face is covered in cherry pastry during the annual pie-eating contest.

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The 1964 Cherry Queen, Elaine Sanford, is seen in a convertible during what was then known as The Grand Floral Parade in downtown Traverse City.

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Just a couple of guys taking time to show off their socks.

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Members of the 4-H Club march along Front Street in downtown Traverse City during the annual Junior Royale Parade.

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A boy gives a grin and glances at the camera during the annual Pie Eating Contest.

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Little girls on tricycles peddle down Front Street in downtown Traverse City during the annual Junior Royale Parade.

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Three children laugh in the summer sun as they spin on an amusement park ride during the Cherry Festival.

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The newly crowned Cherry Festival Queen Elaine Sanford has her dressed altered before appearing in the parade in downtown Traverse City.

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Illuminated by spotlights, Elaine Sanford walks down the catwalk after being named the 1964 National Cherry Festival Queen.

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With a smile, Elaine Sanford is crowned the 1964 National Cherry Festival Queen.

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Women in white dresses and long gloves wait anxiously backstage at the Queens Ball before the National Cherry Festival Queen is announced.

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Lit by bright spot lights, young women appear on stage as they compete for the title of National Cherry Festival Queen.

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Cherry Queen Elaine Sanford, left in car, and runner-up, wave at the crowds they pass during the annual Cherry Royale Parade along Front Street in downtown Traverse City.

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Small children sip drinks and eat popcorn while sitting on the street curb, watching the Cherry Royale Parade.

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Three children ride the ferris wheel on a sunny afternoon during the National Cherry Festival.

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Elaine Sanford, the newly-crowned Queen of the National Cherry Festival in 1964, is seen at Thirbly Field before the Parade of Bands in Traverse City, Thursday, July 9.

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The Roscommon High School marching band performs at Thirbly Field during the Parade of Bands at the 1964 National Cherry Festival.

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A marching band marches down Front Street during the Grand Floral Parade on the final day of the 1964 National Cherry Festival.

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A photographer gets in his own shot as he snaps an image of a little girl on a Ferris wheel.

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Two convertibles slowly roll down Front Street as local children hoist a sign during the Grand Floral Parade at the 1964 National Cherry Festival.

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A baby sits in the shade of their stroller during the Grand Floral Parade.

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A group of boys take a breather during the annual Pie Eating Contest, a favorite event among children at the event.

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National Cherry Festival Queen Elaine Sanford waves to the crowds as she drives across Thirbly Field during the Parade of Bands.

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Local Boy Scouts hoist flags as they participate in the Grand Floral Parade.

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Spectators stand along Grand Traverse Bay as the newly elected 1964 Cherry Queen Elaine Sanford makes her traditional arrival aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw. The five-mile Grand Floral Parade through the streets of downtown Traverse City follow the arrival.

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Adorned in a long robe, regal crown and dazzling scepter, Elaine Sanford stands for a portrait as the newly crowned 1964 National Cherry Festival Queen.

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Members of the National Cherry Queen Court are seen backstage at the Queens Ball at Park Place Motor Inn in Traverse City.

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A marching band performs before a crowd at Thirbly Field for the Parade of Bands during the National Cherry Festival.

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Elaine Sanford reacts to being named the new National Cherry Queen during the Queens Ball.

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Children enjoy the midway attractions during the National Cherry Festival in 1964.
ANN ARBOR, MI - When looking at the former studio of Gerome Kamrowski, it's difficult to separate the artist from his creation.

Kamrowski, part of the surrealist movement in New York City in the 1940s, moved to Ann Arbor and took a job as an art professor at the University of Michigan in 1946. He later received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to build a studio from reclaimed materials and, in 1977, Kamrowski constructed the 1,189-square-foot structure beside his family's home at the end of Beechwood Drive on the northwest side of Ann Arbor.

Following Kamrowski's death in 2004 at the age of 90, Jim and June Sullivan bought the studio in 2006 and converted it into a house for themselves and their two daughters, who were 12 and 14 at the time.

Now, Kamrowski's former studio-turned-house is on the market again, as the Sullivans look to relocate in Ann Arbor. The house was listed June 21 for $300,000.

"It's not a cookie-cutter house. There's nothing else like it. To the right buyer, that's something special," said Brent Flewelling, a real estate agent with Charles Reinhart Realtors who's selling the house at 1531 Beechwood Drive.

With its open floor plan, high ceilings and reclaimed barn wood beams, the quirks of the house may not appeal to everyone, Flewelling acknowledged. He thinks someone who appreciates the creative space and artistic touches would be drawn to the house.

The location allows for easy access to Sunset Brooks Nature Area and Bird Hills Nature Area, Flewelling said, while still being less than 2 miles from downtown Ann Arbor. Large trees surrounding the yard block M-14 from view.

The Sullivans fell in love with the house for its quirks, and they tried to pay homage to Kamrowski as they converted the space into a family home. They added the kitchen, remodeled the full bathroom upstairs, painted the concrete floor and added wood vinyl flooring downstairs, plus put in stairs where there had been just a ladder before - among other updates.

"It invites creativity," said June Sullivan, describing the property as an art studio that you could live in. "It is a place to make things."

Large windows - on all but the north side of the house facing M-14 - let in the plenty of natural light, and four large doors with windows line one wall between the living room and dining room. The Sullivans have the walls covered in art - including some pieces by Kamrowksi - and June created a mosaic backsplash in the kitchen as a tribute to the studio's builder.

The house is laid out in six spaces of roughly the same size, June explained: the foyer, which features a Murphy bed and a blue staircase leading to the second-floor loft; the living room, with an electric fireplace and 18-foot ceilings; the dining room; the kitchen, which connects to a half bathroom and laundry room; a full bathroom and hallway upstairs; and two bedrooms at either end of the carpeted loft space.

Accordion doors allow the bedrooms to be closed off from the hall, but a wrought iron railing is the only thing blocking the view from the loft to the first floor.

"The house is also a Kamrowksi," Jim Sullivan said. "He was integral (to designing it)."

The studio-turned-house sits on just under half an acre of land, with a covered cement porch coming off the back of the house. There's no garage, but a 10-foot-by-20-foot shed stands at the back of the property. The Sullivans uncovered some of Kamrowski's later pieces in that shed when they moved in and returned them to the family.

One of the first things to catch Jim's eye about the house is what he calls "alien catchers" - two aluminum pieces attached to the highest part of the roof that turn in the wind. They were among the first pieces Kamrowski added when he was building the studio, shown in photos of the building process June found in a journal Kamrowski's daughter gave her.

"The primary objective of this project is to construct the house with the least possible cost by using traditional hand-built techniques with totally recycled wood for construction," Kamrowski wrote in the journal, which June transcribed from its original form.

She thinks Kamrowski kept the journal to document how he spent the grant funds, and in it, he explains how he designed the studio to be energy efficient, let in natural light and block the sound from the expressway.
YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI - An immigration judge has reopened a case against a man detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in May.

The decision, issued Tuesday, June 27 by Detroit Immigration Court Judge Jennifer Gorland, means Jose Valle-Rodriguez, 31, will have the opportunity to fight an order of deportation to his home country of El Salvador.

Valle-Rodriguez was stopped in his vehicle by ICE agents on May 24 in Ypsilanti Township, but kept in the U.S. by a court motion his Ann Arbor-based attorney Brad Thomson filed to review his in-absentia order of removal.

The motion claimed Valle-Rodriguez, though illegally in the U.S. since 2003, never received notice of a 2005 deportation hearing because the government used the wrong ZIP code. He applied for asylum on May 27, according to evidence included in the motion.

Valle-Rodriguez lives in Ypsilanti Township with his wife of five years, Karina Valle - who holds permanent U.S. resident status, and their 2-year-old son.

Should he return to his home country, his family fears he will be killed in gang violence.

Additional court filings show Valle-Rodriguez's father-in-law was a member of the MS-13 gang who was murdered, and he believes this connection and his immediate family's vocal opposition to gang violence puts his life in danger.

A comment believed to be a threat was also made to his father in El Salvador on June 9, according to a court filing.

Despite the incorrect address, ICE contended in a response to the motion that Valle-Rodriguez's asylum request was required by law to have been sent within a year of his arrival in the U.S., and that his fear of gang violence does not fit within established reasons to grant asylum, according to court documents provided by Thomson.

A spokesman for ICE could not immediately be reached for comment.

In her decision, Gorland conceded that Valle-Rodriguez does not appear, on the surface, eligible for asylum, but said the evidence warranted a reopening of the case.

ICE has until July 27 to appeal the order.

Thomson said a hearing has been scheduled for July 2018, but he hopes to file a motion for bond requesting that Valle-Rodriguez be released from custody as he awaits his next hearing.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Michigan's Best reporters John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman stopped in Ann Arbor in search of Michigan's best French fry.

They sampled tasty taters at three of Ann Arbor's poll winners: Kimchee fries at Seoul Street, truffled fries at Jolly Pumpkin and Thai chili and smoked paprika fries The Last Word.

The duo stopped in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, June 27, following stops in the Kalamazoo area.

Stayed tuned to see where we rank within the state and check out our gallery of delicious fried potatoes above.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Police used a stun gun to subdue a 28-year-old man who allegedly stole money from a tip jar and then resisted officers Wednesday, June 28.

Officers responded to Sweetwater Cafe, 123 W. Washington St. in downtown Ann Arbor about 3:30 p.m. for a report of theft from a tip jar.

An employee told officers a white man wearing a hat with purple lettering, a gray T-shirt and blue and yellow pajama bottoms had taken money from the tip jar and left the cafe.

Officers located a man fitting the description sitting at a table outside of bd's Mongolian Grill, 200 S. Main St., a block away. The man then ran from officers, according to Ann Arbor police.

The man went into the Pretzel Bell restaurant and violently resisted arrest, according to police.. He screamed, attempted to push past police and tried several times to kick one officer, Ann Arbor police said.

Officers used a stun gun on him, and the man removed the stun gun probes from his body and continued to resist arrest, police said, before he was finally taken into custody.

The man was taken to the University of Michigan hospital emergency room for treatment of superficial injuries.

The 28-year-old remained lodged in Washtenaw County Jail pending arraignment on charges of larceny in a building and three counts of resisting and opposing officers, according to police.
BAY CITY, MI -- A community group against the construction of a pavilion in Wenonah Park is accusing Bay City of blocking the democratic process after the city's attorney again rejected a revised petition to put the fate of the controversial structure in the hands of voters this November.

The community group, Citizens United for Wenonah Park, announced Friday, June 30, that City Attorney Neil Wackerly rejected its revised ballot language. The decision comes less than a month after Wackerly argued the group's first petition was administrative in nature -- a decision that bars it from being on the ballot.

Michelle Roberts, a spokeswoman for the community group, said Wackerly's opinion on the revised ballot petition, which was submitted last week, still showed that he considered the language to be administrative, as opposed to legislative, in nature.

"The group is extremely disappointed with the decision by the city to reject the petition wording," she said in a text message to The Bay City Times-MLive. "Our aim is for the citizens of Bay City have a voice about the use of their parks and their tax dollars. This latest decision by the city is yet another hurdle, in a series, blocking the path to the democratic process."

Wackerly was unavailable for comment. His office wouldn't disclose the written opinion to The Bay City Times-MLive on Friday, June 30.

Roberts said her group is now considering appealing the decision in Bay County Circuit Court, but timing is critical. If the language is ultimately approved, the group needs to collect about 1,000 valid signatures of registered Bay City voters and submit those signatures to City Hall by Aug. 1.

The revised ballot language submitted to the city read:

"Shall the City of Bay City adopt the following ordinance: No new pavilion or other permanent structure be constructed within 250 feet of the Saginaw River shoreline in Wenonah Park or Veterans Memorial Park without a vote of the people. The proposed initiative would abrogate the action of the City Commission, of March 13, 2017, which approved the amendment to the Wenonah Park master plan, thereby allowing the construction of a pavilion in Wenonah Park. The proposal would prohibit new structures within 250 feet of the riverfront in Wenonah Park or Veterans Memorial Park which may be deemed by Bay City residents to interfere with the parks' natural appearance or impair the public's use and enjoyment of the parks."

In March, the Bay City Commission approved a Wenonah Park master plan that includes the construction of a 5,000-square-foot, multi-use pavilion and 2,500-square-foot auxiliary building. Along with the construction of the pavilion, there are plans to upgrade the bandshell with a more modern look and create a more grandiose entrance to the park.

The pavilion is initially being funded by a $1 million donation from the Nickless Family Charitable Foundation.

Opponents of the pavilion have argued it's not a fiscally-sound project. They're also concerned about losing green space and how a new building would impact environmental issues at the park.

City officials have said improvements to the park, including construction of the pavilion could begin this fall.
A notorious self-claimed medical expert has been detained in central China's Hunan province after selling fake medical products in a series of health programs on local TV channels.

Hu Zuqin, the so-called expert, was arrested on June 28 in Changsha, Hunan. On June 22, Forty-five others involved in the scam were arrested in Beijing and Shenyang cities and Liaoning province.

Huaian police in eastern Chinas Jiangsu province started receiving reports in January about how medicine purchased from health programs on two local TV channels did nothing to cure stomachaches and cerebral infarction, the Yangtze Evening News reported.

The medicine was later identified as food additives with no medical effect, yet was promoted on as effective. Hu and another suspect, Zhao Wei, were hired to act as medical experts. The total amount of money involved in the case is more than 20 million RMB.

According to local police, the health programs have since been taken off the air. Online streaming has also been halted. Such programs, however, were authorized to run on the channels, and even included official hosts.

Apart from the local channels in Jiangsu, Hu was also seen on several channels in other provinces, including Jiangxi and Shandong and the autonomous region of Guangxi. Her identity also varied, from cerebrovascular surgeon to a doctor of the Miao ethnic group.

In August 2015, Shandongs education channel was fined more than 400,000 RMB for running Hus health programs. Yet in April, viewers spent more than 13,000 RMB in a single month on medicine she promoted on Guangxi TV, according to the Yangtze Evening News.

This is reportedly the first detention of a group of fake medical experts. The arrests followed media reports which revealed that actors were paid to play experts for the promotion of fake medical products on TV health programs, which has become increasingly popular among Chinese people, especially among senior citizens.
SF Express carries out the first business operational flight of its drones in Ganzhou City of Jiangxi Province, on June 29, 2017. (Photo: 163.com)

The major Chinese logistics company SF Express has been given the legal go-ahead for drone package deliveries, the first company to receive official permission for such a service, reports thepaper.cn.

The company can now deliver packages in its logistics demonstration area covering five villages and towns in Nankang District, Ganzhou City of Jiangxi Province.

After a package is loaded onto the drone, the route information is programmed in, and the UAV will make the delivery by itself.

SF Express teamed up with domestic drone maker Xaircraft in 2013 to test Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs.

An SF Express worker picks up a package delivered by a small drone. (Photo: guancha.cn)

It's reported that SF Express has developed a variety of drone models, for different business scenarios, which can carry loads of up to 5-25 kg, with a maximum range of 15-100 km.

Industry insiders say the Chinese logistics giant is planning to build an airport in Ezhou City in Hubei Province, to act as a domestic and international core hub, which can be connected with regional centers, to cover China's major economically developed areas.

Drones are expected to come into their own in remote areas where conventional means of delivery struggle.

"Drone delivery services can improve efficiency, as they won't be bothered by difficult terrain and traffic congestion. On the other hand, it shows a major technological breakthrough in energy-saving, by doing away with vehicle depreciation, road tolls and fuel costs," SF express investor and expert Zhao Xiaomin, told The Paper.

Zhao Xiaomin added that this service will lead to the upgrading of logistics automation, through the integration of the Internet of Things with the Internet.
On 29th June, People's Daily published an article under the byline of Ren Zhongping to summarize Hong Kong's brilliant achievements over the last 20 years after its return to the motherland.

The following is an abstract translation of the article:

The past 20 years since China resumed exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong on July 1, 1997 proved the "one country, two systems" guideline as a gigantic success.

Hong Kong's advantageous position has been steadily elevated over the past 20 years. Hong Kong, together with New York and London, were dubbed "Nylonkong" for being the world's leading financial centers.

The US Heritage Foundation has chosen Hong Kong as the world's freest economy for 23 consecutive years considering its top position in healthy economy, free finance and trade. In the past 20 years, Hong Kong has kept on its global influence and competitiveness.

There had been feelings of insecurity before Hong Kong's return. But the place's development has broken many doubts about its future, as many people who chose to migrate have successively come back.

In 2017, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) plans to spend 66.2 billion yuan ($900 million) on social welfare, 55 percent higher than four years ago. The government will give out free medical vouchers to citizens aged 70 or above, and it is still working to cut preschool fees.

Hong Kong is a place where people live longer than any other places in the world. In the past 20 years after its return, Hong Kong has maintained vitality.

Hong Kong is no longer subject to humiliation. Before 1997, the colonist preached that "British governor of Hong Kong comes after the God in terms of power". However, Hong Kong's return has opened a new historical era led by guidelines such as "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy.

Figures released by the World Bank showed that political stability, government effectiveness, rule of law, control of corruption, and citizens' right to express in Hong Kong are far better than those before 1997.

In particular, Hong Kong's indicator of the rule of law, a core value of Hong Kong society, has jumped from behind 60th in the world in 1996 to the 11th place in 2015, ahead of some major Western countries. Hong Kong has kept moving forward in 20 years after return.

Even foreign observers have to admit that though Hong Kong's legal status has been changed, its freedom degree remains unchanged. Kurt Tong, U.S. consul general to the Hong Kong and Macao SARs, noted that the "one country, two systems" framework in the HKSAR has been largely successful.

Last year, a lecturer gave a lecture to students in University of Hong Kong. When she asked the attendees what's their enlightenment song, the audience sang chorus "my motherland", a popular and famous patriotic song. The video moved many people to tears after being posted online.

Consisting of a red flag with a bauhinia highlighted by five star-tipped stamens, the regional flag of the HKSAR echoes the five-star national flag, implying the inseparable ties between Hong Kong and the mainland. Over the past 20 years, Hong Kong and the mainland have formed an unbreakable community of common destiny.

Hong Kong is the largest source of overseas capital, the biggest overseas financing platform for mainland enterprises, as well as the world's largest offshore RMB center and RMB settlement center for transnational trade.

In the past, Hong Kong served as the contact person that linked the mainland with the rest of the world. Now its cooperation with the mainland has entered a new era. In future, combing the need of the whole country and its own strengths, Hong Kong will remain irreplaceable for the sustainable development of the nation.

Twenty years of practice is enough to show "one country, two systems" is not only the best solution to the Hong Kong question left over from history, but also the best institutional arrangement to sustain its long-term prosperity and stability since its return.

The guideline opened a new way to peacefully solve territory disputes and contributed wisdom to peaceful development of the world. Canada, disturbed by the Quebec issue, sent officials to Hong Kong to learn from the "one country, two systems" policy in order to gain some experience.

The brand-new political idea and concept is deemed as China's unique contribution to the governance pattern and political system of mankind.

Today's China is still an engine for the global economy. The massive market, ample opportunities and innovative concept as well as strong potential energy for economic transformation and upgrade from the mainland can firmly support and facilitate Hong Kong's future development.

("Ren Zhongping" is a famous opinion column of the People's Daily that mainly expresses views on big events.)
Cybersecurity is once again in the spotlight following a massive ransomware attack that shut down networks across the world earlier this week. Even more sophisticated than the WannaCry worm that devastated hundreds of thousands of computers in May, the Petya worm has crippled the networks of major organizations around the world, ranging from the energy sector, to healthcare and even vital government infrastructure.

As wave after wave of advanced cyberattacks continue to send ripples through the global economy, business leaders from the network security sector continue to make the case for organizations to take matters into their own hands.

Phil Bowers, Senior Marketing Manager at Grandstream Networks, believes that one of the most significant challenges we face today is a lack of security for WiFi access points.

One of the most important, yet overlooked, aspects of any WiFi network is security. In developing the security suite for our own GWN series of WiFi APs, we closely tested and analyzed many of the leading WiFi access points and were surprised to find that most devices on the market are still vulnerable to major attacks because of a few core issues.

Just how vulnerable are businesses today? A new Clark School study at the University of Maryland recently discovered that hackers launch attacks every 39 seconds. When hackers land a blow against businesses, the results arent good; 60 percent of small companies that suffer a cyberattack are out of business within six months. And while major enterprises might have a greater ability to withstand a death-blow, the average enterprise still loses $3.5 million per year to external cyberattacks.

How has Bower's organization stepped up to address security issues that continue to plague some of the most commonly used WiFi access points today?

Our GWN series were designed to make WiFi networks more secure. Whether it be building completely unique default password and security certificates into every GWN series access point, building in multiple layers of protection to encrypt the firmware that runs these devices, or offering all major wiFi security encryption protocols, we have made sure that our APs go above and beyond other market options to offer high-end security protection.

Research firm MarketsAndMarkets indicates that the global WiFi market is poised to reach $33.6 billion by 2020more than twice the revenue seen in 2015. Clearly, businesses are not going to stop relying on emerging communications technology. But in order to thrive in the modern economy, savvy business leaders must listen to the calls from network security experts and invest equally in shoring up vulnerabilities.

To learn more about shoring up vulnerabilities to your WiFi network, click here.

Edited by Maurice Nagle
Craig Uden(L), President of the U.S. National Cattlemen Association, Sonny Perdue(C), US Secretary of Agriculture, and Luan Richeng(R), vice president of China's COFCO, attends the ceremonial "prime-rib cutting", marking the resumption of U.S. beef imports to China, June 30, Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Chen Lidan)

Visiting officials and representatives of meat exporters from the United States celebrated the return of U.S. beef to China in Beijing on Friday, June 30, as suppliers in both countries race to be first to fill the tables of local customers.

"We can provide safe quality food product to consumers here in China. It's a key part of improving our relationship and reducing our trade deficit," said U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad at the ceremony. "The return of the U.S. beef to China is an example of how cooperation between our two countries can yield results."

China has emerged as a major beef buyer in recent years, with imports increasing from $275 million in 2012 to $2.5 billion in 2016. However, U.S. has been banned from China's market after mad-cow disease was found in Washington State in 2003.

U.S. beef producers are optimistic about rebuilding US beef's image and presence in China's market. "We have a lot of quality beef in the U.S. All we need is access to showcase our beef and we would let the consumers of China decide if they like it. I think it can be win-win for Chinese consumers as well as U.S. beef producers," Craig Uden, President of the U.S. National Cattlemen Association, told People's Daily Online.

The U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad addresses the celebration event.(People's Daily Online/Chen Lidan)

A set of stringent requirements are applied to U.S. beef imports. Beef must be from cattle less than 30 months of age; must be born and raised in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada; must be slaughtered in the U.S.; and must be free of growth promotants, feed additives, and other chemical compounds, including ractopamine.

The landscape of China's retail sector has changed dramatically over the years with heavier reliance on e-shopping, meaning suppliers from both countries can ride the wave by using e-commerce platforms and social media to lure customers.

Womai.com, the online grocery store run by China's largest food trader COFCO, added two categories of U.S. beef products to its offerings just hours after inspection by local customs last Friday, which means residents of Beijing were the first in China to chew on some U.S. beef.

Shanghai is the second Chinese city where the U.S. beef imports landed. Prime rib, shipped from Nebraska, has already been available on Fruitday, China's leading fresh produce e-retailer, since Wednesday.

U.S. meat packers are also catching up with their Chinese peers. Nebraska's Greater Omaha and Iowa's Tyson Foods inked an agreement with Alibaba in early June, which will enable the two suppliers to expand share in China's beef market through Tmall, a brand-to-customer online marketplace owned by Alibaba.
Air India

The decision to disinvest Air India today came under attack from several parties, with National Democratic Alliance ally Shiv Sena mocking at the government saying it could "auction" Kashmir on the ground that it cannot pay the security costs involved.

Maintaining that the Narendra Modi government "cannot be trusted", the Shiv Sena also said how it could run the nation if it cannot run an airline. The CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress also attacked the decision and demanded that it be stopped forthwith.

In an editorial, Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said: "Today the airline is being sold off as it has a debt of Rs 50,000 crore. Tomorrow the government will say they are unable to provide for the security cost of Kashmir valley and will thus auction it. They cannot be trusted."

Taking a dig at the BJP, it said if such a decision been taken by the previous Congress-led UPA government, the BJP would not have spared it.

"Had this decision been taken by the previous government, the BJP would have exposed the Congress in public. The BJP would have asked how can a government that cannot run an airline, run the nation," the Sena said.

"But the BJP today has indulged in the sale of the national carrier," it said and asked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to spell out the reasons which turned the 'Maharaja' (the Air India's characteristic logo) into a "beggar".

The party sought to know the reasons for Air India's downfall and losses in the last few years, besides those responsible for turning the 'Maharaja' into a "beggar."

The Sena's taunt came two days after Jaitley announced that the Cabinet has given "in-principle" approval for disinvestment of Air India.

The editorial also said that the airline earlier had a market share of about 35 per cent which has gone down to a mere 16 per cent as many routes were sold off to private companies by the Civil Aviation Ministry.

"This is corruption. If done during the Congress regime, the Modi dispensation had a chance to undo the damage. Why did they not do it," it asked.

The CPI(M), in a statement, said "the sale of Air India is part of the overall privatisation drive of the Modi government which is against national interest. It must be stopped forthwith."

It said the decision was taken "at a time when, after prolonged losses since 2008, the airline has started achieving operating profits of Rs 105 crore for the year 2015-16 and an estimated operating profit of around Rs 300 crore in 2016-17."

It said the national carrier was "crippled and burdened with debt due to monumental miscalculation and certain wrong decisions taken by successive governments at the Centre."

"It is now being made the scapegoat and sought to be privatised," the CPI(M) Politbureau said.

It said Air India's privatisation "is being made with a bonanza to the perspective private buyer  the write off of the Rs 30,000 crore debt burden."

The move was "not for saving public money but for handing over national assets for a song and defrauding the exchequer for the benefit of private companies, both domestic and foreign," the CPI(M) said.

Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had yesterday criticised the decision to privatise Air India, saying "we do not support this".

"They (Centre) are trying to sell Air India entirely. Air India is the nation's pride. We don't support this," she said at a public meeting in Burdwan.
(Photo/Henan Business Daily)

Four postgraduate students from the same dormitory in Henan University all gaining admission for doctoral study in four renowned universities in China drew wide public attention, Dahe.cn reported on June 30.

The four students, all master degree candidates at the Henan University's College of Chinese Culture and Literature, received admission letters for doctoral study at Nankai University, East China Normal University, Shandong University, and Nanjing Normal University. All four are among the best universities in China.

Liang Jiangong, one of the four students, said that each of them spent more than 10,000 RMB ($1,477) on books during their postgraduate studies over the past three years and a great deal of time studying in the university's library. They have almost 4,000 books in their dorm.

(Photo/Henan Business Daily)

As for why they chose to pursue further studies, Liang noted their interest academic study and better job opportunities as key factors, adding that the favorable scientific research atmosphere on their campus and encouragement from their supervisors all contributed to their success.

One of the students, surnamed Wang, mentioned that while he did not establish a relationship with a girl as other three did, he has developed many hobbies and made money to help cover his future expense.

(Photo/Henan Business Daily)
business RBL Bank to propose deal with Bharat Financial in board meet next week: Sources The RBL Bank is going to propose a merger of Bharat Financial Inclusion with itself to its board as early as next week.
Moneycontrol Research

Indigos expression of interest for Air India has surprised many. Why would the market leader in the domestic market want to take on huge financial (Rs 52000 crore debt) and non-financial liabilities (bloated workforce), they ask.

Whats on stake?

The government wants to privatise Air India and five of its subsidiaries - Air India engineering services, Air India Air Transport Services, Air India Charter limited, Airline Allied Services, Hotel Corporation of India.

Subsidiaries are expected to be hived off separately, which will help reduce consolidated debt. Indigo has primarily shown interest for the international operations of Air India and Air India express.

This makes sense for Indigo, which has just 9% share in international traffic among Indian carrier, compared to Air Indias 44%.

If Indigo gets the international operations of Air India, revenue contribution (from international flights) would change to about 34% from 9% currently. Not only that, Indigo would also get some intangible benefits:

1, Star Alliance network: Air India joined Star Alliance with effect from 2014 which would provide global connectivity to the airline - 1269 destinations in more than 193 countries.

2, Prime slots for takeoff and landing at international airports: Reportedly Air India has eight pair of slots at London Heathrow (LHR) and some others airports in the USA and Europe. Last year, Oman air had bought a pair of such slot in LHR at USD 75 mn. In our calculation, this brings the valuation of Air Indias international slots at about Rs 4000 cr.

3, Aircraft parking/Hangars facility in most of the important domestic and international airports

4, Air India is the biggest MRO set up in India for all engineering repair requirements for aircrafts.

Chart: Change in revenue mix for Indigo on acquisition of international operations

Further, Indigo gets to access aircraft fleet of 118 including Boeing 787- Dreamliner. Interestingly Indigo itself has place a huge order for fleet expansion (190 by 2019 from 131 currently) and some of fleet asset from Air India may not necessarily be a good fit.

Valuation:

Air Indias five subsidiaries have a consolidated revenue of about Rs 3400 (as per FY 2015 report). Except for Air India Air Transport Services, the rest are loss making and therefore conventional earnings multiples would not be of help.

Keeping a conservative market cap to sales ratio of 2.0 (25% discount to that of Interglobe), we get a valuation of Rs 6800 cr. So governments estimated stake sale receivables of subsidiaries when adjusted with the consolidated debt (Rs 52000 cr) leaves a residual amount of Rs 45200 cr.

Adjusting the implied value of Air Indias slots in international airports still keeps the debt at Rs 41,200 cr.

Interestingly looking at EV multiples, if Interglobe (Indigos operator) operates Air India at the operating efficiency of Indigo and we apply the EV/EBITDA multiple of Interglobe, Air Indias enterprise value is expected to be around Rs 42,218 cr. Another way to look at it - replacement value for the assets. From the latest available annual report (FY 2015) replacement value for the fixed assets are at Rs 35, 000 cr.

As Indigo is keen on international operations of Air India (31% of revenue), valuation in this aspect is expected to be ~Rs 13000 cr (based on EV at Rs 42000 cr).

A back of the envelope calculation shows that if Indigo gradually improves the operational efficiency (revenue per employee: 40% higher than Air India) in five years and stays at the EBITDA of 16% from the year 5 onwards, then breakeven can occur by the end of 11 years. This can substantially improves if Indigo is able to turn around Air India faster. In an optimistic scenario of ramping up improving operational efficiency in 3 years makes it 8 year period to breakeven.

Management control and employee cost

Management control would be key thing here when modalities of the stake sale is decided. Also crucial would be the deal on employee obligations  both running expense (Rs 2466 cr) and retirement benefits (pension liability 691 cr).

Overall, it is early days for the governments privatization plan for Air India. Moving part to watch are debt restructuring plan, proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries, Air Indias employee obligation management. On strategic level, international operations can be a nice fit along with the various intangible benefits.

However, turnaround of a state giant would be an uphill task even though payback period can be less than 10 year in an optimistic scenario.
Buffett invested in his first stock at age 11, buying shares Cities Service Preferred for $38 per share. He felied his first tax return at age 14, making his money by delivering newspapers. By the time he finished high school, he had bought a stake in a 40-acre farm in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo: Reuters)

Warren Buffett's company will become the biggest shareholder in Bank of America Corp after Berkshire Hathaway Inc on Friday invoked its right to acquire 700 million shares of the second-largest U.S. bank.

Berkshire will take a roughly 7 percent ownership stake, worth about

USD 17 billion based on Bank of America's closing price of USD 24.32 on Thursday.

The transaction will make Bank of America one of Berkshire's largest equity investments, joining Apple Inc, Coca-Cola Co, Kraft Heinz Co and Wells Fargo & Co, the nation's third-largest bank.

It was made possible by Bank of America's June 28 decision to boost its quarterly dividend to 12 cents per share from 7.5 cents, after passing the Federal Reserve's latest "stress test" of its capacity to weather difficult markets.

Shares of Bank of America were up 16 cents at USD 24.48 in early trading on Friday.

Berkshire will exercise warrants to acquire the 700 million common shares when Charlotte, North Carolina-based Bank of America increases its dividend, expected in the third quarter.

It will swap the USD 5 billion of Bank of America preferred shares it bought in August 2011 for the common stock, in a cash-free exchange.

Berkshire is sitting on a roughly USD 12 billion paper profit because Bank of America's stock price is more than triple the USD 7.14 exercise price for the warrants.

After the swap is completed, Buffett will begin collecting USD 336 million of annual dividends, more than the USD 300 million he gets from the preferred shares, which have a 6 percent dividend.

Berkshire is also the largest shareholder in Wells Fargo, which sends Buffett close to USD 800 million of annual dividends.

The billionaire investor's Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate also owns more than 90 businesses such as the Geico car insurer, Dairy Queen ice cream, and BNSF railroad.

Brian Moynihan, Bank of America's chief executive, accepted Buffett's investment when many investors worried whether the lender would have enough capital.

The bank was only about midway through a multi-year process to clean up its balance sheet, litigation and regulatory probes, largely from its purchases of Countrywide Financial Corp and Merrill Lynch & Co.

That process cost more than USD 70 billion.

Buffett has often praised Moynihan's leadership, telling CNBC in September 2015 that Moynihan resuscitated a bank that had been a "terrible mess."

Bank of America's current largest shareholder is Vanguard Group, whose 652.4 million shares give it a 6.6 percent stake, Reuters data show.
BHEL | Company reported loss at Rs 893.1 crore in Q1FY21 against loss Rs 218.9 crore, revenue fell to Rs 1,990.9 crore versus Rs 4,532.5 crore YoY. (Image: Reuters)

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Deutsche Bank has retained a buy rating on engineering and manufacturing company Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and has increased the target price to Rs 185, an upside of 35 percent from the current level.

The research firm is of the view that BHEL's valuations are too cheap to ignore with the cash cycle improvement leading to 23 percent free cash flow (FCF) yield and expects a recovery in orders in FY'18 due to faster clearances and more replacement projects.

Deutsche Bank expects a 12/50 percent revenue/PAT CAGR over FY'17-20, on the back of 32 percent CAGR in orders and operating leverage gains. The stock trades at 2.2x for FY19E EV/EBITDA and 23 percent FCF yield.

Given India's low consumption benchmark and government efforts to improve electricity access to the last mile, demand for replacement as well as new units is likely to pick up with power demand and it could multiply once industry demand also recovers, Deutsche Bank said.

BHEL's management thinks that the executable order book is good enough to cover execution for three years, given stressed projects have reduced. It expects fast-track commissioning for Bhadadri with boiler erection in 2-3 months. Yadadri will add to revenues in FY'18 and the company could surpass its MOU revenue target if clearance and advances are received within the next two months.

At 10:56 hrs Bharat Heavy Electricals was quoting at Rs 135.75, down Rs 0.20, or 0.15 percent. It has touched an intraday high of Rs 137.25 and an intraday low of Rs 135.
The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ceremony to launch the Goods & Service Tax (GST), in Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, in the midnight of June 30- July 01, 2017.

President Pranab Mukerjee today described the GST as a "disruptive change" that is bound to have some teething troubles which will have to be resolved quickly to ensure growth momentum in the economy is not impacted.

"When a change of this magnitude is undertaken, however positive it may be, there are bound to be some teething troubles and difficulties in the initial stages," he said minutes before the GST rollout in his speech at a special function in the Central Hall of Parliament.

"We will have to solve these with understanding and speed to ensure that it does not impact the growth momentum of the economy. Success of such major changes always depends on their effective implementation," he said.

He also said the GST Council should continuously review the implementation and suggest suitable improvements to the new indirect taxation regime.

"The new era in taxation, which we are about to initiate in a few minutes, is the result of a broad consensus arrived at between the Centre and states," Mukherjee said.

"This consensus took not only time but also effort to build. The effort came from persons across the political spectrum who set aside narrow partisan considerations and put the nations interests first. It is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy," he said.

Recalling his days as Finance Minister, Mukherjee said he introduced Constitution Amendment Bill in 2011.

"It is also a moment of some satisfaction for me because, as the Finance Minister, I had introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill on March 22, 2011," he said.

"I was closely involved in the design and implementation and had the occasion to meet the Empowered Committee of state finance ministers, formally and informally, as many as 16 times.

"I also met the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra a number of times. I have a vivid recollection of those meetings and the various matters that were raised," he said.

"Yet, I found both in those meetings and in my many interactions with Chief Ministers, Finance Ministers and officers of states, that most of them had a constructive approach and an underlying commitment to the introduction of GST," he added.

Mukherjee recalled the proposal to introduce GST was first mooted in the Budget Speech for the financial year 2006 -07.

The President said his confidence stood justified when on September 8, 2016, after the Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament and more than 50 per cent of State Legislatures, he had the privilege of giving assent to the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act.

The President called upon "every Indian to extend cooperation in the successful implementation of the new system".

On implementation issue, Mukherjee said GST is similar to the introduction of VAT (Value Added Tax) when there was initial resistance.

"In the months to come, based on the experience of actual implementation, the GST Council and the Central and state governments should continuously review the design and make improvements, in the same constructive spirit as has been displayed till now," he said.

Observing that the GST will be administered through a modern world-class information technology system, he also recalled that in July 2010, he had set up an Empowered Group for development of IT systems required for the GST regime under the chairmanship of Nandan Nilekani.

He observed that given the magnitude of the task, it was not a surprise that there were many contentious issues.

Under GST, Mukherjee said the tax incidence will be transparent, enabling full removal of tax burden on exports and full incidence of domestic taxes on imports.

By creating a unified common national market, the GST will act as a major boost to economic efficiency, tax compliance and domestic and foreign investment, the President said.

He said the GST will "also make our exports more competitive and also provide a level playing field to domestic industry to compete with imports."

Currently due to cascading, exports still carry some embedded taxes, making them less competitive, he said, adding, the hidden effect of cascading means that the total tax incidence on domestic industry is not transparent.
Former finance minister P Chidambaram

Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram has deflected criticism over the opposition boycott of the launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), saying the Parliament event is mere "symbolism". The senior Congress leader, who is one of the original architects of the GST, rejected criticism that the boycott is "childish".

"The Congress party was the originator of the idea of GST and has welcomed GST. Not attending a midnight event has nothing to do with the fact that Congress party supports the idea of GST. The substance is important, not the symbolism," Chidambaram told CNN-News18 on Friday, hours ahead of the launch of GST.

Read More: http://www.news18.com/news/politics/gst-midnight-launch-symbolism-small-businesses-not-ready-chidambaram-1447983.html
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The Goods and Services Tax is not practical at all, especially in the luxury and information technology services categories, Priyank Kharge, the IT minister for Karnataka told Moneycontrol in an exclusive interaction.

The GST regime is being touted as replacing several central and state taxes, and bringing the concept of single market. Originally envisaged by the Congress when it was in power, the GST implementation has undergone several changes under the current administration.

Kharge said that under the Congress government, the GST rate had been capped at 14-18 percent, which was agreeable to everybody.

But now on luxury they are putting 28 percentwhereas in entire Asia, the highest was already in India, which was capped at 23 percent. The lowest is somewhere around 6 percent, which is somewhere in one of the south Asian island countries. Australia is 10 percent. And you are saying we will be very progressive if we get a GST of 28 percent? I beg to differ, Kharge said.

He said that the IT and tourism department representatives of the Karnataka government had raised these issues with the GST Council, but received lukewarm responses.

Among the tech and startup industry representatives who helped Karnataka with the sectors industrys issues on GST were Wipro Chief Strategy Officer Rishad Premji, Qikpod Founder Ravi Gururaj and Infosys Co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan.

The IT services industry has raised some concerns with the implementation of GST.

The industry body National Association of Software and Services Companies has previously raised issues in GST such as disputes relating to classification of software downloaded, the likelihood of online selling becoming more expensive, electronic equipment such as laptops being taxed higher, and IT peripherals like projectors and some printers to attract the highest GST rate of 28 percent.

It is not practical at all. GST is a good thing, but if you are going to tax everybody so much - Make in India programme is never going to take place, said Kharge.

The opposition including Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK and Left Parties have decided to boycott the special midnight Parliament session to launch GST tonight.

neha.alawadhi@nw18.com
Hours before India switches over to goods and services tax (GST) that promises to clean up a chaotic jumble of indirect taxes into a neat single levy, two of Indias largest wholesale and retail markets wore contrasting looks.

Azadpur mandi in North Delhi, which counts to be the Asias largest wholesale fruits and vegetable market, was a picture of business-as-usual, seemingly ready to crossover to GST on July 1, without much fuss.

Barely twelve kilometres south-east of Azadpur, a palpable anxiety was visible in the by lanes of Old DelhiChandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Mori Gate, Lahori Gate. Traders shuttered down their shops to protest against GST, begging the question whether the new tax system will impact bulk buyers and retailers in opposing ways.

Azadpur Mandi

Hundreds of tonnes of fruits and vegetables were unloaded from lines of lorries with a degree of routine monotony as retailers bargained with wholesalers for a good deal braving a persistent monsoon drizzle.

Fresh fruits and vegetables have been exempt and will attract zero or `Nil GST, which probably explains the indifference.

There is not much effect of the GST on the business. We are just paying the usual one percent mandi tax. Even tomorrow it will be the same, Gautam, a fruit wholesaler, said.

Demonetisation, the sudden decision to outlaw Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in November, appears to have left deeper wounds in the mandi where transactions worth hundreds of crores of rupees take place every day.

Post-demonetisation the market has not picked up. Even during the Ramzan, usually when the market is on fire, this year it was lacklustre, said Gautam, whose firm Shiv Shakti Fruit Company trades in fruits and related products.

Watch: Another Tryst With Destiny! How GST Will Change Your Life After July 1

Business on the vegetable side of the market, however, was less brisk.

Not sure if it is the effect of the GST, but today there are not enough customers. I am clearing my stocks at lesser rates. The profit margin has gone down in the last few days, said Rahul who trades green vegetable in the 76-acre market.

There was curiosity and a tinge of worry over the provisions of the GST. I dont know much about the GST or how it works, Rahul said.

Devar, a trader who deals in onions and potato, was anxious about GSTs possible adverse impact as the new system unfolds. Aaj to kuchh asar nhi hai kal ka kal dekhenge (Today, there may not be much effect, lets see what happens tomorrow). Umesh, another potato trader echoed Devars sentiments.

Old Delhi

In the by lanes of old Delhi, the routine bustles absence is hard to miss. Hundreds of shops often teeming with tens of customers haggling over sarees to shoes were shut protesting against the GSTs roll out in the current form.

The Delhi Hindustan Mercantile Association extended their ongoing bandh of three days against the GST by another day.

I come from Shastri Park. The owner of the shop did not inform me about the todays strike. While coming here I saw shops in Mori gate, Lahori gate and Khari Baoliall shut, Hari Om, a worker in one of the saree shops in Chandni Chowk, said. People from association are enforcing the strike everywhere, he added.

The bandh was initially declared by the All-India Textile Association against levying of GST on textiles and cloth, which were tax-free until now. The strike call later got support from other trade unions active in the Old Delhi area.

There were a few traders though who kept their shops open defying the bandh call.

No, there is not much effect. Government had given enough time to clear the stock, Ashish Walia, the owner of one such shop, Bahuji Shoes, said,

This would certainly affect the business. How will a buyer pay Rs 20,000 tax on the purchase of Rs 1 lakh, said Laxmi Narayan, the owner of Anand Dry Fruits near Khari Baoli, criticising the tax regime. We will certainly see a drop in the number of customers within two-three days, the septuagenarian said.
Traders here will down their shutters tomorrow to press for amendments in certain provisions of the GST before the scheduled implementation of the new tax regime next month.

The Uttar Pradesh Udhyog Vyapar Mandal has called for the strike demanding that the provisions of GST be made more "traders-friendly".

"Option of filing GST return must be quarterly. No trader should be prosecuted in case of any error in documentation and only pecuniary fine should be imposed. Also, GST should be fixed at 15 per cent only," said the state president of UPUVM, Subhash Chabda.

Another Tryst With Destiny! How GST Will Change Your Life After July 1

"The GST-related procedure should not be made fully online as there is no internet connectivity in remote areas," said Chabda, who also suggested that the GST be implemented in the month of September instead of July.

Zonal chairman of UPUVM, Raj Kishore Gupta confirmed that all the trade bodies affiliated to UPUVM will answer the call for the strike.

"A protest march will be carried out in the city," he said.

Anticipating trouble, police said adequate personnel will be deployed in the district in oder to prevent any untoward incident from taking place.
The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi pressing the buzzer to launch the Goods & Service Tax (GST), in Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi on June 30, 2017.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi symbolically pressed a buzzer at the stroke of midnight, signalling the launch of goods and services tax (GST) with its impact on prices and businesses likely to play out over months in an economy characterised by multiple pain points.

In the building of a nation, some moments come when we reach a new turn to scale new heights, Modi said in the speech at Parliaments Central Hall. Today at midnight all of us together will determine the nation's next course.

GST is a tax system of new India, of digital India, the Prime Minister said. GST is not just a tax reform, it is also an economic reform and a social reform.

Prime Minister Modi credited all political parties and previous governments for GST, billed as Indias biggest reform initiative that kicked-in from July 1, ending more than 14 years of painstaking negotiations among the Centre and the states.

GST promises to overhaul Indias indirect tax system by consolidating an untidy patchwork of local and central duties such as VAT, central excise and octroi into a single levy, make the tax administration more efficient and turn India into a common national market by removing fiscal barriers among states.

Read more: GST impact- What may get costlier, what may get cheaper

GST is actually Good and Simple Tax. Good because it frees up layers of taxes, simple because it helps return filing easier, Modi said. GST, is an example of cooperative federalism shows the collective strength of team India. Regardless of party and governments, GST council shows that upliftment of the poor remains paramount.

Besides the President and the Prime Minister, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, were present on the dais, the event whose preparations were personally overseen by finance minister Arun Jaitley and Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar.

With political risk management often taking precedence over the need for reform, GSTs rollout has seen several missed deadlines, as consensus eluded discussions led by several union and state finance ministers.

But, a string of opposition parties including the Congress, which for years has marshalled the reform initiative to replace a welter of regional and central duties with a single levy, stayed away from GSTs symbolic midnight rollout.

Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday dubbed the GST implementation as a tamasha (gimmick) and said the tax reform measure was being rushed through in a half-baked manner as a self-promotional spectacle.

The Left Parties, Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress and Tamil Nadus DMK too boycotted the event arguing that the rules and duties under GST will hurt small traders. The lack of bipartisan political presence in the event somewhat tempered the grandness of the event designed to draw comparison with August 15, 1947 marked by Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehrus famous Tryst with Destiny midnight speech in Parliament.

The boycott was also in contrast with the unanimity and consensus seen in the multi-party GST Council, the apex decision making authority headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley and represented by state finance ministers.

GST is the result of broad consensus between the Centre and states. It is a tribute the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy, President Mukherjee said.

Several members of Parliament, state finance ministers, GST council officials, former chairpersons of the erstwhile Empowered Committee (EC) of state FMs including former West Bengal finance minister Asim Dasgupta, and officials were the event where a short film on the subject of GST was screened.

GST is a great example of political bipartisanship. All decisions in the Council has been taken through consensus, Jaitley said.

Under GST, all goods and services have been placed under four slab structure  5, 12, 18 and 28 percent  along with a cess on luxury and demerit goods such as tobacco, pan masala and aerated drinks. Most services, except those in the negative list of essential services such as healthcare and education, will come under GST.

Read more: GST impact - Full list of cars, bikes that will become cheaper from tomorrow

The multiple tax structure has drawn criticism from traders, retailers and business leaders as many feel it will distort the system and go against the `one-nation, one-market concept.

Also, industry bodies and traders have repeatedly sought more time to enable glitch-free filing of returns, minimise erroneous entries and the get accustomed to the GST Network (GSTN). GSTN is a portal-driven IT backbone created to enable real-time taxpayer registration, filing returns, handle invoices, execute inter-state tax settlements, and connect states for two-way data flow.

Both the President and the Prime Minister foresaw teething problems but urged businesses to bear it out. It is true that everybody is not technology friendly. But the adjustment is as simple as a change in the power of prescription glasses, Modi said, asking traders not to fall prey to rumours.

The country is in the middle of the biggest one-off sale season ahead of goods and services tax (GST) as nervous traders tentatively prepare to transit to the new tax system. A mid-year switchover to GST have prompted anxious shops to de-stock and clear up the inventory pile ahead of July 1 when the new system kicks in. Traders, responding to a three-day bandh call, shuttered down their shops in big retail markets including Delhis Chandni Chowk to protest against GST.

GST is a disruptive change no doubtthere is bound to be some teething problems, the President said. It will make tax incidence transparent and will be administered through a modern IT system.

gaurav.choudhury@nw18.com
Students' summer homework: confess their love to someone they like

(Photo/Chengdu Evening News)

Students at a university in southwest China's Sichuan province received a very unusual homework assignment for the summer: confess their love to someone they like.

The eye-catching assignment was posted on the website of the Chengdu College of Arts and Sciences, together with other assignments, such as traveling to another city, attending a concert, and drawing a self-portrait.

Posts related to the creative homework assignment have been forwarded over 10,000 times and liked by close to 28,000 people on China's Twitter-like Weibo.

Both students and teachers at the college adopt a positive attitude toward homework. The two teachers who made the assignment said everything is tailored to meet the unique personalities of the students.

The move was applauded by educational experts. Ji Dahai, a committee member of the China Education Association, said schools should combine social practice with personality development.
The Finance Ministry will extend by one year the deadline for public sector undertakings (PSUs) to comply with the minimum public shareholding (MPS) rule of 25 percent, sources told Moneycontrol. The Finance Ministry is expected to issue a gazette notification to this effect soon. More than a dozen companies will be benefit from this extension.

SEBI regulations require that at least 25 percent of the equity of listed companies should be held by non-promoters. Public sector firms were given time till August 2017 to comply with this rule.

However, by the end of March, the government held more than 75 percent stake in public sector banks (PSBs) such as United Bank of India, Indian Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, Punjab and Sind Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and UCO Bank.

In PSUs such as United Bank, Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation of India (MMTC), Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) the government stake is nearly 85.23 percent, 89.93 percent and 89.33 percent, respectively, which is way over the threshold prescribed by SEBI.

To comply with SEBI regulations, the government diluted 5 percent stake in Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF) via offer for sale (OFS) on Friday. Earlier it held a stake of 80 percent in the company.

The government had stipulated the 25 percent MPS norm in listed state-run companies in 2014, to promote a wider investor base, and boost the governments plan to raise funds from disinvestment.

Earlier the mandate was that listed PSUs were to have at least a 10 percent public holding and listed non-PSUs were asked in June 2010 to have at least a 25 percent public shareholding within three years.

In a press conference this month, SEBI chairman Ajay Tyagi had confirmed that the department of investment and public asset management (DIPAM) had argued that the August 2017 deadline to bring down the government holding in PSUs won't suffice.

"However, extension of the deadline can't be done at Sebi's level. The issue has been referred to the Finance Ministry, who will take a view on that. The deadline is not in abeyance. The ministry needs to take a view on this," Tyagi said.
3:30 pm Market Check: Benchmark indices ended the session and the week on a strong note, after opening lower, index heavyweights pushed the indices up.

The Sensex closed up 64.09 points at 30921.61, while the Nifty ended up 16.80 points at 9520.90.

ITC, Sun Pharma and Cipla were the top gainers on Sensex, while Tata Motors DVR, ICICI Bank and HDFC lost the most.

3.19 pm Market gains strength: Equity benchmarks extended gains in late trade ahead of GST rollout. The Sensex was up 79.05 points at 30,936.57, and the Nifty gained 22.80 points at 9,526.90.

3:07 pm ITC in focus: ITC shares touched a record high of Rs 323.80, up 4 percent intraday as CLSA retained its buy call on the stock with a target price of Rs 375, citing likely neutral GST outcome.

"With GST set to roll-out from July 1, there still is uncertainty on rates for tobacco; our calculation suggests a decline assuming additional duty surcharge (ADS) is not charged on top of GST & cess. We, however, model in a neutral outcome which itself would drive double-digit earnings growth after two years," the research house reasoned.

ITC's FY17 operating cash flow grew 9 percent YoY which was similar to net earnings growth. Core working capital declined 10 days YoY, mainly due to lower inventory days. Capex rose 36 percent YoY, off a low base and free cash flow stayed flat YoY at Rs 9.2 per share.

Over FY17-20, CLSA expects ITC to generate free cash flow at 14 percent CAGR over FY17-20, as it expects strong earnings growth along with modest rise in capex.

3:00 pm Buzzing Stock: Shares of Career Point rose more than 9 percent intraday Friday as it has signed MoU to consider possible acquisition of Plancess Edusolutions.

The company is evaluating acquisition of majority shareholding in Mumbai based ed-tech company Plancess Edusolutions and to execute the proposed transaction, the company has entered into a confidential and exclusive memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Plancess Edusolutions.

The discussion between the two companies is in advanced stages wherein final execution shall be subject to due diligence, regulatory and other approvals, as applicable.

2:50 pm Market update: Benchmark indices recouped losses, with the Nifty reclaiming 9500 level, driven by ITC that surged to nearly 4 percent ahead of GST implementation.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 15.61 points at 30,873.13 and the 50-share NSE Nifty fell 1.10 points to 9,503.

2:14 pm Market Check: Benchmark indices continued to reveal cautious trade by investors ahead of the crucial switch to goods and services tax (GST), with the Nifty breaching 9550-mark as well.

The Sensex was down 60.72 points at 30796.80, while the Nifty was down 24.45 points at 9479.65. The market breadth was negative as 1142 shares advanced against a decline of 1299 shares, while 178 shares were unchanged.

Tata Motors DVR, ICICI Bank, Indiabulls Housing and Tech Mahindra lost the most, while Sun Pharma, ITC and Bank of Baroda gained the most.

1:45 pm IndiGo falls again: InterGlobe Aviation, the operator of low cost carrier IndiGo, continued to bleed for the second straight day as investors were spooked by its plan to buy Air India. The stock fell over 6 percent intraday on the back of an official statement by the carrier, which expressed the interest to buy the national airline. It had ended around 2 percent lower on Thursday as well.

The airline, in a late evening notification to the exchanges, released the letter written to the aviation ministry, expressing interest to buy the international operations of Air India and Air India Express. Alternatively, it also said that there was an equal interest on its part to acquire all of the operations of both the airlines.

1:35 pm Deutsche on Gujarat Gas: Deutsche Bank has reiterated a buy on Gujarat Gas on the back of volume growth and margin improvement.

It sees 24 percent upside potential with a target price of Rs 925 over a period of one year.

Gujarat Gas has seen improvement in volume growth on the back of declining LNG prices.

The stock corrected by 13 percent and has underperformed the broad market over the past three months. This is an opportunity for investors to add to positions in the stock as gas sale volumes should pick up from Q1FY18 by over 20 percent YoY to 6.4 mmscmd with the fall in LNG costs while margins should improve sharply from Q1FY18 with the full benefit of the price increase taken in March 2017, reduced LNG costs and rupee appreciation, Deutsche Bank said.

1:15 pm Europe update: European bourses were under pressure as major central banks suggested the era of cheap money may be coming to an end.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 was down 0.1 percent with most sectors in negative territory and major bourses pointing in opposite directions.

12.55 pm Market Check: Equity benchmarks traded moderately lower in afternoon trade as investors maintained cautious stance ahead of implementation of Goods & Services Tax from midnight.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 47.39 points at 30,810.13 and the 50-share NSE Nifty fell 16 points to 9,488.10.

With cautious tone, Bank of America Merrill Lynch said the impact of GST on listed company volumes and earnings may extend beyond the June quarter.

However, a combination of a seasonal pickup in sales (festive season in October; re-stocking post GST; better consumer appetite (monsoons, farm loan waivers); and the base of demonetisation quarter means companies can report strong YoY growth numbers in December.

12:25 pm BoAML on Zee: Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BoAML) has reiterated its buy rating on Zee Entertainment Enterprise with reduced price target of Rs 565.

The firm expects that the company will report weak numbers due to the GST impact on the ad revenues, sports business separation and continued impact on international business. Meanwhile, post the recent correction the risk-reward still looks favourable.

The advertisement revenues of the company were strong in the first two months of first quarter, while June month got impacted by GST, which lead to an estimated double digit decline in the advertisement revenue, the firm said in its report.

The international advertisement revenue was impacted due to continued pressure on Bangladesh revenues and currency impact leading to year on year marginal decline, it added.

12:05 pm GST Impact: The company, its dealers, tier I suppliers are ready for GST at least on paper because unless the button is pushed one will not know what is not working, said Pawan Goenka, MD, Mahindra and Mahindra.

He said, there was no pilot run and so it would be unrealistic to expect a smooth transition. Therefore, there could be a bit of chaos in switching from excise to GST.

He is hopeful that in a couple of months everything will settle down and the transition pain will be forgotten.

According to him, GST is a bigger change for service providers than the manufactures and so there could be some disturbances with tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers.

There is no doubt that the auto sector will have to take some financial hit due to this transition, and for the company per se, he foresees a 6 percent loss on account of non-refund of some input credits.

11:45 am Buzzing: Shares of PVV Infra is locked at 5 percent upper circuit post it has received an order from Tata Trusts for pre-cast demo of individual household latrine (IHHL) installation at Kesarapalli village, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.

Tata Trusts is partnering with Andhra Pradesh government by developing 264 villages covering 2.5 lakh households in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, for improved drinking water and sanitation systems and several livelihood enrichment programmes.

Due to our EPS building system, featuring fast, reliable insulation, anti - seismic properties, typhoon - resistance, reliability, light weightedness, simplicity/fast to erect, durability and cost effectiveness, we are confident that we will be getting a sizeable bulk order from the total installations planned once the demo unit is approved, company said in press release.

11.26 am Market Check: Equity benchmarks remained under pressure in morning trade, with the Nifty struggling below 9500 level following correction in Asian peers.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 49.59 points at 30,807.93 and the 50-share NSE Nifty fell 16.95 points to 9,487.15.

Sun Pharma was the biggest gainer among Sensex stocks, up more than 3 percent.

11:15 am USFDA approval: Cadila Healthcare share price gained more than a percent intraday after receiving approval from the US health regulator for drug that is used for obesity.

Zydus Cadila has received the final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to market Phentermine hydrochloride orally disintegrating tablets.

The drug is used together with diet and exercise to treat obesity (overweight) in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.

Phentermine, which is in strengths of 15 mg, 30 mg and 37.5 mg, will be produced at the group's formulation manufacturing facility at Moraiya in Ahmedabad, the company said.

10:55 am Buzzing: Share price of Unichem Laboratories surged 6.5 percent intraday as its Goa facility has received Establishment Inspection Report from USFDA.

The company's formulations manufacturing facility at Goa has received an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

The company's 54th annual general meeting (AGM) of the company will be held on July 22, 2017.

10:40 am Downgrade: Shares of Fortis Healthcare were under pressure after Nomura downgraded the stock to neutral, making investors cautious. The stock fell around 4 percent intraday on the back of this development.

The brokerage house highlighted how the revenue growth has remained muted over the past two years. There is a industry slowdown in both hospitals and diagnostics segments.

With increased competition and pricing pressure, we reduce our long-term expectations for growth and margins. We now expect long-term EBITDA margins for SRL at 25% vs 30% earlier, the brokerage house said in its report.

10.17 am Market Check: Equity benchmarks continued to reel under selling pressure, with the Sensex down 91.93 points at 30,765.59, dragged by banks, auto and infra stocks.

The 50-share NSE Nifty struggled below 9500, down 27.10 points at 9,477 on weak market breadth. About five shares declined for every four shares rising on the BSE.

L&T, HDFC, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, Maruti and Tata Motors were down 0.5-2 percent whereas ITC, Sun Pharma and Dr Reddy's Labs gained 1-2.5 percent.

10:04 am Bumper Listing: Central Depository Services (CDSL) shares debuted with 68 percent gains on the National Stock Exchange. The share price opened at Rs 250 against the issue price of Rs 149.

The bumper listing was on expected lines as the issue has overwhelming response, oversubscribing 170 times. The grey market premium also indicated the strong listing.

At 10:04 am, the stock price was trading at Rs 264.80, up 77.7 percent, with volume of 1.5 crore shares after hitting a high of Rs 268 in morning trade.

9:50 am CDSL pre-opening: CDSL shares settled at Rs 250 in pre-opening trade, up by 67.78 percent or Rs 101 over its issue price of Rs 149.

It was on expected lines as the issue oversubscribed 170 times.

9:35 am IPO: The Reserve bank of India (RBI) has removed restrictions placed on purchase of shares in AU Small Finance Bank by foreign investors with the total foreign investment coming below the threshold caution limit.

The aggregate limit of total foreign investment that can be received by the company shall remain at 49 percent, the RBI said in a release. The restrictions placed on "the purchase of shares of the above company are withdrawn with immediate effect", the release said.

AU Small Finance Bank (SFB) has hit the capital market with an IPO to raise around Rs 1,900 crore. Its share sale of 3,76,95,520 shares was oversubscribed 1.36 times on the second day of the offer on Thursday.

9:25 am CDSL to debut: After overwhelming response to issue price, Central Depository Services (CDSL) is all set to make its debut today. The final issue price is fixed at Rs 149, the higher end of price band.

According to sources, the grey market premium for the stock is around Rs 90-100, which indicated that the listing may be around Rs 225-250 per share.

9:15 am Market Check: The market started off July series on a weak note, with the Nifty falling below 9500 level on weakness in banks stocks.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 115.22 points at 30,742.30 and the 50-share NSE Nifty slipped 37.20 points to 9,466.90.

Asian Paints, Tech Mahindra, Tata Motors, Tata Motors DVR, HDFC, HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank were under pressure while Bank of Baroda and Sun Pharma gained in early trade.

The broader markets were also under pressure, with the Nifty Midcap down 0.5 percent as about two shares declined for every share rising.

Jaypee Infratech, Aditya Birla Money, Aditya Birla Nuvo, Grasim Industries, Amtek Auto, Metalyst Forging and Shiva Cement gained 1-7 percent.

Fortis Healthcare was down 2.5 percent on Nomura downgrade. Jain Irrigation, Havells India, DCB Bank and InterGlobe Aviation were also under pressure.

The Indian rupee slipped 9 paise in the early trade at 64.72 per dollar versus 64.63 Thursday.

Ashutosh Raina of HDFC Bank expects the pair to trade in a range of 64.50-64.90/dollar for today.

Asian markets lost ground despite China manufacturing activity beating expectations. Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped 1.08 percent while the Kospi slipped 0.2 percent and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 pulled back 1.45 percent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index declined 0.88 percent. On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite was off by 0.18 percent.
On a day when the market awaited the crucial switch to a new tax regimethe goods and services tax (GST)the market too continued with its cautious stance, which has been visible throughout the week gone by, albeit Thursdays move.

Benchmark indices continued to reveal cautious trade by investors ahead of the crucial switch to goods and services tax (GST), with the Nifty breaching 9550-mark as well.

The Sensex was down 60.72 points at 30796.80, while the Nifty was down 24.45 points at 9479.65. The market breadth was negative as 1142 shares advanced against a decline of 1299 shares, while 178 shares were unchanged.

Experts believe ahead of the likely disruption due to GST, the Street could continue to be cautious.

Ajay Srivastava of Dimensions Corporate Financial Services believes that the market will be expecting a disruption in the economic activity. There are worries about the effects; there is a de-escalation in inventories of companies, he said.

Very clearly, there is a challenge in the interim both on the administration and the companys side, Srivastava, CEO, Dimensions Corporate Financial Services told CNBC-TV18. It needs to be seen how authorities respond to various issues as well as the impact on banking sector. This could see further dislocation, he added.

However, even on such days, there are a few stocks that would have shone bright. More than 50 stocks touched fresh 52-week high marks. A few of the names among them include Asian Granito, BASF India, Himadri Speciality, SREI Infrastructure, GVK Power, Jaypee Infratech, ICICI Prudential, Thomas Cook, Emami, Welspun, and AB Nuvo, among others.
DDA Housing Scheme

The much-awaited DDA Housing Scheme 2017 will be launched in Delhi today for nearly 13,000 flats constructed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) at its headquarter at Vikas Sadan.

The brochure for the DDA flat scheme 2017 is ready and the authority has printed sufficient number of copies.

Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Anil Baijal gave the approval for the housing scheme at the end of May and Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu will be launching the scheme today.

The housing scheme was expected to be launched in mid-June but the project got delayed due to logical constraints such as infrastructure, street light, connecting road and adequate transportation system.

The majority of the flats are located in Dwarka, Jasola, Narela, Rohini and Vasant Kunj areas out of which 10,000 flats are from the 2014 scheme and the remaining 2,000 other units had been lying vacant.

Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Central Bank, HDFC, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, SBI and Yes Bank have been roped in by the housing authority for the scheme.

The scheme has been linked to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) under which the buyer can avail subsidies provided by the central government.

DDA has proposed multi-tiered penal measures to keep away unserious buyers and check market speculation.

No registration money would be deducted if a potential purchaser surrenders his/her application before the draw date. A 25 percent fee would be deducted after the date of draw but before the issue of demand letter.

A 50 percent registration fee would be deducted if the flat is surrendered after the demand letter is issued but within 90 days of it and no refund will be given after that period.

There will be no economically weaker section (EWS) flats available this time and 10,000 flats are in LIG (low-income group) category from the 2014 DDA scheme.

Both husband and wife can apply for the scheme but one would have to give up allotment if both get the allotment.

Application forms will be available both online and offline. The DDAs official website got crashed last time due to massive online response in the 2014 scheme.

The price ranges for 2014 scheme was Rs 7 lakh and Rs 1.2 crore for the 25,040 flats.
Markets regulator Sebi on Friday said electronic PAN card issued by CBDT to foreign portfolio investors will be accepted for KYC purpose.

CBDT, in April, introduced a facility of providing electronic Permanent Account Number (PAN), which is sent by email to all applicants, including individual.

"It is clarified that e-PAN issued by CBDT can also be produced by FPI for KYC compliance," the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a circular.

In a major revamp, Sebi in 2014 had released norms that had clubbed different categories of foreign investors into a new class called FPIs.

Under the regime, FPIs have been divided into three categories as per their risk profile and the KYC (know your client) requirements, while other registration procedures have been made simpler for them.

The norms were issued to rationalise various foreign portfolio investment routes and simplify the procedures to attract more foreign funds.
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "Power Finance Corporation (PFC) is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 126 and target of Rs 114. Tata Motors is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 441 and target of Rs 420. State Bank of India (SBI) is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 276 and target of Rs 262."

"IIFL Holdings is a buy with a stop of Rs 598 and target of Rs 620. Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 80 and target of Rs 91."

"UltraTech Cement is coming off. So, basically around Rs 3,900-3,850 is a good place to get into it. Cement is in a bull market. Finally you will get Rs 4,400-4,500. So, on declines this is one of the stocks you should try to buy," he said.

"From a charting point of view, there seems to be more to go on the rally because both Grasim Industries and Aditya Birla Nuvo have not really corrected in this decline. So, I would think in Grasim probably Rs 1,400-1,450 is possible. Similar sort of return on AB Nuvo as well."

"It appears that today we are going to have a big range day. So, this is the time to act on the market because the big move is getting made in the first hour itself. You can go short in ICICI Bank. There was apparent good news which is getting sold into. So chances are that could move lower. Particularly the banks are looking fairly weak so just take hold of any of the banks, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, etc. and go short out there. Even Reliance Industries has given up, so, again out there the morning rally is getting sold into."

"UPL is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 828 and target of Rs 856. Amara Raja Batteries is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 840 and target of Rs 800."

"Interglobe Aviation is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 1,200 and target of Rs 1,150."

: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd
Mitessh Thakkar of miteshthacker.com told CNBC-TV18, "Couple of metal names could be interesting on the buy side. Broadly, what has happened is that couple of banking names are also started to correct and I have one of them as the sell recommendation. So I have two sell calls, one of them is RBL Bank. It is going through some kind of mild weakness and corrective set up. So sell with a stop loss at Rs 518, look for target of Rs 470. The other sell is Ramco Cement with a stop loss at Rs 692, look for declines to about Rs 630."

" I have three buy calls. The first is JSW Steel with a stop loss at Rs 200.50, look for target of Rs 214 and Jindal Steel Power with a stop loss below Rs 119.80 for target of Rs 129."

"Amongst the midcap cash stocks, I have a buy on Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) which appears to have complete a good pullback. So, buy with a stop loss at Rs 80 and look for target of around Rs 90," he said.
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SN Subrahmanyan will take charge as the CEO and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro from tomorrow, which will also mark the end of nearly two-decade long tenure of A M Naik at the helm.

The appointment was approved by the company board on April 7 and marks a major change in leadership positions at L&T where Naik has served for over 52 years, including as its head for over 17 years, the company said in a statement.

Subrahmanyan is currently the deputy managing director and president of the company.

The board had also requested Naik, Group Executive Chairman, to provide guidance and mentorship to the company's leadership subsequent to his current term.

He will assume the new role of non-executive chairman for a period of three years beginning October 1, immediately upon his retirement as Executive Chairman on September 30.

Naik said Subrahmanyan has a great work ethic and business acumen to take L&T to greater heights in the future.

"I have full confidence that under him L&T will remain steadfast to its core values, fulfill the expectations of our stakeholders and continue to play a key role in building a stronger India," he said. Subrahmanyan termed the appointment high honour and immense responsibility.

He said he looked forward to jointly writing a new chapter for L&T along with the high calibre employees while ensuring to continue delivering value to the stakeholders.

Subrahmanyan joined the construction business of L&T in 1984 as a project planning engineer after completing a degree in civil engineering and post-graduation in business management.

The L&T construction business has grown multifold under his leadership to rank among the top 25 global contractors and by far the largest EPC player in the country. In 2011, Subrahmanyan was inducted into the L&T board.

Under Naik's leadership, L&T transformed into a USD 17 billion group with presence not only in engineering and construction but also in technology, manufacturing and financial services operating in over 30 countries.
I'm told by the senior executives of the Softbank funded startup that the preparation to get the team and third party vendors to understand the implications of GST started four months ago. Over the last couple of weeks the drill became pretty hectic.

With me are Nitin Jain, head of taxation and Sonal Sinha, senior vice president, finance, taking me through the process of the drill.

With GST going live from July 1 from the Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi, the office of India's largest budget hotel room aggregator Oyo Rooms is buzzing with activity. I'm here to understand the nuances of the new goods and services tax (GST) regime and how it will affect India's budget hotel industry.

Group of ministers' panel on GST on casinos, gaming may stick with 28% taxation decision

Across India and Malaysia, Oyo claims to be operating over 70,000 rooms in 200 cities.

As per the new GST regime, hotels with room rates between Rs 1000-2500 will be taxed at 12 percent, much lower than the 18-22 percent of what guests paid earlier. According to Jain, there is a catch. The rate will not be the same for all states.

States like Orissa had zero percent luxury tax, which means there was just a service tax of 9 percent levied earlier, says Jain. Rooms in a Bhubhaneshwar or a Cuttack will now be taxed on the higher side with a 12 percent GST.

The government has recently also clarified to online hotel aggregators that the taxes will be levied on the published rate and not on what eventually is offered to the customers.

It definitely doesn't take into account the discount which will be offered by the company on the listed price. It could be troublesome for companies such as Oyo which offer impressive discounts across multiple properties.

"We have been engaging with the government for more and more clarity," says Jain.

The tax and finance team is making employees and vendors aware about the business change.

"The idea is to help people understand what are the new rules of the tax ...there have been multiple sessions so far," says Jain.

GST

Tax collection at source (TCS) is also a major issue for Oyo.

"We engage with a lot of other third party online travel aggregators," says Jain. He says that right now there is no TCS.

However with the new regime it is yet to be seen on how the TCS is levied since multiple parties are involved across several transactions.

"Commercially no one would like to pay high taxes but I think these are the initial pieces and there will be larger clarity over a period of time," says Jain adding that he is looking at the 'bigger picture'.

The 'bigger picture' could be seamless and lesser taxation across states for guests. However compliance could increase.

Sinha calls it a "happening" roll out, driven by the euphoria around the new regime.

"GST is definitely good for economy and will be boosting India's growth story," he says

The GST roll out is scheduled to be launched today at the stroke of the midnight hour with a gong at a star studded rollout amongst Bollywood and business celebrities besides political leaders.

priyanka.sahay@nw18.com
(Xinhua) 20:54, June 30, 2017

BEIJING, June 30 -- China firmly opposes the United Statesselling arms to Taiwan and urged the country to stop any weapons deal with Taiwan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Friday.

Lu told a daily press briefing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the United States selling weapons to Taiwan violates international law, the basic norms of international relations, and the principles of the three joint communiques between the two countries, harming China's sovereignty and security interests.

He said that the Chinese government and people are determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose to outside interference.

Media reported the U.S. State Department Thursday approved an arms sale to Taiwan worth about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars, the first such deal with Taiwan since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

Lu said China strongly urged the United States to honor its commitments and stop any weapons deal with Taiwan so as to avoid further damage to relations between China and the United States.

Also on Thursday, media reported the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of having dealings with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Lu said China opposes any unilateral sanctions outside the framework of the UN Security Council, and has fully implemented the UN Security Council resolutions on the DPRK.

If Chinese enterprises or individuals undertake any actions against UN Security Council resolutions, China will investigate and deal with them based on domestic laws and regulations, Lu said.

"We strongly urge the United States to cease incorrect actions, in order to avoid affecting bilateral cooperation," he said.
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Zee Entertainment

Brokerage: Bank of America Merrill Lynch | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 565

The global research firm expects a subdued quarter for the company, led by the impact of goods and services tax (GST). Having said that, it expects a quick recovery in the second quarter. Further, BofA-ML also expects FMCG companies to curtail their spending on advertising and promotion in the first quarter, thus impacting the companys revenues, which it expects to grow at 8 percent year on year in Q1.

Additionally, it expects the company to surprise on margin despite low revenue growth by controlling its expenses. It sees an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of 32 percent in Q1.

ITC

Brokerage: CLSA | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 375

CLSA expects strong earnings growth for ITC along with a modest rise in capital expenditure over FY17-20. It expects the company to generate free cash flow at 14 percent CAGR over Fy17-20. The buy call for the stock is underpinned on a neutral final rate for GST, the report stated.

Brokerage: JPMorgan | Rating: Overweight | Target: Rs 350

The research firm sees free cash flows to be flat on the back of rising capex across all business divisions.

BHEL

Brokerage: Deutsche Bank | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 185

The global financial services firm forecasts a 12/50 percent revenue/net profit CAGR over FY17-20. It also cited the managements expectation of recovery in orders in FY18 on the back of faster clearances.

Gujarat Gas

Brokerage: Deutsche Bank | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 925

The research firm sees the recent underperformance in the stock as a chance to add position. It expects gas sales volume to pick up sharply from Q1 by 20 percent year on year to 6.4 mmscmd, along with sharp improvement in margins. The firms estimates are factoring in 69 percent earnings per share (EPS) CAGR over FY17-19. Further, it sees 12 new authorized areas to add over 0.6 mmscmd beyond FY20.

UPL

Brokerage: Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank highlighted that Brazil suspended another 37 fungicides after 63 in December. The products suspended, the firm said, include those manufactured by the companys key competitors. It expects the suspension to support volume growth for the company in Brazil for the current fiscal.

Bank of Baroda

Brokerage: Nomura | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 200

Nomura said that early recognition of stress and high NPA coverage imply lower profit and loss hit in FY18. The pre-provisioning operating profit (PPOP) outlook is better than its peers, the brokerage said. Unlike peers, there are positive net interest margin (NIM) catalysts in the current fiscal.

Fortis Health

Brokerage: Nomura | Rating: Reduce | Target: Rs 177

The brokerage said that its growth disappointed, while hospitals and diagnostics business performance lags peers. Further, it expects brownfield capacity additions to drive growth over three years. It is factoring in 16.3 percent CAGR over FY17-20 against 11 percent over FY14-17. Nomura also lowered sales estimates and EBITDA estimates as well. It could be an attractive acquisition target, given its pan-India presence, the report added.

UltraTech Cement

Brokerage: Citi | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 5,000

Citi is incorporating the acquisition of JP Associates plants in its earnings. It lowered FY18-19 PAT by 35/12 percent on lower JP Associates utilization and EBITDA per tonne. It sees demand driven price rally yet to play out and said that the underperformance in the last month has provided a buying opportunity.

Axis Bank

Brokerage: JPMorgan | Rating: Overweight | Target: Rs 570

Continued underperformance presents an opportunity for long-term investors, the brokerage house said in its report. Incremental provisioning charge is minimal, it added. The bank is a preferred name within the high-NPL banks.

Property

Brokerage: CLSA

The brokerage house said that the progress of RERA was slow and many states are still awaiting a proper regulator. In Mumbai, it said, only 13 developers have received RERA registration yet. This slow progress may lead to sales in first half of FY18 being weaker than anticipated. The gains are likely to be visible later in the second half.
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Shares of Career Point rose more than 9 percent intraday Friday as it has signed MoU to consider possible acquisition of Plancess Edusolutions.

The company is evaluating acquisition of majority shareholding in Mumbai based ed-tech company Plancess Edusolutions and to execute the proposed transaction, the company has entered into a confidential and exclusive memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Plancess Edusolutions.

The discussion between the two companies is in advanced stages wherein final execution shall be subject to due diligence, regulatory and other approvals, as applicable.

Pramod Maheshwari, chairman and managing director of Career Point said, The company always supports innovative models of learning whichever mode they are i.e. integrated learning, e-learning etc. We look forward to work with companies like Plancess to offer exemplary education through different modes at students everywhere.

Plancess provides learning solutions for class IX and XII students and competitive examinations such as JEE, NEET, CAT, Bank PO etc.

At 14:50 hrs Career Point was quoting at Rs 103.10, up Rs 1.40, or 1.38 percent on the BSE.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
copper_hindustan_44537989

Sushil Finance's commodity report on Copper

Copper prices hit three - month peaks on Thursday, boosted by a lower dollar, expectations of stronger demand from top consumer China, falling stocks and a break of a major technical level. China accounts for nearly half of global copper demand, estimated at about 23 million tonnes this year. Its power consumption rose 6.0 percent in April from a year earlier. Industrial metals markets will be watching manufacturing, investment, property market and loans data for clues on the strength of its copper demand over coming months. This week China appointed a new environment minister who has promised a "protracted battle" to clean up the nation's notoriously polluted air, water and soil.

We expect base metal prices likely to trade volatile on the back of mixed fundamentals.

For all commodities report, click here

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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InterGlobe Aviation, the operator of low cost carrier IndiGo, continued to bleed for the second straight day as investors were spooked by its plan to buy Air India. The stock fell over 6 percent intraday on the back of an official statement by the carrier, which expressed the interest to buy the national airline. It had ended around 2 percent lower on Thursday as well.

The airline, in a late evening notification to the exchanges, released the letter written to the aviation ministry, expressing interest to buy the international operations of Air India and Air India Express. Alternatively, it also said that there was an equal interest on its part to acquire all of the operations of both the airlines.

The move could be seen as a strategy to ramp up its operations and network for the international market. As of March 31, 2017, the companys share of international segment in its total revenues is a tad over 8 percent from its total revenues.

Moreover, on the financial front, the carrier has a healthy balance sheet as well. Its investments, cash and cash equivalents and bank balances together constitute around Rs 8,345.9 crore. Meanwhile, its borrowings, as of March 2017, stand at Rs 2,395.7 crore, a reduction from Rs 3,007.7 crore during the same period last year.

The development had come a day after Cabinet gave in-principal approval for sale of government's stake in Air India.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had decided to privatise Air India to make it economically viable, said Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi to CNBC-TV18. Confirming the news Gajapathi told CNBC-TV18 that the ministry did receive a letter from IndiGo expressing interest.

Additionally, Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for aviation, said that many companies have informally approached the flagship carrier to buy stake as well, and there are both domestic and international airlines among interested entities.

The government has also decided to set up a committee to explore various options including strategic divestment of the loss-making airline and its five subsidiaries. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will head the inter-ministerial panel. The decision was based on the recommendations of Niti Aayog.

The committee will consider the quantum of disinvestment to be made the universe of bidders, according to a government press release.

According to media reports, Tata Sons officials led by Chairman N Chandrasekaran are known to have already met up with top officials in the aviation ministry to express their interest in buying the airline.

Tata Sons has stakes in Air Vistara and AirAsia India.

At 13:43 hrs, Interglobe Aviation was quoting at Rs 1,170.65, down Rs 66.35, or 5.36 percent on the BSE. It touched an intraday high of Rs 1,260.00 and an intraday low of Rs 1,161.05.
Representative Image

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Reliance Communications share price fell 1.6 percent intraday Friday on a media report that the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group company may surrender its some spectrum to government.

"The loss-making company, which had earlier sought deferment in debt servicing obligations from banks, has approached the telecom ministry to surrender a part of its spectrum holdings in the 1,800-MHz frequency, the Times of India said quoting sources.

The company has also sought a refund of some of the payments, which have been made, the report added.

The move, if allowed by the government, will also enable the debt-laden company to escape paying the instalments towards the purchase of spectrum that it now wants to surrender.

The company has huge debt on its books and insufficient cash to pay that debt. Hence, the rating agencies recently downgraded the company and its bonds due to poor liquidity positions.

"Reliance Communications had poor liquidity at end-March 2017, with cash and equivalents of Rs 1,400 crore - insufficient to pay short-term debt of Rs 10,900 crore," Fitch Ratings said in its report dated June 6, 2017.

Its EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) declined by 30 percent to Rs 4,900 crore in the financial year to end-March 2017 (FY17), from Rs 7,100 crore in FY16, and is likely to be insufficient in FY18 to meet annual interest costs of Rs 3,500 crore and maintenance capex of Rs 1,500 crore, it feels.

At 12:03 hours IST, the stock price was quoting at Rs 21.75, down Rs 0.20, or 0.91 percent on the BSE.
As many as 10 railway stations have been identified to roll out the redevelopment of stations on a self-financing basis through land monetisation in synergy with the Smart City Mission of the Ministry of Urban Development.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was today signed for the smart redevelopment of Delhi Sarai Rohilla, Lucknow, Gomtinagar, Kota, Tirupati, Nellore, Ernakulam, Puducherry, Madgaon and Thane new stations, a ministry release said.

Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) and NBCC signed the MoU in the presence of Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu and Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu.

Speaking on the occasion, Naidu said redevelopment of railway stations further enhances the smartness of cities by addressing congestion and sanitation at stations that are visited by a large number of people. He said Prime Minister desired both the ministries to work in tandem to enhance the smartness of cities.

Prabhu noted that smart redevelopment of stations would substantially enhance the passenger experience. He asked Railway Board and NBCC to start working on identifying further 25 stations for redevelopment.

MD of NBCC A.K.Mittal assured the two ministers that at least five stations would be redeveloped by 2019.

As per the MoU, a Special Purpose Vehicle will be formed at the national level as a joint venture between RLDA and NBCC on 50:50 shareholding basis. The SPV, in turn, will enter into City Support Agreements with respective cities. The redevelopment of stations and commercial development on railway land will be done in alignment with the Smart City Plans of respective cities.

RLDA will lease out the land to the SPV at a nominal token cost for development for a fixed lease period of up to 45 years and NBCC will execute the project work on behalf of the SPV as project management consultant.

Earnings from the commercial development of land parcels at stations will be utilised to redevelop the stations for creating better passenger amenities and necessary infrastructure and the surplus earnings will go to RLDA which would, in turn, would be remitted to zonal railways, it said.

Project completion period will be three years from the date of availability of encumbrances free site or award of works to construction agency, whichever is later.

The upkeep and maintenance of the stations and the commercial property shall be done by the SPV. Non-fare revenues generated from the Railway station except that from Railway Display Network will be passed on to SPV to meet expenditure on redeveloped stations.

NBCC will incur an initial investment of up to five percent of project cost and will charge an interest at the rate not exceeding 12 percent per year. NBCC will charge four percent of the project cost as PMC charges, three percent of the cost for preparation of Detailed Project Reports and two percent of lease revenue for marketing and other services.

Entire revenue from lease revenues from built up spaces will be deposited in an ESCROW account of the SPV which is to be managed by a Committee to be formed.

RLDA will appoint the chairman of the SPV while NBCC will select the chief executive officer.
19:58 (IST)



19:54 (IST) The name of a CA must be equated with Compliance and Accuracy, says PM.



19:53 (IST) Chartered Accountants have a great role to play in the insolvency code.



19:52 (IST) I invite everyone to carry on with their profession with dignity.



19:51 (IST) PM says that man only committs crimes only when he has someone saving him



19:48 (IST) I invite you to set your ways straight this July. Understand the greatness of your profession and carry it forward.



19:46 (IST) PM: I appeal to you, your signature carries the trust of crores of Indian, never let break, never let it get a scratch even.





19:44 (IST) CA signatures carry more power than the signature of the Prime Minister of this country.







19:43 (IST) Chartered Accountants are the economic ambassadors between the people and businesses.











19:42 (IST) The role of CAs have become more important after the rollout of the goods and services tax.







19:41 (IST) Today our nation stands at an important stage in history. 2017 will the year where one naiton,one tax and one market will be fulfilled.







19:37 (IST) How is it possible that only 25 Chartered Accountants are prosecuted? Are only these many people committing crimes?









19:35 (IST) Only 35 lakh people file their returns with an income above 10 lakhs, do you believe this?







19:34 (IST) In a country of 2 crore engineers and management people, and 2 crore 13 lakh people traveled abroad.







19:31 (IST) I urge you to spot these thieves between us, who have looted us with the black money.







19:26 (IST) We have noted around 38,000 shell companies that hide and move around black money, they will be given strict punishment.











19:26 (IST)We have noted around 38,000 shell companies that hide and move around black money, they will be given strict punishment.









19:25 (IST) Just 48 hours back, more than 1 Lakh companies have been shut with the single stroke of a pen.









19:25 (IST) Just 48 hours back, more than 1 Lakh companies have been shut with the single stroke of a pen.







19:23 (IST) We have lined up the figures after November 8 through data mining : 3 Lakh registered companies are under the scanner.







19:19 (IST) On one hand, I am carrying out Swach Bharat Abhiyaan, on the other, I am cleaning up the economy.







19:18 (IST) In two years down the line, when Swiss start releasing real time data, then it will be a tough time for these people.







19:17 (IST) 30 years ago, in 1987, Swiss banks started disclosing the amounts countries put up. According to the latest reports, the amounts deposited came down by 45 percent.







19:16 (IST) If people keep stealing from a country, the country will not sustain.









19:13 (IST) Our elders say: Even after a fire, we can rebuild, but if anyone keeps stealing, the family stops working.







19:10 (IST) Your worth is equivalent to the great Rishimunis for handling wealth in the right ways. How to go about using wealth in the right way is the responsibility of you Chartered Accountants.







19:08 (IST) I have the honor of inducting this dynamic course, which will improve the financial education in our country.







19:07 (IST) You, as CAs are an important pillar for our economy. The world looks up to the CAs of India for their diligence.





19:06 (IST) You have been given a divine right to decide the right from the wrong in this country







19:03 (IST) Today marks the beginning of GST, the Good and Simple Tax in this country.

(IST) Today marks the beginning of GST, the Good and Simple Tax in this country.





19:01 (IST)My greatest salutations to you all for braving the rain and making it to the event on this historic day.









18:58 (IST) PM Modi begins speech.







18:58 (IST)The CA profession is behind you. Your presence will motivate us for a long time to come.







18:56 (IST) CA Nilesh.A.Vikamsey gives introductory speech, praises Modi for the most awaited, long awaited reform





He's Here ! PM Narendra Modi enters stage with "Kadam Badhaeyga" song in background. Modi recived to cheers.







18:45 (IST) The Prime Minister is on his way in a few minutes, thank you Chartered Accountants





18:44 (IST) we will keep moving the direct and indirect taxes towards digitization, will help assessees and the general public.





18:42 (IST) All those who say that whether single or double rate of tax is not possible yet.





18:40 (IST) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is back, no sign of PM.









17:41 (IST) A majority of support and solutions around GST came from Chartered Accounts, for that I am very grateful







17:39 (IST) Let's see what Hasmukh Adia has to say 12 hours into GST





17:38 (IST) Government which blinks, are never able to reform.





17:38 (IST) I specifically thank the ICAI and Chartered Accountants for carrying out the campaign while keeping public opinion positive.





17:36 (IST) We are not dealing with the tribals, meant for top one percent of the country.For those businesses with a turnover of crores, will the software present itself as a hurdle ?





17:35 (IST) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley speaks at ICAI event





Modi's challenge: On the 75 th year of the founding ICAI, will you change the big four to the big eight companies of Chartered Accountant firms of the world?

1.45 That's all for the night. Thanks for staying tuned to the live coverage.

01.15 Sushil Modi on GST Launch

# Central Government has assured that each state will see 14% revenue growth

# Must thank PM Modi & FM Jaitley for this historic moment

# The efforts made by the BJP towards GST overshadows Congress effort

BJP president Amit Shah speaking about GST:

00.24 SBI chief Arundhati Bhattacharya on GST

# SBIs Tech Platform, Internal Process Have Been Integrated With GoI Portal

# Have already seen more than 1,000 visits, over 100 transactions on SBIs IT backend

# GST An Enormous Reform That Is Not Only Financial, But Social. Hope This Will Be A Really Seminal Reform For Country

# There Is a Lot Of Capacity In The GST Tech System, Dont Think There Will Be An Overload

# There Will Be Some Hiccups, But Nothing We Cannot Take In Our Stride

00.05 Dawn of a new India - At the stroke of the midnight GST is rolled out with a bang!

Lucknow: A group traders burst fire-crackers to welcome GST in Lucknow on Friday (PTI Photo by Nand Kumar).

00.03 History has been created! PM Narendra Modi, President Pranab Mukherjee launches GST through the press of a button.

00.03 President Pranab Mukherjee addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# GST will make our exports more competitive and also provide level playing field to domestic industry

# GST will make tax incidence will be transparent

# GST will be administered through a modern IT system

# GST is a disruptive change no doubt

# There is bound to be some teething problems

# Deep appreciation for all those who made this possible

23.59 President Pranab Mukherjee addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# In these meetings and with CMs that most of them had a constructive approach and underlying commitment of GST

# Confidence stood justified when then Parliament passed the Constitution Amendment Bill in 2016

# It is remarkable the in the 18 GST council meetings decisions have been taken through a consensus

# GST is the result of broad consensus between the centre and states

# It is a tribute the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy

23.56 President Pranab Mukherjee addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# In a few minutes we will witness the launch of GST

# This is a culmination of 14 year old journey when the Kelkar Task force mooted GST

# Proposal for GST was first mooted in the budget of 2006

# Design of GST assigned to the Empowered Committee of state FMs

# Introduction of GST is a momentous event

# Moment of personal satisfaction as I had presented the constitution amendment bill in 2011

# Have a vivid recollection of meetings with the Empowered Committee

23.53 PM Narendra Modi addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# GST is actually Good and Simple Tax

# Good because it frees up layers of taxes, simple because it helps return filing easier

# Thankful to President Pranab Mukherjee for guiding us

# I invite President to deliver his speech

23.50 PM Narendra Modi addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# GST will remove imbalance in the country

# The more we spread economy horizontally - the country can go higher up vertically

# GST is like Indian railways, run by the states and the Centre

# GST's influence will be remembered by the future generations for its immense benefits

# GST is a tax system of New India, Digital India and way of doing business

# GST is not just tax reform, it is also an economic reform and a social reform

23.48 PM Narendra Modi addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# Don't fall prey to rumours, adjusting with GST is as simple as a change in the power of prescription glasses

# India has emerged as a preferred business destination internationally and GST will make exports competitive

# Backward states are blessed with abundant natural resources

# GST will provide the best opportunity for eastern states to progress

23.45 PM Narendra Modi addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# Tax terrorism and inspector raj are not new things

# GST, because of technological trails will free India from 'Inspector Raj'

# GST has exempted traders with turnover of less than Rs 20 lakh and imposed low rates for traders with turnover of less than Rs 75 lakh

# In simple terms GST will prove to be the most beneficial for the poor

# The games of 'kuccha bills'and 'pucca bills' will be eliminated

# It is true that not everybody is tech friendly

# But every household with 10th and 12th standard students can guide on GST

23.41 PM Narendra Modi addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# Lines of lorries had to queue up for hours in state borders and it is critical to ferry perishable goods. We are freeing ourselves today from such irregularities and barriers.

# GST is simple, progressive. It will help curb black money and respects honesty

# GST will bring in a new governance culture

PM Narendra Modi addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# Chanakya said, Whatever is very distant or difficult to get, hardwork and perseverance can make it achievable

# If Vallabhbhai Patel had not integrated all provinces into a single union, GST would not have been possible

# From Ganganagar to Itanagar, from Leh to Lakhshwadweep, our dream of ONE NATION, ONE TAX will be fulfilled

# One wonders what Albert Einstein would have said if he had seen the multiplicity of taxes in India, who had said that income tax was most different to understand

# Earlier, the same good was priced differently in Delhi, Gurugram and Noida. Today, we have freed ourselves from such multiplicity of taxes.

23.35 PM Narendra Modi addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# Today, there could not have been a more pious place to launch GST

# GST, like the debates of the Constituent Assembly, has gone through a series of debates participated by the best brains of the country

# When the Constitution was adopted, it gave the country's citizens fundamental rights

# Likewise GST, is an example of cooperative federalism shows the collective strength of team India

# Today midnight, all of us together will determine the nation's next course

# Regardless of party and governments, GST council shows that upliftment of the poor remains paramount

23.33 GST council met for the 18th time today. The Holy Gita also has 18 chapters, says PM Modi.

23.32 PM Narendra Modi addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# The Constituent Assembly met for the first time on December 9, 1946

# The path we have chosen is not a decision of a single party, this is not a decision of single government

# This is the result of collective effort of all of us

# We have gathered together at the Central Hall and this is an extremely pious place

# The government adopted the Consitution on November 26, 1949 in this very place

# From a few moments from now, the country will move towards a new system

23.29 PM Narendra Modi addresses Parliament on GST Launch

# In the building of a nation, some moments come when reach a new turn to scale new heights

# Today midnight, all of us together will determine the nation's next course

# From a few moments from now, the country will move towards a new system

# 125 crore people are witness to this change

# GST's benefit is not limited just to the economic system

23.23 PM Narendra Modi addresses Parliament on GST Launch

23.17 Here's more from Jaitley on GST

# GST is an important achievement for the whole country. In 2006, UPA announced its intent to launch GST by 2010.

# Hon'ble President Pranab Mukherjee as FM introduced the constitution amendment bill in 2011

# Parliamentary Standing committee under former FM Yashwant Sinha recommended setting up a GST Council

# Successive governments decided to appoint leader from an opposition party as the chairman of Empowered Committee of state FMs

23.12 Consensus based decision making in the GST council underscores that India can collectively think and act with maturity for a collective purpose: FM Jaitley

23.10 It will be an India where the centre and state will work together for common goal of shared prosperity: FM Arun Jaitley

23.08: GST is a journey that will awake India to limiltess possibilities: FM Jaitley

23.06: We are in the process of making history with the launch of GST: FM

23.05 President, Vice President, PM Modi, former PM Deve Gowda, Lok Sabha Speaker present on dais for launch event

23:00 President Pranab Mukherjee arrives at the Parliament for the GST launch event.

22:58 PM Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan arrive at the Parliament for the GST launch event.

22:50: GST Launch - Next On Agenda

President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Narendra Modi to arrive in Parliament at 11 pm.

PM Narendra to deliver a speech after FM Jaitley's speech at GST launch event.

President Pranab Mukherjee to symbolically launch GST at the stroke of midnight and deliver a short speech.

Two short films on the subject of GST will be screened during the launch event.

Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan arrives in Parliament for GST launch event

22:45 President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrive in Parliament at 11 pm

22:43 FM Arun Jaitley arrives at Parliament, to give a brief introductory speech on GST launch at 11 pm.

22:31 Parliament of India illuminated ahead of GST Launch

22:27 Kerala Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac views on GST Launch: GST is an important reform, but midnight celebration a political propaganda. Cant join GST celebrations when people are being lynched. GST is not as monumental as gaining independence. In 2011, GST was scuttled because the BJP opposed it.

22:20

New Delhi: GST 17-Year Roller Coaster ride to Final Rollout (PTI Graphics).

22:15 GST Launch: Former Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata, actor Amitabh Bachchan (also a brand ambassador for GST), melody queen Lata Mangeshkar, former Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director E Sreedharan have been invited for the event.

22:13 Don't fret! All insurance policies will not attract 18% tax under GST. Read here.

22:02 'Half-baked' GST launch a 'self-promotional spectacle': Rahul Gandhi. Read here.

21:56 Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: In the last council meet before launch, consensus was to ensure fertilizer price does not go up.

21:45 GST rollout tonight: Read everything you want to know about Indias biggest tax reform, here.

21:42 Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's minister wonders what the GST full form is! Read here.

21:41 GST rollout: Malls clueless on the impact but billing system in place. Read here.

21:39 GST Explained In 30 Seconds. Watch the short video below!

21:38 P Chidambaram: Unpreparedness of business community a big stumbling block to GST rollout. GST law is still imperfect.

21:37 GST impact: What may get costlier, what may get cheaper. Here's the list.

21:36 Just In: Next meeting of the GST Council is on first Saturday of August.

21:35 GST expected to add more jobs in a whole host of sectors. Read more here.

21:33 GST Council revises tax rates on fertilisers, exclusive tractor parts. Read here.

21:31 Small pharma stores not ready with GST-compliant billing systems, olding stocks. Here is all you need to know about it.

21:29 Traders cautious in Azadpur mandi, markets in Old Delhi shut in protest against GST. Here's the report.

21:27 GST: Connaught Place traders worried, clueless ahead of rollout. ad here.

21:24 Buying cars and two-wheelers will be a much cheaper affair from tomorrow as Goods and Services Tax (GST) will ring in a lower tax than all the taxes applied before. Read more here.

21:23 With the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rolling out tonight, many businesspersons are still unaware that they have to register their business to the new tax regime. Here's more.

20:58 Stay tuned with Moneycontrol.com for all the latest updates on India's biggest economic and tax reform

20:57 President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, two former Prime MinistersManmohan Singh and the HD Deve Gowdahave been invited for the launch event, reminiscent of August 15, 1947 marked by Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehrus famous Tryst with Destiny midnight speech in Parliament.

July 1, the midnight event in Parliaments Central Hall to launch the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be an hour and fifteen-minute affair, with a gong sounded at the stroke of 12 am to mark the switch over.
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday gave directions that the Rs 10 meal be made available under the governments Sanjhi Rasoi scheme in all districts by July 1 while chairing separate meetings of administrative secretaries and DCs here, as per a report in The Times of India.

The CM also directed the deputy commissioners and administrative secretaries to address all issues raised by MLAs.

The chief made it clear that political interference of any kind would not be tolerated in matters of governance, aimed at promoting ease of living in Punjab, with people getting access to basic services without red-tapism.

In a bid to ensure coordination with elected representatives for the peoples welfare, CM Amarinder Singh called all frivolous cases against government employees to be withdrawn after taking cognizance of the pending 30,000 service-related cases against the government employees.
There is no possibility of the Congress reconsidering its decision to boycott the special midnight meeting to launch GST, senior party leader Anand Sharma said here today.

"This is not a minor issue that the government will request and just few hours before the event a major opposition party will amend its decision. Keeping in mind Parliament's decorum and country's tradition, we have decided not to participate in the celebration," Sharma told reporters here.

There have been big achievements and also problems in the past but the government has never called a midnight Parliament session, he said.

"In 1971, India tasted victory when Bangladesh got independence and Pakistan's Army had surrendered that time... Indira Gandhi had not called a midnight Parliament session.

Another Tryst With Destiny! How GST Will Change Your Life After July 1

"Nuclear experiment happened, India made its mark in space, economic reforms took place, several major things happened. But when this was not done ever before why do it now," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi should give an explanation to the public on why the issue of H1B1 visas was not raised with US President Donald Trump during their recent meeting, Sharma said.

"Before PM had left for his state visit to USA we had urged him that he must protect the interests of IT professionals who go to America and discuss the issue of H1B1 visas because they cannot be treated as immigrants as they are skilled professionals.

"He has returned without bringing any credible assurance from the US president. Why is he silent? He owes an explanation to the people..."

Sharma also expressed concern about the current security scenario -- recent "serious incidents", which have come as "signals" from neighbours including Pakistan and China. The government, he demanded, should take the "senior leadership of the opposition into confidence about the security scenario and how government plans to address this situation".
Narendra MODI

The opposition attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his warning to those killing people in the name of cow protection, saying it was "too little, too late" and that what was required was actual action on the ground.

Some of the parties described Modi's comments as "mere lip service" and expressed apprehensions that attacks by vigilante groups would continue as the BJP and Sangh- affiliated organisations have allegedly put a lower premium on human life as compared to that of a cow.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah though was at variance with other opposition leaders as he lauded Modi's remarks and expressed hope that the vigilantes would heed to the PM's advice.

"Too little too late. Words mean nothing when actions out do them (sic)," Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad dubbed Modi's comments as "yet another publicity stunt" which allegedly lacked meaning.

Azad observed the prime minister's statement had come after "public pressure" in the wake of yesterday's nationwide protests against incidents of lynching.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury seconded the Congress leaders.

Referring to the prime minister's comment that Mahatma Gandhi would not have approved mob violence, Yechury quipped people were aware of the opinions the Father of the Nation held, but wanted to know what action the government would take against culprits concerned.

"We are aware of Gandhi's principles...We want to know what the prime minister proposes to do to stop such mobocracy," he said.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi was equally curt and termed Modi's comments as "mere lip service".

"Majority of the incidents have taken place in BJP-ruled states. How is it that the BJP-ruled states are not able to stop it?" he asked.

Owaisi said that such incidents would continue because the BJP and Sangh-affiliated organisations have put a lower premium on human life as compared to that of an animal.

CPI national secretary D Raja said it was the effect of citizens' protests against lynching episodes that impelled the prime minister to finally come out in the open on the issue.

"Incidents of lynching are occurring mainly in BJP-ruled states. So, he should direct these states to take action," he added.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia urged the prime minister to first act as the security forces are under BJP-led governments.

Apparently referring to the June 22 stabbing of a Muslim youth on board a Delhi-Mathura local train, Sisodia said the railways also comes under the Centre and the government should act in connection with the case in hand.

"They (the BJP) are not able to do anything the field of education, jobs, industry. So, to remain in power, they resort to instigating fights between Hindus and Muslims," he alleged.

Omar Abdullah expressed hope that the vigilantes would heed to the PM's advice.

"Well said sir. Here's hoping the people carrying out these despicable acts take your words to heart and act accordingly," Omar wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter.

In a tough message against cow vigilantism and mob lynching, Modi today said killing people on the pretext of protecting cows was not acceptable and warned that no one had the right to take law into his hands.

Addressing a public meeting in Ahmedabad, Modi said indulging in violence in the name of "gau bhakti" went fully against the ideals of the Father of the Nation.

Voicing his concern on the spate of incidents of lynching and violence over cow protection, the prime minister said nothing would be achieved from such acts.
President Abdel-Fatah El-Sisi hailed the Egyptian people on the fourth anniversary of the mass protests on 30 June 2013, saying they should be proud of what has been achieved so far, but that there is still a long way to go.

Sisi said in a televised speech that the government has achieved much since 2013, specifically in "fighting terrorism, confronting foreign powers that support terrorism and economic development".

Friday marks four years since millions of Egyptians took to the streets to protest the rule of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who had been elected one year earlier.



Morsi, who was removed from office on 3 July 2013 and tried on various charges, has been incarcerated ever since.

30 June is a unique example of popular revolution, as the people demanded change and the institutions responded, the Egyptian president said, adding that Egyptians also took a stance against terrorism in their protest.

Four years on, we see a lot of sacrifices from security forces... and we continue to fight terrorists until victory, El-Sisi said.

Hundreds of Egyptian security personnel have been killed in attacks by Islamist militants on army and police forces  mostly in northern Sinai  in the last four years, while the military has killed hundreds of insurgents as part of its ongoing campaign to end the insurgency in North Sinai.

El-Sisi said in his speech that after 30 June, Egypt regained its leading international role, standing against countries that support terrorism and standing by countries rebuilding their institutions."

El-Sisi also said that electing a new parliament in 2015 was a political success for Egypt.

On the economic front, El-Sisi said that the government has "launched mega development projects across Egypt... We also implemented an economic programme that is changing the reality of Egypt and resolving the economic crisis."

In mid-2014, Egypt launched a plan to introduce fiscal reforms, including levying new taxes and fuel subsidy cuts  the latest of which were announced on Thursday  to ease a growing budget deficit  currently estimated at 12.2 percent of GDP  as well as floating the Egyptian pound in November 2016.

The first increase of fuel prices came in November, shortly after the pound flotation, raising prices up to 78 percent.

Changing the status quo requires a long time, but we are already seeing improvement in economic indicators and in the atmosphere of investment and economic growth, he said.

I salute the people for bearing the hard measures that we had to take... I am confident in the future, El-Sisi concluded.

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The stated intent was to safeguard the citizens. But while doing so, government agencies like NSA compromised the privacy of their citizens. Repercussions of such surveillance is visible from the growth in cyberattacks leveraging these software backdoors.

The world had a rude awakening on Tuesday when a malware belonging to the Petya ransomware family used the same EternalBlue exploit, which was used by hackers last month during the WannaCry outbreak and infected computers around the world.

Because data is the new oil in the digital economy, ransomware attacks that restrict access to important data until the attacker is paid are becoming increasingly common," says Rana Gupta, Vice President  APAC Sales, Identity and Data Protection, Gemalto.

EternalBlue is a tool, believed to be developed by the US National Security Agency (NSA), to exploit Windows operating system in order to keep surveillance.

The ramsomware termed as NotPetya or GoldenEye by many not just leveraged EternalBlue, but also took benefit of another NSA tool called EternalRomance.

This is not the first time when surveillance measures has backfired. Back in 2015, an Italy based company which made spyware tools for law enforcement departments, got hacked itself.



How many times does @NSAGov's development of digital weapons have to result in harm to civil infrastructure before there is accountability? https://t.co/VOu28Ce9ee

 Edward Snowden (@Snowden) June 27, 2017

Further investigation suggested that the stolen spyware tech was sold off to repressive governments.

Governments without a plan B, without redundancies, should be very careful about sacrificing cyber security for surveillance. Because attackers ARE using those surveillance capabilities against us. And thats not some hypothetical, dystopian scenario. Thats a fact, Erka Koivunen, F-Secures Chief Information Security Officer had said back in 2015.

Governments should keep NotPetya in mind when they start talking about weakening the security and privacy of software and other products in order to make surveillance easier.
China today sought a "meaningful dialogue" with India over the border row in the Sikkim sector and asked it to withdraw its troops from Doklam, insisting that Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area.

"Diplomatic channels are unimpeded between India and China for talks on the standoff in Sikkim," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

"The pressing issue is to have a meaningful dialogue for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Doklam area in Sikkim sector," he said.

A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong.

Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

Lu also refuted Bhutan's allegation that China violated agreements by constructing a road inside its territory.

In a strongly worded statement, Bhutan had also asked China to stop constructing the motorable road from Dokola in the Doklam area towards the Bhutan Army camp at Zompelri which it says affects the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries. But Lu said China had "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area.
BSF

Violating the ceasefire, Pakistan today targeted Indian posts and civilian areas with mortar bombs and automatic weapons along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Indian troops effectively retaliated to the violation.

The ceasefire violation started at 0415 hours targeting Indian Army posts along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali (BG) sector, a Defence spokesman said.

Yesterday, two Indian Army jawans were injured when Pakistani troops fired from small arms and shelled mortars on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch district.

On June 27, Pakistani had violated the ceasefire by shelling areas along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali sector.

There have been 23 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in June besides a cross-LoC attack.
business India on the move: Global opportunities and relationship with Africa As the world becomes more and more integrated, it is incumbent upon India, its government as well as its industry to try and engage as deeply as possible with the rest. Our relationship with Africa is going to be on special focus here for the show, India on the Move, today. A very special panellists Mahesh Sachdev, President, Economic Diplomacy and Strategies, also the Former Ambassador to Algeria, Norway and Nigeria, SM Sundaresan, Country Head, Global Banking India at Standard Chartered Bank and Sunil Makharia, President-Finance at Lupin discuss the same.
US President Donald Trump would seek a level playing field for all and a free and fair trade at the G20 Summit in Germany, his top trade official has said.

"The goal of US trade policy is to expand trade in a way that are free and fair. Insisting on fair trade is the best way to ensure the long-term strength of the international trading system," Gary Cohen, assistant to the US President on Economic Policy told reporters.

Trump travels to Germany next week to attend the G20, which among others would be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We look forward to engaging in free and fair trade with the G20 economies. The US stands firm against all unfair trading practices, including massive distortions in the global steel market and other non-market practices that harm US workers," Cohen said.

"We ask the G20 economies to join us in this effort and to take concrete actions to solve these problems. But let us be clear: We will act to ensure a level playing field for all," Cohen said in a preview of the trip.

Noting that the President has embarked on a strong pro- growth agenda featuring deregulation, tax reform, and infrastructure investment, Cohen said on the trip, Trump will support G20 countries continuing to proactively use all the tools at their disposal -- monetary, fiscal, and structural -- to strengthen growth in their countries.

"Importantly, the G20 also needs to do more to address global imbalances, especially from overcapacity in industrial sectors," he said.

On energy, Trump remains committed to working with world leaders and private sectors on sound environmental policies and on innovative technologies, he said.

"We have been mindful of the fact that, while renewables have a role to play, we cannot achieve the growth or anti- poverty agenda we want without strong contributions from clean fossil fuel technologies which, in the United States, is a global leader," he added.

On climate, Trump looks forward to discussing his decision to leave the Paris Agreement with the other G20 leaders, Cohen said.

"He'll make clear that he has decided to leave the agreement because it was a bad deal for the US, but that he is open to reengaging in the agreement or a new agreement if it makes sense for the American people," he said.

Another focus of the G20 will be famine and other global crises, he said.

"We are focused on the crisis in South Sudan, Nigeria, Yemen, and Somalia, and recently announced that the United States would provide more than USD 329 million in additional humanitarian assistance in this crisis -- bringing the total US humanitarian assistance here to nearly USD 1.2 billion in fiscal year 2017," he said.

The United States is one of the largest donors of humanitarian assistance here.

The US assistance represents the best of Americans' generosity and goodwill.

"It will also improve our national security by helping to stabilise insecure regions while building strong relations with nations and people around the world," he added.

Chen said the US is pleased that the G20 will have a focus on women's economic empowerment.

"We believe that gender equality and women's empowerment is vital in today's labour market. We are advocating for more equality and equal access to the workplace, financial services, and the labour market with quality employment for women and men all throughout the world," he said.
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A supplementary charge-sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against liquor baron Vijay Mallya says he had no intention of honouring a personal guarantee given to IDBI Bank, reports the Indian Express.

To support its charges, the investigating agency submitted a copy of an email allegedly sent by Mallya, to PA Murli, a senior official of United Spirits Limited, on January 6, 2012, as evidence against the charge.

I have been receiving mails from IDBI regarding the KFA account becoming a non-performing asset or NPA. They may do suddenly something. Take the 10 crore out of my account into USL tomorrow itself, the email from Mallya is reported to have said.

The supplementary charge-sheet mentions that in 2009, Mallya offered the brand value of Kingfisher Airlines, Rs 3,365 crore at the time, as a security for a loan taken from the State Bank of India and IDBI bank.

The lending banks, including IDBI, were induced to believe that such a value is an outcome of the diligent exercise of an independent outside expert after rigorous investigation and valuation. The investigation reveals that such a favorable report was obtained by deliberately exaggerated financial indicators, which are different from the ones supplied to the banks. said the charge sheet

The CBI alleges Kingfisher Airlines repeatedly assured IDBI Bank the Rs 600 crore promoters valuation and additional equity of USD 400 million through strategic investors. It said Mallya wrote a letter on March 25, 2009, "inducing the banks to sanction and disburse further loans".His Kingfisher Airlines ultimately owed Rs 900 crore in loan defaults.

Non-disclosure of Foreign Assets and Settlements:

Mallya is said to have a 100 percent share holding in UNB-South Africa, valued at Rs 746.25 crore as well as VJM Resorts in South Africa at Rs 49.75 crore.

The CBI has also claimed in the supplementary charge sheet that while submitting the Assets and Liabilities statements to SBI from 2010 to 2012, Mallya "deliberately" did not declare these foreign assets, although he was eventually directed by the Supreme Court to do so.

Back-deals:

Lender banks such as SBI were not aware of Mallyas moves as he entered into a settlement agreement on February 25, 2016 with United Sprits Limited (USL) as well as a Deed of Disengagement with Diageo Public Limited Corporation and receiving USD 40 million.

The CBI alleges that Mallya contacted the SBI chairman on February 14, 2013, and promised a significant payment to the Kingfisher Airlines Bank Consortium from the money he would make with Diageo on the United Spirits Limited deal.

The CBI claims that Mallya "deceitfully concealed" this deed from the banks, only bringing it up after the contempt proceeding by the Supreme Court in 2016.

Mallya owes 17 banks in India more than Rs 9,000 crore, and absconded to the UK since March 2016, with the Ministry of External Affairs submitting extradition requests to the British Government.
US President Donald Trump and his South Korean counterpart held talks on how to halt North Korea's nuclear drive, but remained at odds over whether to isolate or engage the Pyongyang regime.

Trump welcomed the newly-elected South Korean President Moon Jae-In to the White House for a formal dinner that preceded the heavier lifting that was to come later in the evening during talks on what to do about their ongoing standoff with the North.

"We're going to have tremendous discussions tonight," Trump said at the dinner, flanked by his wife Melania and by Moon, on his right. Seated next to Moon at the elegant, flower bedecked table was his wife, First Lady Kim Jung-soon.

Members of Trump's cabinet and Korean delegation were also seated at the elegant dinner table, which ran the length of the room.

"I know you've been discussing with our people some of the complexities of North Korea and trade and other things, and we'll be discussing them all as we progress -- and it could be very well late into the evening," Trump said.

Earlier on Thursday, Moon lobbied US leaders to back his policy of engagement with North Korea, as the Trump administration vowed to increase pressure on Pyongyang over its nuclear program.

The Trump administration has been trying to isolate the North Korean regime following a series of missile tests, including by persuading China -- Pyongyang's main diplomatic ally -- to help bring Kim Jong-Un into line.

But speaking on board his flight to the United States Wednesday, Moon said Seoul and Washington should offer concessions to Pyongyang if it complies with their demands, according to multiple South Korean reports.

"Without rewarding North Korea for its bad actions, South Korea and the United States should closely consult what they may give the North in return for a nuclear freeze," he said.

"A nuclear freeze is a gate to dialogue and the exit of the dialogue is a complete nuclear dismantlement," he added.

The visit is the first since Moon's resounding election victory just a few weeks ago.

The day commenced yesterday with Moon being received by congressional leaders.

Moon met with House Speaker Paul Ryan and top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi in an ornate room in the US Capitol, with Ryan hailing "strong" bilateral ties but only briefly addressing security issues on the Korean peninsula before reporters were ushered out.

"We have shared concerns such as the threats posed to both of our nations from North Korea," Ryan told Moon.

The South Korean president responded by saying that when it comes to humanitarian issues, "we must cross boundaries and all party lines and all try to unite together as one."

Moon also met with US senators including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain and Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker.

Trump and Moon were to continue their talks -- likely again dominated by North Korea -- at the White House on Friday.

Washington, South Korea's security guarantor, has more than 28,000 troops in the country to defend it from its communist neighbor, which has been intensifying missile tests -- including five since Moon's inauguration.

Pyongyang is seeking to develop nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States.

Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang to curb its nuclear ambitions and his administration has said military action was a possibility.

Washington and Seoul "share precisely the same goal, which is the complete dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs," a senior US administration official said.
The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana.
French foreign ministry spokesman Romain Nadal said at a press conference in France on Friday that "Egypt is an important partner to France and to the European Union, and we have ties based on trust," according to the French foreign ministry's official website.

Nadal's statement came in response to a question as to whether Paris intends include the issue of human rights in Egypt on the agenda of the next EU-Egypt Association Council.

Nadal said that French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has repeatedly stated that he addresses the issue of human rights directly in his diplomatic talks.

Le Drian said in an interview with Le Monde newspaper on Thursday that although the issue of human rights is essential, he prefers to address the matter in an effective way, instead of addressing it through "publicity."

"When I meet Egyptian President [Abdel-Fattah] El-Sisi, for example, I will be raising these issues in very frank terms, including by giving the names of individuals whom we are worried about. But if I discuss my actions in the press, that will undermine my effectiveness."

Earlier this month, Le Drian met in Egypt with El-Sisi as well as the Egyptian foreign and defence ministers, where they discussed regional and international conflicts of common interest, as well as ongoing challenges including terrorism.

During the visit, El-Sisi expressed appreciation for the French ministers role in boosting Egyptian-French relations in the past, particularly in the military field when he was defence minister, and Le Drian expressed his country's appreciation for the strong relations with Egypt.

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Education

Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu.

Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events:

International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu.

EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu.

Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale  an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s  will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets  June Homecoming: Participant  $18 per person; Sustainer  $25 per person; Benefactor  $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler  Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events:

SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available  for information call 610-275-1960

Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above)

SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.  4 p.m.  computers are available during those hours.

Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863.

Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376.

Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com.

The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes:

Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at

other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020.

CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313.

The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events:

Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30.

Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301.

For Kids & Families

The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443.

Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950.

Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required.

The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950.

Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus.

Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage.

Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun.

Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train.

Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world!

Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class.

Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org.

Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583.

Community Events at the Ambler Y:

-YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register.

Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org.

Health

Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot.

The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information.

Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245.

Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net.

Spring Aquatic Programs  UDHS Pool:

-Summer is just around the corner  Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required.

 Shallow Water Aerobics  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR.

 Adult Swim Instructions  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR

-Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21.

-Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday  Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m.

-Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons.

-Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates.

Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com.

Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org.

Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs:

FITNESS CLASSES

Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month.

Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30  9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000.

Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30  7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047.

New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.  12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30  4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931.

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325.

Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes.

Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com.

Librarytalk

Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744

www.upperdublinlibrary.org

APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS:

Storytimes: Please register in the library.

o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m.

o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m.

o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6.

APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS:

North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee

APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS:

NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org.

One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register  contact info above.

Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744.

o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register.

Meetings:

Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m.

Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m.

Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org.

For children and teens at Blue Bell:

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m.

* May 14  Despicable Me

* June 11  Alpha and Omega

* Special Events

* April  watch for date of spring/Easter events

* April 14 at 4:30 p.m.  Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children.

* April 14 at 7 p.m.  Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided.

* April 16 at 1 p.m.  Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King.

* April 16 at 1:30 p.m.  Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes?

* April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button.

* April 30 through May 3  Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults.

* May  sign up for Science in the Summer

* June  sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children

* June  sign up for Summer Reading, all ages

For adults at Blue Bell:

* Daytime Book Discussion Group  fourth Tuesday, Jan  April at 1:30 p.m.

* April 26  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Night-time Book Discussion Group  third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

o April 19  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges

o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked?

*Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs

* Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class.

* Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class.

* Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m.

* Giant Book Sale, April 29  May 3

o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults!

o Held during library hours.

o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m.

o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join.

* Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series

o May 11 at 1 p.m.  Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society

* Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room.

* Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read.

* Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome.

* Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome.

*Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older.

* Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours

* Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours

* Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday!

Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library.

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* For adults:

* Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn.

* Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net

* Special Events:

* April 14 at 1:30 p.m.  Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian.

* April 19 at 7 p.m.  Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m.

* April 21 at 7 p.m.  Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades.

*May 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

*May 10  Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*May 12 at 1:30p.m.  Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

*May 17  Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*June 13 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

Meetings and Lectures

The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833.

The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200.

The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/.

LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings.

Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org.

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org)

-Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them.

The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter.

For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps.

Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin.

Special Events

The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County.

The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065.

Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members.

Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex.

The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com.

The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348.

The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org.

Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163.

The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu.

The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com.

The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net.

Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages.

13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries.

Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family.

The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler.

JPRN  Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them  Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike.

Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately.

Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways.

Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table.

Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp  Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall:

-Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store.

Music and Theater

The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220.

Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html.

Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free.

The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org

Religious News

The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276.

Reunions

St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net.

Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572.

Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779.

Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net

Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net

The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411.

Support

New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149.

PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931.

The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296.

Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656.

Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group  every other Wednesday, 7  8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support  second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner  Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers  Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information.

CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7  8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich,
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...
Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity
Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry met on Friday with his counterparts from Morocco, Nigeria, and Algeria on the sidelines of the preparatory meetings for the annual African Union summit set to be held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on 3-4 July.

Shoukry congratulated Moroccan FM Nasser Bourita for his country's renewed membership in the African Union, stressing that Egypt is keen on coordinating with Morocco on regional issues of common interest, according to Egyptian foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abo Zeid.

Bourita expressed his country's interest in consolidating bilateral relations with Egypt on all levels, as well as arranging a visit by the Moroccan king to Egypt to discuss cooperation in fields including agriculture and renewable energy, as well as cooperation in accordance with the Aghadir agreement.

The Aghadir agreement, a free trade deal between Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia, was signed in the Moroccan city of Rabat in 2004 and went into force in 2007.

Shoukry and Bourita also discussed the Libyan civil conflict as well as ways to develop multilateral African relations.

Shoukry also met with Algerian foreign minister Adel-Kader Mesahel, where they discussed the outcomes of the latest Nile Basin summit held earlier this month in Uganda.

The Algerian and the Egyptian ministers also discussed cooperation within the framework of the African Union, such as the initiative for the structural reform of the AU, as well as the Libyan civil conflict and the cutting of ties between Qatar and several Arab countries.

Shoukry also met with Nigerian foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama, saying he looks forward to his visit to Nigeria in August to develop bilateral relations, especially in combating terrorism.

The Egyptian and Nigerian ministers also discussed the topics on the African Union's meeting agenda, such as supporting peacekeeping forces on the African continent, with Oneama stressing the importance of having mechanisms of consultation among African countries.

The 29th African Union Heads of State Summit will be held under the slogan Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth, with member nations sharing their experiences in empowering young people and preparing them for the future, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry.

The headquarters of the African Union is located in Addis Ababa.

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Did you miss out on the Pop Quiz this week? It's time to catch up and get ready for next week!
Asian emerging market equity funds have set a stellar pace among categories, as we reach the end of the second quarter. Six out of the top 10 best-performing funds over the year to date are exposed to this region, according to data from Morningstar Direct.

The Baillie Gifford Greater China fund is the best performing fund with 27.6% gains year to date, according to Morningstar Direct. It is followed by Baillie Gifford Pacific with a 24.9% gain. The global large-cap fund Smith & Williamson Aubrey Global Conviction was the third best-performing fund with a 24.4% gain.

Other Asian equities funds on the top 10 most performing list were: JP Morgan Asia, Schroder Asian Alpha Plus  which is Silver Rated by Morningstar analysts, the Silver Rated Investec Asia ex Japan fund and Old Mutual Asia Pacific. They have all delivered returns of more than 20% so far this year. Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Leading Companies also gained 23% year to date.

European small-cap funds also featured strongly among the top performers. Henderson European Smaller Companies and Schroder European Small Companies had 24.3% and 22.2% gains respectively.

Energy and natural resources funds are among the worst performing funds year to date, according to Morningstar Direct.

Asia Tech Firms Boost Fund Performance

Asian emerging market equities funds standout performance is supported by their portfolios investment in the technology sector. Chinese tech giants Tencent Holdings (00700) and Alibaba Group (BABA) are some of the biggest holdings in these funds, as well as the Korean tech company Samsung Electronics (SMSN).

Shares of Tencent soared 47.5% year to date and Alibaba was up 60.4% year to date; Samsung Electronics has posted a 30% rise this year. Tencent and Alibaba are rated as three-star fair valued stocks by Morningstar analysts, meaning analysts believe these two stocks are trading at their fair value estimate.

The global large-cap fund Smith & Williamson Aubrey Global Conviction benefited from the gains of Tencent as well because the Chinese tech company is the second top holding in the fund with 4.2% weighting.

Heinz Ruettimann, a strategy research analyst, emerging markets, with Julius Baer said: The IT sector in Asian Emerging Markets, in particular, is developing very positively and is a key contributor to the overall performance. We feel confident with our positioning as three out of our six Asian countries with an Overweight rating have material exposure to the IT sector.

Heavy Tech Exposure in Funds

Morningstar data shows that the Baillie Gifford Greater China fund has half of its portfolio in technology equities. Tencent Holdings is the top holding in its portfolio, accounting for a 9.2% weighting of the fund. Alibaba has 8% weighting in the portfolio.

The funds objective is to produce attractive capital growth over the long term by investing in the shares of companies listed on the stock exchanges of mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan. In additionit will invest in the shares of companies listed on other exchanges which derive the majority of their revenues or profits from mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan.

The fund has 22.2% three-year annualised returns and 17.3% five years annualised returns.

JP Morgan Asia, Schroder Asian Alpha Plus, Investec Asia ex Japan and Old Mutual Asia Pacific all have 30% of their portfolios invested in tech equities.

Lena Tsymbaluk, a fund analyst with Morningstar said overweighting in technology in Investec Asia ex Japan has had a positive effect on returns. She added that manager of the Schroder Asian Alpha Plus fund Matthew Dobbs is a skilled and experienced investor, who has been running money since 1985.

The funds inception was in 2007, but Dobbs has been running the closed-end Schroder Asia Pacific since 1995 using a very similar approach. He is supported by Schroders team of analysts based around the world and works closely with other senior Schroders portfolio managers based in London. The analysts focus on company strategy and assess competitive position and growth prospects; they rank stocks from 1 (strong buy) to 4 (strong sell), providing Dobbs with a base from which to work. The funds long-term track record is strong, said Tsymbaluk.

The other two top performing funds year to date  Henderson European Smaller Companies and Schroder European Small Companies  each have 20% of their portfolios in tech equities.

Asian Equity Funds Remain Unloved, Despite Outperformance

Despite gains in Asian equities funds, the sector still saw outflows for most of the year, according to data from Morningstar Direct. The Morningstar Asia Pacific (ex Japan) Category saw 378 million outflows in the first five months of the year.

Jan Dehn, head of research at the Ashmore Group said: We believe that the flows back to emerging markets are in their early stage,s and that they will progress at moderate speed. In particular, we dismiss the flow picture painted by the usual published weekly flow indicators. These indicators tend to cover only publicly traded funds and therefore miss the bulk of the market, which is owned by big institutional asset owners, including large insurance and pension mandates with segregated accounts, sovereign wealth funds, central banks and others.

Emerging Asias valuations are still attractive, with the regions price-to-book ratio standing at 1.5x, the equity risk premium trades at its 10-year average and 12-month consensus earnings growth is at 23%, said Julius Baers Ruettimann.

Emerging and developing economies now account for almost 60% of global GDP, up from under half only a decade ago, according to International Monetary Fund. They have contributed more than 80% of global growth since the 2008 financial crisis.
Five suicide bombers attacked Lebanese soldiers as they raided two Syrian refugee camps in the Arsal area at the border with Syria on Friday and a sixth militant threw a hand grenade at a patrol, the army said.

The army said seven soldiers were wounded and a girl was killed after one of the suicide bombers blew himself up in the midst of a family of refugees. It did not elaborate.

The raids were part of a major security sweep by the army in an area that has been a flashpoint for violent spillover from the Syria crisis, and several Islamic State (IS) militant officials were among some 350 people detained, a security source said.

The defence minister was quoted as saying the incident showed the importance of tackling the refugee crisis - Lebanon is hosting over 1 million refugees - and vindicated a policy of "pre-emptive strikes" against militant sleeper cells.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which backs Syrian President Bashar al Assad in his fight against insurgents, said the raids complemented its own fighters' campaign to stop militants entering Lebanon from Syria.

"What is needed today is to unify efforts more and more to fill all the gaps that terrorists can infiltrate from to protect Lebanon and its people from the big dangers that target it," the Hezbollah statement said.

There has been frequent fighting between the army and militants dug into the hills around Arsal in a large pocket of territory straddling the border.

A Lebanese army statement said one suicide bomber had detonated his explosive laden belt in front of an army patrol during a manhunt for suspected militants in a refugee camp in the northeastern border town. Three soldiers were wounded.

The army said four other suicide bombers blew themselves up without causing any injuries among soldiers, while another militant threw a grenade at a patrol, wounding four soldiers.

During the raids an explosive device blew up while four other explosive devices were defused, it said.

The U.N. refugee agency says Lebanon hosts more than 1 million registered Syrian refugees - constituting a quarter of its population.

The government puts the number at 1.5 million. They are scattered across the country in informal tented settlements where many face the risk of arrest due to lack of legal residency that they struggle to obtain.

The Lebanese army has in recent months stepped up raids in the makeshift camps built on the edge of Arsal, where refugees live in squalid conditions.

The manhunt inside the sprawling camps on the border area came after intelligence reports that militants were preparing to stage a series of attacks inside Lebanon.

The camps around the town have long been a haven for militants coming from Syria who have clashed with Lebanese forces conducting security raids searching for suspects hiding among the refugees.

The militants briefly overran the town in 2014 in a battle that killed dozens and marked one of the more serious spillovers of the Syrian conflict in Lebanon.

A number of attacks in Lebanon in recent years have been linked to the war in Syria.

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The Ontario Liberal government is now proposing a ban on the practice of double ending, after the recent announcement and implementation of a 16-point housing plan that included provisions for expanded rent control and a 15-per-cent foreign buyers tax.One of the plans goals was to review extant rules governing real estate professionals to ensure consumers are fairly represented. The government is slated to begin public consultation on various proposals for changes to the relevant rules and penalties.The seller will want the highest possible price and most favourable terms they can get, and the buyer will want to pay the lowest price or negotiate the most favourable terms possible, a government discussion paper noted, as quoted by The Canadian Press.These competing interests may make it challenging for registrants involved in these types of transactions to meet their obligations to their clients or to be able to advocate effectively on behalf of either party.Ontario Real Estate Association CEO Tim Hudak welcomed the review since the governing legislation dates back to 2002.The world of real estate has changed tremendously in the last 15 years  much higher home prices, more sophisticated consumers, greater technology, he said.Consumers have raised concerns that the financial incentives in double-ended deals might lead to agents engaging in unethical behaviour, the government says in its paper.This divided loyalty and the associated risks may leave some consumers vulnerable even when written consent is obtained and the necessary disclosures  have been made.Currently, double ending is allowed if all of the clients the agent is representing give their consent to the arrangement in writing. Under the governments proposed changes, different agents from the same brokerage could represent the buyer and the seller in a transaction. The limited exceptions to the double-ending ban would be if there is a private arrangement between family members or in a small market where there are very few agents.Ontario stated its proposed new model is similar to how British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia , and Manitoba approach multiple representation in real estate deals. The provincial government added that it is looking to those jurisdictions to learn best practices.Specialty licences for realtors should also be considered, Hudak said. That way, if an agent claims they are an expert in commercial or condo or cottage properties, they should be able to obtain a designation to back that up, he explained.
In its latest Recreational Property Report, brokerage RE/MAX found that a significant proportion of Canadas young families are devising creative ways to finance their dreams of owning recreational real estate.According to the study, almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of Canadian millennials (aged 18 to 34 years old) would consider buying a recreational property in the next 10 years, while over a quarter (28 per cent) of Canadian households with children under the age of 18 stated they would consider selling their primary urban residences to fund their purchase of a cottage, cabin, or ski chalet.Many Canadians with young families are determined to own a cottage or cabin and are willing to explore avenues to turn this dream into a reality, according to Christopher Alexander, regional director of RE/MAX INTEGRA Ontario-Atlantic Canada Region.As real estate prices in areas of Canada remain high, more buyers are exploring unique financing options such as fractional ownership in a shared property, purchasing a recreational property with a friend and even selling their primary residence and putting the equity into a cottage or cabin.In a separate survey of RE/MAX brokers and agents, 73 per cent of regions indicated that young families with children were a key driver of demand in the market, including established recreational regions such as the Okanagan Valley in B.C., Canmore in Alberta, Collingwood in Ontario, and the Laurentians in Quebec.Retirees were also a key driver of recreational property demand across Canada, with more than half (55 per cent) of regions surveyed reporting an increase in retiree buyers this year compared to last year.Large numbers of retirees and Baby Boomers nearing retirement are putting the equity they received from the sale of their home in cities like Toronto and Vancouver into the purchase of a recreational property, explained Elton Ash, regional executive vice president of RE/MAX of Western Canada. Significant price appreciation in those regions has made recreational property ownership a relatively affordable option for many retirees. This has in turn resulted in the price appreciation that we've seen in popular recreational property markets such as Whistler in B.C. and Haliburton in Ontario.The full study can be viewed here and here
Posse saddles up to help children Russell Libby describes his golden palomino horse, Sonny, as the calmest, sweetest guy and his best friend for nearly two decades. Sonny is the reason Libby and his wife, Laura,...

Kris Kringle to support library programs The Moorpark Friends of the Library is offering the second annual Letter from Santa fundraiser. For a $25 donation to the Moorpark Friends of the Library, children will receive a...

Oakmont welcomes new executive director Ronda Wilkin, certified dementia practitioner and a senior living executive, joins Oakmont of Moorpark with more than three decades of experience in health and human services. During her 15 years...
Embattled servicer Ocwen is facing still more legal woes, this time over automated calling.Consumers have requested a preliminary injunction against the company for the way it uses automated dialing to call their cell phones, according to a Reuters report. US District Judge Matthew Kennelly said on Wednesday that he might grant at least some of the plaintiffs requests, but he wants more information from Ocwen about the costs and feasibility of granting the injunction.Of course, thats just the tip of the legal iceberg for the servicer at the moment. Last week, a judge ruled that Ocwen would have to face a proposed class-action lawsuit, Reuters reported. The suit claims that Ocwen, along with Morgan Stanley Private Bank and Citizens Bank, failed to notify county land offices when California borrowers paid off their mortgages.And the company is still battling it out with numerous states that have accused it of servicing violations. In April, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued Ocwen, while more than 20 states issued cease-and-desist orders that effectively crippled its ability to do business within their borders. In the weeks that followed, several more states jumped on the bandwagon.Ocwen has promised to vigorously defend itself against the states accusations.
The chorus in the oil market calling for deeper production cuts gets louder almost every day. By resisting the clamor, OPEC is breaking with its own history.

As crude sank below $50 a barrel -- less than half the price of two years ago -- market-watchers from Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to former OPEC officials said supply curbs imposed this year need to be intensified. That would be consistent with past behavior, when production cuts or increases often arrived in stages a few months apart.

This time is different. The emergence of U.S. shale oil producers -- who can adjust supply more rapidly than OPECs previous rivals -- means the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries cannot act with the same freedom it once did. As economic pressure mounts for exporting countries, using the old playbook runs the risk that new American supplies would fill in any extra cutbacks.

When OPEC was in control, it would often act in stages, said Chakib Khelil, a former Algerian energy minister who was OPEC president in 2008. The market is different than in 2008. Today, non-OPEC plays a larger role in supply. And the major issue is how long can they sustain this supply.

Oil has given up almost all its gains since OPEC and Russia launched their initiative to clear a three-year surplus. Their supply cuts have failed to deplete the worlds bloated fuel stockpiles quickly enough and West Texas Intermediate futures have declined about 16 percent this year, trading at $45.06 a barrel at 10:04 a.m. in New York on Thursday. Previously, that would probably have prompted OPEC to revise its plans and agree on additional reductions.

In the past if it didnt work, OPEC would adjust lower, said Mike Wittner, head of oil market research at Societe Generale SA in New York. Its a process. Thats what supply management means.

The last time OPEC intervened, when the global recession took hold in 2008, it initially agreed a supply cut in October and, when prices continued to plunge, supplemented this with another reduction in December, the biggest in the groups history.

Between 2004 and 2005, the organization increased output targets six times to satisfy booming consumption in China. And three cuts were made in quick succession from 1998 to 1999 as oil demand tumbled in the wake of the Asian financial crisis.

One-and-done has certainly not been sacrosanct policy, said Helima Croft, head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets LLC.

While the organization didnt always take a sequential approach, when the situation required further action, it wasnt unusual for OPEC to take it, said Adnan Shihab-Eldin, director-general of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences and former OPEC secretary-general.

With the worlds fuel inventories still brimming, the organization needs to revert to that old approach with a deeper cut, said Nordine Ait-Laoussine, president of Geneva-based consultants Nalcosa and former energy minister of Algeria.

Although the organization and its partners -- known as the Vienna Group -- agreed last month to prolong the cuts until next April, theyve shown no interest yet in amplifying them. Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih reiterated on June 19 that global markets are already on the path to re-balancing, while a committee of producers that met in Vienna the next day was said to have given additional cutbacks no serious consideration.

United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail Mazrouei said in Paris on Thursday that there are no plans or talks to enlarge the cuts.

The key difference from previous OPEC efforts is that U.S. shale producers can rebound quickly enough to undo their work, according to Bob McNally, president of consultants The Rapidan Group LLC. That concern had deterred OPEC from reducing output in this crisis until late last year.

Sequential steps were seen during the big price busts of 1998 and 2008, McNally said. Arguably we are seeing a soft repeat of sequencing with the extension. The difference is that shales bounce back is helping to frustrate the Vienna Groups attempts to normalize inventories and thereby remove the threat of a price collapse.

U.S. crude producers, who unleashed the glut OPEC is now fighting to clear, have recovered almost all the output they lost during the markets three-year rout, as the nations shale-oil drillers learn to live with lower prices. National output is projected to hit a record next year, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Still, the very resilience of shale supply could yet lure OPEC back to its old habit of making supplementary cuts, according to McNally and Wittner.

With inventories still swollen and prices in a rut, the organization may soon face two main options: accept that their efforts have failed and reverse the cutbacks, or take the gamble of deepening them.

Cutting output any further would also mean betting on a big enough jump in prices to offset the loss of exports. While that happened in the first quarter, according to the International Energy Agency, the benefit has been fading, with Saudi Arabias foreign reserves dwindling this year by about $35 billion, or 6.7 percent.

Saudi Arabias Al-Falih has promised to do whatever it takes to re-balance the market. The kingdom -- architect of the current policy -- may be unwilling to endure the humiliation of a reversal, said Wittner.

That could see OPEC double-down on their decision and cut significantly more, he said. But an additional cut brings its own dangers, which is a U.S. production recovery.
Energy firm Pioneer Natural Resources kicked off construction Thursday on its more 1.1 million square-foot headquarters in Irving. The 10-story Las Colinas office campus will be built where Las Colinas began -- on the ranch of the developments founding Carpenter family.

Pioneers 35-acre office development is the first phase of a larger $1 billion mixed-use project being built by telecom giant Verizon and Dallas developer KDC.

Irving has been our home for a long time and with this building we anticipate it will be for generations to come, Pioneer CEO Tim Dove said. We have 1,100 employees who are going to make the move over here in a couple of years.

Designed by Duda Paine Architects, HKS and Corgan, the Pioneer building will front on a small lake when it opens in 2019.

It will be designed to respect the beauty of the property -- one of the highest points in the city, Dove said.

Along with office space, the project will include a large cafeteria for Pioneers workers, a fitness center and daycare center.

Dove said the building was designed with the help of the companys employees.

We are 40 percent millennials, he said. This building is for them to grow into.

Well have collaborative spaces that are more amenable to todays workstyle.

Pioneer is currently located about a mile away in the Williams Square high-rise complex in Las Colinas.

Our lease will end in 2020 and we had to look around and see where we would move, Dove said.

The City of Irving has agreed to provide almost $6 million in economic incentives for the independent energy companys move.

Beth Bowman, who heads the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, said Pioneers new headquarters and the surrounding Hidden Ridge mixed-use development is one of the most significant projects ever built in Las Colinas.

The Hidden Ridge development represents a new era in Irving development, Bowman said.

The Pioneer building will be one of the largest parts of the 150-acre mixed-use development located west of State Highway 114. Its being built on land owned by Verizon thats across the street from the telecom firms long-time regional office campus.

The Hidden Ridge project will include retail and restaurants, apartments, a hotel and more office space as well as a new DART light rail station.

Steve Van Amburgh, CEO of developer KDC, said hes been working with Pioneer and Verizon for a couple of years on the Irving project.

KDC is the same company that built Toyotas new North American headquarters in Plano and State Farm Insurances huge Richardson regional campus.

Most of the people who will be working on Pioneers project have been on Toyota or State Farm, Van Amburgh said. This is our 11th project in Las Colinas.

This is the most important and biggest.

---

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.






Midland County Sheriffs Office

A Midland man was arrested June 23 after he allegedly threatened a male with a firearm, according to court documents.

Sidney Paul Sandidge, 66, was being held Thursday on a $60,000 bond for a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The German government said it would welcome Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan as an important guest during the meeting of G20 leading economies in Hamburg from July 7-8, despite Berlin's decision Thursday to bar other public events by Erdogan.

Spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters he had no information indicating that Erdogan would not attend the G20 summit and said Germany looked forward to his participation .

"I'd like to emphasise for the German government that President Erdogan is an important guest for us and we welcome his participation in the G20 summit," Seibert said.

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'The big truck is still on ...
The White House envoy coordinating the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group was holding talks in Ankara on Friday a day after visiting a Syrian Kurdish militia deemed by Turkey to be "terrorists".

The visit by Brett McGurk, which was not announced in advance, comes a month after Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called for McGurk to be fired, claiming he was supporting Kurdish militants.

It also comes as US-backed Kurdish-dominated forces close in on the Syrian city of Raqa, the self-declared capital of Islamic State (IS) jihadists.

McGurk was to meet with Cavusoglu's deputy undersecretary, Sedat Onal, foreign ministry sources said.

Turkish media reported that he was also to meet with defence ministry officials, but no details were given.

Tensions between Washington and Ankara have escalated over US support for the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, which Turkey considers a front for outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) separatists.

The US, Turkey and the European Union have labelled the PKK a "terrorist group".

Washington has provided weapons to YPG fighters in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), despite warnings from Turkey. The forces have trapped IS fighters in Raqa after cutting off a last escape route Thursday.

McGurk was in the northern Syrian town of Tabqa on Thursday, which the SDF captured from IS jihadists on May 10. He met with the Tabqa Civil Council, which is administering the town's day-to-day affairs.

The US has sought to assuage Turkey's concerns about arming the Kurdish forces, with US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis promising his Turkish counterpart Fikri Isik last week to take back weapons from the YPG once the jihadists are defeated.

The YPG controls about 20 percent of Syrian territory but roughly three-quarters of the northern border with Turkey.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly said Ankara will oppose what it terms a "terrorist corridor" on its southern border established by the YPG.

Last August, Ankara launched its Euphrates Shield offensive aimed at ousting Kurdish militias and IS fighters from the border area.

Although the operation ended in March, Turkish officials have indicated there could be another offensive in Syria if necessary.

Local media reports this week suggested a military buildup on the Turkish border close to the Kurdish-held Afrin region, but there has been no official confirmation.

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An Israeli warplane struck a Syrian army post on Friday, hours after stray fire from Syria's civil war hit the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, the Israeli military said.

"In response to the projectile launched earlier today at Israel from Syria, an Israel Air Force aircraft targeted the Syrian army position that fired the mortar," the English-language Israeli statement said.

"The errant projectile was a result of internal fighting in Syria."

It was the fourth such exchange in a week as Syrian troops battle rebels, including hardline Islamists, on the other side.

There have been no casualties but Israel responded to the previous three incidents by striking Syrian government positions.

Rebels recently launched an offensive against government forces in Quneitra on the Syrian side of the armistice line.

During a speech on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would not tolerate any spillover from the fighting.

"We will respond to every firing," he said. "Whoever attacks us, we will attack him. This is our policy and we will continue with it."

He was speaking at the Israeli settlement of Katzrin on the Golan, when a Syrian mortar shell hit further north and Israeli warplanes retaliated.

"During my speech, shells from the Syrian side landed in our territory and the Israel Defence Forces have already struck back," he said.

Israel seized 1,200 square kilometres (460 square miles) of the Golan Heights from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.

Around 510 square kilometres of the Golan are under Syrian control.

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Qatar's defense minister held talks with his Turkish counterpart on Friday as the Gulf nation's feud with four other major Arab states deepens amid a sweeping list of demands to Doha, including the closure of a Turkish military base there.

Defense Ministry officials said Qatar's Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah met with Turkey's Fikri Isik in Ankara.

Turkey is adamant to keep its base in the small Gulf Arab state and has sided with Qatar in the dispute, which saw Arab countries cut ties to Doha earlier this month, accusing it of supporting terror groups. Qatar denies the accusation.

In a sign of support, Turkey shipped supplies to Doha to help ease its isolation and swiftly ratified military agreements with Qatar, allowing the deployment of soldiers to its base. A contingent of 23 troops departed for Doha last week, joining some 90 soldiers already there.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rejected the four Arab nations' demand for an end to Turkish troop presence in Doha, calling it "disrespectful" and saying that Turkey would not seek permission from others over its defense cooperation agreements.

Turkey insists its troop deployment to Qatar aims to enhance regional security and is not aimed against any specific country.

Other demands presented to Qatar by the four nations  Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain  include shuttering the Al-Jazeera news network and curbing diplomatic ties to Iran.

* This story has been edited by Ahram Online

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U.S. president Donald Trump spoke with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday to discuss the dispute between Qatar and Gulf and Arab powers who severed diplomatic and travel links with Qatar.

Trump and Erdogan discussed ways to resolve the dispute "while ensuring that all countries work together to stop terrorist funding and to combat extremist ideology", the White House said in a statement.

Turkey has backed Doha in its rift with four Arab states, which are boycotting the country over alleged support for terrorism, in what has become the worst Gulf Arab crisis in years.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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Tax collectors in Seminole County will soon openly carry guns on the job.

Seminole Co. tax collector to allow guns at work

Joel Greenberg says the policy will protect employees, county assests

Tax collectors will also wear badges

County tax collector Joel Greenberg says hes implementing the new policy to protect his employees and the countys assets.

At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Greenberg didnt mention any specific incidents that may have prompted the new policy.

Have you been watching the news lately, this is a crazy world we live in, said Greenberg. And there are certain times when this office has hundreds of thousands upon millions of dollars of cash.

Greenberg says when he took office a few months ago, one of the main things his employees asked for was security. But he says that wouldve been too expensive, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. So he decided to have his field tax collectors openly carry firearms. Greenberg was asked if field tax collectors would be required to openly carry guns.

Somebody will have firearm protection, said Greenberg. "This is something were going to ease into. If somebody doesnt want to take part in field operations, then thats probably not the spot for them.

Greenberg says most clerks behind the counter at tax collector branch offices wont openly carry. He says the policy is for about 15 to 20 field agents who have to go out and execute warrants and seize peoples property.

Keep in mind the intent of this, this is security, said Greenberg. Were not looking to be law enforcement officers anytime soon.

Greenberg says all collectors will have a badge that identifies who they are. He says he hopes his employees never have to fire a gun on the job.

I hope we never have to, said Greenberg. I pray we never have to. But Id rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Greenberg sent a letter to the Seminole County Sheriff and all seven police chiefs in the county on June 16, notifying them of the new policy. The letter cited the Florida statute that allows tax collectors to openly carry guns.

Greenberg says he hopes to have the new policy in place by early August. He says he will provide employees with training.

News 13 reached out to Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph. A spokesperson for Randolph says his office doesnt see a need for arming tax collectors because theyve seen no instances of violence.
The Plainview Rotary Club met Tuesday at the Plainview Country Club.

Ted Baker called the meeting to order. Steve Long led the invocation and Kenneth Hooper led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Visitors were Dr. Carl Moman and Lyn Baker.

Tuesday's meeting was the club's last meeting of the plan year. Ted Baker gave a report on activities of the year. He gave words of thanks to the dictionary distribution, and perfect attendance awards. A total of 14 Rotarians participated in this program. Many years ago Max Browning initiated this program.

Also, scholarship efforts were aimed at the Students of the Months. A total of $3750 was awarded at different levels.

Service projects were Meals on Wheels, Snack Pack for Kids, Healthy Kids program, Crisis Center Meal, Meals on Wheels, Hunger Plus and Hale on Wheels.

Rotary members who were recognized for perfect attendance were as follows:

--Cynthia Gregory attended 32 times this year with Sue Brightbill right behind her.

Leslie Gattis and Kim Street attended 31 times and Karen and Jeff Earhart attended 30 or more times.

--Rotary gained 13 members this year. Bob Copeland and Dr. Carl Momam transferred from clubs in the Plainview club.

--Don Dickson, J.B. Roberts, Robert Riojas and Janice Payne brought members into the club.

--The Rotary Foundation received between $6,000 to $7,000 in donations.

--A total of nine Paul Harris Fellows will be awarded. Four were awarded Tuesday.

Leslie Gattis and Ted Baker awarded Paul Harris Fellows Kim Street, Cynthia Gregory, Bob Copeland, and Paul Holloway.

New officers were named as follows:

President-Elect: Kim Street

President Nom: V.O. Ortega, also Foundation Vice Chair

Treasurer: Ron Hanby

Assistant Treasurer: Isauro Gutierrez

Director; Member Chair: Janice Payne

Director; Service Chair: Scott Franklin

Director; Public Relations Chair: Reagan Manning

Director; Public Relations Vice Chair; Cynthia Gregory

Sergeant of Arms: Jay Gannaway

Secretary: Ted Baker

Director: Foundation Chair: Leslie Gattis

Jay Givens was recognized as outgoing Public Relations Chairman and will be going on the board as president-nominee.

Leslie Gattis will serve as past president on the board.

Kim Street awarded desk clocks to Ted Baker and Leslie Gattis as outgoing presidents.

Kenneth led the Four Way Test and Leslie and Ted dismissed the group together.

--Cynthia Gregory

Kiwanis International of Plainview

Eleven people met at noon Thursday at Plainview Country Club for the clubs regular meeting. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Kent Bearden offered a prayer.

Kent and Glenda Bearden were welcomed back with open arms after Kents recent heart surgery. Kristen Lawson was a guest with her dad, Charles.

Mark Warren discussed Vials of Life. Mike Finley had labels printed with the help of Monica Rodriguez, and Homer Marquez agreed to provide 100 vials through Covenant Hospital. Once the vials arrive, members will assemble the final product.

J Pat Manning will contact our flag program agencies in advance of the next flag day on Tuesday for Independence Day.

Ron Gammage finished Meals on Wheels delivery for June. Charles Lawson will begin delivering in July.

June program chairman Charles Lawson introduced LeAnn Pigg with Caprock Canyons State Park who showed a slide show about the official bison herd of the state of Texas.  Kevin Lewis

Plainview Lions Club

The pride of this cities service organizations converged upon the civic center on Wednesday to celebrate the past tenure of Lion Boss Jim Tirey as president of the pack of feline during the past year. His swan song included recognition of fellow feline including James Belk, Larry McNutt, Rey Rodriquez, Mike Fox, Steven and Donnie Ebeling, Sarianne Beversdorf, Paul Drager, John Bertsch, Lanell Julian, Buford Higginbotham, Doug McDonough and handed the gavel over to Misty Rowell, our new president. Her official duties leading this group of eager beaver authorities of the familiar words We Serve will begin Wednesday, July 5.

Leading pledges of the club was Graham Tirey, son of Lion Boss Jim, Larry McNutt leading acappela patrotic singing and Jim Tirey offering the invocation. Razzle Dazzle Rey Rodriquez jetted in on his drone quoting messages of how to be successful. Guests at the meeting was Brandon Rowell with wife and new president Misty Rowell. Other guest was Kayla Edwards of Covenant Hospital with Stacie Hardage. Cassie Mogg was recognized as our newest Lion member.

Happy 4th of July from your Plainview Lions Club. Our first order of business will be Tuesday the 4th on the lawn at the Courthouse to celebrate by working the Red, White and Moo festivities starting at 10:15.

Its great to be a Lion. We Serve  Ron White
The annual Resource and Health Fair is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at Abundant Grace Church, 1011 N. I-27 in Plainview.

It includes free health screenings, diabetes screenings with HGBA1c, cholesterol, blood pressure and regular glucose screenings. Information will be provided on stoke awareness, mammograms, and the hk2020 program. Dr. Jessica Cherest will be there to provide OB/GYM awareness information. UMC will be on hand to provide information on Synthetic Drug Awareness.
U.S.-backed Iraqi forces pressed Islamic State (IS) militants holding out in Mosul's Old City on Friday, while in Syria the militant group launched a counter-attack against an alliance of militias trying to oust it from its de facto capital of Raqqa.

In Iraq, dozens of civilians poured out of Mosul, long held by IS, and fled in the direction of the Iraqi forces, many of them women and children, thirsty, tired and some wounded.

Iraqi authorities say they are only days away from a victory over militants in their remaining redoubt in Mosul, though commanders of counter-terrorism units fighting their way through the narrow streets of the Old City say die-hard IS fighters are dug in among civilians and the battle ahead remains challenging.

Across the border in Syria, parts of which the IS says fall under its self-proclaimed caliphate, the picture was more complex.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the group had retaken most of the industrial district of Raqqa after mounting a fierce counter-attack against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias.

But west of Raqqa, the Syrian army put the group under more pressure, driving it from its last territory in Aleppo province, a Syrian military source said, in a strategically-important move that relieves pressure on a government supply route.

Even though the IS group is under pressure in these urban strongholds in Iraq and Syria its fighters still occupy an area as big as Belgium across the two countries, according to one estimate.

THOUSANDS DISPLACED, KILLED

In Iraq, grinding warfare in Mosul has displaced 900,000 people, about half the city's pre-war population, and killed thousands of civilians, according to aid organizations.

Major General Maan al-Saadi, of the Counter Terrorism Service, told Reuters it could take four to five days to capture the insurgents' redoubt in Mosul by the Tigris River which was defended by about 200 militants.

Tens of thousands of civilians are trapped in the city in desperate conditions, with dwindling supplies of food, water or medicine and no access to health services, according to those who have managed to flee.

The capture of the city would in effect mark the end of the Iraqi half of the caliphate, although the group still controls territory west and south of the city, holding sway over hundreds of thousands of people.

Those who escaped on Friday streamed through alleyways near the Grand al-Nuri Mosque, where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the caliphate in 2014 and which IS blew up a week ago rather than see it fall to the Iraqi army.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the end of the caliphate on Thursday after CTS units captured the ground of the ruined 850-year-old mosque.

A Reuters correspondent on Friday saw smoke billowing over the riverside districts amid artillery blasts and burst of gunfire. Western troops from the U.S.-led coalition were helping adjust artillery fire with air surveillance, he said.

BATTLE FOR RAQQA

The SDF, the U.S. backed alliance in Syria, took the industrial district of Raqqa this month in its biggest gain so far in its fight for IS's Syrian capital and if, as the Observatory has reported, IS has regained control there it would be a setback.

The SDF, on its social media feed, acknowledged there had been intense clashes, but added that the whole industrial district was still in its hands and the attack had been thwarted.

Equally, IS appeared to have suffered a setback in Syria with the army taking the last stretch of the Ithriya-Rasafa road, part of the highway from Hama to Raqqa, forcing IS fighters to withdraw from a salient it held to the north, a Syrian military source and the Observatory said.

IS had used that salient, an area containing a range of hills and a dozen villages, to mount frequent attacks on a different road linking Ithriya to Khanaser, part of the government's only available land route to Aleppo.

The capture of the Ithriya-Rasafa road also shortens the Syrian army's route to its battlefront with IS south of Tabqa, a possible route for its multi-pronged offensive to relieve the government's enclave in Deir al-Zor.

On Thursday, the Observatory said the SDF had managed to take the last stretch of the Euphrates' south bank opposite Raqqa, completely encircling IS inside the city.

Since all Raqqa's bridges were already destroyed, and the U.S.-led coalition was striking boats crossing the river, the city had already been effectively isolated since May.

The secretive Baghdadi, who has scarcely been seen publicly since proclaiming the caliphate, has left the fighting in Mosul to local commanders and is believed to be hiding on the Iraq-Syrian border, according to U.S. and Iraqi military sources.

He has often been reported killed or wounded. Russia said on June 17 its forces might have killed him in an air strike in Syria. But Washington says it has no information to corroborate such reports and Iraqi officials have also been sceptical.

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The Syrian Kurdish YPG militia aims to "liberate" the area between Azaz and Jarablus held by Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, a YPG commander said in a statement.

Commander Sipan Hemo did not give a timeline or details of plans to take the area, which was seized by the Turkey-backed rebels last autumn from Islamic State (IS) militants, but said he regarded Turkey as an occupying force there.

His comments, in a statement to a Kurdish newspaper, were distributed on a social networking feed by Naser Haj Mansour, a senior official in the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), of which the YPG is a leading component.

Increasing tensions between Turkey and Syrian Kurdish groups led to an exchange of fire between Turkish artillery and YPG targets near Azaz on Tuesday.

Ankara had sent new military reinforcements, including troops, vehicles and equipment into the zone between Azaz and Jarablus held by rebels it supports, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, and rebel and Kurdish sources said on Wednesday.

The Observatory said the reinforcements were part of preparations by Turkey to attack the YPG-held areas near Azaz.

Turkey regards the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought an insurgency inside Turkey for three decades.

It has strongly criticised the United States for arming the YPG as part of efforts to support the SDF in its battle to recapture Raqqa from IS

Kurdish officials have warned that any Turkish attack on areas held by the SDF or YPG in northern Syria would distract from their offensive to defeat IS in Raqqa.

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U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week at a summit in Germany that brings two world leaders whose political fortunes have become intertwined face-to-face for the first time.

Both the Kremlin and the White House announced on Thursday that the pair will meet on the sidelines of the July 7-8 summit of G20 nations in Hamburg.

Trump's national security adviser H.R. McMaster downplayed the significance of the meeting, one of nine such side meetings for the U.S. president over two days.

"It won't be different from our discussions with any other country, really," McMaster said.

"There's no specific agenda. It's really going to be whatever the president wants to talk about."

The meeting will be fraught with difficulties for Trump.

Allegations that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election last year and colluded with the Republican's campaign have overshadowed the businessman's unexpected victory and dogged his first five months in office.

Russia and the United States are also at odds over Ukraine, NATO expansion and the civil war in Syria where Moscow supports President Bashar al-Assad.

The United States backs rebel groups trying to overthrow Assad, and Washington angered Russia by launching missile strikes against a Syrian government air base in April in response to what the United States says was a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens of civilians.

Investigation looms

Trump has frequently called for better ties with Russia but lawmakers in his own Republican Party are urging him to be wary of Moscow.

"As the president has made clear, he'd like the United States and the entire West to develop a more constructive relationship with Russia but he has also made clear that we will do what is necessary to confront Russia's destabilizing behavior," McMaster said.

U.S. intelligence agencies say Russia hacked and leaked emails of Democratic Party political groups to help Trump win the 2016 U.S. presidential election against Democrat Hillary Clinton. Russia denies the allegations and Trump says his team did not collude with Moscow.

Several congressional committees as well as the FBI are investigating Russia's role in the election and any alleged collusion by Trump's campaign.

That makes the optics of the Putin meeting particularly challenging for Trump.

"If there are big grins on both of their faces, that will be the picture on the front pages of every Western newspaper, as the investigation continues here," said Heather Conley, a former State Department official in the George W. Bush White House.

"I would think the president would be advised, if there is a meeting, to be very careful with his body language," Conley told Reuters.

Syria friction



Trump raised Russian hackles this week when the White House said it appeared the Syrian military was preparing to conduct a chemical weapons attack and warned that Assad and his forces would "pay a heavy price" if it did so.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on Wednesday that Moscow would respond proportionately if the United States took measures against Syrian government forces.

But Lavrov added that it would "probably not be right" if Putin and Trump did not talk at the G20 summit of world economic powers.

Republican Bob Corker, the influential chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, described the planned encounter as "just a side meeting" but said he hoped Trump would bring up problematic issues with Putin.

"I would hope what he would do is hand him a list of the issues we have with their country. And I think he may well do that," Corker told Reuters.

Putin, who has served as both Russian president and prime minister, has outlasted the previous two U.S. presidents, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Officials from those administrations say American officials initially overestimated their potential areas of cooperation with the Russian leader. Then, through a combination of overconfidence, inattention and occasional clumsiness, Washington contributed to a deep spiral in relations with Moscow, they say.

Those relations reached a post-Cold War low under Trump's predecessor, Obama.

In the last days of his presidency, Obama ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian suspected spies and imposed sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies over their involvement in hacking U.S. political groups in the 2016 election.

A proposed new package of sanctions on Russia in the U.S. Congress might also put curbs on Trump's ability to pursue warmer relations with Moscow.

The U.S. Senate reached an agreement on Thursday to resolve a technical issue stalling the sanctions, although the measure's fate in the House of Representatives is uncertain.

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El Paso Electric, the city-run utility that serves the far West Texas city and parts of New Mexico, is again at the center of a debate over how to value power from rooftop solar panels.

The regulated utility has proposed a new rate structure that would separate thousands of rooftop solar panel owners into their own rate class, and put additional charges on their bills to help recoup losses to the utilities' rate base.
After months of public feuding, Silicon Valleys elite are softening their combative stance toward President Donald Trump in a bid to advance the industrys agenda. Over the coming months, the tech community will be looking for common ground to garner support from the administration on some major priorities, according to lobbyists: digital trade, flexible H-1B visas, tax reform and maintaining an open Internet.

Many of the issues could end in easy wins for the industry based on the White Houses willingness to engage with them, according to industry figures such as Victoria Espinel, chief executive of the BSA, and Software Alliance, which represents software companies including Microsoft, Oracle and Apple.

The mood music on this has been all about whether tech can work with the new administration, but its in both their interests to find a way to do that, said Alan Davidson, until recently the director of digital economy at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and formerly Googles head of public policy in Washington.

There are certainly areas where our employees and CEOs have disagreed and havent been shy about it, but it shouldnt stop us from engaging with the process, said Michael Beckermann, chief executive of the Internet Association, which represents companies ranging from Google, Facebook and Twitter to Netflix and Uber. There are a lot of economic issues where there will be agreement, and there should be a seat for us at the table.

Last week, leaders from major tech companies discussed some of these priorities  including the need for highly-skilled immigrants  with the president during a day of White House meetings,. They said they hope to make headway in coming months on other concerns, such as tax and trade, including the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The trade pact between the United States, Canada and Mexico went into effect in 1994. Because NAFTA was negotiated more than two decades ago, it doesnt include any references to the Internet and the support of digital assets, including the transfer of data or intellectual property across borders.

The Trump administration has noted that NAFTA falls short of addressing todays tech issues. In a letter to Congress in May, U.S. Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer wrote, Many chapters are outdated and do not reflect modern standards . . . for example, digital trade was in its infancy when NAFTA was enacted.

During a public hearing Tuesday with the U.S. trade representative on the modernization of NAFTA, tech industry groups pressed Lighthizer on the issue, arguing that the Internet should be integral to NAFTA 2.0, given its prime importance to the U.S. economy.

The engagement of the administration with the tech sector on this has been positive, said Linda Moore, a veteran presidential campaign staffer and chief executive of industry advocate Technet, which includes senior executives from Oracle, Apple and Microsoft. Whats really noteworthy is that digital trade grew about 45 times in 2014 and had a greater impact on the global economy than actual goods.

Moore, who did not attend the NAFTA hearing, added, We are actively advocating with the administration . . . for free flow of data across borders, stronger protection of IP and reduction of tariffs on IT.

Another issue important to the tech community is easy access to global talent. If its true that the next Facebook, Google or Microsoft can be created in more than a dozen countries around the world, then what is the U.S. doing to maintain and extend its global lead? said Rep Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who is working to make H1-B visas available to tech companies that need them the most. Thats the number one . . . question for the administration to answer.

According to Issa, the president is considering ways to give a helping hand to tech-savvy H1-B applicants, with two bills in Congress being discussed. Tech executives will be knocking on an open door when it comes to H-1B reform, Issa said, based on his recent discussions with Trump.

The tax question is one that Trump and the tech community are aligned on. Trumps early plans for tax reform would allow tech firms to reduce their tax bills and bring billions of dollars that are overseas back to the United States. When money is elsewhere, it gets invested there, so what are the chances that investments would be made in a U.S. company? Issa said. Tax policy will follow this.

The issue of an open Internet, however, remains a contentious one between the administration and Silicon Valley. Tech leaders support net neutrality, the principle that Internet service providers should allow equal access to any content on the Web without favoring one site over another. But Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, a Republican, has started moving toward rolling back these rules, causing a furor in the tech world.

The ecosystem exists because of protections in net neutrality. It would be a shame if that went away and the sector we know today is frozen in time, said the Internet Associations Beckermann.

On July 12, tech giants such as Netflix and Amazon are joining forces in a day of protest against the FCCs position on net neutrality.

Ultimately, creating the jobs of the future is the tech worlds top priority. Every industry will need digitally-trained local workers. For most tech companies, talent is the number one concern. We want the pipeline to have highly skilled homegrown U.S. talent to take these jobs, Moore said.

Said Davidson, currently a fellow at the nonpartisan America: The tech industry knows they are part of this conversation. How we deal with people transitioning to doing different types of work is a longer-term issue and will be important to make progress on.
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A 34-year-old Santa Rosa man was sentenced Thursday to a term of up to life in prison related to molesting an 11-year-old relative, prosecutors said.

Jose Alberto Corado-Merlos was convicted by a Sonoma County jury on May 2 on 15 felonies after a series of child molestation incidents in Santa Rosa in 2016, prosecutors said.
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A Houston man will spend the rest of his life in jail after a Harris County jury found him guilty in the 2015 beating death of his then-girlfriend's 5-year-old son.

Sherrick Washington, 27, was charged with capital murder for causing the death of Amarie Daniels. The boy's mother, Brandi Howard, 29, was accused of covering up the circumstances of his death. She was sentenced to 10 years probation and 180 days in jail for injury to a child by omission.
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Connecticut not only has one of the nations largest achievement gaps, but also an excellence gap.

So say advocates of gifted education who hope a bill signed into law this week by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will narrow the disparity between school districts when it comes to serving top students.

Gifted and talented students academic and social emotional needs have long been neglected by our state, said Bianka Kortlan-Cox, a vice president for the Connecticut Association for the Gifted. This law, putting gifted and talented education on the legislative map, will hopefully with time level the playing field for all gifted throughout the state.

The new law, which takes effect Saturday, wont spend a dime more on gifted education and imposes no new mandates on the states 166 school districts.

It does authorize the Department of Education to retain a gifted and talented specialist. It also calls for state guidelines to be developed to help districts with best practices and staff training by Jan. 1, 2018.

I think the new legislation will shine a much-needed light on the situation in Connecticut for gifted students, and help educators and parents to understand what these students need to reach their potential, said Katie Augustyn, whose son went through the Westport school system.

Westport had a pull-out in which students received some gifted instruction. It was helpful, Augustyn said, but not nearly enough.

Regular ed teachers also need to be trained in meeting the needs of gifted students, she said.

Inconsistent designation

Kortlan-Cox, whose group advocates for gifted students, said that while statistically 10 percent of all students fall into the gifted category, nearly one-third of Connecticut school districts fail to report any, despite a state law requiring them to do so. And a majority of districts have no gifted programs or activities.

Giftedness should not be a function of your income or your ZIP code, Kortlan-Cox said.

Neither should it be assumed that just because someone is bright they will be OK without any special type of education, she said. If ignored, socio-emotional needs of gifted students can lead to isolation and bullying, Kortlan-Cox said.

For too long, these students have been overlooked. said M. Rene Islas, executive director of the National Association for Gifted Children, said. His group once characterized Connecticut as one of the most inhospitable states for high-potential kids.

With the new law, Islas said Connecticut is taking an important step in recognizing the special needs of bright students, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged, from minority groups, or who are learning English as a second language.

Advocates hope the attention will reduce the so-called Excellence Gap between the percentage of high-income and non-minority students on standardized test and their low-income and minority counterparts.

What exists now

Very few districts do anything at the moment, with the exception of financially independent communities, Kortlan-Cox said of Connecticut.

While Norwalk identifies close to 10 percent of its students as being gifted, Stamford, Waterbury and Norwich reported none to the state, according to a Connecticut Association for the Gifted report.

If implemented properly, this is a much-needed shot in the arm for districts such as Bridgeport who have TAG programs in only a few schools and very little resources to support the ones that they do have, said Ron Rapice, one of five people in the Bridgeport school district designated as gifted teachers.

In Bridgeport, students receive the designation of gifted at the end of third grade, after they are recommended and tested. About 60 accepted students attend Winthrop School, where they spend one day a week in a classroom where the Joseph Renzulli model  named after a University of Connecticut pioneer in gifted education  is used. There are also bilingual gifted classrooms at Batalla and Marin, and a science-based program at Clatyor.

Last year, despite severe budget cuts, the school district managed to cling to the program.

The state, in anticipation of the new law, already has someone assigned to gifted education, Gilbert Andrada. He was appointed in 2015. State officials said a good-faith attempt would be made to ensure that the guidelines are developed, as well as a list of best practices.

Having in place a formal set of guidelines on best practices for supporting the social and emotional needs of gifted and talented students will certainly be helpful, said Milford Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Feser. It is good to know that the (state) will also be giving focused attention to teacher training and professional development to better assist these students in their learning.

Through Andrada, a survey developed in partnership with UConns National Center for Research on Gifted Education has been sent to all district superintendents seeking information on what is being done for gifted and talented students. The surveys are due back by July 21.
STRATFORD  Bridgeport officials launched a national search for a new airport manager, and all along she was in their backyard.

Michelle Muoio, who lives in Shelton and works for Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. in Stratford, accepted the $98,298 position running the Bridgeport-owned, Stratford-based Sikorsky Memorial Airport. She starts July 5.

John Ricci, who ran the airport for years until 2013 and now helps oversee it as head of Bridgeports public facilities department, said Muoio was chosen from 13 applicants and three finalists  one from Kansas and one from Colorado. The opening was advertised through the American Association of Airport Executives.

Ricci interviewed Muoio along with Kurt Sendlein, an airport administrator on loan to Sikorsky from the Connecticut Airport Authority since early last year.

Once we saw Michelles resume, experience and education, and after we sat with her, Id already made up my mind, Ricci said. He added it helped that Muoio was local and would not experience the sticker shock of the areas high cost of living.

She was subsequently unanimously approved by the Airport Commission.

For the past nine years Muoio has worked in the flight operations section of Sikorsky Aircraft, moving up from coordinator to supervisor to manager. Between 2004 and 2008 she was employed in New York with airport management and consulting firms and as a safety inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration.

She has very impressive credentials, said Bridgeport City Council President Tom McCarthy, who sits on the airport commission. She was local and understands the need for marketing and the value of the airport for economic development.

Muoios arrival, it is hoped, draws to a close a turbulent few years at Sikorsky during which city officials had to implement a long-delayed, federally required runway safety upgrade amidst sudden, sometimes shocking, management changes.

Ricci was shepherding that project through until he was fired by then-Mayor Bill Finch. He subsequently aided former Mayor Joe Ganim in his 2015 bid to oust Finch during that years Democratic primary. Ganim put Ricci in charge of public facilities.

Riccis successor running the airport, Pauline Mize, died from cancer in 2015. And her successor, Steve Ford, died suddenly in early 2016 after a fall at his home.

The runway work had been temporarily halted in June, 2015 after a construction worker was killed when the gas-powered saw he was using kicked back and struck him in the neck. Then another contractor, over the following Labor Day weekend , allegedly drove a truck through an area where planes taxi, alarming the FAA.

Federal officials put a lengthier stop to the runway work and audited the airports management and policies. That ultimately resulted in the Connecticut Airport Authority, which runs several other facilities but not Sikorsky, sending Sendlein to help satisfy the FAAs demands and see the safety upgrades to their conclusion.

Ganim and Ricci have both made it clear they believe the airport, which continually operates in the red, should be sold. And, as previously reported, the city is hoping the buyer would be the Connecticut Airport Authority or CAA.

Is the hiring of Muoio proof that Sikorsky will be on the citys books for several years to come?

The sign that you can take from that is that Kurts (tenure) was going to expire, McCarthy said. I love Kurt. He did a great job. But we were in need of an airport manager.

Ricci said Muoio was told about a possible takeover in the future, particularly by the CAA.

(But) theyre going to need a manager whether they take it over or not, Ricci said. And my thinking is even if we came to some kind of deal with CAA, theyre still a couple years away. Ricci added it would also require a lengthy FAA approval process.

But, Ricci emphasized, Were making every effort to get out of the airport business.

David Faile, president of the Friends of Sikorsky Airport, said he was sorry to lose Sendlein. Faile said he learned a new manager had been hired and was awaiting the details.

Shes had a lot of aviation jobs, Faile said about Muoios resume. Maybe shes great. Hope she is. I hope shes a hands on person. That was the great thing about Kurt.
1 Transgender recruits: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has delayed a plan approved by the Obama administration a year ago to begin allowing transgender recruits to join the U.S. military, providing the Joint Chiefs of Staff with a six-month reprieve that they requested, the Pentagon said Friday night. The services can now delay processing transgender recruits until Jan. 1, after another review of accession plans.

2 Plane crash: A small twin-engine plane dropped out of the sky and exploded in flames on a busy freeway near an Orange County airport Friday, injuring the two people aboard but causing no injuries on the ground, officials said. The Cessna crashed onto Interstate 405, just short of a runway at John Wayne Airport in Costa Mesa, around 9:30 a.m., said Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration. The pilot had declared an emergency shortly after taking off from the airport and was trying to return. A man and woman on board the plane were pulled from the fiery wreckage and taken to a hospital with traumatic injuries. Four vehicles were struck by debris from the plane when it crashed, but no one was hurt.
Demonstrators in major Brazilian cities snarled rush hour traffic Friday to protest austerity measures introduced by embattled President Michel Temer, but turnout was weak.

Groups of little more than 20 set fires to road barricades in Sao Paulo before being dispersed by police firing stun grenades. Protesters also were able to spark huge traffic jams in Rio de Janeiro by lighting car tires on highways.

Workers at Congonhas Airport in Sao Paulo demonstrated in a hall, waving banners calling for Temer to step down, Folha de S. Paulo newspaper reported.

More protests were announced for later in the day. However, the failure of major transport unions to join the action meant that an earlier call for a nationwide general strike had to be cancelled.

The apparent apathy masks deep anger on the left over Temer's reforms and almost unanimous dislike for his government.

Temer, who has only seven percent approval ratings, is battling for his political life after being charged with taking bribes. Congress is due to start deliberating on whether to accept the charge, meaning Temer would be put on trial at the Supreme Court.

The center-right president, who has made business friendly economic reforms his priority, says he has enough support in the lower house of Congress to have the charge thrown out.

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Humble ISD students were busy at the district's Career and Technology Education Center summer camps Wednesday, June 28.

Elementary school students built robots and flew drones, while seventh and eighth graders learned about aerospace engineering through hands-on simulations and studied replicas as they prepared for a firsthand plane flight experience.

"When they get in the airplane this weekend, there will be a lot of things they recognize," said Joe Paneitz, CATE Center Engineering and Technology robotics and automation teacher. "They will to be able to apply the science they've learned in camp."

Through the district's summer camps, students are given an opportunity to become acquainted with and expand their understanding of subjects related to the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Paneitz said over the course of the summer camp, he has seen students advancing the ways in which they think about science, technology and aerospace.

"It's having a pretty profound effect," Paneitz said.

A recent survey was conducted on behalf of Junior Achievement, an organization that promotes academic and economic skills in youth, and EY, a global organization that provides services including assurance, tax, advisory and transaction.

"This survey was conducted to assess trends with regard to workforce development among our youth, which helps us create proper programming," said Rick Franke, president of Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas.

The survey lasted from Feb. 28 through March 5 and collected data from 1,000 teenagers nationwide ages 13 to 17 years old. Participation was volunteer-based.

Data from the survey indicates that 91 percent of boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 17 have decided what they intend to pursue as a career after high school. However, when it comes to STEM-related careers, 36 percent of teenage boys expressed interest whereas 11 percent of teenage girls expressed intent to do so.

Franke said he was surprised at the study's findings that such a high percentage of teens know what career they want to pursue because in his experience, students may know what their interests and skillsets are, but generally don't how that translates to in the workforce.

Additionally, he reported that, in the Houston area at least, the gender gap in STEM-related careers may not be as large as other U.S. cities because of opportunities offered by the Medical Center and Energy Corridor.

"I work with a lot of volunteers, many in corporate and oil and gas, and there's a fairly large number of women technologists, engineers and scientists," Franke said. "That may be because there are so many STEM-related opportunities here."

STEM-related jobs continue to pay at a higher level, according to Franke, so it is important to give both genders the opportunity to explore options in these fields.

This is a goal being pursued by the school districts in the Lake Houston area.

One of the ways in which Humble ISD has increased focus on STEM subjects is through their T-STEM Academy at Humble High School. T-STEM is the Texas-STEM Designation by the TEA.

"We're really going into its second year at Humble High School and we've basically built it so there are three different pathways we offer through it: biotechnology, computer technology and engineering," said Larkin Le Sueur, CTE coordinator over STEM. "But the emphasis is on getting the kids best-prepared for what they need to go into those different pathways."

According to Marley Morris, Humble ISD CTE director, 25 percent of the students currently in the T-STEM program are girls. Additionally, two new STEM courses were added at the middle school level - Introduction to STEM and Introduction to Programming. Female participation in both is at 35 percent.

Le Sueur said that at the elementary school level, student interest in STEM-related courses is closer to being an evenly split gender ratio.

"It's middle school," Le Sueur said. "That's where we lose them. We're trying to address that issue of where do we lose them and why. So, we're trying to engage them in courses that are not as intimidating. We have Introduction to Technology, which is more machine, tool-based, but even those weren't pulling them in the way we wanted to. With the integration of this Introduction to STEM and Introduction to Programming, in a year, female engagement in those courses have grown."

In Humble ISD, STEM endorsement is one of five graduation plans and approximately 16 percent of students are following that plan. However, Morris highlighted there are many courses, like Health Science, that aren't categorized as STEM-endorsed, but are STEM-related. He reports 82 percent of students in Health Science are female.

"Just because it's not labeled STEM by the state doesn't mean it's not a STEM class," Le Sueur said.

In order to continue encouraging both genders' engagement in STEM, the district is incorporating more opportunities to students as early as possible including visiting elementary schools to conduct CTE demonstrations for students, and holding summer camps like the ones currently underway at the CATE Center.

"We're trying to expose them to as much as possible early on so that then they can make informed decisions as to what they like and what they don't like," Le Sueur said. "Our objective is not to fill any quota as far as numbers or genders in any particular pathway. Our objective is to get kids excited and passionate about a career and in turn getting them excited about their education in high school and beyond."

Lauren and Logan Beach are about to enter sixth grade at Riverwood Middle School in Humble ISD. Both are first-time participants in summer camp at the CATE Center. They became interested in robotics and engineering after taking part in a robotics competition offered through their elementary school.

"We went to the competition and realized how much we liked it and started getting into it," Lauren Beach said. "We saw this camp and decided to do it to learn a little more about what it is."

Their experiences with these STEM activities have inspired them both to continue pursuing robotics and engineering in middle school and beyond.

Humble ISD is not the only Lake Houston area school district working to bridge gender gaps in STEM-related subjects.

Todd Hicks, Crosby ISD executive director of secondary education, has seen a correlation between the STEM opportunities available and interest from female students, a trend the district works to continue so all students are ready for college or a career after graduation.

"Traditionally, we have observed more males follow STEM-based pathways of study when compared to female students," Hicks said. "Current enrollment trends suggest that more males continue to enroll in STEM-based courses, but the expanding opportunities that are evolving within STEM-based pathways are drawing significant interest from female students."

According to Hicks, there are certain STEM-related subjects that may tend to attract one gender more than the other. For example, he reports in Crosby ISD as well, Health Science pathways are more popular among female students. He said in the past, male students have shown a greater interest in math and hands-on applications courses.

As the district continues introducing STEM early-on and adding more field-specific courses, he is seeing an interest from both male and female students that is diminishing the gap between genders in STEM-related subjects.

"STEM-related integration begins in the kindergarten and elementary grades," Hicks said. "In Crosby ISD, campuses hold family STEM nights, which highlight math and science as it relates to real-world experiences. Students also take part in career interest inventories throughout their elementary, middle, and high school careers, which provide a mechanism for them to learn about various career opportunities and the courses that need to be taken to enter a career in those fields."

One of the main factors considered by Crosby ISD when developing STEM-related instruction is industry need.

"Crosby ISD has had the opportunity to work with several industry partners and identifying the preparatory needs of these partners is significant when planning instruction that will be delivered in the classroom," Hicks said. "This is especially evident in career and technology fields that are in high demand of skilled employees."

In Huffman ISD, CTE director Julie Gatlin also reports an increase in female students' interest in STEM programs.

"We still have more male students than female students in the classes, but each year we are starting to see more girls take an interest," Gatlin said.

The district's elementary school also offers a robotics club after school, and the students participate in competitions.

Huffman ISD's Engineering and Technology programs are relatively new to the district's STEM program and Gatlin said that student interest is on the rise. For the past several years, STEM careers made it to the top three in the annual career assessments taken by students, grades seventh through eleventh.

"As we continue to show our students what our program is about and all the opportunities they have, we will see more students interested, including girls," Gatlin said.
BEIRUT - A chemical attack which killed at least 84 Syrian civilians and left scores more foaming at the mouth involved sarin nerve agent, a global watchdog said Friday, days after the White House accused President Bashar Assad's government of planning another deadly assault.

In a statement released ahead of a fuller fact-finding report, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) described the daybreak assault on the opposition-held town of Khan Sheikhoun as an "atrocity."

"The perpetrators of this horrific attack must be held accountable for their crimes," said Ahmet Uzumcu, the body's director general.

Although the OPCW said that it was not within the organization's mandate to attribute blame for the April attack, European intelligence agencies have said that samples collected in its aftermath bore the hallmarks of chemical weapons used by the Syrian government.

Images of Khan Sheikhoun's casualties writhing in pain, many of them young children, prompted President Trump to order missile strikes on the air base from which the Syrian war planes had taken off.

This week, U.S. officials said they had observed indications that the base was being used to prepare fresh chemical attacks.

In a statement late Monday, the White House warned that Assad would pay a "heavy price" for doing so.

Chemical weapons experts say the Syrian government has used its supplies of toxic agents primarily to depopulate civilian areas and strike fear into those who remain there.

Assad's military was supposed to have surrendered its chemical stockpiles to international inspectors in 2014. But Western diplomats and the inspectors themselves had long suspected that a portion were never declared.

Uzumcu said in a statement last month that the OPCW fact-finding team was working to clarify "unresolved issues" over the Syrian government's declared chemical stockpiles.

U.S. officials have monitored leadership figures and researchers from a Syrian chemical warfare unit moving between facilities linked to the production of weapons in recent weeks, according to an intelligence analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The revelations indicated that Washington has monitored Syria's chemical weapons program more closely than was publicly known.

On the morning of the April 4 attack, a network of civilian observers issued an alert as Syrian warplanes took off from the nearby Shayrat airfield and headed north to Khan Sheikhoun.

As the aircraft circled in the sky, an observer radioed colleagues to warn of an imminent attack. "Guys, tell people to wear masks," the observer said, according to a transcript. "It has chemicals with it. I am sure of that."
New York

The U.S. government said it's ready to seize a Manhattan skyscraper from an Iranian-American charity to benefit victims of terrorism after a jury found Thursday that the charity's majority ownership was derived from financial dealings that violated sanctions against Iran.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said the owners of the office tower near Rockefeller Center "gave the Iranian government a critical foothold in the very heart of Manhattan through which Iran successfully circumvented U.S. economic sanctions."

"For over a decade, hiding in plain sight, this 36-story Manhattan office tower secretly served as a front for the Iranian government and as a gateway for millions of dollars to be funneled to Iran in clear violation of U.S. sanctions laws," Kim said in a statement. "In this trial, 650 Fifth Avenue's secret was laid bare for all to see, and today's jury verdict affirms what we have been alleging since 2008."

The verdict in the civil case was sure to be appealed. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had earlier ordered the case to go to trial after U.S. District Judge Katherine B. Forrest ruled in favor of the U.S.

Over the last month, lawyers for the Alavi Foundation argued that the charity was unaware if Iran was secretly benefiting from a partner who owned 40 percent of the building. The Alavi Foundation owns 60 percent.

Kim said the building was worth at least a half billion dollars, though some estimates put its worth closer to a billion dollars.

Kim said the sale of the building, combined with several other properties around the country, would represent the largest terrorism-related civil forfeiture in U.S. history.

The prosecutor said the verdict "allows for substantial recovery for victims of Iran-sponsored terrorism."

The government is seeking to turn over proceeds of a sale to holders of over $5 billion in terrorism-related judgments against the government of Iran, including claims brought by the estates of victims killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Forrest aided that effort Thursday by issuing a written opinion finding the Alavi Foundation liable for the turnover of its real estate properties to the benefit of its creditors, including terrorism victims.

"We are gratified to win this victory for the victims of Iran-sponsored terrorism, some of whom have waited more than two decades for this day," attorney James Bernard said in a statement.

In another statement, Alavi Foundation attorney John Gleeson said: "The Alavi Foundation is disappointed by today's verdict and by the court's decision in the related cases and is considering its options."

It was unclear what effect the verdict will have on the Alavi Foundation, which supports a Queens school among other charity works.

The verdict seemed to spare a Catharpin, Va., property after jurors concluded its funds did not violate sanctions and were not used in money laundering activities. The government said the verdict should allow it to seize properties in Houston; Carmichael, Calif.; and Rockville, Md.
A kitten stuck in the wheel of a car last week hung onto all of its nine lives, surviving a ride across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco to West Berkeley.

On June 23, Katie Bertsche was heading back to Berkeley around noon after spending the morning tide-pooling in Half Moon Bay. As she entered the on-ramp to the Bay Bridge, she was met with a massive traffic jam.
Egypt recieved development funds worth $7 billion to support 79 projects in 11 sectors in 2016, the investment and international cooperation ministry said on Friday.

In 2016, we were able to inject $7 billion into economic, social and environmental development that meets the needs of both individuals and communities," the ministry said in an annual report released Friday, titled One Year of Effective Development Cooperation."

"The funds were spread among 79 development projects aimed at improving the standard of living of citizens, with a particular focus on the poor and vulnerable in disadvantaged areas, it added.

The report, which tracks development efforts in 2016, consists of four chapters: development assistance management for sustainable development, development cooperation activities in 2016, consensus with national development goals, and comprehensive growth and fair development.

In 2016, the ministry signed 57 agreements with international and regional development institutions, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the European Union, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the United Nations agencies and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), according to the report.

The 11 areas covered by projects are divided into economic, social and environmental dimensions, the report said.



The areas included infrastructure; macroeconomic stability and governance; entrepreneurship; small, medium and micro enterprises (SMEs); agricultural productivity and food security; investment; trade; industry; social justice; education and training and cultural heritage and tourism.

The report added that the aims of these projects include, but are not limited to, creating more than 354,000 new jobs, delivering natural gas to 2.4 million homes, establishing 1,200 community schools, and providing clean drinking water to 480 disadvantaged villages.



The ministry has coordinated with the international community and local authorities to channel the necessary financial and technical support into economic, social and environmental development, the report read.

In cooperation with development partners, the ministry implemented a number of projects promoting SMEs in marginalised areas that would allow residents, especially women, to participate in the growth process, the report highlighted.

More than 100,000 micro-enterprises in marginalised areas were launched and 126,000 jobs were created. In addition, the ministry has contributed to the support of about 45,000 SMEs, creating more than 22 thousand jobs. The proportion of micro-enterprises is about 56%, and the proportion of small and medium enterprises is 44% of total SMEs in rural areas, the report said.

The ministry said it directed projects worth a total of $425.8 million into water and sanitation in marginalised areas. It put another $365.8 million into water and sanitation projects -- some also in marginalised areas -- to create acess to potable water and improved sanitation facilities for residents of North and South Sinai and the Upper Egypt cities of Beni Suef, Minya, Sohag, Assiut, Qena, Aswan and Luxor.

In March 2016, Egypt signed a $3 billion loan with the World Bank to support the governments economic reform programme, with the funds intended for fiscal consolidation, ensuring energy supplies, and enhancing competitiveness in the private sector. Two $1 billion tranches were delivered in September and March, with the third tranche expected in December.

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Maryland can claim a first on Saturday, when it stands ready to pay Planned Parenthood clinics for their services if Congress defunds the organization.

Next door in Virginia, the day will bring good news for ticket scalpers and people with unpaid court fines, but bad tidings for university boards that want to jack up tuition while no one is looking.

A slew of new laws are coming to both states, some consequential, some quirky, all united by their July 1 effective date.

Among them is Maryland's first-in-the-nation offer to repay Planned Parenthood clinics for health-care services, including cancer screenings and family planning, if the federal government no longer funds them. The law takes effect as Congress debates a health-care bill that would slash Medicaid funding for the organization.

Sen. Richard Madaleno Jr., D, the lead sponsor of the Maryland law, said it will ensure that Planned Parenthood "remains open and viable . . . they are so important to the health care of so many women, especially poor young women of color."

The state estimates that reimbursement could cost about $2 million a year.

Other new Maryland laws will address the opioid epidemic, the school-to-prison pipeline and the state transit system.

Local school districts will be required to teach students, beginning in third grade, about the dangers of heroin and opioid addiction as part of their drug prevention programs. Schools will also be required to stock naloxone, an overdose-reversal drug, and have staff trained to administer it.

According to state data, drug- and alcohol-related overdoses killed 2,089 Marylanders in 2016, an increase of 66 percent from 2015. Earlier this year, Gov. Larry Hogan, R, issued a state of emergency to address the opioid crisis.

Another new Maryland law prohibits school districts from suspending and expelling 4-year-olds and limits the expulsion and suspension of students in kindergarten through second grade.

According to state figures, more than 2,200 students in that age group were suspended or expelled last year, many because they were disruptive or disrespectful.

Maryland is also repealing a state requirement that bus and rail systems cover at least 35 percent of their operating costs through ticket revenue.

New court rules that overhaul the state's bail policies also become effective Saturday.

Hoping to reduce the number of poor people stuck in jail until their trials, the state Court of Appeals in February changed its rules on issuing bail. Judges will be required to consider a person's ability to make bail when deciding on conditions for pretrial release.

In Virginia, Saturday marks a new sort of Independence Day - independence from Ticketmaster, which will lose its grip on the ticket resale market.

The company will no longer have the right to block ticket holders from reselling tickets. The aim is not to help scalpers, though it likely will, but people like Del. David Albo, R, a self-described "Metalhead" who had Iron Maiden tickets he bought on Ticketmaster and couldn't use, and found out he could not resell them or even give them away.

State-funded colleges and universities planning to increase tuition will not be able to do so in the dark of night under a law meant to boost transparency in higher education. Proposed by Sen. Chapman "Chap" Petersen, D, the measure requires university governing boards to provide 30 days' notice to students and the public before boosting undergraduate tuition or mandatory fees. The notice must include a projected range for the increase, a rationale for it, and the date and location for the vote.

As in Maryland, the opioid crisis has inspired new laws in Virginia, including those that ease the distribution of naloxone.

A law sponsored by Sen. Richard Black, R, outlaws female genital mutilation for minors. Those who perform the procedure could face misdemeanor charges. So would parents who consent to having their daughters undergo it.

Homicides that claim young victims - such as 17-year-old Nabra Hassanen of Reston, who was killed recently as she was returning to her Sterling mosque - will be handled differently under a new law. If the victim is a minor, law-enforcement agencies will be prohibited from releasing the name or other identifying information without the written consent of next of kin.

Criminal defendants will get a little more time to pay overdue court fines and restitution under a law backed by Del. Manoli Loupassi, R, and Sen. William Stanley, R. If defendants are unable to pay, judges must offer them an installment option.

Under another new law, victims of "revenge porn" could get revenge of their own in civil court. It is already illegal under Virginia state law to share explicit images of another person without their consent, but there was no avenue for victims to sue for damages or emotional distress, said Sen. Jennifer Wexton, D, who sponsored the legislation. The new law allows them to sue.

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The Washington Post's Antonio Olivo contributed to this report.
NORWALK  Yvette Goorevitch, director of special and alternative education for the New Rochelle, N.Y., school district, is the proposed candidate for the new chief of specialized instruction at Norwalk Public Schools.

Mike Lyons, chairman of the Norwalk Board of Education, confirmed the news to Hearst Connecticut Media on Thursday afternoon.

The Board of Education met with Goorevitch during a specially scheduled executive session at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in City Hall.

The boards Ad Hoc Special Education Committee and select members of Norwalks SPEDPartners also met with Goorevitch at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., respectively, in what officials said were closed meetings. Notices were not publicly posted prior to those meetings, as they were days before the full board meeting.

Details on Goorevitch, who has close to 40 years in public education experience, were temporarily posted on the Norwalk Parents for Education Facebook page by Jeff Spahr, a longtime Norwalk SPEDPartners member and city deputy corporation counsel, citing an official school district document.

According to the district documentation, Goorevitch has spent the last 16 years as director of special and alternative education for the City School District of New Rochelle.

Goorevitch took a school system with special-education challenges, and an economic and ethnic make-up similar to that of Norwalk, and transformed it into a model district for students with special needs, the document reads.

Before her work at New Rochelle, Goorevitch spent 12 years in special education for the New York City Department of Education. There, she served in the roles of district administrator of special education and chairperson for the committee on special education. She started her career as a special education teacher in New York City.

Goorevitch earned a masters degree in special education and a another masters degree in supervision and administration in special education from Columbia University Teachers College. Goorevitch has a bachelors degree in psychology from Brooklyn College.

Following Tuesdays meetings, special-education parents invited to meet Goorevitch declined to comment, citing the privacy of the meeting.

Brenda Wilcox Williams, spokeswoman for the school district, made a statement on the since deleted Facebook post about Goorevitch, shedding light on the situation.

Folks, Ms. Goorevitch is a highly qualified candidate from a district that has a lot of similarities with Norwalk. She does not yet have a contract, but in the interest of transparency, we wanted our Ad Hoc Special Education committee, representatives from SpED parents organizations, and the BOE to meet her at this stage, the statement read.

A vote on a candidate for the role isnt expected until a full board meeting in August.
President Trump on Thursday appointed a divisive conservative voting rights expert to spearhead the White House's search into allegations of widespread fraud in the 2016 presidential election.

The appointment of Hans von Spakovsky has reignited debate over the legitimacy of claims that include unsubstantiated accusations from Trump that "millions of people" voted illegally for Hillary Clinton. Von Spakovsky, a former Justice Department official, sparked legal battles over voting laws during the George W. Bush administration.

Von Spakovsky, 58, will join the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, though it remains unclear what role he will take. The White House's Thursday night announcement, which included several other administration posts, did not provide further details. The announcement did not include any biographical information about von Spakovsky, either.

He said in an interview Friday that he does not enter this role with the assumption that voter fraud is a nationwide epidemic.

"I think the answer to that is what we hope to find out," he told The Washington Post. "What I would say is that I think it's a danger to the way our democratic system works anytime people are either kept out of the polls or their vote is stolen through fraud."

For more than a decade, von Spakovsky has been a polarizing figure in voting rights circles, with conservatives championing his efforts to tighten regulations and shore up voter roll inconsistencies. His critics point to a career in which decisions have led to disenfranchisement among poor and minority groups.

"I think there are number of people who have been active in promoting false and exaggerated claims of voter fraud and using that as a pretext to argue for stricter voting and registration rules," said Rick Hasen, an election law expert at the University of California at Irvine. "And von Spakovsky's at the top of the list."

After von Spakovsky's appointment was announced, Hasen wrote on his blog that it was "a big middle finger" from Trump to people "serious about fixing problems with our elections."

Brian Schoeneman, who replaced von Spakovsky on the Fairfax Electoral Board in Virginia after he was not reappointed in 2012, defended von Spakovsky as committed to voter integrity and said he is not pursuing an extremist agenda.

"We do nobody any good when we ignore the fact that voter fraud does exist, and Hans has been trying to make the point that it does exist," Schoeneman said.

In May, Trump's executive order created the commission to investigate allegations of voter fraud in the presidential election, despite no evidence of widespread fraud that would substantiate Trump's claim that as many as 3 to 5 million votes were cast illegally.

The appointment is the second opportunity for von Spakovsky to take part in shaping election and voting policy from the executive branch. Congressional Democrats blocked his nomination to the Federal Election Commission in 2008 following accusations of partisanship and voter rights suppression in his role at the Justice Department from 2002 to 2005, where he was counsel to the assistant attorney general for civil rights.

Von Spakovsky's nomination at the FEC stretched for two years as Democrats painted a picture of an official who steamrolled the recommendations of career Justice lawyers. He overruled colleagues to approve a Georgia law in 2005 requiring that people present photo identification to vote, which some of his colleagues said would disproportionately impact African American voters. He also led unsuccessful suits to purge voter rolls in Missouri.

He currently heads the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, where he is also a senior legal fellow.

Conservative voting experts have championed von Spakovsky's appointment and view him as a central figure in rebuilding voting process integrity.

"He knows more about this than just about anyone in the country," said J. Christian Adams, a longtime friend and colleague of von Spakovsky's at the Justice Department, and now president of the Public Interest Legal Foundation.

"It's going to be fun watching all the liars smear him" and "reacting like Pavlov's dog" at his appointment, added Adams. "Who would be against bad voting rolls? Why are they afraid of improving the system?"

Voting rights activists are concerned von Spakovsky's appointment is a sign that the commission will stoke fears of systemic voter fraud to strip poor and minority voters of dwindling abilities to cast their votes.

"I can't recall in recent time an effort to comb and pull together individualized voter data in the way this commission seeks," Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonprofit civil rights group, said Friday.

"The only purpose behind the commission's efforts is to encourage state officials to take action and purge voter rolls," she said.

Voting rights advocates have also expressed concern that von Spakovsky is teaming up with another controversial figure, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who was appointed as the vice chairman of the commission.

"Kris Kobach and Hans von Spakovsky have had a single-minded agenda to diminish voter participation and to fight voting rights, and to make voting harder," said Vanita Gupta, who headed the Justice Department's civil rights division during the Obama administration. "I think you just cannot ignore the composition of the folks on this commission."

Gupta, who is now president and chief executive of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, said the commission's makeup is "deeply alarming." Her tweet Thursday was the latest salvo in her criticism of Trump's commission - and in her acrimonious relationship with von Spakovsky.

She tweeted, "I rest my case. Hans A. Von Spakovsky of Virginia to be a Member of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity."

Von Spakovsky wrote in the Daily Signal in November that she exceeded limits of appointees acting in a formal capacity without Senate confirmation.

The son of an immigrant family, von Spakovsky's account of their journey to the United States is a dramatic story of post-war Europe. His father fled the Bolsheviks during the Russian civil war in 1919 and entered Finland.

His father met his future wife, a German who escaped the Soviet siege of Breslau, in a refugee camp in the U.S.-occupied zone following World War II. His family later settled in Alabama.

"I grew up in a household where I was told just how precious our democracy was here and just how fortunate we are to have it," von Spakovsky said.

When he was a boy, he said, his parents always took him along with them to vote.

"It imbued in me the belief that I had a duty to vote and that if I didn't vote, I was betraying all the people in countries around the world who can't do that. It just gave me a real interest in working to make sure we have a fair process," he said.

Von Spakovsky is a longtime commentator. In a Fox News column published Wednesday, von Spakovsky championed the Supreme Court's partial upholding of Trump's travel ban, calling it a big victory for the administration.

It appeared to be a departure from von Spakovsky's earlier beliefs that America has a role in the world to accept refugees, like his parents.

"America is a nation where we believe in liberty and freedom, and for more than 200 years it has generously welcomed those who were fleeing tyranny, oppression, and darkness," he wrote for the National Review in 2013.

---

Mark Berman contributed to this report.
There are strange sea creatures known as "sea pickles" invading the Pacific Northwest.

These gelatinous and somewhat translucent organisms, called pyrosomes, have been seen congregating, sometimes by the thousands, close to shore from Northern California up to southeast Alaska - clogging fishing nets and washing up on beaches, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Experts say that this year, the critters are appearing in very high numbers outside the normal range of the species.

Most recently, NBC Bay Area reported that the sea dwellers have been causing a stir in Monterey Bay, frustrating fishermen trying to catch salmon and shrimp.

So what are pyrosomes, where did they come from, and why are they swarming shores?

NOAA Fisheries described them this way:

"Pyrosomes are pelagic Tunicates, which are part of Chordata, a phylum that includes humans. It is tough and slimy to the touch with small, pronounced bumps. Inside the wall of this gelatinous tube, which can get up to 60 cm, individual zooids are tightly packed together. These zooids have an incurrent and excurrent siphon and use cilia to pump water for feeding, respiration and movement. Using a mucus net, they filter water for small planktonic microorganisms.

"Pyrosomes are known to aggregate in large clusters at the surface and the zooids bioluminesce to create beautiful light displays."

Experts say pyrosomes are found all over the world, typically in warmer tropical waters far offshore.

Ric Brodeur, a research biologist at the NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Newport, Oregon, said that beachcombers in Oregon have been walking the beaches there for decades, but he has started getting reports of pyrosomes washing up on the beaches only in the past few months. He has also been going to sea on research cruises since the 1980s and saw his first pyrosome only in 2014. He believes the high abundance is related to unusually warm ocean conditions along the coast that resembles pyrosomes' normal habitat.

Brodeur said it is too soon to say whether pyrosomes will become permanent residents of the Pacific Northwest, as the ocean could revert to colder conditions.

"We'll have to wait to see how it goes, but certainly, it's not a good sign for the ecosystem to have these critters out there instead of the normal fish and crustacean prey most fish, birds and mammals off our coast are accustomed to," he said.

During research cruises in February and May, pyrosomes - some more than two feet long - were seen in the highest number 40 to 200 miles off the Oregon Coast.

"A five-minute midwater tow of a research net off the Columbia River in late May brought up approximately 60,000 pyrosomes," NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center said in a blog post. "Scientists spent hours sorting through the massive catch to find the rare fish they were targeting."

Researchers from NOAA Fisheries, along with researchers from Oregon State University and the University of Oregon, have been studying these sea creatures to learn more about them.
Carl Wagner, a Democratic Party strategist, organizer and adviser for 40 years who counseled and worked for President Bill Clinton, Sens. Edward Kennedy and George McGovern, as well as a corps of other Democratic officeholders and office seekers, died Sunday at his home in Washington. He was 72.

A spokeswoman for the D.C. Medical Examiner's office said determination of the cause of death is pending further investigation. His daughter, Alex Wagner, a co-host of "CBS This Morning: Saturday," said he had heart and lung ailments.

Wagner co-chaired Clinton's victorious 1992 presidential campaign and was a longtime friend of the former president. They met in 1972, when both were working on the Democratic presidential campaign of McGovern, the South Dakota senator who lost in a landslide to incumbent President Richard Nixon.

Wagner was helping run the McGovern campaign in sections of the Midwest. Clinton, fresh from Yale Law School, was directing McGovern's efforts in the Southwest.

"For so many years, Carl was there with clear-eyed analysis of a tough problem, honest advice in a tough spot, and unflinching support in a tough fight," Clinton said in a statement. "He played a big role in helping us think through my decision not to run for President in 1988. ... (He) was one of the finest organizers and one of the best political minds of our generation."

Wagner was serving as director of political activities for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) when Kennedy, the Massachusetts senator, hired him in 1978, two years before Kennedy attempted to wrest the presidency from incumbent Jimmy Carter, a fellow Democrat.

He was Kennedy's "field general and a palpably brilliant strategist and tactician," David Axelrod, a top political strategist in Barack Obama's presidential campaigns, said in an email to The Washington Post.

To Les Francis, deputy chief of staff in the Carter White House and a former executive director of the Democratic National Committee, Wagner was a "hot type" political tactician, "very intense, high energy ... could push, demand, got things done."

Wagner tended to side with the underdog and was "not one to play it safe," said political columnist and commentator Mark Shields, describing him as someone who "played hardball with a devilish grin."

In negotiations over whether Kennedy should address the 1980 Democratic National Convention, Shields said Wagner suggested to the Carter camp that 5,000 Kennedy partisans could be armed with handheld clickers to drown out pro-Carter speeches if Kennedy were not allowed to speak.

After working for Kennedy, Wagner launched his own consultancy, continuing to specialize in Democratic Party politics, but also branching out into other issues.

Over the years, he advised, managed or promoted Sen. Gary Hart of Colorado; Ronald Brown, the Democratic National Committee chairman and secretary of commerce under Clinton; and Michael Dukakis, the Massachusetts governor who lost the 1988 presidential election to George H.W. Bush.

In 2008, Wagner supported then-Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois for the Democratic presidential nomination. He directed get-out-the-vote efforts in local and state contests around the country.

Carl Robert Wagner was born on Jan. 14, 1945, in Lansing, Iowa, a small town on the banks of the Mississippi River. His father was a rural mailman. He graduated in 1967 from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, with a degree in political science and did postgraduate study at the University of Iowa.

Afterward, he worked in Madison, Wis., as an economics specialist in the office of Gov. Patrick Lucey before coming to Washington in the mid-1970s as a political operative.

His marriage to the former Swe Thant ended in divorce. Survivors include their daughter.
A federal judge this week approved an order revoking the naturalized citizenship of a Harris County man convicted of a sex offense more than 20 years earlier, one of a growing number of immigrants stripped of citizenship in a push that began in the final years of the Obama administration.

Jose Arizmendi, a native of Mexico, failed to disclose his 1996 conviction when he applied for citizenship, according to federal prosecutors.

"The Justice Department is committed to preserving the integrity of our nation's immigration system," Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler said in a statement.

"We will aggressively pursue denaturalization in cases where individuals lie on their naturalization applications, especially in a circumstance like this one, which involved a child sex abuser. Civil denaturalization cases are an important law enforcement tool for protecting the public, including our children."

The 54-year-old Arizmendi pleaded guilty in Harris County to aggravated sexual assault of a child in April 1996, accepting 10 years of probation as part of a deferred adjudication agreement.

He applied to become a citizen later that month, and during his October 1996 immigration interview, he said "no" when asked if he'd ever been arrested or convicted of a crime more serious than a traffic violation.

In light of his answer, the government approved his naturalization application and Arizmendi became a citizen later that year.

But eventually, his past caught up with him.

Through records searches, immigration authorities found out about his 1996 conviction, prosecutors said. They then flagged the case and turned it over to the Department of Justice, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goldman.

"We did not take any action at first because we could not find the individual," he said in a phone interview Thursday.

Just before filing the case in 2015, authorities learned Arizmendi was being held in a Mexican prison after a 2012 arrest there for rape of a minor.

Although Arizmendi might have qualified for criminal denaturalization proceedings, a 10-year statute of limitations forced the federal government to seek a civil denaturalization instead.

It took more than a year to work through the logistics of serving legal papers to the prison south of the border where Arizmendi was serving his 18-year sentence.

On Tuesday, nearly two years after the case was originally filed, Judge Vanessa D. Gilmore ruled that Arizmendi failed to meet the requirements for naturalization and unlawfully procured his citizenship by concealing his conviction, a move that precluded him from demonstrating the good moral character requisite for U.S. citizenship.

Now, he's been ordered to immediately surrender and deliver his Certificate of Naturalization.

In the final years of President Barack Obama's administration, the federal government began stripping citizenship at a pace not matched by purges in the 1980s and 1990s targeting naturalized Nazi war criminals.

So far, President Donald Trump's Justice Department seems to be keeping up that pace.

The Department of Justice did not provide exact data on denaturalizations, but an investigation by SeattlePI.com identified 88 such cases over the past eight years, including nine in Texas. SeattlePI.com is a news site owned by Hearst, the Chronicle's parent company.

The 88 cases are a tiny fraction of the 20 million naturalized citizens living in the U.S., although more immigrants could be at risk of similar scrutiny as part of a government review of aged citizenship documents.

In theory, naturalized citizenship should be permanent, except in cases where the applicant is later found to have lied or become naturalized through fraud. In recent years, what qualified as fraud could be surprisingly broad.

In a recent U.S. Supreme Court hearing earlier this year, the Justice Department confirmed that naturalized immigrants could be stripped of citizenship for something as minor as failing to tell immigration officials they broke the speed limit two decades earlier. This month, a Supreme Court ruling reined in the DOJ's power, mandating that the trivial misstatements aren't enough to revoke citizenship.

In some cases  like Arizmendi's  the factual omissions may be more central to the citizenship process.

"Applications for naturalization must be candid with all material facts," said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez for the Southern District of Texas.

"Like in this case, failing to disclose material data should result in denaturalization."

Levi Pulkkinen of SeattlePI.com contributed to this report. The Seattle PI is owned by Hearst, the parent company of the Houston Chronicle.
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Police are searching for four suspects connected to the disappearance of 13-year-old Shavon Le'Feye Randle, who went missing outside the Dallas area Wednesday morning. An Amber Alert was issued following her alleged kidnapping.

The Lancaster Police Department has identified 26-year-old Darius Fields, 19-year-old Michael Titus, 25-year-old Laporshya Polley and 24-year-old Devontae Owens as persons of interest.

They believe Randle may be in immediate danger. She was taken from her aunt's house around 10:30 a.m. Police said a man later called the household threatening to kill the girl.

AMBER ALERT: Amber Alert issued for Shavon Le'Faye Randle, Lancaster teen

Randle is described as having dark hair and brown eyes, she's 5-feet, 5-inches tall and weighs roughly 120 pounds. She was wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts at the time of her disappearance.

One of the suspects Wednesday was seen driving a white, four-door sedan with dark etchings on the rear passenger side.

Lancaster police urge the public to contact the FBI at 800-225-5324 with any information.
AUSTIN  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton joined Republican officials from nine other states to ask the Trump administration on Thursday to begin phasing out a program that shields from deportation thousands of undocumented immigrants whose parents brought them to the country as children.

A letter the group sent to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions gave the government until Sept. 5 to withdraw former President Obamas 2012 memo creating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program and a 2014 offshoot that expanded it. If the U.S. Department of Justice fails to do so, the states will sue to end DACA, the letter said.

Specifically, we request that the Secretary of Homeland Security rescind the June 15, 2012 DACA memorandum and order that the Executive Branch will not renew or issue any new DACA or Expanded DACA permits in the future, they wrote. This request does not require the Executive Branch to immediately rescind DACA or Expanded DACA permits that have already been issued. ... And this request does not require the federal government to remove any alien.

They cited a June memo from the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security that revoked an Obama-era order creating a similar initiative for adults, the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, or DAPA. A federal judge in Texas had blocked DAPA after Paxton and 26 other states sued the Obama administration, and that decision was unchanged by a 4-4 stalemate by U.S. Supreme Court when it considered the case last year.

The Trump administration did not change its approach to the program for children. While campaigning, President Donald Trump repeatedly said young immigrants in the DACA program would be spared from deportation.

More than 800,000 undocumented immigrants in the country have received legal protection under DACA, with more than 230,000 applications and renewals coming from Texas alone since the program began through March 2017.

Civil rights groups, such as the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, blasted the letter. The evident xenophobia of those who signed it is not remotely consistent with the trajectory of our nations history and future progress, said Thomas Saenz, MALDEFs president and general counsel. Their political careers and each of their states will suffer from their mean-spirited stupidity.

Michelle Tremillo, executive director of the Texas Organizing Project, blasted the attorneys general, saying, the level of cruelty exhibited today ... is astonishing.

One 21-year-old DACA student at the University of Texas at San Antonio was not entirely shocked by Paxtons announcement, but said his words still stung. She asked that she not be identified by name for fear of being deported if the threatened lawsuit succeeded.

Like other immigrants in the country legally and illegally, DACA students have been demonized, she said, though theyve spent more time in the United States than in the countries in which they were born. People tend to forget that we have grown up alongside their children, she said.

Her extended family members are all U.S. citizens but her father is undocumented. Her mother is in the process of applying for permanent residency, or whats known as a green card, as she has been deemed eligible to apply. It would permit her to stay and work legally.

Benita Holguin, a former Jefferson High School valedictorian who in 2009 was propelled into the national spotlight after a traffic stop put her in deportation proceedings, said the threat of ending or phasing out DACA will exacerbate fears in immigrant communities.

A schoolteacher, she became a U.S. citizen in May. Holguin said the Obama policy was the right thing to do, not just for (Dreamers) but for the communities they live in.

Theyre people who are currently integral parts of our communities, Holguin said. And theyre not going to leave because this is their home.

Staff Writer Elaine Ayala contributed to this report in San Antonio.

Bobby.Cervantes@chron.com.
For the second time in less than a year, police departments from all over the state offered condolences and prayers for two San Antonio officers were shot Thursday, one of whom has died from his injuries.

Officers Julio Cavazos and Miguel Moreno, both in their 30s, were shot while on patrol near San Antonio College Thursday afternoon.
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Family  both by blood and badge  united on social media to remember Officer Miguel Moreno, a 9-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department, who died after being shot in the head while on patrol Thursday.

Moreno, 32, was pronounced dead at 11:11 a.m. on Friday.

He passed away from injuries sustained when he and Officer Julio Cavazos approached two men walking on the 200 block of W Evergreen St. One man pulled a gun and fired at both officers as they exited their patrol car.

READ MORE: 'Last night, there was no laughing': SAPD officer describes grim mood at roll call after shooting

Cavazos is expected to survive, SAPD Chief William McManus said Friday morning.

"We are going to lose a truly, truly beautiful man," McManus said of Moreno at a press conference, about an hour before the officer was pronounced dead.

Officers with the San Antonio Police Department poured out support for their fallen colleague following news of the shooting, with many of them updating their social media profile pictures to images of the SAPD shield or a graphic of Moreno's "End of Watch" announcement.

RELATED: 32-year-old SAPD officer dies day after downtown shootout

"Just like any great officer in our city, he loved his job," said Ofc. K. Tijerina, who said she knew Moreno through work. "He did it very well and was very proud to be one of San Antonio's finest! He will be missed by so many."

Tributes to Moreno from family, friends and members of the community continue in the gallery above.

Moreno formed and maintained tight-knit friendships with his colleagues throughout his nine years in the force. His friends took pride in his humble beginnings and his devotion to serving his community, they said in numerous social media tributes penned in his honor.

RELATED: McManus releases additional details on downtown-area shootout

One friend, who appeared to know both Moreno and Cavazos, said they both worked to "make a difference" and did more than "dress up in uniform."

"Miguel and Julio I'm proud to say we grew up in the West Side together and to say we are VOKS," a post shared by user Maree Yo reads. "I'm proud to say we over came the odds and became Police officers and its my honor to call y'all MY BROS."

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com



mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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The daughter of the church bus driver killed in a Uvalde County crash earlier this year said she felt sympathy for the man accused of killing her father and 12 others, just hours after he surrendered himself to authorities.

Jack D. Young, of Leakey, surrendered Wednesday evening at the Uvalde County Jail on 13 two-count indictments alleging intoxication manslaughter and manslaughter, and one two-count indictment alleging intoxication assault/aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury in connection with a March 29 head-on collision.

READ MORE: Daughter of Texas church bus crash victim reveals new details in heartbreaking letter to driver

"I support that society needs justice to remain a functional society," said Jenn Barrett, whose father, Murray Barrett was driving the bus. "But I am also very sad for Jack, who is sentenced to a life of remembering he killed 13 innocent people."

On March 29, the white Dodge pickup truck Young was driving collided with a bus carrying 14 senior members of the First Baptist Church New Braunfels home from a retreat. Young and one of the bus passengers were the only ones to survive the crash.

RELATED: 20-year-old driver indicted in Uvalde church bus crash that killed 13

"This was an accident  (Young) wasn't malicious and on a rampage with a gun, shooting up a church," Barrett said. "This is a horrible tragedy and the State of Texas must make sure that their response is a deterrent to future similar behavior. My hope is that Jack hears my letter and finds the hope and freedom in Christ."

On June 25, days before Young's indictment, Jenn Barrett penned an open letter to the man who is charged in her father's killing.

"I've forgiven you from the beginning, since the day I first learned your name," she wrote. "I am sad and grieve the loss of my parents but you don't owe me anything."

Young's attorney, Rogelio F. Munoz, said earlier this month that the 20-year-old and his family are "absolutely devastated by what happened."

"We wish this thing had never happened. We feel for their families and their loss. It's just something that's tragic," he said. "It just happens that this young man became involved in it. So many people lost their lives."

"I forgive you," Jenn Barrett said.

Staff writer Zeke MacCormack contributed to this report.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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The gunman who shot two San Antonio Police Department officers, killing one and critically wounding another, before killing himself on Thursday had an extensive criminal history in Texas and Louisiana, according to court records and law enforcement authorities.

Andrew C. Bice, 34, was identified as the shooter Friday by San Antonio Police Department officials. Police say he opened fire on Officer Miguel Moreno and Officer Julio Cavazos around 3:15 p.m. near Evergreen and Howard Streets after the officers stopped him and another man on the street.

RELATED: 'Last night, there was no laughing': SAPD officer describes grim mood at roll call after shooting

Bice shot Moreno in the head and Cavazos in the chin, though the bullet eventually lodged itself in his chest cavity. Cavazos was able to move Moreno to safety and return fire on Bice, striking him in the buttocks. Bice then hobbled to the corner of Evergreen and Howard, where he shot himself in the head. He died shortly after 5 p.m. at University Hospital.

Moreno was kept on life-support until 11:11 a.m. on Friday when he was pronounced dead. Cavazos has had one successful surgery and faces many more, but doctors expect him to survive.

According to court records and law enforcement officials, Bice had numerous run ins with the law dating back more than a decade from his death. He was convicted of three charges in Bexar County from 2003 to 2006 and was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail nine times on more than 30 charges, including multiple counts of kidnapping and burglary, over a 9-year period.

Bice pleaded guilty to three charges originating out of Bexar County, according to online court records. His first guilty plea came in October 2003 to an assault causing bodily injury to a family member charge. About two years later in August 2005, he pleaded guilty to a charge of evading arrest. Lastly, in January 2007, Bice pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a controlled substance between 1 and 4 grams.

RELATED: McManus releases names of SAPD officers shot, provides additional details on shootout

Bice's lengthy criminal history in St. Tammany Parish, which sits on Lake Pontchartrain and borders Mississippi, was confirmed Meredith Timberlake, a spokeswoman for the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Timberlake was not able to confirm Friday evening whether Bice was convicted of any of the charges on which he was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail.

The dates he was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail and the charges on which he was booked are listed below beginning with the most recent instance.

Jan. 20, 2017, on a charge of cruelty to a juvenile

Nov. 21, 2016, on a charge of hit and run

Sept. 13, 2016, on charges of improper lane use, no driver's license on person and aggravated flight from an officer

Dec. 28, 2015, on charges of second-degree kidnapping, aggravated criminal damage and simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling

Oct. 9, 2015, on a probation violation charge

March 15, 2015, on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, improper lane use, driving under suspension, no proof of insurance and expired license plate.

July 1, 2009, on charges of aggravated criminal damage, contempt of court, simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, second-degree kidnapping, simple criminal damage to property and unauthorized entry to an inhabited dwelling

March 23, 2009, on charges of contempt of court and simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling

August 7, 2008, on charges of disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, two charges of simple criminal damage to property, second-degree kidnapping, aggravated criminal damage, simple burglary and contempt of court.

Police have said Bice's attack on the officers appears to be random. Cavazos and Moreno had stopped him and another man to check their identification while on a directed patrol focused on car burglary prevention.

"I'm at a loss for words to describe what a tragedy this is," said San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, flanked by fellow SAPD officers at a Friday morning press conference. "Imagine one of your relatives was shot and killed on the street for apparently no reason."

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
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The last 24 hours have felt all too familiar for the San Antonio Police Department.

Officer Miguel Moreno was killed in a shootout north of downtown Thursday afternoon, just eight months after the force saw its first officer death since 2013.

"It seems like we just went through this and now we're doing it again," said Sgt. Jesse Salame, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department.

In November, Det. Benjamin Marconi was shot and killed while issuing a traffic citation. His death marked the first for the department since officer Robert Deckard Jr. was killed while pursuing robbery suspects in December 2013.

RELATED: 'Last night, there was no laughing': SAPD officer describes grim mood at roll call after shooting

Police have not yet confirmed what motive, if any, 34-year-old shooter Andrew Bice might have had when he opened fire on Moreno and officer Julio Cavazos, 36, who is expected to survive a gunshot wound to his torso.

Bice died shortly after the shooting from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.

As the community grapples with the incident, Salame said there is no way to explain what happened or why.

Moving forward, he said the community and law enforcement officials need to listen to each other.

READ MORE: Gunman in fatal police-involved shooting identified as 34-year-old living on Northeast Side

"We all need to recognize we are all in this together and we should all be trying to take care of one another," he said, adding the department's relationship with San Antonians is "stronger than they've ever been."

"We live in a beautiful city, but we're not immune to those issues," Salame said. "It can happen here."

So far this year, four police officers have been killed in the line of duty in Texas, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, a site that tracks law enforcement deaths across the country. Texas had more officers die in the line of duty than any other state in 2016 with 19 law enforcement officials killed.

Since 2000, 13 officers have been killed in the line of duty in San Antonio.

RELATED: 32-year-old SAPD officer dies day after downtown shootout

Preliminary 2016 data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows violent crimes, such as murder and aggravated assault, increased by 27 percent from 2015-2016 in San Antonio. Murders increased by 37 percent.

Salame said the data does not reflect the good relationship SAPD has with the citizens it patrols.

"We do this hundreds of times a day," Salame said of officers patrolling the city. "Then, you know, you don't expect for anything to happen. This very much was an ambush."

Across the country, the number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty increased 61 percent from 2015-2016. A total of 66 officers were killed, 30 of which were in the southern region of the U.S.

A total of 17 officers were "ambushed" in 2016, according to the FBI.

Shortly after five officers were killed in Dallas last summer, Gov. Greg Abbott announced he would pursue the Police Protection Act, a law that would make punishment for crimes against law enforcement harsher. He signed the bill into law earlier this year.

News researcher Mike Knoop contributed to this report.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
A contracting hiccup has delayed the rollout of the Houston Fire Department's new risk-based building inspection program, pushing full deployment to October, from July.

The department's Life Safety Bureau worked with the consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal this spring to overhaul an inspection program the City Controller's office raked in a blistering audit released earlier this month.
Much analysis of Yuval Hararis brilliant new book, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, focuses on the harrowing dystopia he anticipates. In this vision, a small, geeky elite gains the ability to use biological and cyborg engineering to become something beyond human.

It may upgrade itself step by step, merging with robots and computers in the process, until our descendants will look back and realize that they are no longer the kind of animal that wrote the Bible (or) built the Great Wall of China. This would necessarily involve the concentration of data, wealth and power, creating unprecedented social inequality.

In the early 21st century, argues Harari, the train of progress is again pulling out of the station  and this will probably be the last train ever to leave the station called Homo sapiens.

Few of us Homo sapiens are anxious to take such a trip, apart from some dataists who pant for the apocalypse. But, as Harari repeatedly insists, the prophets job is really an impossible one. Someone living in the 12th century would know most of what the 13th century might have to offer. Given the pace of change in our time, the 22nd century is almost unimaginable.

Yet the predictions are not the most interesting bits of the book. It is important primarily for what it says about the present. For the past few hundred years, in Hararis telling, there has been a successful alliance between scientific thought and humanism  a philosophy placing human feelings, happiness and choice at the center of the ethical universe. With the death of God and the denial of transcendent rules, some predicted social chaos and collapse. Instead, science and humanism (with an assist from capitalism) delivered unprecedented health and comfort.

This progress has involved an implicit agreement, In exchange for power, says Harari, the modern deal expects us to give up meaning.

It is Hararis thesis, however, that the alliance of science and humanism is breaking down, with the former consuming the latter. Science, argues Harari, revealed humans as animals on the mental spectrum, then as biochemical processes, and now as outdated organic algorithms. We have opened up the Sapiens black box and discovered there neither soul, nor free will, nor self  but only genes, hormones and neurons.

This rather depressing argument is well presented, with a few caveats. Hararis breezy style is sometimes in tension with his utter nihilism. Here is a moral rule: You can either be cheery or you can describe the universe as an empty, echoing void where human beings have no inherent value. But you cant do both.

And Hararis treatment of religion is, charitably put, superficial. He seems to think that the absence of an immortal soul can be proved by dissection. When Harari claims that religion is no longer a source of creativity and makes little difference, it is tempting to shout Martin Luther King Jr. at your Kindle.

But Harari has one great virtue: intellectual honesty. Unlike some of the new atheists, he recognizes that science is incapable of providing values, including the humanistic values of Locke, Rousseau and Jefferson. Even Richard Dawkins, Steven Pinker and the other champions of the new scientific worldview refuse to abandon liberalism, Harari observes. After dedicating hundreds of erudite pages to deconstructing the self and the freedom of will, they perform breathtaking intellectual somersaults that miraculously land them back in the 18th century.

Harari relentlessly follows the logic of reductionism as it sweeps away individualism, equality, justice, democracy and human rights  even human imagination. Yes, God is a product of the human imagination, but human imagination in turn is the product of biochemical algorithms.

This is the paradox and trial of modernity. As humans reach for godhood, they are devaluing what is human. Omnipotence is in front of us, almost within our reach, Harari says, but below us yawns the abyss of complete nothingness.

A humane future will require someone to offer a bridge across the chasm.

michaelgerson@washpost.com
The recent city election had the audacity to take place in my absence. But it was such an extraordinary election that I cant let it go without unburdening myself of some observations.

Mayor Ivy Taylor won election in 2015 because of her performance as interim mayor after Julian Castro went to Washington to join President Barack Obamas Cabinet. Less than two weeks after being appointed by her fellow council members, Taylor teamed with County Judge Nelson Wolff to summarily shut down an expensive streetcar project. It was wildly unpopular among North Side conservatives.

The move made her appear strong and decisive. Before the election, she further solidified her support with North Side conservatives by opposing the inclusion of gays and others in a nondiscrimination ordinance easily passed by City Council.

But as mayor, her image of strength waned. The centerpiece of her term was a master plan developed through a lengthy and widespread public process. But the last step before council was for the plan to go through the developer-dominated Planning Commission, which removed a number of sticks for developers in the plan while retaining the carrots. When Councilman Ron Nirenberg made motions to restore the document to what it was before the development interests weighed in, Taylor led the council in defeating his efforts.

Developers have long been powerful at City Hall but not popular at the ballot box.

Meanwhile, Nirenberg stoked passion among environmentalists, who have long battled the developer establishment. He also easily won his own District 8, the largest of the North Side districts. And he put together a strong team to appeal to the citys heavily Hispanic West and South sides.

When Taylor led the first round with only 42 percent of the vote, it was clear she was in trouble. History was not on her side. This was our fourth mayoral runoff in the past 20 years. In each previous case  Howard Peak vs. Kay Turner in 1997, Phil Hardberger vs. Castro in 2005, and Taylor vs. Leticia Van de Putte in 2015  the person who trailed in the first round won in the runoff.

Taylor knew she was in trouble and brought in a new political consultant to lead her campaign. Colin Strother had a reputation as something of a bomb thrower and lived up to it. He started labeling Taylors opponent as Liberal Ron Nirenberg and criticized him for being endorsed by the Castro twins.

The campaign was in a bubble. Both Julian Castro and his congressman brother, Joaquin, have their critics, but they remain popular in the city as a whole. Whats more, San Antonio is like nearly all American cities. It is more liberal than conservative. So the Taylor runoff campaign backfired, and Nirenberg, trailing by five points in the first round, won the second by just under 10 points.

Meanwhile, the wild card in the race  Bexar County Democratic Chairman Manuel Medina  ran a comically bad campaign. He could have run as a local Bernie Sanders, seeking to mobilize Democratic voters who dont normally vote in city elections. But he chose instead to run as a local Donald Trump.

He painted a Trumpian dystopian picture of the city, talked of draining the local swamp, and opposed a record bond issue that passed by overwhelming numbers. He supported a right-wing legislative bill that would put city finances in a straitjacket. And he crazily sought and won the tea party endorsements of the likes of Jeff Judson, whose political appeal was such that he couldnt win re-election to the Olmos Park City Council.

The result: a pathetic 15 percent for someone who touted his skills as a political organizer, and growing unrest among local Democrats.

This column first appeared as the Last Word on KLRNs Texas Week with Rick Casey. The program appears Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Re: Acknowledge threat, Your Turn, Tuesday; and Praise for strongmen betrays our ideal, Michael Gerson, Other Views, Tuesday:

A letter writer urges the expansion of covert surveillance and open profiling to keep U.S. citizens safe from a terror attack. In the same edition, Michael Gerson, a fervent conservative and former speech writer for President George W. Bush, describes the violent dysfunction of authoritarian countries. The two, a surveillance society and authoritarianism, are solidly linked.

In our abnormal political circumstances, it is not unusual to see supporters of strongman authoritarian leaders. Our president proclaims his support for this mode of dysfunctional leadership with every news cycle. His supporters, in unrecognized irony, wave flags and chant about making America great.

The fact that our citizens openly support an increasingly authoritarian, dysfunctional administration, when before they hatefully proclaimed centrist-Democrat President Barack Obama a dictator, is not only puzzling but also frightening.

Albert Marten

That wasnt sexism

Re: Stories of sexism in the workplace; Women tell of being made fun of, worse, Business, Monday: Sunday:

A photo of Sen. Kamala Harris accompanied this article, with a caption stating she was cut off by Republican senators in questioning Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Its obvious the writers of the article were seeing something else. The chair of the committee asked Harris to let Sessions answer her questions. Harris showed poor judgement in her mannerisms and her line of questioning.

Frankly, she was politely told to shut up, and that was the correct call.

Mike Zimmerman, New Braunfels

The vote reality

Re: Thought now required at the ballot box, editorial, June 19:

If voters havent yet done the research on down-ballot races, why would they invest even more time to decide on each candidate on the ballot?

More likely, if they are willing to put up with the bother of voting at all, theyll just check every box with whatever party they would have voted for on a straight-ticket ballot.

My guess? The number of people voting under this new law will be even lower than it is now.

Al Koppen, Fair Oaks Ranch
Brigadier General Charles Kaneta has died.

He was 64.

He collapsed and died while at his farm in Nyanga yesterday.

Brig Gen Kaneta was the Director General Logistics at the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters.

In a statement last night, Brigadier General Augustine Chipwere, the Director General Policy, Public Relations and International Affairs at Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters, said: The Zimbabwe Defence Forces would like to announce the untimely death of Brigadier General Charles Kaneta who was the Director General Logistics at the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters.

General Kaneta, 64, collapsed at his farm in Nyanga and was ferried to Hauna District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival at around 12 noon on 10 September 2022.

Mourners are gathered at Number 7 Married Quarters Cranborne West, Harare.

 Herald

Breaking News via Email
The political dynamics playing out in Zimbabwe took another intriguing twist on Tuesday when ex-president Robert Mugabe not only smoked a peace pipe with his former deputy, Joice Mujuru, but also promised to back her presidential bid, the Daily News can report.

Mugabe met Mujuru at his Blue Roof mansion in the leafy suburb of Borrowdale, Harare, on Tuesday for the first time since they broke ranks in December 2014.

It was also the first time Mugabe has met an opposition party leader since the expiry of the unity government in June 2013 in which Zanu PF shared power with two MDC formations led by former prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara.

Insiders in Mujurus party  the National Peoples Party (NPP)  told the Daily News yesterday that Mugabe, who initiated the meeting, offered his unqualified support to his former deputy in the forthcoming elections, where Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa will be seeking his first full mandate as head of State and government.

Mnangagwa ascended to the throne through a soft military coup of November 14 that led to the forced resignation of his predecessor who had been isolated from his allies in the Generation 40 (G40) faction of Zanu PF.

NPP insiders said the meeting sent a clear message to Mugabes die-hard supporters that the 93-year-old ex-guerrilla leader was not for the new dispensation and was throwing his weight behind Mujuru.

They said Mugabe also sent a pointed but subtle message to his supporters to shift their allegiance to Mujuru, whose rivalry with Mnangagwa could be traced as far back as the 1990s when her husband Solomon Mujuru and Mnangagwa competed for Mugabes ear until his passing in a suspicious inferno in August 2011.

During the meeting, NPP insiders claimed the toppled president apologised for unfairly dismissing Mujuru in 2014, and blamed Mnangagwa for misleading him into believing that Mujuru wanted to topple him when in fact he was pursuing his own political agenda.

They met and it was at Mugabes invitation. One of the reasons was to say sorry for everything that happened to her and that he had acted on incorrect briefings from Mnangagwa, an NPP national executive member said.

The NPP official said Mujuru told Mugabe that despite all that she has gone through, she harboured no hard feelings towards him.

While Mujurus spokesperson Gift Nyandoro was not keen to disclose details of their meeting to the media, NPPs deputy national organising secretary Paddington Japajapa told the Daily News that Mugabe had pledged his full support for Mujurus presidential campaign.

The meeting took place at Mugabes residence so it is all systems go. G40 members are coming on board; former first lady Grace Mugabe loves the idea, and so is Saviour Kasukuwere and others who are also ready to help the Mujuru campaign financially, Japajapa said.

We do not care who they are and where they are coming from as long as they bring in votes  that is what we are excited about as a party. Let us see how it pans out but this is a real game-changer  I tell you.

Although Mujuru was not immediately available for comment, she confirmed meeting Mugabe to Voice of America (VOA).

I spoke to him on Tuesday. We discussed how he was lied to when they accused me, she said.

He is at his home; he is not happy with what happened to him which he said is not constitutional. He is surprised that the gun that we always knew as being led by politics is the one leading, why? Mujuru told VOA.

I also spoke to Grace, who also said she was misinformed by people who had realised that I was about to take over as president.

I was happy when he called me and I grabbed the opportunity, she said.

She also claimed Mugabes wife, Grace, admitted during their meeting that she plotted her ouster from Zanu PF and government over petty gossip.

Mujuru said Grace now regrets having been ill-advised.

Mujuru revealed when she was ousted from Zanu PF, it had been alleged that her plan was to seize power and reform Zanu PF the Magufuli way and we had already started so that is what they did not want, she said.

Nicknamed the Bulldozer for his strict leadership style, Tanzanian president John Magufuli has won praise for his tough anti-corruption fight.

Magufulis opponents, however, accuse him of cracking down on dissent and limiting democratic space.

He has denied the allegations, saying he was not a dictator.

The drive to root out corruption in Tanzania has felled ministers, the head of governments anti-graft body, the tax chief and thousands of civil servants.

Ironically, Mujuru was assaulted by suspected Zanu PF youths as she met her supporters in the capital on Thursday, less than 48 hours after her meeting with Mugabe.

The rumour mill has gone into overdrive, claiming Zanu PF was already running scared and that the attack was meant to intimidate Mujuru who has extended an olive branch to members of the G40 faction which was targeted by the military operation code-named Operation Restore Legacy.

One of the think-tanks in the G40 faction took to Twitter yesterday to hint that Mujuru and Mugabes meeting was a game changer.

Joice Mujuru attacked by #coup soldiers after her game changing meeting with president Mugabe, Jonathan Moyo, who is currently in self-imposed exile, tweeted yesterday.

United Kingdom-based political analyst Alex Magaisa described the development as intriguing given the political context.

He was brutal when he sacked her four years ago and this would have been their first meeting since then  united in the cold. Could this signal a renewed alliance between Joice and the man she calls father? Magaisa wrote on his Twitter account.

Magaisa noted that the alliance, if it materialises, could spell doom for Mnangagwas presidential bid.

He said Mugabe still commands a significant following in the country hence the alliance could work in Mujurus favour.

For all his faults, and despite the fake cheers at rallies, Mugabe surely had people who idolised him? In 1980, Muzorewas supporters went underground but he had managed 220 000 votes at the election. Could there be Mugabe supporters out there who will back whoever he backs?

If so, this front could prove to be a headache for Mnangagwa and his team. But would Mujuru forgive her treatment in 2014 at the hands of Mugabes wife, Grace and her cabal? Then again, there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics.

This election could prove to be more fascinating and interesting than the damp squib it was threatening to be. It could turn out to be Zanu A v Zanu B v MDC United v Others!

Mugabe expelled Mujuru from Zanu PF and government in December 2014 on untested allegations of plotting to unseat him.

Mujuru (62) had deputised Mugabe for 10 years, having joined his government at independence in 1980 as the youngest Cabinet minister.

After several months of pondering about her future, Mujuru caused a major political ripple when she emerged from her shell in March 2016 to head the Zimbabwe People First (ZPF).

She dumped ZPF months later after it got enmeshed in power struggles and formed NPP, whose campaign for the forthcoming poll is based on the promise to revive the economy and repair strained relations with the West.

Mujuru will stand at the polls as NPPs presidential candidate.

It, however, still remains to be seen if the meeting of minds between them could derail a resurgent Mnangagwa whose political stock is rising daily on the back of his strong push to revive the countrys economy and reintegrate Zimbabwe among the community of nations.

Breaking News via Email
By Zainab Calcuttawala, an American journalist based in Morocco. She creports on international trade, human rights issues and more. Originally published at OilPrice

The OPEC deal is in crisis. All oil price gains derived from the 1.2 million-barrel cuts initial announcement and implementation have been wiped out, and No. 1 OPEC producer Saudi Arabias attempt to draw down American inventories has fallen flat, due in part to insubordination from the No. 2 producer, Iraq, along with upticks in production from Nigeria, Libya, and U.S. shale.

The KSA had a clear opportunity to drastically change the direction of oil prices last month, when the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) met in Vienna to discuss the duration and scope of the output cut extension. Though Riyadh agreed to continue the deal three months longer than analysts expected (the new deal ends in March 2018, as opposed to December 2017 as many expected), the bloc leader did not heed recommendations to deepen the cuts, keeping production at 32.5 million bpd.

In addition, Nigeria and Libya got a pass that allows them to produce as much as they can for the next nine months, despite the African duos booming recovery worth hundreds of thousands of barrels.

In April and May, Saudi Arabia cut exports despite the fact that the OPEC deal does not limit export volumes. But new ClipperData says that June numbers could reveal a reversal in that downward trend, as KSA appears ready to ship more oil.

The royal family  especially newly crowned heir to the throne Mohammed bin Salman  needs oil prices near $60 for Saudi Aramcos 2018 IPO to generate the income it needs. At the time of this articles writing, Brent was trading up at $47.78.

One month after OPECs failure to toughen production quotas, the bloc remains uncertain about deeper cuts. Reuters reported on Tuesday that the monitoring committee for the deal, plus Saudi Arabia and Russia, would officially discuss the deals progress next at the end of July. Thats an extra two months of market standstill.

The IPO isnt moving along as quickly as originally planned. Riyadhs financial planners are behind in preparing Aramco and world markets for what is expected to be the largest IPO in history. The team was supposed to reach a decision on a foreign bourse for the listing by the end of Ramadan, but Eid-ul-Fitr passed days ago, and the victor has yet to be namedjust murmurs that Bin Salman is at odds with top planners who prefer London over New York.

And while the Saudis may not be deliberately procrastinating on the listing, holding out for higher oil prices, the current low oil prices certainly arent rushing things along.

Realistically, no stock exchange other than New York or London had a fair chance at winning the Aramco listing. The United Kingdom had presented plans to bend its listing rules to accommodate the state oil company on more favorable terms, but British fund managers find the obvious kowtowing to Saudi oil wealth to be obscene. New York would connect Riyadh to the steepest pool of international funds, but an ongoing class action lawsuit against Saudi Arabia pursuant to the controversial Justice Against State Sponsors of Terrorism Act could expose Aramco and its liquid assets to litigation.

And theres no doubt that Riyadh desperately needs the liquid. The $100-$400 billion it hopes to raise from the IPO is earmarked for a much-needed economic overhaul, bringing Saudi Arabia into the 21st centurywithout the oil dependencyby 2030. The KSA has the most to lose if investors do not get excited to buy small pieces of 5 percent of its most valuable company.

With some claiming that peak oil is expected to hit around 2030, Aramco shareholders would have just 12 years to profit from their investment before it loses most of its valueor even all of its value. And thats assuming the Aramco listing goes live early next year, as promised. Riyadh has yet to pick a venue, and the rest of the planning process has been shrouded in secrecy. Who knows how close they are to finalizing a valuation or determining exactly what assets will be included in the IPO-version of Aramco?

A wrong decision on any of the above factors could be the straw that breaks the camels back for investors and hedge fund managers who have taken their most bearish position on oil futures markets since the price crash in 2014. As the worlds largest oil exporter, its tick tock on the clock for Saudi Arabia to make a big change in oil market fundamentals, and doing whatever it takes as Saudi Arabia has vowed to do, may be much more importantand much more painfulthat it had imagined.
As we reported earlier this month, CalPERS operated a Daily News Summary website that published over 53,000 articles, infringing on the copyright of virtually every major news publication in the US.

Below are the publications from which CalPERS misappropriated the most content:

The New York Times promptly sent a cease and desist letter mere days after we first reported on the existence of this site, which was apparently intended to be internal but could be viewed by anyone who had its address. Even though CalPERS took down the site at that point, we had already downloaded all the articles because we were disturbed that CalPERS had not done the right thing and instead continued engaging in copyright infringement even after we had exposed CalPERS conduct.

Two other publications have referred the matter to their outside attorneys and have also spoken to us about getting access to archive of articles.

While infringement of intellectual property rights in other areas, notably movies and music, are regularly litigated, comparatively few cases involving the infringement of news and other information products wind up in court. However, one of those cases strongly resembles the CalPERS case and does not bode well for the giant pension fund getting off lightly if any of the wronged publications decides to seek restitution.

The case in question is Lowrys Reports, Inc. v. Legg Mason Inc., et al. You can read a detailed summary of the litigation, including a discussion of the major issues adjudicated, here.

Lowrys Reports produced a technical financial newsletter. The cost of an individual subscription was $700 a year. Lowrys did not allow for volume discounts or site licenses. An employee of the research department of a regional broker, Legg Mason, obtained one subscription. Starting in 1994, it was redistributed by fax to branch offices, where it was copied and sent on to brokers. In 1999, the research department then posted the newsletter on its intranet. Over 16,000 copies were downloaded over the next two years. Legg Mason also distributed other proprietary information from the newsletters via other channels, such as in morning conference calls.

Lowrys found out about the abuse and sent Legg Mason a cease and desist letter. Even though the research department removed the newsletter from the intranet, it continued to distribute it to the members of the research department. A jury awarded $19.2 million in damages.

The judge rejected the Leggs argument that it wasnt infringing on copyright by virtue having an implied license. He also scotched the notion that the redistribution of a single article constituted fair use because Legg obtained a commercial benefit and simultaneously lowered the value of Lowrys newsletter by reducing the size of its potential market. The judge also dismissed what amounted to a rogue employee defense. The fact that Legg had a formal anti-copyright-infringement policy didnt relieve it of its obligation to supervise its workers. This is consistent with what we pointed out earlier, quoting media and whistleblower attorney Jim Moody:

I cant tell you how shocked I am. As an investor, CalPERS should understand the importance of property rights. I dont see how they have a defense. Copyright law is strict liability for statutory damages. The purpose of such strong protection, including criminal penalties for willful infringement, which seems apparent here, one of the few topics for Congress actually mentioned in the Constitution, is to properly protect and value the property we create. You might go easy on an infringing high school website, but not a large organization.

As the judge wrote:

The fact that Legg Masons employees infringed Lowrys copyrights in contraven- tion of policy or order bears not on Legg Masons liability, but rather on the amount ofdamages.

Here are the good housekeeping practices that Skadden Arps partners Anthony Lauren Aguiar recommended in a 2011 New York Law Journal article. Notice how CalPERS was not even close to complying with any of them:
By Daniel Gros, Director of the Centre for European Policy Studies, Brussels. Originally published at VoxEU

Trade liberalisation has been a significant driver of globalization over the past half century. However, global trade has slowed down in recent years. This column argues that globalization can also be driven by higher commodity prices can also drive, as commodities constitute a large fraction of global trade. This is reflected in trade volumes and commodity prices, which increased until around 2014 but have fallen since. However, commodity price-driven globalization implies lower living standards in advanced countries, as the higher commodity prices diminish the purchasing power of workers.

Trade and international financial transactions have grown massively in recent decades. This phenomenon, also called globalization, is often described as a mega-trend. Business and political leaders never tire of repeating that globalization is the future, that it delivers more jobs and higher incomes. However, more recently globalization seems to be in retreatin 2015 trade actually fell, both in absolute terms and relative to GDP. Does this mean globalization has gone into reverse (OECD 2016, IMF 2015, 2016)?

In this column, I argue that the slogan globalization equals growth is wrong. There is no general economic theorem that links more trade to growth and other economic benefits. Economic theory implies only that, under most circumstances, lower trade barriers will lead to more trade and more jobs. The simplification, that more trade is thus always beneficial, is not warranted. If trade increases for reasons other than the lowering of trade barriers, it is far from clear that this will benefit everybody.

The distinction between globalization driven by lower trade barriers and increases in trade driven by other factors is not just an academic point. It is the key to understanding why globalization has become so unpopular in most advanced countries, and why the recent slowdown in trade is not something to worry about.

What Drove Hyper-Globalization?

The massive increase in trade flows over the last two decades has always been difficult to explain with classic causes, such as trade liberalisation lowering trade costs. Tariffs (and other trade barriers) had of course been reduced radically in several stages in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. However, by the late 1990s the remaining tariffs were already rather low; and many non-tariff barriers (such as the Multi Fibre Arrangement, which had seriously limited trade in textiles) had also been eliminated.1

Transport costs of course fell with containerisation, but this improvement had yielded most of its benefits by the late 1990s. Estimates of the overall cost of trade based on the ratio of CIF prices (which incorporate transport costs) and FoB prices (which do not) actually suggest that transport costs slightly increased over the last 20 years; before1995 they had fallen almost continuously (Baldwin and Taglioni 2004). Figure 1 shows that transport costs have fallen again very recently, but that this coincided with a slowdown of trade  the opposite of what one would expect.

Figure 1 Word transport costs

[Imports(CIF)/Exports(FoB]-1

How can one reconcile hyper-globalization (Subramanian and Kessler 2013) with stagnating tariffs and transport costs? Baldwin (2017) provides one answer. He argues that the key driver of globalization today is the falling price of transporting ideas, as opposed to the cost of moving goods.

This contribution provides an additional, maybe complementary, explanationhigher oil (and other commodity) prices increase both trade volumes and transport costs for goods, but not ideas. The impact of oil prices on transport costs is clearfuel is an important element of overall transport costs. A sharp increase in fuel prices can more than outweigh, at least in the short to medium run, the costs savings due to containerisation. (Cosar and Demir 2017 also argue that most of the cost savings from the latter have been realised.)

But the key point is that higher commodity prices also automatically create more trade, because commodities constitute a large fraction of global trade.

An Illustrative Example

Assume that one tonne of steel and ten barrels of oil are needed to produce one car. In 2002-03, that bundle of raw materials was worth around $800, or about 5% of the value of a car priced at $16,000. This implies that during the early 2000s, industrialised countries had to export five cars for imports of 100 bundles of these raw materials. By 201213, the value of the raw materials needed for one car increased to about $2,000, now representing about 10% of the cost of a car (prices of cars had gone up much less). Industrialised countries thus had to export 10 cars, double the previous quantity, for the same amount of raw material imports.

This example shows that the value of trade would double if commodity prices double. There is thus a direct link between the growth of trade and commodity prices. Increasing commodity prices lead to more trade (globalization), whereas falling commodity prices have the opposite effect.

An immediate objection to this example is that it looks at the value of trade, but one also finds that over the last decades the growth of trade in volume has exceeded that of the volume of real growth. However, this excess growth in trade volume also follows in this examplean industrialised country would need to double its exports in volume just to pay for an unchanged volume of raw material imports.

Since food, fuels, and raw materials make up about a quarter of global trade, the huge price movements in raw materials, especially energy, over the last few decades, must have had a big impact on aggregate trade figures. The run up in commodity, and especially crude oil, prices until about 2014 drove hyper-globalization, and the fall in prices since then has now reduced globalization. There is thus little need to look for other explanations for the recent slowdown in trade.

Figure 2 illustrates this phenomenon with three lines, each of which show three variants of the global trade/GDP ratio. The top-most line is just the ratio of total global exports to global GDP. It is the one that shows most globalizationtrade accounted for a little over 15% of GDP in 1995, but 25% at the peak in 2007 (an increase of almost 10 percentage points).

The middle line shows global exports of manufacturing goods as a percentage of GDP. The difference to the first line is, of course, trade in raw materials, which increased in value along with their prices, as argued above. Trade in manufacturing goods shows much less globalization, having increased from only 13% to 17.5% of global GDP.

The lowest line takes into account the fact that higher raw material prices also means that industrialised countries have to export more manufacturing goods to pay for their more expensive raw material imports. This last line, which could be called manufacturing trade net of payment for raw materials shows even less globalization, with the ratio relative to GDP going from 10.5% to 13.6% of global GDP (an increase of only 3 percentage points, one third of the headline increase mentioned above).

Figure 2 World trade as a percentage of GDP

Source: Own calculations based on OECD and WTO data.

This decomposition of trade flows suggests that there has indeed been some globalization, but it has been much less strong than the hyper-globalization one sees in the aggregate data. Moreover, the recent fall in commodity prices can fully explain the fall in trade since 2014 with trade in net manufacturing showing no de-globalization.

But back during the heyday of hyper-globalization, no responsible politician dared to explain that globalization driven by higher commodity prices would have different implications (for advanced economies) than globalization driven by trade liberalisationthis new globalization meant lower living standards in advanced countries as higher commodity prices diminished the purchasing power for OECD workers. The widespread popular disenchantment with globalization can thus be easily explainedworkers in Europe and the US were told that more trade would make everybody better off. But in reality there was no surplus to be distributed, and workers just noticed a decline in their living standards.2

But hype and exaggeration are sure ways to bring a valid cause into disrepute. This is what has happened to globalization. The decades of gradual liberalisation of trade and capital flows that followed post-war reconstruction fostered a resumption of global trade that was hugely beneficial. However, at exactly the point when economic analysis would suggest that these gains from trading more freely were largely exhausted, actual trade accelerated. This surge in trade was driven largely by higher commodity prices and could not deliver higher living standards for workers in industrialised countries.

A popular backlash was thus unavoidable and Donald Trump became its standard bearer. The political consequences in Europe are also visiblethe Brexit referendum, the difficulties in ratifying the free trade agreement between the EU and Canada (CETA) and the stand-still in the negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and the US are all expressions of this disenchantment with globalization.

What Could Be Done to Avoid Throwing the Baby Out With the Bath Water?

A first step would be to stop the overselling. CETA and TTIP would be useful to have, but the economic benefits can only be of second order importance (and the potential damage feared by some as well). A second step would be to look where there are still trade barriers whose removal could bring significant welfare benefits. They are likely to be found in emerging markets, whose tariffs and non-tariff barriers are still several times higher than those of the EU or the US. European trade policy should thus concentrate on free trade deals with India or China, rather than the US.

See original post for references
Census figures recently released by the Central Statistics Office show two blackspots in Tipperary town and Carrick-on-Suir have an average unemployment rate of 30.8% compared to the county average of 14.6%.

Tipperary East Urban has an unemployment rate of 34% making it the 16th worst unemployment black spot in the country.

The group Jobs For Tipp was formed in October last year in what they called, a desperate bid to do something about the plight of Tipperary town and its future.

Jobs for Tipp representative Maureen Walsh spoke about the shocking CSO figures.

Our members were not shocked at all by the latest CSO figures regarding the latest unemployment figures in Tipperary Town and the county because the writing has been on the wall for years. The problem has become steadily worse throughout the last decade. These latest figures speak volumes about the need for immediate emergency aid for our town and indeed the rest of the county. One third of our population is unemployed and that is completely unacceptable for the county town of County Tipperary. Jobs For Tipp alongside many other local groups is striving to restore Tipps prosperity.

Unemployment across Ireland fell 30% from April 2011 to April 2016 but the increase did not reach the Tipperary East Urban area.

Our group came together because of the disintegration of our town, continued Maureen.

There are 30 empty premises on the Main Street, numerous derelict buildings and sites and in the past small manufacturing industries were forced to close down or move elsewhere because of planning inflexibility. All this has resulted in the current unemployment figure that is five times the national average. Those figures reflect exclusion, neglect and subsequent mental health issues.

The Jobs For Tipp group held a public forum in November in the Tipperary Excel where an audience of 400 people turned out to ask questions to local councilors and TDs about the future of Tipperary Town and hinterland.

In February they met with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to seek their advice and help and they have also held meetings with the County Council.

Recently, the group met with Mary Mitchell-OConnor, former Minister for Jobs for two hours in Kilshane House. She was full of praise for the group and recognised they are working to find solutions to provide jobs and to promote Tipperary as a place to see and a place to be.

Despite, the very disappointing CSO figures, Jobs For Tipp are all the more determined to continue what we set out to do. We are expanding the expertise of our group in so many areas and have several exciting projects underway. Soon we will be launching our new global website/video and a leaflet will be dropped into every household throughout the town and surrounding areas about these projects, added Maureen. We are working alongside many other hard-working local community groups to restore the health and wealth of Tipperary citizens and as a representative on the Town Forum, Jobs For Tipp is developing a mutual understanding and a good working relationship with the Co. Council Executive. she added.
Tankerstown N.S. in Bansha provides a good standard of education, teachers are enthusiastic and the school is led in a visionary manner according to a newly published report.

A Whole School Evaluation (WSE) was carried out on Tankerstown National School on April 6th, and the report was published on June 22nd.

All schools in the state are subject to regular WSEs to ensure standards are upheld.

Tankerstown NS is a co-educational, vertical primary school under the patronage of the Catholic Archbishop of Cashel and Emly. The school has four mainstream class teachers and two part-time support teachers, both of whom are based in the school. There are ninety-seven pupils enrolled and pupil attendance is generally very good.

FINDINGS

 The overall quality of teaching is good and the teachers implement new initiatives in an enthusiastic and effective manner.

 The quality of support for pupils well-being is of a high standard.

 The principal provides highly effective leadership and demonstrates a commitment to high standards in teaching and learning.



The overall quality of pupils learning achievements is good and teaching initiatives in literacy and numeracy are impacting positively on learning outcomes; the development of pupils oral language skills in Irish requires further attention

 While good progress has been made in the development of whole-school approaches to assessment, there is scope to extend the potential of assessment for learning.

 School self-evaluation practices are well developed.

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS WELL-BEING

 The quality of support for pupils well-being is very high. An orderly, secure and healthy learning environment is successfully maintained. Teachers demonstrate a commitment to pupils well-being. They frequently engage in professional development opportunities to support the schools inclusive, child-centred environment. Pupil voice is promoted through the active students council. Almost all parents indicated through the questionnaire, that their children felt safe and well looked after in school and all parents agreed that they feel welcome in the school.

Good learning achievements were noted in Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) where the pupils explore social media and examine its influence on their opinions and their behaviours.

 Very good communication exists between home and school and a strong sense of community is evident. Parents are kept informed of school activities through frequent email and newsletters. The parents association and general parent body play a very active and supportive role. Attendance levels for most pupils are very good and this reflects the positive work that has been undertaken by the school to cultivate a shared understanding of the importance of attendance.

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

 The quality of leadership and management is very good. The board of management operates efficiently and members demonstrate a keen understanding of their role. Board members give careful consideration to the formulation of school policy and are aware of the teaching and learning priorities in the school.

 The principal provides highly effective leadership. Her work is characterised by her commitment to high standards in teaching and learning. She leads the school in a visionary manner and fosters very good relations with parents, teachers, ancillary staff and the broader school community. She promotes and supports the introduction of initiatives to improve learning outcomes on a whole-school basis. The in-school management team works in close partnership with the principal to lead improvements in teaching and learning.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The pupils demonstrate good understanding and they have a good range of vocabulary in Irish. In most classes, effective use is made of poetry and songs to give pupils experience of the sounds and structure of the language. Pupils read capably, accurately and with good understanding and they are able to construct sentences appropriately in their writing. In order to systematically develop the pupils speaking skills, the development plan for oral Irish should be implemented systematically at a whole-school level.

The outcomes of assessment should be used consistently to extend the potential of assessment for learning

The Board of Management of Tankerstown National School broadly welcomes the findings in this WSEMLL. To see that 100% of the parent body surveyed feel welcome and that 100% of parents value the emphasis the school puts on the social and personal development of their children is most encouraging, as the emotional wellbeing of our pupils and school community is paramount.

In the past five years, we have carefully chosen a number of teaching initiatives to enhance pupils learning achievements but also their learning experiences. The Board concurs that the school is indeed being highly effectively led and wishes to acknowledge this formally. We have developed a spiral incremental progression plan from infants to sixth class in the majority of subjects. Having spent the past number of years developing Irish in the school (SSE), it is satisfying and energising to see pupils good vocabulary, understanding, reading and enjoyment of Irish as a living language in the school being acknowledged. We have developed an oral Irish scheme as a whole staff team in the past year. As the new language curriculum (English/ Gaeilge) is being rolled out in the next academic year, we welcome the recommendation to implement this incremental plan, and will do so with enthusiasm.

In response to the publication, The Board of Management of Tankerstown National School also wishes to acknowledge the whole staff: -teachers, SNAs and ancillary staff for their tireless dedication to the pupils and families of this area. Their energy, enthusiasm, generosity of spirit, goodwill and indeed good humour create in the school a very unique, special atmosphere.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on Thursday (29 June 2017) that NATO will increase its support for the Afghan security forces. NATOs Resolute Support Mission helps train, assist and advise the Afghans to make their country more secure, and ensure it never again becomes a safe haven for international terrorists. The Secretary General said NATO was reconfirming its enduring commitment to Afghanistan.

Mr Stoltenberg said several NATO Allies and partners had committed to increase their troop levels, and he underlined how the Alliance would continue to strengthen its political partnership and practical cooperation with Afghanistan. He praised the Afghan security forces, saying: every day they demonstrate bravery and resilience, leading the fight to defeat terrorists and protect their people.

The Secretary General made his remarks after the final working session of a meeting of Allied defence ministers at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Ministers discussed the significant progress being made on burden sharing in the Alliance, with the third consecutive year of accelerating defence investment across European Allies and Canada, amounting to almost US $46 billion. Ministers also had talks on increased NATO presence in eastern and south-eastern Europe; NATO-EU cooperation; cyber defence and the fight against terrorism.
NATO Allies are increasingly working to share the burden of acquiring expensive defence equipment. Today (29 June 2017), a new cooperation framework has been launched, promising more favourable terms for acquiring critical land based munitions.

Defence Ministers from Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, and NATO partner Finland launched the project with the signature of a Letter of Intent. By working together more closely, the participating nations expect to acquire munitions at lower cost, harmonise inventories, and potentially implement common warehousing solutions in the long term.

The new cooperation framework will therefore contribute to more flexible and resilient European munitions stockpiles. NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller welcomed the initiative, saying that it will increase our ability to share and interchange these munitions, and therefore operate together more smoothly and effectively.
Alameda County Public Defender Brendon Woods on Thursday criticized the plan by the county's top judge to hold all in-custody arraignments of inmates at the county's new courthouse in Dublin instead of having most of them in Oakland, which is the current practice.

Speaking at a news conference on the steps of the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland, where Superior Court Presiding Judge Morris Jacobson has his office, Woods said Jacobson's plan "is wrong, lacks compassion, is undemocratic and is a step backward."

Woods said an arraignment, which is the initial court appearance for defendants, is one of the most significant stages of a criminal case because that's when criminal charges are announced and the court sets bail or chooses to release someone on their own recognizance.

Woods said arraignments should take place at a location that is readily accessible to defendants' families because they need to attend in person in order to provide essential information to the court, such as a defendant's community ties and employment.

He said having arraignments at the Dublin courthouse, which is 30 miles from Oakland and isn't near a BART station, will make it difficult and expensive for the families of Oakland defendants to make it to court and the result will be that more defendants will remain in custody for longer periods of time, particularly defendants with the lowest income and the least serious charges.

Woods said the change, which is slated to happen on July 17, "clearly removes justice from the communities where crimes occur."

Woods said he has formed a coalition to oppose Jacobson's plan and is being supported by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, eight members of the Oakland City Council, two state assembly members, Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan and 14 community and legal groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union.

Woods said that because of the support he's received he thinks "the chances are good" that Jacobson can be convinced to change his mind before the plan is implemented.

However, he said he also would consider taking legal action if Jacobson refuses to budge.

Joining Woods at the news conference, Oakland City Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan said, "It's important that everyone have access to the courts but those with the least money will be most harmed by this."

Kaplan said, "We need to make clear that we are a community that stands for justice for all."

In an interview on Wednesday, Jacobson admitted that the new system "is quite a bit less than perfect" but he believes it will be more efficient than the current system.

Jacobson said he must also look at ways of saving money because the county's courts are "in dire financial straits" because their funding has been cut from $125 million a decade ago to only $76 million in the current fiscal year.

Jacobson said having arraignments at the Dublin courthouse will be more efficient than having them in Oakland because it's only a block away from the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, where most of the county's inmates are held.

He said the current system of busing inmates from Santa Rita to Oakland is expensive and time-consuming, as inmates are wakened at 4:30 a.m. or earlier, put on buses, brought to Oakland, sit in a courthouse holding facility most of the day, make a brief court appearance and then are brought back to Santa Rita late in the afternoon or early evening.

Jacobson said that while it's good if family members can attend defendants' arraignments its not essential in terms of providing information about their community ties and employment because that information is already provided by the court's pretrial services unit.

Jacobson noted that after Oakland defendants are arraigned in Dublin, their subsequent court hearings will be held in Oakland so it will still be easy for their family members to attend those hearings.
Richmond City Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin announced this week she is stepping down from her post to campaign for lieutenant governor.

Her last day in office will be July 18. Per the city's charter, the council will have 60 days to fill the vacant position.

McLaughlin, who has been a leading progressive voice in Richmond politics, announced her resignation at the end of Tuesday's regularly scheduled council meeting. She followed that up with a lengthy Facebook post, in which she thanked the city and urged like-minded progressives to organize.

"Our nation is in a catastrophic free-fall, and the Trump Administration is dragging the world down with it," she wrote. "...People are frustrated everywhere and at a loss. The times are ripe for organizing."

McLaughlin's campaign is positioning her as the "Bernie Sanders of the East Bay." Like the Vermont senator, McLaughlin has supported increasing the minimum wage and protecting the environment against global warming, while also being a fierce critic of tax policies that favor the wealthy.

McLaughlin, who was initially elected to the council in 2004 on a Green Party ticket, also ran successful bids for mayor in 2006 and 2010.

The state's current lieutenant governor, Gavin Newsom, will have maxed out his term limits in 2018. McLaughlin will be running against a slew of electeds gunning for the position, including State Senator Ed Hernandez of Los Angeles County, and possibly California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, who is rumored to be launching a bid.

McLaughlin is not the only Richmond council member who has announced plans to run for state office. Councilmember Jovanka Beckles is running for the open Assembly District 15 spot in the state legislature; Tony Thurmond, who currently holds that position, is campaigning for a state superintendent of public instruction. He, too, is from Richmond.
Lawmakers with the Massachusetts House and Senate failed to meet a self-imposed deadline to agree on a bill regulating the retail marijuana industry.

Six-member conference committees had until 8 p.m. Thursday to file legislation to be considered Friday by the House and Senate.

The committees also failed to reach an agreement on a state budget.

Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure in November 2016 to legalize marijuana in the state.

The House and Senate have since pushed distinct bills to regulate retail sales, with the branches clashing over tax rates. The House bill imposed a 28 percent tax on marijuana, while the Senate bill would impose a 12 percent tax, which is closer to the original ballot measure.

The House bill also gives cities and towns the power to ban shops from communities. The Senate bill would let voters retain local control over pot shops.

Supporters of the marijuana legislation are calling on Governor Charlie Baker to release funds to begin forming the governing body for the industry.

Negotiations continue and there is a chance that a vote could be held with a last-minute deal in order to pass a budget before the July 1 start of the new fiscal year.
Connecticut doctors are warning parents about a new vaping device thats becoming popular among teens.

JUUL is advertised as an alternative to cigarettes, but doctors say parents should watch out for this potentially addictive new trend.

I would think of it just like any other tobacco product and the safest thing to do is not use them, said Dr. Deepa Camenga, a pediatrician at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

JUUL is a discrete electronic nicotine delivery device that resembled the look of a thumb drive.

"Its a very attractive looking product," Camenga said. "Kids seem to think its new and trendy and theyre curious to experiment with it."

While there arent specific studies about the long term health effects of

"JUULing," Camenga said there is emerging evidence regarding the risks of similar e-cigarettes.

"Theres pretty good evidence to show kids who use these nicotine delivery devices have a higher risk of starting cigarette smoking and we have a lot of evidence about the risks of cigarette smoking," she said.

Camenga said it is concerning that teens have an easier time getting their hands on JUUL than traditional tobacco products.

"Theres some recent research showing that kids are able to purchase electronic nicotine delivery devices online and it shows up at their door without any proof of age," she said.

Tracy Yentsch from North Haven has two boys in high school.

"Theyre pretty against smoking in general," Yentsch said. "I havent really had to have that conversation with them maybe now you brought it up I need to."

School should start educating students about these new potentially addictive products, Yentsch said.

"It should probably be part of the curriculum when theyre talking about drugs and alcohol," she said.

The bottom of the JUUL website includes a nicotine addiction warning and it says this product is not for sale for minors.

The company sent NBC Connecticut the following statement:

"At JUUL Labs, we take the prevention of underage use very seriously. Minors should not use any nicotine product, including ours. JUUL was created for adult smokers of legal age only and we strive to keep our product out of the hands of minors. Recent science raises concerns about the adverse effects of nicotine on adolescent neurodevelopment. For more information on the steps we're taking at JUUL Labs to prevent underage use, please visit our website."


A 30-year-old New London man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in connection with a 2012 homicide that federal officials describe as a murder-for-hire plot to take over a drug operation.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the attack and homicide of Javier Reyes, 36, was connected to a "Green Garages" operation in which marijuana, cocaine and other narcotics were distributed from a series of garage bays at 12/14 Walker Street in New London.

Officials said former members of the enterprise were attempting to take over the drug operation and Andrew Aviles, 30, of New London, and others were paid to attack Reyes.

On the night of Sept. 12, 2012, Reyes was found outside his apartment at 187 Huntington Street He'd been stabbed several times, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

He was transported to a local hospital, then airlifted to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Video surveillance taken at the time of the attack shows Aviles and Jose Rosado Jr., who was carrying a bat, approach Reyes, then running away from him seconds later, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Aviles admitted he stabbed Reyes during the assault, federal authorities said, and he pleaded guilty to violating the Travel Act by using a facility in interstate commerce, namely a cellular telephone, with the intent to commit a crime of violence in furtherance of an unlawful activity, and thereafter committed the crime of violence.

Aviles was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

On July 22, 2014, Rosado pleaded guilty to one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering, and aiding and abetting the same. On Feb. 15, he was sentenced to five years in prison.
New Britain police are investigating a possible hate crime in front of an Arch Street home after a man found a shirt hanging on his utility pole.

Omer Abdelgader is a native of Sudan and has been a New Britain resident for the last 27 years. He is also the president of the Islamic Center of Central Connecticut.

On Wednesday, he left his home around 1 p.m. for afternoon prayers. When he returned from the mosque about 40 minutes later, he found a shirt hanging on a utility pole outside of his home with statements referring to ISIS and the September 11 terrorist attacks.

"What it makes me sad is its in front of my house. Out of all the houses in the neighborhood- right here hanging in front of my house," Abdelgader said.

On the shirt are messages asking "what is your plan?" and "are you supporting or possible terrorism?" One question of extremism is also displayed.

The statement that stuck out most to Omer's daughter, Ebaa Mohmed, is on the center of the shirt and reads "911 was not a joke."

"I was like, 'why would they be directing that towards us?' Like what does that mean? As if were going to do something worse than 9/11," she said.

"On the other side of the shirt also, ISIS or ISOL'," Abdelgader said. "What is really hurting me and making me feel sad is my message of love and peace and doing good in my community hasnt gone through to everybody yet."

A second shirt was also left outside the house, but Abdelgader said there were no phrases of hate or intimidation on it.

The New Britain Police Department is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. The police chief calls New Britain a diverse community and told NBC Connecticut a crime like this is rare in the city.

Investigators are looking for witnesses who may have seen or heard anything between 1 p.m. and about 1:40 p.m. Wednesday on Arch Street and asking them to call police

As for whoever left the shirts hanging outside of Abdelgaders home, he wants to invite them to the Islamic Association of Central Connecticut on Arch Street in New Britain so that they can learn more about the Islamic culture.
Authorities said a student and an adult were injured in a head-on crash involving a school bus in Fort Worth Friday morning.

Fort Worth police said a 40-year-old woman driving a car the wrong way crashed into a Fort Worth Independent School District bus on Texas 121 near Riverside Drive at about 7 a.m.

Firefighters had to pull the roof off the car to extract the woman, who police said sustained minor injuries.



Fort Worth ISD officials said 11 students were on the bus headed to Fort Worth Country Day for a summer program. One of the students was transported to a hospital complaining of head injuries.

The other students and bus driver were not injured.



No further details have been released.



Check back and refresh this page for the latest update. As this story is developing, elements may change.
The resemblance between Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and Senator Ted Cruz has been talked about a lot, but the duo finally met face-to-face on Wednesday morning.

The two men met ahead of the Cubs' ceremony at the White House on Wednesday, and the senator provided a photo proving that they are indeed not the same person:

Great to host Tom Ricketts. Congrats on the World Series. (Should have been the @Astros!) pic.twitter.com/M5FTY59MeJ  Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) June 28, 2017

Cruz even made a joke about the memes that have gone around the internet suggesting that he is Ricketts' twin:

For some reason, ppl keep insulting Tom by saying he looks like me. Poor guy.



For @SInow, here's photo evidence! https://t.co/FvLMA2uQnb pic.twitter.com/kF1wgt8Im7  Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) June 28, 2017

"For some reason, ppl keep insulting Tom by saying he looks like me. Poor guy," Cruz quipped.

The Cubs, who are in Washington to play the Nationals, will participate in a White House event with President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon. Several players, including Anthony Rizzo, will be there, but other players like Jason Heyward will not be on hand.
Two San Antonio police officers were wounded critically and a suspect was killed in a shootout on a street just north of the city's downtown section.

Police Chief William McManus says one officer was in "grave, grave condition" at San Antonio Military Medical Center with a head wound and "is not expected to survive." Another officer was wounded in the upper torso and was in serious condition. McManus says he was expected to recover.

One of two suspects was killed in the Thursday afternoon shootout, while the other suspect was arrested.

McManus says the officers were nine-year department veterans. He says they were patrolling after a suspicious-persons report when they spotted the two men. The officers were immediately fired upon when they stepped from their car and returned fire.

Police Chief William McManus said the two officers were patrolling the neighborhood when they spotted two people with whom they wanted to speak.

McManus says the officers were immediately fired upon when they stepped from their car. The officers returned fire, wounding one suspect.

McManus said the officers were taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center in "very critical condition." One was wounded in the face and the other in the upper torso.

Police spokeswoman Romana Lopez later said the wounded suspect was in grave condition.

MORE: Read more from the San Antonio Express-News


A father accused in the disappearance of his 5-year-old son arrived back in Southern California Friday after being extradited from Las Vegas to face a murder charge, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.



Aramazd Andressian, 35, did not fight extradition at a hearing earlier this week in Las Vegas, where the South Pasadena man was arrested last week. He arrived around midday at Long Beach Airport, escorted by sheriff's department personnel.

Arraignment will likely be Monday, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Investigators said Andressian spent nearly 50 days in Las Vegas as authorities searched Lake Cachuma, parts of the Santa Ynez Mountains northwest of Los Angeles and other areas in Southern California for Aramazd Andressian Jr. No body has turned up two months after the boy was last seen with his father April 20 at Disneyland in Anaheim.

Andressian told the Las Vegas court Tuesday that his stay there was not an attempt to avoid investigators looking for Aramazd Andressian Jr.

"If California wants me, they can come get me," Andressian said Tuesday in court. "I never came here in intent to flee."

At a Monday news conference, authorities did not provide details about the father's activities in Las Vegas, but said surveillance of his behavior suggested it was "not consistent with a grieving parent."

Investigators said they were concerned Andressian was about to flee to another country, so they made the arrest last Friday, authorities said. Andressian tried to change his appearance by shaving his beard and coloring his hair, said sheriff's Lt. Joe Mendoza.

When asked whether Andressian has provided information to investigators, Mendoza said, "He has not been cooperative, whatsoever."



Andressian's attorney said Monday that his client is looking forward to pursuing the case in court and that nothing new was presented at the news conference earlier this week. He declined to comment on the length of time Andressian spent in Las Vegas.

The father's attorney, Robert Nardoni, has previously said his client is innocent and that last week's arrest came as a surprise. On April 28, the day a search warrant was served at his South Pasadena home, Andressian released a statement through his attorney saying, in part, that he hoped and prayed "for the safe return of my only child, my namesake."

It was his only public comment on the boy's disappearance.

After the hearing in Las Vegas, the child's mother spoke with NBC4.

"No justice in the world will bring my Piqui back," said Ana Estevez, using her son's nickname. "However, Ara will pay tenfold for all that he has done."

As for a motive, investigators would only say they believe it stemmed from a divorce dispute and custody battle with the boy's mother. Authorities said Monday the divorce was part of the criminal investigation.

Court documents show that the father made allegations that the boy was being sexually abused by the son of the mother's boyfriend. Both police and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services became involved, but no evidence of abuse was found.

Police were never able to identify either a boyfriend or his child, the documents show.
Wildfires in California have already burned 30,000 acres this year with more severe conditions expected later this season.

California has so far not had the type of monster fires that have destroyed hundreds or thousands of homes in the past, but fires have been occurring from the Oregon border to San Diego County. Entering Friday, firefighters were battling brush fires in Malibu, Calabasas and San Bernardino, Sequoia, Modoc, Sierra and Shasta-Trinity national forests.

Most of the largest fires have been in wildlands, but some have occurred dangerously close to homes. Firefighters have knocked out smaller fires that broke out on hillsides, including one earlier this week near houses in the hills above Burbank.

The state has had more fires and more acreage burned so far this year than the same time last year even though the latter was part of the drought, said Scott McLean, spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The majority of the burned acreage has been grasses that grew as remarkable precipitation ended the epic dry spell.

CAL FIRE reported more than 2,135 fires in California from Jan. 1 through Sunday. Those fires scorched more than 20,200 acres. During that same period last year, CAL FIRE reported 1,750 fires that burned 18,354 acres.

The five-year average for that time period is about 18,000 acres.



Adding in the number of US Forest Service incidents and the acreage number is 28,566 -- about 45 square miles.

The state is coming off one of its wettest winters in years, which left hillsides covered in grass and other vegetation. That grass dries out and turns into tinder, providing fuel for rapidly spreading fires often pushed by strong winds.

Active new blazes include a 760-acre wildfire burning on the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base in San Diego County and in neighboring brushlands of San Clemente, and a 630-acre blaze on the Mariposa County foothills of the western Sierra Nevada. The Pendleton fire resulted in a smoke alert from regional air quality regulators as it spread a strong odor across Orange and Los Angeles counties early in the day, but it was 70 percent contained by late afternoon.

The new blaze in the Malibu area that broke out Thursday afternoon also threatened homes, but firefighters quickly stopped its progress.

The state's biggest current fire was 90 percent contained after burning across nearly 10 square miles in Riverside County, about 80 miles east of Los Angeles. Crews remained on the scene to complete the containment line and patrol the burn scar.

On the Central Coast, crews were also wrapping up a 2.5-square-mile fire in rural San Luis Obispo County.

Stands of tall grasses are "very dense and susceptible to any spark," McLean said.

There have also been some timber fires at higher elevations and authorities are concerned about the estimated 102 million trees that succumbed to the drought and insect infestations.

"These are large swaths of trees that are dead, since 2010," McLean said. "Trees are just falling down."

The potential for larger, more destructive fires doesn't end when the hot, dry months of summer are over. Fall brings strong Santa Ana winds that whip up flames and blow from the coast to inland areas.

A June 1 report by the National Interagency Fire Center said wildfire risk will be high in inland Southern California in July and in parts of Northern California during August and September. The report noted what could be a delayed start to the wildfire season in some locations.


Two multi-alarm brush fires -- one near Calabasas and another in Malibu -- broke out Thursday within minutes and about nine miles from one another, but neither threatened structures.

One blaze -- dubbed the Stokes Fire -- was reported at 2:54 p.m. near Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road and went to three alarms, with more than 220 firefighters deployed at one point, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

About 40 acres were scorched, but the fire's forward progress was stopped and the blaze was 80 percent contained as of Friday morning.

One firefighter suffered a minor heat-related injury and was airlifted to a hospital, a dispatcher said.

The other brush fire was reported at 3:09 p.m. near Topanga Canyon Boulevard, north of Pacific Coast Highway, in the unincorporated Topanga area, and quickly went to two alarms.

The Topanga Canyon Fire scorched about 20 acres in steep terrain and was 10 percent contained as of 8 p.m., according to the county fire department.

The fire sparked a 5-acre brush spot fire that was extinguished, a department inspector said.

The fire forced the closure of Topanga Canyon Boulevard about one-half mile from PCH, authorities said.

There were also temporary closures of Pacific Coast Highway around Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

The Los Angeles Fire Department, which was in unified command with county firefighters on the Topanga-area blaze, sent ground and air crews and firefighters were also dispatched to Coastline Drive to protect homes.

CAL FIRE reported more than 2,135 fires in California from Jan. 1 through Sunday. Those fires scorched more than 20,249 acres  more than double last years acreage figure.

A report released June 1 provided a wildfire outlook for the hot, dry summer months in California. The National Interagency Fire Center report said wildfire risk will be high in inland Southern California in July and in parts of Northern California during August and September. The report noted what could be a delayed start to the wildfire season in some locations.

The state is coming off one of its wettest winters in years, which left hillsides covered in grass and other vegetation. That grass will dry out this summer and turn into tinder, providing fuel for rapidly spreading fires often pushed by strong winds.

An increase in the number of dead and dying trees also can exacerbate the wildfire threat, CAL FIRE officials said. An estimated 102 million trees have died in California due to the state's five-year dry spell and bark beetle infestation.

The agency has been urging residents to take prevention steps now, such as maintaining 100 feet of defensible space around homes and other structures. Defensible space provides a natural buffer between buildings and grass, trees, bushes, shrubs and other vegetation that can burn.
Earlier this year, the I-Team was the first to report that an independent monitor ordered by Gov. Cuomo to oversee the citys embattled Administration for Childrens Services began its work without a contract, charging pricey hourly fees  as much as $550 per hour  to be billed to NYC taxpayers.

This week, the I-Team obtained a copy of the first bill submitted to the city by Kroll Associates, the private firm tasked with monitoring the ACS.

After reviewing the first series of invoices submitted by Kroll to ACS, the I-Team has learned that every time the citys new consultants talk about fixing the agency, it costs taxpayers money. Just one meeting in Albany on March 7, including travel and the review of necessary documents, cost taxpayers $8,187.00.

The first bill shows that Kroll has a dozen consultants on the case charging between $285 and $550 per hour. The tab for the first month of services is $51,418.25, which includes a 20% discount.

The I-Team took the bill to the city comptroller, Scott Stringer. He said he would open a review. I am concerned that we are looking at large fees but I have to follow the money and make sure those fees are justified, Stringer said.

The bill was revised and resubmitted to the agency. Kroll originally billed ACS $56,668.25, but the firm amended the invoice and reduced the hourly charge for one of their subcontractors.

The monitorship came as a result of Governor Cuomo, who called upon the de Blasio administration to hire Kroll to serve as an independent monitor for ACS after the death of 6-year old Zymere Perkins.

Losing a child is unbearable, said former ACS Commissioner Gladys Carrion after the deaths of several children in the care of ACS. Carrion stepped down as head of the child welfare agency and the city moved towards finding an independent monitor.

Russo showed the first bill to the caseworkers union president, Anthony Wells. That is almost a years salary! said Wells. When asked what he thought of the price tag, Wells replied, What most working people think, that money could be better spent. What would help children is enough workers.

Wells shared that he sees the benefit of the monitorship. If their goal is to make real recommendations I think that has a change to make a positive impact, Wells said.

Some critics say that taxpayers already spent $3.1 billion a year on ACS and the consultants are currently at work without a contract and an end date.

Kroll Associates team has conducted 18 monitorships, including of the DOJ and SEC. The team includes the former New York State Inspector General Joseph Spinelli who started his career with the FBI. Richard Faughnan is a managing director at Kroll and is also a member of the team conducting the monitorship. Faughnan is a former assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

To contextualize Krolls first months tab, it is about the same cost as what the agency spends to conduct just one of its 60,000 investigations.

We do need more oversight of ACS, but we also need oversight that is going to produce results and is cost effective. Sometimes too many people in the cookie jar means we dont get the bang for the buck, Stringer said.

Sources familiar with the monitoring agreement tell the I-Team that Krolls work is only getting started, so the monthly fees are likely to go up from here. Kroll declined to comment.
What to Know A gunman shot seven people inside Bronx Lebanon Hospital, one of them fatally; the killed victim is a female doctor, sources say

The gunman has been identified as Dr. Henry Michael Bello, a former doctor at the hospital who resigned in 2015

People in the hospital described panic and terror as they either fled or barricaded themselves in rooms in the hospital

A doctor shot seven people inside a New York City hospital, one of them fatally, before turning the gun on himself in what appears to be a case of workplace violence Friday afternoon, officials say.

The assault rifle-wielding gunman at Bronx Lebanon Hospital was dressed in a white medical coat when he shot six people on the 16th floor of the hospital shortly before 3 p.m., NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said at a news briefing outside the hospital. A seventh victim, a female doctor named Tracy Sin-Yee Tam, was found killed on the 17th floor of the hospital.

In Pictures: Seven Shot by Doctor, One Dead at New York City Hospital

The shooter has been identified as Dr. Henry Michael Bello, a 45-year-old family medicine doctor formerly employed at the hospital, according to sources.

Authorities said Bello hid the rifle under the white medical lab coat he was wearing at the time. It's unclear exactly how he made it past security, but authorities said he had his old badge on him.

Witnesses shared their stories of survival after a deadly shooting at a Bronx hospital. Ray Villeda reports.

Bello went to the 16th floor of the hospital and asked for a specific doctor, a senior law enforcement official told News 4. When he was told that doctor wasn't there he became angry and started shooting at everybody nearby, apparently at random, according to the official.

After shooting the victims -- many if not all doctors -- Bello tried to set himself on fire on the 17th floor of the hospital, O'Neill said. The hospital's fire alarm system activated, and FDNY firefighters went on standby outside the hospital as NYPD continued its active shooter protocol inside.

the last instructions we got were from the nypd when they cleared our room and shut down our lights, they just told us to remain in  Felix Puno III (@felixrunsnyc) June 30, 2017

Doctors and other staff members at Bronx Lebanon Hospital helped their wounded colleagues as the shooting unfolded. Michael George reports.

By the time police found Bello on the 17th floor, he was dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, O'Neill said. A photo provided by authorities shows him dead on the floor, wearing the bloodied doctor's coat. Authorities said his AR-15 was discovered near his body, as was the body of the female doctor who was killed.

Five staff members who were found on the 16th floor were in very critical condition Friday night, according to the hospital. They include family medicine doctors, medical students, medical residents and a gastroenterologist. Their injuries were described as wounds to the abdomen, chest and vital organs.

The former Bronx Lebanon Hospital employee who authorities say shot at staff, killing one of them and injuring several more, may have been angry after losing his job over past arrests. Jonathan Dienst reports.

The hospital said Friday night that the five staff members have had initial surgeries and will likely need additional surgeries in the coming days.

A patient who was also shot was in stable condition. Doctors believe he or she will not suffer any long-term injuries.

Officials said some of the victims sustained injuries trying to protect other staffers and patients.

Mayor De Blasio speaks at a press conference outside the Bronx Lebanon Hospital Friday afternoon.

A motive in the shootings remains unclear, but authorities say there is no apparent nexus to terror. Sources say Bello started working at the hospital in August 2014, then resigned six months later in February 2015 in lieu of being fired. Circumstances in the resignation weren't clear.

As NYPD's most-armed units responded to the active shooter situation, a sea of patrol and tactical vehicles gridlocked the streets around the hospital on Grand Concourse, and police surveyed the roof of the building with their guns drawn, Chopper 4 over the scene showed.

Dozens of police vehicles filled surrounding streets, which were wrapped in police tape. A line of ambulance stretched at least 10 ambulance slong outside the hospital.

Critical response units and other NYPD commands went floor by floor evacuating the hospital as they looked for the gunman.

What do you do when you hospital has shooter in it A post shared by @herrydrk on Jun 30, 2017 at 12:31pm PDT

A five-months pregnant woman was in the hospital's pediatrics unit with her fiance when they learned there was a shooter in the hospital.

"They said somebody's in there with a rifle shooting people," said the woman, who gave her name as Maya. "Everybody's panicking, everybody's scared."

A pregnant woman and her partner describe the fear as people inside the emergency room of Bronx Lebanon Hospital were told there was an active shooter situation.

"It was just a panicky rush and everybody was just getting down, and we just hear shots," said her fiance. "After the shots, everybody's just getting down. We just tried to run to the bathroom and close the door in the bathroom."

Maya said they were eventually led out of the hospital as they followed a group of nurses. It took them about an hour to get out.

Another patient in the hospital said on Twitter that "the last instructions we got were from the NYPD, when they cleared out the room and shut down our lights, they just told us to remain in."

Francisco Bodon, a patient at Bronx Lebanon, tells NBC New York sister station Telemundo 47 that he was in a room on the 10th floor when three gunshots rang out and then chaos erupted.

There may have been more than three [shots], but people were screaming, crying and running around. It was very chaotic, said Bodon.

He said three nurses came into the room he is sharing with another patient and locked themselves in the bathroom. Bodo locked the door to the room, noting the other patient had some sort of a spine injury and was unable to get up from his bed.

Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center describes itself as the largest voluntary, not-for-profit health care system in the south and central Bronx.

The 120-year-old hospital, about a mile and a half north of Yankee Stadium, claims nearly 1,000 beds spread across multiple units. Its emergency room is among the busiest in New York City.

"In the middle of a place that people associate with care and comfort, it came out of nowhere, but even in the midst of this horror, there were many, many acts of heroism," de Blasio said as he thanked police and first responders.

Michael George, Ray Villeda and Checkey Beckford contributed reporting.

A patient at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital describes the scene inside after a doctor opened fire. (In Spanish, via Telemundo 47)

A person is wheeled out of Bronx Lebanon Hospital in a stretcher amid reports of an active shooter in the hospital wearing a white lab coat.
What to Know Jarret Cole Heitmann, 24, and Makayla Danielle Stilwell, 22, have been on the run since a kidnapping and shooting in Tennessee

The last verified sighting was June 24 in Pennsylvania, but New York State Police say they may also have been in Pine Bush, NY that day

The two are considered armed and dangerous and anyone who possibly spots them is asked to call authorities immediately

The pair of fugitives on the run for more than a week after a kidnapping and shooting in Tennessee could be in New Jersey.

State police say they are aware of reports Jarret Cole Heitmann, 24, and Makayla Danielle Stilwell, 22, were spotted in Sussex County Thursday.

Though no sighting of the pair has been confirmed, New Jersey State Police say they are in communication with law enforcement partners amid a national effort to bring the duo into custody. The possible sightings were first reported by the New Jersey Herald.

Authorities have been looking for Heitmann and Stilwell since the pair allegedly kidnapped a woman and forced her to knock on the door of Dustin Bishop, a man she knew, in Tennessee's Sullivan County on June 20. When Bishop, 34, opened the door, the suspects allegedly shot him in the chest and fled.

There were reports they had been spotted in Pine Bush, New York, on Saturday afternoon, but the last confirmed sighting was at a Wal-Mart in Matamoras, Pennsylvania, about 85 miles north of the city, earlier that day.

The suspects are considered armed and dangerous and are listed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's 10 Most Wanted list. According to law enforcement, Heitmann and Stilwell are believed to still be together.



Heitmann is known to travel by hitchhiking and freight train. He has ties to Oregon, while Stilwell has ties to southeast Virginia. It's not clear if they have any connections to the tri-state area. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to either arrest.

Their alleged victim was hospitalized after the shooting. There was no immediate update on his condition Friday.
President Donald Trump and South Korea's new leader showed joint resolve on North Korea on Friday despite their divergent philosophies for addressing the nuclear threat, yet the U.S. opened up a new front of discord by demanding a renegotiation of a landmark 2012 trade pact between the two countries.

Concluding two days of meetings at the White House, Trump and President Moon Jae-in each delivered tough talk opposing North Korea's development of atomic weapons that could soon threaten both allies.

The "reckless and brutal regime" requires a determined reply, Trump said. And Moon, who has long advocated outreach to Pyongyang, vowed a "stern response" to provocation, promising to coordinate closely with Trump as he looks to intensify economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.

While they avoided a potential conflict on the most burning national security crisis facing each country, they showed little harmony on trade.

Summoning the economic nationalism that has marked much of his international agenda, Trump highlighted America's trade imbalance with South Korea. Two-way trade in goods and services was $144 billion last year, with the U.S. running a $17 billion deficit.

"The fact is that the United States has trade deficits with many, many countries, and we cannot allow that to continue," Trump said. "And we'll start with South Korea right now."

Ahead of their first face-to-face discussions, South Korean companies announced plans to invest US$12.8 billion in the U.S. over the next half-decade. Nevertheless, Trump wasn't placated. He said the two sides would renegotiate a 2012 free trade agreement, calling it a "rough deal" for America, echoing the sentiments he has voiced about the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. The White House later confirmed Trump has asked his trade representative to begin the process of renegotiation.

Trump accused Seoul of helping steel reach the U.S. at unfairly low prices. It was an apparently reference to Chinese steel. Trump also demanded that market barriers to U.S. auto makers be lifted to give them "a fair shake at dealing with South Korea."

To rub it in, Trump called on his top economic officials to address their grievances to Moon in front of journalists.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the trade imbalance had grown sharply since the trade deal took effect due to unfair "rulemaking" governing U.S. industrial products entering South Korea, particularly autos.

It all amounted to an unusual display of one-upmanship in a meeting between close allies. After the talks, Moon largely skirted the differences on trade, calling the U.S.-South Korean economic partnership an "essential pillar" of the alliance. Such language is traditionally reserved for their joint effort in the 1950-53 Korean War and the ongoing presence of 28,000 U.S. forces in South Korea.

After the flood of accusations of South Korean wrongdoing, Moon said through an interpreter: "Economic growth and job creation will be promoted to ensure our peoples enjoy greater mutual benefits."

South Korea is America's seventh largest market for exported goods such as U.S. electrical machinery, aircraft, medical instruments and beef. It is also the sixth largest supplier of U.S. imported goods, benefiting Korean makers of cars, phones and pharmaceuticals.

Since the deal went into effect, American goods exports to South Korea have slipped 2.8 percent, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. At the same time, South Korean goods exports to the U.S. have boomed by 23.4 percent. U.S. services providers have fared better, with their exports climbing 29.3 percent in the last five years.

Earlier this week, Myron Brilliant, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, warned that reopening the agreement "could lead to its unraveling," benefiting only U.S. trade competitors.

Despite the trade tensions, Trump and Moon sought to establish a personal bond.

Moon praised the American as a man of "determination and pragmatism," and said Trump had accepted an invitation to visit South Korea with first lady Melania Trump later this year. Trump declared their relationship "very, very good."

And they revealed no disagreement on North Korea, though Trump harkened back to an election campaign demand for "fair burden-sharing," with South Korea paying more for the U.S. military presence in its territory.

Trump urged all nations to join the U.S. in imposing sanctions to starve North Korea of resources for its nuclear and missile programs. He demanded North Korea "choose a better path and do it quickly, and a different future for its long-suffering people."

"Our goal is peace, stability and prosperity for the region  but the United States will defend itself, always will defend itself  always," Trump said. "And we will always defend our allies."

Moon said the leaders agreed to strengthen their deterrence and coordinate on North Korea policy, employing both sanctions and dialogue "in a phased and comprehensive approach." He urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations on ending its nuclear program, something it shows no sign of doing.

Speaking later at a Washington think tank, Moon suggested that if North Korea released three Americans it is currently holding, it could spur talks, as could a freeze on missile and nuclear tests. But he ruled out the possibility of stopping U.S.-South Korean military drills in exchange for the freeze.
EDITOR'S NOTE: A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder in Bianca Roberson's road rage killing. Tap here for the latest coverage.

A manhunt for the driver who shot a recent high school graduate in the head, killing her, in an apparent road rage incident, entered its third day Saturday, but without any arrests yet.

Police just released a sketch of a man who is believed to have shot and killed a teenager in a case of road rage. The sketch was drawn by an eye witness. NBC10s Rosemary Connors has the story.

The dragnet stretched across Pennsylvania and all the way west into Texas, investigators said Friday. Closer to Chester County, in Philadelphia, a police spokeswoman said they had received tips from the public. But the city said leads had yet to pan out.

Police released a sketch of the suspect who shot recent high school graduate Bianca Nikol Roberson in West Goshen Township Wednesday. The driver of the pickup truck is described as a medium-built, white male, 30 to 40 years old with blonde or light-colored brown hair. His vehicle is described as a small, red pickup truck with faded paint.

The description is based on an eyewitness account provided by a motorist who was driving adjacent to the pickup truck, investigators said. Officials believe their sketch to be 70 to 80 percent accurate. On Saturday, West Goshen Police released more surveillance photos and a video of the suspect's vehicle. They say the vehicle was last seen heading south on Route 352 into Delaware County.



WGPD has obtained images of the suspect vehicle in the murder of Bianca Roberson. Vehicle last known heading south on RT 352 into DELCO. pic.twitter.com/rrffGBfxLF  WestGoshenPD (@WestGoshenPD) July 1, 2017

"This homicide was completely senseless, brutal and tragic," West Goshen Township Police Chief Joseph Gleason said during a news conference Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Goshen police. A $5,000 reward is being offered by the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers.

"Its all so surreal," Roberson's mother, Michelle Roberson, told NBC10. "How can you just shoot a baby, an 18-year-old girl, on her way to college and then just speed off like it was nothing? She didn't deserve to die like this."

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Roberson, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, was driving south on Route 100 at about 5:30 p.m. when she and another driver tried to merge into a single lane, authorities said.

"And then she was shot. The man in the red pickup truck shot her directly in the head," Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said Thursday.

Her car veered off the road and was later found in a ditch, he said. The shooter fled the scene toward Route 202 and was last seen turning on to Paoli Pike.

She was returning home from a shopping trip, her father told NBC10.

"To that man who fired that shot, turn yourself in now," Hogan said. "Every second you are out there you are only making this worse for yourself and making this worse for this young lady's family."

Roberson had just graduated from Rustin High School in West Chester and was headed to Jacksonville University in Florida in the fall. She hoped to major in criminal justice, her mother said.

"A young lady in the prime of her life getting ready to go off to college," Gleason said. "Now the family has to consider burying her."

Roberson's father, Rodney Roberson, was in tears as he spoke to NBC10 about his daughter's college aspirations.

Rodney and Michelle Roberson still cant believe their daughter, Bianca, 18, is gone after a murderous road rage driver shot the recent West Chester high school graduate on Route 100 during rush hour Wednesday evening. They want police to bring to justice quickly the man who shot their daughter after jostling for a lane on the highway. A suspect, who...

"We were all excited for her," he said. "She was excited. We were just happy for her."

Roberson's brother Dontae Arburg described his sister's cheerful personality.

"Her personality was very loved," Arburg said. "She always smiled. Always wanted to entertain and make you smile."



Counselors were at Rustin High School for students Friday morning.

"All of us in the West Chester Area School District are deeply shocked and saddened by this horrible news," a spokesperson for the West Chester Area School District wrote. "Bianca had her whole life ahead of her. What should be a time of great joy and celebration in a young person's life has turned into a horrible tragedy."

Roberson's older brother died of heart disease at the age of 22 in 2013. Roberson's family members showed NBC10 a poster of her and her brother that she had made for what would have been her college dorm at Jacksonville University.

"It's an angel that's gonna be missed," Bianca's aunt, Mari Hatton-Hayes said. "But as hard as it is, she's there with her brother."

A GoFundMe page set up Thursday garnered donations from more than 350 people within 24 hours. The goal of $15,000 was surpassed by 2 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, the goal was increased to $25,000 and it too was surpassed by 11 a.m.

"We cannot begin to express our extreme gratitude for the donations that continue to come in. As we continue communicating with Bianca's family, we will discuss ideas such as a scholarship being created out of some money earned in this gofundme," the GoFundMe creator wrote. "As many have heard, this story has taken a very unexpected turn and the family is going through an unimaginable time, so please keep them in your thoughts (and) prayers at this time."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the West Goshen Police Department 610-696-7400 or trafficsafety@westgoshen.org.

Reporters Rosemary Connors, David Chang, Brian X. McCrone and Alicia Lozano contributed to this report.
A family of seven from Michigan tried unsuccessfully to smuggle more than $93,000 in U.S. currency onto a Middle East-bound flight from Philadelphia International Airport this week, officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

A husband and wife and their five children, who are American citizens, were caught with the cash as they passed through customs Wednesday to get on a plane to Qatar, a tiny kingdom on the Persian Gulf. The country is a peninsula attached to Saudi Arabia.

"The father reported verbally and in writing that they possessed $12,000," according to a statement from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). "During the inspection, CBP officers discovered a combined $93,393 concealed on the mans, the womans, and their adult childs bodies."

The cash was confiscated, but customs officials eventually returned $3,393 to the family and allowed them to continue on to Qatar.

No criminal charges were filed. A spokesman for the agency said the currency was concealed on the bodies of the two adults and in a winter jacket pocket of one of the adult children.

Qatar was not the family's final destination, according to CBP spokesman Stephen Sapp, who declined to discuss what the family told agents at the airport because they could eventually petition for the return of their money.

The unusual incident comes at a time when Qatar is facing strong pressure from several of its Middle Eastern neighbors, including Saudi Arabia, over allegations of harboring terrorists.

Last week, 13 countries from the Middle East and northern Africa demanded Qatar comply with numerous sanctions that include shutting down the Arabian broadcast network, Al Jazeera. Leaders in some Muslim-majority countries believe Al Jazeera gives a voice to political and militant groups that in the last decade have been behind populist uprisings in several countries.

Sapp, the CBP spokesman, said travelers who want to take currency with them into or out of the country need to remember two simple rules:

"Travelers can take as little or as much currency as they wish," he said. "But travelers must truthfully report how much currency they possess, or face consequences, including seizure and potential criminal charges."
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It's the first full day of the 2017 Wawa Welcome America celebration and there are lots of free events to get you ready for America's Birthday. Here's the breakdown:



Free Museum Day at National Constitution Center

Location: National Constitution Center

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sand Sculpture Spectacular

Location: Shops at Liberty Place

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Get and up-close look at the sculpture here.

World Heritage City Exhibition

Location: Philadelphia International Airport

Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wawa Hoagie Day

Location: Independence Mall

Time: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.



Check out full sights and sounds from Wawa hoagie day here.

Citywide Reading

Location: Free Library of Philadelphia

Time: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

PECO's Go 4th & Learn at Mummers Museum

Location: Mummers Museum

Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Philly @ the Movies: Despicable Me 2

Location: Piazza at Schmidt's Commons

Time: 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Summer Mummers Concert

Location: Mummers Museum

Time: 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Summer Mummers Concert at the Mummers Museum

Manayunk Movie Night: Despicable Me

Location: Manayunk (Cotton Street between Main & Cresson)

Time: 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.

>> Check out Friday's events >>


San Diego Comic-Con International  the pop culture convention that shines the spotlight on Americas Finest City each July  will stay put  at least for the next few years, city leaders confirmed Friday.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced Comic-Con would continue to operate out of downtowns San Diego Convention Center through 2021.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced Friday that San Diego Comic-Con International is staying put -- at least until 2021.

As people around the world know, Comic-Con goes with San Diego, like Spock goes with Kirk, Faulconer said at a news conference, referencing the famous "Star Trek" duo. And every four days in July, San Diego becomes the center of the pop culture world for fans, celebrities, and studios.

Every year, thousands of fans turn the convention center and downtown San Diego into a playground full of superheroes, aliens, princesses and zombies, and over the last 48 years, Comic-Con has become an event that people of all ages look forward to, right here in San Diego, he added. Today, Im proud to announce that this tradition is going to last even longer: Comic-Con is staying in San Diego through 2021.

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The fate of the pop culture event  and whether itll move out of San Diego  has been murky for years. In 2015, Comic-Con organizers agreed to stay in San Diego through 2018.

The events residency goes hand-in-hand with Faulconers ongoing efforts to put a measure on the ballot asking citizens to vote to raise hotel room taxes to fund a $685 million expansion of the San Diego Convention Center.

On June 12, the San Diego City Council voted against holding a special election in November that wouldve placed the hotel tax measure on the ballot. Faulconer said the tax hike would also be used to fund street upgrades and programs to help the local homeless population.

While Comic-Cons future in San Diego is safe for at least a bit longer, Faulconer used Fridays announcement to stress his stance: the proposed expansion of the convention center is critical to keeping the event in San Diego for good.

The mayor said Comic-Con has an economic impact of $135 million in San Diego each year, money that funds things like street repairs, libraries and real-life superheroes in local police and fire departments.

Despite the recent delay, expanding the convention center is too important for us to curb our efforts, Faulconer said. Im continuing to do what we must do, together, to get this expansion across the finish line. Lets not waste time in getting this convention center moving, to make sure that we have the opportunity for San Diegans to weigh in.

San Diego Comic-Con International founder David Glanzer says hes happy with negotiations to keep the event home for at least a few more years. He said those negotiations were long and, at times, difficult.

Comic-Con founder David Glanzer spoke at Fridays news conference, too, saying hes happy with negotiations to keep the event home for at least a few more years. He said those negotiations were long and, at times, difficult.

Glanzer said limited space at the San Diego Convention Center and hotel room rates continue to be main factors that could someday force Comic-Con out of downtown San Diego.

The Comic-Con board has had to cap its attendance for years due to the lack of space. Hoteliers have had to work to keep room rates reasonable so attendees can afford to come back to the event year after year.

We love San Diego, said Glanzer. Weve made it very, very clear that we would love to stay here.

But, he said, organizers have operated shows across other California cities  Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and Anaheim  with success.

If the worst thing were to happen, and that is we had to leave, we all could still live in San Diego, and the convention could be in another city. Thats not what we want, and that certainly isnt ideal, and Im glad that today, were calling San Diego home for another three years.

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Joe Terzi, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, called Comic-Con San Diegos longest and most important convention. In 2019, the event will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The huge economic impact that they have for our community is awesome, Terzi said. When you think about it  over 60,000 hotel rooms consumed over four nights  and the huge economic impact; this is our Super Bowl; this is what puts San Diego on the map.

Rip Rippetoe, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center, said Comic-Con  which has been held at the center since 1991  is the facilitys premiere event. He also touted the economic impact of the annual affair and said hes grateful to Glanzer for his business.

Backers of the convention center expansion plan say more than 400 conventions are turned away every year due to a lack of space at the facility, leaving millions of dollars on the table.

The project requires that two-thirds of voters agree to hike the hotel tax. Voters have rejected three times since 2004, but those prior proposals did not include funding for an expansion of the convention center or to aid the homeless.

Another hurdle for the project is Fifth Avenue Landing, a yacht dockage company that controls some land along San Diego Bay. The company wants to build a hotel on the same land where city leaders would like to expand the convention center.

Comic-Con returns to the San Diego Convention Center next month, from July 20 through July 23; preview night is on July 19.

Comic-Con was born in 1970 in the basement of the U.S. Grant Hotel in the heart of San Diego, California. Over the decades, the little event that could has grown into a behemoth, taking over the Convention Center, neighboring hotels and downtown San Diego for a long summer weekend every year.

Comic-Cons fervent fans typically attend the convention in elaborate costumes, transforming the city into a metropolis straight out of the pages of fantasy and science fiction. The event has also become famous for celebrity sightings.

NBC 7 will bring you coverage from the event in this special online section.
A San Diego-based federal judge has temporarily blocked a new state law that required the disposal of high-capacity gun magazines.

The law was set to take effect on Saturday.

U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez issued the stay, ruling that Prop 63 took away the Second Amendment rights of the gun owners. Voters approved Prop 63 in the November election.

Any magazine holding more than 10 rounds is considered high-capacity. Only federally licensed dealers can sell them. In California, only law enforcement can purchase high-capacity magazines.

Prop 63 is the first state law to make it illegal for a civilian to possess high capacity magazines.

"Criminals aren't going to follow the law so I don't see why this is going to prevent anything," said Matthew Sloan, a firearms sales associate.

"I don't know that high-capacity is really necessary," said former probation officer Charlotte Beer.



But proponents of the ban cite mass shootings, like the San Bernardino terrorist attack as a reason for the ban. High-capacity magazines were used in the December 2015 attack, killing 14 people.

"What's the point of having that? What are you going to do with it," pre-school educator Jennette Petrak asked.

National Rifle Association attorney Chuck Michel's firm argued against the ban and was granted a stay Thursday.

"There is no evidence a ban on these particular magazines would save one life," Michel said.

Michel added that there would have been a "massive display of civil disobedience" if the injunction had not been issued since so many gun owners were turning in their high-capacity magazines.

The magazine ban joins several other laws passed last year that has ended up in a gun control battle in the courts.

California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom was one of the main proponents of Prop 63.

Thursday, he issued a statement that reads, in part,

"I am very confident that the will of California's voters to ban these devastating large capacity magazines will be upheld and supported by federal courts in the long run and consistently with those other federal court decisions."

Those who own high capacity magazines can hold on to them while the ban is argued in court.

It could take several months to resolve.
The Republican Party's long-promised repeal of "Obamacare" stands in limbo after Senate GOP leaders, short of support, abruptly shelved a vote on legislation to fulfill the promise.

The surprise development leaves the legislation's fate uncertain while raising new doubts about whether President Donald Trump will ever make good on his many promises to erase his predecessor's signature legislative achievement.

"We've given ourselves a little bit more time to make it perfect," Trump said Wednesday, adding that he looks forward to working with Republican senators further.

The bill has many critics and few outspoken fans on Capitol Hill, and prospects for changing that are uncertain.

Forty health care demonstrators were arrested outside offices in the Senate Office Buildings in D.C., Capitol police said.

Senate health bill protesters were arrested outside the offices of Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.; Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ariz.; Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.; Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio; Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Ark.; and Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo, in an attempt to "convince them to vote no" on the bill, according to a statement by one of the participating organization Rise and Resist.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell postponed Tuesday after it became clear the votes weren't there to advance the legislation past key procedural hurdles. He promised to revisit the legislation after Congress' July 4 recess.

The AFL-CIO labor organization is running ad and social media campaigns in five key states kill the bill outright, President Richard Trumka told reporters Wednesday.

The bill would deprive millions of working people of health insurance, he said, so the federation is running thousands of ads to pressure Senate Republicans in Alaska, Ohio, West Virginia, Nevada and Maine.



After McConnell announced the delay, Trump told Senate Republicans he'd invited to the White House that "this will be great if we get it done, and if we don't get it done it's just going to be something that we're not going to like, and that's OK and I understand that very well."

On Wednesday, Trump took issue with a New York Times story that portrayed him as disengaged in the push to advance the bill, tweeting, "The failing @nytimes writes false story after false story about me" and "Some of the Fake News Media likes to say that I am not totally engaged in healthcare. Wrong, I know the subject well & want victory for U.S."

The Times, in its Wednesday editions, said Trump was less involved in the press for the Senate bill than with the earlier House bill  making fewer phone calls to senators, for instance. It cited an unidentified senator, who supports the bill, who left the meeting with Trump at the White House "with a sense that the president did not have a grasp of some basic elements of the Senate plan."

Senate GOP leaders abruptly shelved their long-sought health care overhaul Tuesday, asserting they can still salvage it but raising new doubts about whether President Donald Trump and the Republicans will ever deliver on their promises to repeal and replace "Obamacare."

Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced a delay for any voting at a closed-door senators' lunch also attended by Vice President Mike Pence. McConnell's tone was matter-of-fact, according those present, yet his action amounts to a stinging setback for the longtime Senate leader who had developed the legislation largely in secret as Trump hung back in deference.

Now Trump seems likely to push into the discussion more directly, and he immediately invited Senate Republicans to the White House. But the message he delivered to them before reporters were ushered out of the room was not entirely hopeful.

"This will be great if we get it done, and if we don't get it done it's just going to be something that we're not going to like, and that's OK and I understand that very well," he told the senators, who surrounded him at tables arranged in a giant square in the East Room. Most wore grim expressions.

In the private meeting that followed, said Marco Rubio of Florida, the president spoke of "the costs of failure, what it would mean to not get it done  the view that we would wind up in a situation where the markets will collapse and Republicans will be blamed for it and then potentially have to fight off an effort to expand to single payer at some point."

The bill has many critics and few outspoken fans on Capitol Hill. It was short of support heading toward a critical procedural vote on Wednesday, and prospects for changing that are uncertain. McConnell promised to revisit the legislation after Congress' July 4 recess.

"It's a big complicated subject, we've got a lot discussions going on, and we're still optimistic we're going to get there," McConnell told reporters after the lunch.

It hasn't been easy, as adjustments to placate conservatives, who want the legislation to be more stringent, only push away moderates who think its current limits  on Medicaid for example  are too strong.

In the folksy analysis of John Cornyn of Texas, the Senate GOP vote-counter: "Every time you get one bullfrog in the wheelbarrow, another one jumps out."

McConnell has scant margin for error in the closely divided Senate, and the legislation to eliminate Obamacare's mandates and unwind its Medicaid expansion has shed support practically from the moment it was unveiled last Thursday. By Tuesday morning at least five GOP senators had announced their opposition to a procedural vote on the bill, and after McConnell announced the delay several more went public with their criticism.

McConnell can lose only two senators from his 52-member caucus and still pass the bill, with Pence to cast a tie-breaking vote. Democrats are unanimously opposed, and in recent days they have stepped up protests, delivering speeches on the Senate floor for hours and holding vigils on the Capitol steps.

Medical groups are nearly unanimously opposed, too, along with the AARP, though the U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports the bill.

A number of GOP governors oppose the legislation, especially in states that have expanded the Medicaid program for the poor under former President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. Opposition from Nevada's popular Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval helped push GOP Sen. Dean Heller, who is vulnerable in next year's midterms, to denounce the legislation last Friday; Ohio's Republican Gov. John Kasich held an event at the National Press Club Tuesday to criticize it.

But the Republicans' own divisions are what has stymied them.

In one illustration, an outside political group run by Trump allies has run ads against Heller and threatens more against other GOP senators opposed to the bill. That infuriated McConnell, who called White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus to label the attacks "beyond stupid." Heller himself raised the issue in the Tuesday White House meeting, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota told reporters later.

The House went through its own struggles with its version of the bill, pulling it from the floor short of votes before reviving it and narrowly passing it in May. So it's quite possible that the Senate Republicans can rise from this week's setback.

But McConnell is finding it difficult to satisfy demands from his diverse caucus. Conservatives like Rand Paul of Kentucky and Mike Lee of Utah argue that the legislation doesn't go far enough in repealing Obamacare. But moderates like Heller and Susan Collins of Maine criticize the bill as overly punitive in throwing people off insurance roles and limiting benefits paid by Medicaid, which has become the nation's biggest health care program, covering nursing home care for seniors as well as care for many poor Americans.

GOP defections increased after the Congressional Budget Office said Monday the measure would leave 22 million more people uninsured by 2026 than Obama's 2010 statute. McConnell told senators he wanted them to agree to a final version of the bill before the end of this week so they could seek a new analysis by the budget office. He said that would give lawmakers time to finish when they return to the Capitol for a three-week stretch in July before Congress' summer break.

The 22 million extra uninsured Americans are just 1 million fewer than the number the budget office estimated would become uninsured under the House version. Trump has called the House bill "mean" and prodded senators to produce a package with more "heart."

The budget office report said the Senate bill's coverage losses would especially affect people between ages 50 and 64, before they qualify for Medicare, and with incomes below 200 percent of the poverty level, or around $30,300 for an individual.

The Senate plan would end the tax penalty the law imposes on people who don't buy insurance, in effect erasing Obama's so-called individual mandate, and on larger businesses that don't offer coverage to workers.

It would let states ease Obama's requirements that insurers cover certain specified services like substance abuse treatments. It also would eliminate $700 billion worth of taxes over a decade, largely on wealthier people and medical companies  money that Obama's law used to expand coverage.

It would cut Medicaid, which provides health insurance to over 70 million poor and disabled people, by $772 billion through 2026 by capping its overall spending and phasing out Obama's expansion of the program. Of the 22 million people losing health coverage, 15 million would be Medicaid recipients.

Associated Press writers Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Ken Thomas, Andrew Taylor and Michael Biesecker contributed to this report.
Police in D.C. and Prince George's County say they need help from the public identifying dozens of men who illegally tore through streets on dirt bikes and ATVs on Sunday.

Ahead of the busy 4th of July weekend, D.C. police distributed photos of 54 men accused of stopping traffic and sending pedestrians scrambling. Prince George's County police publicized photos of eight men.

A group of nearly 100 dirt bike and ATV riders caught on video wove in and out of vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Sunday in National Harbor, Maryland. Riders also were seen in D.C. on Pennsylvania Avenue, on H Street NE and near the Tidal Basin.



Go to the gallery below to see photos of every person of interest.

PHOTOS: Dozens of ATV Riders Sought by DC, Maryland Police

"People are sick and tired of this behavior in our community," D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said at a news conference Friday afternoon.

"This behavior is reckless, it's dangerous, it terrifies our kids, our moms, our dads, our seniors," he continued. "And it's pathetically, in my opinion, juvenile -- grown men acting like juveniles."

Police have information to believe that some of the riders came from as far away as Florida and Indiana, Newsham said.

Theres been a spike in bike and ATVs in D.C., Virginia and Maryland. And those stolen dirt bikes often end up hundreds of miles away. Scott MacFarlane of the News4 I-Team reports.

The ride on Sunday was scary, a witness in National Harbor said.

"People were just trying to get out of the way," he said.

The man, who asked not to be identified, said he was worried someone could get hurt.

Police tried to stop the riders, but they got away.



Video shows almost 100 riders on ATVs and dirt bike on the sidewalk and weaving in and out of traffic. News4s Shomari Stone reports.

This weekend, Prince George's County officers in uniform will police the riders using the department's own dirt bikes and ATVs.

They also will use video surveillance, and their aviation unit.

"They will be on standby to monitor and follow these ATVS, should they decide to show up," Deputy Chief Chris Murtha said.

Photos from Prince George's County Police showed several men with ATVs and dirt bikes at a gas station.

Police said three men shown in the photos are suspected of armed robbery. A man tried to sell a dirt bike online. When he met with the seller, the men held him up at gunpoint and took the bike without paying, police said. That incident was not related to National Harbor, they said.

https://twitter.com/TraceeWilkins/status/880803614666706944

This will not be tolerated, Prince Georges County Deputy Police Chief George Nichols said Monday. It is egregious and malicious behavior, and for those that engage in it, we just want you to know that you are not safe. We are coming for you.

Video from over the weekend shows a large group of ATV riders on the sidewalk and weaving in and out of traffic at National Harbor. Kristin Wright reports.

Prince George's County police promised to do everything they can to get the riders off streets.

"I have personally met with our legislators down in Annapolis, and they are actually working on legislation to ensure we get stiffer penalties for those who engage and indulge in this type of activity," Nichols said Monday.

It's illegal to ride a dirt bike or ATV anywhere on public space in D.C. or Prince George's County. It's a jailable offense in Prince George's County. Information was not available immediately on the punishment in D.C.

In spring 2016, D.C. police announced a crack down on people who illegally ride dirt bikes and ATVs on city streets. Surveillance images of 245 persons of interest were released then.

Fifty-nine riders were arrested in 2016, and 41 of the vehicles were recovered, police said.

So far this year, 21 riders have been arrested, and 10 of the vehicles have been recovered.

D.C. police are offering a $250 reward for information that leads to the arrests of 245 persons of interest spotted illegally riding dirt bikes and ATVs on city streets. News4s Mark Segraves reports.

D.C. police are offering a reward of as much as $250 for information on the riders. Call 202-727-9099 or send a text to 50411.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correctly attribute statements by Prince Georges County Deputy Police Chief George Nichols.
A mother in Loudoun County, Virginia, wants to spare other families from the pain she went through after her toddler son drowned.

During an April storm, Sarita Kothapally rushed outside to pick up trash cans that had blown over. Unbeknownst to her, Shubakhar, her toddler, had followed her outside and drowned in a retention pond in their neighborhood.

Within 5 minutes we lost like everything, Kothapally said.

Now, shes pushing for change. She emailed the community association, asking them to build a fence around the pond. Kothapally said the association told her they would think about it.

I want everyone to have some fence so that no other mother goes through this, she said.

Kothapally hopes to build fences not just in her own neighborhood, but county-wide.

News4 is waiting for a response from the community association's attorney about whether to build a fence.
President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is "sending in Federal help" to Chicago, saying the city's crime and shootings have reached "epidemic proportions."

"Crime and killings in Chicago have reached such epidemic proportions that I am sending in Federal help," the president tweeted. "1714 shootings in Chicago this year!"

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The move follows an earlier promise Trump made in January, when he tweeted that he would send in the Feds! to help curb the rising number of shootings in Chicago. It also comes just before the long Fourth of July weekend, which has previously been among the most violent in the city. Last year, 62 people were shot over the holiday weekend, including three children.

In the last week, 98 people have been shot in the city, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, and 1,727 have been shot this year.

On Thursday, authorities confirmed that roughly 20 agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are being sent to Chicago as part of a new initiative to combat gun violence in the city.

State police, intelligence analysts and state and federal prosecutors will target illegal guns and repeat gun offenders, Chicago police said. Superintendent Eddie Johnson said in a statement Thursday night that "we are foundationally changing the way we fight crime in Chicago."

"We always welcome any assistance we can get," Anthony Riccio, head of the Chicago Police Departments organized crime unit, told NBC 5.

Riccio added that the number of shootings so far this year is actually 14 percent less than last year.

"We are making progress," he said. "Nobody is celebrating certainly when you have that many people shot."

Police and federal officials note, however, that efforts to curb gun violence in Chicago have been cooperative  and are ongoing. Under the new effort, the federal prosecutors and prosecutors from Cook County will work on new strategies to prosecute gun crimes and offenders.

What Happens If Illinois Lawmakers Don't Pass a Budget?

Sessions last week pledged federal assistance to 12 cities to help them develop individualized, long-term strategies to fight violence. But Chicago was not among them.

The Justice Department said that's because Chicago was already part of a similar Justice Department program called the Violence Reduction Network, which began in 2014. Under that initiative, federal agents teamed up with their local counterparts to share resources and intelligence.

The Justice Department spokesman said the department will keep working with cities including Chicago under the new crime-fighting program, called the Public Safety Partnership. And he noted that dozens of additional ATF agents had "surged" into Chicago so far this year.

The task force will use the ATF's new ballistic testing van to help solve crime in the city.

The van is a state-of-the-art mobile forensic lab thats designed to assist law enforcement in analyzing bullet casings and other ballistic evidence instantly.

Officers can drive the van directly to crime scenes and analyze shell casings and weapons on the spot, getting immediate results linked to the ATFs National Integration Ballistic Information Network.

The NIBIN is an interstate database that will allow authorities to gather information on suspects and develop leads within hours instead of days  helping them to ultimately track down and arrest gun offenders more quickly in the early, critical stages of an investigation.

That shell casing is then entered into this national information network that ATF maintains and compared against like images to see if theres a connection with other crimes, ATF spokesman David Coulson said. Its kind of connecting the dots and it provides, hopefully what the goal is, actionable intelligence to investigators.

The NIBIN van arrived in Chicago from Baltimore on June 1 and will stay in the city through the end of July as the ATF runs its pilot program. There is a possibility that it could stay longer in Chicago depending on the success of the program.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, speaking Friday on the Fox News Channel's morning show, "Fox & Friends," said the Justice Department is "sending in additional gun investigators" to Chicago and that he has urged the U.S. attorney's office to prosecute gun cases aggressively.

"The police have been demoralized in many ways," he said. "In many ways, the policies in Chicago have not been working. Murders are way, way too high. It is critical for the people of Chicago's public safety that we begin to work together here and deport violent criminals that have been convicted. They need to not be a sanctuary city, they need to be protecting the people of Chicago from violent criminals."
Iraqi forces on Thursday captured the compound of a landmark mosque in Mosul that was blown up last week by the Islamic State group  a hugely symbolic site from where the top ISIS leader declared an Islamic "caliphate" nearly three years ago.

The advance comes as the Iraqi troops are pushing deeper into the Old City, a densely populated neighborhood west of the Tigris River where the al-Nouri Mosque with its 12th century al-Hadba minaret once stood and where the ISIS militants are now making their last stand in what are expected to be the final days of the battle for Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city.

Iraqi special forces reached the al-Nuri Mosque compound and took control of the surrounding streets on Thursday afternoon, following a dawn push into the area, Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab al-Saadi of the elite force told The Associated Press.

Damaged and destroyed houses dot the route Iraqi forces have carved into the congested district  along a landscape of destruction where the stench of rotting bodies rises from under the rubble.

Thursday's push comes more than a week after Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake Mosul's last ISIS-held parts of the Old City neighborhood, with its narrow alleyways and dense clusters of homes.

Taking the mosque is a symbolic victory  from its pulpit, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in July 2014 declared a self-styled Islamic "caliphate," encompassing territories then-held by the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

Iraqi and coalition officials said ISIS blew up the mosque complex last week. The Islamic State group has blamed a U.S. airstrike for the destruction.

After months of fighting, the ISIS hold in Mosul has shrunk to less than 2 square kilometers (0.8 square miles) of territory but the advances have come at considerable cost.

"There are hundreds of bodies under the rubble," said special forces Maj. Dhia Thamir, deployed inside the Old City. He added that all the dead bodies along the special forces' route were of ISIS fighters.

Special forces Maj. Gen. Sami al-Aridi acknowledged that some civilians have been killed by airstrikes and artillery in the fight for the Old City. "Of course there is collateral damage, it is always this way in war," he said.

"The houses are very old," he said, referring to the Old City, "so any bombardment causes them to collapse completely."

Al-Aridi said the clearing of the mosque will likely require specialized engineering teams since the militants have likely rigged the site with explosives.

In Baghdad, state TV declared the capture the al-Nuri Mosque with an urgent text scroll that said: "The State of Myth Has Fallen."

Associated Press writers Sinan Salaheddin and Balint Szlanko contributed to this report.
Officials are launching an investigation into the cause of a massive fire that broke out in a six-story building under construction in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood and where firefighters are still putting out hot spots nearly 24 hours later.

The fire broke out at the 1971-1977 Dorchester Ave. construction site, just outside Peabody Square, around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"This was a difficult fire for us," Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn said.

The sprinkler system at the 83-unit Treadmark building did not go off. Investigators and Finn are asking why.

"Did it fail?" Finn asked at a press conference Thursday. "Was it offline or was it shut down?"

The construction is what's called "stick-built," a technique that uses two-by-fours instead of larger wood or steal beams for taller buildings. Finn says the method is a major concern for firefighters.

"If you're lighting a fire in the fireplace," he explained, "the smaller stuff lights first. The larger stuff takes time to burn."

The top floor of the upscale building, where investigators believe the fire started, was a major concern for firefighters. At one point, firefighters were told to get off the roof as the building weakened and air conditioning units collapsed into the roof.

Finn added the building's sprinkler system was offline, and why it wasn't on is one point of the ongoing investigation.

"What probably contributed to [the fire] was that the sprinkler system was offline, which was a major contributing factor and hopefully the investigation will determine why it was offline," he said.

The Treadmark building was scheduled for inspection on Thursday before opening its doors in a few days.

"All of the permits and inspections were totally up to par," Inspectional Services Commissioner William "Buddy" Christopher said.

Finn later told the NBC Boston Investigators it's unclear if fire inspectors have ever been in the complex. He says it is incumbent upon the building's owner to make sure the sprinkler system works, but they don't have to prove it does until the final walkthrough with the fire department.

Tenants had expected to move in sometime mid-July. City officials will work with the displaced families, according to Mayor Marty Walsh.

Dorchester Avenue has been closed from Ashmont Street to Washington Street. MBTA service has resumed at Ashmont Station, which was shut down Wednesday night.
A Rhode Island man has been convicted of stabbing a fellow member of the Narragansett tribe during the annual tribal powwow in 2014.

The state attorney general's office says 28-year-old Troy Lake Simonds, of Westerly, was found guilty Wednesday after a six-day, jury-waived trial of assault with a dangerous weapon.

Authorities say Simonds stabbed Andrew Smith, of South Kingstown, on August 9, 2014 during the powwow on tribal land in Charlestown.

Smith was stabbed in the chest and spent several days in the hospital. He told police he tried to intervene in another dispute when he was stabbed. Witnesses identified Simonds as the assailant. The two men did not know each other.

Simonds remains free on bail pending sentencing scheduled for August 30.
Informal negotiations between Massachusetts lawmakers on Friday stalled as the midnight deadline to file their revisions to the marijuana legalization measure approached, which is the end of the fiscal year 2017.

A spokesperson for House Speaker Robert DeLeo said lawmakers adjourned for the day by 4 p.m., preventing a vote from being taken. However, lawmakers with the conference committee are expected to continue their discussions over the weekend, and if a deal is struck, there would not be a vote until Monday.

The chair of the Joint Committe on Marijuana Policy, Representative Mark Cusack, didn't comment as he entered the negotiating room Friday morning.

NBC Boston also saw other members of the committee enter another room. The committee's discussions are not open to the public.

The bipartisan House and Senate committee has been working on a compromise bill to the recreational marijuana ballot measure approved by voters in the fall.

Lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Baker had postponed implementation of the law so it could be adjusted.

Since then, the House and Senate passed their own legislation on how marijuana should be regulated in the Bay State.

Some of the sticking points are:

- The tax rate of pot.

- Whether or not cities and towns could ban pot shops.

- Who would make up the states cannabis commission.

Supporters of the marijuana legislation are against lawmakers efforts to adjust the law approved by voters.

The state budget is dependent on this item, and once it's handled the budget can be determined. If lawmakers come to an agreement and file a bill, the earliest they can vote would be Saturday.

If they don't, the provisions in the law voted in by residents stands.
Serbian lawmakers voted on Thursday to elect the country's first gay woman Prime Minister.

The 250-seat Serbian Parliament voted overwhelmingly to elect 41-year-old Ana Brnabic Prime Minister following the proposal by President Aleksander Vucic.

Brnabic's election as the first openly gay prime minister is of particular note in Serbia, as the Balkan region is known as a hostile place for gays.

She made her entrance into politics last year, serving as a public administration minister, after a career in business and development programs.


By Online Desk

At the stroke of the midnight hour, India launched its ambitious nationwide indirect tax regime, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to bind the country under "one nation, one tax, one market".



The roll-out was done by President Pranab Mukherjee in the Parliament's Central Hall. The event took place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and others.

At the stroke of the gong, the current tax rates were replaced by the GST rates. The Goods and Services Tax has now replaced a slew of indirect taxes with a unified tax regime and will help modernise the third largest economy in Asia.



The event was boycotted by the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK and some other Opposition parties.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

IN-DEPTH: How the GST will impact consumers, traders and govt

IN PICS | How will GST affect services?

IN PICS | 10 things that will become more expensive after GST rollout

LIVE UPDATES:

12:00 am

President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Narendra Modi officially launch the Goods and Services Tax.

New Delhi President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands after the launch of 'Goods and Services Tax GST ' at the special ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament in New Delhi on Saturday. (PTI)

11:55 pm

GST reform is a result of consensus between central and state governments. GST is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy. GST will make India's exports more competitive and provide level-playing field to domestic industry to compete with imports: President Mukherjee

11:50 pm

Recounting the GST journey, President Pranab Mukherjee says, "This is a historic culmination of a 14-year long journey, which began in December 2002. It is a moment of personal satisfaction for me." The introduction of GST is a momentous event for the nation, he further adds.

President Pranab Mukherjee addresses the Parliament moments before the GST launch. (ANI)

11:47 pm

President Pranab Mukherjee takes the dais to address the Parliament ahead of the GST launch.

11:45 pm

GST is a transparent and fair system that prevents black money and corruption and promotes new governance culture: Prime Minister

11:40 pm

It's a coincidence that even the Bhagwat Geeta has 18 chapters, and even the GST council has had 18 meetings! Long wait at toll plazas will end with GST integrating 31 states and UTs as one: Prime Minister

PM Narendra Modi speaks at the Parliament ahead of the GST launch. (ANI)

11:35 pm

GST is an economic integration of India just like what Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had done decades back to integrate the country: PM Modi

11:30 pm

GST is a result of a long thinking; all states along with Centre discussed for years. It is an example of cooperative federalism. We are about to get rid of nearly 500 kinds of taxes tonight: PM Modi

11:25 pm

This historic reform is not an achievement of any one government or party. There couldn't have been a better place (Central Hall of the Parliament) for the GST launch: PM Modi

READ HERE: GST's 17-year roller coaster ride to climax midnight tonight

11:20 pm

It's a big turning point for India. Today at midnight, we will decide the future course of India. India will move in a new direction with GST reform: PM Modi

11:15 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament.

11:10 pm

GST Council has met 18 times. Reform shows India can rise above narrow politics. 17 taxes now centralised. GST is aimed at easing taxation on the weaker sections: Arun Jaitely

READ HERE: GST will help in lowering inflation, propelling GDP: Arun Jaitley

Illuminated Parliament all set for the GST launch in New Delhi. (Express photo by Shekhar Yadav)

11:05 pm

GST is an important achievement for the whole country. The old India was economically fragmented, the new India will create one tax, one market and for one nation: FM Arun Jaitley

ALSO READ: Lesser talktime, higher bills for mobile phone users under GST regime

11:02 pm

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley takes the dais for introductory remarks on Goods and Services Tax launch.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addresses the special session of Parliament for the launch of 'Goods and Services Tax GST ' in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI)

11:00 pm

All the dignitaries stand up for the national anthem. Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on the dais with President, PM, Vice President, Lok Sabha Speaker at a special ceremony for GST launch.

10:55 pm

President Pranab Mukherjee arrives at Parliament. His address is scheduled at 11.45 pm. - TV report

10:50 pm

Union Finance Minister arrives at the Parliament for GST launch. - TV report

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley arrives at the Parliament house ahead of the GST launch in New Delhi. (Express photo by Shekhar Yadav)

10:45 pm

PM Narendra Modi arrives at the Parliament in the national capital for GST rollout. - TV report

10:30 pm

Ratan Tata reaches Parliament to attend GST launch.- ANI

READ HERE: Top leaders, industrialists, filmstars mark GST launch

9:00 pm

Parliament illuminated ahead of the launch of GST, the much-awaited tax regime, in New Delhi on Friday. (Express photo by Shekhar Yadav)

8:35 pm

GST Council cuts rates on certain tractor parts to 18 per cent from 28 per cent. - PTI

8:25 pm

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says tax rate on fertiliser reduced to 5 per cent from 12 per cent. - PTI

FULL REPORT: GST Council slashes tax rate on fertiliser to 5 percent

7:50 pm

School supplies like pencils and books are unlikely to get costlier under the GST regime, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said today.In fact, most consumer goods will not become expensive from tomorrow because GST rate for 81 per cent of the items has been kept below 18 per cent tax category, he said.

READ MORE: School supplies unlikely to get costlier under GST: HRD Minister Javadekar

7:15 pm

After failing to meet the deadline for the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Jammu and Kashmir, the PDP-BJP coalition government has convened four-day Special Session of J&K Assembly from July 4 to discuss the implementation of the new tax regime in the State.

READ MORE: JK misses deadline on GST rollout, convenes Assembly session from July 4

7:00pm

Movie theatres across Tamil Nadu to be shut indefinitely from Monday due to ambiguities around GST: TV reports

Film producer and distributor Dhananjayan took to Twitter, TN theatres have announced indefinite shut down of theatres from Monday as Govt of TN has not come out with a clear support 2 film industry.We delivered a good film in #IvanThanthiran but sadly Govt.of TN's lack of clarification on both GST&Local Tax is killing our film's success

Image used for representational purpose

FULL REPORT: Tamil Nadu theatres to shut down from July 3

READ MORE: GST rollout to impact Kollywood, ticket sales

6:45 pm

The Telangana government has demanded that GST on social infrastructure projects be rolled back to five per cent, saying the State's additional burden works out to Rs 19,200 crore, according to a key Lok Sabha member.

READ MORE: Telangana demands rollback of social infrastructure GST rate

6:30 pm

The Congress-led UDF opposition has decided to boycott the government function to be held at Kochi tomorrow as part of rolling out of GST from midnight, to protest against not discussing and passing the state GST bill in the assembly.

READ MORE: Congress-led UDF to boycott GST function in Kerala

6:15 pm

Slamming the Modi government over the GST roll out at midnight tonight, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said it would bring back the dreaded "Inspector Raj".

READ MORE: 'Inspector Raj' is back, says Mamata on GST

5:45 pm

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said his party was not opposed to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), but against its usage as a "propaganda tool".

READ MORE: Opposed to GST being used as propaganda tool: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

4:35 pm

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi today dubbed the implementation of GST as a "tamasha", saying the reform was being rushed through in a "half-baked" manner as a "self-promotional spectacle".

READ MORE: GST implementation a 'tamasha': Rahul Gandhi

4:25 pm

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday held out the assurance of a "very smooth" transition into the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, promising that the administration will be very liberal and not implement it "very strictly" in the first two months.

READ MORE: GST rollout to be very smooth, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

4:15 pm

Hours before the roll out of GST, traders in the business hub of Uttar Pradesh today squatted on rail tracks and stopped the Kanpur-Pratapgarh passenger train in a protest against the new tax regime. The traders led by 'Akhil Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal' leader Gyanendra Misra protested at the Lucknow railway crossing here around 9.47 AM and stopped the local train.

READ MORE: Traders protest GST, stop train; wholesale market shut down in Kanpur

Labourers sitting idle at Khari Baoli street during a shutdown by spice wholesalers as part of protest against GST in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI)

3:30 pm

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the finance portfolio, described the GST as a "great idea", but slammed the Centre over the way it was being implemented.

READ MORE: Traders are scared, people are worried: Sisodia on GST

3:15 pm

The implementation of GST regime would lead to "chaos" similar to what had happened in the aftermath of demonetisation of high-value notes last year, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said today.

READ MORE: GST will lead to chaos just like demonetisation: Owaisi

1:30 pm

With just hours to go before the GST launch, the Samajwadi Party (SP) was unsure about whether it would attend the midnight function in Delhi.

READ MORE: Samajwadi Party unsure about attending GST launch

(With agency inputs)

At the stroke of the midnight hour, India launched its ambitious nationwide indirect tax regime, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to bind the country under "one nation, one tax, one market". The roll-out was done by President Pranab Mukherjee in the Parliament's Central Hall. The event took place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and others. At the stroke of the gong, the current tax rates were replaced by the GST rates. The Goods and Services Tax has now replaced a slew of indirect taxes with a unified tax regime and will help modernise the third largest economy in Asia. The event was boycotted by the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK and some other Opposition parties. READ THE FULL REPORT HERE IN-DEPTH: How the GST will impact consumers, traders and govt IN PICS | How will GST affect services? IN PICS | 10 things that will become more expensive after GST rollout LIVE UPDATES: 12:00 am President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Narendra Modi officially launch the Goods and Services Tax. New Delhi President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands after the launch of 'Goods and Services Tax GST ' at the special ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament in New Delhi on Saturday. (PTI) 11:55 pm GST reform is a result of consensus between central and state governments. GST is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy. GST will make India's exports more competitive and provide level-playing field to domestic industry to compete with imports: President Mukherjee 11:50 pm Recounting the GST journey, President Pranab Mukherjee says, "This is a historic culmination of a 14-year long journey, which began in December 2002. It is a moment of personal satisfaction for me." The introduction of GST is a momentous event for the nation, he further adds. President Pranab Mukherjee addresses the Parliament moments before the GST launch. (ANI) 11:47 pm President Pranab Mukherjee takes the dais to address the Parliament ahead of the GST launch. 11:45 pm GST is a transparent and fair system that prevents black money and corruption and promotes new governance culture: Prime Minister 11:40 pm It's a coincidence that even the Bhagwat Geeta has 18 chapters, and even the GST council has had 18 meetings! Long wait at toll plazas will end with GST integrating 31 states and UTs as one: Prime Minister PM Narendra Modi speaks at the Parliament ahead of the GST launch. (ANI) 11:35 pm GST is an economic integration of India just like what Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had done decades back to integrate the country: PM Modi 11:30 pm GST is a result of a long thinking; all states along with Centre discussed for years. It is an example of cooperative federalism. We are about to get rid of nearly 500 kinds of taxes tonight: PM Modi 11:25 pm This historic reform is not an achievement of any one government or party. There couldn't have been a better place (Central Hall of the Parliament) for the GST launch: PM Modi READ HERE: GST's 17-year roller coaster ride to climax midnight tonight 11:20 pm It's a big turning point for India. Today at midnight, we will decide the future course of India. India will move in a new direction with GST reform: PM Modi 11:15 pm Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament. 11:10 pm GST Council has met 18 times. Reform shows India can rise above narrow politics. 17 taxes now centralised. GST is aimed at easing taxation on the weaker sections: Arun Jaitely READ HERE: GST will help in lowering inflation, propelling GDP: Arun Jaitley Illuminated Parliament all set for the GST launch in New Delhi. (Express photo by Shekhar Yadav) 11:05 pm GST is an important achievement for the whole country. The old India was economically fragmented, the new India will create one tax, one market and for one nation: FM Arun Jaitley ALSO READ: Lesser talktime, higher bills for mobile phone users under GST regime 11:02 pm Finance Minister Arun Jaitley takes the dais for introductory remarks on Goods and Services Tax launch. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addresses the special session of Parliament for the launch of 'Goods and Services Tax GST ' in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI) 11:00 pm All the dignitaries stand up for the national anthem. Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on the dais with President, PM, Vice President, Lok Sabha Speaker at a special ceremony for GST launch. 10:55 pm President Pranab Mukherjee arrives at Parliament. His address is scheduled at 11.45 pm. - TV report 10:50 pm Union Finance Minister arrives at the Parliament for GST launch. - TV report Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley arrives at the Parliament house ahead of the GST launch in New Delhi. (Express photo by Shekhar Yadav) 10:45 pm PM Narendra Modi arrives at the Parliament in the national capital for GST rollout. - TV report 10:30 pm Ratan Tata reaches Parliament to attend GST launch.- ANI READ HERE: Top leaders, industrialists, filmstars mark GST launch 9:00 pm Parliament illuminated ahead of the launch of GST, the much-awaited tax regime, in New Delhi on Friday. (Express photo by Shekhar Yadav) 8:35 pm GST Council cuts rates on certain tractor parts to 18 per cent from 28 per cent. - PTI 8:25 pm Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says tax rate on fertiliser reduced to 5 per cent from 12 per cent. - PTI FULL REPORT: GST Council slashes tax rate on fertiliser to 5 percent 7:50 pm School supplies like pencils and books are unlikely to get costlier under the GST regime, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said today.In fact, most consumer goods will not become expensive from tomorrow because GST rate for 81 per cent of the items has been kept below 18 per cent tax category, he said. READ MORE: School supplies unlikely to get costlier under GST: HRD Minister Javadekar 7:15 pm After failing to meet the deadline for the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Jammu and Kashmir, the PDP-BJP coalition government has convened four-day Special Session of J&K Assembly from July 4 to discuss the implementation of the new tax regime in the State. READ MORE: JK misses deadline on GST rollout, convenes Assembly session from July 4 7:00pm Movie theatres across Tamil Nadu to be shut indefinitely from Monday due to ambiguities around GST: TV reports Film producer and distributor Dhananjayan took to Twitter, TN theatres have announced indefinite shut down of theatres from Monday as Govt of TN has not come out with a clear support 2 film industry.We delivered a good film in #IvanThanthiran but sadly Govt.of TN's lack of clarification on both GST&Local Tax is killing our film's success Image used for representational purpose FULL REPORT: Tamil Nadu theatres to shut down from July 3 READ MORE: GST rollout to impact Kollywood, ticket sales 6:45 pm The Telangana government has demanded that GST on social infrastructure projects be rolled back to five per cent, saying the State's additional burden works out to Rs 19,200 crore, according to a key Lok Sabha member. READ MORE: Telangana demands rollback of social infrastructure GST rate 6:30 pm The Congress-led UDF opposition has decided to boycott the government function to be held at Kochi tomorrow as part of rolling out of GST from midnight, to protest against not discussing and passing the state GST bill in the assembly. READ MORE: Congress-led UDF to boycott GST function in Kerala 6:15 pm Slamming the Modi government over the GST roll out at midnight tonight, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said it would bring back the dreaded "Inspector Raj". READ MORE: 'Inspector Raj' is back, says Mamata on GST 5:45 pm Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said his party was not opposed to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), but against its usage as a "propaganda tool". READ MORE: Opposed to GST being used as propaganda tool: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah 4:35 pm Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi today dubbed the implementation of GST as a "tamasha", saying the reform was being rushed through in a "half-baked" manner as a "self-promotional spectacle". READ MORE: GST implementation a 'tamasha': Rahul Gandhi 4:25 pm Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday held out the assurance of a "very smooth" transition into the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, promising that the administration will be very liberal and not implement it "very strictly" in the first two months. READ MORE: GST rollout to be very smooth, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley 4:15 pm Hours before the roll out of GST, traders in the business hub of Uttar Pradesh today squatted on rail tracks and stopped the Kanpur-Pratapgarh passenger train in a protest against the new tax regime. The traders led by 'Akhil Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal' leader Gyanendra Misra protested at the Lucknow railway crossing here around 9.47 AM and stopped the local train. READ MORE: Traders protest GST, stop train; wholesale market shut down in Kanpur Labourers sitting idle at Khari Baoli street during a shutdown by spice wholesalers as part of protest against GST in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI) 3:30 pm Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the finance portfolio, described the GST as a "great idea", but slammed the Centre over the way it was being implemented. READ MORE: Traders are scared, people are worried: Sisodia on GST 3:15 pm The implementation of GST regime would lead to "chaos" similar to what had happened in the aftermath of demonetisation of high-value notes last year, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said today. READ MORE: GST will lead to chaos just like demonetisation: Owaisi 1:30 pm With just hours to go before the GST launch, the Samajwadi Party (SP) was unsure about whether it would attend the midnight function in Delhi. READ MORE: Samajwadi Party unsure about attending GST launch (With agency inputs)
By Reuters

NEW DELHI: India's biggest importer of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) is trying to re-negotiate prices with the U.S. seller, sources said, undermining plans by U.S. President Donald Trump to export more gas to the fast-growing Asian nation.

At a joint news conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House this week, Trump said the United States looked forward to exporting more energy, including new major long-term contracts to purchase American natural gas.

The effort is part of Trump's policy of seeking to assert power abroad through a boost in natural gas, coal and petroleum exports. He said on Thursday that the "golden era" of the U.S. energy business was now underway.

But any new LNG agreements with India will depend on how GAIL and Cheniere of the United States deal with a long-term supply contract signed in 2011 for an estimated $22 billion.

India's GAIL has deals to buy 5.8 million tonnes of U.S. LNG per annum for 20 years, mostly with Cheniere, but is now asking to re-negotiate the price. A commissioning cargo was sent last year, but supplies in earnest will only likely start in 2018.

Two sources at state-run GAIL said they were trying to re-negotiate the contract.

"At current U.S. prices, the landed cost of the LNG (in India) is not very attractive," said one of the sources on condition of anonymity, as he was not cleared to speak to media. Neither source gave any details on what price GAIL was seeking.

"We are trying a mix of options on pricing, and re-negotiating is one of them," the source said. "My perception is that the talks with Cheniere in this regard are not very likely to succeed."

Officially, GAIL has declined comment on the row.

Cheniere, currently the only U.S. company exporting LNG, said it was not open to a lower price.

"Our customers expect us to deliver on our commitments, and we expect the same. This is a signed long-term contract that we believe will provide long-term value and we expect the contract to be adhered to," said Eben Burnham-Snyder, a spokesman at Cheniere.

The contract price is calculated on a formula based on U.S. spot prices for natural gas, and currently, costs India $8.50 per million British thermal units (mmBtu).

Traders said that Cheniere would struggle to send cargoes at a lower price.

GAIL under pressure

Asian spot LNG prices, which exclude all extra costs like shipping, have fallen by more than 40 percent this year to $5.40 per mmBtu amid ballooning oversupply as production from Australia and the United States rises.

R.K. Garg, head of finance at Petronet LNG , India's biggest gas importer, told Reuters that at current oil prices, long-term gas contracts were being offered at $6-7 per mmBtu.

Mangesh Patankar, head of business development at energy consultancy Galway Group, said that GAIL was trying for lower prices because the company was struggling to sell contracted U.S. LNG on to end-users in India, who are demanding cheaper gas from GAIL themselves.

"A lot of the (LNG) buyers are doing that right now. With the ramp up in Australia and U.S. volumes, and demand being not that active in the end-user market, a lot of the buyers have had to do that," he said.

Other LNG buyers, including top importer Japan, are also pressing for better terms.

Washington has been using LNG as a diplomatic and political tool. Although sales are a commercial matter, Washington has been laying foundations for contracts with key buyers, including China.

Trump has made LNG exports a central part of his trade policy, aimed at reviving industry and creating jobs. Asian markets account for about 70 percent of global LNG shipments, and India is one of the fastest-growing importers.

Trump will be visiting Poland next week and plans to promote U.S. LNG exports at a meeting in Warsaw with a dozen leaders from central and eastern Europe.

NEW DELHI: India's biggest importer of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) is trying to re-negotiate prices with the U.S. seller, sources said, undermining plans by U.S. President Donald Trump to export more gas to the fast-growing Asian nation. At a joint news conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House this week, Trump said the United States looked forward to exporting more energy, including new major long-term contracts to purchase American natural gas. The effort is part of Trump's policy of seeking to assert power abroad through a boost in natural gas, coal and petroleum exports. He said on Thursday that the "golden era" of the U.S. energy business was now underway. But any new LNG agreements with India will depend on how GAIL and Cheniere of the United States deal with a long-term supply contract signed in 2011 for an estimated $22 billion. India's GAIL has deals to buy 5.8 million tonnes of U.S. LNG per annum for 20 years, mostly with Cheniere, but is now asking to re-negotiate the price. A commissioning cargo was sent last year, but supplies in earnest will only likely start in 2018. Two sources at state-run GAIL said they were trying to re-negotiate the contract. "At current U.S. prices, the landed cost of the LNG (in India) is not very attractive," said one of the sources on condition of anonymity, as he was not cleared to speak to media. Neither source gave any details on what price GAIL was seeking. "We are trying a mix of options on pricing, and re-negotiating is one of them," the source said. "My perception is that the talks with Cheniere in this regard are not very likely to succeed." Officially, GAIL has declined comment on the row. Cheniere, currently the only U.S. company exporting LNG, said it was not open to a lower price. "Our customers expect us to deliver on our commitments, and we expect the same. This is a signed long-term contract that we believe will provide long-term value and we expect the contract to be adhered to," said Eben Burnham-Snyder, a spokesman at Cheniere. The contract price is calculated on a formula based on U.S. spot prices for natural gas, and currently, costs India $8.50 per million British thermal units (mmBtu). Traders said that Cheniere would struggle to send cargoes at a lower price. GAIL under pressure Asian spot LNG prices, which exclude all extra costs like shipping, have fallen by more than 40 percent this year to $5.40 per mmBtu amid ballooning oversupply as production from Australia and the United States rises. R.K. Garg, head of finance at Petronet LNG , India's biggest gas importer, told Reuters that at current oil prices, long-term gas contracts were being offered at $6-7 per mmBtu. Mangesh Patankar, head of business development at energy consultancy Galway Group, said that GAIL was trying for lower prices because the company was struggling to sell contracted U.S. LNG on to end-users in India, who are demanding cheaper gas from GAIL themselves. "A lot of the (LNG) buyers are doing that right now. With the ramp up in Australia and U.S. volumes, and demand being not that active in the end-user market, a lot of the buyers have had to do that," he said. Other LNG buyers, including top importer Japan, are also pressing for better terms. Washington has been using LNG as a diplomatic and political tool. Although sales are a commercial matter, Washington has been laying foundations for contracts with key buyers, including China. Trump has made LNG exports a central part of his trade policy, aimed at reviving industry and creating jobs. Asian markets account for about 70 percent of global LNG shipments, and India is one of the fastest-growing importers. Trump will be visiting Poland next week and plans to promote U.S. LNG exports at a meeting in Warsaw with a dozen leaders from central and eastern Europe.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Chinese mobile manufacturer Transsion Holdings, which owns the Tecno and Itel brands that recently made their way to the Indian market, on Thursday forged a joint venture with Spice Mobility, to strengthen its foothold in the worlds fastest growing mobile market.

This partnership aims to revitalise the Spice brand by cross leveraging organisations strengths to offer a simple yet rich digital experience to the Indian youth.

With Transsions success in India over the past year, this JV is a win-win situation for both the groups, Lin Qin, vice-president, Transsion Holdings, said. He added the company is exploring various strategic opportunities by building on each others strengths such as wide distribution strength, understanding of the Indian consumer and a comprehensive portfolio of quality products.

Transsion and Spice Mobility will be launching 10 devices under the new Spice brand over the next six months  five each of smartphones and feature phones priced between Rs 600 and Rs 8,000.

It will cater to the highly competitive sub Rs 10,000 market which has had far fewer players focusing on it, compared to previous year, as most Indian players like Micromax and Intex have begun to expand their portfolio in mid-premium segments (ranging upwards of Rs 15,000).

As a strategic partner, we believe this combines Spices legacy strength and Transsions global leadership to bring a new mobility experience to our consumers. This JV is a commitment towards furthering digital inclusion in India, said Dilip Modi, executive chairman, Spice Mobility.

NEW DELHI: Chinese mobile manufacturer Transsion Holdings, which owns the Tecno and Itel brands that recently made their way to the Indian market, on Thursday forged a joint venture with Spice Mobility, to strengthen its foothold in the worlds fastest growing mobile market. This partnership aims to revitalise the Spice brand by cross leveraging organisations strengths to offer a simple yet rich digital experience to the Indian youth. With Transsions success in India over the past year, this JV is a win-win situation for both the groups, Lin Qin, vice-president, Transsion Holdings, said. He added the company is exploring various strategic opportunities by building on each others strengths such as wide distribution strength, understanding of the Indian consumer and a comprehensive portfolio of quality products. Transsion and Spice Mobility will be launching 10 devices under the new Spice brand over the next six months  five each of smartphones and feature phones priced between Rs 600 and Rs 8,000. It will cater to the highly competitive sub Rs 10,000 market which has had far fewer players focusing on it, compared to previous year, as most Indian players like Micromax and Intex have begun to expand their portfolio in mid-premium segments (ranging upwards of Rs 15,000). As a strategic partner, we believe this combines Spices legacy strength and Transsions global leadership to bring a new mobility experience to our consumers. This JV is a commitment towards furthering digital inclusion in India, said Dilip Modi, executive chairman, Spice Mobility.
Shruthi HM By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: The new tax regime under goods and services tax (GST) will be rolled out across the country on Saturday.

As on date, all the states and Union territories have ratified the GST Act, except Jammu & Kashmir.

However, while states are legally ready to implement GST, industry experts foresee technology glitches for its implementation. Many were of the opinion that the government is not yet ready to take the plunge.

In the beginning of June, several states were still sitting on the legislation, the finance ministry made it clear that both traders and consumers in states that have not passed the Act would suffer losses as these states would not get the benefit of input tax and they would have to pay the tax twice, which will eventually make products more expensive.

Apart from passing the GST Bill, all states are directly dependent on the Union government GST compatible technology. The Centre, has delegated this task to the GST Network.

Karnatakas IT & Biotechnology minister Priyank M Kharge said the Centre had assured a unified technological interface for rolling out GST and the state governments were banking on the same. The Karnataka government has conducted several meetings with industry bodies to create awareness about GST. However, when it comes to the technology aspect, the government is dependent on the GST Network, he said.

The GSTN portal will be at the front-end of the GST IT ecosystem for all taxpayers across the country. Third party technology enablers categorised as GST Suvidha Provider (GSP) and Application Service Providers (ASP) are also part of the GST technology interface ecosystem.

Until now, no one has vetted the system created by these technology enablers and this could turn out to be a major hurdle for GST implementation, according to industry experts.

The 38 GST Suvidha Providers have created minimum infrastructure. You have a very key member in the whole scheme of things whose application has not been tested, said P Venkatesh, director - platforms and solutions at Maveric Systems.

We would not be surprised that they are neither fully equipped technically nor are they confident about handling the transition. Do we still go ahead with the rollout? If priority be given to quality in this implementation, then obviously No is the answer. However, if time is the most critical factor in this implementation, then the answer will be Yes; which would also mean the necessity of a large team to address all those teething issues, Venkatesh observed.

BENGALURU: The new tax regime under goods and services tax (GST) will be rolled out across the country on Saturday. As on date, all the states and Union territories have ratified the GST Act, except Jammu & Kashmir. However, while states are legally ready to implement GST, industry experts foresee technology glitches for its implementation. Many were of the opinion that the government is not yet ready to take the plunge. In the beginning of June, several states were still sitting on the legislation, the finance ministry made it clear that both traders and consumers in states that have not passed the Act would suffer losses as these states would not get the benefit of input tax and they would have to pay the tax twice, which will eventually make products more expensive. Apart from passing the GST Bill, all states are directly dependent on the Union government GST compatible technology. The Centre, has delegated this task to the GST Network. Karnatakas IT & Biotechnology minister Priyank M Kharge said the Centre had assured a unified technological interface for rolling out GST and the state governments were banking on the same. The Karnataka government has conducted several meetings with industry bodies to create awareness about GST. However, when it comes to the technology aspect, the government is dependent on the GST Network, he said. The GSTN portal will be at the front-end of the GST IT ecosystem for all taxpayers across the country. Third party technology enablers categorised as GST Suvidha Provider (GSP) and Application Service Providers (ASP) are also part of the GST technology interface ecosystem. Until now, no one has vetted the system created by these technology enablers and this could turn out to be a major hurdle for GST implementation, according to industry experts. The 38 GST Suvidha Providers have created minimum infrastructure. You have a very key member in the whole scheme of things whose application has not been tested, said P Venkatesh, director - platforms and solutions at Maveric Systems. We would not be surprised that they are neither fully equipped technically nor are they confident about handling the transition. Do we still go ahead with the rollout? If priority be given to quality in this implementation, then obviously No is the answer. However, if time is the most critical factor in this implementation, then the answer will be Yes; which would also mean the necessity of a large team to address all those teething issues, Venkatesh observed.
Ashwini M Sripad By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: In just about one days time, the citys famous watering holes will turn dry as pubs and bars located on highways passing through cities are set to shut shop. And all that the state government is doing is to try and convince the Centre to denotify highways passing through cities. But theres not much time left.

Meanwhile, the state government is looking at a revenue shortfall of about Rs 8000 crore due to the closure of bars and pubs on highways. According to Excise department officials, there are 1,00,065 licensees in Karnataka including retail liquor shops, pubs and bars where beer, wine and other hard liquor are sold and served.

Earlier, we had estimated that about 55 per cent of these licensees will come under the ambit of the Supreme Court directive. Later, the respective district administrations conducted land survey and found that some outlets/bars are in the safe zone. We now estimate around 50 per cent of licence holders are under threat of closure. This means that the government stands to lose about `8,000 crore in revenue, a senior Excise official said.

Bengaluru that has four excise divisions of which Bengaluru East and South have more number of bars, pubs and other restaurants that serve liquor. Of the 248 bars, pubs and liquor shops in East division, 98 are in Ashok Nagar range that includes M G Road and surrounding areas, followed by 35 in Ulsoor jurisdiction.

According to official sources, last year, they collected Rs16,480 crore in excise revenue of which 33 per cent is from Bengaluru alone. As half the number of liquor outlets are on highways, we are estimating the loss to be around 50 per cent, which is around `8,000 crore. This is a huge amount. Of this Rs 8,000 crore, close to 40 per cent of the revenue comes from outlets that are located on highways that pass through Bengaluru including Indiranagar, MG Road, Koramanagala, Hosur Road, St Marks Road and other places, the official said.

When contacted, Excise Commissioner M Manjunath Naik said they are bound to implement the Supreme Court order and issue notices to liquor outlets that are within 500 metres from the highways.

We do not have information on the number of liquor outlets that have been issued notices as it comes under respective district deputy commissioners, who are the enforcing authority. I have instructed our officials to check the location when a licence holder applies for renewal, he said.

Government authorities only throw up their hands.

What can we do? It is not that we did it or wanted to do it. If there was any alternative measures, the state could have taken it by this time. Now it is not in our hands. Only the Government of India can denotify these highways and save the bars and pubs located in the heart of the city.

There will be huge revenue loss if the ban is enforced strictly. We are continuously persuading the Centre, but we are yet to get their nod, Additional Chief Secretary I S N Prasad said.

BENGALURU: In just about one days time, the citys famous watering holes will turn dry as pubs and bars located on highways passing through cities are set to shut shop. And all that the state government is doing is to try and convince the Centre to denotify highways passing through cities. But theres not much time left. Meanwhile, the state government is looking at a revenue shortfall of about Rs 8000 crore due to the closure of bars and pubs on highways. According to Excise department officials, there are 1,00,065 licensees in Karnataka including retail liquor shops, pubs and bars where beer, wine and other hard liquor are sold and served. Earlier, we had estimated that about 55 per cent of these licensees will come under the ambit of the Supreme Court directive. Later, the respective district administrations conducted land survey and found that some outlets/bars are in the safe zone. We now estimate around 50 per cent of licence holders are under threat of closure. This means that the government stands to lose about `8,000 crore in revenue, a senior Excise official said. Bengaluru that has four excise divisions of which Bengaluru East and South have more number of bars, pubs and other restaurants that serve liquor. Of the 248 bars, pubs and liquor shops in East division, 98 are in Ashok Nagar range that includes M G Road and surrounding areas, followed by 35 in Ulsoor jurisdiction. According to official sources, last year, they collected Rs16,480 crore in excise revenue of which 33 per cent is from Bengaluru alone. As half the number of liquor outlets are on highways, we are estimating the loss to be around 50 per cent, which is around `8,000 crore. This is a huge amount. Of this Rs 8,000 crore, close to 40 per cent of the revenue comes from outlets that are located on highways that pass through Bengaluru including Indiranagar, MG Road, Koramanagala, Hosur Road, St Marks Road and other places, the official said. When contacted, Excise Commissioner M Manjunath Naik said they are bound to implement the Supreme Court order and issue notices to liquor outlets that are within 500 metres from the highways. We do not have information on the number of liquor outlets that have been issued notices as it comes under respective district deputy commissioners, who are the enforcing authority. I have instructed our officials to check the location when a licence holder applies for renewal, he said. Government authorities only throw up their hands. What can we do? It is not that we did it or wanted to do it. If there was any alternative measures, the state could have taken it by this time. Now it is not in our hands. Only the Government of India can denotify these highways and save the bars and pubs located in the heart of the city. There will be huge revenue loss if the ban is enforced strictly. We are continuously persuading the Centre, but we are yet to get their nod, Additional Chief Secretary I S N Prasad said.
Dia Rekhi By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to a new tax regime. For tax consultants, the last couple of weeks has been nothing short of a whirlwind. With Goods and Services Tax (GST) being implemented from July 1, theyre gearing up for a turbulent period where the questions will increase and the answers will be hard to come by.

I am constantly on the phone and my phone charger is my lifesaver, said S Ramkumar, Head of Risk Advisory Services & Consulting at Sundaram & Srinivasan Chartered Accountants. The change has made a lot of people nervous. The awareness and preparedness to complement a tax reform of this magnitude are lacking. That is partly why our clients went up from 150 to nearly 1,000 in the last 10 days.

He attributed this to people assuming the date for implementation would be pushed further.

Most of the clients are small players, said Ramkumar. They are unaware of the procedure and are seeking advice to register themselves and come within the ambit of the GST system. According to Section 9 (4) of the GST Act, the government has said unregistered small players need not get registered. However, aside from larger players, even registered traders would prefer a registered player over an unregistered one.

Depending on the size of the company, their preparedness to deal with the situation differs.

We have been preparing for this ever since the draft bill was released, said Shankar Menon, Director at Chakiat Agencies. We did reach out to a few advisers, but most of the study has been done internally. Our view is that medium and large companies will sail through this change with some challenges but small players could take a beating during this transition period.

The sense of nervousness and uncertainty is palpable.

There is a sense of uncertainty because, with GST, the answers have been quite hard to come by, said Abhyuday Purkayastha, Brand Manager at Viari and Bayleaf. We have a small finance team but have spoken to around 10 different tax consultants. Even so, there is still a lot of ambiguity. We are just keeping ourselves clued in on every update the government puts out and consulting others in the business.

A number of unresolved issues on the government portal is only adding to consultants woes.

I am panicking, said N Sacchidanand, Principal Consultant at Bhuva Tax Consultants. There are constant changes happening on the registration site and so many technical glitches too. I have 20 more registrations to do and at this pace, I dont know if they will all happen by July 1.

A number of clients have asked about the benefits they will derive from input tax credit, consultants said. However, they echoed Purkayasthas sentiment when he said that the benefit of input tax credit can only be passed on to customers if there is complete compliance on the part of vendors and suppliers in the system.

It wont be a simple transition, Purkayastha said. Prices may fluctuate and there may be a momentary dip in business, but we perceive that GST will provide long-term benefit. However, the only way this system-driven approach will work is if everyone in the supply chain is compliant.

CHENNAI: At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to a new tax regime. For tax consultants, the last couple of weeks has been nothing short of a whirlwind. With Goods and Services Tax (GST) being implemented from July 1, theyre gearing up for a turbulent period where the questions will increase and the answers will be hard to come by. I am constantly on the phone and my phone charger is my lifesaver, said S Ramkumar, Head of Risk Advisory Services & Consulting at Sundaram & Srinivasan Chartered Accountants. The change has made a lot of people nervous. The awareness and preparedness to complement a tax reform of this magnitude are lacking. That is partly why our clients went up from 150 to nearly 1,000 in the last 10 days. He attributed this to people assuming the date for implementation would be pushed further. Most of the clients are small players, said Ramkumar. They are unaware of the procedure and are seeking advice to register themselves and come within the ambit of the GST system. According to Section 9 (4) of the GST Act, the government has said unregistered small players need not get registered. However, aside from larger players, even registered traders would prefer a registered player over an unregistered one. Depending on the size of the company, their preparedness to deal with the situation differs. We have been preparing for this ever since the draft bill was released, said Shankar Menon, Director at Chakiat Agencies. We did reach out to a few advisers, but most of the study has been done internally. Our view is that medium and large companies will sail through this change with some challenges but small players could take a beating during this transition period. The sense of nervousness and uncertainty is palpable. There is a sense of uncertainty because, with GST, the answers have been quite hard to come by, said Abhyuday Purkayastha, Brand Manager at Viari and Bayleaf. We have a small finance team but have spoken to around 10 different tax consultants. Even so, there is still a lot of ambiguity. We are just keeping ourselves clued in on every update the government puts out and consulting others in the business. A number of unresolved issues on the government portal is only adding to consultants woes. I am panicking, said N Sacchidanand, Principal Consultant at Bhuva Tax Consultants. There are constant changes happening on the registration site and so many technical glitches too. I have 20 more registrations to do and at this pace, I dont know if they will all happen by July 1. A number of clients have asked about the benefits they will derive from input tax credit, consultants said. However, they echoed Purkayasthas sentiment when he said that the benefit of input tax credit can only be passed on to customers if there is complete compliance on the part of vendors and suppliers in the system. It wont be a simple transition, Purkayastha said. Prices may fluctuate and there may be a momentary dip in business, but we perceive that GST will provide long-term benefit. However, the only way this system-driven approach will work is if everyone in the supply chain is compliant.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: THE state government signed a deal with the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA), on Thursday, paving way for access to high-value investments from South-East Asia and the markets there.

Secretary of Electronics and Information Technology M Sivasankar and IESA president M N Vidyashankar signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Under the agreement, Kerala will partner with IESA - the countrys premier industry body for electronics, semiconductor and embedded systems - to set up a liaison agency in Taiwan to promote the investment potential of the states electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) sector. In addition to the host nation, the other target countries are South Korea and the Philippines. The MoU is valid for five years.

By providing additional avenues for investment, collaboration and expansion, the partnership will complement the governments efforts to re-energise the states electronics manufacturing capacity and its vibrant startup ecosystem, Sivasankar said.

The thrust segments for investment will be consumer, industrial and solar electronics as also medical products and automotive electronics devices, among other areas. For mobilising investment, the agency will identify and facilitate tie-ups between leading firms in the target countries and home-grown entities within or outside the states Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs).

The agency will conduct two annual road shows, one each in Taiwan and Kerala, and organise delegation visits. The IESA will also prepare a strategic roadmap outlining brand marketing and potential investment opportunities for the next five years.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: THE state government signed a deal with the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA), on Thursday, paving way for access to high-value investments from South-East Asia and the markets there. Secretary of Electronics and Information Technology M Sivasankar and IESA president M N Vidyashankar signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Under the agreement, Kerala will partner with IESA - the countrys premier industry body for electronics, semiconductor and embedded systems - to set up a liaison agency in Taiwan to promote the investment potential of the states electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) sector. In addition to the host nation, the other target countries are South Korea and the Philippines. The MoU is valid for five years. By providing additional avenues for investment, collaboration and expansion, the partnership will complement the governments efforts to re-energise the states electronics manufacturing capacity and its vibrant startup ecosystem, Sivasankar said. The thrust segments for investment will be consumer, industrial and solar electronics as also medical products and automotive electronics devices, among other areas. For mobilising investment, the agency will identify and facilitate tie-ups between leading firms in the target countries and home-grown entities within or outside the states Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs). The agency will conduct two annual road shows, one each in Taiwan and Kerala, and organise delegation visits. The IESA will also prepare a strategic roadmap outlining brand marketing and potential investment opportunities for the next five years.
By Associated Press

PARIS: A cyberattack that caused indiscriminate economic damage around the world was apparently designed to create maximum havoc in Russia's neighbor and adversary Ukraine, security researchers said.

While the rogue software used in the attack was configured as extortionate "ransomware," that may have just been a ruse.

"It is clear that this was targeted indiscriminately at Ukrainian businesses, and the Ukrainian government," Jake Williams, president of the security firm Rendition Infosec and a former member of the U.S. National Security Agency's elite cyberwarfare group, told The Associated Press in an online chat. "The 'ransomware' component is just a smokescreen (and a bad one)."

UKRAINE IN PAIN

Although the attack was global in its reach, Ukraine bore the brunt. Computers were disabled at banks, government agencies, energy companies, supermarkets, railways and telecommunications providers. Many of these organizations said they had recovered by Thursday, although some experts suspected that work was incomplete.

"There is still a lot of damage, especially in banks," said Victor Zhora, CEO of the Kiev cybersecurity firm InfoSafe. "ATMs are working (again) but some bank operations are still limited." He estimated damage in "the millions of dollars, perhaps tens of millions."

And that's just in Ukraine. Microsoft said the malware hit at least 64 nations, including Russia, Germany and the United States. "I expect that we will see additional fallout from this is the coming days," said Williams.

In Ukraine, suspicion immediately fell on hackers affiliated with Vladimir Putin's regime, although there is no direct, public evidence tying Russia to the attack. Relations between the two nations have been tense since Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. Pro-Russian fighters are still battling the government in eastern Ukraine.

Experts have also blamed pro-Russian hackers for major cyberattacks on the Ukrainian power grid in 2015 and 2016, assaults that have turned the eastern European nation into the world's leading cyberwarfare testing ground. A disruptive attack on the nation's voting system ahead of 2014 national elections is also attributed to Russia.

THE MOSCOW CONNECTION

The malicious program, which researchers are calling NotPetya, initially appeared to be ransomware. Such malware locks up victims' files by encrypting them, then holds them hostage while demanding payment  usually in bitcoin, the hard-to-trace digital currency.

But researchers said the culprits would have been hard-pressed to make money off the scheme. They appear to have relied on a single email address that was blocked almost immediately and a single bitcoin account that collected the relatively puny sum of $10,000.

Firms including Russia's anti-virus Kaspersky Lab, said clues in the code indicate that the program's authors would have been incapable of decrypting the data, further evidence that the ransom demands were a smoke screen.

The timing was intriguing, too. The attack came the same day as the assassination of a senior Ukrainian military intelligence officer and a day before a national holiday celebrating the new Ukrainian constitution signed after the breakup of the Soviet Union.

"Everything being said so far does point to Russia being a leading candidate for a suspect in this attack," said Robert M. Lee, CEO of Dragos Inc. an expert who has studied the attacks on Ukraine's power grid.

What's most worrisome and reprehensible, said Lee, is that whoever was behind the attack was unconcerned about the indiscriminate, collateral damage it caused  much of it within Russia itself. That's highly atypical behavior for nation-states.

ACCOUNTING FOR MALWARE

Williams and other researchers said all evidence indicates that NotPetya was introduced via Ukrainian financial software provider MeDoc. It is one of just two companies in the eastern European nation that supplies required tax software, Zhora said.

Security experts believe MeDoc was the unwitting victim of something akin to a "watering-hole attack," where a malicious program surreptitiously planted at a popular destination infects parties that visit. The method was previously uses to infect industrial control systems operators through software updates in a cyberespionage campaign dubbed "Dragonfly" that was "widely attributed to Russia," said Williams.

MeDoc's user base is heavily financial  and includes multinational corporations with offices in Ukraine.

Not Petya was cleverly engineered to spread laterally within Windows networks and across the globe via private network connections. Globally, dozens of major corporations and government agencies have been disrupted, including FedEx subsidiary TNT.

Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk, one of the global companies hit hardest, said Thursday that most of its terminals were running again, though some are operating in a limited way or more slowly than usual.

Problems have been reported across the shippers' global business, from Mobile, Alabama, to Mumbai in India. At Mumbai's Jawaharlal Nehru Port, several hundred containers could be seen piled up at just two of more than a dozen yards.

"The vessels are coming, the ships are coming, but they are not able to take the container because all the systems are down," trading and clearing agent Rajeshree Verma said. "We are actually in a fix because of all this."

PARIS: A cyberattack that caused indiscriminate economic damage around the world was apparently designed to create maximum havoc in Russia's neighbor and adversary Ukraine, security researchers said. While the rogue software used in the attack was configured as extortionate "ransomware," that may have just been a ruse. "It is clear that this was targeted indiscriminately at Ukrainian businesses, and the Ukrainian government," Jake Williams, president of the security firm Rendition Infosec and a former member of the U.S. National Security Agency's elite cyberwarfare group, told The Associated Press in an online chat. "The 'ransomware' component is just a smokescreen (and a bad one)." UKRAINE IN PAIN Although the attack was global in its reach, Ukraine bore the brunt. Computers were disabled at banks, government agencies, energy companies, supermarkets, railways and telecommunications providers. Many of these organizations said they had recovered by Thursday, although some experts suspected that work was incomplete. "There is still a lot of damage, especially in banks," said Victor Zhora, CEO of the Kiev cybersecurity firm InfoSafe. "ATMs are working (again) but some bank operations are still limited." He estimated damage in "the millions of dollars, perhaps tens of millions." And that's just in Ukraine. Microsoft said the malware hit at least 64 nations, including Russia, Germany and the United States. "I expect that we will see additional fallout from this is the coming days," said Williams. In Ukraine, suspicion immediately fell on hackers affiliated with Vladimir Putin's regime, although there is no direct, public evidence tying Russia to the attack. Relations between the two nations have been tense since Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. Pro-Russian fighters are still battling the government in eastern Ukraine. Experts have also blamed pro-Russian hackers for major cyberattacks on the Ukrainian power grid in 2015 and 2016, assaults that have turned the eastern European nation into the world's leading cyberwarfare testing ground. A disruptive attack on the nation's voting system ahead of 2014 national elections is also attributed to Russia. THE MOSCOW CONNECTION The malicious program, which researchers are calling NotPetya, initially appeared to be ransomware. Such malware locks up victims' files by encrypting them, then holds them hostage while demanding payment  usually in bitcoin, the hard-to-trace digital currency. But researchers said the culprits would have been hard-pressed to make money off the scheme. They appear to have relied on a single email address that was blocked almost immediately and a single bitcoin account that collected the relatively puny sum of $10,000. Firms including Russia's anti-virus Kaspersky Lab, said clues in the code indicate that the program's authors would have been incapable of decrypting the data, further evidence that the ransom demands were a smoke screen. The timing was intriguing, too. The attack came the same day as the assassination of a senior Ukrainian military intelligence officer and a day before a national holiday celebrating the new Ukrainian constitution signed after the breakup of the Soviet Union. "Everything being said so far does point to Russia being a leading candidate for a suspect in this attack," said Robert M. Lee, CEO of Dragos Inc. an expert who has studied the attacks on Ukraine's power grid. What's most worrisome and reprehensible, said Lee, is that whoever was behind the attack was unconcerned about the indiscriminate, collateral damage it caused  much of it within Russia itself. That's highly atypical behavior for nation-states. ACCOUNTING FOR MALWARE Williams and other researchers said all evidence indicates that NotPetya was introduced via Ukrainian financial software provider MeDoc. It is one of just two companies in the eastern European nation that supplies required tax software, Zhora said. Security experts believe MeDoc was the unwitting victim of something akin to a "watering-hole attack," where a malicious program surreptitiously planted at a popular destination infects parties that visit. The method was previously uses to infect industrial control systems operators through software updates in a cyberespionage campaign dubbed "Dragonfly" that was "widely attributed to Russia," said Williams. MeDoc's user base is heavily financial  and includes multinational corporations with offices in Ukraine. Not Petya was cleverly engineered to spread laterally within Windows networks and across the globe via private network connections. Globally, dozens of major corporations and government agencies have been disrupted, including FedEx subsidiary TNT. Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk, one of the global companies hit hardest, said Thursday that most of its terminals were running again, though some are operating in a limited way or more slowly than usual. Problems have been reported across the shippers' global business, from Mobile, Alabama, to Mumbai in India. At Mumbai's Jawaharlal Nehru Port, several hundred containers could be seen piled up at just two of more than a dozen yards. "The vessels are coming, the ships are coming, but they are not able to take the container because all the systems are down," trading and clearing agent Rajeshree Verma said. "We are actually in a fix because of all this."
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court today granted bail on medical grounds to an 89-year-old convict serving life term in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

A vacation bench of Justices Manmohan and Yogesh Khanna released retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal on bail till July four on the ground that he has to undergo a surgery.

The court granted him the relief till July four instead of three months sought by the convict, so that the bench which is hearing the anti-Sikh riots cases can take a final decision on his plea.

"A prayer is made for suspension of sentence for three months. In view of the circumstances placed before us, the sentence of the appellant is suspended till July 4," the bench said in its interim order.

The convict is already on interim bail since March 24 on medical grounds.

Bhagmal, through his counsel, had stated that he is suffering from enlarged prostrate for which he has to undergo surgery which would require stay in the hospital.

Taking note of his medical condition, the bench extended his bail on furnishing of a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with one surety of the like amount.

It directed Bhagmal to give the address at which he would be available and the mobile number on which he can be contacted by the CBI during the interim suspension of his sentence.

The bench asked the convict not to get in touch with any witness or the legal heirs of the deceased.

"In case, there is a violation of this condition, it will be open to the CBI to move an application for recall of this order," it said, adding that Bhagmal shall not leave the National Capital Territory of Delhi without its permission.

Bhagmal, former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, Girdhari Lal and two others were held guilty in a case relating to the murder of five members of a family in Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment on November 1, 1984, after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

They had challenged their conviction and the sentence awarded by the trial court in May 2013.

The trial court had acquitted Congress leader Sajjan Kumar but awarded life term to Bhagmal, Khokhar and Girdhari Lal and three-year jail term to two others  former MLA Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar.

The convicts have filed appeals before the High Court while CBI too has filed an appeal alleging that they were engaged in "a planned communal riot" and "religious cleansing". The agency has also appealed against acquittal of Kumar.

The high court had on March 29 this year issued show cause notices to 11 accused including Khokhar and Yadav in five 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases.

The accused, who were acquitted of the charges, were asked why should the court not order reinvestigation and retrial against them as they faced allegations of "horrifying crimes against humanity".

The bench had issued notices on the complaints filed regarding the violent incidents on November 1 and 2, 1984 in the Delhi Cantonment area.

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court today granted bail on medical grounds to an 89-year-old convict serving life term in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. A vacation bench of Justices Manmohan and Yogesh Khanna released retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal on bail till July four on the ground that he has to undergo a surgery. The court granted him the relief till July four instead of three months sought by the convict, so that the bench which is hearing the anti-Sikh riots cases can take a final decision on his plea. "A prayer is made for suspension of sentence for three months. In view of the circumstances placed before us, the sentence of the appellant is suspended till July 4," the bench said in its interim order. The convict is already on interim bail since March 24 on medical grounds. Bhagmal, through his counsel, had stated that he is suffering from enlarged prostrate for which he has to undergo surgery which would require stay in the hospital. Taking note of his medical condition, the bench extended his bail on furnishing of a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with one surety of the like amount. It directed Bhagmal to give the address at which he would be available and the mobile number on which he can be contacted by the CBI during the interim suspension of his sentence. The bench asked the convict not to get in touch with any witness or the legal heirs of the deceased. "In case, there is a violation of this condition, it will be open to the CBI to move an application for recall of this order," it said, adding that Bhagmal shall not leave the National Capital Territory of Delhi without its permission. Bhagmal, former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, Girdhari Lal and two others were held guilty in a case relating to the murder of five members of a family in Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment on November 1, 1984, after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. They had challenged their conviction and the sentence awarded by the trial court in May 2013. The trial court had acquitted Congress leader Sajjan Kumar but awarded life term to Bhagmal, Khokhar and Girdhari Lal and three-year jail term to two others  former MLA Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar. The convicts have filed appeals before the High Court while CBI too has filed an appeal alleging that they were engaged in "a planned communal riot" and "religious cleansing". The agency has also appealed against acquittal of Kumar. The high court had on March 29 this year issued show cause notices to 11 accused including Khokhar and Yadav in five 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases. The accused, who were acquitted of the charges, were asked why should the court not order reinvestigation and retrial against them as they faced allegations of "horrifying crimes against humanity". The bench had issued notices on the complaints filed regarding the violent incidents on November 1 and 2, 1984 in the Delhi Cantonment area.
By PTI

KOLKATA: The West Bengal government yesterday told the Calcutta High Court that it urgently needed additional Central Armed Police Force to tackle disturbances in Darjeeling.

"We had made a requisition for 30 companies of CAPF, but have got only 11 companies from the Centre," state Advocate General Kishore Dutta told a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Nishita Mhatre and Justice T Chakraborty.

"We urgently need at least 15 to 20 companies (an addition of four to nine companies to the present deployment) in Darjeeling and Kalimpong," Dutta told the bench which is hearing petitions seeking restoration of normalcy in the Darjeeling hills.

Observing that the issue has to be resolved, the bench directed the state government to make a fresh requisition to the Centre seeking additional forces.

The court also directed additional solicitor general, representing the Union Government, to take instructions from the Centre on its position over deployment of more CAPF in Darjeeling, which has been witnessing large-scale violence since June eight over demands for a separate state, named 'Gorkhaland.'

The ASG was asked to apprise the court of the Centre's stand on July four, when the matter would be taken up for hearing again.

The advocate general informed the court that at present there were 3,506 state police personnel deployed in the hills, while the CAPF deployment was of 704 personnel.

The state's top law officer also submitted that on the court's direction, a copy of the petition and notice had been served on Gurung's office and pasted on its walls.

No lawyer, however, represented Gurung or his party Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, which is spearheading the movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland to be carved out of West Bengal, during today's hearing.

One of the petitioners submitted that Gorkha Janmukti Morcha president Bimal Gurung, his wife Asha and several others accused in the killing of All India Gorkha League leader Madan Tamang had been directed to stay in Kolkata from the date of framing of charge in the case and till completion of the trial.

Counsel Indranil Roy submitted that another division bench of the high court, while granting bail to these accused on December 19, 2016, had directed them to stay in Kolkata police area during the said period.

Stating that the bench had directed that the trial court frame charges against the accused by February, 2017, Roy submitted that it should be found out whether charge framing had commenced and if so, Gurung and others had flouted directions of the high court by staying put in Darjeeling.

Upon hearing the submission, acting Chief Justice Mhatre directed the state's advocate general to find out the facts and inform the court.

The trial in the case had been transferred from Darjeeling to Kolkata by the high court on a plea by Tamang's widow that the accused persons could influence witnesses.

KOLKATA: The West Bengal government yesterday told the Calcutta High Court that it urgently needed additional Central Armed Police Force to tackle disturbances in Darjeeling. "We had made a requisition for 30 companies of CAPF, but have got only 11 companies from the Centre," state Advocate General Kishore Dutta told a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Nishita Mhatre and Justice T Chakraborty. "We urgently need at least 15 to 20 companies (an addition of four to nine companies to the present deployment) in Darjeeling and Kalimpong," Dutta told the bench which is hearing petitions seeking restoration of normalcy in the Darjeeling hills. Observing that the issue has to be resolved, the bench directed the state government to make a fresh requisition to the Centre seeking additional forces. The court also directed additional solicitor general, representing the Union Government, to take instructions from the Centre on its position over deployment of more CAPF in Darjeeling, which has been witnessing large-scale violence since June eight over demands for a separate state, named 'Gorkhaland.' The ASG was asked to apprise the court of the Centre's stand on July four, when the matter would be taken up for hearing again. The advocate general informed the court that at present there were 3,506 state police personnel deployed in the hills, while the CAPF deployment was of 704 personnel. The state's top law officer also submitted that on the court's direction, a copy of the petition and notice had been served on Gurung's office and pasted on its walls. No lawyer, however, represented Gurung or his party Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, which is spearheading the movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland to be carved out of West Bengal, during today's hearing. One of the petitioners submitted that Gorkha Janmukti Morcha president Bimal Gurung, his wife Asha and several others accused in the killing of All India Gorkha League leader Madan Tamang had been directed to stay in Kolkata from the date of framing of charge in the case and till completion of the trial. Counsel Indranil Roy submitted that another division bench of the high court, while granting bail to these accused on December 19, 2016, had directed them to stay in Kolkata police area during the said period. Stating that the bench had directed that the trial court frame charges against the accused by February, 2017, Roy submitted that it should be found out whether charge framing had commenced and if so, Gurung and others had flouted directions of the high court by staying put in Darjeeling. Upon hearing the submission, acting Chief Justice Mhatre directed the state's advocate general to find out the facts and inform the court. The trial in the case had been transferred from Darjeeling to Kolkata by the high court on a plea by Tamang's widow that the accused persons could influence witnesses.
U.S. President Donald Trump will have his first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Group of 20 Summit next week in Hamburg, Germany, according to National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster.

McMaster would not say at a White House media briefing Thursday whether the two leaders will discuss Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election when they meet on the sidelines of the summit.

"There is no specific agenda," McMaster said, adding, "It's whatever the president wants to talk about."


By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: In an effort to downplay the issue of usage of "Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir" by the US in a statement issued during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ministry of external affairs stated that similar terms have been used in the past too.

Gopal Baglay, External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, came out in defence by saying that it merely affirmed the Indian position that Salahuddin had been involved in cross-border terrorism against India. Baglays reaction came after the main opposition party Congress raised the issue.

"Similar term has been used in the State Department's country reports on terrorism brought out every year, including in the period 2010-2013, in the context of cross-border terrorism perpetrated on India. India's consistent position that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India is well known," he said.

Baglay also said India has welcomed the designation of Salahuddin as a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' by the US Administration and added that this long-awaited step had been under discussion.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Washington on Monday, the US State Department, while designating Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist", had said the militant group had claimed responsibility for several attacks, including the April 2014 explosives attack in "Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir", which injured 17 people.

"The Joint Statement issued on June 26, 2017 after Prime Minister's talks with US President Trump is the strongest joint expression of the commitment of the two sides to be shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against terrorism and calls on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries,"MEA spokesperson added.

Congress has criticized the USs statement. Partys senior leader and former union minister P Chidambaram in a tweet had asked, "US official statement used the phrase 'Indian- administered Jammu and Kashmir'. How did India accept this?"

During last year in September in the human rights council meet at Geneva, New Delhi had objected to the UN Human Rights chief's usage of 'Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir'.

In a statement issued at that time, India had contested that "The whole state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan remains in illegal occupation of a part of our territory. The two cannot and should not be equated," the Indian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said. Unlike Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, India has an elected democratic government in place in J&K and, therefore, the UNs usage of the term 'Indian-administered Kashmir' is "artificial".

NEW DELHI: In an effort to downplay the issue of usage of "Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir" by the US in a statement issued during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ministry of external affairs stated that similar terms have been used in the past too. Gopal Baglay, External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, came out in defence by saying that it merely affirmed the Indian position that Salahuddin had been involved in cross-border terrorism against India. Baglays reaction came after the main opposition party Congress raised the issue. "Similar term has been used in the State Department's country reports on terrorism brought out every year, including in the period 2010-2013, in the context of cross-border terrorism perpetrated on India. India's consistent position that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India is well known," he said. Baglay also said India has welcomed the designation of Salahuddin as a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' by the US Administration and added that this long-awaited step had been under discussion. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Washington on Monday, the US State Department, while designating Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist", had said the militant group had claimed responsibility for several attacks, including the April 2014 explosives attack in "Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir", which injured 17 people. "The Joint Statement issued on June 26, 2017 after Prime Minister's talks with US President Trump is the strongest joint expression of the commitment of the two sides to be shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against terrorism and calls on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries,"MEA spokesperson added. Congress has criticized the USs statement. Partys senior leader and former union minister P Chidambaram in a tweet had asked, "US official statement used the phrase 'Indian- administered Jammu and Kashmir'. How did India accept this?" During last year in September in the human rights council meet at Geneva, New Delhi had objected to the UN Human Rights chief's usage of 'Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir'. In a statement issued at that time, India had contested that "The whole state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan remains in illegal occupation of a part of our territory. The two cannot and should not be equated," the Indian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said. Unlike Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, India has an elected democratic government in place in J&K and, therefore, the UNs usage of the term 'Indian-administered Kashmir' is "artificial".
By PTI

JAMMU: A woman was injured as Pakistan today violated the ceasefire, targeting Indian posts and civilian areas with mortar bombs and automatic weapons along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Indian troops effectively retaliated.

"The Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing from small arms, automatic weapons and mortars from 0415 hours on Indian Army posts along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali (BG) sector," a Defence spokesman said.

A 35-year-old woman identified as Naseem Akhtar suffered splinter injured when a shell exploded near her house in Basooni hamlet of Balakote sub-sector, police officials said.

A water tank was also damaged in a shell fired by the Pakistan Army.

Panic has gripped locals due to heavy shelling by the Pakistan Army.

Yesterday, two Indian Army jawans were injured when Pakistani troops fired from small arms and shelled mortars on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch district.

On June 27, Pakistani had violated the ceasefire by shelling areas along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali sector.

There have been 23 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in June besides a cross-LoC attack.

JAMMU: A woman was injured as Pakistan today violated the ceasefire, targeting Indian posts and civilian areas with mortar bombs and automatic weapons along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. Indian troops effectively retaliated. "The Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing from small arms, automatic weapons and mortars from 0415 hours on Indian Army posts along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali (BG) sector," a Defence spokesman said. A 35-year-old woman identified as Naseem Akhtar suffered splinter injured when a shell exploded near her house in Basooni hamlet of Balakote sub-sector, police officials said. A water tank was also damaged in a shell fired by the Pakistan Army. Panic has gripped locals due to heavy shelling by the Pakistan Army. Yesterday, two Indian Army jawans were injured when Pakistani troops fired from small arms and shelled mortars on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch district. On June 27, Pakistani had violated the ceasefire by shelling areas along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali sector. There have been 23 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in June besides a cross-LoC attack.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday decided to keep away from the special June 30 midnight meeting convened by the government on the implementation of the Goods and Sales Tax (GST). Partys senior spokesperson Satyavrat Chaturvedi confirmed that the Congress will not attend the special GST meeting on GST implementation.

The decision came after Congress president Sonia Gandhi met former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with other leaders on Thursday.

The party has been in a dilemma over attending the event in Parliament on June 30 to mark the implementation of the GST and has had wide-ranging discussions with other parties as well, which are likely to follow suit.

Trinamool Congress has already announced its decision to boycott the event. Sources said Congress leaders weighed their options since a group within the party felt that the GST was the partys brainchild that has been now usurped by the ruling BJP, and thus favoured attending the special meeting.

The Left parties have also decided not to attend the midnight GST session in Parliament following protests by traders, weavers and small and medium scale industry owners on the style of its implementation.

CPI leader D Raja said his party will not participate as several workers are protesting against it and there has been no clarity about it though the government is adamant about its implementation from July 1.

About 80 per cent of countrys workforce is in the informal sector and they have serious apprehensions about the way it is being implemented, said Raja.

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury will also not attend the session but the party has not issued any whip to its Parliament members. Yechury also raised concerns over the government implementing GST in a hurried manner.

Government rues Oppsition stand

With the Opposition announcing a boycott of the special session of Parliament, the government rued the decision, saying the tax reform measure was finalised after consensus among all the state governments and exhaustive consultations with stakeholders.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley said the government is still hopeful that the Opposition would reconsider its decision.

The BJP is further anguished that even while arrangements were made to acknowledge the contribution of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the Opposition sought to politicise the occasion.

The decision on GST is not just of the Central government, but all the states and UTs. They have all been on board. All these states and UTs are ruled by different parties, said Jaitley.

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday decided to keep away from the special June 30 midnight meeting convened by the government on the implementation of the Goods and Sales Tax (GST). Partys senior spokesperson Satyavrat Chaturvedi confirmed that the Congress will not attend the special GST meeting on GST implementation. The decision came after Congress president Sonia Gandhi met former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with other leaders on Thursday. The party has been in a dilemma over attending the event in Parliament on June 30 to mark the implementation of the GST and has had wide-ranging discussions with other parties as well, which are likely to follow suit. Trinamool Congress has already announced its decision to boycott the event. Sources said Congress leaders weighed their options since a group within the party felt that the GST was the partys brainchild that has been now usurped by the ruling BJP, and thus favoured attending the special meeting. The Left parties have also decided not to attend the midnight GST session in Parliament following protests by traders, weavers and small and medium scale industry owners on the style of its implementation. CPI leader D Raja said his party will not participate as several workers are protesting against it and there has been no clarity about it though the government is adamant about its implementation from July 1. About 80 per cent of countrys workforce is in the informal sector and they have serious apprehensions about the way it is being implemented, said Raja. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury will also not attend the session but the party has not issued any whip to its Parliament members. Yechury also raised concerns over the government implementing GST in a hurried manner. Government rues Oppsition stand With the Opposition announcing a boycott of the special session of Parliament, the government rued the decision, saying the tax reform measure was finalised after consensus among all the state governments and exhaustive consultations with stakeholders. Finance minister Arun Jaitley said the government is still hopeful that the Opposition would reconsider its decision. The BJP is further anguished that even while arrangements were made to acknowledge the contribution of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the Opposition sought to politicise the occasion. The decision on GST is not just of the Central government, but all the states and UTs. They have all been on board. All these states and UTs are ruled by different parties, said Jaitley.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Days after repeated hard statements by the Beijing over Indian armys response to a construction of a road by Chinese army in disputed land, New Delhi has reacted by expressing deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim, and said it had conveyed to Beijing that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with "serious" security implications for India.

In fact, countering Chinas threat of asking the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons", defence minister Arun Jaitley hit out China by saying that India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962.

Fridays reaction from Ministry of External Affairs follows a stand--of between Indian and Chinese troops in the area and Chinas subsequent stance for demanding withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to resolve the situation. Beijing had also accused India of being a "third-party" to the China-Bhutan dispute.

In a statement by MEA on Friday afternoon o on China contention saying that it was essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.

While mentioning that it was also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process was scrupulously respected by both sides, the MEA said India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India."

"In coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue," the MEA added.

Statement also added in keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments.

As far as the boundary in the Sikkim sector was concerned, India and China had reached an understanding in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment", the ministry said.

Further discussions regarding finalisation of the boundary had been taking place under the Special Representatives framework, it added.

While India referred to the June 26 statement by the Chinese foreign ministry -- that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China- India boundary and entered Chinese territory -- it did not react to the allegations directly. On June 16, the ministry said, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.

"It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity," it said, adding that Bhutan's ambassador had publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese government through their embassy in New Delhi on June 20.

Bhutan foreign ministry had yesterday issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory was a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affected the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries, MEA maintained .Bhutan has also urged China to return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017, MEA said.

India underlined that the two governments had in 2012 reached an agreement that tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries would be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries.

"Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri- junction points is in violation of this understanding," the detailed MEA statement said.

NEW DELHI: Days after repeated hard statements by the Beijing over Indian armys response to a construction of a road by Chinese army in disputed land, New Delhi has reacted by expressing deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim, and said it had conveyed to Beijing that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with "serious" security implications for India. In fact, countering Chinas threat of asking the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons", defence minister Arun Jaitley hit out China by saying that India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962. Fridays reaction from Ministry of External Affairs follows a stand--of between Indian and Chinese troops in the area and Chinas subsequent stance for demanding withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to resolve the situation. Beijing had also accused India of being a "third-party" to the China-Bhutan dispute. In a statement by MEA on Friday afternoon o on China contention saying that it was essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally. While mentioning that it was also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process was scrupulously respected by both sides, the MEA said India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India." "In coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue," the MEA added. Statement also added in keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments. As far as the boundary in the Sikkim sector was concerned, India and China had reached an understanding in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment", the ministry said. Further discussions regarding finalisation of the boundary had been taking place under the Special Representatives framework, it added. While India referred to the June 26 statement by the Chinese foreign ministry -- that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China- India boundary and entered Chinese territory -- it did not react to the allegations directly. On June 16, the ministry said, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. "It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity," it said, adding that Bhutan's ambassador had publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese government through their embassy in New Delhi on June 20. Bhutan foreign ministry had yesterday issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory was a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affected the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries, MEA maintained .Bhutan has also urged China to return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017, MEA said. India underlined that the two governments had in 2012 reached an agreement that tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries would be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries. "Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri- junction points is in violation of this understanding," the detailed MEA statement said.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962, Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley asserted today, hitting out at China for asking the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons".

A day after China's oblique reference to the war the two countries had fought 55 years ago, the defence minister also said the current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim sector was triggered by Beijing. Bhutan, he added, had made it clear that the land in question belonged to it.

"The situation in 1962 was different and India of 2017 is different," Jaitley said when asked about China's warning yesterday.

China had asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong area as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to settle the boundary issue. It warned that the Indian Army should learn "historical lessons".

"Bhutan government had issued a statement yesterday in which it made it clear that the land in question belonged to Bhutan. It is located near India's land. There is an arrangement between India and Bhutan for giving security," Jaitley told Aaj Tak news channel.

The defence minister said the Bhutan government had made its stance clear and China was trying to alter the status quo in the area.

"I think after this the issue has become very clear," Jaitley said.

The genesis of the flashpoint was China's attempts to build a road in the strategically key area of Donglong. Its link to the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction could give China a major military advantage over India.

The Indian Army had blocked construction of the road by China in Donglong, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release today that Indian was "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India".

A 220-km section of the 3,488-km India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh falls in Sikkim.

Official sources said China had removed an old bunker of the Indian Army in Donglong by using a bulldozer after the Indian side refused to accede to its request, triggering the present troubles.

NEW DELHI: The India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962, Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley asserted today, hitting out at China for asking the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons". A day after China's oblique reference to the war the two countries had fought 55 years ago, the defence minister also said the current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim sector was triggered by Beijing. Bhutan, he added, had made it clear that the land in question belonged to it. "The situation in 1962 was different and India of 2017 is different," Jaitley said when asked about China's warning yesterday. China had asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong area as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to settle the boundary issue. It warned that the Indian Army should learn "historical lessons". "Bhutan government had issued a statement yesterday in which it made it clear that the land in question belonged to Bhutan. It is located near India's land. There is an arrangement between India and Bhutan for giving security," Jaitley told Aaj Tak news channel. The defence minister said the Bhutan government had made its stance clear and China was trying to alter the status quo in the area. "I think after this the issue has become very clear," Jaitley said. The genesis of the flashpoint was China's attempts to build a road in the strategically key area of Donglong. Its link to the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction could give China a major military advantage over India. The Indian Army had blocked construction of the road by China in Donglong, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan. The Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release today that Indian was "deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India". A 220-km section of the 3,488-km India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh falls in Sikkim. Official sources said China had removed an old bunker of the Indian Army in Donglong by using a bulldozer after the Indian side refused to accede to its request, triggering the present troubles.
By PTI

KOLKATA: Arrested former Calcutta High Court judge CS Karnan has been released from the state-run SSKM hospital and sent back to Presidency jail hospital after his health condition improved.

"His health condition improved and we have decided to release him from the hospital. However, he requires medical supervision," a senior official of the SSKM hospital said.

Karnan was released from the SSKM hospital yesterday night. He was admitted there since June 22 after he had complained of chest pain and uneasiness.

"He is currently at the Presidency correctional home (jail) hospital. Doctors there are keeping an eye on him," a senior official at the correctional home said.

Karnan was sentenced to six months imprisonment on May 9 by the Supreme Court. He had remained untraceable till his arrest.

The SC's seven-judge bench had held him guilty of contempt of court for his comments against the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the higher judiciary.

Karnan had retired earlier this month.

KOLKATA: Arrested former Calcutta High Court judge CS Karnan has been released from the state-run SSKM hospital and sent back to Presidency jail hospital after his health condition improved. "His health condition improved and we have decided to release him from the hospital. However, he requires medical supervision," a senior official of the SSKM hospital said. Karnan was released from the SSKM hospital yesterday night. He was admitted there since June 22 after he had complained of chest pain and uneasiness. "He is currently at the Presidency correctional home (jail) hospital. Doctors there are keeping an eye on him," a senior official at the correctional home said. Karnan was sentenced to six months imprisonment on May 9 by the Supreme Court. He had remained untraceable till his arrest. The SC's seven-judge bench had held him guilty of contempt of court for his comments against the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the higher judiciary. Karnan had retired earlier this month.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The stage is all set for senior advocate KK Venugopal to be designated as the top law officer of the government.

According to sources, the Ministry of Law and Justice has proposed the name of Venugopal to the Prime Ministers Office for further approval. A formal notification is expected soon after the President signs the warrant of appointment.

The 86-year old advocate was one of the top contenders of the post after Mukul Rohatgi, earlier this month, informed the government that he would not like to go for another term.

Other contenders for the top post included senior advocate Harish Salve, present Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

Venugopal, is a constitutional expert who has over 50 years of experience of working in courts.

He recently appeared for senior BJP leader L K Advani in the Babri demolition case.

Venugopal served as an Additional Solicitor General during the Morarji Desai government.

NEW DELHI: The stage is all set for senior advocate KK Venugopal to be designated as the top law officer of the government. According to sources, the Ministry of Law and Justice has proposed the name of Venugopal to the Prime Ministers Office for further approval. A formal notification is expected soon after the President signs the warrant of appointment. The 86-year old advocate was one of the top contenders of the post after Mukul Rohatgi, earlier this month, informed the government that he would not like to go for another term. Other contenders for the top post included senior advocate Harish Salve, present Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Venugopal, is a constitutional expert who has over 50 years of experience of working in courts. He recently appeared for senior BJP leader L K Advani in the Babri demolition case. Venugopal served as an Additional Solicitor General during the Morarji Desai government.
By PTI

VARANASI: A watchman has been arrested for allegedly raping a 65-year-old French woman who had been living for a year in a rented accommodation here, police said today.

Om Prakash was arrested yesterday from his brother's house in Mirzapur district.

The watchman, who worked in the survivor's rented place in Shooltankeshwar area, is believed to have quietly entered her room on Wednesday night. When she resisted, he beat her up and snatched her mobile phone, said senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nitin Tiwari.

He fled from the scene after that.

The French national, a regular visitor to Varanasi for a decade, is undergoing treatment at a hospital where her health condition is stable.

She was associated with a city-based NGO that worked for differently-abled persons and those from the marginalised sections.

Based on her complaint yesterday, an FIR was registered against the accused under IPC sections 376(rape) and 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), said Tiwari.

Prakash has been arrested and sent to jail.

The French activist, who had been staying in Varanasi for a year, was sent for a medical examination. The report is awaited, police said.

VARANASI: A watchman has been arrested for allegedly raping a 65-year-old French woman who had been living for a year in a rented accommodation here, police said today. Om Prakash was arrested yesterday from his brother's house in Mirzapur district. The watchman, who worked in the survivor's rented place in Shooltankeshwar area, is believed to have quietly entered her room on Wednesday night. When she resisted, he beat her up and snatched her mobile phone, said senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nitin Tiwari. He fled from the scene after that. The French national, a regular visitor to Varanasi for a decade, is undergoing treatment at a hospital where her health condition is stable. She was associated with a city-based NGO that worked for differently-abled persons and those from the marginalised sections. Based on her complaint yesterday, an FIR was registered against the accused under IPC sections 376(rape) and 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), said Tiwari. Prakash has been arrested and sent to jail. The French activist, who had been staying in Varanasi for a year, was sent for a medical examination. The report is awaited, police said.
Santwana Bhattacharya By

Whos this who has come to represent me without my concurrence? Who is this threatening to usurp my identity? Tainting and twisting my faith and my beliefs? Who is this who is snatching my right to feel and think? Destroying the values I hold dear? Who is this who kills mercilessly? Who has deigned to rewrite what they think holy in blood.

Who is this who does not spare the life of a young boy returning from festival shopping? Or a policeman, a neighbour, at a place of worship? Or anyone for that matter, on mere suspicion? How did they become the law unto themselves and the order of the daythe arbiters of destiny and life and meaning, deciding what should be eaten, how one has to dress, what healthcare to opt for, what language should be spoken, which God to worship, how and where?

I ask, because all I see is a moba faceless but strangely organic entity seething with drummed-up angerdriven by a culture of insecurity and retribution and manufactured anxiety. What are they avenging?

The bovine creature in whose name they kill, a symbol of a pastoral past, cannot suddenly be inspiring all this violence in its name, all over a huge landmass: The rather benign and hapless cow is still injected with all sorts of hormonal boosters so that it can give more milk, and is afterwards let loose to wander the streets aimlessly by its masters, to gorge on plastic and trash. It was at the centre of a chain of economic activity quite integral to the Indian way of life ... and still is to millions. But how and where did it acquire this tinge of poison?

Is the Indian cow just an empty symbol then, an instrumental token for a society that is angry and brutalised? A society that does not know how to find legitimate mechanisms to voice its angstall the angst produced by modern living and its alienating effect, all the social and economic disenfranchisementand has to resort to violence merely to find a sense of power and meaning?

As has been seen in some of the sporadic incidents of lynching, its not just frustrated, jobless youth from subaltern spaces who figure in the roster of the guilty. Its often middle-aged, employed, regular people who are willing to beat another human being to death in public on the basis of mere rumour, and without provocation. This says something about the deep failure of the system: as if all democratic means of negotiating, adjusting, cooperating, conversing, arguing, even navigating through conflicts no longer have any purchase.

Democracy does not presume universal consent on thingswe all do not have to agree on everything that is at stake, everything that is cast in doubt, about the past or present or future. About ancient questions of race or religion, about the planning of cities and rural economies for tomorrow, or governmental measures that affect us in the here and now. In fact, democracy presumes the opposite. That there will always be conflicts of interest, and different points of view, and incompatible assertions made from specific class and caste locations. It takes that for granted.

What democracy is meant to do is provide a framework of debate within which these things can be managed and settled in an ongoing fashion through what our humanity gives us: thought and its articulation, exchange of views, a public space where it happens.

Instead, if we see a macabre festival of violence around us, a relapse into the baser human capacities, whether it is in Kashmir or Kerala or Haryana or Jharkhand, it speaks of a void. Its almost as if what used to be said of Kashmir in its near-collapsephilosopher Giorgio Agambens famous concept of the state of exception, where the usual constitutional niceties do not apply and everything goesis now beginning to be applicable everywhere.

Any social space in Indiaincluding social media, which oozes verbal violencecan now demonstrate itself to be existing in a state of exception. Its almost as if the old order has given way, and the sense of security a state is supposed to grant to its citizens via the Constitution is evaporating, and nothing has emerged in its place.

Some say this was a country always known for non-violence. Perhaps that can be qualified. There has always been war, armed rebellion, insurrection; the central Vedic rite was a sacrifice; massacres have preceded the rise of Sramanic religions, and also their fall; and revisionist historians of all hues see a different kind of implicit violence even in Gandhi. But for all the structural oppression of caste, and the conflicts around religion, one thing can be asserted about India: It was always known for a certain kind of concourse of thought. Always the dreams of the people were expressed in poetry and song.

From the vast, unknown libraries of indigenous oral literature, from the first glimmer of philosophy in the Vedic tradition to its Upanishadic heights, the great storehouses of secular knowledge, the fundamental value tarka held in the Buddhist discourse and Advaitas counters, the much-underappreciated Islamic assimilation of everything from classical music to the Dara Shukoh-led translations, an intellectual robustness and aesthetic core always flowed under everything. If we judge the present, ruled as it is by memes and prime-time screamfests, we would seem to be in a very different country. Its not just that people are unable to see that this party or that coming to power is not a mandate for everyone playing police. Its perhaps also that the Upanishadic sage Yagnavalkya could be lynched today for what he said about what he likes to eat.

Santwana Bhattacharya

Political Editor, The New Indian Express

Email: santwana@newindianexpress.com

Whos this who has come to represent me without my concurrence? Who is this threatening to usurp my identity? Tainting and twisting my faith and my beliefs? Who is this who is snatching my right to feel and think? Destroying the values I hold dear? Who is this who kills mercilessly? Who has deigned to rewrite what they think holy in blood. Who is this who does not spare the life of a young boy returning from festival shopping? Or a policeman, a neighbour, at a place of worship? Or anyone for that matter, on mere suspicion? How did they become the law unto themselves and the order of the daythe arbiters of destiny and life and meaning, deciding what should be eaten, how one has to dress, what healthcare to opt for, what language should be spoken, which God to worship, how and where? I ask, because all I see is a moba faceless but strangely organic entity seething with drummed-up angerdriven by a culture of insecurity and retribution and manufactured anxiety. What are they avenging? The bovine creature in whose name they kill, a symbol of a pastoral past, cannot suddenly be inspiring all this violence in its name, all over a huge landmass: The rather benign and hapless cow is still injected with all sorts of hormonal boosters so that it can give more milk, and is afterwards let loose to wander the streets aimlessly by its masters, to gorge on plastic and trash. It was at the centre of a chain of economic activity quite integral to the Indian way of life ... and still is to millions. But how and where did it acquire this tinge of poison? Is the Indian cow just an empty symbol then, an instrumental token for a society that is angry and brutalised? A society that does not know how to find legitimate mechanisms to voice its angstall the angst produced by modern living and its alienating effect, all the social and economic disenfranchisementand has to resort to violence merely to find a sense of power and meaning? As has been seen in some of the sporadic incidents of lynching, its not just frustrated, jobless youth from subaltern spaces who figure in the roster of the guilty. Its often middle-aged, employed, regular people who are willing to beat another human being to death in public on the basis of mere rumour, and without provocation. This says something about the deep failure of the system: as if all democratic means of negotiating, adjusting, cooperating, conversing, arguing, even navigating through conflicts no longer have any purchase. Democracy does not presume universal consent on thingswe all do not have to agree on everything that is at stake, everything that is cast in doubt, about the past or present or future. About ancient questions of race or religion, about the planning of cities and rural economies for tomorrow, or governmental measures that affect us in the here and now. In fact, democracy presumes the opposite. That there will always be conflicts of interest, and different points of view, and incompatible assertions made from specific class and caste locations. It takes that for granted. What democracy is meant to do is provide a framework of debate within which these things can be managed and settled in an ongoing fashion through what our humanity gives us: thought and its articulation, exchange of views, a public space where it happens. Instead, if we see a macabre festival of violence around us, a relapse into the baser human capacities, whether it is in Kashmir or Kerala or Haryana or Jharkhand, it speaks of a void. Its almost as if what used to be said of Kashmir in its near-collapsephilosopher Giorgio Agambens famous concept of the state of exception, where the usual constitutional niceties do not apply and everything goesis now beginning to be applicable everywhere. Any social space in Indiaincluding social media, which oozes verbal violencecan now demonstrate itself to be existing in a state of exception. Its almost as if the old order has given way, and the sense of security a state is supposed to grant to its citizens via the Constitution is evaporating, and nothing has emerged in its place. Some say this was a country always known for non-violence. Perhaps that can be qualified. There has always been war, armed rebellion, insurrection; the central Vedic rite was a sacrifice; massacres have preceded the rise of Sramanic religions, and also their fall; and revisionist historians of all hues see a different kind of implicit violence even in Gandhi. But for all the structural oppression of caste, and the conflicts around religion, one thing can be asserted about India: It was always known for a certain kind of concourse of thought. Always the dreams of the people were expressed in poetry and song. From the vast, unknown libraries of indigenous oral literature, from the first glimmer of philosophy in the Vedic tradition to its Upanishadic heights, the great storehouses of secular knowledge, the fundamental value tarka held in the Buddhist discourse and Advaitas counters, the much-underappreciated Islamic assimilation of everything from classical music to the Dara Shukoh-led translations, an intellectual robustness and aesthetic core always flowed under everything. If we judge the present, ruled as it is by memes and prime-time screamfests, we would seem to be in a very different country. Its not just that people are unable to see that this party or that coming to power is not a mandate for everyone playing police. Its perhaps also that the Upanishadic sage Yagnavalkya could be lynched today for what he said about what he likes to eat. Santwana Bhattacharya Political Editor, The New Indian Express Email: santwana@newindianexpress.com
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Thursday announced to facilitate treatment of the conjoined twins of Kandhamal. Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena said the twins would be sent to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi for further check-up and follow-up action would be taken as per the opinions of experts.

Kandhamal Collector Brundha D has been asked to make arrangements to shift the twins to AIIMS. The Government will bear the cost. Let the doctors at the super speciality hospital check their health condition and suggest if a surgery can be performed, he said.

As the Kandhamal twins are craniopagus (fused at the cranium), a brain imaging is necessary to ascertain whether they share the skull or brain, besides other organs like kidney and liver.

While conjoined twins, who are genetically identical and share same sex, are uncommon, occurring once in about every 2,00,000 births, craniopagus twins are the rarest form, accounting for about two per cent.

According to health experts, a surgery can be successful if the twins share only skull and chances are very remote if they share brain. The separation surgery is also very risky. The complexity of the surgery depends on where the heads are joined and how much they are fused, they said.

Meanwhile, the district administration has admitted the children of Bhuan and Puspanjali Kanhar of Melupada village under Phiringia block to the District Headquarters Hospital, Phulbani on Thursday.

Earlier, Bhuan had admitted his twins to Shishu Bhavan where doctors had advised him to consult doctors at AIIMS. He, however, could not take them to New Delhi due to poor financial condition.

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Thursday announced to facilitate treatment of the conjoined twins of Kandhamal. Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena said the twins would be sent to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi for further check-up and follow-up action would be taken as per the opinions of experts. Kandhamal Collector Brundha D has been asked to make arrangements to shift the twins to AIIMS. The Government will bear the cost. Let the doctors at the super speciality hospital check their health condition and suggest if a surgery can be performed, he said. As the Kandhamal twins are craniopagus (fused at the cranium), a brain imaging is necessary to ascertain whether they share the skull or brain, besides other organs like kidney and liver. While conjoined twins, who are genetically identical and share same sex, are uncommon, occurring once in about every 2,00,000 births, craniopagus twins are the rarest form, accounting for about two per cent. According to health experts, a surgery can be successful if the twins share only skull and chances are very remote if they share brain. The separation surgery is also very risky. The complexity of the surgery depends on where the heads are joined and how much they are fused, they said. Meanwhile, the district administration has admitted the children of Bhuan and Puspanjali Kanhar of Melupada village under Phiringia block to the District Headquarters Hospital, Phulbani on Thursday. Earlier, Bhuan had admitted his twins to Shishu Bhavan where doctors had advised him to consult doctors at AIIMS. He, however, could not take them to New Delhi due to poor financial condition.
Canada is extending its military mission against the Islamic State group in Iraq for another two years.

Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan said Thursday that Canada is renewing its contribution to the Global Coalition until March 31, 2019.

Canada has about 200 special forces soldiers operating in northern Iraq supported by a combat hospital, a helicopter detachment, a surveillance plane and an air-to-air refueling aircraft. The government calls it an advise-and-assist mission to help train local forces, but opposition parties say Canada is involved in combat.

They pointed to word that that a Canadian special forces sniper, supporting Iraqi forces, killed an Islamic State fighter from 3,540 meters away, in what the Canadian military said is a world record.

Canada previously removed its fighter jets from the mission.


By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The delayed arrival of monsoon in Karnataka has caused concern since poor rainfall in the Cauvery rivers catchment area would mean the State may not release much water for Tamil Nadu this year as well.

While the south-west monsoon usually arrives in the first week of June, it arrived around 20 days late this year. However, there is a silver lining as Karnataka officials feel the catchment areas in Kodagu district have received between 60 mm and 120 mm of daily rainfall for the last five days. If this continues, the inflow in the Krishna Raja Sagara reservoir in Mandya district would improve considerably.

Currently, the water level at Krishna Raja Sagara stands at 69 ft as against the full capacity of 124.80 ft. As per official statistics, the catchment area of the reservoir has received a rainfall of 1,379 mm since January (till Wednesday) against the normal rainfall of 2,500 mm. Last year, the rainfall in the same period was around 1,000 mm and 2,300 mm in 2015.

Of the total 9 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) water storage in the reservoir, 4.5 tmcft is dead storage and another 4.5 tmcft is required for drinking water needs for Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mandya cities. We are expecting good rainfall in coming days that would improve the water flow into Tamil Nadu. As of now, we are maintaining an outflow of about 1,100 cusecs of water into the river, a Karnataka official said.

So far this year, Karnataka hasnt released even half of the stipulated quantum of water to Tamil Nadu, according to A Veerappan, former special chief engineer and secretary of Tamil Nadu PWD Senior Engineers Association.

In a normal year, Karnataka has to release 192 tmcft of water in monthly deliveries to Tamil Nadu. This comprises 182 tmcft from the allocated share of Tamil Nadu, including 10 tmcft for environmental purposes.

In a distress year, the allocated shares shall be proportionately reduced among Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. From March to May, Tamil Nadu is entitled to get 2.5 tmcft of water each month. In June alone, 10 tmcft of water should have flowed into the State, sources said.

Besides fighting for our share of Cauvery water, Tamil Nadu government should also chalk out plans on conserving the floodwaters that flow into the sea every year. As per the statistics, once in every four years, 259.76 tmcft of water is drained into the sea due to lack of proper mechanism to tap it. There are 16,098 tanks in the State maintained by PWD. Each tank is spread across 40 hectares with a cumulative storage capacity of 390 tmcft but due to improper maintenance the tanks have lost the storage capacity considerably, Veerappan said.

CHENNAI: The delayed arrival of monsoon in Karnataka has caused concern since poor rainfall in the Cauvery rivers catchment area would mean the State may not release much water for Tamil Nadu this year as well. While the south-west monsoon usually arrives in the first week of June, it arrived around 20 days late this year. However, there is a silver lining as Karnataka officials feel the catchment areas in Kodagu district have received between 60 mm and 120 mm of daily rainfall for the last five days. If this continues, the inflow in the Krishna Raja Sagara reservoir in Mandya district would improve considerably. Currently, the water level at Krishna Raja Sagara stands at 69 ft as against the full capacity of 124.80 ft. As per official statistics, the catchment area of the reservoir has received a rainfall of 1,379 mm since January (till Wednesday) against the normal rainfall of 2,500 mm. Last year, the rainfall in the same period was around 1,000 mm and 2,300 mm in 2015. Of the total 9 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) water storage in the reservoir, 4.5 tmcft is dead storage and another 4.5 tmcft is required for drinking water needs for Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mandya cities. We are expecting good rainfall in coming days that would improve the water flow into Tamil Nadu. As of now, we are maintaining an outflow of about 1,100 cusecs of water into the river, a Karnataka official said. So far this year, Karnataka hasnt released even half of the stipulated quantum of water to Tamil Nadu, according to A Veerappan, former special chief engineer and secretary of Tamil Nadu PWD Senior Engineers Association. In a normal year, Karnataka has to release 192 tmcft of water in monthly deliveries to Tamil Nadu. This comprises 182 tmcft from the allocated share of Tamil Nadu, including 10 tmcft for environmental purposes. In a distress year, the allocated shares shall be proportionately reduced among Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. From March to May, Tamil Nadu is entitled to get 2.5 tmcft of water each month. In June alone, 10 tmcft of water should have flowed into the State, sources said. Besides fighting for our share of Cauvery water, Tamil Nadu government should also chalk out plans on conserving the floodwaters that flow into the sea every year. As per the statistics, once in every four years, 259.76 tmcft of water is drained into the sea due to lack of proper mechanism to tap it. There are 16,098 tanks in the State maintained by PWD. Each tank is spread across 40 hectares with a cumulative storage capacity of 390 tmcft but due to improper maintenance the tanks have lost the storage capacity considerably, Veerappan said.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: A local court on Thursday convicted four persons in connection with a murderous attack on Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi in 2011 while acquitting 10 other accused in the case, including prime accused Mohammed Pahelwan.

The Seventh Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Thursday convicted four persons and sentenced them with 10-years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a penalty of `8,500 for each of them.

Judge T Srinivas Rao convicted Hasan Bin Omer Yafai (A2), Abdullah Bin Yonus Yafai (A3), Awad Bin Yonus Yafai (A5) and Mohammed Bin Saleh Wahlan (A 12), under Sections 147, 148, 307 r/w 324 and 326 of the IPC and under other relevant Sections of the Indian Arms Act. The court has found the four persons guilty on charges of attempt to murder and removed the charges of conspiracy (Section 120 B of IPC) against them.

The prime accused in the case Mohammed Bin Omer Yasafi alias Mohammed Pahelwan, who allegedly masterminded the attack on the MLA and nine others were acquitted as the court did not find any evidence against them on the charges framed by the police. On April 30, 2011, MLA Akbaruddin was attacked by a group of people with knives and firearms at Barkas here in Chandrayangutta police station limits near his office.

One of the assailants, Ibrahim Bin Younus Yafai, nephew of Pahelwan, had died after he was hit by a bullet when the gunman of another AIMIM MLA Ahmed Balala accompanying Akbaruddin had opened fire in retaliation. Akbaruddin, who survived the attack, had suffered stab and bullet injuries and underwent around 20 days of treatment at a hospital here following which he was discharged.

The police had said that the attack on the MLA was related to a land dispute when the MLA reportedly opposed encroachments by some of the assailants in the Old City area. A case was registered at Chandrayangutta police station immediately after the attack but was later transferred to the central crime station police.

The police had arrested 14 persons, who faced trial and six among them had received bail during the trial, while eight others including Pahelwan were lodged at Cherlapally Central Prison.

The court had examined 83 witnesses and over 150 material evidence in the case during the trial and after six years, it heard the arguments of the both the parties on Thursday and pronounced its judgement. Among the convicts, only Wahlan was out on bail while the other three along with five others were in the jail.

Speaking to media after the judgement, defence counsel G Gurumurthy said The sentences will run concurrently to the four convicts. We will move the higher court against the verdict of conviction.

Later in the evening, acquitted persons were also taken to Cherlapally Central Prison to finish the formalities. They may be released on Friday morning, said another advocate from the defence counsel.

City cops beef up security at Nampally Court, Barkas

HYDERABAD: Amidst the huge bandobast, hundreds of supporters and relatives of the accused persons had come to the Nampally court here to learn about the judgement in the case of murder attempt on MIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi in 2011. The Hyderabad city police deployed high security at Nampally court and Barkas area in the Old City to prevent untoward incidents in the wake of the judgement in the case.

Huge contingents of armed personnel along with Task Force police were deployed at the court and media was not allowed in the court. CCTVs were installed to monitor the movement of suspects and police in mufti were deployed on the court premises.

Counsel for Mohammed Pahelwan, G Gurumurthy said, The court after examining all the evidence acquitted A-1 Mohammed Bin Omer Yafai alias Mohammed Pahelwan from all the 14 charges framed against him, including the charges of criminal conspiracy. Only four persons have been convicted for a period of 10 years.

Advocate Gurmurthy said that they are expecting a positive judgment in the counter case filed against MLA and others in connection with this case.

HYDERABAD: A local court on Thursday convicted four persons in connection with a murderous attack on Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi in 2011 while acquitting 10 other accused in the case, including prime accused Mohammed Pahelwan. The Seventh Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Thursday convicted four persons and sentenced them with 10-years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a penalty of `8,500 for each of them. Judge T Srinivas Rao convicted Hasan Bin Omer Yafai (A2), Abdullah Bin Yonus Yafai (A3), Awad Bin Yonus Yafai (A5) and Mohammed Bin Saleh Wahlan (A 12), under Sections 147, 148, 307 r/w 324 and 326 of the IPC and under other relevant Sections of the Indian Arms Act. The court has found the four persons guilty on charges of attempt to murder and removed the charges of conspiracy (Section 120 B of IPC) against them. The prime accused in the case Mohammed Bin Omer Yasafi alias Mohammed Pahelwan, who allegedly masterminded the attack on the MLA and nine others were acquitted as the court did not find any evidence against them on the charges framed by the police. On April 30, 2011, MLA Akbaruddin was attacked by a group of people with knives and firearms at Barkas here in Chandrayangutta police station limits near his office. One of the assailants, Ibrahim Bin Younus Yafai, nephew of Pahelwan, had died after he was hit by a bullet when the gunman of another AIMIM MLA Ahmed Balala accompanying Akbaruddin had opened fire in retaliation. Akbaruddin, who survived the attack, had suffered stab and bullet injuries and underwent around 20 days of treatment at a hospital here following which he was discharged. The police had said that the attack on the MLA was related to a land dispute when the MLA reportedly opposed encroachments by some of the assailants in the Old City area. A case was registered at Chandrayangutta police station immediately after the attack but was later transferred to the central crime station police. The police had arrested 14 persons, who faced trial and six among them had received bail during the trial, while eight others including Pahelwan were lodged at Cherlapally Central Prison. The court had examined 83 witnesses and over 150 material evidence in the case during the trial and after six years, it heard the arguments of the both the parties on Thursday and pronounced its judgement. Among the convicts, only Wahlan was out on bail while the other three along with five others were in the jail. Speaking to media after the judgement, defence counsel G Gurumurthy said The sentences will run concurrently to the four convicts. We will move the higher court against the verdict of conviction. Later in the evening, acquitted persons were also taken to Cherlapally Central Prison to finish the formalities. They may be released on Friday morning, said another advocate from the defence counsel. City cops beef up security at Nampally Court, Barkas HYDERABAD: Amidst the huge bandobast, hundreds of supporters and relatives of the accused persons had come to the Nampally court here to learn about the judgement in the case of murder attempt on MIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi in 2011. The Hyderabad city police deployed high security at Nampally court and Barkas area in the Old City to prevent untoward incidents in the wake of the judgement in the case. Huge contingents of armed personnel along with Task Force police were deployed at the court and media was not allowed in the court. CCTVs were installed to monitor the movement of suspects and police in mufti were deployed on the court premises. Counsel for Mohammed Pahelwan, G Gurumurthy said, The court after examining all the evidence acquitted A-1 Mohammed Bin Omer Yafai alias Mohammed Pahelwan from all the 14 charges framed against him, including the charges of criminal conspiracy. Only four persons have been convicted for a period of 10 years. Advocate Gurmurthy said that they are expecting a positive judgment in the counter case filed against MLA and others in connection with this case.
By Associated Press

NEW YORK: A doctor forced from a New York hospital because of sexual harassment accusations returned Friday with an assault rifle hidden under a lab coat and shot seven people, killing one woman and leaving several doctors fighting for their lives, authorities said.

After he was forced to resign as a family medicine doctor amid sexual harassment allegations, he threatened his colleagues. He said he would kill them.

On Friday, Bello returned to Bronx Lebanon Hospital with an AR-15 assault rifle tucked under his white lab coat and opened fire in his old department, killing one doctor and critically wounding six other people at the hospital, according to law enforcement officials.

Bello then shot himself, and staggered, bleeding, into a hallway where he collapsed and died with the rifle at his side, officials said. A photo showed the doctor on a blood-spattered floor as police stood over him.

Now, detectives are trying to piece together what prompted Bello to snap two years after he was forced out, and whether he was hunting for someone in particular when he went to the 16th floor and started shooting.

"There are many, many details that we're still putting together," said Mayor Bill de Blasio said, adding that terrorism was not involved in the attack. "This was a horrible situation unfolding in a place that people associated with care and comfort, a situation that came out of nowhere."

His former co-workers described a man who was aggressive, loud, and threatening.

"All the time he was a problem," said Dr. David Lazala, who trained Bello as a family medicine doctor. When Bello was forced out in 2015, he sent Lazala an email blaming him for the dismissal.

"We fired him because he was kind of crazy," Dr. Maureen Kwankam told the Daily News. "He promised to come back and kill us then."

People described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted, spreading terror throughout the medical facility as employees locked themselves inside rooms and patients feared for their lives after hearing an announcement warning of someone in the building with a weapon.

"I thought I was going to die," said Renaldo Del Villar, a patient who was in the third-floor emergency room getting treatment for a lower back injury.

Shortly after receiving a 911 call about an active shooter, police officers went floor by floor, their guns drawn, looking for the gunman. Fifteen minutes later they confirmed he was dead in the building.

Bello may have doused himself with an accelerant like gasoline and tried to set himself on fire before shooting himself, officials said. Sprinklers extinguished the fire.

The officials were not authorized to discuss the still-unfolding investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

According to New York State Education Department records, Bello graduated from Ross University and had a limited permit to practice as an international medical graduate to gain experience in order to be licensed. The permit was issued on July 1, 2014, and expired last year on the same day. Family medicine doctors handle more routine cases, such as coughs and sprained ankles.

Bello also worked as a pharmacy technician at Metropolitan hospital in Manhattan because he was having a hard time getting licensed as a physician, but quit the job in 2012 and filed for unemployment, according to the lawyer who represented him on appeal in 2014. He lost his case. One former colleague at Metropolitan said he would frequently argue with nurses and bristled at being told what to do, but his attorney in the unemployment action said that's not the man he knew.

"I'm absolutely shocked," attorney David Wim said. "He was such a nice gentleman. He was very humble, very polite, very respectful."

Wim said he even jokingly suggested to his assistant that she date the doctor, who was unmarried.

But Bello had a history of aggressive behavior. In unrelated cases, the doctor pleaded guilty to unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor, in 2004 after a 23-year-old woman told police Bello grabbed her, lifted her up and carried her off, saying, "You're coming with me." He was arrested again in 2009 on a charge of unlawful surveillance, after two different women reported he was trying to look up their skirts with a mirror. That case was eventually sealed.

It was not immediately clear if the hospital was aware of his criminal history when he was hired.

Two surgeons at the hospital told the AP that all six victims were in critical condition, but they were expected to survive. Medical staff at the hospital immediately treated all the patients in its emergency department. The victims largely suffered gunshot wounds to the head, chest and abdomen, they said. The most seriously wounded was shot in the liver, said the surgeons, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not permitted to speak publicly.

Employees and their loved ones described the horrifying moments immediately after the shooting as they scrambled for information.

Garry Trimble said his fiancee, hospital employee Denise Brown, called from inside to tell him about the gunman.

"She woke me up and told me there was a situation, somebody's out there shooting people," Trimble said as he waited for Brown to leave the hospital. "I could hear in her voice she was shaking and about to cry."

Brown, 53, emerged around 6 p.m.  hours after the initial report of a shooter at about 2:50 p.m.  and said employees had only recently been freed to leave their secure areas.

"I was scared," said Brown, a Bronx resident who described herself as the hospital's patient ambassador. "Very scary. It was like something you'd see on TV. I just thank God to be alive."

The 120-year-old hospital has one of the busiest emergency rooms in New York City. It is about a mile and a half north of Yankee Stadium.

In 2011, two people were shot at Bronx Lebanon in what police said was a gang-related attack.

NEW YORK: A doctor forced from a New York hospital because of sexual harassment accusations returned Friday with an assault rifle hidden under a lab coat and shot seven people, killing one woman and leaving several doctors fighting for their lives, authorities said. After he was forced to resign as a family medicine doctor amid sexual harassment allegations, he threatened his colleagues. He said he would kill them. On Friday, Bello returned to Bronx Lebanon Hospital with an AR-15 assault rifle tucked under his white lab coat and opened fire in his old department, killing one doctor and critically wounding six other people at the hospital, according to law enforcement officials. Bello then shot himself, and staggered, bleeding, into a hallway where he collapsed and died with the rifle at his side, officials said. A photo showed the doctor on a blood-spattered floor as police stood over him. Now, detectives are trying to piece together what prompted Bello to snap two years after he was forced out, and whether he was hunting for someone in particular when he went to the 16th floor and started shooting. "There are many, many details that we're still putting together," said Mayor Bill de Blasio said, adding that terrorism was not involved in the attack. "This was a horrible situation unfolding in a place that people associated with care and comfort, a situation that came out of nowhere." His former co-workers described a man who was aggressive, loud, and threatening. "All the time he was a problem," said Dr. David Lazala, who trained Bello as a family medicine doctor. When Bello was forced out in 2015, he sent Lazala an email blaming him for the dismissal. "We fired him because he was kind of crazy," Dr. Maureen Kwankam told the Daily News. "He promised to come back and kill us then." People described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted, spreading terror throughout the medical facility as employees locked themselves inside rooms and patients feared for their lives after hearing an announcement warning of someone in the building with a weapon. "I thought I was going to die," said Renaldo Del Villar, a patient who was in the third-floor emergency room getting treatment for a lower back injury. Shortly after receiving a 911 call about an active shooter, police officers went floor by floor, their guns drawn, looking for the gunman. Fifteen minutes later they confirmed he was dead in the building. Bello may have doused himself with an accelerant like gasoline and tried to set himself on fire before shooting himself, officials said. Sprinklers extinguished the fire. The officials were not authorized to discuss the still-unfolding investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. According to New York State Education Department records, Bello graduated from Ross University and had a limited permit to practice as an international medical graduate to gain experience in order to be licensed. The permit was issued on July 1, 2014, and expired last year on the same day. Family medicine doctors handle more routine cases, such as coughs and sprained ankles. Bello also worked as a pharmacy technician at Metropolitan hospital in Manhattan because he was having a hard time getting licensed as a physician, but quit the job in 2012 and filed for unemployment, according to the lawyer who represented him on appeal in 2014. He lost his case. One former colleague at Metropolitan said he would frequently argue with nurses and bristled at being told what to do, but his attorney in the unemployment action said that's not the man he knew. "I'm absolutely shocked," attorney David Wim said. "He was such a nice gentleman. He was very humble, very polite, very respectful." Wim said he even jokingly suggested to his assistant that she date the doctor, who was unmarried. But Bello had a history of aggressive behavior. In unrelated cases, the doctor pleaded guilty to unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor, in 2004 after a 23-year-old woman told police Bello grabbed her, lifted her up and carried her off, saying, "You're coming with me." He was arrested again in 2009 on a charge of unlawful surveillance, after two different women reported he was trying to look up their skirts with a mirror. That case was eventually sealed. It was not immediately clear if the hospital was aware of his criminal history when he was hired. Two surgeons at the hospital told the AP that all six victims were in critical condition, but they were expected to survive. Medical staff at the hospital immediately treated all the patients in its emergency department. The victims largely suffered gunshot wounds to the head, chest and abdomen, they said. The most seriously wounded was shot in the liver, said the surgeons, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not permitted to speak publicly. Employees and their loved ones described the horrifying moments immediately after the shooting as they scrambled for information. Garry Trimble said his fiancee, hospital employee Denise Brown, called from inside to tell him about the gunman. "She woke me up and told me there was a situation, somebody's out there shooting people," Trimble said as he waited for Brown to leave the hospital. "I could hear in her voice she was shaking and about to cry." Brown, 53, emerged around 6 p.m.  hours after the initial report of a shooter at about 2:50 p.m.  and said employees had only recently been freed to leave their secure areas. "I was scared," said Brown, a Bronx resident who described herself as the hospital's patient ambassador. "Very scary. It was like something you'd see on TV. I just thank God to be alive." The 120-year-old hospital has one of the busiest emergency rooms in New York City. It is about a mile and a half north of Yankee Stadium. In 2011, two people were shot at Bronx Lebanon in what police said was a gang-related attack.
By PTI

BEIJING: The Chinese military today rejected as "extremely irresponsible" Army chief General Bipin Rawat's remarks that India is ready for a "two-and-a-half front war", asking him to "stop clamouring for war".

Rawat had said that India is prepared for security threats posed by China, Pakistan as well as by internal threats.

When asked to respond to Rawat's remarks, the People's Liberation Army spokesman Col Wu Qian said: "Such rhetoric is extremely irresponsible".

"We hope that the particular person in the Indian Army could learn from historical lessons and stop such clamouring for war," he told the media here, amid the military stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim sector of the frontier.

Wu's warning that the Indian Army should learn "historical lessons" is an oblique reference to the 1962 India-China war.

"Indian Army is fully ready for a two and a half front war," Rawat had said recently

BEIJING: The Chinese military today rejected as "extremely irresponsible" Army chief General Bipin Rawat's remarks that India is ready for a "two-and-a-half front war", asking him to "stop clamouring for war". Rawat had said that India is prepared for security threats posed by China, Pakistan as well as by internal threats. When asked to respond to Rawat's remarks, the People's Liberation Army spokesman Col Wu Qian said: "Such rhetoric is extremely irresponsible". "We hope that the particular person in the Indian Army could learn from historical lessons and stop such clamouring for war," he told the media here, amid the military stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim sector of the frontier. Wu's warning that the Indian Army should learn "historical lessons" is an oblique reference to the 1962 India-China war. "Indian Army is fully ready for a two and a half front war," Rawat had said recently
By PTI

WASHINGTON: China is not doing enough on North Korea which continues to violate international norms by conducting nuclear and missile tests, the White House has said.

"I don't think China is doing enough now because the problem is not resolved. So the question is, how much more must we do together to address this, short of a military solution," US National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster said at a news conference.

"So that's the kind of discussions that we will continue to have with the Chinese leadership as we work together with them -- not pressuring them -- but working with them," McMaster said.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Germany next week.

He said it should not really be about pressuring China but about working with China in common interests.

During their talks in Florida Trump and XI agreed on a joint objective of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

"That's a solid basis to work together on. There's a lot more to be done, however. The President has said that he will not tolerate a North Korean regime that can target the US, that can reach the US with a nuclear weapon. He just won't tolerate it," he said.

"So what we have is a commitment to deliver to him a broad range of options and to do our best to work with everyone, including China, on this. So it's not a question of pressuring China. It's a question of working with China to do more about this problem so it doesn't get to everybody wants to avoid," the top White House official said.

There was speculation earlier this year that North Korea was set to provoke Trump with its sixth nuclear test since 2006. However, the reclusive state has instead carried out a series of missile launches

North Korea has in 2016 carried out two nuclear tests and 20 ballistic missile tests, all in violation of international law, according to US authorities.

WASHINGTON: China is not doing enough on North Korea which continues to violate international norms by conducting nuclear and missile tests, the White House has said. "I don't think China is doing enough now because the problem is not resolved. So the question is, how much more must we do together to address this, short of a military solution," US National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster said at a news conference. "So that's the kind of discussions that we will continue to have with the Chinese leadership as we work together with them -- not pressuring them -- but working with them," McMaster said. US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Germany next week. He said it should not really be about pressuring China but about working with China in common interests. During their talks in Florida Trump and XI agreed on a joint objective of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. "That's a solid basis to work together on. There's a lot more to be done, however. The President has said that he will not tolerate a North Korean regime that can target the US, that can reach the US with a nuclear weapon. He just won't tolerate it," he said. "So what we have is a commitment to deliver to him a broad range of options and to do our best to work with everyone, including China, on this. So it's not a question of pressuring China. It's a question of working with China to do more about this problem so it doesn't get to everybody wants to avoid," the top White House official said. There was speculation earlier this year that North Korea was set to provoke Trump with its sixth nuclear test since 2006. However, the reclusive state has instead carried out a series of missile launches North Korea has in 2016 carried out two nuclear tests and 20 ballistic missile tests, all in violation of international law, according to US authorities.
By PTI

BEIJING: China today said the diplomatic channels with India are "unimpeded" for "meaningful talks" over the military stand-off in the Sikkim sector but maintained that Indian troops must first withdraw from the Doklam area over which Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty".

"The diplomatic channels for the communication between Chinese and Indian sides remained unimpeded," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here.

He said the Indian troops "trespassed" the recognised delineated boundary between China and India on June 18. This is the first time China came out the with precise date about Indian troops entering the disputed Doklam area (referred by China as Donglong) near Sikkim allegedly to stop Chinese troops from constructing a road.

"So the most pressing issue should be the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. So it is the pre-condition for any meaningful dialogue," he said when asked whether any talks were going on between the two countries over the issue.

He said in additions to the photographs of alleged Indian "incursion" into Donglong area, the Chinese foreign ministry will also upload a map on its website to provide a "better understanding of the reality". He also refuted Bhutan's allegation that Chinese troops' attempts to build the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly.

Lu said China has "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area."

He claimed that the Doklam area was under Chinese administration from emperor Qing dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China established in 1636.

Lu said the area where Chinese side undertook road construction "totally belongs to the Chinese territory" and offered to release details on this on foreign ministry's website.

"From historical evidence we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area," he said.

Before the 1960s, if the Bhutan residents around the border wanted to graze their cattle they had to get the approval from China, he said.

"The Tibetan dynasty and Qing dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border," he said.

"In addition to the jurisprudential evidence, the historical convention in 1890 (the Sinio-British treaty) has clearly defined it as the crossing point between China, Bhutan and Indian boundary.

"The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," he said.

He claimed that the evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side.

"Even though China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relationship we always maintain traditional friendship. We can tell you that Chinese people are friendly and want good relations with Bhutan people," he said.

"But our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," he said.

A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong.

Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

The stand-off between the Indian and Chinese troops over the disputed area along the Sino-Indian border led to the cancellation of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra through Nathu La in Sikkim.

Meanwhile, a top Chinese scholar has suggested direct strategic communications between the leaders of India and China to forge consensus and narrow down differences in bilateral ties.

"Strategic mutual suspicions seem to be increasing. China and India should take efforts to remove and clear the suspicions as soon as possible. Enhancing bilateral trust will greatly benefit Sino-Indian relations and bilateral cooperation in the region," Hu Shisheng from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, an official think tank, said.

BEIJING: China today said the diplomatic channels with India are "unimpeded" for "meaningful talks" over the military stand-off in the Sikkim sector but maintained that Indian troops must first withdraw from the Doklam area over which Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty". "The diplomatic channels for the communication between Chinese and Indian sides remained unimpeded," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here. He said the Indian troops "trespassed" the recognised delineated boundary between China and India on June 18. This is the first time China came out the with precise date about Indian troops entering the disputed Doklam area (referred by China as Donglong) near Sikkim allegedly to stop Chinese troops from constructing a road. "So the most pressing issue should be the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. So it is the pre-condition for any meaningful dialogue," he said when asked whether any talks were going on between the two countries over the issue. He said in additions to the photographs of alleged Indian "incursion" into Donglong area, the Chinese foreign ministry will also upload a map on its website to provide a "better understanding of the reality". He also refuted Bhutan's allegation that Chinese troops' attempts to build the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly. Lu said China has "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area." He claimed that the Doklam area was under Chinese administration from emperor Qing dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China established in 1636. Lu said the area where Chinese side undertook road construction "totally belongs to the Chinese territory" and offered to release details on this on foreign ministry's website. "From historical evidence we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area," he said. Before the 1960s, if the Bhutan residents around the border wanted to graze their cattle they had to get the approval from China, he said. "The Tibetan dynasty and Qing dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border," he said. "In addition to the jurisprudential evidence, the historical convention in 1890 (the Sinio-British treaty) has clearly defined it as the crossing point between China, Bhutan and Indian boundary. "The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," he said. He claimed that the evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side. "Even though China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relationship we always maintain traditional friendship. We can tell you that Chinese people are friendly and want good relations with Bhutan people," he said. "But our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," he said. A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The stand-off between the Indian and Chinese troops over the disputed area along the Sino-Indian border led to the cancellation of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra through Nathu La in Sikkim. Meanwhile, a top Chinese scholar has suggested direct strategic communications between the leaders of India and China to forge consensus and narrow down differences in bilateral ties. "Strategic mutual suspicions seem to be increasing. China and India should take efforts to remove and clear the suspicions as soon as possible. Enhancing bilateral trust will greatly benefit Sino-Indian relations and bilateral cooperation in the region," Hu Shisheng from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, an official think tank, said.
By AFP

LEBANON: The Islamic State group no longer has a presence in Syria's Aleppo province after withdrawing from a series of villages where regime forces were advancing, a monitor said on Friday.

"IS withdrew from 17 towns and villages and is now effectively outside of Aleppo province after having a presence there for four years," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Regime forces had been advancing on a sliver of southeastern Aleppo province around a key highway linking Hama province to the southwest and Raqa province further east.

Abdel Rahman said regime forces seized control of the road late on Thursday night, prompting the remaining IS fighters to flee.

A Syrian military source in rural Aleppo confirmed the withdrawal.

"The military operation is ongoing and Daesh withdrew from the Aleppan countryside towards rural territory in Hama and Raqa," the source told AFP, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

"The Syrian army is clearing out the last few metres," the source added.

A second military source, quoted by Syrian state news agency SANA, also confirmed that IS had pulled out of territory along the Ithraya-Rasafa highway.

Since early 2015, multi-front offensives against IS have eaten away at territory the group held in Aleppo province.

US-backed Kurdish and allied Arab fighters ousted the jihadists from Kobane on the Turkish border in 2015 and from the key city of Manbij last year.

Rebels backed by Turkey seized the town of Al-Bab in February, and Syrian government troops have steadily chipped away at IS towns in the south of the province.

In neighbouring Raqqa province, a US-backed offensive is bearing down on the provincial capital of the same name, which has served as the jihadists' de facto Syrian capital.

Abdel Rahman described Friday's withdrawal as "a new loss for IS that decreases its influence and demonstrates that we are watching its collapse as an organisation that can manage geographical territory".

Syria's conflict broke out in March 2011 with protests against President Bashar al-Assad, before turning into a complex, bloody war.

World powers including Russia, Turkey, and a US-led global coalition have all been drawn into the war, which has left more than 320,000 people dead.

Talks aimed at reaching a lasting ceasefire will resume in the Kazakh capital Astana next week, before another round of UN-backed peace negotiations in Geneva in mid-July.

LEBANON: The Islamic State group no longer has a presence in Syria's Aleppo province after withdrawing from a series of villages where regime forces were advancing, a monitor said on Friday. "IS withdrew from 17 towns and villages and is now effectively outside of Aleppo province after having a presence there for four years," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Regime forces had been advancing on a sliver of southeastern Aleppo province around a key highway linking Hama province to the southwest and Raqa province further east. Abdel Rahman said regime forces seized control of the road late on Thursday night, prompting the remaining IS fighters to flee. A Syrian military source in rural Aleppo confirmed the withdrawal. "The military operation is ongoing and Daesh withdrew from the Aleppan countryside towards rural territory in Hama and Raqa," the source told AFP, using the Arabic acronym for IS. "The Syrian army is clearing out the last few metres," the source added. A second military source, quoted by Syrian state news agency SANA, also confirmed that IS had pulled out of territory along the Ithraya-Rasafa highway. Since early 2015, multi-front offensives against IS have eaten away at territory the group held in Aleppo province. US-backed Kurdish and allied Arab fighters ousted the jihadists from Kobane on the Turkish border in 2015 and from the key city of Manbij last year. Rebels backed by Turkey seized the town of Al-Bab in February, and Syrian government troops have steadily chipped away at IS towns in the south of the province. In neighbouring Raqqa province, a US-backed offensive is bearing down on the provincial capital of the same name, which has served as the jihadists' de facto Syrian capital. Abdel Rahman described Friday's withdrawal as "a new loss for IS that decreases its influence and demonstrates that we are watching its collapse as an organisation that can manage geographical territory". Syria's conflict broke out in March 2011 with protests against President Bashar al-Assad, before turning into a complex, bloody war. World powers including Russia, Turkey, and a US-led global coalition have all been drawn into the war, which has left more than 320,000 people dead. Talks aimed at reaching a lasting ceasefire will resume in the Kazakh capital Astana next week, before another round of UN-backed peace negotiations in Geneva in mid-July.
By AFP

WASHINGTON: South Korean President Moon Jae-In announced on Friday that Donald Trump would visit Seoul later this year after issuing an invitation to his US counterpart during talks in Washington.

"I also invited President Trump to visit Korea this year -- and he graciously accepted my offer," the newly-elected Moon told reporters in the White House.

"Mr. and Mrs. Trump's visit to Korea will once again demonstrate not only our friendship but also the intimate bond our peoples have come to foster through thick and thin," he said.

WASHINGTON: South Korean President Moon Jae-In announced on Friday that Donald Trump would visit Seoul later this year after issuing an invitation to his US counterpart during talks in Washington. "I also invited President Trump to visit Korea this year -- and he graciously accepted my offer," the newly-elected Moon told reporters in the White House. "Mr. and Mrs. Trump's visit to Korea will once again demonstrate not only our friendship but also the intimate bond our peoples have come to foster through thick and thin," he said.
By PTI

BEIRUT: Suicide bombings, explosives and hand grenades targeted Lebanese soldiers during morning raids Friday in refugee settlements in a border area with Syria. The attacks killed only the attackers but seven troops were also wounded, the military said.

The Lebanese army has been battling militants who have thrived in the border area with Syria during the neighboring country's civil war, now in its seventh year. Tiny Lebanon of 4.5 million people has also been grappling with an influx of over 1 million Syrian refugees who escaped violence at home to find refuge in Lebanon.

An army statement said the soldiers were conducting early morning raids on Friday in the border town of Arsal, when the attacks took place. The area was the scene of a major cross-border attack in 2014, when a number of soldiers were abducted.

The statement said that on one of the raids, at the al-Nour refugee settlement, three soldiers were wounded when a suicide bomber detonated his suicide belt near them. Three other men wearing suicide vests blew themselves up in the same camp while others detonated an explosive device. A military explosive expert defused four other devices, the army said.

At another settlement, al-Qariya, a fifth suicide bomber blew himself up, wounding no one.

Four soldiers were wounded when a hand grenade was tossed at the troops. Local media said over a hundred people were arrested during the raids.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.

BEIRUT: Suicide bombings, explosives and hand grenades targeted Lebanese soldiers during morning raids Friday in refugee settlements in a border area with Syria. The attacks killed only the attackers but seven troops were also wounded, the military said. The Lebanese army has been battling militants who have thrived in the border area with Syria during the neighboring country's civil war, now in its seventh year. Tiny Lebanon of 4.5 million people has also been grappling with an influx of over 1 million Syrian refugees who escaped violence at home to find refuge in Lebanon. An army statement said the soldiers were conducting early morning raids on Friday in the border town of Arsal, when the attacks took place. The area was the scene of a major cross-border attack in 2014, when a number of soldiers were abducted. The statement said that on one of the raids, at the al-Nour refugee settlement, three soldiers were wounded when a suicide bomber detonated his suicide belt near them. Three other men wearing suicide vests blew themselves up in the same camp while others detonated an explosive device. A military explosive expert defused four other devices, the army said. At another settlement, al-Qariya, a fifth suicide bomber blew himself up, wounding no one. Four soldiers were wounded when a hand grenade was tossed at the troops. Local media said over a hundred people were arrested during the raids. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.
President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday said North Korea must at least freeze its nuclear weapons and missile programs if any talks are to take place, while the complete scrapping of its nuclear weapons and production facilities is the final goal. "I believe (the North) must at least promise to a nuclear freeze for us to start taking serious (discussions) for its denuclearization. In that sense, its nuclear freeze will be the entrance and nuclear dismantlement the exit," Moon told reporters aboard his official aircraft en route to Washington. "Each step in the process must be completely verified before we will be able to move onto the next," he added. "South Korea and the U.S. should discuss whether we should provide something in accordance with the freeze and what we can provide if we do; and if Pyongyang takes the next steps, then what else we can provide; and if it carries out the final stage of denuclearization such as destroying its nuclear weapons and these are all verified, what we can do finally."



President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook pose with U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania at the White House on Thursday. /Yonhap

He made it clear that a nuclear freeze cannot be rewarded by scaling down the allies' joint military exercises on North Korea's doorstep, as suggested earlier by his special security adviser Moon Chung-in. "The official position we have now is that North Korea's nuclear freeze and reduction of joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States cannot be linked," he said. "That has been the official position of South Korea and the United States, and that position has not changed." But in the White House, there are growing complaints that China is not doing enough to pressure North Korea and that a harder line is therefore required. U.S. National security adviser H.R. McMaster told reporters Wednesday, "The threat is much more immediate now. We can't repeat the same failed approach of the past. The President has directed us to not do that and to prepare a range of options, including a military option, which nobody wants to take." That suggests Washington is unlikely to subscribe to Moon's plan of gradual rewards, which essentially replicates past failed efforts to get the North to dismantle the nuclear facilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump (second from right) and his wife Melania welcome Korean President Moon Jae-in (second from left) and his wife Kim Jung-sook during a dinner at the White House in Washington on Thursday. /Yonhap

The North has habitually extracted rewards for slowing its nuclear development and then reneged on its promises, only to start the cycle again. There were signs earlier that Washington may be willing to restart talks with Pyongyang if the North merely freezes the nuclear and missile programs, but that was before Otto Warmbier, an American college student, died after being returned to the U.S. following more than 17 months in a North Korean prison. Moon had dinner at the White House on Thursday and at press time was set to discuss a common approach with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump.
Champaign, IL (61820)

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Korean businessmen who are accompanying President Moon Jae-in on his trip to the U.S. have pledged to invest US$12.8 billion there over the next five years and buy $22.4 billion worth of American goods and services.

The announcement came in a meeting between Moon and the corporate representatives in Washington on Wednesday.

The Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry said Samsung will invest $380 million to build a home appliance plant in Newberry, South Carolina and $1.5 billion in a semiconductor plant in Austin, Texas.

LG plans to build a $250 million washing machine factory, while SK has earmarked up to $4.4 billion in investments in the energy field. Hyundai Motor will spend $3.1 billion in the U.S. developing eco-friendly and driverless cars.
Even if hospital workers practice perfect hand hygiene, MRSA can still spread among babies in the NICU, according to new research led by a Drexel University researcher.

Neal D. Goldstein, PhD, assistant research professor in the Dornsife School of Public Health, and his team of researchers decided to look at how the complex patient care environment of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may lead to MRSA transmission. Focusing on hand hygiene -- a top indicator of whether infections might spread in hospitals -- the researchers examined transmission from baby to baby, with the hospital workers that come into contact with newborns standing as the link.

And as it turns out, even theoretically perfect compliance with hand hygiene won't completely eliminate the chance for MRSA to spread: the averaged risk reduction was 86 percent.

"The biggest implication is that hospitals should not just rely upon hand hygiene alone for protecting patients from becoming colonized and possibility infected with a difficult-to-treat organism," Goldstein said. "Rather, infection control is a multi-pronged strategy. It can incorporate early detection and measures to mitigate spread that include possible decolonization or using an antibiotic to treat a patient even before infection."

The study, which was published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, used Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a difficult to treat pathogen that can be deadly for people with weak or underdeveloped immune systems, as its subject.

"We wanted to focus on an organism that is frequently encountered in hospital environments," Goldstein said. "In our vulnerable population of babies in the ICU, MRSA is of particular importance because about one third of babies that are colonized will go on to develop an invasive infection."

In his simulation study, based out of Christiana Care's NICU (in Newark, Delaware), Goldstein discovered that even if health workers had absolutely perfect hand hygiene, just under one in every 100 contacts between a baby and a hospital worker could still result in a MRSA transmission. During the average nine day stay, an infant is likely to have about 250 contacts with NICU workers that carry risk for MRSA transmission. While each contact is an opportunity for hygiene compliance, it is also potential for hygienic practices to break down.

"This sheds light on just how complex the patient care environment of a NICU is," Goldstein said. "There are so many opportunities to potentially pass an organism between healthcare workers and their patients."

Although it seemed that MRSA could not be completely wiped out through perfect hand hygiene, the study did show that the better hand hygiene was, the more it cut down on the spread of MRSA. The effect never quite leveled off, but continued to get better as hygiene levels improved.

When the team divided levels of hand hygiene into quartiles, the lowest level of cleanliness was associated with an averaged 29 percent decrease in MRSA prevalence when compared to no hand washing. And when the team looked at the two quartiles considered within the average range for hand hygiene of hospital workers, they found it correlated with a decrease in MRSA ranging between 51 and 67 percent.

However, having multiple lines of defense remains important.

"I think the reality is that infection control is not, nor can ever be, perfect," Goldstein said. "You may follow all guidelines and suggested procedures, have 100 percent adherence to these interventions, and patients can still become colonized and possibly infected."

So beyond hospitals practicing good hand hygiene and antimicrobial management, Goldstein suggests that efforts by people beyond hospital workers, including parents, visitors and the patients themselves (the non-infant patients, of course) can make a difference.

"We can follow hygiene procedures, use gowns or gloves as needed, keep a clean environment, not bring in possible fomites such as cell phones, watches, or jewelry, and be a watchdog for the hospital, requesting that healthcare workers do hand hygiene if we don't see it being done," Goldstein said. "Outside the hospital, patients and parents can be more vigilant in requesting and using antibiotics appropriately so as not to give rise to antimicrobial resistant organisms. We're all participants in infection control, not just the clinicians."
Researchers have found that genetic variation may increase susceptibility of some astronauts to develop higher-than-normal carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which may contribute to eye abnormalities, including grooved bands on the retina in the eye and swelling of the optic nerve. The study is published in Physiological Reports.

Previous studies have shown that spaceflight can cause structural changes in the eye, including thickening of the tissues, nerve swelling and impaired vision. These changes are thought to be due to the shifting of fluids to the head that occurs with weightlessness. The slightly elevated carbon dioxide pressure in the air on the International Space Station is another possible cause for eye problems.

Because not all astronauts' eyes are affected, genetic differences may also play a role in vision impairment and structural abnormalities. A network called the "one-carbon pathway" allows enzymes to move carbon atoms around in the cells. Normal variances in the enzymes that act on the one-carbon pathway may make certain people more sensitive to changes in carbon dioxide levels and more likely to experience vision and physiological eye changes after long-term exposure to a weightless environment.

Researchers studied a group of male volunteers (average age: 35) who lay in a 6-degree head-downward tilted position that mimics fluid flow to the head during spaceflight. While in the tilted position, the men were exposed on different occasions to normal room air ("normal tilt") and air with increased carbon dioxide content ("CO2 tilt"). The research team also exposed the participants to room air while they sat upright ("control"). The researchers measured several physiological conditions and functions during each exposure, including:

pressure of fluids in the eyes (intraocular pressure, or IOP);

structural changes in the eyes;

blood flow to the eyes;

pressure around the brain (intracranial pressure); and

heart rate.

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The volunteers also took a vision test and completed a survey after each exposure, in which they reported if they experienced any symptoms associated with high carbon dioxide exposure, such as headache.

The participants' heart rate decreased, blood flow to the eye increased and intracranial pressure increased in both tilt sessions when compared with the control, but there was no significant difference between the normal tilt and CO2 tilt sessions. Both tilt conditions caused a small increase in IOP with pressure levels reaching the highest readings after carbon dioxide exposure. There were no significant differences in eye structure or changes in vision among the tilt tests or the control during the tests.

The research team identified the genetic variances in the one-carbon pathways through a blood test. They grouped the participants by the similarities in their genetic makeup, using previous research that had identified certain genes as "more likely" and "less likely" to be associated with ocular changes in astronauts. The group with genetics similar to the astronauts who developed eye changes had higher intracranial and intraocular pressure in the normal tilt, but not the CO2 tilt trials when compared to the less susceptible group.

"Grouping of subjects by genetic polymorphisms (variations) may provide promising insight into understanding the individual variability in many physiological outcomes that develop during spaceflight, including greater susceptibility to increased arterial [partial pressure of carbon dioxide] levels, potentially increasing the risk for symptoms related to CO2 exposure," the researchers wrote.
A new study has found that more and more Americans are being diagnosed with opioid addiction and the numbers that receive treatment are still very few. This finding is consistent with earlier findings from Blue Cross Blue Shield when analyzing member data.

It has been seen that 20 million Americans have substance abuse problems and of these 10% are opioid addicts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 91 people die each day from opioid overdose and in 2015 over 33,000 persons lost their lives to opioid usage. Drug overdosage including opioid overdose kills more persons than guns or car accidents says the CDC. Synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl kills more persons than before with a jump of 72% from 2014 to 2015. The reports from the National Institutes of Health suggest that prescription drugs are the initiators in persons with illicit drug abuse such as heroin wherein nearly 75% of the persons began with prescription opioids.

Blue Cross Blue Shield analyzed member data between 2010 and 2016 and found the number of persons who were diagnosed with addiction to opioids  including legal prescription drugs and illegal street drugs, had risen by 493%. In 2010 there were only 1.4 cases of opioid use disorder in every 1,000 strong population. By 2016 the number had risen to 8.3 in every 1,000. Only a 65% rise in effective management / treatment was obeserved over the study period period.

The diagnosis of opioid use disorder increased 493 percent from 2010 to 2016, with a marked increase in diagnoses starting in 2014 (see Exhibit 2). This rise was driven potentially by increased awareness of the disorder. Nearly one percent of commercially-insured BCBS members were diagnosed with opioid use disorder in 2016. Image Credit: https://www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/reports/americas-opioid-epidemic-and-its-effect-on-the-nations-commercially-insured

Further Blue Cross Blue Shield members noted that persons who were prescribed opioids for longer were more likely to develop opioid addictions. Prescriptions of opioids for medical reasons over 8 or more days raise the risk of later addiction by 13.5% and prescriptions of 31 days or more raises the risk by 29.9%. This was found in a recent CDC study. To curb this, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and Maine and now New Jersey, after this study reports have limited the opioid prescriptions to less than 7 days. The report from Blue Cross Blue Sheild also finds that 21% of the insured members under it have filled at least one opioid prescription in 2015. This was after they excluded cancer and palliative care patients. Of these 6% were prescribed a high dosage for longer than 90 days.

Abuse liability in the Blue Cross Blue Shield study was found to be higher among women over 45 years compared to men. CDC reports are similar and they note that the rise among women who overdose and die as a result have increased by 400% compared to 265% in men.

Effective treatment for opioid addition is termed as MAT or Medication-assisted treatment. It is the gold standard for treatment of this condition. It includes use of medications such as buprenorphine or methadone for effective withdrawal from opioids as well as behavioral therapy. There have been several studies that have supported the effective use of MAT. For example a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone is termed as Suboxone and its use could double the chances that a person would remain free of the drug for 18 months after initiation of treatment. Use of buprenorphine also correlates directly with reduction of deaths due to opioid overdose. Along with MAT detoxification programs such as Narcotics Anonymous could help reduce the risks of relapses.

MAT is provided by few centers and the private sector treatments tend not to offer medications that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for substance use disorders. Same is true for the publicly funded treatment centers wherein only 23% offered these medications.

According to Dr. Trent Haywood, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield, opioid addition is a complex condition and single pronged approach is liable to failure. Collaboration among the healthcare professions, families, friends, insurance providers, employers and the community is an important factor to meet the goals of reduction in the numbers of opioid addicts.

Kim Holland, vice president of state affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield has said that the companies under it are taking steps to help reduce the numbers of opioid addicts by collaborating with the families and communities.
According to a new study by a team of researchers led by the Queen Mary University of London, women who have been prescribed Tamoxifen as a cancer preventive are failing to take the medicine owing to perceived side effects from the drug. Some of the symptoms that they report as distressing are caused naturally by the disease condition rather than the drug explain researchers.

Tamoxifen is a drug that is given to women who have been treated for breast cancer. It is driven by the female hormone estrogen and helps reduce the return of the breast cancer by large numbers. It can also reduce the risk of the cancer if given to women before they have developed the cancer but are deemed to be at a higher risk for the cancer. Thus it is an effective cancer preventive drug.

Now results from the International Breast Intervention Study (IBIS-1), which has been running since 1992, was looking at the benefits provided by Tamoxifen over the last two decades. Researchers however noted that only one in six women who are at a high risk for breast cancer actually chose to continue with taking Tamoxifen for the prescribed five years.

According to the study authors, this study is an eye-opener and brings the reality of drug adherence into the forefront. Improving the adherence to the drug or taking the drug continuously as prescribed for five years could help these women reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.

The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This was a collaborative effort of researchers at Queen Mary University of London, University of Leeds, University of Manchester in the UK and Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital in Australia. The team looked at 3,823 UK women taking part in IBIS-1. These women were divided into two groups. One received Tamoxifen (20mg per day) while the other received a placebo. Both treatment arms were followed up for five years.

Results showed that 69.7 per cent of women stuck to their prescribed drug regimen for at least 4.5 years. In either arm the adherence to the drug was 74% in the placebo group and 65.2% in the Tamoxifen group. The common complaints of the women on taking the medication was nausea or vomiting, headaches, hot flushes, irregular bleeding, vaginal dryness or vaginal discharge. A highest rate of women who stopped or discontinued the medication was at the first 12-18 months after therapy initiation (7.4 per cent with placebo versus 12.2 per cent with tamoxifen treatment). At six month mark, women who complained of nausea and vomiting with the medication, around 40% stopped the medication in both the treatment groups.

The results show that the drug Tamoxifen was not actually responsible for these discomforting symptoms since they were also seen equally among women who were on placebo therapy. However discontinuation rates remained high. Dr Ivana Sestak from QMUL, a co-author of the paper explained this connection saying that these symptoms were age-related and normally occurring in and around menopause.

They could not be attributed to Tamoxifen alone. Lead author, Dr Samuel Smith, Cancer Research UK Fellow and University Academic Fellow at the University of Leeds, explained that women who complained of the side effects were more likely to discontinue the medications. To correct this better communication with the patients is needed. To ensure that the women took their medications, they needed to be explained the side effects of the drug as well as the naturally-occurring symptoms that may occur during therapy.

This was more important for women who were undergoing menopause during this preventive therapy said Dr Sestak. This would encourage a more realistic expectation about the side effects in these women she explained. Dr. Smith said that the team was also looking at a secondary analysis of the IBIS-II trial with another anti-cancer drug, anastrazole compared to placebo.
Cole-Parmer, a leading supplier of laboratory equipment and reagents, is introducing the Arcis Sample Preparation System, which can extract DNA and RNA for downstream processes such as PCR/qPCR and sequencing in just three minutes. A study conducted by the Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, compared the preparation time, DNA yield, PCR and qPCR results of the Arcis Sample Prep Kit with three other kits. The results showed that the Arcis Sample Prep Kit dramatically accelerates pre-analytical sample prep without compromising the quantity and quality of genomic material.

Arcis Sample Prep Kit

The study showed that competitor preparation kits processing times ranged from 20 minutes to 4 hours as they require timely washing, heating and centrifugation steps in order to extract DNA. However, the Arcis Sample Prep Kit required no further instrumentation and was unrivalled as the fastest extraction kit, with a sample processing time of under three minutes. The kit that produced the highest yields was the most labour-intensive and time consuming, and its high yields were very variable. The Arcis Sample Prep Kit produced either greater or equal DNA yields in comparison to the remaining competitors kits, and these yields were obtained in a fraction of the time.

Due to its rapid extraction speed of both DNA and RNA, and overall simplicity, the Arcis Sample Prep Kit will save time and money for labs of all sizes. The Kit can be easily integrated into automated systems, and is also ideal for use with Cole-Parmers PCR and qPCR hardware and reagents, such as the pathogen detection kits.

The Arcis Sample Prep Kit is a ready-to-use kit that has the dual capability of extracting both DNA and RNA from a wide range of sample types, requiring as little as 30 l of whole blood, plasma, urine, bacteria, viruses, and parasites as a starting material. The extraction kit consists of a two-step protocol that is completed in just three minutes, massively simplifying the workflow to provide high quality, PCR-ready templates immediately suitable for downstream molecular investigations
Air Force veteran Billy Ramos, from Simi Valley, Calif., is 53 and gets health insurance for himself and for his family from Medicaid  the government insurance program for low-income people. He says he counts on the coverage, especially because of his physically demanding work as a self-employed contractor in the heating and air conditioning business.

If I were to get hurt on the job or something, Id have to run to the doctors , and if I dont have any coverage theyre going to charge me an arm and a leg, he said. Id have to work five times as hard just to make the payment on one bill.

There are about 22 million veterans in the U.S. But fewer than half get their health care through the Veterans Affairs system; some dont qualify for various reasons or may live too far from a VA facility to easily get primary health care there.

Many vets instead rely on Medicaid for their health insurance. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia chose to expand Medicaid to cover more people  and many of those who gained coverage are veterans.

The GOP health care bill working its way through the Senate would dramatically reduce federal funding for Medicaid, including rolling back the expansion funding entirely between 2021 and 2024.

Air Force veteran Billy Ramos, now 53, in a 1982 photo from his basic training days as an airman in Texas, at Lackland Air Force Base. Now self-employed, Ramos relies on Medicaid for his familys health insurance needs. (Courtesy of Billy Ramos)

Medicaid coverage recently has become especially important to Ramos  a routine checkup and blood test this year showed hes infected with hepatitis C. California was one of the states that chose to expand Medicaid, and the program covers Ramos costly treatment to eliminate the virus.

Right now, Im just grateful that I do have [coverage], he said. If they take it away, I dont know what Im going to end up doing.

The Senate health plan  which proposes deep cuts to federal spending on Medicaid  has veterans and advocates worried. Will Fischer, a Marine who served in Iraq, is with VoteVets.org, a political action group that opposes the Republican health plan.

If it were to be passed into law, Medicaid would be gutted. And as a result, hundreds of thousands of veterans would lose health insurance, Fischer said.

Its too early to know just how many veterans might lose coverage as a result of the Medicaid reductions. First, states would have to make some tough decisions: whether to make up the lost federal funding, to limit benefits or to restrict who would get coverage.

But Dan Caldwell thinks those concerns are overblown. Hes a Marine who served in Iraq and is now policy director for the group Concerned Veterans for America.

The people who are saying that this is going to harm millions of veterans are not being entirely truthful, Caldwell said. Theyre leaving out the fact that many of these veterans qualify for VA health care or in some cases already are using VA health care.

About a half-million veterans today are enrolled in the VAs health care program as well as in some other source of coverage, such as Medicaid or Medicare. Andrea Callow, with the non-profit group Families USA, wrote a recent report showing that nearly 1 in 10 veterans are enrolled in Medicaid.

Oftentimes veterans will use their Medicaid coverage to get primary care, Callow said. If, for example, they live in an area that doesnt have a VA facility, they can use their Medicaid coverage to see a doctor in their area.

Whether a particular veteran qualifies for coverage through the VA depends on a host of variables that she said leaves many with Medicaid as their only option.

But, Caldwell said, rather than fighting to preserve Medicaid access, veterans would be better served by efforts to reform the care the VA provides to those who qualify.

We believe that giving veterans more health care choice and restructuring the VA so that it can act more like a private health care system will ultimately lead to veterans who use the VA receiving better health care, he said.

The Urban Institute found that the first two years after the enactment of the Affordable Care Act saw a nearly 44 percent drop in the number of uninsured veterans under age 65  the total went from 980,000 to 552,000. In large part, that was the result of the laws expansion of Medicaid.
Ondek, the Australian biotechnology company founded by Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall, today announced it raised A$3.59 million in equity funding from professional and high-net-worth investors to support his work to develop a new treatment for childhood allergy.

Ondek is seeking to develop a new immunotherapy based on the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The company has patented a killed derivative of H. pylori to be developed as a natural and safe immunotherapy named ImmBALANCE.

The first target indication for ImmBALANCE is childhood eczema because the researchers believe the product is likely to be most effective during development of the immune system. ImmBALANCE will also be tested against existing allergies and other chronic inflammatory diseases in adults.

Ondeks business strategy is to develop its first product through to clinical proof of concept before partnering with a global pharmaceutical firm that has the capacity to complete clinical development and take the product to international markets.

Dr Jenny Harry, Ondek Chief Executive Officer, said:

Capital raised will be prudently deployed to scale up manufacturing of the new drug compound and generate pre-clinical safety and efficacy data ahead of a meeting with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) later next year to seek guidance and permission to start regulatory toxicology studies and human trials.

This capital raising adds to the Australian National Health & Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) Development Grant of A$919,596 that Ondek has available to support clinical trials of the product.

Australian investors supporting the capital raising included Dymocks Group chairman John Forsyth and the founder of Perth-based construction and property company ABN Group, Dale Alcock.

Sydney-based Dymocks Group Chairman John Forsyth said:

We are pleased to provide additional support for Ondek through this new equity investment. I have enormous regard for Barry Marshall and his work. We believe Ondek and its products have significant commercial potential in current and developing healthcare markets.

A leader in Australias Construction, Property and Finance sectors, ABN Group founder and Managing Director, Dale Alcock said:

We see great value in backing the highly credentialed team behind Ondek. The rapid development of this important Australian business will allow it to realise significant global potential.

Ondeks Chairman Peter Hammond said:

Over the last few decades, there has been a dramatic rise in the prevalence of allergic diseases. According to the World Allergy Organization, an estimated 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the global population suffered from some form of allergic condition in 2011. We thank our shareholders for their support and believe successful completion of the next phase of product development will significantly increase the value of their current investment.

Ondek was founded in 2005 by Professor Barry Marshall, a world authority on the Helicobacter pylori bacterium and co-recipient with Dr Robin Warren of the 2005 Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology for their discovery that chronic H. pylori infection can trigger the development of stomach ulcers. Their work revolutionized the medical management of stomach ulcers and helped to generate a cure.

Ondek is using Professor Marshalls Nobel-prize winning insights to develop a patented H. pylori-based drug to be used to rebalance the human immune system and improve the treatment of common allergies. The main ingredient of the new compound harnesses the unique immune modulatory properties of the bacteria that naturally reside in the human gut.

Professor Marshall said that:

the wider medical community is recognizing the important role of the microbiome in regulating the immune system. H. pylori is a unique member of the natural gut microbiome and has a potent immune regulatory function. I am very excited to be able to exploit this natural immune modulatory trait of H. pylori to shape the potential of future treatments for allergy.

How it works

The allergy epidemic has been linked to increased hygiene and reduced exposure to microorganisms in childhood. Independent studies have shown an inverse correlation between the presence of H. pylori and the incidence of allergic disorders such as eczema and asthma. Recent studies have demonstrated that the risk of developing allergy is reduced in the presence of H. pylori infection. There is no cure and limited treatments available for allergic disorders, particularly in children. In light of the increasing incidence of allergic disorders there is a mounting need for more effective treatments and new improved management of allergy.

About half of the world's population is infected with H. pylori bacteria, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The bacterium survives in the human stomach by modulating the hosts immune system. While 10% of people with long term infection will develop an ulcer and have an increased risk of stomach cancer, the vast majority of people carry the bug without developing any symptoms. Moreover, the presence of H. pylori it appears to be beneficial for the development of a healthy immune system.
Researchers at Okayama University describe in Acta Biomaterialia a new type of biocompatible adhesive material. The adhesive, made from nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite, glues both synthetic hydrogels and mouse soft tissue, providing a promising alternative to organic materials currently in use for clinical applications.

Dispersions containing hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles, dried and made into plates have outstanding adhesive properties, and are biocompatible and biodegradable. Experiments demonstrated the ability of the novel adhesive to glue various types of mouse soft tissue.

As an alternative to surgical stitching with suture, the practice of using adhesive organic materials for joining soft tissue has been around for decades. However, the currently used clinical adhesives often suffer from limited biocompatibility and/or sub-optimal adhesive strength. A team of researchers led by Takuya Matsumoto from Okayama University and colleagues has now identified a class of biocompatiblebiodegradable compounds showing promising adhesion properties when applied to mouse soft tissues.

The scientists relied on the recent discovery that certain nanostructured materials display remarkable adhesiveness. For example, introducing a dispersion of silicon oxide nanoparticles between two hydrogels results in rapid adhesion of the hydrogels  an effect now developed further for industrial, non-clinical applications. In order to achieve the level of biocompatibility required for clinical usage, Matsumoto and colleagues experimented with nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite (HAp), an inorganic material found in human hard tissues such as bones and teeth. HAp-composites are routinely used for orthopedic and dental implants, as well as in tissue engineering. The researchers reckoned that dispersions of nanoparticulate HAp should behave as biocompatible adhesives  an idea they were able to confirm experimentally.

Matsumoto and colleagues first examined the effect of HAp-nanoparticle dispersions on the adhesion of synthetic hydrogels; the presence of HAp clearly enhanced the level of adhesion. Drying the dispersions  resulting in solid HAp plates  increased the cohesion between the HAp nanoparticles, and using the plates as the adhesive agent then led to even better inter-hydrogel adhesion. The scientists then tested the HAp plates on different mouse soft tissues: muscle, lung, kidney and other tissues could be successfully glued together. An adhesion strength at least twice as large as obtained with a commercial organic glue was observed for mouse skin tissues.

The findings of Matsumoto and colleagues are not only relevant for developing new procedures for surgical-wound healing, but also for drug-delivery technologies  the potential of hydrogels as drug containers has long been recognized. In the words of the researchers: our results will help not only in developing an efficient approach to close incised soft tissues, but also in finding novel ways to integrate soft tissues with synthetic hydrogels (such as drug reservoirs).
Four key roles, including one for Sissy Spacek, have been cast in a new Stephen King horror series. A few months after the initial announcement, more details are beginning to emerge about the series, which is scheduled for release on Hulu in 2018.



Since the surprise announcement in February, no more had been heard about Castle Rock. But over the past few days some news has emerged about its casting.



Forty years after having starred as Carrie in the Brian De Palma adaptation, Spacek is returning to Stephen King's cinematic world. This time she'll play Ruth Deaver, a retired professor with a fading memory who holds the key to the secret of Castle Rock. Andre Holland (Moonlight, American Horror Story) will play her adopted son, a death row attorney.



Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men, Togetherness) will take on the role of Molly Strand, a real estate agent who is suffering from a rare medical condition and Jane Levy (Twin Peaks) will play Jackie, the town's historian.



Very little is known about the plot of the series. In February, it was mentioned that Castle Rock will not be based on a specific Stephen King novel, but will be a combination of the author's favourite characters and themes. Each season will concentrate on different characters and storylines, while at the same time constantly referring back to previous seasons.



The teaser released in February by J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions made several references to Stephen King classics. Annie Wilkes, the nurse in Misery, was mentioned, as was Danny Torrance, the boy in The Shining, John Caffey in The Green Mile, and Pennywise, the clown in It.



Castle Rock is a fictional town in Maine created by Stephen King. It has served as a backdrop to several of his novels and short stories including The Dead Zone, Cujo, and Needful Things. The town is also mentioned in Bag of Bones, It and Under the Dome.



Last year, the Hulu mini-series 11.22.63 produced by James Franco was also adapted from a Stephen King novel.
New Delhi: With just a few hours to go for the launch of the historic Goods and Services Tax, hotels and restaurants in the country say theyre ready, hopeful that the seminars, training sessions conducted over the last couple of months would come in handy to ensure a smooth transition.



Many eateries and hotels have been conducting intensive in-house training sessions for the staff, hiring consultants to clarify the new regime, and holding seminars for preparing guidelines to make bills under the new regime.



There wont be much change for the consumers but for us backend work has increased. To make sure there is expediency in adapting to the new order, we are attending the training sessions. Preparedness is what we are focusing on in the run up to the rollout said Vaibhav Bhargawa from Tian restaurant ITC New Delhi. No matter how much were prepared, he added, there are still some changes that are expected.



As far as guests staying at the hotel are concerned, there will be no partial payment for room service. Neither will there be part payment in cash or card. In fact, before the bills are created, we will ask the customer how they plan to make the payment, he added. The method to generate a bill has become a tedious process now, with various levels of scanning and separate bar coding, said Bhargawa.



The story is similar for other luxury hotels. Things will be different. We are conducting in-house training sessions so that our finance, operations and front desk guys are well versed with the details of the new tax regime. Weve hired a consultant for these sessions, said general manager from The Grand Hotel.



Were also focusing on being able to answer guests queries and give clarifications on the new bill that gets printed. This is our way of simplifying things at times of transition like these, Sethi said.



Riyaaz Amlani, who is on the board of directors of Impresario and also president of National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) told News 18 that the industry had been prepping for almost three months now.



For past three months, we have had a consultant to bring clarity in understanding the new tax regime. Running a restaurant is a complicated business, there has to be clear guidelines on preparing the new billing system. That has been worked out, he said. He also organized 15 seminars in five cities (Delhi Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai and Bangalore) for staff of the hotels to understand the GST.



Chartered accountants, too, said they were handling changes to be made in the inventory of their clients.



Earlier there was a sale-based system now it is product-wise. Things will change; like use of processed milk will change to use of unprocessed milk. As a CA, Im constantly in touch with my clients to prepare the inventory because in a few hours, the stock will be rescheduled, said Rohit Mishra.
New Delhi: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is Indias biggest tax reform till date and questions over GST benefits and implementation have been abundant. From business owners to consumers, people are eager to know about the sweeping tax reform will affect their lives and pockets. To clear these doubts and answer the queries, the government had set up the GST@GoI Twitter handle where people sent in their questions and the government answered.



Heres a look at 100 key questions and their answers:



REGISTRATION



Q. Does aggregate turnover include value of inward supplies received on which RCM is payable?



A. Refer Section 2(6) of CGST Act. Aggregate turnover does not include value of inward supplies on which tax is payable on reverse charge basis.



Q. What if the dealer migrated with wrong PAN as the status of firm was changed from proprietorship to partnership?



A. New registration would be required as partnership firm would have new PAN.



Q. A taxable persons business is in many states. All supplies are below 10 Lakhs. He makes an Inter State supply from one state. Is he liable for registration?



A. He is liable to register if the aggregate turnover (all India) is more than 20 lacs or if he is engaged in inter-State supplies.



Q. Can we use provisional GSTIN or do we get new GSTIN? Can we start using provisional GSTIN till new one is issued?



A. Provisional GSTIN (PID) should be converted into final GSTIN within 90 days. Yes, provisional GSTIN can be used till final GSTIN is issued. PID & final GSTIN would be same.



Q. Whether trader of country liquor is required to migrate to GST from VAT as liquor is out of GST law?



A. If the person is involved in 100% supply of goods which are not liable for GST, then no registration is required.



Q. Not liable to tax as mentioned u/s 23 of CGST means nil rated supply or abated value of supply?



A. Not liable to tax means supplies which is not leviable to tax under the CGST/SGST/IGST Act. Please refer to definition under Section 2(78) of the CGST Act.



Q. Whether civil contractor doing projects in various states requires separate registration for all states or a single registration at state of head office will suffice?



A. A supplier of service will have to register at the location from where he is supplying services.



Q. Whether aggregate turnover includes turnover of supplies on which tax is payable by the recipient under reverse charge?



A. Outward supplies on which tax is paid on reverse charge basis by the recipient will be included in the aggregate turnover of the supplier.



Q. If there are two SEZ units within same state, whether two registrations are required to be obtained?



A. SEZs under same PAN in a state require one registration. Please see proviso to rule 8(1) of CGST Rules.



Q. Is an advocate providing interstate supply chargeable under Reverse Charge liable for registration?



A. Exemption from registration has been provided to such suppliers who are making only those supplies on which recipient is liable to discharge GST under RCM.



Q. When is registration in other state required? Will giving service from Nasik to other state require registration in other state?



A. If services are being provided from Nasik then registration is required to be taken only in Maharashtra and IGST to be paid on inter-state supplies.



Q. I have migrated under GST but want to register as ISD. Whether I can apply now & what is the procedure?



A. Separate & new registration is required for ISD. New registrations are being opened from 0800 hrs. on 25.06.2017.



Q. I have enrolled in GST but I forgot to enter SAC codes. What should I do? The status is migrated.



A. The same can be filled while filing FORM REG-26 for converting provisional ID to final registration.



Q. I have ST number on individual name and have migrated to GST.I wish to transfer this on my proprietorship firm.



A. This conversion may be done while filling FORM REG-26 for converting provisional ID to final registration.



Q. Please tell if rental income up to 20 lacs attracts GST or attracts any other charge?



A. GST is leviable only if aggregate turnover is more than 20 lacs. (Rs. 10 lacs in 11 special category States). For computing aggregate supplies turnover of all supplies made by you would be added.



Q. If someone trades only 0% GST items (grains, pulses) then is it necessary to register for GST, if the turnover exceeds 20 lacs?



A. A person dealing with 100% exempted supply is not liable to register irrespective of turnover.



Q. Is it correct that person dealing exclusively in NIL rated or exempt goods/ services liable to register if turnover > 20/10 Lakh?



A. There is no liability of registration if the person is dealing with 100% exempt supplies.



Q. If I register voluntarily though turnover is less than 20 Lakhs, am I required to pay tax from 1st supply I make post registration?



A. Yes, you would be treated as a normal taxable person.



Q. Whether a separate GSTIN would be allotted to a registered person for deducting TDS (he has PAN and TAN as well)?



A. Separate registration as tax deductor is required.



Q. Is separate registration required for trading and manufacturing by same entity in one state?



A. There will be only one registration per State for all activities.



Q. I am registered in TN and getting the service from unregistered dealer of AP, should I take registration in AP to discharge GST under RCM?



A. Any person who makes make inter- state taxable supply is required to take registration. Therefore in this case AP dealer shall take registration and pay tax.



Q. Is there any concept of area based exemption under GST?



A. There will be no area based exemptions in GST.



Q. If a company in Maharashtra holds only one event in Delhi, will they have to register in Delhi? Will paying IGST from Maharashtra suffice?



A. Only if you provide any supply from Delhi you need to take registration in Delhi. Else, registration at Mumbai is sufficient (and pay IGST on supplies made from Mumbai to Delhi).



Q. How long can I wait to register in GST?



A. An unregistered person has 30 days to complete its registration formalities from its date of liability to obtain registration.



Q. What If I am not liable to register under GST but I was registered under Service tax?



A. You can apply for cancellation of Provisional ID on or before 31st July 2017.



Q. When turnover of agents will be added to that of the principal for registration?



A. No.



Q. If I am not an existing taxpayer and wish to newly register under GST, when can I do so?



A. You would be able to apply for new registration at the GST Portal gst.gov.in from 0800 hrs. on 25th June 2017



REFUND



Q. I have a pending export refund in Service Tax. What will happen?



A. Refunds under earlier laws will be given under the respective laws only.



Q. As an exporter, how do I ensure that my working capital is not blocked as refunds?



A. Appropriate provisions have been made in the law by providing for grant of 90% refund on provisional basis within 7 days from filing of registration.

CESS



Q. What will be the impact of GST on coal? Will the clean energy Cess on coal go or will it stay?



A. Clean Environmental Cess on coal will be replaced by GST Compensation Cess.



COMPOSITION SCHEME



Q. Suppose I am in composition scheme in GST. If I purchase goods from unregistered person, then GST will be paid to Government by me or not?



A. Yes, you will be liable to pay tax on reverse charge basis for supplies from unregistered person.



CUSTOMS



Q. What duties will be levied on import of goods?



A. Customs duty and cess as applicable + IGST+ GST compensation cess. IGST and GST compensation cess shall be paid after adding all customs duty and customs cess to the value of imports.



EXPORTS



Q. Present Procedures have Service Tax on Nepal, But no Goods Tax on Nepal. But, With GST, what tax will apply?



A. The export procedure for Nepal would be same as that to other Countries.



Q. Are there exemptions for SEZ? How will a SEZ transaction happen in GST regime?



A. Supplies to SEZs are zero-rated supplies as defined in Section 16 of IGST Act.



Q. How would the sale and purchase of goods to and from SEZ will be treated? Will it be export / input?



A. Supply to SEZs is zero rated supplies and supplies by SEZs are treated as imports.



Q. Please clarify status of international export freight under GST as the same was exempt under POPS rules. It is zero rated in most countries.



A. POS for transport of goods determinable in terms of sec 12(8) or sect 13(8) of IGST Act, 2017, depending upon location of service provider/service receiver. Exports are treated as zero rated supplies.



Q. When goods are being imported from SEZ who will pay IGST?



A. Such supply is treated as import and present procedure of payment of duty continues with the variation that IGST is levied in place of CVD.



Q. Who will pay IGST when goods are procured from SEZ? Today importer is paying both BCD and CVD.



A. Such supply is treated as import and present procedure of payment continues with the variation that IGST is levied in place of CVD.



INPUT TAX CREDIT



Q. Is SGST of Rajasthan charged by supplier on purchase from Rajasthan can be utilize for payment of SGST in Madhya Pradesh?



A. SGST of one State cannot be utilized for discharging of output tax liability of another State.



Q. How one can use SGST credit for the payment of IGST on another state?



A. SGST Credit can be used for payment of IGST liability under the same GSTIN only.



Q. Can one State CGST be used to pay another state CGST?



A. The CGST and SGST Credit for a State can be utilized for payment of their respective CGST/SGST liabilities within that State for the same GSTIN only.



Q. In case of service supplied, should the credit be given to the state where it is billed or the state it is rendered?



A. Tax will be collected in the State from which the supply is made. The supplier will collect IGST and the recipient will take IGST credit.



Q. Company is engaged in manufacturing of cement & power. Which rule to be referred for reversal of credit related to power business?



A. Detailed rules for reversal of ITC when the supplier is providing exempted and non-exempted supplies have been provided in ITC Rules.



Q. How will the credit / debit note from unregistered supplier be reported to GSTN and ITC claimed in the same?



A. Like invoice, credit/debit notes on behalf of unregistered person will be given by registered person only. Further, GSTR2 provides for reporting of same by the recipient.



INVOICE



Q. A shop sells taxable & exempt products to the same person (B2C), is it required to issue tax invoice and bill of supply separately?



A. In such a case the person can issue one tax invoice for the taxable invoice and also declare exempted supply in the same invoice.



Q. Do registered dealers have to record Aadhaar/PAN while selling goods to unregistered dealers?



A. There is no requirement to take Aadhaar / PAN details of the customer under the GST Act.



Q. All expenses like freight / transport / packing which are charged in Sales Invoice are taxable in GST? How to charge in bill?



A. All expenses will have to be included in the value and invoice needs to be issued accordingly. Please refer to Section 15 of CGST Act and Invoice Rules.



Q. Can we move construction material to builders on delivery challan and issue tax invoice post completion of activity?



A. If the goods are meant to be supplied in the course of construction an invoice is necessary. If the goods are tools which are to be used for construction then delivery challan should be issued.



Q. How to treat following transaction in GST (i) Delivered supply shortages in Transit. (ii) Customer gets less quantity and pays less.



A. The supplier may issue credit note to the customers and adjust his liability.



Q. Should we issue Self Invoice for GST liability discharge on RCM or GST can be discharge through expenses booking voucher?



A. For RCM liabilities tax invoice has to be issued on self.



RETURNS



Q. What would be done on tax paid on advance receipt if advance has to be refunded in any circumstance



A. Advance refunded can be adjusted in return.



Q. Do registered dealers have to upload sale details of unregistered dealers also in GST?



A. Generally not. But required in case of inter-State supplies having invoice value of more than Rs 2.50 Lakhs.



Q. How to incorporate two supplies in return for Pharma with same HSN code of four digits but having different tax rates?



A. Returns provide for furnishing rate wise details.



SUPPLY



Q. Should we discharge GST liability for all reverse charge having small amounts of Transaction or any amount limit is there?



A. It has been decided that Rs. 5000/- per day exemption will be given in respect of supplies received from unregistered person. For supplies above this amount, a monthly consolidated bill can be raised.



Q. What is treatment of promotional item given free to end consumers by FMCG companies?



A. Tax will be charged only on the total consideration charged for such supply.



Q. How to comply with 9(4) of CGST Act if POS is in another State of the unregistered supplier



A. Any person making inter-state supply has to compulsorily obtain registration and therefore in such cases, section 9(4) will not come into play.



Q. Under supply from unregistered dealer the purchaser have to pay GST on RCM basis.so whether stipend paid to intern will also come under RCM?



A. Stipend paid to interns will be employer-employee transactions. Hence, not liable for GST.



Q. Salary by partnership firm to Partners as per Income Tax Act liable to GST?



A. Salary will not be liable for GST.



Q. Sec 9(4) of CGST Act 2017. Do I need to pay under RCM if I purchase stationary worth Rs.100 from an unregistered stationery shop?



A. It has been decided that Rs. 5000/- per day exemption will be given in respect of supplies received from unregistered person.



Q. What is the treatment of promotional item given free to end consumers by FMCG companies? If taxable, whether ITC is allowed?



A. Tax is payable on consideration received for the supply.



Q. Whether GST will be leviable in case of returnable packing material like drums supplied with finished goods?



A. GST will be levied on the value charged for the supply only.



Q. How will disposal of scrap be treated in GST?



A. If the disposal is in the course or furtherance of business purposes, it will be considered as a supply.



Q. I am from MP and providing service to a customer in Maharashtra. I outsource the work to a service provider in Maharashtra, what tax I need to charge?



A. Generally these will be two supplies where the supplier from MP will charge IGST from the recipient in Maharashtra. Whereas, the service provider in Maharashtra will charge IGST from the recipient in MP.



Q. If address of buyer is Punjab and place of supply is same state of supplier (Rajasthan), then IGST will apply or CGST/SGST?



A. If the place of supply and the location of the supplier are in the same State then it will be intra-State supply and CGST / SGST will be applicable.



Q. Why is bifurcation of cash deposit as CGST-SGST-IGST required? Is cash held against a GSTIN, to be adjusted via return u/s 39



A. Three levies are under three different statutes and are required to be separately accounted for.



Q. What is the difference in between 'Nil rated', 'taxable at 0%' and exempted goods and services? Especially in relation with ITC



A. Exempt supply includes Nil rated (taxable at 0%) and non-Taxable supplies and no ITC is available for such supplies.



Q. Will professional tax will be abolished in Maharashtra after introducing of GST?



A. Professional tax is not a tax on supply of goods or services but on being in a profession. Professional tax not subsumed in GST.



Q. Employer provides bus service, meal coupon, telephone at residence, gives vehicle for official and personal use, uniform and shoes, any GST?



A. Where the value of such supplies is in the nature of gifts, no GST will apply till value of such gifts exceeds Rs. 50000/- in a financial year.



Q. The definition of composite supply and the description of same under Section 8 differ. Please explain consequences.



A. Section 2(30) defines what will be considered as a composite supply. Whereas, Section 8 provides that in case of a composite supply, the treatment for tax rate etc. will be that of principal supply.



Q. Whether slump sale will attract GST. If yes then under which Section?



A. It will have the same treatment as normal supply.



Q. Salary by Partnership firm to Partners as per Income Tax Act liable to GST? Partners are not employees of the firm.



A. Salary will not be leviable of GST.



TRANSITION



Q. How do I avail transition credit?



A. Transition credit can be availed by filing the respective forms under Transition rules upto 30.09.2017.



Q. Please provide the clarity on area based exemption 50/2003 in UK & HP.



A. Area based exemptions will not be continued under GST. It will be operated through the route of reimbursement as prescribed.



Q. We manufactured excisable goods. But unit availed the exception benefits 50/2003. What about my dealers stock?



A. The dealer will get deemed credit @40% / 60% of the CGST paid on supply of such goods in GST. If the goods are branded and greater than Rs. 25,000, full credit using CTD can be availed.



Q. A trader buys from manufacturer not registered in excise as his turnover is below 1.5cr. Then in such case can trader take ITC on stock up to 40%?



A. Yes deemed credit will be available subject to satisfaction of other conditions as prescribed.



Q. I am a trader. I have excise paid purchase invoice. Whether I can claim credit of full excise duty on closing stock of 1st July 2017



A. Full transition credit of such duty will be available on stock in hand in respect of which you have duty paying excise document subject to conditions under Section 140(3) of the CGST Act.



Q. If a trader purchases directly from manufacturer & has documents showing excise, will he get full excise credit or 40% of CGST?



A. Full transition credit of such duty will be available on stock in hand in respect of which you have duty paying excise document subject to conditions under Section 140(3) of the CGST Act.



Q. If a fsd purchases directly from manufacturer and has value cum excise duty and excise duty is not separately shown will he get full credit?



A. Full transition credit of such duty will be available on stock in hand in respect of which you have duty paying excise document subject to conditions under Section 140(3) of the CGST Act.



Q. Is the full excise credit also available to traders who purchases directly from manufacturers and excise is separately shown in invoice?



A. Full transition credit of such duty will be available on stock in hand in respect of which you have duty paying excise document subject to conditions under Section 140(3) of the CGST Act.



Q. In June 17 Vat return no amount carried forward & held stock of Rs. 50 lakhs. Then can we take credit of that stock or not?



A. The supplier would be eligible to carry forward the closing balance of ITC from VAT return for June 17.



Q. What will be the impact of closing stock which has been already paid vat on 1st July?



A. The supplier would be eligible to carry forward ITC on such stock from VAT return for June 17.



Q. If in Vat return refund claimed in June 17 & no balance credit in GST. Then what's the position of submission of Form C



A. Refund claimed under existing law will be handled as per the provisions of the existing law. Form C to be submitted in terms of provision of Rule 1(1) of Transition Rules.



Q. Some service was provided on 28.06.2017 but Invoice will be raised on 05.07.2017. Whether we have to charge Service Tax or GST?



A. If Point of Tax arises after appointed date, then GST will be chargeable on such supply.



Q. Would we be eligible for credit on Capital Goods in transit and received post GST?



A. No provision for such credit is there in GST law.



Q. What about VAT balance pending on transition date?



A. Balance VAT credit in the return will be transferred to new provisional ID as SGST Credit.



Q. What about deemed export against Form H?



A. Form H will not be there in GST.



Q. Who will bear tax difference on closing stocks as on 30th June 2017? Whether the manufacturer/dealer or government?



A. Closing ITC in VAT return will be allowed to be carry forward in GST.



Q. How will we get input credit on stock in hand for spare parts billed from other state, excise, CST and entry tax paid?



A. For all inputs with duty paying documents available respective CGST / SGST credit will be available. But credit of CST will not be available.



Q. A trader buys from manufacturer not registered in excise as his turnover is below 1.5 crore. then in such case can traders take ITC on stock up to 40%



A. Deemed Credit will be available on stock in hand provided the conditions of section 140(3) read with Rule 1(4) of Transition Rules are satisfied.



Q. Whether we will be eligible for credit of duty paid on Capital Goods in transit and received post GST?



A. No such provision in GST.



Q. Can ITC of Swach Bharat Cess or Krishi Kalyan Cess be carried forward under GST?



A. No



Q. Will Clean Energy CESS on imported Coal @ Rs. 400 PMT continue to be applicable in GST?



A. No. Clean Energy Cess is being repealed. Coal, however, will be subject to compensation cess @ Rs 400/- per tonne.



Q. Whether closing balance of edu cess and secondary higher education cess prior to 1st Mar 2015 can be carried forward in GST?



A. No it will not be carried forward in GST as it is not covered by definition of eligible duties and taxes under Section 140 of the CGST Act.



Q. Can u clarify for 40 benefit on closing stock does 1 year limit apply or not?



A. Deemed credit will be available for all stock procured within a 1 year period.



Q. Till what time is transition credit available? Where do I need to declare my input stock?



A. The window to declare transition credit forms is three months from the appointed day. Please refer to transition rules for more details.



UTGST



Q. Will there be GST in A&N Islands as previously there was no VAT



A. Yes. For supplies within A&N, CGST plus UTGST would be leviable.



OTHERS



Q. Whether IGST would be levied twice on high seas sales? First on high seas sales and second on custom clearance. IGST paid on 1 available as ITC?



A. IGST shall be levied only once on imports.



Q. Will Krishi Mandi Fee (imposed in U.P.) be waived off in GST?



A. GST does not concern such fee so GST does not affect it.



Q. Is E-Way Bill applicable from 1st July 2017



A. The present system for E-way Bill in States to continue, till the E-Way Bill procedures are finalized.



Q. Is there a sunset clause for Anti-Profiteering law?



A. Yes, the sunset clause for Anti- profiteering Authority is of two years.
Kolkata: Nearly 2 lakh sweet shop owners in West Bengal warned that implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will put an extra burden on consumers and it was not possible for them to follow the massive tax reform due to the large and unorganised nature of the sector.



So far in West Bengal, sweetmeat was not taxed under Value Added Tax (VAT), but from July 1 onwards, sweet shops will have to bear 5 percent on Rosogolla, Sandesh, Jal Bhara, Gulab Jamun, Rabri, Kachha Golla. Shops selling sweetmeats, coated with chocolate, will have to bear 28 % GST, for snacks such as namkeen, bhujia, radhaballavi (stuffed kachori), plain kachori, the slab is 12%. Some sweets, with Kesar (saffron) and silver coating, will fall in the category of 18% to 20%.



Speaking to News18, President of Paschimbanga Mistanna Byabsayee Samity (PMBS), Ram Chawrasia, said, The entire sweet industry in West Bengal is worried over GST. The government has no idea that most of the traders are doing small businesses, and their knowledge about complicated tax system is zero. During Left Front government, former finance minister Asim Dasgupta agreed on this point and we never gave a VAT on sweets.



According to Chawrasia, the sweetmeat industry procures most of the ingredients without cash memos or receipts. Most of our raw material suppliers will not be able to provide us with requisite documents. This will lead to extra tax burden and with no other option, we will have to pass it on to the consumer. We fear that small shop owners will be badly hit with GST as they cannot increase sweetmeat prices overnight, he said.



Nearly 800,000 people work in the industry and if we were not exempted from the GST, in future we will approach our Chief Minister to find out an alternative to end this crisis. If required, we will go on a strike as well, owner of Hindustan Sweets RK Paul said.



At least 80 percent sweetmeat business is in the informal sector and also the main raw material, chenna (cheese), is also produced by the informal sector. Now you tell me, how will these people maintain the log book, bill book etc.? Forget about GST, they dont have any idea about the tax system. We are assuming that with the implementation of GST, a large number of sweet shops will be closed in Bengal, he said.







The traders are now fearing that from July 1, there will be a decrease in the sale and since Bengali sweetmeat is chhena-based (low shelf life), the possibility of wastage will be high.



Sweet is something related to happiness, but GST is going to bring sorrow to our lives. We request our Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider our pleas, Paul said.


The India of 2017 is different from the India of 1962, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday, hitting back at Beijing which had asked New Delhi to learn from the 1962 war . "If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different, the India of today is different," Jaitley said at a media conclave.Upping the ante, China warned India that it will escalate the current border row if Indian troops did not withdraw from "Chinese territory" and told New Delhi not to "clamour for war". Jaitley said that Bhutan government had made it clear that China was trying to claim Bhutanese land and said this was "absolutely wrong"."After the statement of the government of Bhutan, I think the situation is absolutely clear. It is Bhutan's land, close to the Indian border, and Bhutan and India have the arrangement to provide security. Bhutan itself clarified .... China is trying to alter the present status-quo. After this, I think the issue is absolutely clear. To say we will come there and grab the land of some other country is what China is doing and it is absolutely wrong," the minister said.Jaitley's comment came amid a stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Dokala area close to the Siliguri corridor that connects the rest of India to its north-east.China on Thursday asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong area in Sikkim sector as a precondition for a "meaningful dialogue" to settle the boundary issue, warning that the Indian Army should learn "historical lessons", in an oblique reference to the 1962 war.In an unprecedented action, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang also displayed a photograph of Indian "incursion" into Donglong area and said the dispute which is becoming a confrontation of sorts between the troops on the ground can only be settled by the withdrawal of Indian soldiers from the area.Hitting back, the External Affairs Ministry on Friday said it was deeply concerned by the recent Chinese actions. The Ministry of External Affairs said that road construction would represent significant change of status quo with security implications for India.India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese Government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India, MEA statement.The MEA says that on 16 June, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. A Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this, while the Ambassador of the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese Government through their Embassy in New Delhi on 20 June.However, Kang said the Indian troops "trespassed" the recognised delineated boundary between China and India on June 18. This is the first time China has come out with a precise date about their claim of Indian troops entering the disputed Doklam area (referred by China as Donglong) near Sikkim allegedly to stop Chinese troops from constructing a road.So the most pressing issue should be the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. So it is the pre-condition for any meaningful dialogue," he said when asked whether any talks were going on between the two countries over the issue.He said in additions to the photographs of alleged Indian "incursion" into Donglong area, the Chinese foreign ministry will also upload a map on its website to provide a "better understanding of the reality".He also refuted Bhutan's allegation that Chinese troops' attempts to build the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly. Lu said China has "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area."
Jammu: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator on Thursday led a protest rally against popular street food momos and demanded a ban on its sale. Ramesh Arora, a BJP MLC, who launched the campaign about a fortnight ago, said that momos (dumplings) were "more dangerous than alcohol and psychotropic drugs".



In the presence of some religious leaders and over 100 people, the activists carried an effigy which had slogans such as 'momos-silent killer' and 'momos-slow death' written on it. They marched through the heart of the city to make people aware of its dangerous health implications.



There is no denying that momo has become the new go-to street food across northern and eastern India. In Jammu, there has been a high growth of momo-selling outlets as most of the young population are tucking into a plate of steamy, hot momos with succulent meat filling along with that spicy red-chilli sauce and mayonnaise dips.



"Ajinomoto (monosodium glutamate) used in the recipe to enhance the taste is harmful to health and can even cause cancer. They have been found to be the root cause of several life-threatening diseases," Arora said.



He has taken it upon himself to rid the streets of the "Chinese staple" because of its apparent negative impact on Indian food culture while posing dangerous health implications for people.



"I will continue to campaign for it till the government of India and the state government take a call to ban its sale. It is killing our young generations," he said.


: Striking a personal note while announcing the launch of Goods and Services Tax (GST) , President Pranab Mukherjee claimed that the GST was a momentous occasion and one in which he had a special role to play."The idea was first formally mooted in the Budget speech for the financial year 2006-07. The introduction of the GST is a momentous occasion for the country. But it is also a momentous occasion for me personally. I had introduced the Constitutional Amendment Bill in 2009 as the Finance Minister."Mukherjee went to on to state that he remembered meeting the chief ministers of Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra a number of times to hold meetings over "many contentious issues". He added, "I found both in those meetings and in my many interactions with Chief Ministers, Finance Ministers and officers of states, that most of them had a constructive approach and an underlying commitment to the introduction of GST ."Mukherjee's reference to the Chief Ministers with whom he discussed "contentious issues" was not lost on the audience. Not certainly on Prime Minister Narendra Modi , who was the chief minister of Gujarat at the time.The President went on to hail the new regime as a tribute to the maturity of Indias democracy.There were many contentious issues and yet I found that most of them had a constructive approach. I, therefore, remained confident that the GST was a matter of time and would eventually be implemented. In December 2016, after both Houses of Parliament passed the GST Bill, I had the privilege to assent to the 101st amendment as President, Mukherjee said.Lauding the unanimous all-party support for the tax reforms, he said, It is a unique framework where Centre and states cannot take a decision without the support of each other. Even after 18 meetings of the GST Council, all decisions were taken by consensus. The Council has pleasantly surprised us all by completing its task. This is a tribute to the maturity of Indias democracy.Admitting the anxieties that the new law may trigger, the President said, GST is a disruptive change, no doubt, as VAT was before it. But such big changes are always uncomfortable. I thank all those who were part of making this path breaking legislation.
New Delhi: After 17 tumultuous years, a nationwide Goods and Services Tax (GST) will roll out from midnight, overhauling India's convoluted indirect taxation system and unify the $2 trillion economy with 1.3 billion people into a single market. GST, which will replace more than a dozen central and state levies like factory-gate, excise duty, service tax and local sales tax or VAT, is India's biggest tax reform in the 70 years of independence and will help modernise Asia's third largest economy.



Here is a look at the timelines that shaped 'one nation, one tax' system:



February 1986: Finance Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh proposes a major overhaul of the excise taxation structure in the budget for 1986-87.



2000: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpyee introduces the concept, sets up a committee headed by the then West Bengal Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta to design a GST model.



2003: The Vajpayee government forms a task force under Vijay Kelkar to recommend tax reforms.



2004: Vijay Kelkar, then advisor to the Finance Ministry, recommends GST to replace the existing tax regime.



February 28, 2006: GST appears in the Budget speech for the first time; Finance Minister P Chidambaram sets an ambitious April 1, 2010 as deadline for GST implementation. He says the Empowered Committee of finance ministers will prepare a road map for GST.



2008: Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers constituted.



April 30, 2008: The Empowered Committee submits a report titled 'A Model and Roadmap Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India' to the government



November 10, 2009: Empowered Committee submits a discussion paper in the public domain on GST welcoming debate.



2009: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announces basic structure of GST as designed by Dasgupta committee; retains 2010 deadline. BJP opposes GST basic structure.



February 2010: Finance Ministry starts mission-mode computerisation of commercial taxes in states, to lay the foundation for GST rollout. Pranab Mukherjee defers GST to April 1, 2011.



March 22, 2011: UPA-II tables 115th Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha for bringing GST.



March 29, 2011: GST Bill referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance led by Yashwant Sinha. Asim Dasgupta resigns, replaced by the then Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani.



November 2012: Finance Minister P Chidambaram holds meetings with state finance ministers; decides to resolve all issues by December 31, 2012 for GST rollout.



February 2013: Declaring UPA government's resolve to introducing GST, Chidambaram in his Budget speech makes provision for Rs 9,000 crore to compensate states for losses incurred because of GST.



August 2013: Parliamentary standing committee submits report to Parliament suggesting improvements on GST. GST Bill gets ready for introduction in Parliament.



October 2013: Gujarat Chief Minister Narnedra Modi opposes GST Bill saying state would incur losses worth Rs 14,000 crore every year due to GST.



2014: GST Bill cleared by Standing Committee lapses as Lok Sabha dissolves; BJP-led NDA government comes to power.



December 18, 2014: Cabinet approves 122nd Constitution Amendment Bill to GST.



December 19, 2014: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley introduces the Constitution (122nd) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha; Congress objects.



February 2015: Jaitley sets April 1, 2016 as deadline for GST rollout.



May 6, 2015: Lok Sabha passes GST Constitutional Amendment Bill.



May 12, 2015: The Amendment Bill presented in the Rajya Sabha. Congress demands the Bill be sent to Select Committee of Rajya Sabha; demands capping GST rate at 18 per cent.



May 14, 2015: The GST Bill forwarded to joint committee of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.



August 2015: Government fails to win the support of Opposition to pass the bill in the Rajya Sabha where it lacks sufficient number.



July 2016: Centre opposes capping GST rate at 18%; gets states around.



August 2016: Congress, BJP agree to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill.



August 3, 2016: Rajya Sabha passes the Constitution Amendment Bill by two-thirds majority.



September 2, 2016: 16 states ratify GST Bill; President Pranab Mukherjee gives assent to the Bill.



September 12: Union Cabinet clears formation of GST Council



September 22-23: Council meets for first time.



November 3: GST Council agrees on four slab tax structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28% along with an additional cess on luxury and sin goods.



January 16, 2017: Jaitley announces July 1 as GST rollout deadline. Centre, states agree on contentious issue of dual control and taxing rights on goods at high sea.



February 18: GST Council finalises draft compensation bill providing to make good any revenue loss to states in first five years of GST rollout.



March 4: GST Council approves CGST and Integrated-GST bills.



March 20: Cabinet approved CGST, IGST and UT GST and Compensation bills.



March 27: Jaitley tables CGST, IGST, UT GST and Compensation bills in Parliament. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha pass all the four key GST Bills  Central GST (CGST), Integrated GST (IGST), State GST (SGST) and Union Territory GST (UTGST).



May 18: GST Council fits over 1,200 goods in one of the four tax slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28%. Over 80% of goods of mass consumption either exempted or taxed under 5% slab. GST Council fixes cess on luxury and sin goods to create kitty for compensating states.



May 19: GST Council decides on 5, 12, 18 and 28% as service tax slabs.



June 21: All states except Jammu and Kashmir pass SGST law.



June 28: Mamata Banerjee announces her party's decision to skip midnight launch of GST.



June 29: Congress, Left too decide to skip launch.



June 30 Midnight: GST set to rollout.
New Delhi: In a speech that mirrored Jawaharlal Nehrus Tryst With Destiny speech when India gained Independence, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley thanked political parties across the board for their unanimous support in making the Goods and Services Tax (GST) a reality.



We have all assembled here today for an important moment in the journey of our great nation. We are in the process of making history with the launch of the Goods and Services Tax. At the midnight hour, we will be launching one of Indias biggest and most ambitious tax and economic reforms in history," the Finance Minister said.



Jaitley said the GST may be a destination tax, but for India it will begin altogether a new journey. "Its a journey where India wills awake to limitless possibilities to expand its economic horizons and lofty political ambitions, Jaitely said in the Central Hall of Parliament.



Lauding the unanimity of support for the Constitutional amendment that brought in GST, he said, The consensus shows that India can rise above politics in the interest of the nation. This is a high point for Indian politics when the world is witnessing slow growth.



The GST Council met 18 times and some meetings lasted for the entire day. Yet, every decision was unanimous, despite all parties being present. The taxes for 1,211 commodities were decided. We maintained the two principles of not wanting to burden the poor and maintaining revenue neutrality, the FM said.



The Finance Minister hailed the GST and said it would ensure single flow of goods and services across the country by replacing 17 indirect taxes.



While appreciating the efforts of the opposition, Jaitely reserved a special mention for veteran communist and former West Bengal Finance Minister Dr. Asim Dasgupta. The first head of the Empowered Committee (of State Finance Ministers) is present amongst us today. For carried out the great task of building consensus in the country. I personally must thank him because my first lesson on GST came from him during a meeting.
India on Friday said it is deeply concerned by recent Chinese actions in Doklam area. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Indian personnel tried to dissuade the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) from building a road in Doklam area.The Ministry of External Affairs said that road construction would represent significant change of status quo with security implications for India. India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese Government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India, the MEA statement said.A Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on 26 June 2017 alleged that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector and entered Chinese territory.The MEA says that on 16 June, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. A Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this, while the Ambassador of the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese Government through their Embassy in New Delhi on 20 June.On Thursday, the Foreign Ministry of Bhutan issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries. They have urged a return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017, said the MEA.The MEA clarifies that Indian personnel only intervened after Bhutans protest and approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. MEA adds that Delhi and Beijing remain under discussion at the diplomatic level in the Foreign Ministries since the incident.It is essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally. It is also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides, said MEA.India cherishes peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas. It has not come easily. India is committed to working with China to find peaceful resolution of all issues in the border areas through dialogue, the MEA added.In the wake of the face-off, the Kailash Mansarovar yatra through Nathu La in Sikkim has been cancelled. The move will come as a disappointment to the 800 devotees hoping to visit the high altitude area, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, following an arduous trek along the Nathu La route.China on Thursday asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong area in Sikkim sector as a precondition for a "meaningful dialogue" to settle the boundary issue, warning that the Indian Army should learn "historical lessons", in an oblique reference to the 1962 war.In an unprecedented action, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang displayed a photograph of Indian "incursion" into Donglong area and said the dispute which is becoming a confrontation of sorts between the troops on the ground can only be settled by the withdrawal of Indian soldiers from the area.
Ranchi/New Delhi: One of the 13 people accused of lynching a man in Jharkhand on Thursday has been arrested as Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Friday directed the police to nab the culprits of two such recent killings so that they could be punished through fast-track courts.



In Ramgarh where the incident took place, authorities have imposed prohibitory orders barring assembly of more than four persons at a place amid tension in the district, officials said.



One person has been arrested and the police is conducting raids to nab the other accused named in the FIR, said Inspector General of Police M L Meena, who visited Ramgarh and held meetings with senior police and administrative officials.



The state government announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the dependents of the deceased.



In New Delhi, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu denounced the lynching incidents and other kinds of violence as "condemnable and barbaric" and appealed against giving a political or communal angle to such cases.



A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke strongly against the killings in the name of the cow, Naidu said no civilised society can accept such incidents and that it was for the law enforcement agencies of the respective states to take the strongest possible action.



The Jharkhand chief minister, while reviewing the law and order situation in the state, told the police that the guilty should not go scot-free, whoever he might be, and a repeat of such incidents should be prevented.



A mob surrounded a van bearing a West Bengal number plate in the Bazaar Tand area of Ramgarh police station on Thursday, dragged out the driver Mohd Allimuddin, a resident of neighbouring Hazaribagh district, and thrashed him, injuring him seriously.



The police rushed to the spot and took Allimuddin to a hospital, where he was declared "brought dead" by doctors, a police officer said.



Earlier on June 27, a mob had attacked a person on suspicion that he slaughtered a cow after allegedly finding the carcass of the animal near his house in Giridih district of the state.



The chief minister directed the police to take strict action against those involved in these two incidents which have triggered an outrage across the country.



Das told the police to arrest the culprits at the earliest so that they could be punished through fast-track courts, a government statement said. He said no one has the right to take law into his own hands and the administration of law is above all.



"It is time for stern action," he said. Das said if incidents of cattle smuggling come to light, the officer-in-charge of the area concerned, DSP and other senior officials would face action.



Director General of Jharkhand Police D K Pandey said one of the 13 accused in the Ramgarh incident has been arrested while 13 accused have been arrested in connection with the Giridih incident. Along with CID, four special teams have been set up to nab the culprits, he added.



The situation is tense but under control and additional security forces have been deployed in identified points of the district, IG Meena said.



Ramgarh SP Kishore Kaushal said the report from forensic laboratory has not been received so far.



Naidu said, "Lynching or killing any human being is condemnable, barbaric and civilised society cannot accept it." The union minister said the Prime Minister had made the stand of the government very clear through his remarks that no one should take the law into their hands in the name of cow protection.



Addressing a gathering at the Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat on Thursday, Modi had said that "killing people in the name of 'gaubhakti' (cow worship) is not acceptable and this is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve".



Naidu said, "Some people are trying to overplay, some are trying to politicise it and some are trying to communalise it. I appeal (to them) not to politicise or communalise such incidents. Let us not give it a religious colour. Let us not divide the society."



He also emphasised that it was the duty of the respective state governments to "take appropriate, prompt and strong action against the people who are responsible".



Naidu appealed to the people not to take law into their own hands, but report any violation to the law enforcement agencies.



"If any violation of law is seen, people must report to the law enforcement authorities and impress them to take action. And, if they do not take action, then people must protest asking for action," Naidu said.
Srinagar: Indian posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district were targeted by the Pakistani Army on Friday. Mortar bombs, small and automatic weapons were reportedly used by Pakistan, in the third consecutive day of ceasefire violation.



This is the 23rd incident of ceasefire violation in June. "The Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing from small arms, automatic weapons and mortars from 0415 hours today on the Indian Army posts along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali (BG) sector," a Defence spokesman said.



The Indian troops returned the fire strongly and effectively, he said.



On Thursday, two Indian Army jawans were injured when Pakistani troops fired from small arms and shelled mortars on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch district.



On June 27 (Wednesday), the Pakistani army violated ceasefire by unprovoked and indiscriminate firing and shelling along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali (BG) sector in Rajouri district from 02:45 pm till late that night.



In this month, there have been 23 ceasefire violations by the Pakistani Army in Poonch and Rajouri districts besides a cross-LoC attack and two infiltration bids in which four people, including three jawans, have been killed.



On June 26, the occasion of Eid-ul Fitr, the Pakistani Army fired small arms and automatic weapons and shelled mortars along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali sector of Rajouri.



(With inputs from PTI)
New York: Shots were fired inside New York City's Bronx Lebanon hospital on Friday, police said, with local media reporting several people, including at least three doctors, wounded in the gunfire and a suspect barricaded inside the building with a rifle.



New York Police Department spokesman Peter Donald posted a message a short time later on Twitter, saying, "One shooter is deceased at the hospital." It was not immediately clear whether police were looking for any other suspects.



The New York Times, citing information furnished by an unnamed city Fire Department official, reported that three physicians had been shot, though their conditions were unknown.



As least one of the wounded doctors was being treated by people inside the hospital who fashioned a tourniquet from an emergency fire hose, according to the official, the Times said.



As many as five or six people may have been wounded, the Times said, citing a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity.



Police had yet to secure the area, preventing emergency medical workers from entering, the Times said.



Police swarmed the hospital searching for an assailant, the New York Daily News said.



CBS News reported that the gunman, believed to be a former hospital employee, had a rifle and had barricaded himself inside the building.



On Twitter, the New York Police Department told members of the public to avoid the area around the hospital, located in the borough of the Bronx at 1650 Grand Concourse.



An official who answered the phone at the hospital said she had no immediate information.
Beijing: China on Friday said the diplomatic channels with India are "unimpeded" for talks over the stand-off in the Sikkim sector but for any "meaningful dialogue" the Indian troops must withdraw from the Doklam area over which Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty".



"The diplomatic channels for the communication between Chinese and Indian sides remained unimpeded," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here.



He said the Indian troops "trespassed" the recognised delineated boundary between China and India on June 18. This is the first time China has come out with a precise date about their claim of Indian troops entering the disputed Doklam area (referred by China as Donglong) near Sikkim allegedly to stop Chinese troops from constructing a road.



So the most pressing issue should be the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. So it is the pre-condition for any meaningful dialogue," he said when asked whether any talks were going on between the two countries over the issue.



He said in additions to the photographs of alleged Indian "incursion" into Donglong area, the Chinese foreign ministry will also upload a map on its website to provide a "better understanding of the reality".



He also refuted Bhutan's allegation that Chinese troops' attempts to build the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly. Lu said China has "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area."



He claimed that the Doklam area was under Chinese administration from Emperor Qing dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China established in 1636.



Lu said the area where Chinese side undertook road construction "totally belongs to the Chinese territory" and offered to release details on this on foreign ministry's website.



From historical evidence we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area, he said.



Before the 1960s, if the Bhutan residents around the border wanted to graze their cattle they had to get the approval from China, he said.



"The Tibetan dynasty and Qing dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border," he said.



"In addition to the jurisprudential evidence, the historical convention in 1890 (the Sinio-British treaty) has clearly defined it as the crossing point between China, Bhutan and Indian boundary.



"The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," he said.



He claimed that the evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side.



"Even though China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relationship we always maintain traditional friendship. We can tell you that Chinese people are friendly and want good relations with Bhutan people," he said.



"But our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," he said.



A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong.



Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.
Bengaluru: Two journalists - who were sentenced to jail by the Karnataka Legislature for writing derogatory articles against three MLAs - have filed for relief in the Karnataka High Court, forcing the judges to look for a compromise.



The editors, who have pleaded that the conviction and order of arrest be quashed, have so far evaded arrest. Anil Raj of Yelahanka Voice has been on the run, while Ravi Belegare of Hi Bangalore has been hospitalised.



The High Court, which is averse to giving any orders that could infringe upon the powers of the Legislature, asked both the Legislature and the editors to see if a compromise settlement could be worked out.



The Assembly had on the last day of its session on June 21 passed a resolution that both editors who had written defamatory articles that made personal attacks against three MLAs should be jailed for a year, and that they should pay a penalty of Rs 10,000. Both were sentenced for breach of privilege of the legislators.



Two days after the Legislatures order was passed, the ruling Congress was worried whether this would be seen as a serious infringement on the freedom of the press. This is the first time that the Karnataka Assembly has ordered a jail term for journalists.



While it was seen as a crackdown on tabloids that targeted politicians by making personal attacks, it was also seen as an attack on the freedom of the press. The fact that Congress and BJP MLAs were complainants  and in one case, the Speaker K B Koliwad himself was a complainant  it was seen in many quarters as a case of judicial overreach.



Questions were raised on why the MLAs did not fight out a defamation case in a civil court rather than treat it as a breach of privilege issue.



The MLAs say they had given ample opportunity to the editors to defend themselves  summons were issued, procedures followed. And then the editors were found guilty.



Yelahanka MLA S R Vishwanath, one of the complainants, said that one editor apologised to the Privileges Committee when he was summoned, and then went back and wrote more personal articles daring the MLA to take action.



But lawyers for the editor argued in the High Court that the clampdown by the Legislature hits at the fundamental rights of the editors. Questions were also raised on whether procedure was strictly followed.



S Shankarappa, lawyer for the editors, told News18, The complainant against Ravi Belegare was KB Koliwad in 2014. In 2015, he was chairman of the Privileges Committee and enquired into this breach of privilege. In 2017, he is the judge and convicts him? Where are the principles of natural justice followed?



He further said the action against the journalists was not listed in the Assembly agenda, but was taken up abruptly on the last day.



Justice Ashok B Hinchigeri, who has been hearing the case the past three days, asked both sides to see if a settlement could be reached amicably by Saturday. He also expressed his displeasure with the police for having arrested a relative of one of the editors and not producing him before a judge immediately.



It is not easy for the court to intervene here. Let us see if a settlement is possible, if it is possible to see some light at the end of the tunnel. If not, both parties can argue all aspects of this case tomorrow and I will pass judgement, the judge told the warring parties.



Speaker K B Koliwad said there could be no review of the order immediately, as this was a resolution of the House, and the Assembly session had to be convened if it has to be reviewed.



Additional Advocate General A S Ponnanna told the court that the editors must surrender first - as there has to be some evidence of the Legislatures order being carried out - before compromise talks could be held or the Assembly convened.



Shankarappa however told the court that the editors would want protection against arrest, especially since one of them is ill.



This weekend then, would see if there is a clash between the Legislature and the judiciary.


Mumbai: Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor, son of producer Boney Kapoor and nephew of veteran actor Anil Kapoor, says coming from a film family is futile in the industry if one can't show returns on a filmmaker's investment.



Arjun spoke about it in an interview for Vogue India's July 2017 cover story written by Udita Jhunjhunwala.



He started off as an assistant director and associate producer on films before landing a role in Ishaqzaade, which released in 2012.



Arjun says he got it through an audition.



"Yes, the casting director knew of me, but I didn't ask my father to launch me. My father could open the door for me but eventually somebody's investing in you for a reason.



"If you don't show a return on the investment, they will stop investing in you. You have to make the industry and the audience realise that you're not here just because of the surname. And only you can do that - in front of the camera," he said.



The actor, who celebrated his 32nd birthday earlier this week, also said the success or failure of an actor depends on the audience.



"You join the industry and you keep trying. If the audience wants to see you, you'll get more work. If the audience has no interest, you won't.



"In most other businesses you get degrees, in most other jobs there are qualifications. Our profession doesn't offer a certificate of capability beforehand. You have to earn it, and the best judge of that is the audience," Arjun said.



Athiya Shetty -- daughter of actor Suniel Shetty -- who had a stint at the New York Film Academy, said: "I did go to a film school but I feel I learned a lot more on the job."



Ever since Mubarakan was announced, there have been rumours about the onscreen pair's "link-up" even as both of them have denied it.



Athiya says when such gossip comes along, she relies on her father's advice on how to deal with the intrusiveness: "He said, Take it with a pinch of salt and don't stress about it. Lack of privacy is the price of stardom.'"


Mumbai: Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, whose upcoming film Indu Sarkar that has a backdrop of the Emergency era has already courted controversy, feels that a filmmaker should be given equal freedom just as a writer or documentary filmmaker.



On Wednesday, Bhandarkar and Kirti Kulhari promoted their upcoming political drama "Indu Sarkar" at the Twitter office here.



Bhandarkar said: "There are objections being raised on the film but people haven't watched the film yet. I don't understand... people have written books on emergency, many articles have been written on it and many documentaries have also made on this subject, no one objected them so why is there an objection on making a film?"



"People are saying that they will take legal recourse as many political people have reservations about the film so, I feel that a filmmaker should be given equal freedom just as writer or documentary filmmaker."



"I will send my film to censor board and then see what they communicate with me because the censor board will give me a clear idea about what changes I have to do in the film in terms of dialogues or names of the characters."



Indu Sarkar is based on the time of Emergency in India and characters in the films are inspired by the former prime minister of India Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi.



Speaking about the song launch of "Chadta sooraj", Bhandarkar said: "We have launched a qawwali Chadta sooraj' here as today there is a trend of recreating 1970s songs so we had option because our music partner SaReGaMa has music rights of many songs and I noticed that from many years no one has used qawwali songs in their film. So Anu Malik and I decided to recreate this qawwali in our film as it is relatable to every human being irrespective of any field."



Actress Kirti Kulhari, who plays the protagonist in the film, finds this qawwali apt for their film. "It truly reflects the philosophy of the film. It's the philosophy which can apply to everything and anything so, it's a very aptly chosen for our film." said Kirti.



Indu Sarkar also stars Anupam Kher, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Tota Roy Chowdhury.



It is releasing on July 28.


"The full form of GST is...," fumbled an Uttar Pradesh minister as he struggled to get the correct answer just less than 48 hours before the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).Social Welfare, Scheduled Castes and Tribal Affairs minister Ramapati Shastri was caught on the wrong foot on Thursday when mediapersons asked him to expand the abbreviation while he was interacting with local businessmen in Maharajganj to apprise them of the benefits of the much-touted new tax regime.Though someone tried to prompt the minister, he failed to make use of the clue.However, realising that he had committed a gaffe, he hastened to added that he knew the full form but was not able to recollect it instantly."I know the full form. I am going through all the relevant documents to gather more knowledge about the GST," Shastri said.He is the minister in-charge of Maharajganj district. This happened barely two days after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a workshop with his cabinet colleagues to explain the nitty-gritty of the GST, which is all set to be rolled out on July 1.Adityanath had asked his ministers on June 14 to explain the benefits of the GST to people who were feeling confused ahead of the new tax regime. He had also asked his ministers and senior officials to conduct symposia to make people aware of the GST.The state information department has been asked to spread more awareness about the new tax regime.The State GST Bill was tabled in a specially convened session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on May 15 and after its passage, a workshop was held to apprise all legislators of the salient features of the proposed legislation on GST.State minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said, "After the new tax regime is implemented, revenue of the state is likely to increase."Uttar Pradesh, as a 'consumer state', is projected to be a net tax gainer under the new tax regime as the GST is a destination-based taxation system as against manufacturing source based.The state has also witnessed its tax kitty burgeon under the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime. VAT was implemented in the state on January 1, 2008, during the Mayawati government.Seen as a path-breaking step in the taxation regime, GST is expected to create a congenial and cohesive atmosphere for business in the country.
Ever since the midnight session of what was then the Constituent Assembly, was held on the night of August 14-15, 1947 to announce the arrival of independent India on the global arena, sittings in the Central Hall at the dead of the night held tremendous symbolic value.Since then, such sessions were held only twice: the first time in 1972 to mark silver jubilee of Independence, and then in 1997 to commemorate India turning 50. Undoubtedly, both the events were watershed in history.In 1992, a special session was held at 10.45pm to mark the golden jubilee of the Quit India movement.A plan was mooted to hold another such session in 2007 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of free India, but it was eventually abandoned. Past events in the hallowed and high-domed hall had a link with the freedom struggle as the Congress pointed out and provided as reason for their decision to stay away from this high-voltage event. It has been pointed out that a law coming into effect does not warrant use of Central Hall. After all, every law after passage and presidential assent comes into effect only at the stroke of midnight. The question then is why did Prime Minister Narendra Modi decide to mount such a function?For starters, the government and Modi's team have been working overtime to present the ushering in of Goods and Service Tax (GST) as a momentous event at par with several major national milestones. The government also displayed clear intention of claiming the GST as its achievement, somewhat underplaying the role of previous duos of prime minister and finance minister.The Congress, the Left parties and some others like Rashtriya Janata Dal decided to stay away from the midnight event because of the belief that the government's enthusiasm notwithstanding, people are not exactly excited about the change in the tax regime.The Congress specifically wishes to capitalise on the anticipated dissatisfaction that is expected to set in post-GST launch. Various experts have opined that there was need for greater pre-launch groundwork and that the new tax system is being launched without a test run. They argued that in the least, the GST regime will cause confusion and disrupt businesses of traders. Coming close on the heels of demonetisation, also was a major irritant for traders, the Congress decision has been motivated by belief that it is presented with the opportunity to secure the backing of this community.But the Congress has made a fundamental error in its judgement. Chances of the trading community becoming a vote bank of the Congress is as remote as that of Muslims enrolling as core supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The party's expectation to make a comeback by riding on the crest of traders' disgruntlement in the post-GST scenario is a gross overestimation. It would have been strategically better had the Congress and other opposition leaders attended the session and voiced scepticism over what it considers as loose ends that should have been tied up prior to the launch.The BJP has indisputably  though consciously or unconsciously is a matter of debate  decided to understate that the accomplishment of the prime minister, finance minister and their retinue stands on the platform created by the two prime ministers preceding Modi. The entire process has seen bipartisan participation after Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his panel of economic advisors, including three former RBI governors IG Patel, Bimal Jalan and C Rangarajan conceptualised GST in 1999. The first empowered committee of state finance ministers was established in July 2000 with West Bengal finance minister Asim Dasgupta, known for his sharp financial acumen. He remained at its helm for a decade before the BJP's Sushil Modi, then finance minister of Bihar donned the mantle.After the parting of ways between BJP and JD(U), Modi stepped down in June 2013 and was followed by Jammu and Kashmir finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather. But after the election of the Modi government, the tradition of the committee being headed by a finance minister from an opposition-ruled state was revived.Consequently, KM Mani from Kerala was elected and when he was embroiled in a financial controversy and resigned, he was followed by Amit Mitra. The midnight session provides an opportunity to rue the waning of bipartisanship in Indian politics. Blame for this has to be shared collectively by the ruling and opposition parties.If one goes strictly by the rule book, there is merit in the Congress argument that the Central Hall has been officially used for either functions to commemorate events related with the national movement or as venue for foreign dignitaries to address both Houses of Parliament. The Hall has also been used by political parties for major watershed meetings  mainly election of the parliamentary party leader of the ruling party.Experts versed in parliamentary rules point out that a law remains a property of Parliament only till its enactment. Thereafter, it becomes a property of the Executive which also assumes responsibility to oversee the process of it coming into effect. A former Secretary General of Lok Sabha pointed out that once a law becomes the Executive's 'baby', it is against parliamentary convention to use the House as a venue to herald the law. A degree of separation must be maintained between Parliament and the Executive but this tradition has been consistently undermined since this government assumed office, the retired parliamentary officer told me.Yet, the last minute declaration of its intention and providing a reason for it, indicates that the Congress decided to stay away from the function and then sought a reason. This shows that neither Treasury Benches nor the Opposition are any longer sticklers for parliamentary practices and both are equally responsible for undermining civil institutions. It is unfortunate that even a momentous change in the tax regime will be shadowed by a political sub-plot. Clearly not happy augury for democratic traditions.(The writer is a Delhi-based writer and journalist. He authored Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times and Sikhs: The Untold Agony of 1984. His Twitter handle is @NilanjanUdwin. Views are personal)
Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram has deflected criticism over the opposition boycott of the launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), saying the Parliament event is mere "symbolism". The senior Congress leader, who is one of the original architects of the GST, rejected criticism that the boycott is "childish"."The Congress party was the originator of the idea of GST and has welcomed GST. Not attending a midnight event has nothing to do with the fact that Congress party supports the idea of GST. The substance is important, not the symbolism," Chidambaram told CNN-News18 on Friday, hours ahead of the launch of GST.Chidambaram is away at his constituency Sivaganga and he and other members of the Congress are not attending the midnight launch event in Parliament because of a boycott by opposition parties.Asked about the Narendra Modi government's timing on the rollout, the former Union minister said small and medium businesses in the country were not yet ready for the new Goods and Services Tax."I think Indian businesses, especially small and medium, are not yet ready for the rollout of GST. They have genuine concerns and apprehensions," he said.
Thiruvananthapuram: A Kerala lawmaker pointed his hand gun at a group of estate labourers on Thursday during a heated exchange over a pathway in Mundakayam area of Kottayam district in Kerala.



MLA PC George, representing Poonjar in Kerala Assembly, said he "displayed" the pistol when a "group of goons challenged" him over blocking the pathway which leads to the house of around 52 families living in the area. George alleged that he was threatened by the goons and took out his licensed gun for self-defence. A day earlier the goons had gone to the houses of the residents and threatened them. Some women in the area called me for help. I had informed the police," he said.



They threatened me too. But I wasnt scared as I had my gun. So I took out the gun and showed it to them. They were threatening me, George said.



The MLA was booked under sections 294 (b), 308 and 506 of the IPC which deal with attempt to commit culpable homicide and for use of obscene language.
Ahead of the June 30 deadline for linking Aadhaar and PAN card details online, the Income Tax website is struggling to keep up with the last minute rush. While the website is slow to load, many complained that they were greeted with this message, Technical Error at UIDAI. Please try again, when they try to link their Aadhaar and PAN details on. Other services on the website is live and functioning normally. Aadhaar card holders with registered mobile numbers also faced difficulty in obtaining the OTP to proceed further. A new mandate makes it compulsory for PAN card holders to link the permanent account number with their 12-digit biometric Aadhaar identity by June 30 to file their e-file their Income Tax returns.If you do not link or fail to link your Aadhaar card with your PAN card, then your PAN card might be rendered invalid by December 2017. Aadhaar has also been made mandatory for applying for PAN with effect from July 1. The department, till now, has linked over 2.16 crore Aadhaar numbers with its PAN database.You can link your Aadhaar card with PAN by visiting the official website of Income Tax Department of India at www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in. You can also send an SMS to 56161 or 567678 from your Registered Mobile Number (RMN) of Aadhaar Card in this format: UIDPAN<12 digit Aadhaar><10 digit PAN>
Beijing: China urged the United States to revoke immediately its "wrong decision" to sell Taiwan $1.42 billion worth of arms, saying it contradicted a "consensus" President Xi Jinping reached with his counterpart, Donald Trump, in talks in April in Florida.



The sales would send a very wrong message to "Taiwan independence" forces, China's embassy in Washington said in a statement. A US State Department spokeswoman said on Thursday the administration had told Congress of seven proposed sales to Taiwan, the first under the Trump administration.



"The Chinese government and Chinese people have every right to be outraged," the embassy said.



China regards self-ruled Taiwan as a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control. China's Nationalists fled to the island after losing the civil war with China's Communists in 1949.



The United States is the sole arms supplier to Taiwan.



"The wrong move of the US side runs counter to the consensus reached by the two presidents in and the positive development momentum of the China-US relationship," the embassy said.



China's Defence Ministry said Taiwan was the "most important, most sensitive core issue in Sino-US ties", warning the United States to end such sales to avoid further damaging peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.



Trump was critical of China during his successful 2016 presidential campaign but his meeting at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida with Xi raised hopes for warmer relations.



Trump later played up his personal relationship with Xi, calling him a "good man", and stressed the need for China's help in reining in a defiant North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and missiles.



China's anger over the US plan to supply Taiwan with weapons risks undermining Trump's attempts to press China to help on North Korea.



The proposed US package for Taiwan includes technical support for early warning radar, high speed anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and missile components.



Beijing's relationship with Taiwan has been frosty since President Tsai Ing-wen took power in Taipei last year. Tsai leads an independence-leaning party that refuses to recognise Beijing's "one China" policy.



Tsai's office said on Friday the planned sales increased Taiwan's confidence and ability to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.



Asked about the sales at an event on Thursday evening in Washington, Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai said the United States was "incorrigible" when it came to Taiwan, the official Chinese Communist Party People's Daily newspaper reported on its website.



"But we should still continue to instruct (them) and continue advancing on the right track of China-US relations because this is what truly fits for both countries' long term interests," the paper quoted Cui as saying.



The sales, which require congressional approval, would be the first since a $1.83 billion sale that former President Barack Obama announced in December 2015, also to China's dismay.



The previous package included two navy frigates in addition to anti-tank missiles and amphibious attack vehicles.
Washington: US President Donald Trump will have a first face-to-face meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Germany next week on the sidelines of the G-20 leadership summit, the White House said on Thursday.



The agenda of the meeting is still being worked out, officials said, adding that Trump is planning to have bilateral meetings with a host of other world leaders on the sidelines of the G-20 summit.



"The President has asked us to work together across all departments and agencies to do, really, three things: to confront Russia's destabilising behaviour -- whether it's cyber threats, whether it's political subversion here in Europe and elsewhere," US National Security Advisor, Lt Gen H R McMaster told reporters at a White House news conference.



"The second is to deter Russia. Because nobody wants a major power war, right? So what is it that we have to put in place to be able to deter conflict. Then the third thing is to foster areas of cooperation," he said.



There are a lot of problems in the world that can be discussed during the meeting. North Korea, for example, is one of them; the fight against transnational terrorist organisations is another, said the US National Security Advisor.



In Germany, he said, Trump would hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, China, Mexico, Indonesia, and Singapore.



There could be more. In G-20, the primary objectives are to promote American prosperity, to protect American interests, and to provide American leadership.



"These three objectives tie together every engagement President Trump has with foreign leaders, whether here in the White House, as you saw with the strengthening of our strategic partnership with India during Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's visit on Monday and we will see tonight and tomorrow with the strengthening of our alliance with South Korea during President Moon (Jae-in)'s visit," McMaster said.



"Additional objectives for the trip include, first, to strengthen American alliances," he said.



America First, he stressed, does not mean America alone.



Trump has demonstrated a commitment to American alliances because strong alliances further American security and American interests, he added.



These meetings with leaders of other countries are also aimed at developing a common approach to Russia.



"As the President has made clear, he'd like the United States and the entire West to develop a more constructive relationship with Russia. But he's also made clear that we will do what is necessary to confront Russia's destabilising behaviour," McMaster said.



From a foreign policy perspective, Trump's goal will be to make clear, even to allies, that America cannot tolerate unfair trade and economic practices that disadvantage to its workers and industries.



"We're prepared to act where necessary, but we hope to resolve our differences in ways that benefit all sides and are based on really a drive toward reciprocal trade and economic relationships," McMaster said.



"We want to create robust, open and fair markets that drive economic growth and leave no countries hostage to energy-market manipulation. We are committed to the energy security of our allies and partners, and to the diversification of energy sources, supplies and routes," the National Security Advisor said.
Brussels: Pentagon chief Jim Mattis told NATO allies on Friday that they must finish the job in Afghanistan or risk terrorist revenge as the alliance readied a troop increase to counter a resurgent Taliban.



Mattis however refused to give a firm number for how many troops US President Donald Trump would commit under a new strategy, just two years after NATO officially ended its post-9/11 combat role in Afghanistan.



Recent Taliban gains have shaken confidence in Afghanistan's future and talk of sending NATO troops in has stoked fears the alliance could get sucked back into an unwinnable war just when it faces a host of new threats including Russia, terrorism and cyberattacks.



"I don't put timelines on war, war is a fundamentally unpredictable phenomenon," the US defence secretary told reporters after meeting his counterparts from the 29-nation alliance.



"The bottom line is that NATO has made a commitment to Afghanistan for freedom from fear and terror, and freedom from terror demands that you can't let this be undone."



Citing both Afghanistan and "ungoverned spaces" in Syria and Iraq where the Islamic State group has flourished, the retired Marine general added: "You cannot say 'I am tired of it' and come home and then you get hit again."



NATO currently has 13,500 troops in Afghanistan in the Resolute Support mission to "train, advise and assist" Afghan troops.



Diplomatic sources said an increase of up to 3,000 was under considerations, while US officials say it might be nearer 4,000.



The United States, which once had more than 100,000 troops in Afghanistan, is preparing a new strategy for a war which has dragged on for 16 years and which even US generals concede is a "stalemate" at best.



NATO played the lead role in fighting the Afghan war from 2003 to the end of 2014, when it handed frontline duties to the Afghan military.



Mattis said that after talks with the allies about 70% of the new plan's requirements were in place and he looked forward to bridging the remaining gap.



NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that the alliance would increase troop numbers, with 15 countries having pledged more, but stressed there would be no new combat role.



"We don't think it's going to be peaceful and no conflicts and no violence there this year or next year or in the near future, but we believe that Afghans (are)... determined and committed to fight Taliban and to stabilise their own country," he said.



The extra troops could help bolster Afghan Special Forces, improve Kabul's air force to provide ground support and evacuations, and step up officer training, the former Norwegian premier added.



He insisted it was not wrong to end NATO's combat role in 2014, adding: "If anything, we should have done it before.



Mattis however disagreed, saying there was "pretty much a consensus that we may have pulled our troops out a little too rapidly."



British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said London would provide nearly 100 troops, on top of 500 already in Afghanistan. "We're in it for the long haul," Fallon told reporters. Mattis has stressed his new approach, due to be presented to Trump by mid-July, will have a broader "regional" emphasis, with no set timetable.



Trump has remained remarkably taciturn on Afghanistan, but this month gave Mattis authority to set troop numbers at whatever level he saw fit.



The US president used a summit last month to push NATO to do more to counter terror and for the allies to increase defence spending to ease the burden on Washington.



Stung into action by Russia's intervention in Ukraine, NATO has embarked on its biggest military build-up since the end of the Cold War to face a more assertive Moscow.



Defence ministers discussed progress just as four "tripwire" battalions totalling 4,000 troops complete their deployment in the three Baltic States and Poland.



Stoltenberg warned that NATO must also step up its defences against cyberattacks after hackers caused chaos worldwide.



The global terror threat was also high on the agenda after NATO leaders agreed at last month's summit to join the US-led anti-IS coalition.



Stoltenberg said NATO would hold its next summit in Brussels in summer 2018.
Heius, seful ANAF: Doi nemernici, ca nu-i pot numi inspectori Antifrauda, au amendat 4 tarani cu cate 30.000 de lei / Imi e rusine ca asemenea oameni lucreaza in ANAF
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a high-level meeting of top foreign policy officials to discuss ties with India amid tension over ceasefire violations in Kashmir.



Radio Pakistan reported that during the meeting Sharif would be briefed about important foreign affairs issues, including ties with India and Afghanistan.



The meeting is being attended amongst others by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and senior officials of the Foreign Office.



The meeting was held amid tensions between India and Pakistan after a number of ceasefire violations in Kashmir for which both sides blame each other.



It comes days after the US declared Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist.
Washington: US President Donald Trump's ban on refugees and travelers from six mainly Muslim countries went into effect late Thursday after Supreme Court decision allowed it to go forward following a five-month battle with rights groups. The Trump administration says the temporary ban is necessary to block terrorists from entering the country, but immigrant advocates charge that it illegally singles out Muslims.



The 90-day ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and a 120-day ban on refugees, will allow exceptions for people with "close family relationships" in the United States.



But activists said the government has defined that too narrowly, excluding relationships with grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles and others.



And many were concerned about a possibly chaotic rollout of enforcement of the ban, like that in January when it was first announced.



Immigration rights activists and lawyers were waiting to help arrivals at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and other airports to be sure those from the six countries with valid US visas were allowed in after the ban went into effect at 8 pm Thursday Eastern time (0000 GMT Friday).



The Department of Homeland Security, which was heavily criticized for mishandling many arrivals when the ban was first attempted in January, promised a smooth rollout this time.



They stressed that anyone with a valid visa issued before the ban begins would still be admitted, and that all authorized refugees booked for travel before July 6 will also be allowed.



"We expect business as usual at the ports of entry starting at 8 pm tonight," said a DHS official. "Our people are well prepared for this."



The Trump administration insists the ban was necessary to protect the country from terror threats, and to give immigration authorities more time to tighten vetting of travelers and refugees.



"As recent events have shown, we are living in a very dangerous time, and the US government needs every available tool to prevent terrorists from entering the country and committing acts of bloodshed and violence," a senior administration official told reporters Thursday.



Trump claims political victory



But implementing it, even with exceptions, was also claimed as a political victory by Trump after Federal appeals courts twice blocked his order saying it violated Constitutional protections of religion and overshot his own presidential powers.



Immigrant rights groups and Democrats in Congress continued to label trump's order "illegal" and said the exemptions provided in a Supreme Court ruling on Monday remained unfair.



According to guidelines issued by the State Department, people with "close family relationships" would be exempt from the ban. It defined that to include parents, spouses, children, sons- and daughters-in-law, siblings and step- and half-siblings.



But "close family" does not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, fiances and any other "extended" family members, the guidelines say.



People with formal relationships with a US entity -- who have for instance been offered a job or been accepted to study or lecture at a university -- will also qualify for visas during the ban. But a hotel reservation, even if already paid for, does not qualify.



'Redefining family'



Democratic legislator Bennie Thompson blasted the government for a "lack of preparation and transparency" in putting into place the ban.



"Just hours before the president's unconstitutional and misguided travel ban takes partial effect tonight, administration officials briefing Congress were unwilling or unable to provide meaningful answers about how they determined whom the ban would affect," said Thompson, the senior Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee.



Rama Issa, executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, said the government is redefining what a family is.



"I was raised by my grandparents, so the idea of grandparents not being part of a family is very foreign to me," she said at Kennedy International, preparing to help arrivals after the ban takes effect.



"I'm engaged to get married. I have family who lives in Syria today -- not only my father, but my aunts and uncles who I would love to be at this wedding, and unfortunately, are not going to be able to be here."
Washington: The State Department has approved arms sales to Taiwan worth a total of $1.4 billion, the first such deal with the self-governing island since President Donald Trump took office, officials said Thursday.



The sale will anger China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory. It comes at a delicate time for relations between Washington and Beijing over efforts to rein in nuclear-armed North Korea.



The sale to Taiwan comprises seven items, including technical support for early warning radar, anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and components for SM-2 missiles, according to a US official who requested anonymity to discuss the details before they were formally announced.



State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the Trump administration had notified Congress of its intent to approve seven proposed deals now valued at around $1.4 billion. Nauert said the approvals did not violate the Taiwan Relations Act that governs US contacts with the island.



"It shows, we believe, our support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense policy," Nauert said. "There's no change, I should point out, to our 'one-China policy.'"



Taiwan's defense ministry on Friday thanked the US, saying, "The arms sale will help strengthen our country's self-defense capability and maintain the peace on Taiwan strait."



Lawmakers, which are generally strongly supportive of such sales, have 30 days to object. The US is legally obligated to sell weapons to Taiwan for its self-defense.



The US official said the sales represented upgrades, converting existing systems from analog to digital. The total includes roughly $1.3 million in transactions that are considered "foreign military sales," plus another commercial deal that also requires US government approval and brings the total to $1.4 billion.



The last US arms sales to Taiwan, worth $1.8 billion, were announced in December 2015. They included two decommissioned US Navy frigates, anti-tank missiles, amphibious assault vehicles and Stinger surface-to-air missiles, and was the first sale for four years.



China objected strongly, but it did not notably set back US-China relations and military ties, which has happened after past arms sales to Taiwan.



However, relations across the Taiwan Strait have deteriorated since then, as Taiwan last year elected a leader from an independence-leaning party, Tsai Ing-wen. China has increased diplomatic pressure, cut off its contacts with the island's government and discouraged travel there by Chinese tourists.
On Wednesday, Liberty University student Chongyu Xia took his fight for his fathers freedom to the United States government.

The rising junior, fighting for the release of his father, Xia Lin, a human rights lawyer currently imprisoned in China, spoke before American legislators Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

I am not alone, Chongyu Xia said in a statement to the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). As a rising nation, Chinas deteriorating human rights record is unacceptable. When a human rights lawyer cannot secure his own fundamental rights, I believe every members rights in the society are threatened.

Chongyu Xia was one of four people to testify at the hearing titled Gagging the Lawyers: Chinas Crackdown on Human Rights Lawyers and Its Implications for U.S.-China Relations. The others were Terence Halliday, co-director of the Center on Law & Globalization at the American Bar Foundation; Teng Biao, Chinese human rights lawyer and co-founder of the Open Constitution Initiative and China Human Rights Accountability Center; and Li Xiaorong, an independent scholar formerly with the University of Maryland Institute for Philosophy & Public Policy.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., chairman of the CECC, and Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., co-chair of the CECC, led the hearing.

Chinese officials repeatedly tell me that I should focus more on the positive aspects of China and not dwell so much on the negative, Smith began, according to video of the event.   That is an extremely difficult task when you read the horrifying and sadistic accounts of torture and enforced disappearances experienced by lawyers and rights advocates.

Xia Lin was arrested Nov. 8, 2014, and accused of gambling and fraud, according to the Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), a coalition of Chinese and international human rights non-governmental organizations dedicated to the promotion of human rights through peaceful efforts, according to its website.

Renee Xia, international director at CHRD, said Xia Lins arrest was related directly to his work as a lawyer, where he handled high-risk cases defending human rights activists, lawyers, and ethnic or religious minorities.

We believe the unfair trial and harsh prison sentence against Mr. Xia [Lin] is the government's retaliation for his lawyerly work defending his clients' due process rights, in violation of Chinese law and international human rights law, Renee Xia said.

CHRD researcher Frances Eve said Xia Lin is a victim of Chinese President Xi Jinpings oppression of dissenting voices and lawyers.

The fraud case was clearly pre-determined from the beginning and an act of revenge for his professional work as a lawyer, Eve said, calling Xia Lin's case a mockery of justice.

Chongyu Xia agreed and previously has told The News & Advance the fraud and gambling charges against his father were fake.

Were pretty sure this is political persecution, he said.

Xia Lin was sentenced April 20 to 10 years in prison, after initially being sentenced to 12 years last September.

After the sentencing, Chongyu Xia began fighting his fathers charges with renewed vigor, starting a petition that quickly garnered thousands of signatures from all over the world, with more than 95,320 names sitting on the list as of Thursday night.

Less than a month later, on May 9, Chongyu Xia marched up the steps to the Embassy of China in Washington, D.C., to deliver the letter featured in his petition.

His case was not heard by the embassy that day, Chongyu Xia said, and so he read his letter aloud outside the building before retreating down the steps.

But that setback didnt stop him or his mother, Ru Lin, who is in China fighting for her husbands release, Chongyu Xia said.

I refuse to accept this illegal and unjust verdict, Chongyu Xia said.

During Wednesdays hearing, Rubio said July 9 will mark the two-year anniversary of the 709 crackdown, which was the start of what has been described as an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on human rights lawyers and legal advocates in China.

While perhaps unprecedented in scale and coordination  nearly 300 rights advocates were detained, summoned for questioning, or disappeared  the crackdown began much earlier, Rubio said according to transcripts.

Halliday said the 709 crackdown occurred due to the quickly intensifying economic and social problems in China lawyers had been drawing attention to in highly visible ways.

Clearly, Chinas leaders felt vulnerable to activist, die-hard and ordinary lawyers enhanced powers to mobilize publics, he said, explaining Chinese activist lawyers have increased in number and united on social media platforms to mobilize and inspire others.

Biao detailed a chain of events that involved multiple kidnappings by Chinas secret police, being disbarred and ultimately torture in a black jail, defined by NGO Human Rights Watch as secret, unlawful detention facilities, for 70 days.

Dozens of lawyers were severely tortured, including beatings, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, prolonged interrogations, death threats, months or years of solitary confinement, humiliation, forcible televised confessions, so on and so on, he said. Notably, it has been confirmed that many lawyers and activists were force-fed with medicines which caused them muscle pain, blurred vision and other physical and mental harm.

Biao, Chongyu Xia and the other members ended their statement with a plea for the U.S. government to increase its involvement with human rights cases in China and hold China accountable through means such as expulsion from the UN Human Rights Council.

A powerful and autocratic China will bring calamities to mankind, Biao said. Supporting democracy and human rights in China not only corresponds to American declared values; it will also benefit American politics, society and economics in the long term.

Please stand on the side of Chinese people, not on the side of Chinese Communist Party.

Chongyu Xia said human rights lawyers are the cornerstone of society, and by taking a clear stance, the U.S. Government would communicate to the world that human rights violations will not be tolerated.
K Sudhakaran has said he's too busy with organisational duties to seek re-election.
Two Junes ago, when the Supreme Court upheld, 6-3, a challenged provision of the Affordable Care Act, Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, vented: Congress wrote key parts of the Act behind closed doors. ... Congress passed much of the Act using a complicated budgetary procedure known as reconciliation, which limited opportunities for debate and amendment, and bypassed the Senates normal 60-vote filibuster requirement. ... As a result, the Act does not reflect the type of care and deliberation that one might expect of such significant legislation. Now, however, Republicans run things, so ...

In 2009, President Obama ignited a debate that has been, for many members of Congress and their constituents, embarrassingly clarifying. Back then, most people stoutly insisted that they did not want a government-centered health care system. But even then, approximately half of every dollar spent on health care came from the government. Today, the 55 million Medicare beneficiaries approximately equal the combined populations of 26 states; the 73 million Medicaid recipients approximately equal the combined populations of 29 states. Governments 10 thumbs are all over health care.

Although an Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll showed that health care was extremely or very important to 81 percent of voters in the recent Georgia congressional election, neither candidate stressed this issue. Both were confronted, as all congressional candidates will be in 2018 and ever after, with this fact: No health care policy is comprehensive, comprehensible and inoffensive to all intense groups.

Health care only relatively recently became worth fighting over. In 1900, Americans spent almost twice as much on funerals as on medicine. Most people were born at home and died at home, and medicines principal function was to make ill people as comfortable as possible while nature healed them or killed them. Hospitals often were lethal infection factories, hence the common report, The operation was successful but the patient died. In his The Rise and Fall of American Growth, Robert Gordon notes that even victims of railroad, streetcar and horse cart accidents were largely taken to their homes rather than to hospitals. In 1900, only 5 percent of American women gave birth in hospitals. And a degree in medicine could be obtained for between $5 and $10, its cost depending on the quality of the paper on which the diploma was printed. Between 1890 and 1950, the great improvement in mortality rates owed much to social improvements (better hygiene, sanitation, food handling, etc.) and little to doctors, hospitals or drugs.

In 2009, there was no national consensus that insurance should be available to people with pre-existing conditions. There now is such a consensus, partly because of the obfuscating phrase: Insuring people with pre-existing conditions means insuring people who are already sick. Which means that what they are getting is not really insurance  protection against uncertain risk. The consensus might be right, but its logic makes the insurance model increasingly inapposite.

A market-driven health care system with government at the periphery would implement the lesson of Social Security: Government is good at sending checks to identifiable cohorts. It should send support to those who need it for purchasing premiums, then get out of the way.

But Obama, who once said he preferred a single-payer system, flinched from the really radical reform we need  a move away from broad reliance (about 180 million Americans) on employer-provided health insurance, which, in an expensive fiction, is not taxed as what it obviously is: compensation. Partly because of this system, health care consumers are not shoppers and market signals are weak and few.

Suppose that instead of providing health insurance, employers gave employees money to buy groceries. What would grocery stores look like? There probably would be no prices. To see why, ask yourself: When your doctor wants to perform a particular test, do you ask, How much will it cost? If you do, you are eccentric. Besides, the doctor probably does not know.

Perhaps for policy reasons, and certainly for political reasons, it is impossible to unwind reliance on employer-provided insurance. But this fact, combined with the pre-existing conditions consensus, means that henceforth the health care debate will be about not whether there will be a thick fabric of government subsidies, mandates and regulations, but about which party will weave the fabric.

So, repeal and replace will be tweak and move on. And even if the tweaks constitute significant improvements, Obama will have been proved right when, last October, he compared the ACA to a starter home.

Will is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Washington Post. Email him at georgewill@washpost.com.
Ms Talented TT shaping, developing young women

He said: When I was 14/15 years, I would get my cousins during the July/August holiday and had everyone doing a test.

When we finished with the tests we would play Miss Universe. We would grab our mothers sheets and make an evening gown with it.

It was from then come up. One of my friends had a show, Miss Diego Martin, and I judged that show and I then I said I am going to do a show for myself and that was when I started in 2001. He is set to host another, Miss Talented TT Pageant at Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre, Ariapita Road, St Anns tomorrow.

For Ross hosting this is simply a wider part of aiding in the enhancement of people across the country. He said to Newsday, I have been doing pageants since 2001. I have found myself encouraging people with different talents, whether it is in pageantry or karaoke, which I am also very active in.

For about 16 years, I have created forums for people to showcase their talent.

Most of the time people have the talent and they dont have the basic forum for development and exposure. I found myself doing it verbally and creating the platform for people to showcase their talent and allow them to develop. The first Miss Talented TT was held last year also at Cascadia Hotel with Melissa McCallister being crowned Miss Talented TT . This year, 13 finalists were chosen to compete for the crown, with the hope that, [you] train and develop them with the intention to have them move on to the national pageants to represent TT at the Miss World and Miss Universe competitions. Last years winner, he said, went abroad during her reign but upon returning auditioned for the local Miss Universe screening and made it to the top 20.

While many might believe, pageants have no place in todays world, Ross disagrees. For him pageants uplift and add to the self-esteem of those who participate.

He said: Yes there is still a place for pageantry. I believe it is a stepping stone. Once you come here and you win a pageant, there is power in the crown. Everyone wants to be associated with a winner. Being in pageants could branch an individual onto different career paths such as modelling and acting among others. But outside of that, Ross believes being in a pageant gives anyone that extra bit of self-confidence.

To me it sums up to an area where it lends confidence to individuals.

That is why I have not only the Miss Talented TT but also the Miss Talented Mum, Miss Fabulous Plus, Mr Impressive and Little Miss Elegance... You can be beautiful if youre a mum. Beauty continues after motherhood. You can be beautiful if youre a man.

You can develop yourself, you can be confident.

What we have found with a lot of the people who have been through the pageants. When they leave and you see them on the streets, even if they are casual, there is a certain image, there is a certain step and there is a certain confidence. There is a certain yes, I am going to go and launch out into what I always wanted to accomplish, he added.

Ross has also handed over some of the franchises he developed to previous winners. While, eventually, he has hopes of doing grander and bigger pageants, Ross main focus at the moment is encouraging others and positive development.

The delegates would compete in the swimwear, evening gown and Q&A segments with judges assessing personality, looks and intelligence.

Winner of the previously held talent segment would also be announced. The 13 finalists are vying for a main prize of $10,000.

Tickets cost $125 in advance.

For more info: 321-3037.
Ministry hosts free vacation camps

This was revealed by Angela Edwards, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts at the launch of cultural camps at the VIP Lounge, Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain on Tuesday.

According to Edwards who was speaking on behalf of Minister Gadsby-Dolly, initiatives such as these go a long way in providing value, transforming lives and building capacity in our communities.

Nineteen cultural camps are open to children age nine to 17 years. Each camp which hosts 50 participants who will be exposed to the arts and local heritage with topics covering the performing arts (dance, drama and music), literary arts and visual arts. Technical camps are open to participants from 18 to 65 years and will focus on several areas including carnival arts, visual arts, literary arts, fashion design, makeup for stage, music and other areas.

Damian Richardson, cultural officer II, emphasised the importance of the cultural camps which are geared towards educating young people about their heritage and art forms.

Director of the Culture Division Ingrid Ryan-Ruben reiterated the important role of camp facilitators and underscored the need for commitment by all interest groups.

When you interact with young people you have the opportunity to help define what kind of cultural citizen young people will become.

Indeed, it is an opportunity to build young people and by extension Trinidad and Tobago, she said in a media release.

Some of the stakeholders attending the launch were Beverly Reid-Samuel, deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry; and several organisations including Arts-in- Action; Dianjen Media Co Ltd, Fashion Fundamentals, Benoit Academy of Steelpan; Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, La Dramatique Expression of School Theatre and the Lloyd Best Institute of the West Indies. For more info about the camps contact the Culture Division at
Roget accuses Government of selling out Petrotrins assets

There is a plan to sell out the assets of Petrotrin without even the knowledge of those who were on that restructuring committee, Roget said, adding, so apparently the restructuring committee was set up as a ruse to deliberate on the one hand while their operatives are moving underground to sell out Petrotrin before recommendations were made. And we ask the question- was that a recommendation of the restructuring committee to aggressively go with this farm out and lease out arrangement, he said.

Roget noted that while there were two union representatives on the committee, (David Abdullah and Gregory Marchan), there was absolutely no discussion about chopping up Petrotrin and sharing it to their friends and financiers. Roget was addressing an emergency press conference at OWTU headquarters, Paramount Building, Circular Road, San Fernando yesterday.

And waving a form titled- Nomination Process for Competitive Bid Round 2017 which had been downloaded from the Ministry of Energys website, he said this was an aggressive move now to carve out and to carve up and to put in the plates of private interests what is public ownership. Roget said: Currently a competitive bid round is taking place for the assets of the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago. So while the Prime Minister on the one hand would tell the country that he is about transparency and accountability, what he is not telling the country is the surreptitious manner they are giving away the assets of the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago. He said the blocks which were open for bid were in the southern basin and had recently been the subject of a 3-D seismic survey which had been commissioned by Petrotrin.

The Blocks include Onshore Blocks such as Charuma 1 and 2, Cory D and F, Catshill, Trinity and Block G, H and I while the shallow water blocks include NCMA 2; 3; 4(a); 4 (b) and South Marine.

There are also several Northern Deepwater Blocks and Eastern Deepwater Blocks for bid.

This arrangement here provides for Petrotrin fields and acreages that are now under the control of Petrotrin to be given away to lease operators while no one said anything at all about aggressively accelerating this programme, he said.

He said the increase in crude oil production would be credited to the lease operators saying this was tantamount to Petrotrin purchasing its own oil from the lease operators.

These acreages come under the whole southern basin where all of the seismic survey was done so you picture all of the data resulting from the seismic survey, the three seismic surveys that was done by Petrotrin, paid for by Petrotrin and we are asking the question- where is that seismic survey, where is the data for that, is that in the hands of those lease operators who are now ready to go and pick the plum out of Petrotrin and then tout that approach as a success story, he said.

When in fact they are aided and abetted and spoon fed to bring about a particular result, which result only benefit a few, he said.

He said the union was not only calling for the removal of Energy Minister Franklin Khan, (whom he dubbed the lease and farm out minister), but promised that they would do everything necessary to prevent the implementation of the plan.

Meanwhile, former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine said the Energy Ministry should explain the rationale behind its acreage bid round saying all of the blocks were owned by Petrotrin.

It looks as though the Ministry of Energy is putting out Petrotrins acreage for nomination so the Ministry has to come clean and the Ministry has to explain to the country exactly what it is that is happening here because when you look at the map, it is the acreage in the Deep South and the southwest peninsula, he said.

I think the unions observation is an observation that requires an answer from the Ministry, he said.

The Energy Minister was unavailable for comment as he was attending Parliament.
Mark concerned over kidnapping

Mark asked if the Police Service is adequately equipped to prevent and solve such kidnappings.

Dillon replied, The Commissioner of Police (CoP, Stephen Williams) has informed me that the Anti Kidnapping Squad, the Cyber Security Unit, the Task Force, the Criminal Investigation Department, working together with the Strategic Services Agency, are prepared to treat with issues pertaining to kidnapping in Trinidad and Tobago. Mark asked about the status of Gregory Laing who was kidnapped yesterday, but Senate president Christine Kangaloo disallowed that question.

Mark asked Dillon if the various forces he had listed are properly resourced and are prepared to deal with any eruption of kidnapping.

Dillon replied, I thought I had just answered the question.

Based on the advice of the Commissioner of Police the unit as I mentioned before  the Anti Kidnapping Squad, the Cyber Security Unit, the CID and the Task Force, and I also added to that the Strategic Services Agency  are prepared to treat with the issues of kidnapping in Trinidad and Tobago.
Approximately 180,000 living with disabilities

Addressing the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) annual general meeting at the San Fernando City Auditorium, Harris Promenade on Wednesday night, Seebaran- Suite said there was a need for a national registry of persons with disabilities as this figure was not known locally.

She however surmised that there was approximately 15 per cent of the population or 180,000 persons with disabilities in Trinidad and Tobago. We have not yet mainstreamed people with disabilities in Trinidad and Tobago, she said, adding that the educational policy did not address the specific needs of children with disabilities.

Meanwhile, NCPD chairperson Shereen Baksh described the past year as challenging due to the centres limited financial resources, its monthly commitments and a national economy rife with downsizing and retrenchment. While our national economy depends heavily on the energy sector and oil prices have not yet rebounded as expected, the threat of inadequate government funding is real, Baksh, who is legally blind, said.
Ramadharsingh appeals to most powerful for flood help

If you are so powerful, contribute something to a poor family.

Come and show some mercy to these people whose children cannot go to school, who are getting sick, who the rains have flooded out their homes. R ama d h a r s i n g h issued the challenge through the media after Unicomer Courts distributed $50,000 worth of household appliances to some families in the Woodland area who lost stoves, beds, and fridges to flood waters last week.

We call upon the people who have been spared. The businessmen.

The powerful interest groups in the community.

We call upon those powerful interest groups to show some mercy to south Trinidad. Come forward. Come from Port of Spain. See where Woodland is, where Debe is, where San Francique is. Ramadharsingh said the goodwill of corporate Trinidad was the only salvation for affected communities as the regional corporation is under-resourced to alleviate all of the problems. Ramadharsingh also criticised the three-week processing time for the distribution of the $25 million relief fund that was approved by Cabinet to be given to storm victims for household repair.

Applications are not being processed in an emergency format. They are being processed run of the mill, as if you are making an application on the basis of poverty.

That means that it may be months before these people get approval because those things have to be approved by a board in the ministry, the permanent secretary.

I am not sure that anyone who has a roof broken can wait to get a grant to repair that home. Unicomer Courts gifted five stoves, five fridges, ten washing machines, and three microwaves to families living along Pluck Road, Woodland, whose homes were flooded out.

I personally want to thank the councillor in the area, who came to my aid and helped me sandbag the river to ensure it didnt flood my house again, at least for a little while, said Imtiaz Baig, a Pluck Road resident whose home was flooded by three feet of water.

I lost a stove, a couch set and a fridge. I am really grateful for the stove Im getting today.
NGC hosts Tanzania negotiating team

NGC said the GNT was here to learn more about TTs oil and gas industry, as the East African nation seeks to develop its unexploited offshore gas reserves amidst a slow-moving economic growth and low commodity prices.

In a release issued yesterday, NGC said, The appeal of Tanzanias 53.2 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas resources has brought intense competition among the global energy players. NGC explained that Tanzanias government, through its ministry of energy and minerals, has opened discussions with International Oil Companies (IOCs) for the negotiation of a Host Government Agreement (HGA), with a view to developing an LNG project. Discussions began in September 2016 and the government of Tanzania constituted the GNT to meet with negotiating teams for the IOCs. To date, the IOCs and GNT have agreed to develop a term sheet separately in order to start negotiations which will develop the HGA. The purpose of the June 28 visit to NGCs Point Lisas head office was to help the (GNT) team acquire knowledge and experience which will help to modify and develop a better term sheet. NGC President, Mark Loquan and NGC Vice-President, Gas Transmission and Distribution, Ronald Adams, delivered a presentation to the GNT, which spoke to both the NGC Group and NGCs interest in LNG. Also representing NGC Group were Verlier Quan Vie, Senior Manager, Commercial, NGC and Alvin Dookie, Vice-President, Business Development at Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited.

NGC said Loquan noted that these study tours are important to NGC, as they cemented NGCs new strategy - transforming its business, growing along the value chain, moving into other jurisdictions and becoming a global player through strategic partnerships.

NGC also expressed an interest in promoting not only itself but Trinidads service sector and academic institutions, if value could be created in Tanzanias critical stages of development. NGC added, The GNT expressed great interest in the gas model used in Trinidad, issues with respect to development of the gas model, infrastructural development for gas distribution and other elements such as LNG production, royalties and fiscal terms which in Trinidad are set by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. The GNT team was led by Professor James Mdoe, acting permanent secretary in Tanzanias ministry of energy and minerals, who thanked NGC for sharing its experience and extended an invitation to visit Tanzania.
Carmona: TT fish stocks at risk

Carmona was yesterday speaking at the opening of a two-day symposium, Enhancing Ocean Governance in the Caribbean Region, held at the UTT campus in Chaguaramas He said without co-operation among states to implement the UN agreement, TT will continue to witness the decline in fish stocks and loss of revenue to fisher-folk in the region, exacerbate insecurity and undermine rural communities which depend on the fishing industry.

There are calls for the full and effective implementation of existing rules which flow from legally binding obligations under various international legal instruments to which all Caribbean countries are stake parties, said Carmona.

The primary one being the 1982 United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea. It is timely the attention is being drawn on the implementation of the outcome of the United Nations conference to support the implementation of sustainable development goal, conserve and sustainable use of the ocean and seas and marine resources sustainable development. Carmona said the symposium is welcomed as it comes at a time when greater international tension is being focus on the development of new rules to improve ocean governance globally.

Ensuring the resources of TTs oceans and seas are protected, Carmona said it must be conserved within and beyond national jurisdiction for the benefit of current and future generations.

However, he said critical work has to be done in order to achieve the objective of enhancing ocean governance.

Political leadership and political will, must be demonstrated by all nations for example to ensure all stake parties to the convention honour the obligation to protect and preserve marine environment in keeping with the provisions of article 1982. Carmona said the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has stated that 30 per cent of the global catch, amounting to 11 to 26 million tonnes and worth $10 trillion to $23 trillion, are the result of illegal fishing, and countries affected adversely are developing states and small island developing states.

In the Caribbean, action must be taken in real terms, and I listen to the cry of the fisher- folks to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing from foreign long-line fishing vessels. According to FAO, Carmona, said illegal fishing it is one of the threats to the sustainability of Caribbean fishery resources.
He Lost 30 Years of Memories.

His Wife Came Up With a Plan
A former nurse who prosecutors believe could be responsible in the deaths of up to 60 Texas children has been indicted on two new murder charges, the AP reports. The Bexar County district attorney's office said in a statement that Genene Jones, 66, was indicted Thursday in the deaths of 8-month-old Ricky Nelson in 1981 and 4-month-old Patrick Zavala a year later. She now faces four new murder charges, all filed in about the last month. Last week, she was indicted on a murder count in the 1981 death of Rosemary Vega, and she was indicted on a murder count last month in the 1981 death of 11-month-old Joshua Sawyer. During Jones' time working at a San Antonio hospital and a clinic in Kerrville, northwest of San Antonio, children died of unexplained seizures and other complications.

Jones 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. She was scheduled for release in March under a mandatory release law in place when she was convicted, but District Attorney Nico LaHood has previously said he's trying to ensure she never leaves prison because she's linked to the deaths of many more children who died in the early 1980s either during her shifts or shortly after. Prosecutors at Jones' 1984 murder trial said the nurse lethally injected children at the Kerrville clinic 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. (Read more child murder stories.)
A longtime GOP operative claimed to be working with Michael Flynn when he reached out to hacker groups prior to the presidential election in an attempt to get emails he believed were stolen from Hillary Clinton's private server, according to en exclusive report from the Wall Street Journal. We knew the people who had these were probably around the Russian government, Peter Smith told WSJ in an interview just 10 days before he died May 14 at the age of 81. The interview is believed to be Smith's only public comments on his search for the emails. Smith hired technology experts, lawyers, and an investigator who speaks Russian to aid him in his search.

At the time of Smith's search, Flynn was a senior adviser to Donald Trump. Smith implicated both Flynn and the Flynn Intel Group in his hunt for the emails, though it's unclear if Flynn was actually involved. A Trump campaign official says if Flynn was working with Smith, it was as a private citizen and not as a representative of the campaign. US officials say investigators have seen reports of Russian hackers talking about getting potential Clinton emails to Flynn through an intermediary. It's possible that intermediary was Smith. Smith said he actually did get some emails from hacker groups but couldn't verify their authenticity in order to leak them himself. Read the full WSJ report here. (Read more Michael Flynn stories.)
What began as an inspiring story came to a tragic conclusion this week when a 30-year-old Nashville woman who survived a heart transplant seven years ago died after giving birth to her first child, KSDK reports. Megan Moss Johnson, originally of Ferguson, Missouri, gave birth to daughter Eilee Kate around 2:40am Tuesday and spent six hours delighting over her girl. "Megan held, fed, and burped little Eilee," per a GoFundMe page. "[Husband] Nathan says they couldn't sleep because they were too excited. They talked all night and morning." Then Johnson lost consciousness; she died about two hours later. A friend tells the Tennessean doctors don't yet know what caused her death, though the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that pregnancies are considered high-risk for women who have had heart transplants.

Johnson was diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, when she was just 15, the Post-Dispatch previously reported. She was put on a transplant list in February 2010 and in April developed pneumonia that doctors said made her too sick for a transplant; 12 hours later she made a surprise turnaround and a heart was en route to her. On Wednesday a GoFundMe page was set up for Eilee and Christian music artist Nathan Johnson, who a friend writes talked about Meg "every day. Half of his posts online are about his 'boo,' his 'goddess,' his 'beauty.'" It has raised $335,000 as of this writing, with the page's creator updating it to say, "I can't quit crying. Nathan and Eilee, we love you. Meg, we miss you. I'm raising the goal again. We're sending this girl to college." (A healthy baby, a tragic twist for her mom.)
A homicide suspect livestreamed on Facebook as he traded gunfire with police, eventually shooting a Los Angeles SWAT officer before a police round struck him, a law enforcement official says. Both the suspect and officer are expected to survive, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck says. The official, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity, says the video, which captured at least part of the encounter, shows the suspect shouting as he pointed a handgun at officers with gunshots ringing around him. At one point he yells that the officers are "about to kill me." Police have not released the name of the wounded officer or the suspect.

The suspect was one of four people wanted in connection with a gang-related killing in late March, Beck says. The man led police officers from Los Angeles and Hawthorne on a brief chase in El Segundo, which ended with the shootout, the chief says. The wounded SWAT officer was shot in the hip and is expected to make a full recovery, Beck says. The suspect was taken to a hospital in serious condition and will be arrested in connection with the March killing and for investigation of attempted murder of a police officer. Beck, who visited the wounded officer at the hospital, says he is in stable condition and his wife, a fellow LAPD officer, is at his bedside. (Read more Los Angeles stories.)
Germany's lower house of Parliament agreed Friday to tweak its civil code to legalize same-sex marriage, with one gay-rights advocate calling the moment a "joyous turning point," the Washington Post reports. The New York Times notes this places Germany, which legalized civil partnerships in 2001, among more than a dozen European countries, including France and Ireland, that permit same-sex marriages. One person in the "nay" column: Chancellor Angela Merkel. "For me, marriage in German law is marriage between a man and a woman and that is why I did not vote in favor of this bill today," she said, per the Independent. However, she did open the floor on the topic this week, calling for her Christian Democratic Union party to cast a vote according to "conscience."

"I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between different opinions, but also brings more social cohesion and peace," she said. The change takes place within a country that, while often touted for being progressive, has remained resistant to gay marriage in conservative circles. However, two major parties last weekend indicated they would base their support of Merkel's CDU in upcoming elections on this legislation, leaving some gay-rights champions annoyed that Merkel's sudden easing up on the issue likely had political undertones. "The result is wonderful, but it makes me a bit angry that the gays are just a voting group to be won," a gay IT worker tells the Post. The bill now moves to Parliament's upper house, then the desk of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This means the country's first gay marriages will likely start to happen in the early fall. (Read more Germany stories.)
The State Department announced Thursday that the US has reached a $1.4 billion arms deal with Taiwan; a source tells CNN it includes the sale of advanced missiles and torpedoes and technical support for early warning radar. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said Friday it is "sincerely grateful" for the deal, "which will boost our combat capabilities in air and sea." But China is far less pleased. More:



It's about protection: A US official tells CNN the deal shows "our support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability"something the US is required to do under the Taiwan Relations Act signed in 1979.

A US official tells CNN the deal shows "our support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability"something the US is required to do under the Taiwan Relations Act signed in 1979. It's not unusual: The South China Morning Post notes every US president since Jimmy Carter has OKed arms sales to Taiwan. Former President Obama approved a $1.8 billion sale in 2015.

The South China Morning Post notes every US president since Jimmy Carter has OKed arms sales to Taiwan. Former President Obama approved a $1.8 billion sale in 2015. Timing: This deal, however, comes at a "delicate time" in US-China relations, with tensions already high over North Korea, reports the AP.

One China: A State Department rep says the US remains committed to its "one-China" policy, meaning it will not carry on an official relationship with Taiwan and does not consider it to be its own country. China views Taiwan as part of its territory.

A State Department rep says the US remains committed to its "one-China" policy, meaning it will not carry on an official relationship with Taiwan and does not consider it to be its own country. China views Taiwan as part of its territory. But China is peeved: The Chinese Embassy in Washington calls the deal a "wrong move" that "grossly interferes" in China's domestic affairs, per the Morning Post, adding China "reserves every right to take further action."

The Chinese Embassy in Washington calls the deal a "wrong move" that "grossly interferes" in China's domestic affairs, per the Morning Post, adding China "reserves every right to take further action." What about Mar-a-Lago? China's ambassador to Washington adds the deal has "damaged the basis and mutual trust between the two countries" and "contradicts the spirit and consensus" of Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago in April, reports CNN.

China's ambassador to Washington adds the deal has "damaged the basis and mutual trust between the two countries" and "contradicts the spirit and consensus" of Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago in April, reports CNN. There's more: A rep for China's Foreign Ministry says the country is also "strongly concerned about and firmly opposed to" a new bill allowing US naval vessels to make routine stops at ports in Taiwan.

A rep for China's Foreign Ministry says the country is also "strongly concerned about and firmly opposed to" a new bill allowing US naval vessels to make routine stops at ports in Taiwan. Next up: The arms deal is likely to come up when Trump holds his second meeting with Xi at the G20 summit in Germany next week.

(Read more Taiwan stories.)
Want to be your own boss? Make your own hours? Not get properly paid according to the Fair Labor Standards Act? While the first two perks of working as a "phone actor" for Tele Pay USA's "adult and psychic hotlines" are listed on the company's website, the latter is the subject of a lawsuit that's been filed against the California firm, per FOX 11. The class-action complaint set into place by Florida's Anne Cannon alleges that Tele Pay holds back overtime and other pay by classifying workers as independent contractors, as well as pays some employees wages well below the federally mandated $7.25 per hour, Courthouse News Service reports. Cannon alleges Tele Pay workers are urged by management to keep callers on the line for as long as possible via "sexually explicit talk," per Law360.

But her suit alleges when average call times fall below six minutes, so does workers' hourly rate, to as low as $4.20 per hour. The suit adds it's difficult to keep calls above that benchmarkdespite a guy named "Don" who offers tips on how to keep callers interestedas the workers field brief prank calls and experience dropped calls or other technical snafus, all of which get factored into the average; Cannon calls them "draconian measures" to cut her paycheck, per the Washington Post. Cannon, who has worked for Tele Pay since 2008, also says she's often asked to put in more than 40 hours a week without overtime pay. And the company requires that she remain in her home and near a phone during "certain periods of time." The suit covers similar claims from others over the last three years. (Maine's EBT callers got a sex line instead.)
In a Washington Post op-ed, Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough suggested that President Trump stop watching their show. He did not take their advice: "Watched low rated @Morning_Joe for first time in long time," he tweeted Friday morning. "FAKE NEWS. He called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no! Bad show." This, of course, follows Thursday's maelstrom in which the president tweeted about a supposed Brzezinski facelift. "I'm fine," said Brzezinski on the air Friday, per People. "My family brought me up really tough." She added that Trump appears to have "a fragile, impetuous, childlike ego" and can't take criticism, which causes her to be "very concerned" for the country. Co-host Scarborough, her fiance, also chimed in: "He for some reason takes things very personally with women."

The hosts also talked about Trump's reference to the National Enquirer. Scarborough said White House aides had once called to tell him that the tabloid was planning a negative story about him and Brzezinski, but that he could get it killed by calling Trump to apologize for their criticism of him. "Donald is friends with the guy who runs the National Enquirer," Scarborough said, per NBC News. The pair said they took no steps to quash the story. "Yet another lie," Scarborough later tweeted in response to the presidential tweet. Meanwhile, TMZ reports that Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota suggests a solution of sorts: He thinks Twitter should ban Trump as an online bully. (Read more President Trump stories.)
"It is clearly an image of a butt," a coffee shop employee tells Fox 13 regarding a piece of graffiti that recently appeared in their bathroom. But police have a different view. "What it looks like to us is vandalism," Assistant Police Chief Jim Previterra says. Dozens of pieces of "butt graffiti" have been popping up all over St. Petersburg in Florida dating back to at least April. The Tampa Bay Times describes the offending art: "Three buttocks, formed by four unbroken lines. A simple yet mind-bending design that conjures a police lineup of backsides, or an alien race anatomically different from our own." While the butt graffiti usually features three cheeks, some examples have had up to seven.

The butts have been a big hit on social media, but not everyone is a fan. "I don't think it is very good," one person tells Fox 13. "It's not very creative." This is not art. At all, a woman tells WFLA. Its vandalism. Police have documented at least 20 instances of butt graffiti in St. Petersburg. And Previterra, who calls the graffiti an "eyesore," says they will catch the culprit. In the end, everyone gets their day," he says. Meanwhile, the Times went down an internet rabbit hole to find the artist who could possibly be responsible for the ballooning butt problem. The artist says he "can neither confirm nor deny" the butts are his. (Read more butt stories.)
President Trump and South Korea's new leader showed joint resolve on North Korea on Friday despite their divergent philosophies for addressing the nuclear threat, yet the US opened up a new front of discord by demanding a renegotiation of a landmark 2012 trade pact between the two countries. Concluding two days of meetings at the White House, Trump and President Moon Jae-in each delivered tough talk opposing North Korea's development of atomic weapons, the AP reports. The "reckless and brutal regime" requires a determined reply, Trump said. And Moon, who has long advocated outreach to Pyongyang, vowed a "stern response" to provocation, promising to coordinate closely with Trump as he looks to intensify economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.

While they avoided a potential conflict on the most burning national security crisis facing each country, they showed little harmony on trade. Trump highlighted America's trade imbalance with South Korea. Two-way trade in goods and services was $144 billion last year, with the US running a $17 billion deficit. "The fact is that the United States has trade deficits with many, many countries, and we cannot allow that to continue," Trump said. "And we'll start with South Korea right now." He said the two sides would renegotiate a 2012 free trade agreement, calling it a "rough deal" for America. Click for more, including Trump calling on his top economic officials to address their grievances to Moon in front of journalists in what the AP calls "an unusual display of one-upmanship in a meeting between close allies." (Read more President Trump stories.)
A year ago Friday, Utah man Joshua Holt and his new bride were arrested in their apartment in Caracas and imprisoned without charges or a hearing, NBC News reports. They're still waiting for either on what Sen. Orrin Hatch tells the Wall Street Journal is a "devastating anniversary." Holt met his wife Thamara online and traveled to Venezuela to propose to her last June. They were married June 16 and arrested two weeks later while waiting for Thamara to be granted a visa so they could move to the US. Venezuelan officials say Holt had two guns, ammunition, and a grenade in the apartment; they accuse him of working with the US government and gangs to undermine the Venezuelan president, CBS News reports. Holt and witnesses claim police planted the guns after learning the newlyweds couldn't pay a $10,000 bribe.

For the past year, Laurie Holt has been working to free her son, who she says was imprisoned "for simply falling in love," and now she's urging President Trump to "push harder" to bring Joshua home. "For a mother, you can't even explain how much it hurts," Holt says. She says her son has lost 60 pounds in prison while suffering from pneumonia, bronchitis, and a blood infection. She says he's given up hope and is suicidal, describing the prison in letters as a place where "demons stroll the hallways." Joshua Holt's lawyer says he's been abused in prison, forced to remove his Mormon undergarments and jump up and down naked. Hatch says he's met with officials "from every level of government" to free Holt, but Venezuela may be holding on to Holt as a future bargaining chip. (Read more Venezuela stories.)
Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire onLine of Control in Poonch

Srinagar : Pakistan Army violated ceasefire and resorted to unprovoked shelling and firing on Friday on the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district. Defence Ministry sources said the Pakistan Army used small arms, mortars and automatics to fire at Indian positions in Bhimber Gali area in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The shelling and firing started at 4.15 a.m. The Indian Army is strongly and effectively responding to Pakistan," the defence sources said

Two Indian soldiers were injured on Thursday in Pakistan firing.
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New Delhi:

US tech giant Google's endeavour to have a diversified workforce in all respects by making strategic investments and initiating new projects has reaped huge dividends but its latest diversity report shows that it still must make more efforts. A While female staff now comprise 31 percent of its total employees, they comprise only 20 percent of the company's technical workforce.

Furthermore, only one percent of its tech roles comprise of A African American Googlers, who make up only five percent of the company's total number of employees. Although the number of women in tech and the number of Hispanic Googlers has increased by one percent from last year's, it's obvious that the company is still significantly white and male.

Mountain View is at least aware it must make more efforts in this domain, and that may be the reason it has employed Danielle Brown recently as its new VP of Diversity. Brown used to be Intel's VP and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and will supervise Google's diversity and inclusion strategy. Intel isn't more diverse than the big G, according to its 2016 report, 25.8 percent of its employees only are women and Black employees are even less (3.73 percent of population). However, Brown will provide fresh eyes, which maybe is what is required by Google to attain better results.

To emphasise why diversity is essential Eileen Naughton, Google's VP of operations, related the story of how Pixel's creative chief was inspired by Mexico City to design the "Really Blue" edition:

"For all of our communities of color, we're working to make sure our culture is rewarding and welcoming through events, town halls, employee resource groups, and ensuring fairness in the promotion process. We know this is critical to making it safe for everyone to bring their best and most innovative ideas to the table. For example, the idea for our Really Blue Pixel came from Alberto Villarreal, the phone's creative lead and industrial design manager, who derived the color from the Mexico City of his youth.

The phone was released in October and sold out within minutes. Alberto is part of a vibrant community of Hispanic Googlers, whose contributions are essential to our ability to reflect the world around us, especially here at our California HQ."

Google hires Intelas VP with aim to increase employee diversity A US tech giant Google's endeavour to have a diversifed work force in all respects by making investments and initiating new projects has reaped hugh dividends but its latest diversity report shows that it still must make more efforts. While female staff now comprise 31 percent of its total employees, they comprise only 20 percent of the company's technical workforce. Furthermore, only one percent of its tech roles comprise of African American Googlers, who make up only five percent of the company's total number of employees. Although, the number of women in tech and the number of Hispanic Googlers have increased by one percent from last year's, but it's obvious that the company is still significantly white and male. Mountain View is at least aware it must make more efforts in this domain, and that may be the reason it has employed Danielle Brown recently as its new VP of Diversity. Brown used to be Intel's VP and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and will supervise Google's diversity and inclusion strategy. Intel isn't more diverse than the big G -- according to its 2016 report, 25.8 percent of its employees only are women and Black employees are even less (3.73 percent of population). However, Brown will provide fresh eyes, which maybe is what is required by Google to attain better results. A To emphasize why diversity is essential Eileen Naughton, Google's VP of operations, related the story of how Pixel's creative chief was inspired by Mexico City to design the "Really Blue" edition: A "For all of our communities of color, we're working to make sure our culture is rewarding and welcoming through events, town halls, employee resource groups, and ensuring fairness in the promotion process. We know this is critical to making it safe for everyone to bring their best and most innovative ideas to the table. For example, the idea for our Really Blue Pixel came from Alberto Villarreal, the phone's creative lead and industrial design manager, who derived the color from the Mexico City of his youth. The phone was released in October and sold out within minutes. Alberto is part of a vibrant community of Hispanic Googlers, whose contributions are essential to our ability to reflect the world around us, especially here at our California HQ."

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will at midnight unveil the new tax regime replacing overnight the messy mix of more than a dozen state and central levies built up over seven decades, with a one national GST unifying the countrys USD 2 trillion economy and 1.3 billion people into a common market.



The launch of the biggest tax reform in India since independence will be celebrated with a gala event. Nations senior most leaders are expected to attend the launch along with all MLAs and MPs, who have been invited to Central Hall of the Parliament to be part of the historic moment.

Suggested read: Stage set for launch of GST from Parliaments Central Hall on Fridays midnight amidst protests from Opposition parties



LIVE UPDATES

#4:50PM: Shameful for govt to term GST rollout as second freedom: Anand Sharma

# 3:09 PM: Rahul said the Centre is all set to implement Goods and Services Tax (GST) without any planning foresight and institutional readiness.

#3:06 PM: The Congress vice-president said that the grand old party has championed the GST since the beginning.

# 3:03 PM: Rahul said the country deserves a GST rollout but not at the cost of traders pain and anxiety.

#3:01 PM: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Modi government wants to implement the reform in hurry so they can take credit for the same.

#2:15 PM: We oppose GST, its a black law but since Pres will attend launch we will go as we do not want to create controversy: Naresh Agrawal, SP



#2:15 PM:I think collective wisdom will prevail and by evening all the parties will come: Union minister Prakash Javadekar



#2:00 PM:Will end corruption. Only those who want to weaken economy are opposing it; it will be historic: Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh



#1:30 PM: Siddharamiaha, Chief Minister of Karnataka, on GST



We are not against GST but the way central govt treating it. The special session was organised when we got freedom, the second time when we celebrated 25 years of independence and the third time when we celebrated 50yrs of independence. What is the need of conducting the special session on GST midnight at central hall?



As if the economic reformation bought by BJP. When Modi was chief minister of Gujarat he opposed GST and even BJP did. It was UPA who introduced GST now they celebrating as if it's their initiative.



There is an apprehension that State will be betrayed in GST but there was a written clarification during the GST council to the state to ensure there will be no losses to the states. Central government have agreed on that.



MP: Business traders called for a bandh protesting against implementation of GST, all major markets in Bhopal to remain shut today pic.twitter.com/xVNiw8YgP4  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017



#10:30 AM: GST is a black law which we oppose, whether or not we will attend today's event will be decided by afternoon: Naresh Agarwal, SP

Traders stop 4102 Jhansi Express train in protest against #GST in Kanpur pic.twitter.com/wKOXOYBBPr  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 30, 2017

#10:00 AM: Lucknow traders to protest outside Municipal headquarters at 11:30 against GST rollout



#10:00 AM: Traders announces Rajasthan bandh in protest of GST rollout

I still appeal to Congress and other parties boycotting #GST event to reconsider. Its not a party function: Venkaiah Naidu pic.twitter.com/z0b8XxOaX3  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

#8:30 AM: Hasmukh Adhia, Revenue Secy on myths around GST implementation (Source: ANI) Read full story here

- People should not believe in any misinformation, its transparent process.Honest taxpayers will benefit.



- People are saying that retailers will have to file three returns per month. This untrue, you have to file only one. Rest will be generated by the computer.



- Composite dealers do not have to file return every monh, but once in three months that too just the details of total trunover.



- Do not worry about GST implementation, you won't need big IT infrastructure. Even B2B don't need big software. We will give free software



- Will give an excel format for B2B so they can keep invoice details updated and upload every month on the 10th.

GST launch details:

Time: The event will start at 11 PM and will continue till 12:10 AM



On the podium: President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Speaker of the House Sumitra Mahajan and former Prime Ministers HD Dewe Gowda will be the chief guests of the event. Former PM Manmohan Singh will not attend.



Convenor: Finance minister Arun Jaitley will welcome the guests



Launch: PM Modi and President Mukherjee will initiate the switch over form current indirect tax system to one nation one tax GST regime through an app at midnight. The address the nation as well.



Whos attending, whos not



The majority of opposition parties have decided to boycott the event.



Congress, Trinamool Congress, RJD, Samajwadi Party and Left parties announced they would not attend the special midnight celebration, the JD(U) said it would leave the decision to its MPs.

Suggested read: Starry midnight in offing as GST launch programme to be graced by notable celebrities like Amitabh, Tata



The reasons:



Central Hall: The iconic venue has so far been used only thrice for an event  Announcement of Indias independence, silver jubilee of the event in 1972 and golden jubilee of the event in 1997. The Congress has condemned the use of the same hall for tax reforms as publicity gimmick.



Lack of time for switchover: Another major objection parties have to GST rollout on June 30 is the lack of time given to shopkeepers for switch over. The parties have said that they are not against the tax reform, but do not support the haste it is being implemented with.

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New Delhi:

Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia on Friday plead the small businesses owners and traders to not to believe in any misinformation related to GST implementation. It is a transparent process, which will benefit honest taxpayers, Adhia said.



As the time to switch over to one nation, one tax GST system, the confusion and panic among small business owners is growing rapidly. To dispel fears, Adhia clarified the myths:"People are saying that retailers will have to file three returns per month. This untrue, you have to file only one. Rest will be generated by a computer."



Additionally, he said, "Composite dealers do not have to file the return every month, but once in three months that too just the details of total turnover."



Revenue Secy also assured that traders do not have to install big IT infrastructure for GST. "The government will even provide free software for B2B systems," he said. "Will give an excel format for B2B so they can keep invoice details updated and upload every month on the 10th."

GST Live: India all set for biggest tax reform, Modi Govt to make formal announcement in special Parliament Session today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will at midnight unveil the new tax regime replacing overnight the messy mix of more than a dozen state and central levies built up over seven decades, with a one national GST unifying the countrys USD 2 trillion economy and 1.3 billion people into a common market.

For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

B-town fitness freak Akshay Kumar who will be next seen in Bhumi Pednekar starrer 'Toilet Ek Prem Katha', is not going to take part in the promotional events of the movie.

According to report, the 'Rustom' star is at present gearing up for shooting of his upcoming flick 'Gold' and will head to London soon. The actor who is in a mood to make the trip worthwhile with his entire family, will back to Mumbai together at the end of July.

Hence, the 49-year-old actor would not even be present during the release of his much anticipated film 'Toilet Ek Prem Katha'.

Though the actor has an old habit of leaving country ahead of his releases, this time it is nothing but a coincidence.

On the other hand, Bhumi Pednekar, who was last seen in Sharat Katariya's romantic venture 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha', is also busy shooting his other upcoming movies like 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan' and 'Manmarziyaan'.

Also Read: 'Toilet Ek Prem Katha' trailer out: Click here to enjoy

Also starring Ayushman Khurana and helmed by R S Prasanna 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan' is currently scheduled to hit the screens on September 1, 2017.

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New Delhi:

Ministry of External Affairs on Friday called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict on the Bhutan-China border in relations to Chinese excursion in Bhutanese territory.



Furthermore, India denied the allegations that its troops ventured into the Chinese territory. Instead, India claimed, that on 16 June, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road, which led to subsequent efforts to push them back by Bhutanese and Indian forces.



"India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese Government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India," the MEA statement said.



"In this context, the Indian side has underlined that the two Governments had in 2012 reached agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and the third countries will be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries. Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding," it added.



On the issue of Sikkim boundary, India asserted that the two nations reached an understanding in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment.



"It is essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally. It is also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides," the statement said.

Read | Amid Sikkim standoff, Chinese Army tests battle tank in Tibet near Indian border



Full statement by MEA on the recent development in Doklam area



The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement on 26 June 2017 alleging that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China-India boundary and entered Chinese territory. This has been reiterated since then in other Chinese official briefings.



The facts of the matter are as follows:

i.On 16 June, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity. The Ambassador of the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) has publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese Government through their Embassy in New Delhi on 20 June.



ii.Yesterday, the Foreign Ministry of Bhutan has also issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries. They have urged a return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017.



iii.In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, RGOB and the Government of India have been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments.



iv.In coordination with the RGOB, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue.



v.The matter has been under discussion between India and China at the diplomatic level in the Foreign Ministries since then, both in New Delhi and Beijing. It was also the subject of a Border Personnel Meeting at Nathu La on 20 June.



India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese Government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.



In this context, the Indian side has underlined that the two Governments had in 2012 reached agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries. Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding.



Where the boundary in the Sikkim sector is concerned, India and China had reached an understanding also in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment. Further discussions regarding finalisation of the boundary have been taking place under the Special Representatives framework.



It is essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally. It is also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides.



India has consistently taken a positive approach to the settlement of its own boundary with China, along with the associated issue of the tri-junctions.India cherishes peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas. It has not come easily. Both sides have worked hard to establish an institutional framework to discuss all issues to ensure peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas. India is committed to working with China to find a peaceful resolution of all issues in the border areas through dialogue.

Read | China says construction of road in Sikkim sector legitimate as the territory neither belongs to India nor Bhutan

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New Delhi:

India rolled out Goods and Services Tax (GST) from midnight tonight, overhauling India's convoluted indirect taxation system and unifying the $2 trillion economy with 1.3 billion people into a single market.

The session will kick started at 10:55 pm at the Central hall of the Parliament in presence of President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Here are the updates:

#12: 10 PM: President Mukherjee, PM Modi launch Goods and Service Tax in India.

#12:07 PM: It is remarkable that 18 meetings held so far, all decisions have been taken by consensus in the council: President Mukherjee

#12:05 PM: GST will make exports more competitive and provide level playing field to domestic industries, says President Mukherjee.

#12:00 PM: This historic moment is the culmination of 14 year long journey which began in December, 2002: President Mukherjee

#11:58 PM: President Pranab Mukherjee begins his speech inside Central Hall

#11:54 PM: GST means Goods and Service Tax, It also means Good and Simple Tax: Modi

#11:50 PM: GST is not just the ease of doing business, it is also the way of doing business: Modi

#11:47 PM: GST is an example of cooperative Federalism: PM Narendra Modi

#11:44 PM: Gita has 18 chapters, GST Council also had 18 meetings: PM Modi

#11:40 PM: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel unified the country and GST will bring economic unity to India: PM Modi

#GSTlauch: Like Sardar Patel GST will unify Indian states, says PM @narendramodi https://t.co/CblaLK9CPc  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) June 30, 2017

#11:37 PM: From Ganganagar to Itanagar, from Leh to Lakshwadeep, the nation will see one nation, one tax, says PM Modi.

#11:35 PM: GST is the result of collective efforts of all and not one party or governement: PM Modi

#11:34 PM: India will move in a new direction with GST reform: PM Modi

#11:32 PM: Today at midnight, we will decide India's future course: PM Modi

#11:30 PM: The Central Hall of Parliament has seen many historical moments, so it is the perfect venue for launch of GST: PM Modi

#11:27 PM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his speech.

#11:25 PM: Arun Jaitley completes his speech.

#11:23 PM: The old India was economically fragmented, the new India will create one tax, one market and for one nation: FM Arun Jaitley

#11:20 PM: GST is an important achievement for the country: Arun Jaitley

#11:17 PM: I got my first lessons on GST from former finance minister of West Bengal, Asim Dasgupta: Arun Jaitley

#11:15 PM: Will launch India's biggest tax reform at the midnight hour: Jaitley

#11:13 PM: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley begins his speech by thanking GST Council.

#11:08 PM: President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Modi reaches to Central Hall.

#11:05 PM: President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Modi reaches to Parliament House.

Delhi: PM Narendra Modi, FM Arun Jaitley, VP Hamid Ansari, LS Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and others at Parliament. #gstrollout #GST pic.twitter.com/8nJFgEb2wS  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

#10:30 PM: Ratan Tata reaches to Parliament House to attend midnight function.

#10:25 PM: GST's would be Villages, Poor, Farmers, and laborers. GST would be a big platform to uplift their financial condition: Ananth Kumar

#10:16 PM: Ministers and invitees start arriving at Parliament House for midnight function.

#10:15 PM: Next three GST Council meeting will be on 1st Saturday of the month starting from August 2017

#10:10 PM: Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Telangana Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu protesting against GST in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex- ANI

Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Telangana Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu protesting against #GST in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex pic.twitter.com/1J5Hqo42vP  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

# 8:42 PM: I think India will grow faster, better, economy will be benefited, all the states will be benefited: Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra CM-ANI

# 8:36 PM: Consensus in council was to bring the rate down to 5% so that fertilizer price if at all comes down, it doesn't go up: FM Arun Jaitley -ANI

#8:34 PM: One major decision which was raised in response in no. of representations against 12% rate, some felt it may increase burden on farmers: FM-ANI

# 8:28 PM: GST Council cuts tax rate on exclusive parts of tractors from 28 pc to 18 pc

#8:23 PM: GST Council reduces rate on fertilizers from 12% to 5%-ANI

#7:51 PM: Finance Minster Arun Jaitley chairs the 18th GST Council meeting at Vigyan Bhavan

#6:13 PM: I am deeply concerned that arrest clause in GST may well be used to target business leaders who raise voice of dissent on any policy matter/any practice: Mamata Banerjee-ANI

#6:12 PM: Given atmosphere in country of vindictively targeting anyone who dares to disagree with Central Govt: Mamata Banerjee-ANI

#6:10 PM: At midnight of 30th June, 2017, freedom and democracy stand to face grave danger: Mamata Banerjee -ANI

At midnight of 30th June, 2017, freedom and democracy stand to face grave danger. The mockery of Inspector Raj is back: Mamata Banerjee #GST  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

Congress party decided to skip the session alleging it a "grand self-promoting tamasha (gimmick)" to gain publicity.The party also accused the government of "insulting" India's freedom struggle, as the previous three-midnight functions held in the central hall of Parliament were related to the country's independence.

On the other hand, the wholesale and retail markets here remained closed with the trade organisations taking out processions in the market areas throughout the city against the enforcement of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The bandh call was given by Uttar Pradesh Udyog Vyapar Pratinidhi Mandal, which also got the support of around 50 trade organisations.

Here is what happened earlier in the day

The traders alleged the bandh caused a loss of over Rs 2,000 crore. The landmark tax reform GST will be launched in the midnight.

Also Read | GST rollout on July 1| Pre-GST sales: Lucrative sales schemes on LED Televisions, ACs, apparel stocks, cars and others

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Lucknow:

Uttar Pradesh traders on Friday staged protests against the Goods and Services Taxs implementation, shuttering wholesale markets. The traders also stopped a train in Kanpur.



Kanpurthe business hub of the statewas one of the main centres of the protest, with office bearers of trade organisations participating in the protests. Traders squatted on rail tracks and stopped the Kanpur-Pratapgarh passenger train in a protest against the new tax regime.



Reports of protests also came in from Varanasi, Allahabad, Jhansi, Faizabad, Shahjahanpur and Ghaziabad. We are not against the GST. But we are certainly not happy with the way GST is being implemented. The officials and traders are not ready. Apart from this, the portal is not ready, Rajiv Anand, chairman of UP Yuva Vyapar Mandal told PTI.

ALSO READ: GST Council reduces rate on fertilisers from 12 pc to 5 pc



He also said it is not feasible for small traders to engage the services of a chartered accountant. Today a large number of shops ranging from groceries and bullion to wholesale and clothes remained closed. The transformation to GST should have been gradual and not a sudden one, Anand said.



Akhil Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal leader Gyanendra Misra protested at the Lucknow railway crossing in Kanpur at around 9.30 AM and stopped the local train. They were later removed by GRP (Government railway Police) personnel. Traders claimed the bandh caused losses of over Rs 2,000 crore. Ashok Kumar, a garment shop owner said, they are yet to get a clear view of the GST.



We are keeping our fingers crossed. Lets hope that whatever will happen, will turn out to be good. Similar views were also echoed by Deep Jaiswal, a medicine seller, who said that the roll out of GST will have minimum impact on the consumers.



Attempting to allay fears of the public, tax lawyer Ashish Tripathi said, GST will have a positive impact on the public, as it will remove the prevailing mechanism of levying tax over tax, giving some relief to the consumers.

ALSO READ | GST rollout on July 1: Decoding Good and Services Tax components; SGST, CGST and IGST

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New Delhi:

1.30 lakh people of Indian origin acquired the citizenship of foreign nations in 2015, taking India to the top spot in the list of origin countries of naturalised citizens across the world. The 1.30 lakh people who acquired citizenship of OECD member countries comprised largely of expatriates on work visas.



This has been found by an International Migration Outlook (2017) report released by Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (Oecd) in Paris on Thursday.



The study indicated that the Indian diaspora is not hesitant of acquiring foreign citizenship. India was followed by Mexico at 1.12 lakh and the Philippines at 94,000, while China was at fifth spot with 78,000.



In 2015, just over 20 lakh people acquired the nationality of an OECD country, the report said. This was just 3 per cent above the figure in 2014. However, it remains within the OECD average of the past 10 years.



OECD, a global thinktank, comprises of 35 countries including European countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. A previous OECD report had revealed that India had the largest diaspora in the world with 156 lakh migrants.

ALSO READ | Passports to be in Hindi and English; 10% reduction in fee for those under 8 and over 60: Sushma Swaraj



"Improving the integration of immigrants and their children, including refugees, is vital to delivering a more prosperous, inclusive future for all," said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria in the report.



In terms of new immigrants to OECD countries, China retained the top spot, while the refugee crisis resulted in a large influx of immigrants from Syria. This pushed India down one spot to the fifth position.

ALSO READ | Safety of Indian diaspora top priority: Sushma Swaraj on US attacks

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New Delhi:

In a shocking statement from India's traditional ally, Iranian leader equated India's actions in its state Jammu and Kashmir to atrocities on people in Yemen and Bahrain. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei called for 'clear stance' on Kashmir from the Muslim world.A



In his speech delivered on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the supreme leader 'advised Muslim nations to take a clear stance on issues in the Muslim world, even if it causes dissatisfaction of arrogant individuals.'



Khamenei stressed that the 'Islamic Nations' especially Yemen and Bahrain were 'covered in wounds' and called upon the 'World of Islam' to express their disdain against the 'oppressors who've attacked the people in such horrible ways during the month of Ramadan'.



Equating Kashmir to the Yemen and Bahrain crises, the Iranian leader said,"The same is true for the people of Bahrain and Kashmir: Our people can back this great movement within the World of Islam. Just as we explicitly express our position against enemies and adversaries, the world of Islam--especially the elites in it--should follow this path and take a position towards seeking to please God, absolutely, even if it leads to dissatisfaction of the arrogant front."A



The supreme leader's speech was published on his official website Khamenei.ir on June 26 under the title 'Everyone should openly support people of Yemen, Bahrain and Kashmir: Ayatollah Khamenei'.A

Muslim world should openly support people of #Bahrain, #Kashmir, #Yemen, etc and repudiate oppressors& tyrants who attacked ppl in #Ramadan. a Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 26, 2017



This is the first time in seven years that the Iran has racked up the issue of Kashmir. The last time was in 2010 when not just the Iranian supreme leader, but also the countryas foreign ministry had raised questions about Kashmir.



In July and November of 2010, Khamenei raised the need for the Muslim community to support the'struggle' in Kashmir a and put it in the same category as Gaza and Afghanistan.



aHelping the Palestinian nation and the besieged people of Gaza, sympathy toward and cooperation with the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Kashmir, selfless efforts and resistance against the aggression of America and the Zionist regime, safeguarding the unity of Muslims, fighting evil hands and mercenary tongues that undermine this unity, and spreading awakening and [a] sense of commitment and responsibility among Muslim youth in all Islamic lands a these are great responsibilities that currently lie on the shoulders of prominent figures of the Islamic Ummah,a said Khamenei in his Eid-ul-Zuha message of November 2010, The Wire reported.



After the last speech, India has summoned Iranian ambassador in New Delhi to lodge a formal protest. India subsequently abstained on a resolution on human rights violations in Iran at the United Nations Human Rights Council.



Indian govt is yet to react to the latest remarks.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced theA second day of his Gujarat visit on Friday with a trip to Modasa, and attended a programme on the arrangements to bring water of Narmada river to the region.A



Later, PM Modi had lunch at Gandhinagar Rajbhavan, which will be followed by an event for the inauguration of Mahatma Mandir exhibition and conference. He also addressed a youth symposium. A



At around 6:30 PM, the prime minister will leave for the national capital. He is scheduled to attend the GST rollout mega event at Parliamentas Central from 11 PM onwards.A

LIVE UPDATESA

PM Narendra Modi at International Textile Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat; Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu also present pic.twitter.com/Lvof7zPMCH a ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at inauguration ceremony of two water projects in Gujarat's Modasa; CM Gujarat Vijay Rupani also present pic.twitter.com/OCksGI6MSF a ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

On Thursday, PM Modi held a roadshow in Rajkot, theA main city of the Saurashtra region, where he was greeted by thousands of people.



This was the second roadshow of Modi in poll-bound Gujarat, where elections are due by the year-end. He had held a similar programme in Surat in April, virtually launching the poll campaign of the BJP, which is in power in the state for more than two decades now.



Rajkot has a special place in Modias political career. He was elected to the Assembly from the Rajkot-II seat after being appointed the chief minister of Gujarat in 2001. He continued to occupy the post till May 2014, when he became the prime minister and moved to New Delhi.



The roadshow ended at the airport after almost an hour. The city was specially decorated for the high-profile event.

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New Delhi:

India on Friday hit back at China for making veiled threats with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley asserting that India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962, even as New Delhi told Beijing its actions near Sikkim have "serious" security implications for this country.

A day after China's oblique reference to the war the two countries had fought 55 years ago, the defence minister also said the current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops was triggered by Beijing.

Expressing deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.

India's reaction follows a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the area, prompting Beijing to take a tough stance and demand withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to resolve the situation.

Beijing had also accused India of being a "third-party" to the China-Bhutan dispute.

"India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India," the MEA asserted in a press release.

It was also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process was scrupulously respected by both sides, the ministry added.

Suggested Read: China says India's 'ready for two-and-a-half front war' statement irresponsible, warns it to 'learn lessons from history'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is travelling next week to Germany for a G-20 Summit where Chinese President Xi Jinping will also be present, is being briefed regularly about the current stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops.

It is also understood that the government will take a call whether it should make a request for a bilateral or a pull aside on the sidelines of the G-20 conclave in Germany next week between Modi and Xi in the backdrop of the ongoing stand-off.

The two leaders had met last in Astana on the sidelines of the SCO Summit during which Modi had conveyed to Xi that differences between the two countries should be resolved and not allowed to become disputes.

The Chinese action has raised serious security concerns here as it will bring closer the Chinese presence to Indian defence interests and also move forward the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction.

Narrating the sequence of events since June 16, the MEA said a People's Liberation Army (PLA) construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.

"In coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue," the ministry said.

In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments, it said.

As far as the boundary in the Sikkim sector was concerned, India and China had reached an understanding in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment", the ministry said, adding further discussions regarding finalisation of the boundary had been taking place under the Special Representatives framework.

While status of Sikkim as part of India has been settled with China, the border is yet to be finalised.

India also treats the June 26 statement by the Chinese foreign ministry that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China-India boundary and entered Chinese territory as factually incorrect.

India has always maintained that there is no China between the Sikkim and Bhutan border.

"It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them (the PLA construction party) from this unilateral activity," it said, adding that Bhutan's ambassador had publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese government through its embassy in New Delhi on June 20.

Top Trending: Amid Sikkim standoff, Chinese Army tests battle tank in Tibet near Indian border

It is understood that the Chinese, in response to the demarche, have termed the road construction as a routine activity.

Bhutan has also urged China to return to the status quo as on June 16, 2017, the MEA said.

India underlined that the two governments had in 2012 reached an agreement that tri-junction boundary points among India, China and third countries would be finalised in consultation with the countries concerned.

"Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri- junction points is in violation of this understanding," it said.

Meanwhile, India has cancelled the Kailash Mansarovar yatra through Nathu La in Sikkim, though there was normal trade activity taking place from there.

While there have been instances of stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the past, including in Chumar, a border patrol facility located in southern Ladakh, this time it is different as it involves a third country.

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New Delhi:

The government on Friday expressed deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim, and said it had conveyed to Beijing that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.



Indias reaction follows a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the area, prompting Beijing to take a tough stance and demand withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a precondition for meaningful dialogue to resolve the situation.



Beijing had also accused India of being a third-party to the China-Bhutan dispute.



Reacting to Chinas contention, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.



It was also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process was scrupulously respected by both sides, the ministry added.



India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India, MEA asserted in a press release.



The ministry also narrated the sequence of events since June 16 when a Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.



In coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue, the ministry said.



In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments, it said.



As far as the boundary in the Sikkim sector was concerned, India and China had reached an understanding in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the basis of the alignment, the ministry said.

ALSO READ | Sikkim border issue: MEA denies Chinese claims on Indian troops



Further discussions regarding finalisation of the boundary had been taking place under the Special Representatives framework, it added.



While India referred to the June 26 statement by the Chinese foreign ministrythat Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China-India boundary and entered Chinese territoryit did not react to the allegations directly.



On June 16, the ministry said, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.



It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity, it said, adding that Bhutans ambassador had publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese government through their embassy in New Delhi on June 20.



The MEA also noted that the Bhutan foreign ministry had yesterday issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory was a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affected the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries.



Bhutan has also urged China to return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017, MEA said.

ALSO READ | Amid Sikkim standoff, Chinese Army tests battle tank in Tibet near Indian border



India underlined that the two governments had in 2012 reached an agreement that tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries would be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries.



Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding, it said.

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Bareilly:

Three activists of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) were arrested in Bareily on charges of gang-rape and thrashing a police officer.

The incident took place on Monday, June 26 night following a dispute between one Deepak and Avinash over playing of loud music in Ganeshnagar locality, Superintendent of Police (City), Rohit Singh Sajwan said on Tuesday.

Mr. Avinash called his friends, who were HYV workers, and barged into Mr. Deepaks house and allegedly misbehaved with the women.

Mr. Deepak, who later reached with his brother Gaurav, allegedly beat up Mr. Avinash and handed him over to the police.

When the news spread, HYV regional president Jitendra Sharma and city unit president Pankaj and a number of other HYV activists reached the police station to protest the arrest.

BJP city unit chief Umesh Katharia also reached the police station and in presence of police, HVY activists allegedly misbehaved with the BJP leader and allegedly beat up Sub-Inspector Mayank Arora.

Also Read: Jailed student writes letter to Adityanath, invokes Bhagat Singh

Mr. Sajwan said that two FIRs have been lodged in this connection.

One FIR was lodged by SI Arora against Mr. Avinash, Mr. Jitendra and Mr. Pankaj for allegedly beating him and the other by a woman against the three and another person Anil Saxena for allegedly gang-raping her.

Mr. Avinash, Mr. Jitendra and Mr. Pankaj have been arrested, police said, adding that a probe is on in the matter.

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New Delhi:

Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday termed lynching incidents in the country as barbaric and asserted that they should not be seen from a religious angle.

Law enforcement agencies at the district and the state level must take effective steps to prevent such incidents in future, the minister said, a day after a man was killed in Jharkhand for allegedly transporting beef.

It has been condemned by and one all. The prime minister also, for the second time, spoke about it. It is happening in different parts of the country and it is barbaric and atrocious. No religious angle is linked to it, he told reporters here.

The latest incident of lynching has been reported from Ramgarh in Jharkhand where the victim, identified as Alimuddin Asghar, was intercepted by a mob on suspicion of transporting beef in his van.

Also Read: Ideological battle not required in President election, says Venkaiah Naidu

Asghars lynching yesterday came even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned acts of violence in the name of cow vigilantism. Addressing a gathering at Sabarmati Ashram, Modi had said that killing people in the name of gaubhakti (cow worship) is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve.

Also Read: Venkaiah Naidu seeks inclusion of 'Emergency' chapter in schools

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New Delhi:

In order to attract more people and make air tickets cheaper, Colombian airline VivaColombia is planning to remove all seats and make passengers stand its planes.



This move by the airline will not only lower down the fares but will also increase the occupancy in its each flight.



There are people out there right now researching whether you can fly standing up, VivaColombias founder and chief executive William Shaw quoted as saying by Miami Herald.



Were very interested in anything that makes travel less expensive, Shaw further added.



This is not the first time that an airline has initiated this move. In 2010, Irish airline Ryanair announced low fares for those willing to stand on its flights. The ticket prices went as low as $7.

ALSO READ: Air India cautions its employees from speaking against airline on social media

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New Delhi:

Arnav Sharma, an eleven year old Indian origin who is at present living in London, UK has scored 162 on a Mensa IQ test making him one of the brainiest children in the country.

Quite surprisingly he has scored higher than famous geniuses Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

The teen is from Reading town in southern England, had passed the much famous Mena IQ test without any kind of preparation and the news has been doing rounds all over the world. He did not even check the papers of the test before he appeared.

According to The Independent, The famous Mena IQ test mainly measures the verbal reasoning ability in which Arnav secured rank among the top one per cent of the nation.

"The Mensa test is quite hard and not many people pass it so do not expect to pass," Sharma was quoted while interacting with reporters.

"I took the exam at the Salvation centre and it too about two and a half hours, and was conducted by seven or eight people", he stated further.

Previously Arnav was least interested about the examination and said, "I had no preparation at all for the exam but I was not nervous. My family were surprised but they were also very happy when I told them about the result."

Meesha Dhamija Sharma, mother of the 11-year-old gem was also overwhelmed with joy and happyness.

According to the proud mother she has kept her 'finger crossed' throught out the examination.

Also Read: Watch: Newborn baby walks immediately after taking birth

"I was thinking what is going to happen because you never know and he had never seen what a paper looks like," she explained.

"At one-and-a-half years old I took him to India for a holiday to see his grand parents, his grandmother told me about him and said Arnav is going to do very well with his studies,"she said.

It was not until he was two-and-a-half years old that she became aware of his mathematical prowess. "He was counting up to more than 100.

That was when I stopped teaching him because I came to know that there is no end to his numbers," she said.

When asked about whether there was anyone else in the family with an unusually high IQ, she could not recall anyone, adding: "His dad is quite clever as well but not as clever."

Sharma, who attends Crossfields School on the outskirts of Reading, has been selected for Eton College and Westminster, both highly competitive and sought-after schools, with no preparation.

But it is worth noting his talents are not restricted to numbers. Sharma used to have a passion for singing and dancing and reached the semi-finals for 'Reading's Got Talent' for dancing with a bollywood act when he was eight.

"It is a high mark which only a small percentage of people in the country will achieve," a spokesperson for Mensa said. Mensa is believed to be the largest and oldest high IQ society in the world.

Also Read: Delhi: Newborn declared dead by city hospital, found alive

Membership is open to anyone who can demonstrate an IQ in the top 2 per cent of the population, measured by a recognised or approved IQ testing process. It was founded in 1946 in Oxford by Lancelot Lionel Ware, a scientist and lawyer, and Roland Berrill, an Australian barrister, but the organisation later spread around the world.

(With PTI inputs)

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Creteil:

Averting a possible terror attack, the police on Friday arrested a man after the latter drove his vehicle into barriers protecting a mosque in the Paris suburbs. The Muslim officials describing the incident as an "attempted attack".

The 4X4 vehicle struck pillars and barriers in place to protect the mosque of Creteil, in the southeast of the capital, before speeding off and crashing into a traffic island, police said. No-one was injured.

The driver, who was also the owner of the vehicle, fled but was arrested without incident at his home shortly afterwards, police added.

A search was conducted last night at the drivers home, a source close to the investigation said, adding that the suspect had made confused remarks in relation to a string of jihadist attacks that have struck France, killing 239 people since 2015.

The man is a 43-year-old Armenian who will be subject to psychiatric tests, another source close to the investigation said.

According to judicial authorities, he was not under the influence of alcohol.

French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said in a statement that his exact motives will be determined by an investigation.

Paris police prefect Michel Delpuech said he was doing everything possible... to clarify the motives of the driver and determine if he is criminally responsible.

Also Read: Notre Dame cathedral shooting: French Police shoots attacker who claimed to be ISIS assailant

In a statement, the rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, Dalil Boubakeur, described the incident as a criminal attack and an Islamophobic act.

What has just happened in Creteil seems to justify the fears I expressed after the attack close to Finsbury Park Mosque in London, the head of the National Observatory Against Islamophobia, Abdallah Zekri, told AFP.

He called for more vigilance on the part of mosque officials, and called on the authorities to strengthen protection of places of worship.

On June 19, a man driving a van mowed down worshippers leaving the Finsbury Park Mosque in north London.

Also Read: Man shot dead at Paris' Orly airport after taking soldier's gun; Area evacuated

The family of Darren Osborne, the man suspected of deliberately driving into the Muslim group, said he was troubled, while regulars at his local pub said he was thrown out for threatening to kill Muslims.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Washington:

US President Donald Trumps temporary ban on refugees and travellers from six mainly Muslim countries came into effect after the Supreme Court allowed it following a five-month battle with rights groups.



The Trump administration said late on Thursday the ban is necessary to block terrorists from entering the country, but immigrant advocates charged that it illegally singles out Muslims.

The 90-day ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen will allow exceptions for people with close family relationships in the United States, which the government has defined narrowly, excluding grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles and others.

Also read:

US Supreme Court reinstates President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban

London attack: Trump underscores travel ban on Muslim for extra level of safety



For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
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Pamela Anderson has come a long way since her over-the-top makeup and cleavage-baring ensembles as she gracefully ages.

The former original "Baywatch" actress' 50th birthday is Saturday, July 1 and she still looks flawless.

LAST PLAYBOY COVER: Pamela Anderson returns to Playboy for 2015 cover

During the early years of her career, the former Playmate was known for her teased platinum-blonde locks, frocks that showed off her ample bust and wild partying ways, but as she turns over the fifth decade of her life, she has slightly matured her look.

She recently was photographed at the 57th Monte Carlo TV Festival in Monaco in a graceful white-lace, floral gown with ruffles along her shoulder and her hair up in a messy bun.

PLS Pool/Getty Images

EPIC CHANGE: Texas mom undergoes eight surgeries to look like Melania Trump

The outfit is one of many conservative choices the actress has recently worn to events, many of which she attends with her 21-year-old son Brandon Thomas Lee.

Brandon Thomas Lee was one of the sons Anderson had while she with rock star Tommy Lee from 1995-1998. Her other son with Tommy Lee is 19-year-old Dylan Jagger Lee.

Since her "Baywatch" days, Anderson has been doing her part in making the world a better place. In 2014, she launched The Pamela Anderson Foundation to help environmental causes and protect vulnerable people and animals.

Though, the sex symbol hasn't left her Playmate days behind her. She was a part of a sizzling campaign for Coco De Mer, where she showed off her 49-year-old figure in barely-there lingerie outfits.

To see how the ageless beauty hasn't changed much over the years, click through the gallery above.

HATERS QUIET: Aspiring plus-sized model shuts down body-shamers online
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DANBURY  Linda Yannone, worried by the wrangling over health care in Washington, D.C., had no trouble Friday in enlisting U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal in her fight to maintain affordable care.

Blumenthal visited the Greater Danbury Community Health Center on Main Street to hear from doctors and patients about the Affordable Care Act, which his Republican peers seek to repeal and replace.

Were at a critical time for health care, Blumenthal said. This Republican plan will decimate health care. It is a flawed and grotesque proposal.

Senate Republicans, now on a July 4th recess, spent the past week trying to whip support for legislation they say would cut taxes raised under the ACA and reduce the federal deficit while increasing access to health care. The bill is supported by President Donald Trump.

The Congressional Budget Office said this week the bill would deprive at least 22 million Americans of health care they obtained under the ACA. Senate Democrats, including Blumenthal, have rallied gainst the bill, which differs somewhat from a version passed earlier by Republicans in the House of Representatives.

Trump called it mean,  Blumenthal said. This is a meaner bill than the House bill. It will deepen the cuts the House bill made.

James Maloney, president and CEO of the Connecticut Institute For Communities, which oversees the Danbury health center, said Yannone is one of an estimated 17,000 Danbury-area residents who would lose coverage under the Republican legislation. The center sees about half those people, he said, and hes unsure what will happen if the ACA is repealed or significantly scaled back.

Blumenthal plans to travel the state during the recess listening to his constituents health care stories so he can relay their concern to his peers, he said.

(Republicans) have gone from secrecy to total chaos, and we need to keep on the pressure, Blumenthal said. Weve won a reprieve, but were going to have a vote.

One story he might pass on is Yannones. A 57-year-old cancer survivor, she works as a substitute teacher -- when work is available  and couldnt afford health care before the ACA.

What theyre doing in D.C. directly hurts someone like me, Yannone said. Its real. Very real. The Affordable Care Act means I can live in peace. I dont have to worry as much  to worry about money for medicine, money for food.

Youre an example that its a myth that Medicaid patients dont work, Blumenthal told her.

But no amount of work or money ensured her health, she said.

I learned something the hard way, she said.  You dont have control over your health.

blytton@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3411; @bglytton
WASHINGTON  Connecticut could see additional Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters and new submarine research at the University of Connecticut  all to the tune of billions of dollars in increased defense spending.

The Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, a $640 billion budget that will now head to the full Senate for consideration next month.

The NDAA calls for nearly $40 billion more in defense spending than President Donald Trumps proposed budget, which itself represented a huge spending increase. The bill invests heavily in undersea and aerospace technologies.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., a member of the committee, said he advocated for many of the budgets provisions that would boost jobs and support critical industries with defense contracts across the state.

Blumenthal said in an interview Thursday that one of his proudest achievements in the budget was a $1 billion investment in 48 Black Hawk helicopters, two more than requested in the presidents budget. He said he will propose an amendment on the Senate floor next month to purchase an additional 15 for the National Guard.

The act also provided billions in funds to support submarine industrial bases, including $6.4 billion for Virginia-class submarines  nuclear-powered attack submarines  and $1.8 billion for the Columbia-class program, a future ballistic missile submarine.

Electric Boat in Groton is a major producer of submarines for the Navy.

Blumenthal also said a NDAA amendment that requires the Navy to create a plan addressing submarine backlogs will help produce literally thousands of jobs at Electric Boat.

Submarines are among our strongest stealthiest and most resilient and versatile weapon systems, he said. ``They can travel undersea without detection, they can launch missiles, put special operators on the ground, do surveillance  theyre extraordinarily powerful in all their capabilities.

It provides $25 million in new research and development funds at the University of Connecticut for workforce partnerships for submarine and undersea programs. Blumenthal said the program will complement the work of Connecticut scientists and manufacturers.

The National Guard base at Bradley International Airport would also get a $7 million repair, constructing an entry complex to bring it up to Department of Defense antiterrorism standards. Blumenthal said the base is antiquated and that things like parking, fencing and vehicle inspection areas are out-of-date.

They need to be safeguarded against possible terrorist attacks and these changes will help, he said.

Pratt and Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. in Connecticut-based aerospace company, is slated to benefit from more than $12 billion in investments for nearly 100 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters  25 more than requested in the White House budget. The company, based in Farmington, is the only engine maker for the jets.

Cayla.harris@hearstdc.gov
HARTFORD  State parks will remain open because the revenue they generate pays for their summer upkeep, but Gov. Dannel P. Malloy warned Friday that the executive order he signed to cover the states bare-bones expenses when the next fiscal year started on Saturday, will cause pain.

He told reporters in his Capitol office that he wished he could put a hold on about $1.4-million in raises for 178 state judges - three-percent wage hikes - but lacking a budget compromise from the General Assembly, he cant. He asked state employees who will be voting on contractual concessions over the next couple of weeks to support the givebacks.
The summer solstice went by last week, signalling the (early) start for us all of shorter days, and, for entrepreneurs, the start of the fall countdown -- because entrepreneurs plan early, right?

Related: 10 Marketing Conferences Entrepreneurs Must Attend in 2017

But amid the preparations for the coming fall season's back-to-school, Fashion Week and final-quarter launches, the burning question for many entrepreneurs is their event schedule. This means, specificially, the conferences, conventions, trade shows and industry showcases they might choose to attend.

It's impossible to deny the impact of event marketing. According to the Events Industry Council, in the United States alone there are over 1.8 million meetings, trade shows, conventions and incentive events and other meetings held annually.

In the early stages of your startup journey, you may find it easy to be drawn into the hype of a conference, especially when its promoters promise networking and a level of brand exposure that you've never encountered. Who doesn't like a curated room full of potential buyers, investors or industry partners? At the least, if you attend, you're bound to find people who "get" what you do and are just as enthousiastic as you are about your vision or industry.

Unfortunately, though, these pricey events are not always what they're cracked up to be, so discerning the ones worth your time versus those which are better off to skip can be challenging.

What's more, if you're bootstrapping or running tight on cash flow, you'll find the pressure to secure a return on your investment even greater. From travel costs, to exhibitor fees, to booth materials and promotional items, conferences are not the most cost-effective events for a startup.

It's not uncommon, in fact, for an exhibitor booth to cost a company $3,500, and that doesn't include the supplementary costs like booth materials, lodging and wi-fii. If you are looking to attend the major conferences, expect costs to set you back five or six figures: To attend CES, for example,fees, lodging and extra expenses for one exhibitor reporting these sums (to Inc.) added up to over $150,000!

Related: Conferences Are Good for Networking but Great for Marketing

Rarely does a startup have the cash flow to cover outrageous exhibitor fees. Yet, early-stage startups can benefit tremendously from attending these events. Conferences, when they are a good fit, offer an entrepreneur a curated audience to test his or her MVP, and opportunities to network with key influencers that can help their startup to grow.

So, when you get an opportunity to attend a big industry conference, how do you know if it is worth your while? How do you pick out the events to make the most of your precious startup dollars?

Having personally attended more than 30 events over the past year -- the good and not so good -- here are some tips and tricks I've learned along the way for mastering the conference game and building a positive conference schedule:

Understand the attendee profile.

When looking at upcoming industry events, make sure they align with your customer profile and venture needs. Depending on the stage of your venture, you'll be interested in networking with different attendee audiences. One important distinction to make is to determine if you need a B2C or B2B audience.

For instance, if you have a clean-tech startup, attending some of the biggest environmental shows and conferences may seem like a perfect fit at first. If your sales are concentrated in the B2B market, however, recognize that many of these shows attract a consumer market made up of families and environmental enthusiasts, which won't be ideal for you.

Similarly, if you do have a B2C product or service, but are looking for seed funding, an attendee profile at a smaller clean-tech investment conference with a curated audience of angels and VCs may be more desirable than a consumer exhibition.

Picking conferences that will put you in front of your ideal audience should always be the first criteria in ensuring you get the best ROI for your time and investment.

Look at the numbers.

Many conferences advertise awesome stats and attendee numbers. And getting your ideas in front of 30,000 people may seem like too good of an opportunity to pass up. But these numbers can be deceiving if you don't look into them with a deeper lens.

Yes, 30,000 people may attend a conference, but this is a total figure, meaning that there will be 30,000 attendees across two or three days. Broken down, that's 10,000 or so per day, which is certainly a lot of people, but still a far cry from what the promotional materials are advertising. Then there are family head counts to consider -- a family with two kids counts as four even though that foursome counts as one customer to you!

Spread that number out over an eight-hour event and you are down to 1,250 people at any given time, spread out across what's likely a large physical venue. Don't be surpised if the venue is not as crowded as you originially imagined.

Study the conference set-up and schedule.

Even when you find a conference that connects you with the right market influencers and has a proven track record of good turnout (with the numbers to back it up), the results you are looking for aren't always guaranteed. One hidden factor that took me a few less-than-desirable conference experiences to understand is the importance of event set-up and schedule.

How is the event structured? Are there breakouts/workshops, main stage keynotes, and, most importantly, a scheduled exhibition time?

I have attended several conferences that boasted fantastic turnout, but was taken aback at how attendees never found time between keynotes and seminars to schedule exhibitor-booth visits. If you are investing in a booth, make sure that time has been allotted for attendees to browse the exhibition and talk to you.

Related: 10 Conferences You Should Attend As A Business Owner

The key to a successful event experience, then, is research and taking the time to dig deep enough to make an objective decision.

This task may take some extra time, but putting in that time before you book your flight or take the day off for a conference -- will save you an incredible amount of time and money. Running a startup is hard. Attending conferences and events doesn't have to be.

Related:



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


June is Pride Month for the LGBTQ community. Its an important time to celebrate how far weve come in supporting LGBTQ individuals, and to reflect on how much farther we can all still go. It also reminds us to think of how we as employers, leaders and, most importantly, people create diverse and inclusive workplaces. Initiatives such as CEO Action and diversity reports are a step forward, but the realization of an inclusive workplace results from the actions we take on a daily basis.

Related: Research Shows When Groups Are Diverse, Individuals Are Less Likely to Go Along With the Crowd

At Ultimate Software, our people have always been our first priority and it has been a process as we constantly strive to make Ultimate a better workplace for all people. Weve learned along the way how to best do that by speaking with and listening to our employees. One example was extending our 100-percent-employer-paid healthcare premiums to include not only employees and their families, but same-sex married couples, as well. Beyond benefits, however, there are many other key steps employers can take to create a more inclusive workplace:

Realize that diversity and inclusion arent the same thing.

Companies often focus on reaching a certain diversity representation, and then may lessen their focus once theyve achieved the initial goal. But, hiring diverse employees is only the first essential part. Once youve created an inclusive culture, you have to work every day to protect that culture. Think about what youre doing to make diverse individuals feel included, supported and respected -- and whether youre doing enough. While you may donate to transgender equality organizations, do managers understand the issues transgender employees commonly face at work? Look to bring in third-party experts for trainings on how leaders can create a welcoming and inclusive environment that treats all individuals equally.

Related: The Website That Is Helping Companies Find Diverse Talent

Influence the people managers.

Minority groups should have the same opportunities as majority groups, but this doesnt always happen in practice. A recent study from the Kapor Center for Social Impact found that one-third of underrepresented women of color were passed over for a promotion, and 64 percent of LGBTQ employees left a company due to bullying or public humiliation. People managers impact inclusivity, influencing decisions about promotions, raises and at-work opportunities.

At Ultimate, we believe that organizations should offer trainings on transgender sensitivities and peer support groups for queer women in leadership positions. Technology can also help level the playing field, when organizations use unbiased metrics and quantitative feedback to support their people decisions.

Related: Here Are the Best Tech Companies for Women to Work

Be open to change.

Fostering an inclusive workplace is a work in progress. As you make significant advancement, its equally important to recognize your shortcomings and remain open to change. Many LGBTQ couples turn to adoption when starting their families. Case in point: Ultimates original adoption leave policy stated the adopted child had to be under 1 year old for the employee to receive time off. However, when one of our employees adopted an older child from China, we realized our policy was limiting. So, we decided to change the policy for everyone. Smaller companies might not be able to bend every rule for every employee, but you should keep an open mind about adjusting policies that dont adequately support unique situations.

Related: How to Improve Your Workplace Diversity Using Hiring Metrics

Be transparent.

An inclusive workplace starts at the top but thrives from the bottom. Its important to respect individuals beliefs and value a difference of opinions, and to be upfront with potential employees about the company policies in place and the values you uphold. During interviews, let candidates know what resources you offer. For instance, if you have a womens-only networking group or a mandatory racial-sensitivity training program, be transparent in stating these company priorities. This shows minority employees youre committed to their inclusion, and can provide insight on whether candidates share your company values and believe in your mission.

Related: 3 Key Ways to Evolve Workplace Diversity

Constantly re-evaluate your programs.

As you look for more ways to improve your workplace for all individuals, take a look at what other companies are doing to address diversity and inclusion. The Human Rights Campaign produces a Corporate Equality Index every year, examining how the nations largest workplaces address specific policies, such as having sexual orientation in the non-discrimination policy, transgender-inclusive benefits and a public commitment to the LGBTQ community. Remember to also look at your competitors. Are talented individuals leaving your company for a more inclusive workplace? Beyond being great for people, having a workplace that values all people is also good for business -- inclusive organizations have been shown to outperform their peers.

Diversity and inclusion is a complex topic, and theres no overnight solution for making sure our employees feel valued. As we reflect on Pride Month and take time to celebrate the people who make our companies so unique, now is the perfect time to renew our focus on all people.

What can we all start doing today to foster more inclusive workplaces?

Related:



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


NEW FAIRFIELDSchool board members discussed Superintendent Alicia Roys evaluation and contract in a closed executive session for nearly two hours Thursday, but ended the meeting without a decision.

The meeting came a day after Roy told the News-Times she would be leaving her position after her contract expires at the end of the next fiscal year, surprising many board members who said she hadnt informed them that was her intent. Before Roy had announced her decision, four board members said they believe the district needs new leadership and many members of the public had contacted the board asking that her contract not be renewed.
TORONTO, June 29, 2017 /CNW/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle" or the "Company") today announced that it will release its second quarter 2017 results on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, after normal trading hours.

Second Quarter 2017 Results Conference Call and Webcast

Agnico Eagle's senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss the Company's financial and operating results.

Via Webcast:

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's website at www.agnicoeagle.com.

Via Telephone:

For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 1-647-427-7450 or toll-free

1-888-231-8191. To ensure your participation, please call approximately ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

Replay archive:

Please dial 1-416-849-0833 or toll-free 1-855-859-2056, access code 50955626. The conference call replay will expire on August 27, 2017.

The webcast, along with presentation slides will be archived for 180 days on the Company's website.

Investor Relations

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

145 King Street East, Suite 400

Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2Y7

Telephone: 416-947-1212

Fax: 416-367-4681

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company that has produced precious metals since 1957. Its eight mines are located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in each of these countries as well as in the United States and Sweden. Agnico Eagle and its shareholders have full exposure to gold prices due to its long-standing policy of no forward gold sales. Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.

SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

For further information: Investor Relations, (416) 947-1212

Related Links

http://www.agnico-eagle.com


WINNIPEG, June 29, 2017 /CNW/ - Artis Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: AX.UN) ("Artis" or the "REIT") announced today that it intends to release its financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2017, after the close of the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday, August 3, 2017.

Interested parties are invited to participate in a conference call with management on Friday, August 4, 2017, at 12:00 p.m. CT (1:00 p.m. ET). In order to participate, please dial 1-416-764-8688 or 1-888-390-0546. You will be required to identify yourself and the organization on whose behalf you are participating.

Alternatively, you may access the simultaneous webcast by following the link from our website at http://www.artisreit.com/investor-link/conference-callspresentations/. Prior to the webcast, you may follow the link to confirm you have the right software and system requirements.

If you cannot participate on Friday, August 4, 2017, a replay of the conference call will be available by dialing 1-416-764-8677 or 1-888-390-0541 and entering passcode 506398#. The replay will be available until Friday, September 1, 2017. The webcast will be archived 24 hours after the end of the conference call and will be accessible for 90 days.

*********

Artis is a diversified Canadian real estate investment trust investing in office, retail and industrial properties. Since 2004, Artis has executed an aggressive but disciplined growth strategy, building a portfolio of commercial properties in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and select markets in the United States. As of March 31, 2017, Artis' commercial property comprises approximately 25.4 million square feet of leasable area.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, Property Net Operating Income ("Property NOI") by asset class, including Artis' proportionate share of properties held in joint venture arrangements, was approximately 57.0% office, 20.8% retail and 22.2% industrial. Property NOI by geographical region, including Artis' proportionate share of properties held in joint venture arrangements, was approximately 4.8% in British Columbia, 28.0% in Alberta, 6.3% in Saskatchewan, 12.9% in Manitoba, 10.5 % in Ontario, 7.9% in Arizona, 16.7% in Minnesota, 8.7% in Wisconsin and 4.2% in U.S.  Other.

Property NOI is a non-GAAP measure. Artis calculates Property NOI as revenues less property operating expenses such as utilities, repairs and maintenance and realty taxes. Property NOI does not include charges for interest or other expenses not specific to the day-to-day operation of the REIT's properties.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

SOURCE Artis Real Estate Investment Trust

For further information: Mr. Armin Martens, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jim Green, Chief Financial Officer or Ms. Heather Nikkel, Vice-President - Investor Relations of the REIT at 1.204.947.1250
TORONTO and KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, June 29, 2017 /CNW/ - On June 28th, the Canadian ambassador in Kinshasa, the Honourable Mme. Ginette Martin, recognized Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) for their media development work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "We recognize by this nomination the importance of press freedom in ensuring respect for democratic values and good governance,  said the Ambassador, Mme. Martin. "We applaud the Congolese journalists, including those in the network created by JHR, for their efforts in this regard."

The ceremony was held in Kinshasa and is among the many festivities celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary.

JDH was selected as the recipient of the Canada's 150th award in the "Exemplary partner in promoting and implementing Canada's priorities" category.

The 150th pin, made of silver and the semi-precious stone ''Ammolite'', gives special emphasis to those who have contributed in some form to promoting Canadian values in the DRC. The pin was presented by the Ambassador of Canada to the DRC, Her Excellency Mrs. Ginette Martin, to JHR DRC's country director Freddy Mata Matundu.

JHR's goal in the DRC is to encouraging Congolese journalists to cover human rights issues effectively and objectively. JHR trains journalists and journalism students in the DRC to produce media on human rights violations, corruption, democracy and good governance.

"Difficult, if not impossible, to win such an award without the support of the media and journalists who have proved themselves in this fight for equality of all," said Freddy Mata Matundu, JHR's Country Director, on the phone from Kinshasa in the DRC.

He went on to say: "This award for JHR delights us enormously as it challenges us to continue our work, this hard work, but work that is beneficial for millions in the DRC. We believe that this award will further collaboration with Canadian media and reinforce our efforts with the Canadian government, whose contribution will enable JHR to strengthen its work not only in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but also in other regions of the world. "

"Journalists for Human Rights International is delighted to see the tough and vitally important work of the team in Kinshasa recognized in this way," said JHR Executive Director Rachel Pulfer in Toronto. "This is the team that, last year, through tense political times, pulled together the first national forum for media in the DRCongo's history. They deserve this recognition  and so much more."

JHR's work in the DRCongo is supported by the Donner Canadian Foundation, the Flatley Family Foundation and the Government of Canada.

Our thanks to CNW Group for sponsoring this announcement

SOURCE Journalists for Human Rights (JHR)

For further information: on this campaign, please contact Fanta Diaby at 416 413 0240 x 202 or [email protected]

Related Links

www.jhr.ca


Canada's Top Eight Favorite Pitas Set for Fresh Grilled Flavor Showdown

KINGSTON, Ontario, June 30, 2017 /CNW/ -- As Canada gears up to celebrate its 150th anniversary this summer, Pita Pit Canada, the fresh thinking, healthy eating brand, is launching a summer-long celebration to help honor the country where it was founded more than 20 years ago. To mark the milestone, Pita Pit Canada is focusing on the ridiculously delicious, fully customizable grilled options that Canadians crave by introducing Canada's Greatest Pita Challenge. The fast-casual brand will reveal the country's #1 most loved pita beginning June 30th by pitting two pitas head to head each week in a bracket style challenge until the final four are revealed, ultimately leading to the naming of the pita combination that Canadians love the most.

"As Canada stands on the world stage this summer, we are focusing on the things that have made our country so unique over the last 150 years," said Kevin Pressburger, president of Pita Pit Canada. "As a brand with deeply Canadian roots, this year Pita Pit challenged Canada's QSR industry to refuse to settle for anything less than the very best options. Now, we want to find out which one of our delicious, fresh grilled pita stands out above the rest. Celebrating awesome flavor combinations and endless creativity is just one small way for us to help build even more excitement about the things that make our country so great."

Canada's Greatest Pita will be selected following four weeks of fan voting. Starting June 30th, Pita Fanatics can vote on the first matchup through the brand's Facebook page. It will pit The Cavalier, filled with savory flavors like barbecue sauce and mango against The Sweet Spitfire, which highlights the tastes of buffalo chicken and pineapple. The voting will continue over the following three weeks with matchups set to include The Northman versus The Candor, The Mazza Burger versus Double Chicken Glory, and The Avo Taco versus The Chicken Parmesan Oregano. The selections highlight some of Canada's favorite flavor profiles and were selected by a panel of eight judges from a collection of 40 different popular pita recipes submitted.

Through the new contest, Pita Pit Canada is building on the momentum of its "Refuse to Settle" campaign introduced earlier this year. Through the campaign, Pita Pit takes a stand by focusing on its fresh grilled, fully customizable menu of healthy-on-your-own-terms choices and continues to implore Canadians to refuse to settle for anything else.

"This year marks a turning point for Canada's QSR industry," said Pressburger. "No longer are Canadians accepting bland, wilted veggies and soggy bread as acceptable options. At Pita Pit, our menu is always made-to-order right in front of you. By highlighting the country's favorite flavor combinations through our Greatest Pita contest, we're once again proving why our biggest fans feel confident in their menu choices and refuse to settle for anything less."

ABOUT PITA PIT:

Founded in 1995 in Kingston, Ontario near Queen's University, Pita Pit is an innovative fast casual restaurant with a unique mindset that challenges consumers to Refuse to Settle for anything less than quality, healthy, freshly grilled food. After rapidly earning a loyal following in its home market, franchising began across Canada in 1997 and, in 1999, the brand expanded to the United States. Now boasting more than 650 stores across North America and internationally across 13 countries, Pita Pit offers its customers millions of ridiculously delicious, customizable flavour combinations of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauces all rolled into a unique and convenient pita package. For more information about Pita Pit, visit www.pitapit.ca/consumer or www.facebook.com/pitapitcanada.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sydney Gitelis

No Limit Agency

312.526.3996

[email protected]

SOURCE Pita Pit

Related Links

https://www.pitapit.ca


OTTAWA, June 30, 2017 /CNW/ - Today until October 15th, Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, Quebec will host MOSAICANADA 150/Gatineau 2017, the biggest horticultural event in Canada. The theme of the exhibit will reflect 150 years of Canada's rich heritage, represented by 40 different arrangements.

"The Mint is proud to support MOSAICANADA 150/Gatineau 2017 in celebration of Canada 150 in the National Capital Region," said Sandra Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Not only does this premier event allow us the unique opportunity to promote our popular Canada 150 products, it also reinforces the Mint's key role in celebrating Canada's history, culture and values."

MOSAICANADA 150/Gatineau 2017 is expected to draw over one million visitors from Canada and around the world over the next four months. The Mint's presence includes:

An on-site pop-up store where the Mint's exciting Canada 150 collection of numismatic coins will be available for purchase as lasting souvenirs of Canada 150;

150 collection of numismatic coins will be available for purchase as lasting souvenirs of 150; A floral sculpture reproducing one of our most exciting and popular coins from our Canada 150 numismatic program (the glow-in-the-dark, coloured Canadian Pride silver coin); and

150 numismatic program (the glow-in-the-dark, coloured Canadian Pride silver coin); and An interactive, instant win game.

Admission to the MOSAICANADA 150/Gatineau 2017 exhibit is free.

To learn more about the Mint's Canada 150 program, please visit www.mint.ca/Canada150. To get more information on MOSAICANADA 150/

Gatineau2017, please visit http://www.gatineau2017.ca/mosaicanada-150gatineau-2017/.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2008 certified company, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint

For further information: media are asked to contact: Alex Reeves, Senior Advisor, External Communications, Royal Canadian Mint, Telephone: 613-949-5777, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.mint.ca


KINGSTON, ON, June 29, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) is proud to renew its national partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada. VIA Rail is supporting Wounded Warriors Canada by providing complimentary train travel for the participants of their 2017 Highway of Heroes Bike Ride in August and, over the course of the year, will provide complimentary train travel to ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families who are attending the mental health programs and services provided by Wounded Warriors Canada.

Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada, commented: "VIA Rail has an historic association with members of our Canadian Armed Forces. For our team at Wounded Warriors Canada, the life-changing programs we fund are made possible as a result of these vital national partnerships. We are grateful for VIA Rail's commitment to our mission and look forward to another successful Highway of Heroes Bike Ride. "



"VIA Rail is proud to be partnering again this year with Wounded Warriors Canada," declared Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail. "Every Canadian soldier and their family deserve our heartfelt appreciation. Through our engagement towards the military, VIA Rail pays tribute to those who, both in the past and today, devoted themselves with courage and determination to protecting our rights and the values that we hold dear, in Canada and abroad."

VIA Rail and the military community

Over the past few years, VIA Rail has increased its efforts to support Canada's Reserve Forces and to encourage more veterans to join its staff. The Crown Corporation has, among other initiatives, worked with its Reservist employees to implement a new leave policy allowing employees who are in the Reserves to continue their military training or participate in temporary missions during military operations in Canada and abroad.

Maintaining a long and proud tradition of supporting members of the military and veteran communities, VIA Rail has, over the past few years, entered into various partnerships with organizations such as the Canada Company Military Employment Transition Program, as well as the Commissionaire's MISSION EMPLOI, both of which help former Canadian military members make the transition to civilian life.

VIA Rail also supports the military community through partnerships with the Royal Canadian Legion's national Poppy Campaign, True Patriot Love, Wounded Warriors Canada, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, and the Canadian Army Run. VIA Rail has also partnered with the Vimy Foundation, and contributed to building a new Education Centre for First World War History and the 100th anniversary of victory at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France, which stands near the current Canadian commemorative monument.

VIA Rail also offers members of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as veterans and their families, a 25% discount on its best fares. Since 2010, more than 180,000 members of the military community have used this offer to travel onboard VIA Rail trains. This summer, this discount increases to 35% off the best fare in all classes of service, for travel between May 1 and September 30, 2017 on regional trains and to destinations on any of the following routes: Montreal - Jonquiere, Montreal - Senneterre, Sudbury - White River, Winnipeg - Gillam or Jasper - Prince-Rupert.

For more details on VIA Rail initiatives, visit its military community website at: career.viarail.ca/en/why-choose-us/veterans-program.

About Wounded Warriors Canada

Wounded Warriors Canada is a non-profit organization that supports Canada's ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families. Through a wide range of national programs and services, Wounded Warriors is dedicated to providing innovative programs focused on mental health.

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail (viarail.ca) and its 2,700 employees are mandated to provide safe, efficient and economical passenger transportation service, in both official languages of our country. VIA Rail operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking over 400 communities across Canada, and about 180 more communities through intermodal partnerships, and safely transports nearly four million passengers annually. The Corporation was awarded seven Safety Awards by the Railway Association of Canada over the last eight years. For more information, visit: www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail.

Follow VIA Rail

Twitter @VIA_rail

Facebook viarailcanada

Instagram @viarailcanada

VIA: The Blog

SOURCE VIA Rail Canada Inc.

For further information: Information: Mariam Diaby, Media Relations, VIA Rail Canada, 1 877 393-8787, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.viarail.ca/


Trading Symbol: VPI

VANCOUVER, June 29, 2017 /CNW/ - The financial results of the Company for the three months ended April 30, 2017 show a net loss of $39,207 or $0.00 per share compared to a net loss of $39,825 or $0.00 per share for the same period last year. However, sales for the three months ended April 30, 2017 increased 120% to $72,432 (2016 - $32,975) as Vitality's premium natural health products were ordered by more retail stores located in Canada and by more customers shopping online. The Company's general and administrative expenses for the three months ended April 30, 2017 increased to $92,685 (2016 - $61,398). The cost of sales increased to $18,954 (2016 - $11,402), consulting fees increased to $27,969 (2016 - $17,082) and promotion expense increased to $12,903 (2016 - $4,987) due to the Company's efforts in expanding distribution and sales from Western Canada to across Canada, including selecting a national broker, a national distributor, advertising in national trade and consumer publications and redevelopment of Vitality.ca.

During the three months ended April 30, 2017, the Company completed its submission to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for notification of Power Iron + Organic Spirulina. The Company has now completed all regulatory requirements for sale of its award-winning product in the United States. In March 2017, Power Iron + Organic Spirulina received a second award: the North American-wide, Clean Choice Award from Clean Eating Magazine (www.cleaneatingmag.com/clean-pantry/15-clean-supplements). Vitality attended the Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim, California in March 2017. During the show, the Company met with brokers, distributors and retailers.

Vitality products are available for sale in 400 retail stores (2016 - 290 retail stores) located across Canada. A full list of the retailers is available at www.vitality.ca.

The Company's condensed interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 are available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

On behalf of the Board of

VITALITY PRODUCTS INC.

"W. Douglas Grant" (signed)

__________________________________

W. Douglas Grant, President & CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Vitality Products Inc.

For further information: W. Douglas Grant, President & CEO at (604) 683-6611 or [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.vitality.ca






On June 27th 2017 in Daura, Katsina State one Tanko Abdullahi and one Mohammed Shehu, after a meeting of the Arewa Youth Council, issued the following statement. They said,We are very much aware that all the attacks against President Muhammadu Buhari were planted in the media by the Yoruba and spread by southerners generally just to discredit the north in order to pave way for their son, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to become President.But their plans will fail Insha Allah. We shall resist every of such plans and ensure by all means possible, that the north completes its eight-year tenure and possibly even continue after then, and that the federal structure of Nigeria as it currently is, is not tampered with by secession mongers and their collaborators.Having given power to the Yoruba on a platter of gold in 1999 as a way of compensating them for the June 12 saga, it is quite worrisome and unfortunate that they have lived up to their legendary reputation of backstabbing and betrayal by supporting the divisive calls for restructuring or dismemberment of the nation against the will and desire of the north.We gave the late Chief MKO Abiola the mandate in 1993 but shortly after that, as it is with the Yoruba as a culture, they immediately started circling around Abiola plotting on how to emasculate the north and strip us of every access we had to the politics and economy of this nation.They had also raised a secret army of their elites to carry out these sinister plans against the north if Abiola eventually became President. It was this army that was unleashed on the nation in the guise of NADECO during the June 12 impasse.May we remind the Yoruba that without the willingness and magnanimity of the north, there was no way Abiola could have purportedly won that election, and that all the Yoruba have now as assets in the south west, especially Lagos, were given to them by our leaders out of our own usual magnanimity.However, time and time again, the Yoruba have always turned their back on us whenever their support is needed. They have chosen to pitch tent with the Igbo this time around just to spite us, but we shall not succumb to their antics.Their words are laced with hate, fueled by ignorance, filled with contempt, propelled by hubristic pride and garnished with the arrogance of Atilla the Hun: indeed they have spoken like the true almajiris that they are.Meanwhile let us look at the facts: 12 million children are out of school in Nigeria. Out of the 12 million, 10 million are from the north whilst Kano state alone has 3 million beggars.Nigeria has the highest number of young girls suffering from Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in the world. And 90 per cent of those young girls are from the north.According to the UNDP 72 per cent of northern Nigerians are living below the poverty line.According to UNICEF if Nigeria were to ever break up the core north would be the poorest and most barren place on the African continent.According to Nasir El Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna state in northern Nigeria, if the north-western zone of the country were to ever find itself on its own it would be poorer and more ravaged by war than Afghanistan.According to the World Terror Index Boko Haram and the Fulani militias are the first and fourth most deadly terrorist organisations in the world respectively and they both come from northern Nigeria.According to UNESCO 65 million Nigerians, which represents 50 per cent of the total population!) are stark illiterates and 55 million of them are from the north.According to UNICEF the heartland and base of pedophiia, child sex, child slavery and child marriage on the African continent is northern Nigeria.According to President Donald Trump of the United States of America northern Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places for Christians to live in the world and Christians are murdered there in their thousands every year whilst Churches are blown up and burnt down.According to CNN the bastion of radical Islam, Islamic terror and Islamic fundamentalism in Africa is northern Nigeria.According to Governor Yari of Zamfara state in north western Nigeria the north has been afflicted with all manner of diseases and epidemics, including meningitis, as a consequence of their many sins against Allah.According to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo the northern states have the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the country, the lowest rate of child enrollment in schools, the highest number of unemployed young people, the highest levels of poverty and faces the challenge of inter-ethic and inter-religious conflict including the Boko Haram terrorism.All these daunting challenges, disturbing facts and alarming statistics and instead of putting their house in order the Arewa Youth Coalition not only threaten the Igbo with mass murder and genocide and order them to leave the north by October 1st but they have also gone a step further by insulting the Yoruba and accused us of being serial traitors and of trying to impose Osinbajo on Nigeria as President.This is the same Osinbajo that has bent over backwards to appease them, that has taken all their insults and provocations and that has resolved to accept the fact that he is more a co-ordinator of government affairs than an Acting President.I really do wonder what these young northerners really want?They issue quit notices to fellow Nigerians and they are still going about freely and with AK47 and daggers stained with the blood of their innocent compatriots.They issue statements insulting their compatriots by calling them ungrateful backstabbers even after stabbing and butchering them to death .They tell the world that Yoruba Muslims are not real Muslims and that they will never allow them to lead in prayers in the mosque.I ask again what do these young northerners really want?Do they really believe that the rest of us are interested in THEIR Nigeria anymore? To many the unity of Nigeria is not sacrosanct and neither do we insist on it at the cost of our lives, our future, our self-respect and our dignity.This position has been confirmed and re-affirmed by the General Alani Akinrinade-led Yoruba Assembly, the Odua Peoples Congress, the Odua Liberation Movement and Afenifere itself.We may love Nigeria but we are not prepared to sacrifice our liberty on the alter as a sacrifice to her gods and neither are we prepared to be treated like animals or a people that have no history or do not know where they are coming from. The Yoruba culture and race are irresistable and irrepressable.The influence and power of the ancient Yoruba empire and people stretches from South America, the Carribean, West Africa, various parts of western Europe and other parts of the world till today.We come from an ancient lineage of empire and tradition which is thousands of years old and which pre-dates Christianity and Islam. We are well-educated, focused and strong.We have never been conquered in battle and we have never lost a war to a foreign aggressor or usurper. We are slow to anger but irresistable in battle.We are a proud and noble race from an illustrious and royal heritage: se bow to no other. That is who and what we are.If Nigeria remaining one means that we must live as slaves and serfs whilst the north laud it over us and insult us every day then we say let her break and let us go our separate ways before we kill each other.It is only in this country that those with a blood-lust, the perverted, the depraved, the lazy, the parasitic, the barren, the poor and the dieseased insist on leading and ruling over the peace-loving, the sane, the wholesome, the righteous, the generous, the kind, the accomodating, the hard-working, the productive, the prosperous and the healthy.In view of these racist, divisive and provocative rantings and sentiments from the northern youths (which in my view have the tacit support and backing of their traditional rulers, political elite, trusted leaders and reverred elders) those of us from other parts of the country must wake up, smell the coffee, get our act together and rise up to the challenge and to the occassion.This is the time for men and women of valour and strength to step up to the plate and redeem the honor of their kith and kin. This is the time to say enough is enough! (TO BE CONTINUED).
The Metallurgical Stakeholders Forum has called on the Federal Government to cancel reconcession of the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) to Global Infrastructure Holding Ltd. (GIHL), an India company.The stakeholders made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.The stakeholders comprised the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Metallurgical Society, African Iron and Steel Association, Host Community, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), among others.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIOMCO, which is capable of generating billions of naira annually, is located at Itakpe, Kogi State.Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed, the Executive Secretary-General, African Iron and Steel Association, and convener of the news conference, said that the Federal Government should cancel the concession agreement.According to him, the company lacks competence, trust as well as the ability to manage NIOMCO.Sanusi said that the first concession of NIOMCO and Ajaokuta Steel company to GHIL in 2004 brought unquantifiable losses to the nation with monumental economic consequences.He said that Nigeria was short-changed by the Indian company, as it vandalised Ajaokuta steel company and carted away valuable assets from NIOMCO.NAN recalls that the Ajaokuta Steel Company was concessioned to GHIL between 2004 and 2005 by then President Olusegun Obasanjo.However, the Indian firm did not live up to expectations as it could not manage the company.Following the failure of GHIL to manage the company, the Federal Government under late President Umaru YarAdua was compelled to revoke the contract.However, the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government reconcessioned NIOMCO to GHIL, while it took charge of the Ajaaokuta Steel Company.With the reconcessioning, GHIL is yet to commence operations.According to the stakeholders, NIOMCO did not only witnessed poor performance, but also non-compliance of Post-Acquisition Plan (PAP) in terms of injection of funds, while being operated by GHIL.GHIL never brought Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the country as confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) but rather orchestrated flight and repatriation of funds from the internal funds it earned from illegal exports of Nigerian assets.We have written several letters to the Federal Government on the need to cancel the agreement but to no avail.So we decided to come together to covey the same message through the media today, Sanusi said.Citing the Delta Steel Company (DSC), he said that the Federal Government concessioned and later sold the company built with 1.5 billion dollars in 2005 to GHIL at a paltry 30 million dollars.Sanusi said the five-man administrative panel of inquiry set up by the Federal Government in 2007 revealed the rot that was perpetrated on Delta Steel Company.GHIL in the period of operation in DSC stripped the company down and accumulated more than N40 billion debt it collected from Nigerian banks and used the companies as collateral.Sanusi said that the reconcession of NIOMCO did not go down well with stakeholders as the Federal Government did not involve them.This is not acceptable to all the metallurgical stakeholders.Also speaking, Prof. David Esezobor of Extractive Metallurgical and Materials Processing urged the Federal Government to pursue a clear vision as well as clear policies and roadmap to ensure development of the iron and steel sector.Esezobor said that government should remove all obstacles militating against the growth and development of the sector.He urged the government not to privatise Ajaokuta Steel Company, till the remaining two per cent and other external infrastructure were completed.Esezobor said that any attempt to commercialise or privatise the company would not yield the desired result for Nigerians.He also urged the government to re-establish contact and to initiate negotiation with the original builder of Ajaokuta Steel Company, TPE, a Russian company to complete the company.He also noted that the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Alhaji Musa Bello, a Kaduna based entrepreneur were laying claim to NIOMCO, adding that they both had registered the company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).He said that stakeholders had informed the relevant security agencies to also look into the matter.




The youth arm of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has vowed to reject any restructuring done by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.The youths said they would rather prefer a restructuring exercise to be overseen by an Igbo leader or a leader from the South but not from the North.According to them, any restructuring conducted by the Buhari administration would definitely favour the North, thereby leading to continuation of the agitations.Secretary General of the Council, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, who made this declarations while addressing newsmen on Thursday, explained that, restructuring of Nigeria overseen by a leader from the South would definitely ensure equity and fairness to all parts of the country.The youth council also alleged of plan by unnamed Igbo leaders to arrest and detain its leader, Maxi Okechukwu Isiguzoro over statements the group had been issuing in support of Biafra agitation.He vowed that no amount of threats and intimidation would deter them from pursuing the Biafra dream.Meanwhile, Kaduna State governor, Nasir El Rufai has described those calling for Nigerias restructuring as opportunists.
Kenya is set to be the first African country to introduce better HIV treatment for people living with the disease that causes AIDS. In partnership with the Kenyan government, UNITAID and the World Health Organization have introduced a generic first-line drug for people living with HIV.Speaking at a news conference in Kenyas capital, Nairobi, Dr. Peter Kimuu, the head of health policy and planning at the Ministry of Health, said this new first-line drug, known as Dolutegravir (DTG), has few side effects and patients living with HIV are less likely to develop resistance.DTG offers better tolerability, fewer adverse drug reactions, fewer drug to drug interactions and higher genetic barrier to resistance, he said.One of the key partners in the initiative is UNITAID, a global health initiative working to end Tuberculosis, Malaria and HIV/AIDS epidemic.UNITAID donated approximately 148,000 bottles of DTG to Kenyas Health Ministry, which will cover about one percent of the patients living with HIV in the country.Robert Matiru, the director of operations at UNITAID, told VOA the economic and health benefits of the new line of treatment will go a long way in ensuring key populations get much needed treatment.When you bring a product that is cheaper to make, that is of higher efficacy, meaning better treatment outcomes of course youre going to realize saving and savings are so critical in this day and age because as we know funding is constrained and in some cases declining, he said.According to Kenyas Health Ministry about one-and-a-half million people are living with HIV. The introduction of the new generic first-line drug will be an added arsenal in the fight against the scourge.Speaking to VOA at the launch of the new drug, Dr. Martin Sirengo, the head of the National Aids & STI control Programme (NASCOP), was upbeat about the new line of treatment. However, he says challenges still exist.We have a challenge in the sense that DTG is not available commercially to the scale that we can start everyone on it," he said. "Its a new drug so the manufacturing is yet to catch up thats why we are starting small, number two we have moved the treatment from where we used to combine different pills into a regiment into what we call a fixed dose combination pill, which is basically a tablet containing three drugs. DTG is a single drug so we have to formulate the regiment with other two drugs.Daugthie Ogutu, the executive director at African Sex Workers Alliance, an organization that addresses human and health rights violations against sex workers, has been living with HIV for the last fifteen years.Ogutu has been on Dolutegravir (DTG) for three months. She says the difference between this new line of treatment, compared to the old one, is the diminished side effects that go along with taking the medication.The side effects are significantly less. I havent experienced any side effects using it and I think thats just my experience but you know with treatment it differs from patient to patient but what I can attest to is that the side effects of this one if I compare with the side effects I had with Efavirenz, whereby I had a loss of weight, loss of appetite, I became severely anemic and that became basically my condition," said Ogutu. "I havent been able to experience that with this new drug. So I think its a plus that we are now changing to medication thats being used in developed countries.However Ogutu, whose organization African Sex Workers Alliance, has membership in 30 African countries, argues that more focus should be shifted to adherence.Theres a challenge and even for those living with HIV, adherence sticking to your drugs and finishing your drugs," said Ogutu. "Theres a lot more that still needs to be done around providing psycho social support for people living with HIV and I think we are losing it in all this conversation around prevention and I think it should be a slogan in this years World Aids Day 'People living with HIV lives matter.'"According to the World Health Organization, more than 18 million people globally were receiving antiretroviral treatment. Dolutegravir (DTG) is set to be introduced in two other early adopter countries, Nigeria and Uganda.
Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu came under fire from many quarters yesterday for his belligerency, particularly his ...

Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu came under fire from many quarters yesterday for his belligerency, particularly his call for the boycott of the November governorship election in Anambra State.

He has also been threatening that unless a referendum is organised to enable the Igbo determine whether they should have Biafra, the Southeast will boycott the 2019 elections.

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and politicians chided the separatist advocate.

The Ijaw Youth Council also threatened action should Kanu disparage former President Goodluck Jonathan again.

Okorocha who spoke at the State House in Abuja said Kanu does not represent or speak for the Igbo, describing him as a young man seeking relevance.

Kanu, a young man seeking relevance, agitating for whatever he believes in, what he stands for must be treated separately from the entire Igbo nation.

He should be treated as a young man agitating and seeking for relevance, these are two different issues. And he can ride on the back of supposed Igbo marginalization which has been said is not right, and ride on that sentiments and push his agenda but that does not mean that the entire Igbos are speaking with him.

The question is does Nnamdi Kanu have the capacity to lead Igbo to war? Or lead me and the governors to war? So I will stand now and Nnamdi Kanu will tell me stand up lets go to war? So, sometimes we overdramatised the issue just to make a big deal out of it and that has been the big challenge.

Like the gentleman that spoke for the Arewa youths, and these are not more than 17 young men speaking for millions of Arewa youths and it doesnt make sense because if you ask any Arewa youth now if he is part of this he will tell you no.

I was in Chatham House and I remember how I was attacked by the IPOB boys when I was delivering my lecture. They walked up to me and they were shouting and I said calm down and the young man has never visited Nigeria. So it is our duty to call our younger ones to order but I want to assure Nigerians that they should not see that as a break but agitation given what they perceived that the South East has been neglected over time politically, economically, socially and all that.

Their roads are impassable, you cannot pass Port Harcourt road, Enugu road, Aba Road, Bayelsa road and all the roads. You can hardly see federal government presence in the South East, all the things you see are self-made things. Even the Onitsha bridge has been a theoretical talk, fabrications which does not represent reality.

So, he speaks his own and joins it to our issues and it now looks like a nationwide thing. That is not the issue.

We have called for unity and have agreed that we will remain united. Very soon, some of us have taken it upon ourselves to reach out to this young men talk to them. We must understand that our young men are frustrated, if they are as comfortable as we are, they will not be able to say those.

Ohaneze Ndigbo said Kanu has no right to stop the Anambra governorship election.

Its president, Dr John Nwodo, described the IPOB leaders statement as provocative, misleading and unproductive.

He said Kanus statement was against the agreement he reached with Ohaneze Ndigbo when he visited him, adding that the IPOB leader had breached the agreement with Ohaneze without consultation.

Nwodo and his executive council members spoke during a visit to the Anambra State House of Assembly yesterday as part of its sensitisation in the South East. Speaker Rita Maduagwu, lawmakers and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, attended.

Nwodo said: News that reached us in the past few days that Nnamdi Kami, had declared that there will be no election in Anambra in November is shocking and disturbing. I hereby countermand that declaration as President General of Ohaneze

Whereas Ohaneze understands the marginalisation and unfair treatment of Igbos which have given rise to self-determination movements in Igboland, leaders of these movements must not arrogate to themselves the supreme leadership of Igboland. Statements of the kind credited to Nnamdi Kanu are provocative, misleading and unproductive

Why should Anambra people be denied the opportunity to choose their own leader? Why should any of us not from Anambra, no matter how highly placed, descend to the arena and dictate for Anambra people when to vote, whether to vote or who to vote for?

Anambra, nay Igbos, are still part and parcel of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yes, we are not happy with our treatment in Nigeria

Yes, some of us want Biafra. Yes, some of us prefer a restructured Federal Republic of Nigeria. But the fact remains that we are still part and parcel of the present Federal Republic of Nigeria, bound by its laws, no matter how repressive or unjust

Umeh said it was only the people who do not have Igbo blood in them that would allow anybody to tell them what goes on in the society today, adding that the current Ohaneze was making Ndigbo proud.

Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on legislative matters, Chief Chidozie Ezeugwa, condemned Kanus statement saying the government of Anambra state under Obiano was committed to the Igbo cause and would continue to do everything to support Ohanezes interest in anything in protecting Ndigbo in the country.

Some politicians have also condemned Kanus call for a boycott of the Anambrapoll.

They said the call was capable of derailing democracy in the state and expose the people to anarchy.

Chief Sam Oraegbunam, Chairman of Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Anambra chapter, said although Kanus call for re-positioning of Nigeria was popular, he must not use it to cause confusion in Anambra.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has declared that further attack on former President Jonathan by Kanu, would be met with appropriate sanctions from Ijaw youths.

IYC through its Spokesman Daniel Dasimaka, described as uncharitable and disrespectful, Kanus comments on ex-President Jonathan.

The umbrella organisation of Ijaw youths said: It is quite ironic and appalling that anyone will say ex-President Jonathan did nothing for the Southeast, when it is common knowledge in both informed and not-so-informed circles in Nigeria that the Southeast benefited even more than the Southsouth under Dr. Jonathan. It is on record that under the then President Jonathan, rehabilitation and expansion works were done on the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA), Owerri, Imo State, which he granted an international airport status.

In terms of appointment, Dr. Jonathan appointed the first female Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma (an Igbo). He also appointed the first Southeast Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and first Southeast Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ogbonnaya Onovo, among others.

We are calling on the true Igbo leaders to caution Nnamdi Kanu and to bridle his tongue, lest his unguarded rhetoric may strain the good relationship the Igbo and the Ijaw nation, and by extrapolation, the Southsouth and Southeast geopolitical zones, have enjoyed over the years.
Controversial journalist, Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo took to her social media pages to blast Biafrans and their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Accordi...

Controversial journalist, Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo took to her social media pages to blast Biafrans and their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. According to her, what happened in July 1966 is not something anyone will pray for to happen again.

She also said over her dead body will Nigeria be separated. She shared the above throwback photo of her 2009 note book and wrote;

Biafrans are so fuckn DUMB. They think Fani Power and Fayose are agitating for them. All my brothers are doing are preventing a repeat of July 1966 when Ibos were slaughtered in #Makurdi and other parts of the north in revenge for Nzeogwus attack on the northern and yoruba leaders. FFK and I LIVED IT! My father was 31yo and a commissioner in Akintolas government. He ran to Akintolas house that morning before the soldiers arrived. My mom a mere 26yo secretarial assistant was the one typing the letters fast as she told me I was 2yo and sick that morning sitting next to her. The letters were to tell the cabinet and others that the soldiers were COMING and they had killed Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa and Okotie- Eboh that morning. Meanwhile in Agodi government house, the Premier had vanished and went to his private residence armed with guns in Iyaganku. My dad was with him and told Akintola to leave! He said I will be an Omo Akin his last words meaning BRAVE TILL THE END. Historical archives say Akintola exchanged gunfire with the soldiers. MY FATHER HAD JUST LEFT HIS HOUSE THAT MORNING!!

Meanwhile on the Remi Fani-Kayode side at the Deputy Premieres residence in Agodi (still the Deputy Governors residence to this date) the soldiers arrived and were beating the hell out of FFKs father with their guns RIGHT IN FRONT OF FEMI WHO WAS 5yo. Femi, myself and my mom recounted this moment Jan 2016 over the phone last year on the 50th anniversary. Femi told my mom he vividly remembers. They then took his dad away. He later escaped death.

In all this 1966 tragedy, only Ojukwu and Azikiwe the other Nnamdi ESCAPED so u see why the Hausas got mad and slaughtered the Igbos. There will be no damn BIAFRA! You Biafrans must fight back and get the LAME NPF to arrests Arewa Youths. Osinbajo and El Rufai ordered that. Nothing has been done. Stop using that as an excuse to divide Nigeria and form the B!

#Igbos are extremely intelligent people. This entire Yorubaland will not be developed without them. If they leave, Ibadans economy alone WILL COLLAPSE.

#Biafrans however are smart but NOT intelligent people. Fuck off Biafrauds!

YOU WILL NOT SEPARATE NIGERIAGAIN! UNDER MY DEAD BODY!

THIS IS MY FINAL SAY ON #NNAMDIs foolishness. You have the audacity to accuse politicians of taking bribes, looting and even DISRESPECTING GEJ the best president ever?? Who are u sef? Yet you allegedly collected $5000 monthly at IPOB from #Evans a classic Nigerian criminal.

Fuck you Kanu! Ive done prison twice in Nigeria where its a badge of honor. Prison doesnt await you again.

HELL AWAITS YOU!!

Buhari/Osinbajo and all Nigerians RIDE ON.

#OneNigeria.

I HAVE BLOCKED ALL BIAFRANS WHO INSULTED ME WHEN I WAS ADVOCATING FOR THIS MOVEMENT. COMMENT AND SPEAK YOUR MIND. THE LUCKY MORONS GET A REPLY from #AdaBiafra to #Ashawo. Your disgruntled change of my name.

Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo


An Abuja High Court sitting in Apo, Gudu District, on Friday, dismissed a certificate forgery suit filed by one Uchenna Nnadi against Sen. Andy Uba.Justice Valentine Ashi said the law says that he who asserts must prove; and that the plaintiff had failed to lead the court with further evidence.Ashi said that the plaintiff should have investigated and gotten his facts from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which cleared the defendant as being eligible for elections.He said the plaintiff should have also conducted checks at Union Secondary School, Awkunawu, Enugu State, where the defendant said he obtained his School Leaving Certificate as opposed to Boys High School, Awkunawu, which the plaintiff claimed.The judge dismissed the suit and said the plaintiff failed to investigate the defendants claims and therefore failed to prove the forgery case against him.Nnadi had sued Uba on the grounds that he presented a forged School certificate from Boys High School, Awkunawu, and so unqualified and ineligible to stand for elections.Uba, in his counter affidavit, however, denied ownership of the said certificate and maintained that he graduated from Union Secondary School, Awkunawu, which he submitted to INEC and was properly cleared.
Suspected billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans has again filed a fresh suit against the police, dema...

Suspected billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans has again filed a fresh suit against the police, demanding N300 million compensation.This is coming less than 24 hours after he filed a suit against the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.In the new suit filed on Thursday, Evans is claiming the sum of N300m as general and exemplary damages against the police for alleged illegal detention and unconstitutional media trial.Channels TV feports that this was in sharp contrast to his earlier suit where he made no monetary claim.The parties listed as respondents, however, remained the same as the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos State Police Command.In his new suit which was also brought before the Federal High Court, Lagos, the suspect is seeking a declaration that his continued detention since June 10 without arraignment violates his fundamental rights as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.He also sought a declaration that his parade on June 11 before journalists at the Lagos Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, without any court order, was unconstitutional and illegal.Evans consequently sought an order compelling the respondents to immediately arraign him before a law court, or release him from custody forthwith.Also, he sought an order compelling the respondents to jointly and severally pay him the sum of N300 million as exemplary damages for illegal detention and alleged harm caused by media trial.The suspect further sought an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the respondents from further arresting, detaining, harassing, investigating or inviting him in relation to the facts of his case.No judge has been assigned to the case and no hearing date has also been fixed for this latest suit.
A Nigerian man, Toyin Dawodu, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, to compel the Senate to constitute a medical panel to...



A Nigerian man, Toyin Dawodu, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, to compel the Senate to constitute a medical panel to investigate President Buhari's true state of health as well as determine if he is medically fit to continue as President of Nigeria.









IS NIGERIAN PRESIDENT BEING HELD AGAINST HIS WILL?

THE LAWSUIT FILED AT THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT IN ABUJA NIGERIA. CASE NUMBER FHC/ABJ/CS/508/2017

TO COMPEL THE SENATE OF NIGERIA TO CONSTITUTE A MEDICAL PANEL TO DETERMINE THE HEALTH STATUS OF PRESIDENT BUHARI.

Riverside, CA 6/28/17- A few weeks ago, I instructed my attorneys from Forthright Chambers and lawyers for Citizens Advocacy of Nigeria to file a lawsuit compelling the Nigerian Senate to constitute a medical panel to determine if President Buhari is capable of discharging his constitutional duties.

Several reports have indicated that the country is being controlled by a group of unelected bureaucrats whose motives may not align with the aspirations of most Nigerians.

Reports have also indicated that our elected President is in such a medical incapacitation that even his wife is not allowed to see him in his incapacitated state.

It is possible, that President Buhari is being held by his handlers against his will and Nigerians deserve to know his current status and his where about.

This Press release explains my rational for the lawsuit to all Nigerians and other well-wishers of Nigeria.

In 2014, I campaigned to elect then General Buhari to be elected President of Nigeria. Here's a link to the video I uploaded to YouTube as my support for his candidacy. goo.gl/P2EExJ

A full copy of the law suit can be found on my blog at www.amazingtoyin.blogspot.com (see below)

My admiration for President Buhari dates back to his first foray as head of state. In 1985, I expressed this admiration by contacting him through the Nigerian Embassy.

In my letter, to him and his administration, I outlined how he could make Nigeria a great nation economically by focusing on our strategic assets of both human and natural resources.

Unfortunately his administration was short lived.

Fast forward 2014. After three tries, he succeeded in becoming the head of state.

My support for him in the last election was based on my inclination that President Buhari can finally finish the job he started 30 years earlier.

Regardless of his current policy failures, I and millions of Nigerians are now convinced that the President, despite all his intentions, is incapable of discharging his duties. Therefore, he should resign or be forced to do so, by the Senate, or the executive council as prescribed in the Nigerian constitution.

The Nigerian electorate voted for Buhari as head of state.

Currently we have an acting President.

The problem with the current situation is that the acting president is not fully in charge of the country.

There is no proof that any elected official, including leaders of both houses of assembly have seen the President in the last several weeks.

There is no proof that even the vice President or any member of the cabinet of President Buhari has spoken to him in his current incapacitated state.

I love and respect President Buhari and I wish and pray fervently for God to give him strength to gain back his health.

But I love Nigerian more. I fear for my country, I fear for the future of millions of Nigerians both living and unborn.

Therefore, I cannot stand by and allow the current leadership vacuum that exists in out polity to continue.

There are several current agitations for the restructuring of Nigeria.

If Nigeria needs a strong leader, it is now. Unless a strong leader emerges that has the full authority of Nigerians, the country may descend into chaos.

Our elected leader is indisposed, due to no fault of his own.

Therefore, if we love our country, we must collectively urge our President to face his health issues and let Nigeria be led fully by a capable Vice President as prescribed by the constitution.

As it stands, the Vice President takes direction from the so called Cabal, who passes such instruction under the pretext that they come from the President.

No one can confirm the present condition of the President. As such, it is now incumbent on the elected members of the Nigerian Senate to stand up and be counted to save Nigeria in its hour of need.

I am also urging every Nigerian to impress upon their Senators to discharge their duty by constituting a medical panel as prescribed by the constitution to determine if President Buhari is capable of discharging his duty.

That is the basis of my lawsuit.

I love President Buhari and wish him speedy recovery, but I love Nigeria more.

May God bless all of us and bless Nigeria.

Toyin Dawodu
Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has described the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha as a diaper wearing creature for insisti...

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has described the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha as a diaper wearing creature for insisting that President Muhammadu Buhari is not on life support.

Recall that the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose had alleged that Buhari had been on life support in London for 20 days.

Dismissing Fayoses claim, Okorocha urged Nigerians to ignore his Ekiti State counterpart, who he described as a cheap talker.

Reacting to Okorochas rebuttal of Fayose, Fani-Kayode, noted that Okorocha has failed to understand that Nigerians have the right to know the truth about Buharis health status.

The former Minister, who took to his twitter handle wrote: When a courageous @GovAyoFayose tells u @MBuhari is in a coma and diaper-wearing @GovernorRochas tells u it is a lie u know who to believe.

What this lying, diaper-wearing creature cannot comprehend is that the people HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW THE TRUTH about @MBuharis condition.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it is only the London doctors attending to President Muhammadu Buharis health will decide when the President will come back to Nigeria. The party also said that President Buhari is recovering fast from his illness contrary to allegations that he is on life support.The National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, gave the assurance in Abuja while speaking with newsmen at the end of a meeting between the party`s National Working Committee (NWC) and state governors elected on the partys platform.We are glad to inform you that President Muhammadu Buhari is recovering in a very robust manner.We hope he takes it easy and when he comes back, I have no doubt at all that we will have a new and active period of activities.He, however, said only the presidents doctors abroad could decide when he would be fit to return to the country.Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State had recently alleged that President Buhari was on life-support in a London Hospital where he is receiving medical attention.The national chairman, however, refused to respond to the governors comment, saying he would do that at an appropriate time.If I respond, I will be dignifying him.At the appropriate time, people will answer him; at the appropriate level; at the appropriate time.He is in a different world altogether.According to him, the partys leadership has confidence in President Buhari.He added that the meeting x-rayed the nation, ongoing agitation for its restructuring and inciting statements emanating from different parts of the country.Odigie-Oyegun stressed that such inciting statements are not good for the nation`s health and have to be stopped.According to him, the party maintains its earlier position on the restructuring of the country as clearly stated in its manifesto.He further said the partys leadership would do all it could at all times to ensure that the unity of the country was preserved.He added that the APC leadership was ready to listen to whatever grievances any group in the country might have.
The Assistant Auditor of the All Progressives Party in Osun State, Tajudeen Adekunbi, and the Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Olatunji Popoola have asked the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo to disqualify the APC candidate in Osun West Senatorial District by-election, Senator Mudasiru Hussain.Another member of the APC in the state, Mr. Basiru Adigun, and the two politicians filed a suit before the court asking for Hussains disqualification ahead of July 8 by-election on the grounds that he ( APC candidate) did not resign his appointment as a commissioner 30 days before the date of the poll.Apart from the APC candidate, the plaintiffs joined the Independent National Electoral Commission; Osun State Government; Chairman of the APC screening committee for the by-election, Sanusi Rikiji and chairman of the appeal committee of the APC, Abdullahi Bello as defendants in the suit.The plaintiffs claimed that Hussain did not resign 30 days before the date of the election as prescribed by the constitution, saying he should be disqualified based on the violation of the constitution.In the originating summon and a sworn affidavit deposed to by the first plaintiff, Popoola, the plaintiff asked the court to determine whether the qualification for senatorial election is not governed by Section 65 and 66 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.The plaintiffs asked to Whether the disqualification of the 1st defendant (Hussain) by the 3rd defendant (Rikiji) and 4th defendant (Bello) is not in compliance with the term and tenure of Section 66(1)(f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and APC 2014 guidelines for nomination of candidates for public office.Whether the 5th defendant (INEC) can validly accept the 1st defendant as the candidate of the 2nd defendant (APC) for the purpose of 8th July 2017 Osun West Senatorial by-election, the 1st defendant having not resigned his appointment from the public service of the 6th defendant (Osun State government) as Commissioner in charge of cabinet matters less than 30 days before the said by-election.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has unfolded new measures to tackle the nagging problem of prison congestion in the country.One of the measures recommended by NEC is for state governors to sign more death warrants for the execution of condemned prisoners waiting on the death row.So, for death row inmates and various condemned prisoners, the hangman may soon knock on their doors  to put them to death.As an alternative to death sentence, the Council affirmed that the governors may wish to commute the death-row inmates sentences to jail terms.These decisions were reached on Thursday at the NEC) meeting presided over by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House, Abuja.Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, who spoke on the outcome of the NEC meeting with State House correspondents, said the decisions were taken after the Council was briefed by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, and the Comptroller-General of Prisons, on the conditions of the nations prisons.The pathetic scenario painted in the presentation showed the need for an emergency declaration on the state of Nigerian prisons, Governor Umahi said.He said that one of the key recommendations was that governors should be encouraged to sign death warrants of those convicted with capital punishment; and in conjunction with state chief judges, free as many as possible under the prerogative of mercy.Governors should do a number of things to decongest the prisons. Chief Judges of states should frequently visit prisons. Governors should either sign death sentences of those condemned or commute them because it is risky leaving them after their trial had been concluded. NEC resolved that there should be an emergency situation on prisons, Umahi stated.He further said that NEC tasked governors to deploy all powers within their reach to salvage prisons including the engagement of private sector participation, especially as some of the inmates could be engaged in agriculture.According to him, the Minister of Interior and CG, Nigeria Prisons, briefed the Council on the state of prisons and inmates throughout the country. The situation they painted was quite pathetic. I must confess that I visited the prisons in my state for the first time recently after a jail break and what l saw was terrible.So, it was agreed that governors should on their own develop initiatives to manage the prisons. For instance, some have transferred prisons from urban centres. NEC agreed that governors should support the Federal Government on prison matters.States that have the capacity to build prisons should go ahead and do so, including the involvement of private sector participation. The minister said that 70 per cent of inmates are awaiting trial.Some of them can be converted to labour use. Ten per cent of them are condemned, meaning 20 per cent are true prisoners. Some of the prisoners should be engaged in agricultural programme.Meanwhile, the governor said he was misquoted in news reports that he opposed the agitation for restructuring of the country because Ebonyi is not yet economically viable to seek independence.The governor was reported to have declared that he was neither in support of the agitation for Biafra nor the call for restructuring because the two proposals were not going to benefit the state and its people.However, Umahi told journalists that he neither said so nor meant such, and declared that negative social media reports were destroying Nigeria.Also at the NEC meeting, Osinbajo extended indefinitely the Budget Support Facility/Financial Bailout to state governments which elapsed last month.President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the bailout to enable the states meet their financial obligations, especially salary arrears to workers in the face of dwindling oil revenue and the attendant economic recession the country.The N510 billion Facility, a 12-month standby loan, was started in June 2016, with a monthly amount of N50 billion in the first three months and N40 billion for the remaining nine months to 35 states.Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State told State House correspondents that the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, announced the approval of the extension of the facility at the NEC parley.He said: Although the finance minister presented that the Budget Support Loan Facility has been fully disbursed, she announced that the Acting President has directed that the facility continues until other states claims are paid.He also disclosed that the Accountant-General of the Federation gave an update on the National Stabilisation Fund, the Natural Resources Development Fund and the Ecological Fund.The accounts currently stand as follows: Stabilisation Balance as at June 28, 20117, (N28.5billion); Natural Resources Development Fund (N87.6billion) and the Ecological Fund (N28.9billion).On the probe of remittances to the Excess Crude Account, which currently stands at $2.3 billion, Dankwambo said that about 18 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were being audited, while 10 others had been completed.A more comprehensive report on the exercise, which started last year, would be expected at next NEC meeting, he stated.The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) briefed the NEC on the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.The updates on SDGs implementation included careful planning to move MDGs to SDGs; integration of SDGs into the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (NERGP); rollout of SDGs Needs Assessment and costing exercise; data mapping and determination of SDGs baseline indicators to benchmark; among others.Also, the Director-General of National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Sani Aliyu, briefed the NEC on its activities, disclosing that an estimated three million Nigerians are living with HIV/AIDS.It was also learnt that some states have budget allocation for HIV programmes but not released.Issues of HIV needs to be prioritised while at least 0.5% to 1% of monthly Federation Allocation to States is to be set aside for financing the implementation of the HIV/AIDS programme.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the former governor of Taraba state as man who had a favourable political disposition towards his kinsmen.Obasanjo in a letter of condolence to the Taraba state governor, Arch Darius Ishaku on the death of late former governor said Suntai left a legacy and good reputation and honour which many older than him could not attain.According to Obasanjo in the letter dated, June 29, 2017: "Though his life was short, many will remember him for his life of struggle, his courage, his contributions to the public service, and for his favourable political disposition towards his kinsmen."By so doing, he left a rich legacy and good reputation and honour which many much older than him could not attain. Though physically dead, he lives on in many hearts and memories and would forever be remembered by many who knew and loved him."The former President, who stated that he was in Kigali, Rwanda when he had about the news of the death, remarked thus: "This is, indeed, a grievous loss to you, his family, his friends and associates, Taraba State and indeed, the entire nation." Pharmacist Suntai was an outstanding Nigerian and leader who contributed immensely to the development and stability of Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole. The vacuum created by his death would undoubtedly be difficult to fill. I assure you that we all share your sense of deep grief."I urge you and all his admirers to hold on to your faith in the Almighty Creator who understands all things and arranges all things ultimately for the best. Please bear this great loss by believing in divine dispensation. In every circumstance, we must trust in Almighty God and acknowledge His greatness." I pray that God will comfort us all and sustain the family of the departed in this hour of travail. May He also grant the departed eternal bliss in Heaven." Please, convey our condolences and prayers to the family."
The social media has been set ablaze as the Malaysian-based Nigerian rich boy, Ray Hushpuppi who is well-known for his lavish lifestyle ...

Dear Hushpuppi, We are musicians not paupers. Who exactly do you think you are to open your mouth and insult a musician that sweats day and night in the studio? You have no credibility, no known source of income and yet you come on social media to attack hard working Nigerian musicians with traceable wealth.



Lets face it, I think weve had enough of this nonsense and disrespect form you. Really, What do you do for a living, what is your talent, how did you make your money, what brand do you represent? I will take it upon myself to raise a petition against you.

We want to know your source of income since you now have the nerves to come on social media and call out a brand. Who is your father, Are you OBO, (Davido)? Are you a taxable Nigerian.? We need to start asking questions and the EFCC @officialefcc needs to start paying more Attention To detail.

The social media has been set ablaze as the Malaysian-based Nigerian rich boy, Ray Hushpuppi who is well-known for his lavish lifestyle and love for Gucci, has been caught drowning in a troll which he started and which has got him a reward in his own coin when the shadded King of the East Phyno, and KCee returned back, in multiple folds, some verbal salvo at him.The Malaysian-based flamboyant boy had thrown the first punch when he tried to humiliate Phyno and Iceprince by saying the duo are wont of wearing fake Patek wristwatches and hence, they should stop complaining when people pirate their music. Recall that the Gucci lover, in what has become his trend of diss in attacking Nigerian celebrities on his social media had, previously, pulled a similar troll when he became embroiled in a messy beef with Davido on social media.Although the wealthy Nigerian who was listed by Daily Mail as one of the Rich Kids of Nigeria had hurriedly settled his scores with the IF artiste, his latest troll with the King of the East Phyno, and IcePrince has, however, drawn a more than commensurate response from his victims and a big gun in the music industry, KCee. Specifically, Hushpuppi had taken to his Snapchat to attack Phyno and Ice Prince saying,Ice Prince Zamani Phyno Patek Philippe! If you dont want people to patronize pirated copy of your work, dont patronize pirated copy of others work. #Hypocrites.However, the equally no-nonsense King of the East, Phyno, had replied Hushpuppy in his own coin thus: We not on d same level mate.. Ulive and die for Gucci I will live and die for my pple The hunger is different here man.  Matter of fact show ur followers something else apart from been in store (sales man) and rented jet U are not worth this topic but its wat ever Jst live ur life Such f*ckery when lame niggas think they d only one seeing money Everybody cant be loud like u Real wealth aint loud Ive got cribs live in my house Neva posted it.. Bought a house for my mum Neva posted it..I represent a full continent, nation, tribe, brands, streets Wat do u represent #hushpuppi. Gucci? Lol.. Learn life man.. I inspire u jst live for d media. Never And I repeat NEVER let any one ride ur wave without ur permission.. IBU Onye ala? ..Wat do I look like to u?? Dont go there Nxt tym cow. Continuing, The King of the East said,  As u don run leave that side .. Allow this zone to enter all of us o.. Cos e no go funny .. Gucci puppet.. Also, Kcee, one of the biggest guns in the music industry and the Limpopoartiste also wadded into the troll by throwing back some really hot words at Hushpuppi, even calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to take note, trail and nab the Gucci lover over his source of income and for attacking musicians who genuinely work hard in the studio to create lovely music. But Hushpuppy also went spiritual by calling on Amadioha, the Ndigbos fearsome god of thunder and lightning, to strike KCee.However, KCee wrote thus:More reactions from social media below
Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that former Military President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, owed t...

Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that former Military President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, owed the nation apology for contributing to where the country found itself.





Oshiomhole was speaking at the 5th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Petroleum And Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in Abuja, where he was represented by the General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers, Comrade Issa Aremu.

He claimed that it was under IBBs regime that the economy was restructured and the naira devalued.

The discussion now is about restructuring and I think those of us in the Labour circle must be careful about some words.

I heard Babangida talking about restructuring. Although he could have been converted, this is a man under whose tenure the cabinet was dissolved and for almost a month, he was alone, ruling the country.

I thought that he should have apologised to the whole country, but there is nothing like that from him. But it is now fashionable for him to talk about restructuring. It was under him that the economy was restructured. He devalued the currency and downsized workers. It is important that we prioritise these terms.

In the former governors view, what we need to do is organise and not agonise. Let us quit our problems and not quit ourselves.

We are giving quit notice to ourselves and as Nigerians we cannot afford that, he said, adding: We are just victims of xenophobic attacks. How can we be looking for global sympathy when misguided South African youths are attacking other African countries that fought for their liberation only to come back home and be giving quit notices to ourselves.

I think we should quit poverty, lack of electricity, import dependency, exporting crude oil and importing refined products, unemployment, but we should not quit ourselves. It is time for us to make a case for the amendment of the constitution in such a way that residency should replace citizenship, not indigeneship.

There are many workers who have worked outside their homes for several years more than their home states. They should have a right to remain there, contest election. I think that is the way to go.

Nigerian leaders should think ahead. Africa is the way it is now because Nigerians are no longer on duty. We must regain Nigeria for posterity. What we need is development and not disintegration.

Development is the way to go. South Sudan was lured into having a new country and today, they are in a permanent state of war within themselves. Nigeria cannot afford that. Nigeria should not only remain united, but lead the campaign for a United states of Africa.

Asking organised labour and all progressive minded Nigerians to rise up and speak for the country, Oshiomhole said the conference is taking place at a time when Nigeria is facing a lot of challenges. There has been a lot of discussion about the future of this country.

The forces of retrogression and backwardness are at work. Progressives groups, which include organised labour, must wake up and speak for Nigeria. We should advice all those people who are trying to undermine Nigeria to learn from PENGASSAN.

There is a lot of misinformation, and misconception by our youths that Nigeria is too big and that the only solution for us is to break up. Yes, Nigeria is big when you compare us to Togo or to Benin or Ghana. But even Ghana, we are only bigger in terms of size, but in terms of budget per capital, Ghana is bigger.

He said though the governments attention was on diversification of the economy from oil, diversification must begin from the oil and gas sector itself, with the nation adding value to its oil production by stopping the exportation of crude and importation of refined products.

Oshiomhole said: It is now fashionable for us to be talking about diversification of the economy, which is fine because of the collapse of price of crude oil as well as the challenges facing the oil and gas industry. But in most cases when we talk about diversification, the assumption is that we move from oil and gas or other sectors like agriculture and solid minerals.

In spite of the challenges taking place in this sector, oil and gas industry matters more than ever before and there is no diversification of any sector without the talk of non oil and gas.

As a matter of fact, no diversification can take place in agriculture and solid minerals without the necessary available resources that are still accruable from oil and gas. It is obvious that 40 percent of national employment comes from this sector and 95 percent of foreign exchange earning of Nigeria comes from oil and gas, while 16 percent of out GDP also comes from this sector.

With 37 billion cubit reserve of crude oil as well as 183 billion cubit of gas, which makes us to have 30 percent of total gas reserve of the entire world, it is clear that we cannot ignore the fact that the oil and gas industry still matters. We should salute all workers in this sector, keeping it alive in spite of all the challenges.

From the figures we have just been given of our reserve for oil and gas, it is clear that he future of Nigeria lies in the fact that Nigeria is not just an oil producing country, but is gradually becoming a gas producing country.

The point here is that when we talk about diversification, it is not just moving from one thing to the other. It is an entire value chain. In fact, the diversification must start from the oil and gas industry first. We are just exporting crude oil and not adding value the way that we should because there are close to 120 derivatives from crude oil alone.

There are lots of upstream and downstream activities that can be generated to revive the industry. It has also become fashionable for major operators in the oil and gas to shift the burden on the working people through cut in jobs, downsizing, among others. I think it is time to revisit some of these issues.

In Oshiomholes view, the industry cannot be revived by shifting the burden on the workers.

It is time for corporate operators respected collective agreements and put an end to arbitrary sacking of workers, he stated.
Pentecostal church leaders across the nation on Thursday rejected the revised Basic Education Curriculum by the Nigerian Educational Res...

Pentecostal church leaders across the nation on Thursday rejected the revised Basic Education Curriculum by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).The curriculum, they said, is unacceptable because it collapses Christian Religious Studies (CRS) as part of an omnibus subject known as Religion and National Values.The church leaders insisted that CRS should stand alone as a subject to foreclose the possibility of some states acting against the interests of Christian students.They spoke with reporters at the end of the 2nd quarter National Executive Council of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Lagos.The well-attended meeting attracted Pentecostal leaders like General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo; Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); Bishop Mike Okonkwo, National President of PFN, Bishop Felix Omobude; its vice, Bishop Wale Oke; National Secretary, Apostle Emmanuel Kure and other state chairmen of the body.Omobude said the fusing of CRS into Religion and National Values was without justification while the explanations of NERDC were also unconvincing.He said: There is really no need nor is there any justification for the needless confusion and uncertainty the NERDC has created which has opened up the implementation of the curriculum to the whims and caprices of people with vested interests who want to impose their religious preferences on students.Collapsing CRK as only a part of Religion and National Values forecloses the opportunity of the subject being studied at the tertiary level by students who might so desire and this is unacceptable to us.While applauding the compulsory study of foreign languages, Omobude however stated more languages such as Spanish and others beyond French and Arabic should be included in the curriculum.The expansion, he said, will allow students enjoy greater flexibility in foreign language study and not be compelled to study a language they have no interest in, as its being reported in some states.We are aware of orchestrated plans to subtly use this policy as a means of forceful religious indoctrination and we maintain our stand against it, the PFN president added.Oyedepo maintained the revised curriculum was targeted against Christian students, calling for its reversal to guarantee religious harmony across the nation.What we are saying is that it is not acceptable to the Christian community. If students cannot study CRK in secondary school, it means we wont have it at the tertiary level, he reiterated.On calls for restructuring, Omobude restated commitment of Pentecostal Christians to a united Nigeria.He, however, called on the federal government to do all it can to assuage the fears and concerns of agitators through enthronement of true federalism.We urge the government to pay attention to the calls for restructuring and find a way to push for further devolution of powers while adopting an all-inclusive approach to governance and development in the country, he added.He condemned the quit notice given by northern youths to indigenes of South East extraction in the north, saying all Nigerians have the right to live anywhere without fear of harassment.Those who beat the drums of war should not be forgetful of our pasts. We cannot afford to go through the path of war again as a nation, he stated.Okonkwo called on northern elders to call their youths to order, saying the quit notice was a declaration of war against the south.The PFN argued nomadic cattle-rearing has become outdated, urging states to build ranches and develop reserves where cattle owners can manage their animals without travelling long distances where they stray into farms, destroy crops and constitute nuisance and threat to other communities.
CAMDEN -- A convicted child sex offender has been charged with downloading and viewing more than 3,500 images of child pornography, authorities said Friday.

Keith Clack, 41, of Atlantic City, was charged Thursday with receiving child pornography on several of his electronic devices at his home, acting U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick said.

Clack, a registered sex offender, was found to have viewed the images on his cell phone, a Galaxy tablet, several iPads and at least one computer, according to court documents.

Investigators linked to Clack through a Peer-2-Peer file sharing network between May 6 and May 20, the documents said.

On June 20, they searched the apartment where he lives with his wife and two young children, 5 and 6 years old, the court documents said.

Clack appeared Friday in Camden before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Williams, who ordered that he be incarcerated, Fitzpatrick said in a news release.

The court documents said Clack was charged in 1999 with sexual assault on a minor and endangering the welfare of a child in Atlantic County. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and was paroled in September 2006.

MaryAnn Spoto may be reached at mspoto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NORTH FORT MYERS, Florida -- Authorities said they've arrested the man who killed a former Palmyra councilwoman who retired to Florida.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office on Thursday called the killing of Jo Ann Leasure, 77, a "heinous murder." She was found dead in her condominium at 3458 Hancock Bridge Parkway June 21.

On Thursday, sheriff's detectives arrested Brett Todd Pleasant, 51, of Fort Myers, and charged him with second-degree murder and robbery, according to a release from the sheriff's office.

In the press conference announcing the arrest Thursday, Marceno says investigators used forensic evidence to connect Pleasant with the crime.

"Pleasant is no stranger to the criminal justice system, having served many years in prison for violent felonies," Marceno said.

"I can tell you that Mrs. Leasure was very involved in her church and had devoted her life to helping others," Marceno said.

Back in Burlington County, Leasure was known as a beloved former guidance counselor in Cinnaminson, a former two-term Palmyra councilwoman and a 1994 Democratic candidate for county freeholder, according to archived Trenton Times stores.

Palmyra officials remembered her to the Burlington County Times as a tough, energetic woman who also loved to give of her time and help young people.

An organization called Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers raised $2,000 for a reward for information in Leasure's killing.

"There has been an outpouring of sadness and disbelief in the days since Ms. Leasure was murdered," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, said in a statement. "Her neighbors and members of her church family at Covenant Presbyterian are heartbroken at the loss of a friend who gave so much of her life to help others."

The organization said Leasure was a teacher at the church's Vacation Bible School.

NBC2 in Florida reported that Pleasant only got out of prison in 2016 after being sentenced to 25 years for an armed robbery. His other convictions going back to 1985 include battery on a law enforcement officer, robbery and escape, authorities told the news station.

"Our Major Crimes detectives and Forensics Unit personnel left no stone unturned in this murder," Marceno said in the press release. "With the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and our partners at the State Attorney's Office, we have built a solid case against the monster responsible for this senseless murder."

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
MEDFORD TWP. -- A Pennsylvania man is facing weapons and assault charges after he used a Taser on another driver, leaving him injured and stunned in the roadway, according to police.

The road rage incident between the two men began on the night of June 23 on Route 70 in Southampton and continued into Medford Township, according to township police. Just east of the intersection with County Road 541, the vehicles stopped in the road.

Michael M. Hagerty, 53, of Folsom, told police that he felt threatened when the other driver got out of his vehicle and began to approach. When he arrived at the door, Hagerty stunned him with the illegal Taser, police said.

The other driver received a puncture wound to his abdomen and an abrasion to his knee due to his fall on the pavement, police said.

After police identified him, Hagerty was charged with simple assault, possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon and released on a summons.

New Jersey is one of a few states that bans civilians from carrying stun guns like Tasers, but that will soon change.

In April, Attorney General Christopher Porrino agreed to lift the ban in a legal settlement with a gun rights advocacy group. The state has 180 days to write new regulations, however, so the previous law still stands.

Porrino wrote in court filings that he believed the law would not "pass constitutional muster" after the U.S. Supreme Court found a similar law in Massachusetts was unconstitutional.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
What does "Okja," the new movie on Netflix about a girl and her giant mutant pig, have to do with New Jersey, the famous home of pork roll?

Paramus.

And what does Paramus have to do with the film, helmed by a director from South Korea?

"Okja," released Wednesday, follows the journey of farmgirl Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun) and Okja, her genetically engineered "super-pig," from their carefree days in the lush green mountains of South Korea to the streets of New York in their quest to elude the slaughterhouse and the grasp of the Mirando Corporation, which devised the giant pig as a new food source.

In the film, Paramus serves as the location of a plant -- or slaughterhouse -- owned by the company where pigs like Okja are experimented on and killed. (So much for the "mall capital of the world.")

Director Bong Joon-ho recently explained the Jersey connection, one in a series of jokes and references in the film, which also stars Tilda Swinton, Steven Yeun, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Dano and Jake Gyllenhaal.

"When one character talks about an underground laboratory where terrible things happen, he says it's in Paramus," Bong told the Guardian.

You see, Paramus is where the Weinstein Company held the test screening for Bong's previous film, the 2013 sci-fi drama "Snowpiercer."

Harvey Weinstein, Bong says, had cut 25 minutes out of the two-hour film, but when the full-length version of the film tested better, the Weinsteins decided to go with the original.

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.
The computer simulation of potential development within an Ironbound neighborhood near Newark Penn Station is stunning.

First you see small low-rise buildings surrounded by eight-story residential structures, the height restriction under existing zoning laws in the city.

As the simulation rotates 360 degrees, the same mid-level buildings suddenly bulk up to 18 stories under a proposed residential/commercial zoning amendment that has residents furious with the city administration.

"I'm not against development, but this is poorly conceived,'' said Sergio Rodrigues. "It smells. It stinks.''

Those sentiments were heard often at Monday night's Central Planning Board meeting in City Hall. At least 100 residents stood up to oppose the measure and urge the governing body to not recommend approval to the City Council. For two hours, a long line of speakers had their say, telling board members how the MX-3 amendment hurts the Ironbound.

MORE: Recent Barry Carter columns

If developers are allowed to build 15- to 18-story residential buildings within a half mile radius of Penn Station, residents said, the Ironbound infrastructure will not be able to support the increased density.

The sewer system is old. Schools are crowded. There's double- and triple-parking on narrow streets. Current buildings, which are three-to-five stories tall, would be dominated by towering new structures.

Lastly, bumper-to-bumper rush-hour traffic on Ferry and Market streets and Raymond Boulevard, would be even more unbearable if an 18-story building is approved with three decks of parking.

The gridlock is so bad now that Lillian Ribeiro, an Ironbound native, doesn't drive or ride the bus on Ferry Street if she's going to Penn Station. She walks now, after it once took an hour by car to travel past Penn Station when she was only two blocks away.

"I can't even imagine what it would be like if they allow this,'' said Ribeiro. "I don't really understand how it would benefit the community in any way whatsoever.''

The city's rationale for the plan follows the national trend of transit villages,' where municipalities redevelop the area around train stations with commercial and residential projects. By doing so, said Baye Adofo-Wilson, the city's deputy mayor for Housing and Economic Development, it creates a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood that relies less on automobiles and more on public transportation.

"That's what we are proposing for the Penn Station area,'' Adofo-Wilson said. "We look forward to working with the community to shape the future of the Penn Station area."

It's already happening. On the other side of the transit hub, 22 acres of land across the street from the Prudential Center will be home to Mulberry Commons, a development with new businesses, residences, a park and pedestrian bridge that will connect downtown Newark and the Ironbound. A warehouse next to the Mulberry Commons project will be transformed into a 456,000-square-foot commercial and retail center known as Ironside Newark.

"Whatever happens around Penn Station will determine the future of this city,'' said East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador, who is also a Planning Board member.

Residents, however, do not want development they believe is detrimental. Residents fail to see how three decks of parking in an 18-story building promotes the city's vision of a walkable neighborhood in a commercial/retail zone.

What they see in this amendment is congestion. They see higher rents and property taxes that force out businesses, homeowners and renters. They see newcomers not invested in the community and the character of the neighborhood being overrun by buildings that are too large for the Ironbound's narrow streets.

Myles Zhang, a Columbia University architecture student who calls himself "a proud, lifelong Newarker," did an impressive job creating the simulation to show what the Ironbound would look like around McWhorter and Bruen streets and New Jersey Railroad Avenue, three of six streets targeted in the MX-3 zone.

"MX-3 area is a small portion of the half-mile radius, so what is in the future to prevent MX-3 from being expanded to encompass more of the Ironbound community,'' said Zhang, who produced the video for PlanNewark, an organization of residents, architects and planners that has been critical of the city's development plans in the Ironbound.

"Other places where transit development is happening don't have to be the model for Newark,'' he said. "Our Ironbound is a diverse community of immigrants, of affordable housing, of low-density development, of restaurants and of people. Our Ironbound is not a community of cars or skyscrapers.''

The amendment they're fighting comes after McWhorter LLC, owned by Jose Lopez Jr., recently proposed a 12-story apartment building on land where it operates the J&L parking lot that, according to a court ruling, should not be in business on McWhorter Street. Residents had been fighting to close the lot for years, and won when the state appellate division ruled that the city's zoning board should not have approved a variance that allowed the lot to be created.

MORE CARTER: Social Justice group calls for closure of New Jersey Training School or Boys

However, McWhorter LLC may not have anything to worry about if the new zoning law is approved with the proposed amendment. Its property is within the MX-3 zone.

Residents argued at the meeting that the city must include their input because it represents a change to the master plan that many of them worked on.

"I'm so disheartened by this, that you wouldn't consider the people who wrote the master plan with their blood, sweat and tears,'' said resident Nancy Zak.

Amador asked the board members to delay voting on the amendment until the city administration meets with residents.

Residents wanted the board to reject the amendment, but its members voted 5-0 to defer its decision.

The hope is that the amendment can be revised so that everybody can agree on a plan that works in the Ironbound.

Change is on the way. At some point, the Ironbound will look different. What worries residents is how it all will happen. What worries them even more is if, when Ironbound is transformed, there will be room for them.

Barry Carter: (973) 836-4925 or bcarter@starledger.com or

nj.com/carter or follow him on Twitter @BarryCarterSL
The most powerful opioid ever mass-marketed was designed to ease cancer patients into death.

It's ideal for that: the drug is fast acting, powerful enough to tame pain that other opioids can't and comes in a variety of easy delivery methods -- from patches to lollipops.

But a dose the size of a grain of sand can kill you.

Meet fentanyl. It's heroin on steroids. It's killing people in droves. And, in New Jersey, you can get it after having your tonsils removed.

In fact, doctors who treat children's colds and adult's sore knees are prescribing it with alarming frequency, far more than oncologists easing end-of-life cancer pain.

The surge is stoked by companies that shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to doctors, wining and dining them in hopes of convincing them that their particular brand of fentanyl is the solution to all their patients' pain problems.

Evidently, it's working.

An NJ Advance Media analysis has found that eight medical specialties in New Jersey have filed more Medicare claims for fentanyl than those by oncologists. Family practitioners, for example, filed at least five times as many claims for fentanyl from 2013 to 2015 than did cancer doctors.

"There are some powerful drivers of opioid prescriptions that have little to do with the presence of pain in the population," said Dr. Caleb Alexander, co-director of the Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness at Johns Hopkins University.

The investigation also reveals:

From 2013 to 2015, doctors in New Jersey were paid at least $1.67 million by pharmaceutical companies marketing various forms of fentanyl. In the same time period, fentanyl deaths in New Jersey increased from 42 in 2013 to 417 in 2015.

Since late 2011, enough fentanyl has been dispensed to allow every person who has died of cancer in New Jersey to fill a prescription for the drug eight times.

Doctors are being disciplined for improperly prescribing fentanyl, in several cases losing their licenses after their patients die while taking the drug.

How we did our analysis

Data and documents show a system where pharmaceutical companies and doctors remain in a cozy and ethically dubious relationship, at best. It's a system where cash and prescriptions go hand-in-hand. And it's a system where, time and again, patients suffer and even die when something goes wrong, an occurrence that is far from rare.

"There's enough money going around that if you saw this in the abstract, you'd think there was a drug cartel happening," said Arthur Caplan, head of the Division of Bioethics at New York University.

Seller and slave

Jeffery Pearlman, a regional sales manager for drug maker INSYS Therapeutics, knew his product better than most. He was pushing a new pain wonder drug -- Subsys -- a form of fentanyl that could be sprayed under the tongue to instantly treat intense pain in cancer patients.

And according to court papers, Pearlman made sure it was flying off the shelves.

In late 2013, he received a $95,000 bonus for making sure Subsys got into the hands of as many patients as possible. Life, by all appearances, was good for Pearlman.

But according to the federal government, it was also a house of cards.

Pearlman was one of six INSYS employees arrested late in 2016 for allegedly running a cash-for-prescriptions scheme that paid off and bullied doctors into improperly prescribing Subsys, one of the most powerful and addictive drugs on the market today.

Pearlman knew the pull of fentanyl all too well because, according to court papers filed by his attorney, Michael Rosensaft, he was hopelessly addicted to Subsys himself.

Pearlman denies involvement in the alleged INSYS scheme, and the company did not return requests for comment. Pearlman's attorney says his client was an inexperienced middle manager struggling through his own addiction and had no knowledge of any impropriety.

As of this writing, at least three doctors and two INSYS employees have either pleaded guilty or been convicted of wrongdoing in the scheme, and a whistleblower claimed she had fabricated oncology records while working for the pharmaceutical company.

In February, Pearlman's attorney pleaded with a federal judge for his client to forgo drug testing so his client could continue taking medical marijuana. In court papers, Rosensaft said the Edgewater resident used marijuana to treat chronic pain after he "courageously liberated himself from opioids," including Subsys, which he was taking enough of to kill a man.

The deadliest drug

Fentanyl has gained notoriety in recent years because it has proliferated in the illegal drug market. A completely synthetic opioid, fentanyl is used to treat severe pain often associated with terminal diseases when other opioids fall short.

Dr. Iqbal Jafri has led the pain management program at JFK Medical Center in Edison for more than two decades. When asked when it would be appropriate to prescribe fentanyl, his voice sharpened.

"I don't usually, at all," he said. "This should not be a first-line of defense, second-line of defense against pain. Fentanyl is something to be used when you have exhausted all other options. I can think of no appropriate reason why the use of any kind of fentanyl should be increasing."

The box warning that blares across packaging for its many brands and their websites mentions "death" more than a dozen times.

Patches, pills and lollipops: 4 things to know about fentanyl

But because of its synthetic chemical structure, fentanyl is easily manufactured and can be moved in much smaller amounts than other drugs -- making it ideal for drug traffickers.

It killed 417 people in New Jersey in 2015, up from just 42 three years earlier.

Officials at the state medical examiner's office said they do not track how many deaths occurred because of illegal versus prescribed fentanyl. But NJ Advance Media's analysis shows doctor-prescribed fentanyl has been implicated in multiple deaths, serious injuries and powerful addictions in recent years, spawning a litany of lawsuits and other legal action.

Among them:

An Edison doctor was sued in 2014 after

A Maplewood doctor

Last year, a

State investigators were examining the records of more than a dozen state doctors connected to fentanyl in late 2016.

But the fentanyl keeps flowing. It was dispensed by pharmacies in New Jersey at least 142,000 times in 2015 and 127,000 times in 2016.

The FDA approvals for fentanyl, starting in 1998, were specifically for cancer pain, but that doesn't legally prohibit doctors from prescribing drugs they feel will help their patient. And an analysis shows the majority of prescriptions for the drug in New Jersey aren't coming from oncologists.

The top field for fentanyl prescriptions was internal medicine, with more than 27,000 claims filed with Medicare in 2014. Next on the list are family practices, nurse practitioners, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, anesthesiologists and pain management clinics, each of which filed more than 2,500 Medicare claims for fentanyl.

Deep on the list are oncologists, who would normally work with the late-stage cancer patients. Oncologists, in comparison, filed up to 2,200 claims.

Though comparatively they account for a small number of overall prescribers, eight of the top 20 prescribers of fentanyl were pain management specialists.

On average, pain management specialists prescribed fentanyl to Medicare patients 60 percent more often than oncologists did.

Physician's assistants and nurse practitioners also were heavy prescribers, data show.

"It's unclear who's supervising these physicians' assistants," Caplan said. "And are these family doctors trained in pain medicine? Do they know of the alternative treatments?"

On the whole, New Jersey has been strong on limiting prescribing by doctors. A newly passed law makes it impossible for doctors to prescribe any opioid for longer than five days without a follow up consultation and Gov. Chris Christie recently said the state now has the lowest prescribing rate in the nation.

A trust, broken

Debbie Fuller started to wonder if her daughter Sarah was on the right drug.

Sarah Fuller would fall asleep mid-conversation. She fell asleep in the bathroom, hitting her head on the bathtub. Her hands would shake if she went more than four hours without taking Subsys.

But Sarah Fuller followed her doctor's orders -- her body would adjust, she was told -- right up until the day Subsys killed her.

Debbie Fuller said her family had implicit trust in their general practitioner, Vivienne Matalon, when she prescribed Subsys to her daughter.

Sarah Fuller died after overdosing on prescription fentanyl.

Sarah Fuller, a 31-year-old Stratford resident, had chronic pain issues due to two car accidents and fibromyalgia. She also had a history with opioid addiction Matalon was aware of.

"(Matalon) said she was going to wean her off," Debbie Fuller said, her daughter's violet gemstone engagement ring glinting in the light of her attorney's office.

But shortly after beginning to see Matalon, a general practitioner, in 2014 Sarah Fuller was allegedly introduced to a drug sales representative for INSYS.

"They preyed on her. She had a learning disability. She put trust in what doctors said," said Debbie Fuller. "My husband felt the same. We didn't know what Subsys was. They never said one word about what it was or how addictive it could be."

Sarah Fuller was prescribed to take 200 micrograms of Subsys every four hours. Weeks later, it was upped to 600.

Debbie Fuller noticed changes in her daughter. She described her bedroom as a "lair," with blackout curtains drawn all the time. She would frequently fall out of bed, and wake up the next morning on the floor.

"I kept telling her she needed to tell her doctor about these things, and she said she did," Debbie Fuller said. "She told me that Matalon would tell her 'Don't worry, your body will adjust.' In her mind, if a doctor is telling you that, it must be true."

Sarah Fuller had Subsys shipped to her doorstep for 14 months through prior authorization. Her mother said she was obsessive about being home for the next shipment of Subsys.

"She would tell me 'no, I can't leave. They're going to be here between this time and this time and I have to be here,'" Debbie Fuller said. "She made sure she was at the door when it came."

One day, in March of 2016, Sarah Fuller didn't wake up. Her fiance found her dead in bed. It would be months before her parents would find out, through a toxicology report, that Sarah Fuller had died of a fatal overdose of fentanyl.

Matalon has since had her license suspended, and the Fullers have filed a lawsuit against INSYS. Matalon's attorney, Douglas C. Maute, declined comment.

INSYS has filed a motion to dismiss the wrongful death suit -- a judge in Middlesex County is scheduled to hear the case this afternoon.

Medicare data shows Matalon received $733 in 2014 and 2015 from INSYS, mostly for meals -- the only money she received from a company marketing fentanyl. But she had constant contact with pharmaceutical companies throughout that time, being treated to meals on almost a weekly basis by drug reps, according to federal payment data.

Even small payments can be influential, Alexander said.

"Doctors are influenced sometimes in ways they're not even aware of ... They're no less human than any other person," he said.

Cash for addiction

Paging through INSYS' payments to doctors, a common theme emerges: Speeches.

The records contain scores of $1,000-plus payments to doctors for speaking engagements. But according to federal prosecutors, it was all a sham.

INSYS called them "Speaker Programs," and they happened at high-end restaurants, like Carmen Anthony's, then a high-end steakhouse in New Haven.

Here, prosecutors allege friends and co-workers would gather on the company dime. No one capable of prescribing fentanyl attended, prosecutors allege, yet INSYS employees used the gatherings to authorize thousands of dollars in payments to doctors by billing them as educational events.

All INSYS asked of the doctors was to keep the prescriptions rolling, authorities said.

And it seemed to work -- the number of prescriptions filled for Subsys in New Jersey went from 400 in 2012 to about 1,800 in 2013 and 3,000 in 2014, according to data from the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Prosecutors allege that Pearlman and others promised to keep the speaker fees rolling in as long as prescriptions of Subsys kept rolling out.

If prescriptions weren't up doctors would hear about it, allegedly receiving bullying emails from Pearlman and others, who threatened to halt payments.

"Very simply when I look at return on investment as (Cooperating Witness 1) has not motivated any new prescribers as of yet and (he/she) is not increasing (their) own business, I am going to have tremendous difficulty in justifying more programs," Pearlman said in an email to another sales representative about a doctor's dwindling prescriptions.

According to the indictment, when one cooperating witness questioned the legality of being paid for speeches he wasn't giving, Pearlman brushed it off.

"Don't worry about the dinners," Pearlman is quoted as saying in the indictment. "Let [redacted] worry about the dinners. You just worry about writing scripts."

Manoj Patharkar, Pearlman's own doctor, received nearly $106,000 from 2013 to 2015. He lost his medical license late in 2016 due to improper prescribing. His lawyer did not return requests for comment.

But big payouts to doctors from drug companies pushing fentanyl aren't restricted to INSYS; they're ubiquitous.

NJ Advance Media acquired pharmaceutical payout data for three of those years (2013 to 2015) and found that companies marketing fentanyl poured at least $1.67 million into the pockets of state doctors, pushing prescriptions for ever-more accessible delivery methods of one of the most powerful opioids ever marketed.

Dr. Joseph Valenza, a Chester-based pain specialist, was paid at least $240,000 in speaking and other fees from drug companies from 2013 to 2015, mostly for Fentora, a lozenge form of fentanyl marketed by Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Louis Spagnoletti, another pain specialist based in Marlton, received at least $102,000 in speaking and other fees from INSYS, Teva and DepoMed Inc., each of which market a different brand of fentanyl, during the same time period.

Neither was an idle prescriber, ranking in the top 20 claimants for fentanyl in the state among Medicare patients in 2014.

Spagnoletti and Velenza did not return requests for comment.

The difference, according to federal prosecutors, is that INSYS reps allegedly gave explicit instruction to doctors to prescribe their drug in exchange for cash. Absent that key point, and you have a legal practice that occurs in New Jersey and the United States every day for a variety of pharmaceuticals.

Drug companies annually pay out billions of dollars to doctors to market their wares. Alexander said the amount spent on marketing amounts to a "thought leadership campaign" to affect prescribers' comfort level with the drug.

"It's unpalatable, but welcome to the world of modern medicine," he said.

All told, dozens of doctors in New Jersey each received more than $10,000 from pharmaceutical companies marketing fentanyl between 2013 and 2015, the only years for which data is available.

Dr. Andrew Kolodny, executive director of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing, described a system where pharmaceutical companies would pay doctors legitimate-seeming consulting or advising fees with the "understanding" that they would in turn raise their prescription numbers.

"It's an indirect way of incentivizing them to prescribe the drug," he said.

Jafri, who promotes the use of alternate pain therapy to opioids, said he's troubled by their continued wide usage and the influence of pharmaceutical companies.

"I'm really very much concerned," he said. "I need to see more response from the medical community, more vigilance. We are losing people. Families are losing loved ones. So I'm concerned, not for me, but for the entire United States."

Arthur Caplan of New York University sees parallels to the rise of Oxycontin, the opioid medication Purdue Pharmaceuticals began to market in the 1990s as a safe, non-addictive way to treat pain.

Sales of Oxycontin alone have reached $35 billion since its time-release version of the painkiller was introduced in 1995. Many blame Purdue and other pharmaceutical companies with spurring the current opioid crisis in the United States.

In May 2007, Purdue admitted to lying in its marketing and paid $600 million in fines.

"Oxycontin spiraled out of control. The feds were asleep at the switch while doctors were overprescribing," Caplan said. "We've failed our citizens with respect to pain-relieving meds. Businesses failed, medicine failed, the media failed, everyone failed."

Stephen Stirling may be reached at sstirling@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @sstirling. Find him on Facebook.

Erin Petenko may be reached at epetenko@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @EPetenko. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- A man was found dead in Journal Square early Wednesday morning, authorities said.

EMTs from Jersey City Medical Center first notified Port Authority police of a man believed to be in cardiac arrest at about 4:40 a.m., police spokesman Joe Pentangelo said.

When police arrived near the Christopher Columbus statue, the man had already been pronounced dead. The investigation was turned over to Jersey City police, Pentangelo said.

City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said the man has not yet been identified and his death does not appear to be suspicious.

Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY-- A Houston man was arrested Thursday by Port Authority police on an outstanding warrant, months after the same agency charged him with failing to pay tolls and fees totalling nearly $10,000, the agency said in a statement.

Jonathan Laury, 29, was stopped Thursday near the Holland Tunnel after he was seen driving while using a cell phone. Laury allegedly told the officer his driver's license had been stolen.

A computer background check revealed that Laury had been stopped at the Holland Tunnel in February and charged with failing to pay tolls 151 times since May 2016. The check also revealed that Laury failed to appear for a March 3 court date and a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Laury was arrested and his car was impounded.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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A State Police helicopter transported the surviving teenage passenger to Morristown Medical Center for treatment. (Rich Maxwell | For NJ.com)

Update: North Hunterdon High School confirmed that the teens involved in Friday's fatal accident were students at the school. "During this very sad time, it is important that we pull together as a community to support one another and keep the student's family in our thoughts and prayers," the district stated.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP (Hunterdon County) -- A 17-year-old male was killed Friday morning when his car was hit by a truck on Hunterdon County Route 513, according to a statement issued by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office and Franklin Township police.

The youth, and his surviving teenage passenger, were not immediately identified.

The accident occurred at 8:52 a.m. on 513 at the intersection of Race Street and Grandin Avenue in Franklin Township, according to Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III.

The 17-year-old driver of a 2013 Toyota Corolla, with a 16-year-old male passenger from Hampton, entered 513 and was hit by a 2005 Kenworth T80 dump truck operated by Walter Bravo, 24, of Newark, who was traveling south, Kearns said.

The 17-year-old was fatally injured in the crash and his passenger was taken by State Police helicopter to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, according to Kearns.

Bravo was treated at the scene but did not require hospitalization. Roads in the area were closed for several hours after the accident.

Officials did not immediately release any more details of the accident or say whether criminal charges will be pressed.

In the statement, Kearns commented, "This accident is a terrible tragedy. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young men involved."

The accident will be investigated by the Franklin Township Police Department under the supervision of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office Forensic Analysis Collision Team, with assistance from the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Unit, Kearns said.

Assisting at the accident scene were the prosecutor's office, Franklin Township Police, State Police, the Quakertown Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Clinton Fire, Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad and the Hunterdon County Medical Examiner's Office.

Photographer Rich Maxwell contributed to this report.
TRENTON - A Superior Court judge on Wednesday ordered the release of a Trenton elementary school teacher whose 9-year-old student accused him of inappropriately touching her.

Citing a "striking lack of information" in the arrest affidavit, Judge Peter Warshaw on Wednesday concluded Robert Ciaccia should not be held in jail without bail while waiting for his case to move through the criminal justice system.

Ciaccia's attorney, Nick Travisano, told Warshaw during his client's detention hearing that the Franklin Elementary School student who accused him had previously told her classmates that she, "was going to lie and get him in trouble."

Robert Ciaccia, 45

Ciaccia, 45, is charged with sexual assault and child endangerment for allegedly touching the 9-year-old student's buttocks.

Ciaccia, who's a fourth grade teacher from Falls Township, Pa., was arrested Friday after the child accused him of touching her inappropriately. Another student said that the girl also told her about the alleged incident but no students have said that they witnessed it, according to Mercer County Assistant Prosecutor Katie Magee.

During the hearing, Travisano maintained that his client was innocent and said that the investigation into the child's claims was, "thwarted" and possibly obstructed by the school administration, which he believes stopped prosecutors and police from interviewing students and staff. He said Ciaccia has ardent supporters in the school community, many of whom attended the hearing Wednesday.

He also discussed another incident in which a student who knew the girl approached a different teacher and said that the alleged victim told him and other students she was upset because Ciaccia had gotten her in trouble with her family over her incomplete reading logs. The fellow student said the girl planned to get Ciaccia in trouble in retribution, according to Travisano.

"I'm quite sure that if Ms. Magee was aware of that, then this case would have taken a different direction," Travisano said in court.

Magee stood her ground during the hearing, calling Ciaccia a danger to the community, "particularly to the most vulnerable of the population - children."

She added that she believes the girl is credible and she urged Warshaw to keep the teacher locked up because of the seriousness of the allegations.

In his decision to release Ciaccia, Warshaw noted that the evidence in the case was, "not compelling." He also referenced the teacher's history as a teacher for 20 years - including 17 with the school district - and his support among his colleagues.

Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman
NEW YORK-- Police are withholding the name of a woman whose mutilated body was discovered in a Brooklyn waterway Tuesday, WNBC 4 reported.

Police were able to determine the identity of the New Jersey woman through a tattoo honoring an aunt of the victim.

The dismembered remains were spotted by a couple walking along Red Hook Channel. Her head and parts of her legs were missing, according to police, who are now carrying out a homicide investigation.

"If you saw where the dismemberment was, it could not possibly be an accident," NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Royce told News 4.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
New Jersey State Police are telling people to stay vigilant as authorities hunt a pair of fugitives from Tennessee who have been seen just over the Pennsylvania border, according to a report.

Makyala Danielle Stilwell, left and Jarret Cole Heitmann

Jarret Cole Heitmann, 24, and Makayla Danielle Stilwell, 22, are being sought on charges of attempted murder and kidnapping and were last seen Saturday at the Walmart in Matamoras, Pa., according to NJHerald.com.

Matamora is across the Delaware River from Montague in Sussex County.

A State Police trooper at the Augusta barracks told the website that they had received numerous calls from people saying the pair had been seen in Sussex County. None of those sightings could be confirmed by authorities.

A report that the pair was in Montague drew a heavy police response but proved unfounded, the Herald report.

Heitmann and Stillwell are a dating couple from Kingston, Tenn.

The pair allegedly kidnapped a woman June 20 in Mt. Carmel, Tenn. and then ordered her to knock on the door of a man she knew. Heitmann and Stillwell shot the man when he answered, police said.

The two are known to travel by hitchhiking and freight train, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which lists both on their 10 most wanted list. A $2,000 reward ($1,000 each) has been offered for information leading to their arrests.

The 5-foot-9, 145 pound Stilwell has brown hair and green eyes,

Heitmann stand 6-foot-1, weighs about 165 pounds and has brown hair an hazel eyes

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Fourteen Lakewood residents have been arrested and charged with stealing millions in state benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps and housing assistance.

In Bergen County, police are looking for a man who broke into a woman's home, slipped into her bed with her and asked if she was sleeping.

The above cases include people among a group either charged with, indicted for, convicted of or sentenced in a wide array of crimes that made news across New Jersey in the past week.

Click through the gallery above to catch up on any law and order news you might have missed. Here's some of what's there:

As of Friday,

A Gloucester County woman was sentenced to five years in state prison for

A North Carolina man was arrested after Bogota police said he

An Essex County jury has found a 53-year-old Belleville man guilty of murder in the

A 43-year-old Carteret resident

A pediatric dentist with offices in Jersey City and Bayonne has been charged with child abuse, making terroristic threats and weapons offenses after

A Trenton elementary school teacher has been arrested on

Six men have been indicted on multiple charges for their alleged involvement in a

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
LAKEWOOD -- The arrests of 14 Lakewood residents since Monday morning in a massive welfare fraud investigation that is expected to expand with more arrests has left the township's ultra-Orthodox Jewish community reeling.

Those arrested in the first raids early Monday include Rabbi Zalmen Sorotzkin, 39, who runs the Congregation Lutzk synagogue, and his wife. The others facing state and federal charges are also well-known members of the community, local leaders said.

But a prominent member of the Lakewood Vaad, a voluntary council of influential Orthodox leaders, said the community should not be judged on the actions of several individuals in a town that now numbers 100,000 residents.

"This is not a grand conspiracy, but we have a couple bad apples every now and then," Rabbi Moshe Zev Weisberg said Thursday in an interview with NJ Advance Media. He declined to speak specifically about those facing charges.

The Lakewood Vaad issued an official statement on the arrests saying the council was "saddened beyond words" by the arrests. The statement was signed by Weisberg and indicated that violating social services rules is the same as stealing from a friend or neighbor.

"There is no such a thing as justified theft," Weisberg said in the council's statement. "Federal and state social safety-net programs are meant for those in need, even those in need have rules and criteria that must be strictly followed."

In the Vaad's statement, Weisberg asked the community to use the arrests as an opportunity to remind each other there is "never any excuse for dishonesty in any form."

During an interview Thursday, Weisberg said the Vaad expects to set dates in the coming weeks for educational seminars to teach people about using social services without breaking the law.

The council is also working on hosting informational meetings about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, NJ Family Care, Section 8 housing and other services.

So far, 10 people have been arrested on state charges and another four on federal charges following an investigation that included the FBI along with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and state comptroller's office.

Another 10 or more additional Lakewood residents are expected to be hit with benefits fraud charges soon, according to a defense attorney who is representing a Lakewood resident previously charged with similar offenses in 2015 along with his wife.

A spokesman for the prosecutor's office confirmed to NJ Advance Media on Thursday that more arrests are coming, though he refused to specify an exact number or time frame.

In total, the seven Lakewood couples to date are accused of fraudulently obtaining nearly $2 million in government benefits, authorities said.

Mayor Raymond Coles said Friday it is "upsetting and aggravating" when social services are taken advantage of, especially because about 2,000 families are on a waiting list to receive Section 8 housing in the township.

Coles, who declined to comment on the individuals arrested, said the township is working to make sure citizens understand how to report their income from various sources properly. He said the recent arrests don't help the township's image, but said city officials are taking the situation seriously.

"Sometimes these programs can be confusing," Coles said. "And I want to make sure that going in, people understand what their responsibilities are."

Weisberg said that after the arrests, community members who use these social services have become concerned and scared.

Weisberg said he has heard of residents who have called to cancel their public assistance, though he does not know any personally. He encouraged those entitled to the services, such as people who have sick children and those who are struggling financially, to apply without fear.

Officials with the Ocean County Board of Social Services deferred questions Friday to a spokeswoman at the state Department of Human Services, who could not immediately be reached for comment.

In 2015, authorities said Yosaf Laskin, 44, and his wife Gila Neger, 43, wrongfully collected more than $145,000 in Medicaid and food stamp benefits by under-reporting their income -- the same allegation levied against those arrested this week. Those charges remain pending.

That same year, about a thousand people gathered for an informational meeting with representatives from the prosecutor's office on how to use social services without breaking the law, Weisberg said.

During an interview in the hallways of Beth Medrash Govoha on 6th Street, Rabbi Yehuda Jacobs said he spoke at the meeting to inform people not to "rip off the government."

Jacobs, who has been a rabbi at the yeshiva, the largest Orthodox Jewish college in the nation, since 1965, said he told the crowd the government knows more about them than they think.

"Apparently, these people arrested hadn't been there," he said.

Luke Nozicka may be reached at lnozicka@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @lukenozicka.

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Lisa Durden, who describes herself as "a journalist" or "an intellectual" or "an expert in pop culture" or "a TV personality" or "a fun-time girl" - depending on how long a breath she takes in mid-sentence - was fired from her job last week for spouting some inoffensive blather on Fox TV about a subject she was ill-prepared to discuss like "a thoughtful adult."

Maybe some people find that inexcusable. The real misfortune is that she was too eager to be used as Fox uses most people, as straw men who can stir up a pointless culture war in Ailes-sized heaps, with Durden behaving like a caricature of The Militant African American snarling at questions from Mr. Reasonable Caucasian.

So when Tucker Carlson brought her in to "justify" why Black Lives Matter's New York City chapter barred non-blacks from its Memorial Day party - his feelings were genuinely hurt by this - the first thing out of Durden's mouth was, "What I say to that is Boo-Hoo-Hoo, you white people are angry because you couldn't use your white privilege cards to get invited. . . ."

It escalated from there, with WWE-quality smack lasting six minutes and Durden nailing the antagonist role better than Judi Dench played Ophelia.

It hardly mattered that Durden has no affiliation with BLM.

And it hardly mattered that she was never identified as an adjunct professor at Essex County College: ECC president Dr. Anthony Munroe fired her anyway.

For the children, he explained.

This is troubling. Munroe did not sack Durden for embarrassing the school, which would be more valid; or for failing to prove her worthiness as a professor, which admittedly is dubious since the course she taught this summer was, no joke, Effective Speech.

Munroe acted on the premise that tender young ears must be protected from radical concepts, such as Durden's observation that indispensable American institutions such as "The Bachelorette" are just as exclusionary as Black Lives Matter. Scholarly stuff.

Munroe believes "institutions of higher learning must provide a safe space for students to explore, discuss and debate - not only academic philosophies, but the harder issues related to living harmoniously and growing together. . . .The character of this institution mandates that we embrace diversity, inclusion, and unity. Racism cannot be fought with more racism."

What? There was nothing in Durden's screed that was remotely racist. Incoherent, yes. Racist, no.

But if this is about safe spaces and trigger warnings, suppressing Durden's right to express herself protects neither. The mission of a university is to empower students, and teach them to address things that are offensive and problematic, so they can argue challenging issues with more skill than Durden showed. The mission of a university is not to shield students, because the world will not shield them.

Indeed, it would have been more edifying had Durden questioned the premise of a talk show host whose network routinely refers to Black Lives Matter as a "hate group" and a movement that "promotes the execution of police officers" and peddles lies about how its existence "caused a rise" in police shootings.

That would have framed the debate more honestly, because the only real interest Fox News has in BLM is in its abolition.

Instead, she dove head-first into the kind of cartoonish pie-fight that Fox has built its brand on.

So be it. Even loud and uninformed people have a right to look bad on TV, but that should not discourage others to discuss race, which Durden at least has the courage to do publicly.

Such a discussion might also have pedagogical value at our universities, where academic freedom is too often challenged by administrators preoccupied by safe spaces. They might be better served by examining what professors they hire to teach Effective Speech.

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.
Gov. Chris Christie put a little sparkle in New Jersey's Fourth of July on Wednesday when he legalized some "non-explosive, non-aerial" fireworks.

New Jersey was one of three states - the others being Massachusetts and Delaware - that outlawed all fireworks until Christie gave the OK for sparklers, poppers, glow-worms and smoke devices. No longer will New Jerseyans have to smuggle these in from Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

"I think it is in the public safety interest that these products be available in a legal form as opposed to being sold and handled illegally because they do come into New Jersey," Assemblyman John Burzichelli said last month.

But more explosive items such as firecrackers are still outlawed. On his weekly radio program Monday night, Christie brought up Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who lost several fingers on July 4, 2015 when he was lighting fireworks at a family cookout.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 11,000 people were injured last year by fireworks - 900 by sparklers.

But none of that has stopped untold numbers of New Jerseyans from crossing the state borders to purchase all sorts of explosives for the holiday while many local law officials look the other way.

What do you think. Christie has opened the door. You'll hear them all around next Tuesday evening. Should the next governor go further? Should New Jersey make more types of fireworks legal?

Vote in our informal, unscientific poll and tell us how you voted in the comments.

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.
New Jersey's budget battle is going down to the wire, with neither side yet willing to concede.

The state's Democratic legislative majorities have proposed a $37.4 billion budget. Gov. Chris Christie is fine with that, but also wants legislation to use lottery funds to address deficits in the pension plan for the state's public employees and to make changes to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the largest health insurance provider in New Jersey.

While Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) is fully on board, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson) has agreed to pass the lottery bill but not the Horizon measure.

Christie has discussed shutting down the government for only the second time in state history if an agreement isn't reached by midnight, which under the state constitution is the deadline for a budget to be in place.

What do you think? Vote in our informal, unscientific poll below and tell us why you feel that way in the comments.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
TRENTON -- Backroom negotiations between Gov. Chris Christie and top New Jersey legislative leaders failed to produce a compromise Friday, setting the stage for a state government shutdown within hours.

Christie called on state Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto to "stop obstructing" and gave lawmakers two choices: Pass a budget after approving a controversial bill affecting Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, or send him a budget without the Horizon bill and say goodbye to $325 million of Democratic priorities.

"I'm not happy about this," Christie, a Republican, said at a news conference at his new office. "This is completely avoidable."

Christie called the prospect of a government shutdown unless a budget is signed by midnight "absurd."

The Horizon bill has bipartisan support and already passed in the Senate. But Prieto has refused to let the Assembly vote on it, and there are not enough Democrats in the lower chamber to go around him.

"Absent something happening in the next eight hours, the government is going to shut down, and quite frankly it will be because of Speaker Prieto," Christie said.

Senate President Stephen Sweeney refuses to pass a budget in his chambers unless the state Assembly approves the Horizon bill. Sweeney (D-Gloucester) has kept that position because funding for his members' priorities and a retool of the school funding formula are at stake.

The impasse could lead Christie to shutter all nonessential services at midnight, which means tens of thousands of state workers would be furloughed and, among other things, New Jersey's parks would be closed to the public on the July 4 holiday weekend.

"I am offering them a pathway to avoid a shutdown," Christie said. "I am offering them two budgets. If you want the bigger one, you gotta pass Horizon. If you don't care if it's smaller or bigger, then just send it to me."

Possibly making matters worse for Prieto, Christie called out the speaker for co-sponsoring legislation in 2006 that's very similar to the bill he's opposed to today.

The 2006 bill, which was never voted on, would have given the state authority to steer Horizon's excess reserves to cover charity care payments at hospitals. Prieto was one of three co-sponsors.

The bill Christie supports goes further by adding additional oversight over the non-for-profit insurer.

"I can't say I am stunned by hypocrisy in Trenton, but it's outrageous," Christie said. "We need to find out why the speaker is really doing this."

Prieto later defended his support for the bill.

"Things change and things evolve," the speaker said. "Things happen. People evolve, that was over a decade ago."

Gov. Chris Christie.

Christie blasted it as "complete hypocrisy and arrogance."

But the governor opened the door to swapping out the Horizon bill if Prieto came to him with a better offer.

"You don't like my offer, counter it," Christie said. "I am not saying there's nothing possible to be done. That would be drawing a line in the sand."

More than a half dozen legislators, who spoke to NJ Advance Media on the condition of anonymity to discuss caucus talks, said Assembly Democrats floated offering Christie a way to breathe new life into a proposal that would end a requirement for legal ads to be published in New Jersey's newspapers.

Christie was the main driver behind that legislation, which was dubbed Christie's "newspaper revenge bill" before it died late last year.

However, sources indicated there is no appetite in the Senate for bringing the bill back.

Meanwhile, when asked if he would confer with the only New Jersey governor ever to preside over a shutdown for advice, Jon Corzine, Christie seemed sour on the idea. But then turned to his chief of staff, Amy Cradic.

"Amy, get me Gov. Corzine's number, just in case," Christie said, with a wink.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook.

Claude Brodesser-Akner may be reached at cbrodesser@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClaudeBrodesser.
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WASHINGTON  With thousands of south Louisiana homeowners receiving startling increases in the cost of their flood insurance, members of the Louisiana congressional delegation said Thursday they have run out of patience waiting for FEMA to explain what went into calculating the new rates.
Welcome to nonleaguedaily.coms news provision, your go-to source for all non league updates, rumours, interviews, and much more besides.

Founded by a team with a genuine passion for the world of non league football, nonleaguedaily.com understands exactly what supporters of the so-called lower leagues are looking for. You want the high-quality reporting, in-depth analysis, and match reporting that matches that is more commonly found in the journalism for the top flights, but with the focus firmly fixed on the national leagues.

We understand that your passion, interest, and dedication is constant, and we believe you need a news service that matches that commitment with its own dedication and thoroughness  so thats what you can expect from our site.

The latest non league news, as and when it happens

Conventionally, non league news has always travelled fairly slowly, especially when compared to the instantaneous, constant breaking news cycles found in the upper leagues. Tales are told on terraces, rumours passed between pub patrons and circled between supporters at the latest game, often forced to remain somewhat local initially before word eventually spreads to other locales.

For us, this slow spread may be fairly organic in nature, but it simply isnt compatible with the modern football environment. Its also not conducive to the current fast-paced, always-available media landscape, nor the way that people tend to consume news nowadays. Thats why we have put together a non league news source that fans can turn to for the latest updates, as and when they happen, and as and when you want to read them. Non-league news now is the only acceptable speed at Betting.co.uk.

We update our non-league football news coverage constantly, bringing you all the latest developments and seeking to spread the word as quickly and accurately as possible. So if youre wondering whats happening both with your local team and with the lower leagues as a whole, you can visit us for non league news now, and be confident the stories you find are completely up to date.

News reported by passionate fans

Our efforts to bring you the very best non league football news are undeniably a professional concern, and one that we take seriously. We are  if youll excuse the uncharacteristic tooting of our own horns  good at what we do, and we know that the efforts we make in this regard are one of the reasons our site has enjoyed such success thus far.

However, everyone who writes for us also shares our readers enthusiasm for non league football. Were not just churning out content in the hopes of cashing in on a professional dream; were here because we want to be, and will always be dedicated and committed to non league football as an entity and thriving in the experience of being able to talk about our favourite subject whenever we can. We create non-league news now that is written by genuine fans and enthusiasts, for fans. We know what you want to know and what matters most to an ardent non league supporter, and we always ensure that focusing on these elements is our guiding principle as we seek to solidify our status as an online non league paper fans can always rely on.

When compiling non league news, we think with the mind of a fan first and foremost. We cover the angles and stories that we find compelling and that we know our fellow non league enthusiasts also care about. News doesnt have to be dry and formulaic, in our opinion. When its written by people who are genuinely as fascinated by the stories they are reporting on as their readership will be, we believe news can be interesting, compelling, and even have a sense of personality and humour.

News content written with passion and expertise

We believe that thanks to our dedication, insightfulness, and commitment to our subject matter of non league today, we are offering the best of both worlds to those searching for an online non league paper. We give you the professional approach we feel is appropriate for news about one of the most intriguing aspects of UK football; an aspect that we genuinely feel does not receive the interest and plaudits that it should be generating. Nevertheless, we dont let that professionalism take over everything we do: we remain committed fans, nurturing our own personal interest in non league football and ensuring every word we compose is infused with a sense of passion and dedication that enhances the posts we create.

Its therefore obvious that our non-league content today isnt ever going to be dry, basic, or put together by a tired staff writer who has never heard of any team below the Championship before they rush off to the pub for the evening. Our writers are genuine experts: were covering non league football because we want to, because we believe in it, and because its where our strengths lie. The result is informed content that capitalises on our deep knowledge of the history, as well as the present-day realities, of non league football in the UK.

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One of our goals with nonleaguedaily.com is to not just dryly report the news from an outsiders perspective, effectively regurgitating press releases that are devoid of genuinely illuminating information. We also go right to the source of the stories: the managers and club insiders who have direct experience, and often influence, on the sport and how it is managed.

We regularly conduct interviews as part of our news provision, asking the questions that are on everyones lips and providing the best possible view into the non league world. We have reporters pitchside at matches, microphone to hand and plentiful questions ready to be asked. The end result for you, the reader, is the kind of information and close-up looks into the non league world that just cant be found anywhere else.

As our commitment to providing interesting interviews amply demonstrates, we want to be involved in breaking the stories that everyone then talks about, rather than following along and focusing solely on what everyone already knows. If youre looking for leading content that you cant find anywhere else, and that goes right to the centre of the non league world, then you can turn to nonleaguedaily.com for all the benefits of a conventional non league paper, but in electronic, easily-accessed form.

A host of other content to enjoy alongside the non league today

Our focus on providing non league news will always be maintained: we consider this aspect the most important of what we do, and it will always be the recipient of our time, dedication, and interest. Well be here, a consistent and trustworthy news portal, for as long as non league football news exists.

With that said, when you have read up on the latest goings-on, were here with further content for you to enjoy. Naturally, given our partnership with leading brand Betting.co.uk, we provide guidelines for those interested in the world of sports betting. Well help you find the best UK bookmaker with our plentiful coverage of existing brands; ideal if youre looking to put your newfound knowledge, courtesy of us, about non league to use and place a few bets.

Furthermore, we also provide highlights of all the latest UK betting offers, so you can ensure youre achieving the best value with all the latest betting deals whenever youre betting on the latest non league matches. Youll find all of this coverage is as consistent and reliable as our non league news provision,

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Returning to the world of non league football, we also provide a range of feature content that goes deeper and further into the non league world than ever before. Less instantaneously topical but still hugely relevant to the modern game, our features are the dream deep dives that we feel non league fans deserve. Were always striving to do better, offer more, and ensure that non league fans can enjoy the same wealth of content as followers of the top tiers, so you can expect top-flight content with the same commitment and dedication as found throughout the upper echelons of the sport.

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An Omaha man who was arrested for driving while under the influence is accused of trying to eat the evidence  a bag of crack  that was found in his pocket at the jail, according to authorities.

Jerry Coleman, 42, faces an operating while intoxicated charge and possession of contraband in a correctional institution, which is a felony.

His preliminary hearing was Thursday. He has since posted $5,000 bond.

On May 29, a Pottawattamie County Sheriffs deputy spotted Coleman driving near the Pottawattamie County Jail at 1400 Big Lake Road at about 10:30 p.m. when Coleman reportedly swerved over the center line before turning into the oncoming traffic lane.

The deputy pulled Coleman over and performed a field sobriety test after smelling alcohol and marijuana from inside the car. Coleman failed the tests and then consented to a breathalyzer test, which showed his blood-alcohol content to be .283 percent. The legal limit to drive in Iowa is .08 percent.

Coleman was arrested and transported to the jail. While being processed by booking officers, they found a bag of what appeared to be a crystalline substance in his coat pocket, which was put aside. Coleman then reached and grabbed the bag, shoved it into his mouth and swallowed it, authorities said.

Coleman stated he had no idea what the item was and that he swallowed it because he didnt want an additional charge, and that someone must have put the item in his coat, the report reads. Coleman later advised the item was mustard seeds.

Coleman was transported to CHI Mercy Hospital for observation. At 2 a.m. on May 30, authorities found a baggy containing a white substance under Coleman when he got up from the hospital bed, they said.

The substance tested positive as crack cocaine.
The Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock will be dedicated on the day that officially celebrates Americas freedoms.

The ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Chautauqua Park in Oakland.

The rock is part of a statewide program to place a patriotic rock in each Iowa county. The program was started by artist Ray Bubba Sorensen II of Greenfield, and the original Freedom Rock was placed there. He has now completed 59 Freedom Rocks in Iowa, including those in Cass, Fremont, Mills, Page and Shelby counties, according to a press release from the Oakland Friday Coffee Ladies, who spearheaded efforts to have a Freedom Rock placed in Oakland.

The 82-ton rock was moved from Schildberg Rock Quarry near Macedonia to its new home in Oakland on April 13, 2015, by Scribs Moving and Heavy Hauling of David City, Nebraska. Because of Sorensens schedule, he wasnt able to start painting it until March 8, 2017. He finished painting in 10 days.

The rock  which measures 13 feet long, 10 feet wide and 10 feet tall  features a huge American flag on top with a bald eagle on one side, the press release stated. The other side features portraits of four deceased veterans with ties to Pottawattamie County:

 Frank F. Everest, born in Council Bluffs, served as commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and commander of the Tactical Air Command. He attained the rank of general.

 Arnold W. Jacobsen, born in Walnut, served as commanding officer of the Marine Corps Supply Depots during World War II. He attained the rank of major general.

 John S. McCain Jr., born in Council Bluffs, served in conflicts from the 1940s through the 1970s, including as the commander of the U.S. Pacific Command. He achieved the rank of admiral in the Navy. McCain was the father of Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

 Brent Maher of Honey Creek served as a sergeant with the Iowa Army National Guard. He was deployed to Afghanistan on Aug. 1, 2010 and was killed by an improvised explosive device on April 11, 2011 in eastern Afghanistan.

Chautauqua Park is located at 308 U.S. Highway 6 in Oakland.
Raise Me To Read kicked off its latest effort to improve grade-level literacy among Pottawattamie County children with a StoryWalk in Bayliss Park Thursday afternoon. The StoryWalks are part of an effort to have all children reading at grade level by the end of the third grade.

Nancy Schulze, director of Raise Me to Read, which is operated out of the FAMILY Inc. offices at Iowa School for the Deaf, said the local effort is focused on children from birth through age 8, trying to provide a transition from early childhood and preschool to the communitys public and private school systems.

She said the StoryWalks were initiated in Massachusetts and Vermont as a means of encouraging parents to read to their children. The idea is to combine literacy through reading aloud to children and the benefits of walking together as a family, Schulze said.

Individual pages and illustrations from the book Market Day by Lois Ehlert were laminated and mounted on posts along the sidewalk in Bayliss Park. Parents could read the pages to their children as the progressed from station to station along the walk.

After completing the walk, children were able to take part in an art project by making a button with the help of volunteers from the Council Bluffs Public Library. Children were also given a free book donated by various clubs and individuals.

Volunteers from the Raise Me to Read program handed out vegetables as a healthy snack when children and parents completed the walk, and those who attended the StoryWalk were encouraged to visit the Farmers Market being held on the north side of Bayliss Park Thursday afternoon.

The Pottawattamie County Raise Me to Read program started last year by participating in the Read for the Record program where children were asked to read or listen to The Bear That At My Sandwich that was read by volunteers in preschool classrooms and elsewhere throughout the community.

Schulze said she plans to set up the Market Day StoryWalk panels at Tom Hanafan Rivers Edge Park Saturday in the hopes of reaching children who will be there with their parents to watch fireworks.

In addition, a second Raise Me to Read StoryWalk will be held at Bayliss Park from 1 to 3 p.m. on July 15. That event will feature the book Clickety Clack by Rob and Amy Spence in conjunction with Railroad Days at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.

Schulze said the third StoryWalk will be held at the Fairmount Park water playground from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 12. The StoryWalk will feature the book Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson. She is hoping to find businesses that will host Raise Me to Read StoryWalks indoors when the weather turns colder.

Raise Me to Read will continue to distribute books to the community through these programs and others. Schulze said her organization would welcome any donations of childrens books  especially groups that would like to organize a collection of new and gently used titles.

Modeled after the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading launched in 2010, the local initiative grew out of talks between officials of the Iowa West Foundation and United Way of the Midlands. In 2015, the boards of both organizations approved grants for the program, with each pledging $225,000. An anonymous donor also provided a three-year $40,000 grant.
The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors certified the Iowa House District 22 special election during a special meeting Thursday afternoon.

Republican Jon Jacobsen won the seat after receiving 1,070 voters, good for 43.7 percent. Hell replace the late Rep. Greg Forristall. District 22 encompasses the majority of Pottawattamie County, including a portion of eastern Council Bluffs.

Kristi Everett, who handles elections for the Pottawattamie County Auditors Office, told the board that two additional votes were counted after Tuesdays results were announced, one for Jon Jacobsen and one for independent Carol Forristall. Forristall, Gregs wife, came in second with 804 votes.

Democrat Ray Stevens, running as a write-in candidate after missing the filing deadline with the Iowa Secretary of States Office, received 450 votes. Libertarian Bryan Holder finished in fourth place with 98 votes.

There were an additional 15 write-in votes and six blank ballots. A little more than 10 percent of the districts 23,732 eligible voters cast a ballot.

Not good, Everett said about the turnout, though she noted it was typical of most special elections. I wish more wouldve come out.

Board Chairman Justin Schultz lamented turnout as well.

This is an important position for local government, he said. When 10 percent of the population is making the effort, thats disappointing.

On election night, Jacobsen said he plans to hit the ground running, starting work on legislation and meeting with constituents.

Im just very grateful for the faith and confidence the voters placed in me, Jacobsen said after the final results came in at the Pottawattamie County Courthouse Tuesday night. I look forward to representing them strong and well in Des Moines.
On fliers posted across the South in 1865, the U.S. government promised a reward of $100,000 to any person or persons who will apprehend and deliver Jefferson Davis to authorities. The president of the Confederacy was on the run with his family and some of his Confederate officials.

According to some accounts, an Iowa man participated in the raid that brought the fugitive to authorities. His interview in 1911 appeared in The Independence Bulletin-Journal and was carried in other newspapers, including The Des Moines Register and Gettysburg Times.

Joseph Odren was in his 80s at the time of the interview. During the Civil War, he fought with the 4th Michigan Cavalry. He was on scout duty at division headquarters in Macon, Georgia, when his commanding officer asked him to take part in a raid to capture the Confederate president. According to Odren, he was one of 129 men who set out on the evening of May 9, heading to Irwinville, where the soldiers believed the fugitives were hiding.

The Michigan Cavalry came upon a camp in a pine woods outside Irwinville and surprised the sleeping campers. Odren described coming upon a sleeping man near the campsite. He shoved the business end of a revolver in the mans cheek, ordering him to halt as he reached for his gun. It turned out the man was the postmaster general of the Confederacy.

According to Odren, the lone tent at the site housed Jefferson Davis, Mrs. Davis and her brother and sister. The Michigan men easily captured the 80 fugitives and traveled overland to Macon, Georgia, where they boarded a train to Atlanta. Odren was one of 150 men who guarded them. He was one of 22 men who took the group to Augusta, where a tugboat helped move the prisoners to Savannah and then to Hilton Head, South Carolina. A merchant vessel, under guard of a man-of-war, took them to Fortress Monroe. There, Davis was handed over to the fort commander.

As promised, the $100,000 reward went to the Michigan soldiers. The colonel collected $10,000. The rest was distributed among the men. Odren said he got $264.64. But he also made away with a couple of valuable pieces of history.

Odren claimed he had taken the tent that the Davis family was in at Irwinville. He had it shipped to his home in Michigan, paying the grand sum of $5.10 in shipping costs. After the war, he decided to move his family to Cresco, Iowa. He cut up the tent, using a portion as a cover for the wagon the family took to Iowa. His wife used part of it for bed ticking. And in 1911, when Odren lived in Rowley in Buchanan County, a two-and-a-half-foot square was still in his possession. He said he also had a gold locket and chain that held the likeness of Mr. and Mrs. Davis. He sold it to a friend in Michigan for $65.

There are many accounts of the capture of Jefferson Davis by a variety of sources. Some are more colorful and dramatic than Odrens version. Davis described it in his autobiography.

The newspaper reported Joseph Odren was altogether too modest as to his part in the drama, which led to few people knowing about the role he played in a piece of American history.
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Around a hundred homes have been put forward to be sold under the HS2 Need to Sell Scheme ahead of the line passing through Nottinghamshire.

The latest Government statistics, up to May 31, show that along Phase 2b, a total of 100 applications have been made to the Department of Transport for properties along the proposed sections of the high speed rail project from Crewe to Manchester and Birmingham to Leeds - which includes the section heading through the Nottingham area.

Of these, 15 applications have been accepted, seven offers have been accepted by the applicants, and so far one property has been purchased for 141,500.

The exact locations of the applications have not been released.

Some 31 applications have been rejected, while three were withdrawn, and 51 are pending a decision.

Phase 1 of HS2 between London and Birmingham is scheduled to open in December 2026, with a second Y-shaped phase launching in two stages.

Phase 2a from the West Midlands to Crewe will open in 2027, followed by Phase 2b from Crewe to Manchester, and finally the Birmingham to Leeds section which includes a station at Toton Sidings, due for completion by around 2032/33.

While most of the Phase 2b route is confirmed there are two sections where there is further consultation taking place: whether the high-speed rail line should go around or under East Midlands Airport - which could lead to the viaduct over the Trowell to Nottingham railway line - and when the line goes through Long Eaton.

The HS2 consultation document states that two options are being considered for the route as it passes through Long Eaton. Both options follow the same route but pass through Long Eaton at different heights.

The two options are to: either lengthen the viaduct over the River Trent floodplain so that the line passes through Long Eaton at a high level, directly to the east of the existing rail lines, or an alternative option where, after crossing the River Trent floodplain on a shorter viaduct the route passes through Long Eaton on a lower viaduct and embankment again directly to the east of the existing rail lines.

The document also states: "There are clearly significant challenges to identifying the most suitable route alignment in this area, particularly in relation to Long Eaton."

A spokeswoman for HS2 previously told the Post: "HS2 will deliver major benefits to East Midlands, including Trowell. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to dramatically improve journeys between the Midlands and the North, and London, boosting capacity, improving connectivity and helping to rebalance the national economy.

"It is also becoming integral to local plans to drive business growth, create jobs and secure investment years before it arrives.

"As part of these plans, we want to create a hub station at Toton  less than four miles from Trowell. The journey from Toton to Birmingham is reduced to 20 minutes, Toton to Leeds 27 minutes and Toton to London to 52 minutes. This means it will be the most connected HS2 station on the network outside of London."
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Nottingham Forest boss Mark Warburton could reportedly face competition from former club Rangers after being linked to defender Emmanuel Mbende.

According to The Mirror, both clubs are keen on the ex-Birmingham City centre-back who is currently at German third division side Chemnitzer.

The 21-year-old came up through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund before joining the Blues as a free agent in September 2015  having also had a trial spell at Derby County.

He was a regular for their under-21s side and was said to be close to breaking into the first-team squad under then-manager Gary Rowett last season.

But Mbende turned down the offer of a new deal at St Andrew's last summer and opted instead to return to Germany.

He made 17 appearances for Chemnitzer last term, 12 of them in the starting line-up  and now the former Cameroon Under-20 international has been linked with a return to the UK.

He is under contract until the end of next season and it is reported if he does make the switch back across the Channel, Birmingham would be due a sell-on fee.

When he left the Blues, the club said: "Should Mbende be sold by Chemnitzer FC in the future then Blues would be due a fee via a significant sell-on clause."
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A Nottinghamshire road was closed this morning after a car hit a tree - and now police would like anyone with information about what happened to come forward.

A man suffered serious injuries following the collision on the A616 Newark Road, at Caunton, at around 1am today (Friday, June 30).

He was found in his car having collided with a tree and after being cut free by fire crews was taken to the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham.

His condition is described as serious but stable.

The road was shut for around six hours following the crash, reopening at around 7am.

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said: "Officers are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything in the area around the time it happened, particularly in relation to a green hatchback car.

"Please contact us on 101 quoting incident 36 of 30 June with any information."

The Post has launched a Whatsapp group to help you keep up to date with the latest news. If you'd like to receive one daily message with the main headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07790 586202. Then add the number to your phone contacts book as 'Nottingham Post'. Your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group.
University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., and a leadership team from UNMC visited the Health and Sciences Building at North Platte Community Colleges South Campus on Thursday.

The trip included several stops that included Lexington and Gothenburg on Wednesday, then to North Platte and Valentine on Thursday.

At each stop, the leadership team provided an update on activities happening at UNMC in Omaha and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine.

In North Platte, the team toured the facilities at NPCC.

Its a beautiful facility, Gold said. Its state-of-the-art learning for the health professions that are taught here. Im sure that from my meeting the leadership and the faculty that the students get a great education and theyre very prepared to serve the communities out here in western Nebraska.

Gold said UNMC is looking for ways to increase collaboration with Mid-Plains Community College.

Im sure that there are any number of opportunities to build new programs, to do continuing education for either faculty or students, Gold said. And to do some of our distance learning, some of our high technology and virtual reality work together.

He said he thought there are unlimited possibilities.

We have really broad and deep relationships with (Great Plains Health), Gold said. So were excited to build an academic, educational relationship in addition to the clinical relationship.

Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, also was impressed with the Health and Sciences Building.

I had the pleasure of touring it with a hard hat in 2012 right before it opened, and to see whats going on here is really wonderful for the people of the region, Sebastian said. The high technology simulation lab, the interactive classrooms and the distance learning capabilities are all really progressive.

She reiterated the discussion about collaboration with UNMC.

Were always looking toward partnerships, and right now we in nursing have articulation agreements with the community college, Sebastian said. Were eager to have students transfer into our programs and to make it as easy as possible for them and work together with Mid-Plains so those students will succeed.

Jody Tomanek, area vice president for educational services at Mid-Plains Community College, said the college asked to be added to the tour.

We really felt it was important for him to come here to see our facility, Tomanek said. He had never seen the Health and Sciences Building. We have been talking a lot with the medical center lately about partnerships and how we can help with the need for nurses in our community.

The leadership team touring NPCC also included Michael Sitorius, M.D., chairman of family medicine in the UNMC College of Medicine; Howard Liu, M.D., director of the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska; Bob Bartee, vice chancellor of external affairs at UNMC; and Erin Owen, executive director of university communications at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
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The iconic songs of The Moody Blues have remained popular for decades.

The band, which got its start in Britain in the 1960s, will bring its current tour to Ravinia on June 30. The Moody Blues' latest tour celebrates the group's second album "Days of Future Passed."

"That album changed my life and changed (all) of our lives completely," said bass player/vocalist John Lodge of The Moody Blues.

"Days of Future Passed" marks its 50th anniversary this year. During this season's Moody Blues concert, the group will perform "Days of Future Passed" in its entirety. Lodge said when they recorded the album, they never could have predicted how beloved it would be for fans.

"We were just young musicians just trying to write some songs to perform on stage," said Lodge. Starring on "Days of Future Passed" are standout numbers such as "Tuesday Afternoon" and "Nights in White Satin."

The Moody Blues was established as a group in Birmingham, England in 1964. The band,, starring Lodge, Justin Hayward and Graeme Edge, has won various awards including the NARM Number One World Group Award. The Hayward-penned "Nights in White Satin" is considered one of the top-selling rock songs in music history.

Lodge said the first half of the show will be dedicated to the hits and other tunes from The Moodies' repertoire. "During the second half, we'll perform 'Days of Future Passed,'" he said. "It's a very exciting project for us on stage," Lodge said, about performing one album in its entirety.

According to the musician the group hasn't performed some of the songs on the album since it was actually recorded. Listening to the album again, Lodge said, was a real nostalgic experience. "It brought back all the memories," from that time, he said.

Lodge loves the Chicago area and always looks forward to performing around the Windy City and the Region. The Moody Blues have regularly brought its show to Star Plaza Theatre as well as Ravinia, The Venue at Horseshoe Casino and other theaters. The musician said The Moodies first played Chicago in 1968. Chicago-area fans, Lodge said, have been "really loyal and incredible."

When asked why he thinks The Moody Blues' music has been so beloved with fans for decades, Lodge said he couldn't really put his finger on it, but explained "We appeal to a wide variety of emotions." He said all of their songs are written from a "truthful" place and many fans have found they can relate to the lyrics and emotions in the tunes.

In addition to touring with The Moody Blues, Lodge occasionally tours solo. He released the album "10,000 Light Years Ago" which is his second solo album, in 2015.

FYI: The Moody Blues will perform at 8 p.m. June 30 at Ravinia in Highland Park, Illinois. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $100 and $120. Lawn seats are $44; on the day of performance lawn seat prices increase by $5. Visit ravinia.org. For more about The Moody Blues, visit moodybluestoday.com
GARY  Veterans, the city's police chief, elected officials, family members and others showered two wounded children with love and support Thursday during a fundraiser breakfast.

Harmoni Harton, 8, and Devin Marshall, 9, both wounded June 19 in separate shootings in Gary, sat at opposite ends of a table and surrounded by family members Thursday inside American Legion Post 270.

Post Cmdr. Richard Ligon welcomed the two children as honorary members of the post and assured them members would be there for them now and in the future.

"Anything you want or anywhere you want to go, you just call," Ligon said.

Laughter filled the room after Devin piped up, "I want to go to Hawaii."

All proceeds from the breakfast were to be split between Devin and Harmoni's families to help with medical bills and other expenses.

Ligon told the crowd post-traumatic stress disorder is a real issue for members of the military, and also could affect Harmoni and Devin for many years to come. He planned to ask two veterans who suffered wounds during their service to speak with the children about how they've survived and thrived following their injuries.

Lisa Patterson, director of the Gary Area Vet Center, said it's hard to feel safe when the place where you live is a battlefield. The Vet Center will help connect the children and their families with mental health services or offer crisis support as needed, she said.

Patterson urged the children's family members to let them talk about the shootings, because it's therapeutic.

"Please, let them talk about it over and over and over," she said.

Felix Binion, Harmoni's grandfather, doted on Harmoni before breakfast was served. Harmoni is doing OK, he said, but the family had to cancel a vacation this week because of what happened.

Harmoni spent five days in the hospital, and has another appointment soon, he said.

Harmoni was eating at Binion's kitchen table when she was shot.

"Physically, I'm OK, but mentally I'm a wreck," Binion said. "I keep reliving it in my head."

Tammi Davis, who lives near Binion, said the neighborhood supports the family. Davis and others are working to start a block club to monitor activities in the area and improve communication, she said.

Devin also is doing OK, said his mother, Denishia Marshall. The boy, who was hit by a bullet after going to his door during a shooting outside his home, smiled, talked with visitors and was greeted with hugs by members of Harmoni's family.

Police Chief Larry McKinley said he sat with Harmoni's family at Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in Gary after the shooting, until she was transferred to Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago. McKinley and Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson visited both children multiple times at the hospital, he said.

The two cases also have weighed on the officers involved, he said.

"When it gets to a point where our children are getting shot, there has to be a stop sign," McKinley said.

Detectives have been following up on leads, but no persons of interest have been identified yet, he said.

The Lake County Sheriff's Department has added patrols in Gary, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and FBI have stepped up their efforts in the city, McKinley said.

The city has seen just one shooting  about 7 p.m. Wednesday in the 300 block of Durbin Street  in the nine days since the children were wounded, he said.

Gary Detective Sgt. William Fazekas or Detective Sgt. Jon Basaldua are continuing to investigate the June 19 shootings. Anyone with information is asked to call them at 219-881-1210. To remain anonymous, call 866-CRIME-GP.
HAMMOND  Attorneys for Lake County Sheriff John Buncich are seeking a more detailed jury screening ahead of his public corruption trial, citing the case's "significant publicity."

One of Buncich's defense lawyers, Bryan M. Truitt, also cited an endless negative campaign by the (The Times of Northwest Indiana) and the Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott," in his motion requesting extra screening ensuring an impartial jury.

The motion filed Thursday noted that a preliminary, detailed questionnaire would allow both prosecutors and the defense to screen jurors for cause, and "avoid ... a potential juror from elaborating their feelings and poisoning the remainder of the jury pool," court documents show.

A separate pretrial motion also requested the ability on both sides to question individual jurors during jury selection, noting Buncich "has many political allies, as well as political enemies."

Buncich is pleading not guilty to a five-count indictment alleging he deprived the public of honest government services by soliciting and receiving thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from towing firms wanting work from county police.

In April, Buncich issued a public statement proclaiming his innocence to federal felony bribery and wire fraud charges in an alleged towing contract kickback scheme.

His attorney in a separate pretrial motion filed this week also requested notice if government prosecutors intend to introduce any evidence of bad character, moving forward.
INDIANAPOLIS  Indiana will provide the federal government some of the voter data requested by the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity.

Secretary of State Connie Lawson said Friday that voter names, home addresses and congressional district assignments are public records under Indiana law and available to anyone who requests the information for a non-commercial purpose.

However, she said releasing voter participation records, birth dates and Social Security numbers is not authorized by state law, so those records will not be shared by her office.

Kris Kobach, the commission's vice chairman and Kansas' Republican Secretary of State, raised eyebrows Wednesday when he asked the top election official in each state to send the commission all publicly available information on their voters.

His letter specifically lists items that are not public records in most states, including voter partisan preference, ballot history and Social Security numbers, which prompted several Democratic secretaries of state to announce they would not comply.

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody said Kobach's request for information went too far.

"For the federal government to ask state election administrators to provide information on every registered voter in their states is both an intrusion on the ability for states to administer and uphold the integrity of a decentralized election administration system in our country, and a violation of the privacy of millions upon millions of voters," Zody said.

Lawson, a Republican, is one of 16 members appointed to the election integrity commission established last month by Republican President Donald Trump in response to his allegations that widespread "voter fraud" denied him a popular vote victory in the 2016 election.

Former Gov. Mike Pence, now vice president of the United States, is the commission's chairman.
HAMMOND  Re-Imagining the World was the theme Thursday of the Challenger Learning Center gala at the Indiana Welcome Center, where the organization tried to drum up support for a proposed Midwest Science Center.

The center would feature an IMAX Theater, a planetarium and a STEM preschool, organizers said.

The former Walmart site at 1828 165th St. sits on more than 11 acres and would expand on the science opportunities offered by the Challenger Learning Center that opened 18 years ago at Purdue University Northwests Hammond campus.

More than 270,000 students have attended field trips, special programs and summer camps at the Challenger Learning Center that opened its doors in 1999, envisioned by former sixth-grade teacher and founding director Lisa Austgen.

Its a new day for Northwest Indiana, PNW Chancellor Thomas Keon said in a videotaped address. We are interested in economic development in Northwest Indiana. We must be able to develop a high-quality workforce.

Challengers simulations give students a chance to experience a day in the life of people in such careers as medical and biological science; chemical, mechanical and process engineering; navigation; and communications.

In a videotaped presentation, former astronaut Col. Jerry Ross praised Challenger's programs for inspiring students so through their skills and abilities they can make a difference.

A silent auction and a raffle helped raise funds for the new science center. Star Wars characters R2D2 and Storm Troopers interacted with guests.

Engineer and magician Steve Belliveau created experiments as the crowd laughed, clapped and put their own science knowledge to the test.

After donning a multicolored lab coat, goggles and gloves, Belliveau made elephant toothpaste. He mixed hydrogen peroxide with a special salt and soap in a beaker, then added water. A large mass of foam flowed from the concoction and emitted steam.

The steam coming off means its hot, an exothermic reaction, he told the guests.

At the inaugural gala, awards also recognized the work of two area teachers and of W.F. Bill Wellman as a visionary.

Challenger Learning Center Executive Director Rebecca Manis and ArcelorMittal representative Kelly Nissan presented the ArcelorMittal Excellence in STEM Education Awards to Natalie Bevil, who teaches fifth grade at Lincoln Elementary School in Hammond, and to Dan Pastrick, of Hebron Middle School, who teaches sixth- through eighth-grade science.

The wooden plaques presented to Bevil and Pastrick featured bits of ArcelorMittal steel fashioned into stars.

A standing ovation greeted Wellman as Challenger Learning Center board Chairwoman Mary Beth Nickolaou welcomed the 93-year old to the stage to present him with the inaugural Dean White Visionary Award.

Wellman, former chairman of the board for the Challenger Learning Center, was instrumental in helping the center become a reality in Northwest Indiana, Nickolaou said.
Hundreds of people gathered Thursday in Union Square to protest the partial return of President Trump's travel ban centered on people from six Muslim-majority countries.

"The use of national security as the rationale for implementing the Muslim ban is quite comical, to say the least," said Murad Awadeh of the New York Immigration Coalition.

The coalition and other advocacy groups organized the march from Union Square.



Members said the travel ban goes against American values, and is not the answer to make the country safer.



The demonstration was one of many protests expected in response to the ban, which returned in a new form at 8 p.m.

Visa applicants and refugees from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran, and Yemen must prove a personal tie to someone already in the United States.

The State Department defines a close family member as a parent, child, spouse, sibling, adult son or daughter, or son or daughter-in-law.

Business and professional ties are also accepted.

But the State Department said they must be "formal, documented and formed in the ordinary course rather than for the purpose of evading" the president's executive order.

A grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin, or a fiance from the six countries do not qualify for a visa.



Officials said visas already issued will not be revoked.

The ban takes effect just days after the Supreme Court partially restored Trump's amended executive order.

The high court will hear arguments in the case this fall.



"I believe that America is a country of liberty and of freedom, and that we should be accepting of all people," one woman said in Union Square.



"There is no RSVP on the Statue of Liberty," another demonstrator said.



The Union Square protest is expected to finish at 18 St. and 5 Ave., where organizers are scheduled to host a town hall on Muslims.

Political activist Linda Sarsour and Public Advocate Letitia James were among those who rallied in support.
The fight over land rights in a gold mining area in Mubende has come to a head, with the artisanal miners vowing to defy a presidential directive that called for their eviction in favour of a certain company, writes CHRISTOPHER TUSIIME.



Landlords, artisanal miners, gold traders and other service providers in the mining areas of Mubende have petitioned President Museveni over an eviction directive he issued to them two weeks ago.

According to John Bosco Bukya, the spokesperson of Ssingo Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (SASSM), Museveni, in a bid to protect the interests of an investor, Gemstone International, convened a meeting at State House on June 13, 2017, where he called for the eviction of artisanal miners from Kitumbi, Mubende district.

The directive, which was issued through their constituency MP Michael Bukenya, was to be effected immediately. Now, the miners have opposed the move and will not budge regardless of the lapsed deadline.

We applied, paid all the dues to acquire location licences that allow us to legally operate in Mubende as gold miners. If we are not listened to, we will go to court. We strongly oppose this eviction because it is against what the president promised us during the campaign and during the state of the nation address that he will build for us a gold refinery, Bukya said.

Locals mining gold in Mubende. They have vowed to defy President Musevenis directive to evict them

Also in the petition, which The Observer has seen, the artisanal miners pray that their business gets legalized. They also want a biometric registration exercise for all artisanal miners to be carried out, among other things.

Out of the 207.8 square kilometres exploration license by Gemstone International, at least five square kilometres are given to artisanal miners to reduce conflicts between local artisanal miners and the investor that government intends to protect, reads the petition in part.

Emmanuel Kibirige, the general secretary of SASSM, said there are more than 60,000 people who are directly and indirectly benefiting from the mines and their eviction would have far-reaching negative consequences.

We are not foreigners and at the moment we are being treated as non-Ugandans. Over 60,000 people working in the mines are being threatened with eviction within one week. This is unfair to us, Kibirige said.

They are talking about youth unemployment [but] for us we are not begging government for money. Why are they destroying our livelihood? We have created jobs; this is our only source of income.

Buliga Safuyani, the chairman of the gold buyers in Mubende, asked the government to quickly listen to the cries of the affected people in order to avert possible bloody clashes and also protect their business.

We fought hard to get a license to operate in Mubende. Currently, we are about 1,000 gold buyers and 99 per cent are youths. What is next for such people when they are evicted? Government should organize these people and give them authority to mine, Safuyani advised. He added that they buy gold worth Shs 100 million a day. We could not independently verify that figure.

Contacted for a comment, Edwards Katto, the commissioner, directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM), directed this reporter to the president.

We also failed to get a person to talk to at Gemstone International. However, during the launch of the Natural Resource Governance Index, an event that was held at Protea hotel on Wednesday, Onesmus Mugyenyi, the deputy executive director and manager, Environment Democracy Programme, faulted the government for deepening this row.

You cant wake up one day and tell people that I have given you a week to vacate this land. Its a question of livelihood and planning. So, has the government prepared a place where it will put all the 60,000 people? Mugyenyi told The Observer in a separate interview.

Also, during the launch of the index, Uganda was ranked number 51 out of the 80 countries that were profiled. The ranking, which was done by the Natural Resource Governance Institute, was based on the rule of law, openness of the country in the oil and gas sector, corruption levels and taxation, among other indicators.



BACKGROUND

In August 2015, Peter Lokeris, the minister of state for Energy and Mineral Development, met with the landlords, miners and leaders to get advice on how mining in Mubende would be legalised.

In this meeting, according to Bukya, the minister advised them to form associations, cooperative societies and legalise them so that they could easily apply for location licenses after the expiry of Gemstones exploration license.

The small-scale miners followed the ministers advice by forming various associations and paying for their licenses, receipts of which The Observer has seen. However, the miners have since not received feedback about the applications.

Gemstone International was granted the exploration license of 207.8 square kilometres on February 20, 2013, and it expired on February 19, 2016. However, a row broke out between the local miners and Gemstone when the license was renewed.

The miners say the move by government contravened Section 30 (1) of the Mining Act 2003, which states:

The holder of an exploration licence may within three months, before the expiration of such licence, apply for the renewal of the license in respect of an area of land which is not greater in extent than half of the exploration area as at the date of the grant or last renewal licence.

Now the small-scale miners want the government to retract the directive and issue them with licenses to enable them operate legally in the area.



tusiime.chris20@gmail.com
Lure Hsu, a 41-year-old interior designer and fashion blogger, had already been attracting lots of attention online for her incredibly youthful looks, but people recently discovered that eternal youth runs in her family. Lures two sisters, 36-year-old Sharon, and 40-year old FayFay, both look like they are in their early 20s, and their 63-year-old mother looks like their older sister.

Just when people were starting to come to terms with the fact that Lure Hsu is actually in her 40s, photos of her sisters and mother starting showing up in Taiwanese media, and everyone lost their minds once again. The four Hsu women are now being called the family of frozen ages by the media in their country, while some people claim that they must be descendants of vampires. Truth be told, they do all look suspiciously young for their age.

FayFay Hsu, who just turned 40 years old, is a mother of two daughters, aged 8 and 10, but admits that when they go out together, many people think she is their sister, not their mother. The Taiwanese socialite told Daily Mail that she and her sister owe their youthful looks to their mothers genes.

Lure Hsu (41)

When our mother was young, she was incredible youthful looking. Now she still looks great, the 40-year old said. Considering she is supposed to be 63 now but doesnt look a day over 40, Im inclined to believe FayFay. However, she adds that their father, who is 74-years-old, also looks great for his age, but doesnt like to pose for photos, because he is shy.

FayFay Hsu (40)

In an interview with Friday Magazine, FayFay and her 41-year-old sister, Lure Hsu, also credited water for their youthful appearance. Apparently drinking lots of water keeps your skin hydrated, and you dont need to worry about wrinkles and ageing anymore. Both sisters drink lots of water every day, with FayFay adding that she drinks 350ml to 500ml of lukewarm water every morning. Shes being doing it for over a decade, and it seems to be working wonders.

Sharon Hsu (36)

36-year-old Sharon Hsu may be just a few years younger than her sisters, but she looks to be in high-school. She works as a model and is, unsurprisingly, a celebrity in Taiwan.

The Hsus 63-year-old mother (center)

So there you have it, if the Hsu sisters are to be believed, the key to eternal youth is a combination of great genes and lots of water.
Joe Honick

The tragic case of a young American student arrested and tortured by North Korea before returning him to his family in a coma, only to die within days quite logically caught the attention of the nation.

It also worked to create the usual political blather opportunity to condemn the insane North Koreans.

Forgotten of course were our own activities in Abu Graib authorized by the Bush administration in the aftermath of 9/11, torture that inspired extremists in the Middle East to believe it justified their own abuse.

President Obama issued Executive Order 13491, banning the U.S. Governments use of torture, a powerful rebuke to Bush, which had authorized the CIA to use what were euphemistically called enhanced interrogation techniques. Any positive results hardly spoke well for the reputation of America.

So, as we react to the hardly surprising treatment by the government of an Asian madman in North Korea, it is important to remember that candidate Trump in a February 2016, debate vowed to reinstate torture, including treatment that would be a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding as reported in Foreign Affairs magazine of September/October 2016 by three reputable historians.

According to their article, when asked later on a talk show if he stood by his remarks, Trump replied, It wouldnt bother me even a little bit.

It is significant also to report that in a Washington Post-ABC News survey, a majority of Americans thought the CIAs use of torture was justified!

In 2014, the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, as part of a five year study of the CIA program, argued the torture actions had not produced unique intelligence.

The Republicans disagreed. The CIA of course said it had produced important stuff.

The question is whether it had or not, could we publicly accuse other governments doing likewise as we had with the Viet Cong and now with the North Koreans?

Will other nations view President Trumps support for torture as a green light for their own abuse of prisoners?

***

Joseph J. Honick is an international consultant to business and government and writes for many publications. He can be reached at [email protected]
Kara Taylor

JPA Health Communications has named Kara Taylor senior strategist and head of JPA Labs, the creative and research services team owned by that Washington, D.C.-based healthcare communications shop.

Taylor arrives at JPA from top independent firm Edelman, which she joined in 2009 as senior business analyst for research unit Edelman Intelligence before migrating to its digital team, where she ultimately became senior vice president and led the agencys digital health group in Washington.

In the new role, Taylor will lead JPA's digital and creative services team. Shell be based in the agencys Washington, D.C., office.

JPA accounted for more than $7.7 million in healthcare-related net fees in 2016 and is one of the top healthcare PR firms in the country, according to ODwyers.
Hill and Knowlton Strategies has been retained by Egypts Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation, the government body responsible for improving economic relations between that north African nation and the international community.

Formerly two separate government units  the Ministry of International Cooperation and the Ministry of Investment  the recently merged Ministry of International Cooperation develops economic cooperation partnerships between the Arab Republic of Egypt and other nations, and also supports economic and social development programs within the country.

The economic development unit in December signed two assistance grants totaling 120 million ($137 million) with the European Union to fund services that combat child labor, improve access to childrens education and aid families running small businesses in the country.

The WPP unit will provide PR counsel regarding the development of a global communications strategy, according to Foreign Agents Registration Act documents filed in June.

A written contract for the work is currently being negotiated.
A DRINK-driving case had to be adjourned after it was found that the accused was written down as a seven-year-old with the incorrect address.

Limerick District Court recently heard that a passing taxi driver alerted gardai to the woman, who was allegedly attempting to drive to Dublin on a flat tyre, while under the influence.

When gardai arrived at the scene, at Ballysimon Road, the 39-year-old woman was later arrested and brought to Roxboro Road garda station.

The court heard that the woman gave two blood samples at Roxboro Road, and it was later found that the learner driver was 10 times over the limit.

However, after solicitor Brendan Gill argued that there was a discrepancy in her personal details on the medical certificate, Judge Marian OLeary decided to move the case to a later date.

Witness Denis Kavanagh told the court, on Thursday June 8, that he offered to change the womans flat tyre when he spotted her broken down vehicle on the Ballysimon Road flyover, at 5.10am on April 24, 2016.

When she said that she had no spare wheel, the taxi driver offered to drive her to a friends house in Limerick free of charge.

She told me that she wanted to get back to Dublin, and that she was alright, the witness said.

And after he told her that she could not drive, given in the cars state, she attempted to drive but could not control the vehicle due to the flat tyre, the court heard.

At this stage, I became fearful for herself and for the other road users, so I put on my hazards, he said.

After he managed to take the drivers keys out of the ignition and place them into his pocket, he phoned the gardai, who arrived within 20 minutes, he said.

He told the court that it took the gardai a great length of time to arrive at the scene.

Garda Billy Creedon, who was joined by another officer, attended the scene after being alerted to the incident at 5.40am, he told the judge from the witness box.

He told the court that when he approached the driver, he got strong smell of intoxicant from her breath, her speech was slurred and that her eyes were bloodshot.

After he found that the woman, from Wicklow, was unsteady on her feet, he formed the opinion that she was incapable of operating a mechanically-propelled vehicle.

The court heard that after she was placed in the patrol car, she then exited the vehicle, ran across the road before oncoming traffic, and she was quickly apprehended.

Gda Creedon said that when she was brought back to the patrol car, she became very abusive towards the two gardai calling us a number of obscenities. She was then handcuffed and placed in the patrol car, before being brought to Roxboro Road garda station at 6.30am.

A doctor was contacted at 6.52am, and after his arrival at 7.20am, two blood samples were taken and sent for analysis to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.

Results showed that she had a reading of 213mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The court was told she was on a learner permit at the time. The legal limit for a driver on a learner permit is 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

When Mr Gill asked Gda Creedon why there was a delay returning to Roxboro Road, he replied that they had been waiting for a tow truck to arrive.

When he questioned Gda Kieran Curtin  the person in charge at the time  on why it took them 22 minutes to contact a doctor, Gda Curtin replied: The prisoner was quite difficult to deal with in getting information from her. That was possibly the reason for the delay.

He said the incoherent defendant said she drank five pints and a vodka. Mr Gill told the judge that there were three issues arising out of the case, including the incomplete Section 17 medical certificate. He said that this was not a minor error and that an important section has not been completed.

An incorrect address was written on the certificate and the date of birth was dated 2010, instead of 1977.

Secondly, he said that a doctor can be contacted immediately, and the delay hasnt been properly explained. He added that the person in charge  Gda Curtin  was only present for part of the process as he had left the garda station at 7am.

Insp Dermot OConnor argued that the Section 17 statement was not incomplete, and that it was not possible for a seven-year-old to be providing a blood sample at a garda station.

He added that the certificate relates to one person and one person only. He added that the person has not been, in any way, prejudiced by the administrative errors. He argued that there was no undue delay in contacting the doctor, either.

Judge Marian OLeary said that she would revisit the case on July 6.
Agricultural News

Secretary Sonny Perdue and Ambassador Branstad in China to Receive First Shipment of US Beef

On June 30 in Beijing, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) participated in a media reception marking the return of U.S. beef to China. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad addressed attendees, along with National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President Craig Uden, a cattle feeder and rancher from Elwood, Nebraska. Other U.S. guests included Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and NCBA President-elect Kevin Kester, a rancher from Parkfield, California. The reception was funded through support from the Nebraska Beef Council.





Joel Haggard, USMEF senior vice president for the Asia Pacific, emceed the event. He thanked Secretary Perdue and his USDA team for negotiating the final agreement that restored access for U.S. beef, which had been absent from the Chinese market since the December 2003 BSE case. The market officially reopened June 12.





Perdue said it was a great source of pride to be on hand for the official reintroduction of U.S. beef into China, and expressed his commitment to providing consumers with a high-quality product.





"On behalf of President Trump and the people of America, we want to say thank you to our great customers here in China," Perdue said. "We want to respect your market and assure you that these products coming in are safe, wholesome and very delicious."





Perdue also paid tribute to U.S. cattle producers, who are excited to finally be able to supply the Chinese market.





"To those men and women who go out in the cold and birth those calves, we want to thank you for what you do to make this day possible. I am convinced that when our Chinese friends taste this tasty, wholesome, healthy and safe U.S. beef, they're going to want more of it. So you all better get some more cows," he said.





Branstad, who was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to China on May 22, said the return of U.S. beef to China is an important step forward in expanding U.S. agricultural exports.





"This is an exciting day - we've been waiting nearly 14 years for this," Branstad said. "I want to express my excitement that one of my first official duties as ambassador from the United States to the People's Republic of China is to be here with my friend, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, to welcome American beef back to China. I want to reiterate our commitment to expanding trade and increasing American exports, and we believe beef is a great beginning for this process."





Uden echoed these sentiments, noting the excellent potential China holds for U.S. beef exports.





"I'm honored to be here today to celebrate this important milestone in the relationship between the United States and China," Uden said. "This is a great day for U.S. beef producers, and we look forward to supplying U.S. beef to many Chinese consumers in the years to come."





Perdue and Uden were joined by importer Luan Richeng, vice president of COFCO Group, for a ceremonial carving of U.S. prime rib - part of the first shipment of U.S. beef to arrive in China.





On July 1 in Shanghai, Perdue will help launch U.S. beef's return to China's commercial channels with a U.S. beef promotion at a City Super supermarket. He will be joined by USDA Foreign Agricultural Service representatives, Ibach (representing the state of Nebraska), USMEF staff and U.S. beef exporters. The group will distribute samples of U.S. steak cuts and chuck eye roll to City Super customers and speak to the unique attributes of U.S. beef. Funding support for this event was also provided by the Nebraska Beef Council.





"It has been a long road back for U.S. beef in China, and USMEF is extremely pleased to see such great enthusiasm for its return," Haggard said. "Buyer interest is very strong, and we are excited about the opportunity to work with U.S. exporters and future customers in China to build a solid foundation for U.S. beef in this dynamic market."







Source - The US Meat Export Federation













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WASHINGTON  Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., isnt ready to endorse her partys health care proposal.

Its a complex bill, one thats likely to change a great deal before it crosses the finish line, she said Thursday.

Fischer said during a conference call with reporters that shes looking to protect Nebraska from being disadvantaged by its decision not to expand Medicaid and hoping to rein in rising insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act.

Thats the biggest concern that I hear from Nebraskans and that Ive heard since I ran for this seat in 2012, Fischer said. People cannot afford the cost of insurance.

It was the first time Fischer has said much publicly about the Senate GOP proposal, which was unveiled a week ago. But even Thursday she avoided delving too far into which specific provisions of the proposal she supports or opposes.

She did not identify her preferred methods for reducing premiums, for example.

And when she was asked about the legislations shift of federal funds from expected future Medicaid growth into tax cuts for the wealthy and deficit reduction, Fischer simply said those areas are still being worked out.

It remains a fluid situation. Fischers comments came as Senate Republican leaders are considering keeping one of former President Barack Obamas big tax increases on wealthier Americans and using the money to fatten proposed subsidies for the poor in a bid to placate moderate GOP lawmakers and salvage their struggling health care bill.

Top Republicans also assessed an amendment pushed by conservatives to let insurers offer plans with low premiums and scant benefits. To do so, a company would also have to sell a policy that abides by the consumer-friendly coverage requirements in Obamas 2010 statute, which the GOP is struggling to repeal.

Both proposals were encountering internal Republican opposition, and it was uncertain whether either would survive. But the effort underscored how Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., needed to mollify both wings of his divided party if he is to rescue one of his and President Donald Trumps foremost campaign promises.

McConnell postponed a vote on an initial version Tuesday, forced by conservative and moderate GOP senators prepared to block it.

By today, McConnell wants to add changes to the bill that would assure its passage after Congress weeklong July Fourth recess. For him to prevail, no more than two of the 52 GOP senators can oppose the measure.

Fischer said the challenges facing Senate Republicans reflect the diversity of opinion on the issue in Nebraska and across the country.

I hear from thousands and thousands of Nebraskans on both sides of the issue, Fischer said. But the majority of Nebraskans elected Donald Trump. They have elected a congressional delegation who has campaigned and stood for repeal and replace Obamacare.

This report contains material from the Associated Press.
Ashlei Spivey wants to break the traditional mold of what it means to be successful and black.

Her way of doing so? Create an award that honors the work happening in Omahas black community.

Last weekend, 10 people, from youths into their 40s, were honored with Omahas first Young Black & Influential Awards.

We as a community can say, This is what success is based on our culture, our historical experiences,  Spivey said.

The award honors people within the black community who have created their own narrative, she said. She cited as examples Dominique Morgan, the Nebraska executive director of Queer People of Color, and how his queerness and blackness intersect; William Dortch, an entrepreneur who is a regular guy who cares; and Maurice Jones, who made an unsuccessful bid for City Council as a teenager and demonstrated that kids have vision.

Theres crime in north Omaha, and its a distressed community, Spivey said, but its more than that.

To be successful doesnt mean you have to have a vice presidents title, went to a four-year college or church. Being successful takes all different shapes and forms.

The award age groups and recipients:

 12 to 19: Maurice Jones and Tierra Conyers.

Jones has been politically active from a young age and was the youngest candidate for Omaha City Council on the ballot earlier this year. Conyers has been active at Benson High School in the effort to promote nonviolence and help those touched by violence.

 20s: Alisha Davis and Taylor Givens-Dunn.

Davis, a photographer, has used her camera to capture the experience of black Omahans, in an effort to combat the stereotypical image of their lives. Givens-Dunn is a graduate student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, pursuing her masters degree in social work and public administration, with a concentration on topics such as unemployment, poverty and crime.

 30s: Dominique Morgan, Precious McKesson, Errik Ejike and Racquel Henderson.

Morgan is an activist, musician, health educator and founder of Youth Pride in Omaha. McKesson is a community activist and volunteer who has worked with the Omaha NAACP, North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance, Mayors Citizen Advisory Committee, Boys & Girls Clubs and others.

Ejike is a supervisor at Creighton Universitys Center for Promoting Health and Health Equality, where he battles health disparities in underserved populations. Henderson helps people find work after coming out of the prison system.

 40s: Elizabeth Ajongo for service and William Dortch as an innovator.

Ajongo, of Heartland Family Service, works to address disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice system and is involved in local refugee organizations. Dortch is the owner of the L402 Store, which he says he created to be an outlet for Omaha artists.
The United Way of the Midlands has awarded three new grants on behalf of the Ellen C. Karnett Trust, which focuses on supporting programs for those with intellectual disabilities in the metro area. The funds are distributed in honor of Ellen C. Karnetts son, Richard.

The grants include:

 $240,000 over three years for Easterseals Society of Nebraskas program Work Incentives Planning & Assistance for Transition-Age Youth.

 $120,000 over three years for Legal Aid of Nebraskas program Health, Education and Law Project.

 $66,853 over three years for the Academic Evaluation and Intervention Clinic at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.

Ollie Webb Center Inc. will also receive $25,000 from the trust for the organizations First Chapter Book Club. The gift is the final year funding from a three-year $110,000 grant awarded to the program in 2015.
NEW YORK (AP)  A man pulled a rifle from under his white lab coat and opened fire inside a Bronx hospital Friday, killing at least one person and wounding others before apparently taking his own life, police said.

A law enforcement official says the gunman was a doctor who formerly worked at the hospital.

The official says Dr. Henry Bello walked into Bronx Lebanon Hospital at about 2:50 p.m. Friday with a rifle concealed in his lab coat and opened fire, killing at least one person and injuring six others. He then apparently killed himself.

Officers went floor by floor looking for the gunman and reported just before 4 p.m. that the shooter was dead inside the building.

The official was not authorized to discuss the still-unfolding investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Police were still trying to identify how many people had been shot; emergency crews had been kept from going inside the hospital while the shooter was a large.

The 120-year-old hospital has nearly 1,000 beds and one of the busiest emergency rooms in New York City. It is about a mile and a half north of Yankee Stadium.

Bello was listed on the hospitals website as a family medicine physician. Its not clear when he left the hospital.
LINCOLN  Gov. Pete Ricketts took swift action Friday when he fired the head of the Nebraska State Patrol for possibly interfering in internal investigations, an unprecedented move that could leave a federal investigation lingering over the agency.

The governor terminated Col. Brad Rice after a preliminary personnel review found interferences in internal investigations and violations of internal policy at the highest levels of the Nebraska State Patrol. Ricketts appointed Rice in 2015, and just last week expressed confidence in his leadership.

The colonel did not live up to my expectations, a somber Ricketts said Friday. We have to be beyond reproach, and thats why I relieved him of his duties.

The governor said the information collected in an ongoing review by the state personnel director has been provided to the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office. Six other patrol staff, including Rices second in command, have been placed on paid administrative leave until the review is completed.

We will not tolerate that breach of integrity in the Nebraska State Patrol or any of my organizations, Ricketts said during a press conference at his State Capitol office.

The firing of Rice was welcomed by many rank-and-file troopers who recently voiced deep dissatisfaction with Rices leadership in a culture survey conducted by the State Troopers Association of Nebraska, the troopers union. The $85 million a year agency employs 437 sworn officers.

Im very optimistic that its a definite move forward, said Sgt. Brian Petersen, president of the union. I also believe it will help ensure the public trust in the patrol is intact.

An FBI spokesman said Friday he could neither confirm nor deny whether an investigation of the patrol will occur. The bureaus investigations of other law enforcement agencies typically focus on allegations of civil rights violations or official corruption.

The personnel review has not uncovered concerns about how the patrol has handled external criminal investigations, just those involving internal investigation of actions by troopers, Ricketts said.

The lack of information about possible violations prompted one state senator to call for an immediate legislative oversight hearing on the matter. Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln said he supported the governors firing of Rice but said the public deserves to know what led to it.

This should have never happened in the first place, Morfeld said. What systems do we need to put in place to make sure it never happens again?

The governor declined to discuss details of possible meddling by patrol administrators, but he did mention use of force investigations, including one recently described in a World-Herald report about a driver who died in a high-speed pursuit. The story raised questions about whether reports on the cause of the crash had been changed to shift the onus from the patrol to the intoxicated driver.

In response, Ricketts last week ordered a review of policies, procedures and leadership at the patrol. Chief Personnel Officer Jason Jackson said he launched the review this week by looking at files from internal use-of-force investigations and interviewing both current and former employees from all layers of the agency.

After meeting with the personnel director Thursday, the governor made the decision to fire Rice.

Ricketts met with the colonel Friday morning to deliver the news and said Rice behaved professionally. Rice, 58, who was paid $90,000 to lead the patrol, was not provided a severance package. By Friday afternoon, his photo had been deleted from the patrols website.

When reached by phone Friday, Rice said nothing before hanging up.

The governor said Lt. Col. Thomas Schwarten and five others have been put on paid administrative leave. Jackson said it would be premature to identify the other employees because their status affords them due process protections.

Two of the other officers placed on administrative leave are Maj. Mike Gaudreault and Capt. Jamey Balthazor, according to sources with knowledge of the patrol who spoke on the condition they not be named. Gaudreault works in the Lincoln headquarters, where he commands the field services division of patrol troopers, carrier troopers, police service dog handlers and the aviation support pilots. Balthazor commands the 11-county troop area E, which is based in Scottsbluff.

Attempts Friday to reach Schwarten and Gaudreault were unsuccessful. A person reached at a number listed for Balthazor hung up on a reporter.

Maj. Russ Stanczyk has been named interim superintendent of the agency.

The governors decision to act quickly on the early results of his review will help boost sagging morale at the agency, said Petersen, the union president. He pointed to a recent internal survey showing that just 19 percent of respondents thought the patrols administration works in the best interests of front-line state troopers.

Under Rice there also was a pervasive fear of retaliation against those who questioned decisions made at the top, Petersen said. Many also disagreed with the administrations heavy emphasis on enforcing seat belt violations and writing tickets, instead of doing the comprehensive police work that many troopers believe makes a more lasting difference for public safety.

Petersen also said he supported the governors decision to turn over information to federal investigators.

Gary Young, the attorney who represents the union, said the culture of the agency has been sick for some time.

The highest ranks of leadership in the patrol have created this culture, not just Rice, Young said, adding that union members stand ready and eager to give their input for improving the agency.

Tom Nesbitt, a retired member of the patrol who served as superintendent from 1999 to 2005, said he was deeply saddened by Fridays events. He and other patrol veterans said they had never heard of a prior colonel being relieved of his duty under a cloud of potential criminal wrongdoing.

The troopers are so dedicated to the organization, Nesbitt said. The troopers will continue to carry out their mission. The public needs to have the confidence to know the organization will survive this and get back on track.

One of the issues that apparently contributed to Rices downfall involved a 2016 high-speed pursuit near Gordon in northwest Nebraska. Immediately after the crash the trooper involved said repeatedly that he had used a permitted tactical maneuver to bump the fleeing vehicle with the intent of causing it to a spin-out safely.

But the story changed during the subsequent internal investigation, and some within the patrol suspected that was to avoid scrutiny, embarrassment and possible liability.

Rice, who reinstated the trooper to regular duty a few days after the incident, told The World-Herald that the troopers actions were justified. A Sheridan County grand jury ruled that the intoxicated driver, not State Trooper Tim Flick, caused the fatal accident, despite conflicting stories about the cause presented by patrol investigators and leaders.

Rice denied that there was any pressure on the internal investigator to declare the crash an accident rather than a death precipitated by one of his troopers.

The now-retired head of the patrols internal affairs unit, Lt. Dennis Leonard, said that he felt pressure was exerted by higher-ups to create a false narrative and wrote in an email that he had lost faith in the patrols ability to investigate its own personnel.

Leonard said Friday he was interviewed this week by Jackson, the personnel director, and came away convinced that Jackson would do a comprehensive and objective review.

As a former employee of the State Patrol who loves it like family, I am pleased to see there was a quick and thorough response to the concerns that were raised, he said. Even though it had to come from outside.

The driver who died after his vehicle rolled in the high-speed chase in Sheridan County was Antoine LaDeaux. His mother, Cleo LaDeaux of Gordon, said she was pleased to learn the governor removed Rice from his position.

It will not bring my son back, but I think justice should be done for him, she said.

Lawmakers scrutinized Ricketts 2015 nomination of Rice when his appointment was taken up by the Nebraska Legislature.

A debate lasting more than two hours focused on Rices views on women, among other concerns.

Rice, who was a patrol captain in Norfolk, supervised a female trooper who in 2007 won a federal gender discrimination lawsuit against the patrol. Rice served on job interview panels that denied her promotions.

Much of the concern raised by lawmakers centered on an allegation that Rice had once said women dont belong in law enforcement, a comment that surfaced during the federal gender-bias trial.

Unfortunately, I dont think its a surprise, Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha said Friday. Culture starts at the top, and that was one of the concerns that we had. It seemed when he ran the Norfolk office there was a problem with the culture there.

Sen. Laura Ebke of Crete is chairwoman of the Judiciary Committee, which has oversight responsibility of the State Patrol. She agreed that an oversight committee hearing will likely be necessary, but she first wants to give federal investigators time to do their work.

She said the governor did the right thing by turning over the matter to outside authorities.

If there is a question of significant wrongdoing, I dont think the State Patrol can investigate itself, she said. This is the appropriate direction to go.

World-Herald staff writer Emerson Clarridge contributed to this report.
DES MOINES (AP)  The chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party announced Thursday that hes resigning from the post because of health issues.

Derek Eadon said in a statement that he decided to step down because his health caused him to miss too much time on the job. He said he had recently been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that affects a nerve linked to the face. Eadon described it as a painful but nonlethal ailment that will require radiation procedures over the summer.

Very shortly I will be back on my feet and knocking doors for Democrats, he said. It is important that this party has a chair that can dedicate all of his or her time to this effort, and it is clear that I am not able to.

Eadon was elected by a party committee in January amid a crowded race for the top post.

He replaced Andy McGuire, who has since launched a gubernatorial campaign.

Andrea Phillips, first vice chair of the party, will assume Eadons role until party leadership meets July 22 to elect a permanent replacement.
The writer, who lives in Lincoln, is chairman of the Lancaster County Republican Party.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission has recently held public hearings in York, ONeill and Norfolk, allowing hundreds of the states residents to weigh in on the Keystone XL pipeline.

The PSC could end up determining the fate of the entire pipeline by years end, so naturally, the hearing was packed with environmentalists predicting doomsday if the pipeline is approved.

Commissioners should ignore such hysterics and consider the pipeline on its merits. Keystone XL would provide safe and secure transit from Canada to Americas Gulf Coast for 830,000 barrels of shale oil a day. It would also bring new jobs and an economic boost to every state it passes through, including Nebraska.

Parts of the Keystone pipeline system have already been built and are operating safely. The section awaiting approval would run from the Canadian border, through Montana and South Dakota and then to Nebraska, where it would connect with existing infrastructure before heading south for refining.

For years, President Barack Obama delayed construction of the Keystone XL as a favor to his environmentalist constituency  a hiatus that impacted the nations economic activity. Almost as soon as he stepped foot in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump reversed course and kick-started the pipeline with a new permit for construction.

Now, states such as Nebraska might actually reap the pipelines financial rewards.

Building Keystone XL would create 4,400 jobs throughout the local economy in Nebraska and close to 42,100 across the country. Such jobs could include supplying building materials and vehicles or preparing food and providing accommodations for workers. Nationwide, pipeline construction would generate approximately $3.4 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product.

In its first year of operations, the project is also estimated to generate up to $11.8 million in property taxes in Nebraska, bolstering local governments. These tax revenues would directly benefit important public services for Nebraska families, such as hospitals, emergency services, transportation, schools and recreation.

If this pipeline would provide such an evident source of job and revenue generation, why the delay? Sadly, the pipeline has fallen victim to grossly inaccurate claims from environmentalists  whose real enemy is fossil fuel in all its forms.

The truth is that pipelines pose little harm to humans or the environment. Indeed, 99.999 percent of the crude oil and petroleum shipped through them reaches its final destination safely. Extremely low to begin with, the number of accidents along pipelines, such as spills or ruptures, has declined 52 percent since 1999.

And TransCanada, the pipelines builder, would use enhanced standards and designs and employ expert teams to constantly monitor the entire length of the pipeline.

After a comprehensive review, even Obamas own State Department concluded that Keystone XL would have no significant environmental impact or contribute to climate change.

Its worth considering what happens to the oil in question if Keystone XL doesnt get built.

As the State Department noted, Canadas oil will find its way to the market by other means of transportation, either via rail or trucks, both of which are far less safe modes of transportation.

The Nebraska PSC will likely be the last government entity in the nation to deliberate on Keystone XL. Its time for Nebraska to end this debate, approve the pipeline and reap the benefits.
The outrageous comments regarding U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise made by two Nebraska Democratic Party officials recently have outlined just how important civility is when participating in political discourse. A number of members of Congress, including Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., have taken a pledge of civility, which is a promise that should not be taken for granted.

Perhaps more important than civility, however, is honesty. It is not uncommon to hear silly statements that the Republican Party wants to strip health care away from Americans. Both Republicans and Democrats are working toward their vision of a better America. Disagreements over policy are to be expected, but flagrantly divisive rhetoric with no basis in truth is exactly what leads to vile comments like the ones made by Phil Montag and Chelsey Gentry-Tipton.
Venkaiah Naidu urges Opposition to reconsider boycotting GST event

India

oi-Madhuri

Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Friday siad that Congress and other parties should reconsider boycotting GST event since the country was bound to benefit hugely from the tax initiative in the long run.

[Here are 100 FAQs on GST answered by Central Board of Excise and Customs]

Speaking ot ANI, Naidu said,''I still appeal to Congress and other parties boycotting GST event to reconsider. Its not a party function.''

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also urged the Opposition to revisit their decision to skip the GST launch saying that they were all consulted on the indirect tax reform. "I hope every political party will reconsider and revisit its decision" on not being a part of the GST launch in Parliament.

Former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh will not be present at the GST launch meeting. His party Congress also said that it would be boycotting the mega-launch event organised at the Central Hall, Parliament. Announcing the boycott, Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that Congress has decided to boycott Parliament's midnight session to roll out GST.

The Goods and Services Tax would be launched today, June 30, in the Central Hall of Parliament at midnight.

OneIndia News
Black money war: Money held by Indians in Swiss banks comes down to half

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The money parked by Indians in Swiss banks has come down to half. The amount has halved to 676 Swiss francs- around Rs 4,500 crore in 2016. This is largely due to the clampdown on black money stashed away abroad.

In comparison, the total funds held by all foreign clients of Swiss banks somewhat rose to CHF 1.42 trillion or about Rs 96 lakh crore (from CHF 1.41 trillion a year ago).

The total funds held by Indians directly with Swiss banks stood at CHF 664.8 million at the end of 2016, while the same held through fiduciaries was nearly USD 11 million, as per the latest data published today by the country's central banking authority SNB (Swiss National Bank).

The total money of Indians fell by 45 per cent during 2016 to CHF 675.75 million, marking the biggest ever yearly decline in such funds. This included nearly CHF 377 million in form of customer deposits, about CHF 98 million owed to Indians through other banks and CHF 190 million in form of other 'liabilities'. The figures fell sharply across all categories last year, the SNB data showed.

This is the lowest amount of funds held by Indians in the Swiss banks ever since the Alpine nation began making the data public in 1987 and marks the third straight year of decline. The funds held through fiduciaries or wealth managers alone used to be in billions till 2007 but has been falling amid fears of regulatory crackdown.

The funds held by Indians with Swiss banks stood at a record high of CHF 6.5 billion (Rs 23,000 crore) at 2006-end, but has now come down to nearly one-tenth of that level in about a decade. The quantum of these funds has been falling since then, except for in 2011 and in 2013 when Indians' money had risen by over 12 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively.

As per the available data since 1987, the earlier lowest ever figure was recorded in 1995 at CHF 723 million. The latest data from Zurich-based SNB comes ahead of a new framework for automatic exchange of information between Switzerland and India to help check the black money menace.

While Switzerland has already begun sharing foreign client details on evidence of wrongdoing provided by India and some other countries, it has agreed to further expand its cooperation on India's fight against black money with a new pact for automatic information exchange from next year.

There have been several rounds of discussions between Indian and Swiss government officials on the new framework and also for expediting the pending information requests about suspected illicit accounts of Indians in Swiss banks. The funds, described by SNB as 'liabilities' of Swiss banks or 'amounts due to' their clients, are the official figures disclosed by the Swiss authorities and do not indicate to the quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held by Indians in the safe havens of Switzerland.

SNB's official figures also do not include the money that Indians, NRIs or others might have in Swiss banks in the names of entities from different countries. There is a view that the Indians alleged to have parked their illicit money in Swiss banks in the past may have shifted the funds to other locations after a global clampdown began on the mighty banking secrecy practices in Switzerland.

Swiss banks have also said Indians have "few deposits" in Swiss banks compared to other global financial hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong amid stepped-up efforts to check the black money menace.

On directions of the Supreme Court, India has also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe cases of alleged black money of Indians, including funds stashed abroad in places like Switzerland. A number of strategies have been deployed by the government to combat the stash-funds menace, in both overseas and domestic domain, which include enactment of a new law to tackle stashing of black money abroad, amendments in the anti-money laundering Act and compliance windows for people to declare their hidden assets.

The Income Tax department had also detected over Rs 13,000 crore black money post investigations on global leaks about Indians stashing funds abroad and has launched prosecution against hundreds of entities, including those with accounts in Geneva branch of HSBC.

The taxmen had detected Rs 8,186 crore of undisclosed income against those whose names figured in the HSBC list that was obtained by India in 2011 through the French government. Out of the total 628 cases under this list, the department got "actionable" evidence in 415 cases and assessments have been completed in 398 cases.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also begun taking action, including seizure of properties, of those named in the HSBC list under a new clause in the the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Earlier this month, Switzerland ratified automatic exchange of financial account information with India and 40 other jurisdictions to facilitate immediate sharing of details about suspected black money even as it sought strict adherence to confidentiality and data security.

Adopting the dispatch on introduction of the AEOI, a global convention for automatic information exchange on tax matters, the Swiss Federal Council said on June 16 that the implementation is planned for 2018 and the first set of data should be exchanged in 2019.

The council, which is the top governing body of the European nation, will soon notify the Indian government about the exact date from which the automatic exchange would begin. As per the draft notification approved by the council, the decision is not subject to any referendum - which means there should be no further procedural delay in its implementation.

The issue of black money has been a matter of big debate in India and Switzerland has been long perceived as one of the safest havens for the illicit wealth allegedly stashed abroad by Indians.

Earlier in 2015, the money held by Indians in Swiss banks had fallen by nearly one-third to CHF 1,217.6 million (over Rs 8,000 crore). At the end of 2015, the total funds held in Swiss banks by Indians directly stood at CHF 1,206.71 million (down from CHF 1,776 million a year ago), while the money held through 'fiduciaries' or wealth managers was down at CHF 10.89 million (from CHF 37.92 million at 2014-end). The total stood at CHF 1,814 million at the end of 2014.

The total "amounts due to customers' savings and deposit accounts" fell from CHF 425.8 million at 2015-end to CHF 376.97 million, while the money held through other banks declined from CHF 270.4 million to CHF 97.8 million (after more than doubling during the previous year). The 'other liabilities' of Swiss banks towards Indian clients, which include funds held through securities etc, declined from CHF 510.4 million to CHF 190 million.

As per the SNB data, the total money held in Swiss banks by all their foreign clients from across the world however rose from CHF 1.41 trillion (USD 1.45 trillion or about Rs 98 lakh crore) to CHF 1.42 trillion (USD 1.48 trillion) in 2016.

The total assets of Swiss banks in India fell from CHF 4.8 billion in 2015 to CHF 3.9 billion in 2016.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 6:02 [IST]
Russian embassy takes up with MEA detention of its ship in Cochin

Two Indians missing in Kenya since July; govt in touch with Kenyan authorities: MEA

Construction by China at Doklam may have 'serious security implications': MEA

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

With Bhutan strongly objecting to the road construction work by China in Doklam region, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India has taken a positive step to settle boundary issues with Beijing and warned of 'serious security implications' if it goes ahead with the construction.

Bhutan on Thursday accused China of directly violating an agreement between the two countries by constructing a road inside its territory. In a strongly worded statement, Bhutan asked China to stop constructing the motorable road from Dokola in Doklam area towards the Bhutan Army camp at Zompelri, which it says affects the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries.

"We have conveyed Chinese Government that such construction will represent significant change of status quo with serious security implications...India has consistently taken positive approach to settlement of its own boundary with China, along with associated issue of tri-junctions," the MEA said in a statement.

"On June 16, PLA construction party entered Doklam to construct road. Its our understanding that Bhutan Army patrol tried to dissuade them," it said.

Bhutan said it has also issued a demarche to China over the construction of the road and asked Beijing to restore the "status quo" by stopping the work immediately.

China brushed aside Bhutan's protest against Beijing building a road towards a Bhutanese Army camp in Zomplri area of Doklam or Donglong, calling the construction just and lawful in Chinese territory".

"Donglong has been Chinese territory since ancient time. This is an indisputable territory and we have adequate legal basis concerning this," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang earlier said.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 14:29 [IST]
Dining with Dalits, staying with widows, living in villages: Poll plan of Karnataka parties

India

oi-Anusha

With assembly elections less than a year away, political parties in Karnataka have devised new methods to appease the people of the state. While the welfare schemes, rallies and promises are inevitable election moves, the BJP, the Congress as well as the JD(S) have chosen target voters and are in the process of wooing them.

Congress' 'widow' route to woo women voters

The current in-charge general secretary for Karnataka, K C Venugopal is moving with striking accuracy in identifying target voter base. While he managed to keep the Dalits happy with letting G Parameshwar continue as the KPCC president, he is said to have now asked women ticket aspirants to reside with widows. The move is aimed at wooing women voters and sending out a message that marginalised women of the society will be a priority for the Congress.

The move is also being looked at as a counter to BJP's 'meet and eat' with Dalit families across the state. Women ticket aspirants in the Congress have been 'advised' to eat and stay with widowed women across the state to be considered for candidature. Women power and definitely their votes are something that the Congress wants to harness in the upcoming assembly elections.

BJP's 'meet and eat' with Dalits

The BJP led by its state President B S Yeddyurappa is on a statewide 'connecting with the people' campaign. The larger aim of the BJP with the campaign is to break free from the anti-Dalit image. It is not without reason that B S Yeddyurappa is visiting Dalit colonies and homes across the state. When controversy broke out over hotel food being served at Dalit homes for a photo op, Yeddyurappa made it a point to ensure that his breakfast and lunch meet with Dalit families reach the people.

So much so that when the Congress accused Yeddyurappa of getting people from the upper caste to cook at Dalit homes and serve the same, the BJP made a Dalit woman cook and serve food to party leaders including Yeddyurappa in Ballari in front of the camera. With the food diplomacy, BJP hopes to win Dalit hearts and votes in the 2018 elections.

JD(S) believes in going back to the roots

State President of the Janata Dal (Secular) has decided to make rural population his priority. Kumaraswamy will tour the state and stay overnight at villages as one among the people. While this is not the first time that Kumaraswamy has chosen to travel and live in villages, this time, the focus will also be on North Karnataka. Pushing the party's pro-farmer agenda forward, Kumaraswamy will stay in villages across the state to send out the message that farmers are their priority. With Congress making women their pick and BJP attempting to woo Dalits, Kumaraswamy and the JD(S) will turn to farmers who have suffered consequent losses due to drought.

With the Congress appointing S R Patil as the working President of the party for North Karnataka and B S Yeddyurappa's popularity in the region especially among Lingayats, JD(S) hopes to garner some support from the farmers through Kumaraswamy's village stays.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 13:49 [IST]
Thick layer of smog with 'very poor' air continues to choke Delhi

Curbs under stage 3 of anti-pollution plan to continue in Delhi-NCR: CAQM

Drive to stop tobacco sale near Delhi schools

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Jun 29: The Delhi Police and the North Delhi Municipal Corporation have started a joint campaign to make all educational institutions tobacco free.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Jatin Narwal said tobacco sellers had been removed from around schools during summer vacations.

However, he has said that after the schools reopen, local residents will have to assist them in ensuring that tobacco products are not sold nears schools.

Strict legal action will be initiated against those who engage in selling these products near schools, he added. Krishna Kumar, the director of education, NDMC, said that all the educational institutions had been asked to put up signboards cautioning against the usage and sale of tobacco products.

PTI
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Get set tomorrow: GST kicks in on July 1

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Get set for tomorrow as GST will be rolled out. The government has eased the rules from introduction of an electronic way bill to filling requirements and the need to deduct tax paid by vendors by government departments and e-commerce companies.

On Friday the government will release a spreadsheet which would enable companies and firms to maintain electronic accounts, along with invoices. With negotiations to finalise the structure going on till a fortnight ago , even the requirement for businesses to register before the new regime kicks in has been relaxed.

Here are 100 FAQs on GST answered by Central Board of Excise and Customs

Suppliers can register till July-end. But the government reckons that most businesses are already registered as over 66 lakh of the 80 lakh traders, firms and companies have now registered on the portal operated by GSTN.

GST will rolled out at a historic session of Parliament at midnight on June 30. Dubbed as India's biggest tax reform, the GST will kick in from July 1. The opposition has decided to boycott the session complaining about the hurried manner in which GST is being ruled out. The Congress, Left and the TMC have said that it would stay away from the historic mid-night session of Parliament.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 6:14 [IST]
Gita has 18 chapters, GST a reality after 18 meetings: Modi

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the Bhagvad Gita during his speech at the Central Hall of Parliament ahead of the GST launch. It is a co-incidence that the Gita has 18 chapters and after 18 meetings, GST became a reality, he said.

Modi also went on to quote renowned scientist, Albert Einstein during his brief address at Parliament. Albert Einstein used to say that one of the most difficult things to understand is income tax. I wonder what he would have said had he seen the multiple taxes that were applied here, the PM said on a lighter note.

The 1.25 billion people of this country are witness to this historic event. The process of coming up with GST is not about economics alone, the entire process is testimony to our belief of cooperative federalism, Modi also said.

This direction and path that we have chosen, the reform that we are launching, is not a product of a single party or government. This is the outcome of the collective effort of each one of us, he further added.

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Story first published: Saturday, July 1, 2017, 1:29 [IST]
Gorkhaland agitation: Mamata Banerjee remains firm on no division of Bengal stand

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Kolkata, June 30: The tussle between the pro-Gorkhaland parties and the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal over the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland is set for a further flare-up as all the stakeholders remain firm on their respective stands.

On Thursday, when all the political and the non-political pro-Gorkhaland parties decided to continue with their Gorkhaland agitation, the WB Chief Minister reiterated that she will not allow the division of the state.

"Bengal cannot be divided. I will not allow it," she said at a public meeting in Burdwan. Hitting out at the Centre, the CM added, "They cannot tackle Kashmir. They are peeping (into Darjeeling)."

Once again repeating her previous statement that the ongoing violence in Darjeeling and adjoining hills is a "plot by vested interest groups", Banerjee said, "Whatever be the conspiracy, we will fight unitedly."

Banerjee had earlier stated that the agitation for Gorkhaland, being spearheaded by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), was a "deep-rooted conspiracy" and supported by insurgent groups of the Northeast and some foreign countries.

On Thursday, the pro-Gorkhaland parties in a meeting held in Kalimpong decided to continue with the indefinite bandh called by the GJM on June 15. A 30-member Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GLMCC) was formed during the meeting to carry forward the agitation.

"Henceforth, the GJM will not lead the ongoing agitation. The GLMCC will be the guiding force. There will be collective programmes in which all the constituent parties and organisations will take part" said Binay Tamang, assistant secretary, the GJM.

The members of the committee decided to meet again on July 6 to prepare a roadmap for their future course of action. "If the situation demands we will launch a fast unto death" stated Dawa Pakhrin, president of the Gorkhaland Rajya Nirman Morcha, a constituent of the GLMCC.

On Wednesday, the GJM activists held fresh demonstrations for Gorkhaland as security forces kept a strict vigil in the hills which remained tense due to the indefinite shutdown.

The army, meanwhile, was withdrawn from the restive hills after the state government sought its pull-out. The GJM supporters had torched an office of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) on Wednesday prompting the police to briefly detain two central committee members of the party, Samuel Gurung and RB Bhujal.

Both were released after two hours. Protesters also ransacked a panchayat office in Bijanbari area, 25 kilometres from Darjeeling.

Meanwhile, the ban on internet services in the hills has been extended till Friday. Darjeeling district magistrate Joyshree Dasgupta, in her order, said the "situation of emergency continues", whereby "unsubstantiated information is being circulated in some sections of the media" with the intent to inflaming emotions and "provoking the public in to violence".

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 6:56 [IST]
GST a tribute to maturity says President Pranab Mukherjee

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Goods and Services Tax is the biggest fiscal reform India has ever seen since Independence. GST was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.

President Mukherjee said at the launch, "It is remarkable that 18 meetings held so far, all decisions have been taken by consensus in the council. GST is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy."

He also said that the tax reform will act as a major boost to economic efficiency, tax compliance and domestic and foreign investment. He further went on to say that GST is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy. GST will make exports more competitive and provide level playing field to domestic industries, the President further said.

I was confident that it was just a matter of time before GST was launched, he said while adding that this was a historic moment and a culmination of a 14-year-long journey.

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Story first published: Saturday, July 1, 2017, 0:38 [IST]
90 Percent of Indias Online Skill Gaming Industry Says 28 Percent GST over GGV Will Be Catastrophic

GST collections up by 16.6% to Rs 1.52 lakh crore in October, says Centre

'GST being executed by incompetent and insensitive government,' says Rahul Gandhi

India

oi-Anusha

Breaking his silence for the first time after Congress decided to boycott the special GST event, Rahul Gandhi called the Narendra Modi government incompetent and insensitive. The Vice President of the AICC took to Twitter to accuse the government of implementing the Goods and Services Tax regime without planning and foresight.

Unlike demonetisation, GST is a reform that @INCIndia has championed & backed from the beginning  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 30, 2017

Drawing comparisons between Modi government's demonetisation move in November 2016 and GST roll out on Friday, Rahul Gandhi said that the Congress championed and backed the GST reform. "India deserves a #GST rollout that does not put crores of its ordinary citizens, small businesses & traders through tremendous pain & anxiety(SIC)," read a Tweet on Rahul Gandhi's official handle.

On a day when Union minister Venkaiah Naidu urged the Congress to reconsider its decision to boycott GST rollout, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of lacking foresight and institutional readiness.

"A reform that holds great potential is being rushed through in a half-baked way with a self-promotional spectacle," Rahul Gandhi added.

OneIndia News
90 Percent of Indias Online Skill Gaming Industry Says 28 Percent GST over GGV Will Be Catastrophic

GST collection rises 28 per cent to Rs 1.43 lakh crore in August

Congress to hold mass protest rally at Ramlila maidan against price rise, GST, unemployment tomorrow

GST collections up by 26% in September

GST collections up by 16.6% to Rs 1.52 lakh crore in October, says Centre

GST: India's biggest ever tax reform launched at midnight

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

It is unlikely that India would sleep tonight. On the intervening night of June 30-July 1, the country is all set to embrace one of its biggest changes-the Goods and Services Tax (GST)--since its independence back in 1947.

The launch event will kick-start at 11 pm on Friday and extend into the midnight, coinciding with the roll-out of the GST regime, informed officials involved with the whole process.

Here are 100 FAQs on GST answered by Central Board of Excise and Customs

Touted as the most sweeping tax reform-the implementation of the GST will change the way India lives and conducts its daily business. From a housewife, local kirana shop owner to a business tycoon, buying and selling of everything-- biscuit, tea to your dream house-- will go through a sea change.

While Parliament's Central Hall is all decked up to witness the historic event, murmurs of protest from opposition parties against the Narendra Modi government's most important decision were heard loud and clear hours before the GST launch.

If political parties-both for and against the GST--are using the occasion to score some brownie points, commoners are still not sure how changes in the tax system will impact their daily life and living.

The gala launch event will witness presence of President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries from various walks of life. The rest of India will follow the occasion live on television from their living rooms.

To know the minute-by-minute unfolding of the gala meeting, stay tuned to our live GST updates here...

12:04 am: GST has been officially launched by PM and President

#GST formally launched in Parliament by PM Modi and President Mukherjee. pic.twitter.com/BcGOG7gflS  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

12:03 am: I thank all for making this pathbreaking legislation: President

11:56 pm: GST is the culmination of a 14 year-long journey that began with the Kelkar Committee report in 2002: President

This historic moment is the culmination of 14 year long journey which began in December, 2002: President Pranab Mukherjee. #GST pic.twitter.com/zfyR5cPJtQ  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

11:54 pm: This is a matter of satisfaction for me as I was closely involved in the design as finance minister says Pranab Mukhjeree

11:51 pm: President Pranab Mukherjee begins his address at Central Hall of Parliament

It is Good and Simple Tax, Modi

11:48 pm: It is true that computer literacy is a problem but we know it is not unsurmountable, Modi.

Time to end cynicism and help this new momentum: Modi

GST is the tax for a new India, Modi

11:41 pm: Sardar Patel united the country, GST will bring economic unity, Modi

GST is simple, transparent and will end corruption, Modi

11:40 pm: Tax terrorism and inspector raj will come to an end, Modi

11:36 pm:The Central Hall of Parliament has seen many historical moments, so it is the perfect venue for launch of GST.

Our dream of one nation, one tax will be fulffilled.

11:34 pm: India is an example of corporate federalism says Modi

11:27 pm: GST is not achievement of just one government

11:26 pm: I thank all of you for being present says Modi.

The road we have taken is a collective decision, Modi.

GST is an efffort made by all of us, Modi.

Central hall will witness history today, Modi.

11:23 pm: At the stroke of midnight we are taking India to a new direction, Modi

11:21 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins speech

11:19 pm: GST shows India can rise above narrow politics, Jaitley

11:17 pm: The nation has shown maturity in passing the GST council says Jaitley.

11:16 pm: Former Prime Minister Deve Gowda is on dias with PM and President

11:15 pm: We can rise above narrow politics, says FM Jaitley. No more multiple taxes, only one tax will govern the country now, he adds.

11:13 pm: GST is an important step in the country, Jaitley

11:12 pm: GST shows inclusion says Arun Jaitley

11:05 pm: FM Arun Jaitley, VP Hamid Ansari, LS Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and others in Parliament ahead of GST launch

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley welcomes all at the GST launch event

11:04 pm: President Pranab Mukherjee to reach Parliament shortly for GST rollout

National anthem played at the launch of the GST rollout

11:00 pm: President Pranab Mukherjee arrives at Parliament's Central Hall for the GST launch

10.55 pm: PM Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley arrive for the GST launch at Parliament's Central Hall. PM's address is scheduled at 11.15 pm.

Delhi: GST Bhavan lights up ahead of the GST rollout

Rollout of GST is historical say Devendra Fadnavis

10.54 pm: It is only for the fourth time in history that the Indian Parliament is functioning at midnight

10.30 pm: Ratan Tata reaches Parliament to attend GST launch.

10:00 pm: Ministers and invitees start arriving at Parliament House for GST launch.

9.55 pm: Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Telangana Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu protesting against #GST in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex

Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Telangana Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu protesting against #GST in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex pic.twitter.com/1J5Hqo42vP  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

9:55 pm: In bringing out any reforms, there will be initial hiccups, but those can be addressed: Venkaiah Naidu.

9.40 pm: Next three GST Council meeting will be on 1st Saturday of the month starting from August, 2017.

9:12 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Vigyan Bhawan to meet GST Council members from across states.

9:00 pm: Arun Jaitley to address a GST-related meeting at the Talkatora Stadium on July 6.

8:58 pm: Delhi BJP to organise camps to help trader organisations and the common people on problems and "misconceptions" related to the GST.

8:49 pm: "Under the GST regime, tax base will expand. More people will pay tax honestly. The GST experience may lead to lower tax rates in the future while tax revenue will go up," says power minister Piyush Goyal.

8.34 pm: I think India will grow faster, better, economy will be benefited, all the states will be benefited: Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra CM.

8.30 pm: Consensus in council was to bring the rate down to 5% so that fertilizer price if at all comes down, it doesn't go up: FM Arun Jaitley.

8:15 pm: GST Council reduces tax rate on fertilizer from 12% to 5%, says Jaitley.

7:53 pm: School supplies like pencils and books are unlikely to get costlier under the GST regime: HRD minister Prakash Javadekar.

7.50 pm: Finance Minster Arun Jaitley chairs the 18th GST Council meeting at Vigyan Bhavan

7:45 pm: Parliament building lights up ahead of GST rollout

OneIndia News
GST may benefit farmers from states like Karnataka but not Punjab

India

oi-Anusha

While apprehensions continue on whether Goods and Services Tax will affect the already suffering farming sector, numbers comparing earlier tax regime and the GST regime show that the farmers in many states including Karnataka, may have reason to smile.

GST on agricultural inputs may be lower than the previous regime that included VAT and Central Excise but it may be the opposite for states where farmers paid no tax for chemical fertilisers and no value-added-tax on pesticides. While farmers across the country benefited so far from inter-state price differentials, they will have to forego the same thanks to nationwide uniform GST rates.

Here are 100 FAQs on GST answered by Central Board of Excise and Customs

Karnataka's agriculture minister Krishna Byregowda, who is a part of GST Council told reporters on Thursday how the GST regime was beneficial for the farmers inc comparison to the previous tax regime. Tax percentage on agricultural inputs, at least for farmers in Karnataka, will see a dip with GST except for power-driven agricultural implements which will increase to 12 percent from current 5.50 percent. Instead of VAT plus Central excise on input that pegged taxes at 18 percent for most products, GST has brought it down to 12 percent. Tax percentage on pesticides, however, remain unchanged. Here is how the cost of agricultural inputs will look like after GST roll out for farmers in Karnataka.

Earlier Regime GST Agricultural Inputs VAT Central Excise Total Chemical Fertilisers 5.50% 12.50% 18.00% 12% Pesticides 5.50% 12.50% 18.00% 18% Agricultural Labour 0% 0% 0% 0% Sowing seeds 0% 0% 0% 0% Tractors 5.50% 12.50% 18.00% 12% Pump sets and Motors 5.50% 12.50% 18.00% 12% Agricultural Implements Manually operated 0% 0% 0% 0% Agricultural Implements-power driven 5.50% 0% 5.50% 12%

The situation, however, is unlikely to be the same for farmers in states like Punjab and Haryana where pesticides do not have VAT and fertilisers are tax-free. Farmers here will have to cough up more with fertilisers being pegged at 12 percent and pesticides at 18 percent. Pesticides in Haryana and Punjab currently attract an excise duty of 12.5 percent. Under the GST it is 18 percent, an additional 5.5 percent on the existing stock. This may improve as fresh stock with GST rates enters the market.

Prices of pre-stocked fertilisers post GST rollout has been a primary concern for the industry. While the industry stakeholders including fertiliser firms are sure that farmers will not pay more than the printed MRP, lack of clarity continues to bother many. In the long run, however, GST may, in fact, turn beneficial to farmers especially on the Chemical fertiliser, tractors, pump sets and motors, front. Power-driven agricultural implements will cost higher with 12 percent tax as against the current 4-7 percent.

OneIndia News
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GST rollout: From 1986 to 2017, a timeline

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

India ushered into a new tax era at the stroke of midnight. A journey which began 17 years back was set into motion at the Central Hall of Parliament by President of India Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

GST, replaces more than a dozen central and state levies like factory-gate, excise duty, service tax and local sales tax or VAT and is India's biggest tax reform in the 70 years of independence.

A timeline:

February 1986: Finance Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh proposes a major overhaul of the excise taxation structure in the budget for 1986-87.

2000: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpyee introduces the concept, sets up a committee headed by the then West Bengal Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta to design a GST model.

2003: The Vajpayee government forms a task force under Vijay Kelkar to recommend tax reforms.

2004: Vijay Kelkar, then advisor to the Finance Ministry, recommends GST to replace the existing tax regime.

February 28, 2006: GST appears in the Budget speech for the first time; Finance Minister P Chidambaram sets an ambitious April 1, 2010 as deadline for GST implementation. He says the Empowered Committee of finance ministers will prepare a road map for GST.

2008: Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers constituted.

April 30, 2008: The Empowered Committee submits a report titled 'A Model and Roadmap Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India' to the government

November 10, 2009: Empowered Committee submits a discussion paper in the public domain on GST welcoming debate.

2009: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announces basic structure of GST as designed by Dasgupta committee; retains 2010 deadline.

BJP opposes GST basic structure.

February 2010: Finance Ministry starts mission-mode computerisation of commercial taxes in states, to lay the foundation for GST rollout.

Pranab Mukherjee defers GST to April 1, 2011.

March 22, 2011: UPA-II tables 115th Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha for bringing GST.

March 29, 2011: GST Bill referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance led by Yashwant Sinha.

Asim Dasgupta resigns, replaced by the then Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani.

November 2012: Finance Minister P Chidambaram holds meetings with state finance ministers; decides to resolve all issues by December 31, 2012 for GST rollout.

February 2013: Declaring UPA government's resolve to introducing GST, Chidambaram in his Budget speech makes provision for Rs 9,000 crore to compensate states for losses incurred because of GST.

August 2013: Parliamentary standing committee submits report to Parliament suggesting improvements on GST. GST Bill gets ready for introduction in Parliament.

October 2013: Gujarat Chief Minister Narnedra Modi opposes GST Bill saying state would incur losses worth Rs 14,000 crore every year due to GST.

2014: GST Bill cleared by Standing Committee lapses as Lok Sabha dissolves; BJP-led NDA government comes to power.

December 18, 2014: Cabinet approves 122nd Constitution Amendment Bill to GST.

December 19, 2014: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley introduces the Constitution (122nd) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha; Congress objects.

February 2015: Jaitley sets April 1, 2016 as deadline for GST rollout.

May 6, 2015: Lok Sabha passes GST Constitutional Amendment Bill.

May 12, 2015: The Amendment Bill presented in the Rajya Sabha.

Congress demands the Bill be sent to Select Committee of Rajya Sabha; demands capping GST rate at 18 per cent.

May 14, 2015: The GST Bill forwarded to joint committee of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

August 2015: Government fails to win the support of Opposition to pass the bill in the Rajya Sabha where it lacks sufficient number.

July 2016: Centre opposes capping GST rate at 18%; gets states around.

August 2016: Congress, BJP agree to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill.

August 3, 2016: Rajya Sabha passes the Constitution Amendment Bill by two-thirds majority.

September 2, 2016: 16 states ratify GST Bill; President Pranab Mukherjee gives assent to the Bill.

September 12: Union Cabinet clears formation of GST Council

September 22-23: Council meets for first time.

November 3: GST Council agrees on four slab tax structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28% along with an additional cess on luxury and sin goods.

January 16, 2017: Jaitley announces July 1 as GST rollout deadline. Centre, states agree on contentious issue of dual control and taxing rights on goods at high sea.

February 18: GST Council finalises draft compensation bill providing to make good any revenue loss to states in first five years of GST rollout.

March 4: GST Council approves CGST and Integrated-GST bills.

March 20: Cabinet approved CGST, IGST and UT GST and Compensation bills.

March 27: Jaitley tables CGST, IGST, UT GST and Compensation bills in Parliament. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha pass all the four key GST Bills - Central GST (CGST), Integrated GST (IGST), State GST (SGST) and Union Territory GST (UTGST).

May 18: GST Council fits over 1,200 goods in one of the four tax slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28%. Over 80% of goods of mass consumption either exempted or taxed under 5% slab.

GST Council fixes cess on luxury and sin goods to create kitty for compensating states.

May 19: GST Council decides on 5, 12, 18 and 28% as service tax slabs.

Jun 21: All states except Jammu and Kashmir pass SGST law.

June 28: Mamata Banerjee announces her party's decision to skip midnight launch of GST.

June 29: Congress, Left too decide to skip launch.

June 30: Midnight session of Parliament convened to launch GST.

July 1: GST launched at 12.01 am

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, July 1, 2017, 0:46 [IST]
How 'Operation Pigeon' prevented Kerala Muslims from joining ISIS

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

"Operation Pigeon." This is the name given to an operation that is being carried out by the Kerala police, Central Intelligence Bureau and the National Investigating Agency to prevent the youth of Kerala from joining the Islamic State.

The operation was launched following the incident in which over 20 youth slipped out of Kerala and joined the IS in Afghanistan. This incident caused a great amount of concern among the security agencies who then went on to form a special squad to stop the menace.

Under Operation Pigeon, the first step was to gain control over the social media. The officers scanned thousands of accounts of those persons who were showing interest in joining the ISIS or any other terrorist group. The team focused largely in and around Kasargod.

The team then met with community elders and parent of the youth. The parents and the elders were very responsive, officials said. One officer part of the operation informed OneIndia that these youth who were identified as vulnerable were counselled by the elders, parents and the police. The session on counselling was overseen by the team comprising the Intelligence Bureau and the National Investigating Agency.

An NIA official said that it was important that the elders in the community were not offended. A team of specially trained officers were deputed for this operation to ensure that the process went on smoothly.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 12:19 [IST]
IATA seeks clarifications on GST

India

oi-PTI

Global airlines body International Air Transport Association on Thursday claimed that there were "information gaps" regarding the implementation of the new tax regime and sought clarifications on the tax treatment of air travels under Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The aviation ministry, too, had earlier sought postponement of the GST implementation by two months on the ground that airlines needed more time to revamp their systems to comply with the new tax regime. In a u-turn, the ministry later said it was prepared for the GST roll-out from the stipulated date -- July 1.

"There are still information gaps. We look forward to receiving the guidance notes to be provided by the GST Council," said Country DirectorIndia of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Amitabh Khosla in a press statement.

Here are 100 FAQs on GST answered by Central Board of Excise and Customs

The body has sought clarification on "taxation treatment of continuous journeys" as the new taxation system is likely to make non-stop flights more expensive than stop-over flights. It has also expressed concerns about levying of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on air cargo.

"We believe that the levying of GST on cargo export services by air contradicts standard GST principles as well as the treatment of such services under the service tax regime. Clarification would help align this with international standards and principles," the statement added. Carriers, including Air India, have expressed concern over certain aspects of GST.

Airline officials said making changes in the global ticket distribution system to ensure compliance with GST would take time. Airlines are also in a fix over the possibility of movement of stocks or equipment or aircraft parts being taxed under GST. Another sticking point is that input tax credit is only available for business class travel and not for economy class travel -- a segment where there are more number of passengers.

This would result in spike in operational costs for airlines. Input tax credit allows an entity to deduct the levies paid for the inputs while paying the taxes on the final output. Since GST is applicable for goods as well as services, input tax credit provides a leeway for the entities concerned.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 9:59 [IST]
IIT Madras joint entrance exam: Why were 7 grace marks given, SC asks

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Supreme Court has asked the IIT Madras as to why 7 additional grace marks were awarded to those who did not even attempt the question. The SC was hearing a plea challenging the decision of the IIT Madras to award grace marks.

In the petition it was stated that there were misprinted questions in the joint entrance exam. These questions were not attempted by most candidates. However the IIT Madras awarded 7 grace marks for those candidates who did not attempt the question, the petitioner contended.

The IIT JEE Advanced 2017 result was declared on June 11. Those students who took the IIT JEE Advanced 2017 were given bonus marks for three ambiguous questions. This was applicable to all candidates who took the examination on May 21.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 12:00 [IST]
In grand GST launch, Modi sarkar shows its commitment to vikas

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, July 1: It was truly a grand event of mammoth proportion. As President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries from various walks of life attended the launch of Goods and Services Tax (GST) at Parliament's Central Hall on Friday night, the country stepped into a new era of economic reforms.

Amid the opposition's protest against the early launch of GST, the Modi government's firm stand to go ahead with the inauguration of new tax regime showed its commitment to Sabka Saath, Saabka Vikas (collective efforts, inclusive growth)--a popular slogan of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

"In a short while, India will move towards a new direction. We are deciding India's future course," said PM Modi during the launch event.

He added, "This historic reform is not an achievement of any one government or party. India is a shining example of cooperative federalism. The GST is a result of combined efforts of all political parties. The GST is a work of Team India. From Ganganagar to Itanagar, from Leh to Lakshwadeep, the nation will see one nation, one tax."

While most of the leaders of the ruling BJP-led NDA alliance were present at the event, many from the opposition including former PM Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi were conspicuous by their absence.

The GST will simplify a web of taxes, regulations and border levies by subsuming an array of central and state levies including excise duty, service tax and VAT. It is expected to gradually re-shape India's business landscape, making the world's fastest-growing major economy an easier place to do business.

The GST has been dubbed as the most significant economic reform since BJP government came to power in 2014 and is expected to add as much as 2 percentage points to the GDP growth rate besides raising government revenues by widening the tax net.

A four-rate structure that exempts or imposes a low rate of tax of 5 per cent on essential items and top rate of 28 per cent on cars and consumer durables has been finalised. The other slabs of tax are 12 and 18 per cent.

Several opposition parties including the Congress and the Left decided to skip the launch event, primarily citing the fact that India is not ready to embrace the GST as of now.

They alleged that the Modi government was in a hurry to introduce the GST which would directly impact thousands of small and medium businesses bringing large-scale loss to the overall economy.

In reply to the opposition's allegations, senior BJP leader and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari told NDTV that the critics like Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are opposing the GST because of "their political compulsion".

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Story first published: Saturday, July 1, 2017, 0:10 [IST]
JD(U) snubs opposition, to attend midnight GST session in Parliament

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Janata Dal (U) has decided to take part in the midnight session of Parliament today where GST will be rolled out. The party which rules Bihar in an alliance with the RJD and Congress will be represented by the state's Commercial Taxes minister, Bijendra Prasad Yadav.

This is for the second time in two weeks, the JD(U) has gone against an decision of the joint opposition. The Congress, Left and the TMC have already announced that they would be boycotting the midnight session of Parliament.

Here are 100 FAQs on GST answered by Central Board of Excise and Customs

Earlier the JD(U) had decided to extend support to the NDA's presidential candidate, Ram Nath Kovind. The decision was made by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar despite the joint opposition announcing Meira Kumar as its presidential candidate.

The midnight session of Parliament will be held on June 30 following which GST will be rolled out. GST has been touted as the biggest tax reform ever.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 8:24 [IST]
J&K parties for GST with safeguards to protect the fiscal autonomy

India

oi-PTI

Srinagar, Jun 29: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday claimed that the parties were in agreement on the extension of the GST but with safeguards to protect the fiscal autonomy of the state.

The second meeting of an all-party consultative group, constituted by the J&K government to evolve a consensus on the GST implementation in the state, was held.

"There was a general consensus in the meeting that non- implementation of the GST regime would trigger economic and financial chaos in the state with the inter-state trade vis- a-vis J-K taking a big hit," an official spokesman said here.

He said the meeting was held under the chairmanship of former deputy chief minister and MP Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

The members of the consultative group including former finance minister and NC leader Abdul Rahim Rather, CPI(M) state secretary M Y Tarigami, Congress leader Aijaz Ahmad Khan, Hakim Mohammad Yasin of PDF, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat of PDP, Sunil Sethi of BJP, Ghulam Hassan Mir of DPN and Independent legislators Sheikh Abdul Rashid and Pawan Gupta attended the meeting.

Here are 100 FAQs on GST answered by Central Board of Excise and Customs

The meeting held threadbare discussions over the legal, legislative, financial, economic and administrative aspects of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime with the chairman explaining in detail the nuances of the new tax regime. The spokesman said Beigh complimented the state government for having initiated a debate on the issue with all shades of the political opinion to evolve broad-based consensus before Jammu and Kashmir is brought under the tax regime.

"If we talk of bringing a separate law, the Centre will have to amend two chapters in the Constitution to delegate powers of taxation to the state of J-K. It will become a huge political issue across the country. "Besides, it will also entail amending Section 5 of J-K Constitution which can't be done. More so, any attempt on fiddling with Section 5 will open a Pandora's box which will have huge political ramifications for J-K in future," he said.

Presenting the government's view, Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu said the government will ensure adequate safeguards for protecting the special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir as enshrined in Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

Regarding GST, the finance minister said it would be an integrated tax regime which would replace 16 taxes currently being levied by the Centre and the state government. Drabu said the existing tax incentives under the industrial policy will be continued and the cross-LoC trade can be maintained in the current form.

"In case the GST is not extended to the state, the businesses will be crippled as no trader from Jammu and Kashmir will be able to do business with their counterparts from other parts of the country," Drabu said, adding the consumer in J-K will be the worst hit due to double taxation. Drabu said in the absence of an alternative trading link, J-K is literally integrated with mainland Indian market.

"Entire requirements are imported from it and everything produced or manufactured in J-K is exported to the same market. Twin taxation systems dissociated from each other will entail costs to business and to public finance system.

"Trading processes will be subjected to twin taxation systems making everything costly in J-K, a cost that ultimately the consumer shall have to bear," he said, adding traders will have to pay more for managing twin systems and it could create a situation that J-K may not get buyers or sellers for its products.

NC's Rather, who is the former chairman of the Empowered Committee of Finance Minister on GST, said his party was not against the implementation of the GST in the state in principle but it wanted adequate safeguards to protect the fiscal autonomy of the state. Khan of the Congress said his party had piloted the evolution of the Goods and Service Tax regime across the country.

"Our party has laid the foundation of GST. We are in favour of it but we are concerned about how it is implemented in J-K. The law must be introduced in an applicable form in the state," he said. Tarigami said consultations were beneficial for evolving a consensus but stressed that Article 370 should not be belittled.

The all-party consultative group had earlier met here on June 24 to discuss the issue. Tarigami said that we have to take people along to preserve the relationship between India and J-K. He congratulated the government for debating the issue with us.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 9:44 [IST]
Karnataka Congress in-charge seeks list of pro-RSS faculty, ABVP sees red

India

oi-Anusha

Karnataka Congress in-charge general secretary K C Venugopal has a new task for Students wing of the Congress. He has sought a list of faculty members who support RSS and affiliated organisations including the ABVP and has assured to take action against them. The move is being deemed 'undemocratic' by the ABVP.

During a meeting with members of National Students Union of India on Wednesday, Venugopal was appraised about some lecturers in educational institutions supporting Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and RSS ideologies. The Congress student wing complained that pro-RSS and ABVP faculty members and principals working in degree colleges in the state were partial towards members of NSUI.

During the meet, Venugopal stressed the importance of winning the youth's confidence and getting them to campaign for the Congress and increase vote base among students. Members of the NSUI, however, told Venugopal that their entry into certain colleges was restricted since the principals or faculty members backed ABVP. Acknowledging their issues, Venugopal has asked them to submit a list with names of faculties posing problems to them and supporting RSS ideology and affiliated organisations.

"The move is undemocratic. The law states that students should not protest against the government but student activism is not prohibited. Leave alone Venugopal, even the state, according to the law cannot stop the activities of a student body in educational institutions. This is just a way of targeting people lecturers," said Vinay Bidre, ABVP national general secretary.

While NSUI members denied any such list, Venugopal on Thursday told reporters that he had sought a list. He, however, maintained that he only sought a list of names of teachers who propagated political ideologies in college premises. He claimed that action should and will be initiated against faculty members indulging in politics on campuses.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 13:41 [IST]
Kashmir braces for troubled times as never before seen security in place

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Jammu and Kashmir is bracing up for tough times. The Intelligence Bureau has advised the security forces to be on 'very high' alert as July 8 will mark the completion of 1 year since Burhan Wani died in an encounter.

The separatists in Kashmir have started making preparations to observe July 8 in a big way. They would be joined by the terrorists too. These persons will look to trigger off violence in a big way, the IB states. They would also plan attacks to protest the decision by the US to designate Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist.

Salahuddin has directed his men to visit the homes of terrorists killed in encounters and ask them to take part in a series of rallies to be held starting from the first week of July.

Following the warning by the Intelligence Bureau, the authorities have declared a 10 day break for educational institutions starting July 6. Further there would be curfews and prohibitory orders imposed in most parts of Kashmir. A curfew would be clamped in Srinagar as well from July 7 onwards. The decision on how to long to extend it would be taken depending on the situation on the ground.

Internet and mobile services are also likely to be cut-off from July 7 onwards. A decision on whether to snap the services earlier would depend again on the prevailing situation, a security official posted in the state informed.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 8:18 [IST]
Kerala's area wise list of youth vulnerable towards ISIS

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The incident in which several youth from Kerala left the state to join the Islamic State in Afghanistan has rattled the security machinery. The entire machinery woken up to prevent similar occurrences and more importantly the Kerala state administration has acknowledged that the threat is for real.

With the ISIS incident shaking the mechanism, an exercise called "Operation Pigeon" was launched to prevent similar instances. During the investigations conducted by a joint team of the Kerala police, Intelligence Bureau and the National Investigation Agency it was found that 350 youth were vulnerable and could join the ISIS.

How 'Operation Pigeon' prevented Kerala Muslims from joining ISIS

Area wise list of ISIS sympathisers in Kerala:

Kannur: 118

Malappuram: 89

Kasargod: 66

Palakkad: 16

Other districts: 61

Back in the fold:

Among the 350 'vulnerable Malayali youth," the police have managed to bring back into the mainstream 330 of them. They were all found online chatting with various persons who were sympathetic towards the ISIS or part of it.

The identification took place after the special team scanned social media accounts, chat transcripts and other details. The next step was to speak with the community elders and parents and begin the counselling process. A special team of the IB and NIA handled this part and managed to bring back 330 into the mainstream. Although there is an assurance that they would not join such groups, they are still being closely monitored.

30 refuse to budge:

While the special team managed to convince 330 youth not to join the ISIS, the rest of the 30 remain adamant. During the various rounds of counselling they said that they are firm in their commitment to join the ISIS. They also said that they would not relent as they feel deeply about the cause.

The special team has not booked them as yet. We will continue to counsel and speak with them. The intention is to bring them back into the mainstream without hurting their feelings. We are confident that we will be able to do so, said an officer part of this exercise.

OneIndia News
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case

Law-abiding traders need not worry about GST: Dinesh Sharma

India

pti-PTI

Mathura (UP), Jun 30: Traders will not face any harassment after the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said.

Sharma held a meeting with leaders of various trade organisations in the state in Lucknow on Thursday.

"He has told us that law-abiding traders need not worry and that only tax evaders will attract punitive action under the GST," Ravi Kant Garg, the vice-president of the Uttar Pradesh Uddyog Vyapaar Pratinidhi Mandal, told reporters today.

He said that the deputy chief minister was apprised of apprehensions of the traders regarding the new tax regime.

"We have told Sharma that the traders are not against the GST, but they are against its impractical implementation," Garg said.

[Here are 100 FAQs on GST answered by Central Board of Excise and Customs]

Meanwhile, the bandh call in Mathura given by district traders associations in protest against "anomalies" in the GST was total, claimed Ramesh Chaturvedi, the district president of the Uddyog Vyapaar Pratinidhi Mandal.

PTI
Fact Check: No, the government has not imposed GST on funeral services

List of major chronological events that led to the introduction of GST

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, June 30: In a few hours from now, India's biggest tax reform--Goods and Services Tax (GST)--will be launched in Parliament's Central Hall on Friday night. The hour-long starry event--to mark the grand launch of the GST--will be graced by President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of dignitaries from various walks of life.

Read: Here are 100 FAQs on GST answered by Central Board of Excise and Customs

It took several years--to be exact 21--for India to get ready to unveil the major indirect tax reform measure.

The journey of the GST started in a modest way back in 1986-1987, when the then finance minister VP Singh introduced Modified Value Added Tax (MODVAT) in 1986 in Parliament.

Since then, various governments at the Centre under the leadership of different finance ministers worked towards the final shape of the present GST, which is coming into force from Saturday.

The GST, an indirect tax system throughout India, will replace various taxes levied by the central and state governments. The GST is said to simplify a web of taxes, regulations and border levies by subsuming an array of central and state levies including excise duty, service tax and VAT.

It is expected to gradually re-shape India's business landscape, making the world's fastest-growing major economy an easier place to do business.

Here we bring you a list of major chronological events that have led to the launch of the GST ...

1. The GST was first discussed in the report of the Kelkar Task Force on indirect taxes. In 2003, the Kelkar Task Force on indirect tax had suggested a comprehensive GST based on VAT principle.

2. A proposal to introduce a National level Goods and Services Tax (GST) by April 1, 2010, was first mooted in the Budget Speech for the financial year 2006-07.

3. Since the proposal involved reform/ restructuring of not only indirect taxes levied by the Centre but also the States, the responsibility of preparing a Design and Road Map for the implementation of GST was assigned to the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers (EC).

4. Based on inputs from Govt of India and States, the EC released its First Discussion Paper on Goods and Services Tax in India in November, 2009.

5. In order to take the GST related work further, a Joint Working Group consisting of officers from Central as well as State Government was constituted in September, 2009.

6. In order to amend the Constitution to enable introduction of GST, the Constitution (115th Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in March 2011. As per the prescribed procedure, the Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance of the Parliament for examination and report.

7. Meanwhile, in pursuance of the decision taken in a meeting between the Union Finance Minister and the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers on November 8, 2012, a 'Committee on GST Design', consisting of the officials of the Government of India, State Governments and the Empowered Committee was constituted.

8. This Committee did a detailed discussion on GST design including the Constitution (115th) Amendment Bill and submitted its report in January, 2013. Based on this Report, the EC recommended certain changes in the Constitution Amendment Bill in their meeting at Bhubaneswar in January 2013.

9. The Empowered Committee in the Bhubaneswar meeting also decided to constitute three committees of officers to discuss and report on various aspects of GST as follows:-

(a) Committee on Place of Supply Rules and Revenue Neutral Rates;

(b) Committee on dual control, threshold and exemptions;

(c) Committee on IGST and GST on imports.

1. The Parliamentary Standing Committee submitted its Report in August, 2013 to the Lok Sabha. The recommendations of the Empowered Committee and the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee were examined in the Ministry in consultation with the Legislative Department. Most of the recommendations made by the Empowered Committee and the Parliamentary Standing Committee were accepted and the draft Amendment Bill was suitably revised.

2. The final draft Constitutional Amendment Bill incorporating the above stated changes were sent to the Empowered Committee for consideration in September 2013.

3. The EC once again made certain recommendations on the Bill after its meeting in Shillong in November 2013. Certain recommendations of the Empowered Committee were incorporated in the draft Constitution (115th Amendment) Bill. The revised draft was sent for consideration of the Empowered Committee in March, 2014.

4. The 115th Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2011, for the introduction of GST introduced in the Lok Sabha in March 2011 lapsed with the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha.

5. In June 2014, the draft Constitution Amendment Bill was sent to the Empowered Committee after approval of the new Government.

6. Based on a broad consensus reached with the Empowered Committee on the contours of the Bill, the Cabinet on December 17, 2014, approved the proposal for introduction of a Bill in Parliament for amending the Constitution of India to facilitate the introduction of GST in the country.

7. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 19, 2014, and was passed by the Lok Sabha on May 6, 2015. It was then referred to the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha, which submitted its report on July 22, 2015.

8. Finally, the GST Amendment Bill got Parliament's nod in August, 2016. The GST roll out was now only a matter of time.

9. The GST Council was formed. Approval from requisite number of states was secured. In January, 2017, Arun Jaitley announced that GST would be rolled out on July 1.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 8:37 [IST]
Mansarovar Yatra through Nathu La pass cancelled

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, June 30: Days after China refused entry to around 50 Indian pilgrims who were to travel to Kailash Mansarovar through the Nathu La pass, India has decided to halt the yatra en route China. The Mansarovar pilgrims can visit Mansarovar only through Uttarakhand route.

The decision to cancel the Nathu La pass route came after China accused India of seriously damaging border peace. Beijing further warned New Delhi on Wednesday that future visits of its pilgrims will depend on whether it will "correct its errors".

The yatra through Uttrakhand is considered tougher of the two trekking routes set by the Ministry of External Affairs to Kailash Mansarovar.

Before the warning, China had lodged protests in Beijing and New Delhi against Indian soldiers' "trespassing" into its territory, The Hindustan Times reported. The foreign ministry in a statement said the entry to pilgrims has been denied because of "security considerations" and "in light of" the border stand-off in the Sikkim section.

The move will come as a disappointment to the 800 devotees hoping to visit the high altitude area, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, following an arduous trek along the Nathu La route.

Though the Kailash Mansarovar yatra through Nathu La in Sikkim will not take place this year, the pilgrimage through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand will continue as scheduled, a government official said.

Oneindia News
Modi wants to build grand monument of Lord Buddha in Gujarat's Aravalli district

India

oi-PTI

Modasa (Guj), Jun 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a gathering in Modasa cit on Friday said he aspired to build a grand monument of Lord Buddha in Gujarat's Aravalli district where Buddhist relics were found during an excavation.

On the second day of his visit to the state, Modi, dressed in a traditional tribal attire, said the recent excavations in Aravalli have established that the Buddha was revered in the western belt of India as well.

"There was a general notion earlier that Lord Buddha was popular in the eastern belt of the country only. But, the excavation at Dev ni Mori near Shamlaji temple (in Aravalli) some time back has established that Lord Buddha's influence had reached the western belt too," he said.

"It is my dream to build a grand monument of Lord Buddha at Dev ni Mori, so that people from across the world can come here and visit this place. I'm confident of fulfilling my dream with your blessings," Modi said.

The prime minister also referred to his home town Vadnagar, saying even Chinese traveller Hsuan Tsang mentioned in his diary that there was a monastery in Vadnagar where nearly 10,000 Buddhist monks used to live centuries ago. Modi was here to dedicate a Rs 552 crore scheme to provide drinking water to over 600 villages and three towns in the district.

He suggested that the Gujarat government should include a chapter in engineering colleges about the latest technology used for lifting and pumping water in such projects commissioned across the state in recent times. Modi said the BJP government in the state believed in finishing a work completely instead of doing something just to save its face during elections.

"Ever since the BJP got the chance to serve the people here, we never tried to win elections by doing some small work, as if throwing some pieces to attract votes during elections. We never walked on such a path. We always focused on doing our work in a perfect manner," he said. The Gujarat Assembly elections are due later this year.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 16:46 [IST]
New tax, Interest Rates changes coming into effect on August 1

Fact Check: No, the government has not imposed GST on funeral services

In first 5 months of FY23, Punjab logs 23% growth in GST revenue

No show by Manmohan, Mamata, Sonia at GST grand launch event

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, July 1: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was supposed to be at the dais along with President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi and a few other dignitaries during the launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at Parliament's Central Hall on Friday.

However, Singh gave the GST launch ceremony at Parliament a miss as the Congress boycotted the function. But some constituents of the informal opposition grouping, including the NCP, Samajwadi Party, JD(U) and JD(S), attended the function.

Along with Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee were some of the big names who skipped the event as a mark of protest against the GST launch.

JD(S) supremo and former PM HD Deve Gowda, who was one of the special invitees along with Singh, attended the function.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar also attended the event marking India's transition to a new indirect tax regime.

Among the other opposition parties which did not attend the function were the DMK, left parties, RJD and the Trinamool Congress. The Congress had on Thursday decided not to attend the function.

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Story first published: Saturday, July 1, 2017, 1:58 [IST]
Police dog solves murder mystery in a jiffy in Bengaluru, sniffs out killer

India

oi-Anusha

The Bengaluru police solved a murder mystery within minutes without arrests, interrogation or collection of evidence thanks to a sniffer dog. The trained police canine sniffed out the killer of a 21-year-old girl in no time right at the scene of the crime in Bengaluru's Kengeri Upanagara.

Divya, a 21-year-old private firm employee was found dead with stab injuries in the neck at her residence. Venkatesh, Divya's friend and colleague informed the police that two bike-borne miscreants had attacked and killed Divya despite his attempts to save her. Incidentally, Kavya's parents had sheltered Venkatesh after he lost his parents and had also managed to find him a job.

When the police arrived at the crime scene, they noticed blood stains on Venkatesh's clothes. On being asked about it, the 23-year old Venkatesh said that he was overpowered by the miscreants while attempting to save Divya and he ended up having blood stains on his clothes. The police then asked Venkatesh, the first informer, to change his clothes to visit the police station. Meanwhile, the dog squad was summoned.

The sniffer dog was brought to the crime scene and within minutes it went straight to the spot where Venkatesh's blood stained clothes lay. A jittery Venkatesh told police the truth and admitted that he had stabbed Divya. Venkatesh and Divya frequently fought over Rs 90,000 missing from the companies' transactions. Venkatesh who worked as the pigmy collector was asked to pay the missing money by Divya who worked as the accountant. After days of heated arguments, Venkatesh is said to have stabbed Divya on Wednesday at around 9.30 PM when none was present in the house.

OneIndia News
Accession Day: Valley lights up on this day when J&K became part of India

AAP "merely a party of UT Delhi", only Cong can challenge BJP in Gujarat, HP: Azad

Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest

India

oi-PTI

Srinagar, Jun 30: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Separatist Hurriyat Conference leader, was placed under house arrest on Friday as he was heading towards Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of the city for the Friday prayers.

A posse of policemen stopped Mirwaiz from leaving his residence and informed him that he has been placed under house arrest, a spokesman of the Hurriyat chairman said.

He said the Hurriyat leader was heading to Jamia Masjid for delivering a sermon ahead of the Friday prayers. A police official said the step was taken as there was an apprehension of law and order problems in view of the protest call given by the Hurriyat after Friday prayers.

Meanwhile, authorities today imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar as a precautionary measure against protests by separatist groups over the US' decision to declare Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin a "global terrorist".

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 16:06 [IST]
Separatists' protest over Salahuddin: Restrictions imposed in parts of Srinagar

India

pti-PTI

Srinagar, Jun 30: In the wake of protests by separatist groups over the US' decision to declare Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a "global terrorist", the authorities on Friday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar as a precautionary measure.

Restrictions have been imposed in five police stations in downtown (old city) areas of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

They said the curbs were in force in areas under the jurisdictions of police stations Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal. The order to impose restrictions on the assembly of people under section 144 of the CrpC was issued by district magistrate (deputy commissioner) Srinagar as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident, the officials said.

Separatists in Kashmir and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir- based United Jihad Council (UJC) have called for protests after Friday prayers against the US' decision to declare Salahuddin as a global terrorist.

In a statement issued here on Thursday, the separatists said, "This unjustified move by the US government to appease Government of India and their (US) silence regarding the oppression and human rights situation in Kashmir, is not acceptable to the people of Kashmir who will strongly protest against it across the valley post Friday prayers".

The statement issued jointly by chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference--Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq--and JKLF chief Mohammad Yasin Malik said protests will also be held against the "illegal and arbitrary" arrests and detention of the separatist leaders, activists and youth and raid on homes across the Valley. The UJC, a conglomerate of over a dozen militant groups active in the valley, also called for protests after Friday prayers against the US government's decision.

PTI
Huge asteroid to fly past Earth today: Here's how you can track it

Here is what happened after an asteroid was detected two hours before it hit Earth

NASA spacecraft 'Dart' to crash into asteroid today: Heres how to watch

Students celebrate Asteroid Day by watching live asteroid

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, June 30: Students from various parts of the country witnessed a live asteroid watch at the Nehru Planetarium on Friday in celebration of Asteroid Day organised by astronomy education organisation SPACE India.

Asteroid Day is observed each year on June 30 to commemorate the anniversary of 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia, the largest asteroid impact on the Earth in recent history.

"Asteroid Day is a global awareness campaign where people come together to learn about asteroids, their impact hazard, and what we can do to protect our planet from future asteroid impacts," said SPACE India in a statement.

SPACE India aids students to find asteroids in outer space under the educational outreach programme All India Asteroid Search Campaign (AIASC).

Through this campaign, students have made confirmed discoveries of various 'main belt asteroids' and important observations that contribute to the NASA Near-Earth Object Program.

In AIASC 2017, students will access the real-time data from the 'Pan Starrs' (The Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System) Telescope, located at Hawaii, US, to survey the sky to look for asteroids, comets and near-earth objects.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 15:46 [IST]
TMC cautions govt, says country 'not ready for GST yet'

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

With less than a day left for the rolling out of country's biggest tax reform, the Trinamool Congress on Friday said it supports the GST but the BJP-led government is doing it in a haste and the 'country is not ready for it yet'.

TMC spokesperson Derek O' Brien said the BJP has done a U-turn over the GST, as it had opposed it when in opposition.

"BJP which was against the GST for many years and have stalled the Parliament for many years now they have done a "palti", now they have started supporting GST," he told news agency ANI.

TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that the Central government is unnecessarily hurrying up to implement GST while the business men are not ready. She described it as the Union Government's 'epic blunder'.

In a Facebook post, the TMC leader said that at least 6 months is needed to notify all rules and procedures and give enough time to the stakeholders, particularly the Small and Medium Enterprises to successfully implement the GST.

"Our Parliamentary Party has decided not to attend the 30th June, 2017 midnight programme at the Parliament House to celebrate GST, as a mark of protest,'' her post read.

[Here are 100 FAQs on GST answered by Central Board of Excise and Customs]

GST will rolled out at a historic session of Parliament at midnight on June 30. Dubbed as India's biggest tax reform, the GST will kick in from July 1. The opposition has decided to boycott the session complaining about the hurried manner in which GST is being ruled out.

The Congress, Left and the TMC have said that it would stay away from the historic mid-night session of Parliament.

OneIndia News
To prevent exaggeration of mob lynching statistics, time NCRB creates a record

India

oi-Anusha

While Indian and international media are putting out numbers claiming them to be statistics of incidents of mob lynching in the country, there is no official number. The National Crime Records Bureau clubs death as a result of mob lynching as murder. The numbers, statistics and comparisons on mob lynching you see are either from media reports or from memory, both unofficial.

"Any incident of violence that involves more than 5 perpetrators is ideally considered as rioting. While filing a chargesheet, we file cases under relevant sections of rioting. In the case of severe physical harm or death, additional sections for attempt to murder and murder are added respectively. There are no statistics on mob lynching as a crime," said a senior IPS officer.

The NCRB that categorises crimes in India under 'crime heads' and mob lynching is not one of the heads. Meaning, no specific or clear statistics are available on how many incidents of mob violence, lynching or death have occurred in a year. The numbers that online platforms produce are a result of media reports which are not official numbers. "One cannot distinguish between mob lynching and any other murder since all of it is categorised as one crime head. Those accused are booked under IPC section 302. The reports that claim to have statistics mush have gathered the data from news reports which can never qualify as official numbers," said another senior police officer.

Based on an online portal's data, media houses claimed that 63 Indians had been killed in beef-related mob lynching since 2010. The data, in turn, was collected from English media reports by the portal's own admission. The site also mentions that they gathered the data through "Google searches with keywords that included, 'cow vigilantes', 'gau-rakshaks', 'beef', 'lynching', 'cow slaughter', 'cattle thieves', beef smuggler' and 'cattle trader'. Where the information was incomplete, the website claims to have spoken to the reporters. These numbers are once again the result of news that has been reported alone. The website adds that the statistics "may omit cow-related violence reported only in Hindi and other language media".

In the absence of official records, the data is unreliable, simply because even those who compiled it have noted the limitations. Taking a cue from the Indian media, international press like The New York Times has quoted the same numbers and comparisons, painting an exaggerated picture. While lynching does not find mention in the Indian Penal Code or is recorded as a separate crime, is it time now for the NCRB to record specific incidents of mob lynching, not just to provide official numbers but also to prevent exaggeration?

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 18:33 [IST]
90 Percent of Indias Online Skill Gaming Industry Says 28 Percent GST over GGV Will Be Catastrophic

GST collections up by 16.6% to Rs 1.52 lakh crore in October, says Centre

Traders protest GST: Shut markets in Bhopal, halt train in Kanpur

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Traders stopped a train in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur on Friday to protest the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, the biggest tax overhaul since Independence.

Meanwhile, all major markets in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal closed in protest of the new tax regime.

MP: Business traders called for a bandh protesting against implementation of GST, all major markets in Bhopal to remain shut today pic.twitter.com/xVNiw8YgP4  ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017

Traders in Ghaziabad downed shutters to press for amendments in certain provisions of the GST. The Uttar Pradesh Udhyog Vyapar Mandal has called for the strike demanding that the provisions of GST be made more "traders-friendly".

Traders stop 4102 Jhansi Express train in protest against #GST in Kanpur pic.twitter.com/wKOXOYBBPr  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 30, 2017

The Uttar Pradesh Udhyog Vyapar Mandal has called for the strike demanding that the provisions of GST be made more "traders-friendly"."Option of filing GST return must be quarterly. No trader should be prosecuted in case of any error in documentation and only pecuniary fine should be imposed. Also, GST should be fixed at 15 per cent only," said the state president of UPUVM, Subhash Chabda.

The GST regime will be launched tonight in Parliament at an event that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee will attend, and which has already been compared to the night on which Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his famous "tryst with destiny" speech.

(With agency inputs)
China showcases major display of military force in Hong Kong

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Beijing, June 30: The Chinese army on Friday deployed its largest ever number of troops in Hong Kong during President Xi Jinping's visit to mark the 20th anniversary of the UK's return of the territory to Beijing.

Xi reviewed the troops during a parade on Friday morning in which around 3,000 soldiers from around 20 squadrons participated, reports Efe news.

The deployment also included more than 60 armored vehicles, 12 helicopters and anti-aircraft missile units, according to local Hong Kong media.

Xi's visit to the People's Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong aims to reinforce his image in the territory, following the emergence of new pro-democracy and pro-independence movements.

While the President will adhere to his strictly official agenda involving meetings with local government officials and visits to government-related sectors, pro-democracy activists are trying to demonstrate against his visit, under the watchful eye of the authorities.

Xi arrived on Thursday when police had already detained several pro-democracy activists over occupying an iconic monument in the city, where the Chinese president is expected to preside over an event on Saturday. The activists were released from custody on Friday and are expected to hold protests demanding Xi to grant greater freedoms to the region along with the unconditional release of Chinese dissident and Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo.

The dissident was recently transferred from prison to a hospital to be treated for terminal liver cancer and kept under surveillance.

This is Xi's first official trip to the territory to mark 20 years of Chinese governance of Hong Kong.

When Hong Kong was returned in 1997, Beijing pledged to govern under a "one country, two systems" principle, where the city was given greater autonomy compared to the mainland, including freedom of the press and judicial independence.

IANS

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 11:08 [IST]
Trump likely to announce bid for presidency next week

Trump bashes news anchors in renewed attack on media

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Washington, June 30: The recent feud between the White House and mainstream US media escalated after US President Trump went after two news anchors of a major US news outlet on Twitter.

"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 to Mar-a-Lago three 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!" Trump said in two consecutive tweets on Thursday.

The venomous words were levied against Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, who host a morning news show at major news outlet MSNBC, Xinhua news agency reported.

Brzezinski, daughter of late US strategist Zbigniew Brzezinski, and Scarborough, a former Congressman, defended Trump in the early days of his presidency, but the relationship has since soured.

"CNN has more integrity on its worst day than Donald Trump has on his best," Scarborough said in a tweet.

"It's a sad day for America when the president spends his time bullying, lying, and spewing petty personal attacks instead of doing his job," a MSNBC spokesman said in response to Trump's tweets.

The back-and-forth underscored a particularly bad week between the Trump administration and US media.

CNN published a story on June 22 drawing a link between a Russian investment fund and a member of Trump's campaign, but retracted the story a day later citing a violation of editorial procedures. CNN has since apologized.

Three veteran journalists resigned Monday in the wake of the retracted story, prompting Trump to denounce CNN for making "fake news".

IANS

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 10:24 [IST]
Imran Khan discharged from hospital, to resume long march from same point where he was shot

This cop from Pakistan became a millionaire overnight: Here is how

Fearing Trump ordered drone strikes, Pakistan acts against Hafiz Saeed

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Fearing Trump ordered drone strikes, Pakistan has hurriedly gone ahead and banned a Hafiz Saeed led outfit called the Tehreek-e-Azadi Jammu and Kashmir. This outfit was a proxy of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa led by Hafiz Saeed who is also the chief of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba.

The website of the Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority has placed this proxy outfit run by Saeed on the proscribed list of organisations. Indian officials say that Pakistan is acting hurriedly to safeguard Saeed as it fears that the US may launch drone strikes.

Donald Trump has taken a hard stance on Pakistan and has warned of action if it does not act against terror. Earlier this week both India and the US issued a strong warning to Pakistan to act against terrorists and cross border terror.

Pakistan has already placed Hafiz Saeed under house arrest. India had however termed the same as an eye-wash. India has been urging Pakistan to instead try and bring Saeed to justice in connection with the Mumbai 26/11 attacks.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 12:05 [IST]
Germany becomes 23rd country to legalise gay marriage

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Berlin, June 30: Germany on Friday became the 23rd country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, after lawmakers passed a bill in a snap vote that was approved by Chancellor Angela Merkel just four days ago.

Germany now joins 13 other European countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and Ireland, which already have same-sex marriage laws in place.

The initiative, which delivers full rights to same-sex couples, including on adoption, was propelled through Germany's Bundestag (parliament) with the backing of 393 lawmakers to 226 against, reports Efe news.

"Progress is possible. As the 23rd country on earth, we now have marriage equality in Germany. I'm happy for all the married couples-to-be," wrote Martin Schulz on Twitter, whose Social Democratic Party (SPD) seized on Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision on Monday to allow the vote.

The SPD has several government ministers in office as part of its grand coalition agreement with Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, but broke ranks with the CDU in order to push for Friday's vote, sparking criticism from several conservative lawmakers.

Merkel voted against the measure, saying she personally believed marriage in German law is be between a man and a woman, although she thought same-sex adoption should be possible.

"I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace," she added.

The measure was backed by the SPD, the Left and the Green Party as well as members of the CDU, who were allowed a free vote.

Speaking during the debate ahead of the vote, SPD parliamentary chairman Thomas Oppermann argued that "if gay marriage is chosen, then many will receive something, but nobody will have something taken away".

In his debate intervention, CDU's parliamentary group leader Volker Kauder reiterated his ideological support for those who believe marriage should be available only for a man and woman, he added, however, he would respect those in his party who would vote in support.

Jan Marco Luczack, also from the CDU, defended legalising same-sex marriage, saying conservatives should defend the traditional values of love and harmony.

Prior to the vote, same-sex couples had access to civil unions.

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 15:40 [IST]
This Indian American girl has been declared as one of the brightest in the world

Indian-American who shot at his ex-wife, husband arrested

International

pti-PTI

Houston, Jun 30: Indian-American Sayantan Ghose,who allegedly shot at his ex-wife and her husband, leaving her injured while the latter dead at their home, has been arrested, police said.

According to the Galveston County District Attorney's Office, Ghose was detained at a border checkpoint near New Mexico on Thursday. Ghose, 41, has been arrested and charged with murder in the late Wednesday shootings.

His bond was set at USD 150,000. The shooting was reported around 9 pm (local time) at a house in the 700 block of Mayhill Ridge Lane, during an argument between Ghose and the two residents, police said.

According to the League City police, officers found the body of 43-year-old Clarence Wayne Harris II, who had been shot several times, lying in the driveway in front of the house. Police said Amanda Harris, 36, was also found suffering from a gunshot wound, and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

According to the police, Ghose was present during a party at the couple's house. But at some point of time, they had an argument with him, leading to the shooting. Amanda, who was shot at twice, was taken to a local hospital and is recovering, the police report said. In an affidavit, Amanda said, she called police shortly before 9 pm (local time).

She told police that she was going to make a citizen arrest because her ex-husband, Ghose, was at her doorstep. Amanda also alleged that Ghose had been stalking her for years. Apparently, she, and her husband, both had weapons on them.

The police officer on the line heard her scream, "Get away from my gun!" and then additional screams and yelling in the background. Shots also began to fire off in the background. Ghose allegedly shot at Amanda's husband, Wayne, after an argument broke out between them, in front of the house. The police said in a release that Ghose had already left the home before they could arrive.

PTI
Indian-origin teenager stabbed to death in Israel after brawl at birthday party

Israel to not allow Hamas prisoners to visit family

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Jerusalem, June 30: The Israeli prison service has halted visits for the relatives of prisoners of the Islamist Hamas movement, official sources in the Gaza Strip said.

A spokesperson for the prison service said on Thursday that they do not comment on this issue, Efe news reported.

Gaza authorities said this decision was "a declaration of war against the prisoners", warning that Hamas will not allow it to be effective "whatever the cost".

Abdulrahman Shadid, an official of Hamas' Prisoners' Affairs, condemned the Israeli decision and rejected this measure to put pressure on Hamas to free Israeli captives.

According to digital website Ynet, the decision, which affects 1,200 prisoners in Israel, aims to compel Hamas, which has controlled the coastal enclave since 2007, to return the bodies of two Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza in 2014.

IANS
Merkel slams Trump while asserting Germany's commitment to climate accord

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Berlin, June 30: In a veiled attack, German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticised US president Donald Trump's policies in a speech before the Federal Parliament.

Speaking a week before the official commencement of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Merkel on Thursday emphasized Germany's commitment to multilateral cooperation to confront transnational challenges such as climate change, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Whoever thinks that the problems of this world can be solved with isolationism and protectionism is making an enormous mistake" Merkel said.

"Only together can we find the right answers to the central questions of our times," she added.

Merkel's speech contained several thinly-veiled swipes at Trump.

Addressing the issue of climate change, she warned that "we cannot and will not wait until the last person on Earth is convinced of the scientific evidence of climate change. In other words: the Paris climate accord is irreversible and non-negotiable."

Since the US abandoned the Paris accord, Germany was "more committed than ever to making it a success," she said.

The speech highlighted a growing discrepancy between Berlin and Washington's positions on a several international issues since Trump took office in January, ranging from climate change to trade.

Germany will host the G20 summit on July 7-8 in the Northern German city of Hamburg. Merkel wants the summit to send a "signal of determination" of the world's 20 largest industrialized and emerging nations to assume their international responsibility.

IANS
In the name of charity, Rs 50 lakh transferred to personal A/C: ED in chargesheet against Rana Ayyub

Rana Ayyub used money collected for charity for her own use

Pak journalist held over Facebook posts criticising security forces

International

oi-PTI

Islamabad, June 30: Pakistani reporter has been detained and charged under cybercrime laws for criticising security forces on social media, officials said on Friday, the latest sign of a state crackdown on free speech.

Zafarullah Achakzai, who works for the Qudrat newspaper was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on June 25 in Quetta, capital of Balochistan province, police said. Niamatullah Achakzai, the detained reporter's father and the editor-in-chief of the daily Qudrat, also confirmed that he was taken into custody under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.

Police said that a local magistrate has remanded the reporter to police for further investigation. Last month, interior minister Nisar Ali Khan took notice of alleged anti-army campaign in the social media and announced that those responsible for it will not be spared.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, June 30, 2017, 18:10 [IST]
Rising N Korea threat dominate Trump, Moon discussions

International

pti-PTI

Washington, Jun 30: Concerned over the rising number of missile tests conducted by the North Korea and the nuclear threat it poses, US President Donald Trump and his South Korean counterpart held talks on how to halt North Korea's nuclear drive. They, however, remained at odds over whether to isolate or engage the Pyongyang regime.

Trump welcomed the newly-elected South Korean President Moon Jae-In to the White House for a formal dinner that preceded the heavier lifting that was to come later in the evening during talks on what to do about their ongoing standoff with the North.

"We're going to have tremendous discussions tonight," Trump said at the dinner, flanked by his wife Melania and by Moon, on his right. Seated next to Moon at the elegant, flower bedecked table was his wife, First Lady Kim Jung-soon. Members of Trump's cabinet and Korean delegation were also seated at the elegant dinner table, which ran the length of the room.

"I know you've been discussing with our people some of the complexities of North Korea and trade and other things, and we'll be discussing them all as we progress -- and it could be very well late into the evening," Trump said.

Earlier on Thursday, Moon lobbied US leaders to back his policy of engagement with North Korea, as the Trump administration vowed to increase pressure on Pyongyang over its nuclear program. The Trump administration has been trying to isolate the North Korean regime following a series of missile tests, including by persuading China -- Pyongyang's main diplomatic ally -- to help bring Kim Jong-Un into line.

But speaking on board his flight to the United States on Wednesday, Moon said Seoul and Washington should offer concessions to Pyongyang if it complies with their demands, according to multiple South Korean reports.

"Without rewarding North Korea for its bad actions, South Korea and the United States should closely consult what they may give the North in return for a nuclear freeze," he said.

"A nuclear freeze is a gate to dialogue and the exit of the dialogue is a complete nuclear dismantlement," he added.

The visit is the first since Moon's resounding election victory just a few weeks ago. The day commenced with Moon being received by congressional leaders. Moon met with House Speaker Paul Ryan and top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi in an ornate room in the US Capitol, with Ryan hailing "strong" bilateral ties but only briefly addressing security issues on the Korean peninsula before reporters were ushered out.

"We have shared concerns such as the threats posed to both of our nations from North Korea," Ryan told Moon.

The South Korean president responded by saying that when it comes to humanitarian issues, "we must cross boundaries and all party lines and all try to unite together as one." Moon also met with US senators including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain and Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker.

Trump and Moon were to continue their talks -- likely again dominated by North Korea -- at the White House on Friday. Washington, South Korea's security guarantor, has more than 28,000 troops in the country to defend it from its communist neighbor, which has been intensifying missile tests -- including five since Moon's inauguration.

Pyongyang is seeking to develop nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States. Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang to curb its nuclear ambitions and his administration has said military action was a possibility. Washington and Seoul "share precisely the same goal, which is the complete dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs," a senior US administration official said.

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OK! Magazine 11 Nov 2022

After repairing his relationship with wife Jennifer Flavin, Sylvester Stallone is ready to show is family off to the world.
by  Graham Pierrepoint



We all have our own little superstitions  from favorite colors, to avoiding stepping on cracks in the sidewalk  luck and fortune has been talked of for centuries, dating back in ancient tomes and through habits and slight touches to our lives that have rolled on for generations. Some of us look for lucky clover, touch wood to prevent bad luck, or even throw loose change in a fountain in the belief that good fortune will come our way. In China, it seemed that one passenger had a similar thought  but her lucky strike ended up making an entire aircraft late for departure by a whopping five hours.

An elderly lady, set to fly to Guangzhou from Shanghai, decided to break from boarding a plane with her family to make blessings with a number of coins she had on her person. Unluckily for everyone else getting ready to travel, the lady decided that such blessings would need to be made via an engine turbine on the aircraft she was set to board  choosing to throw nine coins at the engine in what appears to have been an attempt at bringing about good fortune. Luckily, only one coin landed inside the engine of the China Southern Airlines flight  but, after staff were warned by alarmed passengers about what the lady was doing, the plane was grounded for five hours and all 150 people on board were forced to evacuate for safety reasons.

Its thought that the lady intended to pray for safety, according to The Independent  and that her actions may have fallen in line with her alleged Buddhist beliefs. Further bad luck came her way when police were thought to have detained the coin-caster, though it isnt clear if any further action will be taken. Airline staff were particularly concerned that even one coin could do serious damage to aircraft internals  meaning that a five-hour evacuation was the safest option to take.

The ladys offering for luck ironically resulted in poor fortune for those on board the flight in question  but it is at least comforting that no one was hurt and that the plane did not take off before a thorough inspection had taken place. Take this as a cautionary tale  if you like to cast pennies for luck, stay away from aircraft turbines  were sure you wont need to be told twice!
CLAREMONT, the Bronx --- Five people were injured in a shooting at a Bronx McDonald's Saturday night, according to police. The..

PIX 11 16 May 2021
Breitbart 10 Nov 2022

Twitter's new owner Elon Musk is attempting to regain the favor of major advertisers by promising to make changes to the platform..
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From Mba Nnenna, Abakaliki.

A former Senator in Ebonyi state, Senator Julius Ucha has declared his interest to join the gubernatorial race under the All Progressive Congress (APC) platform in 2023.

Ucha made the declaration Tuesday, during a courtesy call to the State Working Committee of the party, in Abakaliki.

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Sen Ucha said I am here to inform the party leadership of my intention to run for the governorship of Ebonyi state, come 2023. It is over a month now that the political space was thrown open by our leader, and we are also aware that the zoning arrangement is that governorship will either go to Ebonyi central or North of the old Abakaliki block.

We are also aware that the zoning committee has been graciously put in place to address a micro zoning of where the governorship will go to.

He further added that if elected the governor of the state, its his duty to maintain the standard of infrastructural development already put in place by the governor. Also, hell sustain the gains and legacies the governor has already set in motion and secure the future of the people of Ebonyi state. (Ucha said).

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Curr: Long Looking to: Sell @ 63.50



As of 3/21/21 @ 8:46pm EST: $60.85



LAST WEEK: We suggested shorting from $66.28 up to $67.98 with stops on a close above $68 and with a target for covering and getting long at $59.65.



UPDATE: Crude oil bottomed in the very short-term and should bounce to around $63.50 before heading lower once again.



We would hold longs until $63.50 and would then sell those longs and get short. Stops should be honored on a close above $64 and the downside target for covering shorts and getting long will be $53.83.
Opalesque Industry Update - MegaTrust Investments, a boutique fund manager specializing in Chinese equities, today launches the MegaTrust Yangtze Fund IV, the first offshore fund based on its award-winning A-share strategy with over 9 years of track record. The Fund is specifically created for global institutional investors wanting to invest in China A-shares through active management and stock selection. The Yangtze Fund IV is a Cayman Islands-based vehicle designed to trade A-shares through China-Hong Kong Stock Connect, a cross-border access scheme covering roughly 1,500 A-share stocks. The Fund will seek to replicate the success of its on-shore predecessors in mainland China, namely the Yangtze Fund II and the Yangtze Fund III, which started trading in April 2008 and December 2010 respectively. The Fund will be based on the same investment philosophy, strategy and process as the Yangtze Fund II and III, and managed by the same investment team. Please note that past performance does not guarantee future results. "The MSCI announcement on A-share index inclusion is a wake-up call for global investors" said Charlie Chen, Portfolio Manager of the Fund and CIO of MegaTrust Investments. "They will soon be required to study A-shares and then put money in this market. However, generating sustainable Alpha in A-shares can be challenging. We are launching this Fund to help global investors do exactly that." Chen is a pioneer of Quality and Value investing in China. Before founding MegaTrust, he was a top performing QFII (Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor) portfolio manager, and managed the original "Yangtze Fund" at Fortis-Haitong Investment Management JV in China. Over the years, Chen and his colleagues have perfected a strategy named "Quality Growth at a Reasonable Price" (QGARP), which is tailored for the A-share market. This strategy is applied with high conviction, persistence and discipline by the investment team, in order to achieve the desired results. The QGARP strategy takes a somewhat contrarian approach to a market that is dominated by unsophisticated, retail investors, who often trade stocks on rumors and momentum as opposed to solid research. Nevertheless, this strategy has historically generated good risk-adjusted returns irrespective of the market cycle. Please note that past performance does not guarantee future results. "Quality growth is essentially different from high growth," said Qi Wang, CEO of MegaTrust Investment (HK), who studied GARP (Growth at a Reasonable Price) as a quantitative analyst at Goldman Sachs in 1997. "The quality angle adds more depth to fundamental research, and thus QGARP can be viewed as an enhanced version of GARP. For example, since GARP represents a cross-section of value and growth, the focus on quality can help eliminate the 'value traps', namely cheap stocks with no future." In addition to having a proven investment strategy and process, the Fund also enlists a number of world class service providers such as Proskauer Rose as the main legal counsel, Ogier as the Cayman legal counsel, DBS as the custodian and Apex as the fund administrator. The Fund is a privately-raised fund targeting professional investors only. MegaTrust's CEO Qi Wang participated at the Opalesque 2016 China Roundtable, which can be accessed at the Source link below: Article source - Opalesque is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
Global Formwork Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

Global Formwork Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

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This report studies the Formwork market status and outlook of Global and major regions, from angles of players, countries, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global market, and splits the Formwork market by product type and applications/end industries.The formwork is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.5% from 11 billion USD in 2016 to reach 12.06 billion USD by 2022 in global market. The formwork market is very fragmented market;The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Australia regions.North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Formwork.The major players in global market include PERI, Doka, BEIS, ULMA, Alsina, Acrow, Acrowmisr, PASCHAL, NOE, RMD Kwikform, Intek, Hankon, Zulin, Condor, Waco International, Taihang, GCS, MFE, Pilosio, Mesa Impala, MEVA, Faresin, Urtim, Lahyer, Alpi SEA, Wall-Ties & Forms, Holdings, Xingang Group, Outinord, Jinsenyuan, TMS, Farina, ADTO, Titan, Mana, Interfirm and MasconGeographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share (%) and growth Rate (%) of Formwork in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering Europe covers Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy, Middle East includes Saudi Arabia and UAE; Africa includes South Africa and Egypt.On the basis of product, the Formwork market is primarily split into Timber Formwork, Steel Formwork, Aluminum Formwork and Other. On the basis on the end users/applications, this report covers Buildings, Transportation, Industrial facilities and OthersAsk a complete & professional report sample, please send message to tinaning@qyresearch.com or visit atTable of contents:1 Formwork Market Overview 12 Analysis of Formwork Industry Key Manufacturers 183 Global Formwork Market Competition, by Manufacturer 1104 Global Formwork (Value and Volume) by Regions 1215 North America Formwork Sales Volume and Value by Countries 1316 Europe Formwork Sales Volume and Value by Countries 1387 Asia-Pacific Formwork Sales Volume and Value by Countries 1478 South America Formwork Sales Volume and Value by Countries 1569 Middle East and Africa Sales Volume and Value Formwork by Countries 16110 Global Formwork Sales Volume and Value by Type/Product Category 16911 Global Formwork Sales Volume by Application 18012 Global Formwork Sales Volume and Revenue Forecast (2017-2022) 18613 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders 19914 Research Findings and Conclusion 20515 Methodology and Data Source 206Related Reports:Global Formwork Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022Europe Formwork Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022China Formwork Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022USA Formwork Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022India Formwork Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022Korea Formwork Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022Japan Formwork Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022Contact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchTina| Sales ManagersEmail: tinaning@qyresearch.com Tel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Web:QYResearch focus on Market Survey and ResearchQYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business.Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe District
Global 3D Bioprinting Industry Market Research Report 2017

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SummaryThe Global 3D Bioprinting Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the 3D Bioprinting industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The 3D Bioprinting 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 3D Bioprinting 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):Organovo Holdings Inc.EnvisionTEC GmbHNano3D Biosciences, Inc.Cyfuse Biomedical K.K.BioBotsAspect Biosystems Ltd.3Dynamic Systems Ltd.regenHU LtdCellinkRegenovo Biotechnology Co., Ltd.PoietisGeSiMExoneStratasysBespoke InnovationsAdvanced BioMatrixKey Topics Covered:Chapter One Industry Overview of 3D BioprintingChapter Two Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of 3D BioprintingChapter Three Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of 3D BioprintingChapter Four Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of 3D Bioprinting by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Five Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of 3D Bioprinting by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Six Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of 3D Bioprinting by Regions, Types and ApplicationsChapter Seven Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of 3D BioprintingChapter Eight Major Manufacturers Analysis of 3D BioprintingChapter Nine Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of 3D BioprintingChapter Ten Industry Chain Analysis of 3D BioprintingChapter Eleven Development Trend of Analysis of 3D BioprintingChapter Twelve New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of 3D BioprintingChapter Thirteen Conclusion of the Global 3D Bioprinting Industry 2017 Market Research ReportRelated Reports:US 3D Bioprinting Industry Market Research Report 2017Europe 3D Bioprinting Industry Market Research Report 2017India 3D Bioprinting Industry Market Research Report 2017China 3D Bioprinting Industry Market Research Report 2017Korea 3D Bioprinting Industry Market Research Report 2017Japan 3D Bioprinting 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)
Saudi Arabia Renewable Energy Sector Analysis

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Saudi Arabia along with all the major economies in Middle East region has started to take the renewable energy way, contrary to their most important possession, non renewable (Hydrocarbons). The growing economy with growing population has affected a growth in the urbanization in these nations which has resulted in an increase in consumption of oil and gas. The growing population demands more electricity, power plants based majorly on non renewable sources. The Middle East is one region in the world that requires energy even for drinking water which is produced by desalination of sea water. Growing population means more demand of water requiring more energy. The increasing in house consumption of energy sources has the Middle East worried over the increasing share it has to divert domestically, leaving comparatively lesser for export.Electricity production is the most energy intensive industry in Saudi Arabia and is produced mostly from fossil fuels. The climatic conditions of the region make air conditioning a must resulting in more than average power consumption as compared to the rest of the world. More than 90% of water in Saudi Arabia comes from desalination, another energy consuming process, working mainly on gas feeds. With depleting oil and gas reserves and export quotas and commitments to fulfil, it is vital for the Saudi Arabia to diversify and look at renewable sources of energy for power and water production.Download Report:Saudi Arabia Renewable Energy Sector Analysis research report is an intriguing text that gives facts and projected figures about the paradoxical situation arising in the world, with the worlds largest oil and gas providers looking at renewable sources to light their own bulbs. The report meticulously takes through Saudi Arabia electricity and water situation and then its renewable energy efforts along with policies and regulations. It is packed with information and adds a special feature on the GCC interconnection grid that will be fed with power from the renewable sources of energy in the coming years and also gives the potential renewable sources of energy and the future scenario of the Middle East region with the latest developments.Saudi Arabia Renewable Energy Sector Analysis research report discusses following aspects related to Renewable Energy Development in Saudi Arabia:* Renewable Energy Resource Mapping* Renewable Energy Initiatives* Renewable Energy Targets* Solar Energy Installed Capacity & Generation* Grid Connected Solar Targets* Policy & Regulatory Framework* Emerging Trends in Renewable Energy DevelopmentFor Report Sample Contact: neeraj@kuickresearch.com orvisit:Recent Publications:* Global Cancer Immunotherapy Market & Clinical Trials Outlook 2022* Global CAR T Cell Therapy Market & Clinical Trials Insight 2022* Global Dendritic Cell Cancer Vaccine Market & Clinical Trials Outlook 2023* Global Microcapsules Drug Delivery Market Opportunity Outlook 2022* Global Controlled Drug Delivery Market & Clinical Trial Outlook 2022* Global Cancer Antibody Drug Conjugates Market & Pipeline Insight 2022* Global B Cell Lymphoma Market & Clinical Pipeline Insight 2022Kuick Research is a market research and analytics company that provides targeted information for critical decisions at business, product and service levels. We are quick, predictive and known by the recommendations we have made in the past. Our result-oriented research methodology offers understanding of multiple issues in a short period of time and gives us the capability to keep you full with loads of practical ideas. By translating research answers into strategic insight and direction, we not only rate the success potential of your products and/or services, but also help you identify the opportunities for growth in new demographies and find ways to beat competition.Neeraj Chawlaneeraj@kuickresearch.comKuicK ResearchAvanta Business Center 4th Floor,Statesman House Barakhamba Road,Connaught Place New Delhi  110 001, India+91-11-47067990
Russia Clinical Trial Market Opportunity Analysis

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The Russian clinical trial market accounts for a significant share in the global clinical trial market. The country has got the population and the prevalence of diseases which cater as a good pool of subjects for conducting the studies. The high quality of the regulations followed in the Russian market for clinical trials has led to better optimization of the studies. The Russian clinical trials market enjoys high speed of conducting studies owing to the high patient recruitment rates. The number of clinical trials conducted in Russia by foreign sponsors has tripled in the last decade. The quality of the clinical trials in Russia has been accepted by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and the EMA. The FDA inspection has rated Russia as having a standard quality of investigators leading to low deficiency rate. Russia has caught the attraction of big players in the pharmaceuticals industry, which has led to huge investments by these companies.There has been an exponential rise in the clinical research services outsourced to Russia in recent years. Despite the economic downturn, outsourcing trends in the field of clinical trials continue to be on a high in Russia. The value of the clinical trials market in Russia was around US$ 200 Million in 2012. Owing to various factors like a huge population base, easy patient recruitment and cheaper cost of trials, which are currently driving the market, it is expected that by 2016, the clinical trials market would surpass US$ 300 million mark.Download Report:Russia Clinical Trial Market Opportunity Analysis research report by KuicK Research is an intriguing text that gives detailed facts and analysis on latest developments in the Russia Clinical Trial Market. Report discusses various segments of the clinical trial market and analyzes the factors responsible for the growth and the need to resolve challenges to maintain growth momentum in future. Report discusses following aspects related to booming Clinical Trial Market in Russia:* Clinical Trial Market Overview* Growth Drivers & Challenges for Clinical Trial Market* Communicable & Non Communicable Disease Prevalence* Patient Recruitment Scenario* Regulations for Conducting Clinical Trial* Key CRO Operating in MarketFor Report Sample Contact: neeraj@kuickresearch.com orvisit:Recent Publications:* Global Cancer Immunotherapy Market & Clinical Trials Outlook 2022* Global CAR T Cell Therapy Market & Clinical Trials Insight 2022* Global Dendritic Cell Cancer Vaccine Market & Clinical Trials Outlook 2023* Global Microcapsules Drug Delivery Market Opportunity Outlook 2022* Global Controlled Drug Delivery Market & Clinical Trial Outlook 2022* Global Cancer Antibody Drug Conjugates Market & Pipeline Insight 2022* Global B Cell Lymphoma Market & Clinical Pipeline Insight 2022Kuick Research is a market research and analytics company that provides targeted information for critical decisions at business, product and service levels. We are quick, predictive and known by the recommendations we have made in the past. Our result-oriented research methodology offers understanding of multiple issues in a short period of time and gives us the capability to keep you full with loads of practical ideas. By translating research answers into strategic insight and direction, we not only rate the success potential of your products and/or services, but also help you identify the opportunities for growth in new demographies and find ways to beat competition.Neeraj Chawlaneeraj@kuickresearch.comKuicK ResearchAvanta Business Center 4th Floor,Statesman House Barakhamba Road,Connaught Place New Delhi  110 001, India+91-11-47067990
South Korea Wind Power Sector Analysis 2013

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Wind Power in South Korea is being seen as the potential driver of renewable energy development in the country. Electricity generation through wind power has already progressed to significant levels and most of this has been developed onshore. The present onshore capacity installed in South Korea is at more than 480 MW by end of 2012, which is set to expand with many projects awaiting operational and constructional commencement.The wind power sector in south Korea has been reformed which had stunted the growth a little bit but now with the reforms in place already, the capacity is growing and is expected to take the fast track to growth. To augment the rapid growth of wind energy in the country, the domestic heavy industries have taken upon themselves the onus of manufacturing the wind turbine generators that will reduce the sectors dependence on imports and will also result in the reduction of wind energy production costs. The Feed in Tariff policy of the government has now been replaced by the Renewable Portfolio Standard. The research report points out to the various reasons behind this reform one of which was the low revenue given to wind generated electricity as compared to solar and hydro power.Download Report:Wind power in the offshore region in the country has immense potential owing to the expansive seas at its disposal and this has encouraged many companies to set up wind farms in the region. The private companies are investing huge resources in the process which will later on be retrieved through the high tariff of wind energy and the carbon credits they would receive as part of the renewable portfolio standard policy recently been introduced. Offshore wind is becoming the latest trend all over the world and South Korea is expected to become a major part of the vogue.Given the problems cropping up with the onshore wind power development sector in the country, the South Korean offshore sector seems to be more lucrative as of now. Huge investments are being made in projects offshore and considering the expansive potential the country has in this sector, it will certainly attract the largest investment in the future and will be the key driver in developing the South Koreas wind energy.South Korea Wind Power Sector Analysis 2013 research report discusses following aspect related to emerging wind power sector in South Korea:* Current Sector Trends* Onshore & Offshore Wind Potential* Wind Power Sector Indicators* Operating Wind Farms* Future Outlook & Sector Emerging Trends* Regulatory & Policy Framework* Competitive LandscapeFor Report Sample Contact: neeraj@kuickresearch.com orvisit:Recent Publications:* Global Cancer Immunotherapy Market & Clinical Trials Outlook 2022* Global CAR T Cell Therapy Market & Clinical Trials Insight 2022* Global Dendritic Cell Cancer Vaccine Market & Clinical Trials Outlook 2023* Global Microcapsules Drug Delivery Market Opportunity Outlook 2022* Global Controlled Drug Delivery Market & Clinical Trial Outlook 2022* Global Cancer Antibody Drug Conjugates Market & Pipeline Insight 2022* Global B Cell Lymphoma Market & Clinical Pipeline Insight 2022Kuick Research is a market research and analytics company that provides targeted information for critical decisions at business, product and service levels. We are quick, predictive and known by the recommendations we have made in the past. Our result-oriented research methodology offers understanding of multiple issues in a short period of time and gives us the capability to keep you full with loads of practical ideas. By translating research answers into strategic insight and direction, we not only rate the success potential of your products and/or services, but also help you identify the opportunities for growth in new demographies and find ways to beat competition.Neeraj Chawlaneeraj@kuickresearch.comKuicK ResearchAvanta Business Center 4th Floor,Statesman House Barakhamba Road,Connaught Place New Delhi  110 001, India+91-11-47067990
Turkey Power Sector Analysis

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The power sector in Turkey is a highly evolved and efficient sector, being supported by an extremely favorable and facilitative government policy and regulatory regime. The power sector is divided into three sub-sectors in Turkey, namely the generation, transmission and distribution sectors.The power generation sector in Turkey is fully competent to meet the domestic demand. Furthermore, the country is also capable of supplying electricity to neighboring nations in Europe and Asia, as triggered by its strategic location as a Euro-Asia power hub. The total installed capacity in Turkey surpassed was around 57 GW in 2012 and future plans for further rise in this capacity, aided by rising investments from domestic and foreign companies.Download Report:Turkey is a very promising destination for long-term power sector investments for domestic and foreign companies. The Turkish Power sector today boasts of extremely market friendly regulations, speeded up as a part of the ongoing liberalization process, which has resulted in huge capacity additions by big players in order to meet the growing present and future demand for power. The rising investment from public and private sector entities along with government focus on market liberalization will result in positive outlook for power sector in coming years.The primary fuels currently being used for production of power in Turkey are coal and water. Other fuels that are gaining importance with time are oil, natural gas and geothermal resources. The sector is growing rapidly with Government facilitating the flow of private sector investment into the sector. The sector also has a great future owing to the rising demand for power in Turkey and nearby regions of Europe and Middle East.For Report Sample Contact: neeraj@kuickresearch.com orvisit:Recent Publications:* Global Cancer Immunotherapy Market & Clinical Trials Outlook 2022* Global CAR T Cell Therapy Market & Clinical Trials Insight 2022* Global Dendritic Cell Cancer Vaccine Market & Clinical Trials Outlook 2023* Global Microcapsules Drug Delivery Market Opportunity Outlook 2022* Global Controlled Drug Delivery Market & Clinical Trial Outlook 2022* Global Cancer Antibody Drug Conjugates Market & Pipeline Insight 2022* Global B Cell Lymphoma Market & Clinical Pipeline Insight 2022Kuick Research is a market research and analytics company that provides targeted information for critical decisions at business, product and service levels. We are quick, predictive and known by the recommendations we have made in the past. Our result-oriented research methodology offers understanding of multiple issues in a short period of time and gives us the capability to keep you full with loads of practical ideas. By translating research answers into strategic insight and direction, we not only rate the success potential of your products and/or services, but also help you identify the opportunities for growth in new demographies and find ways to beat competition.Neeraj Chawlaneeraj@kuickresearch.comKuicK ResearchAvanta Business Center 4th Floor,Statesman House Barakhamba Road,Connaught Place New Delhi  110 001, India+91-11-47067990
Dilated Cardiomyopathy Therapeutics Market Research Report Forecast

Dilated Cardiomyopathy Therapeutics Market

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A new market research report has been recently published by Transparency market research, a leading market intelligence firm. The research report, titled Dilated Cardiomyopathy Therapeutics Market - Global Industry Analysis, Pipeline Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020, presents a market overview, market drivers, opportunities, challenges, product segmentation, and competitive landscape. The research report also features inputs and recommendations from industry experts and professionals to help the existing as well as new players in this market in designing their business strategies.According to the research study, in 2013, the global dilated cardiomyopathy therapeutics market was valued at US$651 mn and is anticipated to decline to US$328.6 mn by the end of 2020. This market is projected to exhibit -7% CAGR between 2014 and 2020.The growing prevalence of congestive heart failure is the only key factor that is driving the demand for dilated cardiomyopathy therapeutics; however, there are many factors that are expected to hamper the growth of this market in the forecast period. Easy availability of pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, promising developments in gene therapy, and implantable devices such as heart pumps are the factors curbing the growth of the dilated cardiomyopathy therapeutics market. In addition, the various side effects associated with the use of dilated cardiomyopathy therapeutics and other easier therapies using devices that have negligible side effects will hold back the growth of this market in the next few years.This 90 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Dilated Cardiomyopathy Therapeutics Market. Unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:On the basis of drug class, the global market for dilated cardiomyopathy therapeutics has been classified into aldosterone antagonists, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers. By pipeline drugs, the market has been segmented into ARRY-797, CAP-1002, MYDICAR, ixCELL-DCM, and OR-1. A detailed analysis of these segments has been presented in the research report.The global dilated cardiomyopathy therapeutics market has been divided on the basis of geography into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. In 2013, North America accounted for the largest share of the market owing to the growing adoption of branded drugs, and the rising occurrence of congestive heart failure. In the U.S., dilated cardiomyopathy strikes around five to eight people amongst every 100,000. Asia Pacific and the Rest of the World markets for dilated cardiomyopathy therapeutics are growing at a fast pace owing to the increasing per capita income, improving economic standards, and rising demand for generic drugs.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Dilated Cardiomyopathy Therapeutics Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Furthermore, the research report covers the competitive landscape of the global dilated cardiomyopathy therapeutics market including an overview of leading companies, their product portfolio, financial overview, business strategies, recent developments, and SWOT analysis. Some of the prominent players operating in the global market for dilated cardiomyopathy therapeutics are Novartis International AG, Celladon Corporation, Sanofi S.A., Vericel Corporation, AstraZeneca plc, Pfizer, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Merck & Co., Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Array BioPharma, Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers Global Market 2017 : Greatview, Supply and Revenue to 2022

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The report aims to estimate the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers Market size and its potential to grow in the coming years. The report consists of detailed segmentation of the market. The other aspects that are studied within this report are the main factors that are triggering the growth of the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market, the restraining factors, the opportunities of the market, the challenges that the market will face in the future. The report also contains the future prospects, the growth trends, and the contribution made by each individual segment towards the growth of the market. The key market players and their competitive landscape are also discussed within the report.Various research methodological tools are used to collect the data for the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market and analyze it. The bottom-up procedure was used to analyze the overall size of the market.Access Full Report @After the complete size of the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market was estimated then the market was split into various segments and sub-segments, which was clarified by collecting data from different organizations. Different diagrams and graphs along with pie diagrams is used in order to depict the statistics of the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market.The report consists of some major segments that help in understanding the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market nature in depth. Some of the segments that are discussed include the product analysis, company information, geographic analysis. The product analysis consists of the information about the product. Information such as the production, sales and the marketing policies of the companies are discussed in this segment. In the geographic analysis, the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market is studied globally. Region wise study of the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market is also done which includes the regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World. Information about the regions that are dominating the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market is also given by comparing the revenues collected from different regions. In the company information, detailed profile of the organization is given along with their future strategies and investments.Ask For Buying Premium Report of Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers Market, Here @Points Covered in The Report:The points that are discussed within the report are the major market players that are involved in the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market.The complete profile of the companies is mentioned.The production, sales, future strategies, and the technological developments that they are making are also included within the report.The growth factors of the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market is discussed in detail wherein the different end users of the market are explained in detail.The application areas of the Gifford-Mcmahon Cryocoolers market are also discussed thus giving a broad idea about the market to the clients.The report contains the SWOT analysis of the market. Finally, the report contains the conclusion part where the opinions of the industrial experts are included.About Market Research StoreMarket Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442, USAUSA Tel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.comWeb:
Tuberculosis Testing Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020

Tuberculosis Testing Market

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According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), tuberculosis has been identified as the second deadliest disease in the world after HIV/AIDS. Tuberculosis was the cause of 1.5 mn deaths across the globe in 2013, adds the WHO report.As such, the prevalence of the disease in alarming numbers has led to the increased use of TB testing techniques. In order to curb the prevalence of the disease, government and non-government bodies are taking initiatives to promote awareness about TB and have introduced control programs, leading to increased demand for TB testing.This 109 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Tuberculosis Testing Market. Browse through 7 data tables and 31 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:Latent tuberculosis and active tuberculosis are the most prevalent forms of TB. Over time, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the TB-causing pathogen, has developed into drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis that are either multi-drug-resistant (MDR) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Thus, the growing demand for advanced TB testing techniques and equipment will propel the market. However, high cost of TB testing is cited as a challenge to the growth of the TB testing market.The report divides the global market for tuberculosis testing on the basis of test type and geography. By test type, smear microscopy, nucleic acid testing, radiography, culture-based tests, drug susceptibility testing, Mantoux test, and others (IGRA, serological tests, ADA, etc.) are the prime segments of the global market for tuberculosis testing.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Tuberculosis Testing Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:In 2013, culture-based TB tests held the largest market share and accounted for US$691.2 mn in the overall market for tuberculosis testing. The culture-based TB tests segment is expected to display consistent growth during the forecast period due to the reliability and accuracy of these tests.By geography, North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World (RoW) are the segments of the global market for TB testing. In 2013, Asia Pacific emerged as the largest market for TB testing. The prevalence of a large TB patient pool due to unregulated emissions from industries and high air pollution in developing countries such as India and Malaysia accounted for Asia Pacifics 35% share in the overall market.North America stands as the second largest market for TB testing and is closely trailed by Europe. Spain, France, Germany, and Italy are the major markets for TB testing in Europe.The report identifies key players operating in the global market for TB testing, namely Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Akonni Biosystems Inc., Alere Inc. Hain Lifescience GmbH, Abbott Laboratories, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Hologic Inc., and QIAGEN.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Gunshot Detection Systems Market 2017 : Startup Strategy Resources, Grow Pricing Activity and Forecasts to 2022

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The report aims to estimate the Gunshot Detection Systems Market size and its potential to grow in the coming years. The report consists of detailed segmentation of the market. The other aspects that are studied within this report are the main factors that are triggering the growth of the Gunshot Detection Systems market, the restraining factors, the opportunities of the market, the challenges that the market will face in the future. The report also contains the future prospects, the growth trends, and the contribution made by each individual segment towards the growth of the market. The key market players and their competitive landscape are also discussed within the report.Various research methodological tools are used to collect the data for the Gunshot Detection Systems market and analyze it. The bottom-up procedure was used to analyze the overall size of the market.Access Full Report @After the complete size of the Gunshot Detection Systems market was estimated then the market was split into various segments and sub-segments, which was clarified by collecting data from different organizations. Different diagrams and graphs along with pie diagrams is used in order to depict the statistics of the Gunshot Detection Systems market.The report consists of some major segments that help in understanding the Gunshot Detection Systems market nature in depth. Some of the segments that are discussed include the product analysis, company information, geographic analysis. The product analysis consists of the information about the product. Information such as the production, sales and the marketing policies of the companies are discussed in this segment. In the geographic analysis, the Gunshot Detection Systems market is studied globally. Region wise study of the Gunshot Detection Systems market is also done which includes the regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World. Information about the regions that are dominating the Gunshot Detection Systems market is also given by comparing the revenues collected from different regions. In the company information, detailed profile of the organization is given along with their future strategies and investments.Ask For Buying Premium Report of Gunshot Detection Systems Market, Here @Points Covered in The Report:The points that are discussed within the report are the major market players that are involved in the Gunshot Detection Systems market.The complete profile of the companies is mentioned.The production, sales, future strategies, and the technological developments that they are making are also included within the report.The growth factors of the Gunshot Detection Systems market is discussed in detail wherein the different end users of the market are explained in detail.The application areas of the Gunshot Detection Systems market are also discussed thus giving a broad idea about the market to the clients.The report contains the SWOT analysis of the market. Finally, the report contains the conclusion part where the opinions of the industrial experts are included.About Market Research StoreMarket Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442, USAUSA Tel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.comWeb:
Vitreous Tamponades Market Research Report by Geographical Analysis and Forecast to 2020

Vitreous Tamponades Market

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Transparency Market Research (TMR) has announced the addition of a new market study based on the vitreous tamponades market. The report analyzes the drivers and restraints of the vitreous tamponades market and the impact of these on the demand for vitreous tamponades during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020. The report studies the attractiveness of the vitreous tamponades market for investment on the basis of factors such as growth rate and market size. According to the report, the global vitreous tamponades market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.5% during the period from 2014 to 2020. The market, which was valued at US$64.5 bn in 2014, is expected to reach a value of US$77.5 bn by the end of 2020. The report is titled Vitreous Tamponades Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020. The report provides information that helps a reader have a clear and decisive opinion on the vitreous tamponades market.Based on the important information provided in the report regarding the challenges that new entrants face, the strategies used by leading companies in the vitreous tamponades market, and also the present and future trends, an interested individual or enterprise can effectively make smart decisions regarding investment in the market.This 73 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Vitreous Tamponades Market. Browse through 9 data tables and 15 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:Vitreous tamponades are used in vitrectomy procedures conducted in the human eye. These procedures assist in healing or reattachment of the retina and are also used to provide a replacement to a clouded vitreous humor. The vitreous humor of the eye acts as a refractive medium and provides nutrition to the eye. After a trauma or due to the natural process of ageing, the vitreous humor, which is a highly viscous gel-like substance made from collagen and water, starts tearing or getting detached from the fragile retina. To repair this retinal detachment and also for any other vitreoretinal disorders, vitrectomy is required. Vitrectomy involves the removal of the vitreous humor and replacing it with a synthetic substitute. This synthetic substitute is called a vitreous tamponade. Currently, the most commonly used substitutes are: silicone oil, perfluorocarbon liquids, and intraocular gases.The global vitreous tamponade market is expected to expand due to the rising incidence of retinal detachment and growth of the geriatric population. The growing cases of diabetic retinopathy, macular pucker, and similar other retinal disorders are also driving the global vitreous tamponade market. Vitreous substitutes are biocompatible and transparent, which allow them to replace natural vitreous humor successfully.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Vitreous Tamponades Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:The global vitreous tamponade market is segmented on the basis of type and geography. On the basis of type, the market is segmented into gaseous tamponades and liquid tamponades. Liquid tamponades are further classified into silicone oil and perfluorocarbons. Although the liquid tamponades market was the leading segment in 2013, accounting for 49% of the global market, the gaseous tamponades segment is expected to grow at a faster rate due to their ease of use and lower costs. The most extensively used gaseous tamponades in vitreoretinal surgeries are C2F8, SF6, and C3F8, as these gases are expansive and allow the eyeball and the retina to gradually adjust to the volume of the eye, enabling better healing.Some of the key manufacturers of vitreous tamponades profiled in the report are: Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (parent of Bausch + Lomb), Alcon, Inc., Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Fluoron GmbH, Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center B.V., AL.CHI.MI.A Srl, and Croma Pharma AG.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Newly Approved Therapeutic Agents to Fuel Global Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Markets Rise to US$5.19 Billion by 2020

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

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Transparency Market Research (TMR), a market intelligence and research firm, has published a market study on the global pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) market, estimating the total value of this worldwide market to be US$5.19 bn by 2020. The market was valued at US$4.04 bn in 2013 and is likely to expand at an impressive CAGR of 17.90% during the period from 2014 to 2020.The research report, titled Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020, states that initiatives by several governments promoting the research and development of orphan drugs has been fueling the global market for PAH of late. Analysts project the recently approved therapeutic agents to stimulate the global PAH market significantly over the forecast period.According to the market report, the global PAH market has been evaluated on the basis of drug classes and regional distribution. Prostacyclin, prostacyclin analogs, PDE-5 inhibitors, ERAs, and sGC stimulators are the key drugs available in the global market to treat PAH. ERAs led the global market in 2013, accounting for a market share of 55.8% in terms of revenue.This 73 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Market. Browse through 14 data tables and 22 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:Analysts, however, have predicted that the market for prostacyclin and prostacyclin analogs will surpass the ERAs market by the end of the forecast period. The launch of the recently approved Orenitram is likely to propel this market segment during the forecast period. The approval for Uptravi, which is slated in Q1 of 2016, is also anticipated to add to the market segments growth prospects, notes the research study.North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World are the key regional markets for pulmonary arterial hypertension across the world. Among these, the PAH market in North America led the global market with a share of 44.6% in 2013 and was closely followed by the Europe PAH market.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Over the forecast period, both these regional markets are expected to exhibit remarkable growth, owing to the availability of newly-approved PAH drugs as well as products waiting to gain approval in these markets.The Asia Pacific market for PAH is also projected to show significant development in the next few years. India, China, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia are likely to present opportunity-rich markets for enterprises operating in the global PAH market. On the other hand, the Rest in the World PAH market is facing severe challenges, owing to the low awareness level pertaining to the detection and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, states the market study.The major players operating in the global market for pulmonary arterial hypertension are Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Gilead Sciences Inc., Bayer HealthCare, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Pfizer Inc., Novartis International AG, and United Therapeutics Corp., states the research report.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Mobile Applications for Melanoma Detection Market Expected to Reach US$ 1.5 Million by 2022, in Europe and Israel

Mobile Applications for Melanoma Detection Market

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According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research Mobile Applications for Melanoma Detection Market - Europe and Israel Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2022, the mobile applications for melanoma detection market in Europe is expected to reach a value of US$ 1.5 Mn by 2022. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 47.0% during the forecast period from 2014 to 2022. The rise in melanoma incidence and mortality rate is leading to increased emphasis on early screening of patients, thereby driving the demand for melanoma detection mobile applications.These applications can aid in early prognosis of the disease and thus, prove to be of significant help for patients. The growth in demand for mobile applications for melanoma detection is further driven by growing smartphone penetration and the rise in mHealth adoption. There are different types of mobile applications available for melanoma. Some of the applications connect patients to doctors, while, some applications provide image processing based diagnosis. During the recent years, there has been an increase in preference for mobile applications that send images of moles to panels of certified dermatologists that check the respective images and issue the diagnosis.This 69 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Mobile Applications for Melanoma Detection Market. Browse through 2 data tables and 10 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:The U.K., Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands are anticipated to be the key growth markets for mobile applications for melanoma detection in Europe in the coming years. This is due to high melanoma incidence rates in these countries. Israel has experienced significant rise in melanoma incidences during the recent years. Further, there is significant growth in adoption of mHealth tools in the country. This in turn is anticipated to boost the demand for mobile applications for melanoma detection in the country. A number of mobile applications catering to melanoma are available from different developers/vendors. Thus, there is significant competition among the applications vendors to gain user preference. However, a key challenge faced by the developers is to motivate users to migrate to paid version of applications. Application developers are trying different revenue models in order to establish most profitable way to run the business. Dr. Mole, Spot Mole and Melanoma Watch are among some of the major melanoma detection mobile applications.For improved diagnosis of melanoma, early detection is crucial. Prevention of melanoma can be achieved through skin surveillance and screening performed by health care professionals or through Skin Self-Examination (SSE) performed by the individual. However, adherence of the screening guidelines by the masses has been low. Mobile applications for melanoma detection can lead to increased involvement of patients in self-screening, thus, leading to reduction in mortality rate.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Mobile Applications for Melanoma Detection Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:There are various types of applications available on different application stores including algorithm analysis applications, educational applications, mole tracking and reminder applications and interactive teaching applications. During the recent years, there has been an increase in preference for mobile applications that send images of moles to panels of certified dermatologists that check the respective images and issue the diagnosis. During the last few years, Greece has been facing an economic volatility, and this has impacted the growth of the eHealth infrastructure in the country. However, the country has been witnessing rise in the number of melanoma cases during the recent years and thus, there would be continued growth in melanoma detection application downloads in the country during the coming years.The market for mobile applications for melanoma detection in Europe is highly competitive with the presence of large number of mobile applications with small market share. Major mobile applications for melanoma detection include Dr. Mole, Spot Mole, Melanoma Watch and Mole Doctor.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Current and Projected Fuel Cell Market size in terms of volume and value 2014-2020

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Fuel cells convert electrical energy sourced from chemical energy, through an electromechanical reaction with oxygen or other oxidizing agents. Primarily, a fuel cell functions as a battery, but is different in the way that in a fuel cell, fuel is supplied from an external source and fuel is converted to electricity without any involvement of a burning process. The demand for alternative energy sources is growing at a global level, which in turn propels the development of associated products. The first commercial application of fuel cells happened with NASAs space programs. Fuel cells were used for application in probes, satellites and space capsules. Generally, fuel cells utilize oxygen and hydrogen during the electrochemical reaction process and generate electricity, heat and water. These cells are used where continuous flow of electricity is required. The cells provide continuous flow of electricity as long as source fuel is supplied. As fuel cells are carbon-free due to their non-burning nature, environmental norms support the development of this market.At a global level, various fuel cell design modifications are available. This includes solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), proton exchange membrane (PEM), molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) and a few others. Furthermore, the fuel cell market can be categorized on the basis of source type as hydrogen powered, methanol powered, biogas powered, natural gas powered and hydrocarbons powered. Fuel cell technology finds application in stationary power, portable power and transportation power, and specialty vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, auxiliary power units and material handling equipments. Fuel cell technology has become one of the dominant technologies in the power generation industry owing to its carbon-free, non-burning nature and safe energy source.Request For Report Sample@Rising environmental concerns along with stringent regulations, especially in North America and Europe to reduce carbon emission, is likely to fuel the demand for fuel cell systems over the forecast period. Furthermore, various other factors such as consistently declining fuel cell cost due to technological advancement and uncertainty of the source of fuel cell are likely to spur growth of the fuel cell market.. Such factors limit the application of fuel cells to a narrower spectrum. Depletion of global oil and gas reserves coupled with the demand for clean energy are fuelling the global fuel cell market. Moreover, companies and governments worldwide promote the shift in focus towards renewable energy generation options.In the past few years, fuel cell market has witnessed different levels of developments, especially occurring in North American and European countries. FMI also analyzed MEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific as potential markets for the fuel cell technology. In addition, Asia Pacific has become hub for consumer electronics; where electronic goods are produced at relatively lesser cost. Fuel cell market is likely to take advantage of such factors and is expected to witness increment in the penetration in Asia Pacific.Institutional organizations such as Sandia National Laboratories and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHV) are constantly conducting extensive research in order to improve the efficiency of fuel cells. Key players (manufacturers) in the industry adopt strategies such alliances and partnerships to expand their product lines. Furthermore, strategic alliances are helping market players to penetrate into relatively newer application areas. Fuel cell manufacturers are also involved in enhancement of product offerings. For example, Ballard Power Systems, Inc. and Plug Power, Inc. signed an agreement to supply fuel cell stacks to Plug Power, Inc. for three years to be used in forklift trucks. Fuel cell manufacturers are also involved in the operational expansion through the setting up of new plants. Recently, Daimler AG and The Linde Group entered into strategic alliance to build hydrogen fuelling stations in Germany. Such initiatives are helpful to commercialize fuel cell application in the transportation sector. Furthermore, fuel cell-powered vehicles require hydrogen filling stations, and with such initiatives, it is possible to commercialize fuel cell-powered automobiles.Request For TOC@Dominant market participants in the fuel cell market are Toshiba Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Hydrogenics Corporation, Kyocera, AFC Energy, Ballard Power Systems, Inc., Ceres Power Holdings PLC, Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited and Doosan Corporation.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Fluorite Market Dynamics, Forecast, Analysis and Supply Demand 2015-2025

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Fluorite, also known as fluorspar is a popular mineral that is available naturally in all colors of spectrum. It is the mineral form of calcium fluorite that belongs to the halide minerals. It is a visible mineral both in ultraviolet as well as visible light. Pure fluorite is colorless and the variations in the color are caused by impurities. The common colors of fluorite include purple, blue, yellow, green, and blue. Fluorite has an attractive cleavage habits and the cleavage, which is perfect and parallel to octahedral faces, can be peeled off in some cases to make a smooth crystal perfect octahedron. Fluorite is known to be one of the famous fluorescent minerals. The word fluorescent has arrived from fluorite mineral. Fluorite crystallizes in a cubic design. The major reserves for fluorite is found in China which accounts for around 24 million tons in inner Jiangxi, Mongolia, Hunan, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. These reserves make about 80% of the national total of fluorite reserves. As China has introduced many measures to protect the fluorite reserves, the output for fluoride has remained steady.Fluorite generally has lapidary and ornamental uses. Fluorite can be drilled into jewelry, however it is not used as a semiprecious stone due to its relative softness. In industries, fluorite is usually used in the production of certain glasses and enamels and used as flux for smelting. Three different grades of fluorspar include acid, ceramic and metallurgical. The pure form of fluorite is used for manufacture of hydrofluoric acid, which acts as an intermediate source for most of the fine chemicals containing fluorine. Transparent fluorite lenses have low dispersion and so lenses that are manufactured using them have low dispersion and they exhibit very less chromatic aberration. This property of fluorite mineral makes it important in telescopes and microscopes.Request For Report Sample@The major driving factors for fluorite market are the growing chemical industry and increasing use of fluorine in the glass industry. The chemical industry and glass industry accounts for the major share of the fluorine demand globally. The other market that has applications of fluorite includes the metallurgy and aluminum smelting industry among others.The key segments for fluorite market include North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Rest of the World (RoW). Western Europe, China and the U.S. are said to be the major consumers of fluorite worldwide. Western Europe and the U.S account for major demand for acid fluorite that is used in the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid. The cement and glass industry in China generate the largest demand for fluorite and are expected to drive the market globally.Request For TOC@The key companies profiled in the report include Centralfluor Industries Group and Zhejiang Wuyi Shenlong Flotation Co Ltd., Sinochem Lantian Co., Ltd, Inner Mongolia Xiang Zhen Mining Group Ltd., China Kings Resources Group Co., Ltd. DO-Fluoride and Zhejiang Yongtai Technology has started its expansion in the fluorite field. Multiple fluorite enterprises are focusing on strengthening the integration of downstream and upstream industry chain of fluorite reserves for avoiding price volatility and to achieve higher value for its products. Mexichem enterprise has large reserves of fluorite that produces fluoroelastomers and fluoropolymers for benefits. Minersa is said to be the second largest producer of fluorite with production capacity of 380 Kt/a. It has a fluorite-fluorine industrial chemical chain.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:
Furfuryl Alcohol Market size and Key Trends in terms of volume and value 2015-2025

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Furfuryl alcohol is an organic compound manufactured by catalytic reduction of furfuran. It is used in a wide range of applications such as solvents, foundry resins, plastics, wetting agents, adhesives and in gas hardening processes among others. The raw material furfuran is obtained from sugarcane bagasse, corn cobs, wheat bran and oats among others. It has application in rocketry as a hypergolic fuel which ignites readily in presence of fuming nitric acid and red fuming nitric acid.Increasing demand for bio-based products owing to increasing awareness among consumers coupled with rising environmental regulations is expected to drive the market. This alcohol finds application in plastic industry. Increasing demand for plastics in the construction and paints industry is anticipated to drive the furfuryl market over the next few years. Bio-based resins and paints are gaining demand from developed countries due to the presence of strict environmental regulations. However, the safety issues regarding transportation and export rules of different developing countries are expected to restrain the market growth. Research and development in the field of rocketry is expected to provide immense opportunities for manufacturers of furfuryl alcohol in the near future.Request For Report Sample@Asia Pacific was the largest producer and consumer of furfuryl alcohol in which China contributes to the highest consumption. Proximity to raw material and increasing applications in plastics and resins are expected to drive the market. Europe follows Asia Pacific in consumption owing to increase in the application area of furfuryl alcohol. Research activities in the field of rocketry fuel are expected to provide opportunity for furfuryl alcohol market in this region. North America is expected to grow at a faster pace owing to increase in availability of raw materials and rising demand from construction and paints industry.Key players in this market include DynaChem Inc., The Chemical Company, Hongye Chemical Co. Ltd, Penn A Kem LLC, Nova Molecular technologies, Continetal Industries Group Inc., Shenzhen Shu Hang Industrial Development Co. Ltd., SolvChem Inc., NeuChem Inc., SweetLake Chemical Ltd., Ideal Chemical & Supply Company, Novasynorganics, International Process Plants among others.Request For TOC@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:
Profenofos Market Growth, Trends, Absolute Opportunity and Value Chain 2015-2025

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Profenofos is a chemical used as pesticide to prevent crop from damages which can otherwise be caused due to pests and insects. Profenofos chemical name is (RS) -0-4-bromo-2-chlorophynyl 0 ethyl S-Propyl phosphorothioate . Its a light yellow fluid with garlic like smell. Profenofos is divided under a chemical class organophosphate. It is quite stable under neutral and slightly acidic conditions. Profenofos gets unstable under alkaline environments on hydrolysis.Being highly soluble in organic solvents it allows easy application of insecticides on plants.Profenofos finds application as pesticides, and as miticide. It is used on a crop to prevent it from insects and pest.Request For Report Sample@A Solid need to enhance agricultural productivity across globe due to dropping cultivable land and has led to increase in demand for profenofos. This is the primary driver for growth of profenofos. However high level of toxicity found in profenofos chemical is anticipated to hamper its growth, due to various side effects profonefos needs to be used very carefully. Research on genetoxic effect have proved the dangerous impact of profenofos on marine life well as other living beings. It effects the DNA of living species when come in contact with.Profenofos, being primarily used as pesticide, is mainly consumed by agriculture based economies of the world. Developing economies like India and Bangladesh who are mainly dependent on agriculture are anticipated to be large markets for profenofos during the upcoming years. Smaller countries in African continent with high agricultural areas are also anticipated to generate high demand for prefenofos.Top players identified in manufacturing of profenofos market include Coromandel International Limited, Hualong Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Jiangsu Baoling Chemical Co. Ltd. Zagro Singapore Pte.Ltd. , National company for Agricultural production, Acme Organics, Fulon chemicals industrial, etc. Market participants are more focusing on research to formulate a better insecticide using profenofos to protect crops. Industry is also following the trend of manufacturing eco-friendly product which can be less harmful to environment as compared to the current products.Request For TOC@The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology and applications.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:
4D Printing Market - Global Economic Impact, Shares, Consumption Analysis, Growth Opportunities and Forecast to 2022

4D Printing Market

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Market Highlights:4D printing is still an emerging technology which is an advancement to 3D printing. 4D printing allows the components to transform into another shape when exposed to heat or humidity or any other environmental stimuli. This technology advances the shape creation process beyond 3D printing, which results into an additional design flexibility that can lead to new types of products which can adjust its functionality in response to the environment, in a pre-programmed manner.The study indicates that 4D printing technology is expected to be commercialized by 2019. The study indicates that the 4D printing technology would revolutionize the printing technologies. The study indicates that to overcome the existing issue to train and program the material after 3D printing. It has to heat up and stretched and then again cooled down to gain the desired shape 4D printing is introduced. This comfort of effortless manufacturing of things with desired structure boosts the 4D printing market. The study reveals that exploration of 4D printing technology would develop new products to benefit the customers.The 4D Printing Market is segmented on the basis of application and region. The application segment consists of aerospace and defense, healthcare, automotive, construction, clothing, utility and others. Many research centers like NASA are working over 4D printing technology to develop new products. A recent news dated April, 2017 says that NASA is developing a sort of chainmail to protect its spacecraft from meteors using 4D printing.The global 4D printing market is expected to grow at USD ~162 Million by 2022, at ~39% of CAGR between 2019 and 2022.Request a Sample Report@Key Player: Stratasys Ltd. (U.S) Hewlett Packard Corp. (U.S.) 3D Systems Corporation (U.S.) ExOne Co. (U.S.) Autodesk, Inc. (U.S.) Organovo Holdings, Inc. (U.S.) Materialise NV (Belgium) Dassault Systemes SA (France)Market Research Analysis:Regional analysis for 4D printing Technology market is studied in different geographic regions as Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of world. It has been estimated that North America region would account for larger share in 4D printing Technology sector followed by Europe region.The study indicates that high investments in R & D are seen in the North America region which is boosting the 4D printing technology. Asia-Pacific countries like China, Japan, Singapore and Korea would show a significant growth in the 4D printing market during the forecast period. There has been a news that, Zhen Ding at the Singapore University of Technology and Design and his colleagues have now developed a way to rapidly print rigid 4D objects with a commercial 3D printer and a heat source.Segmentation:The 4D printing Technology Market has been segmented on the basis of application and region. By application segment its been observed that aerospace and defense industry would expect a substantial increase in 4D printing Technology market. The study indicates that further development and advancement of 4D printing Technology would show significant growth of market in other industries as automotive, healthcare and others.Regional AnalysisThe regional analysis for 4D printing market is being studied for region such as Asia pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. The study indicates that North America would dominate the 4D printing market owing to the technological advancements in 3D printing and due to the high adoption of 3D printing on a large scale. The European region is expected to have the second biggest market share in the 4D printing market. As 4D printing is a niche technology Asia-Pacific region would have considerable adoption 4D printing technology 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 4D Printing Technology Market - Forecast to 2022.Intended Audience: Technology investors 3D printing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) Raw material and manufacturing equipment suppliers Electronic design automation (EDA) and design tool vendors 3D printing intellectual property players 3D printer component manufacturers 3D printing product manufacturers (ODMs) ODM and OEM technology solution providers Integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) Assembly, testing, and packaging vendors Distributors and traders Research organizations Technology standard organization and associationsBrowse Full 4D-Priniting Market @List of Tables1 Market Introduction2 Research Methodology3 Market Dynamics4 Executive Summary5. Market Factor Analysis5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis5.2 Supply Chain Analysis6 4d Printing Market, By Segments6.1 By Application6.2 By Geography7 Competitive Analysis7.1 Market Share Analysis7.2 Company ProfilesContinuedList of TablesTable 1 4d Printing Market, By ApplicationTable 2 4d Printing Market, By RegionsTable 3 North America 4d Printing Market, By ApplicationTable 4 U.S. 4d Printing Market, By ApplicationTable 5 Canada 4d Printing Market, By ApplicationTable 6 Europe 4d Printing Market, By ApplicationTable 7 Germany 4d Printing Market, By ApplicationTable 8 France 4d Printing Market, By ApplicationContinuedList of FiguresFigure 1 Research Network SolutionFigure 2 4d Printing Market: By Application (%)Figure 3 4d Printing Market: By RegionFigure 4 North America 4d Printing Market, By Application (%)Figure 5 Europe 4d Printing Market, By Application (%)ContinuedAbout Market Research FutureAt 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 Solutions, Application, Logistics 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 AnandMarket Research FutureMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Functional Printing Market Segments, Opportunity, Growth and Forecast By End-use Industry 2015-2025

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Functional printing is a process of bringing functionality into 2D and 3D silicon based components. It is printing of different electronic components using substrates and ink. The some of the most commonly used printing techniques are screen, flexography and inkjet which are being employed to print on various substrates like glass, paper, paper etc. using dielectric inks, conductive copper and silver inks and grapheme inks. The increasing demand for low cost volume production of electronic components and rising concern towards environmental sustainability issues has boosted the growth of Global Functional printing market.Functional Printing is used for mass production of electronic devices such as light crystal display (LCD), Radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, sensors, photovoltaic and organic light emitting diode (OLED).The use of functional printing for production of electronics is not only cost effective and environmentally safe but also provide scope for creating graphical visual effects like electrochromic effect, electroluminescent effect and electroluminescent effects. Functional printing offers increased durability, efficiency and reliability to the electronic components as compared to conventional process of production. On other hand existing functional printing technologies are still immature in terms of its application in development and production of electronic objects. It act as a both opportunity as well as challenge for market players to develop functional printing specifically designed for printed electronics.Request For Report Sample@On the basis of materials, Global Functional Printing market is segmented into  substrate and ink. Further substrate is categorized into glass, polyethylene naphthalene (PEN), plastic, gallium nitride (GAN), paper, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), silicon carbide and ink is categorized into- dielectric inks, conductive copper, silver inks and grapheme inks.On the basis of technology, Global Functional Printing market is segmented into  screen printing, flexography printing, gravure printing, micro-contact printing, offset printing and inkjet printing.On the basis of coating, Global Functional Printing market is categorized into  Conformal coating and conductive coating.On the basis of Application, Global Functional Printing market is categorized into  light crystal display (LCD), Radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, sensors, photovoltaic, organic light emitting diode (OLED), lighting, batteries and displays.The North America is the biggest functional printing market as most of the functional printing equipment & material manufacturers are from this region. There is need for technical developments and interdisciplinary efforts to fuel more innovative business opportunities along with core functional printing business to support rapid growth in functional printing market.The basic factors that drive the growth of global functional printing market is increasing demand of low cost, reliable and robust electronic devices such as RFID antennas and sensors all over the world. The development of new types of substrate materials and inks has further boosted the global functional printing market. The functional printing market is also driven by benefits that it offers such as less material wastage and low power consumption, which ultimately an effort to reduce negative environment impact by electronics industry. On other side, functional printing is not specifically designed for production of electronic components, which is a factor that surpasses the growth of functional printing market.Request For TOC@Global Functional Printing Market: Key PlayersSome of the top players in global Functional Printing market include - Avery Dennison Corporation (U.S.), Blue Spark Technologies (U.S.), Blue Spark Technologies (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Mark Andy, Inc. (U.S.), Xennia Technology (U.K.), Novaled AG (Germany), Xaar PLC (U.K.), Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated (PARC) (U.S.) and E Ink Holdings, Inc (Taiwan).ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Cloud Backup Market - Challenges, Key Vendors, Drivers, Trends and Forecast to 2023

Cloud Backup Market

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Market Highlights:Cloud Backup is also known as Online Backup or Cloud Computer Backup. This refers to backing up of data to a remote, cloud-based server. It is a method of supporting the data that is stored in and accessible from multiple distributed and connected resources that comprises a cloud for transferring data over the public cloud with less consumption of bandwidth. The server is usually hosted by a third party service providers. These solutions enable the client to store their data or files on the internet. It collects, compresses, encrypts and transfers data to the requested clients without consuming much time and bandwidth.The study indicates that the Cloud Backup Market is boosted by its solution of making right and informed decisions to achieve the desire outcomes. The cloud backup is also driven by security, storage, savings, and virtualization to a hybrid cloud solution for the data security. It also indicates that the cloud backup is driven by many factors, such as huge volumes of data generation, lower costs and greater efficiency than on-premises backup, and growing adoption of SaaS.The global Cloud Backup market is expected to grow at USD 5.6 Billion by 2023, at 21.2% of CAGR between 2017 and 2023.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 Cloud Backup Market - Forecast to 2023.Major Key Players: Microsoft Corporation (U.S) Oracle Corporation (U.S) IBM Corporation (U.S) Amazon Web Services. (U.S) EMC Corporation (U.S) Google Inc. (U.S) VMware Inc. (U.S) Dropbox, Inc. U.S.) Barracuda Networks, Inc. (US) Veeam Software (Switzerland) Datto, Inc. (U.S.) Druva Software (US) Code42 Software, Inc. (US)Request a Sample Report @Cloud Backup Market Segmentation:The Cloud Backup Market has been segmented on the basis of solution, services, deployment, end-user and region. Looking through the end-user segment it has been observed that telecommunication and IT sector is showing a rapid growth of usage of the Cloud Backup. The study indicates that the BFSI and government sector is also showing a positive sign in graph in term of high usage of cloud backup.Regional Analysis:The regional analysis of Cloud Backup market is being studied for region such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. Cloud Backup has driven due to its solutions like storage, simple management and monitoring, real-time backup and recovery, simple integration of cloud backup with enterprise's other applications, data de-duplication, customer support and many others services.It has been observed that North America region is the leading in Cloud Backup market. The study reveals that Europe region is showing a rapid growth in the Cloud Backup market. Asia-Pacific countries like China, Japan and India is projected to be the fastest growing region in the Cloud Backup market due to the increasing size of high data generation in many countries.Market Research Analysis:On geographic basis, Cloud Backup Market is studied in different regions as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of world. It has been observed that North America region is leading Cloud Backup in the market and is expected to grow with a high rate as well as hold the largest market share. In the Europe region there has been a major focus onto the online secure data storage system and is expected to gain a major traction during the forecast period. The study shows that developing economies in Asia Pacific region like China, Japan, India and others has a significantly growing well in Cloud Backup market.Intended Audience Software investors Cloud vendors Application design and development service providers System integrators/migration service providers Training and education service providers Data integration service providers Managed service providers Data quality service providers Security Management Service Provider Security Equipment ProvidersAccess 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 Structure:1.3.1 Global Cloud Backup Market: By Solution1.3.2 Global Cloud Backup Market: By Services1.3.3 Global Cloud Backup Market: By Deployment1.3.4 Global Cloud Backup Market: By Organization Size1.3.5 Global Cloud Backup Market: By End-User1.3.6 Global Cloud Backup Market: By Region2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Solution2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast ModelContinued..List of TablesTable 1 Cloud Backup Market, By SolutionTable 2 Cloud Backup Market, By ServicesTable 3 Cloud Backup Market, By DeploymentContinued..List of FiguresFigure 1 Research SolutionFigure 2 Cloud Backup Market: By Solution (%)Figure 3 Cloud Backup Market: By Services (%)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 FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Industrial Automation Market 2016: Company Profiles, Market Segments, Landscape and Demand Forecast to 2022

Industrial Automation Market

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Market Highlights:Industrial Automation can be defined as the use of computer aided control devices to operate different industrial processes by replacing human involvement. Industrial automation helps to operate multiple processes in controlled manner. It helps for mass production by reducing time and increasing production quality.Industrial Automation consists of different levels such as sensor level, automation control level automation, supervision level and enterprise level. The sensor level can also be called as the process level that uses sensors and actuators for getting values of the process variables on periodic or continuous basis. Control devices like PCs/PLCs/DCS and others. are used by the automation control level. PLC is majorly a machine control whereas DCS leads the process control.The automation control level operates using different embedded processors, PID algorithms to control all processes. Industrial automation includes various technologies as Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), Human Machine Interface (HMI). Supervisory control and data acquisition is a controlled system architecture which uses computers, graphical user interfaces and network data communications for high-level processes. Human Machine Interface includes the electronics required to signal and control the state of Industrial Automation Market equipment. The major benefits of industrial automation can be considered as replacing human involvement from risky areas of work, greater quality of production and economy improvement.Global Industrial Automation Market is expected to grow at USD 149 Billion by 2022, at 6% of CAGR between 2016 and 2022.Request a Sample Report @Major Key Players: Siemens AG (Germany) ABB Ltd. (Switzerland) Emerson Electric Company (U.S.) General Electric Company (U.S.) Schneider Electric SE (France) Honeywell International, Inc. (U.S.) Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan) Yokogawa Electric (Japan) Rockwell Automation, Inc. (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 Industrial Automation Market -Forecast to 2022.Industrial Automation Market Segmentation:The Industrial Automation Market has been segmented on the basis of type, technology, and end user. Looking through the industry segments its been observed that manufacturing industry would expect a substantial increase in industrial automation sector.Whereas metals and mining, oil and gas, automotive and transport industries are also leading industries in industrial automation sector. These industries are showing a positive growth towards industrial automation.Market Research Analysis:Market Research Future Analysis shows that there are many organizations which are lagging in industrial automation but there is an expectation of sudden hike in industrial automation. It has been observed that many companies are getting incentives for increasing their investment in industrial automation. The major benefits of industrial automation are increase in production, quality and replacing labor intervention. These factors would definitely increase the industrial automation market very soon.Regional analysis for industrial automation market is studied in different geographic regions as Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of world. It has been observed that Europe would account for larger share in industrial automation sector followed by North America and Asia-Pacific. Asia-Pacific countries like Japan, China, and Korea, also the south East Asian countries like Vietnam are also showing progress in field of industrial automation.Regional Analysis:The regional analysis of Industrial automation market is being studied for region such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. The ongoing global trend towards greater industrial automation is being reflected in an increase in the number of industrial robots into the US.Currently, there has been news in Japan that factory automation has paved a way for establishment of robot training centers. There has been an upward trend in industrial automation in the Asia pacific nations including Vietnam. It is proved that using industrial robots helps saving time and increasing product quality and production capacity leading to improve the competitiveness. This factors are expected to drive the industrial automation market in Asia-Pacific Region.Intended Audience: Process Automation and Instrumentation Manufacturers Industrial Robot Manufacturers MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and MOM (Manufacturing Operations Management) Players System Integrators Government Organizations 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 Network Solution2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast Model2.4.1 Market Data Collection, Analysis & Forecast2.4.2 Market Size EstimationContinuedList of TablesTable 1 Industrial Automation Market, By TypeTable 2 Industrial Automation Market, By TechnologyTable 3 Industrial Automation Market, By End-UserContinuedList of FiguresFigure 1research Network SolutionFigure 2industrial Automation Market: By Type (%)Figure 3industrial Automation Market: By Technology (%)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 Solutions, Application, Logistics 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
Antibody Library Technologies Market Size to Expand at 4.4% CAGR by 2026

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Owing to the limitation and shortcomings of the conventional molecular display technologies, medical research organizations are now shifting towards new age display less technologies, capable of isolating antibodies up to subnanomolar affinities.  Analyst, Persistence Market ResearchDemand for antibody library technologies is expected to surge, as the arrival of advanced antibodies and their display technologies continue to reduce complexities of life science and biotechnology research. Persistence Market Research (PMR), in its latest report, projects that the global antibody library technologies market revenue will increase at a CAGR of 4.4% between 2016 and 2024. Some of the latest antibody library design and selection methods enable easy identification of any MAB with any specificity, which is why pharmaceutical companies are increasingly making use of such technologies in their facilities.Browse Complete Report @Global Antibody Library Technologies: Key Market TrendsAs the market becomes more competitive, players aim to offer additional services complementary to antibody libraries.Consolidation between technology developers and drug development organizations in order to increase the consumer base has been identified as a prominent trend in the global market for antibody library technologies.Widespread adoption of cell-free display platform will persist throughout the forecast period, owing to the compact nature of such contemporary display platforms. For instance, the popularity of cell-free ribosome display technology has grown significantly amongst end-users in recent years.Phage display to remain as the predominant antibody library technology in 2017 and beyond. Moreover, constant technological advancement is expected to support its widespread adoption in the medium term. Phage display was the first in vitro technology developed for antibody selection and is extensively used by scientists all over the world. In 2016, sales revenue of phage display technology reached US$ 68.0 Million and is likely increase at 5% CAGR over 2024. Based on application, antibody library technologies are primarily used in drug discovery programs. Nearly US$ 81.3 Million worth antibody library technologies were purchased for drug development purposes in 2016. Meanwhile, biopharmaceutical companies remain the major end users of such technologies and are expected to create an incremental opportunity of US$ 44.Mn between 2016 and 2026 for the market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Amongst all the key regions, the antibody library technologies market in North America accounted for a massive revenue share of 57.5% in 2015. This is primarily due to the favorable government initiatives for development of cost-effective monoclonal antibodies in the US, which is driving the demand for antibody library technologies in the region. North America will continue to be most lucrative market over the forecast period followed by Europe and APAC.Request to view table of content @Some of the leading companies profiled in the PMR report include MorphoSys AG, Dyax Corp., Abzena Plc., XOMA Corporation, AvantGen Inc., Creative-Biolabs, AbCheck s.r.o., Philogen S.p.A, Adimab LLC, Invenra Inc. AnaptysBio, Inc., Abwiz Bio Inc., Abgent Inc., Vaccinex Inc., and AxioMx Inc. Collaborations and cross-licensing have been key market strategies for many of these companies having operations across the globe.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:
Current and Projected China Spinal Fusion Market size in terms of volume and value 2015-2025

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There are several huge aspects impacting medical device technology field nowadays. A number of trends including consolidation, research and developments, and international strategies and alliances are driving the market for china spinal fusion market. The spinal fusion is one of the most common surgeries suggested for back problems. With the increasing spinal fusion surgery volumes in china due to the favourable reimbursement levels and patients willingness to undergo surgery with minimal invasive techniques is expected to foster the china spinal fusion market. Spinal fusion is surgical process are done to the patients suffering from a number of conditions such asdeformity, scoliosis, disc disease and fracture.The China Spinal Fusion Market is expected to register a double digit growth holding the fact that there is an increasing number of surgeries due to advancement in the technologies and use of minimal invasive techniques that benefits reduced cost. The procedures are highly benefited with the investment in the new technologies and their clinical success which are gaining more and more importance in the recent days and causing the China spinal fusion market to grow.The emerging China spinal fusion market has been experiencing a phase of new product development and technological advancements due to greater demand. The manufacturing companies are raising their respective market share with aggressive marketing activities and increased R&D activities.Request For Report Sample@China Spinal Fusion Market: Drivers & RestraintsSome of the major factors subsidizing the growth of China spinal fusion market are increasing rate of aging population with spine related diseases & related injuries coupled with the rising incomes of the Chinese populace ensuring the patients capability to pay for the treatment. On the other hand the price sensitive population of china is very responsive to the treatment price that are anticipated to drip considerably in near future due to the increasing competition in the market.Due to existing and upcoming advance technologies such as minimal invasive surgery and better implant materials are making it more widely accepted including the younger adult populace and thereby increasing the China spinal fusion market.The economic growth and additional initiatives taken by the Chinese government had resulted in treatment of a large number of previously untreated spinal disease patients in China's rural populace who are now undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery due to increased access.Despite of being widely used procedure for curing extremely debilitating disease related to spine, and spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, the China spinal fusion market is facing some challenges such as reimbursement cuts and heavy government regulations, high surgery cost, risk factors involved in the surgery etc.Due to high competition in the market, prices for bone graft substitutes and spinal implants are expected to come down in the Asia Pacific market, even when demand and expenditure on them has become greater than before, thus restraining the China spinal fusion market from growing. Some of the other growth restraining factors of the China spinal infusion market can be growing awareness for some other treatment methods such as IDET, artificial disc, posterior dynamic stabilization, disc regeneration.China Spinal Fusion Market: SegmentationBy spine fusion device types is segmented as follows:Spinal Plating SystemsPedicle Screw SystemsInterbody CagesBy procedure, the china spinal fusion market is segmented as follows:Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)Anterior/Posterior Spinal FusionTransforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)The developing region of China is projected to be potentially growing in market with reference to the increasing demand for spinal fusion holding the fact that increased number of technological advancements have made the devices and surgeries cost-effective.Request For TOC@China Spinal Fusion Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the China spinal fusion market are Trauson, Depuy Synthes Companies, Biomet, Inc., Medtronic, Inc, Nuvasive Inc, Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Holding, Inc., Orthofix International N.V, B. Braun Aesculap and Weigao Orthopaedic Device Co., Ltd.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Fruit Snacks Market Analysis, Segments, Growth and Value Chain 2015-2025

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Fruit snacks is the type of processed food eaten as a snack in various countries. Fruit snacks includes various types of candies that are usually high in sugar content and includes apple and grape juice. Fruit snacks market is increasing drastically especially among kids due to the health benefits associated with the consumption of fruit snacks. Fruit snacks imparts high nutritional value to the consumers especially kids.Fruit Snacks Market SegmentationGlobal fruit snacks market is segmented on the basis of application, distribution channel and region. Based on the application fruit snacks market segmentation includes beverages, dairy, sweets and savoury and others. Among all the segments of the fruit snacks market sweet and savoury is expected to be the dominating segment over forecast period ,followed by other fruit snacks segments owing to the high preference of consumers for the processed food that are rich in nutritional content in comparison to other regular processed food. However, dairy segment of the fruit snacks market is anticipated to witness significant growth in comparison to other segments of the fruit snacks market over the forecast period. On the basis of distribution channel fruit snacks market is segmented into supermarkets, convenience stores, general stores, online and others. Among all the segments of fruit snacks market general store is expected to be the dominating segment, followed by other segments over the forthcoming years. However, online distribution channel for the fruit snacks market is expected to experience noticeable growth in the coming four to five years. Global fruit snacks market is segmented on the basis of region into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East and Africa and Japan.Request For Report Sample@Fruit Snacks Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global fruit snacks market is expected to witness robust growth over the forecast period due the high nutritional content present in the fruits added to the various products. Globally, among all regions, North America is expected to be the dominating segment in terms of revenue contribution ,followed by other regions especially Europe during the forecast period. In North America, U.S. is the most dominant country that contributes the maximum market share to the overall fruit snacks market in North America. However other regions especially Asia Pacific is expected to show fast growth owing to rising disposable income of the consumers in the developing regions coupled with health awareness among consumers related to the consumption of the food rich in nutritional content.Fruit Snacks Market: DriversMajor factors that fuel the growth of fruit snacks market includes the health benefits related to the consumption of the snacks rich in fruit content and rising consumer awareness related to the consumption of fruit based products such as snacks. Other factor that is expected to boost the growth of the fruit snacks market is the rising disposable income among consumers in the developing region such as India. Major restraint that hinders the growth of fruit snacks market is the increasing perception among consumers related to the harmful effects of the consumption of various processed food.Request For TOC@Fruit Snacks Market: Key PlayersMajor companies operating in fruit snacks market are Welch Foods Inc., General Mills Inc., SunOpta, Kellogg Co., Sunkist Growers, Inc., Crunchies Food Company. Companies operating in the fruit snacks market are promoting product innovation by investing huge amount in the product development activities in order to cater the demand of the existing and also potential customers. For instance company such as SunOpta are investing huge amount for launching new products in order to increase its market presence and also grab the potential untapped marketABOUT 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:
Infection Surveillance Solutions Market to Expand at 14.4% CAGR by 2025

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Infection surveillance solution helps healthcare facilities in reporting patient-associated data to the state and federal authorities. Integration of infection surveillance software with already existing networks of medical facilities and hospitals is an easy process. A recent report published by Persistence Market Research (PMR) estimates the global infection surveillance solution market to register a staggering 14.04% CAGR during the forecast- 2017 to 2025. The US$ 316.67 Mn market is likely to surpass US$ 900 Mn in revenues by 2025-end.Contamination of devices & equipment, patient clothing, and bed linens have led to various hospital-associated infections including pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and surgical site infection. To identify the possible healthcare associated infections, hospitals and healthcare professionals are being impelled to adopt infection surveillance systems. Healthcare institutes are incorporating infection surveillance systems to seek accurate, real-time information related to medical records, surgical database, employees health and patient health. The aforementioned factors are driving the growth of the global infection surveillance solution market.Governments of various economies are encouraging health communication programs within health institutes. These governments are coming up with initiatives for building a reliable data source. This further would help in exchanging information within healthcare systems. In addition, the capacity of IT systems is witnessing a surge in performing analytic processing. These factors are expected to aid in the development of analytical and infection surveillance solutions. However, improper data management, soaring volume of data for analysis coupled with altering regulatory requirements, and rising trend of healthcare staff migration on international level are key restrains expected to inhibit the market growth over the forecast period.Browse Complete Report @Among end users, hospitals will be the most lucrative in the global infection surveillance solution market. Revenues amassed from hospitals would reach around US$ 500 Mn by 2025-end. Clinics, the second largest end-user, are expected to exhibit 14.19% CAGR through 2025. Although software component is projected to be most lucrative over the global infection surveillance solution market, the services component is projected to register a comparatively faster growth during the forecast period. Infection and surveillance software enables clinics and hospitals to minimize and control healthcare-associated infections in real-time.A sample of this report is available upon request @PMRs report projects North America to remain dominant in the market during the forecast period, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC). The United States (U.S.) is expected to be the most lucrative country in North America infection surveillance solution market. Federal regulation in North America have driven the adoption of infection surveillance solutions by hospitals and other healthcare settings. Europe and APAC are anticipated to exhibit 13.86% and 13.10% CAGRs respectively through 2025. Government initiatives and programs in Europe, for example- European Influenza Surveillance Scheme by European Center for Disease and Prevention Control, are fuelling the growth of the market in this region.Request to view table of content @Key players identified in PMRs report include Becton Dickson & Company, Baxter International, Premier, Inc., Truven Health Analytics Inc. (IBM Watson), Gojo Industries, Inc., RL Solutions, Wolters Kluwer N.V., Vigilanz Corporation, Atlas Medical Software (Rpoer Technologies), Quantros, Inc., BD Diagnostics, ICNet Systems, Inc. (Baxter International), Vecna Technologies, Inc., bioMerieux, Inc., Hygreen Inc., Emerald Health Information Systems Ltd, DEB Group Ltd., Iatric Systems, Inc., PeraHealth Inc., and Cerner Corporation.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:
Aerogel Market Dynamics, Forecast, Analysis and Supply Demand 2015-2025

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The global aerogel market is on the rise due to increased applications of aerogel in industries such as oil & gas, marine, automotive, and aerospace. Aerogel is an extremely low density solid material, mainly composed of air, and is manufactured using conventional gel. Global aerogel market consists of material exhibiting numerous properties, making it suitable for the applications in aforementioned industries. These properties include thermal & acoustic damping, low density, high degree of porosity and other desired properties in various applications industries. In addition to the abundant uses of aerogel in industrial applications, one of the key reasons for increasing global aerogel market is due to the fact that the material is being witnessed as a good replacement for thermal insulation materials, since it is providing cost competitiveness to other high performance thermal insulating materials.Aerogel Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe increasing demand of aerogels by the end users such as oil & gas, automotive, marine & aerospace , etc. are driving the global aerogel market. Growing globalization leading to an increase in investments, new establishments for construction and properties of aerogel such as high insulation, being cheap and abundant availability of the raw material are some of the factors driving the growth of global aerogel market. High production cost is the major challenging factor for the growth of global aerogel market.Request For Report Sample@Aerogel Market: SegmentationIn terms of application industry, the global aerogel market is segmented into key applications:Oil & gasMarine & aerospacePerformance coatingsLVHSDay-lightingAutomotiveConstructionWithin these applications, the oil & gas industry accounts for a leading share in the global aerogel market. Among other applications, wherein significant growth is likely to be witnessed is automotive and construction applications, wherein thermal insulation properties of aerogel material are being exploited.On the basis of product types, the global aerogel market is can be segmented into:SilicaPolymerCarbonThese different types of aerogel are being utilized in the global marketplace, wherein polymer type of aerogel is expected to witness the highest growth in coming years. In terms of market share, the global aerogel market has been dominated by silica type aerogel, which is likely to continue its dominance through the forecast period as well.On the basis of forms, the global aerogel market has been segmented into:MonolithBlanketArticlePanel formThe global aerogel market is dominated by blanket form of aerogel, which is widely used for thermal insulation applications across the industries. The global aerogel market is expected to witness the tremendous growth in particle form of aerogel, which is expected to contribute towards the growth in demand for aerogel in global aerogel market during the forecast period.On the basis of processing segment, the global aerogel market has also been segmented into:Virgin processedFabricatedIn terms of processing, within the global aerogel market, virgin aerogel is witnessed to be the dominating processing segment. This is due to the fact that virgin aerogel is free from composites and additives, which enables its applications in research & development activities. Further virgin aerogel is accompanied with high commercial availability in the global aerogel market.Request For TOC@Aerogel Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global aerogel market has witnessed increased growth in North American region, which accounts for a leading share in the global aerogel market. Followed by North America, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region accounts for the second leading regions in terms of aerogel consumption across the globe, which is due to high amount of consumption in China. However, the European market is likely to be the leading region, in terms of annual growth, in years to come.Aerogel Market: Key PlayersThe global aerogel market is dominated by major players such as Cabot Corporation, Aerogel Technologies LLC, Aspen Aerogels, Inc. and BASF SE, to name a few.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Baby Powder Sales Market Report 2017 - Johnson & Johnson

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This report studies sales (consumption) of Baby Powder in Global market, especially in United States, China, Europe and Japan, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, coveringPigeonJohnson & JohnsonCalifornia BabyWyethLancomeBurt's BeesDr.BrownsGoodbabyFIVERAMSWakodoSanosanZichumyCareforYumeijingTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Baby Powder in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaSplit by product Types, with sales, revenue, price and gross margin, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoType IType IISplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Baby Powder in each application, can be divided intoApplication 1Application 2Table of ContentsGlobal Baby Powder Sales Market Report 20171 Baby Powder Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Baby Powder1.2 Classification of Baby Powder1.2.1 Type I1.2.2 Type II1.3 Application of Baby Powder1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.4 Baby Powder Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Baby Powder (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Baby Powder Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Baby Powder Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Global Baby Powder Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Baby Powder Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Baby Powder Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Baby Powder Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Baby Powder (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Baby Powder Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Baby Powder (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Baby Powder Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)2.4 Global Baby Powder (Volume) by Application3 United States Baby Powder (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Baby Powder Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Baby Powder Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Baby Powder Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Baby Powder Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 United States Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by ApplicationBrowse Complete Report with TOC @4 China Baby Powder (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Baby Powder Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 China Baby Powder Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 China Baby Powder Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 China Baby Powder Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 China Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers4.3 China Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Type4.4 China Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Application5 Europe Baby Powder (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 Europe Baby Powder Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 Europe Baby Powder Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 Europe Baby Powder Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.3 Europe Baby Powder Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)5.2 Europe Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers5.3 Europe Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Type5.4 Europe Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Application6 Japan Baby Powder (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6.1 Japan Baby Powder Sales and Value (2012-2017)6.1.1 Japan Baby Powder Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.2 Japan Baby Powder Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.3 Japan Baby Powder Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)6.2 Japan Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers6.3 Japan Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by Type6.4 Japan Baby Powder Sales and Market Share by ApplicationAbout 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
By 2025 Pressure Relief Devices Market to Rise at 5.3% CAGR

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Persistence Market Research (PMR), in its report, projects the global pressure relief devices market to register 5.3% CAGR during the forecast period 2017 to 2025. In 2016, the market was evaluated at revenues worth US$ 2,280.4 Mn; by 2025 this number is estimated to reach nearly US$ 3,600 Mn.Demand for pressure relief devices is on a surge in developing economies including Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). With the advent of medical tourism in various APAC countries such as Vietnam Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Philippines, the market in this region is expected to witness considerable growth. Provision of after sales will be the key focus area of the global pressure relief devices market. Various global players have signed strategic partnerships & collaborations with regional players for offering sales and aftersales services in developing markets.According to a study by Hill-Rom, growing number of patients with hospital-acquired pressure ulcer has led to a robust adoption of pressure ulcer devices in North America. In addition, rising prevalence of obesity and growing geriatric population has also driven the demand for pressure ulcer devices. These factors are expected to drive growth of the market in this region. However, reimbursement stands as a critical factor, considering the fact that products are highly priced. Private insurers in North America are adopting reimbursement restrictions for pressure ulcer treatment, which in turn will restrain market growth in this region.Browse Complete Report @Increasing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure is current trend in both developed and developing countries of APAC. This is expected fuel demand for medical devices including pressure relief devices in this region. In addition, provision of government initiatives is expected to offer better healthcare facilities across developing economies, which is further expected to fuel demand for pressure relief devices in APAC. In contrast, affordability of purchasing new pressure relief devices is a major challenge for large number of population across this region. This is because of limited support from government policies covering pressure ulcer treatment in developing economies, and lack of health insurance. These factors are expected to impede market growth in Asia Pacific.Long-term care centres will continue to remain most lucrative end-users of pressure relief devices, with revenues estimated to reach nearly US$ 1,700 Mn by 2025. Demand for pressure relief devices from long-term care centres is expected to witness expansion at 6% CAGR through 2025. In addition, hospitals are estimated to be second largest end-users of pressure relief devices. Revenue garnered by demand for pressure relief devices from hospitals is expected to surpass US$ 800 Mn in 2017.By product type, specialty beds will remain sought-after in the market. Sales of specialty beds is expected to exhibit 5.8% CAGR through 2025. Specialty beds are expected to account for over 50% market share by 2025-end. In addition, sales of pressure relief mattress is projected to reach nearly US$ 600 Mn in 2017. In contrast, mattress overlays are expected to witness a comparatively low CAGR in the market.A sample of this report is available upon request @North America will remain the largest market for pressure relief devices. Sales of pressure relief devices in this region will reach nearly US$ 800 Mn in 2017; by 2025 this number is estimated to surpass US$ 1,000 Mn. In addition, APAC is expected to witness fastest growth in the market. Sales of pressure relief devices in APAC is projected to expand at 6% CAGR through 2025. In contrast, MEA is expected to exhibit sluggish expansion in the market during the forecast period.Request to view table of content @Key players identified in PMRs report include Arjohuntleigh AB, Hill-Rom Global Holdings B.V., INVACARE CORP, PARAMOUNT BED CO., LTD., Talley Group Limited, STRYKER CORPORATION, SIDHIL LIMITED, MEDTRONIC PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY, SMITH & NEPHEW PLC, Apex Medical Corp, Proma Reha, s. r. o., Besco Medical Co., Ltd., Hirtz & Co. KG, GF Health Products, Inc., ADL GmbH., Linet spol. 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:
By 2025 Medication Dispenser Market to Rise at 7% CAGR

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PMRs report, titled Medication Dispenser Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Forecast (2017-2025) also cites that the medication dispenser market in North America will retain its top spot over the forecast period. The region is expected to account for nearly 64.3% revenue share of the global market by 2017-end. This is primarily owing to the rising geriatric population and availability of highly accurate medication services in the region. During this eight years of the forecast, the region is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.2% and reach a market valuation of US$ 1,187.1 Mn. In addition, the contribution of the U.S. in the regions market will remain exceptionally high throughout the assessment period. Meanwhile, APEJ is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 8.2% over 2025, primarily due to increasing per capita income and a greater healthcare reach in many of the emerging countries in the region.Browse Complete Report @Reformation in healthcare policies across various countries has resulted in enhancement of healthcare services, favoring the adoption of medication dispenser in hospitals. The change in the quality of healthcare services provided to patients is mainly ascribed to ongoing technological advancements, which is simultaneously elevating the effectiveness of healthcare systems. Such positive alterations are helping healthcare organizations to increase productivity as well as mitigate healthcare costs and medical errors. Further, hospitals are bound to offer quality care to patients in order to stay competitive. Increasing adoption of novel medical technologies such as Electronic medical record (EMR), Pharmacy Information Systems (PIS), and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) has led to the automation of various procedures in hospitals.Factors as such are anticipated to support the growing use of medication dispenser in ambulatory surgical centers, hospitals and nursing homes. Moreover, the need to eliminate manual task of dispensing medicines is further boosting the demand for medication dispensing systems of late. As per the latest report published by Persistence Market Research, the global medication dispenser market will reach a valuation of US$ 1,824.7 Mn, riding at a CAGR of 7.0% over the forecast period (20172025).A sample of this report is available upon request @Additional Highlights of the Report Include:On the basis of product type, pharmacy based ADSs currently hold the largest share of the global medication dispenser market in terms of revenue, and the trend is projected to continue throughout the forecast period. Pharmacy based ADSs are anticipated to account for 55.4% share of the market over the forecast period, expanding at a CAGR of 7.5%.By end-user, demand for medication dispenser is expected to remain robust from hospital pharmacies in 2017 and beyond. Hospital pharmacies are anticipated to account for around 61.9% share of the global market over 2025.Request to view table of content @PMR in its report has profiled some of the leading companies operating in the global medication dispenser market, which include: Becton, Dickinson and Company, Omnicell Inc., Cerner Corporation, Capsa Solution LLC, InstyMeds Corporation, PARATA SYSTEMS, LLC, TriaTech Medical Systems Inc., ARxIUM Inc., ScriptPro LLC, YUYAMA Co.,Ltd, Howard Industries, Inc., Swisslog Holding AG, Healthmark, Talyst, Robotik Technology, Tema Sinergie, Synergy Medical, RxMedic Systems, Inc., Accu-Chart Plus Healthcare Systems, Inc., Medipense 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:
Global Brake Wear Indicator Sales Market Report 2017 - Nisshinbo Group company, MAT Holdings, ITT Corporation

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Brake Wear Indicator Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.In order to provide a comprehensive study of the global Brake Wear Indicator market, this report takes stock of all the factors that may influence the in the near future, positively or negatively. All the major trends have been analyzed and their eventual effect on the market has been estimated. The report has been prepared using proven research methodologies, includes inputs from industry experts, and aspires to contribute as a credible business document for the stakeholders connected to the value chain of the global Brake Wear Indicator market. The report focuses on gauging the current status of the Brake Wear Indicator market. The study is very essential to enhance business productivity as well as for anticipating the forecasts. Primarily, this report on global Brake Wear Indicator market displays the overview of the industry, which consists of definitions, classifications, applications, and the industry chain structure. The report also provides competitive analysis, development history, and leading players in respective regions and countries.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report does the analysis of Brake Wear Indicator market and focuses on top leading industry competitors. In addition to this, the Brake Wear Indicator report also provides information on company profiles, capacity, product description, production cost, market revenue, and contact details. The report also includes product types, price, gross margin according to regions and Brake Wear Indicator market growth rate of each segment of product. It is also possible to add other regions within a few working days. Then, the global Brake Wear Indicator market report includes development plans and policies of industry leaders, price structures and the development processes. The report also covers import or export details, industry supply chain and utilization figures.Table of Contents1 Brake Wear Indicator Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Brake Wear Indicator1.2 Classification of Brake Wear Indicator1.2.1 Ocular inspection1.2.2 Mechanical1.2.3 Electrical1.2.4 Position sensor1.3 Application of Brake Wear Indicator1.3.1 Vehicles OEM Industry1.3.2 Vehicles Aftermarket Industry1.4 Brake Wear Indicator Market by Regions1.4.1 United States 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)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Brake Wear Indicator (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Brake Wear Indicator Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Brake Wear Indicator Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Brake Wear Indicator Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.1.2 Global Brake Wear Indicator Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.2 Global Brake Wear Indicator (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.2.2 Global Brake Wear Indicator Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.3 Global Brake Wear Indicator (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.3.2 Global Brake Wear Indicator Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.4 Global Brake Wear Indicator (Volume) by Application3 United States Brake Wear Indicator (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Value (2011-2016)3.1.1 United States Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.2 United States Brake Wear Indicator Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.3 United States Brake Wear Indicator Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)3.2 United States Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by ApplicationBrowse full table of contents and data tables of Report @4 China Brake Wear Indicator (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Value (2011-2016)4.1.1 China Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.2 China Brake Wear Indicator Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.3 China Brake Wear Indicator Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)4.2 China Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers4.3 China Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by Type4.4 China Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by Application5 Europe Brake Wear Indicator (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 Europe Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Value (2011-2016)5.1.1 Europe Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)5.1.2 Europe Brake Wear Indicator Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)5.1.3 Europe Brake Wear Indicator Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)5.2 Europe Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers5.3 Europe Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by Type5.4 Europe Brake Wear Indicator Sales and Market Share by ApplicationAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Brown Sugar Market Research Report 2017 - Nordic Sugar A/S, C&H Sugar, American Crystal Sugar

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Brown Sugar Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The global Brown Sugar market is forever evolving, and hence several factors will define the future prospects. This report has been created to serve as a dependable business document for the stakeholders attached to the value chain of the global Brown Sugar market, analyzing all the important factors, catching the latest trends, and estimating the future scenario. The report has been prepared using conventional research methodologies such as SWOT Analysis and Porters Five Forces.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @In order to gauge the potential of various segments of product, application, and end-use, the report takes each one at a time and provides future prospects. This report on the global Brown Sugar market also takes stocks of various regions, identifies the most lucrative country-wide markets, and takes notes of the level of competition coming from regional players. To evaluate market size, the report has considered several data points such as market split and regional split on the basis of source, product and qualitative inputs from primary responses have been taken into account to deduce suitable market estimates. The forecasts presented in this report calculates the total revenue that is anticipated to be generated across the Brown Sugar market over forecast period 2017-2022.In order to form a picture of the competitive landscape, the report has profiled a number of leading players in the global Brown Sugar market. For each player, the report overviews their geographical reach, estimates share of the pie, and analyzes the recent strategic developments such as acquisitions and agreements, marketing strategies, and customer relationship.Table of Contents1 Brown Sugar Market Overview 11.1 Product Overview and Scope of Brown Sugar 11.2 Brown Sugar Segment by Types 11.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Brown Sugar by Types in 2016 11.2.2 Light Brown Sugar 21.2.3 Dark Brown Sugar 31.3 Brown Sugar Segment by Applications 51.3.1 Brown Sugar Consumption Market Share by Applications in 2016 51.3.2 Bakery 51.3.3 Beverages 61.3.4 Confectionery 71.3.5 Ice Cream and Dairy 81.3.6 Others 91.4 Brown Sugar Market by Regions 101.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022F) 101.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022F) 111.4.3 Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022F) 121.4.4 South America Status and Prospect (2012-2022F) 131.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Brown Sugar (2012-2022F) 142 Global Brown Sugar Market Competition by Manufacturers 152.1 Global Brown Sugar Production and Share by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017E) 152.2 Global Brown Sugar Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017E) 172.3 Global Brown Sugar Average Price by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017E) 202.4 Manufacturers Brown Sugar Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types 222.5 Brown Sugar Market Competitive Situation and Trends 242.5.1 Brown Sugar Market Concentration Rate 242.5.2 Brown Sugar Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers 252.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion 263 Global Brown Sugar Production, Revenue (Value) by Regions (2012-2017E) 283.1 Global Brown Sugar Production and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017E) 283.2 Global Brown Sugar Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017E) 303.3 Global Brown Sugar Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017E) 313.4 North America Brown Sugar Production, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017E) 323.5 Europe Brown Sugar Production, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017E) 323.6 Asia Brown Sugar Production, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017E) 333.7 South America Brown Sugar Production (M Tonnes), Revenue (M USD), Price (USD/Tonne) and Gross Margin (2012-2017E) 33Browse Complete Report with TOC @4 Global Brown Sugar Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017E) 344.1 Global Brown Sugar Consumption by Regions (2012-2017E) 344.2 North America Brown Sugar Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017E) 364.3 Europe Brown Sugar Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017E) 364.4 Asia Brown Sugar Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017E) 364.5 South America Brown Sugar Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017E) 375 Global Brown Sugar Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Types 385.1 Global Brown Sugar Production and Market Share by Types (2012-2017E) 385.2 Global Brown Sugar Revenue and Market Share by Types (2012-2017E) 395.3 Global Brown Sugar Price by Type (2012-2017E) 415.4 Global Brown Sugar Production Growth by Type (2012-2017E) 416 Global Brown Sugar Market Analysis by Applications 436.1 Global Brown Sugar Consumption and Market Share by Applications (2012-2017E) 436.2 Global Brown Sugar Consumption Growth Rate by Applications (2012-2017E) 456.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities 476.3.1 Potential Applications 476.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries 47About 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
Hospital Linen Supply and Management Services In Global Market - Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Hospital Linen Supply and Management Services In Global Market - Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the global hospital linen supply and management services market presents a comprehensive analysis and forecast of this market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with forecast for the period between 2015 and 2024 based on revenue (US$ Bn). The drivers and restraints governing the dynamics of the market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period have also been discussed in this study. Further it includes potential opportunities in the hospital linen supply and management services market on the global and regional level.The report includes a detailed value chain analysis to provide a comprehensive view of the hospital linen supply and management services market. Analysis of distribution channel has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein end users have been benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness for future growth.The market has been forecast based on number of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare institutes in each country/ region. Demand for hospital linen vary in each region and are a result of number of hospitals and implementation of their linen hygiene policies. Individual product type, material type and end users has been taken into account while estimating and forecasting overall revenue.The report provides the size of the hospital linen supply and management services market in 2015 and the forecast for the next nine years up to 2024. The size of the global hospital linen supply and management services market is provided in terms of revenue. Market revenue for regions is defined in US$ Bn. The market size and forecast for each product segment is provided in the context of global and regional markets. Numbers provided in this report are derived based on demand generated from different products, end users and types of materials. Market dynamics prevalent in North America and Europe have been taken into account for estimating the growth of the global market.Global Hospital Linen Supply and Management Services Market: SegmentationThe study provides a decisive view of the hospital linen supply and management services market by segmenting it based on product type, material type, End users and regional demand. Product type segmentation includes analysis on list of products used in hospital linen and their future projections up to 2024. Material segment includes analysis on woven and non-woven linen material and their current trends and future potential.End users segments hospitals, clinics, other healthcare institutes have been analyzed based on current trends and future potential. The market has been estimated from 2016 to 2024 in terms of revenue (US$ Bn). Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. These have been further sub-segmented into countries and regions which are relevant to the market. The segmentation also includes demand for individual products, materials and end users in all regions.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @End users demand for hospital linen supply and management services has been derived by analyzing the global and regional demand for hospital linen supply and management services in each End users. The global hospital linen supply and management services market has been analyzed based on expected demand. Factors considered for calculation of revenue are drivers, restraints and opportunities.Forecasts have been based on the expected demand from hospital linen supply and management services End users. We have used the bottom-up approach to estimate the global hospital linen supply and management services market, split into regions. The End users split of the market has been derived using a bottom-up approach for each regional market separately, with the global End users segment split being an integration of regional estimates.Companies Mentioned in this ReportThe report covers a detailed competitive outlook that includes company profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Synergy Health Plc, Image FIRST Healthcare Laundry Specialists, Healthcare Services Group, Inc., E-town Laundry Company, Angelica Corporation, Sobel Westex Inc., AmeriPride Linen & Uniform Services, Emes Textiles Pvt. Ltd., Unitex Textile Rental Services, and Tetsudo Linen Service. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, brand overview, financial overview (in terms of financial year), business strategies, and recent/key developments.Hospital Linen Supply and Management Services Market: Product AnalysisBed Sheets/PillowcasesBlanketsPatient RepositionerBed Pads/Under PadsBathing /Cleansing AccessoriesOthersHospital Linen Supply and Management Services Market: Material AnalysisWovenNon-WovenHospital Linen Supply and Management Services Market: End users AnalysisHospitalClinicOther Healthcare InstitutesThe report provides a cross-sectional analysis of the End users segments mentioned above with respect to the following regions:North AmericaU.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeGermanyU.K.FranceItalyMake 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 @
Growing Demand For Various Types Of Linear Actuators Market In North America During The Forecast Period 2016 - 2024

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Growing Demand For Various Types Of Linear Actuators Market In North America During The Forecast Period 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.This report provides strategic analysis of the North America linear actuators market, and the growth forecast for the period 2016 to 2024. The scope of the report includes competitive analysis of various market segments based on type, end use, and in-depth cross-sectional scrutiny of the North America linear actuators market across countries. Linear actuators refer to actuators which creates linear motion of a machine part or the machine itself. Linear actuators have varied applications, such as in linearly actuated valves, pumps, industrial machinery, vehicular brakes and computer peripherals among others. They can have a very simple mechanism of action, or can be very complex.Growth in industrial automation, across verticals such as automotive, food & beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare and defense among others, has been the primary driver of the linear actuators market in North America. The increasing importance for water and wastewater management has also been boosting the growth of linear actuators market. Increasing population in North America has led to increasing demand for efficient water and wastewater management. With stringent environmental regulations and depleting water resources, the government of North American countries has been stressing on improving water and wastewater management systems.Growing demand for various types of linearly actuated valves, for increasing energy efficiency, monitoring of quality of wastewater treatment, and also to meet the changing environmental regulations have been further promoting growth of linear actuator valves in North America. Considering the positive impacts of the factors mentioned above, the linear actuators market in North America can be anticipated to grow at a good pace during the forecast period.North America Linear Actuators Market: SegmentationOn the basis of type, the North America linear actuators market has been segmented into pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical electric and others. Electric linear actuators have been further divided into ball screw, linear guide, linear table, rod less linear actuator, rod style linear actuator and others. The rod style linear actuator sub-segment has again been divided into helical belt, worm, DC motor and servo motor. The market revenue for linear actuators has been provided in terms of USD million, along with the CAGR for the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.End use industries covered under this report includes automotive, medical/healthcare, furniture, mining, steel, water & wastewater management, construction, it/semiconductor, military, agriculture, chemical, petrochemical among others. Each of these segments provide market size and forecast for the period 2016 - 2024, highlighting the key trends influencing and challenging factors for each segment. The country wise market analysis gives in-depth analysis of the current trends in different countries including the U.S., Canada and Mexico.North America Linear Actuators Market: Competitive DynamicsTo aid in strategic decision-making, the report also includes competitive profiling of leading players in the industry, their market share, various business strategies adopted by them, and recent developments. The key trends analysis and market opportunity map provided in the report discusses the various upcoming trends and current end use industries, with a focus on the future penetration of these products. The market opportunity map and market attractiveness analysis included in the report provide insight into market dynamics, industry competition, and the most profitable segments in the North America linear actuators market. Additionally, the Porters five forces analysis aids in better understanding of the level of competition present in the market. Top players of the North America linear actuators market has also being profiled and included in the report.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report also provides breakdown and assessment of various factors impacting the market growth, which are suitably described as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. These factors determine various existing trends and their impact on market growth. Overall, taking into consideration the various factors affecting the linear actuators market, the report includes a holistic analysis of the North America linear actuators market, and provides an estimate of growth for the forecast period 2016 to 2024.Some of the leading players in the market are Kollmorgen (U.S.), Tsubakimoto Chain, Co. (Japan), DESTACO (U.S.), Enerpac (U.S.), Duff-Norton (U.S.), Joyce Dayton Corporation (U.S.), MOOG, Inc. (U.S.), PHD, Inc. (U.S.), General Electric, Co. (U.S.),NOOK Industries, Inc. (U.S.),Altra Industrial Motion, Corporation (U.S.), Parker Hannifin Corporation (U.S.), Festo Group (U.S.), Tolomatic, Inc. (U.S.),Rockwell Automation (U.S.), IAI America, Inc. (Japan) Fortive Corporation (U.S.), RACO International, L.P. (U.S.) and Curtiss Wright Corporation (U.S.) among others.The market has been segmented as follows:North America Linear Actuators Market  By Type:PneumaticHydraulicMechanicalElectricBall screwLinear guideLinear tableRod less linear actuatorRod style linear actuatorHelical beltWormDC MotorServo MotorOthersOthersNorth America Linear Actuators Market - By End Use:AutomotiveMedical/ HealthcareFurnitureMiningSteelWater & wastewater managementConstructionIT / SemiconductorMilitaryAgricultureChemicalPetrochemicalOthersNorth America Linear Actuators Market - By Country:U.S.CanadaMexicoMake 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 @
GRP Rainer Rechtsanwalte: Experience in antitrust law  9th amendment to the GWB

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Antitrust law is not something that merely concerns large corporations. It also affects small and medium-sized businesses. Violations of antitrust law can be met with severe penalties.In March, the Bundestag and Bundesrat, Germanys lower and upper houses of parliament, passed the 9th amendment to the Gesetz gegen Wettbewerbsbeschrankungen (GWB) [Act Against Restraints of Competition]. We at the commercial law firm GRP Rainer Rechtsanwalte note that this entails a tightening of the rules in the fields of competition law and antitrust law, as the changes make it easier for those who have been aggrieved by cartel arrangements to assert claims for damages. On the other hand, it also means that businesses which infringe antitrust law will be faced with a greater risk.The 9th amendment to the GWB is designed to implement the EU Directive on Damages in EU Cartel Cases. One focus of the amendment is to adapt competition law to the digital age. Because it is not uncommon, especially in this field, for market concentration or abuse of a dominant market position to occur, control of mergers and abusive practices will be bolstered by the competition authorities.An equally important point is that parties who have suffered loss due to a cartel will be able to more easily enforce claims for damages. In the event of a cartel infringement, the competition watchdog can administer the cartel members with a fine and the aggrieved parties can, as the case may be, sue for damages. That being said, they have to demonstrate the fact that and the extent to which they have suffered losses as a result of the cartel. There will now be a legal presumption that loss has been suffered due to the infringement. This presumption needs to be rebutted by the cartelists, thus the burden of proof has shifted. Furthermore, the victims will enjoy more comprehensive rights in relation to the submission of the relevant documents.Another key point is that it is now also possible for the parent company or its legal successor to be held liable for infringements of antitrust law committed by its subsidiaries. This is meant to prevent companies from evading liability by restructuring within a group.But antitrust law is not only aimed at large companies. Small and medium-sized businesses must also be increasingly careful not to violate antitrust law, as this can prove to be expensive. Lawyers who are experienced in the field of antitrust law can provide companies with pre-emptive advice and, of course, also assist in enforcing or fending off damages claims.GRP Rainer LLPis an international firm of lawyers and tax advisors who are specialists in commercial law. The firm counsels commercial and industrial companies and corporations, as well as associations, small- and mid-sized businesses, self-employed freelancers and private individuals worldwide from offices Cologne, Berlin, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and London UK.Contact Michael RainerLawyer, Managing PartnerGRP Rainer LLPGurzenich-QuartierAugustinerstrae 1050667 CologneGermanyPhone: +49 221-27 22 75-0info@grprainer.com
Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Sales Market, 2017: By Top Manufacturers/Players - Bosch Security Systems, Jensen Hughes, Siemens & Honeywell Aerospace

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ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on "Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Sales Market, 2017: By Top Manufacturers/Players - Bosch Security Systems, Jensen Hughes, Siemens & Honeywell Aerospace".In this report, the global Airport Fire Safety Equipments market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Airport Fire Safety Equipments for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Airport Fire Safety Equipments market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Airport Fire Safety Equipments sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingBosch Security SystemsJensen HughesSiemensHoneywell AerospaceUTC Aerospace SystemsZodiac AerospaceAnsulThe Invicta GroupUnited TechnologiesFiretraceSmith & Sharks ProjectsOn 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 intoFire Monitoring SystemFire EngineFire ExtinguisherOtherOn 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 Airport Fire Safety Equipments for each application, includingAirport TerminalAirsideOtherTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Table of ContentsGlobal Airport Fire Safety Equipments Sales Market Report 20171 Airport Fire Safety Equipments Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Airport Fire Safety Equipments1.2 Classification of Airport Fire Safety Equipments by Product Category1.2.1 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Fire Monitoring System1.2.4 Fire Engine1.2.5 Fire Extinguisher1.2.6 Other1.3 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Airport Terminal1.3.3 Airside2 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Airport Fire Safety Equipments Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Patient Capacity Management Market to Rise at 5% CAGR by 2024

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North Americas dominance over the global patient throughput & capacity management market is justified by the regions robust healthcare industry, which is also a proponent to technological advancements and adoption of intelligent solutions. Europes patient throughput & capacity management market will also leave a sizable imprint on the global market, registering a value CAGR of 5.3%.The need for aligning resources in healthcare settings has compelled medical organizations towards adoption of technological solutions that help manage & arrange patient care information in orderly fashion. Hospitals from across the globe are installing patient throughput & capacity management solutions to tackle challenges associated with management of increasing capacity & space. Ideal use of added functional capacity through improved patient throughput solutions is also a key trend driving the demand for such solutions. Persistence Market Research estimates that towards the end of 2024, more than US$ 1.2 Bn worth of patient throughput & capacity management solutions will be employed across the globe.Browse Complete Report @The global market for patient throughput & capacity management, according to Persistence Market Researchs report, is presently valued at US$ 834 Mn, and will soar steadily at 5% CAGR during the eight-year forecast period. The report further anticipates that over half of global revenues procured from sales of patient throughput & capacity management solutions will be accounted by the US and Canada.A sample of this report is available upon request @The report reveals that an analysis of global sales of patient throughput & capacity management solutions indicates a major upsurge in demand for RTLS solutions. With more than one-third share, RTLS solutions will remain a top-selling product dominating the global market revenues through 2024. Revenues from global sales of workflow management solutions will impose a consistent share on global revenues, while bed management solutions will exhibit revenue growth at 5.2% CAGR during the projected period. A majority of products offered in the global patient throughput & capacity management market will be offered as integrated solutions. Towards the end of 2024, integrated solutions will surpass 65% share on global revenues, while global demand for standalone solutions will register a marginal decline.Request to view table of content @The report also reveals that over 40% of patient throughput & capacity management solutions are delivered through on-premise models. By 2024-end, on-premise delivery of patient throughput & capacity management solutions will net nearly US$ 500 Mn in global revenues. On the other hand, cloud-based delivery is likely to lose out its traction, but will witness a negligible downtrend in terms of revenue growth. The report has also profiled companies such as EPIC Systems Corporation, STANLEY Healthcare, Central Logic, Care Logistics LLC, McKesson Corporation, TeleTracking Technologies, Inc., Sonitor Technologies, Inc., Allscripts, Awarepoint Corporation, and Cerner Corporation as key players of the global patient throughput & capacity management 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:
GaN Power Devices Market Volume Forecast and Value Chain Analysis 2017-2027

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With the growing usage of power devices, Gallium Nitrate (GaN) power devices market is significantly growing in various application such as switch mode power supply, monitor control, hybrid battery control and power factor correction controllers. Gallium nitrate is widely adopted to design power devices. Hence, it helps to improve overall efficiency of power conversion in solar grid, wind grid and smart grids.GaN power devices are used for medium voltage power application which in turn also help to improve power handling capacity and switching. The two major technologies used for the implementation are semiconductor material technology and transistor application technology are used to improve efficiency and reliably of GaN power devices.GaN Power Devices: Drivers and ChallengesThe major driver are significantly growing the market of GaN power devices due to increase in demand for high power transistor application technology and high temperature applications that has led to the increase in usage of GaN industrial devices. These devices are widely used in radio frequency amplifiers, high voltage applications. Due to the ability of gallium nitrate power devices to operate at high frequency, power density, and temperature with improved efficiency and linearity. Since, accelerated improvement in GaN technology and many organizations are coming up with new innovative products which are cost-effective with better design and performance.Request For Report Sample@Such innovations has rapidly increased the demand for GaN power devices in various application areas such as information and communication technology and it plays a vital role in GaN power device market in positive manner. The major restraints faced by GaN power devices market are high initial implementation cost.GaN Power Devices: SegmentationSegmentation on the basis of technology:Semiconductor materialTransistor application technologySegmentation on the basis of Wafer:Manufacturing processWafer sizeDesign configurationSegmentation on the basis of device:GaN power discrete marketGaN power IC marketSegmentation on the basis of product:GaN opto semiconductorGaN power semiconductorSegmentation on the basis of verticals:ComputersInformation and communication technologyConsumer ElectronicsMedicalAutomotiveRequest For TOC@GaN Power Devices: Regional OverviewPresently, Japan is holding largest market share of GaN power devices by the rise in usage of application and continuous development of semiconductor industry.The market of GaN power devices witnessing tremendous growth in the region of North America, due to large adoption of high speed switching of GaN power devices.GaN Power Devices: Key PlayersSome of the prominent players of GaN power devices are:Fujitsu Ltd., Toshiba Corp., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Texas Instruments, EPIGAN NV, NTT Advanced Technology Corporation, RF Micro Devices Incorporated, Cree Incorporated, Aixtron SE, International Quantum Epitaxy plc, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation , AZZURO Semiconductors AGABOUT 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:
US Lung Cancer Drug Pipeline Analysis

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The most common type of cancer in terms of incidence and mortality rate is Lung cancer. Lung cancer is a disease in which the lining of the cell of the lung tissue has an uncontrollable growth which in turn leads to the formation of tumor. There are two main types of lung cancer; small cell lung cancer which accounts for about 20% and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that accounts for about 80% of the total lung cancers. The major cause for around 80% of all lung cancers is the use of tobacco. Other causes include excessive usage of asbestos and high exposure to radon gas.Lung cancer has emerged as a major cause of deaths among cancer patients in US as compared to other types of cancers. This trend is a common feature among both men and women in the US. According to the most recent annual statistics published, an estimated 201,144 people in the United States were diagnosed with lung cancer. This figure included 107,164 men and 93,980 women. Among the various remedies for cancer, the category of therapeutic drugs is becoming increasingly popular among the pharma companies, and hence these players are attracted towards investing in this area in order to garner the opportunities in the market. Additionally, among all the regions, the US market is expected to grow at a faster rate during the next 4-5 years, which is also another reason for vendors to focus significantly on the US market.Download Report:US Lung Cancer Drug Pipeline Analysis by PNS Pharma gives comprehensive insight on the various drugs being developed for the treatment of Lung Cancer. Research report covers all the ongoing drugs being developed in various clinical development phases. This report enables pharmaceutical companies, collaborators and other associated stake holders to identify and analyze the available investment opportunity in the Lung Cancer drug market based upon development process.Following parameters for each drug profile in development phase are covered in US Lung Cancer Drug Pipeline Analysis research report: Drug Profile Overview Alternate Names for Drug Active Indication Phase of Development Mechanism of Action Brand Name Patent Information Country for Clinical Trial Owner / Originator/ Licensee/Collaborator Administrative Route Drug Class ATC CodesUS Lung Cancer Drug Pipeline by Clinical Phase: Research: 4 Preclinical: 30 Clinical: 3 Phase-I: 26 Phase-I/II: 18 Phase-II: 82 Phase-II/III: 2 Phase-III: 24 Registered: 2 Marketed: 14 Unknown Phase: 1For Report Sample Contact: rajesh@pnspharma.com or :Visit :Recent Publication* Global Peptide Therapeutics Market & Clinical Trials Insight* Global Orphan Drug Clinical Pipeline Insight 2022PNS Pharma is a pioneer in offering exclusive research reports for the pharmaceuticals industry. PNS Pharma offers Syndicated Research Reports on Drug Pipeline and Company Pipeline Analysis. These reports include comprehensive information related to the development of various drugs across clinical pipeline. Further, the reports include details on the originator, Owner, License, Chemical Formula, Patent Information, Phase of development, and Phase of development by country for each specific drug. The reports on company pipeline include all the drugs developed by particular companies across different therapeutic segments and phases and in different countries.Rajesh Arorarajesh@pnspharma.comPNS Pharma8-9, Ansal BuildingDr. Mukherjee NagarDelhi, India
Silicone Oil Market is Augmented to Reach $2,557 Million, Globally, by 2022

Silicone Oil Market

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Silicone Oil Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market is expected to garner $2,557 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 4.6% during the period 2016-2022.Automotive and medical segments are expected to be the fastest growing end users in terms of revenue; whereas personal care and electronics segments are projected to be fastest growing segment in terms of volume.Access Full Summary of this report @Biocompatibility, alternative usage to hydrocarbon-based products and topical applications are anticipated to propel the silicone oil demand worldwide. Since, silicone oil market growth is driven by various factors such as increased usage in manufacturing of various lubricants and fluids across industries, it has replaced hydrocarbon-based products in various industrial applications due to its superior thermal stability. In addition, its biocompatibility property has led to an increase in its adoption in the medical industry. Furthermore, it is also used in skin topical and personal care applications owing to its non-sensitizing and non-irritating nature.Early buyers will receive 20% customization on this report.Chemical industry accounted for around one-fourth of the global silicone oil market revenue in 2015. This can be attributed to its properties that include heat & cold resistance, viscosity stability, chemical stability, and low surface tension that make it ideal for chemical industry. Moreover, construction and personal care are other important end users of silicone oil. It is used as coatings, sealants, and water repellents in construction industry, owing to its ability to cross-link into films in presence of catalysts and form waterproof membranes on the surface of various materials; while in personal care industry, it is used in anti-aging creams and sunscreens as it offers volatility control, a smooth feel, improved water repellency, excellent spread-ability, and enhanced gloss. In addition, it is used in hair care products for hair conditioning, increased shine, color protection, and frizz control.Request for Sample @In the year 2015, the skin & hair applications, sealants, and chemical intermediate application segments together accounted for more than three-fifths share of the silicone oil market revenue. Asia-Pacific has witnessed a rise in market share of these applications owing to an increase in individual expenditure on skin & hair care products as well as rapid growth of infrastructure activities in the region.Key Findings of the Silicone Oil Market Though U.S. will continue to dominate the North America silicone oil market, Canada will grow at a higher CAGR of 5.9% during forecast period. Asia-Pacific is the major and fastest growing region with the CAGR of 5.0% in terms of volume for silicone oil market. France dominated the European market with around one-fourth revenue share in 2015. Chemical and construction end user segments together accounted for around half of the revenue share and dominated the market in 2015.North America and Europe together accounted for over half of the market revenues in 2015. However, Asia-Pacific is major market for silicone oil and is also estimated to witness the fastest growth owing to the rise in income and spending power of consumers in the emerging economies. Asia-Pacific contributed to around two-fifths of the market revenue in 2015 followed by Europe and North America. China alone accounted for one-fourth share from the overall Asia-Pacific revenue in 2015.The key players have adopted product launch and expansion as their key strategies to develop innovative products, reduce competition and capture additional market share. The prominent players profiled in this report include Momentive Performance Materials Inc., Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Bluestar Silicones International Co., Ltd (Elkem), Dow Corning Corporation, Wacker Chemie AG, Evonik Industries AG, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (Merck), BRB International B.V., ACC Silicones Ltd., and Siltech Corporation.About UsAllied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Allied Market Research5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect: +1-503-894-6022Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com
Global Wireless Car Charging Market Assessment Report 2017

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Global Wireless Car Charging Market Research Report, added on ReportsMonitor.com provides insights of the industry over past 5 years and a forecast until 2022. The Report studies, the Market status and future trend in the Global market, splits by type and by applications, to fully and deeply researched and reveal the market situation and future forecast.The Wireless Car Charging Market report would come in handy to understand your competitors and give you an insight about sales; volumes, revenues in the industry, assists in making strategic decisions. It reduces the risks involved in making decisions as well as strategies for companies and individuals interested in the industry. Both established and new players in the industry can use the report to understand the market.Get Full Access of Global Wireless Car Charging Market Research Study @Wireless Car Charging Market: Type wise segment: - Portable VehicularWireless Car Charging Market: Applications wise segment: - Electric Cars Hybrid CarsType wise and application wise consumption figures are given. With the help of supply and consumption data, the gap between these two is also explained.Get a Sample PDF of Global Wireless Car Charging Market Research report @This Market report contains proven analysis by regions, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focusing top manufacturers in the Global market, with Production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering following top players Bosch Energizer Evatran Intel and many more.On competitive landscape, this report includes complete profiles of the Market key players. For each player contact information is given. Their product details, capacity, price, cost, gross and revenue numbers are provided for better understanding.Some key points of Global Wireless Car Charging Market research report: -1. What is the status of the Market? This Overview Includes Analysis of Scope, Prospect, Growth trend, Sales by regions, manufacturers, types and applications.2. What Is the Market Competition considering Manufacturers, Types and Application?3. Who Are the Market Key Manufacturers?4. The Manufacturing Cost Analysis - Analysis done by considering prime elements5. The Market Effect Factor Analysisa) Technology Process/Risk Considering Substitute Threat and Technology Progress In the Industryb) Consumer Needs or What Change Is Observed in Preference of Customer of the Market6. What is the Market forecast (2017-2022) Considering Sales, Revenue, Growth rate, Price and Trends for Regions, Types and Applications?With Experts Interview, Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation, Primary & Secondary Sources and Research Center data, the Global Wireless Car Charging Market research report guides you towards exponential growth.Get Full Access of Global Wireless Car Charging Market Research Study @About Reports MonitorReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) 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. The 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 UsINDIA OFFICE:008, Mihir Co-operative,Above Bharat Suzuki showroom,Fatima Nagar,Pune - 411013,Maharashtra,IndiaJay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Sustainable Palm Oil Market Trends and Segments 2016-2026

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Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil extracted from the reddish pulp of the oil palms. Sustainable Palm oil is naturally reddish in color because it has the component of high beta carotene. Sustainable palm oil means the palm oil which is manufactured under the guidance and rule of the Roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO). To produce certified sustainable palm oil, manufactures has to follow the environmental and social criteria set by RSPO. It can also be kept in the room temperature. Palm oil also contains very little cholesterol. It is also used in products where animal fats are not accepted for the religion issues. It has been noticed that the palm oil is used in several industries to make the ultimate product. Those industries are also growing. So the demand of the palm oil will be more. So the market will expand very fast in the stipulated period of time.Global Sustainable palm oil Market Dynamics:-The market of sustainable palm oil market is anticipated to be driven by the various used of the product in a different way. It has a great cooking properties, even it can be used in the high temperature. Its smooth and creamy texture and having no smell make it a perfect ingredient for many recipes like it is used in the bakery (specially for biscuits). It has a natural perspective effect which helps the longevity of the food byresisting the oxidation that spoils them. It is also the highest producing vegetable oil crop which makes it very efficient. It needs less land required by other oil crops to produce same quantity of oil. It makes this cheaper than the other oil in the market. Sustainable palm oil is also used in the cosmetic industry. Sustainable Palm oil ingredients are used in the skin care products, make up products. Due to have the rules and regulations of RSPO the producers are not able to destroy the environment and wild life. It keeps the social interest towards sustainable palm oil production and the conflict cannot be created between the communities and workers. Palm oil is available as an ingredients such as palm kernel oil, palm kernel stearin, palm kernel olein, partially hydrogenated palm oil, asorbyl palmitate, Palmate, Sodium Laureth Sulphate etc. Palm oil used as a frying fat for many food items, as a shortening in bakery products.Request For Report Sample@Global Sustainable Palm oil Market Segmentation:Sustainable palm oil market can be segmented on the basis of application of the palm oil such as food, soap and detergents, pet food and cosmetics. Then food also can be sub segmented such as bakery, ice cream & other frozen desserts, confectionery products and margarine. Palm oil market also can be segmented on the basis of types of the palm oil availability in the market such as palm kernel oil, red palm oil, fractional palm oil, white palm oil.Global Sustainable palm oil Market: Regional Outlook:Geographically, the global palm oil industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Indonesia and Malaysia captured the highest market share in terms of the production of palm oil. Other production countries are Thailand, Columbia, Nigeria and Ecuador. China got the first position in terms of consumption of palm oil followed by EU, India, Indonesia and United States. Malaysia was the highest exporter of palm oil.Request For TOC@Global sustainable palm oil Market Players:The major players identified across the value chain of global sustainable palm oil market include New Britain palm oil limited, Golden agri resources limited, IOI corporation Berhad, Wilmer international limited, Cargill, SIPEF group Belgium, Kulim berhad, Sime Darby plantation sendirian Berhad, Hap seng Plantation Holdings Berhad, Kuala lampur kepong Berhad.and United Plantation BerhadABOUT 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:
Releases New Report on the Global Automotive Air Filter Market 2016-2026

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An automotive air filter is a device that is made up of fibrous materials that removes solid particulates like pollen, dust, bacteria, and mould from the intake air. A chemical type of air filter consist of a catalyst or absorbent for removing molecular contaminants like ozone or volatile organic compounds. Air filters are being used in applications where air quality is of vital importance, notably in building ventilation systems and in vehicle engines. The cabin automotive air filter is a paper-pleaded filter, which is located in the air intake from outside for the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Some of the automotive air filters are rectangular or similar in shape as that of the combustion air filter, others have a unique shape to fit the available space of outside-air intakes. The very first automaker to provide a disposable air filter in order to clean the ventilation system was Nash Motors. The combustion automotive air filter restricts particulate matter to enter into the engines cylinders, where it can cause oil contamination and mechanical wear. Nowadays, fuel injected vehicles are using a paper pleated filter element that is in a flat panel form. These filters are placed in a plastic box connected with a throttle body. Older vehicles using throttle body or carburettors fuel injection system use a cylinder air filter, which are a few inches and are between 6 to 16 inches.Global Automotive Air Filter Market: Drivers and RestrainsThe ever increasing automobile market, and particularly the cars market is the major driving factor for the growth of global automotive air filter market and specifically the cabin filter market due to the cars market. Also automobile consumers are becoming aware about the importance of air filter for purified air and staying isolated in their passenger cabin from the atmosphere dirt that leads to the booming cabin air filter aftermarket.Request For Report Sample@However, the flourishing electric vehicle market is restricting the growth of intake air filter, which is specifically required in the internal combustion engines intake manifold. Thus it can slowdown the growth of global automotive air filter market.Global Automotive Air Filter Market: SegmentationOn the basis of type, the automotive air filter market can be segmented as:Cabin air filterIntake air filterOn the basis of filtering media, the automotive air filter market can be segmented as:SyntheticCelluloseActivated carbonParticleRequest For TOC@Global Automotive Air Filter Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global automotive air filter market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Europe is the dominant region in the global automotive air filter market owing to the ever increasing automobile market in this region. Asia Pacific is the second major contributor in the automotive air filter market due to the automobile giants such as Maruti, Hero and other companies. The companies such as General Motors, Ford are having a significant contribution in the global automobile market making North America a considerable player in the global automotive air filter market. Japan is technologically advanced country in terms of automotive markets and so the technology of automotive air filter is very common in this country. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage in the automotive air filter market but is anticipated to have a modest CAGR in the forecasted period.Global Automotive Air Filter Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global automotive air filter market are as follows:MANN+HUMMELDonaldson Company, IncNGK INSULATORS, LTDSogefi SpAMahle International GmbHC & R Fab Media Private LimitedMelkev Machinery ImpexGlobal FiltersSimplex CorporationABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Complement Deficiency Tests Market Growth, Demand, Trends, Share and Key 2017  2025

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Complement is the group of serum glycoprotein, the part of innate immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and macrophages to clear the damaged cells and pathogens. Complement also promotes inflammation and aids in enhancing the immune response. The complement system is activated through a cascade. Complement deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency disorder. Deficiency in any component of complement can lead to immunosuppression, infections and sepsis. Clinical indication for complement deficiency include bacterial infection, autoimmune disease or episodes of angioedema. The deficiency can be either inherited or acquired, also it can be either complete or partial. One can screen the complement deficiency using different diagnosis test such as by performing the total serum complement classic hemolytic complement test or alternative hemolytic complement test.Complement deficiency test are ordered when a patient has unexplained systems or auto immune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis, cryoglobulinemia. According to American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases which can be a significant factor attributing to the rise in global complement deficiency test market. Rise in prevalence of chronic diseases such as kidney disease, serum sickness may be one of the factor resulting in rise of the global complement deficiency test market. Rise in the rate of common variable immunodeficiency disease, rise in recurrent microbial infection such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitides, and Neisseria gonorrhea are the key factors likely to propel the growth of the global complement deficiency test market through 2024. High cost of therapies and lack of proper reimbursement are the few of the factors that are likely to hamper the growth of the global complement deficiency market during the forecast period.On the basis of the test type, the global complement deficiency test market is segmented into serological and immunological assay, molecular diagnostic test, Immunohistochemistry Techniques and others. The molecular diagnostic test are expected to register high growth through 2024 owing to ease of use, quicker and efficient results as compared to serology testing. On the basis of treatment the global complement deficiency market is divided into Immunoglobulin therapy, Stem cell therapy, gene therapy, Antimicrobial and antibiotics and others. Immunoglobulin therapy segments holds the largest share in the global market. The stem cell therapy is expected to register high growth through 2024 due to continuous improvement and development in stem cell domain. Based on the end user, the global complement deficiency market is segmented into hospitals, research laboratories and diagnostic laboratories.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @On the basis of geography, the global complement deficiency test market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. North America region held the highest share of the global market in terms of value and volume followed by Europe. Rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as SLE, prevalence of chronic diseases such glomerulonephritis, growing awareness of people towards new technologies involved in complement deficiency test are the factors attributing to the growth of global market in North America. Asia pacific region is expected to anticipate a high growth in the global market owing to factors like rising prevalence of chronic diseases, autoimmune disease, developing infrastructure of research sector, willingness of people to spend on new therapeutics etc.TOC Sentence Request to View Tables of Content @Some of the key players operating in the global complement deficiency test market are Wako Diagnostics, Kypha, LLC, Beckman Coulter, Inc, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, Abbiotec, LLC, Acris Antibodies GmbH, Linscott's Directory, Linscott's USA, Assaypro LLC among the others worldwide. To maintain a significant position in the global complement deficiency test market major players are operating such as manufacturing efficient and cost effective tests.To view complete report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Cosmetic Threads Market Forecast over 2017  2025

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Cosmetic threads are defined as medical sutures that are injected into the skin with the help of needles beneath the skin in order to rejuvenate and lift the skin. It is a recent technology which was launched and tested in Europe. The first generation cosmetic threads were not very successful due to several reasons like improper product positioning, lack of marketing strategy and many others. There are few types of cosmetic threads like suspension threads and rejuvenating threads. The Suspension threads is a type of cosmetic threads that has barbs and cones on it. These barbs and cones help to pull the sagging kin backward. These are intended to be injected in to the target area on the face. Rejuvenating threads are a type of cosmetic thread which does not have the tendency to lift the skin, instead production of natural collagen when injected beneath the skin. These product do not bring about permanent change in the skin of the patient. Regular and repetitive procedures like derma fillers and botox treatment are required to maintain the effectiveness of cosmetic threads. Cosmetic threads procedure is one of the minimally invasive alternate procedure to surgical procedure for facelift.One of the unique characteristic of cosmetic threads is that it is approved in more than one indication as compared to traditional facial injectable. For an instance, other than facial skin, the cosmetic threads are also approved in correction of ptosis that occurs anywhere on the body. The probable prone areas for ptosis are neck, stomach, thighs and arms.Although the idea of inserting the threads is not a new idea for the cosmetic industry as gold threads were used as a treatment in ancient Egypt to inject into the skin for the natural collagen production in the skin. Since then, modern generations are developed in Europe and Asia. However, cosmetic threads were banned in US by the FDA for use due to complications in the procedures, which was backed by physicians who were performing the procedures in a wrong way.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The global cosmetic threads market is segmented, by product type and indication type. Based on the product type the global Cosmetic threads market is segmented into suspension threads and rejuvenating threads. Suspension threads are used in order to lift the sagging skin as it has barbs and cones that pulls the skin. The other type of cosmetic thread called as rejuvenating thread does not have the ability to pull the skin as it does not have any burbs and cones. Instead it has the property of natural collagen production once it is inserted in to the skin. By Indication type the global cosmetic thread is segmented into facelift, skin rejuvenation and ptosis. Depending upon the indication appropriate type of cosmetic thread is used for the procedure.On the basis of regional presence, global Cosmetic threads market is segmented into five broad regions viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Europe is leading the global Cosmetic threads market due to increased awareness about cosmetic threads and associated benefits. Asia Pacific market is also projected to experience growth in the near future. Asia Pacific market is estimated to grow at faster growth rate during the forecast period, owing to factors such as growing demand for aesthetic procedures, adoption of effective new therapies and raising aesthetic expenditure. The North American market is not supporting this therapy as the FDA did not approve the therapy for any of the indication. But recently in 2015TOC Sentence Request to View Tables of Content @Some of the major players in global Cosmetic threads market are Aptos Technology Inc., Gold Thread LLC, Healux, Metro Korea Co.,Ltd, Coron Exclusiv AG, BS Medical Tech Industry, N Finders Co.,Ltd., SJ Medics Ltd, and many othersTo view complete report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Diisobutyl Carbinyl Acetate Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024

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The product is synthesized through the acetylation process of dimethylbenzyl carbinol and the subsequent liquid is a fragrance element for cosmetics and perfumes. The cosmetics industry is witnessing substantial growth due to increasing use of these products among young and middle age women. In 2016, the global cosmetic market was valued over USD 450 billion and will witness further growth at a CAGR of over 5%. Rapid lifestyle changes, rising GDPs of the emerging economies, growing demand for personal care products, advanced beauty treatments, and increasing awareness of personal care and cosmetic products are the key factors driving the cosmetics industry, which in turn is driving the global diisobutyl carbinyl acetate market.Purchase This Report by calling Global Market Insights, Inc. at 1-888-689-0688 (Toll Free) or 1-302-846-7766.Other than its use in the cosmetics and perfumes, the product also finds its uses in small amounts in toiletries, soaps, air fresheners and detergents. Air fresheners are used on a commercial scale in offices, restrooms, homes, and wellness spas. They help maintain freshness and air quality with pleasant fragrances to make people feel better and rejuvenated.Request for table of contents of this research report @Increasing awareness and use of natural additives in cosmetics and perfumes can result in hindering the growth of diisobutyl carbinyl acetate market. Also, the price volatility of raw materials and easy availability of substitutes may also inhibit the global diisobutyl carbinyl acetate market growth.Use of different fragrances and perfumes has become sense of pride, confidence, and self-reliance. From being a non-essential product, perfumes and fragrances have turn out to be essentials in todays era. Also, wide range of perfumes with different quality allows people of all classes to use them. These factors will make fragrances an important application segment of the diisobutyl carbinyl acetate market.Browse Full Report summary @Reasons to Buy This Report:1. Diisobutyl Carbinyl Acetate Market size & share forecast by product & application 2017-20242. Growth drivers, pitfalls & industry challenges3. Diisobutyl Carbinyl Acetate Market growth opportunities & emerging business models4. Competitive benchmarking with market share analysis and company profilesOn the basis of region, the global diisobutyl carbinyl acetate market is divided into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific, led by China, Japan, India, and South Korea, holds a major share of the global diisobutyl carbinyl acetate market. Growing tourism activities coupled with availability of raw materials in the Southeast Asian countries will also have a positive influence on the industry. The diisobutyl carbinyl acetate market in the developed region of North America and Europe will grow at a steady pace owing to high affordability along with the presence of world class perfume manufacturers in France and Italy.The Global Diisobutyl Carbinyl Acetate Market Report Consists of:1. Methodology and Scope2. Executive Summary3. Global Diisobutyl Carbinyl Acetate Industry Insights4. Industry segmentation5. Industry size, forecast and growth expectations, 2017 - 20246. Industry ecosystem analysis Raw material insights7. Technology insights8. Regulatory framework9. Industry dynamics10. Key growth opportunities11. Porter's analysis12. Company market share, 201713. PESTEL analysis14. Regional price trends15. Global Diisobutyl Carbinyl Acetate Product Insights16. Global Diisobutyl Carbinyl Acetate Application Insights17.Global Diisobutyl Carbinyl Acetate Regional Insights18. Competitor ProfilesMake an inquiry for purchasing this report @Companies are adopting aggressive marketing strategies and economies of scale in order to expand their market share and survive competition. Some diisobutyl carbinyl acetate market participants are also shifting their production facilities to emerging economies of Asia Pacific due to the government subsidies, and availability of land and cost-efficient labor.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone:1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
Polyamide Intermediate Chemicals Market Revenue and Value Chain 2016-2026

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Polyamide intermediates are thermoplastic silky material, which is also known as nylon. It is available in fibrous state as well as in plastics. The polyamide intermediates are used for an array of applications, which includes fabrics, tires, and carpets among others. The consumption of polyamide intermediate chemicals in the automotive sector is expected to be the highest over the forecast period. Polyamide intermediate chemicals possess special characteristics, which includes high abrasion resistance, high elongation, and chemical resistance among others. Many manufacturers are engaged in developing bio-based methods for developing the polyamide intermediates. With introduction of bio-based polyamide intermediates, the global polyamide intermediates market is expected to foster a healthy growth rate, as it is recyclable and being adopted by the various end use industries from automotive to consumer goods. The consumption of polyamide intermediate chemicals in the automotive sector is expected to be the highest over the forecast period.Global Polyamide Intermediate Chemicals Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe global polyamide intermediate chemicals market is primarily driven by the demand for environmental friendly consumer products and stringent regulations for ecofriendly products. With a wide range of application of polyamide intermediates chemicals in various end use industries such as automotive, electronics, textiles and consumer goods among others is attributed with the growth of global polyamide intermediate chemicals globally. The use of polyamide intermediate chemicals in the automotive sector to replace some of the alloy parts such as nuts and bolts to reduce the weight of vehicles are increasing the adoption of polyamide intermediates chemicals in the automotive industry. Thus, this demand is fostering the growth of polyamide intermediate chemicals market. However, the moisture absorption properties of the polyamide intermediates chemicals decreases the tensile strength of the material which might pose as a restraint to its adaptability also the molded polyamide intermediates are subjected to shrinkage which might restrain the growth of polyamide intermediate chemicals market.Request For Report Sample@Global Polyamide Intermediate Chemicals Market: Market SegmentationBased on the type of polyamide intermediate chemicals, the global polyamide intermediate chemicals market can be segmented into:Synthetic Polyamide Intermediate ChemicalsBio-Based Polyamide Intermediate ChemicalsBased on applications, the global polyamide intermediate chemicals market can be segmented into:TiresMusical StringsBagsConveyor BeltsOthersBased on the end use industries, the global polyamide intermediate chemicals market can be segmented into:AutomotiveTextileElectronicsConsumer GoodsRequest For TOC@Global Polyamide Intermediate Chemicals Market: Regional OutlookBased on the geographic regions, global polyamide intermediate chemicals market is segmented into seven key market segments namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, Asia-Pacific market for polyamide intermediate chemicals holds the largest market. In the Asia-Pacific market, China holds the largest share followed by India, the growth of polyamide intermediate chemicals in these countries are attributed with the growth of automotive, chemicals and textile industries in these regions. The demand for bio-based polyamide intermediates chemicals in the North America and the European market to cope up with stringent environmental regulations in the region is fostering the growth of polyamide intermediate chemicals but in a moderate speed. Overall, the market is expected to show a significant growth rate by the end of forecast period.Global Polyamide Intermediate Chemicals Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players identified in the global polyamide intermediate chemicals market includes, BASF SE, DuPont, DSM, Segetis, Inc., Solvay, Arizona Chemical Company, LLC., and Genomatica, Inc. among 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:
Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics Market Insights & Trends Forecasted during 2017-2022

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Radiation-hardened electronics are highly used for space as well as defense activities. This is due to their resistance towards malfunctions caused by ionizing radiation. To study the market for radiation-hardened electronics, Market Research Hub (MRH) has added a new report to its vast database. This research study is titled Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics Market Research Report 2017, which encloses information about the product overview, scope and applications. The top manufacturers are also discussed in this intelligent report. This research report also indicates growth of the sector at an impressive CAGR during the period between 2017 and 2022.Request Free Sample Report @Radiation hardening is the process of making electronic systems and components unaffected to malfunctions or damage initiated by ionizing radiation. These electronic products find their use in nuclear power point, aerospace as well as defense. Presently, the demand for these components is quite significant in areas such as the United States, China, EU, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Also, the market for radiation-hardened electronics is dominated by top players, namely Honeywell international Inc., Microsemi Corporation, Linear Technology, Atmel Corporation, BAE Systems, Xilinx Inc., STMicroelectronics, Intersil Americas LLC, Maxwell Technologies and Texas Instruments Incorporated.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Radiation-Hardened Electronics in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanGlobal Radiation-Hardened Electronics market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingHoneywell international IncLinear TechnologyBAE SystemsAtmel CorporationSTMicroelectronicsXilinx IncMaxwell TechnologiesIntersil Americas LLCTexas Instruments IncorporatedMicrosemi CorporationOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoLogicApplicationSpecific Integrated CircuitMemoryField-Programmable Gate ArrayOn 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 Radiation-Hardened Electronics for each application, including:Nuclear Power PlantSpaceDefense & AerospaceBrowse Full Report with TOC @Table of content:Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics Market Research Report 20171 Radiation-Hardened Electronics Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Radiation-Hardened Electronics1.2 Radiation-Hardened Electronics Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Logic1.2.4 ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit1.2.5 Memory1.2.6 Field-Programmable Gate Array1.3 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics Segment by Application1.3.1 Radiation-Hardened Electronics Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Nuclear Power Plant1.3.3 Space1.3.4 Defense & Aerospace1.4 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 EU 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 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Radiation-Hardened Electronics (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics 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 semiconductors 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 @
Prepreg Market Global Industry Analysis Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Prepregs are composite materials, wherein a reinforcement fiber is pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic or thermoset resin matrix in a certain ratio. Prepregs offer unique properties, as they are manufactured by curing under high temperatures and pressures. The resin matrix in prepregs is partially cured for easy handling and is stored at cool temperature to prevent complete polymerization. The fiber often takes the form of a weave, and the matrix is used to bond them together and to other components during manufacture.Obtain Report Details @:Based on fiber, the prepreg market has been segmented into carbon, aramid, and glass. The carbon fiber segment accounted for significant share of the global prepreg market in 2015 owing to the wide applications in different end-use industries. Glass fiber segment is expected to experience high growth rate, led by the increase in demand for automotive interior. Changes in consumer preferences and rise in disposable income are anticipated to boost the demand for prepregs during the forecast period.In terms of region, the global prepreg market has been divided into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific accounted for key share of the prepreg market in 2015, followed by North America and Europe. The market for prepreg in Asia Pacific is estimated to expand due to the rise in demand for composites in various end-use sectors such as aerospace & defense, wind, sporting goods, automotive, and electronics. Automotive held prominent share of the prepreg market in 2015. The prepreg market is driven by the rising demand for interior designing. Increase in disposable income of consumers in North America and Europe is projected to boost the prepreg market in these regions. The U.S. and the U.K. are likely to constitute major share of the prepreg market in North America and Europe, respectively, due to the high disposable income of the people in these regions and new product launches. The prepreg market is anticipated to witness a shift from the U.S., and Western Europe, to the developing economies in Asia Pacific, led by high demand for composites in the automotive sector. The prepreg market in developing economies in Asia, namely China and India, is also likely to expand at a rapid pace due to the increase in income and changing lifestyle of consumers. Technological advancements and innovations of new products are also likely to boost the demand for prepregs during the forecast period.Global demand for prepregs is anticipated to rise significantly in the near future. This offers high growth opportunities for the prepreg market. Rapid increase in demand in end-use applications, competitive manufacturing costs, and high economic growth rate are propelling the prepreg market in Asia Pacific. These factors are encouraging companies to adopt expansion and R&D strategies in the region. Market players are focusing on Asia Pacific to gain higher market share. Producers of prepregs have been compelled to adopt expansion and acquisition strategies to meet the global demand. Large numbers of producers are shifting their plants to countries such as China and India due to the factors such as high demand and low raw material and labor costs in these countries.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @:Major players operating in the global prepreg market are Solvay, Hexcel Corporation, Royal Tencate N.V., Teijin Limited, Toray Industries, Inc., Gurit Holding Ag, SGL Group, Axiom Materials, Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd., and Park Electrochemical Corp.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market : Industry Outlook Analysis Report 2017 - 2025

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Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: SnapshotThe global market for physician office laboratory (POL) has been expanding substantially over the last few years. Supported by the technological advancements, the market is likely to remain proliferating over the next few years. POL testing has its base in developed regions as emerging economies still rely on hospital infrastructure for the diagnosis of acute and chronic medical conditions. Developing regions, however, has been demonstrating a significant potential for decentralized testing, thanks to the rising support from nongovernmental organizations and the increasing number of public health programs, intended towards spreading awareness for high-burden diseases such as hepatitis, acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS), diabetes, and tuberculosis (TB).As of now, the substandard care present at primary care facilities and community health organizations in most of the emerging countries lead a number of patients to hospitals. However, the rise in the disposable income of people in these nations have encouraged leading healthcare providers to invest heavily in western style physician practices, leading to the installation of a large pool of physician office laboratories and clinics, especially in India and China.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Since POL testing is not prevalent globally, as its counterparts (hospital laboratories, commercial or private reference labs, and hospital POCT), its future growth is seemingly uneven. Also active restriction on specified services from physicians or healthcare professionals over the primary care visits in some countries may also reflect negatively on the growth of this market in the near future.Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: OverviewClinical and hospital laboratories presently account for a massive chunk of the total number of diagnostic, monitoring or screening tests undertaken across the globe. However, a constantly rising number of physicians and physician groups are preferring to undertake part or entire volumes of lab testing in-house as an excellent way of improving patient care and boosting their operative incomes. Such in-house lab practices are called physician office laboratory (POL). The term is diverse and covers physicians practices as small as 2 to 5 physicians to large practitioners with 200 or more physicians that operate labs similar to laboratories in small hospitals.Request TOC of the Report @In-house testing practices facilitate physicians to become self-reliant and obtain results in a much faster manner than possible in outsourced lab tests. POLs also reduce the chances of loss or deterioration of test samples, enhancing the confidence regarding the accuracy of results. Broadly, POL refers to tests performed in: physicians office, conducted at the same time of consultation or with other healthcare professional, wherein results are mostly provided during the medical visit itself, and are used for monitoring, screening or diagnosis purposes.This report on the global physician office laboratory market presents a thorough overview of the present growth dynamics of the market and its key segments. Several insightful projections regarding the growth trajectory of the market over the period between 2017 and 2025 are also included in the report. The report also includes a detailed analysis of factors such as growth drivers, restraints, regulatory scenario, competitive landscape, and trends and opportunities, expected to have a notable influence on the growth prospects of the market over the said period.Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global POL market is chiefly driven by the vast advancements observed in the field of testing technologies and supporting instrument and equipment in the past few years. The emergence and easy availability of easy to use microelectronic and microfluidic instruments that offer excellent accuracy and control is making POL feasible for smaller offices and is also enabling some physicians to perform tests for other doctors.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@The demand for such in-house laboratories is also significantly rising globally owing to the rising prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases and associated public health issues. However, the cost of meeting compliance requirements for local, state, and federal regulations, especially in developed economies, may hamper the markets growth to some extent.Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: Geographical and Competitive DynamicsOn the basis of geography, the global physician office laboratory market is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World (RoW). Of these, North America and Europe are presently the leading contributors to the revenue of the global physician office laboratory market. In the North America, the number of POLs increased at a phenomenal rate from nearly 95,000 in 2000 to 111,000 in 2010. The number of POLs has also significantly in Europe over the said period. Across both the regions, the constantly rising number of POL tests approved by the respective healthcare authorities will help drive the POL market in the next few years as well.However, the POL market is expected to witness the most lucrative growth market across emerging economies in Asia Pacific in the next few years. Several factors, including the vast rise in prevalence of infectious diseases, the rising population of elderly, and a significant rise in focus on quality health care are expected to fuel the growth of the Asia Pacific POL market in the next few years.Some of the most influential companies in the global physician office laboratory market are Accriva Diagnostics, Akers Biosciences, Axis-Shield, Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Boule Diagnostics, Alfa Wassermann Diagnostic Technologies, Diazyme Laboratories, Polymer Technology Systems (CHEK Diagnostics), Carolina Liquid Chemistries Corp., 3D Medical Diagnostics, Magellan Diagnostics, Biomerica, Inc., Accumetrics, Vital Diagnostics, and Nanosphere, Inc.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Silicon Anode Battery Market Trends and Segments 2016-2026

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In order to meet the rising energy requirements and to overcome rapidly depleting fossil resources, rechargeable batteries has evolved as one of the efficient means of energy storage. The ongoing technological advancement in power electronics and automotive has brought lithium ion batteries into the frame as an advanced storage systems with high capabilities. The silicon anode batteries are lithium ion batteries with silicon anode. The traditional anode material in lithium ion batteries i.e. graphite doesnt meets the high energy demand of advanced electric automotive due to its limited theoretical capacity, whereas, silicon stores ten times more lithium than the graphite anode resulting in increased energy density which enables fast charging and high current delivery. Thus silicon anode battery is emerging as a substitute for graphite anode battery. Due to its low discharge potential and extreme charge capacity, silicon anode could provide faster charging, greater current delivery and smaller battery size. However, large volume change during electrochemical process remains the major challenge in wide commercialization of silicon anode battery. Silicon anode battery is expected to emerge as next generation of lithium ion batteries. The silicon anode battery market is still between introduction and growth phase, when plotted on product life cycle. Huge investments by market leaders are being made to further develop silicon anode battery technology and bring it on practical grounds and thus market is expected to hold significant growth potential.Silicon Anode Battery: Market DynamicsThe major factor contributing to the growth of silicon anode battery market is the increasing energy requirements from various end-use applications such as consumer electronics and automotive, for more efficient and advanced battery. Further, robust growth of automotive industry and turning focus towards EVs could generate significant opportunity for growth of the silicon anode battery market. Lower working potential and high charge capacity of silicon anode battery could help automotive manufacturers to reach required power ranges by deploying less number of batteries thus achieving high performance. Moreover, abundance of raw material i.e. silicon can turn as a major factor driving its application into lithium ion batteries. Major challenges faced in the silicon anode battery market are limited commercialization of the product due to existing technical challenges particularly large volumetric expansion. Furthermore, high costs silicon anode battery as compared to available alternative is also a factor restraining market growth. The major trends observed in the silicon anode battery market is product development and innovation such as use of nanowire battery with silicon anodes as they allow improved accommodation of volume changes during lithiation. Number of players in the market have filed patents over different advancements in silicon anode battery technologyRequest For Report Sample@Silicon Anode Battery: Market SegmentationThe silicon anode battery market can be segmented on the basis of: application and region.On the basis of application the silicon anode battery market can be segmented into:Consumer electronic devicesMedical applications (pacemaker, defibrillator machines)AutomotiveSpace & defenseSustainable energy (wind turbine and photovoltaic)The silicon anode battery market can be segmented on the basis of region into: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and AfricaRequest For TOC@Silicon Anode Battery: Regional OutlookNorth America holds a major share in the silicon anode battery market due to the substantial growth in the automotive industry and consumer electronics section. Europe and North America collectively holds over 50% share in the market owing to demand from industrial sector. However, Asia Pacific silicon anode battery market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period due to rapid industrialization and increasing awareness about the use of energy efficient, reliable, safe and economical battery systems.Silicon Anode Battery: Key PlayersSome of the major key players identified in the silicon anode battery market are: Nexeon Limited, BYD Company Limited, Amprius Inc., ENOVIX, Boston-Power, Inc., LG Chem Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Samsung SDI, XG Sciences, Zeptor Corporation, California Lithium battery Inc, Yuasa battery Europe Ltd., JTT Electronics Ltd, Vmcell Technology Co., Ltd, Enevate Corporation, Nanotek Instruments.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:
Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market is Expecting Worldwide Growth by 2017  2025

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The 21st century can aptly be described as the social network era. The rapid evolution of telecommunications technology, improving Internet infrastructure across the developing world and booming demand for smartphones has made us live in an interconnected and interdependent age. The world has never seemed smaller and technology has impacted every aspect of our daily lives. For a very long time, the medical, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries had avoided using Social Media platforms for a number of reasons. It was largely adopted by corporate houses but not by the pharmacy companies for fear of it being too much of a legal liability. In spite of this, some pioneering healthcare companies have led the way forward in the Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market. They have shown that it is not only possible but imperative in todays rapidly changing healthcare economy.Today, healthcare patients are bombarded with thousands of branding exercises every day. More than half of these have absolutely no relevance to them. The Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market understands the needs of a particular target audience and tailors its message to address their requirements directly. This allows healthcare providers to target the right audience at the right time with the right content. And what better way to reach patients than through popular Social Media platforms which they use regularly and are far more likely to respond positively to?Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market DriversThe first Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market driver is the growing importance of social media and also the patient. Whether healthcare companies like it or not, patients are playing a greater role in taking their own medical decisions. Web sites such as Healthline, Everyday Health and WebMD have made it very easy for patients to self-diagnose their problem. They frequently arrive at a hospital or doctors clinic already informed and with a list of possible ailments troubling them. People have also begun to expect assistance to their problems at any time of the day or week. Effective care in the Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing market is provided 24/7 by leveraging both online and offline marketing tools to educate, sustain and engage patients at every stage of their decision making process. Pharmaceutical and medical companies must adopt Social Media to survive in the digital age and those that refuse to take part in it are only accelerating their own decline.The second driver for the Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market is risk management. A companys brand can be tarnished online almost instantaneously through the spread of misinformation by disgruntled patients or ex-employees. If the medical organisation is inactive online, the brand can be steered in any direction the public wishes to take it. Thus, healthcare companies need to manage their own PR and companys reputation as the alternate scenario is far too risky. It is vital for all organisations to meet customers where they are and that includes being active on Social Media platforms. Using traditional media channels might often be ineffective and a wasteful expenditure since customers would be far less likely to read it or respond.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market RestraintsWhile Social Media has benefited our lives in countless ways, it has also lead to a host of issues which were never even considered a decade or two ago. In the case of the Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market, there are a few challenges which must be handled with the utmost care. The first is the legal regulations concerned with both the medical industry and the Internet. Medical institutions and healthcare professionals must be very careful with their patients private and personal health information as it is eagerly sought after by hackers. They can never disclose it online even inadvertently as the organisation can be involved in expensive legal lawsuits which cause both financial and reputational damage. There can also be privacy concerns from the patients side. Older people, in general, are mistrustful of technology and the number of hacks or data leaks do little to reassure their fears. They may be hesitant to use Social Media platforms to discuss their health problems which could make it challenging for medical companies to reach them online.Request to View Tables of Content @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, types and applications.The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.To view complete report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Recombinant Hirudin Market Status & Insights Forecasted till 2022

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Recombinant hirudin is known to be a potent thrombin-specific inhibitor resulting from the natural hirudin of the leech. Over the years, the demand for this inhibitor has risen due to the rise in number of patients suffering from thrombosis disease. To cover the market status, a fresh report has been added to the wide database of Market Research Hub (MRH). The research study is titled Global Recombinant Hirudin Market Research Report 2017, which includes data about the key regions active in the production of recombinant hirudin. Moreover, the report also reveals growth of the sector at a double-digit CAGR during the period 2017-2022.Request Free Sample Report @Presently, the market for recombinant hirudin is growing due to its applications in the medical sector. This medicine is needed for the treatment of tumor disease, which surges its market importance on the global level. Depending on the product variety, recombinant hirudin is available in a number of versions depending on the dosage, such as 12000 ATU / mg, 95% and 16000 ATU / mg, 95%. Furthermore, manufacturers like Abbott, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, The Medicines Company, Pfizer, Inc and Pentapharm, contribute heavily to the development of the recombinant hirudin market.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Recombinant Hirudin in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Recombinant Hirudin market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingAbbottThe Medicines CompanyTeva Pharmaceutical Industries LtdPfizer, IncPentapharmOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into12000 ATU / mg, 95%16000 ATU / mg, 95%?16000 ATU / mg, 98%?OthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Recombinant Hirudin for each application, includingThrombosis DiseaseTumor DiseaseOthersBrowse Full Report with TOC @Table of content:Global Recombinant Hirudin Market Research Report 20171 Recombinant Hirudin Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Recombinant Hirudin1.2 Recombinant Hirudin Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Recombinant Hirudin Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Recombinant Hirudin Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 12000 ATU / mg, 95%1.2.4 16000 ATU / mg, 95%?1.2.5 16000 ATU / mg, 98%?1.2.6 Others1.3 Global Recombinant Hirudin Segment by Application1.3.1 Recombinant Hirudin Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Thrombosis Disease1.3.3 Tumor Disease1.3.4 Others1.4 Global Recombinant Hirudin Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Recombinant Hirudin 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 Recombinant Hirudin (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Recombinant Hirudin Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Recombinant Hirudin 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 pharmaceutical 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 @
Pipeline Assessment on Poliomyelitis Clinical Trials Reviewed for H1, 2017

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Market Research HUB's Pharmaceutical and Healthcare latest pipeline guide Poliomyelitis - Pipeline Review, H1 2017, provides comprehensive information on the therapeutics under development for Poliomyelitis (Infectious Disease), complete with analysis by stage of development, drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The guide covers the descriptive pharmacological action of the therapeutics, its complete research and development history and latest news and press releases.Request Free Sample Report:Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system, and causes total paralysis in a matter of hours. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs. Preventive measures such as the use of vaccines are effective for polio.The Poliomyelitis (Infectious Disease) pipeline guide also reviews of key players involved in therapeutic development for Poliomyelitis and features dormant and discontinued projects. The guide covers therapeutics under Development by Companies /Universities /Institutes, the molecules developed by Companies in Filing rejected/Withdrawn, Phase III, Phase II, Phase I, Preclinical and Discovery stages are 1, 7, 4, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Similarly, the Universities portfolio in Phase III, Phase II and Discovery stages comprises 1, 2 and 1 molecules, respectively.Poliomyelitis (Infectious Disease) pipeline guide helps in identifying and tracking emerging players in the market and their portfolios, enhances decision making capabilities and helps to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. The guide is built using data and information sourced from Market Research HUBs proprietary databases, company/university websites, clinical trial registries, conferences, SEC filings, investor presentations and featured press releases from company/university sites and industry-specific third party sources. Additionally, various dynamic tracking processes ensure that the most recent developments are captured on a real time basis.Make An Enquiry:Scope- The pipeline guide provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Poliomyelitis (Infectious Disease).- The pipeline guide reviews pipeline therapeutics for Poliomyelitis (Infectious Disease) by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources.- The pipeline guide covers pipeline products based on several stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages.- The pipeline guide features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which comprise, product description, descriptive licensing and collaboration details, R&D brief, MoA & other developmental activities.- The pipeline guide reviews key companies involved in Poliomyelitis (Infectious Disease) therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects.- The pipeline guide evaluates Poliomyelitis (Infectious Disease) therapeutics based on mechanism of action (MoA), drug target, route of administration (RoA) and molecule type.- The pipeline guide encapsulates all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects.- The pipeline guide reviews latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Poliomyelitis (Infectious Disease)Reasons to buy- Procure strategically important competitor information, analysis, and insights to formulate effective R&D strategies.- Recognize emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage.- Find and recognize significant and varied types of therapeutics under development for Poliomyelitis (Infectious Disease).- Classify potential new clients or partners in the target demographic.- Develop tactical initiatives by understanding the focus areas of leading companies.- Plan mergers and acquisitions meritoriously by identifying key players and its most promising pipeline therapeutics.- Formulate corrective measures for pipeline projects by understanding Poliomyelitis (Infectious Disease) pipeline depth and focus of Indication therapeutics.- Develop and design in-licensing and out-licensing strategies by identifying prospective partners with the most attractive projects to enhance and expand business potential and scope.- Adjust the therapeutic portfolio by recognizing discontinued projects and understand from the know-how what drove them from pipeline.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:
Releases New Report on the Global Wine Barrel Market

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A wine barrel is a hollow cylindrical container, traditionally made of Oak wood staves and bound with wooden or metal hoops. The wine barrel is majorly used for the aging of wine. After the fermentation of wine, it gets stored in the barrel for sedimentation of large solid particles and make it smooth. While the aging process, various flavors are imparted to wine as it goes through various chemical changes and allows a slow introduction of oxygen into the wine. Wine barrels are last for up to 100 years. While the aging of wine in barrels, usually gets the 50% extract that the barrel has on the first use and it gets decrease simultaneously as per the further utilization.Wine Barrel Market: DynamicsThe global wine barrel market has expected to register the significant growth as a demand of wine is increasing globally over the forecast period. Use of oak wine barrels for aging the wine makes it rich in taste and quality which is leading factor drives for the growth of the global wine barrel market. The controlled oxidation takes place during the aging in the barrel and resulted into decreased astringency and increased colour and stability of wine over the use of other barrels made up of plastic and metals which also boost the global wine barrel market in terms of revenue and volume.However, the many wine producers have started using alternative to oak wine barrels such as oak powders, chips and blocks in the normal metal vats of wine to give the essence of oak aromas and flavors which hampers the growth of the global wine barrel market. The prices of the oak wine barrels are increasing due to the difference between demand and supply, which can also restrain the growth of the global wine barrel market.Request For Report Sample@Wine Barrel Market: SegmentationThe global wine barrel market has segmented on the basis of type of oak wood, type of wine processed, toast level of oak wood barrel and geographical region.Based on type of oak wood, the global wine barrel market has segmented into:French oak woodAmerican oak woodEastern oak woodBased on type of wine processed, the global wine barrel market has segmented into:Red wineWhite wineBased on toast level of oak wood, the global wine barrel market has segmented into:UntoastedLight toastMedium toastHeavy toastRequest For TOC@Wine Barrel Market: Regional OutlookIn terms of geography, the global wine barrel market has been divided into five key regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The global wine barrel market has expected to register moderate growth over the forecast period. North America has contributed the major share to the global wine barrel market due to the rapidly growing parent market of wine in the North America. North America followed by Europe has also registered a significant growth rate in terms of revenue due to increasing demand of wine. Latin America and APAC are also contributing descent market shares to the global wine barrel market over the forecast period. MEA is at nascent stage in the global wine barrel market and anticipated to register the healthy growth over the forecast period.Wine Barrel Market: Major PlayersSome of the key players of the global wine barrel market are OENEO, Francois Freres, THE BARREL MILL, Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage, StaVin Inc., G & P Garbellotto S.p.A., Barry's Barrels, Canton, Bouchared Cooperages Australia PTY. Ltd. and Nadalie Australia.Various global companies are contributed descent growth to the global wine barrel market. The key players from North America and Europe has contributed major share to the wine barrel market in terms of revenue and volume.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Textile Chemicals Industry 2017 Market Research Report

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Textile Chemicals Industry 2017 Market Research Report" to its huge collection of research reports.A lot of information and data on the global Textile Chemicals market can be availed today with the help of internet today. However, the amount of data available on the Textile Chemicals market is humongous and studying them, analyzing and differentiating between meaningful and unimportant data can be a tedious task. Thus, there is a need for a research report that is carried out by expert market analysts, who have knowledge regarding the global Textile Chemicals market and have complied together all the useful and important aspects of the market. The data presented is in the form of tables, graphs, statistics, and infographs, thus making the contents of the data easily comprehensible.The first section comprises the overview of the global Textile Chemicals market and includes the applications, uses, and need for Textile Chemicals. The second section discusses the key drivers boosting the growth of the market and various obstacles, faced by players in the global Textile Chemicals market. Rules laid by government and other regulatory bodies and their impact on the industry are also mentioned.Browse Press Release of this Research Report:The third section discusses key segments and sub segments of the market and points out the various factors that are responsible for the growth and decline of the segment and sub segment. The report also gives the market size on a global level as well as the regional level. The last section of the report comprises competitive landscape of the global Textile Chemicals market. The key players operating in the global Textile Chemicals market are studied in detail. Their recent developments and information on their strategic expansion moves such as mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations is given.Table of Contents1.1 Definition and Specifications of Textile Chemicals11.2 Classification of Textile Chemicals21.2.1 Pretreatment Auxiliaries21.2.2 Printing Auxiliaries31.2.3 Finishing Auxiliaries31.3 Applications of Textile Chemicals41.3.1 Home Furnishing41.3.2 Apparel51.3.3 Technical Textiles51.4 Industry Chain Structure of Textile Chemicals61.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Textile Chemicals71.5.1 Industry Overview of Textile Chemicals71.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Textile Chemicals71.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Textile Chemicals8Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Textile Chemicals112.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Textile Chemicals112.2 Equipment Suppliers and Contact Analysis of Textile Chemicals122.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Textile Chemicals142.3.1 USA Labor Cost Analysis142.3.2 Europe Labor Costs Analysis162.3.3 China Labor Costs Analysis182.3.4 Canada Labor Costs Analysis192.3.5 Mexico Labor Costs Analysis202.3.6 Brazil Labor Costs Analysis202.4 Other Costs Analysis of Textile Chemicals213 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Textile Chemicals283.1 Capacity of Global Textile Chemicals Major Manufacturers in 2016283.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Textile Chemicals Major Manufacturers in 2016293.3 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Textile Chemicals Major Manufacturers in 2016304 Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Textile Chemicals by Regions, Types and Manufacturers324.1 Global Capacity, Production and Revenue of Textile Chemicals by Regions 2012-2017324.2 Global and Major Regions Capacity, Production, Revenue and Growth Rate of Textile Chemicals 2012-2017374.3 Global Production and Revenue of Textile Chemicals by Types 2012-2017474.4 Global Capacity, Production and Revenue of Textile Chemicals by Manufacturers 2012-2017508 Analysis of Textile Chemicals Industry Key Manufacturers978.1 Transfar978.1.1 Company Profile978.1.2 Product Description988.1.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue1008.1.4 Contact Information1018.2 Archroma1018.2.1 Company Profile1018.2.2 Product Description1038.2.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue1038.2.4 Contact Information1058.3 Huntsman1058.3.1 Company Profile1058.3.2 Product Description1078.3.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue1098.3.4 Contact Information1118.4 CHT/Bezema1118.4.1 Company Profile1118.4.2 Product Description1128.4.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue1138.4.4 Contact Information11511 Development Trend of Analysis of Textile Chemicals20911.1 Capacity, Production and Revenue Forecast of Textile Chemicals by Regions and Types20911.1.1 Global Capacity, Production and Revenue of Textile Chemicals by Regions 2018-202320911.1.2 Global and Major Regions Capacity, Production, Revenue and Growth Rate of Textile Chemicals 2018-202321411.1.3 Global Production of Textile Chemicals by Types 2018-202322411.1.4 Global 2018-2023 Price Analysis22611.2 Consumption Volume by Applications226List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Textile Chemicals1Figure Global Production Market Share of Textile Chemicals by Types in 20162Figure Pretreatment Auxiliaries Picture2Figure Printing Auxiliaries Picture3Figure Finishing Auxiliaries Picture3Table Applications of Textile Chemicals4Figure Global Consumption Volume Market Share of Textile Chemicals by Applications in 20164Figure Home Furnishing Examples5Figure Apparel Examples5Figure Technical Textiles Examples6Figure Industry Chain Structure of Textile Chemicals6Figure Global Major Regions Production Share in 20167QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. 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Photochromic Lenses Market Growth, Demand, Trends, Share and Key 2020

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Ophthalmology market is growing at a stable rate from past few years. This is due to increase in aging population, large patient pool for eye diseases and increasing awareness about eye diseases. Photochromic lenses refer to the eye lenses that when exposed to ultraviolet radiations in sunlight, darken automatically. They return to lighten shade when no longer exposed to ultraviolet radiations. Photochromic lenses may be made of glass or plastic. Glass photochromic lenses have an embedding of microcrystalline silver halides molecules in glass substrate, whereas plastic photochromic lenses are made of organic photochromic molecules. Market for photochromic lenses is growing due the increasing levels of ultraviolet radiations in the atmosphere resulting in increased prevalence of eye diseases.North America, followed by Europe, dominates the global market for photochromic lenses, due to high level of awareness among people and technological advancement in the region. Asia is expected to experience high growth rate in the next few years in global photochromic lenses market. Countries with large population base, such as China and India, are expected to have the fastest growing photochromic lenses markets in the Asia region. Some of the key driving forces for photochromic lenses market in emerging countries are growing awareness and increase in the disposable incomes.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Increasing prevalence of eye diseases, introduction of photochromic lenses with improved quality, reduced costs and increasing awareness among people are driving the global photochromic lenses market. However, discomfort and other drawbacks associated with the use of photochromic lenses and economic slowdown are restraining the global photochromic lenses market. In addition, advanced technology in alternatives available such as dedicated sunwears restrain the photochromic lenses market.Request to View Tables of Content @Growing popularity and innovation of products with more advanced technology are expected to offer good opportunities for photochromic lenses market. Some of the major trends that have been observed in the photochromic lenses market include involvement of companies in R&D of new variety of lenses by use of different technologies. For instance, drivewear lenses have been developed by use of photochromic lenses and nupolar polarization technology. Some of the major companies dealing in photochromic lenses market are Transitions Optical, Inc., Corning, Inc., Rodenstock GmbH, SEIKO Optical Europe GmbH and Carl Zeiss AG. Other companies with significant presence in photochromic market include Essilor international, Vision Ease Lens, Younger Optics, Inc, Optical Dynamics and Signet Armorlite, Inc.To view complete report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market Growth, Demand, Trends, Share and Key 2017  2025

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The Pharmaceutical industry is usually at the forefront of adopting new technologies to enable major transformations in R&D. When it comes to manufacturing, inventory or supply chain management, they are still stuck in the past though relying mostly on pen and paper. While regulatory and compliance requirements initially drove those companies to use paperwork, the many advancements in the field of Information Technology are too compelling to simply ignore. Unfortunately, there is a human tendency to resist change and once a tried and tested way of working is in place, it is very difficult to initiate any kind of change. There directly leads to companies being so consumed in bureaucracy and managing paperwork that they scarcely have time to see how inefficient their operations truly are.Modern day pharmaceutical companies have begun to improve their productivity with the help of the Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market. Since the passing of 21 CFR part 11 in the year 1997, the U.S FDA accepts Electronic Batch Records. That is why more and more companies have begun to look very closely at the Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market. Adopting EBR helps pharmaceutical companies to eliminate paperwork, distribute information quicker and enable strategic planning which thereby improves overall product quality and process efficiency.Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market DriversThe main drivers pushing the Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market forward are Improving accuracy  An automated Life Sciences Electronic Batch Record will do a programmed task the same way every single time. Employee productivity can vary considerably based on their health, mood and overall temperament. Sleep deprivation in the medical field can lead to attention lapses or bad judgement which can have catastrophic effects. Automating the paperwork frees up the employees for other critical tasks that may require their attention.Increasing productivity  The biggest success factor of any organisation is always the people involved with it. By providing an easy to use UI that connects internal employees and even external business partners with the right information, companies can greatly boost their productivity. The Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market provides tools that eliminate time-consuming tasks like duplicate or error-prone data frequently seen in paper-based systems.Reduction in cycle times  An average pharmaceutical company manufacturing cycle is typically between 30 to 90 days, with batch releases themselves taking more than 60 days. In non-conformance situations, these timelines can easily be doubled. EBR consistently execute the manufacturing steps while simultaneously providing a real-time, accurate view of processes or deviation data. The time required to detect, track, resolve, correct or document deviations in manufacturing within paper documentation is almost entirely eliminated.Compliance and operational cost reduction  EBR systems help pharmaceutical companies to manufacture and store products in a manner consistent and compliant with relevant regulatory authorities. They help in automating and streamlining tasks performed by employees which reduce the chance (and risk) of human error. This directly lessens redundant rework, audits or processes. The Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market also helps in cost reduction concerned with printing, storing, reviewing and retrieving extensive medical paperwork.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market RestraintsWhile the switch to an EBR system has numerous organizational benefits, there are still some challenges that must be overcome for its smooth implementation. Some of the main Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market restraints are Employee pushback  The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said Change is the only constant in life. However, employees might be resistant to adopt a new technology, especially if they are comfortable with the tried and tested old paperwork methods. They might try to stall the EBR adoption or even refuse to use it entirely.Inadequate identification of requirements- Every pharmaceutical company has different policies, practices and method of working. There cannot be a single EBR solution for every organisation and an incorrectly designed system not taking the specific requirements into consideration can be more trouble than it is worth.TOC Sentence Request to View Tables of Content @Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market Key Market PlayersThe Life Sciences Electronic Batch Records Market Key Market Players are Rockwell Automation, Accelyrs, Siemens, ABB, Emerson Electric Co, Honeywell international and Schneider Electric SE.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, types and applications.To view complete report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Flex and Flex-Rigid Printed Circuits Market : Analysis by Regions, Key, Types, Forecast Report 2025

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Global Flex and Flex-rigid Printed Circuits Market: SnapshotIn the last few years, North America and Europe have been extremely benefitted by the overflowing demand for flex and flex-rigid printed circuits. In these regions, aerospace and military have been the backbone of their production of flex and flex-rigid printed with maximum consumption. The demand for flexible and flex-rigid printed circuits has been incessantly rising use of televisions, monitors, notebooks, LCD and plasma displays, digital cameras, and mobile phones.One of the leading employers of flex and flex-rigid printed circuits is the medical sector which has been using it for many years now. It uses flex and flex-rigid printed circuits in several applications namely large imaging equipment, defibrillators, pacemakers, and hearing aids. The market is also expected to flourish owing to the emergence of Internet of Things (IoT). With the rising penetration of consumer electronics, the application array of flex and flex-rigid printed circuits has also increased in the automotive industry. Thus, this also expected to support the growth of the global flex and flex-rigid printed circuits market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Players operating in the global flex and flex-rigid printed circuits market are focusing on technological advancements and innovation for establishing a firm grip on the market in the near future. Innovation in the products available is the key strategy that can help the market leaders prosper in the coming future and grasp a strong consumer base.Global Flex and Flex-Rigid Printed Circuits Market: OverviewThe global market for flex and flex-rigid printed circuits is undergoing a transitional phase. The growing demand for these circuits, fueled by their increased popularity, owing to their reliability as they take out interface connections, such as connectors and solders joints and also have a cost saving factor since only a few parts are required for the final assembled product, is adding significantly to the growth of this market. The heat dissipating capacity of flex and flex-rigid printed circuits, enabling them to be deployed in extreme temperature applications are also expected to support this market substantially in the coming years.Request TOC of the Report @Global Flex and Flex-Rigid Printed Circuits Market: Application AnalysisThe worldwide market for flex and flex-rigid printed circuits is heavily influenced by the escalating demand for high-end digital cameras, mobile phones, and flat panel displays. These circuits resolves the three dimensional structural issues outperforming the printed circuit board technology deployed in rigid boards, cables, and connectors. In mobile phones, the camera module interconnect, sliding-opening mechanisms, and the display and battery module interconnect is made possible by the implementation of flexible circuits while in digital cameras, the image sensor and the display modules are mounted on a circuit board, which requires flexible interconnections.In flat panel displays, flexible printed circuits enables increased pixel count and routing density, required for enhancing display quality. However, this mechanism is extremely difficult to handle in production procedures. The mechanical stress put on these materials by various methods can have an effect on their accuracy, reliability, and burr formation.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global Flex and Flex-Rigid Printed Circuits Market: SegmentationsThe global market for flex and flex-rigid printed circuits is majorly analyzed on the basis of the type of the flex and the circuit and its architecture. Single layer flex circuit, double sided flex circuit, multi-layer flex circuit, andrigid-flex circuit are the main types of flex circuits available in this market.The single layer flex circuit possesses a single conductive layer, which is either uncovered on one side or is bonded between two insulating layers. The double sided flex circuit possesses two conductive layers with an insulating layer in the middle. In such type of flex circuit,the outer layers are either covered or exposed.The multi-layer flex circuits have three or more flexible conductingand insulating layers between each other and the outer layers are either covered or are exposed. It is very much possible to implement controlled impedance in this type of architecture. The rigid-flex circuit have two or more conductive layers with either a rigid or flexible insulation material as insulators in the mid.Global Flex and Flex-Rigid Printed Circuits Market: Companies Mentioned in the ReportMotorola Inc., Samsung Group, Nokia Oyj, Sony Mobile Communications AB, Toshiba Corp., Agilent Technologies, and Epec LLC are some of the leading players in the global market for flex and flex-rigid printed circuits.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
Pink Plume Poppy Extract Market Size, Status and Forecast 2017  2025

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Pink Plume Poppy is a plant which belongs to the genus of macleaya and belong to the family papaveraceae. Its botanical name is macleaya cordata is commonly found in the native parts of Asia Pacific which includes Japan and China. It is commonly known as five-seeded plume-poppy and its been used as a source of vitamin and minerals. Pink plume extract contains chelerythrine and sanguinaine, which have insecticidal and fungicidal activities Pink plume poppy extract is often given to the person suffering from common cold or low platelet content. Pink plume poppy extract is also very beneficial to tackle low glucose level, and fungal and bacterial infection. The extract of pink plume poppy is used as a veterinary drug, feed additive, disinfectant etc. Pink plume poppy extract contains flavonoid and research has shown that pink plume poppy extract can also be used as a pesticide.Market Segmentation:Pink plume poppy extract is segment on the basis of application, form and region. On the basis of application market is segmented into food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Among all these segment application in pharmaceuticals is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period. The growing demand of pink plume poppy extract is also impacted by the increasing trend where companies are focused upon reformulating the ingredients content in food to ascertain its health benefits. Moreover, factors such as growing popularity of natural pesticides is expected to contribute significantly to the prominence of pink plume poppy extract market. On the basis of form the market is segmented into powder form and liquid (oil) form. Pink plume poppy extract has special properties which provide various health benefits such as anti-fungal properties, anti-bacterial properties and has the ability to control Rhizobia activity.Market Regional Outlook:Regional segment for the market of pink plume poppy extract is divided into seven different regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, APEJ, Japan and MEA. Among these segment Asia Pacific is expected to hold relatively higher share, as it is the largest producer and consumer of pink plume poppy extract. In Asia Pacific and Japan region the countries like China and Japan are generating the major revenue. Companies in the pink plume poppy extract market focus upon taking maximum advantage of the opportunities posed by emerging economies like India and China to strengthen their geographical presence and expand their revenue base. In terms of revenue Japan is expected to be the second prominent contributor in the pink plume poppy extract market. Europe is projected to expand at relatively higher CAGR rate compared to other regions.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Market Drivers:The rise in demand for natural pesticide is expected to drive the growth of global pink plume poppy extract market. Pink plume poppy extract is not only a rich source of flavonoid but it also exhibits some special properties such as anti-bacterial property, insecticidal property and also acts as a natural source of disinfectant. All though the mode of action of pink plume poppy extract has not been confirmed, but it is known to induce SAR (systemic acquired resistance) by collection of endogenous phenolic substances to treat infected plants. These versatile properties of pink plume poppy extract is attracting the pharmaceutical segment to a significant extent and is anticipated to drive the pink plume poppy extract market in the forecast period.Market Key Players:Some of the key players in pink plume poppy extract market are Hunan Sunshine Bio-tech Inc., Xian Biof Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Herbary Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Hunan NutraMax Inc, Xian Nate Biological Co. Ltd., Xian Victory Biochemical Technology Co.Ltd., Shaanxi Jintai Biological Engineering Co.,Ltd, Huakang Biotechnology, and Greenatura among others.Request to View Tables of Content @The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and regions.To view complete report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
South America and Brazil Low Voltage Power Distribution Market Analysis, Trends and Outlook Forecasted during 2017-2022

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has included a new research report. The report is titled South America and Brazil Low Voltage Power Distribution Market Research Report 2017, which enlightens the readers about the market share as well as growth rate during the period 2017-2022. The research study estimates that the Voltage Power sector in South America and Brazil would be rising with a positive CAGR during the same stated forecast period.Request Free Sample Report @In the last several years, South America market of Low Voltage Power Distribution developed slowly, with an average growth rate of 3%. In 2016, South America revenue of Low Voltage Power Distribution is nearly 704 M USD; the actual sales are about 173.5 K Unit.The major players in global Low Voltage Power Distribution market includeSchneider ElectricSiemensGeneral ElectricABBEatonHagerChint GroupOn the basis of product, the Low Voltage Power Distribution market is primarily split intoFixed TypeDrawer TypeOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report coversPower PlantIndustrial SitesCommercial SitesOthersBrowse Full Report with TOC @Table of content:1 Low Voltage Power Distribution Overview11.1 Product Overview and Scope of Low Voltage Power Distribution11.2 Classification of Low Voltage Power Distribution by Product Category21.2.1 South America and Brazil Low Voltage Power Distribution Sales Comparison by Types21.2.2 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Sales Market Share by Types31.2.3 Fixed Type41.2.4 Drawer Type51.3 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Market by Applications51.3.1 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Sales and Market Share Comparison by Applications61.3.3 Power Plant71.3.4 Industrial Sites81.3.5 Commercial Sites81.4 South America and Brazil Low Voltage Power Distribution Revenue (2012-2022)91.4.1 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Status and Prospect (2012-2022)91.4.2 Brazil Low Voltage Power Distribution Status and Prospect (2012-2022)101.5 South America and Brazil Low Voltage Power Distribution Sales (2012-2022)111.5.1 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)111.5.2 Brazil Low Voltage Power Distribution Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)122 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers132.1 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Manufacturers132.2 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Revenue and Share by Players/Manufacturers (2016-2017)152.3 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Average Price by Players/Manufacturers (2016-2017)172.4 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Market Competitive Situation and Trends192.4.1 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Market Concentration Rate192.4.2 South America Low Voltage Power Distribution Market Share by Top 3 and Top 5 Players/Manufacturers202.5 South America Players/Manufacturers Low Voltage Power Distribution Headquarters and Establish Date213 Brazil Low Voltage Power Distribution Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers23Make an Enquiry @About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of Research Reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of pharmaceutical 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 Bone Cement Mixer Market 2017 : Cook Medical, Armstrong Medical, Orthopaedic Innovation

Bone Cement Mixer

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The Market Research Store report offers majority of the latest and newest industry data that covers the overall market situation along with future prospects for Bone Cement Mixer market around the globe. The research study includes significant data and also forecasts of the global market which makes the research report a helpful resource for marketing people, analysts, industry executives, consultants, sales and product managers, and other people who are in need of major industry data in a ready-to-access format along with clear presentation of graphs and tables.The report comprises the current size of the Bone Cement Mixer market. It also provides with different types of product segments of the global market. Furthermore, the Bone Cement Mixer market research report gives an in-depth information about the overall market and various product segments and their growth trends. The future market forecasts about the global Bone Cement Mixer market are also covered in the research report. In addition, the overall market potential is further described in the report along with different countries around the globe.Browse Complete Report with TOC @The latest and the newest trends of the Bone Cement Mixer industry are also included in this report. Moreover, overall global market size, the market size by product segment, growth rates of the global market along with and different product segments of the market, and various product segments with their value and volumes evaluation are also included in the research report.The Market Research Store report offers the global market potential rates of the Bone Cement Mixer market along with various product segments. The research report provides an overview of the current market situation, historic development, and future outlook of the Bone Cement Mixer market. It also tracks the industry developments trends and identifies the global market opportunities. The report helps to plan and develop precise marketing, market expansion, market-entry, and other business strategies through identifying the major market prospects and opportunities.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The data in the report is clearly presented which can be easily integrated into presentations and internal reports.MarketResearchStore.com is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803
United States Workwear/Uniforms Industry Analysis, Trends and Outlook Forecasted during 2017-2022

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has included a new research report. The report is titled United States Workwear/Uniforms Industry Research Report 2017, which enlightens the readers about the market share as well as growth rate during the period 2017-2022. This report studies the development situation and future of Workwear/Uniforms in USA market, focuses on the top players in USA market. The Workwear/Uniforms can be split by product types, applications, to analyze the most popular product type and applications in USA.Request Free Sample Report @Split by product types, coveringGeneral WorkwearCorporate WorkwearUniformsSplit by applications, coveringManufacturing IndustryService IndustryMining IndustryAgriculture & Forestry IndustryOthersTop players in USA, coveringWilliamson DickieVF CorporationAramarkCarharttUniFirstCintasG&K ServicesStrategic PartnersWolverineBerne ApparelCornerStone WorkwearML KishigoSuperior Uniform GroupBrowse Full Report with TOC @Table of content:1 Industry Overview11.1 Definition and Specifications of Workwear/Uniforms11.2 Classification of Workwear/Uniforms21.2.1 General Workwear31.2.2 Corporate Workwear41.2.3 Uniforms51.3 Applications of Workwear/Uniforms51.3.1 Manufacturing Industry61.3.2 Service Industry71.3.3 Mining Industry71.3.4 Agriculture & Forestry Industry81.4 Industry Chain Structure of Workwear/Uniforms81.5 Industry Overview of Workwear/Uniforms91.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Workwear/Uniforms101.7 Industry News Analysis of Workwear/Uniforms102 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Workwear/Uniforms122.1 Bill of Materials (BOM) of Workwear/Uniforms122.2 BOM Price Analysis of Workwear/Uniforms132.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Workwear/Uniforms142.4 Manufacturing Expenses172.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Workwear/Uniforms182.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Workwear/Uniforms182.7 USA Price, Cost and Gross of Workwear/Uniforms 2012-2017193 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis213.1 Sales and Established Date of USA Key Manufacturers in 2016213.2 Headquarters of USA Key Workwear/Uniforms Manufacturers in 2016213.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of USA Workwear/Uniforms Key Manufacturers in 2016223.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of USA Workwear/Uniforms Key Manufacturers in 2016244 USA Workwear/Uniforms Market Competition by Manufacturers/Brand254.1 USA Workwear/Uniforms Sales (M Units) and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)254.2 USA Workwear/Uniforms Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)294.3 USA Workwear/Uniforms Average Price (USD/Unit) by Manufacturers (2012-2017)324.4 Workwear/Uniforms Market Competitive Situation and Trends344.4.1 Workwear/Uniforms Market Concentration Rate344.4.2 Workwear/Uniforms Market Share (%) of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers345 USA Workwear/Uniforms Sales (M Units), Revenue (Million USD) by Regions (2012-2017)365.1 USA Workwear/Uniforms Sales (M Units) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)365.2 USA Workwear/Uniforms Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)38Make an Enquiry @About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of Research Reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of retail 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 @
Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market : Industry Research and Forecast Analysis 2017 - 2025

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Methyltriethoxysilane is considered as an organic compound of silicon, which belongs to the organosilicon compound class. Methyltriethoxysilane is manufactured at an industrial scale from ethanol and trimethylsilyl chloride. The increasing use of methyltriethoxysilane is anticipated to encourage the growth of the overall market in the next few years. The key players operating in the global methyltriethoxysilane market are emphasizing on the expansion of the application base, which is likely to fuel the markets growth in the coming years.Among the regional segments, the developing economies in the methyltriethoxysilane market are projected to grow at a substantial rate in the coming years. The high pace of industrialization and the increasing construction activities are estimated to accelerate the growth of the overall market. The rising use of methyltriethoxysilane as water repellants, sealants, stabilizing and coupling agents in the chemical industry is one of the major factors anticipated to supplement the markets growth in the near future. The high performing characteristics offered by methyltriethoxysilane is likely to contribute significantly towards the development of the overall market in the next few years.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Furthermore, several new entrants are anticipated to enter the global methyltriethoxysilane market and enhance the competitive scenario of the market in the near future. Advancements in technology and the expansion of the product portfolio, thanks to the rising research and development activities are estimated to encourage the growth of the global methyltriethoxysilane market. These players are predicted to focus on emerging economies, which are expected to help them in enhancing their market presence and attain a leading position across the globe.Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: General OutlineMethyltriethoxysilane (MTES) (CH3Si(OCH2CH3)3 ) is an organic compound of silicon, belonging to a class of organosilicon compounds known as silanes, which are saturated hydrosilicones and are generally stable due to their high saturation. Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) appears to be a colorless, clear, free flowing liquid, and readily hydrolyzes when mixed with water. The hydrolysis of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) increases in basic solutions and reduces in acidic solutions. It is produced at an industrial scale from trimethylsilyl chloride and ethanol. It has a stable tetrahedral molecular structure, with a low flashpoint that readily catches fire at temperatures beyond 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) is usually supplied at purity levels higher than 98% in the market, and is classified as a toxic chemical and may cause harm when exposed.Request TOC of the Report @Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: Inclusive InsightsSilane compounds are commonly used as sealants, water repellents, coupling and stabilizing agents in the chemical industry. Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) is primarily used as a cross-linking agent for curing of silicone rubber polymers at room temperature, and is also used as coupling agents for glass fibers and silicon oxide. It also acts as a strengthening agent, while treating and coating of plastic materials, and is widely used in polymer industry. The stability of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) comes in handy for sol-gel systems, and acts as a chain protecting agent against water and polymerizing agents.Due to its high performing characteristics, silianes are predominantly used in the polymer industry for manufacturing polysiloxanes. It can be applied as sealants for caulking, used for insulating and sealing in construction industry, and act as semiconductors for electronics among others. The market is therefore expected to grow in the coming years. Demand growth is expected to be driven primarily with the increase of end use industries of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) including construction, polymer, and electronic industries. The market growth is likely to be affected by the availability of substitutes and toxicity of the chemical. On the other hand, the prospective market opportunity is set to increase with new application of polymer manufacture and electronic products among others.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: Regional OverviewPolymer, construction, and electronics industries are the end users of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES), and due to its high demand in Asia Pacific, the region accounts for growing number of consumers. Industrial economies namely, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand are the main consumers of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) for its usage in the manufacture of various plastics and coating materials.Two of the fastest growing industrial economies of Asia, China and India are the rapidly growing market for polymer industry, and in turn is responsible for driving the demand for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and other silanes. Cheap labor availability, land, and comparatively lenient norms and regulations against chemicals, have led several market players to establish their production facilities in Asia. The demand is high for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) in North America due to its heavy usage in chemical industry, requirement of coatings for plastics and sealants for construction industry, making the region another key market for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES). In due course of time, the demand for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) is likely to rise in Brazil, South Africa, and the Middle East.Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: Key Market PlayersThe key players of the marmethyltriethoxysilane (MTES) market are: Alfa Aesar (Johnson Matthey Group Company), Asia Silicones Association Ltd., BRB International BV, and Wynca Chemicals AG.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 Outdoor Furniture Market 2017 : Brown Jordan, KETTAL, Sitra Holdings (International) Limited & Yotrio Corporation

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The Market Research Store report offers majority of the latest and newest industry data that covers the overall market situation along with future prospects for Outdoor Furniture market around the globe. The research study includes significant data and also forecasts of the global market which makes the research report a helpful resource for marketing people, analysts, industry executives, consultants, sales and product managers, and other people who are in need of major industry data in a ready-to-access format along with clear presentation of graphs and tables.The report comprises the current size of the Outdoor Furniture market. It also provides with different types of product segments of the global market. Furthermore, the Outdoor Furniture market research report gives an in-depth information about the overall market and various product segments and their growth trends. The future market forecasts about the global Outdoor Furniture market are also covered in the research report. In addition, the overall market potential is further described in the report along with different countries around the globe.Browse Complete Report with TOC @The latest and the newest trends of the Outdoor Furniture industry are also included in this report. Moreover, overall global market size, the market size by product segment, growth rates of the global market along with and different product segments of the market, and various product segments with their value and volumes evaluation are also included in the research report.The Market Research Store report offers the global market potential rates of the Outdoor Furniture market along with various product segments. The research report provides an overview of the current market situation, historic development, and future outlook of the Outdoor Furniture market. It also tracks the industry developments trends and identifies the global market opportunities. The report helps to plan and develop precise marketing, market expansion, market-entry, and other business strategies through identifying the major market prospects and opportunities.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The data in the report is clearly presented which can be easily integrated into presentations and internal reports.MarketResearchStore.com is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803
Heat Insulating Felt Market Size 2017 - North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India

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Heat Insulating Felt Market Research ReportA market study  Global Heat Insulating Felt Market  examines the performance of the Heat Insulating Felt market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Heat Insulating Felt market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Heat Insulating Felt market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Heat Insulating Felt Market 2017 report includes Heat Insulating Felt market Size, Revenue, market Share, Heat Insulating Felt industry volume, market Trends, Heat Insulating Felt Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Heat Insulating Felt Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report:Global Heat Insulating Felt Market 2017 Segment by Regions:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaFirstly, the report covers the top Heat Insulating Felt manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Heat Insulating Felt report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Heat Insulating Felt industry, Heat Insulating Felt industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Heat Insulating Felt Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry Before Purchasing Report:The Heat Insulating Felt 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 Heat Insulating Felt market revenue worldwide.Finally, Heat Insulating Felt 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:"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
Musculoskeletal Pains Market is Anticipated to Show the Robust Growth During 2017 - 2025

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Global Musculoskeletal Pains Market: SnapshotMusculoskeletal pain is pain that affects bones, muscles, or the various types of connective tissues that hold the two together, such as tendons and ligaments. This type of pain can occur due to overuse or repetitive use of muscle groups, improper use or accidents such as falls, etc. and can persist for a long time, causing discomfort to the patient. The consistent discomfort caused by musculoskeletal pain has made it a key category of the global healthcare sector in recent years.Improper posture is a key cause of musculoskeletal pain, as consistently sitting/sleeping in irregular positions can cause significant long-term damage to muscles. Thus, the rising prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle, particularly in developed economies, is a key driver for the musculoskeletal pains market. Dynamic developing economies such as India, China, and Brazil have also started witnessing the effects of a large-scale adherence to a sedentary lifestyle, as the corporate sector in these countries is exhibiting a steady rise, aided by the entry of several multinational companies and government support to the development of the IT industry.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The main component of musculoskeletal pain treatment is behavioral rather than pharmaceutical. Thus, the increasing interest of citizens across the world in maintaining a basic level of fitness is likely to be a key factor in reducing the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains in the coming years. Physiotherapy is also likely to be a key component of the global musculoskeletal pains market in the coming years due to its noninvasive nature and reliable efficacy in pain management.Global Musculoskeletal Pains Market: OverviewMusculoskeletal pains refers to the acute or chronic pains of soft tissues or organs, which can be caused due to an injury, falls, jerking movements, falls, sprains, fractures, dislocations, and overuse of the organ. For instance, lower back pain is a common work related musculoskeletal pain that is caused due to prolonged immobilization or poor posture. Localized or widespread pain, stiffness of the body, fatigue, lack of sleep, twitching muscles, and burning sensation in muscles are some of the common symptoms of musculoskeletal pains. Depending on the location of pain, musculoskeletal pains are of different kinds including bone pain, muscle pain, tendon and ligament pain, fibromyalgia, joint pain, and tunnel syndromes. Bone pains, which are majorly caused due to injury, is the most common type of musculoskeletal pains, followed by joint pains, which is frequently associated with rheumatoid arthritis.Request TOC of the Report @Musculoskeletal pains treatment includes various methods such as physical and occupational therapy, heat or cold treatment, acupuncture, strengthening, and conditioning and stretching exercises. Although there are no medications currently available for the treatment of musculoskeletal pains, some of the medications recommended to relieve the symptoms are: acetaminophen, NSAIDs, opioids, and neurotransmitters. The global market for musculoskeletal pain is projected for a robust CAGR during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025. This report is a comprehensive analysis of all the factors that are expected to impact the growth rate and also profiles some of the key players to reveal their market share, product portfolio, and latest developments.Global Musculoskeletal Pains Market: Trends and ProspectsResearch and development activities by several market players to find drugs that can be used to treat musculoskeletal pains is the primary driver of the market. For instance, one of the major players Nordic Bioscience A.s in collaboration with Novaratis AG has developed the drug by the name calcitonin. Currently, the drug is under clinical trial phase three and is predicted to be highly beneficial for the treatment of musculoskeletal pains and thereby boost the market. Hydrocodone bitartrate, bupivacaine transdermal, prednisone, and clibranopadol are some of the other under train drugs. However, side effects such as nausea liver and kidney damage, acid-peptic disorders, and irritation of gastric tract associated with these drugs are restraining the market expansion.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global Musculoskeletal Pains Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the report segments the global market into the regions of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world. Currently, North America contributes to the maximum demand due to robust healthcare infrastructure in countries such as the U.S. and Canada. However, Asia Pacific is expected to rise at the strongest CAGR during the forecast period due to the presence of vast population and improving healthcare facilities in several emerging economies such as China, India, and Japan.Apart from Novasratis AG and Nordic Bioscience mentioned above, some of the other major market players in global musculoskeletal pains market are DURECT Corporation, Zogenix, Inc., Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Limited, Chelsea Therapeutics, Inc., TransPharma Medical, Ltd. and Purdue Pharma L.P.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
BRIC Telemedicine Market Size is Projected To Be Around $2.7 Billion By 2025

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A research study titled, BRIC Telemedicine Market by Component, Application, and Delivery Mode - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 published by Crystal Market Research, states that the BRIC telemedicine market is projected to be around $2.7 billion by 2025.Telemedicine is the utilization of information technology and telecommunication networks for the medical diagnosis and therapy purpose from a distance. The patients receive care from doctors or specialists who are far away and the patientsneed not travel to visit them. Teleradiology is the use of telecommunications to attain remote diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Its advantages are increase in clinicians knowledge, increased cost effectiveness, quality care, and cutting down of consulting time. Teleoncology is providing cancer care with the use of telecommunication at a distance. The main advantage for teleoncology is the low cost and low maintenance of the systems. Teledermatology is subspecialty of dermatology in which telecommunication is used to transfer medical information using audio, visual and data communication. The advantages are less waiting time, comparatively economic process and well documented records. Teleradiology is the electronic transmission of medical imaging studies from one place to another for interpretation/consultation purpose. The advantages of teleradiology are cost efficiency due to elimination of the need to travel, less time consuming process, reduced workload of radiologists and quick imaging results. Teleradiology can also be used for presentationsat educational centers for radiologists.Browse full research report with TOC on BRIC Telemedicine Market by Component, Application, and Delivery Mode - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 at:Teleconsultation segment occupied the largest share of the global market in 2016, due to the convenience offered by mobile monitoring applicationsand rising elderly population across the world. The web-based segment occupied the largest share of the global BRIC telemedicine market in 2016. This dominance can be attributed to the presence of huge customer base and remote data accessibility.China is expected to be the largest market for telemedicine due to increased household income and affordable prices of the products. Also, rapidly expanding consumer electronics industry largely facilitates the rising adoption of telemedicine in the country. Russian telemedicine market is steadily growing due to increase in the consumer awareness about mobile health. Telemedicine market in India is experiencing favorable growth due to government initiatives such as the SEHAT initiative launched in association with Apollo Hospitalsin September 2015. It provides healthcare access to millions of people irrespective of their geographical location.The key strategy adopted by the companies in BRIC telemedicine market is product development facilitated by technological innovations. For instance, in 2017, AMD Global Telemedicine announced a new product series (including the Clinical Assist Series Tablet Cart, Modular Cart and the Laptop Cart) for skilled nursing and long term care facilities. Some of the major players in BRIC telemedicine market are GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, AMD Global Telemedicine Inc., Haemonetics Corp., Apollo Hospitals, Maestros Telemedicine, Medisoft Telemedicine Pvt. Ltd., Cloudvisit Telemedicine, Reach Health, and SnapMD Telemedicine Technology.Request a sample copy of BRIC Telemedicine Market Research Report @Key Findings of the Research Study: Services segment accounted for the largest share of the BRIC telemedicine market in 2016, due to technological advancements in telecommunication and increasing adoption of remote monitoring systems. Based on application, teleconsultation segment held the largest share of the BRIC telemedicine market in 2016, owing to its benefits in eliminating the physical distance between the patient and the healthcare provider. Based on delivery mode, web based segment held the largest share of the BRIC telemedicine market in 2016, due to increased availability and quality of internet access around the world along with the convenience of remote data accessibility. China held more than half of the BRIC telemedicine market in 2016, due to the presence of a thriving smart devices and consumer electronics market. Brazil is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR over the forecast period as a result of increased purchasing power and healthcare expenditure.Inquire more about this report at:BRIC Telemedicine Market SegmentationBy Component: Serviceso Store-and-Forwardo Real-Time Analysiso Remote Monitoring Softwareo Standaloneo Integrated Hardwareo Telemedicine Kitso MonitorsBy Application: Telecardiology Teleradiology Teleconsultation Teledermatology Telepathology OthersBy Delivery Mode: Web-based On-premise Cloud-basedBy Region: North Americao U.So Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo UKo Italyo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia-Pacifico Japano Chinao Australiao Indiao South Koreao Rest of Asia-Pacific Rest of the Worldo Brazilo South Africao Saudi Arabiao Turkeyo United Arab Emirateso OthersGet Customization in the Report At:Related Reports:Diabetes Devices and Drugs Market by Devices and Therapy - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025:Digital Therapeutics Market by Application and Sales Channel - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025:About Crystal Market ResearchCrystal Market Research is a U.S. based market research and business intelligence company. Crystal offers one stop solution for market research, business intelligence, and consulting services to help clients make more informed decisions. It provides both syndicated as well as customized research studies for its customers spread across the globe. The company offers market intelligence reports across a broad range of industries including healthcare, chemicals & materials, technology, automotive, and energy.Contact:Akhil V.304 South Jones Blvd, Suite 1896,Las Vegas NV 89107,United StatesToll Free: +1-888-213-4282Email: sales@crystalmarketresearch.comBlog:Website:
Adaptive Optics Market Is Estimated to be around $90 billion by 2025

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A research study titled, Adaptive Optics Market by Technology and Application - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 published by Crystal Market Research, states that the adaptive optics market is projected to be around $90 billion by 2025.Turbulence in the earths atmosphere results into limitations in the performance of astronomical telescopes. As a result, when stars are viewed through ground based telescopes, they twinkle and appear as fuzzy blobs. Adaptive optics (AO) technology can correct the blurring caused due to the turbulence and enhance the visibility of the telescopes. The distortions are removed using wavefront sensors and deformable mirrors resulting in sharpening of the light waves coming from the stars. Adaptive optics is directly related to the enhancement of image quality.It has applications in ophthalmology as well. AO improves the capabilities of ophthalmic instruments where the optics of the eye is concerned. Its use in correcting aberrations in the human eye has greatly enabled ophthalmologists to improve and evaluate vision function of patients. Adaptive optics is extensively used in defense applications such as secure defense communication and laser based missile systems.The wavefront sensor segment held a major share of the global adaptive optics market in 2016, as they have major applications for measuring distortions in wavefronts in optics. The segment is expected to maintain its dominant position in the market during the forecast period also. The wavefront modulator segment will witness a favorable growth over the forecast period due their rising adoption in wavefront corrections.Browse full research report with TOC on Adaptive Optics Market by Technology and Application - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 at:The defense and security segment held the major share of the global market in 2016. This segment will continue dominating the overall market during the forecast period, as adoption of this technology for strengthening defense applications is rising considerably for long range target identification, electro-optical camera systems, and other applications.North America dominated the global adaptive optics market in 2016, owing to rising AO applications in the fields of astronomy, ophthalmology, defense and security. U.S. widely adopts optics and photonics for defense and security to maintain its technological superiority in this segment. Asia-Pacific market will grow with the fastest growth rate during the forecast period with rise in research activities related to adaptive optics in the developing nations. In September 2016, China began operating the worlds largest radio telescope to search signals from stars and galaxies and detect radio emissions.With substantial funding for research and development, many players are focusing on deriving advanced applications of adaptive optics in different fields. For instance, in July 2016, Safran Reosc, a subsidiary of Safran Electronics and Defense, received a contract from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) to measure, polish and test the M2 mirror on the E-ETL (European Extremely Large Telescope).Request a sample copy of Digital Therapeutics Market Research Report @Some of the key players in the global adaptive optics market are Olympus Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Canon Inc., Raytheon Company, Iris AO Inc., Sacher Lasertechnik Gmbh, Boston Micromachines Corporation, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, and Celestron LLC.Key Findings of the Research Study: The wavefront sensor segment held around half of the overall adaptive optics market in 2016, primarily due to wide applications in measuring wavefront distortions. The defense and security segment dominated the global adaptive optics market in 2016 due to rising adoption and research on adaptive optics for defense and security applications such as advanced communication systems and laser based missile systems. U.S dominated the North American adaptive optics market in 2016 and will remain the most attractive market in the region over the forecast period due to aggressive utilization of adaptive optics in ophthalmology, defense and security and astronomy. Japan held the largest share of the Asia-Pacific adaptive optics market in 2016 with rise in usage of the technology in laser precision manufacturing and biomedical imaging.Inquire more about this report at:Adaptive Optics Market Segmentation:By Technology: Wavefront Sensor Wavefront Modulator Control SystemBy Application: Biomedical Communication Astronomy Consumer Devices Defense and Security ManufacturingBy Region: North Americao U.So Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo UKo Italyo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia-Pacifico Japano Chinao Australiao Indiao South Koreao Rest of Asia-Pacific Rest of the Worldo Brazilo South Africao Saudi Arabiao Turkeyo United Arab Emirateso OthersGet Customization in the Report At:Related Reports:Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Market by Product and Technology - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025:About Crystal Market ResearchCrystal Market Research is a U.S. based market research and business intelligence company. Crystal offers one stop solution for market research, business intelligence, and consulting services to help clients make more informed decisions. It provides both syndicated as well as customized research studies for its customers spread across the globe. The company offers market intelligence reports across a broad range of industries including healthcare, chemicals & materials, technology, automotive, and energy.Contact:Akhil V.304 South Jones Blvd, Suite 1896,Las Vegas NV 89107,United StatesToll Free: +1-888-213-4282Email: sales@crystalmarketresearch.comBlog:Website:
Tile & Stone Adhesive Market Global Industry Analysis Growth 2016 - 2024

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Tile & stone adhesive is an inorganic Portland cement polymer improved with aggregate particles and chemicals in the interfacial zone. It is used to fasten two different materials by means of surface attachment. In modern construction, ceramic tiles and mosaics, which are used for decoration and finishing, are attached to the surface by using tile adhesives. Abundant research & development for tiling technology was carried out in order to develop the current cement based modified adhesive. Development in modifier and additives is the primary factor to improve flexibility, workability and adhesion. In the construction industry, most adhesives are used to fasten decorative and finishing materials to the outside and insides of buildings. For instance, ceramic tiles are fastened to wooden and flexible floor coverings.Obtain Report Details @:Tile & Stone Adhesive Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe tile & stone adhesive market is expected to expand at a relatively high rate due to the growth in construction and manufacturing sectors in developing regions such as Asia Pacific. Demand for tile & stone adhesive is anticipated to increase in the next few years, led by the rise in repairs & rehabilitation activities in the construction industry and new construction of buildings. Many newly developed products give better performance and results. However, lower profit margins due to the usage of low-cost chemicals to reduce the overall construction cost are expected to restrain the market. Furthermore, high value and performance products have hampered the demand for tile and stone adhesives; these are used merely in premium construction projects. Price sensitive environment, low entry barriers for new entrants, and low awareness about good quality construction materials are estimated to adversely affect the tile & stone adhesive market in the near future.Tile & Stone Adhesive Market: SegmentationThe tile & stone adhesive market can be segmented based on product type into:Cementitious adhesivesEpoxy adhesivesPolymer based adhesivesCementitious adhesives are generally used in construction activities owing to their lower price. They are primarily used as ceramic floor tile adhesives and wall tile adhesives. Polymer modified cements and water resistant cements are appropriate for both internal and external usage. Epoxy resins are cold-curing adhesives that create high-strength durable bonds. They are resilient to water, oils, alkalis, dilute acids, and may be used externally or internally. Polymer based adhesives are suitable for fitting wall tiles in wet and damp conditions such as swimming pools and domestic showers.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @:The tile & stone adhesive market can be segmented based on formulation type into:Normal setting adhesivesFast setting adhesivesIn terms of application, the tile & stone adhesive market can be segmented into:MarbleGraniteCeramicPorcelainNatural & agglomerated stonesTile & Stone Adhesive Market: Region-wise outlookBased on geography, the global tile & stone adhesive market can be classified into five key regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Currently, Asia Pacific accounts for the major share of the tile & adhesive market across the globe. The tile & stone adhesive market in the region is poised to expand at a fast pace in the near future. Rapid growth in the urban housing sector in Asia Pacific is the key factor driving the tile & stone adhesive market. Product innovation, low cost of products, rise in adoption of modern techniques, and increase in infrastructure investments are anticipated to provide immense growth opportunities to the tile & stone adhesive market in developing regions such as Asia Pacific.Tile & Stone Adhesive Market: Key Market PlayersProminent players operating in the tile & stone adhesive market include:Bostik SAB. Fuller Construction Products Inc.PidiliteBASFSIKAFOSROCThe report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Global Corrective Lenses Market Research Report 2017 - Cooper, Johnson & Johnson, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Novartis

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Albany, New York, June 30, 2017 : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of " Analysis of Corrective Lenses Market in Global Industry : Technology, Applications, Growth and Status 2017 " globally.In this report, the Corrective Lenses market is valued and is expected to grow day by day at the end of 2022 .Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Corrective Lenses in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGet PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @Global Corrective Lenses market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingCooperJohnson & JohnsonValeant PharmaceuticalsNovartisCorningBauschZeissVariluxOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoDivergent LensConvergent LensOn 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 Corrective Lenses for each application, includingBeautyVision CorrectionTable of Contents1 Corrective Lenses Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Corrective Lenses1.2 Corrective Lenses Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Corrective Lenses Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Corrective Lenses Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Divergent Lens1.2.4 Convergent Lens1.3 Global Corrective Lenses Segment by Application1.3.1 Corrective Lenses Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Beauty1.3.3 Vision Correction1.4 Global Corrective Lenses Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Corrective Lenses 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 Corrective Lenses (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Corrective Lenses Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Corrective Lenses Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Make an Enquiry of this report @2 Global Corrective Lenses Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Corrective Lenses Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Corrective Lenses Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Corrective Lenses Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Corrective Lenses Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Corrective Lenses Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Corrective Lenses Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Corrective Lenses Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Corrective Lenses Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Corrective Lenses Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionResearchMoz 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
False Lashes Market - Report on Global and United States Market, Status, Types, Applications and Players Kardashian Beauty Lashes, MAC, Velour, Artemes Forecast to 2022

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 127 pages on title '2017-2022 False Lashes Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes United States, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa and important players such as Kardashian Beauty Lashes, MAC, Velour, Artemes ...........SummaryThis report studies the False Lashes market status and outlook of global and United States, from angles of players, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global and United States market, and splits the False Lashes market by product type and applications/end industries.Request a sample report @The global False Lashes market is valued at XX million USD in 2016 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions.North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of False Lashes. United States plays an important role in global market, with market size of xx million USD in 2016 and will be xx million USD in 2022, with a CAGR of XX.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share (%) and growth Rate (%) of False Lashes in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East and AfricaThe major players in global and United States False Lashes market, including House of Lashes, Ardell, Sephora, Laura Mercier, Kardashian Beauty Lashes, MAC, Velour, Artemes, Lily Lashes, Makeup Forever, Shu Uemara, Trish McEvoy False.Buy this report @The On the basis of product, the False Lashes market is primarily split intoNatural LashesFull Volume LashesLong and Short LashesOthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report coversDaily UseCommercial UseFilm Studio UseOthersMake an enquiry before buying this Report @Table of Contents2017-2022 False Lashes Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications1 Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source2.1.1 Secondary Sources2.1.2 Primary Sources1.3 Disclaimer2 False Lashes Market Overview2.1 False Lashes Product Overview2.2 False Lashes Market Segment by Type2.2.1 Natural Lashes2.2.2 Full Volume Lashes2.2.3 Long and Short Lashes2.2.4 Others2.3 Global False Lashes Product Segment by Type2.3.1 Global False Lashes Sales (K Units) and Growth (%) by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)2.3.2 Global False Lashes Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.3 Global False Lashes Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.4 Global False Lashes Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)2.4 United States False Lashes Product Segment by Type2.4.1 United States False Lashes Sales (K Units) and Growth by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)2.4.2 United States False Lashes Sales (K Units) and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)2.4.3 United States False Lashes Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)2.4.4 United States False Lashes Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)3 False Lashes Application/End Users3.1 False Lashes Segment by Application/End Users3.1.1 Daily Use3.1.2 Commercial Use3.1.3 Film Studio Use3.1.4 Others3.2 Global False Lashes Product Segment by Application3.2.1 Global False Lashes Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)3.2.2 Global False Lashes Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)3.3 United States False Lashes Product Segment by Application3.3.1 United States False Lashes Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)3.3.2 United States False Lashes Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017).........continuedView Detailed Table of Content @HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketre)port.com+1 (206) 317 1218 (US)
Sheet Mask Market - Report on Global and United States Market, Status, Types, Applications and Players LOreal, Estee Lauder, Shiseido, P&G Forecast to 2022

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 135 pages on title '2017-2022 Sheet Mask Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes United States, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africaand important players such as LOreal, Estee Lauder, Shiseido, P&G ...........Request a sample report @SummaryThis report studies the Sheet Mask market status and outlook of global and United States, from angles of players, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global and United States market, and splits the Sheet Mask market by product type and applications/end industries.The global Sheet Mask market is valued at XX million USD in 2016 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions.North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Sheet Mask. United States plays an important role in global market, with market size of xx million USD in 2016 and will be xx million USD in 2022, with a CAGR of XX.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share (%) and growth Rate (%) of Sheet Mask in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East and AfricaBuy this report @The major players in global and United States Sheet Mask market, including LOreal, Estee Lauder, Shiseido, P&G, Unilever, Avon, Johnson & Johnson, AmorePacific, LVMH, Kose, Mentonlatum, Mary Kay, Leaders Clinic, MAGIC, Inoherb, Herborist, A.S.Watson,, Jinko, Sisder, Sewame,The On the basis of product, the Sheet Mask market is primarily split intoSilk Sheet MaskCotton Sheet MaskPolyester fiber Sheet MaskMixed Fabric Sheet MaskBiological Fiber Sheet MaskOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report coversSupermarket/HypermarketRetail StoreDepartment StoreOnline SalesOthersMake an enquiry before buying this Report @Table of Contents2017-2022 Sheet Mask Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications1 Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source2.1.1 Secondary Sources2.1.2 Primary Sources1.3 Disclaimer2 Sheet Mask Market Overview2.1 Sheet Mask Product Overview2.2 Sheet Mask Market Segment by Type2.2.1 Silk Sheet Mask2.2.2 Cotton Sheet Mask2.2.3 Polyester fiber Sheet Mask2.2.4 Mixed Fabric Sheet Mask2.2.5 Biological Fiber Sheet Mask2.3 Global Sheet Mask Product Segment by Type2.3.1 Global Sheet Mask Sales (K Units) and Growth (%) by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)2.3.2 Global Sheet Mask Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.3 Global Sheet Mask Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.4 Global Sheet Mask Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)2.4 United States Sheet Mask Product Segment by Type2.4.1 United States Sheet Mask Sales (K Units) and Growth by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)2.4.2 United States Sheet Mask Sales (K Units) and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)2.4.3 United States Sheet Mask Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)2.4.4 United States Sheet Mask Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)......CONTINUEDView Detailed Table of Content @HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketre)port.com+1 (206) 317 1218 (US)
MRI Safe Implantable Device Market Estimated to Expand at a Robust CAGR over 2024

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Changing in the life style of population leads to various types of degenerative and chronic disease that affects the biological structure. In support to biological structure, various types of devices are implanted in human body that helps in replacing and enhancing the biological structure. These medical implants are man-made devices that are introduced in human body through surgical procedures and are left in the body after treatment. These devices are mostly implanted in geriatric population suffering from organ degeneration.Get access to full summary @:During Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedure some implant devices may fail to provide necessary treatment and compromise on patient safety which can lead to severe harm or death of the patient. To overcome this problem, many companies are trying to develop various type of implantable devices with non-ferromagnetic materials that overcome the harmful effect of MRI on patient.Global MRI safe implantable device market is witnessing high growth owing to shifting lifestyle choices, high incidence of degenerative and chronic disease, rising geriatric population and technology advancement in implantable devices such as high-field MRI, software applications, superconducting magnets and open architecture. However, high cost of MRI safe implantable devices and inadequate reimbursement policies for MRI safe implantable devices may hamper the growth of MRI safe implantable device market over the forecast period.Global MRI safe implantable device market is classified on the basis of magnetic field strength, product type, procedure type and end user.Based on magnetic field strength, the global MRI safe implantable device market is segmented into the following:High field MRI, Low-to-mid field MRI, Very-high-filed MRI, Ultra-high-filed MRIBased on product type, the global MRI safe implantable device market is segmented into the following: Pacemakers, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Systems, Spinal Cord Stimulators, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs), Orthopedic Implants, Insulin Pumps, Vascular Access, Catheters, Coils, Filters, Stents and GraftsA Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Based on procedure type, the global MRI safe implantable device market is segmented into the following: Cardiovascular Procedures, Orthopedic procedures, Other proceduresBased on end user, the global MRI safe implantable device market is segmented into following: Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Clinics, OthersMost of the orthopedic implants are made from non-ferromagnetic materials and helps in an escalating the number of patients for MRI procedure. On the other hand, in some orthopedic implants instances owing to formation of conductive loop there might be some MRI related heating problem. Due to widespread use of vascular access and catheters most of the patients may require MRI procedures which in turn exhibits the growth of global MRI safe implantable device market.Depending on geographic region, global MRI safe implantable device market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. North America held the largest revenue share in the global MRI safe implantable device market followed by Europe and Asia Pacific owing to increase in geriatric population, technological advancements, increasing awareness for safe procedures and increase in the healthcare expenditure per capita. The developing nations in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa hold huge potential for growth in the global MRI safe implantable device market due to increase in chronic degenerative diseases along with healthcare expenditure.Request to View Tables of Content @Some of the key participating global players in global MRI safe implantable device market are Medtronic plc, Zimmer Holdings Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Cochlear Ltd., Biotronik, Boston Scientific Corporation, St. Jude Medical Inc, Smiths Medical, AbbVie, Inc., TriVascular2, Inc. Stryker Corporation, Smith And Nephew Plc, and Johnson & Johnson.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:
Powered ENT Surgical Instruments Market Projected to Garner Significant Revenues by 2026

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ENT surgical instruments are used to treat simple and complex disorders related to ear, nose and throat and are consist of various medical devices namely Radiofrequency Devices, Hand instruments, ENT powered instruments. With increasing prevalence of chronic sinusitis and airway obstructive disorder, these endoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice as medical therapy fails provide complete relief to the patients.Get access to full summary @:To overcome these problem surgical interventions are required. Powered surgical instruments are tools designed precisely to remove soft tissue, hard tissue and bone and enable better precision, surgical accessibility and positive outcomes for various ENT surgeries.Powered ENT surgical instruments market are witnessing significant growth owing to increase in geriatric population, prevalence of chronic sinusitis, ear, and throat infections and increasing awareness among population. Other factors such as technology advancement, high adoption of minimally invasive ENT procedures and increase in footprints of prominent players in powered ENT surgical instruments market.However, insufficient quality assurance standards, lack of sterilization practices of equipments, defect in instruments and regimes pressure on healthcare providers to reduce overall cost of instruments hamper the growth of powered ENT surgical instruments market.The powered ENT surgical instruments market has been classified on the basis of products and end user.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Based on products, the powered ENT surgical instruments market is segmented into the following: Powered Console, Hand Pieces, Blades and Burs, Microdebriders and Other AccessoriesBased on end-user, the powered ENT surgical instruments market is segmented into the following: Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers and ENT ClinicsPowered ENT surgical instruments market witnessed substantial growth owing to adoption of surgical instruments, increase in the volume of surgical procedures, equipment accuracy and techniques used such as minimally invasive to treat ENT related problem. Also, innovation in surgical procedure and technology advancement to reduce the overall treatment cost propel the growth of powered ENT surgical instrument market during the forecast period.Depending on geographic region, powered ENT surgical instruments market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific dominates the global powered ENT surgical instruments market followed by Europe, Japan and North America owing to high prevalence of chronic disease, rising geriatric population, adoption of minimally invasive procedure and reimbursement policy in these regions. Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa hold huge potential and shows substantial growth in terms of wide acceptance of new technology owing to awareness among population, increase in the medical tourism and increasing healthcare expenditure.Request to View Tables of Content @Key players of powered ENT surgical instruments market are Medtronic Plc, Conmed Corporation, Olympus Corporation, Bien-Air, Portescap.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:
Spectroscopy & Elemental Analysis Instruments Market is Set to Garner Staggering Revenues by 2026

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Spectroscopy is a technique used to study the physical characteristics of a material when there is an interaction between absorption and emission of light within a specified electromagnetic spectrum. Spectroscopy includes interaction of electron, proton and ions absorbed by molecule. Spectroscopy is studied by visible light, ultraviolet and infrared radiations through spectrometer.Get access to full summary @:Since 2010, demand for analytical instrumentation has increased significantly among various end-use industries such as pharmaceuticals and life sciences. Spectroscopy market accounts for significant market share of analytical instrumentation market. Molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy are some of the key technologies that are present in the market. In an analytical and life science industries, spectroscopy plays a significant role owing to increase in demand for bimolecular analysis and drug composition.The primary factors that exhibits the growth of spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market are increasing concern in the area of food and environmental safety, increase in the R&D funding, healthcare expenditure along with usage of X-ray fluorescence in clinical research and government support. However, significant dearth of professionals, unlawful trade practices and high cost of spectroscopy devices and elemental analyzers may hampers the growth of spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Based on the methods for analyzing the spectroscopy, the mass spectroscopy segment is widely used technique so as to identify the chemical contents present in the sample. Increase in the research and technology activities in the field of drug development, bimolecular analysis, industrial chemistry along with defense and astronomical sector is expected to propel the demand for spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments in near future.Depending on geographic region, spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Europe followed by North America accounts for largest market share of the global Spectroscopy & elemental analysis Instruments.This is attributed to presence of large number of research & academic centers along with significant presence of major key players in these market. Developing regions such as Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Latin America, Middle East and Africa hold huge potential and a promising market for spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market owing to increase in the research expenses, food and drug safety along with improvement in macroeconomic conditions in these regions.Request to View Tables of Content @Key players of spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market are Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., PerkinElmer Inc., HORIBA Ltd., Metrohm AG, Shimadzu Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Danaher Corporation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Agilent Technologies, WATERS, Bruker Corporation, Spectris, Illumina Inc., JEOL Ltd., JASCO, Inc. and Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. Market players need to emphasize on research and development as well as distribution networks to increase their business footprint worldwide.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:
Textile Auxiliaries Market NextGen Technological Advancements, Professional Survey & Industry Trends - 2024

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Textile auxiliary is a group of textile chemicals used for various functions at different stages of textile processing. These stages include processes such as pre-treatment, dying, printing, and finishing. Textile auxiliaries are employed during textile processing to increase durability and esthetic appeal of textile products. Ability of textile auxiliaries to improve the functional properties of textile products has increased their utilization in the textile industry. Rise in production and consumption of textiles is expected to drive the global textiles auxiliaries market during the forecast period.Obtain Report Details @:The global textile auxiliaries market can be segmented based on type, application, process type, and geography. In terms of type, the global textile auxiliaries market can be divided into type 1, type 2, and type 3. Based on application, the global textile auxiliaries market can be segregated into apparels, automotive textiles, geotextiles, home furnishing, industrial textiles, smart textiles for military & defense, and others.In terms of process type, the global textile auxiliaries market can be classified into pre-treatment, finishing, and dyeing & printing. The pre-treatment process prepares the fabric for finishing and dyeing. Most textile auxiliaries are used during this process. Ability of textile auxiliaries to improve the durability of fabric during the pre-treatment process is anticipated to propel their consumption in the pre-treatment processing stage of fabric during the forecast period.Based on geography, the global textile auxiliaries market can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The U.S. and Canada are estimated to propel the textile auxiliaries market in North America. The U.K., Germany, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, and Sweden are the leading countries in the textile auxiliaries market in Europe. Asia Pacific is the dominant region of the textile auxiliaries market. China, South Korea, Japan, India, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Singapore are likely to dominate the textile auxiliaries market in Asia Pacific, with India being a rapidly developing market. India accounts for major share of the textile auxiliaries market. Israel, Turkey, the UAE, Iran, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia are some of the leading countries in the textile auxiliaries market in Middle East & Africa. The textile auxiliaries market in Latin America is dominated by Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @:Several players operate at the regional and global level in the textile auxiliaries market. Key players include Archroma, Abitec Corporation, Achitex Minerva spa, Air Products & Chemicals Inc., AkzoNobel N.V., Berkshire Hathaway (Lubrizol Corporation), Buckman Laboratories Inc., Chemipol (Kothari Group), Covestro, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co.Ltd., Dow Chemical Company, Formosa Organic Chemical Industry Co.Ltd., Genesee Polymers Corporation, Huntsman Corporation, KC Chemical (M) Sdn. Bhd., Kemira, Kiri Industries, K-Tech (India) Ltd., L.N. Chemical Industries, Lonsen, Omnova Solutions Inc., and Ultra Additives Munzing.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Sinusitis Treatment Market is Expected to Witness a Steady Growth by 2022

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Rise in new technologies and rapid innovations in healthcare market will create opportunities for companies that are striving to plunge into sinusitis treatment market. Sinusitis can be acute and if not treated can lead to chronic condition wherein different germs like bacteria and viruses can block the nasal cavities or are filled with fluid. There are common symptoms like common cold, fever, headache, sore throat, cough and others.Get access to full summary @:If sinusitis is not treated or diagnosed it can lead to complications like brain abscess and meningitis. Primary treatment for sinusitis is antibiotics and at severe stage by decongestants. There are blood test, ciliary function test, CT scan of the sinuses, nasal cytology and allergy testing and MRI of the sinuses. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 11.7 million people in the U.S. visits to physician offices for diagnosis of chronic sinusitis.Factors contributing for growth of sinusitis treatment market are demand for diagnostic test and antibiotics, patient education programs by companies and hospitals for increasing awareness among the public. Advancement in technology, myriad of people suffering from common cold and no age specific are additional factors that will drive the market over the forecasted period. Though the sinusitis treatment market is expected to generate significant revenue throughout the forecast period, the availability of the test and high cost of diagnostic test for sinusitis is a major challenge for overall growth of the sinusitis treatment market. Major challenge for the pharmaceutical companies is clinical trial for drugs.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The global market for sinusitis treatment is segmented on basis of types, treatment and regional presence. Segmentation by Type of Sinusitis: Acute Sinusitis, Sub-acute Sinusitis, Chronic Sinusitis. Segmentation by Treatment of Sinusitis: Allergen Immunotherapy, Antibiotics, Antihistamines and Decongestants, Expectorants, Nasal Corticosteroids, Oral Corticosteroids.With increasing base of sinusitis sufferers, the sinusitis treatment market is expected to have tremendous growth during the forecast period (2016-2026). Companies are focusing on developing of novel drug products for sinusitis. Due to rapid innovations and advance technology there is huge potential in sinusitis treatment market.On the basis of region presence, sinusitis treatment market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Currently, North America dominates the global market for sinusitis treatment due to high prevalence rate of sinusitis, followed by Europe. According to CDC, 29.4 million people diagnosed sinusitis in North American. However factors such as lack of knowledge of diagnostic test and lack of awareness among people about sinusitis will hamper the market growth in regions like Asia-pacific and RoWTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the key market players in the manufacturing of the treatment products (antibiotics) for sinusitis includes Sanofi, Abbott Laboratories, Bayer AG, Eli Lilly And Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck & Co, Inc., AstraZeneca Plc, Reddys Lab, and Novartis AG.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Incontinence Products Market Expecting Worldwide Growth by 2022

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Incontinence or Incontinent may refer to the involuntary excretion of bowel contents or urine. Difficulties with using the toilet, accidents and incontinence, can all be problems for people with dementia, particularly as the condition progresses. According to a report published by WHO, 5% to 7% of the worlds population is suffering from incontinence. These problems can be upsetting for people and for those around them. Today a variety of products are available in the market, which can provide practical solutions to those people suffering from such ailments. Some of these are Protective Underwear & Briefs, Pads & Liners, Overnight diapers, Tab Style Diapers, skin care products to name a few.Get access to full summary @:Incontinence products are a part of personal care segment, which is growing at a faster pace. This is due to the rise in aging population, increasing awareness and acceptance of incontinence products. Product innovations to customize the products is also driving the incontinence care industry. The WHO report projects that in almost every country the proportion of people aged over 60 years is growing faster than any other age group, as a result of both longer life expectancy and declining fertility rates. Also the rise in the population of diabetic Mellitus patients worldwide provides a good platform for this market. However, there are some bigger challenges faced by this industry like the threat of alternates and substitutes and the threat from low-cost manufacturers.The incontinence products market can be segmented based on product type, into, external & internal. External products include; absorbent products, hand wash, gloves, body wash, barrier cream, repair cream, hand held urinals, bed pads, shampoo caps, whereas, internal products include; tampons, disposable urethral Inserts, pessaries. Based on raw material used- plastic, cotton fabric, super absorbents, cotton fiber, latex, others (water proof materials).A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @In terms distributional channel, the market is segmented into institutional & homecare and retail trade. Out of which institutional & homecare is estimated to be the major end-users, accounting approximately 60% of the global market for incontinence products and the retail market owns remaining 40% of the market.Geographically, the incontinence products market is segmented into seven regions which are ; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Japan. Among all the regions, Western Europe is the highest contributor in term of revenue in global incontinence products market followed by Asia Pacific, North America & it is expected that in near future, Asia Pacific is going to lead this market.Japan, having the highest proportion of elderly citizens could be a big market for this segment. The ever growing population of China will drive the demand for healthcare products, consequently resulting in the growth of the incontinence market in country. Saudi Arab, Kiribati, Kuwait, Bahrain are worlds leading diabetic prevalent nation. These countries also have a good market potential for incontinence products.Request to View Tables of Content @Some of the key players across the value chain dominating this market are Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA, Unicharm Corporation, HARTMANN GROUP, ONTEX International N.V., Hypermarcas SA, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, First Quality Enterprises Inc., Pro Descart Industria e Comercio Ltd, Coloplast A/S, C. R. Bard Inc., B. Braun Melsungen AG, Covidien plc and Medline Industries Inc, etc.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:
Hypocalcaemia Treatment Market Will Continue to Grow by 2022

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Hypocalcaemia is imbalance of electrolytes which is indicated by abnormally low level of calcium in the body. A healthy person has 8.5-10.2 mg/dL calcium level in his/her body, however, drop in this level could possibly led to hypocalcaemia disorder. Middle aged population needs to take 1000 mg of calcium while geriatrics population aged 65 and above should take 1500 mg of calcium per day. Hypocalcaemia is caused by hypoalbuminemia, hyperphosphatemia, surgical effects, medication effects, hypomagnesemia, heart failure, muscle cramps, vitamin D deficiency, alcoholism, magnesium deficiency, insufficient protein in the blood, in the blood and many more. Neuromuscular irritability is the most common sign of hypocalcaemia. Hypocalcaemia are mostly diagnosed by clinical suspicion and laboratory testing. Hypoparathyroidism has a major effect on hypocalcaemia and high recurrence rate.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The hypocalcaemia can be caused at any age but it is commonly observed in ill patients and patients with parathyroid surgery and with increase in the prevalence of heat related disorders in the older population witnessing the growth of hypocalcaemia treatment market is expected to expand at considerable CAGR during the forecasted period. Also, with increase in the awareness among the aging population and availability of treatment creates an opportunity for hypocalcaemia treatment market worldwide. However, the biochemical abnormality associated with hypocalcaemia carries risks in diagnosis and treatment.Parenteral calcium supplements dosage are given to patients suffering from acute hypocalcaemia. Whereas, in case of chronic hypocalcaemia oral calcium supplements are administered. Medical supervision is given to avoid risk associated with parenteral administration. With increasing demand for effective treatment of hypocalcemia, companies need to capitalize on their resources to offer effective medications and in turn further expand their business footprint in developing regions.Depending on geographic region, hypocalcaemia treatment market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Incidence rate of hypocalcaemia is quite high in North America compared to other regions. North America dominates the global hypocalcaemia treatment market followed by Europe, Asia Pacific owing to high awareness about the treatments of hypocalcaemia in these regions. The developing regions such as Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa hold huge potential and is a promising market for hypocalcaemia treatment due to significant increase in medical tourism industry.Request to View Tables of Content @Key players of Hypocalcaemia Treatment Market are F. Hoffman La Roche, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Pfizer Inc., and Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals 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:
Point of Care Test Market Revenue Predicted To Go Up by 2022

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The point of care tests is the test done outside the laboratory near the site of patient care. The point of care testing allows expedite clinical decision making and patient loss to follow-up while waiting for test results by bringing easy and convenient method to test immediately and conveniently. It also facilitate delivery of care outside traditional healthcare settings and require less complex infrastructure and training. The point of care device is usually membrane-based test strip often enclosed by plastic test cassette. The point of care testing can be used for self-testing like pregnancy test kit & glucose monitoring kit, it can also be used for community testing with a minimally trained worker for malaria, HIV & dengue, also for testing in clinics by a healthcare provider, testing of In-patient in the hospitals and testing in the peripheral Laboratory.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Point of care market is growing due to advancement in technology and demand for quick test results. Also rise in prevalence of infectious disease and lifestyle disease like cardiac disease and diabetes along with rise in aging population is increasing demand of point of care diagnostics manifold. Awareness among people for the easy and convenient way to get faster test results is increasing the demand also physicians are preferring POC for their quick decision making to prescribe a disease specific drug unlikely previously when doctor start symptomatic treatment as test procedure take long time for the results. POC has a tremendous demand in Americas region and pool the largest share in POC market also due to increase in awareness Asia-Pacific region will show tremendous growth in future with highest population countries in Asia will drive it tremendously adding to the market share. Traditional method of clinical testing required skilled labor while POC required minimal training hence reducing the cost required in training along with the time consumed to perform the test. The major restrain for Point of care test market is unwillingness to change traditional treatment practice.There are several POC kits available in the market Over-The-Counter, the HIV rapid test kit is one such example which require either blood sample or the oral fluid, testing with the oral fluid require swabbing the device against the upper and lower gums and then inserting it into the buffer vial later results can be seen after 20 min. Also available are the various pregnancy and blood glucose testing kits since long and are used in almost every home nowadays, other available test kits are urinary tract infection test kits, drug of abuse test kits, allergy test kits, cholesterol test kits & thyroid level testing kits which reduces frequent doctor visits and longtime wait.Point of care test has become an integral part of day today test including home healthcare and by healthcare providers. Point of care test is essential so as to provide the patient with quick and accurate treatment hence avoiding different drug side effects caused pertaining to drug prescribed pertaining to non-surety of disease. Point of care market is well established in the developed countries with giving world largest market share, however developing countries like in Asia-Pacific have huge potential due to high population and growing awareness for POC. Market is majorly driven by demand and awareness for quick and easy results.Request to View Tables of Content @Depending on geographic region, point of care test market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Some of the key market players in global point of care test market are Roche, Alere, Abbott, Beckman Coulter, Quigen, Thermofisher Scientific, Cepheid, Hologic, Gen-Probe, Orasure, Corgenics, DRG Diagnostics GmbH to name a few.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Stair Lift Manufacturing Market: Global Outlook and Competitive Dynamics 2026

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Global Stair Lift Manufacturing Market: OverviewStair lift, commonly used in home care settings or healthcare facilities, are motorized seats which run along a rail or track and are powered by alternating current or batteries so that they can function even during power outages. Stair lifts for both straight and curved staircases are available in the market and they can be completely customized too. They are easy to operate and have different features such as safety belt or harness, swivel seat, flip-up rail, limit sensors, rechargeable batteries, handheld controller, and call stations.Read the Comprehensive Overview of Stair Lift Manufacturing Market:Stair lifts are installed either by the disabled or those afflicted by musculoskeletal disorders on account of aging. A report by Transparency Market Research throws light on important facets of the global stair lift manufacturing market. It furnishes a qualitative analysis of the growth drivers and restraints in the market and chronicles the prevalent trends in it. The report is a comprehensive collection of historical, current, and projected data about the market. It offers an assessment of where the market stands today and where it is headed.The report also offers a detailed assessment of the competitive landscape and identifies key players contributing towards the growth of the global stair lift manufacturing market. The companies have been profiled in the report based on key parameters such as business and financial overview, recent developments, product portfolio, and geographical reach. Market-leading analytical tools have also be been leveraged to gauge the opportunities and threats awaiting players.Global Stair Lift Manufacturing Market: Trends and OpportunitiesOne of the primary growth drivers in the global market for stair lift manufacturing is the burgeoning geriatric population. Common health problems faced by them include chronic diseases, vertigo and dizziness, mental deterioration, and limited mobility. As per the National Council on Aging, an elderly person gets treated in an emergency room every 15 seconds because of falling down. To aid such people, stair lifts have emerged as important mobility devices. They also come in handy for the physically disabled people.Further, the global market for stair lifts is also being buoyed by the rising knowledge about accessibility, mobility devices, and progress on the technological front in the industry. The different types of stair lifts available in the market are curved stair lift, straight stair lift, and standing stair lift. Among them, the straight stair lift segment accounts for maximum revenue. Going forward, the segment is forecasted to up its share further. On the other hand, standing stair lift segment is slated to see its market share getting dented by the soaring popularity of straight and curved stair lifts.Depending upon modality, the global stair lifts market can be bifurcated into indoor and outdoor. Of the two, the indoor modality segment is slated to see swift growth because of the rising adoption in indoor facilities such as homes and healthcare facilities.Global Stair Lift Manufacturing Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, North America is a key region in the global market for stair lift manufacturing. A growing pool of elderly population and the swift pace of technological progress in the region is slated to drive the market further in the years to come. Powered primarily by the U.K., the Europe is another key region which is poised for good growth in the near future.Request for the Sample Report:Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the key players competing in the global market for stair lift manufacturing are Platinum Stairlifts, Acorn Stairlifts, Inc., Stannah Stairlifts Ltd., Handicare, Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc., and Harmar.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:
Cough Assist Devices Market Explores New Growth Opportunities By 2027

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Cough assist device helps to clear the lung secretions by helping the patient with his breathing. When a person is assisted with a cough assist device, the machine creates a positive pressure when the patient takes in air and while expiring the suction created expires the air outside. This difference in pressure makes coughing more stronger and effecting, helping to bring out the congestion.Read the Comprehensive Overview of Cough Assist Devices Market:The cough assist device is important for respiratory care and in cases of critical illness. This device is a proactive requirement for spinal muscular atrophy patient regardless of the type. The device helps secretion of cough out of the lungs by creating a quick reverse in the flow directions. The stimulation of the cough dramatically improves the airway clearance thereby helping the lungs to develop and grow.Cough Assist Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe major driver of the cough assist device market is the increasing prevalence of respiratory problems. Moreover, the changing lifestyle such as smoking and the high air pollution has all contributed towards the use of this portable cough assist device. The person does not have to spend hospital bed cost and medication every time he suffers from some airway disorder. With cough assist device, the patient can have a quick access to the device.According to the Reinsurance Group of America out of the four million people who die from chronic respiratory diseases each year, 90% deaths are from low and middle-income countries. While developing countries include problems such as respiratory system infections and tuberculosis, developed countries include high level of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and lung cancer. This factor is expected to propel the demand for assist cough devices.Cough Assist Devices Market: SegmentationCough assist devices market is classified on the basis of product, choice of air delivery part and region.Based on application the cough assist devices market is segmented into the following:Automatic cough assist deviceManual cough assist deviceBased on choice of air delivery part the cough assist devices market is segmented into the following:Face maskMouth pieceAdaptarCough Assist Devices Market: OverviewEnvironmental pollution causes seriously respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma and globally the number is still increasing. This is expected to propel the demand for sudden asthmatic attack health devices globally. There are a number of organizations who are coming forward to contribute towards the helping the people suffering from chronic conditions. The soaring insurance coverage and hospital costs have increased patients treated in the non-hospital settings. The respiratory disorders are a key therapeutic area and hence there is an increase in the number of patients being treated for asthma and sleep apnea in the homecare setting.Cough Assist Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookIn terms of geography, the cough assist devices market has been divided into five regions including North- America, Asia- Pacific and Middle-East & Africa, Latin America and Europe. North America region dominated the cough assist devices with the presence of major companies and the funds received towards home healthcare devices. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region as there is an increasing interest of venture capitalist towards the home healthcare services. Medwell Ventures received US$21 million to expand the services in Tier I and Tier II towns along with increasing manpower.Request for the Sample Report:Cough Assist Devices Market: Key Market ParticipantsSome of the market contributors to the cough assist devices market are Koninklijke Philips N.V., Hill-Rom, Percussionaire Corporation, Dima Italia Srl, Emerson, United Hayek Industries Inc., and Ventec Life Systems.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:
Bipolar Disorder (BPD) Market Segmentation and Analysis Research Report to 2025

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Bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression, is a type of mental illness which is characterized by mood swings. Mood episodes are of two types: manic and depressive episodes. The changes in the mental state bring out sudden high or low moods in a person. An individual suffering from bipolar disorder can be happy, joyful, and energized at a particular moment and can also be sad, hopeless, and sluggish at the next moment. This mental illness is termed as bipolar disorder due to these different moods or two poles of mood. Through many research activities, it is observed that certain genes are responsible for the development of bipolar disorder. Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are most likely to develop the illness. These kind of mood episodes can hamper the image of an individual at a school or at a job or even in the society.Read the Comprehensive Overview of Bipolar Disorder (BPD) Market:Increase in awareness about diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder and unmet needs in the treatment of the disorder are the major drivers for the growth of the market. Increasing acceptance of society regarding mental illness is encouraging individuals to get treated. In addition, growth in technological advancement in identifying genetic disorders and increase in treatment options for genetic disorders are major drivers of the market growth. Government initiatives such as launch of Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), provide complete information regarding signs and symptoms of the illness. This factor has further contributed to the growth of the market. However, factors such as stringent regulatory frameworks, side effects of anticonvulsants, and limited number of approved anticonvulsants hamper the growth of the market.The global bipolar disorder market is segmented based on types of bipolar disorder, drug class, mechanism of action, and geography. Based on types of bipolar disorder, the market is classified into bipolar I disorder, which is mania or mixed episode; bipolar II disorder, which is hypomania and depression; and cyclothymia, which is hypomania and mild depression. According to drug class, the market is segmented into mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs. In terms of mechanism of action, the market is segmented into selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, and others.Geographically, the global bipolar market is distributed over North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the global bipolar disorder market due to increased awareness and larger availability of treatment options. In the region, the U.S. has a significant market share in terms of revenue, followed by Canada. Europe is the second leading region, contributing to the growth of the market in terms of revenue, with the U.K. and Germany having major share of the market. Asia Pacific is a highly potential market with emerging countries such as India and China. The market in the region is expected to expand at a high CAGR during the forecast period. Increase in awareness about the disease in countries such as India is likely to boost the growth of the market. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to contribute highly to the growth of the market due to improving economy and rising awareness about the mental illness.Request for the Sample Report:Key players operating in the global bipolar disorder market include Abbott Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca plc, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Merck & Co., Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc., Cephalon Inc., Gedeon Richter plc, H. Lundbeck A/S, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc., Repligen Corporation, and Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC.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:
Rehabilitation Equipment Market Set to Grow Exponentially by 2025

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Since the enactment of the long-term care insurance system in 2000, public interest in rehabilitation equipment, and thereby the number of users has increased. This trend further resulted into improvements in the function and design of such equipment, which greatly benefits the aged population and physically challenged to achieve greater independence and participate in society. Rehabilitation equipment is a re-usable aid which assists the patient with their daily activities.Read the Comprehensive Overview of Rehabilitation Equipment Market:In the past decade, the market for these devices has expanded considerably due to government support and technological advancements to address the needs of the increasing geriatric and physically challenged population in developed countries with the purchasing power as well as need for rehabilitation equipment. However, high cost and maintenance expenses may hinder the growth of this market in developing and under-developed countries, which is otherwise estimated to be significant. This could be attributed to the entry of various government and private insurance players who cover various assistive devices under reimbursement plans, making them more affordable to consumers and enhancing the demand for them in the market. The combined effect of these factors is predicted to drive the rehabilitation equipment market during the forecast period.The global market is segmented on the basis of product into the following categories: personal care aids, mobility devices, exercise equipment, respiratory & pressure care products, and other. The mobility devices segment, which is expected to register high growth in the near future, covers wheelchairs, scooters, and walking assistance devices. Wheelchairs are designed for physically challenged customers who face problems with mobility. The elderly and individuals with leg injuries, spinal cord injuries (SCIs), multiple sclerosis (MS), hemiplegia & other types of paralysis, cerebral palsy (CP), spinal bifida, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), lower limb amputees, and arthritis are major customers too. There are wheelchairs specially designed to perform in different infrastructural setups. Physically challenged sportspersons are also a major target segment for wheelchair manufacturers. Additionally, with advancements in technology, wheelchairs feature Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smart gadget access, which allow the users to lead a modern lifestyle.By application, the global rehabilitation equipment market is divided into two groups: physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The former is anticipated to hold a major market share owing to the increasing need for it among the aging population. Human life expectancy has increased worldwide due to general health consciousness and advancements in medical science to deal with fatal diseases. The total world population in 2014 was beyond 700 billion and is anticipated to rise to 714 million in 2020.In terms of end-user, the global rehabilitation equipment market is categorized into hospitals & clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, home health care, long-term care centers, and others. Hospitals & clinics are projected to constitute a prominent market share, while home health care is estimated to witness a major CAGR during the forecast period.Geographically, North America is likely to account for a major share in the global rehabilitation equipment market during the forecast period. The rising preference for an independent lifestyle, the elderly and physically challenged individuals need to explore the world, increased longevity, and the staggering cost of caregiver services have fuelled the demand for mobility devices globally, apart from increased government support and reimbursement facilities. Moreover, recent industry estimates suggest that over 1,60,000 people in the U.S. use electric wheelchairs and scooters.Request for the Sample Report:Key players operating in the global market include Amigo Mobility International, Inc., Argo Medical, Access Rehabilitation Group, GF HEALTH PRODUCTS, INC., Stryker Corporation, Medline Industries, Inc., Invacare Corporation, Dynatronics Corporation, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, and Caremax Rehabilitation Equipment Co. Ltd.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:
3D Cardiac Mapping System Market to Witness Exponential Growth by 2026

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Cardiac mapping is a technique in which the information from cardiac electrograms is gathered and displayed. Cardiac mapping is used to diagnose the heart rhythms especially in case of arrhythmia. The cardiac mapping procedure is usually done by inserting catheter into the heart chamber percutaneously and recording the electrograms sequentially, this is done in order to correlate the electrograms with cardiac anatomy. The new 3D cardiac mapping systems create the three dimensional model of any chamber of heart and can track exact location of the catheter. This allows movement of the catheters without using X-ray. They are designed to improve the resolution and gain prompt cardiac activation maps.Get access to full summary @:The 3D cardiac mapping system market is anticipated to grow with a significant CAGR owing to the increase in number of patients with arrhythmia and other cardiac disorders, rising pressure to reduce diagnosis errors and increasing healthcare expenditure. The major factors driving the growth of 3D cardiac mapping systems is the precision and patient safety enabled by real-time monitoring. The increase in aging population who are more prone to chronic heart disorders will elevate the demand for the 3D cardiac mapping system.The increase in prevalence and diagnosis rate of cardiac illness is the major factors which is creating the demand for 3D cardiac mapping systems. The 3D cardiac mapping also help in reducing the time of diagnosis. The restraining factors for the 3D cardiac mapping system market are high cost of services and limited adoption rate of the systems.The awareness of 3D cardiac mapping system is giving rise to the adoption of the systems. The elimination of errors in diagnosis helps the physician in providing better treatment and cure. The adoption rate of 3D cardiac mapping system by the hospitals is high as compared to that of independent clinics and is estimated to be the fastest growing segment. Electroanatomical mapping are used widely as it hold the potential to increase the safety, efficacy and efficiency of catheter. Real-time positional management (Cardiac Pathways) EP system contribute maximum share in the overall 3D cardiac mapping systems during the forecast period.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @On the basis of geography, the global 3D cardiac mapping system market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America contributes maximum share to the 3D cardiac mapping system market. European countries are expected to represent significant growth rates due to the growing healthcare practices. Amongst the Asian countries, India and China are more promising due to large population pool, increased prevalence of cardiac diseases, increasing awareness, rapid improvement in healthcare services with the saturation in the developed markets.Regional analysis includes North America (U.S., Canada), Latin America (Mexico, Brazil), Western Europe (Germany, Italy, U.K, Spain, France, Nordic countries, BENELUX), Eastern Europe (Russia, Poland, Rest Of Eastern Europe),, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand), Japan, Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, S. Africa, Rest Of MEA)Request to View Tables of Content @Some of the key players in 3D cardiac mapping system market are Biosense Webster, Inc., St. Jude Medical and Boston Scientific Corporation, Inc. The companies are majorly focusing in the improvement of services provided to customers with the new techniques that provide the physicians in better and quick diagnosis.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:
EdVie launches 'Student of The Year', merit based rewards upto 110%

Edvie has launched 'Student of The Year', a reward program for students. Under this, they are providing students with merit based discounts of upto 110% on their Online IIT JEE Foundation Course. The discounts are based on students performance in last academic class. The discount varies from 110% to 25%.We want to reward students based on their performance in their last academic year. We want to motivate them by rewarding the hard work they put in in their previous grade. These rewards will also make it more affordable for parents to utilize the high quality of online education for their children. said Dhiraj Gautam, Head of Marketing, EdVie.Students have to simply upload a clear image of their Final Report Card on Edvies website. Students can also Whatsapp the image to them. EdVie informs the students about the discount awarded based on their percentage marks.The period of the reward is from 24th June, 2017 to 28th July, 2017 (including both the days).Manager,EdVie, Enlume Technologies Pvt Ltd.Hyderabad.Plot No.19, 20, 28 & 29 Colony, Bandlaguda Village, Uppal,Srinivasa Nagar Colony, rangareddy, Hyderabad, Telangana 500068
Global Salicylic Acid (CAS 69-72-7) Market Set for Rapid Growth and Trend 2017-2022

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Our analysts estimate the Salicylic Acid (CAS 69-72-7) Market to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.Why should the report be purchased?The report Global Salicylic Acid (CAS 69-72-7) Market Research Report 2017 highlights key dynamics of Global sector. The potential of the sector has been investigated along with the key challenges. The current market scenario and future prospects of the sector has also been studied. Additionally, prime strategical activities in the market which includes product developments, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, etc., are discussed.For Requesting a Sample Copy of This Report, Please Visit:Covered in this report:-The report covers the market projection and analysis of Global Salicylic Acid (CAS 69-72-7) Market Research Report 2017 on a global as well as regional level. The report is a composition of first-hand data, quantitative and qualitative valuation by industry analysts, contributions from industry experts along with their latest verbatim and every industry players through the value chain. The experts have further evaluated the overall sales and revenue generation of this market. Further, the report renders comprehensive analysis of root market trends, macro-economic indicators and various governing elements, along with market enhancements according to each segment.Also, the report comprises of various profiles of fundamental market players of Salicylic Acid (CAS 69-72-7) Market.Alta LaboratoriesNovacapZhenjiang GaopengJ.M. LoveridgeSiddharth CarbochemRishabh Metals and ChemicalsSamrat RemediesHebei Jingye GroupShandong Xinhua Longxin ChemicalSimco QCSiddharth Carbochem ProductsNovacapLoveridgeShandong Binzhou Zhiyuan Biological TechnologyBy types, the market can be split intoFood Grade Salicylic AcidPharmaceutical Grade Salicylic AcidIndustrial Grade Salicylic AcidBy Application, the market can be split intoPharmaceuticalFood & PreservativesCosmeticsOthersTo Browse the Entire Report, Visit:With thorough market segment in terms of different Countries, this report divides the global market into a few key countries, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share, and growth rate of in these countries over the forecast period.North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaFurthermore, this market report is segregated with reference to various product types and their respective applications. The product types are conglomerated keeping in focus the production, revenue, price, market share, and growth rate of every single type. Besides, based on their applications, the report focuses on consumption, market share, and growth rate of Salicylic Acid (CAS 69-72-7) Market in each application.About UsReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) 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. The 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 Us008, Mihir Co-operative,Above Bharat Suzuki showroom,Fatima Nagar,Pune,Maharashtra,India411013Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Global Triethylene Glycol (Cas 112-27-6) Market Outlook by Product Overview, Application and Regions 2022

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Our analysts estimate the Triethylene Glycol (Cas 112-27-6) Market to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.Why should the report be purchased?The report Global Triethylene Glycol (Cas 112-27-6) Market Research Report 2017 highlights key dynamics of Global sector. The potential of the sector has been investigated along with the key challenges. The current market scenario and future prospects of the sector has also been studied. Additionally, prime strategical activities in the market which includes product developments, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, etc., are discussed.For Requesting a Sample Copy of This Report, Please Visit:Covered in this report:-The report covers the market projection and analysis of Global Triethylene Glycol (Cas 112-27-6) Market Research Report 2017 on a global as well as regional level. The report is a composition of first-hand data, quantitative and qualitative valuation by industry analysts, contributions from industry experts along with their latest verbatim and every industry players through the value chain. The experts have further evaluated the overall sales and revenue generation of this market. Further, the report renders comprehensive analysis of root market trends, macro-economic indicators and various governing elements, along with market enhancements according to each segment.Also, the report comprises of various profiles of fundamental market players of Triethylene Glycol (Cas 112-27-6) Market.BASFDow Chemical CompanyArkema (Sartomer)EvonikHuntsmanShin-Nakamura ChemicalIGMSABICCLARIANTGEOKowa ChemicalSinopecFormosa Plastic GroupAkzonobelYantai Yk ChemicalNantong Zhuangyuan ChemicalShanghai Hechuang ChemicalBy types, the market can be split into0.9850.9820.9999By Application, the market can be split intoAir DisinfectantPlasticizer of Rubber and ResinsInksCoatings & PaintsAdhesivesOthersWith thorough market segment in terms of different Countries, this report divides the global market into a few key countries, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share, and growth rate of in these countries over the forecast period.North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo Browse the Entire Report, Visit:Furthermore, this market report is segregated with reference to various product types and their respective applications. The product types are conglomerated keeping in focus the production, revenue, price, market share, and growth rate of every single type. Besides, based on their applications, the report focuses on consumption, market share, and growth rate of Triethylene Glycol (Cas 112-27-6) Market in each application.About UsReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) 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. The 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 Us008, Mihir Co-operative,Above Bharat Suzuki showroom,Fatima Nagar,Pune,Maharashtra,India411013Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Market 2017 Key Players - Tencate, Vectorams, Chomarat, Fibrtec, Porcher Industries

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Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Market Professional Survey Report 2017The reports analysis is based on technical data and industry figures sourced from the most reputable databases. Other aspects that will prove especially beneficial to readers of the report are: investment feasibility analysis, recommendations for growth, investment return analysis, trends analysis, opportunity analysis, and SWOT analyses of competing companies. With the help of inputs and insights from technical and marketing experts, the report presents an objective assessment of the Thermoplastic Prepreg market.Download Free Sample Report @To begin with, the report defines the Thermoplastic Prepreg market and segments it based on the most important dynamics, such as applications, geographical/regional markets, and competitive scenario. Macroeconomic and microeconomic factors environments that currently prevail and also those that are projected to emerge are covered in this report.For technical data and manufacturing plants analysis, the report analyzes Thermoplastic Prepreg leading suppliers on capacity, commercial production date, manufacturing plants distribution, R&D Status, technology sources, and raw materials sources.This report also presents product specification, manufacturing process, and product cost structure etc. Production is separated by regions, technology and applications. Analysis also covers upstream raw materials, equipment, Downstream client survey, Marketing channels, Industry development trend and proposals. In the end, the report includes Thermoplastic Prepreg new project SWOT analysis, Investment feasibility analysis, Investment return analysis, and Development trend analysis. In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Thermoplastic Prepreg industry. Here, we express our thanks for the support and assistance from Thermoplastic Prepreg industry chain related technical experts and marketing engineers during Research Teams survey and interviews.Access Full Report @Other important aspects that have been meticulously studied in the Thermoplastic Prepreg market report are: Demand and supply dynamics, import and export scenario, industry processes and cost structures, and major R&D initiatives. The new opportunities they present to market players have been mentioned in the report. A detailed segmentation evaluation of the Thermoplastic Prepreg market has been provided 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-102, Sanskriti AspirationsBaner Road, Pune,MH 411045IndiaPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Food Container Global Market Will Experience a Contenting and Out of Box Growth By 2022

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Food Container Global Market - OverviewThe Goal of food storage/ container is to ensure safe and high quality food. Proper storage extends the shelf life of food, which depends on the food type, packaging and storage conditions, particularly temperature and humidity. Food Quality should not decrease significantly during storage if the recommended conditions and storage times are followed. Although Food Containers are existing for quite some time and are used for the storage of mainly perishable goods, the trend of using these containers to store perishable food items, to keep it fresh for a long time, is picking up recently. The trend is increasing tremendously in urban regions mainly because of the increase in the number of working women in metros, the rise in disposable income, the burgeoning middle class populace and the trend of giving gifts or freebies amongst Organizations.According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, the global market of Food Container is anticipated for a contenting growth in terms of value and volume, with a substantial rate of CAGR during the forecasted period (2016  2022) thanks to the burgeoning disposable income which is providing the impetus to the growth of global market of Food Containers during the anticipated timeframe.Get a Sample Copy @Access the market data and market information presented through more than 85 market data tables and figures spread in 130 numbers of pages of the project report Food Container MarketThe key drivers contributing to the growth of the food container market are increasing awareness of environmental issues, adoption of new regulatory requirements, health awareness and new packaging material development. The growing requirement for brand differentiation in an increasingly competitive environment is expected to drive the market, states the MRFR Research Analyst while commenting upon this deep diving study report, presented through more than 100 market data tables and figures, widely spread over 130 pages.Get a Good Discount @Food Container Global Market - Key PlayersThe Global Food Container Market appears to be highly fragmented and competitive.Well established players incorporate acquisition, collaboration, partnership, expansion, product & technology launch in order to gain competitive advantage in this market and to maintain their market position. The establishment of strategic partnerships with buyers and product innovation for the development of tailored solutions are expected to remain major critical success factors in the future.A number of deals have gone through in recent years that have, for the most part, seen packaging companies refine their interests to focus on core areas. However, there are moves occurring by outside investors, i.e. private equity companies, to assist in the drive towards consolidation. Key acquisitions in recent years have included Graham Packagings acquisition of the majority of Owens-Illinois plastic container business (excluding healthcare packaging interests); Goldman Sachs acquisition of Berry Plastics in 2002 alongside JP Morgan, which has also been expanding its portfolio in the flexibles arena (Pliant, Klockner Pentaplast). Berry subsequently acquired Landis Plastics into 2003, taking its annual sales to multi millions USD.The key players of global food container market include Bemis Company Incorporated, Berry Plastics Corporation, Crown Holdings Incorporated, Graham Packaging Company Incorporated, Graphic Packaging Holding Company, Ball Corporation, Constar International Incorporated, Anchor Glass Container Corporation, Alcan Packaging Food Americas, and Associated Packaging Technologies.Food Container Global Market - SegmentationFood Container Market can be segmented in to 5 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation by Type : Comprises - Rigid and Flexible.Segmentation by Application: Comprises - Fruits & vegetables, Dairy Products, Meat products, Frozen Food, Candy & Confections, and others.Segmentation by Material : Comprises - Automobile, Plastic, Paper & paperboard, Metal, Glass, and others.Segmentation by Product: Comprises  Bags, Pouches, Containers, and others.Segmentation by Regions: Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World.Browse Full Report Details @Food Container Global Market - SynopsisThe plastic packaging both rigid and flexible has been dominating the market. Plastic packaging has been dominating the market. The food container market has grown over the years. The products are required to be preserved for longer span of time; they are required to be packed using durable, efficient and protective methods. Food& Beverage industry contributes the highest to the overall growth in the food container market. In developing countries, demand will be supported by the continued emergence of a strong middle class, the rise of two-income households, and the shift to larger urban centers.Food Container Global Market - Regional AnalysisNorth America contributes largest share to the market.The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing region for the food container market, followed by Europe. The reasons contributing to the growth in this region include increasing disposable income, changing lifestyle, increased popularity of packaged food and increasing aggregate demand for canned food.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Global Food Container Market Research Report - Forecast to 2022 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Terminal Automation Market Trends and 2022 Forecast

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Global Terminal Automation market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingHoneywellEmerson ElectricABBSchneiderRockwellSiemensGeneral ElectricYokogawa ElectricCimationEndress+HauserFMC TechnologyInvensysRequest a sample copy atGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD) , market share and growth rate of Terminal Automation in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast) , coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaFor more information about this report atOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoHardwareSoftware & ServicesOn 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 Terminal Automation for each application, includingCementOil and gasChemicals and petrochemicalsDiscount on report purchase atTable of Content3 Global Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Terminal Automation Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Terminal Automation Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Terminal Automation Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5 Global Terminal Automation Production, Revenue (Value) , Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Terminal Automation Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Terminal Automation Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Terminal Automation Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Terminal Automation Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)7 Global Terminal Automation Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Honeywell7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Terminal Automation Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Honeywell Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Emerson Electric7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Terminal Automation Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Emerson Electric Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 ABB7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Terminal Automation Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 ABB Terminal Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders10.1 Marketing Channel10.1.1 Direct Marketing10.1.2 Indirect Marketing10.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend10.2 Market Positioning10.2.1 Pricing Strategy10.2.2 Brand Strategy10.2.3 Target Client10.3 Distributors/Traders ListPurchase Complete Report atContact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail: sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Locomotive Market Anticipated Witnessing a Fast Track Growth By 2022

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Global Locomotive Market - OverviewLocomotive refers to a self-propelled vehicular engine, powered by steam, diesel, or electricity for pulling and pushing a train or individual rail road cars. The locomotives are designed for passenger service. All around the world, locomotives take passengers and freight to their destinations quickly and safely. Werner von Siemens presented the worlds first electric locomotive in Berlin 1879. Mobility is unthinkable without flexibility. Therefore, the bandwidth of products enables a comprehensive service adapted to a wide variety of customer requirements. On a worldwide scale, locomotives and propulsion technology for high-speed passenger service as well as for heavy-duty freight service for any power system. Successful locomotives and vehicle concepts, such as those introduced in 1993, are constantly being developed. Today, more than 3000 locomotives are providing safe transportation in various economies around the globe.Get a Sample Copy @According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, the global market of Locomotive is forecasted for a fast track growth in terms of value and volume, with a prominent rate of CAGR during the forecasted period (2016  2022) thanks to the increasing preference for non-polluting and energy-efficient transport which is providing the impetus to the growth of global market of Locomotive during the forecast timeframe.Increasing rate of urbanization has been contributing towards the growing popularity of locomotive among the general public. Expansion of rail networks in majority of developed as well as developing nations as well as growing concern among the individuals regarding environmental sustainability has had a positive impact on the global locomotives market. Significant investment by authorities across the globe in development of railway infrastructure for freight and high speed trains has also resulted in the growth of global locomotive market. However factors such as up Surge in cost of rail electrification and freight volumes, Heavy dependence on road for freight movement and Rising preference for road transport for passenger mobility may restrict the growth of the market.Global Locomotive Market - Key PlayersLocomotive Market appears to be highly competitive and fragmented. Well established players incorporate acquisition, collaboration, partnership, expansion, technologically advanced product launch in order to gain competitive advantage in this market and to maintain their market position. Players operating in global locomotive market consistently strive to build up competence in the field of electric and diesel-electric locomotives. This expertise offers the customers maximum cost-efficiency from the very beginning through optimum and sustained availability. Mobility is unthinkable without flexibility. Therefore, the bandwidth of these products enables a comprehensive service, adapted to a wide variety of customer requirements. On a worldwide scale, manufacturers strive to supply locomotives and propulsion technology for high-speed passenger service as well as for heavy-duty freight service for any power system.Profiled in MRFR Analysis some of the key players operating in Locomotive market are Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Berliner Maschinenbau, Lokomo, China Northern Rail Corporation Limited, Bombardier Transportation, Brookville Equipment Corporation, GE Transportation, and Alstom Ferroviaria S.p.A.Get a Good Discount @Global Locomotive Market - SegmentsLocomotive Market can be segmented in to 3 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation By Technology : Comprises conventional locomotive, turbocharged and MAGLEVS.Segmentation By Application : Comprises Passenger and Freight.Segmentation By Regions : Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World.Global Locomotive Market - SynopsisFactors such as growing number of passengers and freight volumes along with the increasing government expenditure on developing rail systems for public transport drive the locomotive engines market in various regions. Rising concerns regarding pollution and declining air quality have pushed government bodies and private stakeholders to upgrade from diesel-electric locomotives to energy-efficient and non-polluting electric locomotives. In terms of speed and reliability, electric locomotives are more efficient than their diesel-electric counterparts.The trends that are followed by the locomotive market are  the advent of dual-mode locomotive trains.Use of autonomous locomotive engines for long-distance transport and Emergence of hydrogen-powered locomotive enginesBrowse Full Report Details @Global Locomotive Market - Regional AnalysisAsia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the global locomotive market mainly due to the existing infrastructure proving to be incompetent to cope up with the increasing population. The locomotive market for power conversion system in the APAC region is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR, owing to the increasing number of rail infrastructural projects and growing urbanization. According to Ministry of Railways (India), the ministry has planned to spend approximately 140 Billion USD in the next few years on expansion and modernization. Robust economic growth, coupled with the growing urban population leads to increase in demand for power and conversion systems during the forecast period. Europe is expected to hold the second largest share in the global locomotive market mainly due to the largest market for rail products, of which major share is acquired by locomotives.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 ContactAkash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Feldspar Market  Share, Size, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017-2025

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IndexBox has just published a new report "World: Feldspar - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025". (This report has been designed to provide a detailed study of the global feldspar market. It covers the most recent data sets of quantitative medium-term prospects, as well as developments in production, trade, consumption and prices. The report also includes a comparative analysis of the biggest consuming countries, revealing opportunities opened for producers and exporters across the globe. The outlook covers market projections 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: FeldsparData coverage:- Feldspar market size and volume;- Feldspar market trends and prospects;- Global feldspar production and its dynamics;- Per capita consumption;- Breakdown of production by region and country;- Medium term outlook;- Feldspar trade (exports/imports);- Prices for feldspar;- Profiles of the main manufacturers.The report will help you:- Get a bigger picture of the market;- Rewire your business around market trends;- Devise your marketing strategy;- Operate with increased effectiveness.TABLE OF CONTENTS1. INTRODUCTION1.1 REPORT DESCRIPTION1.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2.1 KEY FINDINGS2.2 MARKET TRENDS3. MARKET OVERVIEW3.1 MARKET VOLUME AND VALUE3.2 CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY3.3 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BY COUNTRY3.4 MARKET FORECAST TO 20254. PRODUCTION4.1 PRODUCTION IN 2007-20154.2 PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY5. IMPORTS5.1 IMPORTS IN 2007-20155.2 IMPORTS BY COUNTRY5.3 IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY6. EXPORTS6.1 EXPORTS IN 2007-20156.2 EXPORTS BY COUNTRY6.3 EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY7. COUNTRY PROFILES8. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERSDownload a free sample of the report now!Browse Related Reports:World: Mica - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025EU: Quartz Crystal (Natural) - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025Germany: Diamonds (Industrial) - 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 Tungsten Market  Share, Size, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017-2025

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IndexBox has just published a new report "World: Tungsten - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025". (This report has been designed to provide a detailed survey of the global tungsten market. It covers the most recent data sets of quantitative medium-term perspectives, 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 outlook exhibits market perspectives 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: Tungsten, unwroughtData coverage:- Tungsten market size and volume;- Tungsten market trends and prospects;- Global tungsten production and its dynamics;- Per capita consumption;- Breakdown of production by region and country;- Medium term outlook;- Tungsten trade (exports/imports);- Prices for tungsten;- Profiles of the main manufacturers.The report will help you:- Get a bigger picture of the market;- Rewire your business around market trends;- Devise your marketing strategy;- Operate with increased effectiveness.TABLE OF CONTENTS1. INTRODUCTION1.1 REPORT DESCRIPTION1.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2.1 KEY FINDINGS2.2 MARKET TRENDS3. MARKET OVERVIEW3.1 MARKET VOLUME AND VALUE3.2 CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY3.3 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BY COUNTRY3.4 MARKET FORECAST TO 20254. PRODUCTION4.1 PRODUCTION IN 2007-20154.2 PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY5. IMPORTS5.1 IMPORTS IN 2007-20155.2 IMPORTS BY COUNTRY5.3 IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY6. EXPORTS6.1 EXPORTS IN 2007-20156.2 EXPORTS BY COUNTRY6.3 EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY7. COUNTRY PROFILES8. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERSDownload a free sample of the report now!Browse Related Reports:World: Bentonite - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025EU: Quartz Crystal (Natural) - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025Germany: Diamonds And Other Precious Stones (Unworked) - 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:
Elastomeric Coatings Market SWOT Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecasts To 2024

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Elastomeric coatings are generally used to provide tough exterior finish to concrete, metal, and plastic substrates. These coatings are widely applied on masonry wall surfaces and roof tops such as concrete tiles, blocks, stucco, and other exterior insulation finishes. Elastomeric coatings have a greater film thickness in comparison with conventional paints & coatings. Significant elasticity, toughness, flexibility, and surface adhesion are some of the key attributes of elastomeric coatings. These coatings are usually applied as double coats so as to prevent cracking of coating film as well as the substrate underneath. Moreover, elastomeric coatings can be suitably applied on plastic surfaces of automotive body components, as they are highly durable and keep the aesthetics unaltered. Acrylic, polyurethane, polysulfide, butyl, silicone, and vinyl polymers are the key elastomeric coatings available in the global market. Additionally, waterborne, solvent-borne, and high solids/radiation cured systems are the key technology segments of the global market. Building & construction, automotive, and textile were the major end-users of the global elastomeric coatings market in 2015.View Report @Global demand for elastomeric coatings is currently driven by its growing usage in the building & construction industry. Building & construction has been the largest end-user of elastomeric coatings since the past few years. Elastomeric coatings are employed for bridging the cracks formed on exterior concrete walls, roof tops, and stucco, thus preventing water from penetrating into the interior constructed walls. Furthermore, these coatings provide resistance from settling of dirt, dew formation, and are stable under varying climatic conditions such as acid rain. Acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane polymers are the frequently used elastomeric coatings in the building & construction industry.These polymers have high surface tension that cause beading of water droplets and stop them from entering the interior concrete layers. Apart from concrete substrates, elastomeric coatings are suitably applied on infrastructure steel rebar. Steel is highly hydrophilic, which increases the chances of corrosion and carbonation when in contact with moisture and heat. Due to the hydrophilic nature of steel, elastomeric coatings are preferred due to outstanding durability and excellent metal adhesion. Owing to the exclusive utility of elastomeric coatings, the building & construction industry is estimated to boost the demand for elastomeric coatings by the end of 2024. Recent expansion of the automotive industry in developing regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America is another demand driving factor of the global elastomeric coatings market. Acrylic, polyurethane, and vinyl polymers are the key elastomeric coatings consumed for coating applications in automotive plastic components. Excellent thermal resistance, uniform surface distribution, and improved finishing are the chief characteristics of these coatings, due to which they are expected to be further utilized in the automotive sector during the forecast period.Fluctuation in prices of raw materials, especially coating resins, is likely to stifle the market for elastomeric coatings in the years ahead. However, rising structural flexibility requirements for electrical wire coatings are projected to provide significant growth opportunities to the global elastomeric coatings market by the end of 2024.In terms of volume, Asia Pacific is expected to constitute the largest share of the global elastomeric coatings market by the end of 2024. China, India, and ASEAN countries are likely to witness high demand for elastomeric coatings during this period. Dense population and broad consumer base coupled with growing building & construction and automotive end-user markets are the key driving factors for elastomeric coatings demand. Demand for elastomeric coatings in North America and Europe is anticipated to witness a stabilized growth rate during the forecast period, due to stringent government regulations over VOC emissions from coatings and saturated end-user markets. Middle East & Africa is anticipated to witness firm growth in the elastomeric coatings market due to consumption of elastomeric coatings due to a flourishing building & construction market especially in GCC countries. Latin America is likely to witness the fastest growth in terms of demand, due to rising consumption of elastomeric coatings in the regional automotive sector, by the end of 2024.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Elastomeric Coatings Market Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, The Sherwin-Williams Company, PPG Industries, Inc., The Valspar Corporation, Clariant AG, BEHR Process Corporation, Jotun A/S, and Dulux Australia are some of the elastomeric coatings manufacturers currently operating in the global market.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 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:
Cosmetic Preservatives Market 2016 Trends, Research, Analysis and Review Forecast 2024

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Cosmetic Preservatives Market: IntroductionCosmetic preservatives are used as antimicrobials, antioxidants, and stabilizers. Many cosmetics are produced via biodegradable elements. These can decay due to a variety of microbes. The presence of water in products is another reason for decomposition of cosmetics if stored for a long time. This may result in change of odor, viscosity, and color. Cosmetic preservatives are primarily added to product formulations to inhibit the growth of microbes. Based on raw material, preservatives are classified as natural and synthetic. Natural preservatives include oil extracts from plants such as curry leaf, cinnamon leaf, and clove bud. Commonly used synthetic preservatives include parabens, formaldehyde releasers, isothiazolinones, phenoxyethanol, and organic acids. However, synthetic compounds have been proved to be more effective in controlling the development of the bacteria. North America has been the largest cosmetic preservatives market in the world since the last few years.Preservatives are used in the formulation of face masks, lotions, sunscreens, and scrubs. Various preservatives are available, depending on products such as rinse-off, leave-on, and wet wipes. Leave-on products include creams, body lotions, and deodorants. Rinse-off products comprise shampoos and soaps. Wet wipes include wet tissues and baby wipes.View Report @Parabens are commonly used preservatives and include a wide range of chemicals such as germaben II, methylparaben, and propylparaben. Parabens offer characteristics similar to that of natural preservatives. They also have less adverse effects on the skin when applied. Parabens can be employed in leave-on and rinse-off products.Formaldehyde releasers act as an antimicrobial to prevent side effects caused by excess formaldehyde. Commonly used formaldehyde releasers include germall plus, DMDM hydantoin, imidozolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea. The parabens and formaldehyde releasers market is likely to hamper due to carcinogenic effects.Phenoxyethanol preservatives such as optiphen and optiphen plus are used widely in products such as shampoos, shaving gels, and toothpastes. The market for phenoxyethanol preservatives is expected to expand at a significant rate, owing to the demand for long lasting and more effective products. Isothiazolinones are primarily employed in products such as hair shampoos and other rinse-off products. The Isothiazolinones market witnessed moderate growth in 2014 and is expected to continue in the forecast period. Organic acids such as benzoic acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid and anisic acid are used as preservatives. These are considered as natural alternatives manufactured synthetically. The organic acid based preservatives witnessed a rise in market in last few years and is expected to continue owing to increasing demand for natural products.Cosmetic Preservatives Market: Region-wise InsightThe cosmetic preservatives market has shown a considerable growth in North America. This growth was due to the increased awareness regarding beauty products. China has witnessed steady growth in the past and is anticipated to continue thus in the cosmetic preservatives market. This rise in demand is likely due to the increase in consumption of cosmetic products such as facial creams, hair gels and increased health consciousness of the people.This acts as a major driver for the cosmetic preservatives market in China and other developing regions including India and ASEAN. The cosmetic preservatives market in Europe has expanded significantly. The natural preservatives market is expected to emerge largely due to the stringent regulations in the European Union, which limits the use of manufactured chemicals. The global cosmetic preservatives market is anticipated to expand owing to the rising demand for premium products during the forecast period.Cosmetic Preservatives Market: Key PlayersKey players operating in the cosmetic preservatives market include The Dow Chemical Company, Ashland Inc., AE Chemie, INC., Clariant AG, Finetech Industry Limited, Jinan Haohua Industry Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company, Spectrum Chemical Manufacturing Corporation, Penta Manufacturing Company, LLC., and StruChem Co., Ltd.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.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Cosmetic Preservatives Market Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.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 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:
Ball Mills Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Ball Mills Market: OverviewA ball mill is typically a grinder which is used for grinding (or mixing) materials into extremely fine particle or powder. It is used in paints, ceramics, mineral dressing processes, laser sintering, and pyrotechnics. A ball mill works on the principle of impact; where the grinding media is the balls, which may be made of steel (chrome steel), stainless steel or rubber. The ball mill is a key equipment extensively used for grinding crushed materials in production lines for powders such as cement, fertilizer, refractory material, silicates, glass ceramics as well as for ore dressing of both, black and non-ferrous metals.Browse Market Research Report:Ball Mills Market: SegmentationThe market for ball mills can be segmented based on types of mills viz., drum ball mill, jet-mill, bead-mill, horizontal rotary ball mill and vibration ball mill. Along with these types, there is another type of ball mill called planetary ball mill. Planetary ball mill are small in size and takes less space compared to other ball mills and hence is used mainly in laboratory, for grinding samples to fine particles. These ball mills find extensive applications in the chemical industry, where the challenge is to have the synthesis which is free of any solvents, such as water, supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) or ionic liquids, presence of which would make the synthesis hazardous and can increase chemical waste.As planetary ball mills provide an attractive synthesis solution for grinding of solvent-free samples, thus preventing chemical waste due to solvents and ensure a safe and less hazardous environment. Further, ball mills are divided into dry type ball mill and wet type lattice ball, according to different raw materials and discharging methods. These are especially used in mining industry to grind various ores and rocks in metal and non-metal mines, either wet or dry as per the requirements.Ball Mills Market: Trends and DriversThe key driver for the use of ball milling compared to other grinding systems is its low cost of installation and high energy-efficiency due to its low medium of grinding. Another major driver of ball mill is its adaptability for open as well as closed circuit grinding. Not only it is applicable for materials of all degrees of hardness but it is also suitable for both batch and continuous operations. The major concern with most of the industries is high maintenance costs of grinding mills which in turn contribute to excessive operating costs. Despite of ball mills working strength, frequent maintenance of components such as hollow shaft, bearings and replacement of lubricant oil is a challenge.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Ball Mills market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @Innovation in ball mills with integration of drive systems by means of alternatives for variable speed solutions and fixed speed options provides customization to the users application. The inclusion of inching (variable speed) drives from ball mill manufacturers allows the rotation of the mill to slow down, enabling maintenance workers to safely replace the liners within the mill. This mode makes maintenance faster, easier and saves energy since it avoids restarting the mill several times. Moreover, the integrated drive system in the ball mill is extremely energy efficient helping operators to produce finished materials at the lowest possible cost per ton.Ball Mills Market: OpportunitiesDemand for ball mills in cement industry would see a perpetuated growth throughout the forecast period. Technological improvements have resulted in ball mills being used extensively in the cement industry to grind materials into the required size. If the equipment is not operating at optimum efficiency, it results in increased downtime and reduced throughput. This can cause losses in both production goals and operating economics. Grinding processes in a cement plant need accurate speed control so as to accommodate the variations in grinding which otherwise would increase electricity usage. Use of ball mills in cement industry with newer and highly efficient drive systems has enabled the mills to optimize its throughput along with reduced electricity bills for cement manufacturers. The key vendors of ball mills include CNBM International Engineering Co. Ltd., Shaorui Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., Zhangqiu Heavy Forging Co. Ltd., Shanghai Minggong Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd., and Changsha Tencan Powder Technology Co. Ltd.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.Contact UsTransparency 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/
Refractories Market: Latest Industry Trends and Forecast Analysis

Refractories Market

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Market ScenarioGlobally, the market for Refractories is growing at a CAGR of 4.02% during forecasted period (2016-2022). Refectories is a material that is heat resistant, it provides linings for the heat temperature furnace, reactors and other processing units. Refractories are made of natural and manmade materials, usually nonmetallic or combinations of other compound and minerals.Refractories material which can resist high temperature without undergoing physical and chemical changes while remaining in contact with molten slag, metal and gases. It is necessary to produce range of refractory materials with different properties to meet range of processing conditions. The refractory range incorporates fired, chemically and carbon bonded materials that are made in different combinations and shapes for diversified applicationsApplication sector is segmented into steel, cement, glass, non-ferrous and others. The steel industry is the largest application of refractories globally. Refractories has the characteristics which are lightweight, high temperature sustainability, and robustness, therefore they are ideal for linings and insulation of the high temperature furnaces used in steel industry. In-addition, the increasing infrastructure and construction activities in the developing economies such as India, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and other economies worldwide are contributing abundantly to the steel consumption and henceforth increasing refractories usage.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 Refractories Market Research Report- Forecast to 2022To Get Sample Copy of Report Visit @Study Objective of Refractories 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 Refractories Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To Analyze the Refractories Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by type, by applications and sub-segments. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Refractories market.Read the full report: @Key Players:The key players in market includes: Magnesita Refratarios S.A. Saint-Gobain S.A RHI AG Shinagawa Refractories Co. Ltd Krosaki Harima Corporation Corning Incorporated, Vesuvius PLC Harbisonwalker International (HWI) Inc Coorstek Incorporated Morgan Advanced Materials PLCCompetitive Analysis:The major players of the market have certain challenges such as various companies do not have their manufacturing located where the region is growing the most in order to prevent this the major players are expanding their business with a focus on growing region. Due to high price raw material the competitors are facing certain challenges various companies are focusing in house supply of raw materials in order to reduce the burden of high cost of raw materials.Intended Audience Manufacturers and distributors of Refractories Suppliers and traders of Refractories Government, associations and industrial bodies. Investors and Trade experts. Consulting in chemical experts.Regional Analysis of Refractories Market:Geographically, Asia Pacific dominates the market segment followed by Europe and North America.Asia-Pacific region represents largest market share in the global refractories market. Rise in population drives construction industry which further drives the refractories market in emerging economies. In North America, U.S market is largest consumer of refractories over the forecasted period. Growing production of steel and cement in U.S especially for construction purpose across the globe has increased the need of refractories. After recovery from recession companies are focusing more on profits by reducing material composites of high prices. These has boosted therefractories market growth in U.S.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
Biostimulants Global Market, By Product & Data Validation, Analysis and Forecast 2022

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The Global Biostimulants market accounted for $1.77 billion in 2015 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.82% to reach $3.64 billion by 2022. The market is expected to grow gradually due to growing importance for organic products in agriculture industry. Rising government funding and increasing concerns regarding sustainable agriculture has broaden the scope for biostimulant manufacturers. On the other hand, huge R&D costs and lack of awareness about biostimulants products are inhibiting the market.For more information about this report:Acid-based biostimulants segment commanded the largest market share, because raw materials for these biostimulants are obtained easily and highly efficient compared to other ingredients. Based on crop type, Row crops segment dominated the market followed by fruits & vegetables segment. Technological advancements and increasing awareness regarding organic products in developing economies such as Asia Pacific and Latin America are anticipated to fuel the biostimulant products demand. Europe accounted for the largest share of the global market followed by North America.Some of the key players in the global biostimulants market include Novozymes A/S, Biostadt India Limited, ISAGR- Spa, Valagr- Spa, BASF SE, Koppert B.V., BioAtlantis Ltd., The Dow Chemical Company, Acadian Seaplants Limited, Micromix Plant Health Limited, Arysta LifeScience Corporation, Biostadt India Limited, Taminc- Corp., Agrinos AS, Arysta Lifescience Corporation, and Italpollina Spa.Active Ingredients of Biostimulants Covered:- Acid-Based Biostimulants- Amin- acid- Fulvic acid- Humic acid- ExtractoBased Biostimulants- Seaweed extracts- Other plant extractsCrop Types Covered:- Fruits & Vegetables- Row Crops- Turf & Ornamentals- Other Crop TypesApplications Covered:- Foliar Application- Seed Application- Soil ApplicationRequest Sample Copy atRegions Covered:- North America- US- Canada- Mexico- Europe- Germany- France- Italy- UK- Spain- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- Japan- China- India- Australia- New Zealand- Rest of Asia- Rest of the World- Middle East- Brazil- Argentina- South Africa- EgyptWhat our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements1 Executive Summary2 Preface3 Market Trend Analysis4 Porters Five Force Analysis5 Global Biostimulants Market, By Active Ingredient6 Global Biostimulants Market, By Crop Type7 Global Biostimulants Market, By Application8 Global Biostimulants Market, By Geography9 Key Developments10 Company Profiling10.1 Novozymes A/S10.2 Biostadt India Limited10.3 ISAGRO Spa10.4 Valagro Spa10.5 BASF SE10.6 Koppert B.V.10.7 BioAtlantis Ltd.10.8 The Dow Chemical Company.10.9 Acadian Seaplants Limited10.10 Micromix Plant Health Limited10.11 Arysta LifeScience Corporation10.12 Biostadt India Limited10.13 Taminco Corp.10.14 Agrinos AS10.15 Arysta Lifescience Corporation10.16 Italpollina SpaInquire before Buying atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Alpha Mannosidosis Market | Competitive Dynamics & Global Outlook 2024

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Global Alpha Mannosidosis Market: OverviewWith increase in the incidence of alpha mannosidosis worldwide the market for treatment is expected to grow in coming years. Alpha Mannosidosis is a rare inherited condition that leads to problems in organs and tissues of the body. The disease is of three types such as Type I, Type II and Type III. Type I is a mild form, type II is moderate form of disease and most commonly observed, whereas, type III is the severe form of disease. Alpha Mannosidosis affects 1 in every 10, 00,000 people worldwide. Alpha-mannosidosis affects men and women equally across the globe. Bone marrow transplant (BMT) and Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) are the two treatment options for alpha mannosidosis. Bone marrow transplant (BMT) has been conventionally used universally to treat patients suffering from alpha mannosidosis.Some of the factors driving this market include market exclusivity of orphan drugs, fee reductions and tax credits, increasing investment in the rare disease treatment etc. However, the factors such as high cost of orphan drugs and lack of awareness are expected to hamper the market demand.Global Alpha Mannosidosis Market: SegmentationThe alpha mannosidosis market has been segmented based on treatment, indication, end-user and geography. Based on treatment, the market has been segmented into bone marrow transplant (BMT) and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is expected to dominate the market with a considerable share in 2017. With the expected increase in the incidence of alpha mannosidosis the market is expected to grow at a high rate in the next few years. BMT is expected to grow steadily due to the morbidity issues connected with the treatment. In terms of indication, the market has been categorized into type I, type II and type III. The market for type III segment is projected to expand at the maximum rate during the forecast period. Type II accounts for a considerable market share at present. Based on end-user, the market has been segmented into hospitals and specialty clinics. The hospitals segment dominated the market and the trend is likely to continue driven by increasing patient burden due to rise in patient burden.This exhaustive report includes a 360 view of the Alpha Mannosidosis Market. Browse through this 109-page report to know what factors will shape the market during the period 2017-2024Global Alpha Mannosidosis Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the market has been segmented into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market in 2017 with a considerable market share. North America and Europe also account for substantial portion of the market. The report identifies and explains key market drivers, restraints and opportunities. The report also provides Porters five forces analysis for comprehensive market understanding. Furthermore, market attractiveness analysis provides insights to most attractive regional markets to invest in the future.Key Players Mentioned in this Research Report are:Zymenex, a company focused on R&D on biologics designed to fight rare and life-threatening genetic diseases has developed recombinant enzyme indicated for patients with alpha-Mannosidosis known as Lamazym (velmanase alfa). Zymenex has been acquired by Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. Lamazym has received orphan drug designation is Europe and the U.S.Request a sample of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Alpha Mannosidosis Market during 2017- 2024About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Antithrombin (Recombinant) Market | Trends, Opportunities and Forecast up to 2024

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Global Antithrombin Market: OverviewAntithrombotic drugs help in the prevention or inhibition of thrombus by mimicking the role of antithrombin, a protein molecule produced in our body which helps in clotting. The protein molecule is produced by the liver, and among other benefits, has anti-inflammatory effects. Engineered recombinant antithrombin has gained clinical significant in recent years for the prevention of various peri-partum and peri-operative thromboembolic events or blood clots.A notable development in the market has been the U.S. FDA approval of ATryn in 2009. The molecule, a recombinant Antithrombin, has been manufactured by rEVO Biologics and has been useful in treating patients suffering from hereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency undergoing surgery or giving birth. However, the treatment is not yet approved for indications in patients suffering from hereditary antithrombin deficient. Several clinical studies and developments of novel targeted therapies are ongoing and boost the evolution of the Antithrombin market.The report provides comprehensive insights into the key market dynamics, emerging trends, opportunities, research and development activities, regulatory landscape, and competitive dynamics. The study is an indispensable guide for all market participants exploring imminent investment pockets in various regions as they can capitalize on lucrative market avenues.Global Antithrombin Market: Trends and OpportunitiesManaging the right level of the coagulation protein antithrombin in human body is essential. The deficiency of the protein may be fatal and is prominent in case of patients suffering from an inherited deficiency, a genetic rare disease. The growing prevalence of this disease, both among men and women, is a key factor propelling the demand for antithrombin drugs and therapies. The recent FDA approval of recombinant antithrombins in major region has increasingly boosted the market. The protein molecules have also gained importance to boost the levels of Antithrombin in patients. This deficiency is attributed to clinical conditions prevalent in patients affected by liver failure, metastatic tumors, severe trauma, and nephritic syndrome. Moreover, patients undergoing heparin therapy and chemotherapy may also suffer from antithrombin deficiency. These factor are expected to catalyze the market growth over the forecast period.However, the limited efficacy of antithrombin to improve neonatal outcomes is likely to impede the market to an extent. Furthermore, ATryn, the recently approved recombinant antithrombin by U.S. FDA, is found to have contraindications in patients who have hypersensitivity to goat milk proteins. Nevertheless, recent advances in clinical studies in evaluating the potential of recombinant antithrombins in prolonging gestation so as to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes have opened up exciting opportunities for market players.View Report Global Antithrombin Market: Regional OutlookThe major regional markets for antithrombin are North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Of these, North America is a prominent market and is trailed by Europe. The substantial growth in these regional markets is attributed to the early adoption of recombinant antithrombins in preventing various clinical conditions caused by the prevention of blood clots.However, Asia Pacific is projected to witness a robust demand for recombinant antithrombins. This regional market is chiefly driven by the surge in demand from the countries such as India and China. In addition, the growing incidence of various cardiovascular diseases is expected to propel the demand for recombinant antithrombins in various countries of Asia Pacific.Companies mentioned in the reportKey companies operating in the antithrombin (recombinant) market include rEVO Biologics Inc., Ovation Pharmaceuticals, and GTC Biotherapeutics Inc. In the coming years, the market is expected to witness several large pharmaceutical companies making a foray in the biotechnology segment. They intend to make intensive research and development in biotechnology to gain a foothold in the market in various regions. This is likely to intensify the competition in the global antithrombin (recombinant) market over the forecast period.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Antithrombin (Recombinant) Market during 2016- 2024About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Here are our picks for theater and classical music performances and visual arts events for June 30-July 6.

"THE GUN SHOW"

If you missed last year's production of Oregon playwright E.M. Lewis' "The Gun Show," Artists Repertory Theatre brings it back for a one-night stand to help pay its way to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival. Lewis will attend the production, featuring actor Vin Shambry telling stories about guns. 7 p.m. Saturday, July 1, Artists Repertory Theatre, 1515 S.W. Morrison St. $25, artistsrep.org or 503- 241-1278.

"THE ROMEO AND JULIET PROJECT"

Shakespeare meets 21st-century America as Enso Theatre explores "the possibilities of sympathy in a world riddled with division" in a 90-minute adaptation of the Bard's "Romeo and Juliet." The production includes a "talkback" discussion after each performance. The show includes profanity and violence. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Sunday through July 9, Shaking the Tree Theatre, 823 S.E. Grant St. $10-$20, ensotheatre.com.

TANGO CONCERTS

Reed College is hosting a weeklong "Tango for Musicians and Composers" program that will include public concerts. "Tango on the Edge" features the world premiere of 10 contemporary tango pieces. "The Future of Tango, Today" features an international musicians ensemble. "Tango!" joins forces with the Chamber Music Northwest summer festival to present original tango and other compositions by Argentine artists. "Tango on the Edge": Noon Friday, June 30; "Tango!": 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1, Kaul Auditorium; "The Future of Tango," Eliot Hall chapel, Reed College, 3203 S.E. Woodstock Blvd. "Tango on the Edge": $10-$15, no children under 7; "The Future of Tango": free; "Tango!": $10-$60, no children under 7; cmnw.org or 503-294-6400.

PABLO PICASSO, JOAN MIRO, THOMAS WOOD

Get an eyeful of prints by masters Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro and Northwest artist Thomas Wood in a new exhibit. The Picasso prints include "Bacchanale," a linocut - a medium he embraced in his later years and used to produce what auction house Christie's calls "some of his most outstanding compositions." The Spanish abstract-Surreal artist Joan Miro did extensive work in lithography and etchings, including "L'Exile Vert," which is in this show. Wood, a Richland, Washington, native, uses a wide range of printmaking techniques to create naturalistic and fantastical prints. Opening reception, 5 p.m. Thursday, July 6, on view 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through July 29, Augen Gallery, 716 N.W. Davis St. Free, augengallery.com or 503-546-5056.

"HIGH ART OF HAND-PULLED PRINTMAKING"

Enjoy a sampling of some of Portland's best-regarded printmakers in this exhibit breaking down the printmaking process for various techniques. Featured artists include George Johanson, Beth Kerschen and Eleanor Erskine, whose etchings critic Briana Miller particularly recommends. Opening reception: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 1; on view during Central Library hours, through Sept. 3, Collins Gallery, Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave. Free, multcolib.org or 503-988-5123.

RECENT GRADUATES EXHIBITION

Art faculty at 15 Oregon universities and colleges have selected 30 of their top fine arts graduates to present their work in photography, sculpture, painting, video and more. Visitors to the exhibit can vote for their favorite artist to receive the Lawrence Duckler New Arts Award, named for a longtime Portland arts supporter, which comes with a $300 prize and an installation opportunity. Opening reception: 6 p.m. Thursday, July 6; on view, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, July 5-29, Blackfish Gallery, 420 N.W. Ninth Ave. Free, blackfish.com or 503-224-2634.

If you would like your event to be considered for inclusion in Best Bets, email the details to fineartsbestbets@oregonian.com.
Looking worn and defeated, a former Clackamas County sheriff's detective stepped to the front of a courtroom Thursday and pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors for failing to investigate reports of child abuse.

But the charges against Jeffrey Allen Green covered only a small slice of the more than 50 cases that investigators believe Green ignored during his six years as a detective. Green was assigned to an array of crimes in Wilsonville, including rape, the sexual assault of children and theft.

In some cases, Green didn't track down and identify suspects, submit DNA evidence from a rape kit to the state crime lab for analysis or make contact with victims or their families, prosecutors said.

Green closed cases with little or no work done, meaning some victims never saw justice and their attackers may still be walking free, said Deputy District Attorney Bryan Brock.

Defense attorney William Bruce Shepley offered the first public explanation for his client's lapses. He said Green, now 59, experienced health problems in the later years of his career and had a hard time emotionally coping with the horrific cases of abuse he saw.

"He suffered from a terrible case of burnout by the end of this," Shepley told Clackamas County Circuit Judge Michael Wetzel.

Green pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree official misconduct.

The judge abided by the terms of a plea deal and sentenced Green to one year of probation, $1,100 in fines and fees and an order to relinquish his police certification so he can never work as an officer again.

Green won't serve a jail term. As outlined in the plea agreement, he turned himself into the Clackamas County Jail after his sentencing hearing. Staff took his fingerprints and his mugshot, then released him 33 minutes later.

It's the very jail that Green locked up the suspects he'd arrested during his 22-year career as a sheriff's detective. Now the tables have turned.

Wearing baggy blue jeans and an oversized black short-sleeve shirt, Green didn't make any statements before the judge in the courthouse where he'd testified for the prosecution so many times before. Green also declined to comment after the hearing.

Brock told the judge that he'd worked with Green on several cases and the DA's Office worked with him on a regular basis. He said Green was a "very experienced" detective and his mishandling of dozens cases wasn't due to a lack of intellect.

"I do know Detective Green, and I certainly know him to be a capable detective when he chose to be so," Brock said.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Owen told The Oregonian/OregonLive that his office didn't perceive any potential conflicts of interest with handling Green's case. And given his retirement two years ago, Green isn't someone the DA's Office will work with again.

Brock wrote in a memo to the judge that Green's malfeasance came to light after sheriff's Sgt. Matt Swanson doggedly pursued the case. Days after being assigned to the Wilsonville office in February 2015, Swanson noticed problems with Green's work and began pushing his supervisors to take action.

Green retired in April 2015, but Swanson still pressed the Sheriff's Office to investigate Green. It took more than a year after Swanson first raised red flags for the Sheriff's Office to call upon an outside agency -- the Milwaukie Police Department -- to independently investigate Green in March 2016.

On Thursday, Brock said Green "had neglected his duties to a level I had not seen before."

Those strong words drew an audible gasp from Green's wife, who was sitting in the courtroom gallery. She put her hand on her forehead and began shaking her head back and forth.

"Ma'am," the judge said, in an effort to quiet her down.

"Sorry," she said.

Brock continued, saying that prosecutors charged Green with the only crimes it could: failing to investigate reports of child abuse that were sent to him by child welfare workers. State law required Green to initiate an investigation, and when he didn't he became guilty of second-degree official misconduct, Brock said.

The type of cases Green neglected, he said, were generally tougher cases, and it's questionable whether any of them would have netted convictions.

"They were challenging cases from the start," Brock said. "They were the ones that required a lot of extra work."

Shepley, Green's defense attorney, said he hopes the public focuses on Green's many accomplishments over his more than three-decades long career as a police officer and detective, rather than the criminal case against him focusing on the "twilight" of his career.

"In some respects, the county owes him a big debt," Shepley said.

Green now lives in La Grande. At the time he retired, he was making nearly $89,000 a year. He now draws an annual pension of $51,863 under the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System.

-- Aimee Green
A Battle Ground chiropractor was arrested Thursday after two of his patients reported he touched them inappropriately during treatments at his clinic.

Mark S. LaRue, 64, is charged with second-degree rape and indecent liberties, said Bonnie Gilberti, a spokeswoman with the City of Battle Ground.

In May, two of LaRue's patients said he touched them in a sexual manner while they received chiropractic and massage treatments at Battle Ground Family Chiropractic, Gilberti said.

Battle Ground police detectives found three other women made similar reports in 2003 and 2004. At the time, there was not enough evidence to charge or prosecute LaRue, Gilberti said.

LaRue has practiced chiropractic medicine in Battle Ground since 2002. He received licenses in both Washington and Oregon.

Battle Ground police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information contact Sgt. Kim Armstrong at 360-342- 5252 or by email at kim.armstrong@cityofbg.org.

-- Samantha Matsumoto

503-294-4001; @SMatsumoto55
Oregon's Asian population has surpassed Hispanics as the state's fastest growing demographic, new census figures show.

Since the 2010 Census, the Asian population increased 26 percent, according to 2016 population and housing estimates. Asians now make up 6 percent of the state's population, up from 5 percent in 2010.

The Asian population notably increased throughout the Willamette Valley, from Corvallis and Eugene to Yamhill and Marion counties as well as in the Portland metro area.

Oregon's Latino population also grew significantly since 2010, but at a slower pace than in the early 2000s and more slowly than Asians in recent years, census figures show.

Growth for both groups follows a long-standing trend: Oregon's population is growing quickly and diversifying even faster. The population has increased by about 255,000 residents since 2010. While whites make up approximately 88 percent of the state's population, they only accounted for 67 percent of the population increase.

Those who identified as Asian accounted for 19 percent of the state's growth, while those who identified as Hispanic accounted for about 28 percent.

"None of it surprises me," said Charles Rynerson of Portland State University's Population Research Center.

Rynerson noted that Oregon's growth rate was in line with national trends. In the past six years, the United States' Asian population has grown 20 percent.

He added that Oregon's growth rate among Asians is slightly higher because the state's overall population is increasing faster than other regions'. And as Oregon's economy continues to grow, Asians, who on average are more well educated than other demographic groups, continue to help fill those openings.

"People are coming here for jobs, and we're adding jobs that require a college education," Rynerson said.

Statewide, sectors like healthcare, engineering, science, and finance saw large increases in the number of Asian employees between 2010 and 2015, Census data from the American Community Survey shows.

But service occupations like custodial and food service work had the second-largest increase in the number of Asian employees, just behind business and outpacing engineering and healthcare.

"For every [Asian person] who comes here for a high-wage job, two are coming for a low-wage one," said Joseph Santos-Lyons, executive director of the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon.

H1B visas are given to highly skilled immigrants whose employers show they must hire from abroad to fill job requirements, and many are known to go to immigrants from China, India and other countries with highly educated residents. But Santos-Lyons said such immigrants are the exception, not the rule, among Asians relocating to Oregon.

"Most are outside the H1B visas going to high-paying jobs, taking jobs in the fields and service worker positions once they move here," he said.

The Portland metro area--consisting of Washington, Multnomah, and Clackamas counties--saw the biggest increase, both in percent change and absolute increase in the number of Asian residents. Washington County saw its Asian population grow by 29 percent, or more than 16,000 residents, in the past 6 years.

But the growth was not limited to Portland. Since 2010, Lane, Marion, Benton, Deschutes and Jackson counties have seen their Asian populations increase by at least 1,000, with growth rates in the mid-20 percent range.

Jackson County borders California, which Rynerson said is one of the largest sources of domestic migration to Oregon. About 17 percent of California's population identifies as Asian.

Lane, Marion, Benton and Deschutes counties are home to universities, which Rynerson described as likely and sizeable employers of those with college degrees. Those who move for jobs typically bring their families, further driving population growth.

Family reunification is another driver of population growth, Santos-Lyons said. Family elders are likely to move from other states or abroad to join Asians already living in Oregon.

"The consistent story we hear is that folks are coming here because they have a family member here," Santos-Lyons said. "Oregon is seen as a great place to raise a family, and Asian families tend to live intergenerationally."

Between 2000 and 2010, Oregon's Hispanic population was the fastest growing--63.5 percent over 10 years, compared to 46 percent for the Asian demographic. Santos-Lyons said the reversal might be surprising to some.

"One reason Asians have been overlooked are the myths and stereotypes," he said. "We're relatively invisible to the public, in elected and civic life and the model minority myth creates a sort of minimizing effect on our public voice."

-- Annie Ma

@anniema15
UPDATE: On June 30, lawmakers reversed themselves and sent the bill back to committee for additional work.

More than a year after a train derailed, caught fire and spilled oil into the Columbia River in Mosier, state lawmakers are on the verge of forcing railroads to develop plans for making Oregonians safer the next time.

With a big catch: Those plans will be secret.

Unlike in California and Washington, any railroad response plan for oil spills in Oregon would be exempt from disclosure under the state's open records law.

The bill by Rep. Barbara Smith Warner, a Portland Democrat, also would not allow lawyers to subpoena the plans after an accident to see if the railroad acted negligently.

The secrecy provisions in House Bill 2131 are yet another concession to industry during a legislative session in which state lawmakers have made the environment a low priority. Policymakers refused to fund Gov. Kate Brown's toxic air cleanup initiative, gutted a bill to crack down on cancer-causing diesel soot and didn't advance legislation to address the overpumping of Oregon's aquifers.

The bill, which passed out of the Legislature's Ways and Means committee Wednesday by a 22-1 vote, cannot be amended before votes in the full House and Senate.

A spokesman for Gov. Kate Brown said the governor's attorney needs to review the bill before Brown decides whether or not she will sign it.

Railroads have consistently tried to keep information about oil train routes and readiness secret, arguing that it would endanger national security to tell the public where the easily identifiable, mile-long trains move. The federal government and Oregon officials have repeatedly rejected that argument.

Kristen South, a Union Pacific spokeswoman, didn't address a question about the secrecy provisions in Smith Warner's bill. South said her company worked closely with Oregon leaders to draft the bill.

Union Pacific, which hauled the oil tankers that derailed last June in Mosier, is "committed to enhancing the safe rail movement of products railroads are required to move for customers," South said.

It's the second time that Smith Warner, a Portland Democrat who's raised $2,500 from railroads since 2014, tried to improve oil train safety before making major concessions that other West Coast leaders did not. She continued to support her 2015 bill that would've increased fees on railroads to fund readiness, even though the finished product was stripped of the fees and other main provisions.

She did not respond to a call.

In 2015, Washington adopted a law that is far more transparent. It was championed by Republican Sen. Doug Ericksen, a Trump political appointee backed by the oil and railroad industries. The only details kept secret in Washington's spill plans are personal cell phone numbers, said Linda Pilkey-Jarvis, oil spill preparedness manager for the Washington Department of Ecology.

"The rest of it is an open book," she said.

Oregon oil train corridors

In Washington, railroads must provide extensive details on how they will respond to spills large and small: who will be involved; how first responders will be notified; where containment equipment is stored; how the public will be protected; how air pollution from the vapors or burning oil will be monitored.

And the public can read and comment on the plans. Pilkey-Jarvis said the public's involvement makes the spill plans more effective.

"Community input definitely can make a difference in a plan and the level of preparedness," she said.

In Oregon, the public would be left in the dark.

Environmental groups and trial lawyers say that approach is a bad idea.

"What the Legislature and the leadership and Barbara Smith Warner are doing is passing a bill that protects the railroads from being responsible for the accidents, damage and personal injury they cause," said Michael Lang, conservation director for Friends of the Columbia Gorge. "We put our trust in the bill's sponsors, and instead they turned their backs on the public and gave the railroads what they wanted."

The Oregon Trial Lawyers Association said the exemptions would leave the public without any way of comparing the actions a railroad undertakes during a disaster with the steps it pledged to follow.

"In the next catastrophe, if people are seriously injured or die because of the negligence of the railroad, they should have access to information they need to prove the wrongdoing," association representatives Arthur Towers and Paul Bovarnick said in testimony submitted to lawmakers.

Oregon has huge gaps in readiness for an oil train disaster. The state already has response plans for the Columbia River and the lower Deschutes, but not for hundreds of miles of inland railways, including on the Willamette and upper Deschutes rivers. The bill would give the Department of Environmental Quality $600,000 to expand those plans, which aim to keep oil away from sensitive habitat and other important environmental resources.

The plans required of railroads would go farther and be more detailed.

 Rob Davis

rdavis@oregonian.com

503.294.7657;
Oregon lawmakers withdrew a bill on Friday that would allow railroads to keep plans for oil train disasters a secret.

A year after a train derailed, caught fire and spilled oil into the Columbia River in Mosier, lawmakers were poised to approve a measure that would require railroads to draft worst-case scenario plans. But the bill also would prevent public scrutiny by exempting the plans from Oregon public records law and legal subpoenas.

By a 31-26 vote, the House of Representatives agreed to send the bill back to the Legislature's ways and means committee for more work.

The last-minute maneuvering on the House floor featured lawmakers on both sides of the issue criticizing The Oregonian/OregonLive for reporting on the effort to conceal the plans. A story about the legislation appeared on the newspaper's front page Friday.

Rep. Barbara Smith Warner said she "understood incorrectly" the secrecy provisions of her oil train readiness bill during remarks on the House floor Friday.

Rep. Barbara Smith Warner, a Portland Democrat who sponsored the bill, described the secrecy provisions during a speech on the House floor as "errant language" and said she "understood incorrectly" what they would do.

Lawmakers had been warned by the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and Friends of the Columbia Gorge about the exemptions' effects. The trial lawyers group said the secrecy would prevent victims of an oil train accident from determining whether a railroad acted negligently.

Smith Warner, who's raised $2,500 from railroads since 2014, said the intention was not to hide the plans but to comply with federal law.

Railroads have consistently tried to keep information about oil trains secret. They have argued that federal law prohibits disclosing where the easily identifiable, mile-long trains move, saying that sharing the information endangers national security. The federal Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Justice have rejected that argument.

Smith Warner said her bill would harmonize Oregon's planning requirements with Washington and California. But in those states, railroads' spill plans are public records.

In 2015, Washington adopted a far more transparent law. It was championed by Republican Sen. Doug Ericksen, a Trump political appointee backed by the oil and railroad industries. The only details kept secret in Washington's spill plans are personal cell phone numbers.

"This has been a complicated path, a long negotiation and despite that there are times when the need for good policy overrides the need for consensus," Smith Warner said. "This is one of those times."

Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Hood River, opposed tabling the bill, saying that if the secrecy provisions were removed "it has a very uncertain pathway through the legislature."

Johnson called The Oregonian's story "a bad piece of journalism that had very few sources in there that represent mainstream thought."

The story quoted Union Pacific railroad, an environmental activist and a Washington oil spill regulator.

Rep. John Huffman, R-The Dalles, also was disappointed to see the bill pulled back from the House floor after long negotiations. He said the bill was "written this way so it won't be litigated ad nauseam."

After the vote, a clearly angry Smith Warner telephoned a reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She briefly described the House floor action, urged a closer look at the campaign donations Johnson had received from railroad companies ($10,800 since 2010), then abruptly hung up.

 Rob Davis

rdavis@oregonian.com

503.294.7657; @robwdavis
Kim Kardashian West did it. Actress January Jones did it. Heck, most wild mammals do it.

But researchers are warning against women trying to ward off postpartum symptoms by eating their placentas.

An Oregon woman tried it by having her placenta turned into pills that she took two at a time, three times a day. Doctors from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say she unknowingly passed an infection present in the placenta to her newborn during nursing.

The baby lived, but the case illustrates the risk in eating placentas.

"The placenta encapsulation process does not per se eradicate infectious pathogens; thus, placenta capsule ingestion should be avoided," says a new article in the weekly CDC newsletter and written by two doctors from Portland hospitals and four scientists from the state Health Authority and federal CDC.

The trend has outpaced scientific research on whether ingesting placenta has any real health benefits.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against cooking, making capsules or even sucking a placenta down in a smoothie.

In the Oregon case, an infant fell sick shortly after birth and was diagnosed with a strep infection. The baby was given medication for 11 days and allowed to leave the hospital.

But the baby was back five days later -- this time in the emergency room. During that stay, the doctor found out that the mother had sent her placenta to a company that cleans, slices and dehydrates placentas and turns them into about 115 to 200 gel capsules.

Bacteria for strep was found in the placenta. The CDC article says it's possible other family members passed the infection to the baby, but the doctors said it most likely was from the placenta.

It's possible the company that made the pills didn't cook the placenta long enough or at a high enough temperature to kill all the bacteria, the authors surmised.

Tens of thousands of women in the U.S. eat their placentas now, according to a study from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. It's also becoming more popular in Europe and Australia.

Proponents says it boosts breastmilk production, increases energy, improves moods and helps women quickly recover from birth. However, no scientific study has been able to corroborate these results.

Some people also turn their placenta into T-shirts, art, jewelry, body salves -- or just symbolically planting it.

-- Molly Harbarger

mharbarger@oregonian.com

503-294-5923

@MollyHarbarger
A Washington County jail inmate died in a hospital Wednesday after deputies earlier found him unresponsive in his jail cell, authorities say.

Dale Thomsen, 58, was found unconscious around 11:30 a.m., and later taken to Tuality Community Hospital in Hillsboro where he died, said Sgt. David Thompson, a county sheriff's spokesman.

The inmate died of a medical condition, according to Thompson. He declined to release specific information on Thomsen's cause of death.

Thomsen was booked into the jail Sunday on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court. The warrant stemmed from a January charge of failure to perform the duties of a driver, court records show.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
James Minchin

7 best concerts June 30-July 6

From Pink Martini to Shawn Mendes, here's the music on the way.

-- David Greenwald

dgreenwald@oregonian.com

503-294-7625; @davidegreenwald

Instagram: Oregonianmusic

Don't Edit

An Evening with Pink Martini

Portland's favorite little orchestra bring their international sounds to a pair of delightful summer shows.

Friday, June 30, Les Schwab Amphitheater, Bend, 6 p.m. Tickets: $35-$65, bendconcerts.com.

Saturday, July 1, Edgefield, 7 p.m., all-ages. Tickets: $35-$40, edgefieldconcerts.com.

Don't Edit

Animal Collective

The experimental, influential indie act's latest album is 2016's "Painting With"but who knows what material they'll play.

Friday, June 30, Roseland Theater, 8 p.m., all-ages. Tickets: $26, roselandpdx.com.

Don't Edit

Waterfront Blues Festival

After arriving in Portland as the Rose City Blues Festival in 1987, the city's biggest outdoor festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary this summer with five (!) days of music and its annual 4th of July fireworks. Top acts include Chris Isaak, Joss Stone, Big Head Blues Club, Galactic, Booker T Stax Revue, and Portland's own Curtis Salgado.

Friday-Tuesday, June 30-July 4, Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Tickets: Various passes available, including a $40 5-day pass, after-hours shows and Blues Cruise tickets, visit waterfrontbluesfest.com for details.

Don't Edit

An Evening with Ween

After a five-year absence, alternative rock's most idiosyncratic band returned to the road in 2016.

Saturday, July 1, Les Schwab Amphitheater, Bend, Oregon, 6 p.m. doors. Tickets: $43, bendconcerts.com.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Deftones + Rise Against with Thrice

Three alternative veterans deliver a night of hard rock.

Tuesday, July 4, Les Schwab Amphitheater, Bend, 6:15 p.m. Tickets: $47.50, bendconcerts.com.

Don't Edit

La Luz

Can't get to the beach? The Seattle-turned-L.A. indie act has all the surf-rock sunshine you need.

Wednesday, July 5, Mississippi Studios, 9 p.m. Tickets: $12, mississippistudios.com.

Don't Edit

Shawn Mendes

The pop star steps out on his first headlining arena run, with help from opener Charlie Puth.

Thursday, July 6, Moda Center, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $47.50-$67.50, rosequarter.com.
When state officials couldn't find foster homes for the abused and neglected children in their care, they stuck them on cots in state offices or in hotels for nights on end.

Their caregivers weren't always certified and rotated frequently. Without a regular home environment, foster kids missed school and at times, lost access to needed doctor appointments and medications.

The Oregon Department of Human Services' highly questionable practice was highlighted in a lawsuit last year. And appropriately, it drew much concern from the public and lawmakers. So much so, agency Director Clyde Saiki decried the "hoteling" of foster children in a hearing before lawmakers last September.

"It's not appropriate for that to happen to even one child," he told members of the House Interim Committee On Human Services and Housing on Sept. 22, 2016. "As far as we are concerned, even one child a night is not acceptable."

Yet Saiki has allowed it to continue.

The Oregonian/OregonLive's Maxine Bernstein reported this week that despite Saiki's concerns, his agency placed 130 more children in hotels. Over the past seven months, toddlers and young children are among those who spent an average of 11 nights in a hotel.

More galling is that the practice Saiki deemed "unacceptable" is now being vigorously defended by the agency's lawyers. While the plaintiffs who filed the original suit seek to abolish the practice they consider unconstitutional, Oregon's attorneys are defending it and pushing for its regular use in "emergency" situations.

Of course, if a child is in danger, a hotel or an air mattress in an agency conference room is much better. Yet the most recent data shows these situations are less about emergencies. More often, it's a matter of course.

In one case, a 9-year-old spent 85 days in a hotel, Bernstein reported. In another, a 5-year-old lived in a hotel for 55 days. Those are awful long "emergencies."

It stands to reason that caseworkers might struggle to find foster homes for children in rural areas on short notice. But get this: The state's largest county, Multnomah, has the longest hoteling average at 20 days. Multnomah County, in fact, had the largest number of foster kids in limbo, logging more than 1,000 days in hotels over the past seven months.

When children are placed in state care, the goal for foster programs is to make children feel supported, cared for and comfortable in their new surroundings. While all children benefit from routine, a stable environment is particularly necessary for young people going through the trauma of being separated from family or other long-time caregivers.

By the agency's own account, sticking children in offices and hotels can deprive children of the basic care the state is required to provide.

Kids shuttled between hotels and agency offices miss school, spending days alongside a caseworker's desk or in front of a TV. They eat fast food for all three meals. And they may fall behind on medical or mental services they need. In one recent case, an Oregon girl missed her regular mental health counseling and went without prescribed medication for two days.

But this isn't just bad for kids, it's also healthy for the struggling agency's bottom line.

Hotel and food costs add up, as does overtime for the two caseworkers required per-child to provide full-time childcare. The babysitting role also keeps them from the work needed to avoid this problem in the first place: Training and monitoring current foster parents and securing more safe places for kids to stay.

Even Saiki, the agency director, acknowledged the practice hurts his employees.

"It puts a tremendous strain on our caseworkers," explained Saiki, during the hearing last September. "They work 40 to 50 hours and then spend a night or a weekend with a kid, they can't do that for very long before they burn out."

This problem is indicative of a more systemic breakdown of Oregon's foster care system. The state, which places children in foster care at twice the national rate, can't find enough foster parents to meet the demand.

There are no easy answers. And the future is troublesome, especially since lawmakers have failed to address the state's huge budgetary problems that lie ahead. Because of that failure it's almost certain Oregon's array of human services will face cuts.

Foster care in Oregon is supposed to help children who've already suffered, not extend their suffering. If Saiki can't address this "unacceptable" issue quickly in-house, Gov. Kate Brown should more aggressively handle the matter unfolding on her watch.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board

Oregonian editorials

Editorials reflect the collective opinion of The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board, which operates independently of the newsroom.

Members of the editorial board are Laura Gunderson, John Maher, Helen Jung and Mark Katches.

To respond to this editorial:

Post your comment below, submit

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If you have questions about the opinion section, contact Editorial Pages Editor Laura Gunderson at lgunderson@oregonian.com or 503-221-8378.
The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled that a Marion County mom can indeed sue her 15-year-old son after he crashed the family car and she suffered a broken arm.

Shawnee Adams was teaching her son -- who had his learner's permit -- how to drive on French Prairie Road, a rural highway a few miles northwest of Woodburn. The teen veered off the highway, tumbled down a 12-foot-embankment and struck a utility pole -- totaling the 2000 Jeep Cherokee.

His 41-year-old mother suffered the break to her upper right arm and a concussion, which was accompanied by ringing in her ears, headaches and trouble thinking and sleeping.

While it might seem heartless to sue ones own teenage son, lawsuits filed against relatives arent uncommon. Thats because family members most often travel in cars together -- and if one relative crashes, the other might find the only way to recover what they consider just compensation is by filing suit, personal injury lawyers say.

In reality, the lawsuit is against the insurance company, which most often will have to pay up. So its nothing personal.

This is a mother who loves her son, said Brady Mertz, the Salem attorney representing Adams.

Mertz declined to say how much the insurance company -- State Farm -- offered Adams before she filed her lawsuit, but it wasnt nearly enough to cover all shes been through, Mertz said. In her lawsuit, Adams is seeking $25,000 in medical costs, $25,000 in lost wages and $100,000 for pain and suffering.

In response, State Farm argued she couldn't sue her son because that would be like suing herself -- he is a minor and she is responsible for him.

Marion County Circuit Judge Dennis Graves agreed with the insurance company and threw the case out in September 2014.

The Oregon Court of Appeals on Wednesday reversed the decision, saying the lawsuit can go forward because she is an injured victim and the law wasnt designed to prevent her from seeking compensation.

Its been a long legal journey for Adams. The crash, more than five years ago in January 2012, occurred as she and son Zachary, now 21, were on the way to the his school, St. Paul High.

Mertz, the lawyer, says although the Appeals Court revived the lawsuit, theres still a battle ahead.

In court papers, the insurance company has argued that Adams was at fault for the 7:50 a.m. crash because she allegedly:

allowed her son to drive too early in the morning when he was sleepy;

was texting instead of watching the road;

grabbed the steering wheel and yelled just before the accident;

entrusted her safety to an untrained driver.

Joe Much, an attorney representing Zachary Adams, said as far as he can tell this is the first time the state Appeals Court has taken up the issue of whether a parent who was injured when her minor child crashed the family car can pursue a lawsuit against him. Much said a decision hasn't been made yet about whether to appeal the case to the Oregon Supreme Court.

The Appeals Court ruling was made by a three-judge panel: Timothy Sercombe, Douglas Tookey and Roger DeHoog.

Read the opinion here.
By KATYA ZAGVOZDKINA

Tatiana Osipovich, professor of Russian at a Portland-area college for nearly three decades, has seen what Census trends understate: The Portland area's Russian-speaking population has grown to more than 40,000, making it one of the largest in the country.

If you know where to look, the impact of the large Slavic immigrant community can be seen in the many churches and shops where Russian is spoken and the culture of the Old Country still tasted and embraced. The art of handwriting in Cyrillic is passing to a new generation at the public elementary school where hundreds of children write and speak Russian each day. You can hear the language, too, on the Portland radio station that broadcasts around-the-clock in Russian.

No official government source says the number of people living in Portland who trace their ancestry to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and nearby parts of Eastern Europe has surpassed the 40,000 figure, acknowledges Osipovich, a professor at Lewis & Clark College. Some Russian-speakers get overlooked in official counts because, as Caucasians, they are not tracked by schools, the Census Bureau or similar government surveys in the same way that blacks, Latinos and Native Americans are, she and other researchers say.

But even the Census Bureau says recent immigrants from Eastern Europe play an outsize role in Oregon. The agency's American Community Survey found that during the most recent period it measured, from 2008 to 2013, Russian and Ukrainian together formed the third most common languages spoken in Oregon after English and Spanish.

No other state is so dominated by Russian speakers, it found.

So why haven't you noticed?

The big waves of Russian-speaking migrants have tended to cluster tightly together as they settle. The most recent influx, of religious refugees in the 1990s and early 2000s, concentrated in East Portland and Gresham. Old Believers came decades earlier and settled in farms around Woodburn. Nearly 14,000 live in Vancouver and nearby parts of Clark County, the American Community Survey found. Those Clark County residents represent a significant share of the Portland metro area's Russian-speaking residents, census figures show.

Their numbers, when combined with 25,000 Slavic immigrants in Multnomah County identified by Portland State University researcher Ann Curry-Stevens and 2,000 more identified by the Census in Washington County, total 41,000 and likely exceed that.

Many Eastern European migrants first settled in particular neighborhoods of East Portland, notably Foster-Powell and Gateway. Those areas have lost much of their Slavic population in recent years, however. Amy Whitney, principal of Southeast Portland's Kelly Elementary, says that is largely because many Russian speakers have prospered in their new country and could afford better rental housing in other neighborhoods or even to buy their own homes. Vancouver, which offers relatively affordable large homes that fit big families, appears to have been a big magnet.

Other Russian and Ukrainian immigrants moved further east in Multnomah County to follow their churches, such as Emanuel and Sulamita Evangelical churches, which relocated in pursuit of bigger venues.

SHOPS, BY MIGRANTS FOR MIGRANTS

Although many Russian-speaking people have moved away, shops in Southeast Portland still sport signs in Russian. The area has a number of traditional Eastern European groceries with a whole range of items for those missing their home country  from colbasa sausage and Russian sweets to bath brooms.

If some Portland spots with Russian cuisine, like the hip Southeast Grand Avenue restaurant and vodka bar Kachka, are mostly for Americans who want to try something new, the Foster Road-area shops are run by migrants for migrants. You can hear salesmen speaking in Russian or Ukrainian, shop with the local Russian radio playing in the background and see leaflets offering insurance from a Russian-owned company.

In one such grocery, Elena, a mother of six who came to the U.S. more than 20 years ago on a religious visa, choses colbasa for her friend.

Walking between the benches of the Good Neighbor shop in Southeast Portland, which vendors says it is the best in Portland, the woman who prefers not to give her last name says in Russian that she has no regrets about migrating to Oregon.

"Thanks God for that!" she exclaims. Life in America demands a lot of hard work and English is a big obstacle, she goes on, but three of her children are in college here. Elena complains that her younger kids who were born in Oregon got Americanized and don't speak much Russian.

And what about friends and connections in Portland? "Everybody here is Russian," she jokes. In fact, many Russian-speaking migrants are Americans: They've got

a

citizenship now.

After finishing up at the shop, she drives to the nearby cemetery on Southeast Holgate Street where her dad was recently buried. There are rows of Slavic-style gravestones with photos and Russian names. Pointing to them, Elena says with a sigh: "There are thousands of ours buried in Oregon already."

She takes out her cell phone to show photos of the funeral, then other pictures of her large family  their celebrations, gatherings and journeys. Are there any pictures from her hometown Odessa in Ukraine? "Haven't been there for ages," Elena says. But she and the family have been to Hawaii several times, and she proudly shows photos of her youngsters wearing leis. They smile happily and seem to appreciate their American homeland.

RUSSIAN SCHOOL APPEALS TO RUSSIANS, AMERICANS

Southeast Portland is home to Kelly Elementary, which houses the Portland area's only Russian immersion program, launched with a federal grant. Almost half of Kelly's 570 students take part in immersion classes, which started in 2007 and are celebrating their 10th anniversary. In some classrooms, Russian and American flags hang side by side. Signs, posters and student writing in Russian line the walls, including the big sign on one door, Dobro pozhalovat', or "welcome." In two years, the program will grow to cover the whole range of grades, up through senior year, and have its first high school graduates.

Irina Blekhman, the assistant principal, moved to the U.S. from Russia more than 20 years ago. She explains how the program operates: About half the students are native Russian speakers and the rest are native to English. In kindergarten, 90 percent of instruction and activities take place in Russian and only 10 percent in English. The share of the schedule spent in Russian drops with each successive grade to two subjects in middle school and just one in high school.

Is it hard for the American children to understand 90 percent of their day in a foreign language? Blekhman walks into a classroom as the pupils sing a song about the cheerful Russian-dolls  Matryoshkas -- for their promotion ceremony. None of them seem to have any difficulties.

And what about their parents? Don't they think that their children should be taught English first?

"They are very proud that their kids could study the other language from the very beginning," Blekhman says.

CHURCH DRAWS MORE THAN 1,000

For religious Russian-speaking migrants in Oregon, church is not only center of spiritual life, but of community. One of the biggest Russian-speaking groups in the Portland area are Evangelicals.

On Fridays, hundreds gather at Pentecostalist Slavic Church Emmanuel on Southeast 82nd Avenue. Elegantly clothed, the women wearing shawls on their heads, they head into the hall and greet each other. During the service, they sing songs and listen to their pastors preach  all in Russian.

Elder Stepan Chapsky, mixing English and Russian words, explains that although the parish has many Ukrainians, Russian is the chosen language of the service because migrants, no matter what part of former Soviet Union they've come from, understand it.

Since the church moved more than 10 years ago from Southeast 64th Avenue to its larger location, a former Southeast 82nd Avenue movie theater, it can have host more than 1,000 people at a service. And it is not even the biggest Slavic church in the Portland area. Sulamita church in Faiview holds services for 1,500 people.

Eastern Europeans in Oregon also have an around-the-clock religious radio station, Svet (meaning light), that broadcasts in Russian. Different Christian denominations  including Evangelicals  share on-air time and have their own programs. The station, which has operated for more than three years, has features religious talks and preachers and also science and cuisine shows and for-sale and help-wanted segments.

APPETITE TO KEEP THE LANGUAGE



This fall, Kelly School will have one Russian immersion kindergarten class, not two. Russian-speaking families already in the program and those who hoped their preschoolers would eventually join it fought hard to prevent the cutback.

But school district officials said there simply aren't enough Russian speakers living in the old neighborhood who want to enroll their children anymore.

But the appetite to keep Russian alive in the next generation is fierce, as Church Emmanuel leaders know all too well. For parishioners who want their children to hold on to the language of their ancestors, the church opened a language school, during which volunteers teach youngsters grammar and vocabulary. Elder Chapsky says it's very popular; all the classes are packed and the school has waiting lists.

Katya Zagvozdkina is a journalist for the Russian news agency Interfax, based on Moscow. She spent two weeks working in the newsroom of The Oregonian/OregonLive.
A brother and sister were sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison for their schemes to promote prostitution at 10 Portland-area strip clubs and adult video stores.

Kandace Desmarias, 65, and her brother, Gilbert "Mace" Desmarais, 52, also were convicted of conspiring to evade paying more than $728,000 in federal income taxes by concealing $2.6 million in income from the clubs' strip shows and prostitution.

The ringleader of the operation, their stepfather Lawrence G. Owen, 75, was sentenced in April to two years and six months in prison.

U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon rejected the siblings' request for a probation sentence, based on the large scope of the family's tax fraud and illegal prostitution, according to prosecutors.

The Desmarias siblings, together with Owen, owned and operated strip clubs called The Landing Strip, Oh! Zone, Sugar Shack, Tommy's and Tommy's Too, Dillingers Pub, Peek-A-Boos and video stores called Video Visions and Video Visions Plus, according to prosecutors. Gary Bryant, an owner of several of the clubs, will be sentenced in late August.

There were a total of 19 private show rooms on the premises of these businesses, where customers paid at least $160 for half-hour private shows with dancers. During many of these shows, the dancers performed prostitution with the customers, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Uram.

As a result of search warrants at the business locations, investigators found 39,000 dancer slips. Each slip had the date and time of the encounter and the dancer's stage name. The dancer signed that she was serving as a private contractor, leasing a room for the purpose of performing "one on one modeling shows,'' Uram told the court during Owen's sentencing. Customers had to pay "the house'' $60 in cash and the dancer at least $100 for a 30-minute private show.

Owen never disclosed any personal income to the IRS yet directed the transfer of nearly $1 million in business proceeds to himself while living in Mexico, according to prosecutors.

Federal officials seized $557,000 in cash from the home of Kandace Desmarais, and more than $840,000 in cash during the execution of search warrants at 10 strip clubs, video stores and homes of the defendants.

In Jul 2015, the defendants sold the Town Plaza property in Portland's Cully neighborhood where they had operated two strip clubs and a video store. They sold the property to a coalition of nonprofits and neighborhood groups for $2.3 million. The net proceeds of the sale have been placed in escrow to pay the federal income taxes owed, including penalties and interest, according to plea agreements.

"The fact that these defendants and their coconspirators were forced to forfeit more than $800,000 in cash and the proceeds of the sale of the Town Plaza to the IRS underscores our ongoing commitment to force criminals to disgorge their illegal profits and to compel tax cheats to pay their fair share,'' said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams, in a prepared statement.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
Portland police have arrested the man they say stabbed a woman in Southeast Portland on Monday.

Timothy Lee Beasley

Police say Timothy Lee Beasley, 35, repeatedly stabbed a woman near Southeast 33rd Avenue and Taylor Street early Monday morning.

The woman, who has not been publicly identified, is at a hospital recovering from serious injuries, police said.

Beasley is charged with attempted Murder, first degree assault and first degree robbery. He was in custody at the Multnomah County Jail on Thursday night. His bail is set at $750,000, jail records show.

Beasley was convicted of second and third-degree robbery and first-degree sex abuse in 2000, court records show.

 The Oregonian/OregonLive
Three weeks before Portland police arrested a man they linked to a 2011 sexual assault of a woman by testing an old sexual assault kit, the suspect attacked a homeless woman he invited back to a motel room in the city, police and prosecutors allege.

A Multnomah County grand jury has indicted Curtis Clinton Williams, now 63, on rape, sexual abuse and other charges in the May 18 assault of a 24-year-old homeless woman.

Curtis Clint Williams

In the motel room he rented in Southeast Portland, Williams sexually assaulted the woman and held her against her will for several hours, police said.

The woman ultimately escaped, ran to a nearby restaurant and asked an employee to call police, investigators said.

Detectives from Portland's police sex crimes unit arrested Williams on June 8 in connection with a sexual assault reported in 2011.

In that case, Portland police had Williams' name as a suspect and evidence from a sexual assault kit shortly after a 19-year-old woman reported being raped in downtown. But police didn't pursue the case or submit the evidence to a crime lab until five years later, according to court papers.

Williams remains in custody now on two indictments. He also is accused of failing to register as a sex offender following a first-degree rape conviction in 1985.

The most recent indictment charges him with first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse and coercion. He's being held at Multnomah County's Detention Center.

Court records indicate he has 13 prior probation violations and two other rape charges that were dismissed in the past.

The Police Bureau encourages survivors of sexual assault who had a forensic exam done and a kit of evidence obtained to contact the bureau's Sex Crime Unit at roseproject@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0125 to learn its status, whether the evidence has been tested or not. Information about a previously untested sexual assault kit can only be released to the survivor, police said.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
Portland police are seeking the public's help to identify a man found in Beggars Tick Park this week.

Investigators believe the body, found Tuesday, has been in the water for at least two months, police spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson said in news release.

The man was between 50 and 60 years old and stood 5 feet 5 inches tall and had a medium build. He had some light facial hair and was missing some teeth, Simpson said.

He was was wearing Nike shoes with velcro straps, ankle socks with grips on the bottom, dark jeans and a ring with a Harley Davidson logo. He also had a key to a Ford vehicle and other keys stamped "Curlys," which investigators believe came from Curly's Locksmith in Vancouver.

The state medical examiner did not find any signs of trauma to the body, Simpson said.

Police ask that anyone with information about the man call Detective Lori Fonken at 503-823-1081 or email her at missing@portlandoregon.gov.

 The Oregonian/OregonLive
[Photo provided to China Daily]

An event titled "Love China, Protect the Great Wall" was held in Suizhong county, Liaoning province, in late June.

Organized by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, Liaoning provincial cultural heritage bureau and the Brilliance auto group, the event was held to encourage more people to participate in the protection of the Great Wall.

Song Xinchao, the deputy director of the administration, said at the event that the central government and the State Council of China were paying a lot of attention to the protection of the Great Wall as it was an important piece of cultural heritage.

At the event, Song awarded the volunteers who patrol the Great Wall, with pennants.

A public lecture was held focusing on the significance of the Great Wall.
As Industry 4.0 changes our lives, we need to adapt and prepare ourselves for Society 4.0 and the challenges it presents

Industry 4.0 will transform the world we live in with artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced sensors, automation, interconnected and autonomous machines and biotechnologies. At its extremes, it will blur the boundaries of human and machine interaction, as robotics and artificial intelligence integration bring science fiction into reality. Already, we have seen deep-learning machines that act like the neural networks of our brain beat the best of men in chess and Go.

The previous three industrial revolutions brought us mechanization, mass production and advanced digital capabilities that power our economies, drive productivity improvements and connect us globally as never before. Now, the brave new world of Industry 4.0 is staged to drive increasing benefits, but many say it could also challenge our global society and employment.

In the next wave, we are not just replacing basic labor with machines that require operators or automating straightforward processes of the past. For the first time, we are at the stage where we are substituting machines for human intelligence and broad-scale labor.

China is a global leader in manufacturing and each year implements about 30 percent of the world's robots. But robots today are mostly single-function machines that can weld, assemble products or other functions. What happens to the next wave of more complex jobs when we increase the flexibility of robotics and embed artificial intelligence?

Autonomous vehicles are expected to move beyond the test stage and be on our roads in as little as five years. While the benefits would free us from the needs of driving and enable the next wave of transportation efficiency, it would also transform the way we think of vehicles and eliminate the needs for millions of drivers of truck, taxis and other commercial vehicles.

Kiosks and mobile apps are already showing up at fast food restaurants to replace the labor of cashiers and order takers. Can you imagine a fast-food restaurant with fewer or no people?

Combining artificial intelligence, robotics and connectivity will ultimately prompt the question of what is man's role in the world. Noted scientists and entrepreneurs like Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk have worried about the dangers. They view the pace of change as exponential, and Musk has said that "the risk of something seriously dangerous happening is in the five year time frame".

In the past, Luddites smashed mechanized weaving looms as they worried about the future. Each wave of technology has threatened segments of our current employment and societal structure. Yet, each time we have not only survived but have advanced our society.

The benefits of the next wave of technology and Industry 4.0 are relatively easy to see with the results of increased productivity, reliability, accuracy and a new wave of innovation. However, the potential disruption caused by the substitution of technology for advanced labor and intelligence will affect not just manufacturing and services sectors, but also professional jobs.

Our society has always moved forward and created the next wave of opportunity in employment. Farm jobs have moved to mechanized plants, manufacturing has moved to services and now we see tools to unleash increasing creative and innovative services.

The challenge ahead is not just Industry 4.0, it is "Society 4.0". The biggest challenge is the potential pace of disruption and ensuring that people are prepared and provided the opportunity to transition to new jobs if and when disruptive technology affects their employment.

Inclusive growth provides opportunity for all segments of the population and distributes the benefits fairly among all. However, today, as technology allows for greater centralized scale, the benefits of advancement often tend to concentrate wealth in entrepreneurs, those able to invest in new ideas or management teams while workers are often left behind with lower wages or disrupted jobs.

We have already seen some of the challenges at a global level of the devaluation of labor with a struggling middle class and a focus on the concentration of wealth in the 1 percent. As we head forward, the newest technologies are likely to increase those pressures to both labor and society if they are not addressed in the short term.

As nations and a society, we will need to prepare for the viable transition of jobs that will be disrupted by Industry 4.0 and the next wave of technology. There are many opportunities ahead in new services, creative roles, healthcare, travel and leisure and many more. We need to ensure that there is as much focus on creating and transitioning to these roles as there has been on the technology.

Additionally, we need to ensure that the benefits of technology driven productivity and growth are inclusive and fairly distributed to all people. Only with a sustainable middle class that has sufficient wages and purchasing power to drive economic growth will global economies continue to grow and thrive.

China has already navigated its role to leadership in manufacturing and as a rapidly growing, consumption-based country with a diverse mix of services and manufacturing industries. The lessons of the path can provide a course for the future to help sustain China's economy with an inclusive growth focus. This can be done by:

Investing in the broader services-sector job creation of Society 4.0.

Ensuring that education not only provides a foundation for the new technology roles, but also provides for the new and emerging services of the broader economy.

Integrating business and education more closely to align curriculums and to provide increased internships and vocational training.

Preparing society for a role of continuous learning and career transition.

Ensuring that support mechanisms are in place to aid those whose jobs are disrupted by technology.

Continuing to enable innovation and provide for the fair distribution of benefits.

Regardless of how Industry 4.0 changes our lives, one thing is clear: The future is coming at a faster pace and we will all need to adapt and prepare ourselves to live in this new reality of Society 4.0.

The author is managing director and partner of A.T. Kearney Greater China. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily European Weekly 06/30/2017 page9)
Goose Creek, SC (29445)

Today

Cloudy with periods of light rain. High 77F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
Midland wasn't the only area to be affected by the heavy rains over the weekend.

Freeland suffered minimal damage, according to Township Manager Mark McGill. He reported that six houses located on the floodplain were affected; three homes were seriously affected. A dozen more garages and outbuildings were flooded as well.

"Since 1986, everybody's been pretty well informed about where the flooding is," McGill said.

The Tittabawassee River crested at 32.15 feet at 5 p.m. Saturday night. By Monday morning, the water had receded to 24 feet.

Due to the heavy rains Thursday night and Friday morning, the bridges on Tittabawassee and Freeland roads were closed. The bridges officially became flooded at 30.33 feet. Freeland Township collaborated with Thomas Township and had emergency vehicles posted on both sides of the river.

In addition, Freeland Road had some shoulder damage, but road work was expected to be completed by noon on Monday.

The worst of the flooding in Bay County was in the northern sections, where roads were washed out and bridges continue to be kept under surveillance. According to Ryan Manz, emergency management coordinator, the final count of households affected has not been finalized; as of 4 p.m. Monday, 1,500 homes were flooded.

"Historically, going back, we've never had an event like this ... ditches and culverts were overwhelmed with the rain. It was in a different area than we normally see," he said.

Bay County Executive James Barcia declared a state of emergency on Friday, June 23. The county sent a request for state aid to Gov. Rick Snyder on Monday. In the meantime, The Red Cross and Bay Area Community Foundation assisted families in need.

The Bay County Road Commission is working hard to get roads reopened as soon as possible, Manz said. For the streets that are washed out, it will take the road Commission weeks to inspect and repair. For a full list of road closures and information about the flooding impact on Bay County, visit http://bit.ly/2sVKZFi

Isabella County damage costs are over $87 million, and Mount Pleasant suffered an estimated $6 million in damages, according to the Morning Sun. Ninety roads were closed by late Friday; some were closed indefinitely because they had been completely washed out.

Gov. Snyder met with officials there and declared a state of emergency. Central Michigan University closed all locations on Friday, June 23. The student newspaper, CM Life, reported repairs could cost the university $7 million to $10 million. In order to assist with cleanup, the City of Mount Pleasant has arranged a special pickup for large, water-damaged items for Saturday, July 1.

Gladwin County Chairman of the Board Terry Walters signed a state of emergency declaration on Tuesday, citing that "several roads are damaged and impassable, other roads are washed out on the sides. Numerous residents have had flooding to their homes with flooded basements." The Central Michigan District Health Department asked that residents who rely on well water take special measures to certify it is safe to consume. Additional information on well, septic and food safety can be found at www.cmdhd.org
As the world prepares for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, global experts ponder how to deal with its impact on jobs

The future of work in a world dominated by robots was central to the discussion of some of the world's leading thinkers in China's Northeast coastal port of Dalian.

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, which has been running since 2007, is now an established event on the international conference calendar.

The gentle warm breeze coming off the Bohai Sea may contrast with the snowy, wintry landscape of the Swiss village that hosts the parent event in January, but the debates at the forum - held between June 27 and 29 - were no less searching.

Premier Li Keqiang addresses the opening ceremony of The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, on June 27. Wu Zhiyi / China Daily Visitors experience virtual reality technology at the Summer Davos in Dalian. Zhu Xingxin / China Daily

Xu Jinghong, co-chair of the meeting, which alternates between Dalian and Tianjin, says the event has gained in significance because China itself is increasingly crucial to many aspects of global developments.

"During the 10 years the meeting has been held, the China economy has advanced significantly. There is not only a more important need for China to connect with the world, but an increasing need for the Chinese perspective to be heard," he says.

The key theme of this year's meeting was how the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution - which will bring in not just robotics but the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, the internet of things, autonomous vehicles, 3-D printing and nanotechnology - can be inclusive and not leave people behind.

Earlier revolutions, such as the first triggered by steam power by Britain in the 18th century, the second by mass production techniques pioneered by companies like Ford in the US in the early 20th century and the third, the digital revolution, which has seen the advent of Facebook, Micrososoft and Chinese giants Tencent and Alibaba, have all been disruptive.

What distinguishes the fourth is that it is likely to take place over a shorter period of time and have enormous implications for the world of work.

According to a survey by EEF, the UK manufacturers' organization, 80 percent of the respondents said robotics could dominate industry by 2025, with the potential to destroy not just manufacturing jobs but those in the service sector, particularly in financial services.

Xu, speaking in the city's Conrad Hotel on the eve of the event, believes it could mean a fundamentally different way of working.

The 54-year-old is one of China's most eminent technology figures. He is deputy director of the advisory board of the Zhongguancun National Demonstration Zone, known as China's Silicon Valley, and also chairman of Tsinghua Holdings, the technology investment arm of China's Tsinghua University which has assets of 350 billion yuan ($51.47 billion; 45.28 billion euros, 39.70 billion).

He believes the revolution will eventually benefit society, with more people working in the arts and culture sector, although this will require a more highly educated workforce.

"The Fourth Industrial Revolution will eventually make people richer, and when people become more affluent they have a greater need for culture and the arts," he says.

"In a traditional society you may think you have to go and work in a factory or a company. With robots, manufacturing will take care of itself."

Premier Li Keqiang, in his address to the forum on June 27, made it clear that he now sees innovation as the key driver of growth in China and that would be the best route to providing inclusive benefits for all.

He also called for foreign companies to play a major role in driving innovation in the country, announcing new measures that will make it easier for them to register in China.

"All companies that are registered in China will be eligible to enjoy the same supportive policies that China makes, in accordance with WTO rules, to push forward the 'Made in China 2025' strategy and promote innovation," he said.

The new industrial revolution does pose significant challenges to China, with nearly a third of the workforce still engaged in manufacturing.

Although advanced manufacturing and the development of high speed rail, aerospace and maritime engineering technologies remain central to the China's 2025 strategy, certainly fewer low-skilled people will be employed.

Edward Tse, founder and CEO of management consultants Gao Feng advisory, however, says the new technology will create a jobs crisis in China and elsewhere within a decade.

"It is going to create a lot of risks of unemployment for a large number of people. China, however, does not have any other option but to innovate, even though it is going to create quite a lot of pressures within society," he says.

Tse, also author of China's Disruptors, which examines how China's big technology companies are having an impact on global business, says the digital revolution did create many jobs that did not previously exist and that is what one has to hope for from the fourth revolution also.

"Right across China you now have Taobao villages where there are clusters of people selling products on the online store, grouping together to lower the logistics costs."

Jean Liu, president of Xiaoju Science and Technology, the company behind Didi Dache, the mobile taxi app that has taken China by storm with more than 100 million users, said at a panel discussion at the opening of the meeting that technology will create new, unexpected jobs.

"We are at an important juncture. Technology is changing all industries, including mine, which is transportation. It is a question of human survival and development," she said.

Liu added that Didi had itself created new work for many of the 70 million drivers who now collect money through the service.

"A number of the mare people who have been laid off by heavy industries," she said.

Vishal Sikka, chief executive officer of Indian technology services group Infosys' US operations, told the same discussion group that the workforce certainly had to somehow become more educated to cope with the challenge.

"Education is the answer to this problem. The march of technology is inevitable, and we have to move forward because there is no alternative," he said.

"With self-driving cars, for example, the software technology does not fall from the skies. It is written by people like us. There is no reason why this can't generate thousands of jobs. It is about creating the jobs of the future."

Shu Yinbiao, chairman of the State Grid Corp of China, the world's largest utility company and the second largest in the Fortune Global 500 rankings, was also optimistic.

He said new energy technology would be at the forefront of the new industrial revolution, and that would also create jobs.

"Energy has been the trigger for the previous three industrial revolutions, and we now must be ready to meet the challenge of the fourth," he said.

Thomas Luedi, Asia managing partner for energy and process industries for management consultants AT Kearney, who was also attending the forum, said the revolution posed more questions than there were yet ready answers for.

"If you automate you take away shop floor labor and create jobs for engineers to maintain the robots and also for data analysts. The challenge is what you are going to do with the people who have gone by the wayside and where you find that engineer who can maintain the robot."

Zhu Ning, Oceanwide professor of finance at Tsinghua University, who was one of the moderators at the forum, believes the new industrial revolution might not deliver the sudden shock that many people seem to be fearful of.

"If you look at artificial intelligence, or AI, the term was first coined in 1956. I think it still really depends on how or where the really important breakthroughs will come that will determine the speed of change," he says.

"I still believe this will be a lot more incremental than many currently think and we will have time to adjust to it."

With leading countries moving to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, some believe this presents an opportunity for Africa to firmly establish itself as a manufacturing center.

Much of the continent - although there are exceptions - still has an agrarian economy with many regions not yet having gone through what might be seen as their first industrial revolution.

According to the World Bank, 80 million light manufacturing jobs are set to leave China over the coming decades as the economy upgrades and, should Africa pick up a relatively small proportion of those, it could make a substantive difference.

Emmanuel Nnadozie, executive secretary of The Africa Capacity Building Foundation, which was founded in 1991 to promote development and industrialization on the continent, believes the trend is already there.

"Manufacturing companies will migrate, and so Africa can stand to benefit from this because of labor costs and the advancement of Chinese industries into a more high technological area and it will benefit from that," he said.

"It is actually happening. If you go to the high streets of New York and Washington and elsewhere in the world, you see Egyptian-made products that are being sold there and Ethiopian coffee, but the degree to which it is happening is not yet satisfactory."

Funeka Yazini April, a research specialist at the Africa Institute of South Africa, believes that where Africa fits into the various industrial revolutions is much more complex.

"The African Union industrial plan does not talk about 1.0, let alone 3.0, so let us forget about 4.0," she says.

"If you look at the Asian countries (when they began industrializing) they had a mix and the agriculture factor was there. In many countries, like South Africa, the agrarian base of the economy is missing. This was the platform on which China built its success."

One major area where the fourth revolution might help transform China is the use of new technologies in building new, green, smart and sustainable cities. According to management consultants McKinsey & Co, a billion people will live in cities in China by 2030.

"This will create commercial opportunities in China and hence jobs. We need green urbanization and creating smarter and greener cities that use energy more efficiently is key," Zhu at Tsinghua says.

Zhu is not alone in believing the new technologies will drive growth in China. A new research report, "How Artificial Intelligence Can Drive China's Growth", by management consultants Accenture, in collaboration with Frontier Economics, released at the forum predicted that artificial intelligence could accelerate China's GDP growth from its current level of 6.9 percent to 7.9 percent by 2035. Most other forecasts point to long-term growth declining as the economy moves into a mature growth stage.

The impact of AI, according to the research, will be to increase labor productivity in China by 27 percent in just 20 years.

"China has already made great leaps in the development of AI and our research shows that it has the potential to be a powerful remedy for slowing growth," said Chuan Neo Chong, chair of Accenture Greater China.

"However, as with any catalyst, it is important to remember the challenges and the risk of unintended consequences. Stakeholders must prepare themselves intellectually, technologically, politically, ethically and socially for the promise of AI."

Steve Mullinjer, regional leader, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East for Heidrick & Struggles, a global executive search company, says few companies are prepared for the disruption the new technology revolution will bring.

He estimates that the demand for executives with the technology expertise, or who can handle the change, outnumbers the actual supply by more then 10 to one.

"It is a major problem that companies will have to deal with. There is a real shortage of talent," he says.

According to the company's own research - also released at the forum - 83 percent of respondents in a survey of 558 senior executives across the Asia-Pacific face more disruption in the next 18 months.

Mullinjer, however, believes Chinese companies, inspired by the examples of companies like Tencent and Alibaba, are more likely to be able to deal with disruption than many in the West.

"Everything is new in China. The country went from nowhere to the 21st century in a very short space of time. Companies don't have the old legacy business models," he says.

"I can be in a shop in Chengdu, see something I like, order it on my iPhone and have it delivered to my home before I get home. I don't have to be bothered with taking it on the plane."

The forum highlighted that the success of the Fourth Industrial Revolution depends to some extent on the general public having faith in scientists.

Some argued this was becoming more of a challenge in the era of alternative facts and fake news, where people no longer know what to believe.

Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, president of the European Research Council, the major European Union science body based in Brussels, says it is certainly no wan issue.

"Some components of the Fourth Industrial Revolution could be blocked or slowed because of this, but I don't think the whole process will be.

"I don't think it can be stopped in any way because it is so overwhelming and it affects so many different aspects."

Bourguignon, a leading French mathematician, says that what is happening in technology will present many challenges, but that China is better placed than most to deal with it.

"This new world is not going to be the absolute best world but the fact is that it is happening and it will be transforming," he says.

"The Chinese government, in particular, is taking this head-on. As Mr (Klaus) Schwab (founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum) said here, China is now the fast fish in the tank. They are willing to take on these problems and have a willingness to face and solve them."

Li Daokui, dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, added a note of caution at the forum. "Innovation in many areas in China is making progress without much (international) recognition. China is strong in engineering and applied sciences, which is a good tradition from the Soviet era. We have 1 million engineers coming out of colleges every year," he said.

He added, however, that China lacks original thinking in key areas, which could hold it back in dealing with the challenges of the upcoming industrial revolution.

"Where we are missing is in basic science and also innovation in social science. This is where we are behind the United States and the West, and most people here are very conscious of this," he added.

Wang Qing, professor of marketing and innovation at Warwick Business School in the UK and now guest professor at Zhejiang University, however, believes it is important not to underestimate the way that China is targeting innovation, particularly with strategies such as Made in China 2025, which aims to give the country a competitive edge in key technologies.

"China has a lot of money to invest in the areas it wants to focus on and it has a very clear strategy. We have seen the success this has brought with high-speed rail, where it is now a world leader," she says.

andrewmoody@chinadaily.com.cn

Premier Li Keqiang greets Klaus Schwab, World Economic Forum founder and executive chairman, in Dalian, Liaoning province, on June 26. Li said the forum's theme, "Achieving Inclusive Growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution", fits the global situation. Wu Zhiyi / China Daily

( China Daily European Weekly 06/30/2017 page1)
THEATER

Conklin Players

WASHINGTON  A Grand Old Country Tribute, a revue of country music's greatest hits, is the next offering from the Conklin Players at Five Points Washington in Washington.

Performances are in the venue's Caterpillar Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. July 13 through 15, and 3 p.m. July 16. Tickets are $25 for adults and $8 for children and students and can be reserved by calling 309-444-8222.

Optional dinner buffet tickets can be purchased separately at $25 each, with evening meals at 5 p.m. and Sunday brunch at 1:30 p.m.

Director/co-star Mary Simon and the Conklin troupe will be joined by Julie Seeley, who performed her one-woman Patsy Cline show as a Conklin offering last summer.

BCPA Spotlight

BLOOMINGTON  The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts' Spotlight Summer Theatre Workshop will host its performance showcase at 2 p.m. Friday on the BCPA main stage, 600 N. East St.

The event is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 1:45 p.m.

The showcase will feature works composed by the workshop participants, ages 8 to 17, who were instructed by the Child's Play Touring Theatre Company.

MUSIC

Danvers band

DANVERS  The Danvers Town Bands 2017 concert season kicks off at 7 p.m. Sunday on the Danvers Municipal Park Bandstand, preceded at 5 p.m. by an ice cream social sponsored by North Danvers Mennonite Church.

The free concerts, featuring a mix of traditional marches and show tunes, continue at the same time each following Sunday, through July 30.

Sponsors of the remaining ice cream socials are Carlock Community Club, July 9; First Presbyterian Church, July 16; Zion Lutheran Church, July 23; and Danvers Lion Club, July 30.

ART

IAA contest

BLOOMINGTON  The winner of the third annual IAA Credit Union Art Scholarship Contest has been announced.

Sam Mason, a student at Central Catholic High School, earned the most votes and will receive a $500 scholarship to be used toward his college education.

Juror was Doug Johnson, executive director of the McLean County Arts Center. Contestants collected votes via the IAACU's Facebook page.

In addition, Mason's art teacher at CCHS, Jim Reckard, received a $250 gift certificate for the purchase of school art supplies.

MUSIC

Eaton Gallery

BLOOMINGTON  The local blues-rock band Sunday Afternoon will be featured from 5:30 to 8 p.m. p.m. July 7 outside the Eaton Gallery, 411 N. Center St., Bloomington.

Viewers and picnickers can use the lawn across from the gallery by the Market Street parking deck or in front of the gallery.

Inside the gallery will be the exhibits, "Necessary Picnics" and "Moonbeams and Fireflies," featuring Herb Eaton's paintings and nature photography by Mary Jo Adams.
BLOOMINGTON  A bloody palm print found on a splintered pool cue near William Whalen's body at a downtown bar will be examined as part of Donald Whalen's effort to be exonerated of his father's murder.

In a conference call Thursday with Judge Scott Drazewski and First Assistant State's Attorney Adam Ghrist, defense lawyer Elliott Slosar said he plans to file an actual innocence petition based on new evidence that he believes would change the outcome of a retrial if presented to a jury.

During the call conducted in the courtroom, Slosar also requested access to a latent fingerprint collected as evidence at the crime scene.

The defense has hired a fingerprint expert to review a palm print found on a pool cue authorities believe an assailant used to beat the victim, who also was stabbed more than 20 times. An expert for the state concluded at Whalen's trial that the palm print matched Whalen's left palm print.

The jury that convicted Whalen did not hear a rebuttal opinion because a judge ruled that the defense failed to meet a deadline for disclosure of the expert to the state. Whalen opted not to delay the trial to allow the state to review the expert's opinion.

In addition to the fingerprint review, the new post-conviction petition is expected to rely on the results of DNA tests conducted last year that excluded Donald Whalen as a contributor to blood found on knives at the crime scene.

After the hearing, Slosar said, "We believe the DNA evidence is enough to warrant a new trial on his actual innocence claim but there are also significant reasons, based on the testimony at trial, to question the accuracy of the latent fingerprint expert."

Slosar, an attorney with the Chicago-based Exoneration Project, said he expects to file the new petition by late summer.

Ghrist said the issues raised in Whalen's petition for DNA testing were resolved with the recent tests. The prosecutor said he would discuss the request to access the fingerprints with Slosar to see how the matter also may be resolved.

Whalen is scheduled to be released in about three years after serving half of his sentence. The 60-year sentence was imposed before a change in Illinois law that requires convicted murderers to serve 100 percent of their time.
Cheers

... to all those who are working hard to make sure our Central Illinois July 4 festivities go off with a bang, even if the fireworks shows are held on another day.

A business snag meant several towns had to find other suppliers for their shows; because of that, some show dates had to be moved.

As long as there are fireworks and flags, we're ready to celebrate the Fourth and the founding of our country.

Cheers

... to Miller Park Zoo, its foundation, the city and all the supporters and friends who've helped make the zoo a leading example of species survival programs.

Bloomington (and Central Illinois) is lucky to have such a longstanding and wonderful example of a public zoo. Many other cities of similar size cannot make the same boast.

Cheers

... to the idea of static electronic ads on Connect Transit buses.

It hasn't been all that long since Connect Transit first added placard ads to its vehicles, despite longstanding criticism of the idea. But the advertising has helped Connect Transit's bottom line; the new electronic ads, which may be a bit flashy, will offer even more opportunities to raise funds for the public transportation system.

With their ability to change with a keystroke, the new ad platforms also should be cheaper to produce.

Cheers

... to the organizers of the annual Kite Fest, which raises money each year for local and global nonprofit groups.

For a Better Tomorrow, a local philanthropy group, has had the event for four years and last year raised $20,000. This year's proceeds will benefit the Community Healthcare Clinic, Mid Central Community Action, Friends of the Children of Haiti and the Apala Ghar orphanage.

Cheers

... to ParkLands Foundation on its 50-year anniversary, which will be celebrated Aug. 5 with a 50-mile bike ride. Seven- and 20-mile routes also will be available.

With sympathy

... to the family, friends and coworkers of Illinois State Police Trooper Ryan Albin, who died Wednesday after a vehicle accident on I-74 near Farmer City.

Albin, who joined the state police in 2006, had attended Blue Ridge High School and Eureka College.

Cheers

... to Silverleaf Let's Go Ag and Silverleaf 4-H clubs, which will celebrate their 100th anniversary July 8 at the Interstate Center grounds, 2301 W. Market St., Bloomington. And, don't forget, the county fair is coming soon  Aug. 2-6 at the I-Center.

Thanks

... to retiring Normal City Clerk Wendy Briggs, who has kept the town moving along in fine fashion during her 32-year tenure with the town.

We wish her well in retirement.

Farewell

... to Hearts at Home, a longtime Central Illinois organization that provided support for moms, now closing its doors after 24 years. Organizers provided a long-running column to The Pantagraph until earlier this year.
Sofia Black-D'Elia says she first got into acting "by accident." As a kid, she looked up to a group of older girls who were all enrolled in a commercial acting class, so she signed up, too. And it's a good thing she did. Now 25, Black- D'Elia nabbed her first TV role on All My Children at 17 before getting cast as Tea, a semi-closeted gay teen on MTV's American adaptation of the hit UK teen soap Skins. She followed that up with a scene-stealing part on Gossip Girl as Sage, a meddling teen who dates heartthrob Nate Archibald.

Top MM6 Maison Margiela; jacket Public School; jeans RE/DONE

Shorts True Religion

Top and skirt, Adam Selman

Cardigan Callipygian; shorts True Religion; shoes Dr. Martens

Most recently, the New Jersey native has taken on two similarly rebellious roles on two very different shows. In the first, HBO's The Night Of, she played troubled femme fatale Andrea, whose murder in the pilot episode is the driving force behind the plot. And in the second, Fox's The Mick, she plays Sabrina, a cigarette-smoking party girl who also serves on her high school's honor board and occasionally has to co-parent her younger siblings with her messy boozehound aunt (the titular Mick  or Mickey  played by It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Kaitlin Olson) after her parents go on the lam to avoid criminal charges.

Viewers of The Mick might be genuinely surprised to learn it's the first time Black-D'Elia is flexing her slapstick skills. She credits Olson's "maternal" nature as being critical to Black-D'Elia feeling comfortable in comedy. "Kaitlin is a safety net," she says. "I feel really lucky because I can't imagine doing comedy for the first time without that, and it really has been one of the most fun jobs I've ever had."

Like Sabrina, Black-D'Elia is outspoken, especially on matters of justice, and she "compulsively" shares her thoughts about politics on social media. "It feels frivolous and insincere to post things on social media every day and not acknowledge what's going on in the world," she says. Her commanding screen presence paired with her social responsibility has us wondering not if, but when, she will break into the mainstream as Hollywood's latest answer to the woke starlet. But for now, Black-D'Elia is plenty pleased with the "privilege" of "obscurity." Enjoy it while it lasts, Sofia  something tells us you won't be part of the fringe for long.

The Mick is your first comedy but you seem like a natural, particularly in this role.

That's very kind of you to say. I wanted to do this show: A) because Kaitlin has been an idol of mine for a decade; B) because the script was the funniest thing I read all year; and C) because I thought if I'm going to do this for the first time, I'm probably gonna screw up a lot, and I really want to screw up around people that I feel safe with. Kaitlin just is a safety net. Every day she reassures the entire cast, "I'm never going to let you go home feeling like you didn't do a great job at work. I will be here for you and I will help you through it." So I feel really lucky because I can't imagine doing comedy for the first time without that, and it really has been one of the most fun jobs I've ever had.

Does Kaitlin ever give you any advice?

All the time. She's given me advice on, like, how to be a woman in the workplace and how to assert yourself without the fear of being a bitch and how to take control over you own career, things that I really couldn't learn from anybody. I feel very grateful for her. She is obviously one of our greatest comedic actresses but she's also a really beautiful human being and I adore her.

I want to talk about your Funny Or Die video, which I loved. How did that come about?



The lovely folk over at Funny Or Die are fans of The Mick and The Night Of and said, "Would you want to come by or have a brainstorm about something you might want to do with us?" And I said I'd love that because I love those guys and I love the platform they give people. So we were talking about if I had any ideas that might be able to turn into sketches or that kind of thing, and I said I've been collecting on my laptop a list of copy and pasted character descriptions from scripts I've read over the years that I just couldn't believe a guy actually wrote. They had been working on something very similar, so we combined the two ideas into this short film about these guys that think they're really doing a service to women and really believe they're writing them very well. It was my first time ever getting to wear a wig and mustache -- and now I know why guys grow mustaches, because you could just play with it all the time. So that ended up being my favorite part of the day.

When you look for roles, are you specifically searching for multi-dimensional female characters?

Ideally, yes, but I'm not really in a position yet to handpick what I do. I still have to work when I'm fortunate enough to be given the chance to do so. I think in the future, if I I'm in a position where I can be really picky, I will definitely be more selective about what I do. I've been lucky recently in The Mick and The Night Of where those are two women that are fully formed people and they're really interesting and different from anything I've played, so I've been really lucky. It's something you're always cognizant of and think you wish you didn't have to be at all. But sadly you do.

You've said, "I like playing doomed girls." You do almost seem to get typecast as the badass chick, which in terms of being pigeonholed, it could be much worse.

Again, I feel like I'm still so at the beginning of this whole thing. I'm lucky in that I can create a character that I think is right for a story and if it's good enough they'll go, "Okay you can play with us and do this." I don't think that I'm expected to bring that to the table yet. I do find that I'm naturally attracted to female characters like that, but mostly I think I just relate to them easier than the girl that's got it all going on or something like that. So I think at this point it's just, like, what do I relate to and what can I connect to and then build a character out of that.

What are your interests outside of acting?

I find that my interests are very boring. I cook Blue Apron with my boyfriend. We're really into World War II docs. Right now, we're reading Sinclair Lewis's It Can't Happen Here. We're in a very dark headspace and I think that my typical fun hobbies have been kind of pushed to the side momentarily.

You are pretty vocal about politics on social media. Do you feel you have a duty to use your voice?

I don't know that I have that big of a platform, so I don't necessarily feel like I have a duty to be speaking to any group of people. I don't think anyone's following me that I have an influence over, for me it's more of a compulsion. I think it's the number one thing I think about, the number one thing a lot of other people think about, so it feels frivolous and insincere to post things on social media every day and not acknowledge what's going on in the world. I've never spoken out or been quote-unquote political for the sake of a duty or obligation or anything like that. It's honestly just because I cannot help myself from being honest. And that's not to say I don't understand actresses and other celebrities that don't use the platform for that, because I think it's a choice. But for me, because I am obscure, I think it's more of a privilege I can do that and no one really cares. I just have to block a few people every now and then, but it's not making a splash.

Anything else you want to get off your chest today?

I would just say that the protests are working and the energy that everybody in my generation has been bringing this year is inspiring and moving and I don't want anybody to get lazy. So keep calling your reps if you can and don't be discouraged by the fact that there's one snowball after the next right now, because I think this is a battle that can be won.

Stylist: Sammy K

Hair: Chad Wood at the Wall Group

Makeup: Beau Nelson for NARS at the Wall Group
Technological advances are about to bring massive changes that some nations will cope with better than others

A while ago, a host of voices - including some leading management consulting firms - predicted a significant paradigm shift in manufacturing. They claimed that manufacturers, fed up with rising labor costs in China, would pack their bags and move back to America.

This "reshoring" movement, they said, would cripple China's competitiveness in manufacturing. In a small way, these people were correct. Labor-intensive, low value-added manufacturing such as garment and toy manufacturing did indeed move out of China to developing nations such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh. However, China was able to retain the type of industry the United States hungers for - high value-added manufacturing. The massive "reshoring" wave never materialized, or at least it hasn't yet.

Whereas the original predictions were based on the rudimentary argument that focused on labor costs, it ignored the much more important, bigger picture. High value-added manufacturing is rooted in China because of an intricate ecosystem that includes industrial clusters, infrastructure and logistics. This ecosystem has fed the world's increasing appetite for more "connected" and sophisticated devices, which not only favors technologically involved manufacturing staying in China, but also promises its growth.

According to market research company IBIS World, for the five years up to 2016, manufacturing of smartphones in China grew on an annual basis of 40.6 percent and was valued at $126 billion (110 billion euros; 97 billion) in 2016. Tesla, the world's leader in electric vehicles, is planning to open a plant in China. These are just a few examples of a broader trend of China becoming an epicenter for technologically sophisticated projects.

To understand this manufacturing macro trend, we must examine it within the context of China. There are two forces concurrently at work. From the top down, the Chinese government is driving national policies such as Made in China 2025 with the goal of cementing the country's position as the global hub of technologically sophisticated, high value-added manufacturing. From the bottom up, China's thriving innovation and entrepreneurship are major engines fueling exponential growth for the country. China's entrepreneurs are rapidly adopting more state of-the-art technology, from industrial robotics to 3-D printing, in a drive to be better than others in manufacturing. Even though not all of these entrepreneurs will be successful, some will and, given China's sheer scale, a small percentage of a very large number is still a large number.

This dual drive sets the foundation for China's probable up-and-coming leadership position in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. China is already the world's leading market for robotics. Local manufacturers are investing heavily in automation technologies, and China's shift toward a consumption-based economy has sparked a massive shift toward smart and adaptive logistics systems and supply chains. Furthermore, China has become a global center in the development of artificial intelligence, big data and other next-generation technologies.

However, the disruption that will be created by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while bringing opportunities, will also bring about major challenges. The factory of the Fourth Industrial Revolution will likely be nearly or completely automated. Countries where a sophisticated manufacturing sector now employs large numbers of the working class could find themselves with social issues such as widening gaps in income and standard of living between a small creative, educated class that benefits from these innovations and the population now made redundant by the technology.

Innovations will also create new job opportunities, in the way online marketplaces like China's Taobao have created new opportunities for a large number of small to medium-sized enterprises across the country. The big question is always whether the jobs created are sufficient to offset the loss of those in other areas. Resolving this and other potential issues resulting from the Fourth Industrial Revolution will require governments to take innovative approaches to the welfare of their citizens.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution offers both fantastic opportunities and serious quandaries. It has the potential to take global commerce to new heights, but will also put a magnifying glass on the structural weaknesses of 20th century nations in a 21st century world. Is the world ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution? While change can be feared or abhorred, it is nonetheless unstoppable. We witnessed the era of globalization throwing the final punch at America's hollowed-out manufacturing sector, yet we also saw Germany's manufacturing sector maintain its position as a global powerhouse. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will create anew set of winners and losers. Some current job categories will disappear and new ones will appear as the pattern of demand shifts. New industries and sectors will arise with these pattern shifts, creating new opportunities and new livelihoods. For China, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is anew chapter of opportunities and challenges.

The author is founder and CEO of Gao Feng Advisory Co, a global strategy and management consulting firm with roots in China. He is also the author of China's Disruptors. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily European Weekly 06/30/2017 page8)
While in prison for leaking classified government documents to WikiLeaks, Chelsea Manning struck up a letter correspondence and friendship with artist Heather Dewey-Hagborg. Both PAPER and Manning had seen Dewey-Hagborg's work on DNA -based portraiture in Stranger Visions, and realized that the technique, which draws on genetic material to project what someone might look like in a 3-D image, would be an interesting way to create a picture of Manning who was otherwise denied the ability to share her image while incarcerated.

From there, Dewey-Hagborg and Manning created a comic book together called Suppressed Images which imagined a future in which then President Obama commuted Manning's 35-year-sentence, who was also fighting for her right to undergo a gender transition treatment while in prison.

The day that the comic book was released, Obama in fact pardoned Manning.

"It was the most amazing experience of my life," Dewey-Hagborg said of the moment she found out. "I was sitting in a cafe glumly working away and suddenly a friend texted me the news and I literally shot out of my chair and started dancing. I was walking around the streets on NYC with a huge silly grin on my face all evening. It was amazing and life changing."

Manning was released from prison just last month and also stayed engaged in activism and in the public eye, appearing on ABC News for an interview and riding on the ACLU float during NYC's Pride March last weekend. Now, she and Dewey-Hagborg will be showing a collaborative installation at the Fridman Gallery in New York starting August 2nd in a show called "A Becoming Resemblance." The installation itself, called "Probably Chelsea," will feature 30 of the 3-D portraits Dewey-Hagborg made of Manning while she was in prison, using cheek swabs and clippings of hair.

In a press statement Manning said, "Prisons try very hard to make us inhuman and unreal by denying our image, and thus our existence, to the rest of the world. Imagery has become a kind of proof of existence. The use of DNA in art provides a cutting edge and a very post-modernalmost 'post-post-modern'analysis of thought, identity, and expression. It combines chemistry, biology, information, and our ideas of beauty and identity."

In an email, Dewey-Hagborg explained why she incorporated genetic material and DNA phenotyping into her work. As the government begins to use the practice more and more, Dewey-Hagborg believes the public should have a better understanding of the many uses (and possible abuses) of biological technology. She said, "Working with biology, with DNA, with life itself, is incredibly exciting and also a huge responsibility. I think science, and in particular biological literacy is absolutely critical right now. So many enormous changes are happening with biotechnology, in everything from genomics to reproductive technologies, to ecology and genetic engineering. But understanding the complexities of these developments is not commonplace. Art has an important role here, not just to be educational and show how sciences works but to be provocative and critical, to show how it will work on us and through us and with us. To ask questions about how new science and technology will impact our lives."

The artist emphasized, however, that the focus of the show is on our human dignity and unity. "What "Probably Chelsea" does is show just how many ways your DNA can be interpreted, or read as data," she explained. "Genomics is predictive, probabilistic, not deterministic. Chelsea's DNA could be interpreted to produce faces of all different genders, colors, shapes and sizes. And the exhibition attempts to show just how subjective the act of reading DNA really is."

She added, "I want to allow the viewer to identify with her (as I did) through a form of genetic intimacy  the relationship of our vastly similar DNA. As humans we have so much more in common genomically than we have variance, and this evokes a solidarity; on a molecular level, we are all Chelsea Manning."

Image via Fridman Gallery






After a tumultuous journey filled with much opposition from conservative politicians in her country, Ana Brnabic has officially been named the new Prime Minister of Serbia. She was confirmed yesterday in a vote by Parliament, passing 157 to 55, earning her the honors being both the first female and openly gay Prime Minister in Serbian history.

Brnabic was nominated for the position by Serbian president Aleksander Vucic in a move that was largely thought to be a strategy for entrance in the European Union, to the dismay of Serbian political nationalists. She previously served as the country's first openly gay cabinet member when she was named the Minister of Public Administration, and fielded insults about her sexuality and gender back then. But Vucic had no issue over her sexuality, and was the first to mention it in a public sphere. "Ana Brnabic is a capable woman, a worthy woman, and I believe she will work with her whole heart to solve many problems in this country," he previously said on Serbian news.

This is a huge step towards complete LGBT equality in Serbia, where almost half of the population still thinks homosexuality is a mental illness. But Brnabic will not let her sexuality and its critics define her time as Prime Minister. "I'm not a spokesperson for the LBGT community," she previously said in an interview with Vice Serbia. "I don't want to be branded as a gay minister, just as my colleagues don't want to be primarily defined as being straight. All I want is to do my job as best as I can."
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Whether we like Samsung or not, Apple designs their next-gen iPhones and iPads based on the best parts that could give their premium devices an edge. Samsung at the moment is the best OLED supplier on the planet and because of their leadership Apple has awarded them contracts extending out for two years. In turn, Samsung has announced they'll be building the largest OLED plant in the world to keep up with demand. On a second front, Samsung is looking to bring solid state batteries to market over the next two years for smartphones that will provide longer battery life but also bring a safety factor to mobile devices that will ensure fires are a thing of the past; something airlines will be happy to hear. Unless Apple announces a breakthrough battery for the iPhone in the next few years, Apple could consider Samsung SDI's new battery if it delivers an advantage. Apple already has a patent on file for charging solid state batteries.



Solid State Batteries by 2019-2020

Samsung creates market trends through their Galaxy line of smartphones and then turns around and makes their pitch to Apple, Google and other Android OEMs to use their advanced new parts, chips or displays. They've gotten this down to a science. One of the new trends that Samsung is beginning to reveal involves solid state batteries for smartphones and other mobile devices.

It's being reported today that "Korean battery maker Samsung SDI will be able to produce solid-state batteries that are safe from explosions for smartphones in one to two years, the firm's executive said.

'Our technological level to produce a solid-state battery for smartphones will be mature enough in one to two years.' The Samsung executive acknowledged that they're in a race with their rival LG Chem who is also working on a similar battery.

The Samsung SDI source added that 'The batteries will be applied for smartphones first and then for electric vehicles after its safety is fully proved. The application for automobiles may be seen around 2025.

Solid-state batteries are the next generation of batteries to replace lithium-ion batteries currently used in most smartphones and electric cars. Since the batteries are made of solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes, it has a significantly lower risk of ignition or explosion. A battery usually explodes when the liquid inside flows out and reaches air or water outside."

New Samsung OLED Plant to Keep up with Apple

In another report this morning they note that "Samsung Display started extending A3 plant on full-scale during second half of 2015 due to the fact that Apple ordered large amount of OLEDs. In order to supply panels to Apple and Samsung Electronics, it is understood that Samsung Display has secured production capacity of 135,000 panels per month over two years span.

As Apple expands their OLED demands and extends OLED to other mobile devices, Samsung Display is planning to construct world's biggest OLED plant which will have more than 30% of production capacity than A3 that is currently Samsung Display's biggest plant. Its strategy is to grab upper hands by expanding its production capacity before Chinese businesses have technical skills in flexible OLED.

Samsung Display has started constructing 6th generation flexible OLED production line called 'A5 (tentative name)', which has production capacity of 180,000 panels per month and up to 270,000 panels per month, at its new sites in Cheonan and Asan. It notified such plan to some of its main front-end process equipment manufacturers and is mediating with them regarding schedule for supply and demand of equipment.



Samsung Display is going to hold a board of directors meeting next month and is going to finalize its plans for investments on its new plant.

Industries estimate that Samsung Display will need about $14.0 billion (16 trillion KRW) just for equipment if it wants to make investments so that its new plant has production capacity of 180,000 panels per month. If it makes investments that will produce 60,000 panels per month as part of first stage of investment, it will cost Samsung Display about $4.37 billion (5 trillion KRW) just to purchase equipment. Total duration of investment is 3 years and it is heard that Samsung Display will continue ordering equipment from second half of this year until first half of 2021.

Samsung also Plans for Foldable Display Production

Interestingly, the report notes that Samsung is preparing their new plant to also produce "foldable displays" in the 9 to 10" size range. This is an area that Samsung has been working on for years as our archives prove out, and Apple patents have shown that they're already planning for a possible iPhone that could fold. Apple's latest foldable-display related patent was published in March for a lubrication system for a foldable iPhone.

The two reports covering Samsung displays today quote Samsung currently owning between 94.6% and 98% market share in OLED production. By expanding quickly, they could bring costs down to choke off future competition. With that said, LG, BOE and Foxconn/Sharp are hoping to win future OLED contracts with Apple who prefers to have multiple suppliers on major components whenever possible.



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Patna: A Vigilance team in Patna on Thursday arrested the in-charge of Beur Police Station after he was caught red-handed taking Rs. 1.25 lakh in bribe money from a man seeking to file an FIR against someone over an ongoing land dispute.

Rakesh Kumar Yadav, who took charge of the Beur Police Station not too long, was nabbed by plain-clothed Vigilance officers just seconds after the corruption victim handed over Rs. 1.25 lakh to him.

As reported, one Amarendra Kumar, a resident of Kachchi Dargah in Patna, had approached the station in-charge a few days ago to file an FIR against a member of his family who had been fighting with him over a piece of land.

Yadav told the victim that he would lodge an FIR only if he paid him Rs. 1.25 lakh in bribe money  Rs. 1 lakh for himself and the rest for other staff of the police station.

After this, Amarendra Kumar approached the Vigilance Investigation Bureau office in Patna and lodged a complaint against the Beur police station in-charge.

A plan was devised to catch Rakesh Kumar Yadav in action so on Thursday, Amarendra went to the police station with cash as vigilance team led by Vigilance DSP Kanishk Kumar waited outside in plain clothes. As soon as the money exchanged hands, two vigilance officers rushed into the station in-charge's room and caught him with cash in his hand.
Africa can learn valuable lessons from China's remarkable success in reducing the hardship that once ravaged the country

When Deng Xiaoping introduced agricultural reform in 1978, more than three-quarters of all Chinese rural people lived in poverty. One of the most important policy objectives was to raise the living standards of the people so that no one would suffer hunger or malnutrition by the end of the 20th century.

These reforms fostered China's entrepreneurial spirit, which manifested itself through a pioneer generation of entrepreneurs who started their own ventures, regardless of their limited knowledge and lack of experience in running sustainable businesses. Their success inspired more to continue to innovate in the internet era of late 1990s, creating world-famous brands such as Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu. Although for much of the past century, entrepreneurship and China were hardly ever mentioned together, people like Jack Ma changed the global dynamics and established China as an influential global presence in entrepreneurial innovation.

Entrepreneurship is significant in the way it creates wealth: for the entrepreneur, for the people who are employed as a result and for the local and national economies in the form of taxation that is then redistributed to the services and communities that need it the most. Entrepreneurship is a key driver of growth and development. According to a recent study from International Finance Corp, small and medium-sized enterprises account for more than half of all formal jobs worldwide. SMEs play an important role in addressing urgent development challenges and contribute significantly to sustainability and service delivery, providing effective solutions to critical development issues like access to clean energy and water, health services and education.

Entrepreneurs continue to change the face of the world. In the past decade alone, an estimated half-billion people or more have been raised out of poverty, not by aid but rather by small businesses and entrepreneurial activity.

In the case of China, since the inception of reforms and the liberalization of trade, the country has been able to reduce the number of people in poverty by over 700 million, decreasing the incidence of poverty from 97.5 percent in 1978 to 5.7 percent in 2015. This record of poverty reduction is unprecedented in world development history, and this experience is of great contemporary relevance to the world we live in today. It is proof that, through self-tailored social and economic reforms, transformations can be fostered to eradicate the effects of poverty worldwide.

At the onset of China's reform period, the country had a far higher poverty rate than Africa as a whole. In a mere four decades, China was able to reverse that situation, while most African countries remain besieged by dismal conditions. While acknowledging the disparity within the contexts of Africa's and China's developmental journeys, China's domestic policies in fighting poverty remain relevant for contemporary Africa. The experiences of emerging countries such as China provide useful lessons for Africa because they show the wisdom of pursuing development agendas centered in economic, social and environmental sustainability.

The failure of African countries to meet the millennium development goals led to the adoption of new continental and global sustainable development goals, including Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, development, in all of its forms, is impossible without the participation of youth, and their participation, in turn, is difficult to achieve without providing an enabling environment.

Of the 1.2 billion people who call Africa their home, over 60 percent are under 25, creating an unprecedented youthful population. Having a young population is often viewed as positive for unlocking growth and development potential. However, as Africa struggles to provide opportunities for its youth, their agitation and frustration continue to manifest themselves in migration from the continent through hazardous life-threatening means, and the global appeal of terrorism and violent extremism. Both have led to catastrophic consequences on the continent and around the world.

China has been one of the most committed partners to African countries when it comes to the issue of poverty reduction. At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in December 2015, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his country's support for poverty alleviation in Africa under the plan for 2016-2019. In the three-year plan, China pledged $60 billion to support the continent of Africa in its quest to alleviate poverty from a perspective that falls parallel to the World Bank's target and the African Agenda.

However, in order to achieve the goals of China-Africa cooperation in eradicating poverty and boosting shared prosperity, the potential of private-sector-led growth must be realized.

For decades, Africa continued to be pushed toward development through aid and structural adjustments, as if development was a nearby shoreline and, if we just pushed hard enough, the continent would finally reach it. However, as experience shows, development is a mindset, not a destination.

For too long, Africa's youth have been excluded from its developmental agendas for lack of education, training and opportunity. Fostering a mindset of self-driven development among Africa's youth and endearing the spirit of entrepreneurship is key to achieving continental development and worldwide prosperity. Judging from the deposits of valuable resources beneath our lands, and the great cache of vibrant youth in our midst, we can conclude that poverty was never Africa's destiny.

Future cooperation between China and Africa must place at its center the development of entrepreneurship among African youth, in order to realize true and sustainable development. Furthermore, this mindset must be supported by government-to-government cooperation, through the creation of programs and initiatives that provide enabling environments and encourage young people to innovate and engage in entrepreneurial activities. There is great potential in fostering China-Africa entrepreneurial education and scholarship, by which African youth can benefit from the experiences of China's four decades of entrepreneurial innovation and excellence. Moreover, there is great potential for cooperation in regulatory reforms across the continent to provide a healthy and nurturing ecosystem for the development of a vibrant entrepreneurial society. Initiatives such as Belt and Road provide solutions for the logistical and infrastructural challenges that hinder entrepreneurial development. However, more attention should be given to areas of financial support that pose the greatest challenge to entrepreneurial development on the continent, through the establishment of support funds and accessible loan systems.

In conclusion, I'd like to point out that the launch of President Xi's book Up and Out of Poverty that summarizes China's experiences in poverty reduction is more evidence of China's dedication to share its experiences in poverty alleviation with the continent, and the appreciation of the importance of this experience by African nations. However, getting the message to the youth, and instilling the mindset of self-driven development, is the most important step toward eradicating poverty and achieving common prosperity.

The author is a research fellow and lecturer with the Institute of African Studies of Zhejiang Normal University. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily European Weekly 06/30/2017 page10)
Iran Complying with Nuclear Deal: United Nations

06/30/17

Source: UN News Center

Security Council updated on status of resolution on Iran's nuclear programme





29 June 2017 - Briefing the Security Council today, the United Nations political chief called on the participants of the plan of action on Iran's nuclear programme as well as the wider international community to continue to support the full and effective implementation of the agreement.

"The Secretary-General believes that the comprehensive and sustained implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will guarantee that Iran's nuclear programme remains exclusively peaceful, while allowing for transparency, monitoring and verification," said Jeffery Feltman, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

"It will also provide Iran with an opportunity for greater engagement with the international community and assist in increasing its trade and economic relations [as well as] bring forth to a satisfactory conclusion the consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue by the Council," he added in his briefing on resolution 2231, in which the Council endorsed the plan of action.

Mr. Feltman told the 15-member body that the Secretary-General had not received any report, nor is he aware of any open source information regarding the supply, sale or transfer to Iran of nuclear-related items undertaken contrary to the provisions of the resolution.

He also updated the Council on proposals under consideration of the procurement channels established by the resolution.

In relation to implementation of ballistic missile-related provisions, Mr. Feltman noted that on 29 January this year, Iran launched a medium-range ballistic missile following which letters were submitted to the Secretary-General by Iran and Israel, as well as jointly by France, Germany, the UK and the US concerning the launch.

"As in the case of the ballistic missile launches by Iran in March 2016, there was no consensus in the Security Council on how this particular launch related to resolution 2231 (2015)," said Mr. Feltman. Quoting from the third report of the Secretary-General on the resolution, he added that the Secretary-General called on Iran to avoid such ballistic missile launches "that have the potential to increase tensions."

The Secretary-General also appealed to all UN Member States to redouble their efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, noted Mr. Feltman.

Additionally, in relation to arms-related transfers, the Under-Secretary-General told the Security Council that the current report of the Secretary-General included additional information on the seizure of an arms shipment by the French Navy in the northern Indian Ocean in March 2016.

"After examination of the weapons and analysis of information provided, the [UN] Secretariat is confident that the weapons seized are of Iranian origin and were shipped from Iran," he said.

In January 2017, France had invited the UN Secretariat to examine the seized arms.

Concluding his briefing, Mr. Feltman also highlighted that as the JCPOA implementation enters its third year, the Secretary-General has highlighted the particular responsibilities of the agreement's participants towards its full and effective implementation.

"The Secretary-General is hopeful that all participants will continue to make progress in the implementation of the agreement, and in the process secure its durability," he said.

Adopted unanimously in July 2015, resolution 2231 endorsed the JCPOA that was signed earlier that month by the five permanent members of the Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States), plus Germany, the European Union (EU) and Iran.

The agreement set out a rigorous monitoring mechanism and timetable for implementation, while paving the way for the lifting of UN sanctions against Iran.

Also briefing the Council were Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi of Italy, in his capacity as the Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231, and Joao Vale de Almeida, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the UN.
New York Court Rules U.S. Can Seize Manhattan Tower From Iranian-American Charity

06/30/17

Source: RFE/RL

Built in 1978, the skyscraper on New York's Fifth Avenue is believed to be worth $500 million, although some estimates put it at double that amount.





650 Fifth Avenue, New York (see map)



A New York jury has ruled that the U.S. government can seize a Manhattan skyscraper worth as much as $1 billion from an Iranian-American charitable foundation accused of violating sanctions against Iran.



The U.S. federal court on June 29 ruled that Alavi Foundation, the majority owner of the 36-story office building at 650 Fifth Ave., knew and helped hide the fact that the building's 40 percent partner, Assa Corp., was a front for the Iranian government.



Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Joon H. Kim said the tower "secretly served as a front for the Iranian government and as a gateway for millions of dollars to be funneled to Iran in clear violation of U.S. sanctions laws."



He said the court ruling represented "the largest civil forfeiture jury verdict and the largest terrorism-related civil forfeiture in U.S. history" and would "allow for substantial recovery for victims of Iran-sponsored terrorism."



The U.S. government has said it wants to turn over the proceeds from a sale of the building to holders of more than $5 billion in terrorism-related judgments against Tehran.



Kim pegged the value of the building, built in 1978, at $500 million, although some estimates put it at double that amount.



The Alavi Foundation was likely to appeal the verdict, although lawyers did not immediately comment after the ruling.



The Alavi Foundation's lawyers argued that the charity was unaware Iran was secretly benefiting from the participation of Assa Corp in the ownership of the building.



The lawyers maintained that the foundation used funds to support schools, health care, and higher education, along with promoting the study of Persian culture, language, art, literature, and civilization.



The Alavi Foundation was founded during the reign of the shah of Iran. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution that ousted the shah, Iran's conservative Islamic government replaced much of Alavi's board of directors.



With reporting by AP and Reuters



Copyright (c) 2017 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
Saudi Arabia releases 7 Iranian fishermen

06/30/17

Source: Tehran Times

Saudi Arabia has released seven Iranian fishermen, Iran's Arabic-language television network Al Alam reported on Thursday, giving hope for the release of at least ten more inmates in the country. The report said the fishermen had been handed over to Iran.



file photo: Iranian fishign boats near Qeshm Island in Persian Gulf



The development comes after Iran demanded Saudi Arabia immediately free three Iranian fishermen who were detained by the Saudi navy in mid June, saying their boats were pushed off course by waves.



Saudi coastguard officers opened fire on the fishing boats in the Persian Gulf, killing a fisherman.



Saudi Arabia's information ministry claimed that the arrestees were members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) who were trying to approach the kingdom's offshore Marjan oilfield for sabotage purposes.



"This was one of three vessels which were intercepted by Saudi forces. It was captured with the three men on board, the other two escaped," a statement from the ministry's center for international communications said.



"The three captured members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard are now being questioned by Saudi authorities," it said, citing a Saudi official.



The statement was rejected by the IRGC as an "outright lie."



Last week, the Iranian Shargh paper published interviews with families of a number of fishermen held in Saudi Arabia, putting the number of inmates in the country at 18.



Relations are at their worst in years, with Tehran and Riyadh supporting opposite sides in Syria.

Lack of direct political relations since 2016 have made negotiations on the issue impossible.
Drones that plant seeds, robots that pick fruit, smart boots that absorb data about the health of poultrythey are all innovations in agricultural technology that are swiftly transforming the way food is produced and managed in the 21st century.

China, which faces the challenge of feeding the world's largest national population, is teaming up with the United Kingdom to seek new ways to apply technology in the agriculture industry.

The UK government's Newton Fund, which promotes economic development and social welfare in 16 partner countries, is calling on British organizations to apply for a share of up to 8 million pounds ($10.4 million) to fund work on innovative agricultural solutions for China.

Denisa Naidin, Newton Fund portfolio manager, said: "We are focusing on agricultural technologies, particularly looking at digital technologies, as well as robotics and biotechnologies, so it's quite cutting-edge agritech that could revolutionize agriculture in China."

British businesses that secure funding will also get help in forming consortiums with UK and Chinese academics, as well as Chinese business partners, to advance research over a three- or five-year period. Businesses have until July 26 to register their interest.

"We could see IoT (internet of things) technology combined with drones or robots on the ground. We might see analysis of crop response to environmental changes, especially in Northeast China, where the effects of climate change are a big concern," she said. "Some projects might look at the nutritional aspects of food and how agricultural processes can have an impact on people's health. Even things like a toolkit to detect food fraud, which is a massive challenge in China, could come out of this."

The Newton Fund was launched in 2014 and now has a total UK investment of 735 million pounds through 2021, with partner countries providing matching resources.

The Newton Fund in China, referred to as the UK-China Research and Innovation Partnership Fund, has Chinese funding partners that include the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and eight academies, foundations, and universities.

The Newton Fund's China-UK Research and Innovation Bridges Competition in 2015 saw 13 million pounds of funding delivered to 13 projects that addressed energy, healthcare, urbanization, and agricultural issues in China.

While the initial projects have only started recently, the UK-China Research and Innovation Partnership Fund has already had an impact on China's agriculture industry. Last year, the results from UK-China antimicrobial research collaboration supported by the Newton Fund led to the Ministry of Agriculture banning the use of colistin, an antibiotic that had been used as a feed additive for animals.
Iranian FM Zarif meets French President Macron, submits Rouhani's message

06/30/17

Source: Tehran Times

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif who was on a five-day trip to Europe met Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni and the newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron among other top officials from the two countries. Zarif held talks with Macron in Elysee Palace on Friday and submitted Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's written message to him.





Iranian FM Javad Zarif meets French President Emmanuel Macron



Macron and Zarif also discussed regional, international issues as well as bilateral relationship.



On Thursday, Zarif also held a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. During the meeting Zarif called for expanding banking relations between the two countries.



Iran is seeking closer ties with France in various areas especially economy, Zarif stated.



Economic relations between Tehran and Paris have greatly improved since the nuclear deal between Iran and great powers including France went into force.



The July 2015 nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), went into force in January 2016.



The Iranian foreign minister said that implementation of the nuclear deal benefits all.



For his part, Le Drian expressed support for implementation of the nuclear agreement. After his meeting with Zarif, Le Drian tweeted that he will follow the path of dialogue with Iran.

Premier entretien avec mon homologue iranien @JZarif. Un dialogue necessaire que je poursuivrai. pic.twitter.com/51WSn2uBzt  Jean-Yves Le Drian (@JY_LeDrian) June 29, 2017

Zarif also held a separate meeting with Gerard Larcher, the president of the French Senate.



Larcher said France attaches great importance to ties with Iran and is willing to have "continuous political consultations" with it.



Zarif who started his tour of Europe on Monday first visited Germany, where he addressed the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) and held talks with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Federal Minister of Finance Wolfgang Schauble.



Talks with Italian PM



After concluding his visit to Germany, Zarif headed to Rome, Italy, holding talks on bilateral relations with Prime Minister Gentiloni on Wednesday.



In a separate meeting with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy Laura Boldrini, Iran's chief diplomat called for ways to expand relations.



Zarif invited Boldrini to visit Iran.



He also met separately with Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano.



Alfano said the JCPOA benefits international stability and expressed support for full implementation of the international deal.



He also said Italy seeks to expand relations with Tehran.

Excellent meetings with leaders in Berlin, Rome & Paris. Despite US reckless hostility, EU committed to #JCPOA & constructive engagement.  Javad Zarif (@JZarif) June 30, 2017

President Rouhani visited Italy and France immediately for the announcement of the lifting of sanctions against Iran in January 2016.



The main goal of Rouhani's tour to Rome and Paris was to promote a stronger economic relationship between Iran and the European Union. During his visit to Rome, Iran and Italy signed contracts with a total value of $18 billion. While in Paris, Rouhani also signed a contract to purchase about 100 Airbus planes.
IT Pros will most likely be familiar with the LastPass name, though perhaps not its LastPass Enterprise incarnation. Representing the company's entry into business-grade identity management (IDM), LastPass seeks to ride the marketing wave of its extremely popular consumer password vault offering. Since we last tested it, LastPass has maintained its options for teams and businesses, but recently made some major additions to the Enterprise platform that make it viable as an entry-level IDM offering for small to medium businesses. To this end, the product has brought in components such as directory synchronization or federation and authentication to web applications using SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language). LastPass also couples Enterprise with LastPass MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) in the LastPass Identity service tier, bringing together corporate IDM and one of the best MFA experiences around.

Getting Started

The LastPass Enterprise setup process involves signing up for a trial period and subsequently signing up for the desired service level and user count. Once an administrative account has been established using either the trial or a paid service you can begin the various tasks associated with an IDM suite. The typical first step (post signup) involves getting your business users (or identities) into LastPass. While LastPass supports creating and managing user identities manually most customers will likely prefer to leverage directory synchronization from Active Directory, or potentially another cloud-based IDM, especially one of our Editors' Choice selections, such as Microsoft Azure AD or Okta.

LastPass also supports federation, which offers the additional benefit of allowing users to authenticate using their existing corporate credentials rather than having to manage a corporate LastPass account. Federated logins can be offered through Active Directory Federated Services (ADFS), Azure AD, or Okta. One shortcoming in LastPass Enterprise is a lack of true support for LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) directories. LastPass recommends LDAP customers consider their REST API, which isnt outrageously difficult from a technical standpoint, but its a long way from point-and-click functionality and does require some basic development chops.

The LastPass connector for Active Directory is a small software agent that installs on your network (LastPass recommends you install on a system other than a domain controller). Once the connector is installed and some basic configuration steps are accomplished (LastPass credentials and Active Directory details such as which Users and Groups to synchronize as well as the location within your directory containing the objects you wish to synchronize). The Active Directory connector also offers options for tuning the LastPass user workflow when changes occur to their Active Directory account. When users have been incorporated into LastPass Enterprise and approved (either manually or automatically) they are sent an invite email which allows them to create their LastPass Enterprise account.

Streamlining User Authentication

When it comes down to it, IDM solutions bring two major benefits to your organization, both of which ultimately come down to security. The first major benefit involves making the process of authenticating your users to their applications intuitive and easy, ultimately encouraging password complexity (if not completely obviating the need for passwords completely) while helping minimize sticky note overload and other insecure methods of tracking passwords.

LastPass Enterprise (and by extension Identity) facilitate users authenticating to applications in a number of ways. First, and most simply, LastPass users can store and use credentials they manage the same way they would in a consumer LastPass account. Users can even link existing personal LastPass accounts to their Enterprise accounts so they can leverage credentials stored in either account. Second, administrators can create and share LastPass credentials with specific user groups, up to and including the ability to set permissions for which groups can manage certain credentials. These methods have some downside, as they dont bring the full security benefits you can achieve with SAML (account credentials can ultimately still be compromised, either by the user outside of LastPass or by a third party), but both are still a big step up from users keeping notebooks full of account credentials.

Speaking of SAML, LastPass Enterprise offers a significant collection of web applications with partially configured SAML connections, enabling user authentication without having to manage individual user credentials. Enabling SAML authentication to user applications is a matter of enabling the connection within both LastPass and the web application, populating basic authentication details such as URLs and importing SSL certificates for securing authentication traffic. If your desired application isnt listed in the app catalog for some reason, such as if its an internally developed business application, LastPass provides the ability to create custom app connections. Once SAML app connections have been established users can be given access to applications simply by assigning the app connection to users, groups, or roles (which can contain a combination of users and groups). Users will be able to see the applications assigned to them in their SSO portal (separate from their password vault).

Securing Your Identities

The second major benefit of an IDM involves the major security benefits the platform can bring to your business. Most IDM platforms with SAML support bring some key benefits such as limiting the need for users to maintain credentials for multiple accounts and centralizing the authentication process to enable enhanced policy enforcement and monitoring. LastPass offers policies for both sites contained within password vaults as well as those in the SAML-based SSO portal.

What sets LastPass Identity apart from LastPass Enterprise service tier is the inclusion of LastPass MFA, which is also available as a standalone service. LastPass MFA enables MFA support for LastPass Enterprise, but also brings in contextual authentication policies: taking into account things like the device type, location, and time. While these policies lack the sophistication of some heavyweights like Microsofts Azure AD, Okta, OneLogin, and Idaptive, each of which support conditional authentication policies backed by machine learning, they are a big leap from manually managing user authentication or having no strategy or oversight at all.

LastPass MFA has some peripheral benefits outside of just web apps. LastPass MFA can be leveraged within your corporate virtual private network (VPN) solution, for workstation logins, or for corporate apps and services that authenticate through LDAP or RADIUS. Note that LDAP is supported for MFA, but as mentioned previously is not supported for synchronized identities without leveraging the REST API at this time.

One major feature that LastPass Identity falls short on is deep integration with a mobile device management (MDM) suite such as VMware AirWatch, MobileIron, or Microsoft Intune. MDM integration enables more sophisticated authentication policies revolving around what kind of device is being used to authenticate. If the device is a corporate laptop with an always-on VPN you may have more relaxed authentication requirements as compared to a personal mobile device or a public computer.

Pricing For a Small Business Customer

Monthly rates for the LastPass Identity come in at $8 per user, billed on an annual basis. As mentioned previously the Identity tier is a combination of LastPass Enterprise and LastPass MFA, which are available individually for $6 and $3 monthly per user, respectively. While these rates are competitive with other IDM suites on the surface, when you drill into the feature set, LastPass really doesnt compete favorably, especially against our Editors Choice winners.

However, as an entry-level IDM for businesses with a small user base and an overworked IT department it may be just the ticket, enabling you to offer password vaulting to your users to start and gradually improving your security posture over time by implementing MFA, authentication policies, and SAML.

LastPass Enterprise 3.0 (Opens in a new window) Check Price (Opens in a new window) Pros Low cost in terms of implementation and management

Password vaulting feature an easy way to get started managing identities

Active Directory connector is among the easiest to get running Cons No support for LDAP directories

Very basic, lacks most enterprise features

Password vaulting isnt a viable option for many businesses The Bottom Line LastPass Enterprise has grown some in the last couple of years and is now a real viable option for small businesses looking for an easy solution to cloud authentication. Businesses with heightened security requirements may need to look elsewhere, though.
Microsofts Surface Laptop is a reasonably-priced premium laptop whose excellent battery life and light weight outweigh any restrictions placed upon users by the Windows 10 S operating system.

After using the Surface Laptop as a Windows 10 S machine, I can say it does a great job of addressing exactly what college students need. More sophisticated users might want to look a bit further afield, though, or at least bail out of Windows 10 S early on.

Our Surface Laptop review considers Microsofts new notebook in three ways: first, as a stylish ultrabook, designed to compete with Apples MacBook Air on college campuses. Its also a showcase for Windows 10 S, limiting users to Windows Store apps but with an unexpected benefit to battery life. But if you want more flexibility, you can upgrade to Windows 10 Proand weve tested that, too.

Updated 07/18/2017: Weve upgraded the Surface Laptop to Windows 10 Pro to run traditional benchmarks, and the results areinteresting. Click the Performance section in the TOC, or simply jump to this link , to see to all the numbers.

The Surface Laptop follows in the formidable footsteps of the Surface Pro, Surface Book, and Surface Studioall category-defining products with prices to match. The Surface Laptop is a striking ultrabook with prices that are attainable, if not overly affordable. For now, the Surface Laptop ships in four configurations:

Intel Core i5/4GB RAM/128GB SSD: $999

Intel Core i5/8GB RAM/256GB SSD: $1,299

Intel Core i7/8GB RAM/256GB SSD: $1,599

Intel Core i7/16GB RAM/512GB SSD: $2,199

Microsoft also separately ships a Surface Arc Mouse, which is color-coordinated to match the Surface Laptop. The Surface Pen and Surface Dial will work with the Laptop, but theyre not required.

We reviewed the $1,299 model, which Id consider to be the price/performance sweet spot, assuming a college student with generous parents. Though gamers want 16GB of RAM, 8GB is sufficient for web browsing and some basic apps, and 256GB of storage is finally becoming more of the norm.

Just as important as whats inside is the Surface Laptops outside, which is dressed to kill MacBook Airs. Lifting the tinted aluminum veneer of the lid to reveal the softer Alcantara fabric of the keyboard tray beneath evokes the elegance of a jewelry box. Microsoft also streamlined the exterior by eliminating the volume control rocker switch and power button, moving them to the keyboard.

Mark Hachman Microsoft offers four colors for the Surface Laptop, though theyre currently not available throughout the full product line.

The Surface Laptop is very thin, just 0.57 inches at most, compared to the MacBook Airs 0.68-inch profile. At 12.13 x 8.79 inches, its also a little smaller than the MacBook Air. Grab the Surface Laptop by its keyboard, and its 2.76-pound weight (3.2 pounds with charger) will feel impressively light.

Theres one catch: The base $999 Core i5 model ships only in the silvery platinum color. The only configuration to offer the three other color options (graphite gold, burgundy, cobalt blue) is the model we tested. While Microsoft should eventually offer the additional colors across the entire product line, it hasnt yeta situation thats sure to frustrate some consumers.

Dan Masaoka Thin and light defines the Surface Laptop.

A surprising lack of ports

Thin ultrabooks have to give up something, and the Surface Laptops configuration is no different. Most of it is good: Our unit houses a 2.5GHz Core i5-7200U, part of the 7th-generation Kaby Lake family. Each of the Core i5 options includes an Intel HD 620 graphics core, while the Core i7 version includes the powerful (for integrated graphics, that is) Iris Plus 640 core which we tested on the new Surface Pro. For college papers and web browsing, an HD 620 core will be just fine.

One of the hallmarks of the Surface lineup is the display, and I enjoy Microsofts bright PixelSense 10-point touchscreens. The Surface Laptops 13.5-inch, 22561504 (201 ppi) version, aligned in Microsofts standard 3:2 ratio, lives up to the name. The IPS panel pumps out 365 lumens, enough even for outdoor use.

Some competing devices offer 4K displays. Keep in mind, though, that pushing more pixels requires more power, and one of the strengths of the Surface Laptop is its excellent battery life.

Mark Hachman The sides of the Laptop chassis angle in, making inserting the Surface Laptop charger blade a bit awkward sometimes.

On the right side of the Laptop is Microsofts Surface connector, maintaining compatibility with older chargers as well as optional peripherals like the Surface Dock. The other portsUSB 3.0 Type A, miniDisplayPort, headphoneappear on the left side of the chassis.

There is no miniSD or other removable storage slot, recognition that photos and other files are more often stored online or on USB sticks. I can agree with that rationale, though the single USB-A port looks awfully lonely, and the lack of USB-C is the opposite of future-proofing.

Mark Hachman Would an additional USB connector have killed you, Microsoft?

The Surface Laptop reclines about as far as the Surface Book, about 50 degrees or so off the horizontal. Unlike the Surface Book, however, theres no accordion hinge. Instead, an barely-visible hinge smoothly moves the display back and forth. The screen tends to wobble a bit when inking or when the keyboard moves sharply.

The keyboard: Microsoft kept what works, mostly

You can sum up the Surface Laptops keyboard simply: Aside from one small modification, Microsoft bundled the Surface Pros backlit keyboard with the Surface Books touchpad. The space allocated to the keyboard on both devices is literally the same4 x 10.75 inchesand the touchpad dimensions on both the Book and the Laptop are identical.

Dan Masaoka Though the Laptop doesnt require the Surface Pen, it immediately wrote and erased digital ink, without any setup.

That said, the Surface Laptops typing experience falls slightly short of the Surface Books. I prefer the fluidity of the Surface Books keys. Theres also a bit of structural give in the Laptops keyboard that isnt present on the Book. To test it, I placed a small screw between the R, T, F, and G keys. On the Laptop, I noticed a bit of bowing that wasnt present on the Surface Book, which expresses itself as a slightly mushy feel thats independent of the keys.

Dan Masaoka Surface Book trackpad, meet the Surface Pro (2017) keyboard.

The Surface Laptops touchpad feels great, slightly oilier than the Books aluminum surface. Clicking and gestures worked as expected.

A pair of omnisonic speakers are buried beneath the keyboard. The volume reaches satisfactory levels, slightly vibrating the keys as you type upon them. Naturally, theres not a lot of bass, and Id recommend headphones.

Mark Hachman I never powered off the Laptop by accident, but its still an odd place to put such an important button.

Windows 10 S: Lack of choice is frustrating

In a bid to make the Surface Laptop as manageable as Chromebooks powered by Googles Chrome OS, Microsoft designed the Surface Laptop and other education-minded PCs around Windows 10 S, an optimized version of Windows 10. Windows 10 S restricts Surface Laptop users to apps found within the Windows Store, and adds a few manageability features found in Windows 10 Pro to help administrators keep tabs on the devices. (For a deeper dive into Windows 10 S, please see our Windows 10 S FAQ.)

Dan Masaoka Part of the way to identify a Windows 10 S machine is with this custom background image, seen here.

Windows 10 S provides an extra layer of security, Microsoft says, as well as quicker boot times than Windows 10 Pro. Holes have already been poked through these claims: Windows 10 S was breached by a researcher using Word macros, which are only blocked if you have an Office 365 subscription. And in our tests, the Surface Laptop took 19 seconds to cold-boot to the desktop, compared to 18 seconds when we reconfigured it for Windows 10 Pro.

Our Surface Laptop did, however, come with device encryption enabled, helping protect files from unauthorized access. Thats a feature normally associated with Windows 10 Pro.

Restricting Windows 10 S users to the Windows Store understandably concerns some users. For one, youre subject to the whims of Microsoft: As longtime users know, Microsofts Store has ranged from abysmal to where it is now, an adequate-to-decent experience. Unfortunately, not every app within the Store can be used by Windows 10 S, including some Win32 apps that Microsoft has begun publishing. If you do try to use a prohibited app, youll know it: A popup window will appear, with a link to the Windows 10 Pro upgrade at the bottom.

Mark Hachman You can move apps around like any other file, but you simply cant run them unless theyre Microsoft-approved.

Microsoft recently made its Office apps accessible through the Store in preview, and they worked smoothly, without any bugs that I could find. The Surface Laptop ships with a years subscription to Office 365 Personal, good for a single device like the Laptop.

The biggest app hurdle that Windows 10 S users will likely encounter, though, is something rather prosaic: their choice of browser. Because browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Opera arent found within the Store at the time of this review, youll be forced to use Edge. Exporting bookmarks from another browser and importing them into Edge is simply a painand forget about saved passwords. Worse, Edge Favorites Id saved in a Windows 10 Pro machine refused to carry over to Windows 10 S. Windows 10 S also returns search results from Bing alone, though nothing prevents you from bookmarking Google.com.

IDG Many common apps arent in the Microsoft Store. Fortunately, Microsoft Office is one of the exceptionsbut youll need to use the built-in Get Office app to find it.

That web-based approach works well for some apps that havent made it into the Store. Ive never been a fan of using a dedicated Windows app for Twitter, for example, though I use Slacks app. With Edge, I could put both services into a tab and snap them to a corner of my screen.

I was a little shocked to discover that apps I didnt consider to be apps were also blocked, namely the Command Line. It doesnt appear within Windows 10 S, and commands that would normally launch Command Line or PowerShell simply dont workor, if they do, a Command Line window will blink into existence and then pop, or crash.

Mark Hachman Upgrading to Windows 10 Pro can be done via the Microsoft Store.

For those users who want a little more, Windows 10 S does provide an escape hatch: a built-in upgrade path to Windows 10 Pro. Until the end of the year, its a free upgrade.

In fact, we can report that the upgrade to Windows 10 Pro went flawlessly. From the Switch to Windows 10 Pro screen above, we simply clicked the button and away we went. Microsoft advises backing up all critical documents and files (a good idea in any case) though I didnt notice any corrupted or missing files. After a prepare to switch screen, I simply had to wait through a single reboot. All told, the process took a bit less than five minutesfar less than the Creators Update installation process.

Windows 10 S performance: Stellar battery life redeems it

Because we couldnt run many of our conventional benchmarks on Windows 10 S, we first selected browser-based tests that could stress the Surface Laptop. Then we upgraded the Laptop to Windows 10 Pro to run traditional benchmarks. Weve left the older benchmarks at top for reference, and our standard benchmark charts follow.

We first compared the Surface Laptop to machines including the Surface Book and the recent Surface Pro. Recall that Microsoft also claims the Core i5 Surface Laptop is 50 percent faster than the Core i7 MacBook Air. We didnt have a recent MacBook Air to test, so we compared it to the 15-inch MacBook Pro, as well as a Core m3-based MacBook. The Surface Laptop was slower than all of them, at least where these browser-based benchmarks were concerned.

IDG

In the chart above, both Speedometer and Jetstream measure the responsiveness of Web applications, which is tied to the CPUs processing power. WebXPRT asks the processor to perform more intensive tasks, such as photo enhancement and album organization.

Octane 2.0 (below), a Google benchmark, performs a suite of tests measuring how well a system performs Javascript.

IDG

Just for fun, we also ran a built-in benchmark from Rise of the the Tomb Raider, an game thats available via the Windows Store (below). Thirty frames per second is considered to be the minimum for gameplay. The Surface Laptops four fps is not remotely playable. Well dig into this more once we unlock the Laptop with Windows 10 Pro.

IDG

One of the areas in which the Surface Laptop absolutely shines, however, is battery life (see below). Color us a little skeptical after Microsofts claims of 13.5 hours for the Surface Pro proved to be only 8 hours. Were beginning to think that may have been the fault of the Iris Plus chip, because the battery inside the Surface Laptop with Intels HD 620 lasted a whopping 12 hours and 45 minutes, continually stressed as we looped a 4K video. That stamina is what students need as they go from classes to the library.

IDG

After upgrading to Windows 10 Pro, however, a wealth of new benchmarks became available, together with the ability to compare them to a number of competitive laptops and tablets. As the numbers demonstrate, the Surface Laptop performs well, though not at the top of its class.

Windows 10 Pro performance: Pretty good

We use PCMarks Work, Home, and Creative benchmarks to measure standard computing tasks. As you might imagine, some of the functions overlap from test to test. Nevertheless, youll find more office-productivity measurements in the Work test, transitioning into light gaming and photo manipulation in the Home test (first chart below), as well as more strenuous workloads in the Creative test (second test below).

IDG

IDG

Its hard to imagine any of todays laptops falling down under the stress of typing a Word document, as the Work test measures. Of the three PCMark tests, Creative (below) is usually the better benchmark, performing a suite of real-world tasks. You can see it even slightly outperforms the original Surface Book, meaning its a solid choice for everyday computing.

IDG

We use two additional tests to stress the Laptops CPU: the open-source video conversion tool, Handbrake; and Maxons Cinebench benchmark. Though Handbrake (below) is a useful tool for converting videofor example, shrinking down a video to an appropriate size for a tabletit also measures how well the CPU will hold up over prolonged load.

IDG

Cinebench (below) stresses the CPU in a different way: asking a single core of the microprocessor to render a scene, and also asking all of its cores to complete the task as quickly as possible. While design students would probably be given workstation time to complete these tasks, its possible students would also need to have a decent rendering engine on their lap.

IDG

We then turn to 3DMark, and the firms Sky Diver 3D graphics benchmark (below). Generally, Sky Divers graphics load is a little too much for a laptop like the Surface Laptop, and weve already seen how poorly it fares on the Tomb Raider benchmark, above.

IDG

Finally, theres our follow-up battery life test. We already ran one with Windows 10 S, but we wanted to see how Windows 10 Pro affected the battery life. After setting the same test parameters (full battery, and with the display at a fixed, moderately bright level), we loop a 4K video over and over until the battery runs down.

The results, below, are interesting: On Windows 10 S, the Laptop took 765 minutes to expire, as shown above. But when we upgraded to Windows 10 Pro, battery life dropped sharply: 654 minutes when Windows 10s battery slider was dialed up to emphasize performance, and 689 minutes when we slid the power slider to emphasize battery life. Thats more than an entire hour lost when switching from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro.

IDG

These more detailed performance tests mostly show how Windows 10 S benefits battery life. Given that no other tests showed a dramatic , were leaving the basic score of the Surface Laptop unchanged.

Conclusion: A great choice for back-to-school

Oddly, the Surface Laptop feels like progress forward and back, all at once. Microsoft originally designed the Surface lineup to hustle its hardware partners into the future, implicitly stripping Apple of its design cachet and encouraging consumers to buy new PCs. Now, the Surface Laptop has stepped down a rung, challenging some of the cheaper, more mainstream product lines of its hardware partners to keep up. Laptops like HPs latest Spectre x360 already do, but other vendors could use a push.

As someone who enjoys diving down into a Settings menu or adjusting the registry, Windows 10 S feels cramped. I have to believe most college students will encounter some app they either need or want before too long, and chafe at the restrictions. Sure, the upgrade to Windows 10 Pro is free for now, but it should be free forever.

Mark Hachman Microsofts Surface Book (top), the Surface Laptop, and an Apple MacBook Air from 2010.

Im also still a bit leery of Microsofts port choices. Apple received praise for eliminating the floppy drive and DVD-ROM, but received criticism for the single Lightning port that forced users into a web of dongles. In four years, will students curse Microsofts cheapness, and reluctance to invest in USB-C? Maybe, though today a USB-A connector is still the right choice. The tipping point to USB-C isnt that far away, though.

That doesnt change what Microsoft has accomplished with the Surface Laptop. Decent performance, a stylish exterior, and outstanding battery life check all the boxes of a product designed to upend the MacBook Air. Sure, the Surface Laptop might not have as much to write home about as its fancier Surface kin. But for Microsoft, thats nothing as long as the Surface Laptop is what those students are writing on.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has revealed, in a new study conducted on trading in Ghana that, the lack of a consolidated list of trade-related fees and charges continues to increase the unofficial payments at the countrys ports.



The study The Cost of Trading in Ghana launched at the monthly luncheon of the American Chamber of Commerce forms part of the countrys efforts to comply with benchmark guidelines outlined in the World Trade Organisation (WTOs) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).



The USAID study stated that nearly all fees and charges are established based on Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) values and do not reflect the real cost of providing services. Therefore fees established using ad valorem are driving up the cost of trading in Ghana.



It further notes that currently all importers pay fees that amount to 6.25 percent of the value of their goods with average payments of unofficial fess per consignment on imports being GHS250 as well as GHS200 and GHS125 for exports and transit respectively.



This study comes after the governments decision to cut import taxes with the scrapping of the special import levy, raw materials and spare parts among others.



Speaking at the event in Accra, U.S Ambassador to Ghana, Robert Jackson stated that contrary to what many believe, rationalizing and reducing ports and customs fees and charges does not necessarily mean lost revenue but rather it is attractive for businesses and facilitates increased trade, adding that the implementation of the TFA would also foster increased economic growth in Ghana.



He also noted that the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through 2025 would provide Ghana and other African nations the opportunity to bolster their export markets, taking full advantage of American consumer demands.



Ghana became the 95th country to ratify the TFA, which is the first multilateral deal concluded in the WTOs 22 year history.



The agreement contains provision for expediting the movement, release, and clearance of goods because the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates that implementing the TFA could reduce worldwide trade costs by as much as 17.5 percent, with the greatest benefits accruing to African and other developing countries.



The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta in a speech read on his behalf said the country is going to review its fees and charges with a view to reducing their number and diversity.



He added that the Ministry has taken note of the challenges that are likely to impede the seamless implementation of all the aspects of the TFA including the rationalization of fees and charges being imposed at the ports by MDAs, some of which are not directly under the control of the ministry.



However a fine balance must be maintained because some government agencies depend on such fees to provide services statutorily required of them.







Source: Goldstreet Business









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The maverick Assin Central Member of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has alleged that there is a cartel in the contaminated fuel saga involving the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Company.



According to him, this is not the first time that fuel has accidentally been contaminated at BOST, and that over the years the practice has been happening and anytime that happens, some members of the cartel get the opportunity to buy the fuel, process and sell it in the open market.



In a radio interview on Accra based Oman FM Thursday morning, Mr Agyapong alleged that, this time around, the new Managing Director (MD), Mr Alfred Obeng Boateng who came into office to meet the five million litres contaminated fuel denied the cartel the opportunity to buy the said fuel, hence they subsequently ganged up, and clandestinely sponsored a campaign to get rid of him as the MD.



The accidental contamination was said to have happened on January 18, 2017 and the staff involved have since been sanctioned. Mr Agyapong therefore cautioned the Minister of Energy, Mr Boakye Agyarko to ensure that investigations into the deal was thoroughly done so as to ensure clarity.



According to Mr Agyapong, he has information that two members of the cartel [names withheld] approached Mr Obeng for him to sell the contaminated fuel to them. They allegedly told him that if he reversed the sale to Movenpiina, they were going to give him $1 million but he refused.



They [cartel members] allegedly said they could add a chemical to the fuel to enable them sell the product in the open market.



Mr Agyapong alleged that because they did not get the product, they are trumpeting that the product was already in the market.



He questioned how they know that the product was in the open market, if that was not their modus operandi.



He also alleged that a staff at BOST who owns a petroleum company and had also wanted an opportunity to buy the contaminated fuel also alleged that he was going to ensure that they all go down when ZUPOIL moved in to transport the fuel.



Mr Agyapong said he was also aware that some members from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) were also behind the campaign to get rid of Mr Obeng as MD.



He put out a list of companies which bought contaminated fuel from BOST in 2015 and 2016 which also included the BOST local union. "Is the BOST union also a registered company," he quipped.



Already, Mr Obeng and BOST in a statement on Monday evening said they felt the issue was coming up because Mr Obeng was cleaning the rot of his predecessor.



BOST highlighted a number of issues which included;



1. Diverting GHC40.5 million of company funds to a fictitious account currently under investigation.



2. Awarding an overpriced contract of $39 million to construct the BOST head office complex, (suspended by the new MD).



3. Awarding an overpriced contract of $19 million to construct a pipeline from APD to Akosombo (suspended by the new MD)



4. Paid an amount of $1.8 million as a retainer fee for a company sourcing funds for BOST projects. Though the company could not source funds for BOST, an additional amount of $89,000 was paid as success fee on 27th September 2016. This is under investigation.



5. BOST is challenging ACEP and its likes to show or reveal the identity of the fuel stations that have the contaminated product. The statement said the Minority in Parliament's assertion that the MD of BOST should be interdicted is baseless and unfounded.



It is a political plan to divert the new MD's attention from dealing with the rot of his predecessor, Mr. Kingsley Kwame Awuah- Darko which has left BOST with a debt close to $300,000,000. No amount of propaganda against Mr. Alfred Obeng will change his vision for BOST, the statement added.

Source: Daily Graphic









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Following the announcement of reforms in visa acquisition procedures, among other things, by the US embassy, the US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert Jackson, has come under intense backlash with a lot of Ghanaians throwing salvos from all angles directed at him.



Some have even questioned the motive behind a drastic reform withdrawing courtesies and protocols accorded members of parliament and some politicians.



But what we tend to overlook is the bitter truth that the diplomatic community in Ghana are wide awake and privy to all those tricks that amount to Visa racketeering.



Coincidentally, this paper has established from a damning undercover video currently in our possession that the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) party office near Paloma Hotel was a busy spot for Visa racketeering during the party reign. This happened under the full glare of then President John Mahama.



As the party in power, capacity building workshops and other international invitations from NDC internationally-affiliated socialist groups were abused. The NDC party office was virtually turned into all manner of visa trades where a special account was created at Fidelity Bank for transactions.



The video has private undercover investigators posing as desperate travelers who thronged the NDC party office in search of opportunities to travel abroad to make a better living.



It was also shocking to learn that this practice is seen as a major reward package for NDC foot soldiers who could afford paying some aspects of the costs.



It was nail-biting to discover that a whopping sum of Obama USD $7,000 and $1,500 were amounts mentioned as charges from prospective migrants. All these being demanded and captured on the video tape.



This goes a long way to vindicate the US Embassy to the effect that the embassy was right in stripping some politicians off their protocols and courtesies under international conventions.



It was clear these fraudulent activities took centre stage through the help of well-known big hands from the party leadership. All they cared about was amassing wealth and nothing short of that.



The private investigators engaged one of the most popular activists at the party office whose name was only given as Dela.



He was the point man at the centre of collecting the visa monies but the first point of call was this guy at the reception who gave details of how the whole visa deal works; then Dela took over from him to the next stage of the process.



We bring to our readers excerpts of the investigations as they engaged Dela:



Investigators meet Dela



Dela: Good morning Chief, am Dela.



Investigator: Good morning boss



Dela at this point orders a loud radio voice of Kwesi Pratt Jnr. be toned down for smooth discussion



Dela: So am sure hes briefed you about everything exactly, then I am just going to buttress the point



Investigator agrees



Dela: It is simple these are things we do in-house for our people. NPP NDC are the only two political parties and we have political affiliates from outside you know and invitations come constantly I mean workshops, conferences as capacity building.



I mean thats the partnerships they have for us, I mean they are ahead of us. They are the democracy and we are developing. So it is a partnership. Part of the partnership is capacity building.



So sometimes they send us materials like these books, computers and part of the capacity building is the development of human resource so sometimes we sponsor them to come; we pay for their flight and everything then (they) take us through workshops like this week, the functional executive committee members are meeting with the SPA am sure you know the SPA, okay.



They have a resource person who is coming down to train all of us. Exactly! Now we also go there coz they invite us so they just send a list that they want this 20, 30 people to come for this workshop or conference. Usually training workshops 2 weeks, 3 weeks. So we have to shortlist from our four main electoral basics. Like I said it is something we did for our in-house people to reward our activists.



My boss Mr. Adams or General Mosquito or Dr. Kwabena Adjei or any of the national executives 2 or 3 will join the entourage so that the rest is our guest.



So my Boss Kofi Adams will have 5-slots, General Mosquito 5-slots among others. Usually we used to do it for our people then we pay for them but it is becoming expensive so now we share costs. But others that is why I told you it is an in-house thing, if you are well linked you can get somebody to do it for you.



All we need is your book the Passport; we dont need anything else because we are preparing you as a member of the group. We dont need any statement. So we will shortlist the names and send it back to them and then they will forward it to the embassy for visas.



Because the deal is exclusive you have to enroll at GHC200 and then an upfront payment of $1,500 Obama to $7,000, am sure when I use Obama you know what I mean in Ghana. So usually you pay this so that we start arranging things for you. This includes hotel accommodation among others. Visas issued are usually 6 months, 1-year, etc.







Source: asempanews









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Maverick politician and Member of Parliament for Assin Central in the Central Region, Hon Kennedy Agyapong has cautioned some elements in the ruling New Patriotic Party to be watchful of their deeds and utterances in the media so not to cause disaffection for the vice-president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.



Speaking in an interview with Asempa Fm on Eko Sii Sen political show program, monitored by Ghanapoliticsonlinr.com , Mr. Agyapong, who sounded angry and used unpalatable words on big men in his own party and their apparatchiks who are bent on tarnishing the reputation of the Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST)Company, Alfred Obeng Boateng.



NPP folks are undermining their own party but I will not allow anybody to bring the party ( NPP) down through their corrupt practices he fumed.



Tell Alhassan Tampoli the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority NPA to do his work well, the foolish things he is doing, he should bare in mind that hes spoiling Bawumias chance He said.







Source: ghanapoliticsonline









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Featured Video
Cladding used at Brisbanes Princess Alexandra Hospital may be unsafe, and has been taken for testing by authorities, says the Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni.

After the Queensland Building and Construction Commission voiced concern, the Department of Housing and Public Works opened up an investigation into Princess Alexandras building records.

Officers from the Commission, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, and the Department have taken samples of the cladding used in various parts of the building for testing. They expect to know within days if the product is or is not fire-retardant.

De Brenni said:

This week information was provided to me regarding the possibility of non-fire retardant cladding on a building at the PA Hospital. Yesterday officers from the QBCC, QFES and HPW took samples of the cladding for testing. At this stage the status of the product is unknown and further samples are being removed for testing. Our advice is that the risk of any incident would be low and we have taken action to increase security around the building while the testing continues.

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said that the hospital adheres to strict fire safety standards: The PA Hospital has state of the art fire facilities with sprinklers, fire alarms and evacuation systems. These systems have been inspected by QFES officers and they are compliant.

Worldwide concern about building materials used in cladding was spurred by the Grenfell Tower disaster in west London earlier this month, where a fire started by a fridge freezer is suspected to have spread so quickly because of the highly flammable material. In Victoria, over 20 buildings contain similar cladding, while in New South Wales, there are 2,500 buildings covered in it.

The Housing and Public Works Minister also announced the creation of an Audit Taskforce to investigate any buildings constructed between 1994 and 2004 that may have used aluminium composite cladding.

Source: The Courier-Mail.

Photo: Spine Society.
A gigantic, beautiful, rainbow-coloured congratulations to the people of Germany, whove just scored the fundamental right of being able to marry their beloveds, regardless of gender.

Thats right: after a snap vote called by the Social Democratic Party, the German parliament has voted overwhelmingly to legalise same-sex marriage.

Ja: 393, Nein: 226 Die #EheFuerAlle kommt  Ulrich Kelber (@UlrichKelber) June 30, 2017

Ja!

Despite Chancellor Angela Merkel opposing the move, she allowed her conservative Christian Democrats party to do a conscience vote  and the results are clear.

a concept: germany finally legalising gay marriage during pride month  toni ?????? (@comfortclose) June 27, 2017

?????????????????? HELLO HELLO INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS ?????????????????? GERMANY JUST LEGALIZED SAME-SEX MARRIAGE ????????????????????????#PrideMonth  mina ???? (@lasersushi) June 30, 2017

Gay marriage legalised in #Germany today after free vote in parliament. Please, @TurnbullMalcolm, put us on the right side of history.  Sylvia Jeffreys (@SylviaJeffreys) June 30, 2017

Hope youre paying attention, pillocks of Australian parliament. Come on. Its long past being embarrassing.

Source: Independent.

Image: Twitter / @mydaughtersarmy.
(Emily Kask, PennLive)

Compiled by Jim Cheney | Special to PennLive

Things to do and places to visit in Pa. this July

Now that summer is officially here, it's time to get out and enjoy Pennsylvania. If you are looking for an excuse to travel around the state in the coming month, I've got 9 great reasons below to travel Pa. in July.

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Jim Cheney | Special to PennLive

Visit Independence Hall

There's no better time to visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia than July. As the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed, there might be no place more important to American history than Independence Hall. Visitors to the site can tour the building to learn about the important events in U.S. history that occurred here.

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Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia

Celebrate America at the Wawa Welcome America Festival

Speaking of Independence Day, you won't want to miss the Wawa Welcome America Festival in Philly. While many communities celebrate Independence Day, nowhere does it better than the birthplace of America. The event will feature 50 events over six days, culminating in a star-studded concert and fireworks show on July 4th.

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James Robinson | jrobinson@pennlive.com

Cheer on the racers at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

The streets of Pittsburgh come alive as some of the best vintage race cars in the country descend on Pittsburgh for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix on July 15-16. See antique cars up close at a variety of car shows in the days leading up to the races, and then cheer along as they race through Schenley Park. If you love antique automobiles, this is an event not to be missed.

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Visit Erie

Relax on the beaches of Lake Erie

Pennsylvania's only shoreline can be found along Lake Erie, and Erie's Presque Isle State Park is home to over a dozen fantastic beaches that are perfect for the whole family. Spend some time relaxing, swimming, and listening to the waves on this freshwater shoreline. Then, head inland to hike or bike along the park's great hiking trails. If you want even more excitement, rent a kayak and explore the many nooks and crannies along Presque Isle's shoreline.

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Provided photo

Shop 'til you drop at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

Drawing over 100,000 people every year, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts in State College is one of the largest arts festivals in the country. This five-day event runs from July 12-16 and features hundreds of vendors selling every type of craft imaginable. There are also live performances, races, an art show and much more.

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Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive

Break out your umbrella at Rain Day

During most festivals, rain can be a problem. However, in the southwestern Pennsylvania community of Waynesburg, their signature festival isn't a success unless it rains.

Rain Day

on July 29 is a tradition dating back nearly 150 years. When it rains, and it has in 114 of 143 years, the community wins their hat bet. Made every year with a celebrity, the participants bet a hat that it will rain. Some of the hats won throughout the years can be seen at the

Greene County Historical Society Museum

. The festival also features live music, vendors, and much more.

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Jim Cheney | Special to PennLive

Eat Tastykakes at Bastille Day

Philadelphia has a lot of strange festivals, but Bastille Day is easily one of the oddest. Bastille Day is celebrated every July 15 and commemorates the French victory in the French Revolution. Held at Eastern State Penitentiary, the event features an hour-long re-creation of the revolution by The Bearded Ladies. At they end, they parade Marie Antoinette to the guillotine as Tastykakes rain down from the walls of the former prison. Yes, it's strange, but it also can't be missed.

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Jim Cheney | Special to PennLive

Remember the 15th anniversary of the Quecreek Mine rescue

Fifteen years ago this July, nine miners were trapped underground in the Quecreek Mine near Somerset, Pennsylvania. After five days, all nine miners were pulled out of the mine alive through a 240-foot shaft that was dug into the ground. Visitors can explore the site of the rescue and tour the fantastic museum that has been created on the site. During the month of July, several tours will be run at the site and offer visitors a look back at this event that captivated the nation.

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Jim Cheney | Special to PennLive

Explore Pennsylvania's caverns and mines

If it's too hot outside, why not head underground? Pennsylvania's show caverns are always cool and offer a fascinating respite from the heat. The closest cavern to Harrisburg is Indian Echo Caverns, but there are others both to the east and west. You can even explore old coal mines in both Scranton and Ashland, PA.

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Jim Cheney | Special to PennLive.com

Want more cool places in Pennsylvania?

Jim Cheney is the writer behind UncoveringPA, Pennsylvania's most read travel blog. He has traveled to every county in Pennsylvania, and to many countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. He lives in Harrisburg, Pa.

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Looking for more day trip ideas?

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The chair of Donald Trump's Election Integrity Commission has penned a letter to all 50 states requesting their full voter role data, including the name, address, date of birth, party affiliation, last four Social Security number digits and voting history back to 2006 of potentially every voter in the state.

In the letter, a copy of which was made public by the Connecticut Secretary of State, Kris Kobach said that "any documents that are submitted to the full Commission will also be made available to the public."

On Wednesday the office of the Vice President released a statement saying "a letter will be sent today to the 50 states and District of Columbia on behalf of the Commission requesting publicly-available data from state voter rolls and feedback on how to improve election integrity."

Under federal law, each state must maintain a central file of registered voters. Different states collect different amounts of information on voters. While the files are technically public record, states usually charge fees to individuals or entities who want to access them. Political campaigns and parties typically use these files to compile their massive voter lists.

In May, President Donald Trump created a commission to investigate alleged acts of voter fraud after he claimed, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million illegal immigrants voted illegally in the 2016 election. The commission is chaired by Kobach, who is Kansas' Secretary of State, a voter-fraud hardliner.

Connecticut's Secretary of State, Denise Merrill, said in a statement that Kobach "has a lengthy record of illegally disenfranchising eligible voters in Kansas," and that "given Secretary Kobach's history we find it very difficult to have confidence in the work of this Commission."

Gov statement on request from @realDonaldTrump elections commission: pic.twitter.com/xkmCs2IbBP  Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) June 29, 2017

Earlier this month a federal judge fined Kobach $1,000 for "presenting misleading arguments in a voting-related lawsuit," according to Politico.

Advocates for voting rights and civil liberties are also sounding alarm over the letter. "The concern is that this is going to be used to justify regressive and disenfranchising federal law," said Myrna Perez, deputy director of the Democracy Program at the NYU Law School's Brennan Center, in an interview.

Vanita Gupta, CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and former head of the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, said on Twitter that the letter is "laying the groundwork for voter suppression, plain & simple."

The White House press office did not return a request for comment on this story. A spokesman for Kobach in the Kansas Secretary of State's office referred an inquiry to an email address listed in the Commission's letter. The Commission did not return a request sent to that email address.

Trump and his allies have said the Commission's work is necessary to prevent what they call widespread instances of voter fraud. But evidence for such fraud is exceedingly thin. Secretary Kobach has made it a central issue of his tenure and has achieved a total of nine voter fraud convictions. Most were older Republican voters, and at least one claims he was targeted for an "honest mistake."

Academics who have studied the issue for decades say voter fraud - particularly of the type that strict ID laws championed by Kobach and others are intended to combat - is vanishingly rare, and that voter ID requirements are a burdensome solution to a practically non-existent problem. A federal judge ruled that some of Kobach's proposed ID requirements constituted a "mass denial of a fundamental constitutional right."

While civil liberties advocates are concerned with what Kobach might do with what would amount to a nationwide voter file, privacy advocates worry about the implications of making such data available to the public, as the Commission says it intends to do. It hasn't specified how it would make the data available.

(c) 2017, The Washington Post * Christopher Ingraham
LANCASTER -- Chief Justice John Roberts told a gathering of lawyers and judges on Friday that pop culture references can be the perfect way to make a legal point, but they carry some risk.

Roberts, in Lancaster to address the Judicial Conference of the District of Columbia Circuit, was questioned by Chief Circuit Judge Merrick Garland, whose nomination as President Barack Obama's pick to join Roberts on the court was scuttled last year by Republicans in the U.S. Senate.

Garland asked the 62-year-old Roberts about references in oral arguments and written decisions to Spiderman, Kim Kardashian West, Dr. Seuss, NASCAR, Bob Dylan and The Clash.

"There is a real danger if you do it at oral argument, and that is that Justice Breyer might have no idea what you're talking about," Roberts said, drawing laughs.

Breyer himself brought up Kardashian at an argument in October, but the 78-year-old justice often reaches for less accessible cultural references.

The court has spawned its very own cultural touchstone, as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has inspired the nickname Notorious RBG -- although she had to have the moniker explained to her when she first heard it.

Obama nominated Garland in March 2016, a month after Justice Antonin Scalia's death, but Republicans in the GOP-controlled Senate refused to consider him. Garland's fate was sealed with President Donald Trump's election.

Roberts served with Garland for two years on the D.C. Circuit. Although he is the leader of the judicial branch, the chief justice stayed out of the fight over Garland's nomination.

Garland asked Roberts about a long-term decline in the number of cases the high court hears.

The lack of a ninth justice until April, when Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the court, forced the short-handed court to avoid contentious issues that might have produced ties votes. The justices also heard just 64 cases over nine months, part of a slow, steady decline in their caseload.

The court this week ended its term without any of the high-profile cases that have marked its calendar in recent years.

Roberts said they are capable of "comfortably" handling about 100 cases, and he's not sure why the number isn't higher.

"To some extent, it's a great mystery, and many of us would like to see more cases come, but they're really just not there," Roberts said.

Roberts said one aspect of his job he greatly enjoys has been the chief justice's status as chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington's vast network of museums and research facilities.

It's "liberating" when others on the Board of Regents don't expect him to have expertise in the often arcane matters the Smithsonian has to deal with, Roberts said.

"It's also very valuable, you know, when a panda is born -- because you get to go see it right away," he said.

As for his summer book and movie plans, Roberts said he recently became a fan of the "Very Short Introductions" series by Oxford University Press, small primers on an eclectic range of topics.

He said he also hopes to go see "Dunkirk" once it's released.
It's the kind of advice that might only make sense in Gettysburg, a Pennsylvania city steeped in national history so palpable the Civil War is still reenacted 154 years later.

"All business owners are asked to keep weapons to include Civil War bayonets, swords and guns away from the front entrance of the shop," read an advisory from the Gettysburg police. "If you sell or display Confederate flags you may want to keep them in a safe area."

Like the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 - the war's bloodiest battle with more than 23,000 casualties - visitors to the hallowed ground of the Gettysburg National Military Park still disagree about the Confederate flag and what it represents.

That strife is expected to resurface again Saturday, which marks the 154th anniversary of the beginning of the battle that lasted three days, with protesters and counter-protesters expected in town.

"On 1 July it is possible a protest to burn Confederate flags may be taking place at an unknown location on the Gettysburg Battle Field," the police advisory said. "With the groups who are stating they will show up for and against the flag burning there is a potential for disorderly activity."

Pro-Confederate flag protesters are permitted to demonstrate on national park property. It's been reported that members of Antifa, a group that describes itself as anti-fascism and anti-bigotry, will show up without a permit and burn flags.

But Central PA Antifa said the reports are false and it won't be a part of a Gettysburg protest or counter-protest.

"The rumored event in Gettysburg this Saturday is a complete fabrication," the group said in an email to PennLive.

READ MORE:

No Antifa groups have planned a rally Saturday in Gettysburg, according to the email and a Facebook post. Instead, Central PA Antifa and other Antifa groups in the state are planning to participate in an anti-Trump rally Sunday in Philadelphia.

Central PA Antifa is blaming "a fake group" for reports that Antifa groups would be in Gettysburg.

"We have traced the rumor back to a Facebook page for a fake antifa group calling themselves Harrisburg Antifa," the email from Central PA Antifa said. "This page is not run by antifascists but by alt-right trolls attempting to discredit antifa, create confusion, and attempt to stir violence."

Breitbart reported Tuesday that leftist groups are planning to burn Confederate flags and desecrate monuments.

Central PA Antifa said it would never burn flags or disrupt graves in Gettysburg.

"Central PA Antifa does not condone the desecration of graves," the group's email to PennLive said. "In particular we would never damage the historical value of Gettysburg, a site of great historical importance in the struggle against oppression. The battle was a turning point in the war that eventually led to the freeing of millions of slaves."

A park spokeswoman confirmed no protest permits have been requested by any Antifa groups.

First Amendment permits have been granted to the following groups:

Sons of Confederate Veterans

Real 3 % Risen from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. north of Meade's Headquarters along the west side of Taneytown Road, with 500 to 1,500 people expected.

Maryland Sons of Confederate Veterans have received a First Amendment permit to hold a commemorative march with 20 reenactors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., moving from the North Carolina memorial to the Virginia memorial. They will hold a small ceremony at each monument.

In addition to those demonstrations, a private reenactment festival is scheduled about two miles from the park. Also, an event at the park Saturday called "Support America and Her History, Rally! If You Hate US, Leave!" is also seeking participants on Facebook.

Park officials are not expecting problems, according to spokeswoman Katie Lawhon.

However, if people act unlawfully, there are plans in place to protect rights, and ensure the safety of the public and the park, she said.

"We have had First Amendment events at Gettysburg and in our national parks many times in the past," she said earlier this week. "We've got a good plan in place."

In addition to Gettysburg National Military Park police, state and local police and national park police from Washington, D.C., will be assisting.

The Gettysburg police advisory said something similar:

"The Gettysburg Police Department along with the Park Service, State Police, Cumberland Township Police and the Adams County Sheriff's Office and many other Gettysburg and Adams County agencies are taking all precautions to ensure the safety of our residents, businesses and visitors."
Sen. Pat Toomey next week will appear in a televised town hall hosted by ABC27 News.

The event, scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the news outlet's Harrisburg station, will be broadcast by other ABC affiliate stations in Altoona, Wilkes-Barre and Erie.

Viewers will be connected with the Republican senator during the live event via social media. ABC27 will take questions for Toomey on its Facebook page.

Because of capacity limitations at the station, admittance to the town hall is by invitation only.

ABC27 in April hosted a similar town hall event with Toomey's Democratic counterpart, Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. The same audience parameters applied.

Toomey this year has come under fire from constituents who say he has shirked his duty as a lawmaker to meet with them face to face. The Lehigh Valley Republican in March met with members of a protest group that has spent weeks holding regular demonstrations outside his offices statewide to express their displeasure with the Trump administration and Toomey's support for Trump policies.

Toomey is a member of the 13-senator committee that drafted the Senate's so-called repeal and replacement health care bill.

Sen. Bob Casey, Jr., D-Pa.

At the time of Casey's April appearance at the station, Dauphin County GOP Chairman Dave Feidt held a press conference to coincide with Casey's appearance event. Feidt blasted the Democratic lawmaker for what he said was his turn to the far-left" and his failure to represent Pennsylvania.
In a strong bipartisan vote, the state Senate Appropriations Committee gave easy approval Thursday night to a $32 billion general fund budget for Pennsylvania's state government.

The 23-3 vote was the first formal step in a legislative itinerary aimed at getting the spending bill to Gov. Tom Wolf's desk by Friday evening, hours before the start of the 2017-18 fiscal year on July 1.

Wolf has publicly endorsed the spending plan, the result of closed-door negotiations between Republican and Democratic lawmakers and the governor's senior staff in recent weeks.

It is not a completed package, and likely will not receive the governor's signature until a trailing program of taxes and revenues to pay for it all is acted on - most likely after the 4th of July holiday.

The revenue bills may include authorization of a large bond issue against the state's ongoing payments from the 1998 multi-state tobacco settlement agreement to cover a $1 billion-plus deficit from this year, and hundreds of millions in new revenues to cover all new recurring spending above the 2016-17 levels.

All sides, however, have sworn off any increases in the state's 3.07 percent personal income tax.

The general fund bill represents spending growth of just 0.6 percent over expected final outlays from 2016-17, Appropriations Committee Chair Pat Browne, R-Lehigh County, said Thursday night.

While limited in its ambition after a year of poor tax revenue growth, the plan contains a small boost in funding for public schools, and restores some House-passed cuts for county-based human services.

It also, however, in the quest for containment of the state's top perennial cost-drivers, reflects the planned closure of a state prison in Pittsburgh, and wrings some new savings from state Medicaid programs.

Highlights include:

Restoration of $50 million that Wolf had proposed cutting from state aid for school transportation, a key demand of Senate Republicans, whose 34 seats cover the vast majority of the state geographically.

Though those funds are earmarked for transportation, they will also have the effect of making the $100 million increase in the main subsidy for classroom instruction a pure, net gain for the state's 500 districts.

The add-back of a $30 million annual state subsidy to the University of Pennsylvania's veterinary school, which Wolf had zeroed out in his original proposal.

Other operational grants to the three major state-related universities - Penn State, Pitt and Temple - were flat-funded from this year, while the 14 state-owned universities are getting a 2 percent bump as proposed by Wolf.

Democrats and Republicans both were pleased with the restoration of funds to an assortment of county-administered human service lines that had been shaved in the $31.5 billion House GOP-backed plan earlier this spring.

The agreed-to plan also appears to meet Wolf halfway on his plan to consolidate several state agencies.

The budget for state parole services and its probation officers is being merged into the Department of Corrections, for example.

Legislative leaders also agreed to a plan to "work toward" the idea of merging the state Department of Human Services and the state Department of Health, though they are being kept separate for the time being in the 2017-18 budget.

Two other departments included in Wolf's initial social services merger - Aging and Drug and Alcohol Programs - would retain their status as separate cabinet-level departments.

Three senators voted against the bill Thursday night: Democrats Art Haywood, and Daylin Leach, both from Montgomery County, and Republican Scott Wagner, the York County Republican who is an announced challenger to Wolf's 2018 re-election bid.

Wagner said after the meeting that he was opposing the bill because "we don't know where the revenue's coming from... That's not the way you do business."

In addition, Wagner said he does not believe, for all the talk of austerity, that the Wolf Administration "has done a deep dive in any areas to try to become more efficient."

Leach, in a statement, decried what to him seemed like the plan's "settling" factor, brought on by a refusal to consider tax increases that would "honestly pay for our priorities...

"This year we're making modest investments in education," Leach continued, "But we never seriously considered making college affordable for students, or raising the minimum wage for workers, or providing property tax relief to home owners. What the hell are we doing here, if not the big, hard things?"

But Browne said the budget checks the right boxes for Pennsylvania this year.

"There's a lot of important initiatives in here that are important to the members of this (Senate Republican) caucus, and the people of Pennsylvania," he said.

Wolf agreed.

"This plan is a bipartisan compromise that invests more in our schools, protects seniors, creates jobs, and builds on our fight to end the heroin epidemic," the governor said in a statement.

"... I look forward to both chambers passing this bill and coming together to complete the process with a long-term, responsible solution to our budget challenges."

Wolf would have 10 days to act on the budget bill once it reaches his desk.

If the 10-day clock expires and there is no agreement at hand on revenues, the governor could line-time veto a portion of the budget, essentially freezing a certain amount of spending until the revenue target is set.
A federal judge has signed a consent decree designed to end a legal battle over how the School District of Lancaster educates immigrant students.

The agreement the district and representatives for the students, including the ACLU and the Education Law Center of Pennsylvania, was made official by U.S. Eastern District Judge Edward G. Smith this week.

District officials and the lawyers for six students who sued the district reached the deal in March.

Among other things, the accord requires that immigrant students ages 17 to 21 be allowed to attend McCaskey High School rather than being segregated into the separate privately-run Phoenix Academy program.

The district must hire two staffers to assist immigrant pupils and has to create a $66,500 fund to make payments to the six students who sued, immigrant students who were denied enrollment and those who were restricted to the Phoenix program.

Also, the district's insurer must pay the ACLU $300,000 for legal expenses while the district pays another $70,000 out of pocket.

The students who sued over what they claimed were discriminatory education policies are from Somalia, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burma.

Maura McInerney, senior attorney with the Education Law Center, called the signing of the consent agreement "an important victory for all current and future immigrant students in the district."

School district officials also praised the settlement, which they said will affect "overage" immigrant students. "We are committed to serving the needs of all students to help them obtain their English proficiency," they said in a statement.

"As always, the school district denies any wrongdoing in this matter, but believes that entering this settlement is in the best interest of our students and constituents," they added.

The district educates 500 to 600 immigrant students annually, school officials said.

"Throughout this entire lawsuit, the school district was cooperative and sought solutions, culminating in the district collaborating with the plaintiffs in designing a settlement that will work well for our students," Superintendent Damaris Rau said. "We will continue to cooperate with our many community partners to improve outcomes for all district students."

This story has been updated with comment from school district officials.
A state appeals court has refused to reduce the 13- to 26-year prison sentence of a drunken driver who was texting when he struck a pedestrian so hard the impact tore her body apart.

And Jose Santiago didn't stop after he struck 62-year-old Anna Lewis in March 2015, Judge Carl A. Solano noted in the Superior Court opinion denying Santiago's appeal.

Instead, the judge wrote, Santiago drove to his girlfriend's house with part of Lewis' body inside his car and her blood on his pants and jacket. He then tried to tell police he knew nothing about the crash.

The state court's rejection of Santiago's appeal came a year after Lehigh County Judge Maria L. Dantos sent the 35-year-old Allentown man to prison for his guilty pleas in the DUI crash, a drug dealing case and a probation violation.

Police said Lewis was struck by Santiago's Saab as she and her sister, 51-year-old Rosalie Carlo, were walking on the gravel berm of Airport Road in Hanover Township just before 9 p.m. on March 15, 2015.

Lewis' body was cut into three pieces, some of which were hurled into the driver's compartment of Santiago's car, investigators said. Carlo was injured, but survived.

Police later determined that Santiago, a chronic criminal offender, was drunk on alcohol and high on marijuana when he hit the women at 66 mph in the 50 mph zone.

Santiago pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle while DUI and aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI for killing Lewis and injuring Carlo. He had no sentencing deal with prosecutors.

During his sentencing hearing, a state trooper told Dantos she can't purge the gruesome image of the crash scene from her memory, Solano noted.

On appeal to the state court, Santiago argued that his prison sentence is "unduly harsh and punitive" and that Dantos didn't consider his rehabilitative needs.

Solano concluded that the county judge got it right, however. He cited Dantos' observations that Santiago had 15 arrests as a juvenile and another nine as an adult. The county judge said he was "arrogant" and refused to cooperate with police who were investigating the fatal crash.

"You cut her in half and drove home with her body parts in your car and went up to bed," Dantos said at Santiago's sentencing hearing. "So, I hope you think about it every day. ... There is nothing but the maximum (prison term) that will do for you."
In an annual budget of millions, it doesn't seem like a lot -- $2,300 -- but for the financially struggling Harrisburg school district, every penny counts. That $2,300 could supply classrooms with essential supplies for the year, update a library collection, help pay a teacher's aide, provide some building maintenance, contribute to a utility bill.

So where did this particular $2,300 almost go? To outside lawyers hired for a secret investigation of board members. Because the district won't release the resulting report, citing attorney/client privilege, the public can't know whether specific board members were targeted, what really prompted the probe or even whether taxpayers would have gotten their money's worth.

All we know, based on the word of Superintendent Sybil Knight-Burney and board president Danielle Robinson, is that the board members in question passed.

According to Knight-Burney, the investigation looked into conflicts of interest, centering specifically on the Hatch Act. The act forbids federal employees from seeking political office and also applies to state employees whose salaries are paid for completely by federal loans or grants.

She says it was prompted by concerns brought to her by community members.

We've got some problems with this scenario, and if you live in the Harrisburg school district, you should, too. Here is why:

First, Knight-Burney answers to the board, and her contract renewal is coming up later this year. Two of the board members who likely were targeted by this ill-conceived probe -- Matthew Krupp and Judd Pittman -- have been highly critical of her job performance.

Pittman works for the Lebanon-Lancaster Intermediate Unit and spent a stint as a special consultant to the secretary of education, with no federal funds involved. Krupp had been employed by the state until March but did not fall under provisions of the Hatch Act either. He was not running for re-election, but you can see how knocking him off the board could potentially benefit Knight-Burney.

Knight-Burney should not have ignored any concerns brought to her attention, of course, but she had far better alternatives for responding. By opting for a secret investigation directed by herself, she created a potential conflict of interest for herself.

She should have known that turning to an independent, outside agency was her only good option. And there are plenty available - the county board of elections, the Pa. Department of State, the Auditor General's Office -- none of which have to research the law on who can run for office, which it seems the outside law firm had to do. And none of which would have billed the district.

Instead, this investigation comes across as surreptitious and politically motivated.

The timing of the investigation doesn't look good. It occurred as petitions were circulated for the primary election, and the results went to Knight-Burney on March 21, the day before candidates could remove their name from the ballot.

As it happens, board president Robinson, a Knight-Burney ally, was competing against a field of candidates that included Pittman for four open seats. (Both won spots on the November ballot.)

Then there is the secrecy -- which to the politically paranoid could be construed as conspiracy, for Robinson was the only board member to know about the investigation. If Krupp hadn't asked some pointed questions as he was reviewing district legal expenses, this probe may never have come to light.

Robinson says this isn't the first time board members have been investigated for potential conflicts in this manner. Even so, that doesn't make it right. It just suggests that a highly suspect practice is entrenched.

And what about the quality of the investigation, performed by the Levin Legal Group of Huntington Valley? Who are they and how were they chosen?

The firm touts itself as expert in labor law, public school law and services to government entities, yet it apparently had to research federal laws, the state's ethics act and a "review of non-statute resources regarding public officials and conflicts of interest," according to PennLive reporter Christine Vendel's story on this sorry mess.

Since Krupp raised questions about the bill, Vendel was told, the Levin Legal Group decided to drop its fee. That's great for the district's bottom line, but it ignores the greater issue:

The Harrisburg School District battles innumerable obstacles to providing its students with a good education, from poverty and crime to an eroding tax base and ever-rising costs. The one thing it cannot afford to be without is solidarity among those tasked with raising up the district and its students.

Without trust between a school board and its top administrator, it doesn't matter how engaged the community is, how motivated students are or how much money a district has to work with.

It was only $2,300. But that expense may have laid bare a fundamental problem holding the district back. Does Sylvia Knight-Burney have the trust of the school board she answers to? And should she?
Gov. Tom Wolf exercised his first veto of 2017 in order to strike down a proposal that would have pre-empted local restrictions on the use of plastic bags.

The governor went so far as to invoke the clause in the state constitution protecting citizens' right to clean air, pure water and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the environment.

Wolf wrote on Friday that House Bill 1071 "is not consistent with the rights vested by the Environmental Rights Amendment of the Pennsylvania Constitution, and the duties upon all governmental actors, including municipalities."

He went on to argue that the state should only move to limit local decisions, such as bans on plastic bags "on rare occasions."

It's unlikely the state Senate would be able to override the veto, as the bill received a 28-21 vote on final passage. The measure was in response to an increasing number of bans nationwide, including a statewide one upheld by California voters in a ballot initiative last year.

Supporters, including retail and plastic bag manufacturer lobbies, argued that bifurcated local ordinances could add to the cost of doing business and that bans imperilled manfucturing jobs. Opponents pointed to the environmental and public health benefits of getting rid of the bags, in addition to the issue of local rule.

On Friday, the State Association of Township Supervisors applauded the veto.

"This is a local issue that should be decided by local elected leaders who live in the communities they represent and are better in tune with the sentiments of their constituents than a 'one-size-fits-all' law from Harrisburg," said Executive Director David Sanko, in a written statement.

Plastic manufacturer Novolex, which has a facility in Centre County, decried Friday's veto.

"This decision will hurt workers and make Pennsylvania less competitive for the manufacturing sector," said Phil Rozenski, the corporation's senior director of sustainability.
Kingsley Gilliam, with the Black Action Defence Committee, speaks outside coroner's court in Toronto on Friday, June 30, 2017. An inquest jury made several recommendations regarding police training and racism in the death of Andrew Loku, who was shot dead by an officer in July 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Colin Perkel
FILE- In this Tuesday, May 25, 2017, file photo, a line of U.S. M60A3 Patton tank fire at targets during the annual Han Kuang exercises on the outlying Penghu Island, Taiwan. Beijing has strongly protested a U.S. plan to sell $1.4 billion worth of arms to Taiwan and demanded that the deal be canceled. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Friday said Washington should immediately stop the sale to avoid harming relations with Beijing. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File)
As it happened: How local news reported the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Galuccio-led investors plan $500 million Mexico market listing to buy energy assets



Vista Oil & Gas  a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) also known as a blank cheque company  will be headed up by former YPF chief executive Miguel Galuccio

MEXICO CITY



Petroleumworld 06 30 2017

Private equity group Riverstone Holdings and Miguel Galuccio, a former chief executive of Argentine state-owned oil company YPF, aim to raise $500 million in Mexico's first-ever stock market listing of a special purpose acquisition company, according to two people familiar with the plan.

Vista Oil & Gas, the special purpose vehicle, intends to purchase energy exploration and production assets in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil within two years of its listing, tentatively planned for a month from now, according to an investor presentation.

The stock market listing would be the first to take advantage of a 2013 constitutional change that opened Mexico's energy production and exploration to private investors for the first time in 75 years.

Reuters could not immediately reach a Riverstone spokesman.

Special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, raise money from investors and then go shopping, betting that their management teams will find attractive deals at suitable prices.

They have gained ground in U.S. shale oil and gas because they hold cash that can be invested quickly, and because their publicly traded shares are more liquid than private equity investments.

Riverstone, a private equity group founded in 2000, has committed over $35 billion in 130 investments in the energy industry.

Galuccio resigned as head of YPF last year amid a change in administration by Argentina's incoming president, Mauricio Macri.

Credit Suisse and Citi are managing the listing of Vista Oil & Gas, according to its prospectus.






Townsend "Tod" Wentz, riding high with Townsend, the East Passyunk French gem, and A Mano, the Fairmount-area Italian BYOB, has inked a deal to set up a Spanish-theme bar-restaurant in Washington Square West.

The restaurant, penciled in for fall, will be called Oloroso.

It will take 1121 Walnut St., the former home of Petruce et al. It will share the block with a diverse assortment of dining options, including the Irish Pub, Moriarty's, Caribou Cafe, Bareburger, Destination Dogs, Snap, and Matt & Marie's.

Here's the early word:

Wentz tells me that he's going for "sun-drenched rusticity" with the menu, which will include tapas as well as larger plates, such as paella, whole grilled turbot, and roasted pig head. He'll use the existing wood-burning grill and oven.

Though he said he had never cooked Spanish food professionally, "it's the intersection of fine dining and what I was doing in the early days of my career," notably at Twenty21, a long-ago restaurant at Commerce Square. Many of his crew have worked with him for years.

The interior will get a face lift to install a look of openness. A mahogany bar is on the way. Banquettes will give way to high-tops and the color scheme will skew to reds and oranges, including a mural by Bill Strobel.

Gordana Kostovski will set up the wine list, and general manager Lauren Harris will set up a selection of sherry and vermouth
Despite the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act turning 50 this year, some still find it difficult to overcome age discrimination. Read more

The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act turns 50 this year  about the age when many American workers begin to encounter the kinds of biases the law was intended to prevent.

At this "milestone of middle age," quipped Victoria Lipnic, acting chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the law is grappling with new forms of age discrimination in the internet era.

Research by the EEOC, which received 20,857 claims of age discrimination last year, found that 65 percent of older workers say age is a barrier to getting a job.

The issue has taken on even greater importance as American workers delay retirement and stay in the workplace longer, pushing up the median age in the U.S. labor force.

Here's a look at some of the trends in age discrimination:

Digital natives vs. digital immigrants

In job ads, some employers have begun listing "digital native" as a requirement for the position. The term, many say, is a "code word" for young workers who have grown up with technology and will be able to use new systems with ease.

This term plays into stereotypes that "digital immigrants"  usually older workers who came of age before the internet  will be slow to adapt to technology, reluctant to learn, and costly to train.

Older workers are sometimes labeled as "technophobic," said Sara Czaja, director of the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement.

But contrary to stereotypes, research does not show a correlation between age and work performance. If tasks are based on speed and accuracy, Czaja conceded that age may play a factor in an employee's productivity.

A 2010 study of adults ages 65 to 85 found that the majority of participants had a positive attitude toward using technology.

Of course, it is difficult to tell if companies are using the term "digital native" as a subtle form of discrimination or if they simply require an applicant proficient in certain technology skills.

Jacquelyn James, co-director of the Center on Aging and Work at Boston College, said most of the time people aren't conscious of their biases or stereotypes. "The acknowledgment that they are implicit, that we don't see them, we don't recognize them is the most important hedge against their negative effects," she said.

For something like a job description, James suggested putting together a team of people of different ages to ensure phrases such as "digital native" aren't giving off the wrong idea.

Women experience age discrimination before men

Although people of both genders struggle with age discrimination, research has shown women begin to experience age discrimination in hiring practices before they reach 50, whereas men don't experience it until several years later.

In a 2015 study examining the effect of a date of birth listed on a resume, researchers found all applicants over age 64 were less likely than younger applicants to receive a request for an interview or an inquiry. However, middle-aged women, ages 49 to 51, had a significantly lower callback rate than younger women, ages 29 to 31, while middle-aged men did not follow the same pattern.

The study also found discrimination toward older men was prominent in only select fields, but older women felt discrimination across the board.

And legal protections against age discrimination tend to skew more toward men. "Evidence suggests laws help older men more than older women," said Patrick Button, one of the authors of the study and an assistant professor at Tulane University.

As women age, they also see more disparity in wages, with women ages 20 to 24 receiving 90 percent of men's earnings while women over 65 make 74 percent of men's wages, according to a 2017 study from the American Association of University Women using Census Bureau data.

Filling job openings with older workers

At the peak of job loss caused by the Great Recession, U.S. employment had fallen by 8.8 million jobs, according to an overview from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many older workers who were laid off simply dropped out of the job market permanently.

But with an unemployment rate now down to 4.3 percent, the lowest level since 2001 and what many economists consider as full employment, companies are likely to try to lure back older, skilled workers to fill openings.

"We're at a time in our economy right now, nearing the end of an expansion, where unemployment is very low  so it's a time where change can occur. Companies dip into pools of workers that normally they ignore from discrimination," said John Challenger, chief executive of Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., an outplacement company. "The core fuel for our economy is not energy, it's particularly skilled workers."

As a result, the labor force participation rate for workers ages 65 and older is projected to increase to 21.7 percent by 2024, from 18.6 percent in 2014, according to a 2015 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And older workers are expected to account for a higher share of the overall labor force.

Questions about your date of birth

Just as technology is causing barriers inside the workplace for older employees, online applications and search engines could be hurting older workers looking for jobs.

Many applications have required fields asking for date of birth and high school graduation, which many older workers leave off their resumes. The required field often deters older workers from completing the application because they worry they don't have a shot because of their age, and allows companies to screen out applicants based on age.

"Why would you need someone's date of birth? Do you ask them their sex, their race? No," said Cathy Ventrell-Monsees, senior attorney adviser to the chair at the EEOC. "If it matters when someone gets a job, perhaps because there are benefits, then you ask for date of birth when they get the job."

AARP wants the EEOC to make a required field for date of birth or graduation date unlawful because "anytime they're using age in those algorithms that is a violation of the ADEA," said Laurie McCann, an attorney with AARP Foundation Litigation.

Furthermore, McCann said, some search engines allow people to filter their search based on high school graduation date, thereby allowing employers and employees to screen people and positions out of the running.
Pharmaceutical maker Allergan PLC has settled a whistle-blower lawsuit brought by two Philadelphia-area ophthalmologists who alleged the company provided paid speaking engagements, free business consulting, and other services as an inducement for physicians to prescribe its expensive eye-care medications.

The suit was brought by Herbert J. Nevyas and Anita Nevyas-Wallace, a father and daughter team of ophthalmologists based in Bala Cynwyd. They alleged that Allergan offered services ranging from practice-group management advice, human-resources assistance, and continuing education in a kickback scheme aimed at stimulating sales of eye-care drugs Restasis and Acular LS, among others.

Allergan agreed to pay $13 million to settle the case, and the funds will be shared by Nevyas and Nevyas-Wallace, the federal government, and 19 states involved in the action. Under federal law, Nevyas and his daughter may claim up to 30 percent of the settlement amount.

Marc Raspanti, the physicians' lawyer and a partner at the Center City firm of Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, said they had "the integrity and courage to come forward. Their efforts saved American taxpayers many millions of dollars."

Allergan, through a spokesman, declined on Friday to comment.

The lawsuit alleged that the effort to induce the physicians to prescribe Allergan drugs began in 2009, when they received an invitation to attend a "Dry-Eye Dinner" for physicians at the Maia restaurant in Villanova. There, Allergan representatives laid out a variety of strategies for treating patients with the condition and how Allergan might help them market their practices. Restasis is approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic dry-eye condition.

Bob Teale, an Allergan employee, suggested that physicians brand their practices as a "Dry-Eye Center for Excellence" and Teale offered scripts to physicians for discussions with patients.

According to the complaint, Teale also described a proprietary website called Allergan Access where physicians, for an annual fee, would obtain advice on billing matters, human resources issues, marketing materials, and other information.

In an email the following day to Nevyas and his daughter, Teale said, "My objective is to help practices become more profitable while making the business of managing a practice more rewarding and fun."

The complaint also describes a Sept. 18, 2009, meeting between Teale and the physicians in which Teale offered the services of Allergan's business adviser group, which provided advice to physicians on how to manage their practices. According to the complaint, Teale went on to say that he expected them to "show their appreciation" by prescribing Allergan products. Another Allergan representative, on a separate occasion, offered to enroll Nevyas-Wallace in the company's paid-speakers' bureau, but said that she would need to be a "really good writer of prescriptions."

The action was brought under the federal False Claims Act and a variety of state statutes, which allow citizens to sue on behalf of the government when they have information showing that taxpayers had been defrauded. Government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid pay billions each year for medications made by pharmaceutical companies like Allergan.
Cushman and Wakefield leased in May this 249,600-square-foot warehouse in Middletown, Pa., to syncreon, a contract logistics company. The facility sits across the street from a FedEx Ground hub and 10 miles from a UPS Parcel hub in Harrisburg and part of the exploding demand for warehouse and distribution center space in eastern Pennsylvania. Read more

EASTON, Pa.  If there was a real-life version of the video game Pac-Man, it could be playing out here, as retailers and other firms continue to gobble up land and build warehouses at an accelerating rate.

The gold rush can be summed up in one statistic: 83 percent.

That's the rise from first-quarter 2016 to first-quarter 2017 of the warehouse square footage leased by the commercial firm CBRE Inc. in the I-78/I-81 corridor from the Lehigh Valley, north to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and south on I-81 to the Maryland border, according to a company report last month.

An increase from 39.4 million square feet to 72.2 million square feet from just a year ago.

Other real estate firms are reporting similar gains. "The retail industry is undergoing massive structural change," said Lauren Gilchrist, head of research for JLL's Philadelphia office, "and the warehouse and distribution market has responded to meet the demand for storing goods that are shipped directly to consumers."

Recent JLL deals include a 911,000-square-foot warehouse for Hudson Bay Co., owner of Lord & Taylor stores, in Pottsville, Pa.; a 705,000-square-foot facility for Walmart subsidiary Jet.com in Pedricktown, N.J.; and another site for Jet.com, a 115,555-square-foot warehouse in Bridgeport, N.J.

"Nationally, the numbers are the most compelling that we've seen over the last three years since e-commerce began moving the needle," said Jason Tolliver, head of industrial research for the Americas at Cushman & Wakefield.

About 22 percent to 25 percent of all leasing in the United States is tied to e-commerce, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Vacancy rates are the lowest in 30 years while rental rates are rising.

Many retailers such as Walmart are trying to catch up to online juggernaut Amazon, while Best Buy and Bed, Bath & Beyond are looking to add physical stores along the East Coast and need more space.

Some are new to the U.S. market - such as fast-fashion apparel retailer Primark out of Ireland - and need more room to house their product, making the I-78/I-81 corridor in Pennsylvania among the hottest warehouse markets in the country, up there with Southern California, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago in Cushman & Wakefield's Top 5.

The companies are keeping Bill Wolf on his toes. The veteran broker is giving at least one or two warehouse tours a week since spring. Or he's out scouting new sites to show off as the inquiries pour in.

"The activity in the last 24 months is the most I've seen in my 30 years in the Lehigh Valley and eastern Pennsylvania market," said Wolf, a CBRE vice president, as he stood near Amazon's one-year-old, 1.1 million-square-foot fulfillment center, one of seven warehouses built or planned for the Chrin Commerce Centre, near Route 33.

Wolf's top five warehouse or distribution center deals in the last year involved Kraft Heinz, Continental Tire, supply chain firm NFI, battery maker East Penn Manufacturing, and truck maker Isuzu  representing about 3.5 million square feet combined.

"I do not see a slowdown in demand," he said. "I do see a risk of a slowdown in supply forcing companies to locate in other markets."

Another trend: The warehouses keep getting bigger.

That 400,000- or 500,000-square-foot warehouse 10 years ago is now bigger than a million square feet to meet e-commerce demand.

The density and demand for space keep FedEx opening new warehouses in the area, including one of the world's largest. CBRE just handled the sale of a 595,000-square-foot distribution center to rival UPS in Carlisle, Pa.

It's a scene that Tim Conrey, managing director for Century Commerce out of Aston, Pa., likes so much that he and his partners acquired land that can accommodate a 1.6 million-square-foot, e-commerce distribution warehouse in the Lehigh Valley. He said they will sell the land before the structure is built, or develop the site into a warehouse.

"Either way, we expect to see a significant return on investment in excess of 30 percent internal rate of return," he said.

Conrey is among a large group of speculative developers who are building warehouses with the confidence that they will lease in six months or less after construction.

Warehouse spaces that rented for $4.75 a square foot last year were now at $5.30 a square foot or higher, he said, and land values have gone up as much as 50 percent in the Lehigh Valley.

"That market is incredibly dynamic right now," he said. "It's really where all the capital is flowing." That includes significant foreign capital, as international investors are seeing the level of construction activity.

Vincent Planque, a senior research analyst at Cushman & Wakefield, said his firm had delivered about "5.64 million square feet of new speculative product  such as Conrey's project  so far this year along the I-78/I-81 corridor to these groups along with private equity funds.

"Another 3.42 million square feet is scheduled for delivery by year-end 2017, and 6.25 million square feet is expected to be completed in 2018."

Here's what the I-78/I-81 corridor offers: a great roadway system, proximity to Lehigh Valley International Airport, an abundant workforce, low taxes compared with New Jersey, and the ability to reach 70 percent to 80 percent of the U.S. population in 24 hours.

The boom is causing labor rates to rise as competition for warehouse workers intensifies, retail experts say.

In April, CBRE broker Joe McDermott closed on a deal for a 1.1 million-square-foot cross-dock warehouse at the Lebanon Valley Distribution Center in Fredericksburg, Pa., to serve all Ace Hardware stores throughout the northeastern U.S.

Items ordered on acehardware.com will be shipped for free to a customer's nearest store within one or two days for pickup  and they will likely come from this new warehouse.

"We've been at this location for 50 years," said assistant store manager Paul Tiger at the Ace Hardware store at Thornridge Shopping Center in Levittown, as he stood on a ladder and switched sales signs for paint and other supplies on the storefront last week. "Online will bring people to our store that have never been."
The parents of Charlie Gard have exhausted all of their legal options to save their son and bring him to the United States. Read more

There is a little boy named Charlie, sleeping in a state of blessed unawareness an ocean away from us, while judges, doctors and his own parents fight over his future. He lives in England, where they have laws that allow the government to decide what is in a child's best interest, even though his loving parents think otherwise. We Americans have those laws, too, and we use them against mothers and fathers who beat their precious innocents. We also use them against well-meaning parents who reject science and embrace faith  only faith  in an attempt to cure their children of grave illnesses.

But we have never, to my knowledge, stopped parents from using their own money buy the best treatment possible. That is what Charlie Gard's parents have been fighting so desperately to do these 10 months of his fragile existence. The doctors in the U.K. have told Connie Yates and Chris Gard that there is no chance their baby will have a normal life. They insist that the genetic disease with which he was born, which has left him brain-damaged, will doom him to a life of suffering. They want him to "die with dignity."

Charlie's parents don't want him to die with dignity. They don't want him to die at all. So they raised over $1.6 million to bring him to the United States, a country that still believes in the inherent value of hope and science to challenge the mandate of destiny and say, "Not so fast, we're not finished running this race."

Despite the things that anger me about my fellow Americans, I still love you. It comes from having lived abroad for several years, from speaking other languages and being able to infiltrate the mindset of "non-Americans" without the barrier of awkward translation, from helping those "non-Americans" become legal and full-fledged members of this society. For all of our flaws  and they've become painfully more evident every day since Nov. 8  we are fundamentally a nation that recognizes the value of human life.

If this were not the case, we wouldn't still be fighting a battle some thought was decided 44 years ago when they legalized abortion. If this were not the case, we wouldn't have people marching in the streets because they think that health care is being denied to the most vulnerable. If this were not the case, we wouldn't look at drug addicts as victims of a disease, instead of what other societies consider them to be: weak and expendable.

And that's why baby Charlie should be here, in the hands of pediatric surgeons, neurologists and geneticists. We need to get rid of that insipid, dishonest phrase "death with dignity" which really just means a swift death that doesn't drain our resources.

Some people in America have swallowed that vile, nihilistic lie that we need to prioritize those who have a "chance" at a life of quality. They make a cost/benefit analysis based on the accepted societal metrics for "fulfillment," and impose a draconian version of "normal" on those we choose to save. Will that child be born with Down syndrome? Abortion is the kindest option. Should that elderly grandfather be kept on dialysis? It's a strain on his children and their pocketbooks, let's rethink the protocols.

But, for my sanity, I must believe these Americans are the exception to the rule.

The U.K., France and many other countries in Western Europe and elsewhere, including Canada, can vaunt their compassionate systems of health care where everyone is "covered" by insurance and everyone is treated equally, the mythically beautiful "single payer." The only problem is, "equal" is defined by the lowest common denominator, where you are forced to wait months, if not years, for tests, operations and even routine appointments. Family members have lived abroad, I have lived abroad, and I deal every day with people who live abroad, so I'm not writing fiction.

Of course, our system stinks. It's been tinkered with, tampered with and stretched to an untenable limit. But at least at this stage, we don't do triage on babies and decide like calm executioners who gets to live and who dies.

Which brings me back to little Charlie. His parents want to bring him here, to a place where doctors like the great Ben Carson challenged God, and the surgeons at our magnificent Philadelphia hospitals create miracles from the arid dust of hopeless diagnoses. Charlie's parents raised money on their own to do so. But a European "human rights" court stripped them of the right to seek a future for their child.

His parents said Charlie will be taken off life support Friday. Let's raise holy hell and tell the doctors where they can shove their "death with dignity." Call the British embassy at 202-588-6500. Email Britishembassyenquiries@gmail.com or General.enquiries@britishcouncil.org. Let's show them that we, at least, care.
The new Nokia 3310 phone has finally arrived in the Philippines. Its now available for purchase from authorized Nokia retailers.

Iconic Nokia 3310

Its a homage to the iconic Nokia 3310 from 2001 with its rounded design, colorful shells and pre-installed Snake game. It has also been updated with modern features such as a 2.4-inch color display, 2MP camera and Bluetooth.

Nokia fans are also happy that the device runs on the Nokia Series 30+ operating system. Its battery is rated 1200mAh while a microSD card slot is present with the phone capable of playing music and videos.

Official Price and Where to Buy

The new Nokia 3310 has an official price of 2,490.00 in the Philippines. Its available in stores such as MemoXpress.

Nokia 3310  Phone Specifications

2.4-Inch QVGA Color Display (160240 Pixels)

Nokia Series 30+ OS

2.0 MP Camera with LED Flash

16MB Internal Storage

Expandable Up to 32GB via microSD

Dual SIM

2G EDGE and GPRS Networks

Bluetooth 3.0

FM Radio

MicroUSB 2.0

3.5mm Audio Jack

115.6 x 51 x 12.8 mm

1200mAh Battery (Removable)

Red, Blue, Yellow and Gray Color Options

2,490.00 Official Price in the Philippines












An arrow in the street at the scene where police say a Chandler, AZ, officer was shot by a suspect wielding a bow. (Photo: Screenshot from ABC15)

A Chandler, AZ, police officer is recovering after he was shot with an arrow while responding to a call Wednesday night.

Police say around 9:30 p.m., dispatchers received calls and texts from 32-year-old Thomas Stephen Leeper threatening to shoot officers, family and himself.

Upon arrival at the home, officers learned that Leeper had shot at a family member with a bow. Leeper exited the house still armed with the bow, and shot an arrow at one of the officers striking him in the arm.

The officer was treated at a local hospital. Leeper was shot with impact munitions and arrested, ABC15 reports.
A Robertson County, TN, sheriffs deputy remains in critical condition at an area hospitak after being stabbed with a screwdriver by an inmate Wednesday. The inmate was fatally shot. Originally, it was reported that the deputy was shot after a gun grab.

The inmate, identified as Rodney L. Cole, 37, attacked Deputy Josh Wiley in a bathroom during a routine visit to a Vanderbilt University medical clinic. Wiley's partner, Deputy Tomisha Jones, rushed into the bathroom after hearing his cries for help, Metro police said.

Jones found Cole on top of her partner, stabbing him multiple times. She then shot at Cole.

Police say a struggle ensued that spilled into the hallway, where Cole briefly took possession of Jones weapon. Jones reported she was able to regain control of her weapon, and both deputies shot at Cole, who died in the hallway, authorities told the Tennessean.
A member of the F.B.I.s elite Hostage Rescue Team involved in a deadly confrontation last year with a prominent anti-government protester in Oregon has been indicted on charges of lying and obstruction, according to federal court documents.

The indictment of the agent, Joseph Astarita, 40, is a blow to the reputation of the hostage team, which carries out the bureaus riskiest missions in the United States and abroad, the New York Times reports.

Astarita was accused of lying to supervisors about firing his weapon in the effort to arrest Robert Finicum, known as LaVoy, who was killed during a standoff at a remote federal wildlife refuge in January 2016. Finicum led a small band of armed militants who said that the federal land had been improperly taken from area ranchers and demanded that it be returned to local or private control.

Astarita pleaded not guilty to all five counts on Wednesday in Portland, Ore., and was released pending court appearances. An F.B.I. spokesman declined to discuss the case but said Astarita had been assigned to administrative duty.
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Channeling the thoughts of most Americans, Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu said on Thursday that its pretty likely Donald Trump hasnt even read the Senate GOPs health care legislation.

The Democrats comments come as Trump continues to say  falsely, of course  that Trumpcare doesnt slash funding for Medicaid, even though the legislation cuts it by nearly $800 billion, according to the latest CBO report.

New CBO score shows @realDonaldTrump is lying again when he says #Trumpcare doesnt cut Medicaid. I think @POTUS has not read Trumpcare. https://t.co/TotWizZFCh  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) June 29, 2017

Contrast the independent CBO report with this fact-free Trump tweet from yesterday, and Lieus prediction that the president has not read the GOP repeal legislation becomes increasingly more plausible.

Democrats purposely misstated Medicaid under new Senate bill  actually goes up. pic.twitter.com/necCt4K6UH  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2017

The gap between what Trump says is in the GOP health care bill and whats actually in it is incredibly wide.

Its one thing to frame a policy in order to persuade the American people to support it, but the presidents comments about Trumpcare arent even in the same universe as the truth.

The probability that Trump hasnt read the legislation is high for a couple reasons: 1. Trump has admitted that he doesnt like reading, especially when it comes to something as complicated as health care; 2. This is the same guy who cant comprehend intelligence briefings unless theyre presented in short bullet points and accompanied by cool graphics.

The idea that he thoughtfully read a 142-page piece of legislation that remakes one-sixth of the U.S. economy is a pretty big stretch  and if he has, then hes blatantly lying about its contents.

Either possibility is troubling.
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On Thursday, Attorney-General Jeff Sessions told Federal Prosecutors he is committed to prosecuting hate crimes. Why dont I believe him?

During Sessions speech he pledged to protect the civil rights of all Americans  and we will not tolerate the targeting of any community in our country I feel so much better about the rise in hate crimes since the election. No, I dont. Its because the evidence contradicts his words. The context is in reference to a successful prosecution of a hate crime in Mississippi where a transgender woman was murdered.

And according to Josh Gerstein, Sessions reached out to make sure the Justice Department is making every effort to assist in the investigations into a string of transgender killings in recent months.

Certainly one can acknowledge the importance and value of recognizing that crimes against transgender people because they are transgender qualify as hate crimes and should be prosecuted as such.

Yet, I cant bring myself to take Sessions at his word, perhaps in part because of the Republican obsession with bathroom policy and conversion therapy. But it doesnt end there.

Seriously, when an Attorney-General says they will protect the civil rights of all Americans, one should be able to take them at their word. Yet, thats a tall order when it comes to Jeff Sessions  the man who was cool with the KKK until he found out members smoked pot.

This is the same Jeff Sessions whose bid for a seat on the Federal bench failed largely, if not exclusively, because he not only tolerated the targeting of some communities, he led the targeting.

In 1986, Coretta Scott King wrote a letter explaining why she believed Sessions lacked the temperament, judgement and fairness to be a judge. The man she talked about targeted certain communities for doing nothing more than registering to vote.

Mr. Sessions has used the awesome powers of his office in a shabby attempt to intimidate and frighten elderly black voters. For this reprehensible conduct, he should not be rewarded with a federal judgeship.

As Buzzfeed reported at the time, Scott-Kings letter wasnt entered into the record by Strom Thurmond, the committee chair at the time.

Since becoming Attorney-General, Sessions actions directly contradict a statement that few would quarrel with. No person should have to fear being violently attacked because of who they are, what they believe, or how they worship.

Yet, Sessions joins Trump in an effort to erase the very existence of the Obama Administration. One of his first acts was to issue a memo vowing to review everything  including consent decrees.

In a powerfully written article he wrote in April, Jamelle Bouie noted:

Blaming police reform for an uptick in violent crime rates, Sessions wants to end federal oversight of local and state police, as part of hisand President Trumpsdrive for law and order.

Since Sessions made a point of saying in his memo that his DOJ would reflect the values of the Trump administration, the actions and attitudes of Donald Trump become relevant to an assessment of Sessions believability when he says he is committed to protecting the civil rights of every member of every community in America.

We know about the statements Trump made during the campaign in hopes of appealing to people who dont respect people from communities that are targeted by hate crimes. Trump couldnt bring himself to admit that Jews were victimized by the Holocaust and for awhile there, he retweeted white supremacists frequently.

The Trump administration froze funding to groups that fight right wing terrorism and white supremacy.

Its notable that Trump broke with the tradition of presidents hosting Ramadan dinner.

When victims of terrorist acts are Muslims, hes silent. As noted by Astead W. Herndon, following the London attack,

Nearly 14 hours after a driver plowed through Muslim worshippers outside of a London mosque, killing at least one, Trumps usually noisy personal Twitter account was uncharacteristically silent. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said in an off-camera press briefing that the administrations thoughts and prayers were with those affected, but Trump personally had not weighed in using any format.

Sessions saw what happened to Sally Yates when she upheld the law by telling our infantile president the one word that results in temper tantrums and in more ways than one he is proving he lacks Yates integrity. Its that lack of integrity that explains Sessions partnering with Kris Kobach on vote suppression  which is clearly in violation of the U.S. constitution. Vanita Gupta tweeted the letter.

The letter @KrisKobach1787 is sending to states confirms: Pence and Kobach are laying the groundwork for voter suppression, plain & simple. pic.twitter.com/22Ub1TxRS1  Vanita Gupta (@vanitaguptaCR) June 29, 2017

As Gupta notes, the letter states an intent to suppress the vote: plain and simple.

This is yet another example that while Sessions talks the talk of an Attorney-General dedicated to protecting the civil rights of all communities, he remains the same Jeff Sessions who targeted certain communities for suppression and denial of their rights.

This is the Jeff Sessions many of us knew about and warned about. Hes the same one Coretta Scott King warned about in her 1986 letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee. What Sessions is doing to civil rights is turning them into civil privileges a complete and total contradiction to the very spirit and intent of what civil rights are.

Everything about Sessions actions says his DOJ is there to rubber stamp and carry water for the child president.

RIP Civil Rights.
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By Noah Barkin and Roberta Rampton

BERLIN/WASHINGTON (Reuters)  German Chancellor Angela Merkel promised to fight for free trade and press on with multilateral efforts to combat climate change at the G20 summit next week, challenging the America First policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a defiant speech to parliament a week before she will host a summit of the worlds top economic powers in Hamburg, the northern port city where she was born, Merkel did not mention Trump by name but said global problems could not be solved with protectionism and isolation.

Her remarks raised the prospect of an open clash with Trump at the summit. She later met with European G20 leaders who promised to present a united front in Hamburg, while making clear they preferred compromise to conflict.

These will not be easy talks, Merkel said. The differences are obvious and it would be wrong to pretend they arent there. I simply wont do this.

The G20 summit will be held a little over a month after a G7 summit in Sicily exposed deep divisions between other western countries and Trump on climate change, trade and migration.

A short while later, Trump announced he was pulling the United States out of a landmark agreement to combat climate change reached in 2015 in Paris.

Ahead of the G20 summit, Trumps administration has threatened to take punitive trade measures against China, including introducing tariffs on steel imports.

This has made for an unusually tense atmosphere before the summit and German officials acknowledge they have little idea what the final communique will look like.

Asked about Merkels comments, Trumps national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, said the U.S. relationship with Germany was as strong as ever and played down the discord.

Of course there are going to be differences in relations with any country, and well talk frankly about those differences. The president enjoys those conversations, McMaster told reporters.

The German hosts face a difficult challenge. Along with Trump, Russias Vladimir Putin and Turkeys Tayyip Erdogan will be attending. All have strained relations with Merkel and other European leaders.

The summit, in a convention center in the heart of Hamburg, could also be disrupted by tens of thousands of protesters expected to descend on the city of 1.7 million.

EXISTENTIAL CHALLENGE

Merkel said she was more determined than ever to make the Paris accord a success since Trumps decision to pull out, calling climate change an existential challenge.

We cannot wait until every last person on Earth has been convinced of the scientific proof, she said.

Anybody who believes the problems of the world can be solved with isolationism and protectionism is making a big mistake, Merkel said.

Trump looks forward to discussing his economic rationale for quitting the deal during his G20 meetings, said Gary Cohn, his top economic adviser.

Hes going to ask for a fair and level playing field. We cannot be in a position where the United States is cutting and cutting emissions while others continue to grow, Cohn told reporters.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in Berlin for the meeting of EU leaders, which included the prime ministers of Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Britain, said he hoped the United States would return to reason on climate. But he also stressed that it made little sense to try to isolate Trump in Hamburg.

The relationship with the United States is a long-term one and it is deep, Macron said. I believe we must continue an intense dialogue with the United States because of these ties which are historic and enduring.

At Macrons invitation, Trump will visit Paris a week after the July 7-8 G20 summit for Bastille Day celebrations. They spoke by phone on Tuesday and agreed to work together to respond to any new chemical attacks from the Syrian government.

Donald Tusk, the former Polish prime minister who chairs summits of EU leaders, said in Berlin that European countries would speak with one voice in Hamburg, defending the rules-based international order that Trump has called into question.

(Editing by Janet Lawrence and Jonathan Oatis)
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Republican strategist and former White House communications director Nicolle Wallace laid down some harsh truth in response to Donald Trumps attacks on Mika Brzezinski, saying Trump needs to apologize and Republicans need to demand a retraction.

Watch here via MSNBC:

As a former WH comms director, my thoughts to the President's tweets: https://t.co/hhDNMWeAmL  Nicolle Wallace (@NicolleDWallace) June 29, 2017

Wallace started off by saying as a former communications strategist for the White House, theres a single communication strategy and its called an apology.

She said all of the women collecting pay checks from the U.S. taxpayers need to go on the record to condemn Trumps comments and work behind the scenes to educate him about how offensive they are.

Wallace said as someone who once proudly called herself a Republican the party will be permanently associated with misogyny if leaders dont stand up and demand a retraction.

Finally, the MSNBC host said as a mother of a son shes asking any woman defending these comments how they plan to raise good men if the most powerful man in the world gets away with this.

These are all excellent, professional, smart and compassionate suggestions.

That is why this White House will be damned before the implement any of them. Only a few Republican men could even muster the courage to say in weak language that they didnt approve of what Trump did, but even this they said as if it were a momentary blip, when in reality Donald Trump is a serial attacker of women.

Trump was caught on tape bragging about grabbing women by their p*ssy. Multiple women came forward during the campaign to say that Trump had sexually assaulted them. Reports surfaced of Trump calling women journalists a c*nt. Trump attacked Megyn Kelly, Rosie ODonnell, and Katy Tur with a specific viciousness that he repeated today.

Donald Trump behaves in public the way many men behave behind closed doors. Women are quite aware of what the President is signaling, even as some male journalists fretted that we were wasting time today focusing on this while real things were going down.

This is a real thing. This is as real as it gets for many women, especially those who are raising children right now. This man is in the biggest seat in the world. He is supposed to conduct himself like a role model. Instead hes giving all of the creeps in the country a free pass, signaling to our little boys that they can proudly treat women like sh*t and rise to the presidency, and signaling to little girls that their biggest aspiration is to be a piece of eye candy for a man like Trump.

That doesnt even get into what Trump is doing to our image in the rest of the world. Its not good.

Wallace is right, but sadly there arent any Republicans with the moral fiber and political courage to do the right thing. They would rather enable this sick man in attacking women than risk the political backlash of being a decent man in the Republican Party.

Update June 30th 10:40 AM: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Nicolle Wallaces first name, from one l to two.
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By Yeganeh Torbati and Mica Rosenberg

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters)  Immigrant and refugee groups assailed the Trump administration on Thursday over its rollout of a long-delayed travel ban, saying it had defined too narrowly who should be exempted from the ban targeting travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and all refugees.

The advocates cited language barring grandparents, grandchildren and fiances from obtaining visas to travel while the ban is in place, despite a Supreme Court ruling this week that people with a close familial relationship should not be included in the ban. The ruling allowed parts of President Donald Trumps March 6 executive order to go into effect after lower courts had blocked it.

The ban takes effect at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT Friday) along with a 120-day ban on refugees. Grandparents, grandchildren and fiances of people in the United States will be barred from getting U.S. visas during the 90-day period of the ban, according to guidelines issued by the State Department.

The new guidance for travelers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, would also prevent the entry of refugees who do not have close family in the United States.

Theyre supposed to be interested in saving as many refugee lives as possible. Instead theyve come up with a very narrow interpretation that effectively suspends the refugee program except for those with very close family connections, said Chris George, director of Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, a refugee resettlement agency in New Haven, Connecticut.

The court exempted from the ban travelers and refugees with a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States from the ban. As an example, the court said those with a close familial relationship with someone in the United States would be covered.

Karen Tumlin, legal director of the National Immigration Law Center, said the administrations guidance would slam the door shut on so many who have waited for months or years to be reunited with their families.

Asked how barring grandparents or grandchildren makes the United States safer, a senior U.S. official did not directly answer, instead pointing to Trumps guidance to pause certain travel while we review our security posture.

The U.S. government expects things to run smoothly and business as usual at U.S. ports of entry, another senior U.S. official told reporters.

The administration also said that refugees who have agreements with resettlement agencies but not close family in the United States would not be exempted from the ban, likely sharply limiting the number of refugees allowed entry in coming months.

Refugee resettlement agencies had expected that their formal links with would-be refugees would qualify as bona fide. But U.S. officials said on Thursday that, for now, that sort of relationship was not enough to qualify refugees for entry.

The administrations decision likely means that few refugees beyond a 50,000-cap set by Trump will be allowed into the country this year. A U.S. official said that as of Wednesday evening, 49,009 refugees had been allowed into the country this fiscal year. The State Department said refugees scheduled to arrive through July 6 could still enter.

Trump first announced a temporary travel ban on Jan. 27, calling it a counterterrorism measure to allow time to develop better security vetting. The order caused chaos at airports, as officials scrambled to enforce it before being blocked by courts. Opponents argued that the measure discriminated against Muslims and that there was no security rationale for it.

A revised version of the ban was also halted by courts.

The State Department guidance, distributed to all U.S. diplomatic posts on Wednesday evening and obtained by Reuters, fleshed out the Supreme Courts ruling about people who have a bona fide relationship with an individual or entity in the United States.

It defined a close familial relationship as being a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling, including step-siblings and other step-family relations.

A department cable said grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, fiances, and any other extended family members are not considered close family.

The guidelines also said that workers with offers of employment from a company in the United States or a lecturer addressing U.S. audiences would be exempt from the ban, but that arrangements such as hotel reservation would not be considered bona fide relationships.

(Reporting by Yeganeh Torbati and Mica Rosenberg; additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed, Lawrence Hurley and Susan Heavey in Washington and Gabriella Borter in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Grant McCool)
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Adding more smoke to the raging inferno surrounding the Trump presidential campaigns connections to Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that a longtime Republican opposition researcher worked with Michael Flynn to obtain hacked Hillary Clinton emails.

The report indicates that the activities took place before the 2016 election and that Peter Smith  the GOP operative seeking to get his hands on the emails  and Flynns consulting company were allies in the effort.

At the time, Flynn was a senior adviser to then-nominee Trump.

More from the report:

Before the 2016 presidential election, a longtime Republican opposition researcher mounted an independent campaign to obtain emails he believed were stolen from Hillary Clintons private server, likely by Russian hackers. In conversations with members of his circle and with others he tried to recruit to help him, the GOP operative, Peter W. Smith, implied he was working with retired Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, at the time a senior adviser to then-candidate Donald Trump. He said, Im talking to Michael Flynn about thisif you find anything, can you let me know? said Eric York, a computer-security expert from Atlanta who searched hacker forums on Mr. Smiths behalf for people who might have access to the emails. Emails written by Mr. Smith and one of his associates show that his small group considered Mr. Flynn and his consulting company, Flynn Intel Group, to be allies in their quest.

The report goes on to say that if the GOP operative did, in fact, work with Flynn, it would have been in a private capacity and in no way connected to the Trump campaign  even though Flynn was one of Trumps closest advisers and Trump himself asked the Russians to hack Clintons emails during the campaign.

The White House has refused to comment on the development  shocker.

Given the fact that Flynn was one of Trumps closest advisers during the campaign and in the White House  and even after Trump knew Flynn was lying about his connections to Russia  its becoming incredibly hard to believe that the president had no idea what his closest confidantes were up to.

After several weeks of in which Trump hoped the Russia scandal was being overshadowed by the disastrous GOP health plan, the Wall Street Journal report is proof that the Russian-sized cloud over the Trump White House isnt going anywhere.
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Less than an hour after a watered down version of Donald Trumps Muslim ban took effect on Thursday night, its already in more legal trouble.

According to Politico, The State of Hawaii is asking a federal judge to rule that the Trump administrations latest plan to carry out President Donald Trumps travel ban executive order defies the ruling the Supreme Court issued on the subject just four days ago.

The report notes that Hawaii is challenging the administrations guidelines for who is considered family under the version of the ban that is officially was implemented on Thursday.

More from Politico:

In a new court filing, lawyers for the state and for a Hawaii Imam say guidance the Trump administration issued Thursday takes too narrow a view of what family relationships qualify to exempt a foreigner from the travel ban and would deny admission to refugees who should be exempt from the ban due to their connections to a U.S. resettlement agency. This Court should clarify as soon as possible that the Supreme Court meant what it said, and that foreign nationals that credibly claim connections with this country cannot be denied entry under the Presidents illegal Order, Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin and private counsel Neal Katyal wrote in a motion filed Thursday with U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson.

Chin added in his statement, according to The Hill: In Hawaii, close family includes many of the people that the federal government decided on its own to exclude from that definition. Unfortunately, this severely limited definition may be in violation of the Supreme Court ruling.

The latest challenge comes as the Trump administration has essentially redefined what family means for the purpose of enforcing their unconstitutional ban.

Grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, fiances, and any other extended family members do not meet the administrations new criteria of family, as Al Jazeera pointed out on Thursday, citing State Department guidance.

For those wondering, step-siblings and other step-family relationships are considered family under the terms of the ban  just be sure to keep grandma out of the United States.

Ultimately, Trump may be claiming victory after a portion of his already-watered-down Muslim ban was allowed to be enacted, but its a piece of policy that is likely to face more legal challenges until the Supreme Court finally weighs in later this year.
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Republicans have been arguing that their health care bill doesnt cut Medicaid spending. President Trump tweeted a misleading graph to make this point, and his spokespeople and various Republicans have also made this argument.

Their argument is a lie. FactCheck called it spin  and that was before this new CBO report.

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the CBO released its report on Trumpcares impacts on Medicaid over the next 20 years:

As brutal as Trumpcares impacts are in the immediate future, todays CBO report reveals Republicans are hiding even deeper damage in the long term That these staggering Medicaid cuts expand to 35 percent in 2036 is a truly catastrophic future for rural hospitals, veterans, and the next generation of seniors in nursing homes.

With Trumpcares Medicaid cuts alone, untold millions of Americans will be denied access to the care they need, Pelosi added.

Heres Trump claiming the GOP plan doesnt cut Medicaid spending:

Democrats purposely misstated Medicaid under new Senate bill  actually goes up. pic.twitter.com/necCt4K6UH  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2017

President Trump promised that he wouldnt cut Medicaid, but he is cutting Medicaid. Perhaps he doesnt understand that hes going to be signing a death warrant for people, but thats exactly what he will be doing if he signs this bill into law.

I was the first & only potential GOP candidate to state there will be no cuts to Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid. Huckabee copied me.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2015

If Trumps defense for flat out lying to voters is that he doesnt understand policy, and theres no one around him who can explain policy to him, he does not belong in the White House.

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said in a statement, Republican Senators who are still supporting the Presidents dangerous health care legislation ought to pause and consider whether it is wise to stand by a bill that would cut one out of every three dollars spent on nursing home care, doctor visits, and services for those with disabilities and force more Americans off Medicaid coverage over the next two decades.

The impact of the bill over the first ten years was enough to force Leader McConnell to delay consideration this week, Hoyer added.

As Americas baby boomer population ages, the cuts to Medicaid are designed to go off like a time bomb in the health care system. An older population combined with cuts to the system that pays for 60% of nursing home care will result in an aging population that cant afford the care that it needs which will place a greater economic strain on the children and loved ones of these individuals.

Each time the CBO rescores this legislation, the news gets worse for the American people. Donald Trump and the Republican Party are lying and what they are hiding is a war against the notion that healthcare is a basic right. Trump and the Republicans arent passing a healthcare bill. They are launching an attack on the entire health care system.
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White House council for women and girls goes dark under Trump, Politico reported Friday morning, the day after Donald Trump ranted on Twitter about Mika Brzezinskis imaginary bleeding facelift on New Years Eve.

The administration is evaluating whether to keep the office, created under President Barack Obama to focus on gender equality.

No doubt the Trump administration was never going to keep this initiative going, but the fact that the White House Council On Women And Girls was reported to have gone dark the day following Trumps misogyny fest offers a stark contrast and a reality check for those who claimed that the Presidents tweets werent a real issue.

President Barack Obamas White House Council on Women and Girls signaled to the all of the agencies operating under the executive branch that they needed to prioritize the advancement of equality, empowerment and protection of women and girls and work with womens groups to identify key ways of doing so.

The Trump administration holds Ivanka Trump up as a shield against criticism that they dont care about womens issues. Even though Ivanka Trump claims to be about womens empowerment, she fails so show a grasp of the meaning of feminism, and indeed tries to use it to cover for her fathers bigotry and misogyny, which is the opposite of what feminism stands for.

Ivanka Trump was told to use feminism to make her brand more marketable, and that is exactly what shes trying to do for her father as well. Its a way to manipulate people to line her pockets; not an ideology she would have ever needed to understand unless personally compelled by her character. Money does a lot to protect people from inequities.

That Ivanka is Donald Trumps daughter became obvious when she abruptly ended a Cosmo interview during the campaign because she was asked pointed questions about her fathers paternity leave plan. This was not the act of a feminist.

At most, Ivanka has managed a weak his comments were clearly inappropriate and offensive, and that was only after the Billy Bush tape was released with Trump saying that he just grabs women by the genitals whether they like it or not. So effectively there is no one in the Trump administration who really cares about the issues facing women and girls.

This is not a surprise. Donald Trump governs like he is the misogynist, self-admitted sexual-assaulter he told us he was on that Billy Bush tape. Women knew it, we know it now, we are not surprised.

Some male journalists and too many Republicans and Trumps Deputy Press Sec. Sarah Huckabee Sanders wondered why we cant focus on real issues after Trumps tweets  well, here it is. The misogyny on display against Mika, against Rosie, against Megyn, against every powerful and smart woman who has crossed Trump is also the same reason Republicans crafted a health care bill without one single woman at the table, a fact that shows in their bill.

It is also the reason Trump doesnt want Obamas Women and Girls initiative.

White men run this country, they run the media, and they run policy  especially in the Republican Party.

Donald Trumps attacks on women arent new. To Mika and Joe who seem shocked to find out who Trump is: Trump has been harassing women journalists for decades. Its only new as of the last two years because hes doing it to you and in front of you now.

Being a feminist means we care when he does it to a conservative just like we care when he does it to a liberal. We care when he does it to other people, not just ourselves. We listen when women come forward with accounts of being harassed and abused by a powerful man.

We dont pretend that bragging about grabbing women by their genitals is harmless locker room talk, because we KNOW it translates to our not having power in policy, we know it means the laws against rape are for other people  not for rich white men, we know it means that we are not equals in pay or in policy, and we know it means our bodies do not belong to us.

These things matter. Womens lives matter.

Donald Trump sees women as nothing but objects that (not who) are only worth what he deems them worth based on his warped opinion about their looks. That is why he attacks womens looks when he attacks women who are doing a job that requires brains; it diminishes them to one of his beauty contestants and makes him the decider of who is unlucky enough to warrant an unwanted sexual assault by him. This, he thinks, is his greatest compliment and greatest weapon.

What many do not realize is it is this which is so offensive to women. The President should not be discussing Mikas cosmetic medical history or lack thereof. Mika Brzezinski is at least ten times smarter than Donald Trump. As are Rosie, Megyn, Katy, et al. They all deserve to be judged on the merits of their ideas, their talents, and their work. Judge them on the basis of their character, not whether or not they make Donald Trump want to violate their bodies.

To be desired by a sexual assaulter is not a goal for women. This is why he has to sexually assault women.

Women are worth more than their appearance. Women are human beings. Donald Trump dehumanizes women into objects, and those in charge in this country pat him on the back and on the rare occasion when they can muster an ounce of courage, tell him to please stop, but they dish out no real consequences.

The consequences are left to the women and girls of this country.

With passion and courage, women have taught us that when we band together to advocate for our highest ideals, we can advance our common well-being and strengthen the fabric of our nation, President Barack Obama said of women.

Back to real issues.
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The Republican Secretary of State in Mississippi has refused to turn over the states voter data and told the Trump administration to go jump in the Gulf of Mexico.

Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said that his state would not comply with a Trump administration request for voter names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and birthdates. Hosemann added in a statement, They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi is a great state to launch from. Mississippi residents should celebrate Independence Day and our states right to protect the privacy of our citizens by conducting our own electoral processes.

Here is the full press release:

The Trump administration is so damaged that no one, not even the Republican Secretary of State in Mississippi fears them. While trying to prove one of Trumps conspiracies right, the White House danced on one of the great landmines of American politics. Donald Trump tried to mess with states rights. The states are in charge of elections. The states are in charge of voter data. By trying to federalize voter data with the clear intention of building the case for suppressing the vote in future elections, Trump ticked off state election officials all across the country.

This isnt a Republican issue or a Democratic issue. It is a constitutional issue, and I suspect that the vast majority of states arent about to allow Trump to dance on their rights. The Trump voter fraud commission looks dead as a doornail because Donald Trump cant understand that he is a president, not a dictator and that there are checks built into the Constitution to limit his powers.
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Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has made it clear that the Keystone State will not be turning over sensitive voter data to Donald Trumps voter fraud witch hunt to get lost. So far, 20 states have refused to turn over voter data to Trumps voter fraud commission.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf tweeted:

You can add PA to that list. We will not participate in this systematic effort to suppress the vote. https://t.co/EHnY2NJI5R  Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) June 30, 2017

Ari Berman of The Nation has a list of 18 other states who told Trump to buzz off:

I'm now counting 18 states opposed to Kobach voter data request: CA, CT, IN, KY, MA, MN, NC, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, RI, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA  Ari Berman (@AriBerman) June 30, 2017

The 19th state is Wisconsin who said no to the commission but did try to sell Mike Pence and Kris Kobach the same voter database that candidates, parties, and researchers can buy for $12,500.

If the vast majority of states refuse to turn over the data, it is going to be impossible for Trump to pull off whatever federalized voter suppression scheme that he had in mind. It is obvious that the goal of this voter fraud commission was never to investigate voter fraud, but to compile a national database of sensitive voter information in order suppress the vote.

Republicans freak out when anyone mentions universal background checks for all gun purchases, so how can any of them be fine with Trumps effort to start a federal national voter database that would take sensitive information away from the states and federalize it for unknown purposes?

The states just need to keep saying no. The more states that reject the request, the sooner one of the biggest threats to voting rights can be defeated.
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19 states have rejected requests from Trumps voter fraud commission for highly sensitive and personal voter data that could be used to carry out a federal voter suppression effort that would keep Trump in office.

Ari Berman of The Nation has the list:

I'm now counting 18 states opposed to Kobach voter data request: CA, CT, IN, KY, MA, MN, NC, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, RI, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA  Ari Berman (@AriBerman) June 30, 2017

As you can see, the list of states is loaded with red states that Trump won. Vice President Mike Pences home state of Indiana has refused to turn over their voter data to Trumps voter fraud commission. Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Ohio have all joined Indiana in turning Trump down. Wisconsin told the Trump voter fraud commission that they were free to buy the same public data as anyone else, but they would be getting no personal data on voters.

Here was the statement from Indiana Sec. of State Connie Lawson:

What is happening is that states are rejecting the Trump/Pence attempt to get voter data under the pretense of investigating voter fraud. The data that the commission wants is more in line with a federal voter suppression effort, which would suggest that a president who knows that he barely won his election in 2016 is already planning to make it difficult to impossible for his opponents to vote in 2020.

If more states refuse to hand over the data, one leg of Trumps vote suppression effort will fail, but the attempt itself should trouble every single American.
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If the White House told Joe Scarborough And Mika Brzezinski that the National Enquirer would smear them unless they laid off President Trump on their show, that would be a crime per 18 USC 872, constitutional lawyer Laurence Tribe wrote on Twitter.

The thing is, Joe Scarborough says he has proof that this happened.

Professor of constitutional law at Harvard Law School Laurence Tribe wrote:

If WH told @morningmika & @JoeNBC the Nat'l Enquirer wd smear them unless they laid off T on their show, that wd be a crime per 18 USC 872  Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) June 30, 2017

Jason Easley explained this morning, The Morning Joe hosts wrote in The Washington Post, The presidents unhealthy obsession with our show has been in the public record for months, and we are seldom surprised by his posting nasty tweets about us. During the campaign, the Republican nominee called Mika neurotic and promised to attack us personally after the campaign ended. This year, top White House staff members warned that the National Enquirer was planning to publish a negative article about us unless we begged the president to have the story spiked. We ignored their desperate pleas.'

Joe Scarborough then busted Donald Trump in a major lie, and this is important because the Morning Joe host says he has got the proof that the President is a liar.

If indeed this is a crime and Joe Scarborough has proof, President Trumps administration is about to feel how quickly the crap rolls downhill when push comes to shove.

Trump has what the Washington Post called a cozy relationship with the National Enquirer. This is where stories against rivals conveniently appear. It is where Trump wrote several articles.

The Daily News reported that industry sources say Trump is friends with David Pecker, the head of the tabloid.

It would be ironic if it werent Donald Trumps massive conflicts of interest or his possible collusion with Russia that brought him down, but rather the petty attacking of a TV host over her looks because he couldnt argue with her points politically.

That this figures in with the National Enquirer is even more fitting for this President.

It takes a gutter sometimes.
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The Trump attack on Mika Brzezinski is turning into a major scandal as it is being reported that it was President Trump and his son in law senior White House adviser Jared Kushner who tried to blackmail Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.

Gabriel Sherman of New York Magazine reported:

According to three sources familiar with the private conversations, what happened was this: After the inauguration, Morning Joes coverage of Trump turned sharply negative. This presidency is fake and failed, Brzezinski said on March 6, for example. Around this time, Scarborough and Brzezinski found out the Enquirer was preparing a story about their affair. While Scarborough and Brzezinskis relationship had been gossiped about in media circles for some time, it was not yet public, and the tabloid was going to report that they had left their spouses to be together.

In mid-April, Scarborough texted with Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner about the pending Enquirer story. Kushner told Scarborough that he would need to personally apologize to Trump in exchange for getting Enquirer owner David Pecker to stop the story. (A spokesperson for Kushner declined to comment). Scarborough says he refused, and the Enquirer published the story in print on June 5, headlined Morning Joe Sleazy Cheating Scandal!

So not only did the White House threaten Brzezinski and Scarborough, but it was Trump and his son in law who were carrying out the blackmail.

As constitutional expert Lawrence Tribe pointed out, the actions of Kushner and Trump may have been a crime.

This is not one of Donald Trumps little feuds. The male political press is getting huffy especially in the Beltway, and trying to dismiss this story, but the heart of the story is very important. The President Of The United States and a senior White House adviser tried to blackmail a female prominent media figure, which the President later attacked via Twitter because Trump did not like what her program was saying about him.

Make no mistake about it, Mika Brzezinski was the real target. She was the person who would be culturally demonized for the affair. It is never the cheating man who gets punished, but the woman who is penalized in these situations. For example, sure Republicans tried to throw Bill Clinton out of office, but Monica Lewinsky had her life ruined after their consensual affair. Trump has been launching sexist attacks on Brzezinski for more than a year, and it is obvious that what really threatens the President is intelligent women who have platforms and power.

The White House tried to blackmail and intimidate media criticism.

This is more than a big story. It is a pattern of abuse of power and criminal activity by the Trump crime family.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Cloudy. Some light rain will fall throughout the day. High 77F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low around 65F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
Time flies and, in Rochester at least, the landscape changes quickly.

On July 1, 2007, a ceremonial ground breaking was hosted for what would become the nine-story 318 Commons building at 318 First Ave. SW.

A large crowd of City of Rochester and University of Minnesota Rochester officials and business leaders gathered in front of a big hole in the 300 block of First Avenue Southwest to toss some dirt

At the time, it was heralded as the first of what was expected to be a long procession of private/public projects . It was built by G.H. Holdings, a partnership between Hal Henderson and Grant Michelitz, with help from the city and UMR, the building's primary tenant.

To clear the way for the project, three buildings were demolished including the office of the Affiliated Group and the Ultra Lounge, formerly the Love Ugly bar.

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It seems you can't walk down a sidewalk these days without bumping into a muralist working on a project.

At Rochester area coffee shops, along highways and back alleys, at libraries and area businesses, the art form appears to be enjoying a renaissance.

The most obvious reason owners turn to muralists is to beautify their buildings. But business owners and community leaders say wall paintings also serve other functions.

Many see murals as a way of giving their businesses a marketing edge, a dash of artistic flair. Some do it as an expression of community solidarity, as a way of celebrating a city's origins and culture. For many, murals are an opportunity to employ and show support for area artists. Many do it for all of the reasons listed above.

"I definitely wanted to stand out, and the mural does help us stand out for sure," said Abe Sauer, owner of the Old Abe Coffee, who commissioned Rochester artist Bobby Marines to adorn his shop with colorful winking Daruma dolls. The shop has plans to open next month.

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"Instead of telling people, 'It's the yellow house that was once a computer place, it's the house with the giant mural,' and everybody knows it," Sauer said.

The tendency seems most pronounced at Rochester area coffee shops. Along with Old Abe, Cafe Steam in downtown Rochester and Dunn Brothers Coffee along South Broadway both have employed muralists to decorate their buildings.

"It adds that much more character to our space," said William Forsman, owner of the art-focused Cafe Steam in downtown Rochester, who has hired artist Nick Sinclair to paint the shop's back wall. "That's what we're all about."

Lanesboro Arts, an arts nonprofit, has plans for a large-scale wall painting to be painted on the back of the St. Mane Theatre as part of a community project. A multi-year mural project created by Alison Love Unzelman was just recently completed at the Preston Public Library.

Their popularity stems from the fact that murals are among the most accessible of art forms. They also are one of the oldest, dating back to Upper Paleolithic times.

Yet the oldest cave markings shares a common feature with the Roy Lichtenstein-style wall painting on Dunn Brothers' west wall on South Broadway in Rochester. Whether as a club-carrying Neanderthal or Rochester nurse driving to work, murals can be viewed and enjoyed as one goes about their daily business.

"There's no fee, no price of admission. There's no process to get to the art. It's instant," said Marines, whose murals adorn Forager Brewing Company, a Mall of America coffee shop and the Rochester Civic Theatre. "I feel like it adds a lot more life to the city, and I think that's one of the things that is missing downtown."

Of course quantifying whether mural projects are on the rise isn't exactly a science, but certainly there is an impression that more of them are being done.

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"I think there are more popping up," said Adam Wiltgen, program director for Lanesboro Arts.

Some leaders turn to murals as a community-building project. Lanesboro's mural was the product of a community-wide brainstorming session. GoodSpace Murals, a Minneapolis-based artist collective, took those ideas and distilled them into a collage image that combines bicycle tires, trains, corn and quilts. On July 11, families will gather to paint the back of the St. Mane Theatre.

"Lanesboro is the first small town that declared itself as an arts campus," said Wiltgen, "so weaving these experiences into the fabric of town is sort of one of our goals."

Sauer notes that there are probably more murals in the Cooke Park District in North Rochester per square mile than anywhere else in Rochester, including the downtown. Cooke Park is where his coffee shop will be opening. Aside from adding beauty, murals are a way to give identity to a block or district that may once have been seen as a conglomeration of disparate businesses.

"It ties into a grander thing," Sauer said. "If you got more murals going on, three or four years from now, you can see where this becomes a destination for people."
MILLVILLE  What started as a water rescue turned into a five-hour manhunt that resulted in the arrest of a Goodhue man Thursday night.

Wabasha County Sheriff's deputies were investigating reports of a burglary in Millville at about 5 p.m. when a person reported seeing "a strange man" by the Zumbro River, Sheriff Rodney Bartsh said.

When deputies went to question the man, they found him in the river, crying for help as the current carried him along County Road 11. Deputies called the Zumbro Falls Fire Department for a water rescue.

At 8:20 p.m., as firefighters attempted to bring the man to shore in their boat, the man made it to an island and fled into a heavily wooded area. That's when the rescue turned into a manhunt, and authorities set up a perimeter in the area.

The Plainview Police Department and the Goodhue Couny Sheriff's Office K9 unit joined in a search of the area.

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Around 10:30 p.m., the man gave himself up to authorities. He was found barefoot and shirtless.

"He had some sore feet, and he was pretty cold," Bartsh said, "but he was not injured."

It wasn't until after he was taken into custody that authorities were able to identify the man as Brent Espenson, 32, of Goodhue. Goodhue County had a warrant for Espenson's arrest and he is also wanted in Olmsted County for alleged involvement in an assault on a man in Rochester.

Prior to Thursday, Espenson was last seen on June 11 in northwest Rochester before speeding off at more than 100 miles per hour, evading law enforcement. Another individual was charged with a felony for aiding an offender by hiding him.

A review of Espenson's court history revealed more than 20 criminal cases, including burglary, assault and drug charges.

"(Deputies) had no idea until they captured him who he was," Bartsh said. "The guys were surprised. After a five-hour search, he wasn't in bad shape at all."

Espenson is in custody at the Goodhue County Adult Detention Center in Red Wing. He faces felony second-degree assault charges in Goodhue County.

After that, he'll be transferred to Olmsted County, where he faces additional charges.

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"It's a good sense of relief to have him off the streets," said Capt. Scott Behrns of Olmsted County Sheriff's Office.

Espenson is also a suspect in a Wabasha County crime and has warrants for his arrest in Morrison and Steele counties.
ALBERT LEA  Hundreds of people upset over Mayo Clinic Health System's decision to get rid of inpatient services at the Albert Lea hospital gathered Thursday night, demanding answers from Mayo Clinic leadership.

Residents carrying signs that read "save our hospital" packed Albert Lea High School's Auditorium, which has a maximum capacity of 750 people.

Lifelong resident Don Sorensen told Mayo Clinic leaders it was the "height of hypocrisy and arrogance" for the clinic to go ahead with plans to move in-patient services to the hospital in Austin without consulting local elected officials first. He said it is time for the community to look at other options for health care.

"Every individual in the area  young or old, rich or poor  will suffer because of this decision. No one will benefit long term. Albert Lea without a hospital is not acceptable," he said, winning strong applause from the audience.

But Mayo leaders defended the decision, saying the change was necessary to ensure quality health care services remain in the region. Dr. Mark Ciota, CEO of Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin, said the two hospitals lost $4.6 million in 2015 and $8 million last year.

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"That's one of the drivers as to how can we slow the losses down, continue to provide the care that we need to provide, do it in an environment where costs are increasing, reimbursements decreasing. And one of the ways is to have more patients located with the same diseases, same level of sickness, so you can get more efficiencies," he said.

In addition, Mayo leaders said they have had an extremely difficult time recruiting quality staff members to Austin and Albert Lea. They believe the consolidation will make it easier to hire.

Earlier this month, Mayo Clinic Health System announced it was consolidating services between its Albert Lea and Austin campuses. Most inpatient services will move to the Austin campus. That means patients will soon have to travel to Austin for major surgeries requiring hospitalization, overnight hospitalization, Intensive Care Unit stays, and for childbirth. The inpatient behavioral health unit housed in Austin will be moved to Albert Lea. The first transition will happen in October, when Albert Lea's ICU will move to Austin.

Mayo leaders have emphasized that 95 percent of the services offered will remain on both campuses. Those services include the emergency room, outpatient surgeries, family practice medicine, prenatal care, pharmacies and labs.

Albert Lea residents said they were blindsided by Mayo's move. Before the community meeting started, Annie Mattson stood outside the high school urging people to sign a petition asking Mayo leaders to reconsider their decision. That petition, started four days ago, already has more than 1,000 signatures.

"People have invested time, money and their hearts into Albert Lea community hospital. It's unconscionable, in our opinion, that it would go somewhere else," Mattson said.

City and county officials told the audience they were not aware of Mayo's plan until it became public. Albert Lea City Administrator Chad Adams said he and other city staffers have been reaching out to hospitals within a 200-mile radius of the city to see if they would be interested in coming to Albert Lea. But he said bringing another provider to town would likely be difficult. For starters, Minnesota law restricts the number of hospital beds a community can have. Any new provider would have to compete against Mayo.

"The initial responses we are getting back is it's going to be very challenging simply based on the metrics of competing against an existing hospital  even though it doesn't have inpatient care services," Adams said.

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At this point, he said the focus might be trying to get a birthing center to come to Albert Lea.

Freeborn County Commissioner Chris Shoff confirmed that the county is exploring the idea of filing a temporary injunction against Mayo to stop the moving of inpatient services, but said any such move likely would take time. It has also previously been reported that the board is considering invoking eminent domain to get control of the hospital. Shoff said they have asked Mayo leaders to brief the county board on the consolidation plans either during the July 11 or July 18 meeting.

Mayo officials said there has been a lot of misinformation about the consolidation. Ciota said reports that 500 people would be laid off is completely false. He said about 1,000 people work at both campuses, and he expects less than 25 jobs would shift to the Austin campus. The hope is that in the long-term, the consolidation will lead to more jobs.

Ciota said that based on community concerns, Mayo is also looking into the option of allowing some patients to stay overnight at the Albert Lea campus  as long as they are well enough that they could be taken care of by a nurse or physician's assistant with backup from a physician.

"We've heard that loud and clear, and I was just given permission a couple of days ago to explore that," he said.

At one point during the meeting, Dr. Bobbie Gostout, Mayo Clinic vice president and leader of Mayo Clinic Health System, told the crowd that the drive to Austin will be worth it for the higher quality of care.

"Twenty three miles  not what you would choose. But c'mon folks. People are driving 23 miles to get their favorite ice cream. People are driving 23 miles to go shopping," she said.

That comment generated loud groans and shouts from the crowd. Gostout added, "So somebody just said, 'Not a good comparison.' But comparing safety and outstanding medical care to convenience and enjoyment  it does have validity there. It doesn't take away the fact there is a sting."

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At one point during the meeting, a woman who identified herself as a pastor asked the audience to consider what Mayo leaders are saying and do what is best for patients. She recalled when she was in the hospital and very ill but could not be sent upstairs to the ICU because there were not enough beds available.

"We all want to be taken care of. We want our health care preserved, so please listen carefully about how we can get the care that we need," she said.

Jay Armstrong, with the Minnesota Nurses Association, said it is time for the community to look at options for getting a health care provider other than Mayo.

"You have sprung, if not ambushed, the community with this decision," Armstrong said. "We believe, the nurses believe, that there are alternatives. Whether that involves Mayo or not depends on Mayo."
Don't touch that!

Following an announcement last week that poison hemlock was spreading throughout St. Charles and Lanesboro, 20 sightings of the toxic weed have been reported in Rochester, according to a Minnesota Department of Agriculture spokesperson.

There have also been poison hemlock sightings in Preston, Byron, Kasson and Frontenac since the announcement, said Allen Sommerfeld, MDA senior communications officer.

Poison hemlock is a toxic weed that is part of the carrot family. The plant can grow as high as 8 feet. All parts of the weed  including the leaves, stems, flowers and roots  are poisonous.

"We're tracking all the reports and we're going to be mapping it to get an idea of where  it all is," said Emilie Justen, MDA research scientist.

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MDA will visit reported sites across the state over the next few months to determine the spread of the poisonous weed, Justen said.

"If anybody suspects that they have either ingested or maybe been working with enough of it or have some symptoms similar to that, they should call Minnesota Poison Control Center immediately," she said.

Those who come into contact with the weed can experience symptoms such as pupil dilation, slowed heartbeat, trembling and lack of coordination, Justen said.

If too much of the sap is absorbed into the skin or ingested, the nervous system may be affected.

"So, respiratory paralysis and coma, and eventually death," she said, but added someone would likely have to physically consume the plant to be poisoned to that extent.

It's difficult to determine how much contact puts people at risk, Justen said, so it's best to stay protected by wearing long sleeves, pants and closed-toed shoes when working near the plant.

There are some ways to combat the weed, however.

People can treat poison hemlock with certain herbicides, Justen said, or dig out the roots with a shovel.

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The plant could still flower or re-sprout, she said, so continued monitoring is necessary.
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to cause the release of promotion letters of all members of staff who passed the last promotion examination or face industrial action.

In the letter signed by the unions Secretary General, Olayinka Abioye, NUATE also petitioned the Ministry of Transportation, Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, and other unions, saying it had placed other branches on alert on its plan to shut the agency should the agency not accede to its demands.

The statement said that consequent upon the complaints arising from the recently released promotion letters to members of Staff of the authority, and bearing in mind that peace of mind of the worker translates to industrial peace in the workplace, they were compelled to draw the attention of management to the unwholesome and unacceptable outcome of the last promotion exercise.

The exercise, it said, left several suitably qualified members of staff out of being promoted in spite of the fact that they qualified to be invited to such promotion exercise and passed their relevant examinations.

Mr. Abioye said after due consultations and in-depth investigations, they were highly disappointed and shocked by the processes adopted by the Management to promote a few out of the meritorious lot that ought to have benefited, thereby creating unnecessary panic, mental agonies and anxiety within the NCAA.

We make bold to state that a disgruntled worker is an accident waiting to happen and considering the mere fact that NCAA carries very heavy responsibilities on its shoulders, more so at this critical stage in the industry, workers in the Aviation House, should ordinarily be carried like eggs, pampered like newborn babies and treated with dignity and respect, being staff/members of the regulatory house, he said.

We have a situation where a staff, who has been an AGM since 2008 was promoted to DGM effective 2017 whereas his date of promotion ought to have been 2011.

What manner of administrative crookedness and injustice is this? Such an individual should be preparing for consideration and promotion to being a General Manager?

Wittingly or otherwise, rather than open up space for suitably qualified members of staff to enjoy the benefits of their long sufferings/perseverance over the years in their contributions to the success of the authority, Management blocked their ways by engaging in antics unbecoming of a first class parastatal.

Mr. Abioye stated that in the same vein, management has not been able to explain how and why someone without any knowledge and, or, background in air transport would be brought into the system and placed on GL16, at the expense of more suitably qualified personnel?

Why should someone be posted to the NCAA from another agency when the NCAA or the individual did not request for such? Why is the authority silent on this untidy development, which has deprived qualified personnel in the NCAA from occupying such position?

The union, therefore, added that their members had been placed on the alert to await further directives on its next line of action after the letter, unless and until management accedes to their demand.

The NCAA was yet to react to the allegations as at the time of this report.

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The award winning actress, Mercy Aigbe, replied estranged husband, Lanre Gentry, on Instagram after his claim that her allegations against him was a stunt to make money for a movie.

The actress in the caption of a picture of her battered eye, Thursday, said, Throwback to when a man I call my husband almost blinded me!!! Keep the denials and numerous lies coming.

I am ready for youMr.Gentry

On Friday, the actress in conjunction with the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Wuraola Ogunwusi, through the latters #1in3Africa campaign, put together a walk against domestic violence against women.

Domestic violence victims and campaigners against the menace joined the walk, which kicked off at Awolowo Road by Falomo roundabout in Lagos.

Toke Makinwa, Foluke Daramola, Annie Idibia, Former Big Brother housemate, Kemen, among other celebrities also took part in the walk.

In an Instagram post about the Walk, Mercy Aigbe said, We all must come together to put an end to this inhumane, cancerous, destructive, barbaric act that is destroying homes.

We should be committed in our fight to see an end to this menace eating deep into our society.

It should not continue to the next generation.

Please stop shaming victims, we have a right to speak out, we have a right to share our experiences because trust me it helps the healing process.

To everyone woman/man going tru any form of violence in your homes, please summon the courage to say enough is enough!

The society might preach otherwise but my darling, ur Life, well being, rest of mind is all that matters! LIFE has no DUPLICATE.

She further stated that Violence solves nothing and it isnt an option, it is an offense punishable under the LAW.

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The Malawi government and UNICEF on Thursday launched an air corridor to test potential humanitarian use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones.

According to a press release by the humanitarian agency, the corridor is the first in Africa and one of the first globally with a focus on humanitarian and development use.

The drone when perfected is expected to ease humanitarian services in harsh places difficult to reach either due to environmental factors or hostility.

Malawis Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, said the country has over the years proved to be a leader in innovation and it is this openness to innovation that has led to the establishment of Africas first drone testing corridor in Malawi.

We have already used drones as part of our flood response and we can see the potential for further uses, such as transportation of medical supplies, which could transform lives in remote rural communities.

The drone testing is centred on Kasungu Aerodrome, in central Malawi, with a 40km radius (80km diameter) and is designed to provide a controlled platform for the private sector, universities and other partners to explore how UAVs can be used to help deliver services that will benefit communities.

The agency said the UAV corridor will run for at least one year, until June 2018.

Since the announcement in December 2016, 12 companies, universities and NGOs from around the world have applied to use the corridor. This includes drone manufacturers, operators and telecom companies such as: GLOBHE (Sweden) in collaboration with HemoCue and UCANDRONE (Greece), and Precision (Malawi), all of which were present at the launch to demonstrate connectivity, transportation and imagery uses respectively, it stated.

UNICEF Office of Global Innovation Principal Adviser, Christopher Fabian, said the humanitarian drone testing corridor can significantly improve the agencys efficiency and ability to deliver services to the worlds most vulnerable children.

The success of these trials will depend on working in new ways with the private sector, government and local entrepreneurs and engineers who can ensure that technologies deliver appropriate solutions for the people who need them the most, he said.

UNICEF said the UAV technology is still in the early stages of development and that the agency is working globally with a number of governments and private sector partners to explore how drones can be used in low-income countries. All projects adhere to a strict set of innovation principles, with a focus on open source and user-centred design.

The launch of the UAV testing corridor follows a pilot project in Malawi in March 2016 on the feasibility of using drones for the transportation of dried blood samples for early infant diagnosis of HIV. This study showed that UAVs are a viable addition to existing transport systems, including those used to help with the diagnosis of HIV.

UNICEF has also deployed drones to support the Government of Malawis response to recent floods. UAV flights went out in Salima, Lilongwe and Karonga between February and April 2017 to provide aerial footage to help assess the needs of affected families.

The aim of the flights was to conduct faster, more efficient and cost-effective assessments of the situation of communities and families. UNICEF is also exploring the potential for drones to be used to support immediate search and rescue efforts.

UNICEF Malawi Representative, Johannes Wedenig, said Malawi has limited road access to rural areas even at the best of times, and after a flash flood, earth roads can turn to rivers, completely cutting off affected communities.

With UAVs, we can easily fly over the affected area and see clearly what the impact has been on the ground. This is cheaper and better resolution than satellite images.

The Humanitarian UAV Testing Corridor will facilitate testing in three main areas:

1. Imagery  generating and analysing aerial images for development and during humanitarian crises, including for situation monitoring in floods and earthquakes;

2. Connectivity  exploring the possibility for UAVs to extend Wi-Fi or cellphone signals across difficult terrain, particularly in emergencies;

3. Transport  delivery of small low weight supplies such as emergency medical supplies, vaccines and samples for laboratory diagnosis, including for HIV testing.

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Authorities in Somalias semi-autonomous Puntland region on Friday executed seven people it said were Islamist militants who plotted to carry out attacks, including bombings.

Awil Farah, chairperson of the regions military court, said the accused were members of the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant group fighting to overthrow the government in Mogadishu.

The court executed seven fighters. They were shot dead today, he told reporters in the port city of Bosasso.

Five of the militants were caught as they transported explosives into Bosasso. The other two militants killed people in Galkayo, Farah said, referring to another city in the region.

Al Shabaabs insurgency aims to topple Somalias Western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islam on the Horn of Africa country.

The group has become more active in Puntland after being pushed out of strongholds further south by an African Union peacekeeping force and the Somali army.

On June 4, its fighters overran a military base in Af Urur, a town about 100 km south of Bosasso, killing at least 59 people.

(Reuters/NAN)

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President Emmanuel Macron heads to Mali on Sunday to throw Frances weight behind a new West African military force he hopes will lay the basis for an exit strategy for its own troops.

Mali is hosting a heads of state summit with Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mauritania, known as the G5 Sahel.

Four years after intervening in its former colony to ward off a jihadist offensive, there is no sign of France withdrawing its 4,000-strong regional Barkhane contingent as they, alongside 10,000 UN peacekeepers, struggle to stabilise Mali and implement peace accords.

A senior French diplomat said: Its not wrong to say that its part of an exit plan because the Barkhane mission is not intended to be there for ever, but its hard to see how we could draw down soon.

We need a long-term multilateral strategy so that were less exposed. The time of doing everything alone in West Africa is over.

The UN-endorsed force aims to initially establish specially-trained units by the end of the year, which would work with French forces where jihadist groups are known to operate .

It faces headwinds before it even becomes operational, with questions over financing, manpower and equipment.

Also, Vincent Rouget, West Africa analyst said: France had an exit strategy in mind when it spearheaded the new force and wanted as much multilateral funding as possible.

They dont have the option that they had in Central African Republic to just leave. The fact that Macron is in Bamako twice in a month really shows he is pushing his whole weight behind it.

Experts and officials question the merits of a mission that could muddy the picture in an area where there are already a plethora of military operations and there is a risk of diverting money away from local governance.

By putting the emphasis on setting up a new autonomous force with mostly external financing the risk is that it might distract from the absolute necessity of consolidating the states in all their dimensions, said Yabi Gilles, founder of WATHI, a citizen think tank of West Africa.

French officials insist that their efforts will not just focus on security aspects. Macron pledged in May to ensure unfulfilled development promises from Paris and the wider international community would materialize.

The neighbouring multi-national joint task force to fight Boko Haram, for example, has been complicated by divisions and a lack of cooperation.

With the worlds wealthy nations focused on the fight against Islamist militants in the Middle East, financial support for the MNJTF, has fallen short.

Chad and Niger are already members of the MNJTF so a solid foundation has been laid; let us build on it instead of creating another layer and going begging for resources from the same donors, said an African security source.

The G5 Sahel gives them (France) leverage over the heads of states who virtually depend on it for their security.

Those concerns were echoed by the United States when it watered down the French-backed Security Council resolution fearing that UN funding, as much as 800 million dollars could be required  would be wasted and that bilateral financing would be more fruitful.

In response, France is lobbying for more European involvement beyond an initial 50 million euros and at some point might push for a donor conference.

It will also have to dig into its own pocket despite its own budget constraints.

We have always said that the security of the region should be done by Africans themselves, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told Le Monde newspaper on June 29.

Barkhane will accompany them for as long as it takes until the situation is pacified.

The G5 Sahel nations are already heavily committed, leading to speculation that Chad, Burkina Faso and Niger may simply re-hat some or all of their 4,100 soldiers now serving in the UN force in Mali, potentially undermining a mission that is already struggling.

We have reached our limit. We cant continue to be everywhere, Chadian President Idriss Deby, whose troops are considered the most battle-hardened in the region, said in an interview to French media on Sunday.

Even if we had financing, Chad would be either in the G5 or Minusma. Choices will have to be made.(Reuters/NAN)

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The United Nations on Friday closed its peacekeeping mission in Cote dIvoire after 13 years during which it ushered the West African nation through a political crisis to elections and played a decisive role in the 2011 civil war.

In spite of a rapid post-war revival, the withdrawal comes as rights groups warn a failure to tackle impunity and reform its fractured, mutiny-prone army threatens the long-term stability of French-speaking West Africas largest economy.

The Secretary-General congratulates the people and government of (Cote dIvoire) for their determination and efforts in turning the page of crisis and conflict, a spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres said.

The UN Operation in Cote dIvoire (UNOCI), was established in 2004, two years after a failed coup attempt set off Cote dIvoires first civil war, which split the country between northern rebels and troops loyal to then President Laurent Gbagbo.

It was tasked with guiding the country, the worlds top cocoa grower, to a presidential election, which, following several postponements, took place in late 2010 with around 9,000 UN troops in place.

Gbagbo attempted to void results in the north and negate the run-off victory of his opponent Alassane Ouattara, who had been held up as a symbol of northern political and social exclusion.

UNOCI head Choi Young-jin, who had been mandated to validate the poll results, declared Ouattara the winner, and the majority of the international community recognised him as president.

When Gbagbo refused to step down, UN peacekeepers and French soldiers backed pro-Ouattara rebel fighters.

Around 3,000 people died in the ensuing civil war before Gbagbo was captured in April 2011.

He is now on trial at the International Criminal Court accused of crimes against humanity.

Under the leadership of Ouattara, who won a second five-year term in 2015, Cote dIvoire has emerged as Africas fastest-growing economy, attracting interest from international investors.

However, UNOCIs closure, which comes amid a U.S.-driven push to slash the UN peacekeeping budget, follows a wave of army mutinies that have exposed the governments tenuous grip on its military, cobbled together in the wake of the war.

Analysts and diplomats fear further unrest as Cote dIvoire heads towards another presidential election in 2020 to choose a successor to Ouattara, who will have reached his two-term limit.

The peace dividends the (UN) has contributed to could be reversed unless the Ivorian government addresses pervasive immunity and the armys lack of discipline, said Drissa Traore, vice-president of the International Federation for Human Rights.

Amnesty International said at least 10 people were killed and dozens wounded in mutinies that erupted in January when 8,400 former rebels now serving in the army rose up demanding bonus payments.

They twice forced the government to capitulate, in January and again in March, after violence spread to towns and cities across the country.

In total, it eventually paid the soldiers 12 million CFA francs (20,681 dollars) each.

Inadequate progress in addressing a longstanding culture of impunity, reforming the security forces, and strengthening rule of law institutions threaten the countrys long-term prospects for peace and development, Human Rights Watch said.

(Reuters/NAN)

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In-spite of having a high death rate related to malaria, a quarter of countries in sub-Saharan Africa receive very little funding for research into the deadly disease.

A recent study showed that most of the countries with the highest prevalence of malaria-related cases and death received little funding from major public and philanthropic health institutions to research on combating the disease.

The study by the University of Southampton on global funding trends for malaria research in sub- Saharan Africa was published on Thursday in The Lancet Global Health journal.

According to the research, countries like Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda receive reasonably large investments in malaria-related research, whereas others such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Central African Republic received little or no investment.

Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi ranked highest when research investment and funding for malaria control were combined.

Tanzania ($107.8m), Kenya ($92.9m), Uganda ($97.9m), Malawi ($71.7m) and Ghana ($62.7m) received the most research funding while Nigeria ($786.2m), Tanzania ($750m), Kenya ($621.9m), Ethiopia ($578m) and Malawi ($424.6m) all received the most non-research funding.

Michael Heads, who led the group of researchers on the study, said they noted that research investments are typically highest in countries where funding for malaria control is high.

He said a high disparity was noted in the unequal spread of resources to tackle the disease in sub- Saharan Africa as the region with the highest malaria-related death had no research investment. Some of the countries also affected are Chad, Congo, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone and Mauritania.

He however, said all the countries received non-research funding such as bed nets, public health schemes and anti-malaria drugs which were designated to the control of the disease.

The study found that the total domestic and International funding for malaria is inadequate if most countries are to achieve the World Health Organisation (WHO) global target in burden reduction of malaria by 2030.

WHO has since 2000 been making huge strides against malaria and this has brought about a reduction in the death rate of malaria by 60 per cent with at least six million people saved globally.

According to the health agency, effort to curb the deadly disease is however becoming more challenging as mosquitoes are becoming increasingly resistant to drugs and bed nets and as such the organisation is calling for new vector control response as a game changer against the disease.

The disease is said to kill about 430,000 people a year, making it one of the worlds deadliest.

The Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, NIMR had earlier this month raised alarm over the increasing incidence of mosquito resistance to insecticide nets in 18 states in the country as over 50 million Nigerians still test positive to malaria annually.

The report revealed that Lagos, Ogun and Niger state still have the highest incidence of resistance cases.

Nigeria remains one of the major malaria prevalent countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The country has been employing preventive and treatment measures as it has not had much success in researches on the elimination of the disease.

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, in 2004 instituted prizes to encourage scientists from around the world to work on new innovations especially on malaria, but no entry since 2010 has been considered worthy of the prize for malaria.

The competition on malaria control expects the prospective winners to focus on Nigeria where the problem is rampant and has attached a monetary reward of $100,000

According to the organisation, closing for the entries last year was extended to this year because none was good enough for the prize. The award which started in 2004, has had no winner since 2010.

Mr. Heads said the research by his group has shown that some countries are being neglected.

We noted that the disparity can be partly explained by the fact that some countries in the region do not have an established research infrastructure so it is hard to invest there.

However, we need to alter the capacity for research in the underfunded countries so as to be able to achieve meaningful results on tackling the menace as ultimately, the neglected populations in these countries are the ones who suffer greatly from malaria and other diseases, he said.

The study was done by examining research funding data related to malaria from 1997-2013 which was sourced from existing data set from 13 major philanthropic global health funders and from funding database.

It noted that U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation topped the highest funders with about 60 per cent of the funding.

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Two years after PREMIUM TIMES revealed that four South-South states were running illegal surveillance programmes to intrude into privacy of their residents and target opposition, latest findings by this newspaper suggest that the states have not backed down on the controversial operation.

Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States were named in the 2015 investigation that uncovered how governors in the four states, which are specifically located in the Niger Delta, procured cutting-edge spying devices to play the role of Big Brother over residents of their respective states, especially politically active opponents.

Rivers State then under Rotimi Amaechi was the first state to deploy surveillance equipment.

Former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan also ran the programme in Delta until the end of his administration in 2015, and there are indications that he handed it over to his appointed successor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

In Akwa Ibom, former Governor Godswill Akpabio deployed the programme in Uyo, the state capital.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State was exposed as running perhaps the most ruthless of the spying policies at the time.

Of the four states, three have had change of leadership, while Mr. Dickson is now in his second term. Of the three governors that vacated office, only Mr. Amaechi of Rivers handed over to an opposition candidate.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered from official sources in Akwa Ibom, under Emmanuel Udom, and Rivers, under Nyesom Wike, that the two states still have their respective programmes in place, but there were no immediate signs that Mr. Okowa still spies on residents in Delta.

National Security Agency sources said none of the states received approval to deploy the surveillance equipment.

The subsisting policy of the Nigerian government requires that any public or private organisation with an intention to purchase surveillance equipment must secure End User Certificate from the NSA before doing so.

The unrestrained exploits of the politicians underscore the susceptibility of private phone conversations of Nigerians.

The revelations, our previous report said, highlight how easy it could be for individuals and organisations  with enough financial and political clout to acquire and deploy hi-tech hacking tools and illegally collect private data from targeted Nigerians.

Section 12 of the Cybercrime Act (2015) prescribes a prison term of not more than two years, a fine of N5 million or both for anyone convicted of the illegal surveillance activities of the governors.

The police at state and federal level deny knowledge of all the intrusive operations by governors.

Were not aware of such, the Nigeria Police spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood, said.

If any citizen has genuine complaints about possible intrusion on his or her privacy, such individual should contact the nearest police station.

We have our technical means to stay above criminals, but were not tapping peoples private conversations and the police will not condone such, he added.

RIVERS

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who is now Nigerias transport minister, was the first Nigerian politician to demand a Circle 3Gs telephone tracking technology as far back as 2010.

In a June 30, 2010 offer letter, signed by the then Secretary to the State Government, Sovens Okari, the Amaechi administration invited V&V Limited to supply the gadgets for N2.3 billion.

But the deal failed after the relationship between Mr. Amaechi and V&V Limited became strained.

When contacted at the time, Mr. Amaechi said he was unaware of the project. He argued that there was no record of fund releases for the project.

Two years earlier, Mr. Amaechi, now Minister of Transport, had picked up a similar gadget, the C4i (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) technology deployed by an Israeli military security firm, MPD Systems.

Mr. Amaechi had described the C4i as a tool to aid federal security in combating militancy and kidnappings within the state. But it was more than that. C4i was considered the perfect federal cover under which Mr. Amaechis political spying was carried out.

But Ibim Semenitari, Mr. Amaechis Commissioner for Information, told PREMIUM TIMES in the previous report that the administration did not on its own deploy the tools to spy on anyone.

She cited Mr. Amaechis political fallout with former President Goodluck Jonathan as a clear hindrance for the governor.

Given the well-publicised infractions between the Rivers State Government and the GEJ (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan)-led federal Government the state would not have been able to embark on the issues raised without the security agencies clamping down on its officials, Ms. Semenitari said.

She admitted that the state government was running the programme, but said it secured the authorisation of the NSA under former President Umar YarAdua.

She also said the program was being run by a joint-team of police and the State Security Service in the state.

LATEST

Recent findings by PREMIUM TIMES during a recent visit to Port-Harcourt suggest that Mr. Wike continued running the surveillance programme when he came to office in May 2015.

A source close to the administration said the program was still running as at April 2017, but said it was on a lower scale.

Governor Amaechi started the surveillance policy and the Wike government inherited it when he came to the office, the source said. But I think it has now been scaled down significantly.

The source said the programme had helped combat criminal activities in the state, adding that it was the reason behind its procurement.

But Commissioner for Information, Austin Tam-George, said the state does not intercept residents phone conversations.

As a matter of ideology, this state does carry out illegal surveillance against residents. Mr. Tam-George said. It would be unfair to conclude otherwise.

(Mr. Tam-George was interviewed in his capacity as commissioner. The interview was conducted before he resigned last week.)

Similarly, Rivers police spokesperson, Omoni Nnamdi, denied knowledge of any surveillance program.

We only have joint patrol that includes the Nigerian Army and others, Mr. Nnamdi said. But Im not sure I know of any spy programme or that I could confirm it.

David Iyofor, media aide to Mr. Amaechi, said his principal left the equipment for Mr. Wike.

It was a state property, not Amaechis own, Mr. Iyofor said. So, all security agencies that were involved can confirm that the state still has it.

BAYELSA

Mr. Dicksons hacking activities were exposed by PREMIUM TIMES after the company that supplied Bayelsa State governments hacking tools was hacked.

Hacking Team, notorious for equipping governments with tools to hack computers and phones, was hacked in July 2015 and 415 gigabytes of internal data leaked to the public.

Documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES show that the Dickson administration paid Hacking Team N98 million to carry out Internet attacks, in what appears to be the most ambitious hacking project by a Nigerian state government, the earlier report said.

The contract was signed in late 2013, leaked Hacking Teams internal documents showed.

Mr. Dicksons programme was not known even to the NSA until after the publication of the leaked documents.

Only the federal government has the power to intercept communications or act to suspend rights in the face of national security.

LATEST

There is no evidence anywhere that the Dickson administration disposed its hacking equipment. Officials also preferred to stick to earlier narratives that it never had one.

PREMIUM TIMES efforts to get updates from officials with knowledge about the Bayelsa States surveillance activities were unsuccessful.

In Yenagoa, some officials that initially agreed to an off-record conversation in person later backed out at the eleventh hour, citing the sensitive nature of our investigation.

Boma Spero-Jack, Mr. Dicksons special adviser on security, however, restated the administrations earlier claim, despite overwhelming evidence, that it never had any intrusive surveillance equipment in place.

Were not interested in such materials, Mr. Spero-Jack said of hacking tools. Were not in such business.

He said eavesdropping or illegally obtaining peoples conversation is illegal.

He said, like most states in the country, Bayelsa has a joint-security committee in place, which he said Bayelsa had been using to deal with crimes across the state.

We have a joint-security group of police, Army and SSS.

We have equipment for tracking of vehicles and we have equipment for distress calls, Mr. Spero-Jack said.

He said his office oversees running of the equipment.

DELTA

As governor, Mr. Uduaghan, doled out N1.5 billion state funds to sign up for Circles 3G tools in February 2012. He also paid a yearly service fee of N31.9 million, our earlier investigation showed.

Upon expiration of his two-term tenure in May 2015, he handed over the tools to his successor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who immediately signed a two-year contract to extend the maintenance of the service.

Although the police in Abuja own a Circles 3G communication interception service which they pay N63 million annually to maintain, Delta State government argued its gadgets were bought for the police, at the time.

My boss has no need to monitor any politician, Ehiedu Aniagu, chief press secretary to Mr. Okowa said.

PREMIUM TIMES investigation shows that the gadgets are run by V & V Limited and employees of the governor, rather than public security agents.

LATEST IN DELTA

PREMIUM TIMES could not ascertain the status of the equipment in Delta State.

Officials of the state government said the government was not monitoring anyones messages or conversations while the police in the state gave a non-committal response.

The Delta police spokesperson, Aniamaka Andrew, said there is a joint-team of security agencies in the state, and he cannot say they do not have the capabilities to monitor phone conversations.

But I am sure they put issues of individual rights in mind and they will not infringe on the privacy of individuals, he said.

Mr. Andrew said what he could speak definitely on was that the state government procured closed-circuit television equipment for active monitoring of major black spots in the state.

It is a proactive means of preventing crimes across the state, he said.

AKWA IBOM

Mr. Akpabio, now a senator from Akwa Ibom, purchased cyber warfare equipment when he was governor.

Even though the National Security Adviser, in 2012, declined to issue Mr. Akpabio an End User Certificate to buy Hacking Teams cyber warfare tools, the former governor went ahead, anyway.

Top politicians in Akwa Ibom then accused Mr. Akpabio of procuring the equipment to target them.

We knew that he (Godswill Akpabio) acquired a device to monitor peoples telephone calls but there was absolutely nothing we could do, Umana Okon, an estranged ally of Mr. Akpabio who was secretary to the state government when the device was installed, said. The device was acquired at the time kidnapping was quite high in the state. But after kidnapping abated, it was used to monitor telephone calls of private citizens and government officials.

The period when Mr. Akpabio used the phone hacking tools in Akwa Ibom also coincided with a period that was fraught with political assassinations, kidnapping and intimidation.

Like its counterparts in other states, the Akpabio regime in Akwa Ibom then denied operating the hacking facility.

Aniekan Umana, Mr. Akpabios Commissioner for Information said his principal never ran any intrusive operation.

Officials of that government who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES in confidence, however, confirmed the existence of the spying facility at the time.

Like Rivers, Mr. Akpabios spying facility was also installed and run from the governors office rather than the SSS or police department.

But Mr. Umana insisted that everything security was run by the SSS and police.

Mr. Umana further stated that when the state sought the Hacking Teams tools, it was to help the security agencies.

Politicians who felt their privacy had been breached complained to the National Security Adviser, but said nothing was done.

LATEST

PREMIUM TIMES learnt during a recent trip to Uyo, the state capital, that Mr. Udom continued the controversial program when he assumed office in 2015.

A security source who spoke under strict anonymity said Mr. Udom declined to discontinue the program, citing security implications of such move.

The source said Mr. Udom praised the effectiveness of the surveillance operation, which was placed under joint-supervision of police and State Security Service, during one of the state security council meetings in 2016.

The governor said he wont ignore the security benefits of the operation, the source said.

Our source further stated that the spy operation aided the police work for the time they were allowed to use it.

The police cannot deny the significant contribution that the surveillance tools made towards their activities, the source said.

The source said Akwa Ibom witnessed a noticeable reduction in capital crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery and kidnapping, although no scientific statistics were provided.

Crime prevention had also been robust in the state in recent years, as spying capabilities made it easier for law enforcement authorities to learn of potential crimes before theyre committed, he said.

Yet, the source said the police had been removed from the program because of incessant leaks allegedly traced to police officers.

We noticed some leaks happened last year and it was eventually recommended that the police be removed from the operation, the source said.

The source said SSS remained the only security outfit the state allowed to keep running the program on its behalf.

The SSS, which is clearly involved in running the hacking program in Akwa Ibom and other states, has no spokesperson and has refused to make itself accountable to the public for questions.

PREMIUM TIMES could not, however, confirm that the Udom administration targeted political opponents in recent times.

Also, the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Don Awunah, denied knowledge of any surveillance operation that had links with the state government.

I have no knowledge of such operation, Mr. Awunah told PREMIUM TIMES inside his office in Uyo, the state capital. And you know I have been in this state for several months.

Mr. Awunah was named police commissioner for Akwa Ibom in January.

He said he had relied on the surveillance platform run by the police from their headquarters in Abuja.

The police chief declined to comment on claims that the state government dropped his organisation from the security agencies that were running the program.

We dont intercept peoples conversations  Governor Udom

Despite the strong indications that his government kept the intrusive surveillance program, Mr. Udom dug his heel in, stating categorically that no surveillance operation is underway in his state.

In a response to a series of questions about the program, Charles Udoh, the Commissioner of Information, said the Udom administration respects the privacy of all residents in the state,

We do not intercept peoples private conversations, Mr. Udom said. Its the work of security agencies to track criminals and bring them to justice.

Mr. Udoh said previous claims from opposition figures that they were being targeted were mere campaign ruse.

Mr. Okon, now Managing Director, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, turned down all PREMIUM TIMES entreaties for his latest position on the surveillance program if he still believes the operation hasnt ceased or his calls are still being eavesdropped.

Samuel Udobong, spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom, said he had no reason to suspect that Mr. Udom was targeting him.

Mr. Udobong said the activities of the APC as the major opposition party in the state had not been hindered in any way.

We make our plans and challenge the governor in the open without any reason to be apprehensive, Mr. Udobong said. I dont believe hes targeting us, and, if he is, were not doing anything criminal.

PRIVACY RIGHTS ACTIVISTS REACT

But privacy rights advocates say they are not leaving anything to chance with respect to eavesdropping activities in Nigeria, which they described as rudderless and proliferated.

We have time and again raised alarms that governments at all levels are increasingly deploying surveillance equipment that specifically target citizens communication, said Adeboye Adegoke, program manager at Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, a public policy think-tank. We know they do this with little accountability and very few citizens are alarmed.

The apparent lack of water-tight regulatory framework in the deployment of surveillance tools has gripped privacy activists who warned of grave consequences should the status quo linger for much longer.

We must not wait until someone as highly placed as the president is wiretapped and his secret conversations are uploaded on the Internet before something drastic will be done, Mr. Adegoke said.

In recent years, some highly placed persons, including incumbent governors and judges, have had to endure public ridicule after their phone discussions were uploaded on the Internet.

Last December, phone conversations of Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State and his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike, were leaked.

In one of such recordings, Mr. Wike appeared to be threatening an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the states re-run elections that month.

PROPOSED DIGITAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOM LAW

As 2019 election approaches, some desperate governors in states where the tools have not yet been deployed might consider replicating the intrusive program to monitor opposition and maintain their hold on power, activists believe.

They would sense the success of the ones deployed by their counterparts in the Niger Delta and procure their own equipment, Mr. Adegoke said. But thats assuming they havent already done so.

To reverse the proliferation of surveillance tools, Mr. Adegokes non-profit is championing a legislation it says will significantly curb privacy rights abuses and introduce sanity to the dark side of modern communication.

The Digital Rights and Freedom Bill has scaled the second reading in the parliament, where it has been proceeding at snail speed for about two years.

The bill proffers solutions to crucial surveillance questions, such as transparency, safeguards for deployment and modalities.

We hope the bills passage will be expedited because it provides clear guidelines on the use of monitoring equipment, Mr. Adegoke said. Every Nigerian is entitled to unfeterred privacy.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) says President Muhammadu Buhari is fast recovering from his illness contrary to allegations that he is on life support.

The National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, gave the assurance in Abuja while speaking with journalists at the end of a meeting between the partys National Working Committee (NWC) and state governors elected on the partys platform.

We are glad to inform you that President Muhammadu Buhari is recovering in a very robust manner.

We hope he takes it easy and when he comes back, I have no doubt at all that we will have a new and active period of activities.

He, however, said only the presidents doctors abroad could decide when he would be fit to return to the country.

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State had recently alleged that President Buhari was on life-support in a London Hospital where he is receiving medical attention.

The national chairman, however, refused to respond to the governors comment, saying he would do that at an appropriate time.

If I respond, I will be dignifying him, he said.

At the appropriate time, people will answer him; at the appropriate level; at the appropriate time.

He is in a different world altogether.

According to him, the partys leadership has confidence in President Buhari.

He added that the meeting x-rayed the nation, ongoing agitation for its restructuring and inciting statements emanating from different parts of the country.

Mr. Odigie-Oyegun stressed that such inciting statements are not good for the nation`s health and have to be stopped.

According to him, the party maintains its earlier position on the restructuring of the country as clearly stated in its manifesto.

He further said the partys leadership would do all it could at all times to ensure that the unity of the country was preserved.

He added that the APC leadership was ready to listen to whatever grievances any group in the country might have.

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The embattled mobile telephone operator, Etisalat Nigeria Limited, said on Friday it would move swiftly to set a new management and appoint a new board, in the wake of the resignation of its incumbent Chairman, Hakeem Bello-Osagie.

A statement obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr. Bello-Osagies decided to quit on Friday following the approval of a restructuring plan for the telecommunications firm.

Although the Chairman had planned to leave immediately the banks made the take-over move, he opted to tarry until a road map for the company was finalised.

The timing of the resignation was strategically delayed till now when stakeholders have agreed a plan, the statement said.

The development reflects Mr. Bello-Osagies deep commitment to protecting the interest of all stakeholders. It is now expected that Etisalat Nigeria under its new shareholding structure will navigate through its current loan repayment challenge with minimum impact.

Over the last several months, the Chairman has worked extensively with critical stakeholders to prepare clearly articulated strategies and robust road maps that will mitigate the impact of the new shareholding restructuring and realignment on the operations and management of the 4th largest telecoms player in Nigeria, the statement said.

The former Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, UBA, was the only surviving shareholder in the embattled mobile operator currently embroiled in a $1.2 billion (about N377.4 billion) loan repayment crisis with a consortium of 13 Nigerian banks.

He was the promoter of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services, EMTS, which controlled 15 per cent of the equity holding of the company.

His resignation followed the withdrawal, two weeks ago, of the companys major shareholder, Emirates Telecommunications Group Company, after its affiliate, Mubadala Development Company, had indicated its intention to withdraw from the company.

Last week, the United Arab Emirates, UAE, company, in a filing to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in Abu Dhabi requested EMTS Holding BV to transfer all of its 85 per cent shareholdings in Etisalat Nigeria to United Capital Trustees Limited, the legal trustees of the banks, latest June 23, 2017.

Since then, Etisalat Nigeria had been logged in series of negotiations involving the consortium of banks, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to restructure the remains of the telephone operators management.

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, Stanbic IBTC, Ecobank, United Bank for Africa Plc and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

The loan, which involved a foreign-backed guaranteed bond, was to help the 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 recent withdrawal of its majority shareholder and resignation of Mr. Bello-Osagie

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The United States Ambassador in Nigeria, Stuart Symington, said on Thursday that Nigeria possessed the capacity to face and overcome challenges in its drive to attain nationhood.

Mr. Symington was speaking in Abuja at a cocktail party hosted to celebrate the 241st anniversary of the independence of the United States of America in Abuja.

Citing some of the difficulties the United States faced in her political history to preserve its union, the ambassador said Nigerias current challenges were similar to the U.S., pointing out that its strength as a nation was in its diversity.

Attributing the U.S. success in overcoming its challenges to the resilience of visionary leaders and citizens committed to ensuring justice for all, he said Nigeria possessed similar qualities to see the country through its challenges.

Today, Nigeria is fortunate to have such leaders and citizens. Together they are dedicated to keeping Nigeria United and just, and to ensure every Nigerian is heard and taken into account and treated fairly, Mr. Symington said.

The envoy said United States and Nigeria shared close commonality, in terms of an incredible diversity in their politics and culture, adding that throughout the history of the U.S., the diversity the country prized and shared with Nigerians had been a source of tension, and sometimes, a challenge to its union.

Just like the United States, he said Nigeria was a wonderfully diverse nation, whose differences and diversity were sources of strength and reason for pride.

Whenever I meet a Nigerian, I ask, What do you like the most about your country? The invariable reply, from more than a thousand Nigerians, is, I like the Nigerian people. I like our diversity, our resilience, our energy, our warmth, our spirit, our food, Mr. Symington told his guests.

Since his arrival in Nigeria, he said he has had the opportunity to confirm how much Americans shared with Nigerians, saying both have shared families friends, interests and principles.

We share families, friends, interests, and principles. All across this land, from Birnin Kebbi to Calabar, from Maiduguri to Badagry, Nigerians have welcomed me warmly and showed me the wonders of this country and its people.

In almost every place, I have also met Americans whose lives are dedicated to their work with and for Nigerians, the Ambassador said.

Private sector employees and public servants alike, they work here in business and IT, agriculture and energy, health and education and civil society and justice, and they work to conserve Nigerias iconic natural beauty and stunning biodiversity.

Recalling the warning by George Washington, one of Americas founding fathers, Mr. Symington said he had spoken of those who sought to weaken and defeat the country and would first attack the unity of government, while Abraham Lincoln made the preservation of the union his lifes work.

He said the most important thing today has been the relationship of the two countries governments, saying the last presidential elections in Nigeria sent a profound message around the world and Africa that nations were better when they were directed by the decisions of their citizens.

It was the election that showed Nigerias direction to work on health and job creation. All what this is telling us in America is that we will not have a better partnership in the world than the people of Nigeria, he said.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday secured the conviction of Tajudeen Yusuf, a former branch manager of Skye Bank, Jos. He was arraigned before Justice Ambrose Alagwa of the Federal High Court, Jos.

The convict who was prosecuted on a five-count charge, following a complaint by his employers, allegedly defrauded Usman Tetengi, a customer of the bank, to the tune of N200 million when he issued him fake deposit certificate and diverted the money to personal use.

Count one of the charge read, That you, Tajudeen Yusuf, ( former manager Skye Bank Jos) sometime between the years 2010 and 2013, in Jos, Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this court, did with intent to defraud obtain monies, the sum of N200,000,000:00 (Two hundred million Naira) from one Alhaji Usman Tetengi under a false pretence that the said sum was to be kept as fixed deposit in Skye Bank Jos, for profit and thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 1 ( 1) and Punishable Under Section 1 ( 3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 2016.

Count two reads, That you, Tajudeen Yusuf (former manager, Skye Bank Jos) sometime in February, 2011 in Jos, Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this court, did make false documents to wit; Skye Bank Deposit Confirmation Advice, with intent that it be used and acted upon as genuine, thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 465 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Punishable Under Section 467 of the same Act.

In his judgment, Justice Alagwa discharged and acquitted the convict on counts one, four and five but found him guilty on counts two and three and sentenced him to six months imprisonment on each of the counts. He however gave him the option of N100,000 fine.

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Troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, deployed to Buni Gari in Borno State, said they have arrested another suspected Boko Haram terrorist.

Sani Usman, the Director Army Public Relations, made this known on Thursday in Maiduguri.

Mr. Usman, a brigadier general, said the suspect, 20, was arrested by the troops on June 25 while on perimeter patrol.

He added that preliminary investigation was initially difficult as he was found to be under influence of heavy dosage of drugs.

However, he has since stabilised and making useful statement.

The director noted that the troops of 29 Task Force Brigade also Discovered Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected terrorists along Wajiro-Mallam Kuramti cattle route.

Troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade also discovered an IED planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists while on patrol on June 28 along Wajiro-Mallam Kuramti cattle route.

The team safely removed and detonated it, he said.

Mr. Usman said the troops of 151 Battalion of the 21 Brigade also cleared an ambush by suspected terrorists.

He added that on June 28, at about 3.30 p.m. troops of 151 Battalion of 21 Brigade on patrol to Mayanti Village were ambushed by suspected elements of Boko Haram terrorists.

The troops successfully cleared the ambush by neutralizing some of the terrorists, while a re-enforcement was immediately dispatched to mop up the general area.

The team recovered a 60mm Commando Mortar Bomb, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 51 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.

Mr. Usman said the remains of two soldiers killed in action were also buried in Gombe.

On June 28 the remains of two gallant soldiers that paid the supreme price on Saturday June 17, along Damboa-Biu road in Borno State, 11NA/66/10788 Lance Corporal Auwal Halliru and 15NA/73/0188 Private Halilu Aliyu of 254 Task Force Battalion were buried according Islamic rites at the Gombe military ceremony, Mr. Usman said.

(NAN)

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An Ogun High Court in Abeokuta on Friday sentenced a reveller, Rasheed Kareem, to death by hanging for the murder of Ahmed Muyideen.

In her judgment, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade said the convict, who was returning from a carnival, was guilty of murder, for smashing a bottle on Mr. Muyideens head and thereafter stabbing him with it, leading to his death.

Mrs. Olopade, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, said the prosecution had proved the unlawful act that led to the death of the deceased beyond reasonable doubt.

With all the evidence tendered in court during trial, I found that the accused person had unlawfully caused the death of the deceased.

The act was done intentionally, so the court has found him (Kareem) guilty of the offence. I hereby sentence the accused to death by hanging, she said.

The Chief Judge said the offence committed contravened Section 316, and was punishable under Section 391 of the Criminal Code, Law of Ogun 2006.

Section 316 provides that any person who causes the death of another directly or indirectly by any means whatsoever is deemed to have killed the person, Mrs. Olopade said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convict, who had been standing trial since 2015, had at his arraignment pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Mr. Kareem was arrested and charged for attacking and stabbing the deceased with bottle.

The prosecution counsel, Olubankole Mafe, had established during trial that the convict committed the offence at about 8.00p.m. on Dec. 19, 2015 under ltoku Bridge in Abeokuta.

According to prosecution witnesses, Mr. Muyideen had boarded a taxi while returning from a church programme.

The taxi, on getting to Itoku, was said to have developed a fault.

One of the witnesses said Mr. Muyideen and other passengers came down to push the taxi off the road.

While trying to push the taxi to a safe place for repairs, the accused person who was coming from a community carnival came down from his motorcycle with an empty bottle and smashed it on Kareems head before stabbing him in the stomach.

Kareem was rushed to the Federal Medical Center, Idi Aba, in Abeokuta, where he received treatment, but later died after two days, the witness said.

In his prayer after the conviction of his client, the defence counsel, Mr Oludotun Sotonade, urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

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An Abuja High Court on Friday, dismissed a certificate forgery suit filed by one Uchenna Nnadi against Andy Uba, a senator from Anambra State.

Justice Valentine Ashi said the law says that he who asserts must prove; and that the plaintiff failed to lead the court with further evidence.

Justice Ashi said the plaintiff should have investigated and gotten his facts from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which cleared the defendant as being eligible for elections.

He said the plaintiff should have also conducted checks at Union Secondary School, Awkunawu, Enugu State, where the defendant said he obtained his school leaving certificate as opposed to Boys High School, Awkunawu, which the plaintiff claimed.

The judge dismissed the suit and said the plaintiff failed to investigate the defendants claims and therefore failed to prove the forgery case against him.

Mr. Nnadi had sued Uba on the grounds that he presented a forged School certificate from Boys High School, Awkunawu, and so unqualified and ineligible to stand for elections.

Mr. Uba, in his counter affidavit, however, denied ownership of the said certificate and maintained that he graduated from Union Secondary School, Awkunawu, which he submitted to INEC and was properly cleared.

(NAN)

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Nigeria loses N80 billion annually due to road accidents, the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, said in Friday.

Mr. Adewole who made this known at a handover ceremony of 31 ambulances donated by the Japanese Government in Abuja, said Nigeria was among countries with the highest rates of vehicle accidents globally.

As a matter of concern, next to Boko Haram Insurgency, road crash is the second highest source of violent death in Nigeria.

According to FRSC reports, Nigeria is among the countries with the highest road accident rates in the world, having 5,400 deaths in 12,077 road crashes in 2015 and 18,353 people injured in road crashes between 2009 and 2013.

According to WHO report in 2015, one in every four road crash deaths in Africa occur in Nigeria, having a higher death toll than malaria.

Also, Nigeria loses about N80 billion annually to road accidents, he said.

The minister said the donation of the ambulances was the outcome of a Memorandum of Understanding both parties signed in September 2016.

He added that the ambulances donated by the Japanese government would support the Federal governments policy on emergency medical services, developed in 2016 in response to the trend of road accidents.

Mr. Adewole further said that the ambulances were to be distributed to selected tertiary health institutions in each state of the country.

This move by the Japanese government has provided the opportunity to strengthen greater collaboration and partnership between our two countries.

This gesture will contribute immensely in supporting the Federal Governments efforts in strengthening the National Emergency Response Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health.

In his address, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Sadanobu Kusaoke, said health was among the top priorities of Japans relations with Nigeria.

Kusaoke said that the ambulances were part of a series of Japans aid project to Nigerias health sector.

Through our Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, the Japanese Embassy, in partnership with local NGOs, has been providing various primarily health care facilities for rural communities.

We have also supplied advanced medical equipment for secondary health centres; another support is scholarship programmes for undergraduate medical students for training in Japan.

These ambulances are the latest example of a series of our aid projects in the health sector.

He said the ceremony marked the delivery of the first batch of 31 ambulances in health centres in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the remaining 12 ambulances would be handed over in 2018.

NAN also reports that the Japanese Government earmarked 400 million Japanese Yuan (approximately 4.1 million dollars) for the project.

The ambulances would be delivered to 15 teaching hospitals and 13 Federal Medical Centres in the country.

(NAN)

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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has arrested a suspected human trafficker (names withheld by the agency) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The suspect was arrested alongside his victim who is in her early 20s and hails from Edo State, the agency said in a statement on Friday. The latter is currently undergoing counselling at a NAPTIP shelter, while the suspect is being questioned by NAPTIP investigators in Lagos.

According to the statement, the arrest and rescue were done during a joint random profiling operation carried out at the airport on Wednesday and Thursday by NAPTIP-Joint Border Task Force (NAPTIP-JBTF) operatives, mentors, and the United Kingdom Border Police.

The operations which lasted over seven hours targeted airlines including Emirate Airline heading to Dubai; Turkish Air heading to Istanbul; Egypt Air heading to Cairo; Ethiopian Airline heading to Addis Ababa; Qatar Airline heading to Doha; Rwandan Air heading to Kigali and another Emirate Airline heading to Dubai.

During the operation, passengers were randomly profiled on the floor of the departure hall at the check-in counters, Josiah Emerole, NAPTIPs spokesperson.

It was in one of such checks that the PVOT (potential victim of trafficking) was intercepted on the Emirate Airline counter checking in to travel to Dubai while the suspect facilitating her movement was arrested.

Responding to this operation, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli, commended the operatives of the JBTF.

She, however, urged all international flight operators to imbibe all good practices in the fight against human traffickers, adding that she would engage all airline operators and tour operators to discuss their operation.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission recorded 113 convictions nationwide between January and June 2017.

The Commissions Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, made the disclosure today June 30 at an interactive meeting with stakeholders in Ikoyi, Lagos

According to Mr. Magu, the feat was made possible by the contributions and support of stakeholders. He vowed not to spare the corrupt despite the prevailing encumbrances.

We will not fail to bring to book those who have corruptly stolen our commonwealth and thereafter organize to destabilise the anti-corruption initiatives.

I will not relent, I will fight for the interest of our citizens and our childrens future, he declared.

The EFCC boss who observed that corruption was at the root of recent separatist agitations in parts of the country, urged for the joining of forces by all patriots to defeat these tendencies, adding that we all have a stake in the peaceful co-existence of this nation.

Civil society leaders who spoke at the forum called on the Commission to improve its prevention awareness campaign by creating communication strategies that will motivate the masses to join the anti-corruption crusade.

Malachy Ugwumadu, president Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, described the anti-corruption fight not only as a class struggle, but a war that must be won by the people.

This is a class struggle between the political elites and those of us fighting to rescue the soul of our society. The battle may be lost if we dont reorganize and focus on the people who seem confused due to manipulation by the corrupt few.

Jiti Ogunye, lawyer and human rights activist, acknowledged the challenges confronting the anti-corruption agencies especially the dangerous environment in which their personnel operate.

He sued for encouragement for all anti-corruption agencies in order to reduce the pressure on EFCC.

While calling for committment and synergy among civil society groups, Joe Odumakin of Women Arise, said this is not a day to agonise but to organise and put our strategies in focus.

Enough of the diversionary tactics employed by those who hate the commission.

We must put our house in order, and create more awareness in the communities on the dangers of corruption and how we can mobilize the common people for support.

Other speakers who lent their voices to the campaign include Wahab Shittu, university lecturer and human rights lawyer; Foluke Michael, project coordinator, Creative Youth Initiative Against Corruption; Liborous Oshomah, human rights activist among others.

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The Kaduna State Police Command on Thursday apologised to Ibraheema Yakubu, a journalist brutalised by police officers during a clash between Shiites and members of a Kaduna community.

Mr. Yakubu, who was arrested while covering a peaceful procession by the Shiites in Kaduna on Friday, said he was beaten and slapped by the police officers, before being detained.

The journalist, who reports for the Hausa service of the German Deutsche Welle, DW radio, was arrested as he covered a scene in which locals attacked the Shiites and tried to force them to disperse.

At least two people were injured in the attack, witnesses said, while authorities said 10 people were arrested.

Mr. Yakubu was released on bail to officials of the Kaduna council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday, six hours after his arrest by the police.

He returned to the police station on Wednesday as directed.

On Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, Agyole Abeh, made a verbal apology on behalf of the command to Mr. Yakubu.

The police chief said, in his office, that his command will also consider replacing the journalists damaged equipment.

Mr. Yakubu met the police chief in company of other journalists.

They have also confirmed that I am not a Shiite member as they alleged. I am just a journalist carrying out my constitutional responsibility, Mr. Yakubu said.

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At least 680 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) have died trying to repel Boko Haram terrorists attacks in Borno from 2012 to date, the groups legal officer, Junril Gunda, has said.

Mr. Gunda said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Friday that in spite of the high casualty figure, the JTF remained undaunted in its resolve to protect communities in the state from the terrorists.

The group which is non profitable started in 2012 when our youths picked up sticks and said no more Boko Haram and they successfully push the terrorist group out of Maiduguri.

We dont have any other home than Borno, we are therefore working tirelessly to provide civic protections against any form of threat represented by Boko Haram.

Sadly a lot of our youths have paid the supreme price, there is hardly any day you will hear of an attack without one of our civilian JTF killed and that does not mean we will stop defending our land of terrorism.

As you can see I am a lawyer by profession, this is my Chamber and I am happy to also be one of the Civilian JTF. I was also trained for eight months on light arms use by the military.

If I see a Boko Haram now, I can take him down with my gun.

It was necessary to train our civilian JTF on the use of arms because they always move along with the military in the front line during operations.

Our civilian JTF had taken part in almost all the operations going on in Sambisa forest.

It was also necessary because they are always the first to sight Boko Haram suspects during checks in the state capital.

Boko Haram members are not afraid of the military, they are afraid of the civilian JTF; they believe if a civilian JTF kills any of them, they will go to hell. Many of them have said this during their testimonies, said Mr. Gunda.

According to him, no fewer than 23,000 youth vigilantes have been registered under the body to provide civic protection in every nooks and crannies of the state.

Mr. Gunda said there were numerous challenges confronting the group because the members were not being paid for the job.

Like I said earlier, it was a voluntary thing, so no one was paid any penny for the job and because of some difficulties and poor living conditions of the youths, some engage in begging to fend for themselves.

It was as the result of this that Borno State Government decided to empower 1,400 of them as vanguards with the acronym BOYES and were being paid N15, 000 monthly.

Government and other nongovernmental organizations must also give support to the other 20,000 youths who were not empowered.

They should also give priority attention to widows of our deceased youths because we are left to carter for their welfare.

Government should sponsor their children and give them a better life in recognition of the selfless sacrifices made by their parents, said Mr. Gunda.

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The Niger Police Command has confirmed that two youth have lost their lives in a clash between a vigilante group and youth in Angwan Yaman in Kontagora LGA of the state.

Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Minna on Friday, said the incident occurred Thursday.

Only two people died while five others sustained injuries, with one of the youths a female, critically injured, he said.

Mr. Elkana said the clash was caused by the death of a 17-year-old boy who was allegedly tortured by members of the vigilante group.

He added that death of the boy led to violent demonstration by the youth in the area against the vigilante group which led to the death of the second victim.

Mr. Elkanah said the second victim, a 20-year-old man, was killed when members of the vigilante group used firearms to disperse the protesting youth.

He said anti-riot police were drafted to the area to restore peace and bring the demonstration under control.

He said the protesting youth attempted to burn the head office of the vigilante group in Kontagora.

He said two personnel of the vigilante group had been arrested by the police for arresting and torturing the 17-year old boy.

He added that investigation was on to arrest other people connected with the incident.

We have ordered the arrest of members of the vigilance group who were alleged to have arrested, kept and tortured the young man as they have no power to do so, Mr. Elkanah said.

There is no law authorising them to detain anybody talkless of torturing the person.

They only have the power to arrest anyone who commit an offence in their presence and hand him over to the police.

For keeping the deceased youth in their detention camp and torturing him, they will face the wrath of the law.

If his death is linked to the torture, then they will be charged with culpable homicide which is punishable with death.

So far, two persons have been arrested and we are still investigating to get the rest involved.

He said the youth would also face the wrath of the law for taking law into their hands by attempting to burn down the office and vehicle of the vigilante group.

The youths should have reported the incident to the police instead of taking the law into their hands, he said.

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The Kaduna State Government has announced scholarship opportunities for qualified candidates to study Medicine, Nursing and Health Technology-related courses in foreign universities.

Andrew Nok, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, told journalists in Kaduna on Friday, that the measure was to bridge the manpower gap in the health sector.

Mr. Nok said that to participate in the scholarship examination and selection interview, applicants must be residents of Kaduna State, adding, however, that priority would be given to candidates from indigent families.

Applicants must be between the ages 17 and 20 and must also possess a minimum of six distinctions in science subjects in Senior Secondary School Examination (WAEC or NECO).

The certificate should not be more than two years old, that is, it be must have been obtained between 2015 and 2016.

He explained that the scholarship would cover tuition fees and up-keep.

The commissioner said the application form could be accessed online at www.kadunascholarship.com.ng

He said that after completing the form, candidates should attach WAEC or NECO certificate, birth certificate or declaration of age, letter of identification from local government of residence and passport photograph.

Thereafter, the applicant should submit and print a copy. The date and venue of the aptitude test and interview will be announced later.

According to him, there are currently over 100 beneficiaries of the state governments foreign scholarship scheme.

He said that some were on PhD, Msc programmes as well as Medicine and other related courses in Malaysia, Uganda, Turkey, South Africa and Cyprus.

He said the students were doing very well, adding we are getting value for our investment.

Meanwhile, the state government had on Thursday commenced the disbursement of $21.5 million World Bank scholarship to female teachers and girl children.

The state Executive Chairman, Universal Basic Education Board, Nasiru Umar, said that the grant was being disbursed under the Global Partnership for Education/Nigerian Partnership for Education Project.

Mr. Umar said the grant was a World Bank intervention aimed at improving access and quality of basic education of the girl-child and Almajiris.

He said a total of 8,050 primary one to three girls from poor and backward communities in the state would each get N45,000 under the scheme.

The chairman said 1,047 female teachers would also receive N45,000 each under the scheme.

In addition, the scheme also provided grant for schools development, he said.

According to him, a total of 4,500 Nursery, Primary and Islamiya Schools will each receive N400,000 to improve infrastructure.

He noted that 2,563 Nursery, Primary and Islamiya schools benefited under the school development grant in 2016, resulting to a rise in public school enrolment.

Umar commended the state government for releasing N312 million for Teacher Professional Development (TPD) in 2016.

He said that 11,312 teachers had been trained on leadership and teaching skills to improve efficiency.

This is a clear demonstration of the governments effort towards improving teachers capacity for effective teaching and learning in public schools.

It is our hope that the government will equally release the N500 million earmarked for 2017 TPD, the chairman said. (NAN)

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Retirees in Osun State on Thursday trooped out in large numbers on the streets of Osogbo, the state capital, over the failure of the state government to pay their pensions and other retirement benefits.

The protesting senior citizens said the Rauf Aregbesola-led government refused to pay their entitlements from the second tranche of the Paris Club refund funds.

But the state government has described the protest as politically motivated in view of the coming bye-election for the Osun West senatorial seat next week.

The pensioners however, alleged that the state government was not willing to pay salaries with the second tranche of the Paris club funds which is about N12.7 billion.

The pensioners marched from Ayetoro with placards inscribed with anti-government statements and through Old Garage, terminating the protest at the popular Orita-Olaiya Junction.

The march caused traffic snarl in the city despite the presence of security personnel who were on ground to prevent the protest from been hijacked.

Thursdays protest is the third by Osun pensioners this year, to highlight governments seeming insensitivity to their plight, as they are currently being owed 12 months pension arrears and gratuities.

According to the pensioners, none of the retirees who retired from the state civil service since 2008 has been paid gratuity.

Addressing the protesters, the chairman forum of 2011/2012 retirees, Ilesanmi Omoniyi, accused the state governor of diverting money meant for the payment of pensions and gratuities.

He said what was more annoying to the pensioners, was that the state government had at three different times received intervention from the federal government to pay the workers but refused to.

Similarly, a former Head of Service in the state, Segun Akinwusi, told the retirees to use their votes to change a government that had made life unbearable for them.

A statement by the government, signed by its spokesperson, Semiu Okanlawon, stated that the Osun pensioners were not included in the first tranche of the bailout loans in the first place, but that through the magnanimity of the governor, pensioners were included and N34.9 billion was released.

If that was the situation and the pensioners are aware of this, what then do they need this agitation for if there is no other ulterior motive behind the protest, the statement said.

The governor has also severally explained this including the last Ogbeni Till Day Break where all state officers concerned with state finances came out to explain how bailout was spent.

Any other actions, allegations and manipulations after these moves by the government would amount to sheer blackmail.

The government further noted that as responsible elderly men and women who had given their best to their state in their agile days, the pensioners should be circumspect in staging protests especially at times when such actions are capable of being interpreted to mean political orchestrations from those who are desperate to blackmail the Aregbesola administration for their selfish political gains.

They should not be hoodwinked by the antics of those who want to play on their minds and emotions to make them appear like tools in the hands of political manipulators, Mr. Okanlawon added.

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U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-12th District) is using the July district work period to stay in touch with what is on her constituents minds.

Throughout the week, she will hold six Congress in Your Community events to meet and talk with people in Michigans 12th District.

The meet-and-greets allow Dingell to talk directly with members of the community about their issues and concerns. It is also an opportunity for constituents to take advantage of the services provided through Dingells office. Constituents across the 12th District are welcome to attend and no appointment is necessary.

She will hold a session in Dearborn from 10:30 a.m. to noon July 7 at the Dearborn Farmers Market, 22100 Michigan Ave.

For questions or additional information, please call Dingells Dearborn office at 313-278-2936.

She will continue to hold these events throughout the summer.
ESTELL MANOR  Retired Lt. Col. W. Wallace Kaenzig pointed out the four tiny stars on one of the medals decorating the front of his Marine dress uniform.

I hope people can see the four battle stars from World War II, Kaenzig said. I was one of the lucky ones.

Kaenzig, 96, isnt sure he can still fit into the uniform. But the Galloway Township resident is proud to have it on display at the Atlantic County Veterans Museum, which opened Wednesday with a ceremony for area veterans and supporters.

The last time I wore that uniform was when I retired, said Kaenzig, who served in the Marines from 1942 through 1968 and was at the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The new museum, which covers the Revolutionary War through todays war on terrorism, is unique in that it focuses on local residents and activities.

This is about you, County Executive Dennis Levinson told the veterans. It is a monument to what you have done. We wanted a testament to our local residents.

The museum was a battle in itself. The site in the historic Daniel Estell home on Route 50, west of the Atlantic County Park, required structural renovations, which delayed its progress.

The county bought the 8,000-square-foot mansion built about 1832 and 45 acres for $469,000 in 1993 using state Green Acres funds. About 20 years later, the plan for a museum gave it a new purpose. Richard Squires, a former county executive, led the museum committee.

A tour of the house is a walk though history.

The front left parlor features the Revolutionary and Civil War period and World War I. A highlight of the World War I exhibit is the uniform, helmet and gas mask Howard Krewson, of of Northfield, wore.

I was surprised at how many items we got from World War I, said Cindy Mason-Purdie, retiring administrator of the county Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. And its remarkable how well theyve been preserved.

Mason-Purdie said photos of WWI veterans include Anthony Panico, of Atlantic City; Alex Forshaw, of Linwood; and Frederick Fritz Boling, of Egg Harbor City.

The women of World War II are in the exhibit. They include nurses Col. Barbara Starn, Margaret McKusker and Sgt. Margaret Wilson.

Veterans helped install the exhibits. Doug Lundberg, of Egg Harbor Township, who served in the Army in Iraq and Afghanistan, took the gun cabinet they found on Cragislist and reinforced it for added security to protect donated weapons.

The owner wanted $200, but when he learned what it was for, he donated it, Lundberg said.

The project cost about $2.7 million. A nonprofit museum foundation headed by Ken LeFevre raises money to support ongoing operations.

A collection of military-themed stained glass-windows hang in the museum sun room. Created by veteran Robert Exler for the American Legion Post in Galloway Township, they were removed when the building was sold.

Kaenzig said Exler has moved away, but he plans to call him to share that the windows are now part of the museum.

He did such a great job with them, Kaenzig said.
The State Board of Medical Examiners has temporarily suspended Dr. James Kauffmans medical license, the state attorney general announced Thursday.

The suspension follows a Superior Court judges decision last week to keep Kauffman, an Atlantic County endocrinologist, in jail until he can be tried on charges stemming from a June 13 armed standoff with police outside his practice in Egg Harbor Township.

Kauffman agreed Monday to the temporary suspension of his license pending the resolution of the criminal charges against him and other conditions set by the Medical Examiners Board, according to the state Division of Consumer Affairs.

Dr. Kauffmans conduct, followed by his criminal arrest, demonstrates an imminent danger to the public. The Board acted appropriately to ensure that he will not be allowed to practice medicine until this very serious matter is resolved, Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino said in a statement.

Porrino said Kauffman will also have to undergo a professional evaluation and be deemed fit to resume practice before the medical board can consider reinstating his license. Until then, it will be indefinitely suspended.

Kauffman was first licensed under the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners on Aug. 4, 1978, according to state records, which show no previous board actions against him while practicing in New Jersey.

The doctor has been in the Atlantic County jail since his June 13 arrest after he ran inside his office as police officers were attempting to execute a search warrant. Inside the office, authorities said, Kauffman drew a gun, which he pointed toward his chest while officers negotiated with him. After 45 minutes, he surrendered.

Kauffman was married to radio host and veterans advocate April Kauffman when she was discovered shot to death in the couples Woodstock Drive home in Linwood in May 2012. The doctor has not been named as a suspect in the case, and authorities have said the June 13 warrants were unrelated to their ongoing investigation into the homicide.

Kauffman filed an appeal this week to the Superior Courts decision that he remain in jail. An appeals court has not yet set a date to hear the appeal.
Big government should change U.S. energy use

Big government is necessary when it comes to funding massive national projects.

Americas interstate highway system had its genesis under the Republican Eisenhower administration, using federal taxpayer dollars to finance a transportation network far beyond the capabilities of the free market.

Today, big government alone can accomplish a nationwide transition from fossil fuel usage to alternative energy sources. California may be at the forefront of such a movement, but piecemeal efforts are no substitute for a centralized plan combined with the resources of the U.S. Treasury.

Furthermore, a cultural change is needed to elect political leaders attuned to the collective potential of the nation. This transcends politics. Undoubtedly, Americans will be left in the dust if they do not phase out their dependence on fossil fuels.

America can be a world leader in the production and export of solar panels, storage cells, solar-powered cars, trains and so forth. This would supercharge the economy.

Naysayers in bed with fossil fuel industries must not be allowed to derail such efforts lest the people and nation suffer an ignominious fall from grace.

Lawrence Uniglicht

Galloway Township

Intolerance lesson found in underwear exposure

Yesterday, on my morning walk for coffee, as I ambled along the boardwalk near home, I heard a gruff voice behind me mutter, Pull your goddamn pants up. I turned to see a dapper older man, perhaps in his 70s.

I tried to explain to this heckling stranger why, in fact, my shorts were sagging a bit, inadvertently revealing my boxers. The drawstring is worn out, you know, and this is the only pair I have down here at the shore. Nevertheless, he proceeded to berate me viciously: Youre a pathetic scumbag! (His full, expletive-laden tirade is unprintable.)

I marched off as he continued to rant about my pants. When I got home, I thought, This must be how kids who actually have their pants sagging are treated. I, a 33-year-old white man, instantly came to understand a tiny part of what some minorities must face when they are ruthlessly criticized for the hip-hop-inflected way they dress.

I was wearing the clothing of someone else and for a moment felt the sting that they must feel every day. But my unexpected lesson from walking a mile in someone elses shoes wont change this mans behavior unless I commit to fighting back against prejudice in society. Im not going to tolerate my abusers intolerance anymore.

Albert Kahn

Ventnor
MONTREAL, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

 Version francaise: http://www.newswire.ca/fr/news-releases/air-canada-celebre-linauguration-de-son-service-montreal-alger-631773493.html 

With the departure of Air Canada Rouge flight AC1920 to Algiers tomorrow evening, Air Canada marks the launch of non-stop service to Algeria's capital city, its second destination in North Africa from its Montreal hub.

"Air Canada is excited to introduce non-stop service from Montreal to Algiers a new enticing destination that further expands our global reach from Montreal, reinforcing Montreal-Trudeau as a strategic hub for all of Eastern Canada and the North-Eastern U.S.," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. "Building on Air Canada's successful Montreal-Casablanca flights now operating on a year-round basis, the service to Algiers will be the only non-stop flight by a Canadian carrier between Montreal and the North African city, establishing Air Canada as an important player in the large and growing market between Canada and Algeria. It will be our second destination in Africa, which makes Air Canada one of only a small number of global carriers flying to all six inhabited continents."

"With this new seasonal flight, it will now be possible to travel to Algiers and onwards non-stop providing more opportunities for travellers and help promote Quebec abroad. I am convinced that this return flight will make the beautiful city of Montreal more attractive to tourists. This flight is also good news for the business community, as it will foster commercial relationships between Quebec and Algeria," said Lise Theriault, Deputy Premier, Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Minister responsible for Small and Medium Enterprises, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Lanaudiere region.

"The addition of Algiers to Air Canada's Montreal network once again demonstrates how Montreal-Trudeau is becoming a strategic hub and enhances services offered from Montreal," said Philippe Rainville, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aeroports de Montreal. "The rapid growth of our airline services confirms our position as an international traffic hub, especially with the emerging niche markets of North Africa and the Middle East."

This new seasonal route will be operated by Air Canada Rouge with a 282-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, featuring a choice of three customer comfort options: Economy; Preferred seating offering additional legroom; and Premium Rouge with additional personal space and enhanced service.

Flights are timed to optimize connectivity to and from Air Canada's Montreal hub. All flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority boarding and other benefits.

Flight Departs Arrives Day of Week Algiers 07:40 +1 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and AC1920 Montreal 18:50 day Saturday AC1921 Algiers 10:10 Montreal 13:40 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and its regional airline partners flying under the Air Canada Express banner operate on average approximately 2,100 flights per week between Montreal and 87 destinations: 23 in Canada including nine in Quebec, 20 in the United States, 26 in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico, 12 in Europe, and stating in 2017 one in China, two in North Africa, one in the Middle East, and one in South America, representing a 146% increase in international long-haul capacity since 2009. Air Canada also offers service to Munich and Zurich through codeshare flights with Star Alliance partners Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents. Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2016 served close to 45 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 airports in Canada, 57 in the United States and 95 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,300 airports in 191 countries. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. For more information, please visit: http://www.aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.



Contacts:

Isabelle Arthur (Montreal)

Isabelle.arthur@aircanada.ca

514 422-5788



Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto)

peter.fitzpatrick@aircanada.ca

+1-416-263-5576



Angela Mah (Vancouver)

angela.mah@aircanada.ca

+1-604 270-5741



Internet: aircanada.com



SOURCE Air Canada
KIGALI, Rwanda, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An AJC senior leadership delegation met with Rwanda President Paul Kagame and Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo during a four-day visit to the African country.

Dr. Marion Bergman, Chair of AJC's Africa Institute, AJC Honorary President Stanley M. Bergman, and Harriet Schleifer, Chair of AJC's Board of Governors, led the group.

"Our world is currently challenged on many fronts by worrying trends, but is also creating great opportunities--and I feel that AJC is a partner of Rwanda in seizing those opportunities with ingenuity and commitment," said Foreign Minister Mushikiwabo.

AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization, has long been involved with African countries, and specifically with Rwanda since the genocide there in 1994.

"Having risen from the ashes of a genocide in which it stood alone only 23 years ago, Rwanda is impressively forging an identity based on self-reliance and national unity that emphasizes dignity, responsibility, and a forward-looking focus on economic progress," said AJC Africa Institute Director Eliseo Neuman. "Rwanda is an African country that has great affinities with the Jewish experience."

The AJC delegation expressed appreciation for Rwanda's close friendship with Israel, as seen by its public support in multilateral fora, including the African Union, and President Kagame's visits to Israel. Last July, he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Rwanda. "It is a pleasure to stand up for things we believe in and against what is not right," said President Kagame, explaining to the AJC visitors his country's strong support for Israel even as some other African nations stand opposed.

The AJC leaders reaffirmed the organization's partnership with Rwanda in commemorating the genocide, combating genocide denial, and working to prevent other incidents of mass murder.

In addition to meeting with the president and foreign minister, the AJC delegation met with Rwandan Development Board CEO Clare Akamanzi; Jean-Damascene Gasanabo, Director of Research and Documentation at the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide; U.S. Ambassador Erica Barks-Ruggles; and Israeli Ambassador Belaynesh Zevadia. The group also visited the Gisozi Genocide Memorial.

The strong Israeli-Rwandan relationship was demonstrated during visits to a top-flight agricultural center established by Mashav, an arm of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs; a solar field built by pioneering Israeli company Gigawatt Global--the largest such facility in east Africa when it came on stream, directly connected to Rwanda's grid and powering 5% of the country's electricity needs; and the Agahozo Shalom Village, a school for orphans of the genocide that is modeled after Yemin Orde, an Israeli youth village established in 1953 to care for orphans of the Holocaust.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


NEW YORK, June 30, 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 has closed on its purchase of Men's Journal from Wenner Media LLC. Jay Gallagher will remain as Chief Revenue Officer for Men's Journal and Mark Healy has been named Editor in Chief. The October 2017 issue will be the first issue produced by AMI.

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. (Sources: MRI and comScore, April 2016-March 2017 v. April 2015-March 2016.)

SOURCE American Media, Inc.
ALPHARETTA, Ga., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Angelica Corporation, the leader in healthcare linen and medical laundry services, today announced the completion of the sale of substantially all of its and its subsidiaries' assets as a going concern to KKR.

Under KKR's ownership, the business is moving forward with the Angelica name and will continue to be the leading provider of linen services to the healthcare industry, serving more than 3,800 hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities across the country.

In connection with the closing of the transaction, Cary B. Wood has been named Angelica's President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Wood, who succeeds David A. Van Vliet, has over 20 years of experience improving operations, enhancing customer relationships, and optimizing overall financial strength while prudently deploying capital to improve both top- and bottom-line results.

"I am pleased to be part of the next chapter in Angelica's storied 139-year history and look forward to working with the company's dedicated employees to drive growth and success," Mr. Wood said. "Partnering with KKR as our long-term investor, we will focus on quickly strengthening Angelica's operations and finances while continuing to grow our customer base by providing our AngelTrak RFID linen management system to customers who elect to use this industry-leading technologically-based approach that provides optimized and efficient linen services. Our top priority is ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers. Looking ahead, we are focused on driving profitability, increasing operational efficiencies, implementing best practices, and improving our organizational effectiveness."

Rony Ma, Principal on KKR's Credit team, said, "We are enthusiastic about Angelica's future prospects and are excited to have Cary leading the company as President and CEO. With a stronger financial foundation and the full support of KKR, Angelica is poised to build on its position as an industry leader with a national footprint and long-term partnerships with key customers. Cary's significant experience and strong track record give us confidence that he is the right person to lead Angelica through its next phase of growth. We look forward to working closely with Cary and the Angelica team to leverage the company's pioneering technology solutions and best-in-class service."

KKR is primarily making the investment through funds affiliated with its Direct Lending strategy.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel to Angelica, Alvarez & Marsal served as restructuring advisor and Houlihan Lokey, Inc. served as investment banker and financial advisor.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal counsel to KKR along with Jones Day which served as KKR's counsel on labor and benefits matters.

About Cary B. Wood

Prior to joining Angelica, Mr. Wood served as President and CEO of Sparton Corporation; interim-CEO, Chief Operating Officer and Group Vice President at Citation Corporation; and held various leadership positions at Delphi, UT Automotive, Elkay Manufacturing and Formica. Mr. Wood received a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Technology from Purdue University, a Master of Science in Industrial Operations from Lawrence Tech University, and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Loyola University-Chicago.

About Angelica

Angelica is the leading provider of textile rental and linen management services to the U.S. healthcare market. The organization provides laundry and linen management services to hospitals, long term care facilities, and out-patient medical practices from service centers across the nation.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners' capital and brings opportunities to others through its capital markets business. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR & Co. L.P. (NYSE:KKR), please visit KKR's website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

CONTACTS

Angelica:

Jon Blake, General Counsel

(678) 823-4100

KKR:

Kristi Huller or Cara Kleiman

+1 212-750-8300

[email protected]

SOURCE Angelica Corporation
WARREN, Mich., June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a grand old, and new, flag! In honor of Independence Day, Art Van Furniture is renewing its call for families to bring their worn Stars and Stripes to any Art Van Furniture store across the Midwest from Friday, June 30, through Tuesday, July 4, and trade it for a free, new 3-by-5-foot American flag. Thanks to enormous guest response to the program, the Midwest's No. 1 furniture and mattress retailer has collected nearly 500 faded flags to date. The retired flags are respectfully disposed of in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.

Guests who have taken advantage of the offer have also taken to social media to express their gratitude.

"Thank you for offering proper disposal of the American flag and replacing them with new ones," one guest posted on Art Van Furniture's Facebook page. "How awesome and so sweet for Art Van Furniture to do this," wrote another.

"The flag is a symbol of American freedom that unites all people who call our country home," said Kim Yost, Art Van Furniture's president and CEO. "Art Van is both pleased and humbled by the tremendous public response to our flag exchange initiative, and we want to provide everyone the opportunity to give new life to Old Glory this Fourth of July holiday."

Flags can be exchanged at all store locations from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4.

For a complete review of the U.S. Flag Code, click here.

About Art Van Furniture

Art Van Furniture is the Midwest's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer. The company operates more than 100 stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, including freestanding Art Van PureSleep mattress stores, Art Van Flooring stores, and Art Van Furniture franchise locations, as well as a full-service e-commerce website. Founded in 1959, the company is headquartered in Warren, Mich. Visit artvan.com for more information.

SOURCE Art Van Furniture

Related Links

http://www.artvan.com


(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160228/338238LOGO )



(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160228/338239 )



This press release should be seen as the result of a series of studies and production of the service, where each paragraph describes a precise step of the different phases of Artprice's new OTC process.

The "traditional" global Art Market is primarily driven by a hard core of major players (galleries, auction houses and museums) who - despite the market's extremely rapid evolution - remain inextricably tied to a framework of economic constraints and academic values from which they are unable to escape.

One result of this situation is that the traditional art market essentially ignores artworks valued under $5,000. With relatively high costs and overheads, the major players naturally focus on works valued higher than $5,000, a low-end estimate that is constantly rising. In fact, in the Anglo-Saxon art market, the entry level figure is closer to $50,000.

At the global level, the traditional art market represents only about one million transactions on the secondary market with roughly another three million generated by galleries and the like.

However, this is just the visible tip of a global art market iceberg whose submerged segment represents approximately thirty million transactions worldwide each year, a segment that Artprice calls the OTC Art Market (over-the-counter) .

Artprice has therefore decided to launch a new IPR-protected Standardized Marketplace followed by its Blockchain (see Actusnews https://goo.gl/9uThVN 05/2016) in order to capture and process the colossal volume of over-the-counter transactions via its US subsidiary Artmarket.com. This subsidiary, Sound View Press, created in 1975, 100% owned by Artprice and renammed Artmarket.com, is undergoing significant development and is increasingly mature in terms of turnover and demand. It is also preparing an IPO.

According to thierry Ehrmann, Artprice's founder and CEO, "The decision to launch an OTC marketplace represents a major dimension shift equivalent to that initiated by Artprice's IPO in 2000. This opens a new avenue for future growth and development, and represents a 'disruptive' cataclysm, carried out with new partners on different continents and from different fields, that will permanently modify the history of the Art Market in the 21st century."

After investing three million hours of work into its databases, pursuing a successful external growth campaign -with strong historic roots through true institutions in the global Art world: Enrique Mayer 1962, Sound View Press 1975 USA, Le Mireur 1911, FVW 1970, Bayer USA 1913, etc.- setting up the most extensive fund in the global Art world with 126 million artworks from 1700 to the present days, and building powerful Econometric and Art History departments to analyse the visible and underlying mechanisms of the global Art Market from every conceivable perspective, that yield 90% of the global Art Market's indices, Artprice's is now in a perfect position to initiate a powerful 'primary blast' on the OTC marketplace.

Despite the obvious resistance, the art markets seems a perfect candidate for Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's famous observation (spoken by Tancredi) "if we want everything to remain the same, everything must change".... The 'secondary blast' will be Artprice's Blockchain which represents the continuity and trust of the OTC market already on networks for two decades.

On its OTC marketplace, Artprice will receive a fixed, single-price fee on all transactions. The OTC market is estimated to involve 7 to 9 times the number of transactions concluded in the traditional art market, with the vast majority involving deals of $500 to $5,000.

Managed by a digital billing system designed to process high transaction volumes, Artprice's OTC transaction fees will be exposed to very low running costs and will therefore have a powerful impact on its bottom line. This press release also provides in-depth information about the different communities who make up the 1.2 million living artists who participate in the OTC marketplace.

On the demand side of the OTC market, we have a whole new generation of "art consumers" representing approximately 40 million households worldwide. These consumers now have access to new low-cost multi-risk insurance policies that cover artworks and special cheaper policies for small art collections. We are also seeing the emergence of online groups of new collectors who are otherwise absent from the traditional Art Market.

This new generation of collectors cannot afford to buy art through traditional outlets and, on the whole, does not share the same aesthetic values as the traditional market.

In the development of its "OTC Marketplace" Artprice will be financially supported by a carefully selected network of private museums, powerful collectors, high-tech business patrons and a number of historical Chinese art market participants. Collectively, these players all appreciate the financial potential of the OTC Art Market as well as its colossal volume, which will also utlimately be the traditional Art Market's furture.

Having received BPI Innovative Company status, Artprice will also seek support from the latter to develop. Artprice's R&D relies on its external growth*.

In three years' time, Artprice has been able to form a solid and final opinion by meeting and/or connecting online with thousands of artists, associations, Economic Interest Groups (GIEs), new collectors, private museums, key players in the Maker community, sociologists and art historians on different continents. This research has been greatly facilitated by thierry Ehrmann's status not just as founder and CEO of Artprice, but also as a recognised sculptor-artist for 35 years and founder of Musee l'Organe in 1999.

OTC artists and new collectors share the fact they are 100% on the Internet, which has been central to their world for a certain time now, unlike the traditional Art Market where the Internet is peripheral.

The global community of OTC artists has already built the solid foundations of an online economic ecosystem that is totally independent from the traditional Art Market. This ecosystem is accelerating the supply and demand for art exponentially and, in so doing, is gradually narrowing the influence and extent of the traditional Art Market with which it has almost no cultural or economic relations.

Since its origins, Artprice - with its atypical dual culture - has always been active in both worlds. For OTC artists, it therefore represents a unifying force with a World Leader status that provides a space for existence outside of the traditional Art Market. And this space is not just a marketplace; it's a managed real-time window with exceptional online visibility and the capacity to archive every detail of an artist's career. Artprice's visibility is of course supported by online indexing and its numerous Domain Name Servers such as Artmarket.com, the top Google result out of 67 million with the generic search "Art Market".

The growth of the OTC segment now requires a federating structure like Artprice that understands how the traditional model works... with its weaknesses, and its strengths.

Artprice's parent company, Server Group, has been on the Internet since 1987 (i.e. 30 years) and therefore has genuine legitimacy among the communities and networks of OTC artists for whom the Internet is the basis of the OTC art market.

The expansion of the OTC art market - which represents a break with 120 years of academic and economic practice - will have a veritable "blast" impact on the traditional Art Market that seems incapable of evolving. It represents a paradigm shift as disruptive as the transition from the traditional economy to the digital economy. For Art Market historians, the last twenty years have seen more significant structural changes than throughout the 20th century.

The traditional Art Market suffers from elitism and a museum industry that leads the market from one auction record to the next. This dynamic prompts traditional players to side-step the OTC segment of the Art Market resulting in the emergence of a huge gap between the two worlds, both in economic and cultural terms. In addition, the elitist and academic leanings of the traditional Art Market have cost it many years of historical legitimacy that could have been used to build commercial bridges with the OTC Art Market. In contrast, Artprice has been building this kind of legitimacy for over twenty years, a legitimacy that can neither be purchased nor ignored.

Today, Artprice, in addition to its world leader position in Art Market information, occupies a unique position in Art History by working simultaneously for the traditional Art Market and the OTC Art Market. This dual position has been an inherent part of Artprice's corporate culture ever since its origin. Artprice's soft power lies in its ability to diplomaticaly and harmoniously connect the two antagonistic cultures.

Meanwhile, the artists on the OTC Art Market now have access to radically reduced production costs in a range of sophisticated techniques: ultra-high resolution printers for digital photography (superior to photo labs), industrial 3D printers for sculptors and artists, high-power laser cutters and engravers, computer-numerical-controlled machine tools (CNC), pooled industry 4.0 processes and cyber-physical systems (CPS) etc. The costs of these techniques have been divided by almost 10 in less than 20 years allowing artists to create works of exceptional quality and offer them to the market for less than $5,000.

The acceleration of industrial production with access to powerful mediums and materials in new technology fields has been accompanied by the simultaneous emergence of a new generation of collectors who wholeheartedly accept multiple works created in these mediums, both in the West and in Greater Asia.

The best example is on Facebook, the world's dominant social network, whose founder, Mark Zuckerberg, has just officially announced (on 27 June 2017) that it now has over 2 billion users.

Over the 2015/2017 period, Artprice has been using very strict criteria to select OTC artists on Facebook whose pages are exclusively dedicated to their artistic production and distribution.

This selection process has identified - at the low end of the scale - no less than 1.8 million pages created by OTC artists producing high quality works and yet who have absolutely no exposure in the traditional art market. This figure provides a measure of the yawning gap between the two markets.

It should be noted that, since 2012, Artprice has been the first company in Europe to develop proprietary algorithms to daily score cultural players on Facebook.

A large budget was allocated to the production of indices, tools and economic benchmarks. Early on such investments raised questions - nowadays the results they yielded are authoritative in the Art world by their precedence and the power of the proprietary algorithms.

The social networks - where Artprice has always had a strong presence - are an ideal environment to "innervate" OTC artists who face not just an economic barrier to entry into the traditional market, but also a cultural barrier. Street art is a good example: the traditional market has represented fewer than 3,285 Street artists whereas more than 125,000 Street artists live well from their work. These artists need access to global sales networks and preferably via a globally recognized label like Artprice.

Artprice has long understood the irreversible changes. It has been present right from the start at one of the leading global gatherings of Street Art, Bristol's Upfest-The Urban Paint Festival in the UK and at the Asalto Festival in Spain's Zaragoza, Living Walls in Atlanta, Georgia, and Pow! Wow! Hawaii combined of course with business intelligence and sociological monitoring on the Internet by Sreetartnews, POW WOW Worldwide, etc.

Moreover, its world famous headquarters near Lyons in France (the subject of 2,700 audio-visual media productions in 87 countries over 18 years) is in itself a Contemporary Art Museum since 1999 (Musee d'Art Contemporain l'Organe) with thousands of works, that constitute the body of works of La Demeure du Chaos / the Abode of Chaos, dixit "The New York Times", and that perfectly exemplify this new counter-culture in a wide range of mediums including those generated by technological and digital innovations.

Another significant medium on the OTC Art Market is photography. Artprice, via its parent company Server Group and its former news-photo agency subsidiary (which presided over the French Union of News and Photo-Reporting Agencies (Saphir), has over 25 years of experience and knowledge in this rapidly evolving environment.

Artprice was the principal sponsor of the 2000 Paris Photo Fair and has published a number of books and databases on photography since 1987 around the world. Indeed, Artprice has an infinitely better knowledge of photography than the traditional art market players and represents a legitimate authority on the subject. For 12 years, Artprice was the only player to classify photography as Fine Art in its databases, when the traditional art market remained sceptical.

Thanks to the digital and the Internet chain, the number of art and press photographers as well as confirmed amateurs amount to approximatively 379,000 artists (at the low end of the scale - cumulative figures from the main associations, clubs, communities, Flickr Pro, 500PX, as ell as the Companies managing artists' copyrights, such as the ADAGP, the DACS or the ARS), among which only 22,500 are sold on the auction market and addressed by traditional players. This segment also experiences a culture clash and economic hardships that stall transactions with traditional players, as is the case with Street artists.

The visuals arts available on the OTC Art market may be classified according to the following variables, according to Artprice: medium/format, technology used, tools used, shape, units of illuminance, colours, raw or processed materials, known or experimental science used and production time.

A large number of artists in the OTC environment are working with new mediums and formats. There are currently dozens of such mediums and disciplines and some are growing at an exponential pace.

Among the other mediums, we should mention immersive multimedia, unique design using 3D printers, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 4k and 8k video work filmed by networked drones, sculptures/installations employing new mediums and materials from industry and research, multisensory works, digital 3D drawing and design assisted by economic intelligence, work on robotics and humanoids, artworks derived directly from R&D, holographic artworks, works created by digital networks, hybridization and mutation artworks, copyleft works, works using composite materials, works derived from prototyping, works derived from biotechnology and, more generally, from the "Maker" culture which represents a revolution of knowledge and the Arts that is unique in the history of Art.

The "Maker" culture (to date approximately 570,000 creators in networks) is also modernizing certain artistic processes that have been around since time immemorial. These processes have been 're-appropriated' to create unique works and communicate on the creative process itself. This artistic approach helps to focus on the objectives and processes made possible by recent innovations that are relatively cheap and highly flexible: the Internet, collaborative systems and the world of open-source ideas, the fast-growing ubiquity of computer-numerical-controlled machine tools... closing in on the infinitely small and shrinking space-time.

Over the last two decades, the democratization of digital media has considerably augmented humanity's capacity to create and disseminate artworks. The entire value chain, from conception to consumption, has been transformed.

With the implementation of Artprice's Blockchain, the last link in the OTC chain will be the secondary blast... that of direct sales, from the OTC artist to new collectors... with no intermediary. The digital era has completely opened up the possibilities for creation and sharing and the power to act ("creative empowerment") in which the artist no longer creates a closed, fixed and linear artwork, but rather creates a system that generates a continual flow of works.

The OTC visual artist in 2017 is therefore much more likely to be an explorer of various sciences. His studio is closer to an R&D lab - Tiers Lieux, Fab Lab, Hackerspace, Makerspace, digital industries and biotech laboratories - than to the typical studios of the early 20th century which belong to the recent history of the traditional Art Market.

His scientific knowledge and approach do not detract from his fundamental value as a visual artist, and may be used to multiply the production of very high quality works at a lower cost. This model implies a paradigm shift largely triggered by the traditional Art Market's inability to formally identify the intrinsically artistic dimension of such works and its inability to imagine a business model that is profitable for all parties concerned.

We observe an increasingly widening gap between the traditional Art Market and this new generation of artists emerging on five continents that is exercising power through its scientific knowledge to challenge the traditional Art Market. The latter is still functioning with academic standards that belong very much to the early 20th century.

To illustrate the kind of resistance that characterizes the traditional Art Market, remember how long it took (20 years) to accept acrylic paint as a valid medium for painting.

With this example in mind, it is easy to understand why the traditional Art Market will eschew the explosion of new artistic creations that are developing in tandem with an exponential growth of sciences to form the OTC Art Market, which ultimately considers the artwork in the 21st century as a tangible expression of humanity's capacity to process information at the highest levels (c.f Y.M.).

It is interesting to compare the estimate of 1.2 million living OTC artists with Artprice's figures for the traditional art market. According to Artprice's databases, by far the most comprehensive in the world, the number of artists who have at least one public sale to their name from the 14th century to the present day amounts to 657,000. This figure perfectly illustrates the limitations of the traditional Art Market.

Another illustration of the paradigm shift we are experiencing today concerns artistic movements: in 1997 Artprice's databases counted approximately 127 artistic movements since the birth of the Art Market. Our estimate of the number of movements currently in progress adds up to 325.

We obtain a similar picture in the field of artistic techniques. In 1997, Artprice's art historians and experts counted 212 artistic techniques since the origins of art, compared with 862 in 2017.

Artprice is therefore using its technological and innovative expertise to acquire a very significant lead over the traditional At Market. Artprice has managed to merge the best of both worlds; one, traditional and physical, the other, a game-changing digital environment. Its deep knowledge of these two worlds creates tremendous added value and represents a unique opportunity for artists on the OTC Art Market to obtain solid and respectable Internet exposure through Artprice's world leader position.

Wholeheartedly endorsing the vision of French President, Emmanuel Macron who, along with his State Secretary in charge of Digital Affairs, Mounir Mahjoubi, for the future regarding innovation and the digital economy, Artprice is consolidating and exploiting its position as world leader in Art Market information more than ever before.

* A few years back, Artprice acquired, for a substantial sum, a high-tech Swiss company called Xylogic, an acquisition that has already been 100% amortized in its balance sheets. Xylogic is a group of reputed scientists who developed e-SA3 (e -Solutions for Art and Auction). It therefore has an undeniable and unique scientific lead in the traditional and OTC art markets, notably with its powerful proprietary algorithms. As regards the OTC Art Market, please note that Artprice has obtained IPR protection for its entire IT structure, its brands and the Domain Name Servers of "OTC Art Market".

http://www.artprice.com

Copyright thierry Ehrmann 1987/2017

About Artprice:

Artprice is listed on the Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF.

Artprice is the global leader in art price and art index databanks. It has over 30 million indices and auction results covering more than 657,000 artists. Artprice Images(R) gives unlimited access to the largest Art Market resource in the world: a library of 126 million images or prints of artworks from the year 1700 to the present day, along with comments by Artprice's art historians.

Artprice permanently enriches its databanks with information from 4,500 auctioneers and it publishes a constant flow of art market trends for the world's principal news agencies and approximately 7,200 international press publications. For its 4,500,000 members, Artprice gives access to the world's leading Standardised Marketplace for buying and selling art. Artprice is preparing its blockchain for the Art Market. It is BPI-labelled (scientific national French label).

Artprice's Global Art Market Annual Report for 2016:

http://imgpublic.artprice.com/pdf/rama2016_en.pdf

The text presented hereafter is a translation of Arte Creative's online presentation:

ARTE: A gigantic Christmas tree in the guise of a butt plug, a machine that defecates five-star meals, an icon immersed in urine and staged corpses - subversive, trash, provocative or insulting? Thierry Ehrmann, the man behind The Abode of Chaos dixit "The New York Times", an artist and the founder of Artprice, is the mouthpiece for scandal and discloses the workings of the most striking controversies in contemporary art. And scandal sells. 9 episodes are online:

http://www.arte.tv/guide/en/weekly-highlight

Discover the Alchemy and the universe of Artprice http://web.artprice.com/video, which headquarters are the famous Museum of Contemporary Art, the Abode of Chaos http://goo.gl/zJssd https://vimeo.com/124643720

News Artmarket:

http://twitter.com/artpricedotcom https://www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom

https://www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom

https://plus.google.com/+Artpricedotcom/posts

http://artmarketinsight.wordpress.com/

The Contemporary Arts Museum The Abode of Chaos on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999

The Abode of Chaos/Demeure du Chaos Contemporary Art Museum by thierry Ehrmann,author, sculptor, artist, photograph https://www.flickr.com/photos/home_of_chaos/sets/72157676803169034

Contact : thierry Ehrmann : e-mail : [email protected]



SOURCE Artprice.com
Fiona Cousins, PE leader of Arup's sustainability team in New York and an Arup Fellow said, "Digital technology is redefining the property sector as we speak, bringing the potential to radically improve our working lives, increase asset value, and create more sustainable buildings. With the right strategy in place, we can align the property sector with the demands of our digitally enabled society and truly deliver buildings for the future."

The report predicts that physical and digital environments will merge into hybrid spaces. It's a world in which 3D printed and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled desks can adapt to every user, while the buildings they're in will become truly intelligent. That means they can better meet environmental regulations and provide users with a completely different experience of work, shopping, and play. Every element of the property development cycle will dramatically change and improve in response to our increasingly digitalized society.

The report is based on Arup's work, including the development of IHG Green Engage, which enables InterContinental Hotels Group to set and track property-specific reduction goals for carbon, energy, water, and waste, as well as the development of data-driven visualization and auralization tools such as the Arup SoundLab.

Drivers of digital change

The report identifies the key drivers underlying digital growth in the property sector, which touch on almost every aspect of modern life. These range from expectations of instant access to information and services, as the capabilities of smartphones continue to evolve, to the falling price of sensor technology, which is changing the business case for investment.

It also highlights how environmental regulation is dictating the need for buildings to be smarter and cleaner. In the developed world, the real estate sector consumes over 40% of global energy, emits 20% of total global greenhouse gasses, and utilizes 40% of global raw materials1. With the required public disclosure of energy use in commercial buildings on the rise, property owners and managers need smart buildings and infrastructures that perform better and utilize resources in a cost-effective way.

Reshaping every phase of property development

With the property sector under pressure, Arup highlights how faster, smarter, and more powerful technology is changing every element of the property development cycle, including:

Design and construction. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning can collect, visualize and analyze data to enable more immersive stakeholder engagement and intelligent decision making. The report also discusses the latest in virtual and augmented reality technologies, with cutting-edge 3D cameras scanning interior environments to develop customizable models that can be manipulated by design teams and shown to tenants to refine every element of a space before it's built.

End-user experiences. As technology innovations like Alexa and Amazon Echo begin to change the home environment, so will they impact the world of work. The digital experience is becoming as important as the physical one for the modern worker, resident, or shopper. That means they get greater information from the building around them, putting them in more control. For example, Arup has prototyped desks that can be customized for individual workers or know when the place is empty, so shutting down power to the desk.

Better performing assets. By gathering detailed data on properties using IoT technology and combining it with ongoing analysis, owners and managers can ensure potential problems are tracked earlier and dealt with quicker, and operational elements (ventilation, lighting, heating, water, etc.) are optimized to deliver energy and financial savings. What's more, data collection and analysis across portfolios can lead to more strategic decision-making about asset renewal schedules and site prioritization.

Long-term valuation. Data analytics is now central to making key investment decisions, combining detailed information from buildings with external data about the surrounding environment. This could be the better understanding of seismic risk factors or training computers to continuously evaluate macro changes in traffic patterns to fully understand commute implications for new office locations. Arup's work for The University of British Columbia , for example, digitally simulated thousands of earthquake scenarios to identify high-risk buildings, assess how long buildings could be offline, and determine which should be retrofitted or totally de-commissioned in the near term.

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: Ioana Botzoman

[email protected]

646.661.2111

Contact: Rebecca Maloney

[email protected]

617.412.6632

1 http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GAC16/CRE_Sustainability.pdf

SOURCE Arup

Related Links

http://www.arup.com


DALLAS, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford Inc. (NYSE MKT: AINC) ("Ashford" or the "Company") today announced details for the release of its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Ashford plans to issue its earnings release for the second quarter after the market closes on Thursday, August 3, 2017 and will host a conference call on Friday, August 4, 2017, at 12:00 p.m. ET. The number to call for this interactive teleconference is (719) 325-4815. A replay of the conference call will be available through Friday, August 11, 2017, by dialing (719) 457-0820 and entering the confirmation number, 5742225.

The live broadcast of Ashford's quarterly conference call will be available online at the Company's web site, www.ashfordinc.com on Friday, August 4, 2017, beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET. The online replay will follow shortly after the call and continue for approximately one year.

Ashford provides global asset management, investment management and related services to the real estate and hospitality sectors.

Follow Chairman and CEO Monty Bennett on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBennettAshford or @MBennettAshford.

Ashford has created an Ashford App for the hospitality REIT investor community. The Ashford App is available for free download at Apple's App Store and the Google Play Store by searching "Ashford."

SOURCE Ashford Inc.

Related Links

http://ashfordinc.com


TOKYO, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Yoshihiko Hatanaka, "Astellas") announced today the submission of a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval for the use of mirabegron in combination with solifenacin succinate 5 mg for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and urinary frequency. In the United States, mirabegron and solifenacin succinate are marketed as Myrbetriq and VESIcare, respectively. Each is approved by the FDA as a monotherapy for the treatment of OAB with symptoms of urge urinary continence, urgency and urinary frequency.

The sNDA submission is based on data from the global Phase 3 SYNERGY I, SYNERGY II and BESIDE studies. These studies, which included more than 5,000 patients with OAB, evaluated combination therapy with mirabegron and solifenacin succinate compared with each drug as monotherapy and placebo.

"The multinational SYNERGY (I and II) and BESIDE clinical trials reflect our ongoing commitment to treatment for people living with overactive bladder," said Bernhardt Zeiher, M.D., president of Development at Astellas. "We look forward to FDA's review of our application for a potential new treatment option for the millions of people living with OAB."

About the SYNERGY I Trial

The Phase 3 SYNERGY I trial enrolled 6.991 patients across 435 study locations in 42 countries. The trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of combinations of mirabegron and solifenacin succinate compared with each drug as monotherapy and placebo in patients who had experienced symptoms of "wet" OAB (urinary frequency and urgency with incontinence) for at least 3 months.

About the SYNERGY II Trial

The 52-week, Phase 3 SYNERGY II trial enrolled 2,084 patients across 251 sites in 32 countries. The trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of combination of mirabegron 50 mg and solifenacin succinate 5 mg compared with each drug as monotherapy in patients who had experienced symptoms of "wet" OAB (urinary frequency and urgency with incontinence) for at least 3 months.

About the BESIDE Trial

The Phase 3b BESIDE study enrolled 3,815 patients across 281 sites in 36 countries. The trial evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of mirabegron 50 mg in combination with solifenacin succinate 5 mg in OAB patients who had inadequate response to treatment with solifenacin succinate monotherapy.

About Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Overactive bladder is a urine storage problem of urgency, with or without urge urinary incontinence (leakage), often with urinary frequency and nocturia.1 By 2018, an estimated 546 million people worldwide will be affected by OAB.2 For people with OAB, inappropriate signals are sent to the muscles in the bladder causing them to contract before the bladder is full. These bladder contractions may cause strong, sudden urges, and a frequent need to go to the bathroom.3

Use of Myrbetriq

Myrbetriq is a prescription medicine for adults used to treat OAB with symptoms of urgency, frequency and leakage.

Important Safety Information for Myrbetriq

Myrbetriq is not for everyone. Do not use Myrbetriq if you have an allergy to mirabegron or any ingredients in Myrbetriq. Myrbetriq may cause your blood pressure to increase or make your blood pressure worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. It is recommended that your doctor check your blood pressure while you are taking Myrbetriq. Myrbetriq may increase your chances of not being able to empty your bladder. Tell your doctor right away if you have trouble emptying your bladder or you have a weak urine stream.

Myrbetriq may cause allergic reactions that may be serious. If you experience swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, with or without difficulty breathing, stop taking Myrbetriq and tell your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including medications for overactive bladder or other medicines such as thioridazine (Mellaril and Mellaril-S), flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rythmol), digoxin (Lanoxin). Myrbetriq may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how Myrbetriq works.

Before taking Myrbetriq, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. The most common side effects of Myrbetriq include increased blood pressure, common cold symptoms (nasopharyngitis), urinary tract infection, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, and headache.

For further information, please talk to your healthcare professional and see accompanying Patient Product Information and complete Prescribing Information for Myrbetriq (mirabegron).

Use and Dose of VESIcare

VESIcare is for OAB with symptoms of urgency, frequency and leakage. The recommended dose of VESIcare is 5 mg once daily. If the 5 mg dose is well-tolerated, your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg once daily.

Important Safety Information for VESIcare

VESIcare is not for everyone. If you have certain stomach or glaucoma problems, or trouble emptying your bladder, do not take VESIcare. VESIcare may cause allergic reactions that may be serious. If you experience swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue, stop taking VESIcare and get emergency help. Tell your doctor right away if you have severe abdominal pain, or become constipated for three or more days. VESIcare may cause blurred vision, so use caution while driving or doing unsafe tasks. Common side effects are dry mouth, constipation, and indigestion.

For further information, please talk to your healthcare professional and see accompanying Patient Product Information and complete Prescribing Information for VESicare (solifenacin succinate).

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References:

1. Abrams P, Cardozo L, Fall M, et al. The standardization of terminology of lower urinary tract function: report from the standardization sub-committee of the international continence society. Neurourology & Urodynamics. 2002; 21(2): 16778.

2. Irwin DE, Kopp ZS, Agatep B, Milsom I, Abrams P. Worldwide prevalence estimates of lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and bladder outlet obstruction. BJU Int. 2011;108(7):1132-1138.

3. It's Time to Talk about OAB. Urology Care Foundation Web site. http://www.urologyhealth.org/OAB/patients.cfm. Accessed May 4, 2015.

About Astellas

Astellas Pharma Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, is a company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. We focus on Urology, Oncology, Immunology, Nephrology and Neuroscience as prioritized therapeutic areas while advancing new therapeutic areas and discovery research leveraging new technologies/modalities. We are also creating new value by combining internal capabilities and external expertise in the medical/healthcare business. Astellas is on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en.

Cautionary Notes

In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties.

Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc.

Related Links

https://www.astellas.com/en


SAN DIEGO, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aya Healthcare, a large national travel nurse staffing company, helped catch a nurse impersonator thanks to its comprehensive screening and compliance process.

Alarms were raised immediately by the Aya compliance department when Jeremy Daniel Griffin's license details differed from his date of birth and social security number. Upon further investigation, Aya called the California Board of Registered Nursing who then passed the case directly over to the Division of Investigations (DOI) within the California Department of Consumer Affairs' (DCA).

"We review thousands of nurse profiles monthly to ensure they are fully skilled and compliant for their position and unit," says Aya Healthcare Director of Compliance, Renee Magliano. "When Jeremy Daniel Griffin gave us what appeared to be falsified documents during the screening process, my compliance team got suspicious."

The DCA released a statement with details on the investigation and Aya's role in helping to catch Griffin in action. The DCA release states:

Griffin was scheduled to begin working as a registered nurse at Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy on June 26. He was hired after using the name of a real registered nurse. During the hiring process, he presented falsified documents in that nurse's name to Aya Healthcare, a travel nursing company. Aya Healthcare became suspicious after reviewing the documents.

Aya, the DOI and Saint Louise Regional Hospital worked together to stage an orientation for Griffin. Thanks to their coordinated efforts, police were waiting to arrest him when he arrived.

The DCA release continues:

DOI Supervising Investigator James Ackley said that he applauded the efforts made by Aya Healthcare and Saint Louise Regional Hospital, as it was due to the diligent background check and attention to detail on the part of Aya Healthcare, along with the cooperation and assistance of the staff at St. Louise Regional Hospital that DOI was able to successfully investigate and intervene in this situation. The quick actions of Aya Healthcare and Saint Louise Regional Hospital resulted in the immediate protection of their patients.

The in-depth vetting process and fast action of Aya's compliance team helped flag Griffin to authorities quickly and ensure he was stopped.

"We are confident that our thorough background checks, screenings, vetting and compliance procedures will continue to prevent anyone with falsified documentation from making it through our screening process and into a hospital under false pretenses," adds Magliano. "I'm so proud of my team, their training and our ongoing commitment to hiring only the best clinicians."

The full DCA release can be found here:

https://dcadivisionofinvestigation.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/final-griffin-6-28-17.pdf

About Aya Healthcare

Aya Healthcare creates exceptional experiences  for their clinicians, their corporate employees and the healthcare facilities they serve. For healthcare facilities, Aya delivers a robust suite of software and services to manage the procurement of contingent labor. Aya's platform provides access to one of the largest sources of contract clinicians in the country which improves efficiency, increases quality and reduces costs for healthcare systems. For travel nurses, Aya delivers the best experience in the industry and allows access to the widest base of travel assignments in the United States. For more information, visit AyaHealthcare.com.

Media Contact:

Erin Stafford

Director of Marketing

M. 714-351-3849 O. 858-216-2012

[email protected]

SOURCE Aya Healthcare

Related Links

http://www.ayahealthcare.com


MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Editorial Advisory and Securities Review Committee of BetterInvesting Magazine today announced Facebook, Inc. (NDQ: FB) as its September 2017 "Stock to Study" and The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) as its September 2017 "Undervalued Stock" for investors' informational and educational use.

"The committee selected Facebook because its growth engines remain strong, with significant expansion opportunities in overseas markets," said Adam Ritt, editor of BetterInvesting Magazine. "Meanwhile, the valuation was deemed reasonable considering the future growth potential. For the Undervalued selection, the committee believes Kroger initiatives such as ClickList should provide growth opportunities that will spur the stock price over the next 18 months."

Check BetterInvesting's September issue for more details about these selections. Go to the trial version of BetterInvesting's online tools to study the investment potential of Facebook and Kroger by viewing their fundamental data and applying judgments.

Committee members are Robert M. Bilkie, Jr., CFA; Daniel J. Boyle, CFA; Marisa Bradbury, CFA; Philip S. Dano, CFA; Donald E. Danko, CFA; Maury Elvekrog, CFA; and Walter J. Kirchberger, CFA.

As stated, the BetterInvesting committee's Stock to Study and Undervalued Stock choices are for the informational and educational uses of investors and are not intended as investment recommendations. BetterInvesting urges investors to educate themselves about the stock market so they can make informed decisions about stock purchases.

About BetterInvesting

BetterInvesting is a national nonprofit organization that has been empowering individual investors since 1951. Founded in Detroit, the association (formerly known as National Association of Investors Corporation) was borne out of the conviction that anyone can become a successful long-term investor by following commonsense investing practices. BetterInvesting has helped more than 5 million people become better, more informed investors by providing webinars, in-person events, easy-to-use online tools for analyzing stocks, a monthly magazine and a community of volunteers and like-minded investors. For more information about BetterInvesting, visit its website at www.betterinvesting.org or call toll free (877) 275-6242.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE BetterInvesting

Related Links

http://www.betterinvesting.org


PHOENIX, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is offering assistance to its members who have been affected by the Goodwin Fire in northern Arizona.

As part of BCBSAZ's emergency response plan, members living in the Prescott area and impacted by the fire restrictions will be allowed to seek early refills on their retail and mail-order prescriptions, which may be shipped to an alternative address.

For members who need help with their coverage during this emergency, they should call the number on the back of their member ID cards or (800) 232-2345. If their current provider is inaccessible and an alternative BCBSAZ network healthcare provider is needed, they can also visit the online directory at azblue.com/providers.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a focus on connecting people with the care they need, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to nearly 1.5 million customers. BCBSAZ, a not-for-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company employs nearly 1,500 people in its Phoenix, Chandler, Flagstaff and Tucson offices. Through advanced clinical programs and community outreach, BCBSAZ is moving health forward. To learn more, visit azblue.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Related Links

http://azblue.com


NEW YORK, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As employee engagement becomes a priority for companies, many of them are turning to the arts in an effort to fuel attraction and retention, according to Business Contributions to the Arts: 2017 Edition, published by The Conference Board and Americans for the Arts. Nearly 70 percent of companies surveyed responded that they offered board service opportunities at arts organizations for their employees, while 65 percent offered volunteer activities and 63 percent provided free or discounted tickets to arts events. However, measuring the business or societal impact of arts contributions continues to challenge most companies and their partners, as only 28 percent of businesses reported making an effort to measure these impacts.

"Engaged, creative employees who are encouraged to think in new, innovative ways are more likely to be productive and active in improving both the company and their own business skills," said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "The arts build empathy, observation, and problem-identification and problem-solving skills, which translates to better customer service and a deeper understanding of the constituency."

"Impact measurement has become increasingly important to the corporate philanthropy sector in recent years," said Jonathan Spector, CEO, The Conference Board. "Our data shows, however, that measurement within the arts world has not advanced as successfully as other social causes. The benefits are clear, but companies and their arts partners need to become more sophisticated at demonstrating this in a business context."

Companies consider the arts to be important in building quality of life, stimulating creative thinking and problem solving, and offering networking opportunities and the potential to develop new business and build market share. As a result, arts organizations enjoyed a positive three years between 2013-2016 in terms of contributions from businesses, with the vast majority of companies either maintaining or increasing their arts support.

The majority of arts contributions come from philanthropy budgetseither foundations or corporate giving accounts. Ninety percent of companies reported giving to the arts through contributions budgets, but 41 percent of companies also supported the arts through marketing or sponsorship dollars, which can help to explain why there has not been a slowdown recently in overall contributions to the arts, as companies turn to the arts to support brand recognition and growth.

Other findings from the report include:

More than half of respondents overall (53 percent) reported that arts support contributes to stimulating creative thinking and problem solving. Clearly, supporting the arts as a way to encourage creativity and innovation at companies is a growth area for arts and business partnerships.

Smaller companies demonstrated a greater interest in arts support than their larger counterparts. The percentage of arts giving in overall philanthropy budgets for small companies is approximately 20 percent higher than large companies.

Government support for the arts is under threat from the Trump Administration in the FY2018 budget. The private sector could be asked to increase resources to a sector that faces potential government cutbacks following the Trump Administration's threat to cut the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). In interviews, respondents said it was too early to know, but there could be more pressure on them to increase funding and advocacy. However, it is likely that companies will also see pressure to increase contributions to other sectors facing cuts in the federal budget (for example, environmental issues).

About Business Contributions to the Arts: 2017 Edition

Since 1969, Americans for the Arts through the Business Committee for the Arts (BCA), has been conducting the BCA National Survey of Business Support for the Arts. The survey looks at trends in support for the arts from small, midsize, and large US businesses. For the first time since the initial BCA survey in 1969, Americans for the Arts has partnered with The Conference Board to conduct the online survey, building on previous findings to examine trends in business support and employee engagement for the arts. The survey draws on 125 responses from companies that participate in corporate philanthropy, employee engagement, volunteer programs, or sponsorships. The survey was conducted in the fall of 2016 and asked for information based on corporate practices existing at the time of the survey compilation.

In addition to the quantitative survey, Americans for the Arts contracted with Shugoll Research to conduct qualitative research to understand businesses' attitudes about arts philanthropy among current arts donors. A total of 15, 20-minute in-depth telephone interviews were conducted with philanthropic decision-makers at businesses that donate to the arts. The interviews took place between February 9, 2017 and February 24, 2017. The decision-makers were recruited from lists provided by the BCA. Quotes from these interviews are included throughout this report.

Americans for the Arts serves, advances, and leads the network of organizations and individuals who cultivate, promote, sustain, and support the arts in America. Founded in 1960, Americans for the Arts is the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

The Conference Board creates and disseminates knowledge about management and the marketplace to help businesses strengthen their performance and better serve society. Working as a global, independent membership organization in the public interest, The Conference Board conducts research, convenes conferences, makes forecasts, assesses trends, publishes information and analysis, and brings executives together to learn from one another. Additional information is available at www.conference-board.org.

SOURCE The Conference Board

Related Links

http://www.conference-board.org


HOUSTON, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (NYSE: COG) will host its second quarter 2017 earnings conference call on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The Company plans to issue its financial and operating results prior to the market opening on the same day.

To access the live audio webcast, please visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.cabotog.com. A replay of the call will also be available on the Company's website.

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leading independent natural gas producer with its entire resource base located in the continental United States. For additional information, visit the Company's website at www.cabotog.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Matt Kerin (281) 589-4642

SOURCE Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation

Related Links

http://www.cabotog.com


RALEIGH, N.C., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CarePICS Remote Clinical Imagery System is one of the medical innovations that was showcased in front of thousands of healthcare providers at Premier Inc.'s 2017 Breakthroughs Conference and Exhibition on June 27.

CarePICS Remote Clinical Imagery System was debuted during the conference's annual Innovation Celebration. The event recognizes advances in healthcare while highlighting industry suppliers committed to innovation and improving patient outcomes.

"CarePICS, LLC shares Premier's commitment to providing valuable products to our alliance members that are safe, high-quality and cost-effective," said Durral R. Gilbert, president of supply chain services, Premier. "We believe these innovations can benefit providers as they work to transform healthcare."

Clinicians and other health system members of Premier selected CarePICS Remote Clinical Imagery System to be showcased at the Innovation Celebration due to its uniqueness, ability to have an impact on unmet clinical needs and potential to improve patient care.

CarePICS enables HIPAA compliant patient screening and consults in real time or store and forward formats of wound and dermatology conditions. The auto calibration measuring feature speeds wound measurements while greatly improving accuracy. The application works between iOS and Android smart device platforms and is compatible with major electronic medical record systems. It allows voice, text and imagery sharing between for population health management between care partners in different delivery networks such as hospitals, physician practices, home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities. The enclosed link gives a practical descriptive of clinical use of this tool. www.carepics.com

"We here at the CarePICS company are extremely appreciative of the opportunity to showcase our technology to the thousands of participants attending Premier's annual conference. It was a wonderful podium for a software application development company such as ours to obtain unbelievable exposure. We strongly believe that our tool will enable population health management of wounds in an integrated health delivery network that will change the paradigm of care for this disease state," said Terry Williams, Chief Technical Officer, "and a big shout out to Premier management for staging a truly unique and one of its kind event!"

Any supplier, regardless of whether the company is contracted with Premier, can be considered for participation in the Innovation Celebration. Premier contracts with more than 1,200 suppliers.

For more detailed information, including a video of CarePICS, visit: http://breakthroughs.premierinc.com/innovation-celebration-2017/

About Premier Inc.

Premier Inc. is a leading healthcare improvement company, uniting an alliance of approximately 3,750 U.S. hospitals and more than 130,000 other provider organizations. With integrated data and analytics, collaboratives, supply chain solutions, and advisory and other services, Premier enables better care and outcomes at a lower cost. Please visit Premier's news and investor sites on www.premierinc.com.

About CarePICS, LLC

CarePICS, LLC is a software application developer located in Raleigh, NC addressing the needs of both acute and post-acute settings in wound care as a disease state. Our focus on population health management across all care continuums with a tool that allows interaction between all care settings of all clinicians is unique in its approach to this growing problem in health care. "A population management solution to facilitate care... not just data collection."

Media Contact:

Robertson Williams

Project Manager

[email protected]



Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12649545

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE CarePICS, LLC

Related Links

http://www.carepics.com


DAYTON, Ohio, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Catch the Building Spirit (CtBS), a coalition of Catholic and Presbyterian churches within the Greater Dayton Ohio area, is celebrating its 25th year of building quality, affordable and secure homes for low-income partner families of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton (HHGD).

CtBS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to assist low-income families obtain a stable home environment, allowing them to grow in society and become well-adjusted citizens of the local community.

What Catch the Building Spirit is all about

Using volunteer labor, each year CtBS builds one house within the Dayton, Ohio area for an HHGD partner family. CtBS raises the entire cost of the house construction by soliciting monetary donations from local Catholic and Presbyterian parishes, individuals and local corporations, along with in-kind donations of materials and installation labor from local businesses. All donations received are used in support of CtBS annual house build projects.

CtBS is responsible for completion of all interior and exterior construction and the installation of all landscaping on the house lot. CtBS also provides the on-site house build leadership each day to oversee the work of the volunteers and is responsible for all inspections required to comply with local building codes.

CtBS ownership of the entire house build project allows HHGD to more efficiently and effectively use their monetary and house leader resources for additional local house build projects.

The 2017 CtBS Silver Anniversary house build, a three-bedroom, one bath house with an attached garage for a family of four, is currently underway.

To learn more about CtBS and how you can assist with this year's house build project by either volunteering or through a monetary donation, please visit the CtBS website at: http://catchthebuildingspirit.org/

SOURCE Catch the Building Spirit

Related Links

http://catchthebuildingspirit.org


ST. LOUIS, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that it plans to launch its Health Insurance Marketplace product, Ambetter, in Missouri for 2018. Centene anticipates to cover 40 counties, including the "bare counties" that were expected not to have coverage by any other health insurers in 2018. Below is the full list of 2018 counties that Centene will cover.

Andrew Cass Greene Johnson Platte Atchison Christian Grundy Lafayette Saline Barry Clay Harrison Lawrence St. Charles Bates Clinton Henry Livingston St. Clair Benton Daviess Holt Mercer St. Louis Buchanan DeKalb Jackson Newton St. Louis City Caldwell Franklin Jasper Nodaway Vernon Carroll Gentry Jefferson Pettis Worth

"Centene is proud to be headquartered in the state of Missouri. Our local Missouri health plan, Home State Health, has been proudly serving Medicaid members since 2012," said Michael F. Neidorff, Chairman, President and CEO of Centene. "We strive to be a responsible partner with the state and are committed to working closely with regulators and policymakers to collaborate on actions that stabilize the market and offer affordable coverage options."

Centene previously announced its commitment to participating on the 2018 exchanges and is currently working through the regulatory process in those states.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that provides a portfolio of services to government sponsored healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and Long Term Care (LTC), in addition to other state-sponsored programs, Medicare (including the Medicare prescription drug benefit commonly known as "Part D"), as well as programs with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Centene operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health management, care management software, correctional healthcare services, dental benefits management, in-home health services, life and health management, managed vision, pharmacy benefits management, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.





Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about Centene, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, http://www.centene.com/investors.

SOURCE Centene Corporation

Related Links

http://www.centene.com


WASHINGTON, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Students at the Wallingford Public Library in Wallingford, Connecticut, will speak with NASA astronauts living and working aboard the International Space Station at noon EDT on Thursday, July 6. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television's Media Channel and the agency's website.

Expedition 52 Flight Engineers Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer will answer questions from students ages 5 and up gathered at the library.

Whitson launched to the space station Nov. 17, 2016. Fischer launched to the station in April. Both astronauts are scheduled to return to Earth in September.

For more information on the downlink, contact Allison Murphy at 203-284-6435 or [email protected]wallingfordlibrary.org. The library is at 200 N. Main Street.

The Children's Department of the library has structured its summer reading theme, Race to Space, around the downlink and will be exploring the space theme throughout the summer break. Various science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities will be offered in the Children's Department through Aug. 12. Additionally, library visitors will be able to view official artifacts from an archived NASA collection, and students will participate in monitoring the growth of seeds that have been harvested from tomato plants grown on the space station.

Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in STEM. This in-flight education downlink is an integral component of NASA Education's STEM on Station activity, which provides a variety of space station-related resources and opportunities to students and educators.

Follow NASA astronauts on Twitter: @NASA_astronauts.

For more information, videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


LOS ANGELES, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EY announced that Tracy Holland, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HATCHBEAUTY Products, LLC., received the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Award in the Manufacturing & Distribution category in Los Angeles. The award recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Holland was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a special gala event at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on June 15.

"It was such an honor to receive this recognition from EY. As a woman entrepreneur who is passionate for building companies and developing people, it is always a balance with being a mother of three children. I was told I would have to choose between career and motherhood. I believe that women need to figure out how to push past these norms and find their own normal, determine what works for them and turn the belief that 'it is not really possible' to create their own possibilities," says Holland.

"Over the five years that I have worked with Tracy, I have seen up close her rare blend of vision, attention to detail, commitment to culture and passion for serving her clients. She is an exceptional and inspirational leader," shares Christie Hefner, chairman of the board for Hatchbeauty.

Since 1986, EY has honored entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, spirit of innovation and discipline have driven their companies' success, transformed their industries and made a positive impact on their communities. Now in its 31st year, the program has honored the inspirational leadership of such entrepreneurs as:

Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee Company

of Starbucks Coffee Company Pierre Omidyar of eBay, Inc.

Mindy Grossman of HSN

of HSN Robert Unanue of Goya Foods

of Goya Foods Reid Hoffman and Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn

and of LinkedIn Andreas Bechtolsheim and Jayshree Ullal of Arista Networks

and of Arista Networks Hamdi Ulukaya of Chobani

of Chobani James Park of Fitbit

As a Greater Los Angeles award winner, Tracy Holland is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 18, 2017. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth ForumTM, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Learn more about Tracy Holland's journey as an Entrepreneur Of The Year winner by following HATCHBEAUTY Products, LLC. @Hatchbeauty.

Follow all the latest program developments @EY_EOYUS using #EOYGLA and visit the Greater Los Angeles regional website for more information and to see Tracy Holland's video and acceptance speech: ey.com/us/eoy/greaterla.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored in the US by SAP America, Merrill Corporation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

In Greater Los Angeles, sponsors also include the gold sponsor is Tangram; the silver sponsors are Avison Young, Ballard Spahr, Big Picture, Cresa, HighTower | Acacia Wealth Advisors, Vaco and Woodruff Sawyer & Company; the media sponsor is C-Suite Media; and the public relations sponsor is Olmstead Williams Communications.

About HATCHBEAUTY

HATCHBEAUTY is a company focused on beauty innovation, specializing in working with brands and retailers on product development, creative services and strategic planning in cosmetic, skincare, hair care, fragrance and beauty accessories. The company develops concepts appropriate for all channels of trade including prestige and specialty retail, direct to consumer, e-commerce and food, drug and mass. HATCHBEAUTY specializes in custom, brand-focused projects, delivering intelligent, inspired solutions in areas of creative services, product development, brand strategy, product design, product concepts, packaging design and execution planning.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Entrepreneur Of The Year, founded by EY, is the world's most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

About EY's Growth Markets Network

EY's worldwide Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we've helped many of the world's most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage, venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business succeed. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/sgm or follow our news on Twitter @EY_Growth.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization that provides services to clients in the US.

For more information, please visit ey.com.

Contact: Erin Kelly

Company: Erin Kelly PR

Tel: 323.366.2376

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE HATCHBEAUTY
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Taipei, June 30 (CNA) Taiwan and China engaged in a war of words Friday following an announcement by the Trump administration on a U.S. arms sales package to Taiwan, with the self-governing island saying the onus is on China to find ways to ease tensions between the two sides.
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EY is pleased to announce the winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in the New Jersey Region. This group of leading entrepreneurs were selected by an independent judging panel made up of previous award winners, leading CEOs, investors and other regional business leaders. The winners were unveiled at a special gala on June 29, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick hosted by Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, author and syndicated columnist, Steve Adubato, Ph.D.

"EY has been recognizing leading entrepreneurs for over three decades," said Debra von Storch, EY Americas Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director. "The class of winners in 2017 represent new ways of thinking, disruptive business models and overall dynamism that make this country a great place to do business."

The winners for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 New Jersey Award include:

John Fraher | Adare Pharmaceuticals

Giri Devanur | Ameri100

Jay Ruparel | Azure Knowledge Corporation

Scott Tannen | Boll & Branch LLC

Dana Pollack | Dana's Bakery

Dr. John Gallucci Jr. | JAG Physical Therapy

Tony Lesenskyj | LMT Mercer Group Inc.

Neal Schuman | Schuman Cheese

Rick Taketa | York Risk Services Group, Inc.

Additionally, Ralph Zucker, President of Somerset Development received the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Visionary award for his collaborative efforts to identify a solution for the future of one of the country's most celebrated architecturally and historically significant buildings, the iconic former Bell Labs facility in Holmdel, New Jersey.

Since its founding in 1986, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities in more than 60 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall National Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 18, 2017. The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monaco in June 2018.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored in the US by SAP America, Merrill Corporation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

In New Jersey, sponsors also include DLA Piper LLP, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, Murray Devine, Pine Hill Group, PNC Bank and SolomonEdwardsGroup LLC.

Company Boilerplate

About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Entrepreneur Of The Year, founded by EY, is the world's most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in over 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

About EY's Growth Markets Network

EY's worldwide Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we've helped many of the world's most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage, venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business succeed. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/sgm or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization that provides services to clients in the US.

For more information, please visit ey.com.

SOURCE EY

Related Links

http://www.ey.com


With education background and work experience both in US and China, Allen Wang who is appreciated as not only a businessman but also a thinker has his own philosophy when it comes to business. His dream of changing the world is now on the way of realization because thanks to Babytree, thousands of young families in China have been entering a new era of lifestyle.

The speech follows below:

I was an Electrical Engineering major at Tsinghua and Sociology at Columbia. Then I got my MBA at Georgetown to be more commercially oriented. For my professional career I worked at McKinsey, P&G, Yahoo and Google before starting Babytree in 2007.

I've always been a left-brain right-brain person. I feel bored studying any one particular thing for too long so I crossed disciplines and studies.

I think my Tsinghua education, heavily concentrated in mathematics and logical reasoning, helps a lot when I start something new or make a difficult decision.

When I applied to Columbia, I had little knowledge about sociology and I only assumed a lot of it has to do with social changes. And I very much believe then, like now, that China needs social changes.

I think those two to three years of graduate study at Columbia gave me the very foundation in terms of thinking, not just on pure logical basis, but from a historical perspective and the angle of human beings. Lots of what we're doing were learned, from not only seeing our counterparts in China, but learning how the world's best practices are done.

Those educational elements are deeply ingrained in my thinking today.

At P&G I was one of the very few brand managers who led billion-dollar brands such as Pringles and Folger's Coffee. I left Procter when I found our users were not consuming media the way they were doing it before. They were not watching TV that much. They were flocking to the internet. It was 2001.

In 2005 I became Google's chief marketing officer in Asia. I was there for only one year and one interesting feat I accomplished was translating the Google name into Chinese. Today it's a household name. Google gives me the confidence that you can get into any field pretty much driven by your ambition and vision - that you can change the world.

So I had the corporate experience which taught me about structure and how to get things done within an organization. And Google was about changing the world, attempting Chinese market and stopping something from obstruction.

About Babytree

I started Babytree in 2007 along with my two co-founders. Think of Babytree as Facebook for parents. So, it is a social network that connects young families with one another and also connects family members with experts who can offer help in moments of need.

We target young parents from pre-pregnancy all the way to preschool by giving them the tools to be better parents. And in moments of need or when they feel lonely, they can get help in real time.

Babytree has over the past 10 years become the entry point of young families. The moment you start thinking about conception, having a baby, throughout the course of pregnancy and onwards, Babytree becomes your reliable source of information and a helping guide.

We are witnessing a social transformation as we go and we find that the larger you are as a network, the more trusted you are, and the heavier social responsibility you have to shoulder.

4 Core Parenting Needs / Demands

If you look at Babytree or the young-parent generation over the last ten years, you may ask me fundamentally, what needs do these women have? Every year we do a couple of studies on a quarterly basis or semi-annual basis. Honestly, I've only discovered four key needs, not a fifth one.

It's interesting that people's core fundamental needs are not changing and shifting. It is the way of "packaging" and communication that are changing and shifting.

They're here to seek knowledge. They want to learn a better way or the best way of parenting. They're here to communicate with their peers and experts as well. They come to a website for parents and babies also to create and document the growth of their families and babies every day, because digital photography is for the very first time in history making photography and memory creation effortless and costless. Last one, they not only want to buy things, but also to ensure that they make right choices when it comes to brands and services.

The New-generation of Moms

Here comes the description of the new-generation moms in terms of their communication style.

They are educated but impatient. "Just give me the best proposition or best recommendation. Give me the solution." They want it quickly with very few words. "Don't give me a 1000-word text. Give me a short video." What is delivered to them has to be packaged right. It cannot be boring or too lengthy or too authoritative in a very old-fashioned way. It has to be perfectly engaging. Last one is social networking. They might not be good friends with their own parents, but they can be good friends with total strangers they bump into on the internet and become trusted partners. New-generation moms trust the words of what they deem as key opinion leaders.

4 Key Opportunities

What are the business opportunities when you face a generation of moms sharing those four core needs but expressing themselves in those different ways?

The following are what I believe the core interesting and important opportunities as far as they're considered.

1. C2M (customer to maker)

When I was at P&G, we have this fundamental assumption that we want to find the key denominator when it comes to user needs. We hope to find the lowest denominator so that we can have essentially one product to satisfy the needs of as many users as we want.

Every single piece of that assumption is different now. It shall be challenged.

We have come to an age when people are expecting DIY solutions, or narrow vertical solutions that are not fitting the entire population but fit themselves well.

C2M stands for consumer to manufacturer or consumer to maker, where based on big user data, manufacturers keep creating solutions for increasingly narrow bands of users or needs.

2. Preschool Education

I have a huge passion for reshaping the future of education. Education for Babytree target starts in pre-K, literally between the age of 1 to 6 or 7.

As you think of education, we're really talking about a country where the supply of education resources versus the demand for education are in such a bad shape.

Great educators and great facilities are overall only in tier 1 cities. Tier 2-5 cities are suffering from a great lack of resources. I've been thinking how we can connect children in need with potential and future educators to offer educational facilities and resources not just in high-end malls or shopping plazas, but in every neighborhood that brings real convenience.

This year we've created a joint venture with a U.S. company, Mattel, the maker of Thomas the Train, Barbie Doll and Fisher Price branded toys.

Our joint mission is to establish as many quality educational centers or play centers in as many neighborhoods as possible - to open preschool centers named Babytree Fisher Price Play Center in a Starbucks fashion.

3. Family Health

Health is like education but more severely mismatched in terms of supply and demand. If you go to public hospitals in China and visit the children's clinic portion, you will find that 90% of the hospitals are jammed with visitors coming from outside the city. They took overnight trains with their entire family bringing their child, most likely the only child in the family, only to be seen by the doctor for less than 10 minutes.

There are fields where we can find ways to connect patients with doctors online. Take skin disease as an example. Skin is something you don't have to necessarily come to a clinic face to face. You can show a bunch of pictures and statistically doctors can have 99% accuracy or confidence to spotting something.

AI - artificial intelligence works well enough in skin disease detection. We will be relying on AI a lot to at least give parents advices along certain directions before they come in to see a doctor over a thousand kilometers.

4. Fintech

We will witness a huge wave of private clinic creation offering better services for generations to come. And this offers opportunities for financial technology. Fintech, data driven financial technology, will be the future way of detecting and managing household financial needs, whether it's insurance or saving plan.

If you have a large group of data that gives you the information on behaviors, information exchanges, user expectations and so on, you can have a better understanding of one's financial needs and know better the risk or credit worthiness these people have.

So my Columbia alum friends, Charge on and change the world!

SOURCE Babytree
NEW YORK, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) is now soliciting nominations for candidates to serve on its Board of Directors (Board) for terms commencing on January 1, 2018, the FHLBNY announced in a letter sent to its members on June 30, 2017. In total, five Directorships will be up for election in 2017.

"I encourage all of our members to participate in the election process," said Jose R. Gonzalez, president and CEO of the FHLBNY. "Our Board is vital to the success of our franchise, providing our team with guidance and insight as we develop and execute on strategies that benefit the entire cooperative."

In total, five Directorships  one seat representing the FHLBNY's New Jersey members, one seat representing the FHLBNY's New York members, and one seat representing the FHLBNY's Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands members - are up for election in 2017. In addition, two Independent Directorships representing the whole District are also up for election.

The FHLBNY's official Certificate of Nomination was included in materials sent to members on June 30, 2017. Eligible stockholders may, using the Certificate, nominate one person for each of their respective state's open Member Directorships. Separately, those individuals interested in being nominated for the two open Independent Directorships must first submit an Independent Director Application Form to the FHLBNY. A copy of the Application Form can be found at http://fhlbny.com/about-us/corporate-governance.aspx in the section entitled "About the FHLBNY's 2017 Director Election". All Certificates of Nomination and Independent Director Application Forms are due at the FHLBNY by 5:00 p.m. ET on August 1, 2017.

The FHLBNY's Board of Directors consists of a talented group of dedicated individuals that benefits from, among other things, demographic (including gender and racial) diversity, and the FHLBNY expects that this will continue in the future. As members consider potential nominations for Member Directorships and give thought to persons who might be interested in Independent Directorships, please keep diversity in mind.

Questions on the 2017 Director election process should be directed to Paul Friend, the FHLBNY's General Counsel, at [email protected].

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York

The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is a Congressionally chartered, wholesale Bank. It is part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, a national wholesale banking network of 11 regional, stockholder-owned banks. As of March 31, 2017, the FHLB of New York serves 324 financial institutions in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Federal Home Loan Banks support the efforts of local members to help provide financing for America's homebuyers.

CONTACT: Eric Amig

(212) 441-6807

Brian Finnegan

(212) 441-6877

SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of New York

Related Links

http://www.fhlbny.com


SAN RAMON, Calif., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- So many jobs are sedentary today, featuring desks in rows with bright monitors under fluorescent lights. The workers at the desks are often hunched over, faces close to the screens that dominate their work existence. While switching careers may not be an option, there are things you can do to improve your health while living a sedentary lifestyle. The Financial Education Benefits Center encourages people to adopt healthy habits to improve any lifestyle by offering benefits that are sure to get sedentary workers moving and eating healthy for better work lives.

The main advice for living a healthy lifestyle is to stay active and eat healthy. Both of those are inherently lacking in a sedentary job. Workers sit for long periods of the day and often rely on unhealthy vending machine-type foods as snacks to get through the day. In fact, recent studies have shown that even regular exercise is not enough to counter all the sitting we do at work, which increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, increased blood pressure and more.

"Sitting all day staring at a computer screen definitely takes a toll," said Jennifer Martinez, Manager at FEBC. "Even on our breaks we often just go from sitting at our desk to sitting in the break room. It takes a lot of effort to break that cycle. Through fast and easy access to online health professionals, which FEBC will be rolling out soon, our members will have everything they need to break the cycle."

It may seem insurmountable, but it is possible to incorporate physical activity into your sedentary work day. Even just working on your sitting posture has health benefits. When you don't have good sitting posture, you may experience back pain or joint pain. Good sitting posture will stimulate muscles while you sit and prevent aches and pains by reducing stress on your body.

Here is some simple advice to improve your sitting posture:

Straighten your back. The two most common chair postures are leaning forward with a curved upper back or leaning back into the chair with a curved lower back. Try straightening your spine so it is "stacked," each vertebrae stacked neatly on the next.

Place your feet flat on the ground with your knees bent at 90 degrees. This will help you keep your spine straight as well. Crossing your legs will push your spine out of alignment and may reduce blood flow into the legs. Live Science recommends crossing your feet at the ankles if you need to change your pose.

Keep your head up. Bending the neck to look down at a screen adds extra weight to your neck and can cause neck and shoulder pain. Stacking your head on your shoulders and keeping your shoulders in line with your hips is good practice.

Even with good posture, health professionals suggest getting regular activity. Getting up and either walking around or stretching at least once every hour is good practice. Stretching every 20 minutes in your chair has benefits as well. WebMD has a good list of desk exercises you can do anytime to incorporate some activity into your work day.

"There is no shortage of advice online for those in a sedentary job," said Martinez. "At FEBC we do the research and provide the best services all in one place for our members who need some help staying healthy in and out of work."

About the Financial Education Benefits Center

The Financial Education Benefits Center is located in San Ramon, California. The Company has already helped thousands of people save money and obtain the necessary education required to live a financially free life.

The Financial Education Benefits Center has partnered with several name brand third-party companies to expand the financial and educational products and services available to its members and to provide a variety of wellness services as well.

Contact

To learn more about the Financial Education Benefits Center, please contact:

Financial Education Benefits Center

2010 Crow Canyon Place Ste. 100

San Ramon, CA 94583

1-800-953-1388

[email protected]

Related Links

FEBC home page

SOURCE Financial Education Benefits Center

Related Links

http://febcp.com


MANHATTAN, N.Y., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 1, France will thank the people and Armed Forces of the United States and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States entering World War 1.

France's official "Mission du Centenaire de la Premiere Guerre Mondiale" (World War One Centennial Mission) is organizing a series of events in Central Park, New York, a few days before France's president Emmanuel Macron welcomes the President of the United States for the Bastille Day parade on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, celebrating the unwavering Franco-American friendship.

Earlier in the day, the Queen Mary 2 will reach New York as part of "The Bridge Project 1917-2017". Celebrating a century of fraternity between the two nations, this first-ever nautical race gathers some of the world's fastest sailing ships to challenge the Queen Mary 2 on its well-known route across the Atlantic Ocean.

At 3 pm, on Saturday July 1, at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park, a moving and fascinating photo exhibition "MERCI!" (Thank You) will be unveiled and presented by its curator, French journalist and news anchor Jean-Claude Narcy.

A ceremony honoring WW2 US veterans will follow. The Grand Chancellor of the Order, General Puga, and Ambassador Araud will bestow upon them France's highest military decoration, the Legion of Honor.

The day will conclude with a Franco-American Jazz concert, with French Opera Diva Natalie Dessay as a guest star, reminding us that Jazz was introduced in France during WW1 when the US contingents arrived.

When: Saturday July 1, 2017 from 3.00 pm to 10.00 pm

Where: Naumburg Bandshell on the Mall at Central Park (entrance at 72nd St & 5th Ave)

Free Access to the events (VIP seating available by guest list, for retired and active US Armed Forces)

About

The Mission du centenaire de la Premiere Guerre mondiale (French World War One Centennial Mission) was established by the French Government in 2012 in order to prepare and implement the commemorative program of the First World War centenary. The Mission du Centenaire coordinates public and private stakeholders involved in commemorating the First World War. Together with United States World War One Centennial Commission, the Mission du Centenaire organizes or supports a number of events this year to honor those Americans who served during the First World War.

Contact

(In France): Mission du centenaire de la Premiere Guerre mondiale

[email protected]

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12649751

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Mission du Centenaire de la 1ere Guerre Mondiale
ATLANTA, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing to accelerate its momentum and growth, Greenlight Financial Technology, Inc., today announced that the Greenlight smart debit card for kids now works internationally, and also integrates with Apple Pay. To continue its leadership in Fintech innovation, Greenlight appointed Nancy Cox, former CTO of WorldPay and CIO of Fiserv, as CTO.

Effective immediately, Greenlight's smart debit card for kids can be used internationally in over 120+ countries. Greenlight began with a focus on the U.S. market and its 10,000+ customers are on track to complete over 1,000,000 transactions this year. Now, with summer approaching, kids traveling abroad for vacation or to study, can use their Greenlight debit cards instead of carrying cash.

In addition to its expanded international capabilities, Greenlight's smart debit card for kids now integrates with Apple Pay. As a result, kids don't need to have the physical Greenlight card in order to make a purchase  they just need their iPhones. With Apple Pay integration, Greenlight users have peace of mind that their payments by iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac are safe and private.

"High schoolers often have a chance to visit other countries through their foreign language classes and many families take vacations internationally, so we're excited to enable our customers to use their Greenlight Cards worldwide," said Tim Sheehan, CEO and co-founder of Greenlight Financial Technology, Inc. "Young people are leading the way in paying for things using their mobile phones, so we're pleased to enable Apple Pay for Greenlight customers."

Finally, Greenlight also today announced the appointment of Fintech veteran Nancy Cox as CTO. As the former CTO of WorldPay and CIO of Fiserv, Cox will leverage her industry experience to continue Greenlight's strong emphasis on providing a safe, more convenient, and transparent digital payment experience. Cox also launched the FinTech program at the ATDC on behalf of Worldpay to drive innovation and support early stage FinTech ventures. Cox is also a board member of a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women advance their careers, Women in Technology, leading the WIT Entrepreneurs program.

"Under the leadership of Nancy Cox, Greenlight will accelerate our innovation in debit card technology," said Sheehan.

Cox added, "I joined Greenlight because I believe in the vision they have for transforming personal finance for kids and their parents. Greenlight is helping parents raise financially smart kids with a unique solution that is safe, secure, and useful. I see the potential to make a material impact on the family finance market."

About Greenlight Financial Technology, Inc.

Greenlight Financial Technology, Inc. creates safe, healthy and family-friendly financial services. Greenlight's first product, a smart debit card for kids, is the world's first debit card for kids with patent-pending technology that lets parents pick the exact stores where their children can spend. The Greenlight card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by MasterCard International. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, this FinTech company has raised over $7.5 million in seed funding, backed by leading investors including Relay Ventures, Social Capital, NEA, TTV Capital, Boom Ventures and Tech Square Labs.

For more information on Greenlight, please visit www.greenlightcard.com, or follow Greenlight on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Greenlight Financial Technology, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.greenlightcard.com


ISSAQUAH, Wash., June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Who's Who recognizes Ilene Birkwood as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in recognition of her contribution to the field of Publishing.

Ilene Birkwood writes both fiction and non-fiction books and is a Director of Ascendant Publishing. Prior to entering the writing field, she was a pioneer in the highly competitive technology industry. She was one of the first female managers at Hewlett Packard and served as Director of Software Engineering in HP Laboratories. She later became Vice President of Tandem Computers.

Her mysteries are set in New Zealand, where she lived during two enjoyable periods of her life, most recently for 14 years. "New Zealand's stunning beauty and laid back charm provide the perfect contrast to tales of murder and intrigue," Ilene says of her work. Her books capture New Zealand's unique appeal as they continue to intrigue readers with ingenious plots.

Ilene Birkwood has published three mysteries: Deadly Deception in 2004, What to Do About Emma in 2014 and her latest Hidden Depths in 2016. Hidden Depths follows the story of a Silicon Valley couple who move to New Zealand to escape the stress of the high tech world. One day, Steve disappears without trace. Kelly, refusing to believe he would leave her without a word, sets out to find him. Only to find herself caught up in his dangerous world.

Ilene has also published a WWII memoir, The Second Torpedo in 2012, presenting a fascinating view of war seen through the eyes of a child. Additionally, her most recent book, 'Hidden Depths', a mystery novel set in New Zealand, was published through an independent publishing platform and is available for purchase through Amazon.com. The full link to purchase her novel is: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Depths-New-Zealand-Mystery/dp/1533699291/

Ilene Birkwood is a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the International Society of Writers, and the National Association of Professional Women, which honored her as a VIP Woman of the Year in 2016.

When not working, Ilene enjoys tai chi, reading, theatre, music and history, especially history of World War II and the Druids.

For more information, and to buy Ilene's books visit ILENEBIRKWOOD.COM.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of medical laboratory industry experts and equipment suppliers from across Northern and Latin America will be converging at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, USA, from August 8-10, 2017 for the inaugural MEDLAB Americas.

With the USA Diagnostics & Medical Laboratories sector (in vivo and in vitro) boasting revenue of $53 billion last year, with an annual growth of 0.9% between 2012 and 2017, the impact of laboratory medicine on patient outcomes is being bolstered with huge investment in bridging the gap between the lab professionals and doctors.

North America is the largest region globally for the medical / clinical laboratory market, accounting for a market share between 30% and 50%. Some of the key factors driving the growth of this market are the rising rate of chronic and infectious diseases in the USA, a rapidly aging population, a growing preference for point-of-care testing and personalised medicine and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

MEDLAB Americas, the latest edition to the MEDLAB series portfolio and existing as part of the 27th edition of The Florida International Medical Expo (FIME), will provide first-class networking opportunities for laboratory experts, scientists, researchers and clinicians as well as featuring over 163 cutting-edge lab products and services from leading Chinese, German, Korean and American and other medical equipment and device companies.

The MEDLAB Americas trade show has been integrated into FIME and labeled the 'laboratory zone' welcoming more end-users from the lab with purchasing power authority. The entire lab zone, including the exhibition and congress, is free to attend until July 24, 2017 when an $80 registration fee will apply. Once registered, delegates will gain full access to all areas of the event.

"A proven exhibition model on an international scale, the MEDLAB portfolio comprises global exhibitions, spanning across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe and the USA," says Dave Panther, Vice President of Sales at Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, organizers of the FIME and MEDLAB Series. "With 15 years of growth and development, MEDLAB has established itself as the largest lab expo and congress worldwide."

The MEDLAB Americas Congress, provided by Cleveland Clinic and supported by the College of American Pathologists, will also have three conference tracks dedicated to Clinical Microbiology, Hematology and Point of Care Testing. The tracks are CME accredited and offer up to 13.5 credits for attending laboratory technicians, medical laboratory biologists, clinical chemists, scientists, hematologists, pathologists, and others. The aim is to boost medical knowledge for medical laboratory professionals, and offer unparalleled education and management solutions to help advance laboratory skills and improve laboratory services in today's competitive market.

According to Dr. Fadi W. Abdul-Karim, Professor of Pathology and Vice Chair for Education, Robert Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Med Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and Activity Director for MEDLAB: "We are delighted to finally see the MEDLAB Congress in the USA, as part of the global expansion of the MEDLAB series. MEDLAB has already enjoyed considerable success in the Middle East and Asia due to MEDLAB conferences being meticulously planned by a group of highly respected laboratory experts."

"The aim of MEDLAB Americas is to improve the value of services that the laboratory delivers to end-users such as patients and physicians. We fully embrace the latest trends and advances within the clinical laboratory setting including quality, safety and finance management," he adds. "It is a priority to implement quick and safe selection and focus on performance and evaluation of results of new and established laboratory tests to prevent diagnostic errors."

For more information about MEDLAB Americas, please visit www.fimeshow.com/MEDLAB

The largest medical trade fair across the Americas

Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, in charge of the healthcare portfolio within Informa's Global Exhibitions division, organises 26 exhibitions yearly covering the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and US markets, connecting more than 150,000 healthcare professionals worldwide and offering a range of marketing solutions for companies involved with the healthcare sector. Over 100 congresses take place in parallel with the exhibitions.

Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions publishes four international healthcare magazines, offers Dothealth, a healthcare portal showcasing over 40,000 healthcare companies and runs Healthy Change, an online recruitment portal.

www.informalifesciences.com

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Informa Life Sciences

Related Links

http://www.informalifesciences.com


DUBLIN, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "India Evaporative Air Cooler Market Outlook, 2022" report to their offering.

"India Evaporative Air Cooler Market Outlook, 2022", a lot of new players have entered in the air cooler space such as Vego, Hindware, Voltas, Cello and many more.

Cello introduced a new range of air coolers by leveraging its long background in high quality plastics and polymers. The evaporative air coolers of Cello, designed for today's generation are manufactured by Wim Plast Ltd., a subsidiary of Cello group. HSIL Limited, promoters of brand Hindware, recently forayed into the air cooler market by launching its latest line of air coolers with changeable colourful front panels under their brand 'Hindware Snowcrest'. Vego has had more than 4 decades of experience in various industries like export, imports, raw material processing, plastic moulding, OEM manufacturing of apparels & garments and also strong foothold in the real estate business. Currently, the air cooler market has a very low penetration rate in the country; still it is witnessing tremendous growth in the volumes sold every year.



Air coolers have proved to be one of the superior alternatives to air conditioners (lower life-cycle cost and enhanced flexibility). Rising prosperity and increasing environmental consciousness is likely to generate attractive air cooler market growth over the foreseeable future. The Government of India launched an initiative of 'Make in India' in 2015 that paved the way for air cooler manufacturers to produce their products locally. While this development no doubt gives a major incentive to global as well as in-house air cooler manufacturers, there are many benefits associated with making in India' that can add greater value to the entire business chain.

One of the most important factors that have traditionally influenced the country's evaporative air cooler market has been the value-for-money mindset of the Indian consumer. With consumers wanting the best of any evaporative air cooler at the most budget-friendly prices, manufacturing in India is helping OEMs cut down their manufacturing costs. Not only will India-based manufacturing unlock access to cheaper labour and raw materials, but also evade the need to pay customs' duty each and every time. This is a great step by the Government towards the growth of the economy as a whole as well as growth in different sectors, evaporative air coolers in this case.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Global Evaporative Air Cooler Market Outlook



3. India Evaporative Air Cooler Market Outlook

3.1. Market Size By Value

3.2. Market Size By Volume

3.3. India Residential Evaporative Air Cooler Market Outlook

3.3.1. Market Size By Value

3.3.1.1. Overall Market

3.3.1.2. Organized Residential Market

3.3.1.3. Unorganized Residential Market

3.3.2. Market Size By Volume

3.3.2.1. Overall Market

3.3.2.2. Organized Residential Market

3.3.2.3. Unorganized Residential Market

3.3.3. Market Share (Organized)

3.3.4. Product Price & Variant Analysis

3.3.5. Channel Partner Analysis

3.4. India Industrial Evaporative Air Cooler Market Outlook



4. India Economic Snapshot



5. Raw Material & Production Scenario



6. PEST Analysis



7. Trade Dynamics

7.1. Import

7.2. Export



8. India Evaporative Air Cooler Market Dynamics

8.1. Key Drivers

8.2. Key Challenges



9. Market Trends & Developments

9.1. Consumer's Interest in High-End & Sleek Air Coolers

9.2. Demand of Higher Technical Specifications' Coolers

9.3. Wall Mounted Air Coolers

9.4. Air Coolers with Exhaust Fans

9.5. Hybrid Cooling Machines



10. Competitive Landscape

10.1. Porter's Five Forces

10.2. Company Profiles

10.2.1. Symphony Limited

10.2.2. Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd.

10.2.3. Canbara Industries Private Limited

10.2.4. Ram Coolers

10.2.5. Groupe SEB India Private Limited

10.2.6. Vego Home Science Private Limited

10.2.7. Orient Electric Limited

10.2.8. Hindustan Sanitaryware and Industries Limited

10.2.9. Usha International Limited

10.2.10. Wim Plast Limited

10.2.11. Marc Enterprises Private Limited

10.2.12. KAIL Limited

10.2.13. Khaitan Electricals Limited

10.2.14. Voltas Limited

10.2.15. Bajaj Electricals Limited



11. Strategic Recommendations



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/gc32vv/india_evaporative

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


FREIBURG, Germany, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Jedox AG, a leading vendor of Corporate Performance Management software that simplifies enterprise-wide planning and reporting processes, announced today they are rated as an "Overall Leader" in the Dresner Advisory Services' 2017 Wisdom of Crowds Enterprise Planning Market Study, placing in both top quadrants that were featured in the report. This distinction is Jedox's second outstanding Dresner ranking this year after receiving top scores in the Dresner 2017 Wisdom of Crowds Business Intelligence Market Study.

For the second consecutive year, Jedox was recognized as an overall leader in the Customer Experience Model as well as the Vendor Credibility Model  in both flagship market studies by Dresner Advisory Services. Moreover, Jedox was voted as "best in class for sales understanding business/needs, product integration with 3rd party technologies, overall usability, and ease of installation," according to the Enterprise Planning report. Jedox also achieved a perfect recommend score in both market studies, meaning every single Jedox client responding to the survey would recommend Jedox to other organizations.

"We are honored that Jedox maintains a perfect recommend score from users around the globe," said Dr. Rolf Gegenmantel, Chief Marketing & Product Officer at Jedox. "The rating shows that organizations benefit from rapid implementation with quick wins while easily integrating Jedox into their existing IT environment. Customer satisfaction has always been the driving force of Jedox's innovation strategy, which is why we translated centuries of customer project experience into our software. With the launch of prebuilt 'Jedox Models' for many different business needs, users can now build and scale their enterprise planning solution faster and with more ease than ever before."

Dresner Advisory Services' annual Enterprise Planning and BI reports are based on end-user feedback and are meant to provide a real-world perspective on eleven vendors surveyed. Using a trademark 33-criteria vendor performance measurement system, users glean key insights into planning and BI software supplier performance, enabling them to compare current vendor performance to industry norms, as well as identify and select new vendors.

"In this year's Enterprise Planning Market Study, Jedox generally performs above average in all categories and demonstrates credibility, value, and integrity to achieve a perfect Recommend score. We congratulate Jedox on their strong placement for the second consecutive year," said Howard Dresner, founder and chief research officer at Dresner Advisory Services.

Join Jedox on July 11 & 12, 2017 for the Real Business Intelligence Conference hosted by Dresner Advisory Services (MIT Campus in Cambridge, MA)  the first industry event for business and IT leaders focusing on strategies for success with BI and Analytics.

For a complimentary copy of the report, visit http://info.jedox.com/dresner-wisdom-of-crowds-enterprise-planning-market-study-2017.

About Jedox:

Jedox simplifies planning, analysis, and reporting with one unified and cloud-based software suite. Jedox empowers decision makers and business users across all departments and helps them work smarter, streamline business collaboration, and make insight-based decisions with confidence. Over 1,900 organizations in 127 countries use Jedox for real-time planning on the web, in the cloud, and on any device. Jedox is a leading Corporate Performance Management solution provider with offices on four continents and with over 180 certified business partners. Independent analysts such as Howard Dresner and BARC recognize Jedox for its leading enterprise planning solutions. Simplify planning with Jedox and start your free trial today: www.jedox.com

About Dresner Advisory Services:

Dresner Advisory Services was formed by Howard Dresner, an independent analyst, author, lecturer, and business adviser. Dresner Advisory Services, LLC focuses on creating and sharing thought leadership for Business Intelligence (BI) and related areas.

Contact

Diana Kuch

Head of PR

[email protected]

+(49) 761 15147 0

Related Images

image1.png

image2.jpg

Related Links

Analyst Report: Dresner Advisory Services' 2017 Wisdom of Crowds Enterprise Planning Market Study

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXUrKwwD5k8

SOURCE Jedox

Related Links

http://www.jedox.com


BOSTON, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (NYSE: HEQ) (the "Fund"), a John Hancock Closed-End Fund, announced today that the Board of Trustees approved a proposal to reduce the Fund's advisory fee rate, effective July 1, 2017, to 0.95%, a decrease of 0.05% from the prior advisory fee rate of 1.00%.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

About John Hancock Investments

John Hancock Investments provides asset management services to individuals and institutions through a unique manager-of-managers approach. A wealth management business of John Hancock Financial, we managed more than $140 billion in assets as of March 31, 2017 across mutual funds, college savings plans, and retirement plans.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial

John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife Financial, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$1 trillion (US$754 billion) as of March 31, 2017. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Investments

Related Links

http://johnhancock.com


BOSTON, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (NYSE: HEQ) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Advisers, LLC (the "Adviser") and subadvised by Wellington Management Company LLP (the "Subadviser"), announced today sources of its quarterly distribution of $0.3760 per share paid to all shareholders of record as of June 12, 2017, pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan. This press release is issued as required by an exemptive order granted to the Fund by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notification of Sources of Distribution

This notice provides shareholders of the John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (NYSE: HEQ) with important information concerning the distribution declared on June 01, 2017, and payable on June 30, 2017. No action is required on your part.

Distribution Period: June 2017 Distribution Amount Per Common Share: $0.3760

The following table sets forth the estimated sources of the current distribution, payable June 30, 2017, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short term capital gains; net realized long term capital gains; and return of capital or other capital source. All amounts are expressed on a per common share basis and as a percentage of the distribution amount.

Source

Current

Distribution

($)

% Breakdown

of the Current

Distribution

Total Cumulative

Distributions for

the Fiscal Year to

Date ($)1

% Breakdown

of the Total

Cumulative

Distributions

for the Fiscal

Year to Date1 Net Investment

Income

0.1696

45%

0.3011

40% Net Realized Short-

Term Capital

Gains

0.0000

0%

0.0000

0% Net Realized Long-

Term Capital

Gains

0.2064

55%

0.4509

60% Return of Capital or

Other Capital

Source

0.0000

0%

0.0000

0% Total per common

share

0.3760

100%

0.7520

100%

















Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the 5 years ended on May 31, 2017

9.58%





Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of May 31, 2017

8.45%





Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through May 31, 2017

8.02%





Cumulative fiscal year-to-date distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of May 31, 2017

4.23%

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's managed distribution plan.

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The Fund has declared the June 2017 distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "Plan"). Under the Plan, the Fund makes fixed quarterly distributions in the amount of $0.3760 per share, which will continue to be paid quarterly until further notice.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your financial professional or call the John Hancock Investments Closed-End Fund Information Line at 1-800-843-0090, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

Wellington Management Company LLP is an independent and unaffiliated investment subadviser to John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund.

About John Hancock Investments

John Hancock Investments provides asset management services to individuals and institutions through a unique manager-of-managers approach. A wealth management business of John Hancock Financial, we managed more than $140 billion in assets as of March 31, 2017 across mutual funds, college savings plans, and retirement plans.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial

John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife Financial, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$1 trillion (US$754 billion) as of March 31, 2017. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

______________________________

1 The Fund's current fiscal year began on January 1, 2017, and will end on December 31, 2017.

SOURCE John Hancock Investments

Related Links

https://www.johnhancock.com


BOSTON, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Advisers, LLC and subadvised by John Hancock Asset Management a division of Manulife Asset Management (US) LLC, announced today sources of its monthly distribution of $0.0975 per share paid to all shareholders of record as of June 12, 2017, pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan. This press release is issued as required by an exemptive order granted to the Fund by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notification of Sources of Distribution

This notice provides shareholders of the John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT) with important information concerning the distribution declared on June 01, 2017, and payable on June 30, 2017. No action is required on your part.

Distribution Period: June 2017 Distribution Amount Per Common Share: $0.0975

The following table sets forth the estimated sources of the current distribution, payable June 30, 2017, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short term capital gains; net realized long term capital gains; and return of capital or other capital source. All amounts are expressed on a per common share basis and as a percentage of the distribution amount.

Source

Current

Distribution ($)

% Breakdown

of the Current

Distribution

Total Cumulative

Distributions for

the Fiscal Year to

Date ($)1

% Breakdown

of the Total

Cumulative

Distributions

for the Fiscal

Year to Date1 Net Investment Income

0.0362

37%

0.7797

100% Net Realized Short-

Term Capital Gains

0.0000

0%

0.0000

0% Net Realized Long-

Term Capital Gains

0.0000

0%

0.0000

0% Return of Capital or

Other Capital

Source

0.0613

63%

0.0000

0% Total per common

share

0.0975

100%

0.7797

100%

















Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the 5 years ended on May 31, 2017

12.27%





Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of May 31, 2017

7.23%





Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through May 31, 2017

6.57%





Cumulative fiscal year-to-date distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of May 31, 2017

4.82%

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's managed distribution plan.

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The Fund has declared the June 2017 distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "Plan"). Under the Plan, the Fund makes fixed monthly distributions in the amount of $0.0975 per share, which will continue to be paid monthly until further notice.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your financial professional or call the John Hancock Investments Closed-End Fund Information Line at 1-800-843-0090, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

About John Hancock Investments

John Hancock Investments provides asset management services to individuals and institutions through a unique manager-of-managers approach. A wealth management business of John Hancock Financial, we managed more than $140 billion in assets as of March 31, 2017 across mutual funds, college savings plans, and retirement plans.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial

John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife Financial, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$1 trillion (US$754 billion) as of March 31, 2017. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

1 The Fund's current fiscal year began on November 1, 2016, and will end on October 31, 2017.

SOURCE John Hancock Investments

Related Links

http://www.johnhancock.com


BOSTON, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund (NYSE: HTY) (the "Fund"), a John Hancock Closed-End Fund, announced today that the Board of Trustees approved a proposal to reduce the Fund's advisory fee rate, effective July 1, 2017, to 0.95%, a decrease of 0.05% from the prior advisory fee rate of 1.00%.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

About John Hancock Investments

John Hancock Investments provides asset management services to individuals and institutions through a unique manager-of-managers approach. A wealth management business of John Hancock Financial, we managed more than $140 billion in assets as of March 31, 2017 across mutual funds, college savings plans, and retirement plans.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial

John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife Financial, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$1 trillion (US$754 billion) as of March 31, 2017. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Investments
FORT WORTH, Texas, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP (NYSE: KRP), a leading owner of oil and natural gas mineral and royalty interests across 20 states, today announced it will release its second quarter 2017 financial results on Thursday, August 10, 2017 before the market opens. In conjunction with the release, Kimbell Royalty Partners has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast live over the Internet the same day at 10:00 a.m. Central (11:00 a.m. Eastern).

By Phone: Dial 201-389-0869 at least 10 minutes before the call. A replay will be available through August 17 by dialing 201-612-7415 and using the conference ID 13665017#.



By Webcast: Connect to the webcast via the Events and Presentations pages of Kimbell's Investor Relations website at http://kimbellrp.investorroom.com/. Please log in at least 10 minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software. A replay will be available shortly after the call.

Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP

Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP (NYSE: KRP) is an oil and gas mineral and royalty variable rate master limited partnership based in Fort Worth, Texas. KRP is managed by its general partner, Kimbell Royalty GP, LLC, and owns mineral and royalty interests in approximately 5.6 million gross acres in 20 states and in nearly every major onshore basin in the continental United States, including ownership in more than 50,000 gross producing wells with over 29,000 wells in the Permian Basin.

Contact:

Rick Black

Dennard-Lascar Associates

[email protected]

(713) 529-6600

SOURCE Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP

Related Links

http://www.kimbellrp.com


YUBA CITY, Calif., June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 17, family, friends and Sunsweet fans gathered to celebrate Sunsweet's 100 Year Anniversary at the 2017 Summer Stroll in Yuba City, California. During the community event, Sunsweet invited local restaurants to create new recipes featuring Amaz!n Prunes. Nearly a dozen recipes were featured, including savory and sweet recipes, with two local establishments receiving top honors- Sopa Thai Cuisine and Cilantro's.

Sopa Thai Cuisine's Pineapple Prune Shrimp Fried Rice was the winner of the "Savory" category. Located in the heart of Yuba City, Sopa Thai Cuisine specializes in homemade Thai cuisine. With a combination of traditional and modern cooking inspired by different regions, they specialize in dishes such as; tom kah soup, crab fried rice and mango curry.

Taking first place in the "Sweet" category was Cilantro's Sugar Cookie Prune Custard Tart. Also located in downtown Yuba City, Cilantro's specializes in Mexican cuisine and seafood dishes including blackened tilapia, salmon fajitas and Flautas. Cilantro's also offers catering for weddings and parties.

Other recipe entries included:

Stephens Farmhouse -- Big Oatmeal Cookie

Linda's Soda Bar  Amaz!n Orange Scones

Sawyer's Sweet Spot -- Plum Almond Ice Cream

Cilantro's -- Baby Back Ribs

The Happy Viking -- Plum Diddlyumptious Wings

Sawyer's Sweet Spot  Chocolate Covered Prune Caramel Pecans

"The Sunsweet family is always thankful for community members who gather to support Sunsweet in the Yuba-Sutter area, the location of our international headquarters," said Jeff McLemore, Vice President of North America Marketing for Sunsweet. "Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate 100 years of delicious prune making and congratulations to all the outstanding chefs for their inspired prune focused dishes."

Founded in 1917 as the California Prune and Apricot Growers Association and later changing its name to Sunsweet Growers Inc., today Sunsweet is a leader in providing prunes to 25 percent of the global market. Sunsweet Amaz!n Prunes are an all-natural source of fiber, with 3g of fiber per serving, and only 100 calories. In fact, research shows that eating 5 to 6 prunes a day can help maintain bone mineral density in women. Prunes contain potassium, magnesium and vitamin K, all of which play a vital role in bone health.

All Sunsweet dried fruit products are available nationwide in grocery stores, in the dried fruit aisle or baking aisle.

About SUNSWEET

Sunsweet Growers is a grower owned Prune Cooperative based in Yuba City, CA. For 100 years we have been committed to providing the highest quality products around the globe. Sunsweet strives to help make it easy to for consumers to make healthy choices by offering a full range of delicious dried fruit and juices. Sunsweet Amaz!n Prunes and Prune Juice are favorites around the world providing the nutrition you need, to keep your body feeling good and energized. Enjoy The Feel Good Fruit! For more on Sunsweet products, visit www.sunsweet.com.

SOURCE Sunsweet

Related Links

http://www.sunsweet.com


HOUSTON, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Luby's, Inc. (NYSE: LUB) announced today that it will release its third quarter fiscal 2017 financial results on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 after the market closes. In conjunction with the release, Luby's has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast live over the Internet, on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Central time.

By Phone: Dial (412) 902-0030 at least 10 minutes before the call. A replay will be available through July 20 by dialing (201) 612-7415 and using the conference ID 13664737#.



By Webcast: Connect to the webcast via the Events and Presentations pages of Luby's Investor Relations website at http://lubysinc.com/investors/. Please log in at least 10 minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software. A replay will be available shortly after the call.

About Luby's

Luby's, Inc. (NYSE: LUB) operates 170 restaurants nationally: 89 Luby's Cafeterias, 72 Fuddruckers, 8 Cheeseburger in Paradise and one Bob Luby's Seafood Grill. The Company is the franchisor for 112 Fuddruckers franchise locations across the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, Mexico, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Colombia. Additionally, a licensee operates 34 restaurants with the exclusive right to use the Fuddruckers proprietary marks, trade dress, and system in certain countries in the Middle East. The Company does not receive revenue or royalties from these Middle East restaurants. Luby's Culinary Contract Services provides food service management to 25 sites consisting of healthcare and corporate dining locations.

For additional information contact:

Dennard-Lascar Associates

713-529-6600

Rick Black / Ken Dennard

Investor Relations

SOURCE Luby's, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.lubysinc.com


NEW YORK, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CE Week, in partnership with Living in Digital Times, announces today the winners of the 3rd annual "Young Innovators to Watch" award competition. For the third year in a row, a panel of industry-expert judges selected exceptional projects created by NYC middle school, high school, and college students, all under the age of 20. The Young Innovators to Watch recipients will be honored for their outstanding achievements at a special awards presentation with Miguel Gamino, New York City Chief Technology Officer, as guest emcee at CE Week on July 12, 2017.

The Young Innovators to Watch competition honors students who are using technology and STEM/STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) skills to create the products of tomorrow. The projects are ranked on their creativity, user design, use of STEM and STEAM, scalability and civic mindedness. The winners' projects include an algorithm that accurately measures lithium-ion battery percentages and a smartphone device that records customizable studio-quality sound. These projects also rise to the challenge to resolve existing societal issues, such as water quality, food waste and physical injuries sustained by the visually impaired.

"This is hard stuff. Students working in tech and the sciences need some positive reinforcement and there's no better place to recognize them then at CE Week where they can see the most exciting tech innovation and careers," says Robin Raskin, the program's creator. "Being recognized at an industry technology showcase is really empowering for these winners."

"I'm extremely impressed with the students' drive to improve how we participate in the world, today and in the future," says Miguel Gamino, New York City Chief Technology Officer. Gamino, who is the official emcee of the awards and spearheads major initiatives aimed at using technology to improve our City for all New Yorkers, continues, "These forward-thinking students and their ideas inspire me and my team to keep working toward a stronger, smarter New York City."

Proudly presenting the 2017 Young Innovators to Watch Award Recipients:

Sharon Lin (18), Stuyvesant High School, "White Water": An app for underdeveloped communities that identifies bacteria and abiotic particles in water based on a photo sample, making it easier for underdeveloped communities to take preventative measures to avoid exposure to water-borne illnesses like malaria.

Priya Mittal (17), The Dalton School, "GroGreen": An app that allows restaurants and juice bars to purchase imperfect produce directly from farms at a 20% mark down to reduce food waste. Farmers can still sell produce that they would normally throw away and increase profit margins.

Deeya Patel (14), Divek Patel (12), Nitin Seshadri (13), Karan Keerthy (11), Sriram Pankanti (11), Srinath Duri (10), St. Augustine School, Somers Middle School , Briarcliff Middle School, "ADVISEAssistance for Dog & Visually Impaired Subjects": A wearable device that uses a Kinect sensor to alert the visually impaired to obstacles. It identifies the size, location and number of obstacles and provides an audible or haptic feedback to the person.

Abigail Brown (18), Yousef Alsayid (17), Curtis Mason (17), Mark Ayad (16), College of Staten Island , "MACAY Labs HiFi Mod": A high-fidelity speaker designed to attach to a smart phone, allowing users to customize their audio experience with studio-quality sound. Audiophiles and musicians can record with compatible equipment and share their sound on the go.

Michael Klamkin (16), Staten Island Technical High School, "Dual Extended Kalman Filtering": A new approach to monitoring the state of charge of lithium-ion polymer batteries. Using an algorithm that combines an electrical circuit model, MATLAB and Dual Extended Kalman Filtering measures phone battery life more efficiently than the battery life monitor built in to a phone.

The winning projects will each receive a $1,000 scholarship provided by CE Week, NY and the Kay Family Foundation, a gift card provided by B&H Photo, a special speaker system provided by Monster, and a MiP Robot provided by WowWee Toys.

The Young Innovators to Watch Awards Presentation takes place on Wednesday, July 12th from 4 to 5 p.m. EDT at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City (125 W. 18th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues). Members of the media, government officials and educators are welcome to attend. To RSVP, contact Elizabeth Tran at [email protected] or 646-484-4575.

Winners were chosen by a panel of esteemed judges consisting of educators, technology experts, and previous award recipients:

Warren Buckleitner , CEO, Children's Technology Review

, CEO, Children's Technology Review Tonda Bunge Sellers , President, Digital Kids Conference

, President, Digital Kids Conference Brian Cohen , Chairman of the Board of Directors, New York Angels

, Chairman of the Board of Directors, New York Angels Kerry Goldstein , Producer, TransformingEDU

, Producer, TransformingEDU Diane Levitt , Senior Director, K-12 education, Cornell Tech

, Senior Director, K-12 education, Cornell Tech Tom O'Connell , Vice President of Programs and Partnerships, Code/Interactive

, Vice President of Programs and Partnerships, Code/Interactive Surendra Persaud , 2015 Young Innovators to Watch Recipient, "The Young Hackers"

, 2015 Young Innovators to Watch Recipient, "The Young Hackers" Vincent Ponzo , Managing Director, Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center, Columbia Business School

, Managing Director, Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center, Emily Post , 2017 Young Innovators to Watch Recipient, "FindingClover"

, 2017 Young Innovators to Watch Recipient, "FindingClover" Robin Raskin , Founder, Living in Digital Times

About CE Week

CE Week is the consumer electronics (CE) industry's official event in New York City. The official mid-year meeting, conference and new technology showcase includes the CE Week Exhibits, which is the site of CE Week's largest exhibition hall and conference program. CE Week is produced annually by the Consumer Technology Group of NAPCO Media, publisher of Dealerscope and Technology Integrator magazines, and producer of FutureVision and Dealerscope Top Retailer Summit. For more information, visit www.ceweekny.com and keep up with our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

About Living in Digital Times

Founded by veteran technology journalist Robin Raskin, Living in Digital Times brings together the most knowledgeable leaders and the latest innovations impacting both technology and lifestyle. It helps companies identify and act on emerging trends, create compelling company narratives, and do better business through strong network connections. Living in Digital Times produces technology conferences, exhibits and events at CES and other locations throughout the year by lifestyle verticals. Core brands include Digital Health Summit, Digital Money Forum, FitnessTech, Baby Tech, [email protected], Family Tech Summit, TransformingEDU, FamilyTech TV, Beauty Tech, Wearables and FashionWare runway show, Mobile Apps Showdown, Last Gadget Standing, Robots on the Runway and the KAPi Awards. The company also works with various foundations and manages the Appreneur Scholar awards program for budding mobile entrepreneurs, as well as the Young Innovators to Watch awards recognizing student STEAM innovations in New York City. For more information, visit www.LivinginDigitalTimes.com and keep up with our latest news on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Kristen Joerger

LKPR, Inc. for Young Innovators to Watch

646-484-4577/ 603-494-3295 (mobile)

[email protected]

Jayme Schwartz

social4media for CE Week

646-370-3988

[email protected]

SOURCE Living in Digital Times

Related Links

http://www.livingindigitaltimes.com


BOSTON, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Morgan Stanley moved closer to completing its obligations under its February 11, 2016, mortgage settlement agreement with the State of New York, receiving conditional approval for another $29.78 million of credit for consumer-relief activities performed in recent months, Eric D. Green, independent Monitor of the settlement agreement, announced today.

The amount of cumulative credit conditionally validated now totals $338,921,327, or 85 percent of the $400 million worth of credited consumer relief required under the agreement, which settled claims that Morgan Stanley had violated New York State law in connection with residential mortgage-backed securities.

"I am pleased to be able to confirm that Morgan Stanley continues to make steady progress toward meeting its obligation to provide consumer relief to New York communities in need of housing assistance," Professor Green said today in his fourth report on the bank's consumer-relief activities. Professor Green is a Boston-based professional mediator and a retired Boston University law professor.

In its May 1, 2017, credit submission  covering the bank's activities through that date  Morgan Stanley claimed credit of:

$29,037,500 , for one grant to assist New York local government units and eligible organizations in consumer-relief efforts, including the acquisition of non-performing loans, and

, for one grant to assist local government units and eligible organizations in consumer-relief efforts, including the acquisition of non-performing loans, and $746,646 for two grants to New York municipalities and eligible agencies to support housing quality improvement and enforcement programs.

The Monitor's team of financial and legal professionals reviewed and validated both credit claims.

Today's report is available at the Monitor's website at: http://morganstanley.mortgagesettlementmonitor.com. The website provides further details about the settlement, plus contact information for Morgan Stanley, New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman's office, and agencies that provide legal or tax advice to consumers.

The Monitor's mailing address is: Monitor of the Morgan Stanley Mortgage Settlement, P.O. Box 10300, Dublin, OH 43017-5900, and the e-mail address is [email protected].

SOURCE Monitor Eric D. Green
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VANCOUVER, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - NexGen Energy Ltd. ("NexGen" or the "Company") (TSX:NXE, NYSE MKT:NXE) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding term sheet with CEF Holdings Limited ("CEF") for a second financing package totalling US$110 million, comprising:

(a) US$50 million of common shares of NexGen (the "Placement Shares"); and



(b) US$60 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible debentures (the "New Debentures").

The US$50 million placement will result in the issuance of approximately 24.1 million Placement Shares at a price of C$2.70 (US$2.07 at an exchange rate of 1.3060) per Placement Share representing the 20-day VWAP of the Company's common shares (the "Common Shares"). The New Debentures will be convertible at the holder's option into Common Shares at a conversion price (the "Conversion Price") of C$3.52 (US$2.69 at an exchange rate of 1.3060), equal to a 30% premium to the 20-day VWAP of the Common Shares. The "20-day VWAP" was calculated as the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") for the 20 trading days ending on the day prior to the date of execution of the binding term sheet, converted into US$ using the C$-US$ daily average rate of exchange published by the Bank of Canada for each relevant date.

In connection with the financing, the Company and CEF have also agreed to extend the maturity date of the existing US$60 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible debentures (the "Existing Debentures") to match the maturity date of the New Debentures as well as certain other non-financial amendments including the strategic alignment provisions described below.

Leigh Curyer, Chief Executive Officer of NexGen commented: "We are thrilled to build on the partnership between NexGen and CEF, which formally commenced just 12 months ago with the initial investment of US$60 million. This financing represents a very strong alignment between NexGen and CEF and funds the Company to expedite the optimal development of Arrow."

"Our investment today builds on the shared long-term vision and close strategic partnership with NexGen," said CEF's Chief Executive Officer, Warren Gilman. "NexGen continues to deliver on all its objectives as it develops Arrow. We are excited at the opportunity to support the Company in its goal of maximizing shareholder value by optimizing the development of Arrow which is proving to be one of the best mineral assets we've encountered."

The Existing Debentures, Placement Shares and New Debentures are expected to be held by CEF (Capital Markets) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEF (as to US$20 million principal amount of Existing Debentures, US$25 million of the Placement Shares and US$20 million principal amount of New Debentures); and holding companies (the "Li Investor") of which each of Messrs. Li Ka Shing and his son Victor Li are entitled to exercise, or control the exercise of, one-third or more of the voting power at general meetings (as to the balance of Existing Debentures, Placement Shares and New Debentures). CEF (Capital Markets) Limited and the Li Investor are collectively referred to below as the "Investors".

The Terms

The New Debentures will carry a 7.5% coupon (the "Interest") over a 5-year term. The New Debentures will be convertible at the holder's option into Common Shares at the Conversion Price of C$3.52 (US$2.69 at an exchange rate of 1.3060), equal to a 30% premium to the 20-day VWAP ending on the day prior to the date of execution of the binding term sheet.

The Company will be entitled, on or after the third anniversary of the date of the issuance of the New Debentures, at any time that the 20-day VWAP exceeds 130% of the Conversion Price, to redeem the New Debentures at par plus accrued and unpaid Interest.

Two-thirds of the Interest (equal to 5% per annum) is payable in cash. One-third of the Interest (equal to 2.5% per annum) is payable in Common Shares issuable at a price equal to the 20-day VWAP on either the TSX or NYSE MKT (whichever has the greatest trading volume of Common Shares) ending on the day prior to the date such Interest payment is due.

Strategic Alignment Provisions

In consideration for the increased investment in NexGen, the Company and the Investors will enter into an investor rights agreement (the "Investor Rights Agreement"). The Investor Rights Agreement will provide for the following:

(a) For so long as they hold at least 10% of the Common Shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors will agree (i) not to tender or agree to tender (or convert) the New Debentures or the Existing Debentures or any Common Shares they hold to an unsolicited takeover bid, (ii) to exercise the votes attached to all Common Shares they hold in respect of any change of control transaction, and deposit or tender such Common Shares, in accordance with the recommendation of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"), (iii) to withhold votes in respect of any Common Shares they hold in respect of the election of individuals to the Board who are not nominees of management, and (iv) in respect of non-change of control matters, not to exercise the votes attached to any Common Shares they hold contrary to the recommendation of the Board;



(b) For so long as they hold at least 10% of the Common Shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors will agree to a standstill whereby they will, among other things, not acquire any securities of the Company or solicit proxies or otherwise attempt to influence the conduct of security holders of the Company;



(c) For so long as they hold at least 10% of the Common Shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors will be subject to restrictions on disposition applicable to any Common Shares they hold, consisting of giving prior notice to the Company of any proposed disposition of more than 0.5% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding and either: (i) disposing of such Common Shares to specific willing investors identified by the Company within a 7-day period; or (ii) disposing of such Common Shares either through a broad distribution on the public markets or in a private transaction or block trade to anyone other than specific investors identified by the Comany within the 7-day period; and



(d) For so long as they hold at least 15% of the Common Shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors will have the right to nominate one director to the Board.

Use of Proceeds

Including the proceeds from this financing, NexGen will have cash reserves of approximately C$200 million. Proceeds from the financing will be used to fund the continuing exploration and development of the Company's SW2 properties (which includes the Rook 1 project) and for general corporate purposes.

Approval

The financing is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, the completion of definitive documentation, there being no material adverse change in the business of the Company, or a major event of national or international consequence that disrupts the financial markets or the business, operations or affairs of the Company.

Advisors

TD Securities Inc. is acting as financial advisor and lead placement agent to NexGen and CIBC World Markets Inc. is acting as financial advisor to CEF.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referenced herein have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereunder.

Early Warning Disclosure

This portion of the news release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103  The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues ("NI 62-103") of the Canadian Securities Administrators, which also requires an early warning report to be filed with the applicable securities regulators containing additional information with respect to the foregoing matters. A copy of the early warning report of the Li Investor will be available on NexGen's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Following completion of this financing, the Li Investor will hold: (a) an aggregate of 13,903,461 Common Shares, representing approximately 4.2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares; (b) US$40 million aggregate principal amount of Existing Debentures; and (c) US$40 million aggregate principal amount of New Debentures. For the Placement Shares that partially gave rise to the early warning reporting requirements, the Li Investor paid C$2.70 per share and C$32.597 million in aggregate. Immediately before this financing, the Li Investor holds 1,250,735 Common Shares, representing approximately 0.4% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as well as US$40 million aggregate principal amount of the Existing Debenture. The Li Investor does not have any present intention to acquire ownership of, or control over, additional securities of NexGen, other than pursuant to the terms of the New Debentures and Existing Debentures and the placement fee owing in connection with this financing which will be paid in Common Shares at closing. It is the intention of the Li Investor to evaluate its investment in NexGen on a continuing basis and such holdings may be increased or decreased in the future, subject to the strategic alignment provisions. For the purposes of NI62-103 the head office address of the Li Investor is East Asia Chambers, P.O. Box 901, Road Town, Torotola, British Virgin Islands and the head office address of the Company is 3150  1021 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC Canada V6E 0C3.

About CEF Holdings Limited

CEF Holdings Limited is owned 50% by CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. and 50% by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ("CIBC"). CK Hutchison Holdings is the publicly-listed flagship company of the CK Hutchison Group of companies, the Hong Kong based multi-national conglomerate with the combined market cap of the Group in excess of US$100 billion. CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with operations around the world. CEF is an investor in significant resource assets on a global basis.

About NexGen

NexGen is a British Columbia corporation with a focus on the acquisition, exploration and development of Canadian uranium projects. NexGen has a highly experienced team of uranium industry professionals with a successful track record in the discovery of uranium deposits and in developing projects through discovery to production.

NexGen owns a portfolio of prospective uranium exploration assets in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada, including a 100% interest in Rook I, location of the Arrow Discovery in February 2014 and Bow Discovery in March 2015 and the Harpoon discovery in August 2016. The Arrow deposit's updated mineral resource estimate with an effective date of December 20, 2016 was released in March 2017, and comprised 179.5 M lbs U3O8 contained in 1.18 M tonnes grading 6.88% U3O8 in the indicated mineral resource category and an additional 122.1 M lbs U3O8 contained in 4.25 M tonnes grading 1.30% U3O8 in the inferred mineral resource category.

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by or reviewed and approved by Mr. Garrett Ainsworth, P.Geo., Vice President  Exploration & Development for NexGen. Mr. Ainsworth is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") of the Canadian Securities Administrators, and has verified the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained herein by reviewing original data certificates and monitoring all of the data collection protocols. For details of the Rook I Project including the quality assurance program and quality control measures applied and key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral resource set forth herein please refer to the technical report entitled "Technical Report on the Rook 1 Property, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated effective March 31, 2017 (the "Rook 1 Technical Report") prepared by Mark B. Mathisen and David A. Ross, each of whom is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101. The Rook I Technical Report is available on NexGen's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

U.S. investors are advised that while the terms "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize these terms. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the material in these categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained herein 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. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, the completion of the proposed financing, the use of proceeds from the financing described in this news release, and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including of the TSX and the NYSE MKT. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof 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" or the negative connotation thereof.

Forward-looking information and statements are based on the then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about NexGen's business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions, including among others, that the proposed transaction will be completed, the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price of uranium, the cost of planned exploration activities, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment, supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct NexGen's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward looking information or making forward looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of NexGen to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of NexGen expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of the availability of additional financing, the risk that pending assay results will not confirm previously announced preliminary results, imprecision of mineral resource estimates, the appeal of alternate sources of energy and sustained low uranium prices, aboriginal title and consultation issues, exploration risks, reliance upon key management and other personnel, deficiencies in the Company's title to its properties, uninsurable risks, failure to manage conflicts of interest, failure to obtain or maintain required permits and licenses, changes in laws, regulations and policy, competition for resources and financing, specific risks relating to the negotiation and execution of the definitive agreements for the financing, the use of proceeds from the financing, the satisfaction of each party's obligations in accordance with the terms of the definitive agreements for the financing; failure to receive any required regulatory approvals (including stock exchange) or other approvals, and other factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2017 under "Risk Factors".

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 or implied by 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 forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE NexGen Energy Ltd.

Related Links

www.nexgenenergy.ca


CHICAGO, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), will host their annual Duchenne Drug Development Roundtable during the organization's 23rd Annual Connect Conference being held in Chicago, Illinois.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 boys.

Established more than seven years ago, PPMD's Duchenne Drug Development Roundtable (DDDR) is a group of committed innovators representing industry and relevant stakeholders that has the goal of accelerating the development of meaningful treatments for Duchenne through open discussion and working collaboratively in the precompetitive space to minimize duplication.

This year's annual DDDR has never been more important or timely. There are now more than three dozen publicly and privately traded companies in Duchenne; more than a dozen therapies in late stage clinical trials; and a robust pipeline representing an array of therapeutic approaches not far behind. The Duchenne community also has crossed into the post-approval space with the accelerated approval of EXONDYS 51 in September of 2016 and the recent approval of EMFLAZA this past spring.

But, according to PPMD Founding President and CEO, Pat Furlong, "The last two years  two years of intense product reviews for our Duchenne therapies  have provided us with new challenges and opportunities. These reviews  coupled with PPMD's policy engagement around the Duchenne community-led Draft Guidance, key provisions within 21st Century Cures, Benefit-Risk studies, and PDUFA VI discussions  have resulted in an opportunity to take what has been learned from all trial experiences and work together to become even more focused and efficient. PPMD and the leadership of our DDDR felt that this is a strategic inflection point for Duchenne; a moment to bring industry partners together to assess how these 'regulatory learnings' and new policies might best be applied back into our pipeline and into clinical trial design."

To achieve this, the DDDR Steering Committee mapped out a series of three one-day meetings that were held earlier this year. Each included leaders and innovators from outside the Duchenne space to present on opportunities to enhance our existing trial designs, tools, and infrastructure.

The meeting series topics include:

Furlong believes that the DDDR meeting at PPMD's Connect Conference is a unique moment in the Duchenne calendar each year, providing companies and stakeholders a chance to truly connect. Says Furlong, "We appreciate each company that has come to the table to lean in even further and we look forward to the opportunity to work together as a community to explore the innovations and opportunities that are raised through ongoing discussion and exploration. It is our hope that the DDDR will continue to assist PPMD and the Duchenne community, working together to drive forward collaborations and projects that will benefit all partners working in this space and yield effective therapies that are accessible to all who need them."

PPMD's Annual Connect Conference is the largest, most comprehensive annual, international conference focused entirely on Duchenne. Each year nearly 500 families from around the world gather at PPMD's Connect Conference to learn the latest progress in the fight to end Duchenne. It is also an opportunity for families to gather for support, strength, and camaraderie. PPMD believes strongly in the power of connecting. The 2017 Connect Conference is sponsored, in part, by Elite Sponsors PTC Therapeutics, Santhera Pharmaceuticals, and Sarepta Therapeutics.

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is the largest most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophyour mission is to end Duchenne.

We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of people affected by Duchenne and in research that will benefit future generations. We advocate in Washington, DC, and have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. We demand optimal care, and we strengthen, unite and educate the global Duchenne community.

Everything we doand everything we have done since our founding in 1994helps people with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until every person has a treatment to end Duchenne. Go to www.ParentProjectMD.org for more information or to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Related Links

http://www.parentprojectmd.org


NEW YORK, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Evercore (NYSE: EVR) announced today that Paul Stefanick will join the Firm's Investment Banking business as a Senior Managing Director and a senior leader of the company. He will focus his efforts on advising large, multinational companies across a variety of industries and will join a small group of our most senior advisory bankers to team with other Senior Managing Directors to develop new business and to execute client advisory engagements. Mr. Stefanick will join Evercore's Management Committee, Senior Advisory Partner Group and Advisory Partner Promotions Committee.

Mr. Stefanick has been a trusted advisor to a broad range of clients for nearly three decades. He will join from Deutsche Bank where he was most recently a Managing Director and Chairman of Global Corporate and Investment Banking. Mr. Stefanick has advised on many notable M&A and capital markets transactions for clients such as Danaher, United Technologies, Honeywell, John Deere, IBM, GE, Martin Marietta Materials, Stanley Black & Decker, Raytheon, Colfax, Tyco, Eaton, Ingersoll-Rand, Merck, General Motors, Ford, Ixia, Schneider SA, Atlas Copco, Carlyle and Clayton Dubilier & Rice. His previous roles at Deutsche Bank include Head of Americas Corporate and Investment Banking, Head of Global Investment Banking Coverage and Advisory, and Head of Global Industrials. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank in 2009, Mr. Stefanick was Chairman of Global Mergers & Acquisitions at Merrill Lynch & Co., where he spent the first twenty years of his investment banking career.

John Weinberg, Evercore's Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, said, "We are extremely pleased that Paul Stefanick will be joining Evercore. His experience as a trusted strategic and financial advisor to senior executives of many of the world's leading companies combined with his proven leadership skills make him an ideal fit for the future of Evercore."

Ralph Schlosstein, Evercore's President and CEO, said, "Paul's extensive client relationships among large cap corporates, particularly in the industrials sector, will help Evercore achieve one of its most important strategic priorities. His vast experience advising senior management and boards of directors across a variety of industries in numerous landmark transactions will make him an enormously valuable resource to Evercore clients and his new colleagues."

Mr. Stefanick holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He sits on Notre Dame's Undergraduate Experience Advisory Council and its Wall Street Leadership Committee. Mr. Stefanick is also a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Business Committee.

About Evercore

Established in 1995, Evercore is a leading global independent investment banking advisory firm. Evercore advises a diverse set of investment banking clients on a wide range of transactions and issues and provides institutional investors with high quality equity research, sales and trading execution that is free of the conflicts created by proprietary activities. The Firm also offers investment management services to high net worth and institutional investors. With 28 offices and affiliate offices in North America, Europe, South America and Asia, Evercore has the scale and strength to serve clients globally through a focused and tailored approach designed to meet their unique needs. More information about Evercore can be found on the Company's website at www.evercore.com.

Investor Contact: Robert B. Walsh

Chief Financial Officer, Evercore

+1.212.857.3100



Business Contact: Timothy LaLonde

COO, Investment Banking, Evercore

+1.212.857.3100



Media Contact: Dana Gorman

The Abernathy MacGregor Group, for Evercore

+1.212.371.5999

SOURCE Evercore

Related Links

http://www.evercore.com


HARRISBURG, Pa., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) reminds customers that hundreds of Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores will be open Tuesday, July 4  Independence Day  as well as on Columbus Day and Veterans' Day this year.

On Independence Day, stores that are normally open on Tuesdays will be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Store locations and hours are available at www.FineWineAndGoodSpirits.com.

Previously, state law had prohibited stores from opening on holidays. Act 39 of 2016 removed the holiday restrictions, opening the door to improved consumer convenience and customer service.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores will observe their normal operating hours on Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 9) and Veterans' Day (both observed and actual  Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11).

The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates more than 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. Taxes and store profits  totaling $15.1 billion since the agency's inception  are returned to Pennsylvania's General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania's schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state. For more information about the PLCB, visit www.lcb.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn M. Kelly, 717.783.8864

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

Related Links

http://www.lcb.state.pa.us


QUAKERTOWN, Pa., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- QuantumClean and ChemTrace will exhibit at SEMICON West 2017 at the Moscone Center, San Francisco from July 11  13 (booth 5534). QuantumClean operates on the frontier of the sub-10nm high-purity semiconductor part cleaning market through leading-edge technologies, unmatched resources and expertise, producing Atomically Clean Surfaces process chamber parts. ChemTrace is an industry-leading semiconductor laboratory that provides clients with critical insight into their microcontamination issues.

"Quantum Global Technologies' companies  QuantumClean and ChemTrace  help our customers reduce cost-of-ownership. Analytically validated ultraclean parts result in FASTER chamber recovery and LONGER Mean Time Between Cleans (MTBC). Optimized cleaning methods and proprietary recoating technologies EXTEND part life. Fast part turnaround times REDUCE INVENTORY costs. And, we are the only firm to offer ultra-high purity chamber part cleaning validated by a Certificate of Analysis," explains Scott Nicholas, President and CEO.

"ChemTrace has over two decades of analytical excellence in the semiconductor industry. We offer rigorous quality assurance standards and are independently ISO 17025 certified. In addition to validating cleanliness on thousands of semiconductor parts each month, ChemTrace performs microcontamination analysis of wafers, cleanroom materials, ultra-pure water, high-purity and complex chemicals," states Surjany Russell, ChemTrace's Director of Sales.

We welcome your visit to the QuantumClean and ChemTrace booth at SEMICON West 2017 to learn more on how our service offerings can bring improvement to your critical process chamber manufacturing challenges.

About Quantum Global Technologies, LLC

ChemTrace and QuantumClean are divisions of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC which is headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA.

QuantumClean is the global leader in sub-10nm outsourced process tool chamber parts cleaning and coating services, tool part life extension and process tool part optimization solutions to the semiconductor wafer fabrication, OEM and OPM industries.

Founded in 2000, QuantumClean operates innovative Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers built on the premise of providing customers process improvement through consistently cleaner parts that exceed industry standards. These solutions dramatically reduce our customers' total cost of ownership. With 1,500 employees in 18 Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers located in 8 countries, QuantumClean provides unsurpassed cleaning capability and convenience worldwide. quantumclean.com

For over 20 years, ChemTrace has provided independent and analytical verification of process tool chamber part cleaning effectiveness. Recognized as the leading reference analytical testing laboratory for the semiconductor, solar and related industries, ChemTrace has the solutions for FAB, OEM and OPM's critical cleaning issues and requirements. With more than 100 employees in 5 labs located in 3 countries, ChemTrace offers unsurpassed microcontamination analysis of tool parts, wafers and depositions, chemicals, cleanroom materials, DI water and airborne molecular contamination. chemtrace.com

Media Contacts

QuantumClean: Meg Cox, +1-215-892-9300, [email protected]

ChemTrace: Robin Puri, +1-503-251-0979, [email protected]

QuantumClean, ChemTrace, Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers, ATCC, Process Improvement through Consistently Cleaner Parts, Single Part Chemical Clean and SPCC are all registered trademarks of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC.

ACS, Atomically Clean Surfaces, Alternative TWAS, Analytical & Engineering Services, C-Coat, Cleancoat, Cleaning, Coating & Testing Center of Excellence, Environmentally Clean Process, ECP, Final Surface Finish, FSF, QGT, M-Coat, PartSmart, PT3, QualClean, Selective Deposition Removal, SDR, Service Request form, SRF, Solution Based Chemistry, TechBriefs, The Perfect Order, The Perfect Qual, The Perfect Process Transfer, Tight-Coat, V-Clean, VeriClean, Waterless Acid, Y-Coat and Z-Coat are all trademarks of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC.

SOURCE QuantumClean

Related Links

http://www.quantumclean.com


NEW YORK, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosemary A. Stevens is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in recognition of her contributions to the field of Medical Education.

Dr. Stevens is a historian of medicine and public policy, whose work informs present-day political and policy issues. Her seventh book, titled A Time of Scandal: Charles R. Forbes, Warren G. Harding, and The Making of the Veterans Bureau, based on individuals in the U.S. government almost a hundred years ago, brings up issues the American public still debates: on ethics, behavior and reputation building in public life; on the creation of public opinion; on what are facts and what fiction; and, not least, on why we have the VA healthcare system. Her work has been praised for its originality, exemplary research and superb writing.



Since 1979, Dr. Stevens has worked in a plethora of roles at the University of Pennsylvania including: Professor of History and Sociology of Science. Currently, her major area of concentration lies with health and public policy. She was also appointed to the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics.



Additionally, Dr. Stevens chaired the History and Sociology of Science department at Penn for two terms, and served for five years as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Stevens presided over the successful conclusion of the School's major fund-raising drive in the Campaign for Penn, in which SAS met its unprecedented target.



"My work in administrative roles and on national policy committees has enriched my research," Dr. Stevens said. She has chaired committees on subjects as diverse as traumatic brain injury, alternative cancer therapies, Medicare, civil rights in health, national blood policy, and nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and served as a public member on national medical organizations.



Dr. Stevens earned her English degree from Oxford University. She then went on to complete her Ph.D. at Yale University, and became the first woman Master of a Yale College. She has also earned a number of honorary degrees from institutions including Hahnemann University, and the Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine. Following completion of her graduate education in healthcare management, her first job involved oversight of a 100-bed hospital in London.



In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in the field, Dr. Stevens is the recipient of a number of honors and awards, including: the James A. Hamilton Award of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Baxter Foundation Prize for distinction in health services research, the Welch Medal for distinction in the history of medicine, and the Wilbur Lucius Cross medal of the Yale Graduate School Alumni Association. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.



Dr. Stevens continues her work as a DeWitt Wallace Distinguished Scholar in Social Medicine and Public Policy, through the department of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College in Manhattan. When not working or spending time with family and friends, she is a dedicated artist, with particular enjoyment of oil painting.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who

Related Links

http://www.continentalwhoswho.com


TSX.V: SCZ

FSE: 1SZ

VANCOUVER, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSX.V:SCZ) ("Santacruz" or the "Company") announces that it has signed a letter of intent ("LOI") to sell its interest in the Gavilanes Project in Durango, Mexico to an arm's length third party gold and silver producer (the "Purchaser"). The LOI contemplates the sale to the Purchaser of 100% of the Company's interest in the Gavilanes Project for US$3.5 million plus applicable value added tax.

Gavilanes is located approximately 110km WNW of Durango City in the municipality of San Dimas in Durango State, Mexico. The property is located within the central part of the Sierra Madre Occidental and includes 10 mining concessions covering a total area of 8,832 hectares.

"Continuing with our plan to focus on our producing assets within the Company, management has made the decision to divest the Gavilanes Project," stated Arturo Prestamo, President and CEO of Santacruz. "The Company is transitioning into a multi-mine Mexican silver producer that we expect will generate solid cash flow as we grow. The monetization of Gavilanes would allow us to further improve our operations on the Company's two producing assets, and, once completed, will serve to fulfill the remaining obligations under the JMET, LLC facility, thereby unencumbering the Company's assets."

The LOI is non-binding and the transaction is subject to, among other things, the parties entering into a definitive agreement which will contain customary terms and conditions for a transaction of this nature. The transaction is expected to close on or before August 15, 2017.

About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

Santacruz is a Mexican focused silver company with two producing silver projects (Rosario Project, including the Rosario Mine, Cinco Estrellas property and Membrillo vein, and the right to operate the Veta Grande project and milling facility); and two exploration properties, the Minillas property and Zacatecas properties. The Company is managed by a technical team of professionals with proven track records in developing, operating and discovering silver mines in Mexico. Our corporate objective is to become a mid-tier silver producer.

'signed'

Arturo Prestamo Elizondo,

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward looking information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated fulfillment of the Company's remaining obligations under the JMET, LLC facility and is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions. In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, the assumptions that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events; that the Company will receive all required regulatory approvals and third party consents to the transaction; that the parties will enter into a definitive agreement in a timely manner; that all conditions precedent to the transaction (including those contained in the definitive agreement) will be fulfilled in a timely manner; and that future metal prices and the demand and market outlook for metals will remain stable or improve. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable; delays in regulatory approval, receipt of third party consents and/or satisfaction of conditions precedent to completion of the transaction, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law.

Rosario Project

The decisions to commence production at the Rosario Mine, Cinco Estrellas Property and Membrillo Vein were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, but rather on a more preliminary estimate of inferred mineral resources. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with this production decision. Production and economic variables may vary considerably, due to the absence of a complete and detailed site analysis according to and in accordance with NI 43-101.

Veta Grande Project

The decision to commence production at Veta Grande Project was not based on a feasibility study on mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with this production decision. Production and economic variables may vary considerably due to the absence of a complete and detailed site analysis according to and in accordance with NI 43-101.

SOURCE SantaCruz Silver Mining Ltd.

Related Links

www.santacruzsilver.com


LONDON, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Secdo, provider of automated solutions that redefine incident response for security teams across the globe is presenting a Cyber Security Day for Information Security Executives. Along with Tetrad Digital Integrity (TDI), the world-class consulting firm offering cybersecurity services to government agencies and commercial clients, and LightBulb Insur-tech, a UK-based company focused on putting technology in action for the insurance sector, the presenters will offer notable insights into the latest cyber attacks and how to prepare for them.

How to Ensure that Your Organisation is Breach-Ready: A Pro-Active Approach will take place on July 4 at 9:00 a.m. at the City of London Club at 19 Old Broad Street in London. Zion Zatlavi, Vice President of Secdo and Chaim Coutts, LightBulb Founder and CEO, will co-chair the event and will offer crucial insights and experiences from the latest global cyber incidents and responses to them.

Zatlavi said, "A new, insidious type of thread-level attack is now rampant and is still not visible to security teams despite the deployment of numerous detection systems, including next-generation AVs. We can expect more of these attacks in the very near future and companies are simply not ready."

"The theatre of cyber war is changing rapidly," stated Coutts. "Attack vectors are getting far more sophisticated and companies need to re-think their approaches to ensure that they are breach-ready. This is especially true in the financial and insurance sectors."

Secdo's unique role in uncovering the exploits that propelled the recent WannaCry ransomware attack was recently covered in the New York Times.

Coutts, along with the Secdo team, veterans of the elite Cyber Division of the Israeli Intelligence Corps, will share illuminating lessons learned from last month's WannaCry and fresh Petya ransomware attacks that utilised the innovative Eternal Blue exploit, leaked from the N.S.A. They will demonstrate a new methodology that enables organisations to prepare for the next cycle of inevitable cyber incidents.

Secdo's methodology calls for continuous collection of endpoint data at the thread level, to provide full visibility on endpoints and the automatic establishment of context before incidents inevitably occur.

The presenters will also explain how Secdo enables organisations to comply with GDPR breach-notification regulations by accelerating the process of investigation, immediate establishment of the root cause of every incident, and prompt and complete damage assessment in case of breach.

To learn more about Secdo, visit www.secdo.com

To hear more from LightBulb, visit www.lightbulb.cc

To learn more about TDI, visit www.tdisecurity.com

Media Contact:

FMXA

Phone: 0207 1250 500

Email: [email protected]

Related Files

Secdo Agenda.pdf

Related Links

Company Profile

SOURCE Secdo

Related Links

http://www.secdo.com


NEW YORK, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation ("Booz Allen" or the "Company") (NYSE: BAH) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Booz Allen's securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants' violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you are a shareholder who purchased Booz Allen securities between May 19, 2016 and June 15, 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until August 18, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Booz Allen is an American management consulting firm. The Company purports to provide management and technology consulting, engineering, analytics, digital, mission operations, and cyber solutions to governments, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations in the United States and internationally. At all relevant times, Booz Allen has derived substantially all of its revenues from services provided to the U.S. government.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Booz Allen engaged in improper accounting practices in its contracts with the U.S. government; (ii) consequently, the Company's revenues derived from services provided to the U.S. government were inflated and unsustainable; (iii) discovery of the foregoing conduct would subject the Company to heightened regulatory scrutiny, potential criminal sanctions, and jeopardize its business relationship with the U.S. government; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, Booz Allen's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On June 15, 2017, post-market, Booz Allen disclosed that on June 7, 2017, the Company's subsidiary Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. "was informed that the U.S. Department of Justice is conducting a civil and criminal investigation relating to certain elements of [its] cost accounting and indirect cost charging practices with the U.S. government."

On this news, Booz Allen's share price fell $7.43, or 18.89%, to close at $31.90 on June 16, 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


CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH) today announced it will release fiscal 2017 second quarter financial results on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 7:30 A.M. (Eastern). Senior management will hold a conference call on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. (Eastern).

To access the live broadcast of the call over the Internet, go to www.sonicautomotive.com, then click on "Our Company," then "Investor Relations," then "Earnings Conference Calls."

The conference call will also be available live by dialing in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call at:

Domestic: 1.877.450.3867

International: 1.706.643.0958

Conference ID: 48697046

A conference call replay will be available one hour following the call for seven days and can be accessed by calling:

Domestic: 1.855.859.2056

International: 1.404.537.3406

Conference ID: 48697046

Presentation materials for the Company's earnings conference call will be accessible beginning the morning of the conference call on the Company's website at www.sonicautomotive.com by clicking on "Our Company," then "Investor Relations," then "Webcasts & Presentations."

About Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the nation's largest automotive retailers. Sonic can be reached on the web at www.sonicautomotive.com. More information about EchoPark Automotive can be found at www.echopark.com.

SOURCE Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.sonicautomotive.com


SAN FRANCISCO, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Spruce Finance Inc., a provider of consumer financing for residential energy efficiency and solar technology, today announced new leadership and an infusion of capital, as well as the appointment of two independent directors.

Steve Olszewski, who previously served as chief operating officer, has been promoted to CEO, and Adam Buckfelder, who previously served as VP of finance, has been named CFO. Olszewski and Buckfelder both held senior positions at Clean Power Finance, which merged with Kilowatt Financial to form Spruce Finance in 2015. Previously, Olszewski led the private student loan business at Discover Financial Services, where he oversaw the largest portfolio acquisition in Discover's history and managed the six-fold growth in Discover's deposits business. Prior to Discover, Olszewski led underwriting and servicing operations for GMAC's auto insurance business and held operations strategy roles at Capital One. Before his senior finance and operations roles at Clean Power Finance, Buckfelder was an investment banker at Barclays Capital, where he focused on the power and utilities sector.

"Spruce Finance's commitment to providing homeowners with multiple ways to finance residential energy efficiency improvements and solar systems helps people reduce their utility bills and improve their homes and communities," said Olszewski. "I'm honored and excited to lead Spruce Finance into its next chapter, with a renewed focus on simplifying the sales experience for our channel partners and helping them sustainably grow their businesses."

The company also named two independent directors, Christian Fong and Howard Norowitz. Fong is an experienced executive and consultant to real asset and energy companies. He serves on the Board of Directors of TerraForm Power and was a founder of Renewable Energy Trust Capital, Inc. Norowitz is a founder and former partner at Stone Lion Capital Partners. He has a long track record of successfully investing in and managing highly levered and operational turnaround situations at Stone Lion, Bear Stearns, and GE Capital.

"Steve and Adam have demonstrated they have the right combination of industry experience and vision to lead Spruce Finance into the next phase, as well as the support of our sales channels and capital markets partners," said Fong. "We're excited to welcome them to their new roles as CEO and CFO," added Norowitz. "With today's announcements and Steve and Adam at the helm, Spruce Finance is positioned to build on the significant strides made thus far in 2017. We look forward to the company's continued expansion."

The company also announced $25 million in strategic funding from HPS Investment Partners, LLC (formerly Highbridge Principal Strategies, LLC), a leading global investment firm with over $40 billion of assets under management. "We are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership," said Olszewski. "It is indicative of HPS's confidence in Spruce Finance and in our mission to make energy efficiency financing and residential solar systems widely available to U.S. homeowners."

Spruce recently announced that it has completed its second major sale of loan assets, a whole loan sale of US$250 million of its efficiency and solar loan portfolio to a North American bank with an expertise in consumer loan assets.

About Spruce FinanceTM

Spruce Finance provides homeowners with multiple ways to finance residential energy efficiency improvements and solar systems. This helps people reduce their utility bills and improve their homes and communities. We make our finance products available on a single software platform and sell them through a national network of verified channel partners. Our platform simplifies the sales experience for our channel partners and helps them sustainably grow their businesses. A private company headquartered in San Francisco, we operate in all 50 states and Washington, DC. We have raised more than $2B in project finance and currently serve nearly 70,000 homeowners. To learn more about the company, visit www.sprucefinance.com.

Contact [email protected]

SOURCE Spruce Finance

Related Links

http://www.sprucefinance.com


ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Swift Biosciences, a leading provider of innovative library prep solutions for genomic sequencing, today announced the completion of a Series D funding raise of $12.2 million. The company also announced the addition of two new directors to its board, positioning the company for accelerated growth.

Funding for Growth

The Series D round was led by Arboretum Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with follow-on investment from existing Swift investors. The funding will help fuel growth by expanding the company's global commercial channels and enhancing its manufacturing and operational capabilities.

Aimed at revolutionizing basic and clinical research, Swift's novel Accel-NGS technologies accelerate the discovery, identification and characterization of genes and the underlying genetic variation in diseases of the genome. Swift's unique approaches enhance existing next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms by providing the ability to sequence challenging and low-input biological samples, including DNA derived from archived tumors and liquid biopsies.

"This is an exciting time for Swift as we expand our commercial and manufacturing teams to meet the growing demand for our products," said Timothy Harkins, president and CEO of Swift Biosciences. "Swift's products have been one step ahead of the market, positioned to enable the new applications coming from low-input samples, like detecting tumor variants in liquid biopsies."

Expanding the Board of Directors

Swift also announced the appointment of Dan Kidle and Mark Lewis to the company's board of directors. These two appointments expand the board to seven members. Kidle has been elected as chairman of the board.

Kidle, a principal at Arboretum Ventures, joined the board concurrent with Arboretum's Series D investment in Swift.

"I'm excited by the use of genomic sequencing data to fuel the discovery of disease biomarkers," said Kidle. "Few companies are challenging the status quo to make next-generation sequencing more accessible to the basic and clinical research community in the same innovative way as Swift."

Lewis brings over 40 years of global experience in the life sciences industry. He has held research and development, commercial and general management roles at leading organizations including BD Biosciences, Molecular Dynamics, Nycomed-Amersham and Beckman Instruments. Most recently, Lewis held senior vice president roles at Illumina in customer support, general management and product development, where he led the development of the HiSeqTM and MiSeqTM sequencing platforms.

"With this latest round of funding, an experienced management team, high quality manufacturing, unique technologies, intellectual property and products, Swift has everything in place to transform the way scientists are approaching NGS-based studies," said Lewis.

SOURCE Swift Biosciences
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Most used car shoppers search for their next vehicle within their local area. But new research from CarGurus, a leading car shopping website, shows that for adventurous deal-seekers, there are opportunities to save significantly by planning a "Fly to Buy" car shopping getaway. Company analysts say that prices on comparable used cars can vary significantly city to city so it's possible to fly to another city to buy a used car at a much lower price, drive it home, and still save substantially after travel costs.

For example, data shows that a car shopper living in Albany, NY could save more than $2,000 on a 2015 Ford Mustang if they "Fly to Buy" in Miami versus buying the comparable car in their home town  including the cost to fly to Miami and the cost of gas for the car ride home. A shopper living in Albuquerque, NM can save almost $1,900 on a 2007 BMW 3 Series by flying to buy the car in Dallas  again, flight and gas costs included.

To find the optimal Fly to Buy cars and destinations, CarGurus analysts studied millions of car listings nationwide, comparing local market prices on comparable vehicles to identify the most significant regional price differences. They also factored the average cost of both a plane ticket and the gasoline needed for the ride home.

"Shopping local makes sense for most car shoppers, but the adventurous deal-seeker could find a used car far outside their home region and still see big savingswith the added bonus of a fun summer road trip," said Lisa Rosenberg, Data Analyst at CarGurus. "Even for less ambitious shoppers, this research highlights just how much variability can exist on used car prices in different markets. Expanding your search area even moderately can sometimes unearth opportunities to save."

Additional findings from this study, and the study's methodology can all be found below:

Top Fly to Buy deals for the 2015 Ford Mustang

2015 Ford Mustang is among the most popular searched cars on CarGurus.com

Albany, NY to Miami, FL  estimated savings of $2,065

to  estimated savings of Birmingham, AL to Houston, TX  estimated savings of $1,375

to  estimated savings of Grand Rapids, MI to Tampa, FL  estimated savings of $1,363

to  estimated savings of Fresno, CA to San Diego, CA  estimated savings of $1,297

to  estimated savings of Des Moines , ID to Dallas, TX  estimated savings of $1,038

, ID to  estimated savings of Portland, OR to Boise, ID  estimated savings of $1,135

to  estimated savings of Memphis, TN to Orlando, FL  estimated savings of $1,135

to  estimated savings of Nashville, TN to Las Vegas, NV  estimated savings of $1,113

Top Fly to Buy Trips for Popular Cars:

Cars selected were among the most searched on CarGurus and additional trips for each car are available upon request.

2007 Chevy Tahoe: Reno, NV to New York, NY  estimated savings of $2,224

2013 Ford F-150: Nashville, TN to Cleveland, OH  estimated savings of $3,307

2014 Chevy Silverado: San Jose, CA to Buffalo, NY  estimated savings of $4,347

2014 Chevy Silverado: Sacramento, CA to Boston, MA  estimated savings of $3,036

2007 BMW 3 Series: Albuquerque, NM to Dallas, TX  estimated savings of $1,871

2010 Chevy Camaro: Louisville, KY to Miami, FL  estimated savings of $1,781

2006 Dodge Charger: Jackson, MS to Washington, DC  estimated savings of $1,392

2006 Dodge Charger: Memphis, TN to Miami, FL  estimated savings of $2,239

2007 Toyota Camry: El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL  estimated savings of $1,877

Methodology:

CarGurus compared the Instant Market Value (IMV) data on more than 5 million used cars listed for sale in the continental United States' largest metro areas. Analysts determined the IMV in each metro area for popular used cars and then compared prices for comparable vehicles between metro areas to identify estimated savings. Calculated "Fly to Buy" savings include the average cost of airfare between cities based on the U.S. Department of Transportation Domestic Airline Consumer Airfare Report, 2016 Q3. The estimated cost of gas is based on AAA's rate on June 5, 2017. Metro areas are defined as the 50 miles around the city center.

About CarGurus

Founded in 2006 by Langley Steinert, co-founder of TripAdvisor, CarGurus is a leading online automotive shopping platform, focused on bringing trust and transparency to the car research and shopping process. The site uses technology and market data analysis to help shoppers search more than 5 million car listings and quickly identify great deals from top-rated dealers in their local area. Today, the site serves 23 million unique monthly users and more than 22,000 subscribing dealers. CarGurus also operates websites in the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany.

SOURCE CarGurus

Related Links

http://www.cargurus.com


TNW to provide UnitedCorp with back office, network and cloud infrastructure to support its fixed and mobile connectivity for Smartphone-over-IP, cloud spectrum and social media posting gateway technologies

MIAMI, FL, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Miami-based United American Corp ("UnitedCorp"), (OTC: UAMA) is pleased to announce that it has acquired Canadian-based TNW Networks Corp (TNW) through a share exchange agreement with TNW shareholders that becomes effective today at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. TNW becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of UnitedCorp.

UnitedCorp management sees the acquisition as an important strategic component of its business plan as TNW will provide all backbone networks, cloud infrastructure and back office services to support UnitedCorp's deployment of iPCS and iFramed through TNW Wireless Inc. and iFramed Canada Ltd which were acquired earlier this week. The acquisition will also benefit current TNW clients as the company will now be able to provide them with next generation mobile technology in addition to current high quality telecommunications services.

The company recently completed an initial round of financing and is now in the process of undertaking a second round.

"The TNW acquisition is a critical step in UnitedCorp's goal of becoming a world leader in Smartphone-over-IP, cloud spectrum connectivity and social media posting gateway technologies," stated UnitedCorp President, Benoit Laliberte, "TNW has long history of providing high quality telecommunications and technology services to business, enterprise and residential customers "

Further information on the acquisition will be released in the near future.

About UnitedCorp

UnitedCorp is a Florida-based holding and management company focusing on telecommunications and information technologies. For more information, visit: www.unitedcorp.com

About TNW

TNW is a provider of telecommunications and cloud services. It has long history and is the product of a number of corporate consolidations which include Orion Communications, Dialek and Teliphone amongst others. TNW Wireless Inc. is a licensed wireless operator. The company currently holds 25MHz bandwidth tier-2 850 MHz spectrum licenses, is a registered wireless carrier and provide global communication services through its proprietary iPCS Smartphone-over-IP cloud spectrum technology. For more information, visit: www.tnwcorp.com

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors that may be beyond the Company's control. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances in management's expectations or opinions change.

SOURCE United American
PITTSBURGH, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) announced today that it has finalized an agreement with Bedrock Industries Group LLC (Bedrock) for the sale and transition of ownership of U. S. Steel Canada, Inc. (USSC) to Bedrock. The transaction was finalized following requisite court and other approvals.

On Sept. 16, 2014, USSC applied for relief from its creditors pursuant to Canada's Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). On June 9, 2017, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice sanctioned a second amended and restated plan of compromise, arrangement and reorganization pursuant to the CCAA (the Plan). In connection with the closing, U. S. Steel received approximately $127 million in satisfaction of its secured claims, including interest, and unsecured claims. The terms of the Plan and closing also included an agreement to provide mutual releases among key stakeholders, as well as a release of all claims against U. S. Steel regarding environmental, pension and other liabilities.

As part of the transition in ownership, U. S. Steel will continue to provide certain transition services to USSC and entered an agreement to supply USSC with all of its requirements for iron ore pellets through January 31, 2022.

United States Steel Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is a leading integrated steel producer and Fortune 300 company with major production operations in the United States and Central Europe. The company manufactures a wide range of value-added steel sheet and tubular products. For more information about U. S. Steel, please visit www.ussteel.com.

Bedrock Industries is a privately funded holding company focused on owning and operating metals, mining and natural resources assets and related special situations. For more information about Bedrock, please visit www.bi15.com.

SOURCE United States Steel Corporation

Related Links

http://www.ussteel.com


DUBLIN, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "United States Anesthesia Drugs Market & Forecast" report to their offering.

United States Anesthesia Market is expected to be more than US$ 4 Billion by 2022

This growth is driven by increasing incidence of cardiovascular cases, growing old age population and rising number of urgent surgeries in United States. Private as well as public health insurers also help to boost this market as they consider anesthetic products in their reimbursement policy.



General intravenous anesthesia is the leading segments in the United States Anesthesia Market. Propofol, Benzodiazepines Class, Fospropofol Disodium, Ketamine, Methohexital Sodium, Pentobarbital, Etomidate and Fentanyl are commonly used general intravenous anesthesia in the United States. Among these anesthesia, Propofol and Benzodiazepines Class are the leading anesthesia drugs which hold more than 75 percent combined market share in 2016.



In the United States anesthesia drugs market several players are selling their products. Most of the anesthesia drugs sale are in generic form as it is available in the low cost. However all major drugs manufactures such as AstraZeneca, AbbVie , Endo Healthcare etc. anesthesia products sales are turning down continuously. Only Baxter International anesthesia drugs sales are growing in the United States market.



Key Topics Covered:



1 Executive Summary



2 United States Anesthesia Drugs Market (2011 - 2022)



3 United States Anesthesia Drugs Market Share & Forecast (2011 - 2022)



4 By Type - United States Anesthesia Drugs Market (2011 - 2022)



5 By Drugs - United States General Intravenous Anesthesia Drugs Market (2011 - 2022)



6 By Drugs - United States Local Anesthesia Drugs Market (2011 - 2022)



7 Key Players Profile in United States Anesthesia Drugs Market



8 United States Anesthesia market Merger & Acquisition (M&A)



9 United States Anesthesia Reimbursement Policy - Private Health Insurance Providers



10 United States Anesthesia Reimbursement Policy - Public Health Insurance Providers



11 United States Anesthesia Drugs Market - Growth Drivers



12 United States Anesthesia Drugs Market - Challenges



Companies Mentioned



- AbbVie

- Aetna International

- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

- AstraZeneca

- Baxter International Inc.

- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

- Coventry Health Care

- Endo Health Solutions Inc.

- MDWise

- Medicare

- UnitedHealthcare



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5kcwb4/united_states

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


TROY, Mich., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the No. 1 wholesale lender and the fastest-growing independent mortgage lender in the country, announced today at its company rally that it will move its corporate headquarters to Pontiac in the summer of 2018. The company will be moving into the Hewlett Packard Enterprise building at 585 South Boulevard, a location that will provide the lender with 600,000 square feet of office space and nearly 60 acres of campus.

"This is a monumental moment for us, as our people are what make us a great company and this move is designed with them in mind," said Mat Ishbia, President/ CEO, UWM. "We want to continue to be a magnet for top talent in the area, and take being a national best place to work to a new level."

The new headquarters will provide a number of physical amenities for the new UWM campus, including:

600,000-square-foot building (current headquarters is 275,000 square feet)

Nearly 60 acres of campus

Primary Care doctor's office

Starbucks with indoor/outdoor cafe, wired with Wi-Fi

Full-length indoor basketball court

Large fitness center with full-size locker rooms

Massage rooms and full-time massage therapist

Bicycle-sharing program with bike and jogging paths within the campus

Outdoor volleyball court

Indoor/outdoor putting greens

Full Service food court offering healthy breakfast and lunch options

Outdoor dining patio

Convenience store

Dry cleaning services

Game Room, featuring arcade games, pool and ping pong

1,000-person auditorium

Outdoor sunken amphitheater

Innovation lab

Collaboration spaces throughout

Dance floor with DJ booth for the company's famous 3 o'clock dance parties

Escape room for training

Production studio for filming, recording and editing

3,500-spot parking lot

"The new headquarters will not only create a more dynamic and collaborative work environment to maximize our team members' performance  all under one roof and one campus  it will also offer a wider assortment of perks and intensify the sense of culture and work-life balance that we pride ourselves on," Ishbia said.

The move supports UWM's commitment to continued growth as one of the largest employers in the Metro Detroit region. Since 2010, the company's team member count has increased five times, going from 400 to 2,100.

With 60 percent of UWM's workforce comprised of millennials, the new headquarters will especially appeal to a wide range of young professionals. All team members will continue to work out of a single location.

The UWM brand continues to separate itself from its competitors, as it has tripled in size since 2014. In 2016, UWM set a company record with $23 billion in loan volume, and is on pace to surpass $30 billion in 2017.

The transaction and expected renovation cost of the new campus is nearly $80 million.

About United Wholesale Mortgage

Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) is the #1 wholesale lender in the nation, providing state-of-the-art technology and unrivaled client service, from the industry's leading account executives. Operating under parent company United Shore Financial Services, UWM is known for its highly efficient, accurate and expeditious lending support, UWM underwrites and provides closing documentation for residential mortgage loans originated by independent mortgage brokers, correspondents, small banks and local credit unions. UWM's exceptional teamwork and laser-like focus on delivering innovative mortgage solutions are driving the company's ongoing growth and its leadership position as the foremost advocate for mortgage brokers. For more information, visit www.uwm.com or call 800-981-8898. NMLS #3038.

MEDIA CONTACT:

BARBARA YOLLES, Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected] p (855) 888-8737, ext. 4496 1414 East Maple Road, Troy, Michigan 48083

UWM.com

SOURCE United Wholesale Mortgage

Related Links

https://uwm.com


WASHINGTON, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Vice President Mike Pence will visit NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 6.

NASA Television and the agency's website will provide live coverage for parts of the visit starting at noon EDT with Air Force Two's arrival at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility runway, as well as a special address to the center's workforce at 12:50 p.m.

The Vice President will tour Kennedy and learn more about the center's work as a multi-user spaceport for commercial and government clients, as well as see the agency's progress toward launching from U.S. soil on spacecraft built by American companies, and traveling past the moon, and eventually on to Mars and beyond with the help of NASA's new Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket.

U.S. media who wish to cover the Vice President's visit must apply for accreditation online at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

NOTE: All media applications for credentialing must be received before noon EDT Monday, July 3. This is a hard deadline. No exceptions.

Applications for media credentials for international journalists are not available for this event. Questions about accreditation may be addressed to Jennifer Horner at [email protected] or 321-867-6598. For other questions, or additional information, contact Kennedy's newsroom at 321-867-2468. Media must present two forms of unexpired, government identification to enter Kennedy. One form must include a photo, such as a passport or driver's license.

Media should plan to arrive at Kennedy's Pass and Identification Building on State Road 405, east of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Thursday morning for security screenings and transportation to event locations. The exact arrival time will be provided during the accreditation process.

For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/kennedy

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


AUSTIN, Texas, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aresty Institute of Executive Education of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is preparing to educate fifty transitioning veterans through the Wharton Online Business Foundations Specialization series. Wharton has partnered with VETTED, a new Texas-based non-profit targeting high-performance military service members and veterans for accelerated executive education to prepare them for successful careers in the private sector. Wharton, in conjunction with the Texas A&M Mays, University of Texas McCombs, and Rice University Jones Business Schools, assisted in the development of a comprehensive, innovative new transition platform, the Veteran Accelerated Management Program (VAMP), for senior service members entering the workforce.

The Veteran Accelerated Management Program combines five months of distance learning through Wharton's Business Foundations Specialization series, followed by two months of comprehensive residential graduate level business instruction at Texas A&M, University of Texas, or Rice University. This highly engaging and interactive program utilizes cases, presentations, simulations, performance assessments, guest speakers, and the first-ever Psychology of the Veteran Transition to ensure Veterans are well-prepared for the challenges that await them in the corporate sector. Not only are these veterans developing the business acumen they need to succeed in the corporate world, but they are also provided world-class career services including resume development, mock interviews, and networking techniques. Veterans also gain industry exposure and experience during a micro-consulting capstone, embedded in corporations during the 2 month residential module.

Wharton's highly successful four-course Foundation Series with a Capstone Project allows participants to apply their knowledge to real-world business problems. Taught by faculty from one of the top business schools in the world, the Wharton Online Business Foundations Specialization provides a Coursera Verified Certificate for participants who complete the four courses in Wharton's Foundation Series  Accounting, Finance, Marketing and Operations Management  as well as the Capstone Project. "We are proud to work with the VETTED to help our military veterans transition from the public to the private sector," says Don Huesman, Managing Director of Online Learning at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. "These men and women bring real world experience in leadership, teamwork, and problem solving to the task of building American businesses and growing our economy. We are delighted that our online classes can be useful in helping veterans develop their knowledge of core business disciplines." All courses in a Specialization series must be taken through the Coursera Verified Certificate path to be considered completed.

About VETTED:

VETTED, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is the optimal veteran transition platform to transform proven military leaders into tomorrow's industry leaders and entrepreneurs. VETTED identifies military talent for transition preparation and planning, business executive education, career services, and industry placement in the private sector. VETTED is creating the first State Model, the Texas Model, to serve as the launch pad for successful veteran transitions before moving nationally. Learn more at www.vetted.org.

ABOUT THE WHARTON SCHOOL

Founded in 1881 as the first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is recognized globally for intellectual leadership and ongoing innovation across every major discipline of business education. With a broad global community and one of the most published business school faculties, Wharton creates economic and social value around the world. The School has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students; more than 10,000 annual participants in executive education programs; and a powerful alumni network of 95,000 graduates. Learn more at execed.wharton.upenn.edu.

For media inquiries, please contact Aaron Whatley of VETTED at [email protected].

SOURCE VETTED

Related Links

http://www.vetted.org


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
Mumbai, June 27 : With the participation of around 1,000 brands, Mumbai is set to host the largest apparel trade show in India, the 65th National Garment Fair, from July 10 to 12, an official said here on Tuesday.

Organised by Bhumiworld Industrial Park, a fast-developing industrial hub in Thane, the fair is likely to be inaugurated by Textiles Minister Smriti Irani, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) President Rahul Mehta told the media here.

The fair will be organised at the NSE Grounds, Goregaon, and will be spread over an area of six lakh square feet. It will have 881 stalls exhibiting 1,005 brands by 822 exhibitors. Comprising men's, women's, kids' and other garments, it will be the largest fair till date, said Mehta.

The fair have three main networking sessions involving agents and distributors, high street retailers, and national chain stores and e-commerce companies.

About the current garments market scenario, Mehta said it was "disturbed" due to demonetisation and the upcoming Goods and Servicee Tax regime and the turmoil is likely to continue for two-three months till Diwali.

However, coupled with a good monsoon forecast and the GST stabilising by Diwali, the industry prospects would improve, he said.

On the global front, India failed to fulfill its export targets for 2016-2017 due to global recession and heavy competition from China, Bangladesh and Vietnam, though there has been a growth in exports to around 13 per cent in dollar terms since the past few months, Mehta said.

Welcoming the GST as a beneficial reform in the long run, Mehta said certain provisions like job working in garmenting, which will attract 18 per cent GST, will initially deal a major blow to smaller manufacturers.

Later this month, the CMAI will participate in the Centre's three-day Textiles India 2017 expo, starting June 30 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Berlin, June 27 : German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said MPs should be allowed a free vote in Parliament on legalising same-sex marriage, signalling a change in her conservative party's opposition to the issue.

Speaking at an event organised by the magazine Brigitte on Monday, Merkel said she felt aggrieved that the same-sex marriage debate was mainly carried out along party lines and that she hoped it would be "headed towards a conscience vote", the Guardian reported.

Her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party had previously opposed it in line with "traditional" family values, unlike the opposition Social Democrats, Free Democrats and Greens.

She said same-sex marriage was "a really personal matter", so she wanted the CDU and its Bavarian allies, the Christian Social Union (CSU), "to react differently to this question". "It should not be politicised," she said.

Many of Germany's EU partners have legalised gay marriage, notably the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain and Britain, BBC reported.

The Lesben-und Schwulenverband, Germany's biggest LGBT campaigning group, welcomed Merkel's response.

"The LSVD welcomes the fact that after 15 years of an ideological blockade, Merkel and the CDU are ready to make some progress on the issue of same-sex marriage," the statement said.

Following Merkel's comments, German politicians on Twitter called for a vote to be held as soon as possible.

Martin Schulz, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) -- the second largest party in Parliament -- announced he will be calling for a vote in the next few days.

Many social media users welcomed Schulz's call for a vote. But some expressed frustration that Merkel is taking action only after 12 years in power and see her announcement as no more than a "political tactic".

With September's parliamentary election looming, Merkel has come under increasing pressure on the issue.

In the past two weeks her main rivals and potential coalition partners have all come out in support of "Ehe fur alle" (marriage for all).
Beijing, June 28 : China on Wednesday said the stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops on the border smacked of New Delhi's "hidden agenda" of meddling in Bhutan's internal affairs.

Beijing said only India can judge if it was interfering in Bhutan's internal affair by obstructing road construction in Donglong or Doklam, the disputed region between China and Bhutan where Indian and Chinese troops faced-off each other.

China has no diplomatic ties with Bhutan where India is said to have considerable influence.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said there was no dispute about Donglong which belonged to China and not to India or Bhutan.

"The region (Donglong) is part of China and is indisputable. It belongs to China from ancient times and it doesn't belong to Bhutan." Lu said.

The region is located at the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction where Chinese troops reportedly destroyed two Indian Army bunkers.

"If India wants to raise an issue on it, I would say it doesn't belong to India and neither does it belong to Bhutan. We have a complete legal basis for this.

"Bhutan is an internationally recognised country and its sovereignty is to be respected. Even if the boundary is delimited, no third party should interfere and make irresponsible comments."

Asked if he was referring to India, Lu said: "Only Indian side can judge if they are interfering with the internal affairs of Bhutan. If any third party out of hidden agenda interferes, it is disrespect to the sovereignty of Bhutan."

China has accused Indian troops of "trespassing" its boundary and asked them to retreat. It has suspended the pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet.

"The suspension of the same is an emergency response to the situation there. I want to stress that the resumption of pilgrims pass requires necessary atmosphere and conditions." Lu said.

"So the liability of the same totally lies on the Indian side and when it will be reopened depends on the when or whether the Indian side will correct its errors."

China on Tuesday said it had lodged diplomatic protests with India over the development.
New Delhi : (Book: The Case for Impeachment; Author: Allan J. Lichtman; Publisher: WilliamCollins; Price: Rs 399; Pages: 290)

Even as people in the United States seem to have come to terms with the presidency of Donald Trump -- protests over, sloganeering subdued and hostility forgotten -- this book by a reputed professor at American University reignites the flames of resentment as it makes a curious case for Trump's impeachment.

Distinguished Professor of History at American University Allan J. Lichtman shows exactly how (if) the impeachment of President Trump might work by throwing light on his actions -- past or future -- that make him "uniquely vulnerable" to impeachment proceedings. From his dealings with Russia, to his conflicts of interest at home and abroad, to the numerous civil suits involving him, Lichtman zeroes in on Trump's key areas of weakness in this offering.

But Lichtman did not begin deliberating over the idea of impeachment after Trump's surprise victory in the Presidential polls. His research, as he mentions in the book, began before the November 2016 election. It is equally interesting to note that the author, who had rightly predicted the outcomes of eight previous elections in the USA, this time -- against all polls and predictions -- called it for Donald Trump.

His prediction was noticed by, of all people, Trump himself, who wrote a personal note to the author, saying "Professor -- Congrats -- good call." Little did the would-be President know what the next prediction of Lichtman was going to be -- that after winning the election, he would be impeached.

After offering a fascinating look at presidential impeachments throughout American history, including the often-overlooked story of Andrew Johnson's impeachment, little known details about Richard Nixon's resignation, as well as Bill Clinton's hearings, the author narrows down upon his central argument.

Many historians and legal scholars agree that Americans are facing uncharted political waters and most citizens -- politics aside -- want to know where the country is headed. Lichtman makes it clear that it is not a question of if President Trump will be impeached, but a question of when.

The author reminds the readers of his book that the term (Impeachment) may have gone out of use in Britain, but the simple reason behind retaining it in the United States is to remove a rotten leader.

Impeachment is a powerful tool, the author says, as it puts the President or other civil officers on trial before the Senate for "bribery, treason, or other high crimes and misdemeanors". Not only is it deliberately broad in scope, but it is also as much about being unfit for office as having committed a specific crime.

So far, just two presidents of the United States -- Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton -- have been impeached:. Some believe Richard Nixon may have been impeached too but he resigned just before the arrival of his summons.

The major focus of the book is on reasons why Trump's presidency is an option for the third impeachment. "Trump has reached the critical mass of violation that triggers the implosion of his presidency," Lichtman mentions.

Formally organised in chapters, the author's arguments are an apt manual for lawyers and congressmen looking for grounds. Starting with "bribery and treason," the author calls on the authorities to investigate his business dealings and connections with Russia, both of which are already under scrutiny.

And if you look at "other high crimes," which is another ground on which a US President can be impeached, Lichtman shifts his focus to climate change, saying that Trump's constant refusal to accept climate change as a reality and his future actions on the subject may provide enough ground for counting them as a crime against all of humanity.

Finally, there are "misdemeanors" and the author wastes no time in reminding the readers of Trump's treatment of women, which, according to him, is ground for his possible impeachment.

"The Case for Impeachment" makes some compelling arguments in its sufficiently-cited 290-pages and notwithstanding whether or not Trump will be impeached, this book will escort you through the process and history of impeachment in the United States.

(Saket Suman can be contacted at saket.s@ians.in)
New Delhi : The E-35, or Hazara Expressway, is a 110 kilometre under-construction expressway linking Hasan Abdal in Pakistan's Punjab province with Haripur, Havelian, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Shinkiari, Battagram and Thakot in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

These cities are famous for their natural beauty, nestled as they are in the Himalayas. The expressway is facing the ire of local people for the damage it is doing to that environment.

People affected by the construction work in the districts of Battagram and Abbottabad have brought the construction to a halt. In Battagram work resumed after negotiations, but in Abbottabad locals are not allowing work to begin on a ten-kilometre stretch.

Anwar Baig, a property dealer and the senior member of the action committee set up in Battagram district, told thethirdpole.net that the tribal jirga set a deadline of July 5 for the government to fulfill the demands raised by the committee. If this deadline was not met, construction work in Battagram would be stopped as well.

"We will not compromise on the compensation [for land acquired by the government for the expressway], but we are also concerned about the environmental hazards which are now affecting the local communities," he said.

Baig said that earlier, the temperature in Battagram never went beyond 30 degrees Celsius, but this year it soared to 40. The locals were blaming this spike on the felling of trees and the sustained use of heavy machinery in the area where China is building a vast network of railways and highways as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at an estimated cost of $62 billion.

The committee had demanded that a revised plan be presented to deal with these environmental changes, especially the cutting of trees and the construction work, he added.

Malik Maqsood Ahmed, a British-Pakistani, with businesses in London, is the president of the committee of the affected people in Abbottabad. He said that until their demands were met, they would not allow the construction of the road.

Both Baig and Ahmed are clear that they do not oppose the construction, or the CPEC, but they want fair compensation for the land, as had been promised, and a reduction in the environmental destruction in the region.

According to the information obtained from the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the revenue ministry of KP, 120 villages and 5,000 families will be affected by the road project. Half of these families who will have to relocate are from the lower middle class.

According to the KP forest department, 27,059 trees have already been cut down and 50,000 more will be felled for the project.

When contacted, the KP Environment Protection Agency said that the NHA had done an Environment Impact Assignment (EIA) report in 2013 but had not shared the results.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) had uploaded an EIA report obtained in 2012, but the construction work only started in 2016 when the mega expressway route was changed and extended from Havalian to Thakot. It is not clear if the change and extension of the route had been factored in.

According to legal experts, a new EIA report must be filed, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) needs to be issued. This is legally binding under the Environmental Protection Act (2014) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Malik Amin Aslam, the Chairperson of Green Growth Program of KP and global Vice President of IUCN, said, "The EIA is a tool which would compile the environmental costs and benefits of all CPEC projects including the effect of tree cutting if being done. The cutting of any tree does certainly have a damaging effect on local climatic conditions."

Aslam, who is a former environment minister of Pakistan, said: "This is certainly a very fragile region ecologically and also one which is highly vulnerable to climate change owing to its geographic topography. In fact, what we have recommended through the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of all CPEC projects which would provide a clear picture of the environmental impacts and the possible remedial measures required. Such an undertaking would not only ensure the eco-integrity, public transparency and global credibility of CPEC but also strengthen a long term sustainable future for Pakistan, Mandi Zaman, a former deputy attorney general of KP, backs the idea of an SEA. "Pakistan and its Himalayan Hindu Kush region is already facing natural disasters due to climate change and environmental degradation. Now if the construction of the mega projects ignores the environment, it will bring more destruction to the community," he said.

Mustaq Ahmad Ghani, an elected Member of the KP Assembly from Abbottabad and spokesperson for the KP government, said that KP was already facing financial losses as well as loss of lives due to climate change. In this scenario, it was important to do a proper environment study in the area where CPEC infrastructure construction is under way.

He said that the provincial government was in touch with federal authorities to convince them to pay reasonable compensation to those affected and to conduct an environmental study that is of international standards. With the July 5 deadline fast approaching, it is to be seen how federal and provincial authorities deal with the demands of the people in the path of CPEC.

(In arrangement with thethirdpole.net. Mohammad Zubair Khan is an Islamabad-based journalist.Views expressed are those of thethirdpole.net. Feedback at information@thethirdpole.net)
New Delhi, June 29 : The Reserve Bank of India is independent but within the limits set by the government, says former Governor Y.V. Reddy, who also feels there is no such thing as "blanket independence" for a central bank.

His remarks come amidst a raging debate over the independence of RBI and are elaborated in his just-released autobiography, 'Advice and Dissent' (Harper Collins India). He discusses at length the "critical" relationship between the government and the central bank, which he describes as "walking on a razor's edge".

In a humorous vein, Reddy, who was Governor between 2003 and 2008, recalls what he had said in reply to a journalist's question on how independent RBI was, when he had just taken over.

"I am very independent. The RBI has full autonomy, I have taken the permission of my finance minister to tell you that," he had said.

Then he himself poses the question, "In all seriousness, is the RBI independent?" and answers: "The RBI is independent but within the limits set by the government."

Reddy says in the book that in all countries and in all times, it is the relationship between the government and the central bank that is critical.

"Sometimes, these interactions can be like walking on a razor's edge. The relative emphasis between autonomy for the RBI and accountability to the government is difficult to define and complex in practice," he says.

The bureaucrat-turned central banker writes that there are three operating spheres of activity in the RBI-government relationship -- operational issues, policy matters and structural reforms.

He says when it came to operational matters he insisted on the freedom to decide and on policy matters he was particular about consultations to avoid discord and ensure harmony in policies. On structural issues, he believed in very close coordination with the government.

"While interacting with the government, I had to sometimes take a firm stance on important issues. If there were persisting differences of views, I was prepared to annoy, or even irritate and frustrate the sovereign, if necessary. But I was not inclined to defy."

Reddy says in the final analysis, the sovereign is a sovereign. "In extraordinary situations, it is the sovereign which has the primacy. Also, the law provides for the government to give written directives in public interest.

"In the case of the RBI, however, prior consultation with the Governor is mandatory. On critical issues, where there is difference of opinion, often the choice is for the Governor to concede to the sovereign with or without a written directive. By tradition, both the government and the Governor avoid recourse to any written direction," says Reddy.

Towards the end of his tenure, he was asked whether he believed in a single objective in an apparent reference to price stability. " 'Yes', I replied. My single objective is to protect the Indian economy from the government of India."

In some sense, Reddy says, that is the reason for the existence of RBI. The government created the RBI to moderate its temptations to take a short term view on matters relating to money and finance.

"For a central bank, there is no such thing as blanket independence. The extent of autonomy exercised by the RBI depends on the functions being performed by the bank and the nature of the relationship between the RBI and the government, particularly the relationship between the finance minister and the Governor," he says.

Reddy says the independence of RBI also faces certain structural constraints. The government is a dominant owner of the banking system in India and the banking system dominates the financial sector.

"Moral suasion addressed by a central bank to the banks is not uncommon globally. But the RBI cannot exercise such an option unless the government, which is the owner of public sector banks, tolerates it," he says.

He also notes that the relationship between the Governor and the finance minister is necessarily "an unequal and complex one".

In his book, Reddy gives an interesting nugget of information when in May 2008, the oil companies were in a crisis relating to payment of money to import oil. The RBI brought out bonds for the government which issued them in lieu of subsidies. This he did to avoid panic gripping the system. The RBI brought the bonds with rupees and simultaneously exchanged them with US dollars.

"(The then finance minister) P. Chidambaram expressed displeasure since I did not consult the government. But he backed the decision. The move invited criticism from many circles, as people assume that we in the RBI did it at the behest of government and that it undermined the independence of monetary policy, exchange rate management and balance sheet of RBI.

"It was ironic that analysts criticised us for obliging the government while the government was unhappy for not being consulted in advance," he says.
Madrid, June 29 : A wildfire that spread through a national park in southeastern Spain has been brought under control, but efforts to tackle a separate blaze in the country's east were ongoing, firefighting services said on Thursday.

Forest fire specialists managed to subdue a blaze that erupted on Wednesday evening in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar National Park in the Mediterranean province of Almeria in Andalusia, which is home to one of Europe's few warm desert climates, reports Efe news.

Emergency workers evacuated around a hundred people from the small town of Pozo de los Frailes de NAjar as preventative measure.

Some 63 firefighters worked to tackle the blaze, aided by two fire trucks and ten water-dropping planes.

Cabo de Gata-Nijar is famed for its biodiversity and hosts protected birdlife.

Spain's dry southern regions are susceptible to wildfires as temperatures rise in the summer. Some 500 km further up the coast, near the eastern city of Valencia, firefighters were battling a separate blaze.

The flames in the Sierra Calderona National Park, which straddles the provinces of Valencia and Castellon, continued to burn 12 hours after the forest fire erupted.

Emergency workers were working to subdue the wildfire.

The fire, which spans 267 hectares so far, posed no threat to nearby settlements, but firefighters warned of strong winds of up to 50km/h that have fanned the blaze.
Jammu, June 30 : One civilian was injured on Friday as Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district.

"A woman identified as Naseem Akhtar, 35, was hit by a splinter in her shoulder during the ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in the Bhimber Gali (BG) sector," Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said.

A water tanker was also hit by a shell fired from across the LoC in Basooni village, where the lady sustained the splinter injury.

Earlier the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire and resorted to unprovoked shelling and firing on Friday on LoC in the BG sector of Rajouri district.

Reacting to an earlier report, the spokesman clarified that firing and shelling was going on in BG sector which falls in part in both Rajouri and Poonch districts.

"BG sector falls in two districts of Poonch and Rajouri, but today's (Friday's) firing has taken place in the Rajouri part of the sector," the spokesman said.

Mehta said Pakistan Army used small arms, mortars and automatics to fire at Indian positions in the BG sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The shelling and firing started at 4.15 a.m. The Indian Army is strongly and effectively responding to Pakistan," the defence sources said.

Two Indian soldiers were injured on Thursday in Pakistan firing.
New Delhi, June 30 : Get insight into the life and experiences of a naval captain, know how a compelling vision can motivate and inspire organisations, get inspired by optimism that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has woven through his Mann Ki Baat, and read a selection of the Spanish writer Enrique Vila-Matas's short stories.

IANS bookshelf offers a nice variety of fiction and non-fiction for this weekend.

1. Book: My Ships Sailed The Seas But Stayed Ashore; Author: N.S. Mohan Ram; Publisher: Bookventure; Pages: 213; Price: Rs 295 This is a light-hearted look at life in the navy. It is an easy read for just about anyone. Captain Mohan Ram has had amazing experiences that he has captured in his own inimitable style in the book.

The book is replete with simple yet profound incidents in the Captain's life, which he recounts in his own distinctive, self-deprecating and humorous manner. He seems to have met the most interesting people including a former Finance Minister, during his long and distinguished life, whether it be in London, Paris or Visakhapatnam. He has an engaging and occasionally irreverent way of telling a story, often throwing in life's learnings as well.

Amidst all the understated anecdotes, let's not forget that the Captain is a pioneer in Indian warship design and was honoured with the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1977.

It is old school writing with references to Shakespeare and PG Wodehouse, a throwback to all that is beautiful and memorable about the English language that we all adore.

2. Book: Mann Ki Baat; Author: BlueKraft Digital Foundation; Publisher: LexisNexis; Pages: 424; Price: Rs 299 Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popular and ubiquitous monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, has developed into a tour-de-force in itself. Ever since the programme began on Vijaya Dashami in 2014, there has been considerable curiosity about the origins of the programme, the idea behind it and the man behind the voice that reaches millions every month.

In times of visual bombardment, Mann Ki Baat became one of the most popular programmes in the history of radio.

This book recites the common thread of positivity and optimism that the Prime Minister has woven through his Mann Ki Baat.

3. Book: Leading With Vision; Authors: Bonnie Hagemann, Simon Vetter, John Maketa; Publisher: Hachette; Pages: 219; Price: Rs 599 What does it mean to lead with vision? In the book devoted entirely to vision as a key leadership principle, the authors delve deeply into the notion that a compelling vision that motivates and inspires is a true differentiator for organisations that want to hire and retain talent, be more competitive, and thrive in uncertain times.

But a compelling vision on its own is not enough, which is why the authors, sought-after development experts, provide readers with detailed analysis of the essential things that leaders must do to effectively engage the workforce around that vision: embody courage, forge clarity, build connectedness, and shape culture.

4. Book: Vampire in Love; Author: Enrique Vila-Matas; Publisher: Speaking Tiger; Pages: 260; Price: Rs 399 "Vampire in Love" offers a selection of the Spanish master Enrique Vila-Matas' finest short stories. An effeminate, hunchbacked barber on the verge of death falls in love with a choirboy.

A fledgling writer on barbiturates visits Marguerite Duras's Paris apartment and watches his dinner companion slip into the abyss. An unsuspecting man receives a mysterious phone call from a lonely ophthalmologist, visits his abandoned villa, and is privy to a secret.

The stories, selected and nicely translated by the renowned translator Margaret Jull Costa, are all told with Vila-Matas' signature erudition and wit and his provocative questioning of the interrelation of art and life.
Washington, June 30 : After several unsuccessful attempts, NASA has finally launched a sounding rocket that created artificial colourful clouds that were visible from New York to North Carolina.

The NASA Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket was successfully launched on Thursday from the agency's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

During the eight-minute flight, 10 canisters about the size of a soft drink can were ejected in space, about nine to 19 km away from the main payload.

The canisters deployed blue-green and red vapour that formed artificial clouds.

During an ionosphere or aurora science mission, these clouds, or vapour tracers, allow scientists on the ground to visually track particle motions in space.

The development of the multi-canister ampoule ejection system would allow scientists to gather information over a much larger area than previously possible when deploying the tracers just from the main payload, NASA said.

The rocket, after being delayed multiple times over the last 30 days, flew to an altitude of about 190 km.
Tehran, June 30 : Iranian Foreign Minister Javed Zarif on Friday called the revised US ban on travellers from six Muslim-majority countries as "truly shameful".

"The US now bans Iranian grandmothers from seeing their grandchildren, in a truly shameful exhibition of blind hostility to all Iranians," Zarif said in a Twitter post.

He said earlier that Washington's move to exert bans on Muslims and prevent them from entering the US will not help that country to overcome its problems or become a safer place, IRNA news agency reported.

"A bigoted ban on Muslims will not keep the US safer. Instead of policies empowering extremists, the US should join the real fight against them," Zarif said.

President Donald Trump's revised travel ban came into force late on Thursday.

The new rules tighten visa policies affecting citizens from six Muslim-majority nations: Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. People from those countries who need new visas will now have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with an entity like a school or business in the US.

Citizens of those countries who already have visas will be allowed into the US as usual.

Trump said the 90-day ban on visitors from the six Muslim-majority countries -- and a 120-day ban for refugees from any country -- is necessary to block terrorists from entering the US.
Islamabad, June 30 : A Pakistani journalist was arrested in the city of Quetta earlier this week for allegedly writing against "national security institutions" on social media, the media reported.

Zafarullah Achakzai, who works for Qudrat, a Quetta-based daily, was taken into custody under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and presented in a court of the judicial magistrate, according to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials.

The court remanded Achakzai in custody of the FIA for six days, reports Dawn news.

"Our entire neighbourhood was besieged by the security agency before arresting him," NiamatAullah Achakzai, the detained journalist's father, said.

Niamatullah is the editor-in-chief of daily Qudrat.

The FIA informed him on Thursday that Zafarullah Achakzai had been taken into custody under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.

The journalist's relatives told a joint meeting of the Balochistan Union of Journalists and other organisations that "personnel of a security agency" took Zafarullah Achakzai into custody in the early hours of Sunday morning after cordoning off his residence, Dawn news reported.

They said if there was any complaint against the journalist, the authorities should have raised the matter at a "proper forum".
New Delhi, June 30 : The India of 2017 is different from the India of 1962, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday, a day after China asked New Delhi to learn from its 1962 military debacle.

"If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different, the India of today is different," Jaitley said at India Today's Midnight Conclave in response to the reported remark by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson.

China warned India on Thursday that it will escalate the current border row if Indian troops did not withdraw from "Chinese territory" and told New Delhi not to "clamour for war".

Jaitley said that Bhutan government had made it clear that China was trying to claim Bhutanese land and said this was "absolutely wrong".

"After the statement of the government of Bhutan, I think the situation is absolutely clear. It is Bhutan's land, close to the Indian border, and Bhutan and India have an arrangement to provide security.

"Bhutan itself clarified ... China is trying to alter the present status-quo. After this, I think the issue is absolutely clear. To say we will come there and grab the land of some other country is what China is doing and it is absolutely wrong," the minister said.

Jaitley's comment came amid a stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Dokala area close to the Siliguri corridor that connects the rest of India to its north-east.
New Delhi, June 30 : The CPI-M said on Friday that Air India's privatisation was "against national interest" and accused the government of handing over national assets for a song to private companies, both domestic and foreign.

A Communist Party of India-Marxist statement came out strongly against the decision of the Modi government to privatise the national carrier.

The Union Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of NITI Aayog and given an in-principle agreement for the disinvestment of Air India and its five subsidiaries.

"This decision has been taken at a time when, after prolonged losses since 2008, the airline has started achieving operating profits of Rs 105 crore for the year 2015-16 and an estimated operating profit of around Rs 300 crore in 2016-17," the CPI-M said.

"Air India was crippled and burdened with debt due to monumental miscalculation and certain wrong decisions taken by successive governments at the Centre. It is now being made the scapegoat and sought to be privatised.

"The privatisation of Air India is being made with a bonanza to the prospective private buyer - the write off of the Rs 30,000 crore debt burden.

"The privatisation of Air India is not for saving public money but for handing over national assets for a song and defrauding the exchequer for the benefit of private companies, both domestic and foreign.

"The sale of Air India is part of the overall privatisation drive of the Modi government which is against national interest. It must be stopped forthwith," the CPI-M said.
Beijing. : Beijing. June 30 (IANS) China on Friday said the channel of communication with India was "unimpeded" and rejected Bhutan's claim over Donglong where Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a face-off.

Bejing again alleged that Indian troops trespassed into China's territory and asked New Delhi to withdraw its troops.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Indian troops crossed the border on June 18. India has denied the allegation.

"Diplomatic channels are unimpeded between India and China for talks on the stand-off in Sikkim," Lu said.

He also rejected Bhutan's claims over Donglong, calling it Chinese territory.

"The area where Chinese side undertakes road construction totally belongs to the Chinese territory."

Lu cited historical practices in Donglong to drive his point home.

"We are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the Doklam (Donglong) region and our border troops and residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," Lu said.

"This evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side," Lu added.

"From historical evidence, we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area.

"Before the 1960s, if Bhutan residents around the border wanted to put their cattle they had to get the approval from China," Lu said citing Chinese history.

Following the face-off, China has suspended the pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet where Indians travel via Nathu La Pass, which is shut now.
Gandhinagar, June 30 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the textiles sector acts as a bridge between agriculture and industry.

"Textile is such a field which acts as a bridge between the agriculture sector and industry," Modi said after inaugurating the International Textile Summit here in which over 100 countries are participating.

Modi said that India has got the most liberal policy for textiles as 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is allowed in the sector.

He also said India has abundant supply of raw materials like jute, wool, cotton and man-made fibre.

"We have got distinct advantage that many countries don't have," he said, adding that the country has got young skilled labour available at reasonable cost.

Highlighting that India was the second largest exporter of textiles in the world, the Prime Minister said currently, the domestic apparel and lifestyle products are estimated around $85 billion and is expected to reach $160 billion by 2025.

"Our government has given special attention to the textiles sector. A special textiles package was brought last year to strengthen the apparel sector," Modi said.

"In the package, the government announced it will bear the cost of provident fund for the new labour employed by the industries," he said.

He said that earlier, the trade routes got their names from the export and import of textiles.

Many cities got their identity from the kind of textiles they produced, he said.
Astana, June 30 : Kazakhstan's national airline Air Astana is to inaugurate next week a direct flight between Astana and New Delhi, the Kazakh Ministry of Investment and Development announced on Friday.

"The Astana-Delhi flight will operate three times per week on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays," Efe news quoted the ministry as saying.

The new air route is part of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's mandate to increase Kazakhstan's passenger traffic four-fold by 2020.

"India's route towards the Commonwealth of Independent States through Kazakhstan is one of the most promising," the Ministry said.

"The flight between both capital cities will be an effective addition to the Almaty-Delhi line operated by Air Astana since 2004 and will stimulate commercial activity and the Astana International Financial Centre's development," it added.

Air Astana, a joint venture between the national welfare fund Samruk-Kazyna and the British company BAE Systems (51 and 49 percent of the shares respectively), flies to more than 40 international and 19 national destinations.
New Delhi, June 30 : The Delhi High Court on Friday granted bail to 89-year-old retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, serving life term in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case here.

A division bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Yogesh Khanna released Bhagmal on bail till July 4 on medical grounds and asked him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with one surety of the like amount.

Bhagmal, who is already on interim bail since March 24 on medical grounds, has sought three months' bail, saying has to undergo a surgery for enlarged prostate.

Along with former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, Girdhari Lal and two others, Bhagmal was held guilty in a case relating to the murder of five members of a family in Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment on November 1, 1984, in the wake of the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In May 2013, the trial court acquitted Congress leader Sajjan Kumar but awarded life term to Bhagmal, Khokhar and Girdhari Lal and three-year jail term to two other convicts -- former legislator Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar.

Following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by two Sikh security guards on October 31, 1984, anti-Sikh riots broke out in different parts of the country, including Delhi.
Mumbai, June 30 : Singapore Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A350-900 services to India starting July 1, as part of the airlines' 70th anniversary celebrations, a top official said here on Friday.

The daily scheduled flight SQ421 will be operated with the new modern aircraft. The inaugural service will depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Saturday at 11.45 hrs, said Singapore Airlines General Manager, India, David Lim.

Encompassing advanced technology and superior operating efficiency, the new Airbus A350-900 offers customers an improved travelling experience and makes Mumbai the 16th destination to receive the service on the airlines' network, Lim told the media persons here.

The 253-seater aircraft has higher ceilings, larger windows, extra wide body and lighting designed to reduce jetlag. It has a three-class configuration of economy 187, premium economy 24 and business class 42 seats.

Lim said the airline took delivery of its first A350-900 in March 2016 and has now 15 in the fleet with 52 more on firm order, including seven of the ultra-long-range A-350-900ULR variant.

Singapore Airlines is the launch customer for the A350-900ULR for which deliveries will start in 2018 and the aircraft would be deployed to relaunch non-stop services between Singapore and New York and Los Angeles.

To mark its 70th anniversary, Singapore Airlines is offering Mumbai travellers the A350 experience with special fares to Singapore starting at Rs 22,070 from Saturday and valid till April 30, 2018.
Gandhinagar, June 30 : Describing India as a bright spot in the global economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged global investors to invest in its textile industry and said the domestic market for apparel and lifestyle products will reach $160 billion by 2025.

"India has emerged as one of the most attractive global investment destinations. This has been made possible by a series of sustained policy initiatives," Modi said in an address after inaugurating the first-of-its-kind three-day "Textiles India 2017" fest here.

"We have one of the most liberal investment policies for foreign investment in the textile and apparel sector. We allow 100 percent FDI through automatic route in these sectors."

Emphasizing that the textiles industry had a pivotal position in the Indian economy, Modi said the country had an abundant supply of raw material like cotton, wool, silk, jute and man-made fibre.

"In fact, it is the world's largest producer of cotton and jute, and second largest producer of silk and man-made fibre. This provides us the distinct advantage of backward integration, which many other countries may not have.

"In addition, India has strong spinning, weaving, knitting and apparel manufacturing capacities. Young, skilled labour is available at a reasonable cost," said the Prime Minister, who arrived in Gujarat on Thursday on a two-day visit.

Modi said India's high economic growth had resulted in higher disposable income, resulting in higher demand for products.

"Ours is a nation of aspirational youth who wish to spend on textiles, apparel and handcrafted lifestyle products. The domestic market for apparel and lifestyle products, currently estimated at $85 billion, is expected to reach $160 billion by 2025. This growth will be driven by the rising middle class."

He said that based on the "Make-in-India" initiative, the organised textile industry was being infused with the mantras of 'skill, scale, speed' and 'zero-defect, zero-effect' for scaling up employment, production and exports.

"There is also a high global demand for textiles and apparel manufactured in our country. India is the world's second largest exporter of textiles, commanding a global share of around 5 percent. Indian textiles, including traditional handloom and handicraft products, are exported to more than a hundred countries."

The Prime Minister said the textile sector was the second largest employer after agriculture.

"Over 45 million people are employed directly in the sector and over 60 million are employed in allied activities. The textile is an area which works as bridge between agriculture and the industry. Be it farming of cotton or production of silk, their end product depends on textile sector. This sector provided material for the products of farmers," he said.

Modi said an integrated skill development scheme was also being implemented to address the critical gap of skilled manpower, through industry-oriented training programmes.

"Each state should appoint nodal officers dedicated to a few well-known products who would facilitate producers and traders across the value chain. The intervention should start from production to export of garments. It should meet the specific requirement of domestic as well as export markets."

He called for an action plan to study and map the requirements of people in large global markets and monitor new trends in fashion and textiles in these areas on a real time basis.

"Government councils and industry bodies should rise to the occasion, in a spirit of cooperation. This would enable us to channelize our energies in meeting those requirements and give a boost to our exports."

Dubbing innovation and research as new mantras for growth and wealth generation, Modi said: "The textile industry will have to constantly innovate and research for growth and to tap new markets. There is a demand for products with zero carbon footprint. Holistic lifestyle has become a buzzword. The market for Organic Dyes, clothes and fabrics made of organic products is growing. Our effort should be to innovate in organic products."

Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani were present at the event.
New Delhi, June 30 : Delhi assembly's Petition Committee on Friday asked Chief Secretary M.M. Kutty to probe the numerous irregularities in desilting of drains and other pre-monsoon work by the PWD, civic bodies and take appropriate action.

The committee made these recommendations when its chairman and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Saurabh Bharadwaj tabled its report in the House.

The committee also recommended to "keep aside" the Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD) Ashwini Kumar, who also holds additional charge of Secretary (Vigilance), from both the posts until the probe is completed.

"The Committee found many violations in desilting of drains and other works. Choked drains were shown completely clean on papers. Other pre-monsoon works were also not done properly by the concerned departments (PWD and civic bodies)," Bharadwaj told the House.

He also displayed photos in the House in which choked drains, falling under PWD and the three municipal corporations, were shown "completely clean" on paper.

"This happens every year... corruption (in concerned agencies) regarding the desilting work is spread from top to bottom," Bharadwaj said adding the pre-monsoon work was not done properly by the concerned authorities.

Ashwini Kumar was made the head of a Joint Committee formed to properly conduct pre-monsoon work in the city.

The Delhi assembly's Petition Committee had earlier this month conducted several inspections in various areas of north, east and south Delhi to check the progress of pre-monsoon work including desilting of drains and nullahs.

"We had asked the Joint Committee (headed by Kumar) to issue and advertise a WhatsApp helpline number where people can register their problems related to choking of drains and water-logging. But we could not find any such advertisement," Bharadwaj said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, earlier this month, had given specific instructions to the PWD secretary that he (Kumar) should visit the important drains to ensure their desilting ahead of monsoon.

Later, he had accused Kumar of "openly and brazenly" violating his directions.
Patna, June 30 : Bihar is likely to declare Sitamarhi and Rohtas as the first two open defecation free (ODF) districts in July 2017, followed by one or two districts by the end of this year, officials said on Friday.

"Sitamarhi and Rohtas are on the verge of becoming ODF and the state government is likely to officially declare both districts ODF by next month," Pravin More, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Specialist, Bihar Field Office, Unicef, said at a media interaction on the theme of "Building of a people's movement for ODF Bihar".

More said thanks to Sitamarhi District Magistrate Rajeev Roshan, 200 of 273 gram panchayats of the district had been declared ODF and work was on in full swing to declare the remaining gram panchayats ODF in next two to three weeks.

In Rohtas also more than 160 of 245 gram panchayats have been declared ODF and work is on to declare the remaining gram panchayats ODF soon.

"To date, over 550 gram panchayats have been declared ODF in Bihar, including those in Sitamarhi and Rohtas districts, followed by 35 gram panchayats in Khagaria district, more than two dozen in Buxar and Darbhanga districts. Besides, 20 blocks and one sub-division have been declared ODF," an official said.

Rohtas District Magistrate Animesh Kumar Parashar and Sitamarhi DM Roshan have confirmed that they are working in the direction to declare their respective districts ODF.

"It is difficult to say which district will become first between the two. There is a virtual competition to become the first and second ODF in Bihar," More said.

In both districts, more than three lakh toilets have been constructed in the last one year.

Bihar Rural Development Minister Sharwan Kumar said the government had decided to achieve an ODF Bihar by October 2, 2019, under the Swaach Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G).

But to achieve this, there is need for about 200 gram panchayats becoming ODF each month. That remains a big challenge for now. "It is a challenge for us to construct millions of toilets in next two-and-half years."

Kumar said: "The state government has been providing an assistance of Rs 12,000 to each above-poverty-line family under the Lohia Swachh Bihar Abhiyan for construction of toilets."

According to More, community participation was the key to behavioural change, with village after village adopting safe sanitation practices in Bihar.

"We have been working towards community participation in hundreds of villages in several districts to make them ODF through collective behavioural change," he added.

"We have also been educating and propagating at the primary stage to ensure an ODF village. When villagers themselves agreed to say 'NO' to open defecation, the government agencies helped them to construct toilets," More said.

According to him, the community was supported and assisted by the local leadership and administration officials. There was still a long way to go to achieve something remarkable in Bihar, as nearly 1.6 crore toilets still remain to be constructed, he said.

Before the construction of toilets, the entire village population is sensitised, mobilised and motivated through what is called the "Community-led Total Sanitation" approach.

It was successfully experimented in Rampur panchayat in Khagaria district that became the first ODF panchayat in 2015. After Rampur, Piprasi in Champaran became the first ODF block, followed by Sanjhauli in Rohtas.

"Sanjhauli was made open defecation-free in only 55 days. Over 6,000 families in 64 villages in six gram panchayats got toilets constructed in their houses," Parashar said.
Chennai, June 30 : The two presidential candidates -- Ram Nath Kovind of the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition candidate Meira Kumar -- are likely to visit Tamil Nadu on Saturday.

They will be seeking the support of the political parties in the state for their election.

The presidential election is slated for July 17.

According to BJP sources, Kovind will be meeting the legislators and members of Parliament of all factions (Chief Minister K. Palaniswami-led faction, party Deputy General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran-led faction and former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam faction) of the AIADMK and seek their support.

Incidentally, all the three factions of AIADMK had earlier announced their support to Kovind.

Kumar is expected to meet the legislators and MPs of the DMK, Congress and others. She is also expected to meet DMK President M. Karunanidhi at his residence.

Kumar will most likely visit Puducherry on Sunday to seek support of the legislators there.

Meanwhile, PMK founder S. Ramadoss said his party would extend support to Kovind if the BJP announced that it would set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) in a month's time.

If the BJP did not promise that, then the PMK would boycott the presidential polls, he said.

PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss, son of S. Ramadoss, is the sole member for the party in the Lok Sabha.
Guwahati, June 30 : One person was killed in police firing in Assam's Goalpara district on Friday during a protest rally.

Police fired at a group of people who had taken out a protest rally on National Highway 37. The protesters demanded that the problems of 'D' voters (doubtful voters) should be solved. They also sought inclusion of the names of genuine Indian citizens in the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Police said the rally in Kharubosa area in Goalpara district was organised without obtaining the necessary permission from the administration. To disperse the crowd, police first resorted to a cane-charge.

"The police had dispersed the crowd by cane-charge. However, the agitators re-grouped and started pelting stones at the vehicles plying on NH 37. Following that, police resorted to firing which killed one person," said Goalpara Superintendent of Police Amitabh Sinha.

The deceased was identified as Yakub Ali, police said. An advocate, Nazrul Islam took the lead in organising the protest rally.

Islam was arrested earlier for his involvement in assaulting a judge of a foreigners' tribunal. A court had sent him to judicial custody over the assault case and he was out on bail.
Patna/New Delhi, June 30 : IndiGo on Friday said that all 174 passengers on-board its Patna-New Delhi flight were safe as a "precautionary" evacuation was carried out after the budget passenger carrier's aircraft rejected its take-off and smoke was observed in the cabin.

According to the airline, its flight 6E-508 (Patna-Delhi) was involved in a "low speed reject" due to suspected engine stall.

The rejected take-off is a manoeuvre performed by the flight commander to discontinue take-off after the engines thrust has been initiated and the aircraft starts rolling for the take-off.

"As smoke was observed in the cabin by the crew, captain elected to evacuate due to precautionary reasons," the airline said in a statement.

"All SOPs (standard operating procedures) were carried out efficiently. Evacuation was completed in 60 seconds. There was no tyre burst or engine fire. Matter has been reported to DGCA proactively. An internal inquiry has also been initiated."

The airline said that there was "no technical snag" reported when the aircraft arrived at Patna.

"We will be operating a ferry flight from Delhi to Patna to pick up stranded passengers," the airline added.
New Delhi, June 30 : Enthusiastic people could be seen clicking selfies and pictures with decorated Parliament House in the background as a posse of policemen looked on in rapt attention.

It is not often that you see so much activity outside Parliament House at around 9 p.m, but Friday was special as the temple of Indian democracy eagerly awaited another "Tryst with Destiny" moment.

Just hours later, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will come into force, paving the way for "one nation-one tax" regime.

The government has made elaborate arrangements to make the function grand.

It is only fourth time in the history of Independent India that a midnight function is being organised in the Central Hall of Parliament. The previous three were the moment of Independence on the night of August 14-15, 1947, its silver jubilee celebration in 1972 and the third the golden jubilee celebration of Independence in 1997.

Country's who's have been invited for the grand function, though a number of opposition parties are boycotting the event terming it as "tamasha" and a "hurried launch".

Ahead of the launch, Parliament was in its shinning glory on Friday evening with its main building decked with rows of bright bulbs.

Inside, the brightly-lit corridors provided the backdrop for photography, with some visitors, staff and security personnel taking pictures and selfies.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the event, with security personnel present at the venue hours before its security.

With the city witnessing intermittent rains through the day, the route to be taken by the President and the Prime Minister to the Central Hall from Parliament corridor have been covered with bright red and white canopy.

The government has invited heads of several constitutional bodies, including the Central Vigilence Commissioner, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Chief Election Commissioner, judges of the Supreme Court and those conferred Bharat Ratna, for the event.

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, the brand ambassador of GST, has also been invited as also some eminent citizens such as M.S. Swaminathan.

Heads of business associations such as Confederation of Indian Industry, The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry are also among the special invitees for the function.

Hours from now, India will have a new tax regime.
New Delhi, June 30 : Budget passenger carrier IndiGo's management has told its employees that it will not go ahead with its proposal to acquire Air India, if the deal "does not add value".

"Let me be very clear that if it is not profitable and does not add value to our employees, customers and shareholders, we will not embark on this journey," Aditya Ghosh, President and Wholetime Director, IndiGo said in a letter to its employees dated June 29.

"At the same time, we recognise that the Indian government is taking a big, much needed decision and it is important that this decision is always remembered as a huge success," he said.

"As one of those who bleeds blue and who has helped build this great organisation, you can rest assured that your leadership team and the founders of IndiGo will never do anything to jeopardise what you helped build and will always act in the best interest of IndiGo," Ghosh said.

According to Ghosh, the airline is interested in Air India's international operations.

"Over the past decade, we have created a significant domestic network and that gives us the confidence to build a world class international airline in the scale and scope of some of the largest airlines in the world," he said.

"Without our domestic feed network, it just does not make sense to embark on this journey and if we do go down this path, it would require significant restructuring of the acquired operations."

Ghosh added that: "In that journey, we are not going to take on debts and liabilities that could not be supported by the new restructured operations."

On Thursday, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that the budget passenger airline IndiGo has expressed interest in participating in the stake sale of the flag-carrier.

"There has been interest shown for Air India. IndiGo has approached the ministry with a formal expression of interest proposal," Raju told IANS.

According to Civil Aviation Ministry Secretary R.N.Choubey, a formal proposal from IndiGo was received after Wednesday's cabinet decision on Air India's divestment.

The Union cabinet's decision on Air India comes after NITI Aayog in a recent report to the Civil Aviation Ministry recommended strategic disinvestment in the loss-making Air India.

At present, the national passenger carrier has a debt burden of more than Rs 50,000 crore.
New Delhi, July 1 : President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said that introduction of GST was a "momentous event" for the nation and "a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy" while pointing out that the success of major changes always depends on their effective implementation.

Mukherjee also said in coming months, based on the experience of actual implementation, the GST Council and the central and state governments should continuously review the design and make improvements, in the same constructive spirit.

"Introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a momentous event for the nation. This historic moment is the culmination of a 14-year-long journey which began in December 2002, when the Kelkar Task Force on indirect taxation suggested a comprehensive Goods and Services Tax (GST) based on the Value Added Tax principle," said Mukherjee while delivering his speech in the Central Hall of Parliament at the GST launch ceremony.

"I was closely involved in the design and implementation of GST as the then Finance Minister. I also had the privilege of giving assent to the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016 (the GST Act)," he added.

Mukherjee said: "It is also a moment of some satisfaction for me personally because, as the Finance Minister, I had introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill on March 22, 2011."

"I was closely involved in the design and implementation and had the occasion to meet the Empowered Committee of state Finance Ministers, formally and informally, as many as 16 times. I also met the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra a number of times," he added.

Mukherjee also said the new era in indirect taxation was the result of a broad consensus arrived at between the Centre and the states.

"It (GST) is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy. The GST will make exports more competitive and also provide a level playing field to domestic industry to compete with imports," said Mukherjee.

"Under the GST, the tax incidence will be transparent, enabling full removal of tax burden on exports. The GST will be administered through a modern world-class information technology (IT) system," he added.

"A key feature of the system is that buyers will get credit for tax paid on inputs only when the seller has actually paid taxes to the government. It (GST) will create a strong incentive for buyers to deal with honest and compliant sellers who pay their dues promptly. Success of major changes always depends on their effective implementation," he pointed out.

Mukherjee also said: "GST is a disruptive change. It is similar to the introduction of VAT when there was initial resistance. When a change of this magnitude is undertaken, there are bound to be some teething troubles and difficulties in the initial stages.

"We will have to solve these with understanding and speed to ensure that it does not impact the growth momentum of the economy," he added.
New Delhi, July 1 : A wave of joy swept the central Hall of Parliament as President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed a button at the midnight function to roll out Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Members present in the Central Hall of Parliament, including those from some opposition parties, lauded the roll out with the thumping of desks.

Later as they came out, NDA members shook hands and greeted each other over the roll out of the country's biggest indirect tax reform since independence.

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that there was jubilation among those present. "It is a historic day. The enactment was passed unanimously. The GST is supported by every body."

He said many of those involved in the process of shaping GST were present in the Central Hall.

Biju Janata Dal MP Bhartruhari Mahtab said that GST is going to revolutionise the whole system. "All decisions were taken unanimously."

He also said that parties such as Congress, which had not taken part in the event, "had opposed it for the sake of Opposition".

The function started with President arriving in the Central Hall in the traditional procession along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. The visiting gallaries were full of visitors.

Soon after arriving in the Central Hall, Modi gestured to former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda to join the leaders on the dias.

The speeches by Finance Minsiter Arun Jaitley, Modi and the President were received with rapturous applause by members present.

Jaitley, who did not speak to the media after the event, had an evident sense of relief and joy.

Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav briefly went out of the Central Hall, apparently as he was felt uneasy, and later returned. Among those present, were Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar, former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh and actor-turned-politician Hema Malini.

Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani and party chief Amit Shah were seated in the front row. Former Finance Minister of Bengal Aseem Dasgupta and former Finance Minister of Kerala K.M. Mani, who had played a role in GST negotiations, were also present.

Amon those present were -- Industrialist Ratan Tata and several senior government officials who have played a role in the GST roll out.

Vijay Kelkar, who had mooted the concept of GST in 2003, was also present.

Leaders and MPs chatted outside the Parliament for several minutes after the function ended as they soaked in the atmosphere of in the brightly-lit Parliament precincts.
The law firm of Berkowitz & Myer is pleased to announce that attorney Berny Jacques is running to become a representative for Florida House District 66.

If Mr. Jacques is elected, it will not be the first time he has worked to serve the public interest. Prior to joining Berkowitz & Myer, he worked as an assistant state attorney in Pinellas County. In that position, he tried over 60 jury trials in cases that ranged from misdemeanors to serious crimes punishable by life in prison.

A Haitian native, Mr. Jacques has been an active conservative leader and hopes to protect the American dream for others.

In his own words:

"My reason for running is simple: I am running because I'm passionate about public service, and I want to protect the opportunities that I had growing up. I believe that Pinellas County is a unique place of opportunity and must be protected! Protecting our quality of life, enhancing our schools, and growing jobs will be my focus in Tallahassee."

Mr. Jacques attended Washington Adventist University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in history and political studies in 2009 cum laude. He then attended Stetson University College of Law, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 2012. While in law school, Mr. Jacques was a member of the trial team and the student bar association. He was recognized as a "30 Under 30 Rising Star of Florida Politics" by StPetersBlog.com in 2015 and a "Legal Elite in the Area of Government and Non-Profit" by Florida Trends Magazine in 2016. He is an active member of the Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee and has served as president of the Pinellas County Young Republicans.

Berkowitz & Myer is a St. Petersburg law firm that provides legal counsel and representation across a variety of practice areas, including personal injury, foreclosure, bankruptcy, creditor harassment, mortgage modification, car accidents, and business litigation. Prospective clients can schedule a free consultation with one of the firms attorneys by calling 727-344-0123.

###

Contact:

Jesse D. Berkowitz, Esq.

Berkowitz & Myer

4900 Central Ave

St. Petersburg, FL 33707

Phone: 727-344-0123
Existing treatments and surgeries are underfunded, explains Sons of the Flag founder Ryan Birdman Parrott, a former US Navy SEAL.

Fire Dept. Coffee has partnered with the Dallas-based nonprofit Sons of the Flag to raise funding for cutting edge burn treatment technology.

According to a report published by the US National Library of Medicine, the price for ongoing burn injury treatments can become expensive quickly, with an average cost of over 88k and sums easily reaching more than 717k.

Existing treatments and surgeries are underfunded, explains Sons of the Flag founder Ryan Birdman Parrott, a former US Navy SEAL. There are current technologies available and in the early phase of testing, but they simply arent being implemented quickly enough.

Sons of the Flag is a 501c(3) committed to supporting military, first-responder, and civilian burn survivors by providing funding for innovative research, technology and education.

Theyre working diligently to help bring this new tech to market so burn survivors and their families can find relief from their physical and monetary troubles.

We were moved when Sons of the Flag approached us about partnering, said Fire Dept. Coffee Co-Founder Luke Schneider. Were happy to do all that we can to make sure every burn victim gets the care, treatment, and funds needed to recover.

Fire Dept. Coffees campaign will run from July 1-16, 2017. Theyll be donating 20% of all online sales to the Sons of the Flag.

Fire Dept. Coffee provides the smoothest, roasted-to-order coffee for the working class of America. They urge their dedicated following of firefighters, service members, and working-class craftsman to support Sons of the Flag either directly or by taking part in the campaign.

We cant allow those suffering to be forgotten, said Schneider. It is time to take action.

About Fire Department Coffee

Luke Schneider launched Fire Dept. Coffee in July of 2016 with the mission to bring the easiest drinking coffee to the nation's hardest working men and women. Luke is a Navy Veteran and firefighter paramedic near Chicago. He works alongside the brand's marketing and content specialist Mark Williams--a Marine Corps veteran and passionate fireman.

For additional information, please visit http://www.firedeptcoffee.com or contact brooke(at)veteranpr(dot)com.
Decorations ranged from streamers and balloons to purple food and drink. Teams went all out, even developing a custom-made app set to alert the viewer every time a person develops Alzheimers  every 66 seconds according to the Alzheimers Association.

Senior living technology and Internet Marketing provider, Silversphere, raised Alzheimers Awareness by decorating their offices in purple in conjunction with the Volusia County chapter of the Alzheimers Association.

Silversphere is heavily involved with the cause to end Alzheimer's disease by participating in the yearly Walk To End Alzheimer's event and donations from the sale of their purple pendants to senior living providers.

June 21st, 2017 marked The Alzheimer's Association's Longest Day' event, held on the summer solstice - the longest day of the year. Participants were requested to make it a day of love by wearing purple and completing a fun activity or an activity that represents a loved one affected by the disease.

Silversphere chose to take it one step further by holding a company-wide event Paint' Silversphere Purple. The company's employees were separated into department teams and tasked with decorating their areas of work. The Volusia Walk Committee came to judge each team's area on a variety of credentials including design creativity, most clever/original idea, the amount of area covered, the amount of purple and adherence to the theme.

In addition to the contest, employees had the opportunity to understand better what living with Alzheimer's is like, by participating in an interactive experience that is made to simulate the disease.

When I was a child, I did not understand why my great-grandfather changed from a goofy, jokester fellow to a confused, angry man overnight. Now that I am older and have worked in the senior living industry for six years, I have witnessed the effects of Alzheimer's every day and understand the pain and confusion this disease causes for everyone it touches. I do not have endless funds, but I have a voice, and I can walk with our team to raise awareness for this cause and on behalf of everyone who cannot," said Ashley Chinn, Captain of the Silversphere Walk to End Alzheimers Team.

Decorations ranged from streamers and balloons to purple food and drink. Teams went all out, even developing a custom-made app set to alert the viewer every time a person develops Alzheimers  every 66 seconds according to the Alzheimers Association. The competition was fierce, but in the end, Team Production took the gold by having a live violinist play Purple Rain' by Prince for the judges.

Along with participating in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's, Silversphere supports the cause in other ways. Over the years they have offered purple ecall pendants that include a donation to the Alzheimer's Association and their Making Music Project. Through the Making Music Project, they recorded and filmed a video to capture the emotions that come along with the disease for family members. The song is titled, "Hello Stranger".

As a technology innovator to senior living companies, we get a behind the scenes look at the day-to-day realities of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, while we do our best to provide technology solutions to help caregivers and families, the truth is that they have an unrelenting job that is completely exhausting, both physically and emotionally. We are eager to do anything we can to help, said Brian Dawson, CEO of Silversphere.

Please visit https://silversphere.wistia.com/medias/94t1mj62md to view highlights from Silversphere's Paint Silversphere Purple event.

Silversphere is the leading provider of senior care solutions in the senior living industry. Their emergency call system or nurse call system, ATMOS, offers a robust and customizable solution to ensure the safety and security of residents through motion detection, sensor technology, wearables, wander management, access control, and more. Silversphere's product STRATOS provides real-time data reporting, exclusive training, and the ability to identify data trends which lead to better predictive care. Outside of technology, Silversphere introduced their Internet Marketing division in 2016, which focuses on enhancing senior living company's online presence and overall brand strategy.
Silverthorne Performing Arts Center We look forward to the many years of cultural enrichment that this Theater will provide.

Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) and members of the local community proudly celebrated the completion of the new Silverthorne Performing Arts Center at the facilitys grand opening. This private celebration featured live performances and keynote speakers to mark the occasion.

In attendance were roughly 150 people, including Town of Silverthorne representatives, Town Council members, staff of Lake Dillon Theatre Company (LDTC) and members of the Theater Board  along with many large donors to the facility. Speeches were given by Christopher Alleman (Artistic Director, LDTC); Joshua Blanchard (Executive Director, LDTC); Rob Rydel (Principal, Oz Architecture); Tom Bailey (Sr Project Manager, AP) and Ryan Hyland (Silverthorne Town Manager).

This new design-build theater is the beginning of a master plan for Silverthorne's Art District. Working with Oz Architecture, this theater now houses two black-box theaters, creating a new performing art space for the Lake Dillon Theater Company. The 17,000-sf building consists of a large 130-seat black-box theater, a smaller intimate black-box theater, administrative offices and conference rooms, rehearsal and educational spaces, a reception lobby with a bar, and an outdoor performance area. With high-end finishes and the capability to hang art on the side of the building, this will be a main attraction for the Town of Silverthorne.

Seeing this gathering of people that are now very happy to have this facility be a landmark in their Town Core was very rewarding, said Tom Bailey. We look forward to the many years of cultural enrichment that this Theater will provide.

The project represents a shared vision between Lake Dillon Theatre Company and the Town of Silverthorne to cultivate art and education and provide a stronger cultural identity for Silverthorne. Located prominently next to the Towns Pavilion and the Blue River, this performing arts complex is a main attraction for Silverthorne as an all-encompassing cultural hub with art, music, dance, performance and educational programs.

Photo courtesy of William Linfield

About AP

Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) is a U.S.-based, privately held builder that is consistently ranked among the top 50 construction managers and general contractors in the nation. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company delivers innovative and collaborative building solutions for clients across the country from its regional offices in Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and Phoenix. Founded in 1946, AP serves clients in the education, healthcare, commercial, municipal, multifamily, hospitality and senior living market sectors. For more information, visit http://www.a-p.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Well before President Trumps recent announcement created a mass gut reaction to vocalize support for the Paris Agreement across the US, the Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, signed Executive Directive 11. The federal governments impending decisions aside, the Commonwealths leadership saw that action needed to be taken to ensure that Virginias residents could embrace a clean energy future. This action is a measure that the Charlottesville Renewable Energy Alliance (CvilleREA) not only appreciates, but is lending its full support.

CvilleREA consists of eight renewable energy companies in Charlottesville which have collectively installed over 2,700MW of renewable energy and have developed over $6.5 billion of clean electricity. Part of CvilleREAs mission is to advocate for the growth of the renewable energy economy. Largely due to the support of Governor McAuliffe, Virginia had taken a turn for the better in the renewable energy space prior to Executive Directive 11 with solar-industry related jobs increasing 65% year over year in 2016 and alternate energy companies in the state developing and installing some of the largest renewable projects in the country. Another potential breakthrough is Virginias first utility-scale wind project. Apex Clean Energy, a founding member of CvilleREA, is developing Rocky Forge Wind, which is ready to start construction before the end of 2017. In addition to generating over $20 million in local and state taxes, Rocky Forge will deliver enough clean energy to power up to 20,000 homes annually, offsetting 66,500 tons of CO2 and nearly 265,000 pounds of NOx and SO2 combined. Rocky Forge has received approval from both Botetourt County and the Virginia DEQ, as well as, support from the Virginia Sierra Club and Deer Hunters Association.

With all the successes and progress made, however, Virginia dropped to 20th in the national solar rankings from 17th this year, with only 0.05% of the states electricity being powered by solar. Executive Directive 11 states that Through state leadership, Virginia can face the threats of climate change head on and do so in a way that makes clean energy a pillar of our future economic growth and a meaningful part of our energy portfolio. By establishing regulations to cap and reduce carbon emissions from power plants, businesses will be encouraged to find alternate energy sources, thus continuing the trajectory of creating more renewable jobs in the state. ED11 also establishes a new and innovative cap permit purchase plan which may become a market with other states and further stimulate the Commonwealths economy. For CvilleREA, this falls right in line with our mission.

Virginias businesses are embracing renewable energy at a rapid pace, said Rich Allevi, Co-founder at Sun Tribe Solar. Our company alone has over 60MW of commercial solar installations in development, all within the state. Executive Directive 11 gives companies a push in the direction that I feel they were already headed, and we are proud to stand with our colleagues in CvilleREA to support the Governors actions.

Coronal Energy has made a significant investment in Virginias clean energy future. Our 20 MW Woodland Solar Center is among the first utility-scale plants in the state, powering 5,000 homes annually. In addition, weve broken ground on another 20MW facility in Essex County, marking the first time Dominion Energy has entered into a power purchase agreement with a solar developer. The Essex Solar Center will put 80-100 Virginians to work, testament to the impact utility-scale solar can have on the local economy, said Danny Van Clief, Chief Commercial Officer, Coronal Energy.

Since Executive Directive 11, we have seen some of the most significant decisions made regarding climate change. President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, spurring states, cities, and even individual citizens to make their own commitment to uphold the agreement. Governor McAuliffe announced that Virginia would be joining the U.S. Climate Alliance, a group of states determined to move forward with the 26-28% reduction in emissions by 2025 that the U.S. promised as part of the Paris Agreement. This, coupled with Executive Directive 11, places Virginia in a unique position to become the U.S. leader in the renewable energy space. And with Charlottesvilles Mayor, Mike Signer, recently signing on to the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda, the city has the opportunity to become the renewable energy hub of the southeast, another part of the CvilleREA mission.

CvilleREA applauds the recent actions of Governor McAuliffe to protect our environment and to increase jobs in the state of Virginia with Executive Directive 11. We are excited to participate in executing the plan and helping Virginia realize its clean energy future.
Bart Stupak, Esq., an attorney and former state trooper who served Michigans First District in the US Congress for nearly two decades, has completed his new book For All Americans: The Dramatic Story behind the Stupak Amendment and the Historic Passage of Obamacare: a fascinating story bringing the daily realities of Congress to life and the courage of a small group of legislators who put country over party in their mission to ensure that no more Americans died for lack of access to health care.

This book is not an autobiography. This book explains, in depth, the strategic, political, and moral issues surrounding final passage of the Affordable Care Act. Although the Affordable Care Act is commonly referred to as Obamacare, it is much more than one person, one president, one member of Congress, and much greater than the political and ideological groups that supported or opposed its passage.

"My story accurately reflects how, in this great country, the leadership and dedication of a few individuals resulted in meaningful legislation for all Americans. In this book, I demonstrate how dedicated and committed public servants rose above bitterly divided political parties, powerful lobbyists, and fervent members of frenzied and extremely polarized activist groups.

-Congressman Bart Stupak, Esq.

Published by Covenant Books of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Bart Stupaks engrossing and true political drama gives readers a thrilling and sometimes startling glimpse of the inner workings of Congress and the ideals, negotiating tactics, day-to-day operations, and partisan politics involved in the enactment of legislation in America.

Bart Stupak, a nine-term Democratic congressman from Michigans First District, brought two unshakable principles with him to Capitol Hill in 1992: a firm belief in the sanctity of life, and the conviction that health care was a right for all Americans and not a privilege for the fortunate few. Studies indicating that 45,000 Americans died needlessly every year for lack of access to health care inspired Congressman Stupaks tireless efforts, often at great personal cost, to pass lifesaving legislation while remaining true to his right-to-life principles.

This book is a fascinating front-row seat to the inner workings and behind-the-scenes dealmaking in the US House of Representatives, and a first-person account of the collaboration between President Obama and Bart Stupaks small but dedicated team of legislators to achieve the historic passage of the Affordable Care Act for all Americans.

Readers who wish to experience this thought-provoking work can purchase For All Americans: The Dramatic Story behind the Stupak Amendment and the Historic Passage of Obamacare at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Kobo, Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Covenant books is an international Christian owned and operated publishing house based in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Covenant Books specializes in all genres of work which appeal to the Christian market. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Covenant Books at 843-507-8373.
Jorge O. Galante, MD "OREF was privileged to work with Dr. Galante in his roles as honored mentor, former board trustee and past board president."

The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF), the leading organization funding orthopaedic research across all subspecialties, announced today it has received a gift of $1 million from the estate of longtime supporter and former board trustee and president, Jorge O. Galante, MD. The gift is one of the largest single contributions in the history of the foundation.

OREF Board President, David G. Lewallen, MD, reinforced that Dr. Galantes contribution to orthopaedics went far beyond his support of the Foundation. Jorge was a gifted surgeon and a visionary in the field of orthopaedics. In addition to the excellent care he provided to thousands of patients throughout his career, he was passionate about advancing the science of total joint replacement. He pioneered the application of cementless implant fixation and developed, in collaboration with other investigators, multiple hip and knee prostheses. His contributions to the field of orthopaedics and the success of OREF cannot be overstated.

Dr. Lewallen added, OREF was privileged to work with Dr. Galante in his roles as honored mentor, former board trustee and past board president. He and his wife, Sofija, were generous supporters of the Foundation over the years. From his impact on the lives, careers and skills of his trainees and colleagues, to the patients he cared for and those who owe their improved quality of life to his ingenuity, to his volunteer work with the OREF, he was truly a grand mentor and leader. We look forward to celebrating his life and his commitment to orthopedic science for years to come. Through major grants in his honor, we will work to fulfill his dream of furthering research and expertise in joint replacement through investigations of new surgical techniques, devices, joint implant designs and materials, and the biology of joint disease and repair.

The gift is an affirmation of the late Dr. Galantes commitment to the work of the Foundation in promoting and advancing the field of orthopaedics through its research grant programs. Along with contributions to the OREF Jorge O. Galante, MD Mentor Campaign, Dr. Galantes gift will support research in total joint replacement, the topic area chosen by Dr. Galante for his campaign. For more information about this campaign, please visit http://www.oref.org/galante.

"The OREF and my father are inextricably tied, stated Charles Galante. His life's work and ultimate goal was to improve lives through the elimination of musculoskeletal pain and the restoration of function and mobility. His partnership with the OREF over the decades was clearly a key factor in the orthopaedic advancements in which he played a part, together with many others. On behalf of the Galante family, I am proud and delighted to honor my father's wishes with this gift to support OREF's research vision into the future."

About OREF

The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving lives by supporting excellence in orthopaedic research. OREF is dedicated to being the leader in supporting research that improves function, eliminates pain and restores mobility, and is the premier orthopaedic organization funding research across all subspecialties. A list of research and funding priorities is available at oref.org/grants or follow @oreftoday on Twitter.
Anyone whos visited this historic place knows how exciting it is.

A remodeled guest suite leased by Indiana Limestone Company at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway features striking uses of the companys premier architectural stone. In the suite, stone native to the state has been used to create a lasting design impression.

The fabled Speedway, one of the worlds foremost racing venues, is a National Historic Landmark and the scene of unparalleled auto racing competition since the early 20th century. It remains the home of top contemporary racing events, including its signature annual classic, the Indianapolis 500.

Indiana Limestone Company shares with the Speedway a proud, decades-long heritage of world-class achievement in the Hoosier state.

A feature wall in the suite spotlights the companys new Mavise stone tile. This limestone is a rare product of the firms Victor quarry. A beautiful natural stone formed more than 300 million years ago during the Mississippian Period, Mavise stone is a high-density product with unique colorization.

A second wall is graced by the companys prized Berkshire limestone veneer. This split-faced, full color blend natural stone can be used for walkways or interior or exterior walls and fireplaces.

Model race cars crafted of limestone by artisans at Half Moon Limestone Products, Inc., Bedford, Ind., decorate the suite. Also displayed are Indiana-themed posters and images of world-class structures built with the companys stone, including Rockefeller Center and 15 Central Park West in New York and the Washington Convention Center.

Indiana Limestone has entertained customers at its suite during all major races, including the Indianapolis 500, Crown Royal 400 at the Brickyard, Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix, and Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational. In addition, it brings its own personnel to the Speedway for meetings, and welcomes property owners, architects, and other major representatives of the design and construction industry.

The 21 x 49 luxury suite can accommodate up to 80 guests. Structural analysis and consultation with the Speedways structural engineer were carried out to ensure that the suite could handle the added weight of the decorative stone.

Were very proud of the partnership between Indiana Limestone and the Speedway, said Tom Quigley, Indiana Limestone Company CEO. This is a tie between two iconic Indiana brands whose history dates back more than 100 years. Anyone whos visited this historic place knows how exciting it is, and were thrilled to be part of it.

About Indiana Limestone Company

Indiana Limestone Company is unmatched as the premier supplier of Indiana Limestone in a range of beautiful and lasting building products. Founded in 1926 (with predecessor firms that had been quarrying limestone since the mid-1800s), ILCO today remains the provider of choice for this internationally renowned natural stone. Throughout an illustrious history in which its stone has made such iconic structures as the Empire State Building, National Cathedral, and the Pentagon, ILCO has reliably provided the highest quality products and services carefully tailored to the needs of the market with an environmental, natural focus.
Inspira Health Network Greenfield Hospital We leveraged Lean design to create a new campus that promotes health and supports Inspiras mission to care for its community." - Jonathan Bykowski, Principal & Continuous Improvement Practice Leader

Inspira engaged Array to create an efficient, modern and sustainable platform for delivering state-of-the-art healthcare as well as create a community asset that educates and promotes healthy lifestyles for southern New Jersey. The hospital is envisioned as the first piece in a campus that will evolve and expand to keep up with and meet healthcare and societal needs. The new hospital is designed to serve the acute care needs of the community and includes emergency services, surgery department, all-private intensive care and medical/surgical inpatient units, woman-baby care and imaging services. This hospital has been designed utilizing LEAN concepts which result in the most efficient, coordinated and consistent delivery of care to patients  this approach can have more of a long-term impact on reducing wastes than almost any other singular strategy by ensuring that we only build what is required and that it is designed to be operated as intended. Said Array's principal and practice leader of continuous improvement Jonathan Bykowski, "To create a new campus that promotes health and supports Inspiras mission to care for its community we leveraged Lean design. As an integrated team we came together with stakeholders from all disciplines and services to define new operational models, test rapid prototypes and ensure the patient experience exceeded their goals.

From a master planning perspective, the campus has been arranged to allow the hospital the flexibility to grow over time to accommodate changing community needs in a manner which ensures ease of access and coordinated operations. The campus landscaping is a focal point and intended to strike the proper balance between density of plantings (to create an indigenous and natural aesthetic) and open spaces (for clear site lines and campus navigation).

From a building design perspective, Arrays team of dedicated healthcare architects and interior designers sought to infuse the project with materials that are both high-tech (as a reflection of the state-of-the-art care that Inspira delivers) and are high-touch (to align with the evidence-based healing properties associated with natural materials). Durable and efficient modern materials are paired with expansive windows which clearly reveal the public spaces and circulation pathways of the buildings interior. Windows have been maximized in the patient rooms and the planning of the patient wings includes gaps which allow natural light to penetrate deep into the interior workspaces of the units through floor-to-ceiling curtainwall glazing. According to Array's principal designer, Kent Doss, Creating this new healthcare campus has been a team effort. We partnered with local consulting teams to complement Arrays and Skanskas local experts. Our planning and design approach is rooted in fully understanding our clients current operations and their future goals. We focus on sustainable business solutions for todays evolving healthcare environment.

The projects approach to sustainability is broader than compliance with a single rating system and starts with the foundational conception of the facilitys operation. An example of the health systems commitment to sustainability is the very land that it is built on  originally farmland  which can be hazardous due to the accumulation of years of unregulated fertilizers and pesticides. As part of the development of the healthcare campus, Inspira is remediating the contaminated soil contained on the site and returning the land to health. Additionally, building materials  both inside and out - were carefully selected to create a healthy environment for patients, staff and visitors. Products were analyzed to balance the desired aesthetics with the required performance and durability characteristics. Recycled content, VOC content, manufacturing practices and locations and long-term maintenance requirements are just a few of the factors that were considered when choosing products. Energy efficiency is another sustainability value-stream that has been carefully integrated into the projects design. As a result of its intensive 24/7/365 operational requirements, the typical hospital consumes large amounts of energy. The team addressed this concern with efficient systems as well as energy cogeneration within the central utility plant and renewable energy generating solar photovoltaics within parking lot and landscaped areas.
Punch TV Studios (http://www.PunchTVStudios.com) / Punch Animation, Inc. (http://www.PunchAnimation.com) (OTCMKTS:URBT) CEO, Joseph Collins is thrilled to announce Rachel Ramos as the new Vice President of Punch TV Studios' broadcast division, Punch TV. Ms. Ramos is an inspiration to the studio, the network, the community and to her team. With nearly 10 years of dedicated commitment to Punch TV Studios, Rachel Ramos has exactly what it takes to be VP and in charge of every aspect of the network. The success of this new key position is vital, as Punch TV Studios transitions into IPO 2.0, and offers stock in the company at $1.00 per share.

Rachel Ramos began her career at Punch TV as Receptionist for the Director of Communications in 2009. With her passion and vision quickly moving her up the ranks, she soon stepped up to Director of Communications, Executive Director and on to Executive Director of Investor Relations, where her supervision over the day to day operations of Punch TV Studios IPO, supported the company's growth and added to the bottom line of the studio. With her focus on strategic goal setting and planning, along with her contributions to further the company's goals, extensive experience, vital alliances, and intricate knowledge of Punch TV Studios' company and culture, has made Rachel Ramos the stand out choice in such a key position as VP of Punch TV Network.

Rachel Ramos is the quintessential Punch TV Studios team member. She is the prototype of what I look for in an executive. She is someone who is committed to the success of the company, someone who understands and believes in the company's vision, and someone who has the rare & unique ability to incorporate her own beliefs, strengths and experiences seamlessly into the company, says Punch TV Studios CEO Joseph Collins. With this key position filled, I am excited to be able to focus on IPO 2.0, the next evolution of the Punch TV Studios IPO, and I am beyond confident that IPO 2.0 and the company will be successful with Rachel Ramos at the helm as VP of Punch TV Network.

Ms. Ramos' new role is also good news for Punch Animation, Inc. (OTMKTS:URBT) the animation division of Punch TV Studios. Ramos will focus on developing animated series and movies for syndication through Punch TV Network, alongside legendary animators Floyd Norman and Leo Sullivan.

In addition to Ms. Ramos' career at Punch TV Studios, she has been a tireless advocate for the empowerment of women, most notably in the multi-cultural and urban communities. As a Latina her position as VP of Punch TV Network allows her the opportunity to use her skills and abilities to continue to give back to the Hispanic community she loves. Her dedication, along with her creativity, means continued opportunities for the under-served Latina community. Her knowledge and experience has set the bar high for others to aspire to, and her success is a testimony to her dedication and commitment to the vision of Punch TV Studios.

To find out more information about Punch TV Studios IPO 2.0 or to become a stockholder with Punch TV Studios visit their website at http://www.PunchTVStudios.com. Follow us on Nabukie.com #PUNCHTVSTUDIOS #IPO2.0 #2017IPO #RACHELRAMOS
London North West Healthcare NHS Trust Robin Modak, Genmeds CEO, says, Most managed service providers focus solely on transactions. Theyll just source and supply equipment. We're more consultative and will work with Trusts closely to ensure maximum value from the whole procurement process."

Genmed announces today that it has been selected by London North West Healthcare NHS Trust as its preferred HMRC compliant vendor neutral managed services partner. The appointment was by mini competition under the SBS managed services provider framework and is initially for a three year period with an option to extend by mutual agreement.

London North West Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) is one of the largest integrated care trusts in the country bringing together acute hospital and community services across Brent, Ealing and Harrow. With an operating budget of 743.6 million, it employs 9,500 staff, serves a diverse population of approximately 950,000 people and is responsible for Central Middlesex, Ealing, St Marks and Northwick Park Hospitals. The Accident & Emergency department at the Northwick Park site is thought to be the largest in Europe.

Vince Pross, LNWHs associate director of procurement, explains, The Trust currently has a small number of services delivered using a managed services contract model but wishes to expand this considerably to now include various priority areas such as endoscopy trust-wide, surgery, anaesthesia, LED lighting, imaging and cardiology, air-conditioning, fire alarm maintenance and electronic document management. Genmed was selected as it is able to support us in all our priority areas.

Genmed has an established and proven track record of success providing managed services to the NHS to help trusts address the current lack of additional capital available.

Genmed will work in partnership with LNWH to manage the procurement process on its behalf in the above priority areas. This will include running mini competitions, selecting suppliers in conjunction with clinical input, and managing the whole delivery, administrative and invoicing process.

The costs for these managed services will then be packaged using an umbrella contract and billed monthly or quarterly. This approach improves cash management as no big upfront investment is required from LNWH and the costs are smoothed over time.

In addition, Genmeds services are off balance sheet and HMRC compliant for VAT recovery. This will allow LNWH to reclaim back the VAT so that budget can be saved or money used to fund additional front line services.

Robin Modak, Genmeds chief executive officer, says, Most managed service providers focus solely on transactions. Theyll just source and supply equipment. Genmed is different as our approach is much broader. Were more consultative and will work with Trusts like LNWH to not only procure services cost effectively and efficiently, but fully understand their operational and clinical needs, STP planning goals and look at how we can therefore add real value with service provision to improve the patients pathway and care provided.

Genmed approach is closely aligned with all the key directives highlighted by Lord Carter of Coles in his report to improve the efficiency of hospitals.

The LNWH brief for managed services is broad. To deliver this, Genmed is vendor neutral and will work with LNWH to select partner firms and OEMs who will fulfil the Trusts requirements at the right price.

For example, one of LNWHs areas of focus is electronic document management (EDMS). Genmed partners with leading bureaus, BPOs and records management firms including Restore, the largest UK owned archive document storage company who works with over 40% of all NHS Trusts providing records management and scanning services.

In addition, Genmed announced a partnership in February 2017 with CCube Solutions, a leading EDMS software vendor, to use the managed services approach to cover all costs required to shift from paper to digital medical records so that the heath service meets the Governments deadline that they should be paperless at the point of care by 2023.

To close a medical library and go paperless typically costs more than 1 million. A managed service means a Trust can close a library, get rid of the paper and vans required to deliver them, redeploy people - or reduce headcount - and the cash saved can immediately be used to pay for the service. The approach therefore becoming self-funding.

CCube Solutions has a proven ability to deliver based on two decades of expertise and an established track record of project success in the NHS. Today, its EDMS is used at 28 trusts and health boards around the country including Aintree, Addenbrookes, Aneurin Bevan, Milton Keynes, North Bristol, Papworth, St Helens and Sheffield Teaching Hospital.

ENDS

About Genmed

Founded in 2007 and based in London and Wales, Genmed is a vendor neutral managed service provider specialising in the health sector. It works with 40 NHS Trusts and Health Boards around the country where, to date, it has 220 contracts supporting a variety of clinical disciplines such as pathology, surgery, endoscopy, imaging along with medical records, IT and facilities. Genmed asset finance requirements are funded by large blue chip partners including Societe Generale, GE Capital, Macquarie and Lloyds Corporate. Currently Genmeds contract portfolio totals around 430 million.

Genmed is headquartered in Weybridge, Surrey. For further information, please visit http://www.genmed.eu

For further information, please contact

Tom Herbst

Tom Herbst PR

T:07768 145571

Email: tom(at)tomherbstpr(dot)co.uk
Wine Airport, Moldova The new name sends an attractive message to tourists and international community: Welcome to Moldova  a country of wine!

Chisinau International Airport could be renamed "Wine of Moldova Airport! Moldovans have voted for a new name for the country capital airport, choosing from a dozen of options.

Many of the participants to an online survey believe that the national wine brand "Wine of Moldova deserves to be on the Airport facade and that it sends an attractive message to tourists and international community: "Welcome to Moldova  a country of wine!

"Wine of Moldova outran all the other options, amongst which were remarkable names of Moldovan Culture, such as Eugen Doga, whose My Sweet and Tender Beast was included by UNESCO in the top music masterpieces of the 20th century, the only woman-pilot in Moldova Olga Culic and the fiction fairy-tale characters Pacala and Tandala, as well as other historical and symbolic personalities for this country.

The survey was launched by the youth news portal diez.md, driven by the idea of finding an original and recognizable name for the only international airport in the country. Over 8000 voters participated in the survey.

The country wine brand Wine of Moldova. A Legend Alive was created by the entire Moldovan wine industry in 2013, to ensure the unification of the voices promoting Moldovan wine on international markets as well as to build and develop the domestic market.

#wineairport

Links:

Wine of Moldova Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wineofmoldova/

Wine of Moldova Twitter: https://twitter.com/WineofMoldova

Source article: http://www.moldova.org/en/first-wine-airport-world-moldova/
Tim Huelskamp, incoming president, The Heartland Institute I am so honored and excited to join the Heartland team. As a former member of Congress and Kansas state senator, I can attest that The Heartland Institute is one of the preeminent free-market think tanks in the world.

Tim Huelskamp, Ph.D., a former three-term member of Congress and well-known national conservative leader, will become president of The Heartland Institute in July. He will succeed Heartlands long-time president Joseph Bast, who co-founded the organization in 1984. Bast plans to remain at Heartland as CEO until some time in 2018.

Dr. Huelskamp was selected as president by The Heartland Institute Board of Directors after a months-long nationwide search.

After a long and careful search, weve found the person who can take The Heartland Institute to the next level, said Bast. Dr. Huelskamp combines the characteristics of a scholar, elected official, and small businessman that make him the ideal person to lead one of the nations top think tanks. His dedication to free-market ideas and heartland values means Heartland will be in good hands long into the future.

I am so honored and excited to join the Heartland team, said Dr. Huelskamp. As a former member of Congress and Kansas state senator, I can attest that The Heartland Institute is one of the preeminent free-market think tanks in the world. Since I have already been successful in driving innovative policies at both the state and federal level, I am confident that I can lead Heartland toward even greater success in promoting the cause of freedom in every state, and now in Washington, DC.

For more information or to schedule interviews with Dr. Huelskamp or Joseph Bast, contact Director of Communications Jim Lakely at jlakely(at)heartland(dot)org or on his cell, 312/731-9364.

As a Republican congressman from Kansas First Congressional District, Dr. Huelskamp pushed for conservative, free-market solutions in a wide range of policy arenas. He served on numerous committees, most notably the Veterans Affairs Committee and Budget Committee. On the Veterans Affairs Committee, he was a leader in exposing corruption and failures at the VA and pushing through a historic health care choice option for veterans.

Dr. Huelskamp left his conservative imprints on many policy areas Heartland works on: SNAP work requirements, Farm Bill entitlements, the EX-IM Bank, and the Cut-Cap-and-Balance legislation in 2011. He helped grow the House Freedom and Liberty Caucuses, chaired and expanded the Tea Party Caucus, fought the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule, worked on budgets in the Republican Study Committee, and co-founded Conversations with Conservatives, a monthly House conservative press availability.

The Board of Directors of The Heartland Institute took seriously its charge to ensure our next president is a thought leader, as well as an experienced manager who can carry on existing programs and launch new ones in the months and years ahead, said Herbert Walberg, chairman of the Heartland Institute Board of Directors. Corporate successions are never easy, but were convinced Dr. Huelskamp has what it takes to be a great leader as well as sterling experience as a legislator. He has the unanimous support of the Board.

Prior to being elected to Congress in 2011, Dr. Huelskamp served 14 years as a state senator representing the 38th District of Kansas. During that time he was a conservative leader on education reform and finance, Medicaid reform, tax cuts and fighting crony capitalism, defending marriage and family, downsizing government, fighting judicial tyranny, and spending transparency.

While serving in the Kansas Senate, Dr. Huelskamp chaired or co-chaired three committees: Elections and Local Government, Information Technology, and Medicaid Reform. He co-founded and led both a bicameral conservative caucus and a coalition of statewide conservative groups to coordinate legislative efforts.

Prior to serving in Congress, Dr. Huelskamp was a fifth-generation family farmer in Kansas, where he farmed with his family for more than 30 years. He left Kansas to earn a BA summa cum laude from the College of Santa Fe and a Ph.D. in political science from American University in Washington, DC.

Background on The Heartland Institute

The Heartland Institute is a 33-year-old national nonprofit organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Its mission is to discover, develop, and promote free-market solutions to social and economic problems.

Heartland was founded in 1984 by David H. Padden (19272011), a Chicago-based municipal bond dealer and libertarian activist. Padden tapped Bast, who was in his senior year at the University of Chicago, to be the organizations first employee and executive director. In 1994, Bast was elected to the Board of Directors and named president and CEO.

Originally focused only on policy debates in Illinois and Chicago, Heartland soon launched branch offices throughout the Midwest and in the early 1990s became a national organization serving the countrys 7,300 state elected officials. Today it sends books, policy briefs, and four public policy newspapers to every national and state elected official and thousands of civic and business leaders.

In the 2000s, Heartland became internationally known for promoting the work of scientists, economists, and other experts who are skeptical that human activity is causing a climate crisis. It has hosted 12 international conferences on climate change and published or edited a dozen books on the topic, including a four-volume series of literature reviews titled Climate Change Reconsidered produced with the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change (NIPCC).

The Heartland Institute is a tax-exempt charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is supported by approximately 5,000 individuals, foundations, and corporations.
"Carbon dioxide is not a control knob that can fine tune climate" - Judith Curry, Atmospheric Scientist, Georgia Tech #LEAP Manifesto advocates should be held to the same standard of accountability on climate change science, and on the technical feasibility of their proposals as the corporate system they critique Past News Releases RSS

#LEAP Manifesto advocates should be held to the same standard of accountability on climate change science, and on the technical feasibility of their proposals as the corporate system they critique, says Friends of Science, responding to an article in the National Observer of June 27, 2017 on Naomi Klein and her new book No is Not Enough.

In the National Observer article, Naomi Klein, co-author of #LEAP, claims people should push Prime Minister Trudeau to stick to climate change policies; indeed the #LEAP Manifesto calls for complete stoppage of fossil fuel use and infrastructure. Friends of Science says thats irresponsible as society would completely collapse within days, as explained by scientist Blair King in his blog Aug. 3, 2016, A Thought Experiment about a World without Fossil Fuels.

The #LEAP Manifesto claims fossil fuels are subsidized in Canada  Friends of Science report "Keep Canada in the Black" shows that Canadas entire economy is underwritten by oil and gas production and export.

Friends of Science developed the #Look Manifesto as in #LookB4ULeap to counter the dangerous ideology over evidence found in #LEAP. LINK: lookb4uleap.tumblr.com/

#LEAPers like Klein push for renewables; David Suzuki is a LEAP signatory. Friends of Science is critical of David Suzuki Fund's lack of due diligence on renewable claims.

However, as Robert Lyman writes in a blog post of Jun 28, 2017, this is an Alice in Ontarioland exercise as shown in Ontario.

Ontario P. Engineers in a 2015 report and power point called "Ontario's Electricity Dilemma" showed that CO2 emissions would rise with more wind and solar, and that power prices had skyrocketed.

In Sept. 2015, Friends of Science did a technical review of the #LEAP Manifestos 100% renewable wind-hydro grid proposal and found it was technically infeasible, would cost hundreds of billions of dollars and would put Canada at risk of national blackouts.

A 2014 US Senate Minority report on the Club of Billionaires reported on page 57 and 58 that Ms. Kleins projects were funded by The New York-based Sustainable Markets Foundation (SMF) is another significant fiscal sponsor which unlike Tides, Inc., it is a relatively unknown quantity. SMF only exists on paper and has zero public presence LINK: leftexposed.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2014-Senate-Billionaire-Club-Report.pdf

Friends of Science Society presents the evidence over the ideology on climate science, economics and policy and represents the interests of ordinary citizens.

Additional Resources:

Several recent reports and peer-reviewed papers show that wind and solar are costly and ineffective in producing reliable, affordable, or sustainable power. These include:

Burden of Proof: A comprehensive review of the feasibility of 100% renewable-electricity systems Heard et al (2017)

LINK: sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032117304495

Lessons Learned from Technology, Kelly (2016)

LINK: cambridge.org/core/journals/mrs-energy-and-sustainability/article/lessons-from-technology-development-for-energy-and-sustainability/2D40F35844FEFEC37FDC62499DDBD4DC/core-reader

Development And Integration Of Renewable Energy: Lessons Learned From Germany

LINK: acadeuro.b.uib.no/files/2014/11/PoserH-etal-Finadvice_lessons_learned_from_germany.pdf

About

Friends of Science has spent over fourteen years reviewing a broad spectrum of literature on climate change and have concluded the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2). Friends of Science is made up of a growing group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens.

Friends of Science Society

P.O. Box 23167, Mission P.O.

Calgary, Alberta

Canada T2S 3B1

Toll-free Telephone: 1-888-789-9597

Web: friendsofscience.org

E-mail: contact(at)friendsofscience(dot)org

Web: climatechange101.ca
The local mayor, city officials, chamber members and the Allegro leadership team gathered for the Allegro groundbreaking event in Richmond Heights, Missouri. It is a joy to be here today, says Mayor Thomson. Welcome, Allegro, to the community. Allegro will complement our aging-in-place program we have in Richmond Heights.

Allegro Senior Living, a St. Louis-based company specializing in the development and operation of luxury senior housing communities, celebrated the groundbreaking of their 12th community, located at 1055 Bellevue Avenue in Richmond Heights, near the SSM Health St. Marys Hospital Campus. This will be Allegros first community in St. Louis, home of the companys headquarters.

More than 50 people were in attendance to celebrate the momentous occasion. Local dignitaries included the President of St. Marys Hospital, Travis Capers, CEO of the Lawrence Group, Steve Smith and the Mayor of Richmond Heights, Jim Thomson.

It is a joy to be here today, says Mayor Thomson. Welcome, Allegro, to the community. Allegro will complement our aging-in-place program we have in Richmond Heights.

The community will contain 87 units within 91,000 square feet offering premier assisted living and memory care services to the areas seniors. First occupancy is expected in the fall of 2018. When complete, Allegro anticipates creating 80 permanent jobs in addition to 75 construction jobs to build the community.

The new four-story Allegro will primarily cater to assisted living residents with the fourth floor dedicated to memory care services. Luxury accommodations will include a bistro and bar with outdoor balcony dining, stadium theater, fitness center, full-service salon & spa and therapy services. The community will represent the latest best practices in programming and design, following up on the successful resort-style approach of other Allegro communities.

About Allegro Senior Living

Allegro Senior Living, a St. Louis-based company, is a well-respected leader and expert in the senior living industry with a long-standing reputation of efficiently developing and managing senior communities. To learn more about Allegro Senior Living visit http://www.allegroliving.com.
Yanghe with Prince Michael of Kent

Prince Michael of Kent, Lord Jacob Rothschild and Goodwill Ambassador UK/CHINA Rupert Hoogewerf were present at the summit. Prince Michael of Kent expressed his vision for advancing the economic and trade relations between China and the UK. To begin with, he welcomed Chinese investment in the UK at this opportune time for the UK as a market. In addition, President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative facilitates the exchanges between nations. Also, China's rapid development propelled the growth of many start-up companies. It would be mutually beneficial if Chinese start-ups are to communicate more with their UK counterparts which also excel in their own industries.

Lord Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild, shared with the room personal tales and stories of his family. He said his team highly values the potential of the market, and expects deeper cooperation with Chinese entrepreneurs. Representatives from China raised questions concerning the economy, investment, culture, health and philanthropy. "I work for an established distillery in China. I assume Lord Jacob Rothschild is a connoisseur of red wine, but how much do you know about Baijiu, the traditional Chinese distilled spirit? Do you think our two drinking cultures can be blended?" asked Zhu Zhaoxin, marketing director of Jiangsu Yanghe Distillery. "If you shall grant me a taste of your Baijiu, then the two types of alcohol will blend in my veins, and I'll know the culture of Baijiu better," retorted Lord Jacob Rothschild wittingly.

The summit culminated at a reception dinner at the House of Lords on the last day. Representatives continued their discussions about investments over glasses of Dream Blue, a Chinese brand of Baijiu. "In China, practicing the art of drinking is a must for business associates, because many deals are closed while drinking alcohol," said an old China Hand from the UK.

The summit is another large-scale exchange of entrepreneur visits since President Xi's state visit to the UK in 2015. The UK will embrace new opportunities of development after Brexit, while China stays one of the fastest developing economies in the world. We should capture the opportunities bestowed upon us to usher in a golden era for China-United Kingdom relations, and make new contributions to the economic development of China and the UK.
FirstService Residential executives and expert panel members at the companys Sustainability Symposium: (from left) Dan Wurtzel, president, FirstService Residential; Patrick Love, Mayors Office of Su

FirstService Residential, New Yorks leading property management company, hosted a Sustainability Symposium for clients in June. The annual event was held in conjunction with FS Energy, the companys subsidiary that advises clients on ways to reduce energy consumption, costs and emissions.

Our Sustainability Symposium is designed to illustrate how efficiency measures can deliver significant energy and maintenance savings to a property, as well as how these actions can reduce a buildings impact on the environment while increasing property values and improving resident comfort, said Dan Wurtzel, president, FirstService Residential.

Our goal, since launching this event in 2012, remains unchanged, said Tal Eyal, president, FS Energy. We want to provide our clients with knowledge and access to resources that will help them make informed decisions about implementing efficiency measures. As a NYSERDA Multifamily Performance Partner, Energy Star partner, NYC Carbon Challenger participant and Better Buildings Challenge member, FS Energy serves as a valuable in-house resource for boards and building owners that are contemplating efficiency opportunities.

The event included an interactive panel discussion with experts from the Mayors Office of Sustainability, NYSERDA, NY-Sun and FS Energy. In addition, 17 organizations offered information on financial incentives, solar, lighting, variable refrigerant flow, electric vehicle (EV) charging, heating and cooling solutions, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and demand management. Representatives from the NYC Retrofit Accelerator, NYC Carbon Challenge and NYC Zero Waste Organics programs also were present.

We appreciate that FirstService Residential provides these opportunities to educate our board, said Barbara A. Johnson, board secretary of Jamie Towers, a 620-unit complex that will soon host the largest residential solar installation in New York City. It is essential for us to consider all potential solutions before embarking on new projects, so that our decisions will deliver the most value to our shareholders.

Every attendee received a customized Energy Report Card comparing their propertys energy performance against similar buildings, as well as an analysis of their buildings solar potential.

A summary of the event, including key takeaways from the panel discussion and links to all materials and resources provided to attendees, is available here.

ABOUT FIRSTSERVICE RESIDENTIAL

FirstService Residential is North America's largest manager of residential communities and the preferred partner of HOAs, community associations and strata corporations in the U.S. and Canada. FirstService Residential's managed communities include low-, mid- and high-rise condominiums and cooperatives, single-family homes, master-planned, lifestyle and active adult communities, and rental and commercial properties.

With an unmatched combination of deep industry experience, local market expertise and personalized attention, FirstService Residential delivers proven solutions and exceptional service that add value, enhance lifestyles and make a difference, every day, for every resident and community it manages. FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation, a North American leader in the property services sector. For more information, visit http://www.fsresidential.com.
Karen Diaz, Trident University International "A good education is powerful, both inside and outside of the military. This role gives me the opportunity to give back to the military community by working with Trident students at Fort Irwin as they work towards graduation." - Karen Diaz

As part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Headquarters, United States Army Garrison, Fort Irwin in September 2016 Trident University International (Trident) would like to announce the addition of Karen Diaz as Outreach Education Specialist. This is the Universitys first ever arrangement of this kind.

Based at Fort Irwin, Diaz is in charge of coordinating supplemental instruction and educational resources offered on post. This MOU applies to Fort Irwin military service members, Department of Defense civilian employees, military retirees, and their immediate families who are Trident students.

Education resources offered include regularly scheduled writing labs, available to anyone on post, and supplemental instruction for students in the Master of Science in Leadership program. While all standard classroom instruction remains online, Diazs presence on post will help support Trident students currently at Fort Irwin.

As a community showcase, Trident will be hosting an open house at Fort Irwin in August.

Karen Diaz will be a strong advocate for our students at Fort Irwin. Not only does she understand their experiences, she knows how important a good education is to ones career, said Esmeralda Silva, Tridents Vice President, Outreach and Strategic Alliances.

A military spouse, Diaz is an active member of the Fort Irwin community and is an enthusiastic supporter of service members and their families. She is a member of the posts Military and Spouses Club and a volunteer for the Child, Youth, and School Services (CYSS). Additionally, she has initiated and managed several military Family Support Groups.

A good education is powerful, both inside and outside of the military. This role gives me the opportunity to give back to the military community by working with Trident students at Fort Irwin as they work towards graduation, stated Diaz.

Diaz earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from San Diego State University, and her professional background includes customer service and management roles in the banking industry. She has also served in a financial management capacity for several small businesses.

The Fort Irwin National Training Center is a major training base for the military, located in northern San Bernardino County, CA. This facility prepares brigade combat teams (BCTs) and other units for action while serving the needs of soldiers, civilians, and family members.

Trident is a 100% online university that has been in operation since 1998 and is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Active duty military, veterans, National Guard, and military dependents make up 79% of the Universitys student population, and Trident is proud to employ many veterans at its faculty, staff, and management levels.

About Trident University

Founded in 1998, Trident University International (Trident) is a leading online postsecondary university serving adult learners. Trident developed the Trident Learning Model, which employs case-based learning in an online setting to teach real-world relevant critical thinking skills to enhance the lives and careers of students. Trident offers high-quality bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs, led by a qualified faculty team, over 80% of whom have doctoral degrees. Visit http://www.trident.edu, Tridents Facebook page, or call at (855) 290-0290 to learn more about Trident's wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
We want customers to buy our pans only once and hand them down for multiple generations, which is why we engrave the date of manufacture on every noni pan.

noni, the worlds first seamless one piece stainless steel cookware pans, today launched on Kickstarter.

noni are high performance chef pans wrought in one piece in Sydney from exotic German stainless. This stainless is highly conductive, induction-compatible, non-nickel ferritic stainless (not the more common non-magnetic austenitic). noni features handles that are integral with the pan body, with no rivets, welds, screws, or fragile clad layers. Each lid doubles as a high performance flat skillet for grilling.

Their patent pending seamless one-piece construction makes SOLIDteknics noni pans so tough they come with another world-first for cookware: a multi-century warranty.

"We want customers to buy our pans only once, and hand them down for multiple generations. That's why we engrave the date of manufacture on every noni pan, says SOLIDteknics founder and development engineer Mark James Henry. We want our cookware to become treasured family heirlooms. Our vision is that future generations will marvel at their durability while making great memories over their shared love of food.

noni Features:



World-first Seamless One Piece wrought Stainless Steel construction

Rivet, Weld and Screw Free

Versatile Lid/Skillet Feature

Soakable and Dishwasher Safe

Conductive ferritic (non-nickel) German stainless

Works on Induction

Durable and Hygienic

Vented Heat-dissipating Handles

Some say it is a bad business model to sell a product once and never have that customer again. But we arent marketers, adds Henry. We are engineers who cook, and care about the well-being of the planet. We are happy to eliminate lots of normal disposable cookware, with their synthetic-coated nonstick, fragile clad layers and rivets, etc, from the landfill equation.

noni is now the 10th Kickstarter campaign that SOLIDteknics has launched, with all nine past campaigns for their innovative iron cookware successfully funded.

For more information and to pre-order, visit the noni campaign page on Kickstarter.

Early-bird backers are eligible for a first edition production at greatly reduced pricing and earlier delivery starting today.

About The Company:

Mark James Henry has a background in the metal trades, mechanical engineering and business degrees, and a string of patents, long history of innovation and brand development, including Innovivant, Furitechnics, Furi knives and Diamond Fingers sharpeners. SOLIDteknics noni pans are patent pending with tooling complete, pre-production samples exciting the experts, and production ready to go. http://www.solidteknics.com/
Professor Timothy W. Tong, President, PolyU, delivers a welcome speech. We strongly believe a global outlook, an innovative mind and an entrepreneurial spirit are what students today need to have, in order to outperform in the global race for talent.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) organised the PolyU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Student Challenge (GSC) 2017 in Hong Kong this week. After two rounds of vigorous competition of presentations held at the PolyU campus, the teams from Bangladesh and mainland China clutched top prizes in the university division and the secondary school division respectively.

GSC is a biennial international business case competition launched by PolyU since 2009 as a major initiative to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship. It unleashes the entrepreneurship potential of the young generation by creating a unique platform for academic and cultural exchanges. It also offers valuable exposure to the business community and turns ground-breaking ideas into real-world solutions.

The Gold Award winner of the University Division, the team from the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, proposes to address water contamination problem in Bangladesh by introducing an affordable water filter made of bio adsorbents such as corn cobs and rice husk ash which are currently considered as waste. The filter made with the upcycled material can effectively reduce the arsenic level of water and make it drinkable.

As for the Secondary School Division, the team from Shanghai American School  Puxi & American International School of Guangzhou in the mainland China snatched the Gold Award. It proposes to create an online platform, to offer middle school students the opportunity to view educational videos for learning knowledge outside their school curricula.

Run for the fifth time, the GSC this year received over 250 applications from around the world. A shortlist of 40 teams with 150 contestants from 22 countries and territories were chosen and sponsored to Hong Kong for the semi-final and final competitions held on 26 June to 29 June in Hong Kong.

PolyU President Professor Timothy W. Tong said, We strongly believe a global outlook, an innovative mind and an entrepreneurial spirit are what students today need to have, in order to outperform in the global race for talent. PolyU has been creating opportunities and environment to help students to develop these qualities.

He said, We will seek every opportunity to establish collaborations with like-minded leaders and institutions from local and overseas to work together. Through working together, we could turn our vision into reality, creating greater societal and economic impacts and making the world better for all.

The judging panel of GSC 2017 was composed of renowned leaders of various sectors all over the world, including outstanding academics and senior executives in the business world.

The business proposals cover a wide range of topics, including environmental protection, commercial service, social service, personal health and fighting poverty. Winners of the awards for each division were announced at the Gala Ceremony held at Hotel ICON, Hong Kong on 29 June 2017. All winning teams were presented with a trophy and cash prizes, and each individual team member received a certificate.

GSC participants also had the opportunity to get a taste of life at PolyU. They resided at the Student Halls of Residence and visited PolyUs eight Faculties and Schools, accompanied by PolyU Student Ambassadors. Company visits, as well as sharing sessions conducted by young entrepreneurs and PolyU students on business startups were also arranged. They also enjoyed cultural and heritage tours to local attractions in Hong Kong.

The GSC was made possible due to the generous sponsorship from The Chinese Manufacturers Association of Hong Kong.
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 47th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), scheduled for September 20  24, 2017 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

This years ALC is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants from around the nation and will offer 100 forums on public policy issues facing African Americans and the global black community. The conference theme, And Still I Rise reflects a legacy of resilience that emphasizes the collective strength of the black community to rise above continued racial inequalities. Congresswoman Robin Kelly of Illinois and Congressman Marc Veasey of Texas will serve as honorary co-chairs of this years conference.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) has, as one of its vital roles, the bringing together of major opinion leaders and politicians, geared toward the Black Agenda, from all over the country annually. This year, more than ever, it is crucial that we join together in a vigorous debate on major issues impacting the African American community.

ALC 17 will be provocative, instructive, and inspiring for all of those who participate in the many legislative sessions and braintrusts. It will increase your knowledge regarding the challenging issues facing the African American community; and as well, motivate you to take action. None of us can afford to miss this years conference and we look forward to seeing you there to prepare for confronting the serious issues of our day in the coming months. Join our call to action to help solve problems and improve the lives of many, stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Chair of the CBCF Board of Directors.

Individuals from across the country and around the world attend ALC to explore the challenges and opportunities facing African Americans and the diaspora through a series of policy panels on education, economic development, public health, voting rights, the environment, networking sessions, a national town hall and much more.

The CBCFs mission is to advance the needs of the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. We recognize the importance of economic, social, cultural and environmental determinants and the potentially deleterious effects on African American communities nationwide, said CBCF president and CEO A. Shuanise Washington. The ALC is a central platform which aims to address the challenging realities facing African Americans by fostering debate, innovative thinking and forging consensus on ways forward for those who historically have not been well served in our communities.

ALC has been a pillar for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the CBCF to engage todays African American policy makers, activists, and community leaders on overcoming racial inequities and economic challenges, said Congresswoman Kelly. This year, ALC attendees have an opportunity to collaborate with celebrated personalities, faith leaders, and industry executives on whats needed to rise above disparities.

It is critical that we come together to address the systematic issues plaguing our community, noted Congressman Veasey. ALC provides the platform for civically engaged citizens to gain the tools needed to increase economic opportunities, safeguard voting rights, and alleviate poverty in our communities.

The ALC is also a time to network and have fun! Networking and special events include the Exhibit Showcase with an on-site employment fair and free health screenings; the Prayer Breakfast, National Town Hall, Gospel Extravaganza, the Annual Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts, which honors the contributions of individuals in the performing and visual arts who have influenced our history and inspired generations; and the culminating event, the Phoenix Awards Dinner, which supports the Foundations mission critical programs including education, economic development, health and research.

Register here CBCF Inc.org/ALC for this years ALC. You can also sign up to receive CBCF news and updates delivered to your inbox at cbcfinc.org/subscribe and follow the CBCF on social media.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBCFInc (#CBCFALC17)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBCFInc

Instagram: http://instagram.com/cbcfinc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/congressional-black-caucus-foundation

Google+: http://google.com/+CBCFIncorg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CBCFINC

ABOUT CBCF

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated, established in 1976, is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute intended to broaden and elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas.
It's music that will make you proud

Media Contact:

Curtis Brothers

919.556.5178

curtis(at)TheClassicalStation(dot)org

WCPE FM Celebrates Independence Day

TheClassicalStation.org Features American Music

WCPE Music Director William Woltz announces an Americana Weekend to celebrate the 4th of July, July 1-4, 2017. Listen for music from U.S. composers and performers, both native and adopted.

Our extended holiday weekend observance begins Saturday, July 1, and features great U.S. composers, orchestras and soloists, says Woltz. Of course the 4th will be filled with rousing orchestral favorites and lots of patriotic selections to celebrate the birth of our country.

Highlights of the celebration:

1 Saturday

9:00 a.m. Beethoven: Symphony no. 5 in C Minor

11:00 a.m. Gershwin: An American in Paris

12:00 p.m. Traditional: Deep River

2:00 p.m. Dvorak: American Suite

4:00 p.m. Chadwick: Symphonic Sketches

5:00 p.m. Sousa: Hail to the Spirit of Liberty

2 Sunday

10:00 a.m. Beach: Grand Mass in E-flat

11:00 a.m. Mizesko: Sketches from Pinehurst

12:00 p.m. Sousa: The Liberty Bell

2:00 p.m. Gould: American Caprice

3:00 p.m. Copland: Appalachian Spring

4:00 p.m. Still: Symphony no. 1 (Afro-American)

5:00 p.m. Gershwin, arr. Bunch: Porgy and Bess Fantasy for Piano Trio

3 Monday

9:00 a.m. Amram: Theme and Variations on Red River Valley for Flute and Strings

11:00 a.m. Dvorak: String Quartet no. 12 in F (American)

12:00 p.m. Copland: An Outdoor Overture

2:00 p.m. Hailstork: Three Spirituals

3:00 p.m. Gershwin: Second Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra

5:00 p.m. Williams: Air and Simple Gifts

8:00 p.m. Copland: Billy the Kid

9:00 p.m. Gershwin: Concerto in F

4 Tuesday

8:00 a.m. Williams: Liberty Fanfare

9:00 a.m. Dvorak: Symphony no. 9 in E Minor (From the New World)

11:00 a.m. Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

12:00 p.m. Gould: Amber Waves

2:00 p.m. Carpenter: Skyscrapers

3:00 p.m. Grofe: Grand Canyon Suite

5:00 p.m. Sousa: The Stars and Stripes Forever

7:00 p.m. Buck: Festival Overture on The Star-Spangled Banner

8:00 p.m. Copland: Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo

9:00 p.m. Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture

10:00 p.m. Barber: Adagio for Strings

Request your favorite American music at the Saturday Evening Request Program.

It's music that will make you proud, concludes Woltz.

WCPEs 24/7 live broadcast of Great Classical Music, 24 Hours A Day can be accessed by military and foreign service personnel around the globe in several ways; on-line streaming in multiple formats, including IPv6, small dish home satellite reception, local cable television systems and traditional radio broadcasting. A complete list of the ways WCPE is available with instructions for cable and satellite reception can be found at: http://theclassicalstation.org/listen.shtml.

About WCPE:

WCPE broadcasts on a variety of FM frequencies in Eastern North Carolina and is heard throughout Eastern and Central North Carolina and Southern Virginia from its transmitting tower in Wake Forest, NC and other repeater stations. A live feed is also available on the Internet at http://www.theclassicalstation.org, cable systems, affiliate radio stations and via satellite. WCPE is a non-commercial, listener-supported station that plays classical music exclusively. WCPE is owned and operated by the Educational Information Corporation, a North Carolina non-profit broadcasting organization. The Corporation was formed in 1973 and began operating WCPE in July of 1978. The Corporation holds a federal 501 (C) (3) Public Charity Exemption Certificate and the corresponding certificate from the State of North Carolina.
The mission of the Port of Kalama is to induce capital investment in an environmentally responsible manner to create jobs & enhance public recreational opportunities. We believe that the Shorelines Management Act is not intended, nor does it grant the authority, to regulate Greenhouse Gas (GHS)It is for the protection and proper management of the shoreline.

The Port of Kalama today filed an appeal to the conditions placed on the Shorelines Conditional Use Permit for the Kalama Manufacturing & Marine Export Facility (KMMEF) by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE).

"While the Port is in no way opposed to regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the Port believes that GHG emissions are appropriately addressed in the air emissions permit for the manufacturing facility not a shorelines decision," said Mark Wilson, Port of Kalama Executive Director. "We believe that the Shorelines Management Act is not intended, nor does it grant the authority, to regulate Greenhouse Gas (GHS)It is for the protection and proper management of the shoreline. Our appeal is about the precedent setting nature of the permit."

The primary shoreline impact of the overall project is a marine terminal which will be built, owned and operated by the Port of Kalama. Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW) will be the primary user of the facility, but it will also be available for lay berth use by other ships. The Port will charge fees for the use of the terminal by NWIW and other users.

The marine terminal will include a dock, berth, loading equipment, utilities and a storm water system. Ships calling at the terminal for methanol will connect to shore power which reduces emissions to the air from ship engines.

About Port of Kalama  Where rail and water meet:

The Port of Kalama is located in Southwest Washington on the Columbia River and immediately off of Interstate Highway 5. The port exists to induce capital investment in an environmentally responsible manner to create jobs and to enhance public recreational opportunities. Port of Kalama's industrial area includes five miles of riverfront property adjacent to the 43' federally-maintained deep draft navigation channel of the Columbia River. The Port is served by the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads. There are over 30 businesses located at the Port of Kalama, employing over 1,000 people. Port of Kalama offers all the superior facilities businesses need to thrive, and an unsurpassed quality of life. The port offers shovel ready sites, a new Industrial Park, state of the art Marine Terminals and transportation accessibility to rail and highway all just a 30-minute drive to the Portland International Airport. Port of Kalama also offers high-bandwidth communications, with dual access fiber-optic service to Seattle and Portland. Properties currently available at the port for businesses wishing to expand and thrive: Visit http://portofkalama.com/available-properties/.

Contact: Liz Newman, marketing manager, Port of Kalama, 360-673-2379 or Claudia Johnson, PR, 503-799-2220.
The Open Source Electronic Health Record Alliance (OSEHRA) is pleased to announce this years OSEHRA Leadership Award winners. Numerous individuals were nominated this year and three were chosen through a vote by the OSEHRA community based on their outstanding achievements in health information technology and innovative health care. They were honored in a special ceremony during the 6th Annual OSEHRA Open Source Summit June 13-15, 2017 in Bethesda, MD.

The 2017 Government Leadership Award was awarded to Dr. Jonathan Nebeker in recognition of his outstanding leadership and key support to the open source community. Dr. Nebeker, Deputy National Chief Medical Informatics Officer for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, has provided pivotal support to the open source EHR community and has been dedicated to modernizing healthcare technology.

The 2017 Innovation Award was given to Mr. George Lilly in recognition of his outstanding contributions and positive impact on the open source EHR community. Mr. Lilly is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer for WorldVistA, a General Member of OSEHRA, and has over 20 years of experience as an IT professional. He has distinguished himself in the arena of big data and analytics with the VistA ecosystem and his code has been adopted for several VA projects through his work in OSEHRA work groups.

The 2017 Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Dr. Joel Ivey in recognition of his career-long accomplishments and contributions to the open source community. Dr. Ivey is a longtime member of the OSEHRA community. He is a gifted programmer and architect, and a leader in modern development methodologies. Dr. Ivey's work has played an integral part in VistA development and his contributions are invaluable to the open source community.

We would like to thank this years Awards Committee for its due diligence and commitment to the community. The Committee was Co-Chaired by Dr. Jack Taylor of BITS, a Cognosante Company and Guy Esten of Apex Data Solutions, LLC. Committee members included Dr. Jorge Ferrer, U.S. Department of Veterans, VHA; Edward Kalish, Kaltronics LLC; Chau Nguyen, Axcent LLC; and Laura Prietula, Kforce Government Solutions.

Over 225 attendees participated in this years OSEHRA Open Source Summit. The three-day event included over fifty presentations, round table discussions, and plenary sessions. This years keynote presentation was given by Rob C. Thomas II, Acting Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Chief Information Officer, on behalf of Dr. David J. Shulkin, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The Summit was made possible thanks to Conference Sponsor DSS, Inc., as well as Bronze Level Sponsors AFCEA Bethesda, Apex Data Solutions, Cognosante, HSPC, ISHPI, and Microsoft. Additional Exhibitors included Book Zurman, D-Gate, Kitware, KRM Associates, and Zato Health. FIS GT.M served as this years Wi-Fi Sponsor.

For more information on the 2017 OSEHRA Open Source Summit, see the proceedings web page at:

https://www.osehra.org

###

OSEHRA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating innovation in electronic health record software and related technology. Founded in 2011, OSEHRA is a rapidly growing open source community with over 850 registered members representing 160+ industry, academic, and government organizations. OSEHRA supports an open, collaborative community of users, developers, and researchers engaged in advancing health IT. OSEHRA hosts software repositories for managing applications such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VistA electronic health record, Blue Button, popHealth, and others. OSEHRA is a member of global industry associations including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), Health Level 7 (HL7), Open Source Initiative (OSI), and Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE).
The annual Design Week for the MFA Graphic Design program at Otis College of Art and Design will launch with a public Design Fair on July 9, 2017, from 12-6pm. The fair will feature presentations by visiting international designers, a book fair, and more.

Visiting Designers and Artists:



Luna Maurer of Moniker, Amsterdam (studiomoniker.com)

Stephanie Specht, Antwerp (stephaniespecht.com)

Davis James Ngarupe + JT Heiny of Actual Source, Provo Utah (actualsource.org)

Tereza Rullerova and Vit Ruller of The Rodina, Amsterdam (therodina.com)

James McKinnon, Berlin with Santiago Piedrafita, New York (fjordnet.com/berlin)

Mike Jakab of Google, Mountain View, (google.com/express)

Antlant, Copenhagen, (studio-atlant.dk)

Design Week is a series of workshops that pair incoming and current Otis College MFA students with internationally recognized visiting designers who exemplify alternative practices. In teams, the students and designers partner with Los Angeles-based community organizations, offering solutions to their real-world design needs.

The 2017 workshops will be lead by internationally recognized designers Luna Maurer of Moniker, James McKinnon along with Santiago Piedrafita, and design studio Antlant from Copenhagen. The public is invited to the final critique on July 14, from 4-6pm.

The new Designer-in-Residence program will launch at the Design Fair and overlap with Design Week, as nine studios will relocate and work at Otis College with a focus on self-generated projects, taking advantage of the campus facilities and culture, and engaging the MFA students. The public is invited to a studio walk-through and reception for the Designer-in-Residence program on July 21, 6-7:30pm.

Designer-in-Residence Participating Studios:

Senior Residents



All the Way to Paris, Copenhagen; Petra Gendt, Tanja Vibe (allthewaytoparis.com)

Agency Collective, Oakland; Elisabeth Prescott, Mike Jakab (agencycollective.com)

Jan en Randoald, Ghent; Jan Wouter Hespeel (janenrandoald.be)

Junior Residents



Actual Source, Provo; Davis James Ngarupe, JP Haynie (actualsource.org)

Bold, Galway; Leon Butler (bold.ie/Leon-Butler)

Dad Jokes, New York; Nic Sanchez, Allison Ball (now.nicotomo.com)

The Rodina, Amsterdam; Tereza Ruller, Vit Ruller (therodina.com)

Specht Studio, Antwerp; Stephanie Specht (stephaniespecht.com)

Also new this year, Yasmin Khan and Jessica Wexler of Workshop Project in collaboration with Anja Groten of Hackers and Designers will host FREE: A Design Educators Workshop at Otis College. An international group of 20 educators representing a wide range of institutions will convene on campus to explore the radical potential of the artifacts and platforms of design education as spaces for new forms of critical writing making and discourse. A public presentation of the workshop outcomes will be held on July 23 at 12pm.

The MFA Graphic Design summer session at Otis College is supported in part by The Consulate General of the Netherlands.

For additional information about the MFA Graphic Design program, contact the department at (310) 665-6840 or visit http://www.otis.edu/mfa-graphic-design.

ABOUT OTIS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of visual and applied arts, media, and design. Core programs in liberal arts, business practices, and community-driven projects support the Colleges mission to prepare diverse students to enrich the world through their creativity, skill, and vision.
San Francisco Bay Area Serviced Apartment There are misunderstandings all the time when it comes to searching on-line for an extended-stay or short term furnished apartment.

Key Housing Connections, an extended-stay property management service for California serving cities as diverse as San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles, is proud to announce an update to its page on furnished rentals. The page focuses on the disambiguation of the terms 'furnished' and 'serviced' apartments, which are used by different linguistic groups to refer to apartments with all amenities provided.

Americans searching for 'furnished apartments' in San Francisco may find one by conducting an online search. Europeans searching for 'serviced apartments' can also find the same. Properties including San Francisco serviced apartments have been made easier to find due to recent updated to the furnished rentals page, addressing the confusingly different terminology used for the same property type.

There are misunderstandings all the time when it comes to searching on-line for an extended-stay or short term furnished apartment, explained Robert Lee, President of Key Housing. If a European client is looking for us, sometimes they may think the term furnished apartment isnt the same as serviced apartment but it is. Weve updated our website content to help clear up this difference in terms.

Interested persons can review the updated page for furnished apartments at http://www.keyhousing.com/rightside.asp?action=form3&ID=878

To review the new blog grouping focused on serviced apartments please go to; http://blog.keyhousing.com/tag/san-francisco-serviced-apartments/

It should be noted that "Venue," a San Francisco apartment complex offering serviced or furnished apartments, has been recognized by Key Housing as a featured property for July. On-site amenities include a private conference room, clubhouse and formal dining room, laundry service and package delivery service. To review the property, directly, please visit http://venuesf.com/. However, with tight rentals in San Francisco, interested parties are urged to reach out to a Key Housing representative to identify rental opportunities in the City by the Bay.

San Francisco Serviced Apartments vs. Furnished Apartments: One and the Same

European businesses can have specific requirements for extended-stay accommodations in the United States. If the expectation is for a serviced apartments in San Francisco, searches displaying furnished apartments might be confusing. The two terms sound different, but in reality both types of apartments can offer the same level of accommodations. In parts of the world where English is the primary language, basic semantics can cause a misunderstanding. For instance chips in England are french fries in the United States. On the other side, furnished apartments in San Francisco may be known as serviced apartments to a British citizen. Different terms can have the same meaning!

For this reason, Key Housing Connections Inc. has announced an update to the furnished rentals page. Both European and American terms for an extended-stay apartment can be easily identified. The featured property for July, Venue, can be reviewed as an example as one of San Franciscos serviced apartments. Amenities include kitchens and appliances, laundry and furnished rooms. Community services include private conference rooms, concierge and secured parking. A British citizen searching for serviced apartments in San Francisco can have expectations met even if the local term is furnished apartments. Temporary housing at "Venue," a San Francisco apartment complex can be a prime example. Key Housing Connections has helped to remind the business community two different terms for extended-stay apartments can mean the same thing.

About Key Housing

Based in Folsom, California, Key Housing Connections Inc. (http://www.keyhousing.com/) specializes in corporate housing and corporate housing in large cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Francisco as well as smaller cities like Sacramento, Culver City and Walnut Creek. Key Housing is a leader in affordable, friendly, short-term and corporate housing in places like Capitola, Santa Barbara, Hermosa Beach and just about every city in California. Whether it's serviced apartments or a furnished rental, just search, click or call today!

Key Housing

(800) 989-0410
Heritage Woods of McHenry, a Gardant affordable assisted living community, is hosting Western Day from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on July 12.

The community, which is located at 4609 W. Crystal Lake Rd. in McHenry, Illinois, serves older adults of all incomes, including those on Medicaid, who need some help to maintain their independence.

Johnny Gray will lead a country sing-along, and guests can enjoy tumbleweed cake and root beer.

This event is open to the public; there is no charge to attend.

For more information about the event or Heritage Woods of McHenry, call 815-344-2690.

Heritage Woods is certified to operate through the Illinois Supportive Living Program.

The affordable assisted living community is managed by Gardant Management Solutions, the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois.

The community combines residential apartment-home living with the availability of personal assistance, help with medications and the availability of a variety of convenience and support services.

Residents live in private apartments that they furnish and decorate to their tastes. Each of the studio and one-bedroom floor plans include a kitchenette, spacious bathroom with shower and grab bars, individually-controlled heating and air conditioning, and an emergency alert system.

Certified nursing assistants are on-duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Meals, housekeeping and laundry are among the included services.

Residents also benefit from all of the opportunities that are available to socialize with friends and neighbors and to participate in activities and special programs, says Director of Marketing Jenneen Hansen.

Gardant, the company that manages Heritage Woods of McHenry, is based in Bradley, Illinois.

Our focus is on providing the residents of Heritage Woods of McHenry with the love, compassion and dignity they deserve and the help and assistance they need, says Rod Burkett, CEO of Gardant. Our emphasis is on helping each resident achieve and maintain as much independence as possible for as long as possible.

Communities managed by Gardant include the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living communities in Batavia, Bolingbrook, Chicago, Gurnee, Plainfield and Yorkville, Illinois. Gardant also manages the Heritage Woods assisted living community in Huntley, the Churchview affordable assisted living community in Chicago, and the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living and memory care community in South Elgin.

Gardant will be the management company for White Oaks at McHenry, a memory care community that is slated to open this summer.

For more information about Gardant Management Solutions; the assisted living, senior living and memory care communities that Gardant operates; and the companys management, development and consulting services, visit http://www.gardant.com or call 1-877-882-1495 toll-free.
Yield Engineering Systems, Inc. (YES), an Equipment Manufacturer for the Semiconductor, MEMs, and Biomedical Industries, announced today that they are a sponsor and will also be exhibiting at SEMICON West 2017 being held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California on July 11-13, 2017 in West Hall, Booth #7500.

SEMICON West is the marketplace for microelectronics innovation. YES will be highlighting their Vacuum Thermal Cure Ovens for Dielectric Materials. Stop by the booth to meet our King of Wafer Processes, YES CEO Bill Moffat, and learn more about how YES provides equipment (full automation and manual load up to 300mm) to meet todays more demanding FOWLP/RDL applications such as:



Polyimide cure

PBO Cure

BCB cure

And other Dielectric Materials

Flexibility for:

Low Temperature Cures

High Temperature Cures

Total Environment Control for multiple applications

YES will also be debuting their latest tool, YES-EcoClean, a plasma resist strip and descum system. The system boasts a small footprint, automated wafer handling, multiple wafer sizes and neutral plasma for a gentle process. Tough on resist, gentle on substrates.

YES has continued to exhibit at SEMICON West for over three decades, said Bill Moffat, YES Founder and CEO, We are excited to be a sponsor this year. SEMICON West is the perfect opportunity to market our tools to a vast audience.

For more information regarding the YES tool lines, visit http://www.yieldengineering.com or contact them toll free in the USA or Canada at 888-937-3637 or worldwide at +1-925-373-8353.

About Yield Engineering Systems, Inc.

YES was founded in 1980, and is headquartered in Livermore, California, USA. They provide quality process equipment for semiconductor, WLP, FPD, MEMS, medical, nanotech industries and more.

YES manufactures vacuum thermal cure ovens, plasma resist strip and descum systems, silane vapor deposition systems, plasma etch and clean tools used for precise surface modification and activation, surface cleaning, and thin film coating of semiconductor wafers, semiconductor and MEMS devices, biosensors and medical slides and many more different substrates and applications. Proof of concept demos are no-charge to run in YESs cleanroom.
The Ben Maltz Gallery at Otis College of Art and Design will present Talking to Action: Art, Pedagogy, and Activism in the Americas, an exhibition and publication that investigates contemporary, community-based social art practices in the Americas curated by Bill Kelley, Jr. with Karen Moss as consulting curator. Talking to Action, on view September 17 through December 10, 2017, is part of the Gettys Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA initiative, a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles. A public opening reception featuring a curator and artist-led walkthrough, will be held on Sunday, September 17 from 3-5pm.

Talking to Action addresses critical issues such as migration and memory, spatial mapping, environmental issues, gender rights and legislation, indigenous knowledge, and racial violence in work created by contemporary social practice artists and collectives from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and the United States. Major support of this exhibition and publication is provided through grants from the Getty Foundation.

In addition to a diverse array of projects, the exhibition builds upon the educational imperative found in many of the artists practices as well as Otis Colleges academic commitment to social practice through curricular programming and studies.

Artists in the exhibition include Liliana Angulo Cortes, Efrain Astorga Garay, BijaRi, Giacomo Castagnola, Cognate Collective, Colectivo FUGA, Sandra de la Loza and Eduardo Molinari, Dignicraft, Etcetera..., Frente 3 de Fevereiro, Grupo Contrafile, Clara Ianni and Debora Maria da Silva, Iconoclasistas, Kolectivo de Restauracion Territorial, Suzanne Lacy, Alfadir Luna, Taniel Morales, Andres Padilla Domene and Ivan Puig Domene, Polen Audiovisual, Gala Porras-Kim, and Ultra-red.

Bill Kelley, Jr. is Lead Researcher and Curator of Talking to Action, and is a writer and scholar of community-based practices in the Americas, and assistant professor of Latin American and Latino Art History at California State University at Bakersfield. Karen Moss is Consulting Curator and is adjunct professor of Public Practice at Otis College of Art and Design. Kelley led the two-year research phase for the exhibition, coordinating the efforts of a team of researchers from six different cities in the Americas to inquire into the issues and artist methods that connect the various cities in the hemisphere.

Programming

Opening Reception

Sunday, September 17, 3-5pm.

Curator- and artist-led walkthrough at 3:30pm

Free

More programming to be announced, visit http://www.otis.edu/ben-maltz-gallery for an updated schedule.

Exhibition Tour

The Talking to Action international tour, managed by Independent Curators International (ICI), includes: Ex-Teresa Actual, Mexico City / Winter 2017; Arizona State University Art Museum, Tempe, Arizona / Winter 2018; School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois / Summer 2018; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, California / Winter 2019.

Publication

The exhibition is accompanied by the bilingual publication Talking to Action: Art, Pedagogy, and Activism in the Americas, co-published by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and distributed by University of Chicago Press. The publication encompasses the exhibition, programmatic, and pedagogic imperatives of the Talking to Action project, and includes an introduction by Karen Moss, and essays by the Talking to Action research team Maria Fernanda Cartagena, David Gutierrez Castaneda, Andre Mesquita, Bill Kelley, Jr., Jennifer Ponce de Leon, Paulina Varas, and UC San Diego scholar Grant Kester.

Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA

Led by the Getty, Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA is a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles taking place from September 2017 through January 2018.

ABOUT OTIS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of visual and applied arts, media, and design. Core programs in liberal arts, business practices, and community-driven projects support the Colleges mission to prepare diverse students to enrich the world through their creativity, skill, and vision.
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Welcome to 2005.German lawmakers approve same-sex marriage in landmark voteGermany's parliament backed the legalisation of same-sex marriage on Friday in a historic vote hailed by gay activists and leftist parties but criticised by some in Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling conservative bloc and by the Catholic Church.The move brings Germany into line with many other European nations including France, Britain and Spain and follows Merkel's surprise decision this week to allow her lawmakers to follow their own conscience rather than the party line on the issue. Merkel, daughter of a Protestant pastor, voted against the bill.Hundreds of gay activists, some with painted faces, celebrated outside the Bundestag lower house of parliament after the vote, waving rainbow flags and placards that read "Marriage for all - make love for all"."This is simply a historic day for Germany," said Soeren Landmann, a marriage equality activist."Today, thousands of same sex couples were given equality, and the two-class society in matters of love was abolished. Germany can really rejoice today."The vote has particular resonance in Germany as it unwinds a legacy of virulent homophobia. Earlier this year parliament agreed to grant compensation to thousands of gay men jailed under a 19th century law that was strengthened by the Nazis and only dropped in 1969 when homosexuality was decriminalised in West Germany.Merkel, who is seeking a fourth term in a national election on Sept. 24, said she had voted against the bill because she believed that marriage as defined under German law was between a man and a woman.But she said her decision was a personal one, adding that she had become convinced in recent years that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children."I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between the different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace," she said.
No firm is immune from the coming disruption and every company must have a strategy to harness the powerful advantages of the new fintech revolution.

The battle already underway will create surprising winners and stunned losers among some of the most powerful names in the financial world: The most contentious conflicts (and partnerships) will be between startups that are completely reengineering decades-old practices, traditional power players who are furiously trying to adapt with their own innovations, and total disruption of established technology & processes:

Traditional Retail Banks vs. Online-Only Banks:

Traditional retail banks provide a valuable service, but online-only banks can offer many of the same services with higher rates and lower fees

Traditional Lenders vs. Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces

: P2P lending marketplaces are growing much faster than traditional lendersonly time will tell if the banks strategy of creating their own small loan networks will be successful

Traditional Asset Managers vs. Robo-Advisors

: Robo-advisors like

As you can see, this very fluid environment is creating winners and losers before your eyesand its also creating the potential for new cost savings or growth opportunities for both you and your company.

After months of researching and reporting this important trend, Sarah Kocianski, senior research analyst for BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service, has put together an essential report on the fintech ecosystem that explains the new landscape, identifies the ripest areas for disruption, and highlights the some of the most exciting new companies. These new players have the potential to become the next Visa, Paypal or Charles Schwab because they have the potential to transform important areas of the financial services industry like:

Retail banking

Lending and Financing

Payments and Transfers

Wealth and Asset Management

Markets and Exchanges

Insurance

Blockchain Transactions

If you work in any of these sectors, its important for you to understand how the fintech revolution will change your business and possibly even your career. And if youre employed in any part of the digital economy, youll want to know how you can exploit these new technologies to make your employer more efficient, flexible and profitable.

Among the big picture insights you'll get from

global fintech





more nuanced connection is taking hold.

This exclusive report also:

is how you get the full story on the fintech revolution.

To get your copy of this invaluable guide to the fintech revolution, choose one of these options:
According to Jonathan Swan and Mike Allen of the news website Axios, Trump and top administration officials discussed imposing tariffs on major exporters of steel and other goods during a meeting Thursday at the White House.

The tax on imported goods could be about 20%, according to Axios, and may be expanded to goods like paper, semiconductors, aluminum, and large household appliances.

While the intent is to penalize China, a goal of Trumps dating back to the campaign, officials informed Trump that the tariff would most likely affect other major allies of the US including Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and the UK.

The plan is backed by what Axios described as the "America First" wing of the White House including chief strategist Steve Bannon, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, trade adviser Peter Navarro, and senior policy adviser Stephen Miller.

During the meeting, according to Axios, Trump was told by "over 75%" of the people in attendance that the tariffs were a bad idea but remained in support of the idea because it would excite his die-hard supporters.
Kim Mitchell knows children benefit from creative and performance drama camps.

Shes heard parents tell how  prior to camp  their child was shy, wouldnt speak up in class and afraid to get into a group.

The next year  after camp  that same child was speaking up more and seeking to join another group, whether in theater or sports.

Theyve got more confidence and theyre wanting to go out and do things, said Mitchell, who works in a variety of capacities. Theyre able to speak their mind and theyre not so afraid to ask questions.

Again this year, Imaginarium Inc., will host a Performance Drama Camp and a Creative Drama Camp for area elementary and middle school students. Will Mitchell, president, operates the camps and directs the Friday evening performance.

The Performance Drama Camp is for students from fifth through eighth grades interested in theater. The all-day camp is set from July 17-21. The Creative Drama Camp is for students in second through eighth grades. These are half-day camps with younger children coming to one session and older ones to the other. The camps will have Friday night performances at Fremont Opera House, which is open to the public.

Youth in the performance camp take part in a radio-style drama. The participants read their scripts just like old-time radio performers would have done. This style removes the pressure of having to learn lines.

In this years camp, the dramas plot will involve a radio station thats been involved in a corporate buyout. Toward show time, the manager is scrambling to get everything in place for the radio broadcast when the cleaning lady hands him a note indicating that the station is being sold and programming might be cancelled.

Someone will be listening to the show to see how it goes. Twenty minutes before the show is set to go on the air, the manager learns that all the radio performers  except for one  has quit. There is also no announcer, musicians or sound techs.

At the same time, a group of middle school-age youth are touring the radio station.

What will happen next?

Youth in the performance drama camp will help the audience find out.

The Creative Drama Camp has an improv-based format with students involved in acting exercises and storytelling with a loose narrative built from that. During the Friday night performance, the children perform the story with exercises from camp that week.

Mitchell said the camps can help children and youth exercise their creative imagination in a safe place, where they can learn to take risks.

Nobody has to do anything they dont want to do, but if they want to take a chance, this is their place, she said.

The students can learn to work cooperatively, communicate, listen to other peoples ideas and encourage each otherskills which can help them later in life.

You can those off the stage and into any situation, where youre working in a group or on a project, she said.

Youth have benefited in other ways. For one, they may have made friends through the groups.

Mitchell also likes something done at the end of the camp in which participants pay a compliment to someone in the group. Some students have expressed especially poignant compliments, telling someone in the group how that person made them feel accepted, safe, happy or appreciated.

She also noted that the camps have mentors, high school students or even graduates who came years ago and return to help.

Class size is limited to about 30 students per group. To register, visit imaginefremont.com. For those who dont a computer, event flyers are available at MaxD printing and Pediatric Partners in Fremont.
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve cleared the way for Buffett to become Bank of America's largest shareholder.

It passed all the big banks on their so-called stress tests, giving them permission to use their capital for things beyond buffering against disaster, including share buybacks and dividend payments.

Bank of America raised its dividend to $0.12 a common share.

That made it compelling for Berkshire to convert its preferred shares into common stock, giving it shareholder ownership, and earning as much as $12 billion in profit. Berkshire announced on Friday that it would exercise its warrants to buy 700 million common shares of Bank of America, the third-largest US bank by market cap, instead of waiting until just before their expiry in 2021.

In a statement, the bank said it welcomed Buffett's decision.

With $2.19 trillion in assets, Bank of America ranked ninth in the world, according to an S&P Global Market Intelligence ranking released in April.

Buffett's initial investment in the bank dating back to 2011 was a thumbs-up of sorts to CEO Brian Moynihan, who had recently taken the helm. It was also a bet that the bank would recover from the fallout of toxic mortgage securities.

He acquired $5 billion of Bank of America preferred stock with a 6% dividend, or $300 million annually, in August 2011, at a time when investors worried about the bank's capital needs, Reuters reported.

The conglomerate said last July that it owned more than 10% of Wells Fargo, which on Friday amounted to nearly 537 million shares, according to Bloomberg. It's the second-largest bank in the US by market capitalization and was the 10th largest in the world by assets, according to S&P.
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The president on Thursday sparked outrage when he tweeted that Brzezinski once visited his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, while she was "bleeding from a face-lift."

In a Washington Post column published early Friday titled "Donald Trump is not well," Brzezinski and Scarborough wrote "we are both certain" that Trump "is not mentally equipped to continue watching our show."

Trump "for some reason takes things so much more personally with women, he's so much more vicious with women," Scarborough said on "Morning Joe," before recounting the congressman's call.

The president "went on this rant about 'Morning Joe,' in front of 20 members of Congress while he was trying to pitch the health care bill," Scarborough said, adding that Trump brushed him aside when talking.

Scarborough said though that the congressman called because Trump "scared" him.

"He was vicious when he turned from you to Mika," Scarborough recalled the congressman saying. "His face was red. He started talking about blood coming out of her ears, out of her eyes."
After the US Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments for Trump's revised travel ban, justices implemented a partial stay and removed the lower courts' injunctions that initially blocked the ban.

Now some people from six majority-Muslim countries will face restrictions on travel to the US.

The Trump administration's revised ban went into effect at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, banning entry by people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen for 90 days and by almost all refugees for 120 days. Exceptions include those who were already issued a valid visa or who have "credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States."

Extended-family members like grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins may not claim a "close familial relationship" and are therefore not exempt, according to the State Department's website. People engaged with someone residing in the US were initially excluded, but the government changed course when the ban took effect and allowed for their exemption.

Minutes before the ban went into effect, Hawaii, one of the states where a federal court previously struck down a version of the travel ban, filed a court challenge to the Trump administration's definition of this relationship, the Associated Press reported.

In response to the Supreme Court's injunction lift, protesters and immigration advocacy groups participated in demonstrations at airports across the US  but not with the same intensity as the protests that took place in January after Trump's initial travel ban went into effect.

Airports were mostly calm as the ban took effect Thursday, a stark difference from the chaotic implementation of the first version of the ban in late January.

Trump's executive order establishing the first iteration of the travel was signed on January 27. It was implemented suddenly and without guidance from the Justice Department, however, and it sparked confusion after travelers with preapproved visas were barred from entering the US.

With the revised travel ban, immigration officials were told not to deny entry to anyone with valid travel documents, according to the Associated Press.

"There's a very small class of people that the ban could now apply to," said Regina Jefferies, a clinical teaching fellow at the University of Minnesota Law School.

"We don't really expect that we will see the same type of chaos that happened with the first ban rollout and some of that implementation, simply because most of the deciding, who and who will not be subject to the ban, will happen outside of the US."

Here are the developing scenes at airports across the US:

Los Angeles International Airport

O'Hare International Airport

San Francisco International Airport
Amazon has announced its annual Prime Day promotion will run for 30 hours this year from the night of , VentureBeat reports.

The promotion, which provides special discounts on a wide array of items for Amazons Prime subscribers, will also run in new countries, including China and India.

Amazon hopes to boost the number of Prime subscribers in India and China in order to grow its overall footprint in those markets. The company offers a one-time 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime for new customers who sign up to participate in the bevy of exclusive sales. Drawing in new Prime subscribers helps Amazon capture more sales year-round, as Prime subscribers spend almost twice as much with Amazon, on average, than non-Prime members.

Boosting its Prime member base in China and India would therefore give Amazon a critical tool in capturing more revenue in these countries:

hasnt fared well there.

,

has

locked in a close battle with domestic player Flipkart for the lead position in the market.

Prime Day may have mixed results in these new markets, however. Given Amazons minuscule market share in China, it could be difficult to leverage Prime Day to draw in more subscribers, particularly if Chinese consumers are unfamiliar with the program to begin with. India offers a better opportunity, as Amazon is one of the most visible e-commerce companies there, and it may be able to leverage its mobile app to attract Indian subscribers.
The new legislation, which applies to platforms with more than 2 million users, will come into effect in October after German MPs voted in favour of the Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz (NetzDG) law.

"Our experience has shown that unfortunately, social media companies do not improve their procedures without political pressure," said Justice Minister Heiko Mass, who oversaw the legislation, according to BBC News.

Failing to comply with the NetzDG could result in a fine of up to 5 million (4 million) on the individual deemed responsible for the company in Germany and 50 million (43 million) against the organisations themselves.

The law comes after several high-profile incidents of fake news and terrorist content spread on Facebook and YouTube in Germany. Syrian refugee Anas Modamani is suing Facebook after his selfie with Angela Merkel became target of far-right conspiracies.

Organisations representing digital companies, consumers and journalists, accused the government of rushing a law to parliament that could damage free speech.

"It is the wrong approach to make social networks into a content police," said Volker Tripp, head of the Digital Society Association consumer group.

Germany has some of the world's toughest hate speech laws covering defamation, public incitement to commit crimes and threats of violence, backed up by prison sentences for Holocaust denial or inciting hatred against minorities.

In 2015, Germany pressed Facebook, Twitter and Google's YouTube to sign up to a code of conduct, which included a pledge to delete hate speech from their websites within 24 hours.

The NetzDG turn these into legal obligations to delete or remove illegal content, to report regularly on the volume of filed complaints and they also demand that sites make it easier for users to complain about offensive content.

Facebook has taken some early steps to satisfy Germany's regulators. In January, the company announced that it would start filtering fake news for users in Germany. It was the first overseas expansion of an initiative, which launched in the US in December. The company is doing this by working with a number of fact-checking partners, including non-profit Correctiv.

At the end of May, Facebook criticised the new law, saying: "The draft law provides an incentive to delete content that is not clearly illegal when social networks face such a disproportionate threat of fines."

The company added: "It would have the effect of transferring responsibility for complex legal decisions from public authorities to private companies. And several legal experts have assessed the draft law as being against the German constitution and non-compliant with EU law. Facebook is committed to working in partnership with governments and civil society on solutions that will make this draft law unnecessary."

Stephen Deadman, Facebook's global deputy chief privacy officer, said at a conference in Berlin in March that the social media giant's scale makes it hard to monitor and filter everything that gets published and that it had hundreds of staff working on the issue.

"When it comes to managing content, we have almost 1.9 billion people on the platform," Deadman said at the G20 Consumer Summit. "It's a pretty unique situation to be in. Managing content is one of our biggest priorities. I don't want to give any impression that it's something that doesnt matter to us: it's absolutely a top priority."
The ad agency model is under pressure from all sides, including new competitors, a lack of access to data, and clients shifting agency duties in-house. Business Insider caught up with several industry powerhouses in Cannes, including top marketing execs from Unilever, Samsung and VISA as well as the head of industry advisory firm MediaLink. Here's how they see this drama playing out.
The mortgage specialist shall be renamed GHL Bank and will be the foremost bank for wealth creation.

Since its launch in 2006, Ghana Home Loans has dominated and transformed the home loans industry, systematically addressing the key systemic challenges that had hitherto rendered the mortgage product almost non-existent.

Today, Ghana Home Loans offers a full suite of products including Home Purchase, Home Construction, and Land Purchase mortgages. The Company also offers related products and services such as insurance, money transfer and remittances, as well as property sales, lettings, and title registration.

Over the past decade, the Company has significantly increased product awareness by way of innovations such as weekly Mortgage Clinics, Housing Fairs, Nationwide Mortgage Roadshows, the Mortgage Borrower Education Video, and the formation of Real Estate Clubs on various University campuses.

Ghana Home Loans has placed the country on the international finance map by sourcing over USD 170mm in long-term funding from a formidable list of financial institutions such as OPIC, FMO, IFC, Proparco, DEG, EBID, Ghana International Bank, Abraaj, and Shelter Afrique.

Furthermore in 2016, the Company launched a USD 100mm mortgage-linked Medium Term Note programme, listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, the first of its kind in the country. This has enhanced the range and flexibility of the Companys home loans product offering.

Ghana Home Loans is a member of the prestigious Ghana Club 100, placing 15th in the 2015 edition, which made it the highest ranking non-banking financial institution.

GHL Bank will build on this impressive foundation to deliver a truly unique experience to its clients, including a comprehensive range of personal, private, and business banking products.

Commenting on the transformation, Mr. Dominic Adu, the CEO of GHL Bank, remarked that, as a universal bank, we aim to offer all-inclusive solutions to meet the increasing and diverse needs of our customers. This is an exciting time at GHL as we prepare to revolutionise banking in Ghana.

Mr Adu added, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new Board Chairman, Mr. Albert Essien, a veteran of the banking industry. He has played a key role in our transformation process from a mortgage specialist to a universal bank. Mr. Essien brings on board a wealth of industry experience acquired over three decades in banking.

Responding to his appointment, Mr. Essien said that, I am extremely delighted to join GHL Bank at such a significant time in its evolution. I am certain that the new bank should be able to leverage the solid Ghana Home Loans platform to emerge as a leading brand in the industry.
The death of Seedock Boadi has heightened tension among parents and fear among the students.

The students said they are living in fear and unable to concentrate after the death of their colleagues.

They protested to demand the actual cause of the death which has claimed seven lives in three months.

According to reports, they claimed a total of six students have died within just a week with Seedock Boadi passing away putting the number of deaths at seven.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Simon Osei-Mensah explaining some of the death which occured in April after the postmortem said the students died from meningitis.

He said "through the collaborative efforts of experts from Ghana Health Service from district, regional and national levels with experienced colleagues from KATH and an autopsy was conducted on the bodies of the students, we can confidently say that the cause is Meningitis."

A month after the death of the four students another student also died and postmortem indicated he died of typhoid. However the cause of the death of the sixth student was unknown.
The Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity recently received a grant from First National Bank Fremont (FNB) that will help support the non-profit organizations construction of homes for lower income families in Fremont.

The grant totals $13,000 and will contribute to the construction of homes for Fremont residents within the next year.

We are thrilled with the grant received from First National Bank Fremont. They are a great financial supporter for us, as well as servicing Habitats mortgage loans at no cost, and we are thankful for their ongoing support, Joy Mckay, Executive Director of Fremont Habitat, said.

FNB has been a supporter of Fremont Habitat for many years, not only with grants such as this, but by servicing all of the Fremont Habitat loans at no cost, and with FNB employees volunteering for Habitat.

Supporting and giving back to our communities is one of First National Banks core values. We care deeply about the needs of our Fremont area residents and want to be a part of meeting those needs, Barry Benson, President of First National Bank Fremont, said in a released statement.

This summer, Fremont Habitat is in the process of building three homes with partner families in the community. The homes are being built just north of 23rd street on Dover Street and Buckingham Street. The three homes will be the 79th, 80th, and 81st homes that the organization has built since coming to Fremont in 1993.

Along with the grant, FNB employees will also be participating in a build day in the fall to help continue their support of Fremont Habitat.

This grant for affordable housing will help bring safety and stability to future Habitat homeowners. In addition to our financial giving, our staff will be having a build day in the fall to further support the outstanding work Habitat for Humanity does our great community, Benson said in a released statement.

Fremont Habitat uses volunteers and partner families to build affordable homes that are funded by tax-deductible donations of money and materials. Houses are sold to partner families for the cost of construction at no profit to Habitat.

In order to become eligible for a house built by Fremont Habitat for Humanity, applicants must attend informational sessions, go through orientation, and fill out a mortgage application. Applications are then reviewed by a committee who use three determining factors when deciding whether to move ahead with an interested family: willingness and ability to put in sweat equity, their ability to pay and their need for more adequate housing.

It is kind of a common misconception but the homeowners do have to purchase the home, they dont get it for free, McKay said earlier this year in an interview with the Tribune. It is not as much as a regular mortgage would be, one because of donated and reduced cost materials, two we use a lot of volunteer labor, and three when we do our mortgage loan it is a zero interest loan.

With Fremont Habitat currently in the process of building three homes, they have opportunities for build site volunteers on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Those interested in volunteering at a Habitat construction site can call 402-721-8771, stop by their office at 701 E. Dodge St. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit their website at http://www.fremonthabitat.org/involve/volunteer.html.
Prempeh held their grounds in a nervy final to beat St. Thomas Aquinas and Adisadel College on Thursday, June 29, 2017. The winners claimed 53 points as to St. Thomas Aquinas and Adisadel Colleges 51 and 31 points respectively.

Nana Addo, who posted his congratulatory message on social media said Prempeh College who were favourites from the start justified themselves at the end of the competition.

The president of Ghana wrote:

Congratulations to Prempeh College for winning #NSMQ2017.

Favourite from the start; they justified that tag at the end of the contest. Better luck next time to the other schools. #NSMQ2017.
It`s in the wake of this business opportunities that MenzGold, a Gold dealership entity in Ghana partnered with BET in a way that added color to this year`s awards.

MenzGold, a sister company of Zylofon Media- a record label in Ghana with their interest in the creative arts industry the world over sponsored a 24-carat gold coins which had images of all the nominees of the international category (Africa) in this year`s event.

In an interview with the CEO of MenzGold who also doubles as the CEO of Zylofon Media and other businesses, he revealed that the creative arts industry is the future of the world therefore his interest to support this year`s BET with pure gold coins with images of the International category (African) nominees.

We hope to do more in subsequent years, Nana Appiah Mensah who was honoured with a Special Recognition Award at the just ended Exclusive Men of the Year (EMYs awards) at Kemspinki added.
Emmanuel Owusu-Bonsu popularly called Wanlov emphasized that schools should focus on teaching colors, numbers and other important subjects and leave religion for the religious authorities.

The 36-year-old recounted that he immediately had to change his sons first Ghanaian school because he was singing useless Christian songs at home.

When my first born, Abonsamposoro came to Ghana for the first time I took him to a school in Accra, before he was admitted I asked the schools authority if they would be teaching him anything on religion whether Christianity, Muslim or tradition, I asked because I dont want him to be preached to on Christianity, it is not needed in school, so just teach him numbers, colours and rainbows.

Wanlov said, a couple of days after his admission he began to sing a gospel song from school, I immediately took him from that school, I am a bit hesitant in paying my kids school fees because they sing useless songs.
This form of art known as fashion illustration is a way of communicating concept and ideas through sketches in order to portray what the outfit will look like before it comes into life.

The trend, however, saw a decline in the 19th century after photography became the choice of fashion insiders such as Vogue editors, designers, boutiques and the other outfit makers.

The situation has seen a turn around since the turn of the digital age allowing fresh new ideas to be incorporated into the fascination art.

In Ghana, the situation is no different as young fashion designers and students add their own style and touch to the creative genre of illustration pushing them further from the status quo and into the stars.

Below is a list of exceptional illustrators from Ghana who are adding their voice to fashion communication through illustration and promoting diversity in the industry.

Check them out

Papa Oppong

Papa Oppong Bedaiko, who designs and illustrates under his label name, Papa Oppong is an illustrator who has received global recognition for his remarkable works in the field of fashion illustration. Oppong has mentioned by Pop icons including Rihanna, Amber Rose and Kelly Rowland for creative works hes done of them. His works tell a story of a glamorous, confident and willful African woman who loves to go out of her way to look good. These illustrated figures are created with exaggerated features and huge lips with a floral background and his signature. He has been commissioned to illustrate for several brands including Swarovski, Vlisco, and has been featured on Forbes plus a list of media outlets

Peniel Enchil

Perhaps one of the most successful fashion illustrators rising from this side of town is Ghanaian born British artist, Peniel Enchil. Ms. Enchil makes illustration about the millennial woman who has African influences. The illustrations cover a range of topics from fashion to female empowerment, a lot of lifestyle and motivational messages as well. Shes successfully made a business out of the illustration by creating phone cases, accent pillows, calendars, prints for her numerous clients across the world.

House of Paon

Even before a full-fledged design name in Ghana, House of Paon's creative director, Collins was already his whimsical fashion and out-of-the-norm looks on paper. Inspired by the peacock which he claims is his spirit animal, Paon creates very nude-friendly looks for his women who love to go bear but with a lot of grace and style.

Kwaku Kyere

Kwaku Kyere follows the others in this list assiduously have gained popular recognition for his illustrations of Ghanaian celebrities as well as other household brands including Coca Cola, Guiness, MTN and more. According to Kyere he takes inspiration from Haute Couture, color blogs, animations and the environment.

Steve French

Known for his bold and quirky designers, Steve French Oduro who illustrates under the name Stevie Frenchie has caught the attention of the creme de la creme in fashion society. Inspired by cartoon characters at a tender age, Frenchie used information from his favorite pastime to create extravagant outfits. His illustrations have an avant-garde aesthetic that speak to fashion conscious minds. Speaking to CNN Africa in 2016, he said school desks, dusty car windows and textbooks were part of the canvas he used in creating his work.

Stunnin Denzel

Stunnin Denzel is a young Ghanaian designer who uses digital art to create illustrations his award-winning art pieces. Born in Accra, his inspiration stems from wax-textiles and the rising fashion scene in the streets of Accra, Ghana.

Kobby Adu

Another staunch lover of the female body and its silhouette is Ghanaian illustrator, Kobby Adu. Known as Kobby the pet name for Kwabena which means he was born on Tuesday amongst fans, friends and family, he describes his work as a gift and a pleasure which is heavily influenced by fashion trends. These illustrations shed light on the power of the 21st-century woman and how she uses her flawless to advantage

Kevin Afriyie Akosah
The notorious kingpin who was arrested on June 10, 2017, for sundry crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking and murder, had filed a fundamental rights enforcement action against the IGP, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos State Police Command, before a Federal High Court in Lagos State, for unlawful detention.

Evans had averred that his fundamental human rights have been infringed upon by his continuous detention without being charged to a court if the police had any case against him.

According to a report by Vanguard, Evans's father, in supporting his son's suit, also filed the 27 paragraph affidavit saying that the police had not treated his son fairly and had presented him to the whole world as a criminal.

In the affidavit, the Nnewi, Anambra State-born businessman argued that his son had been subjected to media trial instead of being tried in a competent court of jurisdiction, thereby passing him to the public as a criminal.

He stated that Evans had not been granted a fair hearing in any court and is now being judged by the reports published by the media while members of his family have been denied access to him since his arrest.

Mr. Onwuamadike, therefore, urged the police to either charge his son to a court or free him as he is innocent until proven guilty, and never to subject him to any further media trial and public ridicule.
I visited Ghana in 2015 for the first time in eighteen years. It took a lot of getting used to but I was in awe of the beautiful landscape. This led me to make the big decision to shoot my grad film in Ghana: to discuss the cultural differences between western civilisation and Africa and also to photograph the beautiful African scenery. Im not the only one who has experienced this dual feeling so a lot of people will connect to this short film  Koby Adom
One faction led by the Regional Chief Imam Sheikh Alhassan attacked their opponents, who were also led by one Sheikh Mukadasu Thursday evening, Takoradi-based Empire FM reports.

The injured have since been rushed to the Essikado General Hospital and are receiving treatment.

READ ALSO: Heavy gunshots as residents flee Sayeegu

Details of what really led to the clashes are still not clear, but reports say the group led by Sheikh Mukadasu have vowed to retaliate unless the Regional Chief Imam steps down.

No arrest has been made, the Western Regional Police PRO Olivia Ewurabena Adiku told Accra-based Starr FM.
The scandal revolves around the sale of contaminated fuel to a company that has later been emerged to have been unlicensed.

What happened?

BOST sold contaminated fuel to a private trading company Movenpiina which supposedly ended up at filling stations and in car engines. This transaction has led to the loss of around Gh14 million by the State.

Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) and the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) have called for an investigation into the matter. Samples from eight tankers on the premises of Zup Oil-the depot where the oil is to be discharged have also been extracted for testing to confirm whether the contaminated product is intact.

According to the NPA the two companies, Zup Oil and Movenpinaa Energy, were unlicensed. This means they did not have the right to undertake any commercial activity in the downstream petroleum industry, per section 11 of the National Petroleum Authority Act, ACT 691, 2005.

Any implications?

In the light of this grievous revelations, one would have thought that there would be a very strong and emphatic stance on this potentially corruption riddled transaction. That is especially so because the new government came into power on the back of a message of anti-corruption.

Unfortunately, if one was looking for such a situation, a needle in a haystack would be easier to find. It is literally absent.

That is National Petroleum Authority, the industry regulator, has been extremely feeble in its response to the scandal.

In an interview with Accra based Citi FM, Alhassan Tampuli, the acting chief executive officer of the National Petroleum Authority, appeared very relaxed and not as incensed as the public has been about the scandal when asked about the punishment that would be meted out.

He said, that is why we have asked them to come and regularise their activities with us because they are not known to us and if they are not known to us, they are not bound by our regulations.

When quizzed about that response being too lenient he said, the authority was going to enforce its standard fine of 10,500 cedis, an amount even he admitted was not enough deterrent to stop others from flouting the laws.

Unfortunately, this is not the only time or situation in which a state regulator with all its powers refuse to utilise the powers it has been granted.
He will oversee the implementation of the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy (NCSPS).

This forms part of measures being undertaken by the Ministry to build a comprehensive cyber security management architecture that coordinates cyber security services.

His appointment also comes at a time that the country is beginning moves to protect the countrys cyberspace especially on the back of recent global cyber attacks.

Mr Antwi-Boasiako is, therefore, expected to assist the Ministry to implement the policies and programmes aimed at addressing Ghana's cyber security challenges.

Albert Antwi-Boasiako is the Founder & Principal e-Crime Consultant of e-Crime Bureau Inc., a panAfrican cyber security and digital forensics firm based in Accra, Ghana with operations across Africa and its international office based in the United Kingdom.

Albert attended the University of Trento in Italy where he graduated with first class. He further enrolled in the Forensic Information Technology programme for his post-graduate studies at the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom where he graduated with distinction, receiving overall post-graduate best student award from the School of Computing of the university for his investigative project which uncovered emerging trends of online criminal activities on eBay auction platform.

Albert is currently a PhD Fellow at the University of Pretoria, South Africa where he is undertaking a research project on Digital Forensics Standardization within the Information & Computer Security Architecture (ICSA) Research Group.
He disclosed this after a short wreath laying ceremony at the forecourt of the Supreme Court Complex in commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the murder of Justices.

The Justices, Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow and Kwadwo Agyei-Agyepong were executed and burnt on June 30, 1982 at the Bondase Military firing range during the military rule of the former president, Jerry Rawlings.

Three soldiers, Lance Corporal Amedeka, Tony Tekpor and Dzandu, were named as the suspects.

The incident continues to remain a dark spot in the nations political history and a nightmare to many.

But speaking with journalists after the wreath laying ceremony Friday, Agyepong, who was once the General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) said that the bereaved families can only remain thankful to God for his grace and mercies.

He further asked for the Grace of God for the remission of the sins of the architects of the crime who are still alive.
The former Chairman of the Finance Committee, James Klutse Avedzi, said that his committee received 100,000 from officials of the National Lottery Authority ahead of the consideration of amendments to the National Lottery Act, 2006 (Act 722).

The legal advisor to the NLA, David Lamptey had in separate e-mails addressed to the then Director-General of the NLA, Brigadier General Martin Ahiaglo (Retired) in August 2016, requested the approval of a total sum of 150,000 to push the bill for the consideration by parliamentarians.

However, Mr. Avedzi said that the Authority first presented 50,000 cedis to the Committee "but when we looked at the provisions, we realised that the amount was not sufficient so they promised to bring another 50,000 cedis."

This is in spite of claims by the NLA's David Lamptey that the funds were spent on accommodation and other items for the members of the committee ahead of a workshop at the Royal Senchi Hotel last year.

The other 50,000 is yet to be accounted for.

The Director of Public Affairs at Parliament has, however, indicated that members of the Finance Committee who received money from the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to deliberate on a Lottery Law cannot be sanctioned.

Kate Addo said that members of the committee that were involved in the act belonged to the 6th parliament which ceased to function immediately the 7th parliament came into being on January 7, 2017.

But in a joint statement, the three anti-graft bodies said that the claims, if not investigated, will gradually ruin the reputation of parliament.

"This revelation, coming on the back of the unsatisfactory handling of Honourable Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Centrals bribery allegation presents a further challenge to the already dented image of Parliament and growing eroding trust in politics and the political class in the Fourth Republic, they noted in a statement.

They further argued that there should be the setting up an independent body outside of Parliament possibly chaired by someone of the reputation of Mr. Emile Short, former Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) or someone of similar standing, to look at the alleged bribery case, to investigate this issue, review the payment practices in Parliament and make clear recommendations for regulating these processes.

Below is the full statement:

GII, CDD and GACC Call for Independent Probe into Finance Committee NLA Bribery AllegationThe Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) are dismayed with yet another allegation of bribery involving Ghanas Parliament.The reported news that the National Lotteries Authorities (NLA) paid some monies in 2016 to members of the Finance Committee of Parliament prior to the consideration of amendment to the National Lottery Act, 2006 (Act 722) is very worrying.This revelation, coming on the back of the unsatisfactory handling of Honourable Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Centrals bribery allegation presents a further challenge to the already dented image of Parliament and growing eroding trust in politics and the political class in the Fourth Republic.Ghanaians would recall that when the Honourable Ayariga allegations surfaced, our three organisations called for an independent body or committee outside of Parliament to investigate the matter to ensure that the findings of fact will lead to necessary broader reform of some of the wrong practices in Parliament. Unfortunately, that opportunity was missed when the Committee set up by Parliament was given a narrow remit to work with.Considering that sections of the Ghanaian public were not satisfied with the way Parliament managed the Hon. Mahama Ayariga bribery allegation against the appointment committee, it may be useful and helpful for Parliament and the country as a whole for this new allegation be handled differently.The current allegation presents an opportunity for Parliament not to attempt to investigate this matter on their own. GII, CDD-Ghana and GACC recommends for the setting up an independent body outside of Parliament possibly chaired by someone of the reputation of Mr. Emile Short, former Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) or someone of similar standing, to look at the alleged bribery case, to investigate this issue, review the payment practices in Parliament and make clear recommendations for regulating these processes.We wish to encourage the leadership of Parliament not to sweep this allegation under the carpet and like the proverbial ostrich, bury their heads in the sand and pretend there are no problems with the image and integrity of our Parliament.It is in the utmost interest of Parliament and Ghanas young democracy that the integrity and image of Parliament are protected at all cost. Short of these go to undermine the fundamental tenets of checks and balances in a democracy.Finally, GII, CDD-Ghana, and GACC call on Parliament to use this as an opportunity to holistically address the general publics perception of parliamentary corruption and incessant allegations made by individuals, including Hon. Martin Amidu, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Alban Bagbin, current 2nd Deputy Speaker, Hon. P.C Appiah Ofori, former MP, Professor Stephen Adei, Former Rector of GIMPA and recently by Hon. Mahama Ayariga.SIGNED:Linda Ofori-Kwafo, Executive Director , GIIDr. Franklin Oduro, Head of Research & Programmes and Deputy Director CDD-GhanaBeauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary, GACC

Analysis
That war turned down an especially bitter path after three CNN staffers resigned over a retracted story about a member of Trump's transition team, but Trump has been railing against the press since he announced his 2016 bid for the White House in the summer of 2015.

The president's attacks have not stopped since he took office. A rough analysis by CNN on Thursday showed that during Trump's time as president, he has attacked the media on Twitter more than he has tweeted about jobs or the military.

The tally, presented by CNN host Jake Tapper, showed that, out of approximately 770 tweets Trump sent as president so far, about 85 tweets of those tweets were attacks against the media, roughly 67 tweets focused on jobs, and about 27 tweets were about the military.

View the graphic below:

CNN has been a frequent target of Trump's tweets and rants, with him often describing the network as "fake news." On Thursday, Trump interrupted his own speech at the Energy Department to call out CNN again.
One of those intermediaries, according to The Journal, may have been a GOP operative named Peter Smith  an 80-year-old opposition researcher who assembled a team of technology experts, lawyers and a Russian-speaking investigator in September to track down hacking groups with access to the 33,000 emails Clinton deleted from her private server that she said were personal in nature.

Smith cited a working relationship with Flynn's consulting firm, Flynn Intel Group, when trying to recruit new team members, The Journal reported. And he told Eric York, an expert on computer security from Atlanta who searched the hacker forums on his behalf, that he was "talking to Michael Flynn" about the project and to let him know if he found anything, according to The Journal.

Flynn's lawyer, Robert Kelner, did not respond to request for comment. Smith told The Journal that the hacking groups that claimed to have the deleted Clinton emails  which he could not verify and therefore did not publish  were probably Russian. There is no evidence the hackers infiltrated Clinton's server.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is leading the FBI's investigation into whether any of Trump's associates colluded with Russia to undermine Clinton during the election.

Roger Stone, a longtime Trump adviser, is also being scrutinized over his conversations with a hacker linked to Russian military intelligence, Guccifer 2.0. Stone exchanged private messages with the self-described hacker in August, and his tweets in the days after raised questions about whether he knew in advance that emails from Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta, would be imminently published by WikiLeaks.

But Flynn's potential ties to Russia have been of particular interest to the committees because of his conversations with Russia's ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak, that eventually led to Flynn's ouster.

Russian officials bragged about their close relationship to Flynn last year, according to intercepted communications described to CNN, and boasted that they could use him to influence Trump. The way the Russians were talking about Flynn "was a five-alarm fire from early on," a former Obama administration official said.
Unlike many of the president's top aides, Sanders was bred in politics. She's the daughter of former Arkansas governor and two-time presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, and she served as field director for her father's 2002 gubernatorial reelection campaign, was the national political director for his 2008 presidential campaign, and headed his 2016 presidential bid.

I always say that when most kids are seven or eight years old out jumping rope, she was sitting at the kitchen table listening to [political commentators] analyze poll results, Mike Huckabee told Fox News in May.

Her work on several Republican politicians' campaigns landed her on Time's 40 Under 40 list in 2010, alongside other top political minds, including Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin and Nick Ayers, who was selected this week to be Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff. In her Time interview, Sanders called her father her political "inspiration," and praised President Barack Obama for addressing what she said was the most overlooked issue facing the nation: kids who are "victims of broken families."

Following Huckabee's withdrawal from the 2016 Republican primary race in February 2016, Sanders signed on as a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, later becoming a frequent spokesperson. Since January, she's served as the principal deputy press secretary at the White House and, more recently, has shared press briefing responsibilities with Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

Sanders followed in her dad's footsteps from a young age, attending college at his alma mater, Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts school in Arkansas. After college, she worked for the Department of Education under President George W. Bush, worked on Bush's reelection campaign in 2004, and staffed a couple of Senate campaigns before joining her dad's 2008 presidential campaign. She has called the former governor a "hero."

On the Trump campaign, Sanders was tasked with developing communications targeting faith leaders, gun rights supporters, and military groups. She frequented cable news networks as a surrogate, defending Trump's actions and explaining his policy positions.

Sanders is married to a Republican political strategist, Bryan Sanders, whom she hired to work on her father's 2008 campaign. The two married in 2010, co-founded a political consulting firm, Second Street Strategies in Little Rock, Arkansas, and have two daughters and a son all under the age of 5.

As principal deputy press secretary, Sanders works with Lindsay Walters, her co-deputy press secretary, and press secretary Sean Spicer to liaise with the news media and craft the administration's public messaging.

Sanders first took on White House press briefing responsibilities on May 5, when she filled in for Spicer, who was out on Naval Reserve duty. Since then, she has become a regular behind the briefing podium.

Ever since Stephanie Grisham, now Melania Trump's communications director, and Mike Dubke, the former White House communications director, left Trump's communication team, Sanders has become more visible and is considered a top candidate to take over Spicer's job if his responsibilities change.

Mike Huckabee called Saturday Night Live's parody of his daughter "sexist," but had previously told the AP, "One of the great honors of life is to be parodied ... It's kind of an indication that you've arrived at a place of real power."
Jay-Z owns a large stake in the streaming service Tidal, which has become known for debuting new music exclusively for a short window and keeping it off competitors like Apple Music and Spotify.

The New York rapper calls out Apple Music exec and industry legend Jimmy Iovine in a song from his new album, "4:44," which is, of course, (for now).

In the song "Smile," Jay raps about his beef with Apple and the streaming music industry as a whole:

"F--- a slice of the apple pie, want my own cake / Chargin' my own fate / Respect Jimmy Iovine / But he gotta respect the Elohim as a whole new regime / And n----- playin' for power, huh / So our music is ours"

Jay-Z relaunched Tidal in 2014 with a roster of other A-list artists as a response to other streaming platforms paying low royalties to artists. (Tidal claims to pay more royalties and was set up as a co-ownership with Jay-Z's artist friends like Madonna and Coldplay's Chris Martin.)

When Apple launched Apple Music in 2015, it ignited a war with Tidal by paying top dollar for exclusive music releases. Tidal struck back with its own exclusives, like Kanye West's "The Life of Pablo."

But Tidal has struggled to grow its business and faced numerous setbacks over the past couple of years, and Apple was rumored to be eyeing a takeover last fall. Apple's Iovine denied the rumor at the time, and Jay later sold a third of Tidal to Sprint for a reported $200 million.
The findings highlighted flooding as a major risk factor for the region (as have dozens of other previous reports on climate change). Those warnings now ring particularly salient as Hurricane Harvey wreaks havoc on Texas  though it's difficult to determine exactly how much climate change contributed to the disaster.

The report estimated that for every degree Celsius the temperature rises between now and the end of the century, America could see roughly 5.4 more deaths per 100,000 people. Those figures were far higher in many southern counties in Texas and Florida, however  the numbers there reach 20 to 40 deaths per 100,000.

"Past models had only looked at the United States as a single region," Robert Kopp, a climate scientist at Rutgers who was a lead author of the report, told The New York Times on June 29. Those models, he said, "missed this entire story of how climate change would create this large transfer of wealth between states."

Several factors will contribute to the rising death toll, which were previously documented by many other reports on climate change. A 2012 report by the Climate Vulnerability Monitor cited flooding, heat waves, wildfires, and crop shortages as some of the primary issues. Other problems expected to affect America's South include elevated energy use (to cool homes and buildings during heat waves) and increasing costs related to weather damage on the nation's coast.

While Southern states will most likely face dire consequences as a result of the planet's warming, others  mostly in the north  could emerge virtually scot-free, according to the report's map.

An interactive map of temperatures and emissions based on the report is available on the Climate Impact Lab website.

Madeleine Sheehan Perkins wrote an earlier version of this post.
The trio in conjunction with the 1in3 Africa campaign are walking the streets of Lagos today, June 30, 2017, to show their displeasure at the high rate of domestic violence cases.

Recall that Mercy Aigbe and Tonto Dikeh are both victims of domestic violence and have taken the DV awareness to heart.

The group kicked off their walk at 10 am under the Falomo Bridge by Awolowo Road, Lagos. This comes after Aigbe took to Instagram writing, "Battery and Assault is a CRIME! #saynodomesticviolence #saynotoassault

Join us in the #1in3Africa campaign, a campaign against violence! We are walking the streets of lagos to show our displeasure at this menace that is eating deep into our system....... Join us tomorrow by 10am, Start off point is Falomo Bridge by Awolowo Road......

Conflicts should be settled amicably and not through violence, only weak men hit women."
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!
Punch reported that the parents withdrew the girl from the school over the alleged indifference of the management to the incident that almost claimed her life.

It was also reported that the family members of the poison victim were furious with the perceived poor handling of the case by the management of the Lekki British International School.

Though an official of the school reportedly said the 12-year-old involved in the incident had been expelled from the school and referred for psychological and psychiatric tests, the family believes the measures are coming rather too late if truly the school took such measures.

Those privy to the unfortunate incident narrated that a 12-year-old Junior Secondary School I pupil was envious of the 11-year-old classmate, who had beaten him to the first position during the first and second terms.

ALSO READ:

To ensure the 11-year-old doesn't come first again, the 12-year-old had allegedly sneaked into the school laboratory and mixed sulphuric acid and ethanol which he poured into the 11-year-old's water bottle.
Evans who was described as one of the most dangerous and deadly criminals in the country, cut the picture of a frightened, nervous, and worried rabbit who had been cornered and knows that his end has come.

Even in one of his confessions, Evans was quoted as saying that he was about to commit suicide when the police came after him, knowing that he would not be treated fairly by the force owing to his many crimes and perceived atrocities.

The story of Evans soon became the most viral stories with his purported confessions coming on a daily basis, keeping Nigerians updated on his daily life in the police cell. In fact, Evans was elevated to the status of a celebrity and very few individuals hugged the headlines as much as Evans did in the three weeks he has been in detention.

Journalists had the best of times reporting stories about the notorious suspect while bloggers latched on to any piece of information, real or made up, as long as it concerned him, so as to increase their traffic.

But suddenly, the panicky, worried, and intimidated figure Evans had cut at his parade, soon gave way to an arrogance and effrontery never known with criminal suspect, especially one that has had so much attention and is seen as guilty beyond doubt in the minds of Nigerians.

Evans temerity and boldness in suing the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos State Police Command, before a Federal High Court in Lagos State, for unlawful detention and infringement of his fundamental human rights is either a show of an audacity stemming from his past life of not having anyone dictate to him or that of a man having a large clout and backing.

But one thing is clear here: Evans has every right to sue the police for a violation of his human rights [forget the argument that he did not think of the rights of his kidnap victims when they were in his captivity].

As far as the Nigerian Constitution is concerned, Evans is still presumed innocent until proven guilty in a competent court of justice. The Constitution also stipulates that a suspect must be charged to court within 24 hours of his arrest.

So detaining Evans this long is a serious trampling of his human rights. However, the Force Public Relations Officer [FPRO], CSP Jimoh Moshood, has come out to say that the police had obtained a court injunction to detain him for three months while investigations continue.

This is typical of Nigerian security agencies who arrest a suspect before embarking on investigations, thereby subjecting the suspect to untold hardship, mental and physical torture.

Evans did not just stop at suing the police over his illegal detention, he is also demanding the sum of N300 million as general and exemplary damages against the police for alleged illegal detention and unconstitutional media trial.

Evans' major quest is for the police to charged him to court if they have any case against him or they should release him.

In reality, Evans is not asking for too much. What he is simply telling the police is that they should hurry up with their investigations and charge him to a court so that he can either plead guilty or not.

If the police has a case against Evans, they should hurry up and prosecute him in Lagos State, especially on the charges of kidnapping. After all, most of the high profile kidnappings were done in Lagos and he was caught inside his palatial Magodo GRA home in Lagos.

He had his detention camps in Lagos and collected the huge ransoms in Lagos which is within the jurisdiction of courts in Lagos.

The laws of Lagos State stipulates the death penalty for kidnappers whose victims die in their custody, and life imprisonment for the act of kidnapping and if the police have a water tight case against him.

In signing the bill into law on January 5, 2015, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had said that kidnapping had become a major threat to the safety of residents of the state and, therefore, required decisive action by the government.

This law imposes a penalty of life imprisonment for kidnapping for ransom. The law stipulates that, where a victim dies in the course of kidnapping, the suspect is liable on conviction to death.

Security is of utmost importance to our administration, and we are confident that this law will serve as a deterrent to anybody, who may desire to engage in this wicked act within the boundaries of Lagos State.

Our justice system will be required to execute this law to the letter and make sure that any criminal caught faces the full wrath of the law.
The suspect who has sued high ranking members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has claimed that his continued detainment is unlawful.

This continued pressure on the police has been described in a news compiled by The Guardian News as a desperate measure by members of Evans gang who are currently still at large.

It is believed that they are trying to speed up the court hearing of their leader in order to cool off the chase being made by the police to secure their arrest.

Evans gang members who wanted him to go to court before Police will finish investigations that have been leading to their exposure and arrests, hired a lawyer who sued the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and OC SARS.

They are insisting that Evans should be charged to court, the spokesperson told The Guardian.

The police already anticipated the move by Evans' gang and have reportedly "secured an order of the Federal High Court to detain Evans for at least three months," report says.

This is expected to allow the NPF more time as it aims to conclude investigations on the case which has taken them beyond Nigeria and to countries such as Ghana and South Africa.
Justice Oluwatoyin Abodunde, who gave the verdict, said the principal was guilty as charged.

Abodunde rejected the convicts counsels plea for leniency on grounds that he was a first offender, father and breadwinner of an aged mother.

The prosecution has proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt on the strength of evidence placed before the court. 

The cases of child defilement has been on the increase lately and to serve as a deterrent to others, my view is that the punishment stipulated by the lawmakers was deliberate to deter the offence and protect the right to dignity of the child.

The defence counsel is pleading for leniency and praying for fine instead of the due punishment. My question is: who pays the victim for the life-time scar or the trauma and torture of rape ?`I am unable to deviate from the provisions of the law in this instance; the defendant is found guilty as charged andsentenced to life imprisonment, the judge said.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the rapist, who is in his 60s was at the time of committing the crime, the Vice- Principal (Academics) at St. Marys Girls Grammar School, Ikole-Ekiti.Ajayi, who was suspended from the civil service to face the consequences of his action, committed the offence on March 18, 2014.

Two teachers had stormed the vice-principals office but could not gain entry until after about 30 minutes and caught him red-handed.

NAN also reports that the prosecution was led by Mr A.E. Arogundade of the Ministry of Justice, while the defence team was led by Mr Sule Longe.

At the arraignment on Oct. 14, 2016, Ajayi had pleaded not guilty. The offence contravened Section 31 (2) of the Child Rights Law of Ekiti State 2012.

The prosecution called eight witnesses including a medical practitioner from the State University Teaching Hospital, police officers who investigated the case, two other pupils and a teacher in the school.

Exhibits tendered include a medical report, statement of the accused, report of the panels set up by the school authorities and Teaching Service Commission, medical report from the police clinic, statement of the victim, among others.
Amosu is charged alongside two other officers of the Air Force  AVM Jacob Adigun and Air Commodore Gbadebo Olugbenga.

Also charged are some companies  Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil and Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites BDC, and Fonds and Pricey Ltd being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

They were arraigned before Justice Mohammed Idris on June 26, 2016, and had pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy, stealing and money laundering.

Idirs had granted them bail in the sum of N500 million each with two sureties each in like sum.

Before the court adjourned on Wednesday, EFCCs lawyer, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had made an oral application urging the court to visit the locus in quo(scene of crime) for the purpose of admitting in evidence, various immovable properties allegedly acquired by the accused.

The defence counsel, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) had opposed the application, arguing that a courts visit to a locus is not at large.

According to him, any visit must be specific, direct and linked to evidences already given in the course of proceedings.

He urged the court to refuse the application.

Ruling on the application on Thursday, Justice Mohammed Idris, held that such a visit at this stage of the proceedings was premature.

I find that the circumstances surrounding the application for a locus in quo is immaterial at this stage of the proceedings, a visit to the locus at this stage is premature.

I hereby refuse the application to conduct such a visit at this stage, he said.

After the ruling, the prosecutor commenced examination of witnesses and tendered some documents in evidence.

Defence counsel had began a perusal of some of the documents but the prosecutor urged the court to order parties to compare documents for a hitch-free proceedings.

The court adjourned until Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 for continuation of trial.

The accused were alleged to have indirectly converted the sum of N3.6 billion belonging to the Nigerian Air force to their own use.

The EFCC accused Amosun and others of stealing about N323 million from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force between March 21, 2014 and March 12, 2015 for the purpose of purchasing for themselves a property situated at No.1, River Street, Wuse II, Abuja.
Adamu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia on Friday that the Lafia Rice Mill alone sold over six trucks of rice daily, while each of the smaller mills across the state sold between two to three trucks.

He said that a bag of rice sold for N25, 000, while a truckload of rice, which contained 400 bags, would fetch around N1 million.

Before the ban on the importation of foreign rice, millers in the state hardly sold two trucks in a week.

The government policy has enticed lots of investors into the business, with over 28,000 persons gainfully involved in rice milling activities in Lafia alone, he said.

Adamu urged the government and donor agencies to assist rice millers with modern milling machines and de-stoners to enhance the quality of their commodity to meet international standard.

ALSO READ: Nasarawa Governor urges workers to call off strike

He commended the current economic diversification move of the Federal Government via the exportation of yam, saying that the nation would soon begin the exportation of rice, owing to its current level of rice production.
It said that it contributed by consolidating, especially in the last one year on the gains so far achieved in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and other domestic threats.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai made the remarks on Friday at a news conference to begin the 2017Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), which holds on every July 6.

The army which came into being in 1863 is now 154 years old.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Christopher Jemitola, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Buratai said that the 2017 event was organised to sustain the rich history, traditions and values of the army.

The theme of the celebration is; Sustaining the Successes of the Nigerian Army in Tackling Contemporary and Emerging Security Challenges.

This theme was deliberately chosen to reflect on the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army in the fight against insurgency in the North East and other forms of criminalities across the nation.

The liberation of all parts of the country hitherto claimed by the Boko Haram terrorists and the eventual collapse of the once dreaded Sambisa forest are clear testimonies to this fact, Buratai said.

He said the annual event was an opportunity for the army to take stock, assess its performances, inter-face with members of the public and set goals for the succeeding year.

He recalled that onJuly 6, 1967, the first shot was fired at Garkem in the present day Cross River, which commenced the unfortunate 30-month long Nigerian Civil War.

The army chief said that NADCEL constantly reminded the army of the supreme sacrifices paid by its gallant troops, as well as to showcase its contributions in keeping Nigeria united and indivisible country.

The celebration is also aimed at protecting the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development as well as highlighting the achievements, capabilities and positive image of the Nigerian Army.

At a Jumaat service to begin the event, Brig.-Gen. Shehu Mustapha, the Director of Army Islamic Affairs called on religious leaders to contribute their quota in ensuring peace in the country.

Mustapha urged them to prevail on their followers to exercise restraint in the practices of their belief and avoid extremism to reduce the incident of religious crisis.

They must assist the army by preventing conflicts, he said, noting that religious extremism causes crisis.

He also urged Nigerians of different faith to be tolerant of one another, while praying for the quick recovery of the president.

ALSO READ: Army Chief warns troops to stay away from politicians

At the service, the chief of army staff, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Alkali Ahmadu, the Chief of Administration, commended officers and men of the army for their resilience in the fight against insurgency.

While urging them to be disciplined and subjective to constituted authorities, Buratai charged them to ensure that terrorists were totally defeated.
On June 2, 2017, Pulse was the first media organisation in the land to be availed of plans to recall Melaye.

Some of the grievances levelled against the senator by his constituents from Yagba West, Yagba East, Mopamuro, Ijumu, Kabba/Bunu, Koton-Karfe and Lokoja were that Melaye doesn't have a constituency office back home, he insults other political leaders, he is engulfed in a school certificate scandal, he is "notoriously corrupt" and that the senator "routinely gives youths in the constituency who approach him for help, N1,000 or less, telling them to use it to buy condoms".

Melaye was also accused of rascality, thuggery and violence by his constituents.

Melaye, who initially laughed off the recall moves as the handiwork of Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, has been frantically working behind the scenes to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dead in its tracks.

Pulse can also confirm that the Kogi State government is indeed fuelling the recall moves.

On June 19, 2017, 188, 580 electorates from the senator's constituency said they wanted him back home.

On June 21, 2017, INEC confirmed that it had received the signatures from Kogi West and notified the senator accordingly.

The next step, according to the electoral commission, would be to verify the signatures from the electorates, on July 3, 2017.

Melaye says that dead persons were part of the signatories forwarded to the electoral commission. He has also called out the Kogi State Governor for bankrolling the recall.

"Quote me, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has released N200M for each of the seven local government areas in my senatorial district to facilitate my recall from the Senate," Melaye said.

"Nobody should take the recall 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," the senator said.

While displaying an unflappable mien in public, sources in and around Kogi and Abuja have disclosed to Pulse that the senator isnt finding the recall moves funny.

Melaye, Pulse was told, spends sleepless nights these days as he seeks to thwart the recall process by deploying every trick in the book.

A highly placed source at INEC told Pulse on condition of anonymity, Thursday night, that "Dino has been meeting with some of our staff and promising them land in the FCT in exchange for information on his recall".

ALSO READ: Senator says dead people signed petition against him

The senator has also hired controversial lawyer Mike Ozekhome, to haul some legal spanner in the recall works.

On Thursday, June 29, 2017, Ozekhome penned a letter to INEC demanding that the recall process be halted. The letter was addressed to the chairman of the commission.

The letter from Ozekhome read in parts: "We humbly bring to your notice, for the avoidance of doubt, that during litigation, or pendency of an action, nothing new should be introduced in a matter that has the potential of foisting fait accompli on a court with respect to the subject matter before it.

"It is further submitted respectfully, on the premise of this hallowed and ageless principle, that any act perpetrated or transaction, carried out during the pendency of any proceeding regarding the subject matter

"Our client is already challenging the validity of the petition upon which INEC now seeks to act. It will be necessary and indeed expedient that INEC exercises restraint by halting every further action in respect of the recall process pending the determination of the originating processes already filed before the court".

Pulse can also report that Melaye has been holding series of meetings with purported leaders of some of the local governments in Kogi West, in a bid to cajoling them to dispense with the recall process in its entirety.

It remains to be seen how well these rapprochement moves impinge on the recall process in the days ahead.

Attempts to get the senator to respond to the allegations concerning bribing INEC officials, have proven unsuccessful.
According to a report by Punch, Namdas made this known while speaking with journalists in Abuja recently.

Namdas said members of the National Assembly were surprised that the Fashola's ministry would keep N20billion in the budget as contingencies, but chose to propose only N12bn for the 2nd Niger Bridge.

The provision for contingencies was found only in Fasholas ministry and the fact that we removed that money is where the anger is. We sourced another N30bn and added that N21bn, bringing it to N50bn, which was distributed to 15 other roads in the country, he said.

Namdas also disagreed with Fashola that there was no existing Public Private Partnership funding agreement for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

ALSO READ: Lawmakers tampered with minister's budget because it favored south

Speaking furher, Namdas said, So, even if he says there is no PPP, but there is something like a loan by a consortium of banks, what do you make of that?

Since he is not sure, we stand on our ground that there is a PPP in place and that the National Assembly acted right by re-distributing the money to the roads in the country, including South-West states.

Continuing, Namdas said: " In 2016 the National Assembly appropriated N40bn for the road, out of which only N26bn was successfully utilised. The other N14bn was not released. It then means that even if we gave them the whole N31bn, there is no guarantee that they will release it. The National Assembly acted from a position of experience.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ali Makoda, who presented the items, urged the prisons service to make effective use of the items so as to achieve a hygienic environment.

The commissioner, whom was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Sagir Wali, urged the prisons to clear their drains regularly.

He also appealed to the affluent citizens to support the efforts of the Gov. Abdullahi Gandujes administration to sanitise the environment.

Receiving the items, the Deputy Comptroller of Prisons, Mallam Ubale Haruna, commended the state government for the gesture.

He pledged to make the best use of the items, adding that the items were donated on time because the inmates had started the cleaning of the prison in preparation for the rainy season.

Haruna, however, solicited the assistance of the state government in fumigating the prison, so as to complement the efforts of the inmates who just cleared the premises.
Onu said this while declaring open a two-day dialogue and sensitisation programme with stakeholders on the promotion of made in Nigeria products in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology is indeed committed to ensuring that we patronise made in Nigeria products and services, he said.

He said that the ministry had produced a road map that would create a synergy with the Civil Society of Organisations (CSOs) for the growth of the country.

He said that the ministry would partner with CSO coalition to inform Nigerians to support and ensure patronage of indigenous products and services.

The CSO is very dynamic in the country, we want to work with you through your representative NGO network.

Please always attend to us and always support us to promote made in Nigeria products and services,  he said.

Onu was represented at the occasion by Mr E. J Udoh, the Director, Science and Technology Promotion, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.

According to him, the ministry will host the second Technology and Innovation Expo in Abuja in March 2018.

He urged the CSOs to bring entrepreneurs into production and services that would promote made in Nigeria products during the expo.

Dr Lanre Adebayo, the Director General, Centre for Applied Policy and Social Advocacy (CAPSA), Abuja, said that Nigeria was importing almost everything before the present government came to power.

He said that Nigeria imported N67 trillion worth of raw materials in the past 10 to 15 years.

But when this government came on board one of the things it did was to reverse this trend by coming up with economic, growth and recovery plan, he said.

He said that so far, the plan was successfully reversing the trend where Nigerians import virtually everything.

Adebayo said that if this plan was sustained, the government would revive the economy to eventually bring about growth in the country.

Government hopes to revive the economy by seven per cent and it is also one of the means to take the country out of recession.

Our proposal is to dialogue and sensitise ourselves on promotion of made in Nigeria products, he said.

He said that when we promote made in Nigeria products, it would save our foreign exchange.

Mr Udo Ekpenyong, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, said that President Mohammadu Buharis administration had encouraged businesses to thrive.

Ekpenyong, represented by Mr Godwin Inyeng, Senior Special Assistant to the Commissioner, expressed optimism that the recession would be over before the end of year 2017.

He said that Nigeria needed proper legislative framework to protect local producers and encouragement through patronage in the coming years.

Inyeng said the law, when put in place would attract a lot of of benefits to the Nigerian economy including better employment opportunities and poverty alleviation.
He made this revelation while speaking at the 5th Annual Christopher Kolade Lecture on Business Integrity in Lagos on Friday, June 30, 2017.

According to him, "In our investigations into Defence spending, we discovered 15 billion dollars unaccounted for, with no guarantee that we will ever be able to recover it.

"You can imagine the damage done by that corrupt act."

The Acting President was speaking on the lecture subject, "Prevention is Better than Cure Even on the Issue of Corruption".

He made remarks about the dangerous consequences of corruption in the country and the impact it is having on the country's prospects.

ALSO READ: Acting President signs executive order on tax programme

According to him, "Corruption is the robbery of the wealth of the nation, and thieves exist in every tribe or religion.

"You need to engage forensic consultants and hire other experts; even then, you will only have some hope of recovering some of what has been lost.

"Many countries are reluctant to return proceeds of corruption by introducing legal obstacles of different kinds to ensure that we do not get back the money.

"There is a long list of "What if"  what if we were able to do something or invest even half of that money in economic or infrastructure projects before it disappeared?

"If some of that money went into boosting our reserves, our exchange rate will not be where it is today; so there lies evidence that corruption is cheaper to prevent than to cure."

Osinbajo also commented on the government's efforts to combat corruption, by putting measures in place to prevent it from happening.

He said, "President Muhammadu Buhari issued an order mandating immediate compliance to the Treasury Single Account system to simplify government accounting to provide a clear picture of what is coming in and going out.

"Over 20,000 bank accounts have been closed since the presidential order.

"Another example is the bank verification numbers which modified application to the federal payroll; we have been able to uncover more than 60,000 cases of ghost workers.

"Another important measure is getting all our armed forces personnel on the electronic human resource payroll to prevent scams in the service."

He continued, "The solution really is to ensure stiffer control to prevent fraud and corruption.

"We will not succeed in preventing corruption to a significant extent unless the acts of corruption are met with appropriate levels of sanctions and deterrence."

The event was organised by the Integrity Organisation Limited, an anti-corruption, research and advocacy organisation.

On Thursday, Osinbajo signed an executive order offering a nine months grace period to tax payers to regularise their tax status or face criminal prosecution for tax offences.
He said the party never made a promise to restructure while it was campaigning for the presidential seat because of how contentious the issue is.

He also said the government is more concerned with fulfilling the immediate needs of Nigerians.

Oyegun disclosed this on Sunrise Daily, an early morning show on Channels TV, saying the subject ranks low on President Muhammadu Buhari's list of priorities.

He said, "When the APC manifesto was being put together, it was discussed extensively.

"We chose our words carefully in putting that manifesto together and we are committed to what we have said in that manifesto. But look at it this way.

"If you ask a Nigerian youth today, will he say his number one preference is restructuring? Or will he say his number one preference is a job, food on the table, economic prospect and restoration of hope in the future?

"Will restructuring be the panacea that will solve that problem? That is the challenge we are confronted with as the APC.

"What is our priority at this stage? Is the nature of eye economy such that we can now embark on that very complicated issue?

"It is complicated, it is contentious and a lot of people talk about it without any commonality.

"We have stated clearly what we want to do, devolution and true federalism. We really avoided the word restructuring because it means so many things to so many people.

"So yes, short answer to your question, we are coming to that but our priority for now, for today is to fix the economy and restore hope, provide jobs to the teaming millions of our youths in all over the country. So it is a matter of priority.

"What is more important, to fix the economy or to embark on this political issue with all the contentious and different interpretation that the public give to it?

"It is very specific on the manifesto and we are not going to renege on it, no question about that. It is a matter of time."

Calls for restructuring the country and achieving true federalism has dominated public discourse over the past week.

Former military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida recently lent his voice to the demands, arguing "for the devolution of more powers from the federal level to the states."

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also issued a statement on Tuesday, supporting the calls for restructuring the country, thanking the APC's Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) for publicly backing it.
What better way to ease off the stress of the week than watch a good movie.

With that in mind, check out our list of movies currently showing in cinemas across Lagos and Abuja.

Starring: Dakore Akande, Joseph Benjamin, Marc Rhys

Synopsis: The movie follows Isoken (Dakore Akande), a 34-year-old successful but single woman, who is under a lot of pressure from her mother (Tina Mba) to get married, especially, as her two younger sisters are already married.

Daily: 11:30AM, 4:20PM, 6:20PM, 8:25PM

Daily: 2:30 PM, 4:50 PM, 7:15 PM, 9:40 PM

Daily: 3:35PM, 5:00PM, 6:55PM, 8:50PM

Daily: 12:45PM,2:45PM,4:45PM,6:45PM,8:45PM

Starring: Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper

Synopsis: Lightning McQueen sets out to prove to a new generation of racers that he's still the best race car in the world.

Daily: 10:50AM,12:55PM,2:50PM

Daily: 11:00AM, 3:40PM

Daily: 12:20 PM

Daily: 10:00AM, 10:50AM

Starring: Ella Bates, Alex Ekubo, Ime Bishop Umoh

Synopsis: Okon and Bona have been selected for an exchange program in London. Will they return home after the program or will they attempt to make it big in London?

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 10:20AM

Friday - Thursday: 4:30PM

Synopsis: Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior.

When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny.

Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright

Daily: 3:40PM, 6:20PM, 7:40PM

Fri & Mon - Thu: 4:00 PM, 6:45 PM, 9:30 PM

Sat & Sun: 1:15 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:45 PM, 9:30 PM

Starring:Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis

Synopsis: An ancient princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension.

Showing:

Daily: 1:40PM, 3:20PM, 7:10PM

Daily: 10:40AM, 12:45PM, 9:20PM

Daily: 7:30 PM, 9:50 PM

Daily: 5:30PM

Starring: Kate Henshaw, Kunle Afolayan, Toyin Oshinaike, Fathia Balogun and Dari Afolayan.

Synopsis: The psychological limits and endurance of a couple are stretched after the wife, Diane, suddenly sees an exact replica of her dead son (five years after his death), walking leisurely home from a different school and living an entirely different life. The emotional ramifications of this experience becomes near damning

Showing:

Saturday -Thursday: 1:45PM, 3:45PM, 5:50PM, 8:15PM

Daily: 5:45pm,7:20pm,8:45pm

Saturday and Sunday: 5:45pm,7:20pm,8:45pm,9:15PM

Daily: 11:45AM, 2:00PM

Daily: 3:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 7:00 PM

Starring: Richard Mofe-Damijo, Adesua Etomi, Mercy Johnson, Falz The Bahd Guy, 2Baba Idibia, Gbenro Ajibade, Fathia Balogun, Uti Nwachukwu, Yvonne Jegede

Synopsis: The movie is a feature-length comedy-drama that sees Akpos on another adventure, this time, to South Africa, with his girlfriend Bianca.

Showing:

Daily: 1:50PM, 7:20PM, 9:10PM

Daily: 4:05PM,5:55PM,7:45PM

Daily: 1:20AM, 3:00PM, 4:40PM, 6:25PM, 8:15PM

Fri: 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM, 11:00 PM

Sat: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM, 11:00 PM

Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM

Mon - Thu: 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM

Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem

Synopsis: Gru meets his long-lost charming, cheerful, and more successful twin brother Dru who wants to team up with him for one last criminal heist.

Showing:

Saturday - Thursday: 11:50AM, 1:30PM, 3:40PM, 5:20PM

Daily: 10:35AM,12:25PM,2:15PM,4:55PM

Fri & Mon - Thu: 1:20 PM, 3:25 PM, 5:30 PM

Sat & Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:25 PM, 5:30 PM

Daily: 10:00AM, 11:45AM, 1:30PM, 3:15PM

Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Nick Robinson, Anika Noni Rose

Synopsis: A teenager who's spent her whole life confined to her home falls for the boy next door.

Showing:

Daily: 4:10 PM, 8:45 PM

Starring:Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins, Josh Duhamel

Synopsis: Humans and Transformers are at war, Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of Transformers on Earth.

Showing:

Daily: 12PM, 1:10PM, 5:30PM, 8:20PM

Daily: 10:20AM,1:00PM,3:00PM,8:55PM

Daily: 1:10 PM, 7:10 PM, 10:05 PM
In a ruling which lasted for over two hours on Friday, June 30, 2017, Justice Valentine Ashi held that the plaintiff failed to discharge the burden of proof bestowed on him and so his suit stands dismissed.

The judge said the plaintiff should have investigated and gotten his facts from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which cleared the defendant as being eligible for elections.

The same certificate has been used by the defendant since 2007 till date without any alteration. The defendants election forms submitted in INEC in over three elections he participated is same without any alteration, the judge said.

Ashi said that Nnadi should have also conducted checks at Union Secondary School, Awkunawu, Enugu State, where Uba said he obtained his school leaving certificate as opposed to Boys High School, Awkunawu, which the plaintiff claimed.

The court declared Senator Uba eligible to hold any elective position as he has met the minimum educational requirement provided by d constitution of Nigeria.

Nnadi had sued Uba on the grounds that he presented a forged School certificate from Boys High School, Awkunawu, and so unqualified and ineligible to stand for elections.

Uba, in his counter affidavit, however, denied ownership of the said certificate and maintained that he graduated from Union Secondary School, Awkunawu, which he submitted to INEC and was properly cleared.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal, sitting in Abuja, on Thursday declared Uchendu as the winner of the December re-run election for Rivers East Senatorial seat.

The tribunal also ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return from Mr George Sekibo (PDP) and give it to Uchendu as the duly elected senator representing Rivers-East Senatorial District.

Bekee told NAN in Port Harcourt on Thursday that the party was very delighted.

As a party, we are very delighted because when we told Rivers people that PDP took our mandate, we believed that the tribunal would do justice to it.

We strongly believe that the appeal tribunal will affirm what the lower tribunal has done.

As an APC member, I can tell you that the party is very delighted, happy and satisfied with the judgment.

Bekee urged the APC party members to remain strong and focused.

In his reaction, Dr Chidi Lloyd, the immediate past majority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly, said that the victory was in support of the partys message that politicians should allow votes to count.

It only confirms what we have been saying that people should learn how to win elections and not to use crude means.

The cookies have started crumbling; Rivers people know how Sen. Sekibo was declared winner, he said.
Appointed last month Kafando, a former president of Burkina Faso, is the fourth UN envoy to be named since June 2015 after the Burundian government objected to his predecessors.

The envoy's key role is to mediate an end to a deep and sometimes violent political crisis that began in April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his intention to run for a controversial third term which he went on to win.

However, the government refuses to negotiate with the exiled opposition, which it accuses of being behind more than two years of sporadic violence.

"The Burundian government has faith in him. In the light of his experience, of what he has done," said Claude Karerwa Ndanzako, spokesman for the Burundian presidency, after Kafando and Nkurunziza met on Thursday.

"We believe and we hope that he will do better than his predecessors," Ndanzako said, warning Kafando against "leaning" towards the opposition or publishing "slanderous reports against Burundi".

The relationship between Burundi and the UN worsened after the publication of a damning human rights report in September 2016 that accused security forces of abuses.
"We urge the US side to stop their wrongful actions on this issue to avoid any effect on other cooperation issues," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters during a regular press briefing.

"We have stressed many times that we firmly oppose any unilateral sanctions," he said, adding that Beijing had "comprehensively implemented" all UN Security Council measures on Pyongyang.

The comments followed a Thursday decision by the US Treasury Department to sever the Bank of Dandong from the US financial system for acting "as a conduit for illicit North Korean financial activity."

The bank, it said, had been "facilitating millions of dollars of transactions for companies involved in North Korea's WMD (weapons of mass destruction) and ballistic missile programs."

The department also sanctioned two Chinese individuals said to have established front companies to facilitate financial transactions for North Korea, and a Chinese shipping company accused of helping to smuggle banned luxury goods into the country.

The decision came after US president Donald Trump said Beijing's efforts to put the brakes on Pyongyang's nuclear drive had failed.

In a tweet, he thanked his counterpart Xi Jinping for his work on the issue, but concluded that Chinese actions had "not worked out."

Speaking Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters that the sanctions were "not directed at China, this is directed at a bank, as well as individuals and entities in China."

Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang to curb its nuclear ambitions. His administration has said military action was a possibility.
"I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (don't watch anymore)," Trump wrote, referring to a morning news show featuring Brzezinski and co-host Joe Scarborough.

"Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came 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!" Trump tweeted.

The president, an avid cable news watcher, appears to have been responding to sharp comments by Brzezinski during Thursday "Morning Joe" program on the left-leaning MSNBC cable network.

"Everybody in Washington," Brzezinski said, "in the administration, needs to look at this from... a point of view where they're not lobotomized because you're sitting in there and you're so scared of him, and you think you need to suck up to the president."

If a boss at NBC -- MSNBC's parent company -- "started tweeting wildly about people's appearances, bullying people, talking about people in the competition, lying every day, undermining his managers, throwing them under the (bus) -- that person would be thrown out.

"It's just not normal behavior," she said. "In fact, there would be concerns that the person who runs the company is out of his mind."

Brzezinski appeared to be uncowed by Trump's Twitter attack. She responded to his tweet with a post of her own, a photo of a young child reaching for Cheerios cereal.

"Made for little hands," the picture caption read -- a schoolyard taunt that has been leveled against the image-conscious Trump since the days of his candidacy.

Scarborough re-tweeted a comment from CNN reporter Jake Tapper: "This reminds me: how is @FLOTUS's campaign against cyber-bullying going?" it said, referring to First Lady Melania Trump.

Trump was often interviewed on "Morning Joe" during the 2016 presidential campaign, but as the White House relationship with much of the US media has soured he has recently favored interviews with friendly right-wing outlets.

Brzezinski, 50, is the daughter of the late Zbigniew Brzezinski, who was president Jimmy Carter's national security advisor.

Scarborough, 54, is a Republican former congressman who represented a Florida district in the 1990s.
The indictments are the first -- and only -- criminal charges stemming from the tsunami-sparked reactor meltdowns at the plant that set off the worst atomic crisis since Chernobyl in 1986.

If convicted, the men face up to five years in prison or a penalty of up to one million yen ($9,000).

"Since the accident, nobody has been held responsible nor has it been made clear why it happened," Ruiko Muto, who heads the group that pushed for the trial, told AFP outside the Tokyo District Court.

"Many people have suffered badly in ways that changed their lives. We want these men to realise how many people are feeling sadness and anger."

The trio are expected to argue that they could not have predicted the size of the massive tsunami that slammed into Japan's northeast coast following a 9.0 magnitude undersea earthquake.

A report by a government panel said Tepco simulated the impact of a tsunami on the plant in 2008 and concluded that a wave of up to 15.7 metres (52 feet) could hit the plant if a magnitude-8.3 quake occurred off the coast of Fukushima.

Executives at the company -- which is facing huge clean-up and liability costs -- allegedly ignored the internal study.

Waves as high as 14 metres swamped the reactors' cooling systems in March 2011.

Although the quake-tsunami disaster left some 18,500 people dead or missing, the Fukushima accident itself is not officially recorded as having directly killed anyone.

The charges against the three Tepco executives are linked to the deaths of more than 40 hospitalised patients who were hastily evacuated from the Fukushima area and later died.

More than six years after the accident, many evacuees are still living in other parts of Japan, unable or unwilling to go back home as fears over radiation persist.

A 2015 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency said a misguided faith in the complete safety of atomic power was a key factor in the Fukushima accident, pointing to weaknesses in disaster preparedness and unclear responsibilities among regulators.
The research lab was among the groups that previously found the same spyware on the phones of leading journalists, anti-corruption activists and human rights campaigners.

Based on those findings, nine victims pressed charges against the government on June 19, accusing it of violating their privacy with a tool meant to be used to fight terrorists and criminals.

The government denies the charges and has ordered the attorney general's office to investigate.

The spyware, known as Pegasus, effectively turns a target's cell phone into a pocket spy, enabling remote access to the user's data, camera and microphone.

It is made by a secretive Israeli firm called NSO Group, owned by US private equity firm Francisco Partners Management.

According to the New York Times, which first broke the story, at least three Mexican federal agencies have purchased some $80 million of spyware from NSO Group since 2011.

Citizen Lab says it has now documented 18 cases of spying or attempted spying on investigative journalists, anti-corruption activists, human rights campaigners, opposition politicians and public health advocates who pushed for Mexico's 2014 soda tax.

The targets all report receiving text messages with eye-catching news headlines, social media posts or personal communications.

The PAN leaders received the messages in June and July last year.

"It may be relevant that during this particular timeframe, anti-corruption legislation was being discussed in Congress," Citizen Lab said in a statement.
Lean hog futures shot over 90 cents per pound for the first time since 2014, a move that could hit backyard grillers in the gut going into the Fourth of July weekend.

Prices have more than doubled over the last eight months as pork exports to foreign buyers have soared, especially to major buyers Mexico and South Korea. There had been concerns that President Trumps desire to restrict foreign trade could hurt U.S. exports, but for now, global buyers are clamoring for bacon, chops, and ribs.

To meet the rising demand, U.S. hog producers have expanded their herds to record levels and are poised to expand further. Producers continue to increase their number of breeding sows, which are now rearing an average of 10.55 piglets per litter. The rising efficiency of U.S. hog operations has allowed fewer producers to make more pork for an increasingly meat-hungry globe.

Copper streaks skyward

The red metal has been heating up, trading to a two-month high on Friday morning near $2.70 per pound. Copper prices have been rising on increasing demand from China, the worlds largest copper consumer.

Global supplies were restricted earlier this year by a workers strike at the worlds largest copper mine in Chile. Now, workers at the second-largest mine in the world in Indonesia are on strike as well, but the mine is continuing to produce at its normal pace.

As a side note for fireworks enthusiasts, copper is the metal used in the brilliant blue explosions you may enjoy this week.

Wheat springs to new high

Prices for wheat continued exploding higher this week, led by Minneapolis spring wheat, which hit a three-year high on Friday.

The spring wheat crop is especially threatened by widespread drought in the northern Great Plains, where that wheat is predominantly planted. Temperatures next week could soar over 100 degrees in North Dakota, exacerbating crop stress in the largest spring wheat producing state.

On Friday morning, the USDA released its most recent data on U.S. crop plantings this year, which showed substantially less spring wheat planted than expected.

Minneapolis wheat is especially prized for its protein content, and threats to this years production are giving that crop an increasingly large premium over the Kansas City and Chicago wheat contracts. As of midday Friday, Minneapolis wheat traded as high as $7.80 per bushel, while KC and Chicago wheat topped out near $5.10.
Citizens of Parachinar began a sit-in protest soon after the two bombs went off last week on Friday evening, as shoppers were out buying supplies in preparation for the breaking of the fast on one of the last days of the holy month of Ramadan.

A faction of the Pakistan-based Sunni Muslim militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility for the attack in a town where a large number of members of the Shiite Muslim minority live.

The crowd, already angry over what they see as the failure of authorities to ensure security, has become more enraged by the shooting dead of three protesters by police trying to keep order.

Authorities have not confirmed that three protesters were killed, saying only they were investigating.

We are tired of picking up the dead bodies of our people, said Arshad Umerzai, a former provincial government minister.

Umerzai said the prime minister and army chief should visit Parachinar, which is close to the border with Afghanistan, in response to the violence the town has suffered.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced10,000 dollars compensation for the families of every victim of the blasts, and 500,000 rupees for the wounded, but the protesters dismissed that, saying victims of attacks in other places got more, a witness said.

Security forces stopped media crew from traveling into the town to cover the protest saying they needed special permission.

Parachinar is part of the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas, ethnic Pashtun-majority areas along the Afghan border covered by special laws and regulations.

A former senator, Allama Abid al-Hussaini, said the sit-in, centered in a town park, was estimated to have attracted 70,000 participants.

A senior government official in the town said tens of thousands joined the protest.

Parachinar had already suffered two bomb attacks this year, before last Fridays blasts, that killed about 50 people.

Religious leader Allama Fida Mazahiri said the killing of the protesters in police firing was particularly infuriating.
The incoming government easily won the confidence vote, with 275 deputies and senators backing it, against 102 opposed.

Tudose, the 50-year-old outgoing economy minister, was designated premier on Monday by centrist President Klaus Iohannis, days after the ruling Social Democrats torpedoed its own government following an internal power row.

"This government will work non-stop to catch up," Tudose promised, saying he would "turn the brake into an accelerator" for fresh reforms to boost the economy.

In his speech to parliament Tudose stressed the plan for a "sovereign development and investment fund" aimed at attracting capital to invest in infrastructure projects and the creation of state-controlled enterprises.

The new government's economic programme also includes a "solidarity tax" to be levied on high earners, the details of which are yet to be announced as well as a tax on company turnover to replace the current tax on profits.

These two measures, aimed at boosting state coffers, have been criticised by the centre-right opposition upset at seesawing fiscal policies.

Earlier this month the ruling Social Democrats unexpectedly withdrew its support for the then prime minister Sorin Grindeanu, barely six months after the party swept back to power at the ballot box.
"I shouldn't say but I have to say it, I still don't have a smartphone," the 62-year-old head of the EU's executive arm said at a news conference in the Baltic state's capital, Tallinn.

"So I couldn't become prime minister of Estonia, this would be totally impossible," Juncker said alongside a smiling Estonian premier Juri Ratas.

He added that Ratas was aware of his lack of a smartphone, "which is why he sent me, like in the 19th century, a postcard inviting me to Tallinn."

His admission comes 10 years after Apple introduced the iPhone and launched a global smartphone boom.

It puts him in good technophobic company among world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who still does not have a Twitter account.

But it stands in contrast with US President Donald Trump, a prolific Twitter user whose most recent outburst about a TV host's facelift sparked a backlash on Thursday.

Estonia, one of the world's most digitally connected countries, said it would push digital issues as part of its six-month stint as president of the EU, which begins Saturday.

Ratas said he wanted the free flow of information to become the EU's "fifth fundamental freedom" -- after the freedom of movement for people, goods, capital and services, the pillars of the 28-nation bloc's single market.

Juncker said he counted on Estonia's "leadership" in the months ahead.

"Even without being a techie I know that our future is digital. Digital is the DNA of your country and it needs to become part of the European DNA," Juncker said.

But in the wake of a huge global cyberattack which spread from Ukraine to hit several countries this week, security was also a priority, he said.

"Success of the digital single market will also depend on the confidence of Europeans. That is why I hope we can learn from your experience on cybersecurity -- the scale of the risks is significant," Juncker said.

Estonia was the first state to be hit by a massive cyberattack, in 2007, which paralysed key corporate and government web services for days.
Both the US president and his South Korean counterpart -- making his first foreign trip since his resounding victory at the polls -- sounded an upbeat note ahead of the meeting.

"Our personal relationship is very, very good," said Trump, who hosted Moon and first lady Kim Jung-soon the previous evening for a reception and a formal dinner.

"We had a fantastic dinner at the White House, accomplished a lot having to do with North Korea and trade," Trump said.

Moon, speaking through a translator, said the previous night had afforded some "very honest discussions on issues that include North Korea."

"It was an opportunity to reconfirm the fact that the United States and Korea are working together on the same path towards a great alliance," he said.

He also sought to underscore the warmth of the relationship, noting that Trump was among the first foreign leaders to call to congratulate him on his election.

Also on Friday's agenda is the negotiation of a bilateral trade deal between the United States and South Korea, described by Trump as "a major trading partner."
"We're going to have tremendous discussions tonight," Trump said at the dinner, flanked by his wife Melania and by Moon, on his right. Seated next to Moon at the elegant, flower bedecked table was his wife, First Lady Kim Jung-soon.

Members of Trump's cabinet and Korean delegation were also seated at the elegant dinner table, which ran the length of the room.

"I know you've been discussing with our people some of the complexities of North Korea and trade and other things, and well be discussing them all as we progress -- and it could be very well late into the evening," Trump said.

Earlier on Thursday, Moon lobbied US leaders to back his policy of engagement with North Korea, as the Trump administration vowed to increase pressure on Pyongyang over its nuclear program.

The Trump administration has been trying to isolate the North Korean regime following a series of missile tests, including by persuading China -- Pyongyang's main diplomatic ally -- to help bring Kim Jong-Un into line.

But speaking on board his flight to the United States Wednesday, Moon said Seoul and Washington should offer concessions to Pyongyang if it complies with their demands, according to multiple South Korean reports.

"Without rewarding North Korea for its bad actions, South Korea and the United States should closely consult what they may give the North in return for a nuclear freeze," he said.

"A nuclear freeze is a gate to dialogue and the exit of the dialogue is a complete nuclear dismantlement," he added.

The visit is the first since Moon's resounding election victory just a few weeks ago.

The day commenced Thursday with Moon being received by congressional leaders.

Moon met with House Speaker Paul Ryan and top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi in an ornate room in the US Capitol, with Ryan hailing "strong" bilateral ties but only briefly addressing security issues on the Korean peninsula before reporters were ushered out.

"We have shared concerns such as the threats posed to both of our nations from North Korea," Ryan told Moon.

The South Korean president responded by saying that when it comes to humanitarian issues, "we must cross boundaries and all party lines and all try to unite together as one."

Moon also met with US senators including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain and Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker.

Trump and Moon were to continue their talks -- likely again dominated by North Korea -- at the White House on Friday.

Washington, South Korea's security guarantor, has more than 28,000 troops in the country to defend it from its communist neighbor, which has been intensifying missile tests -- including five since Moon's inauguration.

Pyongyang is seeking to develop nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States.

Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang to curb its nuclear ambitions and his administration has said military action was a possibility.

Washington and Seoul "share precisely the same goal, which is the complete dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs," a senior US administration official said.

"That is the hard challenge that we have been wrestling with for a couple of decades now."

Trump seeks to heap economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang "in order to change their calculus," the official said.

"Right now we see no evidence that they are seeking to reduce the threat from nuclear weapons or ballistic missile technology."

Also expected to be high on the agenda is a controversial US missile defense system that has been installed in South Korea to guard against missile threats from the North.
The 59-year-old head of state left Wednesday evening from Cotonou after chairing a cabinet meeting.

"He announced at the cabinet meeting that he was returning to France because he had an appointment with doctors for a routine check following his operation," presidency spokesman Wilfried Houngbedji told AFP.

A source at the airport in Cotonou confirmed Talon's departure.

Houngbedji did not specify when Talon is expected to return, but did say the president would be on hand for a cabinet meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, he added.

On June 19, the presidency announced in a statement that Talon had undergone two operations on his prostate and digestive system during his almost month-long stay in Paris.

The statement referred to, among other things, a "lesion... discovered at an early stage" in his prostate.

It said the surgery allowed treatment "without need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy" but made no mention of cancer.

A "digestive complication" required a second operation a few days later, the presidency said, adding that Talon was "totally recovered" upon his return to Benin on June 18.

Talon's prolonged absence sparked controversy in Benin, forcing the government to deny rumours about his health.

Talon's transparency about his health is rare among African presidents, who are often treated abroad and do not usually disclose details of their illnesses.
The meeting came as Ankara, which has stood by Doha throughout the crisis, resists pressure to shutter a Turkish military base on the emirate that Qatar's neighbours want to see closed.

In the talks, Isik said that "the current issues between the (Gulf) countries, who are brothers, must be resolved soon on the basis of a sincere dialogue and respect for Qatar's rights."

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain announced on June 5 the suspension of political, economic and diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremist groups.

Doha denies the claims. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the allegations are baseless and offered Ankara's full support.

Turkey has provided food and other aid through hundreds of planes and a cargo ship, although Ankara's attempts to mediate between the sides have so far come to nothing.

Crucially, Ankara is also setting up a military base on the emirate that is set to give Turkey a new foothold in the Gulf, sending in a first deployment of two dozen troops.

Last week Riyadh and its allies issued 13 demands to Qatar for resolving the crisis, including the closure of the Turkish military base and the Doha-based broadcaster Al-Jazeera.

Erdogan hit back at the Saudi-led demands, saying the sweeping demands were "against international law" and saying that asking for the withdrawal of Turkish troops was a "disrespect to Turkey."

Yet Ankara has also been careful not to directly criticise Riyadh and previously urged the kingdom to lead attempts to solve the crisis.
Investigating magistrates believe there were serious lapses in the training of the pilots, the source told AFP.

On July 24, 2014, the McDonnell Douglas that was leased by Swiftair to Air Algerie crashed in northern Mali with 110 passengers on board, including 54 French citizens, 23 Burkina Faso nationals, and six Spanish crew.

An expert opinion prepared for the investigation found the crash of Flight AH5017 was caused by the pilots' failure to activate a system to prevent icing of the engine probes.

That led the plane to lose speed and plummet downwards in a movement that could not be reversed.

The expert findings, seen by AFP, say the training of the two pilots was "insufficient and incomplete" and they "failed to detect, or realised very late" that the plane was losing speed.
Announcement of the sale comes at a sensitive moment for the US and China, as President Trump is working to establish a partnership over trade differences and efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear program.

The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of the defense sales comprised of seven parts, the official said, which are "based on an assessment of Taiwan's defense needs" and include upgrading defense systems from analog to digital.

The plans are consistent with terms of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the official said, under which Washington keeps trade ties and sells Taipei weapons to "maintain a sufficient self-defense capability."

US legislation designed to provide democratic Taiwan with enough military clout to defend itself against China's vastly superior armed forces, requires Washington to sell high-end weaponry to Taipei.

The last US arms sale to Taiwan was in December 2015.

Just after winning election, Trump infuriated Beijing by accepting a congratulatory call from Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, but once in office the president unequivocally endorsed the "One China" policy during a visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Say goodbye to the misty city/farm mashup on Iowas standard license plate since 1998.

The states getting a new plate design.

We are considering a new design for the standard county plates, said Iowa Department of Transportation spokeswoman Andrea Henry. Were hoping to have options for the public to consider by early to mid-August.

The Iowa DOT will release three to five designs and let people pick their favorites. Possible ways Iowans would vote on the plate designs could be through social media, the Iowa DOT website or at the Iowa State Fair, which runs Aug. 10-20 in Des Moines, Henry said.

After considering feedback from the public and law enforcement, the Iowa DOT will choose one design later this year and start rolling it out on plates in 2018.

Drivers would get new plates in phases over 10 years, but people particularly eager to get the new design could pay $5 extra when they renew their vehicle registration and get new plates at that time, Henry said.

Henry wasnt sure whether the new plate designs will be similar in tone to Iowas town-and-country design or a dramatic departure.

Right now, we have our own internal graphic designers who are doing research and working on the designs we will be considering, she said.

The last time Iowa had a plate redesign was in the mid-1990s, when the state switched from a solid, royal blue plate with a white outline. The 1998 version depicting a city skyline overlaid with a farm scene doesnt stand out remarkably from other Midwest states plates, including Minnesota, Missouri, Indiana and Illinois.

Iowa is on the boring side, said Daryl Bruxvoort, of Elkader, who makes art out of license plates from all 50 states. Montana is probably the one with the most visual interest.

Bruxvoort would like to see Iowa add more color or an iconic image. Of course, that leads to stereotypes of Iowa, like corn, he said.

In the mid-2000s, Iowa started converting plates from embossed letters and numbers to a reflective adhesive printed and affixed to aluminum plates. The letters and numbers changed from blue to black in 2011 to improve visibility for law enforcement.

Offenders housed at the Anamosa State Penitentiary make Iowa license plates, producing more than 10,000 pairs a day.
Its time for me to retire from your newspaper. I have written hundreds of columns since the 9/11 attacks. Some were good columns. Some were not so good. I tried.

When I started writing, I knew Bush 43 would attack Iraq to finish what his father started in the 1990-1991 Gulf War. I also instinctively knew the beginning of retaliatory hostilities in Afghanistan, with photos of our Special Ops guys riding camels, was not going to get the job done.

I am a student and practitioner of the Overwhelming Force concept of warfighting, not the small, special operations way of fighting. However, I admit it takes both or the war will never end, as we have seen in the Middle East.

As you know, the Senate paid no attention to me and other columnists who tried to halt Bush 43 from invading the Middle East. I knew we would soon find out what tar babies Afghanistan and Iraq would become.

The only result of my efforts back then was that every Republican who read my columns hated me with a passion, and wrote many letters to their editors, trying to get me fired.

Next came the Obama administration. I voted for him the first time because I could not vote for Sen. John McCain because of his actions to stop the funding for searches of MIAs and POWs, even though some high ranking generals had proof of MIA/POW survivals. It sickened me, so I crossed the aisle to Hope and Change.

What a huge mistake. I should have followed my instincts. So I wrote columns critical of almost everything this new president did, his refusal to wear an American flag pin; his apology for American aggression tour throughout the world; his progressive, which means socialist, which means communist programs, designed to redistribute our wealth to the rest of the world (I spent 30 years in uniform fighting against communists and now he was bringing this crap to our shores from the inside); his pro-radical Islam agenda; his ignorance of American history and lack of respect for our values.

There were so many horrible things this president said and did in what appeared to me to be the premeditated destruction of our society that any neutral scholar could write a best seller. The only result of my efforts back then was that every Democrat who read my columns hated me with a passion, and wrote many letters to their editors, trying to get me fired.

And now we have President Trump. I have written several columns in support of his policy agenda, but the man is certainly even more dangerous than Obama. I like his policies on strengthening the military, downsizing the federal government to a size we can afford; his foreign policies; his immigration policies to better keep us safe from radical Islamic terrorists and narco-terrorists at, and across, our borders; and much more.

But he is the raccoon exterminator, according to a story told by a Republican pol from New York.

Imagine going on vacation and returning to find your basement full of raccoons. You call various animal rescue and pest control outfits, but they just cant get them out. Finally you find a raccoon exterminator who promises to get the varmints out -- all of them. You hire him even though he may stink, smoke, drink too much, swears loudly, shows up for work late. You dont care. Get the raccoons out. The raccoons symbolize really bad government.

Trump is the only president I have seen in many decades who really means business when he says he wants to fix Washington, DC and drain the swamp. But he tweets. And because no one in his circle can control the billionaire, he shoots himself and his agenda in the foot every day. The first time I wrote a negative column about his tweets, I received harsh, critical reviews from Trump supporters. I just cant get along with Democrats, Republicans and independents, so its time for me to write off into the sunset.

Remember that you might, someday, read another of my columns, which you may or may not like because, Old soldiers never die. They just fade away.

Fade to dark, and thanks for the ride.
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!
CEDAR RAPIDS | When Iowas texting ban went into effect seven years ago  then only as a secondary offense  motorists were given a year before law enforcement would start writing citations for violators.

But therell be no such grace period this time around. Authorities said this week that when the updated texting ban goes into effect on Saturday, law enforcement will be issuing tickets right away.

I think the public has been given ample notice that texting while driving is illegal, Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner said. As far as giving them notice, I think theyve had plenty of notice.

Under the texting ban law, drivers above the age of 18 can use their phones only to make phone calls and use its GPS, Iowa State Patrol spokesman Alex Dinkla said. Using the phones to text, for social media or to play games while driving is forbidden.

The law also makes these activities a primary offense  meaning law enforcement will be able to make a traffic stop solely for a texting-while-driving violation.

Violating the texting ban will result in a $100.50 fine, Dinkla said. Those fines will not escalate with subsequent violations and, because the charge is not a moving violation, citations will not affect a motorists driving record.

Under the old law, which went into effect on July 1, 2010, texting while driving was a secondary offense. That meant law enforcement officers had to have another reason to pull someone over.

The law at the time granted motorists a one-year grace period  which ended June 30, 2011  when law enforcement only would issue warnings for texting-ban violations.

Dinkla said the previous law pertained solely to texting. The updated version addresses other phone-related activities.

Now, when we see them texting, Facebooking or playing games on their phone, we will be able to stop those drivers and take appropriate action, he said.

While Dinkla said he predicts an increase in traffic stops, Gardner said he doubts the updated texting ban will lead to any significant changes for his deputies.

The only big difference is we wont have to try to find another violation to stop them for, Gardner said.

While the new law is a step in the right direction, it will be difficult to enforce, said Cedar Rapids public safety spokesman Greg Buelow.

The new law would still allow a driver to use a phone to make a phone call or use GPS functions on the phone, he said. This will make it challenging for an officer to discern whether someone was actually texting, making a phone call or using GPS.

The changes to the texting ban do not affect drivers under the age of 18, who are barred from using their phones at all while driving, Dinkla said.

Dinkla said if motorists are having a hard time ignoring their phones while driving, they should set the phone to vibrate or simply turn it off. He added that motorists should not pull over to the side of the road to use their phones.

Get to a safe location where you can make that call without having to worry about anybody rear-ending you, he said.
Delivery will start in late 2019 and take two years to complete. The new units will replace Stoneblowers that have been in use for more than 20 years.

The Stoneblower automates the traditional measured shovel packing method for restoring track geometry by inserting ballast pneumatically beneath the sleepers. The latest generation units are equipped with computerised measurement and automatic stone metering systems.

Harsco says the resulting track maintains ballast compaction, ensures full line speed hand-back, and maintains track geometry up to three-times longer than equivalent tamping methods, thereby reducing track maintenance cycles and preserving the condition of the ballast and sleepers.
UP, SENSR, two universities collaborate on bridge safety Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman , Editor, Railway Track & Structures; and Engineering Editor, Railway Age









Union Pacific is incorporating "smart monitoring," a technique the railroad says has the potential to revolutionize how the railroad's 18,000 bridges are inspected.

The Class 1 is developing the method with the help of three partners, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Michigan and SENSR Monitoring Technologies and outlines the use of this technique in an Inside Track post on its website.

Union Pacific inspects roughly 95% of its bridges twice annually and explains that bridges with no known defects that are less than 10 years old are inspected once per year.

We want to know about potential problems between regular inspections, and if theres a way to detect issues we want to take advantage of that, said Union Pacifics Director of Bridge Maintenance Todd Martindale.

The railroad hopes its partners will help it reach the goal of developing an easily deployable, cost-effective solution to supplement in-person inspections, which carefully examine bridge components for cracks or other defects.

Researchers from the University of Nebraska are utilizing a 1908 bridge in Columbus, Neb., to install sensors to collect data from steel bridge members. According to UP, the team first installed the sensors on specific bridge components and, after testing, created an analytical bridge model, which serves as the baseline, allowing them to revisit the site and continue collecting data.

UP says the University of Michigan is working on a similar project, partially funded by a U.S. Department of Transportation grant. Students set up strain gauges on two UP bridges near Memphis, Tenn. The devices send data through a wireless network back to the university, where researchers collect and analyze it. Theyre focused on how loads, such as the weight of a train or wind, impact bridge components and cause fatigue.

The Class 1 says researchers are incorporating train network influences, such as traffic volume, car weight and alternative routes, as well as bridge analysis data into a newly designed decision-making tool bridge owners can use to manage bridge work.

Union Pacific is working with SENSR Monitoring Technologies to detect movement or impact to a bridge pier  the support structure underneath the bridge deck  such as a strike from a barge or vehicle. SENSRs technology is operational on seven UP bridges (soon to be 10) and sends an alert if the structure shows an abnormality.

UP notes that while each product is at a different stage, all show promise for the future of smart bridge monitoring.

The theory is a bridge should have the same response every time a train passes; if it doesnt we need to look for a potential defect, Martindale said.

For more on UPs efforts regarding smart monitoring, visit Inside Track.
John Daza, P.E., P.M.P., has joined HNTB Corp. as Senior Project Manager-Rail and Associate Vice President. Based in the firms New York City office, his responsibilities include serving as a key point of client contact, and managing rail transit project implementation, including staffing, quality control and budgets.

Daza brings more than 20 years of structural engineering experience in the design and construction of complex transportation projects. His background includes project, program and construction management services for rail and transit systems, bridges, tunnels, roadways and related facilities. Among his many accomplishments is the reconstruction of the roadway network around the World Trade Center site.

Prior to joining HNTB, Daza was a department manager and senior associate at AECOM. In that role, he led the structural engineering design for railroad bridges and highways, transit station rehabilitation and other transportation facilities as well as structures for education, parks and recreation throughout the New York metropolitan region.

John has a deep understanding of the regions infrastructure network and is a proven leader in developing innovative solutions to challenging projects as our clients work to maximize existing rail transit systems, add much needed new capacity and enhance safety, said Thomas J. Spearing III, HNTBs New York office leader and Senior Vice President.

Daza is a professional engineer in New York and New Jersey, and certified as a project management professional. A member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Highway Engineers, he hold a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the State University of New York, Buffalo.
Russian military doctors sentence for taking bribes upheld

Context Russian military doctors receive prison terms for taking bribes

MOSCOW, June 30 (RAPSI)  Russias Supreme Court has upheld prison sentence given to three medical employees of the Vishnevsky Third Central Military Clinical Hospital for taking bribes, the courts press service told RAPSI on Friday.

On February 7, the Moscow District Military court found defendants guilty of corruption and sentenced them to various prison terms.

The hospitals deputy head Sergey Svistunov has been sentenced to 9 years in high security prison, fined 4 million rubles (about $68,000) and stripped of his Colonel rank and prohibited from holding key positions in health care providing institutions for 6 years. Chief of one of the hospital departments Dmitry Mokritsky received a 5-year prison term plus 2-million-rubles fine ($34,000). He was also deprived of a right to hold key posts in medical organizations for 3 years. The third defendant, head of admitting office Avetis Melkonyan, who had pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 3.5 years in high security prison. They appealed the ruling.

Prosecutors earlier asked to give 12 years in high security prison and 8-million rubles ($135,400) fine to Svistunov, 9 years in prison and 2.5-million rubles ($42,300) fine to Mokritsky, and 7 years in jail plus 2.5-million rubles fine to Melkonyan.

According to investigators, the accused persons took bribes from patients ranging from 30,000 (about $510) to 350,000 rubles (about $6,000). The court found that Svistunov had used his official position for committing the crime. During the trial Svistunov and Mokritsky has pleaded not guilty.
The Cold War in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Iran is coming to a head. So far carried out with the help of proxies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere, its in danger of turning into a military confrontation between the two regional powers.

A number of factors indicate that the Great Game is entering its most dangerous phase. First, the battle against the Islamic State has reached its final phase. As the territory under IS control has shrunk and as the fall of the IS appeared imminent, it has set off a fierce competition among various players, not just Saudi Arabia and Iran, to take control of strategically important vacated territories, not least in eastern Syria.

The Syrian Kurds are engaged in carving out an autonomous entity in the region and Turkey is busy trying to deter them from doing so. Some reports indicate that Iranian-supported forces, including Assad regime troops, Hizbullah and Iraqi Shia militia, are making a dash to control parts of eastern Syria that would provide Iran a corridor connecting it through Iraq and Syria to Lebanon where its ally Hizbullah is the strongest military and political player thus helping it to project power throughout the so-called Shia Crescent.

While this may be an exaggeration, the increasingly frequent reports of Americans bombing Iranian backed militia and Assad forces in eastern Syria indicate that Washington takes that assessment seriously. Since the Saudis have little direct military presence in Syria other than their material support to rebel groups that have increasingly proved ineffective, anti-Iranian American actions in Syria can be interpreted as protecting Saudi interests in the Middle East in addition to advancing American objectives directed at containing Iran.

Irans recent missile attacks against IS targets, although ostensibly in retaliation for the Tehran bombings claimed by the IS, are seen by many observers as sending a signal to the US, Saudi Arabia and Israel that Iran is capable of using ballistic missiles to protect its interests militarily. The argument that the missiles main political target was Saudi Arabia is borne of the fact that important Iranian groups, including the IRGC, have directly blamed Riyadh for the terrorist attacks on the Iranian parliament and on Ayatollah Khomeinis tomb.

As if the escalations in Syria wasnt enough, Saudi Arabia, increasingly nervous about losing ground to Iran in its own backyard, orchestrated a crisis in the Gulf this month by imposing a blockade on its small next-door neighbor Qatar with the help of UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and the ineffectual governments of Yemen and Libya. The move, undertaken in the immediate afterglow of President Trumps visit to Riyadh in which he praised the Saudis and damned the Iranians, was ostensibly aimed at forcing Qatar to stop supporting terrorists in the region. However, the move has created a quandary for American policymakers since Qatar hosts the largest US airbase in the Persian Gulf which is essential for the conduct of operations in Syria and Afghanistan.

The real reasons for the embargo, as it became clear when the list of demands was finally presented to Qatar, was to force Doha to cut ties with Tehran, dismantle the al-Jazeera network and stop supporting the Muslim Brotherhood. Al-Jazeera, although it has recently toned down its criticism of Arab regimes under the pressure of the Qatari government, has become a thorn in the flesh of Arab autocrats because of its expose of their misdeeds. The Saudis in particular have been gunning for the network for a considerable period of time. The Brotherhood has been banned in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE for the last few years. Qatar was an outlier in the GCC in that regard as it has kept its links with the Brotherhood despite expressions of displeasure by Saudi Arabia.

However, Riyadhs main concern seems to be Qatars relatively friendly relations with Iran with whom it shares the worlds largest natural gas field. In addition to directly targeting Qatar, the move is a warning to Oman and Kuwait, two other members of the GCC who have maintained fairly normal relations with Iran. Its a signal to all GCC members that they must accept Saudi Arabia as the groupings overlord and fall in line, especially in the context of its rivalry with Iran. It may, however, end up being counterproductive if Oman and Kuwait defy Saudi wishes and that leads to the breakup of the GCC set up to institutionalise Saudi predominance in the Gulf. Its also likely to provide Iran with the opportunity to improve relations with Qatar. President Rouhani has made clear that The siege of Qatar is unacceptable to us [Iran} The airspace, land and sea of our country will always be open to Qatar as a brotherly and neighboring country. Tehran, with Ankara, has been supplying Doha with essential commodities following the imposition of the Saudi-led embargo.

The blockade of Qatar is a brash measure. It has upset several GCC members, alienated the US State Department and provided Iran with the moral high ground in the Qatar crisis. But this is one in a series of impetuous steps undertaken by Riyadh since King Salmans ascension to the throne in 2015. His favorite son, now the Crown Prince, Muhammad Bin Salman has been the chief architect of this forward policy, which began with Riyadhs disastrous intervention in Yemen. MBS, as hes known for short, believes in projecting Saudi power in its neighborhood and making clear that Saudi Arabia is still the boss.

MBS is viscerally anti-Iranian. In an interview in May he accused Iran of planning to take over the holy city of Mecca. He went on to say We wont wait for the battle to be in Saudi ArabiaWe will work so that the battle for them is in Iran, not in Saudi Arabia. With an impetuous person who holds such xenophobic views at the helm in Saudi Arabia and with Iran itself in the midst of a tussle for power between the Supreme Leader and the President following Rouhanis re-election, the Persian Gulf appears to be on a short fuse. One wrong step by either party may see the energy-rich region descending into a major conflagration.
Britain handed Hong Kong back to China 20 years ago. Beijing should now understand that the "one country, two systems" principle has given rise to an independent generation of Hong Kong residents, says DW's Frank Sieren.

Before Britain returned its crown colony Hong Kong to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997 (above), the great Chinese reformer Deng Xiaoping promised that the horses would go on racing and the dancing would carry on.

Despite these placatory words, Hong Kong shook with fear in the first half of 1997. Two worlds had been separated for 155 years, going in such different ways that it was hard to imagine how they could be reconciled, and now they were to come back together.

The hundreds of thousands of Chinese who had fled communism to Hong Kong did not go into exile, but they did ensure that they had a second passport. Vancouver in Canada was nicknamed Hongcouver.

Those who stayed were at once excited and in a panic. Some, such as the writer Agnes Lam, saw a horror scenario, such as the Tiananmen Square massacre, looming: "The wet smell of blood and the redness of the fire," she wrote in a poem in June 1997. This turned out to be excessive. Economically, Hong Kong has continued to prosper under its new masters. The situation has not improved, nor has it gotten worse. However, the political situation is another story.

The "one country, two systems" principle formulated by Deng Xiaoping is largely responsible for the fact that Hong Kong faced neither the apocalypse nor even a bout of lingering illness, as most Western observers had feared.

The principle ensured that Hong Kong would be allowed to follow its own capitalist path for another 50 years, retaining its tax system and an independent legal system.

Beijing hoped it would be able to learn from Hong Kong how to build up an international financial center. A lot of what there is in Hong Kong now exists in Shenzhen or Shanghai for instance. Yet, no Chinese city has managed to catch up with Hong Kong. The former crown colony remains one of the most important hubs of the global economy and still has the only Chinese stock exchange to rival others on a global scale.

The "one country, two systems" principle also allowed press freedom and freedom of assembly in Hong Kong to be maintained. Still today, tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents meet every year on June 4 in Victoria Park and light candles to commemorate the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre. This would be absolutely unthinkable on the mainland.

Beijing has a different interpretation of Deng Xiaoping's principle. It thinks that Hong Kong belongs to China and should therefore subject itself to its system and rules. For many Hong Kong residents, it means that one system should not interfere with the other.

Hong Kong opposition

The handover contract leaves room for interpretation. Young urban dwellers, above all, find that the influence of the mainland has become more tolerable over the past five years of leadership by Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. But many Hong Kong residents resent the elite, which is loyal to Beijing and panders to the media and the real estate market. It is from these ranks of critics that the Umbrella Revolution, also known as the Occupy Central movement, emerged in 2014 when Hong Kong's financial and government district was occupied for 79 days and there were calls for the right to directly elect Hong Kong's chief executive.

The government did not react, and there was no dialogue. No concessions were made. Now, there is more hostility than ever between the opposition and the elite. For most though, it's business as usual in Hong Kong - as it has always been.

There will be protests this weekend when Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Hong Kong to mark the 20 years since the British handover of Hong Kong. The protests will also be directed against his presence at the swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who is considered to be a true defender of Beijing's interests. The opposition feels that swearing her in this weekend is a provocation.

Ideal test run

What is very clear is that the "one country, two systems" principle does not go so far as to allow the direct election of the country's leader. Xi will reiterate this message for Hong Kong's younger generations. Even Britain - one of the oldest democracies in the world - never thought of allowing Hong Kong residents to vote.

The Chinese communist party seems to be happy to use Hong Kong as an example for economics but as a field test for democracy. Yet Hong Kong would be an ideal place to experiment with its seven million residents and youthful protesters who are largely peaceful. It is this young generation who are not satisfied with the way Hong Kong has developed. They are asking the same questions that Chinese youth on the mainland sooner or later will ask - and are already asking in large cities. Questions about identity rather than about status, career, consuming or even communism.

The Hong Kong government could learn a lot for Beijing if it were to talk to the leaders of the youth movement and those who want a different kind of Hong Kong within China.

Beijing will not enter negotiations on Hong Kong's national autonomy just as Berlin would not on the independence of Bavaria.

This is not likely to change with Xi Jingping's visit.

DW's Frank Sieren has lived in Beijing for over 20 years.
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A water quality rule that many conservatives viewed as federal government overreach is being rescinded, drawing applause from Iowas top elected Republicans.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency this week proposed a rule to eliminate what has become known as the waters of the U.S. rule. Implemented under former President Barack Obama, the rule was designed to protect water sources from pollution by defining which fall under the EPAs jurisdiction.

Opponents called the proposal an overreach and claimed the federal government would seek to regulate puddles, an assertion Obama administration officials disputed.

This week, President Donald Trumps administration proposed to rescind the rule.

We are taking significant action to return power to the states and provide regulatory certainty to our nations farmers and businesses, EPA administrator Scott Pruitt said in a statement. This is the first step in the two-step process to redefine waters of the U.S. and we are committed to moving through this re-evaluation to quickly provide regulatory certainty, in a way that is thoughtful, transparent and collaborative with other agencies and the public.

In Iowa, top elected Republicans gave the announcement a warm greeting.

Gov. Kim Reynolds framed the new administrations action as an example of what she has said on numerous other occasions regarding other issues: that the Obama administration was not a willing partner with states. (It bears noting, of course, that Reynolds is a Republican and Obama a Democrat.)

Waters of the United States was a significant and severe case of government overreach by the Obama administration. I want to thank Sec. Pruitt for recognizing that (the rule) forced onerous and unnecessary burdens on Iowas farmers and businesses, Reynolds said. I also want to express my appreciation to the Trump administration for its continuing commitment to work with states, not against them.

Iowas Republican U.S. senators, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, both praised the new administrations action while reminding Iowans that they encouraged the Trump administration to rescind the rule.

All across Iowa, folks are calling for this rule to be scrapped, which is why I have led efforts in the Senate to do just that, Ernst said. This is good news for Iowa and rural communities across the country as we move closer to finally eliminating this overreaching rule.

Said Grassley, Having the federal EPA and the Corps of Engineers require permits for routine land use decisions is a waste of resources that are better used enforcing existing regulations against discharging pollutants into the nations waterways. Agencies ought to enforce the laws as Congress intended, not stretch beyond their authority to inflict unnecessary expense and red tape on law-abiding farmers and employers.

Reynolds pitches Iowa to Trump

Reynolds this week also visited Washington, D.C., and was awarded the opportunity to speak to President Trump and several agency heads, her office said in a news release.

The governor also was able to attend a ceremony honoring the 2016 World Series champion Chicago Cubs. A photo of Reynolds and Cubs players Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Eddie Butler was posted on the governors Twitter account.

Reynolds, according to her office, discussed renewable energy and Iowas diversified energy portfolio with energy secretary Rick Perry; explained to budget director Mick Mulvaney the importance of the ethanol mandate; and talked about high-speed internet expansion with Anne Hazlett, who heads a rural development program in the agriculture department.

Guns split sheriffs, supervisors

In conservative northwest Iowa, a few county supervisors and the sheriff are at odds over whether to ban firearms in the Woodbury County Courthouse.

A new law passed earlier this year by the Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature strengthened the state law that says local governments cannot supersede state law in banning weapons in public spaces. The new law permits citizens who feel adversely affected to legally challenge a local government over its public building gun ban.

The new law carved out space for judges to continue banning weapons in the courtroom.

But on June 19, just a few weeks before the new state law would go into effect, the Iowa Supreme Court issued an order stating firearms will not be allowed across the state in any courtroom, court-controlled spaces or public spaces in courthouses.

In Woodbury County, supervisors recently repealed the local ban on weapons in the courthouse, citing the new state law.

But Sheriff David Drew said his office will continue to enforce the weapons ban, citing the Supreme Court order.

The two sides have accused each other of playing politics with the issue. Sheriff Drew and the two supervisors who voted to repeal the ban all are Republicans.
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You Are Bidding On the Full Purchase Price for 20 Acres in Northern California! County Road Frontage. Electric. Views. Mountain and Valley Views for Miles. Parcel: This auction is for legal description: Lot 631 Moon Valley Ranch Unit No. 4. This is a 20 ACRE +/- parcel of land in Lassen County, California. This land is about 11 miles southwest of Madeline, California approximately 5 miles west of Highway 395. The property is located near Whitinger Mountain. The lot is very quiet and peaceful. Th...

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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

just recently resumed filming Season 4, but the experience has apparently already ended for some of the cast members!Two of the original and previously-confirmed cast members, Vinny Ventiera and Alex Woytkiw , both took to social media on June 29 and appeared to confirm their time in Paradise is over, People reported.Alex reportedly posted a photo of the clouds while he was flying in a plane on Snapchat and wrote "Americaaa" in the image. About an hour later, he shared an image of his car's dashboard with the caption, "LA traffic," in addition to a sad-face emoticon.Vinny also appeared to document his trip back to the United States from Mexico, where is filmed. One of his pictures obtained by People was taken in an airport, while another featured Iggy Rodriguez and himself sitting in an airplane as other people were boarding the flight.The photo appears to confirm that not only did Iggy from Rachel Lindsay 's season of The Bachelorette appear on 's fourth season, he was also kicked off fairly early.Iggy's participation has not even been announced yet by ABC since he was just eliminated from The Bachelorette in an episode that aired earlier this week.Iggy also reportedly shared a Snapchat image of himself on the plane, writing on the photo, "@vinnyvinsane. Your stewardess' favorite DJ."Vinny and Iggy were flying to Boca Raton, FL, where they attended a club appearance with Season 13 The Bachelorette suitor Josiah Graham , People reported. Meanwhile, Alex returned to Los Angeles. shut down production on Season 4 during the first week of June due to a producer filing a complaint with Warner Bros. over a public sexual encounter between Corinne Olympios and DeMario Jackson . The producer was allegedly concerned Corinne was too intoxicated to provide consent for the sexual activity.Warner Bros. therefore launched an investigation but announced on June 20 no evidence of misconduct or sexual assault had been found, adding that would therefore resume filming and still air in Summer 2017.Within the next several days, reports surfaced that all of Paradise's original cast members were returning to Mexico to continue their journeys to find love, or fame, with the exception of Corinne and DeMario.Despite initially calling herself "a victim" who has been dealing with "physical and emotional trauma" stemming from the incident in Paradise, Corinne and her legal team revealed on Thursday they had decided to drop their own investigation and not go forward with a lawsuit.Throughout the entire scandal, DeMario pleaded innocence and said his character had been " assassinated with false claims and malicious allegations." He even wished Warner Bros. would release footage of his hookup with Corinne in Paradise to allegedly prove she was actually the aggressor.Warner Bros. said in a statement last week that the company "does not intend to release the videotape of the incident" but insists producers "plan to implement certain changes to the show's policies and procedures to enhance and further ensure the safety and security of all participants."
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 06/30/2017



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

eliminated Jon Klaasen and determined its Top 16 male vocalists during Thursday night's broadcast of the new ABC reality competition series designed to create America's next great boy band.Jon, a 19-year-old from Greenwood, IN, was eliminated by 's architects -- Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter , Spice Girls member Emma Bunton , and music producer Timbaland -- after his group of six members sang and danced to "Stay" by Rihanna in front of an audience of screaming girls.Nick, Emma and Timbaland seemed to determine that while Jon is an excellent musician, he'd probably fare better as a producer since his vocals didn't stand out during the group performance."This is one of the best experiences I've ever had. I'm going to take the architects' advice and just start finding who I am, and I'm just going to keep at it," Jon said following his ouster.Jon performed the Rihanna hit in his group who called themselves "Reverb" after training and rehearsing with vocal producer Tim Davis and musical director Adam Blackstone, who has worked with iconic artists such as Justin Timberlake , Eminem, Drake, and Janet Jackson . Choreographers Napolean and Tabitha, who are often seen on So You Think You Can Dance, also worked with the boys.Nick was shocked by how great the group sounded harmonizing together, and he said he was absolutely blown away.Jon's group members were Andrew Bloom, a 19-year-old from Yorba Linda, CA; Chance Perez, a 19-year-old from Seal Beach, CA; Jaden Gray, a 16-year-old from Hawthorne, CA; Cam Jackson, a 19-year-old from Willingboro, NJ; and Brady Tutton, a 15-year-old from Shorewood, WI. All five of these boys were declared safe after taking the stage.The architects said Jon's group featured the strongest vocalists in the competition so it was important to find out how they can sing as a unit. When the group performed "Stay," Jon played the piano, but it probably took his focus away from the vocals.The boys in "Six Track" who will perform next week and face elimination are Andrew Butcher, a 17-year-old from Greenwood, IN; Miles Wesley, a 19-year-old from Marble Falls, TX; Michael Conor, a 17-year-old from Cleveland, OH; Gavin Becker, an 18-year-old from Philadelphia, PA; Mikey Jimenez, a 17-year-old from East Los Angeles, CA; and Dorian Tyler, a 15-year-old from Memphis, TN.After last week's elimination, the remaining members of the group "Uplift" are Devin Hayes, a 17-year-old from Springfield, IL; Jay "J Hype" Gilbert, a 14-year-old from Las Vegas, NV; Marcus Pendleton, a 16-year-old from Nashville, TN; Sergio Calderon, a 16-year-old from Redwood City, CA; and Drew Ramos, a 19-year-old from Bronx, NY.The live shows begin in only two weeks. Each episode will feature a different theme, and the architects will shuffle contestants to find the best combination of voices to perform for America.Architects will also critique each band's performance and collectively determine the two contestants who are up for elimination each week.After the contestants in jeopardy perform solo "survival" songs, home viewers will be able to vote live for their favorite band members during each broadcast, ultimately creating a group of their very own.'s final and official group will win a recording contract with Hollywood Records. And in the finale, America's favorite five band members will debut and perform a brand new single together for the first time.
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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 06/30/2017



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

spoilers that Rachel Lindsay 's season ended with a happy engagement have already been revealed by the Bachelorettte herself, but how will the rest of her season play out on TV?Rachel, a 32-year-old attorney from Dallas, TX, began her quest for love on 's thirteenth season after getting rejected by Nick Viall towards the end of his The Bachelor edition earlier this year.Despite roller-coaster drama and frequent tears, Rachel's season ended exactly how she had hoped -- with a fiance and an engagement ring.According to Reality Steve spoiler blogger Steve Carbone, Rachel selected Bryan Abasolo , a 37-year-old chiropractor from Miami, FL, at the final Rose Ceremony filmed in Spain late last month.Bryan allegedly popped the question to Rachel, which she gladly accepted, and she in turn offered him the final rose."My sources... are sure she's with Bryan," Carbone wrote in a June 5 blog post. "And so am I. If they are wrong, I'm wrong."Carbone revealed that Peter Kraus , a 31-year-old business owner from Madison, WI, finished in second place as Rachel's runner-up. About halfway through season, Peter appears crazy about Rachel, so getting dumped was probably extremely hard on him.'s thirteenth season currently has six bachelors remaining -- Bryan; Peter; Adam Gottschalk , a 27-year-old real estate agent from Dallas, TX; Dean Unglert , a 26-year-old startup recruiter from Venice, CA; Eric Bigger , a 29-year-old personal trainer from Los Angeles, CA; and Matthew "Matt" Munson , a 32-year-old construction sales representative from Meriden, CT.In the next episode that airs on Monday, July 10, Rachel and her group of six guys will travel to Geneva, Switzerland for a week of dates.Rachel will embark on three one-on-one dates and a group date with a rose up for grabs on each date, according to ABC, and so there will not be a Rose Ceremony in Geneva.The first one-on-one date in Switzerland will go to Bryan. ABC has revealed the couple will take a ride to a famous watch shop, where Rachel will gift Bryan with a time piece.Later, at the beautiful Victoria Concert Hall, Bryan will open up about a troubled past relationship and then the pair will dance to music of a string quartet.Dean will also receive a one-on-one date with Rachel, but the network teases he's "hiding behind his sense of humor and masking his concerns about introducing the Bachelorette to his dysfunctional family."Rachel however, has been touched by Dean's vulnerability in sharing the story about how his family fell apart following his mother's passing from breast cancer when he was only 15-years-old.Rachel and Peter will also enjoy a solo date in which they'll fly over the Swiss Alps in a helicopter. ABC says that after they land at a Swiss resort, they'll share a memorable dog sled ride to a cozy spot where they'll drink hot chocolate.Peter, however, will struggle with anxiety since a lot of time elapsed between both of their one-on-one dates.Finally, Rachel will go on a three-on-one date with Adam, Eric and Matt, according to ABC. The group will board a boat headed to France, where Rachel will spend private time with each man on the grounds of an ancient castle. The men will all attempt to grow closer to Rachel, but only one of them will earn a rose.Carbone claims that Bryan, Peter and Dean each received a rose on their one-on-one dates and then Rachel gave her only-available rose on the group date to Eric, eliminating Matt and Adam in the process.The four remaining men will then be shown bringing Rachel to their hometowns to meet their families.Bryan's hometown date allegedly took place in Miami on April 20, Peter's date filmed in Madison, WI, on April 22, Dean introduced Rachel to his family during a visit to Aspen, CO, on April 24, and finally Eric brought Rachel to meet his family in Baltimore, MD, on April 26.After hometowns, Rachel will send one man packing in Dallas, TX. Carbone claims that Dean was ousted at this point in the competition during a Rose Ceremony filmed on April 27.Rachel's Final 3 guys -- Bryan, Peter, and Eric -- then met Rachel's family in Dallas, according to Carbone.Although a Bachelorette's Final 2 suitors typically meet her family, her hometown date preceded the Fantasy Suites dates because her sister was allegedly pregnant at the time of filming and was therefore unable to fly to Spain for the meet and greet.Rachel and her Final 3 bachelors then took off for Spain, where Rachel took advantage of her overnight Fantasy Suites dates in order to get to know the guys better. Eric was allegedly eliminated in third place after the Fantasy Suites.To learn more information about Bryan, click here to visit our Bryan Abasolo page or click here to see our Bryan Abasolo photo gallery.For additional information about Peter, click here to visit our Peter Kraus page or click here to see our Peter Kraus photo gallery.
MASON CITY | A Mason City man is accused of abusing his 5-month-old baby and causing a serious brain injury.

Jeremy Walter Rose, 27, was arrested Thursday night on a felony charge of child endangerment resulting in serious injury and transported to the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

Officers and medics responded to the 1700 block of South Coolidge Avenue at 9:39 p.m. June 22 on a report of an infant that was unresponsive and having difficulty breathing, according to a news release from the Mason City Police Department.

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic said the baby's injuries indicate abuse, the criminal complaint stated.

The Mason City Police, along with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Iowa Department of Human Services, investigated the incident.

The baby is still hospitalized, according to the police.

 Mary Pieper
ST. ANSGAR | The former tenant of a St. Ansgar apartment building accused of stripping wiring from the unit's appliances and leaving it filled with garbage has been fined $65.

James Curtis, 35, of Stacyville, originally was charged with felony second-degree criminal mischief, but agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal mischief.

Stacyville man accused of causing $2,000 damage to apartment ST. ANSGAR | The former tenant of a St. Ansgar apartment building is accused of stripping wi

He was ordered to pay court costs. A restitution hearing is set for Aug. 11.

Curtis is accused of causing about $2,000 in damage to his former residence, 204 N. School St., St. Ansgar.

A police officer who toured the residence with the landlord on Feb. 1 saw garbage on the floor, two air conditioners that had been torn apart and a washer and dryer that had been stripped of copper wiring, according to a criminal complaint.

The yard also was torn up by a vehicle.

 Mary Pieper
For Andrew Saunders, making sustainable decisions has always been a priority. On July 1, sustainability will become a priority for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government as well, when the new Office of Sustainability is officially opened.
India has lost almost the entire buffalo meat export market to Brazil, Australia and the US.

Brazil has exceeded India as the world's biggest exporter of buffalo meat, thanks to the recent ban imposed on the sale and transportation of live animals across the country.

Data compiled by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy showed India, Brazil and Australia together had 58.7 per cent of the world beef market in 2015, with India the highest at 23.5 per cent (up from 20.8 per cent in 2014), followed by Brazil and Australia.

However, effective May 26, the Union environment ministry imposed a ban on sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter at all animal markets.

It led to closure of slaughter houses, an already ongoing process - for instance, after the change in government of Uttar Pradesh earlier in the year, this was already happening.

The entire work is at a standstill. After banning sale of live animals, their transportation has also been attacked by groups of people in various states.

So, not only sale and purchase but also slaughtering and export of buffalo meat has stopped. India has, therefore, lost almost the entire buffalo meat export market to Brazil, Australia and the US.

Of this, Brazil will gain the most, said Arshad Ali Quddus, proprietor of Al Quddus Sons International, a Delhi-based buffalo meat exporter.

Data compiled by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) showed Indias buffalo meat export at 1.33 million tonnes worth $3.93 billion for 2016-17, from 1.31 mt valued at $4.07 bn the previous year.

About half the export went to Vietnam, followed by Malaysia (10 per cent) and Egypt (eight per cent). Apeda says export declined by 11.4 per cent from a year before to 86,119 tonnes this April, first month of the 2017-18 financial year.

UP, with 28 per cent of the buffalo population, was the leading buffalo meat producing state, followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Of 41 slaughter houses in Maharashtra, says R R Kamble, deputy commissioner of animal husbandry at the Government of Maharashtra, only 11 Apeda-registered ones are operational.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has stayed the central governments banning of sale of live animals.

Hence, trading and slaughtering of animals in some parts still continues.

With the end of the Ramzan month, demand for buffalo meat has surged across the country, to Rs 220 a kg, around 40 per cent up from pre-ban days.

Photograph: Anindito Mukherjee/Reuters
For a brand that is still heavily reliant on traditional brick-and-mortar channels, airports are its new malls, drawing in young travelling professionals and encouraging impulse purchases. T E Narasimhan reports.

IMAGE: Hidesign founder Dilip Kapur who believes Indian malls are no longer shopping havens, at least not for brands like his. Photograph: Sreeram Selvaraj.

Over the past year, Hidesign, the Puducherry-headquartered bags and accessories label has opened eight stores, all of them at airports. For a brand that is still heavily reliant on traditional brick-and-mortar channels, airports are its new malls, drawing in young travelling professionals and encouraging impulse purchases.

The brand is going where our customers are, says Hidesign founder Dilip Kapur who believes that Indian malls are no longer shopping havens, at least not for the likes of brands like his. He has opened six airport stores in the last month, three each in New Delhi and Kolkata.

Interestingly, the cost of setting up a store at an airport is double that of a mall in a metro. But that does not seem to be a deterrent to Hidesign's airport-led expansion strategy that is being supplemented with online sales channels. At present it has 67 standalones and 14 airport stores. It is eyeing 10 upcoming airports as part of its expansion plan. Hidesign positions itself in the traditional-premium segment.

While it has always been seen as a brand for the urban, middle-aged professional, the company is hoping to lure in a younger and affluent crowd. The young, it says, are already drawn towards the label for its design sensibilities and also because many are being introduced to the product by their parents.

While the bulk of its customers (53 per cent) are still in the 25-35 year age band, the second largest category at 26 per cent is now under 25 years, the company says.

"It is not that we have become less expensive, or we are diluting our brand to become a mass player. Many young buyers are aspirational in their purchase behaviour and are travelling globally (and choosing the brand)," Kapur says, elaborating on why he thinks the young are buying his brand.

With millennials on its radar, the company drew up an expansion map that would increase visibility and provide easy access to this group. Hence, the focus on airports.

According to Nielsen Global (survey of global millennial travellers, January 2017), more than 50 per cent say they take at least two global long haul trips.

More than 63 per cent purchased a premium or luxury item in the watch, jewellery, clothing, bag, accessory or spirit category in the past year. Another 4 per cent plan to make a premium or luxury purchase soon.

Hidesign is also sprucing up the brand's online avatar.

Over the past year, online sales (via its website and through e-commerce channels) have jumped 72 per cent, the company says.

Besides developing digital marketing channels, the company is also engaging with its customers online. Currently, it spends close to Rs 15 crore on marketing and advertising and close to 25 per cent of the total budget is for digital channels.

Online communication, the company expects, will help leverage the loyalty the brand enjoys among a section of its buyers.

Around 80 per cent of the footfalls in the existing stores are from people who already own a Hidesign product, the company claims. But Kapur says the brand has not done enough to cash in on the brand's goodwill. "We do a bad job in staying connected with the people," says Kapur.

Apart from using online channels to stay connected with its old customers, Hidesign is also enhancing its in-store experience, hoping to keep the footfalls high. Perhaps paying heed to the numerous customer surveys that indicate that millennials hunt for a memorable purchase experience, the stores are being designed as a walk through the brand's history.

The new stores are also being designed to convey the brand's efforts at sustainability and the underlying design philosophy of its products. By doing this, the objective is to be more than just a bag brand and extend the label to allied products.

The company has forayed into footwear and is now looking at sunglasses and other accessories. Today around 10-12 per cent of the revenue comes from brand extensions, which the company wants to take up to 20 per cent.

In the domestic market, the company is looking at around 25-30 per cent steady growth in the coming years. It has clocked revenues of Rs 150 crore in FY16.

Even though the brand has a presence in a few international markets and launched in the US last year, it has found it difficult to break through the dominion of Italian and German brands.

The company admits that the going has been tough as it is difficult to get noticed in developed markets. But Kapur believes he is making headway. However, he is hedging his bets with the international business and stepping up his plans for Asia and Africa where he believes Hidesign has a better shot at bagging customers.
The Opposition stood as a divided house as the Janata Dal-United, the Nationalist Congress Party, the Biju Janata Dal, the Samajwadi Party and Janata Dal-Secular participated in the midnight launch of the Goods and Services Tax, which was boycotted by the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Left and some other parties.

Ruptures in the opposition unity emerged barely a week after 17 parties joined hands to put up a joint candidate against the ruling National Democratic Alliance nominee for the July 17 presidential election.

The Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Left, the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazagham, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and some other parties boycotted the event, dubbing it as a tamasha (drama).

The NCP, a key constituent of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance, broke away from the Opposition ranks, with its chief Sharad Pawar along with Praful Patel and Tariq Anwar attending the event in the Central Hall of Parliament.

Anwar said his party was attending the GST launch as it had supported the legislation on ushering in the new indirect tax regime in the country.

We agree with the Congress to an extent, but we supported the legislation when it was introduced (in Parliament and state assemblies). The party has hence decided to attend the midnight meeting, he said.

JD-S supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda also attended the programme, sharing the dais with President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

According to Congress sources, Gowda was requested by a senior party leader not to attend the programme but he did not heed to it.

On Thursday, JD-S general secretary Danish Ali had said that Gowda had been invited in the capacity of former prime minister to share the dais with the President and the party had decided that he would attend the event.

The JD-S criticised the Congress for not consulting it before taking the decision to boycott the function.

The SP, which had initially announced the boycott, did a somersault by attending the event, saying it found no problem when the party had supported the GST bill in Parliament.

When we supported the bill in Parliament, then why would we not attend this function to launch GST? Both the BJP and the Congress had also supported the passage of the bill, said Ram Gopal Yadav, who was accompanied by Naresh Agrawal.

Leaders of the JD-U, the BJD and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham also attended the function.

The Congress, however, downplayed the cracks within the opposition ranks, terming it as a one-off development.

A senior Congress leader claimed that the opposition unity will remain intact during the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

The function was attended by the union ministers, MPs as well as chief ministers and finance ministers of several states.

BJP chief Amit Shah, party stalwart L K Advani and former finance minister Yashwant Sinha were among the other prominent political leaders who attended the function.

Image: A man walks past a banner during a protest against the implementation of GST. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
'Previous governments in India had reservations about working with Israel.'

'Modi has shed this tag.'

'Disengaging itself from its traditional and ideological foreign policy approach in the Middle East shall serve India's long-term interests.'

Rajaram Panda explains why the significance of Modi's visit to the Jewish nation goes beyond markers like the first-ever visit to Israel by an Indian PM and 25 years of diplomatic ties.

IMAGE: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, left, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, November 15, 2016. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic activism is going to scale another frontier when he travels to Israel for a three-day visit on July 4, the first-ever by an Indian prime minister in 67 years after India formally recognised the Jewish nation on September 17, 1950.

Both established full diplomatic relations in 1992 and embassies were opened the same year.

This year, the two nations celebrate 25 years of diplomatic ties.

Following Modi's visit, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to visit India later this year.

What makes Modi's forthcoming visit significant is that the defence and security components in the relationship between the two countries will receive a boost. Both nations are making conscious efforts to make the ties a multi-dimensional relationship, and not merely uni-focal.

Though defence-related issues are likely to dominate discussion, neither side is willing to reveal, in advance, what's on the agenda.

While Daniel Carmon, Israel's ambassador to India, mentioned that both sides were working on 'every possible area of cooperation', he reserved comments on cooperation in the field of defence.

It is, however, expected that discussion would be on a wide-range of issues -- not just defence, but agriculture, cyber security, drinking water and innovations.

Modi's visit assumes significance as it comes after President Pranab Mukherjee's visit to Israel in October 2016 and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to the Jewish nation in early 2016.

Also, in November 2016, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India.

IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Jerusalem, January 2016.

Following Modi's visit, Netanyahu is likely to visit India later this year.

Photograph: Israeli Government Press Office

In celebration of the silver jubilee of the diplomatic ties, both countries are planning a series of events.

The plan to establish a programme under India's Global Initiative of Academic Networks is one such initiative. India has already dispatched a professor to teach in Israel.

Both countries have decided at the highest level to create a joint coordination committee to plan out the activities.

Exchange of business delegations is expected to be the next step.

Modi will travel to Israel on his way to the G-20 leaders' summit in Hamburg, Germany, which is being held on July 7-8.

He is expected to address the Knesset, Israel's unicameral parliament with 120 members.

He is also expected to visit an innovation park, with the Advanced Technologies Park at Ben Gurion University being one of the possible options. Top innovators from both sides are expected to showcase their products when he visits the high-tech park.

Given the importance both nations attach to the other, a bilateral joint statement covering issues pertaining to water management, defence, diamonds, counter-terrorism, agriculture and others could be expected.

It is to be noted that several high-profile visits -- including by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, several senior secretaries and a Minister of State for Agriculture S S Ahluwalia-led 11 member multi-party parliamentary delegation -- have taken place before Modi's visit. Indian Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba travelled on a five-day visit to Israel from June 11.

All these visits have laid the ground work for several MoUs that are likely to be inked during Modi's visit. A raft of mega defence deals, which includes procurement of an air defence system for the Indian Navy, is likely.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India had a 3.3 per cent share of world military expenditure of the 15 States with the highest spending in 2016, and moved up to fifth position in global ranking in 2016 for military spending. SIPRI monitors developments in military expenditure worldwide and the figures are credible.

This is in response to beefing up the nation's defence preparedness in response to the security environment in its neighbourhood.

There are high hopes that the much-awaited deal for Barak-8 air defence missile systems for the navy and procurement of Spike anti-tank missiles for the army will be firmed up during Modi's visit.

Besides other defence-related deals on the table, Ambassador Carmon expressed optimism that bilateral ties would move beyond buying and selling and the focus would shift towards joint research and development. As a start, two multi-billion dollar acquisition deals are expected to be finalised.

It is not that the expected defence deals are going to be new; India and Israel do have a robust defence partnership. India has been the largest buyer of Israel's military hardware, which includes various weapon systems, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, but not many details have been revealed.

For example, in February, India had cleared a 17,000 crore deal for jointly developing with Israel a medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) for the army. A formal announcement is expected during Modi's visit.

IMAGE: Israeli President Ezer Weizman, right, with then home minister Lal Kishenchand Advani, Jerusalem, 2000.

Advani was then the highest-ranking Indian leader to visit Israel since diplomatic ties were forged between the two countries in 1992.

Weizman was the first Israeli president to visit India.

Photograph: Reuters

What makes India procure such sophisticated weapon systems from Israel at a time when it needs huge funds for infrastructure development and in the social sector?

The Pakistan-China nexus is creating troubles for India, and it is a provocation that India can ill afford to ignore.

The 8,000 missiles from Israel is part of Modi's $250 billion plan to take on China and Pakistan.

The necessary clearances from the government have already been obtained. In October 2014, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the purchase of Spike missiles and the Barak-8 purchase proposal was given the go-ahead on April 3, 2017.

Besides India coping with the threat coming from China and Pakistan, both India and Israel face a common external threat of terrorism.

Modi finds working with Israel is a big pivot, even as he tries to reach out to the US and finds US-Israel relations complementing his efforts. This is why deepening ties with Israel makes sense.

After the contracts are formally inked, the delivery of the 8,000 missiles shall be delivered within the next two years.

The pact with Israel worth $1.5 billion is a part of Modi's plan to modernise the armed forces by 2025 to cope with tensions in India's neighbourhood.

Like the Brahmos, India should have separate collaborations with Israel on missile and other technologies of defence. Israel's ground tanks, missiles, drone technology are proven ones, and India can do business with Israel for arms technology for greater market facilities, better technology transfer and better future ties.

Engaging with the Indian Diaspora is another pillar of Modi's diplomatic journey.

The 80,000 Indian Jews belonging to four different communities -- Bene Israel, Cochinis, Baghdadis and Bnei Menashe -- who live in Israel maintain some of the cultural practices of India and can be a bridge between India and Israel.

Modi's visit in October 2006 as Gujarat chief minister is remembered fondly by the people of Israel.

Previous governments in India had reservations about working with Israel. Modi has shed this tag.

Disengaging itself from its traditional and ideological foreign policy approach in the Middle East shall serve India's long-term interests.

Modi has built a close bonhomie with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. Both met on the sidelines of the Paris climate summit in November 2015.

India's abstention at a United Nations Human Rights Council vote in 2015 on a UN report critical of Israel's offensive in the 2014 Gaza War was seen as a sign of a qualitative leap in ties, though India later clarified that its vote was a 'principled' stand in connection to the International Criminal Court that had reference in the resolution and did not mark 'any shift in policy'.

There could be fissure in India's diplomatic foray vis-a-vis its Palestine policy as Modi skipped visiting Palestine. However, India is expected to maintain its support for the Palestinian cause and sculpting closer ties with Israel is unlikely to shape its Palestine policy.

We need to wait and see all what Modi brings during his visit to Israel to the table that serves India's interests.

Professor (Dr) Rajaram Panda is currently the Indian Council for Cultural Relations India Chair Visiting Professor at Reitaku University, Japan.

The views expressed are the author's own and do not represent either of the ICCR or the Government of India.

Don't miss: Paving the way for Modi in Israel
'This is the first time that the Americans have agreed to refer to "cross-border terrorist attacks" in a joint statement.'

'No wonder Pakistan has called the joint statement "singularly unhelpful" and has blasted it, and its all-weather friend China has applauded Pakistan's frontline role in combating terrorism,' points out former foreign secretary Ambassador Kanwal Sibal.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, June 26, 2017. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

Despite the unpredictability of Donald Trump, his domestic embroilments, different power centres causing disarray in his administration, the effacement of the State Department in foreign policy making, Prime Minister Modi's visit to Washington has ended not only with no unwelcome surprises, but, overall, with positive results.

The US, even under the mercurial Trump, has, objectively speaking, nothing to gain by assigning a low priority to India.

But the short horizon transactional nature of Trump's approach even towards allies created doubts whether towards India, Trump will think in a longer term perspective and not concentrate on immediate advantage and quick gains that could be presented to his political base as fulfilment of his promise to Make America Great Again and bring jobs back home.

Trade

Four high ranking US Congressional leaders -- both Republicans and Democrats -- had in fact written to Trump to press Modi to remove barriers such as high tariffs, inadequate IPR protection, and inconsistent licensing and regulatory practices.

These long-standing American complaints against India are prone to resonate with Trump more strongly given his highly contestable belief that the US has been a victim of unfair trade and investment practices by the rest of the world.

In the event, differences with India on its trade, investment and IPR policies and the need to reduce the trade deficit by more opening for US goods in the Indian market were treated publicly in a low key manner during the visit.

But this pressure point on India will continue as Trump underlined at the joint press conference with Modi the need to create a trading relationship that is fair and reciprocal and to remove barriers to the export of US goods to the Indian market in order to reduce the trade deficit.

There is no reference in the joint statement to the H1-B visa issue, the concerns of the Indian IT sector or the target of $500 billion in bilateral trade set during the Obama presidency.

Modi met leaders of the US IT giants prior to his official talks and no doubt sought to mobilise their support for shared interests in this sector.

IMAGE: Trump, Modi with their respective delegations at the White House dinner. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

The US side gave a red carpet welcome to Modi, as promised.

Trump decided to set aside a lot of his time to engage the Indian prime minister, which is good as this gave an opportunity to build some personal chemistry, which, with a person as self-absorbed and publicity conscious as Trump, coupled with his disregard for institutions, could be more productive than it might be otherwise.

That Melania Trump received him on his arrival to the White House was an exceptional gesture intended to show personal regard for the guest.

Actually, Modi's visit followed closely the script laid out by a senior White House official in his advance briefing.

As a signal of the importance attached to the visit, the US, disregarding equivalence on the Indian side, fielded an exceptionally high-level delegation for the talks, comprising of Vice- President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defence Secretary James Mattis, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, apart from National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H R McMaster.

All key decision makers on relations with India across the spectrum were present, which should prove useful as it exposes them directly to discussions on all the issues on the India-US agenda at the highest political level.

China

With Trump having radically changed his discourse on China, it was unclear how much of the geopolitical understandings reached with the US earlier on the challenges posed by China's rise and the impact of the expansion of its naval power on the Indo-Pacific region would be endorsed by the Trump administration.

The Trump-Modi joint statement omits any reference to the India-US Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions, which loosens the strategic embrace of the two countries in dealing with the rising China threat.

However, in a watered down version of earlier thinking, the two leaders agreed that a close partnership between the US and India as 'responsible stewards in the Indo-Pacific region' is central to peace and stability in the region.

Without mentioning the South China Sea directly, the issues arising from China's assertive conduct there are reflected in the joint statement which reiterates the 'importance of respecting freedom of navigation, overflight, and commerce throughout the (Indo-Pacific) region' and calling 'upon all nations to resolve territorial and maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law'.

Unlike in the Modi-Obama joint statement of June 2016, the UNCLOS is not mentioned, which is helpful to China.

A welcome surprise this time is that the US has endorsed the formulation we have used to convey our opposition to China's Belt and Road Initiative, with Trump and Modi affirming support for 'bolstering regional economic connectivity through the transparent development of infrastructure and the use of responsible debt financing practices, while ensuring respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the rule of law, and the environment'.

Our opposition to the BRI is principally on account of violation of our sovereignty over PoK.

For the US then to endorse a reference to sovereignty is diplomatically piquant.

We should keep in mind though that despite Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe securing formulations in his joint statement with Trump on issues in the western Pacific, Trump veered off on a different tack with China subsequently in pursuit of other interests with that country.

Terrorism

On the subject of terrorism, the designation, just before Modi's arrival, of the Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US has significant nuances.

Unlike the designation of the LeT, JeM, the JuD and its chief Muhammed Saeed, as terrorist outfits or individuals by the US and the UN, the HuM is supposedly a Kashmiri organisation operating from PoK with cadres in J&K, and not a Pakistani jihad organisation.

This designation politically delegitimises the so-called indigenous Kashmiri resistance. This blow to Pakistan, important though it is, will not alter its conduct as it has continued to support with impunity all the organisations and individuals designated as international terrorists.

Pakistan has already declared it unacceptable that the peaceful indigenous Kashmiri struggle has been equated with terrorism and individuals supporting the right of self-determination have been designated as terrorists.

IMAGE: IMAGE: Children near the entrance gate of Maroda village, which was renamed Trump Village in Nuh district, Haryana. Photograph: PTI Photo

Pakistan

On Pakistan itself, the formulations in the joint statement are more exacting this time, calling on it 'to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries' and asking it 'to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups.

This is the first time that the Americans have agreed to refer to 'cross-border terrorist attacks' in a joint statement.

No wonder Pakistan has called the joint statement 'singularly unhelpful' and has blasted it, and its all-weather friend China has come out with a statement applauding Pakistan's frontline role in combating terrorism.

Defence

Though the joint statement speaks of India and the US working 'together on advanced defence equipment and technology at a level commensurate with that of the closest allies and partners of the United States', it omits any reference to the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative, which was supposed to be the vehicle for realising this objective and give substance to the designation of India as a Major Defence Partner.

While the Obama administration seemed reluctant to approve the sale of Sea Guardian Unmanned Aerial Systems to India, Trump has cleared it.

The joint statement expresses the determination to expand India-US engagements on shared maritime objectives and explore new exercise beyond the Malabar exercise, with Trump specifically mentioning Japan as a partner in this exercise, which by endorsing trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific conveys a political signal to China too.

On other issues, while the advance briefing mentioned that the US views India's role in Afghanistan as 'very positive', the formulation on Afghanistan in the joint statement is perfunctory and gives little clue of US policy direction.

No mention is made of the Taliban, an Afghan-led reconciliation process, the sharp deterioration of the situation in the country and so on.

Energy

The advance briefing mentioned that energy partnership would be an important part of the trip and that Indian energy companies have signed over $32 billion in long-term contracts for the export of US-produced liquefied natural gas.

On energy-related issues, the absence of any reference to climate change and the Paris Agreement was to be expected.

In his press statement Trump announced US intention to export American energy to India, including long-term contracts to supply American natural gas under negotiation for which he wants a higher price.

Surprisingly, the joint statement refers to Modi and Trump looking forward to finalising contractual agreements between Westinghouse and NPCIL for six nuclear reactors when Toshiba, the Japanese company that owns Westinghouse, has filed for bankruptcy.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed by India's Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna at the Joint Base Andrews.

To Sarna's left is MaryKay Loss Carlson, charge d'affaires at the US embassy in New Delhi.

Photograph: MEA/Twitter

Modi played his cards well in Washington.

It was judicious to invite Ivanka Trump to lead the US delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India this autumn, for which the President expressed his satisfaction.

He did not hold any big rally this time in Washington in order not to upstage Trump in any way.

Unusually, no customary meeting was held with Congressional leaders this time to continue consolidating the bipartisan support India enjoys in the US Congress.

Clearly, the idea was to make engagement with Trump the focal point of the visit.

Trump too played his role well, emphasising that he was a true friend of India in the White House.

The issue of India's restrictions on NGOs and religious organisations on which numerous Congressmen are agitated was not publicly aired.

Managing relations with the US remains a difficult task and we will need all our acumen to make the best of the opportunities ahead and wade the inevitable shoals that will come our way with least harm.

Kanwal Sibal is a former foreign secretary. He has served as deputy chief of mission in Washington, DC and as India's ambassador to China, France, Egypt and Turkey.
'In the past the US has been reluctant to name Pakistan directly in an US-India joint statement.'

'Whether the United States is actually prepared to put real pressure on Pakistan, especially after a future terrorist attack in India, likely originating from Pakistan, we will only know when we see it.'

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House, June 26, 2017. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

Marshall Bouton has followed the US-India relationship, and at times helped shape it, for 53 years.

Currently the Senior Fellow at University of Pennsylvania's Center for the Advanced Study of India, Dr Bouton is President Emeritus, Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Dr Bouton -- who served as assistant to the Vengurla, Maharashtra-born US ambassador to India Robert Goheen from 1977 to 1980 -- discusses the Narendra Modi-Donald Trump summit with Rediff.com's Vaihayasi Pande Daniel.

You have closely watched, and also participated, in the growth of the US-India relationship for decades. What are your impressions of what transpired at this summit?

My overall impression is largely of continuity -- which given the tectonic changes occurring in this country (the US) and in US foreign policy around most of the world -- is actually quite remarkable.

A lot of the communique could have been written during the Obama administration or even the Bush administration, with just the details somewhat different.

I am happy seeing that the emphasis has been very heavily on the strategic partnership.

Elsewhere in the communique, it is called the close partnership. But they've stuck overall to the lingo of a strategic partnership, emphasising the shared interest in a stable and prosperous Asia, which has been the strongest part of the relationship for the last 15 years.

Economic and commercial ties have been the weaker leg of the relationship.

Nothing in the communique suggests to me that will change any time soon. Rather it may still be weakened further.

But, properly, the emphasis or focus, is on the shared interest in Asia, on cooperation on terrorism and in the defence sector.

There are a number of places, where the shared concerns about Chinese behaviour in the region is alluded to, without mentioning China by name, by, for instance, the references to 'freedom of navigation' and 'respect for other nations' sovereignty.'

The two leaders call upon other countries to observe these same principles.

This is not unusual language. But the fact that it is here is important.

It appears to me that Prime Minister Modi has gone along with the preference of the Trump administration to focus on bilateral cooperation.

There's a lot that needs to be done for the bilateral economic relationship. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It could be problematic in dealing with trade issues.

There are no sharp edges in any section of the economic partnership.

Soft edges diplomatically smoothed over, perhaps. That's my overall take.

So basically you held your breath before the summit, but were then quite happy to see, post summit, that continuity was the main message?

Yes, continuity is the message. Continuity, frankly, with the last two administrations' approaches.

Given Trump's departures from precedent on so many other fronts, that's quite remarkable.

But you held your breath?

I was not seriously holding my breath because I think there is a lot that the two countries can work on, without necessarily getting into difficult territory.

I recognise that immigration issues could have been problematic, in particular the question of H1-B visas for Indian IT workers and the potential effect on the profitability of Indian companies.

But I never thought that Modi would hold the rest of the relationship hostage to India's position on the H1-B issue.

My guess is that whatever the Trump administration eventually decides in relation to H1-Bs, in the end they will, somewhat, take into account India's concerns.

The more serious question is trade.

There is quite a bit of language in the communique about finding ways to improve the bilateral trade relationship.

That's going to be a lot harder done, than said.

The Indian trade surplus with the US is miniscule compared to China's or Japan's trade surplus. So we'll see.

Frankly, it is in India's interest to liberalise its trade policies and allow greater access for US and other foreign products and services.

Do you think Donald Trump and Narendra Modi hit it off on a personal basis?

Yes. That's hard to read.

Positives here are the absence of the negatives.

It wasn't the kind of meeting like Trump had with (Angela) Merkel, where they were visibly upset with each other, where he refused to shake her hand -- that was one of the worst meetings yet.

It didn't have the same tensions as the awful relationship with European leaders, so evident at the NATO and EU meetings.

Everybody is emphasising the bear hugs. It appears it was the prime minister's initiative. While the President reciprocated, to me he looked visibly uncomfortable.

The fact that they spent four hours together and issued a pretty upbeat statement is most important, of course, perhaps as good a result as you can expect from a first meeting between these two leaders.

Do you see personality similarities between Trump and Modi?

Yes, sure, there are similarities.

They are both nationalists.

They are both men with a very personal leadership style.

They both are pro-business in their orientation and experience.

They are both first and foremost about their own nation's interest.

I recently wrote that Trump's America First is matched by Modi's India First.

If and when difficulties arise in the relationship, they are likely to lie more in the policy inconsistencies of the Trump administration.

Will economic differences eventually trump -- forgive the pun -- cooperation on security and other issues, which are frankly the more important issues in the relationship with India?

That appears not to have happened yet. Rather both leaders have chosen to accentuate the positive.

IMAGE: Dr Marshall Bouton receives the Friend of India Award in 2014 from then Rediff-owned India Abroad.

The trophy was presented to him by Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, right, background.

Photograph: Paresh Gandhi/India Abroad

So the results of the summit were not historic. And fairly bland, right?

I wouldn't call it historic. But I wouldn't call it bland either.

This is a first meeting, so let's see what happens.

It seems the chemistry between the two men was on the whole positive. They managed to come out with a statement that largely is one of continuity.

Then we will wait and see. But it is a good start.

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate this meeting and its outcome?

(Laughs heartily) Compared to what?

Just by itself.

Compared to what might have happened, and what has happened in US relations with a number of other countries over the last four months, I would give it, say, a seven or a six.

Compared to the past, compared to the Modi-Obama relationship I would give it a three or four.

Why?

Because (Barack) Obama and Modi did achieve a genuinely close equation and broke new ground in India-US relations, especially on climate issues.

They were both pursuing their own national interests, but some something clicked between them.

It would not be reasonable to have expected that kind of result for this first meeting.

It doesn't seem to me that the Modi-Trump encounter could be described as warm, although many of the sentiments expressed were warm.

You don't get the same feeling of the personal equation that developed between Modi and Obama.

Now that didn't happen overnight.

It started to happen in Washington in September 2014.

The Republic Day invitation and Republic Day visit by President Obama really cemented the relationship.

Do you think Trump rolled out the red carpet for Modi?

Well, the red carpet from the White House means a State dinner and all that sort of stuff. No, I don't think that was a red carpet.

But again I would not have expected the red carpet for this first meeting.

That's not a reasonable expectation?

No, it is not a reasonable expectation.

Do you think President Trump will come to India?

Yes, I do. I don't know when.

I thought he was very tickled with Modi's invitation to Ivanka.

I think a lot of leaders have figured out that to curry favour with this White House, they should engage Ivanka and Jared Kushner.

The prime minister decided he was going to do all he could reasonably do, to reach out to Trump and try to make this meeting work.

It seems to me that he has succeeded in that.

The communique reflects the willingness of India to put down on paper some things it might have been very reluctant to put down on paper earlier.

On the other hand, so was the Trump administration.

For instance, the sections dealing with Pakistan and terrorism were very strong.

It is good to put it down on paper and easy to put it down on paper, but...

Good question. The United States does not yet appear to have a strategic approach to South Asia.

We don't have a final decision on the troop levels in Afghanistan.

The decision was almost made about six weeks ago and pulled back at the last moment.

We haven't made clear what our approach to Pakistan will be.

This is the first hint that the administration will try to be tough on Pakistan on the terrorism issue.

In the past the US has been reluctant to name Pakistan directly in an US-India joint statement.

By comparison the communique does not name China in expressing concerns about freedom of navigation and respect for sovereignty, whereas the terrorism section of the communique singles out Pakistan repeatedly.

That's a good sign?

Well... yes, it is reality. Often diplomatic statements don't step up to realit,y but this one does.

Whether the United States is actually prepared to put real pressure on Pakistan, especially after a future terrorist attack in India, likely originating from Pakistan, we will only know when we see it.

Do you think Trump gives India the importance she deserves in his own scheme of things?

Yes. For all the reasons we just discussed.

First of all, it is important that this summit occurred as early as it has.

A couple of months ago the administration was letting it be known that there was no possibility of a summit before the fall.

Secondly the results, overall, have been reasonably positive ones.

At least not negative, when there were many issues in the relationship that could have made trouble.

Three, the emphasis seems to be in the communique is on the right things.

The emphasis is on US commitment to a partnership with India in Asia, on the defence relationship, and on cooperation on counter terrorism.

Most of the communique is given over to those subjects.

From India's point of view, what is the best that Trump can possibly offer, being Trump?

Being Trump, he is not going to lessen the pressure on trade issues.

That pressure will continue.

How far he is prepared to increase the pressure on India is another matter.

Practically, the administration is clearly prepared to move forward with a defence supply relationship.

There is an extensive discussion about that in the communique.

The question here is not whether there will be another big project in US-India relations.

Rather, the question is one of continued consultation and cooperation on a variety of fronts in the security realm, ranging from regional security to counter-terrorism.

There is an interesting reference in the communique to US support for regional economic connectivity in Asia.

You could perhaps read that as support for Indian membership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the leading forum on economic development and trade.

The Asia Society Policy Institute and others have been pushing for years to get India into APEC.

I had a faint hope that APEC and US support for Indian membership might have been mentioned, perhaps a vain hope because of the Trump administration's stances on trade.

I now don't think that will be happening any time soon.

What do you think Modi's next move should be, to take this relationship along a bit?

To engage seriously with the United States in a discussion of bilateral economic issues. Not too late for path-breaking work on that front.

The question is now whether it will happen.

The United States has been trying for years to get India to engage seriously in discussion of a bilateral investment treaty and/or a trade-in-services agreement.

India has consistently avoided or blocked such a discussion.

The United States has a whole series of trade and market access concerns in sectors such as agricultural and dairy products, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.

If these difficulties and the frustration they produce in US boardrooms and Congress continue, they could stand in the way of progress in other areas.

Frankly, many people think it is time India started to engage more seriously with the global trading system for its own good.

Modi could do to a lot to make this happen.

Any revisions in estimations, that you, personally, have had, now on either Trump or Modi as leaders?

First on Modi. Let's think back to 2014 and the run-up to the Indian elections.

Knowing Modi's history with the United States -- the expectation that he would not be granted a US visa when he was Gujarat chief minister -- gave him ample reason to resist engagement with the United States.

But when he became prime minister, one of the first things he did was to emphasise the relationship with the United States.

So, Modi put India's national interest above his personal feelings.

This first meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump is very consistent with his earlier behaviour.

Modi knows that a relationship with the United States is central to India's interests and he is going to do as much as he reasonably can, within the boundaries of India's national integrity and interests, to make sure the relationship with the Trump administration gets off to a good start.

So he's a constructive leader?

Yes, at least in this respect.

On Trump. We didn't know frankly what to expect because he made contradictory statements about India during the election campaign last year.

As recently as a few weeks ago, in a statement about the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, he struck out at India as an unfair beneficiary of that pact.

It is true, however, that during the campaign India was alone among the major powers in the world that candidate Trump did not attack.

He attacked the Japanese. He attacked the Koreans. He attacked the Chinese. He attacked all the Europeans.

He never really struck out at India in the same way.

So we had contradictory evidence in his past statements, about his attitude towards India and certainly his position on economic issues caused great concern on how he would approach the relationship eventually.

In this respect, in this summit, the relationship has been put in its own box.

With the pros and cons still all there, but pros very much in the box with the cons.

Now Trump is notoriously inconsistent, volatile even, and often mistaken in what he believes and what he says.

It appears this time, he has contributed to putting together a meeting, and an outcome from a meeting, in a form of a communique, for whatever it is worth, that is much more in the normal mode of relationships between States.

Any disappointments with the outcome of this summit for you?

Very optimistically, I would like to have seen the two leaders turn the challenges of the economic bilateral relationship into an opportunity for the next major breakthrough in India-US relations.

They might have committed themselves to creating a new economic partnership to rival the security partnership.

Clearly, that would have been a big stretch for both countries.

It is hard for me to know how much this meeting was crafted inside the White House or the State Department or both.

This communique looks more like something that would have been written by State in consultation with other agencies because there is so much continuity in it.

Of course, the White House would have had to be involved in the process at some point, but perhaps did not drive it.

The Trump administration needs to have a strategy in South Asia and Asia as a whole.

It is not clear that there is such a strategy. Once we have a strategy, we need to sit down with the Indians and shape a common strategic view for our two countries, a view that takes into account the ways we are similar and different in our thinking about the world.

At a time of great unrest and threat to the post World War II liberal world order, there is a historic opportunity for the world's oldest and largest democracies to work together to protect and help ensure the survival of that order in the interest of the two countries and the world.

That would be a joint venture worthy of the two great nations.
The government on Friday expressed deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim, and said it had conveyed to Beijing that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with "serious" security implications for India.

India's reaction follows a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the area, prompting Beijing to take a tough stance and demand withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to resolve the situation.

Beijing had also accused India of being a "third-party" to the China-Bhutan dispute.

Reacting to China's contention, the ministry of external affairs said it was essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.

It was also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process was scrupulously respected by both sides, the ministry added.

"India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India," MEA asserted in a press release.

The ministry also narrated the sequence of events since June 16 when a People's Liberation Army construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.

"In coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue," the ministry said.

In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments, it said.

As far as the boundary in the Sikkim sector was concerned, India and China had reached an understanding in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment", the ministry said.

Further discussions regarding finalisation of the boundary had been taking place under the Special Representatives framework, it added.

While India referred to the June 26 statement by the Chinese foreign ministry -- that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China-India boundary and entered Chinese territory -- it did not react to the allegations directly.

Meanwhile, China has sought a "meaningful dialogue" with India over the border row and asked it to withdraw its troops from Doklam, insisting that Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area.

"Diplomatic channels are unimpeded between India and China for talks on the standoff in Sikkim," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

"The pressing issue is to have a meaningful dialogue for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Doklam area in Sikkim sector," he said.

On June 16, the ministry said, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.

"It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity," it said, adding that Bhutan's ambassador had publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese government through their embassy in New Delhi on June 20.

The MEA also noted that the Bhutan foreign ministry had yesterday issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory was a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affected the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries.

Bhutan has also urged China to return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017, the MEA said.

India underlined that the two governments had in 2012 reached an agreement that tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries would be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries.

"Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri- junction points is in violation of this understanding," it said.
Senior advocate K K Venugopals name has been cleared for appointment as the Attorney General for India following the decision of Mukul Rohatgi to step down as the top law officer.

The proposal to appoint the 86-year-old veteran lawyer as the successor of Rohatgi was discussed before the departure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his recent visit to the US, Portugal and the Netherlands.

Venugopal had a meeting with Modi before his departure to a three-nation tour, sources said.

When contacted and asked about his priorities as the Attorney General, Venugopal said I will speak only after the notification is issued.

He said that the notification is likely to be issued in a day or two.

The law ministry had recently referred the file relating to the appointment of Venugopal as the Attorney General to the Prime Ministers Office for a final call, sources had said.

After the decision is finalised, the President has to sign the Warrant of Appointment of the Attorney General.

A noted constitutional expert, Venugopal is the recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan. He would become a law officer for the second time after being an Additional Solicitor General during the Morarji Desai government during the 70s.

He has been associated with several government instrumentalities and has been representing them as a senior advocate. Lately, he has been appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate before the Supreme Court in the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

The apex court had asked him to continue in the matter despite Venugopals replacement by the ED after he had taken a view different from the agency and the government on the removal of an investigation officer.

He also represented the Madhya Pradesh government during the hearing of National Judicial Appointments Commission Act in which he supported the validity of the central law to do away with the collegium system of appointment of judges for the higher judiciary.

However, his association with the Bharatiya Janata Party regime goes back to the Ayodhya movement when he had appeared for the then Kalyan Singh government in Uttar Pradesh by assuring the Supreme Court that the disputed medieval structure would be protected.

Later, when on December 6, 1992, the structure was brought down by the kar sevaks, he had appeared before a bench of then Chief Justice M N Venkatachaliah at his residence in the evening.

Venugopal had recently appeared for senior BJP leader L K Advani and others before the apex court which restored the charge of criminal conspiracy against them and ordered the completion of the trial in the Babri Masjid demolition case, in two years.

He has also appeared for P J Thomas when his appointment as the Chief Vigilance Commissioner by the erstwhile United Progressive Alliance government was challenged in the apex court which had set aside the governments decision.

He also appeared for Dandi Swamy Sri Vidyanada Bhartiji and J Jayalalithaa, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in 2008 in the Sethusamudram case, popularly known as Ram Sethu matter, against the construction of the ambitious shipping canal project of the previous UPA government.

The Supreme Court had stayed the construction of the controversial Ram Sethu or Adams Bridge project, a barrier located southeast of Rameshwaram, which connects Talaimanar coast of Sri Lanka.
It is a common scenario when people watch tamasha (drama) at a crime spot and do not help the police in its investigation, a Delhi court has observed.

Dealing with a case of stalking of a 10-year-old girl, the court relied on the testimony of the victim as the people in the neighbourhood where the incidents had occured and the passers-by kept themselves away from the probe.

The girl had complained about four acts of stalking by a man on different dates when he tried to lure her by showing currency notes and trying to induce her by giving some snacks. The man is presently on bail after being jailed for 18 months.

"It is a judicially noticeable fact that public persons try to avoid police proceedings and generally do not participate in criminal cases by going to the police station and courts.

"They are ready to see 'tamasha' (drama) at the spot but do not cooperate with the police authorities. In such a situation, the statement of the investigating officer that he asked some passers-by or neighbours to join the investigation and they refused, cannot be disbelieved," Additional Sessions Judge Ashwani Kumar Sarpal said.

The court made the observation while holding the man, named Suraj, guilty of repeatedly stalking the minor girl, a student of class five, whenever she used to go to school or market in an East Delhi locality.

The court is likely to pronounce next week its order on the quantum of sentence for the offence of stalking which entails a maximum of three-year jail term in a case of first conviction and five years for a repeat of the offence.

The child's mother had lodged a complaint with the police in Geeta Colony in July 2015 that Suraj used to follow her daughter regularly. She had once raised an alarm after spotting him stalking her daughter and called the police.

The court said the child has mentioned four specific instances which clearly showed that the man was stalking her and had said it could be presumed that he was doing this act with sexual intent.

"The testimony of this victim cannot be disbelieved merely on the ground that no specific date, time or place is mentioned where accused stopped her and offered to provide eatable thing. It cannot be expected from a little child of 10 years to remember all these details minutely," the court said.

It said that non-examination of any other eye witness, the child's friends who were with her at the time of the incidents, was not sufficient to discard the victim's statement.

"The non-examination of the complainant, being the mother of the victim or any other eye witness in the present situation, becomes immaterial when the testimony of the child is reliable and convincing. I find no ground to reject the testimony of the victim," the judge said.

During the trial, the man denied the allegations against him but chose not to examine himself or any other witness in his defence.
Theresa May on Thursday won her first confidence vote by a narrow margin in the House of Commons on her parliamentary agenda set out in the Queen's Speech, her first major test as the prime minister of a minority government in the United Kingdom.

The MPs voted in favour of the Queen's Speech by 323 votes to 309 with a majority of 14.

May was expected to sail through with the support of the Democratic Unionist Party voting with the Conservatives as part of a "confidence and supply" arrangement after the Tories lost their overall majority in the June 8 snap general election.

Votes on the Queen's Speech establish whether a government commands the confidence of the House of Commons.

If the Conservatives were to lose, it could trigger another general election and therefore the Democratic Unionist Party support was crucial to ensure the vote goes through.

Under the deal with the DUP, May has a working majority of 13, which also helped her win her first vote in the Commons on Wednesday 323 votes to 309 on Opposition Labours proposal to scrap a cap imposed on public sector pay.

In what is being hailed as a new kind of politics in Westminster circles, backbench MPs won their fight to allow women from Northern Ireland to access abortions on the UKs state-funded National Health Service.

More than 50 MPs from the major political parties had backed a call for Northern Irish women to have the same rights as women in England because in Northern Ireland abortions are only allowed if a woman's life is at risk or there is a permanent or serious risk to her physical or mental health.

An amendment on the issue which had cross-party backing, had been selected for inclusion in the Queen's Speech debate.

During the debate in the Commons on Thursday, UK Chancellor Philip Hammond was asked by the Conservative Sir Peter Bottomley, why, in the case of women from Northern Ireland, "only the poor should be denied lawful abortions".

Sir Peter was among MPs from various parties to sign the amendment, co-ordinated by Labour's Stella Creasy.

Hammond told him that Justine Greening, the UKs minister for women and equalities, "either has made or is just about to make an announcement by way of a letter to members of this house explaining that she intends to intervene to fund abortions in England for women arriving here from Northern Ireland".

Following the concession from the UK government, the other amendments to be debated and voted on included a call for several of Labour's manifesto pledges to be adopted, plus one to ensure that Brexit delivers the "exact same benefits" of the current European Union single market and customs union membership.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hoped to highlight apparent divisions within the Conservative ranks over whether to put jobs and the economy first in Brexit talks.

The party tabled the amendment criticising what it says is the absence of measures to "reverse falling living standards" such as action on energy bills and wages.

Corbyn claims that May has no mandate for continued austerity measures after she failed to win an outright majority at the last election.

"The Conservative programme is in tatters following the public verdict at the general election. Theresa May does not have a mandate for continued cuts to our schools, hospitals, police and other vital public services or for a race-to-the-bottom Brexit.

Labour will fight these policies every step of the way," he said.

Another amendment was tabled by Labour MP Chuka Umunna, which calls for the UK to remain in the single market and customs union after Brexit -- which is not in line with the Labour's official stand.

May faced a hectic schedule on Thursday as she rushed back from a summit in Germany in time for the parliamentary proceedings in the UK.

In Berlin, May joined German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders to discuss plans for the G20 summit in Hamburg next week and how to put pressure on US President Donald Trump over his refusal to sign up to the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as the stalled trade deal between America and the European Union.

Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters
United States President Donald Trump's ban on refugees and travelers from six mainly Muslim countries went into effect from Thursday.

Officials said the travel ban was rolled out across the country as part of its effort to prevent people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the US.

The move comes after the US Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the vast majority of the President's March 6 'Executive Order Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States' could go into effect.

"As recent events have shown, we are living in a very dangerous time, and the US government needs every available tool to prevent terrorists from entering the country and committing acts of bloodshed and violence. And as the President reiterated following Monday's ruling, his number one responsibility as Commander-in-Chief is to keep the American people safe," said a senior administration official.

The Trump administration said that the ban is necessary to block terrorists from entering the country, but immigrant advocates charged that it illegally singles out Muslims.

The 90-day ban on visitors from six countries will allow exceptions for people with "close family relationships" in the United States, which the government has defined narrowly, excluding grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles and others.

But activists said the government has defined that too narrowly, excluding relationships with grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles and others.

And many were concerned about a possibly chaotic rollout of enforcement of the ban, like that in January when it was first announced.

The Department of Homeland Security, which was heavily criticised for mishandling many arrivals when the ban was first attempted in January, promised a smooth rollout this time.

It stressed that anyone with a valid visa issued before the ban begins would still be admitted, and that all authorised refugees booked for travel before July 6 will also be allowed.

"We expect business as usual at the ports of entry starting at 8 pm tonight," said a DHS official. "Our people are well prepared for this."

IMAGE: Travelers pass protesters on the first day of the the partial reinstatement of the Trump travel ban at Los Angeles International Airport. Photograph: David McNew/Getty Images
MASON CITY | Elmwood St. Joseph Municipal Cemetery will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Saturday, July 15, from 11 to 3:30 p.m.

The day will feature special activities where all ages can experience a day in the past.

At 11 a.m., there will be a program to recognize the 150 years of service by the cemetery to the community. It will include a Wreaths Across America and Honor Guard tribute to all veterans.

A picnic will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

History comes to life during Mason City cemetery walk MASON CITY | Mason City's first Catholic priest, Rev. Carolan, may have died in 1917, but hi

From 12:30 to 3 p,m., activities will include:

 Horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic part of the cemetery.

 Horse-drawn wagon rides highlighting the history of the grounds.

 A headstone hunt seeking graves of interesting people.

 A walking tour to observe art and meanings of symbols on headstones.

Preservation tours will show what volunteers have done to preserve gravestones. There will also be displays on the cemetery history and old-fashioned games for families.
UNHCR seeing significant returns of internally displaced amid Syria's continuing conflict

Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Publication Date 30 June 2017 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNHCR seeing significant returns of internally displaced amid Syria's continuing conflict, 30 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59562de64.html [accessed 11 November 2022]

Aid agencies estimate that more than 440,000 internally displaced people have returned to their homes in Syria during the first six months of this year. In parallel, UNHCR has monitored over 31,000 Syrian refugees returning from neighbouring countries so far in 2017. Since 2015, some 260,000 refugees have spontaneously returned to Syria, primarily from Turkey into northern Syria.

The main factors influencing decisions for refugees to return self-assisted mostly to Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Damascus and to other governorates are primarily linked to seeking out family members, checking on property, and, in some cases, a real or perceived improvement in security conditions in parts of the country.

Given the returns witnessed so far this year and in light of a progressively increased number of returns of internally displaced people and, in time, refugees, UNHCR has started scaling up its operational capacity inside Syria. In order to adequately address the initial needs of IDP returnees, UNHCR - as part of the overall UN response inside Syria - will expand its humanitarian and protection response with a strong emphasis on providing protection services, improving shelter conditions and assist in the rehabilitation of some essential infrastructure and basic essential services, all in close coordination with respective sector lead agencies and partners.

Outside of Syria, UNHCR is strengthening monitoring of border movements and analysis of refugee intentions to be on top of any changes that could lead to a refugee return, while ensuring that refugees' own voices are centre-stage in any planning around return.

While there is overall increased hope linked to the recent Astana and Geneva peace talks, UNHCR believes conditions for refugees to return in safety and dignity are not yet in place in Syria. The sustainability of security improvements in many return areas is uncertain, and there remain significant risks of protection thresholds for voluntary, safe and dignified returns not being met in parts of the country. Access to displaced population inside Syria remains a key challenge, with aid convoys still unable to access regularly even the recently newly accessible areas.

Other challenges to any sustainable and large-scale returns include limited livelihood opportunities, shortages of food and water, sporadic or non-existent health, social and other basic services. Many of Syria's schools have been damaged or destroyed and offer no possibility for education.

At this stage and while UNHCR will be investing to help, with other partners to improve conditions in accessible areas inside Syria, refugee returns from host countries can neither be promoted nor facilitated by UNHCR at this stage.

For the 5 million refugees who are generously hosted in the region, and despite some self-organized returns, there is a clear need to continue to fund and support programmes in host countries, primarily through the inter-agency 3RP regional strategy and appeal.

Ensuring access to asylum for Syrian refugees and preserving the ability and conditions for them to stay in the host countries remain critical. Meanwhile, we will also continue to monitor return movements, plan and implement our response both inside and outside Syria in partnership with UN agencies and NGOs as part of the overall UN response inside Syria. In that regard, UNHCR is pursuing a number of preparatory steps, in anticipation of the time when conditions for voluntary repatriation of refugees in conditions of safety and dignity are in place.

Of the US$304 million that UNHCR has appealed for operations to assist IDPs inside Syria in 2017, US$103 million or 33% has been received. UNHCR will be seeking an additional US$150m in 2017 to ramp up its delivery inside Syria to support both IDPs, returnees and other vulnerable people, and to help improve conditions in potential return areas.
UNHCR - worries deepen as CAR violence escalates

Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Publication Date 30 June 2017 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNHCR - worries deepen as CAR violence escalates, 30 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59562e314.html [accessed 11 November 2022]

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is extremely worried over the resurgence of violence being seen in parts of the Central African Republic. Renewed violence has erupted in the towns of Zemio, Bria and Kaga Bandaro in southern and northern CAR as clashes are reported between self-defence groups and other armed groups. Civilians and humanitarian workers are also being targeted.

In Zemio, close to the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UNHCR staff are reporting intense heavy weapons fire since Tuesday. Some houses close to UNHCR's office were burnt down. Over 1,000 people have fled their homes. Many are seeking refuge in a Catholic church in the town, while some 66 people have sought safety in the UNHCR compound - among them terrified women and children in fear of their lives.

Violence has also seriously impacted Congolese refugees living in a camp in Zemio, which was invaded by armed men in recent days. Since the incident, many refugees including men, women and children have returned to the DRC, in fear for their lives. The camp was hosting around 3,000 Congolese refugees.

In the town of Bria, several hundred kilometres northeast of the capital, Bangui, clashes were reported on June 20 that continued for three consecutive days. Many people are reported to have fled to the bush. Reports suggest a camp for internally displaced, hosting some 2,400 in the Ndourou IV district is now completely empty with its whole population having fled the recent attacks.

Indiscriminate attacks in Bria have left some 136 people dead and 36 wounded, with 600 houses burned and an additional 180 looted. These are conservative estimates. People fleeing the violence speak of having witnessed brutal attacks, killings, robberies, lootings and kidnappings.

In a separate incident, unidentified armed men tried to break in to UNHCR accommodation in Kaga Bandaro in the north of the country on Wednesday night with the intention of attacking staff and looting belongings. The attack was thwarted by MINUSCA Forces.

Insecurity is preventing UNHCR staff and other humanitarians to assess the full extent of damages or displacement from the recent violence. However, our teams were able to distribute relief items including plastic sheets, blankets, mats, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, buckets and soap to more than 5000 households in accessible parts of Bria in the south over the past three weeks - despite the fragile security situation.

UNHCR renews its call on all parties to the conflict in the area to immediately end attacks against civilians and aid workers. UNHCR is also seeking immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to assist those affected by the recent wave of violence.

Violence in CAR has uprooted some 503,600 people inside the country including more than 100,000 in 2017, and more than 484,000 have been registered as refugees in neighbouring countries (Cameroon, DRC, Chad and Republic of Congo). Some 21,500 have fled across the border into the DRC over the last several weeks.
Kazakhstan: Six jailed for sharing faith

Publisher Forum 18 Publication Date 30 June 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Kazakhstan: Six jailed for sharing faith, 30 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59562ecf4.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.

Six months after arrest, six Sunni Muslims were jailed in Atyrau for between two and three years for sharing their faith, with post-prison bans on religious activity. Their bank accounts are likely to be frozen. They are among 18 known criminal convictions in 2017.
Why Is Moscow so Afraid of 2,000 Pomors in Karelia?

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Paul Goble Publication Date 27 June 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 86 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Why Is Moscow so Afraid of 2,000 Pomors in Karelia? , 27 June 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 86, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595631344.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.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

In 1953, subscribers to the third edition of the Bolshaya Sovetskaya Entsiklopedia were told to cut out the pages in one of its volumes devoted to a biography of the by-then-disgraced Lavrenty Beria, Joseph Stalin's last secret police chief, and replace them with an article about the Bering Straits, between the Russian Far East and Alaska. Many in the West found that request rather amusing. But in fact, it was symbolic of the ways in which the Soviet system sought to eliminate any reference to those who had become "un-persons" as a result of political change.

Now, in 2017, Moscow ideologists want to cut out and replace 12 pages in the just-completed five-volume Pomorskaya Entsiklopedia, which is devoted to the history and culture of the roughly 2,000 Pomors of the Russian North. Moscow sees this group as a sub-ethnos of the Great Russian nation. But they see themselves and are seen by Scandinavians and others as a nation in its own right. Moscow propagandists argue that these pages about the Pomors are ideologically harmful and threaten the Russian nation and the Russian state (Eadaily.com, June 2, 26).

Why is Moscow so afraid of the Pomors and their encyclopedia? And why is it again stepping up its campaign against them? Just as was the case with the BeriaBering Sea article substitution 60 years ago, the explanation is about far more than the Pomors themselves. Indeed, the Pomor case provides key insights into the direction the Kremlin is pursuing on a wide variety of fronts.

Three main reasons can be noted. First, Russian officials blame the rise of the Pomor movement and this encyclopedia on Norway and that North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country's promotion of cross-border cooperation in the 1990s. They argue that Oslo and, by implication, the North Atlantic Alliance back what Moscow says is a non-existent ethnic and regional identity to undermine Russia's control of the region. At a time when the Kremlin is seeking to cut Russia offboth ideologically and practicallyfrom the West in the name of "import substitution," going after the Pomors because of their supposed link to the Norwegians is absolutely consistent.

Second, Russian officials view "the Pomor problem" as an attack on the Russian nation, an attack that they acknowledge has domestic as well as foreign roots. Moscow has long insisted that the ethnic-Russian nation is an integrated whole. The Russian government has not only cast doubt on but openly attacked anyone suggesting that within the Russian nation are important sub-ethnic or even alternative ethnic groupsbe they the Cossacks, the Siberians or, as in this case, the Pomors. Any group that Moscow classifies as ethnically Russian but which itself insists is a separate nationas the Pomors have long done and as the new encyclopedia does on the pages Moscow wants excisedthus becomes a target.

And third, and perhaps most important, Russian officials see such alternative "ethnic" identities as the basis for new regional challenges. Moscow does not know how to deal with regionalism and so tends to conflate it with nationalism, even though the two are quite different (Afterempire.info, December 28, 2016). As a result, those attacking the Pomors now recall that local officials sought to promote this "imaginary" identity in order to support their efforts to promote a larger new region or even "a Pomor republic." In the 1990s, that is exactly what Arkhangelsk oblast officials appeared to be doing. But after the attacks on Pomor activists, like the scholar Ivan Moseyev in 2012, they seem to have backed down. The new attacks on the encyclopedia suggest, however, that at least some in the Russian capital fear there may now again be officials in the region who are thinking along the same lines (Afterempire.info, June 23).

The vehemence of the Russian attacks reflects the fact that the number of nations within what Moscow views as a homogenous "Russian nation"but which are now declaring themselves separateis increasing, regardless of what Moscow says. In the northwestern portion of the Russian Federation alone, they include not only the Pomors but also the Ingermanlanders, the Saami, and many others. These groups are not only publishing in local media and online but also organizing on behalf of their peoples. They are attracting support from abroad as well as providing a model for other submerged nations in the Russian Federation.

Not surprisingly, in the age of Vladimir Putin, those watching these developments are horrified, blame "outside agitators" in the first instance and want to nip all this in the bud. Dmitry Semushkin, who for a decade has been leading the attack against the Pomors, inadvertently provides the best explanation for why Moscow is so afraid and thus is behaving like Soviet officials did six decades ago.

He writes: "the collapse of civilizations, states and cultures are not a natural process: it is always the result of the actions of special individuals both locally and, most importantly, in the capital. It is possible to 'construct' both regions and new regional identities, [and] historians play a decisive role in such work." Hence, it is critical, Semushkin says, to go after them before their "falsifications" can undermine the Russian nation and the Russian state (Eadaily.com, June 2).

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Uzbekistan Alters Its Vision for Afghanistan

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Fozil Mashrab Publication Date 27 June 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 86 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Uzbekistan Alters Its Vision for Afghanistan, 27 June 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 86, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595632ac1.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.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

After the change of leadership in Uzbekistan, it has been widely acknowledged that the country's new president, Shavkat Mirziyaev, is pursuing a more proactive and constructive regional diplomacy in Central Asia than his predecessor (see EDM, October 26, 2016; December 15, 2016). Along with Mirziyaev's attempts to further enhance ties with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan as well as his efforts to improve ties with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan (Azattyq.org, May 25), the Uzbekistani government also significantly altered its approach toward another important neighborAfghanistan (Podrobno.uz, June 12).

Heralding the arrival of a new era in bilateral relations, Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov made an official visit to Afghanistan in January 2017, the first such visit to Kabul by a high-ranking official from Tashkent in almost two decades. During the visit, Kamilov said that his government would no longer look at Afghanistan solely through the prism of security threats, which was the predominant approach over the last 25 years. Instead, he said, Uzbekistan wanted to reshape relations by facilitating greater cross-border trade, humanitarian and cultural cooperation, as well as more active participation in implementing various mutually beneficial regional energy, infrastructure and transport projects (Politrus.com, January 31).

The creation of the position of special presidential envoy for Afghanistan was another indication that Uzbekistan wants to upgrade bilateral ties to a qualitatively new level. It has underlined Tashkent's willingness to play a more active role in the international processes related to achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan (News.tj, May 29).

An important improvement in bilateral relations has been the activation of official contacts at the highest level. President Mirziyaev has been maintaining direct personal dialogue with his Afghan counterpart by making use of every opportunity to speak, including at international forums. As such, both leaders had a side meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO) annual summit in Astana, in June this year, during which they discussed the execution of an agreed-upon "road map" for the development of comprehensive bilateral cooperation (Uza.uz, June 8).

Elyor Ganiyev, Uzbekistan's minister of foreign trade, who attended the two leaders' meeting in Astana, said that the two countries have all the reserves and capacities to increase mutual trade from around $500 million in 2016 to at least $1 billion by the end of 2017. He also affirmed that the two countries were preparing specific agreements to facilitate the trade and transit of goods (Uzdaily.uz, June 13).

Uzbekistan's Trading House was opened in Kabul in January 2017, and it will permanently host an exhibition of all industrial products made in Uzbekistan for the Afghan market. Currently, Uzbekistan is Afghanistan's only neighbor with which it has a railway connection. Uzbekistan exports electricity, petroleum products, fertilizers, construction materials, agricultural machinery, ambulances, medicines and medical equipment, wheat, and eggs to Afghanistan. Moreover, it imports minerals, tropical fruit, carpets and other goods from Afghanistan (Regnum.ru, April 22; Uzdaily.uz, June 13).

In another bold move, Uzbekistan sees great potential for itself in active participation in various regional energy, transport and infrastructure projects related to Afghanistan. During Mirziyaev's recent working visit (his second in 2017) to Turkmenistan, in late May, Uzbekistan was invited by the host government to help in the implementation of the TurkmenistanAfghanistanPakistanIndia (TAPI) natural gas pipeline, which was readily accepted. Afghan officials also consider the implementation of the TAPI pipeline project as a priority for their country (1news.uz, May 21).

According to Alisher Sultanov, the CEO of Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbekistan's national oil and gas company), his firm has a particularly good chance to be chosen as the operator of the TAPI pipeline. Even though Sultanov acknowledged the existence of various regional challenges to implementing this ambitious and expensive project, he nevertheless expressed optimism and said that his company was up to the challenge (Anhor.uz June 15).

Some commentators have been quick to express disbelief that Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan's cooperation on TAPI would have any real impact on the implementation of this long-delayed project; as such, they dismissed it as a meaningless exercise (Azattyq.org, May 25). However, if history is any guide, these two Central Asian neighbors faced similar skepticism in the past when they agreed to implement another ambitious project: The first line of the TurkmenistanUzbekistanKazakhstanChina (TUKC) natural gas pipeline was successfully launched in 2009, only a few years after the agreement was finalized.

Currently, the TUKC pipeline has three lines, all of which were constructed with the participation of Uzbekneftegaz. The pipeline has already delivered more than 180 billion cubic meters of Central Asian gas to China. Realistically, the set of challenges for implementing the TAPI pipeline might be different from those faced by the TUKC. But from the technical side, Uzbekneftegaz has all the necessary experience and know-how to implement such a grandiose projects. Moreover, in Central Asian politics, such agreements, as perhaps opposed to some international practices, are not signed and announced for only propagandistic purposes; their implementation or lack of thereof usually carries reputational costs in interstate relations.

Uzbekistan's bold moves in Afghanistan are taking place at a time when the security situation might be worsening, with a resurgent Taliban and other terrorist groups loyal to the so-called Islamic State (IS) increasingly challenging the central government in Kabul. Militants are stepping up their insurgent activities especially in Afghanistan's northern provinces, which border on Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan. One can also see ominous signs that an escalation in the global rivalry between the United States and Russia might be again playing out in Afghanistan (Sputnik News, May 23).

The US government's recent decision to send additional troops and military equipment to Afghanistan is a welcome development from Tashkent's point of view, which could potentially help Afghan authorities roll back the growing insurgency in the country (USA Today, June 15). However, real peace and stability in Afghanistan will most likely remain as elusive as ever for years to come. Therefore, the long-term success of the Uzbekistani government's reset in its relations with Afghanistan will depend on whether it will be able to continue to see opportunity rather than threat as far as Afghanistan is concernedeven if the security situation there takes a turn for the worse in the coming months.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Scandal Plagues Belarus's Nobel Prize Laureate

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Grigory Ioffe Publication Date 28 June 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 87 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Scandal Plagues Belarus's Nobel Prize Laureate, 28 June 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 87, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595633a94.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.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

No sooner had the uproar caused by Svetlana Alexievich's pronouncement about Belarusian Catholics (see EDM, June 15) calmed down, than a new scandal broke. Now, Russians are the offended party.

Alexievich is the 2015 Nobel Prize laureate in literature. Born in 1948, in Ukraine, to a Ukrainian mother and Belarusian father, she moved to Belarus in the early 1950s. She currently resides in Minsk. Alexievich writes in Russian and she routinely, including in her Nobel Prize acceptance speech, identifies as a person of Russian culture. Nevertheless, a collision between Alexievich's current worldview and Russian grievances regarding the West were at the core of the new controversy.

Alexievich was approached for an interview by Sergei Gourkin of Delovoi Peterburg (DP), a Russian daily. Like her, he was born in Ukraine. Gourkin warned Alexievich he did not share her opinions, but that did not discourage her. As the questioning proceeded, however, Alexievich became irritated; she eventually forbade the material to be published. DP honored Alexievich's demand, but Gourkin offered the text of the interview to Regnum, a "patriotic" Russian press agency, for which he was freelancing. Regnum published it (Regnum, June 19), whereas DP fired Gourkin.

The publication triggered an uproar all across Russian media and social networks. The Belarusian service of Radio Liberty (RL) called it an information war against Alexievich (Svaboda.org, June 23).

Only recently, on May 18, a number of Russian media outlets published what turned out to be a false story about Alexievich's untimely death (RIA Novosti, May 18). Therefore, many readers of the June interview published in Regnum initially believed this article might also be fake. That feeling was bolstered by Alexievich's apparent unsophisticated language and cliched observations (like that people that you normally meet on Broadway, in New York City, come across as free individuals whereas those you meet in Moscow seem enslaved). However, the Russian service of Radio Liberty conducted a comparison (Svaboda.org, June 21) of the text and the audio recording (YouTube, June 21), at which point, doubts as to the authenticity of the publication vanished. Additionally, attempts by RL to prove that transcribed deviations from the original recording had distorted Alexievich's opinion also failed. The deviations in the text do not seem consequential. One of Alexievich's supporters even referred to Vladimir Nabokov's pronouncement-"I think as a genius, I write as an outstanding man of letters, but I speak as a child"-as a putative explanation for her controversial remarks (Svaboda.org, June 23).

It is, however, the content of the interview that raised eyebrows in the first place. Nominally, it is a confrontation between Russian traditional grievances about the West allegedly undermining Russia's national interests, on the one hand, and the West's professed respect for small nations, their territorial integrity, and for throwing off the shackles of Russian domination, on the other. The point, however, is that in the interview with Gourkin, Alexievich's rage seemingly goes beyond the usual basis for Western condemnation of Russia's actions regarding Ukraine-i.e., that Russia exaggerated the local discrimination against Ukraine's Russian speakers, used it as a pretext for aggression, and then sold it to the rest of the world as a civil war within the targeted country.

As if deliberately setting out to match and justify Russian grievances, Alexievich claims in the interview that she "understands the motives" of those who, in 2015, killed Oles Buzina, a Ukrainian journalist and writer known for his strong pro-Russian views. She also concedes that, in Ukraine and Belarus, the Russian language should be abolished in the interest of nation-building. "You say that when 100 years ago Russian culture was implanted [] this was bad; but when today Ukrainian culture is being implanted, it is good," posits the interviewer. "It is not being implanted. That state wants to enter Europe. It does not want to stay with you," replies Alexievich. "And for this purpose Russian should be banned?" asks the journalist. "No; but perhaps for the time being yes-in order to cement the nation. You are welcome to speak Russian, but all schools will use Ukrainian," responds the Nobel laureate. "There is no other way to create a nation," she adds, apparently conceding that radicalism in defense of liberty is justified.

It is then little wonder that such statements allowed Alexievich's detractors to claim that a writer whose creativity, according to her resume, "is permeated by compassion and humanism" has delivered a series of unfiltered revelations purportedly echoing the Western view of Russians. "That is what Westerners really think of us if you look beyond their convoluted and mischievous declamations," writes one of those detractors. "Because it is only amidst "free" people with their European mindset that justifications of murder, removal of monuments, and ban on languages are out of the question Russians do not appreciate freedom [] and so those justifications appear valid as long as they pertain to Russians" (RIA Novosti, June 21).

Not only self-proclaimed Russian "patriots" took issue with Alexievich's statements. One of the most liberal and West-friendly journalists, Oleg Kashin starkly described the Belarusian writer's interview as that by "an old-fashioned and primitive person, in whose cannibalistic pronouncements one discerns neither refined provocation nor cruel irony. She exposed herself as a [] Soviet everyman who attempts to bring his/her Young Communist League baggage into the big world [and translates it] into a desire to, say, kill all Arabs once [she] finds [herself] in Israel or drop a nuclear bomb on Moscow if [she] finds [herself] in the USA" (Znak, June 21). To this effect, some of Alexievich's critics unearthed her 1977 non-fiction work Revolutionary Sword and Flame, which glorified Felix Dzerzhinsky, the founder of Soviet secret police, in the most obsequious terms possible (Vesti, June 22). What they imply is that one sort of zealotry can easily morph into another.

As per Thornton Wilder, "many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange." One can only hope that such awkwardness will restrain its assault on greatness. But while some of Alexievich's staunchest supporters suggest that scandals will fade while the stature of a Nobel Prize laureate will remain (Svaboda.org, June 23), this recent controversy may nonetheless continue to reverberate for a long time to come.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
The lecture is from the DVD series "Science and Religion." It will address the effect the works of John William Draper and Andrew Dickson White had on the belief that science and religion have been in opposition throughout history and why they continue to be influential.
Georgia: Dissident Snatching Dents Georgia's Image

Publisher EurasiaNet Author Giorgi Lomsadze Publication Date 1 June 2017 Other Languages / Attachments Russian Cite as EurasiaNet, Georgia: Dissident Snatching Dents Georgia's Image, 1 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595636c84.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.

Georgia's international standing has long benefited from being sandwiched between authoritarian countries, thus making it look good on the regional freedom charts. But its eagerness to stay on good terms with authoritarian-minded neighbors like Azerbaijan and Turkey appears to be having a negative impact on Tbilisi's rights record.



In its increasingly aggressive campaign against critical journalists, the Azerbaijani government appears to have arranged for the brazen kidnapping of investigative reporter Afgan Mukhtarli from downtown Tbilisi and his forced delivery to Azerbaijan to face trial. The incident has outraged many Georgians, who view it as a crude violation of sovereignty and a spineless reaction, if not craven connivance, on the part of their government.



"This is unbelievable. If someone from our side is involved, they should go to prison," said media analyst and publisher Lasha Tugushi at a protest rally on May 31, the day after Mukhtarli's kidnapping.



"Short of a declaration of war, I can't think of a worse way to violate national sovereignty," said Ana Natsvlishvili, chairperson of rule of law watchdog Georgian Young Lawyers' Association, in comments to television station Channel 1.



Mukhtarli went to buy bread near his house in Tbilisi on May 29 and turned up next day some 600 kilometers away in Baku, where he is now held in pre-trial detention pending a trial on illegal border-crossing and smuggling charges. Mukhtarli said through his lawyers that he was forced into a car in Tbilisi by unknown assailants, beaten, blindfolded and driven all the way to the Azerbaijani capital. Lawyers said that 10,000 euros was forcibly placed in his pocket at the border.



Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev's family has a personal issue with Mukhtarli, said prominent Azerbaijani investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova. "He was investigating their business in Georgia and also was very supportive to me when I was in danger," she told EurasiaNet.org. "Thanks to him, they could not physically harm me." When Ismayilova was harassed and blackmailed in an alleged retaliation for her investigative work, Mukhtarli effectively acted as her bodyguard.



Ismayilova said that part of the reason Mukhtarli was targeted is that he was helping fellow Azerbaijani journalists and activists escape persecution in Azerbaijan and resettle in Georgia. Government-controlled media in Azerbaijan have been assailing Georgia for becoming a refuge for Azerbaijani dissidents. Mukhtarli's fate suggests that officials in Tbilisi appear to be giving in to pressure from Baku.



"Many of us have been denied residency or refused entry recently," said Vidadi Isgandarov, political activist from Azerbaijan living in exile in Georgia. "I was personally summoned to the Georgian security service recently and asked to leave Georgia."



The big if is whether or not Georgian authorities helped the Azerbaijani secret services carry out Mukhtarli's abduction. "I want the Georgian government to explain how my husband crossed an international border with no identification papers on him," said Mukhtarli's wife, Leyla Mustafayeva, as she displayed her husband's passport at a protest rally in Tbilisi.



"The Georgian government also shares responsibility for his fate and should come clean about its role in his detention," said Giorgi Gogia, South Caucasus Director at New York City-based Human Rights Watch.



With an investigation underway, Georgian officials initially fumbled for a convincing explanation. From the prosecutor general to education minister, officials passed the buck to Azerbaijani prosecutors, who claimed that Mukhtarli was caught crossing the border illegally.



Many Georgians were not impressed with their government's response. "If the Azerbaijani border has been moved to downtown Tbilisi, someone needs to fill us in, just to make sure we don't end up trespassing by chance," Gogia wrote on Facebook.



"I want to go down buy some yogurt, but I am afraid that it might involve crossing a border to Azerbaijan," wrote Sopho Bukia, editor of JAMnews.



Mukhtarli's wife and media freedom activists are incredulous that the Georgian officials find it perfectly plausible that a man, who escaped Azerbaijan fearing reprisals, would go back of his own volition and with no identification on him to face all but certain imprisonment.



Many, including Mukhtarli's wife and lawyers, believe that Georgian authorities are somehow complicit in his detention. Georgian Interior Minister Giorgi Mghebrishvili issued a peremptory dismissal, saying that any insinuations to that effect are meant to discredit law-and-order agencies. "It is unfair to blame Georgian or Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies based only on what lawyers and media are saying," Mghebrishvili said on June 1.



All the same, the government is facing a maelstrom of public shaming across social media under a hashtag of "SOCARtvelo," a portmanteau of the Georgian word for Georgia (Sakartvelo) and the name of Azerbaijan's state gas corporation (SOCAR).



Observers say that Tbilisi is facing a tough diplomatic dilemma. "Georgia finds itself in a very delicate situation," said Kornely Kakachia, political science professor at Tbilisi State University. "Tbilisi needs to strike a precarious balance between maintaining strategic partnerships with its neighbors and demanding respect for its own statehood, image and policies."



The region's political and energy security is largely shaped by partnership between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Georgia is both a consumer and a conductor of Azerbaijani energy exports, and the three countries are supportive of one another's territorial integrity and foreign policy ends. But Georgia's goal to build European Union-style and European Union-allied democracy appears to be threatened by its two neighbors' authoritarian proclivities.



On the Turkish side of the triumvirate, Ankara is requesting extradition of Mustafa Emre Cabuk, a secondary school teacher living in Georgia. Cabuk was detained on May 24 at the behest of Turkish authorities, who accuse him of ties to followers of Fethullah Gulen, a US-based cleric. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blamed Gulen of masterminding a failed coup last year and labeled the Gulen movement, which operates a network of schools, as a terrorist organization. One Tbilisi-based Gulen school has lost its license earlier this year in an apparent nod to Ankara.



Amnesty International said that Cabuk, like Mukhtarli, is at risk of torture, and called on Georgian authorities not to hand him over to Turkey. The Georgian Young Lawyers Association said that Cabuk's detention ran counter to Georgia's commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights.



"Georgia has not asserted its position in the region properly," Kakachia said. "It is harder in Turkey's case, but these regional partnerships run both ways and Azerbaijan also needs Georgia's support. By dint of careful, but principled diplomacy, Tbilisi has to make it clear to its neighbors that there are red lines."

Copyright notice: All EurasiaNet material  Open Society Institute
Azerbaijan: Tbilisi Arrest Highlights Crackdowns on Remote Opposition

Publisher EurasiaNet Author Arzu Geybullayeva Publication Date 7 June 2017 Other Languages / Attachments Russian Cite as EurasiaNet, Azerbaijan: Tbilisi Arrest Highlights Crackdowns on Remote Opposition, 7 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595637d54.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.

On February 18, 2017, just ten minutes after Netherlands-based Azerbaijani activist Orduhan Temirhan finished participating in a rally in Germany, he received a phone call from his sister. The head of the district police had called her, she told him, and threatened to "destroy" the family unless Temirhan stopped his activism in Europe and shut down his Facebook account.



Temirhan told her and her family to leave at once, but police had already surrounded the house. The next call he got, 30 minutes later, was from the police chief himself, who told him that 12 of his relatives had been taken in to the police station. "If you were a decent man, four of your sisters would not be here with me," Temirhan said the officer told him. On the next call, the police chief put Temirhan's sisters on the line, who cried and begged him to stop his work. He refused.



Having largely succeeded in stamping out public opposition inside the country, Azerbaijan's government is now pursuing an increasingly aggressive campaign against dissidents outside its borders. That effort garnered headlines at the end of May when still-unidentified attackers seized Azerbaijani journalist Afghan Mukhtarli in Tbilisi and drove him to Azerbaijan, where he was arrested.



But that high-profile kidnapping was only the tip of the iceberg. As the numbers of Azerbaijani political emigres have increased in the last few years, so have government measures in curbing these external critics, including pressuring their families back home and deploying a wide range of online tools to make sure dissidents' voices are either silenced or discredited back home.



A frequent pattern is that relatives of a dissident abroad are arrested on spurious drug charges, as happened with exiled opposition journalist Ganimat Zahid's two nephews and the brother of blogger and social media activist Tural Sadigli. Another Azerbaijani journalist in Tbilisi, Gunel Movlud, also saw her two brothers arrested in Azerbaijan on bogus charges of drug possession.



Movlud said the arrests were clearly linked to her work with Meydan TV, an opposition Azerbaijani news station based in Berlin. "Even a child would understand these arrests are targeting Meydan. They don't want anyone to work with Meydan," she wrote in a Facebook post on October 14, 2015. "They are using relatives to pressure us." The brothers were their parents' sole caretakers, and their father died a year later. Her mother subsequently denounced her. "If my daughter won't denounce Meydan TV, then I am denouncing her," she said in an interview with BBC Azeri. "Both of my sons were arrested because of my daughter's work with Meydan TV." That followed similar pressure on relatives, and subsequent denunciations, targeting Meydan's founder Emin Milli.



Parallel to the increased harassment of families, the government has improved its arsenal of technological weapons against online dissent. Those measures include deploying government sponsored trolls for public lynching campaigns and phishing emails to jeopardize contacts and devices. More recently, the attacks have grown in sophistication, including the use of online surveillance technology, distributed denial of service attacks and other means of interfering with opposition websites.



The Azerbaijani government also stepped up its legal battle against online activity it sees as undesirable. In March, the parliament passed a law banning a broad array of information from being published online. And the Azerbaijani parliament has twice in six months increased the penalties for slandering the president online: in December 2016, the punishment was set at a fine of up to 2,000 manats (about $1,190) and up to three years in prison; in June, the maximum prison sentence was increased to five years.



The government's concern about opponents abroad dates from the early 2010s, when the Arab Spring protests, as well as the Gezi Park movement in Turkey, appeared to show the power of online organizing for anti-government activities. Much of what the Azerbaijani government does is not unique: a 2014 report by the London-based Foreign Policy Centre noted that one of the leading methods, across the post-Soviet space, of putting pressure on activists abroad is by targeting their families back home.



Baku also appears to be struggling with the fact that, in spite of mostly eliminating public dissent inside Azerbaijan, public resentment against the government remains strong, said Altay Goyushev, a historian and analyst in Baku. "The kinds of repressions they had been using didn't bring satisfactory results," he told EurasiaNet.org. "Applying Stalinist-style mass repressions is one option, but it has lots of risks as well. So they resorted to measures against those who live abroad."

Meanwhile, Temirhan, the activist, said he plans to continue his activism in Europe, working with international organizations to try to get international sanctions imposed on Azerbaijani officials connected with human rights abuses. He has had to cut off contact with his family to try to protect them. And he says he is not concerned about what new online tools the government may introduce. "There will always be ways to get around blocking," he said.

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Uzbekistan: The Hard Labor Behind Soft Silk

Publisher EurasiaNet Publication Date 20 June 2017 Other Languages / Attachments Russian Cite as EurasiaNet, Uzbekistan: The Hard Labor Behind Soft Silk, 20 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595638a84.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.

As has always happened at the end of every May, Nasiba Barkasheva's home burst with frenetic activity as the silkworm cocoon harvest reached its conclusion.

Neighbors, friends and relatives in Boyovul, a village around 50 kilometers from Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, came together for the khashar, an informal institution that joins the community in a blend of labor and celebration. While one group at Barkasheva's home sorted and cleaned the cocoons, some cooked plov while others belted out folksongs and danced.

This year, after 20 days of laboring day and night gathering heaps of mulberry leaves and feeding them to box-loads of insatiable larvae, Barkasheva, a 63-year old pensioner, let herself hope for a bountiful harvest. With her 30 years of experience, she has developed an eye for predicting the harvest. At first glance, she reckoned on around 80 kilograms.

Caring for silkworms is delicate, but draining work.

"It has to be done entirely by hand and by the entire family. Anybody doing this has to constantly keep an eye on the air temperature in the room, and to make sure the caterpillars have enough mulberry leaves. They need to be fed every two hours," Barkasheva told EurasiaNet.org.

A crate of silkworms is able to chomp its way through up to a whole ton of mulberry leaves. Once the plump silkworms have molted four times, they begin to weave a hard, silky cocoon within which they undergo the final transformation of their life cycle. That fibrous shell is what farmers like Barkasheva are after.

In total, families across Uzbekistan harvest around 26 thousand tons of cocoons annually, going by official figures from recent years.

Once the cocoons have been gathered, sorted and cleaned, they are carted off to a collection point. From there, the raw material is sent onward for processing into strands of fine thread and then woven into sheets of satin. A single cocoon can produce an unbroken thread of silk up to 1,000 meters in length.

The entire chain of production - from when the eggs are distributed to the end of harvesting - is closely watched by the government.

Eggs are handed out to families in line with a strictly enforced agreement. Farmers are required to work to a Soviet-style production quota. Around 40,000 farming collectives are involved in this annual routine. Some families eager to get into the business try to source silkworm eggs independently.

Each boxed consignment holds a mere 19 grams worth of eggs that are supposed to be nurtured into 50 kilograms of cocoons. When farmers are unable to meet their targets, they turn to the independent producers to supplement the harvest. Silkworms are a government monopoly, however, so while farmers can buy and sell among themselves, all exports must be handled by the state.

In 2016, the government was paying around 8,000 Uzbek sums (around $1) for a kilogram of the cocoons. Because of a shortage of hard cash, payment is often made not in cash but in goods like flour and vegetable oil. The farmers then take those goods to barter for things that they need.

One Ferghana Valley farmer, Madamin Sidikov, said that a few things have changed in the payments to silkworm farmers since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power last year.

This year, farmers are being paid in cash around 11,000 sums ($1.35) per kilogram - not a huge increase, but useful all the same.

Mirziyoyev has set ambitious targets. He wants to see Uzbekistan return to Soviet levels of production, when the republic produced silk from some 30 to 35 thousand tons of cocoons in a year.

"But payments also need to reach Soviet levels. Back then, what they paid for a kilo of cocoons was equivalent to the cost of one kilo of meat. If you translate that to modern prices, it comes in at around 30,000 sums ($3.75). If that really happens, more and more families will take up silkworm farming," Sidikov told EurasiaNet.org.

Sidikov said that this year he took on eight crates of silkworm eggs and managed to hand in more than 400 kilograms of cocoons.

The government sees silk as a valuable source of hard cash and, in that respect, places the commodity alongside cotton, natural gas, gold and uranium as a strategic asset. This makes the farming of silk a highly political affair.

"If you take a kilogram of silk strands, depending on its classification, it can collect $60-65 on the world market. And the cost of a kilogram of processed cocoons varies at around $8-10," silkworm specialist Alisher Eshmirzayev told EurasiaNet.org.

Eshmirzayev said around 70 percent of the silk produced in Uzbekistan - be it in the form of thread or fabric - is currently exported. And the demand is only expected to grow, he said.

In March, Mirziyoyev signed a decree ordering the creation of Uzbekipaksanoat, a nominally independent organization that will handle the business of developing the sector, attracting more investment and introducing new strains of mulberry. The government hopes the reforms will help the sector produce 35,000 tons of raw cocoons and increase processing volume by 50 percent by 2021.

But for all the attention given to increasing production, little thought seems to have been given to improving and modernizing the methods of silkworm breeding. People in the region have been engaged in the craft for many centuries, but the form of labor the work entails has in essence changed little since olden times.

One former silkworm farmer, 67-year-old Marhamat Yuldasheva, said that the month he spent coaxing and feeding caterpillars was an exhausting process that sapped her energy for many months afterwards. The caterpillars leave a vile smell in the rooms where they are kept, requiring regular redecoration.

"The way our ancestors grew cocoons is the way we continue to do it to this day," Yuldasheva told EurasiaNet.org. "I've heard that in other countries this process has long been mechanized. Will we live to see that?"

When the khashar came to a close in Barkasheva's courtyard, the results were even better than she could have hoped. Her crate of shock white cocoons weighed 85 kilograms, around $100 worth. Part of the earnings will go toward her daughter's wedding and freshening up the room where the silkworm were kept.

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Tajikistan: Taking State Snooping to the Next Level

Publisher EurasiaNet Publication Date 13 June 2017 Other Languages / Attachments Russian Cite as EurasiaNet, Tajikistan: Taking State Snooping to the Next Level, 13 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595639e84.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.

For the past few weeks in Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital, teams of officials drawn from various security agencies have been going from house to house in an exhaustive effort to uncover what they deem "undesirables."

According to official documents seen by EurasiaNet.org, the objects of suspicion can include suspected religious extremists or would-be potential terrorists. But the target list also includes electricity thieves and anybody using the wrong type of lightbulb.

In apparent disregard for due process, the teams, which can number up to 15 officers from the police, prosecutor's office and State Committee for National Security, are demanding to search people's homes without proper authorization from the courts.

The initiative is part of something known as "Operation Order," and it is focused, for now, on parts of the capital, Dushanbe.

A resident of the city's Ismoili Somoni district told EurasiaNet.org that three law enforcement officers visited his home on June 3 demanding to be allowed in to carry out checks. The man refused, arguing that the officers did not have the requisite paperwork.

"The following day, a commission of 15 people came with an official document signed off by the General Prosecutor's Office, the Interior Ministry and the State Committee for National Security. They came into the house and checked anything it was possible to check," the resident told EurasiaNet.org on condition of anonymity.

According to those that have undergone similar experiences, nothing is too trivial too evade scrutiny.

Power cables are inspected to ensure no unmetered electricity is being siphoned off the grid. Since the end of last year, city authorities have stepped up inspections to ensure proper storage of propane cylinders, which are used in many households for cooking and heating.

In 2009, in a bid to reduce nationwide electricity consumption, Tajikistan banned the sale of incandescent lightbulbs with power ratings of 100 watts or more. All the same, the offending lightbulbs are routinely smuggled into the country from neighboring Kyrgyzstan.

Anybody found in violation of any of these statutes can face anything from fines to administrative sanctions.

There is a 10-page "Operation Order" document that authorities now wield to legitimize their house searches. The big-ticket targets outlined in that document are suspected members or sympathizers of what the government deems terrorist and extremist groups.

Along with more obvious suspects like the Islamic State group and Jamaat Ansarullah, organizations like the banned Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT) and the opposition Group-24, or even associates of Abduhalim Nazarzoda, a former deputy defense minister that authorities claim mounted an attempted coup in September 2015, are in the crosshairs.

Tajik authorities have for many years taken a liberal approach to deciding how to identify potential sympathizers of radical religious organizations, and a similar methodology appears to be guiding "Operation Order."

Young men with beards are suspect, as are women in overtly Islamic clothing styles. Any discrepancy between ID photos and appearance is particularly frowned upon.

The sweeps are being cast in part as "clarification work." Teams inform members of the public with whom they come into contact what kind of behavior they should pursue and avoid.

An Interior Ministry representative told EurasiaNet.org on condition of anonymity - because he is not authorized to speak to the media - that the operation is being extended to the whole country and that districts around Dushanbe have already gone through the exercise. Even so, authorities have issued no public notices about the sweeps, meaning people only learn about the nature of the inspections when teams arrive at their front door.

"We didn't send around notifications beforehand, because Interior Ministry representatives also introduce themselves before entering a home anyway. And even without [authorization], any precinct has the right, when necessary, to enter homes and check on what is going on there. That is our daily work," the ministry official told EurasiaNet.org.

Political commentator Farruh Avezov told EurasiaNet.org that although campaigns to enforce lawful behavior are to be welcomed, authorities ought to have pursued less invasive and punitive methods.

"When you are implementing some or other measure, the people enforcing the rule should have some goodwill and desire to improve the situation, instead of just handing out fines. Fines are a heavy-handed way of solving the problem that is intended to scare anybody into not stepping out of line," Avezov said.

Ostensibly basing their reasoning on the need to combat terrorism, authorities have been - not always successfully - seeking to expand the ability of security officials and law-enforcement officers to act independently of other government agencies in their interactions with the public.

Lawmakers in the lower house of parliament in October approved legislation allowing agents with the State Committee for National Security (GKNB), the successor agency to the KGB, to enter people's homes without permission or obtaining a court order.

GKNB chief Saimumin Yatimov described the legislation as a measure of last resort. "Special services employees will only get the right to gain unauthorized entry into the homes of citizens in exceptional cases. For example, when there is the threat of a terrorist act and there is a need to protect the life and health of the population or to seek the release of hostages," Yatimov told lawmakers.

In a surprising and unusual turn of events, however, the upper house, or Senate, rejected the legislation in mid-February. "It is necessary to clearly set a boundary between the provision of security and the guarantee of citizens' rights," said Senate speaker Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloev.

In a development that may or may not have been related, Ubaidulloev, a long-time regime loyalist and the mayor of Dushanbe until his firing in January, was, at the time of that decision, coming under mounting pressure from rivals. His main antagonist was, and very much remains, his replacement as Dushanbe mayor and the son of the president, Rustam Emomali.

Ubaidulloev is still speaker of the Senate, a position that makes him formal successor to President Emomali Rahmon in the event of an emergency, but there is constant chatter in Dushanbe that there are moves afoot to squeeze him out to make way for a member of the ruling family to take his place.

Undeterred by the GKNB law, deputies are looking at other ways to expand the ability of authorities to intrude into citizens' private lives.

On June 7, one member of the lower house, Jurakhon Majidzoda, suggested giving criminal investigators the power to identify people suspected of visiting "undesirable" websites. What would qualify under that rubric would likely be at the highly subjective judgment of agencies like the GKNB or the communications agency, which is headed by an official related to Rahmon by marriage.

In support of his argument, Majidzoda claimed that people across Tajikistan are collectively being bombarded with up to 90,000 SMS messages every day from supposed extremists and terrorists. Majidzoda said the messages include appeals to join forces with radical groups based abroad.

Even more sensationally, Majidzoda claimed that out of more than 3 million Tajiks who now have access to the Internet, more than 80 percent visit websites containing extremist and terrorist content.

Attempts by EurasiaNet.org to find any people who had received text messages similar to those described by the lawmaker were unsuccessful.

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Armenia: Nation-Army Plan Raises Concerns About Society's Militarization

Publisher EurasiaNet Author Gayane Abrahamyan Publication Date 14 June 2017 Other Languages / Attachments Russian Cite as EurasiaNet, Armenia: Nation-Army Plan Raises Concerns About Society's Militarization, 14 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59563a5a4.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

A new program is promoting the closer integration of Armenia's military and society. The initiative is raising concerns among some observers that the country, already one of the most heavily militarized in the world, is giving the army too much influence over the shaping of its future.

Defense Minister Vigen Sargsian launched the program, known as the "Nation Army Concept," in October. The concept, as it has been articulated thus far, is vague but seemingly far-reaching: it appears to potentially allow for the total mobilization of society in the service of national security. "All the governmental bodies, civilians and anybody else must correctly carry out their role in the defense of the country," Sargsian said in rolling out the program.

Sargsian also has alluded to the military assuming a greater role in Armenia's economic sphere. The army should "not just consume, but also become a leader in the development of economic and social life," he said, adding that the army can be "a platform for innovation, become a bridge of sorts linking science and industry."

While specifics on the program are scarce, the rhetoric surrounding it is making some Armenians uneasy. At a conference in April devoted to the program, Armenia's Minister of Education and Science, Levon Mkrtchian, told the participants: "Military science teachers should teach children to love weapons and not to fear them. Weapons must be loved, cherished, taken care of, and not be just quickly assembled," he said. "We live in an area where everyone is a potential soldier, and this naturally affects the educational system; this concept should be the primary task of schools."

This kind of talk worries civil rights activists. The Nation-Army Concept is part of a trend in Armenia in which "the state is raising not a citizen, but a soldier," said Edgar Khachatryan, head of the NGO Peace Dialogue. "And in the future, this citizen would not stand up for his or her rights, but would carry out orders. ... This is the shortest way to establishing a military dictatorship, and I see things trending in that direction," Khachatryan told EurasiaNet.org.

Many Armenians wonder if the country has not already too tightly integrated the military and society. Armenia is the third-most-militarized country in the world, after Israel and Singapore, according to a study by the Bonn International Center for Conversion, which attempts to measure "the relative weight and importance of a country's military apparatus in relation to its society as a whole."

Sargsian's own appointment as defense minister was controversial in Armenia, ironically, because he was a civilian rather than a military veteran, although civilian defense ministers are standard in much of the world.

The military's leading role in the country has become increasingly controversial. Corruption scandals led to several senior military officials being fired last year. A month after the Army Nation Concept was announced, a bill was introduced in parliament that would tax citizens 1,000 drams (about $2.30) per month to compensate soldiers killed or wounded in action. The legislation sparked strong criticism among citizens who complained that the government was squeezing its impoverished population while senior officers get rich. The bill passed easily, however, on an 84-3 vote.

Human rights activists voice concerns that further boosting of the army's role in society will make the military even more unaccountable. "The 'Nation Army Concept' is unacceptable as long as we have a state," said rights activist Zara Hovhannisian. "That is, the public should be mobilized around civilian institutions, and the army, as a structure safeguarding and maintaining state sovereignty, is just one of the components."

Sargsian vigorously downplays criticism, contending that the critics have it all wrong. "The Nation Army is a society that acts as one whole. That does not mean the militarization of society, or the state. On the contrary, it means democratization of the army, its full integration into society, economy, culture, education, science, ecology and sports," he said in an address to parliament. "This means using what has been created by the army for the whole society and state, and building up the armed forces with all the achievements of civilian life."

The underlying motivation for the concept seems to be the long-standing frozen conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory. An arms race, of sorts, has been taking place in the past few years, and tension has risen markedly along the line of contact, underscored by the brief resumption of all-out warfare in April 2016. The program, according to some experts, can put Armenia in better position to keep up strategic pace with Azerbaijan.

"Given the current arms race in the region and Armenia's modest capacities  this is not just a concept or a doctrine, but is above all a value system that will engage not just those whose job is the country's security, but also the society and the diaspora," said Sergey Minasyan, deputy director of the Caucasus Institute think tank.

So far the government has introduced a handful of specific initiatives related to the concept. One of them, "I Have the Honor," offers military training to university students and then commissions them as reserve officers when they graduate. Another, called "I Am," provides for a new conscription program: instead of the standard two-year term, young men could serve for three years, with seven months of leave during that time, but the service would be in potential combat zones at the border with Azerbaijan, or on the line of contact in Karabakh. At the end, the soldier would get a bonus of five million drams (about $10,500) which could be used for tuition expenses, buying a home, or setting up a small business.

The government has cast the programs as ways to address problems with corruption in the conscription process, in which Armenians from wealthier families tend to get out of military service by paying a bribe. "These bills should be considered first of all from the point of view of giving a person an opportunity, which substantially reduces corruption risks connected with avoiding military service," Defense Ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisian told EurasiaNet.org.

But skeptics see the target more as Armenia's poor, whose only means of getting out of conscription is to emigrate. "This is just a project aimed at getting poor people to serve in the military [and not leave the country]," said Artur Sakunts, a rights activist and head of the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly. "The children of oligarchs will again avoid service in the army, corruption will not cease, [and] generals will continue to grow rich at the expense of the army."

Editor's note: Gayane Abrahamyan is a freelance reporter and editor in Yerevan.

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Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
South Korea: Seek Help for North Korean Refugees in China

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 29 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, South Korea: Seek Help for North Korean Refugees in China, 29 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59563ddb4.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.

South Korean President Moon Jae-In should raise the perilous situation of more than 38 North Korean refugees detained in China in his meetings with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on June 29 and 30, 2017, Human Rights Watch said today. The refugees are at risk of imminent return to North Korea, where they face torture and long-term detention.

North Koreans forcibly returned by China regularly endure torture while being interrogated about their activities abroad. They then can disappear into North Korea's horrific prison camp system, where prisoners face torture, sexual violence, forced labor, and other inhuman treatment.

"President Moon should urge President Trump to join South Korea in calling on China's leaders not to send these 38 North Korean refugees back into harm's way," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director. "Moon should also call for a global partnership to seek improvements on the human rights situation for North Korea people."

The death of the US student Otto Warmbier after apparent mistreatment in custody in North Korea has already alerted Trump administration officials to the dangers faced by prisoners in North Korean prisons.

Activists and family members have informed Human Rights Watch that at least 51 North Koreans have been detained in China since July 2016, including a baby born in detention, four children ages 10 to 16, and three elderly women in frail health. Based on their information, Human Rights Watch believes that at least 13 North Koreans have already been forcibly returned to North Korea, meaning that at least 38 remain in China. Human Rights Watch is unaware of reliable estimates of the total number of North Koreans in custody in China, or the number of refugees returned to North Korea.

China routinely labels North Koreans as illegal "economic migrants" and regularly repatriates them to North Korea, where they face abuses by prison guards, and forced labor in harsh and dangerous conditions. Those defying the rules of the camps, or seeking to escape face arbitrary punishments, including public executions. Leaving North Korea without official permission is a crime for which abuse and punishment is certain among those sent back to North Korean state security (Bowibu).

As a result, Human Rights Watch has determined that all North Koreans in China who left North Korea without permission should be considered refugees sur place -people who become refugees as a result of fleeing their country or due to circumstances arising after their flight - and thus in need of protection. North Korea's Ministry of People's Security enforces a decree that makes defection from North Korea a crime of "treachery against the nation" that is harshly punished, including in some cases through executions.

Among the 38 North Koreans are a group of eight who were detained in March. People monitoring their situation believe they are still held in Suizhong county in Liaoning province. Among the group are two women who escaped after being sold to Chinese men and two women with serious health problems. On June 27, the US government downgraded China in its Trafficking in Persons Report to a Tier 3 country, noting the Chinese government's continued forced repatriations to North Korea without protections for victims of trafficking.

In a recent case of five North Koreans at risk of repatriation, Human Rights Watch wrote a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 24, requesting their release and free passage to a safe third country. The latest information received by a family member, "Lim," on June 27 was that Chinese authorities were still detaining the five near Yanji city in Jilin province. Plans to move them to Helong city had reportedly changed and the group was scheduled to be moved to Tumen city, across the border from the North Korean city of Namyang. Human Rights Watch remains concerned that these five North Koreans could be forced across the border to North Korea at any time.

Lim remains very concerned about her family's treatment if sent back because police detained and forcibly disappeared her father in 2010. When detainees vanish without information on their whereabouts, trial dates, or result of an administration or judicial procedure, it is common for North Koreans to assume the person has been sent to a political prison camp (kwanliso). Lim fears that because of their father's status, her family will be lost in the kwanliso system.

A 2014 United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea found that those fleeing the country are targeted as part of a "systematic and widespread attack against populations considered to pose a threat to the political system and leadership of the DPRK  to isolate the population from contact with the outside world." It also found that crimes against humanity, including torture, execution, enslavement, and sexual violence are committed against prisoners and people forcibly returned to North Korea from China. The Commission of Inquiry also criticized China for failing to meet its obligations as a party to the UN Refugee Convention.

"President Moon should remind President Trump that it is not just Americans who suffer at the hands of the authorities in Pyongyang and that together they can take a stand to support these desperate North Korean refugees," Robertson said. "China should provide them asylum or allow them to make their way to another country that will protect them."

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EU: Rights Should Be on Egypt Meeting Agenda

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 29 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, EU: Rights Should Be on Egypt Meeting Agenda, 29 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59563ef84.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 European Union and its member states should insist on including human rights concerns on the agenda for an upcoming EU-Egypt Association Council meeting and in EU public messaging about the meeting, Human Rights Watch said today.

EU foreign policy officials recently told human rights organizations based in Brussels that the EU had proposed several mid-July 2017 dates for the high-level meeting, the first EU-Egypt Association Council gathering since the military removed former President Mohamed Morsy in 2013. The EU should live up to its commitment to "place human rights at the centre of its relations with all third countries" - a pledge it has yet to fully apply to its relations with Egypt, Human Rights Watch said.

"For Egypt's abusive government, what's not to like about a high-level EU meeting that doesn't raise pesky human rights questions," said Lotte Leicht, Brussels director at Human Rights Watch. "The EU needs to put itself squarely on the side of Egyptians who courageously stand for basic rights when meeting with a government known for mass killings rather than respect for those rights."

The meeting comes at a time when the Egyptian government has intensified and escalated its abusive policies and conduct. New legislation ends the ability of nongovernmental organizations to work independently and puts them under security agencies' supervision. Security forces routinely disappear and torture people suspected of supporting opposition parties, Islamist or otherwise. Prosecutors have sent thousands of civilians to be tried before military courts, and tens of thousands of people are imprisoned in terrible conditions following unfair trials.

The EU and its member states should firmly address Egypt's brutal repression of dissenting and critical voices and set out clear and public benchmarks for improvement, Human Rights Watch said. Those should include bringing to justice officials responsible for torture and extrajudicial killings and releasing journalists, political opposition members, and human rights activists who are behind bars solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

In November 2015, the EU revised its European Neighborhood Policy, downplaying discussion of rights and freedoms. The new policy, in the EU's words, reflected a "new type of assessment, focusing specifically on meeting the goals agreed with partners." The EU communique went on to say: "For those partners who prefer to focus on a more limited number of strategic priorities, the reporting framework will be adjusted to reflect the new focus."

The EU's public silence about abuses under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has brought about no positive change in Egypt. The EU and its member states should boldly raise human rights issues with Egypt because the people who work for freedom of expression, association, and assembly in Egypt need to hear the EU's voice, not silence or generalities, Human Rights Watch said.

The Association Council meeting comes after Germany and France, two EU leaders, have sent high-level delegations to Cairo. German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited in March 2017 and the French defense and foreign affairs ministers visited in early June. Human rights appeared to be absent from those meetings, at least as reflected in their public statements.

At the June regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Greece and Hungary objected to a mention of Egypt in the EU's Item 4 statement on "countries of concern." Though Hungary's delegation ultimately relented, the EU never delivered its statement as Greece refused to join a consensus because of a reference to human rights concerns in Egypt and China.

"In the face of escalating arrests, killings, torture, and enforced disappearances, it borders on the obscene for the EU and its member states to be signaling to Egyptians and the world that human rights are off the agenda," Leicht said.

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Burma: Drop Charges Against 3 Journalists

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 29 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Burma: Drop Charges Against 3 Journalists, 29 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59563f564.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.

Burmese authorities should immediately drop charges against three journalists for news gathering at a public event organized by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State, Human Rights Watch said today.

On June 26, 2017, the Burmese military detained Aye Nai and Pyae Phone Naing from the Democratic Voice of Burma and Thein Zaw, also known as Lawi Weng, from The Irrawaddy after stopping their car as they returned from a TNLA drug-burning ceremony marking the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. On June 28, the reporters were charged under section 17(1) of Burma's colonial-era Unlawful Associations Act of 1908, local media reported. All three have been detained at Hsipaw prison in Shan State and are next scheduled to appear in court on July 11.

"It's appalling that the Burmese authorities are charging journalists for simply doing their job," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director. "Burma's government, which consists of many former political prisoners held on similarly dubious grounds, should drop these charges immediately and ensure the three are released."

During the nearly three days the military held the journalists without charge, their location was unknown. Four other people were reportedly also arrested and detained.

Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act carries a sentence of up to three years in prison for anyone who "is a member of an unlawful association, or takes part in meetings of any such association, or contributes or receives or solicits any contribution for the purpose of any such association, or in any way assists the operations of any such association." This broadly worded provision has been routinely used for decades to punish people suspected of having any contact with an opposition armed group.

The TNLA is among more than a dozen ethnic minority armed groups that for decades have been fighting Burma's central government, and has been designated an "unlawful armed group" by the Burmese authorities. While the TNLA is not a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement signed in October 2015, representatives of the armed group attended the second round of the Panglong Peace Conference held by the Burmese government in the capital, Naypyidaw, in May 2017.

Arresting journalists who are gathering news about an armed group is a serious blow to media freedom in Burma. While the government may place restrictions on the media for national security reasons, these restrictions must be strictly necessary for a legitimate purpose and not be overbroad. They may not be used to suppress or withhold information of legitimate public interest not harmful to national security, or to prosecute journalists for reporting such information.

For the government to fulfill this responsibility, journalists must be able to speak and meet with a variety of people without fear of arrest or harassment - including those who are in conflict with the government or military.

The arrest of the three journalists appears to conflict with Burma's News Media Law. Section 7(a) of the law, in force since June 2015, states that a journalist "shall be exempt from being detained by a certain security related authority, or his/her equipment being confiscated or destroyed," while gathering news in areas "where wars break out, and where conflicts or riots and demonstrations take place."

"The Burmese military is using the Unlawful Associations Act to attack the country's news providers," Robertson said. "All charges under section 17(1) should be dropped and the provision rescinded so that journalists can accurately cover the country's ethnic conflicts."

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Cote d'Ivoire: UN Peacekeeping Mission Ends

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Cote d'Ivoire: UN Peacekeeping Mission Ends, 30 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59563fbd4.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.

As the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) comes to an end on June 30, 2017, the Ivorian government should redouble its efforts to address the serious rights issues at the root of past political violence, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Ivorian Movement for Human Rights (MIDH) and the Ivorian League for Human Rights (LIDHO) said today.

Cote d'Ivoire has enjoyed more than six years of relative peace and security since a devastating post-election crisis in 2010-2011. But the government's inadequate progress in addressing a longstanding culture of impunity, reforming the security forces, and strengthening rule of law institutions threaten the country's long-term prospects for peace and development.

"Cote d'Ivoire has distanced itself from the violence and conflict that blighted so many lives and tore communities apart, but it's too early to say whether the recovery is sustainable," said Drissa Traore, Vice-President of FIDH. "The peace dividends that the United Nations has contributed to could be reversed unless the Ivorian government addresses pervasive immunity and the army's lack of discipline."

Beginning with the deadly clashes that followed the 2000 presidential election and later the 2002-2003 armed conflict, international and Ivorian human rights groups have documented abuses committed during the political and inter-ethnic violence that haunted Cote d'Ivoire until the conclusion of the 2010-2011 post-election crisis. A decade of conflict and instability was punctuated by horrendous human rights violations, including widespread extrajudicial killings, torture, and targeted sexual violence by government forces, government-linked militia, student groups, and rebel forces alike.

The UN mission was established in April 2004 to monitor a cease-fire agreement after the 2002-2003 armed conflict, with peacekeepers monitoring a "zone of confidence" that separated the government-controlled south from the rebel-held north. This stalemate continued until the 2007 Ouagadougou peace accords, which set the stage for presidential elections in 2010 and, in the aftermath, the 2010-2011 post-election crisis.

Aichatou Mindaoudou, the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the peacekeeping mission, said in June that "demonstrable progress has been made on all fronts." The UN rightly cites peaceful 2015 presidential elections and 2016 legislative elections as evidence of improved security. And a 2016 constitutional referendum removed a divisive nationality clause that had fueled decades of ethnic and political tensions, although the vote was criticized for its lack of transparency.

Despite this progress, the government of President Alassane Ouattara has not fully addressed key human rights issues that have contributed to past political violence and conflict.

During the decade of unrest that culminated in the 2010-2011 post-election crisis, the culture of impunity that allowed those responsible for atrocities to escape justice was a key factor in perpetuating abuses. Former President Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Ble Goude, a former militia leader, are on trial before the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity. And yet, the vast majority of the commanders and leaders implicated in a decade of serious human rights violations - on both sides of the military-political divide - have not been held to account.

The Ivorian government has made some progress in strengthening the justice system following years of neglect. But the deeply flawed trial for crimes against humanity and war crimes of former first lady Simone Gbagbo raises doubts about the Ivorian justice system's ability to fairly and effectively try serious human rights cases. And the promotion in January of several army commanders suspected of involvement in abuses during the post-election crisis raises concerns about potential political interference in investigations.

The lack of accountability for human rights abuses is indicative of a wider failure to address a longstanding culture of impunity within the army. Mutinies in January and May, in which soldiers seized control of the country's second largest city and neighborhoods in several other towns, reflect a wider perception that the army is "above the law."

The peacekeeping mission has conducted extensive training for the security forces, including on compliance with human rights, and the army has reduced human rights abuses by soldiers against civilians. But the government has repeatedly failed to hold soldiers accountable for criminality, from the atrocities of the post-election crisis, to the illicit exploitation of natural resources by army commanders, to checkpoint extortion by rank-and-file soldiers. A March 2016 United Nations Group of Experts report found that former rebel commanders "who occupy key roles in the Ivorian security apparatus, continue to have access to private assets, financial resources and weapons."

"It's a vicious cycle," said Yacouba Doumbia, President of MIDH. "The government's failure to reduce soldiers' illicit economic activities, and their commanders' access to private wealth and weapons, makes it more difficult to hold them accountable for other abuses."

The discovery by mutinying soldiers in May of an arms cache in Bouake underscored the failure of Cote d'Ivoire's disarmament process to secure weapons hidden in private arsenals. The government has opened a judicial investigation and said it will seek to locate arms hidden in other locations.

Many of the underlying tensions that drove past ethnic violence also remain unresolved, notably an incomplete national reconciliation process and continued competition over land. Although land conflicts may have gradually become less prevalent, they remain a key driver of local violence, as illustrated by intercommunal clashes in March 2016 in Bouna that killed dozens of people and displaced thousands more. At the same time, as it moves forward with implementation of a 1998 land law, the government should strengthen local government capacity to find fair and durable rights-based solutions to tensions over land.

The peacekeepers' departure, and the recent mutinies, underscore the need to intensify efforts to address longstanding impunity and professionalize the security forces. This should include a strengthened military justice system and improved internal military disciplinary mechanisms.

The authorities should also follow through on the promise to prosecute individuals - including members of the security forces - implicated in atrocities during the 2010-2011 post-election crisis. This requires the government to provide the judiciary with adequate support to complete their investigations, as well as to finish the exhumation of victims in western Cote d'Ivoire. Holding accountable high-level perpetrators, including those who fought for Ouattara during the crisis, would send the message that those who resort to violence and human rights abuses in moments of political tension will face the consequences.

"With the UN peacekeeping mission's departure, Cote d'Ivoire's government now bears the sole responsibility for addressing the human rights challenges that threaten long-term stability," said Jim Wormington, West Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. "This means tackling impunity and addressing the root causes of political and ethnic tensions."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
MASON CITY | A new North Iowa organization concerned with climate change will hold its first meeting on Saturday, July 8 in Mason City.

The meeting will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 100 S. Pierce Ave.

The new group is called the North Central Iowa Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL).

Mason City resident and retired ISU extension specialist Don Hofstrand will lead the meeting. Hofstrand has been making local presentations about climate change and believes the issue to be critical to our future.

The more I know about climate change, the more concerned I get, he said in a news release. Fortunately, CCL has a tangible solution that we can work toward locally. Its a solution that can make a difference.

Citizens Climate Lobby is a grassroots advocacy organization with more than 400 chapters across the U.S. and other countries, with several in Iowa. It is dedicated to generating the political will for effective national policies to address climate change.

Subsequent meetings are planned for the second Saturday of each month at the same time and place. Each month, the group will focus on actions to be taken during the first hour of the meeting, followed by a national video conference call led by CCL staff that features a guest speaker with expertise on the climate issue.

For more information, contact Hofstrand at dhof0613@gmail.com or visit www.citizensclimatelobby.org.
The UN Human Rights Council points (again) at Belarus

Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 23 June 2017 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, The UN Human Rights Council points (again) at Belarus, 23 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595646484.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.

Once again on the Human Rights Council's agenda at its 35th session, the discussions on the worrying human rights situation in Belarus resulted on the adoption of a new resolution, supported by the majority of member States.

Renewing the scrutiny. This is what the Council was able to do this month by the adoption (18 votes in favor, 8 against [1]) of the resolution which renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Miklos Haraszti.

It was one of the major issues at stake at this June session. The human rights situation in Belarus has significantly deteriorated in the past year, and civil society organizations were expecting a strong response from the Council.

The situation on the ground is described in the report published last April by Miklos Haraszti. The report was once again written without the UN Special Rapporteur being able to visit the country, meet and discuss with the authorities,the Rapporteur's request for a visit having once again remained unanswered. His assessment of the situation has been informed by information provided by human rights actors on the ground, including the Human Rights Center "Viasna". "Viasna", a member organization of FIDH, is one of the most prominent human rights organizations in Belarus, whose registration the government continues to refuse.

FREEDOMS OF PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY AND OF ASSOCIATION CONTINUOUSLY VIOLATED

One of the key themes of the resolution is without dispute the increased repression against the freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, a fundamental right constantly violated by the power in place. The excessive use of force by the police during the March 25th peaceful protests against the tax on employment, the reappearance of the practice of "preventive measures", such as preventive arrests or the police raid in the office of the Center "Viasna" are all sources of continued concern for the Human Rights Council. Intimidated, arrested without reason, harassed, or even threatened with physical or sexual violence... as stated by the Special Rapporteur, the objective of the government is to silence the most vocal human rights defenders and political opponents.

PUTTING AN END TO THE USE OF DEATH PENALTY

Another crucial aspect of this resolution: death penalty. In the hope of seeing the European Union sanctions against them lifted, the authorities suspended executions in 2015. Immediately after the sanctions were lifted, executions resumed, with 4 carried out in 2016 and already one this year. Two other convicts are currently on death row. Needless to say that faire trial guarantees are not respected, the belarussian judiciary totally lacking independence.

A petition launched by HRC Viasna lfor the abolition of the death penalty in Belarus [2] has already gathered more than 16 000 signatures. The international community has condemned the resumption of executions, and the resolution now asks the Special Rapporteur to continue monitoring developments in this area, and to make recommendations.

Our organizations welcome the decision to keep the belarussian issue on the agenda of the Council, as well as the adoption of the resolution by a majority of member States, which will enable the international community to keep an eye on the situation in this country.

Footnotes

[1] Detail of the votes:

- States that voted in favor of the resolution: Albania, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Ghana, Hungary, Japan, Latvia, Panama, Paraguay, Netherlands, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America.

- States that voted against the resolution: Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Burundi, China, Cuba, Egypt, India, the Philippines, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

- 21 States abstained: South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nigeria, Qatar, Rwanda, Togo, Tunisia

[2] https://www.fidh.org/en/region/europe-central-asia/belarus/belarus-last-country-in-europe-to-carry-out-the-death-penalty#besoin-de-vous
UN Peacekeeping Mission Ends

Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 30 June 2017 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, UN Peacekeeping Mission Ends, 30 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595647074.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.

As the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) comes to an end on June 30, 2017, the Ivorian government should redouble its efforts to address the serious rights issues at the root of past political violence, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Ivorian Movement for Human Rights (MIDH) and the Ivorian League for Human Rights (LIDHO) said today.

Cote d'Ivoire has enjoyed more than six years of relative peace and security since a devastating post-election crisis in 2010-2011. But the government's inadequate progress in addressing a longstanding culture of impunity, reforming the security forces, and strengthening rule of law institutions threaten the country's long-term prospects for peace and development.

Beginning with the deadly clashes that followed the 2000 presidential election and later the 2002-2003 armed conflict, international and Ivorian human rights groups have documented abuses committed during the political and inter-ethnic violence that haunted Cote d'Ivoire until the conclusion of the 2010-2011 post-election crisis. A decade of conflict and instability was punctuated by horrendous human rights violations, including widespread extrajudicial killings, torture, and targeted sexual violence by government forces, government-linked militia, student groups, and rebel forces alike.

The UN mission was established in April 2004 to monitor a cease-fire agreement after the 2002-2003 armed conflict, with peacekeepers monitoring a "zone of confidence" that separated the government-controlled south from the rebel-held north. This stalemate continued until the 2007 Ouagadougou peace accords, which set the stage for presidential elections in 2010 and, in the aftermath, the 2010-2011 post-election crisis.

Aichatou Mindaoudou, the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the peacekeeping mission, said in June that "demonstrable progress has been made on all fronts." The UN rightly cites peaceful 2015 presidential elections and 2016 legislative elections as evidence of improved security. And a 2016 constitutional referendum removed a divisive nationality clause that had fueled decades of ethnic and political tensions, although the vote was criticized for its lack of transparency.

Despite this progress, the government of President Alassane Ouattara has not fully addressed key human rights issues that have contributed to past political violence and conflict.

During the decade of unrest that culminated in the 2010-2011 post-election crisis, the culture of impunity that allowed those responsible for atrocities to escape justice was a key factor in perpetuating abuses. Former President Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Ble Goude, a former militia leader, are on trial before the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity. And yet, the vast majority of the commanders and leaders implicated in a decade of serious human rights violations - on both sides of the military-political divide - have not been held to account.

The Ivorian government has made some progress in strengthening the justice system following years of neglect. But the deeply flawed trial for crimes against humanity and war crimes of former first lady Simone Gbagbo raises doubts about the Ivorian justice system's ability to fairly and effectively try serious human rights cases. And the promotion in January of several army commanders suspected of involvement in abuses during the post-election crisis raises concerns about potential political interference in investigations.

The lack of accountability for human rights abuses is indicative of a wider failure to address a longstanding culture of impunity within the army. Mutinies in January and May, in which soldiers seized control of the country's second largest city and neighborhoods in several other towns, reflect a wider perception that the army is "above the law."

The peacekeeping mission has conducted extensive training for the security forces, including on compliance with human rights, and the army has reduced human rights abuses by soldiers against civilians. But the government has repeatedly failed to hold soldiers accountable for criminality, from the atrocities of the post-election crisis, to the illicit exploitation of natural resources by army commanders, to checkpoint extortion by rank-and-file soldiers. A March 2016 United Nations Group of Experts report found that former rebel commanders "who occupy key roles in the Ivorian security apparatus, continue to have access to private assets, financial resources and weapons."

The discovery by mutinying soldiers in May of an arms cache in Bouake underscored the failure of Cote d'Ivoire's disarmament process to secure weapons hidden in private arsenals. The government has opened a judicial investigation and said it will seek to locate arms hidden in other locations.

Many of the underlying tensions that drove past ethnic violence also remain unresolved, notably an incomplete national reconciliation process and continued competition over land. Although land conflicts may have gradually become less prevalent, they remain a key driver of local violence, as illustrated by intercommunal clashes in March 2016 in Bouna that killed dozens of people and displaced thousands more. At the same time, as it moves forward with implementation of a 1998 land law, the government should strengthen local government capacity to find fair and durable rights-based solutions to tensions over land.

The peacekeepers' departure, and the recent mutinies, underscore the need to intensify efforts to address longstanding impunity and professionalize the security forces. This should include a strengthened military justice system and improved internal military disciplinary mechanisms.

The authorities should also follow through on the promise to prosecute individuals - including members of the security forces - implicated in atrocities during the 2010-2011 post-election crisis. This requires the government to provide the judiciary with adequate support to complete their investigations, as well as to finish the exhumation of victims in western Cote d'Ivoire. Holding accountable high-level perpetrators, including those who fought for Ouattara during the crisis, would send the message that those who resort to violence and human rights abuses in moments of political tension will face the consequences.
RSF calls for urgent French response to Vietnam's arrest of blogger

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 23 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF calls for urgent French response to Vietnam's arrest of blogger, 23 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595648124.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) calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Pham Minh Hoang, a blogger with French and Vietnamese dual nationality who was arrested at his home in Ho Chi Minh City this evening, and urges the French authorities to take action in his defence.

Police officers knocked on Hoang's door at around 6 pm, saying they wanted to do an ID check. But, after entering his home, they arrested him in a heavy-handed manner and told him he would be expelled within 24 hours in accordance with an "extradition" order issued by the Bureau of Immigration.





Sources say the police had a camera to film the arrest, as they have in the past when arresting Vietnamese activists. The recordings are often used for state propaganda purposes.





RSF urges the Vietnamese government to refrain from expelling Hoang. His expulsion, which would be iniquitous and contrary to Vietnamese legislation, is simply designed to reinforce the climate of fear that the Communist Party has created in Vietnam.





RSF also calls on the French government to take swift and effective measures to prevent his expulsion. Hoang appealed for action by the French government in an interview for RSF last week.













The Vietnamese authorities paved the way for Hoang's expulsion by announcing that a presidential decree stripped him of his Vietnamese citizenship last month.





Vietnam has one of the worst scores in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index, in which it is ranked 175th out of 180 countries.
RSF calls for end to prosecutions of Kyrgyz media and journalists

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 26 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF calls for end to prosecutions of Kyrgyz media and journalists, 26 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/595648b54.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.

As the European Union prepares for the next round in its human rights dialogue with Kyrgyzstan in Brussels on 27 June, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges EU representatives to seek more guarantees for the protection of the country's media, which have been the victims of repeated attacks in recent months.

Kyrgyzstan used to be seen as an exception in Central Asia as regards media pluralism, but the first half of 2017 has been marked by criminal proceedings against media outlets for "insulting" President Almazbek Atambayev, the blocking of the independent news website Ferghana, arrests of journalists and verbal attacks on the media by the president.





"In a democracy such as Kyrgyzstan, the presidential election being held in October ought to be an opportunity for encouraging a climate of debate and an exchange of critical ideas but instead the Kyrgyz authorities seem to want to imitate their neighbours and adopt their repressive methods," RSF editor-in-chief Virginie Dangles said.





"It is vital that the European Union should use the next round in its human rights dialogue with Kyrgyzstan as a platform for urging the Kyrgyz authorities to put a stop to this offensive against critical media."





The prosecutor-general brought no fewer than seven complaints against two independent news websites in March and April, accusing them of "insulting the president's honour and dignity."





The first two complaints were brought against Azattyk, the Kyrgyz offshoot of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and were prompted by two articles that quoted opposition politician Omurbek Tekebayev as claiming that President Atambayev and others had bank accounts in Cyprus.





The five other complaints, also prompted by critical stories, targeted the news website Zanoza and its co-founders, editor Dina Maslova and reporter Naryn Aiyp. In all, the prosecutor-general sought nearly 50 million Soms (650,000 euros) in damages. Access to the offending articles was blocked and, in March, a court in the capital, Bishkek, ordered the freezing of the two website's bank accounts.





The proceedings against Azattyk were dropped after RFE/RL president Thomas Kent met with President Atambayev in May. Those against Zanoza still stand but the constitutional court has to rule on their constitutionality before the cases can proceed any further.





The attempts to gag independent media outlets have continued in June. At the start of the month, a Bishkek court ordered the blocking of the Ferghana website, a leading source of news about Central Asia.





Criminal proceeding have also been brought against Ferghana's correspondent in Kyrgyzstan, Ulugbek Babakulov, who is accused of "inciting inter-ethnic hatred" in a 23 May article about social network hate messages targeting Kyrgyzstan's Uzbek minority.





As the subject of inter-ethnic relations is largely off-limits for the media in Kyrgyzstan, Babakulov has also been the target of a death threats and a smear campaign in the state-owned media. A report on the state TV channel OTRK branded him as an "enemy" of the country and several legislators have called for him to be stripped of his nationality. He has fled the country.





Ferghana editor Daniil Kislov points out that Atambayev is not seeking reelection and says this "purge" of the media is designed to guarantee his immunity after his term ends. The purge is above all targeting independent media outlets that have covered corruption case implicating Atambayev.





On the official website of the president's office, Atambayev accused a "small group of independent journalists, media and politicians" in March of trying to destabilize the country. And in a subsequent meeting with foreign ambassadors, he described certain journalists as "immoral idiots."





Kyrgyzstan is ranked 89th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index.
Vietnam expels dissident blogger to France

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 26 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Vietnam expels dissident blogger to France, 26 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59564ade4.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 deeply shocked to learn that Pham Minh Hoang, a blogger and champion of the fight for free speech in Vietnam, was expelled from the country of his birth on Saturday night.

In an unprecedented move designed to silence a leading dissident, the Vietnamese authorities put Hoang, 62, on a flight to France, where he acquired French citizenship while studying and working there for 28 years before returning to Vietnam in 2000.





In the run-up to his expulsion, he was stripped of his Vietnamese nationality on 17 May and then arrested at his home in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday.





"I am still in state of shock and very sad," Hoang said after landing yesterday morning in Paris, where he was met by relatives. He added that he would try to "live in order to continue the fight" that was his "reason for existing."





"Stripping a government opponent of his nationality in order to expel him and silence him is absolutely shocking," RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. "What has happened to Pham Minh Hoang, a well-known independent and courageous defender of free speech, is shameful, especially for Vietnam."





In a moving interview for RSF on 20 June, Hoang had appealed to France to try to prevent his expulsion by refusing to issue the necessary laissez-passer. He said he was totally opposed to being sent to France and wanted at all costs "to live and die in Vietnam" in order to stay with his family and to keep fighting for freedom of expression.









Persecuted, subjected to an illegal procedure





This is the first time that Vietnam's one-party state has stripped one of its dissidents of their nationality, which is prohibited by Vietnam's own legislation for a person born in the country, as Hoang was. His lawyer had filed an appeal against the measure on the grounds that it was completely illegal.





A respected lecturer in mathematics at the Ho Chi Minh City Polytechnic School and member of the pro-democracy party Viet Tan, Hoang had already been subjected to psychological and judicial harassment.





His blog posts about education, the environment and the threats to Vietnamese sovereignty from China led to his being sentenced to 17 months in prison and three years of house arrest in 2011 - a sentence that was reduced thanks to pressure from the French government.





Vietnam has one of the worst scores of any country in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index, in which it is ranked 175th out of 180.
Nobel laureate with terminal cancer moved to hospital

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 27 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Nobel laureate with terminal cancer moved to hospital, 27 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59564b564.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) regrets that it took a terminal cancer diagnosis for the Chinese government to move Liu Xiaobo to hospital. The free speech activist, who was awarded the RSF Press Freedom Prize in 2004 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010, is still not free although he was officially granted medical parole and his wife, Liu Xia, remains under house arrest.

Liu's exit from prison today after eight years in detention should have been good news but in fact he has only been transferred to hospital after being been diagnosed with late-stage terminal liver cancer. His lawyer said he is now in a hospital in Shenyang (the capital of the northeastern province of Liaoning), near the prison where he was held.





"It is regrettable that it was only after such a grave diagnosis that he could be moved to hospital, and he is still not free" RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. "Everything must now be done to ensure that Liu, who embodies resistance to oppression and the fight for free speech in China, can be treated properly and leave the country if he so wishes."





An emblematic figure in the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy demonstrations, during which he went on hunger strike, Liu taught at Columbia University (in the United States) and Beijing Normal University. He was serving an 11-year prison sentence for "inciting subversion of state power."





Wife still under house arrest





"Liu Xiaobo's wife, Liu Xia, has been under house arrest since October 2010 and is suffering from depression because of the way the authorities have isolated and harassed her although no court ever convicted her," said Cedric Alviani, the head of RSF's Taipei-based East Asia bureau. "We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Liu Xiaobo, Liu Xia and all other prisoners of consciences and detained journalists and bloggers."





Liu Xiaobo was arrested on 23 June 2009 and was convicted on 25 December of the same year for posting the "Charter 08" manifesto online calling for respect for human rights and an end to one-party rule in China. He previously spent 18 months in preventive detention and three years doing forced labour for advocating non-violent democratic reforms.





In 2010, Liu Xiaobo became the first Chinese citizen to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize even if he was unable to travel to Stockholm to collect it. The prize was symbolically presented to an empty chair despite threats of reprisals by the Chinese authorities. He was the world's only detained Nobel peace laureate.





RSF conducted repeated campaigns on behalf of its 2004 Press Freedom laureate and tried repeatedly to draw the international community's attention to his fate.





Wu'er Kaixi and Wang Dan, two human rights defenders who took part in the Tiananmen Square protests, said: "We believe that Liu Xiaobo's physical and mental suffering in China's prison system is the fundamental cause of the deterioration of his health, and we take this opportunity to express our reaffirmation of the fact that the Chinese government deliberately sentenced him to death over the past nine years of the sentence he has served due simply to his outspoken thinking."





Still one of the world's biggest prisons for journalists, China is ranked near the bottom of RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index - 176th out of 180 countries.
Media freedom in free fall 20 years after Hong Kong returned to China

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 27 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Media freedom in free fall 20 years after Hong Kong returned to China, 27 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59564bcad.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

A generation after Hong Kong was handed back to China, the level of media freedom in the former British colony has never been so low. Physical violence against journalists has declined in recent years but control of the media continues to grow despite the emergence of a few independent but fragile online media outlets.

Hong Kong will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the transfer of sovereignty back to China with great pomp on 1 July, which is also the 96th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party's founding and the day that Hong Kong's new chief executive, Carrie Lam, officially takes office after being elected by a small committee with Beijing's support.





Chinese President Xi Jinping has invited himself to the festivities, which will include a gigantic firework show that will display the letters HK in the sky, along with "China" in simplified Mandarin characters, the official language on the mainland but little used by Hong Kong's residents.





Twenty-six journalists representing ten Hong Kong media will not be accredited to cover these events, just as they were barred from covering Lam's election in March, because the authorities do not recognize media that publish solely online. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) has been demanding equal treatment for online media for five years but the request curiously continues to be "under examination."





As for journalists lucky enough to be sent accreditation, the message could not have been clearer. The accompanying document said that their personal details could be shared with all law enforcement agencies.





Mainstream media under control





This is not insignificant in the Hong Kong of 2017. In the course of 20 years of pro-Chinese rule, a sizable proportion of the former British colony's freedoms have been eroded although they are in theory guaranteed by its status as Special Administrative Region.





In the World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Hong Kong has fallen from 18th in 2002 (when the Index was created) to 73rd now. Amnesty International describes the human rights situation as the worst in 20 years. This is free speech and media freedom "with Chinese characteristics," to use the Beijing newspeak that the Hong Kong residents find so hard to assimilate.





What can they expect from the traditional media? Most of the media owners have major business interests in China and more than half are members of Chinese political bodies such as the National People's Congress and the People's Political Consultative Conference. If these media bosses want to do business on the mainland, nothing helps more than a good measure of "patriotism," meaning self-censorship.





The Communications Authority, which is in charge of regulating Hong Kong's media, keeps an eye out for problems from those owners who have not understood this. One of its methods is to threaten non-renewal of their outlet's licence (see our report: "Beijing's invisible hand on Hong Kong's media").





The acquisition in December 2015 of the Hong Kong English-language daily, the South China Morning Post, by Jack Ma, the executive chairman of the Chinese Internet commerce company Alibaba, dashed any remaining hope that this venerable institution, created in 1903, might still play a watchdog role.





At the start of 2016, nearly 30 of its employees including all of its international section left the newspapers and were immediately replaced by people with a reputation for being docile or pro-Beijing.





Discreeter methods replace physical violence





Fortunately, physical violence against the media has declined in the past two years, aside from a police attack on a journalist with the daily Min Pao who was covering rioting in the Mongkok district in February 2016. More than a year later, the justice system seems to be in no hurry to shed light on the case.





The violence peaked in 2014, the year of the "umbrella revolution," in which tens of thousands of protesters demanding more democracy staged a street sit-in that went on for more than two months. On the 79th day, police broke up the protest using teargas, leaving many people injured including journalists covering the event.





2014 began with a knife attack on Ming Pao editor Kevin Lau and continued with intermittent acts of violence against media outlets, especially the Next Media group, which had to cope in turn with the blocking of its printing press, two Molotov Cocktail attacks and a large-scale cyber-attack. But in the end these spectacular acts just increased public hostility towards the Hong Kong government and Beijing.





Journalists harassed, fired





Since then, the government seems to have preferred discreeter methods of harassing and silencing independent journalists and media. The leading daily Mingpao suddenly fired its editor, Keung Kwok-yuen, on economic grounds on 20 April 2016, hours after he ran a story focusing on well-known local politicians and businessmen who had been named in the "Panama Papers" investigation.





Despite a wave of protests, Keung was not reinstated and he joins the long list of journalists whose outspoken reporting has led to their dismissal, a practice that has unfortunately become common in Hong Kong.





The Chinese-language Sing Pao Daily News is known for its pro-Beijing line but its chairman, Chinese businessman Gu Zhuoheng, paid the price when the newspaper ran a series of editorials in 2016 criticizing Hong Kong's chief executive and his links in China. The Chinese police issued a warrant for Gu's arrest for alleged financial fraud, forcing him to flee abroad. In February of this year, a cyber-attack blocked the newspaper's website for a day.





A new generation of media online





With the traditional media failing to do their job, the public has turned to the Internet and to the handful of independent online newspapers that have emerged in the past two years or so. Professional-looking although run on a shoestring, they have added to the independently-reported online local news coverage that the veteran inMedia has been providing since 2004. The new outlets include HK01, The Initium, Post852, Stand News, Hong Kong Free Press and Citizen News.





Funded by reader donations, the non-profit Stand News was the first of the new generation news sites to have kept going. Businessman Tony Tsoi launched it in January 2015, a few months after being forced to close an earlier site, House News, in the wake of being kidnapped and threatened by the security services during a visit to China.





The English-language Hong Kong Free Press was next. Two freelance journalists created it in the summer of 2015 after a crowdfunding campaign gathered four times the anticipated amount. After operating for two years, it claims to have published 8,500 stories, to have had 500,000 unique visitors and to have 1 million page views a month. This is a significant readership in a territory with 7.3 million inhabitants, 95% of them Chinese-speaking.





The Chinese-language subscription site Citizen News appeared in January of this year. It was founded by a dozen media veterans including Kevin Lau, who used his convalescence to help develop the project, and Daisy Li, a famous journalist who received the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists in 1994.





However, the prospects of these new online media outlets are uncertain. They are barred from covering official events, they are using non-commercial economic models whose viability has yet to be demonstrated, they are exposed to the possibility of cyber-attacks and it is very difficult if not impossible for them to cover Mainland China.





Furthermore, they are also exposed to the possibility of being subjected to the same brutal methods that were used to rein in Hong Kong's independent publishing sector.





Kidnapped publishers





Although two years have gone by, no one has forgotten the abduction in 2015 of five members of the staff of a Hong Kong-based publishing house specializing in sensationalist books about senior Chinese leaders. They subsequently appeared on Chinese TV, escorted by police officers and forced to confess their "crimes."





Another publisher, Yiu Mantin, had previously been sentenced to ten years in prison on the mainland in 2014 as he was about to publish a book in Hong Kong with a suggestive title: "Xi Jinping, China's godfather".





In Hong Kong nowadays, you think twice about publishing revelations about Beijing's leaders, especially as one of the publishers, British citizen Lee Bo, was kidnapped in Hong Kong itself and another, Gui Minhai, a Swedish citizen kidnapped in Thailand, is still held in China.





These two cases serve as a constant reminder to Hong Kong's inhabitants that nothing - no passport and no border - gives them complete protection from China's intelligence services. They constitute a permanent threat, especially as Beijing has turned the abduction and torture of human rights activists into one of the trademarks of its authoritarian methods in recent years.
Little to celebrate on Day of the Journalist in Venezuela

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 27 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Little to celebrate on Day of the Journalist in Venezuela, 27 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59564c8a4.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) regrets that political tensions continue to fuel growing violence against the media in Venezuela, which celebrates Day of the Journalist today with little to celebrate after a dramatic decline in the environment for reporters since the start of the year.

The figures are dizzying. According to The National Press Workers Union (SNTP), 376 journalists were attacked between March 31st and June 24th. Police forces were responsible for 170 of of these attacks. Still according to the SNTP, 33 journalists were illegally detained during this same period.





Journalists have obviously not been the only victims of the violence. More than 75 Venezuelans have been killed and 2,000 injured in demonstrations since the start of the year. The country was especially shocked by the death of David Vallenilla, a young activist shot by police on 22 June. Around 3,000 protesters have also been arrested, of whom more than 1,000 are still held*.

"On this special day, we pay tribute to the courage of Venezuela's journalists, who continue to report the news in the face of adversity and deplorable security conditions," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America bureau.





"Freedom of expression and the freedom of the press are in great danger in Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro's government must stop systematically obstructing and censoring the media and must guarantee the safety of both protesters and the journalists covering the protests."





The National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL), whose director was replaced on 21 June, meanwhile continues to close media outlets. Since the start of the year, it has shut down more than 41 radio and TV stations in states governed by Maduro's party, according to the IPYS.





Facilitated by the government's extension of the "state of exception" in May, the media closures are being carried out without any transparency and without any grounds being given.





The latest TV channel to be shut down was ULA TV, the channel operated by the University of the Andes. Its signal was disconnected on 15 June after an inspection by CONATEL, which also confiscated journalistic material from its newsroom.





Venezuela is ranked 137th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index.
Abducted journalist's body found in Michoacan state

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 28 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Abducted journalist's body found in Michoacan state, 28 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59564d234.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 charred remains of Salvador Adame, a journalist abducted in the western state of Michoacan on 18 May, have been found at a roadside. He is the seventh journalist to have been murdered in an appalling manner in Mexico this year.

Michoacan state prosecutor-general Jose Martin Godoy Castro announced at a press conference yesterday that DNA tests had established that the charred body found by police at the side of a road in the municipality of Garcia Zamora on 14 June was Adame's.





Salvador Adame Pardo was the director of Canal 6 Media TV, a local TV channel, and at the same time one of its presenters. He had had been missing since 18 May, when gunmen kidnapped him in the municipality of Nueva Italia.





Godoy said the police arrested two men on 21 June - Ignacio "El Cenizo" Renteria Andrade and Daniel "El Cabezas" Rubio Ruiz - on suspicion of carrying out Adame's abduction and murder.





According to the police, the two suspects said that the order to murder Adame and burn his body came from a local gang leader in the Tierra Caliente region known as "El Chano Pena," whose motives were "personal."





For the time being, the prosecutor-general's office shows no sign of investigating any other possible motive. Adame's family, with whom RSF is in contact, said that irregularities have marred the investigation by the prosecutor-general's office and that they are seeking a supplementary expert evaluation. RSF supports this request.





"We are appalled to learn that Salvador Adame died in this terrible manner and we offer our support to his family and colleagues," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of the Latin American bureau of Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

"As the list of journalists killed in Mexico gets steadily longer and the situation becomes unsustainable, we urge the authorities not to limit the investigation into Adame's murder and to keep exploring the possibility that it was linked to his work, in order to render justice and to end the impunity that prevails in cases of murdered journalists."





Co-workers told RSF that Adame was critical of the local authorities and had just accused Nueva Italia's mayor of embezzlement. In April 2016, the local police hit his wife, Frida Urtiz Martinez, and detained her for several hours when she participated in a protest outside the Nueva Italia town hall and covered the use of force to disperse it.





Four journalists are still missing in Michoacan state: Jose Antonio Garcia Apac, Mauricio Estrada Zamora, Ramon Angeles Zalpa and Maria Esther Aguilar Cansimbe.





The six other journalists who have been murdered so far this year in Mexico are Cecilio Pineda Birto, Miroslava Breach, Maximino Rodriguez, Javier Valdez Cardenas, Ricardo Monlui and Filiberto Alvarez Landeros.





Mexico is ranked 147th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index.
Unacceptable call for Al Jazeera's closure in Gulf crisis

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 28 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Unacceptable call for Al Jazeera's closure in Gulf crisis, 28 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59564dba4.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 very disturbed by the demand made by several Arab countries for the closure of Al Jazeera, Qatar's leading TV broadcaster, and other media outlets funded by the emirate. RSF regards this as an unacceptable act of blackmail.

Nearly three weeks after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Egypt broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar, journalists at Al Jazeera were stunned to learn from a news agency dispatch and tweets on 23 June that the 13 demands for ending this unprecedented regional crisis included the closure of Al Jazeera and other outlets directly or indirectly supported by Qatar, such as Al-Araby Al-Jadeed and Middle East Eye.





"This is without precedent in the history of humankind," Al Jazeera Arabic director-general Yasser Abu Hilalah told RSF, adding that backing the call for the Doha-based broadcaster's closure was like issuing a "licence for killing off journalism in this region" and ending media freedom.





At times criticized for its coverage of the Arab revolutions and accused of bias and of acting as Qatar's mouthpiece, Al Jazeera has nonetheless revolutionized the Arab media world since its creation in 1996 by providing a forum to all of the region's political tendencies.





The same diversity can also be found on the Middle East Eye website, whose editor, David Hearst told RSF that it was precisely its "pro-democracy and pro-Arab Spring" coverage, and its independence of any government that had put it on the list of media for closure. Contrasting Middle East Eye's "effective" journalism with the "traditional" kind practiced in Saudi Arabia and UAE, he described the demand as an attempt to "extinguish any free voice which dares to question what they are doing."





"This use of pressure and blackmail betrays a clear desire by certain Gulf states to censor the Qatari media and constitutes a grave attack on press freedom and pluralism, and the right of access to information in the region," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk.

"The targeted media outlets must be able to exist freely, without being forced to fall in with the policies of neighbouring countries, which cannot by any stretch of the imagination be regarded as models of media freedom, as models to be followed."





Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and UAE - the countries that are demanding the closure of Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye and other media outlets regarded as pro-Qatari - are ranked 168th, 164th, 161st and 119th respectively in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index, while Qatar is ranked 123rd.





Targeting free speech and freedom to inform





Even before Qatar was given ten days to respond to the 13 demands, the emirate's enemies began taking retaliatory measures against the Qatari media and any form of expression potentially favourable to Qatar.





The Saudi and Jordanian governments announced the closure of Al Jazeera's bureaux in their respective capitals at the start of June, just a few days after diplomatic relations were severed.

At the same time, the UAE's attorney-general announced that any expression of support for Qatar or opposition to UAE policy - whether spoken, written or on social networks - would henceforth be a crime punishable by three to 15 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 dirhams (120,000 euros).

In Saudi Arabia, expressing support for Qatar is regarded as a public order offence. It is also punishable under article 7 of the cyber-crime law by up to five years in prison and a fine of 3 million riyals (710,000 euros). In Bahrain, the information ministry has warned the media that publishing any information liable to harm the state's interests could lead to a fine and up to five years in prison.





A few weeks prior to these measures, access to the websites of Al Jazeera and other Qatari media were blocked in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt. RSF is concerned about all these different violations of the freedom to inform and free speech and notes that this is not the first crisis that Al Jazeera has had to face.





Al Jazeera was forced to close its bureaux in Kuwait and Jordan in 2002. Iran demanded the closure of its Tehran bureau in 2005 for "inciting unrest" in its coverage of incidents. It was forced to terminate its activities in Bahrain in 2010, in Egypt in 2013 and in Baghdad in 2014.

Broadcasting worldwide in various languages, Al Jazeera is the Arab world's most important and influential media outlet. As well as political hostility, it has also survived physical attacks, as when its premises came under fire during the Gaza war in 2014 and it suffered US bombardment in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003.

"Al Jazeera's staff have been threatened, locked up, and tragically killed as a consequence of carrying out their duties as journalists," the broadcaster's press office said. One of its journalists is currently detained in Egypt.





It may be because Al Jazeera has survived all these trials that its bureau chief in Paris, Ayache Derradji, is still optimistic. He said: "Al Jazeera means 'The Island' and, like an island, it cannot be surrounded, besieged or even occupied because it is bigger than the imagination of press freedom's enemies and it will remain free (...) Its life is longer than all the lives of the totalitarian regimes put together."
This week the Trump administration is shifting its focus to highlight American energy. During his campaign, President Trump made a point of explaining that America should become energy dominant. I tend to agree, and here's why.

The cost of energy is increasingly woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Whether it's our commute to work, charging our phones, heating our homes or businesses, or the cost of groceries at the local supermarket that have been transported from across the country, energy matters.

The President has called for an all-of-the-above approach, which is key. We are blessed with a vast supply of energy resources here in North America. Why should we not be energy dominant? We've made great strides in drilling and hydrological fracturing technology that has decreased the price of natural gas, while significantly cutting CO2 emissions in the process.

In addition to expanding access to our tremendous supplies of natural gas, oil, and renewable resources, we must be prepared to invest in the infrastructure needed to deliver it to the American consumer. This means upgrading our aging energy infrastructure and our nation's pipeline system to ensure we have the necessary transportation capacity moving forward.

We are in a position to be fully energy self-sufficient if we choose to be. The days of relying on OPEC for our energy needs should be in the past. A strong domestic energy sector is good for American jobs, national security, and our leadership around the world. Our allies also benefit when they are able to import U.S energy as opposed to Russian or Middle Eastern energy supplies.

We are making progress, but must continue to pursue policies that bolster our domestic energy sector. If we remain vigilant to this task, we truly can begin an era of American energy dominance.

Ret. Maj. Gen. Gary Wattnem, Mason City

Chairman, Vets4Energy Iowa Board
Blogger known as "Mother Mushroom" gets ten years

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Blogger known as "Mother Mushroom" gets ten years, 30 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59564e344.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) reiterates its call for the release of Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, a blogger who was given a ten-year jail sentence yesterday on an anti-state propaganda charge, and again urges Vietnam's government to stop using article 88 of the penal code to silence its critics.

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Update :

Better known by the blog name of "Me Nam" (Mother Mushroom), Quynh was convicted of harming national unity, eroding the public's trust in the government and threatening national security at the end of a one-day trial held behind closed doors.





Prior to the trial, she had been held incommunicado for more than eight months, ever since her arrest on 10 October 2016, when she was accused of violating article 88 by "distorting the truth and history, defaming the Communist Party and inciting violence against the Party" in her blog posts.

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"Mother Mushroom" is finally due to be tried tomorrow after being held incommunicado for more than eight months. Arrested on 10 October 2016, she was accused of violating article 88 by "distorting the truth and history, defaming the Communist Party and inciting violence against the Party" in her blog posts.





Quynh is one of Vietnam's leading free speech advocates. On social networks, she raised the delicate issue of police violence and criticized the way the authorities handled a toxic spill from the Taiwanese-owned Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation plant in Ha Tinh province in April 2016.





In March of this year, she was one of the recipients of the International Women of Courage Award.





"Article 88 of the penal code should not be used as a pretext for silencing criticism of the regime, and the ruling Communist Party should stop treating freedom of expression as crime that must be systematically punished," RSF said.





Reporters Without Borders also condemns the harassment of Quynh's mother, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Lan, who has been constantly followed by the local authorities every since Quynh's arrest.





Vietnam's Communist Party tolerates no criticism and controls all the media but, in recent years, dissidents have increasingly used online social networks to provide the population with freely reported information.





However, these independent reporters and critics are subjected to frequent intimidation attempts and reprisals. Their families are also often targeted, as was the case with the family of Pham Minh Hoang, a dissident blogger who was expelled to France just five days before the start of Quynh's trial.





Government opponents are often jailed in Vietnam, but Hoang was the first dissident to be stripped of his nationality and then expelled, despite the moving appeal he made in an interview for RSF a few days before his expulsion.





Vietnam is ranked 175th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index.
Burma : Three journalists jailed after covering illegal armed group's event

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 29 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Burma : Three journalists jailed after covering illegal armed group's event, 29 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59564e944.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) calls for the release of three journalists who were arrested after covering an event organized by an illegal armed group, and urges the authorities to drop the charges brought against them under the draconian Unlawful Associations Act.

The three journalists - Aye Naing and Pyae Phone Naing of Democratic Voice of Burma and Thein Zaw of The Irrawaddy - were charged and imprisoned in the northeastern city of Hsipaw on 28 June, two days after their arrest. Their trial is due to start on 10 July.





They were arrested after covering a drug-burning ceremony organized by the outlawed Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.





Under the Unlawful Associations Act, any form of contact with an outlawed group is punishable by up to three years in prison. It was widely used by the former military government to silence dissent for nearly half a century.





"Aung San Suu Kyi's statements about free speech need to be more than just empty promises," RSF said. "It is appalling to see the ruling National League for Democracy use the same laws as the previous military regime to censor the media. If the NLD wants to break with the military era's archaic practices, it must send a clear message of support for democratic values, starting with media freedom."





In Burma, the authorities continue to harass the media using laws that were specifically designed to silence criticism. Two Voice Daily journalists were detained last month as a result of a complaint brought by the military under the Telecommunications Act. In April, Myo Yan Naung, a human rights activist and NLD member, was jailed for criticizing the head of the armed forces on Facebook.





Burma is ranked 131st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index.
Uganda creates unit to spy on social networks

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Uganda creates unit to spy on social networks, 30 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59564f554.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 concerned about the Ugandan government's creation of a team of experts to closely monitor social networks, fearing that it will be used to restrict freedom of expression and silence critics.

In a country where social networks are nowadays widely used to circulate news and views, do the authorities want to monitor better in order to punish better?





The Uganda Media Centre, the media regulatory authority appointed by the president, announced on 27 June that a team of state security officers and IT experts has been set up to scan profiles on Facebook and other social networks in order to find posts critical of the government and the nation.





Defending the special unit's creation to an audience of citizen-journalists at a news conference, Uganda Media Centre executive director Ofwono Opondo said: "We have realised that social media users are bitter and depressed people who are always complaining on their pages about the government and everything in the country, but they rarely get responses from the targeted ministries."





"Increasing surveillance in order to better track down any criticism of the government is in itself a violation of freedom of information, said Elodie Vialle, the head of RSF's Journalism and Technology Bureau. This measure is all the more worrying in a country that is in the habit of silencing critical journalists."









Social networks - new hunting ground for journalists





RSF is all the more concerned about the possible repercussions of this unit's creation on the work of the media because the organisation has noted an increase in recent years in harassment of journalists critical of President Yoweri Museveni's government.





TV reporter Gertrude Uwitware was kidnapped and badly beaten by unidentified assailants in April for posting a comment online in which she defended a well-known university academic accused of insulting the government. Uwitware was made to delete all of her Twitter and Facebook posts for being too critical.





The university academic, Stella Nyanzi, was herself arrested on a charge of online harassment and insults under the 2011 Computer Misuse Act, the law that was used in June 2015 to convict Robert Shaka, an activist accused of leaking classified government information on Facebook under the pseudonym of Tom Voltaire Okwalinga (TVO).





RSF fears that this law, which criminalizes the use of electronic communication to "disturb the peace, quiet or right of privacy of any person," could be used to prosecute journalists identified by this new surveillance unit.





Ben Byarabaha, the editor of the Red Pepper newspaper, was accused of violating this law when he was interrogated on 20 June by the Ugandan police Media Crimes Unit in connection with a story about on the health of Uganda's Inspector General of Police.









Blocking social networks to silence criticism





The leading social networks were blocked in Uganda on the eve of President Museveni's swearing-in for a fifth term in May 2016. Ugandans suddenly had difficulty in accessing Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, the three social networks routinely used by the country's journalists to circulate news and information as it happens.





WhatsApp, in particular, is also used by journalists to discuss how they cover news developments and organize their work. The authorities said the blocking, which continued throughout the afternoon, had been carried out for reasons linked to national security.





When the authorities previously disconnected social networks during the presidential election on 18 February 2016, President Museveni said it was to prevent people "telling lies." He added: "If you want a right, then use it properly."





In May 2016, the authorities also threatened to close down broadcast media outlets that provided live coverage of opposition activities.





Uganda is ranked 112th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index, after falling ten places in the space of a year.
Press freedom violations recounted in real time January 2017

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Press freedom violations recounted in real time January 2017, 30 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5956500a4.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.

30.06.2017 - Two months after release, journalist sentenced again

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the six-month jail sentence that was imposed on Issa Saharkhiz, the former editor of several, now-closed reformist newspapers, on 19 June, just two months after his release. His lawyer, Mahmoud Alizadeh-Tabatabaie, said he was convicted of insulting the head of the judicial system.





One of the victims of a wave of arrests in early November 2015, Saharkhiz was sentenced by a Tehran revolutionary court in August 2016 to three years in prison on charges of anti-government propaganda and insulting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His lawyer reported at the time that two other charges against Saharkhiz - publishing false news and insulting the head of the judicial system - would be tried separately as political crimes before a court of assizes.





After the latest sentence was passed on 19 June, Alizadeh-Tabatabaie pointed out that the court had accepted that his client's criticism of the head of the judicial system had been personal in nature. It therefore could not be regarded as a political crime meriting a six-month jail sentence, he added, announcing that they planned to appeal.





Saharkhiz was released on 15 April after being deemed to have completed the first sentence. While held, he staged several hunger strikes in protest against his imprisonment and had been serving his sentence in a Tehran hospital since March 2016.

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26.06.2017 - Newspaper journalist freed provisionally

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that, after payment of 300 million toman (270,000 euros) in bail, Borna News social affairs editor Tahereh Riahai was released provisionally on 24 June pending trial. Arrested by plainclothes intelligence officers on 27 December 2016, she had been kept in isolation in Section 209 of Tehran's Evin prison for months.

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23.06.2017 - Ahmadinejad's former press adviser arrested

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that Abdol Reza Davari, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's onetime press adviser, who also once ran the newspaper Shahrvand and the government news agency Irna, was arrested on 31 May in order to serve a three-year jail sentence.

Davari was convicted in September 2013 of "insulting" Supreme Leader AliKhamenei in three comments posted on Facebook and was given a six-year jail sentence that was reduced to three years on appeal. He was arrested two days after posting an open letter criticizing Ebrahim Raisi and Mostafa Pour Mohammadi, two members of a commission that passed death sentences in 1988 on thousands of political prisoners who refused to renounce their beliefs.

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01.06.2017 - Narges Mohammadi back in prison two days after operation

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is very concerned about the health of Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned journalist and human rights defender who has been returned to prison just two days after undergoing an operation. Rushed to hospital with severe uterine bleeding on 28 May, Mohammadi was operated on the next day and was taken back to prison yesterday.

Held since May 2015, Mohammadi was deemed to have completed an initial six-year sentence on 17 March and immediately began a second, ten-year one. She has several ailments including muscular paralysis but is being denied the medical care she needs. Her health is in danger and she should not be in prison. We call for her immediate release.

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24.05.2017 - Magazine editor Morad Saghafi released on bail

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that Morad Saghafi, the editor of the magazine Goft o Gu (Dialogue in Persian), was released on payment of bail on 20 May pending trial. He had been arrested at his Tehran home on 16 March.

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18.05.2017 - Hengameh Shahidi suspends hunger strike

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) was relieved to learn today that imprisoned

journalist Hengameh Shahidi decided to suspend her hunger strike after receiving a visit from her family in 16 May and a promise from the Tehran prosecutor's office that her appalling prison conditions will be improved and that she will be given complete medical examinations.

According to her family, she is suffering from several heart and respiratory ailments, along with other conditions. She had not been eating any food since 10 May.

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12.05.2017 - Journalist freed after ten years in prison

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is pleased to learn that Mohammad Sedegh Kabodvand, the editor of Payam-e mardom-e Kurdestan (a regional newspaper closed by the authorities in 2004), was granted a conditional release today on completing ten years in prison.





Held since July 2007 in Tehran's Evin prison, Kabodvand was sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison in connection with his journalistic activities and his creation of a human rights organization in Iranian Kurdistan, the northern region where he lived.





He has been freed provisionally pending a judicial decision on the application of article 134 for the new Islamic criminal code to the rest of his sentence. Under a 2013 amendment to the code, a person convicted on several charges should serve only the most important sentence. By this token, he should have been freed four years ago.

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27.04.2017 - Two journalists freed conditionally

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that two imprisoned journalists, Kaivan Karimi and Issa Saharkhiz, have been released conditionally in the past week.





Karimi, a young documentary filmmaker, was freed on 20 April after completing half of the one-year sentence he received in November 2016 . Saharkhiz, the editor of several reformist newspapers was released on 25 April. His lawyer, Mahmoud Alizadeh-Tabatabaie, said he had completed his sentence.





One of the victims of a wave of arrests in early November 2015, Saharkhiz was sentenced by a Tehran revolutionary court in August 2016 to three years in prison on charges of anti-government propaganda and insulting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. While held, he staged several hunger strikes in protest against his imprisonment and had been hospitalized since March 2016. The sentence was reduced last September.

Ranked 165th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press

Freedom Index, Iran is one of the world's five biggest prisons for

media personnel, with a total of 28 journalists and citizen journalists

detained.



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19.04.2017 - Narges Mohammadi begins serving second jail term

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is outraged by the continuing persecution of journalist and leading human rights defender Narges Mohammadi, who has just started serving a ten-year prison sentence on completing a six-year one. She received the ten-year sentence a year after her most recent arrest, on 5 May 2015.





Mohammadi has a long history of persecution by the judicial authorities and has been arrested several times. During her spells out of prison, she has worked closely with Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi at the Centre for Human Rights Defenders.





The six-year sentence followed her arrest at her home on the evening of 10 June 2010. She was convicted two months later on charges of "meeting and plotting against the Islamic Republic," "anti-government publicity:" and "collaborating with the Centre for Human Rights Defenders" and was given an 11-year jail term that was reduced to six years on appeal in March 2011.

Mohammadi suffered muscular paralysis as a consequence of the heavy-handed interrogation sessions to which she was subjected after her arrest in 2010. As a result, she was paroled in July 2012.

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17.03.2017 - More journalists arrested

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) yet again condemns the persecution of journalists in Iran after at least three more were arrested in the past week.





The latest victims include Morad Saghafi, the editor of the magazine Goft o Gu ("Dialogue" in Persian), who was arrested at his Tehran home yesterday and was taken to an unknown location. His lawyer, Hamed Zargar, said neither he nor Saghafi's family have been told why he was arrested.





Meanwhile, Ali Motahari, the deputy speaker of Iran's parliament, yesterday asked the minister of intelligence to explain why a military unit recently arrested 12 editors of pro-reform information pages on the instant messaging service Telegram.

Motahari also criticized the detention of Ehssan Mazandarani, the former editor of the newspaper Farhikhteghan, on 12 March (see RSF's 13 March release). His wife, Malieh Hossieni, a journalist with the newspaper Farhikhteghana, was fired the day after his arrest.





Although banned, apps and social networks such as Telegram, Facebook and Twitter nowadays play an important role in providing Iranians with news and information. Telegram says it has more than 15 million users in Iran.

According to the Kalameh news website, Ali Ahmadinia, the administrator of the Eslahat News (Reform News) channel on Telegram, was arrested on 14 March and was taken to an unknown location.





RSF is currently very concerned about the health of two journalists who have been on hunger strike since their arrest. One is Mazandarani, who was arrested on 12 March (see above). The other Henghameh Shahidi, who was arrested on 9 March.

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15.03.2017 - Former editor gets six-month jail term

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the six-month prison sentence that has been passed on Hossein Karoubi, the former editor of Etemad Meli (a newspaper closed since August 2009) for circulating the open letter that his father, Mehdi Karoubi, wrote to President Hassan Rohani.

In the April 2016 letter, published in mostly foreign-based media outlets and on social networks, Mehdi Karoubi asks to be tried before a public court "in order to present the evidence I possess about massive fraud during the 2005 and 2009 presidential elections and to show what has happened to young Iranians in the country's legal and illegal detention centres."





Etemad Melli's owner and a former parliamentary speaker, Mehdi Karoubi has been under house arrest since February 2011, a fate he has shared with former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi (the owner of the closed newspaper Kalameh Sabaz) and Mousavi's wife, the writer Zahra Rahnavard. Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi, who are both former presidential candidates, are being held illegally and are being denied their rights. Their state of health is very worrying.





RSF has meanwhile learned that Samna Safari, a journalist with the monthly Andisher Poya, was released on 11 March after the authorities determined that he had served his two-year jail sentence. Detained along with three other journalists in a wave of arrests in November 2015, he was sentenced by a revolutionary court in March 2016 to five years in prison for "anti-government propaganda activities." This was reduced to two years on appeal.

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28.02.2017 - City of Qom suspends newspaper

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the decision by the city of Qom's public prosecutor to suspend the newspaper Shakheh Sabz on 26 February, a day after it ran a story criticizing the level of violence in one of its poorest districts, which it likened to a "jungle." The suspension was ordered after 136 parliamentarians supported a resolution accusing the daily of "insulting the population of the Holy City of Qom." The newspaper's name means "Green Branch."

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22.02.2017 - Ahmad Montazeri returned to prison

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) firmly condemns progressive cleric Ahmad Montazeri's arrest yesterday. The editor of the website of his late father, Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, he was returned to prison after being summoned before a special court for clerics.

Tried behind closed doors and without a defence lawyer on 20 October, Montazeri was sentenced on 27 November to ten years in prison for endangering state security, ten years for publishing a "classified audio recording" and another year for anti-government "propaganda."

He was prosecuted for posting an old recording on the website on 9 August 2016 in which his father could be heard criticizing the wave of executions of political prisoners in the 1980s.

For more information: Ahmad Montazeri gets 21-year jail term as part of bid to suppress history





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17.02.2017 - Editor freed on completing jail term

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that Ehssan Mazndarani - the editor of the newspaper Farhikhteghan and one of the victims of a wave of arrests in November 2015 - was released on 9 February. He had been given a seven-year jail sentence that was reduced to two years on appeal, His lawyer said he was freed as a result of a decision that he had completed his sentence. While in prison, he was hospitalized several times with heart and chest problems after a three-week hunger strike.

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10.01.2017 - Website reporter flogged for getting facts wrong

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled to learn that Hossien Movahedi, a local news website reporter, was flogged last week in Najafabad, a city 450 km south of Tehran, for getting one of his facts wrong in a story about the confiscation of mopeds from female students at a technological secondary school in the city.





Movahedi reported on the Najafabad News website on 14 June 2016 that the police seized 35 mopeds when, according to the police, it was only eight. Although he apologized for his mistake and although the police were allowed to publish their version on the website, the police pressed charges against him and a Najafabad court sentenced him to 40 lashes for "publishing false information." This inhuman and medieval sentence was carried out on 4 January.





Iran has yet to ratify the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment.

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06.01.2016 - Woman journalist freed on completing one-year jail term

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that Rihaneh Tabatabai, a journalist who has worked for several reformist newspapers, was released yesterday on completing a one-year jail term on charges of endangering national security and anti-government publicity. She was arrested on 12 January 2016 to begin serving the sentence, which was originally imposed in November 2014 and was confirmed by a Tehran appeal court a year later. The sentence also includes two-year ban on political and journalistic activity in the media and online following her release. In all, Tabatabai has been jailed four times since 2010 in connection with her journalistic activities.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 29, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 4th of July is a time for picnics and outdoor celebrations for many Americans. Pet owners, however, should be particularly careful this time of year. There are additional risks and hazards to pets during the summer months and during this holiday in particular.

Bluegrass Animal Hospital wants to make pet owners aware of the risk that fireworks can pose. Most animals react with agitation or fear to loud noises, and the explosions of fireworks can be extremely scary to some animals. If an animal hears loud fireworks while outdoors, they could be triggered and then run away and become lost. Bluegrass Animal Hospital recommends keeping pets indoors and ensuring they have identification on them such as a collar/id tag or microchipping.

Pets should also be kept hydrated throughout the summer months so they avoid heatstroke. A small wading pool in the yard can also help them to stay cool. If sunscreen or insect repellent is used with pets, they should be formulations specially made for use on pets so that their safety is ensured.

Another risk to pets during 4th of July celebrations is possible digestive discomfort or poisoning from people food. Chocolate, raisins, grapes, garlic, onions, nuts, candy, fatty foods, meats (especially pork), dairy, processed foods, and alcoholic drinks should not be given to pets.

Cristi Moser, DVM says, The 4th of July is a fun time of the year, but wed like to make pet owners aware of the potential dangers to pets. Firework noise can trigger pets, and for animals that are particularly affected, we can discuss anxiety medications to help ease their nerves.

Those in the area who would like to inquire about the practice or book an appointment may do so by calling (865) 694-8387. Additional information about the Knoxville veterinarian is available at the Bluegrass Animal Hospital website at http://bluegrassanimalhospital.net/.
Body cameras for the Mooresville Police Department have arrived. Find out when they will be used.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 29, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Growth Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V:FGH) (First Growth or the Company) wishes to announce that, the Company has decided to deregister Jiafeng International Investment Management (H.K.) Co., Limited (the HK Subsidiary) for streamlining the structure of the Company. In addition, the Company has decided to terminate the operation and cancel the business registration of Jiayuan International Trade (Shanghai) Co., Limited (the "SH Subsidiary") due to unfavorable financial situation.



About First Growth Holdings Ltd.

First Growth is a Canadian-based company that identifies and develops strong brands in the Canadian and international markets. First growths brands have a global reach in todays modern world with the rapid adoption of social media and advancements in technology. First Growth recognizes the potential for its brands to penetrate international markets and will be focused on developing each one of its brands to its fullest potential.

ON BEHALF OF FIRST GROWTH HOLDINGS LTD.:

Ting Zhao

Ting Zhao

Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
The condition of jailed political prisoner Liu Xiaobo, who was recently moved to a hospital in the northeastern city of Shenyang with terminal liver cancer, was rapidly worsening on Friday, with sources reporting that the Nobel peace laureate is now too weak for a transfer to another hospital.

According to overseas writer Yu Jie, Liu is receiving treatment at the No. 1 Hospital of the Shenyang Medical University, under armed police guard and constant surveillance by state security police.

He said Liu is currently crying out in frequent pain, and asking for narcotics, and is suffering from a buildup of fluids in the abdominal cavity, one of the symptoms of terminal liver cancer.

Another source told RFA that Liu is on liquids only, and his family is "preparing themselves mentally" for his death.

On Thursday, Chinese officials told U.S., German and European Union diplomats that Liu is in too weak a state to be moved elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the ruling Chinese Communist Party's propaganda officials have issued a ban on any reporting of Liu's situation.

"Regarding Liu Xiaobo's medical parole, do not report it, do not comment on it, and do not retweet it," a June 30 directive posted online by the U.S.-based China Digital Times website said.

Anyone trying to visit Liu is subjected to a rigorous identity check, and only one relative is allowed to visit at any given time, Yu Jie said, citing his own anonymous source.

Yu said healthcare workers at the hospital have also been ordered not to speak to anyone about Liu's case, and are banned from carrying mobile phones into the ward where Liu is being treated, for fear that unauthorized photos or video footage will be leaked to the outside world.

The revelation by Liu's lawyer Shang Baojun that his liver cancer was already at an inoperable stage by the time of his medical parole has drawn strong criticism from the international community.

Activists under surveillance

Police in Beijing have meanwhile place a number of Liu's friends and fellow activists under close surveillance and house arrest in a bid to stop further information from getting out.

"It's hard to say how many people are affected ... but there are a few people I knew, including Shang Baojung, Xie Xiaoling, Gao Yu, Bao Tong, among others, who have received notifications from the state security police warning them not to write or otherwise comment publicly on Liu Xiaobo," a Beijing-based activist who asked to remain anonymous said on Friday.

"Xie Xiaoling is now under surveillance by state security police, or some kind of coercive measures," the activist said.

He said political journalist Gao Yu had received a visit from four state security police officers after she spoke out on Twitter about the treatment of Liu.

Xie confirmed the report on Friday. "They told me I had been too active lately and that they were setting up a surveillance post, but we didn't let them in the apartment," she said. "They wanted to confirm my identity ... and now there are two tall police officers standing guard outside the front door."

"Other people have 'disappeared,' while others have been called in for 'a chat'," she said.

Outspoken Chinese artist Ai Weiwei said the Chinese government simply doesn't tolerate dissent.

"Liu Xiaobo is an academic, and he became a rather moderate advocate of reforms," Ai told RFA in a recent interview. "Actually, it makes no sense to put people like him in jail. There is no basis in law ... and it goes against China's own constitution."

"There are people calling for his release because he is a Nobel Prize winner or because he is sick, but ... he should never have been locked up in the first place," Ai said.

"There is no democracy in China ... [and] anyone who sticks their head above the parapet will immediately be obliterated in the cruelest possible way the regime," he said.

Open letter to Xi Jinping

The news of Liu's condition came as 154 Nobel Prize winners called in an open letter to Chinese president Xi Jinping to allow Liu and his wife Liu Xia to travel to the United States to seek medical treatment.

The call is being repeated in a motion before the U.S. House of Representatives.

But Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Friday that the country's treatment of Liu is its own affair.

"The relevant issue is an internal affair of China's. I cannot see any need to discuss this with any other country," Lu told a regular news briefing in Beijing.

Unlike many high-profile dissidents before him, Liu didn't qualify for medical parole because he has never admitted to committing any crime, and friends say he is highly unlikely to have accepted any exile deals offered to him by the government.

A literary critic and former professor, Liu was awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize "for his long and nonviolent struggle for fundamental human rights in China" in a decision that infuriated Beijing, which says he has broken Chinese law. During the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Liu was represented by an empty chair.

Beijing cut off trade ties with Norway in the wake of the award, although the Norwegian government said it had nothing to do with the decision. Ties were only fully resumed last December.

Liu has been held since 2008 after helping to draft Charter 08, a manifesto calling for sweeping changes in China's government that was signed by thousands of supporters.

Reported by Qiao Long and Zhu Dan for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Ma Lap-hak and Ho Shan for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Two decades after the former British colony was handed over to China, Chinese president Xi Jinping reviewed People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops in Hong Kong, as officials in Beijing dismissed the handover treaty promising the city its freedoms as "a historical document."



In a stark contrast to U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's description of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration as a treaty that is still binding in international law, Beijing's foreign ministry said the handover agreement "no long has any practical significance."



"Now that 20 years have passed since Hong Kong returned to the motherland's embrace, the Sino-British Joint Declaration, as a historical document, no longer has any practical significance," spokesman Lu Kang told a regular news briefing in Beijing.



"It is not at all binding for the central government's management of Hong Kong. The U.K. has no sovereignty, no power to rule, and no power to supervise Hong Kong after the handover," Lu said.



The joint declaration promised that Hong Kong would retain its traditional freedoms and way of life for "at least 50 years."



But as Xi visited Hong Kong to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the handover on Saturday, pro-independence and pro-democracy activists were prevented from demonstrating at key locations in the city.



Plans by the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party to hold a rally on Friday night at a colonial clock-tower to mark "the fall of Hong Kong 20 years ago," were scrapped after police denied the group a permit to hold a public assembly there.



The group tried to move the rally to a less prominent location, but was also prevented by police, who threatened its leader Andy Chan with arrest, government broadcaster RTHK reported.



Far from the people



Local residents said the Chinese leadership seems far more security-conscious than previous visiting heads of state.



"Our national leaders seem to be much more cautious," a Hong Kong resident surnamed Chu told RFA on Friday. "Several decades ago, when the Queen visited Hong Kong, she got much closer to ordinary people."



"Why can't today's leaders do that? It seems as if they're getting further and further away," she said.



A small group of around 30 pro-democracy protesters gathered on Friday to call for the release of Chinese political prisoner and Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, but wasn't kept "kettled" behind barriers two blocks from the hotel where Xi was staying.



"We want democracy and the rule of law, and yet our human rights have already been obliterated," a protester surnamed Wong told RFA. "We all want the best for the next generation of Hong Kong people, which means fully democratic elections, one person, one vote."



"We in Hong Kong also want to speak out on behalf of the democracy movement in mainland China. We should be standing up for them," she said.



A protester surnamed Hui said that protests would continue ahead of a major march planned for Saturday.



"We will definitely continue our struggle, firstly for human rights and secondly for the freedoms of association and expression, the freedom to demonstrate and protest," Hui said. "We also want fully democratic elections and universal suffrage."



"These are the basic requirements of the people, and Hong Kong people will continue to fight for them," he said.



Veteran democracy activist Lee Cheuk-yan said Xi appeared to be hiding from the people of Hong Kong, however, and was unlikely to be able to hear what they have to say.



"They are keeping Xi locked up in his car, in his own bubble, and away from everyone," Lee said. "He won't be able to hear the voices of the people."



Beijing's broken promises



Signed in 1984 by then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang, the joint declaration set out how Britain would end its century-and-a-half long rule over Hong Kong, and how China would govern the city using the "one country, two systems" principle.



But a string of legal interpretations by China's parliament of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, as well as cross-border detentions of five Hong Kong booksellers, have left many fearing that the city's traditional freedoms of press and association, and its judicial independence, have been seriously eroded.



In an open letter this week, the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) hit out at Beijing's "rhetorical attacks on the 'one country, two systems' arrangement, repeated failures to honor pledges of democracy to Hong Kong, and interference in the territorys press freedom and judicial independence."



It called on incoming chief executive Carrie Lam, who will be inaugurated by Xi on Saturday, to defend the city's autonomy more vigorously.



"Fears of a militarized Chinese encroachment on Hong Kong have not materialized, but that doesnt mean key human rights arent at serious risk in the territory," HRW China director Sophie Richardson said in a statement.



"Carrie Lam and other Hong Kong political leaders must use their position and power to resist Beijings pressure on the legal system, the press, and diverse political views  while they still can," she said.



HRW also cited "increasing harassment" of opposition political parties by the Hong Kong government.



Dozens of pro-democracy activists were held overnight in police cells after they occupied the Golden Bauhinia statue symbolizing two decades of Chinese rule on Wednesday night.



Many applied for a "habeus corpus" process under Hong Kong law to determine if their detention for some 44 hours without questioning was legal, but were eventually released on bail.



Student leader Joshua Wong, who heads the Demosisto Party formed in the wake of the 2014 Occupy Central pro-democracy movement, said the detention was "unreasonable."



"If we didnt apply for habeas corpus, wed probably still be sitting in a cell at North Point police station," he told reporters.



Xi told journalists on Friday that he would work to promote "one country, two systems," however.



"To achieve greater success, Hong Kong compatriots should have three things," he said. "Belief in yourselves, belief in Hong Kong, and belief in your country."



"The motherland will always be Hong Kong's strongest supporter," he said.



Under house arrest



Across the internal immigration border in the neighboring province of Guangdong, activists said they are being placed under house arrest for fear that they will show solidarity with Hong Kong protesters on the anniversary of the handover.



Guangdong rights activist Fan Yiping said he has been under surveillance by state security police since Thursday.



"They came to my door yesterday, and starting today, I am [on vacation], only this time it's within Guangzhou city limits," Fan said. "It will continue until tomorrow evening, because of the major events in Hong Kong for July 1."



"They want to make sure it all goes smoothly. I had been planning to visit my father in Shenzhen, but they wouldn't let me go because it's too close to Hong Kong," he said.



Guangzhou-based activist Jia Pin said he had been told to leave the city by police on Wednesday ahead of the July 1 celebrations.



"I was forced to leave Guangzhou on June 28, because the stability maintenance system is very worried about this ... because Guangdong and Hong Kong are right next to each other," Jia said. "If they don't make sure everything is tightly controlled, they'll be in huge trouble from higher up."



"They set a huge amount of store by the 20th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong on July 1," he said.



Reported by Hei Na for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Ding Wenqi and Yang Fan for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.




A Yangon court on Friday rejected the fifth bail request by a Myanmar editor charged with defamation of the military under a widely challenged section of the countrys Telecommunications Law, as a group of journalists added civil society groups to a petition calling for the controversial article to be abolished.

Bahan Township court rejected the request of Kyaw Min Swe, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper The Voice Daily, to be freed on bail citing a lack of documentation and saying that additional witnesses had yet to testify, his lawyer Khin Maung Myint told RFAs Myanmar Service.

The judge rejected his bail on two counts, he said.

One reason is for not having enough documentation, although he didnt specify what documents we need to submit, and the other reason is that not every witness has testified.

Kyaw Min Swe and the papers satire columnist Kyaw Zwa Naing, who goes by the pen name British Ko Ko Maung, were detained on June 2 and charged with defamation under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law after the armed forces complained about a piece they published that mocked a military propaganda film.

According to Khin Maung Myint, the court intends to hear testimony from Lieutenant Colonel Lin Tun, who filed the defamation lawsuit against Kyaw Min Swe, but the officer did not appear at the trial proceedings on Friday.

The lawyer said that Kyaw Min Swes next hearing is set for July 7, at which time he will apply for bail a sixth time.

Earlier this month, the same court released Kyaw Zwa Naing after Kyaw Min Swe testified that he was solely responsible for posting on social media the article that allegedly insulted the armed forces.

At the same time, the court denied bail a third time to Kyaw Min Swe, who suffers from stomach and liver ailments, because it said his lawyer had submitted an unofficial medical certificate from a private clinic instead of a formal document from a state medical facility.

Kyaw Min Swes fourth bail request was denied last week.



Signature campaign

Meanwhile, members of the newly formed Committee for the Protection of Journalists collected signatures outside the courthouse Friday of those who support the repeal of Section 66(d), which prohibits the use of telecom networks to defame people and carries a jail sentence of up to three years and a fine for those found guilty of violating it.

Journalists and rights groups accuse government officials and military officers of routinely using the statute to prosecute their critics under the civilian government of de facto national leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Khin Maung Myint said the group had expanded the scope of the petition, which was launched at Kyaw Min Swes trial last week, with the intention of including support from civil society.

Former political prisoners, [pro-democracy] 88 Generation Student Group members, [pro-democracy] Generation Wave members, [rights group] Equality Myanmar members and other civil society organizations joined the campaign today, he said.

Ye Lin Tun, a member of the Committee for the Protection of Journalists, told RFA that his group intends to lobby the highest echelons of government over what it sees as a highly controversial law after reaching its goal of one million signatures.

We will send the collected signatures to the state counselor, president, parliamentarians, and military chief, and ask them to abolish 66(d), he said.

Another member of the Committee for the Protection of Journalists, Tharlon Zaung Htet, said the group will fight to secure our rights, according to the law.

Aung Myo Min, the director of Equality Myanmar, told RFA that the dignity of the country is at risk of being destroyed by the oppression of the media.

This is especially true under a civilian government, and it can undermine the faith of the international community that Myanmar is moving towards democracy, he said.

Complaint filed

Committee members claimed that Corporal Soe Myint Aung from the Yangon Division Military Headquarters was taking photos of every journalist outside of the courthouse Friday and said they had asked the Bahan Township Police Station to file charges against him under the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of the Citizen.

The police station formally accepted the filing against Soe Myint Aung, they said, but has yet to charge him.

On Thursday, more than 60 domestic and international rights groups called on Myanmars government to repeal Section 66(d) or, at the least, decriminalize defamation.

The rights organizations, which include Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, and U.S. Campaign for Burma, urged the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which has been discussing revisions to the Telecommunications Law, to remove the article from the amended legislation.

Reported by Thant Sin Oo for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Some of the trials of locals accused of involvement in deadly border guard station attacks will be held at the courthouse in Maungdaw township in western Myanmar's Rakhine state, shown here on June 30, 2017.

Authorities in western Myanmars violence-torn Rakhine state have charged more than 500 local Muslims and deemed 1,300 others fugitives for their alleged involvement in deadly attacks on border patrolmen in the states three northern townships last October, Rakhines attorney general said on Friday.

A total of 521 people, including five children, have been detained, though one of the five died during his trial, said attorney general General U Kyauk. No details were given about what caused the boys death.

The trials of the other children have either been completed or are in progress, he said.

Trials of some of the adults who have been charged will be held at the courthouses in Maungdaw township and in Rakhines capital Sittwe, he said.

Officials did not describe the specifics charges made against them.

A shadowy militant group claiming to represent Myanmars Muslim Rohingya community carried out raids on border guard stations in October 2016 that killed nine border patrol officers.

Afterwards, government soldiers swept into the northern Rakhine townships of Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Rathedaung to hunt down hundreds of others suspected of involvement in the raids during a four-month security operation.

During a meeting of the Rakhine parliament, state lawmaker Tun Aung Thein said three ethnic Rakhine people have been killed and five others have been missing since the attacks last October.

We cant investigate how many extremists and terrorists from outside we have in our country, Tun Aung Thein said. Thats why people have become worried. Those from villages in Maungdaw township have been moving out of their villages, while others are considering moving out.

On high alert

Earlier this week, soldiers were put on high alert in Maungdaw following the departure of about 200 Rakhine Buddhist villagers from the township after a string of local killings.

The move came after Myanmar security forces last week killed three men while clearing a suspected Rohingya insurgent training camp in a mountain range in the Maungdaw-Buthidaung township area where tunnels, weapons, huts, rations, and training materiel were discovered during a two-day security clearance operation.

State lawmaker Maung Ohn said that though more security forces have been assigned to Maungdaw town, they are more urgently needed in the villages surrounding the town.

If we lose the villages [to insurgents], we will lose Maungdaw too, he said.

Rakhine state lawmaker Kyaw Zaw Oo said local authorities have asked the central government several times for additional security for the area, but their requests have not been fully met.

We have submitted many proposals and held meetings with government authorities, but their response to this issue has been very weak, he said.

We dont know if they are intentionally not responding to it or if they dont want to take responsibility for it, Kyaw Zaw Oo said.

If they dont effectively address this issue  we will face the possibility of losing our territory as we lost it in the past, he said, in a reference to Muslim insurgents who took control of land in Rakhine decades ago.

Reported by Min Thein Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
ATLANTA, June 29, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INCUMAKER, INC. (OTC Pink:QMKR) has announced that the previously announced merger of CEN Biotech, Inc. with its subsidiary, Eastern Starr Biotech, Inc., has been terminated by CEN Biotech, Inc.



On June 29, 2017, CEN Biotech, Inc. filed an 8k in which it terminated the forward triangular merger agreement dated as of April 11, 2017 (the Merger Agreement) with Eastern Starr Biotech, Inc. (Eastern), the wholly owned subsidiary of Incumaker, Inc. (Incumaker). The Merger Agreement provided for a forward triangular merger with Eastern. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the stockholders of the Company would own 80% of Incumaker and Incumaker would own 100% of the Company. The Merger Agreement provided the right of either party to terminate the Merger Agreement if the merger was not consummated by a specified date.

About Incumaker

Incumaker, Inc. (OTC Pink:QMKR) is a diversified holding company whose strategic plan is to acquire interests in young businesses, and provide financing, advice and guidance to assist them in realizing their potential. The companys wholly owned subsidiary, Eastern Starr Biotech, is pursuing strategic acquisitions in the Cannabis industries. We continue to identify and evaluate other potential acquisitions that we believe will create shareholder value and return.

Company Disclaimers:

As a "penny stock" Company, within the meaning of federal and state securities law, Incumaker, Inc. may not avail itself of the Safe Harbor provisions as identified in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. However, Incumaker, Inc. provides the following disclaimer and warning to protect our shareholders, prospective investors and the public at large by alerting them to the risks and uncertainties involved with any investment, and the need to perform their own due diligence and assessment.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to financial results and plans for future development activities, and are thus prospective. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers.

Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business and finances in general, including the ability to continue and manage its growth, competition, global economic conditions and other factors discussed in detail in the Company's periodic filings with the Security and Exchange Commission.
Altria Group Inc. has bought the distinctive modernistic corporate headquarters building in Henrico County it has used since 2003.

The tobacco giant said Friday that it paid $20.8 million for the building, which housed Reynolds Metals Co. corporate offices from when it was built in 1958 until early 2001.

Altria bought the building from the University of Richmond.

UR had acquired it in December 2001 from aluminum giant Alcoa Inc., which inherited the complex, off West Broad Street near Interstate 64, when it purchased Reynolds Metals in 2000.

The university bought the four-story, 250,328-square-foot Reynolds building and 35 acres for $8 million, but the deal was valued at the time at $20.8 million. Alcoa made up the $12.8 million gap between the purchase price and the appraised value in the form of a gift.

Philip Morris USA, the nations largest cigarette maker, moved its corporate offices from New York City into the building in 2003. Its parent company, Altria, joined its subsidiary there in March 2008.

Altria has been a terrific tenant, UR spokeswoman Cynthia Price said. We didnt have a strategic use for the building and their lease was about to expire. We had a conversation with them and they decided to assume full ownership.

The 15-year lease was set to expire Nov. 1, 2018, according to an annual financial report the university published in 2003. It had options to extend the lease for three five-year terms.

Philip Morris was slated to pay a total of $47.319 million for the entire term of the 15-year lease, according to that annual financial report.

Its a great location and suits our long-term business needs, Altria spokesman Steve Callahan said. We decided it makes sense to own rather than lease.

Altria has about 600 employees working in that building. It leases space in other nearby buildings, including an eight-story building that is across Forest Avenue from the former Reynolds Metals building. A 15-year lease on that 222,057-square-foot building expires in 2024.

Opened in 1958, the structure is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its exceptional architecture and its use of aluminum.

The buildings 14-foot vertical aluminum louvers move with the suns position to serve as shades for the windows and to keep cooling costs down. The aluminum entrance canopy pushed the limits of the metals structural capacities at the time.

A spokesman for the National Trust for Historic Preservation once called the building a real cultural landmark.

Architectural icon Gordon Bunshaft designed the building, which Reynolds Metals called its Executive Office Building.

When UR acquired the building in late 2001, the university wasnt exactly sure what to do with the property. Ideas began floating around, including the possibility of turning it into a research park or using the building for executive education programs, the graduate business school or the law school.

UR officials had said the school would not move any undergraduate programs to the site.
Former Petersburg City Attorney Brian K. Telfair asked a city employee to buy a prepaid cellphone that he later used to make a phone call to himself  a call that Telfair told police was made by an unknown redneck caller who made racist threats to the mayor and two other city officials, according to court records.

The phony call led to the abrupt cancellation of a Petersburg City Council meeting in February 2016 after city officials received word that residents were upset about high water bills and other financial issues plaguing the city, according to court records related to Telfairs pending misdemeanor criminal charge of lying to police about the supposed threat to city officials.

Documents in Telfairs case file in Petersburg General District Court outline what appears to be much of the prosecutions case against the former city attorney, who resigned in March 2016. Special prosecutor Benjamin H. Garrison provided the material to Telfairs attorney in response to a pretrial motion for evidence against his client.

Telfair was scheduled to stand trial May 23, but the proceeding was continued on that day to Sept. 1.

The documents contain summaries of police interviews with Telfair and other city officials and employees about the events surrounding the last-minute cancellation of the City Council meeting on Feb. 16, 2016.

At the time, the city released a cryptic note about the cancellation, citing safety concerns. The next day, Telfair said that racial slurs and threats of physical violence against some members of the council and the administration prompted the cancellation.

Court documents allege that Telfair concocted the entire episode.

Telfair stated he made the telephone call to himself that was reported to Petersburg Bureau of Police as a threatening phone call, according to a police narrative in the court file of a Jan. 30 interview of Telfair by Virginia State Police special agents. Mr. Telfair also stated that he made the telephone call to preserve the institution of the city.

While city attorney, he endured a lot of stress because the City Council members were at each others throats, Telfair told investigators, according to the court file. He was being blamed for the problem with finances even though he had nothing to do with the money and the mayor was not a leader. No person should have to go through what he went through.

Thomas Johnson, Telfairs attorney, stressed in a written statement that the information contained in the court documents are only allegations and does not include any response from his client or other exculpatory evidence.

It seems as though Mr. Telfair has been targeted because of the knowledge he possesses surrounding some of the malfeasance in the city of Petersburg government over the course of his tenure there, Johnson wrote in an email. There is an effort to discredit and dismiss him as well as his previously voiced concerns about what was happening in Petersburg.

The revelation from the court files curiously appears in the weeks leading up to one of his court appearances, Johnson added. Mr. Telfair certainly looks forward to his day in court ... both for this allegation and for the action he is contemplating taking against those officials who have misrepresented the facts and circumstances in an effort to defame him and otherwise cause significant injury to his reputation within the community.

According to the police narrative in Telfairs court file, Nykesha Jackson, clerk of the Petersburg City Council, told investigators that Telfair asked her whether she knew of a store that sold telephones, and she mentioned Family Dollar. Jackson said Telfair then gave her some money to purchase a burner phone and have it activated, which she did.

Investigators obtained a surveillance video from the Family Dollar at 2027 S. Crater Road that shows a woman later identified as Jackson purchasing a Tracfone at 10:32 a.m. on Feb. 16, 2016.

Telfair told investigators that between 4 and 5 p.m. on Feb. 16, he received a call on his office phone from a male who he assumed was white because he spoke redneck, according to the police narrative.

Telfair told a Petersburg investigator that the caller threatened to kick (the) ass of then-Mayor Howard Myers, then-City Manager William E. Johnson II and then-City Finance Manager Irvin Carter. Telfair claimed the caller also said, Were going to come and get your f------ n----- asses and throw your n----- asses in the street during the meeting.

Mr. Telfair advised that at this point he decided due to this threat, the estimation of over 175 people showing up and the anger demonstrated by several citizens, they would cancel the City Council meeting, police said in court documents.

Jackson provided to investigators a copy of an email she said she received from the then-mayor dated Feb. 16 at 12:43 p.m., which instructed her to release an announcement canceling the City Council meeting for that night. Myers told investigators that he received information from Telfair about the threatening phone call during a brief meeting with him, and Myers said he canceled the meeting based on Telfairs advice.

A copy of Myers 12:43 p.m. email to Jackson, included in the court file, reads: Madame Clerk please release the attached at 2:30 p.m. to all Members of Council, Directors and Staff along with the PIO for media release.

A Petersburg police investigator determined that the email canceling the meeting wasnt sent out until 4:21 p.m., which was 17 minutes before Telfair received the supposed threatening telephone call at 4:38 p.m., police said in court records.

The police narrative said Family Dollar records and Tracfone records could not prove that the Tracfone purchased by (Jackson) was the one used to make the reported threatening phone call. Telfair told investigators that he could not remember which telephone he used to make the threatening telephone call to himself.

When Telfair was interviewed about the threatening calls on Feb. 16, he also told investigators that the city had received, on its online outreach page, another racist message three days earlier that used a racial slur in describing the citys population.

Mr. Telfair advised that the city has received word over the past few days that people were extremely upset over the high water bills and other money issues the city is having, according to the police narrative.

Telfair told police that the threatening callers number was captured by his offices caller ID, but he was not able to record the phone call.

Despite the last-minute meeting cancellation, five of the seven council members showed up, and those who did said they were unaware of the nature of the threat. Two days later, the City Council reconvened and voted unanimously to start negotiating an exit for Johnson, the city manager. Council members also voted to negotiate a separation with Telfair, who has since found a job as an attorney for Spencer Shuford LLP in Richmond.
The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System has bought the Museum of the Confederacy building at 1201 E. Clay St. in Richmond for $6.25 million.

The property was part of the American Civil War Museum, which also operates the White House of the Confederacy next to the museum building and Historic Tredegar. Operations at the house are not affected by the sale of the museum property, officials said.

The White House of the Confederacy building dates to 1818 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum building purchased by VCU is a more modern structure built in 1974, according to property assessment records.

Both buildings are dwarfed by a number of towering medical buildings VCU Health System has built around the museum property over time. The museum building is adjacent to the medical centers Emergency Department.

That has always been the plan, to sell the building, said Christy Coleman, CEO of the American Civil War Museum, referring to the museum exhibit building.

The American Civil War Museum was created in 2013 when The Museum of the Confederacy and the American Civil War Center merged. In 2015, the merged entity announced plans for a new, $37 million building project at Historic Tredegar on the downtown riverfront.

Originally when we did the consolidation back in 2013, our expectation was that we would be in our new building by 2016-2017. That clearly didnt happen, Coleman said.

So with market prices being the way they are, we felt now was probably the best time to go ahead and close the deal. The leaseback is really a very reasonable rate for us, Coleman said.

Terms of the sale finalized Friday call for the VCU Health System to lease the building back to the museum for two years while new museum space is constructed.

VCU Health System officials said the 31,000 square-foot museum building which sits on about 0.6 acres is being considered for use as an educational and training space for employees.

We are pleased to have reached an agreement that is mutually beneficial to the American Civil War Museum and the VCU Health System, Deborah Davis, CEO of VCU Health System Hospitals and Clinics and vice president for clinical affairs at VCU, said in a statement.

The new 28,500-square-foot American Civil War Museum building at Historic Tredegar is expected to open in 2018, Coleman said.

Coleman said the White House of the Confederacy is undergoing rehab work in advance of a year-long commemoration scheduled to kick off in March 2018.

We are getting ready for the bicentennial of that building, Coleman said.
Nokia to deploy LTE in 700 MHz band to support smart city and public safety applications in Hongkou district of Shanghai

Nokia's first commercial LTE 700 MHz contract in China intended to make city services smarter in fast-growing area of China's largest city

30 June, 2017

Shanghai - Nokia is to supply a LTE network in the 700 megahertz spectrum band to the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group, a diversified broadcasting, media, manufacturing and real estate company. The deployment will transform Shanghai's fast-growing former industrial district of Hongkou through a range of new smart city services, for which Nokia will supply advanced wireless communications based on FDD-LTE technology for smart city and public safety applications. Nokia Shanghai Bell, Nokia's JV company in China will provide the deployment and services.

The LTE network is being deployed to provide broadband connectivity for city services, specifically high-speed wireless links to video from cameras used for traffic control, video monitoring and analysis, and additional services in future. The network is based on Nokia's FDD-LTE solution and offers the data capacity needed to support a variety of bandwidth-intensive video formats, including high-definition and ultra-high definition 4K, 3D and more. This deployment marks Nokia's first for LTE technology in the 700 MHz spectrum band in China.

In addition to network infrastructure, Nokia Shanghai Bell's global services team will provide services including systems integration, network planning and implementation.

The project builds on Nokia's strong track-record supporting smart city initiatives worldwide. It also highlights the progress of Nokia's strategy of expanding its customer activities outside of the traditional telecommunications sphere, a key focus of the company.

Ding Yong, General Manager of Oriental Pearl Digital TV, said: "Nokia has been an excellent partner for these new smart city initiatives. Their LTE 700 MHz technology performed extremely well in testing and the strong local support from Nokia Shanghai Bell has been very beneficial as well. We look forward to our continued close cooperation to bring smart city services to the people of Shanghai.

Jin Jian, head of Enterprise & Public Sector at Nokia Shanghai Bell, said: "This collaboration with Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group is an important first step in efforts to bring smarter services to China's largest city and critical business and innovation hub. As a leading provider of wireless connectivity solutions, Nokia is honored to play a key role in such an important project."

Key facts:

LTE currently serves more than two billion subscribers globally today and is expected to reach 75% of the world's population by 2020.

Low frequency bands, such as the 700MHz, allow for excellent coverage with a reduced number of base stations.

With technology enhancements, LTE not only serves mobile broadband users but also delivers efficient and reliable connectivity for the Internet of Things and critical applications needed for public safety networks.

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In recent decades, Virginia governors have granted clemency to two mentally ill inmates facing execution. One of them smeared feces over his cell, and the other was dubbed Crazy Horse.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe is considering a request to commute the sentence of William C. Morva, a double-murderer set to be executed Thursday for slayings in Montgomery County committed during an escape in 2006. Morva is said to have grandiose and paranoid delusions.

His lawyers and a court-appointed expert say Morva has long believed that others, including his lawyers, are trying to harm him. A 2008 Richmond Times-Dispatch account of Morvas sentencing reported that he looked cheerful, snapping his fingers and smiling when the death penalty was announced.

In 1999, Gov. Jim Gilmore commuted the death sentence against Calvin Eugene Swann and, in 2008, Gov. Tim Kaine commuted Percy Levar Waltons death sentence. Both were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Swann died in 2004 of natural causes, while Walton remains an inmate at the Marion Correctional Treatment Center.

Lawyers contend Morva suffers from delusional disorder and, at the time of the slayings, believed his life was in danger at the Montgomery County Jail, where he was being held on attempted robbery charges. They argue the jury was given incorrect information about the nature and severity of his illness.

Morva, who escaped from a deputy who had taken him to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries, shot to death an unarmed hospital security guard, Derrick McFarland. The following day, he killed Eric Sutphin, a sheriffs deputy who was searching for the escapee. McFarland was shot in the face, Sutphin in the back of his head.

***

Since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed capital punishment to resume in 1976, Virginia governors have commuted death sentences nine times  most recently in April. Some 112 executions have been carried out in the state over the same period.

The severity of Swann and Waltons mental illnesses and their diagnoses were in dispute, as is the case with Morva.

When Swann shot a 62-year-old man to death during a 1992 robbery, his record already included robbery, assault and burglary, and he had spent much of the previous 18 years in mental institutions and prisons.

He was convicted of capital murder and robbery and sentenced to death. Gilmore commuted Swanns sentence about four hours before his scheduled 1999 execution. Swann had suffered from schizophrenia for 25 years at the time of the commutation.

Swanns behavior at times, Gilmore said in 1999, was nothing short of bizarre and totally devoid of rationality.

His lawyers wrote in their clemency petition that when Swann arrived at death row in 1998, Calvin was continually screaming and flushing his toilet. He was placed in four-point restraints. The next day, he smeared feces all over his cell.

Gilmore said Virginia Department of Corrections experts confirmed that Swann suffered from severe mental impairment and noted that Swanns jury was misinformed about the fact that on two prior occasions, Swann had been found mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Swann had been committed involuntarily to psychiatric hospitals at least 16 times before he was arrested for the murder, and state employees had diagnosed Swann as having schizophrenia at least 41 times, described him as psychotic at least 31 times and regularly medicated him with eight different antipsychotic drugs.

Nevertheless, the Virginia Supreme Court, citing the evidence presented at Swanns trial, said there was doubt over whether Swann was schizophrenic. They said one expert who examined Swann concluded he was not schizophrenic. Both the Virginia and U.S. supreme courts rejected Swanns appeals.

In 2008, Kaine commuted Waltons death sentences to life without parole. Courts had held that Walton could be executed, but Kaine said he granted clemency because Walton was not mentally competent.

In 1996, Walton murdered an elderly couple and a 33-year-old man who lived near him in Danville. Kaine said there was no doubt Walton was guilty of the crimes, and he did not question the decision to seek the death penalty.

Kaine said that while Walton may have been sane when he committed the murders, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that the Constitution forbids the execution of those who are unaware of the punishment they are about to suffer and why they are to suffer it.

Walton was called Crazy Horse on death row because of his bizarre conduct and lack of hygiene.

In a prepared statement, Kaine said, Given the extended period of time over which Walton has exhibited this lack of mental competence, I must conclude that a commutation of his sentence ... is now the only constitutionally appropriate course of action.

Bob McDonnell, then the Virginia attorney general and later governor, disagreed with Kaine, noting that the U.S. Supreme Court denied Waltons petition in which he argued that he was incompetent and requested that his execution be stayed.

McDonnell said nothing prevented Walton from bringing evidence of incompetence before the courts where it could be more effectively evaluated.

Experts differed on Waltons condition over the years. In 2006, Kaine said a clemency petition presented information that Walton had schizophrenia and that his mental state had deteriorated since 2003, the most recent information the courts had to consider at the time in 2006.

***

In a letter to McAuliffe last month, Montgomery Commonwealths Attorney Mary K. Pettitt wrote that experts evaluated Morva before the trial and concluded that he had a superior IQ and suffered from a variety of personality disorders, including schizotypal personality disorder with narcissistic features.

A 2015 brief filed by the Virginia Attorney Generals office in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals noted Morvas current lawyers claim that a delusional disorder diagnosis along with his family history of schizophrenia would have allowed his trial lawyers to explain to the jury how the crimes were a product of his mental illness.

The state wrote that one expert who testified on Morvas behalf about schizotypal personality disorder did exactly that.

The attorney general argued, The jury heard substantial and uncontradicted evidence that Morva suffered from mental illness and that there was a link between his illness and his conduct.

Dawn M. Davison, one of Morvas lawyers, said the evidence the jury heard focused primarily on Morvas behavior before he dropped out of high school and before there was a dramatic deterioration in his mental health.

That was also the focus of information made available to a psychiatrist appointed to the defense for the trial, she said. Without more information about Morva in the years leading up to the slayings, Morva was incorrectly diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder, his lawyers say.

As a result, the jury was incorrectly told that Morva was not psychotic and not delusional and that he was not clearly out of contact with reality, Davison said.

She said a forensic psychiatrist appointed by a federal judge in 2013 found Morva was suffering from delusional disorder and incapable of rationally communicating with his attorneys.

The psychiatrist, Dr. Donna Schwartz Maddox, wrote in a declaration last month that she understands how someone evaluating Morva with limited information would reach a diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder. My diagnosis, however, takes into account that information, which I understand was not provided to the trial expert, she wrote.

According to Maddox, A person who is psychotic may be able to function in many ways. He may be oriented to time and place and able to perform chores such as laundry.

There are no indications that Mr. Morva is malingering, or feigning symptoms of mental illness. In fact, Mr. Morva does the opposite: he attempts to mask his symptoms so he appears normal, Maddox added in her 25-page declaration.

She said that, to her knowledge, the Department of Corrections has not attempted to treat Morva and that he refused a psychiatrists attempts to evaluate him. The psychiatrist opined that the refusal was an example of narcissism, but Maddox disagrees and believes the refusal was due to his paranoia and mistrust of others.

McAuliffe has been given petitions urging clemency with 31,000 signatures. Among those also supporting clemency are Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-11th, six state delegates and five state senators. Linda A. Klein, president of the American Bar Association, sent a letter to McAuliffe expressing concern about the case.
In 1956, Hungary set the world on fire. Thousands took to the streets to demand an end to communist repression; the country appeared on the verge of breaking out of the Soviet orbit. Imre Nagy led Hungary out of the Warsaw Pact and appealed to Western powers to recognize its neutrality. The throngs in the street believed the United States would intervene on their behalf. Indeed, U.S. broadcasts extolling the freedom fighters encouraged such hope. When the Soviets invaded, when tanks rolled into the streets of Budapest, the U.S. did not respond militarily. It had few options. Intervention would have invited an all-out war in Central Europe the U.S. and its allies could not win. The Red Army would have prevailed in conventional warfare; the U.S. would not have resorted to nuclear war. President Eisenhower acted wisely, although deluded purists thought otherwise. The failure to act in Hungary may have influenced the disastrous decision to intervene in Vietnam. The U.S. learned the wrong lesson.

Nagy fell, and later was executed by the communists. His example continued to inspire Hungarians. Josef Cardinal Mindszenty, leader of Hungarys Catholics, sought sanctuary in the U.S. embassy in Budapest, where he lived for 15 years. He died in Vienna. Hungary remained a satellite under Janos Kadar. It eventually practiced a so-called goulash communism, which relaxed some of the worst aspects of life behind the Iron Curtain. Although not free, it was a better place to live than the other satellites, with the possible exception of Czechoslovakia. Hungary ultimately played a crucial role in the collapse of the Iron Curtain. The seed had been sown.

In Poland, Stefan Cardinal Wyszyski followed a different approach than Mindszenty. He did not go underground. His protege, Karol Wojtya, became Pope John Paul II.

The late 1980s and early 1990s were a time of celebration. Freedom was breaking out. Beethovens 9th Symphony with its Ode to Joy became a universal anthem of liberal aspirations. History appeared to have come to an end. Hungary joined NATO. People moved through its borders with ease. It became a tourist destination noted for its food and its art. The good news removed Hungary from the front lines.

Armies stopped squaring off nearby. Conditions in Hungary no longer provoked superpower confrontation. Partly as a consequence, the erosion of freedom in Hungary has received scant attention in countries that take freedom for granted.

The government of Viktor Orban has curtailed opposition parties and cracked down on dissent. Corruption is rife. Orban exploits fears regarding immigration to justify his steel boot. This is the dark side of populism. As a young man in 1989, Orban marched against a one-party state.

Now he commands one. According to Freedom House, Hungary has suffered the worst decline in freedom among the European states during the past 10 years. Turkey has suffered the second worst decline in the world; it straddles Europe and the Middle East. A Hungarian opposition has arisen. It deserves Americas encouragement.

Historys arc was supposed to be bending toward freedom. China, Turkey, Russia, Hungary and others are disproving a thesis embraced by market ideologues. Economic growth does not necessarily lead to political progress. Markets can flourish in the absence of political and social freedom.

This should not surprise obesrvers who are historically aware. Capitalism and slavery got along perfectly well; the industrial revolution was built on the backs of slaves. Capitalism also included the forces that expanded liberty, although the process was not guaranteed.

The worst news is that trends in Hungary  and Turkey, China and elsewhere  may not be unpopular. Orban would be favored to win an unrigged election. Call it misgovernment with the consent of the misgoverned, and be warned.
WASHINGTON

Two Junes ago, when the Supreme Court upheld, 6-3, a challenged provision of the Affordable Care Act, Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, vented: Congress wrote key parts of the Act behind closed doors. ... Congress passed much of the Act using a complicated budgetary procedure known as reconciliation, which limited opportunities for debate and amendment, and bypassed the Senates normal 60-vote filibuster requirement. ... As a result, the Act does not reflect the type of care and deliberation that one might expect of such significant legislation. Now, however, Republicans run things, so ...

In 2009, President Obama ignited a debate that has been, for many members of Congress and their constituents, embarrassingly clarifying. Back then, most people stoutly insisted that they did not want a government-centered health care system. But even then, approximately half of every dollar spent on health care came from the government.

Today, the 55 million Medicare beneficiaries approximately equal the combined populations of 26 states; the 73 million Medicaid recipients approximately equal the combined populations of 29 states. Governments 10 thumbs are all over health care.

Although an Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll showed that health care was extremely or very important to 81 percent of voters in the recent Georgia congressional election, neither candidate stressed this issue.

Both were confronted, as all congressional candidates will be in 2018 and ever after, with this fact: No health care policy is comprehensive, comprehensible and inoffensive to all intense interest groups.

Health care only relatively recently became worth fighting over. In 1900, Americans spent almost twice as much on funerals as on medicine. Most people were born at home and died at home, and medicines principal function was to make ill people as comfortable as possible while nature healed them or killed them. Hospitals often were lethal infection factories, hence the common report, The operation was successful but the patient died. In his The Rise and Fall of American Growth, Robert Gordon notes that even victims of railroad, streetcar and horse cart accidents were largely taken to their homes rather than to hospitals.

In 1900, only 5 percent of American women gave birth in hospitals. And a degree in medicine could be obtained for between $5 and $10, its cost depending on the quality of the paper on which the diploma was printed. Between 1890 and 1950, the great improvement in mortality rates owed much to social improvements (better hygiene, sanitation, food handling, etc.) and little to doctors, hospitals or drugs.

In 2009, there was no national consensus that insurance should be available to people with pre-existing conditions. There now is such a consensus, partly because of the obfuscating phrase: Insuring people with pre-existing conditions means insuring people who are already sick. Which means that what they are getting is not really insurance  protection against uncertain risk. The consensus might be right, but its logic makes the insurance model increasingly inapposite.

A market-driven health care system with government at the periphery would implement the lesson of Social Security: Government is good at sending checks to identifiable cohorts. It should send support to those who need it for purchasing premiums, then get out of the way.

But Obama, who once said he preferred a single-payer system, flinched from the really radical reform we need  a move away from broad reliance (about 180 million Americans) on employer-provided health insurance, which, in an expensive fiction, is not taxed as what it obviously is: compensation. Partly because of this system, health care consumers are not shoppers and market signals are weak and few.

Suppose that instead of providing health insurance, employers gave employees money to buy groceries. What would grocery stores look like? There probably would be no prices. To see why, ask yourself: When your doctor wants to perform a particular test, do you ask, How much will it cost? If you do, you are eccentric. Besides, the doctor probably does not know.

Perhaps for policy reasons, and certainly for political reasons, it is impossible to unwind reliance on employer-provided insurance. But this fact, combined with the pre-existing conditions consensus, means that henceforth the health care debate will be about not whether there will be a thick fabric of government subsidies, mandates and regulations, but about which party will weave the fabric.

So, repeal and replace will be tweak and move on. And even if the tweaks constitute significant improvements, Obama will have been proved right when, last October, he compared the ACA to a starter home.
BRUSSELS, Belgium, June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WABCO Holdings Inc. (NYSE:WBC) (www.wabco-auto.com) and ZF Friedrichshafen AG were recently recognized by CLEPA with its prestigious Innovation Award 2017 for their joint development of Evasive Maneuver Assist (EMA), a breakthrough collision avoidance system for commercial vehicles. The EMA prototype combines WABCOs world-class braking, stability and vehicle dynamics control systems on trucks and trailers with ZFs top active steering technology. CLEPA is the European Association of Automotive Suppliers and has more than 100 member companies and over 20 national as well as European trade associations.

The CLEPA Innovation Award 2017 celebrates excellence of innovative technologies and solutions developed by leading automotive suppliers and vehicle manufacturers in the categories Environment, Safety, Connectivity and Automation, as well as Cooperation. CLEPAs international jury of industry experts recognized Evasive Maneuver Assist in the classifications Safety and Cooperation. Assessing 56 applications from 31 companies across Europe, the panel of judges ranked all technology innovations based on the following criteria: ambition, market relevance, impact, and quality.

When speaking about mobility, road safety is rightly at the top of the political and technological agendas, said Roberto Vavassori, President, CLEPA. The innovation presented by WABCO and ZF proves that road safety goes way beyond cars and motorcycles to include commercial vehicles. It also demonstrates that cooperation between automotive suppliers can pave the way to success and better mobility for all.

We are deeply honored to receive the Innovation Award 2017 from CLEPA, a globally recognized and prestigious industry organization, for Evasive Maneuver Assist, said Dr. Christian Brenneke, Vice President Engineering, WABCO. The Evasive Maneuver Assist prototype demonstrates WABCOs and ZFs leadership in developing advanced safety technologies for commercial vehicles. EMA connects WABCOs braking and stability control systems with ZFs active steering solution for the first time, realizing another critical step toward autonomous driving in the commercial vehicle industry.

A win for the Evasive Maneuver Assist technology jointly developed by ZF and WABCO shows how safety could be increased for all road users, said Dr. Harald Naunheimer, Head of Research and Development, ZF. It also emphasizes the commitment ZF has made to its Vision Zero of an accident-free future of mobility.

Demonstrated for the first time in June 2016, Evasive Maneuver Assist leverages the capabilities of WABCOs industry-leading OnGuardACTIVE, its most advanced, radar-only collision mitigation system. A radar sensor identifies moving or stationary vehicles ahead and alerts the driver via visual, audio and haptic signals of impending rear-end collisions. Should the driver determine that the system cannot avoid a rear-end collision by driver-initiated or autonomous braking alone, Evasive Maneuver Assist engages to help the driver to safely steer around an obstructing vehicle and to bring truck and trailer to a complete and safe stop. In such situations, EMAs collision avoidance function is connecting WABCOs proven electronic braking system (EBS), advanced emergency braking system (AEBS), electronic stability control (ESC) and vehicle dynamics control systems to ZFs electrohydraulic ReAX power steering system.

About WABCO

WABCO (NYSE:WBC) is a leading global supplier of technologies and services that improve the safety, efficiency and connectivity of commercial vehicles. Founded nearly 150 years ago, WABCO continues to pioneer breakthrough innovations for advanced driver assistance, braking, stability control, suspension, transmission automation and aerodynamics. Partnering with the transportation industry as it maps a route toward autonomous driving, WABCO also uniquely connects trucks, trailers, cargo, drivers, business partners and fleet operators through advanced fleet management systems and mobile solutions. WABCO reported sales of $2.8 billion in 2016. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, WABCO has 13,000 employees in 40 countries. WABCOs 2016 Annual Report is available at www.ar.wabco-auto.com. For more information, visit www.wabco-auto.com.

About ZF

ZF is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology. The company has a global workforce of around 137,000 with approximately 230 locations in some 40 countries. In 2016, ZF achieved sales of 35.2 billion. ZF annually invests about six percent of its sales in research and development  ensuring continued success through the design and engineering of innovative technologies. ZF is one of the largest automotive suppliers worldwide. ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. With its technologies, the company is striving for Vision Zero  a world of mobility without accidents and emissions. With its broad portfolio, ZF is advancing mobility and services in the automobile, truck and industrial technology sectors. For further press information and photos please visit: www.zf.com.

WABCO global media contact

Nina Friedmann, +49 69 719 168 171, wabco@klenkhoursch.de

WABCO investors and analysts contact

Alexander De Bock, +1 248 270 9287, investorrelations@wabco-auto.com

ZF global media contact

Thomas Wenzel, +49 151 167 164 45, thomas.wenzel@zf.com
Independence Day will be seasonably hot and humid across Virginia, and an afternoon storm can't be ruled out.

This could end up being the hottest Fourth of July in Richmond in the past four or five years, but that doesnt mean it will be unusually hot.

Last year, the high was only 76 degrees for the holiday. Tuesdays expected high temperature in the lower 90s will be close to average, and the reading should fall into the 80s by sundown.

Since late last week, the temperature forecast is trending down a bit so mid 90s look less likely. The storm probability has increased a bit, but it still looks like a normal summertime chance.

Storms should develop in hit-or-miss fashion all across the state on Tuesday, mostly between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Some storms could linger into the evening fireworks time in a few unlucky spots, but most areas will be dry at that point.

Otherwise, Tuesday will be typically humid, partly cloudy, and the wind will be light and variable.

Holiday weather history

The record high for Independence Day in Richmond was set in 2002 when the thermometer hit 100 degrees at Richmond International Airport. That was the only instance of triple-digit heat on the holiday since records started in 1897.

There has been some cool weather, too. In 1933, Richmonders woke up to a September-like low of 52 degrees on the Fourth of July.

Its usually Richmonds hottest holiday of the year, but not always. In 1940 and 1922, the high barely hit 70 degrees.

The Fourth of July comes with rain in about 32 percent of years, but total washouts are rare. The wettest day was 1981 with 1.57 inches of rain.

Severe weather is an occasional problem for holiday plans, but the chance does not look very big this year.

The last time severe weather interfered with the Fourth of July was 2011, and 2008 before that.

Since 1950, no tornadoes have been reported in central Virginia on the date.
CHRISTIANSBURG  As the digital world continues to reel from another crippling international cyber attack this week, a New River Valley security tech firm says new customers are piling up at the front door.

FoxGuard Solutions offers services to keep software up to date on critical infrastructure, such as power grids, wind turbines and nuclear power plants. The stakes are high, as an intrusion in this industry could cause major casualties and shut down entire cities.

Company CEO Marty Muscatello said every time another sophisticated hacker wreaks havoc, more and more businesses see the value in what his team is building.

The awareness is really positive, whether its business for us or not, Muscatello said. Im telling you, people dont think this way  yet.

U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, took a tour of FoxGuards office on Friday, hearing about what the company is doing to keep power grids safe in places like Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

He was told that, as far as FoxGuard is aware, none of its customers were affected by the recent attacks that have gained international notoriety this year.

Both the WannaCry and Petya attacks used a vulnerability in Microsoft software to infect machines around the world, shutting down major corporations such as Mondelez, the maker of Oreos and Cadbury. Company data was encrypted and users were presented with messages instructing them to send the hackers money in order to regain access to their machines.

Microsoft had issued a patch to close the back door months earlier, but many users never installed the update.

FoxGuards job is to make sure that doesnt happen to its clients.

The cyber attacks are coming and weve just got to be prepared as a nation, Griffith said during Fridays tour.

FoxGuard has been using a $4.3 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Energy since 2013 to develop tools to track software updates and patches for 128 companies in the critical infrastructure industry.

Its pretty easy to keep a single home computer up to date, but that becomes increasingly difficult when an IT department is trying to protect a power plant that could have 100,000 different machines across a power grid. A company might not even be aware of some computers on its network that could let hackers in, like an air conditioning system.

For a monthly fee, FoxGuards service tracks all those machines and makes sure the customer is aware of every update on time.

For some clients, FoxGuard will even download and test the update in its own lab to make sure there wont be any compatibility issues once the patch is installed in the field.

Muscatello said FoxGuard was founded on the hardware side of things in 1981, long before these types of updates were so critical. But as the threat of cyber attacks continues to grow, so does this cybersecurity side of the business.

For the past five years, the companys security business has seen compounded growth of 42 percent year over year, he said.

FoxGuard now employs more than 110 people, including 22 positions that were created by the Department of Energy award. Its software is used in 40 different states and 35 countries.

The federal government has some of that obligation to oversee it all, but a lot of these are private entities and private businesses, Griffith said. So we have to make sure theyre prepared, that they know what to do. Which is why we spent the money to make sure we had FoxGuard working on some fixes for these things.
English French

Paris, 30th June 2017 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, today announced it has been recognized by Information Services Group (ISG), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, as a Leader in Digital Workplace Services worldwide.

According to the ISG Provider Lens(TM) Archetype report on Digital Workplace Services, Atos was named a leader in all five Digital Workplace Services buyer categories, or "archetypes."

The report assesses the relative capabilities of 25 global service providers based on the needs of enterprise clients as defined by five buyer archetypes: Ad-hoc, Transformation-Oriented, Cloud-enabled, Digital and Next Gen Sourcing*. Being a leader in all five of these buyer categories underscores Atos' ability to meet a large set of customer needs and expectations.

The report also validates Atos' expertise in supporting businesses to create agile, secure and affordable digital workplaces in which employees can connect, communicate and collaborate efficiently, resulting in improved user experience and satisfaction, enhanced productivity and business performance.

With its Atos Digital Workplace offering, Atos has developed a true end-to-end solution to transform the employee experience.

Delivered through an enhanced partnership ecosystem, it includes:

A highly secure workplace, available anytime, anywhere

Cloud services (Workplace-as-a-service based on Atos Canopy Digital Private Cloud)

Mobility and feature-rich communication and collaboration services (including Unify's Circuit product).

With its Help & Interaction Center, Atos transforms how end-users are kept productive, offering an omnichannel support experience, bringing high levels of user self-help, shift left and automation. These services are combined with virtual assistants (such as Atos Virtual Assistant (AVA), developed in partnership with Spanish start-up Cognicor and its next-generation artificial intelligence engine), underpinned by end-to-end journey analytics, to proactively minimize downtime and ensure a first-rate user experience.

"Atos has demonstrated experience in the end user and digital workplace services space. This experience, combined with its industry knowledge and expertise, has helped make Atos a leading choice for an end-to-end workplace transformation partner," said Jan Erik Aase, director and principal analyst with ISG Research. "Our research considers five buyer types when evaluating how each service provider meets their specialized needs. Atos scored very highly in all the dimensions."

"Being positioned by ISG Research as a Leader in all of the five 'archetypes' worldwide validates our position as the preferred partner for business transformation and innovation in the Digital Workplace arena," says Peter Pluim, Executive Vice President for Infrastructure and Data Management at Atos. "We work in partnership with our clients to help them accelerate their digital transformation and create inspiring and engaging digital workplaces in which employees can thrive."

To download the full report, go to http://go.atos.net/LP=638. To find out more about how Atos Digital Workplace can help transform your business go to: https://atos.net/en/solutions/atos-digital-workplace.

###

* Detailed description of the categories of user types ("archetypes"):

Ad-hoc- these clients usually have a legacy-heavy enterprise IT function that often has multiple silos and is disjointed from the business. These clients need proper advisory and consulting services for workplace transformation - Atos recognized as a leader.

Transformation-Oriented - these clients adopt digital workplace initiatives to improve their service delivery and operational efficiency. For them automation-focused IT service delivery is of paramount importance - Atos recognized as a leader.

Cloud-enabled - These clients want to adopt cloud-based technologies for workplace delivery on any device any time. Cloud-based workplace, unified communication and workplace productivity tools will be key for these clients - Atos recognized as a leader.

Digital - These clients look beyond BYOD and anytime, anywhere access. Key requirements and competencies for these clients include advanced analytics use, automation and business process mobilization and an enterprise mobility practice - Atos recognized as a leader.

Next Gen Sourcing - These clients have deep experience in sourcing their workplace services. These clients will look for a digital workplace solution that is oriented to business enablement and achieving business objectives - Atos recognized as a leader.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with approximately 100,000 employees in 72 countries and annual revenue of around  12 billion. The European number one in Big Data, Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing and Digital Workplace, The Group provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across various business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Energy & Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications and Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index.

Press contact: Laura Fau | laura.fau@atos.net | +33 6 73 64 04 18 | @laurajanefau
Virginia lawmakers filed 3,201 pieces of legislation  some of them duplicates and some carried over from the previous year  during the 2017 General Assembly session.

Of those, 787 bills passed and will become law, with many of them going into effect Saturday. The states new two-year budget also takes effect, including a 3 percent pay raise state employees will see in August and a significant boost in pay for state troopers.

Some of the new laws are minor tweaks to the state code, but others could affect citizens day-to-day lives.

Heres a sampling of 10 laws that might change your life:

Hunting

Virginia hunters will be able to carry electronic forms of their hunting licenses. The law previously stipulated hunters must carry paper copies of their deer, bear and turkey hunting licenses while hunting.

Also, fashionable hunters may now don blaze pink or hot pink hunting apparel, in addition to the traditional blaze orange, during deer-hunting season.

Licensed bow hunters may now use a slingbow to hunt deer and small game.

Alcohol

Nonprofit cinemas across the commonwealth can start selling wine and beer on-premises.

The bill filed by Del. Nick Rush, R-Christiansburg, came at the behest of owners of Blacksburgs Lyric and Roanokes Grandin Theatre. The historic movie theaters would first have to obtain a $200 license and pay a $20 annual license tax to sell wine and beer to moviegoers.

Firearms

Applicants for concealed handgun permits will have to present government-issued photo identification as part of the application process.

Highway safety

Slow drivers beware. A new law stipulates slow drivers cruising in the left lane on highways can be fined $100. Law enforcement can impose the fine for drivers failing to observe traffic lanes.

Contraception

Women will be able to receive a full year of birth-control pills, covered by their insurance, at one time. Virginia joins five other states and Washington, D.C., that require insurance companies to cover one year of birth control at once.

The law applies to any health plan provided after Jan. 1, 2018, that covers birth-control pills.

College tuition

Virginias state colleges and universities will have to provide their students and members of the public details on planned tuition increases at least 30 days prior to taking action on any tuition hikes.

Higher education institutions will have to provide a range of any planned increases and an explanation of why the proposed tuition hikes are necessary.

The colleges and universities will also have to publicize the location of the vote to increase tuition at least 30 days in advance.

Drivers license suspension

People convicted of a first-time marijuana offense will no longer lose their drivers license.

State law previously required that those convicted of a first-time marijuana offense would have their drivers license suspended for six months, something the bills advocates said disproportionately affected the poor.

Airbnb

Localities will be able to better regulate short-term rental properties through websites like Airbnb by requiring those hosts to register their rental property with the locality.

Localities may assess a fine of up to $500 to violators who do not register their name and address for tax purposes.

Short-term rental hosts will also be required to obtain an ABC license if they wish to serve alcohol to their guests.

Voting

People who have been granted protective orders will be able to vote absentee.

Concert tickets

Online ticket buyers will now be able to sell their concert or event tickets on any online website.

Previously, some ticket websites like Ticketmaster, required purchasers to resell their tickets through their site.
RICHMOND  Gov. Terry McAuliffe said Thursday he has no intention of cooperating with a request from the Trump administration seeking detailed information about Virginias voters.

McAuliffe said Virginia and the 49 other states received a lengthy request Thursday from Kris Kobach, vice chairman of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity.

McAuliffe said it sought a list of all registered Virginia voters, the last four digits of their Social Security numbers, their addresses, dates of birth, political affiliations and voting histories, as well as other vague inquiries about Virginias election policies and laws.

Virginia conducts fair, honest, and democratic elections, and there is no evidence of significant voter fraud in Virginia, the Democratic governor said in a statement.

The commissions letter gives secretaries of state about two weeks to provide the information, if state law allows it to be public, according to The Associated Press.

The secretaries of state in California and Kentucky, both Democrats, also said they will not share the data, AP reported.

President Donald Trump, a Republican, has long made unsubstantiated claims that millions of people voted illegally in the 2016 presidential election, in which he lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton. In late November, he tweeted that there had been serious voter fraud in Virginia.

John Fredericks, a key official in Trumps Virginia campaign, said at the time that he was unaware of any mass scale fraud in Virginia.

In May, Trump signed an executive order creating the task force.

The only irregularity in the 2016 presidential election centered around Russian tampering, said McAuliffe, a friend of Clintons.

Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah  scheduled to become Virginia House majority leader if the GOP holds its advantage in the November elections  took a jab at McAuliffe on Twitter.

Over the years I have observed how hard Virginia Democrats work to protect the maximum potential for voter fraud, he wrote.

A 21-year-old man pleaded guilty last week to filing 18 phony voter registration applications in Harrisonburg in August while working with Democratic-affiliated groups as a student at James Madison University .

Andrew J. Spieles told investigators that he fabricated the applications to help a co-worker hit a registration quota, according to court documents.

In January, Vafalay Massaquoi, 30, pleaded guilty in Alexandria to three felony counts  two of forging a public record and one of election fraud. Alexandria prosecutors said he had forged a number of voter registration forms by inventing applicants.

Massaquoi was working for New Virginia Majority, a Democratic-aligned voter registration group. In October, when he was charged, the group said he had been fired in June 2016 .

There is no indication any fraudulent votes were cast as a result of the improper registrations in either case, which were caught months before the election.

A Virginia law that takes effect Saturday makes it unlawful for any person or group conducting a voter registration drive to compensate workers or volunteers on the basis of how many registration applications they collect.
MARTINSVILLE  Representatives from New College Institute announced at a town hall Thursday a new vision for the school that includes an expanded partnership with James Madison University and a stronger emphasis on four main study areas.

New College will offer local students the chance to earn a bachelors degree in cybersecurity, engineering or advanced manufacturing fields from JMU at New Colleges Martinsville campus.

The announcement comes about six months into the tenure of Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, as chairman of NCIs board of directors  a position he accepted with the goal of bringing new vision and life to the school that was erected 11 years ago to revive the economically depressed Southside area.

Underlying Stanleys announcement was something that cant be found in a college brochure or student textbook. The enhanced course offerings signal a glimmer of hope for the higher education institution and for the Martinsville and Henry County area that faces some of Virginias highest unemployment rates due to the outsourcing of many advanced manufacturing jobs.

This was the way to take us from where we are to where we want to be, Stanley said. This is how we can come up with a sustainable economic recovery.

The college partners with about eight higher education institutions in Virginia, including nearby Danville and Patrick Henry community colleges, the University of Virginia, Old Dominion University and JMU.

New Colleges new 2+2 program will allow students to complete their first two years of cyber-security, advanced manufacturing or engineering schooling at any Virginia community college. Then, students will complete the last two years at New College through a mix of traditional classes, online coursework and experiential learning before graduating with their bachelors degree from JMU.

Representatives from new college will start recruiting students for the 2+2 program in the spring.

New College offers some bachelors and masters degree programs, but the college will now focus much of its schooling in four areas  engineering and advanced manufacturing, cyber-security, healthcare and education. The coursework is supposed to match the job needs of the region with the idea being that locals can attend school at New College, graduate and find a job in the area.

Revitalization is like campaigning for re-election, Stanley said. In terms of messaging, orientation and execution, youve got to get people excited and give them hope. New College can be that beacon of hope among the despair, he said.

Fellow New College board member Naomi Hodge-Muse encouraged the more than 50 people in the audience to embrace the institution of higher education and the local community colleges.

Martinsville and Henry County have a workforce that no longer believes in the American Dream, but the bad days are over, she said.

Stop with the negativity and start working to build our community because we can thrive again, she said. We have the ability to rise like a phoenix.

New College has faced difficulties in recent years. The Harvest Foundation, which awarded New College a $50 million grant, ended the grant with about $26 million remaining because NCI failed to meet the nonprofits goals. Leadership at the state-funded institution has also faced increased pressure from Virginias General Assembly to revive the college and attract more students.

At the town hall, board members also mulled the idea of changing the schools name  prompted by an audience members question. Should New College change its name, the school will do so before they start promoting its new initiatives, Stanley said.

The House Appropriations Committee, which has a strong say in doling out state funds, visited New College this week to check the schools pulse and hear about the 2+2 program.

For the first time in my life, I heard from the House Appropriations Committee chairman, Tell me how much you need,  Stanley said.
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Foundation recently recognized three scholarship recipients. All three recipients are local high school students who graduated in 2017 and will attend either Virginia Tech or New River Community College.

Maria Avagyan of Blacksburg High School is this years Mary T. Tutle Scholarship recipient. The Tutle Scholarship is designed for a Montgomery County high school senior who will attend Virginia Techs Pamplin College of Business and will be majoring in business for the 2017-2018 academic year. This scholarship is for $1,000 and is paid directly to Virginia Tech.

Maria will be attending Tech in the fall to pursue a bachelors degree in economics and a masters in business administration. Maria has an exceptional desire to learn, and filled many leadership roles at Blacksburg High School. She plans to use her education to make an impact on the business community and strengthen the growing workforce.

Alyssa Huff of Christiansburg High School is this years Career & Technical Education Scholarship recipient. This scholarship is designed for a Montgomery County high school senior who will study the trades or STEM at New River Community College for the 2017-2018 academic year. This scholarship is for $1,000 and will be paid directly to New River Community College.

Alyssa will study Human Services at NRCC. She is a motivated self-starter who is a leader of the Early Childhood Education Program at Christiansburg High School. She plans to use her education to pursue a career in social assistance helping families and children in need.

This year, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to announce the awarding of a third scholarship. Jeremy Stanger of Auburn High School was awarded a $500 Career & Technical Education scholarship.

The creation of this additional scholarship is due to the impressive application Jeremy submitted to the selection committee. He plans to pursue a certification in industrial maintenance in order to be a maintenance technician. Jeremy is a detail-oriented hard worker who is looking forward to a career in industry.

The chamber congratulates these students on their achievements and continued success.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce serves Blacksburg, Christiansburg and all of Montgomery County, supporting approximately 700 local businesses through educational, marketing and networking opportunities. For more information visit www.montgomerycc.org.
MONACO, June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation ("Navios Acquisition") (NYSE:NNA) announced today the appointment of Mrs. Eleni Warren to its Board of Directors.



Mrs. Eleni Warren, a lawyer by training, was a partner in a leading law firm in Greece practicing banking and finance. Mrs. Warren was a member of the Athens Bar for the period beginning in 1981 and ending in 2017. Mrs. Warren earned a bachelors degree in Law from the Faculty of Law of the University of Athens and a bachelors degree in Political Science from the Panteion University.

Commenting on Mrs. Warrens appointment to the Board of Directors, Ms. Frangou, Chairman and CEO of Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation, stated: We look forward to Mrs. Warrens contribution to our company and believe that Navios Acquisition will benefit from her significant legal and commercial experience.

Navios Acquisition has also announced that John Koilalous, who has been appointed as a director of Navios Acquisition in June 2008, has retired. Ms. Frangou commented, We thank Mr. Koilalous for his valuable contribution and his good service to the Company.

About Navios Acquisition

Navios Acquisition (NYSE:NNA) is an owner and operator of tanker vessels focusing on the transportation of petroleum products (clean and dirty) and bulk liquid chemicals.

For more information about Navios Acquisition, please visit our website: www.navios-acquisition.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events and expectations, including with respect to Navios Acquisitions future dividends, 2017 cash flow generation and Navios Acquisitions growth strategy and measures to implement such strategy; including expected vessel acquisitions and entering into further time charters. Words such as "may," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "anticipates," "hopes," "estimates," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include comments regarding expected revenue and time charters. These forward-looking statements are based on the information available to, and the expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by, Navios Acquisition at the time these statements were made. Although Navios Acquisition believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Navios Acquisition. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the creditworthiness of our charterers and the ability of our contract counterparties to fulfill their obligations to us, tanker industry trends, including charter rates and vessel values and factors affecting vessel supply and demand, the aging of our vessels and resultant increases in operation and dry docking costs, the loss of any customer or charter or vessel, our ability to repay outstanding indebtedness, to obtain additional financing and to obtain replacement charters for our vessels, in each case, at commercially acceptable rates or at all, increases in costs and expenses, including but not limited to: crew wages, insurance, provisions, port expenses, lube oil, bunkers, repairs, maintenance and general and administrative expenses, the expected cost of, and our ability to comply with, governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards, as well as standard regulations imposed by our charterers applicable to our business, potential liability from litigation and our vessel operations, including discharge of pollutants, general domestic and international political conditions, competitive factors in the market in which Navios Acquisition operates; risks associated with operations outside the United States; and other factors listed from time to time in the Navios Acquisition's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 20Fs and Form 6Ks. Navios Acquisition expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Navios Acquisitions expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. Navios Acquisition makes no prediction or statement about the performance of its common stock.




MANCHESTER, England & CONCORD, Mass., June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nanoco Group plc (LSE:NANO), the leading developer and manufacturer of cadmium-free quantum dots and other nanomaterials, announced today that it has received its first commercial order from Wah Hong Industrial Corporation (Wah Hong), one of the worlds largest manufacturers of optical films and sheets for the display industry, for the supply of resins containing Nanocos cadmium-free quantum dots (CFQD).



The CFQD resin products, which will be produced in Nanocos manufacturing facility in Runcorn, UK, and delivered to Wah Hong, will be converted into films by Wah Hong and supplied to an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for usage in TV and monitor products.

This first order is for initial production, which is expected to ramp up over the coming months. Nanoco and Wah Hong expect that cutting edge branded products containing Nanocos CFQD resin will begin appearing in the international display market during the second half of the 2017 calendar year.

Further demonstrating the companys continued momentum, Nanoco today confirmed that its CFQD technology is now being evaluated in 16 active TV and monitor programs with 13 major OEMs (April 4, 2017: 14 active programs with 9 OEMs).

We are pleased to announce our first orders for Nanocos CFQD resin following an extensive trial sampling program performed over recent months, said C P Yeh, President of Wah Hong Industrial. As a business, we recently invested in a new, wider coating line that will enable films large enough to fit 100 inch TVs to be produced and we remain on track to commence production of CFQD films for our customers during the second half of 2017.

After announcing in April that Nanoco is engaged with more near term commercial opportunities than at any time in its history, I am delighted to confirm the first commercial orders of our CFQD resin for delivery in July 2017, said Dr. Michael Edelman, CEO of Nanoco. This represents a significant milestone for our business and justification of the commercial potential for Nanocos cadmium-free quantum dot technology in the international display industry. We are confident that the scale of orders should increase over the coming months.

In light of increasing global regulations restricting the use of cadmium, including the imminent ban by the European Commission of cadmium in display products, manufacturers across the world are seeking more sustainable solutions that still deliver outstanding color performance, continued Dr. Edelman.

ABOUT WAH HONG INDUSTRIAL

Wah Hong is the worlds largest optical film coating and cutting company. Based in Taiwan, Wah Hong serves global customers in the display industry from five factories in China, one in Malaysia and one in Indonesia. It has a reputation for quality and has strong customer relationships among display companies in Taiwan, China and Japan. Its LCD product range includes all types of optical film including diffusion, reflection, prismatic and multi-function films along with light guide sheets and other products.

Wah Hong is quoted on the Taipei Exchange. For further information: www.wahhong.com.

ABOUT NANOCO

Nanoco (LSE:NANO) harnesses the power of nano-technology to create a brighter, more sustainable future. Based on breakthrough science, Nanocos proprietary manufacturing process enables the large-scale production of its cadmium-free CFQD quantum dots for multiple applications:

LCD display, where Nanocos CFQD quantum dots give consumers peace of mind to enjoy next-generation color performance and energy efficiency without allowing toxic chemicals into their homes.

Lighting, where Nanocos CFQD quantum dots are used in horticulture to safely speed plant growth.

Healthcare, where Nanocos CFQD quantum dots are opening new, potentially life saving uses in bio-imaging.

Solar, where Nanocos CFQD quantum dots are incorporated into printable solar inks for future thin, highly efficient and low cost solar cells.

Nanoco has non-exclusive manufacturing and marketing licensing agreements in display with The Dow Chemical Company, Merck KGaA of Germany, and Wah Hong Industrial Corporation of Taiwan. Through these partners and its own production facilities in Runcorn, UK, Nanoco is creating the worlds largest manufacturing ecosystem for cadmium-free quantum dots.
Lithuanian English

On 15 June 2017 extraordinary general shareholder meeting of AB East West Agro has resolved to distribute the Companys profit of the year 2016 and allocate dividends amounting to EUR 1.6 (before taxes) per share.

Dividends will be paid to the shareholders who were the shareholders of AB East West Agro at the end of the tenth business day after approval of the resolution by general meeting of shareholders, i.e. 29 June 2017.

Dividends will be paid out starting from 4 July 2017.

The dividends are subject to taxes as follows:

Dividends paid to natural persons residing in the Republic of Lithuania as well as to natural persons who are residents of foreign countries are subject to 15 per cent of residential income tax.

Dividends paid to legal persons of the Republic of Lithuania as well as legal persons residents of foreign countries are subject to 15 per cent of profit tax unless indicated differently by applicable legal acts.

CEO

Gediminas Kvietkauskas

Phone: 8 37 262318

gediminas@ewa.lt
The Central African Republic (CAR) has dismissed a Global Witness report, which alleged that smugglers are using social media platforms to ship out diamonds linked to the countrys internecine conflict.

The non-governmental organisation created a social media profile of a made-up diamond buyer ostensibly based in Antwerp, but with a global presence.

The fictitious buyer spoke with several dealers who promised easy access to CARs diamonds.

However, CAR mines minister Leopold Mboli Fatran rejected the allegations contained in the report, saying it was based on a few testimonies from those involved in the fraud and it lacked substance in the several claims made against the troubled country.

"The due diligence processes which the country had to follow according to an operational framework established in Luanda [in] 2015 were of a kind to cause substantial delays to recommence normal business, he said.

Despite this, the government of CAR was patient and worked closely together with the Kimberley Process (KP) to avoid misconceptions or any wrongdoing."

Fatran said the government recognised that cross-border smuggling of rough diamonds was a criminal activity that had always existed.

It was exacerbated by the effects of the KP suspension from May 2013 to May 2016, and certainly with the use of new technologies and social networks, he said.

However, the government declares that this phenomenon is clearly declining at present due to the courageous measures that have been taken to ensure better control of the green zones recognized by the KP ...

CAR was the worlds tenth-biggest diamond producer by value in 2012, according to Bloomberg citing the US Geological Survey.

The internecine conflict broke out in CAR in 2013 when Muslim Seleka rebels seized power from President Francois Bozize, causing retaliations by "anti-balaka" Christian militias.

Diamonds were used to fund operations of the warring groups, a move that forced the Kimberley Process to ban the export of diamonds from the landlocked country.

However, the diamond watchdog partially lifted the ban last year.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Rockwell Diamonds said a court hearing to consider the merits of the liquidation application brought by C-Rock Mining against its three subsidiaries  Rockwell RSA, HC van Wyk Diamonds and Saxendrift Mine  that was scheduled for June 22 has been postponed to October 31, with the consent of all parties.

This date, it said, was subsequent to the proposed business rescue plan filing, which if accepted would also likely be compelling with respect to the liquidation application.

The appropriate manner in which to deal with the suspended liquidation application will be included in the business rescue plan, said Rockwell Diamonds.

The subsidiaries were successfully placed under business rescue in May by a court in Kimberley, South Africa as opposed to liquidation.

All legal proceedings against the subsidiaries were stayed, while the liquidation process was suspended.

Rockwell said the business rescue practitioners were actively working alongside the companys management to prepare a business rescue plan, which would deal with all claims against the respective subsidiaries.

The business rescue plan was required to be published on or before 30 September 2017.

C-Rock Mining had claimed that it was owed monies relating to disputed invoices, reimbursement for tax penalties and other construction costs owed to it.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




The charges were served on Pells legal representatives in Melbourne on Thursday and they have been lodged also at Melbourne magistrates court. I am innocent of these charges, they are false. The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me, he declared. Victoria Police said they had made the decision to charge Cardinal Pell after receiving advice from prosecutors last month. A magistrate is expected to decide in the coming days to release the details and the nature of the charges ahead of the cardinals court appearance.



Vatican

Even if Cardinal Pell has been a strong supporter of traditional Catholic values, taking a conservative stance on same-sex marriage and contraception, he was accused of covering up child sexual abuse by priests and after he was targeted himself an abuser. Cardinal Pell repeatedly faced allegations from abuse victims. On homosexuality, Pell has stated that such activity is wrong and we believe the good of society it should not be encouraged. The cardinal would be required to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 18 July. Pell will return to Australia to clear his name. The Vatican declined to comment immediately.
A female doctor died. Their condition was not known. The victims were on the 16th and 17th floors of the hospital. People panicked all around inside the building. They either fled or barricaded themselves in rooms in the hospital. Additional victims were hurt in the chaos as they tried to flee. In a lab on the 15th floor people inside blocked the door so well they needed the FDNY to help get them out.



People running away from Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center

Law enforcement and emergency vehicles choked up the area. A sea of patrol and tactical vehicles gridlocked the streets around the hospital. Henry Bello was a doctor employed as a licensed pharmacy technician.in family medicine. He resigned in 2015. A motive in the shootings remains unclear, but authorities say there is no apparent nexus to terror. Officials later told media the shooter tried to start a fire on the 16th floor before sprinklers knocked it down. Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center describes itself as the largest voluntary, not-for-profit health care system in the south and central Bronx. The 120-year-old hospital has nearly 1,000 beds spread across multiple units. The emergency room is among the busiest in New York City.
CHICAGO, June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quadrant 4 System Corporation (OTC:QFOR) (the Company), a provider of digital transformation, innovation and growth, technology-based solutions and staffing to the retail, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, education and media industries announced today that it has reached partial settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding its previously disclosed investigation. Separately, the Company has voluntarily filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization case to allow the Company to continue normal operations while actively marketing and ultimately selling its business units as going concerns.



The Company is aware of additional criminal charges filed today by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Illinois against its former executives, Nandu Thondavadi and Dhru Desai, charging them with wire fraud in connection with various types of misconduct while employed by the Company. No criminal charges have been, or are anticipated to be, filed against the Company. Since the November 30, 2016 arrests of Messrs. Thondavadi and Desai, the Company has been cooperating closely with both the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice under the direction of its new executive team and reconstituted board of directors.

As part of its settlement with the SEC, the Company has consented to the entry of a proposed judgment on a no-admit, no-deny basis that would require it to refrain from violating various provisions of the federal securities laws. The draft judgment, which requires court approval, is part of a bifurcated settlement under which civil penalties, if any, may be determined in future litigation. The Company does not believe this settlement will impair its operations during the Chapter 11 process.

The Chapter 11 filing is in direct response to the actions and arrest of Messrs. Thondavadi and Desai. The Companys senior secured lender, BMO Harris Bank, N.A. has agreed to supply additional funding to assist the Company with operating during the Chapter 11 process, and the Company expects to continue normal operations throughout the Chapter 11 case while actively marketing its business units for sale as going concerns.

The Company believes that all of its customers, suppliers and employees can continue to rely on the Company to provide them with the superior services and relationships the Company has delivered for years. The filing was necessary to preserve the value of our businesses and to ensure continued operations and services to our customers and employees. The voluntary Chapter 11 filing will give the Company sufficient breathing room to continue working through the process. The Company has already received signed asset purchase agreements for certain of its business units from reputable and stable organizations, which will be subject to approval during the Chapter 11 process and help guarantee the continuation of the Companys services to customers and other interested parties, said Robert H. Steele, the Companys Chief Executive Officer. Marketing and sale efforts for the Companys remaining business units will continue during the Chapter 11. We expect prompt and successful results from those efforts as well. All of our energies are focused on concluding this process in an professional and positive manner, Steele stated.

The Company intends to work with all key constituents to maintain customer services, employee relationships, and to maximize its asset values and exit Chapter 11 in the quickest and most efficient means possible.

The Company expects that its current management team will continue to lead the Company throughout this process.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward looking statements." The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give the Company's current expectations or forecasts of future events. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond the Company's control, and could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those described. The Company is providing this information as of the date of this press release 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. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business. Forward looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the Risk Factors and other information set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in its press releases.
(Agencia CMA Latam) - Brazil's President Michel Temer appointed Raquel Dodge as the new head of the national attorney-general office, but the decision broke an almost 15-year old tradition since she was not the preferred choice of other federal attorneys. By picking Dodge, the president ignored a convention adopted in 2003 to choose the most voted name in a triple list sent by the National Association of Federal Attorneys.

This year, Nicolao Dino had the most votes, while Dodge was the runner-up. Besides that, Dodge is also seen as contrary to Rodrigo Janot, the current attorney-general chief which accused Temer of corruption earlier this week. His term ends in September.

In a debate between the candidates, however, Dodge stated that she is committed to maintain and reinforce the investigations in Operation Lava Jato, which revealed a corruption scheme involving contractors, builders, politicians and state-owned companies in Brazil. She holds a Master's degree in Law from Harvard University and joined the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office in 1987. Before taking office, the new prosecutor must be endorsed by a Senate committee and by a Senate floor vote.

In her career, Dodge has performed in prominent cases, such as Operation Pandora's Box, which led to the arrest of the former Federal District governor Jos? Roberto Arruda. She also participated in the conviction of former representative Hildebrando Pascoal, convicted for his involvement in death squads and the murder of a person with a chainsaw.

by Agencia CMA Latam

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
(Agencia CMA Latam) - Brazilian regulators vetoed the acquisition of Est?cio Participa??es by Kroton Educacional. If approved, the deal would create the largest higher education company in Brazil. Regulators decided that an eventual merger would bring competition problems in eight cities.

All counselors but Cristiane Alkmin, which was in charge of analyzing the transaction, voted against the acquisition. Market concentration would be larger in Macap?, Campo Grande, Niter?i, S?o Jos?, Santo Andr?, S?o Lu?s, Belo Horizonte and Bras?lia, and the distance learning market share of Kroton would increase from 37% to 46%.

According to the panel, "the remedies proposal presented by the parties did not solve the potential competitive impacts identified during the analysis of the operation, which would result in the union of the two largest private institutions of higher education in Brazil."

In February, a Cade's preliminary opinion already indicated that the offered risks to the competition and that the transaction would not benefit consumers. Alkmin said that Kroton has strong brands in face-to-face teaching with Anhanguera Educacional and Pit?goras, which collaborate to promote distance learning, and the purchase of Est?cio would provide an even greater competitive advantage. Even so, she voted in favor of the acquisition.

by Agencia CMA Latam

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Editors Pick

United Airlines Holdings Inc. is giving pilots a 5 percent pay raise as promised during a pandemic cost-reduction deal, reports said. The pay hike is months ahead of schedule following the airline's return to profitability and positive outlook. The news came as the airline is struggling to come to terms on a new contract with its pilots' union, The Air Line Pilots Association or ALPA.

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.
Schibsted announced on 11 May 2017 an agreement to acquire Telenor's 25% of OLX Brazil and 50% of Yapo.cl in Chile as well as the divestment of the 33.3% ownership stake in 701 Search to Telenor. 701 Search is the company that controls Mudah in Malaysia, Cho Tot in Vietnam and operations in Myanmar.

The transactions closed on 30 June 2017, and Schibsted owns after this 50% of OLX Brazil and 100% of Yapo.cl.

Gains of approximately NOK 1.3 billion will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements of Schibsted for Q2 2017, related to gain on sale of 701 Search and gain on remeasurement of previously held ownership interest in the Chilean operation. The amount will be reported on the "Other income and expenses" line in the consolidated income statement.

The transaction implies a cash payment to Telenor of USD 400 million. Schibsted has financed the amount with debt.

For further information, please refer to stock exchange releases 11 May and 16 May 2017.

Contact persons:

Trond Berger, CFO. Tel: +47 916 86 695

Jo Christian Steigedal, Head of IR. Tel: +47 415 08 733

Oslo, 30 June 2017

SCHIBSTED ASA

Jo Christian Steigedal

Head of IR
TORONTO, June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Romet Limited announces the promotion of Mr. Glen Heard to Vice President of Sales - US to further its focus of expanding business in the United States.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f04dbbe3-dae6-4f2b-867b-3a5e15c2ee86

Heard brings over twenty-five years of experience in the natural gas industry. Glen began his career in St. Louis, Missouri as an Account Manager advocating the use of natural gas at Laclede Gas Company (Spire). He was later promoted as a Measurement Manager having responsibility for meter shop and field personnel installing measurement and control equipment throughout the metro area.

Later, Glen joined Elster American Meter as a District Sales Manager in 2005 and was accountable for sales of residential and commercial/industrial measurement and control products across the Midwest. In 2011, Glen was promoted to Regional Sales and Marketing Manager at Elster Instromet where he focused on measurement and analytical equipment used in upstream and midstream markets, power generation, EPC firms and natural gas utilities before joining Romet in 2014 as Regional Sales Director.

Glens diverse background, demonstrated knowledge and customer orientation have shown positive results in revealing value to the customers we serve. stated Roy A. Sutterfield, CEO, Romet Limited. I am confident Glen will find the responsibility challenging and well suited for his personal and professional ambitions.

'Established in 1972, Romet is an international market leader in positive displacement rotary gas meters, electronic volume, temperature instrumentation and auxiliary equipment for the natural gas industry.
30 June 2017

AIM: AAU

RESULT OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ("AGM")

AND

TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS ("TVR")

Result of AGM

Ariana Resources plc ("Ariana" or "the Company"), the exploration and development company operating in Turkey, is pleased to announce that at the AGM held earlier today, all resolutions were passed.

TVR

In addition, in conformity with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, the Company wishes to confirm that as at the date of this announcement, its issued share capital consists of 1,051,637,937 Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of 0.1p each, with voting rights ("Ordinary Shares"). The Company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in Treasury. Therefore the total number of Ordinary Shares in the Company with voting rights is 1,051,637,937 and this figure may be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

Contacts:
A lawsuit against Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Robert Llyod Fisher, brought by lawyer, Leuluaialii Olinda Woodroffe, has been thrown out by the Supreme Court.

The decision was delivered by Justice Mata Tuatagaloa yesterday.

Sua Hellene Wallwork is representing Justice Fisher in the hearing where Leuluaialii is citing hurt and humiliation in her statement of claim.

The Office of the Attorney General is the second respondent.

Leuluaialii accuses them of being responsible for the actions of Justice Fisher.

In delivering her decision, Justice Tuatagaloa lifted a suppression order issued last month during the submissions.

Justice Tuatagaloa ruled that the doctrine of judiciary immunity applies to the first defendant therefore the claims against the first defendants is struck out.

In then naturally follows that the claims also fail against the second defendant who is only named as a party because of the first defendant.

If Im wrong, the claims against the second defendant is nevertheless struck out because under the law, the second defendant is wrongfully brought in as a party to these proceedings.

In any event, the statement of claim is struck out in its entirety and I will fully cover that in my written to be made available next Wednesday.

Outside Court, Leuluaialii said she was disappointed with the outcome but she is not giving up.

If I fail in the Court of Appeal, I am going to the international Court of justice on this issue, she said.

I came expecting this result. There is no way Olinda Woodroffe will back off. I want to express in pure and clear terms.

Why do I say that? There is no way I would allow any other human being to mistreat me, let alone a palagi [caucasian] man who sits in Court judicial immunity yes they got the power but they do not have the right to be rude.

Furthermore I am an elderly person in our community in this profession Ive done it for 30 years I would like to protect the dignity of Samoan young women who come up in this profession, by being mistreated.

Asked for a comment following the ruling, Defense lawyer, Sua said: Hes an honorable member of the Court of Appeal and as Counsel for Honorable Justice Fisher it is not appropriate for me to comment on the outcome, but I am happy with the outcome.

STATEMENT OF CLAIM

According to a statement of claim, the lawyer accuses Justice Fisher over his alleged consistent criticism of her during a Court of Appeal matter in February this year. The lawyer was seeking an appeal for the case of Kirita Maria Kolotita Pune against Molioo Teofilo Vaeluaga.

Justice Fisher was among the panel of judges.

In her statement of claim, Leuluaialii alleges that the Judge in an open court consistently made criticisms of the plaintiff which were high handed, unfair, unfounded, incorrect, gratuitous, inappropriate, abusive and made with a contumelious disregard of the plaintiff.

The claim highlighted that the learned judge stated in the Court that if it were not for the importance of the appeal I think we might be minded to just dismiss it or at least adjourn it based on the delays and the incompetence of Counsel for the Appellants.

Further, she alleged that the Judge made derogatory and mocking comments when the plaintiff responded that she had sought legal advice from Sir Ian Barker QC, now retired, on this issue."

Leuluaialii said the Judges actions breached his sworn oath as a Judge of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

In addition, the first defendants actions as pleaded above negligently or deliberately breached his duty as a judge of the Court of Appeal and breached his oath, these breaches were made with contumelious disregard to the effect on the plaintiff and consequential effect on access to justice of the people of Samoa.

Leuluaailii is seeking a declaration that the Judges actions breached the Constitution and were illegal.

She is also seeking general damages and hurt and humiliation of $1million and exemplary damages of $1million. The same cause of action is also sought after the second defendant who is the Office of the Attorney General.
The Small Business Enterprise Centre (S.B.E.C) Trade Fair Awards shone the spotlight on the efforts of small businesses in Samoa on Thursday night.

Held at the Taumeasina Island Resort, the occasion was the finale of a week where S.B.E.C has been at the forefront of promoting the work of local businesses.

The awards ceremony was well attended.

It was divided into nine categories namely Agriculture, Fisheries, Tourism, Manufacturing, Transportation, Food and Beverage, Retail and General Trade, Technical Services and Professional Services.

The theme for this years Awards is Driving sustainable business growth, recognising excellence.

The evening was opened by the Minister of Public Enterprises, Lautafi Fio Purcell, who congratulated the award winners.

Everyone will agree that the development of small businesses plays a vital role in the growth of our economy, and tonight, we are acknowledging this contribution, he said.

And that is exactly what we are trying to achieve here.

The award is a platform to connect the businesses and help improve their products and services.

A healthy level of competition can bring out the best in people, and this can be translated into improving their businesses. We hope that as an outcome of tonights event, we are able to do that.

The government supports these types of events given the impact in can create through improved business practice and more importantly improved bottom lines.

So whats next?

While the 2017 awards focus on small businesses, it has awaken some dormant similar ideas, and the government and S.B.E.C will look into making this into a national awards for all size businesses, micro, small, medium and large, with the support of all relevant ministries and stakeholders.

More than 100 small businesses from all over the country displayed a wide range of products supported by S.B.E.Cs Small Business Guarantee Scheme at the centre of Apia.

1. Agriculture Sector  Saras Vegetable Farm -Sara Ah Hoy, Aleisa

2. Fisheries Sector  Falemalu Fish Market - Tuitama Maana, Sataua Savaii

3. Tourism Sector  Taumeasina Hideaway - Sara & Masi Iona

4. Manufacturing Sector  Just Bricks - Tupai Newmann Peato

5. Transportation Sector  Loanafoas Car Rental - Papa John Fui

6. Food and Beverage  Connexions Cafe - Ellie Moananu

7. Retail and Trade Sector  Fias Supermarket - Fia Sapolu

8. Technical Services Sector  Davids Barber Shop  Salevasa Ah Poe.

9. Professional Services Sector  Ola Fou Medical Clinic  Sooalo Dr Titi Lamese
Following a one-day interview process, Digicel has recruited twenty-six university students to assist with spreading the word about the companys exciting new All in One bundles, phone specials and promotions, while gaining some valuable work experience during the summer holidays.

Its been great having these young people on board so far, said Deepak Khanna, Chief Customer Officer of Digicel.

Their enthusiasm to get out there, meet new people and gain some work experience, especially in the telco industry, has been a pleasure to watch and be a part of. While theyre here specifically for our All in One Roadshow, its more than likely there will be further opportunities down the track so its good to build those working relationships now.

Starting Thursday, June 22, the student teams travelled to various locations from Siusega to Tuasivi, with the goal of engaging the public with conversations about Digicels value-packed offers.

The All in One offers, for example, have now been extended to include weekly bundles, free access to social media sites like Facebook and YouTube, as well as text bundles for family and friends on the ASTCA network in American Samoa.

Before hitting the streets, the students attended an intensive training session on product knowledge, customer service, sales techniques and general workplace behaviour.

Eighteen-year old Talie Mundia from N.U.S shared: Its not that easy to get a part-time job in Samoa, so being invited to an interview and then actually getting the job was different  in a good way. So far, its been a lot of fun working with Digicel.

I love being in a professional environment and then heading out with the roadshow team. Learning about the products, the industry, how to go out and promote your brand and then being able to share feedback on what is or isnt working is really empowering.
A permanent abattoir to improve hygiene meat for domestic consumption and ultimately to satisfy international quarantine regulations curtailing meat exports will soon become a reality.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt confirmed that negotiations with the World Bank funding the project should be finalised in the near future.

Tentatively, the construction of the abattoir at Nuu should start before the end of the year, added the Minister. $3 million tala from the World Bank is allocated for the Central Abattoir.

The facility when completed will take over the processing of all meat products, from poultry, pigs, cattle and lamb before they can be sold commercially.

Any meat which will not be processed by the Central Abattoir is banned from the commercial market here and abroad.

Ultimately, the main component of the project is also to revive our meat export.

So far, our markets are restricted in the region with Cook Islands and Tonga as two of our main outlets but we want to enter the lucrative outlets in the United States via American Samoa. He says initially two mobile abattoirs have been combing the cattle farms slaughter and process the animals.

While some bigger farms have abattoir facilities most dont and the Laaulialemalietoa says for health reasons there is a need for greater control.

With 70% of beef currently being imported into Samoa, there is a huge opportunity for local farmers to enter the market as commercial sellers.

With that in mind, since July 2012, the World Bank and the Samoan Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have been working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries through the Samoa Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Project (S.A.C.E.P).

Its goal is to support livestock producers and fruit and vegetable growers improve their productivity and take greater advantage of market opportunities.

Now in its third year, the project with the close support of the Small Business Enterprise Centre and the Development Bank of Samoa  has approved grant financing of approximately SAT $2.5 million (US$316,500) for 172 livestock farmers to upgrade their pastures and facilities and increase their herds.

The training on improved husbandry practices already appears to be making a difference, with provisional results seeing the calving rate increase from 48% at the start of the project to 64%, says a report published by the World Bank.
The growing Samoan presence in New Zealand gives the Kiwis a glimpse into our Island life.

Keen to experience the real thing and relate to their Samoan heritage, Liz Harris, aged 26 and partner, Peter Stockton, aged 27, travelled to Samoa.

Part Samoan herself, Liz knew to expect gorgeous weather and has not been disappointed.

The heat is my favourite thing; the temperature and the swimming, she added.

Samoa has seen an influx of tourists escaping the chilly winters of New Zealand. Although just a three hour flight, it seems a world away.

The couple are six days into their two-week excursion.

In which time, they have been sure to explore the local cuisine.

Ive been pretty adventurous with what Ive been eating. I didnt want to just stick to what Id been eating at home, and thought I should try some of the local produce and some of the raw fish dishes, said Peter.

They have also tried several of the restaurants the Capital has to offer.

We went out one night with a relative which was good. We held a surprise party and it was good to meet some people, Liz added.

The Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel has been the perfect base for the past few days.

Its a busy hotel, but thats to be expected seen as we are in the middle of town. From the beginning of the trip we have been trying to take in some of the shops and walk around town, said Peter.

However, ready to experience the quieter side of the Island, they are checking out of the Sheraton and into a resort on the South Coast today.

During their stay they hope to do some snorkelling, visit the famous To Sua Trench, and of course relax on Lalomanu beach. The drive to the south coast alone is known for its incredible beauty, undoubtedly the couple will find the relaxation they are searching for in the south.

Having not been on holiday for nine years, Peter was set on Samoa after his friends visited the island last year and recommended it as the perfect place to relax.

In much need of a break, the laidback atmosphere of the island suits him perfectly.
Many Samoan people have left the country to seek a better future overseas.

They see greener pastures there and that is what Arona Samuelu is planning to do.

Coming from the villages of Aleisa and Faleula, the 30-year-old was on his way home when the Village Voice caught up with him.

Samoa is still my home but I need to have something better to depend on.

At the meantime, lucky theres a plantation because without that, I dont know what else to do.

Ive been looking for a job for such a long time that up to now, I still have nothing.

Mr. Samuelu has a wife and despite how much they want to have children, but they cant at the moment considering their situation.

They are staying together with his sisters who are helping them out.

My wife is currently overseas with her father; working on our paperwork.

We just want to move out of the country to find more opportunities for us to work and make a good living.

And we were thinking of moving to Australia.

The taro, taamu and bananas dont always guarantee a stable income and as long as its like that, I dont think our family will have any chance of growing.

In Australia, Ive heard stories about how there are plenty of openings, job opportunities and I consider those things as blessings.

All you have to do is just go out there and grab it. If you really want something, you got to do whatever it takes until you get there.

Working in overseas countries can also help us by making our heavy loads lighter because you dont have to contribute to anything.

But in Samoa, there are still a lot of obligations that you must attend to, must contribute into and you know we cant really say no because its our culture.

So hopefully good things happen for us when we move soon.
(Updated to include a fourth Grand Award for Noah Homes Memory Care in Spring Valley.)

San Diego County nabbed 21 grand and merit awards Thursday at the 54th annual Gold Nuggets design contest during the PCBC builders show at the San Diego Convention Center.

The four grands went to a coffee house in Little Italy, a housing project in Golden Hill,a model home in Carmel Valley and a senior community in Spring Valley. Merit awards included student housing at San Diego State University, a charter school downtown, the redevelopment plan for Seaport Village and the redesigned One Paseo mixed-use project in Carmel Valley.

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There were 630 entries in 48 categories. Winners were mostly in California but were also from other states and around the world. PCBC previously went by its full name, the Pacific Coast Builders Conference.

The seven-member panel of judges drew from industry leaders and the architectural community. They were Leah Demirjian, assistant editor of design for Hanley Wood Media; Jamie Sue Gorski, chief marketing officer for the Bozzuto Group home builder; architects William Hezmalhaloch and Mark Scheurer; developers Larry Kush and Tyler Monroe; and industry researcher Deanna Sihon.

Grand awards

(jurors comments in quotes)

Commercial rehabilitation: Lofty Coffee Co. cafe, 444 W. Cedar St., downtown: builder, Naylor Construction; developer and interior designer, Eric Meyers; architect and planner, Edinger Architects. This project was the transformation of an all but forgotten street corner, located in the center of the Little Italy district of San Diego into a lively coffee bar that provides a heart beat and becomes one with the surrounding fabric of this urban neighborhood  open, inviting design, which worked well with the existing context of the adjacent buildings and neighborhood.

Multifamily housing, 30-60 dwelling units per acre: 22-unit You Are Here, 811 25th St., Golden Hill; builder, Allgire General Contractors; FoundationForForm Architecture & Development. This also received a merit award for attached housing project of the year. A successful exercise in place making, the design and development teams behind this project delighted the judges with their whimsical solution for updating and preserving an iconic Texaco station with plenty of years left, and making fantastic use of a tight infill site located on a transit corridor.

Single-family-detached home, 2,500-2,999 square feet: Casavia, Plan 3, 6707 Solterra Vista Parkway, Carmel Valley; builder, Pardee Homes; architect, Bassenian Lagoni; interior design, Studio V: The main floor includes a gensuite with a private entry and opens to the outdoor courtyard. The master suite and two additional bedrooms are located upstairs along with a master retreat and loft. It is easy to see why this home is attractive to todays growing families.

Enriched senior community (memory care): Noah Homes Memory Care, 12526 Campo Road, Spring Valley; builders: Murfey, Brookfield, CalAtlantic Homes; developer, Home Aid San Diego/Noah Homes; architect, Dahlin Group Architecture Planning; planner, PSLA; interior design, RBN Design: This project won the award for both its exceptional service model for specialized memory care and its intentional warm design. The projects overall thoughtfulness stood out for its ability to significantly improve the quality of life for its adult residents with developmental disabilities and age-related Alzheimers/dementia.

Here are the 17 merit awards won by San Diego-based firms (credits are for builder, developer, architect, planner and interior designer if identified):



Rehabilitation project: Central Plant Hub, Level 10 Construction, Jay Paul Co., DES Architects + Engineers; LPA San Diego Office.

Central Plant Hub, Level 10 Construction, Jay Paul Co., DES Architects + Engineers; LPA San Diego Office. Education project: Urban Discovery Academy, Davis Reed Construction, AVRP Skyport Studios, McCullough Landscape Architecture, Visual Asylum.

Urban Discovery Academy, Davis Reed Construction, AVRP Skyport Studios, McCullough Landscape Architecture, Visual Asylum. Custom home over 8,000 square feet: Santaluz residence, Mark V. Agee Construction, Edinger Architects, Annemarie Hall Design, Savannah Design Group.

Santaluz residence, Mark V. Agee Construction, Edinger Architects, Annemarie Hall Design, Savannah Design Group. Planned mixed-use projects: Seaport San Diego, Protea Waterfront Development, (architecture-planning group) AVRP Skyport Studios, Bjarke Ingles Group and AECOM; One Paseo, Western National and Whiting Turner, Kilroy Realty, TCA Architects and Gensler, Style Interior Design.

Seaport San Diego, Protea Waterfront Development, (architecture-planning group) AVRP Skyport Studios, Bjarke Ingles Group and AECOM; One Paseo, Western National and Whiting Turner, Kilroy Realty, TCA Architects and Gensler, Style Interior Design. Affordable housing community over 30 dwelling units per acre: Cielo Carmel, Affirmed Housing, Humphreys and Partners Architects, Latitude 33 Planning.

Cielo Carmel, Affirmed Housing, Humphreys and Partners Architects, Latitude 33 Planning. Multifamily housing community under 18 dwelling units per acre: Summerhouse, Zephyr Partners, Dahlin Group Architecture Planning, Jules Wilson Interior Design.

Summerhouse, Zephyr Partners, Dahlin Group Architecture Planning, Jules Wilson Interior Design. Campus housing: South Campus Plaza, San Diego State University, SVA Architects.

South Campus Plaza, San Diego State University, SVA Architects. Affordable senior housing community and age-qualified living community (two awards): Iowa Street Senior Housing, Sun Country Builders, Rodriguez Associates Architects & Planners, Parron Hall.

and age-qualified living community (two awards): Iowa Street Senior Housing, Sun Country Builders, Rodriguez Associates Architects & Planners, Parron Hall. Site plan: Harmony Grove Village South, Comstock Homes, RCS Harmony Partners-Kovach Group of Companies, Danielian Associates Architecture + Planning & Forest Studio; SWA.

Harmony Grove Village South, Comstock Homes, RCS Harmony Partners-Kovach Group of Companies, Danielian Associates Architecture + Planning & Forest Studio; SWA. Single-family-detached home, 2,000-2,499 square feet: Residence 2X at Sur33, CalAtlantic, Woodley Architectural Group, Hunsaker & Associates, With InDesign.

Residence 2X at Sur33, CalAtlantic, Woodley Architectural Group, Hunsaker & Associates, With InDesign. Single-family-detached home, 4,000-5,000 square feet: Artesana Plan 1, Pardee Homes, Bassenian Lagoni, Ami Samuel Interiors. Plan 3 also won in the category for homes greater than 5,000 square feet.

Artesana Plan 1, Pardee Homes, Bassenian Lagoni, Ami Samuel Interiors. Plan 3 also won in the category for homes greater than 5,000 square feet. Single-family-detached home, over than 5,000 square feet: The Estates at San Elijo, Davidson Communities, Home Fed Corp., EBTA Architects, Hunsaker & Associates, Design Line Interiors.

Business

roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
The Annual General Meeting of The Scottish Salmon Company PLC was held on 30th June 2017.

Attached please find the minutes from the meeting.
Sempra Energys efforts to become a big player in the booming global liquefied natural gas market received a boost this week.

Korea Gas Corporation, South Koreas state-owned natural gas supplier and the worlds second-largest importer of LNG, agreed to establishing a framework with Sempra and Woodside Petroleum to consider development of a proposed LNG project in Port Arthur, Texas.

Were pleased to be collaborating with one of the worlds largest LNG buyers and importers, Octavio M.C. Simoes, president of Sempra LNG & Midstream said in a statement.

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Woodside, based in Australia, and Sempra have partnered on the project on the Texas Gulf Coast that is designed to include two natural gas liquefaction trains, LNG storage tanks, marine berths and ancillary facilities.

The memorandum of understanding does not commit any of the parties to buy or sell LNG or participate in the Port Arthur project but it is important because lining up gas purchasers is crucial before LNG facilities are constructed.

Really the key to getting these things built is having those good, solid contracts with investment-grade counterparties, said Andy Smith, senior utilities analyst at Edward Jones. So thats certainly a good signal.

Sempra executives last year estimated the cost of the Port Arthur facility at $8 billion to $9 billion, with the project up and running by 2021 or 2022.

The San Diego-based Fortune 500 company already has an LNG facility under construction in Louisiana, called Cameron.

The $10 billion Cameron project is a partnership among Sempra, Mitsui and Mitsubishi of Japan and France-based ENGIE with commitments to take delivery of LNG  in which natural gas is cooled to minus-260 degrees Fahrenheit and condensed into liquid  and ship it to clients around the world.

LNG processing units are called trains, and Cameron Train 1 is slated to be in service in mid-2018, Train 2 in late 2018 and Train 3 in mid-2019.

Sempra is also considering expanding its LNG import facility outside Ensenda, Mexico  called Costa Azul  to include export capabilities.

The boom in the production of natural gas, due largely to hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling techniques, has put the U.S. on track to become a worldwide gas exporter for the first time in decades.

South Korea is one of the worlds top destinations for LNG shipments and with the election of a new president who pledged to transition his country away from nuclear power, South Korea is expected to increase its reliance on natural gas imports.

LNG imports could also ease trade tensions between South Korea and President Donald Trump. The U.S. ran a $17 billion trade deficit in goods and services with South Korea in 2016.

Early next month, Korea Gas will receive its first LNG cargo from the U.S., coming from an export terminal in Louisiana owned by Cheniere Energy.

In addition to its announcement with Sempra and Woodside, Korea Gas this week also said it is looking at investments in LNG facilities in Alaska and another in Louisiana.

Business

rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski

ALSO

Sempra projects double-digit gains, including mountain of cash from an LNG project

Sempra goes big on LNG exports

Sempra files with feds ofr LNG project in Texas
Qualcomm has come out with new fingerprint scanning and authentication technology that makes it easier for manufacturers to embed the scanners under the display of smartphone.

With the latest smartphone designs, the real estate that once housed the home button is being replaced in favor of larger display screens that go all the way to the edge of the device.

And that creates a problem for fingerprint unlock technology, which doesnt work through glass or OLED display screens because theyre too thick.

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The new ultrasonic fingerprint scanners unveiled by Qualcomm this week work under displays, glass and metal.

It also can detect heart beat and blood flow for improved mobile authentication  making it harder for thieves to lift a fingerprint and spoof the device into unlocking. It even works underwater.

You have this trend toward bezel-less and waterproof smartphones, said Seshu Madhavapeddy, vice president of product management for Qualcomm Technologies. The new premium tier smartphone designs are mandating fingerprint scanners that can operate through much thicker materials and much more complex materials.

Qualcomms suite of fingerprint scanning technology, which taps ultrasonic scanning techniques, was demonstrated in a prototype device Wednesday at a mobile industry trade show in Shanghai.

Chinese smartphone maker Vivo teamed up with the San Diego company to show off prototype devices using Qualcomms Snapdragon Sense ID fingerprint technology. The technology is expected to show up in smartphones in the first half of 2018.

By using ultrasonic wavelengths, Qualcomm contends its fingerprint technology provides an accurate, three-dimensional scan thats more forgiving if the users hand is wet or dirty.

Thats an upgrade from standard fingerprint unlock technology, which uses capacitive sensors to essentially get a two-dimensional image of whats touching it.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone has stretched the display screen all the way to the edge of the device  or a so called bezel-less design. It moved the fingerprint unlock button to the back of the phone near the camera. Googles new Pixel smartphones also placed the fingerprint unlock button on the back of the device.

These rear located fingerprint unlock buttons require an additional hole in the back casing, which complicates making the device waterproof, said Madhavapeddy.

Qualcomms ultrasonic technology allows fingerprint scanning without drilling holes because it can read through aluminum, glass and OLED displays  the materials typically used in front and rear housings of smartphones.

The company will offer the sensors as stand-alone technology for smartphone makers, and also include it with its Snapdragon mobile processor/cellular modem technology that powers many Android smartphones.

Qualcomm contends the technology will give phone makers more flexibility in designing devices. Its an upgrade to the Sense ID fingerprint technology that Qualcomm announced in 2015. Qualcomm came to the technology through an acquisition of government grade biometric technology company UltraScan.

Business

mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com;

Twitter:@TechDiego

760-529-4973
Vista Unified School District is investing in music education, with a plan to bring choir instruction to all the districts elementary schools.

The district has hired an additional music teacher, is expanding its choral music program to more campuses, and is planning an annual concert at Moonlight Amphitheatre.

Our goal it to support that effort and give kids as much access to a supportive program that will keep them in school, give them something to be proud of and allow them to bond with the school, said John Herrera, a board member of the foundation, which donated $4,700 for sound equipment.

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Although some of the districts elementary campuses have had music programs supported by parent organizations, theres been no budget for that districtwide. Officials set out to change that with a phased-in plan to expand chorus programs and create an educational pathway for more advanced music education in high school.

Last year the district hired two music teachers to provide vocal music instruction at four of its elementary campuses, and next year, an additional instructor will teach chorus at two more schools. Combined with the existing parent-funded programs, that will provide beginning music education at about a third of the districts elementary campuses.

Over time, officials aim to introduce choral music programs to all of the elementary campuses and some middle schools, said Sherry Opaic, assistant superintendent of educational excellence.

By the time they get up to high school they would be performing more in music, musical theater, and then expand to pathways with other schools, she said.

In May, the district hosted a spring concert at Moonlight Amphitheatre, featuring elementary and middle school choirs, and the district hopes to make that an annual event that will showcase the growing choral programs.

The schools focused on vocal music rather than instrumental music or band programs, reasoning that they could reach a high number of students with minimal startup costs, he said. The $4,700 donated by the education foundation will cover microphones and speakers, and over time the schools can add more sophisticated sound gear and recording equipment. The goal is to reverse the effects of school budget cuts that eliminated art and music from many classrooms.

The arts are very near and dear to our hearts, because thats generally the first thing that public schools cut when they run into financial problems, Herrera said. They cut music and band and dance.

Rich Cook has taught music through a parent-funded program at Empressa Elementary for 22 years, and helped administrators map out the steps needed to build choral programs at other campuses. Its an investment thats well worth it, he said.

At our school weve created a whole .. culture where kids are getting music in a way that is fun and exciting and keeps them coming to school, Cook said. Not to mention that music is the one core academic discipline that encompasses all the others. Its got math, its got sciences, its got language and social studies.

Music contributes to character traits such as empathy, flexibility and leadership, Opacic said, and enhances students overall performance in school.

Students (participating in music programs) can test higher in reading and math, they develop deep critical thinking skills, and it improves attendance rates, because kids are so engaged and motivated, she said.Research shows that if they are in art, they succeed at a higher rate in post-secondary education. And we believe it strengthens hope and resiliency, and leads to life-long arts participation.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
The matchless 1950 musical Guys and Dolls has been revived to within an inch of its life over the decades, with a whole lot more than a bushel and a peck (to borrow from one of its songs) of productions at theaters from tiny to titanic.

So how to make this old warhorse gallop like the thoroughbreds that vex the inveterate gamblers in the shows opening number?

The answer, director and choreographer Josh Rhodes hopes, is in going back to the shows source: The muscular short-story prose of Damon Runyon.

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Thats why, if you had dropped into a recent rehearsal of Rhodes new Guys and Dolls at the Old Globe, you mightve seen actors racing into the room and shouting a Runyon-esque greeting: Hello, citizen!

Or improving some dialogue in that hard-boiled, mouthy Runyon patois.

Runyon is the writer who helped define a certain breed of stylish but street-tough New Yorker in the early 20th century, and its his rogues gallery of hustlers, ruffians and well-meaning reformers who populate the musical.

Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows adapted Runyons tales for the stage and set them to such memorable Frank Loesser songs as Luck Be a Lady and Sit Down, Youre Rockin the Boat.

The show, a major hit upon its Broadway revival, has since been revived there five times  most recently in 2009. It also gets done all over the country and world (although this will be the first-ever Guys and Dolls at the Globe).

The tricky part with a show like Guys and Dolls is that its been around so long, and so many people have seen it, says Rhodes. So everyone might have an opinion of what it is.

For me, it wasnt necessarily how to make it new, but to try to figure out what the focus would be for ours. And to make sure were not honoring any production but our own.

That sort of brought me back to the original Damon Runyon texts. I really wanted to bring out the good time. I wanted to bring out the quirky humor.

When you read those stories, theyre short, theyre easy to digest. Theyre textured  theres real drama. But theyre also just really fun. They just dont get old.

Guys and Dolls

When: Previews begin Sunday. Opens July 7. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays.

Where: Old Globes Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Balboa Park.

Tickets: $40 and up

Phone: (619) 234-5623

Online: theoldglobe.org

Rhodes  last at the Globe as choreographer of the Steve Martin/Edie Brickell musical Bright Star (which went on to Broadway), and as director of Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery  says he ran his cast through the language exercises so they could get a feel for the piece in their bodies as well as their voices.

The mouth moves differently when youre talking Runyon-ese, as he puts it.

And because the language is so strange, weve also been doing Shakespeare. Everybody has Shakespeare lines  they come out and say them like Damon Runyon characters. So you have a doll talking like shes in Romeo and Juliet.

It was all to try to shake down whatever version people know of Guys and Dolls, so that we as an ensemble all present a new revival that is all our own.

And I dont even really know what that is. But I know itll be ours.

Fresh faces

The Globe production actually amounts to a second crack at Guys and Dolls for Rhodes: Its being staged in association with Floridas Asolo Repertory Theatre, where Rhodes first directed it last fall.

But 17 of the 24 cast members are new, including almost all the principals. They include J. Bernard Calloway  the Globes most recent Grinch in its popular holiday show, and an original cast member of the La Jolla Playhouse-bred Broadway hit Memphis  as Nathan Detroit; Terence Archie (of the Globes Twelfth Night and Broadways Ragtime and Rocky the Musical) as Sky Masterson; Veronica J. Kuehn (Avenue Q, Clinton The Musical) as Miss Adelaide; and Audrey Cardwell (Cinderella and Anything Goes national tours) as Sarah Brown.

The show also features several San Diego standouts in its cast, including Linda Libby (the San Diego Theatre Critics Circles 2013 Actor of the Year) as Gen. Matilda B. Cartwright; Ed Hollingsworth as Lt. Brannigan; and Ralph Johnson as Arvide Abernathy.

Cardwell is one of the few in the Globe show who also was part of the Florida production; her connection with Rhodes goes back to his choreographic work on Cinderella, whose tour came through San Diego in 2015 with Cardwell playing the title role.

Her Guys and Dolls character, Sarah, is the young missionary who disapproves of the gamblers and their antics, and strives to convert them, but finds herself drawn to Sky.

It can be a monochrome role in a show that bursts with dramatic Technicolor, but Cardwells shared dance background with Rhodes (who appeared in numerous Broadway shows before moving behind the scenes) helps add pizzazz to the part, she says.

Cardwell notes that the Havana sequence (in which Sarah and Sky wing off to Cuba) has taken on a little splash and a little zest in terms of dance.

It really does propel my character forward, she says. There are just so many beautiful moments in the show that I get to play in and explore in, and so many new things to find.

Guys and Dolls also is a musical where, often, the guys walk away with the show, Cardwell observes. But she feels Rhodes and the company have made it a more balanced affair.

I love playing Sarah, and I love hopping into her shoes, she says. I think shes a strong, smart woman who knows what she wants. She sticks to her guns.

As for how to bring the show into an age where gamblers are hardly the height of vice: I think we present a beautiful combination of the Golden Age with a new voice and new life breathed into it, she says.

Were really breathing life into the characters  theyre grand theyre big, its almost a farce at times, but (Rhodes) really keeps it honest.

As a Globe returnee, Rhodes says he also anticipates that the theaters audiences will keep him honest.

I just appreciate that they expect greatness, he says. I meet with the patrons, and they devour theater. They love theater. And as an artist, I kind of feel obligated to really come through.

You guys all know theater here. I cant fool you. You guys see a lot of it. So if Im going to do Guys and Dolls there, I really have to do it.

A brief guide to Guys

Some quick facts about one of the most beloved Broadway musicals:

The original 1950 Broadway production won five Tony Awards, including best musical.

The shows first Broadway revival, in 1976, showcased an all-black cast.

Frank Sinatra played the streetwise impresario Nathan Detroit in the 1955 film adaptation; Marlon Brando portrayed the high-stakes gambler Sky Masterson.

Sir Laurence Olivier wanted to play Nathan Detroit (!) in a proposed early-1970s London revival that never panned out.

The hit 1992 Broadway revival made Nathan Lane (as Detroit) a star.

While Guys and Dolls is composer-lyricist Frank Loessers best-known musical, his other credits include The Most Happy Fella and the Pulitzer Prize-winning How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. (Guys and Dolls also was poised to win a Pulitzer, but was dismissed from consideration after writer Abe Burrows was caught up in the McCarthyist Red Scare of the early 50s.)

Among other current productions of Guys and Dolls is one at the renowned Stratford Festival in Toronto.

jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @jimhebert
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. St. Augustine

A surprisingly cold wind swept across the desolate beach at Volunteer Point, one of the Falkland Islands most popular tourist destinations, but the throngs of king, gentoo and Magellanic penguins didnt seem to mind. This sight made the two hours of bumpy four-wheeling over roadless peat beds worthwhile, and neither the overcast skies nor the midsummer chill could dampen the excitement I felt as I gazed at the largest colony of king penguins outside of Antarctica.

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More than a thousand of the stately birds huddled in a protective circle, many straddling a single egg or feeding a downy gray chick. Occasionally a few adults waddled unsteadily away from the group, past a separate cluster of gentoo penguins, looking for their next meal in the frigid, steel-gray South Atlantic waters. As I photographed this melange of assorted penguins, I felt that this extraordinary penguin encounter alone made our cruise worthwhile.

To put this adventure in proper context, after our recent retirement, my wife and I rented our home and traveled in South America for four months, both to see her family and to explore this intriguing part of the world. As we had learned during a previous extended Europe trip, by including a nice cruise in the middle of our travels, we were able to put aside the demands of overland travel and savor our cruise ships unique ability to provide a high level of comfort while taking us to varied and often remote destinations.

Which explains how we found ourselves on Norwegian Cruise Lines ship, the Norwegian Sun, circumnavigating the tip of South America  Cape Horn. This once-in-a-lifetime cruise, beginning in Buenos Aires and ending in Valparaiso, Chile, provided an amazing assortment of adventures with penguins, glaciers and fiords, mixed in with remote towns and hospitable people.

In a journey filled with so many memorable moments, here are the highlights:

Buenos Aires proved to be a remarkably European-looking city, full of parks, a renowned 200-year-old-cemetery (the site of Eva Evita Perons tomb), the widest boulevard in the world and a shoreline bordering the Rio de la Plata, considered by many to be the widest river in the world. Not only is it the most visited city in South America, but it provided easy air access to one of the worlds greatest waterfalls, Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder not to be missed.

Approaching Cape Horn, the southernmost piece of land on earth above Antarctica, we earned our nautical bragging rights as our ship battled formidable waves and wind before we were able to gaze at the rocky point that had witnessed centuries of sailing triumphs and tragedies.

At Punta Arenas, Chile, we joined our ships exclusive DMC Chile excursion to one of South Americas most picturesque mountain ranges, Torres del Paine National Park. This trip required two bus rides and a private plane flight over surprisingly barren expanses of Patagonia before we reached the craggy mountains. From what we could see of the peaks through the clouds, the formations were indeed spectacular.

From Puerto Montt, Chile, a rather nondescript town, our ships tour took us to Petrohue Falls, whose cascading waters framed the perfectly cone-shaped Osorno Volcano, which we later visited. From our vantage point halfway up the cylindrical cone, we admired the expansive view of Lake Esmeralda and the hilly countryside surrounding it.

When we entered the Chilean fiords, every passenger watched spellbound as we glided past a series of spectacular glaciers draped across craggy, snowcapped mountains. The massive ice sheets, lined with deep fissures, glowed with deep aquamarine hues in the late afternoon sunlight. Some of the ice walls spewed milky waterfalls as the behemoths slowly melted and crept inexorably toward their demise in the frigid ocean water.

As the Norwegian Sun pulled into Valparaisos bustling harbor, we reflected on our once-in-a-lifetime cruise around some of the most remarkable sights in the world. We felt grateful to have been able to sail around the infamous tip of South America and to have waddled alongside king penguins in the remote Falkland Islands. This chapter in the book of our travels will remain among our most treasured memories.

Hansen is a travel writer and photographer based in Carlsbad. See more of his photos and articles at www.HansenTravel.org or Instagram @doug6636.

If you go

Cruise ship: Norwegian Cruise Line, www.ncl.com, (866) 234-7350. (Note: We were able to purchase our NCL excursions both before and during the cruise.)

Falkland Islands tour: One of the top operators is Estancia Tours (the family also owns 13,000-acre Estancia sheep farm), estancia-excursions.com.

Packing list: Bring good hiking shoes (depending on where you go, trails are often rough or muddy), swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, warm rain jacket or umbrella; the key is to dress in layers to accommodate varying weather conditions at any time. Make extra color copies of your passport to carry with you.
The body of Navy Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan is back home in Chula Vista, a dozen days after his death aboard the destroyer Fitzgerald following a collision at sea.

A casket carrying Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass is slated to arrive at the San Diego International Airport around 7:30 p.m. Friday. A motorcycle honor guard composed of volunteers from the SoCal Patriot Guard Riders will accompany his remains to El Camino Memorial in Sorrento Valley, the mortuary handling arrangements for his burial.

We do this because we truly love those who serve our country, said retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Craig Gunny Donor, the organizations SoCal State Captain.

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Douglass, 25, from Oceanside, and Sibayan, 23, from Chula Vista, were two of the seven sailors found dead in the berthing areas of the warship by Navy divers in Japan.

The Fitzgerald had limped across 64 miles of ocean back to shore in Japan following the June 17, early morning collision in the Philippine Sea with the ACX Crystal, a Philippine-flagged container ship thats nearly four times the destroyers size when fully loaded.

Several multinational investigations are trying to determine what caused the maritime disaster.

During a memorial service Tuesday at Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Japan, fellow sailors folded seven American flags to honor the victims. More than 2,000 well-wishers joined that gathering, many lining the streets before the crew of The Fitz arrived in buses, according to the Navy.

Standing alone pierside with the heavily damaged Fitzgerald, Navy Musician 2nd Class Patrick Pedlar blew Taps on his bugle for that service, a flag flapping at the warships stern.

Visitation for Douglass is is scheduled at El Camino Memorial, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, for next Thursday(July 6) from 2 to 8 p.m. Graveside services at Miramar National Cemetery are set to take place the following day at 3 p.m.

In a statement released by the Navy on June 19, the sailors family thanked San Diego, Japan and the Navy and Marine Corps for the outpouring of prayers and support they had received, which they said helped them make a difficult time a little bit easier.

We loved him very much, and his parents and younger brother will miss him more than words can express, the family added.

Born in the naval hospital in Okinawa and fluent in Japanese, Douglass enlisted in the Navy in 2014 and came aboard the destroyer in 2015, following entry-level training at Naval Station Great Lakes and then in Mississippi.

Shipmate Sibayan joined the Navy in 2013.

After entry-level training at Great Lakes and in Virginia, he reported to the Fitzgerald in 2014. An enlisted surface warfare specialist, he had been promoted on Jan. 16, 2016.

Sibayans body arrived on a Delta Airlines flight Wednesday evening; it was met by both Third Fleet commander Vice Adm. Nora Tyson and Vice Adm. Tom Rowden, commander of the Coronado-based Naval Surface Forces.

They were joined by more than 250 Patriot Guard Riders who then made the trek to Funeraria del Angel Humphrey in Chula Vista.

Arrangements for Sibayans visitation and funeral services  scheduled for July 8 at the Corpus Christi Parish chapel  are still being finalized.

The Rev. John Dolan, auxiliary bishop for the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is slated to lead the funeral Mass.

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cprine@sduniontribune.com
A U.S. sailor who sparked a 50-hour man-overboard search off Japan  only to be found hiding on his ship  is now in San Diego awaiting the results of an investigation and possible charges.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Peter Mims was held in a military brig until his release on Tuesday, when a review determined that continued confinement wasnt necessary, said Cmdr. Clay Doss, a spokesman for the Navys 7th Fleet.

Mims is temporarily assigned to the office of the commander of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in San Diego until the Navys investigation is finished.

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The sailor was underway with his ship, the cruiser Shiloh, when he was reported missing and assumed overboard on June 8 around 9:30 p.m. The ship was 180 miles east of Okinawa, Japan at the time.

Welcome to The Intel, a blog examining the hot military news of the day

What ensued was a massive search-and-rescue operation.

Aircraft from three U.S. ships as well as a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft conducted airborne searches while the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, the Shiloh and the destroyers McCampbell, Barry and McCain scanned the water.

Three Japanese military ships also participated in the effort, which spread across 5,500 square miles of the Philippine Sea.

The Navy called off the search on June 11 and issued a mournful concluding statement. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the crew of the USS Shiloh during this difficult time, said Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet. Im proud of the effort the crews of the Reagan Strike Group and our Japanese allies made to find our shipmate.

The hit to the Navy was especially hard because a sailor from the cruiser Normandy fell overboard off North Carolina the same week  and wasnt found.

That was until Mims was discovered still on the ship four days later  hiding in one of the engine rooms where he worked as a gas-turbine mechanic, according to reports.

The Navys response alluded to all the wasted time and resources.

We are thankful to have found our missing shipmate and appreciate all the hard work of our sailors and Japanese partners in searching for him, Aucoin said. I am relieved that this sailors family will not be joining the ranks of Gold Star families that have sacrificed so much for our country.

Mims underwent a medical evaluation aboard the Ronald Reagan carrier, but the Navy hasnt said what might have prompted him to hide in the engine room.

While in San Diego, Mims is no longer under any restrictions and is free to leave base, Doss said.

Potentially, Mims could face charges of dereliction of duty or violating orders, said Gary Barthel, a retired Marine Corps lawyer who now handles military cases as a civilian in Carlsbad.

That could mean a less-than-honorable discharge, depending on what the investigation finds.

If his intent to hide away on ship was with the purpose of avoiding guard or watch duty or to avoid maneuvers, then he could potentially receive a bad-conduct discharge, Barthel said.

jen.steele@sduniontribune.com

Facebook: U-T Military

Twitter: @jensteeley

Military Videos  On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France  at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal

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Facebook: U-T Military

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Police are searching for a group of masked men who ransacked a multimillion-dollar home in Arcadia after getting inside and tying up the residents Thursday night.

The robbery occurred sometime before 11 p.m. in the 1000 block of Singing Wood Drive and involved three or four masked men, Arcadia police said in a statement.

Scary #Arcadia Home Invasion - Police say masked men tied up married couple & robbed home, latest on @CBSLA this AM pic.twitter.com/aqqxQsoUpn  Kara Finnstrom (@KaraFinnstrom) June 30, 2017

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After the men tied up the people inside they snatched valuables and fled. One of the victims managed to loosen their restraints and call police.

The victims were a couple in their 60s, according to KABC. One victim suffered minor injuries.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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The following is a footnote to last weeks column on Harvey Furgatch, unforgettable civil-rights champion.

In ticking off highlights of Furgatchs life, I alluded to our 1962 Tropic of Cancer trial.

Thats where an asterisk wanted to be.

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On Nov. 17, 1961, La Jolla booksellers Geraldine and Laurence McGilvery were arrested for selling a 50-cent paperback of Henry Millers novel.

To Judge Edward J. Schwartz, whose name graces our federal courthouse, the ensuing obscenity trial was one of the most interesting cases Ive ever tried.

To Laurence McGilvery, it was a modern American variant on the Inquisition. Geraldine, who died in 2005, never forgave her tormentors, Laurence told me Monday in La Jolla.

Miller wrote his scandalous Paris novel in the early 30s. Though a literary sensation, it went unpublished in the U.S. until Grove Press released it in 1961. As cheap paperbacks flooded the market, criminal cases against booksellers cropped up all over the country. The Supreme Court finally decided the issue in 1964, ruling that Millers book was not obscene.

A 6-inch front-page story in the Nov. 11, 1961, edition of The San Diego Union began with this eye-raiser:

A San Diego book wholesaler has returned 6,000 copies of the controversial novel Tropic of Cancer before they could be made available to the public. Police Chief A. E. Jansen did not reveal the name of the dealer who Jansen said acted on his own initiative. Jansen said he read passages of the book  and found it shocking and obscene.  Jansen said display of the book will result in arrest for violation of a penal section which bans obscene material in the state.

Jansen was well-versed in moral high dudgeon. In 1956, hed warned Elvis Presley that hed be arrested if he repeated his previous pelvis-grinding concerts in San Diego.

A week after Jansens front-page warning, a police cadet posing as a State student came into The Nexus on La Jolla Boulevard and wanted a copy of Tropic of Cancer for a class on censorship. The booksellers pointed him toward other censored titles like Catcher in the Rye, but he was adamant. It so happened a used paperback of Tropic was being sold as a favor to a friend. The McGilverys ended up selling that book, not making a penny on the deal.

The next day, two vice officers entered the store and asked Geraldine where the dirty pictures were, shed recall to a reporter 30 years later. She replied that the only pictures she had were of her children.

They said, All right, controversial. I reached over and picked up a copy of Barry Goldwaters Conscience of a Conservative and said, Now heres a controversial book.

The McGilverys were arrested; 19 copies of Tropic of Cancer seized. When the booksellers arrived at jail, Furgatch was there, ready to bail them out.

During a pretrial conference, the McGilverys attorney persuaded Judge Schwartz that lists of Millers off-color words, from tame to clinical to raw, should be read to jurors who could then excuse themselves if their judgments about the books content would be influenced by hearing such language.

Schwartz also ruled that the whole book should be read to the jurors. Each side selected a reader for the nine-hour performance.

One of the first prosecution witnesses was Mildred Crom, an anti-smut crusader. She testified that she found nothing funny about Millers flights of eroticized fancy, which is like saying theres nothing risible in Rabelais.

More believably, the Rev. John Aherne, the cultured principal of St. Augustine High School, testified that the book had humorous parts and could be said to have artistic merit.

The showstopper for the defense, however, was the late Eleanor Widmer, who with husband Kingsley Widmer had written about censorship.

The prosecutor ordered Eleanor to read steamy passages, which she did with aplomb. After several hours, she substituted the names of French prostitutes with Mama Bear and Baby Bear. The courtroom cracked up.

It took the jury 12 hours to decide that the book was not obscene. It could be sold in San Diego without fear.

By then, the McGilverys had moved The Nexus to Wisteria Cottage near La Jollas contemporary art museum. After five years in that sublime location, John Cole moved in and the McGilverlys went on to specialize in high-quality art books.

Today, Laurence, still dealing in fine art books, is working on a history of the trial. Hes contemplating a chapter on Furgatch.

A footnote to a footnote: In 1913, Henry Miller spent six months laboring in Chula Vistas citrus groves. The details are murky. Very little of Millers autobiography should be taken literally, cautioned Kingsley Widmer in a footnote to his 1963 book about Miller. Miller claimed to have met Emma Goldman, the famous anarchist, when she was speaking here. Widmer was dubious about the timing. Goldmans 1912 arrival triggered riots and a quick exit. In later life, Miller would come to San Diego to visit friend Lafayette Young, owner of Bargain Books on Eighth Avenue.

A footnote to a footnote to a footnote: When I was in high school in the early 60s, after the trial, my mother bought a copy of Tropic of Cancer and thought I might like it. Did I ever. In fact, I cant think of any famously banned book, from Lady Chatterlys Lover to Naked Lunch, that I havent devoured as if it were one of lifes forbidden desserts.

logan.jenkins@sduniontribune.com
A law set to go into effect Saturday that would make it illegal for Californians to possess a gun magazine holding more than 10 rounds has been blocked for now by a San Diego federal judge.

U.S. District Court Judge Roger Benitez, in a strongly worded 66-page ruling Thursday, said the law would violate the Second Amendment right for gun owners to defend his home, unfairly take peoples property without compensation and make otherwise law-abiding citizens criminals if they merely possessed such high-capacity magazines.

The judge acknowledged the tragic toll gun violence has taken on this country, but stressed that public safety interests may not eviscerate the Second Amendment.

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Gun violence to carry out crime is horrendous and should be condemned by all, wrote Benitez, nominated to the federal bench in 2003 by President George W. Bush. Defensive gun violence may be the only way a law-abiding citizen can avoid becoming a victim.

Such magazines have been illegal to sell, manufacture, import or transfer since 2000 in the state. Last July, the Legislature passed a bill that would make ownership of the gun parts an infraction, and in November voters passed a similar, clarified measure, Proposition 63. Current owners were told they had to get rid of the offending pieces by either taking them to one of dozens of states where ownership is legal, selling the magazines to a licensed firearms dealer, or turning them in to law enforcement for destruction.

Last month, the California Rifle and Pistol Association  the state arm of the National Rifle Association  and five county residents filed a lawsuit claiming the law was infringing on the constitutional right to bear arms and other rights.

Three of the plaintiffs argued they want the magazines for self defense in the home, while two others are military veterans who say they already own the parts and should not have to give them up.

The judge ruled that a preliminary injunction blocking the law from taking effect was appropriate until the merits of the case can be more fully explored. He ordered state Attorney General Xavier Becerra to provide notice to all law enforcement that the law shall not be enforced. Authorities will still be able to investigate and prosecute the illegal importation, purchase, sale and manufacturing of such large-capacity magazines.

Ultimately, this case asks two questions. Does a law-abiding responsible citizen have a right to defend his home from criminals using whatever common magazine size he or she judges best suits the situation? Does that same citizen have a right to keep and bear a common magazine that is useful for service in a militia? Benitez said in his analysis. Because a final decision on the merits is likely to answer both questions yes, but a final decision will take too long to offer relief, and because the statute will soon visit irrevocable harm on Plaintiffs and all those similarly situated, a state-wide preliminary injunction is necessary and justified to maintain the status quo.

Becerra said in a statement Thursday that the law was overwhelmingly approved by voters to increase public safety and enhance security in a sensible and constitutional way.

Restricting large capacity magazines and preventing them from ending up in the wrong hands is critical for the well-being of our communities. I will defend the will of California voters because we cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to gun violence, he said.

In arguing against an injunction, the Attorney Generals Office pointed to notorious recent mass shootings involving large-capacity magazines, including the Orlando, Fla., nightclub massacre; the San Bernardino terror attack and the Newtown, Conn., shooting at an elementary school.

When (large-capacity magazines) are used to commit crime, more shots are fired, more victims are wounded, and there are more wounds per victim, Deputy Attorney General Alexandra Robert Gordon wrote in a motion. This in turn leads to more injuries, more lethal injuries, and higher rates of death than crimes involving firearms with conventional magazines.

She pointed to a report by the NRA that showed in half of all cases studied, two or fewer shots were fired when it came to self-defense incidents.

While the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller confirms an individual right to bear arms in the home, it also found that right is limited in scope and subject to regulation, Gordon said. Possessing a high-capacity magazine is not protected under that right, she argued.

The judge eviscerated the attorney generals arguments and said while the lawyer was well-prepared in her presentation, she was not able to describe certain intricacies of the law.

Who could blame her? The California matrix of gun control laws is among the harshest in the nation and are filled with criminal law traps for people of common intelligence who desire to obey the law, Benitez said. Statutes must be sufficiently well-defined so that reasonably intelligent citizens can know what conduct is against the law.

He also dismissed much of the evidence  including 3,100 pages of exhibits  submitted by the attorney general, noting much it was dated and included recent surveys of shooting incidents and news articles.

In the end, it is a false dichotomy upon which the Attorney General rests his evidentiary case, the judge wrote.

The lawsuit, filed May 17, is part of a series of long and carefully planned lawsuits challenging the package of gun bans passed last year in the wake of the San Bernardino mass shooting, lawyers for the organization said. Another lawsuit filed by the NRA affiliate in Orange County challenges the prohibition on the sale of semiautomatic rifles with bullet buttons that make it easier to replace magazines.

The case was filed by Michel & Associates, the Long Beach-based law firm that also challenged San Diego Countys limits on concealed-carry permits. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up the case, Peruta v. California. That means the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling will stand, leaving the limits in place that require law-abiding permits holders have good cause to carry a concealed gun.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
MIAMI, June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Couples committed to the Jewish faith will find solace in the exacting oversight provided by The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, a trusted Miami Beach venue for Kosher weddings. The exquisite oceanfront property, centrally located near synagogues and shuls, provides a dedicated wedding specialist, who serves as a liaison with Kosher catering partners, ensuring all traditions are honored to the utmost degree. And in true Ritz-Carlton fashion, exclusivity is tantamount.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6b4e5a16-ba52-4960-be26-da21e4a2361c

Every bride wants a storybook wedding, but when kosher adherence is part of the couples story, the level of execution is imperative, said Director of Catering Sales Felicia Wichser. From check-in to check-out, no detail is overlooked at our property. We provide a comfort level to the couples and their entire family as to keep the focus on the celebration.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach offers luxurious wedding venues and outdoor settings, including the coveted Starr Bar, all of which can accommodate over 500 guests at a time. Access to the 10,000-square-foot ballroom is one stairwell level up, accommodating guests who refrain from using the elevator and electricity. On the culinary front, Kosher catering includes Orthodox Union certified, while place settings feature Kosher china, crystal stemware and signature silver. Additionally, there are ample rooms for Ketubah signing, men's Tish and Bedeken.

An elite roster of event designers and florists provide fresh concepts for couture Chuppahs, the canopy under which the couple stands during the ceremony. Meanwhile, best known of all the rituals associated with Jewish weddingsBreaking the Glasswill be front and center. While its customary for the groom to stomp on glass, both members, including same-sex couples, have been partaking in the festivities together. Not surprising, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach offers light bulbs in place of glasses as they magnify sound for maximum effect. Mazel tov!

Kosher Weddings include:

Complimentary guestroom accommodations for the bride and groom night of the wedding

Discounted room rates available for wedding guests

For events spending more than $50,000, an additional three-night complimentary stay is offered for the first anniversary

Access to specialized event decor, leading photographers, floral & decor designers and musicians

Access to hotel grounds for wedding photography

Dedicated wedding specialist to be a liaison with Kosher catering partner to ensure all traditions are honored

Advance booking is required; additional taxes and service fees apply. For additional information about planning a Kosher wedding, or to view the resorts extensive portfolio of venues including the elegant, 10,000 square foot ballroom, contact the Director of Catering Sales, Felicia Wichser, at Felicia.Wichser@ritzcarlton.com or call (786) 276-4064.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is located at One Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL. For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/southbeach.

About The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

Located steps from Ocean Drive, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is a luxury property that lies in the heart of South Beach. Featuring 375 guest rooms, the property is a restored Art Moderne building in Miamis Art Deco district, close to renowned shopping, dining and nightlife. The property offers a recently redesigned Ritz-Carlton spa with a first-of-its-kind Timeless Capsule concept and traditional ESPA treatments. The newly opened TATEL Miami restaurant serves up a mix of traditional Spanish cuisine along with modern variations of the classics in an upbeat, stylish setting. Additionally, the property houses a multi-million-dollar art collection, a newly enhanced signature Club Lounge, The DiLido Beach Club - the only oceanfront restaurant on South Beach, oceanfront cabanas, a 24-hour fitness center, over 20,000 square feet of meeting space and an elevated outdoor pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. For additional information about The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, please call (800) 241-3333, the hotel directly at (786) 276-4000, a travel professional or visit The Ritz-Carlton website at www.ritzcarlton.com.
The latest building coming to Mesa College may feel more like a business complex than a classroom structure, but thats the idea.

We did that intentionally so students will feel like theyll learn in an environment theyll work in, Mesa College President Pam Luster said about the schools new Center for Business and Technology, expected to open in January 2019.

Luster said the architectural firm Gensler, which designed the building, usually does technology spaces. This was their first educational building.

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Construction on the project began months ago, but a ceremonial groundbreaking was held Wednesday at Mesa College.

The building is the final of several construction projects at the campus that were funded with bond measures Proposition S and Proposition N, which brought the San Diego Community College District $1.5 billion.

The 57,800-square-feet Center for Business and Technology is a $32.2 million project funded by Prop. N.

By bringing together business, computer and fashion-design classes that are now scattered around the campus, Luster said the center will create collaborative opportunities for students to work together on business ideas and product designs.

Its a building unlike other buildings we have on our campus, she said. Its really going to mirror what happens when people go out and do start-up businesses.

The center also will include maker spaces, a movement in education that provides students a room with 3D printers and other tools to create prototypes of products.

Hospitality courses also will be taught in the center, which conveniently will be next to the Mesa Commons building where culinary classes are taught.

Culinary management students also need a lot of hospitality and business courses, so theres some very nice synergy going on, Luster said.

In anticipation of the new center, Mesa is introducing a new business entrepreneurship degree and a fashion design and merchandising program.

We really like the idea of putting students in this creative space thats also a business space, Luster said.  A lot of students start their own businesses as designers or retail merchandisers, so this will be a new collaboration.

Similar to the design of Mesas School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences building, the center will have an open area with glass walls where students and faculty members can meet and collaborate, Luster said.

Besides the academic benefits of the new center, Luster said its design will add to the warm, inviting feel of the campus.

Its got lots of curves and color and places where people feel really excited to learn, she said.

San Diego Community College District Chancellor Constance Carroll and board President Maria Nieto Senour were among the speakers at Wednesdays ceremony, and both noted how the the campus has been transformed over the past few years because of the bond measures.

While the center is the last major construction project at Mesa, other changes still are planned on campus.

The interior of the I-300 building, once slated for demolition, is being redone and will be the new home of the schools fine arts program and art gallery.

The district also has plans to demolish the I and J buildings in the center of campus to open up the campus quad.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
Jorge Ramirez, an Oceanside minister and unauthorized immigrant, didnt think he would end up in line for deportation when he encouraged his U.S. citizen daughter to vote for now-President Donald Trump.

In line with his conservative religious beliefs, Ramirez considers himself a Republican, he said in an interview at Otay Mesa Detention Center, where he is awaiting deportation proceedings. Border Patrol picked him up after staking out his house early one May morning, and hes been in the detention facility since.

Ramirez said he does not know why he is being targeted for removal from the U.S. The Trump administration has said that it is targeting criminals and those who have already been ordered deported. Ramirez said he falls into neither category.

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Trump said, Lets keep all the good people here and all the bad people out, Ramirez said.

Thats great, but Im here, Ramirez said of his detention situation. If Im here, anybody can be here. Im not saying Im the best person in the world, but Ive tried to live a good life.

Ramirez worked as a satellite television technician, and frequently went to Camp Pendleton. Issues with his security clearance brought him to the attention of authorities in December.

He said he supports the Republican agenda on both fiscal and social issues and that he still supports Trump.

Everything that hes said against immigrants  its not that Im in favor, but bad people dont belong here, Ramirez said. In order to make America great, you have to have people contributing to this country.

Ramirez said he also encouraged his youngest daughter to volunteer with the campaign of Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista.

Ramirez came to the U.S. with his family when he was 11 and was raised in North County. In high school, Ramirez joined the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps for the Marines, and when the Gulf War began, he tried to enlist. The military would not let him fight because of his immigration status.

Im USA all the way, Ramirez said. Its that American spirit. It just gets into you.

He said wearing his uniform twice a week helped him to feel like he belonged. He recalled his earliest experiences in school in the U.S., when he didnt understand what anyone was saying and other students would make fun of him.

When he worked as a satellite television technician, always tried to show the Marines he encountered how grateful he was for their service, he said.

They sacrifice so much for freedom and for us, he said.

The issue he has with the way immigration policy is currently being implemented, he said, is that since hes been in immigration detention, hes seen good people in there.

To think that undeserving people are coming here makes me sad, Ramirez said.

Ramirez believes that going to immigration detention is part of Gods plan for him. He prayed for a way to sort out his immigration status not long before he was arrested by Border Patrol.

Inside the detention facility, hes been counseling and supporting other detainees with a message of hope and love, he said. Since he began attending a daily Bible study group in the facility, its numbers have grown to around 25 from about 10, he said.

Ramirez has spent his life as part of the Apostolic Church, where he is a music minister. His father served as a pastor, a post that led to the family coming to the U.S.

Ramirez said he met his wife, Silvia, through church. They married 22 years ago.

Being away from her has been one of the most difficult parts of being in detention, he said.

Ramirez hoped to get released on bond Thursday at an immigration court hearing. His three children, all U.S. citizens, came with Juan Hernandez, the pastor for their church, to watch. They prayed in the waiting room as they waited their fathers turn.

His attorney, Ruben Salazar, said he felt positive about Ramirezs potential for bond and for getting relief from deportation when he presents his full case in immigration court.

Hes the kind of immigrant America seeks to have, Salazar said.

As the family was escorted into the courtroom, Judge David Anderson was telling Salazar that he would need more time to read through the 210-page packet that Salazar had submitted that morning to show Ramirezs ties to his community. It included several letters of support, records of Ramirezs tax filings, his school achievements and the awards that his children have won.

Anderson rescheduled the hearing for August, so Ramirez will have to wait in detention for at least six more weeks. Salazar objected, unsuccessfully arguing that the delay violated Ramirezs constitutional rights.

As his children filed out of the courtroom, Ramirezs face remained tight, not seeking eye contact or showing emotion.

Outside the courtroom, their pastor consoled the Ramirez children. He reminded them that there must be a greater purpose in this moment. They rehearsed lines to say to the Spanish-speaking media waiting for them outside. The youngest, Abisag, 17, volunteered to call their mother, who was waiting at home for news. By the time Ramirez has his rescheduled hearing, Abisag, will be in New York for her freshman year of college.

Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence

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A small twin-engine airplane burst into flames as it crash-landed on the 405 Freeway in Santa Ana on Friday morning shortly after taking off from John Wayne Airport.

In a frantic call to the airports control tower, the pilot of a Cessna 310 told controllers he had lost power in his right engine and was trying to land as the aircraft swooped low over area buildings and the freeway.

Hey, we got a mayday! We got a mayday! the pilot said, according to a recording obtained at ATClive.net, a website that streams and archives air traffic control audio throughout the country.

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The tower told the pilot he was cleared to land but then told him, Your gear appears to be up.

Yeah, I know. Were still trying to get a little altitude, the pilot said, his voice strained. I lost my right engine.

Barely a minute later, the aircraft slammed into the freeway. Video from the scene showed the aircraft bursting into flames and a tall plume of black smoke rising into the air.

Two people were on board the aircraft when it crashed, according to Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the FAA. Their identities have not been released.

The plane had just taken off from John Wayne Airport when the pilot declared an emergency, Gregor said. He was trying to return to the airport when the crash occurred.

Both airplane occupants survived the crash and were rushed to a local trauma center, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz. He said a man and a woman in their 60s were pulled from the burning plane by an off-duty Avalon firefighter.

Orange County Global Medical Center, the closest trauma center to the airport, confirmed only that it had received multiple trauma patients from the crash.

The plane landed in the southbound lanes of the freeway, just north of MacArthur Boulevard  next to the airport  about 9:30 a.m., CHP Officer Latos Quin said.

The plane crashed short of the airport runway, Gregor said. All arrivals to John Wayne Airport were closed temporarily but since have reopened, airport officials said. Departures were not affected.

No motorists on the busy freeway were injured. Only one vehicle was slightly damaged in the episode. Kurtz said a Mitsubishi pickup was clipped by the aircraft.

Its just so scary, Liane Lynch said as she eyed the crash site from a nearby office building. I cant imagine the shock of driving and seeing the plane go down in your review mirror.

The northbound lanes of the 405 were reopened by 10:15 a.m., and traffic was flowing normally.

The plane was manufactured in 1975 and registered to Twin Props LLC in Santa Ana, FAA records show.

The crash kept the 405 Freeways southbound lanes closed for more than 90 minutes. The only vehicles that appeared to be moving past the crash were commuters transitioning from the northbound 55 Freeway.

Crews were working to clear enough area to open some southbound lanes for 405 commuters, Kurtz said.

Office workers and motorists were immediately drawn to the scene of the plane crash.

It sounded like a car crash. Then we heard all these sirens, and we just looked out and could see all the smoke, said Brad Schaeffer, 24, who works about two blocks away from the crash site. We walked over and saw people rushing over to the planes.

Traffic on the northbound 405 slowed to a crawl for hours as drivers eyeballed the wreckage and fire crews.

Saul Pantaleon said he was on his lunch break when he decided to drive a few blocks to get a better look. He said he often takes his kids to the parking lot adjacent to the freeway to watch the planes land.

I think about it sometimes when I see the planes flying over [the freeway], he said. What would it be like if something like this happened?

The wreckage of a small plane sits on the southbound 405 Freeway after a crash just short of the John Wayne Airport runway. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

@Patharveynews hi there this just happened on the 405 freeway near the John Wayne airport pic.twitter.com/HsHnIU7SVP  Sandra (@dggrfan) June 30, 2017

Plane crash on the 405 and MacArthur. Unreal. I hope everyone is ok. pic.twitter.com/PZXapao6DL  Drew Hoffman (@DrwHof) June 30, 2017

Plane crashed @JohnWayneAir. No info on what type of plane yet. Praying for everyone involved #PlaneCrash #SNA pic.twitter.com/WLDCa6obi2  Melody Frieda (@Melody2020) June 30, 2017

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA
A disgruntled doctor dressed in a white lab coat and carrying a semiautomatic rifle opened fire in a Bronx hospital Friday afternoon, killing a doctor and wounding others before turning the gun on himself.

The New York Police Department identified the gunman as Henry Michael Bello, 45, who worked in family medicine, according to the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Centers website. Officials said he left the hospital in 2015.

Hours before the shooting, Bello had sent an email to the New York Daily News in which he blamed doctors at the hospital for blocking him from completing his medical licensing and blocking his career.

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Thank God this was not an act of terrorism. It was an isolated incident, a workplace-related matter, but that makes it no less tragic, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters.

One doctor is dead, and there are several doctors fighting for their lives right now, he said.

The shooter was carrying an AR-15 assault rifle hidden under his lab coat and appeared to seek out victims on the 16th and 17th floors of the hospital. After the shooting, he tried to set himself on fire but failing that, he shot himself with his own gun, officials said.

The deceased doctors name was not released. Six other people were injured.

One of the largest hospitals in the borough, Bronx-Lebanon was under lockdown Friday afternoon. Nearby streets were closed, helicopters whirred overhead and sharp shooters were stationed nearby. Staff members evacuating the hospital were told to come out with their hands raised so that they would not be mistaken for a suspect.

Patients and staff barricaded themselves in restrooms and laboratories during the shooting.

Bello had resigned from the hospital in 2015 as part of an agreement that prevented his firing, according to several media reports.

The New York Post reported that Bello was accused of grabbing a womans crotch and was arrested in 2004. The outcome of that case was unclear. He was arrested again in 2009, but those records were sealed, the newspaper reported.

barbara.demick@latimes.com

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UPDATES:

8:49 a.m. July 1: The article was updated with the New York Daily News report of an email from the suspect.

3:40 p.m.: This article was updated with a quote from the New York mayor and more details on the shooting.

1:55 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with Times staff reporting.

1:25 p.m. This article was updated with details of the death of the gunman.

1:10 p.m. This article was updated with news of the gunman reported dead.

12:40: This article was updated with details about the hospital.

This article was originally published at 12:30 p.m.
For eight weekends in a row, someone has died in a DUI crash in San Diego County.

This weekend, the Fourth of July holiday, officers and deputies will be out in force to try to prevent more fatalities.

At a news conference Thursday along Mission Bay, police and county leaders gathered in front of a crumpled SUV to implore the public not to drink and drive. They stressed that DUI crashes are completely preventable, and to plan ahead for holiday festivities.

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Were not going to call it a tragedy, because it really is about individual responsibility and choice, said Interim District Attorney Summer Stephan. I want to be clear. Drinking and driving is a choice. Taking someones life is a serious crime. Dont let your choice become your crime.

This year, 14 people have been killed in DUI crashes. Thats not far from the 19 DUI fatalities that occurred in all of 2016. The totals dont include lone drivers suspected of dying in alcohol-or drug-related crashes

Many more have been injured, officials said. Charges have been filed in 40 DUI crashes that have resulted in serious injury or death so far this year.

That includes drugged driving.

San Diego County Sheriffs Assistant Mike Barnett said the department has seen a big increase in drivers caught under the influence of drugs.

In the first half of 2016, 30 people were arrested on suspicion of drugged driving. This year, there were 69 arrests between January and June.

San Diego police officials have also seen an increase in drugged driving, encountering a case nearly every week, up from a couple of times a month.

Recent DUI victims were parents, spouses and friends.

Last weekend, Lewis Witt, described as a talented engineer and musician, was on his way to a fishing trip when he was struck by a suspected drunken driver near Bonsall.

Several weeks earlier, Nanglee Vang was jogging with his wife in Vista when a driver accused of being drunk jumped a curb and plowed into them. Vang, father of five, died before he could be taken to a hospital.

A month before, on Mothers Day, Jessica Foderingham, who was eight months pregnant, died after being rear-ended in Ramona by a man suspected of driving drunk. Her unborn child died as well.

These crashes have left people dead, theyve left families destroyed, Stephan said. Theyve left families without mothers and fathers, and have taken children away from their parents forever. This is really what were talking about.

Nationally, drunken driving kills more than 10,000 people a year and injures more than 290,000, said Christi Walker, program coordinator for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

She knows the devastation caused by DUI crashes. On Christmas Eve in 2014, her cousin was killed by a driver suspected of being drunk.

The most frustrating issue regarding driving impaired by alcohol, drugs or both is that its 100 percent preventable, she said.

Twitter: @LAWinkley

(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
Holy cow, this is scary!

Ken Goble was 160 feet above the ground, walking a narrow plank. Or so it seemed.

The 69-year-old was wearing a virtual reality headset that tricked him into thinking he was up high and in danger.

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He was simply crossing a lab floor at San Diego State University, where scientists were using virtual reality to gauge how stress and anxiety influence a persons gait and balance.

Researcher Harsimran Baweja stood nearby, smiling.

We want to help people stay active and independent as they age, Baweja said as his team checked sensors on Robles arms and legs. If we see something, we can try to fix it. This is about quality of life and peoples dignity.

Its also about the rapid rise of senior tech.

1 / 18 Because of the virtual reality headset hes wearing, Ken Goble, 69, has the sensation that hes walking a plank as Dr. Harsimran Bawej, back left, demonstrates the new technology by testing Goble at SDSU. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 18 Ken Goble, 69, is the behind the wheel of a driving simulator. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 18 Ken Goble, 69, concentrates on driving while behind the wheel of a driving simulator. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 18 With writing on a window in the foreground, Dr. Harsimran Baweja and graduate student Mason Hearn, left, prepare Ken Goble, 69, for a test with a virtual reality headset. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 18 Graduate student Mason Hearn puts on a wireless sensor on the hand of Ken Goble, 69, before Goble is tested. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 18 Dr. Harsimran Baweja puts on a virtual reality headset on Ken Goble, 69, before testing him. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 18 Graduate student Mason Hearn puts on a wireless sensors on the shoe of Ken Goble, 69, before Goble is tested with a virtual reality headset. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 18 Graduate student Mason Hearn puts on a wireless sensors on Ken Goble, 69, before Goble is tested with a virtual reality headset . (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 18 Dr. Harsimran Baweja puts on a virtual reality headset on Ken Goble, 69, before testing him. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 18 Ken Goble, 69, wears a virtual reality headset as Dr. Harsimran Baweja prepares to test him. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 18 Dr. Harsimran Baweja guides Ken Goble, 69, as Baweja does a walk through while Goble wears a virtual reality headset in preparation for testing him. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 18 Because of the virtual reality headset hes wearing, Ken Goble, 69, has the sensation that hes flying. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 18 A computer screen shows what Ken Goble, 69, is seeing through a virtual reality headset that gives him the sensation that he is flying through a city. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 18 Because of the virtual reality headset hes wearing, Ken Goble, 69, has the sensation that hes flying. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 18 Ken Goble, 69, is the behind the wheel of a driving simulator. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 18 Ken Goble, 69, turns the steering wheel of driving simulator. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 18 Ken Goble, 69, looks at the screen of a driving simulator while steering, accelerating, and braking. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 18 Ken Goble, 69, is the behind the wheel of a driving simulator. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Scientists are developing everything from mattress sensors that monitor a persons heart, to smart walkers that look for obstacles, to belts that deploy air bags if someone is about to fall. Seniors with dementia can wear GPS-equipped shoes that reveal their location to loved ones.

Researchers are no longer focused only on finding ways to treat sickness and disease. Now, theyre broadly working with companies to fight the indignities of aging and help people live longer and better in their own homes.

Its called aging in place, a nascent movement thats largely being driven by tech-savvy baby boomers who hate the stigma and reality of getting older, both for themselves and their elderly parents.

Its a message that resonates.

Tech giant Google  a bastion of youth  has come to realize that baby boomers might be early adopters of the self-driving cars that its developing. Other businesses are making it easier for people with arthritis or tremors or poor vision to wear small, specialized monitors that provide real-time tracking of their health vitals.

Such innovations are being closely watched by the nations $3 trillion-per-year health care industry, which is faced with a large and deepening shortage of caregivers at the very moment that Americas population of older residents is soaring.

The number of Americans who are 65 or older surpassed 50 million for the first time last year. Demographers predict the figure will hit 71 million by 2030 and 83 million by 2050.

The flood tide comes as people are living longer; life expectancy at birth grew by 10.5 years between 1950 and 2010. On average, people who are 65 today will live roughly 20 more years.

The Census Bureau said almost 90 percent of these people want to remain in the home of their choice as they age.

I strongly believe that technology will change the face of aging as we have known it since times immemorial, said Dilip Jeste, director of UC San Diegos Center for Healthy Aging. Just as presbyopia is no longer a major problem  thanks to eye glasses  many physical impairments of old age will cease being disabilities with the use of technology. The notion that aging means disability will be laid to rest  and with that, the stigma of being old.

UC San Diego is heavily involved in the effort to not only preserve but also enhance quality of life during the latter years of a persons life.

The universitys robotics institute is developing software for small robots that chat with humans, with the goal of easing the loneliness that many older people feel. The schools Design Lab is looking at ways to make it easier for seniors to board buses. UC San Diego is even exploring the idea of building a retirement home on campus so scientists can more directly learn about the needs of the aged.

All of these technological advances arent meant to be a panacea, and analysts warn that the quality and affordability of such products can vary greatly. But a survey of senior tech projects in San Diego County and elsewhere shows that progress is being made on many fronts.

FALL PREVENTION

Time takes a toll on people.

The older we get, the more likely we are to suffer from muscle weakness, poor balance, slower reflexes, impaired vision, arthritis and cognitive problems.

Such changes dont necessarily mean that older people cant lead a full and fulfilling life. Studies show that in general, individuals grow happier and more thankful as they age.

Still, experts urge seniors and the elderly to pay attention to one particular reality of aging: The physical effects of growing older make people more likely to suffer a fall.

The National Council on Aging said 2.8 million older Americans are treated in hospital emergency rooms for falls each year, and that 800,000 of those patients are hospitalized. Falls cause or contribute to about 27,000 deaths annually, a figure roughly equivalent to the population of Imperial Beach.

Scientists and entrepreneurs are approaching the challenge from several angles. Theres special interest in the sort of virtual reality research that Baweja does as director of San Diego States Neuromechanics and Neuroplasticity Lab.

We want to know what the brain is telling a persons muscles when they are moving, said Baweja, a neuro-muscular expert who also provides physical rehabilitation services.

We find out by putting sensors on a persons brain and other body parts and have them experience different scenarios while theyre in the immersive environment of virtual reality, he added. The data we get will help create algorithms to predict whether a person is at high risk for having a fall.

The data also can be used to correct problems with a persons walk or balance, making falls less likely.

Ocuvera, a startup in Lincoln, Nebraska, is taking a different approach. Its using 3-D cameras and advanced software to analyze the body language of patients who are in hospital beds.

Those movements reveal when a person is going to try to get out of bed, which is when many falls happen, said Steve Kiene, chief executive for Ocuvera. The system alerts the nurse in time to do something about it.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has done related work, producing WiGait, a small wall sensor that studies a persons gait to search for signs of Parkinsons disease and stroke.

In Philadelphia, the company Active Protective has developed a smart belt thats able to sense when a person is about to fall. Small air bags automatically deploy, offering special protection to that individuals hips. More than 300,000 older Americans fracture their hips each year, so smart belts are starting to gain attention.

IN-HOME MONITORING

The aging-in-place trend is growing, but the home health care industry is struggling to keep up. Theres a major shortage of professional caregivers who can make in-person visits.

Technology might ease this imbalance between demand and supply.

The San Diego-based company GreatCall markets a network of tiny sensors that can be placed in peoples homes to monitor whether those folks are going about their normal activities, such as getting in and out of bed, preparing meals and using the bathroom.

The sensors look for potentially worrisome changes in a persons routines and alert off-site caregivers if such shifts occur. The technology can help caregivers manage a greater number of people, and it can give a more holistic picture of whats going on in a home.

GreatCall said it has been promoting its sensors system carefully, watching for how people feel about being passively monitored.

We use sensors, not cameras, said David Inns, the companys chief executive. Cameras immediately raise questions of privacy. Even putting sensors in the home can feel like a privacy (invasion) issue. In cases like that, we would talk to people about our Lively Mobile medical alert device, which can be used at home as well as out in the street. Its less intrusive. It feels like its there to help you.

MOBILITY

About 7 million older Americans use walkers, canes or crutches, and many arent happy about it. One of the chief complaints: The equipment is often poorly designed.

I start to hurt if I use a conventional walker for five or six minutes, said Fred Daniel, 85, who lives in Carlsbad. I get pain across my shoulders. I need something more like this.

Daniel pointed to an experimental walker that was recently on display at a UC San Diego student design competition. He had advised students on the prototype, which features a high horizontal bar  similar to those on shopping carts. Daniel thought it was a more natural form of support.

The walker also has lighting so it can be used at night, plus a GPS tracker for the potential benefit of dementia patients.

The prototype reflects the sort of thinking that professional designers are bringing to next-generation walkers and canes. Engineers want to exploit advances in wireless technology by outfitting walkers with sensors that detect obstacles, report falls and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and other vitals.

Scientists also want to exploit gesture recognition sensors, which enable people to summon their walker simply by waving at it. The walker would then activate its battery-powered wheels to roll slowly to the intended user.

Such machines would have to pass muster with health insurers to gain broad use, because most consumers likely wouldnt shell out hundreds or thousands of their own dollars.

LONELINESS AND ISOLATION

An estimated one-third of Americans 65 or older live alone. The figure reaches 50 percent by the time a person hits 85.

Many residents are happy living on their own. But scientists and physicians said living alone can cause a profound sense of loneliness and isolation for some people, which in turn can lead to serious health complications, notably depression, substance abuse and high blood pressure. Studies have shown that loneliness also can contribute to dementia and premature death.

Loneliness is one of the greatest problems in aging, said UC San Diegos Jeste.

New technologies are emerging to help older people stay connected to the world beyond their dwelling.

The San Diego-based company Independa is taking advantage of the fact that people 65 or older watch an average of 51 hours of TV per week. It has developed software that makes it easy for friends, family and caregivers to send videos, photos, audio and text messages to a persons TV screen. The software also allows for live video chats.

A small drop-down menu appears in the upper-right corner of a smart TV linked to the software, notifying viewers that they have new content. That information could be anything from a reminder to take a specific medication to news that a loved one wants to share a video.

The menu doesnt interrupt the show currently being broadcast on the TV. And the software system is interactive: People can send things like their vital signs to caregivers. They just type the data into the same remote control they use for their television.

The remote is very important; people are accustomed to using it, said Kian Saneii, Independas chief executive. It even has a button they can push to call a loved one.

People who live alone or feel walled off also can connect with others through devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, which are both voice-activated personal digital assistants.

The Echo can be used for person-to-person calls, while Amazon recently added a video screen called Show to enable people to make hands-free video calls.

MASS ADOPTION?

Its unclear whether older people will use such devices in large numbers.

A good segment of seniors and the elderly are on fixed incomes, and the price of internet service has risen sharply in recent years.

Likewise, electronic devices arent cheap. For example, the Amazon Echo costs $180 and the Show add-on is $230.

In addition, theres a usability challenge.

Older people adopt new electronics at slower rates than the rest of society, research has indicated.

For instance, several surveys have shown that roughly 40 percent of U.S. seniors have a smartphone  compared with about three-quarters of American adults as a whole.

Experts said the adoption rate for older people at least partly reflects the fact that most electronic gadgets are designed by people in their 20s and 30s for a customer base thats young or middle-aged. The design and features typically dont take into account the physical and mental limitations related to aging.

The typing and swiping features you see on things like smartphones can be unappealing to an older person who has a physical limitation like a tremor in their hands, said Laurie Orlov, a Florida-based analyst who writes and manages the website Aging in Place Technology Watch.

Products like Amazon Echo are wonderful for older adults; they simply respond to your voice, she added.

Jeste agrees: Older people dont want 1,000 apps for their smartphones. They want a screen that has numbers and letters in a large font so they can read them. They dont dislike technology. They just want it to be easier, and we can do that.

Science Playlist  On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds

Twitter: @grobbins

gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
Regarding County supervisors do same sorry thing (editorial, June 24): On June 20, the Board of Supervisors conducted public interviews of three candidates who applied to fill the vacancy of district attorney and appointed Chief Deputy DA Summer Stephan, whom members determined to be the best-qualified candidate.

Prior to the hearing in an organized effort of political theater, the ACLU, SEIU, the Democratic Party and other special interest groups took out two full-page ads in this paper and circulated online petitions to insist that the board appoint someone who committed to not running for election for that office.

Their stated reasoning was that doing anything else would give a candidate an unfair advantage in the 2018 election. In reality, these groups were putting politics over public safety in order to create a talking point for a likely Democratic challenger.

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Jessica Hayes, chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, said that appointing anyone other than a caretaker would be unethical and create a cloud of corruption over the supervisors.

The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board indicated that county supervisors should have a full and thorough discussion, with public participation, about Dumanis successor  not a coronation.

The U-Ts editorial board, the Democratic Party, the ACLU and other special interest groups have short and selective memories.

At the beginning of the year, Gov. Jerry Brown appointed and the state Legislature confirmed a new attorney general, Xavier Becerra, replacing Kamala Harris who left her post early. Becerra is a candidate in the 2018 election for attorney general.

Where was the outrage regarding Becerras appointment? There was no demand for a more public process or claims of unfairness. There was no hue and cry about mandating a caretaker for this role from the ACLU, SEIU, the Democratic Party or the Union-Tribune in spite of the fact that the AG has even greater power and responsibility than a county DA.

Last October, Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein, a Democrat, submitted his retirement two years before the end of his term. He recommended his chief deputy, also a Democrat, as his replacement. With no clamor, the Napa County Board of Supervisors appointed her.

No matter the party involved, these appointments reflect the duty that the appointing authorities have to ignore politics and make decisions that protect the publics safety by choosing the best-qualified person for the job.

In neither case were there demands from the ACLU, Democratic Party or newspaper editorial boards for a promise not to eventually run for those offices. Theres a clear double standard here.

In San Diego, the interim district attorney was appointed in an open and transparent process. The Board of Supervisors offered a lengthy application opportunity, applicant responses were available to the public and there was a public hearing for all those who applied.

It should not be a negative for a current district attorney, who knows the job better than anyone, to support and recommend someone that he or she knows to be the best candidate for the job.

The boards interim appointment is not part of some Machiavellian plan to put a thumb on the scale in next years election. It simply reflects their sworn duty to keep our neighborhoods safer by putting the best-qualified person into a job that requires unique experience and institutional knowledge.

Ultimately, the appointment wont take away the voters right to elect the next DA going forward. In fact, they will have an opportunity to see how well the appointee handles the job over the next 18 months.

This wasnt a coronation. It was a dutiful, responsible concern for public safety.

Its unfortunate that the U-T editorial board is buying into political maneuvering by special interests who are more interested in twisting the truth and building a platform for a future candidate than they are in keeping San Diego one of the safest urban counties in the nation, as it has been.

Dumanis is San Diego County district attorney.
As president and CEO of Health Center Partners of Southern California, I am deeply discouraged by the U.S. Senates health care bill as it takes aim at the nations safety net insurance, Medicaid. For 60 years, Medicaid has been providing life-giving and lifesaving care for our expecting mothers, our children, our families, friends and neighbors living in poverty, our disabled, our developmentally delayed, and our parents and grandparents living in nursing homes.

Medicaid covers 1 in 3 Californians, 1 in 2 with disabilities, and 3 out of 5 nursing home residents in California.

Related: Senate health bill an improvement over status quo

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The majority of costs in the Medicaid program, about two-thirds, are incurred by elderly or disabled individuals who make up only a quarter of enrollment. Cutting this program by nearly $1 trillion and stunting Medicaids growth rate will ensure that fewer Americans will be covered in the future.

The Better Care Reconciliation Act (HR 1628), proposed last week by the Senate, does not offer solutions that reduce cost. It does not seem to provide meaningful coverage benefits, nor does it model effective programs like the successful Community Health Centers Program that, in California, provides primary care to 20 percent of the states beneficiaries for less than 3 percent of total expenditures, with well-documented, high-quality health outcomes for the continuum of care.

The Health Centers Program has long received bipartisan support because it reduces overall health care costs by keeping patients healthier and out of hospitals and emergency rooms. Instead of looking to innovative practices like these, to improve health and lower costs over the long-term, this bill seeks to cut funding for our most vulnerable.

True access to care for those who are currently uninsured  and the millions more who will become uninsured under this bill  will be diminished or eliminated. This is simply unacceptable for the greatest nation on earth.

While immediate financial savings may be evident, due to the drastic cuts to Medicaid, this bills long-term effects in terms of cost, enrollment, the number of uninsured, medical bankruptcies, patient access and, most importantly, our nations health outcomes, remain unclear.

On Monday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its score for the Senates health bill and predicted it would increase the number of people who are uninsured by 22 million by 2026 relative to the number under current law (the Affordable Care Act)  leaving a total of 49 million people without health coverage.

The CBO and Joint Committee in Taxation (JCT) estimate that, by 2018, 15 million more people would be uninsured under this legislation than under current law. By 2020 that would reach 19 million. The CBO and JCT also indicate the bill would increase premium and out-of-pocket costs for those both in and out of the employer market.

What will be the impact when these cuts hit state budgets?

 If there are seniors in your life who are important to you, how can you not care about this bill?

 If you believe in social responsibility for the most vulnerable among us, how can you not care about this bill?

 If you think health care should be a right and not a privilege, how can you not care about this bill?

 If you think your health care plan should cover services you need like prescriptions, lab work, tests, maternity care or cancer treatments, how can you not care about this bill?

 If the opioid crisis has hit your family, your friends or your community, how can you not care about this bill?

All San Diegans should reach out to their senators and representatives today to reject this bill.

Now more than ever, it is critical for San Diegans to call their members of Congress and urge a bipartisan solution to ensure quality, affordable health care coverage  not this bill  prior to repealing or placing the Affordable Care Act. Insist on reforms that help patients  not hurt them. Insist on solutions that are inclusive, not divisive, that dont pit one group against another. Insist on an open, transparent process  not a secretive one.

Illness and disease dont discriminate. Health is not partisan.

Tuttle is president and CEO, Health Center Partners of Southern California.
California has a host of public policy issues that the state government hasnt done a good job addressing. But when it comes to criminal justice reform, the state has seen considerable progress in recent years, thanks to Gov. Jerry Brown and the state lawmakers who have figured out how counterproductive it is to impose punishments that have the effect of upending peoples lives.

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Now this insight has borne fruit again with Browns signing of legislation pushed by Sen. Robert Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, that will end the states practice of suspending residents drivers licenses because of unpaid traffic fines. In January, Brown and Hertzberg made the case that this often leads to people losing their jobs or being unable to go to school or to otherwise take care of family members. Instead of prodding people to pay their fines, the punishment often leaves them destitute and with worse life prospects.

This problem is especially acute in California because the Legislature has kept adding surcharges and fees to traffic tickets without consideration of what a burden this creates for poor people. A $35 ticket for failing to signal a lane change actually costs $238. This goes a long way toward explaining why, as of March, 488,000 Californians had suspended licenses.

Hertzberg has a related measure before the Legislature that would allow people to pay their traffic fines with community service. Heres hoping this bill and other humane, common sense reforms continue to advance in Sacramento and Washington.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
English Icelandic

In accordance with its publication schedule, on June 30 2017, S&P Global Ratings affirmed its 'A/A-1' long- and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on the Republic of Iceland. The stable outlook balances the potential for improvements in Icelands fiscal position against risks of the economy overheating during the next two years.
Marijuana use will not help our driving

Now that Americas Finest City has surpassed Los Angeles in the hotly contested worst drivers in U.S. contest (Analysis: S.D. drivers 5th worst in U.S., June 28), I can finally reconcile the loss of the Chargers and Clippers to the City of Angels.

But why stop there? With Sacramento ranking number one, we have a chance to move up the ladder.

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With recreational marijuana becoming available to Californians in the near future, only the skys the limit.

With three cities in the top six, legalizing marijuana virtually insures that drivers in these California cities will be fighting it out again for top rankings.

Paul Determan

Point Loma

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Mirror, mirror on the wall, whos funniest one of all? Bob Klein, according to the contest judges this week. Congrats, Bob! He will receive Steve Breens signed original in the mail. Thanks to all those who participated.

Next weeks cartoon is below. Please remember to limit your submissions to three and keep em brief. Good luck!

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Winner

Good luck explaining your dating website photo to her at lunch today. Bob Klein, La Mesa

Finalists

!AH AH. Jim Austin, Encinitas

The Fountain of Youth is definitely not in this sink. David McFeaters, Carlsbad

Congratulations! Youre eligible for Social Security. David Gee, San Diego

The conscious image mocks the image-conscious. Scott Tredwell, Advance, North Carolina

I see they finally drained the swamp. Wayne Zucker, Rancho Penasquitos

Good morning, Im your new image consultant. Karen Farrington, Alpine

Hey, buddy ... that was Preparation H on your toothbrush again. Mechelle Perrott, La Mesa

You bought Chargers season tickets? Dennis Romero, Ramona

Just remember, whatever you do is a reflection on me. Sara Mationg, San Diego

Your class reunion is tonight. Bob Klein, La Mesa

Your wife used your razor to shave her legs. Mary Rhoades, San Diego

Yes, mirrors dont lie ... and we also have a sense of humor. Pablo Garcia, Oceanside

Smile! Youre on Candid Twilight Zone. Dan Ostro, Imperial Beach

Mirror, mirror on the wall, whos not the hairiest of them all? Sujata Raman, San Diego

You were up all night trying to come up with a caption, werent you? Paul Dragos, San Diego



Next weeks cartoon

To enter, email entries to cartooncontest@sduniontribune.com by 10 a.m. Tuesday. Please remember to limit your submissions to three and keep em brief. View last weeks winners.
German lawmakers voted to legalize same-sex marriage on Friday despite continued opposition  and a no vote  from Chancellor Angela Merkel .

The approved bill allows couples who had been limited to civil unions to have full marital rights, including the ability to adopt children. It was approved 393 to 226 in parliament with four abstentions.

Progress is possible, tweeted Martin Schulz, leader of the second-largest party in the German parliament. Im happy for all the married couples-to-be.

Some members of parliament celebrated by throwing confetti in the air after the vote.

Heres what else you need to know about the historic decision in Germany.

Why now?

Civil partnerships for same-sex couples have been legal since 2001. But it wasnt until Merkel announced Monday that lawmakers could take up the issue as a question of conscience that the doors were open for a vote.

German lawmakers rushed to bring a vote after Merkels remarks.

"We will push through marriage equality in Germany," Schulz tweeted. "This week."

A YouGov poll taken earlier this month found that 66 percent of Germans supported gay marriage.

Others remain openly opposed.

To me it remains clear that same-sex partnership is not the same thing as a marriage. In our cultural circles, marriage has for centuries been a union between man and woman, said Volker Kauder, leader of the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union parliamentary group.

Why did Merkel vote against it?

Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has opposed same-sex marriage and she has long kept the party line.

"To me, marriage as defined in the German constitution means the marriage between husband and wife, and that is why I voted against the law today," she said on Friday.

Some wondered if the pressure of the upcoming election this fall in Germany had anything to do with her willingness to see a vote, as two parties in parliament had been unwilling to support her without a commitment to marriage for all.

"I hope that the vote today shows not only the mutual respect for different opinions, but that this also leads to more peace and social cohesion as well," she added.

Now what?

The bill still has to make it through Germanys Senate next week, but is expected to pass easily there.

Some conservative lawmakers argue that a constitutional change is required, but Germanys Minister of Justice Heiko Maas has said it was not absolutely necessary, according to The Washington Post. Legal challenges may follow.

The measure also needs to be signed by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, which appears as if it will happen. The first same-sex marriages could then be celebrated in the fall.

Germany will join more than a dozen European countries in legalizing same-sex marriage, including the U.K., France and Spain.

Do you have questions about Germanys vote or history with same-sex marriage youd like answered? Drop us a note in the comment section or on Twitter at @sdutideas, and we may update our post.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
While much attention has been placed on the drama President Donald Trump stirred up with his tweets this week, his administration has taken at least three significant steps to underscore the displeasure Chinas relationship with North Korea has caused the United States.

For a while, the U.S. appeared to be relying on China to intervene in North Koreas provocative missile tests in the region. But there are signs that patience may be running out, only starting with Trumps tweet on June 20 that such intervention has 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!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 20, 2017

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The big shift came within 10 days of that tweet when his administration put China on notice with three major announcements.

1. Human trafficking

First, the state department on Tuesday downgraded China to the list of worst human trafficking offenders in the world, a category that includes countries like North Korea, Iran, Syria and Russia.

The reason? State Secretary Rex Tillerson said some 50,000 to 80,000 North Koreans are subject to forced labor in China and Russia, and that China has not taken serious steps to end its own complicity in trafficking.

Related: Why U.S. named China one of worst human trafficking offenders in world

China responded, saying that no country has the right to speak irresponsibly on Chinas domestic affairs.

China responds angrily to reports U.S. will blacklist it over human trafficking - Reuters' Michael Martina reports from Beijing pic.twitter.com/V7g5LNSl5M  Reuters TV (@ReutersTV) June 27, 2017

2. Arms sales to Taiwan

Two days later on Thursday, the U.S. said it planned sell $1.42 billion worth of weapons to Taiwan, a move that seems to further validate its independence and goes against the wishes of China.

The deal includes sale of high speed anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and missile components as well as technical support for early warning radar systems, Reuters reported. The president of Taiwan expressed her gratitude on Twitter.

China also responded, saying that the arms deal contradicts a consensus Trump reportedly reached with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they met in Florida back in April.

3. Sanctions against Chinese bank

Also on Thursday, the Treasury Department blacklisted a Chinese bank accused of facilitating millions of dollars worth of transactions for companies supplying North Koreas missile programs, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

So whats that mean? The sanctions bar Americans from doing business with Bank of Dandong, which is based on a border city with North Korea. The sanctions are meant to cut North Korea off from the U.S. financial system, Mnuchin said, adding that they are in no way targeting China with these actions.

Treasury Sec. Mnuchin on sanctions: "This is not directed at China, this is directed at a bank as well as individuals and entities in China" pic.twitter.com/OE0uE8AyaV  ABC News (@ABC) June 29, 2017

China again responded, saying that it opposes the sanctions.

We strongly urge the United States to immediately correct its relevant wrong moves to avoid affecting bilateral cooperation on the relevant issue, said Lu Kang, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry.

Are steel tariffs the next step?

During the campaign, Trump criticized U.S. trade with China and accused the country of currency manipulation. And while that rhetoric took a backseat after he became president, Trump is reported to be hell bent on increasing tariffs on steel imports from China, Axios reported.

While no official decision has been reached, the U.S. could raise tariffs on steel  as well as aluminum, semiconductors, paper and some appliances  in the coming days, the site reported.

Experts are already lining up saying it could trigger a trade war that could have wider reprecussions.

A Trump decision to start a trade war over steel, aluminum & 'national security' could be cataclysmic | My explainer https://t.co/FcFd0YWg5V  Chad P. Bown (@ChadBown) June 30, 2017

trade war triggered by US steel tariffs could be fast track to raising prices, ending 7-year economic expansion, increasing unemployment  John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) June 30, 2017

Potus on verge of initiating trade war with steel tariffs, a move that could threaten success of his presidency more than ill-advised tweets  Richard N. Haass (@RichardHaass) June 30, 2017

Have some thoughts to share?

Join me in a conversation: Shoot me a private email with your thoughts or ideas on a different approach to this story. As always, you can also send us a tweet.

Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @RunGomez

Read The Conversation on Flipboard.
The following is a rebuttal to Steve Yankes last two articles in the Ramona Sentinel. I dont want to get into a hostile debate, but I do believe its important to respond with research and reminders.

Regarding the most recent commentary, Assuming Guilt without all the Facts, my response can be summed up in three words: Gianforte admitted it. There is no question that he accosted the reporter, sending him to the hospital. And to use your analogy  was [Gianforte] crying? The focus of my article is on Duncan Hunters response to the incident and his remarks regarding the assault  Its not appropriate behavior, unless he deserves it. These words will be remembered at the polls in 2018.

Now, regarding the commentary on the Paris climate agreement, you and the president, according to many conservative economists and scientists, have it wrong.

According to Fortune 500 Magazine, in an article by Kevin Lui on May 31, Major U.S. corporations and leading business figures [were] raising an eleventh-hour appeal to President Donald Trump, urging him to not pull the country out of the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.

While Trump cites the report by the National Economic Research Associates (NERA) study to defend his argument that the agreement is bad for the U.S. economy, a closer well-researched examination of this study shows Trump is cherry picking worst-case scenarios that dont take in the increase in jobs and GDP gains through renewable technologies.

As reported by Politifact.com, Yale professor Kenneth Gillingham said the NERA model tends to result in higher costs than other economic models. The study assumes certain hypothetical regulations, but one could easily model other actions with much lower costs, and it also ignores the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, like avoiding the negative effects of climate change.

According to USA Today, Trumps decision to exit the Paris climate agreement is likely to give a small and immediate uptick in the oil and coal industry (appeal to his base), but economists and energy experts warn that dropping out of the international pact might restrict the countrys ability to financially capitalize on the international shift to renewable resources. The world is hungry for cheap energy and leaving this opportunity as a global leader jeopardizes opportunities in new technologies which China and other countries are more than eager to jump on. We no longer have a seat at the negotiating table.

In an article by CNN Money, Marc Hafstead, a fellow at Resources for the Future, a think tank that concentrates on energy issues, conducted his own study, which found that the Paris deal wouldnt cause much of a net change in jobs, since losses in sectors such as coal would be balanced by job gains in alternative energy. The NERA study grossly overstates the changes in output and jobs in heavy industry, he said.

The bottom line is that Trump, like Hunter, only cares to appeal to his base, not all of the people he serves. Coal has been an industry in decline for decades, while renewable technologies are the future, our childrens future. When do I get my nickels worth? I want bipartisan leadership with the concerns of everyone in mind. I want leadership that my children can look up to, not a lying president and a Congressional representative whos under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice. Gee, are my standards too high?

Susan Conrad is a Ramona resident.
Lane McIntyres world stopped in March 1980.

McIntyre, then 23, came home from his third-shift job to the one-bedroom apartment in Columbus he shared with his 18-year-old wife, Marilyn. Hed saved her from an abusive foster father and married her when she was 17.

Ive never felt that strong of love since. It was pure, he said Thursday. Marilyn was a living angel.

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But his angel was dead. A knife stuck out of her chest. Her skull had been fractured. Her neck was bruised from being strangled. A coroner later reported evidence of traumatic sexual contact.

Their 3-month-old son, Christopher, lay sleeping, untouched, in his crib. Lane McIntyre managed to call his mother, who called police. As five officers pushed past him into the apartment, he remembered, my brain didnt want to believe what I was seeing.

Since that day, McIntyre watched his life crumble. Two more marriages dissolved. His son, now 29, doesnt speak to him. Through it all, the murder hung over him like a shadow.

Youre darn right Im angry, he said.

On Tuesday, detectives acting on new DNA evidence arrested McIntyres longtime friend Curtis Forbes in connection with Marilyn McIntyres death.

Forbes, 51, of Randolph, remains in the Columbia County Jail. District Attorney Jane Kohlwey said charges could come on Monday but that she hasnt decided what specific counts to file.

Authorities typically can hold a person for only 48 hours without an initial court appearance, but Kohlwey said a judge has granted the jail permission to hold Forbes beyond that.

Kohlwey said Thursday that Forbes hadnt retained a lawyer yet. The Baraboo public defenders office, which handles Columbia County cases, said Forbes hadnt asked for representation. Public defender Mark Gumz said he hasnt been allowed to see Forbes.

For Lane McIntyre, now 52, the arrest has generated a mix of vindication and anger. He now lives in Beaver Dam, a city of 15,000 about 40 miles northeast of Madison and a dozen miles from Columbus, where Marilyn McIntyre was killed.

Sitting on the porch of his apartment Thursday, he recounted meeting Marilyn when she was 16.

He said she had bounced from foster home to foster home, but she still cared about other people. He remembered collecting donations for UNICEF with her one Halloween and how she wouldnt let him stop, even when he grew tired.

He said he helped her flee from an abusive foster father, and that was when she decided to marry him.

Hes known Forbes since grade school. They were mortal enemies, he said, always getting into fights until they finally became friends in high school.

But Forbes abused his girlfriend, McIntyre said, and the girlfriend turned to Marilyn McIntyre for help.

The girlfriend left Forbes a week before the killing, he said. He theorized that Forbes stopped at the McIntyre apartment looking for the girlfriend. According to court documents, Lane McIntyre told investigators the day after the murder that Forbes should be their prime suspect.

But the investigation went nowhere. Meanwhile, Lane McIntyre said, people talked about him, wondered if he did it.

His son told the Wisconsin State Journal in 2008 that stories about his father being involved in his mothers death were a big factor in their estrangement. No phone listing for Christopher McIntyre could be found Thursday.

In 2007, the state crime lab matched DNA from the McIntyre apartment to hair samples Forbes gave police in 1980. The body was exhumed in March 2008 for collection of more evidence.

This past February detectives interviewed an informant, unnamed so far in court documents, who said he witnessed a conversation between Forbes and Forbes son around 2002. Forbes began talking about how he took a wifes friend home from a bar and she didnt breathe anymore that night.

Now Lane McIntyre, bitter and angry, is looking for payback from those who thought he killed his wife. He wants to write a book about the murder and the way people are in a small town.

He chose to stay in Wisconsin because an innocent man doesnt run, he said. If the book sells, though, he hopes to retire someplace far away.

I want to go where nobody knows me, where I dont have to defend myself, and live the rest of my days in peace, he said. I have a right to be happy. I didnt do anything wrong.
Nashville, TN, June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Colombia Gold Corp. announced today that it has raised the first phase of capital to devote to its coal mining project. This capital will be utilized to begin mobilizing equipment and to start the first phase of reclamation work on the Companys newly acquired lease in Clay County Kentucky.



Additionally, after retaining Ikerd Natural Resources to lead the operations for the Clay County lease, the Company has announced that Wes Johnson, who is currently running the coal division, will be taking over as CEO of First Columbia Gold Corp., as the Company shifts to a full focus on coal. Jason Castenir, the previous CEO will be taking a consulting role and continuing to assist the Company with the shift from the fuel sector to the mining sector.



"We are excited to finally move from planning and preparation toward implementation of our project", stated outgoing CEO Jason Castenir. "Our goal is for this to snowball and as we devote more resources to the coal mining, the projects can grow."



I am excited, just very excited to have the opportunity to lead First Columbia in this new direction within the coal industry and I am really grateful to be a part of this team. We have been in the process for the past two months of assembling the best and most capable team within the coal industry to make sure we are operating effectively and for a profit, stated Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson continued, Mr. Castenir has been terrific to work with and I am excited to continue to work with him and the entire team to move this project forward.



Mr. Castenir commented, When we committed to this path back in April I knew that my limited experience within the mining and coal industries was going to be something we had to overcome in order for this to be a profitable venture. We as a team just felt like the timing was right to move someone into the executive position that had more experience and could ensure profitability in the long term. I couldnt be more thrilled for the Company and the shareholders. We are finally ready to start this project. I am thankful I can still play a role and continue to do my part to make this company a success.



The Company will be providing an update on timing and forecast production benchmarks by the end of July. This will allow the Company to have the next thirty days on the ground to really see how quickly the reclamation process is going and determine the next steps as it pertains to extraction and logistics for production.



Investor Inquiries:

Website: www.FCGDcorp.com



Email: info@firstcolombiagoldcorp.com



Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FirstColombiaGold



Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/FCGDCorp



Disclaimer

This release contains forward-looking statements that are based on beliefs of First Colombia Gold Corp. management and reflect First Colombia Gold Corp.'s current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When we use in this release the words "estimate," "project," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "plan," "predict," "may," "should," "will," "can," the negative of these words, or such other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, are all intended to identify forward looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of First Colombia Gold Corp. with respect to future events based on currently available information and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties pertaining to development of mining properties, changes in economic conditions and other risks, uncertainties and factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievement expressed or implied by such forward looking statements to differ materially from the forward looking statements. The information contained in this press release is historical in nature, has not been updated, and is current only to the date shown in this press release. This information may no longer be accurate and therefore you should not rely on the information contained in this press release. To the extent permitted by law, First Colombia Gold Corp. and its employees, agents and consultants exclude all liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance on, any such information, whether or not caused by any negligent act or omission. This press release incorporates by reference the Company's filings with the SEC including 10K, 10Q, 8K reports and other filings. Investors are encouraged to review all filings. There is no assurance First Colombia Gold Corp. will identify projects of merit or if it will have sufficient financing to implement its business plan. There is no assurance that the Company's due diligence on the potential acquisition of oil and gas assets will be favorable nor that definitive terms can be negotiated. Information in this release includes representations from the private companies referred to which has not been independently verified by the company. A downturn in oil prices would affect the potential profitability of the proposed acquisition negatively.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division joined elected officials and community leaders on Thursday to dedicate the 15th house shipyard volunteers have constructed in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg since 2002.



Thursdays ribbon-cutting welcomed Tanya Johnson and her childrenShane, Sadie and Charlesto their new home. In attendance were State Sen. Mamie Locke; State Del. Marcia Price; Newport News Vice Mayor Tina L. Vick; Newport News City Councilman Bert Bateman; Karen Wilds, executive director, Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority; Janet V. Green, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg; and Karen Joyner, CEO, Virginia Peninsula Food Bank.

It is so inspiring to have a company like Newport News Shipbuilding not only provide the funds for their 15th Habitat home, but also have their incredible employees actually come out every year to help build the home, Green said. We are so grateful for their support and the positive ripple effects they have made in our communities.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file?fid=595676fb2cfac23b9c77a5b6.

Brian Fields, Newport News vice president of integrated planning and production control, spoke on behalf of the shipyard and presented the house keys and a plaque to the Johnson family. The home is about 1,200 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

At Newport News Shipbuilding, we pride ourselves on the quality of ships we build, and what you can see here is a quality house, Fields said. Turning to Johnson, he added, Building a house is one thing; turning it into a home is something else. Now thats your job.  Congratulations.

Johnson works for the City of Newport News Human Services Department and said she is committed to taking care of her new home after working alongside volunteers for months to build it. We are truly blessed, she said while thanking the homebuilders. There was love behind it. We built this together.

Newport News volunteer Jeremy Scicchitano has participated in about 10 Habitat for Humanity projects. He said he is proud to help families experience that same feeling of connectedness in the community that he felt when he bought his first home.

Huntington Ingalls Industries is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HIIs Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HIIs Technical Solutions division provides a wide range of professional services through its Fleet Support, Integrated Missions Solutions, Nuclear & Environmental, and Oil & Gas groups. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs nearly 37,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit:
Seattle, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/30/2017 -- The report "Hyperloop Technology Market by Components (Capsule, Tube, and Propulsion system), Transportation Type (Passenger and Freight), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Russia) - Global Forecast to 2026", The hyperloop technology market is expected to be valued at USD 1.35 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 6.34 Billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 47.20% between 2022 and 2026.



Browse 9 market data tables and 5 figures spread through 79 pages and in-depth TOC on "Hyperloop Technology Market - Global Forecast to 2026"



Download PDF Brochure @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=87164486



Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports.



The increasing global demand for fastest and cheapest mode of transportation, less expensive and easier-to-build infrastructure, transportation type with less land area requirement, and technology that is not vulnerable to earthquakes and other natural calamities are some of the significant drivers for the growth of the hyperloop technology market.



Passenger Transportation is expected to lead the hyperloop technology market



Passenger transportation is expected to hold the largest share of the hyperloop technology market between 2022 and 2026. The transportation types include cargo/freight transportation and passenger transportation. Passenger transportation has the largest share of the overall hyperloop technology market owing to its extensive benefits in transportation industry. Hyperloop offers a fastest mode of passenger transport compared to current available transportation options such as train, airplane, etc. The cost of hyperloop travel is expected to be low compared to airplanes or bullet train that will attract more population. For instance, hyperloop travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco will take 30 minutes compared to 6 hours of road journey, with the ticket cost much less than the cost of an airplane ticket.



Hyperloop technology is first expected to be commercialized in Dubai by 2022



The first operational hyperloop route is expected to be built between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The reason is the ongoing development in the construction of hyperloop routes in the country. Support from local government, capital investors, and others play a major role in commercialization of hyperloop in the region.



Hyperloop technology is expected to commercialize in US by 2023



Hyperloop technology in the US is expected to commercialize by 2023. The first operational hyperloop can be built between Los Angeles and California. Hyperloop One Global Challenge (HOGC) shortlisted 11 teams from the US to present hyperloop route plans that might be developed after the feasibility check in the respective regions. Government approval, hyperloop technology development companies in the region, and capital investments play a major role in hyperloop development in the US.



Report Details @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/hyperloop-technology-market-87164486.html



Hyperloop technology is expected to commercialize in Slovakia and Czech Republic by 2024



Slovakia and Czech Republic are expected to see the operational hyperloop by 2024. The hyperloop route is expected to be built between Brno (Czech Republic), Vienna (Austria), and Bratislava (Slovakia). HTT have received government approvals from both the countries to check the hyperloop route feasibility, which is boosting the hyperloop route development in the region. After the feasibility study in these countries, actual construction will be initiated, which is expected to be completed by 2024.



Some of the major players in the hyperloop technology market are Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (US), Hyperloop One (US), TransPod Inc. (Canada), and SpaceX (US) among others.



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Kanagawa, Japan -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/29/2017 -- Japan's Utagawa Coloring Books launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to preserve and spread the culture of Ukiyo-e through amazing coloring books. The project has been initiated by the last member of the Utagawa Family which began in Edo Period. Japan has a rich cultural heritage that is full of art and for the art lovers from around the world, these coloring books will offer a great insight to the rich Japanese heritage that is colorful and artistic.



Now welcoming everyone for support, the project has been started with an aim and mission to pass on this beautiful Japanese culture and legacy of the Edo Period to the next generations. Moreover, several great rewards have been offered to the backers, supporters and donors of this project on Indiegogo. From the coloring book itself to postcards, stickers, coloring book value set and even a coloring book with the supporter's name printed on it, the creator of this campaign is offering great perks and rewards.



The Indiegogo Campaign is located on the web at: www.indiegogo.com/projects/japan-s-utagawa-coloring-books-anime-japan and it offers several pledges with the above mentioned rewards and more. Backers can support this project from $30 to $3000 and claim get their rewards that will be shipped worldwide.



About Japan's Utagawa Coloring Books

Japan's Utagawa Coloring Books are a true reflection of the rich Japanese culture from the Edo Period. Started by the last surviving member of the Utagawa Family of that great period, the coloring books offer great artwork and an insight to that glorious era in the Japanese history. The project is now seeking generous support on Indiegogo and everyone from around the world is welcome to support it.



Contact:

Contact Person: Fumie Kurokawa

Company: Oiran Japan

Address: Honmokuwada, Yokohama, Naka-ku, Kanagawa, Japan

Phone: 81-45-623-2299

Email: utagawa14@icloud.com

Website: www.indiegogo.com/projects/japan-s-utagawa-coloring-books-anime-japan
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/30/2017 -- This report on the capnography equipment market studies the current and future scenario of the Latin America (LATAM) market. Capnography is a technique used to monitor the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the respiratory gases. The technology is also used for the diagnosis of respiratory diseases. Stakeholders for this report include the companies engaged in manufacturing, distribution and marketing of capnography equipment and new entrants, who are planning to invest in the capnography equipment market.



Request For Sample Report: http://www.mrrse.com/sample/382



An executive summary section of this report comprises market snapshot which summarizes market analysis about various segments of the capnography equipment market. It also provides data analysis and information about the LATAM capnography equipment market with respect to segments based on the products, capnograph types, end-use, hospital rooms and applications.



Based on products, the capnography equipment market has been segmented into two major categories: capnographs and disposables. Capnographs segment has been further segmented into three categories: mainstream capnographs, sidestream capnographs, and micro stream capnographs. Based on end-use, the market has been categorized into three segments: hospitals, ambulatory, and others. Hospitals segment has been further differentiated on the basis of hospital rooms into five segments including operating room, intensive care units, emergency rooms, post-anesthesia care unit and general care floor. Furthermore, based on applications, the capnography equipment market has been segmented into procedural sedation, anesthetics, diagnosis and monitoring of patients and others. The market size and forecast for all the segments is estimated in terms of USD million for the period 2014 to 2021. The report also provides the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) for each market segment for the forecast period from 2015 to 2021, considering 2014 as the base year. The volume for capnographs types is also estimated in terms of number of units for the period 2011 to 2021.



Send An Enquiry: http://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/382



On the basis of countries, the capnography equipment market has been categorized into five segments: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Rest of the LATAM. The market size and forecast for each of these countries has been provided for the period 2014 to 2021, along with their respective CAGRs for the forecast period 2014 to 2021, considering 2014 as the base year.



A detailed qualitative analysis of factors responsible for driving and restraining the growth of the market and future opportunities have been provided in the market overview section. Porter's five forces analysis is also explained in this section to understand the attractiveness of the capnography equipment market in Latin America considering five different parameters that have an effect on the sustainability of the companies. The parameters bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, the threat of new entrant, the threat of substitutes and competitive rivalry are explained in detail. All these factors will help the market players to take strategic decisions which will assist them in expanding their market share and strengthening their positions in the global capnography equipment market. The competitive scenario is analyzed through heat map of major market players in the competitive landscape section of the report. The presence of the major market players across different product types is analyzed in this section of the report.



A list of recommendations has been provided for new entrants as well as existing market players to assist them in taking strategic initiatives to establish a strong presence in the market. The report also profiles major players in the capnography equipment market based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. Major players profiled in this report include Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Masimo Corporation, Medtronic, Inc., Nihon Kohden Corporation, Nonin Medical, Inc., Philips Healthcare, Smiths Medical, and Welch Allyn, Inc.



Browse Full Report With TOC: http://www.mrrse.com/latin-america-capnography-equipment-market



The capnography equipment market in Latin America has been segmented into the following:



LATAM Capnography Equipment Market, by Products



Capnographs

Mainstream Capnography

Sidestream Capnography

Microstream Capnography

Disposables



LATAM Capnography Equipment Market, by End-users



Hospitals

Operating Room

Intensive Care Units

Emergency Rooms

Post-anesthesia Care Unit

General Care Floor

Ambulatory

Others



LATAM Capnography Equipment Market, by Applications



Procedural Sedation

Anesthetics

Diagnosis and Monitoring of Patients

Others



LATAM Capnography Equipment Market, by Countries



Brazil

Mexico

Argentina

Colombia

Rest of LATAM



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Palm cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus) not only play the drums, they craft the sticks too, according to new research from scientists in Australia.

The palm cockatoo is a large smoky-grey or black parrot found in Australia and New Guinea.

It is one of the largest parrots, ranging from 49 to 68 cm in height. It weighs 500 g to 1.1 kg, with females ranging from 500 to 950 g and males ranging from 540 g to 1.1 kg.

Also known as the Cape York cockatoo, the great palm cockatoo, the black macaw, the goliath cockatoo or the great black cockatoo, the palm cockatoo is also one of the loudest parrot species, making loud whistling calls.

Another way palm cockatoos communicate is by stomping noisily on a perch. They use modified sticks or seedpods to strike a hollow tree limb and create a loud noise that can be heard up to 100 m away.

The new findings, published in the journal Science Advances, show that the palm cockatoo drumming shares the key rudiments of human instrumental music, including manufacture of a sound tool, performance in a consistent context, regular beat production, repeated components, and individual styles.

While songbirds and whales can belt out a musical tune, few species recognize a beat, said lead author Rob Heinsohn, professor at the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University.

But the shy and elusive palm cockatoo, iconic to Cape York Peninsula in far North Queensland, Australia, plays the drums and crafts the sticks.

According to the researchers, the palm cockatoo drumming is part of the species courtship ritual that involves a lot of calls and movements to attract a mate.

The large smoky-grey parrots fashion thick sticks from branches, grip them with their feet and bang them on trunks and tree hollows, all the while displaying to females, Prof. Heinsohn said.

The icing on the cake is that the taps are almost perfectly spaced over very long sequences, just like a human drummer would do when holding a regular beat.

He said the palm cockatoos ability to drum has been known for a long time but this is the first research to secure the footage to analyze it.

This was slowly acquired over the seven year study by patiently stalking the birds through the rainforest with a video camera.

The team recorded vocal and drumming displays by 18 wild male palm cockatoos in Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park and surrounding aboriginal freehold lands on Cape York Peninsula.

Over 131 drumming sequences produced by 18 males, the beats occurred at nonrandom, regular intervals, yet individual males differed significantly in the shape parameters describing the distribution of their beat patterns, indicating individual drumming styles, the scientists said.

Some males were consistently fast, some were slow, while others loved a little flourish at the beginning, Prof. Heinsohn said.

Such individual styles might allow other birds to recognize who it is drumming from a long way away.

_____

Robert Heinsohn et al. 2017. Tool-assisted rhythmic drumming in palm cockatoos shares key elements of human instrumental music. Science Advances 3 (6): e1602399; doi: 10.1126/sciadv.1602399
Simple mud concrete bricks provide the most affordable and sustainable houses in the tropics, a Sri-Lankan study suggests.

Comparisons of four different types of walling materials revealed that mud concrete bricks have the lowest environmental impact and keep houses cool. They are also the cheapest, and easiest to dispose of once a house is knocked down.

Researchers compared mud concrete bricks with red bricks (modern fired clay bricks), hollow cement blocks and Cabook, the Sri Lankan name for bricks made from laterite soil, which are common in the tropics. The goal of the study was to find out which types of walling material are the most suitable for constructing affordable houses in the tropics, where population density and poverty are generally high.

The sustainability of buildings and housing construction is essential to save lives and prevent inadequate living conditions. Christophe Lalande

Why spend more money and destroy the environment more? asks Rangika Halwatura, a civil engineer at the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka, and one of the authors of the paper.

Mud concrete bricks are made from soil in the same way as traditional mud bricks, but contain gravel and sand to improve their strength. The researchers looked at the carbon footprint of all four walling materials, and found that mud concrete bricks were the most environmentally friendly to produce and dispose of.

To check on thermal conductivity the researchers built one-square-metre model houses of the different walling types. Here, they found that red brick kept a house coolest, but mud concrete bricks performed almost as well.

Mud concrete bricks were also found to be the cheapest, at less than US$1,000 in Sri Lanka for an average-sized house, whereas red bricks cost nearly US$3,500.

Mud concrete bricks are widely used in other tropical countries but novel in Sri Lanka. They are popular because they are easy to make and therefore cheap, says Hurryson Moshi, a civil engineer in Tanzania. However, Moshi points out that as people grow wealthier they prefer the red bricks and cement blocks, as these are associated with higher socio-economic status.

Red Brick (modern fired brick), Cement (Hollow Cement Blocks), Cabook (laterite soil brick), Mud (mud concrete brick). Adapted from a graphic Udawattha and Halwatura, with permission.

Moshi agrees with the studys findings but says that other considerations, such as aesthetics, and symbols of modernity or social status, influence peoples choice of materials. Future studies should also take into account other sources of environmental damage such as deforestation (to produce timber to fire the bricks) or excavation of soil, he added.

In 2015, the government of Sri Lanka launched a programme to build 150,000 houses for the poor. This triggered the researchers idea to compare the different types of brick.

According to the United Nations, more than 850 million people around the world live in inadequate slum housing.

According to Christophe Lalande, leader of the UN-Habitats Housing Unit, poor neighbourhoods in developing countries are often the most affected by climate change and natural hazards such as storms and rising temperatures.

The sustainability of buildings and housing construction, being adapted to the local environment, is essential to save lives or prevent inadequate living conditions, he says.
Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited (the "Company")

a closed-ended investment company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registration number 45582

Ending of the liquidity contract with Exane

The liquidity contract signed on August 13, 2008 with Exane has been terminated by Boussard Gavaudan Holding Limited (BGHL).

The liquidity contract has not been active since 2012.

The following assets appeared on the liquidity account in June 2017:

322,842 shares of BGHL, and

176,975.98 euros in cash.

As a reminder on December 31 2016, the following assets appeared on the liquidity account

322,842 shares of BGHL, and

177,076.61 euros in cash.

The shares hold by the liquidity contract will be cancelled. The cash will return to BGHL account.

For further information please contact:

Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP

Emmanuel Gavaudan

+44 20 3751 5389

JTC Fund Solutions (Guernsey) Limited

Secretary

+44 (0) 1481 702400

30 June 2017

Website : www.bgholdingltd.com

The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has received the necessary approval of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and the States of Guernsey Policy Council. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the "Shares") are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc's main market for listed securities.

This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

Neither the Company nor BG Fund Plc has been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

You should always bear in mind that:

all investment is subject to risk;

results in the past are no guarantee of future results;

the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and

if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.
Alaska Airlines is hosting a flight like no other. On August 21, the company is giving a select group of stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts the chance to view "The Great American Eclipse" from 35,000 feet.

According to a company press release, the flight is set to depart from Portland at 7:30 a.m. and then fly off the coast of Oregon, giving passengers a once-in-a-lifetime view.

While the flight is invitation-only, Alaska Airlines is choosing one lucky fan and a guest a chance to win a seat on the flight. The contest will begin on July 21 via Alaska Airlines' social media accounts.

"As an airline, we are in a unique position to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for astronomy enthusiasts," said Sangita Woerner, Alaska's vice president of marketing. "Flying high above the Pacific Ocean will not only provide one of the first views, but also one of the best."

"The Great American Eclipse" will be the first solar eclipse of its kind since 1918.

The Best Places To See The 2017 Eclipse

Aside from the cockpit of the Alaska Airlines jet, there are plenty of locations to get a great view of the eclipse. According to The Great American Eclipse website, the 10 best places to view the eclipse include Madras, Oregon at 10:19 a.m., Snake River Valley, Idaho at 11:33 a.m., Casper, Wyoming at 11:42 a.m., the Sandhills of western Nebraska at 11:49 a.m., St. Joseph, Missouri at 1:06 p.m., Carbondale, Illinois at 1:20 p.m., Hopkinsville, Kentucky at 1:24 p.m., Nashville, Tennessee at 1:27 p.m., the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 2:35 p.m., and Columbia, South Carolina at 2:43 p.m.

What Is A Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon looks as though it's completely covering the disk of the sun.

A total eclipse comprises five phases - the partial eclipse, where the moon becomes visible over the sun's disk, the beginning of the total eclipse, when the entire disk of the sun is covered by the moon, totality and maximum eclipse, when only the sun's corona is visible, the end of the total eclipse, when the moon begins to slowly move away, and the partial eclipse end, when the moon is out of the sun's way completely.
Men who are constantly exposed to noises from busy streets or even loud air conditioners should be warned. These factors can increase the likelihood of male infertility.

Scientists from Seoul National University in Korea said that it is important for men to consider noise in the assessment of their environmental conditions, as these contribute significantly to their fertility. The team found that exposure to night noise level 55 dB or the equivalent is linked to the increase in infertility.

In a study that analyzed over 206,000 men aged 20-59, levels of noise exposure were calculated using information from the National Noise Information System. In the eight years that the study was covered, 3,293 were found to be infertile. After adjusting data for variables, they found that the chances of being infertile were significantly higher in men who were exposed to noise over 55 dB at night.

This is not too surprising. According to India Today, noise has been linked to multiple health problems including heart disease and mental illness. It has even been shown to change social behavior and interfere with one's ability to complete complex tasks.

On the other hand, women who are exposed to noise often also experience birth-related problems, including premature birth, spontaneous abortion and even congenital malformations. Dr. Jin-Young Min of the Seoul National University noted that infertility is a significant public health issue due to the unexpected adverse effects it has on a person's health and quality of life.

Noise exposure has actually been proven to have an effect on male infertility in animals, but it is only with their research that they managed to show the risk of environmental problem as a factor in male infertility as well. A report by Science Daily noted that infertility problems affect one in six couples at least once in their lifetime. While this issue could be temporary or permanent, a variety of causes also influences infertility such as genetic abnormalities, infectious diseases, environmental agents and even other behaviors.
A strange animal that last lived 12,0000 years ago during the Ice Age had mystified evolutionary scientist Charles Darwin. Now, the animal has finally been identified and found its place in the tree of life.

According to Science Alert, an international team of researchers analyzed the mitochondrial DNA extracted from the animals fossil discovered in a southern Chile cave. On the basis of their study, the researchers categorized the animal as Macrauchenia that belonged to a sister group Perissodactyla, thereby placing the strange mammal in its correct evolutionary context. The Perissodactyla group itself includes tapirs, rhinos, zebras and horses. Macrauchenias lineage split from modern perissodactyls about 66 million years ago, during the time dinosaurs went extinct.

The animal looked like a bulky and humpless camel that had a long neck like a llama and its nose was a short trunk. The scientists have, however, pointed out that they still do not know if the nose had developed into an actual trunk like an elephants or was more similar to that of a tapirs. Irrespective of what the trunk looked like, according to the research team, the animal would not have resembled any living animal today.

Incidentally, Darwin had discovered the fossil of this creature, along with many other extinct animals, and categorized them as the South American native ungulates in 1834. The fossils were then handed over to British palaeontologist Richard Owen. However, neither of the two could classify the animal to a distinct mammal lineage or identify a modern-day counterpart. Moreover, the scientists only had the vertebrae and a few limb bones to carry forward the identification process.

"I'm pleased to see that our ancient protein results for Macrauchenia are verified using this advancement in ancient DNA alignments of a deeply diverged mammal without close modern relatives," researcher Frido Welker said, as CNN reported. "Overcoming the absence of a close relative while achieving a near-complete mitochondrial genome is impressive."
The Supreme Court's decision to allow portions of President Trump's travel ban to proceed is a much-needed victory for the administration.

The high court ruled that those "who lack any bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States" could be denied entry into the United States. The ban targets those from six majority-Muslim countries, halting entry until "extreme vetting" can be conducted.

In doing so the unanimous court affirmed  at least temporarily, pending a full hearing on the case in the fall  a president's constitutional authority to determine whether people seeking admittance to the United States pose a threat to our safety and security.

The court also handed down a second victory, striking a blow against the decades-long discrimination against religious institutions, which the courts have treated as separate and unequal. More about that in a moment.

At the Constitutional Convention in 1787 in Philadelphia, James Madison spoke to the heart of the immigration issue when he said the goal was "to invite foreigners of merit and republican principles among us. America was indebted to emigration for her settlement and prosperity." Do potential immigrants from the six nations meet this standard? That's what the vetting hopes to discover.

Some key phrases in the court's ruling will need further definition in the next court term. The court said immigrants from these six countries will need a job offer, proof of admission to an educational program or a close family connection in order to be exempt from the 90-day travel ban, or the overall 120-day immigration pause.

What constitutes a close family connection? Would first or second cousins qualify? Suppose a family member is already in the country but on a terrorist watch list and his brother wants in? Would that be OK? What if the job offer is from a group with ties to terrorism? Would that undermine the purpose of the temporary ban?

Perhaps these questions will be sorted out when the court hears the full case. This decision is significant because it overturned lower court rulings, which had found even the president's modified executive order unconstitutional based largely on his campaign rhetoric and not the Constitution. It offers hope that the delays will be upheld as a proper exercise of presidential authority.

The other case involved Trinity Lutheran Church in Missouri, which applied for a grant from a state-run program to resurface its playground. Missouri denied the application, saying that as a religious institution the church wasn't entitled to state funds. The court ruled, however, that the state's policy violated the church's right to free exercise of its religion. Many people believe the ruling could widen the legal understanding of the First Amendment's "free exercise" clause, which has taken a beating since the 1960s, beginning with the outlawing of prayer in public schools.

While especially conservative Christians will find much to celebrate in this ruling, there are reasons to be cautious. Couldn't radical Muslims use this case to appeal for taxpayer dollars to help build Islamic schools, even mosques?

Another caution should come from history. When taxpayer money is involved, the government frequently seeks to assert itself by regulation and the limitation of speech and activities that go against a secular worldview. In the end, the Lutheran school might have protected itself against such intrusions by raising the money privately.

Still, even with these caveats, the court's two rulings mark a welcome setback to the open borders crowd and those secular progressives who view the expression of any religious view in the public square the way a vampire views a cross. It has been a curiosity of mine that some people believe using God's name as a curse word is speech protected by the Constitution, while claiming the opposite when it comes to speaking well of the deity at a commencement ceremony.

Perhaps the justices will try to split that legal atom in a future ruling.
TORONTO, June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nutritional High International Inc. (the "Company" or "Nutritional High") (CSE:EAT) (OTCQB:SPLIF) (Frankfurt:2NU) is pleased to announce its financial and operational results for the three and nine month period ended April 30, 2017.



CEO Commentary

Jim Frazier, CEO of Nutritional High comments:

"Our results for the nine months reflect relentless efforts by our management, staff and board in the successful completion of numerous financings, allowing the Company to expand its footprint from Illinois to Colorado, Nevada and Oregon, through acquisitions, joint ventures and direct investments.

"Weve made significant progress on the product and branding side, which includes a successful roll-out of first product line in the State of Colorado, an acquisition of rights to the Dab Stick technology and full-scale launch of our in-house FLI Brand. Were very pleased with the progress that Palo Verde, our licensed tenant in Pueblo, CO, continues to make with regard to market penetration and streamlining production capabilities, and we look forward to continuing to work with them as their team gears up to roll-out additional product lines including FLI edibles, additional FLI extract product lines and premium extract product lines.

"We also would like to note a few key points with respect to financial statements:

The accounting treatment for our Illinois dispensary  The Clinic Effingham is done using the equity method of accounting, and its financial performance is not consolidated with the overall financial statements of the Company. Please refer to Note 20 to the financial statements for financial performance of NHMD, which owns 50% of The Clinic Effingham, and Notes 2 and 11 (ii) for more information on this treatment. We have been very pleased with the performance of the clinic, which has had sales of over US $600,000 since its opening in September 2016.

The Company does not consolidate financial performance of Palo Verde, as it does not own any equity in Palo Verde. Licensed Operators in the State of Colorado are subject to Residency Requirements. At this time, the Company is a lender to Palo Verde and has leased the Pueblo property and equipment for its MIPs operations. The Company anticipates entering into packaging and branding agreements.

We have been working to close the acquisition of licenses and the real estate property in the State of Nevada and to this end have achieved several important milestones: i) identified and secured another real estate property, which would result in a substantially lower capex to build out; ii) negotiated a deal with Lakeside Minerals Inc., and signed a letter of intent, which would reduce the Companys exposure to the cultivation side of the business and reduce the capex required to establish a facility; and iii) secured an approval from the State of Nevada to transfer the license to the Company.



The Company has finalized the acquisition of the real estate property in La Pine, OR, which accounts for an increase of $544,635 in the Investment Properties account. We have applied for Recreational Processor License with OLCC with inspection upon build-out being the next substantive step. We will provide updates as the process continues to move along. We have also closed a financing arrangement of US$400,000 secured against our La Pine property in the form of a promissory note which has an eighteen-month term bearing interest at 13% per annum payable monthly. This represents a loan-to-value ratio of 100%.

"In addition, we are laying the groundwork to continue our aggressive expansion strategy into other US States and Canada and look forward to replicating our success in Colorado and Illinois in building a robust nation-wide platform for edibles and oil extract products. On behalf of the Nutritional High management team I would like to thank all the shareholders for their continuous following and support."

Summary Financial and Operational Results:

3-Months ending

April 30, 2017 3-Months ending

April 30, 2016 9-Months ending

April 30, 2017 9-Months ending

April 30, 2016 Revenue $ 195,762 $ 168,909 $ 527,227 $ 458,467 Loss from operations (1,335,892 ) (634,495 ) (2,556,931 ) (1,223,633 ) Net loss (1,413,522 ) (601,210 ) (2,042,114 ) (1,253,841 ) Loss per share (0.01 ) (0.00 ) (0.01 ) (0.01 )

Q3 2017 Financial and Operational Highlights:

Generated revenue of $195,762, up 16% from $168,909 for prior year comparative period ended April 30, 2016.

Loss from operations was $1,334,892, up 11% from $634,495 for prior year comparative period ended April 30, 2016, primarily due to higher management and professional fees as a result of increase investing and financing activities.

Net cash flow from financing activities for the nine-month period was $8,591,612 (2016 - $1,512,172) almost six times that of comparable prior period, through issuance of common shares, promissory notes, convertible debentures and exercise of options and warrants.

Total investing activities for the nine-month period was $5,600,567 (2016 - $585,943) almost 10 times that of comparable prior period, consisting mainly of purchase of investment properties, manufacturing equipment, leasehold improvements, deposits made on licenses and properties as well as purchases of other long and short-term investments.

Cash position as at April 30, 2017 was $1,605,486 compared to $111,786 at the end of prior year ended July 31, 2016.

As at April 30, 2017, the Company had working capital of $4,504,686 compared to working capital deficiency of $1,432,542 at the end of prior year ended July 31, 2016.

About Nutritional High International Inc.

Nutritional High is focused on developing, manufacturing and distributing proprietary products and brands in the marijuana-infused products industry, including edibles and oil extracts for nutritional, medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively through licensed facilities in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law.

For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ or visit www.nutritionalhigh.com.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Such statements include submission of the relevant documentation within the required timeframe and to the satisfaction of the relevant regulators, completing the acquisition of the applicable real estate and raising sufficient financing to complete the Companys business strategy. There is no certainty that any of these events will occur. Although such statements are based on managements reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. 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, estimated, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate:, believes, may have implications 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.

Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration, or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.
WYOMISSING, Pa., June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Customers Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) (NYSE:CUBI), the parent company for Customers Bank, today announced the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of $100 million aggregate principal amount of 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022. The price to the purchasers was 99.775% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes representing a yield-to-maturity of 4.0%.



The net proceeds to the Company after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses are expected to be approximately $98,425,000. The Company expects to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital and the funding of organic growth at Customers Bank.

Sandler O'Neill + Partners, L.P. is acting as the sole book-running manager for the offering. Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP served as counsel to the Company in connection with the offering. Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP served as outside legal counsel to the underwriter.

A shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-218483) relating to the offering was filed previously with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is effective. A final prospectus supplement related to the offering has been filed with the SEC. Copies of the shelf registration statement (including the base prospectus), the final prospectus supplement and other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into the registration statement are available at no charge by visiting EDGAR on the SEC's website located at www.sec.gov. Copies of the prospectus and prospectus supplement relating to the offering may be obtained by contacting: Sandler O'Neill + Partners, L.P., 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10020, (866) 805-4128.

This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company, nor shall there be any offer or sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Institutional Background

Customers Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania engaged in banking and related business through its bank subsidiary, Customers Bank. Customers Bank is a community-based, full-service bank with assets of approximately $9.9 billion. A member of the Federal Reserve System with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Customers Bank is an equal opportunity lender that provides a range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, individuals and families through offices in Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Committed to fostering customer loyalty, Customers Bank uses a High Tech/High Touch single-point-of-contact strategy that includes use of industry-leading technology to provide customers better access to their money, as well as Concierge Banking by appointment at customers homes or offices 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers Bank offers a continually expanding portfolio of loans to small businesses, multi-family projects, mortgage companies and consumers. BankMobile is a division of Customers Bank, offering state of the art high tech digital banking services with a high level of personal customer service.

Customers Bancorp, Inc.s voting common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CUBI. Additional information about Customers Bancorp, Inc. can be found on the Company's website, www.customersbank.com. Information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of any prospectus supplement or prospectus relating to the offering described herein, other than documents that we file with the SEC that are specifically incorporated by reference into any such prospectus supplement or prospectus.

Safe Harbor Statement

In addition to historical information, this press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s strategies, goals, beliefs, expectations, estimates, intentions, capital raising efforts, financial condition and results of operations, future performance and business. Statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words "may," "could," "should," "pro forma," "looking forward," "would," "believe," "expect, "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," or similar expressions generally indicate a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which, in whole or in part, are beyond Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s control). Numerous competitive, economic, regulatory, legal and technological factors, among others, could cause Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s financial performance to differ materially from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. In addition, important factors relating to the acquisition of the Disbursements business, the combination of Customers' BankMobile business with the acquired Disbursements business, the implementation of Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s strategy regarding BankMobile, the possibility of events, changes or other circumstances occurring or existing that could result in the planned divestiture of BankMobile not being completed, a material delay occurring in the timing of its completion, the possibility that the planned BankMobile divestiture may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, the possibility that the expected benefits of the planned BankMobile divestiture may not be achieved and the possibility of Customers incurring liabilities relating to the planned BankMobile divestiture, also could cause Customers Bancorp's actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Customers Bancorp, Inc. cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive, and neither such factors nor any such forward-looking statement takes into account the impact of any future events. All forward-looking statements and information set forth herein are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions as of the date hereof and speak only as of the date they are made. For a more complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business, you are encouraged to review Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K that update or provide information in addition to the information included in the Form 10-K and 10-Q filings, if any. Customers Bancorp, Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Customers Bancorp, Inc. or by or on behalf of Customers Bank.
Combination creates a Permian-focused company with refining, logistics, retail and marketing operations



Annual synergies of $85 million to $105 million expected to be achieved in 2018

Creates ability to unlock significant logistics value through future potential drop downs to Delek Logistics Partners, LP

Combined company benefits from Delek US strong balance sheet

Expected to be highly accretive to earnings per share in 2018

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Delek US Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DK) (Delek US) today announced the closing of the acquisition of the remaining outstanding shares of Alon USA Energy, Inc. (NYSE:ALJ) (Alon) common stock in an all-stock transaction. The close of this transaction will be effective at 12:02 a.m. Eastern Time on July 1, 2017. Under terms of the agreement, the owners of the remaining outstanding shares in Alon will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.5040 Delek US shares for each share of Alon, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. Prior to this transaction, Delek US owned approximately 33.7 million shares, or 47 percent, of the common stock of Alon. Following closing, Delek US will have approximately 82.0 million shares outstanding.

Uzi Yemin, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delek US, stated, With the transaction now complete, I want to welcome the Alon employees, and we look forward to integrating Alons operations into Delek. We will be focused on working together to grow the combined organization and achieve meaningful synergies across the business. The combined refining operation will be one of the largest buyers of crude from the Permian Basin among the independent refiners. We also will have the ability to unlock additional value with an estimated $70 million to $85 million of annual logistics EBITDA from Alons assets through future potential drop downs to Delek Logistics Partners. The combined company will create a platform for future logistics projects to support a larger refining system.

Yemin continued, We believe this strategic combination creates a larger, more diverse company that is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the market and better navigate the cyclical nature of our business. Our strong financial position, combined with the ability to achieve $85 million to $105 million of expected synergies and unlock logistics value, should allow our capital allocation program to include initiatives to improve operations, take advantage of growth opportunities and return cash to shareholders, as we work to drive long-term value creation for our shareholders.

The combined company will primarily be led by Delek US management team, with Uzi Yemin serving as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fred Green as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Kevin Kremke as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The Special Committee of Alons board of directors nominated David Wiessman as a new director to be added to the Delek US board and Ron Haddock as a new director to be added to the board of Delek Logistics GP, LLC, which is Delek Logistics Partners, LPs (NYSE:DKL) (Delek Logistics) general partner. As outlined in the merger agreement, within 30 days after the closing of the transaction, Delek US will increase the size of its board of directors by one seat and appoint Mr. Wiessman to such newly created seat. In addition, the board of directors of Delek Logistics general partner will increase the size of its board of directors by one seat and appoint Mr. Haddock to such newly created seat.

Combined Operations Overview

Following the close on July 1, the combined company will have a broad platform consisting of refining, logistics, retail and wholesale marketing, as well as renewables and asphalt operations:

The refining system will have approximately 300,000 barrels per day of crude throughput capacity consisting of four locations and an integrated retail platform that includes approximately 300 locations serving central and west Texas and New Mexico.

Logistics operations will include Delek Logistics, which can benefit from future drop downs and organic projects to support a larger refining system.

The marketing operation will supply over 350 wholesale locations, have unbranded wholesale sales of approximately 145,000 barrels per day of light products in 13 states, and have utilization of 450,000 barrels per month of space on the Colonial Pipeline System.

The company will have an integrated asphalt business consisting of operations primarily in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, California and Washington approaching 1.0 million tons of sales on an annual basis. This operation is supported through a combination of production and supply/exchange volume with 14 asphalt terminals in the operation.

The biodiesel/renewable diesel assets, with a total capacity of approximately 61.0 million gallons per year, will include biodiesel plants in Cleburne, Texas and Crossett, Arkansas, and a renewable diesel and jet fuel plant in California.

Delek US will have a large presence in the Permian Basin. Its refining system will initially have access to approximately 207,000 barrels per day of Permian sourced crude out of an approximately 300,000-barrel-per-day crude throughput system, which equates to approximately 69 percent of the crude slate. This will result in the combined company being one of the largest buyers of Permian sourced crude among the independent refiners, creating opportunities to benefit from economies of scale in both refining and logistics. As a result of this combination, there will be a larger marketing presence with retail locations and wholesale marketing operations in the region that are integrated with the Big Spring, Texas refinery. From a logistics standpoint, the system will have access to crude oil pipelines, trucking and gathering operations in the area, in addition to Delek Logistics RIO joint venture crude oil pipeline in west Texas. This larger system also enhances the opportunities for Delek Logistics to expand its current participation in the highly attractive Permian Basin by supporting a larger operation.

About Delek US Holdings, Inc.

Following the close of this transaction on July 1, 2017, Delek US Holdings, Inc. will be a diversified downstream energy company with assets in petroleum refining, logistics, asphalt, renewable fuels and convenience store retailing. The refining assets will consist of refineries operated in Tyler and Big Spring, Texas, El Dorado, Arkansas and Krotz Springs, Louisiana with a combined nameplate crude throughput capacity of 302,000 barrels per day. Delek US Holdings will own 100 percent of the general partner and 81.6 percent of the limited partner interest in Alon USA Partners, LP (NYSE:ALDW), which owns a crude oil refinery in Big Spring, Texas, with a crude oil throughput capacity of 73,000 barrels per day and an integrated wholesale marketing business.

The logistics operations primarily consist of Delek Logistics Partners, LP. Delek US Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates also own approximately 63 percent (including the 2 percent general partner interest) of Delek Logistics Partners, LP. Delek Logistics Partners, LP (NYSE:DKL) is a growth-oriented master limited partnership focused on owning and operating midstream energy infrastructure assets.

The asphalt operations will consist of owned or operated asphalt terminals serving markets from Tennessee to the west coast through a combination of non-blended asphalt purchased from third parties and produced at the Big Spring, Texas and El Dorado, Arkansas refineries. The renewables operations will consist of plants in Texas and Arkansas that produce biodiesel fuel and a renewable diesel facility in California.

The convenience store retail business is the largest 7-Eleven licensee in the United States and operates approximately 300 convenience stores which also market motor fuels in central and west Texas and New Mexico.

Safe Harbor Provisions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Statements concerning current estimates, expectations and projections about future results, performance, prospects, opportunities, plans, actions and events and other statements, concerns, or matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, as that term is defined under the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the integration of the combined companies following the Alon transaction, transition plans, synergies, opportunities, anticipated future performance and financial position, and other factors.

Investors are cautioned that the following important factors, among others, may affect these forward-looking statements. These factors include but are not limited to: risks and uncertainties related to the ability to successfully integrate the businesses of Delek US and Alon, risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the integration implementation, the risk that any announcements relating to the integration could have adverse effects on the market price of Delek US' common stock, the risk that the transaction could have an adverse effect on the ability of Delek US and Alon to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers and on their operating results and businesses generally, the risk that problems may arise in successfully integrating the businesses of the companies, which may result in the combined company not operating as effectively and efficiently as expected, the risk that the combined company may be unable to achieve cost-cutting synergies or it may take longer than expected to achieve those synergies, uncertainty related to timing and amount of future share repurchases and dividend payments, risks and uncertainties with respect to the quantities and costs of crude oil we are able to obtain and the price of the refined petroleum products we ultimately sell; gains and losses from derivative instruments; management's ability to execute its strategy of growth through acquisitions and the transactional risks associated with acquisitions and dispositions; acquired assets may suffer a diminishment in fair value as a result of which we may need to record a write-down or impairment in carrying value of the asset; changes in the scope, costs, and/or timing of capital and maintenance projects; operating hazards inherent in transporting, storing and processing crude oil and intermediate and finished petroleum products; our competitive position and the effects of competition; the projected growth of the industries in which we operate; general economic and business conditions affecting the southern United States; and other risks described in Delek US filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including the Form S-4 (Registration Statement No. 333-216298) filed by Delek Holdco, Inc., which was declared effective by the SEC on May 26, 2017.

Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not be accurate indications of the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management's good faith belief with respect to future events, and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. Delek US undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law or regulation.
RALEIGH, N.C., June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Ribbon Cutting held on West Lake Shore Drive in Wilmington this week celebrated the phase one opening of 16 SECU Lakeside Reserve apartments, welcoming the facilities first residents. The two-phase supportive housing development designed for homeless citizens with disabilities is a collaborative venture between Good Shepherd Center, Lakeside Reserve, Inc. and partnering organizations, including the SECU Foundation. During the dedication, SECU Foundation Board Chair Jim Johnson spoke on behalf of State Employees Credit Union (SECU) members who fund the Foundation, highlighting their shared commitment of a $1 million grant to help the Wilmington non-profits complete phase one and move forward with the construction of 24 additional units.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fa8a9a45-7dcb-48c8-8f3b-98cd067b9dad

We are all very excited about the tremendous impact SECU Lakeside Reserve will make for our seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities in Wilmington and the surrounding regions, remarked Johnson. A project of this magnitude requires the hard work and perseverance of many individuals who embrace the shared philosophy of helping those in need find long-term relief and a permanent place to call home. SECU members are honored to support the vision and mission of Good Shepherd Center and Lakeside Reserve by helping fund this new housing development.

SECU Lakeside Reserve is one of many initiatives SECU Foundation has helped through partnerships with numerous North Carolina non-profits to build or expand housing programs that address community needs. This permanent supportive housing complex is recognized as a national Best Practice and will serve as a model other service providers can replicate throughout the state.

Words just cannot express how grateful we are for the incredible generosity of State Employees Credit Union members and the SECU Foundation, said Katrina Knight, Good Shepherd Center Executive Director. Their gift will literally end the homelessness of 16 neighbors with disabilities, providing them each a stable home where they may regain their health and sense of well-being. SECU Lakeside Reserve will serve as a life-changing intervention for the most fragile among us. It is our hope that our SECU partners, neighborhood, and greater community alike may take pride in this inspired building, knowing that together we are not merely addressing homelessness but ending it for so many.

About SECU and the SECU Foundation

A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 80 years. The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves 2.2 million members through 257 branch offices, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone and a website, www.ncsecu.org. The SECU Foundation, a 501c (3) charitable organization funded solely by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services. Since 2005, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of more than $130 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.
Attendees included Carnival's Gus Antorcha, evp guest shipboard operations, representatives of Port Tampa Bay, Ybor City Museum Society and invited guests.

Todays voyage marks the first of a dozen four- and five-day cruises, each with a day and overnight call at Havana. Five-day voyages add a stop in Cozumel or Key West.

Miami and Tampa Cuban cultures were represented in the 'Worlds Largest Cuban Sandwich at Sea.' The 10-foot sandwich contained the traditional ingredients: a light white bread, slice ham (five pounds), marinated and roasted pork (50 pounds), Swiss cheese (six pounds) and dill pickles, mustard and mayonnaise (one gallon each).

There's a long-standing rivalry between Tampa and Miami over which claims the most authentic Cuban sandwich. Tampas Cuban community predates Miamis and in Tampa they include one additional ingredientGenoa salamias a salute to the citys large Italian population.

The 'Worlds Largest Cuban Sandwich at Sea' was created to be half Miami-style and half Tampa-style with the addition of eight pounds of Genoa salami.

'Carnival is the only cruise line with a year-round ship in Tampa and we have a long-standing partnership with the local community, so it is exciting that we are inaugurating our cruises featuring Havana from this city with its very large Cuban population and strong affinity for Cuban culture,' Antorcha said. Carnival is seeing 'tremendous demand for these cruises,' he added, from consumers and travel agents who are sharing this new option with their clients.

Paul Anderson, president and ceo, Port Tampa Bay, called Carnivals commitment to serving the market for nearly a quarter of a century 'a testament to the strong support they receive from our community.' In return, he added, the impact of Tampa's operation is substantial considering a single call from an average size cruise ship generates more than $350,000 in direct economic contribution.

Todays event also included the $25,000 donation to the Ybor City Museum Society, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2017. This nonprofit organization's mission is preserving, promoting and celebrating the cultural heritage of Ybor City and supporting the Ybor City Museum State Park.
The 62,466-dwt ultramax, Asian Pride, has a length of 199.98 metres, width of 32.26 metres and equipped with four 30-tonne cranes.

U-Ming highlighted that the dry bulk carriers design emphasises on energy-saving and carbon reduction with a streamlined hull for low resistance and anti-fouling paint, rudder bulb, pre-swirl stator and flipper fins.

Asian Prides carbon dioxide emission has exceeded the IMOs Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) reference value by 32%, and the vessel is also installed with ballast water treatment system ahead of the ballast water regulation coming into force in September this year.

Following the delivery of Asian Pride, U-Ming has two new kamsarmax vessels under construction by Oshima Shipbuilding with deliveries scheduled by 2019.

U-Ming currently owns and operates capesizes, post-panamaxes, kamsarmaxes, panamaxes, ultramaxes, supramaxes, cement carriers, LR1 tankers, and VLCCs amounting to a total of 47 ships with a combined tonnage of 5.99m dwt.
CALGARY, Alberta, June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trinidad Drilling Ltd. (TSX:TDG) (Trinidad) is pleased to announce that we will release our second quarter 2017 results after market close on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. The news release will provide consolidated operating and financial information. The full managements discussion and analysis as well as the consolidated financial statements will be posted on the Investor Relations section of Trinidads website at www.trinidaddrilling.com and will also be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.



Conference Call:

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

9:00 a.m. MT (11:00 a.m. ET)

866-393-4306 (toll-free in North America) or 734-385-2616 approximately 10 minutes prior to the conference call

Conference ID: 48970315

Archived Recording:

855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406

Conference ID: 48970315

Webcast: https://www.trinidaddrilling.com/investors/events-presentations

Trinidad is a corporation focused on sustainable growth that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TDG. Trinidad's divisions currently operate in the drilling sector of the oil and natural gas industry, with operations in Canada, the United States and internationally. In addition, through joint venture arrangements, Trinidad operates drilling rigs in Saudi Arabia and Mexico, and is currently assessing operations in other international markets. Trinidad is focused on providing modern, reliable, expertly designed equipment operated by well-trained and experienced personnel. Trinidad's drilling fleet is one of the most adaptable, technologically advanced and competitive in the industry.



NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.
NEW YORK, June 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guggenheim Investments, the investment management division of Guggenheim Partners, today announced that the following Guggenheim exchange traded funds (ETFs) have declared distributions. The table below summarizes the distribution for each ETF.



Distributions Schedule Ticker Exchange Traded Fund Name Ex-Date Record

Date Payable

Date Total Rate

Per Share GSY Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration ETF1 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0525 GTO Guggenheim Total Return Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.1192 BSCH Guggenheim BulletShares 2017 Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0206 BSCI Guggenheim BulletShares 2018 Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0255 BSCJ Guggenheim BulletShares 2019 Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0298 BSCK Guggenheim BulletShares 2020 Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0346 BSCL Guggenheim BulletShares 2021 Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0392 BSCM Guggenheim BulletShares 2022 Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0418 BSCN Guggenheim BulletShares 2023 Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0455 BSCO Guggenheim BulletShares 2024 Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0514

1On September 30, 2013, Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration Bond ETF changed its name to Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration ETF.

Distributions Schedule Ticker Exchange Traded Fund Name Ex-Date Record

Date Payable

Date Total Rate

Per Share BSCP Guggenheim BulletShares 2025 Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0506 BSCQ Guggenheim BulletShares 2026 Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0476 BSJH Guggenheim BulletShares 2017 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0402 BSJI Guggenheim BulletShares 2018 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0729 BSJJ Guggenheim BulletShares 2019 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0882 BSJK Guggenheim BulletShares 2020 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.0961 BSJL Guggenheim BulletShares 2021 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.1028 BSJM Guggenheim BulletShares 2022 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.1085 BSJN Guggenheim BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.1125 BSJO Guggenheim BulletShares 2024 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/03/17 07/06/17 07/10/17 $0.1039

Past performance is not indicative of future performance. To the extent any portion of the distribution is estimated to be sourced from something other than income, such as return of capital, the source would be disclosed on a Section 19(a)-1 letter located on the Funds website under the Literature tab. Distributions may be comprised of sources other than income, which may not reflect actual fund performance.

For more information, please visit http://www.guggenheiminvestments.com/products/etf.

About Guggenheim Investments

Guggenheim Investments is the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners, with $217 billion2 in total assets across fixed income, equity, and alternative strategies. We focus on the return and risk needs of insurance companies, corporate and public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations, consultants, wealth managers, and high-net-worth investors. Our 275+ investment professionals perform rigorous research to understand market trends and identify undervalued opportunities in areas that are often complex and underfollowed. This approach to investment management has enabled us to deliver innovative strategies providing diversification and attractive long-term results.

Read a funds prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the funds investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at http://guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.



The referenced funds are distributed by Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC. Guggenheim Investments represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (Guggenheim), which includes Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC ("GFIA") and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management (GPIM), the investment advisors to the referenced funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is affiliated with Guggenheim, GFIA and GPIM.

BulletShares, BulletShares USD Corporate Bond Index, and BulletShares USD High Yield Corporate Bond Index are trademarks of Guggenheim Index ServicesSM and have been licensed for use by Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Index Services is an affiliate of Guggenheim Investments.

2 Guggenheim Investments total asset figure is as of 03.31.2017. The assets include leverage of $11.7bn for assets under management and $0.4bn for assets for which we provide administrative services. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, and Guggenheim Partners India Management.
AFRICA

Burundi

Expected Council Action

In July, the Council may consider whether to renew the authorisation of a UN police component for Burundi, with a ceiling of 228 officers, as stipulated by resolution 2303 of 29 July 2016. The police component was intended to monitor the security situation and support the monitoring of human rights. However, it has never been deployed as Burundi has ignored the resolution and refused to allow the component to be established. The component proposal remains a divisive issue in the Council. Resolution 2303 was adopted with 11 votes in favour and four abstentions (Angola, China, Egypt and Venezuela).

Authorisation for the police component expires on 29 July.

Key Recent Developments

The security and political situation in Burundi, which deteriorated sharply after April 2015 when Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza announced that he would run for a controversial third term, remains dire. Serious human rights abuses continue to be committed daily with impunity, mainly by the government and the Imbonerakure, the youth group of the Nkurunzizas party.

Oppression and state control over Burundian society has reportedly increased, manifested by arbitrary deprivations of life, enforced disappearances, cases of torture, and arbitrary detention on a large scale. These actions are taking place in an environment where freedoms of expression, association and assembly are virtually non-existent. On the political front, Nkurunziza has set up a commission to propose a revision of Burundis constitution; the commission is due to report within six months. Nkurunziza has indicated that he is not ruling out a fourth term.

Meanwhile, there seems to have been little headway in the Inter-Burundian dialogue, led by the East African Community (EAC) and facilitated by former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa. Mkapa reported on difficulties mediating the Dialogue to an EAC heads of state summit that took place on 20 May, and has publicity criticised the Burundian governments unwillingness to engage with opponents.

On 13 March, Council members issued a press statement expressing their concern about the humanitarian and human rights situation in the country and the slow progress in the Inter-Burundian Dialogue.

The Secretary-General appointed Michel Kafando (Burkina Faso) as his Special Envoy on 5 May. His responsibilities include coordinating UN political efforts to promote peace and sustainable development in Burundi and assisting the EAC mediation efforts.

On 20 June, the Council was briefed on the situation in Burundi by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Taye-Brook Zerihoun. Ambassador Jurg Lauber (Switzerland) also briefed in his capacity as chair of the Peacebuilding Commissions Burundi configuration. During his briefing, Zerihoun reported that the situation in Burundi remains volatile, human rights abuses are continuing to be reported, and there is increasing incitement of hatred and violence by and within the Imbonerakure. Only one Council member, Uruguay, spoke publicly following the briefing, with other members reserving their engagement for the consultations that followed.

Human Rights-Related Developments

During its 35th session, the Human Rights Council (HRC) held an interactive dialogue on 15 June with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, which provided an oral briefing. The commission expressed regret at the lack of cooperation from Burundian officials and at not being able to visit the country, particularly given that Burundi is an HRC member. Nevertheless, the commissions investigations were able to confirm human rights violations including extrajudicial executions, acts of torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests and detention, and enforced disappearances. These violations are reinforced by hate speech delivered by state officials and members of the ruling party, ongoing impunity for perpetrators, and a climate of widespread fear. In addition, severe restrictions on civil liberties persist. The commission is set to present its final report to the HRC at its 36th session in September 2017.

Key Issues

The immediate issue for the Council is whether to reauthorise the police component established by resolution 2303, despite Burundis continued blocking of the components deployment.

A related issue, if the Council does not reauthorise the police component, is how to avoid perceptions that Burundi can ignore Council resolutions without consequences.

The larger issue is ensuring that the situation in Burundi does not descend into chaos and further violence, including ethnically motivated violence.

On the political front, a main issue is finding an avenue for renewed and productive engagement between the UN and Burundi in order to solve the political crisis.

Options

One option is for the Council to reauthorise the police component as set out in resolution 2303. In doing so the Council could:

re-engage with Burundi on ways to implement resolution 2303, or find a new platform for engagement if that proves impossible; or

adopt targeted sanctions against spoilers of the political dialogue, those responsible for human rights violations, and those that block the implementation of resolution 2303.

Another option would be for the Council to let the authorisation of the police component expire, and seek to engage Burundi on other ways to fulfil the role envisaged for the police component, for example supporting an expanded role for the African Union (AU) in human rights monitoring.

Other options to address the crisis in Burundi include:

coordinating efforts with the AU and EAC in engaging with Burundi to advance the Inter-Burundian Dialogue and facilitate both the UN and AU deployments in the country; and

requesting the Secretary-General to engage with the Burundian government directly, and supporting Special Envoy Kafando in his efforts to provide for a greater UN role in the Inter-Burundian Dialogue.

Council Dynamics

With Burundi currently entrenched in its opposition to the implementation of resolution 2303a position well known prior to the adoption of the resolutionthe Council is at an impasse with respect to its engagement with the country. Some Council members stress the need to establish a new basis for renewed engagement with Burundi. Other members are concerned that failing to reauthorise the police component would establish a precedent of Council resolutions being ignored with impunity. At the same time, Council members fear that the current state of affairs in Burundisporadic violence accompanied by severe human rights violationscould become a tolerable status quo for the international community.

France is the penholder on Burundi.

UN DOCUMENTS ON BURUNDI

The Council established a UN police component in Burundi of 228 officers for an initial period of one year. This was Secretary-Generals report on Burundi. This was a briefing on the situation in Burundi. This was a press statement expressing concern about the humanitarian and human rights situation in the country and the slow progress in the Inter-Burundian dialogue.
AMERICAS

Colombia

Expected Council Action

Following a request by the government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP), in July, the Council expects to adopt a resolution establishing a second special political mission that will be deployed in Colombia.

The mandate of the UN Mission in Colombia expires on 26 September.

Key Recent Developments

Since the January 2016 request of the government of Colombia and the FARC-EP, the Council has been involved in supporting the final stages of the peace process in Colombia. The UN Mission in Colombia was established through resolution 2261 of 25 January 2016, and resolution 2307 of 13 September 2016 approved the Secretary-Generals recommendations regarding the size, operational aspects, and mandate of the mission. The mission is tasked with monitoring and verifying the laying down of arms and, as the international component of the tripartite Monitoring and Verification Mechanism along with the parties, monitoring the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. In an 11 May presidential statement, upon its return from its 3-5 May visiting mission to Colombia, the Council reiterated its determination to support Colombias implementation of the agreement.

The 180-day deadline established by the agreement for the laying down of weapons was extended by the parties through a 29 May joint communique. In a press conference in La Guajira (Colombia) on 20 June, Jean Arnault, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Mission in Colombia, and Jeffrey Feltman, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, announced the beginning of the last stage of the laying down of weapons. A ceremony marking the completion of the laying down of individual weapons took place on 27 June. Most of the weapons and unstable explosive material stored in 949 caches throughout the country will be extracted and destroyed by 1 September. The joint communique also established that the mission will extract the containers with weapons from the temporary camps by 1 August, when these camps will become territorial spaces for training and reintegration. Arnault is expected to brief the Council on 30 June.

Challenges to the implementation of the agreement continue. Some of the supporters of the no vote in the October 2016 plebiscite have continued to criticise the agreement despite the changes made to it after the vote. This is particularly relevant given the upcoming legislative and presidential elections in 2018. Non-state armed actors, including paramilitary groups, have taken control of some of the areas vacated by the FARC-EP. A UN official was kidnapped on 3 May in Guaviare by a group of FARC-EP dissidents and at press time he had not been released. On 17 June, an unclaimed terrorist attack in Bogota killed three people.

Over the last six months, the parties have emphasised their different priorities in implementing the agreement. While FARC-EP representatives urged progress on physical protection for their members as well as guarantees of their socioeconomic and political reintegration, the government emphasised the importance of delivering on the commitment to lay down weapons and abide by the established timelines.

In the agreement, and at the request of the FARC-EP, the parties asked the UN to deploy a second, follow-on political mission with a mandate to verify the political and socioeconomic reintegration of ex-combatants and their protection, including from paramilitary groups. According to the agreement, this mission, which would be deployed after the current mandate ends, would have a duration of three years. The sequencing and mandating for a second UN mission in Colombia was raised during the May visiting mission to Colombia. Several Colombian congress people raised with Council members the importance of starting the planning now for the second mission in order to avoid any gaps in between the two mandates. The sense of urgency was also echoed by the representatives of the FARC-EP. Civil society members suggested that the successor mission should deploy a strong field presence throughout Colombia and be given a mandate to monitor the implementation of the commitments in the agreement regarding human rights and womens participation.

Even though the agreement specifies (point 6.3.3.) that the mission is to be authorised by the UN General Assembly, the parties decided to make their request to the Security Council, as they did with the first mission. A 5 June letter from Colombias President Juan Manuel Santos to the Council conveyed the request of the parties to establish the verification mission, with a regional and local presence, by 10 July. A 23 June report of the Secretary-General stated that the current mission is in a position, if so authorised by the Council, to initiate some tasks of the second mandate on a provisional basis, in order to satisfy the request of the parties to move forward the verification tasks to coincide with the start of the reintegration process.

Key Issues

Ensuring that the agreement is implemented in full, particularly in light of the need for congressional approval of peace-related legislation, is a key issue.

Seeking to mitigate the polarised political environment in Colombia is a relevant issue for the Council, whose members have emphasised the importance of securing the gains made as part of the peace process and ensuring their irreversibility.

The volatile security situation in some areas and the high level of impunity for violence against community leaders and human rights defenders in rural areas, often related to the presence of non-state armed groups in the territories vacated by the FARC-EP, is an important issue.

Options

The Council could adopt a resolution:

establishing a UN verification mission in Colombia and authorising preparations for the mission to be initiated immediately;

requesting the Secretary-General to provide recommendations regarding the missions functions, size, structure and operational aspects; and

authorising, on a provisional basis, the current UN Mission in Colombia to initiate some tasks of the second mandate regarding the verification of socioeconomic and political reintegration of FARC-EP members and security guarantees for them and the communities most affected by the conflict.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Even though the Council was not involved in the process that led to the November 2016 peace agreement, it has been united in supporting the verification of key measures within the agreement. The level of participation in the 3-5 May visiting mission to Colombia (with 13 permanent representatives participating) shows the degree of support for what Council members consider a success story. During the visiting mission, Council members repeatedly emphasised the positive example that the Colombian peace process provides to countries around the world and indicated that the challenges it faces are common to the implementation of any peace agreement.

Following the recommendations of the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations regarding the sequencing of mandates, resolution 2261 established the UN Mission in Colombia but requested the Secretary-General to present detailed recommendations regarding the size, operational aspects and mandate of the mission, including through preparations on the ground. The 23 June report recommends that the Council follows this example so that the Secretary-General can provide recommendations after an integrated planning process informed by practical experience on the ground is conducted.

UN DOCUMENTS ON COLOMBIA

This was a resolution approving the Secretary-Generals recommendations on the size, operational aspects and mandate of the UN Mission in Colombia. This was a resolution establishing a political mission to monitor and verify the laying down of arms and the bilateral ceasefire and cessation of hostilities between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP. This was a presidential statement following the Councils visiting mission to Colombia. This was the last report on Colombia. This attached a letter by President Santos regarding the second special political mission.
EUROPE

Cyprus

Expected Council Action

In July, the Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for another six months, ahead of its 31 July expiry. Elizabeth Spehar, Special Representative and head of mission, is expected to brief on the latest UNFICYP report. Espen Barth Eide, the Secretary-Generals Special Adviser on Cyprus, may also brief on key developments in the negotiations between the Cypriot leaders.

Key Recent Developments

More than two years after the current round of unification talks started, Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci are yet to reach an agreement on the final settlement. Despite the absence of a final agreement and several setbacks during the talks, both Cypriot leaders have maintained a relatively positive atmosphere during the talks. Since 15 May 2015, when Anastasiades and Akinci officially began the latest round of talks, the Cypriot leaders held over 70 meetings under the auspices of the UN Special Adviser while their technical teams met on over 150 occasions. Several important developments took place during the latest round of talks.

On 11 January, Eide joined Anastasiades and Akinci during a meeting in Geneva in which they exchanged maps containing their respective proposals regarding the territorial adjustments. Eide described this as a ground-breaking moment in the negotiations because it marked the first time the Cypriot leaders themselves presented their proposals on the issue of the territory.

On 12 January, the negotiations moved to the format of a high-level conference involving Cypriot leaders as well as the three guarantor powers, Greece, Turkey and the UK, together with the EU as an observer. The main issue discussed at the conference was the question of security and guarantees. The presence of guarantor powers was necessary given that any agreement on this issue would require their approval. Though no agreement was reached during the high-level segment of the conference, the participants decided to establish a working group composed of the experts from both Cypriot sides and the guarantor countries. The primary task of the group is to identify the main concerns regarding the issue of security and guarantees. The group met at the second session of the Geneva conference on 18 and 19 January but did not disclose details regarding their discussions.

The positions on security and guarantees seem to be fixed. The Greek Cypriot side seems to be in favour of ending the system of security guarantees with the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cyprus, while the Turkish Cypriot side apparently holds the view that the system of guarantees should be maintained, at least for a certain period after unification.

Following the Geneva conference, the leaders continued to meet sporadically in an effort to find convergences on the core issues and pave the way for reconvening the conference. However, the negotiations stalled. Throughout May, Eide engaged in shuttle diplomacy between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders in an effort to bridge the divergences. Nevertheless, on 26 May he declared that there is no basis to continue the shuttle diplomacy efforts given that the leaders were unable to find common ground.

Striving to break the impasse, Antonio Guterres hosted a meeting between Anastasiades and Akinci in New York on 4 June. Addressing the media following the meeting, Guterres announced that the Cypriot leaders had agreed to resume the conference in June. He emphasised the importance of resolving the security and guarantee issues as crucial elements in reaching a final agreement but stated that the leaders will continue the negotiations on all issues interdependently. Guterres said that Eide would prepare a common document that would guide the discussions on the issue of security and guarantees. Subsequently, the Secretary-General announced that the conference on Cyprus would be held on 28 June and would include the participation of the guarantor parties.

In other developments, oil company Total announced that it will begin exploratory drilling for hydrocarbon resources off the coast of Cyprus in mid-July. The internationally-recognised Greek Cypriot Republic of Cyprus has granted drilling licenses to several international companies. The Turkish Cypriot side has maintained the position that offshore natural resources and all exploration thereof must benefit both communities on the island. Ever since their discovery in 2011, hydrocarbon resources have had an effect on unification talks. Most recently, in 2014 the negotiations between the Cypriot leaders came to a standstill due to disagreement on this issue.

Human Rights-Related Developments

At its 34th session in March, the Human Rights Council considered the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the question of human rights in Cyprus (A/HRC/34/15). The report, which covers the period from 1 December 2015 to 30 November 2016, noted some positive developments but concluded that the persistent division of the island still hinders the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this regard, the report welcomed the commitment to resume peace talks and said that addressing human rights issues should underpin the political dialogue. The report also encouraged further visits to Cyprus by special procedures mandate holders.

Key Issues

In addition to the UNFICYP mandate renewal, a main concern for the Council is how to assist in maintaining a constructive atmosphere and facilitate progress in the unification talks between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders.

In light of the ongoing negotiations between the leaders in Geneva and the possibility that they could reach a final agreement, the Council might need to consider reconfiguring UNFICYPs mandate in relation to this possible development.

In the absence of major progress in unification talks, a persistent issue for the Council is the possibility of downsizing the mission.

Options

While the Council is most likely to renew UNFICYPs mandate in its current configuration for an additional six months, further options may depend on the progress in the current phase of the unification talks.

Given that UNFICYP has been present in Cyprus for over 50 years, the Council could add a sense of urgency to the issue by renewing the mandate for a shorter period.

Should the current negotiations result in a major breakthrough, the Council could issue a statement welcoming the positive development. Furthermore, the Council could explore ways to adjust the mandate of the mission to better facilitate the implementation of the possible agreement.

Council Dynamics

The situation in Cyprus is generally followed closely by France, Russia and the UK in particular. In addition, the US has become increasingly engaged in finding a solution to the Cyprus question as the island has continued to gain importance due to its potential hydrocarbon resources and its strategic location vis a vis the ongoing fight against terrorism in the Middle East.

While the Council has been unanimous in its support for the negotiations between the leaders, divergences exist between some members regarding the conditions and timeframe related to the unification talks. Several Council members, the UK in particular, seem to have frustration at the protracted process. These members also seem to share the view that it would be useful to stimulate the negotiations by putting more pressure on both sides while stressing that this process cannot be open-ended. On the other hand, Russia has strongly opposed any attempt to speed up the negotiations or pressure both sides to reach a solution because of its view that the negotiations must be Cypriot-led and Cypriot-owned for the results to be effective.

The ongoing efforts by the US to review UN peacekeeping operations with the aim of improving efficiency and reducing costs might impact Council dynamics in the upcoming period. (The government of Cyprus contributes one-third of the cost of the mission, and the government of Greece makes an additional contribution.) At the moment, most Council members including the US share the view that there should be no modifications to UNFICYPs mandate given that this could negatively impact the ongoing negotiations. Should the unification talks result in a final agreement, new dynamics could emerge in the Council regarding the role of the UN mission in its implementation. Likewise, should the unification talks fail, new dynamics could emerge regarding possible downsizing of the mission and reconfiguration of its mandate.

UN Documents

The Council unanimously renewed UNFICYPs mandate for another six months. This was Secretary-Generals report on UNFICYP. This was the vote on resolution 2338. This was a press statement welcoming the resumption of the settlement talks.
AFRICA

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Expected Council Action

In July, the Security Council expects to be briefed by Maman Sambo Sidikou, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), on the Secretary-Generals three-monthly report on the implementation of MONUSCOs mandate and most recent developments.

The mandate of MONUSCO expires on 31 March 2018.

Key Recent Developments

Violence has continued in the Kasai region in southern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Intercommunal clashes between militias and government forces began in August 2016, when the leader of the Kamwina Nsapu militia was killed in fighting with the DRC police. Over 1.3 million people have now been displaced from their homes, with the UN Refugee Agency reporting that over 30,000 have fled south to Angola. Beyond Kasai, the DRC remains highly unstable, and violence also continues across a number of locations in eastern DRC.

There has been little progress in the implementation of the 31 December 2016 agreement on the electoral process; the government and the main opposition coalition, the Rassemblement, have been unable or unwilling to form a transitional government. Opposition leaders have accused President Joseph Kabila of seeking to use the current crisis in the Kasai for political advantage, and of failing to comply with the 31 December 2016 agreement. The agreement attempted to address the political crisis created by Kabilas ongoing determination to remain in office beyond the conclusion on 19 December 2016 of his second and, according to the constitution, final term.

The intended establishment of a transitional government is envisaged to be the first step in preparation for the presidential, national and provincial legislative elections that the 31 December 2016 agreement stipulates will occur in 2017. In an interview with German newspaper Der Spiegel on 3 June, Kabila reportedly declared that he had made no promises, but that he did wish to organise elections. The process of voter registration is reported to be facing long delays, and seems unlikely to be completed before November.

On 15 June, the Kofi Annan Foundation released an open letter signed by Kofi Annan and nine African former heads of state, expressing deep concern at the situation in the DRC, and identifying it as a threat to African stability, prosperity and peace. The letters signatories called on Kabila and other Congolese leaders to implement the 31 December 2016 agreement as a means to ensure elections occur by the end of the year.

Moise Katumbi, the former governor of Katanga province who fled into exile in 2016, has announced his intention to return to DRC to contest the presidential election. It is unclear when exactly Katumbi will return to DRC, or how he will be received on arrival. Katumbi has a strong base of support, particularly in Katanga. However, he faces charges of attempting to hire mercenaries and has been convicted in absentia for selling a house that he did not own. Katumbi contests both charges and says the accusations are politically motivated. His return may be a catalyst for protests and clashes between his supporters and security forces.

Human Rights-Related Developments

The High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a 9 June statement, called on the Human Rights Council (HRC) to establish an international investigation into the widespread human rights violations and abuses that have occurred in the Kasai since August 2016, a call also made by a coalition of 262 Congolese and nine NGOs in a press release on 1 June. The High Commissioner said that the scale and nature of these human rights violations and abuses, and the consistently inadequate responses of the domestic authorities, oblige us to call for an international investigation to complement national efforts. On 23 June, the HRC adopted without a vote resolution 35/33 on technical assistance to the DRC and accountability concerning the events in the Kasai region. The resolution requests the High Commissioner to dispatch a team of international experts, including experts from the region to investigate alleged human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law in the Kasai regions in cooperation with the DRC government, and to submit the conclusions of the investigation to the judicial authorities in the DRC. The High Commissioner is set to present an oral update to the HRC at its 37th session and submit a comprehensive report at its 38th session, with the investigative team also invited to participate in interactive dialogues with the HRC on both occasions.

Sanctions-Related Developments

The 1533 DRC sanctions regime was renewed on 21 June for an additional year by resolution 2360. The renewal is largely a technical rollover, however it did extend by two months the deadline for the final report by the Group of Experts, and introduced attacks on the Group of Experts as new criterion for the imposition of targeted sanctions against individuals. Both are in response to the murder of two members of the DRC Group of Experts, American Michael Sharp and Swedish-Chilean Zaida Catalan.

Key Issues

The key issue for the Council is seeking to ensure that the 31 December 2016 agreement is implemented and that elections take place in 2017.

Another important issue is how to address the continued violence in the east and the emerging violence in Kasai, which remain a serious threat to peace and security.

Establishing facts and accountability for the murder of the two 1533 DRC Sanctions Committees experts is an important issue for Committee members.

Options

One option is for the Council to issue a presidential statement that:

calls on stakeholders to cooperate and swiftly implement the 31 December 2016 agreement and resolve all outstanding issues in order to hold free and fair elections;

threatens the use of sanctions against those who act to impede a solution to the political crisis; and

condemns the mass violence in Kasai and elsewhere, and calls for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.

Another option is for the Council to establish clear implications if elections are not held before the end of 2017. Such implications could include targeted sanctions against those identified as having failed to implement the 31 December 2016 agreement. A resolution that includes benchmarks for implementation of the 31 December 2016 agreement is one option for setting out potential consequences for spoilers.

Council Dynamics

Council members remain concerned about the ongoing political crisis and the potentially explosive ramifications if the 31 December 2016 agreement does not result in fair and timely elections and a peaceful transfer of power. Some Council members have expressed concern that the perpetuation of the violence in Kasai undermines the viability of inclusive and fair elections. The Council is divided on the importance of elections occurring this year: some members emphasise the need for full implementation of the 31 December 2016 agreement this year to move DRC beyond the current crisis; other members see all stakeholders as jointly responsible for carrying out the elections and believe the timing of them is less important than the elections occurring in a peaceful and inclusive manner.

France is the penholder on the DRC, and Egypt chairs the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee.

UN DOCUMENTS ON THE DRC

This renewed the DRC sanctions regime and the mandate of the Group of Experts. The Council renewed MONUSCOs mandate until 31 March 2018. This was a report on the implementation of the political agreement of 31 December 2016. This was on the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement. This was the Secretary-Generals report on MONUSCO. This was a briefing by Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region Said Djinnit on the situation in the Great Lakes Region. The Special Representative and head of MONUSCO, Maman Sidikou, briefed the Council This was a press statement expressing the Councils concern at the challenges facing the implementation of the 31 December 2016 agreement and stressing the importance of investigations into recent violence in Kasai. This was a statement on the 20 March meeting of the Committee with regional countries and a briefing by Sidikou and Djinnit.
AMERICAS

Haiti

Expected Council Action

In July, Special Representative and head of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) Sandra Honore is expected to brief the Council on recent developments and the latest Secretary-Generals report which is due by 12 July.

Key Recent Developments

In April, the Council adopted resolution 2350 which extended the mandate of MINUSTAH for a final period of six months. In line with the recommendations of the assessment mission conducted by the Secretary-General, the resolution mandated the drawdown of the military component of the mission leading to its complete withdrawal by 15 October. Furthermore, the resolution established another, smaller peacekeeping mission, the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), to assist the government of Haiti in strengthening the rule of law institutions, reinforcing national police capacities, and engaging in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis. The successor mission MINUJUSTH, whose six-month mandate will begin on 16 October, is envisioned to draw down after two years.

In early May, the members of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti visited Haiti and met with key political actors, civils society, and development agencies operating in the country. The group was initially established in 1999 to provide recommendations on how to ensure the most effective and coordinated approach regarding international assistance to Haiti. However, the group became inactive within months of its establishment. In 2004, ECOSOC reactivated the group with the mandate to promote socioeconomic recovery and to ensure coherence and sustainability in international support to Haiti. On 9 June, at the request of Uruguay, the Council held an informal interactive dialogue with Ambassador Marc-Andre Blanchard (Canada), current chair of the advisory group. Blanchard briefed Council members on some of the main findings during the advisory groups visit to Haiti in May.

On 3 May, the Secretary-General submitted a report to the General Assembly providing an update on the UNs new, two-track approach to Cholera in Haiti. Track one involves intensifying the UNs support for efforts aimed at reducing and ultimately ending the transmission of cholera, improving access to care and treatment, and addressing the longer-term issues of water, sanitation and health systems in Haiti. Track two involves developing a package of material assistance and support to Haitians most directly affected by cholera, drawing on contributions from member states.

In the report, the Secretary-General announced his plan to appoint a special envoy who would be in charge of developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy. Furthermore, he called on member states to voluntarily allocate to a trust fund to support his new approach, assessed contributions amounting to a total of $40.5 million which will remain unspent after MINUSTAH closes in October, and which would otherwise be returned to states. The Secretary-General has estimated that the new approach would require funding of $400 million. The fund remains severely underfunded with a total of $2.7 million received so far from several member states. During a 14 June informal briefing to the General Assembly, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said that due to insufficient funding, cholera response and control efforts cannot be sustained through 2017 and 2018. Mohammed used the opportunity to call on member states to contribute resources that would enable implementation of the new approach to cholera.

On 20 June, the Secretary-General appointed Josette Sheeran (US) as his special envoy for Haiti. In her new role, Sheeran will bear primary responsibility for overseeing and implementing the UNs new approach to cholera, as well as related fundraising activities.

From 22 to 24 June, the Council conducted a visiting mission to Haiti led by Bolivia. The stated purpose of the visit was for the Council to: reaffirm its support for the government and people of Haiti; conduct a review of the implementation of resolution 2350; and identify requirements necessary for successful implementation of the successor missions mandate. Members met with various interlocutors including President Jovenel Moise and members of his cabinet, Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant, parliamentarians, the senior leadership of MINUSTAH, the Higher Council of the National Police, members of civil society, and others. In addition to various discussions on the situation concerning the rule of law, judicial reform, the capacity of the Haitian National Police, and the mandate of MINUJUSTH, several interlocutors raised concerns about the UNs response to cholera. They also asserted that the UN must assist the fatherless children born as a result of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by UN peacekeepers. On 30 June, Ambassador Sacha Sergio Llorentty Soliz (Bolivia) briefed the Council on the visiting mission.

Human Rights-Related Developments

At its 34th session in March, the Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted a presidential statement (A/HRC/PRST/34/1) which discontinued the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, a decision in keeping with the desire of the Haitian government not to have it renewed. This was despite the call by the Independent Expert at the time, Gustavo Gallon, for the mandate to be extended for one year in order to assist Haiti with planning for the implementation of recommendations from human rights mechanisms, including those contained in Gallons final report (A/HRC/34/73), and to allow the HRC to evaluate the mandate in order to identify best practices.

Key Issues

At the moment, the main issue for the Council is the ongoing drawdown of MINUSTAHs military component and the process of phased transition to the successor mission MINUJUSTH.

An ongoing issue for the Council is the need to develop the capacity of the Haitian National Police and to address the lack of progress in the areas of rule of law and human rights-related reforms, in particular with regard to criminal justice and ensuring accountability for past abuses.

Another issue is the lack of funding for the new approach to cholera and the implications for the UNs credibility, especially in Haiti.

Options

The most likely option for the Council is to receive a briefing and take no action, given that the decision on the successor mission to MINUSTAH has already been taken. With the visit fresh in their minds, members are likely to follow closely developments leading up to the transition.

The Council could explore future options for the involvement of the Peacebuilding Commission in Haiti now that the country is transitioning to a smaller peacekeeping mission and further developing its own capacities.

Council Dynamics

Council members seem content with the progress Haiti has achieved recently. The presidential, legislative and municipal elections were all held in a peaceful manner and without major threats to overall security. Earlier this year, a new president, Moise, was inaugurated, marking the restoration of constitutional order. Against this backdrop, the Council adopted resolution 2350 which authorised the gradual drawdown and closure of MINUSTAH by 15 October followed by the establishment of a much smaller successor mission, MINUJUSTH. While the Council voted unanimously in favor of resolution 2350, some members expressed concern regarding certain aspects of the resolution. Most notably, Russia objected to the inclusion of a human rights mandate for the successor mission and it being established under Chapter VII. Furthermore, Russia has argued that some of the aspects of the MINUJUSTH mandate are not clear and would be hard to implement in practice. Bolivia also expressed reservations regarding invoking Chapter VII in the resolution, noting that this does not reflect the reality in the ground.

Council practice is that draft resolutions on Haiti are negotiated and agreed among the Group of Friends of Haiti, which comprises Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Guatemala, Peru, the US and Uruguay, before being circulated to all 15 Council members by the US, as the penholder.

UN Documents

This was a resolution extending MINUSTAHs mandate for a final six-month period until 15 October and authorising the establishment of a smaller successor peacekeeping mission, the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH). This was Secretary-Generals report that provided updated information on implementation of the new approach to cholera in Haiti. This was the Secretary-Generals Report on MINUSTAH. This was Secretary-Generals report on the new approach to cholera in Haiti. This was a report on MINUSTAH. This was a meeting on Haiti during which the Council adopted resolution 2350. This was a debate on Haiti with a briefing by Special Representative and head of MINUSTAH, Sandra Honore. This statement welcomed the announcement of the final presidential results from the 20 November 2016 elections in Haiti.
In Hindsight: Council Action and Inaction on Yemen

On 15 June, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement on Yemen, which focused on the countrys humanitarian crisis and confidence-building measures related to Hodeidah port. It was the Councils first product on the Yemen war in nearly 14 months, with the exception of the annual resolution that it adopts to renew the Yemen sanctions regime. In total, the Council has adopted five decisions on Yemen since the start of the Saudi Arabia-led intervention on 26 March 2015: resolution 2216, two resolutions to renew the sanctions measures and two presidential statements. This output contrasts with the Councils activity regarding other major wars and humanitarian crises, such as those in South Sudan and Syria.

Resolution 2216, adopted on 14 April 2015, remains the key Council decision on Yemen since the outbreak of full-scale war. Adopted shortly after the coalition intervention, the resolution established a targeted arms embargo against the Houthi rebel group and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. It also subjected Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi and the son of the former president, Ahmed Ali Saleh, to financial and travel ban sanctions, bringing the number of individuals sanctioned to its current total of five.

Resolution 2216 placed a number of demands on the Houthis: notably to withdraw from all seized areas and to relinquish all arms seized from security and military institutions, including missile systems. These demands were frequently held up by the Yemeni government as conditions to be fulfilled before the government would enter peace talks, and later as actions to be carried out before discussing transitional governing arrangements. (President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi was elected in February 2012, on a single-candidate ballot, envisioned to manage a two-year transition that long ago collapsed.) However, resolution 2216 also demanded that all Yemeni parties adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation. Russia abstained in the vote on resolution 2216 as its proposal to call for a cease-fire was not included.

During the drafting and negotiation of resolution 2216, countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) exerted considerableeven exceptionalinfluence. GCC members prepared the draft that became the basis of negotiations. Jordan, which was the Arab Council member at the time, then functioned as penholder on the text. This was notable since the UK is the usual penholder on Yemen. Negotiations were mostly held among the GCC countries, Jordan and the P5, largely excluding the other elected members. At one point, Russias permanent representative Vitaly Churkin met with Saudi ambassador Abdallah al-Mouallimi to negotiate the text.

This was not without precedent. In the preceding two months, GCC countries prepared initial draft texts on which they consulted closely with the P5, which led to resolution 2201 of 15 February 2015 and a 22 March 2015 presidential statement on Yemen. In both these instances, the UK and Jordan jointly submitted the draft texts to the other Council members.

Not long after its adoption, some Council members became frustrated by some of the implications of resolution 2216. For example, members have noted that withdrawals and the disarmament of the Houthis could occur through a negotiated process over time, rather than being required to happen upfront. However, because of members bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, most have been reluctant to attempt a new resolution in the face of Saudi objections.

The Councils approach has thus been to adopt presidential statements, when possible in support of progress that emerges in the UN-brokered political process, and thereby gradually expand upon the framework for negotiations. Its 25 April 2016 presidential statement, adopted to welcome the start of the Kuwait peace talks, was apparently considered useful in encouraging the parties to engage beyond positions taken based on resolution 2216. An attempt to adopt a presidential statement in July 2016, during the recess in the Kuwait talks, failed to gain consensus in the Council. Last months presidential statement further reflects the view that a resolution is too sensitive.

At times, frustrated by the stalemate and worsening humanitarian situation, some members have pressed for a new resolution. New Zealand, supported by several other elected members, suggested a humanitarian resolution in early 2016. After members discussed elements for a text, Al-Mouallimi held a 4 March 2016 press conference stating that OCHA regarded a humanitarian resolution as unnecessary, and reiterating Saudi Arabias view that resolution 2216 provides the basis for a political settlement. As progress emerged in organising the Kuwait talks, proponents of a resolution backed off, not wanting to risk undermining the rare positive developments on the political front.

In October 2016, following airstrikes on a funeral in Sanaa that killed over 140 people, the UK announced that it would propose a new resolution. During a 31 October Council meeting on Yemen, UK Ambassador Matthew Rycroft outlined the elements of the resolution, which would call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and on the parties to return to negotiations on the basis of the UN Special Envoys roadmap, developed to revive a political process. However, a draft was never circulated, apparently after pressure from Saudi Arabia.

The Council has also been reluctant to insist on the proper enforcement of the arms embargo and that it not penalise civilian life. Since the start of the intervention, the coalition has maintained restrictions on commercial shipping and flights, requiring the inspection of ships by coalition forces and their authorisation to proceed to Yemen. These policies have resulted in significant declines in essential imports to Yemen of food and fuel, as well as costly delays that have exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, which the UN has warned since June 2015 could turn into a famine. The measures have gone far beyond the Council mandate, which only authorises inspections when there are reasonable grounds to believe cargoes were in violation of the embargo. It also requires states to report all inspections to the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee, which with one exception (of several air shipments in June 2015) the coalition has never submitted.

An April 2017 study by the Yemen Panel of Experts contained several recommendations for the 2140 Sanctions Committee to address delays and obstacles for commercial shipping. These included having the Committee inform the coalition and the Yemeni government that regular denial and delays of shipping access could constitute obstruction of humanitarian assistance (which is among the designation criteria). It also proposed that the Committee establish a list of prohibited items to address the problems created by the Coalition denying shipments that it assesses contain dual-use military-civilian goods. Only one member spoke in favour of the recommendations at an 18 April Committee meeting, and the proposals gained little traction.

At a bilateral level or through formats such as the Group of 18 Ambassadors to Yemen and the Quad (comprised of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, UK and US), several Council members have pressed the coalition on a number of these issues, such as getting Saudi Arabia to agree to the creation of a UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism to facilitate commercial shipping or urging the coalition not to attack Hodeidah port. It has been suggested that these channels have relieved some of the burden on the Council.

It remains to be seen whether last months presidential statement, breaking a long silence on Yemen, previews more active Council engagement to revive peace talks and to address the humanitarian crisis.
MIDDLE EAST

Iraq

Expected Council Action

In July, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Jan Kubis will brief the Council on the Secretary-Generals report on UNAMI and the most recent developments. UNAMIs mandate, which expires on 31 July, is likely to be renewed for another year.

Key Recent Developments

The ongoing fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the situation in Mosul featured prominently in Kubiss last briefing to the Council on 22 May. Given the expected defeat of ISIL in Mosul, Kubis stressed that the safe return of displaced persons and the protection of the rights of minorities remain core priorities. While most Council members welcomed government advances against ISIL in Mosul, they also voiced their concern about the worsening humanitarian situation. Furthermore, some members emphasised the need to establish an investigative body that would provide an accountability mechanism for crimes committed by ISIL and other terrorist groups.

Also on 22 May, at the request of the US, Council members discussed the humanitarian situation in Iraq, specifically in Mosul, in a meeting under any other business. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and head of OCHA Stephen OBrien updated members on the humanitarian situation in western Mosul and the current challenges regarding the growing number of internally displaced persons and civilian casualties.

Iraqi government forces, supported by Kurdish troops and Sunni tribal fighters with the US-led coalition providing air support, have continued their military operation to retake Mosul from ISIL. Over the past seven months, Iraqi forces regained control of eastern Mosul and have made significant advances into western Mosul. At press time, ISIL fighters controlled only about two square kilometres of territory in the Old City district of western Mosul. On 21 June, ISIL destroyed the eight and a half centuries-old Al-Nuri mosque in the Old City. Two years ago at the same mosque, ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the creation of the caliphate. Over the past several years ISIL has destroyed numerous cultural heritage sites in Iraq.

Heavy fighting between the Iraqi security forces and ISIL fighters for control of the Old City continues to take a toll on the civilian population. According to the latest data from the UN humanitarian agencies, over 800,000 people have been displaced from Mosul since October 2016, when the Iraqi government offensive began. Since February, more than 600,000 were displaced from western Mosul alone. The UN Refugee Agency has estimated that over 100,000 people remain trapped in parts of western Mosul still under ISILs control. The rate of displacement continues to rise dramatically as government forces close in on western Mosul.

On 25 May, the US Department of Defense released the summary of its investigation confirming that the US carried out an airstrike on a house in western Mosul on 17 March which resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians. However, the investigation found that ISIL fighters intentionally placed explosives inside the house, causing a secondary blast once the bomb hit the house. The investigation concluded that at least 105 civilians died as a result of the incident, while 36 people remain unaccounted for.

On 7 June, President of the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) Masoud Barzani announced that a referendum on the independence of Kurdistan has been scheduled for 25 September. The central government in Baghdad has denounced unilateral actions by KRG authorities to hold the referendum. Following the announcement, the Iraqi government spokesman said that the fate of Iraq cannot be decided without the involvement of all concerned parties. The US State Department voiced its concern about the referendum and its potential impact on the ongoing fight against ISIL. Turkish Foreign Minister Binali Yildirim has said that a referendum would be irresponsible and could create additional problems in the region.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In a news release on 8 June, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said that reports indicate that more than 231 civilians have been killed trying to flee western Mosul since 26 May alone, showing a significant escalation in ISILs use of civilians as human shields and its slaughter of civilians fleeing violence.

Key Issues

The key issue for the Council is promoting a genuinely inclusive government accountable to the Iraqi people. A related issue is determining how the Council and UNAMI can support Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadis reform process and encourage greater cooperation on financial, security and humanitarian issues between Al-Abadis dominant Shia Dawa party and Kurdish and Sunni parliamentarians, and thereby build confidence in the central government and fortify Iraqs response to ISIL.

Another issue is how to address the impact of the anti-ISIL military campaigns on the human rights, humanitarian, and security situations in Iraq.

Options

One option for the Council is to renew the existing mandate of UNAMI without any significant adjustment. The core elements of the UNAMI mandate have remained largely unchanged since the adoption of resolution 1770 in 2007.

Another option would be for the resolution renewing UNAMI:

to call for the government to work towards enhanced security and humanitarian coordination with Kurdish and Sunni leaders, and for UNAMI to support the government in that effort;

to condemn human rights violations by ISIL and by Iraqi security forces, including the Popular Mobilization Forces; and

to urge the government to enhance its cooperation with UNAMI with regard to human rights, humanitarian response, rule of law, security sector reform, stabilisation activities in areas liberated from ISIL, and best practices for child protection and gender policies.

The Council could consider the UKs initiative for the Council to set up a mechanism for establishing accountability for the crimes committed by ISIL in Iraq, while requesting the government of Iraq to give its consent for such investigations.

Council Dynamics

Council members support UNAMI and some subscribe to the view held by the US and Iraq, as well as by Kubis, that the missions mandate is sufficiently broad and flexible to support its good offices role. Other Council members believe that UNAMI would benefit from a resolution that updates and prioritises its tasks, given that the mandate has not changed since resolution 1770 was adopted almost ten years ago. Some members have previously expressed interest in incorporating stronger language in the mandate renewal resolution on issues such as the promotion of national reconciliation, accountability, security sector reform, deeper political and economic reforms, issues related to women, peace and security and to children and armed conflict, and the right of internally displaced persons to return to their homes. It seems that the US, the penholder, and Iraq, as the host country, are reluctant to make any substantial changes to UNAMIs mandate. In addition, they also seem to be concerned that opening up the mandate will allow crossover issues with Syria to enter the mandate, which could bring further political divisions. Except through the lens of counter-terrorism, Council members have not approached the connected crises in Iraq and Syria holistically and have exhibited a strong preference to treat the two situations as discrete issues.

The US is the penholder on Iraq issues in general, and the UK is the penholder on Iraq-Kuwait issues.

UN Documents

The Council authorised the Secretary-General to continue to maintain the escrow account authorised by resolution 1958 (2010), and to retain the funds contained in there until 30 June 2017. This was a resolution renewing UNAMI for a year. This was a report on the oil-for-food escrow account. This was the Secretary-Generals report on Iraq. This was a briefing by the Special Representative and head of UNAMI, Jan Kubis. This was a statement on Iraq-Kuwait issues.
Israel/Palestine

Expected Council Action

In July, the Council will hold its regular quarterly open debate under the agenda item, the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

Key Recent Developments

On 20 June, the Council held its monthly meeting on the Middle East. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nikolay Mladenov briefed on the implementation of resolution 2334 on Israeli settlements, which requested the Secretary-General to brief on its implementation every 90 days. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the occupation, president of the Council, Bolivia, invited additional speakers: Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi, who represented the Elders, an independent group of global leaders working together for peace and human rights. At the request of the US, Michael Doran, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, was also invited to brief.

Mladenov reported that while resolution 2334 had called on Israel to cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, there had been a sizeable increase in settlement-related announcements as compared with the previous reporting period, with plans for nearly 4,000 housing units moving forward and 2,000 tenders issued. While there had been a sharp drop in the number of Palestinian-owned structures demolished in Area C, the monthly average of demolitions in East Jerusalem since the beginning of 2017 remained at the same level as 2016, when demolitions reached a 15-year record. Mladenov reported that violence remained a hallmark of the conflict, and while during the reporting period the security situation on the ground remained relatively calmno rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel and the Israel Defense Forces had not conducted any airstrikes inside Gazaaccording to OCHA, 17 Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces in various incidents, while one Israeli soldier was killed in a carramming attack on 6 April and an Israeli policewoman was killed in a shooting and stabbing attack on 16 June, among other incidents. He reported that Palestinian officials and media outlets affiliated with Fatah continued to commemorate perpetrators of past terror attacks against Israeli civilians, while Hamas leaders also continued what he described as their deplorable practice of celebrating recent attacks against Israeli civilians as heroic, while noting that some Israeli officials had also employed provocative rhetoric. On Gaza, he said that heightened intraPalestinian tensions, resulting in an increasingly dangerous humanitarian situation, raised serious concerns about the prospect of another conflict. Gaza, he warned, is a tinderbox, adding that if and when it explodes, it will have devastating consequences for the population and derail all efforts at advancing peace.

Voting took place in the West Bank on 13 May, in local elections that a number of political factions, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine boycotted. Fatah, the ruling party of the Palestinian Authority (PA), maintained a majority of local council seats, although independent lists scored a higher number of votes. A 53 percent voter turnout was reported. Elections were held only in the West Bank, and not in the Hamas-governed Gaza SStrip, as Hamas leaders had rejected the legitimacy of the poll on the basis that elections should only be held after reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah is achieved. Following the May poll, the PA cabinet decided that supplementary municipal elections would be held on 10 October in the Gaza Strip, as well as on 29 July in 66 West Bank councils where elections were not held on the regular election day.

On 11 June, Israels security cabinet approved a request by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to cut by roughly a third the electricity it provides to Gaza. The move is expected to shorten the daily average hours of electricity received by Gazas two million residents, which is currently roughly four hours. The PA cited Hamass failure to pay for power supplies as the reason for the cuts. The decision is causing concern that it could trigger a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and incite another armed conflict between Israel and Hamas. The day after the decision was made, Hamas warned that the cuts would be dangerous and would lead to an explosion.

A mass hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails ended on 27 May, after Israel offered a compromise deal to meet some of the prisoners demands. Marwan Bargouti, a Palestinian political figure convicted and imprisoned for murder by an Israeli court in 2002, led 800 hunger strikers for 41 days with two main demands: more frequent visits, and prisoners to be allowed to speak to their families on public phones under supervision. The strikers are among some 6,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails for offenses related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On 6 June, Ambassador Nikki Haley (US) addressed the Human Rights Council (HRC) during its 35th session, reiterating that the US is still considering whether to withdraw from the Geneva-based body. The US accuses the HRC of having an anti-Israel bias and of allowing countries that violate human rights to gain membership. Asked at an event later that day, Haley refused to say whether the US would commit to staying in or leaving the HRC.

In regional developments, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed financial embargoes on the Gulf state on 5 June. The countries accuse Qatar of providing support to groups they consider to be terrorist organisations, and object to Qatars support of the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, as well as its relations with Iran. Qatar provides strong financial aid to the OPT and is home to many Hamas leaders. The increased pressure on Qatar to cut ties with Hamas, and the rift between Qatar and Egypt, which borders Gaza, could worsen the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Human Rights-Related Developments

During its 35th session, the HRC considered the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the status of implementation of the recommendations addressed to all parties since 2009 regarding accountability and justice for violations of international law in the OPT, including East Jerusalem (A/HRC/35/19). The vast majority of the more than 700 relevant recommendations reviewed were made to Israel, with the report concluding that Israels overall rate of full implementation was only 0.4 percent, 1.3 percent by Palestinian authorities, and 17.9 percent by the UN and the international community. In an accompanying statement on 19 June, the High Commissioner called the extremely low implementation rate on all sidesdiscouraging. He reiterated that ongoing human rights violations and the non-implementation of the recommendations are not merely symptoms of the conflict, but further fuel the cycle of violence which can only be broken by addressing the root causes, including ending the occupation and addressing Israels security concerns. In June, the HRC also considered the report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Dubravka Simonovic, following her visit to the OPT/State of Palestine from 17 to 22 September 2016 (A/HRC/35/30/Add.2). The report concluded that while there have been improvements in efforts to combat and prevent violence against women, women are still subject to violence and discrimination from the Israeli occupation (both directly and indirectly) and a system of violence emanating from embedded patriarchal social norms and outdated legal frameworks.

Key Issues

The overarching issue is determining how the Council can encourage the resumption of direct negotiations between the parties to achieve a two-state solution, including promoting compliance with resolution 2334 to salvage prospects for this outcome.

Options

Given the difficult Council dynamics on this issue and the objection of the new US administration to much of the Councils engagement on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the most likely option will be to merely receive the briefings and hold the open debate with no outcome.

Council Dynamics

The US has made it known that it plans to staunchly defend Israel at the UN; it fiercely opposes resolution 2334, and what it deems to be a pervasive anti-Israel bias by the UN. Therefore, it is likely to prevent any Council action regarding the resolutions implementation as well as other efforts to produce outcomes in the Security Council and elsewhere in the UN system. The US is keen to turn the Councils attention towards Israels foes: Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas. At the 20 June meeting, Haley proposed that Hamas should be condemned in a Council resolution, with consequences for anyone that continued to support it.

Several other Council members are attempting to bring the parties back to the negotiating table. France held the second meeting of its international conference on the conflict on 15 January, which brought together more than 70 foreign ministers and culminated in the adoption of a statement proclaiming support for a two-state solution. Also, Russia announced last year its intention to host direct talks between the parties. Among elected members, Egypt has voiced its willingness to act as a broker between the parties and is likely to play a leading role in any implementation of the Arab Peace Initiative. Sweden appointed an envoy in February to address the conflict.

Israel remains staunchly opposed to international initiatives on the issue, including involvement by the Council, preferring direct negotiations with the Palestinians, while the PA favours international participation.

UN Documents on Israel/Palestine

This was a resolution that condemned Israeli settlements and was adopted with 14 votes in favour and a US abstention. This was the briefing by Nickolay Mladenov, Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, Lakhdar Brahimi and Michael Doran.
MIDDLE EAST

Lebanon (1701)

Expected Council Action

In July, Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag will brief Council members in consultations on the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 1701, which called for a cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.

The mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expires on 31 August.

Key Recent Developments

The Secretary-General transmitted his semi-annual report on the implementation of resolution 1559 on 28 April. (Resolution 1559 urged the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon, the disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, and the extension of the Lebanese governments control over all Lebanese territory.) The report noted that on 27 December 2016, Lebanons cabinet agreed on its ministerial statement in which, as in 2014, it reaffirmed Lebanons commitment to resolution 1701 and its intention to address the needs of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and security services. The statement also emphasised that Lebanese citizens have a right to resist Israeli occupation, ward off its attacks and recover occupied territories. The report also noted that Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Saad Hariri attended the summit of the League of Arab States in Amman on 29 March. Before the summit, five former presidents and prime ministers of Lebanon sent a letter to the League of Arab States in which they emphasised the commitment of Lebanon to international resolutions, in particular Security Council resolution 1701, rejected illegal arms and expressed support for the Baabda Declaration and the disassociation policy. The report also stated that the participation of Hezbollah and other Lebanese groups in the conflict in Syria continued to breach the disassociation policy of Lebanon.

On 16 May, UNIFIL head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Michael Beary on met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon, Gebran Bassil, in Beirut. Beary expressed his appreciation for the commitment and continued support by the government of Lebanon to the implementation of resolution 1701 and noted the governments commitment towards the extension of state authority and strengthening engagement in south Lebanon. Beary briefed Bassil on the overall situation in UNIFILs area of operations, and reported that UNIFIL has successfully increased its outreach to the local population as well as intensified its engagement with local leaders and communities. They also discussed the strategic partnership between the LAF and UNIFIL, and the need for increased support to the LAF, UNIFILs strategic partner. Beary reiterated UNIFILs continued commitment to work with the LAF in supporting the LAF Capabilities Development Plan. He also highlighted the importance of UNIFILs liaison and coordination mechanism, the tripartite forum, and reported that the parties have reaffirmed their commitment to resolution 1701 and have stressed their clear intent to continue working with UNIFIL to further strengthen security along the Blue Line.

The most recent tripartite meeting, chaired by Beary, was held on 20 April. Senior officials from the LAF and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) met at the UN position at Ras al-Naqoura. Discussions focused on issues related to the implementation of UNIFILs mandate, air and ground violations, the situation along the Blue Line and its ongoing visible marking, and the issue of withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Ghajar. Beary said that UNIFIL will continue to work closely with the parties in order to move the Blue Line marking process forward, which will be in the long-term interest of both parties.

Ambassador Nikki Haley (US) visited the area of UNIFILs operations on 8 June. According to media reports, Beary, when briefing Haley, told her that the situation in the border area was stable and did not require further intervention. An argument erupted when Israels deputy chief of staff, Major General Aviv Kochavi, interrupted to say that UNIFIL was not doing its job properly and was afraid of entering the villages and towns of southern Lebanon and confronting Hezbollah. Kochavi then reportedly called on Haley to help change UNIFILs mandate to enable it to disarm Hezbollah. Israeli officials reportedly shared secret intelligence information with Haley regarding Hezbollahs presence south of the Litani River, in violation of resolution 1701; Beray denied the information. Reports also indicate growing discontent with UNIFIL on the part of Israeli officials.

On 14 June, Lebanons cabinet approved a new law that extended its parliaments term by almost a year until next May, avoiding a legislative vacuum when the chambers current term ends on 20 June. The law was approved by parliament two days later. The law was finally agreed to after months of debate among parliamentarians. According to the new law, among other changes, a proportional representation system will be created for parliament. The next elections, the first in eight years, are likely to take place next May.

Key Issues

The main issue is that while the situation is relatively calm, there has been little progress toward the key objectives of resolution 1701 nearly 11 years after its adoption, including a permanent ceasefire.

A central issue is that Hezbollah and other non-state actors continue to maintain weaponry that directly hinders the governments exercise of full authority over its territory, poses a threat to Lebanons sovereignty and stability, and contravenes its obligations under resolutions 1559 and 1701. In that context, the ongoing crisis in Syria, with Hezbollahs involvement on the side of the regime, and the flow of arms from Syria to Hezbollah remain of great concern.

Options

Given that the Council is set to adopt a resolution renewing the mandate of UNIFIL in August, it is likely that Council members will regard the July meeting as an opportunity to take stock of the situation on the ground and issues concerning the missions operation in preparation for the August renewal.

Council Dynamics

The Council has been united in its position that UNIFIL contributes to stability between Israel and Lebanon, especially in the context of the current Syrian crisis. Council consensus includes support for Lebanons territorial integrity and security, condemnation of acts of terrorism, and recognition of the crucial role the LAF play in responding to security challenges.

The US appears to be increasingly interested in focusing the Councils attention on the threats posed by Hezbollah and Iran in the region. This, coupled, with the new administrations staunch support of Israel, may provoke the US to re-examine UNIFILs mandate, as requested by Kochavi during Haleys visit.

France is the penholder on Lebanon.

UN Documents on Lebanon

This was a resolution which renewed UNIFILs mandate for an additional year and requested the Secretary-General to conduct a strategic review of UNIFIL by February 2017. This resolution expanded UNIFIL by 15,000 troops and expanded its mandate. This resolution urged withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon, disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, extension of the Lebanese governments control over all Lebanese territory and free and fair presidential elections. This was the Secretary-Generals semi-annual report on the implementation of resolution 1559. This was the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 1701.
Overview

During its presidency in July, China plans to hold an open debate on Enhancing African capabilities in the area of peace and security.

The mandates of the UN missions in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and Iraq (UNAMI) will be renewed this month. The Council will be briefed by the heads of both missions ahead of the adoptions expected later in the month.

Following the Councils visiting mission to Haiti in June, Special Representative and head of MINUSTAH Sandra Honore is expected to brief the Council on recent developments and the latest Secretary-Generals report.

This month the Council will also consider whether to renew the authorisation of a UN police component for Burundi, which the government of Burundi has refused to allow to be deployed.

Other African issues that will be considered this month are:

Regarding Middle East issues, Council members will continue to monitor developments in Syria, and meetings are planned on the political and humanitarian situations, as well as on chemical weapons. Other Middle East issues scheduled this month are:

Israel/Palestine , the quarterly open debate;

, the quarterly open debate; Lebanon , an update on UNIFIL; and

, an update on UNIFIL; and Yemen, an update by the Special Envoy.

In addition, following a request by the government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo, the Council expects to adopt a resolution establishing a second special political mission to be deployed in Colombia.

Finally, the Council will be watching developments in the Central African Republic and meetings may be scheduled if the situation deteriorates further.
AFRICA

Somalia and Eritrea

Expected Council Action

In July, the Chair of the Somalia and Eritrea 751/1907 Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Kairat Umarov (Kazakhstan), will deliver his 120-day briefing to the Council.

Key Recent Developments

The Council has begun discussions on a review of the sanctions measures on Eritrea, in line with its intentions outlined in resolution 2317 of 10 November 2016. This resolution was adopted following receipt of the final report of the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group (SEMG), which for the third year in a row had found no evidence that Eritrea was supporting the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. During negotiations on the resolution, China proposed language requesting the SEMG to present a report within 120 days to the Committee on recommendations for lifting sanctions imposed on Eritrea, including benchmarks and a timeframe. This proposal was supported by Angola, Egypt, Russia and Venezuela. However, this was not acceptable to some members. As penholder, the UK brokered a compromise text that included expressing the Councils intention to review measures on Eritrea in light of the upcoming midterm update by the SEMG due by 30 April 2017 and taking into account relevant Security Council resolutions, which some members preferred as it did not prejudge the outcome of the review. Angola, China, Egypt, Russia and Venezuela all abstained, and the resolution was adopted with only ten affirmative votes.

On 17 May, Council members met in consultations to begin discussions on the review. The UK apparently wanted to take stock of the positions of all members in this meeting, with the intention of drafting a presidential statement that would enshrine a road map on the way forward on Eritrea sanctions. Council members held one subsequent meeting to brainstorm about potential elements of such a text. While this would probably not change existing requirements on Eritrea, it could include confidence-building measures and ideas for improving the Councils engagement with Asmara. At press time, a statement had not yet been drafted. Given that sanctions are imposed on Eritrea not only due to alleged support to Al-Shabaab, but also due to ongoing conflict between Eritrea and Djibouti, the process of drafting a presidential statement became complicated by developments in the situation between those countries.

Qatar, which had been mediating the conflict between Eritrea and Djibouti since 2010, withdrew its 450 peacekeeping forces from the border area on 14 June and announced that it was no longer going to mediate between the feuding countries. The Eritrean government has said that Qatar did not provide an explanation for its hasty withdrawal. On 16 June, Djibouti accused Eritrea of occupying disputed territory along the border after the Qatari withdrawal. The move by Qatar came after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed financial embargoes, among other measures, on 5 June. The African Union (AU) Commission said in a statement the following day that Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat was available to Djibouti and Eritrea to help normalise their relations and promote good neighbourliness, and that the Commission, in consultation with the parties, had undertaken to deploy a fact-finding mission on the border. Security Council resolution 2317 had encouraged further mediation efforts by Qatar in order to resolve the border dispute between Djibouti and Eritrea and the question of Djiboutian combatants missing in action since the clashes in 2008, determining that their dispute continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region.

Ethiopia called for a 19 June briefing under any other business on the situation following Qatars withdrawal. Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Taye-Brook Zerihoun briefed Council members. Following the meeting, Council President Ambassador Sacha Sergio Llorentty Soliz (Bolivia) delivered agreed elements to the press. He said that the members of the Council welcomed the intention of the AU to deploy a fact-finding mission, and looked forward to working with the AU to maintain an atmosphere of calm and restraint. He said that the members of the Council called on the parties to resolve the border dispute peacefully, in a manner consistent with international law, and said the Council would welcome the consideration of future confidence-building measures, and will continue to follow the situation closely.

The last Chairs briefing took place on 13 April. Umarov told the Council that the Committee had received notifications related to the arms embargo on Somalia and was working on the issues of sanctions violations and actions of armed groups. He announced a possible future visit of the Committee to the Horn of Africa. During the reporting period, the SEMG had again found no links between Al-Shabaab and Eritrea, he said, but it had raised concerns about disappearances of Djiboutian troops after the Djibouti-Eritrea border clashes and had examined Eritreas compliance with relevant Council resolutions. The SEMG also investigated the origin and destination of a cache of 25,000 firearms found in Somalia. Umarov relayed that the SEMG was primarily concerned with the threats posed by continuing illegal fishing and Al-Shabaabs involvement in the charcoal trade.

On 11 May 2017, UK, Somalia, the UN and the AU co-chaired a conference in London on Somalia, attended by 42 friends and partners of Somalia. The conference focused on the agreement of a Security Pact, adopted by Somalia and the international community, which will allow for long-term security based on mutual accountability. A subsequent communique addressed various issues including sanctions, in which it stated that while Somalia is able to import weapons and ammunition under the terms of the partially suspended UN arms embargo, partners also committed to continuing to support Somalias ongoing efforts to build stronger weapons management and control capacities. It stated that these actions are an important step towards creating the conditions for any further suspension of the arms embargo, on which the Federal Government of Somalia will continue to engage with the Security Council.

Key Issues

The key issue on sanctions is determining how to approach the review of Eritrea sanctions, especially in light of Qatars withdrawal as mediator between Eritrea and Djibouti and its withdrawal of troops from the border. Relatedly, the Council must now ascertain whether the withdrawal necessitates any action on its part to ensure the maintenance of international peace and security.

Another issue is assessing the Federal Government of Somalias management of arms and ammunition and implementation of maritime interdiction measures regarding arms and charcoal.

Options

One option for the Council would be to resume discussions on a presidential statement concerning the review of Eritrea sanctions. Such a statement could also provide an opportunity for the Council to address the new tensions between Eritrea and Djibouti. However, given the various complications with such a text, the Council could instead opt to adopt a statement focusing only on the Djibouti border issue and urging that specific confidence-building measures be taken by the parties.

Council Dynamics

Regarding sanctions, the Council is divided between those members who believe it should reconsider sanctions measures against Eritrea, in light of the absence of any findings by the SEMG of evidence of support to Al-Shabaab, and those who stress that Eritreas other activities in the region also warrant sanctions. All Council members would like to see Eritrea increase its engagement with the UN, though some advocate a visit by the chair of the Sanctions Committee as a first step, and others view this as being insufficient and object to a potential solo visit by the chair, arguing that he must be accompanied by the sanctions coordinator.

UN Documents on Somalia and Eritrea

This was a resolution on Somalia and Eritrea sanctions with ten votes in favour. This was a briefing by the Chair of the 751/1907 Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Kairat Umaraov (Kazakhstan). This was the report on Eritrea of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea. This was the report on Somalia of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea.
AFRICA

South Sudan

Expected Council Action

In July, the Council is expected to consider the Secretary-Generals 30-day assessment of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the deployment and future requirements of the Regional Protection Force (RPF).

The UNMISS mandate expires on 15 December 2017.

Key Recent Developments

The onset of the rainy season in South Sudan has limited mobility and reduced large-scale military offensives, but the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Salva Kiir on 22 May has not been implemented and violence continues across the country. The Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) has consolidated its territorial control despite the rains. The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains dire, as limits on humanitarian access, mass displacement, famine, and food insecurity are compounded by the rains and a cholera outbreak.

The lack of progress in the deployment of the Juba-based RPFwhich was authorised on 12 August 2016 to use all necessary means to facilitate freedom of movement, to protect the airport, and to protect civiliansremains an ongoing problem. RPF infantry battalions are set to arrive by late July. However, there has still not been agreement regarding the RPFs mandate to protect Juba International Airport, with the government consistently reiterating that it needs to retain control over safeguarding the airport.

On 12 June, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held an Extra-Ordinary Summit of Heads of State held in Addis Ababa. South Sudan was a major focus of the summit, and of the resulting communique in which IGAD:

strongly condemned violence perpetuated by government forces and armed groups in South Sudan;

decided to convene a meeting of RPF troop-contrubuting countries, the South Sudanese government and the UN, to resolve the impediments to the RPFs deployment; and

decided to convene a High-level Revitalization Forum to discuss concrete measures, to restore permanent ceasefire, to full implementation [sic] of the Peace Agreement and to develop a revised and realistic timeline and implementation schedule towards a democratic election at the end of the transition period.

On 21 June, the Council was briefed by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom (via VTC). Lacroix began by emphasising that the current humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is the result of the decision by all parties to continue fighting. He emphasised that unless a ceasefire was implemented and the political process restarted, it would not be possible to hold free, fair and peaceful elections in 2018.

Haysoms briefing focused on efforts to restart the political process. He welcomed the IGAD summit and communique and affirmed the UNs support for the High-level Revitalization Forum. Regarding the national dialogue, Haysom emphasised that while it could be an important nation-building exercise, the dialogue must be preceded by an inclusive political process that ended the current fighting. Haysom reported that he was working on a joint action plan for South Sudan with the chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Festus Mogae, and the African Union (AU) High Representative for South Sudan, Alpha Konare. Haysom hoped that the plan would be presented to regional leaders in the coming weeks.

Key Issues

The immediate issue for the Council is whether it can support IGADs efforts to revitalise the political progress, either by exerting pressure on the South Sudanese government and opposition to implement a ceasefire and embrace an inclusive process, or by combining both incentives and disincentives.

Another issue is how to complete the deployment of the RPF and ensure that it enables the redeployment of other UNMISS elements to areas where civilian populations are threatened by ongoing violence.

The larger issue for the Council remains how to encourage greater cooperation by the government, including ending the ongoing violence against civilians and removing impediments to both humanitarian access and UNMISSs ability to carry out its mandate.

Options

One option would be for the Council to adopt a presidential statement that:

strongly condemns violence perpetuated by government forces and armed groups in South Sudan, and calls for an immediate ceasefire;

welcomes the communique of the 12 June IGAD Summit; and

emphasises the Councils united support for the High-level Revitalization Forum.

Another option for the Council is to impose an arms embargo on the country and/or an assets freeze and travel ban on key figures responsible for the ongoing violence.

An alternative option would be for the Council to attempt to incentivise cooperation by the South Sudanese government by offering conditional support, possibility including logistical support, for the national dialogue. Conditions might include implementation of a ceasefire, the governments participation in a revived and inclusive political process, and confirmation that the national dialogue will have a neutral chairperson.

Council Dynamics

The Council remains divided on its approach to South Sudan. There is no consensus on the degree to which the Council should welcome the national dialogue as it is currently presented by the government of South Sudan. Some Council members are concerned that a focus on the national dialogue may come at the cost of reviving the inclusive political process. Council members also remain divided over whether to incentivise cooperation by the South Sudanese government, or whether the targeting of civilians by SPLA forces necessitates a strong response by the Council to push the South Sudanese government towards peace.

During the 21 June briefing, some Council members welcomed the IGAD communique and emphasised the need for all parties to commit to implementation of a ceasefire and participation in an inclusive political process.

The US is the penholder on South Sudan, while Senegal chairs the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee.

UN DOCUMENTS ON SOUTH SUDAN

This extended the mandate of the South Sudan sanctions regime until May 2018. This extended the mandate of UNMISS for one year and reauthorised the Regional Protection Force. This resolution authorised the Regional Protection Force. This statement emphasised the need for a political solution to the conflict in South Sudan. This was a briefing by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom. This was a briefing by Shearer. This was a briefing by the head of UNMISS, David Shearer. This was a high-level briefing on South Sudan. This was a briefing on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Lake Chad Basin. This was the 90-day report on UNMISS. This was the draft resolution on an arms embargo and targeted sanctions that failed to receive the necessary support to be adopted. It received seven affirmative votes (France, New Zealand, Spain, Ukraine, Uruguay, the UK and the US) and eight abstentions (Angola, China, Egypt, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Senegal, and Venezuela).
Status Update

Sudan (Darfur)

On 1 June, Council members issued a press statement condemning the attack on UNAMID peacekeepers by an unidentified group in a carjacking incident, which resulted in one peacekeeper being killed (SC/12851). On 8 June, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, briefed the Council on the situation in Darfur and cooperation with the ICCs work pursuant to resolution 1593. Bensouda requested that the Council take action to respond to ongoing instances of non-compliance or non-cooperation relating to the situation in Darfur and the outstanding warrants (S/PV.7963). On 14 June, the Council was briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, El-Ghassim Wane, on the joint AU-UN strategic review on UNAMID (S/PV.7969). Wane reported on the changes in UNAMIDs operating environment and recommended the proposed restructure, redeployment and refocusing of UNAMID to reflect the missions new realities. Key changes to UNAMIDs priorities discussed by Wane included the recommended increased focused on the effective implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur and an increased focus on the protection of civilians in the greater Jebel Marra area. On 29 June, the Council adopted resolution 2363, renewing the mandate for UNAMID for an additional year. In line with the AU-UN strategic review, UNAMID will begin a process of restructuring and redeployment to be completed over the course of two successive six-month phases. An assessment will be completed following the first phase, allowing the Council an opportunity to delay or alter the second phase if required.

Cote dIvoire

On 2 June, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNOCI Aichatou Mindaoudou delivered her final briefing to the Council ahead of the missions closure on 30 June. Mindaoudou commended the government of Cote dIvoire for the progress made so far including the successful holding of elections, the constitutional referendum, and economic growth. However, she also expressed concern over the recent cases of mutiny and called on the government to address this issue. Members of the Council commended the government, and some stressed that lessons learned in Cote dIvoire could be used for future UN peacekeeping operations (S/PV7957). On 30 June, the Council adopted a presidential statement welcoming the closure of UNOCI (S/PRST/2017/8).

DPRK (North Korea)

On 2 June, the Council adopted resolution 2356, condemning in the strongest terms the nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development activities, including missile launches, conducted by the DPRK in flagrant disregard of relevant Council resolutions since 9 September 2016, the date of Pyongyangs last nuclear test (S/PV.7958). The resolution added 14 individuals and four entities to the targeted sanctions list under the 1718 DPRK sanctions regime. After the adoption, all Council members spoke explaining their vote. The 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee announced on 1 June that it had amended four entries on its sanctions list (SC/12850), and on 5 June it announced the amendment of another two entries (SC/12855).

Iran

On 2 June, the Council received the quarterly report from the IAEA on Irans implementation of resolution 2231, which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear programme (S/2017/502). The report found that Iran had continued to comply with its nuclear-related commitments under the agreement. On 29 June, the Council held its semi-annual meeting on resolution 2231 (S/PV.7990). Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman presented the Secretary-Generals latest report on implementation of the resolution (S/2017/515). Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi (Italy) briefed the Council in his capacity as the facilitator of resolution 2231 implementation arrangement, while the head of the EU delegation in New York, Ambassador Joao Pedro Vale de Almeida, spoke on behalf of the Joint Commission, the mechanism established by the parties to the JCPOA to oversee its implementation coordinated by the EU. The Council also received written reports from the Joint Commission (S/2017/495) and the facilitator (S/2017/537) ahead of the meeting, and held an expert level meeting on 23 June in the so-called 2231 format to discuss the Secretary-Generals report. In a separate development, Council members issued a press statement on 7 June, condemning the terrorist attack perpetrated by ISIL in Tehran that same day in which more than 50 people were killed or injured (SC/12859).

Children and Armed Conflict

The Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict met on 2 June to discuss the Secretary-Generals report on children and armed conflict in the Philippines (S/2017/294) and an update on the Secretary-Generals annual report. On 22 June the working group met to adopt its conclusions on children and armed conflict in Sudan.

Conflict Prevention

On 6 June, the Council held a high-level briefing on preventive diplomacy and transboundary waters which was chaired by Bolivian President Evo Morales (S/PV.7959). Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefed, maintaining that water, peace and security are inextricably linked. There was no formal outcome.

International Criminal Tribunals

On 7 June, the Council held its semi-annual debate on the ad hoc international criminal tribunals (S/PV.7960). The briefers included Carmel Agius, the President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia; Theodor Meron, the President of the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals; and Serge Brammertz, Prosecutor of the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals. There was no formal outcome.

Libya

On 7 June, the Council received a briefing from Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNSMIL Martin Kobler (S/PV.7961). The Council was also briefed by the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee chair, Ambassador Olof Skoog (Sweden). On 12 June, the Council adopted resolution 2357 renewing for an additional year resolution 2292 of 14 June 2016, which was aimed at ensuring implementation of the arms embargo on Libya (S/PV.7964). In particular, the resolution renews the authorisation for member states, acting nationally or through regional organisations, to inspect, on the high seas off the coast of Libya, vessels bound to or from Libya when reasonable grounds exist to believe that they are violating the arms embargo. It further renews the authorisation for member states to seize and dispose arms and ammunition found during the inspection of these vessels. On 29 June, the Council adopted resolution 2362 renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee and the measures regarding attempts to illicitly export oil from Libya.

Central African Republic

On 12 June, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the CAR, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, briefed the Council on the implementation of MINUSCAs mandate (S/PV.7965). Onanga-Anyanga described the recent increase in violence in the CAR, particularly of violence directly targeting civilians and MINUSCA personnel, and insisted that MINUSCA would maintain a robust posture towards armed groups, although this would need to be accompanied by increased peacebuilding efforts. Onanga-Anyanga was joined by the President of the Community of SantEgidio, Marco Impagliazzo, who described his organisations efforts to enhance inclusive dialogue by all groups.

UNOCA (Central Africa)

On 13 June, Francois Louceny Fall, the Special Representative and head of UNOCA, briefed the Security Council on the semi-annual report on UNOCA and the implementation of the UN regional strategy to combat the LRA (S/PV.7967). Fall warned that the continued threat of the [LRA] to regional stability should not be underestimated in light of the withdrawal of Ugandan and South Sudanese forces from the AU Regional Task Force, along with US special forces. He added that he was concerned about the LRA possibly exploiting the security vacuum created by the disengagement of the forces. The briefing was followed by consultations.

Mine Action

On 13 June, at the initiative of Bolivia, the Council held a briefing under the agenda item maintenance of international peace and security with the title Comprehensive Approach to Mine Action and Explosive Hazard Threat Mitigation(S/PV.7966). In its concept note for the meeting, Bolivia said that the cross-cutting nature of mine action and its relevance to promoting the peace and security agenda made it appropriate for the Council to hold a thematic briefing and adopt a resolution that would frame a comprehensive approach to mine action and explosive hazard threat mitigation. The Assistant Secretary-General for the Rule of Law and Security Institutions in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Alexander Zuev, briefed on the work of the UN related to mine action, with a focus on the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), while a representative of UNMAS in Colombia, Nathalie Ochoa Nina, spoke about her experience in the field. On 30 June, the Council adopted resolution 2365 on mine action.

UNDOF (Golan Heights)

On 15 June, Council members met with UNDOF TCCs. On 19 June, Council members held consultations on the Secretary-Generals 8 June report on UNDOF, covering 2 March to 16 May (S/2017/486). On 29 June, the Council adopted resolution 2361 renewing UNDOFs mandate for an additional six months.

Mali

On 16 June, the Council received a briefing from Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of MINUSMA Mahamat Saleh Annadif (S/PV.7975) based on the 6 June Secretary-Generals report (S/2017/478). On 29 June, the Council adopted resolution 2364 renewing MINUSMAs mandate for an additional year.

Arria-Formula Meeting on Famine

On 16 June, Security Council members held an Arria-formula meeting on the risk of famine in the conflict-affected areas of north-east Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. The meeting was organised by Egypt, Ethiopia and Senegal in response to the Secretary-Generals 21 February letter to member states, highlighting the global food crisis and the risk of famine in these four countries. Briefings were given by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed; Franck Bousquet, Senior Director of the Fragility, Conflict and Violence Group of the World Bank; and Andrea Tamburini, CEO of the NGO Action Against Hunger.

Peacebuilding

On 19 June, Ambassadors Cho Tae-yul (Republic of Korea) and Macharia Kamau (Kenya), the current and former chairs of the PBC, briefed the Council (S/PV.7976) to present the PBCs tenth annual report (S/2017/76). This was followed by an informal interactive dialogue on regional peacebuilding challenges focusing on the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin with Council members, representatives of the PBC, and Burkina Faso.

Sahel

On 21 June, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2359 welcoming the deployment by the Group of FiveBurkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Nigerof a joint force throughout the territories of its contributing countries with a view to restoring peace and security in the Sahel (S/PV.7979).

Afghanistan

On 21 June, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNAMA Tadamichi Yamamoto briefed the Council on the latest Secretary-General report (S/2017/508) and recent developments (S/PV.7980). Yamamoto noted that Afghanistan is currently going through a political and security crisis and urged the National Unity Government to increase political inclusiveness, strengthen accountability and improve the governments credibility to avert deterioration of situation. Council members voiced concern regarding the recent surge of terrorist attacks in the country and expressed support for the government of Afghanistan in tackling ongoing political and security issues.

Counter-Terrorism

On 22 June, Council members held an Arria-formula meeting on preventing terrorism and violent extremism in the Horn of Africa: Enhancing partnership for regional efforts. The meeting was co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Also in June, one additional name was added to the ISIL (Daesh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee sanctions list (on 16 June), while two entries were amended (on 20 June).

Liberia

On 27 June, the Council held a briefing followed by the consultations on the situation in Liberia (S/PV.7984). Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMIL Farid Zarif briefed on the latest Secretary-Generals report (S/2017/510) and activities related to the missions drawdown. Ambassador Olof Skoog (Sweden), Chair of the Liberia Configuration of the PBC, briefed on his recent visit to the country and PBC-related developments. Both briefers as well as Council members emphasised the importance of holding free and fair presidential elections in October and a subsequent democratic transfer of power. Furthermore, they stressed the need for a smooth drawdown of UNMIL and transition to the UN country team.

UNRCCA (Central Asia)

On 27 June, Special Representative Petko Draganov briefed Council members in consultations on the work of UNRCCA. He covered a number of key regional issues, including the threat of terrorism and extremism, the impact of the situation in Afghanistan, drug-trafficking, transboundary water management, and tensions linked to border-related disputes. The Secretary-Generals visit to Central Asia from 8-13 June was also discussed.

Non-Proliferation

On 28 June, the Council held an open debate on the global effort to prevent the-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by non-state actors focusing on implementation of resolution 1540 and the work of the 1540 Sanctions Committee (S/PV.7895 and Resumption 1). It was held at the initiative of Bolivia, the chair of the Committee. In its concept note, Bolivia outlined as a focus for the debate how to reinforce the preventive system to avoid the humanitarian, political, economic and environmental catastrophe that could result from the use of a nuclear, chemical and biological weapon by non-state actors, particularly terrorists, while taking into account resolution 2325 adopted on 15 December 2016 on the comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1540. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs briefed, along with Joseph Ballard, senior officer from the Office of Strategy and Policy at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. In addition to Council members, more than 40 speakers participated in the debate.
MIDDLE EAST

Syria

Expected Council Action

In July, Council members expect to receive briefings on political and humanitarian developments in Syria and on chemical weapons, including on the work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM).

Key Recent Developments

On 4 May, the three ceasefire guarantors (Iran, Russia and Turkey) signed a memorandum establishing four de-escalation areas and security zones in Syria. This agreement has led to a localised reduction of violence. However, violence persists both within and outside these areas. This includes government military offensives in Daraa (despite a short-lived ceasefire on 17-18 June) and in the eastern region known as Badia. Even though the memorandum established a 4 June deadline for the actual delimitation of the areas, no announcement has been made on this, nor on monitoring or enforcement mechanisms. The next meeting between the guarantors, the parties, and observer countries is scheduled for 4-5 July in Astana. Briefing the Council on 22 May, Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura assessed the memorandum as a promising development and stressed the UNs readiness to provide technical expertise. He also highlighted that there were still important details to clarify and warned against the parties taking advantage of existing ambiguities to make territorial gains or divert resources to other battlefronts.

De Misturas plan to convey an expert meeting on the consultative process on constitutional and legal issues in between rounds of the intra-Syrian talks was rejected by the Syrian government. However, de Mistura met with experts from opposition delegations on 15-16 June. On 17 June, he announced that the seventh round of the intra-Syrian talks would begin on 10 July in Geneva. Briefing the Council on 27 June de Mistura expressed his readiness to seek to facilitate direct talks between the government and the opposition either at a formal or technical level.

On 15 June, Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, briefed Council members on progress in the elimination of Syrias stockpile of chemical weapons. She stressed that there has been no change to the lack of safe access to the two above-ground stationary facilities that are to be destroyed with the supervision of the OPCW. She also highlighted how long-standing issues related to Syrias original stockpile declaration and subsequent amendments remain unresolved. The JIM, whose three-member leadership team (headed by Edmond Mulet with Judy Cheng-Hopkins and Stefan Mogl) is now complete, has started to investigate the 16 September 2016 incident where the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) found that mustard gas was used and is expected to start investigating the 4 April Khan Shaykhun attack upon completion of the FFM final report on that incident.

OCHA head Stephen OBrien briefed the Council on 30 May on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Despite the drop in violence in some areas of the country, OBrien stressed how the humanitarian conditions are worsening not due to insecurity or poor infrastructure, but to increasingly strict limitations by local authorities and non-state armed groups, as well as terrorist organisations, along with the actions of some neighbouring countries. He highlighted the delays in the approval of facilitation letters by the government for cross-line inter-agency convoys. OBrien also denounced the so-called evacuation agreements and the need for accountability for starve and surrender tactics. At press time OBrien was expected to provide his next briefing to the Council on 29 June.

The US has been involved in several incidents in reaction to threats to their forces or those of their partners. On at least two occasions (on 18 May and 6 June), the US attacked pro-government military convoys that were nearing the Tanf base close to the Jordanian border where the US trains Syrian opposition groups. The US also downed two Iranian drones near the base. On 18 June, the US shot down a Syrian jet that had attacked the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)a US-supported armed group involved in the offensive over Raqqanear Tabqah. After the attack, the US Central Command stated: The Coalition does not seek to fight Syrian regime, Russian, or pro-regime forces partnered with them, but will not hesitate to defend Coalition or partner forces from any threat. On 19 June, the Russian Defence Ministry suspended its participation in the deconfliction line with the US as a result of the attack and announced that it considered airborne objects detected west of Euphrates River as legitimate targets.

The SDFs ongoing offensive against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Raqqa continues with the support of the US-led coalition. In a speech to the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 14 June, the chair of HRCs Independent International Commission of Inquiry, Paulo Pinheiro, described how the military campaign has resulted in staggering loss of civilian life and displaced more than 160,000 people in Raqqa. The Syrian government joined forces with Iraqi Shiite militias in their offensive towards ISIL-held Deir Ez-zor. On 21 June Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to all those conducting military operations in Syria to do everything in their power to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, as fighting continues in Raqqa and elsewhere.

Human Rights-Related Developments

At the 14 June interactive dialogue with the HRC, Pinheiro noted that following the establishment of the de-escalation zones there was a discernible reduction in levels of violence in the zones around Idlib and western Aleppo, but that violence continued unabated in the zones around Homs, Damascus and southern Daraa, and the zones had yet to bring any tangible improvement in the delivery of humanitarian aid. However, the commission argued that the establishment of the zones was a step in the right direction and could help the more comprehensive political discussions within the Geneva framework led by de Mistura. Outside of the de-escalation zones, the conflict continued to have disastrous consequences for civilians, with the commission calling for meaningful accountability for ongoing human rights violations. The commission emphasised that ultimately only an end to the war would bring an end to civilian suffering in Syria. On 23 June, the HRC adopted by 27 votes to 8, with 12 abstentions, resolution 35/26 on the human rights situation in Syria. The resolution demanded that the Syrian government cooperate with the HRC and the Commission of Inquiry by providing full access throughout the country, and also invited member states to provide financial support for the establishment and functioning of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism. (Of the seven Security Council members currently on the HRC, Japan, UK and US voted yes, Egypt and Ethiopia abstained, and Bolivia and China voted no.)

Key Issues

More than six years since the start of a war, the essential issue is how the Council can rise above P5 divisions and exert leadership in promoting efforts to reach a political solution.

Enforcing the ceasefire that Council members took note of in resolution 2336 of 31 December 2016 and ensuring that the current de-escalation initiative has sustained impact on the ground, including on humanitarian access, is an important issue that could contribute to progress in the Geneva talks, as well as to improve the living conditions of the millions of Syrians affected by the conflict.

Amid increasing tensions among international actors in Syria, preventing incidents that may lead to military escalation is a related issue.

Options

The Council has many options at its disposalsuch as imposing an arms embargo or targeted sanctions, referring Syria to the International Criminal Court, or authorising a no-fly zone to deter the Syrian government from using its aerial capacitybut P5 divisions make these unlikely options.

Council members could, both individually and collectively, step up efforts to ensure that the government guarantees humanitarian access to besieged and hard-to-reach areas.

Council members could be briefed by the ceasefire guarantors on the establishment of the de-escalation areas and their monitoring, the release of detainees, and demining.

Council and Wider Dynamics

The US has repeatedly expressed its concern regarding the role of Iran as a guarantor, particularly in the areas bordering the Golan Heights (disputed between Israel and Syria) and Jordan. Secret talks have reportedly been underway between Russia and the US to agree on the delimitation of a de-escalation zone in south-western Syria that would include Daraa and Al-Quneitra. As part of these talks, on 17 June a 48-hour ceasefire was agreed to in Daraa, although the government military offensive continued after the ceasefire expired. The talks happen as Syrian troops and Iranian-sponsored militias expand their influence in southern Syria. In June, the US deployed a high mobility artillery rocket system to the strategically-located base of Tanf.

A Russian draft resolution welcoming the memorandum agreed to in Astana in early May was never negotiated in the Council as a result of Council members concerns regarding the limited information available to them in order to make a decision. In consultations on 22 May, several Council members asked questions regarding the enforcement of the memorandum and the monitoring of the de-escalation areas. Many Council members have highlighted the importance of ensuring humanitarian access in the areas. Even though Russia provided an update regarding the working group established by the guarantor countries, some questions remained unanswered as the work of the group was still ongoing. The Council might still consider these issues as further details are agreed to by the guarantors and accepted by the parties. If the monitoring mechanisms require the deployment of a third party, it is likely that such a decision would be dealt with in the Council.

UN DOCUMENTS ON SYRIA

Welcomed efforts by Russia and Turkey to end violence in Syria and jumpstart a political process. Renewed the mandate of the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism for a further year. This resolution was adopted unanimously by the Council and required the verification and destruction of Syrias chemical weapons stockpiles, called for the convening of the Geneva II peace talks and endorsed the establishment of a transitional governing body in Syria with full executive powers. This was the first resolution focused exclusively on a political solution to the Syrian crisis. It was adopted unanimously. This was on the humanitarian situation. This was an OPCW report on progress in the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme. This was a briefing by Nakamitsu on the destruction of Syrias stockpile of chemical weapons. This was a briefing by de Mistura.
AFRICA

UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel

Expected Council Action

In July, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), will brief the Council on recent developments and the semi-annual UNOWAS report.

Key Recent Developments

The crisis in The Gambia, stemming from President Yahya Jammehs refusal to accept defeat in the 2 December presidential election, was ended peacefully. Forces of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) entered The Gambia on 19 January, the same day that challenger Adama Barrow was sworn in as its new president at its embassy in Dakar, Senegal. In New York, the Security Council adopted a resolution endorsing the decisions of ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) to recognise Barrow as president. Talks continued between Jammeh and President Alpha Conde (Guinea) and President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz (Mauritania) to avert a confrontation with ECOWAS forces. This led to Jammeh agreeing on 21 January to cede power and go into exile in Equatorial Guinea. A joint declaration, issued that day by ECOWAS, the AU and the UN, commended Jammehs decision to transfer power to Barrow.

ECOWAS has since maintained around 500 troops in The Gambia, known as the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG). Legislative elections were successfully conducted on 6 April. On 2 June, ECOMIG forces reportedly opened fire on protestors in Kanilai, the home village of Jammeh, resulting in one fatality and five people wounded. At a 4 June summit of ECOWAS heads of state and government, West African leaders extended ECOMIGs mandate for an additional year.

Terrorist group Boko Haram and the humanitarian crisis resulting from the insurgency have received increased attention. A donor conference in Oslo on 24 February for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region led to pledges of $458 million for 2017 and a total of $672 million over the next three years. OCHA has appealed for $1.5 billion to meet emergency needs in the Lake Chad Basin during 2017, where 2.4 million people are displaced and 7.2 million people are food insecure.

The Security Council undertook a visiting mission to the four affected countries of the Lake Chad BasinCameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeriafrom 2 to 7 March. The Multinational Joint Task Force, comprised of these four countries and Benin, along with national forces have made notable gains against Boko Haram, taking back much of the territory Boko Haram held at its peak in 2015 and reducing much of its conventional military capability. The group, however, remains a threat. On 7 June, Boko Haram launched a series of raids in Maiduguri, killing 14 people, which constituted the groups largest attack in the capital city of Borno state in a year and a half.

On 31 March, the Council adopted resolution 2349, its first on Boko Haram and the Lake Chad Basin crisis. The resolution outlines the security situation and protection needs of civilians, the humanitarian crisis, and the conflicts root causes and development challenges. During the mission, a common message pressed upon members was the need to bring under control the humanitarian emergency and the conflicts underlying causes, such as poverty, underdevelopment and poor governance, which have fostered radicalisation and unless addressed are likely to cause continued instability. Resolution 2349 requested the Secretary-General to submit a report within five months assessing the situation in the Lake Chad Basin with possible measures for the Councils consideration.

In February, the Group of Five for the Sahel (G5 Sahel)Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Nigerannounced the creation of a regional force to combat terrorism and transnational crime. On 21 June, the Council adopted resolution 2359 welcoming the deployment of the G5 force throughout the territories of its contributing countries. The resolution requested the Secretary-General to brief orally within two months, and in writing within four months, on the forces activities and its operationalisation as well as on challenges encountered and possible measures for further consideration. It further expressed the Councils intent to review the forces deployment after four months.

Demonstrating the Sahels fragility, the security situation in northern Burkina Faso deteriorated earlier this year with the emergence of extremist group Ansarul Islam. The group, with links to terrorist groups in Mali, has attacked police stations, military positions, villages and schools mostly in Soum province, causing the displacement of local residents.

Following the Councils January briefing on UNOWAS, it adopted a 20 January presidential statement that, inter alia, encouraged further implementation of the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS). The statement emphasised the important convening role of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), charging it with supporting UNOWAS in mobilising relevant actors to advance the implementation of the strategy, which was developed in 2013 to address the underlying causes of instability in the Sahel.

Among the PBCs activities since, PBC chair Ambassador Cho Tae-yul (Republic of Korea) attended the 14 June meeting of the Ministerial Coordination Platform of Sahel Strategies in NDjamena, engaging G5 Sahel countries to further consider how to support implementation of the UNISS. A 19 June informal interactive dialogue between Council members and PBC representatives on peacebuilding challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin took stock of the PBCs role in implementing the strategy. A joint PBC-UN Economic and Social Council meeting on 28 June focused on development aspects of the UNISS.

Key Issues

The West African and Sahel regions have occupied a significant proportion of the Councils attention in the first half of 2017. Developments in The Gambia and in the Lake Chad Basin as well as with the G5 Sahel force are thus likely to continue to feature prominently. More broadly, the terrorism threat to West Africa and the Sahel represents an important issue for the Council.

Members are likely to be interested in discussing the steps that the UN and UNOWAS have taken towards implementing the UNISS since last years independent evaluation of the strategy, as well as plans of the PBC to support implementation of the UNISS.

In addition to Chambas good offices, UNOWAS is increasingly providing political support, not only for implementing the UNISS, but for a sustaining peace pilot strategy in Burkina Faso, and it is expected to do so as part of the Liberia peacebuilding plan. UNOWAS will further take on greater responsibilities in the monitoring of Cote dIvoire with the withdrawal of the peacekeeping operation there.

Options

An option for the briefing is to invite the PBC chair to brief on how the PBC is planning to support the implementation of the UNISS, and more broadly on PBC support to the region for sustaining peace.

Depending on the content of the Secretary-Generals report and the discussion with Chambas, the Council may adopt a statement on the activities of UNOWAS and developments in West Africa and the Sahel.

Another option is for the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Daesh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee to list the Burkinabe group Ansarul Islam on the Al-Qaida sanctions list.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Members value the good offices activities undertaken by Special Representative Chambas and view the regional office as playing a significant conflict prevention role. During recent crises in Burkina Faso and The Gambia, Chambas strove to ensure close coordination in the messaging and actions of ECOWAS, the AU and the UN. Senegal was important in ensuring Council engagement on The Gambia. It was, however, among those critical of the agreement that led to Jammehs stepping down and the joint ECOWAS-AU-UN declaration, feeling that there had not been sufficient coordination between the Guinean and Mauritanian presidents with ECOWAS.

The recent Council mission to the Lake Chad Basin seemed useful in developing a common understanding of the crisis affecting the region. This contributed to agreement on resolution 2349, which stands out among Council resolutions for the extent it focuses on the conflicts root causes and development needs.

Egypt has sought to revitalise implementation of the UNISS, including through the Councils decision to involve the PBC.

During negotiations on resolution 2359, the US and other major financial contributors objected to authorising the force, which they considered unnecessary, but also out of concern about the financial obligations such an authorisation could imply. France, which maintains counter-terrorism Operation Barkhane in the Sahel, supported the position of the G5 countries and the AU that the UN should consider providing assessed contributions.

Senegal is the penholder on West Africa and the Sahel.

UN DOCUMENTS ON WEST AFRICA AND THE SAHEL

This welcomed the deployment of the G5 Sahel force. This was on the Lake Chad Basin. This resolution endorsed the decisions of ECOWAS and the AU, recognising Adama Barrow as president of The Gambia. This was a statement on developments in the region and recognised the important convening role of the PBC to support UNOWAS in implementing the UNISS.
MIDDLE EAST

Yemen

Expected Council Action

In July, the Council expects to receive a briefing from the Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

Key Recent Developments

The war in Yemen continues amidst stalled efforts to resume political talks. The countrys humanitarian crisis as a result of the conflict, meanwhile, continues to worsen in the face of a cholera outbreak. The war pits the Houthis, a Zaydi Shiite rebel group, and forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh against the Yemeni government and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition.

In May, Ould Cheikh Ahmed sought to broker an agreement that would avert a possible coalition offensive against the critically important city of Hodeidah. Hodeidahs port, the largest in Yemen, takes in 70 percent of humanitarian aid and commercial goods imported into the country; thus a prolonged battle or the ports destruction would have a disastrous impact on the already severe humanitarian crisis, according to UN officials.

From 22 to 24 May, Ould Cheikh Ahmed visited Sanaa to discuss his proposals for Hodeidah with the Houthis and the General Peoples Congress (GPC), the political party of Saleh. During the transfer from the airport to the UN compound following his arrival, Ould Cheikh Ahmeds convoy came under attack, with two vehicles apparently hit by gunfire. Over the three days the Special Envoy was unable to meet with the Houthi/GPC negotiation delegation.

The Special Envoys proposal for Hodeidah, which he explained during his 30 May Council briefing and in remarks to the press after the session, entails two main components. On the security side, neutral Yemeni military officials would oversee Hodeidah. The proposal also envisions resuming payment of salaries to civil servants, millions of whom have not been paid for months, by placing all customs revenues collected at Hodeidah, along with revenues from other points of entry such as Aden, Mokha and Mukalla, and telecommunications revenues in Sanaa, into a dedicated salary fund. Ould Cheikh Ahmed noted that the proposals would address the Yemeni government and coalitions concerns of arms smuggling through Hodeidah and the Houthis use of revenues collected from imports at the port, while ensuring that the port does not come under the control of the coalition alone.

On 5 June, a Yemeni government letter to the Council expressed the governments full support for the Special Envoys recent proposals. That same day, the Houthis announced that they would no longer meet with the Special Envoy, who they accused of being biased.

Yemens humanitarian crisis, which is the greatest in the world with 19 million people requiring humanitarian assistance and seven million at risk of famine, was made worse by the outbreak of a cholera epidemic that began in late April. On 15 May, authorities in Sanaa declared a state of emergency for the city and called for international help. A joint UNICEF-World Health Organization statement on 24 June said that the cholera outbreak had exceeded 200,000 suspected cases, increasing at an average of 5,000 a day. More than 1,300 people had died from the outbreak, which has affected almost all of Yemens 22 governorates.

On 17 June, at least 22 civilians were reported killed or injured by airstrikes on a market in Saada governorate. There were no reported military targets in the markets proximity, according to a 21 June statement by Yemen Humanitarian Coordinator Jamie McGoldrick. He also flagged damage caused by military activities to power lines to the main water supply system of Dhmar City on 19 June, affecting one million people.

Tensions continued between Yemeni President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi and local southern authorities considered close to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which the Yemeni government accuses of supporting secessionist groups. On 31 May, fighting led to UAE-backed forces reportedly taking control of Adens airport from government forces.

During the Councils 30 May briefing, Ould Cheikh Ahmed stated that the sides were not close to a comprehensive agreement. OCHA head Stephen OBrien told the Council that the situation on the ground has continued to spiral downwards towards total social, economic and institutional collapse. Yemeni civil society representative Radya al-Mutawakel of the Mwatana Organization for Human Rights also addressed the Council, calling on it to fulfil its responsibilities to protect civilians and to revive the peace process, while she outlined a number of urgent concrete actions that the Council could take. Following closed consultations, Council members issued press elements, calling on the parties to ensure access through all of Yemens ports, including Hodeidah.

On 15 June, the Council adopted a presidential statement on the humanitarian situation and confidence-building measures regarding Hodeidah port. The statement stressed the importance of keeping all of Yemens ports functioning, including Hodeidah. The Council called on the parties to engage constructively with the Special Envoy on his proposal for increasing commercial and humanitarian shipments, including new arrangements for the management of Hodeidah, while urging an agreement for resuming payments of government salaries. The Council further encouraged rapid agreement on the timely installation of cranes at Hodeidah to increase the ports capacity, and increased access to Sanaa Airport for lifesaving humanitarian supplies and movement of urgent humanitarian cases.

Council members also discussed Yemens humanitarian crisis at a 16 June Arria-formula meeting regarding the risk of famine in the conflict-affected areas of northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In a statement on 16 June, the Human Rights Councils Special Rapporteurs on water and sanitation, Leo Heller, and on health, Dainius Puras, warned that urgent action by Yemen and the international community is needed to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation in order to address the spiralling cholera outbreak in the country. According to Heller and Puras, the breakdown of water and sanitation systems in Yemen has exacerbated the spread of the water-borne disease, forcing people to use unsafe water sources.

Key Issues

How the Council can support efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities and convince the parties to resume peace talks remains a key issue. Related to this are the implications of the Houthis announcement that they will not engage with the Special Envoy, and therefore how to promote UN-brokered consultations with the rebel group and the GPC.

Yemens humanitarian crisis and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law remains a key issue. This includes the functioning of Hodeidah port, obstructions on humanitarian aid and commercial goods into and throughout Yemen, and civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

Another issue is the expansion in Yemen of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) as a result of the vacuum created by the war.

Options

The Council could closely monitor the parties actions in accordance with its recent presidential statement, and be prepared to exert further pressure through a follow-up statement or resolution, if they fail to follow through with the Councils calls. In the case of an escalation of violence and a worsening of the humanitarian situation, the Council may adopt a resolution demanding, inter alia, an immediate cessation of hostilities.

In light of the lower level of Council attention on Yemen compared to other major wars and humanitarian crises such as Syria or South Sudan, the Council could decide to start receiving monthly briefings on Yemens humanitarian crisis.

Another option, which may increase pressure on the parties to compromise and the Councils focus on the conflict, is a visiting mission to Yemen and the region.

Council and Wider Dynamics

While members agree that there is no military solution to the conflict and all express concern about the humanitarian crisis, bilateral interests and relationships, particularly with Saudi Arabia, has made the Yemen conflict difficult for the Council to address as members are cautious in taking positions that are contrary to Saudi preferences. These have included Saudi Arabias opposition to any new Council resolutions on the conflict. Other than the annual resolution to renew the Yemen sanctions regime, the Councils 15 June presidential statement was its first decision on Yemen in nearly 14 months.

Within the Council, Egypt, as a member of the coalition, champions Yemeni government and coalition positions. Russia has, at times, highlighted Houthi perspectives, arguing that Council outcomes should be more even-handed, but has also sometimes raised this conflict in the face of criticism regarding its role in Syria. Sweden has been keen to see the Council become more proactive and played an important role pressing for the recent presidential statement.

The UK is the penholder on Yemen. Japan chairs the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee.

UN DOCUMENTS ON YEMEN

This resolution demanded the Houthis to withdraw from all seized areas and to relinquish all seized arms, and established an arms embargo on the Houthis and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. This stressed the importance of keeping all of Yemens ports functioning, including Hodeidah. This presidential statement welcomed the launch of peace talks that started on 21 April 2016 in Kuwait and requested the Secretary-General to provide a plan on how the Special Envoys office can further support the Yemeni parties. This was a briefing by Special Envoy, Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed, OCHA head of OCHA, Stephen OBrien and Yemeni civil society representative, Radhya al-Mutawakel. This expressed the Yemeni governments support for the Special Envoys proposals for Hodeidah port and to resume salary payments.
Press Release

June 29, 2017 Legarda: Strengthened PHL-France Climate Cooperation Urged in Meet with French Ecology Minister Senator Loren Legarda today said she looks forward to the renewed climate partnership between the Philippines and France following the Philippine Senate delegation meeting with France's minister for ecological transition and solidarity, Nicolas Hulot. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Finance, and Climate Change, together with Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Committee on Energy Chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, and Committee on Environment Chair Senator Cynthia Villar, met with Hulot to discuss how the two nations can work together on the way forward for the Paris Agreement implementation and ensure that nations are able to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. "France is moving towards a green economy and sustainable development. One of its aims is to reduce by 75 percent its fossil fuel consumption by the year 2050. France is serious in scaling up its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), promoting energy conservation and efficiency, and encouraging more investments in renewable energy," she explained. "On the other hand, the Philippines has been working towards resilience as it is greatly vulnerable to natural hazards and the effects of climate change. Environmental laws are in place but we need to review our energy policy and our NDC. We need more investments in renewable energy," said Legarda, noting that the Philippines has more than 200,000 megawatts of potential renewable energy capacity that remain untapped. "The Philippines can learn from the steps being taken by France. We should implement our already existing laws so as to strengthen our country's resilience. We have pending pieces of legislation at the Senate, such as the energy efficiency bill, that can support this goal. These realities make a good formula for climate cooperation between the two nations," she added. The Senator said that Hulot also highlighted the need to push for climate justice, stressing that men, women and children in nations like the Philippines, are those that bear the brunt of climate change. She also noted that France is inviting the Philippines to be its partner in an initiative to come up with a legal framework that would promote environmental justice, a global pact for the environment. "This new framework can strengthen the goals of the Paris Agreement, and I believe the Philippines can be France's strong ally in this initiative. A strengthened climate partnership between an industrialized nation like France and a vulnerable developing country like the Philippines would inspire other nations to move forward with the implementation of the Paris Agreement even with current challenges, such as the US President's decision to withdraw from the accord," Legarda concluded. Legarda has worked with Hulot in 2015 for the state visit to the Philippines of then French President Francois Hollande and in crafting the Manila Call to Action for Climate Change, which the Senator read side by side with French actress Marion Cotillard in Malacanang. A delegation of Philippine senators led by Senate President Pimentel is currently in France for an official parliamentary visit. The two nations are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Philippines-France Treaty of Friendship. Legarda, a Knight in the French National Order of the Legion of Honor, is the President and Founding Member of the Philippines-France Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association.
Press Release

June 30, 2017 Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on Duterte's first year

Dispatch from Crame No. 105 This has been a year of lies, flawed policies and reckless violence by the State against the people. What has been the President's go-to solution? More lies just to hide the lies, the incompetence and the bloodbath he has started. My detention is one of these attempts to divert the people's attention from the lack of prosecution of real drug lords, of the failure to stop the proliferation of drugs, of the questionable transactions by which he is incrementally surrendering our sovereignty and selling the future of our people to foreign interests, of the poverty, rising unemployment and other hardships that our people are suffering from on a daily basis. I am the red flag that he waves at the Filipino people to distract them from his broken promises and their sufferings under his rule. One year. I can weep about my 127 days in detention, but my personal sufferings are nothing compared to what our people have suffered in one year of broken promises and misrule. If anything, I am the lucky one: I feel better sleeping in my detention quarters each night knowing I did what is right than living in luxury and false freedom, sleeping on a bed feathered with other people's sufferings.
Press Release

June 30, 2017 On the first year of the Duterte government

WOMEN AND THE POWER OF REMEMBERING *Speech delivered by Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros before a Women Event entitled "Equality Makes Sense: A forum on women empowerment in the Philippines", June 30, 2017, Ateneo De Manila University This day could not have come at a more significant time. Today is a marker, a moment of courage. June 30 marks the end of Pride Month when we all call for equality and an end to gender (or SOGIE) discrimination amid a growing climate of misogyny and sexism in this country. We mark the end of Pride Month, but not the end of the fight to dismantle all the political, social and cultural structures that contribute to the persecution and discrimination of our LGBT friends. However, I would like to venture that today is also a day of remembrance for the thousands who have died, many at the hands of extrajudicial killers, one year since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his bloody war on drugs. "To forget is to erase our humanity" In a few weeks, the President will deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). Even as government downplays this colossal human rights crisis and in some cases, even denies the very existence of these killings, we need to remember. We must never forget nor dismiss this sanctioned and deliberate crime against the people. The act of remembering is a revolutionary and courageous act. To forget is an assault upon truth. To forget is to erase our humanity. And in this important act of remembering, we, women, play a central role. I have always believed that women are excellent "rememberers." Many of our culture's storytellers and lorekeepers are women. From the vivid memories of our "lolas" or grandmothers, to the stories our mothers tell us about our families, and then there are the lessons from our teachers, who taught us to remember not only our lessons, but the values of integrity and truth. Women have served as our bridge to connecting the past with the present, and many have helped us in unearthing and protecting the truth from systemic obfuscation and falsehood. But given the important part women play; how do we fare presently? If one simply looks at the statistics, it would seem that Filipino women are doing very well. The Philippines ranks 3rd in Asia and 17th worldwide in terms of political empowerment. This comes courtesy of the 2015 Global Gender Gap Index Report. Just to add some comparative perspective, our country ranks higher than Malaysia and Singapore in that regard. From 1998 to 2013, there was a steady rise in women's participation in politics from 16.15% (1998) to 19.92% (2013) In 2010, two women were elected to the Senate. Then there were four in 2013. Now, six women serve this country as elected senators. This is the largest number of women in the chamber to date. Yet, beyond the statistics, if we take the larger, and longer view, these numbers tell us just how wide the gap is. If female participation was right around 20% as of four years ago, then that meant 80% of political positions were still occupied by men - & 19.92% was supposed to be an all-time high! In the Senate, six women is only 25% of the total population of the chamber, less than half. It's also worth noting that no woman has ever served as Senate President despite the institution's 100-year history. And within the bureaucracy itself, women are more likely to be technical personnel, while men tend to be clerks, executives, or managers. Worse, there has been a surge in the culture of sexism and impunity that has marked the character of this government. Many of us here have probably heard or read the stories reported by the media - the trivializing of rape as something funny, or telling soldiers that it is okay to commit rape, reducing women public leaders to body parts, catcalling a female reporter and justifying it as freedom of expression and a compliment. There is also the distasteful reality of gender-based online harassment, and slut-shaming. Fake news is deployed as a weapon to stifle political dissent and lie to the public. There is a profound, palpable hatred and persecution of women leaders who dare stand up to the blatant disregard for human life as shown by the bloodthirsty war on drugs and recent proposals to return the death penalty to this country. Duterte's first year: A year of grieving, a dangerous time to be a woman If we assess the first year of the Duterte administration, it is clear that it is a dangerous year to be a woman. It is the year of misogyny and relentless killings. It is a year of grieving. In the government's abusive war on drugs alone, how many wives have lost their husbands? How many mothers have lost their sons and daughters? How many of our fellow women have lost their lives? How many more must suffer and die? Friends and fellow women, one year into the Duterte administration, this is the kind of atmosphere we Filipino women live in right now. We live in a time when the culture of death, rape, and misogyny is pervasive, made worse by the despicable behavior of many of our public officials who lend their voices to the gross, blatant objectification of our women. We live in a time when democracy and human rights are grossly violated and their active defense is seen as an act of weakness and a promotion of criminality. Descent into madness, nostalgia for authoritarian past Many have been asking, how did we descend into this madness? How come Filipinos who cherish freedom and democracy, and who defeated a dictatorship 31 years ago, seem to be again succumbing to the false promise of authoritarian rule? These are difficult questions and I will not pretend to have the definite answer, but I will share my own take on them. I believe that there is a strong nostalgia for an authoritarian past as a shortcut to the complexities of modern democracy. The allure of authoritarian shortcuts appeals mostly to those who have been terrorized by crime, those who feel that their interests and aspirations cannot be realized under democracy and those who have become disillusioned with the limits of a still largely traditional political system. The resurgence of this anti-woman climate is not surprising given that the authoritarian past is also the dwelling place of medieval world views like sexism. The power of remembrance, women in government We cannot allow this to continue unchallenged. This is where I would like to go back to the power of remembering. At a time when fake news deadens our senses and distracts us from the truth, we need more progressive women in government because we need to remember. I believe that stronger women in politics is the first in a long line of steps to curb the now emboldened trend of violent language, falsehoods and the unthinking acceptance of authority that is the poison of every democracy. We need more progressive women in government because if some men are too afraid to stand up for human dignity, then, it will be the courage of women that will take up the torch, beat the drum, and lead the way. Women comprise 50% of the country's population. It's only reasonable to work toward a similar balance in politics. Women voter turnout in 2013 was at 77.9%, while it stood at 77% for men. There is a need for more women in legislation and in politics because we have just as much to contribute to the national agenda as men, and women are equally powerful role models for men. I think it's tragic that women participate so much in the shaping of their government, but those who should speak for their struggles barely occupy half the seats to make a difference. The country needs more progressive women in politics because as women have a demonstrated capacity to bring issues of family, gender and equality into the open, women also have the power to help us remember that these are the issues central to a democracy: that governance is inclusive, that dissent is not only vital but necessary, that representation should translate into the sharing of power, and that mere accusation is never proof. And so, as we mark the first year of the Duterte government, let us also mark this as the time when we, especially women, celebrate and further broaden our resistance. We must continue to raise our voices amid the violence and the deaths, the persistence of lies, the proliferation of fake news, the perversion of truth, and the blatant disregard for democracy and human rights. They can shame us with rape jokes, barrage us with fake news and threaten us with trumped up charges and even incarceration, but we will not relent. We will continue to resist. "Failure to remember EJKs is to kill again" Dear friends, let us remember this day. Let us mark this as a day of remembrance for all the victims of extrajudicial killings. Our collective failure to remember is to kill again. Finally, I urge all of us to march forward, both in law and in life. I urge us all to remember, because to remember is to live. Democracy is a universal value. Our continuing journey toward a more participatory and pluralist society is the best guarantee that we can create a nation that will truly protect and realize all our human rights and aspirations.
Press Release

June 30, 2017 HONTIVEROS ON DUTERTE'S FIRST YEAR: A DANGEROUS TIME TO BE A WOMAN, A YEAR OF KILLINGS, NATIONAL GRIEVING "The first year of the Duterte government is a dangerous year to be a woman. It is marked by a colossal human rights crisis. It is the year of misogyny and extrajudicial killings. It is a year of national grieving." This was the statement issued on Tuesday by Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros regarding President Rodrigo Duterte's first year in office. "A grade of 8-12 thousand" In a women forum at the Ateneo De Manila University, Hontiveros also said that if she was to grade the performance of Duterte's first year in office, the Senator said that she will give the President a grade of 8-12 thousand. "That is the number of people killed, based on the tallies of government and human rights groups, under his bloody war on drugs," she said. "Day of Remembrance" Hontiveros also said that Duterte's first year in office should be a "day of remembrance" for the victims of extrajudicial killings. The Senator made the appeal one year since the government launched its bloody war on drugs. "Even as the government downplays this colossal human rights crisis and in some cases, even denies the very existence of these killings, we need to remember. We must never forget or dismiss this sanctioned and deliberate crime against the people. The act of remembering is a revolutionary and courageous act. To forget is an assault upon truth. To forget is to erase our humanity. Our collective failure to remember is to kill again," Hontiveros said. "Profound, palpable hatred of women" Hontiveros, who is also Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, said that there has been a surge in the culture of sexism and impunity that has marked the character of the Duterte government. She observed that there is a "profound, palpable hatred and persecution of women leaders who dare stand up to the blatant disregard for human life." The Senator also mentioned Duterte's trivialization of rape, reference of women public leaders to body parts, catcalling a female reporter and justifying it as freedom of expression and as a compliment, the distasteful reality of gender-based online harassment, and slut-shaming, and fake news as weapons to stifle political dissent and lie to the public, as primary examples of the growing misogynist culture under the present government. "More progressive women in politics" Hontiveros said that there is a strong need for more "progressive women" in politics as a "first in a long line of steps" to curb what she described as "the now emboldened trend of violent language, the falsehoods and the unthinking acceptance of authority that is the poison of every democracy." "They can shame us with rape jokes, barrage us with fake news and threaten us with trumped up charges and even incarceration, but we will not relent. We will continue to resist. We need more progressive women to fight because if some men are too afraid to stand up for human dignity, then, it will be the courage of women that will take up the torch, beat the drum, and lead the way," Hontiveros concluded.
Press Release

June 30, 2017 PH Senators Meet French Counterparts, Vow to Work Together Against Terrorism and Climate Change Senator Loren Legarda today said that Philippine senators and their French counterparts have vowed to work together to address terrorism and climate change, recognizing that these issues are two of the greatest threats to humanity at present. A delegation of Philippine senators led by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III made an official visit to France as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. This year is the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between the Philippines and France. The delegation called on the President of the French Senate, Gerard Larcher, and had discussions on terrorism and climate change, among other issues. "Terrorism and climate change are two of the greatest threats to national security at present. France and the Philippines can be partners in addressing these concerns which affect every single one of us," Legarda said. Legarda, President and Founding Member of the Philippines-France Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association, said that Larcher expressed appreciation for the Philippines' ratification of the Paris Agreement and was likewise concerned with the United States' withdrawal from the accord. "While both nations agree that the withdrawal of the United States from the Agreement poses a great challenge to the achievement of the treaty's goals, we remain optimistic. The Philippine Senate delegation proposed that France take the lead in efforts to achieve the goals of and implement the Paris Agreement," she said, noting France's successful hosting of the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) where the Agreement was adopted. On the issue of terrorism, Larcher said that the French Senate is undertaking measures to address such grave concern; while the Philippine delegation explained the current situation in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City, and assured that the Philippine Government is doing its duty to resolve the conflict immediately. Meanwhile, the Philippine Senate delegation also met with a member of the Constitutional Council, Jean-Jacques Hyest, who explained the key role the Council plays in supervising and monitoring public authorities and ensuring that pieces of legislation adhere to the principles of its constitution. France has a parliamentary system with two houses in parliament--Senat (Senate) with 348 members and Assemblee Nationale (National Assembly) with 577 members. One of the roles of the Constitutional Council, which was established by the Constitution of the Fifth Republic that was adopted in 1958, is to review the constitutionality of legislation. It supervises and monitors the parliament so that the parliament will not slip into the powers of the executive. The Philippine Senate delegation also met with the members of the Standing Committee of Law Members as well as with Nicolas Hulot, Minister for Ecological Transition and Solidarity. The delegation was led by Senate President Pimentel and comprised of Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Finance, and Climate Change, and Senators Panfilo Lacson, Cynthia Villar, Juan Miguel Zubiri, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Joel Villanueva.
Press Release

June 30, 2017 STATEMENT OF LIBERAL PARTY PRESIDENT SENATOR FRANCIS PANGILINAN

ON DUTERTE'S FIRST YEAR President Rodrigo Duterte's first year in office has its good side, bad side, and the still unknown future. On the good side, he made headway in addressing the plight of overseas Filipino workers, especially those in situations of distress. To improve the health of Filipinos, he expanded the anti-smoking campaign for the entire country, and funded the Reproductive Health Law. On the economic front, he introduced his Dutertenomics, which laudably does not dismiss the gains achieved in the past administration, and builds on them. The massive infrastructure projects in the pipeline are worth waiting for. On the bad side, the war on illegal drugs has claimed thousands of lives but no big fish has been brought to justice. The late dictator's remains now lie at the Libingan ng mga Bayani despite records of abuse and massive corruption. The Marawi crisis is still unresolved despite the imposition of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao. Worse, the aerial bombardment, has resulted in the displacement of thousands of families, damage of properties, and lost lives. To city dwellers, billions of pesos are still being lost to traffic jams which continue to hound the public every day. Also, more Filipinos consider themselves poor compared to the last quarter of December 2016, according to the SWS Survey. Political harassment has cut down democratic space, and dissent is not tolerated, as highlighted by the detention of Sen. Leila de Lima and the continuing vilification of all critics, especially through fake news in social media. Of our future, the next five years is paved with uncertainty. Why? Because a number of the President's promises in the campaign period and in his State of the Nation Address have either remained unfulfilled or have just changed deadlines. How serious is the President in addressing the Filipino people's daily woes? When will the promised positive change be felt? * When will the fighting end in Mindanao? When can the Marawi families return to their homes? What about the peace talks with the communist rebels and the Moro separatist groups in Mindanao? * How does the President intend to push for the country's claims over the West Philippine Sea? * When will the country's socio-economic agenda -- composed of overwhelming number of project proposals with huge funding -- take off? * How does the President intend to generate and create jobs for the people? When can working people get a living income without being burdened by higher prices of commodities and services? If mass poverty and gaping inequality still hound the nation, then no administration or President can claim success. But it must be stressed that the future of the nation does not lie in the hands of one man but in the collective action of ordinary citizens from all walks of life. More people must come together to help chart the course of our nation away from violence, death and poverty toward respect for human life, economic prosperity, and modernization.
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The Society for the Encouragement of Contemporary Art Award was created by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1967. Every five years since then, SFMOMA has recognized five emerging Bay Area artists and given them a group show at the museum.

This year, 250 applicants were winnowed to 16 finalists, from which five were selected to make their major museum debut on July 15.

To honor the 50th anniversary of the award, we reached back to the late 1960s when the famous Dewars Profiles advertising campaign was launched, and put the 2017 winners through a similar line of questioning.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art

Russell Yip/The Chronicle

Liam Everett

Age: 43

Description: I make large-scale abstract paintings and sculpture and performance.

Day job: An artists job is to rearrange the nightmare.

Studio location: North of Sebastopol in the middle of nowhere

Hometown: Rochester, N.Y.

Artistic hero: Bruce Nauman or Samuel Beckett

Biggest exhibition to date: The Bienniale of Painting at Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens in Belgium in 2016.

Art to be exhibited at SFMOMA: A few stretched paintings, a floor installation and a standing-leaning painting. The floor installation is for a dance rehearsal that will happen once a week on Thursdays. The paintings relate to the gestures of the dancers. The installation is called Look at a cat when it stalks a bird; or a beast when it wants to escape.

What you hope to achieve by it: I hope to get closer to what practice is, in terms of research. I am trying to define practice.

What will this exposure do for your career? I imagine it will create a different level of attention and dialogue.

Scotch: Im not allowed to drink scotch. I get into trouble. With vodka Im behaved.*

Russell Yip/The Chronicle

Lindsey White

Age: Why does that matter? Im thirtysomething.

Description: I make art inspired by the world of performance, especially within the comedy and magic realm.

Day job: Assistant professor and head of photography, San Francisco Art Institute

Studio location: In the Mission across the street from Whiz Burgers

Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.

Artistic hero: Maria Bamford, a standup comedian/artist

Biggest exhibition to date: A solo show at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in 2015. It was a collaboration with L.A. comedian Ron Lynch.

Art to be exhibited at SFMOMA: The award has supported me in creating a new series of photographs, videos and sculptures which consider where the mechanics of stagecraft and humor meet broader social concerns. You might even see an oversize pot holder, a newspaper covered in the fog and pig figurines.

What you hope to achieve by it: Im hoping to tackle some complex issues while offering a humorous point of entry.

What will this exposure do for your career? Ha! You never know whats going to happen.

Scotch: Thats a drink for old men.*

Russell Yip/The Chronicle

Alicia McCarthy

Age: What does that have to do with anything?

Description: Painting and drawing

Day job: I teach a class called Low Budget High Art at (California College of the Arts) and the San Francisco Art Institute. The base criteria is to not purchase any supplies.

Studio location: The Egghouse in Jack London Square

Hometown: Oakland

Artistic hero: The hierarchy of a list is something that I dont feel comfortable with.

Biggest exhibition to date: Three years ago at Jack Hanley Gallery on Valencia Street

Art to be exhibited at SFMOMA: An on-site painting on sheets of Plexiglas mounted on the wall. Everything gets painted backward. It will be 18 feet by 16 feet. The bulk of it is spray paint, so the process will move quickly. Im also showing drawings by Aaron Curry, not related to Steph. Ive always included at least one and at most 90 other peoples artworks in my solo shows.

What you hope to achieve by it: Satisfaction

What will this exposure do for your career? Not a clue

Scotch: Butter*

Sean McFarland

Age: 40

Russell Yip/The Chronicle

Description: I make photographs, books, drawings and videos that examine the relationship between representation of the landscape and the American West.

Day job: I teach art at San Francisco State University.

Studio location: Minnesota Street Project in Dogpatch

Hometown: Thousand Oaks (Ventura County)

Artistic hero: My students are my heroes.

Biggest exhibition to date: Bay Area Now in 2011 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Art to be exhibited at SFMOMA: Photographs that deal with the uncanny relationship between my work, the work of Ralph Eugene Meatyard and a ranger named Rockwell in the eastern Sierra Nevada. I will also be showing other explorations of the imaging of landscapes and collective consciousness.

What you hope to achieve by it: To give people a space to think about the world in which they live.

What will this exposure do for your career? Not sure yet, but I am really honored to share the show with four other talented artists.

Scotch: OK by me.*

K.r.m. Mooney

Age: 27

Description: Im an interdisciplinary artist who tends to make and build relations between objects.

Day job: Associate editor at the Thing Quarterly, an experimental art publication in the Tenderloin

Studio location: Real Time and Space, an artists building in downtown Oakland

Hometown: Seattle

Artistic hero: What I prioritize changes too much to have a stabilized hero.

Biggest exhibition to date: A solo called en, set, at the Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts, in June 2015

Art to be exhibited at SFMOMA: Five sculptures.

What you hope to achieve by it: That this space is held open

What will this exposure do for your career? SFMOMA will be a highly accelerated platform in terms of its circulation, and the visibility of the exhibition. Most of all it is meaningful to feel engaged in the canon specific to the Bay Area in the field of art.

Scotch: I dont actually drink.*

2017 Society for the Encouragement of Contemporary Art Award : July 15 through Sept. 17, SFMOMA, 151 Third St., Floor 4, San Francisco. (415) 357-4000. www.sfmoma.org

*Correct answer: Dewars White Label
Paul Chinn / Paul Chinn / The Chronicle

One person died, and another was critically injured in a crash near Novato Thursday, police said.

During a traffic jam on eastbound Highway 37 near Atherton Avenue in Novato, the driver of a Ford pickup truck approaching the backup was unable to stop in time, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The cleanup of radioactive contamination at the Hunters Point Shipyard was marred by widespread fraud, faked soil samples, and a high-pressure culture where speed was valued over accuracy and safety, according to four former site workers.

On Thursday, the four whistle-blowers, including a radiation safety officer who reported directly to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, gathered with environmentalists to describe the problems with the cleanup, which has cost the federal government $600 million. In the background, construction crews were at work redeveloping the property, where 1,200 units of housing, millions of square feet of commercial space and hundreds of acres of parks are planned.

David Anton, an attorney for the workers, said the Navy and the Environmental Protection Agency  as well as the district attorney and state attorney general  should immediately launch investigations into the cleanup, a process that should include interviews with former workers and the retesting of the soil at the site. Also, the nonprofit Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice filed a petition with the NRC to revoke the license of contractor Tetra Tech, which oversaw the cleanup at the Superfund site.

Talk to the workers who were involved in the fraud. Find out what fraud was taking place, and then test and sample based on reality, Anton said. The Navy has fought at virtually every step a real look at contamination at Hunters Point.

Questions over the accuracy of the soil tests emerged in October 2012, when the Navy discovered that some results were inconsistent with results from previous samples collected in the same areas. While the dirt in question was identified as having been collected from beneath a lab used to conduct radiation tests on animals, an internal investigation found that in at least 386 cases it had been pulled from areas already given a clean bill for radiological contamination.

On Thursday, the former workers said soil samples from areas known to be highly contaminated were switched with dirt gathered from the foundation of an old movie theater, where there were minimal toxic chemicals. Anton alleges that at least 2,500 samples were faked.

Robert McClain, a radiation technician who worked at the site in 2005, said Tetra Tech management ordered him to increase the speed of a conveyor-belt system he operated  even though the soil carried by the belt could not be properly tested for contaminants at the faster speed.

Management was production-driven, he said. They wanted to run it faster so they could get the soil moved. I was told by Tetra Tech officials that I didnt know what I was doing. I have 25 years experience in the nuclear power business.

In a statement, Tetra Tech spokesman Charlie MacPherson said the company emphatically denies the allegations made by individuals at todays news conference that Tetra Tech engaged in a cover-up of fraud on the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard.

FivePoint Holdings, the company developing the property, said its utmost concern is the safety of our residents and employees. We are confident in the oversight process of the Environmental Protection Agency and other local and state agencies to insure when we take title of a parcel it is up to the standard consistent with the designated uses.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @sfjkdineen
Helping formerly homeless people who have stabilized their lives in supportive housing move out into their own apartments is a pretty simple concept on its face. It caught on a decade ago in New York City, has spread to a handful of other cities since, and has shown promising results.

In Hartford, Conn., poverty managers have been able to move 21 percent of their supportive housing residents into new lives each year. In Atlanta, the rate reached 10 percent. New York hit a peak of 25 percent in the late 2000s, and though federal and local funding cuts shrank the program, its still achieving a 6 percent rate, which translates to about 2,000 people annually.

The reasons for Moving On are obvious, said Robert Friant, a manager at the Corporation for Supportive Housing in New York, which helps oversee the Moving On program there. I always tell people when you think about the costs of supportive housing today, just think about it for tomorrow because those costs are going to go up.

Moving On saves money, and it improves lives.

The Tipping Point Community charity in May promised to spend $100 million to cut San Franciscos chronic homelessness in half over the next five years, and its first expenditure was $1.2 million to get a Moving On program started. The program is being run in conjunction with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and the city Housing Authority by the Brilliant Corners nonprofit. In a limited launch, its already placed 13 people into independent housing  and an additional 350 have applied and are being vetted for placement.

The plan is to go into full-scale operation in July, using an additional $4 million in funding from Tipping Point. The first year is expected to result in 200 to 400 people moved up from supportive housing. After that, the goal is to eventually reach an annual turnover of 10 percent.

The cost savings could be big. New supportive housing units cost $400,000 to $450,000 each to build  and that cost drops to zero if a spot is simply vacated so a new formerly homeless resident can move in.

Also, the city spends about $20,000 annually in case management and other services for each resident. Moving Ons cost per resident is $10,000 for the first year, should drop to about $5,000 the second year, and is expected to continue to taper off after that, as it has in other cities.

If San Francisco reaches its goal of placing 10 percent of its long-term supportive housing population into the program, that could translate to $13 million a year in savings after the second year. The money would be shifted to new chronically homeless residents moving into the supportive housing spots that get vacated, so the savings mostly translate into a cost of human lives rescued and improved.

Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

The programs in New York and Connecticut found it can take a chronically homeless person three to five years to stabilize enough to move to independent housing. But since San Franciscos supportive housing programs are more than a decade old, there is a pool of people ready to move on, but they cant find a place to live without major help.

Human Services Agency Executive Director Trent Rhorer, who oversees the majority of supportive housing in San Francisco, has estimated that 30 percent of those who entered the complexes during the past decade-plus could be ready for a program like Moving On. Service-heavy supportive housing, after all, is ideally meant for those who most need mental, drug and other counseling help  and here, just as in other cities , not everyone pulled inside needs it forever.

When we look back on the development of supportive housing, we now see that some people just need government housing vouchers, and not so much of the support service, said Steve Berg, vice president for policy at the National Alliance to End Homelessness in Washington, D.C. The experience overall is that Moving On works very well, and that its growing  as San Francisco now shows.

Weve learned that you cant just give a person a housing voucher and expect them to find a place on their own. They need a n advocate. Having an organization that does that, building relationships with landlords and learning how to deal with them, makes all the difference.

Daniel Lurie, Tipping Points founder and chief executive officer, said he views Moving On as one of the most important tools for achieving his goal of rescuing 50 percent of chronically homeless people from their street lives. He wants it to be a national model.

The program may have worked in a few other cities, but if it can work in San Francisco  where the homelessness problem is both stubborn and highly visible  it should be able to work anywhere, the thinking goes.

I think weve learned a lot over the last decade, Lurie said. Weve made some good strides since then. But we can do better, and this is one way we can do that.

Kevin Fagan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kfagan@sfchronicle.com
Luis Castellanos is still so shocked at having a home all to himself that he sometimes spreads out a blanket on the floor next to his bed and sleeps on it, like he did on the ground at Golden Gate Park for years.

At 56, after a lifetime of poverty-driven agonies, hes just getting used to the prospect of never being homeless again, and certainly doesnt consider himself a model for anything, let alone a trailblazer for people like him.

But Castellanos is just that.

Hes the first person to move out of San Franciscos specialized housing for homeless people into his own apartment through a program called the Moving On Initiative. If the program takes off, Moving On could save the city millions of dollars a year  and go a long way toward clearing away the ragged tent cities that have mushroomed along alleys and sidewalks for years.

So far, so good. Castellanos may not be sleeping every night in his own bed, but hes staying inside and dutifully paying his bills. In his quiet, one-bedroom place in the Richmond District, he says, hes never been happier.

At first I thought it was a joke, like some reality show where they say get your butt out of here when the show is over, but this Moving On thing is for real, Castellanos said the other day, lounging in his tidy living room with a bowl of fruit and a glass of sparkling water. I still almost cant believe it.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

I feel like I am living the American dream for real, at last.

For more than a decade, one technique has worked best to permanently pull the most crisis-stricken homeless people off the streets and into healthy lives. Its supportive housing  giving them a place to live with on-site counseling to help them conquer the mental, drug or other scourges that pushed them into abject poverty.

But in San Francisco, theres not enough of it. About 95 percent of the hard-core homeless people who move into supportive housing dont move out, according to city records. And with the cost of each new unit reaching as much as $450,000, theres been a maddening shortage of places for counselors to put more people.

That will change dramatically if Moving On works.

Consider: There are about 6,500 formerly chronically homeless people  that is, the most visible and problematic ones whove lived outside for more than a year, afflicted by addiction or other issues  living in supportive housing units in San Francisco. Only about 300 additional units are being created every year, while 2,100 hard-core street denizens were tallied in the citys last official street count in January. Around 450 more such people flow into the city every year, according to federal calculations. So, with the constant inflow and a crimped ability to create new housing, the chronically homeless population hasnt dropped significantly in years.

This equation needs a transformation if there is to be any hope of clearing the streets. Moving On could be a huge step forward, by shifting as much as 10 percent of supportive housing residents into independent living each year. That translates to 650 people, more than double the usual number of new supportive housing units created every year.

The technique has already worked to that level of efficiency or better in recent years in a handful of cities, including New York, Atlanta and New Haven, Conn., and reached a turnover rate of as much as 20 percent in some locations, as The Chronicle reported last summer. Experts think it could work here  and city policy leaders are betting it will.

This is important, because we simply dont have enough permanent supportive housing to bring everyone in quickly, said Jeff Kositsky, head of the citys Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. But we dont want to just toss people out. We want to make sure they are set up for success.

The only answer to homelessness cant be government-supported housing  and it shouldnt be. Most people just want to see the tents all gone, and this is one of the big ways that is going to happen. This is part of the tip of the spear in our systems redesign.

Luis Castellanos journey from birth to his placid new life is a definition of improbable.

Born in Mexico to a single mother who died when he was 2, Castellanos was raised by an uncle who forced him to sell candy on the street from the time he could walk and whipped him when he didnt bring back enough cash. He ran away when he was 10. At 18, he swam across the Rio Grande to Texas in hopes of a better life in America.

From the Lone Star State to the West Coast, he did every grunt job imaginable, from construction to walking advertising flyers door-to-door, at times living under a roof. But struggles with booze and sniffing glue as a young man, along with post-traumatic stress from his abusive childhood, damned him with an occasional hair-trigger temper and depression.

He wound up in San Francisco in the mid-1990s, bouncing back and forth between the streets and stability, working odd jobs, until the late 2000s, when he gave up on being able to afford living indoors. He found a bare spot in a snarl of tree trunks in Golden Gate Park, hidden by thick brush and branches, and made it his year-round camping spot.

I didnt bother anyone, I kept out of sight, and nobody ever found me, he said. But I really did miss having a real place to live. I never gave up on the idea that maybe someday I could get that.

Solid hope emerged in early 2014 when city outreach workers got him a spot at the Hamlin Hotel, a model of supportive housing run by the nonprofit Community Housing Partnership. As at the rest of the citys supportive housing complexes, his room at the Hamlin is a permanent home; he could stay there for the rest of his life with his rent paid by federal disability checks and city subsidies.

But supportive housings key element  counseling and case management  helped ready Castellanos to take the next step.

Hamlins staff connected him with doctors and medication to conquer his post-traumatic stress and the effects of his youthful substance abuse. Inside at last, with no danger of being evicted, he learned how to manage his money and plan for a future without uncertainty.

He became a model resident, counselors say. Two years ago, after intensive study, he became a U.S. citizen, and after three years in supportive housing, he was calm, directed and ready to move on. He knew exactly where he wanted to go  and where he didnt.

I did not want to stay in the Tenderloin, Castellanos said. Some people like it because they have friends there, or its just familiar. For me, the Tenderloin has too many drugs, too many people acting out. I like the quiet.

All those years I was sleeping in Golden Gate Park, I used to walk through the Richmond (neighborhood) and think, Man, Id love to live there one day, he said. So when they told me I could find a place of my own, thats where I asked to go.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

It just seemed perfect for me.

On March 31, he moved out of the Hamlin and into the Richmond District.

His apartment is two floors up in a neat brick complex on a noiseless side street a few blocks away from his old spot in the park. Brilliant Corners, the nonprofit that runs Moving On, supplied furniture and kitchenware, and provided his deposit and first months rent. His main luxury is an acoustic guitar he can play whenever he wants  the hotels walls were too thin for that. When he strums classic rock favorites like Tin Man by America, his face beams with joy.

Even when he camped under the trees, Castellanos was a bit of a neat freak, and thats translated into an apartment that practically gleams. His refrigerator holds tidy rows of tortillas, beans, chicken and bowls of cut-up fruit. He hasnt gone hungry for a few years now, but the whole concept of food is a little more special when its well-stocked in your own fridge.

I told them at Brilliant Corners I dont deserve this, but they said, No, no, its OK, Castellanos said. I guess Im what you call a street survivor.

Azizi Gupton, support services supervisor at the Hamlin, said Castellanos was the first one she thought of when she learned last spring that Brilliant Corners was looking for applicants.

Luis is always up front, honest, open to change, and that was important for making this leap to independence, she said. Some people never see who you can be beyond the bad times. Not him.

Weve had some other people here who could have fit in well for Moving On, but said, Hey, Im fine here. And others were worried about being able to pay their PG&E and other bills, and they like the food pantry and meals we have here. And thats fine. It was perfect for Luis, though.

There ones main transition Castellanos is still working on, though: sleeping in an actual bed every night.

Ive got to sleep down here until I can finally feel like its permanent in this place, Castellanos said one evening as he laid out a clean blanket on his bedroom floor, the latest of his constant string of library books  Maureen Dowds The Year of Voting Dangerously  at one side ready for presleep reading. I dont want to get too comfortable. A little part of me is still waiting until someone says it was all a mistake, go back to where you came from.

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.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

I know that wont happen, really, he said with a sheepish grin. But still. I dont think itll take much longer to get over that.

Brilliant Corners has been creating supportive housing in both complexes and in individual apartments for a decade in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. Its managers say it wasnt much of a stretch to begin finding rentals for the Moving On program.

More on Moving On Moving On program showing results on homeless in N.Y.,...

Why would landlords rent to someone who had been homeless before, and had credit and rental history issues? Youd be surprised, said Bill Pickel, the nonprofits executive director. Weve had no trouble, because the people being referred to us are stable and ready, like Luis.

The main attraction is that, through a combination of a tenants Social Security, disability or other checks and Section 8 housing vouchers, a landlord can count on a steady rent check of between $2,500 and nearly $3,000 a month for small units. Moving Ons staff of a dozen rental specialists and counselors handles all the move-in arrangements, sets up a routine for paying rent, and meets with clients once a week to make sure things are going well.

Its really important that we are able to promise the landlord that if theres a problem we will be there to work it out, Pickel said.

That came in handy shortly after Castellanos moved in, when his landlord, Curtis Lee, was confused about some of the legal language in the rental arrangement. Castellanos didnt know how to clear it up, but Moving On sorted it out. A testimonial from Lee now appears in the organizations materials saying he can wholeheartedly recommend the program.

Another landlord, Mike Musleh, said renting to two Moving On participants in the Richmond and the Bayview made him feel like somehow I hit the jackpot.

Ive had quite a few rental buildings for a long time in San Francisco, and renting to Section 8 people can be a crapshoot, Musleh said. If it wasnt for the case manager at Brilliant Corners I wouldnt have done it this time. But this is the first agency like this that Ive dealt with that when you talk to them you feel like youre talking to people, not an it. They came across straight  and they have been straight with me.

Having steady, independent renters who dont miss payments or need to lean on intensive support services saves money for both landlords and the city.

In San Francisco, the concept of vigorously helping people move from street to shelter to supportive housing to independence has actually been championed for a decade by people like Kositsky and Gail Gilman, head of the nonprofit that runs the Hamlin Hotel. Gilman calls it the housing ladder, and told The Chronicle last year that she believed San Francisco could free up 10 percent of its supportive housing stock by helping people into independence.

Not everyone needs 100 percent supportive housing, she said last fall. The sooner we move on that the better, and I know that Jeff (Kositsky) understands that.

A ready case in point: Luis Castellanos climb up the housing ladder to his new Richmond District apartment has made room for Harold Haynie to begin his own ascent.

Haynie, 61, got the spot vacated in the Hamlin Hotel by Castellanos. When he moved in during May, he found himself in his first steady home in more than 20 years.

I lived in shelters for the past two years, looking and looking for a place to live, and I finally got this one, Haynie said. I had a stroke in October and just got out of the hospital in December. Its impossible to find a home around here.

I dont know what that program is that helped open up this room for me at the Hamlin, but I am grateful for whatever happened, he said. Its a real roof, my roof. Whoever moved out to make this space  thank you.

Kevin Fagan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kfagan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KevinChron
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San Francisco has agreed to pay $375,000 to settle a legal claim filed by a former Fire Department administrative analyst who said she was sexually harassed by a department commander.

The analyst, Jessica Kennedy, charged that she was sexually harassed by former Assistant Deputy Chief Kenneth Lombardi after she was hired in 2013. As part of the settlement, Kennedy agreed to drop a discrimination claim she filed with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
For all the attention focused on flashy towers and big-name museums, its the cumulative success or failure of more modest buildings that matter most to our cities in terms of design.

The misfits are formulaic, if not inept or downright rude. The good ones bring small but lasting pleasures.

Which brings us to San Franciscos Hotel Via, a 12-story structure that opened last week on King Street across from AT&T Park. The architecture is straightforward but satisfying, with details that shine and nothing that makes you wince when you take a closer look. And if that sounds like faint praise, then you dont know how tough it can be to build some types of buildings in some parts of San Francisco.

The newcomer sits on the edge of the South End Historic District, an area defined by workhorse industrial buildings from the early 1900s. To its east is the Garcia and Maggini Warehouse, built in 1913 and a city landmark. To the west, across a snug alley, three stocky 21st century buildings ape the red-brick tone of the district and the Giants ballpark, with varying degrees of success.

The architectural setting brings one set of constraints. The hotel function brings another: Operators want packed-in efficiency from floor to floor, maximizing the number of rooms and minimizing any quirks that might trim the profit margins.

Despite all this, Hotel Via manages to enrich its surroundings while adding fresh twists.

The 159-room hotel is clad mainly in tiles of earthy terra-cotta and topped by a narrow crown above the corner where King meets the private alley. The entrance is on the alleyway. Along King Street, strollers pass a hotel bar with 19-foot glass walls.

Those last two touches enliven the pedestrian scene, even if you arent paying $15 for a signature cocktail or ducking down the alley to check in at the beyond boutique hotel, where room rates start at $199. Commotion on game days aside, the long block of King between Second and Third streets can be a plod. This brings a shot of syncopation to the slow rhythm.

Theres also more to the facade than thin-skinned terra-cotta. Metal sunscreens above each window send angular shadows slicing across the facades on clear days. On the alley, the thick bay that holds the elevators is clad in white metal and punctuated by deep windows, a visual anchor that adds heft to the smooth tiles on either side.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

The design is by Stanton Architecture, which makes a specialty of urban hotels. Its most recent was the underwhelming Hampton Inn on Mission Street, a 15-story mid-block tower that looks like a zoning envelope brought to life.

But at Hotel Via, Stanton worked with a veteran local developer and builder, David OKeefe, who emigrated here with his brother from Ireland several decades ago and purchased the King Street site in 2006. His firm plans to hold onto the property. The OKeefes also went the independent hotel route rather than hand off control to the big boys.

Pride of ownership is involved.

That pride translates into such functional flourishes as how the hotel handles its ventilation screens and gas meter.

In the former, the air circulation systems that often are announced by large metal grills here are tucked behind custom terra-cotta tiles that are the same size as the regular tiles but punctured by 25 small slits. As for the gas meter, which is required to be accessible from King Street, Stanton and OKeefe concealed it behind a suave roll-up door that wears a coat of weathered green to match the window frames of the rooms above.

These arent details that turn heads. But they tie up loose ends, polish things off. The architecture is integral to the structure, not simply wrapping applied to the buildable space thats allowed. Even the most awkward design feature, that angled crown marking the corner of the hotel, doubles as a windbreak for the guests-only rooftop lounge (yes, the views are killer).

Inside, predictably, things liven up.

The lobby design by Craige Walters includes a check-in counter with atmospherically lit onyx panels. The wall between the lobby and the public bar is molded glass that looks like a slab of melting ice. The corridors walls are skinned in what feels almost like a tight metal mesh, and there are fire pits and draped cabanas on the roof.

Itd be great if there were hints of such freedom outside. Thats rare in highly visible and tightly planned neighborhoods like this.

But well-crafted buildings these days are also too rare. Newcomers like Hotel Via deserve attention  if only to nudge other developers and architects to step up their game.

Place is a weekly column by John King, The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron
The future is almost in the bag  even for this East Oakland supermarket that stands in a strip mall behind an Auto Zone.

Our customers would always bring up: Hey, do you guys deliver? said Rahban Algazzali, owner of Gazzalis Supermarket, where about 2,200 customers circle in and out on an average day.

Algazzali would periodically look into setting up a delivery service for online shoppers, but he was discouraged by the costs: He would need a van, insurance, extra staff. But as Bay Area startups like Instacart and Postmates and competing services from Amazon and Google began making grocery deliveries seem routine, Algazzali eventually had to give in.

He had good timing. Shortly after he paid Indemand, a Bay Area startup serving small grocers, to build his online store and contract out the delivery work, Amazon bought Whole Foods for $13.7 billion  a deal that experts say will shake up a traditional industry and accelerate demand for online food shopping.

With the nature of our lives right now, were all so busy that I hardly even go shopping anymore, Algazzali said. Stores waiting to go online are just wasting time. If we dont offer online shopping to our customers, then they are gonna go shop somewhere else.

Shifts in the industry matter because food shopping is central to our everyday lives. The grocery industry employs more than 3 million people in the U.S. and accounted for more than $660 billion in sales last year, according to the Food Marketing Institute. Nielsen projects that online grocery shopping will make up 20 percent of all U.S. grocery shopping by 2025, accounting for $100 billion in annual sales.

But experts expect that time frame to tighten as Amazons deal with Whole Foods hurtles the industry toward a future where everyone from conglomerates to the local butcher is expected to provide online delivery.

We really see where the market is headed, said Alex Saidani, CEO of Indemand. Customer buying behavior is changing, and Millennials dont necessarily want to go into the store. And if they do, they just want a better experience.

Saidani said he is excited about the Amazon deal because it will encourage smaller retail stores  like Gazzalis  to make the move online. Indemand caters to midsize independent and ethnic stores that he says are typically underserved when it comes to technology.

However, people have been attempting to master online grocery deliveries for two decades. The industry also comes with the cautionary tale of Webvan, an online grocery business that promised 30-minute delivery. Amazon backed a rival, HomeGrocer, which merged with Webvan in 2000; the combined company went bankrupt in 2001 after a lot of hype and rapid expansion.

It was the highest-profile failure of the dot-com bust, said Arun Sundararajan, a New York University business professor. He said Webvan made a number of mistakes, including its focus on suburban areas where drivers had to travel long distances between deliveries. For a while, www.webvan.com redirected to Amazons grocery website, but the domain now appears to be dead.

Today, the market is much different, Sundararajan said: The excitement around the on-demand economy, coupled with the fact that everyone can be a delivery person because everyone has a smartphone, changes the economics.

Amazon has been in the grocery delivery service for more than 10 years, yet has less than 1 percent of the grocery market. If the deal with Whole Foods is completed by the end of the year as planned, it will have 460 stores that can be both retail destinations and distribution centers.

News of the deal sent stocks for traditional grocery sellers like Kroger, Walmart and Costco tumbling, and put a spotlight on a sector that has been largely ignored.

The grocery store segment has gone from being watched by a few nervous Nellies ... to just about everyone in the commercial real estate market, according to a June report written by data analytics firm Trepp.

Amazon-Whole Foods will be a formidable competitor, experts said. Thats a mixed bag for startups, who may find themselves picking up new customers fearful of the Seattle giant. Companies like Instacart  whose workers pick up groceries for customers and deliver them to their doors  say they have already benefited through expanded partnerships with major retailers like Publix, Wegmans and CVS.

This is absolutely a validation that grocery e-commerce is here to stay, Nilam Ganenthiran, Instacarts chief business officer, said in an email. Every time Amazon comes to town, we hear from retailers who want help competing. Instacart is ready, willing and able to help, and were already seeing the effects.

Analysts see Amazon-Whole Foods giving shoppers a range of choices  the ability to touch produce before they buy it, or tap an app and have it delivered.

Leah Millis/The Chronicle

But there is a cohort of companies that swear by the online-only model.

One of those is San Franciscos Good Eggs, which delivers produce fresh from farms to customers homes. CEO Bentley Hall believes that if people trust the brand, they wont feel a need to pick out fruits and vegetables themselves.

The grocery industry is way too fragmented, he said on a recent afternoon, walking up and down the aisles of the Good Eggs Hunters Point warehouse. He stopped and held up a vibrantly green bed of lettuce: It all goes down to trust on great quality.

Algazzali, on the other hand, has no plans to give up his brick-and-mortar locations in Oakland anytime soon. His stores cater to African American and Latino communities, and some customers travel dozens of miles for products they cant easily find elsewhere.

But, he said, when his customers cant get to the store, they have the option to get it  with the touch of a button.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani
Over the past year, Melanie Rosales worked at two Emeryville stores, Aldo Shoes and Athleta, while also enrolled in night school at Contra Costa College. Last-minute changes to her work schedule sometimes forced her to miss classes so the stores were fully staffed.

You cant do anything, because this is whats paying for your school, she said.

Part of the challenge, she said, was that Aldo creates weekly schedules as little as four days in advance, while Athleta creates its schedules three weeks in advance.

I like when its in advance so I can plan, said Rosales, who ultimately chose to become full time at Aldo, where she held a higher position than she did at Athleta. She is now an assistant manager.

Some of this scrambling for schedules should come to an end with Emeryvilles Fair Workweek Ordinance, which goes into effect Saturday. The ordinance requires retail employers with 56 or more employees globally, and fast-food employers with 56 or more employees globally and more than 20 employees locally, to provide workers with advance notice about changes in work schedules.

Its one of the first rules of its kind nationally.

Emeryville City Councilwoman Dianne Martinez proposed the ordinance last year. She toured stores, spoke to workers and held public hearings before it passed in the fall. The main provision: When work hours are assigned or changed less than 14 days from the scheduled shift, employees have a right to decline the hours and collect predictability pay for the change.

Predictability pay gives employees compensation when an employer changes their schedule on short notice. If its between one day and two weeks notice, the worker can get one hour of predictability pay per modified, canceled or added shift. With less than 24 hours notice, workers are owed four hours of predictability pay or the number of hours of their shift, whichever is less.

Martinez said some of the bigger chains like Ikea and Home Depot already had scheduling practices that aligned with the ordinance and it was just a matter of codifying that and getting everyone into line.

According to a document filed ahead of a City Council meeting in the fall, the regulation applies to 83 businesses with more than 2,500 employees in Emeryville. More than 90 percent of the businesses are retail. The rest are fast-food restaurants. Its particularly helpful to the part-time worker working multiple jobs; students like Rosales; and employees with children or other dependents.

This ordinance will affect Emeryvilles lowest-paid workers, Martinez said. They need stability in their schedules to lift themselves out of poverty. This isnt a single solution, but its one of many tools that we hope will be able to help people live better lives.

The law also mandates that employers offer additional hours to current part-time employees before hiring additional part-timers and pay time-and-a-half for covering clopening shifts  where the same worker closes a store at night and then reopens in the morning less than 11 hours later.

Though employees are now able to submit complaints to the city for investigation, no employers will be fined or otherwise penalized for violations until Jan. 1.

Rosales said she heard Aldos store manager say that she had to do a lot of paperwork for the city in preparation for the law taking effect.

The Emeryville Aldo store manager declined to comment, and the Aldo corporate office could not immediately be reached for comment. Gap, which owns Athleta, where Rosales used to work, said it is prepared for the new ordinance and that it eliminated on-call shifts at all of its stores in 2015.

About two-thirds of workers receive their schedule a week or less ahead of time, according to a survey of 100 Emeryville retail and fast-food employees by the Center for Popular Democracy and the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy. More than half reported that they worked clopening shifts.

The California Restaurant Association and California Retail Association both opposed the ordinance. Neither responded to a request for comment, but the retail associations October statement to Emeryvilles City Council called the ordinance rigid and said it would be misguided to apply a one-size-fits-all advanced schedule mandate to an entire industry.

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Prince Saruhan, a fulfillment specialist at an Oakland brewery, backed the Emeryville ordinance, canvassing and attending council meetings. I see it as an incubator for better laws that could spill over to Oakland, he said. I dont think that your care for workers rights has to stop at what town you live in.

Saruhan is a member of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Action. The nonprofit organization leads grassroots efforts to advocate for economic, racial and social justice.

Though he now works for a local company that would not be required to comply with a law covering big business, Saruhan said, he worked in fast food as a teen and in large corporations as a young adult. In both cases, If you had any kind of concerns, you really couldnt bring it up to anyone, he said. You felt like it was you against this giant authoritarian body.

Emeryvilles ordinance took a lot of note from the results of a similar San Francisco regulation enacted in 2015, Martinez said.

Similar regulations have passed in San Jose, Seattle and New York City. This week, Oregons Legislature passed the first statewide fair workweek bill.

Isha Salian is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: isalian@sfchronicle.com
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As the House of Representatives on Thursday passed Kates Law, which would boost punishment for people who repeatedly enter the U.S. illegally, the San Francisco criminal case that spurred the legislation continued to move slowly in court.

Almost two years after 32-year-old Kate Steinle was fatally shot on Pier 14, Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, 54, awaits trial for murder. Its possible, though not certain, that he will be tried in the next few months.

The Mexican citizen had been on track for a sixth deportation after serving 46 months in prison for felony re-entry into the country, but was released from San Francisco jail rather than being turned over to immigration agents under the citys sanctuary policies.

On July 1, 2015, Steinle had an arm around her father when a bullet pierced her back and went through her heart. Her father, James Steinle, who advocated for Kates Law, said her last words were, Dad, help me, help me.

Lopez-Sanchezs public defender, Matt Gonzalez, argued at a preliminary hearing that the shooting was an accident. The fatal bullet was damaged on one side, he said, indicating it had ricocheted off the ground. Lopez-Sanchez said afterward he threw the gun into the bay so it would stop firing, according to Gonzalez, who declined to comment further Thursday.

The gun was a pistol stolen from the car of a federal Bureau of Land Management agent in San Francisco four days earlier. Lopez-Sanchez, who was homeless, said he found the gun wrapped in a T-shirt under a bench.

A trial date set for December 2016 was postponed. Lopez-Sanchez is scheduled to return to court July 14, when another trial date could be set. Attorneys on both sides have been tight-lipped about their strategy for arguing the case to a jury.

Steinles death sparked a push against the sanctuary policies that were behind his release. He was transferred from federal custody to the city jail in March 2015 on an old warrant alleging he fled marijuana charges in 1995. When prosecutors discharged the case, the Sheriffs Department released him despite a request to hold him for deportation.

Before the release, then-Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi issued a memo banning all communication with immigration agents. After Steinles death, Sheriff Vicki Hennessy, who was elected in November 2015, reached a compromise with city supervisors allowing for discretion to notify immigration agents about an inmate if the inmate met a criteria based on past convictions.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
Every year when summer approaches, I have grand dreams about how this finally will be the year I do nothing but enjoy it.

Yes, I tell myself while Im scurrying toward a departing bus in late April, this will be my summer year. Ill finally spend my few sun-dappled hours of leisure with light reading and stone fruit. Ill fritter away the long daylight hours strolling through the city and making caprese salad.

Instead, Im reconciling myself to go camping.

So long, summer fun. Hello, ticks and mosquitoes. My summer fantasy of enlightened activities, like drinking cocktails by the pool, has officially been replaced with reality: a bad nights sleep on the hard earth. Ill lie there, rocks poking into my back, and shudder while I listen to the wind howl. Ill pray the noise isnt the cry of an animal at the door of my tent.

One of the few great things about the Tech Bro Invasion is that its meant I havent even had to think about going camping for the past several years.

These guys have shoved their way into every decent camping spot within 300 miles, sometimes with the help of bots. Getting camping spots has been so competitive, I havent had to worry about anyone innocently suggesting a trip.

Then a dear friends family trip at a plum Tahoe National Forest site fell through.

If you dont take the spot, its just going to go to waste, she told me.

Her eyes were shining with wistfulness. Id have comforted her with the promise of something far more relaxing, like a yoga class, but several people whom I love were also in the room.

This is great! Were all going camping.

And that, my friends, was that.

I could point to demographic reasons for my long-standing resistance: Camping has historically been pretty white in America. As recently as 2012, minorities made up only around 12 percent of campers, according to measurements from the (unfortunately named) national private campground system Kampgrounds of America.

Thats changing, thanks to the diverse-and-broke Millennial generation (nonwhite campers now make up 26 percent of total campers, mostly because of younger people).

But I didnt grow up camping, and the reasons that families like my own were reluctant to pitch tents are real and serious ones.

Theres the fear of park police and unauthorized yahoos with guns (If something happens to me out there, no one will even hear me yell, an uncle told me long ago). There are concerns about unfamiliar plants and animals.

Finally, for people who have known economic precarity, sleeping under the stars doesnt sound so exotic.

It sounds a little too close to being homeless.

So I didnt grow up with a love for camping. When I was old enough to explore it on my own, I did. All that taught me were entirely personal reasons for my antipathy.

Strep throat is miserable no matter when it hits, but theres a special kind of misery to catching it one day into a four-day camping trip in Mendocino. The only good news is that I was so exhausted and overwhelmed by my illness, I dont remember stumbling into someone elses campsite during my search for a private spot to relieve myself. (Other people do remember this, and they relive it, with laughter, all the time. Great.)

Even on the occasions when Ive tried more comfortable camping, things have gone awry. For example, I was wide awake throughout the entirety of the one night I spent in Yosemite National Park. A hungry bear was rampaging through Curry Village. She yanked open everyones cabinets and selected her favorite morsels, ripping apart everything in her path. In our little cabins, all of the campers were groaning in fear.

When we staggered outside in the morning, with reddened eyes and hair askew, all of the campers on site compared sliced backpacks and mawed power bars. Most people were laughing with relief  at least the bear hadnt gotten us.

I couldnt even smile. It all couldve been avoided if Id just gone home after hiking.

Here we go again.

Ive accepted whats happening. Ill buy the bug spray, the Clif bars, the plastic bags, and the sport bottles for fresh water.

But Im still grieving my glorious summer, so spare me your soliloquies about the glory of the outdoors.

Caille Millner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cmillner@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@caillemillner
The French artist Sophie Calle  I accept that she is an artist, though visual author may be more apt  will make you cry. She will do it with sublime efficiency. A blurred photograph. A three-word phrase. A video clip of the back of a head, the oceans horizon fanning from a kerchief quivering in the breeze.

Her work is not visual art, not short story, not autobiography but all three, and then some.

She is a correspondent from loves front lines, an impresario of one-act tragedies. In her works, memory and longing become almost concrete things, subject to a kind of emotional inspection  one that yields few answers but can be as gruesomely detailed and as fascinating as a vivisection.

I might tell you about the plot of a book, but that would not help you to know if you would be moved by it. So it is with Calles installations of photographs, video and text.

The themes of four projects, assembled as an exhibition called Missing at Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture through Aug. 20, will intrigue you: The Last Image (2010) deals with the visual memories of individuals who lost the sense of sight at some point in their lives. Voir la Mer (2011) silently observes as people experience the sea for the first time. Rachel Monique (2007) is built around the death of the artists mother.

The largest and best known, Take Care of Yourself (2007), enlists the aid of interpretive specialists in coming to terms with a breakup letter, received via visual email from a lover. The piece occupied the entire French Pavilion at the 2007 Venice Biennale.

But none of this description can prepare you for the deeply intimate encounters into which you will enter.

Nor will the setting, at first. Fort Mason was built as a military facility, and its concrete, steel and cinder block construction materials were not chosen for their sentimental associations. Gradually, however, the logic of the layout takes over.

An exhaustive catalog of visual and verbal responses in Take Care of Yourself is laid out on long tables and spread out like charts and maps on the walls of the crisply functional Gallery 308. The callous email, maybe 600 words of jilting defensiveness, is analyzed through the agency of 107 women with differing expertise.

It is translated into braille, stenographic shorthand, Morse and binary code. A proofreader marks its repetitions and awkwardnesses. A headhunter determines that the letter shows a lack of courage and limited imagination, but allows that the writers manner might be useful in a company that was laying off workers with the hope that it did not stir up too much protest from the unions.

Presented in a grid on one wall are video recordings of the letter as it is acted, sung and danced. In a large projection in another room, a sharpshooter fires at it from a long distance, obliterating three occasions of the word love with three bullets.

Voir la Mer (To See the Sea) is displayed in the firehouse, where windows open to San Francisco Bay. Five video screens are each filled with the head of a man or woman, seen from behind. Beyond them, there are only waves and sky. The poor of Turkey are referred to as the people that never saw the sea, Calle told an audience at a recent talk. Those are the people Calle brought to this place from just a few miles away, and upon whose eyes, as they turn from the view, the camera sharply focuses.

Nearby, another work also deals with sight. For a piece in the mid-1980s, Calle asked people blind from birth to talk about their idea of beauty. Here, for The Last Image, she prompted people who had lost their sight to describe memories of the last thing they saw. One remembers a sunrise on the day of a botched operation. Another describes a hunter as he raises his gun.

Rachel Monique is presented in the forts chapel. A video is projected at the front, where an altar would be in some churches. We are told it is a recording of Calles mother in her final minutes, though we have no idea from the image of any difference, any boundary between living and dying. Arrayed around the room, like Stations of the Cross, are memories and stories in photographs and text.

The Fraenkel Gallerys Market Street outpost, FraenkelLab, is presenting a touching, related Sophie Calle exhibition. My Mother, My Cat, My Father, in That Order comprises responses to the deaths of cherished beings in the life of the artist, who has no children. One text from the chapel installation of Rachel Monique appears in a different format at the gallery.

It reads, On December 27, 1986, my mother wrote in her diary: My mother died today./ On March 15, 2006, in turn, I wrote in mine: My mother died today./ No one will say this about me./ The end.

Charles Desmarais is The San Francisco Chronicles art critic. Email: cdesmarais@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Artguy1

Sophie Calle: Missing: Noon-8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 20. Free; advance tickets recommended. Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, 2 Marina Blvd., S.F. (415) 345-7575. www.fortmason.org.

Sophie Calle: My Mother, My Cat, My Father, in That Order: 1-7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays; noon-7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Through Aug. 26. Free. FraenkelLab, 1632 Market St., S.F. (415) 347-8366. https://fraenkelgallery.com/fraenkellab
The Beguiled is an interesting film that should not be mistaken for a good film, though it probably will be. Unlike some routine release, it is guided by a particular and distinct vision and is very much the movie its director Sofia Coppola wanted to make. But the angle she takes on the material is limited and mannered. She doesnt open up the movies meaning, but contracts it into a series of cold, stylistic gestures.

The film is based on the 1966 novel by Thomas Cullinan, which was the basis of a 1971 film starring Clint Eastwood and directed by Don Siegel. The setting is Virginia, in the last year of the Civil War. A wounded Union corporal is discovered in the woods by a little Southern girl, who helps carry him back to the girls school where she lives. There, he becomes the prisoner and fascination of all the girls and women in the household.

As the corporal (Colin Farrell) recovers from his injury, the central question becomes what will happen to him next. If the women turn him over to the Confederate Army, he will almost certainly die in a prison camp  the Confederate POW prisons were hellholes of inhumanity. If they turn him loose, hell probably be captured or killed. So its in the corporals interest to ingratiate himself to his captors, especially to the headmistress (Nicole Kidman) but also to her assistant (Kirsten Dunst).

In reviving this material, Coppolas innovation, her single big idea, was to tell the story from the standpoint of the women. The Siegel film, though it also delved into the mind of the headmistress, more or less stayed within the thoughts and perspective of the corporal. Thus, we always knew what he was doing and why he was doing it. Coppolas idea, to do the reverse, had promise, except that she lards it within suffocating style touches and pulls back from embracing the wildness and vitality of the story.

For a time, the stakes and the peculiarity of the situation arrest our attention, and so does the austere beauty of dawn as seen through the trees or the orange mist of candlelight in an old, dark house. But these are not, in the end, narrative strategies. They are grace notes and embellishments, and about midway through, The Beguiled loses the illusion of urgency. Coppola doesnt illuminate the women or their motivations. They remain vague and at a distance. Instead we get studied arrangements of women within the frame, as though the mere placing of them in Addams-Family-like compositions were a form of revelation.

The Addams Family reference isnt entirely casual. Coppola infuses the film with an attitude that leaves room for a certain kind eeriness, but one that is postmodern and arch and invites knowing audience laughter. The Beguiled is almost funny, but its almost a lot of things  almost revealing, almost honest, almost effective.

In the end, the problem with Coppolas approach isnt the nature of the approach itself but that it yields so little. The womens reasons for doing what they do are rarely clear and, when clear, never compelling, and the corporal is reduced to a pathetic figure. Ultimately, this is a story about sexuality and the effects of repression, but the movie seems to repress itself. Far from a feminist statement, The Beguiled is barely a statement at all, just a series of weird, uninflected events that the movie is too cool to care about.

I should probably add that the Coppola version was my first experience of The Beguiled, but that after seeing it, I went and saw the 1971 Don Siegel version. Have you ever been nearsighted and then finally put on a pair of glasses? In the Siegel version, the whole story became clear, had power and made emotional and stylistic sense. The soldier became dimensional, which is perhaps not a surprise, but so did the women. For example, Geraldine Page, in the headmistress role played by Kidman, had a lot more to do and more to express.

A black slave, Hallie (Mae Mercer), is one of the most significant characters in the Siegel film, a woman coming into an awareness of her power. Coppola cut that role entirely. Why? A politically correct reluctance to depict slavery? A desire not to upset the pristine tableau of austere blondes staring off into space? Perhaps it was some other reason. But that and the movies bloodless presentation of sexuality make Coppolas The Beguiled seem not just restrained, but inhibited, modern timidity given a stylish veneer.

Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MickLaSalle

The Beguiled

Drama. Starring Colin Farrell, Kirsten Dunst and Nicole Kidman. Directed by Sofia Coppola. (R. 93 minutes.)
President Trump is not the only billionaire to exert his wealth and power to try to suppress media coverage. He just may be one of the most obvious and least effective at his attempt at retaliation and vindication. But his instincts and his ruthlessness reflect a familiar pattern of billionaires hellbent on silencing their real and perceived adversaries in the press.

A new Netflix documentary, Nobody Speak, explores the extent to which two billionaires who have had their grievances with news coverage  tech titan Peter Thiel and casino mogul Sheldon Adelson  try to muzzle their watchdogs with resources their heretofore media scrutinizers could not hope to match. In Thiels case, he secretly financed a lawsuit against an online gossip operation in which he had no direct stake. In Adelsons case, he secretly bought a newspaper that otherwise would have been the leading independent overseer of his gaming empire.

Interspersed throughout the documentary is Trump.

It shows candidate Trump denouncing journalists as the worlds most dishonest people. It shows the unsettling campaign scenes of crowds, incited by Trumps rhetoric, venting their anger at reporters at the rallies, individually and collectively. It shows Trump joking about the killing of journalists  no laughing matter in myriad authoritarian countries, past and present  and expressing his desire to loosen up libel law to make it easier to sue the news media.

Lawsuits.

Yes, billionaires know how to use the legal system to intimidate and even squish their irritants of lesser means.

Nobody Speak offers its viewers two case studies of how freedom of the press, that revered tenet of the First Amendment, can be chilled by rich men determined to get their way. The facts and the targets  and the ability to care about the ultimate plight  of the two targets could hardly be different. Yet as the renowned constitutional scholar Floyd Abrams said on camera, we dont pick and choose which publications deserve First Amendment protection. Otherwise, he rightly noted, the government is allowed to make that decision  which is not a good thing.

So the genuine concern about the lawsuit by pro wrestler Hulk Hogan against the gossip site Gawker over its release of a sex tape featuring him and the wife of his radio-host buddy Bubba the Love Sponge has nothing to do with its definition of this as news. I would not begin to defend it. Nor would it relate to its news-gathering practices, which I found despicable (Gawker was known to have routinely paid for scoops).

The mystery and the consequence was how the wrestler was able to finance such a thorough and deep-pocketed case against Gawker. It turned out the secret benefactor was Thiel, whose grudge against Gawker dated back to a 2007 article in its Silicon Valley gossip site, Valleywag, that dealt with the not-so-clandestine fact that he was gay. Again, I would not try to justify the outing of anyone against his or her will, but the documentary makes a compelling case that anyone who cares about a free press should pause at the notion that money can buy the extinction of a news organization.

Faced with the $140 million verdict in the Hulk Hogan case, Gawker filed for bankruptcy protection in 2016.

A more uplifting resistance  albeit with a still-ambiguous conclusion  was highlighted in Las Vegas. Adelson bought the states dominant newspaper, the Review-Journal, in late 2015 without revealing his role as owner. It was one of the more bizarre newspaper-sale scenarios in modern times. As surely as night follows day, the R-J reporters were determined to pursue the story, wherever it led. Of course it led to Adelson, whose pique with critical coverage included a lawsuit against one of the papers marquee columnists, John L. Smith, for passages in a 2005 book, Sharks in the Desert, about the evolution of the nations gambling mecca.

James G. Wright, the editor supervising the coverage, said I probably would have had to have shot his team of reporters to keep them from pursuing the truth about who bought their paper. The R-Js top editor, Mike Hengel, a capital-j Journalist whom Ive had the pleasure of occasionally having crossed paths with in our nearly four decades in the business, let the story run without ownership permission knowing it was probably a career-ending decision.

I wish I could say it had a happy ending. It wasnt. Hengel resigned the day the story of the sale ran. Smith resigned soon after being told he could not write a word about Adelson, an undeniable force in town who should have been fair game for a metro columnist.

In one of the more poignant moments of the documentary, Hengel pulls out a photo of the staffers who were involved in the story about the sale. All but one left the R-J.

They did their jobs, honorably and courageously, at high personal cost. Unlike Gawker, the Review-Journal endures, however neutered and compromised. The documentary ends with a screen shot of a Thomas Jefferson quote from 1786: Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press; and that cannot be limited without being lost.

The pressures to limit from a billionaire with a sense of entitlement are coming well beyond Silicon Valley and Las Vegas. They are unrelenting from the current occupant of the highest office in the land.

John Diaz is The Chronicles editorial page editor. Email: jdiaz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnDiazChron

By any means necessary

These billionaires had their ways to fight the media

Sheldon Adelson

Casino magnate, philanthropist and major GOP donor

Net worth estimate: $32 billion. He secretly bought the Las Vegas Review-Journal in late 2015.

Peter Thiel

Silicon Valley entrepreneur, venture capitalist, philanthropist

Net worth estimate: $2.7 billion. He secretly helped fund lawsuit that led to Gawkers bankruptcy.

Donald Trump

President of the United States

Net worth estimate: $3.5 billion. As businessman, candidate and now president, has been on a mission to vilify and delegitimize news media.
Many things have changed in the year since The Chronicle led a coordinated coverage campaign about homelessness in California.

In San Francisco, Mayor Ed Lee formed the citys first Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. Two new Navigation Centers  full-service, 24/7 homeless shelters  have opened in the southeast neighborhoods, and three more are scheduled to open by early next year.

There have been not one but two major public-private partnerships announced: a $30 million effort to reduce family homelessness, led by donors such as tech investor Ron Conway and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, and a welcome and well-focused $100 million effort from Tipping Point Community to reduce chronic homelessness.

One thing that hasnt changed?

The numbers and visible distress of the Bay Areas homeless population.

In fact, in some ways, its getting worse.

The results of the latest biennial homeless counts in San Francisco and Alameda were sadly unsurprising to most Bay Area residents. In San Francisco, there was a slight decline in absolute numbers  the fortunate result of there being fewer homeless families and young people.

But the number of single adults living on the street has risen, as have the numbers of people on the waiting list for shelter beds.

Meanwhile, resident complaints about tent encampments and all of the problems that come with them  including needles and human feces  have skyrocketed, rising fivefold from 2015 to 2016.

Those are sobering results for a city that spent $275 million on homelessness and supportive housing over the past fiscal year.

Mayor Ed Lee says his last two years in office will be dedicated to improving the situation on the streets, and Jeff Kositsky, Lees director of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, said hes working on a long-term reduction plan using everyones favorite fix these days: data.

We are going to use what we have more effectively and only spend new resources on strategic, data-driven investments, Kositsky said. Those investments include new tracking and response systems  along with an evaluation system to provide performance accountability.

Doing a better job of using information can be a powerful strategy. Matching individual homeless people with the services they actually need means those individuals get better care, and it also means the department gets the best bang for its buck.

But San Francisco has been struggling to defeat homelessness not for years but for decades. Silver bullets seem to be in short supply.

This is especially apparent in San Francisco, which still suffers from a shortage of low-cost housing.

The new Navigation Centers will help. So will a new program, called Moving On, that will assist some currently stable, formerly homeless people in San Franciscos supportive housing units to find new housing on their own  thereby freeing up the scarce units for others.

But for a dramatic shift in the number of people on the streets, San Francisco would need substantial investments in low-income housing from the federal government.

Like cities around the country, were dealing with an 80 percent reduction in federal spending on housing (for) low-income people since 1978, Kositsky said.

The current climate in Washington seems unlikely to reverse the decline. So San Franciscans should expect modest  but not miraculous  declines in the number of distressed people living on our streets.

Kositsky noted that San Francisco has seen double-digit declines in homelessness for veterans, families and young people over the past two years. The small decline in absolute numbers is also a success, he added  while L.A., San Diego, Portland, Oakland and Seattle have all seen double-digit increases. Its not a cause for celebration, but its an indication we are doing something right.

Across the bay, Oaklands double-digit increase is certainly a sign that the city is struggling with homelessness. The housing crisis is a large factor in the East Bays stark, dramatic increase for the homeless rate.

Alameda Countys biennial homeless count showed a staggering 39 percent increase from 2015 in the number of unhoused people  5,629 people. In Oakland, the increase was 25 percent.

Nearly 70 percent of the countys homeless are currently unsheltered, meaning that they live in vehicles or on the sidewalk. Many of them live in one of the tent encampments that have spread out underneath highway overpasses.

From April 2014 to April 2017, the median apartment rent in Oakland grew by 60 percent. Its no accident that 82 percent of the homeless people counted told volunteers that they had lived in the county before becoming homeless, or that the countys cleanup crews have so many heartbreaking stories to share about throwing away the belongings of homeless people with whom they grew up.

The housing crisis has certainly exacerbated an untenable situation. But decades of underbuilding is only one of the reasons the homeless situation is anticipated to get worse before it gets better in Alameda County.

Both county officials and leadership in cities like Oakland and Berkeley appear to have been caught off-guard by the homeless crisis.

San Francisco has its problems, but being both a city and county has given officials the natural opportunity to coordinate homeless services  and dollars  across different agencies.

San Francisco has also empowered a robust network of community-based nonprofit providers for homeless services. Its cultivated many philanthropic donors, who pay close attention to the problem.

Both of these outside factors are missing in Alameda County.

Still, its had the good fortune of learning best practices from other places. Elaine de Coligny is the executive director of Everyone Home, the organization coordinating countywide efforts on homelessness. Group leaders expect that a data-driven approach combined with personal outreach will help them make progress.

This fall, de Coligny said, they plan to open three coordinated entry hubs for homeless people to get their needs assessed and to be matched with resources. There will be one in Oakland, one in Hayward and one in Livermore.

Having coordinated entry across the whole county will enable us to assess peoples needs throughout the year, instead of just during the biennial count, de Coligny said.

At the same time, Everyone Home will also launch outreach teams  similar to San Franciscos Homeless Outreach Teams  to assess people in the field.

The voters have also pitched in. In 2016, they approved a $585 million housing bond  of which at least $85 million was explicitly earmarked for very low-income housing development.

The new housing from that bond will be a few years in the making, de Coligny said. But between that money and our new coordinated systems, we do think it will make a difference.

Like San Francisco, Alameda County will probably see declines in specific populations of homeless people before it sees dramatic declines overall.

That process can be accelerated through targeted services, and its already beginning. De Coligny said the number of homeless veterans in Alameda County declined in May.

The caveat?

Like San Franciscans, residents in the East Bay shouldnt expect big changes to happen quickly.

The problem is at a scale when we have to look at ways to solve peoples homelessness rather than just push them along, de Coligny said. We are unlikely to see unsheltered homeless numbers go down dramatically because of what the scale is.

The truth is hard to hear. Homelessness is a dire problem that has plagued the Bay Area for many years. Bay Area residents have invested hundreds of millions of dollars. Our officials and our many compassionate organizations make persistent efforts to get people off of the streets every day. In many ways, theyve made great progress.

Yet thanks to a confluence of circumstances  including a housing crisis, an opioid drug epidemic and decades worth of federal disinvestment from low-income housing  the distress, filth and antisocial behavior we see on our streets will continue to fester for now.

Its not a hopeless problem. But it will require many tools, and perhaps the most important of all is political will. The enduring deprivation on our streets is a disgrace, and the leaders of this region must never lose their resolve to address it.
A startling call by a White House commission studying voter fraud in the 2016 election for the name, address, date of birth and partial Social Security number of everyone who has cast a ballot since 2006 has provoked howls of outrage from voting rights advocates across the country and outright defiance from Californias secretary of state.

I will not provide sensitive voter information to a committee that has already inaccurately passed judgment that millions of Californians voted illegally, Alex Padilla said in a statement Thursday. Californias participation would only serve to legitimize the false and already debunked claims of massive voter fraud.

In May, President Trump formed the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity by executive order, a move he had promised days after his inauguration as part of a major investigation into voter fraud.

After Novembers election, Trump said, without providing any evidence, that he would have won the popular vote if it werent for serious voter fraud in Virginia, New Hampshire and California. He also claimed, also without citing any facts, that as many as 5 million illegal votes were cast.

While Vice President Mike Pence is the chairman of the commission, the letters sent Wednesday to all 50 states were signed by the vice chairman, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who has called for tough new laws that could make it harder for many people  most notably poor, minority and young people  to qualify to cast ballots.

Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill, while saying in a statement Thursday that she would share publicly available information with the commission, added that Kobach has a lengthy record of illegally disenfranchising eligible voters in Kansas.

The courts have repudiated his methods on multiple occasions, Merrill said. Given Kobachs history, we find it very difficult to have confidence in the work of the commission.

Kobach is spreading a wide net for voter information, saying that the data, which he wants by July 14, is needed to fully analyze vulnerabilities and issues related to voter registration and voting.

While much of the information, including the names and addresses of voters, is publicly available, it is typically kept by individual counties, although since 2016 California has had a statewide voter database.

But Kobach also is requesting information thats more questionable, such as the last four digits of Social Security numbers, a list of elections individuals have voted in since 2006, information about any felony convictions, military status and more.

The commission also wants the states to provide information about any instances of voter or registration fraud or convictions for election-related crimes since November 2000.

Given Kobachs record as an election rights hard-liner and Trumps oft-stated conviction that voter fraud cost him the popular vote, there are real questions about just how independent and unbiased the commissions investigation will be, said Jessica Levinson, an election law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

Whats the reason for getting this information? she said. This is a fishing expedition to find something that will allow the federal government to implement laws that shouldnt be implemented.

In a tweet, Vanita Gupta, chief executive officer of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and former head of the Justice Departments civil rights division, was more direct.

The letter @KrisKobach1787 is sending to states confirms: Pence and Kobach are laying the groundwork for voter suppression, plain & simple, he tweeted.

Virginia has joined California in refusing to provide the voter information. Gov. Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said there is no evidence of voter fraud in his state.

At best this commission was set up as a pretext to validate Donald Trumps alternative election facts, McAuliffe said in a statement Thursday. At worst it (is) a tool to commit large-scale voter suppression.

The commission is a waste of taxpayer money, Padilla, a former Democratic legislator, said.

While election officials in other states hedged, saying only that they will provide what information their state voting and privacy laws allow, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a Republican, said the state will offer our support in the collective effort to enhance the American peoples confidence in the integrity of the system.

Its impossible to say whether Padilla and McAuliffe will be able to avoid producing any voter information, said Levinson, the election law professor.

I expect that everything thats public likely needs to be turned over, she said. Anything else, I can see a judge telling the commission, You need to show a reason.

If Padilla refuses to follow a court order to produce the information, he could be held in contempt, which possibly could lead to a night in jail.

Given Californias anti-Trump leanings, however, I imagine (Padilla) would live tweet every step of the way to jail and never have to send out a campaign mailer again, Levinson said.

Its just as likely, though, that Kobach would use the refusals as talking points, she said, suggesting that those states must have something to hide.

If the states do comply, for the first time it would give the federal government direct access to the records of the more than 200 million people now registered as voters, as well as information about anyone else who has been registered anytime in the past decade. Until now, it has been the individual states that maintained the hold on their own voters information.

The commission has suggested that all the voter data collected might be made public, which would provide a one-stop shop for anyone seeking to collect and use that trove of information, for good or ill.

Regardless of the final outcome, Kobachs request alone could have repercussions in future elections, Levinson warned.

A lot of people already are anxious about voting and even about registering, for no good reason, she said. With Kobach now calling for all that information to be turned over to a federal committee, The sheer act of the request could have negative effects on would-be voters.

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com
A former employee has sued Binary Capital, accusing the San Francisco venture capital firm of harassing and defaming her after she resigned. Her suit follows recent revelations that co-founder Justin Caldbeck made unwelcome sexual advances toward female startup founders.

Ann Lai, who was a principal at Binary until May 2016, said in a lawsuit filed in San Mateo County Superior Court that Caldbeck had texted her repeatedly after she left the firm, threatening her not to disparage or divulge information about the company. Binarys employment agreement contains illegal provisions regarding confidentiality and non-disparagement, according to the suit.

Caldbeck resigned from Binary on Sunday after a report by the Information detailing his sexual advances toward women looking to raise money. His partner Jonathan Teo has told investors hes willing to step down from the firm. The imbroglio underscores the persistence of harassment and gender inequality in Silicon Valley, which came into wider light with Ellen Paos gender discrimination suit against Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers in 2012.

Binary discriminated against Lai because she disclosed, or because Binary believed she had disclosed, information about her working conditions after her employment with Binary had ended, according to the complaint filed Wednesday. This discrimination took the form of discouraging others from hiring her, threatening her with litigation, threatening to ruin her career, and sending her harassing and threatening texts for the purpose of discouraging her from engaging in conduct protected by law.

A representative for Binary couldnt be reached for comment. Lais attorney Chris Baker declined to comment.

Lai left Binary because of its sexist and sexual environment, including inappropriate conduct with female staff at company outings, a female-specific dress code and statements about the attractiveness of Lai and other women such as female startup founders, according to the lawsuit. Lai, who said she complained about this misconduct, said Caldbeck began pressuring her after she left to keep her from talking about her experience there.

Im not going to warn you again, Caldbeck wrote to Lai on the messaging application Confide, according to the suit. Please stop and dont add ill will. It didnt work out. I have egg on my face for supporting you and Im sure you are disappointed w your experience but dont put us in a situation where we need to be more aggressive.

Binary Capital also threatened to withhold Lais carry, or share of profits from investments, as part of its push to keep her quiet, according to the lawsuit. Lai said she notified Californias Labor & Workforce Development Agency of Binarys employment agreement, saying that it held illegal provisions that prevent employees from ever disclosing information about their working conditions. The prohibitions in turn allows employers to abuse their power and mistreat their workforce and leverage their positions of power for sexual gain and for other inappropriate reasons, according to the complaint.

Lai, who said Binarys actions caused economic and emotional harm, is seeking civil penalties, attorneys fees and costs, economic and general damages, according to the lawsuit. No specific amount was given.

Emily Chang is a Bloomberg writer. Email: echang68@bloomberg.net
Airbnb plans to offer a rental service for mega-homes, mansions and penthouses that will be inspected to ensure they pass muster.

The company will start testing the new offering in some markets at the end of the year, according to people familiar with the matter. If the tests are successful, the San Francisco company will roll out the service broadly, the people said. Airbnb declined to comment.

Looking to appeal to well-heeled travelers, Airbnb has been segmenting its offerings much the way hotel chains do. The company has already started testing a tier called Airbnb Select, which requires hosts to maintain consistent standards for their lodgings. Just as you can walk into any hotel and expect a consistent set of towels, blankets and quality, Airbnb Select is designed to do the same. Those homes must also be inspected.

The new tier is fancier  penthouses versus apartments, mansions versus family homes. Its known internally as Airbnb Lux, but an official name has yet to be determined, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss a private matter. Its creation follows Airbnbs acquisition this year of Luxury Retreats, a Canadian company that before its sale listed more than 4,000 villas and vacation homes. Those places are not yet featured as a separate section on Airbnbs website.

Banking

Chinese bank

gets blacklisted

The Trump administration has blacklisted a small Chinese bank accused of illicit dealings with North Korea, escalating pressure to get Beijing to rein in its wayward ally.

The Treasury Department says that the Bank of Dandong is a primary money-laundering concern. It is proposing severing the bank from the U.S. financial system, pending a 60-day review period.

The announcement reflects growing U.S. frustration over Chinas efforts to enforce international sanctions intended to starve North Korea of revenue for its nuclear and missile programs.

Courts

EPA can ignore

job impacts

The Environmental Protection Agency is not required to estimate the number of mining job losses that may be caused by air pollution regulations, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.

Despite the decision, the agency said that under President Trump it would consider the impact of its policies on jobs.

President Trumps EPA will take the economic and job impacts of its proposed regulations into account ... regardless of the outcome of this particular case, EPA spokeswoman Amy Graham said in a statement.

Trump has repeatedly called for a resurgence of coal, which has been in a steep decline over the last several years. Last month, he removed the U.S. from the Paris climate accord, which seeks to deal globally with carbon emissions. He declared in a speech Thursday that his administration had ended the war on coal.

The ruling from the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reverses a West Virginia judges decision that sided with coal companies. Murray Energy and other companies argued the EPA should have to report on potential job losses caused by its policies. The EPA under Barack Obamas administration had appealed that ruling.

Murray Energy CEO Bob Murray has been critical of Obama administration environmental policies, saying they led to major job losses in the coal industry because power plants moved away from burning coal to generate electricity.

A Murray Energy spokesman says the company plans to appeal.

Food

Guilty plea

for price fixing

A former StarKist tuna company executive has pleaded guilty to price fixing of packaged seafood sold in the United States.

Prosecutors say the scheme has led to charges against rival tuna company Bumble Bee Foods.

Stephen Hodge, a former StarKist Co. senior vice president, entered his plea in federal court in San Francisco on Wednesday. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March.

Federal prosecutors say Hodge and rival industry executives agreed to fix the prices of packaged seafood.

The U.S. government began investigating price fixing of canned tuna between StarKist, Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea more than two years ago.

Two Bumble Bee executives have pleaded guilty to price-fixing, and Bumble Bee has agreed to pay a $25 million fine.

Investing

Berkshire may

own more BofA

Warren Buffetts company is likely to become Bank of Americas largest investor soon because the bank received approval to boost its dividend.

Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway holds warrants to buy 700 million shares of Bank of America stock. It received the warrants in 2011 when Buffett invested $5 billion in the bank.

Berkshire has received $300 million a year in interest payments tied to the investment, but now that Bank of America plans to increase its annual dividend to 48 cents per share Berkshire would make more by converting the warrants to common stock and collecting the dividend.

The 700 million shares would give Berkshire a stake of about 6.5 percent in the bank.

Buffett told his shareholders this year that he planned to trade Berkshires preferred stock for common shares once Bank of America raised its dividend over 44 cents.

Berkshire is also a major shareholder in Wells Fargo, American Express and Goldman Sachs.

Chronicle News Services
5 billion

Thats the milestone number of rides Uber recently topped, the San Francisco ride-hailing company said Thursday. There was no one particular trip that topped the mark; Uber said that shortly after noon here on May 20, 156 trips in 24 countries started simultaneously. Singapore had the longest trip at nearly 17 miles, while San Francisco had the shortest  2 blocks.

Man tries

to sue Grindr

A judge will decide if a lawsuit can proceed against gay dating app Grindr after more than 1,000 men accosted a New York man because an ex-boyfriend had posted fake profiles. Grindr asked a Manhattan federal court judge Wednesday to toss out Matthew Herricks claims, saying it is protected by the Communications Decency Act, and that Herrick should sue his ex-lover instead. Grindr says it cant be blamed because Herrick got mixed up with a tech savvy, judgment-proof individual.

Commuter shuttles get some love

While San Francisco faces protests sometimes about privately operated commuter shuttle buses, those in Santa Clara County  which has heavy traffic on Highway 101 and Interstate 280  view them a lot more favorably. In a survey of 600 likely voters, 78 percent said the shuttles have a positive impact in reducing local traffic. In an annual poll done for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, 73 percent also said the buses should be allowed to use public transit stops.

Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle
Theres something to be said for staying perfectly still and saying nothing, and allowing the other person to discover his or her true feelings. In essence, thats what happens in The Big Sick, a romantic comedy about a relationship that finally goes into overdrive when one of the lovers falls into a coma.

Written by Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) and his wife, Emily V. Gordon, the movie is pretty much their real-life story, and the fact that its based on truth probably accounts for much of whats original and unexpected about it. No one here has a fancy job, and everyone dresses like a slob. The settings are tiny apartments, with roommates right outside the bedroom door, and a dive comedy club where Kumail (Nanjiani) works as a regular. Later, when Emily gets suddenly and alarmingly ill, a lot of time is spent in the hospital.

Of course, knowing that Kumail and Emily are married gives away two plot points: (1) Emily doesnt die; and (2) The lovers end up together. But its a romantic comedy, so youd know that anyway. The key thing is that The Big Sick, with ease and seeming effortlessness, makes us care a lot of about these people, together and separately. And their journey is odd enough to be interesting.

Kumail meets Emily (Zoe Kazan) in the comedy club. Shes in the audience and whoops it up during one of his jokes, which leads to a conversation at the bar and then to sex just a few hours later. Afterward, since they really dont know each other, they try to be cool and tell each other how much theyre not really interested in a relationship. And from there they start spending several days a week with each other.

Soon, theyre close enough that she tells her parents all about him, but he says nothing about her to his parents, because theyre religious Muslims from Pakistan. His parents assume that they will arrange Kumails marriage for him. To that end, they keep inviting single Muslim women to drop by the house every time Kumail comes for a visit. For the audience, this becomes a source for more than humor: Its a window into a culture.

Theres one scene in The Big Sick, and only one, that rings entirely false: Emily realizes that Kumail, because of his family background, will never marry her, and he agrees. He lets her walk out of his life. But nothing in the movie leads us to believe that Kumails ties to his family are quite that strong. In fact, as it turns out, Nanjiani says this is the films only major plot turn thats entirely fictional. In real life, Kumail and Emily did not break up before Emilys sickness.

Still, though the breakup scene may be awkward and hard to believe, that one little plot turn serves up the rest of the movie. Kumail not only has to worry that Emily is sick, but also that he got her sick. He ends up spending time with her parents (Holly Hunter and Ray Romano), who fly in to be at her bedside, but because of the breakup, theres tension in the air.

Hunter and Romano couldnt be better. They enter the film not as caricatures or even characters but as complete people, carrying the backstory of a 30-year marriage with them. Theyre both up to the demands of comedy, but its Romanos dramatic ability that comes as a surprise. He lets us feel the weight of having a daughter hovering between life and death. The veneer is dignified, but the inner life is panicked.

Nanjiani is engaging throughout, though the scenes of his standup routine are a little confusing. Hes not funny, not even slightly. Is he supposed to be? Thats not clear. As for Kazan, she spends most of the movie unconscious, but she makes a strong impression in her awake incarnation. To be specific, the audience is already in love with her long before Kumail gets there.

Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MickLaSalle

The Big Sick

Comedy-Drama. Starring Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan. Directed by Michael Showalter. (R. 119 minutes.)
The co-hosts of MSNBCs Morning Joe, Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, defended themselves Friday against President Trumps Twitter attack the day before, with Brzezinski saying that Trumps tweets targeting her betrayed a fragile, childlike ego that was a profound concern.

Were OK. The countrys not, Scarborough added.

The two hosts also injected an element of supermarket tabloid intrigue by asserting that top White House aides had contacted them to say that they could prevent the National Enquirer from publishing a negative article about them if they called the president, apologized for criticizing him on their show and asked for his forgiveness.

Trump soon fired back with a rejoinder, posting on Twitter that it was the other way around  that Scarborough had initiated an attempt to stop the Enquirer story  which the host then denied in a tweet of his own, saying he had records to prove he was right.

In a statement, the Enquirer defended an earlier story on Brzezinski and Scarborough and said it had absolutely no involvement in any discussions between the co-hosts and the White House.

The exchange kept the spotlight on the coarse and personal criticism Trump directed at the two hosts Thursday, when the president described Brzezinski as low I.Q. Crazy Mika and claimed that she had been bleeding badly from a face-lift during a social gathering at Trumps resort in Florida around New Years Eve.

In a deeply divided capital, Trumps attack managed to unite lawmakers of both parties in condemning his remarks, and news organizations (even Trump-friendly ones) also rebuked the president. And the personal nature of his attack on Brzezinski revived the controversy over Trumps attitude toward women.

In an opinion piece in the Washington Post on Friday, Brzezinski and Scarborough, who are engaged to be married, said Trumps tweets represented a continued mistreatment of women and they underscored that theme on their show.

Im concerned about the messages that are being sent by this president, Scarborough said. You have women who are being constantly degraded.

It is disturbing that the president of the United States keeps up his unrelenting assault on women, they wrote. From his menstruation musings about Megyn Kelly, to his fat-shaming treatment of a former Miss Universe, to his braggadocio claims about grabbing womens genitalia, the 45th president is setting the poorest of standards for our children.

The White House did not explain what had prompted Trumps outburst, but a spokeswoman said the president was entitled to fight back against those in the media who he felt attacked him unfairly.

Christopher Mele is a New York Times writer.
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Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky, who came under fire for sentencing former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner to six months in county jail for sexual assault, sought Friday to dismiss demands for his removal, saying the court of law should be separated from the court of public opinion.

Persky, who has served as a judge in the South Bay county for 12 years, faces a formal recall campaign initiated with a filing Monday by 50 area activists who want him out of office, claiming the Turner sentence shows he does not take sexual violence seriously.

In a Friday filing with the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters  the first formal response by Persky to the allegations  the judge defended his record on the bench and said that allowing outside forces to overtly influence the judiciary would have problematic implications for the independence of the third branch of government.

Persky, who was cleared of misconduct by several agencies, including Californias Commission on Judicial Performance, said he was following a probation departments recommendation in sentencing Turner.

California law requires every judge to consider rehabilitation and probation for first-time offenders, Persky wrote. Its not always popular, but its the law, and I took an oath to follow it without regard to public opinion.

Citing his earlier career as a prosecutor, Persky said he fought vigorously for victims. Though the filing cites an Associated Press review that found no racial bias in Perskys other rulings, activists allege hes been lenient to other athletes convicted of domestic violence.

The path for the activists seeking to remove the judge is a long and complex one that has not been successful in California in decades. It involves gathering more than 50,000 signatures from registered county voters  though organizers say theyre pushing for 90,000 as a safeguard  and carefully working through county regulations.

If all goes as planned for the petitioners, Persky, who ran unopposed for re-election last year, would be forced to run again in a special election in June 2018, four years before his term is to expire.

A special election would leave the fate of Persky  who sentenced Turner in June 2016 to far less than the six years in state prison prosecutors had sought  in the hands of Santa Clara County voters.

If the special election happens, Perskys statement in his Friday filing will appear on the ballot alongside the motion against him.

Thousands of people in the county and around the world were angered by the sentence Persky imposed on Turner, who served half of his six-month term before returning to his home state of Ohio to register as a sex offender.

Persky could not be reached for comment Friday, and the campaign to keep him in office said a representative was not immediately available for comment.

Turner was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old unconscious and intoxicated woman behind a dumpster near a fraternity party at Stanfords campus in January 2015.

The victim, who was rescued by two passing graduate students who tackled Turner, read aloud a powerful letter at Turners sentencing hearing that called the recommendation of the probation office a soft timeout.

In September 2016, Gov. Jerry Brown visited Stanford and signed into law a bill redefining rape, capping a push by state lawmakers to crack down on similar crimes.

Stanford law Professor Michele Dauber, who is the chair of the campaign to recall Persky, which has raised about $450,000, said such a recall of an elected judge has happened just twice in California.

The first instance, in 1913, involved San Francisco Judge Charles Weller, who reduced bail for a man charged with assaulting two young girls in Golden Gate Park. The suspect, Albert Hendricks, fled after making bail, drawing the ire of thousands of women who had recently gained the right to vote in California.

The case of Weller, who was voted out in a recall election, strikes Dauber as similar to Perskys situation.

Just like the women in San Francisco in 1913, she said, were going forward (with) this, and were going to prevail.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michael_bodley
Anyone who contemplated the wreckage of the Oroville Dam's main spillway back in February  either while water was pounding down the shattered concrete structure or when the flow was stopped later and the enormity of the damage was fully visible  probably had this thought cross their mind: "That is going to be tough to fix."

Officials with the California Department of Water Resources were apparently thinking something similar. They got in touch with researchers at Utah State University as part of the process to figure out just how to approach the job of rebuilding the 3,000-foot-long concrete chute.

The department hired the university's Water Research Laboratory to create a scale model of the spillway to help assess its condition after it breached and broke apart and to test concepts for its reconstruction.

"When we were contacted back in February, DWR had no idea what was feasible in this construction season," Michael Johnson, an associate professor of hydraulic engineering at Utah State, said in an interview Thursday.

"They realized they may have to run this thing again this year, before it's finished. So part of our work was evaluating conditions for this coming season," Johnson said.

To do that, Johnson and a team of fellow researchers, engineers and technicians built a 1:50 scale model  essentially, a replica that's 1/50th the original's size  of the wrecked spillway. To create the very realistic 3-D model, Johnson says, the team used lidar (light detection and ranging) data from the Department of Water Resources.

The lab has since created a version of the model that depicts an intact spillway. The purpose of Spillway Model 2.0 is to test design features under consideration for the rebuilt structure.

Among those features being examined on the model: aerators for the surface of the concrete chute that are designed to prevent or dampen some of the destructive effects of water that prototypes suggest can move down the steeper sections of the spillway at 130 feet per second  nearly 90 mph.

The Department of Water Resources and its contractor on the project, Kiewit Infrastructure West, have outlined a spillway rebuilding plan stretching over two construction seasons.

In the first season, which began in late May and is slated to last through next November  later if weather and reservoir conditions allow  crews will demolish and rebuild most of the lower section of the damaged concrete chute.

At the same time, workers will undertake a second massive project to reinforce the unpaved hillside designated as the dam's emergency spillway.

A 1,730-foot concrete weir at the top of the slope and adjacent to the main spillway is designed to allow uncontrolled flows down the slope from Lake Oroville to the Feather River. The slope eroded rapidly when water flowed over the emergency weir in February, threatening to undermine the weir and unleash a catastrophic flood. DWR's concern that the weir's collapse was imminent prompted the emergency evacuation of Oroville and other communities along the Feather River  180,000 people in all.

To try to stem erosion in the event the emergency spillway is pressed into service again, DWR's plan calls for building a huge "cutoff" wall on the slope beneath the weir. The water agency has said that work should be finished by November.

In the second construction season, contractors will rebuild the upper portion of the main spillway chute and build a massive concrete "splash pad" below the emergency weir  another step intended to prevent erosion.

Utah State's project is not the first time hydraulic engineers have created a model to test the design of the Oroville Dam Spillway.

If you've dipped your toe into the history of the dam since February's crisis  wondering, for instance, exactly what the engineers who designed the complex had in mind when they decided to create an emergency overflow down a bare hillside  then you may well have stumbled onto a document labeled HYD-510.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation produced the 189-page paper in 1965 to summarize the results of spillway design testing it had performed at the request of the California Department of Water Resources, which had puzzled over how to configure the structure.

Just as a reminder, major dams need spillways to regulate the levels of the reservoirs behind them. They allow excess water to flow at a controlled rate through or around dams and prevent reservoirs from flowing over the top of the dam itself. In the case of an earthen embankment dam like Oroville, an overtopping event could erode the dam, undermine its structural integrity and lead to collapse  a calamity.

The design of the spillway at Oroville presented some special challenges, though not necessarily unique ones, because of the sheer size of the dam (you've read by this time that it's the nation's tallest) and the reservoir it would create as it held back the waters of the Feather River watershed (the reservoir, Lake Oroville, is the second-largest in the state; when it's full, it holds enough water to supply about 7 million California households for a year).

Now back to HYD-510.

The report describes the process of testing conducted at a Bureau of Reclamation lab in Denver, and it's full of details that might never occur to the casual spillway-watcher.

For instance, how much water the main spillway and the nearby emergency spillway were designed to handle, and under what conditions. One of the big areas of inquiry was how different configurations of the the channel outside the massive spillway gates would affect the speed and turbulence of the flow heading into the spillway's concrete chute.

More than 50 years and one major spillway crisis later, Utah State's researchers are revisiting many of the same problems.

This article was originally posted on KQED.org
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An MTA clerk was arrested on charges of assault and obstruction of governmental administration after allegedly refusing to open a subway gate for a cop chasing a suspect last month, and now transit workers are calling his arrest "an attack against all the station agents."

According to a complaint from the Manhattan District Attorney's office, on May 16th, Darryl Goodwin, 54, was inside the token booth at the 57th Street train station near Eighth Avenue at around 8:30 p.m. when NYPD Lt. Richard Khalaf ran into the station chasing an alleged shoplifter from the CVS location on 57th Street.

Lieutenant Khalaf asked Goodwin to buzz him through the emergency exit gate after the shoplifter jumped the turnstile, according to the complaint, and Goodwin allegedly refused. Khalaf allegedly asked Goodwin two more times, and on the third time, "the defendant stared at Lieutenant Khalaf for several seconds, grimaced at Lieutenant Khalaf, and slowly moved his hand to push the button to open the gate," the complaint reads.

Khalaf says he was unable to pursue the alleged shoplifter, and when he asked Goodwin for his badge, Goodwin allegedly exited the booth and held it up "close to the face of Lieutenant Khalaf." When Khalaf pushed the badge away from his face, his partner "observed [Goodwin] twist the badge around while it was in Lieutenant Khalaf's hand," according to the complaint, causing a laceration to Khalaf's thumb.

That's the NYPD's account, but Goodwin's attorney said in court yesterday that Goodwin didn't immediately buzz Khalaf in because he was dealing with a long line of customers at the token booth. "He was working, he was helping another customer," his attorney Paul London said. "I believe that this lieutenant felt that my client intentionally disrespected him but it was nothing of the sort." London noted in court that Khalaf should have already had a MetroCard, since "law enforcement is provided with free Metrocards as well as keys to the access points."

Goodwin, who's a 27-year veteran of the MTA, also has the support of his fellow transit workers, a number of whom showed up at court yesterday. "This is an attack against all the station agents, Derick Echevarria, vice president of stations for the Transport Workers Union, told reporters. He argued that Goodwin likely didn't notice Khalaf, because he was busy doing his job, and called Khalaf "an overzealous Police Lieutenant who got up on the wrong side of the bed."

"Darryl is a hardworking, quiet person who has an outstanding service record with New York City Transit over a 27-year career," Echevarria said. "His arrest was an outrage, and an overreach by someone with anger management issues, and were here to support our co-worker against these false charges."

When contacted for comment, the TWU directed Gothamist to a video posted on their website in support of Goodwin yesterday:

In May, Goodwin criticized the assault charge against him, claiming any injury sustained by Khalaf after Goodwin showed him his badge was accidental. "I guess I held it too close. The other cop pulled my arm back and I reacted," he told the Daily News. "If he got cut with the badge he did it himself."

In addition to assault and obstruction of governmental administration, Goodwin has been charged with resisting arrest. He's back in court on August 10th.
Barbershop and hair and nail salon workers in New York City would be required to take a class to identify signs of domestic violencea black eye, a bruise, a patch of missing hairunder legislation co-sponsored by Bronx Councilman Rafael Salamanca, Jr. The Councilman based his draft bill on similar guidelines established last year in Chicago, and says he's inspired by the close relationships that already exist between clients and their hairdressers, nail technicians and barbers along Southern Boulevard in Longwood and Third Avenue in the South Bronx.

"The purpose of this legislation is simpleto provide victims of domestic violence with another potential outlet to receive the support and resources they may need," Salamanca said in a statement this week, following a City Council hearing on the bill. "Cosmetologists are often trusted members of our community, and we'll be working with them to craft this legislation into something that could be a potential lifesaver."

The draft bill would amend the city charter, requiring all state-licensed cosmetologists to take "at least one hour" of domestic violence training every two years. The Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence would host the sessions, and provide hairdressers with contact information for local domestic violence nonprofits, including New Destiny Housing, which provides housing to domestic violence victims, and Family Justice Centers in each borough.

"By offering information and resources in an informal, non-stigmatized setting, this bill will encourage more victims of domestic violence to get the help they need," predicted New Destiny Director Carol Corden, testifying in favor of the bill this week. The Professional Beauty Association, an Arizona-based trade group that describes itself as the nation's "largest organization of salon professionals," has also endorsed the bill.

Ryan Monell, Salamanca's policy director, said hairdressers could be an approachable and trustworthy resource, especially in immigrant communities where New Yorkers are wary of interacting with law enforcement or the courts for fear of coming into contact with an emboldened federal immigration apparatus. A report out this week from the Immigrant Defense Project found that 45 percent of immigrant advocates and attorneys surveyed in June have worked with immigrants who did not file a court petition for fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Forty-eight percent have clients who are fearful of calling the police.

Domestic violence incidents, including homicides, increased in 2016 over 2015, and have remained stubbornly high in New York City as other major crimes have dwindled.

"In many instances this probably does not involve a police response," Monell said, of the interaction between client and hairdresser. "There are lots of cases that start with a domestic abuse nonprofit that can identify resources and potentially get someone help before going to the police department."

But some community organizers say they're wary of any bill that involves NYPD input. (Salamanca is planning to host a roundtable on the bill, with representatives from the NYPD, as well as the cosmetology industry, Mayor's Office, and Office of Consumer Affairs.)

"Any legislation that would potentially have a working class, low-wage working force interact with the NYPD would be a mistake," said Shannon Jones, a co-founder of Why Accountability, a grassroots police-reform group based in the Bronx. "There's no reason community groups can't do this themselves. And what is the penalty for non-compliance?"

"There is a wealth of experience and knowledge that exists within us," Jones added. "The community is equipped to control themselves. Everything does not need to be a program or a 501-C3."

Monell acknowledged a "huge concern" that the penalty for missed classes, currently set at $250, could prove burdensome. "We don't want to make it any more difficult than it already is to work this job," he said. "We have to strike a balance."

"I don't think that's fair," said Zulena Jones, the owner of Zu Stylez Spa on Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights, of the fine. "They would have to come to the salon, not make me have to go [to them]. I wouldn't do it."

There are also the logistics of enforcing a state license at the city level. The Mayor's Office emphasized this, saying the city isn't in a position to enforce a training requirement.

According to City Hall, the office of domestic violence prevention conducted over 125 outreach events at nail salons, eyebrow threading shops and beauty supply stores between 2012 and 2015. "We welcome the opportunity to do more training with and outreach to salons and cosmetologists," said spokeswoman Olivia Lapeyrolerie.

State legislation introduced this spring by Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal would avoid pitfalls in Salamanca's bill, her office argues. Still in the planning stages, Rosenthal's bill would be non-punitive, and would apply state-wide.

"Frankly I don't see the wisdom or the need to penalize hair stylists financially," Rosenthal stated to Gothamist Friday. "It makes no sense. This isn't about compelling hair stylists to do something against their will, it's about providing vital resources to professionals who are often on the front lines and can help save lives."

Jones, of Zu Stylez, said that she's close with all of her clients, and doesn't see the need for a formal class. "What's the purpose of going to a class, then?" she said. "That we carethat's a natural instinct."
Subway turnstile jumpers will no longer face criminal prosecution in the borough of Manhattan starting this fall, under a new initiative from Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, the DA announced this morning.

Vance announced in a press release this morning that his office "will no longer prosecute the overwhelming majority of individuals charged with Theft of Services for subway-related offenses, unless there is a demonstrated public safety reason to do so," starting in September of this year.

Instead of arresting people for turnstile jumping, Vance said his office will work the NYPD and the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice to institute a system of issuing summonses in lieu of arrests and pre-arraignment diversion for anyone arrested while jumping a turnstile. If arrestees complete the diversion program, Vance said his office will decline to prosecute them in criminal court.

"Since 2010, my Office has worked with the NYPD and the Mayors Office of Criminal Justice to end the criminal prosecution of tens of thousands of low-level cases that needlessly bog down our Criminal Court and swell our Citys jail population," Vance said in the press release announcing the policy shift. "In Manhattan, we are embracing the role that District Attorneys must play to achieve the closure of Rikers Island, and proving that New York can safely reduce crime and incarceration at the same time." Vance now says his office is on track to reduce low-level offenses prosecuted in Manhattan criminal court by "nearly half" of the 2009 total.



A graph released by Cy Vance's Office showing a decline in low-level arrests in Manhattan.

Vance stressed that "individuals who pose a demonstrated threat to public safety" will still face criminal prosecution if arrested for turnstile jumping, although the press release didn't clarify what the standard is for determining who poses a public safety threat. A spokesperson for Vance's office told Gothamist that the office will take things on a case-by-case basis.

The change in how turnstile jumping will be prosecuted comes at a time when the city's reliance on Broken Windows policing is under fire because of its impact on New York's low-income non-white community and the possibility that it could undercut New York's efforts to be a sanctuary city. Earlier this year, Police Commissioner James O'Neill admitted that a "theft of services" arrest (the legal code name for turnstile jumping) could in fact lead to an immigrant getting deported. And earlier this month, a series of bills the City Council passed last year encouraging the use of civil summonses instead of arrests for quality of life crimes like public drinking, public urination and littering went into effect.

"The decision by Manhattan DA Vance to end most criminal prosecution of fare evasion in Manhattan is an important step forward to reforming our criminal justice system," Council Member Rory Lancman, a longtime critic of Broken Windows policing, said in a statement. "For too long, prosecution of fare evasion as a crime has disproportionately impacted people of color, bogged down our courts, and even put immigrants at risk of deportation. Diverting fare evasion cases away from the criminal justice system is a smart and sensible policy that will ensure offenders are held accountable fairly, while not saddling people with a lifetime criminal record or left languishing in custody."

Other Broken Windows critics were more measured in their response to the policy shift. "We are happy that after more than six years in office, the Manhattan District Attorney has finally listened to the people of New York City and acknowledged the profound harm caused by prosecuting low-level cases like fare evasion in criminal court, Nick Malinowski, Civil Rights Campaign Director at VOCAL-NY said in a statement. "However, we know the harm begins the moment the handcuffs go on, and ultimately it falls to the Mayor and the NYPD to eliminate all arrests for fare evasion and to provide a transportation system that is accessible to all New Yorkers, no matter how much money is in their wallets."
Our first underground transit system in NYC was a pneumatic subway created by Alfred Ely Beach, and despite being constructed back in the 1870s, some aspects of it were a lot nicer than the crowded old cans we ride in today. For one, this subway's station had chandeliers and a waiting room with a piano. Secondly, it doesn't appear anyone ever had to claw their way out of a stalled train.

The line was short, running just one block under Broadway from Warren Street to Murray Street, but the area was seeing so much congestion at the time ("We can travel from New York half-way to Philadelphia in less time than the length of Broadway," the NY Tribune complained) that an underground solution was perfect. It did have plenty of critics, however, particularly when the pneumatic idea had not yet been implemented, and the subway cars were to be drawn by horses.

"Its better to wait for the Devil than to make roads down into hell," one early subway critic said, according to Scientific American (where Beach was publisher, incidentally). But with the success of London's Underground system, and the invention of an "airtight tube that could carry mail and packages the short distance" via air pressure, Beach revisited his idea, ditching the horses and moving the trains via air. (This is explained in The Race Underground, a comprehensive history of the subway rivalry between NYC and Boston.)



Exhibit at the American Institute Fair, 1867.

He called his system swift as Aeolus (god of Breezes) and silent as Somnus (god of sleep and dreams)." And at the American Institute Fair held at the 14th Street Armory in 1867, New Yorkers began to get on board. After all, the NY Times declared that his invention would bring passengers "from City Hall to Madison Square in five minutes, to Harlem and Manhattanville in fourteen minutes, to Washington Heights in twenty minutes, and by sub-river to Jersey City or Hoboken in five minutes."

After clearing some obstacles set down by Boss Tweed, Beach finally found a space to set up his Beach Pneumatic Transit Company: the basement of Devlins, which he leased for $4,000 dollars a year for five years. He cleared a cylindrical tunnel in 58 days, and the city's first luxurious subway line opened on February of 1870.



The Beach Pneumatic Subway Tunnel under Broadway. (Courtesy of the New-York Historical Society)

From Scientific American:

"The design for the car was unlike anything people were riding on the streets above. It was much smaller than the horse cars, and upholstered seats [ed. note: no thanks!] lined the sides so that it felt like a comfortable lounge inside, with bright lighting and plenty of room to hold twenty two people. The sliding doors closed with a whoosh. Beach wanted to dazzle [New Yorkers], not to mention distract them from any fears they might have of being underground with vermin and demons. He remembered the stories about how dark and miserable the London subway was. And he knew he had only one chance to convince New York that his subway was the future of transportation. He spared no expense, using more than $70,000 of his own savings to make sure the station was a place people would actually enjoy waiting. The waiting room was enormous, more than 120 feet long, and it was lavish, with chandeliers, mirrors, a towering grandfather clock, a fountain with a basin stocked with goldfish, paintings, settees and a grand piano."

On top of all that, "the tubular train worked beautifully, whisking the visitors one block, from Warren Street to Murray Street and then sucking them back. The reviews the next day were glowing."

The demonstration railway only lasted until April 1873, and as noted by the Bowery Boys, it "failed to influence the future of transportation," but it was probably better than that whole moving sidewalk idea, which was proposed around the same time Beach's subway opened.

As for what happened to the old tunnel, workers building our current system around 1912 discovered it along with the car and piano, but it's believed the tunnel was destroyed in the process.

Evergreen N.B.: Tell your state representatives and Governor Cuomo to stop robbing the MTA of badly needed funding and figure out a way to come up with more cash for a 21st Century transit system. Or maybe even just a late 19th Century one...
News, analysis, and archives on the grassroots in Haiti. Nouvel, analiz, ak achiv sou baz yo an AYITI. Noticias, analisis y archivos sobre el pueblo de Haiti.
PARIS  French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was charged Friday with allegedly misusing European Parliament funds to pay two parliamentary aides who also work at her National Front headquarters. Her lawyer said she will fight the charges.

The prosecutors office said Le Pen was summoned and handed preliminary charges of breach of trust and complicity in breach of trust concerning two aides when she served at the European Parliament.

Le Pen is suspected of using parliamentary funds to pay Catherine Griset from 2009 to 2016 and bodyguard Thierry Legier from 2014 to 2016 for allegedly working as aides in Strasbourg, seat of the European Parliament, even though they have clear roles in her far-right National Front party.

Le Pen is also charged with complicity in breach of trust in her role as president of the National Front from 2014 to 2016. That charge could not immediately be clarified.

Investigators suspect some National Front lawmakers used legislative aides for the partys political activities while they were on the European Parliament payroll. Griset was charged in February for allegedly receiving money through a breach of trust.

Le Pen denies the charges. She plans to file at the Appeals Court on Monday demanding that the preliminary charges be annulled due to the violation of the principle of separation of powers, her lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut, said in a statement.

His reference to separation of powers may relate to a contention that the French justice system should not interfere in political party affairs. Bosselut could not immediately be reached for comment.

Other European parliamentarians, including Le Pens father Jean-Marie Le Pen and her companion Louis Aliot, have also been in the radar of the European investigative body OLAF for allegedly misusing parliamentary aides wages.
BERLIN  Lawmakers in Germany voted on Friday to allow same-sex marriage after a brisk but emotional debate in parliament, setting the stage for the country to join more than a dozen European nations  including Ireland, France and Spain  in legalizing such unions.

The historic decision came with a swiftness rare in Germanys usually staid politics, after Chancellor Angela Merkel unexpectedly eased her conservative partys opposition to gay marriage and said she would allow lawmakers to vote their conscience on the measure, although she ultimately voted against it.

Merkels softened resistance paved the way for her coalition partners in the Social Democratic Party and two other political groups to press for Fridays vote, which passed 393-226, with four abstentions.

If the Constitution guarantees one thing, it is that anyone in this country can live as they wish, Thomas Oppermann, the parliamentary leader of the Social Democrats, said in opening the floor debate. If gay marriage is decided, then many will receive something, but nobody will have something taken away.

His remark was clearly intended to defuse conservatives  including Merkel  who argued that the Constitution protected conventional marriage.

The chancellor explained her stance in a two-minute statement after the vote, saying that she had come to support the right of same-sex couples to adopt but maintained her view that marriage remained a union between a man and a woman.

I hope that with todays vote, not only that mutual respect is there between the individual positions, but also that a piece of social peace and togetherness could be created, Merkel said.

Axel Hochrein, a board member of the Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany who attended the parliamentary debate, expressed no bitterness toward Merkel.

This is perhaps part of her religious education, he said. I think it is more honest of her than to say yes. In the end, she fought for a long time against it and always argued it was in her feelings.

The measure now goes to the upper house of parliament for formal approval and then requires the signature of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, meaning Germanys first same-sex marriages are on track to be celebrated in the early fall.

Alison Smale and David Shimer are New York Times writers.
1 Israeli strike: Israels military says its aircraft struck a Syrian military post that earlier fired a mortar into the Israeli-controlled side of the Golan Heights. It said the Syrian shell caused no injuries Friday, the latest in several such incidents this week. The mortar fire was a spillover from battles in the Syrian civil war raging next door, it said. Israel has tried to stay out of the six-year war in Syria, but it has carried out air strikes on suspected weapons convoys to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group that is fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar Assads forces.

2 Nuclear disaster trial: Three former executives of Tokyo Electric Power Co. apologized in a Tokyo court Friday for the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster but pleaded not guilty to charges of professional negligence. Tsunehisa Katsumata, the 77-year-old ex-chairman of Tepco, and two former vice presidents said they dont think they bear criminal responsibility because they couldnt predict the enormous tsunami that flooded the plant. That issue is expected to be the crux of their trial, the first to consider whether officials of the utility can be held criminally responsible. A prosecutor told the court that the three defendants had access to data and studies that anticipated the risk of a tsunami. The trial is likely to take more than a year.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands  An investigation by the international chemical weapons watchdog confirmed that sarin nerve gas was used in a deadly April 4 attack on a Syrian town, but a report released Friday stopped short of saying who was responsible.

The attack on Khan Sheikhoun in Syrias Idlib province killed more than 90 people, including women and children. It sparked outrage around the world as photos and video of the aftermath, including quivering children dying on camera, were widely broadcast.

I strongly condemn this atrocity, which wholly contradicts the norms enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu said in a statement. The perpetrators of this horrific attack must be held accountable for their crimes.

The U.S. blamed the Syrian military for the attack and launched a punitive strike days later. Syrian President Bashar Assad has denied using chemical weapons.

A Syrian lawmaker questioned the results and described the report as part of a campaign of political exploitation against his country.

The findings of the investigation released Friday will be used by a joint U.N.-OPCW investigation team working to assess who was responsible for the attack. The team is expected to issue its next report around October.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement Thursday night, after the report was circulated to OPCW members, that the facts reflect a despicable and highly dangerous record of chemical weapons use by the Assad regime. Only some details of the report were released to the public.

Assads staunch ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, said earlier this month that he believed the attack was a provocation staged by people who wanted to blame Assad.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the report doesnt back claims by the U.S. and its allies that the sarin was dropped from aircraft.

They dont know how the sarin ended up there, yet tensions have been escalating for all these months, Lavrov said in Moscow.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that while the report did not apportion blame, the U.K.s own assessment is that the Assad regime almost certainly carried out this abominable attack.

Both the U.S. and the OPCW defended the probes methodology. Investigators did not visit the scene of the attack, deeming it too dangerous, but analyzed samples from victims and survivors as well as interviewing witnesses.

Mohammad Kheir Akkam, a member of Syrias parliament, said that the lack of on-site investigations undermined the findings.

We should ask how did they get to these results, Akkam said. Let us ask those who carried out this investigation. How did they reach those results without taking samples from the same area?

Syria joined the OPCW in 2013 after it was blamed for a deadly poison gas attack in a Damascus suburb. As it joined, Assads government declared some 1,300 tons of chemical weapons and precursor chemicals that were subsequently destroyed in an unprecedented international operation.

Mike Corder is an Associated Press writer.
A swanky stretch of C Street near the Capitol in Washington, DC is blocked by a raucous crowd dancing in front of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's house on an unseasonably cool summer evening. As music blasts from loudspeakers, the scene resembles a Pride block party as about 50 members of the LGBTQ community and their allies attempt to dance away their fears and anger over McConnell's so-called health care bill, which was negotiated in secret.

The group behind the daylight dance party on C Street received an anonymous email with McConnell's home address, according to Carla Aronsohn, one of the organizers.

"By going to his house, we're giving the message: 'We're going to mess your life if you're going to mess with ours,'" Aronsohn said.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, McConnell's tax cutting bill will strip health care from 22 million people. The LGBTQ community feels particularly vulnerable to these cuts.

"The health care bill that's currently in the House and the Senate would be a huge step back both for trans people specifically and for all of us who care about the health and the well-being of our neighbors," said Rebecca Kling of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

The group first gathered at Union Station to pass out rainbow suspenders, sunscreen, bottles of watern and watermelon slices. Then they marched through the streets to "show with our bodies, with our voices, with our rad dance moves that this is an issue that is important to LGBT Americans and it is important to everyone," Kling said as she assembled a long flagpole, on which she would soon hoist a rainbow flag and the pink, blue, and white Trans flag.

As they set off, they were bookended by the cars of two authority figures: The mother of organizer Firas Nasr drove a station wagon at the head of the parade, and a police car trailed behind, flashing its own disco lights on the tony brownstones.

"We're out here to send a clear message to the Senate, to Mitch McConnell and his cronies who wrote the bill that we will not tolerate them writing a bill that is not inclusive of all Americans," Nasr said. "If they're not working for the American people, then we will be out here werkin'."

Nasr, who wears tight shorts and a pink shirt revealing plenty of chest hair, goes down into a split onto the the asphalt. Balls deep on C Street. Once the group arrives in front of McConnell's house, they begin throwing confetti that, Nasr assures everyone, is biodegradable.

It is doubtful the confetti will last that long on his sidewalk. "In Washington, [McConnell] lived in a Capitol Hill townhouse where neighbors saw him come out on a regular basis with a broom in hand to sweep away every last bit of leaf or twig from his stoop," Alec MacGillis wrote in his superb book "The Cynic: The Political Education of Mitch McConnell."

McConnell's office did not respond to requests for a comment on the confetti or the dancing.

MacGillis 2014 book paints a portrait of McConnell as a man cynical and shrewd enough to recognize his own limitations and to compensate for them with procedural or monetary mastery. He relished the process of raising money and used the cash he collected to pay people like Roger Ailes to create dishonest ads that would discredit his opponents.

McConnell hired Ailes in 1984, when he first ran for the Senate, against two-term incumbent Walter Dee Huddleston. According to MacGillis, McConnell later acknowledged that Ailes ad showing Kentucky bloodhounds chasing down the incumbentfalsely depicted as a largely absent senatorwere fundamentally unfair. But still, it helped him win.

McConnell's lack of scruples may make him the most influential person of our eraand may explain how a man who suffered from polio as a child can craft a bill that punishes people with similar illnesses.

Even Donald Trump is worried that this bill is "mean" or lacks "heart." Based on his tweets last week, Trump seems to have only recently learned the word "obstructionist," but it was McConnell's rallying cry from the beginning of the Obama administration. It forced Obama to use executive orders to accomplish his goals, and Trump has been able to easily overturn those.

While his greatest victory is the theft of a Supreme Court seat, McConnell's first major binge on of obstruction came in the long debate over Obamacare. McConnell ultimately lost that fight and spent the next seven years talking about repealing and replacing it.

Now that he actually has to do it, it's not so easy.

When the Senate bill was finally released, there was chaos at McConnell's office. Capitol police officers pulled disabled people protesting from their wheelchairs and assistive devices and dragged them away. It was an outrageous scene. The activists displayed extraordinary courage in the face of McConnell's cowardice and the moral bankruptcy of officers just following orders. The whole scene was a perfectly symbolic enactment of the bill itself, ripping Americans from the medical systems that help sustain them.

Against this backdrop, the crowd ecstatically dancing in front of McConnell's house was even more surprising in its embodiment of outrage and ecstasy. Trump's popularity is driven, in part at least, by the joy of anger. This is its opposite, the anger of joy. The queer dance party at Mike Pence's place just before the Inauguration got a lot more attention, but the joyous outrage on display as the evening sun cast a spectacular golden light on all of the shaking booties, upraised fists and fluttering flakes of confetti, which ended up in the McConnell mail slot, somehow embodied the exact opposite of McConnell, who operates in shadows.

On the day after the dance party, McConnell realized he wouldn't be able to get the votes he needed to pass the bill and postponed it until after the July 4th recess. The delay had everything to do with defecting Republicans and nothing to do with the getting down in front of his abode. Still, on the anniversary of our declaration of independence from England, as people ponder again what America means, I will think of these dancers as they shake it away from McConnell's house, glowing gorgeous in the slow evening sun.

This is an installment of the syndicated column Democracy in Crisis. Woods is the editor-at-large of Baltimore City Paper , reporting from DC. Contact him at baynard@democracyincrisis.com. @baynardwoods on Twitter

Santa Fe Reporter
Plexure Group, the digital advertising firm formerly called VMob, plans to trim its workforce by more than a quarter in an effort generate positive cash flow by the end of the year.

The Auckland-based company will cut nine permanent jobs and six contract staff from its 55 strong workforce from August in a restructure as the digital ad firm's product development stage ends and it sees growing demand for professional services. From August Plexure will operate in four streams: sales and account management, core product development, professional services, and administration.

"Along with architectural advances leading to a more efficient use of costly cloud resources, this organisational restructuring will enable the company to accelerate its move towards profitability," chief financial officer Andrew Dalziel said in a statement. "The company is confident that the reduction in operational headcount will have minimal impact on its ability to deliver high quality services for its current customers and to meet its 2017 sales targets."

Plexure narrowed its annual loss to $6.5 million in the year ended March 31 from $6.6 million a year earlier on an 11 percent gain in revenue to $7.3 million. While its staff wage bill fell 10 percent, or $668,000, to $5.4 million in the year, it spent $720,000 on contractors, up from $408,000 a year earlier.

The firm's key management, including executives and directors, was paid $2.3 million, up from $2 million a year earlier, of which chief executive Scott Bradley was paid $719,185 including $146,097 to cover living costs in San Francisco when he relocated to help drive growth in the US. That was up from $609,635 in 2016, of which $133,289 was for living costs. Bradley has since returned to New Zealand and his salary has been adjusted accordingly, Plexure said in its annual report, also released today.

Chairman Philip Norman said Plexure's revenue growth was slower than preferred in the 2017 financial year, but that he expected it to accelerate in 2018 "as our penetration of existing customers deepens and new customers are acquired".

Auditor Deloitte noted Plexure's ability to continue as a going concern as a material uncertainty in its report. The board adopted the going concern basis on the expectation of raising new capital, something they said they were confident of achieving.

Plexure operational cash outflow widened to $4.7 million in the year ended March 31 from $4.5 million a year earlier, and after financing and investing activities left it with cash on hand of $615,000.

The company's shares last traded at 9 cents and have slumped 72 percent so far this year. That values the company at $8.3 million.

(BusinessDesk)

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Prices for some crossbred wool grades fell to their lowest level in more than seven years at New Zealand's latest weekly auction as unsold stockpiles weigh on the market amid lacklustre demand from China, the largest buyer of the fibre.

At the latest South Island auction yesterday, 35-micron crossbred fleece wool dropped 5 cents to $3.30 a kilogram from the previous South Island sale a fortnight ago, which is the last time the fibre traded at auction, according to AgriHQ. Coarser 37-micron crossbred fleece wool dropped 20 cents to $3.10/kg from the previous South Island sale and was 15 cents down from last week's North Island sale, according to AgriHQ, which noted prices for both wool types were now at their lowest level since January 2010.

AgriHQ's lamb wool indicator dropped 4 cents to $3.94/kg from last week while the coarse crossbred indicator dropped 5 cents to $3.40/kg.

New Zealand is the world's largest exporter of crossbred wool and weak demand for the fibre, which makes up about 80 percent of the national clip, has weighed on prices this season, prompting farmers to stockpile bales in hopes the market will pick up. The Ministry for Primary Industries noted in its latest quarterly outlook that the overhang of inventory will make it difficult for prices to rise quickly.

"There was no improvement in the wool market at this weeks South Island sale," said AgriHQ analyst Sam Laurenson. "Wool continues to be stockpiled around the country by farmers and merchants alike in hopes for an improvement in the market. This in itself is of concern for future prices, as it could force prices lower once released."

AgriHQ's Laurenson noted that weak demand and a stronger local currency had weighed on prices and the clearance rate at the latest auction.

Of the 8,194 bales on offer only 5,716 were sold, with the 70 percent clearance rate below both this season-to-date clearance of 74 percent and last season's clearance to date of 88 percent.

Next weeks North Island sale is expected to have 9,800 bales on offer, which is 46 percent above the average number of bales offered each week in July last year as some stockpiles are released to the market, Laurenson said.

The value of New Zealand's wool exports has dropped by a third to $531 million in the 12 months to the end of May, according to the latest trade data released by Statistics New Zealand this week. For the month of May, exports were down 40 percent to $35 million compared with $58 million in May last year.

(BusinessDesk)

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New Zealand shares fall, joining an Asia-wide slide, even as the benchmark index finished its strongest month this year, with Spark New Zealand and Xero leading the decline.

The S&P/NZX 50 Index fell 74.01 points, or 1 percent, to 7,611.44. Within the index, 32 stocks fell, nine rose and nine were unchanged. Turnover was $184 million.

"It's obviously pretty weak across the board because we had global markets that were off the boil quite a bit overnight, just about everywhere in the Asian region is following suit. It's still not too bad, New Zealand will still finish the week, month and quarter up pretty strongly," said Mark Lister, head of private wealth research at Craigs Investment Partners.

After US market weakness, Asian equity markets dropped today. Japan's Nikkei 400 fell 1 percent, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was down 1.5 percent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng had fallen 0.9 percent at 5pm New Zealand time. The local benchmark index is up 0.8 percent this week, 2.6 percent in the month and 5.8 percent in the quarter.

"Overall we're holding up pretty well, we're doing much better than Australia and the month of June will make for the best month we've seen this year," Lister said. "Year-to-date, the NZX is sitting on a gain of 10.79 percent, which is bloody good. We're only halfway through the year and the market has put on 10 percent, that's very strong - it's better than the US, Australia and Europe, just about anywhere else. That's a reflection of a very strong economy and some good companies that are pretty well positioned."

Spark led the index lower, down 3.6 percent to $3.78. The telecommunications company held its investor day today.

"They've released a raft of information, they have had a few strong days lately so it might be a bit of profit taking or some people might have been expecting something more exciting to come out of the day and nothing did," Lister said.

Xero dropped 2.7 percent to $25.20, which Lister said was likely on the back of a bit of weakness in US tech stocks, while Comvita fell 2.7 percent to $5.80 and Sky Network Television declined 2.3 percent to $3.45.

Restaurant Brands New Zealand was the best performer, up 2 percent to $6.26.

"It's just going from strength to strength, they'll finish the week a good 5 percent higher and they paid a dividend not long ago as well. They've had some very strong momentum, have been performing very well," Lister said.

Stockmarket operator NZX was unchanged at $1.12. It will carry out an extensive review of its business with the results due in November and while shareholder Tony Falkenstein wasn't elected to the board, his observations will be considered as part of that review, chairman James Miller told today's annual general meeting.

Outside the benchmark index, Tilt Renewables CX. The wind and solar generation facilities operator, which split from Trustpower last year, has warned earnings will be as much as A$12 million lower for 2018 after a weak start to the year. The company also announced it will build a $105 million wind farm in Victoria.

(BusinessDesk)

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Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2022


Former Milford Asset Management portfolio manager Mark Warminger has been ordered to pay $400,000 after the High Court ruled he manipulated the New Zealand stock market on two occasions in 2014.

In May, Chief High Court Judge Geoffrey Venning found Warminger manipulated the market in two trades while rejecting eight other instances brought before the court by the Financial Markets Authority. The hearing was a civil case, meaning the judge had to decide on the balance of probabilities.

Warminger is appealing the judgment, with the FMA cross-appealing. The market watchdog said today it is "currently considering the penalty judgment".

The starting point for the penalty was $500,000, and the judge applied a reduction of $100,000 to recognise Warmingers "personal circumstances". Warminger can no longer work in the financial sector, as he has done for nearly 20 years, and recent medical issues mean he is "unable to carry out other employment for which he is qualified, at least for a significant period of time", leading to the discount, the judge said.

As a result of the pecuniary penalty order, Warminger automatically received a five-year management ban. Had Warminger been prosecuted, the criminal penalty for his actions would have been a maximum fine of $300,000, or five years imprisonment for each contravention.

The maximum penalty for a breach of the law is the greater of the consideration for the transaction, three times the amount of gain made or loss avoided, or $1 million. The Financial Markets Authority, which brought the case against Warminger, argued the maximum penalty the judge could impose was $3.8 million, while Warminger's lawyers argued the maximum penalty would have been $2 million.

Warmingers employer at the time, Milford Asset Management, reached a settlement with the FMA before the trial. It paid $1.1 million in lieu of a pecuniary penalty, along with $400,000 in costs.

Justice Venning said he accepted Warminger hadn't made any significant material gain from his conduct, with at most $16,000 made from one transaction.

(BusinessDesk)

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The Commerce Commission has delayed its decision on whether Australian-owned Vero Insurance New Zealand will be allowed to buy NZX-listed rival Tower after raising some competition concerns about the proposed deal.

The antitrust regulator pushed out its deadline to July 26 after Suncorp Group-owned Vero asked for more time to respond to a letter from the commission outlining areas where the watchdog has some issues. The deal has already got the blessing of Tower's board after Vero raised its offer this week, and needs regulatory and shareholder approval to go ahead.

"The commission sent Vero a letter of unresolved issues on 16 June 2017 that outlined the areas it was continuing to investigate concerning competition issues in the provision of domestic house and contents insurance and private motor vehicle insurance," the regulator said in a statement. "Vero requested the extension to provide additional time to respond to the commission's letter, and for the commission to take into account recent developments on Vero's purchase offer."

The commission's statement of preliminary issues in March said the regulator would initially investigate whether the deal would substantially reduce competition in personal and commercial insurance markets and whether it would boost Suncorp's market power. The Australian insurer's New Zealand brands include general insurer Vero and life insurer Asteron Life, and the AA Insurance and AA Life joint ventures with the Automobile Association.

The regulator didn't release the letter of unresolved issues, as it had with a proposed merger of Sky Network Television and Vodafone New Zealand which was ultimately rejected, and isn't seeking further submissions on the application.

Vero played down competition concerns raised by rivals in the application, saying Tower wasn't a particularly aggressive company in the insurance market, and that the enlarged insurer would still lag behind the Insurance Australia Group's leading market share.

Tower last traded at $1.32, below the $1.40 price Vero is willing to pay.

(BusinessDesk)

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Upon the dismissal of a liquor violation case against a White Sulphur Springs bar, the owner of the establishment asked government agencies to retain records in case of a lawsuit.

Those government agencies who received the notice are the Montana Departments of Revenue and Justice and the Meagher County Sheriff's Office.

The bar owner is Meagher County Attorney Kimberly Deschene, and the possibility of her bringing the sheriff into a lawsuit is the latest twist in a conflict-of-interest feud in central Montana.

Deschene has been plagued by concerns about her ability to run one of the few bars in town while prosecuting DUI offenders. Meagher County Sheriff Jon Lopp has previously criticized Deschene's prosecution of those crimes, saying the conviction rate is too low. Other county officials have denied any conflict exists.

The revenue department brought multiple liquor license violations against Deschene last year for operations at Bar 47, the business she owns in White Sulphur Springs.

She faced a liquor license suspension and fine for allegations that included transferring ownership of the bar without her partner's final signature and locking the bar during business hours when a deputy was trying to get inside.

The allegations were reported by the Meagher County Sheriff's Office to the Montana Department of Revenue, which handles liquor violations. While the complaint laid out the evidence from the sheriff's office, Deschene claimed her bar was the target of unfair attention.

But on June 22 of this year, the Department of Revenue agreed to forego a hearing on the allegations and dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning the same allegations can't be brought up again for punishment.

Deschene and her attorneys reached a settlement with state liquor control administrators. The settlement document said Deschene admitted to some technical violations before the department proposed any penalty, so the department ultimately chose to drop the case.

Tyler Moss, Deschene's attorney, wrote in an email to The Gazette that Deschene "appreciates the DOR's willingness to reconsider the charges against Bar 47's liquor license as the underlying facts became clear" and that she agrees with the dismissal.

Moss added there is "no litigation pending at this time."

But on June 20, two days before the liquor violation case was settled, Deschene's attorneys put the departments on notice. The letter referenced Deschene's longstanding claim that the sheriff's office has unfairly maligned her for her dual roles as prosecutor and bar owner.

'Anticipated litigation'

The letter was titled "notice of anticipated litigation." And while Deschene's attorney said there is no lawsuit pending at this time, the letter says that the agencies may "reasonably expect to answer to litigation."

According to the letter, this stems from law enforcement action "wrongfully pursued" against Deschene, as well as "other tortuous and malignant comment."

The letter asks the Departments of Revenue and Justice, as well as the Meagher County Sheriff's Office, to retain all records related to Deschene in case of a future lawsuit.

Moss, Deschene's attorney, asked to communicate via email and did not elaborate on specific allegations of misconduct. Sheriff Lopp declined to comment.

Deschene has battled conflict-of-interest allegations since she purchased Bar 47 in 2014. She was already county attorney at that time, though the position is part time.

She came to the aid of one of her employees who faced a DUI charge in 2015, according to court documents. Deschene would normally prosecute those cases. The county brought in outside prosecutors to handle that case and others.

There was also concern that DUI offenders, some of whom drink at Deschene's bar, weren't convicted very often. Neighboring Judith Basin County, which has a similar population to Meagher, had roughly five times the number of misdemeanor DUI cases filed in its Justice Court.

Deschene faced a legal battle when a citizen brought a recall petition to remove her from office in 2016. A judge ultimately ruled against the recall. The situation spawned a short-lived bill proposal in the Montana Legislature that would have prevented county attorneys from owning bars.

In January, as county officials discussed the formation of a DUI task force, Deschene publicly challenged Sheriff Lopp over proposal language related to over-serving. When asked, she clarified that she was at that moment representing herself as a bar owner, according to meeting minutes.

As county attorney, she normally represents the county's legal interests at commissioner meetings.

It's unclear who would represent Meagher County if Deschene filed a lawsuit that included the county sheriff. It's also unclear if Deschene would be able to remain in place as county attorney if that happened.

The three county commissioners didn't return requests for comment.

While trying to prove that she's been unfairly targeted, Deschene has tried before to collect information created by her detractors.

She subpoenaed the woman who brought a recall petition against her, trying to obtain the names of people who signed it and those who refused. She also sought emails the woman, Katherine Walter, sent to media outlets.

In this latest letter of anticipated litigation, Deschene's attorney indicates that a search continues for evidence of misconduct by the sheriff's office.

Sheriff Lopp has denied undue targeting of Deschene's business or its customers.

The letter asks agencies, including the sheriff's office, to keep records of any correspondence that involves Deschene or Bar 47, despite their "private or personal" nature.

"To the extent the Meagher County Sheriff's Office or any of its employees have taken issue with Ms. Deschene's conduct ... they must carefully preserve all evidence collected in relation to those matters," the letter states.
Both the state and a group representing the interests of Montanas counties have asked the state Supreme Court to push back the implementation of Marsys Law, a so-called victims bill of rights that counties statewide have said will require massive resources to implement.

Marsys Law is set to take effect July 1. 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.

On June 20, the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, joined by the Montana Association of Counties, Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a county attorney and a victims rights advocate, asked the state's highest court to void the law.

The court, however, gave the state of Montana, Attorney General Tim Fox and Secretary of State Corey Stapleton 30 days to respond to the suit, which would have allowed the law to take effect Saturday.

The joint stipulation, which was filed Thursday by attorneys from both sides of the lawsuit, asks for a delay in the start of the law until the court takes further action.

The court did not act on the request Thursday, but since it was filed by both parties in the suit, it is likely to be granted.

In the stipulation, both parties say the interest of judicial economy and the efficient administration of justice will be served by staying the implementation of Marsys Law until the court resolves the original lawsuit.

Eric Sell, a spokesman for the Attorney General's office, said Thursday night the delay was the best approach for the state.

"As the Montana Supreme Court will decide this case in an expedited manner, its in the states best interest to put Marsys Law on pause until the outcome of the litigation is final. It makes little sense to require cities and counties across the state to expend resources on Marsys Law implementation until the case against it is resolved.

Chuck Denowh, spokesperson for Marsy's Law for All, said when the initial lawsuit was filed: "There will always be a handful of people that simply don't believe crime victims should have equal constitutional protections to their offenders."

Voters approved Marsys Law, also known as Constitutional Initiative 116, in November with 66 percent of the vote. Since it passed, cities and counties around the state have expressed concerned about the costs of complying with the new law, saying they dont have enough staff to do what will be required.

In the lawsuit, ACLU of Montana argued that since the initiative amended multiple sections of the Montana Constitution, it required a separate vote for each amendment. The lawsuit asked the court to void the enactment of Marsy's Law, halt all enforcement and decertify its passage.

There have been previous efforts to delay the implementation of the law, including two delays in certifying its passage by the state Board of Canvassers.

Kent Sipe, the Fergus County attorney, said Thursday evening his department has spent an extensive amount of time researching and preparing for the implementation of Marsys Law, but is still unsure of some requirements of complying.

We have not brought on staff, but weve utilized existing staff and weve pushed back some of our other duties in order to prepare and comply, he said. Other counties have hired additional employees to handle the workload.

Theres uncertainty, Sipe said, over several requirements of the initiative. One example is that Marsys Law requires a victims identity and location be kept private. But the county attorney is also required to turn over evidence, such as a law enforcement officers body camera that may have recorded information about where a victim is located.

Theres a lot of unanswered questions that even over the last seven months we have just not gotten the answers to, Sipe said. Theres questions of to what extent the Public Defenders Office or the attorneys for the defendants are able to receive information and to what extent were able to sanitize that information to protect victims rights but still comply with our Constitutional obligations for providing information for the defense.

The state Attorney Generals office has provided training for law enforcement, but Sipe said his office has not had any kind of direction or guidance on how to comply with Marsys Law.

Sipe said that his office will err on the side of protecting victims rights while understanding that puts the office at risk of failing to provide defendants with discovery information.

Alex Rate, an attorney for ACLU of Montana, said when the initial lawsuit was filed, some voters did not understand what they were passing in November.

"From our perspective there was minimal discussion in the press or with various constituencies that are impacted about what the unintended results of the amendment would be, Rate said on June 20. 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.".

Theres been an effort over the last 20 years, Sipe said, to protect victims rights and give victims a voice in the judicial process.

I think we have done a very good job and we have statutorily implemented those rights, Sipe said of state law before the initiative passed. But Marsys Law adds another level to that, and with it a layer of confusion.

Its just an effort to have to expend this level of money and resources and theres still these unanswered questions out there that leaves victims and it leaves prosecutors and it leaves defense counsel in the lurch trying to sort out how to comply.
Guitarist Interview with Loic Josinski of Koyl

July 2016



Name: Loic Josinski

Bands: Koyl

Websites: http://koyl.net, https://koyl.bandcamp.com/



<a>Modular Glitchtar Soundscapes Vol.1 by </a>



QRD  What was your first guitar & what happened to it?



Loic  It was a black Stratocaster-like Yamaha electric with a vintage type tremolo, one humbucker & 2 single coil pickups. I have absolutely no idea what happened to it probably sold?



QRD  Whats your typical set-up from guitar to effects to amplifier?



Loic  Guitar > EHX POG2 > WMD Geiger Counter > JHS Kilt (Overdrive/Distortion/Fuzz/Boost) > EHX Super Ego > Red Panda Particle Delay > Keeley CompressorPro > Source Audio Nemesis Delay > TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb > Tech21 Character Series Blonde > Laptop (that I use for live-looping &/or recording).

My loopers are the native Ableton Live looper & ExpertSleepers AugustusLoop plugin.

When I play dobro I have a Fishman Jerry Douglas Dobro Preamp running in parallel so I can have the acoustic sound of the dobro & the effected electric sound at the same time.

For further info, you can read this post about the technical aspects of my improvised soundscapes record Modular Glitchtar Soundscapes Vol.1 .

In order to be able to travel with only a guitar & a backpack (& do more gigs), I recently developed an almost digital setup. Guitar > EHX POG2 > EHX Super Ego > Red Panda Particle Delay > Laptop + 2 iPads used as controllers.



QRD  Whats the most important part of your rig - guitar, amplifier, or effects?



Loic  Very hard question to answer because what I do is based on using the whole guitar+pedals+looper setup as an instrument, a bit like if the whole thing was a modular synth.

That being said, I could do a gig with only a guitar & loopers but that would probably sound a bit dry.



QRD  Whats your main amplifier & why?



Loic  I dont have a real amplifier, so its the Tech21 Blonde Character Series pedal. Its an all analog Fender amp simulator. A real amp would probably sound best, but a pedal is obviously way easier to carry around, doesnt need to be micd & wont take unwanted noises, which is paramount when you stack several loops of guitars.



QRD  Whats your main guitar & what are the features that make it such?



Loic  My main guitar is a custom 8-string lap steel made by Christopher Fouke of Industrialguitar.com. Its entirely hollow (body & neck) & made of aluminum (like all the guitars he builds): the sound is very clear, rich & resonant. The design was conceived to achieve the best balance & stability possible. This translates into a bigger body than what youd expect from an electric lap steel: a bit smaller than a Stratocaster & shaped like a Weissenborn, but more angular & thinner.

The pickup is a Trinity from french pickup maker SP Custom: its actually 3 pickups in one (Telecaster/Jazzmaster /P.A.F. humbucker).

It also features 2 piezo discs inside: one under the strings & one on the back plate of the neck. Theyre there to give a bit of an acoustic flavor & to help produce sounds that you cant usually get from a guitar. They tend to amplify every noises happening on the guitar: not a clean sound, but its part of their charm.

The wiring was conceived so I can chose which of the piezo discs Im using & have them on the same output as the pickup (& chose to combine them like youd do with different pickups on any guitars) or I can use a stereo-to-mono Y cable & have them on a different output/cable from the pickup, which allows me to get them through two separate effect chains. There are many ways to make good use of this: for example, I can have a perfectly clean & normal guitar tone from the magnetic pickup & have the piezo going through a lot of pedals or effect plugins so I have some kind of noisy pad going on alongside the clean chords.

Also, an 8 string steel gives me more chord types than 6 strings & it covers a larger frequency spectrum (my current tuning has the open strings going from D2 to F#4).



QRD  If you had a signature guitar, what would it look like & what would some of its features be?



Loic  Well, I guess I have one now & I just described it! Chris actually made me the surprise of naming it the  Koyl Kustom 8 & engraved the name on the back of it without telling me. J



QRD  If you had a signature pedal, what would it be & what would some of its features be?



Loic  I would love a pedal that can host any VST plugin. Thered be a software to chose what plugin parameters you want to control with the pedals knobs but since it would kill half of the market, it probably will never exist.

A more realistic choice would be a combination of tweaked versions of my favorite effects. A slow gear/envelope follower like the one on the POG2 or like the Malekko Sneak Attack for even more possibilities & the LFO mode, a +1 & -1 octave pitch-shifter, the auto mode of the EHX Super Ego, the buffer sampler mode from the Red Panda Particle Delay. The envelope follower would be assignable to any setting on the pedal so you can control parameters with how you play & have an output on its own to control other pedals as well.



QRD  How many guitars do you own?



Loic  I currently own the Chris Fouke lap steel I already talked about, an on-the-verge-of-dying Squier Stratocaster I turned into a lap steel, a Grestch Resonator with spider cone, a Hot Rod Guitars Biscuit Resonator, an upgraded 50s Classic Vibe Squier Stratocaster, & an Art&Lutherie parlor size acoustic: that makes 6.



QRD  How & where do you store your guitars?



Loic  Mainly on guitar stands in my home-studio but the A&R acoustic is in its case in my bedroom (because I rarely use it) & the Grestch Dobro is on a stand in my living room so its always at reach.



QRD  What do you wish guitar cases had that they usually dont?



Loic  An overboard propelling system & the ability to transform into a guitar stand at the push of a button, & that without having to get the guitar out.



QRD  What features do you look for when buying a guitar?



Loic  Playability, tone, reliability & body shape (because there are some shapes that are very uncomfortable to me).



QRD  How much do you think a good guitar should cost?



Loic  It depends on what type of guitar were talking about & how rare it is. I owned really good $300/400 electric guitars, but I would pay at least three times this price for a resonator because its what you have to do if you want to get something decent. $2500 is the very maximum I would ever want to spend on a guitar (not that I actually could) & that would be for a custom one or a vintage one.



QRD  Do you upgrade & customize your guitars or just stick with what you get?



Loic  Unless the guitar is custom made, I always upgrade them mainly with quality electronic parts & good pickups.



QRD  How thoroughly do you research or test a piece of equipment before buying it?



Loic  I hate testing gear in guitar stores & they rarely have what Im after anyway, so I mainly buy second hand &/or online. I usually never test before purchasing, but I do quite a lot of research.



QRD  Do you change your rig around often?



Loic  My hardware rig is pretty stable. I carefully selected each pedal so its very versatile, but also easy enough to use so I can tweak it in a live improv setting. So while the gear doesnt change, the rig can easily adapt to any project Im working on & be used in a studio or live. This includes using my guitar pedals on synths, or using my modular synth to process guitars.

Same for the digital part of it, I tend to use pretty much the same plug-ins, but I totally adapt the rig to the project Im working on. I built of lot of different templates for Ableton Live & for the iPad Lemur app (which I use as a controller), so I can chose what fits best for each situation: live-looping improv, making a track with other instruments or working on a song with vocals.



QRD  Are you after one particular guitar tone & locking into it, or do you like to change your tone around a lot?



Loic  Settings & combinations change all the time, even in a live setting where I like to try new things on the spot. & theres a few order swapping going on when recording. I actually just ordered a Boredbrain Patchulator8000, which is patch bay for pedals, to make swapping easier.

That being said, while Im not really after a particular guitar tone, I unconsciously kind of come back to more or less the same thing. I cant really tell what it is, but I know I do!



QRD  What are some guitars, amps, & pedals you particularly lust after?



Loic  The Keeley Mod Station because I dont have modulations pedals in my pedal board. Im also looking for a high gain distortion or fuzz.



QRD  What do you think are some important features to be on a persons first guitar that arent always there?



Loic  That it stays in tune & has a good setup.



QRD  What have been the best & worst guitar related purchases youve made?



Loic  Best: The Fouke 8-String Lap Steel is one, but I already talked about it a lot so Ill go with the first guitar Loic LePape built for me: a steel-bodied Jazzmaster & actually the first steel-bodied Jazzmaster ever made. It was the first successful experiment with using a piezo disc in a guitar as well. You can hear it in all its glory on the 2nd record of my previous project Le Principe dInconstance ( https://leprincipedinconstance.bandcamp.com/ ).

It was not only a great piece of gear born out of a really interesting collaboration with the luthier, but also a turning point in finding what I really wanted to do & starting to find a style of my own.

More recently I should mention the EHX Super Ego & the Red Panda Particle Delay which I consider extensions of the instrument rather than effects.

Worst: Eventide ModFactor: not that great sounding, a nightmare to program & find your way around (which is really bad for improv) & very expensive. I sold it after one week & bought a Line6 M9 instead.



QRD  What are some effect, amp, & guitar brands you particularly like or dis-like & why?



Loic  I think were living in the golden age of guitar gear: Boutique pedals companies are now coming with original, never heard before, circuits (Malekko, Earthquaker Devices) other are blurring the lines between guitar effects & Eurorack modular synths (Dwarfcraft Devices, WMD), some makes really interesting use of the possibilities offered by the digital domain (Red Panda, Source Audio) & its all great & very inspiring. Im also quite a fan of Blackout Effectors pedals, especially their fuzz.

I havent used a real amp in a long time, but if I did that would be a Fender, Hiwatt, Vox, or Orange.

When it comes to guitars, I like Fenders but I must say that guitars made of wood always feel like they lack something compared to steel body ones.



QRD  Whats the first thing you play when you pick up a guitar?



Loic  I dont really have go-to licks or chords, so it depends on the mood Im in & the tuning of the guitar.



QRD  How old were you when you started playing guitar?



Loic  15.



QRD  At what age do you think you leveled up to your best guitar playing?



Loic  When I stopped focusing on my weaknesses & started working on my strengths. It probably happened at around 30.

Playing lap steel guitars is a whole new adventure I started only 2 years ago & Im working on several projects using this instrument in several contexts (ambient/drone, post-rock meets hip hop & dub, songs) so I hope my best guitar playing on this instrument is yet to come.



QRD  Why do you think a guitar fits you more so than other instruments?



Loic  Because its imperfect & organic; you cant play a chord twice & have it sounding exactly the same. You can get a millions of nuances depending on how hard you play, where you hit the strings, with what part of the pick or fingers you do, etc The ever-changing harmonic content. The fact that you can have some droning strings & playing on top of that.

Every time I tried to compose with another instrument (keyboard, modular synth, etc), it felt more like an intellectual process. The guitar is more primal & instinctual with a bit of randomness thrown in: I like that a lot, its all very inspiring to me.



QRD  Do you think guitar should be peoples first instrument as often as it is?



Loic  Mmm... I think computer is people firsts instrument nowadays. But whatever you start with is good, the most important is to get started & have the will to express yourself.



QRD  Do you see your guitar as your ally or adversary in making music?



Loic  Its both! Some days things flow effortlessly & some other days, I really have to fight with it (its even more true with the lap steel). I think its a good relation to have with your instrument since making music consists of orchestrating a series of tensions & releases. It probably makes the relationship more interesting & long lasting as well.



QRD  Who are the guitarists that most influenced your playing & sound?



Loic  My guitar exploration journey started with an interview of Tom Morello in a guitar magazine -- it totally shifted my view on the instrument. Then there was Sonic Youth (especially Lee Ranaldo). A band from Belgium called dEUS (the whole band influenced my guitar playing, especially the violin player). Seeing Joe Gore using a knife & other objects on his guitar when he was playing with PJ Harvey had a huge impact on me as well. The No-Wave scene. French experimental guitarist Marc Sens. Alan Sparhawk, Jonsi of Sigur Ros. Jazz slide wizard David Tronzo, Daniel Lanois when he plays pedal steel. Nels Cline. Rowland S. Howard. Marc Ribot. Chris Whitley.

But the thing is, at least 50% of my guitar playing is influenced by artists outside the guitar driven music world. I listen to a lot of hip hop & electronic music among other things. Artists who comes to mind are Amon Tobin, Burial, Lorn, Dalek, Hauschka

I also have to mention the movies (not only their soundtracks) of Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch, & Sofia Coppola.



QRD  Do you think people anthropomorphizing guitars is natural or silly (e.g. naming guitars)?



Loic  Yes its silly. I do it each time I get a new guitar & forget about it pretty fast to end up naming them by their model & color like any sane human being. J



QRD  Whats the most physical damage youve done to a guitar & how did you do it?



Loic  I made a fret pop out of the fretboard of a Squier Cyclone while doing some Thurston Moore lets rub the guitar neck on something move the something was not an amp or a cab, but the edge of a table. Add the crappy build quality of a $150 guitar & you get a fretless guitar without much effort.



QRD  What do you do to practice other than simply playing?



Loic  I dont really practice (as in playing scales etc), but I can rehearse a lot before recording guitar parts. Other than that, I make live-looping soundscapes just like on the Modular Glitchtar Soundscapes Vol.1 record & I like to play & sing covers in my own way.



QRD  How many hours a week do you play guitar & how many hours would you like to?



Loic  It goes from 4 hours a day when Im composing or recording to 0 when my time needs to be used for something else (recording other instruments, mixing, promo stuff  or life!)



QRD  What type of pick do you use & why?



Loic  I use Dava picks on upright guitar because they are pointy, non-slippery, & you can chose their stiffness depending on how you hold them.

For slide guitar I use a Fred Kelly Delrin Speed Pick thumb pick.



QRD  What gauge strings do you use & why?



Loic  11-49 on upright guitar. For slide guitar, the heavier the better as long as the guitar can handle it.



QRD  How often do you change strings?



Loic  When they break or when I feel guilty that its been a while since I did.



QRD  How often do you break strings?



Loic  Very rarely as long as I dont try to act like Im Thurston Moore.



QRD  Which do you feel is more proficient, your strumming hand or fretting hand & how does that effect your style?



Loic  I wouldnt use the term proficient for either of them & the fact that they are not definitely affects my guitar approach -- I basically built my style around that.



QRD  Do you set-up your guitar yourself or send it to a guitar tech (or not set it up at all) & why?



Loic  I always do it myself because I had some not-so-great experiences in the past & its too expensive. Only exception would be neck adjustment or fret work.



QRD  What tunings do you use & why?



Loic  A lot of different tunings on upright guitar, but I must say Im playing more in standard or drop D now than I did before. One of my favorite self-made alternate tuning is FGA#FGD.

For slide guitar I use open G & D a lot, plus their minor counterparts. I often drop the open D a half-step to C# when I sing.

On my 8 string lap steel, I use DACEGBDF# because it gives me several types of minor & major chords, plus more complex chords & that in every key. Its only a base though, as I can reach a lot of other tunings by changing the pitch of 2 or 3 strings.



QRD  Do you prefer tablature, sheet music, or some other notation system for writing down your own ideas?



Loic  Tablature + recordings.



QRD  How high do you hold your guitar when playing (strap length)?



Loic  Short/medium.



QRD  Whats a bad habit in your playing you wish you could break?



Loic  Id like to get less nervous & tense when Im recording in the studio. Its a 100% psychological thing since I have no problem when Im doing improv or playing live. But when I record composed stuff, I often have to make a lot of takes before being happy with what I get.



QRD  Playing what other instrument do you think can most help someones guitar playing?



Loic  Anything that doesnt work like a guitar: Cello, trumpet, trombone, drums, bagpipes, modular synth, Max/MSP itll give you a different angle on playing & music in general, a new set of rules, new possibilities & limitations. This will influence the way you play guitar & open new doors, even more if you actually apply the rules of those other instruments to the guitar.

I tried to play cello for 2 or 3 years. I cant say I was really good at it, but it definitely changed the way I play guitar.



QRD  Whats a type of guitar playing you wish you could do that you cant?



Loic  There are a lot of playing types I wish I could do, but Im kind of past that now & made peace with my limitations. Id rather focus of making the most of my abilities.



QRD  Whats a guitar goal youve never accomplished?



Loic  Playing a cover like the original. Im totally unable to do it probably because Im not that interested in it.



QRD  Whats the last guitar trick you learned?



Loic  Bending a string with a finger behind the bar. Its really tough to do it right & I cant say Im there yet.



QRD  Whats your favorite guitar gadget (Ebow, capo, slide, string cutter, etc)?



Loic  A small triangle-shaped file. I use it as a bow to make a quite convincing impression of John Cales violin tone in the Velvet Underground.



QRD  Whats a guitar technique youd like to master, but havent?



Loic  Slants: its when you hold the slide bar at an angle other than perpendicular to the strings in order to get intervals not readily available in the tuning youre using. It needs a lot of practice & Ive only started to toy with them.



QRD  Did you ever take guitar lessons & if so, what did you learn from them?



Loic  One or two. I learned that trying to play Stairway to Heaven note for note with 9 other students & one teacher who did nothing more than give us the tablature would lead me nowhere.



QRD  What would you teach someone in a guitar lesson that you dont think they would generally get from a guitar teacher?



Loic  Improvisation in the broad sense or how to make your guitar sound like something else.



QRD  Whats something someone would have to do to emulate your style?



Loic  I guess youd have to stop wanting to sound like a guitar & think of your guitar parts in terms of layers. Youd also have to be willing to make music thats experimental enough so its too weird for most people & melodic enough so its too mainstream for experimental audiences: This way you can be sure to piss off everybody! J



QRD  Whats your take on tremolo/vibrato systems?



Loic  I like them, my favorite type is the Jazzmaster/Jaguar one.



QRD  How often do you adjust your tone knob?



Loic  Quite often. It helps with getting specific tones or behaviors from the guitar when used with effects.



QRD  What do you see as the difference between lead guitar & rhythm guitar players?



Loic  Number of girls waiting after the show? Seriously, I prefer when theres no difference: my favorite players bridge the gap between the two roles (Chris Whitley, Marc Ribot etc).



QRD  If a band has good guitar work, can you ignore the rest of the band not being good?



Loic  No, but I would follow the guitarists solo career.



QRD  What famous musicians guitar would you like to own & why?



Loic  Justin Bieber. Id sell his guitar on eBay & start a label or a festival with a cool concept anything to help spread good & interesting music. Thats my Robin Hood side.



QRD  Who do you think is currently the most innovative guitar player & why?



Loic  Andre LaFosse: Hes a live-looping Jedi Master who can make his guitar & Echoplex sounds like Aphex Twin or Autechre.



QRD  Where can people hear your best guitar work?



Loic  Modular Glitchtar Soundscapes Vol.1 is a good representation of what I do with a lap steel, effects, & looping in a live improv context.

Fingerprints, my 5in5 EP for Silber, is more studio oriented & more based on upright guitars, but each track kind of represents an aspect of my style so it makes a nice & short introduction to what I do.

Im also quite happy about how my collaboration with Ben Hinz (aka Aen, owner of Dwarfcraft Devices) on the LightFighter movie turned out. Its older, but still a nice way to discover how I did live-looping improv with upright guitars. The music works quite well with the picture.

Hopefully, my best guitar work is yet to come. Im working on records that will put guitars, & especially lap steels, in contexts I never tried before so well see how itll turn out.



QRD  Anything else?



Loic  I enjoy this interview series a lot & Ive read quite a lot of them. It was a pleasure answering these questions myself. Thanks!








NEW DELHI: The India of 2017 is different from the India of 1962, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday, a day after China asked New Delhi to learn from its 1962 military debacle.

"If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different, the India of today is different," Jaitley said at India Today's Midnight Conclave in response to the reported remark by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson.

China warned India on Thursday that it will escalate the current border row if Indian troops did not withdraw from "Chinese territory" and told New Delhi not to "clamour for war".

Jaitley said that Bhutan government had made it clear that China was trying to claim Bhutanese land and said this was "absolutely wrong".

"After the statement of the government of Bhutan, I think the situation is absolutely clear. It is Bhutan's land, close to the Indian border, and Bhutan and India have an arrangement to provide security.

"Bhutan itself clarified ... China is trying to alter the present status-quo. After this, I think the issue is absolutely clear. To say we will come there and grab the land of some other country is what China is doing and it is absolutely wrong," the minister said.

Jaitley's comment came amid a stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Dokala area close to the Siliguri corridor that connects the rest of India to its north-east.

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Montana's attorney general is jumping into the legal battle over Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's decision to lift the moratorium on coal-mining leases on federal land.

Zinke signed the order reversing the Obama administration's pause on issuing new coal mining leases on March 29. It was quickly challenged in federal court by environmental groups.

Montana Attorney General Tim Fox, a Republican who was re-elected to a second term last November, is seeking to join the suit supporting Zinke because Fox says Montana's economy relies heavily on taxes paid by coal mining operations.

In fiscal year 2016, Montana received $15.4 million in coal royalties paid on federal lands. Montana is the sixth largest coal-producing state, accounting for 4.7 percent of all U.S. coal. The state has an estimated 25 percent of the nations recoverable coal reserves.

In addition, said Eric Sell, Fox's communications director, the lawsuit filed by the environmental groups is based on shaky legal ground.

Even before the moratorium, Montana had seen coal production drop drastically. Through the first four months of this year, production is a third less than two years ago. Last year the state saw the lowest production levels in decades.

Sell said coal as a revenue source is in decline from what it has been historically, but it still has a significant impact in the state.

Whether or not that is going to go away 10 to 15 years from now, I dont know, I dont have a crystal ball, Sell said.

Utilities are looking more to natural gas, which is less expensive than coal, to produce electricity. That fuel recently overtook coal as the countrys most-used energy source, according to the Energy Information Administration. Consumers are also increasingly asking for fuel produced from renewable sources like solar and wind, and utilities in Oregon and Washington, which buy power from a coal-fired plant in Colstrip, are required to lower the amount of electricity they get from coal in coming years.

Though coal may still produce revenue for the state, there may be associated costs for the state health care system. Sulfur dioxide, a pollutant linked to the burning of fossil fuels, has been linked to asthma and other lung diseases, according to DPHHSs Asthma Burden Report from March 2017. About 47 percent of asthma hospitalizations in 2011 were paid for by Medicaid, Medicare, or some other governmental source, totaling approximately $4.7 million in 2011.

I think when you look at any type of energy production  coal, natural gas, wind, solar  (each has a) positive and negative economic impact, Sell said.

Weighing those pros and cons for coal production should be something done by legislators and policy makers, Sell said. What the attorney general is weighing in on is whether what Zinke did was legal, and Fox believes it was, Sell said.

President Donald Trump ran on the promise of bringing back coal mining jobs, which have been in decline for decades as underground East Coast mines have become more expensive to operate. Montana, which has mostly less-expensive-to-operate strip mines, has seen relatively stable levels of coal-mining jobs, though a drop is anticipated as utilities rely more on cheaper natural gas.

The lawsuit challenging Zinke's lifting of the moratorium was filed by Citizens for Clean Energy, EcoCheyenne, Montana Environmental Center, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, the Sierra Club and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

The Northern Cheyenne have large coal reserves on their reservation, but have expressed concerns over the environmental impacts of mining it. The neighboring Crow Tribe has mined on its reservation but struggled to realize economic benefits.

The defendants include the U.S. Department of the Interior, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

The state of Wyoming also has weighed in on behalf of Zinke in the suit, which is before U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris in Great Falls.

Fox will allocate some staff resources to fighting the lawsuit, Sell said.

The plaintiffs say that Zinke's decision puts the environment at risk and violates the National Environmental Policy Act, the Administrative Procedures act, the Mineral Leasing Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.

States including New Mexico, California, New York and Washington have joined the plaintiffs in seeking to reverse the March 29 order.

 Reporter Holly Michels contributed to this story
Montana's secretary of state won't release voters' birthdays or Social Security numbers to the president's commission on election integrity, the state elections director said Friday.

Earlier this week, the vice chairman of President Donald Trump's commission and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach sent a letter to all 50 states asking for information from their voter rolls, including names, voting history, birthdays and the last four digits of their Social Security numbers.

Montana has not received that letter, said director of elections and voter services Derek Oestreicher on Friday.

Montanas voter file information is public information, but it does not contain information like birth dates or Social Security numbers.

The information in the states voter file includes a voters first name, last name, registration status, if they are active or inactive and the reason the voter is designated as active or inactive.

Our office will not release any personal or confidential information, Oestreicher said.

Voter information does not include party affiliation because Montana has an open primary system and voters do not register under any a specific party. Voter information also does not include how a person voted.

Its information the public can request at any time, and was requested by some members of the media before the November election to look at the voting history of candidates.

Trump has promised a commission looking at fraud in the country's elections, though there is no evidence or history of widespread fraud in any state.

The president made claims, with no evidence to back him up, of voter fraud both before and after his election. At one point he said, without any proof, that 3 million and 5 million people voted illegally for Hillary Clinton during the election last fall.

Montana has seen its own struggles with claims of voter fraud, though there as been no evidence the state has problems with its elections administration.

During the legislative session this spring, several measures were introduced to limit who is able to collect absentee ballots. That came in response to worries by some residents that people who offered to turn in ballots for others had not done so, though there was no evidence of that actually happened.

Only one bill, which would put restrictions on who can turn in absentee ballots, was passed as a referendum and will be decided on by voters in 2018.

Secretary of State Corey Stapleton said earlier this month there was a single occurrence of mail ballot fraud in Missoula during May's special election, but county elections administrator Rebecca Connors said the issue involved just one ballot and that it was a clerical error, not fraud. The elections office accepted a ballot with a signature that did not match the one on file.

Many states around the nation release voter files similar to Montanas at no charge, Oestreicher said, but Montana charges a fee that, depending on the scope of the request, could range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand.
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The Public Land/Water Access Association is very concerned by the recent removal of Yellowstone District Ranger, Alex Sankiewicz, from his position and more importantly the implications of how it was handled and what the action portends. Based of the available public information, the Forest Services action raises several significant and disturbing questions about the Trump Administrations support of public access to the publics lands and whether it will allow its field managers to do their jobs to protect the public interest or whether political meddling for the benefit of wealthy and powerful landowners will prevail.

Mr. Sienkiewiczs removal, apparently after Senator Daines became involved, also raises questions about Senator Daines support of public access and whether he precipitated the action or is complicit in it. The replacement of Mr. Sankiewicz by the public affairs officer speaks volumes, both substantively and symbolically, about the Forest Services focus on information and spin control over resource management in this resource and recreation rich district.

The basic issue is a much too common access conflict where a landowner maintains no public access exists across the individuals private lands to the public lands beyond in the face of existing evidence of historic, legal public access. The case in this instance involves access to Forest Service managed lands in the Crazy Mountains. The Justice Department reportedly blocked Forest Service employees from testifying to the public access evidence in a recent trespass case raising further doubts about this Administrations support of public access. The landowners attorney is quoted as saying, If the Forest Service or the public thinks there is a prescriptive easement across the land, then it is up to them to prove it. The Forest Service, the Trump Administration and Senator Daines should not just allow, but support and encourage the Forest Service employees in pursuing the case and protecting the public interest.

These public access issues are increasingly common across Montana. They block the public from vast areas of public lands that belong to all of us. The issue cuts across multiple federal departments and agencies including Agriculture, Interior lead by Montanas own Ryan Zinke, and Justice since Justice is ultimately tasked with defending the Federal (public interest). PLWA is concerned that much too often the reassuring statements of support for public access by our elected officials and their political appointees are at odds with their actions. Actions like the recent removal of the Yellowstone District Ranger, show the public loses and our public employees are professionally bludgeoned.

Bernard Lee of Billings is president of the Public Land/Water Access Association.
Canadian age grouper Kristen Johnson was disqualified at IRONMAN 70.3 Syracuse after a spectator-turned-witness said he noticed and documented Ms. Johnson tampering with his wife's bike. He then alerted event staff.



According to Christian Mongrain, Johnson, who competed in the F40-44 age group and had bib number 1405, deflated the rear tire of the bike belonging to his wife, Sharon Schmidt-Mongrain. Mr. Mongrain said the incident happened after his wife (bib number 1408, from Ambler, PA) left the transition area to head to the swim. Both Johnson and Schmidt-Mongrain were among the favorites in the F40-44 age group. Schmidt-Mongrain had previously raced professionally, but recently returned to racing as an age-group athlete.



According to Mongrain, he remained in the car with their 5 year old son to feed him breakfast while Schmidt-Mongrain got ready for her race. When Mongrain returned to a largely empty transition area he did not see his wife, but he did see her bike and took pictures of it.



"My 5 year old son and I had just walked down to transition, he wanted to see his mom before her race. We didn't know if at that point she was out for her traditional pre-race warm up run, or in line for a port-a-potty. Since we knew where she was racked, there was a chance she would come back before heading to the swim start," said Mongrain. "I pulled out my camera to snap a couple of pics of the new bike I just assembled for her. As I was talking with my son, I heard the loud "pssssssss" of air being released from a tire, and saw Kristen Johnson #1405 bent over behind my wife's bike. I started yelling for an official at this point and raised my camera to capture the sabotage."

"I'm yelling at the top of my lungs 'Cheater, I need an official, she's deflating my wife's tires!'" Mongrain said to Slowtwitch as he recalled the incident. "Thank God I saw this," he said. "When the official came over, she [Kristen Johnson] said, 'I thought this was my friend's bike and I was letting air out for her.' She said, 'I'll fill it back up,'" according to Mongrain, "and hooked up a pump and started pumping. I was yelling, 'Stop her, get her away from my wife's bike.'"



The image below was taken by Mongrain. He said he took it in the transition area before the bike leg. The red arrow (arrows added by Slowtwitch) points to the Specialized bike #1405 (Kristen Johnson) and the green arrow to the Felt bike #1408 (Sharon Schmidt-Mongrain).

Johnson was allowed to race but shortly after the race finish officials decided to disqualify her.



After a discussion on the subject commenced on its reader forum Slowtwitch reached out to Sportstats, the official timer of all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races in North America, which confirmed that the basic framework of the narrative did happen.



Kristen Johnson is listed in the results as a DQ, and Ironman's head of officiating Jim Riccitello confirmed to Slowtwitch that she was disqualified and that the DQ was for disturbing or handling a bike in transition that was not her own.



Riccitello did acknowledge that he spoke to Ms. Johnson, but the contents of that conversation were not shared with Slowtwitch either by Riccitello or by Ms. Johnson. Slowtwitch reached out to Ms. Johnson several times with questions about that race morning, but Johnson only stated, "This is not true."



Slowtwitch asked Schmidt-Mongrain if she knew Johnson and if they had a previous encounter or conversation. "No, I've never spoken to the other competitor even on Sunday," she replied. "I don't recognize her namenot that I remember everyoneas someone I've even ever raced against."

Both images  Christian Mongrain

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An informant told police that on Dec. 19, 2014, he got a text from Delacruz asking to meet. The informant and Delacruz went to the Country Inn, where Cordova let them in, showed them Meyers' dead body in the bathtub and said she had died of an overdose, charges state.
"The emphasis will be on advice and support for schools where they nominate or they ask for that level of support," Ms Howson said.

Under questioning from Canberra Liberals leader Alistair Coe and education spokesman Andrew Wall, Education Directorate head Natalie Howson said the directorate had not yet seen the new program, which will launch around July 17.

The Canberra Liberals have continued to question the Safe Schools initiative, querying parental involvement, the materials involved in the ACT's upcoming sexuality support service and ways the controversial national program was previously delivered.

"It's not a program in the sense that it's a package of materials that every school will have; it's about schools identifying the needs based on the needs of their students and their community."

Education Minister Yvette Berry said the initiative would carry a new name and deliver new content.

"The name is going to change as well to make it clearer for the ACT community and so that it meets the needs of ACT schools in the ACT community that it won't be defined as a program because then that implies that you're delivering a class or a program on something," she said.

"This is a support service I suppose more than anything for teachers and school principals and parents even to get in touch with and to get advice on how they can support their students, but also other students to ensure that school is an inclusive environment no matter how you identify or whatever your sexual identity is."

Directorate student engagement executive Jacinta Evans said it wasn't a matter of parents opting in or out: "If a school contacts us about the program they might be asking about a particular aspect related to one child within their school.
A private education college that saddled vulnerable students with debt after inducing them with free laptops, made false or misleading representations and engaged in behaviour amounting to unconscionable conduct, the Federal Court has found.

Unique International College sold VET FEE-HELP diploma courses that cost between $10,000 and $25,000, using door-to-door sales tactics in disadvantaged communities, including former Aboriginal missions in Wagga Wagga, Walgett, Bourke and Taree, in 2014 and 2015.

It is one of four private colleges pursued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the return of more than $460 million in taxpayer funding, the windfall gained through the federal government's scandal-ridden Vocational Education and Training FEE scheme.

In the 2014-15 financial year, Unique received about $57 million in Commonwealth funding for the enrolment of more than 3600 students.
There's no shortage of housing forecasts but none quite like this one: rather than the key markets cooling, they are about to be hit by a demographic tsunami.

And, should that be the case, the tricky bit is that the higher demand will meet reduced supply. The consensus view is that building approvals have certainly peaked and housing construction, while still strong, is set to substantially decline.

Such an interaction of increased demand and decreased supply would move prices higher  and this scenario is being painted for the most painful part of the ownership landscape: would-be first-home buyers.

Amidst the deluge of demographic statistics this week, one particular segment caught the eye of property analyst Pete Wargent: a surge in prime Gen Y FHB candidates.
The population living in tall towers in and around our central business districts has been on the rise for some time.

The 2016 census , released on Tuesday, showed we're opting for apartments and townhouses in unprecedented numbers.

Now there are more hard numbers on how our appetite for high-density living is transforming Melbourne and Sydney.

As Melbourne's skyline grows, retirees "occupying the crease" in desirable neighbourhoods are causing income patterns to shift. Credit:Vince Caligiuri

But a special breakdown of census figures completed by the Bureau of Statistics for Fairfax Media reveals how far the high-density trend has spread from those CBDs.

In inner Melbourne, an area taking in suburbs within a radius of about eight to 10 kilometres from the CBD, the share living in a unit or apartment has reached 46 per cent. Now just 30 per cent of the 815,000 people in that region live in a traditional detached house.

The analysis found that in inner Sydney  an area spanning about 15 kilometres south and west from the CBD and taking in most of the north shore and northern beaches  the share living in a unit or apartment has reached 49.2 per cent. Only 34 per cent of the 1.59 million people in that region live in a detached house.

The cottage and yard so long associated with the "Australian dream" has a become a curiosity in a growing number of suburbs.
The Canadian confederation was designed in the immediate aftermath of the American Civil War. There was an express effort to avoid what were seen as defects in the US constitution. Most prominent was state's rights. Under the US constitution, all powers not assigned to the federal government remained with the states. But, under the Canadian constitution, known until 1982 as the British North America Act, the principle was reversed: powers not assigned to the provinces were vested in the dominion government. When the prospect of federation became manifest in Australia in the last decade and a half of the 19th century, in this as in other matters the constitution-makers looked to the US, and two of them, Alfred Deakin and Andrew Inglis Clark, made lengthy visits. Thus, for many reasons, there are extensive differences between the constitutions of these great British federations. In politico-constitutional terms, they are: the method of constitution-making; popular participation in the processes of federating; the form and character of the final document; and the procedure for amendment. In all these aspects, Australia's experience reflected the wisdom that came with the passage of time, and more settled and entrenched government in the Australian colonies.

In the decisive decade leading to the Australian Federation, the various conventions that discussed and approved what became the constitution were elected by the colonial legislatures taking part. In later stages, in several instances, delegates were elected by the voters directly. Participation of electors in choosing delegates to the final conventions was complemented, as the process neared finality, by referendums, at which popular approval of the agreed text of the proposed constitution was sought. These votes were far from mere formalities. Failure to achieve the necessary popular approvals in NSW led to the incorporation of provision for double dissolutions for resolving inter-house conflicts over legislation (section 57). The constitution so composed was sent to London for the imperial parliament's endorsement. With some exceptions, at the behest of the Colonial Office concerning Privy Council appeals, this was secured. Whereas, however, Canada's founding document was an act of the British parliament, the constitution of the new Commonwealth of Australia was simply included in a section of the authorising of the statute. For more than a century  indeed, until 1982  any amendment to the British North America Act could only be effected by the parliament at Westminster.

The constitution of Australia, by contrast, stood alone once the authorising legislation received royal assent. It included its own means of amendment, the referendum provision (section 128). Amendment from the start was in the hands of the parliament and people of Australia. Government as established under the British North America Act was specifically British. The preamble spoke explicitly of a "constitution similar in principle to that of the United Kingdom". There is nothing comparable in the Australian constitution. But the idea was not entirely absent. When the Australian Parliament first met, the House of Representatives' provisional standing orders said that, when there was a doubt, reference should be made to House of Commons practice at Westminster. The Senate, befitting its singularity in British parliamentary practice, eschewed such obeisance to Westminster. The senates provided for in the two constitutions furnish a stark difference. The Canadian Senate is and has always been an appointed body; the appointing authority is effectively the government of the day.

An attempt by the Harper Conservative government to introduce "consultative elections", as one eminent commentator on Canadian government expressed it, "to help the prime minister advise the governor-general on Senate picks", ran foul of the Supreme Court. The successor government, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, created a five-person independent advisory board to advise on "Senate picks". As readers will know, for its entire history, Australia has not only had an elected Senate but a Senate elected upon the very same franchise as the House of Representatives. Canadian parliamentary arrangements do not make any provision for resolving deadlocks between the two houses. The superiority of the House of Commons derives largely from the fact that it is elected and the Senate is appointed.
Esler harboured an extra motive for acquainting himself with people in the remote high-country: he had an eye on entering politics. He never made it, however many census papers he delivered through the snow to the marginalised, and however much he valued those dismissed as "different". As the results of a new census tumbled out this week, revealing an Australia that has crept up on us, complex and colourful as a bowerbird's nest, the old horseman's words seemed to be even more applicable to this new century than the last. Who can be judged as "different" in a nation of 24 million welded from people of around 300 separate national ancestries, more than a quarter of them born overseas, and when for the first time since colonisation, most of the overseas-born came from Asia rather than Europe? Only around half of us proclaim to be Christian these days, the census revealed, and a third declare no religious affiliation at all: an almighty spiritual shift. Those of non-Christian faith  Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims  accounted in total for just 8 per cent of the nation, despite rapid growth from a low base. Even the definition of family is shown to be changing: 47,000 same-sex couples declared their status, more than ever before.

About the only picture from an older Australia that remained familiar was that of big cities continuing to grow bigger while fewer and fewer Australians could be found outside their sprawl. The delineation between city and the bush has grown sharp as a blade: fully two-thirds of all Australians now live in capital cities, where population growth roars along at twice the rate of the rest of the country. All of this, you'd imagine, would be of critical interest to Australia's politicians, particularly those in government, whose job is to make laws and frame policies that reflect the needs of the nation and its people. With Australia hurtling into a future that is all but unrecognisable from its recent past, you'd imagine they'd have no time for anything less. You would be wrong, as current events portray.

The Liberal Party, senior partner in the federal Coalition government, is at war within itself ... over not much more than hurt feelings. Not the feelings of the members of the greater Australian public, you understand. The hurt feelings were those of the politicians themselves. How might the pitiful nature of this circumstance be explained in a way ordinary people building a new nation might begin to understand? This is the same governing party that only a few days before it began savaging itself had managed to negotiate one of the more difficult and forward-looking needs-based education funding programs in memory. The government had even grown brave enough to stare down the once mighty Catholic lobby, reducing the Catholic schools' slice by a projected $3 billion over the next 10 years in a bid to prompt a fairer system that challenges wealthier parents who pay low fees. The census, it happens, offers a sort of justification for this politically risky approach: it turns out that in the mighty shifts affecting Australian life, the proportion of Australians professing to be Catholic fell from 26 per cent to just below 22 per cent in the past 10 years.

Yet barely had the the education funding deal begun to be understood before Liberal factionistas forgot the public and bared their teeth at each other. It started when the "moderate" faction, once known as "the wets" and these days by detractors as "the left", got a little excited at their annual dinner, a shindig known as the Black Hand. The name of the dinner goes back to the 1980s, when the faction was desperate to be seen as a resistance movement to the harder right at a time when their party was floundering around in apparently endless opposition. It had almost satirically sinister undertones: the Black Hand was another name for the mafia. Even more devilish was the Serbian secret society of the early 20th century known as the Black Hand. Its motto was Unification or Death, and it played a significant part in starting World War I. Christopher Pyne, the friskiest of the moderates at the Black Hand dinner (at Sydney Casino's Cherry Bar, for pity's sake), gave a triumphal speech declaring he and his colleague, Attorney-General George Brandis, had always voted in Malcolm Turnbull's favour. The moderates were in the ascendant, he crowed. The winners' circle! And stay tuned  they had a plan to get the Parliament to support gay marriage, he hinted, which would remove a problem facing the government come the election. It all sounded a bit undergraduate and insider-chic, but bravado is hardly unusual from a faction leader at a dinner where wine is served. And that bit about gay marriage made some sense at a time when the census showed 47,000 couples were already prepared to declare themselves in partnerships. That's almost 100,000 people, each with family and lots of friends, plus other polls showing about three-quarters of Australians support such a shift, too.

But when the News Corp columnist Andrew Bolt, a great defender of everybody's right to say whatever they wish, made public a transcript of the speech, leaked by some righteous soul with a hidden tape recorder, the future became a dimly distant country for the Liberal government. Tony Abbott, cast-off prime minister, self-styled heart and soul of the capital C Conservative wing of the Liberals and simmering sulk at the sight of Turnbull leading the party while he sat on the backbench, blew a gasket while getting his weekly rubdown by Sydney radio hardman, Ray Hadley. Pyne was disloyal and not fair dinkum, he fumed. And he gave a speech declaring he, Tony Abbott, was ready to help the Liberal Party with his own manifesto when things went south for Turnbull. Oh, and gay marriage? It was outrageous to suggest an alternative to a national plebiscite on the matter, a policy hammered together by Abbott when he was PM and his tough-nut colleagues from the right who knew it would stall the whole thing and unleash an almighty national row, complete with the ugliest voices from the past. In the name of free speech, naturally. Pyne ended up spraying humiliating apologies in every direction.

Perhaps Abbott's mood was infected by the time of year. It is, this weekend, precisely one year since Turnbull limped home to win his first election, delivering the Coalition a wretched majority of one seat. Abbott won government in 2013 with a thumping majority of 29. You don't have to look far into Abbott's mind to know what has been gnawing away at him ever since. You only need consider Malcolm Bligh Turnbull's second name to know what must disturb his sleep. An ancestor inserted the name Bligh into the Turnbull male line in honour of William Bligh, whose fortunes as a leader were decidedly mixed. He was the Bligh who lost his ship, the Bounty, during the famous mutiny of 1789. He survived, and became governor of NSW 15 years later, charged with stopping the rot in the early colony. Instead, he was arrested by soldiers during what became the Rum Rebellion and deposed. As Turnbull ends his first year as elected PM, the antics of both friends and enemies have all but paralysed him.
Michael Nyqvist, a Swedish actor who starred in the original The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and the 2004 cult hit As It Is In Heaven has died of lung cancer at the age of 56. Raised in a Stockholm orphanage, he discovered acting while an exchange student in the US. He studied theatre but fame in Swedish film and television did not come until he was 39 when he starred in Together, a movie about a leftist commune in suburban Stockholm in the 1970s. Nyqvist tracked down his biological parents after he became a star. He spoke with his Swedish mother just once and found his pharmacist father in Venice. He also discovered two half-sisters.

Ketumile Masire, a former president of Botswana who helped transform his arid and destitute country into the envy of other African nations after it gained independence from Great Britain, has died aged 91. The De Beers company made a mining discovery on the eastern edge of the Kalahari Desert that gave the new nation the glittering hope it needed in 1967: diamonds. Masire with Seretse Khama, the country's first president, saw to it that De Beers did not plunder Botswana's resources. Instead, De Beers entered into a 50-50 joint venture with the government. Masire and Khama leveraged the newfound wealth to add schools, improve health care, build infrastructure and modernise farming. Botswana achieved the highest annual economic growth rate in the world and reached middle-income status among nations globally.

In Passing Credit:Fairfax

Californian-born anthropologist Ben Finney proved the settlement of Polynesia came about through deliberate exploration, rather than aimless drifting when the Hokulea, a double-hulled sailing canoe of ancient design, sailed into Tahiti's Papeete Harbour after a 34-day voyage from Hawaii in 1976. A former Australian National University lecturer, Finney has died in Hawaii from complications following a stroke at 83. He oversaw the construction of the 20-metre canoe based on 18th-century illustrations made by Captain James Cook's crew. Finney used a Polynesian sailor who could navigate in the age-old way to reach Tahiti. The Hokulea epic poured water on Thor Heyerdahl's conjecture that settlers had come from South America, a theory he claimed proved in his famous 1947 Kon-Tiki voyage.

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With friends like Christopher Pyne, who needs Tony Abbott? Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has had reason to ponder this question since Mr Pyne's cringeworthy triumphalism at a meeting of Liberal moderates last week put new fire into the same-sex marriage controversy and Liberal leadership speculation.

Mr Pyne, too, must be wondering who his friends are after someone secretly recorded his words at the private gathering and passed them onto the conservative commentator Andrew Bolt. As Leader of the House his nudge-wink claim that legalisation of same-sex marriage "might be even sooner than everyone thinks" cast doubt about whether the government would stick to its policy of taking the issue to a plebiscite at the next election at least 18 months away. Mr Pyne also boasted the moderate wing is "in the winner's circle".

Acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says Labor should be doing better in the polls after the government's fortnight of infighting Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Pyne's abject apology showed signs of burn marks from the furious carpeting we can imagine he got from his boss the Prime Minister. But by the time he stepped away from his "ill chosen", "unwise", "unhelpful" and "damaging" remarks, a very Canberra kind of mayhem was in full swing, regrettable on two counts. First, that an important issue of progressive social reform that could improve the lives of numerous Australians is yet again being kicked around for the sake of political self-interest. Second, that it disrupts and destabilises the government and the Prime Minister just when, after a slow start, they are starting to make progress.

Is it a coincidence that Mr Abbott again bobbed up with a headline-grabbing manifesto for re-election just as Mr Turnbull and his ministry could be savouring victory on the Gonski reforms? You wouldn't know from the latest version of Mr Abbott's allegedly "positive contribution"  updated on his website under a new slogan borrowed shamelessly from Donald Trump, "Let's Make Australia Work Again"  that Mr Abbott is a member of the government. Whether he's prime minister or a backbencher, he seems unable to move beyond the mindset of opposition. His flagrantly populist and divisive grab bag of slogans includes "Stop ripping off our grandchildren"; "Keep Jihadis off the streets"; Stop hate-preachers"; "Let police shoot-to-kill to save innocent lives"; and "End funding for bully bureaucracies and welcome straight-talking".
Many Liberal MPs feel slighted by their Prime Minister. Credit:Andrew Meares Abbott's multiple provocations frustrate and annoy the Prime Minister. Mightily. One of his closest allies explains: "Lately, every night, the first story on the TV news, especially commercial TV, is about Abbott attacking Turnbull, and that's going to have an impact on perceptions of the Coalition." The Warringah motion emerged from Tony Abbott's federal electorate conference That, in turn, will damage Turnbull in the polls and guarantee that he fails, argues the ally. And Turnbull doesn't have a lot of leeway to start with.

Turnbull already is 47 per cent of the way to disqualifying himself from the prime ministership, according to the definition of failure that he applied to Abbott. His case for challenging his then leader rested on the fact that Abbott had "lost" 30 Newspolls in a row. Turnbull's government has now been behind in 14 consecutive Newspolls, a fortnightly drumbeat of despair. Frustrating as Abbott's campaign may be for Turnbull, says one of his cabinet ministers, "it's certainly not distracting Malcolm  we aren't going to waste a day in government by spending it on the soap opera". Abbott, nevertheless, has powerful motivation and he's not going to stop. He is deeply, viscerally angry. As Kevin Rudd was. It's what happens when an elected prime minister is torn from office by colleagues, humiliated in the most public of betrayals. Both consider themselves victims of the deepest treachery.

And Abbott has suffered one more indignity than Rudd. While Julia Gillard brought her former leader into her cabinet as minister for foreign affairs, Turnbull conspicuously refuses to appoint Abbott to a cabinet post. Abbott is further goaded by the campaign to kick him out of Parliament altogether. The NSW division of the Liberal Party is controlled by the moderates faction; Abbott is a standard-bearer for the conservatives. A group of moderates is planning to oust Abbott from his safe northern Sydney seat of Warringah by stripping him of Liberal preselection before the next election. A party official says, "The principle of kicking out a former PM is absolutely crazy, it would be the end of the world", a reference to its inflammatory effect on factional relations. "But there are people countenancing it. It would just make Abbott dig in. It's the stupidest thing I've seen. It's not ethical, it's probably not even possible, and it's creating all these consequences."

A move is afoot to change the system in NSW. It didn't begin as an effort to save Abbott, but it would have that effect. This is a proposal to allow ordinary Liberal Party members to vote in preselections. It's not a radical idea  all the other states do it already. "Democratising" the party in this way would allow locals, not the factional apparatchiks controlled by lobbyist Michael Photios, to choose their candidates. Abbott is an avid supporter of this move; so is Turnbull. Yet its fate, to be decided at a party conference next month, is uncertain. Stripped of the prime ministership, denied ministerial rank, threatened with the loss of his seat, Abbott, understandably, feels he has nothing to lose. "He's a backbencher, an ex-PM, he's bloody-minded, he has nothing to lose and he's going for the full frontal assault," says a cabinet minister.

"He makes Kevin Rudd look like a wallflower." Turnbull agrees. "Abbott's worse than Rudd because Rudd was popular enough that he could come back," he remarked to a colleague in a moment of frustration. The unloved Abbott, according to Turnbull, could not. But all agree that Abbott is angry, and anger is a useful emotion for someone in an unhappy place. A 2001 study by US psychologists Jennifer Lerner and Dacher Keltner found that feeling angry makes people as optimistic about the outcome of a situation as feeling happy. As Harper's magazine explains it: "In other words, anger may make people miserable, but it also makes them more confident and obliterates other, more introspective miseries: pain, fear, guilt, uncertainty, vulnerability. We'd rather be mad than sad." Can the former prime minister be managed somehow? Can Turnbull negotiate with him?

"Do you negotiate with terrorists?" counterposes a key Turnbull lieutenant. "It's never enough to make concessions to conservatives." In his earliest days as prime minister, Turnbull did try to buy Abbott off with a job. He told him that the position of high commissioner to London, currently held by former foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer, would become available eventually. Abbott showed no interest. Alternatively, "Turnbull could go to war with him", posits the lieutenant. He could "have a public showdown with him on same-sex marriage and the RET [renewable energy target], but the incumbent always has more to lose." And the extreme option of bringing on a party room spill to demonstrate superior numbers "is fraught with danger" for a leader, he adds.

Another cabinet minister wisecracks that the government could build a "rage room" in Parliament House for Abbott's private use, along the lines of a mooted outlet for angry young Muslim men in danger of radicalisation in Melbourne. The only realistic protection the government can adopt is some self-discipline, a number of top figures concur. "You can limit his options for attack  where we create a gap, he'll walk into it, as he did this week," when a recording of Christopher Pyne's factional self-puffery emerged on Sky News, boasting of his moderates faction being "in the winner's circle" and poised to deliver same-sex marriage despite the settled policy of the government. "Discipline is very important," a Pyne colleague chides. So Turnbull is otherwise helpless in the face of Abbott's determined onslaught. He will continue to batter away. But not senselessly. There is a political cunning to his campaign.

First, by speaking out consistently Abbott will indeed create the public impression of division. This will limit the government's polling prospects and fuel internal unease at the outlook under Turnbull. Second, he's not so ambitious as to think that he can take the Kevin Rudd pathway back to the Lodge  a desperate Labor restored Rudd to the leadership because of his enduring popularity. Unpopular Abbott doesn't expect that he'd win the widespread acclaim of the people with backbench speech-making or political snarkery. No, he's targeting the Liberal Party's conservative base as a way of building an internal campaigning energy. He has proposed a lengthening list of policies. All stand in conflict with those of the government. Most stand in conflict with his own policies when he was prime minister.

But, as the old adage goes, never let the facts get in the way of a good story, and Abbott certainly seems untroubled by the jarring fact that his ideas today clash with the actual policies of his government yesterday. Abbott in power pursued the national immigration intake around the standard annual equivalent of around 1 per cent of the population. This slows the ageing of the population, contains the blowout in federal health and aged care costs that come with ageing, and continues the historical trajectory of nation-building. Abbott in pursuit of power now proposes cutting the immigration intake, perhaps by as much as half, to ease pressure on house prices and job seekers. Abbott in power was unable to stop the relentless blowouts in government spending and debt. Today he demands there be zero new government spending, outside defence. Abbott as prime minister wanted the next generation of submarines to run on diesel and to be built in Japan. Abbott as aspirant wants Australia to consider nuclear-powered subs, bought from the US, Britain or France.

But the two really potent areas he's campaigning on are same-sex marriage and electricity prices. Pyne's indiscretion opened the way for Abbott to remind conservatives that he's the stalwart who will always oppose same-sex marriage and stand as the guardian of tradition in social values. And he proposed overturning his own policies on electricity. The renewable energy target should be frozen where it is around 15 per cent. A moratorium should be put on building new subsidised wind farms. And the federal government should build new coal-fired coal plants. Regardless of any inconsistencies and impracticalities, this is a pair of ideas that stir the Liberal base, and stir it powerfully. Abbott will continue to campaign against gay marriage and against renewable energy. This will agitate the Liberal Party and create an increasingly passionate constituency for an Abbott restoration. Skilfully done, Abbott could well trap Turnbull in his Newspoll losing streak while simultaneously building an internal base for his own comeback. And if it doesn't work? "He doesn't care if he doesn't make a comeback," suggests a minister loyal to Turnbull, "so long as he makes sure of Malcolm's fall in the process." It'd certainly be a satisfying consolation prize for the humiliated former prime minister.
The fall-out from Kendall and Kylie Jenner's ill-thought out t-shirt line is gathering speed. Last week lawyers from iconic rock group The Doors firing off a cease and desist letter, stating that the t-shirts - featuring the faces of the reality TV stars superimposed over an image of the band's late frontman, Jim Morrison - tarnishes their trademark, TMZ reports.

Now, Michael Miller, a well-know LA-based photographer who has lensed the likes of Angelina Jolie and Jack Nicholson has fired off a lawsuit alleging that the Jenner sisters used two images he took of Tupac Shakur without consent.

The Jenner sisters have caused a controversy ... again. Credit:Getty

Miller's lawyer, Scott Alan Burroughs told USA Today, "It was very upsetting to Mr. Miller. His photography and particularly these photos are extremely personal and extremely important to him. To see them out there being used by someone who never advised you they were going to be used would be upsetting to any artist."

As reported in June, it seems almost a given that one or other of the Jenner/Kardashian clan will cause a backlash, whether it's appearing in a tone-deaf ad, wearing a tone-deaf hairstyle or superimposing their faces over iconic music legends on a range of pricey T-shirts in a supremely tone-deaf fashion.
One of two teenagers allegedly caught selling guns in a covert counter-terrorism sting was linked to a western Sydney terrorist cell in 2015.

Detectives arrested Bilal Alameddine and Samimjan Azari, both 18, in Auburn in the city's west on Friday night.

The pair, who are relatives of past counter-terrorism targets, were arrested after they allegedly and unwittingly sold guns and drugs to undercover operatives during a two-month operation.
Hamad Assaad was a notorious crime figure in Sydney's south-west. On Thursday morning, the first scalp in the investigation into Assad's alleged murder was claimed with the arrest of 24-year-old plumber Osama Hawat - the alleged lookout in the execution. Police don't believe Assaad's role as a protector had anything to do with his death. Hamad Assaad (right) with Hells Angels bikie gang figure Daniel Callaghan. Credit:Facebook Action is under way in the NSW Supreme Court to seize Assaad's estate and to keep the proceeds out of his de facto's hands.

Citing the Criminal Assets Recovery Act, the commission slapped a caveat on Assaad's house in Endeavour Road, Georges Hall, in March. Police arrest Osama Hawat in Greenacre on Thursday for the alleged murder of Hamad Assaad. He bought the two-bedroom house for $865,000 seven months before he was shot dead in the driveway of the other Georges Hall home he was living in. Despite having bought his own home, Assaad - who had the word "executioner" tattooed across his chest - was living in a property on Sturt Avenue. Tarek Assaad, brother of dead crime figure Hamad Assaad, arrives at the Burwood Local Court. Credit:Daniel Munoz

Assaad was living in the house with his younger brother, nephew and mother, who had relocated from social housing in Chester Hill. Property records show the home is owned by Tyres for Less, a tyre shop in Fairfield East, built up and operated by the Lewin family. Based on property and company documents, Leo Lewin built an impressive property and business portfolio from humble beginnings. When he was working as a bookie in 2009, Racing NSW fined him $2200 for placing a bet on a Hong Kong race for a Sydney ring. However, he is still involved in the local racing scene. Aside from automotives, Mr Lewin forged a career in flooring and carpet businesses.

After six years as the director of Tyres For Less, Mr Lewin handed over the reins to Samuel in 2012, company records show. Samuel Lewin is listed as the director of several other companies, including Unique Wedding Cars and Fairfield Auto Group. A Facebook photo from 2015 showed Assaad standing with members of the Tyres for Less team and sporting a blue and yellow company polo shirt. While Assaad had no stake in the business, as business records show, police sources believed he worked at the tyre shop at some point before he started providing protection. The idea was that, if local criminals knew H was protecting the Lewins' business interests, they wouldn't try to extort them.

Police say the practice is common in south-west Sydney where criminals use a feared family or gang name to stand over business people. "They will see an opportunity to move in and stand over that particular person, their business, and start demanding money," Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad (MEOCS) commander Detective Superintendent Peter McErlain said. "A lot of that goes unreported because of the fear factor." Speaking generally, Superintendent McErlain said most of the community were law abiding citizens but a small section were involved in violence, drugs and "everything else that comes with organised crime". "They often prey in their own community and that is the problem," he said.

At the time of his death, Assaad and his mother were living in the Sturt Avenue house bought by the Lewins in early 2015. A few doors up the road was Assaad's brother, Tarek, a volatile figure with a history of cocaine binges and exploding into expletive-laden rants in front of the media. The Tyres for Less business owned that home too. When MEOCS raided Tarek's house a few weeks after his brother's slaying, they found a loaded Glock pistol stashed in a TV cabinet drawer. Tarek was then bailed to stay at the Lewins' palatial family home in Yowie Bay last year.

Tarek's quarters, with the Hacking River lapping at his front door, were a far cry from his suburban upbringing in the western suburbs. But the round-the-clock bail checks and reckless behaviour became too much. Tarek relocated before he was sentenced to at least seven months' jail for firearm possession in June. Last December, Leo Lewin put caveats over both Sturt Avenue properties, claiming he had "been responsible for providing funds for the deposit and funds towards renovations". "The caveator has also provided funds for Tyres for Less Pty Ltd for the purchase of motor vehicles," property documents show. The Lewin-owned house at which Assaad was killed is on the market for $1.1 million.

Sources with knowledge of both families suspect Mr Lewin placed the caveats over the properties in an attempt to keep at least some money in case the Assaads tried to lay claim. At the time of his death, Assaad had earned a reputation for violence, carrying out drug rip-offs and oversharing information about these criminal exploits. He was rubbing shoulders with Dallas Fitzgerald, of Hells Angels bikie gang fame, and was feuding with mafioso Pasquale Barbaro. Loading Underworld rumours are rife that the crime figure had stashed his ill-gotten gains somewhere before his death.
DECATUR  Central Illinois has the potential for some strong storms this afternoon, but likely will be spared during the morning hours, the National Weather Service in Lincoln said.

Meteorologist Ed Shimon said storms could evolve in the area around 4 to 6 p.m. today.

Isolated spots could see 50 to 60 mile per hour winds, he said. Otherwise, there is marginal potential for storms.

The National Weather Service at Lincoln has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Central Illinois, including Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, Shelby, Christian and DeWitt counties.

The weather service said some storms could be strong with gusty winds and hail possible, but widespread severe weather is not expected. Locally heavy rainfall and lightning will be a concern, the weather service said.

Shimon confirmed the storms will stay to the southwest of Macon County and most likely dissipate before reaching Macon County.

Decatur's forecast for Friday calls for a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 83.

The weekend's forecast is clear with low pressure and dew points.

The earliest chances for rain during the holiday will be Monday and Tuesday, the Fourth of July.

Shimon said clouds and rain could affect some areas during firework shows on the Fourth.
A man has died after being hit by two cars in Morayfield on Friday evening.

Police said he was crossing Buchanan Road about 5.40pm when he was hit by a car, before being hit by another car just behind the first.

The man was declared dead at the scene. Credit:Marina Neil/Fairfax Media

The 22-year-old victim was declared dead at the scene and no one else was physically injured.

An accident on the Sunshine Coast has also claimed a life on Saturday morning. Police said a man died after crashing his car into a tree about 4.50am on the Sunshine Motorway at Peregian Springs, between Yandina-Coolum Road roundabout and Emu Mountain Road roundabout.
Michael Cardamone is taken into Wangaratta Court on Tuesday. Credit:Mark Jesser Cardamone also pleaded guilty to trying to hire a hitman  who turned out to be a covert operative  to murder Crown witness Edward George, a man Cardamone tried to blame for the murder. Ms Chetcuti's sister said the guilty plea spared the family a brutal trial. Karen Chetcuti in a photo with her children taken about a week before her murder. "We're just relieved we don't have to go through the trial, that our 84-year-old mother doesn't have to go to trial," Leny Verbunt said.

Ms Chetcuti's former husband Tony Chetcuti welcomed the plea, but said it would not bring her back. "It hasn't changed anything really. The kids are still without their mum," he said. Cardamone had been on parole for less than six months after raping a 15-year-old girl in 2005. He moved back in with his mother  his father had died  in a house around the corner from Ms Chetcuti's in the town of just over 500 people. Their properties shared a boundary. Karen's friend Carol Roadknight said parolees should not be allowed to live in remote rural locations where there is no protection.

"Putting someone out there with such a violent history on parole, to Whorouly, where's the common sense there?" she said. It is understood Cardamone tested positive to drugs while on parole, a contravention of his parole conditions. He was also charged with producing child pornography over a photograph of a six-year-old girl in February 2015. The photograph showed the girl pulling down her pants and showing her bottom. It came to the attention of police after the girl's mother reported it to the Department of Human Services. Cardamone's parole was initially revoked, and he spent more than four months in custody, but it was again reinstated after the charges were dismissed in July 2015.

Magistrate John O'Callaghan told the Wangaratta Magistrates Court the photo was taken "in clearly a quite innocent manner. It shows what children do in their own silly, quite beautiful way", according to the Wangaratta Chronicle. Cardamone was 38 when he raped a 15-year-old girl in a caravan on the Whorouly property in 2005. The girl had been working on the then tobacco farm and lived in the caravan with her boyfriend. In a report tendered to the County Court, two psychiatrists said Cardamone viewed women as sexual objects and not human beings. "You developed an unnatural attitude towards women, largely because you never had a relationship with one, with the result that you viewed them as sex objects, not human beings," one wrote. Another concluded the likelihood of further sexual offending would probably be reduced if he stopped using illicit drugs. He was sentenced to a minimum of six years in jail.

Ms Chetcuti moved to Whorouly from Epping more than 20 years ago with her then husband Tony Chetcuti to run the local pub. The couple, who had two children together, sold the pub in 1995 and Ms Chetcuti went on to work at the Wangaratta council. Cardamone had originally pleaded not guilty to Ms Chetcuti's murder, and during the March committal hearing said police had the wrong man. Cardamone's mother Maria, 78, was also charged with incitement to commit murder after allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill Mr George. The case, before Justice Lex Lasry, will return to court on August 21 for a sentencing hearing.
"What you worry about at the end of the day is the safety and care of those who will feel the pain of whatever they have felt in the past." Father Kevin Dillon, priest at Geelong's St Mary of the Angels, has aired his thoughts in the weekly newsletter. "People come to church and they're part of the church in order to get solace and comfort, and it's a particularly tricky area as you're talking about a court case," he said. "It's a bit easier to write about it, you can measure your words in writing." In the church's July 2 newsletter, which will be distributed at mass this weekend, Father Dillon writes: "There can be a difference, difficult to articulate, between being 'surprised' and being 'shocked"', in relation to news of the charges.

"So the announcement on Thursday that Victoria Police have issued charges against the Cardinal might not have come as a surprise, but nonetheless have shocked many people - especially Catholics, and especially Catholics who love their Church," he wrote. "The charges will proceed in the usual and appropriate way, with the presumption of innocence and an opportunity for both prosecution and defence cases to be heard. The hearing associated with the charges may well proceed quite slowly, as can often be the case. "This will be demanding and harrowing for all concerned. But the hearing and associated publicity will also continue to generate the deep sadness (to say the least) felt by so many people (not only Catholics) over the past three or four decades." He writes that it would be understandable for some people of faith "to walk away in anguish." "They would be simply expressing their deep distress that the Church they have loved, and may still love, should be in such pain - and they themselves can't take any more pain," the priest wrote.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The High Court overturned Cardinal George Pell's conviction for historic child sex offences in a judgment handed down April 7, 2020. In a unanimous decision all seven High Court judges found Victoria's Court of Appeal should not have upheld Pell's conviction It found the evidence could not support a guilty verdict.

Rome: The charges laid against Vatican finance chief, Australian Cardinal George Pell, are the subject of heavy coverage in the Italian media, with outlets attacking Australia's record on sexual assault.

Cardinal Pell was on Thursday charged by Victorian Police with historical sexual assault offences.

He's the most senior Catholic Church cleric to face such charges.
Hong Kong: In a move read by some analysts as a strong warning to young democracy activists, Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected thousands of People's Liberation Army troops at a garrison in Hong Kong. "Comrades have been working hard," Mr Xi, who is also chairman of China's Central Military Commission, called from an open top vehicle. "Serve the people," they replied.

The military parade, of 3000 army, navy and air force personnel, complete with 100 pieces of military hardware including helicopters, missile launcher trucks and armoured vehicles, was televised live in Hong Kong and mainland China. President Xi changed his business suit for a dark Mao jacket for the ceremony.

The PLA troops, believed to total around 7000, normally keep a low-profile in Hong Kong. The inspection on the second day of Mr Xi's visit to Hong Kong to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the handover and swear in new chief executive Carrie Lam was followed by a visit to a police youth training camp.

Mr Xi has been accompanied to Hong Kong by the top PLA general, Fan Changlong, the most senior military official to arrive in Hong Kong since the handover in 1997. As vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, he sits directly below Mr Xi in the chain of authority.
People evacuated outside Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Centre after the shooring. Credit:The New York Times Bello was going to be fired by the hospital but instead chose to resign, after he was accused of sexual harassment, a police official said. Another police official said Bello had left the hospital some time ago. "He didn't leave voluntarily, he didn't leave to take another job or go back," the official said. Law enforcement officers at the scene of the shooting at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Centre in New York Credit:The New York Times Bello was armed with an AR-15 rifle that investigators believed he sneaked in the hospital by concealing it under his lab coat, the two police officials said.

While investigators were still trying to determine a motive, one official said, "Most likely it's a workplace violence on the part of a former disgruntled employee." Law enforcement officers direct civilians at the scene of a shooting at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Centre in New York. Credit:The New York Times The state Education Department said that Bello had a limited permit to practise as an international medical graduate to gain experience so he could be licensed. The permit was issued on July 1, 2014, and expired on July 1, 2016. He also had a pharmacy technician licence that had been issued in California in 2006. Shortly after the shooting, graphic images emerged online that purported to be the suspect prone on the hospital floor, in a button-down shirt worn under a lab coat, the scene covered in blood.

In 2004, Bello was arrested and charged with sex abuse and unlawful imprisonment after a 23-year-old woman told officers he had grabbed her crotch area outside a building in Manhattan and tried to penetrate her through her underwear, a law enforcement official said. The woman told officers that Bello lifted her up in the air and dragged her while saying, "You're coming with me." Court records indicate that Bello pleaded guilty to unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanour; the felony sexual abuse charge was dismissed. Norma Ruiz, a patient care technician at Bronx Lebanon, said the shooting took place on a floor where she works, and recalled seeing a man, now believed to be the gunman, on fire. "He was running down the hall throwing himself on the floor," she said. "We throw ourselves on the floor and when everybody was quiet, my co-worker and me, we lift our heads and the doctors' station was on fire."

The carnage took place on the 16th and 17th floors of one of the Bronx's largest hospitals with 1.1 million patient visits and more than 140,000 emergency room visits per year, according to its website. Witnesses said that on Friday afternoon the hospital's rooms and corridors were filled with patients and visitors. "Everybody just started screaming," said the mother in the paediatric unit, who asked that her name not be used to protect her children's medical privacy. The hospital staff frantically tried to quiet people down, she said, ordering people in the packed waiting room to lie on the floor while they turned out the lights. The woman ran into an exam room with her children and shoved them underneath a hospital bed, while she lay on the floor as a barricade in front of them. The ordeal lasted an hour. When her one-year-old began to cry, she breastfed him to keep him quiet, she said. "My heart was pounding," she said. "I was shaking, just shaking." As the situation unfolded, emergency workers were at first prevented from entering the building. At least one of the wounded was being treated by people inside the hospital who had tied an emergency fire hose as a tourniquet, a Fire Department official said. At one point, police escorted a group of heavily armoured emergency workers into the building, even as the gunman had not yet been located.

Inside the hospital's paediatric unit, while the gunman was still at large, a woman answering the phone who declined to give her name said that she and others were hunkered down, unable to leave. "We are just keeping safe. We are OK," she said. "All of us have to feel tense because of the situation." Miguel Mercado, 61, was lying in a hospital bed on the 10th floor waiting for an MRI after complications from back surgery last month, when police burst in the room and ordered patients who could walk to head down the stairs, with their hands up. "The cops came and started emptying out the rooms floor by floor - 'Everybody get out, get out, get out!' " he said about an hour after the shooting, standing in the parking lot outside the hospital, IV tubes dangling from his arm. On his feet he wore only hospital socks. "It's been happening almost anywhere, but nobody was waiting for this," Mercado said, referring to the workplace shooting. "Who would have thought it would happen in a hospital?"
Singapore: Terrorism is entrenched in south-sast Asia and will only worsen as Islamic State's fortunes fade and foreign fighters skilled in bomb making and hijacking return from the Middle East, Singapore's defence minister said.

"When we talk about endemic threats we usually refer to threats like dengue or tuberculosis, which means that it's here to stay, that despite years of effort you can't eradicate it," Ng Eng Hen told reporters ahead of the country's armed forces day on July 1.

"The problem will now come to Asean," Mr Ng said, referring to the 10 states that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"Singapore is a target."
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Tourism Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) will be looking at the development of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) model to fill the void of currently not having such a structure to stimulate the MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) sector.

As a prelude, the Department of Economy, Transport, and Telecommunication (ETT) in collaboration with the COSME program hosted a two-day Small Business Development Center stakeholder (SBDC) workshop this week.

The objective of this workshop is to provide an outlook on the role of business development in enhancing entrepreneurship and economic development. To achieve this, it is envisioned that an efficient structure or vehicle needs to be created.

Therefore, on day one of this workshop stakeholders had the opportunity to look fundamentally at the SBDC best practice model and how it has been utilized in enhancing the quality of the delivery of business development services in the region. During day two, stakeholders had an opportunity to discuss an SBDC model for St. Maarten, thus determining its structure, formation, budget and other requirements for it full operation on St. Maarten.

It is envisioned that at the end of this workshop, the Ministry of TEATT as the main stakeholder given its mandate, will take the lead in the development of the Small Business Development Center. (SBDC) model to fill the void of currently not having such a structure to stimulate the MSME sector.

Additionally, given the establishment of an SBDC model, SMEs can now expect to be provided with the tool and knowledge to aid their developmental process. This will also facilitate SMEs to be in a better position to access needed finance to grow their business. This initiative of enabling access to finance by SMEs is work-in-progress by ETT and should be coming to fruition within the coming months.

The key sectors that attended this workshop were top executives of the Private sector e.g. Chamber of Commerce, Hotel Association, Small Business Association, Financial Institutions that work with Micro Financing; senior Government Policy Advisors of the economy, labor and education department and the University of Sint Martin.
PHILIPSBURG:---- The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations (CKAIR), will meet on June 30.

The CKAIR Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 09.00 am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points to be discussed are:

1. Approval Decision list CKAIR Parliamentary Year 2016-2017, no. 5 dated May 30, 2017.

2. Incoming documents.

3. Debriefing IPKO and Tripartite June 12-16, 2017 in the Hague, the Netherlands.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.sx and via www.sxmparliament.org.
GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Sint Maartens calendar of health observances is to promote particular local or global health issues and encourage the male population to be proactive and consult their physicians before the onset of disease.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, is calling on the community to wear blue. This is part of the departments annual calendar of observances.

CPS would like to see men and boys live longer, happier, and healthier lives, and is calling on all fathers and boys to consult their physician to determine their risk factors.

Get educated about your health and your risk of inheriting health condition, and the diseases that can affect you; get screened and tested to be sure you are healthy; make annual visits to the doctor; eat healthier, and be more active and monitor your health.

CPS encourages Sint Maarten men and boys to make healthy choices and to live a healthy lifestyle.

Once you feel or notice a change in your bodys usual pattern, you should consult your physician, CPS advises. Men, who live healthily, routinely exercise, consume nutritional and sizeable meals and adhere to safe preventive tips.
PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Tamara Leonard claims that in the absence of an official Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs at the time, several questions were posed to the Minister of Justice, Mr. Rafael Boasman who also functioned as acting Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs.

An attempt to answer these questions took place in the meeting regarding the affairs of the Princess Juliana International Airport, by Minister Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher on June 28th, 2017.

Member of Parliament Tamara Leonard requested the answers from the minister in written form during the adjournment which was not given before the meeting resumed. The MP stated that she needed to see the answers as she felt some of her questions were not answered or sufficiently so. MP Leonard explained she wanted to compare the questions and answers to see which were and weren't addressed. Since she did not receive them, she then requested to suspend the meeting until she was able to get the answers posed.

MP Leonard decided not to resend her old questions in writing since after the meeting she realized that the majority of the questions were indeed handled, between herself and MP Theo Heyliger, but not sufficiently answered.

Below are the follow-up and new questions from MP Tamara as she mentioned she would send at the beginning of the second round.

These questions were also sent to the Chairlady of Parliament 2 pm on Thursday afternoon, to be sent to the Minister in order to have the answers ready for Friday's continuation of the meeting, on the affairs concerning the airport.

Minister Arrindell-Doncher, stated that the 2015 reports are on the website, according to me this is untrue if they are, when were they posted?

Were the new board members for both boards at the airport approved by the Good Corporate Governance Counsel?

Were the new board members vetted?

Is there a vetting process for new board members?

Who is the CEO at interim?

Who are the COO and CFO?

Is it true that Mr. Larry Donker resigned from the caretaker position?

Is it true that Mr. Donker was subsequently contracted as a consultant for the same function?

If not fact, then what is the contracted function of Mr. Donker?

Can the Minister seek truth or the contrary to, confirm that certain board members are very active in the operations of the airport and sits in the office of the caretaker on a daily basis?

Is it true that a proposal to clean the air conditioner ducks at the airport for an amount of approximately TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($200k) was submitted by board member Alex Dijkhoffz before being appointed on the board?

Subsequently, is it true that this proposal is now being pushed to be signed off?

What is, and can I have a copy of the procurement process of the airport?

What are the conditions for deviating from this process?

Is it true that the purchase order process is recently often skipped and invoices for services and purchases are being signed off without following procedures?

Where does the airport purchase their cleaning supplies for private offices now?

What is the average cost of cleaning supplies for the airport private offices on an annual basis?

Is there a company contracted to purchase these cleaning supplies from?

Is it true that there are discussions regarding a proposal or a contract of 10 years for the purchasing of cleaning supplies for the private offices of the airport, being sought after by the very same board member, or a company that he is affiliated with?

Is it true that there are discussions to remove the purchasing of cleaning supplies from the contractors that handle the general cleaning of the airport, so that these can also be purchased by the company seeking a 10 year agreement?

Is it true that threats were made to employees in management namely Mirto Bril, Deniscio Boasman, and Justin Joe, who all apparently refused to cooperate, give positive advice on, or signing off on what they believe lacks integrity or what they consider unethical functioning in the departments they are responsible for, by this very same board member?

Does either of the boards have intentions of changing the organizational structure of the airport?

Are there any special agreements in place for employees of the airport to conduct personal business on the airport, be it for the airport or any of the airport business tenants of the airport?

Member of Parliament Tamara Leonard reminded the Minister that the Government of Sint Maarten has a responsibility as a shareholder to ensure that the airport is functioning in a transparent manner as this is essential for its development.

Press Release MP Tamara Leonard.
Its safe to say that most people in Armenia dont know who's getting rich from exploiting the countrys mineral resources.

Millions of dollars flow out of Armenia every year, into the accounts of overseas multinational companies.

This article attempts to shed a little light on the subject. Here, we focus on GeoPromMiningGold LLC (GPM Gold) the company operating Armenias largest gold mine  Sotk (Zod).

Here, we should add that GPM Gold is an arm of GeoProMining, an international diversified metals resource holding company with assets in Armenia and Russia. GPM Gold also operates the Ararat Gold Extraction Plant.

In addition to GPM Gold, the parent company also operates the Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Mine Complex in the extreme south of Armenia.

So, lets try to make some inroads regarding who owns what.

Hetq wrote to Armenias Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources as to the current shareholders of GPM Gold. (Changes had been made in 2013). The ministry responded that the shareholder was Siman Povarinkin. In fact, theres more than one shareholder in this puzzle.

According to Armenias Corporate Registry, GPM Gold (a company registered in Armenia) is owned by Dieze BV, a company registered in Holland. Its branches reach Cyprus, the British Virgin Islands, and Russia.

Data weve obtained from the Cyprus corporate registrar with help from our colleagues at Investigative Dashboard, show that 16% of the shares are owed by two Cypriot companies  Belmarsh Solutions Ltd. and Gosforth Enterprises Ltd.  who funnel ownership to Luxembourg.

Sotk Gold and the Russian Connection

We werent able to get any information on the shares owned by Altera Investment Fund SICAV-SIF, however, Kiril Genady Antrosov, President of Aeroflots Board of Trustees, is cited as the chief director. Antrosov has served in top Russian government posts, including deputy chief of staff to the countrys economic development and commerce ministry. (51% of Aeroflot stock is owned by the Russian government).

Altera Investment Fund owns 7.5% of a Russian company called Russian Machinery, a part of the Bazovi Elemet family of companies owned by Oleg Derepaska, listed as one of the richest men in Russia.

Sberbank Kapital Ltd. owns 31.5% of GPM Golds shares. The company is a subsidiary of Sberbank, in which Russias Central Bank owns 51%.

Ashot Khachatouryan is the chief director of Sberbank Kapital. The company invests in various companies, with the proviso that in obtains shares in return. In a conversation with Khachatouryan, he said that the companies can buy back the shares later. Sberbank Kapital policy has led to the downfall of many companies accepting its loans.

In December 2013, GPM Gold and Sberbank signed a cooperation memo, after which the bank lent GPM Gold $250 million. In return, the bank obtained 26% of its shares. In 2016, Sberbank Kapital announced that it had obtained a 31.47% share in GPM Gold, not through a loan, but by purchasing shares outright.

Geiser Asset Holdings Ltd. owns a majority 50.2% of GPM Gold. Another 1.5% is owned by Toboali Enterprise Ltd., also registered in the Virgin Islands. We couldnt ascertain who owns these companies, given that the Virgin Islands state registry doesnt provide such information to outsiders.

Transparency in Armenias Mining Sector Remains on Paper

Sotk is Armenias largest gold mine. Its reserves, according to a 2012 study, amount to 31,141 tons of ore, 133.5 tons of gold and 175.6 tons of silver.

GPM Golds extraction license expires in 2028. We dont know how much gold and silver has been extracted already. We contacted Armenias Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources for data on this, but the ministry didnt reply. It only noted that the Sotk mine has been operating since 1976 and that extraction data, over ten pages, can only be obtained by paying for it. The data is kept by Armenias Republican Geological Fund SNCO. Gevorg Hovsepyan, the SNOCs director, told Hetq that it costs 4,500 AMD annually to prepare and update the funds data. Thats a huge amount for a media outlet like Hetq to pay, given that GPM Gold has been operating the mine for the past ten years.

Hetq tried to schedule an interview with GPM Gold General Director Anatoly Gogotin.

Ruzanna Grigoryan, head of the companys press division, at first promised to organize an interview, stipulating that we send the questions in advance. Twenty days after sending the questions, she said that Gogotin wouldnt respond. We had asked about theft at the mines, how much the company had extracted, information about the shareholders, and the state of mining in Armenia, among others.

Hetq sent the same questions to the head of the companys office in Russia. They didnt respond.

This year, Armenia became a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global standard to promote the open and accountable management of natural resources. The ETI membership includes 51 countries (As of March 9, 2017).

The EITI Standard requires information along the extractive industry value chain from the point of extraction, to how the revenue makes its way through the government, to how it benefits the public. This includes how licenses and contracts are allocated and registered, who are the beneficial owners of those operations, what are the fiscal and legal arrangements, how much is produced, how much is paid, where are those revenues allocated, and what is the contribution to the economy, including employment. The standard also assumes transparency as to shareholders.

Davit Harutyunyan, a former chief of staff/minister of Armenias government, and now the minister of justice and president of Armenias EITI multi-stakeholder group has written: The inclusion of EITI will led to ensuring transparency in the mining sector and increasing public accountability. These factors have vital significance for improving the business environment. The efficient management of natural resources can be beneficial for the countrys citizenry, and the EITI is an appropriate tool to reach this objective. Due to EITI, a great amount of information will be accessible to all interested parties. The most important perspective of the process is that the inclusion of interested parties will strengthen mutual trust and cooperation amongst all included parties.

It appears, that after all this, any talk of information accessibility, mutual trust and cooperation, is just talk, a formality, if all these praiseworthy goals remain on paper.

According to a 1985 passport of the Sotk gold mine (HayVoski), operating the Sotk mine at the time, the mines confirmed reserves totaled 29,186 million tons  170, 479 tons of gold and 156,100 tons of silver.

If we compare the confirmed reserves of 1985 and 2012, it turns out that some 37 tons of gold have been extracted in 27 years.

The mines prospects, however, has been evaluated as promising. According to the Sotk mine passport, the main prospects of the mine are related to the exploration of its lower horizons. Taking into account the continuity of gold mining, the gold reserves are estimated at 40 tons. There are sufficient prerequisites for discovering gold reserves in the wings of the mine, in their deep layers, estimated at 20-30 tons.

GeoProMining Gold vs. the Government of Armenia

Years ago, Armenias Control Chamber studied the legality of mine operations owned by GeoProMining Gold, and recommended that the government consider terminating the company's mining rights. The Chamber found numerous violations, but they were never sent to the prosecutor's office. The government, namely former Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Armen Movsisyan, covered it all up.

Hetq wrote to the Ministry of Energy Infrastructure, inquiring as to whether inspections had been carried out at the company's enterprises during the past five years, what violations were uncovered, and what fines were imposed. The ministry reported that the State Mineral Resources Inspectorate conducted inspections at GPM Gold in 2013, 2015 and 2016. As a result of the 2013 and 2015 inspections, violations of design and subsoil use contractual obligations were recorded and the company was subjected to administrative liability only in the amount of AMD 100,000. As a result of the 2016 inspection, more violations were recorded. Specifically, the State Mineral Resources Inspectorate revealed that the company had violated the requirements of the Mining Code and the obligations set out in the 2012 agreement, and did not perform the work in accordance with the terms of the mining agreement and the project.

Moreover, the company has submitted reports to the authorized body, according to which 1,019,511 tons of ore, 4064.46 kg of gold was repaid from the balance of the deposit during the inspection period. Meanwhile, according to the daily inventory of the reserves change, the ore was 1,015,139 tons, gold  4017.95 kg. The difference was 4,372 tons of ore; 46.51 kg of gold.

Additionally, in several samples participating in the mine balance, the gold content did not correspond to the actual content of the laboratory analysis, as a result of which the amount of gold in the ore mined was small, which, in turn, resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of gold recovery from the balance sheet.

GeoProMining Gold filed an appeal, requesting that Minister Ashot Manukyan declare it invalid. Manukyan denied the appeal.

GPM Gold filed a complaint at the Administrative Court regarding the audit act which has already been examined. The court will announce its decision on June 30.

According to the basic technical parameters of the Sotk mine development, GPM Gold's annual profit is $78.2 million. For comparative purposes let's note that the 2017 budget of Gyumri, Armenias second largest city, is $6.5 million. You could run twelve Gyumris with just one year of GPM Golds profits.

According to the information provided by GPM Gold, $159 million was invested in Sotk from 2011-2016 and $ 10 million is expected to be invested this year.

Simple arithmetic shows that GeoProMining Gold has long since recouped all its investment in its two years of profit

Mine photos: Mariam Chakhoyan

P.S. GPM Gold is the second largest taxpayer in Armenias mining sector and the 13th largest overall. It paid 9.4 billion AMD in taxes in 2016, up 5.5 billion from the previous year.
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever': What to know before you see it
Violent Albanian crime groups are exerting "considerable control" over the drug market in the UK, while gangs from Serbia and Turkey dominate maritime cocaine trafficking routes, according to a report by the National Crime Agency (NCA) released Wednesday.

Albanians make up just 0.8 percent of all organised criminals in the UK  a small minority compared to Romanians (1.5 percent) and British nationals (61.6 percent).

However, "while the numbers involved are relatively small, the impact of these groups is significant," NCA deputy director general Matthew Horne told BBC Radio 4, according to the Guardian.

He said that Albanian gangs are making tens of thousands of pounds in cocaine transactions every week and, since they readily use violence to enforce their business model, pose a significant threat.

"We are concerned that there are innocent bystanders in this," said Horne, according to the Guardian.

The annual report, titled the "National Strategic Assessment of Serious Organised Crime 2017", also says that Serbian and Turkish groups dominate maritime cocaine trafficking, while Romanian groups are collaborating with Mexican counterparts to import cocaine from Europe in heavy goods vehicles.

It claims that Balkan criminals, and Albanians in particular  who operate primarily from London - are "increasingly expanding their network of influence, forming direct relationships with suppliers in Latin America."

Rather than go through traditional European hubs, Colombian cocaine is now being shipped directly to the UK.

As for heroin trafficking, Turkish and Pakistani groups continue to dominate the market by both land and sea.

Lithuanian gangs are also establishing a greater control in the UK drug market, the report says, since they have ready access to firearms and are able to smuggle cash on a substantial scale.

The NCA report also highlights the rise in cybercrime, human trafficking and serious fraud committed by organized crime  which it claims could cost UK residents as much as 193 billion (US$ 250 billion).

"Criminal networks themselves are diversifying and it is not uncommon to find the same groups involved in trafficking people or illicit commodities, using the same methods or infrastructure," Horne said in a statement.

According to the report, corruption of border workers at seaports and airports is a serious problem in tackling the international criminal drug trade.

"The threat from corruption encompasses a huge range of sectors and professional enablers, from bank insiders and accountants involved in high end money laundering, through to port workers and delivery drivers facilitating drug trafficking," added Horne.

Dover Port, a key organized crime location according to the NCA (Photo: Piotr Kuczynski CC BY-SA 4.0)

occrp.org
By Amalya Margaryan

Garo Yegnukian, whos been held in pre-trial detention in Armenia since July 2016, says he still cant understand the charges against him.

Yegnukians lawyer, Tigran Hayrapetyan, has again filed a petition with the courts to have the charges levied against him by the countrys Investigative Committee dropped.

While Yegnukian, a prominent opponent of the current government, is being tried as part of the case against fourteen members of the Sasna Dzrer (Daredevils of Sasoun) group who seized a Yerevan police building in July of 2016, the official charges against him have nothing to do with illegal arms possession or the taking of hostages; charges faced by the others.

As we learn from his attorney, Yegnukian is being accused by the Investigative Committee for engaging in the following four activities:

On July 18, 2016, after hearing from the members of the armed group Daredevils of Sasoun that the police were moving armored vehicles toward the occupied buildings, Mr. Yegnukian publicized that fact on Facebook; On July 19, 2016, he encouraged the movement of protesters from Liberty Square toward the area close to the police compound occupied by the Daredevils; Mr. Yegnukian spread disinformation (suggesting that food provided to the Daredevils by the police might be poisoned), thus discrediting the police; and He aspired to provide radio communication from outside to the Daredevils.

A Yerevan court has already thrown out Yegnukians appeal, and the same court is currently reviewing it again.

At todays hearing, Yegnukian and his lawyer argued that the inspector on the case has done nothing to clarify the matter.

If it isnt clear to the defendant what he is being charged with, then an effective defense cannot be mounted, Hayrapetyan declared in court.

Yegnukian and Hayrapetyan asked the court to accept their appeal and to have the case sent back for a new investigation and to clarify the basis of the charges.

The next trial date is scheduled for July 13, at which time the inspector and prosecutor will make their position known.

Yegnukian, a father of five, has said that he is being persecuted for his political beliefs and is ready to face the challenge.
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The U.S. was instrumental in paving the way for Kosovo's independence and saw Hasim Thaci as the young republic's hope for the future - despite Thaci's instrumental leadership role in the UCK, a group the U.S. State Department had listed as a terrorist organization as recently as 1998. In return, the U.S. was able to establish a heavily guarded military base in Kosovo - and 18 years after NATO intervention, the former rebel leaders of the UCK still control political and economic life in the country. Ahead of the last parliamentary elections, they formed an alliance for the first time.

Ramush Haradinaj, the lead candidate and victor of those elections, promised voters that, were he to become prime minister, he would even annex areas within the republic of Serbia. Initially, though, he would likely face more pressing concerns. The new special tribunal in The Hague will soon be issuing indictments against former members of the UCK leadership, perhaps including head-of-state Thaci. Charges could include offenses such as murder, torture, sexual violence and illegal organ trafficking.

A Symbol of Rapprochement

For many, he is a hero, for others, a possible war criminal - what is that like? Kosovo President Thaci pauses when asked the question in his office. Then, he says: "First of all, I was the supreme political commander, not the military commander. Second, no special tribunal in the world can rewrite history. We have nothing to hide."

Hashim Thaci complains that neighboring Serbia is treated as a model pupil. "Serbia is a failed state in the Western Balkans, nothing more," says the Kosovo president. "It is the root of all evil in this region; Serbia is blocking Bosnia and violating the sovereignty of Kosovo and of Montenegro." Thaci says that Kosovo "fulfills 94 criteria for visa-free travel, but then a 95th is invented."

It's no wonder, he says, that his people are losing their patience and their trust in Brussels. Fellow Albanians in the neighboring states of Albania, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia see things the same way, he says. Thaci denies dreaming of the establishment of a Greater Albania. Instead, he prefers to say: "Kosovo is Kosovo, we don't want to redraw the borders. But we Albanians would like to, at some point, live in the same geographic space, without borders."

Around 5 percent of the Kosovo population is still made up of Serbs. About an hour's drive north of the capital, one arrives at a structure of steel and concrete stretching across the Ibar River. Rebuilt with the help of more than a million euros from the EU, the bridge connects the Albanian southern part of the city of Mitrovica with the largely Serbian northern part. New wooden benches have been installed on the riverbanks to facilitate encounters between the two ethnicities, but only pedestrians are allowed to cross the bridge.

Initially, the span was intended as a symbol of rapprochement, but it has instead become emblematic of a lasting conflict. Fully 90 percent of the Kosovar Serbs still say that don't want to live in a state with Albanians North of the river, Serbian flags still fly in the divided city.

Thus far, a resurgence of violence between Serbs and Albanians has been prevented primarily due to funding and pressure from the EU. That money is distributed on both sides of the river and houses and streets are being fixed up across the entire city. Brussels has also pressured Serbia into no longer providing Serbian residents of Kosovo with passports, with which they could enter the EU without a visa.

And in Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has left no doubt that he is willing to sacrifice the Kosovo Serbs on the altar of an EU future.

2. MACEDONIA: Ethnic Tensions and European Hopes

The further south you drive from Pristina toward the border with Macedonia, the less ubiquitous becomes the blue flag of Kosovo - and the more prevalent the double-headed eagle flag of neighboring Albania. It is the symbol of that which binds across all borders.

In Macedonia, formerly the southernmost republic of Yugoslavia, Albanians represent 25 percent of the population. They tend to be concentrated near Macedonia's western border and traditionally feel closer to their fellow Albanians in Kosovo, Albania, Serbia and Montenegro than to their Slavic countrymen.

On April 27, Talat Xhaferi became president of Macedonian parliament, the first time ever that an ethnic Albanian had been chosen for that position. A mini-flag with the double-headed Albanian eagle can be found on his desk as well. After he was elected, violence broke out, with followers of long-time nationalist-conservative ex-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski storming the parliament and assaulting their political adversaries. In the eyes of Slavic-Macedonian ultra-nationalists, Xhaferi's election represents the first step toward the country's partition, and they are concerned that a "binational" arrangement could ultimately lead to the establishment of Greater Albania.

Removing the Srebrenica Massacre from the School Books

This worry is partly the result of a trip taken to Albania in late 2016 by three senior Albanian-Macedonian politicians. In the capital of Tirana, they joined Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in signing a "platform" with a long list of demands. Later, both Rama and Kosovo President Hashim Thaci hinted that the Albanians, disappointed as they are with the EU, could seek to shift borders in the region.

The rift between political parties and ethnic groups in Macedonia has become deeper in recent years, despite it having long been a model country in the Balkans. It achieved independence in 1991 without the firing of a single shot and quickly applied to join Western political and military alliances.

Macedonia, population 2 million, has had an Association Agreement with the EU for 16 years, has been an accession candidate for 11 years and, fully nine years ago, was at the cusp of becoming a member of NATO. Yet neither membership in EU nor NATO has come to fruition, and Macedonia's southern neighbor Greece is primarily to blame. Athens has consistently exercised its veto right, complaining that the name Macedonia is historically the provenance of ethnic Greeks. Greece wants Macedonia to change its name.

Prime Minister Gruevski, who stepped down in 2016, was initially considered to be pro-European, only changing course once he realized that the EU and NATO couldn't even solve the name conflict with Greece. He developed into an autocrat and he now stands accused of electoral fraud, corruption and large-scale surveillance of civilians. He also transformed the center of Skopje into a nationalist-Macedonian Disneyland - with gigantic, totalitarian-esque bronze statues recalling a glorious past.

A pro-European protest movement, known as the Colorful Revolution, developed in the country in response to Gruevski's rule, with demonstrators throwing paint bombs at monuments to the premier's government. In spring 2016, Simona Spirovska became the face of the revolution; the red-headed actress still wears a military jacket flecked with paint from back then, when she would frequently join the paint throwers. "The useless buffoon," as she says, got on her nerves. "Recently, a lot of EU money flowing into Macedonia has been diverted."

The government, accusing the demonstrators of being Albanian though the movement was in fact diverse, used the protests to enflame ethnic conflict. Ultimately, the EU was able to negotiate a deal with the parties to the conflict which led to new elections. With Albanian support, Social Democrat Zoran Zaev won - a representative of the political old guard who has been under investigation for corruption.

Currently, there is no obvious way out of the dead-end into which Macedonia has maneuvered itself. "The EU is slowly losing its regulative power here and support for united Europe is falling," a Western political consultant in Skopje warns. And Simona Spirovska, the actress and activist, says: "Our mission isn't over. It has only just begun."

3. BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA: Faces of Ethnic Partition

Vernes Voloder lived not even 500 meters from the Stari Most, the famous Old Bridge of Mostar, in the Muslim eastern side of the city when the 1991 war began. He survived the siege by Orthodox Serbs and the following skirmishes between the Catholic Croatians and the Muslim Bosniaks, who had initially been allies. But by the time the Croatians blew up the famous Stari Most spanning the turquoise Neretva River in 1993, Voloder had already left his hometown. "This bridge, which connected the Muslim quarter with the Croatian quarter was a fact of life for us," he says. Mostar, one of the largest multi-ethnic cities of Yugoslavia prior to the outbreak of war, had lost its symbol. Today, a quarter-century later, the bridge is back, its reconstruction financed with millions of euros from the EU.

A slender 40-year-old in jeans and a hipster T-shirt, Voloder has since returned to Mostar and walks almost every day from the Muslim eastern part of the city to the Croatian sector in the west. He works for a non-profit institute as an "ethno-therapist," seeking to get Croats and Bosniaks talking to one another again.

Even 25 years after the war broke out, Serbs, Croatians and Bosniaks are still feuding with each other within the confines of the Bosnia and Herzegovina federation. The Serbian half of the republic is threatening to secede and to remove all reference to the genocidal slaughter of 8,000 Muslims in Srebrenica from their school books.

In 1995, after U.S. air strikes put an end to the Serbian massacre of Muslims, Washington leaned on the three warring parties to sign a peace deal in Dayton. It is still in force today. The problem, however, is that the peace agreement solidified ethnic segregation. Bosnia and Herzegovina is made up of a Serbian entity - the Republika Srpska - and a federation of Croatian and Bosniak entities. Political offices are dispersed using a complicated formula aimed at parity and several institutions exist in triplicate, such as electricity suppliers, pension funds, water supply facilities and district councils.

In the street where Voloder works, there is a public transportation training facility where young Bosnians take classes until 12:30 p.m., followed by Croatians in the afternoon. There are two school directors and two different teams of teachers. It took Voloder months to get the teachers to sit down at a table together and talk about teaching Croats and Bosniaks together for at least a couple hours a week. He was successful until the moment when a television broadcaster showed up and interviewed a Croatian student who said he couldn't stand Muslims. That brought a premature end to the dream of joint schooling.

Billions in development aid from the EU has likewise been unable to change the fact that Bosnia-Herzegovina remains a poorly functioning entity. Its residents have shown little interest in stepping across the ethnic divide for the good of the commonwealth.

"Our politicians have made things comfortable for their clientele in the bloated public sector," says Amna Popovac, the Muslim founder of a citizens' initiative in Mostar. "Regardless of whether they are Croatian or Bosniak, Dayton marked the birth of a political class that has no interest in democratic controls." She says that city leaders have spent 300 million euros in tax money and EU aid in the last nine years.
Of particular note, the list makes it clear that Europe and America are already threatening each other with retaliatory measures and reprisals on several issues.

Beef is a primary example. Since 1989, the import of hormone-treated meat has been banned in the EU for health reasons. It is a conflict that has appeared before the World Trade Organization several times and the U.S. has recently ignited it anew. Washington is demanding that Europe open its market to hormone-treated beef and has said that if Brussels doesn't acquiesce, punitive tariffs could be slapped on over 70 product groups or raise existing tariffs to more than 100 percent.

Steel Problems

The list of products that could be affected includes pork, tomatoes, chewing gum and even scooters. Washington is set to decide soon which measures to apply.

And on the eve of the G-20, the dangerous spiral of trade conflict could also be augmented by a dispute over another, often sensitive product: steel. For months, Trump has been execrating the import of cheap steel from China for the damage it does to American producers. Commerce Secretary Ross has been charged with producing a report to clarify whether the cheap imports pose a threat to U.S. national security and was originally supposed to deliver that evaluation in June. Now, however, the German government is concerned that Ross could advise his boss to impose tariffs on the eve of the Hamburg summit or, worse yet, during the meeting.

The problem is that such tariffs wouldn't just hurt Chinese companies, but primarily countries like Canada, South Korea and Japan in addition to the European Union, above all Germany. Last year, Germany was the eighth largest exporter of steel to the U.S., ahead of even China. If Trump were to impose tariffs, it would have negative consequences both for German exports and for trans-Atlantic relations.

Policymakers in Berlin and Brussels have already begun discussing what countermeasures to take should the Trump administration impose steel tariffs. "The EU will answer appropriately if the U.S. introduces trade restraints against German or European steel companies," says German Economics Minister Zypries, adding that there are many tools at Europe's disposal. European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom echoed Zypries, saying: "If it hits us like it could, we will, of course, retaliate."

Brussels' first reaction would be to immediately file a complaint with the WTO. But such procedures often take years to resolve, so European officials are also considering other measures that would have a more immediate impact - such as punitive tariffs on agricultural products like corn, soy or rice. The goal would be to turn American farmers, many of whom voted for Trump, against Washington.

At the same time, the EU is hoping to build new alliances. Negotiations with Japan over a free-trade agreement are making solid progress and Malmstrom flew to Tokyo on Thursday to clear up some open questions. If her visit is successful, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will stop by Brussels next Thursday on his way to Hamburg to sign a political declaration related to the deal. The intention is clear: "We want to send a signal to Washington: We are in favor of open markets," says an EU diplomat who is familiar with the plans.

Trouble Ahead

Currently, the signals seem to indicate trouble ahead. Washington views the European Commission's 2.4-billion-euro fine levied against Google on Tuesday due to the company's abuse of its market dominance as a hostile act. Meanwhile, Merkel's office believes that the Americans aren't just withdrawing from climate and trade consensus, but also from the G-20 process in general. "We are on a dangerous slippery slope," says finance expert and European parliamentarian Markus Ferber. "The USA is pulling back from international bodies. We can see it everywhere."
Las Palmas, June 30, 2017 (SPS) - Representative of the Polisario Front to the United Nations, Bukhari Ahmed and Sahrawi Human Rights Activist, Aminetu Haidar, were received Thursday by President of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, who was accompanied by Counselor of Territorial Policy, Ines Miranda, and Counselor of Institutional Cooperation and International Solidarity, Carmelo Ramirez.

The President of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, reaffirmed the position of his community with respect to Western Sahara cause, reiterating his strong support for the Saharawi people's struggle for self-determination.

For his part, the Polisario Front representative to the United Nations addressed at the meeting the latest resolution of the UN Security Council and the efforts of the international community to revive the settlement process as well as the political and diplomatic situation related to the Sahrawi cause.

The Saharawi activist, Aminetu Haidar, exposed the situation of human rights in occupied Western Sahara and the tragedy of the Saharawi people amid the lack of opportunities and systematic discrimination undertaken by Morocco against the Saharawis in the occupied territories.

The meeting was held prior to the conference on the situation of human rights in the occupied territories of Western Sahara. (SPS)

062/090/TRA




Farmers and land managers can make the mid-tier scheme work for their businesses economically and practically, despite problems associated with the schemes design and delivery over the past couple of years, according to Strutt & Parker.

However, they should also be aware they need to take action soon if they do want to apply for the scheme.

Mid-tier application packs must be requested by 31 July, with the deadline for applications 30 September 2017.

Robert Gazely, farm consultant in the Chelmsford office of Strutt & Parker, urged farmers to be open-minded about the scheme, despite well-publicised issues surrounding its introduction.

The scheme has not had the easiest of starts, with delays in getting agreements in place and in the delivery of payments hitting the headlines, he said.

However, while CSS is more complex than previous stewardship schemes, farmers should not rule it out without considering how it might benefit their business.

The scheme is, of course, designed to bring environmental improvements, but some of the options can offer surprisingly high levels of funding, with the annual payments a valuable income stream to a farm business.

Applications can also be put together that use options which will bring management benefits, such as helping farmers to achieve cultural control of blackgrass.

Mr Gazely pointed out that some ELS options such as the farm environment record and ditch management were not available under CSS.

However, other ELS options such as buffer strips could be augmented under CSS to become flower-rich margins which would secure a higher level of payment.

Under additional CSS options, winter bird food (AB9) can then be coupled together with supplementary winter feeding (AB12) for farmland birds and this may well have synergies if there is a shoot on the land, he added.

A two-year sown legume fallow (AB15) is also an effective option where are there are challenges with growing break crops as well as controlling blackgrass.

Mr Gazely said one business he was working with, that had received 16,000 per year in ELS revenue, was hoping to boost this to 22,600/year under CSS by adding in the additional options.

ELS revenue was a whole-farm payment of 30/ha/yr and CSS options are different insofar as they are individually remunerated.
Movie review: Sam Elliott heads for the last roundup in 'The Hero'
Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media

STAMFORD  Two intoxicated brothers kicked out of a downtown watering hole Thursday night were arrested after fighting with officers and giving them fake IDs, police said.

John Teelan, 24, and Nigel Teelan, 20, were uncooperative after being thrown out of Brother Jimmys BBQ at around midnight, police said. Officers encountered them with blood-shot eyes and reeking of alcohol, they said.
The morning after being viciously attacked by President Donald Trump on Twitter, MSNBC co-host Mika Brzezinski said she wasn't exactly reeling as a result of the president's vulgar and deeply personal social media assault.

But, she said Friday on "Morning Joe," she is concerned about what Trump's tweets reveal.

"I'm fine," Brzezinski said. "My family brought me up really tough. This is absolutely nothing for me personally. But I'm very concerned about what this once again reveals about the president of the United States."

She added: "It does worry me about the country."

Said her co-host, Joe Scarborough: "We're okay. The country is not."

Trump lashed out at the MSNBC co-hosts just after their show Thursday morning, calling Brzezinski "low I.Q. Crazy Mika"- and claiming she "was bleeding badly from a facelift" when she and Scarborough came to Mar-a-Lago - the president's private club in Palm Beach, Florida - three nights in a row late last year.

Trump also referred to Scarborough as "Psycho Joe" in his tweets, which caused an immediate and sustained uproar.

Brzezinski and Scarborough were scheduled to start a vacation Thursday afternoon, but delayed it to discuss the president's attack.

They also authored an op-ed for The Washington Post, writing: "President Trump launched personal attacks against us Thursday, but our concerns about his unmoored behavior go far beyond the personal. America's leaders and allies are asking themselves yet again whether this man is fit to be president. We have our doubts, but we are both certain that the man is not mentally equipped to continue watching our show, 'Morning Joe.'"

Brzezinski and Scarborough levied a serious charge, both in their op-ed and on MSNBC on Friday: That the White House threatened a negative tabloid story about them unless they asked Trump - who is friendly with the National Enquirer's publisher, David Pecker - to have the story killed.

"This year, top White House staff members warned that the National Enquirer was planning to publish a negative article about us unless we begged the president to have the story spiked," they wrote. "We ignored their desperate pleas."

"That's blackmail," said "Morning Joe" team member Donnie Deutsch.

Trump took to Twitter Friday morning and called the claim "FAKE NEWS":

Watched low rated @Morning_Joe for first time in long time. FAKE NEWS. He called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no! Bad show

---

Scarborough tweeted: Why do you keep lying about things that are so easily disproven? What is wrong with you?

---

The chief content officer at American Media Inc., which publishes the National Enquirer, said in a statement that the company had "accurately reported a story that recounted the relationship between Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the truth of which is not in dispute."

But, said Dylan Howard, an American Media vice president: "We have no knowledge of any discussions between the White House and Joe and Mika about our story, and absolutely no involvement in those discussions."

In their op-ed, the MSNBC hosts fact-checked the president's Thursday tweets, writing that they contained "a flurry of falsehoods."

---

Mr. Trump claims that we asked to join him at Mar-a-Lago three nights in a row. That is false. He also claimed that he refused to see us. That is laughable.

The president-elect invited us both to dinner on Dec. 30. Joe attended because Mika did not want to go. After listening to the president-elect talk about his foreign policy plans, Joe was asked by a disappointed Mr. Trump the next day if Mika could also visit Mar-a-Lago that night. She reluctantly agreed to go. After we arrived, the president-elect pulled us into his family's living quarters with his wife, Melania, where we had a pleasant conversation. We politely declined his repeated invitations to attend a New Year's Eve party, and we were back in our car within 15 minutes.

---

"It was amazing how many lies he packed into two tweets," Brzezinski said Friday.

Of Trump's claim that Brzezinski was "bleeding badly from a facelift," she and Scarborough wrote in their op-ed: "That is also a lie."

"Putting aside Mr. Trump's never-ending obsession with women's blood, Mika and her face were perfectly intact, as pictures from that night reveal," they wrote. "And though it is no one's business, the president's petulant personal attack against yet another woman's looks compels us to report that Mika has never had a facelift. If she had, it would be evident to anyone watching 'Morning Joe' on their high-definition TV. She did have a little skin under her chin tweaked, but this was hardly a state secret."

Noting what they called the president's "continued mistreatment of women," Brzezinski and Scarborough added: "It is disturbing that the president of the United States keeps up his unrelenting assault on women. From his menstruation musings about Megyn Kelly, to his fat-shaming treatment of a former Miss Universe, to his braggadocio claims about grabbing women's genitalia, the 45th president is setting the poorest of standards for our children."

Scarborough said Friday on MSNBC that Trump "attacks women; he fears women" and accused the president of having a "really disturbing obsession with Mika."

Trump's tweets drew condemnation from members of both political parties, with more than three dozen Republicans and Democrats in Congress expressing disgust on Twitter, where they called Trump's remarks "unpresidential," "vile, sexist and unbecoming of an American leader," "divisive," "unhinged and shameful" and "amazingly graceless."

"Obviously, I don't see that as an appropriate comment," House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., said Thursday. "What we're trying to do around here is improve the civility and tone of the debate, and this obviously does not do that."

The White House came to Trump's defense Thursday, saying that Brzezinski and Scarborough have said far worse things about the president and his staff.

"Look, I don't think you can expect someone to be personally attacked day after day, minute by minute, and sit back," deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters. "Look, the American people elected a fighter.  They knew what they were getting when they voted for Donald Trump."

Thursday morning, Brzezinski had said on her show that if someone took over NBC and acted as Trump has - "tweeting wildly about people's appearances, bullying people, talking about people in the competition, lying every day, undermining his managers" - that "there would be concern that perhaps the person who runs the company is out of his mind."

Sanders pointed to such rhetoric in her defense of Trump. "The things that this show has called him - and not just him, but numerous members of his staff, including myself and many others," Sanders said. "It's kind of like we're living in the Twilight Zone. They do this day after day after day, and then the president responds and defends himself, and everybody is appalled and blown away."

Trump once had a chummy relationship with "Morning Joe," regularly calling in for lengthy interviews, referring to Brzezinski and Scarborough as "supporters" and offering to officiate at their wedding.

But the hosts have become increasingly critical. For months, Brzezinski has raised questions about the president's psychological health, calling him "possibly unfit mentally" and saying that he is "such a narcissist, it's possible that he is mentally ill in a way."

In their op-ed, the co-hosts wrote:

---

We have known Mr. Trump for more than a decade and have some fond memories of our relationship together. But that hasn't stopped us from criticizing his abhorrent behavior or worrying about his fitness. During the height of the 2016 presidential campaign, Joe often listened to Trump staff members complain about their boss's erratic behavior, including a top campaign official who was as close to the Republican candidate as anyone.

We, too, have noticed a change in his behavior over the past few years. Perhaps that is why we were neither shocked nor insulted by the president's personal attack. The Donald Trump we knew before the campaign was a flawed character but one who still seemed capable of keeping his worst instincts in check.

---

They also had a suggestion for Trump, writing that his "unhealthy obsession with 'Morning Joe' does not serve the best interests of either his mental state or the country he runs. Despite his constant claims that he no longer watches the show, the president's closest advisers tell us otherwise. That is unfortunate. We believe it would be better for America and the rest of the world if he would keep his 60-inch-plus flat-screen TV tuned to 'Fox & Friends.'"

The Post op-ed and Friday-morning MSNBC segment were Brzezinski's first words on the matter - but not her first response to the attack.

Less than half an hour after Trump fired off the tweets, Brzezinski responded on the same social media platform, tweeting a photo of a Cheerios cereal box that said: "Made for Little Hands."

The message seemed to be aimed at mocking the size of the president's hands - a sensitive topic for Trump that has dogged him for decades and even came up during a GOP presidential debate.

---

The Washington Post's Paul Farhi and Abby Phillip contributed to this report.

---

Video: MSNBC anchor Mika Brzezinski said President Trump's attacks "worry me about the country," on June 30. She and "Morning Joe" co-host Joe Scarborough pointed to Trump's "alarming" pattern of especially vicious attacks on women as Trump tweeted out more insults. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

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B usiness chiefs have hailed the resilience of Londoners which they believe will help the capital to bounce back from a spate of terrorist attacks and the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

What unites these moments of tragedy is the response and resilience of communities affected directly after, Facebook vice-president Nicola Mendelsohn told the audience at the Evening Standard Business Awards.

"How people have come together, how close communities draw even closer and how even those who do not know each other form great bonds and perform acts of kindness and sacrifice.

Confidence has been rocked but London remains undaunted, Virgin Money chief executive Jayne-Anne Gadhia said.

London will bounce back. Despite all the horror and tragedy over the past few months, what will stand out is how people have helped each other and stood together.

Aviva chief Mark Wilson said London was remarkably resilient and Matchesfashion director Nicolas Pickaerts said the response in terror-hit Borough, where the company is based, was utterly inspiring.

We are proud to see that despite the awful London attacks, the community, including international tourists, are resilient and continue to shop  our store sales remain strong, he added

Asos global trading director Nicola Thompson, based in Camden, said: Ive lived here for the past 10 to 15 years and London always does bounce back.

Battersea Power station chief development officer David Twohig added: London has shown that it marches on.
T ensions rocking Qatar and political uncertainty in the UK are among a cocktail of headwinds Serco is grappling with, it emerged on Friday as the troubled outsourcer revealed flat revenues.

Chief executive Rupert Soames warned: Over the last six months the environment in several of our markets has become markedly more unpredictable, so we remain sensibly cautious.

The government contractors main markets are the UK, Australia, Middle East and US, some of which are hit by factors such as a British hung parliament and Donald Trumps administration.

Discussing the firms Middle East rail division, analysts at broker Liberum said: Troubles in Qatar may impact the near-term rail pipeline in the Middle East.

Serco expects sales for the six months to June 30 to be flat at around 1.5 billion, with underlying trading profit of 35 million, in line with expectations.

Soames was more upbeat about a string of contract wins, including a deal to run Australias biggest prison.

Serco booked around 4 billion of new work in the past 12 months, its largest annual amount since 2012.

It is in the midst of a turnaround after a succession of profit warnings and a litany of disasters, including charging the Government for tagging some criminals who were dead, imprisoned or non-existent.

Shares fell 3p to 115.4p.
W hen it was announced after the election that the DUP might lend Theresa May the support she needed to govern, people rushed to Google to find out who they were and what they stood for.

This is both worrying and indicative of the lack of knowledge British people have about the DUPs history. I dont think people understand what theyre facing.

The public may be jaded and weary after all the recent elections but I think they need to fight back against this coalition. Where is the British peoples fighting spirit?

J Wilson



It seems Jeremy Corbyn has the ear of the young. His policies on social care, the NHS and austerity strike a chord with this caring group.

However, he does not make clear to his youthful hero-worshippers who will have to repay the debt that necessarily accompanies his spending plans.

The under-35s are already a financially disadvantaged generation compared to the baby boomers.

Do they really want to be saddled with yet more of the debts of their parents generation?

Mike Daggett



In the wake of the Manchester bomb atrocity in May, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt told NHS staff in Manchester: We are so proud of what you have done.

In her speech made in the immediate aftermath of the terror attack at London Bridge in early June, Theresa May praised the work of the emergency services.

On Wednesday, the Tories  along with the 10 DUP MPs they bought with 1billion of public money earlier in the week  voted against a proposal to end the pay freeze on the wages of nurses, fire-fighters and other public sector workers.

And they laughed and cheered when their victory was announced in Parliament. That needs repeating.

The Tories and their lackeys cheered at their success in blocking a pay rise for workers they praised as heroes only weeks before.

This must never be forgotten or forgiven. The Tories have proven once again that they are the lowest of the low.

Sasha Simic



As someone who voted for the Conservatives on June 8, I strongly believe that the party is in such a mess that a new leader will not save them from decline (Top City bank tells clients Theresa May will be gone in a few months, June 29).

But it will require Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister and the disaster he will make of the economy to give the British people a compelling reason to vote the Conservatives back to power.

The sooner Corbyn becomes Prime Minister, the better for the Conservatives and the country, who are desperate for a return to stability.

Sam Akaki



Are police afraid of whistleblowing?

I wonder if perhaps the truth about the Hillsborough disaster  and many other high-profile incidents, which have led to investigations into alleged police malpractice  could have been ascertained sooner if all officers who were fully aware of the facts at the time were given some proper reassurance that whistleblowing wouldnt have any detrimental effects on their career prospects and job security?

However, it seems the history of policing is littered with examples of honest officers being victimised for bravely speaking out about malpractice theyve encountered.

How many of our current police chiefs can provide examples of having blown the whistle on misconduct that they must, by all the laws of average, have witnessed during their long careers?

Ironically, when Lord Trenchard was the Metropolitan Police Commissioner during the 1930s, his maxim on allegations of police impropriety was: Tell the truth immediately.

John Kenny



People with more money than sense

I was quite shocked to hear that a piece of dancefloor from Saturday Night Fever was bought at auction this week for 930,000. Some people have got more money than sense.

Anthony Nolan is a leading British charity that tries to save peoples lives from blood cancers. A year ago we had seven hospitals collecting umbilical cord blood which can be used for research into illnesses such as heart disease. We now only have four hospitals collecting cord blood because we cannot get the finances to pay for the blood-collection centres.

There is something wrong with our society when someone buys a dancefloor for that price and charities such as ours cant get the money to keep open the cord-collection centres that are helping to save peoples lives from blood cancers.

Last year, 167 lives were saved from certain death by new mothers giving their cord blood to charity.

Mr David S Ball, anthonynolan.org.uk



There are different types of celeb kids

I agree with Rosamund Urwin [June 29] that its unfair poorer kids do not have the same opportunities as the rich set. But theres a difference between the privileged elite (ie the Delevingnes) and the offspring of working-class celebs like the Beckhams and Gallaghers, who worked their way to the top.

As regards Brooklyn Beckham, at least his folks didnt have their success handed to them. David had real talent while the much-derided Victoria switched from pop star to respected designer. Liam Gallagher and his brother came from working-class Irish Manchester and put their hours in.

Fair play to them, these celebrities worked hard, and more power to them if they want their kids to enjoy the perks of their hard-won achievements. I would do the same for my kids if I could.

Meanwhile, the Delevingnes and blue bloods of no particular expertise hang out with Prince Harry and get exposure in newspapers due to their upper-class links. Now thats annoying.

Brian Sells

Join the conversation: #esnewsviews
L ondon Art Week kicks off today, with over 42 galleries in the capital putting on special exhibitions to celebrate thousands of years of magnificent art.

Over the next seven days, galleries and auction houses in Mayfair will offer art lovers the chance to see and buy pre-contemporary art spanning five millennia.

Works will be on sale for between 200 and 5 million (bring your cheque book), and weve put together a guide to tell you everything you need to know.

Theres plenty to see and do if youre not an art collector, but if none of it takes your fancy even though your heart is devoted to art, weve put together a few ideas for how to celebrate art in the London over the next seven days.

Take a stroll

Walk around London and youll see art everywhere.

Theres plenty of art in unexpected places, from murals in stations to sculptures in parks, you could try The Line, a sculpture trail in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Sculpture in the City has also just returned to the Square Mile, with works by Damien Hirst and Mark Wallinger dotted around the area.

Go to an arty cafe

London is full of cafes that exhibit the work of local artists on their walls, and offer the chance to buy it if any of it takes your fancy. Kensington Coffee on Kensington Church Street, Out of the Brew in New Cross and Daily Goods in Camberwell are just a few places you can go for a cup of tea and walk home with a work of art.

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

Take a painting class

Make Art Week truly your own by making your own art. There are plenty of places to learn more about painting and drawing across the capital, all in friendly environments so you can develop your skills without worrying that youre not quite at JMW Turner level. There are lots of summer courses at the Royal Drawing School, or a number of evening classes through the Art Academy.

Visit an artists home

Artists need a home just like the rest of us. Find out if artistic and domestic are a happy combination by visiting one this week - in London you can go to William Morriss Red House , or Hogarths Hounslow home.

Summer exhibitions worth travelling for 1 /10 Summer exhibitions worth travelling for Ravilious & Co: The Pattern of Friendship Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne (Until September 17) Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne John Minton Pallant House Gallery in Chichester (July 1 - October 1) Royal College of Art Quentin Blake: The Only Way to Travel The Jerwood Gallery in Hastings (June 14 - October 10) Quentin Blake, 2017 Wyndham Lewis: Life, Art War Imperial War Museum North in Manchester (June 23 - January 1)  IWM Art That Continuous Thing: Artists and the Ceramics Studio, 1920 to Today Tate St Ives (Until September 3) Courtesy of the artist, Rob Tufnell, London and Studio Voltaire London. Phyllida Barlow Turner Contemporary in Margate (Until September 24) Stephen White Alphonse Mucha: In Quest of Beauty The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool (June 16 - October 29) Mucha Trust Portraying a Nation: Germany 1919-1933 Tate Liverpool (June 23 - October 15)  DACS 2017. Leopold-Hoesch-Museum & Papiermuseum Duren Cornelia Parker: Verso The Whitworth in Manchester (June 16 - November 5) Cornelia Parker Howard Hodgkin: Painting India The Hepworth Wakefield (July 1 - October 8)

Hang out at a pavilion

Londoners are spoilt for choice this year: not only do we have the annual Serpentine Pavilion, which opened last week, but theres also a shiny new pavilion at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Francis Keres design at the Serpentine will turn into a waterfall when it rains, and the functional Dulwich Pavilion becomes a bar at the end of every week.

London Art Week runs until July 7; londonartweek.co.uk
F or some time after its launch in late 2013, Ember Yards menu reliably offered a tapas-sized burger.

But despite receiving much praise and racking up many fans, the regularly-changing dish has been cut from the line-up for a while.

Until now, that is. From Friday June 30 until Thursday July 6, the Spanish and Italian influenced restaurant is hosting a self-proclaimed #burgerreferendum.

Much like our politicians are now discovering, its not as simple as being in or out. In this case, its about tasting two special edition mini-burgers and deciding which one deserves a permanent place on the menu.

The choice is between a Hereford beef and bone marrow burger with taleggio, piquillo pepper and harissa, or an Iberico pork burger with crispy pancetta, smoked scamorza and nduja aioli.

To vote, simply post a picture of your favourite burger on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #burgerreferendum. The one shown the most love will be allowed to remain, while the other must leave.

The restaurants favourite picture will also win a meal for two.

30 must-try dishes in London restaurants 1 /41 30 must-try dishes in London restaurants Bone marrow on toast with parsley salad at St John Not only has this dish kicked off countless wonderful meals over the course of St Johns 25 years, but it also gets credit for putting British cooking back on the global culinary map. Roasted bone marrow, coaxed out onto toast, cut perfectly with salad of parsley, shallots and capers. A nose-to-tail revolution, and utterly divine. Whole turbot at Brat Tomos Parrys talents with a turbot first came to feverish acclaim at Mayfair restaurant Kitty Fishers, but they are now the star attraction at his Michelin-starred solo spot. This whole fish  grilled Basque-style, over hot coals and in a specially designed cage  softens as if it has melted, and is basted at the table in an emulsion made with its own juices. Benjamin McMahon Marinara at 50 Kalo di Ciro Salvo Superlatives should be used in moderation  but heck it, this might just be Londons best pizza. This under-the-radar London iteration of a Naples pizzeria serves an unrivalled marinara: just tomato sauce, oil, garlic and oregano. No need for any more  with a sauce this good and a base so fine and perfectly charred, you can stop mourning your cancelled Italian holiday at first bite. Luciano Furia Clay pot baked pork and crab glass noodles at Kiln When we say Kiln is one of the hottest spots in town, we mean it  hang over the counter at the Thai barbecue and youre not far out of range for the odd flame. Baking in the heart of the swirling heat is this must order: shimmering glass noodles, coated with a silky sauce enriched with fatty slicks of Tamworth pork belly and improbably unctuous crab meat. Lamb chops, Melabes Perhaps because its quietly tucked in among its unassuming neighbours down on the wrong end of High Street Kensington, Melabes is often overlooked by Londons food lovers. An unwarranted shame, as this partly Middle Eastern, partly Mediterranean set-up is really very good; it is somewhere to pick and choose from bits and pieces, and put a meal together yourself. The lamb chops, which come all smokey and burnished from the grill, are perfect; pink as a Vegas sign inside, but the fat all soft and dripping and delicious. A must, whatever the order. Steak tartare imperial at Bob Bob Ricard Theres Press For Champagne buttons, lobster in your mac and cheese and anything that stays still long enough gets gilded  there is no point in going small at Bob Bob Ricard. Steak tartare is a luxurious pick at the best of times, but the Imperial upgrade here comes with a dollop of caviar  even without the finishing touch, the tartare itself is one of the best in the capital. Bacon naan at Dishoom Londoners spent decades believing bacon in a bap with some ketchup (or brown sauce, but lets not have that argument now) couldnt be beaten  and then Dishoom came along. This breakfast sandwich fills a fresh naan with bacon, a slathering of cream cheese, a luxurious tomato and chilli chutney, coriander and an oozing fried egg if you feel so inclined. Hangover be gone. Cacio e pepe at Padella Five years ago, you would have thought anyone queuing for pasta in London to have lost their minds  this dish changed that. The starlet of Padellas much coveted is this plate of pici  hand-rolled fat worms of eggless pasta  with a mirror-shine sauce of parmesan cheese and pasta. Simple but unrivalled  and itll set you back just 6. Jamon croquetas at Barrafina A dish like this should be elusive  it is far too easy to eat seven portions of croquetas in a single sitting, which is why we presume Barrafina makes you queue. Very sensible. As the crunchy coating gives way to the oozing centre, enriched with the flavour of Spanish jamon (the best ham in the business), were already planning our next visit. Biang biang noodles at Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles There are oodles of noodles in the capital, but Guirong Weis triumphant take is one of the finest. First finding followers at her north London restaurant Xian Impression (soon to reopen for dine-in, but not yet), the dish of has inspired a whole spin-off restaurant in Spitalfields. Thick, hand-pulled, chewy noodles soak up all the spice and zing of the special sauce they swim in  very special indeed. Souffle Suissesse, Le Gavroche Le Gavroche  the street urchin  is perhaps not for everyone. It is a Mayfair time machine, a reminder of how things were done once upon a time. Fortunately, it happens that how things were once done was very well indeed, and lunch or supper here is a masterclass in traditional French luxury (and often, happily, includes very large glasses of wine). Staff make the place, anyone who has been gently teased by the twins pretending to be each other will know. A tendency towards the old ways does mean the cooking offers little in the way of evolution or revolution, but new, after all, isnt always better. Michel Roux Jrs cheese souffle, baked on double cream, stuns, so overwhelmingly tasty, utter decadence that clings to the taste buds. Buttermilk Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Around the Cluck / 12:51 James Cochran found his signature dish early on, but its good it should stay with him for the rest of his career. While he has chops, and can do more beyond, theres something special in the way he works with his chicken; hotly spiced, gorgeously crispy, beautifully soft on the inside. A long-standing favourite and, though 12:51 cant operate as it did before, there are tables at his new project Around the Cluck, which is operating out of the same site. Breakfast at Hawksmoor Guildhall Your Full English is not full in comparison to the Hawksmoor breakfast at the steak connoisseurs Guildhall restaurant. The mind-boggling two-person spread swaps bacon rashers for an entire smoked chop, serves its bubble and squeak with short rib, puts trotter meat into its baked beans, and adds grilled bone marrow to all the usual trimmings. Cauliflower shawarma at Berber & Q Its not often that the main event at a barbecue restaurant is the veg, but Berber & Q have achieved just that. The cauliflower shawarma here is cooked on their flaming grill until softened and charred, before being doused liberally in tahini, pomegranate molasses, coriander, pomegranate seeds and a scattering of dried rose petals. BBQ Butter Chicken Wings at Brigadiers Brigadiers is a bold, boisterous sort of place: a labyrinthine City dining room, packed to the rafters with beer and Indian food that is indisputably gutsy. But arguably its finest moment comes in one of its smallest packages  these chicken wings may be diminutive, but are mightily spiced, deftly charred and dripping with ghee-fuelled succulence. Beef brisket bun at Smokestak David Carters Shoreditch restaurant occupies itself by giving the entirety of Kansas City a run for its money on a daily basis. The star turn at this lauded barbecue restaurant is its beef brisket bun  the meat is soft and juicy, riddled with its fats in the centre, while charred and treacle-like on the outside, paired perfectly with pickled chillies. To remember it is to salivate, we assure you. Snails, LEscargot LEscargot is one of Sohos old aristocrats and in its grand, beret red dining room there is always a mischievous sense of fun  perhaps because it is still such a smart, suited, chandeliered place, and people are often drinking themselves rather silly. The clue to good eating is in the name; the snails come still clinging to their shells and submerged in their butter and parsley sauce. Dive in; you will emerge stinking gloriously of garlic. It wont matter a jot; roll on the red wine and settle in for a long, comforting night. Confit potatoes at Quality Chop House Yes, there are some high quality chops on offer at this 150-year-old Clerkenwell restaurant but blimey, leave room for the chips. Fine slices of potato are stacked into architecturally sound wedges, and confited until shatteringly crispy on the outside and devastatingly soft in the centre. They have been much imitated in recent years, but never bettered. Smoked eel sandwich at Quo Vadis Jeremy Lee cooks many things to a legendary level at Quo Vadis  his pies could so easily have also made this list  but he gets the nod here for his unrivalled take on the fancy sandwich. Smoked eel, horseradish cream and Dijon mustard, served with red onion pickle  a combination so popular Lee says he nearly ran out of eel on post-lockdown reopening. Classic bao at Bao London has buns in abundance, but we still bow down to the fluffy superiority of Bao. The Taiwanese restaurant has become a cross-town favourite, thanks to its pleasingly pert rice buns (they are genuinely very pert, no crassness intended) and carefully considered fillings. The classic order comes filled with braised pork, fermented veg, coriander and a dusting of peanut powder. Carol Sachs Potato and roe, Core by Clare Smyth Clare Smyth has a knack that must infuriate other chefs; she is able to take the simplest of ingredients  say, a single carrot and a smattering of lamb mince  do something devilish with it and charge rather a lot for it; so good are the results, though, that few mind. Smyths sorcery is perhaps best witnessed with her signature, the potato and roe. It is simply a potato on a plate in a little sauce, but then it is also perhaps the best potato dish in the world; it has this wonderful salty richness, a certain seaside intenseness. It is glorious; so too is the smoked chicken that tends to come as an amuse bouche. Youll be treated here. Omelette Arnold Bennett Dont worry, no Arnolds were harmed in the making of this dish. Alongside impeccable service and an arguably perfect dining room, you could add another highlight to your breakfast at The Wolseley by ordering this creamy, haddock-filled dish, named for the writer who inspired its creation while staying at the Savoy. Fish pie, J Sheekey Long an actors favourite, J Sheekeys glamour has never lost its lustre. Its kept its regulars and charmed newcomers with a menu that plays the greatest hits of fine dining favourites. Seafood is Sheekeys thing; simply done sole is beautiful here, crab comes three ways, brill brushed in butter has a meatiness thats beyond satisfying. The fish pie is famous though, and rightly so; beneath the flaking pastry is a sea of cream, mustard and white wine, in it bobbing cod, haddock and salmon. It is simple but never fails; it does on its own for lunch, but is a failsafe at supper, too. John Carey The Ari Gold at Patty & Bun Theres a cheeseburger on every high street in the capital  but not all of them are created equal. Patty & Bun has got the classic combination down to a tee with its curiously named Ari Gold burger: a fat, 35-day aged patty is served medium rare, and topped with gooey American cheese, smokey house mayo and tangy pickled red onions. Xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung Few dishes in the capital have been known to cause queues of four hours. Thats exactly what the world-famous xiao long bao dumplings did when top Taiwanese restaurant group Din Tai Fung first opened in Covent Garden. An intricately folded out layer (made by chefs trained for at least 18 months) gives way to succulent meat and a broth you could take on by the bowlful. Pig's trotter, the French House Upstairs in the Soho local, Neil Borthwick is quietly running one of the areas best kitchens. He orders in particularly good oysters, does brilliant things with brill and with his pigs trotter, has a dish that is rich and fatty, but with a beautiful salty cut that makes it madly moreish. The menu tends to change often upstairs in the French, but have this if its on. That little dining room is somewhere to go in early for lunch and stay until late, eventually spilling down into the pub below, to drink pints  they do pints now, not just halfs  all while merrily reliving the joys upstairs. Peter Clark Dover sole with crab butter at Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill There are so many delights at Bentleys, its tricky to pick a single one. This could so easily have been a plate of rigorously sourced oysters, the fish pie, the decadent Royal seafood platter (pictured). It is however, the Dover sole that wins. A sublime piece of fish always, expertly cooked without fail  choose it either filleted with beautiful crab butter, or grilled and whole for a simple pleasure. Over in the City, Corrigan does similarly brilliant things with lobster at Daffodil Mulligan. Ragu, Lina Stores Sohos Lina Stores  the pasta bar, not the longstanding Italian deli it comes from  is the sort of restaurant one longs for; small, fun, friendly, not too pricey. They do small plates of near perfect pasta; their ragu, whether lamb or veal, is a gem. A good ragu is hard to find  too often theres too little meat, or meat not cooked for long enough  but here, they spend the time over it, cooking slowly, carefully. No restaurant can compare with a Nonna, but Lina gets gratifyingly close. Porterhouse steak, the Guinea Grill London is not short of steakhouses, but the Guinea does not number among them. A pub  a proper one  it is tucked down a Mayfair sidestreet, away from everything and yet still perpetually busy. Besides the small bar is a dining room that looks much as it must have done when the likes of Sinatra was in (or Bette Midler, or Kylie, or Regan, or, or, or), where theyve served prime Aberdeen Angus cooked on a smoking hot grill. The Guinea is all about having a good time  pints, red wine, brandies, the lot  but they cook beautifully, and their handling of a good piece of beef is second to none. Puree de pommes de terre, Le Comptoir Robuchon The late Joel Robuchon may have been the most decorated chef of his and perhaps any other era, but his signature stayed humble  mashed potato. Until youve had it, it is hard to believe it could be quite so good; mash, after all, is mash. No matter the scepticism, it will always surprise; it is almost silly that so little could taste of so much. A side, it will match almost everything on the menu; of which, the lamb with aubergine on the menu of classics is extraordinarily good.

As an added incentive, Ember Yard will be giving out 100 free burgers to the first orders, from Friday 30 June. Once these are gone, each burger will cost 8.50.

Due to popular demand, Soho restaurant Ember Yard has decided to bring back the burger on the menu.
M ohammed Mahmoud is adamant that he isnt a hero. My reaction was instinct, says the 30-year-old, who has been praised around the world for his measured response to last weeks attack on the Muslim Welfare House mosque in Finsbury Park, where he is the imam.

He had just sat down in his office to rest in between Ramadan prayers when a man drove a van into a crowd of people as they left the mosque and shouted: I want to kill all Muslims. Twelve people were injured and Makram Ali, a 51-year-old grandfather who was hit by the vehicle after leaving a prayer meeting at the mosque, died.

A member of the congregation came to my office and said somebody had tried to kill people, recalls Mahmoud, leaning back in his chair and lacing his fingers together. I couldnt think of anything other than I have to get there quickly. A group of us ran to the scene and tried to push back the crowd. We flagged down a passing police van and helped [the man] in. Everybody was saying there were two assailants who had fled the scene so we thought wed hand him over to police so that he could identify his accomplices. Thats the only thought I remember. And that he didnt need to be hurt. I didnt feel anything  there was no sadness, no anger, no fear. It was just the reaction anybody would have had.

The man had his back to Mahmoud  he was on the floor and quiet, I didnt see his face until the next day in the press. After he was taken away by police, Mahmoud returned to the mosque and prayed, the victims in his thoughts.

Matt Writtle

Mahmoud didnt see his three young children for four days after the attack because he was working around the clock, seeing victims in hospital and meeting members of the community. Prince Charles and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, visited to show support and he speaks highly of his royal highness and his grace, hoping to work with them in the future. The local MP is Jeremy Corbyn  the Labour leader also showed support. Theres a Corbyn calendar in the mosques reception but Mahmoud wont be drawn into political discussion about him.

Mahmoud is at once friendly and commands respect. He is a tall, imposing figure with a calmly determined manner who gives the occasional flicker of a smile when he breaks into north London slang that reminds you how young he still is.

People were in shock, no doubt, he continues. I wasnt shocked. I wouldnt say I was surprised either. But the British public will not allow people to divide them by race, religion, even political affiliation. We shouldnt be driven by anger; we should be driven by reason.

He was upset when a friend described him in the media as a lad in the aftermath of the attack. I dont know what youd define a lad as. My friend who said that has apologised. Its not just secondary, its tertiary to the victims and families that need help.

In his desk drawer there is a stack of letters expressing solidarity after the attack. Outside the mosque, the pavements are full of floral tributes and messages reading more in common, #turntolove and we stand together.

People leave flowers for the victim's of last week's Finsbury Park terror attack / Evening Standard / eyevine

The Muslim Welfare House is a community hub, integrated with neighbouring churches and schools. But what does Mahmoud make of the version of Islam invoked by terrorists in recent attacks on Manchester Arena and London Bridge  did he hope they werent linked to Islam when he heard about them? Yes. They are heinous attacks, vicious, cowardly and done by misguided individuals who have a warped view of religion borne out of ignorance, hatred, anger, poverty, causing them not to think straight. Just as the KKK doesnt represent Christians worldwide, these people dont represent Islam.

Vigil after Finsbury Park mosque attack 1 /14 Vigil after Finsbury Park mosque attack People in the crowd hold bunches of brightly coloured roses JEREMY SELWYN A line of people who have come to pay their respects observe a moment of silence Londoners make their way to a vigil outside Finsbury Park mosque Men, women and children observe a moment of silence Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick joins the crowd A woman wipes away a tear at a vigil for those affected by the Finsbury Park mosque attack Signs bearing messages of solidarity were held aloft at the vigil JEREMY SELWYN Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick joins faith leaders for the vigil JEREMY SELWYN People in the crowd hold bunches of brightly coloured roses JEREMY SELWYN People in the crowd hold bunches of brightly coloured roses JEREMY SELWYN Hundreds of people gathered for the vigil outside Finsbury Park mosque JEREMY SELWYN

It takes one person to be influenced by the rhetoric and driven by anger or despair.

Mahmoud doesnt have an immediate answer to how we prevent future attacks and radicalisation. Only that the spirit of Islam, which is peace and compassion, needs to be given a greater platform. The good efforts of Muslims, which are innumerable, should be highlighted rather than the crimes of a few. There are Muslim doctors saving lives, Muslim nurses, businessmen; Muslims are part of the fabric of Britain.

Jeremy Corbyn: The Labour leader speaks at a vigil at Finsbury Park Mosque / PA

Is the Governments counter-terrorism Prevent strategy working? I dont have the time or even the know-how to immerse myself in political debates but I do know that in London there are few people who allow hysteria to govern them. He has been upset by incidents where womens headscarves have been torn off in the street but the majority of the public stand by Muslims, and its that unity we invoke in times of crisis.

He makes it sound straightforward. If you look through political discourse and are at a community level you can only talk about what you see. Talking to your neighbours you realise youve more in common than what divides you.

Mahmoud has been imam at the Muslim Welfare House for six years. He grew up in the area and was brought up in this mosque. His parents are originally from Egypt. They are Muslim and teach at what he evasively calls a supplementary school, not state. He went to La SWAP school in Highgate and studied biology at a London university, which he says he only uses when someone asks him a science question.

Finsbury Park vigil: Jeremy Corbyn calls for unity

I didnt choose to be the imam, he says. I was asked to lead. I consulted my family and they agree its a responsibility you cant step away from.

In his lifetime, the Muslim Welfare House and neighbouring Finsbury Park mosque have been transformed. Radical cleric Abu Hamza was imam at Finsbury Park mosque from 1997 until 2003, and is now serving a life sentence in the US for supporting terrorism. It was here, too, that hate preacher Anjem Choudary and members of the banned Al-Muhajiroun network spoke in front of the Tube station about sharia law and the caliphate. [Abu Hamza] leaves behind a reputation thats difficult to shake off, despite many efforts, says Mahmoud, adding that he was 18 when Finsbury Park mosque came under new management. A handful of people years ago dont represent us and shouldnt influence opinion of the area. How can we stop it happening again? There were just a handful of people attending Abu Hamzas sermons on the street. The Muslim community know whats authentic from extreme and tainted. Only a few would be sucked in and theyre the target of efforts for deradicalisation.

Moving scenes: Many laid flowers outside the Finsbury Park mosque / AFP/Getty Images

Mahmoud wont talk about the funding of mosques or alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood. Ive never been a mosque manager, so I dont know.

The world he grew up in was tolerant and he has friends from a range of faiths and backgrounds. We were never cut off from the community. Its been 12 years since the time of Abu Hamzas followers and he had left before that. Since then new management took over and there has not been discord in the area. We do a lot of work with the Islington Faiths Forum. Check them out.

His first memory of Islam is praying because its five times a day. You see your parents praying, they teach you, then its a fixture of your life.

He looks at the table in earnest. Prayer is not for developing discipline or zen. Its a form of submission to God. It gives you a constant connection with God and you abstain from unlawful acts, any form of outward and inward sin, such as pride and conceit. Its a cliche to say it but there are no other words: it makes you a better person.

Finsbury Park attack June 19 1 /33 Finsbury Park attack June 19 Treating the wounded: Paramedics and police at the scene of the crash in Finsbury Park James Gourley/Rex The suspect is pinned to the ground by brave members of the public Forensic investigators examine the van Jeremy Selwyn James Gourley/Rex Features Injured: Paramedics take one of the wounded away James Gourley/Rex Features Rescuers: Emergency services staff treat victims after a vehicle hit pedestrians in Finsbury Park Thomas van Hulle/PA Crash: The scene in Seven Sisters Road PA Response: An armed police officer mans a cordon on the Seven Sisters Road at Finsbury Park Yui Mok/PA Shock: Local people observe prayers at Finsbury Park Yui Mok/PA Emergency service workers at Finsbury Park in north London Yui Mok/PA Fears: Police officers talk with local people at Finsbury Park Yui Mok/PA Paramedics: Ambulances in Finsbury Park Jennifer Heape/PA Police on one of the cordons in north London Yui Mok/PA Patrol: Armed officers near Seven Sisters Road Yui Mok/PA Cordon: Police in Finsbury Park Yui Mok/PA People scuffle near a police cordon near Finsbury Park EPA PA Muslims pray on the street NIGEL HOWARD  Armed Police at the scene in Seven Sisters Road Nigel Howard Finsbury Park attack: The scene at Seven Sisters Road where a van believed to be involved mounted the pavement Jeremy Selwyn Forensic investigators at Finsbury Park PA The suspect is put in the back of a police van after being restrained at the scene Police at the scene neat Seven Sisters Road Chloe Chaplain Aerial view of forensics at the scene of Seven Sisters Road Jeremy Selwyn Flowers are left near the scene at Seven Sisters Road Chloe Chaplain

Was he ever tempted to rebel or feel pressure to do anything forbidden such as drink alcohol? Our British way is polite. We tend to respect each others beliefs.

The van driver hasnt entered his thoughts. I havent taken a moment to think of him. Not because Ive dehumanised him but because there are other people more worthy of my thoughts than him. I have confidence in the justice system that he will be judged appropriately.

Hero: Mohammed Mahmoud, an imam at the Finsbury Park mosque / AFP/Getty Images

The focus now is on the 12 people injured and Makram Alis family. The inquest into Alis death is ongoing. He was already receiving first aid at the scene when the attack unfolded. He used to pray here, says Mahmoud. He was an understated, modest, humble man. God knows how long his family will need to mourn for their father, husband, grandfather.

The Muslim Welfare House is fundraising for the victims. One had reconstructive surgery on his shoulder, another may need an organ transplant and another had his pelvis bolted because it was shattered. Not fractured, shattered. These people will need a lot of help. Many were breadwinners for their families, and people on the scene may be traumatised.

Mahmoud wants to concentrate on the future. Communities rise above this hatred, and that British spirit of unity and togetherness always prevails. People are level-minded and know that one, two, even 100 individuals dont represent a huge portion of the population. Mathematically they dont. People see through it.

Follow Susannah Butter on Twitter: @susannahbutter

justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/muslimwelfarehouse/finsburyparkvictims
A n Instagrammer has launched a powerful photography project which questions whether the treatment of cows in India is better than that of women.

23-year-old artist Sujatro Ghosh took to the streets of Delhi with his camera, photographing female friends wearing a cow mask around famous landmarks, to protest against the double standard that exist for women in his home country.

I am perturbed by the fact that in my country, cows are considered more important than a woman, that it takes much longer for a woman who is raped or assaulted to get justice than for a cow which many Hindus consider a sacred animal, Ghosh told the BBC.

Sexual violence against women is a prominent issue in India, and according to government statistics, a rape is reported every 15 minutes.

A recent survey found that more than four in 10 women in India experience harassment or violence before the age of 19, while just 29 per cent of rape cases in india lead to a conviction.

Meanwhile, In many areas, such as Gujurat, slaughtering a cow can lead to a sentence of life imprisonment.

Cows are revered by a section of Hindus, and so several states in India ban the their slaughter.

In the past two years, around dozen people have been killed for harming a cow, BBC reports.

Sujatro Ghosh

Ghosh, a self-proclaimed feminist, wants his photography project to open up the discussion as to why it takes a woman who has been raped much longer to get justice in India than it is for a cow.

"These cases go on for years in the courts before the guilty are punished, whereas when a cow is slaughtered, Hindu extremist groups immediately go and kill or beat up whoever they suspect of slaughter," he says.

Sujatro Ghosh

His project is also a protest against the increasing number of cow protection groups that have strengthened ever since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Pary came to power three years ago.

Speaking of the project, he told the BBC: "I photographed women from every part of society. I started the project from Delhi since the capital city is the hub of everything - politics, religion, even most debates start here.

"I took the first photo in front of the iconic India Gate, one of the most visited tourist places in India. Then I photographed a model in front of the presidential palace, another on a boat in the Hooghly river in Kolkata with the Howrah bridge as the backdrop."

Since posting the project on Instagram, his photographs have gone viral with thousands commenting on the images.

Ghosh now hopes to take the series across India.

Click through the gallery about to see photos from Ghoshs series. Follow him on Instagram here.
T his is the first picture the man accused of slitting Molly McLarens throat in a busy shopping centre car park.

Joshua Stimpson, 25, of Rochester, has been charged with murder after the young woman died following the alleged daylight attack.

Horrified shoppers told how they heard shouting and commotion, while others described seeing lots of blood in the Dockside Outlet Centre car park in Chatham, Kent on Thursday morning.

Molly, a University of Kent student aged in her 20s, died at the scene after suffering what police said were injuries consistent with a stabbing.

Joshua Stimpson and Molly McLaren were known to each other / Facebook

Police added that the suspect and victim were known to one another.

There has been an outpouring of tributes to Molly on social media.

Beth Power said: Can't believe Molly is no longer with us! Heart broken to hear!! You are such a bubbly beautiful girl.

Another Twitter user added: I can't believe what I have just read. Most loveliest down to earth girl I've met, heart of gold. Gone too soon.Rip Molly Mclaren."

Molly McLaren: Victim named as Kent University student / Facebook

A Kent Police spokesman said: On the afternoon of Friday 30 June 2017, officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate charged him with the murder of Molly McLaren.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Medway Magistrates Court on the afternoon of Friday June 30 2017.

The victim and the suspect were known to each other and enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.

As part of officers on-going enquires, any previous reports made by the victim to Kent Police regarding the suspect will form part of the murder investigation.

Kent Police has referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and they will determine whether there is a requirement for them to investigate.
S cores of London police stations face huge hikes in their business rates burden, according to analysis  at a time of unprecedented pressure on the Mets resources.

The total annual bill payable on the Mets 152 police stations and other major buildings rose by almost a quarter, from 17.92 million in the last financial year to 22.39 million this year, following the Governments revaluation in April.

That will amount to an extra 22.35 million in tax over the next five years, at a time when the capitals force faces the threat of further terrorist attacks and possible budget cuts.

Mark Rigby, chief executive of business rent and rates specialist CVS, which compiled the figures, said: London has been adversely affected by the revaluation of business rates.

The tax rise for police stations in the capital translates to a real-term funding cut at a time when financial resources are already stretched. No provision has been made by the Government to raise budgets of the emergency services to take into account additional tax liabilities imposed centrally.

Seven of the 10 biggest business rate bills in the country are levied on police stations in London. Charing Cross police station has the highest annual bill, of 1.1 million. Over five years the extra amount of tax due on the station, one of the busiest in the country, will total almost 410,000.

The biggest increase was levied on Lewisham police station. Its annual bill went up by almost half in April from 510,435 to 747,680.

The Metropolitan Police is in talks to secure more funding after being left stretched by terror attacks and a rise in violent crime, according to Commissioner Cressida Dick.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has said the Met has already had to make 600 million of savings and was due to lose an extra 400 million by 2020.

But Met sources said the closure and sales of stations and other buildings in its estate will result in its overall business rates bill going down.
T his is the shocking moment a hooded thug drags a 92-year-old woman along the ground during a devastating robbery in east London.

Footage shows the robber following the woman at pace as she entered the grounds of in Hackney.

He then grabs hold of her bag and tries to yank it away, pulling her to the ground.

The screaming pensioner tries to keep hold of her belongings and is dragged several feet across the floor.

Shocking: The woman is dragged along the floor / Met Police

Police say the woman was left in so much pain she was forced to let go of the bag before the man ran away.

The victim, whose husband of 70 years had recently died, suffered sustained extensive bruising all over her body including her ribs and side where she was dragged along the floor.

She also has a three-inch bruise to her left arm from where the handbag dragged on her arm.

Robbery: Police want to trace this man / Met Police

Detectives say the victim was walking north along Hoxton Street after going to post a letter on June 27 at around 2.20pm.

She was heading to Lawson Medical Centre in Nuttall Street, past the Papa Johns pizza store and had turned right into an alleyway when the robber struck.

The woman is now being looked after family who describe her as distraught and terrified of leaving the house.

The woman was left injured and is too scared to leave the house / Met Police

The robber is described as black man with short hair, wearing a blue-hooded jacket and dark trousers.

Her handbag contained a 50 Virgin mobile phone, her Freedom Pass and 100 in cash.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, from Hackney CID, who is leading the investigation, said: "I have been involved in many serious cases, however the devastating psychological trauma of this victim is possibly the worst I have encountered.

"The events have emotionally moved the initial officers that tended to the lady in the aftermath as well as the investigation team, especially witnessing this inconsolable elderly lady sobbing about the robbery and recent tragic events.

"I cannot comprehend how anyone could target a frail lady in her 90s using this amount of violence, it is truly horrific.

"We have clear CCTV of the attacker. All I need is a name. There are a team of officers on standby ready to arrest him."

Anyone with information should contact Hackney CID via 101, or by tweeting @MetCC under the operation name 'Brunton'. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
A verage pay for the top partners at a London law firm has smashed the 1.5 million mark for the first time after a bumper year advising on lucrative City deals.

The 440 highest-earning equity partners at Magic Circle firm Linklaters  based at Silk Street near the Barbican  will share profits equivalent to 1.568 million each, up eight per cent on last years 1.455 million.

It is the first time that 1.5 million has been breached in London and confirms Linklaters status as one of the worlds most successful solicitors.

Its lawyers worked on many of last years biggest takeover deals across the globe, suggesting that London will hold on to its status as the legal capital of the world after Brexit.

They included advising on the 80 billion merger of the worlds two largest brewers, InBev and SAB Miller, as well as the 900 million sale of The Body Shop by LOreal and the 1.4 billion sale of Weetabix.

It also acted for consumer goods giant Unilever when it received a takeover approach from rival Kraft.

Linklaters is known as one of the highest-paying employers in the City as banks have been forced to rein in their once huge cash bonus payments.

It pays its newly qualified lawyers  typically aged about 23  an average of 78,500 with high- flying future stars getting up to 90,000. Almost a third of its trainees were recruited from Oxbridge last year.

Global turnover from its network of 29 offices in 20 countries increased by almost 10 per cent, or 1.7 per cent stripping out the impact of currency movements, to 1.43 billion.

Gideon Moore, Linklaters managing partner, told The Lawyer magazine: If at the beginning of the year offered me a 1.7 per cent increase in a year in which Brexit happened and Donald Trump was elected as US President, I would be very happy.
C harlie Gards parents have said their baby sons life support machine will be switched off today.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates have claimed they were denied their final wish to take their terminally-ill son home to die.

The parents, both in their 30s and from Bedfont, west London, wanted the 10-month-old to undergo a therapy trial in the US.

The European Court of Human Rights refused to intervene after Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) doctors said the experimental therapy would not help.

And now, after several court battles, Charlies parents say doctors told them their sons life support will be switched off but that he cannot leave the ward.

Charlie Gard: Parents' final hours with the terminally ill baby / FeatureWorld

The couple also claim they are being rushed, despite having been promised they would have all the time they needed to say goodbye to their son.

Mr Gard said the couples parental rights have been stripped away.

He told the Mail Online: We can't even take our own son home to die, we have been denied that, do you not think we have been put through enough?

"Our final wish if it all went against us, and we have had this conversation many times, if we lose can we take our little boy home, to where he belongs, to die? And we are not allowed.

"We know what day our son is going to die and we don't even get a say in what happens to him. He's got to die in that place."

Charlie suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage.

His parents had asked European court judges in Strasbourg, France, to consider their claim after judges in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in London ruled in favour of GOSH doctors.

'We are utterly heartbroken': Parents tells of the pain of not being allow to choose if their son lives or dies (FeatureWorld ) / FeatureWorld

But on Tuesday the European Court of Human Rights refused to intervene.

Ms Yates described the day Charlie was born, August 4 last year, as the best day of their lives but said June 30, would be the worst.

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Alongside a video posted on YouTube on Thursday, Charlie's parents wrote: "We are utterly heartbroken spending our last precious hours with our baby boy.

"We're not allowed to choose if our son lives and we're not allowed to choose when or where Charlie dies.

"We, and most importantly Charlie, have been massively let down throughout this whole process."

The family received donations totalling to more than 1.3 million to take their child to the US for the trial therapy.

His parents said Charlie would die "knowing that he was loved by thousands", adding "thank you to everyone for all your support."

A hospital spokeswoman said: "As with all of our patients, we are not able to and nor will we discuss these specific details of care.

"This is a very distressing situation for Charlie's parents and all the staff involved and our focus remains with them."
T he chief executive of the group that managed Grenfell Tower has said he is stepping down to focus on the public inquiry into the disaster.

Robert Black, who was chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO), said on Friday he has resigned so he can concentrate on assisting with the investigation and inquiry.

It comes after the first council meeting held in the borough since the disaster was cancelled amid furious protests as councillors claimed the presence of reporters would put the investigation at risk.

Downing Street has criticised the council for cancelling the meeting, which was scrapped as soon as the media entered the room.

At least 80 people are believed to have been killed in the blaze.

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

A statement from the board of KCTMO said: The board wishes to ensure that KCTMO remains best positioned to fully co-operate and assist with the inquiry and so it has agreed with its chief executive, Robert Black, that Mr Black should step aside from his role as chief executive of KCTMO in order that he can concentrate on assisting with the investigation and inquiry.

Kensington and Chelsea council has been heavily criticised since the disaster, with some residents accusing authorities of being slow to offer aid and housing to victims.

The Government has said cladding from 149 high-rise buildings in 45 local authority areas have failed fire safety tests carried out in the wake of the disaster.

The cladding is believed to be responsible for the fire gutting the upper floors of the building within just minutes of breaking out.

Sadiq Khan: Local community have got no confidence in the local council following response to Grenfell Tower

Mr Black had reportedly worked in housing for 18 years before he joined the KCTMO in May 2009, when he became responsible for hundreds of homes on the estate.

The KCTMO manages around 10,000 homes in the borough, taking on the responsibility from the council more than two decades ago.

Kensington and Chelsea council still owns the properties and retains responsibility for housing policy.

The KCTMO is managed by a board of directors, which is resident-led and acts on behalf of all residents.

That board comprises eight elected tenant and leaseholder members, four appointed councillor members and three independent appointed other members.

It is a limited company separate to the council.

Mr Black, as KCTMO chief executive, has overall responsibility for the successful operation of the organisation, and for ensuring that the board's decisions and policies are carried out.
L ondon mayor Sadiq Khan has called for commissioners "untainted" by failings in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower disaster to take over the running of the council.

Kensington and Chelsea council leader Nicholas Paget-Brown resigned on Friday amid growing criticism of the administration in the aftermath of the fire.

At least 80 people are believed to have been killed when a huge fire broke out at Grenfell Tower on Wednesday, June 14.

Mr Khan said changing the leadership from within the existing members of Kensington and Chelsea council would not address the "fundamental breakdown in trust that has taken place".

Council leader quits over Grenfell Tower disaster

He has written to Prime Minister Theresa May urging her to appoint people who will be empathetic to the situation facing survivors of the disaster.

The mayor said: "It is crucial that the commissioners are people of high standing and probity, have a genuine empathy for local people and the situation they face, and be untainted, so that all residents of Kensington and Chelsea can have confidence in them and the manner in which they were appointed.

These commissioners should serve the local community who deserve to know that decisions will be taken properly, in an open and accountable way."

Mr Khan said residents could, by the time of next May's local elections, have evidence from the public inquiry and be better informed before choosing their next councillors.

Referencing Thursday's council meeting which was adjourned when press were eventually allowed to enter the room, he wrote: "Following yesterday evening's shambolic council cabinet meeting, it is self-evident that the leadership of the council has lost the trust of local residents.

"Without this trust, the council cannot effectively serve them or meet its responsibilities. It is also clear that a change in leadership from amongst the existing councillors will not address this situation - in fact it may aggravate it further, as it fails to address the fundamental breakdown in trust that has taken place.

The scene of the blaze in west London / AFP

"Therefore, I believe the Government has no option but to immediately appoint commissioners to take over the running of Kensington and Chelsea council until the residents of the borough can choose, at next May's council elections, who they wish to represent and serve them.

"By this time, the evidence from the Public Inquiry should enable voters to make an informed choice about the skills required in the councillors they elect."

Mr Khan said he made the plea to the Prime Minister "with regret" but said he believed trust had broken down so severely that the Government must intervene.
T he leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, Nicholas Paget-Brown, has announced he is stepping down in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The move follows criticism of the councils response to the disaster, in which around 80 people are believed to have died.

It also comes after the first council meeting held in the borough since the disaster was cancelled on Thursday amid furious protests as councillors claimed the presence of reporters would put the investigation at risk.

Mr Paget-Brown said on Friday evening: As council leader I have to accept my share of responsibility for these perceived failings.

Number 10 rebuke for Kensington and Chelsea council over fire meeting shutdown

"In particular, my decision to accept legal advice that I should not compromise the public inquiry by having an open discussion in public yesterday, has itself become a political story.

"And it cannot be right that this should have become the focus of attention when so many are dead or still unaccounted for.

"I have therefore decided to step down as leader of the council as soon as a successor is in place.

"They will appoint a new deputy leader and cabinet."

Journalists wait to gain access to the Kensington and Chelsea council meeting / Getty Images

The press was able to gain access to the meeting after a judge ordered the council to lift a ban on the media attending the meeting. Numerous media organisations had launched a legal challenge against the council

Downing Street has criticised the council for cancelling the meeting, which was scrapped as soon as the media entered the room.

A Number 10 spokesman said: "The High Court ruled that the meeting should be open and we would have expected the council to respect that."

Deputy council leader and cabinet member for housing, property and regeneration, Rock Feilding-Mellen, also announced his resignation.

And Robert Black, who was chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO), also resigned on Friday, saying he wanted to concentrate on assisting with the investigation and inquiry.

Outside Kensington Town Hall, where the council adjourned a planned cabinet meeting after press were allowed to attend. / PA

Kensington and Chelsea Council has come under increasing pressure since the disaster, with some residents accusing authorities of being slow to offer aid and housing to victims.

On Thursday, furious opposition councillors demanded the resignation when he scrapped its first meeting since the disaster within just minutes of starting.

Mr Paget-Brown told councillors: "I have agreed the meeting be held in private, given the subject under discussion and the recent real threats of assault on council staff and damage to buildings.

"I am advised that, if there are others present, we cannot have an open discussion."

He added: "We can't have an open discussion."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed his resignation.

He said: "The council now needs to find a way to move forward and find a way to restore the confidence in that community.

"That can only be done with new leadership and a new approach that reaches out to residents who quite rightly feel desperately neglected."

He added the Government should appoint "untainted" commissioners to take over the running of the council "to act in the best interests of residents" until the next local council elections.

Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour's shadow secretary for communities and local government, said: "Sajid Javid needs to immediately ensure that all residents who are now homeless or in temporary accommodation are getting the support they need, and undertake an immediate review into the adequacy of corporate governance with a view to sending in commissioners to take control of the council if necessary."
S luggish internet and crawling download speeds threaten Londons ability to compete against other international cities, according to a new report.

A London Assembly probe found slow broadband connections have turned some neighbourhoods into digital deserts, with Rotherhithe named among the worst. London was ranked 30th out of 63 British cities for internet speed and was found to have failed to invest in superfast fibre optic cabling.

The Digital Connectivity in London report says the capital lacks a clear and ambitious vision and lags behind York, Coventry and Edinburgh, which enjoy gigabit download and upload speeds  allowing a two-hour HD movie to be downloaded in 25 seconds.

Rotherhithe was singled out by the committee as one of the slowest spots, with its ageing copper telephone wires failing to support high-bandwidth demands.

One resident said his connection regularly hovers at around 0.26 Mbps, when even a 1mbps connection would take six hours to download an HD movie.

The committee noted that local residents feel frustrated and excluded, living in central London but having to go to the local library or a cafe to be able to send emails with attachments.

Residents and businesses have created a pressure group, the Rotherhithe Broadband Group, to lobby Southwark council and broadband providers.

The report says that in Spain more than 80 per cent of public buildings are connected with fibre optic, but fewer than three per cent of British government and council buildings had the superfast connection.

The committee also found London is behind held back with its mobile 4G coverage, at a time when many cities are moving towards supporting 5G, which is 40 times faster.

London was rated fifth out of British cities for mobile network performance, with fewer than three-quarters of the city covered by a decent signal.

The report calls for a minimum level of broadband service in new developments and for more information to be published so people renting a home can investigate the areas connectivity before moving in.

The regeneration committees Labour chairman Navin Shah said: Londons digital connectivity is frankly embarrassing in some areas and will no doubt lead to major issues in terms of Londons global attractiveness as a place to live, work and do business.

We need to act before its too late and Londons success is threatened.
T hree baby pythons have been found in a popular south London park over the past fortnight.

The repeated discovery of the serpents has prompted the local council to advise the public to keep an eye out for the non-poisonous creatures.

Parks police officers in Battersea Park said they believe an owner living nearby has abandoned the young snakes or their eggs in the grassland.

The royal pythons, also known as ball pythons, are commonly kept as pets. They are relatively small, good tempered and easy to handle.

Officers are appealing for the public to contact them if they have any information on who may be responsible.

Insp Stephen Biggs of Wandsworth Parks Police said: If anyone has information about this we would appeal to them to come forward.

We have found three snakes so far and while they do not pose a threat to humans its important we establish if there are any more.

He urged the owner to contact police, saying: the park is no place for them and they are probably absolutely terrified to be here.

He added: I caught one earlier this week off North Carriage Drive and as I approached it, it simply curled up into a ball at the base of a tree and I was able to pick it up without any problem at all.

We dont think there is any risk to humans and we dont want anyone to be scared or alarmed, but the sooner we can confirm how many are out there the better.

In the meantime we are urging visitors to the park to keep an eye out and immediately tell us if they spot something.
Lawmakers are considering a fee for heavy trucks to help pay for Wisconsin road repairs and maintenance.
L ondons first borough of culture will get more than 1 million to spend on artistic initiatives if they can convince City Hall of their ambitions.

A pot of 2.8 million has been set aside to share between two winning bids, with one borough taking the title in 2019 and the other the year after.

An extra 600,000 will be available for projects in six other boroughs that impress the judges.

Mayor Sadiq Khan launched the competition today saying it would bring culture to life across the city.

New competition: The Mayor said it would bring "culture to life across the city" / Alex Lentati

He added: Now, more than ever, there is a pressing need to reach out to our neighbours and celebrate Londons unique and diverse culture.

London Borough of Culture is a great way to do just that whilst showing the world that our cultural gems extend way beyond the centre of the capital to all corners of the city.

Boroughs will have to prove they can use the money to attract visitors, involve residents, set up new events and highlight existing attractions.

They will also have the chance to work with cultural institutions including the Barbican and the Roundhouse. The Heritage Lottery Fund and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation will work with them to try to secure further funding.

Deputy Mayor for Culture Justine Simons urged the 32 boroughs to be ambitious with their bids. Applications close on December 1 and the winners will be announced in February.
W hen Jeremy Corbyn began sacking Labour frontbenchers who defied orders not to vote for a softer Brexit last night, it must have come as a shock to the youngsters and hippies who chanted his name at Glastonbury.

In just six days, Labours leader has gone from chino-clad hero of the peace and love brigade to intolerant sacker of pro-Europeans in his ranks.

Behind the scenes, however, there were already signs that a sterner, more impatient Corbyn had emerged from the general election: a leader who believes his destiny is to govern, and who is ready to do battle with his own side to get his way.

Weve all got to up our game, he exhorted shadow cabinet colleagues recently, according to a Labour insider. Weve got to put flesh onto the skeletons of the policies youve been working on.

Jeremy Corbyn gives a speech at Glastonbury Festival

He believes that Theresa Mays Government could suddenly fall, leaving his inexperienced team with the responsibility to govern  and him as Prime Minister. We have to be ready at any moment, he said.

The election transformed Jeremy Corbyn. Allies say he has never been more confident, decisive or more certain that his radical manifesto of sweeping nationalisation and higher spending and borrowing can capture the public mood.

But his performance on June 8  mocked by May as coming a good second  has done nothing to mend deep faultlines running through Labour at Westminster, with Europe the widest of the cracks on display.

Last nights sacking of three London frontbenchers  who broke a three-line whip by backing Chuka Umunnas Commons motion to stay in the European single market  was a sign of a steelier Corbyn, who is being urged to use his mandate to impose his will on the party. Jeremy will never be stronger than he is today, said an old friend who is among those advising him to amend the party rulebook to ensure another Left-winger can stand when he retires. We need to put our energy into changing the leadership rules.

Deputy leader Tom Watson, who lost the title of Labour Party Chair / Bruce Adam/Daily Mail

Corbyns sense of liberation from having to appease rivals was shown in the recent shadow cabinet reshuffle, which was notable for leaving big beasts such as Yvette Cooper and Umunna on the backbenches.

Corbyn, asked in private about his decision, is said to have challenged a colleague, rhetorically: Tell me who I should sack to make a seat for Yvette Cooper? His close ally John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, is alleged to be even less compromising. Johns going round saying no jobs for traitors, grinned an MP.

A McDonnell source denies the sentiment saying: John has said nothing resembling that. His view is why break up a winning team? Corbyn is relying on the loyalty of the inexperienced team which filled the empty frontbench line-up last summer following mass resignations designed to force him out.

At the first shadow cabinet meeting after the election, an insider recalls that the party leader began by quietly thanking those at the table.

Jeremy Corbyn responds to news that he's ahead of Theresa May in the polls

He singled out Andrew Gwynne and Ian Lavery, little-known Left-wingers who were transformed into front-of-house campaign chiefs. He also name-checked Andrew Fisher, one of his most controversial promotions last year as Labours executive director of policy, for crafting the tax-the-rich manifesto that is credited by the Left for enthusing voters.

He is energised, changed, said a shadow minister. You can see the confidence in him. He knows that no matter what happens next, nothing will feel as bad as when he was taking a weekly pounding from Labour MPs before the election.

Left-wing election chief Ian Lavery / PA

The question being asked is how far will he go to impose a grip on a party that, unlike the adoring Glastonbury crowd, is riddled with disagreements, rivals and policy rifts.

The Corbynites current priority is to push a motion at party conference, to reduce the threshold for an MP to stand in a leadership contest. At present, a candidate needs nominations from 15 per cent of MPs and MEPs, or 44 names, to get on the ballot paper.

Mr Corbyn himself only crossed the line with help from Sadiq Khan and other MPs who loaned him nominations, never expecting him to win. One reform, dubbed a McDonnell Amendment after the shadow chancellor who failed twice to get enough nominations, would reduce the threshold to five per cent, or 15 MPs, which would guarantee that the Left could stand. However, the Standard has learned that a new version is being canvassed by the Corbynites. Under this plan, the threshold would stay at 15 per cent but with an additional route onto the ballot paper by getting nominations from 15 per cent of constituency Labour party branches, affiliated organisations or trade unions.

The implications of this plan are enormous. It would abolish the effective veto held by Labour MPs to deprive the wider party of the chance to vote for a candidate deemed incapable of leading at Westminster. It would pass more power to the grassroots where the Corbynites are strong. It would also extend choice to constituencies in large parts of Scotland and England that lack a Labour MP.

A second plan is being discussed between shadow ministers, which is to expand Labours 35-member National Executive Committee. One scenario is to create more seats for delegates representing constituency branches.

There is a view that we should reform the NEC to make it more friendly to us, said a senior shadow minister close to Corbyn. But word of the plan has leaked out, alarming trade union leaders that their own bloc of NEC seats would be diluted.

At stake is the soul of the party  and the levers that operate the vast campaigning and fundraising machine. For the past two years the NEC has been finely balanced and Corbyn has had to fight for key decisions, sometimes losing votes, and has resorted to legal action to protect his position.

Some MPs think Mr Corbyn is planning to demand an NEC place for Lavery, the former President of the National Union of Mineworkers. The Wansbeck MP, 54, was garlanded for his success as general election co-ordinator with the honorary title of Labour Party Chair (not to be confused with the historic title of party chairman which is elected by the NEC) in the most intriguing move of the post-election reshuffle.

The appointment made Labour MPs sit bolt upright because since 2007 the title has been held by the partys deputy leader, currently Tom Watson. Even Watsons friends admit it was a rap across the knuckles for a powerful operator who is seen as an obstacle to Corbyns control over the party machine.

It has raised speculation that the Labour leader plans to move against his deputy, who is elected in his own right and cannot be just sacked.

Toms still the deputy leader and he still goes to Glastonbury, purrs a Corbyn ally, implying that Watson is a diminished force. Watsons allies say relations are brilliant.

A more immediate source of tensions is over the persistent threat by the Left to replace sitting Labour MPs. Centrist MPs are convinced that the Corbynites are planning another change to party rules to allow deselections to be initiated by a simple majority at a local general committee meeting. It would be a declaration of war on MPs by the leadership, said one MP who is convinced it is coming. Away from Westminster, some MPs are already finding themselves coming under fire in their local branches for failing to laud their leader enough. Sources in Tulip Siddiqs seat of Hampstead and Kilburn say a recent general committee meeting was taken over by Left-wingers who attacked her election campaign, particularly her failure to include a photograph of Corbyn on her leaflets. It was hostile, led by older men, said a source.

Catalyst: Chuka Umunna tabled a single market amendment / Bruce Adam/Daily Mail

Walthamstow, the seat of Stella Creasy, has seen an influx of members of Momentum, the activist network founded by Jon Lansman, a veteran north London Bennite who is close to Corbyn. Momentum proved itself a powerful force in the general election, flooding marginal seats with busloads of young campaigners, including 1,000 volunteers in Hampstead and Kilburn on polling day. But to some MPs it resembles an occupying army sent to control the natives. Overall, relations between Corbyn and the Parliamentary Labour Party were transformed by the election. Some MPs who feared they would lose their seats have come back with majorities increased to 10,000 or 15,000. Everyone knows that part of them winning was the Corbyn surge, said a shadow cabinet loyalist.

Knowing that has made MPs behave and speak more positively. Whether it will last is another question but at this point there is a lot of unity.

On Monday, Corbyn enjoyed 45 minutes at the weekly PLP meeting, with no dissent expressed. Before the election, he rarely turned up, such was the savage hostility in the room.

On Wednesday, he dashed to a team photo of all 262 Labour MPs in Westminster Hall, pulling a red tie from his pocket as he jogged across New Palace Yard. In high spirits, the troops sang a chorus of Oh Jeremy Corbyn to the tune of the White Stripes Seven Nation Army.

'Ohhh Jeremy Corbyn' - chants ring out at Labour leader's home

But yesterday the cracks below the surface veneer were exposed when some 50 Labour MPs defied chief whip Nick Browns instruction to abstain on Umunnas Europe motion.

Three London MPs were dismissed from junior frontbench positions: Ruth Cadbury, Catherine West, a shadow Foreign Office minister, and Andy Slaughter. A fourth frontbencher, Daniel Zeichner, resigned. It turned out that some other frontbenchers, including Harrow Wests Gareth Thomas, had already stepped down quietly from their positions after the election.

The episode has highlighted a North-South divide between the metropolitan south and the Brexit-backing North and Midlands. Outside London, MPs report that Corbyns name was toxic on the doorsteps.

Under fire: Tulip Siddiqs election campaign was criticised / Lucy Young

Labour lost six seats to the Conservatives in the traditional heartlands, including Mansfield, and MPs saw with horror the weakening allegiances of white working-class voters. He needs to show to these voters that he is patriotic, advises a loyal frontbencher.

Corbyns enemies in the PLP are only biding their time, unimpressed by his election result. One points out that the 30 net gains made under Corbyn in 2017 are a fraction of the 145 seats gained under Tony Blair in 1997 and half the 43 gained by Neil Kinnock in 1992. And that was against the worst campaign by any sitting Government party in memory, said the MP.

True, Labour had the biggest increase in its vote share since Attlees day (up from 29 to 40 per cent) but there was also, counter-intuitively, a swing away from Labour to the Conservatives in some 130 English seats. Harriet Harman calls him the heir to Blair but that is just La La Land, growls the MP, who is convinced Labour will never form a government with Corbyn as leader.

It is more of a tactical ceasefire than peace in our time. And the faultlines echo those running through Theresa Mays party.

The biggest is Europe. We have an unresolved question about Brexit, said a former frontbencher. There is a big divide  and a lot of unease among London members serving on the frontbench. Labours position on the single market and customs union was blurred in the manifesto. But Corbyn and McDonnell ruled out continued membership as soon as the election was over. We fudged it at the general election but we wont get away with it forever, said the former frontbencher. At some point it is going to be a dividing issue.

Defence and the future of the nuclear deterrent unites trade union leaders with centrist MPs against the Labour leader. And on wider strategy, there is a gulf between the leader and his internal critics over what it will take to win the next election, whenever it comes.

Corbyns supporters believe there is an unstoppable momentum towards power. But that is dismissed as a classic one more heave mindset by former shadow cabinet members who say the next manifesto must offer a broader appeal.

All these battles will have to be fought in a hung Parliament where MPs will be kept at Westminster for countless late-night votes, the perfect breeding ground for spats and plots.

It all seemed so much simpler at Glastonbury where festival-goers trotted gaily after the Labour leaders car, intoxicated, at least partly, on politics.

Back in Westminster, a strengthened and invigorated Corbyn is preparing for new battles  against the Tories and also his own side. A summer of love is rapidly moving towards the gunsmoke of autumn conference.
K ensington leader Nicholas Paget-Brown today faced growing pressure to quit over the Grenfell scandal.

His position looked increasingly vulnerable after he halted a meeting of the town halls Cabinet yesterday following reporters being allowed in after a High Court ruling.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid warned this morning: Access to the democratic process should always be open and transparent.

I would urge all levels of government to always favour this approach so people can retain confidence in the system.

The Standard understands there is wider concern in Whitehall over Mr Paget-Browns leadership following Kensington & Chelseas response to blaze in which at least 80 people are feared to have died.

Some local Conservative councillors are also stopping short of backing their councils leader to stay in the post.

Under pressure: Nicholas Paget-Brown tried to keep last nights Cabinet meeting private and halted it after realising journalists were present in the council chamber

One said: He has got to go. The council has no credibility with the residents of North Kensington.

Another councillor said: Some kind of decision should be made in the very near future.

Councillor Daniel Moylan, a former deputy leader of Kensington and Chelsea council and a former senior adviser to Boris Johnson, also went public to call for both Mr Paget-Brown and his deputy Rock Feilding-Mellen to resign.

He told the Evening Standard: We now know that the council is going to be taking back control of the aid and support effort.

We have to ask whether the council can credibly provide that to the victims of this tragedy under the current leadership given that so many questions have been asked about their response up to now.

Its time for the council leader and his deputy to step down so that the council can better re-engage with a traumatised community.

Mr Moylan spoke to Mr Paget-Brown this morning and conveyed his views.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also called on the town hall leaders to consider quitting over the Grenfell disaster and urged the Government to take decisive action.

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However, ministers were also back in the spotlight today after a local government chief suggested that tests being carried out on cladding were flawed.

Lord Porter of Spalding, who heads the Local Government Association, stressed that the checks focused on the core of the panel, which is sandwiched between aluminium plates, rather than the panel as a whole - including the metal skin.

So far, all 137 tests since the Grenfell fire more than two weeks ago have shown cladding failing to meet safety standards.

But the peer said: The tests are not testing the fire safety of the panels, they are testing what the core of the panel is made from. Thats not what the test needs to be.

We cant be certain that what we know now is any better than what we knew two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, it was claimed today tht cladding used during the multi-million-pound refurbishment of Grenfell Tower was switched to a cheaper version.

Both The Times and the BBC said they had seen official documents which stated aluminium panels were preferred to a zinc alternative which reportedly saved nearly 300,000.

Last night, Mr Paget-Brown took the unusual step of shutting down a Cabinet meeting when he realised journalists were present in the council chamber.

The announcement led to chaotic scenes, with opposition councillors demanding the Tory-led Cabinets resignation before the hall was cleared.

Labour group leader Robert Atkinson accused the Conservative group of presiding over an absolute fiasco and there were unconfirmed reports that some Tory councillors then held a second meeting.

Cllr Atkinson said today: There is an attempt being made to cover up the reality of the situation and to pretend that they have the situation under control - as we saw last night they clearly have not.

Before calling a halt to the proceedings, Mr Paget-Brown read a prepared statement acknowledging the councils reputation had been tarnished and dimished by its response to the disaster.

Reporters were only allowed to enter the chamber following an emergency application by newspapers to the High Court.

Kensington and Chelsea stressed that the Cabinet meeting was arranged as a private meeting because of potential public disorder and assaults on staff after recent protests at the town hall.

On the press gaining access after the High Court injunction, a spokesman added: The Cabinet received legal advice that in order not to prejudice the public inquiry the meeting could not proceed as it would not be possible to restrict the discussions without straying into areas that would fall within the remit of the public Inquiry.

The leader of the council therefore closed the meeting. We will explore opportunities for open discussions that do not prejudice the public inquiry.

But Mr Khan described the decision as madness.

For the council, at the first opportunity they had to provide some answers and to be transparent to ban local residents and journalists.. it beggars belief, he said.

If that council is genuinely serious about restoring confidence in local politics and the council they should be reflecting on whether they can continue to be the leaders of that community.

Beinazir Lasharie, a Labour councillor who has lived directly next to Grenfell Tower for 34 years, said: Resigning is an easy option, I want someone to go to prison. People have died.
T hree Labour frontbenchers were sacked from the shadow cabinet on Wednesday amid a row over a Commons vote on Brexit.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn fired shadow ministers Ruth Cadbury, Andy Slaughter and Catherine West after they defied his orders not to back an amendment for a softer Brexit.

The amendment, rebelliously tabled by Labour MP Chuka Umunna, called for the UK to stay in the single market and customs union.

Here is everything you need to know about the upheaval and the MPs who were sacked.

Who were the three shadow ministers fired by Mr Corbyn?

The Labour leader immediately sacked Andy Slaughter, Ruth Cadbury and Catherine West following the vote. Two of the sacked MPs were housing ministers.

MPs Andy Slaughter, Ruth Cadbury and Catherine West.

A fourth frontbencher, Daniel Zeichner, announced he was quitting.

Two other MPs on Labours frontbench, Rupa Huq and Gareth Thomas, also rebelled against Mr Corbyn but have not been fired.

But the party said they had both indicated following the General Election they did not want to carry on, although their resignations had not been publicly announced.

Who is Andy Slaughter?

Andy Slaughter was the shadow minister for housing and shadow minister for London.

He has been the MP for Hammersmith in west London since 2010. He was re-elected in the June 8 election with a massively increased majority.

He was previously the MP for Ealing, Acton and Shepherds Bush from 2005-2010 and before that was leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

Andy Slaughter, the MP for Hammersmith. / Simon Webster/Rex

Mr Slaughter, who was born in Hammersmith and went to Exeter University, has had a varied career working in PR, as a researcher for the BBC and Parliament as well as qualifying as a barrister.

He was shadow justice minister from 2010 until June last year, when he became shadow minister for London and shadow minister for housing.

Mr Slaughter is anti-Brexit and pledged to voters that he would campaign against a hard Brexit.

Who is Ruth Cadbury?

Ruth Cadbury was the shadow minister for housing.

She has been the MP for Brentford and Isleworth since 2015. In this years General Election she increased her narrow 465-vote majority to more than 12,000 votes.

Labours Ruth Cadbury in Brentford / Alex Lentati

Prior to her election, she was a councillor for 25 years.

She is a descendant of Richard Cadbury, one of the brothers who opened the iconic Cadbury chocolate factory in Birmingham.

She also has the same Quaker heritage, and has previously said the associated values of compassion has always been at the core of what I do.

Ms Cadbury campaigned to stay in the EU and pledged to oppose the Conservatives hard Brexit.

She became shadow minister for housing in October last year.

Who is Catherine West?

Catherine West was the shadow minister for foreign and commonwealth affairs.

Like the other two MPs, Ms West also represents a London constituency and has been MP of Hornsey and Wood Green since 2015.

Catherine West MP. / Matt Writtle

Australian-born Ms West increased her majority by more than 19,000 in this Junes election.

She speaks five languages and holds a Masters degree in Chinese studies, spending a year in China teaching English.

Prior to becoming an MP, Ms West worked in welfare and housing as well as working for David Lammy MP. She led Islington Council for three years from 2010.

Key Brexit Players - In pictures 1 /8 Key Brexit Players - In pictures David Davis Reuters Michel Barnier AP Tim Barrow AFP/Getty Images Oliver Robbins Sabine Weyand Didier Seeuws AFP/Getty Images

She became shadow minister for foreign and commonwealth affairs in September 2015.

She has previously called hard Brexit a huge threat to workers rights and the national economy. Her constituency had the highest remain vote in the UK at 81.5 per cent. She has previously said that the best way to represent her voters is to campaign against invoking article 50.

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How many Labour MPs in total defied Mr Corbyns orders?

Forty-nine Labour MPs voted for Chuka Umunna's amendment calling for the UK to continue membership of the European single market and the customs union, while a 50th acted as one of the tellers.

In the event the amendment was defeated by 322 votes to 101 with the rest of the Labour Party abstaining.

Daniel Zeichner, the MP for Cambridge and shadow minister for Transport, resigned.

Chuku Umunna tabled the rebel amendmend. / PA

Rebels ringleader Mr Umunna, who is former shadow business secretary, has since vowed to carry on working with pro-European MPs from across Parliament to prevent a "hard Brexit".

"What it shows is that pro-European backbench MPs of all parties are not going to simply submit to a hard Brexit," he said.

"With a hung parliament, we have a real chance in future to shape Britain's exit from the EU to protect jobs and working people."

What do Mr Corbyns supporters make of the firings?

Supporters of the Mr Corbyn rounded on the rebels accusing them of indulging in the "worst kind of gesture politics", undermining party unity.

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson said the vote had been "unnecessary" and that he was "very disappointed" with Mr Umunna for moving it

Jeremy Corbyn in Parliament. / AFP/Getty Images

"To break away like that is politically unhelpful at a time when the entire Labour Party is buzzing because we did far better in the general election," he told Channel 4 News.

"I just hope we can come back together very quickly."

What have the Conservatives and Lib Dems said?

Tories said the vote showed Labour was in "total chaos" over Brexit.

Conservative MP James Cleverly MP said: "There is deep division at the heart of the Labour Party on the most crucial issue facing the country today.

"They still can't agree on the fundamentals and would get the worst Brexit deal at the highest price."

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron denounced Mr Corbyn for failing to back the amendment, saying voters would be left feeling betrayed.

"Millions of people who voted for Jeremy Corbyn were hoping for a new approach to Brexit," he said.

"They will be feeling utterly betrayed tonight that he has yet again failed to oppose this Government's extreme Brexit agenda.

"On the most important issue of the day, Jeremy Corbyn ordered his MPs to sit on their hands."
J eremy Corbyn is preparing a major power grab to seize full control over the Labour Party machine in the wake of the general election, the Evening Standard can reveal.

Major changes to the party rulebook are to be put to a conference vote this autumn, offering more seats on the ruling National Executive Committee to constituency Labour Party (CLP) branches.

Another vote is expected on changes to the leadership rules that would allow grassroots members and trade unions to put a Left-wingers name on the ballot paper in future  abolishing the effective veto held by Labour MPs at Westminster.

Officially, the moves will be driven by activists submitting motions to party conference rather than by the leadership. But shadow cabinet members close to the Labour leader have confirmed to the Standard that he favours them. The disclosure comes a day after Mr Corbyn sacked three frontbenchers who took part in a revolt of 50 Labour MPs against a hard Brexit. The dismissals signalled a tougher line against infighting and open dissent in the wake of his better-than-expected general election success.

Jeremy Corbyn gives a speech at Glastonbury Festival

One of those fired, former shadow housing minister Andy Slaughter, accepted the decision this morning. I voted against the whip and was sacked, which was entirely appropriate, he said. Thats the norm.

Hammersmith MP Mr Slaughter was among rebels who before the election escaped without punishment for voting against triggering Article 50 to leave the EU. But the post-election approach was stricter, he said.

There was a slightly different atmosphere before the election and so people were given a bit more leeway. That was the exception  this is the rule.

Mr Corbyn is planning a summer of intense campaigning to take advantage of his increased popularity, which saw him feted by a 150,000-strong crowd at the Glastonbury Festival on Saturday. Tomorrow he will kick it off by marching into Tory marginal Hastings and Rye, where Home Secretary Amber Rudd has a majority of just 346.

Next weekend he travel to Labours traditional heartlands, attending the Durham Minerss Gala, before visiting the annual Tolpuddle Martyrs festival in Dorset a week later.

Jeremy Corbyn responds to news that he's ahead of Theresa May in the polls

But the test of his enhanced authority will come at party conference when the new rules are expected to be put to a vote. They include:

Creating extra seats on the 35-member National Executive for grassroots representatives. At present, only six places are reserved for CLP delegates, compared with 12 for trade unionists, five for frontbenchers at Westminster, and three for MPs or MEPs. The change would give the Left, which is strongest at activist level, more influence and enable Mr Corbyn to win key votes.

Partner: Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell / AFP/Getty Images

Allowing CLPs, trade unions and affiliated organisations to nominate candidates in a future leadership contest, ensuring a Left-winger can stand as Mr Corbyns successor. It would strip MPs at Westminster of an effective veto  which twice kept John McDonnell off the ballot. Under current rules, candidates need nominations from 15 per cent of MPs and MEPs to stand.

The changes will be highly controversial with MPs but an old ally of Mr Corbyn said his election success gave him a window to stamp his mark.

Jeremy will never be stronger than he is today, said the friend. We need to put our energy into changing the leadership rules.

Critics of Mr Corbyn fear his supporters are planning even more radical changes, including making it easier for activists to deselect a sitting MP. However, sources close to the leader said they did not recognise this plan.

A source said: Jeremy has a genuine view that he wants Labour to be a more democratic and participatory party. He always aligns himself with the grassroots and he believes that more engagement and participation was a key to our success in the general election.

Supporters of Mr Corbyn rounded on yesterdays Euro-rebels for indulging in the worst kind of gesture politics. But ringleader Chuka Umunna, the former shadow business secretary, vowed to carry on campaigning with pro-European MPs from other parties to prevent a hard Brexit.

Forty-nine Labour MPs voted for Mr Umunnas amendment calling for the UK to stay in the European single market and customs union, while a 50th rebelled by acting as a teller. Labour frontbencher Ruth Cadbury, who supported the amendment, said she knew she would have to be sacked but the issue was too important for jobs, trade and certainty for business.

Union boss Dave Prentis condemned the rebels, saying: Undoubtedly Europe is and will remain an important issue, but when unity is so important in the Labour Party it is utterly self-defeating to become bogged down in the worst kind of gesture politics.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: Millions of people who voted for Jeremy Corbyn were hoping for a new approach to Brexit. They will be feeling utterly betrayed.@JoeMurphyLondon
G ermany has become the latest European country to legalise same-sex marriage after its Parliament passed the new law on Friday.

Angela Merkel personally voted against the bill - stating marriage should be between a man and a woman - but said she hoped it would now lead to more social cohesion.

Germany is the 14th European country to legalise same-sex marriage, alongside the UK (except Northern Ireland), France and Spain.

But there are still more than 30 countries where a same-sex marriage is not recognised under law, including Italy, Switzerland and Greece.

There is a broad east/west divide in Europe, with countries such as Russia and Turkey among the worst for LGBT rights.

In many central European countries, civil partnerships which offer similar rights to marriages are available to same-sex couples. This was the case in the UK until David Cameron legalised same-sex marriage in 2014.

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Russia has been widely criticised in recent years for its conservative attitude towards LGBT rights.

There are no laws prohibiting discrimination regarding sexual orientation, while in 2013 the distribution among minors of materials in support of non-traditional sexual relationships was criminalised.

LGBT rights campaigners outside Downing Street call for action against Russia before the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014 / PA Archive/PA Images

Similarly in Ukraine, households headed by same-sex couples do not enjoy any of the same legal protections available to heterosexual couples.

These are the European countries and territories where same-sex marriage is unlawful but civil partnerships with similar rights are available:

Northern Ireland

Italy

Switzerland

Austria

Croatia

Greece

Slovakia

Hungary

Estonia

Czech Republic

Cyprus

Lichtenstein

These are the European countries where same-sex marriage is unlawful and there are no civil partnerships:
T he deaths of seven men who drowned at a popular south coast beach last summer were through misadventure, an inquest has concluded.

Mohit Dupar, 36, tried to rescue Brazilian Gustavo Silva Da Cruz, 19, as he got into difficulty at Camber Sands on July 24 - but both died.

Just a month later, five young friends, who all lived in London, aged 18 to 27, all drowned at the same beach after being seen playing volleyball in the sea.

Lifeguards were not deployed until after the five deaths last August, despite recommendations from the RNLI to employ them three years earlier.

Lifeguards on duty at Camber Sands after the death of five swimmers / Ingrid Abery/REX

Recording his conclusions following a five-day inquest in Hastings, East Sussex, senior coroner Alan Craze said it was "not known" whether deploying lifeguards would have prevented the deaths.

He said: "The RNLI had recommended, amongst other measures, deploying lifeguards at the beach in 2013 but this had not happened. Of course, it is not known whether such a step would have prevented the deaths, but it has now been implemented."

The five friends who died last August 24 were Kenugen Saththiyanathan, 18, and his brother Kobikanthan Saththiyanathan, 22, both of Erith, and their friends Nitharsan Ravi, 22, of Plumstead, Inthushan Sriskantharasa, 23, of Essex, and Gurushanth Srithavarajah, 27, of Welling.

The inquest heard the five men were all fit, healthy and competent swimmers when they died on a sunny day but beneath the surface at Camber Sands lurked "hidden dangers".

Although rip currents were not believed responsible, Camber has sandbars that can catch people out when the tide comes in rapidly, sometimes causing people to wade through water to reach shore, the inquest heard.

Oceanographer Dr Simon Boxall believed the five men got into trouble after heading out to a sandbar to play ball a significant distance out at sea, and then got caught out.

Amid a fast incoming tide, it appeared the men may have panicked trying to help one of their friends and then got into trouble as they tried to get back to shore.

Tribute: Ken Nathan drowned with his brother

Beach-goer, Stephen Deacon, told the inquest he felt "unnerved" by the underwater sea conditions on the day the five friends drowned at the beach, which can attract up to 30,000 visitors peak season.

He said: "It made me feel uncomfortable. It was pushing me in and out.

Tragic loss: Nitharsan Ravi

The area was manned by beach patrol staff whose tasks included reuniting lost children with their parents and dealing with lost property.

But lifeguards were not introduced until after the seven men, including the five friends, drowned last summer.

Dr Anthony Leonard, executive director at Rother District Council, defended the decision not to employ lifeguards following the 2013 risk assessment.

He said the authority's decision had to be balanced against other factors known at the time and that, with statutory obligations to fund, it did not have a "bottomless pit" of money.

Additional reporting by Press Association
T his is the first picture of a student who died after allegedly having her throat slit in a daylight attack at a shopping centre car park.

The young woman, who has been named locally as University of Kent student Molly McLaren, is said to have screamed for help as the terrifying attack unfolded.

Horrified shoppers told how they heard shouting and commotion, while others described seeing lots of blood after the incident in Kent on Thursday morning.

Molly, aged in her 20s, died at the scene after suffering what police said were injuries consistent with a stabbing.

One witness wrote on Facebook that a woman had her throat cut as she sat in her car in the Dockside Outlet Centre car park in Chatham.

Molly McLaren: Victim named as University of Kent student / Facebook

Shocking images from the scene show blood splattered on the passenger-side window of a black Citroen C1, with others showing forensics officers at the scene.

A 25-year-old man from Rochester was arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene. He remains in police custody.

Witnesses have said the man was covered in blood.

One said: Just pulling into Dockside Chatham, 10 police cars race past with flashing lights, as I've locked the door I hear shouting and commotion.

The next bay opposite to me there's a man covered in blood being restrained by officers."

Chatham: The victim was pronounced dead at the scene / Facebook

Police cordoned off the busy car park while they investigated.

A Kent Police spokesman said: Kent Police is investigating after the victim of a serious assault in Chatham has died.

"The victim and suspect are believed to be known to each other.

He later added: The woman, believed to be aged in her 20s, suffered injuries consistent with a stabbing, and died at the scene.

Her next of kin has now been informed.
P eople from six mainly Muslim countries are facing tightened restrictions on US entry after a scaled-back version of Donald Trump's travel ban came into force

The new rules are not so much an outright ban as a tightening of already-tough visa policies affecting citizens from the six countries as well as all refugees.

Administration officials promised that implementation this time would be orderly after a previous ban brought protests and chaos at airports worldwide in January.

Customs and Border Protection spokesman Dan Hetlage said his agency expected "business as usual at our ports of entry," with all valid visa holders still being able to travel.

Immigration attorney Maggie Castillo offering her services at Los Angeles International Airport / AP

However, immigration and refugee campaigners are vowing to challenge the new requirements and the administration has struggled to explain how they will make the United States safer.

Under the temporary rules, citizens of Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen who already have visas will be allowed into the United States.

But people from those countries who want new visas will now have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with an entity like a school or business in the US.

It is unclear how significantly the new rules will affect travel. In most of the countries singled out, few people have the means for leisure travel and those that do already face intensive screenings before being issued with visas.

People hug after arriving in advance of the incoming travel ban / REUTERS

The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups challenging the ban, called the new criteria "extremely restrictive," 'arbitrary in their exclusions and designed to "disparage and condemn Muslims".

The state of Hawaii filed an emergency motion on Thursday asking a federal judge to clarify that the administration cannot enforce the ban against relatives - such as grandparents, aunts or uncles - not included in the State Department's definition of "bona fide" personal relationships.

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer met with customs officials and said he felt things would go smoothly.

"For tonight, I'm anticipating few issues because, I think, there's better preparation," he told reporters at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday night. "The federal government here, I think, has taken steps to avoid the havoc that occurred the last time."

Much of the confusion in January, when Mr Trump's first ban took effect, resulted from travellers with previously approved visas being kept off flights or barred entry on arrival in the United States.

Immigration officials were instructed on Thursday not to block anyone with valid travel documents and otherwise eligible to visit the United States.

Karen Tumlin, legal director of the National Immigration Law Center, said the rules "would slam the door shut on so many who have waited for months or years to be reunited with their families".

Mr Trump, who made a tough approach to immigration a cornerstone of his election campaign, issued a ban on travellers from the six countries, plus Iraq, shortly after taking office in January. His order also blocked refugees from any country.

He said these were temporary measures needed to prevent terrorism until vetting procedures could be reviewed. Opponents noted that visa and refugee vetting were already strict and said there was no evidence that refugees or citizens of those six countries posed a threat.

They saw the ban as part of Mr Trump's campaign promise to bar Muslims from entering the United States.

Lower courts blocked the initial ban and a second, revised Trump order intended to overcome legal hurdles. The Supreme Court on Monday partially reinstated the revised ban but exempted travellers who could prove a "bona fide relationship" with a US person or entity.
G ermanys parliament has voted to legalise gay marriage, despite Angela Merkel's opposition to the move.

The law was passed on Friday morning by 393 votes to 226, with four abstentions.

Friday's vote in the Bundestag, the last session before September elections, was fast-tracked after the Chancellor said politicians could take up the issue as a "question of conscience".

It freed members of her conservative coalition, which has been against same-sex marriage, to individually vote for the measure.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel casts her vote / AP

Mrs Merkel said her personal view was marriage should be between a man and a woman, but she hoped parliament's approval of the measure would lead to more social cohesion.

"For me, marriage in the basic law is marriage between a man and a woman and that is why I did not vote in favour of this bill today," she said afterwards.

"I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace.

The measure, which could lead to legal challenges, also opens the door for gay couples to adopt, which Mrs Merkel says she supports.

Germany has allowed same-sex couples to enter civil partnerships since 2001, but same-sex marriages remain illegal.

All of Mrs Merkel's potential coalition partners after the September 4 election, including the centre-left Social Democrats of her challenger, Martin Schulz, had been calling for same-sex marriage to be legalised.
A huge sinkhole has opened up and swallowed up a car in a major Missouri city.

The cars owner returned from a workout in a nearby gym to find his vehicle inside the hole on Thursday.

The 20 feet deep and eight to ten feet wide hole spread across the whole southbound lane of the street in downtown St Louis.

It was not immediately clear what caused the collapse, but a below-ground water main at the site was reportedly discovered to have long been broken.

Missouri: The sinkhole opened up and swallowed a parked car / AP

Jordan Westerberg, the cars owner, and his fiancee returned from their gym session at about 7am local time to find their car had sunk into the ground.

"It's pretty crazy," Mr Westerberg said. "We could've been in the car. It's a compact car, it's not like it's heavy."

A spokesman for the citys water division said the hole was missing mounds of dirt that normally support the roads concrete from below.

He said such voids big enough to swallow a vehicle a rarity in the city.
A Kenyan woman who was abducted, gang-raped and left for dead on the morning of her wedding day has spoken out about the horrifying ordeal.

In 2005, Terry Gobanga, a young pastor at the time, was due to marry fiance Harry at a church in Nairobi when three attackers struck.

She had been walking home after dropping a friend off at the bus stop when a man grabbed her from behind and pulled her onto the back seat of a car, which then drove off.

In an interview with BBC magazine, Mrs Gobanga said: It all happened in a fraction of a second.

A piece of cloth was stuffed in my mouth. I was kicking and hitting out and trying to scream. When I managed to push the gag out, I screamed: 'It's my wedding day!' That was when I got the first blow. One of the men told me to 'co-operate or you will die'."

The three men then took it in turns to rape their victim, with one stabbing her in the stomach when she tried to bite him.

She was eventually ejected from the car miles from home on the outskirts of Nairobi more than six hours after being abducted.

Police officers, who had assumed her to be dead at first, drove her to the biggest hospital in Kenya.

I arrived in great shock, murmuring incoherently, she said. I was half-naked and covered in blood, and my face was swollen from being punched. But something must have alerted the matron, because she guessed I was a bride. 'Let's go around the churches to see if they're missing a bride,' she told the nurses."

After being reunited with her fiance and family, Mrs Gobanga was later told the stab wound had damaged her womb, leaving her unable to ever have children.

She said: "I was given the morning-after pill, as well as antiretroviral drugs to protect me from HIV and Aids. My mind shut down, it refused to accept what had happened."

She eventually married Harry seven months after the ordeal, but he died from Carbon Monoxide poisoning just weeks into their life together in another tragic twist.

In 2007, she married again to a man called Tonny Gobanga and in 2011 published a book about her experiences called Crawling out of darkness. She also offers counselling and support to rape victims.

Despite doctors warnings, she was able to give birth to two daughters, Tehille and Towdah.
O ne person has been killed after a gunman "dressed in a white lab coat" shot several people in a New York hospital.

According to reports the man opened fire at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital at about 3pm local time (8pm GMT) on Friday afternoon.

At least six people are believed to have been injured as doctors and nurses reportedly barricaded themselves inside the building.

The gunman, an ex-employee who New York police have named as Henry Bello, is believed to have killed himself after the attack.

NYCityAlerts tweeted that the assailant was "armed with an M-16 rifle" and "dressed in a white lab coat" when the shooting was carried out.

The victims were reportedly shot on the 16th and 17th floors.

A fire department official told the New York Times that three doctors were among the victims.

The scene at the hospital on Friday evening / AP

The official added that one injured doctor was being treated by people inside the hospital using a fire hose as a tourniquet.

According to the Times, a radio transmission from police described the gunman as tall, thin and wearing a blue t-shirt and lab coat.

Emergency crews had been kept from going inside the hospital while the shooter was at large as police urged members of the public to avoid the area.

The 120-year-old hospital, on Grand Concourse, has got nearly 1,000 beds spread across multiple units.

Police and Fire Department vehicles line the streets / REUTERS

Its emergency room is among the busiest in New York City.

The hospital is about a mile and a half north of Yankee Stadium.
A n American TV presenter and her fiance co-host cancelled their holiday to respond to President Donald Trump after he claimed on Twitter that he saw her bleeding from a facelift.

Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, who present the MSNBC Morning Joe breakfast show and announced their engagement last month, planned to answer back on air later today.

They want to sling some bad blood back at Trump, according to a source at their cable TV network.

Mr Trump, allegedly irritated at being branded a proven liar by Brzezinski and Scarborough, had tweeted: I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (dont watch anymore). Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came...to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Years Eve, and insisted on joining me.

She was bleeding badly from a facelift. I said no!

The White House deputy secretary said Donald Trump is a president who "fights fire with fire". / AP

During yesterdays show Scarborough had rapped the president for his treatment of senior aides and Brzezinski mocked the teensy size of his hands.

Wife Melania and the White House defended him from criticism over his remarks.

A spokesman for Mrs Trump said: When her husband gets attacked, he will punch back 10 times harder.

And White House deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said:This is a president who fights fire with fire and certainly will not be allowed to be bullied by a liberal media and the liberal elites within the media or Hollywood or anywhere else.

Senior Republicans refused to condone the presidents comments.

House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan said politicians were trying to improve the tone and civility of the debate.... this obviously doesnt help. Mr Trump was caught up in another sexism row this week after complimenting a blonde TV reporter on her nice smile.
K endall Jenner has been forced to pull her controversial new clothing line, months after kicking off a race row over her Pepsi advert.

The reality TV star, 21, and her sister Kylie, 19, released a bunch of new band T-shirts emblazoned with their faces over the top of acts including Pink Floyd and The Doors.

The line was heavily criticised by many, including Biggie's mother Voletta Wallace and Sharon Osbourne, who took aim at the re-working of a Black Sabbath T-shirt.

Sharon  who is married to frontman Ozzy Osbourne  tweeted: Girls, you havent earned the right to put your face with musical icons. Stick to what you knowlip gloss.

Kendall later apologised for causing offence and said she and Kylie will use the fall out as an opportunity to learn the error of their ways.

These designs were not well thought out and we deeply apologise to anyone that has been upset and/or offended, especially to the families of the artists, she tweeted.

Controversial: Kendall and Kylie modelling the T-shirts

We are huge fans of their music and it was not our intention to disrespect these cultural icons in any way. The tee shirts have been pulled from retail and all images have been removed.

She finished: We will use this as an opportunity to learn from these mistakes and again, we are very sorry.

Biggie's mother accused the Jenner sisters of exploiting the deaths of Biggie and Tupac Shakur and claimed the Notorious B.I.G estate was not approached about the designs.

Alongside a picture of a t-shirt with a huge red cross through the middle she wrote: I am not sure who told @kyliejenner and @kendalljenner that they had the right to do this.

The disrespect of these girls to not even reach out to me or anyone connected to the estate baffles me. I have no idea why they feel they can exploit the deaths of 2pac and my Son Christopher to sell a t-shirt.

This is disrespectful, disgusting, and exploitation at its worst!!!

The incident comes months after Kendall was criticised for her involvement in a Pepsi advert which was accused of trivialising the Black Lives Matter movement by having Kendall instil peace and unity by handing over the drink to a police officer.

Kendall Jenner stars in Pepsi advert

The advert was condemned by famous faces including Lena Dunham and Madonna, who made a sly dig by posting a picture of herself holding a can of rival drink, Coca-Cola.

Martin Luther King, Jr.s daughter Bernice King also slammed the advert, tweeting a picture of her father being held back by police, with the caption: If only daddy would have known about the power of #Pepsi.
Palestinian human rights leader, Issa Amro, left, reads a military order as the Israeli military declares the path in the West Bank that volunteers were clearing to be a military zone.
JUNEAU  A 21-year-old Menomonee Falls man made his initial appearance in court on Thursday after being charged with backing his car into a Wisconsin State Patrol vehicle during a traffic stop in Dodge County Tuesday afternoon.

Zachary T. Jach is charged with felony counts of resisting an officer causing a soft tissue injury to the officer, attempting to flee an officer and criminal damage to property with use of a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor criminal damage to property. If found guilty of all charges, he could face up to 13 years and 9 months in prison and a $40,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, a state trooper attempted to stop a car driven by Jach on Highway 33 east of Horicon in the town of Hubbard at 3:14 p.m. after his vehicle was traveling 86 mph in a 55 mph zone. Jach stopped his car in the traffic lane on Highway S near Highway TW, put the vehicle in reverse and crashed into the State Patrol vehicle at least twice.

Jach exited his car and was aggressive to the trooper, refusing to comply with commands. Two people passing by stopped to help the trooper control the man until deputies from the sheriffs office and officers from the Horicon Police Department arrived.

The State Patrol took the man into custody. The suspect received minor injuries and was transported to Beaver Dam Community Hospital for evaluation. The trooper received minor injuries, was evaluated at the scene by medical personnel and was not transported. There were no other injuries.

Both vehicles received minor to moderate damage in the collision, and were both towed from the scene. An estimate to repair the police cruiser is $4,507.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for July 6.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer gave few definitive statements Thursday regarding her opinions of the Senates plan to repeal and replace The Affordable Healthcare Act, also known Obamacare, during a conference call with reporters.

A vote on the Senate plan, which was drafted without support from Senate Democrats, was postponed until after the July recess after majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) lost the support of nine of the 50 Republican Senators he needed in order to get the bill to pass. McConnells bill would cause an estimated 22 million more Americans to be uninsured by 2030, while reducing federal spending by $321 billion during that time, the Congressional Budget Office concluded Monday.

Fisher said part of the divide amongst Republicans arises from concerns raised by senators from states that have adopted the Obamacare Medicaid expansion, and states like Nebraska, which declined to expand the Federal program.

One of my priorities is to be sure that our citizens are not penalized in any way because of the choice of Nebraska not to expand (Medicaid), just as it is with my counterparts where it did expand  they want to make sure their citizens are not hurt in any way through this legislation Fischer said. Finding a sweet spot when it comes to that, obviously, theres a lot of back and forth on that.

Fischer said that ensuring insurance companies can lower the cost of policies is a central concern.

Im not talking about the exchanges here, Im talking about people who are taking the responsibility of buying their own insurance, she said. Weve seen the cost of that in Nebraska in the last four years go up 153 percent.

Fischer said that individual priorities also vary for other senators in states plagued by opioid epidemics. Fischer said the costs associated with funding Medicaid in Nebraska takes away from other state programs, the impacts of which Fischer said she would examine closely before voting on a Senate bill.

She also rebuffed the notion that McConnell crafted the bill in secret, saying that Democrats are resisting the process rather than actively taking part.

It was open and Democrats were invited, Fischer said. Heidi Heitkamp (DN.D.) made some comments that before she would attend any meetings that this and this and this had to be agreed to  that it would be in the bill. Thats not how you enter into a process.

Fischer said that the Republican Senators have a range of ideas and opinions about how the finished bill ought to look like.

I think Sen. McConnell did the best he could do with the very diverse conference he had, she said.

McConnells failure to get a vote ahead of the recess doesnt signal failure in Fischers eyes as far as Senate Republicans carrying out the Presidents promise to repeal and replace Obamacare.

The majority of Nebraskans elected Donald Trump, and they have elected a congressional delegation who has campaigned and stood for repeal and replace Obamacare, Fischer said. I hope we can get on a bill, and have a full debate on the floor, with unlimited amendments, and be able to address the needs of our people.

Fischer said she asked McConnell to hold hearings in the Health, Finance, and Budget Committees, but said those arent happening on this specific bill, but said that both Democrats and Republicans will be able to offer amendments on the floor.

Theres going to be a lot of debate on the floor, Fischer said.

Fischer said she has been back in Nebraska nearly every weekend, and that health care has been discussed at almost every stop shes made.

Id say that in this office, and for myself personally, I hear a lot of input from Nebraskans and I take those comments very seriously, she said.

She said that she had no public events scheduled during the recess to talk about the bill, but that she will be in about half a dozen communities across the state next week, and is willing to talk to Nebraskans.

In other news, Fischer applauded Trumps executive order signed Tuesday, which makes good on a campaign promise to roll-back the Obama-era Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.

However, the legal process the Environmental Protection Agency will need to rewrite the rule is long and complicated, due to the fact that the rule was implemented under existing laws while Obama was still president. Legal experts have said the process may take longer than Trump currently has in office, but Fischer said that she will watch the matter closely.

I dont plan to introduce any legislation or resolutions on this, it is with the EPA and that rule making process, Fischer said. As the agency deals with the WOTUS withdrawal, well just monitor to make sure theyre following it in a correct manner.
HUDSON  The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has agreed to close off sections of Pewits Nest State Natural Area in an effort to protect public safety and prevent further degradation at the site.

The decision came Wednesday with state plans to manage 11 other natural areas in Door, Brown, Columbia and Sauk counties. Pewits Nest was included because its steep cliff faces, 30- to 40-foot gorge and low waterfalls have made the site a popular tourist destination, and the increase in visitors has led to problems with overuse.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources plan for the property west of Baraboo will create an official hiking trail from the areas parking lot to two scenic spaces overlooking the cliff gorge and Skillet Creek. The DNR also will build a stairway to the top of the gorge with overlooks, as well as fence off restricted areas and implement a visitor fee.

DNR Property Planning Section Chief Diane Brusoe told the Natural Resources Board that the plans main focus is preventing harm to visitors.

What were proposing in the management plan is a narrow, closed zone on this property with the primary purpose really to protect public safety, she said. Its very intriguing for folks to be on top of the gorge and to jump down into Skillet Creek.

Cliff jumping has become a popular activity at Pewits Nest. Visitors often climb the cliff face and jump 20 to 40 feet into a deep pool at the west end of the gorge. Although no incidents have proven fatal, cliff jumping has been responsible for several serious injuries in recent years.

The DNR also has recorded issues with visitors littering, vandalizing natural features, and staying after the areas operating hours. The high volume of foot traffic has caused soil compaction and erosion at the property.

Drew Feldkirchner, who oversees Wisconsins State Natural Areas program, said closed areas at Pewits Nest will include the edges and sides of the gorge, the cliff and the eroded forest area above the gorge. He said the restrictions are intended to prevent cliff jumping and further degradation of the sites natural features.

Social media has exponentially increased the number of people coming to the site, climbing the cliffs and jumping into the water, he stated in a press release issued by the DNR. Closing this portion allows us to meet our responsibility to protect public safety and the integrity of these geologic formations and plant communities, while allowing people to experience this special place.

Visitors caught climbing the cliffs or entering restricted areas will now be subject to a $175 citation. Additionally, visitors caught on the property after its operating hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. could receive a $175 fine. Guests bringing in alcohol, food or beverages other than water could be slapped with a $200 ticket, as well.

The DNR recently posted new rules and signs that mark closed zones around the property. The signs eventually will be replaced with more rustic permanent barriers and walkways that will be more aesthetically fitting for the site. Feldkirchner said construction planning for the new barriers, trails, overlooks and staircase is under way, but a timeline for their completion has not yet been established. A timeline for establishing park fees has yet to be determined as well, he said.

I dont have a timeframe right now, Feldkirchner said. I think it would be hard to get it done this summer, so well do what we can  well certainly add more signage.

Feldkirchner said law enforcement will soon begin patrolling the area and issuing citations to visitors who violate the new rules. He said conservation wardens, state park rangers and other law enforcement in the area will oversee the property. How often there will be a law enforcement presence on the property will be determined by local agencies available resources, Feldkirchner said.

Its really going to depend on their staffing, and what theyre able to do at this time of year, he said.

Feldkirchner said DNR officials hope to raise awareness of the new rules at Pewits Nest in the same way the spot gained popularitythrough social media.

Frankly, what were trying to do is reach out through Facebook and other ways to try to get to people so they can see that the changes happen, he said. Once we have more of a plan for how well implement these changes, well let folks know.
Two people have been arrested in Sidney, accused of delivering methamphetamine through the mail.

Cheyenne County Attorney Paul Schaub said Sean Ewert, 49, and Nikole Houser, 35, were arrested on charges Friday morning.

Schaub said that Ewert and Houser are accused of being involved in a scheme where methamphetamine was delivered through the mail. Authorities seized about four ounces of suspected methamphetamine, he said.

According to arrest affidavits released by Schaub, investigators and the U.S. postal inspector executed a search warrant Friday morning on a package addressed to a Sidney address and having originated from Mesa, Arizona. Investigators observed later in the morning as Ewert arrived to pick up the package and arrested him as he got into his vehicle.

The package contained one large bag of containing three other cellophane bags of suspected methamphetamine. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed about four grams.

Officers also located a methamphetamine pipe on Ewert, as well as personal items such as his cell phone and wallet. In an interview with police, Ewert allegedly admitted that he had been receiving methamphetamine in the mail monthly.

Police obtained a warrant and searched Ewerts home, finding a shotgun that Ewert is not allowed to possess because he is a convicted felon.

Investigators also interviewed Houser, who shared a residence with Ewert. The woman admitted that there was marijuana in the home, paraphernalia and five guns, two of which were pellet guns.

Investigators searching the home located the guns, a baggie of marijuana, a chocolate bar containing THC, drug paraphernalia, pills of oxycodone, methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) and Lorazepam, a laptop and $280 in cash that were seized from common areas or Ewerts bedroom. Two pipes were seized from Housers room.

More arrests are expected, Schaub said Friday.

The arrests are the result of a joint investigation by the Sidney Police Department, Cheyenne County Sheriffs Office, Nebraska State Patrol, WING (Western Nebraska Intelligence Narcotics Group) and the US Postal inspector.
Regent Gail Smith of Mooresville, member of the Fort Dobbs Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Statesville, recently attended the 126th Continental Congress in Washington, D.C. More than 3,500 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution convened for the latest gathering of the longstanding service organizations annual meeting.

While at Congress, Smith attended Service to America Night, National Defense Night, Units Overseas Committee Luncheon and International Shopping Bazaar, DAR Schools luncheon, and the Junior Membership luncheon.

The DAR Continental Congress is a time-honored annual gathering that has been held in Washington, D.C. since the organizations founding. National, state and chapter leaders as well as other members from across the country and around the world meet at the DAR National Headquarters to report on the years work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future initiatives and reconnect with friends. The week-long convention consists of business sessions, committee meetings and social functions, and is topped off with formal evening ceremonies at which national DAR award winners are honored.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.
After almost 40 years as CEO of First Weber Realtors, which has grown into Wisconsin's largest real estate company, Jim Imhoff Jr. will be stepping down from his position.

The Madison-based company has a staff of 1,400, with more than 70 office locations in Wisconsin. First Weber handled over $3 billion in sales in 2016, with Madison and Milwaukee being its predominant markets.

Kevin Donnell, the firm's president since 2002, will take over as CEO on Saturday. Imhoff, 73, will remain active as chairman of the First Weber board.

Described as a "pioneer" in the industry by several of his colleagues, Imhoff is known for his political activism, particularly with the Realtors Political Action Committee. Mike Theo, president of the Wisconsin Realtors Association, said that Imhoff has been instrumental in protecting the rights of homeowners.

"He believes at his core that when you do things to help homeowners, you're helping Realtors too," Theo said.

Imhoff's colleagues said he has long been dedicated not only to First Weber's success, but also to that of the industry at large through his commitment to real estate education and policy advocacy. Theo credited Imhoff's "high visibility" as the product of a "powerful and dominating personality."

Said Imhoff: "I'm not one of those people who ever did sleep too much."

Imhoff joined what was then known as First Realty in 1972 as a salesman, became an owner in 1976, and then the CEO in 1978. Imhoff has been with the company almost since its inception in 1971, leading it through its transition from First Realty into First Weber in 1996 and its acquisition by HomeServices of America Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, in 2015.

"Being involved (in real estate) in Madison and around the state allowed us to meet other real estate firms, that we rolled into First Weber as partners," Imhoff said. "So when we sold to Warren Buffett's operation, we had over 20 partners with varying sizes of interest in our company."

Imhoff entered real estate at a time when he considered professionalism to be lacking and credits his father, Jim Imhoff Sr. -- who owned a contracting company and was skeptical about the real estate industry -- with a piece of philosophy that has guided his work.

"He said, don't ever be happy in the transaction you're involved in until both buyer and seller are happy," Imhoff said. "Don't walk away from the table where you've got a winner and a loser. Both parties have to be winners."

Dave Stark, the president of Stark Company Realtors, has known Imhoff for about 35 years and describes him as one of the "more connected people I've ever known."

"Even if you're a competitor, you're a buddy of his," Stark said.

Imhoff has been a president of the Wisconsin Realtors Association, a director of the National Association of Realtors and a chairman of the Realtors Political Action Committee. He serves on the board of the real estate programs at both UW-Madison and Marquette University.

As a new wave of technology took hold of the real estate industry, Imhoff introduced online tools for would-be buyers, such as a listing activity board to allow instant feedback from agents, and virtual tours of properties. Imhoff also spearheaded the development of an educational and training program called Catapult Accelerate Program, and a First Weber app.

Looking forward, the 63-year-old Donnell said he will advocate learning from the market's frequent cycles -- particularly now, with homes in such high demand. Donnell said the company will work on "how to stay in front of (different cycles) and make adjustments to get through those markets in strong shape."
TOKYO  Japan's central bank issued a rare apology on Friday over a board member's praise for Adolf Hitler's economic policies.

Yutaka Harada, a member of the board of the Bank of Japan, told a seminar on Thursday Hitler's economic policies had been "appropriate" and "wonderful" but had enabled the Nazi dictator to do "horrible" things to the world.

"The Bank of Japan views with regret the fact that the remarks of one of its Board Members have become a source of misunderstanding, and will see to it that such incident will not repeat itself," the central bank told Reuters on Friday.

Harada, a member of the bank's nine-member board, told the seminar Western policymakers helped bring Hitler to power by being slow to apply John Maynard Keynes' proposals to fight the Great Depression.

Hitler became German chancellor in 1933.

Harada said he had only been trying to express the importance of conducting appropriate economic policies at an early stage.

"I had no intention at all to justify Hitler's economic policies," the bank quoted Harada as saying.

"Indeed, I have clearly pointed out in my remarks that tragedy did result from the policy steps Hitler had taken. That being said, I want to offer my sincere apologies for any misunderstanding my choice of words may have caused," he said.

Public figures in Japan, which was part of the World War Two Axis powers with Germany and Italy, have sometimes caused controversy with favorable comments about some aspects of the Nazi regime. At the same time, however, Holocaust-denial and neo-Nazi movements are essentially unknown in Japan.

Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso drew criticism from a U.S.-based Jewish rights group over comments he made in 2013, but were later retracted, that were interpreted as praise for Germany's Nazi regime and Hitler's rise to power.
Updated with closing share prices

Berkshire Hathway will become the biggest shareholder in Bank of America Corp. after it invoked Friday its right to acquire 700 million shares of the second-largest U.S. bank.

Berkshire, which is controlled by billionaire Warren Buffett, will take a roughly 7 percent ownership stake, worth about $17 billion based on Bank of America's closing price of $24.32 on Thursday.

The transaction will make Bank of America one of Berkshire's largest equity investments, joining Apple Inc., Coca-Cola Co., Kraft Heinz Co. and Wells Fargo & Co., the nation's third-largest bank.

It was made possible by Bank of America's June 28 decision to boost its quarterly dividend to 12 cents per share from 7.5 cents, after passing the Federal Reserve's latest "stress test" of its capacity to weather difficult markets.

Berkshire will exercise warrants to acquire the 700 million common shares when Charlotte, N.C.-based Bank of America increases its dividend, expected in the third quarter.

It will swap the $5 billion of Bank of America preferred shares it bought in August 2011 for the common stock, in a cash-free exchange.

Berkshire is sitting on a roughly $12 billion paper profit, because Bank of America's stock price is more than triple the $7.14 exercise price for the warrants.

After the swap is completed, Buffett will begin collecting $336 million of annual dividends, more than the $300 million he gets from the preferred shares, which have a 6 percent dividend.

Berkshire is also the largest shareholder in Wells Fargo, which sends Buffett close to $800 million of annual dividends.

The billionaire investor's Omaha, Neb.-based conglomerate also owns more than 90 businesses such as the Geico car insurer, Dairy Queen ice cream and BNSF railroad.

Brian Moynihan, Bank of America's chief executive, accepted Buffett's investment when many investors worried whether the lender would have enough capital.

The bank was only about midway through a multi-year process to clean up its balance sheet, litigation and regulatory probes, largely from its purchases of Countrywide Financial Corp. and Merrill Lynch & Co. That process cost more than $70 billion.

Buffett has often praised Moynihan's leadership, telling CNBC in September 2015 that Moynihan resuscitated a bank that had been a "terrible mess."

Bank of America's current largest shareholder is Vanguard Group, whose 652.4 million shares give it a 6.6 percent stake, Reuters data show.

Bank of America shares fell 6 cents to close at $24.26 on Friday.
Every county in Missouri will have at least one health insurance carrier selling plans to individuals on the exchange in 2018  at least for now.

Centene announced Friday that it will sell plans in 40 Missouri counties, including the 25 western Missouri counties that were at risk of having no insurance carrier after Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City said it would not offer plans there in 2018.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City was the only remaining exchange insurer in those 25 counties.

It said it was pulling out because of unsustainable losses on the exchange, or HealthCare.gov, a market that was set up by former President Barack Obama's landmark health care bill. HealthCare.gov allows individuals to purchase coverage on their own if they don't have access to coverage through an employer.

Centene announced earlier this month that it planned to enter new exchange markets in 2018, including in Missouri, Kansas and Nevada.

St. Louis area residents will see more competition on the exchange as the area will now have three carriers to choose from.

If Anthem continues to offer plans in 2018, consumers here will be able to compare plans offered by Anthem, Cigna and Centene.
MACON, Mo.  Shane Mayes figured out a way to outsmart globalization and hire U.S. workers, but he may have a harder time competing with robots. Like other employers, he sees the rise of artificial intelligence as a major potential disrupter  and hes scrambling to respond.

But Mayes is used to challenges.

Back in 2005, Mayes moved to this small town about 60 miles north of Columbia because his new wife, Lisa, wanted to attend A.T. Still University in nearby Kirksville. Mayes, then 32, wasnt sure what hed do for a living.

When he worked for Elsevier, a major publisher with a big presence in St. Louis County, hed seen jobs outsourced to India. That gave him an idea.

Many small towns in rural America, battered by recessions and globalization, saw factory jobs disappear, and for many, that meant fewer opportunities. In Macon, the loss of the Toastmaster factory in 2001 eliminated more than 600 jobs from the local economy.

Mayes figured if companies could ship work overseas in search of cheap labor, perhaps they could find what they were looking for in distressed communities in their own backyards.

Telecommunications and computers now make it possible to locate some work anywhere on the planet  and thats especially true for information technology. If an IT specialist can work from India, he or she could also work in rural America, where the cost of living is still relatively low and jobs are in high demand.

His plan was to launch a company to provide IT services that would be staffed by displaced workers hed train. His first obstacles: He didnt have any money, and his credit was rocky.

Mayes found an angel in Frank Withrow, who at the time was Macon Countys economic development director. Withrow helped him secure a $52,400 loan from the city of Macon and another for $52,400 from the Mark Twain Revolving Loan Fund in 2005.

I used to have a daily newspaper and was in a similar situation when I started, and somebody believed in me, so I believed in him, Withrow said.

Today, the company Mayes launched, Onshore Outsourcing, employs 380 people who do work for some of the nations biggest corporations. Clients have included national giants such as Nike, Commerce Bank and JPMorgan as well as big St. Louis area-based employers Panera, Centene, Ameren and Mallinckrodt.

Onshore Outsourcing identifies workers by offering an eight-week crash course on programming, customer service and software testing. The top students get hired by the company, where they develop, test and support software applications for clients.

People love the Onshore value proposition, what we stand for, so they will give us opportunities that we are not accustomed to, Mayes said. We end up with a very diverse service portfolio because our clients have asked us to do this stuff.

Onshore Outsourcing has a number of things going for it. The workforce it draws on is relatively stable and low cost. Mayes says the average salary is about $35,000 (but can rise to $80,000 for more experienced software developers). And a U.S.-based workforce is attractive to corporations with security concerns.

Despite the success, Mayes is worried.

Onshore is winning with all the new business all the time, and everybody is doing great. My fear is that it is shortsighted, Mayes said.

According to the recent study by BMC Software, 73 percent of IT decision makers believe businesses that do not embrace IT automation to achieve the larger digital business strategy within the next five years will cease to exist in 10 years.

Automation in a human outsourcing business is not a good place to be, Mayes said. In order to prepare ourselves well for the future, we have to attack these technologies.

Fear of automation pushed Mayes to launch a new subsidiary, OTS Digital, where employees are tasked with developing new technology. The company, based in the U.S. Virgin Islands, was started in January and currently has two employees.

The Virgin Islands is a good place to attract people and hire talent, Mayes said. To be slightly divergent and be able to offer a different lifestyle for some of the employees, I decided to go in a different direction.

One of the recent creations of OTS Digital is a natural language generation engine that converts the human voice into a machine-readable language and helps find articles to troubleshoot customers problems. The system is supposed to give a customer a suitably helpful article before they stop talking. However, more sophisticated problems may require agent assistance.

Does that go against our model of creating more jobs? Well, yeah, it does. But I would much rather be a master of that problem than a blind victim, Mayes said.

Automation of tech support call centers is one of the examples of how robots will replace IT workers. Dr. Cem Karacal, an associate dean of the School of Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, predicts that customer call centers will fade and be replaced with mobile devices automated by virtual agents. However, he argues that it does not mean that jobs from the IT sector will disappear.

It may sound like the use of AI (artificial intelligence) applications will result in losses in terms of the jobs, but I think it will change the nature of the IT jobs from data processing and writing queries to a database to information generation and intelligent use of generated information that will provide businesses advantages, Karacal said. The skill sets required by IT workers will be more into AI techniques and end use of information.

Mayes admits that the fear of automation and uncertainty of the future prevented him from adding more jobs in Macon.

We could be adding so many jobs right now, we are moving very deliberately, in a very measured way because I feel responsible for every family that works here, Mayes said.
CHICAGO  Certain kinds of people thrive at Kraft Heinz, one of the most ambitious and polarizing companies in the American food industry.

Theyre the types who can keep their desk clutter-free save for no more than two personal items, per company policy. The types who get amped up gazing upon charts of sales data posted on the walls at both headquarters locations, in Chicago and Pittsburgh, to see how they measure up to other teams, knowing a sizable bonus awaits the winner.

More than money is at stake, though. Those who succeed at Kraft Heinz relish the battle to be the best.

Its part of the culture and in the blood to be competitive, always fighting for that next win, said Michael Ferranti, Kraft Heinzs head of people and performance for the U.S. commercial business.

Working at Kraft Heinz isnt for everyone, as executives readily admit. The company, backed by Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway and the Brazilian private-equity firm 3G Capital, has a well-earned reputation for vigorous cost-cutting  good for shareholders, not so much for the hundreds of people laid off since Heinz, already owned by Buffetts firm and 3G, acquired Kraft in 2015. Those who survived the cuts have been challenged to do more with less.

The company has drawn complaints about the way it has shut down its Oscar Mayer plant in Madison, with allegations of pushing a longtime employee out the door in its waning weeks before workers with less seniority.

Kraft Heinz, which reported about $26 billion in sales last year, isnt apologizing for any of that, though executives say the company doesnt get enough credit for investing money back into the business.

The Chicago Tribune interviewed six Kraft Heinz employees provided by the company at its Chicago headquarters in the downtown Aon Center skyscraper, and another six current and former employees who spoke on condition of anonymity.

From those talks, a clear picture emerged: Kraft Heinz is a company where the young and hungry can thrive, where those who dont buy in are left behind and where results matter above all else.

We want to win, Ferranti said. And frankly, there are some who will adapt and there are many who wont. That evolution over several years and quarters will determine whos really in for the long haul.

Work hard, meet goals

Ferrantis trajectory provides a glimpse into the Kraft Heinz culture. Before the merger, he worked in Asia as a finance and operations executive for Burger King, another 3G-controlled company.

Now, at 34, with only about two years of human resources experience, he oversees the professional development of about 4,000 salaried workers in the U.S., where the company conducts most of its business.

Experience doesnt mean much at Kraft Heinz. Far more important are buy-in, ambition and, ultimately, results. And while Ferranti declined to provide an average age or tenure for Kraft Heinz employees, former employees interviewed for this story said many of the more experienced workers had been laid off or left on their own since the merger.

Of course, thats meant opportunity for others. Alyssa Bronikowski, 29, previously worked at Walgreens corporate headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois, before coming to Kraft Heinz. Beyond the shorter commute, Bronikowski said she likes that shes rewarded with financial incentives for hitting certain clearly stated goals.

One of the things I really struggled with in some of my previous roles is that you work twice as hard as the person next to you but you might be compensated the same. I love at Kraft Heinz that you are compensated for the work you put in, said Bronikowski, senior manager of industry relations and sales communications.

That, in short, sums up the philosophy behind Kraft Heinzs system of meritocracy.

Work hard. Hit your goals. Good things will happen.

The Kraft Heinz system and monetary rewards have been life-changing for me, said Stacey Johnson, 32, head of leadership and inclusion. After working for Teach for America for 10 years, Johnson said she was able to buy a condo after only about one year at Kraft Heinz.

These warm and fuzzy feelings arent shared companywide. One current employee in the Glenview, Illinois, research and development office said the reality of merit-based pay hasnt lived up to its promise  a view shared by some others who have left the company. Despite a generous bonus for all employees last year, raises and promotions have been few and far between in the research-and-development office, even for people hitting their goals.

I certainly think morale has taken a hit, said the employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of concern for his job.

Roughly 700 people were laid off in August 2015 when the company decided, after Kraft joined the company, that it would move its Chicago-area headquarters to the Aon Center in the Loop, from suburban Northfield. Smaller rounds of job cuts have since followed.

About 1,500 people now work in the five-floor office in the Aon Center, with 600 to 700 others in Glenview, spokesman Michael Mullen said.

Analysts question sharp cost-cutting

The companys extreme cost-cutting has gone under the microscope since its failed bid to acquire Unilever for $143 billion in February. Some analysts have questioned whether Kraft Heinzs reputation is now hindering its ability to make a deal. After a recent disappointing quarterly earnings report, CEO Bernardo Hees defended the companys business model and philosophy.

The 3G method of zero-based budgeting  a cost-cutting mentality that calls on employees to think of company dollars as their own  has changed the historically stodgy processed food industry, forcing other food companies to sharpen their own knives in order to compete. None has proven as adept at expanding profit margins as Kraft Heinz.

What does this mean for employees? As one example, workers are allowed to print only 100 pages per month, black and white, double-sided. And as part of a new pilot program to eliminate distractions and increase efficiency, employees can have no more than two personal items on their desk.

All told, the company plans to eliminate 5,150 positions  a figure that includes both factory and salaried jobs  in its post-merger restructuring in the U.S. and Canada, according to its annual report. Madisons Oscar Mayer plant employed some 1,000 workers when its closure was announced in November 2015.

But Kraft Heinz execs bristle at the notion that the company is focused only on cutting costs. Money saved is invested back into the companys brands and its employees, Mullen said.

For example: Even as the company closes some older factories, such as the 98-year-old Oscar Mayer plant in Madison, it spent $1 billion upgrading manufacturing facilities worldwide last year, including plants in Missouri and Iowa.

Kraft Heinz also increased its ad spending by $100 million over the past two years, Mullen said, and in January announced the launch of a joint venture with Oprah Winfrey to sell refrigerated meals. Last year, the company paid the largest bonuses in the combined history of Kraft and Heinz, he said.

Intense work environment

In some cases, theres clearly a disconnect, though, between the companys decisions and how they are perceived by some employees. Former employees interviewed for this story lamented that their respective workloads ballooned  but their pay did not  as colleagues were laid off.

A former sales executive who worked at Kraft for 21 years  and who was laid off after the merger  said the snack bars where employees could get free coffee, Jell-O and other Kraft products were suddenly removed, a step he felt was less about cost-savings and more about showing employees that nothing was free.

Not so, Mullen said. The snack bars in Chicago and Pittsburgh were actually replaced by two programs that represent a larger total investment, a company store with discounted products and monthly events with free products intended to bring workers together, he said.

Mullen, 48, who worked at Heinz for 18 years, said hes had to work harder since the acquisition, too, but said the rewards are exponentially greater.

And when people just paint us as, Hey, theyre amazing at cost-cutting, they do an amazing job driving profit growth, theres so much more to our story than that, Mullen said. That is a part of our story. Were not going to hide from that. But to say thats our story, its incredibly naive.

There are no corner offices at Kraft Heinz. There are no offices at all.

There are hardly any doors to speak of, though there are some privacy rooms for employees to duck into for brief personal business. There are no chairs in those rooms, though. The message: Do not tarry.

Throughout the office, employees personal goals are publicly displayed on placards on their desks; top executives, including CEO Hees, have their goals posted on the wall.

The goals, part of companys management by objectives system, are data-driven and measurable, Ferranti said. Theyre also intertwined with those of other employees, which encourages teamwork, he said.

Moving quickly up the ladder

All of this is designed to promote the company values of transparency, meritocracy and ownership.

Last year, Kraft Heinz promoted 1,700 people globally, Ferranti said. And thats part of the appeal, particularly for younger employees: Its possible to move up the ladder quickly without years of paying dues.

And the grim headlines about the companys layoffs and austerity measures dont seem to have hurt recruiting efforts. Last year, 81,000 applicants from 22 different countries, including 17,000 from the U.S., competed for the 170 openings in the management trainee program that is Hees baby.

The future leaders of Kraft Heinz look like Juliet Levine and Oliver Joost, ages 24 and 25 respectively.

Both Ivy League college graduates, Levine and Joost also matriculated through Hees six-month program. They spoke enthusiastically about the companys culture and the opportunities it has afforded them.

When you compare this company to other companies in the industry, I dont think there are many places where you could see 24-year-olds managing hundreds of millions of dollars of brands three years out of college, said Levine, senior associate and brand manager on the frozen snacks team. I see endless opportunity for me here.
Bayer AG and Syngenta AG face renewed pressure over their neonicotinoid farm pesticides after research funded by the companies supported accusations that the chemicals are responsible for harming bee colonies.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Science at a time when the European Union's executive arm is preparing to propose a ban on use of such pesticides in the countryside of the 28-nation trade bloc.

Bee colony numbers tested in Hungary fell 24 percent by the spring and survival of colonies in the U.K. was "generally very low" after exposure to winter oilseed rape crops treated with Bayer CropScience's neonicotinoid clothianidin or Syngenta's thiamethoxam pesticides, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, author of the study, said in a statement.

While no harmful effect was found on overwintering bees in Germany, lower reproductive success was linked to increasing levels of neonicotinoid residues in nests of wild bee species across all three countries tested.

"The neonicotinoids investigated caused a reduced capacity for all three bee species to establish new populations in the following year, at least in the U.K. and Hungary," lead researcher Ben Woodcock said.

The results are critical to the future use of such chemicals in Europe. Bayer and Syngenta clashed with the EU in court earlier this year over temporary bans on the products. The European Commission has drafted proposals to largely outlaw their use outside of greenhouses. While it hasn't yet formally put forward the curbs, the commission sent draft regulations to the European Parliament in March.

"This major study marks a watershed moment in the fight to protect our bees," Greenpeace UK's chief scientist Doug Parr said in a statement. "The case for a permanent ban on these pesticides is now unassailable."

While the latest study demonstrated negative effects from the chemicals, they can be used for good, according to Woodcock. The ability to protect whole plants with low dosages curbs the need for spraying broad spectrum insecticides and allows control of pests resistant to other controls.

"There may be opportunities to mitigate negative impacts of neonicotinoid exposure on bees through improved honeybee husbandry or availability of flowering plants for bees to feed on," he said.

Good beekeeping practices and planting wild flower margins could mean that the impact of neonicotinoids "can be minimal or in some cases even positive," Syngenta said in a statement. Bayer pointed to inconsistent results in different countries, adding that colony deaths in the U.K. were too high to support scientifically robust conclusions.

"Bayer remains convinced that neonicotinoid seed treatments for oilseed rape have no short- or long-term negative effects on bees and that these seed treatments are a useful and effective tool for farmers," it said.

Alice Baghdjian and Vishal Persaud contributed to this report.
Across the country, people think of John Tartaglia as a puppeteer, the performer whose very special skills brought him to Broadway with Avenue Q (playing Princeton and Rod), Shrek the Musical (playing Pinocchio) and to off-Broadway with his own glow-in-the-dark musical, John Tartaglias ImaginOcean

TV audiences never saw Tartaglia in the flesh on Sesame Street. But they certainly were familiar with his work as any number of characters. He was still a New Jersey high school student (but already a puppetry veteran) when he first hit the Street; later he created another acclaimed childrens show, the Disney Channels Johnny and the Sprites.

Meet us at the Muny: An illustrated guide Weve detailed the parts of the Muny you really need to know  and some that are just fun to be aware of.

But in St. Louis, hes famous for a different reason: Here, hes turned into a Muny star.

In recent seasons, the blue-eyed charmer has starred there as the Cat in the Hat in Seussical and as the Genie in Aladdin. He also directed its productions of The Wizard of Oz, Tarzan and Shrek.

Now hes returning to the big outdoor stage in Stephen Sondheims bawdy farce, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Tartaglia plays Hysterium, house-slave to an aristocratic family in ancient Rome. A nervous fellow, Hysterium is constantly and reluctantly dragged into the crazy schemes concocted by another slave, Pseudolus (played here by TV star Peter Scolari). The family includes a lecherous husband, an overbearing wife and a son who has fallen for a beauty he can only glimpse at the house of the procurer next door.

I love being a sidekick, Tartaglia says. We did Forum my freshman year in high school. I played a eunuch, and I didnt get any of the jokes.

Then a few years later, when I had just moved to New York to work on Sesame Street, I had a friend who did the wigs for the Broadway revival (starring Nathan Lane). It was the first show I got to see from backstage as well as from the house.

Thats when I thought, OK, yes. This is what I want to do with my life.

He meant show business, not specifically Forum. But in fact, Forum still seems perfect to him.

I had forgotten how right that role is for me, Tartaglia says. Hysterium is pure hilarity, always on high alert. And I love the back-and-forth with Pseudolus. And Peter? Peter is such a fine actor, you know he will be wonderful.

And that score! Its incredible.

Now we say, sure, its Sondheim. But before Forum debuted, in 1962, young Stephen Sondheim was considered a lyricist, period.

A few years earlier, after Sondheim first won acclaim for the lyrics to West Side Story, he wanted to write both the music and lyrics for a show in the works  Gypsy. Ethel Merman was set to star as Mama Rose.

She was one of the biggest stars on Broadway, and she wanted a more established composer  Jule Styne. But after West Side Story, she was fine with lyrics by Sondheim.

I was afraid of being pigeon-holed forever as a lyricist, Sondheim wrote in his memoir, Finishing the Hat. Gypsy director Arthur Laurents persuaded him to write the lyrics anyway. What pushed me over the edge to say yes ... was the knowledge that the role of Rose would offer Ethel and us authors a chance to startle the audience, to blindside ... expectations.

They did, too. But Sondheim still wanted to write both lyrics and music, and after the success of Forum he always did.

Tartaglia, too, pushes his career in unexpected directions. After the Muny show, he heads to Los Angeles, where he lives now, to direct a musical that he created, The Secret Silk. It will play on Princess Cruise Lines, first touring Asia in the fall, then the Caribbean in the spring.

Stephen Schwartz  creator of such musicals as Pippin, Godspell and Wicked  is a producer for the cruise ships shows. He urged Tartaglia to come up with something to entertain travelers. He happily agreed, lacing his show with pop hits and basing the plot on an Asian fairy tale.

I adapted it heavily, kind of like Frozen, Tartaglia says. Its fascinating, and its a lot of fun.

And guess what. It has puppets.
President Donald Trump wants your most precious private information.

He wants your Social Security number. Your date of birth. Your political party information. Your voting record. He wants your criminal record and military history.

All so he can fake an investigation into fake voter fraud he alleged with no evidence in an election he won. While the FBI and the CIA are on the tail of the Russian election meddling, Trump wants none of that.

It is the Fake News event of the year.

Except the information is very real.

And Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is playing along.

This week, Trumps vice chairman of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, Kris Kobach, wrote election officials in every state and asked for the detailed voter records.

Kobach is the secretary of state in Kansas, where he has raised his national profile by alleging voter fraud for years in an absence of evidence of such fraud. Many secretaries of state, mostly Democrats, are pushing back against the federal governments request for such detailed information on all voters.

Californias participation would only serve to legitimize the false and already debunked claims of massive voter fraud, Democratic Secretary of State Alex Padilla said in a statement.

As of press time, more than 20 states said they wouldnt comply with Trumps request.

Ashcroft, of course, campaigned on the idea that voter fraud is real. So in that respect he is being consistent in passing along Missouri voter records to the Trump administration.

Ashcroft said hell only pass on what is allowed by state law. But he represents a state, and a party, that has spent the past few years fighting and campaigning against such federal overreach.

Thats what Missouri Republicans called it four years ago when the administration of Gov. Jay Nixon (a Democrat) sent drivers license records to a federal agent in the Social Security Administration who was investigating fraud. Some of the information, all allowed under state law, included concealed-carry permits, because it was at the time connected to the drivers license data.

Republicans went ballistic.

Missourians are very much opposed to this type of government overreach and intrusion, said then-Speaker of the House Tim Jones, R-Eureka.

Republicans held news conferences and called for hearings in which they blasted Nixon for daring to turn over Missourians private information to the federal government. Surely, Obama would come for their guns, they surmised. The Missouri Legislature changed the law, separating concealed-carry information from drivers license records.

Four years later, the politics has changed. Forget states rights or privacy. Trump is a Republican. The federal government is all of a sudden a partner in crime.

This week, Ashcroft told The Associated Press that he was happy to offer our support in the collective effort to enhance the American peoples confidence in the integrity of the system.

If Gov. Eric Greitens hasnt changed his mind on the sanctity of privacy as it relates to voting records, he might want to raise his voice of objection.

It was just last month that the Republican governor was busy defending his practice of accepting dark money campaign donations that cant be traced through public records by comparing it to voting.

When people go in and vote, they dont call that dark voting, Greitens said. In fact, he said people who would try to get private information from voters would be guilty of voter intimidation.

Now?

Greitens spokesman Parker Briden didnt return an email seeking comment.

Thats not surprising. Greitens was against dark money before he was for it.

And such it is with privacy.

At the same time Missouri Republicans were protecting privacy rights of drivers and gun owners, they were passing laws that created new databases of poor people who may or may not be cheating on government aid programs such as food stamps.

Some of them stand up against a database that would help attack opioid addiction, and then say nothing when the federal government wants to create a national voter database with the most private of information, available to a president who has no respect for the limitations of government.

In 2013, protecting the privacy of state records was about standing up for freedom. But thats when Obama was in the White House. Now its Trump, and its 2017, and Missouri Republicans are worshiping at the altar of federal overreach.
Assembly Republicans are supportive of a new fee on heavy trucks to help pay for roads and appear to be aligned with Gov. Scott Walker on a budget deal, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Thursday.

The new truck fee holds potential as a breakthrough to solve the budget impasse after Walker, Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald discussed the per-mile truck fee idea on Wednesday.

The Wisconsin State Journal reported Wednesday that Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said the truck fee was emerging as a key issue in budget talks, but that senators needed to explore it in further detail. He had earlier this week dismissed the idea.

Vos, R-Rochester, said Thursday that Assembly Republicans were generally supportive of the idea. Fitzgerald remained open to it, after initially calling it a nonstarter, but said some senators would oppose it.

Republican Sen. Steve Nass, of Whitewater, came out against the idea Thursday, calling it a desperate move to placate transportation special interests.

Republicans have a 20-13 majority in the Senate, meaning they can lose three votes and still have enough to pass the budget.

The states powerful chamber of commerce, the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association and the conservative group Americans for Prosperity have all blasted the idea.

On Thursday, a new coalition of businesses and industry groups expressed opposition. They include Green Bay-based Schneider National, one of the nations biggest trucking firms, retail giant Wal-Mart, the Wisconsin Grocers Association, the Wisconsin Paper Council and others.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state chamber, told the State Journal on Wednesday that it opposed the truck tax. It reiterated the position in a tweet Thursday, saying that it strongly opposes tax on heavy trucks to pay for roadsdramatically raises costs for businesses & consumers.

Eric Bott, the head of Americans for Prosperity, branded the idea highway robbery.

Under this scheme, small trucking businesses will get hit worst and first, he said. Theyll pass these new costs onto their customers or lose business to firms operating in other states.

Vos indicated that the truck fee, which could bring in $250 million over two years, was one of the potential pieces to solving the budget impasse. It could be temporary and be replaced in a few years by money generated from toll roads, if the Legislature endorses that idea, Vos said.

Im optimistic the Assembly is aligned with Gov. Walker, and we feel very good that we have the ability to get to an answer that we can pass and hopefully he can sign, Vos said.

Walker spokesman Tom Evenson did not immediately return a message asking whether the governor would support the truck fee.

Assembly Republicans have insisted on raising revenue as part of the plan to solve a $1 billion shortfall in the transportation budget, the biggest road block to reaching a budget deal. Walker proposed $500 million in new borrowing and Senate Republicans back $850 million in borrowing.

Vos said the truck fee sounds better than the current plan to borrow $850 million.

How the fee would be structured, who would have to pay it and exactly how much money it would bring in are all details Vos and Fitzgerald said are still being discussed. Senate Republicans were planning a briefing on July 6 to discuss that idea and others, meaning votes to pass the budget in the Legislature likely wont come until the week of July 10 at the earliest.

The current budget ends Friday, but spending continues at current levels until a deal is reached.

Vos said Assembly Republicans were also supportive of Walkers proposed income tax cuts in general, while Senate Republicans have said they would prefer to reduce or eliminate the personal property tax paid by businesses.

Negotiations are continuing over whether, and how much, to raise income eligibility limits for parents who want to send their children to a private school through the voucher program, Vos said. Current limits are 185 percent of the federal poverty level, but there have been talks of raising it to 300 percent, allowing families to earn more and still accept the taxpayer-funded voucher.
JEFFERSON CITY  Gov. Eric Greitens issued an executive order late Thursday calling for the creation of a task force designed to clean up the states embattled prison system.

Faced with problems ranging from a high recidivism rate for prisoners to the recent suicide of a resident of a state-run halfway house for former inmates in St. Louis, the Missouri Department of Corrections has been under a microscope for much of the past year.

A legislative panel met for five months this year to investigate widespread sexual harassment of female prison employees following a series of lawsuits that led to millions of dollars in payouts to workers.

In a post on Facebook on Thursday, Greitens said the agencys new director, Anne Precythe, inherited a mess: morale was low, officers were mistreated, not all inmates had a plan for their release.

Although he said Precythe has taken steps to improve the department since she took over this year, the governor said more must be done to reduce the prison population, reduce recidivism and lower costs for taxpayers.

We came here to make Missouri safer and save people money. And thats what we are doing, the first-year governor noted.

The order calls for a 22-member committee to be headed by Precythe. It would include lawmakers, corrections experts and members of the public.

The order calls for recommendations to be issued by Dec. 31, with an eye on enacting legislative changes in the 2018 session of the Legislature.

Among the task forces charges is to minimize the need to increase prison capacity.

The states 21 prisons house more than 32,000 inmates and employ 11,000 workers.

Greitens said he traveled Wednesday to the Northeast Correctional Center in Bowling Green and met an inmate who wants to drive trucks once hes released.

The governor said he wants to make sure more inmates can achieve goals when their sentences are completed.

When he comes out, hell go to work. He will be a responsible citizen, he wrote.

The executive order does not specifically mention any potential changes to the state Board of Probation and Parole.

Former state Rep. Donald Ruzicka resigned this month from the panel after the Post-Dispatch reported that he and an unidentified Department of Corrections employee entertained themselves at some parole hearings by trying to get inmates to say words and song titles such as platypus and All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight.

Greitens called the revelations disturbing and unacceptable.
Five Republican state senators said Friday they oppose an Assembly Republican idea to tax heavy trucks for miles driven in Wisconsin, causing Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald to say the idea likely is doomed.

Its obviously a heavy lift if youve got that many members saying they wont support the concept, Fitzgerald said.

GOP senators kind of shot it down in a closed-door caucus meeting Wednesday, added Fitzgerald, R-Juneau. The meeting came hours after, according to Fitzgerald, he discussed the heavy truck fee in budget talks with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Gov. Scott Walker.

Vos and Assembly Republicans have said the proposal, which would involve a new per-mile tax on big trucks, could end the impasse over the states next two-year budget, the deadline for enactment of which is Saturday.

State spending continues at current levels if the budget isnt passed on time, though a protracted stalemate could begin to have an impact on road projects because they rely heavily on borrowing.

Spokespersons for Vos and Walker did not respond to Fridays developments.

Assembly Republicans contend the state needs more revenue for road projects so it wont need to delay projects or continue to borrow to pay for them.

The five senators opposing the truck fee disagree; they are Dave Craig, R-Town of Vernon, Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, Frank Lasee, R-De Pere, Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, and Duey Stroebel, R-Saukville.

In the statement, the senators blasted Walkers Wisconsin Department of Transportation, saying it has been inefficient and does not deserve new revenues.

Instead of getting creative to find new ways to tax Wisconsinites, we should be discussing the reforms needed to clean up an agency with a record of over-designing, over-building, and over-paying for our roads, the senators said.

The senators account for five of Republicans 20-13 Senate majority. Democrats will be tough sells to vote for a GOP-crafted budget, meaning Republicans likely need at least 17 senators to support it.

Fitzgerald and Walker support borrowing  Fitzgerald $850 million and Walker $500 million  to avoid delays to ongoing highway projects. Assembly Republicans have said its irresponsible to further tax the states credit card.

Legislative leaders also have discussed highway tolling as a potential transportation revenue source. Even if lawmakers approved it and secured federal approval to start tolling Wisconsins U.S. Interstates, they likely wouldnt be collected for at least four years  meaning that revenue wouldnt have an impact in the next two-year state budget.
Wisconsin elections officials said Friday that theyll sell some voter information to a presidential commission investigating election fraud, but other data is off-limits.

President Donald Trumps Advisory Commission on Election Integrity sent a letter to all the states and the District of Columbia on Wednesday giving them two weeks to provide about a dozen points of voter data, including birth dates, the last four digits of Social Security numbers and any information about felony convictions. Some Democratic election officials have refused to comply.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission oversees state elections. The six-member commission is split evenly between Republican and Democratic appointees chosen by Republican Gov. Scott Walker and each partys legislative leaders.

Administrator Mike Haas issued a statement Friday saying most of the information in the states voter registration system is public, including voters names, addresses and voting history. The state doesnt collect any data about a voters political preferences or gender, he said.

The data is available for purchase and the commission must release it to buyers, Haas said, adding that the commission routinely sells the information to political parties, candidates and researchers. The commission would charge the presidential panel $12,500 for the data, the maximum amount allowed under agency rules, he said. State law doesnt contain any provisions for waiving the fee.

Haas said Wisconsin law allows the commission to share voter birth dates, drivers license numbers and Social Security numbers only with police and other state agencies, and the presidential commission doesnt appear to qualify.

Vice President Mike Pence is chairing the presidential commission. His spokesman, Marc Lotter, said the commission is seeking only data thats publicly available under state law. He didnt immediately reply to a follow-up email asking if the commission would pay Wisconsin the $12,500.

Scot Ross, executive director of liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now, issued a statement Friday saying Trump cant be trusted with voter data since the FBI is investigating potential coordination between his campaign and Russia.

Across the country, state voter agencies like the Wisconsin Elections Commission are weighing how to respond to the request.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon on Friday rejected the request for voter registration data, joining fellow Democratic officials in several other states in refusing to comply.

California quickly denied the request, and it was joined by officials in Kentucky, Massachusetts and Virginia. Other states are reacting like Wisconsin, saying theyll turn over limited amounts of data.
When Earlise Ward came to UW-Madison, the Brooklyn, New York, native figured she would return home once she had her Ph.D to work as a psychologist.

But then Ward thought about where she could do the most good. There were many people of color working as psychologists in New York, said Ward, who is black, but no African-American psychologists licensed in Dane County at that time.

Ward also thought about a galvanizing memory from when she was a student  she had met an older black woman on a Metro Transit bus who described suffering from depression but feeling turned off by the doctors she had seen locally.

I can be of service here, Ward thought.

Today, Ward is a licensed psychologist and a professor in the UW-Madison School of Nursing, where she studies attitudes about and treatment of mental illness. Her research puts an emphasis on the perspectives and experiences of its participants, and she particularly focuses on how depression affects older black women  like the person she met on the bus as a student.

For the past five years, Ward organized group counseling courses on depression for black women in Madison and later Milwaukee called Oh Happy Day.

Now, she is working with local black clergy through Dane Countys African-American Council of Churches to develop a new series of classes that incorporate faith-based organizations to build awareness of depression among black women age 50 and older and to improve how they cope with the illness.

The classes, which Ward plans to start in November, are supported by a $120,000 grant from the Ira and Ineva Reilly Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Endowment at UW-Madison.

What was the need you saw for a person from your background to provide mental health services?

There were very few of us professionally trained to do this work, and to do this work with that population. As you think about health disparities, African-Americans are experiencing depression at the same rate as Caucasians, but ... they are not seeking mental health services at the rate theyre experiencing those issues. They are suffering in silence.

What I tell people when I talk in the community is, (Depression) is an illness, its not any different from other health conditions. And why is it not any different? Because if it goes untreated, people can actually die.

What have you learned from your research about how to better address mental health needs in black communities?

The preference is to have services or mental health counseling if you will that is more culturally tailored  (and) to have an African-American therapist. If that is not possible, and oftentimes it is not, to at least make sure the content of the treatment really focuses on African-American culture, African-American perspective.

There is certainly an openness to group counseling, because that helps to normalize the mental illness and to recognize, Im not the only one  there are other people like me who are struggling with these issues and its OK to get help.

What is the potential you see for churches to be involved in improving mental health?

In our earlier work, we learned from our research participants that their primary mode of coping is religious coping. One participant said, Well, the first thing I do is pray.

Through the years, Ive forged relations with the pastors  They were the ones who said, You know, Dr. Ward, we have folks coming to us with issues that are not spiritual  we think it might be mental health issues, but were not trained in mental illness  I dont have the skills to help these folks, can I refer them to you?

There certainly is a need to think about how we can partner and develop a faith-based awareness program where we will target the people in the churches so that they have a better understanding  and when the time comes and theyre needing help, they will be more open to seeking help.

 Interview by Nico Savidge
President  an honorific were choking on presently  Donald Trump sank to another low in decorum Thursday morning when he lashed out in vulgar, angry terms at two television personalities for reasons we cannot accept.

All we can ask is: Who in the White House will stop this world leader from destroying his credibility and embarrassing the nation with his pathetic rants?

The subjects of Trumps attack were Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough of MSNBCs Morning Joe, whom he referred to as low I.Q. Crazy Mika and Psycho Joe. His abuse got worse from there.

This was the most degrading form of schoolyard bullying. Was it beneath the dignity of the highest office in the land? Yes. Beneath the dignity of the office of middle-school student council president? Actually, no kindergarten teacher would allow such name-calling.

What set him off? During Thursdays show, Brzezinski criticized Trumps behavior as president: Lets say someone came into NBC and took over NBC and started tweeting wildly about peoples appearances, bullying people, talking about people in the competition, lying every day, undermining his managers, throwing them under  the person would be thrown out, she said. Its just not normal behavior. In fact, there would be concern that perhaps the person who runs the company is out of his mind.

Here, for the record, are Trumps two tweets:

I heard poorly rated @Morning  Joe speaks badly of me (dont watch anymore). Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came 

to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Years Eve, and insisted on joining me. She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!

When he accuses a major news organization of failing, thats when you know Trump feels wounded. If he bothered to investigate hed see that on the strength of Trump coverage, Morning Joe viewership is at a record level.

The worst of what Trump said was the ugly, sexist remark directed at Brzezinski. The details about the visit to Mar-a-Lago, etc. arent relevant. What matters is the president said something cruel and bizarre about a womans physical appearance.

The reference to bleeding sounded a lot like his nasty insinuation about then-Fox anchor Megyn Kelly during the campaign. Remember? You could see there was blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever.

Trump has a track record of sexist comments, some of which verge on misogyny. He escaped accountability during the campaign for his 2005 video-recorded remarks about using his star power to physically assault women (When youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.  Grab em by the p----.).

So this president will never be a role model. Children should not want to emulate his behavior when they grow up. He has a nasty temperament and low impulse control. Those are terrible, dangerous qualities for a commander in chief. We have no idea if his advisers can keep his impetuousness in check during a crisis, but were certain he should not be left alone with access to Twitter.

Sir, delete your account.
As a candidate for the White House, Donald Trump blasted the Ford Motor Company for planning to shift production of its leading compact car, the Focus, to Mexico. He even went so far as to threaten a huge tariff on any and all U.S. cars formerly produced in this country that might be exported from Mexico back into the United States. After Mr. Trumps election, Ford seemed to cave by announcing it would not be building the cars in Mexico after all.

So what are we to make of the surprising facts that Ford now plans to make the Focus in President Trumps other trade nemesis  China  and that the Trump administrations response is, essentially, whatever? Fords move just shows how flexible multinational companies are in terms of geography, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross observed. You dont say!

Lesson one: Economic reality is stubborn. Gas prices are plunging. Ergo, the American consumer can afford to indulge a preference for larger vehicles, to the detriment of smaller, fuel-efficient models such as the Focus, U.S. sales of which fell 31 percent between 2012 and 2016.

Assembling these slow-selling vehicles in high-wage American factories is not profitable. Even nonunion Japanese and Korean carmakers are de-emphasizing small-car production in the United States, in favor of SUVs and crossovers. Trumps coercion was bound to fail, and while its not ideal to see any production shift overseas, kudos to Ford for calling Trumps dictatorial bluff  especially because the company plans not to lay off workers but to redeploy them producing pickups and SUVs in Michigan.

A second lesson, though, is that government subsidy cant overcome fundamental market dynamics either. Ford was the recipient of a $5.9 billion low-interest loan from the Energy Department, authorized under a bipartisan program signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2007 but funded by the Obama administration in 2009, the purpose of which was to help Ford produce the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles in the United States.

We have an historic opportunity to help ensure that the next generation of fuel-efficient cars and trucks are made in America, President Barack Obama said. A declared purpose of the huge loan was to convert two truck factories to car production.

The loan did, indeed, help Ford raise the fuel efficiency of its best-selling F-150 pickup (which it might have done anyway to meet stricter federal standards). But as Fords recent moves demonstrate, the dream of hot-selling gas sippers, made in the U.S.A., has apparently died, a victim of low gas prices and high U.S. production costs.

Is it too much to hope that the federal government will stop purporting to micromanage specific business-location decisions using either threats or bribes? The right approach is to enhance business conditions generally  especially through corporate tax reform  so that the United States remains competitive with all the other places in the world where capital may freely locate.

Ross seemed to concede this, noting that after Fords move, German and Japanese automakers will be attracted to this country by Trumps reforms. So were wondering: What was the point of all that protectionist fuss?
The last thing the Legislature should do as it wraps up its work on the state budget is slip restrictions on small-business entrepreneurs into the $76 billion state spending plan.

Specifically, a proposal being floated at the state Capitol would require craft brewers, small wineries and artisan distillers to sell their products through distributors, rather than directly to customers. Brewers and wineries fear the restriction would stop on-site sales to the public and potentially put them out of business because of lost sales and high distribution fees.

The Wisconsin chapter of Americans for Prosperity, a free-market advocacy group, uncovered a memo about the proposal recently and urged top lawmakers to reject it.

So do we.

Republicans who run the Legislature should be encouraging small businesses to grow, not burdening them with unjustified regulation.

Craft breweries and wineries have been booming in recent years, adding jobs and economic vitality to urban, suburban and rural communities across the state. The number of craft breweries alone has nearly doubled over five years to 140, according to the Brewers Association.

The Wisconsin Tavern League had nothing to do with the memo, its lobbyist told The Associated Press. Yet the same lobbyist complained that traditional bars cant compete with breweries and wineries that become tourist attractions and destinations for events.

We disagree. Bars can compete by brewing their own beer if they want to get into the production business. Or they can compete on service, atmosphere and location.

The free market largely should determine which strategy works best in local communities  not special favors tucked into a state budget without public hearings or an identified sponsor.

The anonymous legislative proposal targeting craft brewers would create an Office of Alcohol Beverages Enforcement, presumably to police restrictions on sales and distribution.

Strictly separating the production, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages might have made some sense back when Prohibition was lifted. But today such rules seem outdated and unnecessary. Moreover, they shouldnt be foisted on a small yet fast-growing sector of the economy without considerable public input.

Lawmakers should avoid any last-minute attempts to sneak policy items into the state budget where they dont belong. Well be on the lookout for our readers.

That includes new restrictions on small breweries and wineries, which are increasingly popular places to tour and taste samples of products. The Legislature shouldnt stifle this bright spot in Wisconsins economy.
The opening of a new walkway bridge is the turning point to the Bay of Plenty District Councils future plan to connect Waihi Beach to Katikati and Omokoroa.

The walkway bridge, which completes the Waihi Beach Dam Circuit track at the north end of Waihi Beach, is the second construction project to take place after the Trig Lookout trail.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council mayor Garry Webber says the completion of the circuit is an ongoing project, but a fantastic victory for the community.

Building a trail not only provides locals with an amazing recreational space, but also provides an economic benefit by bringing people to the area.

The new bridge and trail upgrade have been constructed at a cost of $60,000 with $55,000 raised by the Waihi Beach Cycle Trails Community Trust.

The District Council invested $170,000 in the project, which includes the Trig Lookout trail. Other organisations that sponsored the construction were the Lion Foundation and Lillian Valda Trust.

We first opened the Dam trails as a sneak peek at the end of last year when the Trig Lookout was opened and the feedback weve had has been great, says Waihi Beach Cycle Trails Community Trust member Andy Kennedy.

Waihi Beach Community Board Chair Allan Sole says the views over the coastline, Kaimai Ranges and across the Tauranga Harbour are the best

Judging by the number of locals and visitors alike using the trail over summer its going to keep growing in popularity.

The walkway bridge opening will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony as well as speeches and a karakia on Friday, June 30, at 8.30am.

Finishing touches such as signage and seating will be completed in the coming months.
Eight successful applicants have been chosen for funding in the first round of the Netsafe Online Safety Partnership Grant. The Grant was funded to provide support and education around harmful digital communications.

The Ministry of Justice have asked Netsafe to administer this grant. In a press release, Netsafe Chief Executive Martin Cocker says We know there is a growing demand for online safety education and support, and these grants support new and emerging work in this area. The grant prioritises funding for projects that are innovative and that promote the positive use of technology.

The Netsafe Online Safety Partnership Grant provides $350,000 worth of match funding annually for projects and initiatives that aim to reduce the harm caused by harmful digital communications in New Zealand. Online safety organisation Netsafe administers the grant in two rounds each year. The Ministry of Justice provides funding for the grant. The government appointed Netsafe the "Approved Agency" under the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015. The Approved Agencys role includes advising on steps people can take to resolve a problem and investigate complaints where harm has been caused, and providing education and advice about online safety and conduct.

The Chief Executive and Secretary for Justice, Andrew Bridgman says, "We are grateful to Netsafe and supportive of the work to reduce harm caused through digital communications and help people to better protect themselves. Thats what these initiatives are designed to deliver." The next round of the Netsafe Online Safety Partnership Grant will open 17 July 2017.

Information on the successful applicant projects can be found at www.netsafe.org.nz/nospg-round-one-2017/
UPDATED: Dead cows remain beside the railway track near Kairua road today, after they were struck by a train last night.

A police spokesperson says police were called at 5.35pm after stock had got out of a paddock and onto a railway track.

The spokesperson confirmed that some of the cows had been killed by the train, and added a number had to be put down.

A SunLive photographer at the scene today says there are the bodies of at least ten animals to be seen along a section of track, with possibly more in the distance. There were also areas strewn with animal parts.

A Police communication spokesperson in Wellington was unable to provide any more information this morning as all the officers involved last night are now off dutry.

EARLIER:

A number of cows are reported to have been killed on a train crossing on Kairua Road, near Welcome Bay.

People have contacted SunLive tonight saying about six police cars were called to the train tracks on Kairua Road.

One person says 40 or more cows have been killed, possibly euthanised, after being hit by a train.

"Train stopped and blocking Kairua Road as investigation and cleanup commences."

People are being asked to avoid the area until the tracks are cleared.
A study carried out by Coca-Cola has revealed that the small village of Juzcar has the most bars per one thousand inhabitants in Malaga province.

Normally known for being the first Smurf village in the world, the village in the mountains of Ronda leads the way in Malaga province with 8.77 bars for every one thousand inhabitants. The report uses data from Spains national statistics institute.

In second place, with 7.24 bars for every thousand people in the village, is Frigiliana. It is recorded as having a total of 22 bars for its 3,039 residents.

Frigiliana has experienced enormous growth in tourism in the last few years and as a result is now full of bars, restaurants and cafeterias. The oldest bar in the town is the Virtudes bar, founded in the 1930s. Dolores Retamero, 70, and her three sons, Antonio, Francisco Javier and Jorge, run this historic bar.

Holding a photograph of her mother, Virtudes Martin, serving wine in the bar during the mid- 1940s, Dolores commented, We are in a good area, right in the centre, between the Barribarto and the new part, it is a place where everyone has to walk past.

Top ten places for bars 1. Juzcar - 8.77 (per 1,000 residents) 2. Frigiliana - 7.24 3. Benarraba - 6.09 4. Nerja - 5.94 5. Torrox - 4.9 6. Parauta - 4.35 7. Gaucin - 4.32 8. Fuengirola - 3.57 9. Manilva - 3.32 10. Cartama - 3.24

Benarraba (near Ronda), Nerja and Torrox make up the top five with 6.09, 5.94 and 4.9 bars per one thousand inhabitants respectively.

Parauta and Gaucin are ranked sixth and seventh in the report, with 4.35 and 4.32 bars per thousand respectively.

To complete the top ten, Fuengirola has a ratio of 3.57 bars, Manilva 3.32 and Cartama 3.24.

Marbella is ranked 11th in this particular study with 3.18 bars, while Ronda, Benalmadena, Torremolinos and Velez-Malaga make up part of the top 16, with around three bars each per thousand residents.

Estepona and Antequera both have below the national average, with 1.22 bars each. They are joined by Mijas and Alhaurin de la Torre, the latter with just 0.98 bars per one thousand inhabitants.
Simon Manley, British Ambassador to Spain, reiterated his governments stance that there was no going back on Brexit at a business forum organised by SUR in Malaga.

The forum, which took place at the AC Malaga Palacio hotel last Friday, was led by SURs director of publications, Pedro Luis Gomez. It aimed to analyse the implications for the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Costa del Sol, as well as for the tens of thousands of Britons living here, in a post-Brexit world.

The ambassador was introduced by Elias Bendodo, president of the provincial government and Turismo Costa del Sol, who explained that from a tourism point of view, Brexit has only had a positive effect, with visitors numbers from Britain increasing.

Bendodo also expressed his desire for a positive outcome from the ongoing negotiations as the British arent foreigners. He says: Theyre Malaguenos. They make up a large part of Malaga provinces population.

Speaking in Spanish to an audience of mixed nationalities, the ambassador stressed the British governments commitment to maintaining strong links with Spain and the rest of the European Union. With Brexit we are leaving the EU but not Europe. We share the same values and we are still close neighbours, he said.

Manley pointed out that while the British people voted to leave the European Union, it is still the UKs wish to continue working with our European neighbours.

He added that despite Brexit, the UK wanted the EU to be a success and a project that was strong, prosperous and secure.

He described Brexit as a political reality but stressed the importance of listen[ing] to both sides in the Brexit negotiations in order to reach agreements that would minimise the damage.

One area which Manley was keen to highlight was a future relationship which was mutually beneficial, especially in terms of the economy: In these Brexit negotiations we want to avoid any barriers especially in terms of the economy. In the 21st century it is key that we have free trade to have a strong economy and attract investment.

Movement of people was also a priority, he said, explaining that the settled status, outlined in a 15-page Home Office document earlier in the week, would give security and the same rights to EU citizens in the UK.

The role of SUR in English for Malaga's British community A day after former SUR in English editor Liz Parry was presented with the British Empire Medal by the ambassador, current editor Rachel Haynes outlined the role of the newspaper for the British community on the Costa in the last three decades. Haynes said that the newspaper had been a benchmark for forging links between two communities, English-speaking foreigners, most of them British, and Malaguenos. I dont know if they knew back in 1984 that they were creating much more than just an English version of SUR, she said, explaining that SUR in English helps to breach the language barrier that can isolate foreign residents from their surroundings.

He went on to praise the contribution of Spanish people to British society, outlining especially the heroism of Ignacio Echeverria during the recent London Bridge attack, while also pledging the UKs unwavering support on security matters: Our values and our resolve, when we work together, are much stronger than those of the terrorists.

Rights for students

A question and answer session took place after his speech, in which Manley was challenged on the rights of foreign students studying in the UK.

He responded: We dont want to close our borders to students. The UK government will continue to support them.

He also outlined his governments aspirations to maintain access to the Erasmus programme, reiterating that any deals struck would have to be reciprocal. We want the UK to continue to attract the most talented people in the world, he added.

Healthcare post Brexit

British residents access to the Spanish health system was another point raised and the ambassador stated that the UK government would be pressing for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to be maintained, or something similar brought in in its place.

A categorical no

Manley, when asked about Gibraltar, categorically declared there would be no joint sovereignty deal.

He did, however, agree that free movement across the frontier was crucial: What impresses me about Gibraltar is its links with the surrounding area. We want to work together with Spain to guarantee the prosperity of Campo de Gibraltar.

The ambassador concluded his intervention, saying: We have few allies with whom we have such a strong relationship as we do with Spain. We should celebrate the cultural, personal and historical links between our two countries and make our relationship even stronger.

The event was also attended by Mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre; Partido Popular MP, Carolina Espana; British Consul for Andalucia, Charmaine Arbouin; and Vice-Consul Rosslyn Crotty; Director General of Prensa Malaguena, Jose Luis Romero; and Deputy Editor of SUR, Javier Recio, among other authorities, officials and members of the international community.
A British woman was rescued by an off duty police officer and lifeguard in Nerja on Monday.

The incident happened at around 3.30pm, when 37-year-old National Police officer, Francisco Javier Martin, and 19-year-old Fuengirola lifeguard, Ivan Merida, heard screams coming from the sea.

Martin, who was in Nerja on holiday with his partner and four-year-old daughter, and Merida, who was on a day trip to Nerja from his home in Malaga, both ran into the sea at El Salon beach to help the woman and alerted a nearby sea-rescue jet-ski. If we hadnt heard her screams and gone into the water, she would have drowned, said the off-duty police officer.

Emergency services had to transport the woman, aged around 50, on a stretcher up the steep steps of El Salon beach, which is near to the Balcon de Europa, to an ambulance which was waiting on nearby Calle Carabeo, where she was given oxygen. The woman was taken to the Hospital Comarcal in Torre del Mar where she was admitted to the intensive care unit.

Sources said that the woman had decided to swim from Calahonda beach, where she had gone with her family, towards Carabeo beach. However, she started to feel ill as she got to the El Salon beach area and was unable to swim to the shore. She was about 150 metres from the waters edge when she took ill, believed to have been caused by high blood-sugar levels.

Francisco Javier Martin tried to visit the lady in hospital before returning to his home in Valencia, but was unable to as she was still in intensive care.

It is the first time in my life that I have had to save someone from drowning, said the officer, who has been working for the National Police force for six years.
Tourism bosses have hailed their Megaexperiencia promotional campaign as a success. It aimed to increase awareness of the full range of things to do on the Costa del Sol beyond sun and sand.

The campaign hoped to increase the amount of tourists to the area in low season and was supported by a competition on leaflets in the arrivals area of Malaga airport.

One lucky British woman and her partner were declared winners last October and spent a week in May on an all-expenses-paid trip back to the Costa to experience all the activities on offer.
National Police have been giving more details of the detention in Finland and extradition to Spain of two men suspected of being part of the group involved in the death of a homeless British man at Malaga airport.

Steven Allford, 51, was found face down tied to a bench outside the terminal near the train station on 21 October last year. Detectives said he appeared to have been subjected to a humiliating ritual and was found with his trousers around his ankles, two pieces of ham on his buttocks and his genitals in a can of tuna. A post mortem concluded he had choked on his own vomit.

A video supposedly showing the incident and a group of men involved briefly appeared on Facebook afterwards and was spotted by Finnish police.

A Finnish man was arrested there and an Irish man, named by Spanish media as James O., also homeless, was found and detained in February this year in Algeciras (Cadiz).

As a result of the video evidence, a further three men were sought by police. Two of these were held in Finland on a European arrest warrant and brought to Malaga a month ago for questioning, police sources said. One was already in jail in Finland in connection with a different offence.

Questioned in Malaga, the two suspects, who were also living rough on the Costa del Sol at the time, said that what had been done to Steven was only a joke.

Both were sent to jail without bail as investigations continue. Prosecutors are asking for prison for the men, saying that, although the victim died after choking on his own vomit, the plastic straps tying him to the bench may have stopped him from saving his own life.

One more man, from Britain, who also appears in the video is still being sought and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
A Swiss couple in their thirties who grew marijuana plants near Alhaurin el Grande were cleared of a drugs related offence by a Malaga court last week.

In a statement, the judge said that there was more than reasonable doubt over what would have happened to the marijuana once it had been grown. The couple had always insisted that the plants were only being grown for personal use, which is legal.

Guardia Civil officers arrested the pair in August 2015 after discovering the plantation on the plot of land they were living on in their mobile home, and reduced the couple to tears when they chopped the plants down.

The man and woman, who wished to remain anonymous, used to spend the summer months travelling through Spain and Morocco in their motor home. However, after falling in love with the landscape in the Barranco Blanco area outside Coin, they parked up the van and began a new life there.

The couple make leather goods and would often go to street markets to sell their products.

With the ideal weather conditions in the area, the pair, who have been taking marijuana for half their lives, decided to plant some seeds of the drug and wait for it grow. They told investigators that the marijuana was only planted for personal consumption and because watching it grow is very beautiful.

The officers, who were passing by the land, intervened when they spotted the plantation by chance, but their actions caused the couple a lot of pain, particularly given the hard work that was involved in looking after the plants.

Although they explained to the Guardia Civil that they never hid the plants, the couple were nevertheless arrested, with officers finding 1.8 kilos of the substance. Prosecutors had been asking for three years in prison and a 3,880-euro fine before they were acquitted.

We were very worried, but always calm because it was clear that the marijuana plants were for personal use only. They were only for us. Now it is time to celebrate our acquittal, the couple stated.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - We asked for your help tracking down the best food truck in Central New York and you answered in kind, submitting nearly 600 nominations.

The six food trucks that received the most nominations have advanced to the final round.

The final poll is open until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12. You can select only one place and can only vote once, so choose wisely.

Our judges will visit the six finalists and taste the best they have to offer. Be sure to follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #BestOfCNY as the judges travel the region. You can also follow the judges' tour on Snapchat with the username: syracusedotcom.

On July 14, once all the food trucks have been tasted, we'll announce two winners--the judges' favorite and readers' choice.

Which truck will have the best luck? Vote in our poll to decide the winner!

Note: Only votes originating from the United States will be counted.
"Joy and pleasure are as real as pain and sorrow and one must learn what they have to teach. . . ." -- Sean Russell, from Gatherer of Clouds"If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right." -- Helyn D. Goldenberg"I love you and I'm not afraid." -- Evanescence, "My Last Breath"If I hear not allowed much oftener, said Sam, Im going to get angry. -- J.R.R. Tolkien, from Lord of the Rings
ALBANY, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Richard Hartunian will step down today as the area's top federal prosecutor, ending 20 years of combating street gangs, terrorists and multi-million-dollar fraudsters.

Hartunian, 56, of Delmar, was among the 46 U.S. attorneys asked to resign in March by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. But unlike most of the others, Hartunian was allowed to stay in the job until today so he could get in 20 years as a federal prosecutor for retirement benefits purposes.

Hartunian plans to enter private practice, but would not say where or with which law firm.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Jaquith will take over as acting U.S. attorney until President Donald Trump appoints a replacement. The Northern District of New York covers 32 counties.

Hartunian appeared in court Thursday as a prosecutor for the last time in an illegal immigration case before U.S. District Judge Glenn Suddaby in Albany.

Hartnunian called his seven years as U.S. attorney "the highest professional privilege of my lifetime." He served for four years on a committee of 16 U.S attorneys who advised the attorney general. He was chairman of the committee last year and this year.

Hartunian "has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the cause of justice," Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said in a news release.

Hartunian's sister, Lynne Hartunian, was one of 39 people with ties to Central New York who died Dec. 21, 1988, when a bomb blew up Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. She was a student at SUNY Oswego.

Hartunian has said Lynne's death partly motivated him to become a prosecutor and combat terrorism.

Jaquith is among at least three lawyers interviewed by a member of Trump's transition team as Hartunian's possible replacement. The others are Assistant U.S. Attorney Ransom Reynolds and Onondaga County Comptroller Robert Antonacci.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - While James Square Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre falls short on quality of care, it is much more profitable than most nursing homes.

The Syracuse nursing home under investigation by the New York Attorney General's Office made a profit of $1.3 million on revenue of $39.5 million in 2015, according to the most recent data available. Most of James Square's revenue came from the government Medicaid and Medicare programs which paid the bill for about 70 percent of its residents.

Its operating margin, a key measure of profitability, was 2.8 percent, more than double the 1.2 percent median operating margin for all U.S. nursing homes in 2015.

A 2.8 percent operating margin means that for every $1 in revenue from patients, James Square made an operating profit of nearly 3 cents. That does not include profits from investments, contributions and other types of income.

The Attorney General's Office raided James Square June 13 and seized records as part of an investigation of patient care problems at the 440-bed facility at 918 James St.

The nursing home gets a one-star rating from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which means its quality is much below average.

Information about James Square's financial performance comes from SNFdata, a firm that collects and publishes financial data nursing homes are required to report to Medicare.

James Square is owned by River Meadows LLC which purchased it in 2015. Judy Kushner, a New Jersey nursing home operator, and Abraham Gutnicki, an Illinois lawyer, are partners in River Meadows and each own 50 percent of James Square. They did not return phone calls from syracuse.com.

Before they bought it, James Square struggled financially for many years.

It went into receivership in 2007 when Edward Leffler, its former owner, died.

A federal agency took over James Square's underfunded pension plan in 2010, after the nursing home told the government it could not pay its debts and stay in business unless the plan was terminated. The nursing home's pension plan had $3.9 million in assets to cover $5.9 million in benefit liabilities.

Mark Squire, James Square's long-time administrator, continued running the nursing home after it went into receivership until he died in 2012.

The nursing home posted losses of $1.05 million in 2012 and $13,583 in 2013. It made a profit of $835,381 in 2014.

Kushner and Gutnicki took over as owners in June of 2015.

In their application to the state seeking approval to buy James Square, Kushner and Gutnicki projected they would save $695,773 by cutting 27 jobs.

They also predicted James Square would turn a profit of more than $2 million in the first year after they took ownership.

Contact James T. Mulder anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-2245
OSWEGO, N.Y. -- For now, a man who strangled his 11-year-old stepsister in Oswego County in 2008 will remain in prison.

The New York state parole board decided not to release Alan Jones from prison after a hearing on Tuesday, said Oswego County District Attorney Gregory Oakes. He will remain behind bars for his stepsister's death for at least 16 months, when he will become eligible for parole.

Jones strangled Erin Maxwell, his stepsister, with a nylon rope in August 2008 inside their Palermo home. At the time, Jones was 27 years old.

Jones was found guilty of second-degree murder in 2009 after a jury determined he acted with depraved indifference to human life when he killed Erin. He was sentenced to serve 25 years to life in prison.

The sentence, however, did not stick.

A state appeals court reversed the murder conviction in 2012, ruling that Jones had not acted with depraved indifference when he killed Erin. His conviction was reduced to second-degree manslaughter, and his sentence was shortened to five to 15 years in prison.

Erin died after her stepbrother tightened a rope around her neck. But because Jones called 911 and gave his stepsister CPR, the appeals court ruled Jones' actions were not depraved.

Earlier this month, Oakes urged the public to send letters urging the parole board to keep Jones in prison. Oakes said he learned Friday morning that Jones had been denied parole.

The DA thanked the public for opposing Jones' release.

"I am relieved that the parole board listened to our voices, and I'm grateful that justice continues to be served," Oakes said.

Jones is in the Wallkill Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison in Orange County. He was previously denied parole in 2013 and 2015.

If he stays out of trouble, he could be released in October 2018, Oakes said.

Before her death, Erin shared her Palermo home with her father, Lindsey Maxwell; her stepmother, Lynn Maxwell; and Jones, her stepbrother. Jones claimed he found his stepsister hanging from a screw in her room on Aug. 29, 2008 when he brought her dinner.

A jury determined Jones strangled his sister.

Erin's father and stepmother were found guilty of endangering the welfare of a child. They were sentenced to serve two years in jail for keeping Erin locked in her room and raising the girl in a home with deplorable living conditions.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - A judge today threw out legal challenges from energy companies and said New York utility regulators can go ahead with their year-old plan to block independent energy marketers from selling electricity and gas to low-income customers.

The state Public Service Commission plans to implement the ban beginning July 26, saying it will prevent poor consumers from paying more than necessary for household energy.

The commission tried to do the same thing a year ago, but has been delayed by legal challenges from energy companies.

State Supreme Court Justice Henry Zwack, of Albany, today dismissed a lawsuit brought by the National Energy Marketers Association and several individual energy companies, including BlueRock Energy, of Syracuse. Zwack also lifted a temporary restraining order that had prevented the new PSC policy from taking effect.

Low-income households represent about 30 percent of all electric and gas customers in New York state, according to the PSC. As of last December, roughly 173,000 low-income residential customers purchased electricity from energy service companies, or ESCOs; and about 108,000 low-income customers purchased gas from ESCOs, the PSC reported.

Regulators say ESCOs often charge more than traditional utilities for energy supply. The commission said data from the 30 months ended June 30, 2016, showed that low-income customers who took service from ESCOs paid almost $96 million more than residential customers who took commodity supply from their utility.

A review of data from the same 30 months for all residential and small commercial customers showed that ESCO customers paid approximately $817 million more than if they had continued to take commodity supply from their local utility, the PSC said.

ESCOs have criticized the cost comparisons as inaccurate, and say they fail to account for added services such as equipment repairs, fixed price contracts, renewable energy or other extras that utilities do not provide. ESCOs also argued that low-income customers should have the same right to shop as any other.

After two decades of encouraging competition in the residential energy supply market, the PSC in 2015 reversed course and began taking steps to curtail ESCO activity in the residential market. The PSC maintains that competition is working well in the commercial and industrial sectors, but that residential customers too often have not benefited from competition.

Some energy companies complain that the continued presence of rate-regulated utilities in the market distorts price comparisons, because utilities can recover any commodity losses in future billings.

Representatives from the National Energy Marketers Association and BlueRock Energy could not immediately be reached for comment.

Contact reporter Tim Knauss anytime | email | Twitter | 315-470-3023

Court Order by Tim Knauss on Scribd
Wetherell.jpg

Alex Wetherell of Middletown, Conn., took the lead on the first day of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open No. 1 held on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse, N.Y., with 18 pounds, 9 ounces..

(Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The weather turned foul on Thursday during the opening round of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open No. 1 on Oneida Lake. The fishing, though, was nothing short of spectacular.



The 396 professionals and co-anglers participating in the tournament hammered Oneida's smallmouth bass on the first day of competition, with 150 of the 198 pros boating a five-bass limit.



Connecticut pro Alex Wetherell led the way with five bass that weighed 18 pounds, 9 ounces. Wetherell had his limit just 90 minutes after launch, and he slowly culled up throughout the day. He estimated he caught 25 to 30 smallmouth to put together a bag that was anchored by a pair of 4 1/2-pounders.



"I think my smallest fish was 3-3," Wetherell said. "Last year, I was going after largemouth, but I gave up on that in practice this year. It looks like it was a good decision."



Ricky Congero of Windermere, Fla., is leading the co-angler field after bringing a three-bass limit weighing 11 pounds, 3 ounces to the scales. See the complete results for Day 1 of the three-day tournament on bassmaster.com.



The winning pro will earn a spot in the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods, provided he fishes all three Northern Opens on tap this year. In addition, the top pro will win a Nitro Z20 bass boat with a Mercury 225 Pro XS engine, and the top co-angler will win a Triton 179 TrX boat and Mercury 115 ELPT 4-stroke outboard.



The anglers are on the lake again today. Weigh-in is scheduled at Oneida Shores Park for 2 p.m.

The field will be trimmed to the Top 12 pros and co-anglers after today's weigh-in, with those two dozen anglers competing for tournament titles on Saturday.

The final weigh-in will begin at 3:15 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot at the Bass Pro Shops at the Fingerlakes Mall in Auburn.

The Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau is hosting the event.
The first tweet contained the typical name-calling fare from President Donald Trump, the kind of attacks that no longer surprise most people - labeling MSNBC's "Morning Joe" as "poorly rated" and calling its hosts "low I.Q. Crazy Mika" and "Psycho Joe."

But the second tweet, landing about six minutes later, caused an immediate and sustained uproar, as it contained a deeply personal and vulgar attack on Mika Brzezinski.

"She was bleeding badly from a face-lift," the president tweeted Thursday morning, claiming that months earlier, Brzezinski and co-host Joe Scarborough tried to spend time with him at his private club in Florida. "I said no!"

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

Those words amounted to perhaps the most caustic insult that Trump has publicly hurled at another American since taking office, going beyond his usual name-calling and flame-throwing. More than three dozen Republicans and Democrats in Congress issued tweets of their own expressing disgust, calling the remark "unpresidential," "vile, sexist and unbecoming of an American leader," "divisive," "unhinged and shameful" and "amazingly graceless." Even some of the president's close allies warned that he needed to act like a president and stop getting into distracting fights.

"It is really not normal that the president of the United States and the commander-in-chief would be tweeting about somebody's face," said Liz Mair, a longtime Republican strategist and critic of the president. "It does not conform with the norms that we expect and we treat as pretty set in stone in this country, but it's also just strange."

Trump's staff quickly came to his defense, saying that Brzezinski and Scarborough have said far worse things about the president and his staff.

"Look, I don't think you can expect someone to be personally attacked day after day, minute by minute, and sit back," Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters at the White House. "Look, the American people elected a fighter. . . They knew what they were getting when they voted for Donald Trump."

Trump once had a chummy relationship with "Morning Joe," regularly calling in for lengthy interviews, referring to Brzezinski and Scarborough as "supporters" and offering to officiate their wedding. But the hosts have become increasingly critical. For months, Brzezinski has raised questions about the president's psychological health, calling him "possibly unfit mentally" and saying that he is "such a narcissist, it's possible that he is mentally ill in a way."

On Thursday morning, Brzezinski said that if someone took over NBC and acted as Trump has - "tweeting wildly about people's appearances, bullying people, talking about people in the competition, lying every day, undermining his managers" -that "there would be concern that perhaps the person who runs the company is out of his mind."

Sanders pointed to such rhetoric in her defense of Trump. "The things that this show has called him - and not just him, but numerous members of his staff, including myself and many others," Sanders said. ". . .It's kind of like we're living in the Twilight Zone. They do this day after day after day, and then the president responds and defends himself, and everybody is appalled and blown away."

Later in the day, Sanders' father, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, said in a Fox News interview that the president "makes my daughter's job very difficult with tweets like that."

Less than half an hour after Trump fired off the tweet, Brzezinski responded by tweeting a photo of a Cheerios cereal box including the caption: "Made for Little Hands." The message seemed to be aimed at mocking the size of the president's hands - a sensitive topic for Trump that has dogged him for decades and even came up during a GOP presidential debate.

Mark Kornblau, the NBCUniversal News Group's senior vice president for communications, tweeted: "Never imagined a day when I would think to myself, 'it is beneath my dignity to respond to the President of the United States.'" The company later released a statement saying: "It's a sad day for America when the president spends his time bullying, lying and spewing petty personal attacks instead of doing his job."

The tweet marked a new low in presidential history, said Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian at Rice University.

"We make a big deal that Harry Truman told off a newspaper critic for writing a bad review of his daughter's music concert," he said. "How G-rated is that compared to what Donald Trump has done?"

Dozens of lawmakers from both parties, activists, political pundits and others rushed to condemn the president's comments. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, tweeted: "This has to stop - we all have a job - 3 branches of gov't and media. We don't have to get along, but we must show respect and civility."

The tweets also came up in press conferences and interviews on Capitol Hill, where most lawmakers would have much rather discussed immigration and health-care legislation.

"Obviously, I don't see that as an appropriate comment," House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said during a news conference. "What we're trying to do around here is improve the civility and tone of the debate, and this obviously does not do that."

Laura Ingraham, the conservative commentator who has considered working in Trump's administration, tweeted: "MESSAGE DISCIPLINE!" She added that the White House should have spent Thursday focused on two immigration-related bills that passed in the House and "not cable TV hosts."

Bill O'Reilly, the former Fox News personality and a longtime friend of Trump, said on Ingraham's radio show that the president is undermining his own message. "It's kind of discouraging for Americans who want important things to get done to be sidetracked by something like this," he said.

The president claimed in his tweets that Brzezinski and Scarborough tried to spend time with him at Mar-a-Lago over three days around New Year's Eve. The two were spotted by journalists at Trump's New Year's Eve party at the private club, and Scarborough said at the time that they were there to set up an interview with the president-elect. A routine-looking photo of Brzezinski from that night circulated on Twitter on Thursday showing her smiling broadly.

The president's tweet was reminiscent of other comments that he made about women on the campaign trail - including his rival, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, whom he accused of not looking presidential and lacking the "stamina" needed for the job. He made fun of GOP rival Carly Fiorina's face; tweeted a side-by-side comparison of his wife and the wife of then-rival Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas; and lashed out at Megyn Kelly of Fox News, saying that she had "blood coming out of her whatever" as she questioned him about comments he had made about women during a debate. Since becoming president, Trump has also continued to call Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., "Pocahontas" in mocking a controversy over her ancestry.

Although Trump has boasted about the level of support he has received from female voters, he is much more popular among men and many of the protests during his presidency have been led by women, including hundreds of thousands who rallied in cities around the world the day after his inauguration for the "Women's March."

For Republicans who opposed Trump during the campaign, the episode has felt like a sickening moment of "I told you so," Mair said.

"Personally, that's a pretty demoralizing feeling," Mair said. "A lot of people hoped that things would be different once he got into the office, but the guy's been on this earth for seven decades. You can't really change his behavior after all that."

As of Thursday evening, Trump's wife and daughters had not publicly reacted.

Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for the first lady, referred reporters to comments that Melania Trump made on the campaign trail about her husband needing to defend himself. At an April 2016 rally in Milwaukee, she said: "When you attack him, he will punch back 10 times harder. No matter who you are, a man or a woman, he treats everyone equal."

Scottie Nell Hughes was among one of the few female defenders to appear on national television in October after The Washington Post unearthed the "Access Hollywood" video, which featured Donald Trump bragging about groping women without their permission. Hughes said on Thursday that it is "definitely a struggle" for his supporters to defend him in such cases.

"I personally would never attack a woman and her looks, and I don't like that at all," said Hughes, who is now the spokeswoman for a pro-Trump political action committee, the Committee to Defend the President. "But America wanted a fighter and that's why we elected him he's fighting back - not exactly how I would choose to do it, but he's defending himself."

Please just stop. This isn't normal and it's beneath the dignity of your office.  Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) June 29, 2017

This has to stop  we all have a job  3 branches of govt and media. We dont have to get along, but we must show respect and civility.  Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) June 29, 2017

On the President's tweets this morning  pic.twitter.com/tJJqsV8KCb  Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) June 29, 2017

Stop it! The Presidential platform should be used for more than bringing people down.  Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) June 29, 2017
ONONDAGA NATION, N.Y. -- Onondaga Nation leaders and community members hosted the Onondaga Nation School graduation Thursday night.

The graduation, which is typically organized by school leaders and held in the school's gymnasium, was moved to the nation's arena amid a debate between the nation and the LaFayette school district.

Onondaga Nation parents removed their children from the nation school on June 21 in protest due to a debate over who will be the school's next principal. Since the walkout, a majority of students have not returned to the school.

Nation members organized the graduation honoring 8th grade students, who will head to LaFayette Junior/Senior High School next year. The program also recognized pre-kindergarten students who are headed into kindergarten next year.

Nine eighth graders graduated from the nation school:

Annie Rossi

Arianna Shenandoah

Asyah Lyons

Carlee Lewis

Rioux Johnson

Kylee Hemlock

Madison Homer

Grace Abrams

Teresa Balaguer
NEW YORK (AP) -- A doctor who used to work at a Bronx hospital returned with a rifle hidden under his white lab coat and opened fire Friday, killing one person and wounding six others before apparently taking his own life, authorities said.

The gunfire broke out at 2:50 p.m. inside the Bronx Lebanon Hospital, drawing police cars and firetrucks to the scene and sending officers onto the roof with their guns drawn as people inside the building were told to hide.

Officers went floor by floor looking for the gunman and reported just before 4 p.m. that the shooter was dead inside the building. A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that the gunman apparently killed himself.

He was identified by law enforcement officials as Dr. Henry Bello, a family medicine physician at the hospital. It was not immediately clear why he was no longer working at the hospital. The officials were not authorized to discuss the still-unfolding investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Emergency crews had been kept from going inside the hospital while the shooter was at large.

The 120-year-old hospital has nearly 1,000 beds and one of the busiest emergency rooms in New York City. It is about a mile and a half north of Yankee Stadium.

In 2011, two people were shot at Bronx Lebanon in what police said was a gang-related attack.
Girl falls from Six Flags ride

In this June 24, 2017, image made from a video provided by Leeann Winchell, a 14-year-old girl falls from an amusement park ride at Six Flags Great Escape Amusement Park in Queensbury, N.Y.

(Leeann Winchell | AP)

QUEENSBURY -- The investigation into how a 14-year-old Delaware girl fell from a ride at Six Flags Great Escape over the weekend is being held up by her family's unwillingness to talk to police -- at least not until their attorney does.

"The family has retained an attorney who advised them not to speak with us until he had a chance to speak with us first," Warren County sheriff's Lt. Steven Stockdale said. "We've been in contact and we're trying to iron out a time to speak with the victim."

Investigators are considering human error as a factor in the incident but have not definitively determined a cause, Stockdale said Monday. They have found, however, that the Sky Ride and its safety bar did not malfunction when the girl fell from the attraction Saturday night.

The girl, who is from Greenwood, Delaware, has not been identified.

Stockdale said he can't close the investigation until he speaks with her or is informed that she won't be talking to him.

"I need one or the other," he said.

The girl fell 25 feet from the slow-moving, gondola-style ride, which was stopped by its operators when they learned she was in danger of falling. She was caught by Matthew Howard Sr., a 47-year-old Schenectady resident, and his daughter, Leann Winchell, 21. The girl did not sustain any serious injuries.

Video captured of the incident went viral, bringing national attention to the father-daughter pair.

On Monday, their rescue efforts were recognized by the Schenectady City Council; on Wednesday, they were honored at the Capitol by state Sen. Jim Tedisco, R-Glenville, along with Loren Lent of Glenville, who captured the video.

The state Department of Labor cleared the ride for operation Sunday morning, but the park kept it closed in order to conduct an internal review.

- Ned Campbell, The Daily Gazette, Schenectady, N.Y.
Calibration gas shipped within 24 hours

Martek Marine is offering what it claims is a fresh approach to calibration gas supply for the maritime industry.

Around 98% of the companys FastCalGas orders are shipped within 24 hours, thanks to a lean order processing, married with an extensive and robust global supply chain. Customers can purchase gas quickly and easily online, anytime, anywhere in world and with all the hazardous cargo paperwork taken care of, there is no complicated exchange of communications. Martek claimed to be the only calibration gas supplier offering this service. A one-stop-shop when it comes to procuring calibration/span and quad gas, FastCalGas is a fully managed service. Martek knows when a customers gas is about to run out and will send out an alert to the customer in good time. This ensures that a vessels calibration gas stocks for portable and fixed gas detectors never run dry. By using the high-quality materials, Martek claims a 27-month shelf life on gases, the highest in the industry. Strategically placed and expanding gas stocks are held globally, in Sheffield in the UK, Rotterdam, Fujairah, Shanghai, Houston & Tampa and in Singapore. Unlike many gas companies, were fully immersed in the marine industry, so we know the challenges related to working on and around ships, said Paul Luen, Martek Group, CEO. Until the FastCalGas service was launched, it was the norm to have to chase quotes, to be charged inflated prices and be faced with an administrative nightmare every time you needed to buy calibration gas. In contrast, our customers can buy gas online and we complete the necessary hazardous cargo paperwork on their behalf. Customers have their gas shipped within 24 hours, safe in the knowledge that thanks to our global gas hubs, they are paying a highly competitive price. This, teamed with unrivalled customer support, means were offering a radically different approach to calibration gas supply, he claimed.




Markets - Owners resisting charterers efforts to lower rates

In general, VLCC activity was relatively slow this week.

Charterers tried to attack the rates, but met fierce resistance and rates almost managed to withstand the pressure. Continued sluggish supply of fresh business may however soften the present rate levels both in the MEG and W Africa, but we see no immediate crash from the current levels, Fearnleys reported. Suezmax rates for vessels trading out of W Africa remained almost unchanged from last week. Although the tonnage list is ample, a rise in activity out of Caribs/US Gulf led to little more resistance in W Africa as well. Shorter voyages, for example from W Africa to Spain, have recently paid a small premium on top of TD20. The lower flat rates on these voyages is proving to be a challenge even for charterers, simply because the daily return it produces when it reaches a certain point makes little sense for owners. Black Sea/Med rates also continued under pressure, due to the slow market, but despite this, we did see a few fixtures concluded for longer voyages going East of Suez. It has been soft across the North Aframax market this week, as a lot of VLCCs and Suezmaxes were fixing out of strategic Aframax ports. These factors contributed to an even softer tone and added continued downward pressure on rates in the North. In the Med and Black Sea, the recovery of Libyan production, now up to 900,000 barrels per day, has not had any positive impact on the rates. Exports out of the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk is at its lowest since February, and we have seen the lowest fixtures concluded this year in the past few days, Fearnleys concluded. In a boost to the clean trades, freight rates in the US Gulf/Caribbean firmed this week, underpinned by several supporting fundamentals, McQuilling Services said in a blog on Tuesday. TC3 was assessed at WS195 earlier this week, a 26% rise from Junes opening, while freight on the US Gulf/Carib route rose by $150,000 over the same period. US Gulf refiners ran at high utilisation with crude intake reaching 17.2 mill barrels per day in the past week, boosting gasoline inventories to 242 mill barrels. Clean cargoes out of the region have been plentiful with total US product exports averaging at 5.1 mill barrels per month, providing support for tanker demand; however, there is some risk for refining margins building due to a 400,000 barrels per day product inventory surplus forecast for the July-September period. Weakness in the Latin American refining sector increased import requirements and pulled much of these volumes south towards the Caribbean, Brazil and Chile, McQuilling said. Refining activity in this region is forecast to increase in the coming months, which may put pressure on imports. However, in the near-term, support could come from the recent shutdown of the 330,000 barrels per day Salina Cruz refinery in Mexico after bad weather caused a fire on 14th June. An increase in gasoline cargoes has already been seen on the US Gulf/EC Mexico route as Pemex scrambles to meet domestic product demand. Ample cargo supply in the US Gulf and strong product demand to the south have supported increased fixing activity and in turn tightened the position list for July dates, which will likely provide further support for freight rates in both US Gulf and Caribbean. Some support could also stem from a rally in European jet fuel regrades, which rose towards $2 per barrel higher year-on-year, indicating a potential opening of arbitrage opportunities for transatlantic flows out of the US Gulf. The US Gulf/Caribbean market is supported by stronger fundamentals in the short-term, which will likely continue the current freight rate momentum, while also considering that inclement weather during the Atlantic hurricane season may provide some temporary upside volatility, McQuilling concluded. Remaining in the charter sector, Concordia Maritime has signed a contract to charter out the P-MAX Stena Paris for one year, with an option for a further year. The charter runs from July, this year. The contractual partner is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies believed to be Total. Stena Paris has been operated by the same customer since 2013 for the transportation of refined petroleum products, mainly in the Asia/Pacific region. Meanwhile, the latest IMOIIMAX tanker, Stena Impeccable was formally named in Rotterdam this week. Stena Impeccable was delivered at the beginning of March this year after which she sailed from China to Australia with a cargo of caustic soda. She then carried vegetable oil from New Guinea via Singapore and the Suez Canal to Rotterdam. After the naming ceremony, the vessel left Rotterdam for Brake in Germany where she will discharge the remainder of her cargo. The vessel is wholly owned by Stena Bulk, operated by Stena Weco and sails in the companys global logistics system, which currently employs around 60 vessels. Six of the 13 IMOIIMAX tankers are wholly owned by Stena Bulk, four together with GAR (Golden Agri Resources), two by Stena Bulks sister company Concordia Maritime and one in a partnership with Weco. Ten tankers have so far been delivered and the remaining three will be delivered by 2018. Brokers reported that the LR2 Amorea was fixed to ST Shipping for 12 months at $14,750 per day, plus a 12 months option. Reports also surfaced of MR newbuildings. For example, Enterprises Shipping & Trading was believed to have contracted four MRs at STX for $32 mill each, while Navig8 was thought to have negotiated four, option four, MRs at New Times possibly as a leasing deal and Sea Pioneer was rumoured to have ordered two at Hyundai Mipo. In the S&P segment, Eurotankers was thought to have purchased the 2005-buit Suezmax Hrvatska for $20 mill, while Bakri Navigation was said to have taken the 2003-built LR2 Silvaplana for $13 mill. The 2002-built MR Jenny was thought sold to Indonesian interests for $9.5 mill, while another Maersk Handy- Maersk Rhode Island - was reported sold to unknown interests for $8.5 mill. Reported leaving the fleet were the 1996-built Panamax Stavroniki said to have been sold to Bangladesh breakers for $375 per ldt and the 1992-built MR Palenque 1 also sold to Bangladesh interests for $350 per ldt. Brokers also reported the sale of the 1988-built 80,000 dwt products tanker Theresa Arctic to unknown recyclers for $350 per ldt. However, the vessel remains aground near Mombasa (see separate story).




SNI - Challenging period for chemical tankers continues

Stolt-Nielsen (SNI) posts its 2Q17 report next Thursday.

In a note, Norne Research said; We see a continuous struggle in chemical tanker rates that are now testing the lowest bounds in the post-crisis period and expect this to be reflected in the results. The mid-reporting season was rather slow with no updated information on the separation of tanker segment, which led to a share price rally instead of the addition of two gas vessels by the end of 2018. Our estimates were lowered somewhat and we reiterate Hold recommendation at a lower TP of NOK130 per share from NOK145 per share, the analyst said. We anticipate seasonally stronger figures quarter on quarter,, plus three new vessels were scheduled to start operations in 2Q17, however, we see the negative effect of rather low rates somewhat offsetting the fleet improvement. Overall, revenues including JVs are expected to slightly overstep the $500 mill bar ($496 mill excluding JVs), while guided general expenses and depreciation lead us to $54 mill EBIT expectations, Norne said. SNI said during the last presentation that 2018 was expected to become the recovery year, while 2017 was seen as the year rates bottomed out together with fleet expansion. Three new vessels have joined the fleet, while there are four more to come in 2017 and one in 1Q18. Furthermore, the company announced a contract with a Chinese yard to build two 7,500 cu m LNGCs with options to purchase an additional three. They are valued at $80 mill with deliveries scheduled in 2Q19 and 3Q19, respectively. The Board has approved the tanker segment split, but there is no rush to proceed with an IPO, especially if SNI fails to find a partner.




The American Club reports solid progress

Despite a challenging business climate, the American Club reported solid progress during 2016.

Members attending the clubs 100th Annual Meeting in New York last week heard that its business was developing positively and that 2017, its centennial year, had started on an upbeat note. Club tonnage grew substantially during 2016  P & I entries by 16% and FD & D business by 19%. This year had also started well with both tonnage and premium growing by 6% over the four months since the February renewal. It was also encouraging that the business renewed by the Club continued to enjoy a favourable risk profile, with a trailing five-year loss ratio of only 51%, the club reported. The results of the financial year to 31st December, 2016 disclosed a small operating loss of just under $2 mill. Total premium was up 17% for the year at $95.3 mill, as were net investment income and net realised investment gains which, at just under $7 mill, were about 13% higher than 2015s $6.2 mill. However, losses and other expenses rose from $83.3 mill to $108.5 mill, mainly due to two claims of unusual severity during the 2016 policy year. This, combined with a small unrealised loss on investments of $2.9 mill, had generated a total members equity at year-end of $51.4 mill, just under $5 mill less than recorded at the end of 2015. Encouragingly, however, the Clubs surpluses rose substantially as of 31st March, 2017, by which time the balance of premium for the 2016 policy year had been fully recognised. The Clubs GAAP surplus had grown over the quarter by 17% to $60 mill, about 9% above that recorded 12 months earlier. Its statutory surplus also rose by nearly 10%, to $72.8 mill. Loss development continued to follow the favourable trends seen in recent years. Claims for 2015 were still at comparatively low levels and had moved the year into a respectable surplus. Attritional exposures for the 2016 policy year were developing at a level largely the same as they had been for 2015 at a similar stage. Claims for the 2017 policy year, albeit at a very early point of development, were following the positive emergence of 2015 in particular. Losses within the International Groups Pool also continued to develop favourably. Investments generated an overall return of some 2.4% during the period against a blended benchmark of 2.2%. This was a substantial improvement on the previous years return of only 28 basis points. This was a creditable result given the market uncertainties which prevailed during most of 2016, the club said. The Clubs Eagle Ocean Marine fixed premium facility performed strongly in 2016 and into the early part of 2017. With an aggregate combined ratio of just over 60%, the facility was making a very healthy contribution to mutual results. Taking all these circumstances into account, the clubs board resolved formally to close the 2014 policy year without call in excess of the original forecast. At the same time, in view of its continuing positive development, it was decided to reduce the release call margin for the 2015 policy year from 15% to 10%. A highlight of 2016 had been the licensing of American Hellenic Hull by the Cypriot authorities. Fully capitalised and compliant under the EUs Solvency II insurance regulations, American Hellenic Hull made excellent progress to date. Some 1,700 vessels are now insured by the new company, which continues to gain market share and promises to make a significant contribution to the clubs business from a variety of perspectives over the years ahead. On the service front, the clubs managers opened an office in Houston, Texas in July, 2016 in order to extend its reach in the US Gulf and beyond. The clubs chairman, Donjon Marines Arnold Witte, said: 2016 was yet another challenging period for the shipping industry and all those who serve its interests. But it was also a year of achievement for the American Club across a wide spectrum of activity. The club remains well placed to exploit opportunities in the future. In this special, centennial year, my fellow directors and I wish to thank the members, and all those who act on their behalf, for their continuing support as we move into our second century of service to the global maritime community. Joe Hughes, Chairman and CEO of the American Clubs Managers, Shipowners Claims Bureau, echoed Wittes remarks: Notwithstanding difficult business conditions, 2016 was a solid year for the American Club. It advanced its business in many areas as the year unfolded. It was particularly encouraging to see a solid increase in tonnage, a trend which has continued into 2017. Claims continue to develop favourably, revenue is growing despite a weak pricing environment, investments are performing well, membership is expanding, free reserves are increasing, and the clubs service capabilities continue to be enlarged, he said.




A data contractor working on behalf of the Republican National Committee earlier this month allowed the personal data of 198 million voters to be exposed online, marking the largest ever leak of voter data in history, according to the cybersecurity firm that discovered the incident.

Deep Root Analytics left 1.1 terabytes of sensitive information  including names, home addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers and voter registration information  on a publicly accessible Amazon Web Server, according to UpGuard.

The data, which was compiled during the 2016 presidential cycle by DRA and two other firms  Target Point Consulting and Data Trust  included modeled ethnicities and religions.

The previous record for a voter data leak was the exposure of 100 million records in Mexico, UpGuard reported.

Deep Root acknowledged that a number of files within its storage system had been accessed but claimed that the exposed database had not been built for any specific client. Rather, it was the firms proprietary analysis meant for television advertising purposes.

The information accessed consisted of voter data that already was publicly available and readily provided by state government offices, Deep Root maintained.

Nevertheless, it took steps to prevent further access and took full responsibility for the breach.

Open Access

Deep Root Analytics uses standard industry protocols and last updated its security settings on June 1, it said. However, access was gained through a change in access settings on that same date.

Although the company does not believe it was hacked, it has hired an outside cybersecurity firm, Stroz Friedberg, to conduct a thorough investigation.

The only person known to have access to the data was Chris Vickery, the Upguard researcher who discovered the problem, said Bill Daddi, a spokesperson for Deep Root.

That being the case, its unclear that the incident can be characterized as a data exposure issue, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Deep Root Analytics was founded in 2013 by Alex Lundry, a data researcher who worked on Mitt Romneys 2012 presidential campaign, according to Upguard.

The firm uses proprietary big data analytics technology to target campaigns toward specific voters. It has provided services for numerous major political campaigns, including Chris Christies 2013 re-election campaign for New Jersey governor, the Greg Abbotts 2014 campaign for Texas governor, and Donald Trumps 2016 campaign for U.S. president.

Deep Root informs local ad buys, but it does not engage in digital marketing or targeted outreach, according to Daddi.

Amazon Cleared

Based on information made available about the leak, it appears that Amazon Web Services is not responsible for the incident, said Mark Nunnikhoven, vice president for cloud research at Trend Micro.

From the little technical detail that is available, it appears as if the company managing the data left it exposed to the public, he told the E-Commerce Times. This is not the default setting for the service they used. Making data publicly available is a feature of this service, but one that requires explicit configuration.

Vickery, a cyber risk analyst at Upguard, regularly searches for misconfigured, publicly exposed databases as part of his job, said Kelly Rethmeyer, a spokesperson for the company.

Unfortunately, the specter of misconfigured cloud-based storage servers spilling data into the open Internet continues to be an all too-common phenomenon, as evidenced by Chris discovery of an RNC data firms publicly accessible database exposing the details of 198 million potential voters, she told the E-Commerce Times.

While the scale may be unprecedented, the core issues driving the exposure are pervasive around the Internet, noted Sam Elliott, director of security product management at Bomgar.

This significantly increases the risk of that information being leaked, he told the E-Commerce Times, or a breach occurring due to a contractor being compromised, as was the case in the infamous OPM breach.

Organizations falsely assume that outside contractors operate under the same security standards as the hiring entity, Elliott told the E-Commerce Times.

They should set policies in advance, with the backup of full enforcement, he recommended, because organizations in the public and private sectors alike are increasingly working with external vendors who either have access to or store sensitive data.
New voices for Siri and peer-to-peer payments are among the new features in the next version of Apples mobile device operating system iOS 11, previewed at the companys annual Worldwide Development Conference on Monday.

With the new operating system, Apple has doubled down on many of the applications it has developed for iOS, said Ross Rubin, the principal analyst at Reticle Research.

Much of the enhancement of the OS has come via those core applications versus general new functionality, he told TechNewsWorld.

How Apple has improved Siri for the upcoming OS is an example of that.

New Voice, New Sex

With iOS 11, Apple has given Siri a voice thats more natural and expressive. Whats more, a male voice has been added.

I like how Apple is underscoring the idea of more natural,' said Tuong Nguyen, an analyst with Gartner.

Conversational interfaces are arguably the most intuitive way to interact with machines, he told TechNewsWorld. Apples competitors certainly agree, given the efforts and emphasis theyve put on it.

Parlez Vous Francais

In addition, theres a translation function. You can tell Siri to ask, What are the most popular dishes in your restaurant? in Chinese, and it will ask the question in that language. Languages initially supported by Siri translate are English, Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Siris IQ also got a boost.

Siri not only understands your voice, it understands the context, Apple Senior Vice President for Software Engineering Craig Federighi said at WWDC. It understands your interests. It understands how you use your device, and this allows it to ultimately understand what you want next.

In iOS 11, Siri uses on-device learning to understand topics of interest to you so it can flag news items that might interest you, or make a calendar appointment based on reservation made on the Web.

Paying Your Peers

The Apple Pay mobile payment system gets an expansion in iOS 11. It will be able to make person-to-person payments through the iMessage app.

Apple Pay is the No. 1 contactless payment service on mobile devices, and by the end of the year, itll be available in more than 50 percent of retailers in the U.S., said Federighi.

The new iOS expands its use of NFC technology. Up to now, NFC use has been limited to Apple Pay. With iOS 11, it also will read tags, which can convey information about a product to a device, or provide authentication.

Adding that function helps the NFC market in a number of ways. For example, companies and developers working with tags no longer have to cobble together workarounds to accommodate iOS devices.

There are a lot of examples of applications that have been successful in Europe and Asia. where the Android market share is much higher, explained Paula Hunter, executive director of the NFC Forum.

Here in the U.S., weve had a lot of application providers hesitant to go full throttle with NFC, because a significant portion of the market is served by Apple, she told TechNewsWorld.

Messages in the Cloud

Apples new OS will make it easier for developers to forge applications that tap into the camera and motion sensors in iOS devices to create augmented reality programs through ARKit.

Tim Cook excited the market a number of times last year by speaking about AR, Gartners Nguyen said. This announcements feels like more of an official endorsement-acknowledgement of AR as a tech everyone should be paying attention to.

With iOS 11, Apples Messages app will be integrated with iCloud. That enables all conversations to be synchronized automatically across a users devices. In addition to be being convenient, the feature saves space on a device, because most messages will be stored in the cloud.

iPad Gets Productive

With the next version of iOS, Apple will add some desired productivity features to the iPad. For example, it has a new customizable dock that can be pulled up at the bottom of the screen with a finger flick to give you quick access to your favorite apps.

To someone trying to get real work done, I think some of the improvements to iPad iOS will be welcomed  in particular, the new dock, said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy.

The new dock puts a new spin on multitasking, moving iOS closer to macOS, he told TechNewsWorld.

On the other hand, for consumers who use their iPad Pros primarily for content consumption, the new features could make the devices seem a bit more complex than theyre used to, Moorhead pointed out.

Other productivity enhancements include an improved app switcher for moving between active apps, and a new feature for managing files  not only locally and in iCloud, but on services like Box, Dropbox and OneDrive. Moving files, text and photos is easier, too, with a new drag-and-drop feature.

Apple Pencil is more deeply integrated into the iPad with iOS 11. Inline drawing is supported, and the Notes app can be accessed from the lock screen with a tap of the pencil.

Never Wanting Customers

Apple supports two new media formats in the new iOS: HEVC for video and HEIF for photos. Both formats offer good quality and smaller file sizes.

The company also improved its Memories app to identify photos in more ways  by anniversaries, for example, or sporting events or birthdays.

When the new iOS arrives next fall, developers need not worry about finding customers for their wares, Apple CEO Tim Cook told the audience at the WWDC keynote presentation on Monday.

Eighty-six percent of our customers are running iOS 10 and taking advantage of its capabilities. This blows away other platforms that suffer from horrible fragmentation, he said.

With iOS, developers can always target the latest capabilities and features of our latest operating system, added Cook, and be confident that theres customers there for them.
Google recently announced the end of its policy of scanning user emails for targeted advertising purposes  a controversial practice that riled privacy advocates and spurred legal challenges.

Gmail is the worlds most widely used email provider, with more than 1.2 billion users.

Google attributed its decision to gains it has made in the enterprise. Its G Suite business over the past year has more than doubled in size to 3 million paying corporate customers, who are not subject to the scanning process.

G Suites Gmail is already not used as input for ads personalization, and Google has decided to follow suit later this year in our free consumer email service, said Diane Greene, senior vice president at Google Cloud. This decision brings Gmail ads in line with how we personalize ads for other Google products.

Ads are based on user settings, and users can disable personalization, Greene noted.

G Suite will continue to be ad-free, she said.

Legal Fight

The policy change represents a major step forward for online privacy, said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, which has challenged the Google practice in court.

EPIC opposed Google scanning email from the start and won several significant battles, including the 2014 decision to end scanning of student emails, he told TechNewsWorld. Keep in mind also that Google was scanning the email of non-Gmail users, which raised problems under federal wiretap law and was the frequent target of lawsuits.

Rotenberg cited a specific case One case that is pending appeal before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Marquis v. Google, is a class action, Rotenberg noted. It was launched by a resident who alleged his AOL account had been scanned for advertising purposes.

The suit argues that the practice amounts to wiretapping, because Massachusetts is a two-party state that requires both parties consent prior to recording any information.

A settlement was reached late last year in a California class action brought by Daniel Matera and Susan Rashkis, who accused Google of violating federal wiretapping and state privacy laws by scanning non-Gmail accounts for advertising purposes.

As part of that settlement, Google agreed to pay US$2.2 million in legal fees, but a federal judge earlier this year rejected the agreement.

Enterprise Concerns

As Google makes further inroads into the cloud business, it recognizes that customers are going to be very wary of anything that threatens their privacy and security when compared against incumbent cloud services providers, noted Jeff Kaplan, managing director of ThinkStrategies.

Google has always assumed that its users accept the implicit cost of using its free app, he told TechNewsWorld, which is that they will be targets of its ads and other search engine marketing mechanisms.

However, as it tries to build its enterprise business, Google has recognized it must abandon this tactic to remain competitive with other enterprise and collaboration alternatives, such as Microsoft Office 365, Kaplan said.

Its not likely that the new privacy objective will harming Googles ability to generate revenue, said Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Google gathers tons of information from other sources, he told TechNewsWorld, and already has massive amounts of data on just about everything, including individuals.
Georgia-Pacific has announced that its Palatka, Florida, mill has been selected as the location for the company's investment of more than $400 million in its GP Consumer (retail) tissue and towel business. Investments include building a new paper machine using through-air-dried technology, and adding associated converting equipment and infrastructure.Engineering and related work is beginning immediately, and startup of the upgraded operation is scheduled for 2019. The investment supports continued growth for key customers' premium private label towel products.

Georgia-Pacific has announced that its Palatka, Florida, mill has been selected as the location for the company's investment of more than $400 million in its GP Consumer (retail) tissue and towel business. Investments include building a new paper machine using through-air-dried technology, and adding associated converting equipment and infrastructure.#

Approximately 80 jobs will be created to operate the new papermaking complex, in addition to the mill's 850 current employees. An average of 160 construction and contract-related workers are expected to be onsite at the mill every day during the project, with a potential peak of 700 contract workers per day at the height of construction."This upgrade to our operations in Florida underscores our long history of investment in the state by Georgia-Pacific and Koch companies. We appreciate the ongoing support of the local community, Putnam County and state officials in our efforts to continue making our Palatka mill more competitive for the long-term," said Christian Fischer, Georgia-Pacific president and chief executive officer.In the last 10 years, capital investment and acquisitions in the Palatka mill have totaled $306 million and statewide investments have totaled $1.5 billion."The Palatka mill has been a major economic contributor in Putnam County for 70 years. It is gratifying that Georgia-Pacific continues to see our community as a solid location for significant investment. With this new manufacturing technology coming to the Palatka mill, we look forward to many more decades of opportunity together," said Larry Harvey, chairman, Putnam County Board of County Commissioners.The Palatka mill currently operates two kraft paper machines, three paper machines manufacturing paper for bath tissue and paper towels, and a number of converting operations producing finished paper products.The improvements will allow Georgia-Pacific's current and potential customers to grow their premium private label towel brands, as well as expand the company's Brawny premium paper towel brand."This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to GP's consumer business, our hard-working teams and our current and potential customers. It also allows us to further leverage the many advantages we have, including our breadth of offerings, excellence in manufacturing operations and research and development to create products that consumers value," said Kathy Walters, group president - Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Group.In Florida, Georgia-Pacific operates three facilities and employs nearly 1,600 people with total annual compensation and benefits of more than $143 million. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Millions of glowing sea creatures known as pyrosomes have begun to bloom off the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada, causing problems in the area as the strange-looking organisms fill up fishing nets and clog hooks.

Invasion Of The Strange-Looking Pyrosomes

Pyrosomes, also known as "sea pickles" and "fire bodies," are composed of multicellular creatures known as zooids. They can be recognized by their cucumber shape and transparent jelly-like exterior.

The creatures are often found in tropical waters, but they started to show up in spring. Over the past month or two, swarms of them have been seen. Some of them have even been spotted in Alaska.

Scientists, who have described the phenomenon as "the invasion of the pyrosomes," are baffled as to why populations of the tube-like creatures explode and overwhelm the water column.

The organisms may look harmless, but some fear their overwhelming presence could be a sign of more ominous issues. Their growing population is also feared to have unwanted consequences.

Fishermen worry that presence of these creatures may negatively impact a fragile food network. Salmon and halibut fishermen, for instance, have started to feel the effect of the growing population of pyrosomes. Some of them have not been able to access their normal catch. What they get instead of fish are pyrosomes on their hooks.

"When fishermen were trolling for chinook in midwater, they were dragging these lines with 50 hooks and they were coming up with these things on basically every hook," said Leon Shaul, from Alaska Department of Fish and Game. "It got to the point where they couldn't effectively fish."

Climate Change And Influx Of Pyrosomes

What's causing the influx of the pyrosomes? While the answer to this remains unclear, researchers have theories. NOAA research biologist Rick Brodeur and marine biologist Lisa-ann Gershwin suspect the phenomenon may be related to increasing water temperatures.

The population of the strange creatures may have something to do with a warm water blob that temporarily transformed the eastern Pacific in 2014 and 2015. When this happened, animals appeared in places where they did not belong. Warm-water sharks and tunas, for instance, were caught in the cold waters of Alaska. Tropical sea snakes also emerged in California.

A handful of pyrosomes washed ashore, but for some reasons, even after the temperatures started to cool and the rest of the sea appear to have reverted to normal, the creatures started to multiply and dominated relatively large portions of the sea by early spring.

Further studies are needed to know if there is a definite connection between the appearance of pyrosomes and climate change.

"We have a lot of questions and not many answers," said Brodeur. "We're trying to collect as much information as we can to try to understand what is happening, and why."

Researchers also said that it may be too soon to say if the creatures will become permanent residents of the Pacific Northwest.

"We'll have to wait to see how it goes, but certainly, it's not a good sign for the ecosystem to have these critters out there instead of the normal fish and crustacean prey most fish, birds and mammals off our coast are accustomed to," Brodeur said.

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During the Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2017, Vivo demonstrated one piece of mobile technology that other smartphone makers (read: Samsung) have been having trouble with getting right: an under-display fingerprint scanner.

Sound familiar? That's because it is. Apple has long been known to be working on the feature for the upcoming iPhone 8. From the look of things, the Chinese company is out to steal the thunder of the Cupertino brand, touting the biometric thingamajig as if it thought up the idea first.

Vivo Demos Qualcomm's Fingerprint Sensors

At the event, Qualcomm unveiled its next-generation ultrasonic fingerprint-reading solution called Fingerprint Sensors.

The technology is capable of working through displays of up to 1.2mm thick, glass of up to 0.8mm, or aluminum of up to 0.65mm. The kicker is it'll function even if it's submerged underwater.

"We are excited to announce Qualcomm Fingerprint Sensors because they can be designed to support sleeker, cutting-edge form factors, unique mobile authentication experiences, and enhanced security authentication. This provides OEMs and operators with the ability to offer truly distinct, differentiated devices with added value on truly groundbreaking new devices," Seshu Madhavapeddy, Qualcomm's vice president of product management, said.

One of the first smartphones to take advantage of Fingerprint Sensors comes from  yup, you guessed it  Vivo. The device in question appears to be the Vivo Xplay6, but it's only a prototype meant to showcase the biometric technology.

In other words, it won't be landing on store shelves anytime soon.

At any rate, here's what Vivo wants to bring to the table:

Vivo 'Overtakes' Apple With A Slow Under-Display Fingerprint Scanner

Richard Lai of Engadget got to take the Vivo Xplay6 prototype equipped with the Fingerprint Sensors out for a spin. The gist of it is that while it's doing the job it's set out to do well, it's lagging behind in terms of speed.

"I found the fingerprint recognition speed to be noticeably slower  about one second between first touch and entering home screen  than the near-instantaneous unlock that I'm used to on most recent smartphones," he says, noting that he was also disappointed by the small recognition area.

Vivo Not Exactly Getting Ahead

Sure, Vivo got a working device with an under-display fingerprint scanner out and even let attendees of MWC Shanghai test it out to boot, but it's not gaining miles over Apple in this race.

Basically, what the Chinese smartphone maker and Qualcomm did here is beat Apple to the punch of officially announcing the technology, and that's because the iPhone manufacturer doesn't announce new features and the like for its products until its devices are near ready to roll out.

Before wrapping things up, it's worth mentioning that the iPhone 8 is said to launch sometime in September, and leaks have been pointing to an under-display fingerprint scanner, particularly the front and back panels that got out ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, devices with Fingerprint Sensors are expected to go official during the first half of 2018, and by that time, the iPhone 8 could already be widely available with the technology in question.

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A version of the Petya ransomware made ravages worldwide, but the hackers didn't really take any hefty profits from this whole affair.

The cyberattack hit Ukraine the hardest, but it also spread on a global scale, infecting computers in at least 64 countries including the UK, the United States, Australia, Russia, and more.

The supposed ransomware seized computer systems and required a ransom of $300 in Bitcoin. Since it's not really a hefty amount, it rose suspicions that the whole attack might have an ulterior motive disguised as ransomware.

Petya Malware: Ransomware Or Something Else?

The attackers earned less than $10,000 in ransom from users trying to regain access to their files following the attack, so the whole thing seems suspicious. Since the affair doesn't seem to be that profitable, it appears that money was not the main objective here.

The attack could well be a political statement or have some other purpose disguised as ransomware, looking to cause disruption. The cyberattack seems to have started in Ukraine as a more sophisticated version of Petya, and Microsoft found evidence that it originated from a Ukrainian tax account software called MEDoc.

The attackers have set up a payment system for the Bitcoin ransom, but it's basically useless since they left behind an email address, and the email provider has already shut it down. This further bolsters the theory that the whole attack had a different goal and likely aimed to cause massive disruption, particularly in Ukraine, and the hackers disguised it as ransomware to make it seem otherwise. In addition to seizing a computer and its data, this Petya version also contains a Trojan that steals the usernames and passwords of those affected.

The attack is similar to the WannaCry ransomware that hit more than 230,000 systems in more than 150 countries last month, using the same Eternal Blue exploit, but the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) says that this version of Petya is more sophisticated and it rendered entire systems useless by encrypting their hard drives, as opposed to locking just individual files as in previous attacks.

Political Agenda Driving Petya Attack?

Although the attack seems to be more sophisticated than WannaCry, the Bitcoin address the hackers left behind recorded only 45 transactions of 3.9 Bitcoin in total, which translates to less than $10,000. This further fuels speculation that the attack may not be about money at all, but instead it may have some other goal and it just made it seem that it was financially motivated.

Ukraine has been experiencing a number of cyberattacks in recent times, since things with Russia got hostile three years ago when Russia took hold of the Crimean peninsula. Ukraine has repeatedly accused Kremlin of orchestrating cyberattacks in a "hybrid war" and there is speculation that this latest attack may be part of the same scheme. In this case, the other countries affected aside from Ukraine would be just collateral victims to cover up the real purpose of the attack and disguise it as just another ransomware attack.

Nothing is for certain at this point, however, so take all speculation with a grain of salt.

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Many studies have already identified the dangers posed by air pollution. One research, for instance, found that people who live in areas that are near high-traffic roads with high levels of air pollution have 12 percent higher risk for dementia. Researchers also found that air pollution may elevate mental illness risk in children.

Most of these studies though focus on high levels of air pollution but it appears that pollution levels that federal authorities deem safe still pose deadly risks.

Impact Of Low Levels Of Air Pollution On Mortality

Findings of a new study have revealed that air pollution levels considered safe and are allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency can cause premature death.

To assess the toll that air pollution takes on the lives of people in the United States, study researcher Francesca Dominici, from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and colleagues looked at the data from federal air monitoring stations and satellites as well as those from 60 million Medicare patients that were collected between the years 2000 and 2012, and analyzed the effect of low levels of air pollution on mortality.

The researchers found that about 12,000 lives could be saved annually if the level of fine particulate particulate matter across the country is reduced by just 1 microgram per cubic meter of air below the acceptable standards.

Fine particulate matter is made up of tiny specks of pollution that can lodge deep in the lungs and are associated with cardiovascular diseases.

The legal limit for fine particulate matter is 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air, but the researchers discovered unwanted health impacts of air pollution at levels that are far below the federal limit.

Researchers, for instance, found that seniors face a higher risk for premature death when they are exposed to as little as 5 micrograms per cubic meter, which is the lowest amount they measured in the study.

The researchers also found that when the concentration of particulate matter increased by 10 micrograms per cubic meter, the odds that a senior citizen would die during the course of the study period rose by 7.3 percent. The association is independent of other factors known to affect the risk of premature death in seniors such as smoking behavior, weight and income.

Dominici said that the findings provide compelling evidence that current safety standards are not safe enough.

Cleaner Air Can Save Lives

In an editorial that accompanied the study, New England Journal of Medicine editor-in-chief Jeffrey Drazen and colleagues cited the importance of aiming for cleaner air.

"Even with our current standards, if we cleaned up the air more, we could save lives," Drazen said. "Anything that we did that pushed things in the opposite direction  that gave us dirtier air  not only would be unpleasant, it's going to kill a lot of people."

Air pollution is the 13th highest risk factor for premature death in the United States. It is attributed for the death of 80,000 people in 2013. Worldwide, air pollution is the fourth leading cause of death.

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A study published by researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in October 2016 suggested that for most people, the natural limit for life span is about 115 years.

Maximum And Average Life Spans

Researchers, however, now argue in a new study published in the journal Nature that there is no evidence that the maximum life span of humans has stopped increasing.

Bryan Hughes and Siegfried Hekimi, from McGill University in Montreal, analyzed the life span of the longest-living people from the UK, the United States, France, and Japan for each year since 1968 and found no evidence that support the idea for a longevity limit. The researchers said that if a maximum life span does exist, it still has to be reached or identified.

"We just don't know what the age limit might be. In fact, by extending trend lines, we can show that maximum and average life spans, could continue to increase far into the foreseeable future," Hekimi said.

Average life spans change, but the overall trend is that longevity is going up. In 1920, newborns in Canada could live up to 60 years. Life expectancy, however, increased for those born in the 1980, who could expect to live to 76 years of age. Today, a newborn Canadian could live up to 82 years. In the United States, life expectancy in the 1990s was just around 50 years, but babies born in the country today could expect to live to about 79 years.

As for the maximum life span, the researchers said that there are variations. There are years in which the maximum life span drops a little, and there are other years when it jumps.

Human Life Span Not Limitless

The researchers do not argue that the human life span is limitless. What they contend is that it is premature to accept that there exists a maximum life span for humans.

They also said that it is impossible to give a prediction on how future life spans in humans may look like. Hekimi said that three centuries ago, many people had short lives, and they would not have believed if they were told that one day most people may live up to 100 years old.

The researchers said that it is possible that humans will continue to live longer and thus may survive beyond the 115 years average life span cap that was put forward by the October 2016 study. Researchers of the earlier study, which was published in the journal Nature, said that in any given year, the likelihood that at least one individual in the world will live beyond 125 years are less than 1 in 10,000.

The fountain of youth may be elusive, but medical intervention, technology, and improvement in living condition may get people to live longer.

"It was reasonable that when everybody lived to 50 that the very long lived, for whatever reason  genetics or luck  would make it to 80," Hekimi said. "If people live on average to 80 or 90, like they do now, then the very long lived make it to 110 or 120. So if the average life span keeps expanding, that would mean the long-lived would live even longer, beyond 115 years."

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"Disembarking almost three weeks after their rescue... is the result of a dramatic failure from all the European states, which have violated maritime law, SOS Mediterranee... | Read More
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I have great respect for the medical profession, not so much for sloppy thinking. And I have always admired the former senator from New York, 
As the condition of a tourist seriously injured in a French Quarter robbery last weekend continued to improve, a judge set bail Friday for the four young men accused of participating in the sudden ambush.

Police allege the youths attacked two men in town from Boston for a religious conference and stripped them of their valuables about 9 p.m. June 24 in the 200 block of Bienville Street.

The shocking, videotaped beating again raised safety concerns about the French Quarter, the city's No. 1 tourism attraction, although crime there remains low compared with some other neighborhoods of New Orleans.

Criminal District Court Magistrate Judge Harry Cantrell set high bail amounts for all four men accused of participation in the attack, including the so-called main attacker, Dejuan Paul. The homeless 21-year-old is now being held on a total bail of $255,000.

Meanwhile, members of the liberal religious organization for which both victims worked appeared in court during the bail hearing to spread a message of mercy.

As the case progresses, their stance could come into conflict with that of District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, who advocates long prison sentences for violent crimes.

Tim Byrne and James Curran, computer systems specialists for the Unitarian Universalist Association, were both hospitalized after the attack. Curran was soon released, but Byrnes condition looked dire at first.

Assistant District Attorney Edward McAuliffe said Byrne is now out of the intensive care unit. Doctors appear to have staunched bleeding in his brain, McAuliffe said Friday.

Hopefully, he is on the mend, McAuliffe said.

The Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, the president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, echoed the good news in a message she sent out Thursday.

Byrne is making steady progress each day and his doctors are cautiously optimistic, Frederick-Gray said.

Unitarian Universalists packed a row in Magistrate Court as the four men accused of taking part in the attack appeared in court. Several of the observers wore Black Lives Matter T-shirts.

After the hearing, one of the Unitarians said they had hoped the young men would receive lower bails.

We wanted to show up for restorative justice. We wanted to advocate for a reasonable bond for all four, said Jolanda Walter, 43, of New Orleans. We dont want these young men thrown away.

Walter and several other Unitarians present said the church had been in touch with the victims families before attending the hearing.

Despite the opinions of the Unitarians, prosecutors sought a high bail for all four of the defendants. McAuliffe told the judge that the video demonstrates the violent nature of these defendants, including Mr. Paul.

Before Cantrell set bail for Paul, his attorney, Christian Bonin, objected to the introduction of the videotape of the robbery into the court record.

Bonin also noted that his client is young and has no prior criminal convictions.

Pauls bail includes $150,000 for a second-degree robbery count in connection with the attack, $100,000 for an out-of-state warrant from Texas and $5,000 for a count of possession with intent to distribute false drugs.

The judge set bail for Rashaad Piper, 20, and Nicholas Pogozelski, 18, at $150,000 each on counts of second-degree robbery. Piper is accused of putting Curran, the tourist who suffered less severe injuries, in a chokehold, and Pogozelski is accused of rifling through his pockets.

Michael Kennedy, an attorney for Piper, said many elements of the police investigation are still unclear.

There are no clear frames on the video showing the attackers' faces, Kennedy said. "We heard no testimony that (Piper) was identified by either of the victims.

Bail for Joshua Simmons was set at $75,000 on a count of second-degree robbery. The 18-year-old is accused of taking part in the attack but not of hitting either of the victims.

Simmons attorney argued that despite the videotape, police have not demonstrated whether the attack was premeditated.

I dont think it is at all clear from the video that Mr. Simmons had any idea what was going to happen until it happened. And he doesnt hit anyone, said James Brockway, a staff attorney with Orleans Public Defenders.
Archbishop Prowse wrote to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry and Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay to call for the gap to swiftly be patched.

However church organisations, scout groups, sporting clubs or dance schools are not covered by the legislation.

Under the laws coming into effect on Saturday, schools, childcare centres and health providers will be forced to report all child abuse allegations to the ACT Ombudsman.

Canberra Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse has again urged the ACT government to include the church in organisations covered by its incoming reportable scheme, calling its omission an "anomaly".

"As per the statement I made to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, my office has actively lobbied for the introduction of this scheme and congratulates the ACT government on the work they have done in this regard," the archbishop wrote.

"However while our schools, education and care service providers are covered under this scheme it is still an anomaly and a source of disappointment to me that the core of our churches, our parishes and carious communities of faith has been largely excluded form the scrutiny and support of the Ombudsman's office.

"I respectfully request that the reportable conduct and information sharing legislation amendment act 2016 be amended to include all religious organisations, ensuring that children of our parishes enjoy the same protections as those receiving education and welfare services."

Ms Berry said on Wednesday the most important aspect of the scheme was its consistency with NSW, which also has flaws within its scheme.

She said the scheme as it stands was a "start" and its implementation would be "carefully" monitored.
Dr Lucy found the risk assessments that were carried out were deficient and did not address the legal or reputational risk placing the priest next to the school could have. She said the archdiocese made factual errors in its initial media response which was "counterproductive" to the handling of the story and "caused damage" to stakeholders in the church. In a statement, Archbishop Prowse said he was "grateful" for Dr Lucy's thorough review and again apologised for the "hurt, stress and confusion" the scandal had caused. "We accept all findings and recommendations of the independent review and are eager to fully implement them," Archbishop Prowse said. No one has resigned over the saga but the head of the Institute for Professional Standards and Safeguarding Matt Casey will finish up on Friday.

However church officials and Mr Casey said this was a long-planned retirement with transition plans in place since last November. Maria Hicks will replace Mr Casey. Behaviour 'unwarranted, inappropriate and overtly sexual' In her review, Lucy identified two historical allegations against the priest from his time in Tumut. One allegation said he had "engaged in a pattern of behaviour" towards a 16-year-old girl that "crossed professional boundaries in that it was overly personal and intimate". The alleged behaviour included embracing the girl in public and kissing her on the cheek or on the back of the head in church.

The second, more serious of the allegations was that he had touched an 11-12 year old girl in a manner that was "unwarranted, inappropriate and overtly sexual". This alleged behaviour included putting his arms around the girl from behind and "nibbling her ear" when alone with her in church. Neither of the victims wanted to press charges but on March 22, 2013, the archdiocese's professional standards officer recommended a review be undertaken to see if the priest posed a risk to children in his current role. On April 9, 2013, a professional standards officer from the archdiocese spoke to the principal of the Tumut school who appeared to be aware of the allegations. Christopher Prowse was appointed as Archbishop in September of that year. In December, the archbishop told the priest an investigation into the historical complaints against him was under way.

In March 2014, the investigation found the allegations were sustained and the priest was stood aside, pending an assessment about his risk to children. That risk assessment was never completed. On April 1 2014, the archbishop told the priest he had to move out of the Tumut parish and take leave while an investigation took place. The archbishop handed the priest a decree to formally initiate the canonical process for removing a parish priest. The priest denied through his lawyers any misconduct towards the alleged victims and said he had not been given procedural fairness. During that meeting, it was proposed the priest move to Lanigan House while the investigation took place. At the time of the meeting he was 77 years old and had some health problems.

The Clergy Retirement Foundation helped to move the priest to Lanigan House on April 10, 2014 but were not told why he was being moved there. On August 4 2015, the priest resigned as parish priest. A letter to Tumut parishioners published by the archbishop cited age, health and changed circumstances as reasons for his resignation. It also said he would continue to live at Lanigan House in his retirement. In April 2016, the priest suffered a fall and was taken to hospital. In June he had been moved to a rehabilitation facility but had been discharged by August. While the priest was in hospital, the Institute for Professional Standards and Safeguarding (IPSS) started a risk assessment - the first since the priest had been moved to Lanigan House. A subsequent briefing the IPSS gave the principal and deputy principal of Sts Peter and Paul in May 2016 failed to addressed the allegations because of a misunderstanding of the Privacy Act. The risk assessment they were given did not address the allegations either.

The principal and deputy principal did not share this information with the Catholic Education Office under the mistaken belief the IPSS had told them already. The IPSS had not. A member of the public phoned the principal on February 24 to tell her about the priest's past. The principal then contacted the Catholic Education Office. The story broke on February 28. That same day, the IPSS asked the Clergy Retirement Foundation to help find new lodgings for the priest. Misinformation led to 'suspicion' Dr Lucy said the archbishop's initial reaction to the story caused "damage" to the community's view of the church and to relationships within it.
Minus six degree weather in Canberra this weekend has many thinking whether being an outside dog is too tough and if there are clues our furry friends are not coping with the cold.

As Belinda Barnier stares into the eyes of her two-year-old cavoodle Loui there is only one answer.

Belinda Barnier's dog Loui will be sleeping inside in the minus six degree nights this weekend. Credit:Karleen Minney

"I wouldn't think of putting them out in sub-zero temperatures," she said.

"He's actually quite nice to cuddle on cold night, a bit like a teddy bear but he is alive. He sleeps on the end of the bed. I never thought I'd been one of those people but he is really tiny."
Canberra's hospitality workers will have their Sunday penalty rates slashed by 5 per cent this weekend, a move which has been lambasted as "unfair" by staff within the industry.

July 1 marks the start of a progressive trimming of penalty rates for workers in the hospitality and retail industries.

ADFA chef Terry Wilson and his two children Dylan (8) and Michael (10) at home in Page. Mr Wilson is lucky that his penalty rates will be protected. Credit:Rohan Thomson

While the full sting of the Fair Work Commission's decision to cut Sunday penalty rates by a minimum of 25 per cent won't be felt for at least three years, Terry Wilson said many of his hospitality colleagues are already considering a career change.

The ADFA chef and father of two is lucky his employer will protect his penalty rates but said it's grossly unfair others will have the Sundays they give up devalued.
Sophie Victory, Nick Paine and five-month-old Oscar at home in Casey. They bought their four-bedroom house just over two years ago for $580,000. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong Almost 50 per cent of Gungahlin residents are paying off a mortgage compared to 38 per cent in the ACT generally. The playgroup mums have contributed to the phenomenal growth of Gungahlin. It is now home to 71,142 people, up from 47,000 in 2011  an increase of more than 50 per cent. Sophie Victory, Nick Paine, and five-month-old Oscar at home in Casey. Nick, a real estate agent, says demand for stand-alone homes in Gungahlin remains high. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong Felicity Thambyah, mum to Moses, 13 months, grew up in Tuggeranong but is now rusted-on Northside after moving to Amaroo in 2013 with husband Arj.

"Gungahlin is like a little town," she said. "Everything is here. You don't need to leave. There's the shops, parks, bushwalks." The Canberra Times was calling Gungahlin "Boom town'' as far back as 2000. Credit:Karleen Minney Amy Chan grew up in Belconnen. She and husband Luck Phommaseisy moved to Palmerston in 2006 and then to Forde in 2011. They now have two daughters, Jada, six, and Mya, three. What enticed her to Gungahlin? "Basically the price [of housing] and what you could get for that price," Amy, 38, said.

"We would have loved to live in Kaleen then but there's no way we could have afforded it." And they're not going anywhere. "It's just a nice area," Amy said. "New and clean and nice and friendly." Ruqayah Jabi and her husband Mohamed rent in Harrison with their son Salah, 23 months. She grew up in Giralang. They feel much happier in Gungahlin. "Everything is easy here," she said.

Karen McPherson and husband David moved to Harrison from Darwin 18 months ago for his Defence job. They have two boys, Thomas, 21 months, and Samuel, four months. Friends advised them to look northside for the kid-friendliness and facilities. "We love it, really love it," she said. "But we're struggling to find a yard that's big enough for two boys and a 30-kilo dog." The family will probably move to Bungendore. But with some regrets. "There is just such easy access to everything and the facilities are great. It's going to be sad to go," Karen said.

Gungahlin has long been lambasted for its cookie-cutter housing, smaller blocks and too-tight-to-turn residential roads. But that might just be the outdated view of Gungahlin. There is evidence of more eclectic housing in the newer suburbs. Wider roads. Good planning that can put residents in easy access of school, shop, park, walking areas. Families say they don't want to maintain a larger block. The 2016 Census showed that 64.6 per cent lived in a separate house compared to 67 per cent of ACT residents. The real difference was in residents who live in semi-detached, row or terrace houses or townhouses -almost 27 per cent of Gungahlin residents do, compared to almost 18 per cent of ACT residents. Nick Paine is someone whose whole job is finding people a home in Gungahlin as a real estate agent in the area for Luton Properties. He's put his money where his mouth is. He and wife Sophie Victory bought a four-bedroom house in Casey for $580,000 just over two years ago. He agrees "massively" that Gungahlin is the new nappy valley, just as Tuggeranong was the new frontier of growth for Canberra in the 1970s.

"I think it's the only place people can afford a new home," Nick said. "To get a new home in the established areas costs an arm and a leg. And it's not like Gungahlin is the edge of the earth anymore." Nick and Sophie, both 29, now have a son, Oscar, five months. They are happy to have a small backyard and use local parks. "My block is 465 square metres. I don't want to have to look after 800 square metres." Nick says the demand for stand-alone houses from families is still high.

"In the brand-new suburbs, there's not as much competition. But in terms of Casey, Forde, Franklin, Harrison, there's always multiple people on pretty much every house wanting to make an offer," he said. All the optimism for Gungahlin is tempered somewhat by the Master Builders Association, which believes the ACT Government is still playing catch-up in providing infrastructure to support the growing northern suburbs. Master Builders ACT deputy executive director Michael Hopkins said the growth of Gungahlin was due to government land release centred on the north of Canberra. In recent years, land release had occurred in the suburbs of Moncrieff, Throsby and most recently in the new suburb of Taylor. "When population growth is concentrated in one region it places pressure on local infrastructure. The ACT Government is responding to this pressure by upgrading local roads, such as Horse Park Drive and building more schools. Gungahlin will also benefit from the stage one of Canberra's light rail which will relieve pressure on local road infrastructure," Mr Hopkins said. "The Gungahlin community has experienced first-hand why it is important that government land release strategy and infrastructure planning must be integrated.

"Master Builders ACT has welcomed the ACT Government's recent announcement to appoint a Chief Engineer. This critical role, can play a lead role in coordinating long term infrastructure planning with land release programs so that population growth pressures are properly coordinated." Mark Scarborough, who runs the community website My Gungahlin, is more blunt when asked if infrastructure has kept pace with residential development. "Oh, God no," he said. "When the census data came out, my first reaction was, 'Well, that explains a lot'. You start to understand the reasons for all the congestion. And that shouldn't be a surprise to the government when it controls the growth through land releases. "Gungahlin has certainly come of age in the last couple of years. We've got the leisure centre, the shopping centre is being extended, light rail is coming. It's certainly grown up. But basic infrastructure such as roads remain a concern."

And Gungahlin will only continue to grow. Although not to the same extent. The government's residential land release target is 3440 dwelling sites for Gungahlin over the next four years - about 20 per cent of the entire ACT release. Additionally there will also be 41,500 square metres of mixed use development releases in Gungahlin, encouraging people to live in a range of housing in commercial centres and along transport corridors. That's about 15 per cent of the total ACT release. Almost 130,000 square metres is also set to be released to 2021 for community use. Commercial releases in Moncrieff (2017-18) and Taylor (2020-21) are also mooted for supermarket and other retail developments. The Canberra Times published a story in April, 2000 about growing Gungahlin with the headline "Boom Town". Back then, the newspaper spoke to the Reid family - Alan and Cheryl and their children Deanne, then 13 and Gareth, then 11. The family had moved from Melbourne to Gungahlin in 1994. They were among the Gungahlin pioneers. Palmerston had been the first suburb developed, in 1992. The Reids enjoyed the community feel of the place, a commute to work that was easier than Melbourne, the access to services in the growing town centre. They were worried, even 17 years ago, about the quality of roads and "houses with no backyard built on top of each other". Loading While their children are now grown up (Deanne is in Sydney and Gareth is about to move to Bonner), Alan and Cheryl remain in that same Palmerston home. As big a surprise to them as anyone. Winding down to retirement, they had thought about moving to the coast. Not any more.
At any one time it is estimated there are 750,000 child abuse predators online, trying to lure in young people. This was an officer who had investigated too many cases of sexual assault and child abuse. She had led the AFP's national and international online child exploitation investigations. She had seen more than enough horror. Her speech didn't pull any punches. Preventing and stopping child exploitation must be goals for the whole community, not just law enforcement agencies, says Lisa Gale. Credit: The children who were being abused, mutilated and killed for an online audience were getting younger and younger - toddlers and even infants.

More abusive material was being "self-produced" by children thanks to technology such as webcams. Children, as young as four, were being tricked by online predators into producing sexually explicit images of themselves and uploading them to social media platforms. More than any crime type, law enforcement agencies cannot arrest their way out of this problem. AFP Commander Lesa Gale on stopping child exploitation. In some impoverished countries including in Africa and Asia, live streaming of abuse was becoming more common. Buyers, sitting a world away, - including in Australia - could pay for live sexual abuse to be committed on a child - like renting a movie. They could pay a premium to "direct" the movie themselves. Offenders were upping the ante to produce the worst material possible, and that could mean the death of a child. "Unfortunately many of my colleagues working across the AFP child protection space have seen this for ourselves," Gale told the audience.

"Each day, our Assessment Centre receives imagery depicting infants being sexually abused . "Officers are reporting a disturbing trend focussing on pain and death involving babies and toddlers. Producers of such material are trying to shock and go to the next level of violence, which has created an almost competitive environment. "Innocent children are trading cards in these circles that have an insatiable appetite for such material. "Last year, the AFP prosecuted an Australian man who was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for soliciting the creation and birth of twin girls through a surrogate with the full intent of sexually abusing them. "They were only 27 days old when the first sexual assault began."

That's just one heart-wrenching case among thousands. Gale told the audience that every nine minutes, a webpage was opened somewhere showing a child being sexually abused. Of the 3.7 billion Internet users, at any moment, 750,000 of them will be child predators. A statistic she acknowledges is now a decade old. "We expect it's a much, much higher number than this," she said. Offenders are taking advantage of the fact that so many young people live their life online. "The Australian Office of eSafety Commissioner recently released a report stating that on average, kids (aged 8 to 13) have two social media accounts and teens (aged 14 to 17) have three," Gale said.

"The most popular social media accounts for kids today are Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram. The majority of teens have these accounts as well as Snapchat. "An alarming thought in relation to these statistics is that some of these teens could indeed be some of the 750,000-plus online child predators." Gale says offenders target vulnerable children "who are often online unsupervised on what appear to be benign platforms". For example using an app that appears harmless but is in fact a way for an offender to make direct contact with a potential victim and convince them to meet up in the real world. Offenders can also be guilty of sharing and sending abusive images. "In the early and mid-2000s, in Australia the number of images seized when an offender was arrested was around 1000 images of a child being sexually abused. We were seizing kilobyte and megabytes of child exploitation material," Gale said in her speech.

"Today, on average a seizure is between 10,000 to 80,000 images and videos. Some seizures have contained more than one million multi-media files. "We are seizing terabytes, petabytes of child exploitation material, cloud-based and hard drives. To put this into perspective, one petabyte is the equivalent of 20 million four-drawer filing cabinets filled with text." Gale candidly conceded in her speech that an end to child exploitation was "beyond the capacity of law enforcement agencies alone". They are up against poverty-stricken families who may trade their children and a lucrative marketplace willing to pay for the images. Gale says the United Nations in 2009 estimated that the production and distribution of child exploitation images generated between $3 billion and $20 billion a year. Gale says the first step to ending the abuse is is ensuring child exploitation isn't a taboo subject.

"It isn't spoken about like weekend sport or terrorism, and it needs to be," she said. "Our children are at risk, indeed sexually exploited, every minute of every day. "By the time law enforcement is called in to remove a child from harm or bring an offender to justice, it's already too late. A child's life has been severely impacted, for life. "More than any crime type, law enforcement agencies cannot arrest their way out of this problem." Efforts are being made to register sex offenders and prevent their entry to child abuse hotspots such as Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.The most recent move by the Australian Government was to cancel the passports of the more than 16,000 people on the Australia's National Child Sex Offenders database.

Carly's Law, passed earlier this year, by the Australian Parliament, threatens 10 years' jail for online predators preparing or planning to cause harm to, procure, or engage in sexual activity with a child. That includes lying online about their age - in other words, pretending to be a child to lure victims in. Gale says parents, schools, carers need to understand what their children are doing online and monitor them. And they need to contact police when they believe something is wrong. The AFP helps facilitate the ThinkUKnow cyber safety education program to help those looking after children to realise the risks facing young people online. "Know what your children are accessing through the internet," she said. "You don't always know who you are speaking to on the other end. These predators are smart and they will use any means to exploit young people to get what they want.

"Make yourself aware of the risks; make yourself aware of how you can make the internet more secure for your children." The AFP is focused on helping law enforcement agencies in poor countries, including in Asia, to reduce the vulnerability of children in desperate families. The issue of child exploitation needs to be kept front and centre of decision-makers, Gale maintains. "We need to ensure our governments are, and remain, genuinely committed to protecting children around the world from sexual exploitation," she said. And what of those officers working day in day out in the AFP HQ? Gale says she is grateful to have such a dedicated team.
Investors in Australia may be happy to see the end of a quarter that has been far from kind to many as the local economy strives hard to resist falling into recession, something it hasn't experienced for 2 1/2 decades.

Aussie shares are dishing out some of the worst returns in the developed world in the June quarter as banks, hammered by the new government levies and a credit rating downgrade, decline along with energy shares.

Citigroup and the quantitative analysts at Morgan Stanley led a chorus of bears recommending to avoid most of the local stocks.

The Aussie struggled with the second-weakest performance among major currencies as political gridlock and signs of lukewarm consumer spending overshadowed a slew of positive data surprises for the economy, including the best jobs growth since 2004.
Australia Post has inked a deal with giant Singaporean fund Keppel REIT to sell it a $347.8 million half share in a Melbourne tower to be built for Victoria Police.

The 42-storey A-grade office tower at 311 Spencer Street is being developed by Australia Post in a joint venture with super fund developer Cbus Property and only gained development approval from the state government last week.

The new police headquarters at 311 Spencer Street.

The transaction adds to a wave of buying activity in Melbourne's hyperactive office sector, which could see more than $1.5 billion in office assets change hands within the space of a few weeks.

In another deal, Sydney-based Vantage Property is believed to be in due diligence on behalf of a US-based fund to buy a five-storey tower at 420 St Kilda Road expected to change hands for about $68 million.
Acquisitive fund manager Centuria has followed up its purchase of Target's headquarters in Melbourne's west with an industrial deal worth $37 million.

Centuria beefed up its industrial portfolio on Friday, swooping on a major asset in Melbourne's south-east at 207-219 Browns Road in Noble Park for about $37 million.

Industrial warehouses at 207 - 219 Browns Road Noble Park have been snapped up by Centuria Property Fund.

The collection of warehouses are leased to four tenants returning income of $2,580,552.

The fund is also in due diligence to buy a 39,485 square metre property in the southern Perth suburb of Bibra Lake next to an existing Centuria site where it is expected to pay $28 million.
In 31 minutes a hedge fund managed by Martin Shkreli in 2012 went from a roaring success to an empty shell, one of his investors told a jury.

Sarah Hassan, 27, who gave Shkreli $US300,000 ($389,880) to invest, said she got an email at 8:13 pm on September 9, 2012, saying she was up $US135,000, a return of 45 per cent. At 8:44 pm, Shkreli sent out a second email notifying Hassan and other investors he was shutting the fund down.

"We went through operational mishaps," Shkreli said in the email. "There is no longer any cash in the funds."

Shkreli, who has been labelled "the most hated man in America" for having raised the price of potentially life-saving drug Daraprim by 5000 per cent through his company Turing Pharmaceutical, stands trial in US federal court.
Trump's belligerent vulgarism has lowered the tone of the party, for sure. But still he is more symptom than cause. Everywhere you look, democracy is devolving into mob rule. It's as Washington (George) despairingly predicted. In universities, businesses bookshops and boardrooms, the mob is throwing its dumb and angry weight around. Race to the bottom accelerating, fast.

In the Coen brothers' flick A Serious Man, physics prof Larry Gopnik has his tenure review sabotaged by paying students who decline to be failed. He critiques them, they attempt bribery, then take revenge by flipping his critique against him. Made in 2009, the film was a comedy because the idea that professors could be sacked by their pupils seemed preposterous, a noirish satire on American uber-commercialism. That was then. Now it's happening here.

Illustration: Simon Bosch

Universities used to be ivory towers, secure  sometimes arrogant  in their scholarly rep. Now, like institutions and cities everywhere, they pursue rankings. Everyone wants to be in the top 10. Popularity is king. Who devises these rankings and what their criteria are is obscure and messy. Doesn't matter. Rankings bring international students, students bring dollars. That's the point.

So higher education has come to resemble some tacky pro-league sport. To get the rankings you must offer muscled-up "top" academics, so universities buy them in. These stars, be they substantive or hollow show ponies, command three or four times a local academic salary  so that many locals get de-acquisitioned each time one is shipped in.
If God is dead for more and more people, then why this feeling that He's stalking me like an emotionally abusive partner?

This week's census bombshell has secularists ululating, rationally: for the first time people subscribing to "no religion", about 30 per cent of Australians, comprise the biggest religious group, pipping the Catholics at 23 per cent. And while we were focused on the government's internal ructions over Christopher Pyne scheming behind closed doors about same-sex marriage to Liberal Party wets, in the US a new poll found two-thirds of Americans now support marriage equality, while in Germany, in a surprise shift, Angela Merkel said she would allow a free parliamentary vote on same-sex marriage. The ground is shifting and yet we're standing still.

Turkey's President and leader of ruling Justice and Development Party Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Credit:AP

Extrapolating from my own experience, I reckon that census figure understates the true number of unbelievers. The problem with tick-the-box questionnaires is they reduce human complexity to an either/or, which means the raw data can only be so illuminating. Where is the box for the cultural Catholic, the ambivalent Hindu, the Ramadan rebel, the angry Buddhist, the "yes  but," the "not-really-well-sort-of", the agnostic atheist, the still-figuring-it-out-can-you-come-back-in-a-lifetime? Or, in my case, the political Jew?

Not a nice thing to say, but synagogues give me hives. My favourite snack is pork bow at Nam Loong on Russell Street. I'm a very naughty Jew. But for me, ticking any box other than "Jewish" on census night would amount to a betrayal of my relatives murdered in the Holocaust. They did not have the choice of opting-out of Jewishness. When I consider the question of religion in the form, history is breathing down my neck and my "choice" is really no choice at all.
One of the Turnbull government MPs pushing for the introduction of same-sex marriage will launch a new Liberal Party gay pride group being led by a top adviser to minister Christopher Pyne.

Mr Pyne's adviser Rory Grant is president of Liberal Pride, which is based in the Victorian state seat of Prahran where Mr Grant is seeking preselection.

Backbench moderate Trevor Evans is the guest speaker at the Melbourne launch of the group, which is being described as the Liberal equivalent of Rainbow Labor.

Organiser David Kitchen used Facebook to announce tickets were on sale on Tuesday, at the height of the bitter factional fighting that broke out after Mr Pyne's controversial secretly recorded comments on same-sex marriage.
If your ideal 45 minute workout involves nothing more than a pillow, a doona and the chance to shut your eyes, you might just be in luck. Napercise has arrived on our shores and is the newest wellness trend being trialled in Brisbane.

Targeted at busy and fatigued individuals, napping classes are believed to help improve overall wellness. The classes, which have proven to be a success in the UK, encourage participants to settle down on comfy mattresses for a nap with no other distraction.



"So many busy people don't get enough sleep, so these classes are a great way to reinvigorate, rejuvenate and increase productivity with a power nap," says Alexis Fenton, marketing manager at InspireCyles, where the classes are being trialled.

If you're not getting enough sleep, a napercise class could be what the doctor ordered. Credit:Stocksy

"Guests have 15 minutes of relaxed stretching supported by music, followed by a 30-minute nap in a naptime mattress complete with blanket and eye mask."

Fenton says that interest in the class has been growing and is attracting busy corporates and tired parents.
"The way news media frame a story about violence against women can have a powerful impact on the way the public understands the issue. Who or what is selected to appear in the news and how those individuals and events are portrayed matters.

"There is a clear link between media reporting and community attitudes towards violence against women," Our Watch chief executive Mary Barry says.

The media needs to change how it reports violence against women, says new research. Credit:Nemanja Glumac/Stocksy

The media can be a powerful tool in preventing violence against women and children, according to research released on Friday by Our Watch.

"Blaming victims for the violence inflicted upon them, for instance, still happens in one in six articles about violence against women. Not only are people never to blame for experiencing violence, in society these views impact how many people report violent incidents and conviction rates."

The report makes a number of welcome recommendations about media training and collaboration between journalists and front-line workers, but barely mentions how audience responses can help push for change.

Media outlets don't just include newspapers and TV any more, and audiences are no longer passive consumers. Social media can be, and often is, used as a tool to express aggression and threats towards women, however it can also be used to communicate with media outlets, enabling readers to respond to the stories they are told and read.

An example of this is the collective disgust expressed at the Daily Mail's coverage of Sam Armytage wearing underwear under her dress when she went shopping. While Armytage's threat of legal action may have put a stop to that alleged news, it was the huge social media backlash that forced the publication to make a public apology and change its policy on body shaming women for fun and clicks.

It would be nice to think that newsrooms and editors of large publications don't need to be told that shaming women or blaming victims of violence is not only wrong, but also dangerous. However, it appears, that's not the case.
And beyond the specifics of these incidents, it remains completely astonishing that Trump is so fragile and self-obsessed that he's taking time out of what ought to be an astonishingly busy schedule to slam women for their looks.

Now, to be clear, I would never want to be in the position of being personally targeted for the president of the United States for how I look. And I think these incidents are hugely degrading to public discourse. But I've found myself weirdly grateful for them anyway. There is a profound truth that blows in on these blasts of foul air: When the president thinks that a good comeback to a woman who criticises him is to complain that she's ugly or disgusting, and when millions of Americans will vote for him either in spite of or because of those remarks, sexism is absolutely real.

That isn't a fact that anyone needed to convince me of: I'm a woman who writes for a living, and so I have a file of all the degrading or threatening emails men have sent me over the years, just in case.

But I do feel a spiteful dose of relish every time Trump lashes out at another woman in public and disproves the idea that this sort of language is, in his now-infamous words, "locker-room talk" between men, or a vestige of an earlier era, or an exception to the rule of his conduct rather than a deep-seated impulse.

It isn't merely his own character that Trump is illustrating. That he acts like this, and that people will excuse him for it, validates every woman who has been doubted when she reports being harassed online or ridiculed walking down the street. And the people who step up to defend Trump give the lie to everyone who insists that this sort of behaviour is marginalised and that the people who behave this way are punished for it.
Fast forward to 2030 and the children who started school in 2017 will need to be just as skilled in critical thinking, creativity and empathy as they are in literacy and numeracy and technology.

It is impossible to accurately predict the jobs of the future, says Mark Scott, the secretary of the NSW Department of Education, but schools will need to prepare the next generations of students for a world that will be dominated by intelligent machines.

"Children are now facing a more uncertain future than any child has faced since the Industrial Revolution," Mr Scott said.

Mr Scott this week gave a speech to the Trans-Tasman Business Circle where he outlined publicly for the first time his vision for education of the future. It was the springboard for the launch of work being done within the department to prepare students for a fast-changing world.
On a sunny Sunday in September, Clover Moore stood triumphant in Hyde Park flanked by a new group of councillors including high profile doctor Kerryn Phelps, and batted away questions about how long she would remain in the job.

"I've just been resoundingly elected with a 10 per cent swing for my fourth term," the City of Sydney Lord Mayor told reporters, after a victory achieved in spite of electoral changes designed to disadvantage her. "Of course" she would remain in the position.

But nine months later, and after a tumultuous week in which the working relationship between Phelps and Moore imploded in very public fashion, Moore acknowledges the need to plan for the day when she is no longer mayor.

"If I don't plan for it, will it continue to happen?," Moore says of her progressive agenda, the popularity of which has seen her dominate inner city council politics for almost 14 years. "I'm very aware of that."
A woman who witnessed the brutal bashing murder of her partner during a Sydney home invasion wakes up every day at 3am feeling terror, rage, guilt and sadness.

Lucina Boldi, 70, said her inability to help Keith Cini, 69, when he was being beaten with a pick handle had become "such a consuming emotion" that she feels suffocated.

Victim: Pig farmer Keith Cini was beaten to death by intruders.

Ms Boldi's victim impact statement was read out in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday at the sentence hearing of Ryan David Evans, 28, who was found guilty of murdering Mr Cini, a pig farmer, in the early hours of May 30, 2014.

Ms Boldi, who also was attacked, told the jury of the terrifying moment when she was forced to play dead to avoid being beaten to death by a masked intruder in their Badgerys Creek home.
Salim Mehajer has lost his urgent court bid to remove administrators appointed to two of his companies, as creditors clamour for almost $100 million from the property developer and former deputy mayor.

In a decision delivered on Friday afternoon, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Robb declared administrators were validly appointed to Mr Mehajer's companies Sydney Project Group and S.E.T Services.

Justice Robb said he was "not sufficiently persuaded" by evidence given by Mr Mehajer in support of his case.

However, he said it was not necessary to make "any direct findings concerning the truthfulness" of the evidence.
Members of the stolen generations will be able to apply for financial compensation from the state government from Saturday as NSW makes financial reparations for decades of forcibly separating Aboriginal children from their families.

Nearly a decade since the federal government delivered an historic apology for policies of removing Indigenous children from their families, hundreds of NSW survivors will be able to apply for monetary compensation packages from Saturday.

Shirley McGee, Fay Moseley and Colin Davis are all members of the stolen generations. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

"The state government established the scheme in recognition of the real and profound impact historic government policies and practices had on Aboriginal people," said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Sarah Mitchell.

About $60 million will be devoted to offering one-off payments of $75,000 to survivors, a process designed to avert the need for lengthy legal processes.
A New South Wales man has been charged with raping a girl more than half a dozen times several years ago in Brisbane.

The 27-year-old, a minor at the time of the alleged offences, was charged on Thursday by detectives at the Morningside Child Protection and Investigation unit, in Brisbane's east.

A man has been charged with multiple counts of rape. Credit:Glenn Hunt

He was charged with eight counts of rape and six counts of indecent treatment of a child.

The offences were allegedly committed against a Brisbane girl in the city's outer south, when the defendant was also a minor.
"You're holding onto that baby and you don't want to let it go." Martin was a 10-pound baby and now stands "six-foot something". She's 5'1" and weighed only eight. It's genetics, she feels, and a mother's intuition. "I thought, 'I'm going to have a pretty big baby'," she says. Little Knox Tonkin will never know his big brother. It's the morning of June 6 and almost two hours after Simone starts pushing, doctors opt for an emergency caesarean after realising Nixon's head is stuck in the birthing canal.

At 1.40pm, Nixon is declared dead, his skull likely crushed by the two fingers of a midwife, a woman who should never have been put in that situation and who Simone doesn't blame. "I was in labour for two days and then they hand me my dead son," the 36-year-old says, emotion tugging at the edges of her words. "You can't even fathom what you're supposed to do in that situation, how you're supposed to act. It was horrible. "I guess you want to hold onto anything tangible you can so you're holding onto that baby and you don't want to let it go." Three years after the death, Deputy State Coroner John Lock will find no individual staff member responsible, instead criticising some of the hospital's practices and communication.

Many of those will have since been updated in response. By the time it got to the birth, hospital staff assumed Simone had been properly consulted and opted for a vaginal birth. She had not. "It was horrible," she says. "To be a human being and feel like you have no decisions in what happens to you or that your voice is taken away, I started to second-guess myself. "Do I know what I'm talking about? Should I just do what everyone is telling me is happening?"

Mr Lock finds an earlier shift to a caesarian could have saved Nixon's life. An even earlier elective caesarean, while carrying its own risks, would have seen "little to no likelihood" of the baby's head becoming lodged in a similar fashion. "I knew that every time I saw a consultant, I told them that I wanted to have a caesarean," Simone says. "I feel a lot of guilt now because I feel like maybe I should have been more aggressive, maybe I didn't advocate for myself well enough but then I sort of have to take a step back and (think) 'how aggressive do you need to be?' " It's March 20, 2017, and Simone's midwife, whose name has been suppressed, is on the stand in the Coroners Court in Brisbane, being grilled about her role in the death. An autopsy found the baby's skull most likely fractured when the woman used two fingers, instead of the recommended cupped hand, in an "understandable" attempt to free the baby's head.

Early reports on the inquest focus heavily on the midwife's role but Mr Lock finds no fault, saying she should never have been put in that position, and Simone agrees. When the midwife is done with her evidence, the bereaved mother rushes outside to comfort her, give her a hug. "That broke my heart because she was certainly not at fault and even before the findings came out, I never blamed her," Simone says. "She was put in this situation where she did the best that she could with the skills and the knowledge that she had. "To see her give evidence was heartbreaking."

The inquest hears evidence the RBWH had a culture of preferring vaginal births to c-sections. Mr Lock ultimately rejects the notion but for Simone her autonomy as a pregnant mother, or lack of it, is at the heart of everything. She feels like she wasn't listened to, something borne out to at least some extent by the evidence of independent specialist obstetrician Dr Robert Lyneham. He tells the court patient autonomy is "extremely important" but almost everyone asks for a c-section in the second stage of labour, and his comments wouldn't apply to a woman at this stage. Sarah Atkinson, medical negligence principal at Maurice Blackburn, the firm that represented Simone at the inquest, says patient autonomy is a much wider issue.

"So I think it used to be quite a paternalistic relationship where the doctor knew best and the doctor made the decisions for the patient and the patient just went along with them and probably quite often was not even consulted," she says. "And I think there's been a gradual shift to greater patient autonomy but I think sometimes it's not got sort of far enough." It's July 2015 and Simone is "terrified", 34 weeks pregnant with Knox but she's lost what she describes as the "innocence" of not having a first child. The "traumatic" scenes of Nixon's birth come back to her - pushing and pulling, voices, the feel of her body. It's PTSD, she says, the smell of a hospital immediately bringing her back.

The Tonkins go private this time, with an obstetrician, midwife and even psychologist on board to help them through. "Once I saw Knox, it was obviously such a huge relief," she says. He's almost two years old now but his big brother's death still leaves a shadow and Simone wants to change the medical community's approach to consulting with patients. "You can't dismiss how someone feels just because they're in labour," she says. "We're not neurotic, pregnant mums. We know our bodies. We have intuition."
A man has been taken to hospital with serious burns and two other men have been arrested after a suspicious blaze at a Southbank factory.

Fire crews and police were called to the business on the corner of Clarke and Hancock streets about 12.15pm on Friday to reports of a serious assault and a fire.

Once at the scene, firefighters forced entry into the property and rescued two people who were on the roof.

Ambulance Victoria confirmed that a man in his 40s suffering from serious burns had been taken to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition.
Dairy processors and farmers have agreed to a new code of conduct for contracts regarding the milk supplied by farmers, in a move to address farmer concerns over transparency and fairness.

The voluntary code comes about 14 months after dairy giants Murray Goulburn and Fonterra Australia rocked farmer confidence and sparked a crisis in the industry, by announcing they would slash payments to farmers late in the 2015-16 financial year.

A new code of conduct has been introduced covering contractual arrangements between dairy farmers and processors. Credit:Bloomberg

A key element of the code, which aims to improve information available for farmers and simplify arrangements, stresses "that at any given point in time, a farmer can be certain of the base milk price that will be paid for the milk produced".

This must be set out by either a clear price or schedule of prices that will be paid to the farmer, or by a clear price notification process to be followed by the processor.
A nude photo of a teacher who works at a state high school in Melbourne's north-east was sent to a year 12 student.

The Victorian Education Department is investigating the incident, and believes that the teacher was not responsible for sending the explicit photo to the student.

The teacher has been spoken to about professional conduct.

It is believed that the teacher sent the image to another adult, and it was sent to the student via an intermediary.

The teacher has not been disciplined, but has been briefed about professional conduct.
Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison will tackle the issue of WA's low share of the nation's GST revenue at a Perth business breakfast on Friday.

He has rejected warnings the Liberals will face electoral wipeout in Western Australia - where they hold 11 of 16 lower house seats - if they don't give the state more GST money, saying he will address the issue from a national economic perspective.

Treasurer Scott Morrison is in Perth on Friday to discuss WA's GST share. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

WA governments have increasingly felt dudded by a complex formula that has seen its share fall as low as 30 cents - it's at 34 cents now - while the rest of the states get well above 100 cents.

The WA government has announced that its submission to a Productivity Commission review of the GST carve-up includes sharing revenue on an equal per capita basis, which would have given it an extra $30 billion over the past decade.
The meeting, the first between the two since Trump took office, will occur on the sidelines of the Group of 20 economic summit in Hamburg, Germany, providing a dramatic focal point for Trump's second international trip as he faces deep scepticism on the world stage.

The White House would not say whether Trump plans to press Putin on the issue of Russia's meddling in last year's election - a topic the President has avoided talking about despite deep concern inside his own administration and on Capitol Hill.

On Thursday, Trump's national security adviser, retired Lieutenant-General Herbert Raymond McMaster, announced highly anticipated talks amid escalating tensions over Moscow's interference in the 2016 election and a series of inquiries into whether Trump's associates colluded with Russia.

"There's no specific agenda - it's really going to be whatever the President wants to talk about," McMaster said.

The encounter could have broad implications for US foreign policy. But it is also fraught with political overtones for Trump, who is under scrutiny about his willingness to be tough on Moscow after a campaign in which he praised Putin effusively and exhorted Russia - in what his aides now call a joke - to hack into Hillary Clinton's email.

Congressional committees and a special counsel are digging more deeply into possible ties between the President's campaign and Moscow. But Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the unanimous conclusion of US intelligence agencies that Russia sought to interfere in the 2016 race, often describing the assertion as a hoax perpetrated to undermine his presidency.

Yet even as the Trump administration has sought to develop friendlier ties with Russia, the relationship is under continued strain over Moscow's seizure of Crimea and interference in Ukraine. It has also proved awkward for Trump amid recent revelations about the extent to which Putin personally directed cyber intrusions into the election.

McMaster said the President had directed his team to devise ways of confronting "Russia's destabilising behaviour", whether through cyberthreats or political subversion in the United States or elsewhere, and to deter conflicts.
Germany's parliament voted to legalise gay marriage, putting the country in line with other European Union nations and the US after Chancellor Angela Merkel did an about-face and dropped her party's objection to same-sex unions.

Social Democrats joined the opposition Green and Left parties to force the vote ballot Friday after Merkel told a talk show five days earlier that lawmakers in her Christian Democratic-led bloc should vote their conscience rather than follow party lines, effectively lifting its opposition.

Of 623 votes cast, 393 people voted in favour of the move, while 226 voted against. There were four abstentions in the so-called "marriage for all" vote.

Merkel, who earlier this week pivoted in favour of a vote despite opposition within her conservative base, cast her vote against the move.
Hong Kong: Former Melbourne university student Avery Ng Man Yuen was detained in a police station for 28 hours as Chinese president Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong this week.

When he was finally released, "thugs" trailed him home, followed him to McDonald's, and waited outside his apartment overnight as he slept. At 6am they were still there, talking into earpieces.

At least five members of his political party were followed, and one was attacked, he says.

"It is extremely worrisome."
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 30, 2017 -- Most used car shoppers search for their next vehicle within their local area. But new research from CarGurus, a leading car shopping website, shows that for adventurous deal-seekers, there are opportunities to save significantly by planning a "Fly to Buy" car shopping getaway. Company analysts say that prices on comparable used cars can vary significantly city to city so it's possible to fly to another city to buy a used car at a much lower price, drive it home, and still save substantially after travel costs.

For example, data shows that a car shopper living in Albany, NY could save more than $2,000 on a 2015 Ford Mustang if they "Fly to Buy" in Miami versus buying the comparable car in their home town  including the cost to fly to Miami and the cost of gas for the car ride home. A shopper living in Albuquerque, NM can save almost $1,900 on a 2007 BMW 3 Series by flying to buy the car in Dallas  again, flight and gas costs included.

To find the optimal Fly to Buy cars and destinations, CarGurus analysts studied millions of car listings nationwide, comparing local market prices on comparable vehicles to identify the most significant regional price differences. They also factored the average cost of both a plane ticket and the gasoline needed for the ride home.

"Shopping local makes sense for most car shoppers, but the adventurous deal-seeker could find a used car far outside their home region and still see big savingswith the added bonus of a fun summer road trip," said Lisa Rosenberg, Data Analyst at CarGurus. "Even for less ambitious shoppers, this research highlights just how much variability can exist on used car prices in different markets. Expanding your search area even moderately can sometimes unearth opportunities to save."

Additional findings from this study, and the study's methodology can all be found below:

Top Fly to Buy deals for the 2015 Ford Mustang

2015 Ford Mustang is among the most popular searched cars on CarGurus.com

Albany, NY to Miami, FL  estimated savings of $2,065

to  estimated savings of Birmingham, AL to Houston, TX  estimated savings of $1,375

to  estimated savings of Grand Rapids, MI to Tampa, FL  estimated savings of $1,363

to  estimated savings of Fresno, CA to San Diego, CA  estimated savings of $1,297

to  estimated savings of Des Moines , ID to Dallas, TX  estimated savings of $1,038

, ID to  estimated savings of Portland, OR to Boise, ID  estimated savings of $1,135

to  estimated savings of Memphis, TN to Orlando, FL  estimated savings of $1,135

to  estimated savings of Nashville, TN to Las Vegas, NV  estimated savings of $1,113

Top Fly to Buy Trips for Popular Cars:

Cars selected were among the most searched on CarGurus and additional trips for each car are available upon request.

2007 Chevy Tahoe: Reno, NV to New York, NY  estimated savings of $2,224

2013 Ford F-150: Nashville, TN to Cleveland, OH  estimated savings of $3,307

2014 Chevy Silverado: San Jose, CA to Buffalo, NY  estimated savings of $4,347

2014 Chevy Silverado: Sacramento, CA to Boston, MA  estimated savings of $3,036

2007 BMW 3 Series: Albuquerque, NM to Dallas, TX  estimated savings of $1,871

2010 Chevy Camaro: Louisville, KY to Miami, FL  estimated savings of $1,781

2006 Dodge Charger: Jackson, MS to Washington, DC  estimated savings of $1,392

2006 Dodge Charger: Memphis, TN to Miami, FL  estimated savings of $2,239

2007 Toyota Camry: El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL  estimated savings of $1,877

Methodology:

CarGurus compared the Instant Market Value (IMV) data on more than 5 million used cars listed for sale in the continental United States' largest metro areas. Analysts determined the IMV in each metro area for popular used cars and then compared prices for comparable vehicles between metro areas to identify estimated savings. Calculated "Fly to Buy" savings include the average cost of airfare between cities based on the U.S. Department of Transportation Domestic Airline Consumer Airfare Report, 2016 Q3. The estimated cost of gas is based on AAA's rate on June 5, 2017. Metro areas are defined as the 50 miles around the city center.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
Honoring the helpers Awards recognize those who support autism community

Thirteen community members and providers were recognized for their resilience, passion and heart at the 2022 Awesome in Autism Awards ceremony. The 14th annual event, hosted by Autism Society Ventura County, was held Oct. 20 at Wood Ranch Golf Club...

Go purple to support those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer November is the busiest month of the year for cancer awareness campaigns. Im going to focus on one of thempancreatic cancer because its a type weve seen a noticeable rise in over the last few years. And because it remains...

Hospital offers safe option to dispose of meds, narcotics Los Robles Health System is working to crush the opioid drug crisis by raising awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications. Crush the Crisis will take place...

Alzheimers Foundation to host free conference The Alzheimers Foundation of America will host a free virtual educational conference from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tues., Nov. 15. The event is part of the foundations 2022 national Educating America Tour. The conference, which is free and open...
SPRINGFIELD - After leading the Illinois Senate Republicans for eight years, Senate Minority Leader Chris Radogno (R-Lemont) announced Thursday that she would retire Saturday.

The senator expressed frustration that the "grand bargain" state budget she had worked on with Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) was not supported by several in her caucus, and that Illinois financial crisis continues.

"It was my initial hope that my natural break point would be sending the grand bargain over to the House," Radogno told reporters. Then with a more ominous prediction she said, "I'm not sure there's another natural break point coming soon."

Without a state budget supported by at least four Republican votes in the Illinois House, the state's bond could drop to "junk" status - the worst in the nation. The drop in status will cost Illinoisans more and more to repay, and could be a point of no return.

Radogno says she supports the governor's goals to reform the state's political system - one dominated fully by the Democrats for decades.

"I feel strongly the governor has the right agenda, but it's not that easy getting there. We need fundamental change in this building, but we need to compromise in order to get there," she said.

Radogno's 20-year voting record showed her as a moderate Republican on social issues, but conservative on budget and fiscal issues.

Sources say that the top three contenders to succeed Radogno as the Republican leader include Senators Bill Brady of Bloomington, Karen McConnaughay of West Dundee and Mike Connelly of Naperville.

Comment below on who you prefer of those three to succeed Senator Radogno ...
There is no shortage of summer reading lists. Bill Gates has one. So do Stanford University, Harper's Bazaar and Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine. And now here's one more to add to the mix: J.P. Morgan's 18th annual lineup of nonfiction books to delve into this summer

The list, which began as a way to stay in touch with vacationing clients, was selected from a pool of 450 recommendations from the bank's employees. In addition to predictable titles by the likes of Sheryl Sandberg and Michael Bloomberg, the selections include a biography of the chef Paula Wolfert, Dollar Tree's origin story and a book that encourages everyone to step away from their desks to enjoy the great outdoors.

"This year's selections," said Darin Oduyoye, chief communications officer for JPMorgan Asset & Wealth Management, "are diverse and thought-provoking nonfiction titles, reflecting the passions and causes our global client base care about most."

1. "Climate of Hope: How Cities, Businesses, and Citizens Can Save the Planet" (Michael Bloomberg and Carl Pope).

Following the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, a number of city and state governments have stepped up to fight climate change on their own terms. In their new book, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and environmentalist Carl Pope argue that cities, corporations and individual Americans may be best equipped to inspire change, by taking small steps like adding bicycle lanes and switching to clean energy technologies.

"The changing climate," the authors write, "should be seen as a series of discrete, manageable problems that can be attacked from all angles simultaneously. Each problem has a solution."

Former Vice President Al Gore calls the book "an inspiring must-read."

2. "Hit Makers: The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction" (Derek Thompson).

"Going viral" may have become the pop culture holy grail, but Thompson says it is no accident which songs, products, movies and ideas soar to the top of the charts and which fizzle out. (And no, it has nothing to do with quality.)

Instead, popular hits, from Johannes Brahm's lullaby to One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful" are often the product of years of deliberate planning, careful execution and a few lucky breaks, says Thompson, a senior editor at the Atlantic.

"There is a way for people to engineer hits," he writes, "and, equally important, a way for other people to know when popularity is being engineered." To make his point, Thompson delves into the history of Instagram, talks with President Obama's speechwriters, and explains how a 5th grader helped catapult "Rock Around the Clock" from a disappointing flop to one of Rock 'n' Roll's biggest hits.

"Content might be king," he writes, "but distribution is the kingdom."

3. "Madame President: The Extraordinary Journey of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf" (Helene Cooper).

This biography of the first woman to be elected president of an African nation tells the story of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who overcame great obstacles, and Liberia, the country she's helped rebuild.

"In the ultimate irony, Liberia, long viewed as one of the most godforsaken countries on a godforsaken continent, was now an example of democratic empowerment," writes Cooper, a Liberia-born, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for the New York Times.

Soon after she was elected president in 2005, Sirleaf worked quickly to get $4.7 billion in Liberia's foreign debt forgiven by the international community.

"Cooper expertly dissects the tangled financial situation, pointing out that its resolution was vital to the country's very existence," The Washington Post wrote in a review of the book earlier this year. Sirleaf's term as president ends this year. "Throughout, she offers an unflinching look at the reserved Sirleaf's personal life and presidency, which comes to an end this year, while also telling of Liberia's pain and pride."

4. "National Geographic: The Photo Ark: One Man's Quest to Document the World's Animals" (Joel Sartore).

The premise of photographer Joel Sartore's book is simple: To document the thousands of animals and insects that could soon go extinct, in hopes of inspiring change. He travels the world - to the Amazon, Antarctica and the Tampa zoo, among other places - to capture 600 striking portraits of giant panda cubs, mandrills and Madagascar ibises.

The book is part of a larger personal project, in which Sartore hopes to photograph each of the world's 12,000 animal species. (He's about halfway there.)

"The importance of work like Joel's is that it reminds us to care," actor Harrison Ford writes in the book's introduction. "His subjects look us in the eye. They challenge us. They beguile. We sense in his portraits an almost tangible connection between them and us."

5. "The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative" (Florence Williams).

Sometime in the last generation, Williams says, we've lost our connections to nature.

"The dramatic loss of nature-based exploration in our children's lives and in our own has happened so fast we've hardly noticed it, much less remarked on it," she writes. "We may have a pet and occasionally go to the beach, so what's the big deal? Well, what is the big deal? That's what I wanted to find out."

What she discovers, she says, is that nature is not only enjoyable, but therapeutic, too. She travels around the world - to Scotland, where "ecotherapy" is being used to help people struggling with mental illness, and to Idaho, where veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder find solace in trips down the river.

"We think of nature as a luxury, not a necessity," she writes. "We don't recognize how much it elevates us, both personally and politically."

6. "One Buck at a Time: An Insider's Account of How Dollar Tree Remade American Retail" (Macon Brock and Earl Swift).

Brock, the co-founder of Dollar Tree, will be the first to tell you he's been surprised by the company's meteoric rise, from a five-and-dime store in Norfolk, Va., to a major corporation that last year had $20.7 billion in sales.

"If anybody tells you they saw this coming, they're telling you a tale," he writes, before launching into a description of a typical store, packed with scientific calculators, brake fluid and Utz potato chips, all selling for $1.

In "One Buck at a Time," Brock says he hopes to provide "a corporate genealogy" of a company that has managed to buck the odds.

One of the company's biggest success stories, he says, is its line of Royal Norfolk stoneware plates. (The plates, which sell for $1 at Dollar Tree stores, are sometimes resold online for up to $16 apiece, he said.)

"Here's the most amazing thing," he writes. "We double our money on every one we sell. Fifty cents' profit on each plate, multiplied by the millions we sell, adds up to a tidy sum."

7. "Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy" (Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant).

Following her husband's sudden death in 2015, Sandberg - best known as Facebook's chief operating officer, and author of "Lean In" - says she was unsure she'd ever be happy again.

"It felt like the grief would never subside," she writes. "I felt the void closing in on me, the years stretching before me endless and empty."

With the help of Grant, a psychologist and Wharton professor, Sandberg says she learned to pick up the pieces. What followed, she says, was a lesson in resilience that she and Grant are hoping to share with others.

8. "Rethink: The Surprising History of New Ideas" (Steven Poole).

Everything old is new again, Steven Poole argues in his newest book. Innovations are often just riffs on earlier ideas that have been mocked or shunned for decades, sometimes centuries, he says. One example: Tesla's revival of the electric car, a product that was first created by a chemist in 1837. By 1900, Poole writes that more than 30,000 electric cars had made their way to the United States, where "they were much more popular than gasoline-powered cars." But those electric vehicles were soon forgotten - in part due to new oil discoveries, which drove down the price of gasoline. By the time Elon Musk floated the same idea nearly a century later, it was hailed as cutting edge.

"We are living in an age of innovation," writes Poole, whose other books include "Trigger Happy and "Upspeak." "But it is also an age of rediscovery."

9. "Unforgettable: The Bold Flavors of Paula Wolfert's Renegade Life" (Emily Kaiser Thelin).

Part biography, part cookbook, "Unforgettable" tells the story of chef Paula Wolfert, who wrote nine revered cookbooks during her 50-year career, before being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2013.

"Paula Wolfert may be the most influential cookbook author you've never heard of," Thelin writes. "She never had a restaurant. She never had a television show. But over nearly four decades . . . her work had a quiet but incalculable influence on our grocery shelves and on our approach to cooking."

Wolfert, who has published more than 1,000 recipes, is credited with helping introduce Mediterranean foods like duck confit, couscous and preserved lemons to American households.

When Wolfert learned of her diagnosis, she vowed to fight it. "I refuse to feel sorry for myself," Thelin recalls her saying. "This illness takes forever, and I'm determined to make it take as long as I can."

"Unforgettable," she says, is one way of doing that. The book explores the connections between food and memory, and includes more than 50 of Wolfert's recipes.

10. "Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World" (Rachel Ignotofsky).

This tribute to trailblazing women reaches back to 400 A.D., when Hypatia of Alexandria was recognized as the world's first female mathematician. In the centuries since, pioneers like physicist Marie Curie, primatologist Jane Goodall and ophthalmologist Patricia Bath have helped transform science, math, technology and engineering.

This book - awash in whimsical illustrations by Ignotofsky, a former designer at Hallmark Greetings - celebrates those women and many others.

11. "A World in Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order" (Richard Haass).

These are chaotic and confusing times, and it's time to find a new way to function globally, writes Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations and former Middle East advisor to President George H.W. Bush.

In practice, he says that means there should be less focus on the borders between countries, and more emphasis on collaborative policies that span the globe. The United States - which is undergoing its own period of political turmoil - must find a way to work with the rest of the world, he says, while also addressing its own problems: Mounting debt, an increasingly divided public and uncertainty about U.S. foreign policy.

"It is of course impossible to know what sort of foreign policy will emerge from the United States and how other countries and entities will react," he writes. "Still, it is difficult not to take seriously the possibility that one historical era is ending and another beginning."
The Brazos County Sheriff's Office is warning residents that a phone scammer is impersonating an employee of the Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office said residents are being called and told they have a federal jury summons. The scammer is using fake names and bogus identification numbers to legitimize the call. The Brazos County Sheriff's Office has received more than 10 reports of the scam in the past two days.

Law enforcement agencies will never call about debts owed without first mailing notice. In addition, they will not call to demand payment without giving an opportunity to appeal or question the amount owed, nor will they require residents to use a particular payment method or ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

Anyone who has information or receives a call from someone claiming to be an employee of the Sheriff's Office is asked to call 361-4900.
Burleson County authorities have arrested two men and a woman in connection with a robbery, kidnapping and beating of a 21-year-old man.

According to a probable cause affidavit, 23-year-old Shanice Jefferson and "2-3 others" picked up the victim -- whose name has been redacted on public documents -- in a small white car near his residence on F.M. 908 on June 15. Authorities said the group drove to a location near a cemetery to "hang out and shoot fireworks." After arriving, the victim told Burleson County Sheriff's deputies he had been struck in the side and in the head. The victim said Jefferson asked him if he had any money and ordered he give her his phone, which he refused. Officials said "3-4" assailants proceeded to hit him "closed fisted" in the head and body, causing him to fall to the ground and black out as Jefferson allegedly kicked him in the head multiple times.

According to the affidavit, the victim awoke "bloody" atop a gravestone in Mount Zion cemetery, "without his wallet, cell phone and his clothes or shoes." He then crawled to a nearby road, where an unidentified passer-by picked him up and drove him home. His mother then took him to the CHI St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital, where medical professionals attended to his "serious bodily injuries."

Jefferson was arrested June 15 and is charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery, two first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, as well as aggravated assault, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Jefferson is being held at the Burleson County Jail on a combined $130,000 bond.

A press release sent Thursday by Christine Labertew, deputy and public information officer for the Burleson County Sheriff's Office, stated that Christopher Parker, a 23-year-old from Lincoln, was arrested Saturday and Deondre Mack, a 20-year-old from Lincoln, was arrested Tuesday. The two are charged with the same crimes. They remain in the county jail on a $150,000 bond each.

Crystal Bernstein, intake coordinator for the Burleson County District Attorney's Office, said Jefferson has not been previously convicted of a crime in Burleson County.

Jefferson's name was repeatedly mentioned during the trial of Gavin Snow, an 18-year-old convicted in March of capital murder in the 2015 killing of 47-year-old Steven Bryant, when Snow had been 16. Testimony from that trial showed Jefferson had planned on robbing Bryant with Snow and Manuel Ramon, who had also been indicted in Bryant's slaying but received a lesser sentence after testifying Snow had told him he had killed Bryant himself.

Other trial testimony placed Jefferson at Bryant's home on Old Somerville Road at the time of the killing. Jefferson did not testify in Snow's trial.

Shannon Flanigan, Snow's previous attorney, said Thursday that the defense did not issue a subpoena for Jefferson before the trial because they had expected the state to call her to testify.

Washington and Burleson County District Attorney Julie Renken, who prosecuted the case for the state, did not return a request for comment.
AUSTIN - A judge ruled Thursday that Tommy Wallis' former management team at the Bryan school district and two trustees were not responsible for disclosing documents sealed by a court that relate to the ex-superintendent's forced resignation.

However, District Judge Orlinda Naranjo said there "clearly was a violation" of the court's temporary injunction, so she will consider the testimony that unfolded over the two-day hearing and announce later next week whether the district itself should be found in contempt.

If she does come to that conclusion, the district could face having to pay Wallis' legal fees, which total $19,874 related to the hearing, but also include another $35,000-plus incurred since Wallis decided to fight the ruling by the Texas Attorney General's Office that stated the documents were public record.

"My concern is how do we find out?" Naranjo asked, clearly upset about the disclosure, but uncertain about who should be punished. "Because I do want to hold someone in contempt."

The 7 1/2-hour hearing that ended early Thursday evening included testimony from five district administrators, as well as Bryan's current board president -- Trey Moore -- and former president, Doug Wunneburger. Each of the officials were grilled about how The Eagle and KBTX gained access to a 10 1/2-page complaint lodged against Wallis that accused him of 14 ethical violations committed in his final years in Bryan.

Wallis did not take the stand during the hearing.

Wallis -- who was hired in April by the Kirbyville school district in East Texas -- initially asked the judge to jail any Bryan officials found in contempt, but on Thursday his lawyers retracted the request for criminal sanctions.

An attempt to get the media to reveal their anonymous sources cited in stories published and aired in mid-June was made by Wallis' attorney, but the judge threw out the motion Wednesday, saying not all resources had been exhausted to learn who gave the documents to the newspaper and TV station. The Texas Free Flow of Information Act protects reporters from outing sources. In court this week, Wallis' attorneys did not challenge the allegations made in the complaint.

One of the few pieces of new information that surfaced during the hearing was that the document was compiled by Brandon Webb, executive director of communications and public affairs, with contributions from Deputy Superintendent Timothy Rocka; Amy Drozd, assistant superintendent of business services; and Barbara Ybarra, associate superintendent of teaching and learning.

All four of those top administrators testified that they did not share the documents with the media. Bryan's attorney, Harry Wright, along with Moore and Wunneburger, who still is a trustee, made the same statements when they were called to the witness stand Thursday. Most described being frustrated and upset when they learned the documents were shared with the public by the media.

None of the employees were asked to sign a confidentiality agreement in October when Wallis was given $83,047, a letter of recommendation and the promise to keep details related to his departure secret. That agreement stipulated that Wallis, the board and those top administrators could not discuss Wallis' exit with anyone, including their spouses. That agreement was signed by Wallis and Wunneburger.

The Eagle, along with KBTX and WTAW, asked for multiple documents under the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Attorney General's Office agreed in December that most of the requested records should not be kept secret. However, a month later Wallis went to court to block the release of complaints filed against him, as well as personnel records. A district judge in Austin signed the temporary injunction and scheduled an Oct. 2 hearing on the matter.

The grievances -- all of which, if shown to be true, would go against board policies -- range from giving preferential treatment to a vendor competing for district business and misuse of tax dollars to giving a raise without trustees approval and verbally abusing employees. He also was said to have repeatedly disposed of his household trash at the school administration building dumpster to avoid paying for trash pick-up at his home in the county. Such behavior signaled a pattern of entitlement, according to the list of allegations.

'Not a mystery'

Wallis' lawyers pressed Bryan officials about what measures were taken to protect the document after a court order was issued, while lawyers representing the officials had them discuss how adamantly they and their colleagues wanted to obey the judge's order.

Ultimately, Wallis' lawyers argued that Bryan school district should be held responsible for not properly preserving the documents. Meanwhile opposing lawyers argued that Wallis' lawyers failed to produce enough evidence or point to a specific measure in the injunction that was violated.

Scott Cummings, one of Wallis' three attorneys, said the district should be held responsible for failing to properly secure the documents.

"They can say, 'We don't know how it got out. It's a mystery,'" Cummings said in his closing argument. "But it's not a mystery. They are the sole custodian."

Cummings said the idea that no top officials had any idea of where the leak came from was doubtful.

"It's like Louis in Casablanca -- 'I'm shocked, shocked that this is going on,'" he quipped.

'Information and stuff'

Wallis' lawyer also questioned Moore's recount of a phone call he made to Webb the day after the news broke.

Webb told the court that while talking about general frustration at the media's stories, Moore said he had shared "information and stuff" with the media to try to get more positive coverage from local reporters. Webb said he was not clear on what that meant, nor was Wright when Webb recounted the conversation to him later, Wright testified.

However, both said they did not believe Moore shared the documents.

Moore said he "absolutely" did not share the information, and that when discussing the situation with Webb he was referring to a conversation he had with KBTX General Manager Mike Wright following their breaking news report. Moore said he told Wright that the majority of the board voted in favor of the confidential separation agreement to avoid having to pay Wallis during the time-consuming process of firing a superintendent. Moore said he encouraged KBTX reach out to the school's attorney for more details.

"I felt if they ran a story that ran facts instead of conjecture, that would shine a more positive light," Moore testified.

Cummings questioned why Webb didn't seek clarification on what Moore meant and why Moore didn't clarify what he meant at the time.

'No evidence'

One of Moore's lawyers, Wayne Rife, said there was no evidence his client disclosed the documents or encouraged others to do so.

"That is not the type of document my client or anyone at Bryan ISD would disclose," he said in his closing argument.

Referencing unrelated turmoil surrounding Wallis in his current district where hundreds of residents are pushing for his removal, Moore said the recent published media reports out of Bryan prompted many in Kirbyville to think the board "set loose" Wallis on east Texas town of just over 2,000.

"The damage [from releasing the document], both by content and action, makes me want to know who leaked," Moore said.

Both Moore and Harry Wright testified that the district is investigating how the document made its way to newsrooms. Wright, who is running the investigation under the supervision of outside counsel, said the district has reviewed computers of administrators and board members. The inquiry is ongoing.

The judge said temporary injunction order will be amended to ensure all related documents are accounted for, even those stored on personal computers.

Bridget Robinson, a lawyer hired by Bryan ISD, argued that to be held in contempt, a party has to disobey a specific measure in an order, but the order did not include quarantine measures.

Bryan attorneys filed a motion asking for the judge to find the media in contempt of court if she opts to rule that the school district was responsible.

"There is simply no evidence whatsoever that Bryan ISD released those documents, therefore they complied with the order," Robinson said.
Donald J. Darensbourg, distinguished professor of chemistry at Texas A&M University, is one of 65 named as 2017 fellows of the American Chemical Society.

The honor was created to recognize "outstanding achievements in chemistry and contributions to science, the profession and the society," officials said.

Darensbourg, who joined the university in 1982, is now the 14th member of the university's department of chemistry to be recognized as fellows of the society.

"I am delighted that Don has been recognized by the American Chemical Society for his important scientific and service contributions to the field," said Simon W. North, professor and head of the A&M Department of Chemistry in a statement. "This honor in consistent with his dedication to teaching and service, and the exceptional quality of his scholarly work."

Darensbourg and his peers will be honored Aug. 21 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The Texas Supreme Court on Friday threw out a lower court ruling that said spouses of gay and lesbian public employees are entitled to government-subsidized same-sex marriage benefits. The state's highest civil court unanimously ordered a trial court to reconsider the case.

As part of a case challenging Houstons benefits policy, the Supreme Court suggested a landmark ruling legalizing same-sex marriage does not fully address the right to marriage benefits. Justice Jeffrey Boyd, writing on behalf of the court in a 24-page opinion, said theres still room for state courts to explore the reach and ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.

We agree with the Mayor [of Houston] that any effort to resolve whether and the extent to which the Constitution requires states or cities to provide tax-funded benefits to same-sex couples without considering Obergefell would simply be erroneous, Boyd wrote.On the other hand, we agree that the Supreme Court did not address and resolve that specific issue in Obergefell.

The case was part of Texas Republicans ongoing fight against the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide and led to the enactment of benefits policies for married same-sex couples.

At the center of the Houston case is whether that ruling  known as Obergefell v. Hodges  requires city and other governmental agencies to extend those taxpayer-subsidized benefits to same-sex spouses of government employees. Following that ruling, public employers in Texas, including state agencies and public universities  quickly extended such benefits.

But in an attempt to re-litigate the high courts decision, two taxpayers  represented by same-sex marriage opponents  are suing Houston over its policy.

Theyve argued that the interpretation of Obergefell is too broad and that the right to marry does not entail any particular package of tax benefits, employee fringe benefits or testimonial privileges. (In a separate case against the states now-defunct ban on same-sex marriage, the Texas attorney generals office actually argued that marriage is a right that comes with benefits the state is entitled to control.)

Lawyers for the city of Houston argued, in part, that opponents are without a legal avenue to even pursue their claims because the citys policy is protected under Obergefell, which they pointed out explicitly addressed marriage-related benefits.

During a March hearing, Douglas Alexander, the lawyer who defended Houstons benefits policy, told the court that the case was moot under Obergefells guarantee that all marriages be equally regarded.

Jonathan Mitchell, the former solicitor general for the state and the lawyer representing opponents of the Houston policy, argued that marriage benefits are not a fundamental right and that Obergefell did not resolve questions surrounding such policies.

On Friday, the Texas Supreme Court agreed with that argument, noting that Obergefell requires states to license and recognize same-sex marriages in the same manner as opposite-sex marriages but did not hold that states must provide the same publicly funded benefits to all married persons.

That does not mean Houston can constitutionally deny benefits to its employees same-sex spouses, the court added, but the issue must now be resolved in light of Obergefell.

The Texas Supreme Court also made note of two moves by the U.S. Supreme Court this week as proof that courts are still weighing Obergefells impact.

The high court on Monday reversed a ruling by the Arkansas Supreme Court that kept married same-sex couples from being treated the same as opposite-sex couples on their childrens birth certificates. In that case, the court said it reversed the ruling because the "differential treatment infringes Obergefells commitment to provide same-sex couples 'the constellation of benefits that the States have linked to marriage.'" The court also decided they would take up a case involving whether a Colorado baker can legally refuse to make a wedding cake for a gay couple because of religious objections.

The decision by the Texas Supreme Court to take up the case was regarded as an unusual move because it had previously declined to take it up last year. That allowed the lower court decision to stand.

But the states highest civil court reversed course in January after receiving an outpouring of letters opposing the decision. They also faced pressure from Texas GOP leadership  spearheaded by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrickand Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton  who asked the court to clarify that Obergefell does not include a command to public employers regarding employee benefits.

That request to the court came more than a year after state agencies moved to extend benefits to spouses of married gay and lesbian employees just days after the high courts ruling. As of Aug. 31, 584 same-sex spouses had enrolled in insurance plans  including health, dental or life insurance  subsidized by the state, according to a spokeswoman for the Employees Retirement System, which oversees benefits for state employees.

Attorneys challenging the same-sex marriage benefits policy deferred to Texas Values  a conservative group that opposes same-sex marriage  for comment on Friday's ruling.

Todays unanimous ruling from the state supreme court is a huge win for Houston taxpayers and for those who support the states marriage laws," Jonathan Saenz, the group's president, said in a statement.

Paxton also applauded the court's ruling, saying he was "extremely pleased that the Texas Supreme Court recognized that Texas law is still important when it comes to marriage."

LGBT advocates on Friday were enraged by the Texas court's ruling. Equality Texas called it "patently indefensible," and Lambda Legal said it "defies all logic and reason."

"The Texas Supreme Courts decision this morning is a warning shot to all LGBTQ Americans that the war on marriage equality is ever-evolving, and anti-LGBTQ activists will do anything possible to discriminate against our families," Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, said in a statement.

Advocates are likely to push for the case to be appealed to federal courts. A spokesman for Houston mayor Sylvester Turner did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of an appeal.
In the latest city of College Station podcast, College Station Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz discusses what restaurants and retail rumors are coming to fruition.

Here is a timeline of the episode and what projects are discussed:

1:57  Home Depot shopping center: New arrivals, and status of vacant space.

2:47  Pappadeaux: Yes, its still coming

4:03  University Town Center: Plans for 70K square feet behind Abuelos, etc. Status update.

5:13  Chimney Hill: Was a thing, then a different thing. Now becoming a third thing. Comments on market forces and on doubling the size of The Republic.

8:30  Old Albertsons location. Status update.

10:45  Embassy Suites: Opening in September.

11:35  Dunkin Donuts: Still a thing, but  at a different location?

12:43  Century Square: Comments on hotels and restaurant/retail: Porters Steakhouse, Piada Italian Street Food, Mos Irish Pub, Zoes Kitchen, Blaze Pizza, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Berryhill Baja Grill, Hey Sugar Candy Store, Tiffs Treats, Subzero Nitrogen Ice Cream, Star Cinema Grille, Merge Boutique, Orangetheory Fitness, Neighbors ER, and 100 Park.

14:55  Northgate high-rises: $209M in new value currently under construction = 2,700 new bedrooms. Comments on vehicle volume, retail that could follow, and peak property values.

18:05  Discussions about best uses for the property near IHOP and The Stack.

19:53  New H-E-B at Wellborn Road and F.M.-2818, and what could be in future phases of the development.

22:10  Tower Point: Restaurants that are coming.

23:28  Rumors of a second Target? Status of the southeast corner of Rudder Freeway and William D. Fitch Parkway.

25:30  New construction near Baylor Scott & White Hospital on Rock Prairie Road.

26:12  Mercedes/BMW dealership and new hotel development.

26:37  New Academy store and surrounding pad sites.

27:21  Old Academy location + status of Gander Mountain.

29:08  TRYP by Wyndham, Urban Bricks, Altitude Trampoline Park.

32:12  Status of In-N-Out Burger.
AUSTIN  A judge decided Thursday that top Bryan school officials will not be found in contempt after court-sealed documents were published relating to ex-superintendent Tommy Wallis' forced resignation, but the district still could face punishment.

District Judge Orlinda Naranjo made the announcement after a 7 1/2-hour hearing over two days, saying the two Bryan trustees and five district employees called to testify would not be held responsible for the disclosure of a 10 1/2-page complaint against Wallis that accused him of 14 ethical violations.

However, Naranjo said she will consider the facts of the case and announce next week whether the district as a whole will be held in contempt and whether the district will have to pay nearly $20,000 in Wallis legal fees.

Wallis  who was hired in April by the Kirbyville school district in East Texas  initially asked the judge to jail any Bryan officials found in contempt, but his lawyers retracted that request earlier today.

Citing anonymous sources, the Eagle and KBTX published stories in mid-June that detailed the complaints against Wallis, who was forced to resign last fall after five years with the district.

An attempt to get the media to reveal their sources was made by Wallis' attorney, but the judge threw out the motion on Wednesday, saying not all resources had been exhausted for them to learn who gave the documents to the newspaper and TV station. The Texas Free Flow of Information Act also protects reporters from outing sources. Wallis' attorneys did not challenge the allegations made in the complaint.

Testimony during this week's hearing revealed that it was compiled by Brandon Webb, executive director of communications and public affairs, with contributions from Deputy Superintendent Timothy Rocka; Amy Drozd, assistant superintendent of business services; and Barbara Ybarra, associate superintendent of teaching and learning.

All four of those top administrators testified that they did not share the documents with the media. Bryan's attorney, Harry Wright, along with board president Trey Moore and past president Doug Wunneburger, who still is a trustee, made the same statements when they were called to the witness stand Thursday.

None of the employees were asked to sign a confidentiality agreement in October when Wallis was given $83,047, a letter of recommendation and the promise to keep details related to his departure secret. That agreement stipulated that Wallis, the board and those top four administrators could not discuss Wallis' exit with anyone, including their spouses. That agreement was signed by Wallis and Wunneburger.

The Eagle, along with KBTX and WTAW, asked for multiple documents under the Texas Public Information Act and, for the most part, the Texas Attorney General's Office agreed in December that the records should not be kept secret. However, a month later Wallis went to court to block the release of complaints filed against him, as well as personnel records. A district judge in Austin signed the temporary injunction and scheduled an Oct. 2 hearing on the matter.
"We also need a rethink of how we regulate all pesticides. Vulnerable wildlife is not being protected. A good next step would be to learn from organic farms, which support around 50% more species of wild pollinators than non-organic farms.

The experiment  undertaken in the UK, Germany and Hungary  exposed three bee species to winter oilseed rape crops treated with seed coatings containing neonicotinoid clothianidin, from Bayer CropScience, or Syngentas thiamethoxam.

Neonicotinoid seed coatings are designed to kill pests such as the cabbage stem flea beetle, but were effectively banned in the EU in 2013 due to concerns regarding their impact on bee health.

The researchers found that exposure to treated crops reduced overwintering success of honeybee colonies  a key measure of year-to-year viability  in two of the three countries.

In Hungary, the colony numbers fell by 24 percent during the following spring. In the UK, honeybee colony survival was generally very low, but lowest where bees fed on clothianidin treated oilseed rape in the previous year. No harmful effects on overwintering honeybees were found in Germany.

Lower reproductive success  reflected in queen number (bumblebees) and egg production (red mason bee)  was linked with increasing levels of neonicotinoid residues in the nests of wild bee species buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and the Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis) across all three countries.

Dr Ben Woodcock, the CEH lead author, said: The neonicotinoids investigated caused a reduced capacity for all three bee species to establish new populations in the following year, at least in the UK and Hungary.

He suggests the differing impacts on honeybees between countries may be associated with interacting factors including the availability of alternative flowering resources for bees to feed on in the farmed landscape as well as general colony health, with Hungarian and UK honeybees tending to be more diseased.

In contrast, the hives in Germany happened to be larger, showed little evidence of disease and had access to a wider range of wild flowers to feed on.

Dr Woodcock suggests that this may explain why in this country alone there was no evidence of a negative effect of neonicotinoids on honeybees.

The study - which spanned 2,000 hectares, equivalent to 3,000 full-scale football pitches - took account of bee disease and surrounding landscape quality in addition to colony growth rate, worker mortality and overwinter survival.

Dr Woodcock said: Neonicotinoid seed dressings do have positive attributes: they target insects that damage the plant, can be applied to the seed at low dosage rates but protect the whole plant and reduce the need for broad spectrum insecticide sprays.

Their use as an alternative chemical control option is also useful in controlling pests where insecticide resistance to other pesticides is already found, so play an important role to play in food production.

He added: There may be opportunities to mitigate negative impacts of neonicotinoid exposure on bees through improved honeybee husbandry or availability of flowering plants for bees to feed on across non-cropped areas of the farmed landscape. Both these issues require further research.

The negative effects of neonicotinoids on wild bees may also be the result of diverse mechanisms of exposure that include persistent residues of neonicotinoids in arable systems due to their widespread and often very frequent use.

Professor Richard Pywell, a co-author and the Science Area Lead, Sustainable Land Management at the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, said: Neonicotinoids remain a highly contentious issue with previous research on both honeybees and wild bees inconclusive.

This latest field study was designed, as far as possible, to reflect the real world due to its size and scope.

We therefore believe it goes a considerable way to explaining the inconsistencies in the results of past research, as we were better able to account for natural variation in factors like exposure to the pesticide, bee food resources and bee health for different bee species.

Our findings also raise important questions about the basis for regulatory testing of future pesticides.

Bayer CropScience and Syngenta funded the research assessing the impact of neonicotinoids on honeybees. The Natural Environment Research Council funded the analysis of the impact on the wild bees.

The experiment - including design, monitoring and analysis - was scrutinised by an independent scientific advisory committee chaired by Professor Bill Sutherland of Cambridge University.
Making a return to our two favourite summer locations, Mount Maunganui and Nelson in early January 2023, we've got whiff of the first release lineup and me oh my, yes boy
Bryan Matthews, a dairy farmer from Rocky Mount, recently visited Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional leaders and discuss issues impacting the dairy industry. Matthews attended the 2017 National Milk Producers Federations Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum as a representative of Dairy Farmers of Americas (DFA) Young Cooperator (YC) program.

Matthews was among several DFA members who attended the conference, where they discussed key legislative issues affecting the industry and sat down with congressional leaders to address the importance of these issues. While in D.C., Matthews met with staff of Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia and Rep. Tom Garrett, R-Virginia.

During these meetings, Matthews expressed his support of the Dairy Pride Act, a bipartisan bill enforcing labeling regulations to protect the integrity of milk. He urged his congressional representatives to support the act. Additionally, he discussed the importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico, immigration reform and the Margin Protection Program.

Matthews, a fourth-generation dairy farmer, milks 150 cows with his parents at Matthews Farms. He purchased his grandparents nearby farm in 2011 and raises row crops at that location. In the future, he plans to expand the dairy. He serves on the Franklin County Farm Bureau board and is a member of the Callaway Volunteer Fire Department.
The GOP's red wave foundered nationally, but it swept away Democrats in Iowa
In a recent survey, more people than not believe that President Trump will lower business taxes, but the same wasn't true for their own personal taxes. On other critical issues in the news, Americans are torn, but not Trump voters.

As our government acts on repealing ObamaCare, with restructuring our antiquated tax system on deck, Americans who voted for Donald J. Trump continue to support the President. An exclusive survey of 466 Americans by MoneyTips.com reveals a divided nation, yet people on the winning side of the 2016 Presidential Election still think more than six months after Election Day, "In Trump We Trust."

Says Jennifer Wells Kelber, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics and Business at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, "It seems to me that Mr. Trump is acting to deliver on his campaign promises and that pleases his supporters."

People who took the online survey in June were asked if they agreed or disagreed with statements about the President's economic actions and proposals, and to what extent. This first statement concerns a recent decision made by our leader:

SURVEY STATEMENT: I believe President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord will help the American economy.

Overall, more than half disagreed with this statement, while less than 30% agreed. The breakdown was:

The older a person is, the more likely they were to agree. The only age group with a majority agreeing with the President was the oldest, aged 70+. More than half (51.6%) of these seniors agreed that pulling out of the multinational agreement was good for the economy, while only 35.5% disagreed.

Women disagreed more than men did. More than 55% of the females surveyed disagreed, as opposed to more than 47% of the men. Less than 24% of the women agreed to some extent, as did more than 36% of the men.

However, the President still has the support of his base. Nearly 2/3 (66.5%) of the Trump voters agreed with this statement, while less than 10% disagreed. In contrast, a whopping 88.5% of Clinton voters disagreed, while less than 5% agreed. Over half of the people who didn't vote for either top candidate, including those who didn't vote at all, also disagreed with the President's action.

Adds Dr. Wells Kelber, "President Trump claimed that his decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord would help the United States economy. Yet, a recent AP poll showed that less than one third of Americans support President Trump's decision and fewer still agree with his reasoning. This opposition is also shared by large U.S. corporations and industry leaders. This concern is justified."

SURVEY STATEMENT: I believe business taxes will be lower under President Trump.

Like Wall Street, Main Street also feels that business taxes will shrink under businessman Trump. More than 46% of those polled agreed with the statement, while less than 25% disagreed. The data:

Despite the fact that this was about business taxes in general, not anyone's particular business, the more people earned, the more they were likely to agree. A clear majority of people (57.4%) whose families earned more than $100,000 annually agreed with the statement, while less than 17% disagreed. People with smaller incomes agreed, but not as strongly, with more than 41% in agreement and nearly 29% disagreeing. Meanwhile, Trump supporters kept the faith, with nearly 2 out of 3 (65.2%) agreeing, and less than 7% disagreeing.

SURVEY STATEMENT: I believe my personal taxes will be lower under President Trump.

Surprisingly, despite the President's proposal to cut personal tax rates, less than 26% agreed, while 46% disagreed, and nearly 29% neither agreed nor disagreed. The results:

Says Dr. Michael Zey, Professor of Management at Montclair State University's Feliciano School of Business in New Jersey, "According to this survey, 46% of Americans polled think that what the Trump administration labels a 'tax cut' bill will actually increase their taxes. The President should follow Reagan's example and take his case directly to the American people to explain why he believes tax cuts for individuals and business will boost the economy just as they did in the 1960s."

Higher-income people tended to agree more than lower-income people did. For those with annual family incomes greater than $150,000, 40% agreed to some extent as compared to less than 32% disagreeing. Below that income level, less than 24% agreed overall, while 48% disagreed.

Trump supporters believe in their leader's ability to get the job done: more than 55% agreed, with more than 20% strongly agreeing that the president would cut their taxes. Less than 13% disagreed, including just 1.8% disagreeing strongly.

SURVEY STATEMENT: I believe my family's health care would be better under the TrumpCare bill passed by the House of Representatives than it is now.

As the Senate debates its own ObamaCare repeal bill, Americans worry about getting coverage their families need at an affordable price. The results:

Overall, half the people surveyed disagreed with the statement, and less than a quarter (23.2%) agreed. Of the people who disagreed, nearly 8 out of 10 (79.4%) disagreed strongly. A majority of females disagreed (54.1%), with 20.8% agreeing. Men had more faith in the legislation: more than 45% disagreed, while 27% agreed.

But Trump supporters bucked the tide and backed their man, with over half (51.8%) agreeing, and less than 8% disagreeing. Hillary Clinton voters were diametrically opposed: only 5.1% agreed, while a whopping 87.8% disagreed. Over half of the people who didn't vote for either Republican or Democrat, including those who didn't vote at all, also disagreed with the statement.

Concludes Dr. Wells Kelber, "In President Trump's first 5 months in office we have seen him promote policy that is often widely at odds with the values and wishes of the majority of Americans. Three of these policy issues subject to major changes under the Trump administration include climate change, taxes, and health care."

Says sociologist Zey, author of many books including Ageless Nation, "Trump ran for president on issues such as lowering taxes, fixing health care, and pulling the US out of or renegotiating what he considers international 'bad deals' that he claimed negatively impact American jobs and the US economy, such as TPP and the Paris Climate Accord. Throughout his campaign, he promised his supporters such actions would jumpstart the US economy. So it's not unexpected that his voters would support his actions in these areas. In other words, they feel positively toward the survey's issues not because they support Trump. Rather, they supported Trump because of his stand on these issues."

Do you believe President Trump's policies will affect your retirement savings and Social Security? Let the free Retirement Planner by MoneyTips help you calculate when you can retire without jeopardizing your lifestyle.
NORWALK  Board of Education Chairman Mike Lyons said the board was very impressed with the school districts proposed candidate for its new chief of specialized learning and student services.

The full Board of Education met with candidate Yvette Goorevitch, who has served as the director of special and alternative education for the New Rochelle, N.Y., school district for the past 25 years, during a closed-doors meeting Thursday evening.

Goorevitch met with members of the boards Ad Hoc Special Education Committee and select members of Norwalks SPEDPartners earlier in the day.

She has extensive experience with a socioeconomically similar city, and encountered the same problems with special education there that have long been problems in Norwalk, Lyons said. She has a good track record of both solving those problems and building a good working relationship with justifiably skeptical SPED parents.

Goorevitch, though not officially hired on yet, would bring more than 40 years of public special education experience to the position. She is known for having taken a school system similar to Norwalk and transforming it into a model district for students with special needs.

Lyons said Goorevitch told the board that she was excited by the opportunity to make real improvements in Norwalk, including to the districts Academically Talented program.

We think she has the right combination of experience, smarts and compassion to take our long-term plan for rebuilding special education and make it a success, Lyons said.

The reaction to Goorevitch seemed to be similar from a select group of parents of special education students in the district who were invited to meet her Thursday.

I can only speak for myself, said Jeff Spahr, a member of Norwalk SPEDPartners and city deputy corporation counsel. But I was highly impressed with her. She seemed to be student- and family-driven. She also was fiscally responsible. She knows how to run a district and she knows the challenges that the district faces This isn't going to be a big change for her. She has a proven track record.

Spahr was also happy that the district thought to include at least some parents in the process of hiring a new head of the districts special education program.

Speaking on behalf of the parents group, we were very happy and well-pleased that the district considered our stake in this to be important enough that they would include us in the process, Spahr said. Rather than us being handed a hey this is it take it or leave it kind of thing.

Spahr called it a big step forward, very important and a big change from the past.

The school districts former chief of special education, Lynn Toper, started with the school district in July 2016 and was tasked with overhauling the issue-laden special education programming. The high hopes of her tenure never fully materialized.

Toper went on partial leave in October to provide assistance to her family following an unexpected family illness. She tendered her resignation Dec. 7 as her leave of absence was scheduled to end later that month.

Topers placement in the school district came after years of issues within Norwalk Public Schools special education programs. Though the current district leadership has expressed a commitment to addressing the issues and to rebuilding its special education framework.

A vote on a final candidate for the role isnt expected until a full board meeting in August.

Before her work at New Rochelle, Goorevitch spent 12 years in special education for the New York City Department of Education. There, she served in the roles of district administrator of special education and chairperson for the committee on special education. She started her career as a special education teacher in New York City.

Goorevitch was named the 2016 New York Council of Administrators of Special Education Special Education Administrator of the year, an award that recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishment for the benefit of students with disabilities.

Goorevitch earned a Master of Science in Special Education and a Master of Education in Supervision and Administration in Special Education from Columbia University Teachers College. She also completed advanced Ed.D degree coursework there. Goorevitch also holds a bachelor of science in psychology from Brooklyn College.

KSchultz@thehour.com; 203-842-2567; @kevinedschultz
Have state-sponsored hackers been spending nights reading Cold War spy novelists like John Le Carre? It sure seems that way. Because those classic espionage techniques are being reinvented as the latest strategies to compromise Western democracies.

Take the recent reports on Russias attack on a U.S. company that provides voting support and systems to local election offices. According to these reports, Russian-sponsored hackers made their way into the company system by sending phishing emails to local officials. They hoped they were naive enough to open the emails, which would have introduced malware into the voting infrastructure.

This weakest link approach is similar to how the KGB during the Cold War attempted to penetrate target installations to compromise vulnerable Americans. (There was reportedly a KBG playbook on recruiting Americans that explains their strategy.)

So if we want to look forward and secure ourselves from hacking, we should look backward at how old-school spy-craft is being applied to new-school cyber-craft. The principles have not changed. In fact, we are at greater risk now that sophisticated algorithms, artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies are moving spy-craft to a new, almost super-human level.

Here are some striking parallels between the Cold War and the Cyber Wars -- and some tools and tactics you can adopt to defend yourself.

Related: Russia's U.S. Election Hacks Are Worse Than We Thought

1. Handlers havent gone away.

Old-School Spy-craft: In the good old days, the CIA and KGBs operatives -- spies, moles, and other agents -- penetrated key organizations and stole crucial information. Shrewd handlers trained those spies, or assets to go undercover, penetrate their targets surreptitiously and assess the most essential information to pursue.

New-School Cyber-craft: There are still asset-controlling handlers -- we call these handlers state sponsors and their assets threat actors -- whose missions include penetrating strategic targets like governmental institutions, enterprise databases and even critical infrastructure. Cyber-oriented military units as well as state-sponsored groups of hackers hired by governments are controlled by these malicious puppeteers.

Related: U.S. Intel Chiefs Push Back on Trump and Russia Hack

2. HUMINT-- Modelling our modern spies.

Old-School Spy-craft: Espionage 101 teaches spies to identify the sources of information that their government needs, and scoop them up faster than you can say undercover agent wearing trench coat.

Once successfully immersed in the right community, the spies often remain silent (sleeper agents), biding their time until receiving the order from their handlers to strike. These embedded agents avoid communication with their handlers for long periods of time so as not to arouse suspicion. This requires significant training and Bourne-like self-sufficiency -- both physical and emotional.

New-School Cyber-craft: Like human spies, self-sufficient malware can be trained to enter surreptitiously into protected systems and search for specific information that fits the spys Modus Operandi, while blending into the scenery -- or, on the contrary, hiding in plain sight.

Self-sufficient malware, like the spies of old, must also be able to overcome well-engineered sequences of security traps deployed to block their outbound communication. The more self-sufficient the malware, the more successful. While their old-school human counterparts had their own booze-and-caffeine fueled limits, unlike real people, bots never get burned out. And real spies didnt have Artificial Intelligence to sift through a vast tonnage of communications and unstructured data, including phone conversations, emails and key data banks, automatically understanding context like humans do and identifying the relevant data they need.

The recent DNC hacks are a textbook example -- the sensitive emails were exposed to the outside world by self-sufficient malware that patiently lingered on the inside of DNC servers for almost a year, silently collecting information until the right moment.

Related: The Worst Hacks of 2017 -- So Far

3. Double agents: Trust is a slippery thing.

Old-School Spy-craft: Handlers sent their most skilled agents into target-rich networks, such as an intelligence agency, to zero in on whoever on the inside had access to the most classified information and was vulnerable to being flipped into a double agent. Often it was someone with a weakness that made them susceptible to compromise -- affairs, a drinking problem, gambling debts, etc. This was a classic tactic employed by the KGB and other intelligence agencies during the Cold War.

New-School Cyber-craft: In todays world, insiders can turn against their employers, becoming the cyber equivalent of double agents. When you wreak havoc from within, you eliminate the need to penetrate well-protected, or even air gapped systems (those disconnected from the internet). Edward Snowden is the perfect example of an insider threat who became a very real one. Many companies fixated on outside threats overlook the hazards within.

Defending against new-school cybercraft.

Its much more affordable to mount a cyberattack than invest in building a spy operation. That makes it easier for nations and organizations least expected to join in this newfangled cyber battle. With the barrier to entry so low, it is essential that we re-engineer our thinking to defend against new-school cyber-craft. Here are five ways to think differently:

1. Revert to methods of previous eras.

There are methods that seem antiquated but are un-hackable. The Dutch government, for example, has announced that it is returning to hand counting its ballots amidst fears of cyberattacks during elections. And super-sensitive conversations are best handled in-person.

Related: The Frightening Potential of Hackers Disrupting the Ballot

2. Increase utilization of data encryption.

These methods have existed for years, but typically have not been used on personal computers and phones because they slow them down and can require additional integration. The risk of cyber threats counters those objections. Institutions must widen their definition of critical infrastructure to include data encryption both in data centers and on PCs of key political and business figures.

3. Smarter anti-malware.

Much as sophisticated counterintelligence units ferret out moles in intelligence organizations, we need smarter anti-malware software -- such as tools that can sniff out concealed AI capabilities in software - that can be trained to hunt self-sufficient bots.

Related: Election-Year Email Troubles Are a Warning for Business Leaders

4. Behavior analytics.

Intelligence agencies have internal measures used to identify double agents. It's time to acccelerate deployment of network and identity behavior analytics able to identify insiders (i.e. employees and contractors) acting in strange and anomalous fashions. Someone who suddenly shows up on a Sunday night to download files is the equivalent of a mid-level intelligence agent who is suddenly driving a BMW and buying a vacation home.

5. Collaboration

Organizations should collaborate by exchanging threat information (TTPs) and knowledge about the threat actors behind them, so they can proactively implement more targeted security measures.

To protect ourselves from clear and present dangers, we must go back to the future. Todays security strategists would be well-advised to look to the ways of the past and adapt their lessons to cyber-security of today to create a safer tomorrow.

Related:

To Understand Today's Cyber War Study Cold War Spycraft

Phishing In All Its Forms Is a Menace to Small Businesses

How OneLogin Was Compromised and the Lessons for the Rest of Us



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


CENTRAL CITY  Reckless driving eventually led to the arrest of four men in Central City Thursday afternoon.

According to a press release from the Central City Police Department, around 1 p.m. the Merrick County Sheriffs Department 911 Center received a report of a reckless driver westbound on Highway 30, entering Central City. After running a license check, the dispatcher found the 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis reported stolen out of Grand Island. The dispatcher contacted Central City police, who located the vehicle on the west side of Central City on Highway 30 and initiated a traffic stop at Pump & Pantry.

The car then sped back to Highway 30 and proceeded east back into town at a high rate of speed. After trying to turn south at the intersection of Highway 30 and F Avenue at high speeds, the car struck a utility pole.

According to the press release, once the car stopped, all four occupants got out. One suspect was arrested by Central City police while the others fled on foot. Two of the passengers were arrested about a half hour after the pursuit. Those three men, Rigo Alejandro Estrada, 20, Christian Martin Alvarez, 19, and Mario A. Castro Villagomez, 18, were arrested and charged with obstruction of a police officer.

According to the department and sheriffs office Facebook pages, Central City residents were to be vigilant while officers tried to locate a male subject on foot. Police warned residents to remove keys from cars and lock cars. The sheriffs office made the post shortly after 2 p.m.

The driver, Christopher Sanchez, 20, was arrested in the southwest part of Central City about an hour and a half after the pursuit ended. He is charged with felony flight to avoid arrest, felony possession of a stolen vehicle, felony criminal mischief, obstruction of a police officer, willful reckless driving and driving while under revocation for a DUI.

The Central City Police Department was assisted by the Merrick County Sheriffs Department, Nebraska State Patrol and their K-9 units, as well as Central City citizens.
Normally, the most notable part of a Supreme Court decision is not the dissent. Except for the times when the late, lamented Antonin Scalia would express his fury at what he considered to be a moronic decision by his peers, justices who disagreed were not all that interesting in their disagreement. Even Oliver Wendell Holmes, the so-called Great Dissenter, wore on your nerves with his righteous indignation.

But Monday, Justice Sonia Sotomayor penned a dissent that is much more interesting in its transparency than the relatively mild majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts in a case being watched by everyone interested in the tension between church and state, and the status of that crumbling wall.

In Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer, a seven-person majority held that the state of Missouri could not single out faith-based organizations for exclusion from grants that would have paid for property maintenance. The facts are fairly simple. Trinity Lutheran is a church that also ran a preschool program. In 2012, it applied for a grant from a state program to make playgrounds safer. Its request for funds to resurface its playground was denied based on a state constitutional provision that forbade the use of taxpayer funding to religious institutions.

That provision was modeled on what is known as the Blaine Amendment, a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution based in an antipathy toward Catholics. Over a century ago, in the wake of the Civil War, a Republican congressman named James Blaine proposed the amendment to prevent, in part, public money going to parochial schools that were filled with immigrant children.

Many states adopted the language of the original federal amendment, even though it had failed to muster a two-thirds majority in the Senate. Some of these mini-Blaines are still on the books.

Which brings us to Missouri.

Trinity Lutheran sued the state, claiming that the only reason it was being denied funding was because it was a religious institution. And, as Roberts wrote in a you think? moment, thats pretty self-evident:

There is no question that Trinity Lutheran was denied a grant simply because of what it is ... a church.

So the only question that remained was, is this exclusion constitutional?

Seven members of the court, including some of the more liberal justices, said no. According to the chief justice, the exclusion of Trinity Lutheran from a public benefit for which it is otherwise qualified, solely because it is a church, is odious to our Constitution all the same, and cannot stand.

I like the use of the word odious. Every now and then a Supreme Court justice has to tell it like it is, and cut through that genteel lexicon that makes it difficult to believe that there are human beings on that highest of benches. This was not simply an illegal, distasteful bit of discrimination against people of faith. It was odious.

Of course, not everyone would agree with that conclusion, including most of the members of the ACLU. Every time there is a suggestion that public funds are going to assist religious organizations, the fearsome prospect of a theocracy raises its head. Whether it be a caliphate or Christendom, the church-state separatists are immediately mobilized.

And one of the true believers, excuse the pun, sits on the court. Sotomayor, a woman who wore a Catholic school uniform for many years, railed against the majority decision. Her words seem particularly over the top, because Roberts took great pains to limit the majority holding to cases involving playground resurfacing, and reserved judgment on whether it could be extended to other types of discrimination. It was more about discriminating against entities solely because they were churches or, as Roberts wrote churches need not apply.

Sotomayor wasnt buying that. She clearly saw the diagrammed sentence on the wall:

If this separation (of church and state) means anything, it means that the government cannot ... tax its citizens and turn that money over to houses of worship. ... The court today blinds itself to the outcome this history requires and leads us instead to a place where separation of church and state is a constitutional slogan, not a constitutional commitment.

Thats powerful stuff.

Sotomayor sets this up as if the poor taxpayers of Missouri were being forced to pay to prevent some Christian kid from scraping his knees on a rough playground. She makes this seem as if its then a slippery slope to having taxpayers subsidize the erection of a Mormon Temple, or buy new central air for a mosque. Funny, right?

Well actually, maybe not. While I strongly reject the idea that the wall between church and state was built to keep religion out of the public square, it is clear that this case isnt just about playgrounds. It could change the way that we think about people and places of faith, and their relation to the secular state.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 30, 2017 09:01 1960 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a73b380 1 Health sleep,#health,health,#sleep Free

The US-based National Sleep Foundation recommends the average adult get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

While the negative effects of too little sleep are commonly acknowledged among researchers and the public, the notion that too much sleep could be linked to health problems has gone under the radar.

However, a growing body of research is connecting oversleeping with negative health outcomes.

"Oversleeping is not harmful in and of itself, but it is a sign that you may be sleeping ineffectively, or that there is another problem requiring more sleep," says Carl Bazil, MD, director of the division of sleep and epilepsy at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center.

Here are seven ways according to Reader's Digest (http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/too-much-sleep/) that too much sleep could have negative effects on your health:

Greater risk of heart disease and stroke

Cardiovascular disease is one of the problems linked to long sleep patterns, as researchers from the Chicago School of Medicine discovered that people who sleep more than eight hours per night are twice as likely to have angina (chest pain) and 10 percent more likely to have coronary heart disease.

Other researchers have also discovered increased risks of heart disease, with the Nurse's Health Study finding that long sleepers have a 38 percent greater chance of contracting these diseases. Another study in the UK found a 46 percent greater chance of stroke in long sleepers, even after adjustments for other risk factors.

Read also: Lack of sleep boosts chance of death by heart failure

Weight issues linked with oversleeping

Understanding the relationship between weight gain and oversleeping has long posed a challenge for health experts, with some noting that oversleeping could be both a cause and an effect.

"One difficulty to untangling these effects is that things like sleep-disordered breathing, depression, or medication side effects can cause an increase in sleep duration and are also linked to other risk factors, such as weight gain," says Elizabeth McDevitt, PhD, a researcher at the Sleep and Cognition Lab at the University of California, Riverside.

Michael Irwin, MD, professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, says that long sleepers are more likely to be obese due to a sedentary lifestyle.

A study from Canada, meanwhile, found that long sleepers were 25 percent more likely to gain five kilograms over the study's six-year-period and experienced a 21 percent increase in risk of developing obesity.

Risk of developing diabetes

As oversleeping is associated with obesity, increased risk of diabetes is also considered another effect. Canadian researchers have even found that long sleepers doubled their risk of developing diabetes even after adjusting for body mass.

Other studies suggest that both too much or too little sleep can affect blood glucose levels, regardless of weight or activity level.

Overall, however, the connection between oversleeping and diabetes has not yet been definitively proven. "Very little is understood about mechanistic pathways linking long sleep and health outcomes," McDevitt says.

Read also: Study suggests a good night's sleep can help prevent depression

Headaches from oversleeping

While waking up from too little sleep could leave someone feeling groggy and with a headache, the same effect could be felt after a long slumber.

"The mechanism behind this isn't understood that well, and one hypothesis is that fluctuations in neurotransmitters during sleep may be a trigger for headaches," McDevitt says. "Another possibility is that when people sleep later in the morning, they may be sleeping past their normal breakfast or coffee time, and the headaches may be related to caffeine withdrawals, low blood sugar or dehydration."

Oversleeping could lead to depression

According to studies, oversleeping is frequently associated with mental distress, with oversleeping noted as a symptom of depression. Meanwhile, a separate study conducted on twins found that long sleep actually activated genes related to depressive symptoms.

One hypothesis is that long sleep duration is associated with decreased physical activity.

"Physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of depression by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, increasing release of endorphins, distracting from stressful stimuli, and improving self-esteem," McDevitt says.

Read also: Air pollution disrupts our sleep, says new study

Too much sleep could cause pain to your body

Spending too much time in bed can lead to aches, especially if you suffer from back problems, due to reduction in activity.

"It has to do with lying in a position for an extended period of time, [lack of] movement while sleeping, or a bad mattress," says Dr. Breus.

Disruption to brain functions

A Harvard study showed that older women who slept more than nine hours experienced a deterioration in cognitive functioning equivalent to aging almost two years. Other research has shown a connection between long sleep and the onset of dementia.

"Since sleep duration is linked with so many other factors that can also influence cognition, it's likely that there are both direct and indirect effects of sleep duration on cognition," McDevitt says. "Oversleeping might also be a marker of underlying circadian disruptions or health problems that could lead to structural brain changes and poor cognitive functioning." (liz/kes)
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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Fri, June 30, 2017 15:54 1960 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a742dec 4 National missing-tourists,found-dead,Germany Free

After having been missing for eight days, a 49-year-old German tourist, identified as Wolter Klaus, was found dead at the Dua Warna waterfall tourist site in Sibolangit, Deli Serdang regency, North Sumatra, on Friday.

His body was reportedly found squeezed between rocks by a university student at the site 20 kilometers away from Mt. Sibayak in Karo regency. Klaus and other foreigners went hiking on the mountain last Thursday.

The search and rescue team faced difficulties in evacuating the body because of where it was located, said Sibolangit district head Amos Karo-Karo.

"The evacuation is still ongoing," Amos told The Jakarta Post on Friday at noon.

Meanwhile, Medan National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) operational head M. Agus Wibisono said his team was still investigating the cause of Klaus' death, as his body was found 20 kilometers away from where he reportedly went missing on Mt. Sibayak.

"The body will be taken to the hospital for autopsy and will be handed over to his parents who, for several days, had been taking part in the search," Agus said.

Before being declared missing, some witnesses saw Klaus reach the peak of the mountain last Thursday.

Around 150 personnel from Basarnas have been deployed for the search. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 30, 2017 12:44 1960 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a73ed1a 1 Business Idul-Fitri-2017,#Lebaran,traffic-congestion Free

With the Idul Fitri return traffic expected to peak on Friday, state-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga estimates that around 108,000 vehicles will pass through the Cikarang Utama tollgate, heading toward Jakarta and its surrounding areas from cities in eastern Java.

Jasa Margas Jakarta-Cikampek spokesman Handoyono said travelers had been entering the Cikopo Palimanan (Cipali) toll road or taking other routes to Jakarta.

He added that Jasa Marga had permitted vehicles to travel for 12 kilometers in contraflow lanes on toll roads from Jakarta since Thursday to ease congestion.

Okky Brahma, a spokesperson for private toll road operator PT Lintas Marga Sedaya, echoed Jasa Marga's traffic assessment.

(Read also: Operator to make toll road free in the event of long queues)

The end of the operational restriction of freight trucks on Thursday had contributed to an increase in vehicle volume on the Cikopo-Palimanan and the Jakarta-Cikampek toll roads, Okky added.

He said a total of 30,236 vehicles had traveled on toll roads Thursday, 13 percent more than on Wednesday.

The police noted that the Brebes-Batang toll road has been packed with 6,956 vehicles since Thursday morning.

Although the toll roads were initially only open during the day, the police were considering opening them at night if the Batang section of the Pantura toll road became overcrowded, said Adj. Sr. Comr. Luthfie Sulistiawan of the Brebes Police.

We will coordinate with the Batang Police, he said, as reported by tempo.co. (fss/bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 30, 2017 11:32 1960 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a73e19f 4 Business small-and-medium-enterprises,ICSB-International-Council-Small-Business,jakarta,#SME Free

Jakarta is expected to become the think-tank hub for policies on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through an initiative to hold regular Asian ministerial meetings in the capital city.

"This is Indonesia's initiative, which has been approved by Asian members of the ICSB [International Council for Small Business], to hold the ministerial events between two annual conferences," ICSB Indonesia president Hermawan Kartajaya said in Jakarta on Thursday, as quoted by news agency Antara.

Hermawan is also the president of the Asian Council for Small Business (ACSB), the regional arm of the ICSB, which has 11 member countries.

(Read also: Govt aims to boost SME exports to African countries)

The sixth ACSB conference will be held in Myanmar in October, while the seventh conference is slated to happen in September next year in Japan.

Meanwhile, the first Ministerial Open Forum (MOF) was expected to take place in May next year, Hermawan said, adding that it was planned to be held annually and permanently in Jakarta.

Hermawan, who is also a special staff member to Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Puspayoga, emphasized the importance of the ministerial meeting as a chance for Asian policymakers to share their experiences on SMSE policies.

"Hence, Jakarta will be a kind of center for MSME-related policymaking in Asia," he said, expressing his hope that government officials would join forces to support the initiatives implementation. (prm/bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 30, 2017 17:10 1960 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a745b9e 1 National KPK,house-of-representatives,police,Miryam-S-Haryani,e-ID Free

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has dismissed the House of Representatives threat to scrap its budget allocation in the 2018 state budget over its refusal to present a key witness in the e-ID graft case at an inquiry hearing.

KPK deputy chairman Alexander Marwata said he was confident the House would not be able to cancel the budget allocation for the anti-graft body and the National Police, which have also refused to comply with the Houses request.

It is impossible to do so as the Finance Ministry has allocated the budget ceiling for both institutions, Alexander said on Thursday, as quoted by antaranews.com.

It is possible for the House to sideline the KPK when deliberating its budget allocation but that would not be a problem, Alexander said. If that happens, we will use the same amount in the 2017 budget. But I hope it doesnt happen.

The House has launched an inquiry into the KPK mainly over its handling of the e-ID graft case. Inquiry committee member Mukhamad Misbakhun has said that the Houses Commission III overseeing legal affairs could halt deliberation of the 2018 budgets for the KPK and the National Police.

The statement came after the KPK refused to allow graft suspect and former Hanura Party lawmaker Miryam S. Haryani, a key witness in the multi-trillion e-ID card graft case and who has been held in custody by the anti-graft body, to appear before the inquiry committee for questioning. (kuk/ary)
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Linkedin Evangeline Aruperes (The Jakarta Post) Manado  Fri, June 30, 2017 15:43 1960 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a742499 1 National Chinese,immigration,SamRatulangi,Airport Free

Immigration officials at Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado, North Sulawesi, have denied entry to two Chinese nationals on suspicion they were going to abuse their visas.

The two men had flown in from Singapore on SilkAir flight 274, according to Dodi Karnida, head of the immigration division at the North Sulawesi office of the Law and Human Rights Ministry.

"The two men are categorized 'illegal,' as they failed to show clear documents about their planned activities here. We strongly allege they were going to misuse the Indonesian government's free-visa policy," Dodi said on Thursday.

Dodi added that the two men were deported back to Singapore as their last stop before landing in Indonesia.

The 2011 Law on Immigration gives the immigration office the authority to deny foreigners entry to Indonesia if they fail to explain their activities in the country. The same law also rules that the airline that transported them should take them back to the country where they boarded the flight.

Dodi said this was the second time the immigration office Sam Ratulangi airport barred Chinese nationals from entering Indonesia. He said the decision was taken based on security and cost and benefit considerations.

The Joko "Jokowi" Widodo administration has introduced a free-visa policy for several countries to boost the number of foreign tourists visiting the country. It aims to lure 10 million Chinese tourists by 2019. (yon/ary)

Topics : Chinese immigration SamRatulangi Airport
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 30, 2017 21:39 1960 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a7566cb 2 National attack,stabbing,National-Police,South-Jakarta Free

An unknown assailant reportedly attacked two police officers at a mosque near the National Police headquarters in South Jakarta on Friday evening.

An attack on two police officers occurred tonight, the National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Martinus Sitompul told reporters on Friday.

The victims have been identified as Adj. Comr. Dede Suhatmi and First Brig. M. Syaiful Bakhtiar.

According to the police, the two police officers were completing their prayers at Falatehan Mosque, across from the National Police headquarters in South Jakarta, when the assailant suddenly stabbed the officers using a bayonet. The suspect stabbed the officers after shouting, Thogut!

Thogut is an Arabic word for those who worship anything other than God.

From the mosque, the suspect ran to the nearby Blok M bus station. When another police officer fired a warning shot, the assailant turned around and ran toward the officer and tried, but failed to stab him while shouting, Allahu akbar! He was reportedly shot dead.

The wounded officers were treated at the nearby Central Pertamina Hospital. (kuk/ary)
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Linkedin Francis Chan (The Straits Times/ANN) Jakarta  Fri, June 30, 2017 06:11 1960 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a738a5c 2 SE Asia murder-case,Singapore,bedok-double-murder Free

The Singapore Police Force is working with Indonesian authorities for the Bedok double murder case, but the Indonesian maid arrested in Jambi province will not be sent to Singapore.

A spokesman for the Singapore Police Force on Thursday night said the police are aware that "the Indonesian suspect has been detained by the Indonesian authorities".

"We are currently working with the Indonesian authorities to facilitate our investigations into the murder case reported at Bedok Reservoir Road on June 21, 2017," said the police spokesman.

Indonesia's National Police (Polri) will work with their Singapore counterparts to solve the crime, a spokesman for the Indonesian police told The Straits Times earlier on Thursday.

Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said that the case "will be handled by Polri in cooperation with the Singapore Police Force, but the suspect Khasanah will not be sent to Singapore due to the principle of personaliteit".

Personaliteit is a local legal principle which states that any Indonesian arrested in the country for a crime committed overseas must be processed in Indonesia, instead of being sent to the jurisdiction where the offense took place, explained the national police spokesman.

Khasanah, 41, had worked as a domestic helper in Singapore for about a month. She was on the run for almost a week after her elderly employers were found tied up and later pronounced dead in their Bedok Reservoir flat on June 21.

She was arrested for the double murder on Tuesday night when police in Indonesia's Jambi province raided her hotel room following a tip-off from local residents.

Among the items found in her possession during her arrest were several pieces of jewellery, watches, mobile phones, a laptop computer and cash in various currencies.

Khasanah had confessed to her arresting officers that she murdered her employers, said Jambi police spokesman Kuswahyudi Tresnadi.

She was also said to have used a computer at an Internet cafe near the hotel to browse for online news about the double murder.

The hotel manager told Shin Min Daily News on Thursday that Khasanah had paid repeated visits to the Internet cafe during her stay and had plans to travel to Java.

She is being held by local police in Jambi province for the investigation into the murder, Setyo confirmed.

Khasanah's fate now lies in the hands of Indonesian investigators, who will need to decide whether there is sufficient evidence against her.

Even so, they will still need to get the green-light from state prosecutors before she is charged in an Indonesian court.

Indonesia and Singapore had signed an extradition treaty as part of a package which included a Defence Cooperation Agreement in April 2007. Both agreements are still pending ratification by the Indonesian House of Representatives.

The two countries, however, are party to the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Treaty Amongst Like-minded Asean Member States.

Under the MLA, one country can gain access to interrogate suspects detained in the partner country, as well as gather evidence and seize criminals' assets.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said previously that Singapore has provided assistance to Indonesia on its MLA requests.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 30, 2017 13:57 1960 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a73fb8e 1 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,#BarackObama,Barack-Obama,culinary-tour,fried-rice,satay,#food,food,Obama,#Obama Free

Fried rice and chicken satay are the two traditional Indonesian dishes Barack Obama enjoys eating during his stay in Yogyakarta.

Indonesian food certainly reminds the former US president of his childhood. Obama spent four years in Jakarta in the late 1960s, after his mother married an Indonesian man. During those years, his mother and stepfather often took Obama to Yogyakarta.

During a state visit to Indonesia in November 2010, Obama made special mention of bakso (meatballs) and sate (satay).

Read also: Hari Raya recipe: Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakartas nasi goreng kluwak

Obama ordered traditional Indonesian dishes, such as bakmi (noodles), satay and fried rice, said Tentrem Hotel general manager Mey Nurnaningsih. For their three-day Yogyakarta trip, the Obamas are staying at Tentrem Hotel, which is owned by one of Indonesia's famed jamu makers, Sido Muncul.

Although Yogyakarta's most famous delicacy is gudeg (jackfruit and coconut milk stew served with various side dishes), Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said fried rice and chicken satay were also loved by locals.

Indonesian fried rice and chicken satay are delicious. They are also among the favorites of the Yogyakarta locals, said the minister. (asw)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 30, 2017 13:01 1960 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a73f5fd 1 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Barack-Obama,#BarackObama,UNESCO,Borobudur-Temple,yogyakarta-tourism,Magelang,heritage-building,Obama,#Obama Free

During his visit to the iconic Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, on Wednesday, former US president Barack Obama said the temple brought back his childhood memories.

Obama is very happy to be back in Borobudur; he mentioned that he had visited this place when he was a child, but now the visit is more special, because hes bringing his family with him said PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (TWC) president director Edy Setijono.

Read also: Komodo Island among Vogues top places to visit this summer

Obama spent part of his childhood in Jakarta, arriving as a six-year-old back in 1967 and staying with his mother and his Indonesian stepfather until 1971. During those years, his mother and stepfather often took him to Yogyakarta.

While exploring the temple, Obama took several photos in one corner on the seventh level of the temple.

Moreover, Obama also calls for the preservation of the 9th-century Buddhist temple. He said that locals should protect and preserve the Borobudur temple. It is a positive message from him," Setijono added. (asw)
The reports from Syria that the US-led coalition employed the use of white phosphorus in the city of Raqqa, one of ISIS's territories in Syria, represents the latest dimension of this harrowing civil war.

The protests that transpired in Syria in March 2011 as part of the Arab Spring and the fight against dictatorial regimes ripened into a civil war by July of 2011, and innocent civilians have been heavily paying the price since.

US followed up it up Earlier this month, US backed Syrian fighters made advancements in Eastern Raqqa against ISIS, and thewith the use of white phosphorus. The use of white phosphorus in Raqqa, an incendiary weapon that can pose a significant threat to human lives upon exposure to air, to the extent of melting the human flesh to the bone, illustrates the magnitude of the threats to human security that Syrians are facing.

The US's actions in Syria are part of Trump's plan to 'defeat Islamic terrorism', as ISIS are prevalent in large parts of Syria. However, his pledge to eradicate Islamic terrorism could have more plausibility if he had not just signed a historic arms deal with Saudi Arabia, one of the key ideological drivers behind Islamic terrorism.

injured Nevertheless, the US-led coalition in Syria has stepped up the intensity in order to take back the city from ISIS, but this has been detrimental to Syrian safety. The Syrian crisis is already one of the worst humanitarian crisis in history, with reports suggesting 11% of the population has been killed or, and many more being displaced, internally and externally, which only fuels the growing refugee crisis. Thus, US forces upping the ferocity of their attacks, of which there is no indiscrimination of targets, with the hope of killing a few Islamic State representatives, will do more harm than virtue.

Bombing civilian areas to halt the augmentation of ISIS and with the hope of safeguarding Western freedom, values and security has not worked for years, and has instead proved severely counter productive by causing the implosion of states and generating an environment in which the enemy being targetted can penetrate and use to strengthen. This is noticeable in Libya, Yemen and Iraq, and is no different in Syria. The enemy is galvanised whilst the civilians languish. How many more Syrians must fall before an alternative strategy is exercised?

Moreover, the multitude of actors operating in Syria adds to the complexity of the conflict, and unfortunately, the casualties. The sectarian tensions that have been unleashed accross the Middle East, following the Iraq War in 2003, which expedited post Arab Spring, are contributing to consequential levels of violence. Accordingly, Saudi Arabia and Iran's influence in the escalation of sectarian tensions is compelling.

Saudi Arabia's regional aspirations are paramount to their motives in Syria. Their insistence on being the prevailing hegemon in the Middle East coupled with their aversion of Iran and their Shia rule has led to Saudi providing financial and military aid in abundance to anti-Assad militants with the purpose of quelling the Iran-Syria alliance and the prospect of a Shia/Alawite political order in Syria, and subsequently, the Middle East.

Hence, Saudi's emphasis on halting Iranian presence has only strengthened the Iranian eagerness to surmount Saudi pressure and influence.

amongst many Syrian conflict Consequently, Saudi Arabia and Iran are propping up various military organisations. Particularly, Saudi Arabia have equipped the Al Qaeda linked Jabhat Al Nusra,, and Iran in response have administered their support for Shia military organisations, such as Hezbollah, who have risen in prominence in the, to prevent the rise of groups such as ISIS who have repeatedly targetted Shia Muslims. As a result, Saudi Arabia and Iran are essentially fighting a proxy war in Syria and aggravating the Sunni v Shia hostility in the process.

early stages Additionally, the increased tensions between Saudi and Qatar have not aided the situation, with Qatar opting to also attempt to gain a foothold in Syria, by underpinning various Sunni groups from the, which is considered a primary factor in the Saudi led Qatar blockade.

Resultantly, the various powers and the influence they are exerting in Syria has inflamed the sectarian tensions, whilst concurrently contributing to the mass deaths aswell as the displacement and loss of lives and homes of many Syrians. Thousands have died and many more injured and forced to leave their homes as a result of powers using Syria as a battlefield to fight their proxy wars.

Similarly, just as the US, Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are exploiting the plight in Syria in order to realise their ambitions, Russia are operating on a similar wavelength. Putin's involvement in Russia originates from Russia and Syria's alliance throughout and after the Cold War, and since 2015, Russia have undertaken continuous air strikes in Syria, aimed at diminishing the role of militant organisations and bolstering the position of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. Reports suggest that thousands have been killed as a result of Russian air strikes alone, and the increasing levels of violence suggest that number will increase, alongside the relentless military involvement on Russia's behalf.

illegal chemical weapons Notwithstanding, Assad is also contributing significantly to the drastic situation the Syrians find themselves in, as evident with the air strikes he uses on any opposition to the regime, and to the extent of using, which have compromised the safety and security of thousands of Syrians.

Hence, the situation in Syria is perplexing and critically damaging. The war which has been used by several powers as a means of achieving their foreign policy objectives, has materialized into a country with punishing humanitarian effects.

The UN estimates that 6.3 million people have been internally displaced, and well over half the population are in need of humanitarian assistance, whether that is in Syria, or in places like Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey where they are in refugee camps.

Likewise, there is a plethora of human rights violations being committed and the death tolls are rising promptly with each passing day.

A country that was once eulogzied by Western outlets for the direction it was heading in, has descended into total anarchy and induced the destruction of lives and homes. The role of external powers has intensified the situation and precipitated the worst humanitarian crisis of our lifetime.

Syria has collapsed, and sadly, it appears, will continue to spiral downwards.
Germanys Parliament, the Bundestag has voted in favour of legalising same-sex marriage after a snap vote.

Despite Angela Merkel opposing the move, the decision to legalise it won 393 votes to 226. For this decision, the German Chancellor had freed her conservative Christian Democrat from the party whip, calling instead for a vote of conscience.

For me, marriage in German law is marriage between a man and a woman and that is why I did not vote in favour of this bill today, she said right after the historic vote.

I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace.

The snap vote was called by centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), under an amendment entitled marriage for all. It was guaranteed majority support in the German parliament from the Left Part and the Greens.

Johannes Kahrs, an SPD politician known for his LGBT campaigns, criticized Ms Merkel over embarrassing delays to the legislation.

Chair of the Green party, Katrin Goring-Eckart, said this was history being made, and that she did not understand the CDU/CSU limiting the conservative institution of marriage. The Greens celebrated with rainbow confetti and a cake after the result was announced.

Quite a few members of the Bundestag spoke against the vote.

On the grounds of conscience, I will not support anything that allows marriage except for man and woman, said CDU group leader Volker Kauder, and explained that civil partnerships were sufficient and didnt discriminate.

This issue has divided Merkels party, which is the largest in the Bundestag, and retains its lead in the run-up to Septembers federal elections.
Following an exciting 30th birthday last year, Glasgow's legendary jazz festival transformed the city as it took over some of its most iconic venues.

With an impressive line-up that included both home-grown and international artists, there was plenty to see. Unfortunately, with only five days to squeeze each incredible act in, there were plenty of clashes, as is the way with high-in-demand musicians.

Our particular night began with three very accomplished new-starters: The Murray Brothers Trio.

Located in the basement room of Stereo Cafe Bar the atmosphere was hushed as the musicians walked on stage. Despite their fresh-faced youthful appearances, the boys stunned the crowd with confidence and an outrageously proficient rendition of Kurt Biels Speak Low.

The majority of the set consisted of original pieces, all of which featured at least one long and intricate solo to the reception of well-deserved applause. Feeling like a perfect example of classic jazz, this was the ideal start to the night.

Little time was left to head over to Saint Lukes, a beautifully restored parish church decorated with atmospheric fairy lights.

The Neil Cowley Trio were the highlight of the night. The combination of poetic melody and powerful riffs led to a strikingly passionate and energetic performance akin to that of GoGo Penguin.

The experimental jazz gave the entire concert such a modern feel you could genuinely reference both Steve Reich and Arcade Fire in an attempt to explain their sound. Halfway through the performance the bassist Rex Horan created an eerie, almost electronic sound by playing in the higher register with his bow. This added to the layering and building of the pieces to create a welcome slow and atmospheric break from the energetic playing of the rest of the set.

The composer and pianist Neil Cowley led the concert with a chatty, relaxed rapport which broke down the wall between performer and audience and really invited everyone to get lost in the music. The audience were thrilled by every piece they played, but a few really notable ones include Rooster was a Witness and She Eats Flies. This final piece was so intense for a minute you could think you were in a club; all three of the musicians were grooving away whilst they played their parts and the night ended with a well-deserved standing ovation.

A trek back across the city lead to the Admiral Bar. This quirky joint was another basement venue, this time with low ceilings and dimmed colourful lighting. The Scottish debut of Greg Foat

Group was the attraction of intrigue here. With vibey, spacey, ambient music it was very different from the gigs prior to their set, but a welcome change.

The treat of seeing Greg Foat play the Fender Rhodes and Warren Hampshire on guitar on the same stage was enough for most but the icing on the cake was, of course, their impeccable playing and eclectic sounds that took us all to a moody dark space of obscure soaring chords and mystical scales.

The final destination of the night was Swing. An underground club with a 1920s theme and cocktails galore played host to Rebecca Vasmant & Werkha. DJ/Producer Werka hosted us with a selection of jazz, funk, Latin and Afrobeat assisted by three brass players who walked around the club whilst playing.

The audience danced around the players and everyone had an attempt at swing dancing.

It was the perfect end to the jazziest of nights.
Today marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China.

Hong Kong in 2008 by Denis Wong

After more than 150 years under British governance, the United Kingdom's last colony officially became a special administrative region of China, ending the British Empire. While it seems the process was well-prepared by the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984, some might still wonder if this change of governance is truly a success.

Today, many Hongkongers still havent embraced their return to the motherland, having developed a strong sense of local identity. As shown by last year's survey in the region, 41.9% considered themselves solely as Hong Kong citizens compared to less than 20% seeing themselves as Chinese citizens.

While the Joint Declaration guaranteed Hong Kongs autonomy and freedom of its citizens for the next 50 years, defence and foreign affairs remain the responsibility of China. This sense of identity has strengthened over the years, while Beijing attempts to exert influence in order to prevent sympathy for Hong Kong separatist political movement.

This conflict of ideas was scrutinised by the entire political world. Indeed, whereas China had been following mainly communist policies since the Second World War, even if the country had started to open its markets and economy for the past decade at that time, Hong Kong was built on a European capitalist economic system.

Indeed, at the time of the handover Hong Kong was seen as an important potential financial asset for China, with Western rivals worried it could open up China's potential. However, since then, China has shown it can do well for itself, anyway. Shanghai, Shenzhen and even Guangzhou have become leading financial or manufacturing cities.

Yet, in terms of executive leadership, Hong Kong still has little say. Indeed, their Chief Executive is still not elected by universal suffrage but by an election committee of 400 members, forming a mix of private citizens and special groups in some political areas of Hong Kong that could remind us of sub-committees in Britain - except that those people are chosen by China. Fortunately, this committee has started to open up to 1,200 members upon Beijings approval.

Lack of democracy has always been a concern to the Western world. After the Chinese government brutally crushed student-led pro-democracy protests of 1989, some hoped that Hong Kong which shadowed the political system of Britain could spread the spark of democracy around China. Yet, 20 years later Beijing is tightening its grip on the region under the slogan "one country, two systems".

However, beyond all of these political and ideological concerns, some radical issues still remain in the region. Housing development has been poorly handled by the administration, and coupled with an increasing population has meant there has been a housing crisis for young people. The results are unexploited residential areas, limited housings as well as outrageous prices and costs.

Pollution has been a cause of concern for the population as Hong Kong has fallen to 71st place in the Worldwide Quality of Living Ranking, however, this ranks Hong Kong in the top six for Asia. Mostly children's health is at the centre of these concerns due to the terrible air quality caused by transport congestion.

Other people argue that Beijing's control is not the main issue faced by Hong Kong today as economic inequality grows. This has led to protests against Beijing as well as the local government. Businesses have widened up the gap between the rich and poor, whereas the middle class suffer the most by inappropriate political managing of both mainland and local government.

On the 20th anniversary of the handover, Hong Kong has safeguarded parts of its autonomy, though this still remains an issue for some. However, some domestic issues have been overshadowed by the power play with Beijing. This, the local government cannot afford to neglect.
The National Union of Students has sent an official letter to the Rt Hon. Sajid Javid MP, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, urging the Government to take action to ensure the safety of students.

The letter includes a request to ensure all student accomodation is included in the current review of fire safety, as well as urging them to properly fund local services to ensure ongoing fire safety checks are both robust and fit for purpose.

Shelly Asquith, the NUS Vice President for Welfare commented on the matter, saying: Following the tragic disaster at Grenfell Tower, students have contacted us concerned about the safety of their halls of residence. We are demanding the Government takes immediate action to ensure all halls are included in fire safety checks."

She continued to add that "this needs to happen urgently to reassure students due to enrol in September. We also call on the Government to reverse cuts to the fire service which so many of our members rely on."

The NUS have also contacted Unipol in order to regulate accomodation codes, which regulate the safety and management of student halls to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose. All members of the code have received an offer from the Department of Communities and Local Government to test their location's fire safety.

Additional measures have also been requested in a joint letter alongside the ANUK/Unipol Code calling on student housing providers to take up the offer of testing and ask them to reassess and provide assurances of their fire safety procedures.

A further official statement from the NUS press release said: "The NUS encourages students' unions to contact the institutions estates department and/or the management of the private provider to ask whether testing is in process and to what timescale, and what else they are doing to re-assess fire risk in high-rise blocks. Students unions should focus on any halls in which students are resident over the summer."
In the midst of a summer marred by atrocities brought on by terrorist attacks in England, UK students have shown their strength and resiliency in a new research study.

StudentUniversity sought to discover how UK students have reacted to the Manchester, London Bridge and Borough Market terror attacks in the country by questioning their attitudes toward travel and terrorism.

The research revealed that over half of the young people in the UK, 56%, would not cancel travel plans to a destination that was impacted by terrorism. Of those that have already made travel plans, only 4% have cancelled their travel plans to places at which terrorist attacks have taken place.

In addition, just 7% of students cited cancelling a trip due to fears that a terrorist attack could take place in the location they intended to visit.

Students are less likely to cancel their travel plans because of world events than other travellers might be, Mike Cleary, global managing director at StudentUniverse said. These students are often embarking on once-in-a-lifetime experiences  from backpacking adventures to gap years to semesters abroad  and refuse to give up their opportunity to have these travel experiences.

Thirteen per cent of students actually said that they would feel more comfortable or safer visiting a destination that had been victim to a recent terror attack. In fact, StudentUniverses global bookings data shows that there has been an increase in bookings to several destinations within a week or month following an incident. Those destinations include Boston, Sydney, Paris, Brussels, Tel Aviv, Nice, Berlin, London and St. Petersburg.
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After 30 years, a new flood control feasibility study will include the input of landowners and supply a multitude of options other than a dry dam.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) Seven persons, including former and current employees of a businessman, have been arrested for allegedly being involved in looting cash and jewellery worth over Rs one crore from his house and showroom in southeast Delhis Kalkaji.

On June 13, Naseeb Chand Aggarwal, the owner of a showroom selling imported fabrics, informed police about dacoity at his house and showroom.

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He had gone to a gym in a nearby hotel when four armed men forcibly entered his house on the fourth floor of a building, tied up his wife and servant and held them at gunpoint. When the businessman returned to his house, they overpowered him too and assaulted him, police said.

They forced him to handover the keys of the safe and took away Rs 10 lakh cash, 10 to 15 boxes of gold and diamond jewellery worth around Rs one crore from there and two mobile phones, a police officer said.

They also took the keys of his showroom on the ground floor of the building and looted the cash kept there, the officer said.

The CCTV cameras of the building were found to be not functioning. After analysing the details of current and former employees of Aggarwal, police zeroed in on some of his former employees, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Romil Baaniya said.

It was found that they were hiding in Bihar along the Indo-Nepal border. They were frequently changing their location, the officer said.

After several raids at their possible hideouts in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, six persons -- Rupesh Kumar Singh, Sonu Gupta, Mohd Imtiyaz Khan, Ramjan Ali, Sudhir and Aaksh -- were arrested between June 21 and 27, Baaniya said.

During interrogation, the accused disclosed that Rupesh, the mastermind of the crime, is a former employee of Aggarwal, while Sonu was employed there till last year, the police said.

Sudhir, who was currently under employment of the businessman, had done a recce and passed on the information to hsi accomplices. Around the time of dacoity, he had gone on leave on the pretext of attending his brothers marriage, they said.

In Bihar, the accused were given shelter in Patna by Shamsher Singh alias Chotu and received a large part of the looted jewellery. He also facilitated their escape to Nepal.

Following raids in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and along the Nepal border, Singh was also arrested, the police officer said, adding one of the accused is still at large.

Rs 8.5 lakh in cash and all the jewellery that were robbed from the elderly couples house have been recovered, the police said. PTI SLB NSD

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By PTI: By Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Jun 30 (PTI) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 150 million loan to Nepal to improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity supply to end the energy crisis within the next two years in the country.

ADB will also manage a USD 2 million technical assistance grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) financed by the Japanese government to strengthen the capacity of Nepals energy sector to deliver Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) results.

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"Reliable and sustainable electricity distribution and service is an important aspect to Nepals growth and development, as well as in the improvement of the quality of life of all its people," said Jiwan Acharya, a senior energy specialist of ADB.

"We are confident that the project will help improve electricity distribution and efficiency in the country, and significantly support the governments goal of ending the countrys energy crisis within the next two years and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Sustainable Energy for All)," he said.

The electricity supplies are expected to increase rapidly during the next several years through various hydro power projects nearing completion and imports from India through cross-border line.

Therefore, existing transmission and distribution systems need to be immediately rehabilitated and upgraded for the network to be able to deliver the additional electricity supplies to consumers, the ADB said.

The project will enhance the distribution capacity and improve reliability and quality of electricity supply in the Kathmandu Valley by reducing distribution system overloads and technical and commercial losses, it said. PTI SBP AJR AKJ AJR

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Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday expressed concern over the kind of atmosphere being created in the country in the name of religion.

Everybody should try to ensure communal harmony in the society and live like a family, Singh said at an Eid Milan function here.

"We all Indians have to defend the country by walking shoulder to shoulder. we have to stay in brotherhood and create an atmosphere that is in accordance with the path shown by our Constitution," he said.

"Whatever atmosphere is being created in the name of religion (in our country), I am reminded of Iqbal's couplet'Mazhab nahin sikhata aapas mein bair rakhna'," he added.


Pakistan Army violated ceasefire and resorted to unprovoked shelling and firing on Friday on the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.

Defence Ministry sources said the Pakistan Army used small arms, mortars and automatics to fire at Indian positions in Bhimber Gali area in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The shelling and firing started at 4.15 a.m. The Indian Army is strongly and effectively responding to Pakistan," the defence sources said

Two Indian soldiers were injured on 29 June in Pakistan firing.
Counter-terrorism and economic reforms will dominate the discussions amongst the leaders of the world's 20 largest economies at the G20 Summit in Germany next week, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The 12th G20 Summit on July 7-8 in Hamburg, a major port city in northern Germany, will also discuss issues like free and open trade, climate change, migration, sustainable development and global stability.

The prime minister will lead the Indian delegation at G20 meeting, which will also include NITI Aayog Vice Chairman and India's G20 Sherpa Arvind Panagariya.

Besides, the Department of Economic Affairs Secretary will also be there to lead discussions on the finance track of the summit, Alok Amitabh Dimri, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The summit will conclude with a joint statement by the world leaders.

The G20 is the central forum for international cooperation on financial and economic issues. The G20 countries account for more than four-fifths of gross world product and three-quarters of global trade, and are home to almost two-thirds of the world's population.

The "Group of Twenty" is made up of 19 countries and the European Union. The countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the USA.

Germany assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2016.

In a media briefing about Indian engagements at G20 Summit, Dimri said it will begin with a two-hour "leaders' retreat" on July 7 morning where the theme of the discussions will be counter-terrorism.

He said this theme goes well with the prime minister's engagements with other world leaders and there was expectation that the issue of counter-terrorism will remain a separate thrust area as was the case with the last G20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey last year.

The summit will also include four working sessions, including on growth and trade, climate and energy as well as on sustainable development and labour-related issues.

Dimri said Panagariya as India's G20 Sherpa has already been part of three preparatory meetings on the summit agenda and will attend one more such meeting before the world leaders meet in Hamburg.

Modi is leaving for Israel on July 4 for a three-day visit and will go to Germany after that for the G20 meet.

The finance track of the G20 meeting will include discussions on issues like fiscal and monetary reforms, climate finance and green finance.

Dimri said open and free trade would be another area of focus at the summit deliberations, while a special focus on Africa is also expected as it was one of the key thrust areas for the host Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Besides, women and youth employment, gender inequality, re-skilling and health will also figure among discussions and outcome of the meeting.

Advisers to the heads of state and government, known as Sherpas, have been preparing for this meeting for long.

Asked whether Modi will also have bilaterals with any of the world leaders on the sidelines, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said any bilateral meeting is announced very close to the event.

"There is a process involved in that We will keep you informed as and when those things materialise," he said.

On whether the leaders' retreat on counter-terrorism would also include issues like cross-border terror threats, Dimri said one has to understand that the summit was not taking place in any regional context and it was a global summit.

He further observed that the summit was taking place in Germany and it was more logical that the events in Europe would figure with regard to counter-terrorism related discussions.

He also clarified that the leaders' retreat was not a formal session and the Chair (Germany) has decided to pull aside the world leaders for two hours for this retreat before opening of the Summit on the subject of counter-terrorism.

"This shows the significance the world leaders attach to this issue," he said, while clarifying it was not one of the formal sessions where discussions happen as per the agenda and here the world leaders will interact with each other in "very intimate surroundings".

At the same time, some outcome should be expected as the leaders would be discussing this important issue, he said.

On whether India can expect support on CCIT (Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism)  its key anti-terror initiative at UN  Dimri replied in affirmative, and said the CCIT has been there in most of the bilateral or multilateral documents.

Asked whether India was prepared to counter, if China talks about its OBOR (One Belt, One Road) initiative, Dimri said one needs to understand such summits do not involve the leaders going and speaking at their own volition as there are fixed agenda points for discussions that get finalised after rounds of meetings by Sherpas.

"These are not one-off meetings and have been preceded by a number of meetings through the year, including of working groups, meetings of Sherpas and they have bunched up agenda from multiple streamsand OBOR has not been discussed so far," he said.
President Pranab Mukherjee has approved the appointment of senior advocate K K Venugopal as the new Attorney General of India and formal orders are expected soon, sources said here on Friday.

Venugopal, 86, who will succeed Mukul Rohatgi, had served as the Additional Solicitor General in the Morarji Desai government. He assisted the Supreme Court in a number of cases and was an amicus curiae in the 2G Spectrum scam case.

Among the cases handled by Venugopal are the Mandal case, Ayodhya dispute, the presidential reference regarding appointment of judges and also the case involving judicial appointments.

He represented former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the wealth case and defended her in the petition challenging her appointment as chief minister. He argued in the presidential reference in Gujarat election case in 2002.

He was also the counsel for LK Advani in the Babri Masjid demolition case, and argued against slapping of conspiracy charge against the veteran BJP leader.

Venugopal had represented Dalit leader Mayawati in a corruption case and assisted the Bhutan government to frame its constitution.

In his 50-year-long career, Venugopal has received many awards, including a Padma Vibhushan in 2015, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and many honours from national and international universities.

Venugopal's predecessor, Mukul Rohatgi, 61, had his term extended on 3 June. On 12 June, he wrote to the government saying he did not wish to have his term extended as he wished to get back to private practice. "I have worked for five years as law officer under the Vajpayee government and now three years under the Modi government," Rohatagi said. "I want to return to my private practice. I have a good relationship with the government That's why I wrote to the government not to extend my term".
Praising the central government's move to roll out the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said it will put an end to the burden of multiplicity of taxes that the citizens had to pay so far.

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for pushing through a single tax system for the country's 130 crore people, Mukherjee said so long consumers had to shell out 30 to 40 per cent more on the cost of production of goods and services.

Mukherjee, who was addressing a Global Summit organised by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India here, recalled how he and other finance ministers in the past had made futile attempts to introduce the GST.

"From the days of Yashwant Sinha, who was Finance Minister in Vajpayee government, to my days in Finance Ministry before I assumed the office of President, we tried to have the GST. I introduced in 2011 a Constitutional Amendment Bill to facilitate the GST. But it could not go through," he said.

The President said he at times wondered why the process of change was slow, but then remembered that the ethos of India lay in its philosophy of unity in diversity.

The country has wide-ranging diversity, with a population of 1.3 billion, and people speaking around 200 languages, 1,800 dialects, practising seven major religions and belonging to three major ethnic groups.

"Yet we remain under one system, one flag and one Constitution. This is the ethos of India."

The President said while the country must change, the entire people should move forward as a whole and not in isolation.

"We have delayed to change with consent, to get people along with us, to accommodate various opinions in the democratic process," he said.

Mukherjee also praised the Modi government for advancing the budget session to the first day of February and presenting in Parliament the first combined budget of Independent India by including the Railways.

Besides, Mukherjee referred to the government floating the idea of changing the financial year to January-December instead of the present April-March timeline.
The Supreme Court on Friday sought the Centre's response to a petition challenging the grant of seven extra marks to all candidates who had appeared for the IIT-Joint Entrance examination for advance course.

The extra marks were granted in the wake of a printing error in a Hindi language paper.

Issuing notice to the Human Resource Development Ministry, a vacation bench of Justice Abhey Manohar Sapre and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul refused to interfere with the counselling that commenced on Friday.

The court also issued notice to IIT Madras which had organised the exam for 2017.

Senior counsel Sushma Suri, appearing for the students, who were likely to be adversely affected by the decision, urged the court to say that all admissions would be subject to the outcome of the plea before the court.

The next hearing would be on July 7.

All the candidates across the board were granted seven marks  three for chemistry and four for mathematics.


President Pranab Mukherjee, who completes his five-year term next month, on Thursday sounded a tad emotional at a programme here as he pointed out that it could be his last visit to Kolkata as the head of the state.

"This may be my last visit to Kolkata in my capacity as the President of the Republic of India," Mukherjee said at the inauguration of the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of P.C. Mahalanobis at the Indian Statistical Institute.

Mukherjee, who came to the city as a student, later joined as a teacher in a college on its outskirts.

His long political innings also began in the city as a leader of the Bangla Congress.

After taking over as the country's 13th President in July 2012, Mukherjee has made repeated trips to the city to attends various programmes.

He also has two houses in Kolkata.
One civilian was injured on Friday as Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district.

"A woman identified as Naseem Akhtar, 35, was hit by a splinter in her shoulder during the ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in the Bhimber Gali (BG) sector," Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said.

A water tanker was also hit by a shell fired from across the LoC in Basooni village, where the lady sustained the splinter injury.

Earlier the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire and resorted to unprovoked shelling and firing on Friday on LoC in the BG sector of Rajouri district.

Reacting to an earlier report, the spokesman clarified that firing and shelling was going on in BG sector which falls in part in both Rajouri and Poonch districts.

"BG sector falls in two districts of Poonch and Rajouri, but today's (Friday's) firing has taken place in the Rajouri part of the sector," the spokesman said.

Mehta said Pakistan Army used small arms, mortars and automatics to fire at Indian positions in the BG sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The shelling and firing started at 4.15 am. The Indian Army is strongly and effectively responding to Pakistan," the defence sources said.

Two Indian soldiers were injured on Thursday in Pakistan firing.
An official of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board said that due to the heavy rain and snowfall the tracks have become too slippery for the pilgrims to continue.

Amarnath pilgrims proceed towards the holy cave shrine at Chandanwari in south Kashmir on Thursday. Photo: PTI

By Ashraf Wani: The Amarnath Yatra, which began yesterday, was suspended at Baltal and Chandanwari, the two main base stations for pilgrims, due to heavy rainfall. The yatra resumed later today morning after weather conditions improved news agency PTI reported around 11 am today.

An official of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) said that due to the heavy rain and snowfall the tracks have become too slippery for the pilgrims to continue.

Amarnath pilgrims proceed towards the holy cave shrine at Chandanwari in south Kashmir on Thursday. Photo: PTI

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"It is raining heavily and snowing on the way to the holy Amarnath cave and tracks have become slippery, forcing authorities to stop pilgrims from continuing their journey for their own safety," an SASB official said.

"The pilgrims headed for base camps at Baltal and Nunwan are requested to check the status of the yatra with the control room or helpline set up by the SASB before starting off," the official added.

Amarnath Yatra began on Thursday and more 10 thousand devotees paid obeisance at Amarnath amid tight security following inputs about possible terror attacks on pilgrims. The yatra is for 40 days, starting from June 29 to August 7.

The weather is the real dampener for the yatra, as the rain and snow can lead to landslides.

Also Read:

Amid tight security, Nirmal Singh flags off Amarnath Yatra

Kashmir: Terrorists likely to target Amarnath Yatra, say intel reports

Watch Video: Amarnath Yatra begins with pilgrim convoy escorted by CRPF vehicles

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An army man shot his wife in Jaipur after he got to know she was going for a job interview.

By India Today Web Desk: An army man in Jaipur's Vaishali Nagar shot his wife while she was on her way to give an interview.

The entire scene was caught on camera as the CCTV footage went viral on social media.

Bhawani Singh, an army official shot his wife, Poonam after she went to give an interview in a school for a teaching job.

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Poonam, whose condition is critical right now is currently admitted in a hospital.

Also read: US: Indian-origin man shot at departmental store in Atlanta

Presently living with her parents and sister at Panchyawala, Poonam wanted to work but Bhawani Singh did not approve of her decision. Nevertheless, her elder sister Suman Kanwar who works in a school tried helping Poonam and arranged the interview for her.

Poonam and Suman were treading towards the school around 2 pm when Bhawani Singh ambushed them, according to a report by Punjab Kesari.

Also read: 2 dead in school shooting in Saudi Arabia; no children present

He tried shooting Suman along with his wife as well, but failed. However, the bullet he shot at Poonam pierced her throat and went up her head. She was admitted to the hospital along with her sister Suman by the locals.

Police has launched the investigation.

Here's the CCTV footage:

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A Foxboro man has been arrested on drug and gun charges following an accident in Wrentham.


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By PTI: Khargone, Jun 30 (PTI) An outbreak of diarrhoea, apparently due to contamination of drinking water, is reported from Jamli village in the district where around 300 residents are prima facie affected, an official said today.

A team of doctors was rushed to the village today, following the complaints by people in the last two days.

Khargone Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Govind Gupta said the patients are being treated by a team of Health department.

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"Contamination of water might have caused this outbreak. Camps are being run at the Panchayat Bhawan and Jamli Sub Health Centre. We are distributing medicines and ORS packets to the villagers," he said, adding the situation is under control.

Meanwhile, authorities have stopped the supply of water from the well in the village and engineers of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department have collected samples of water for examination.

PHE Executive Engineer Santosh Shrivastava said they suspect that water in the well was getting contaminated due to a damaged network of pipeline there. PTI COR ADU MAS NSK

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But the tribe has a long way to go
While a large number of small and medium businesses are still stuck in the GST limbo, new technology startups have happily embraced India's largest tax reform since independence, thanks to their digital intensive business models.

The startup community, in general, has hailed the single tax structure of the GST. The fact that they do not have to go through multiple registrations and multiple acts in different states has come as a welcome change for these companies. However, the transition had its own challenges and there remains a few grey areas that these companies want the government to address.

With less than 12 hours left before India's historic migration to the GST, some of the key operational issues that impact the vendors, distributors and service providers are yet to be answered.

One of the major issues for companies would be managing final pricing of goods or services with the introduction of input tax credit. They know the rates at which they should be selling, but then what about the margins at the distributor or retailer levels. Those have to be reworked. With higher availability of credit, how is the cost or profit being impacted?" asked Archit Gupta, founder and chief executive officer of ClearTax, a Bengaluru-based startup that assists in filing income tax returns online.

It will be interesting to see how companies are going to price their products, he said. This is a major challenge since the law has a provision for anti-profiteering, which says that if you stand to benefit because of the GST, then you have to pass on those to the final consumer. There needs to be more clarity on how the businesses can go ahead with regards to such issues.

Place of supply rules for services companies is another area that requires attention. "Clarity on this will determine whether a service has been provided on an interstate or intrastate basis, which in turn will determine whether the Integrated GST will apply, said Harshvardhan Lunia, co-founder and chief executive officer at Lendingkart Technologies, a start-up that offers loans to small and medium enterprises.

Another major issue is the treatment of cases where the billing address is different from the shipping address. "Since most companies have, so far configured their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) programs to incorporate the GST as a destination-based tax, there is no clarity yet in the rules as to what happens if the destination of the goods or services is different from where the bill has to be made, he added.

According to technology startup entrepreneurs, a lot of confusions still exist among businesses across the country. Most of these confusions have emerged from India's long-standing history of not being a tax compliant nation. Over the years, while most of the larger firms could not escape the tax department scrutiny, the smaller firms had, to a large extent, managed tax evasions. "This is no longer a viable option because the larger companies are demanding GST compliance from smaller vendors so that the former can apply for tax credits, said Manish Kumar, founder and CEO of Kredx, an online invoice discounting platform.

In this backdrop, it is imperative that the government steps up its efforts to educate and create more awareness among people and businesses. "It is not just enough to make a product but also equip people to use the product. In case of the GST, the hesitation arises just from confusions," said Kumar.

He added that the transitional period, which could vary from two to six months, will create a lot of chaos in the short term, creating a huge working capital demand. "This is because most of the companies have delayed their payments due to prevailing confusions. Hence, the payments, which usually happen over a period of 30 to 60 days, might be extended further. On the greener side, these credit-related issues have created a business opportunity for firms like Kredx.

That said, most of the startups are backing the Centre for adhering to the July 1 deadline. By sticking to the deadline, the government has taken a startup approach towards GST implementationto regularly improvise the product post launch, rather than further delaying the roll out.
Goods and Services Tax (GST), India's biggest tax reform, will go live from midnight tonight. Most enterprises seem to be geared up for the big switch to the new regime, where one has to register on the GST network and also make filings online.

The key industry players have been working since the past 12-15 months towards a successful GST implementation and are at a reasonable stage of readiness, said Rajeev Dimri, leader, indirect tax, BMR & Associates.

He anticipates that up to 80 per cent of the existing tax payers may have moved to the GST system.

Many have termed GST to be more complex than how it has been implemented in other countries. The main concerns are the multiple tax slabs and rules being framed and modified till the last minute. The number of returns companies will have to file too has increased.

In this backdrop, some corporates say they have been internally testing the filing of invoices etc under GST to be prepared when the actual tax reform kicks off.

We have done a trial of the filing invoices, delivery challans etc and are now pretty confident and will start to file online once it goes live, said Parag Bengali, director, finance, at Bisleri International.

The company has also worked closely with its trade and manufacturing units to iron out issues if any to help them move to the new system, said Bengali.

Executives at Godrej Group also say planning and preparation had been done for some time now to shift to GST. But, it might take a few days for normalcy to return.

There might be little bit of blackout period (no billing etc) for a few days almost across companies, but in six-eight days things should go back to normal, said Sameer Shah, head of finance (India and SAARC) at Godrej Consumer Products.

Many companies had formed cross functional teams, particularly across finance and IT, to ensure there is a smooth transition to GST. Some had even roped in external consultants to be GST ready.

It is a transformational structural reform, which will have multiple benefitsthe creation of a national market, enhanced ease of doing business, greater productivity and efficiency and improved tax compliance. All stakeholders are working together for a seamless transition to this new paradigm, said Chanda Kochhar, MD and CEO, ICICI Bank.

However, some are still worried that many may not have got time to adapt to the last minute notifications issued by the government.

The issuance of various notifications by the government in last two days, including the changes in the rates, have given a very limited time for the trade and industry to analyse its implication and make corresponding changes in the IT systems. It is expected that all the states will now issue notifications in line with the Central notifications to ensure that there are no gaps in language and interpretation, said Sachin Menon, partner and head, indirect tax, KPMG in India.

Some say, such a huge change may need time to stabilise and there may be more changes once the GST is actually rolled out.

In the beginning there will be lot of issues and industry associations are not certain about the effects of GST on their finances and business models. Once it is introduced, there will be several changes on rates and classification of commodities and services, said R. Kannan, head of corporate performance monitoring at Hinduja Group.

Some like Bengali of Bisleri are also worried if the GST website will be able to handle the load of thousands of business and traders filing their invoices online at the same time.

The government had set up GST Network, the company that maintains the IT framework for GST. Further, 34 GST Suvidha providers, comprising tax firms and technology companies, too have been roped in to aid traders and businesses in the transition.

People don't have to upload the actual invoice online, it's only the actual data that has to be filed. The way the system has been designed, it will be a lite payload and all companies don't have to do it on the same day, but can be done by the 10th of each month, said Deepesh Rastogi, chief operating officer, Velocis Systems, one of the GST Suvidha providers.

Others too tried to allay fears that the system may not be geared to handle the huge traffic.

In the last 8 months, we have performed numerous mock sessions, covering remotest possibilities in terms of different taxation scenarios. We have set up a state of the art IT infrastructure on cloud along with robust support to deliver a seamless GST filing experience for taxpayers, said Nishank Goyal, CEO, Masters India, another GST Suvidha provider.
Will the Congress government in Karnataka dissolve the House and go for an early elections? Even though Karnataka is to go to polls only in May 2018, speculations are rife that the state will go for an early polls. At least the opposition parties think so. What remains to be seen is if the ruling Congress can really afford to do it.

BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa, who is on a statewide tour says that the sudden thrust to development activities and handing out clear tasks and targets to MLAs and frontal organisations by AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge K.C. Venugopal indicate that early elections may be called by December.

We are prepared for an early poll too, declared Yeddyurappa, who has toured 27 districts already, even as the BJP MLAs and MPs will take out vistaraks (booth outreach tours) starting July 1.

Yeddyurappa claimed that the Siddaramaiah government was keen on an early election to dissuade the BJP from cashing in on the 'Modi-Shah' factor that ensured a thumping victory in the Uttar Pradesh elections recently. Early polls can distract BJP national president Amit Shah, the ace strategist and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on Karnataka, as they will be busy with the Gujarat polls. Modi, who is slated to hold 20-30 rallies in the state in the run up to the polls, will be forced to focus on his home state, he reasons.

Sources in the Congress do not rule out early polls either, as the ruling party fears the notoriety of a summer that has been spelling out subsequent droughts, water disputes, drinking water crisis, erratic power cuts and farmer protests can aggravate anti-incumbency against the government. It is the perfect recipe for an electoral disaster, confide leaders.

The Congress, riddled with dissent, infighting and migration of veteran leaders, has no doubt entered the election mode with the AICC team headed by Venugopal evolving a truce formula. The appointment of caste leaders to key posts in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC)G. Parameshwara (dalit) as KPCC chief, Dinesh Gundu Rao (brahmin) and S.R. Patil (lingayat) as working presidents and D.K. Shivakumar (vokkaliga) as the campaign committee chairmanand the AICC re-endorsing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's leadership are being seen as an effort to build confidence among the cadres and to motivate the party leaders to put up a united fight to retain power in the state.

The opposition party cannot help but suspect that the farm loan waiver of up to Rs 50,000 is also election-oriented and the timing of the announcement hints at an early poll, say both BJP and JD(S) leaders.

Many in the Congress feel that the victory in the two bypolls (Nanjangud and Gundlupet) recently are a shot in the arm for the ruling party and an early elections will benefit the party.

The Congress, which is privy to the yet-to-be disclosed socio-economic (caste) survey, is bound to benefit from it as it gives them a better edge in evolving poll strategies and social engineering. The BJP has been demanding that the report be tabled at the earliest.

The sudden flurry of activities in the Congress camp is being watched by the opposition closely. The recent rally at Koodalasangama in Bagalkot, where S.R. Patil took charge as working president for (North Karnataka) is said to be an effort to lure the politically strong Lingayat community, which is a traditional votebank of the BJP. Moreover, the AICC decision to hold an independent survey of constituencies to assess the win-ability of sitting MLAs, mobilisation of frontal organisations like Youth Congress, NSUI and the Women's wing to reach out to the students and women, has surprised even the Congress cadres. A day after Venugopal allegedly sought a list of college principals sympathetic towards RSS and ABVP, after NSUI complained of lack of access to the colleges, BJP warned the Congress against importing the Kerala culture of politics.

Meanwhile, a closer look at the state government's own plan of action in the election year, tells you the ruling Congress is not yet ready for an early poll. The party is mulling over cabinet expansion for the three vacant posts, and the development projects that could appeal to the urban voter are in different stages of approval and implementation, especially related to Bengaluru's development.

As per the provisions of Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, the state assembly can be dissolved only under justifying circumstances such as failure to form a government and elect a leader as chief minister, collapse of a coalition or in case of insurgencies and internal disturbances or bifurcation of states.

However, even if the state government initiates dissolution of the House immediately, it would take at least six months to announce the polls, which again is the discretion of the Election Commission of India. For now, an early election before the end of 2017 appears to be a distant possibility.
Bureaucrat weds MLA

It was a love affair Kerala followed with gusto. It culminated on Friday as Congress MLA K.S. Sabarinathan tied the knot with Thiruvananthapuram sub-collector Divya S. Iyer. Their love affair became an open secret when Sabrinathan announced the wedding in May on Facebook. It is for the first time that a politician-bureaucrat wedding was taking place in the state.

Sabarinathan, son of late Congress leader G. Karthikeyan, had entered politics after the death of his father in 2015. An engineering and MBA graduate, he had won the Aruvikkara by-poll and became the youngest MLA in the state assembly in 2015. He had retained the seat in 2016 assembly elections with an impressive margin. Divya, a graduate in medicine from CMC, Vellore, is an IAS officer of the 2013 batch.

The low-key ceremony was attended by close relatives and friends of the bride and groom. Divya, who is skilled in performance arts like Kathakali, Odissi, classical music and solo acts, rendered a keerthanam after the wedding ceremony.



Happy farewell note

He had taken charge as the state director general of police (DGP) amid high controversies. But his farewell was uneventful. T.P. Senkumar, who had assumed charge as the DGP creating huge embarrassment for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government, ended his last day in office by thanking the CM against whom he had approached the apex court. Senkumar had taken legal measures after the left government removed him from the post of DGP from the very first week that it assumed power.

There were many reports of a tiff between him and the government during his three-month-long tenure in office as DGP. Senkumar, however, dispelled the general impression that all was not well between him and the CM after he rejoined the service on the back of an SC verdict against the government.

"The CM gave me unstinted support ever since I joined the service, he said in his farewell speech. Maintaining that there was no conflict between him and the government, Senkumar praised the CM for his clarity and vision regarding governance. Making it clear that he is ready to be take up any assignments with the government, Senkumar said that he will extend all support to the government in the future too.

The gun-toting MLA

It was a scene straight out of the badlands of north Indian politics. But it is something never heard or seen in a political state like Kerala and it did create quite a stir. MLA P.C. George, who has mostly hit headlines for wrong reasons, recently pulled out his gun and pointed it at an agitated mob which surrounded him on Thursday afternoon in the Kottayam district.

The incident took place at a rubber estate area in Mundakayam where around 50 families, mostly daily wagers, allegedly encroached on the estate land. The labour union at the estate and workers had tried to move them out but got agitated when the seven-time legislator reached the spot and supported the families instead. Visuals showed the MLA waving the pistol when they shouted slogans at him. He later explained that he had done nothing wrong as he was a licensed gun holder and used it only to protect the innocent.

George, better known for his maverick actions, won as an independent in the assembly polls last year, defeating the candidates of both the leading fronts.

Nightingales on strike

The services of Malayalee nurses are much sought after across the globe; but not in their homeland. The nurses have to fight a tough battle to earn a decent living in the state which produces the majority of nurses in the country.

Those who work in 1300-odd private hospitals across the state are struggling to make both ends meet, and they have been on strike for quite some time. They are getting paid even lesser than other blue collar jobs with most getting a maximum pay of Rs 8,000 in a state where even a migrant labourer earns anywhere between 800 to 1,000 per day. This is despite the directions of an SC-appointed committee to ensure that nurses working in hospitals having more than 50 beds should pay the nurses the same salary as that of a government hospital.

The fact that job opportunities abroad are decreasing has added to their woes. Earlier most nurses who worked in private nursing homes used to work for a pittance just to get the required experience so that they can fly to other parts of the world where Malayalee nurses were high in demand. But that scenario has changed. But hospitals prefer not to mind this as nurses are still aplenty.

As the nurses went on strike in various hospitals, the state labour commission has intervened. The government is expected to bring in some mechanism to ensure a better pay for the nurses.

Real action in Mollywood

Mollywood has been witnessing drama and conspiracies rivalling its own films ever since a top actor was abducted and molested. It took a serious turn the other day as a leading actor-cum-producer Dileep was questioned by the police for nearly 12 hours. The name of Dileep, who did not share a good rapport with the molested actor, has been part of gossip sheets ever since the incident happened.







It hit headlines as a letter apparently written by one of the accused got leaked to press. In the letter, the accused is asking money from Dileep for not revealing his hand in the whole episode. The actor, however, complained to the police that the accused had been trying to blackmail him.

The drama is still continuing as the police is expected to question Dileep again soon.
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley today said Bhutan has appropriately pointed out that China was trying to usurp its land, and that India is not entering into any other country's land.

By India Today Web Desk: Defence Minister Arun Jaitley today brushed aside China's warning about the ongoing face-off along Bhutan border.

Asking India to withdraw troops from Bhutan border areas, China said that India should recall the 1962 war and learn a lesson.

Responding to the remarks made by the Chinese foreign ministry, Arun Jaitley said, "India of 2017 is different from India of 1962. Those were different situations."

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Jaitley said China is trying to encroach on Bhutan's land. He said, "Statements issued by Bhutan make it clear that this is the land of Bhutan. It is located near India's land. There is an arrangement between India and Bhutan for giving protection in the border region."

Jaitley further said that Bhutan has appropriately pointed out that China was trying to usurp its land. India is not entering into any other country's land what China is doing, Jaitley said.

Earlier, Bhutan issued a demarche to China yesterday over the construction of a road towards its Army camp in Zomplri area of Doklam and asked Beijing to restore status quo by stopping the work immediately.

The demarche by Bhutan comes at a time when there is an ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam (also known as Donglang) area of the Sikkim sector.

Doklam is a disputed territory and Bhutan has a written agreement with China that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, peace and tranquillity should be maintained in the area.

This came after China accused India of having a "hidden agenda" in the current military stand-off with it in the Sikkim sector where Beijing has a territorial dispute with Bhutan.

MEA'S REBUTTAL

The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a point-by-point rebuttal. Here's the full text.

"The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement on 26 June 2017 alleging that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China-India boundary and entered Chinese territory. This has been reiterated since then in other Chinese official briefings.

2.The facts of the matter are as follows:

i. On 16 June, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity. The Ambassador of the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) has publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese Government through their Embassy in New Delhi on 20 June.

ii. Yesterday, the Foreign Ministry of Bhutan has also issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries. They have urged a return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017.

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iii. In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, RGOB and the Government of India have been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments.

iv. In coordination with the RGOB, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue.

v. The matter has been under discussion between India and China at the diplomatic level in the Foreign Ministries since then, both in New Delhi and Beijing. It was also the subject of a Border Personnel Meeting at Nathu La on 20 June.

3. India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese Government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.

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4. In this context, the Indian side has underlined that the two Governments had in 2012 reached agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalized in consultation with the concerned countries. Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding.

5. Where the boundary in the Sikkim sector is concerned, India and China had reached an understanding also in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment". Further discussions regarding finalization of the boundary have been taking place under the Special Representatives framework.

6. It is essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally. It is also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides.

7. India has consistently taken a positive approach to the settlement of its own boundary with China, along with the associated issue of the tri-junctions.

8. India cherishes peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas. It has not come easily. Both sides have worked hard to establish institutional framework to discuss all issues to ensure peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas. India is committed to working with China to find peaceful resolution of all issues in the border areas through dialogue.

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ALSO READ | The last Sikkim stand-off: When India gave China a bloody nose in 1967

ALSO READ | Chinese media on border stand-off: 1962 defeat has left lingering effect on India

ALSO WATCH | Indo-China border stand-off: Security officials hold meet with Home Ministry in Delhi

--- ENDS ---
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the world's chemical weapons watchdog, said that the banned nerve agent sarin was used in an attack in northern Syria in April that killed dozens of people, a report from a fact-finding team seen by Reuters on Thursday showed.

The report was circulated to members of OPCW in The Hague, but was not made public.

The attack on April 4 in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in northern Idlib province was the most deadly in Syria's civil war in more than three years. It prompted a US missile strike against a Syrian air base, which Washington said was used to launch the strike.

After interviewing witnesses and examining samples, a fact- finding mission (FFM) of the OPCW concluded that a large number of people, some of whom died, were exposed to sarin or a sarin-like substance.

It is the conclusion of the FFM that such a release can only be determined as the use of sarin, as a chemical weapon, a summary of the report said.

Now that we know the undeniable truth, we look forward to an independent investigation to confirm exactly who was responsible for these brutal attacks so we can find justice for the victims, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said in a statement on Thursday.

A joint United Nations and OPCW investigation, known as the JIM, can now look at the incident to determine who is to blame, she said.

The JIM has found Syrian government forces were responsible for three chlorine gas attacks in 2014 and 2015 and that Islamic State militants used mustard gas.

Western intelligence agencies had also blamed the government of Bashar al-Assad for the April chemical attack. Syrian officials have repeatedly denied using banned toxins in the conflict.

The mission was unable to visit the site itself due to security concerns and will not attempt to get there, the head of the OPCW was said to have decided.

Syria joined the chemicals weapons convention in 2013 under a Russian-US agreement, averting military intervention under then US President Barack Obama.

The United States said on Wednesday the Syrian government appeared to have heeded a warning this week from Washington not to carry out a chemical weapons attack.

Russia, the Syrian government's main backer in the civil war, warned it would respond proportionately if the United States took pre-emptive measures against Syrian forces after Washington said on Monday it appeared the Syrian military was preparing to conduct a chemical weapons attack.
After eight months of grinding urban warfare, Iraqi government troops on Thursday captured the ruined mosque at the heart of Islamic State's de facto capital Mosul, and the prime minister declared the group's self-styled caliphate at an end.

Iraqi authorities expect the long battle for Mosul to end in coming days as remaining Islamic State fighters are bottled up in just a handful of neighborhoods of the Old City.

The seizure of the nearly 850-year-old Grand al-Nuri Mosquefrom where Islamic State proclaimed the caliphate nearly three years ago to the dayis a huge symbolic victory.

The return of al-Nuri Mosque and al-Hadba minaret to the fold of the nation marks the end of the Daesh state of falsehood, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a statement, referring to the hardline Sunni Mulsim group by an Arabic acronym.

The fall of Mosul would in effect mark the end of the Iraqi half of the IS caliphate, although the group still controls territory west and south of the city, ruling over hundreds of thousands of people.

Its stronghold in Syria, Raqqa, is also close to falling.

A US-backed Kurdish-led coalition besieging Raqqa on Thursday fully encircled it after closing the militants' last way out from the south, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.

These setbacks have reduced Islamic State's territory by 60 per cent from its peak two years ago and its revenue by 80 per cent, to just $16 million a month, said IHS Markit.

Their fictitious state has fallen, an Iraqi military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, told state TV.

However, it still occupies an area as big as Belgium, across Iraq and Syria, according to IHS Markit, an analytics firm.

Islamic State fighters blew up the medieval mosque and its famed leaning minaret a week ago as US-backed Iraqi forces started a push in its direction. Their black flag had been flying from al-Hadba (The Hunchback) minaret since June 2014.

Much of the mosque and brickwork minaret was reduced to rubble, said a Reuters TV reporter who went to the site with the elite units that captured it.

Only the stump of the Hunchback remained, and a green dome of the mosque supported by a few pillars which resisted the blast, he said.

The mosque grounds were off limits as the insurgents are suspected to have planted booby traps.

Abadi issued instructions to bring the battle to its conclusion" by capturing the remaining parts of the Old City, his office said.

The cost of the fighting has been enormous. In addition to military casualties, thousands of civilians are estimated to have been killed.

About 900,000 people, nearly half the pre-war population of the northern city, have fled, mostly taking refuge in camps or with relatives and friends, according to aid groups.

Those trapped in the city suffered hunger, deprivation and IS oppression as well as death or injury, and many buildings have been ruined.

ARDOUS TASK

Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) troops captured the al-Nuri Mosque's ground in a lightning operation on Thursday, a commander of the US-trained elite units told state TV.

CTS units are now in control of the mosque area and the al-Hadba and Sirjkhana neighborhoods and they are still advancing, a military statement said.

Other government units, from the army and police, were closing in from other directions.

An elite interior ministry unit said it freed about 20 children believed to belong to Yazidi and other minorities persecuted by the jihadists in a quarter north of the Old City which houses Mosul's main hospitals.

A US-led international coalition is providing air and ground support to the Iraqi forces fighting through the Old City's maze of narrow alleyways.

But the advance remains arduous as IS fighters are dug in the middle of civilians, using mortar fire, snipers, booby traps and suicide bombers to defend their last redoubt.

The military estimated up to 350 militants were still in the Old City last week, but many have been killed since.

They are besieged in one sq km (0.4 square mile) making up less than 40 per cent of the Old City and less than one per cent of the total area of Mosul, the largest urban centre over which they held sway in both Iraq and Syria.

Those residents who have escaped the Old City say many of the civilians trapped behind IS linesput last week at 50,000 by the Iraqi militaryare in a desperate situation with little food, water or medicines.

Boys and girls who have managed to escape show signs of moderate malnutrition and carry psychosocial scars, the United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF said in a statement.

Thousands of children remain at risk in Mosul, it said.

IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself ruler of all Muslims from the Grand al-Nuri Mosque's pulpit on July 4, 2014, after the insurgents overran swathes of Iraq and Syria.

His 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.

He 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.

The Old City's stone buildings date mostly from the medieval period. They include market stalls, a few mosques and churches, and small houses built and rebuilt on top of each other over the ages.
Not only is Israel receiving an Indian prime minister in Jerusalem for the first time, but has also been reaching out to its other cold war critics such as Russia. If India and Israel are celebrating the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations, Russia and Israel celebrated the jubilee of their diplomatic ties last year.

This week, Knesset (Israel's parliament) speaker Yuli Edelstein is in Russia, the country of his birth, which had imprisoned him for teaching the then forbidden Hebrew langauge. He migrated to Israel upon the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Yesterday, he had the sweet revenge of addressing the Russian Parliament in Hebrew.

Not only Edelstein, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu too is a frequent visitor to Russia (three trips in the last one year) and has excellent personal relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is another matter that both countries find themselves on the opposing sides of the middle eastern political fence on most issues.

Israel is most suspicious of Iran's rise, whereas Russia has been a staunch supporter of Iran. Israel accuses Iran of funding and training the Hezbollah which is waging war on Israel through Syria. Israel accuses Syria of aiding and arming the Hezbollah.

Israel has its own redlines, and it is onto a secret that we can't tolerate the shooting from the Syrian side into Israeli territory, and we cannot tolerate the presence of Hezbollah or Iran, Edelstein is reported to have stated in Moscow. We are trying to discuss that with the Russian leadership.

Russia and Israel allow visa-free travel to tourists from each other, and the Russian speakers, most of who migrated in the 1990s, today constitute one of the largest majorities of Jews in Israel. They are increasingly getting politically active, as manifested in the rise of Edelstein himself as the speaker of the Knesset, and many of them have sympathies for the newly-assertive strategic policies of their old motherland.

Russian Army has bought military drones from Israel. Russian military scientists have worked with Israeli scientists on Indian fighter plane programmes like Sukhoi-30MKI, the Phalcon early-warning aircraft, and even on the upgrade of India's MiG-21 fleet.

Russia and Israel makes common cause in combating radical Islam, and the two have been exchanging intelligence on the movement of Chechen radicals. Russia is a major player in the Middle East now, and there can't be any political process in the region without the cooperation of Russia, Prof. Asher Susser, senior fellow at the Moshe Dayan Centre told THE WEEK.

A Pew Center Research survey recently found that Russians and Israelis are the only two people who like Donald Trump more than Barack Obama. Trump's alleged links with Moscow, which is today a matter of political controversy in the US, is viewed in Israel as a positive factor.

Israeli officials deny that Israel is getting into any sort of alliance with Russia, but they point out that Israel, like India, needs newer friends. We can't be boxed into the old cold war block politics of being allied only with the US and western Europe, said an Israeli foreign ministry official.

Moreover, Israel is concerned about the recent tendencies of the US to back off from crisis regions, and fear that the strategic vacuum that could ensue. They believe that an assertive Russia would play an increasing role in this context, and need to engage Moscow.

While Moscow has been propping up the Assad regime, which is fighting the Sunni ISIS, Moscow hasn't been protesting against Israel's strikes on the Syrian forces. Last week, Israel struck hard on the Syrian positions off the Golan Heights, and Moscow kept quiet about it.

We feel that the ISIS will soon be defeated, but the Shia radicalism would emerge as the biggest threat. Russia has developed a good handle on the Shia forces in the region. We are engaging Russia essentially to ensure that the handle doesn't turn against us, said the official.
Sheen Ibrahim's track record fighting ultra-hardline militants explains US President Donald Trump's policy of arming Syrian Kurds like her as he seeks to eradicate Islamic State. It also highlights the risks.

Taught by her brother to fire an AK-47 at the age of 15 years and encouraged by her mother to fight for Syrian Kurdish autonomy, she says she has killed 50 people since she took up arms in Syria's six-year-old civil war, fighting first Al Qaeda, then crossing into Iraq to help Kurds there against Islamic State.

Now 26, she leads a 15-woman unit hunting down the hardline group in its global headquarters Raqqa, speeding through streets once controlled by the militants in a pick-up truck as fellow fighters comb through ruined buildings for booby traps.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), spearheaded by the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, have taken several parts of the northern Syrian town since their assault began this month.

This week US Defence Secretary James Mattis said Washington may arm the SDF for future battles against Islamic State while taking back weapons it no longer needs.

The plan is the headline of a still-unfinished stabilisation plan for Syria by the Trump administration, said a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The risk is that it causes new instability in a war in which outside powers are playing ever larger roles.

The US-YPG relationship has infuriated Syria's northern neighbour Turkey, a NATO ally which says the YPG is an extension of the Kurdish Workers Party, or PKK, designated terrorist by both Ankara and Washington for its insurgency against the Turkish state.

Turkey has sent troops into Syria, partly to attack Islamic State, but also to keep the YPG, which controls Kurdish-populated areas of northern Syria, from moving into an Arab and Turkmen area that would give it control of the whole frontier.

On Wednesday Ankara said its artillery had destroyed YPG targets after local Turkish-backed forces came under attack.

Turkey has recently sent reinforcements into Syria, according to the rebel groups it backs, prompting SDF concern it plans to attack Kurdish YPG forces. The SDF warned on Thursday of a big possibility of open, fierce confrontation.

Syrian Kurdish leaders say they want autonomy in Syria, like that enjoyed by Kurds in Iraq, rather than independence or to interfere in neighbouring states. They say Turkish warnings that YPG weapons could end up in PKK hands are unjustified.

We were the victims of the nation state model and we have no desire to reproduce this model, said Khaled Eissa, European representative of the PYD, the YPG's political affiliate.

Ibrahim and other fighters interviewed by Reuters said they were not terrorists but would stand up to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey is fighting us, Ibrahim said. Anyone who fights us, we will fight.

Washington is working to calm tensions over its relationship with the YPG, which is also backed by Russia. There is absolute transparency between Turkey and the United States on that subject, said Major General Rupert Jones, the British deputy commander of the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State.

But disarmament will not be easy, judging by the comments of YPG fighters on the ground. We will not give up our weapons, said a sniper aiming at Islamic State positions, who only gave her first name, Barkaneurin. We need them to defend ourselves.

Fellow fighter Maryam Mohamed agreed. Erdogan is our biggest enemy, we cannot hand over our weapons, she said.

One of the US officials said Washington did not know exactly how many weapons the YPG has because some Arabs had joined its ranks, taking US-supplied weapons with them, when their groups suffered setbacks on the battlefield.

Loyalties are as variable as the battle lines and sometimes follow them, the official said.

Asked about weapons recovery, Mattis, in his first public remarks on the issue, said: We'll do what we can, while YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud emphasised the target was Islamic State. We are fighting a global terrorist group, he said.

Battlefield victory is tantalisingly close. US-backed forces in neighbouring Iraq announced on Thursday they had retaken Mosul, Islamic State's largest stronghold and the twin capital, with Raqqa, of the caliphate it declared in 2014.

But the US official and two others who also declined to be named, noted other huge obstacles to stabilising Syria they said the administration was papering over.

Rebuilding Raqqa will need billions of dollars and an unprecedented level of compromise among groups long hostile to each other, all three officials said. One said Iranian forces backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were poised to exploit any setbacks.

Kurds are spearheading the attack on Raqqa, but a mainly Arab force is planned to maintain security in the overwhelmingly Arab town thereafter.

While Kurds and Arabs fight side by side against Islamic State, with the militants' self-proclaimed caliphate shrinking, competition for territory will intensify.

We are getting ourselves into the middle of another potential mess we dont understand, one of the US officials said.
The "watered-down" revised version of President Donald Trump's fiercely litigated travel ban has finally gone into effect after months of winding through courts, the media reported.

The ban went into effect at 8 pm on Thursday.

Less than an hour before the ban was slated to begin, an emergency motion was filed in federal court by the state of Hawaii, which contests the Trump administration's plan to exclude certain categories of foreign nationals that the state believes are allowed to enter the country under existing court rulings.

The White House on Wednesday set new guidelines for visa applicants from six Muslim-majority countriesLibya, Syria, Iran, Somalia, Yemen and Sudanand all refugees, requiring them to have a "close" family or business tie to the US.

A hotel reservation, for example, will not constitute a bona fide relationship under the executive order, but an academic lecturer invited to speak in the US will be exempt from the travel ban.

Visa applicants will now have to prove a relationship with a parent, spouse, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling in the US, a senior administration official was quoted as saying.

If the applicant cannot sufficiently establish such a close relationship, he or she will be banned for 90 days if one is from the six Muslim-majority countries, and 120 days if one is a refugee from any country.

The new guidelines were issued in response to the Supreme Court's ruling partially restoring Trump's controversial travel ban.

The State Department criteria applies not only to visa applicants, but also to all refugees currently awaiting approval for admission to the US.

However, the categories of travellers who are excluded from the travel ban comprise US citizens; legal permanent residents or green card holders; current visa holders; any visa applicant who was in the US as of June 26; dual nationals; anyone granted asylum; any refugee already admitted to the US (or cleared for travel by the State Department through July 6); and foreign nationals with "bona fide" family, educational or business tie to the US.

Also, visas that have already been approved will not be revoked, and senior administration officials confirmed on Thursday that previously scheduled visa application appointments will not be cancelled.
Narendra Modis visit to Israel, from July 4 to 6, will disappoint many peoplethose in India who are expecting an outrage in the Arab world.

Unlike what many in India think, the Arabs are quietly cheering Modi. A month and a half ago, Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was in Delhi, where Modi briefed him about his visit. So had Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, during her Israel-Palestine jaunt in January. Modis diplomats are in touch with Saudi Arabia, which has been secretly exchanging intelligence with Israel, often through the US and, of late, through India. At Indias behest, Israel received a retired Saudi general last year, who sought to mend the kingdoms ties with Israel. Israeli drones, which have been effective against the Shia militant group Hizbullah, are being secretly shipped through South Africa to Saudi Arabia. The Saudis use them to spy on Iranian warships in the Persian Gulf and the Houthi rebels waging war in Yemen.

New gang-ups are forming in West Asia over new crises. The old Palestine problem hardly figures in them. So much so that there is no commemoration (by the Jews) or condemnation (by the Muslims) of the centenary of Arthur Balfours historic 1917 declaration of a homeland for the Jewish people. Nor is anyone commemorating the centenary of the 1917 capture of Jerusalem by a Christian commander (after eight centuries of Muslim rule), leading an army of Indian Muslims and Hindus, and giving over the mandated territory to the Jews for building their homeland.

In the new politics of West Asia, friend-and-foe lineups are no longer determined by centuries-old political history, nor by the history of voting patterns (for or against Palestine) at the United Nations. Thus, Indias long-held support for Palestine is no longer an issue with the Israelis; nor is Indias open friendship with Israel an issue with the Palestinians, or with the Sunni Arab kingdoms and sheikhdoms.

In the new West Asian crisis, Israel is no longer the cause, and Palestine is no longer a problem. Rather, we are part of the solution, pointed out Ron Paz, director at Israels government press office and a great lover of India. He ought to be. He had met his wife, a Korean, on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi, in the 1990s.

I heard the same viewthat Israel is now part of the solutionfrom Ely Karmon, Israels legendary scholar of terror studies. In a one-hour PowerPoint presentation that Karmon gave me at his Israeli Institute of Counter-Terrorism office, located amid a clutch of refurbished British army barracks in Herzliya, there were very few mentions of the Palestine issue.

A delicate balance: A couple practises yoga at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv to mark the International Day of Yoga on June 21 | Reuters

The West Asians have newer crises to tackle. One has been the rise of the Sunni Islamic State across the Iraqi-Syrian landscape, which, many Israelis believe, is on the verge of being defeated. The other, a constant worry for the past few years, has been about the unpredictable Arab Springs that are spawning new insurgencies. But the clear and present danger is a third one: the strategic reassertion of a presumably nuclear-armed Shia Iran, and its suspected support to a host of new insurgencies. Iran is giving Hizbullah up to $75 million a year, $50 million to [the Palestinian Sunni group] Hamas and $70 million to all jihadis, said Maj-Gen Herzl Herzi Halevi, head of Israel militarys intelligence directorate.

Hamas continues to be a problem, but most Israelis believe that it can be managed. The larger problem for Israel is Hizbullah, the other insurgencies in Syria and Lebanon, and, finally, Iran. According to Karmon, the Houthi insurgents, whom the Saudis are fighting in Yemen, and Hizbullah, which is waging war on Israel from Lebanon, have trained together in Iran, Lebanon and Yemen. The new Houthi leader Abdal Malik al-Houthi has been accusing Israel and the US of being behind the Saudi war in Yemen.

I heard the same view the following day from Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman at the Herzliya Conference, Israels most prestigious strategic brainstorming forum. Hizbullah is making use of the situation to smuggle advanced weapons from Syria into Lebanon, said Lieberman. I would like to warn the Syrian regime, which is encouraging Hizbullah and Iran, against turning Syria into an anti-Israel base.

Hardly had he concluded his speech when his fighter jets struck Syrian positions on the Golan Heights, in reply to a Syrian bombardment.

The big bother: Modi with President Rouhani in Tehran. Israel has not been so understanding of Indias ties with Iran, as it has been in the case of Palestine | PTI

Experts like Lieberman and Karmon believe that the new threat to Israel, as also to the west, Saudi Arabia and the other Sunni states, is from a gang-up of Iran, the Houthis and Hizbullah. They also know that India is not very convinced of this Persian perfidy.

Israels strategic thinkers no longer look at India as a friend of the Palestinians. But they see India as an old friend of Iran, sending its Navy to exercise with Irans, its prime minister flying to Tehran last year, and being among the first to congratulate President Hassan Rouhani on his resounding reelection. They also know that, despite all the military tech that Israel has been giving India, and all the talk of having become Israels largest arms customer, Indian military is not yet allowed to exercise with Israels, and India has not agreed to be a strategic dialogue partner. As Nicolas Blarel, who wrote The Evolution of Indias Israel Policy, pointed out in a recent article, despite [the] public calls for closer engagement, the bilateral relationship has yet to be publicly labelled as a strategic partnership. One demand that Israel is likely to make on Modi would be a strategic partnership, or at least a strategic dialogue.

The rationale is simple. The West Asians have come to view every political action of every state through the prism of the new crises, and Modi need not expect any difference in their approach. Even the new untouchability practised on Qatar, and the recent move by the Saudi king to replace his nephew with his son as the crown prince, are viewed through this prism. The new crown prince is learnt to be softer towards Israel and more hawkish towards Iran. The Saudis are even said to have allowed the Israelis to fly through their airspace to rehearse a strike on Iranian nuclear targets, much like Rajiv Gandhi nearly did in the 1980s to strike Pakistans Kahuta reactor with Israeli help.

WEST ASIA HAS changed since the end of the Cold War. Those who still expect an Arab outrage over Modis visit do not know that it was the Arab worlds iconic leader Yasser Arafat who told prime minister Narasimha Rao 25 years ago to make up with Israel. They also do not know that it was a Muslim diplomat, Abid Hussein, then Indias ambassador to the US, who laid the groundwork for Rao.

Bang for the buck: Indias Sukhoi-30s are packed with specially-ordered Israeli electronics | AP

Israel had been Indias secret friend since then, and even before. If Indira Gandhi had sent her Research and Analysis Wing spies to train with Mossad, and sourced secret militaryware, prime minister Deve Gowda not only met Netanyahu in Davos, and hosted president Ezer Weizmann in Delhi. Gowda bought the ship-borne anti-aircraft missile Barak-1the first open military deal between India and Israel. Next, he sent his defence science head A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to scout for aeronautics in Israel, followed by his Air Force chief S.K. Sareen. Both of them came back, asking for Searcher unmanned aerial vehicles and sensors.

Prime Minister Vajpayee gave political heft to the ties by sending his deputy, L.K. Advani, and defence minister Jaswant Singh. As the Indian Army found itself eyeless on the Kargil heights with no weapon-locating radars, Israel offered to share its high-powered satellite telescope imagery. Soon after the war, Army chief V.P. Malik travelled to Israel.

It has been raining deals since, posing new challenges to Israeli engineers. For the first time, they were asked to work on platforms built or designed by Russia. In the early 2000s, the Indian Air Force asked Israel, in a $1 billion deal, to mount its radars on three huge Ilyushin-76 transporters and fashion them as Phalcon AWACS. That was an exciting challenge, and we did it, an aide to Defence Minister Lieberman told me. Two follow-on orders of the same came last year.

The next big deal was the $220 million order for 50 drones in 2005 by the Manmohan Singh government, followed by a mega deal of $2.5 billion to build, jointly with Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a complex air defence system for shooting down incoming missiles and warplanes.

UNLIKE WHAT MANY believe, it was Manmohan Singh who tried to give strategic heft to what had been a relationship of arms deals. As Nicolas Blarel pointed out, Many of the defence deals signed since the Modi government came to power had been negotiated by the previous governments.

INS Vikrant will have Israeli defence systems | PTI

Worried about a Pak-China gang-up in the waters to Indias west, he sent Indian warships to make port calls across West Asia, including at Haifa, the Israeli port-town that had been taken by Indian cavalrymen in World War I. (Two months ago, Delhis city-fathers named the Teen Murti Square, where a memorial to the Indian cavalrymen stands, as Teen Murti Haifa.)

The strategic thrust came after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. With the Jewish Chabad House becoming a target, Israel offered help. There was a scheduled visit by an Indian defence team to Israel two days later, to discuss joint weapon-making projects, but Israel offered to send back with them a company of 40 commandos. India gratefully turned down the offer, but allowed a team of doctors and paramedics.

Within weeks of the Mumbai attacks, the Indian Navy proposed a harbour defence system, and the Manmohan Singh government okayed it in no time. It took nearly a decade to build the complex underwater harbour defence and surveillance system, developed by Israels Elta. We finally got it running early this year, an Israeli defence officer told me. Since the Mumbai attacks, the mutual visits have been frequent, though the government has been shy of talking about them. A major one was by Israels defence chief of staff Lt Gen Gabi Ashkenazi in December 2009.

MODI HAS JUST shed the shyness. If Singh toyed with the idea of buying 8,000 Spike anti-tank missiles and 320 launchers, Modi finalised the deal for $1 billion. In 2015, he allowed the Indian Air Force to buy 10 Heron drones, which are likely to be delivered shortly after the upcoming visit. Within a month of swearing in, Modi sent a defence team to seek Swordfish radar trackers and precision-guided artillery.

Soaring alliance: lndian and Israeli experts overseeing pre-launch operations of an Israeli imaging satellite at Satish Dhawan Space centre in Sriharikota in January 2008 | AFP

Today, the defence deals alone are worth about a billion dollars a year, making India Israels largest military customer, and Israel Indias third largest supplier. A $2 billion deal, announced in April, is the largest defence contract in Israels history, for medium-range anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems for the Indian Army and the Navy. A few of these will be fitted on the aircraft-carrier INS Vikrant, which is being built in Kochi. The Israelis expect the announcement of a Rs 3,200-crore deal for Spike anti-tank guided missiles during Modis visit.

Scores of other deals have already been signed or are being processed. In May, the stealth destroyer INS Kochi test-shot a low-flying target with a new medium-range, anti-aircraft missile being developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries. A week earlier, DRDO test-fired another Israeli anti-aircraft missile, the SPYDER, off Odisha coast, to check its effectiveness against low-flying enemy fighters, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles at less than 15km.

There are reports that India has asked for Herons to be made here as part of Make in India, and the deal is likely to be announced during Modis visit. This is likely to be followed up with an order for Hermes-450 drones, which can also knock off incoming missiles.

Last year, Modi sent Air Force chief Arup Raha to Israel, followed by Navy chief Sunil Lanba this year. INS Trikand had made a port call at Haifa in August 2015. Three warships, led by the stealth frigate Trishul, docked at Haifa earlier this year. They were led by western fleet commander Rear Admiral R.B. Pandit, who told his Israeli hosts about how Barak-8 provides the Indian Navy new and greater air-defence capabilities. Barak-8, which will be given to the Air Force, too, can shoot down any enemy airplane or cruise missile as far as 70km away.

Aby Har-Even

One reason why the relations are still kept under wrapsand that has nothing to do with domestic politicsis the secretive nature of certain deals. Israel does not sell big-ticket weapons like tanks, fighter jets and warships, which have high visibility. Rather, Israel sells secret technologies that go into the weapon systems made by other countries. All our military technologies are field-proven, pointed out Ron Paz, hinting at how they are different from superpower militaryware that are developed just for sale. A new underground radar, which Israel has developed to detect tunnels dug by Hizbullah, is likely to be the next item on offer to India. India may need them on the western border.

Neither Israel nor India likes to talk about what has gone into the upgrade of Indias 100-odd aged MiG-21 fighter jets, except that the upgrade cost $600 million. Indias Sukhoi-30 fighters, built on Russian hardware, are different from the Chinese fleet of Sukhoi-30s because the Indian birds are packed with specially-ordered Israeli electronics.

The Israelis, too, have been benefiting from the quietude of the relations. They are learnt to be keen on setting up logistics bases in the Indian Ocean to secure their sea trade, and the only force that can help them is the Indian Navy. A few years ago, the Indian Navy is said to have helped Israel hold a few secret cruise missile tests off the Sri Lankan coast.

Missile and rocket launches are something for which Israel depends on India most, because of two factors: one, the clear lead that India enjoys over Israel in space technology, and two, because of a curious geopolitical disadvantage that Israel suffers from. I have always been impressed by the long-range planning your people made in space technology, the much-venerated Aby Har-Even, former head of the Israeli space programme, who worked with Indias K. Kasturirangan to launch an Israeli satellite on an Indian launcher, told me. You have powerful launchers which are as good as those of the US and Russia.

Har-Even recalled how he approached India once with a peculiar problem. Space engineers across the world like to launch their satellites eastward, because the earths eastward spin gives the satellite an additional thrust. But, since Israel has only enemies to its east, and its only sea coast is to the west, Israel just cannot launch its satellites eastward. It envies Indias ideal launch pads located on the east coast.

Thus, in 2008, Har-Even got Kasturirangan, former chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation, to launch a radar imaging satellite, TecSAR. The following year, he gifted Kasturirangan an Israel-made radar imaging satellite, RISAT-2, and told the diplomats to keep quiet about the one-metre resolution camera.

The talks that Israels Minister for Science Ofir Akunis had on newer programmes during his December 2016 visit to India are expected to bear some fruit during Modis visit. But the Israelis are not giving out any details now.

HAVING THUS FETED India with all the arms it wants, what does Israel want from Modi? While Israel has demonstrated an extraordinary maturity regarding Indias ties with the Palestinians, it has not been so understanding of Indias ties with Iran. Israelis are miffed that India has steadfastly refused to let its armed forces join strategic exercises with the Israeli forces, whereas the Indian Navy has had no qualms about exercising with the Iranian navy.

Also, India has been resisting the pressure to join any sort of strategic dialogue with Israel, though there has been running dialogues with even minor states like the Seychelles and Mongolia. We want India to be a strategic partner, said Anat Bernstein-Reich, president of the Israel-India Friendship Association. Indications are that Israel will ask Modi to give such a strategic heft to the ties. How Modi will respond is not clear.

Interestingly, on this count, India has a better comfort level with Iran. Tehran has never protested against Indias military deals with Israel. The only exception was when India launched Israels TecSAR satellite, which the Iranians worried would spy on them. Iran has been much more mature in its approach towards India than has been Israel, said an Indian diplomat.

Indications are that there will be pressure on Modi to use Indias good offices with the Sunni Arab states that are getting closer to Israel, and persuade them to become partners in a coalition which can contain Iran-led Shia terror, as former defence minister Moshe Yaalon put it in another context. We dont have any fight with the Sunni camp, he said. Hamas hasnt fired a single shot in three years. But we (the Sunnis and the Jews) have common enemies like Iran.

The big question now is: would Modi be swayed by all the anti-Iran rhetoric that is now bringing the Jews and the moderate Sunnis together, and which apparently has the blessings of US President Donald Trump?

Not all are convinced even about the viability of such a gang-up. At the Herzliya Conference, a few western thinkers stood out with a divergent opinion. You ought to be careful about permanently allying with Saudi Arabia, said Sir Robert John Sawers, former head of British spy agency MI6. Iran has better prospects than Saudi Arabia [to emerge as a stabilising regional power].

I found that all this talk discounts the threat the Sunni-majority Pakistan continues to pose. None of the strategic talk in Israel has factored in Pakistan, which Modi has been calling the fountainhead of terror. Moreover, as long as Pakistan remains hostile, India would have to rely on Irans ports and highways to access Afghanistan and Central Asia.

In short, India will have to continue playing the same game with new players. In the past 25 years, India had remained politically linked to the Arabs while militarily tying up with Israel. From now on, India may stay politically linked to Iran and militarily linked to Israel.
Shafi | PTI

Jaali Road in Bhatkal town leads to one of the most picturesque beaches of Uttar Kannada district in Karnataka. The waves crash against rocks near the beachside American Bungalow, creating a symphony with the gushing wind. The evening sky and the Arabian Sea turn darker, as rain invades the coastline.

Bhatkal, too, has a dark side, the brothers Iqbal and Riyaz Shabandri, co-founders of the Indian Mujahideen, being its sons. The sleepy town grew darker on June 15, when the United States state department declared Shafi Armar a specially designated global terrorist. Shafi had vanished from Dubai ten years ago, about a year after he had been declared dead in a drone attack in Syria.

A native of Bhatkal, Shafi, 30, is the first Islamic State leader from India to be put on the American terror watch list. He has cultivated a group of dozens of ISIS sympathisers involved in terrorist activities across India such as plotting attacks, procuring weapons and identifying locations for terrorist training camps, the US state department said. He is the leader and head recruiter in India for foreign terrorist organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGP) group.

At Hamza Nagar, a ghetto mostly occupied by Muslim families, Shafis ailing mother Hajira, 60, lives with her youngest son, Safwan, and his bride. Their house is no match for the sprawling bungalow of terror convict Yasin Bhatkal in Maqdoom Colony two kiometres away.

The house is locked from inside, as curious neighbours loiter around. Some neighbours plead with the reporters to get the family vacated from the locality. Safwan is not at home; he has gone to Visakhapatnam.

Ammi se door raho [Stay away from mother], she is very sick. I am telling you people [media], I will answer all your queries once I return home, Safwan screams over the phone. He later confides that the unwanted attention has ruined their lives. My father is dead and my mother is sick. The last time they gave ammi the news of bade bhais death [Sultan died in a drone attack in Syria in 2015], she had to be hospitalised. Again, they came to our house with news of Shafis death. Now, they say he has been declared a global terrorist by the US. My question is, where is the proof? asks Safwan. I have seen nothing in writing, no documents for any of these claims.

The rented house where Shafis mother and younger brother, Safwan, live.

A police officer in Bhatkal confirms that the Na-tional Investigation Agency had issued a warrant against 15 people, including seven from BhatkalShafi Armar, Sultan Armar, Riyaz Shabandri, Iqbal Shabandri, Hafif Geelani, Farhan Bhatkal and Maulana Shabbir Gangawade. The local police stuck the warrant in all the public places and on the doors of the accused. But no one appeared before the court and they went absconding, says the officer.

Safwan worries that the agencies are trying to frame him.

According to the police, both Sultan and Shafi left Bhatkal around the same time in 2006, and came under the police scanner in 2008. It was after Yasin Bhatkals arrest in 2013 that the NIA and Mumbais Anti-Terrorism Squad confirmed the Armar brothers involvement in terror activities. Following his arrest in Kolkata, Gangawade revealed that the Armar brothers had attended a meeting at American Bungalow (called thus because the owners, who rented it out, live in the US). The Armar brothers left for Pakistan after the crackdown on Indian Mujahideen cadres. They had a fallout with the Bhatkal brothers there. Shafi then created his own group called Ansar ul Tawhid, which pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State.

While the local police keep an eye on the families of the suspects, the investigation and surveillance are mostly carried out by the central intelligence agencies and ATS independently. Some officers in the Intelligence Bureau feel that competitive policing is to blame for the accused escaping from India. They say the agencies work in silos and do not share information.

Safwan worries that the agencies are trying to frame him. They keep hounding us. Officers without any identity card often walk into our house and ask us about Shafi; whether he sent us money to buy a new house, when we have always lived in a rented house, says Safwan. When I got married last October, there were some people secretly filming my wedding. We trust the Indian judiciary. Let there be a trial, and if Shafi is guilty, let him be punished.

After some prodding, Safwan gives a glimpse into his family. My father, who used to work in a hotel in Mumbai, came back to Bhatkal some 15 years ago. But, following an accident, he was bedridden and he passed away three years ago, says Safwan, who works in a printing press. My two sisters are married into families in Bhatkal. My eldest brother, Khalid, works in Dubai and his family never visits Bhatkal. Sultan studied in Lucknow [to become a maulvi] and left for Muscat. Shafi left for Dubai in 2006 to work as a real estate agent. But his firm shut down. He has not been in touch with us for eight years now. Initially, Shafi was in contact with us for two years, but soon he vanished. We started hearing stories of his involvement in terrorist activities. But till today, no official document against him is there, except for the NIA warrant naming Sultan and Shafi, which was pasted on our door.

The Ramadan season is special in Bhatkal, which has 70 mosques. The Navayat Muslims in the region are affluent, thanks to their enterprising spirit and links with the Arab world intact through trade and marriage. The Hindu localities have been pushed to the periphery, yet the right-wing politics has elbowed its way into the region in the past three decades.

Some educated Muslims who could not make it big are making a fast buck through terror activities. In 2004, Bhatkal became the breeding ground for terror operatives, says a senior IB officer. Like Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, Bhatkal, too, became notorious as Iqbal and Riyaz Shabandri started recruiting cadres for IM. It is no coincidence that a majority of the Bhatkal youths linked to terror belong to the Navayat community.

Shafis portrayal as Islamic States head recruiter and social media in-charge is an exaggeration, argue intelligence officers. Shafi might have been an informer for Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence, but he is a school dropout and not a genius. His role in IS is hyped and so is his role in recruiting people from India through the internet. He is not bright like the Bhatkal brothers, says an IB officer, who was monitoring Shafi before he vanished.

Just when the agencies were rueing that they could not apprehend the absconders, an opportunity showed up. The news of Sultans death was conveyed to the Armar family by the IB officers, who kept a close watch on them. As expected, a special prayer was offered for Sultan at a local mosque.

It was strange, recounts an IB officer, as the Armar family refused to believe Sultan was dead and demanded evidence. But they quietly offered prayers, which indicated they got confirmation from some other source. The agencies have not been able to break through the communication channels of these families as a relative or a family member is the key link, says the officer.

The Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem, the highest religious body of Muslims in Bhatkal, has distanced itself from the terror suspects and their families. We are not aware who this boy [Shafi] is. Neither do we support him nor do we have any links with him. We are against such activities and whoever is involved in it should be condemned. If these guys were innocent, they should have approached the Tanzeem. But they have not done it, says Muzammil Qasia, president of Tanzeem. His only grouse is that the word Bhatkal is being used as a tag for the terror suspects.

According to Dr Mohammad Haneef Shabab, former general secretary of Tanzeem, Bhatkal has become a target of conspirators who are against the Islamic identity. Thirteen Muslims were killed in the communal riots in Bhatkal in 1993, but there was no retaliation. How can you link Bhatkalis with terror? asks Shabab, a unani doctor. Like Osama bin Ladens death, this, too, is a claim made by the US. Do the IB or the media have any proof against them?

The social isolation of the families is a major deterrent for any terror network to flourish, says an IB officer, who believes it is endgame for terror operatives in India. A majority of Indian Muslims have no affiliation with the Alhadi sect, which believes in radical Islam, and the Indian Mujahideen is defunct, with its core members either arrested or under the scanner, says the officer. A closer look at the IS recruits reveals that the Indian recruits were never in combative roles in the armed conflicts as only the well-built Arabs and the Muslims from the European countries were preferred. The terror network is controlled by the European Muslims, and the Indian recruits are like errand boys doing menial jobs or they are assigned media operations as they are good with computers. Islamic State wants to exploit the intellectual capability of the Indian youth to spread terrorism in the region. Indian Muslims have realised that terror propaganda is no longer based on religion or ideology, but is meant to satiate the greed of a handful of people.
In July 2001, just days ahead of the Agra Summit between India and Pakistan, I interviewed Syed Salahuddin, the head of the Kashmiri terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen. We met in Rawalpindi, home to the headquarters of the Pakistan army, at a nondescript three-bedroom bungalow where the Hizb ran an office as casually and confidently as if it were, lets say, a travel agency. Except, men armed with automatic weapons guarded it and warned us not to train our cameras on their faces, though we were welcome to zoom our lens onto their guns.

Salahuddin, one of Kashmirs most wanted militants, sat behind a small wooden table, and offered us chips and Coke, while holding forth on the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Musharraf. As he alternated between English and Kashmiri, I asked him if the Hizb would put militant activities on hold at least during the talks, so as to not sabotage their outcome. He refused to make any commitment, turning his diatribe on L.K. Advani and his rath yatra. He was more circumspect, even respectful, about Vajpayee, saying he was counting on his practical nature to ensure that the talks were successful.

Outside, one of the gunmen chillingly boasted about a gun he had snatched from an army officer in Kashmir, which he had then gifted to Pir sahib, as Salahuddin was known to his acolytes. Considered a dreaded terrorist in India, he was almost like a state guest in Pakistan.

But, for years, the Hizb, by virtue of being an indigenous militant outfit recruiting Kashmiris who were Indian citizens, had always managed to position itself separately from foreign terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba. With the Americans designating Salahuddin a global terrorista major win for India and a big snub to Pakistanit is this distinction that is now over. China will continue to block any real action at international forums against the Hizb, just as it has done with Hafiz Saeed and the Jamaat-ud-Dawa. But there is an important symbolic statement in the American classification.

In a period that has thrown Kashmir into tumult after the young Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani was eliminated in 2016, this is India getting the thumbs up from the United States for its Kashmir policy. Waniwho never crossed the Line of Control, unlike Salahuddin, preferring to use social media as his weaponwas hailed as a Kashmiri hero and braveheart by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his speech at the United Nations last year. The new nomenclature of global terrorist for Salahuddin is aimed more at Pakistan and the next generation of young, educated local militants of the Hizb. The message is clear: Kashmiri or not, Indian or Pakistani, there is no difference in the way the Narendra Modi government or, indeed, the US will view you, if you are a member of a terror group. As one diplomat told me, Pakistan has become like the IIC (India International Centre in Delhi) of the terror world. There are different safe spaces and a board at the top that supervises them all. Whether or not the Hizb hurts western interests directly, the IIC membership or the notion of good and bad terrorists must end.

Blind faith: Salahuddins supporters in PoK protesting against the US move to designate him as a global terrorist | AFP

The end of this distinction between local and foreign is a clear departure by Modi from the Vajpayee policy on Kashmir. In 2000, the Vajpayee government even opened talks with a faction of the Hizb, in full gaze of cameras at Srinagars Nehru Guest House. The talks were led by home secretary Kamal Pande, and, as a reporter, I witnessed the moment personally, when militants posed for photographs with government representatives, their faces masked by giant-sized kerchiefs. Indian sleuths were in regular touch with the Hizb and its mediators to make this happen. Former Research and Analysis Wing chief A.S. Dulat has written about how Indian intelligence agencies would have been able to bring Salahuddin back to Kashmir, where his family still lives. He has even suggested that Salahuddin reached out to the Intelligence Bureau representative in Srinagar to get his son admitted to a medical college (both parties deny this). Today, as the Kashmiri Hizb is officially bracketed with the Pakistani Lashkar, and Salahuddin is clubbed with Hafiz Saeed on the ground that both terror groups have coordinated attacks, the Modi government will not treat one differently from the other. It is a significant shift in Indias Kashmir policy that must not be underestimated.

Salahuddin is only a symbol of the shift, but his story marks a milestone for Indias own volatile Kashmir journey. In the 1987 elections that were not quite free and fair, Salahuddin was not a terrorist, but a believer in the democratic process; he contested elections from Srinagars Amira Kadal constituency, aided by a polling agent called Yasin Malik, who would go on to become a hardened separatist. They fought on the ticket of the newly-minted Muslim United Front, backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami. Many years later, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed would form the PDP (currently in alliance with the BJP) with the same green flag and pen-inkpot symbol as the MUF. In the many what ifs of Kashmirs history, one that stands out is, what if those elections had not been rigged?

But if India has some sins of omission and commission in its handling of Kashmir, Salahuddins embrace of the gun and jihadist groups like the Lashkar (responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, among others) was also the beginning of the deep moral erosion of the legitimacy of the Kashmir issue.

The violence and terror unleashed by groups like the Hizb in Kashmir have not spared civilians, including journalists. I remember, being among the media people who had the narrowest of escapes in a car bomb attack in Srinagar that appeared to be a booby trap for journalists. It was in August 2000, and Salahuddin had just called off a temporary ceasefire. A grenade went off in Srinagar and all of us rushed towards the citys Residency Road, chasing the direction of the sound. But as we gathered, a larger explosive, planted in a car, was remotely triggered. My colleague, Pradeep Bhatia died in front of my eyes. I recall dragging out other injured colleagues from under the smashed debris of the car, fighting back my fear, horror and tears.

That Salahuddins children never joined militancyfour of them, ironically, are government employeeshas raised more questions about why they should be able to experience normalcy, while teenagers are in the line of fire, locked into violent and self-destructive clashes with security forces. Last year, one of his sons, an employee at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, was saved by security personnel during an encounter with Lashkar terrorists. These are the many untold and astounding ironies of our Kashmir story.
By PTI: Imphal, June 30 (PTI) An Assam Rifles personnel was killed as militants triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Manipur today, police said.

The IED, which was planted at 27 Assam Rifles check post at Ramva, exploded at 7.20 am.

Police and Assam Rifles personnel have cordoned off the area, which falls under Sangshak police station limits in Ukhrul district.

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A combing operation was on.

This blast is the second such attack on the paramilitary force in Manipur this month.

On June 15, an Assam Rifles personnel was killed and three others were injured after militants had triggered an IED blast in the same district. PTI CORR MM DV

--- ENDS ---
(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon revealed new information to the United Nations Security Council today about Irans ballistic missile program and their intention to harm Israel. In a document distributed to the Council members, Ambassador Danon provided new satellite imagery showing the Iranian military using the Star of David as the intended target of the Qiam, a medium-range MTCR category one ballistic missile, last November. The Star of David was painted in white on the ground as the target and a crater from the impact of the missile is visible next to the Star of David. This launch was in direct violation of Security Council Resolution 2231.

This use of the Star of David as target practice is hateful and unacceptable, Ambassador Danon wrote. The missile launch is not only a direct violation of UNSCR 2231, but is also a clear evidence of Irans continued intention to harm the State of Israel, the Ambassador continued in his letter to the Council.

Last month, the Iranians fired ballistic missiles at targets in Syria, and then released statements threatening Israel. This follows a series of ballistic missile tests conducted by the Iranians since 2015 in defiance of Security Council Resolution 2231.

The targeting of a sacred symbol of Judaism is abhorrent, Ambassador Danon said about this revelation. It is the Iranians who prop up the Assad regime as hundreds of thousands are killed, finance the terrorists of Hizbullah as they threaten the citizens of Israel, and support extremists and tyrants throughout the Middle East and around the world. I call on the Security Council to respond decisively to these Iranian violations and provocations, the Ambassador concluded.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: UN photo)
The Senate on Thursday fixed a popular measure that would slap economic sanctions on Russia and Iran, yet a long-awaited House vote wont come until after Donald Trump meets for the first time as president with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said the necessary repairs have been made to the legislation, a step the Senate approved by voice vote, and the next move is the Houses to make.

Weve done what we need to do, Corker said. The balls in their court.

The technical changes that had stalled the bill in the House came as Republicans dismissed Democratic complaints that the delay was at the behest of the Trump administration and intended to weaken the legislation. Tempers flared among lawmakers over the lull, with each side blaming the other as lawmakers were poised to leave Washington for their weeklong July 4th recess.

The legislation cleared the Senate two weeks ago with 98 votes, an overwhelming margin that suggested the bill would speed quickly through the House and to Trumps desk. But the measure hit headwinds almost immediately. House Republican leaders said the bill ran afoul of a constitutional requirement that legislation involving revenue start in the House.

Envoys from both chambers huddled behind closed doors to resolve the dispute as the recess loomed. The problems were technical not substantive, lawmakers insisted, yet Democrats accused Republicans of slow-walking the bill.

Speaking to reporters early Thursday, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., insisted the House was protecting the Constitution, not working behind the scenes on behalf of the White House.

They wrote the bill incorrectly so we have told the Senate youve got to write it correctly to follow the Constitution, Ryan said.

The sanctions targeting Russia seek to punish Moscow for meddling in the 2016 election and for its aggressive actions in Ukraine and Syria.

I want to put the House on notice, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. If they water down the bill, weaken the sanctions, add loopholes to the legislation, they will find stiff resistance here in the Senate.

Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called for House Republican leaders to pass the bill immediately, before Trump and Putin meet at an international summit in Germany next week.

But Corker denounced the stance the Democrats had taken as silly and ridiculous. He said they were attempting to dictate how the House should act before the Senate made the required technical repairs to the sanctions bill.

The changes to the legislation should have been agreed to in about an hour, Corker said, adding that he hoped the delay doesnt create mischief. Congress doesnt return from the recess until the week of July 10. He declined to be specific, suggesting that there are certainly pro-Russia folks and businesses that are opposed to stiffer sanctions and may use the intervening period to push for changes.

Im talking to Europeans on the phone, Corker said.

The energy-specific sanctions against Russia generated sharp criticism from Germany and Austria, which said the penalties could affect European businesses involved in piping in Russian natural gas.

In a joint statement, Austrias Chancellor Christian Kern and Germanys Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel cited a section of the sanctions bill that calls for the United States to continue to oppose the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that would pump Russian gas to Germany beneath the Baltic Sea.

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.

Pelosi, D-Calif., echoed Schumers concerns about substantive changes to the bill.

I always say what is it that the Russians have on Donald Trump, Pelosi said, that we have to pussy-foot around when it comes to sanctions on Russia.

Rep. Bill Pascrell of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means trade subcommittee, said there should be no excuse for a delay of the sanctions legislation in the House.

When the leadership has wanted it to happen, Ive seen legislation move through these chambers so fast it would give you whiplash, he said.

(AP)
The United States has blacklisted a small Chinese bank accused of illicit dealings with North Korea, escalating the pressure on Beijing to rein in its wayward ally amid increased signs of frustration among President Donald Trump and his top advisers with Chinas diplomatic efforts.

The Treasury Department on Thursday declared the Bank of Dandong a primary money-laundering concern, proposing to sever it entirely from the U.S. financial system, pending a 60-day review period. Although Trumps treasury secretary said the move didnt target China, it comes a week after the president lamented that Chinas promise to help with North Korea has not worked out.

Calls to Bank of Dandong rang unanswered on Friday. Beijing, however, criticized Washingtons action, saying that unilateral sanctions outside the U.N. Security Council were inappropriate.

We also firmly oppose any individual country to exercise long-arm jurisdiction under its own domestic law, said Lu Kang, spokesman for Chinas foreign ministry.

Lu added that Beijing will investigate possible wrongdoings by Chinese individuals and entities under Chinese laws.

Trump had been leaning on President Xi Jinping to help stop the Norths development of nuclear weapons before they can threaten the U.S. homeland. A main focus of the coordination has been getting China to fully enforce international sanctions intended to starve North Korea of revenue for its nuclear and missile programs.

The U.S. action is likely to anger China, which handles about 90 percent of North Koreas external trade, and whose banks and companies are said to provide Pyongyang access to the U.S.-dominated international financial system.

The sanctions bar Americans from doing business with Bank of Dandong, which is based in a northeastern Chinese city on the North Korean border that serves as a gateway for trade with the isolated nation. The U.S. also slapped sanctions Thursday on a Chinese shipping company and two Chinese people that it said have facilitated illegal activities by North Korea.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the U.S. still wants to work with Beijing on combating the North Korean threat.

We are in no way targeting China with these actions, Mnuchin told a White House news briefing.

The punitive steps were presaged by a tweet from Trump last week reflecting dissatisfaction with Beijings efforts.

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 tweeted on June 20.

The Trump administration may be struggling to maintain international pressure on Pyongyang.

The president was to meet for the first time Thursday with South Koreas new leader, President Moon Jae-in, who has long advocated outreach to North Korea. His predecessor had staunchly backed Trumps harder line.

Mnuchin said the Bank of Dandong has facilitated millions of dollars of transactions for companies involved in North Koreas weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.

Anthony Ruggiero, a sanctions expert and former Treasury Department official, described it as a small Chinese bank sitting at the heart of trade between North Korea and China.

This is a strong message to Chinese leaders that the Trump administration will act against North Koreas sanctions evasion in China, he said.

The other targeted Chinese entities are:

Dalian Global Unity Shipping Co., which Treasury accused of transporting 700,000 tons of freight annually, including coal and steel products, between China and North Korea. It cited a U.N. expert panel as saying the company has violated a ban on trade in luxury goods with the North.

Chinese national Sun Wei, said to have been running a cover company for North Koreas Foreign Trade Bank, which is already subject to U.S. sanctions.

Chinese national Li Hong Ri, said to have established several front companies that end up benefiting Koryo Bank, a U.S.-sanctioned conduct for financial transactions on behalf of North Korea.

(AP)
Gatwick Airport is prepared to privately fund a 7.8bn second runway after losing out on the expansion bid to Heathrow.

Chief executive Stewart Wingate vowed plans for a second runway will go ahead in any event even without Government backing.

The airport is hoping the Government will back a second runway in an upcoming airport plan. It comes after Gatwick carried more than 44m passengers in a year and increased long-haul traffic.

Back on track: Gatwick missed out on a second runway last year after its bid was rejected in favour of expansion at Heathrow

Gatwick missed out on a second runway last year after its bid was rejected in favour of expansion at Heathrow.

But Wingate said he believes the airport merits expansion more than it did when its plans were scrutinised by the Airports Commission in 2015.

Sir Howard Davies, who led the commission, predicted Gatwick would have 48 long-haul connections by 2050 if it built a second runway, but a rapid rise in the low-cost long-haul industry has meant it now has more than 60 with its existing single runway.

Wingate said: Whatever happens at Heathrow is a matter for them. If it goes ahead fine, but at Gatwick wed like to build a runway in any event. A second runway is still on the table.

Long-haul routes at Gatwick were up 13.6pc in the year to the end of March. Gatwick said that, as capacity issues become a challenge, it will see considerable growth in passenger numbers as airlines swap short-haul for long-haul services. The airport has benefited from the growth of budget carrier Norwegian, which launched two new routes from Gatwick to Las Vegas and San Francisco, in the year.

The airline is also set to launch the worlds longest budget long-haul route, from Gatwick to Singapore, in September, and a route to Buenos Aires in February 2018.

Wingate said that Norwegian, which currently bases around ten of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at the base, would be prepared to increase its fleet to 50 if a second runway was granted.

Gatwick also announced it carried 44.1m passengers in the year to the end of March  a 7.7 per cent rise  and smashed its 45m passenger mark this week.

Profits were down from 141m to 131.8m due to higher operating costs.

Even without Government backing, Gatwick could in theory apply to West Sussex County Council for permission for a second runway and much of the land for the preferred site, south of the existing runway, has already been reserved for possible expansion.

A privately funded runway is likely to cost around 7.8bn and would be more than 3,200m long.

Heathrows plans for its 3,500m third runway, which is forecasted to cost around 17bn to build, have drawn criticism from British Airways owner IAG over the need to bridge the M25.

IAG boss Willie Walsh claimed the move would add an extra 2bn-3bn on top of the 17bn bill and lead to hours of delays.
If you're a regular follower of these small cap reports, you'll recall that we've often talked about how those on the junior market are starting to receive a bigger chunk of the investment pie.

Well, AIM-listed oil and gas explorer Hurricane Energy took that to new levels this week after it unveiled plans to raise a frankly astonishing 400million through a share placing and convertible bond.

That's a serious statement of intent for company capitalised at 450million. The small-cap label probably doesn't apply now.

Well, AIM-listed oil and gas explorer Hurricane Energy took that to new levels this week after it unveiled plans to raise a frankly astonishing 400million

It means Hurricane can and, if necessary, will take its large, undeveloped Lancaster oil field just west of the Shetland Islands into production on its own.

Importantly, the funding secures the timeline for bringing Lancaster online in less than two years, before the end of the first half 2019.

The discovery is estimated to contain some 2.1billion barrels of oil-in-place, with 523million seen as recoverable.

To give you an idea of the kind of figures involved, the early production system  the bit Hurricane is targeting for start-up in the first half of 2019  is estimated to host 'just' 37.3million barrels and is valued at 405million.

Sticking with the fundraising theme, mobile marketing specialist Proxama unveiled plans to raise up to 4.1million.

The actual amount pales in comparison to the kind of cash Hurricane but given that Proxama has been struggling of late  revenues fell by 17 per cent last year  and that it's only worth 3.5million. So the feat is perhaps just as impressive.

Given its recent troubles, it understandably had to raise the money at a pretty steep discount; 79.3 per cent to be precise.

That led to a sharp fall in its share price Friday, with shares down more than 60 per cent across the week.

Utility cost management consultancy Utilitywise was another big faller this week after it warned that its 2017 profits will be hit as it has to pay back commission to an energy provider following under-consumption in a number of contracts.

Hurricane can and, if necessary, will take its large, undeveloped Lancaster oil field just west of the Shetland Islands into production on its own

The north-east based group said it has agreed to make repayments in commissions of 7.6million between June 2017 and December 2020 to the energy provider.

It added the energy supplier had assessed the latest consumption levels on its total portfolio of about 4,400 live contracts placed by Utilitywise and found that they were much lower than initially expected at the start of the contracts.

Utilitywise said it will recognise an accounting charge of about 11.2million in its 2017 income statement to reflect the impact. About 7.7million of this charge is expected to be recognised as an exceptional item, while the remaining 3.5million will reduce underlying profit before tax.

Management said it was confident that this kind of situation was unlikely to happen with its more recent contracts but that didn't appease nervous investors as shares dropped by almost a third to 77p.

The AIM All Share by contrast traded sideways. It was just 0.4 per cent, or 3.7 points, to 965.6 over the week, while the blue chips on the FTSE 100 also fell by 0.75 per cent, or 56 points, to 7,370.

On the up was Corero Network Security. A global cyber-attack, which badly affected the likes of WPP and Merck, served as a useful reminder its protection software will be more in demand than ever.

On the up was Corero Network Security. A global cyber-attack, which badly affected the likes of WPP and Merck, served as a useful reminder its protection software

The firm's 28 per cent rise (to 8.9p) was actually down to a new contract it bagged with a high profile US federal agency.

Away from cyberspace, UK Oil & Gas Investments was also on a tear this week, up by more than a quarter to 2.6p.

The firm told investors that 'at first look' the results coming from the Broadford Bridge well were similar to the so-called 'Gatwick Gusher' Horse Hill discovery.

Findings to date from the BB-1 well are consistent with Horse Hill, and back up the theory that the so-called 'Gusher' is not a one-off  rather there's a wider oil and gas play beneath large swathes of Southern England that could yield lucrative production.

In a statement, UKOG revealed that 330 feet of core has been recovered from the Broadford Bridge well and mobile light oil is being observed.

Finally, the junior market looks set to wave goodbye to Gemfields after the emerald and ruby miner confirmed it will de-list at the end of July.

The company  which is the world's largest producer of coloured gemstones  had been involved in a takeover tug-of-war between major shareholder Pallinghurst and Chinese conglomerate Fosun Gold. Pallinghurst won the day.
A controversial rescue plan which has left Barclays facing a fraud trial may have netted 1 billion for Qatari investors, new findings reveal.

The Arab nation ploughed 3.7 billion into the bank which was teetering on the brink of collapse during the financial crisis.

Barclays and four top former executives have now been charged by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) over 346 million of payments linked to the deal.

A controversial rescue plan which has left Barclays facing a fraud trial may have netted 1 billion for Qatari investors, new findings reveal

Now, research suggests that the Middle Eastern investor may have pocketed a healthy 1 billion profit by supporting the bank  while ordinary British shareholders have lost 3 per cent of their savings every year since the deal in 2008.

Overall, Qatar may be up 43 per cent on its investment, according to estimates by the Financial Times.

The state bought shares and other more complex instruments such as equity warrants and convertible notes, which paid a profit despite the rocky share price.

Although the fund-raising happened nine years ago, the SFO only brought charges against Barclays last week.

Although the fund-raising happened nine years ago, the SFO only brought charges against Barclays last week

It accused the lender of two counts of fraud over the 346 million payments, which were allegedly handed out around the same time that Qatar pumped cash into the bank in two separate 2008 fund-raisings.

Barclays is also facing a charge of unlawful financial assistance over claims it loaned the Qataris 2.3 billion.

Four ex-bosses have become the first senior bankers to be charged over their actions during the financial crisis.

They include former chief executive John Varley, 61, who became a City darling after he steered Barclays through the market meltdown without turning to taxpayers for support.

He has quit as director of miner Rio Tinto and investment giant BlackRock since he was charged.

Four ex-bosses have become the first senior bankers to be charged over their actions during the financial crisis. They include former CEO John Varley, 61, who became a City darling after he steered Barclays through the market meltdown without turning to taxpayers for support

He also resigned as chairman of cancer charity Marie Curie.

Varley and 61-year-old former Middle East chief Roger Jenkins  once the highest-paid financier in London who earned a reputed 75 million in 2005  face up to 22 years in prison if found guilty.

Financial institutions boss Richard Boath, 58, and Thomas Kalaris, 61, of the wealth and investment management unit, face one fraud charge each.

They could both be jailed for ten years if found guilty.

All four deny wrongdoing, as does Barclays.

The fund-raising is also the subject of a lawsuit by glamorous financier Amanda Staveley, who is suing Barclays for 700 million plus costs.

The 44-year-old is an ex-girlfriend of Prince Andrew whose connections in the Middle East helped keep Barclays afloat.

Staveley represented Abu Dhabi investors who backed its 2008 fund-raising, and she says that Barclays unfairly favoured the Qataris at the time.
Pandith's death is symptomatic of the intense sense of betrayal and anger that a large section of the population, particularly the Valley youth, feels against the state police.

In the early hours of June 23, a frenzied mob in downtown Srinagar bludgeoned a policeman to death.

Dressed in plainclothes, Mohammed Ayub Pandith, 57, a deputy superintendent (DSP) with the security wing of the Jammu & Kashmir police, had been on duty at the Jamia Masjid, at Nowhatta, in downtown Srinagar. Accounts of the incident vary: some say Pandith had been taking photographs of people leaving the grand mosque, which led to an altercation with a crowd of angered locals. Others say that once he was surrounded, Pandith, in self-defence, drew his service revolver and fired shots into the crowd, which triggered the lynching.

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This was the first public lynching of a policeman by a civilian mob in the three decades of unrest that Kashmir has suffered. This brutal act is symptomatic of the intense sense of betrayal and anger that a large section of the population, particularly the Valley youth, feels against the state police. In fact, there's been a telling upswing in the attacks on police personnel, and this anger has also been evident in recent militant attacks, including those involving local extremist groups. Since January, 18 state policemen, including two special police officers, have been killed.

A statement issued by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on June 14 warned Kashmiri policemen of 'consequences for participating in counterinsurgency operations'. On June 15, Shabir Ahmad Dar of the JKP Special Operations Group was shot while on leave in his village of Kulgam. On June 16, militants ambushed a police jeep at Achaba, 65 km south of Srinagar. Six policemen were killed. The militants (later identified as LeT cadres) deliberately disfigured each of the dead men.

While these events make it evident that the attacks are part of a militant strategy to intimidate state police personnel who are at the forefront of the fight against insurgents, the anger of locals adds a disconcerting aspect to the attacks.

A senior officer who has served at the helm of the state police in the Valley points out the civil aspect of policework, saying that "local policemen are also involved in [maintaining] law and order, including quelling protests". Officials acknowledge that the anger against security forces, including paramilitary personnel, has been building since street protests first erupted over the decision to hand over land to the Amarnath shrine board in 2008. Nearly 300 protesters have since been killed. But unlike CRPF and other paramilitary personnel, who enjoy a fair degree of anonymity and are deployed for brief tenures, the officer says, "local policemen are easily identifiable and so the most vulnerable".

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Bangladesh's security analysts see the link of the Pakistani intelligence agency behind the attack in which 23 foreigners, including two policemen, were killed.

By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Even after one year, police could not complete the investigation in the case of the deadly militants attack on Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, the diplomatic zone in the capital.

The militants attack on Gulshan cafe attack last year, left 23 foreigners, including two policemen, dead.

Bangladesh's security analysts see the link of the Pakistani intelligence agency behind the attack.

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On Friday, security expert retired Major General Abdur Rashid told India Today, "I consider that the fund comes from different dimension. It's a local funding, Middle East funding and Pakistani Intelligence funding."

"Automatically, they do have a Islamist empire like Jamaat-e-Islami, who has good economic stability. And, the fund used to back militants and terrorist organization activities," he added.

How fund comes to Bangladesh

Security expert retired Major General Abdur Rashid told that, "In Bangladesh, many charity funds and NGOs are working. Most of which are foreigners oriented. Most charity funds are being helped by the people of different countries including the Middle East."

Security analysts of Bangladesh think that the money given by Pakistan is brought by those charity funds to Bangladesh through the Middle East. A section of the fund goes to the militant organization through Jamaat-e-Islami and some traders.

Then the money is being used to operate militant activities, collect members and manage other activities of the militant groups, think security analysts.

Divergences over the issue of IS

Immediately after the attack in the cafe, IS claimed the responsibility. Soon, people started talking about the spread of IS in the country. However, the Bangladesh government denied IS claim and said different local militant organizations carried out the attack.

It was believed that local militant outfits were encouraged by reading the propaganda of terrorist organizations on internet. This might be the reason, the government suspended the broadcast of Zakir Naik's television channel 'Peace TV' across the country.

On this issue, security expert retired Major General Abdur Rashid said that, "I think, there are no physical connection with ISIS. But, Bangladeshi militants and jihadi philosophers are inspired by IS or Al-Qaeda."

Not just in Bangladesh, the extremists are gaining ground all across the whole world. In such situation, police and experts are expected to take coordinated action with allied forces, including India, to stop spreading the international militant activities.

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MBABANE  The counting of profits and losses was a matter of another day for Asian businessmen after police officers paid them a surprise visit on Wednesday.



The police visit to the Asian shops resulted in them arresting some, for conducting their businesses without valid permits.

In Swaziland, a permit to operate a business is granted by the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Trade in urban areas. On Swazi Nation Land, business permits are granted by the Swaziland Commercial Amadoda, through a Kings consent.



In total, 12 Asians who are conducting businesses were arrested after it appeared that they were operating their businesses in the country without the valid permits. Four others were found to be in the country illegally in the capital city.

It appeared that a majority of them were from Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. They were arrested in various places in an operation that was conducted by the Royal Swaziland Police.



Some were arrested in Mbabane, Ezulwini, Lobamba and Elangeni. While in the same operation, the police established that some Asians were in the country illegally as they failed to produce permits allowing them to remain in the country.

They all made their appearances at the Mbabane Magistrates Court to answer for their actions yesterday.



Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati found them guilty and sentenced them to five months imprisonment, with an option of E500 fine each. One Asian was fined E1 000 for possessing a forged visa. Among the Asians was a Zimbabwean national, who was also arrested for conducting a business without a valid permit in the country.
By PTI: Patna, Jun 30 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today held a meeting with officials here and told them to be ready with relief and rehabilitation plan.

The chief minister held the review meeting on probability of flood and drought in different parts of the state by talking to senior officials at division and district level through video-conferencing, officials said.

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Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav, Health minister Tej Pratap Yadav, Energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav and a host of other ministers and chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh among others joined the CM in the day-long review meeting.

The meeting discussed point-by-point details about preparations to meet such an eventuality.

The meeting was told that rain in the month of June was less than the average recorded in the state over last 30 years and hence there is threat of many regions coming under grip of drought like situation.

They also discussed steps to provide succour to people in the event of flood which is a recurring phenomenon in many parts.

Principal Secretary Disaster Management Pratyay Amrit with the help of power point presentation discussed about readying resources in the event of flood.

The CM emphasised on compulsory training of boat drivers.

Information was provided at the meeting by Health, Animal Husbandry departments among others about providing medicines to probable victims and to animals in the event of flood as well drought situation.

Agriculture department gave presentation regarding providing diesel subsidy and accidental crop insurance in such a situation. PTI SNS RG SNP

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By Gina Martinez

After initially suing his boss for harassment over choosing not to inflate grades, John Bowne HS Vice Principal Marc Einsohn is claiming Principal Howard Kwait retaliated against him again for allegedly taking excessive time off.

These new claims were part of an amended lawsuit Einsohn filed last week. Einsohn previously sued Kwait in April for allegedly punishing him after he spoke out against inflating student grades.

According to the suit filed in federal court in Brooklyn, Kwait suggested students grades should be adjusted to fix the low passing rate during a December 2015 cabinet meeting. Einsohn spoke out against the idea, and as a result was subjected to retaliatory harassment, punishment, and pressure to leave the school for not abiding to Kwaits vision, the suit says.

Now, according to the amended suit, Einsohn received a letter from Kwait on June 5 scheduling a disciplinary hearing, which was rescheduled from June 7 to June 9. The issue at hand was that Einsohn had allegedly had excessive absences. The suit contends that all the absences cited by Kwait occurred months before Kwait sent the letter and included insignificant absences like Einsohn leaving the building nine minutes early.

Einsohn said he followed all the normal channels in requesting time off and all the absences were administratively approved. According to the suit, the absences in dispute were medically certified after Einsohn attended multiple cancer screenings, a funeral and a Lasik surgery appointment, which Kwait allegedly mocked as elective surgery.

According to the suit, Einsohn was then summoned to a second disciplinary conference June 19 for vague accusations of misconduct, but Kwait failed to specify what misconduct he was referring to.

The suit said Kwait engaged in his attempts to discipline Einsohn strictly to retaliate against Einsohn and damage Einsohns professional reputation.

The suit claims Einsohn suffers from emotional stress because of Kwaits campaign of retaliation and harassment.

This is the fifth suit brought against Kwait during his time as principal at the Flushing High school. In November 2016, former guidance counselor Lauren Prettitore sued Kwait for sexual harassment. In 2015, the city settled for $275,000 with teachers Maria Catenacci and Sally Maya, who sued over sexual harassment as well. In 2012, the city settled for an undisclosed amount with an assistant principal who accused Kwait of discriminating against her because she was pregnant, according to the New York Post. The city also paid $225,000 in a settlement over a student who was falsely accused of sending threatening e-mails.

Einsohns lawyer, Jonathan Tand, said the Department of Education is enabling Kwait by not taking action against him.

By not putting a stop to his behavior, the DOE is essentially condoning Kwaits actions, Tand said. His recent actions towards my client were clearly intended to retaliate against Mr. Einsohn. At what point does the DOE step in and put a stop to this man?

A spokesman for the City Law Department said it is not discussing the matter while litigation is pending.
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By Angelica Acevedo

In New York state, a law that allowed teens as young as 14 years old to get married existed for nearly 90 years. On June 20, however, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation that raised the age of consent to 18.

The new law will also require parental and judicial consent for marriages of 17- and 18-year-olds.

The legislation, which was sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) and state Sen. Andrew J. Lanza (R-Staten Island), received support from Cuomo and various other organizations across the city  such as the National Organization for Women in NYC, the Women for Afghan Women and the Center for the Women of New York.

This is a major step forward in our efforts to protect children and prevent forced marriages, Cuomo said, and I am proud to sign this legislation that puts an end to child marriage in New York, once and for all.

The law prohibits anyone under 17 years old from getting married and provides guidance for judges to determine whether or not a 17-year-old should get married.

Cuomos office said the judge must also ensure that the applicant is entering the marriage of his or her own free will, they are not being compelled by force, fraud, or coercion, and the marriage will not endanger the mental, emotional, or physical safety of the applicant.

Under the previous law, the minimum age for marriage was 18, allowing children 16 and 17 to do so with parental consent as well as children 14 and 15 to do so with parental and judicial consent. It did not provide judges any guidance on determining whether or not to grant consent.

From 2000 to 2010, New York State Health Department data shows over 3,800 minors got married, with 84 percent of marriages involving minors occurring between teenage girls and adult men.

The National Organization for Women in NYC campaigned for two years advocating for the new law by rallying, lobbying and educating the public. Sonia Ossorio, the president of NOW, believes that the harms of child marriage are clear.

New York now recognizes early or forced marriage as a human rights violation, Ossorio said. I hope that the change in law will give girls who find themselves in this position the knowledge that they can say no. 

In contrast, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, citing religious and cultural freedoms, vetoed a law in May that would impose the states first age restriction in marriage to 18.

New York was one of only three states to allow 14 year olds to legally wed  the other two are Alaska and North Carolina. Over a dozen other states have no statutory minimum age for marriage in place.

According to a Pew Research Center 2016 report, child marriage rates vary by state, with above-average rates in the South and West.

Naheed Samadi Bahram, the program director for Women for Afghan Women based in Fresh Meadows, said New Yorks legislation will have a positive effect for Americans, but also for South Asian immigrants.

Its a great achievement, and were all very happy that it finally happened, Bahram said. The worst thing about that law was that they could marry at 14 years old, but couldnt get divorced until 18. Now, they can divorce at 17, as well.

Studies show that women who marry at a young age are at high-level risk of suffering mental and physical health problems, domestic violence and are less-likely to complete their education.

State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) said its amazing that it took this long to pass the law.

Ann Jawin, the founder of the Center for the Women of New York based in Borough Hall, said this was a wonderful victory.

I am so pleased that this law passed, Jawin said. I believe that the fact that there are women on the council helped with this.
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By Naeisha Rose

Shamel Capers, the second individual arrested in the shooting death of 14-year-old Daja Robinson on a city bus in Jamaica, was convicted of the 2013 murder last week, the Queens district attorney said.

Capers, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, was found guilty of second degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon June 22, DA Richard Brown said.

Queens Supreme Court Justice Gregory L. Lasak scheduled Capers sentencing for July 19, He faces up to 15 years to life in prison, according to DA Richard Brown.

On March 18, 2013, Daja, of South Jamaica, left a friends birthday party around 8:30 p.m. and rather than walk six blocks home in the rain, she hopped on an idle Q6 bus located opposite 125-60 Sutphin Blvd., according to her mother, Shadia Sands.

Within minutes after Daja sat down, Capers of Brooklyn shot several rounds into the bus, targeting an unidentified girl, prosecutors said.

Kevin McClinton, of Richmond Hill, then 21, grabbed Capers gun and fired more rounds into the bus hoping to get the intended mark, the DA said. Instead a stray bullet shattered the bus window and hit Daja in the head. She was later declared dead Jamaica Hospital, according to the 113th Precinct.

The shooting was gang-related, according to Brown.

Daja was one of four family members lost to gun violence between 2010 and 2014. In 2014, her cousin, Khalil Brown, 17, was killed in a drive-by shooting.

Khalils uncle, former NYPD Officer Colin Bowlin, was shot in 2011. In 2010, Dajas cousin, Gary Bowlin, was gunned down at a barbershop in Richmond Hill, according to family.

Daja was an only child and a student at Campus Magnet High School in Cambria Heights. Her body was carried in a white coffin by horse-drawn carriage to St. Albans Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in May 2013, according to Queens rapper Curtis 50 Cent Jackson, who paid for the transport because it was the stand up thing to do.

Police recovered nine shell casings from a .40 caliber handgun at the scene and put up a $22,000 reward to find her killers.

McClinton fled to South Carolina, where he was arrested a week and a half later. In early 2016, he was convicted of murder after a three-week trial. On June 6, he was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.

Capers turned himself in on July 14, 2014.

Dajas death spurred the creation of New York Citys Gun Violence Crisis Management System, which provides resources for precincts plagued with gun violence.

It also resulted in former Borough President Helen Marshall allocating $50,000 in a gun buyback program from her offices discretionary budget in June 2013.

On Aug. 3, 2016 the Sutphin Boulevard stretch of roadway between Rockaway Boulevard and 125th Street, near where Robinson was shot, was renamed after her by Mayor Bill de Blasio.
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Despite the arrival of summer, a slight chill settled on Queens after the Supreme Court ruled this week that a limited version of President Donald Trumps travel ban could be implemented.

The decision, which was unsigned, allowed a weaker version of the original ban on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries to take effect within days until the justices weigh in on the case in October.

The nations highest court acted on the highly charged issue during the Muslim holiday Eid-al-Fitr, which Trump refused to celebrate even though his predecessors had marked the end of Ramadan in the White House for at least 20 years.

As the Supreme Court partially backed his order targeting the Muslim countries, followers of the religion were observing the holiday as a time of forgiveness.

This was not lost on Queens Muslim community, which has been faced with rising bias incidents since Trump took office. Security has been beefed up around mosques and elected officials have held seminars to instruct the community about their rights if confronted by federal agents threatening to arrest them.

Under the revised order, visitors from Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen will not be banned from the United States, but must have what the court called a bona fide connection to obtain visas, which means having a job with a U.S. company, close relatives living here or a spot in an American university.

The experts are debating the impact of the ruling, which is not expected to produce the chaos that enveloped Kennedy Airport in January, when some Muslim travelers were detained, a few were sent back home and lawyers rushed to JFK to provide free legal aid. The New York Immigration Coalition will have attorneys available this time as well.

Business travelers could be caught up in a web of red tape as the Trump administration fine-tunes its vetting process and lawsuits are likely to come regarding just what constitutes a bona fide relationship.

But beyond the details, the message is loud and clear that people from certain Muslim countries do not have the same status as other immigrants when waiting at the gates to the United States.

Trumps Islamophobic comments about Muslims, such as theyre sick people, smack of the religious discrimination that prompted several lower courts to reject his travel ban on constitutional grounds.

We are hopeful that the nine justices will conclude in October that Trumps campaign to discourage Muslims from entering the United States is a violation of our founding fathers vision of a nation where freedom from religious intolerance was meant for everyone.
Pa. Dems could flip the House of Reps. Here's what that might mean

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By Shivani Chhabra: The last week of June has come to an end, and we've officially stepped into the second-half of 2017--time really flies, doesn't it? The week gone by saw tinsel-town celebs making a lot of public appearances. While some celebs sizzled in their class-apart fashion choices, others dampened our hopes like the traffic these days.

These are our picks of the best and worst-dressed celebrities from the week gone by:

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BEST DRESSED WOMAN: PRIYANKA CHOPRA

The diva that Priyanka Chopra is, all she needs to do is step out of her house every once in a while, and she can top the list effortlessly, thanks to her innate charm and fabulous dress sense. The sexy, global star donned an all-black attire by Brunello Cucinelli earlier this week, and set the world on fire. The double-breasted black blazer and shimmery, wide-legged pants were the most phenomenal blend of class and glamour we've seen in the longest of time.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/cristinaehlrich

BEST DRESSED MAN: ARJUN KAPOOR

Heartiest Mubarakan (congratulations) to Arjun Kapoor for pulling off a dapper ensemble in an out-of-the-box colour. The handsome star wore a pine-green suit with the most perfectly matched ombre, tan-hued brogues. Arjun kept it casual by donning a t-shirt under the blazer, but looked uber-cool on the whole.

Photo: Yogen Shah Photo: Yogen Shah

WORST DRESSED WOMAN: KATRINA KAIF

As shocking as it may seem, Katrina Kaif has really let us down this week. Dressing in a wrap-around, floral-print dress for the promotions of her upcoming film, Jagga Jasoos, Katrina tried to play it too safe. The lovely actress teamed a pair of nude shoes with the dress, which were as plain as the dress, and honestly, quite boring.

Photo: Yogen Shah

WORST DRESSED MAN: JACKIE SHROFF

Yesteryear actor Jackie Shroff was spotted in a shabby-looking outfit that looked too outdated to be worn in 2017. The black, bomber jacket and red scarf that Jackie was spotted in was a bad combination, and we've no clue why he tried to pull off something as primitive and mismatched as that.

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Laughter queen Bharti Singh recently shared a picture of herself with Kapil Sharma from the sets of The Kapil Sharma Show.

By India Today Web Desk: Comedy queen Bharti Singh surprised everyone when she announced that she was going to be a part of The Kapil Sharma Show. But then reports about how she was not shooting with Kapil because she was not happy with the script started doing the rounds.

However, Bharti recently cleared the air on the issue when she took to social media site Instagram and shared a picture with Kapil himself with a caption that read, "Who says I am not shooting for The Kapil Sharma Show? #NewBeginning #BhartionTKSS #TKSS #SonyTV @kapilsharma."

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Here is the post:

Who says I'm not shooting for "the Kapil Sharma Show"?!?! #NewBeginning #BhartionTKSS #TKSS #SonyTV @kapilsharma???????????? A post shared by Bharti Singh (@bharti.laughterqueen) on Jun 29, 2017 at 12:55pm PDT

Also read: The Kapil Sharma Show: Bharti Singh unhappy with the team, refuses to shoot with Kapil?

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Albany

New York will not comply with a request from a White House commission investigating voter fraud for all 50 states to provide all publicly available voter roll data by mid-July, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday.

"The electoral process is sacred and New York law has strong safeguards in place to prevent sharing of sensitive voter data and harassment against those who exercise their right to vote," Cuomo said in a statement. "New York refuses to perpetuate the myth voter fraud played a role in our election. We will not be complying with this request and I encourage the Election Commission to work on issues of vital importance to voters, including ballot access, rather than focus on debunked theories of voter fraud."

Prior to issuing the statement, Cuomo tweeted that the state wouldn't comply and linked to an NPR story about the letter from Kris Kobach, vice chairman of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, to state-level officials, some of whom also rebuked the request for data. The story includes a copy of the letter sent to the Alabama secretary of state seeking data, if publicly available under state law, that includes in part first and last names, middle names or initiations, addresses, dates of birth, political party affiliations, last four digits of Social Security numbers and voter history of all voters from 2006 onward.

The letter also seeks views and recommendations on what laws and policies hinder officials' ability to ensure the integrity of elections, what evidence officials have regarding instances of voter fraud or registration fraud, and what changes to federal law could be made to improve the integrity of federal elections.

In New York, most of the information sought by the White House commission can be obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the state Board of Elections.

President Donald Trump formed the commission through executive order in May after alleging for months that there was widespread voter fraud in last year's presidential election.

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New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a frequent Trump critic, said in February that investigations by his office did not substantiate a single claim of voter fraud in the Empire State in 2016. The state Board of Elections also did not refer any voter fraud cases to him for 2016 by that time.

Experts also have said that while voter fraud is uncommon, the few instances usually are connected with local elections.

mhamilton@timesunion.com  518-454-5449  @matt_hamilton10
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SCHENECTADY - Just about every chance he gets, Mike O'Toole rides his bicycle from his Glenwood Boulevard home in Schenectady to his job at General Electric.

Pranav Shrestha, a Union College sophomore, loves to pedal his bike from the campus to the downtown area and the historic Stockade neighborhood.

The two were among about three dozen people who Thursday attended a public meeting at the main branch of the Schenectady County library to weigh in on the city's draft proposal to make the Electric City more bike-friendly.

Lindsay Zefting, an associate engineer with Alta Planning + Design, which is working with city engineers on updating the bike infrastructure master plan, told the crowd inside the McChesney room that they tried to "incorporate the latest best practices for bike paths."

She said the city and the design and engineering firm, had studied everything from key destinations where people ride to and from, crash density, and huddled with local bike advocacy groups, including companies like General Electric and the YMCA.

Of the 250 respondents to the online survey, about 42 percent said the biking conditions in Schenectady are dangerous and most approved of public monies being used to improve that problem, Zefting added.

Peter Knutson, who works in the city engineering office, said Schenectady is developing a bike share program with the CDTA and expanding several bike trails including around Mohawk Harbor at the casino site and Central Park.

The Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) is bankrolling the project.

Shrestha, the Union College electrical engineering major, urged City Engineer Christopher Wallin to consider expanding existing bike paths to link Union to downtown so students could then patronize businesses.

"There is no bike infrastructure, just the minimum bike lanes," said Shrestha, an international student from Nepal. "Biking is a universally good thing to have in any city, it's an option for people who want to use it."

He said he often hears complaints from pedestrians when he rides on sidewalks and from motorists honking their horns at him when he rides on the street.

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STEVE JACOBSS/DG

O'Toole said he stays safe by avoiding major roads and instead biking through Union and the Stockade.

"I have over the years found the good routes that I use to go back and forth to work, low-traffic areas," he added.

Zefting said they will use the feedback from Thursday's gathering, along with input people can still submit online at schenectadybikeplan.weebly.com/comments to update the draft bike infrastructure mast plan draft plan.

She hopes by summer's end that the city will release its final bike infrastructure master plan.
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Berlin

European leaders said Thursday they are ready to defend the Paris climate accord and free trade when they face President Donald Trump at the Group of 20 summit. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe was "more determined than ever" to see the climate deal succeed.

The Trump administration's "America First" approach to trade has caused widespread concern internationally, as has its decision to pull out of the Paris accord. Trump announced the withdrawal shortly after returning from last month's Group of 7 summit in Italy.

Merkel told the German parliament that "we cannot expect easy talks in Hamburg" on climate issues when leaders of the G-20 global economic powers meet in the city July 7-8.

"The disagreement is obvious, and it would be dishonest to gloss over it," she said. "I won't do that, in any case."

Still, meeting later Thursday with European participants in the G-20, she sought to downplay prospects of an outright clash with Trump. She and French President Emmanuel Macron said there is agreement on issues such as fighting terrorism and they will seek joint solutions.

Trump announced June 1 he was pulling the U.S. from the Paris deal. The U.S. could try to rejoin the agreement under more favorable terms or work to establish "an entirely new transaction," Trump said.

After meeting the leaders of Britain, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway and the European Union in Berlin, Merkel said they were "united" behind the climate accord.

Macron underlined the Europeans' "very strong commitment" to the Paris deal. He said he had "at least the hope, in any case, that one or another will be brought to reason and can follow us."

But Merkel stressed that "the United States of America is an important part of the G-20, and we will do everything to work together while not papering over differences."

The chancellor wasn't hesitant to demonstrate the scope of Europe's differences with the current U.S. administration over the Paris accord's goals for curbing carbon emissions and global warming.

In her speech to German lawmakers, Merkel said that "since the decision by the United States of America to leave the Paris climate accord, we are more determined than ever to lead it to success."

"The Paris agreement is irreversible and it is not negotiable," she said.

Later, though, Merkel brushed off a question about chances of G-20 members except Trump drawing up a statement on climate change.

"I don't want to participate in speculation today about 'what happens if,'" she said. "The message is that we want to find solutions together, even though we know that in some questions, for example the climate question, it is not very easy."

Macron said that "it is no use isolating a state."

"We do not share his view of things on this subject," he added, speaking about the climate accord. "But it is always preferable to make a joint declaration and leave open the opportunity to countries around the table to sign up in the medium term."

Macron has invited Trump to attend Bastille Day celebrations in Paris July 14. He stressed that "the relationship with the United States is a long-term one. It is a deep relationship in numerous areas which allows us today, despite everything, to share disagreements."

Merkel argued that the G-20  a forum that rose to prominence in the wake of the global financial crisis  is needed more than ever because countries working together can change things far more effectively than with uncoordinated national policies.

"Anyone who thinks that they can solve the problems of this world with isolationism and protectionism is making an enormous mistake," she told lawmakers.

Merkel said she wants from the G-20 "a clear signal for free markets and against isolation, and a clear commitment to the multilateral trading system."

Hamburg is mounting a huge security operation to protect the summit in the heart of Germany's second-biggest city, which Merkel said was a "big challenge."

"We know that there will be protests, and that is more than legitimate in a democracy. But I hope ... that these protests will be peaceful."

The G-20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, France, Britain, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

Also attending the summit will be the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Guinea, Senegal, Singapore and Vietnam.

Trump to meet Putin

Trump will hold a high stakes meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin when he attends the G-20 summit in Germany next week, the White House said Thursday.

National security adviser H.R. McMaster confirmed that the meeting is one of several Trump has scheduled when he is in Hamburg, Germany, next week.

McMaster and economic adviser Gary Cohn would not say whether the president intends to address accusations that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, saying that the agenda is "not finalized" for this or any other meeting.

All 17 U.S. intelligence agencies have agreed Russia was behind last year's hack of Democratic email systems and tried to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump. Members of his campaign are also under investigation for possible collusion with Russia in the lead-up to the election. Trump has staunchly denied that he had any contacts with Russia during his White House bid.

"Our relationship with Russia is not different from that with any other country in terms of us communicating to them really what our concerns are, where we see problems with the relationship but also opportunities," McMaster said.
YAPHANK (AP)  Police on Long Island say an Arizona man has been extradited to New York more than 40 years after he fled the state after a rape conviction.

Suffolk County police have scheduled a news conference Friday afternoon at police headquarters in Yaphank to discuss the case of 62-year-old Todd Matus.
ALBANY  Empire State Plaza Farmers Market has seasonal produce, flowers and plants in addition to meats, cheeses, baked goods, wine and cider.

The market is on the Plaza every Wednesday and Friday into October. Find more info at https://ogs.ny.gov/ESP/cce/FarmersMarket.asp
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LAKE GEORGE  Police will be out on the water in force this holiday weekend to deter boaters from drinking and driving.

"Drinking and boating don't mix, and law enforcement on Lake George is working hard to keep the public safe," Lt. Joe Johns, the director of law enforcement for the Lake George Park Commission, said June 20.

The crackdown follows the May 8 conviction of 25-year-old Alex West, who recklessly killed 8-year-old Charlotte McCue and injured her mother last July when his boat slammed into their's on Lake George.

At the time of the crash, McCue was lying on her mother's lap as they rode in her grandfather's 28-foot antique Gar Wood boat, which was cruising on the lake after a family dinner.

"Out of nowhere, she was cut to shreds in a matter of seconds," the child's mother told the judge before West's sentencing.

He will serve 5 to 15 years in prison for his conviction of second-degree manslaughter, felony assault, criminally negligent homicide, boating while ability impaired by alcohol and leaving the scene of a crash.

This year, the park commission's marine patrol unit and the Warren County Sheriff's Office have already arrested eight people in their summer sting.

On Saturday, June 10, a patrol vessel stopped a boat carrying Massachusetts teenagers who had been drinking, Johns said.

Police found 76 beers and a bottle of tequila on board, and ticketed all six 18- and 19-year-olds with possessing alcohol while under the age of 21. The group was also cited for not having enough personal flotation devices.

On Saturday, June 17, the Warren County Sheriff's Office received a complaint that a boat's driver was likely drunk. A park commission patrol officer soon found the boat speeding through Sawmill Bay, which is a 5 mph zone, Johns said.

When the driver spotted the police, he switched places with a passenger, Johns said. Officers stopped the boat and determined both operators were drunk, the lieutenant said.

Thirty-year-old Thomas Hubay and 28-year-old Kyle Hubay, both of Fairfield, NJ, were arrested. They are each charged with boating while intoxicated and speeding in a no wake zone.

Police have already announced their intentions to thwart any efforts to revive late July's bacchanalian Log Bay Day, the all-day booze fest on the lake that ended last year with McCue's death.
Germaphobes now have scientific evidence to back up their swimming pool concerns, with more and more studies showing that chemicals and parasites send thousands of swimmers to the doctor every year.

Mishandling of chemicals at public and residential swimming pools, as well as hot tubs and spas, leads to 3,000 to 5,000 visits to emergency departments in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Almost half of the patients are under 18.
Two lovers were tied to a tree and thrashed after they were caught in a compromising position in Gopinathpur village of Bihar's Muzaffarpur district on Wednesday.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: Two lovers were tied to a tree and thrashed after they were caught in a compromising position in Gopinathpur village of Bihar's Muzaffarpur district on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old woman had been in a relationship with a 27-year-old man for 4 years. Both were natives of Sitamarhi district.

On catching the duo getting intimate, angry villagers did not inform the police but took it upon themselves to punish them. Soon a village panchayat was convened and the woman and her boyfriend were produced before its members. After learning about the case, the panchayat directed that both be tied to a tree and caned.

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The locals carried out the panchayat's diktat. The duo was tied to a tree and beaten up. Even as the incident took place in front of the entire village, there was not a murmur of protest from anyone.

POLICE LEARN ABOUT INCIDENT FROM VIRAL VIDEO

The police learnt about the incident only after video of the entire incident went viral on social media.

The police on Thursday registered an FIR in this case after recording the victim woman's statement. Five people from the village, who have been named in the FIR, were part of the panchayat that passed the order.

Muzaffarpur DSP Krishna Murari Prasad said, "The police was informed about the incident and based on the complaint of the victim woman, an FIR has been filed against five people involved in this incident. A manhunt has been launched to arrest those absconding."

Also read | Rise in lynching and attacks on Muslims by Gau Rakshaks after Modi govt came to power: Report

Also read | Al-Qaeda vows attack on Hindu outfits involved in killing Muslims, destroying mosques

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

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Event

Schuyler Mansion will celebrate Independence Day in early-American style. The mansion, home of Revolutionary War general Philip Schuyler and his family, will host a July Fourth celebration with 18th-century-inspired games and activities, period performers and free ice cream. The mansion, a state historic site, will also be open for self-guided tours, starting at noon. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday. Free. Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, 32 Catherine St., Albany. 434-0834; https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/33/fees-rates.aspx.
THE ISSUE:

The Tappan Zee replacement bridge will be named for the late Gov. Mario Cuomo.

THE STAKES:

It's time for the current Governor Cuomo to explain how the state will pay for the span.

More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse

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Mario M. Cuomo was a dedicated public servant, a three-term New York governor who was arguably the greatest political orator of the late 20th century. He is worthy of honor. Now he's to have a bridge named for him.

The tribute to the late governor was part of the omnibus legislation approved by the state Assembly this week when his son, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, called lawmakers back for an "extraordinary" session. In addition to avoiding a crisis over New York City school leadership and settling a major counties sales tax issue, the package also addressed a less urgent matter: what to call the new, nearly $4 billion span that is being built to replace the aging Tappan Zee bridge, which connects Westchester and Rockland counties in the lower Hudson Valley.

Already approved by the state Senate, the Assembly action means the span will be known as the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. The move comes over the objections of some individual Assembly members who complained, in part, because the current bridge was named for Malcolm Wilson, a longtime Republican Assemblyman from Westchester County who was Nelson Rockefeller's lieutenant governor and served as the state's chief executive for a year after Governor Rockefeller stepped down in 1973. Their objections were rejected, and the new bridge will have a new name.

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So with the naming done, isn't it time for New York's taxpayers to find out how the state will be paying for the new structure? To start the project, Mr. Cuomo used a $1.6 billion short-term federal loan. He also has tapped some money won in settlements with Wall Street firms for their role in the mortgage banking crisis that led to the Great Recession. What has yet to be revealed is how much will be paid with long term bonds and how that cost will be covered. Tolls? Taxes?

The Cuomo administration has been tight-lipped about whether the ultimate financing plan will eventually mean a hike in the tolls on the new bridge and on other Hudson River crossings or, as some speculate, an overall increase in the charges to use the entire state Thruway. That would mean travelers and commuters from Yonkers to Cheektowaga would be paying down the debt for years to come. This uncertainty prompted Wall Street analysts to downgrade the Thruway Authority's bond rating.

Last year's decision to take the state's financially strapped Canal Corp. out from under the Thruway Authority was a sensible way to stabilize the authority, preparing it to shoulder the burden of paying for the new bridge. Still, Mr. Cuomo has been mum on paying for the new bridge.

Some cynics say that naming the new bridge after Cuomo the father was meant to bolster the career of Cuomo the son, who is said to harbor presidential ambitions. Unless the state soon presents a transparent and equitable way to pay for it, the new bridge could end up memorializing a sort of fiscal mismanagement that neither of the Governors Cuomo would want linked to their name.
North Tipperary IFA, in conjunction with Central Auctions Co-op Marts, will hold a farm safety event for families on Tuesday, July 4, in Nenagh Mart at 12.30pm.

IFA county chairman Tim Cullinan said the event aimed to ensure farm safety was a focus for all the family at this busy time of year, with schools about to close for the summer.

It is so important that safety remains a top priority for everybody on the farm. We want to make sure farmers consider risks and how they can be avoided. It doesnt have to be complicated; by making simple and practical changes you can significantly reduce the risks on your farm and encourage all the family to be safety aware, and conscious of the dos and donts, he said.

Speakers will include Maura Canning, IFA Farm Family chairperson, and Peter Gohery, Galway IFA, a survivor of a farm accident. The Irish Red Cross will give demonstrations on first aid and CPR.

Tipperary IFA is grateful to Central Auctions Co-op Group CEO Michael Harty and all at Nenagh Mart for providing the venue and facilitating the event.
Plans are well under way for the first ever Silvermines Rambling Festival which will take place on Saturday, July 1, at Silvermines.

The purpose of the festival is to promote the Silvermines Parish as a year round tourist destination.

There will be three walks in the morning on local and Coillte approved walks ranging from easy to moderate to challenging followed by lunch in the village.

An historical walk of the village and mining area will take place in the afternoon and then later that evening there will be a bit of "craic, ceol agus ol" in Hickey's Bar & Lounge.

According to festival chairman, Conor Delaney, the festival has the potential to be the next "Rock of Cashel" in terms of tourism in Tipperary.

"We have the natural resources, we have the facilities and we have wonderful, friendly, welcoming people in the Silvermines Parish and the time has now come to tell the world about our little piece of heaven.

You can go up to the walks anytime of the year and you will meet people from all over Ireland and the world there. And don't forget Shannon Airport is only a 40-minute drive away, he said.

Along with being steeped in mining history the Silvermines is now a recognised winner in the Tidy Town national awards having won two bronze and two silver awards over the past four years much to the credit of the hard working village enhancement group.

The Festival Committee would like to thank Hickey's Bar & Lounge, Buddy's Bar, The Eagles Nest, Lodge Services, Arra Travel, Costello Oil, 3 Mobile Nenagh and Conor Delaney Solicitors for providing sponsorship for the festival.

Anyone interested in attending the Silvermines Rambling Festival or looking for more information should make enquiries to silverminesramblingfestival@gmail.com or visit the festival's Facebook and Twitter pages.
Now, you can wear your bikini, and eat it too!

By India Today Web Desk: You know, sometimes the weirdest of dreams come true. If you too are a true-blue foodie like us, and have dreamt of wearing edible clothes, your dreams are about to be realised, because we're living in 2017, and it's the time of the crazy.

Lo and behold, the pizza-kini, and as saner people would call it, the pizza bikini.

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Made in celebration of the American National Bikini Day on July 5, the pizza bikini is a creation of New York-based restaurant, Villa Italian Kitchen, who partnered with a food stylist to give birth to this gem of a creation.

This stylist will further cook up a made-to-order suit for anyone willing to give the restaurant a whopping USD 10,000 (Rs 6,45,814). And if you're actually shelling out Rs 6.5 lakh, you can actually choose the toppings you'd like on your pizza-kini. Isn't that nice?

The pizza-kini is not just about the looks, though. It is made from homemade dough, whole milk cheese, freshly sliced pepperoni, and sauce made from California tomatoes, according to Villa Italian Kitchen's Facebook page.

On that note, here's a little something from the shoot of the pizza-kini campaign:

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[June 30, 2017] Dominion Energy Acquires Virginia Solar Facility; Plans to Purchase Another

RICHMOND, Va., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) today announced that it has acquired Clarke County Solar, a 10-megawatt solar power facility in Clarke County, Va., from the project's developer, an affiliate of Chicago-based Hecate Energy, LLC. The company also announced plans to purchase a 20-megawatt solar farm under construction in Northampton County, Va.  also from developer Hecate Energy  in the third quarter of 2017. With these additions, Dominion Energy's solar portfolio would include 25 facilities in 23 Virginia localities with about 409 megawatts of solar generating capacity, which can produce enough power to serve more than 100,000 typical homes and business around the state. Dominion Energy could also add at least 5,200 megawatts of solar in Virginia over the next 25 years to meet its customers' energy needs. "Dominion Energy is pleased to aid in the expansion of solar power in the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Thomas F. Farrell, II, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion Energy. "We see great promise in clean solar energy and believe it will be an ever-increasing portion of our company's fuel mix over the decades to come." Clarke County Solar, located on a 117-acre parcel of land in White Post, Va., has entered service, and was acquired by a subsidiary of Dominion Generation, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dominion Energy. That subsidiary also has agreed to purchase upon completion the Cherrydale facility on 180 acres in Kendall Grove, Va., in Northampton County on Virginia's Eastern Shore. That transaction is expected to clse in the third quarter of 2017. Nearly 300 jobs have been created during peak construction of the Clarke County and Cherrydale projects. DEPCOM Power, Inc., has served as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.



Long-term power purchase agreements for both projects are in place with Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) for the offtake from these facilities.

"Entering into this agreement is evidence of our commitment to supporting the development and production of renewable energy resources," said Jack Reasor, president and CEO of ODEC. "We are dedicated to being both reliable power providers to our member-owners and responsible environmental stewards. ODEC and Dominion Energy have a very successful history of partnerships that we look forward to continuing with these projects."



ODEC and Dominion Energy subsidiary Dominion Energy Virginia are partners in two other generating facilities in Virginia  North Anna Power Station and Clover Power Station. Dominion Energy has more than 2,000 megawatts of solar generating capacity  including company-owned assets and assets that are contracted by Dominion Energy subsidiaries serving Dominion Energy customers  in operation or under development in nine states. About Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 26,200 megawatts of generation, 15,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,600 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion Energy operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 1 trillion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves more than 6 million utility and retail energy customers. For more information about Dominion Energy, visit the company's website at www.DominionEnergy.com. About Hecate Energy

Hecate Energy is a leading developer, owner and operator of power plants in North America and internationally. Hecate Energy brings together business acumen, technical understanding and significant experience in the industry to develop world-class power projects. The company specializes in solar and wind power, natural gas plants and energy storage, unearthing creative approaches to structuring PPAs and financing power projects both in the United States and abroad. Hecate Energy believes in collaborative, long-term partnerships with the communities, organizations and countries it serves. www.hecateenergy.com About ODEC

Headquartered in Glen Allen, Va., ODEC is a not-for-profit, member-owned, power supply cooperative. It supplies the wholesale power requirements of its 11 member electric distribution cooperatives, which provide reliable, affordable electricity to 1.4 million people in 70 counties in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. Learn more at www.odec.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dominion-energy-acquires-virginia-solar-facility-plans-to-purchase-another-300482622.html SOURCE Dominion Energy

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[June 30, 2017] SF Express: How to Capitalize on China's US$50 Billion Cross-border E-commerce Market

SHENZHEN, China, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Attendees of the Dialogue on GMS Cross-border E-commerce Cooperation Platform held in Yunnan province, China earlier this month discussed how to develop cross-border e-commerce businesses of ASEAN countries. More than 100 representatives from e-commerce companies and associations from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) comprising Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam as well as Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China participated with this event. Ray Li, vice president of SF Express International Business Division, shared his insights as a representative from the logistics sector on the import opportunities for Chinese e-commerce companies at the event. China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative and Supply-Side Reform policy provides a driving forcefor the development of cross-border trade for ASEAN countries as well as for China itself, Ray Li said. Overseas shopping by Chinese consumers is growing at a rate of more than 50% annually, driving the rapid increase in sales of milk power made in Singapore, coffee made in Vietnam and latex products made in Thailand.



As how to best expand into the Chinese market, in the pilot stage of business, Ray Li suggested cross-border e-commerce suppliers use B2C direct mailing services with light assets, zero inventory, small quantities and multi batch models, in order to accelerate the stock cycle and sales. SF Express is a Chinese express company known for its fast delivery and quality services and has a network coverage of 34 provinces and cities across China. The express service provider, which owns 51 all-cargo aircraft, is building an air logistics hub that will soon to be the first in Asia and the fourth in the world. In Southeast Asia, the company has set up service points in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand with its own local service teams that can provide door-to-door international express services.

This event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs, the Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province, and the Asia-Pacific Model E-Port Network Operational Center. The event aims to strengthen the cooperation between and the development of GMS members in terms of cross-board e-commerce, through in-depth dialogues and communications. Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE SF Express Co.,Ltd.

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[June 30, 2017] United States Anesthesia Drugs Market & Forecast to 2022 - Research and Markets

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "United States Anesthesia Drugs Market & Forecast" report to their offering. United States Anesthesia Market is expected to be more than US$ 4 Billion by 2022 This growth is driven by increasing incidence of cardiovascular cases, growing old age population and rising number of urgent surgeries in United States. Private as well as public health insurers also help to boost this market as they consider anesthetic products in their reimbursement policy. General intravenous anesthesia is the leading segments in the United States Anesthesia Market. Propofol, Benzodiazepines Class, Fospropofol Disodium, Ketamine, Methohexital Sodium, Pentobarbital, Etomidate and Fentanyl are commonly used general intravenous anesthesia in the United States. Among these anesthesia, Propofol and Benzodiazepines Class are the leading anesthesia drugs which hold more than 75 percent combined market share in 2016. In the United States anesthesia drugs market several players are selling heir products. Most of the anesthesia drugs sale are in generic form as it is available in the low cost. However all major drugs manufactures such as AstraZeneca, AbbVie , Endo Healthcare etc. anesthesia products sales are turning down continuously. Only Baxter International anesthesia drugs sales are growing in the United States market.



Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary

2 United States Anesthesia Drugs Market (2011 - 2022) 3 United States Anesthesia Drugs Market Share & Forecast (2011 - 2022) 4 By Type - United States Anesthesia Drugs Market (2011 - 2022) 5 By Drugs - United States General Intravenous Anesthesia Drugs Market (2011 - 2022) 6 By Drugs - United States Local Anesthesia Drugs Market (2011 - 2022) 7 Key Players Profile in United States Anesthesia Drugs Market 8 United States Anesthesia market Merger & Acquisition (M&A) 9 United States Anesthesia Reimbursement Policy - Private Health Insurance Providers 10 United States Anesthesia Reimbursement Policy - Public Health Insurance Providers 11 United States Anesthesia Drugs Market - Growth Drivers 12 United States Anesthesia Drugs Market - Challenges Companies Mentioned - AbbVie - Aetna International - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield - AstraZeneca - Baxter International Inc. - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas - Coventry Health Care - Endo Health Solutions Inc. - MDWise - Medicare - UnitedHealthcare For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/wbjkrj/united_states View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005323/en/

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[June 29, 2017] Global Electronic Pressure Switches Market - Drivers and Forecasts by Technavio

Technavio analysts forecast the global electronic pressure switches market to grow at a CAGR of more than 3% during the forecast period, according to their latest report. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170629006394/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global electronic pressure switches market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) The research study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global electronic pressure switches market for 2017-2021. The market is segmented on type (single output electronic pressure switches and double output electronic pressure switches) and end-user (oil and gas industry, power generation industry, chemical and petrochemical industry, and machine tool industry). The market is further segmented into geography, including APAC, the Americas, and EMEA. The global electronic pressure switches market is expected to exhibit a slow growth during the forecast period. However, it is likely to have revenue pockets from markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, as these regions have the potential for the growth of industrial plants and machinery units. Vendors in Europe and the Americas are facing stiff competition not only from regional medium-scale enterprises but also from manufacturers in APAC. The primary factor fostering the competition is cost. This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. Technavio industrial automation research analysts highlight the following three factors that are contributing to the growth of the global electronic pressure switches market: Increasing demand for automated eqipment in developing countries

Rising replacement of mechanical pressure switches by electronic pressure switches

Strict government regulations on plant safety



Increasing demand for automated equipment in developing countries The rise in purchasing power for automated equipment in developing economies such as India, China, Malaysia, the UAE, Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa along with the increase in industrial activities in power generation, oil and gas, petrochemical, and food and beverages industries is expected to drive the electronic pressure switches markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The rise in demand for automated equipment will directly increase the adoption of electronic pressure switches.

Bharath Kanniappan, a lead automation research analyst at Technavio, says, "Industrialization and increasing mobility in developing countries have led to an increased adoption of automated equipment. The integration of automated equipment with electronic pressure switches has the ability to send out instant pressure variation signals to the control room." Rising replacement of mechanical pressure switches by electronic pressure switches The replacement of mechanical pressure switches with electronic pressure switches is owing to the rise in the requirement for data collection and process control. The electronic pressure switches can provide continuous data output about the process pressure in various applications. Mechanical pressure switches cost less and are installed in plant machinery to monitor pressure variations. "Mechanical pressure switches normally do not allow hysteresis change, and the reset point cannot be configured. Whereas in electronic pressure switches, the hysteresis range can be set based on their applications in various end-user industries. The integrated programmable logic provides output signals to be tailored based on applications," adds Bharath. Strict government regulations on plant safety There has been an increase in the number of accidents related to blowouts due to uncontrollable pressure in workplaces. As a result, most of the regulatory bodies have introduced strict regulations for companies to comply with. Industries need to maintain certain safety requirements during the use of equipment that is employed to monitor and control pressure in work areas. Certain certifications on safety standards from regulatory bodies are required to initiate operations of machinery in a plant. The machinery and equipment used should comply with specified safety norms. Norms and safety standards can vary with the regulatory bodies and countries. Some of the regulatory bodies are Occupational safety and health administration (OSHA), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), China Compulsory Certification (CCC), International Electro-Technical Commission (IETC), and International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Top vendors: Bosch Rexroth

Danfoss

Honeywell (News - Alert)

Parker Hannifin

BD|SENSORS Browse Related Reports: Global Centrifugal Pumps Market 2017-2021

Manned Security Services Market in India 2017-2021

Global Multi-axis Motion Controller Market 2017-2021 Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like robotics. 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. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170629006394/en/

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[June 29, 2017] DJI Introduces the Matrice 200 Industrial Drone Series in South-East Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DJI, the world's leader with over 70% of the global consumer and prosumer drone market, has moved the playing field forward yet again with their new reference series of drones for commercial and industrial applications. The M200 Series is a new line of drones built for professional users to perform aerial inspections, to collect data and conduct unique payload operations -- making drone technology a competitive and easy-to-use tool for enterprises that recognize how aerial imaging and workflows can transform their operations. Built to Endure. With an IP43 rating, the M200 series is water resistant and ready for the toughest all-weather tasks; perfect for the inclement weather of Southeast Asia. With 20 internal sensors, including dual IMUs, and a dual-redundant battery system, the M200 Series has aerospace grade fail safe systems for safe flights. In addition, with DJI's new AirSense technology directly integrated into the drone, the M200 Series is the first commercially available drone with an ADS-B receiver which enhances airspace safety by automatically providing the operator with real-time information about nearby manned aircraft. The M200 Series is also built with the latest DJI Flight Autonomy technology, providing intelligent obstacle avoidance and precision hovering. Standard with a forward-facing pilot FPV camera, the M200 series offers improved controls for complicated navigation. The dual battery design also provides incredible flight times for up to 35 minutes with a mounted camera and 38 minutes with no payload. Together with a unique, foldable quick to fly design, the M200 provides unmatched workflow efficiencies. Engineered to Adapt. The M200 Series is compatible with an array of 3-axis gimbal stabilized payloads that enable pilotsto capture a wide variety of data accurately. This includes the Zenmuse XT camera, built on industry leading technology for capturing thermal data accurate to a half a degree Celsius, and the Zenmuse Z30 aerial zoom camera that allows inspectors to view millimeter resolutions up to 30 meters away, perfect for inspections in difficult environments. Other Zenmuse cameras are ideal for surveying, mapping missions or to capture unparalleled footage and stills for every application.



The M200 Series currently consists of three models, the M200, M210 and M210 RTK. The M200 can operate in the roughest environments. The M210 model offers pilots adaptability on the go, with multiple payload configurations and universal communication and power ports. The M210 RTK model builds on the M210 model with a built-in RTK unit for precision flying, millimeter positioning data accuracy and additional resistance to electromagnetic & GPS interference. To support large enterprises looking to adopt DJI drones, the new DJI Pilot, an app for enhanced control, and DJI FlightHub, a web-based solution that allow teams to share real-time data with offsite parties over the Internet are available. Additionally, developers can utilize DJI's Mobile and Onboard SDK to complete customized applications and integrations for their fleet of M200 Series drones.

To learn more about the M200 Series, click here: http://www.dji.com/matrice-200-series PRODRONES-ASIA, DJI's enterprise dealer in Malaysia, is honored to be given the privilege by DJI to be the first to launch the M200 series in the South-East Asia region. The series can be previewed from 6th to 14th July 2017 by private appointments and public viewing at DJI Store @ Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya on 8th & 9th July 2017. PRODRONES-ASIA can be contacted at +60 10 522 4 522 / [email protected] About DJI Headquartered in Shenzhen, China's Silicon Valley, 10-year-old DJI is the undisputed worldwide leader in UAV technologies with a market share of 70%+ and a global workforce of over 10,000. Today, DJI is redefining every industry that its products touch. Professionals in filmmaking, agriculture, conservation, search and rescue, energy infrastructure, and more trust DJI to bring new "blue ocean" perspectives to their work and help them accomplish tasks safer, faster, feats never before possible and with new found efficiencies.



To learn more about DJI, click here: http://www.dji.com/ and http://www.dji.com/enterprise.dji.com About PRODRONES-ASIA With 10 years of exclusively dealing in the complete range of DJI products, PRODRONES-ASIA, is the enterprise division of GKSHobby Malaysia. Professionally trained and supported by DJI, PRODRONES-ASIA provide specialized enterprise UAV solutions and services in partnership with DJI. Issued by Prodrones PLT (SSM LLP0009551-LGN). For further information, photos, graphics, videos, etc. and sales enquiries, please contact: Andrew Tham

Tel: +6010 522 4 522

WhatsApp: +6012 292 3363

Email: [email protected] SOURCE Prodrones PLT

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[June 29, 2017]

Avigilon Announces Results of Annual General and Special Meeting

~Avigilon Shareholders Pass All Resolutions by Overwhelming Majority~

VANCOUVER, CANADA, June 29, 2017 /CNW/ - Avigilon Corporation ("Avigilon") (TSX: AVO), provider of trusted security solutions, today announced the voting results for its Annual General and Special Meeting of shareholders held on June 29, 2017 in Vancouver, British Columbia (the "Meeting").

Avigilon's shareholders approved all of the Meeting's resolutions by an overwhelming majority. The details of the voting results follow:

Set the Number of Directors at Five









Votes For % For Votes Against % Against 24,342,075 96.70 830,771 3.30



Re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Avigilon's Auditor

Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld 25,773,149 99.08 238,049 0.92

Election of Directors

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Alexander Fernandes 22,006,900 87.42 3,165,502 12.58 Wan Jung 23,984,218 95.28 1,188,628 4.72 Murray Tevlin 24,623,296 97.82 549,550 2.18 Fred Withers 24,634,514 97.86 538,332 2.14 Mike McKnight 23,986,450 95.29 1,186,396 4.71

Approval of Amended and Restated Incentive Security Plan

Votes For % For Votes Against % Against 23,773,108 94.44 1,399,738 5.56

Additional details respecting the foregoing resolutions may be found in Avigilon's Management Information Circular dated June 1, 2017, which is available at www.SEDAR.com on Avigilon's corporate profile.

Avigilon's management and Board of Directors thank the shareholders for their ongoing support, and look forward to reporting on further matters as they may occur.

About Avigilon

Avigilon Corporation provides trusted security solutions to the global market. Avigilon designs, develops, sand manufactures video analytics, network video management software and hardware, surveillance cameras, and access control solutions. To learn more about Avigilon, visit www.avigilon.com.

 2017, Avigilon Corporation. All rights reserved. AVIGILON, the AVIGILON logo, and TRUSTED SECURITY SOLUTIONS are trademarks of Avigilon Corporation.

For further information:

Investor Enquiries:

Avigilon Investor Relations

T: (604) 629-5182

[email protected]

Media Enquiries:

Amy Day

Manager, Global Communications

T: (604) 629-5182 x2625

[email protected]

SOURCE Avigilon Corporation
[June 30, 2017] WEI Aids Habitat for Humanity's Women Build Week

WEI, an award-winning New England-based technology solution provider is intently focused on bettering the lives of its employees and the surrounding community. Through their work, the company has contributed to the success of Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity's soon to be completed, first ever Veteran Build, and this year participated in the National Women Build campaign. For the past two years, WEI has helped to build homes for the community with Habitat for Humanity through their community outreach and sustainability initiative, WEI StepsUP. The program, WEI StepsUP, allows all WEI employees time to help out at local non-profit organizations. Each team member is offered up to 4 hours of paid time per month to do volunteer work with the company's selected charities. WEI encourages volunteerism in the workplace and supports many charities. For more than 25 years, various charities have been supported including those fighting hunger, poverty and homelessness. WEI also hosts community leaders at the WEI facility to meet and discuss local issues. "We were thrilled to participate in this year's Veteran Build and Women Build Week with Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity," said WEI Co-Founder and Vice President Leslie Rosas. "It's very exciting to be a part of such a prestigious project and we're happy that State Senator Barbara L'Italien was able to join us! WEI is proud to continue our tradition of community-minded srvice, and we look forward to working with Habitat for Humanity for years to come."



Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity (MVHH) was the beneficiary of both service and financial contributions. This year, WEI came out for a day of building and made a cash contribution to the mission of building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. WEI's contribution of time and treasure to Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity is supporting the completion of Veteran Build, and the start of the next two-family home. "We look forward to expanding our reach into the northern part of our footprint this coming fall with a property in Salisbury, MA for a build on six to eight homes," said Executive Director of MVHH, Randy Larson. "In this expansion we hope to expose communities to a greater sense of what Merrimack Valley Habitat offers, and begin to direct our efforts up into the areas we serve in New Hampshire - including: Salem, Atkinson and Plaistow."

WEI's employees are making a noticeable mark on the community around them through their community involvement. For more information about WEI's local outreach efforts, visit www.WEI.com. About WEI WEI is an expert in business technology improvement, helping clients optimize their compute environments and work efficiently. WEI works with clients to integrate corporate strategy, new technologies and their current IT environment into one company-wide model to increase utilization and efficiencies around their unique business processes. WEI's clients benefit from a strong focus on customer satisfaction and attention to detail. They combine cutting edge technology with architectural design, value-added services, onsite training, integration, testing labs and a commitment to quality. From solution design through implementation, WEI's sales and technical team remains focused on providing unwavering support throughout a project. For more information, please visit www.WEI.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170629006444/en/

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[June 30, 2017] Tardive Dyskinesia Market Report 2016-2025: Focus on US & Japan - Research and Markets

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Tardive Dyskinesia Market Report: Focus on US & Japan (2016-2025)" report to their offering. The report "Tardive Dyskinesia Market" provides a comprehensive study of the US and Japan tardive dyskinesia market with detailed analysis of market size, growth and penetration of the industry. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the industry are being presented in this report. The industry comprises few large players such as Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Neurocrine Biosciences and Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. All these companies have been profiled in the present report highlighting their key financials and business strategies for growth. The key factors driving the growth of the Tardive dyskinesia market are rising schizophrenia patients, increasing bipolar patients, growing antipsychotic prescription, increased use of long-term neuroleptc drugs and increasing incidence of neurological disorders. However, the expansion of the market is hindered by side effects of drugs and under-diagnosed.



Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) market is estimated to post significant growth in coming years, owing to rising schizophrenia patients, increasing bipolar patients, growing antipsychotic prescription and increasing incidence of neurological disorders. In terms of product category, Valbenazine (proposed trade name Ingrezza), Tetrabenazine and SD-809 will impact the market during the aforementioned period. Valbenazine is a VMAT2 inhibitor in development for movement disorders which has been approved by the FDA for tardive dyskinesia. Tetrabenazine, which is a dopamine depleting drug, is sometimes used to treat tardive dyskinesia and other movement disorders. Tetrabenazine, a monoamine-depleting agent and dopamine receptor blocker, has also been shown to reduce tardive dyskinesia.

Key Topics Covered: 1. Tardive Dyskinesias - An Overview 2. The US Tardive Dyskinesia Market Analysis 3. Japan Tardive Dyskinesia Market Analysis 4. The US Tardive Dyskinesia Drugs Market Analysis 5. Market Dynamics 6. Competitive Landscape Company Profiles Neurocrine Biosciences

Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6l56zr/tardive View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005244/en/

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[June 30, 2017] NeoTract Announces Publication of Five-Year Results from Pivotal Trial of the UroLift System

NeoTract, Inc., a medical device company focused on addressing unmet needs in the field of urology, today announced publication of the five-year results of the company's pivotal, randomized L.I.F.T. IDE study in the Canadian Journal of Urology. The study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the company's novel UroLift System as a treatment for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. In the publication, the authors conclude that the five-year results from the study demonstrate that the UroLift System "has reached maturity as a standard of care for BPH." "These results demonstrate both the clinical advantages of the minimally invasive UroLift System as well as its definitive five-year durability," said Claus Roehrborn, M.D., lead author of the study and professor and chair of the Department of Urology UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, who served as co-principal investigator for the L.I.F.T. clinical program. "From the clinician's perspective, the procedure is easily learned and quickly performed. For men, it can offer a solution with a better risk profile than traditional BPH surgery, the lowest postoperative catheter requirement of any available BPH procedure, significant improvement of symptoms by two weeks, with sustained relief to five years." The study's authors note that BPH is a quality of life disease, and that treatment options focus on improving quality of life. For many men, improving lower urinary symptoms while inadvertently damaging sexual function, causing incontinence, or exposing them to other safety concerns "may not result in a net positive health outcome." UroLift System treatment, in contrast, "has been demonstrated to be tolerable under local anesthesia in the office setting, to offer rapid recovery and relief typically without the need for postoperative catheter, to provide improvements in symptoms, flow and quality of life through five years, and to uniquely preserve both ejaculatory and erectile function." "We're thrilled about the positive momentum for this treatment, with growing clinical adoption around the world and tens of thousands of men with lives that have been changed for the better," said Dave Amerson, president and CEO, NeoTract, Inc. "Payors are recognizing the value of the UroLift System as well, as we estimate more than 70 percent of American men with BPH now covered. We look forward to continung to make a positive impact for men with this extremely common condition."



Results of the five-year L.I.F.T. study demonstrate that UroLift System treatment provides:  A highly tolerable, minimally invasive procedural experience;

 Rapid reduction of symptoms after the procedure while preserving sexual function;  Sustained effect, with IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) and Qmax (peak urinary flow rate) remaining 36% and 44% improved from baseline, respectively;  Quality of life (QoL) score improvement of 50% over five years;  A durable treatment with a low surgical retreatment rate of 2-3% per year. The prospective, randomized, sham controlled, blinded study of the safety and effectiveness of the procedure was performed across 19 centers in the United States, Canada and Australia. A total of 430 subjects were assessed, from which 206 were deemed eligible and enrolled between February and December of 2011. Of those assessed for randomization, 23 (5.3%) were excluded for an obstructive median lobe. Subjects were excluded only if it was deemed cystoscopically that lateral lobe distraction would not mitigate obstruction. The trial participants were men 50 years of age or older, with International Prostate Symptom Scores of 13 or higher. The subjects were followed 5 years and assessed on symptom response (IPSS), quality of life (IPSS QOL and BPH Impact Index, BPHII), peak flow rate (Qmax), sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function, IIEF, and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for Ejaculatory Dysfunction, MSHQ-EjD) and adverse events. Nearly 40 million men in the United States are affected by BPH, which occurs with advancing age when the prostate gland that surrounds the male urethra becomes enlarged and begins to obstruct the urinary system. Symptoms of BPH often include interrupted sleep and urinary problems, and can cause loss of productivity, depression and decreased quality of life. Medication is often the first-line therapy for enlarged prostate, but relief can be inadequate and temporary. Side effects of medication treatment can include sexual dysfunction, dizziness and headaches, prompting many patients to quit using the drugs. For these patients, the alternative has traditionally been surgery that cuts, heats or removes prostate tissue to open the blocked urethra. About the UroLift System The FDA-cleared UroLift System is a proven, minimally invasive technology for treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The UroLift permanent implants, delivered during a minimally invasive transurethral outpatient procedure, relieve prostate obstruction and open the urethra directly without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. Clinical data from a pivotal 206-patient randomized controlled study showed that patients with enlarged prostate receiving UroLift implants reported rapid and durable symptomatic and urinary flow rate improvement without compromising sexual function. Patients also experienced a significant improvement in quality of life. Most common adverse events reported include hematuria, dysuria, micturition urgency, pelvic pain, and urge incontinence. Most symptoms were mild to moderate in severity and resolved within two to four weeks after the procedure. The UroLift System is available in the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. Learn more at www.UroLift.com. About NeoTract NeoTract, Inc. is dedicated to developing innovative, minimally invasive and clinically effective devices that address unmet needs in the field of urology. The company's initial focus is on improving the standard of care for patients with BPH using the UroLift System, a minimally invasive permanent implant system that treats symptoms while preserving normal sexual function. Learn more at www.NeoTract.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005146/en/

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[June 30, 2017] March of Dimes and Amerigroup Foundation Continue Efforts to Prevent Premature Births

Prematurity is the #1 killer of babies in the U.S., and babies born even a few weeks early have higher rates of illness and hospitalization compared to full-term newborns. Yesterday, March of Dimes received a $50,000 Amerigroup Foundation grant to help prevent premature birth and improve the health of moms and babies. This grant was presented at the Reno County Health Department and mothers and participants of the program were in attendance with their babies. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005279/en/ Kansas State Representative Dan Hawkins, Kansas State Senator Ed Berger, March of Dimes Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs Shalae Harris, Amerigroup President Frank Clepper, Reno County Health Department's Grace Cody, Kansas Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer, Reno County Mother and Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait Program Participant Janeane Ratley (Photo: Business Wire) In addition to the toll on families, economic costs for prematurity are estimated at more than $26 billion annually by the National Academy of Medicine. "Although a lot of progress has been made to prevent premature birth and improve mom and baby health, it's critical that we continue to ensure programs are available and expanded to reach growing and diverse communities," said Frank Clepper, president at Amerigroup Kansas. "We're proud to team with the March of Dimes in its efforts to drive cutting-edge research, treatment and outreach to give every baby a healthy start in life." The Amerigroup Foundation grant supports the Kansas March of Dimes Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait Community Program to prevent preterm birth. Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait is an initiative that encourages healthy, full-term births through education of women and healthcare providers, quality-improvement initiatives, awareness activities and community partnerships. The Kansas Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait collaborative is implemented in five counties, serving 500 women before, during and after pregnancy. Local partners implement evidence-based clinical interventions and education strategies for patients, providers and the public to prevent preterm births in Kansas. These interventions include smoking cessation, progesterone therapy for high-risk pregnant women, prenatal education, and innovative approaches to optimize appropriate birth spacing for improved outcomes. "This grant allows the March of Dimes to provide much-needed support and services for hundreds of moms, to help them have healthy, full-term pregnancies and healthy babies" said Paul E. Jarris, MD, MBA, senior vice president and chief medical officer of the March of Dimes. "The March of Dimes applauds Amerigroup Foundation for its dedication to better health for American families and their continued support of our mission to help give every baby a fighting chance."



The $50,000 grant to the March of Dimes is part of Amerigroup Foundation's ongoing commitment to addressing health disparities and improving public health in Kansas Through its Healthy Generations program, the Amerigroup Foundation is working to address some of the nation's most complex health issues, among them, reducing the incidence of low birth weight babies and engaging mothers in prenatal care. "This partnership is a great example of what the private sector and non-profit organizations are doing to help Kansans and positively impact our state," said Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer. "Amerigroup Foundation has proven it is invested in our state and working towards improving outcomes for all Kansans."

The new grant continues a longstanding relationship between Amerigroup Foundation and March of Dimes to improve maternal and infant health. Most recently, in 2015-2016, a $1 million grant from Anthem Foundation, Amerigroup Foundation's parent foundation, helped the March of Dimes provide prevention services to 6,600 women, including 3,600 who participated in Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait. The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign, launched in 2003, seeks to raise awareness of the problem and to lower the rate of premature birth to 8.1 percent of births by 2020 and to 5.5 percent by 2030. About Amerigroup Foundation The Amerigroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anthem, Inc. Together, with local, regional and national organizations, the Amerigroup Foundation works to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that Amerigroup and its affiliated health plans serve. Amerigroup Foundation funding is focused on strategic initiatives working to address and provide innovative solutions to health care challenges, as well as promoting the Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative with five areas of focus: Healthy Heart, Cancer Prevention, Healthy Maternal Practices, Type 2 Diabetes Prevention, and Healthy Active Lifestyle. These disease states and medical conditions include: prenatal care in the first trimester, low birth weight babies, cardiac morbidity rates, long term activities that decrease obesity and increase physical activity, diabetes prevalence in adult populations, adult pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and smoking cessation. The Foundation also coordinates the company's year-round Associate Giving program which provides a 50 percent match of associates' campaign pledges, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. To learn more about the Amerigroup Foundation, please visit www.anthem.foundation. About the March of Dimes The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, advocacy, vaccines, and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. To participate in our annual signature fundraising event, visit marchforbabies.org. If you have been affected by prematurity or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find comfort and support. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005279/en/

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) The family of Yahil here had a delayed Eid celebration, but they did not have any complaints as the police traced the two-and-a-half-year-old boy and reunited him with them after almost 23 days.

Police have arrested four persons, including three women, for allegedly kidnapping the boy from central Delhis Daryaganj and then hatching a plan to sell him to a childless couple.

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On the evening of June 5, Yahil went to Jama Masjid along with his family and relatives for Iftar. While they were offering namaz, the boy went missing and could not be traced.

An FIR was registered at Jama Masjid police station, police said, adding it was a blind case since nobody had seen the child going anywhere from the place of incident.

The photographs of the child were circulated through WhatsApp and messages about his disappearance were aired on local cable television networks, said Mandeep Singh Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central).

A woman contacted the police and told them that the boy has been kept somewhere in Gurgaon and he is being sold for Rs 2.5 lakh.

The woman told the police that a childless couple, who is known to her, were looking to adopt a child. She had met a woman named Saroj who told her that she can help in adoption.

She contacted Saroj on behalf of the couple. Saroj sent the photo of the kidnapped boy to the woman and informed her that he has been kept in Gurgaon, said the officer.

When she saw the pictures of the boy on TV, she got suspicious and questioned Saroj, who assured her that the child had not been kidnapped.

The woman also told her that the parents of the child wanted to get a DNA profiling of the child before adoption.

However, the woman got in touch with the police who managed to nab Saroj from Raghubir Nagar area on June 28. Saroj disclosed that she had paid Rs 1.10 lakh to one Sonia.

She knew that the police were on her trail and had gotten scared. Saroj informed Sonia and they abandoned the child in west Delhis Madipur. They even informed the police about an unidentified boy roaming in the area.

The local police rescued the child and sent him to a Child Welfare Committee and he was subsequently handed over to his parents.

Other accused Sonia, Radha and Jaan Mohammed were nabbed yesterday.

Jaan Mohammed, who works as a labourer, had met with one Yusuf, and they became friends.

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Yusuf posed as the parent of the child and told Jaan Mohd that he was in need of money and offered to sell his child at a handsome amount.

Jaan Mohammed further contacted one Radha and handed over the child to her for selling. Radha sold the child to Sonia for Rs one lakh. Sonia further sold the child to Saroj for Rs 1.10 lakh.

Saroj was searching for a prospective buyer and was demanding Rs 1.80 lakh for the child.

It was also revealed that Saroj, Radha and Sonia used to visit fertility clinics and IVF centres in the capital for childless couples, the police officer said. PTI SLB KIS

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[June 30, 2017] Digital Realty Schedules Second Quarter 2017 Earnings Release and Conference Call

SAN FRANCISCO, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), a leading global provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions, announced today it will release financial results for the second quarter 2017 after the market closes on Thursday, July 27, 2017. The company will host a conference call to discuss these results at 5:30 p.m. EDT / 2:30 p.m. PDT on Thursday, July 27, 2017. To participate in the live call, investors are invited to dial +1 (888) 317-6003 (for domestic callers) or +1 (412) 317-6061 (for international callers) and reference the conference ID #0932270 at least five minutes prior to start time. A live webcast of the call will be available on the Investors section of Digital Realty's website at http://investor.digitalrealty.com. Telephone and webcast replays will be aailable one hour after the call until August 31, 2017. The telephone replay can be accessed by dialing +1 (877) 344-7529 (for domestic callers) or +1 (412) 317-0088 (for international callers) and using the conference ID #10109854. The webcast replay can be accessed on Digital Realty's website.



For Additional Information: Andrew P. Power

Chief Financial Officer

Digital Realty

(415) 738-6500

Investor Relations

John J. Stewart / Maria S. Lukens

Digital Realty

(415) 738-6500

[email protected] About Digital Realty

Digital Realty supports the data center, colocation and interconnection strategies of more than 2,300 firms across its secure, network-rich portfolio of data centers located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Digital Realty's clients include domestic and international companies of all sizes, ranging from financial services, cloud and information technology services, to manufacturing, energy, gaming, life sciences and consumer products. https://www.digitalrealty.com/ To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-realty-schedules-second-quarter-2017-earnings-release-and-conference-call-300482307.html SOURCE Digital Realty

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[June 30, 2017] This is the Summer for Car Shoppers to "Fly to Buy"

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Most used car shoppers search for their next vehicle within their local area. But new research from CarGurus, a leading car shopping website, shows that for adventurous deal-seekers, there are opportunities to save significantly by planning a "Fly to Buy" car shopping getaway. Company analysts say that prices on comparable used cars can vary significantly city to city so it's possible to fly to another city to buy a used car at a much lower price, drive it home, and still save substantially after travel costs. For example, data shows that a car shopper living in Albany, NY could save more than $2,000 on a 2015 Ford Mustang if they "Fly to Buy" in Miami versus buying the comparable car in their home town  including the cost to fly to Miami and the cost of gas for the car ride home. A shopper living in Albuquerque, NM can save almost $1,900 on a 2007 BMW 3 Series by flying to buy the car in Dallas  again, flight and gas costs included. To find the optimal Fly to Buy cars and destinations, CarGurus analysts studied millions of car listings nationwide, comparing local market prices on comparable vehicles to identify the most significant regional price differences. They also factored the average cost of both a plane ticket and the gasoline needed for the ride home. "Shopping local makes sense for most car shoppers, but the adventurous deal-seeker could find a used car far outside their home region and still see big savingswith the added bonus of a fun summer road trip," said Lisa Rosenberg, Data Analyst at CarGurus. "Even for less ambitious shoppers, this research highlights just how much variability can exist on used car prices in different markets. Expanding your search area even moderately can sometimes unearth opportunities to save."



Top Fly to Buy deals for the 2015 Ford Mustang

2015 Ford Mustang is among the most popular searched cars on CarGurus.com

Albany, NY to Miami, FL  estimated savings of $2,065

to  estimated savings of Birmingham, AL to Houston, TX  estimated savings of $1,375

to  estimated savings of Grand Rapids, MI to Tampa, FL  estimated savings of $1,363

to  estimated savings of Fresno, CA to San Diego, CA  estimated savings of $1,297

to  estimated savings of Des Moines , ID to Dallas, TX  estimated savings of $1,038

, ID to  estimated savings of Portland, OR to Boise, ID  estimated savings of $1,135

to  estimated savings of Memphis, TN to Orlando, FL  estimated savings of $1,135

to  estimated savings of Nashville, TN to Las Vegas, NV  estimated savings of $1,113 Top Fly to Buy Trips for Popular Cars:

Cars selected were among the most searched on CarGurus and additional trips for each car are available upon request. 2007 Chevy Tahoe: Reno, NV to New York, NY  estimated savings of $2,224

2013 Ford F-150: Nashville, TN to Cleveland, OH  estimated savings of $3,307

2014 Chevy Silverado: San Jose, CA to Buffalo, NY  estimated savings of $4,347

2014 Chevy Silverado: Sacramento, CA to Boston, MA  estimated savings of $3,036

2007 BMW 3 Series: Albuquerque, NM to Dallas, TX  estimated savings of $1,871

2010 Chevy Camaro: Louisville, KY to Miami, FL  estimated savings of $1,781

2006 Dodge Charger: Jackson, MS to Washington, DC  estimated savings of $1,392

2006 Dodge Charger: Memphis, TN to Miami, FL  estimated savings of $2,239

2007 Toyota Camry: El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL  estimated savings of $1,877 Methodology:

CarGurus compared the Instant Market Value (IMV) data on more than 5 million used cars listed for sale in the continental United States' largest metro areas. Analysts determined the IMV in each metro area for popular used cars and then compared prices for comparable vehicles between metro areas to identify estimated savings. Calculated "Fly to Buy" savings include the average cost of airfare between cities based on the U.S. Department of Transportation Domestic Airline Consumer Airfare Report, 2016 Q3. The estimated cost of gas is based on AAA's rate on June 5, 2017. Metro areas are defined as the 50 miles around the city center. About CarGurus

Founded in 2006 by Langley Steinert, co-founder of TripAdvisor, CarGurus is a leading online automotive shopping platform, focused on bringing trust and transparency to the car research and shopping process. The site uses technology and market data analysis to help shoppers search more than 5 million car listings and quickly identify great deals from top-rated dealers in their local area. Today, the site serves 23 million unique monthly users and more than 22,000 subscribing dealers. CarGurus also operates websites in the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/this-is-the-summer-for-car-shoppers-to-fly-to-buy-300482235.html SOURCE CarGurus

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[June 30, 2017] Peak Enterprises Corp Wins Best and Brightest to Work For

NORCROSS, Ga., June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Peak Enterprises Corp's President announced that the firm has won Atlanta's Best and Brightest to Work For award for 2017. The award is given by the National Association for Business Resources based on positive employee surveys. "There has been a lot of excitement around the Peak Enterprises Corp office as of late, and this award from the National Association for Business Resources [NABR] has served to remind us why things are going so well," shared the firm's President. "We're succeeding because we have a great team of professionals who feel supported and empowered by working here." The NABR was established in 1996 as a service organization dedicated to giving companies the data, best practices, and tools that would provide a real financial payoff and make a difference in performance metrics. Through their efforts to improve companies, they are increasing workplace satisfaction and the communities in which these businesses operate. Peak Enterprises Corp won the Best and Brightest to Work For award for the Atlanta area, in recognition of the number of positive associate surveys that were filled out and submitted to the NABR. With this tangible recognition of the firm's excellent corporate culture, the firm's President is certain that even more talented professionals will be seeking to join the company roster. How Awards Help Peak Enterprises Corp chieve Growth Goals



"In an increasingly competitive landscape, businesses don't have the luxury of doing the same thing year after year. They have to grow just to stay relevant," declared Peak Enterprises Corp's President. "We accomplish this by setting goals in several different areas of our operations, ranging from sales and revenue, to associates promoted into leadership roles, and overall team growth." By earning the Best and Brightest to Work For award, Peak Enterprises Corp's team has set itself apart from others in the area. Savvy young professionals know that the difference between a job and a career often comes down to culture, and whether a company's leadership prioritizes workplace satisfaction and associate development. Being recognized by the NABR provides proof that Peak Enterprises Corp is an organization to which they can commit.

"Of course, what I find really humbling about this award is that we won it through positive feedback from our team. To everyone who filled out a survey, I just want to say, 'Thank you!' I appreciate each and every one of my colleagues, and I will continue to create the kind of environment in which they enjoy working and succeeding." About Peak Enterprises Corp: Peak Enterprises Corp is the premier consulting and marketing services provider for the telecommunications industry. By applying in-depth market analysis and demographic research, their team of branding specialists infuses each interactive promotional campaign with a customized feel that is precisely targeted. This approach leads to meaningful connections between companies and their ideal customers to drive rapid market saturation. By forming these connections, Peak Enterprises Corp has built a reputation as an industry leader while providing a high return on investment for a diverse portfolio of clients. Whether working with a small local startup or an international corporation, Peak Enterprises Corp delivers consistent boosts to bottom lines and brand awareness. Check us out at http://peakenterprisescorp.com/. Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q442-Fx8Jkk To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peak-enterprises-corp-wins-best-and-brightest-to-work-for-300482386.html SOURCE Peak Enterprises Corp.

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[June 30, 2017] School of Rock Names Rob Price as CEO

School of Rock, a leader in performance-based music education, announced today the appointment of Rob Price as President and Chief Executive Officer. Price will work closely with School of Rock's senior leadership team to enhance the student experience at each school, expand the global footprint, and establish creative partnerships to maximize the brand's reach. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005390/en/ Rob Price CEO of School of Rock (Photo: Business Wire) David Zucker, Chairman of the Board at School of Rock, said, "Rob has extensive experience helping strong brands fully reach their potential. He has an impressive track record of engaging team members, operators, and partners in support of rapid business growth." Prior to School of Rock, Price served as President of Edible Arrangements, which integrates an online business and 1,300 franchised stores worldwide. Before that, he was SVP, Chief Marketing Officer at CVS Health. Price has also held executive roles at Wawa Food Markets and H-E-B Grocery. In addition to serving as a director of Walker & Company, Price is a member of the Alumni Board at Harvard Business School, where he earned his MBA. He graduated with a BS in Applied Economics from Cornell University, was a visiting professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, and was a Henry Crown Fellow and Richard Braddock Scholar at the Aspen Institute.



Since partnering with Sterling Partners in 2009, School of Rock has grown system-wide sales from $13M to over $65M, student count from 4,000 to over 25,000, and school count from 52 to over 190 in nine countries.

Rick Elfman, Managing Director at Sterling Partners, said, "As we got to know Rob, it became clear his business skills, leadership style, and raw passion for music - he was in a rock and roll band with his wife and three kids - would be a great addition to School of Rock." About School of Rock The music school your mom and dad wish they had when they were kids, School of Rock is an ingenious concept that gets kids and adults rocking out to the classics and up and performing with their peers. With more than 190 locations in nine countries, the franchise proves that rock and roll is here to stay. Follow School of Rock on Facebook (News - Alert) at www.facebook.com/SchoolofRockUSA and on Twitter (News - Alert) at www.twitter.com/SchoolofRockUSA. For more information on School of Rock visit www.SchoolofRock.com or call 866-695-5515. To learn more about School of Rock franchise opportunities head to http://franchising.schoolofrock.com/. About Sterling Partners Sterling Partners is a private equity firm with a distinct point of view on how to build great companies. Founded in 1983, with over $2.5 billion of assets under management, Sterling is guided by its stated purpose, INSPIRED GROWTH, which describes Sterling's approach to investing in differentiated businesses and growing them in inspired ways. Sterling provides valuable support to the management teams of the companies in which the firm invests through a deep and dedicated team of professionals, including a strong network of outside directors and advisors. The people at Sterling believe in ideas and ideals, in people and in partnerships that drive long-term success. For more information, visit: www.sterlingpartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005390/en/

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[June 30, 2017] SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Notifies Shareholders of Axiom Holdings, Inc. of a Class Action Lawsuit and a Lead Plaintiff Deadline of August 21, 2017

The following statement is being issued by Levi & Korsinsky, LLP: To: All persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired securities of Axiom Holdings, Inc. ("Axiom Holdings") (OTCMKTS: AIOM) between October 14, 2016 and June 19, 2017. You are hereby notified that a securities class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. To get more information go to: http://www.zlk.com/pslra-sba/axiom-holdings-inc?wire=2 or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephoe at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. There is no cost or obligation to you.



The complaint alleges that throughout the class period Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Axiom lacked control over the merger process sufficient to ensure that the Agreement with CJC would be completed; (ii) accordingly, the Agreement with CJC Holdings, Ltd. ("CJC") was never completed; (iii) the Company's issuance of shares to the CJC Shareholders was thus improper; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, Axiom's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On June 19, 2017, Axiom issued a press release revealing that it identified discrepancies related to prior news announcements in response to a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission. The following day, the Company issued another press release, advising investors that "it now appears the merger was never completed" and advising investors that it would rescind the shares that were issued to CJC Shareholders in connection with the merger.

If you suffered a loss in Axiom Holdings you have until August 21, 2017 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, California, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise and experience representing investors in securities litigation, and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005620/en/

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[June 30, 2017] Global Green Technology Market in Construction Industry 2017-2021: Top Drivers and Forecasts by Technavio

Technavio market research analysts forecast the global green technology market in the construction industry to grow at a CAGR of more than 9% during the forecast period, according to their latest report. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005764/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global green technology market in the construction industry from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) The market study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global green technology market in the construction industry market for 2017-2021. The report also lists HVAC solutions, water solutions, and others as the three main end-user segments of which the HVAC solutions segment accounted for close to 47% of the market share in 2016. According to Jhansi Mary, a lead research analyst at Technavio, "Buildings built using green technologies are resource-efficient across the lifecycle of the building. This includes design, operation, renovation and maintenance, and demolition. Although a green building incurs comparatively higher costs during construction, the long-term cost benefits associated with it and its contribution to the rise in the overall value of the property are factors bolstering its adoption in the residential and commercial construction markets." 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/b>. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free.



Technavio analysts highlight the following three market drivers that are contributing to the growth of the global green technology market in the construction industry: Better maintenance of HVAC systems

Easy installations

Opportunities for international collaborations Better maintenance of HVAC systems

Green technologies have resulted in HVAC technicians to be trained, resulting in improvement of their learning curve. As the adoption of green technologies for HVAC rises in the residential and commercial segments, technicians will learn how to maintain and repair the equipment, irrespective of the brand. They will also get well versed with building regulations, certifications, and codes. This will eventually result in undifferentiated maintenance service of HVAC leading to increased consumer confidence in installing green technology based HVAC equipment. Easy installations Leading vendors are developing green technology solutions for the construction market, which are easy to understand and adopt to improve the utilization rates. For instance, in air quality sensors, features like demand-controlled ventilation adjusts air supply as per volume requirements. Also, multi-sensors are used for simultaneous recording of various parameters. This reduces the need for cabling activity. Communicating sensors used for flush mounting indicate room's air quality via LED lights. During construction, post plastering, and painting, these sensors can be wall mounted and conveniently snapped onto the mounting plate. Aspects like digital correction algorithms guarantee uninterrupted availability of prompt measurement signal. Additionally, with frames from third-party manufacturers, these sensors can be designed to blend with the respective environment. Opportunities for international collaborations The adoption of green technology is high in most countries. However, advanced technology solutions are offered by a few players that are mainly concentrated in the developed countries. As a result, for effective implementation and optimum ROI, regional companies enter into collaborations with these companies to procure green technology solutions. For instance, small and medium-sized European enterprises envision huge revenue opportunities in the Chinese market. As Europe is a pioneer in green technology, Chinese companies show keen interest to collaborate with the European companies, making it a win-win situation for all the stakeholders leading to the higher adoption of green technologies. "Similarly, in India, favorable government policies and the booming construction market is encouraging many global green technology companies to enter the market. In 2015, through a joint venture, SoftBank, Bharti Enterprises, and Taiwan's Foxconn Technology proposed to invest over USD 15 million in various solar energy projects in the country," says Jhansi. Browse Other Reports: Global Metalworking Machinery Accessories Market 2017-2021

Global Magnetic Bearings Market 2017-2021

Global Teleprotection Market 2017-2021 About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005764/en/

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Election results: Check out results from various races across the state
Priyanka, 23, called off her wedding because the groom was drunk and was caught trying to pull off the 'naagin dance'.

By India Today Web Desk: Priyanka Tripathi, 23 years old, did the unimaginable when she called off her wedding. And her reason was legit.

On the wedding day, her groom was so drunk that he attempted pulling of THE 'naagin dance' and was found crawling on the floor. It embarrassed Priyanka so much that she decided to call off the wedding just before the rituals were about to begin.

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What is Naagin dance?

via GIPHY

Inspired by Sridevi's poisonous dance moves as she played the character of "Icchadhari naagin" in Nagina movie, this dance can only be seen usually after people are down with more drinks than they should consume.

People often slither like snakes and think that they have converted into some sort of venomous creatures but often regret it the next day.

The woman who couldn't be moved

Priyanka, hailing from Shahjahanpur was all set to marry Anubhav Mishra, a man of her own community but the embarrassing dance made her change her mind as per a TOI report.

The groom's family tried to threaten her, plead her and tried almost everything, but, the woman did not move.

Priyanka's family also tried persuading her but she stood her ground. Police was also called to the venue to avoid any violence.

The young lady did get married the next day but to another suitable groom.

Looks like Priyanka knows her jam quite well.

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Pakistan violated ceasefire in Balakote sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

By Ashwini Kumar: A day after two soldiers were injured in Jammu and Kashmir, another instance of ceasefire violation was reported from Balakote sector of Poonch district today morning.

According to reports, Indian Army is giving a befitting reply.

(More details awaited)

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Person stabbed on KC ATA bus, police say Kansas City police are investigating a stabbing on a ATA bus early Thursday. Police officers were called to 39th Street and Prospect Avenue about 5:30 a.m. after it happened. One person was injured. Authorities did not release the victim's condition. Police said they have one person in custody.

Quick look back at transit drama from this morning that deserves a bit of attention as a reminder of desperate circumstances away from the streetcar line:
Suspect Spotted In Several Alleged Crimes

Police arrest man in Merriam suspected of breaking into multiple cars, taking valuables MERRIAM, Kan. -- Taylor Duncan's morning got off to a rough start after she said someone broke into her car on Tuesday night. "I woke up and was walking out to my car and I noticed that the gas cap was undone and when I unlocked the car I looked in and there was a huge mess," Duncan said.

Allegedly Bad Hombre On Blast

Man charged with firing gunshot into Overland Park home A man has been charged in connection to a drive-by shooting that happened in May in Overland Park. Andrew Esparaza, 24, is accused of firing shots into an Overland Park home in the 9100 block of ...

Dreading More Alleged JoCo Adult Teen Gun Store Crime Stories

KCK teen charged with breaking into Olathe gun shop A teen from Kansas City, KS has been charged with breaking into a local gun shop and stealing guns. Tyreese Johnson, 17, was charged Thursday with breaking into the Olathe Gun Shop, located on the 700 block of S. Rogers Road. The break-in happened on Jan. 17.

While our blog is ore interested in contemplation of Paris Hilton's proclivities when she was behind bars, here's a quick and diverse of recent arrests that made the news for one reason or another.Take a peek at the allegations and just a bit of snark along with the reminder thatYou decide . . .
This Old KCMO Urban Core House

Neighbors Help Rebuild Iconic Scarritt House In Historic Northeast Kansas City Nothing could have prepared Susan Sommers and Larry Roeder for what they saw when they arrived at the scene of their Northeast Kansas City renovation project on September 19 of last year. It hadn't even been a full day since the couple had returned to their home in Hiawatha, Kansas, after spending the weekend working on the 1888 William Chick Scarritt home.

Meth Town Police Chase Crash

UPDATE: Several hurt following wreck after suspects flee from police in Independence Multiple people are hurt following a wreck in Independence. Independence police dispatch say the wreck happened during a police pursuit at East 39th Street and 291 Highway. According to a press release, felony shoplifting suspects fled from officers. Suspects were taken into custody. Police added that 'several' people were taken to area hospitals.

Well Deserved KCPD Tribute

Kansas City police officers honored for bravery in the line of duty KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Thursday was a big night for dozens of Kansas City police officers. Family and friends call the police officers honored courageous, every day heroes. "Every day is different. Every day is a new experience," said Officer Belkis Cisneros.

Local MIA Legacy

Listed as MIA for 50 years, Air Force pilot from Kansas City laid to rest in Arlington A Kansas City serviceman's remains have finally been laid to rest in the U.S., 50 years after he went missing during the Vietnam War. Air Force Colonel Patrick Wood was piloting a helicopter over North Vietnam in February of 1967 when enemy fire brought it down.

McTavish Makes Weekend Plans

6 Colorful Things To Do In Kansas City This Weekend Whatever hue you may be, being colorful is a whole other thing. Offering colorful guidance this weekend are activities promoting the exciting, the interesting and the unusual, from sparkling Fourth of July fireworks to the attitude-drenched stage debut of a famously animated cat. What if you don't need assistance being colorful?

hotness starts this soggy Friday morning as we check some of the top local links to start the day. Checkit:is the song of the day and this is thefor right now . . .
JUST NOW: THE BURNS & MAC "PRIVATE" FINANCING SCHEME FILED TO GET ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT BY WAY OF CITIZEN INITIATIVE PETITION COMING SOON TO KANSAS CITY STREETS!!!

The Burns & Mac MOU is now taking its first step toward the ballot according to City Hall insiders.To wit . . .Mayor and council couldn't agree on this plan and put it on the back burner, now union leaders and local power players are skipping City Hall and attempting to take their effort to hijack airport revenue directly to voters.Getting petitions can be a pricey prospect but ultimately thewill still have to meet win voter approval citywide.Developing . . .
THE NEW "CORPORATE AIRPORT" EARNS REBUKE FROM TOP ECHELON INSIDERS THROUGHOUT KANSAS CITY!!!

"If this plan (from Burns & Mac) is put on the ballot and approved, then they can do whatever they want. Their interest is to make money and that'll mean higher fares, higher fees and higher costs for parking, food, transit to and from the airport and everything else. Literally, the sky is the limit . As for oversight, forget it. When Burns & Mac owns the airport, there is almost nothing KCMO can do to force accountability. KCI will become a corporate airport. "

New KCI Corporate Airport Design Mystery

New Airlines Already Flocking To KCI

The New Kansas City Corporate Airport STILL Has No Power To Cut Down Tragic TSA Long Lines

THE KANSAS CITY NEW CORPORATE AIRPORT MIGHT STILL CONFRONT LONG SECURITY LINES BECAUSE OF THE TSA!!!

The real fight for a new airport in Kansas City isn't about convenience or adding capacity or modernizing facilities . . . It's nothing more than a money grab by some of the most powerful interests controlling the politics of this town.To wit . . .This morning . . .Here's the word:That concern resonates more than anything else we're hearing and also reminds locals that a NO-BID proposal potentially violates the City's Charter which mandates consideration for competitors on a project of this magnitude.But here are just a few more concerns to consider as this new plan takes flight . . .While we respect the effort to try and build a better mousetrap . . . For all the cash that Burns & Mac is willing to invest in order to legally hijack the KC airport revenue, they clearly don't want to pay for designs that voters might reject before they're locked in . . . And the MOU gives final design approval to rubber-stamp politicos and not the voting public.MCI has been reporting record breaking numbers for the past three years. There are more options for travelers now than in recent years and even more on the way . . . It seems that none of the airport constant complaints have impacted passenger counts.Here's an argument we won online because consultants and their mean tweets have attempted to mislead Kansas City voters . . .Let's make this clear for the cheap seats:Neither the design nor the ownership have much power over federally mandatedthat has been a nightmare in newer airports across the nation and really isn't so bad in Kansas City. Still, this bit of manufactured hype about a new airport alleviating long lines has been continually disproved but still rates a mention amid so much high flying rhetoric.And so . . .While wish Kansas City corporate airport petitioners the best of luck as these union dudes work on behalf of future bosses and sell out local voters.Developing . . .
Bhujbal had filed an application to be allowed to go to Legislative Assembly for casting vote in the upcoming Presidential elections.

By Vidya : The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai has asked NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal's lawyers if they wanted to withdraw their application seeking permission to allow the NCP leader to vote for the selection process of the President. The court's query came after advocate Hoten Venegaonkar pointed out that the court had no power according to law to pass an order on the issue pressed upon by Bhujbal.

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Bhujbal had filed an application to be allowed to go to Legislative Assembly for casting vote in the upcoming Presidential elections. Venegaonkar told the court that under Sec 44 of PMLA, under which Bhujbal has been behind bars, the "special court has no jurisdiction to pass orders on constitutional right of the applicant which he gets under article 54."

"This court cannot direct election commission to make any special provision for prisoner and that can be only done by High Court in writ jurisdiction. This court should not pass any orders on the applicant's plea and leave it for the constitutional courts to decide the same," Venegaonkar said.

He further added that the issue whether Sec 62(5) of People's Representation Act can be applied to presidential election is being considered by the Supreme Court at the moment. Bhujbal's lawyer then sought time to decide if he wanted to withdraw and approach the High Court for which he would ask his client for his instructions.

Bhujbal is currently lodged in the jail as he is in judicial custody following his arrest in a money laundering case which is being investigated by Enforcement Directorate.

ALSO READ

Chhagan Bhujbal sends defamation notice to activist who complained against perks given to him in jail custody

Besides Bhujbal, Mumbai-based Purohit allegedly involved in money laundering for business houses

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Greekcitytimes.com lists six secret and intriguing beaches in Greece, away from the crowds and ideal for a refreshing day and describes them as follows:

Afales Beach, Ithaca

Ithaca, the destination of Odysseus and the symbolic end of his adventures, is one of the greatest islands of the Ionian Sea, with so many reasons to visit it! Afales beach is one of the most charming ones and totally secluded. You can reach it by heading down a steep path, which will lead you to the rocky paradise spot. I guarantee that you will totally relax, forget anything that is worrying you and enjoy peaceful moments.

Platia Ammos, Kefalonia

Platia Ammos is one more dazzling beach that lies in Ithacas neighbouring island, Kefalonia. Located near the Monastery of Kipoureon in Paliki peninsula, the coast is pure and totally isolated. Until the earthquake of 2014 you could access the beach by a staircase of approximately 300 stairs. Now, the path is damaged and its only accessible by boat. This place is considered to be a hidden treasure of the Greek island, with truly imposing wild scenery.

Seychelles, Ikaria

Ikaria is an island known for its wild beauty, but most importantly, known for its populations longevity. One of the most magnificent beaches is Seychelles, with bright white and grey pebbles, blue- turquoise water, surrounded by cove scenery. Seychelles is located approximately 25 kilometers from Agios Kirikos, near the village Manganitis. You can access the beach by walking down a path of a medium difficulty that starts on the main road. Visit Ikaria, which is also known as the island of long life, and trust me- your summer vacation will be a totally different experience than the usual!

Voutoumi beach, Antipaxos

The island of Antipaxos is a small one near the well known Paxoi. The truth is that during the last years Antipaxos is becoming popular and due to its small size and easy access from Paxoi, it is often crowded. Nevertheless, Voutoumi beach tends to differentiate. Its a quiet and hidden part, which you can access by a pathway. Once you do that, get ready to enjoy the incredible scenery of white sand and crystal clear blue water.

Kalami, Kythira

Kythira is a Greek island lying opposite the south-east part of the Peloponnese peninsula. Its a dreamy destination, with gorges, waterfalls and lovely beaches creating an idyllic scenery. If you are patient, adventurous and you also want to explore the underwater world, then I must suggest visiting Kalami beach. Its located near Mylopotamos village, ideal for those who want to enjoy their day away from mass crowds. The access to Kalami is a difficult task, as you have to hike and climb steep cliffs, the scenery, though, will reward you.

Chalikiada, Agistri

Chalikiada beach is the ideal choice for the ones who chosse Athens for their vacation. Agistri is a tiny island located in close distance from Greeces capital city, approximately one hour from Piraeus port. Chalikiada beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs and it can be reached by a steep pathway. Since its secluded, dont expect any tourist facilities, but be sure that your day at the beach will be special!

The article also notes that these are only six of the secret paradise beaches in Greece as There are many more, but urges its readers to keep a few hidden, as they are, and secondly, respect them and keep them clean.

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: Bogdan Giusca License: CC-BY-SA

Source: greekcitytimes.com
Summer holidays in Greece is synonymous to the islands spread throughout the Ionian and Aegean Sea. However, Greeces mainland coasts hide mesmerising locations which promise to offer unforgettable moments.

In the north western coastline of Epirus with the view of the blue-green waters of the Ionian archipelago, captivating Parga and exotic Syvota do constitute an irresistible pair with an insular breeze and cosmopolitan aura, which will certainly steal your hearts.

Parga  A little painting!

Parga is a renown maritime town of the Prefecture of Preveza as well as a famous holiday destination. It is amphitheatrically built nestled in a picturesque bay, where the wooded small island of Panagia lays under the shadow of the towns Venetian castle. Take a stroll up to the old town where youll enjoy some distinguished architecture, wander around its cobbled stone streets with beautiful arches, discover flower-filled neighborhoods where picturesque little houses and colorful mansions and end up by drinking in the mesmerising sunset view of the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea from the Venetian walls. By nightfall take a romantic walk by the waterfront lined by tourist shops, beautiful stylish restaurants and little bars to drink or eat with a view to the lit up castle and Panagia islet.

The areas lacy shores are excellent for your refreshing dives and sea water sports, not to mention that beaches offer various services and facilities to make your stay even more pleasant. Krioneri Beach (from where you can swim over to the small island of Panagia) and Piso-Krioneri Beach located within the towns settlement, the cosmopolitan golden beach of Valtos, the wooded Lychnos Beach with the sea caves, the little bay of Agios Giannakis and finally Sarakiniko Beach with its fine sand and an olive orchard in the background.

Starting from Parga pay a visit to the Acheron River Springs, the archeological site of Nekromanteio (Oracle of the Dead), the historic area of Souli as well as to the islands of Paxi-Antipaxi which are reachable with the small boats departing from the towns port.

Syvota  The Ionian fjord!

lue and green, representative of Thesprotia s Prefecture, is the main reason why Syvota is considered as one of the most exotic destinations within Greece; lacy shores, luscious green islets, long sheltered beaches with crystal clear waters and secret coves, are just some of the settlements characteristics that nature has open handedly offered. It is the perfect stop for sailors of the Ionian archipelago, nevertheless it is a must destination for all.

At a short distance from the coast youll find the small islands of Mavro Oros (meaning Black Mountain) Agios Nikolaos, Mourtemeno as well as other smaller islets. Take note that it is worth it to rent a boat and sail the calm waters of the area. Discover your own secret coves or shores (our favourite ones are the beaches Diapori and Alati (meaning salt)) and let the magic of paradise overtake you. The most renown beach is located in Agios Nikolaos and is no other than Pisina (meaning pool); youll enjoy its fine white sand nad green blue transparent waters nestled in a luscious green surrounding. In Mourtemeno head for the second 5 star beach of the region, Bella Vraka, which you can approach by foot by crossing over a narrow strip of golden sand from the mainland.

Near the settlements center visit Zavia Beach with its green surrounding and turquoise waters. Dont miss the northern part of Syvota where Zeri and the sandy white Gallikos Molos Beaches (meaning french pier) stand out! Leaving Syvota and heading towards Perdika youll have two more lovely beaches waiting for you; Mikri and Megali Ammos (meaning small and big sand) where you can engage in sea sports.

How to get there

Parga is 420 km from Athens and Syvota 447 km

The distance between Parga- Syvota is 35 km

Source: visitgreece.gr
The majority of holidaymakers (58%) also said there was a distinct lack of travel advice on where is safe to go

Nearly one-third of British holidaymakers have changed their travel plans due to the fear of terrorism, ttgmedia.com reports and adds:

A survey carried out by World Travel Market London found that 17% of holidaymakers were avoiding countries with a high terror threat while 12% said that they would not travel to destinations that had suffered a terrorist attack.

The study of 2,000 UK residents also found that 16% were so worried about the threat of terrorism that they had decided not to travel or had cancelled their holidays.

More positively, more than half of those surveyed (55%) said that recent terrorist attacks had not affected their willingness to travel.

But the majority of holidaymakers (58%) also said there was a distinct lack of travel advice on where is safe to go.

World Travel Market spokesperson Paul Nelson, commented: With most capital cities on high alert, its hardly surprising that we are more cautious in our decision when it comes to holidays.

However with Brits having such a strong desire to travel, I think its unlikely terrorism threats will be too detrimental to the resilient travel industry.

The research also identified a surge in bookings in 2017 for destinations that are perceived to be safer, such as Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

It also said that other countries such as Malta, Slovenia and Iceland were also set to benefit from this trend.

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

Source: ttgmedia.com
The Health Ministry will announce in the immediate future more than 3,000 jobs for doctors and other healthcare personnel

The Greek government plans to open 239 local healthcare clinics throughout the country by the end of 2017 and support the health sector with new hirings, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Friday, after a visit to the ministry of Health.

"Our immediate aim is to set up 239 local health clinics in 80 different regions of the country by the end of 2017," he noted, adding the selection of the regions was based on the area's healthcare needs, access to healthcare services and the economic and social position of the local population.

To staff these services, the Health Ministry will announce in the immediate future more than 3,000 jobs for doctors and other healthcare personnel.

Read full story 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: Matti License: CC-BY-SA

Source: ANA-MPA
Changing lifestyles, stressful work, personal environment, consanguinity and rising levels of obesity, among other factors are major causes of male infertility, say experts.



Two out of nine men suffer from fertility problems, said Prof Dr Human Fatemi, Consultant Reproductive Medicine & Reproductive Surgery, medical director, IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic.



Whilst the emotional toll women face when finding it difficult to become pregnant, men are regularly overlooked, said Prof Dr Human Fatemi.



One of the main reasons considered for rise in infertility is the changing pattern of lifestyle. In addition, hormonal imbalances, physical problems and psychological problems also have an interesting correlation between mens overall health and their fertility.



Men who live a healthy lifestyle are more likely to produce healthy sperm. Infections, diseases, poor general health and factors triggered by consanguinity are other common causes of infertility in men in the UAE. Furthermore, factors like pollution and altered lifestyle are the key drivers for the increase in male infertility. Very recently, IVI Fertility Middle East unveiled an Infographic which states the most common activities that contribute to raising infertility in men.



In couples who have not been able to have children, male infertility is the cause in at least 30-40 per cent of cases. The issue is certainly brewing and the repercussions may be phenomenal if turned a blind eye, said Prof Dr Human Fatemi.



Rising cases of infertility across the globe is a significant clinical problem. Globally, 8 to 12 per cent of couples are affected with infertility. Of all cases, about 40 to 50 per cent cases are due to males. This may be due to one or more factors such as poor sperm motility, lower sperm concentration and abnormal morphology.



Men are known to delay visits to the doctor. However, it is important to note that of the cases of infertility, 40 per cent reasons are connected to the women, another 30-40 per cent are male factors and about 20-30 per cent are combined factors, added Prof. Dr. Human Fatemi.



At IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic, we undertake continuous efforts in research and development (R&D) for better understanding of the world of infertility. As a leading IVF institution, we are constantly investing in the development of treatments and technologies for identifying the root cause and offering treatments that deliver high success rates. We are confident that our specialized and experienced team of doctors will soon combat the growing issue, concluded Prof Dr Human Fatemi.



IVI Fertility, headquartered in Spain, is the world leader in infertility treatments with 70 clinics worldwide and a success rate of more than 160,000 babies across the globe. It forayed into the ME with its clinics in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.



The latest addition is the conveniently located clinic at Muscat that sees patients from Muscat and neighbouring areas and is a prayer answered for the locals of Oman. IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic provides a comprehensive range of infertility services using advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment under the care of an experienced team headed by Prof Dr Human Fatemi.  TradeArabia News Service
Safari travel is one of the most exciting journeys for a traveler who seeks refuge with nature. There are many ways to enjoy safari while observing wildlife and how they fare along with other animals.

Unlike before, travelers stay in the safari vehicle to keep safe while watching the animals from a distance. Tourists can now get off their safari vehicle and get closer to the animals that are not content just watching them from afar. For them, that is where the real quest starts.

As cited by Travel + Leisure, Africa's historic conservation parks situated in the remote parts of Botswana to Zimbabwe, tourists can see the continent's variety of wildlife either by trekking, riding a horse, camping or boating. These are some of the different ways that travelers can enjoy watching the daily routine of the animals.

Canoeing

Visitors can take a glimpse of the 600 bird species living on the pre-historic waterway of Botswana's Selinda Spillway filled with the different birds' chatter and chirps by canoeing. It is one of the infrequent places around the world where large elephant herds, as well as buffalo, wander freely. The spillway can be found in the northern most part of Botswana and connects the Okavango Delta which lies in the west and the Linyanti Swamps which is situated to the east. It could cost from $3,500 for five days.

Trekking

Adventurers who preferred to enjoy nature on foot can be accompanied by the Masai guides when on tour the Crater Highlands located in Tanzania and the Lake Manyara National Park. While trekking, the guides can provide insights on how life has been in the community. The tour will cost around $11,749 for 13 days.

Horseback Riding

If the tourists do not feel like walking for a long time, there are available horses as a means of commuting. While on horseback, sightseers can watch from a distance the yearly migration of zebras and wildebeest in Masai Mara located in Kenya while being chased by predators. The tour could cost $2,220 for four days.

Camping

Lastly, visitors who want to stay for a few more days can set camp in a mobile safari offered by the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. The package includes captivating expedition that would track game animals by walking guided by the local expert guides costing around $2,397 for four days.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
By PTI: By K J M Varma

Beijing, Jun 30 (PTI) China today firmly opposed USD 1.4 billion US arms sale to Taiwan and demanded that the deal be cancelled, asserting that the island is its "inalienable" part and the agreement will "damage" Sino-US relations.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang in a media briefing said that Beijing strongly urged the US to honour its "solemn commitment to the One-China principle" and stop any weapons deal with Taiwan so as to avoid further damage to bilateral relations.

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"Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and the US selling weapons to Taiwan violates international law, the basic norms of international relations and the principles of the three joint communiques between the two countries, harming Chinas sovereignty and security interests," he said.

He said the Chinese government and people are determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity and oppose to outside interference. The US State Department has approved arms sales to Taiwan worth a total of USD 1.4 billion, the first such deal with the island nation since President Donald Trump took office.

China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and has long opposed any arms sales to the self-governing island by foreign entities.

On US slapping sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash, Lu said China opposes any unilateral sanctions outside the framework of the UN Security Council and has fully implemented the UNSC resolutions on North Korea. If Chinese enterprises or individuals undertake any actions against UNSC resolutions, China will investigate and deal with them based on domestic laws and regulations, Lu said. "We strongly urge the US to cease incorrect actions, in order to avoid affecting bilateral cooperation," he said. PTI KJV PMS

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This modern facility is the perfect venue to host conferences.



(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - June 29th, 2017 - New York City, NEW YORK - The VI Ordinary National Congress of the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea will be held at the Palace of Congresses and International Conferences of Ngolo-Bata from July 4 thru 6.

This modern facility is the perfect venue to host conferences, said Lisa Samuels for visitarGE.com.

Through the country's diversification plan dubbed, Horizonte 2020, H.E. Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Head of State, has invested heaviliy in tourism infrastructure and hospitality training programs for the local workforce. Bata is a port city in the Litoral Province of Equatorial Guinea. It is the largest city in Equatorial Guinea and lies on the Atlantic Ocean coast of Rio Muni.

Equatorial Guinea has an action plan of positioning itself as a major tourist destination in Central Africa. With a fleet of modern airplanes, five star hotels, natures best secrets, luxury villas, open skies agreement with friendly nations, the discerning tourist should mark this place for their next vacation.

The Ministry of Tourism is actively promoting the country at tourism expo's around the world and forming partnerships with their counterparts.

###
By Press Trust of India: Dehradun, Jun 29 (PTI) Taking a jibe at the Congress, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today described it as a "viral" party.

Naidu made the provocative remark at a press conference here when his reaction was sought on a Congress message claiming that US President Donald Trump was opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit going viral.

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"The opposition perhaps happened in your dreams. President Trump was seen according a warm welcome to PM Modi," he said.

When told that the message had gone viral on social media, he said, "Congress is a viral party". PTI ALM SMN

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New Delhi, June 30

Having joined the race to buy out Air India, IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh has told employees that it will not embark on the journey if it is not profitable and jeopardises interests of the airline.

Making its intention clear to become a world-class international carrier, IndiGo became the first airline to formally express interest in loss-making Air India soon after the government decided on its disinvestment even as the modalities are being worked out.

IndiGo, the countrys largest airline with a domestic market share of a little over 41 per cent, is keen on snapping up the international operations of Air India as well as its profitable low-cost arm Air India Express.

As an alternative, the budget carrier is equally interested in buying out all the operations of Air India and Air India Express, according to the letter sent by Ghosh to the Civil Aviation Ministry.

After showing its interest in Air India disinvestmenta development which was first announced by the ministryGhosh wrote to IndiGo staff listing out the reasons behind the move and sought to assure them that every action would be in the best interest of the airline.

Let me be very clear that if it is not profitable and does not add value to our employees, customers and shareholders, we will not embark on this journey, Ghosh, who is also a Whole-Time Director, told employees on Thursday.

As one of those who bleed blue and who have helped build this great organisation, you can rest assured that your leadership team and the founders of IndiGo will never do anything to jeopardise what you helped build and will always act in the best interest of IndiGo, he said.

Noting that IndiGo is primarily interested in Air Indias international operations, Ghosh said that over the past decade, a significant domestic network has been created which gives confidence to build a world-class international airline in the scale and scope of some of the largest airlines in the world.

With a fleet of nearly 135 aircraft, IndiGo operates over 900 flights on an average every day. Besides, the carrier has more than 450 planes on order.

In his letter to the employees about interest in Air India, Ghosh stressed that without IndiGos domestic feed network, it does not make sense to embark on this journey.

... if we do go down this path, it would require significant restructuring of the acquired operations. In that journey, we are not going to take on debt and liabilities that could not be supported by the new restructured operations, he noted.

Asserting that IndiGo will not embark on the journey if it is not profitable, Ghosh said the leadership team and the founders will never do anything to jeopardise what has been built.

Air India has a debt burden of over Rs 50,000 crore and is staying afloat on taxpayers money.  PTI
Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 29

Following the electrocution of 17-year-old Golu in Mani Majra and the issue of open electricity junction boxes posing danger in the city being highlighted in these columns, the Municipal Corporation has identified 25,000 such junction boxes.

The civic body is planning to raise the position of the junction boxes on the poles to prevent thefts. Besides, cases of theft of covers of junction boxes will be reported to the police.

The move is aimed at preventing theft of covers and electrocution. Chief Engineer NP Sharma told Chandigarh Tribune, In a survey, we found that of the 48,000 electricity junction boxes, 25,000 are without covers. The covers have been stolen. It was found that the theft generally takes place between 2 am and 5 am. As an interim arrangement, the MC has resorted to "tapping" of open wiring at these boxes. In the past two days, 560 of these have already been tapped. Putting covers on all boxes is a long exercise which involves floating of tenders and seeking approval.

We are planning to engage the EESL (Energy Efficient Services Ltd), which has been tasked with replacing all lights with LED lights, to raise the position of the junction boxes on the electricity poles. This will help check theft of covers, Sharma said.

Bugged with the theft of covers, officials said they would now report each case to the police and get a DDR filed. They said a majority of the thefts were committed by drug addicts, who sold the metal cover for Rs 12 to Rs 15.

Golus electrocution had led to an outrage as his family and residents of Indira Colony blocked traffic for four hours near Fun Republic by placing his body in the middle of the road. Following this, the police had registered a case of death due to negligence against electricity officials. The SDM had announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the family.

Fix problem, orders Punjab RTS panel

Mohali: A day after Chandigarh Tribune highlighted the lurking danger of naked cables hanging loosely and lying unattended at broken junction boxes of electricity poles in Kharar and Zirakpur, the Right to Service (RTS) Commission, Punjab, has issued directions to the power authorities to fix the problem and send a report to it in this regard. Taking suo motu notice of a news item published in these columns on Wednesday, Maninder Singh Patti, member of the commission, gave 15 days to the Deputy Chief Engineer of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited to redress the problem in Kharar and Zirakpur and send a report to him.
Houston, June 30

Sayantan Ghose, the Indian-American who allegedly shot at his ex-wife and her husband, leaving her injured while the latter dead at their home, has been arrested, police said.

According to the Galveston County District Attorneys Office, Ghose was detained at a border checkpoint near New Mexico on Thursday.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Ghose, 41, has been arrested and charged with murder in the late Wednesday shootings.

His bond was set at USD 150,000.

The shooting was reported around 9 pm (local time) at a house in the 700 block of Mayhill Ridge Lane, during an argument between Ghose and the two residents, police said.

According to the League City police, officers found the body of 43-year-old Clarence Wayne Harris II, who had been shot several times, lying in the driveway in front of the house.

Police said Amanda Harris, 36, was also found suffering from a gunshot wound, and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

According to the police, Ghose was present during a party at the couples house. But at some point of time, they had an argument with him, leading to the shooting.

Amanda, who was shot at twice, was taken to a local hospital and is recovering, the police report said.

In an affidavit, Amanda said she called police shortly before 9 pm (local time). She told police that she was going to make a citizen arrest because her ex-husband, Ghose, was at her doorstep.

Amanda also alleged that Ghose had been stalking her for years. Apparently, she, and her husband, both had weapons on them.

The police officer on the line heard her scream, Get away from my gun! and then additional screams and yelling in the background. Shots also began to fire off in the background.

Ghose allegedly shot at Amandas husband, Wayne, after an argument broke out between them, in front of the house.

The police said in a release that Ghose had already left the home before they could arrive. PTI
Tribune News Service

Karnal, June 29

The Petroleum Dealer Welfare Association (PDWA), All-Haryana Petroleum Association (AHPA) and Essar Petroleum Dealer Association (EPDA) today jointly announced to observe a two-day symbolic protest on June 30 and July 1 by not procuring petrol and diesel in protest against daily fuel price change.

Representatives of the associations served a 15-day ultimatum on the oil companies and threatened to go on an indefinite strike after July 15 if the oil companies failed to roll back their decision.

The oil companies have introduced a new policy to change the selling prices of the fuel on daily basis without developing the required system, infrastructure and without considering the conditions of the country, which is leading to loss to the pump owners, said Shamsher Singh Gogi, state president, PDWA. He said more than 2,600 filling stations across the state would observe protest on both the days.

We have decided to observe a two-day symbolic protest by not procuring fuel from the oil companies, Gogi said. Ram Kumar Kalyan, district president, PDWA, said that the oil companies wanted the follow the international standards, but facilities were not provided to the filling stations.
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 28

The state government has set up a committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) P Raghavendra Rao with Principal Secretary Abhilaksha Likhi and DK Bahera, Director of the Agriculture Department, as its other members to explore the possibility of setting up its own insurance company for implementation of the Pradhanmantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

The committee members are currently in Delhi to hold discussions with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) and the Union Ministries of Finance and Agriculture.

Agriculture Minister OP Dhankar says he was for a state-owned crop insurance company soon after the BJP came to power in the state.

However, the Centre later announced the PMFBY and we had to implement it in a hurry with the help of private insurance companies. We want to set up the company as soon as possible and the government is open to partnership with any private company immediately, Dhankar adds.

If everything works well, the final draft of the proposed insurance company will be ready in the month of July.

The government feels that by having its own insurance company, the amount of premium will not go in the pockets of private companies and the government will have a larger say at the time of deciding compensation.

Last year, the private insurance companies collected a total premium of Rs 251 crore but their total liability towards compensation to farmers was Rs 200 crore.

The All-India Kisan Sabha, however, says that the state government should take farmers organisations into confidence before taking any decision on this issue and also consult agriculture scientists.

The government must pay the premium of small farmers with landholdings of less than 5 acres from the state exchequer, demands Phool Singh Sheokand, general secretary of the sabha.
Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, June 29

The infighting in the BJP came to the fore during the Parivartan Yatra carried out in the Nagrota Surian area of Kangra district today.

The Nagrota Surian area falls in the Jawali Assembly Constituency. Initially, Union Minister for Health JP Nadda was scheduled to address the yatra in Jawali. However, he did not turn up and the rally was addressed by former MP Kirpal Parmar.

Two groups of the BJP in Jawali, one led by Arjun Thakur and other by Sanjay Guleria, put up separate show of strength during the Parivartan rally. Thakurs group reached the rally early and captured the stage and did not allow the other group on stage during the rally. Even Guleria and former MLA Harbans Singh could not sit on the stage during the Parivartan rally. There were minor fights between supporters of the two leaders.

During the last Assembly elections also, the warring groups had cost the party Jawali Assembly Constituency. While Thakur was the official candidate from Jawali in the last Assembly elections, Guleria contested as an Independent. Both candidates got over 10,000 votes, but the division of votes of the BJP helped the Congress win from Jawali.

Guleria, who is an industrialist from the Baddi area, has been putting up in the Jawali constituency for the last five years and working through his NGO. Thakur on the other hand has been the official face of the party in the area.

However, in the forthcoming Assembly elections, once again both candidates are staking their claim for the party ticket. It remains to be seen how the BJP tackles division among party cadre in the Jawali constituency.

Meanwhile, BJP workers from the rival camp of former minister and BJP MLA from Shahpur Sarween Chaudhary today welcomed Nadda at Gaggal airport. They allegedly complained to the minister regarding the diversion of route during the Parivartan Yatra in Shahpur on Tuesday.

Nadda came to Kangra today to attend the bhog ceremony of the father of former BJP MLA Rakesh Pathania.
Tribune News Service

Mandi, June 29

Incessant rain in Lahaul Spiti has caused a massive landslide on the Manali-Leh National Highway near Patseu again and the traffic movement has been halted in the region.

Since morning, a large number of tourists had been stuck in a traffic jam between Patseu and Jingjingbar.

Tourists, visiting on this route, also experienced traffic snarl yesterday following cloudburst. The traffic was partially restored by the Border Roads Organisation after 17 hours.

Again a massive landslide occurred in the area which blocked the road, however, the BRO authorities were struggling to restore the traffic. According to tourists, the journey on this route has become a nightmare for them, who stuck in traffic jam for hours because of landslides.

BRO Commander Colonel AK Awasthi said the workforce and machinery had been engaged in the area to clear the road for smooth traffic, which would be cleared till evening. Due to incessant rain, the water level of nearby rivulets had increased which inundated the road.

He added that the temperature was freezing in the region because of incessant rain, which was also posing difficulty. Deputy Commissioner Deva Singh Negi said the district administration was monitoring the situation minutely and there was no need to panic. The BRO authorities were on its job to maintain the road.
Jalandhar: A human chain was formed on the premises of the CT Group of Institutions, Shahpur Campus, to welcome the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). As many as 200 faculty and staff members formed the human chain showing appreciation towards the implementation of the tax. Charanjit Singh Channi, Chairman, CT Group of Institutions said appreciated the efforts of students. tns

Software workshop

Students of the Innocent Hearts Group of Institution, Loharan Campus, attended a seven-day workshop on Asp.net. Students of MCA and BCA took part in the workshop. Dr Sumesh Saini conducted the workshop. Nearly 50 students attended the workshop and were apprised of database connectivity, dynamic page, master pages, Inseret and about fetching the data through web forms, SQL database, online gateway and Adaense. tns

Top positions

Rupali, a student of MSc information and network security (semester IV) of the PG department of computer science and applications of Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, brought laurels to the institution by securing the top position in the recently declared results of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. She secured 1,597 out of 2,100 marks. Navjot Kaur of the same class stood second in the university by getting 1,569 marks. Principal Atima Sharma Dwivedi congratulated them for their achievement. tns

Adventure tour

Jalandhar: The State Public school organised a tour to Shimla. Students from Classes VI to XII, accompanied by staff, had a great time at the four-day trip. They enjoyed adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, Burma Bridge, swing, double rope bridge and campfire and were taken to famous places of the area. It was held under managing director Anmol Singh and principal Savina Bahl.
Tribune News Service

Jammu/Srinagar, June 30

On the third consecutive day, Pakistan troops today pounded forward posts of the Indian Army and villages with mortar shells along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, leaving two women injured.

According to the Jammu-based defence spokesperson, the Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from 0415 hours along the LoC in the Bhimber Gali (BG) area of the Balakote sector in Poonch district. The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively, the spokesperson said.

The intermittent firing and shelling continued till 9.30 am. A woman, identified as Naseem Akhter, wife of Ghayas Ahmed of Dharati Balakote, received serious injuries in the firing. It also caused a partial damage to the house of Haji Mohammad Hanief at Sandote village.

It was for the third time in the past 36 hours that the Pakistan army targeted the forward posts of the Indian Army and villages along the LoC in BG area of the Balakote sector. This is the 23rd ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army in Rajouri and Poonch districts.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old woman was injured as Pakistan violated the ceasefire along the LoC in north Kashmirs Uri sector.

Defence sources said Pakistani troops fired 50-60 mortar shells at the Indian side on Friday morning in the Gawalta area of the Uri sector, some 120 km from here, without any provocation.

A woman who had gone out for grazing her cattle sustained multiple splinter injuries during the mortar firing, the sources said, adding that she got wounded at a place which is nearly 3 km from the LoC.

Police identified the injured as Shakeela of Behak Dardkote. She was shifted to Sub-District Hospital, Uri, where from she was referred to the Srinagar-based Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) for further treatment.

The sources said the Indian Army did not respond to the firing.

Soon after the ceasefire violation, the Army started combing the area and they were checking whether the firing was aimed to push militants from across the border into the country.

On June 9, five militants, suspected to be Fidayeen, were killed in the same sector that witnessed ceasefire violation today.

The Army had claimed that the five militants were planning an Uri-type attack of last year, when a group of four fidayeen stormed an Army base and during a gunfight 19 soldiers were killed.

Third violation in 36 hours in Balakote
Jammu, June 30

A woman civilian was injured on Friday as Pakistani troops shelled and fired along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district, triggering fighting with the Indian Army, authorities said.

Naseem Akhtar, 35, was hit by a splinter on her shoulder at Basooni village in Bhimber Gali sector, Defence Ministry spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said. A water tanker was also hit by a shell fired by the Pakistanis.

Lt Col Mehta said the Pakistan Army used small arms, mortars and automatics to target Indian positions in the Bhimber Gali sector, which fell in both Rajouri and Poonch districts.

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The shelling and firing started at 4.15 am. The Army is strongly and effectively responding to Pakistan, the officer said.

Two Indian soldiers were injured on Thursday in Pakistani firing. The Line of Control (LoC) separates Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan. IANS
Srinagar, June 30

Suhail Bukhari, the media adviser of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has resigned.

Official sources here confirmed on Friday that Bukharis resignation had been accepted.

Bukhari, however, could not be contacted.

He was working as the state chief of bureau for the NewsX television channel when Bukhari was appointed as the Chief Ministers media adviser in 2016. IANS
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 29

The annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath in the upper reaches of Pahalgam began today with hundreds of yatris embarking on the trek on the Paghalgam and Baltal routes.

On the first day of the yatra, a total of 6,097 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave. A total of 4,853 yatris left via the Pahalgam route and 6,435 took the Baltal route.

Governor NN Vohra, who is Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, paid obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum and participated in pratham puja. He prayed for sustained peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the state.

After his early morning visit to the shrine, the Governor reviewed arrangements made for pilgrims at the yatra shrine camp and conveyed the boards thanks to the state government, Army, Central armed police forces, state police and agencies concerned for their support and cooperation.

He stressed the need for effective supervision and round-the-clock monitoring by camp directors and all functionaries involved in management of the yatra for ensuring smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

Nearly 7,500 pilgrims left the base camp in Baltal while more than 4,000 others left the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam. Pahalgam is the traditional route to the holy cave, preferred by most pilgrims, while those wishing to return the same day take the short 14-km trekking route from Baltal.

One yatri, identified as Bhushan Kotwal of Jammu, died when he was hit by a falling stone near Brarimarg on way from Baltal to the holy cave this morning.

He was between Railpathri and Brarimarg when he was hit by the falling stone at 6:20 am. He was immediately shifted to the Baltal base camp hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Expressing grief over the death, the Governor directed Umang Narula, Chief Executive Officer of the board, to provide Rs 3 lakh as relief to the next of kin of the deceased. He prayed for peace to the departed soul and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family.

An ASI of the ITBP, Sanjun Singh, died of cardiac arrest at a camp in the Brarimarg area, where he was on duty. The officer complained of chest pain this morning and was shifted to a hospital, where he died of cardiac arrest.

Narula again appealed to pilgrims to embark on the journey only after getting medically checked and obtaining a valid yatra permit. This would ensure that no avoidable inconvenience would be caused to them, he said.

He stated that the board had issued a detailed advisory of dos and donts for yatris visiting the shrine and yatris needed to strictly adhere to these guidelines as they would require to undertake an arduous trek through high mountain ranges under unpredictable weather conditions.
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 29

Two Army jawans were injured when the Pakistan army targeted forward posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district with small arms and mortars today.

The Pakistan armyinitiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatic weapons and mortarsat 1.30 am in the Poonch sector along the LoC, said a Jammu-based defence spokesperson.

The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively, he said, adding that two soldiers sustained minor injuries in the crossfire and were evacuated to the nearest military hospital. Both the injured jawans were being treated at the Army Hospital in Poonch.

This is for the 22ndtime in June when Pakistan has violated the ceasefire in Rajouri and Poonch districts.

On Wednesday, the Pakistan army had violated the ceasefire by unprovoked and indiscriminate firing and shelling along the LoC in the Bhimber Gali area in the Balakot sector of Poonch district.
The second cut-off list, which will be released by the university on July 1, will see a dip in several colleges.

Delhi Universityas second cut-off list is likely to see a dip in some courses offered by SRCC, LSR, Khalsa College and others.

By Arpan Rai: Here's some good news for those waiting to make the cut in Delhi University's first cut-off list but haven't been fortunate: The second cut-off list, which will be released by the university on July 1, will see a dip in several colleges.

After bringing out a comparatively high cut-off in the first round, Khalsa College will loosen the leash in English (honours) programme drastically. The admission committee officials have decided to bring down the cut-off in the second mostsought after programme by two per cent. "We demanded 98.75 per cent in our first round, but students can expect a dip of close to two per cent," said Saikat Ghosh, assistant professor at Khalsa College.

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The cut-off for Sikh minorities is also expected to reduce drastically.

The female Delhi University aspirants also stand a chance to secure admission at Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) in English (honours, which has decided to bring down the cut-off bar, albeit not significantly, as the college has nearly filled seats in all courses.

LSR will release a second cut-off list for two programmes: B.A. (honours) in Psychology and B.A. (honours) in Journalism. "The programmes will not see a major dip," said Suman Sharma, the college principal.

While Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) has filled all seats in Economics (honours), commerce students still stand a chance at B.Com (honours), where there are still some seats left. However, the cut-off will not see a major dip.

Students who want to score an on-campus seat can remain hopeful about getting admission in Hansraj College. "We are yet to decide the reduction in cut-off bar for second list, but students need not worry. We have been realistic in our approach towards admitting students," said Rama Sharma, the principal of Hansraj College.

Barring B.Science (honours) in Botany and Zoology, Ramjas College will bring out a cut-off list for all the courses with a cut-off expected to help several secure an admission. So far, Delhi University has filled only about 13,000 seats out of total 54,000 seats on offer.Also Read

Delhi University admissions: Duplication of paperwork sends aspirants in frenzy High cut-offs result in sluggish pace of admission in Delhi University

--- ENDS ---
Srinagar, June 30

Pakistan on Friday violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Uri sector of Kashmir, injuring a woman.

The Army retaliated to the Pakistani firing. Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Gwalta area of Uri Sector around 9.30 am, a police official said.

He said 45-year-old Shakeela Bano sustained splinter injuries in the action.

The injured woman has been taken to a hospital where her condition is said to be stable. PTI
Tribune News Service

Jammu/Kathua, June 29

Inclement weather failed to dampen the spirits of Amarnath pilgrims as the second batch of 2,481 pilgrims, including 668 women and 174 sadhus, left the Jammu base camp for the Kashmir valley around 5 am amid tight security arrangements.

Heavy rush of pilgrims was witnessed at the registration counters here, with pilgrims from different parts of the country reaching the winter capital of the state in good numbers.

On Wednesday, the pilgrimage was flagged off from Jammu by Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh. A total of 2,280 pilgrims had left for Kashmir in the first batch. The Amarnath pilgrims undertake the yatra via the traditional 46-km-long trek of Pahalgam and the shorter route of 14 km from Baltal.

12 yatris injured in road mishap

At least 12 Amarnath pilgrims were injured when a bus carrying them collided with a truck near Lakhanpur on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway on Thursday morning. According to the police, the bus carrying the pilgrims collided with a truck, leaving 13 passengers, including the driver of the truck, injured. The injured were identified as Udhay Kumar, Naryani, Kritika Rastogi, Sarika Rastogi, Mukesh Rastogi, Balram Hazra, Akshat Gupta, Manoj Gupta, Reetu Gupta, Mahinder Saini, Manjoor Ahmad, Shushil Kumar and Rajbir (truck driver). All pilgrims belonged to Uttar Pradesh. The injured were rushed to the district hospital in Kathua. Their condition was stated to be stable.
Ahmedabad, June 29

In a tough message against cow vigilantism and lynching, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said killing people on the pretext of protecting cows was not acceptable and warned that none had the right to take law into his own hands.

Addressing a public meeting to mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhis Sabarmati Ashram here, he said indulging in violence in the name of gau bhakti went against the ideals of the Father of the Nation. Voicing concern over the incidents of lynching, the PM said nothing would be achieved thus. I want to express my sadness and my pain when I am here at Sabarmati Ashram... This is a country which has the tradition of giving food to ants, street dogs, fish, the country where Mahatma Gandhi taught us lessons of non-violence. What has happened to us? asked Modi.

Nobody would have practised cow protection and cow worship more than Mahatma Gandhi and (his follower) Vinoba Bhave. They showed us how to protect the cow. The country will have to adopt their way, the PM said.

The Constitution also teaches us about cow protection. But does this (cow protection) give us any right to kill a person? Is this gau bhakti (cow worship)? Is this cow protection? he asked.

Killing people in the name of gau bhakti is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would have approved of. Lets all work together. Let's create the India of Mahatma Gandhis dreams, he said.

The PMs remarks come against the backdrop of growing incidents of cow vigilantism. In August 2016, too Modi had denounced cow vigilantes, some of whom had flogged Dalits in his home state of Gujarat.

Thousands of people across the country had taken to the streets yesterday to protest the recent mob killings.

The Prime Minister later went to Rajkot where he distributed implements among the differently abled and dedicated to the nation the third phase of the Sauni Irrigation Project bringing Narmada waters to the Aaji dam in Rajkot.  PTI/TNS

Another lynching in jharkhand

Ranchi: A man accused of carrying beef was beaten to death in Jharkhands Ramgarh district on Thursday. Alimuddin alias Asgar Ansari, who was carrying the banned meat in a van, was stopped and brutally attacked. Rescued by cops, he was taken to a hospital where he died. Its premeditated murder. The killers have been identified, ADGP RK Mallik said. This is the second such case in Jharkhand in the last three days. IANS
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 29

The Congress today said GST, as a concept, was pioneered by its leaders and BJP leaders, mainly then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, blocked the reform for years.

Former minister Jairam Ramesh today cited his meeting with then Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj to argue how the BJP was always opposing the uniform tax even after the Congress-led UPA introduced the GST Bill in the Lok Sabha on March 22, 2011.

When I asked Swaraj why the BJP was opposing GST, she said two BJP CMs  Narendra Modi and Shivraj Singh Chauhan  were opposing the Bill. She said efforts were being made to change their mind and that the BJP at some stage was prepared to override their objections, Ramesh said, recalling that GST was first mentioned as a concept by then NDA Finance Minister Jaswant Singh in 2003.

On July 8, 2004, then FM P Chidambaram under the UPA mentioned GST in his Budget speech and repeated the concept in his 2005 Budget speech.

It was on February 28, 2007, that the Finance Minister for the first-time ever said GST would roll out from April 1, 2010. On March 22, 2011, then FM Pranab Mukherjee introduced the GST Bill in the Lok Sabha. The Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance headed by BJPs Yashwant Sinha. The committee met after 15 months and submitted its report after two-and-a-half years on August 7, 2013. Then elections came and we were unable to bring a reworked Bill, Ramesh said.

He said 2008 onwards, Narendra Modi as then Gujarat CM was the only Chief Minister opposing GST. GST is very important, but the current Bill is not radical or revolutionary as the Congress had wanted it to be, Ramesh said after the Congress decided to boycott the midnight GST launch.
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 29

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will head to Hamburg, Germany, to attend the G20 Summit after wrapping up his highly-anticipated Israel visit next week.

The Prime Minister will be in Israel from July 4 to 6 and then he heads to Germany for a two-day visit starting July 7. The G20 Summit will see a leaders retreat on the morning of July 7 where the agenda on discussion will be fighting terrorism.

However, while India will put forth its concerns on terrorism, the background will be the larger canvass and that of Europe which has been badly hit by terror attacks of late.

Modi met Chancellor Merkel two months ago. The two leaders were able to agree on the need to continue with their commitments to the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement, despite the US retracting from it. Merkel also hosted Chinese Premier Li Keqiang last month. China is the single largest emitter of carbon, while India is ranked third. With both India and China backing Merkel on the Paris agreement, her chances of emerging as leader of the liberal world seem rather intact.

The G20 Summit will see the attendance of Merkel and US President Donald Trump. Germany has indicated that it will make climate change, free trade and the management of forced mass global migration the key themes of the G20 summit in Hamburg next week, putting the two leaders on a collision course.

Israeli PMs reciprocal visit likely by year-end
Shubhadeep Choudhury

Tribune News Service

Kolkata, June 30

Slamming the Narendra Modi government over the GST roll out at midnight tonight, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said it would bring back the dreaded Inspector Raj.

Banerjee expressed apprehension that the arrest clause in the GST rules can be used by the Modi government against business leaders who dare to disagree with the Central government.

Banerjee said under the VAT regime, officials did not have the power to arrest. If they felt there was a serious tax offence, officials were required to file an FIR and pursue the due process of law.

But in the case of GST, the inspectors will have the power to arrest for four different types of offences which can lead to prison terms from one year to five years, the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

Banerjee said West Bengal had opposed the provision of arrest in the GST Council meetings but the Central government did not pay any heed.

In the name of GST, they have deviated in many areas from the original intent, Banerjee remarked.

Accusing the Central government of vindictively targeting people who dare to disagree with it, Banerjee said she was deeply concerned that the arrest clause in GST might well be used to target business leaders who raised their voice against the Central government on a policy matter or on some other issue.

From the midnight of today, will darkness loom large in the lives of entrepreneurs and common people? Banerjee, whose party Trinamool Congress will boycott the midnight event in the Parliament to celebrate the launch of the GST, wrote in her post.

In the state capital Kolkata, shops and retail establishments mostly remained closed responding to a day's strike called by the Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM) against the procedures and provisions of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Nearly all shops in Burrabazar, one of Asia's biggest wholesale markets, kept their shutters down. In the iconic New Market too, retailers observed the trade strike.

In a bid to protest against the procedures and provisions of the GST which will be effective from July 1, we are observing the one-day strike today (Friday), BUVM's patron and chairman of the Federation of West Bengal Trade Associations Mahesh Singhania said.

We are not against the GST but we will continue to demand simplification of laws, rules, penal provisions and reduction of compliance burden, Singhania added.

Traders in various districts also held rallies protesting against what they felt were complex processes in the new indirect tax regime.
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 30

Chumbi valley, the strategic foothold in the Himalayas and the site of recent standoff between India and China, is a narrow sliver of land wedged between Sikkim and Bhutan. It was given to Tibet by the British in 1908 in lieu of an indemnity of Rs 2.5 million ( Rs 25 lakh).

India and China share an un-demarcated boundary along the Himalayan ridge line running along the east-west axis.

The British terms for handing over the Chumbi valley to Tibet (latter annexed by China in 1950) were more in line with their forward policy of those times and also in view of the key Tibet-Darjeeling trade route that had opened up after years of efforts.

British Army officer Sir Francis Younghusband, under the guidance of his mentor Lord Nathaniel Curzon, Viceroy of India (1899-1905), invaded Tibet in 1904 and signed a treaty with Lhasa in September that year. London did not agree with Curzon-Younghusband annexation of Tibet and whittled down the treaty to adjust their strategic interests of that time.

In April 1906, the British signed a pact with China at Peking to not engage in Tibet. China went on to be ally of the British in the World War I (1914-1918) and later World War II (1939-1945). Patrick French, author of book The last of the great imperial adventurer: Younghusband, writes: The article which allowed British access to Lhasa was torn up and Younghusbands hard-earned indemnity reduced to two-thirds of a more manageable Rs 2.5 million ( Rs 25 lakh). The Chumbi valley was to be vacated by 1908. Younghusband inked an agreement with Tibet for 75 years.

Through the Chumbi valley25 km at its widest and 2 km at its narrowestran the British-Tibet trade route that allowed British to have its agents at Yatung. Trade continued through the Chumbi valley on the Tibet-Darjeeling route even as Tibet controlled the valley.

The region east of Sikkim holds immense strategic importance and provides a commanding view of the Chumbi valley and overlooks the narrow Siliguri Corridor (180km by 75 km), also called the eastern chickens neck, which has several vital installations around it and links mainland India with its N-E states.

The Chinese are trying to gain control of the entire Donglang region in the valley which is disputed between Bhutan and China. If they succeed, they can cut off Indias access to the North-East in case of a conflict. In 1996, Beijing indicated that it was ready to swap its territorial claims in northern Bhutan in lieu of Donglang, which is called Doka La by India and Doklam by Bhutan.
Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 29

The Congress decision to boycott the Narendra Modi governments midnight GST rollout event in the Central Hall of Parliament tomorrow received scathing reactions from its top functionaries.

BJP leaders scornfully wondered what the Congress problem now was, especially when the revolutionary economic reform was being implemented after discussions with Opposition parties and the clearance of Parliament.

Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, who termed as silly and illogical the Congress maove to stay away tomorrow, expressed shock and surprise that the leading Opposition party could boycott an event being held in the presence of the President and the Vice-President.

Is it a crime to work at midnight in the Central Hall  the centre of activity for democratic activities? After all, July 1 begins at midnight, Naidu retorted on the Congress charges the launch at midnight was meant to undermine the historic significance of Indias freedom where first PM Jawaharlal Nehru delivered the historic tryst with destiny speech.

That is why I am calling as silly Congress arguments. The only reason for the mid-night launch is that July 1 will begin at that time. There is no explanation for the Congress behaviour, they have belittled themselves before the country and will pay for it (when they go to the people for votes in 2019). GST will spell economic freedom from shackles of artificial obstructions, Indias tryst with economy, which will have a positive impact on its future, he said.

Congress should realise the mood of the country is overwhelming in favour of GST. Except for tax evaders, everyone is happy. There will be some teething problems initially which can be addressed and resolved in the GST council. The world is looking at India. The Congress move is silly, illogical. They still have time to re-think. I am happy many parties have decided to become a part of the historic event. The five parties which have decided to abstain will do so at their own peril, Naidu warned.

In fact BJP leaders believe the Congress lost a good opportunity to stake claim on the economic move, initially initiated by it. BJP leader Anil Baluni said: The Congress just proved it is against all reforms and positive activities. Arguments by its leaders highlighted their immaturity, the fact they can object just for the sake of objecting.

BJP leaders claim the only reason the Opposition party called the press conference today was to show solidarity with organisers of Not in My Name protest. It was not on GST, they said. But the PM defeated their arguments that the BJP leadership was silent on lynching incidents with the statement in Ahmedabad that killing of people in the name of gau bhakti was not acceptable.

Action is being taken against perpetrators of such crimes. But the event was also held in Karachi, London and Boston shows the real intent of its organisers, which is to defame the PM while he was on a trip abroad. The same award wapsi gang who never sees anything wrong in atrocities on other communities, was behind the event, they say.

RJD to boycott rollout, JD-U to attend

Amid continuing differences within Bihars ruling alliance, Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD-U will attend the GST mid-night rollout but Lalu Prasad's RJD, like the Congress, wont.

The RJD has supported the GST earlier, but later it was found that the BJP-led government at the Centre has changed it. We will not be part of it, Lalu said.

Ignoring the RJD's appeal, a delegation led by state Commercial Tax Minister and JD-U legislator Vijendra Prasad Yadav will attend the function.

CPI, CPM discordant too
The Department of Higher Education (DHE) Odisha has released the first allotment list on the official website, dheodisha.gov.in

By India Today Web Desk: The Department of Higher Education (DHE) Odisha has released the first allotment list for degree or +3 admissions on the official website, the link for which is dheodisha.gov.in

The whole process of seat allotment was conducted online.

How to check the DHE Odisha + 3 Admission First Allotment List:

Visit the official website, dheodisha.gov.in

Click on the 'Degree +3' link

In the new window, click on the Merit List link

You will be redirected to SAMS login window

Enter all the required details and submit

Allotment status will be displayed.

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Note: All the candidates are advised to download the same and take print out of it for future reference.

As reported, students whose names feature in the first list of DHE Odisha degree selection list will also be intimidated through SMS, Email, website, and college notice board.

Here's what the official notice read:

Intimation letter to the selected applicants will be transmitted through five modes--

(i) SMS (if mobile number is provided in CAF)

(ii) Email (if e-mail ID is provided in CAF)

(iii) Website www.dheodisha.gov.in

(iv) College Notice Board (Applied College & Selected College)

(v) Toll Free Number (155335 OR 1800-345-6770).

Intimation will not be sent through post.

Important dates:

Admission process of 1st round of allotment: June 30 to July 3 till 5 pm

Second allotment list: July 7
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 30

India on Friday came up with a strong statement on the recent standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in Sikkim warning that any construction in the region would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.

Indias response comes a day after the Chinese foreign and defence ministries issued statements making references to the 1962 war and asking for Indian troops to withdraw before a dialogue could start.

The detailed statement lists out the events which have led to the highly tense situation along the border and clearly states that on June 16, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. At this point, a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them. To this effect, Bhutan has publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese government through its embassy in New Delhi on June 20.

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Bhutan, the statement points out, has also issued a statement protesting the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory and that it is in violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China.

Bhutan and India have been in touch regrading these developments and keeping in mind the bilateral ties, Indian personnel present at Doka La region had also approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to stop the construction process.

The statement released by Ministry of External Affairs on Friday confirmed that India and China had been in touch over this issue at the diplomatic level and that this was also the subject of a border personnel meet at Nathu La on June 20.

India pointed out that it had underlined that both countries had in 2012 reached an agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries would be finalised in consultation with the parties concerned.

India was quick to point out that the boundary in the Sikkim sector was in 2012, by a mutual understanding, been agreed on the basis of the alignment and that further discussions on this had been going on between the Special Representatives of both countries.

India said it cherished peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas and that India is committed to working with China to find a peaceful resolution to all border-related issues between the two countries.
New Delhi, June 30

India today issued a strong statement on the standoff with Chinese troops in Sikkim, warning that any construction in the area would represent a significant change in status quo with serious security implications for India.

Referring to the 1962 war, Chinese foreign and defence ministries had yesterday said Indian troops must be withdrawn for any parleys to start.

Edit: The Doklam theatre

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) narrated the sequence of events since June 16 when a Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) construction party entered Doklam area and tried to construct a road. In coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Indian personnel, who were present, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue, the ministry stated. Beijing accuses India of being a third party to the China-Bhutan dispute.

Bhutan has stated it had on June 20 lodged a protest with China through its embassy in New Delhi, that any road inside its territory was a violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements it had with China.

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The MEA statement confirmed that India and China had been in touch over the issue at the diplomatic level and that this was the subject of a border personnel meeting at Nathu La on June 20.

India pointed out that both countries had in 2012 reached an agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and any third country would be finalised in consultation with the parties concerned. It said the boundary in the Sikkim sector was mutually agreed upon in 2012 and that further discussions had been going on between the Special Representatives.

India said it cherished peace on the border and was committed to working with China to peacefully resolve all border-related issues.  TNS
New Delhi, June 30

Senior Advocate K.K. Venugopals name has been cleared for appointment as the Attorney-General following the decision of Mukul Rohatgi to step down as the top law officer.

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The proposal to appoint the 86-year-old veteran lawyer as the successor of Rohatgi was discussed before the departure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his recent visit to the US, Portugal and the Netherlands.

Read: Rohatgi wants to be relieved from AG's post

Venugopal had a meeting with Modi before his departure to a three-nation tour, sources said.

When contacted on Friday and asked about his priorities as the Attorney-General, Venugopal said, I will speak only after the notification is issued.

He told PTI that the notification is likely to be issued in a day or two.

The Law Ministry had recently referred the file relating to the appointment of Venugopal as the Attorney-General to the Prime Ministers Office for a final call, sources had said.

After the decision is finalised, the President has to sign the Warrant of Appointment of the Attorney-General.

A noted constitutional expert, Venugopal is the recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan. He would become a law officer for the second time after being an Additional Solicitor General during the Morarji Desai government during the seventies.

He has been associated with several government instrumentalities and has been representing them as a Senior Advocate. Lately, he has been appearing for the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate before the Supreme Court in the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

The apex court had asked him to continue in the matter despite Venugopals replacement by the ED after he had taken a view different from the agency and the government on the removal of an investigation officer.

He also represented the Madhya Pradesh Government during the hearing of National Judicial Appointments Commission Act in which he supported the validity of the Central law to do away with the collegium system of appointment of judges for the higher judiciary.

However, his association with the BJP regime goes back to the Ayodhya movement when he had appeared for the then Kalyan Singh Government in Uttar Pradesh by assuring the Supreme Court that the disputed medieval structure would be protected.

Later, when on Decemeber 6, 1992, the structure was brought down by the kar sevaks, he had appeared before a Bench of then Chief Justice M N Venkatachaliah at his residence in the evening.

Venugopal had recently appeared for senior BJP leader L K Advani and others before the apex court which restored the charge of criminal conspiracy against them and ordered the completion of the trial in the Babri Masjid demolition case, in two years.

He has also appeared for P J Thomas when his appointment as the Chief Vigilance Commissioner by the erstwhile UPA government was challenged in the apex court which had set aside the governments decision.

He also appeared for Dandi Swamy Sri Vidyanada Bhartiji and J Jayalalithaa, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in 2008 in the Sethusamudram case, popularly known as Ram Sethu matter, against the construction of the ambitious shipping canal project of the previous UPA government.

The Supreme Court had stayed the construction of the controversial Ram Sethu or Adams Bridge project, a barrier located southeast of Rameshwaram, which connects Talaimanar coast of Sri Lanka. PTI
Islamabad, June 30

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a high-level meeting of top foreign policy officials to discuss ties with India amid tension with over ceasefire violations in Kashmir.

Radio Pakistan reported that during the meeting Sharif would be briefed about important foreign affairs issues, including ties with India and Afghanistan.

The meeting is being attended among others by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and senior officials of the Foreign Office.

The meeting was held amid tensions between India and Pakistan after a number of ceasefire violations in Kashmir for which both sides blame each other.

It comes days after the US declared Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist. PTI
New Delhi, June 30

Raising their voice against ill-treatment of elephants during jumbo rides at Rajasthans famous Amber Fort, animal rights body PETA has filed a complaint with Jaipur police against unidentified men in this regard.

The intervention comes after a group of tourists wrote to the animal rights body regarding one such incident at the fort.

The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has also urged the Rajasthan Government to end elephant rides in Amber Fort.

Based on the complaint by the body, an FIR was registered against unidentified men under IPC Sections 429 and 289 (mischief by killing or maiming an animal).

In the FIR, PETA stated that approximately eight men ran out with sticks and an iron ankus, and encircled the elephant and kicked the animal for more than 10 minutes.

The pachyderm was trying to escape from giving forced rides in extreme heat.

Forcing an elephant to give rides through the use of weapons and in the searing heat is cruel but common at Amber Fort, says PETA Chief Executive Officer, Manilal Valliyate.

PETAs complaint also included violation of Sections under major animal protection laws namely, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 and Performing Animals (Registration) Rules (PARR), 2001.

The animal rights body also urged Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), which permits and promotes elephant rides, to put an end to these rides, saying they were illegal.

PETA is calling for the perpetrators to be punished and the Rajasthan Government to end elephant rides in Amber Fort and elsewhere in the state. Mechanised and eco-friendly safari vehicles can be used instead, said Valliyate.  PTI
Beijing, June 30

China on Friday said the diplomatic channels with India are unimpeded for talks over the stand-off in the Sikkim sector but for any meaningful dialogue, the Indian troops must withdraw from the Doklam area over which Beijing has indisputable sovereignty.

The diplomatic channels for the communication between Chinese and Indian sides remained unimpeded, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here.

He said the Indian troops trespassed the recognised delineated boundary between China and India on June 18. This is the first time China came out with the precise date about Indian troops entering the disputed Doklam area (referred by China as Donglong) near Sikkim allegedly to stop Chinese troops from constructing a road.

So, the most pressing issue should be the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. So, it is the pre-condition for any meaningful dialogue, he said when asked whether any talks were going on between the two countries over the issue.

He said in additions to the photographs of alleged Indian incursion into Donglong area, the Chinese foreign ministry will also upload a map on its website to provide a better understanding of the reality.

He also refuted Bhutans allegation that Chinese troops attempts to build the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly.

Lu said China has indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area.

He claimed that the Doklam area was under Chinese administration from the Emperor Qing dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China established in 1636.

Lu said the area, where the Chinese side undertook road construction, totally belongs to the Chinese territory and offered to release details on this on Foreign Ministrys website.

From historical evidence, we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area, he said.

Before the 1960s, if the Bhutan residents around the border wanted to graze their cattle they had to get the approval from China, he said.

The Tibetan dynasty and Qing dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border, he said.

In addition to the jurisprudential evidence, the historical convention in 1890 (the Sino-British treaty) has clearly defined it as the crossing point between China, Bhutan and the Indian boundary.

The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this, he said.

He claimed that the evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side.

Even though China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relationship, we always maintain traditional friendship. We can tell you that Chinese people are friendly and want good relations with Bhutan people, he said.

But our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering, he said.

A standoff erupted between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan, also known as Donglong.

Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.  PTI
Ravi Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Pathankot, June 29

Scores of farmers, whose land was acquired in 1992 to set up the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), are up in arms against the state government for not giving adequate compensation despite the district court asking it to do so.

The Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC) had, 25 years ago, acquired 295 acres in Gho, Akhvana and Mutfarka villages of the district to establish the IGC and facilitate the growth of industry in the city.

The centre, which is still to see light of the day, was to come up on the Defence road here.

The state government had fixed Rs54,700 per acre as compensation. As the reward was too less, farmers moved court. After several hearings, the court had, January 2016, fixed the compensation at Rs2.56 lakh per acre.

But farmers were not paid the amount, following which they filed a contempt petition. This May 19, the court again asked the authorities to ensure that farmers got the enhanced compensation. To date, farmers are still running from pillar to post to get their due.

Several farmers, who had filed the initial petitions, have died.

One of the aggrieved farmers, Karam Singh, said: The court has asked the land acquisition wing to ensure that farmers get their dues. But it seems nobody is listening to us.

Ravinder Singh, Superintendent, land acquisition wing, claimed to have written several letters to the PSIEC, asking for disbursement of compensation. I am awaiting a reply. The authorities understand the plight of farmers and are doing their best to ensure that farmers get the compensation. We are aware of the courts order and respect it, he said.
Gagandeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 29

The Talwandi Sabo police yesterday questioned Sub-Inspector Jagdish Kumar, in-charge of the CIA wing of the Mansa police, in connection with a case of embezzling material from the malkhana of the Rama Mandi police station.

In May, it came to light that gold, cash, dollars and a revolver seized from the house of former Director (Agriculture) Mangal Singh Sandhu were missing from the malkhana. The recoveries were made when Sandhu was in custody of the Rama Mandi police in 2015 in connection with the pesticide scam.

On May 19, former SHO of the Rama Mandi police station Gursher Singh, head constable Iqbal Singh and constable Manpreet Singh were booked in this connection.

The needle of suspicion points to Kumar as he was the in-charge of the CIA wing of the Bathinda police, where Sandhu was interrogated that time. The seized material was kept in the CIA Bathinda (now CIA-1) before being shifted to the malkhana of the Rama Mandi police station.

Bathinda SSP Naveen Singla confirmed that Kumar was questioned in the embezzlement case in the presence of Talwandi Sabo DSP Barinder Singh Gill. Kumar, however, refuted this. Nobody questioned me in the embezzlement case, he said.

All those involved in embezzlement would be arrested soon and the material would be recovered, the SSP said.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has already ordered a stay on the arrest of constable Manpreet. The other two accused Gurhser and Iqbal  have been absconding since May 19.
Amaninder Pal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 29

Punjabs two oldest thermal power plants  Bathinda and Ropar  are staring at closure. Taking the first step to shut both plants in phases, the Board of Directors of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), in a meeting on Friday, will deliberate on the proposal to shut down stage-I (two units set up in first phase) each at Bathinda and Ropar thermal plants. The plants have four and six units, respectively.

That both plants were established over 25 years ago is being cited as the reason behind the move. While Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant, Bathinda, was set up in the mid-1970s, the first phase of Guru Gobind Singh Thermal Plant, Ropar, was commissioned in 1985.

Sources said though the item was not part of the agenda list circulated among top officials and chief engineers today, the agenda in this regard had been separately forwarded by the office of Chief Engineer (Thermal Designs).

Confirming the development, MR Parihar, Director (Generation), PSPCL, said: We are just following the guidelines of the Ministry of Power and the Central Electricity Authority, which state that thermal units set up more than 25 year ago and which are not economical compared to newer ones should be shut down in phases. Our neighbouring states, including Delhi and Haryana, have already closed some units.

He said: On an average, newer units are generating power at Rs2.25 to Rs2.60 per unit as compared to Rs3.60 in the older ones. We will discuss the issue, but any decision will be taken after consulting the state government.

The employees of both theses plants have, however, opposed the move. Sukhdev Singh, state president, Indian National Trade Union Congress and Workers Federation of PSPCL, said: Before assuming power, the Congress had promised that it would run both these plants. The state is paying a hefty amount to private thermals as fixed charges. The move will further benefit them. Moreover, the board had recently spent crores on renovating these plants, especially the one in Bathinda, where Rs225 crore was spent in 2007.
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 29

State Forest Minister Dr Harak Singh Rawat today called upon the industry to understand environmental concerns and not to spoil it for petty profits.

Dr Rawat was addressing the 8th Environment Summit organised by Uttarakhand chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) here today. He said the environment was linked to life of one and all and the industry should deal with the environment cautiously and should not pollute the environment.

We believe in cooperative and friendly attitude towards the industry but you should also understand the concerns of environment and should not contribute towards pollution. Just for some profit, we cant make the entire society to be a loser, he pointed out.

He asserted that the proposed Ramnagar-Kotdwar road in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand that would criss-cross Corbett landscape would be of immense benefit for the industries and it would not only lessen the distance between the two cities but will also help Uttarakhand business avoid entering Uttar Pradesh now and then. He said the proposed road would be in consent with the environment and the wildlife and could have its major stretch in an elevated form.

He said Uttarakhand that was one of the biggest contributors towards environment protection was yet to get its due justice. Even from compensatory afforestation fund that is made up of financial contributions against conversion of forestry land into non forestry activities in Uttarakhand, the state gets a little from a fund that is its very own, he said.

Confederation of Indian Industries, Uttarakhand chapter, Vikas Garg said the industry in the state was totally sensitive towards environmental issues affecting the state. Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technologys Director-General Dr Rajendra Dobhal was also present on the occasion.
Disha Patani in her latest photoshoot for a magazine is a sight straight out of a dream.

By India Today Web Desk: Disha Patani is a sight for sore eyes. The actor, who made her Bollywood debut last year with MS Dhoni The Untold Story, is a favourite on Instagram thanks to the photos that she keeps posting.

From her holidays by the beach to oozing oomph in photoshoots, Patani knows how to keep her followers on Instagram hooked to her profile.

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Her latest posts on the photo-sharing site are from a photoshoot for a magazine.

Out of the three jaw-droppingly hot photos, the one in which she is seen in a black leather dress sure takes the cake. The dress is going to remind you of EL James's famous book, Fifty Shades of Grey.

Check out her photos:

@gqindia ?? A post shared by disha patani (paatni) (@dishapatani) on Jun 29, 2017 at 6:17am PDT

Another one ?? @gqindia A post shared by disha patani (paatni) (@dishapatani) on Jun 29, 2017 at 11:29pm PDT

On the work front, Disha is currently prepping for Baaghi 2, in which she will be seen opposite rumoured boyfriend Tiger Shroff. Disha and Tiger are supposed to start shooting for the sequel of the 2016 film Baaghi soon.

ALSO SEE: Disha Patani beats the heat in a bikini in this sizzling photoshoot

ALSO SEE: Disha Patani spends her birthday with rumoured boyfriend Tiger Shroff

ALSO READ: Tiger Shroff annoyed with rumoured girlfriend Disha Patani's possessiveness?

ALSO WATCH: Tiger Shroff opens up on kissing Baaghi co-star Shraddha Kapoor and being a rebel

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Kabul, June 30

At least 15 Taliban militants were killed in airstrikes that struck their hideout in Uruzgan province in Afghanistan, the Defence Ministry said on Friday.

The Afghan Armys MD-530 helicopters pounded the hideout in Mir Abad locality in Tirin Kot, the provincial capital, on Thursday, the ministry said.

Soldiers also found and safely detonated a car bomb in Kotwali area of the city on the same day, Xinhua news agency reported. IANS
Washington, June 30

China is not doing enough on North Korea, which continues to violate international norms by conducting nuclear and missile tests, the White House has said.

"I don't think China is doing enough now because the problem is not resolved. So the question is, how much more must we do together to address this, short of a military solution," US National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster said at a news conference.

"So that's the kind of discussions that we will continue to have with the Chinese leadership as we work together with them  not pressuring them  but working with them," McMaster said.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Germany next week.

He said it should not really be about pressuring China but about working with China in common interests.

During their talks in Florida Trump and Xi Jinping agreed on a joint objective of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

"That's a solid basis to work together on. There's a lot more to be done, however. The President has said that he will not tolerate a North Korean regime that can target the US that can reach the US with a nuclear weapon. He just won't tolerate it," he said.

"So what we have is a commitment to deliver to him a broad range of options and to do our best to work with everyone, including China, on this. So it's not a question of pressuring China. It's a question of working with China to do more about this problem so it doesn't get to everybody wants to avoid," the top White House official said.

There was speculation earlier this year that North Korea was set to provoke Trump with its sixth nuclear test since 2006. However, the reclusive state has instead carried out a series of missile launches

North Korea has in 2016 carried out two nuclear tests and 20 ballistic missile tests, all in violation of international law, according to US authorities.  PTI
Berlin, June 29

German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared headed for a collision course with US President Donald Trump today after vowing to make a stand next week for climate protection and open markets at what is expected to be the most fractious G20 summit in years.

Merkel said discussions at the July 7-8 gathering of world leaders in Hamburg would be difficult given Trumps climate scepticism and America First stance, but that she was determined to seek a clear commitment to the Paris accord against global warming and a pledge against protectionism.

When Trump announced in early June he would withdraw from the Paris deal, we knew that we could not expect discussions to be easy at the G20 summit, Merkel told the German parliament.

The differences are obvious and it would be dishonest to try to cover that up. That I wont do, she said, adding that the US exit from the 2015 Paris pact had made Europe more determined than ever to make the accord a success.

Without naming names, she also warned that those who think that the problems of this world can be solved with isolationism or protectionism are terribly wrong and pledged to seek a clear signal for open markets and against sealing off at the summit.

Trumps divergent stance has left Western allies struggling to find a common front for the G20 gatheringunlike previous summits, when differences were drawn along global north-south and east-west lines.

With Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Arabias King Salman in the volatile mix for the power meet, the list of potential minefield issues also includes the Syrian war, the Ukraine conflict and the diplomatic shut-out of Qatar.

With the fault lines multiplying, Merkels western European allies arrived in Berlin on Thursday to draw up a common battle strategy.

Merkel has called a summit between Europeans because there is a problem with the relationship with Trump, said a diplomatic source. Its necessary to ensure European cohesion because within the G20, its complicated.  AFP
Iraq retakes iconic Mosul mosque, says end of caliphate

Mosul/Erbil, June 29

After eight months of grinding urban warfare, Iraqi government troops on Thursday captured the ruined mosque in Mosul from where Islamic State proclaimed its self-styled caliphate three years ago, the Iraqi military said.

Iraqi authorities expect the long battle for Mosul to end in the coming days as the remaining Islamic State fighters are now bottled up in just a handful of neighborhoods of the Old City.

The seizure of the 850-year-old Grand al-Nuri Mosque is a huge symbolic victory for the Iraqi forces fighting to recapture Mosul, which had served as Islamic States de facto capital in Iraq. Their fictitious state has fallen, an Iraqi military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, told state TV.

The insurgents blew up the medieval mosque and its famed leaning minaret a week ago as US-backed Iraqi forces started a push in its direction. Their black flag had been flying from al-Hadba (The Hunchback) minaret since June 2014.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi issued instructions to bring the battle to its conclusion, his office said. The fall of Mosul would in effect mark the end of the Iraqi half of the IS caliphate even though the hardline group would still control territory west and south of the city.  Reuters
Islamabad, June 30

In a veiled criticism of the US, Pakistan has said the declared plans by one of the P-5 nations to expand its nuclear capabilities would renew an arms race and seriously retard global disarmament efforts.

Pakistans Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi said this during a UN Security Council debate on Global efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by non-state actors, the Dawn reported.

Lodhi criticised one of the P-5 nations that had vowed to greatly strengthen and expand nuclear capabilities by outmatching and outlasting potential competitors.

This would renew a nuclear arms race, she warned.

She was apparently alluding to US President Donald Trumps statement in which he had announced increasing the US defence budget recently, the daily said.

Lodhi argued that disarmament and non-proliferation were organically linked and criticised those nuclear-weapon states that were neither willing to give up their large inventories of nuclear weapons nor their modernisation programmes, even as they pursued non-proliferation with messianic zeal.

She pointed out that grant of discriminatory waivers to some and making exceptions out of power or profit considerations was a key challenge to non-proliferation norms and rules.

These special arrangements, she warned, carried obvious proliferation risks and opened up the possibility of diversion of the material intended for peaceful uses to military purposes, in addition to undermining regional strategic stability.

The envoy made a strong case for Pakistans membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group by highlighting her countrys credentials as a credible global partner in international non-proliferation efforts.

She expressed Pakistans commitment to Security Council resolution 1540 and said that Pakistan had submitted its fifth national implementation report as a manifestation of that commitment.

She called for strengthening of the non-proliferation regime through transparent, objective and non-discriminatory criteria that ensured equal treatment of non-NPT applicants for the NSGs membership.  PTI
Washington, June 29

Visa applicants from six Muslim-majority countries must have a close US family relationship or formal ties to a US entity to be admitted to the United States under guidance distributed by the US State Department.

The directive defined close family as a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling, including step-siblings and other step-family relations, according to a cable distributed to all US diplomatic posts on Wednesday and seen by Reuters.

Close family does not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, fiances, and any other extended family members, according to the cable, first reported by the Associated Press.

Immigration experts noted that fiances, grandparents and grandchildren did not qualify as a close family relationship.

It also specified that the relationship with a US entity must be formal, documented, and formed in the ordinary course, rather than for the purpose of evading the EO, referring to the executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on March 6 that barred most US travel by citizens of the six nations for 90 days.

The cable advises US consular officers on how to interpret Mondays Supreme Court ruling that allowed parts of the executive order, which had been blocked by the lower courts, to be implemented while the highest US court considers the matter.

The six nations included in the executive order are Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The travel ban will go into effect at 8 pm EDT (midnight GMT) on Thursday, the cable said. Asked about the guidance issued on Wednesday night, the State Department declined to comment on internal communications.

The cables language closely mirrored the Supreme Courts order on the travel ban, but appeared to be a narrow interpretation in some areas, notably in defining close family.

It was unclear on Wednesday evening whether the State Departments interpretation of the courts order would spark further legal action by opponents of the ban.

Several immigration lawyers expressed surprise on Wednesday evening that fiances, grandparents and grandchildren were not covered. This language is extremely disappointing, said Johnathan Smith, legal director at Muslim Advocates, a civil rights group.

Defining close family to exclude grandparents, cousins, and other relatives defies common sense and directly goes against the intent of the Supreme Courts order.

The directive gave several examples of what might constitute a bona fide relationship with a US entity, and said broad categories would be exempt from the travel ban, such as people eligible for student visas, as their bona fide relationship to a person or entity is inherent in the visa classification.

Similarly, those eligible for family or employment-based immigrant visa applications are exempt from the travel ban, the cable said. Trumps executive order also imposed a 120-day ban on entry to the United States by refugees.  Reuters

Bill to provide 3,000 visas to Tibetans reintroduced

Washington: A bipartisan legislation to provide visas to Tibetans was reintroduced in US Congress by two lawmakers, saying it will help the Tibetan settlements in India and Nepal. The Tibetan Refugee Assistance Act provides 3,000 immigrant visas to qualified displaced Tibetans over a three-year period.

The US has a long record of giving humanitarian assistance to other countries in need, including providing refuge to those persecuted abroad, said Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, who reintroduced the Act in the House of Representatives.

The US has a long record of giving humanitarian assistance to other countries in need, including providing refuge to those persecuted abroad, he said. The Bill supports the well-being of the Tibetan exile community as they strive to find a peaceful solution for Tibet; helps the overburdened settlements in India and Nepal; and gives displaced Tibetans the opportunity to flourish as Tibetan-Americans.  PTI

Republicans struggle to salvage healthcare effort

Washington: The top US Senate Republicans struggled on Wednesday to salvage major healthcare legislation sought by President Donald Trump, meeting privately with a parade of skeptical senators as critics within the party urged substantial changes.

Republican leaders hope to agree on changes to the legislation by Friday so lawmakers can take it up after next weeks Independence Day recess. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday abandoned plans to seek passage of it this week because Republicans did not have 50 votes to pass the bill.

For seven years, Republicans have led a quest to undo the 2010 law known as Obamacare, Obamas signature legislative achievement. Trump made dismantling it a top campaign promise during last years presidential campaign but policy differences within the party have raised doubts Republicans can achieve a repeal.

Democrats have unified against the Bill and Republicans control the Senate by a slim 52-48 margin, which means McConnell can afford to lose only two Republicans. So far at least 10, including moderates and hard-line conservatives, have expressed opposition to the current bill, although some indicated they would vote for it with certain changes. PTI
By PTI: By K J M Varma

Beijing, Jun 30 (PTI) Rejecting Bhutans claims, China today said the Doklam area in the Sikkim sector has been a traditional pasture for Chinese cattle grazers over which it has historically exercised "complete and comprehensive" control.

The Chinese assertion came amid stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops after the Indian Army blocked construction of a road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan.

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"From historical evidence we can see that Doklam has been a traditional pasture for the Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over the area," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters here.

He said that before the 1960s, if the Bhutan residents around the border wanted to graze their cattle they had to get the approval from China.

He claimed that the Doklam area was under Chinese administration since emperor Qings dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China established in 1636.

"The Tibetan dynasty and Qing dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border," he said.

"In addition to the jurisprudential evidence, the historical convention in 1890 (the Sinio-British treaty) has clearly defined it as the crossing point between China, Bhutan and Indian boundary," Lu said.

"The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," he said.

He claimed that the evidence is recognised by the Bhutan side.

Lu said the area where Chinese side undertook road construction "totally belongs to the Chinese territory" and offered to release details on this on foreign ministrys website.

He refuted Bhutans allegation that Chinese troops attempts to construct the road violated the 1988 and 1999 agreements to maintain peace and tranquilly.

"Even though China and Bhutan have not established diplomatic relationship we always maintain traditional friendship. We can tell you that Chinese people are friendly and want good relations with Bhutan people," he said.

"But our determination to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering," he said.

"The Doklam area belongs to Chinese territory and we are exercising complete and comprehensive administration over the the region and our border troops and the residents around the border are herding their cattle along this," the Chinese spokesman said.

Bhutan foreign ministry had yesterday issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory was a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affected the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries. PTI KJV PMS AKJ PMS

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The Tulsa Regional Chambers recently completed workforce study grew out of the need for more detailed information.

Tulsa was in the running for a 1,500-employee manufacturer that could eventually ramp up to 5,000 employees  a major coup for any metro area  when the site selection consultant asked for data beyond what the chamber had, said Brien Thorstenberg, senior vice president of economic development for the Tulsa Regional Chamber.

While the company eventually pulled the plug on the project, Thorstenberg said, that request for more data started the chamber on the process that ended with the study from Site Selection Group.

Tulsas economic introspection comes as the city, and the state, are slowly climbing out of an energy downturn that sent the Oklahoma unemployment rate upward for most of 2016. The economy, Gov. Mary Fallin said Tuesday, has improved but that hasnt yet been reflected in the states revenue figures.

Chris Schwinden of Site Selection Group said the study found that the Tulsa labor market, like elsewhere, is tight, especially in several of the industries that make up the citys economic base  energy and aerospace.

According to the study, the areas workforce is about 13.5 percent underemployed, particularly in white-collar professions, Schwinden said.

That underemployment plus relatively low commute times are among the pieces that make up the Tulsa regions value proposition.

He said that its tough to compare the citys underemployment with other metro areas without conducting a similar study.

Schwinden added he would estimate that its probably higher than some areas in the white-collar professions and lower in blue-collar jobs because of the depth of firms Tulsa has in manufacturing and aerospace.

For a company to make a decision on moving into a new market, the most compelling thing their officials or a consultant can hear is how another company feels about the area, Schwinden said.

In Tulsa, Schwinden said, companies are happy with their workforce and looking to expand, which is an endorsement.
Vijay Madanlal Choudhary, who was arrested by ED in May 2017, is the mastermind of bank loan fraud.

By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: The Ahmedabad wing of Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a prosecution complaint against Vijay Madanlal Choudhary, the director and main controller of Zoom Developers Pvt Ltd (ZDPL) under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, before the special PMLA Court in Indore.

Choudhary, who was arrested by ED in May 2017, is the mastermind of bank loan fraud.

The chargesheet filed by ED includes the money trail of all properties depicting how the proceeds of crime derived from the schedule offence of defrauding the Indian Banks has been diverted through ZDPL and layered through various companies/bank accounts controlled by Choudhary. Of late, the agency has already sent Letter of Requests (LRs) to UK and Switzerland.

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"It is felt that once the reply of these LRs are received, the assets/investments created abroad by Choudhary would be revealed and the role played by him to defraud the Indian Banks by diverting the money abroad will be fully established. The ED has also sought assistance of CBI in this regard," the ED official said.

Earlier, based on the investigations, ED has attached assets worth Rs 130 crore.

While some time back, the chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had alleged that Choudhary-controlled M/s Zoom Developers has caused wrongful loss to the 5 banks viz. Punjab National Bank, Syndicate Bank, Canara Bank, United Bank of India and Union Bank to the tune of Rs 966 crore.

This loss is not just limited to Rs 966 crore, but the accused has cheated more than 25 banks and involves huge public money over Rs 2,650 crore.

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A new fellowship at 36 Degrees North this summer brought together a group of Tulsa-area teachers to identify problems affecting education and develop creative solutions through work with their schools and the community.

The two-week fellowship culminated Thursday evening when the teachers pitched their ideas to a panel of judges who would decide how $20,000 from a United Way Innovation Grant would be divided to help the teachers implement their ideas.

More than 90 teachers applied for the Teacher Innovation Fellowship organized by 36 Degrees North, which provides workspace for entrepreneurs. Fifteen teachers from the Tulsa and Union public school districts were selected to participate.

Dustin Curzon, executive director of 36 Degrees North, said his team operates under the definition of an entrepreneur as anyone looking for a creative solution to an important problem.

Weve seen opportunities where teachers have great ideas and they want to implement them, Curzon said. Like a lot of entrepreneurs in the community, they just dont know where to start.

So the 36 Degrees North team invited teachers into their workspace at 36 E. Cameron St. to connect the ideas and needs of teachers with the organizations network of businesses, nonprofits and higher education institutions.

The fellowship included workshops taught by Hannah Ralston, program manager at The Mine, which has offices in 36 Degrees North and is dedicated to equipping entrepreneurs, nonprofits and others with a combination of business principles and startup approaches to creatively address community issues.

Teachers are really natural problem-solvers, and so this Teacher Innovation Fellowship was really about giving them the space, some of the additional tools, and really the resources, to do what they do best, Ralston said.

The teachers were asked to identify a problem they thought they could address at their schools. A common issue they identified was difficulty engaging students in coursework.

For some reason, theres sort of a reactive disconnect, starting as low as elementary school, with kids learning at school, explained Danielle Terrio, a special education teacher at Hamilton Elementary School.

Jenny Dungan, a fitness instructor at Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences, agreed.

What were finding is that, like Danielle said, our students arent connected to the learning. Theyre bored, Dungan said.

The teachers were split into teams based on their ideas for solutions, which were consolidated into four approaches: incorporate outdoor learning spaces; improve teachers mental health; get students involved in the community; and implement interventions to reduce behavioral problems that result in suspensions.

The participants conducted surveys to help inform their ideas and worked with their school administrators, as well as their students families and community organizations, to develop their solutions.

In addition to the funding to help implement the teachers solutions, each participant received a $1,000 stipend for taking part in the fellowship. The stipends were also funded by the United Way grant, which was obtained by 36 Degrees North.

The teachers described the experience as validating.

36 Degrees North basically gave us two weeks of paid time to analyze our problems from a teachers point of view and come up with teacher solutions to those problems, Terrio said.

The teachers were not only encouraged to think outside the box to come up with solutions, they were taught how to obtain funding to implement those solutions, said Angie Clift, who is set to start teaching at Boevers Elementary School in the fall.

Dungan said the program showed her how to turn an idea into reality by forming relationships with people in the community who want to help.

I didnt realize that the community wanted to help so much, she said.

The panel of judges to whom the teachers would pitch their ideas were Cindy Longacre, director of community initiatives for Tusla Area United Way; Brian Paschal, president of the Foundation for Tulsa Schools; and Jeff Moore, executive director of the Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth.
Funeral services are planned for a sailor with family ties to Tulsa who died when a Navy destroyer collided with a container ship off the coast of Japan earlier this month.

Sonar Technician Third Class Ngoc Tan Truong Huynh, 25, was one of seven sailors found dead in flooded berthing compartments aboard the USS Fitzgerald after the destroyer collided with a container ship off Japan early on June 17.

Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow is handling the arrangements for Huynh.

The Navy lists his hometown as Oakville, Connecticut.

Huynh, who went by Tan, was born in Da Nang, Vietnam, in 1992, and immigrated with his mother to the United States in 1994, looking for a better life, his sister told the New York Times.

Lan Huynh said the family moved often, making childhood difficult for her brother, the oldest of four siblings. He became a U.S. citizen in 2009, she said.

It was only after he joined the Navy in 2014 that he started smiling more often, she said.

Lan Huynh said her brother turned 25 the day before the collision that killed him.

Wishing him a happy birthday was the last thing we said to him, she said.

In an earlier interview with a Connecticut newspaper, his sister said Huynh will be remembered by his family as the most selfless person.

Lan Huynh, 23, told The Hartford Courant her brother enlisted because he wanted to give back to his mother. Its not something he always wanted to do, but he wanted to do something adventurous, she said.

The family moved to Connecticut when Ngoc Huynh was in the eighth grade, she said. Her brother graduated from Watertown High School and attended Naugatuck Valley Community College before enlisting in the Navy in 2014. The family moved to Oklahoma a short time later.

Lan Huynh said the hours between the collision of the ships and the identification of victims were difficult.

We honestly stayed up all night sitting by ourselves and crying our hearts out. We were constantly refreshing the web for any updates, she said.

Lan Huynh said her brother was quiet yet had the brightest smile and was the sweetest human being she knew.

I just want everyone know that he was the best brother ever, she said.
MasterChef episodes set off for their annual international jaunt next week, with episodes in Tokyo and rural Japan.

Theres also a Japanese Masterclass to wrap the week.

Sunday nights mystery box challenge sees the contestants explore the hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo, for fresh produce and local ingredients, to create an amazing dish. Then on Monday, the contestants must make an eight-course menu for the judges and some of Tokyos top foodies in a Kappo (degustation-style) restaurant.

In a game-changing episode on Tuesday night, the judges welcome the contestants to the Obuchi Tea Plantation, with the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. By the end of the days challenge, the contestant with the most impressive dish will be awarded an immunity pin.

Tokyo comes alive in the neon and bright lights of Shinjuku on Wednesday night when the contestants take over the local Yokocho, an alleyway packed with street stalls. In teams of three, they will take over three stalls and feed hundreds of diners.

Thursday night sees one contestant leave the competition after an elimination challenge inspired by the past and the future at the historic Akagi Shrine in the heart of Tokyo. Japan Week wraps with a very special MasterClass on the hilltop of Tateyama Castle with Michelin star and third-generation sushi chef, Kagehisa Imada.

In what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, Japan Week will delight and amaze, showcasing the best of Japans fresh produce, innovative local chefs and cooking trends.

7:30pm Sunday  Thursday on TEN.
By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Jun 29 (PTI) The Reserve bank has removed restrictions placed on purchase of shares in AU Small Finance Bank by foreign investors with the total foreign investment coming below the threshold caution limit. The aggregate limit of total foreign investment that can be received by the company shall remain at 49 per cent, the RBI said in a release. The restrictions placed on "the purchase of shares of the above company are withdrawn with immediate effect", the release said. AU Small Finance Bank (SFB) has hit the capital market with an IPO to raise around Rs 1,900 crore. Its share sale of 3,76,95,520 shares was oversubscribed 1.36 times on the second day of the offer today.

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The company had already raised Rs 563 crore from 34 anchor investors.

AU Small Finance Bank received licence from the RBI to set up a small finance bank in December 2016 and commenced operations from April this year. PTI KPM MR

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In the badly damaged Al-Shaar neighbourhood in East Aleppo, returnee families and displaced residents receive UNHCR relief assistance at a distribution point run by the Al Ihsan charity in March 2017.  UNHCR/Hameed Marouf

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is seeing a notable trend of spontaneous returns to and within Syria in 2017.

Aid agencies estimate that more than 440,000 internally displaced people have returned to their homes in Syria during the first six months of this year. In parallel, UNHCR has monitored over 31,000 Syrian refugees returning from neighbouring countries so far in 2017. Since 2015, some 260,000 refugees have spontaneously returned to Syria, primarily from Turkey into northern Syria.

The main factors influencing decisions for refugees to return self-assisted mostly to Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Damascus and to other governorates are primarily linked to seeking out family members, checking on property, and, in some cases, a real or perceived improvement in security conditions in parts of the country.

Given the returns witnessed so far this year and in light of a progressively increased number of returns of internally displaced people and, in time, refugees, UNHCR has started scaling up its operational capacity inside Syria. In order to adequately address the initial needs of IDP returnees, UNHCR - as part of the overall UN response inside Syria - will expand its humanitarian and protection response with a strong emphasis on providing protection services, improving shelter conditions and assist in the rehabilitation of some essential infrastructure and basic essential services, all in close coordination with respective sector lead agencies and partners.

Outside of Syria, UNHCR is strengthening monitoring of border movements and analysis of refugee intentions to be on top of any changes that could lead to a refugee return, while ensuring that refugees own voices are centre-stage in any planning around return.

While there is overall increased hope linked to the recent Astana and Geneva peace talks, UNHCR believes conditions for refugees to return in safety and dignity are not yet in place in Syria. The sustainability of security improvements in many return areas is uncertain, and there remain significant risks of protection thresholds for voluntary, safe and dignified returns not being met in parts of the country. Access to displaced population inside Syria remains a key challenge, with aid convoys still unable to access regularly even the recently newly accessible areas.

Other challenges to any sustainable and large-scale returns include limited livelihood opportunities, shortages of food and water, sporadic or non-existent health, social and other basic services. Many of Syrias schools have been damaged or destroyed and offer no possibility for education.

At this stage and while UNHCR will be investing to help, with other partners to improve conditions in accessible areas inside Syria, refugee returns from host countries can neither be promoted nor facilitated by UNHCR at this stage.

For the 5 million refugees who are generously hosted in the region, and despite some self-organized returns, there is a clear need to continue to fund and support programmes in host countries, primarily through the inter-agency 3RP regional strategy and appeal.

Ensuring access to asylum for Syrian refugees and preserving the ability and conditions for them to stay in the host countries remain critical. Meanwhile, we will also continue to monitor return movements, plan and implement our response both inside and outside Syria in partnership with UN agencies and NGOs as part of the overall UN response inside Syria. In that regard, UNHCR is pursuing a number of preparatory steps, in anticipation of the time when conditions for voluntary repatriation of refugees in conditions of safety and dignity are in place.

Of the US$304 million that UNHCR has appealed for operations to assist IDPs inside Syria in 2017, US$103 million or 33% has been received. UNHCR will be seeking an additional US$150m in 2017 to ramp up its delivery inside Syria to support both IDPs, returnees and other vulnerable people, and to help improve conditions in potential return areas.

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In Trung Phams basement, shafts of afternoon sunlight shine on the newspaper clippings and photographs that chronicle his rise as an artist. Most of the articles are now yellowed by time and the photos have a thin layer of dust resting on the glass. But the memories are vivid, sharp and clear.

In 1980, brothers Trung and John joined the waves of people fleeing persecution in Viet Nam, slipping away from Saigon one night in a small wooden boat with 59 others. In fleeing, they left behind family, friends and the home they had known all their lives. Trung left with nothing but a black leather satchel  a prize from elementary school. Inside, he stuffed sketches and watercolour paintings.

I left behind my girlfriend, Trung says. I still remember the tears on her face when I told her I was leaving. Ill never forget that.

"I still remember the tears on her face when I told her I was leaving."

Trung was among nearly 800,000 Vietnamese who crammed aboard boats and ships to flee repression after the fall of Saigon in 1975.

His boat was headed for Thailand, but after seven days on choppy seas, it began to drift off course and was intercepted by a large fishing boat, whose crew tried to return it to Viet Nam. But terrified of reprisals, the passengers rose up, commandeering the larger vessel and resuming their voyage.

Artist Trung draws on his experience as a refugee (Annie Sakkab, camera)

After reaching Thailand, Trung lived in the sticky heat of a refugee camp. Each month he received money from Long, his older brother who was studying in Japan and wanted to support his creative talents.

Trung, he's an artist, says John. So he used that money to buy papers, watercolours and brushes.

The young painter used the materials to document life in the camp, sketching his impressions onto pages with black ink as he awaited resettlement to Canada as a refugee, with his brother.

Now, 37 years later, he still keeps those pages in the house he built for himself surrounded by rolling fields near Owen Sound, in southern Ontario.

The weighty quiet of his home in the country suits him, he says. A porch extends from the back of the house, overlooking acreage of thickets, trees and water. In the living room, the satchel, a relic of his early years in Viet Nam, sits in a glass case.

The home is far removed from the Thai refugee camp and Toronto, where Trung spent his early, hectic days in Canada. But no matter how far he physically moves from the journey, it never leaves him. His most recent sculpture, a cracked wooden boat with a family of three slamming up against the waves, is a tribute to journeys similar to his. According to some estimates, just half of all families who made that trip survived.

Brothers Trung and John Pham in Trung's studio.  UNHCR/Annie Sakkab

Trung Pham creates a bust of Lincoln Alexander, Ontario's first black Lieutenant Governor.  Toronto Star

Trung Pham has spent years as an artist in Canada and much of his work has received accolades.  UNHCR/Annie Sakkab

Trung at work in his studio.  UNHCR/Annie Sakkab

When Trung fled Vietnam, he brought his paintings and sketches in a satchel.  UNHCR/Annie Sakkab

Canada has given him the refuge he needed to focus on his work, he says. His paintings and sculptures have been displayed in some of the countrys most prestigious institutions.

In tribute to the nation that welcomed and resettled him and his siblings, Trung created busts of 10 famous Canadians, including then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and environmental advocate David Suzuki.

When you die you are buried, says Trung. But the soul  the spirit  is still alive. I want to make sculptures that we can look at, so people can remember any day, any time. It lasts forever.

"I want to make sculptures so people can remember any day, any time. It lasts forever.

Inside the exposed pine ribs of Trungs studio, a dusty haze of plaster settles over the large busts congregated around his table. The diversity of his subjects is testament to his passion and vision  a former Canadian prime minister rests opposite Vietnamese generals. On the far edge of one row, Trungs late mother watches over his work.

The City of Mississauga, near Toronto, is currently working with Trung to cast a large statue in commemoration of the many Vietnamese residents now living in the area.

Younger Canadians don't understand why our people came to Canada, says Trung. But now, this figure  this statue  will show them the boat that carried the Vietnamese to freedom.

He hopes his work conveys the tragedy, as well as the dreams of those who fled Viet Nam.

Artists, they have their special soul, says John. His expression is through art  sculpting and painting. That's his life. And he will continue to do that until his last days.

Then and Now is a series of stories profiling refugees who have come to Canada over the years, in search of safety, stability and a chance at a better life. Starting from 1956, when Canada accepted its first major intake of refugees, the project uses archived images and family photos to tell the stories of refugees from Hungary, Viet Nam, Uganda, Somalia, Colombia, Cambodia, Burundi and El Salvador.
A displaced boy stands in the mud after a rainy season downpour at a makeshift camp in Bria, Central African Republic, on May 26th 2017.  UNHCR/Cassandra Vinograd

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is extremely worried over the resurgence of violence being seen in parts of the Central African Republic. Renewed violence has erupted in the towns of Zemio, Bria and Kaga Bandaro in southern and northern CAR as clashes are reported between self-defence groups and other armed groups. Civilians and humanitarian workers are also being targeted.

In Zemio, close to the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UNHCR staff are reporting intense heavy weapons fire since Tuesday. Some houses close to UNHCRs office were burnt down. Over 1,000 people have fled their homes. Many are seeking refuge in a Catholic church in the town, while some 66 people have sought safety in the UNHCR compound  among them terrified women and children in fear of their lives.

Violence has also seriously impacted Congolese refugees living in a camp in Zemio, which was invaded by armed men in recent days. Since the incident, many refugees including men, women and children have returned to the DRC, in fear for their lives. The camp was hosting around 3,000 Congolese refugees.

In the town of Bria, several hundred kilometres northeast of the capital, Bangui, clashes were reported on June 20 that continued for three consecutive days. Many people are reported to have fled to the bush. Reports suggest a camp for internally displaced, hosting some 2,400 in the Ndourou IV district is now completely empty with its whole population having fled the recent attacks.

Indiscriminate attacks in Bria have left some 136 people dead and 36 wounded, with 600 houses burned and an additional 180 looted. These are conservative estimates. People fleeing the violence speak of having witnessed brutal attacks, killings, robberies, lootings and kidnappings.

In a separate incident, unidentified armed men tried to break in to UNHCR accommodation in Kaga Bandaro in the north of the country on Wednesday night with the intention of attacking staff and looting belongings. The attack was thwarted by MINUSCA Forces.

Insecurity is preventing UNHCR staff and other humanitarians to assess the full extent of damages or displacement from the recent violence. However, our teams were able to distribute relief items including plastic sheets, blankets, mats, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, buckets and soap to more than 5000 households in accessible parts of Bria in the south over the past three weeks - despite the fragile security situation.

UNHCR renews its call on all parties to the conflict in the area to immediately end attacks against civilians and aid workers. UNHCR is also seeking immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to assist those affected by the recent wave of violence.

Violence in CAR has uprooted some 503,600 people inside the country including more than 100,000 in 2017, and more than 484,000 have been registered as refugees in neighbouring countries (Cameroon, DRC, Chad and Republic of Congo). Some 21,500 have fled across the border into the DRC over the last several weeks

For more information on this topic, please contact:
March 2017, just days after the Whanganui river in New Zealand was given the status of a legal person by an Act of Parliament, the High Court of Uttarakhand in India ruled that the Ganga river and one of its tributaries, the Yamuna, were living entities, and accorded them the status of a legal person. Religious sentiments of Hindus, the dependence of almost half of India's population on the river, and its present dire condition were cited as reasons for scaling up its legal status, and to enable greater protection.

Ten days later, the court took a judicial leap. It ruled to include 'Himalayan mountain ranges, glaciers, rivers, streams, rivulets, lakes, jungles, air, forests, meadows, dales, wetlands, grasslands, and springs?' as legal entities/persons. Entities and objects such as religious idols, corporate bodies and financial trusts are routinely accorded legal personality and rights for procedural functions, such as being represented in courts, owning property and enforcing contracts. What was unprecedented was that the Ganga was personified as Ma or Mother to people in India and unequivocally given the legal status of a human being.

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Taxonomically speaking, whether the status of an ape of the genus Homo, and just one of them, for an entire river system and all the life in it is truly an elevation, or just an Oedipal obsession, is a longer story. However, since a river is unable to 'speak for itself', the court nominated three government bureaucrats as loco parentis or local guardians; the chief secretary, the advocate general of the state, and the director of Namami Gange (a government project to clean the Ganga), to ensure protection of these rivers and represent them in court.

The two court verdicts make difficult reading. Apart from what the 'Lordships have held as under', the texts are rambling, repetitive and barely proof-read. They come across as hurried first drafts. Despite their untidy presentation, let us be clear: they are stunningly bold, pioneering first steps in a judicial realm that is still uncertain. And they have taken the bureaucracy by the?well, horns. They have, apart from recommending institutional frameworks and legislative reform, directed the government to take time-bound and serious action against offenders. Problem is, the offenders include industrial corporations, hydropower corporations and the builders' nexus, ashrams and hotels, besides municipal corporations.

Not surprisingly, barely three months after these rulings, the government of Uttarakhand has challenged the court's verdict in the Supreme Court, contending that the verdict is 'unsustainable in the law' and constitutes judicial overreach. They have asked to be relieved of the function of legal guardians of the river and have played on diversionary aspects that are sure to resonate with bureaucracy: uncertainty and financial liability. Their plea, for example, raises the scaremongering questions of whether, in the event of casualty during floods, the chief secretary, one of the loco parentis, could be sued for damages, and whether the state government would be financially liable, and would they have such resources.

What will come of this path-breaking verdict in the Supreme Court is uncertain right now. Have no doubt, the case will be sought to be further mired with other metaphors such as 'Development' for competing uses of water from our rivers, and 'Renewable Energy' for stealing of entire rivers for hydropower for the peaking hours of the ravenous metropolis.

Perhaps we need to reconcile our metaphors with our actions. Can we call the Ganga 'Ma', and the holiest of all rivers in India, and continue to contribute to over a billion gallons of shit, sewage and industrial poisons that are poured into it every day? And just because we have dressed up the Ganga with beautiful metaphors that are dominant today, does this concern not apply to every river in our subcontinent, with smaller but equally poetic metaphors of their own?

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The writer is a river enthusiast and researcher based in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

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In line with the big Independence Day, "GTA 5 Online" will be rolling out an all new holiday-themed update for the July 4 event. Also, Rockstar Games confirmed a new single-player mods policy for the action-adventure video game.

As everyone will celebrate Independence Day, it has notably been the tradition of the video game company to launch a "GTA 5 Online" Independence Day update. The development team is gearing up a few goodies for its loyal GTA fans.

The "GTA 5 Online" Independence Day update allows players to receive a set of patriotic weapon skins as well as a Mobile Operations Center livery. The Patriotic weapon skin will be up for grabs for $100,000 and it can be applied to pistols, sniper rifles as well as the heavy MG, VG 24/7 reported.

The video game company, has updated its support page explaining what kind of modifications Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. will take legal action against. The updated support page notes that neither party can endorse unofficial game mods. Game developers should still pay attention to Rockstar Games and Take-Two's recent confrontation with the Modding community of the GTA.

Meanwhile, "GTA 5 Online" is set to receive new content. The Gun Running DLC on PS4, PC and Xbox One is set to be expanded further. This is for the reason that the video game company holds back several vehicles to add excitement in the weeks ahead, Express reported.

So far, the four new supercars to be added in the "GTA 5 Online" are over the $500,000 mark. The video game developer is relying on "GTA 5 Online" players to take advantage of the latest Gun Running missions to acquire extra cash to purchase the upcoming new cars. Moreover, some existing vehicles will be getting a Gun Running upgrades that will be available in a player's Garage.

Watch The Video Here:
At midnight tonight, PM Narendra Modi, accompanied by his cabinet and dignitaries such as Amitabh Bachchan and Rata Tata, will roll out the Goods and Services Tax at the Central Hall in Parliament.

By India Today Web Desk: With Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar and Ratan Tata in attendance at the historic Central Hall of Parliament midnight today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get his 'Tryst with Destiny' moment when he leads India towards the revolutionary tax regime - Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Although some Opposition parties led by the Congress has decided to boycott the joint session of both Houses of Parliament, GST's midnight birthday bash will be a star-studded affair with eminent personalities from all walks of life joining the party.

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The midnight session of Parliament will be reminiscent of India's independence on the midnight of August 14 and 15 in 1947 when first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru gave the historic speech on India's 'Tryst with Destiny'.

PARLIAMENT SCHEDULE:

President Pranab Mukherjee will enter Parliament at around 10.40 pm.

Function may start around 11.10 pm and end at 00:10 am

WHO ALL ARE INVITED:

Besides MPs, at least 100 prominent personalities from different walks of life have been invited to witness this historic moment.

Top invitees are:

(1) Amitabh Bachchan who had recently featured in GST promotional ads

(2) India's nightingale Lata Mangeshkar

(3) Eminent industrialist Ratan Tata

(4) 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan

(5) Eminent lawyers Soli Sorabjee, Harish Salve, and KK Venugopal, tipped to be the next Attorney General of India

(6) RBI Governor Urijit Patel as well as his predecessor Raghuram Rajan

(7) Chief Election Commissioner Naseem Zaidi

(8) Comptroller and Auditor General of India Shashi Kant Sharma

(9) Central Vigilance Commissioner of India KV Chowdhary

(10) BJP president Amit Shah has been extended an invitation too

Several personal invitations in the form of phone calls have been made by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar and Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu.

A number of business tycoons and bank CMDs are also expected to be present at the bash. Altogether about 18 chief ministers from different states are also expected to be present.

While the government extended invitations to all opposition parties, some of them including the Trinamool Congress, the DMK and the Left, besides the Congress have decided to give the event a miss.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE MIDNIGHT SESSION:

Present on the podium will be President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

A seventh chair which was kept for former prime minister Manmohan Singh will now be removed as the Congress is boycotting the midnight session.

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The programme will kick off with a 10-minute feature film on GST, after which the President and the Prime Minister are scheduled to make 25-minute addresses each to the gathering.

The new taxation regime, hailed as India's biggest taxation reform since Independence, will be launched with the beating of a gong when the clock strikes 12.

A seating capacity of 1000 people has been created inside the Central Hall of Parliament.

The circular-shaped Central Hall, which has six galleries on its first floor, is used for holding joint sittings of the two Houses. So far the iconic hall has seen only three midnight sessions.

Also Read

Foreign media on GST: Ready or not, Indian businesses brace for biggest-ever tax reform

How GST travelled on the long road from Rajiv Gandhi to Narendra Modi

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More than 12,000 students and teachers from southeastern Wisconsin were on the edge of their seats in the stands of Miller Park on April 6, 2017 ... while learning about inclement weather and watching demonstrations on eclipses, making clouds and preparing pets for emergencies for Weather Day.

April 6, 2017 - Southeastern Wisconsin students and teachers line up at Wisconsin Emergency Management's booth during the Brewers' Science Fair, part of Weather Day at Miller Park in Milwaukee. Wisconsin Emergency Management, part of the state Department of Military Affairs, interacted with thousands of children for Weather Day, a program designed to educate youth about weather hazards and how to be prepared in the event of a weather emergency. (Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Katie Eggers) Weather Day provides students an opportunity to learn about seasons, precipitation, climates and storms in a fun environment. Participants are divided into two teams, and questions were asked on the jumbo screen, along with videos and demonstrations on the field. The event was sponsored by the Milwaukee Brewers and WTMJ-TV, whose meteorologists were the hosts.



Wisconsin Emergency Management teamed up with WTMJ-TV and Hank the Brewers Ballpark Pup to talk about pet preparedness this year.



According to Tod Pritchard, of Wisconsin Emergency Management and Ready Wisconsin, Wisconsin is heading into that time of year where weather warnings and watches happen, and situations where people need to have a plan and know what to do.



After the Weather Day presentation was over, students and teachers were able to attend the Brewers' Science Fair, which had exhibits from Discovery World, Milwaukee Area Technical College, the Milwaukee Public Museum and the National Weather Service. Wisconsin Emergency Management set up a booth with giveaways and information about emergency preparedness kits.



Here, for Ready Wisconsin, our biggest goal is to teach [students and teachers] about severe weather and how to get ready for emergency situations, Pritchard said.



Members of the Wisconsin National Guard also interacted with students and teachers at Wisconsin Emergency Managements booth, handing out pencils and bracelets.



We work together just about every day, whether were planning or were responding to a severe weather threat, said retired Brig. Gen. Mark Michie. The National Guard and Wisconsin Emergency Management have to work together every day to ensure that were prepared and ready to respond to help the citizens of Wisconsin.



Wisconsin Emergency Management also invited members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a crucial partner headquartered in Chicago, to help with the Weather Day booth.



Our goal is to make sure as many of these kids take this message and actually use it, so next time severe weather threatens, or a disaster or any kind of emergency happens, they have a better idea of what they can do to keep themselves safe and also keep their families safe, said Troy Christensen, a FEMA representative. Its a really, really crucial way of getting that message out. By U.S. Army Sgt. Katie Eggers

Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

Provided through DVIDS

Copyright 2017 Comment on this article
UTSA Senior Associate Vice President for Economic Development Robert McKinley

(June 30, 2017) -- The UTSA SBDC International Trade Center (ITC), which leads the SBDC Global Program, has been recognized for its collaborative work with the Mexican Association of SBDCs to grow businesses and create jobs in Mexico.

Since 2003, UTSA and its partners in the SBDC Global Program have built a network of 120 Mexican universities providing extension services to grow businesses and jobs.

UTSA Senior Associate Vice President for Economic Development Robert McKinley; International Trade Center Director Cliff Paredes and Senior International Business Advisor Julio Garcia de las Mestas traveled to Guadalajara, Jalisco for the 18th annual Mexican Association of SBDCs / Asociacion Mexicana de Centros para el Desarrollo de la Pequena Empresa (AMCDPE) Conference.

The AMCDPE is Mexicos version of the U.S. Association of Small Business Development Centers, which works with various organizations and agencies to strengthen Mexicos economy.

This year, the AMCDPE recognized McKinley during a gala with a brief ceremony, award presentation and video tribute, honoring his work and commitment to the AMCDPE and the positive economic growth that Mexico has seen as a result of UTSAs work.

McKinley has played an instrumental leadership role in facilitating the ITCs SBDC Global Program, leading the expansion of SBDCs across 22 countries in the Western Hemisphere, including Mexico. In 2016, the foreign SBDC networks grew to 150 centers, which served more than 50,000 small businesses across Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Texas and Mexico are neighbors forever, and economically have a shared destiny, so we are very committed to partnering with Mexican universities in education, research, and community engagement," said McKinley.

Since 2003, the Institutes SBDC International Trade Center has been a key partner for the AMCDPE, and other Mexican governmental organizations, to help develop the now extensive network of SBDCs throughout the country.

The SBDC International Trade Center at UTSA is one of the largest and most successful trade assistance organizations in Texas. Hosted by the Institute for Economic Development, it helps companies become globally competitive through technical trade consulting, customized market research and innovative training programs.
On the night of August 14, Jawaharlal Nehru had made his famous 'tryst with destiny' speech in the Central Hall of Parliament, which effectively announced the independence of India from the British.

By India Today Web Desk: Defending its decision to skip Parliament's special midnight session tonight ahead of the launch of the landmark Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Congress today called it an insult to 1947 and called it an "ideological" boycott.

"The midnight launch of the GST is an insult to 1947," senior Congress leader Anand Sharma told Rajdeep Sardesai at India Today's Midnight Conclave being held at New Delhi's Hotel Taj Mansingh.

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On the night of August 14, Jawaharlal Nehru had made his famous 'tryst with destiny' speech in the Central Hall of Parliament, which effectively announced the independence of India from the British.

It was for this reason, Sharma said, that the NDA government's decision to announce a tax reform through a special midnight session of Parliament is a "publicity stunt". "A government works not by event management, but by its work," he said.

Sharma claimed the GST was brought up by the Congress when it was in power and the BJP always opposed it. "Modi as CM always opposed GST," he said.

When asked whether the Congress boycott of the Parliament session is to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sharma said he is only an individual. "Our boycott is not targeted against an individual," he said.

When Sardesai reminded Sharma that the government had invited former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to share the dais with Modi, Sharma said an "invitation to Dr Singh was not a favour".

Also Read:

Complete GST Midnight Conclave coverage

There are glitches in GST, will fix them: Venkaiah at Tryst With Tax Conclave

GST: Retailers, stressed about 37 returns? Revenue Secy Adhia has some news for you

Busy Nitish to skip GST launch at Parliament tonight

Narendra Modi awaits tryst with GST as India prepares for one nation, one tax

Watch the video here: Congress to skip GST midnight launch, calls it ideological boycott at Tryst with Tax Conclave

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Adhia says retailers only have to fill out one form a month and that a computer will take care of the other two. He cautioned citizens against falling for "misinformation."

By India Today Web Desk: Hours ahead of the big GST (Goods and Service Tax) launch in Parliament, Hasmukh Adhia, Revenue Secretary in Arun Jaitley's Finance Ministry, sought to allay fears surrounding the new tax regime , and caution citizens against believing "misinformation."

Adhia, who has called GST both a technological and fiscal "marvel," spoke to the news agency ANI about the number of returns retailers will be expected to file every year under the new regime.

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"People are saying that three returns need to be filed every month. No, just one. You (retailers) only need to fill out one return a month. The computer will make the other two," Adhia said.

"And composite dealers don't need to fill out a return every month, just once every three months. And that too, just the total turnover details," he added.

Courtesy: ANI/Twitter

'NOTHING TO WORRY ON GST IMPLEMENTATION'

Adhia said there was no need for "big IT infra(structure)" to implement GST.

"Even B2B (business-to-business transactions) don't need big software. We will give free software," he said.

(We) will give an excel format for B2B, so they can keep invoice details updated and upload (them) every month on the 10th."

Adhia promised that GST, the largest tax overhaul since Independence, would provide benefits to "honest taxpayers."

The new regime - 'One Nation One Tax' - will be launched at midnight in New Delhi at an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee.

(Inputs from agencies)

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Hailing the GST a good and simple tax, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the credit for the rollout of the tax reform with all parties, calling it a collective achievement.

By India Today Web Desk: Acknowledging the contributions of all parties in helping the Goods and Services Tax see the light of day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that the rollout of the tax reform would help chart out a new course for the country and that its launch should not be seen as the achievement of any one party or government alone.

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While speaking in Parliament during a special function to launch the GST, Modi said, "We are deciding India's future course. We will chart a new course for the country at midnight with the launch of GST, which is not an achievement of any party or government only but a collective one. It's scope is not limited to the financial system."

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President M. Hamid Ansari and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley along with several cabinet ministers and MPs were also present in Parliament.

He said the dream of "one nation, one tax" would be realised with this landmark tax reform coming into effect.

MODI LISTS BENEFITS OF GST

Listing some of the several benefits the implementation of this milestone tax reform would bring, Modi said, "GST is a good and simple tax. It is a catalyst that will end imbalance in trade and help increase export promotion. GST will protect citizens of Inspector Raj and help check black money and corruption. People will no longer have to wait for hours at toll plazas with the GST integrating 31 states and union territories as one."

The Prime Minister went on to say, "GST is economic integration of India just like what Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had done decades ago to integrate the country."

Issuing a word of caution at the same time, Modi said that while there may be some minor hiccups in the immediate wake of the rollout of the tax reform, people will soon adjust and the glitches will be ironed out before long.

HERE IS EVERYTHING THAT THE PRIME MINISTER SAID ABOUT THE TAX REFORM

1. The Good and Simple Tax is about collective effort. GST isn't just about India's economy but about democracy and cooperative federalism.

2. It's not about achievement of one party or one government, but it's our collective legacy, a fruit of our collective efforts.

3. It's about history. Central hall of Parliament has been witness to history.

On Dec 9, 1946, the Constituent Assembly first met here

On Aug 14, 1947, India gained independence

On Nov 26, 1949 Constitution of India was adopted

4. For a step towards new economy and a new unifying system, there couldn't be a more appropriate place.

5. It's about consensus. India debated its Constitution for two years, 11 months and 17 days. In the same way, GST is a result of long discussions between the Centre and states in which the best brains of the country participated.

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6. It's about equality. The Constitution gave all citizens the same opportunity and the same rights. GST brings all people of various states together in a single tax structure.

7. It's about Team India. GST is about cooperative federalism and the strength to walk together. It shows team India's potential. Horizontal sharing of burden will take the country in a vertical direction.

8. It's about the poor. GST Council has ensured that the services to the poor are not affected. Empathy towards the poor was on top of their mind. The poor will benefit most from GST.

9. Small traders with turnover up to Rs 20 lakh are exempt and even for those with Rs 75 lakh turnover, the aim is to bring them into the system. There will be no additional burden on the small businesses

10. It's about coincidence. GST was the result of GST Council's 18th meeting today. Gita, coincidentally, has 18 chapters.

11. It's about one India. If Sardar Valbhbhai Patel hadn't unified the 500 princely states, what would India look like? Like Patel unified India, today we are talking about the economic integration of India.

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12. Before GST, we had 500 different kind of taxes. Today from Ganganagar to Itanagar, from Leh to Lakshdweep we have one nation, one tax.

13. It's about transparency. GST is an opportunity to clean up black money. It's an opportunity for honest traders. It brings a new governance culture.

14. It's about ending tax terror. We have all heard about tax terrorism and Inspector Raj. GST is about technology and creates a tech trail. The grey area for bureaucracy is coming to an end.

15. It's a Good and Simple Tax. The world calls it Goods and Services Tax but it's actually a Good and Simple Tax. It's good as there's no tax on tax and simple because there's one form and one system.

16. It's about India. India has emerged as a favourite destination for foreign investors and foreign investors will benefit with a simple tax structure.

17. GST will act as a catalyst that helps remove India's trade imbalance and strengthen export promotion.

18. It's about development. GST will help those states that have natural resources but have lagged in development. All states will get equal opportunity and that's a big thing.

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19. It's like our railway that Centre and states run together but we see it as Indian Railway. GST is about the Centre and states working towards a defined goal.

20. It's nothing to fear. Not everyone is tech savvy but everyone knows a Class 10 or Class 12 student who can help. Even when the number of your spectacles changes, you need to adjust to it.

(WITH INPUTS FROM IANS)

WATCH VIDEO

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The prospects of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May have plummeted because of a disastrous election gamble AFP/Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS

Only with support from the small ultra-conservative Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), was May's legislative programme - known as the Queen's Speech - approved after 323 votes in favour and 309 against in the 650-seat parliament.

May's minority government had earlier announced it would change abortion rights for Northern Irish women ahead of a threatened revolt by MPs in a separate vote.

The announcement led the opposition Labour Party to withdraw an amendment to the Queen's Speech demanding the state-run National Health Service (NHS) in England stop charging women coming from the province, where abortion is illegal except when the life of the mother is in danger.

Just hours before it went to a vote, ministers wrote to MPs promising to stop the charges.

May's personal authority is deeply damaged after calling the election three years early, hoping to go into Brexit negotiations with a strengthened mandate. But instead of a landslide win she suffered a rebuff from voters which has left her exposed.

May cut short a trip to Berlin on Thursday with European allies ahead of next week's G20 summit, to ensure she was present for the vote.

BREXIT PLANS IN FLUX

The majority of the bills in the Queen's Speech concerned Britain's departure from the European Union, on which the first formal negotiations took place last week.

May's Brexit plan to quit the single union and customs union is under severe scrutiny as pro-EU members of her government sense an opportunity to use her weak position to force concessions.

Calls to prioritise jobs over immigration controls are growing, particularly from finance minister Philip Hammond. He criticised eurosceptic Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson this week over his claim that Britain could "have its cake and eat it" in the negotiations.

Hammond has emphasised the need for transitional deals to avoid a damaging "cliff-edge" when Britain leaves the EU, though Brexit minister David Davis has appeared to slap him down.

Labour, which won 262 seats in the election, officially accepts that Britain will be leaving the single market but wants "full tariff-free access" to protect jobs.

Some Labour MPs tabled an amendment to the Queen's Speech on Thursday calling for the government to consider staying in Europe's single market, a move that threatened to re-open divisions in the party.

It was defeated by 322 votes to 101 but dozens of Labour MPs voted in favour despite Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn ordering them to abstain, prompting the opposition leader to sack three of his frontbenchers while another had resigned before the vote.

'FUTURE LEADER'

May announced a deal with the DUP on Monday where they agreed to back her government in confidence and budget votes, in return for an extra 1.0 billion (1.1 billion, US$1.3 billion) in state aid for Northern Ireland.

The DUP's 10 MPs will vote with the 317 Conservatives on key issues.

The two parties together defeated a Labour amendment to the Queen's Speech late Wednesday calling for an end to a six-year cap on public sector pay.

But government officials had earlier indicated they may review the policy, reflecting concern among Conservative MPs about continued austerity.

The DUP deal has also caused disquiet among Conservative ranks because of the ultra-conservative Northern Irish party's strident views on abortion and gay marriage.

Many commentators question how long the alliance will last, while May's future is widely discussed in terms of when, not if, she will stand down.
State President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Russian President V. Putin  Photo: Sputnik

President V. Putin welcomed and praised the first official visit of Mr. Tran Dai Quang as the State President of Viet Nam to Russia.

He said Russia always regards Viet Nam as one of its prioritized partners in the Asia-Pacific Region. He was upbeat about a new impetus for the bilateral ties in the coming time.

State President Quang expressed his pleasure to visit Russia, praising the great achievements Russia has made in the cause of national modernization and development.

The Vietnamese Head of State affirmed Viet Nams consistent policy of attaching importance to cementing and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia.

At the atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, the two leaders exchanged views and approved a string of measures to beef up the bilateral ties.

They expressed their satisfaction at the political trust which had been unceasingly consolidated via regular reciprocal visits at all level, effective dialogue mechanisms. Especially, in 2017, the two countries witnessed important high-level diplomatic activities.

Both sides were satisfied at the economic and commercial linkages and agreed to strive for a US$ 10 billion two-way trade turnover by 2020.

They were unanimous in working closely to implement the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) which took effect since October 2016; facilitate respective business and export operation, including negotiations for agreements in food safety, trade promotion, and payment of domestic currencies.

The two sides agreed to proactively conduct projects of priority, including petroleum joint ventures in Viet Nam and Russia, the light industry project in Moscow, TH Group projects in Russian localities; early establish joint ventures in automobile assembling and production in Viet Nam; research feasible projects in energy, infrastructure; and continually cooperate in nuclear power projects in favor of peaceful purposes.

The two sides pledged to continue to shake hands in national defense-security, especially in military technique; expand cooperation in other potential fields namely science-technology, education-training, culture, tourism, labor, and local cooperation.

The Vietnamese sides agreed to support Russia to host Russian cultural days in Viet Nam in 2017.

State President Quang took the occasion to thank Russian agencies for their support to the overseas Vietnamese community there and seek their further assistance for the community to serve as a positive bridge to promote exchanges of people and promote the bilateral ties.

The two leaders also exchanged view on regional and international issues of common concern and agreed to work closely at multilateral forums, including the UN, APEC, ASEM. The Russian side promised to cooperate with Viet Nam in favor of successful APEC 2017.

Mr. Quang invited Russian President V. Putin to pay an official visit to Viet Nam and attend the 2017 APEC Economic Leaders Meeting. Mr. V. Putin thanked and accepted.

Both sides were unanimous in peaceful solutions to any disputes in the East Sea without using force or threat of force on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the fully and effective enforcement of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the early completion of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

After talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of important documents, including the Operational Regulation of the Viet Nam-Russia high-level working group on prioritized investment projects; a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and Rosatom group on the building of a nuclear science and technology research centre in Viet Nam; an agreement between the State Bank of Viet Nam and the Central Bank of Russia on anti- money laundering from crimes and anti-terrorism sponsoring; a cooperative agreement between the Viet Nam News Agency and Sputnik Agency; a MoU between the Viet Nam State Treasury and the Treasury of Russia; a cooperative program on space aviation between the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology and Roscosmos Group in the 2017-2022 period; a plan between Viet Nam Railways and Russian Railways.
French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire during a two-day visit to New York announced plans to attract US banks to Paris following Brexit. (Photo: AFP/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

French economy minister Bruno Le Maire highlighted the proposal as a way to position Paris to compete with Dublin, Frankfurt and other centres for an expected shift in finance jobs out of London due to Brexit. Most international financial contracts are written in English and make reference to British law.

"We will create a special court to handle disputes relating to financial contracts governed by English law, once the UK leaves the EU," Le Maire said in a speech at the New York Economic Club.

"All proceedings will take place in English. We will hire people with experience in common law, regardless of where they come from."

Over the course of two days in New York, Le Maire was to meet with executives from large banks, including JPMorgan chief executive Jamie Dimon and senior officials at Citigroup, Morgan Stanley and BlackRock.

Le Maire also planned to hand deliver a personal letter from French President Emmanuel Macron to the executives outlining his government's measures to attract business ahead of a public announcement by the French prime minister in mid-July, according to a person familiar with the matter.

As Macron takes the first steps to relax France's rigid labor laws, Le Maire echoed the president's robust defense of the European Union and said France was committed to making its economy less encumbered by red tape and excessive taxation.

"We will build on our strengths and do away with what is stopping our economy from being as dynamic as it could be," he said. "I'm confident we can deliver because the political momentum makes change finally possible."
At a joint press conference following talks between the two leaders in Moscow, the two leaders announced that the investment will be poured into 20 priority projects, including a joint Vietnamese-Russian oil and gas enterprise, the construction of a light industrial zone in Moscow and projects carried out by Vietnamese dairy group TH in some Russian localities.



Another US$500 million would be spent on projects with high potentials in new areas of bilateral cooperation like agriculture or medicinal herbs, the leaders said.



The two countries have also set an ambitious target of raising bilateral trade to US$10 billion by 2020.



Oil and gas will remain the top priority sector for cooperation between the two countries, Putin said.



Vietsovpetro, a Vietnam-Russia joint venture, accounts for a third of the crude oil extracted in Vietnam.



Putin said Russia is committed to providing Vietnam with LPG and other fuels. He also said Russian enterprises are ready to join in modernizing Vietnams power plants and help the country build new power plants.



The two leaders also agreed to coordinate closely with each other in implementing the Vietnam-Eurasia Economic Union (VN-EAEU) Free Trade Agreement in order to fully exploit its advantages for further cooperation in trade and investment.



The FTA, involving Vietnam, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, was signed in May 2015 and took effect on October 5 last year.



Vietnam and Russia are committed to creating favourable conditions for enterprises to step up trading, including signing agreements on food safety management and promoting payment in Vietnamese Dong and the Russian rouble, the leaders said.



Joint ventures to assemble and produce cars in Vietnam will soon be set up and cooperation stepped up in energy and infrastructure. The two sides will also consider the possibility for continuing cooperation in the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes.



The two nations have also agreed to tighten coordination in humanitarian field. In 2019, the two countries will celebrate the 25th anniversary of a treaty on basic principles for the bilateral friendship, hence they will designate 2019 as the Year of Vietnam in Russia and vice versa.



On the East Sea (South China Sea) dispute, Quang and Putin agreed that any border or territorial dispute should be resolved by peaceful means without resorting to the threats or use of force, in accordance with international law, first of all the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS).



They agreed the Declaration of Conduct in the East Sea (DOC) should be implemented fully and effectively, and hoped that a Code of Conduct (COC) will soon be completed.



During their talks, President Putin affirmed that Vietnam will always be a priority partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region. He said he believes that Quangs visit will provide fresh impetus to the development of the bilateral ties in the coming time.



President Quang reiterated that Vietnam has consistently prioritised strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in order to promote further bilateral cooperation in all fields.



Vietnam appreciates Russias role and hopes Russia will continue making active contributions to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the Asian-Pacific region, he said



The same day, the two leaders witnessed the signing ceremonies for several cooperation projects including the building a nuclear technology and science centre in Vietnam between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Russian Rosatom Group, a cooperation agreement on anti-money laundering between the State Bank of Vietnam and the Financial Market Relations Regulation Centre, and another between the Vietnam News Agency and the Sputnik.



A memorandum on technical cooperation between the two State treasuries was also signed in the presence of the presidents, along with a 2017-2022 cooperation programme in aerospace technology between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities, and an agreement between the Vietnam Railways Corporation and the Russian Railways Open Joint Stock Company.
The White Tiger oil field, a cooperation project between Vietnam and Russia, started commercial exploitation in 1986

Vietnamese investment flows back to Russia

TH Group is deploying a dairy farming and milk processing complex in Russia with a total investment sum of about $2.7 billion, far exceeding the initial capitalisation of $500 million. It was constructed in the middle of May 2016 and is expected to be launched at the end of this year.

At the beginning of 2018, the first TH milk products made in Moscow will be available on the market.

In the first stage, TH will build an area to produce materials on 50,000 hectares, housing 45,000 cows, 21,600 of which are dairy cows, and a factory with the capacity of 800 tonnes of milk a day. On top of this, TH also plans to establish a chain of 300 TH True Mart stores all across Russia.

The project is a remarkable milestone in the investment cooperation between Vietnam and Russia. Previously, cash flows in most cases went in one direction from Russia to Vietnam. However, this time there are flows in the opposite direction as well.

During his recent visit to Vietnam, Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, participated in an investment promotion event in Vietnam. Russia also looks forward to inviting Vietnamese investors to join the Russian market, providing many encouraging policies and benefits.

We all know that Vietnam and the Russian Federations relationship has always been amicable. With such a basis of strong friendship, it is more likely that our economic cooperation with transnational investment will breed success for both, said Trutnev.

After two years of implementing investment promotion policies, the Far Eastern Federal District has attracted 500 new projects, with the total investment of about $60 billion.

We are very eager to welcome all Vietnamese investors to come to the Far Eastern Federal District, he said.

In recent years, investment from Vietnam to Russia has increased dramatically, from an accumulated $100 million in 2008 to $2.4 billion at the moment, mostly focusing on oil, commerce, and agriculture. The biggest investment projects from Vietnam to Russia include Rusvietpetro, Gazpromviet, TH TRUE Milk, and Hanoi-Moscow Trade Centre.

Abundant opportunities for cooperation

While investment from Vietnam to Russia has increased dramatically in recent years, investment in the opposite direction is slowly decreasing. In the first five months of this year, Russian businesses only invested $7.2 million in Vietnam, pushing the accumulated Russian investments to roughly $1 billion.

Even the amount of Russian investment to Vietnam is not huge. In addition, most investments are in traditional sectors, such as petroleum. Besides transnational company Vietsovpetro, there are a number of other companies, such as Rusvietpetro, Vietgazprom, and Gazpromviet, that seek business opportunities between Vietnam, Russia, and a third country.

In April 2017 there was a meeting in Moscow between the leaders of the two biggest petroleum companies of Vietnam and Russia, Gazprom and PVN. The two leaders discussed petroleum extraction in Vietnam, as well as petroleum projects in Russia.

Gazprom has actually been participating in the Hai Thach-Moc Tinh Gas Field project in Vietnam since 2003, extracting a total of 6.6 billion cubic metres of gas. In 2016 only, gas output was two billion cubic metres.

Besides, the two leaders also discussed geological exploration at lot No. 112 and No. 129-132 on the Vietnamese coast, the implementation of the Nagumanovskoye oil-gas-condensate field and the Severo-Purovskoye gas-condensate field in Russia, and discussed a potential joint venture in the gas-electricity field and natural gas vehicles (NGV).

Once these agreements become reality, oil and gas cooperation between Vietnam and Russia will cooperate more effectively, opening further opportunities between the two countries.

The Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan), which came into effect on October 5, will create huge opportunities for investors of all the participating countries.

The Eurasian market has a total GDP of $2.2 trillion and a population of 183 million people. Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union have set the goal of boosting two-way trade revenue to $10 billion by 2020.

President Tran Dai Quangs visit to Belarus and Russia between June 26 and July 1, 2017 will create more opportunities for strengthening Vietnams economic ties with Russia and Belarus.
The ruling was made nearly two months after Grab Vietnam introduced its GrabShare service to local users in early May, while Uber Vietnam announced intentions to launch a similar service, UberPool, in the Southeast Asian country.

GrabShare and UberPool both allow one passenger to share their ride and split the cost with another rider headed in the same direction.

Grab launched GrabShare in Vietnam on May 9, claiming that the feature can help passengers save up to 30 percent on their ride.

When Tuoi Tre News checked the Grab app on June 29, the feature was still available in the ride type options.

In a dispatch sent to Grab Vietnam and Uber Vietnam, the transport ministry said the fare-splitting option is a violation of current legal regulations.

In Vietnam, Uber and Grab are classified as companies that provide passenger transportation services via electronic contracts.

Users and drivers agree upon their trip and fare via the contract made on the smartphone app, rather than through written contracts as with typical passenger transportation services.

According to the transport ministry, the law stipulates that cars operating in this business model are only permitted to sign one contract per trip.

If a GrabCar driver carries two passengers that agree to share their ride with each other, it means he is fulfilling two separate contracts, thus breaching regulations, the ministry explained.

On Wednesday, Tran Bao Ngoc, head of the transport ministrys transportation division, confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the ban on ride-sharing services followed complaints from Ho Chi Minh Citys transport department and taxi association.

The ministry understands that the fare-splitting feature allows people to travel at lower costs and reduces the number of cars on the streets, Bao said.

However, the service is not in line with the current regulations so the apps must follow the rule.

Bao also said without elaboration that disallowing the ride-sharing feature can reduce risks for passengers when sharing rides.

The GrabShare feature has been embraced by riders and transport experts as a way to mitigate traffic congestion in Ho Chi Minh City, allowing up to three people traveling in the same direction to share one GrabCar, rather than each hailing their own.

On the other hand, many worry that sharing a ride with a stranger is not a familiar concept to Vietnamese, while others fear that the fare-splitting feature could turn a GrabCar into a bus.
Photo source VNA

The joint statement noted that during their talks on June 29, the two presidents evaluated the current situation and prospects of the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, while giving measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation in prioritized areas and discussing international and regional matters of shared concern.

The two sides agreed to maintain regular and practical political consultation at all levels, as well as effective meetings through the channels of Party, parliament, ministries, sectors, localities and social organizations.

The two leaders stressed the need to seek new growth momentums to ensure dynamic development of economic-trade cooperation, and meet the urgent demands of the tasks on improving two-way trade and completing bilateral trade structure.

Therefore, the two sides concurred to work for the efficient implementation of the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) that was signed on May 29, 2015 and related documents.

President Tran Dai Quang and his Russian counterpart agreed to continue working closely in building the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Viet Nam, and affirmed their support of the cooperation program between Viet Nam and Russia on the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, which was signed on May 23, 2017 in Ha Noi.

Both sides agreed on positive progress of joint projects in oil and gas, affirming that they will continue creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese and Russian enterprises, including the Viet Nam National Oil and Gas Group, Gazprom Group, Zarubezhneft, and Rosneft, to carry out activities in the field in the territories of both countries.

The two sides will foster collaboration in promising areas, including oil refinery and petrochemistry, supplying liquefied petroleum gas for Viet Nam, producing and selling fuel for gas-fuelled vehicles in Viet Nam.

The two sides agreed to strengthen partnership and expand oil and gas exploration area in Viet Nams continental shelf in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

They also consented to the extension of cooperation in electricity, while sharing the hope for effective affiliation in machinery manufacturing, shipbuilding, aviation, chemicals and light industry, and acknowledging the need to diversify bilateral ties in finance-credit.

The two presidents underscored the importance of cooperation in defense and military technology, as well as coordination of actions in defense-security without harming any third arty.

They showed delight at the sustainable increase in the number of Russian tourists to Viet Nam, while sharing support of bilateral partnership in tourism.

President Tran Dai Quang and President Putin concurred to increase coordination among authorized agencies in preventing illegal migration, initially within the Viet Nam-Russia Working Group in the field.

Following the talks, the two sides signed a number of cooperation documents in prioritized areas as well as partnership deals among economic organizations of both countries.

Regarding regional and international issues, the two Presidents affirmed efforts to build an equal international relations and order, based on multilateral principles in settling urgent issues and the supremacy of international law, including the United Nations Charter, which includes the principles of respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and legitimate interests of countries, not using or threatening to use force, and expanding cooperation among nations and linkage mechanisms on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and respect for the goal of consolidating global security, peace, stability, and development.

Viet Nam and Russia held that international security is comprehensive and integral, and no nation is allowed to ensure its security by harming others security, including the expansion of regional and global political-military alliances.

The two countries resolutely rejected every attempt to revisit the history of the second World War as well as any doubt about the decisive role of the Soviet Union in the victory over fascism and militarism.

The two leaders condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, stressing that no terrorist act can be justified be they motivated by political, religious, racial or any other reasons.

The unprecedented spreading of terrorism can only be stopped with the joint efforts made by the international community on the basis of widely-accepted principles and stipulations of international law, first of all the UN Charter, and the respect for sovereignty of nations affected by terrorist acts, they added.

The two leaders applauded Russias efforts to fight terrorism and seek political solutions to the crisis in Syria on the basis of international law and the UN Charter, as well as its efforts at Astana and Geneva negotiation mechanisms.

Viet Nam and Russia agreed to boost collective efforts to build a fair, integral, open, comprehensive and transparent security structure n the Asia-Pacific region on the basis of adherence to international law and the principles of mutual respect, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference into countries internal affairs, no use or threat to use force, including maintaining dialogue within the framework of the East Asia Summit and other regional forums with ASEAN playing the central role.

They shared the view that border and territorial disputes and other conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region should be settled by peaceful means without the use of or threat to use force and on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in order to ensure peace, stability and security and in the region.

The two countries back the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea as well as the early formation of a Code of Conduction in the East Sea.

The Presidents also stressed the necessity to further deepen the dialogue partnership between ASEAN and Russia.

They expressed support of international economic connectivity and trade liberalization in a fair, sustainable and transparent manner and in accordance with the World Trade Organizations regulations, while affirming the importance of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Both leaders agreed that the official visit to Russia by the Vietnamese President will create a strong driving force for the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.
Hello and welcome to India Today's GST midnight Conclave Session. The day-long event being held Hotel Taj Mansingh is designed especially to understand the nuances of the GST which will be rolled midnight. It will be a day of heavy discussions and talks by the ministers who will help us to understand the topic.

By India Today Web Desk: Highlight171: Thank you all for your participation and interest in India Today Midnight Conclave - Tryst with Tax.#

Highlight170: As the nation waits for midnight for the GST to roll out, we bring the curtains down at the India Today Midnight Conclave.#

Highlight169: We can't expect some magic. We'll have to wait before the full impact of GST is felt: Munjal.#

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Highlight168: The cost of doing business should actually come down, says former CII President Shriram.#

Highlight167: To be in a transparent economy is a great value addition: Shriram.#

Highlight166: Those who have been evading tax would be in pain now, says Ajay S Shriram.#

Highlight165: India has the lowest tax to GDP ratio, GST will certainly help increase ratio, says Shobana Kamineni.#

Highlight164: Things are expected to normalise in four to six months, says Ajay S Shriram.#

Highlight163: It is not a scary situation. It is true rates of some commodities will go up: Munjal.#

Highlight162: Companies are watching the market right now. There is uncertainty but a kind of excitement too, says Munjal.#

Highlight161: There will be a boost to the growth rate. From the third quarter growth will pick up: Chandrajit Banerjee.#

Highlight160: This entire issue of inflation surrounding GST is over stated, says Banerjee.#

Highlight159: There are a few myths put around the GST. We have to break those: Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.#

Highlight158: India with its strong IT force is ready for GST. If India can't, no other country can't, says Shriram.#

Highlight157: There is a learning curve, we have be prepared for it, says Ajay S Shriram former President CII.

Highlight156: There will be a few issues, there will be some mall intent too, but things would improve: Sunil Munjal.#

Highlight155: If you make a dramatic change, you can't expect a seamless compliance, says Sunil Kant Munjal , former President CII.

Highlight154: We expect some traffic jams but ultimately things will improve. No time would have been the best time: Kamineni.#

Highlight153: India Inc believes GST is a great move which will unite the country: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Shobana Kamineni.#

Highlight152: Discoms should pass on the benefit of GST to cosumers, says Piyush Goyal.#

Highlight151: People are being misinformed about effects of GST: Piyush Goyal.#

Highlight150: This government wants an honest system in place and we are working towards it: Piyush Goyal.#

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Highlight149: The GST network has been made so strong that tax evasion is virtually impossible: Piyush Goyal.#

Highlight148: If we have to learn to swim, we will have to take the plunge: Piyush Goyal.#

Highlight147: Initially, there will be some issues but we are prepared for it, says Piyush Goyal.#

Highlight146: GST Council has also looked into the issue of profiteering: Piyush Goyal.#

Highlight145: GST will end multiple tax regime, says Power Minister Piyush Goyal.#

Highlight144: Manmohan Singh had happily accepted the invite to attend GST Parliament event, don't know what happened afterwards: Piyush Goyal.#

Highlight143: GST will change the way people in Indian looked at paying taxes: Piyush Goyal.#

Highlight142: Piyush Goyal MOS (IC) for New & Renewable Energy, Mines, Power, Coal will speak on 'The Power of GST.'#

Highlight141: Government will be accountable for every penny earned through GST: Prakash Javadekar.#

Highlight140: It is democracy, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion: Prakash Javadekar on Congress not attending the session.#

Highlight139: We want to reach out to the people to explain them about the GST: Prakash Javadekar.#

Highlight138: Younger generation would welcome GST: Prakash Javadekar.#

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Highlight137: Prakash Javadekar Minister for Human Resource Development talks about the GST Impact.#

Highlight136: I watch only netflix during night nowadays: Manish Tewari on being asked if he would watch the midnight session.#

Highlight135: I admire Manmohan Singh for having huge heart: Manish Tewari.#

Highlight134: This is the worst economic growth since 1979: Manish Tewari.#

Highlight133: If govt is claiming that all is well as far as GST is concerned, then what was the harm in waiting for one more month: Manish Tewari.#

Highlight132: It is true that we have failed to create a political awareness regarding the use of Central Hall in the Parliament: Manish Tewari.#

Highlight131: Government will have tough six months after the GST roll out: Manish Tewari.#

Highlight130: Traders stood with Congress after demonetisation: Manish Tewari.#

Highlight129: How can the government celebrate when the entire nation under a cloud of doubt: Manish Tewari.#

Highlight128: Congress leader Manish Tewari to talk on GST Challenges Ahead.#

Highlight127: If we want to be No 1, we have to stop No 2 activities: Jayant Sinha.#

Highlight126: We got freedom at midnight in 1947. GST will get us freedom from incovenience tonight: Jayant Sinha.#

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Highlight125: There won't be any problem about internet connectivity as the consumer will have to upload his data only once in the month: Jayant Sinha.#

Highlight124: Companies which have turnover less that Rs 20 lakh, don't fall under GST: Jayant Sinha.#

Highlight123: I call GST as 'Gangtantra ka Suvedha Tantra': Jayant Sinha.#

Highlight122: We had to compromise with alchohol, petrol and real estate on GST: Jayant Sinha.#

Highlight121: It is not possible for a single tax in India: Jayant Sinha.#

Highlight120: It is true that only in India there are so many slabs in the tax: Jayant Sinha.#

Highlight119: Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, will now speak on 'Take off with GST'.#

Highlight118: We underestimate the talent of common people. They have the capacity to learn: Navin Kumar of GSTN.#

Highlight117: What materials you are using for making of an item is important under GST: Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia.#

Highlight116: We had brought out a list of 69 commodities which will become cheaper after GST: Hasmukh Adhia.#

Highlight115: We have alternative arrangements if our system fail: Navin Kumar of GSTN.#

Highlight114: It is not true that our portal gets hanged. 80 lakh people used it: Navin Kumar of GSTN.#

Highlight113: Inspector raj will end after GST as refunds will be automated: Hasmukh Adhia.#

Highlight112: The states were not following HSN code but now the entire country will follow it: Hasmukh Adhia.#

Highlight111: In GST the entire chain will be covered: Hasmukh Adhia.#

Highlight110: Only ones who will get affected are the ones who will not pay taxes: Hasmukh Adhia.#

Highlight109: There should be no apprehension on GST as all tests are done: Navin Kumar, Chairman, GSTN.#

Highlight108: I don't think that there was a single time we thought we will miss the deadline: Hasmukh Adhia Revenue Secretary.#

Highlight107: Hasmukh Adhia Revenue Secretary and Navin Kumar Chairman, GSTN will talk on GST & Digital Economy.#

Highlight106: The role of the chartered accountant will increase. They will have to be responsible arbitrators: Nirmala Sitharaman.#

Highlight105: Every decision on GST was taken with consent: Nirmala Sitharaman.#

Highlight104: We never asked Congress to be cheerleaders in this long-run process. We wanted them to be a part of it: Nirmala Sitharaman.#

Highlight103: This is a gigantic and huge step which we have given to ourselves. It is a moment to feel proud: Nirmala Sitharaman.#

Highlight102: There are misconceptions about the compliance. It is going to be easy: Nirmala Sitharaman.#

Highlight101: The entire country saying that the GST is going to be a hit, is just impossible: Nirmala Sitharaman.#

Highlight100: GST is going to touch us somewhere: Nirmala Sitharaman.#

Highlight99: Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State (IC) of Commerce & Industry will throw light on The Business of GST: Impact on Industry.#

Highlight98: Chartered accountants and lawyers will have less work to do as there will be simplicity in the tax system: Nitin Gadkari.#

Highlight97: GST will bring transparency, accountability and inspector-raj will go: Nitin Gadkari.#

Highlight96: GST is for national interest. It has become a reality after everybody's contribution: Nitin Gadkari.#

Highlight95: Government is open to suggestions. We never said we are not going to re-think: Nitin Gadkari.#

Highlight94: Revenue of state governments and Centre will increase simultaneously which will eventually increase the budget to work: Nitin Gadkari.#

Highlight93: The generation of black money will be reduced: Nitin Gadkari.#

Highlight92: Nitin Gadkari Minister for Road Transport and Highways to talk on 'The GST Ride on Tax Highway'#

Highlight91: Indian politics have certainly risen to the occasion: Arun Jaitley.#

Highlight90: All the check posts on the state borders will be abolished: Arun Jaitley.#

Highlight89: Congress must show some maturity. They have gone into cry baby mode: Arun Jaitley.#

Highlight88: Technical glitches are possible. But they are rectifiable: Arun Jaitley.#

Highlight87: GST roll out will be fairly smooth, all the systems are in place. Obviously there are elements of fear of unknown: Arun Jaitley.#

Highlight86: GST is aimed at increasing revenue, lowering rates: Arun Jaitley.#

Highlight85: GST will not have inflationary impact, says Arun Jaitley.#

Highlight84: Single slab system is not possible in a country like India: Arun Jaitley#

Highlight83: Indirect tax is regressive. Need to bring equity in regressive tax: Jaitley#

Highlight82: Parties and state governments have to be on the same page on GST: Jaitley#

Highlight81: The scope of tax evasion in the new system will be minimum: Jaitley#

Highlight80: Agree there will be few difficulties as we are moving into a new tax regime: Jaitley.#

Highlight79: We have two tax rates in GST - 12, 18 per cent: Jaitley#

Highlight78: In GST, we are going to abolish 17 taxes: Jaitley#

Highlight77: Minor technical glitches are bound to happen, we are prepared to tackle such challenges: Jaitley.#

Highlight76: There will be anarchy in the country if we postpone GST launch. Our Constitution doesn't allow this: Jaitley#

Highlight75: Congress has to decide if it wants to take mainstream stand or have a fringe view: Jaitley.#

Highlight74: We worked to make consensus at every step leading to GST launch: Jaitley.#

Highlight73: Congress should have had broad shoulders. They shouldn't have shown narrow attitude. It will not stop the country from progressing: Arun Jaitley.#

Highlight72: GST is surely one of such steps which will take the country ahead: Arun Jaitley.#

Highlight71: Hours before the GST roll out, Arun Jaitley, Minister for Corporate Affairs, Finance and Defence makes an attempt to explain the complex tax system.#

Highlight70: Medium scale industry will be worst-hit in Delhi: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight69: When people will start paying taxes happily and there will be a shrink in the grey market, only then it will an occasion to celebrate, not now: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight68: Delhi government's tax collection increased only when tax rates were brought down: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight67: Higher the tax rates, higher the tax evasions: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight66: In the entire taxation process, it is only the governments which are going to gain, not the aam aadmi: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight65: Manish Sisodia tries to explain the GST in an aam aadmi language.#

Highlight64: It was unfortunate that real estate was kept outside GST ambit: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight63: 28 per cent tax is a huge burden on the aam aadmi: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight62: There are inhibitions on the implementation of the bill. Our party is not against GST: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight61: A trial run was needed, what was the hurry: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight60: Big dreams can be realised only through bold steps: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight59: The focus is on increasing revenue, I don't think that will work: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight58: Idea is good, but the implementation is not: Manish Sisodia.#

Highlight57: Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to talk on GST & Aam Aadmi.#

Highlight56: GST will make Indian economy little more formal, says Bibek Debroy.#

Highlight55: This is not perfect, but look at it as a step, says Bibek Debroy.#

Highlight54: Had we waited for a perfect GST, we would have waited for more 17 years, says Bibek Debroy.#

Highlight53: All studies show that there can't be one rate, even in VAT, says Bibek Debroy.#

Highlight52: Increase in the GDP is complete rubbish, says Bibek Debroy.#

Highlight51: India is the only federal country to have a GST and hence we will have to accept that certain compromises have to be made, says Bibek Debroy.#

Highlight50: The theory that many countries have a GST is absolute rubbish, says Bibek Debroy.#

Highlight49: Bibek Debroy, Economist & Member, Niti Aayog takes the stage to discuss 'GST Challenges Ahead'#

Highlight48: Is it some kind of celebration going on that we will go just to clap: Anand Sharma.#

Highlight47: The government is raiding people day and night, why it doesn't take action against hooligans: Anand Sharma.#

Highlight46: Why was PM Modi silent on cow vigilante attacks so far: Anand Sharma.#

Highlight45: We don't want to open any anti-Modi front. Modi is just a person on the PM post: Anand Sharma.#

Highlight44: The battle is not person-specific but it is a fight of ideologies between the Congress and the BJP and the RSS, says Anand Sharma#

Highlight43: Every party has its own view of point, says Anand Sharma on JD-U attending the midnight session.#

Highlight42: GST has five slabs. It is not one tax, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight41: Whatever this government does, is termed as historic, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight40: Economic Reform of 1991 was also a huge step but we never advertised it, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight39: BJP wants 1 leader, 1 tax, 1 nation, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight38: PM Modi is just taking the credit for the work done by us, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight37: We will not accept Narendra Modi being compared with Jawaharlal Nehru or Mahatma Gandhi, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight36: We are just cautioning the government not opposing the bill, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight35: There was no trial run for the GST, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight34: Prime Minister has to answer why was the bill opposed all this while, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight33: We gave nation RTI, RTE but never did a midnight drama in the Parliament, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight32: Midnight launch of GST is an insult to 1947, says Anand Sharma.#

Highlight31: We support GST but we will not attend the midnight event at Parliament: Anand Sharma.#

Highlight30: We tried to implement GST for 7 years but it was only Narendra Modi's Gujarat which opposed: Anand Sharma.#

Highlight29: Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma now speaking on why Congress will not attend Parliament session.#

Highlight28: I want to put on record I am not in contention for Vice-President, says Venkaiah Naidu.#

Highlight27: I once again make an appeal to Congress to join the midnight Parliament session, says Naidu.#

Highlight26: Some people are just not able to digest that Narendra Modi is now the PM: Naidu.#

Highlight25: In a democracy, you have to make certain compromises. GST Council is dynamic: Naidu.#

Highlight24: GST is a culmination of combined efforts three governments, says Naidu.#

Highlight23: There will be no scope for human intervention, everything will be electronically monitored but nothing is fool-proof: Naidu.#

Highlight22: State and Centre together must work together to see RERA is implemented in true sense: Naidu.#

Highlight21: They will look for ways to avoid tax, we will try and fix things. These things will continue: Naidu.#

Highlight20: Only habitual tax offenders are opposing GST. Others have a few questions which we trying to explain, says Naidu.#

Highlight19: RERA plus GST will bring big relieve for house owners. There will be no way to escape: Naidu.#

Highlight18: The new generation wants radical changes, how can you say it is being implemented in a haste: Naidu.#

Highlight17: No body has questioned the rationale behind GST so far, says Naidu.#

Highlight16: GST launch is not event management. Can you promote a government through tax? Naidu.#

Highlight15: I am making an appeal with folded hands to Congress to attend the midnight Parliament session: Naidu.#

Highlight14: I don't want to undermine the contribution of the Congress in GST. It is praiseworthy, says Naidu.#

Highlight13: BJP never blocked GST when in Opposition, we just raised a few questions: Naidu.#

Highlight12: Midnight Parliament session is not event management as suggested by Congress: Naidu.#

Highlight11: Congress seems to have not accepted Narendra Modi as the PM, says Naidu.#

Highlight10: We had invited former PMs Manmohan Singh, HD Deve Gowda, don't know why Congress opposing midnight Parliament session: Naidu.#

Highlight9: Colleague Arun Jaitley has done a great job to help GST become a reality: Venkaiah Naidu.#

Highlight8: Reasons Congress not attending the special midnight Parliament session today best known to them: Naidu.#

Highlight7: GST simply means One Nation, One Tax, says Naidu.#

Highlight6: Venkaiah Naidu rings the GST gong to kickstart the Midnight Conclave.#

Highlight5: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will also be speaking at the conclave to clear all confusion surrounding GST.#

Highlight4: The event will begin with Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Urban Development, I&B, Housing and Urban and Poverty Alleviation speaking how GST will impact realty business.#

Highlight3: From Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari to economist Bibek Debroy and Congress leader Anand Sharma, India Today's GST Midnight Conclave Session will have speakers from different parties and platforms.#

Highlight2: The day-long event being held at Hotel Taj Mansingh is designed especially to understand the nuances of the GST which will be rolled at midnight. It will be a day of heavy discussions and talks by the ministers who will help us understand what it is all about.#

Highlight1: Hello and welcome to India Today's GST Midnight Conclave Session.#

--- ENDS ---
Traders in Kanpur stopped a train to protest against the new regime, which will unify India's states and Union Territories into one single market. Markets are closed in Bhopal after traders called for a bandh.

By India Today Web Desk: On the eve of July 1, the first day of the GST (Goods and Services Tax) regime , traders stopped a train in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur to protest the implementation of the tax overhaul, the biggest since Independence.

Meanwhile, all major markets in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal closed today in protest of the new regime, after traders called for a bandh.

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In the run-up to tonight's big midnight launch in Parliament, members of the business community have been concerned by the lack of clarity on GST provisions, and the heavy penal clauses associated with cases of default.

Traders in Agra, too, have decided to down their shutters today, and burn 'GST effigies,' a report said . On Thursday, they recited verses from the Ramayan for the "purification of the mind and soul of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley."

Ghaziabad traders have planned to shut shop as well, to press for amendments in certain GST provisions, PTI reported on Thursday.

In Delhi, Chandni Chowk's famous textile and apparel market was shut for a third consecutive day yesterday, when nearly 5,000 traders from the area protested against GST.

The GST regime will unite all of India's states and Union territories into a single market. It will be launched tonight in Parliament at an event that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee will attend, and which has already been compared to the night on which Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his famous "tryst with destiny" speech.

(Inputs from ANI)

Watch the GST Midnight Conclave LIVE here.

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--- ENDS ---
On 23 June 2017, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, inaugurated the construction works for that section of the gas pipeline, Turkish Stream, passing through deep seas.

A decision was made to go ahead with this project when President Putin visited Turkey on 1 December 2014. Construction had been interrupted in August 2015 for tariff reasons, but in the context of the war in Syria, it should allow Russian gas to be delivered to Turkey. Parting from there, it could also serve as a transit for Russian gas to the European Union, replacing the plan for the South Stream pipeline, blocked by Brussels.

Estimated at six billion dollars, Project Turkish Stream provides for the construction of two pipelines with a capacity of delivering 15.75 billion m3 of gas every year. The first pipeline must be completed in 2018 and the second at the end of 2019.

Whilst President Putin stressed that this timetable should be adhered to, it is extremely rare that such works are completed so rapidly. This has only been possible due to the personal investment made by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who is thus seeking thus to free himself of US economic protection.
Let us say that the US Defense Secretary (Jim Mattis)s airplane, when flying from California to Alaska, along an air corridor on the Pacific, had been intercepted by a Russian bomber fighter belonging to the Cuban Air Force. What would happen? The news would bomb the front pages, precipitating a wave of worried, political reactions. Yet no ink was spilt, when on 21 June, Sergei Shoigu, (the Russian Defense Minister)s airplane, flying from Moscow to the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, along the appropriate corridor on the Baltic Sea, had been intercepted by an US bomber fighter (F-16), that after having drawn threateningly close, was forced to retreat due to the intervention of the Russian bomber fighter SU-27.

A programmed operations that falls within Natos strategy aimed at growing, adding a twee bit each day, tension to Europes relationship with Russia.

From 1 to 16 June, the Nato drill Baltops was conducted in the Baltic Sea, going right up to the Russian border. And the official justification? To defend the region from the Russian threat. In this drill, more than 50 ships and 50 war planes participated from the following countries: Nato members (United States, France, Germany, Great Britain, Poland) and Nato partners, such as Sweden and Finland.

Overlapping in time, from 12 to 23 June, Drill Iron Wolf took place in Lithuania which sees engaged for the first time together, two groups of Nato battalions with an empowered advanced presence: the group in Lithuania is under German command, and includes Belgian, Dutch and Norwegian troops and, from 2018, will also include French, Croatian and Czech troops; the one in Poland, is under US Command and includes British and Romanian troops. Abrams armoured tanks of the US 3a Brigade, transferred to Poland last January, have entered Lithuania through the Suwalki Gap, a stretch of flat land, 100 km long between Kaliningrad and Belorussia, linking up with the Leopard tanks, part of the German battalion 122 of the mechanized infantry.

The Suwalki Gap, warns Nato, reviving the tools of propaganda applied in the old Cold War would be a perfect gap through which the Russians could invade Europe.

In full activity are also the other two groups of the Nato battalions: the one in Lithuania under Canadian command, including Italian, Spanish, Polish, Slovakian and Albanian troops; the one in Estonia under British command, including French troops and from 2018, also Danish troops. Our forces are ready and positioned should it be necessary to contain Russian aggression, assures General Curtis Scaparotti, who is Head of the US European Command and, at the same time, the Supreme Allied Command in Europe.

For not only are mobilized groups of Nato battalions at empowered advance presence. From 12  29 June, the drill, Coalition Warrior, is underway at the Nato Centre for Joint Training in Poland. The purpose of this drill is to test out the most advanced technology that will provide Nato the greatest ability to spring into action and inter-operability, in particular when confronting Russia. In this operation more than 1,000 scientists and engineers are participating from 26 countries. These include those from the Nato Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation based at La Spezia.

Moscow, clearly, is not just going to sit there. After President Trumps forthcoming visit to Poland (6 July), Russia will organize a massive joint naval exercise with China in the Baltic Sea.

Who knows if our friends in Washington are familiar with the multiplier effect as enunciated in that an ancient Chinese proverb, He who sows wind, will harvest a tempest
Jill Eisenstadt Photo: Beowulf Sheehan/Beowulf Sheehan

The water was up to the second floor, Jill Eisenstadt is saying. Shes standing in front of her fathers house just off the beach in Rockaway, and talking about the night of Hurricane Sandy. This is the house in the book, although I moved it. In real life, the hurricane damage has been put right, and is somewhere where youd be happy to spend a summer weekend. In Eisenstadts new novel Swell, the house is a beat-up old thing, and I set it on 126th, because thats where the Boardwalk starts. I was trying to think of Rockaway, how its kind of a character in the book  its got a lot of scars, and its haunted.

Rockaway is indeed kind of a character in Eisenstadts novel, and in her entire career as an author. In 1987, she was just out of a pair of writing programs (Bennington, Columbia) when Knopf published her first novel, about a bunch of the neighborhoods teenagers. From Rockaway was, for lack of a better term, a buzzy book. (It had a great, memorable opening scene in a prom-night limo.) And there were several other buzzy books just then by 20-something novelists, a couple of whom  most prominently Bret Easton Ellis  had gone to Bennington at the same time as she. They all got swept up into a cobbled-together media construct constantly referred to as the Literary Brat Pack. Never mind that their books had very little in common, apart from being About Youth; the authors were easy to clump, and easy to mock, particularly Ellis. The buzz pretty quickly turned into a buzz saw. Jay McInerney survived and flourished. Ellis got carved up a few years later for American Psycho, but hung on and remained a media figure. Eisenstadt, though, took the knocks hard. She published a second novel, Kiss Out, that (like a lot of buzzy writers second novels) was decently received but didnt sell like her first. She wrote a third that she didnt sell to anyone  that is, it went in a drawer. And then 

Well, I told myself I wasnt going to be a novelist of the outer boroughs, she says today. She was worried about being pigeonholed, about working the same turf too many times. Then her kids were born  she has three  and although she kept writing for magazines and working on screenplays and such, all of it was less visible than her fiction had been. (She also had a frightening experience when the street outside her apartment blew up, dousing her possessions in mud laced with asbestos.) She did not disappear, but she receded from the aforementioned buzz, and fell out of public view.

A couple of years ago, when Eisenstadts youngest daughter was in high school, the two of them got into a text-message exchange that turned out to be more profound than anyone expected. Why do you insist on banging your head against the wall, doing these things that give you trouble, the author asked her daughter. When there are all these things youre really great at? Why indeed  and why fight that outer-borough-novelist label? And not all that much later, Terry Adams, the same editor who acquired her first book for Knopf, bought this one for Lee Boudreaux Books at Little, Brown.

There was, briefly, talk of calling it Back to Rockaway, but Eisenstadt agreed that it seemed a little like Son of Frankenstein. So Swell it is, a word about ocean waves but also tumescence, retro fun but also growth. The dust jacket image resembles a beach communitys tempera-painted sign. Little, Brown has reissued From Rockaway with a new cover to match.

We make our way down to Zingara Vintage, a shop on Beach 91st Street filled with groovy mid-century clothes and accessories as well as a little selection of books. Eisenstadt is dropping off a few copies of Swell and From Rockaway here, to be sold for a local charity. The shops owner, Erin, is bubbly and enthusiastic, and Eisenstadt remarks that this is the new Rockaway rather than the one she grew up in. Back then, it was a relatively beat-up beach town like a lot of places on Long Island or in Jersey. But in the past decade, of course, hipster Rockaway has happened, as the bungalows have been repopulated, and old cops and civil servants now live cheek by jowl with tattooed couples toting PBRs. We walk down to the boardwalk to grab a bite. The foods a lot better, Eisenstadt notes. When she was a kid, it was fried beach fare and beer. Now there are vendors selling Uzbek dumplings and fancy tacos. Like so much of New York, it has changed and filled up with new people.

The characters she returns to in Swell have, of course, seen themselves change over time. (The new book takes place in 2002, following 9/11 and the plane crash in Rockaway two months later.) Tim, one of the central figures of From Rockaway (he was Timmy back then, a lifeguard), is now middle-aged, retired from the FDNY after a 9/11 injury that disfigured his face. His high-school friends Chowder and Peg got married, and now Chowder is dead, killed in the towers, and Tim has taken up with Peg. The Golden Venture makes an appearance off the beach, and the beat-up house in Rockaway where most of the story plays out is a rough approximation of the brick cube where our tour began. In the book, its a lot more dilapidated, and a couple exiled from Manhattan has just bought it and begun a patchy renovation, to the distress of the 90-year-old Italian lady who has lived there for decades and continues to hang around. Plenty more lingers from the seedy old Rockaway, but the character of the place has visibly changed.

So has book publishing. They want pictures! Eisenstadt says, a little incredulous, and as we walk she keeps shooting with her iPhone. Last time she had a book out, there was no web. Now she is supplying the Little, Brown Instagram feed with bits of Rockaway and bits of her life. I dont know why anyones interested, she says, but more out of curiosity than irritation. She snaps a photo of a commemorative street sign. The block has been renamed for her mother, who died a decade ago and was a local legend in the arts.

Theres a literal time capsule in Rockaway, somewhere near the library. In 1986, when it was buried, Eisenstadt was there, and she tucked in a prepublication galley of From Rockaway. Thirty years later, Eisenstadt says, nobody remembers where it is. She has been going through old newspapers and calling old-timers, trying to figure it out, with no luck. We get to talking about the new book and the old, the distance between then and now. Swells, Eisenstadt notes, are storm waves that come from another stormy place. You know when youre on a beach and its a sunny day, and you see huge waves? The waves have held energy from some other place, in the past.
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The resemblance is uncanny.

Earlier on Vultures Songs of the Week, I praised the Killers new song The Man for being a glitzy disco-funk confection, but also noticed something a bit odd about it. For a good half-listen, I confused it with Arcade Fires two new glitzy disco-funk singles, which Ive had equal difficulty telling apart from each other. Lo and behold, Arcade Fire have released another new single, Signs of Life, which claims to be sung by Win Butler, but maybe its Brandon Flowers?

At some point in roughly the last five years, these two pillars of 2000s stadium rock have discovered the late 70s and early 80s, and merged as one. The overlap is uncanny. Even visually, the bands seem to be operating in the same music-video universe where Butler and Flowers strut around in the desert, alternating between their versions of machismo (for Flowers, its a wife beater and biker jacket; for Butler, its a bowler hat and cargo jacket) and wearing lots of glitter and sequins.

Did both bands originate in the same lab, but we just never noticed? Or is the sudden resemblance a new development? Theyre not even drawing from the same influences, and yet theyre somehow still spitting out the same result: The Man heavily samples Kool & the Gangs Spirit of the Boogie, while Arcade Fire are now being produced by Daft Punks Thomas Bangalter, Pulps Steve Mackey, and Portisheads Geoff Barrow. So, what gives?

Because both acts have been circling this sound for some time  Arcade Fire warned this is where their sound was headed on We Exist and Flowers released a whole synth-inspired solo album  it now seems the 80s revival bubble has trapped Arcade Fire and the Killers in a time portal thats unintentionally jumbled up all their moving parts. Its not a bad thing (the songs are groovy), just a freaky coincidence for two bands who couldnt have started out sounding more different.
Finally! Photo: Adam Rose/Netflix

As Netflix continues to be more selective with the shows it chooses to invest in (unless, of course, fandoms protest), it appears Dear White People has been deemed worthy. After a bit of a delay, Netflix has finally renewed Justin Simiens extension of his hit film for a second season, keeping it off the ever-growing kill list, at least for now. So as Sam White and all her peers prepare for another semester at Winchester University battling for the title of wokest, it appears the fate of Troy Fairbanks, whom we last saw being carted off by police for his part in a campus revolt, will be revealed. But the real mystery: Who the hell committed the (debatable) hate crime of dog theft? Justice for Sorbet!
In some alternate universe, theres a sitcom called And Deacon Makes Three! starring Charles Esten as a widowed dad and the Stella sisters as his teenage daughters. The shows catchphrase would be Esten breaking the fourth wall, shrugging broadly, and exclaiming, Teenagers!

We got a little glimpse of that show on this weeks episode of Nashville  mixed in with lots of sad stuff, too, natch  and I gotta tell ya, it was pretty good. Esten is obviously a good comedic actor  hes got an improv background, after all (lets leave aside for the moment the fact that improv is objectively bad)  and his befuddlement over how to handle Maddie and Daphnes fight was very amusing.

As we saw in last weeks preview, Maddie finds out about the GIFs (props to the show for pronouncing it with a hard G, as God  if not the actual inventor of GIFs  intended). Shes extremely angry and hurt and kicks Teen Hobo out. The fact that Teen Hobo had just been casually living there was weird to begin with. Is this random plot ever going to go anywhere?

So Deacon comes home and finds out what Daphne did and realizes he has to punish her. Theres this great moment of hesitation where hes obviously trying to figure out what the proper dad move would be here and he finally says hes taking her phone away for a month.

What? says Daphne, aghast.

Thats it? says Maddie, aghast.

Teenagers! says Deacon to the camera. (Okay, not really.)

One weird thing about this punishment: Deacon doesnt actually take away Daphnes phone, but leaves it just sitting there on the kitchen counter to  torture her? (Guess hes still getting the hang of this parenting stuff.) At one point, Daphne sees a flashing message on her phone, and after checking to make sure no one is looking, she reads it. Its from Deacon: Dont even think about it. A live studio audience would LOVE that joke.

Anyway, more on the James-Claybourne family hijinks in a bit, but lets check in on Gunnar and Scarlett. They seem to be in a good place, so we know disaster is imminent.

Todays word that the Nashville writers have discovered on the internet is ship. As in: Online ship communities are buzzing about Scarletts baby bump, reports Access Hollywoods Maria Menounos. Okay, first of all, theres no such thing as an online ship community  that makes it sound formal, like there are annual dues and someone taking minutes. Also, can we ban the phrase baby bump once and for all? Is that too much to ask?

What in Sam Hill is a shipper? asks Scarlett. (At home, viewers counter with: Who in Sam Hill is Sam Hill?) Naturally, the shipping communities think the baby is Gunnars and are actively trying to name the kid. They create Tumblr posts with suggested names on white backdrops in large New Courier fonts, as teens do. Parker is one suggestion. Gibson is another. (Jokes gonna be on them when they find out the kid is a girl!)

Later, Scarlett does an interview with a reporter named Mackenzie who turns out to be a legit monster. In a slightly implausible coincidence, Mackenzie once had an affair with Damien George, and by studying Scarletts flustered reaction to this news, shes able to suss out that the kid is Damiens, not Gunnars. Scarlett doesnt confirm it, but she doesnt exactly deny it, either. The next day the publication irresponsibly runs with the story  thanks for helping with the whole fake news thing, Nashville!  and its all over the internet. The shipping community is inconsolable. Gunnar, too.

On to the story line I didnt like: the whole Hallie-Avery-Juliette train wreck. Am I the only one whos sick of Juliette making the same mistakes over and over again, getting worked up over nothing, and sabotaging her relationship with Avery for no damn good reason? This time, shes upset because Hallie wants to release a song that reflects her actual rootsy inclinations, instead of the more poppy song that Juliette prefers. You see, Juliette doesnt want Hallie to make the same mistake she made with the gospel album, but theres a big difference: Juliette was a dilettante and Hallie comes by her bluegrass sound naturally. Both Deacon and Avery agree with Hallie  Highway 65 is all about giving the artists the creative freedom to be their authentic selves  which, in a stunning development, Juliette takes personally. Then she starts noticing that Avery and Hallie are enjoying their musical collaboration and she gets all huffy and jealous. Somehow, thats all it takes to set her off.

Youre not fooling anyone with your Little Miss Innocent act, she snipes to Hallie, storming out of the studio. Ugh. The only thing that could possibly redeem this story line would be if Hallie actually is two-faced and Juliette was right about her. (Honestly, that would rule.) For now, it seems like Juliette is just humiliating herself  again. That being said, Juliette watching All About Eve at home was a nifty touch.

Later in the episode, and much to my relief, Maddie wanders into Daphnes room and apologizes for having been a less than supportive sister. I honestly thought they were going to pin this whole thing on Daphne, as if Maddie hadnt tried to literally emancipate herself last year. They hug and talk about how much they need each other and the whole tableaux made me a little weepy. (I havent even mentioned the fact that before she and Maddie made up, Daphne slept in Raynas closet, on top of a pile of her moms clothes. My emotions are still too raw.)

Maddie and Daphne wander over to Teen Hobo Headquarters and try to convince Liv (not Liz, as I previously thought  oops!) to come back home with them. Naw, Im good living the hobo life here in this giant loft apartment with my fresh-faced hipster hobo friends, Liv says, or something to that effect. Remind me again why this plot exists?

Deacon still thinks the girls are mad at each other, creating a classic scene of And Deacon Makes Three! where he tries to smooth things over with them and they pull the wool over his eyes by pretending theyre still mad at each other. After Maddies phone rings and she hands it to Daphne  Deacon never said Daphne couldnt use Maddies phone  the jig is finally up. Oh, those tricksters! Deacon is pleased as punch that theyre all a family again. This has been a Very Special Episode, indeed.

Two more things I liked about this ep:

1. We got not one, but two montage songs! One, a Hallie song midway through the episode; the other, that incredible duet (with almost an EDM vibe?) between Maddie and Daphne at the end.

2. The James-Claybournes ate Chinese food together on plates. One of my lifelong pet peeves is that everyone on TV and in the movies eats Chinese food straight out of the cartons with chopsticks. This was a historic moment for me. (I know, I should get a hobby.) Still doesnt make up for baby bump, though.
From Delhi to West Bengal, textile traders have claimed loss of jobs and revenue under the new taxation law.

Cloth merchants and workers shout slogans during a protest against implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on textiles in Chandigarh, India June 30, 2017. (Photo : Reuters|Ajay Verma)

By Devina Gupta: As the nation comes under uniform tax ambit, no relief for the textile traders. Speaking to India Today, revenue secretary Hansmukh Adhia dismissed any rethink over the 5 percent tax slab for textile industry which has been raising the red flag against GST.

"Textile protests are because they want to be out of tax chain, which is not possible," said Hansmukh Adhia, Revenue secretary.

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From Delhi to West Bengal, textile traders have claimed loss of jobs and revenue under the new taxation law. In a show of unity, Mumbai's kalbadevi textile traders held a rally against GST. Even in PM's home state, textile lobby boycotted him in Surat. But inspite the pressure, government stands firm.

"Discontent that is coming is not from the rate hike but to keep them out of the tax chain. In the Goods & Service tax entire chain has to be covered by putting tax on it," said Hansmukh Adhia to India Today.

Interestingly just ahead of the GST midnight session, the finance minister gave relief to farmers by reducing tax slab of fertilizers from 12 per cent to 5 per cent and exclusive parts of tractors from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.

But top sources in North Bloc have told India Today that for any further revision of tax slabs including textile government will wait to see if they are able to garner enough revenue first to cede their ground.

Also read:

PM Modi is perhaps the only prime minister who does not take vacation

GST rollout: Jaitley says Congress must rise above politics in national interest

Hailing GST rollout as necessary, India Inc says this is the best time for the launch

GST rollout tonight: Timeline of events that shaped the One Nation, One Tax system

WATCH | GST will bring parity in tax payment and curb tax evasion, says Prakash Javadekar

--- ENDS ---
No I.D. Photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage

By now, you know that Jay-Zs 4:44 was produced entirely by No I.D., the Chicago-born producer responsible for some of the best beats in hip-hop. But to leave it at that would be reductive. No I.D.s career is as storied as it gets: Hes the one who helped define Commons sound and inspired Kanye to start producing in the first place. No I.D. is an essential part of Chicago hip-hop history, but he also changed  and, astonishingly, continues to change  the sound of rap as a whole. Hes also a vital part of the industry in less obvious ways, acting as president of Kanyes GOOD Music, and later as vice-president of A&R for Def Jam. It wouldnt be wrong to write about every great track he ever produced, but here are ten highlights that track his evolution as a producer, from his early days with Common onward.

Common Sense, Can I Borrow a Dollar?

Produced under the name Immenslope, with extra help from Twilight Tone and the perpetually underrated Beatnuts, Common (who was then going by Common Sense) developed a signature knotty lyrical style, backed by No I.D.s production, which recalled much of the upbeat hip-hop of the same era. Listening now, you can hear the lived-in warmth that would define No I.D.s style through much of the 90s.

Common, Resurrection

Just two years after Can I Borrow a Dollar?, No I.D. and Common released Resurrection, a bona fide rap classic that features I Used to Love H.E.R., the track that would go on to define a sub-sub-subgenre in itself: songs about an artists fraught relationship with hip-hop as it became a commercial juggernaut that would define the sound of radio. But I Used to Love H.E.R. also succeeds on the breezy summer-evening vibe of the beat. His production on Resurrection leisurely unfurls, never getting in the way of Commons intricate verses, but not hiding in the background either. Though Can I Borrow a Dollar? features some exciting, innovative work from No I.D., its the album-length statement of Resurrection that truly cemented his status as a producer to pay attention to. After this, hed go on to produce the entirety of Commons One Day Itll All Make Sense, a lush album that reads more as jazz than rap, and would pave the way for Commons neo-soul period.

Beanie Sigel, Mans World

By the time Beanie Sigel released Mans World, it was commonplace (and sometimes extremely expensive) to sample James Brown, but No I.D. chops up Browns hoarse This is a mans world, dropping it over twinkling piano and staccato drums. Its tracks like this that would influence Kanyes earlier production style, and innovated new ways to utilize soul samples.

Ghostface Killah feat. Sheek Louch and Styles P, Metal Lungies

When it was released, The Pretty Toney Album felt like the unhinged album that Ghostface was born to make. He sang  usually completely out of tune  over soul samples, often sounded like he was out of breath, and generally acted as a vocal tour guide through an impeccable collection of hard-nosed soul-sample-led New York rap songs. Metal Lungies, No I.D.s contribution to the album, is possibly the most opulent track on what ended up being a very luxurious album. It sounds like breaking really expensive crystal champagne glasses in a banquet hall youre definitely not supposed to be in.

Kanye West, Heartless

Maybe Heartless actually explains all of No I.D.s post-00s success. A year after the release of Kanyes heart- and soul-breaking Auto-Tune album, No I.D. would produce Jay-Zs unfortunately tone deaf (D.O.A.) Death of Auto-Tune. What that says is that No I.D. is an expert at reading trends, helping artists expand on their ideas, and putting ego aside in service of larger ideas  and Heartless is nothing if not part of a big idea. Though 808s would prove to be hugely influential on rap as a whole, at the time of its release it was a shocking left turn for Kanye. This track is one of its more traditional moments, built on a digital reggae tick and a sparse handclap. It sounds nothing like the lush jazz-influenced work No I.D. perfected more than a decade before this tracks release.

Jay-Z, (D.O.A.) Death of Auto-Tune

Jay instantly dated himself with the line, This is anti Auto-Tune, death of the ringtone (the ringtone was already dead, and ringtone rap had innovated in the form of snap music and then moved on  meanwhile, Auto-Tune is still a vital part of modern rap music), but this track is actually pretty good, message aside. No I.D. would go back to the production well displayed here again and again: melding what sounds like live instrumentation  an appealingly messy guitar solo  to thunderous drums.

Pusha T feat. Future, Pain

Though Pusha T is undeniably one of the better rappers around, its equally undeniable to say that his best work happens when hes partnered with the Neptunes. That said, No I.D.s beat for Pain from My Name Is My Name, does the impossible, providing a tense backdrop for vocal opposites: Pushas earthy deadpan and Futures pained warble. The drums snap so hard you can virtually feel them.

Big Sean feat. Jay Electronica and Kendrick Lamar, Control

You cant listen to Control on any streaming service, and that is crazy. The sped-up vocal sample that appears throughout couldnt be cleared in time to make Big Seans Hall of Fame, so it lives on as a YouTube favorite that also happens to feature one of the most jaw-dropping Kendrick verses put to tape. On it, Kendrick comes after the entire rap industry in what seems like one very long breath. No I.D. has a way of bringing out the best in the rappers he works with, and nowhere is that more evident than this track. In fact, the beat proved to be so popular that hundreds of rappers (including inspired takes from New York underground legends)  never mind random kids hoping to make it big from their bedrooms  took their turns on the beat. It says a lot that even the lackluster efforts sounded pretty decent.

Kanye West, Bound 2

Yeezus was another huge left turn for Kanye, and the final track, Bound 2, was a left turn within a series of left turns. It stripped away the tense industrial electronics that came before in favor of a song about love, or at least love through the lens of Kanye West (You remember when we first met? Ok, I dont remember when we first met / but hey, admitting is the first step). To be fair, No I.D. is not entirely responsible for this one. He shares production credits with six other people, including Mike Dean and Kanye himself, but his stamp is all over the track  and even if it wasnt, it wouldnt be able to exist without him.

Vince Staples, Summertime 06

No I.D. produced the bulk of Vince Stapless stunning Summertime 06, laying a blanket of hazy, paranoid funk and sun-kissed claustrophobia over Vinces craggy vocals. Though he became known for producing entire projects for artists, Summertime feels like a perfection of the concept. How many different moods and feelings could he explore? How many different ways could he help Vince convey world-weary sadness? Enough to fill a double album and then some.
Olivia de Havilland. Photo: Francois Durand/Getty Images

Remember the good old days when Olivia de Havilland had never seen Ryan Murphys Feud, presumably because she was too busy being fabulously retired in France to care? Well, either Ms. de Havilland has done some binge-watching or her attorney has done it for her, because she has gone from claiming she couldnt make a valid comment about the show to arguing that a living celebrity has the right to protect her name and identity from unauthorized, false, commercial exploitation under both common law and the specific right to publicity statute in California. That quote comes from de Havillands attorneys, who have filed a suit in the Los Angeles Superior Court against FX Networks, LLC and Ryan Murphy Productions for the unauthorized commercial use of the actresss name and identity, and presenting her in a false light to sensationalize the series and to promote their own businesses.

As this suit comes on the day before de Havillands 101st birthday, the Los Angeles Times reports that her legal team will be seeking an expedited trial to resolve the matter as fast as possible. Miss de Havilland was not asked by FX for permission to use her name and identity and was not compensated for such use, her attorneys said in a statement provided to the Times. Further, the FX series puts words in the mouth of Miss de Havilland which are inaccurate and contrary to the reputation she has built over an 80-year professional life, specifically refusing to engage in gossip mongering about other actors in order to generate media attention for herself.

FX would do well to remember that the Oscar winner already has a landmark legal precedent named after her that was formed after she successfully sued Warner Bros. to get out of unfair contract extensions the studio kept locking her into in the 1940s. Californias seven-year rule  Labor Code Section 2855, also known as the de Havilland Law  was a major step in dismantling the Hollywood studio system and putting power into the hands of talent. So perhaps the network should be afraid.
So many graphic goodies!

Each month, Abraham Riesman offers recommendations of comics, including book-length graphic novels, comics-format nonfiction, and ongoing series. With any luck, at least one of them will be a match for you.

BOOM! Studios

Godshaper by Simon Spurrier, and Jonas Goonface (BOOM!)

Simon Spurrier is easily one of the most inventive scribes in English-language comics today, and his capacious imagination has never been more apparent than in his latest for BOOM! Studios, Godshaper. Its a story about  well, its actually very difficult to describe what its about without sounding completely cuckoo, but suffice it to say that it takes place in a world where nearly everyone has their own personal god. Our protagonist, however, has no god, and instead wanders the land, performing the uncanny act of manipulating and fixing other peoples gods. The whole thing wouldnt work unless it had an artist just as creatively crazy as Spurrier, and Jonas Goonface is more than up to the challenge. Oh, and theres a human-free god named Bud, and hes adorable, and I would very much like to have him as a pet.

Marvel Entertainment

Iceman by Sina Grace, Alessandro Vitti, and Rachelle Rosenberg (Marvel)

Even if Iceman werent good, itd still be a significant and rare achievement: a solo series starring a queer character at Marvel Comics. Whats that? You didnt know Iceman was gay now? Oh, yeah, he totally is. Through some complicated time-travel and telepathy shenanigans, that revelation was made recently, and thanks to Sina Grace (a queer man whose graphic memoir Nothing Lasts Forever is one of the best comics works of the year), Alessandro Vitti, and Rachelle Rosenberg (not to mention Kevin Wada, the astoundingly talented cover artist), the chillest of the X-Men has found a prominent seat at the table. Luckily, the comic isnt just significant and rare  its also very, very good, and doesnt shy away from directly and frankly talking about being a gay man circa 2017. Long may you toss snowballs, Bobby Drake.

Papercutz

The Wendy Project by Melissa Jane Osborne and Veronica Fish (Papercutz)

Ive said it before and Ill say it again: Veronica Fish is one of the finest up-and-coming artists in comics today. She has a versatile hand, capable of offering up hard-edged action in Marvels Spider-Woman (RIP), but just as adept at the flowing, impressionistic visions of her collaboration with Melissa Jane Osborne, The Wendy Project. Initially released in hard-to-find individual issues, Papercutz has helpfully combined this tale of childhood, loss, and creativity into a single volume, and its well worth a purchase. Youll thrill to Fishs linework and facial acting and youll swoon for Osbornes vivid characterization of a girl struggling to separate fact from fiction while navigating trauma. Plus, it has one of the best covers of any comic book this year. I mean come on, look at that thing! Its hypnotic!

Black Mask Studios

Calexit by Matteo Pizzolo, Amancay Nahuelpan, and Tyler Boss (Black Mask)

Okay, okay, the exposition of Calexit may sound a bit on the nose. After all, its a tale about the establishment of a breakaway Californian republic in the wake of a presidency not too dissimilar from our current one. But trust me, it works. There are no easy gags about Californians, no silly jabs at Trumpism, and no over-the-top satire of our current state of decline. Instead, the creators have opted to tell a terrifyingly straightforward suspense story about the intrigues and crackdowns that ensue when governments decay and societies rot. The scariest thing about Calexit is how lived-in it feels  after all, every dystopia is just an accurate description of how things are for other people somewhere in the world, and this story just reminds us that were always a hairs breadth away from the very bad things that we assume only happen in failed states.

DC Entertainment

Mother Panic Vol. 1: A Work in Progress by Jody Houser, Tommy Lee Edwards, Shawn Crystal, and Jean-Francois Beaulieu (DC)

DCs Young Animal imprint has been one of the most positive developments for mainstream comics art in recent years. My Chemical Romance front man Gerard Way  a longtime comics geek and sometimes comics writer  prompted the creation of a small set of ongoing series that either highlight underused DC characters or outright create new ones, and Mother Panic is firmly and passionately in the latter camp. Along with artists Tommy Lee Edwards, Shawn Crystal, and Jean-Francois Beaulieu, writer Jody Houser has constructed a kind of warped-mirror Batman: A notoriously disastrous rich girl in Gotham City leads a double life as a brutal enforcer of justice in a completely badass white suit and helmet. Although most Young Animal books have felt contained in their little worlds (and delightfully so!), Mother Panic feels like the beginning of a long career for its protagonist  and its writer.

Black Mask Studios

Kim & Kim: Love Is a Battlefield by Magdalene Visaggio, Eva Cabrera, and Claudia Aguirre (Black Mask)

Queer screwup bounty hunters in a pastiche future world where necromancy is commonplace? What else do you even need to know? Okay, fine, Ill give you some more: Kim & Kim is consistently one of the most charming and sexy comics in the hustle, and its next arc, Love Is a Battlefield, gets off to a great start. One thing it isnt, is filled to the brim with action. Indeed, many action sequences are merely referred to as having happened, after the fact. This is a feature, not a bug  the creators are more interested in giving us vivid characterization and intriguing world-building than wall-to-wall shootouts. But trust me, when you do get to see the shit go down? The waiting is very much worth it.

Image Comics

Shirtless Bear Fighter! by Jody LeHeup, Sebastian Girner, Nil Vendrell, and Mike Spicer (Image)

As the Brits say: It does what it says on the tin. Shirtless Bear Fighter is the riotous little tale about the beast-battling adventures of a  well, you do the math. Though its only one issue in, the comic already has me giggling as much as I have at anything all year. We get fresh-feeling send-ups of tired action tropes, like the reluctant hero called in out of retirement and the complicated history between protagonist and antagonist, and the artwork is just cartoony enough to be hilarious while still being dynamically constructed for maximum thrills.

Image Comics

Kill or Be Killed by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Elizabeth Breitweiser (Image)

You know what? Grim and gritty comics get a bad rap these days. Theres a cult of niceness that surrounds mainstream sequential art, one that praises all things quirky and goofy, and that tosses under the bus the stuff that smells like cynicism. That all makes sense, and there certainly was a period not long ago when dark comics were all too prominent, but have we overcorrected? If so, then let Kill or Be Killed act as a correction to the overcorrection. Its a fantastically sinister series about a kid who, for reasons I wont spoil, finds himself getting into the killing business. Ed Brubaker is, of course, one of the best writers in the medium, and he and Sean Phillips and Elizabeth Breitweiser already teamed up on the incredible The Fade Out, so its no surprise that their latest is both thrilling and gorgeous. What is surprising is just how much glee they can wring out of one of the least gleeful premises in comics today.
Photo: Netflix

For decades, Teresa Lancaster talked about the rape and sexual abuse she endured at the hands of a local Catholic priest, police officers, and other men in her Baltimore community. She even told her husband, Randy, about it the night they met at a party. I had a habit of doing that, Lancaster told Vulture in an interview. I think it was my own way of therapy.

Nevertheless, Lancasters participation in The Keepers  Netflixs unflinching documentary series about the horror she and others endured at the all-girls Archbishop Keough High School  followed years of silence. The 1972 graduate never told her parents that Father Joseph Maskell, the chaplain at Keough, raped her over a period of two years and arranged for other men to assault her as well, including a gynecologist she was forced to visit. Maskell, who died in 2001 and was never criminally charged, showed her a loaded handgun he kept in his desk and threatened her with expulsion if she shared their secret.

I just want people to realize that they dont have to hide in the corner anymore, Lancaster said. In 1994, she and another victim, Jean Hargadon Wehner, filed a $40 million lawsuit against Maskell and the Archdiocese of Baltimore under the pseudonyms of Jane Roe and Jane Doe respectively. Although the suit was thrown out because the statue of limitations had passed, more victims have come forward and the Archdiocese has paid $472,000 toward 16 settlements as well as $97,000 for counseling assistance.

I decided to use Jane Roe because my children were a lot younger and I was afraid because at that time there were people that really didnt believe us, Lancaster said. In the 90s, it was really tough because the lawyers for the church were calling me promiscuous, asking me about relations with my boyfriend and smoking pot and drinking wine. They were making me out to be a real sleaze ball. But its not that way so much anymore.

Thats due, in large part, to the doggedness of Gemma Hoskins and Abbie Schaub, two Keough alums who took it upon themselves to spend their retirement days spearheading a social-media campaign and investigation into what really happened at their high school. Sparking it all was the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a 26-year-old beloved teacher who went missing on November 7, 1969, and whose dead body was found two months later at a remote garbage dump less than ten miles away.

The Keepers begins with the mystery surrounding Sister Cathys murder, but evolves into a complicated web of church and government cover-ups that strongly suggest Maskells involvement, though there are other suspects. At the heart of the series are the crusaders who refuse to take no for an answer and refuse to keep quiet  all of them women in their 60s.

Ryan White, director of The Keepers, met Lancaster for the first time when Hoskins drove all of them through the Baltimore neighborhood where Keough and the church were located. It was obviously a very emotional experience for her because she was going back to the high school or the rectory where she was abused, he said. I didnt know her that well at that point, so in hindsight it was an emotional time for her. But Teresa is very, very reserved with her emotions and I learned that over the course of many years. I think thats one of the reasons she is so tough and probably a good lawyer, because she is reserved with those emotions.

During an interview with Vulture, Lancaster was calm and collected as she opened up about the horrors of her past, what drives her to keep fighting, and how she feels about the Catholic Churchs apology.

What has it been like since The Keepers was released? You kept quiet for so long and people werent always kind to you.

Surprisingly, pretty good. I get hugged. When I went to the Keough farewell, everyone kept coming up and hugging me and shaking my hand. I have not gotten a negative response yet. Its really been pretty cool.

The documentary covers horrifying things that happened to you and many other women, but it also stands out because its so empowering to see Gemma and Abbie take control after the system let you all down. Did you have a sense that this documentary would be so much bigger than yourself?

Ive been wanting to tell my story since it happened. When I met with the group at Gemmas house and I met with [former Baltimore Sun reporter] Tom Nugent and some of the other people  at that time, Jean had not decided to come out publicly  I think we were just starting to feel stronger. And social media, thats what did it. Thats what brought us together and made everybody strong enough. I did think it would be big, but I didnt think it would be this big.

What was it like to meet Gemma and Abbie?

It was interesting. I didnt know them when I was in Keough. I didnt have many friends because of all the abuse, but they were so kind and friendly and they were really, really proud of my coming out in the 90s. I did say a few times, you know, this group would have been very helpful in the 90s, but then I laughed it off because I feel like everyone was in the midst of raising little kids and stuff. One thing I should probably say is that when I was a student at Keough, I freely told all of my friends that Maskell was a pervert. My whole lunch table knew what was going on, but nobody knew what to do about it. I ended up being married, actually, while I was a senior. I was married secretly. I just started having children and putting it out of my mind as much as I could.

What about Jean? Did you feel an immediate bond with her?

I didnt meet her until about a year into the interviewing. Ryan said, What do you think about going and meeting Jean? And I said, Well, its a long time coming. Id only talked to her once in 95. I filed a writ with the Supreme Court and I asked her if she wanted to go in with me. She didnt want anything to do with that, so it was a very short conversation. I never saw her until I met her in the house during the filming of the documentary.

Jeans memories were repressed for a long time, but yours werent. Did talking with Ryan bring back even more details?

It was pretty good because they took me to the school and the area along with Donna Von Den Bosch [another Maskell victim who has a received a settlement from the Archdiocese], whom I had never even known about, and the three of us hugged, trekked down, and started talking like wed known each other all our lives. Donna would say something horrible that Father Neil Magnus did to her, and Id chime in about Maskell and the douche bags. My husband was in the background shaking his head, almost crying because he couldnt believe the stories coming out of our mouths.

In the series, your husband spoke of how one night in the 90s you woke up screaming from a nightmare.

I always had a memory of the first couple times with Maskell and what he did with the douche bags and enema bottles and the raping. But yes, at the time, in 94, I woke up in the middle of the night screaming because I remembered the rape at the rectors office. I started remembering other things then, too.

When this started happening to you, were you aware that it had happened with other girls? Were there stories or rumors?

No, I didnt  except for when he started abusing my friend, Linda Whitney. Thats when I realized I wasnt the only one. I went to him maybe three, four times before he started abusing us simultaneously. My parents were told by Maskell that I was a hopeless case, that I was possibly schizophrenic. He told them that I could have Linda over because she was a good kid. Linda and I were pretty much stuck with it. I was in a cage and she was in there too. He made her do an anatomy lesson on me with my clothes off and stuff like that. We didnt know whom to tell.

But you mentioned that you did talk about it with other girls?

To the extent that I would tell people that Maskell was a pervert and to stay away from Maskell. He smacked me with a gun, and I did tell people he had a gun and [that] he was crazy. I didnt sit down and tell the story.

There was one girl I became friends with whose first name is Cathy. She told me that he used to give her gynecological exams in the chapel.

Why did you start visiting Father Maskell in his office?

I started hanging around him when I was dating a guy with long hair who was in a band. My mom went through my purse and found some paraphernalia and she freaked out totally. My mother was screaming and crying. My father was crying, lying down, telling me he was having a heart attack. That was so horrible. The very next day, my dad took me to school and I found Linda and I was crying with her. We came up with the idea to see Maskell, to ask him to call my dad. Thats how it all started. Ive been in Catholic school since I was in the first grade and we were told that if there was any problem, you can go to the priest. The good Father will take care of you and make it right. That was embedded in my head.

You mentioned that you got married senior year and it was a secret. Was it a secret from your family?

I found out I was pregnant in May of 72 and I ran off with my current boyfriend. We got married at a Methodist church and moved into an apartment with a bunch of hippies.

And you were still going to school?

I was still in school. I called my mother and told her I was married. She screamed and cried and begged me to at least finish school. I kept going to school as though I wasnt married. Fortunately, nobody told on me.

Is that your husband now?

No, he died when he was 34 years old from cancer. We were married for 16 years. We had four kids. He got cancer when he was 28 years old and he was gone by 34. It was a strange marriage. I really didnt know him. Thats the way it is. Actually, my hospice worker who was taking care of me toward the end of my first husbands life, I was invited to her birthday party. I ended up marrying her brother. [Laughs.]

Did any of your siblings know what you had gone through?

No. At the time, my brothers were all nerds and I was a hippie and I didnt really have much in common with them. They had their books and I had my coffee houses and what have you. So they didnt know. I never told them. I did confide in my brother, Mark, when we were into adulthood, and of course they all knew when I filed suit.

And your parents never knew?

No, my parents never knew. My mother actually had an untimely death from a botched biopsy. She died in 1993. I dont think I would have come forward. I wouldnt have done anything to hurt her, she was such a saint, you know?

Was Father Maskell still abusing you after you were married in your senior year?

Yes, yes.

Did you talk about that with your husband?

Yeah, he wanted to shoot him. Of course, he didnt.

Its believed that some of the girls told Sister Cathy what was happening and this possibly led to her murder. Did you ever speak to her about it?

I never talked to her. I did try out for the drama club freshman year and I did see her, but I never really knew her.

Do you think her murder will be solved?

I think Maskell did it. I think we are closer than we ever have been. I am not keeping tabs on the new tips that are coming in with Gemma and Abbie. Im pretty much focusing on victims that are coming forward. There are a lot of people who cant remember a lot.

Your brain tries to protect you, I think.

Yes. I always tell them that if they dont remember, its probably a blessing.

It was so infuriating and disheartening to learn that all of these other people participated in the crimes with Maskell.

I know. My friend Linda, who just died this month, was with me on Halloween night 1970 when Maskell took us to a police run in a remote area where I remember being raped by two policemen. She remembered more than that. She said it was a lot more than that, but I dont remember. She did put a rant on Facebook shortly before she died. We took it down because it was really personal.

You became a lawyer at 49. Why did you want to be a lawyer?Well, I always wanted to be either a doctor or a lawyer. My dad is a lawyer. I have three brothers and two of them are doctors and the other one is a lawyer. In my family, you really arent educated unless you are a professional and I always had an interest in the law. I just wanted to do that so I figured when the kids got older, I slowly chiseled at it and got my social-work degree and then ended up in law school.

How do you feel about the apology that the Church gave you and the other victims of Father Maskell? Did you accept it?

I thanked them for their apology, but after being called names  they tried to break me in the depositions of the 90s  its really hard for me to accept anything from the Church. I know they are apologizing so they can save face and their money. I dont think they would have ever said they were sorry if they didnt get caught red-handed. I mean, they called me a liar. They said I was a confused, mixed-up person, like a mental case.

I cant imagine what you felt when you learned what happened to Charles Franz, the dentist who was abused by Maskell at another school. Thats the reason why he was transferred to your school.

I was always under the impression that he had abused a boy at Our Lady of Victory, which is why he was sent to Keough. When the dentist came out, I was surprised, but in a way I wasnt. I had known he was doing boys and had a history and thats why they sent him to an all-girls school.

If the Archdiocese had done the right thing, he would have never hurt all of you at Keough. That is infuriating.

When I saw the movie Spotlight and they said they knew  they knew, and they let it happen  I almost broke down and cried because they did know. If they had listened to the dentist Charles, I wouldnt have been abused.

You work with victims of abuse. What advice do you give them?

I tell them, Youre not alone, stay strong. And I thank them for contacting me.

How do you think youve been able to stay strong yourself?

I would just say that Im lucky. Ive always had drive and determination, and Im just lucky that it made me more angry than anything else. And determined. You know whats interesting? This made me tougher. When my husband died and my mother died, there were a lot of horrors in my life. It made me able to tough it out, and I was determined to go back to school and make something of myself. I wasnt giving into it. It was always there. There isnt one day that goes by where I dont hear Maskells name, and its haunting. I just try to look for life in other places.
Jack DiFalco and Janeane Garofalo in Marvins Room. Photo: Joan Marcus

Its a curious and counterintuitive choice the Roundabout has made, bringing the 1991 play Marvins Room to Broadway for the first time. Seeing it is a time-travel experience, down to the glass-brick wall on the set: This is a product of the late 80s and early 90s, when overwhelming earnestness and a life-threatening illness were the way for a comedy to gain critical respect. Its from the years of thirtysomething and Sisters and St. Elsewhere and Steel Magnolias, and Marvins Room is a more ambitious theatrical sibling to them all. Its goyish Neil Simon, a weepie with a lot of pretty good jokes injected into it  a dramedy, if that word does not immediately make you run screaming.

Its also built around a family story that anyone can appreciate. Two sisters are estranged. One (Bessie) is the good girl, never married, whos been in Florida for 20 years, taking care of her invalid father, Marvin, and her disabled aunt, Ruth. The other, Lee, has been in Ohio the whole time, involved with a variety of lousy men, and has two boys, one of whom has just burned their house down and is living in a mental hospital. Bessie soon discovers that she has leukemia and needs a bone-marrow transplant, and Lee brings her kids down from Ohio for genetic testing and a Disney World visit. She hasnt seen her father in two decades. So the plays tension is set up: selflessness versus selfishness, or dutiful drabness versus free spirit, or living for someone elses life versus living for yourself. Along with the wacky forgetful aunt, theres a wacky forgetful doctor, as if this werent Neil Simon-ish enough.

Scott McPherson, who had a huge hit with Marvins Room in Chicago and then Off Broadway in 1991, was of course not writing about leukemia. Weeks after the New York opening, his partner died from AIDS at 33, and he followed a year later. Surely McPherson was watching friends and siblings take care of (or fail to take care of) everyone they knew. He had written a screenplay adaptation before he died, and the film that resulted, after a rewrite by John Guare, has a staggering cast: Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton as the sisters, Robert De Niro as the doctor, Leonardo DiCaprio as the troubled older son. The film was successful  Keaton got an Oscar nomination for it  and the play continues to be, owing partly to its perfect suitability for smaller theater companies. It requires seven actors and no complex tricks, and (apart from one scene at Disney World, which can be abstracted) the action mostly plays out in a house and a doctors office.

The actual interplay between the siblings should be, and is, timeless. But something a little hard to quantify has, in the intervening 25 years, flattened and attenuated this plays power. (The same thing has happened to a lot of Neil Simons work, in fact.) There is a datedness to telling an emotional story packed with jokes  even good jokes  and Marvins Room, today, feels uneconomical. Especially in the first act, the plays emotional grip repeatedly slips away while the banter plays out.

The actors are doing a hell of a job trying to hang onto it, though. Its a fact that comedians are often way better at drama than people expect them to be  comedy requires emotional intelligence, which translates well to drama. It should therefore be no surprise that Janeane Garofalo, always one of the smartest comics there is, can turn her deadpan to another use. (God bless her, taking on a role inhabited onscreen by the greatest actress alive.) As Lee, Garofalo is laconic but not mean, vulnerable but not helpless, armored but not opaque. Lili Taylor, as her sister, has a harder part to play  is Bessie a doormat? a saint? bitter or lonely?  and manages to convey a lot of that complexity. (It was a clever choice to cast two actresses who are themselves often associated with the early-90s time frame.) Even when the jokes go on too long, Taylor, Garofalo, and Celia Weston, as their goofy aunt, absolutely know how to deliver them.

Doing so in a Broadway house causes them some trouble, though. The stage of the American Airlines Theatre (and the set built upon it) is huge, so much so that when were in Bessies kitchen and hearing that she may be short of money, its hard to fathom, because the house seems immense. The scene in which the two sisters interact for the first time should be a roiling moment of unspoken emotional conflict, but the physical distance between them drains the moment of strength, and thats not the only time it happens. The set cries out for a ceiling, to bring down the proscenium and add some claustrophobia to what (I think) is supposed to be a small Florida bungalow. That we never see into Marvins room itself is, I think, a dramatic suggestion that the very end of life is an unknowable thing. That we never actually do suggests that the emotional center here is just too far away, both physically and temporally, to be seen.

Marvins Room is at the American Airlines Theatre.
Zoo No Place Like Home Season 3 Episode 1 Editors Rating 3 stars * * * Previous Next   Previous Episode Next Episode  Photo: Shane Harvey/CBS

I cant believe I havent been a Zoo fan from day one. To be fair, Zoo gave almost zero indication of the twists and turns it would take, but the hints were there: After all, how could a show be grounded and low-key when its about animals who have absolutely had it with humans?

Now here we are, two seasons later, after endless twists about mother cells and ghost genes and Noah objectives, and a show about animals that suddenly want to kill us has mutated into a sci-fi apocalypse full of crazy conspirators and mad science. Honestly, its hard to keep it all straight because Zoo pretty much reinvents itself every week, and the pivot at the end of season two was a doozy.

If you remember  or not, because its kind of criminal how under-the-radar this show is  the last season ended with the shows heroes (hereby known as the Zoo Crew) achieving their goal of curing the animals of the world, only to have their cure hijacked by a group of extremists known as the Shepherds, who laced the cure with a special something that, in addition to curing the animals, made all of humanity sterile. The show then flashed forward ten years to show Zoo Crew members Abraham and Dariela attending their daughters elementary-school graduation, which is also the last graduating class in elementary school.

Suck it, Game of Thrones. This is some next-level shit.

Since teasing us with a glimpse of the bleak future that awaited in season three, much of Theres No Place Like Home is spent catching us up with the Zoo Crews new normal, as well as the general state of the world and its sterile people. This means its a middle-of-the-road episode for Zoo fans, but its also a great episode for newcomers because it tells you all you need to know. And what you need to know is pretty simple: After ten years, the world is kinda jacked up. Most of the West Coast is walled off thanks to mutant hybrids run amok. Scientists are working hard to find a cure to make humankind fertile again. And the Zoo Crew is adrift in the wind, no longer the team they once were.

Abraham and Dariela are more or less all thats left, raising their child and helping work toward a cure  if theres a Zoo Crew 2.0, theyre the ones itll be built around. Former investigative journalist Jamie Campbell is off on her own as an author extraordinaire, but also a self-styled super spy whos looking for the Falcon, the last remaining major player from the Shepherds. Jackson Oz (still cant believe thats his real name) is out in the West Coast Wildlands trying to make them safer with new girlfriend, Tessa, watching his back  and maybe even the power to communicate with lions?

I really cant believe this airs on CBS every week.

Then theres Mitch, the Zoo Crew member thought dead at the end of season two, only to have his daughter show up in the flash forward to tell Abe and Dariela that hes alive  and he knows how to save humanity. She doesnt know where Mitch is, but the IADG does. (Thats the International Animal Defense Group. Theyre not nice, and also, an acronym dangerously close to IDGAF.) Apparently, hes been kept in suspended animation for reasons unknown. And he doesnt seem to know who he is. This frustrates the IADG, who want to know whats in his head, but cant seem to get it from him.

The IADG appears to be up to some seriously shady shit, as Jackson finds out when his wild lands outpost is bombed by a woman in an IADG jacket. using a drive similar to one Jamie had confiscated when she ran afoul of her government-flack ex for her Falcon investigations earlier in the episode. Theres another Grand Conspiracy under way here, and the shape of it is far from clear, but its bound to bring the Zoo Crew back together after ten years apart. My biggest question, though, is how it all ties into the blood sample from a new species of hybrid Abe receives. In the most unsettling scene in the episode, it starts growing, and no one knows what the lump of flesh will turn into. Bad news, probably.

The episode ends with Clem, unable to get the unqualified support she expected on the hunt for her father, Mitch. So she leaves Abe after pulling a gun on him, and then tries to talk Jamie into helping her. Meanwhile, the IADG tries another tack to get Mitch to talk: They introduce him to his grown daughter, Clem. Is it a scam? Or is the Clem weve been following a fake one? Probably not, but this show is crazy enough to try that.

This season is gonna be delicious.
At midnight Friday, President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Goods and Services Tax, a nation-wide one-tax structure that has some worried but many optimistic about the Indian economy.

By Dev Goswami: At midnight, ushering into Saturday, the press of a button in the Central Hall of Parliament announced the arrival of the Goods and Services Tax in India. Accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cabinet, President Pranab Mukherjee rolled out GST, India's biggest-ever tax reform, which will bring in place a single tax system that some analysts predict will be bigger than that of the European Union.

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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley kicked off the proceedings, delivering a short address in which he called GST an "important achievement for the entire country." "The old India was economically fragmented, the new India will create one tax, one market and for one nation," Jaitley said.

Jaitley was followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spoke at length after returning from a two-day Gujarat trip just hours earlier. "We are setting India's roadmap with GST," Modi said. "The best brains of the country worked together for GST."

Before going on to list a number of problems that GST would solve, including black money, corruption and tax evasion, Modi drew a parallel between the national tax and the Bhagwad Gita. "It is a co-incidence that Gita has 18 chapters and today was the 18th meeting of GST Council," Modi said.

GST will help the poor, PM Modi said, coining a new term, as is his wont, during his address. "It's not just a Goods and Services Tax," Modi said, 'It's a Good and Simple Tax."

Modi also lauded the "collective effort" behind GST saying that the national tax wasn't the legacy of any one party or government.

"GST isn't just about India's economy but about democracy and cooperative federalism," Modi said.

Addressing the gathering, President Pranab Mukherjee said the introduction of GST is a moment of precedent for the country and a matter of personal satisfaction for him because of his role as Finance Minister earlier. "I had always believed that GST was a matter of time and was happy when it was enacted and I gave assent to the Constitution amendment last year," he said.

At midnight, President Mukherjee and PM Modi stood together and pressed a buzzer to launch GST. The moment was followed by a promotional video on the Goods and Services Tax.

Soon after, Big Bazaar owner Kishore Biyani tweeted a photo of one of the first retail bills in India that have GST rates applied.

Bill with GST levied on products shared by Biyani. Photo: Twitter (Kishore_Biyani) Bill with GST levied on products shared by Biyani. Photo: Twitter (Kishore_Biyani)

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FULL CIRCLE

17 years in the making, GST has come a full circle; it was the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Atal Bihari Vajpayee government that in 2000 took the first steps to bring India under a single taxation structure. After two terms of the Congress-led Manmahon Singh, the process of establishing 'one nation, one tax' has finally been completed under Narendra Modi.

Having itself worked on GST when it was in power the Congress, understandably, did not hit out directly at the new tax structure. But it did boycott the ceremony, calling it a show of self-promotion (Rahul Gandhi termed the Parliament event a 'tamasha'). Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was conspicuous in his absence as he has been one of the drivers of the idea, first mooted during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's time.

Mamata Banerjee, however, was at her firebrand best, expressing her concern over GST's roll out and calling the Modi government's "unnecessary disastrous hurry" another "epic blunder", notwithstanding the fact that her finance minister Amit Mitra has been one of the key architects of GST.

Nitish Kumar was another leader absent during the midnight proceedings. He was said to be "busy" in Patna and was instead represented by his Power Minister Vijendra Yadav.

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'TRYST WITH DESTINY'

Having failed to coax Opposition into not "playing politics" over GST, the Centre went ahead with its glittery Parliament ceremony to launch GST. This was only the third time in recent history that a joint sitting of Parliament was called at midnight.

Before the launch, Modi's midnight GST launch was compared with the most famous midnight Parliament sessions of all - that of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947 when he made his 'tryst with destiny' speech to announce India's independence.

Notably, none of the speakers - Jaitley, Modi or Mukherjee - made any effort to connect Friday's midnight GST launch with the historic day 70 years ago.

TEETHING PROBLEMS

Acknowledging that the criticism that GST would put India into disarray wasn't entirely misplaced, the government admitted that there would be teething problems. Speaking at India Today's Tryst With Tax Conclave on Friday, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu both accepted there are glitches with GST, but asserted that the issues will be fixed.

Meanwhile, Navin Kumar, the chairperson of the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), which is responsible for the software and back-end systems that will implement the nation-wide tax, expressed confidence in the IT infrastructure that will power GST.

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CAUTION

On a day of pomp and glory at Parliament, a quasi-government voice sobered expectations from GST. NITI Aayog member and noted economist Bibek Debroy rejected claims that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) would increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate by 1.5 per cent.

Speaking at the Tryst With Tax Conclave, Bibek Debroy said, "There are talks that the GST would increase the GDP growth rate by 1.5 per cent. This is total rubbish." "Such speculations are based on the assessment of the 13th Finance Commission, which gave that figure for an ideal GST. We are nowhere near an ideal GST."

THE ROAD AHEAD

With Friday's midnight roll out, India is now under a single taxation structure that is expected to make doing business in the country easier and to expand the tax net.

GST is expected to check tax evasion and broaden tax base. In the new regime, all filings will be done only through electronic mode to ensure non-intrusive administration. This will minimise taxpayers' physical interaction with the tax officials.

The GST regime seeks to reduce rates of over 50 per cent of items of daily use and charge others at much lower rate of 5 per cent, 12 per cent and 18 per cent.

A higher tax rate is imposed on luxury and sin goods at 28 per cent in the new regime. Certain services like telephone, banking and insurance are expected to feel the pinch of higher taxes.

GST also promises taxpayers a refund against their sales within 60 days. Similarly, exporters will get refund within seven days. For protection of consumer rights, the new law provides anti-profiteering provisions. In a departure from the normal practice, the GST will be administered together by the Centre and the states.

Complications, however, are expected, and the general consensus is that it will take at least a month before GST's true impact is realised.

Though even critics of the roll out agree that in the long run, GST will benefit the Indian economy, with even Opposition parties taking umbrage not at the idea of the national tax but its implementation.

With businesses and the markets being shut over the weekend, Monday could provide a slightly clearer, but not perfect, picture of where India under the Goods and Services Tax stands.

You, however, will know it as early as Saturday. Keep an eye open on that restaurant bill. It would go up as the 15% service tax is replaced by 28% GST, if the restaurant is air-conditioned.

- With IANS inputs

ALSO READ:

Get Set GST: How to plan your buys in one nation one tax regime

17-year-long wait ends; know from where the GST dream started

From inflation to legal hassles, how well GST fared in other countries after its implementation

What is the GST bill? Here's all you need to know about India's biggest tax reform

GST FAQ: Answers to all your questions about India's biggest tax reform

ALSO WATCH | Midnight tryst with GST: Full coverage of India's biggest tax reform in Central Hall

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Hafiz Saeed had adopted the name Jamaat-ud-Dawa after its terror outfit, Laskar-e-Tayyiba that basically perpetrates terror in India, was banned by Pakistan on 14 January 2002 under international pressure.

By Santosh Chaubey: After placing Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD)'s Hafiz Saeed under house arrest on January 30, Pakistan has now banned his new terror front Tehreek-e-Azadi-Jammu & Kashmir (TAJK).

JuD was declared a terrorist outfit by the US in 2014 and and was again put under the watch list on January 27. The Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA ) put TAJK on the list of proscribed organisations on June 8, forcing Saeed to run his activities under the TAJK banner. Hafiz Saeed had adopted the name JuD after its terror outfit, Laskar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) that basically perpetrates terror in India, was banned by Pakistan on 14 January 2002 under international pressure.

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However, it did not affect him. In December 2008, the UN Security Council, under its Resolution 1267, imposed sanctions on JuD and Hafiz Saeed for supporting Al Qaeda and Taliban. India had named Hafiz Saeed, LeT and JuD as the perpetrators of the series of terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November 2008. Since then there has been an unending drama of Hafiz Saeed being put under house arrest or detained cursorily before being set free even if the US declared a bounty of USD 10 million on his head in 2012.

Things took a turn after Donald Trump was elected president in the United States. The US clearly told Pakistan to act against JuD after its name prominently figured in the report of the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering. If Pakistan failed to comply to this it would be put on the list of blacklisted countries in the International Cooperative Review Group (ICRG). That would make it necessary for Pakistan to put a formal request each time it went about transacting any business through any of the international financial institutions.

Left with no other option, Pakistan had to put Hafiz Saeed under house arrest on January 30. Even if symbolic, it made a huge difference that we can see now with TAJK ban, as Donald Trump is completing six months in office. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump in a joint statement, during Indian PM's US tour, labeled Pakistan a terror haven. Not to mention the US has designated Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist.

Pakistan, probably, was expecting all this to happen, and therefore would have decided to act on Hafiz Saeed's new terror front before it became another international rallying point against it.

Also Read |

After Modi-Trump meet, Pakistan says US does not care about killing of innocent Kashmiris

Beyond handshakes and hugs, Modi-Trump meeting meant serious business

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By PTI: Gwalior, Jun 30 (PTI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court today sought the Election Commissions stand on a plea against the poll panels order disqualifying state minister Narottam Mishra.

Mishra was disqualified by the poll watchdog on June 24 for three years for filing wrong accounts of his election expenditure during the assembly polls of 2008. His election from the Datia assembly constituency also stood void.

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Three days later, Mishra moved the Gwalior bench of the high court seeking a stay on the EC order.

The bench of Justice Vivek Agrawal today issued notice to the poll panel seeking its reply to Mishras plea by July 5, ECs lawyer D K Khatri told PTI.

"We urged the court to grant time for filing a reply on the matter, following which the bench asked us to file it by July 5," he said.

Mishra filed a plea in the high court seeking a stay on the EC order as well as its quashing, his lawyer M P S Raghuwanshi said.

Rajendra Bharti of the Congress, who lost the 2008 MP assembly polls from Datia constituency to Mishra, a close aide of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, had moved the EC against the minister on April 4, 2009, seeking his disqualification under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Mishra, the water resources and legislative affairs minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, had filed a writ petition before the Gwalior bench seeking relief against the EC order.

Congress spokesman and advocate J P Dhanopia, meanwhile, said, "Mishra has no right to remain in the Cabinet. As soon as the Election Commission passes an order under section 10A of the Representation of the People Act 1951, the seat of sitting MP/MLA becomes vacant forthwith on that very day, by operation of law."

"For such vacation of seat in the legislature on a person incurring disqualification under section 10A, no further order of any other authority is needed under the law and the legislatures secretariat of the concerned House should issue the notification declaring the seat of the member concerned as vacant from the date of the Commissions order," he said.

The Congress spokesman also rubbished Mishras claim that the order is not applicable to his 2013 assembly poll victory and was confined to 2008 polls alone.

"The EC order has no ambiguity and is applicable even now and therefore either Mishra should immediately step down or the governor should sack him," Dhanopia said.

Dhanopia said the Congress would petition Governor O P Kohli on the issue this evening. PTI MAS NP RAX BAS

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Two men were arrested Thursday, charged with capital murder in a murder-for-hire scheme that led to the December 2015 shooting of a man at Pick N Pay Foodmart, officials said Friday.

Tyler Sherrod Clay, 28, of Hewitt, and Keith Antione Spratt, 29, of Waco, were arrested by Waco police in the shooting death of Joshua Ladale Pittman, 37. Police previously reported Pittman was shot several times in the chest with a handgun in the targeted attack.

Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said Clay allegedly paid Spratt to kill Pittman.

Investigators reported that Pittman had been involved in multiple robberies of individuals, Swanton said. Through interviewing witnesses and confidential sources, he said detectives learned that Pittman had set up Spratt and Clay to be robbed, leading both men to conspire to murder Pittman.

A masked man entered Pick N Pay Foodmart, 504 Faulkner Lane, shortly before 11 p.m. Dec. 23, 2015, and shot Pittman, according to reports. The suspect fled the store on foot. No suspects were named after the shooting, and the case has remained open for 18 months.

According to arrest warrants and affidavits filed Thursday, Pittman allegedly robbed Clay earlier in 2015, and Clay solicited Spratt to murder Pittman out of retaliation. Witnesses and confidential sources identified Spratt as the shooter, and detectives were told Spratt received payment from Clay for the murder, according to the documents.

Arrest affidavits do not indicate what type of payment was made.

Spratt was arrested Thursday afternoon near the intersection of 10th Street and Colcord Avenue when a patrol officer saw him walking down the street. Officers arrested Spratt without incident and took him to McLennan County Jail.

Police and U.S. Marshals arrested Clay near Da Eastside Smoke Shop, 1301 Dallas St., at about 9:30 p.m. Clay was taken to police headquarters to be interviewed before he was booked into McLennan County Jail.

Both men remained in custody Friday morning with bonds listed at $1 million each.
Bertha Louise Elridge, 94, of Killeen, Texas, passed away June 16, 2017. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 1, at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church, in Waco. Burial will follow the service at the Zion Hill Cemetery, in Chalk Bluff, Texas. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 30, at Greater Mount Oliver Baptist Church, in Waco.
The trouble between the two sides started on May 18-19 when a Chinese patrol came to the Doka La area and objected to the two bunkers built by the Indian Army there, the sources said.

By Ajit Kumar Dubey: Around 150-200 Indian and Chinese Army troops each are separated by merely four to five meters from each other in the Doka La area, where the two forces are engaged in a stand-off since early June after the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) destroyed an Indian bunker there.

"Both sides are sitting too close for comfort, but there has not been violence of any sort in the area," senior government sources told Mail Today.

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The trouble between the two sides started on May 18-19 when a Chinese patrol came to the Doka La area and objected to the two bunkers built by the Indian Army there, the sources said. The bunkers were not manned and could have acted as a good observation point for the troops. The Chinese troops brought one of it down and even got their dumpers and bulldozers to carry out the task on June 8.

WHEN DID IT BEGIN

Indian troops objected to the Chinese action and stood ground against the Chinese behaviour. As arguments and counter arguments started growing, the Chinese increased their number from a few dozen soldiers initially to 150-200 soldiers till yesterday, the sources said.

The Chinese are also making an attempt to shift down the tri-junction point in the Chumbi valley by almost 12 kilometres to get a bigger hold on the area and to get wider depth in case of a military deployment. They are now building a road which they want to extend further so that it will bring them as close as possible to a place called Chicken's Neck.

"The Chinese troops have even been patrolling areas up to a place called Gemochin, where the Royal Bhutanese Army has its posts and PLA troops marched to their positions and reportedly even confronted them for being in their territory," the sources said.

From the Chinese Army's point of view, the Chumbi valley has to be widened as they want to move closer to the strategically important Chicken's Neck corridor in Siliguri -which is under the watch of Army's 33 Corps headquarters situated in Sukna in West Bengal.

The Chicken's Neck corridor is in a land mass connecting mainland India with the northeast, and is heavily guarded by India with one full Corps (90,000 troops) of the Army deployed in and around that area to protect it.

Government sources said India is firm on resolving the issue as per the satisfaction of the parties involved in the disputed land boundary. Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat also reached Sikkim to take stock of the ongoing situation with the local formation commanders as his troops have stood ground in the area.

Sources said Bhutan and India have been anticipating such an attempt by the Chinese in this area based on their construction activities and had discussed the scenario in detail a couple of months before the situation came up. Meanwhile, China has accused Indian troops of "crossing the boundary" in the Sikkim section and demanded their immediate withdrawal, while asserting that it has shut down the Nathu La pass entry for Indian pilgrims travelling to Kailash Mansarovar because of the border stand-off.

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Also Read

China says new battle tank tested in Tibet China claims these photographs prove Indian Army crossed the border

ALSO WATCH | India, Bhutan red flag Red Army's intrusion: China's LAC photos to escalate information war?

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CERESCO  The Village of Ceresco will host a double-duty celebration July 6 that will serve as memoir and dinner kickoff to Ceresco Days and celebrate Nebraskas Sesquicentennial statehood anniversary.

To help celebrate the 150th were going to do our part, said Event Organizer Doug Swanson.

Next Thursday nights event begins with a spaghetti dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Ceresco Community Center and will include exhibits, displays and a presentation by the Nelson family, who settled in what is now Ceresco in 1867.

Swanson said the Nelson family came from Ceresco, Mich. in 1867 and there will be a historical presentation by Jeff Nelson, the great grandson of some of the original settlers.

Swanson said the Nelson family was the first postmasters and there will be a display of the first three post offices for Ceresco.

The first post office license was established in 1869 on a farm approximately one mile south of Ceresco. The next location is where Ernies of Ceresco currently sits, Swanson said.

Swanson said he would like to encourage any and all that have stories or artifacts about the history of Ceresco to attend and share.

The historical celebration will continue throughout the Ceresco Days weekend, as Photographer Michael Forsberg will be present July 8 at 10 a.m. to autograph his artwork.

A Forsberg photograph of Sandhill Cranes is featured on the Nebraska Sesquicentennial stamp.

Swanson said Forsberg will be available to sign stamped envelopes. Funds raised at the event will be used for the villages future splash pad.

For more information, contact Swanson at 402-430-3334 or by email at dougswansonford@gmail.com.
WAHOO  Pam Lausterer has picked up and moved office locations several times with Saunders County Youth Services over the last two decades.

Her move this month, however, will be away from youth services and 21-and-a-half years at its helm.

I started with ambition for young people and families, she said.

Lausterer has been working with schools across the county, law enforcement and the State of Nebraska during her time with youth services to help youth stay in school and on track.

My motivation has been a desire to make things better, to improve things, she said.

She and her husband, Kal Lausterer, spent a few years working in California after college, while Kal worked on his masters degree and they worked at a group home.

They moved back to Nebraska in 1985 to be close to family.

They eventually landed in Wahoo, where they each found careers helping others.

She is not the first Youth Services director, but the fifth and has been in the position the longest.

Lausterer said when she started as director with Saunders County Youth Services, there was no real system intact to support the diversion program. It has evolved since and they now have support at the state level with programs to keep youth in school and on track.

Diversion is now really valued, she said.

Lausterer is on a diversion sub-committee on the state level that is networking support and enhancement programs across the state.

Theyre in the process of trying to develop a diversion academy, she said.

Lausterer said one of the greatest accomplishments shes been part of is helping to develop the school-based behavioral health program in the county.

The collaboration of all individuals in schools and agencies helped it come together, she said.

Even after some funding cuts last year on the state level, Lausterer said larger schools pitching in to help smaller schools proves the need for the program and its benefit to all youth in the county.

Part of her job as director of youth services has been developing strategies to help the countys youth.

Every three years, there are meetings with schools and community members to come up with a comprehensive plan for the area.

Regardless of what form the aid has come in over the years, Lausterer said she personally gets consistent feedback from individuals shes helped.

You dont remember me, do you, is the question Lausterer gets from individuals she doesnt recognize, but all-too-well recognize her and the help she gave them in the past.

One recent interaction was at a mentoring meeting Lausterer attended where she was asked that question.

She did not recognize the young lady, but the lady thanked Lausterer and shared how Lausterer had helped her through a tough time in life.

Lausterer said she fully believes in the adage it takes a village to raise a child, that she could not have had as much success without the support of individuals, groups and schools throughout the county.

Its never one person that helps make the change. Thats why Im so proud of Saunders County, she said.

Im so proud of Saunders County schools, law enforcement and the board of directors. We would not be able to do any of this without their support.

In retirement, Lausterer said she plans to spend a lot of time with her grandchildren and with her husband.

BROWSING SELECTION: Seth Varner (left) and Max Spangler of Wahoo browse the fireworks selection at the fireworks stand at the corner of Fifth and Chestnut streets in Wahoo. Fireworks sales began June 25 and run through July 4. (Staff Photo by Alyssa Sobotka)
The 1967 incident marked the last incident of casualties on both sides in the Sikkim sector. And the last death in any sector of the India-China border was in 1975 at Tulung La, and that was by accident, when two patrols were lost in the fog.

By Ananth Krishnan: The last time India and China were engaged in a major military stand-off in Sikkim was in 1967.

On that instance, just five years after India's traumatic 1962 war defeat, the Indian Army gave the Chinese a bloody nose, according to accounts from the time. More than 80 Indian soldiers were killed, while estimates say between 300 to 400 Chinese troops were killed.

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It was certainly a different time: One account suggests that to protest China's actions then in Sikkim, which reportedly included a Chinese complaint of a herd of sheep being stolen, a 43-year-old Member of Parliament by the name of Atal Bihari Vajpayee drove a herd of sheep to the Chinese Embassy in Shantipath in New Delhi to stage a rather colourful protest.

There are fascinating parallels from the 1967 incident. That was also a stand-off that began with pushing and shoving, when the Chinese filled up trenches that India had dug.

That stand-off was also marked by Chinese irritation at the Indian Army's presence in the then Kingdom of Sikkim. This month's stand-off, in the Doklam plateau contested by China and Bhutan, has reflected China's annoyance with the Indian Army's presence in Bhutan. China's government said this week that Bhutan was "a sovereign country" and no "third party" should interfere.

"The Chinese were not comfortable with Sikkim being an Indian protectorate with the deployment of the Indian Army at that time," recalled Maj Gen Sheru Thapliyal (retd), who was in 1967 posted in nearby Sebu La and later commanded the Nathu La brigade.

As he wrote in an essay published in 2004 in Force magazine and later published by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, the stand-off began as engineers and jawans started erecting long iron pickets from Nathu La to Sebu La along the perceived border, which was agreed by both sides under the 1890 treaty between Great Britain and Qing Dynasty China. A scuffle began as China objected to the laying of the wire, and the PLA Political Commissar was roughed up.

The Chinese returned days later. "A whistle was heard on the Chinese side followed by murderous medium machine gun fire from north shoulder. The pass is completely devoid of cover and the jawans of 70 Field Company and 18 Rajput were caught in the open and suffered heavy casualties which included Col Rai Singh who was wounded. Two brave officers - Capt Dagar of 2 Grenadiers and Major Harbhajan Singh of 18 Rajput rallied a few troops and tried to assault the Chinese MMG but both died a heroic death," recalled Maj Gen Thapliyal.

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He adds, "On 14 September 1967, Chinese threatened use of Air Force if shelling did not stop. By then the lesson had been driven home and an uneasy ceasefire came about. The Chinese, true to form, had pulled over dead bodies to their side of the perceived border at night and accused us of violating the border. Dead bodies were exchanged on 15 September at which time: Sam Manekshaw, [then Eastern Army Commander], Aurora [Lt Gen Jagjit Aurora, Corps Commander] and Sagat [Maj Gen Sagat Singh, GOC Mountain Division in Sikkim] were present on the Pass."

He recalled the situation "again flared up twenty days later when on 1 October 1967 a face-off between India and China took place at Cho La, another pass on the Sikkim-Tibet border a few kilometers north of Nathu La".

"Despite initial casualties, 7/11 GR and 10 JAK RIF stood firm and forced the Chinese to withdraw nearly three kilometers away to a feature named Kam Barracks where they remain deployed till date. Cho La Pass is firmly in Indian hands. Indian Army had got better of the Chinese yet again."

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He wrote, "No wonder, Sino-Indian border has remained peaceful ever since to the extent that today Chinese soldiers come and ask their Indian counterparts at Nathu La for cigarettes, rum and tea, mail is exchanged twice in a week in a hut constructed specially for this purpose and border personnel meeting takes place there twice a year."

The 1967 incident marked the last incident of casualties on both sides in the Sikkim sector. And the last death in any sector of the India-China border was in 1975 at Tulung La, and that was by accident, when two patrols were lost in the fog. So despite the close parallels, 50 years on history is unlikely to repeat itself with the border remaining largely tranquil in the decades since.

Also Read:

Chinese media on border stand-off: 1962 defeat has left lingering effect on India

Army Chief reaches Sikkim amid standoff between Indian, Chinese armies

India-China stand-off in Sikkim: Bhutan blames China for violating bilateral pact

Watch Video: Indo-China border stand-off: Security officials hold meet with Home Ministry in Delhi

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Eds: With additional comments by MEA spokesperson

New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) India today played down the usage of "Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir" by the US in a statement issued during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying similar terms have been used in the past too.

On Monday, while designating Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist", the US State Department had said the militant group had claimed responsibility for several attacks, including the April 2014 explosives attack in "Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir", which injured 17 people.

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Responding to a media query, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said the use of the term Indian- administered Jammu and Kashmir merely affirmed the Indian position that Salahuddin had been involved in cross-border terrorism against India.

"Similar term has been used in the State Departments country reports on terrorism brought out every year, including in the period 2010-2013, in the context of cross-border terrorism perpetrated on India. Indias consistent position that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India is well known," he said.

Later Baglay said India?s position that the entire State of J&K is an integral part of India is well known and "the US government has been apprised of the same once again." However, he did not give any details of when and how it was done.

The MEA spokespersons remarks came amid criticism by the Congress party over the acceptance of the term by the Modi government.

"US official statement used the phrase Indian- administered Jammu and Kashmir. How did India accept this?" senior Congress leader P Chidambaram had asked in a tweet.

Baglay also said India has welcomed the designation of Salahuddin as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US Administration and added that this long-awaited step had been under discussion.

"The Joint Statement issued on June 26, 2017 after Prime Ministers talks with US President Trump is the strongest joint expression of the commitment of the two sides to be shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against terrorism and calls on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries," he added.

Significantly, India had objected to the UN Human Rights chiefs usage of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir during a human rights council meeting at Geneva last September.

"The whole state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan remains in illegal occupation of a part of our territory. The two cannot and should not be equated," the Indian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said.

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Unlike Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, India has an elected democratic government in place in J&K and, therefore, the UN?s usage of the term Indian-administered Kashmir is "artificial", India had argued.

During a country update, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had talked about the ongoing conflict in Kashmir and had publicly urged both the countries to grant his office access to "India-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan- administered Jammu and Kashmir". PTI PYK ZMN

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ANZ Bank is seeking to uncover who was behind a metals fraud in Asia that cost it "substantial losses" and led to transfers of $US151 million ($196 million) to the United States, according to court papers filed in California.

Australia's third-biggest lender filed papers on June 6 asking the US District Court in San Francisco to allow it to interview US witnesses about a fraud that involved fake ownership documents for nickel stored in Asian warehouses owned by commodities group Glencore.

ANZ and Glencore declined to comment.

As part of a complex series of financial transactions, ANZ ended up with ownership documents for nickel stored in Singapore and South Korea, but discovered they were fraudulent when it tried to sell the metal, the court papers said.
There are often implausibly simple solutions to the implausibly convoluted problems that unsettle us, according to the director of Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Centre, Dr Saamdu Chetri.

"It is a choice to be happy or to be sad in any given situation," said Chetri, who spoke at the Conscious Club in Sydney on Wednesday night following other talks around Australia.

Saamdu Chetri. Credit:Facebook

"People often ask me 'if my friend is dying in the hospital bed, how can I be happy?' And I tell them happiness is not to giggle, not to laugh, not to crack jokes. Happiness is to remain with yourself, connecting your mind, your body and your thoughts together, calming down. When you are calm you are able to send prayers to your friend who is dying in the hospital bed and you're still living with that happy state of mind. If you live in the present moment, whatever situation comes to you you learn to live very calmly and connected to yourself."

Living in connection to yourself is also simple, he believes.
As a speech pathologist, newly-crowned Miss Universe Australia Olivia Rogers was always going to choose her words carefully.

But it's the bikini round that had her most nervous going into Thursday's national final.

"Growing up I was quite a chubby kid ... very nerdy ... I never thought I'd do modelling ... The runways have always been a bit daunting, particularly bikini  it's never really been my thing. Even in front of my family I am a bit self conscious. So getting up on stage in front of a lot of people in not much was very scary," Ms Rogers, 25, said after winning the crown from NSW favourite Georgie Mitchell.

Following her win, Ms Rogers revealed she had battled anxiety and depression in her younger years.
Rome: More than 20,000 migrants have reached Italy in the past week, a sharp spike that has left the Italian government considering whether to deny landing rights to independent rescue ships not flying the Italian flag if it does not get more help from the European Union.

The number of migrants risking the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean from Libya often increases in warmer months, but this week's surge is extraordinary even compared with the high summer numbers of recent years.

Migrants wait to disembark from the Spanish ship 'Rio Segura' in Salerno, Italy, on Thursday. Credit:ANSA/AP

The spike in migration has inflamed one of the most divisive debates in Italian politics, and worsened tensions between Italy and the European Union. And the role of rescue ships operated by humanitarian groups and non-government organisations has moved to the centre of that debate.

Right-wing parties, which celebrated victories in Sunday's municipal elections, have latched onto the climbing number of asylum seekers as a vote-getter. Some have argued that the centre-left government is incapable of staunching the flow of migrants, while others accuse the government of having a secret plan to swell the number of immigrants with the intention of one day granting them voting rights.
11-year-old Arnav Sharma has beaten Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking's IQ score making him one of the brainiest children in the country.

By India Today Web Desk: What if we tell you that there is someone who could possibly be more intelligent than Albert Einstein?

Well, you will either probably laugh it off or won't believe us but 11-year-old Arnav Sharma will prove you wrong.

The India-origin teenager from UK has successfully secured the top possible score of 162 on a Mensa IQ test, two points higher than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

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Arnav, hailing from Reading town in southern England, passed the Mensa IQ test without any preparation and had never seen the pattern of the paper before appearing for it.

Termed as one of the brainiest child in the country, Arnav's score puts him in top 1 per cent of the nation.

"The Mensa test is quite hard and not many people pass it so do not expect to pass," Sharma told the Independent.

His marks measure mainly his verbal reasoning ability.

What is Mensa IQ Test?

Mensa is believed to be the largest and oldest high IQ society in the world. Membership is open to anyone who can demonstrate an IQ in the top 2 per cent of the population, measured by a recognised or approved IQ testing process.

Anyone scoring more than 98 percentile or higher can become a member of the community.

The Mensa IQ test consists of questions related to Analogies, spatial, visual, pattern driven etc.

It was founded in 1946 in Oxford by Lancelot Lionel Ware, a scientist and lawyer, and Roland Berrill, an Australian barrister, but the organisation later spread around the world.

Naturally genius

Sharma insisted he was not anxious before sitting for the test, saying "I had no preparation at all for the exam but I was not nervous. My family was surprised but they were also very happy when I told them about the result."

"I took the exam at the Salvation centre and it took about two and a half hours," he recalled, adding there were about seven or eight people there. A couple were children but the rest were adults.

Meesha Dhamija Sharma, his mother, said she kept her "fingers crossed" for the whole exam.

"I was thinking what is going to happen because you never know and he had never seen what a paper looks like," she explained.

Young Prodigy

"At one-and-a-half years old I took him to India for a holiday to see his grandparents, his grandmother told me about him and said Arnav is going to do very well with his studies," she said.

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It was not until he was two-and-a-half years old that she became aware of his mathematical prowess.

"He was counting up to more than 100. That was when I stopped teaching him because I came to know that there is no end to his numbers," she said.

When asked about whether there was anyone else in the family with an unusually high IQ, she could not recall anyone, adding: "His dad is quite clever as well but not as clever."

Sharma, who attends Crossfields School on the outskirts of Reading, has been selected for Eton College and Westminster, both highly competitive and sought-after schools, with no preparation.

But it is worth noting his talents are not restricted to numbers. Sharma used to have a passion for singing and dancing and reached the semi-finals for Readings Got Talent for dancing with a Bollywood act when he was eight.

"It is a high mark which only a small percentage of people in the country will achieve," a spokesperson for Mensa said.

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The official trailer of Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif-starrer Jagga Jasoos was released yesterday and it asks more questions than it answers.

By Ananya Bhattacharya: The official trailer of Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif's Jagga Jasoos was released on the internet yesterday and ever since, it has taken over social media. The film is set for a release on July 14. The teaser of the film was released in December last year. While the teaser did not give much insight into the characters of Ranbir and Katrina, the trailer does its job pretty well. In addition to helping flesh out Ranbir's character Jagga, the Jagga Jasoos trailer also gives a sneak-peek into the actual story of the film.

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During one of the interactions with the media, director Anurag Basu revealed the reason why he decided to make a film like Jagga Jasoos. It is unlike anything we have seen in the recent past. Jagga Jasoos has a lyrical quality to it. There is this magical feel to it that we have not seen in Bollywood films for a while now.

So why did Anurag Basu choose to tell the story of Jagga in this manner?

"After watching Barfi (his last release) my daughter felt it was an ok film. In fact, every time during their (his children's) vacation, I show them Hollywood children films because we do not have many children's films in Bollywood these days. So, I wanted to make a film that children can enjoy! So I thought I should make a film that kids and families can go and watch and enjoy," said Basu.

"I sincerely believe that we should make films that cater to all, tough but we should try!" added the Barfi director.

Directed by Anurag Basu, the soundtrack of this musical boasts of 21 songs. Before the film hits the screens, here are a five major revelations from the trailer:

RANBIR KAPOOR'S TRIBUTE TO TINTIN

All of us have grown up reading stories of Tintin, our favourite detective-cum-reporter. Ranbir's character in Jagga Jasoos is a tribute to Herge's famous creation. Ranbir's hairstyle in Jagga Jasoos is reminiscent of Tintin's striking quiff. Jagga, the teenager detective, is an ode from Anurag Basu to Tintin, who all of us have admired all through our childhood.

THE CHARACTER OF JAGGA BAGCHI

Jagga's father was (is?) 'Professor Bagchi', says Shruti in the trailer. Jagga is a detective who is a bit like 'a cartoon', his eyes are sharper than 'durbin (binoculars), X-ray', he has an 'antenna' on his head, he is 'sirphira (crazy)' but 'hoshiyaar (smart)'. Jagga breaks into song whenever he is stuck. His words take time to come out, he says in the trailer.

A MURDER IN TOWN

The trailer of Jagga Jasoos drops heavy hints about what exactly is at the core of the film. Jagga's father has gone missing. It's been a few years. We see the little Jagga seeing off his father, played by Bengali actor Saswata Chatterjee, asking when will he be back. "Mujhe lene wapas kab aaoge (When will you come back to get me)?" asks Jagga. The answer from his father is "Chhe mahine, saat din, aur aat ghante mein wapas (I'll be back in six months, seven days and eight hours)."

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Of course, that hasn't happened. This takes us to the next bit of the trailer. Someone has been murdered and Jagga knows.

KATRINA KAIF IS A SUSPECT IN A MURDER

Katrina Kaif's character Shruti in Jagga Jasoos is a suspect in a murder. Her fingerprints are all over the murder weapon, says Jagga and receives a slap from Shruti. Who has been murdered? Is it Jagga's father? Or is it some other murder that Shruti is a suspect in?

IS RANBIR KAPOOR'S FATHER ALIVE?

That brings us to the next big question that the Jagga Jasoos trailer throws up. Jagga's father Professor Bagchi, we learn from the trailer, disappeared all those years ago while Jagga was in boarding school. Saurabh Shukla informs a teenager Jagga that his father died in an accident. And then Jagga zeroes in on his 'tukka' (guess). That maybe his father is not dead after all. But Saurabh Shukla's character is not an easy man to convince.

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SAURABH SHUKLA'S CHARACTER HAS A PART TO PLAY IN THE MURDER?

Saurabh Shukla is seen refuting Jagga's 'tukka' that his father is alive. He is the one who tells Jagga that his father died in an accident, but did he have anything to do with it? In the face-off between Ranbir and Saurabh in the trailer, the latter is seen asking his men to shoot Jagga after he reveals his guess.

There is obviously more to it than meets the eye. And we will have to wait till July 14 to see the fruit of Anurag Basu's three-year labour.

(The writer tweets as @ananya116.)

ALSO READ: Katrina has a hilarious response to Ranbir mansplaining during Jagga Jasoos interview

ALSO SEE: Ranbir and Katrina take you on a magical journey in Jagga Jasoos trailer

ALSO WATCH | Katrina Kaif on her hot Baar Baar Dekho body: The secret DOES have revenge in it

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The Bombay High Court today said, "After the death of Manjula Shetye, the issue of security of inmates has become important and it needs to be looked into."

By Vidya : Hearing a petition filed by a Yerwada jail inmate about the inhuman condition there, a division bench of Justice R M Savant and Justice Sadhna Jadhav of Bombay High Court today said, "After the death of Manjula Shetye, the issue of security of inmates has become important and it needs to be looked into."

The 41-year-old petitioner Balu alias Shivaji Tukaram Choudhary was arrested by police in 2014 for the murder of a gangster Parshuram. Since then, Balu has been in Yerwada Central Jail and has been complaining about the inhuman condition there.

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In his petition, he has alleged that he has been deprived of his fundamental human rights after being put in the high security block of the jail which is unclean and unhygienic. He has alleged that even basic amenities that should be provided as prescribed in jail manual are also not given. Food is inedible and sufficient water is also not provided. He adds in his petition that he has been a witness to the inhuman treatment of the fellow jail inmates.

31-year-old Manjula Shetye, a jail inmate of Byculla Jail in Mumbai, had died last week when an argument ensued between her and jail officials. She is said to have been beaten up by jail inmates till she lost consciousness. She was later taken to JJ Hospital where she was declared dead by the doctors. Shetye had been transferred from Yerwada jail three months ago for good conduct and was about to be released from jail in six months after completing her sentence in a murder case.

The Bombay High Court, however, observed that there is already a public interest litigations that is being heard by another bench of this very court which has passed a detailed order on various issues concerning jail. Therefore, the judges asked the public pleader to inform them in one week if security of jail inmates is also being considered by that bench. If the other bench is not looking into the issue of jail security, then this bench would hear this petition and enlarge the scope of it across various jails of Maharashtra.

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Venugopal is a veteran lawyer who is known for his calm style and detail. He is regarded an authority on constitutional law.

By Anusha Soni: After Mukul Rohatgi wrote to the government earlier this month expressing his disinterest in continuing as the Attorney General, senior lawyer KK Venugopal's name is likely to be announced by the Centre soon. The announcement could be made on the weekend as the Supreme Court opens on Monday.

Rohatgi had fiercely defended the government at critical legal battles at the Supreme Court and is known for his aggressive and combative style. Venugopal is a veteran lawyer who is known for his calm style and detail. He is regarded an authority on constitutional law.

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Sources in the Law Ministry say that Venugopal's name is likely to be announced once the Prime Minister returns to the country.

Other names in the race include Harish Salve who recently fought Kulbhushan Jadhav's case at the ICJ and Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar.

Venugopal, 86, has been practising law for over fifty years. He also appeared for LK Advani in the Babri Masjid demolition case at the Supreme Court.

In the coming months, the Centre has key legal battles to be fought at the Supreme Court, including a cow vigilantism plea and the challenge to the new notification on the cattle sale. Plea against Aadhaar have also lined up while the court is yet to pronounce it's judgement on triple talaq.

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Hes known by many names, some not so complimentary it seems, but Fred Mitchell, former PLP MP and Minister of Foreign Affairs says he wont pile on former Prime Minister Christie now that theyve lost the election and gone down to an historic defeat.

I should hope not. The former PM seems to have given him Carte Blanche to travel the world with his entourage at the Bahamian taxpayers expense so "piling on" just wouldn't be right. Because one has to defend the party no matter how bad things really were. (Tongue planted firmly in cheek).

Read more here

Mr. Mitchell then proceeds to defend all the trips he took by suggesting Mr. Darren Henfiled, the new FNM Minister of Foreign Affairs should not apologize for taking trips.

Mr. Mitchell says that a foreign minister travels. Thats what they do. They fly around because other governments want you to help them with things.

Well blow me down. In this world of modern technology meetings can be held over the Internet at a fraction of the cost, saving the country thousands, if not millions.

But of course they wanted his help so he couldn't give his advice over the phone.

How self righteous.

Read more here

Albert Castiglia, the great South Florida bluesman has a song about a spurned lover titled Have You No Shame and I just cant get the chorus out of my head.

It goes something like this:

Have you no shame, have you no shame? Have you no shame, have you no shame?
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jun. 29, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 29, 2017 | 06:24 PM | PADUCAH, KY

Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center has chosen leaders for the public phase of their capital campaign and for their board of directors.



In a Thursday press release, Merryman House said Cynthia (Cindy) Dobrzynski has accepted the position of Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Dobrzynski has been the Vice President for Mission Integration at Mercy Health, Lourdes Hospital and a member of the Merryman House Board for the past year. Before her role at Lourdes Hospital she was the Senior Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Catholic Charities USA. She has a BA in Theology and Psychology from Georgetown University and a Masters in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College. She enjoys life in Paducah and the waterfront festivals.



I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of this organization and with the help of the entire board and campaign committee, complete the organizations transition to its new home, Dobrzynski said.



Merryman Houses first capital campaign Theres a Place for You is 83% complete towards its goal of $3.7 million, and is transitioning to a highly public and final leg of its 1.5-year journey to success. The board has named its founder, Merryman Kemp, to chair this phase.



Kemp is identified statewide as a leader with domestic violence crisis issues, and has been working since early this year with capital campaign consultants and Merryman House staff to connect her family, friends and early supporters of the center to the campaign.



The Merryman House is truly a legacy to be proud of. We are at the forefront in Kentucky and indeed the nation with our domestic violence program, said Kemp.



The organization has also hired its first development coordinator, Kimberly Newbern, who will support Kemp in her role as campaign chair.



Merryman House continues to seek individual, corporate, and foundation support for developing its new campus on Berger Road, formerly the administration offices of McCracken County Schools.



In October, Governor Matt Bevin and representatives of the Federal Delta Regional Authority presented grants to Merryman House totaling $750,000 toward their fundraising goal.



Anyone who would like to learn more or make a gift to the capital campaign should contact Merryman Kemp at kemp69ster@mail.com.
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Two separate petitions at the Lahore High Court plead that the court reject the mercy plea of Kulbhshan Jadhav, the Indian national sentenced to death in Pakistan.

By Hamza Ameer: Two separate petitions have landed at the Lahore High Court seeking that Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav's mercy plea be rejected.

Jadhav, a former Indian Navy officer, was convicted of espionage by a Pakistani military court and was sentenced to death by hanging. Jadhav subsequently filed a mercy plea, petitioning Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa to commute his death sentence.

Kulbhushan Jadhav in his early days

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One of the petitions in front of the Lahore High Court is by a civilian named Mehmood Naqvi, who is well known in the court circuits for filing irrelevant pleas. The petition, filed in English, claims that Jadhav is an Indian spy and has twice confessed to being involved in incidents of terrorism in Pakistan.

FYI || WATCH KULBHUSHAN JADHAV'S VIDEO CONFESSION PAKISTAN PRODUCED ||

Naqvi's plea asks Lahore High Court to direct General Bajwa that he reject Jadhav's mercy plea.

The other petition has been filed by the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LCBA) and also demands that the General Bajwa be asked not to accept Jadhav's mercy plea.

LCBA's petition states that as per Islam and Sunnah, only families of those killed in terror attacks allegedly planned and executed by Kulbashan, have the right to give mercy to Kulbashan. The chief of army staff General Bajwa, Pakistani president or any other figure do not hold any authority to allow Jadhav mercy, the petition states.

Jadhav, who Pakistan claims is an agent of India's external intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), was sentenced to death on April 10 after finding him guilty of being involved in terror activities.

India, which rejected Pakistan's charge, slammed the 'farcical' trial under which Jadhav was sentenced to death. Later, New Delhi dragged Islamabad to the International Court of Justice, where it managed to win a stay on Jadhav's death sentence.

The proceedings at the ICJ are ongoing.

ALSO READ:

Who is Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian sentenced to death in Pakistan?

How International Court of Justice decided in India's favour in Kulbhushan Jadhav case: An explainer

After ICJ ruling in India's favour, Pakistan to change legal team in Kulbhushan Jadhav case

Big blow for Pakistan: Ex-ISI official admits Kulbhushan Jadhav was captured from Iran

ALSO WATCH | Kulbhushan Jadhav verdict: Wrong to say Pakistan lost at ICJ, says Sartaj Aziz

Big blow for Pakistan: Ex-ISI official admits Kulbhushan Jadhav was captured from Iran

--- ENDS ---
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jun. 30, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 30, 2017 | 03:51 PM | PADUCAH, KY

Two Murray men were arrested on drug charges Thursday afternoon after a traffic stop in Paducah.



The McCracken County Sheriff's Office says detectives saw a man going in to the Five Star on John Puryear Drive at around 3 p.m. Deputies said the man pointed his hand at the back of a deputy and made a shooting gesture, as if firing a gun.



When the man came out and got in his car detectives pulled him over after they noticed there was no visible license plate on the vehicle.



Deputies said the driver, 48-year-old Wesley Cook was driving on a suspended license. During a search of the vehicle they reportedly found a Percocet pill and a marijuana pipe.



Cook was arrested and charged with driving on a DUI suspended license  2nd offense, no registration plates and no registration receipt.



His passenger, 38-year-old Brad Reeves was also arrested and charged with possession of controlled substance 1st degree 1st offense, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
By Bill Hughes Jun. 30, 2017 | 08:30 AM | PADUCAH, KY

While many people enjoy the flowers and plants that thrive during the summer, they typically aren't so fond of another species that can destroy vegetation - Japanese Beetles.The beetles were accidentally introduced into the U.S. in 1916 when a pot of iris bulbs brought into New Jersey had grubs in its soil, and the insects emerged a short time later. With much more turf and pasture grass in America compared to Japan, the species has thrived and expanded its geographic range as far as Alabama and Ontario. The first beetles in Kentucky were discovered in 1937.Adult beetles lay eggs in the soil, and they hatch as grubs. Horticulture Agent Kathy Wimberley with the UK Cooperative Extension Service in Paducah says those grubs feed on grasses."Grubs do as much damage as the beetles themselves. They eat the roots of our turf grasses. They're C-shaped and they clamp on the roots and just chew, chew, chew," Wimberley said.Dead patches can develop in grassy areas with a high number of grubs. Damaged sod can actually be pulled back like a carpet to expose the grubs.Mature beetles look for mates while eating, typically around mid-day, and can skeletonize a leaf - eating all of the green part, but leaving all of the veins. Wimberley said they love ornamental plants, especially those that are taller. She said they love plants with purple leaves, and roses, too.Adult beetles, which live 30-45 days, lay eggs in the soil during the afternoon, and another life cycle begins.Wimberley said, "You may have as many as 12 cycles of egg to adult and back to egg through the growing season. That's how active they can be."If temperatures turn cold, the eggs or grubs can survive the winter.As for controlling grubs, Wimberley said one common product really doesn't work."The milky spore does not work. It is sold in retail centers right now to control Japanese Beetle growth but that's not such an effective control," she said.Controlling grubs requires properly timed use of a soil insecticide, such as Merit (Grub-ex) or Mach 2 (Grub-B-Gon).Wimberley said the best way to quickly get rid of the beetles destroying your plants is to pluck them off your plants and throw them in a bucket of soapy water or crush them somehow.If you must use an insecticide, many are available for use (see our link), but Wimberley said to be sure to follow label directions. If insecticides are used on plants that produce food, that plant should be specifically listed on the insecticide package.Wimberley also said traps that release scents to attract beetles are effective, but typically attract more than they catch. This means that plants in the beetles' flight path to the traps are more likely to get damaged than if traps are not used.Anyone who has questions can call Wimberley at the Extension Service office at 270-554-9520. The new office is located at 2025 New Holt Road in Paducah.

On the Net:
Congress leader P Chidambaram today said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should tell the nation how would he enforce his writ against the lynch mobs.

By India Today Web Desk: Senior Congress leader and former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram today took a pot shot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that his warning to lynch mobs went unattended.

Taking to Twitter, Chidambaram said, "On a day when PM warned gau rakshaks, Mohd Alimuddin was lynched by a mob in Jharkhand. Obviously, lynch mobs don't fear PM."

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Chidambaram's remark follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that killing of people in the name of cow protection was not acceptable.

Commenting on Narendra Modi's remarks, Chidambaram said, "PM warned gau rakshaks and lynch mobs. Good. Let him tell the country how he will enforce his writ."

WHAT MODI HAD SAID

"Killing people in the name of 'gau bhakti' is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve," Modi said, adding, "No person in this nation has the right to take the law in his or her own hands."

The Prime Minister's remarks come against the backdrop of a spurt in incidents of cow vigilantism and a spate of lynching. A teenager was last week killed on board a Mathura-bound train by people who attacked four brothers and repeatedly called them "anti-nationals" and "beef eaters".

"Violence never has and never will solve any problem. As a society, there is no place for violence," Modi said.

ALIMUDDIN CASE

On a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that killings in the name of cow protection won't be tolerated, a man was beaten to death by a mob at Ramgarh near Ranchi in Jharkhand yesterday on suspicion that he was carrying beef in his vehicle.

A case has been registered on the basis of a video footage of the lynching, police said.

Reports suggest that there could be some previous disputes between the assailants and the deceased. Reports also say that the deceased, identified as Mohammad Alimuddin, was accused of rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl.

According to police, around 30 people surrounded the van bearing a West Bengal number plate in the Bazaar Tand area of Ramgarh police station. They dragged out the driver of the vehicle, Mohammad Allimuddin, a resident of neighbouring Hazaribagh district, and thrashed him, injuring him seriously.

Police rushed to the spot and took Allimuddin to a hospital where he was declared "brought dead" by doctors. The mob also set the vehicle on fire, police said.

ALSO READ |

Jharkhand: Man accused of raping, killing 8-year-old lynched by mobStory of lynching: Kashmir to Haryana, how hate crime thrives in absence of law

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ALSO WATCH | Delhi: Man lynched, 3 injured in train over rumours of beef consumption

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Holly Williams, WhatsOnStage



"What an odious toad of Toad Hall this is!.. we get a thoroughly unrepentant, thoughtless, entitled toff, like Jeremy Clarkson crossed with a harrumphing landowner from, well, Downton Abbey. Rufus Hound delivers the part with the suitably inflated bumptiousness, but unlike the eventually conciliatory amphibian of Kenneth Grahame's original, this Toad proudly learns precisely nothing."

"Putting, ahem, the weasely class politics of it all aside, this lavish family show manages to be both anodyne and rather jolly. There's a sprigged charm in George Stiles and Anthony Drewe's plinking score, parping and trilling and warbling about springtime and swallows... "The chorus is sparkling throughout under Rachel Kavanaugh's sure direction, with Aletta Collins' choreography capturing some animal essence in angular leaps or sweet scurryings."

"There's a nice central relationship between Mole  a winningly nerdy Craig Mather  and Ratty, who's played with alternately daft and deadpan wit by Simon Lipkin, far and away the best thing in the show (and the only really funny one)."

"Peter McKintosh's design somehow manages to be both tasteful and toothsomely garish. Concentric circles of pale wood frame the stage, delicate willows sway above, and the animals' underground burrows are snug and cosily decorated as Hobbit holes."

"The colourful animal cutesiness may win over kids, but this Wind in the Willows ultimately feels overly glossy, obviously more West End than woodland and waterway. It's tweeness is too tame, lacking bite."

Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph



"Stubbornness is the hallmark of the impatient, novelty-chasing Mr Toad. And hasty obstinacy is the stand-out characteristic of this lavish musical adaptation..."

"...this show is burdened by an insufferable twee-ness. There's only so much Edwardian innocence, as expressed through the power of song, that man, woman or child can take, and I felt I'd had my fill of it by the end of the first of 20 numbers."

"The comic ebullience and brio of a boggle-eyed, green-moustachioed Rufus Hound as Toad saves it from being a full-on car-crash; whenever he's about, the mood brightens, and he gets a terrific send-off over the stalls in a jet-pack (there are no complaints, really, about Peter McKintosh's picturesque set-design, while Rachel Kavanaugh's direction does her proud too)."

"Full marks as well to Simon Lipkin for his drolly down-to-earth Rat and to Craig Mather for his Harry Potter-ish Mole... Yet neither the capable principals nor the pretty costumes nor the spirited choreography can hide the fact that this is a trial, a sentence, an incarceration from which one wishes one could escape dressed as a washer-woman. "Poop-poop!" Toad cries. Too right."

Michael Billington, The Guardian



"It is difficult... to find any strong personal vision behind this new musical. Fellowes seeks to banish the book's air of bachelor clubbiness by giving us a Mrs Otter with an errant daughter called Portia."

"Stiles and Drewe also make a gesture to modern gender politics in a song, "To Be a Woman", where the cross-dressed Toad announces: "I'm taking pride in my feminine side." That is one of many good numbers, but the songs embrace such a variety of styles that the score lacks a definable character."

"Rachel Kavanaugh's production itself moves pretty fast and contains some good performances. A green-haired Rufus Hound captures the bumptious likability of Mr Toad, Gary Wilmot lends Badger a ramrod-backed military air as well as a cautious mix of belt and braces, and Neil McDermott invests the Chief Weasel with a spivvy, Arthur Daley-style raffishness."

"It's one of those pieces of theatre that passes the time innocently but, at today's prices, I'm not sure that is enough. The book may be susceptible to many different readings but here you feel it has been adapted with professional commitment rather than reimagined with personal passion."

Ann Treneman, The Times



"This is the latest endeavour from the winning team of Julian Fellowes (script), George Stiles (music) and Anthony Drewe (lyrics). They have collaborated, to great success, on Mary Poppins and Half a Sixpence. But this offering, as pleasant as it is, is not in the same league."

"They cannot blame time, for this version has been percolating since it was seen in Plymouth last autumn. And there are lush orchestrations  but no songs that are going to stay with you. There are good performances but none, even Rufus Hound, frantically hamming it up as a greener-than-green Toad, are outstanding."

"It's all a bit middling. I could actually see the boxes that have been ticked... But my attention wandered and that elusive ingredient, magic, was missing. The wild wood has never felt so tame. Rachel Kavanaugh, the director, has created something that is too safe and never feels as if it is pushing the boundaries. The choreography, by Aletta Collins, often feels muted and doesn't really come together until the encore which is a bit late."

"This tale is all about speed and yet this underpowered musical just never really takes off. Poop, poop? More like pfffft, pfffft."

Henry Hitchings, Evening Standard



"A family musical, just in time for the school holidays? It sounds promising, but at every turn this lavish take on Kenneth Grahame's 1908 novel chooses sweetness over mischief. Its air of wholesome safety is so pervasive that even a posse of breakdancing squirrels manages to seem inoffensive."

"...here the big budget isn't matched by a compelling central idea. It's a meandering journey rather than a genuinely engaging one, and the wide variety of musical idioms... means it never asserts a particular voice or vision."

"The star of the show is, predictably, Rufus Hound's Mr Toad, a wildly energetic green-haired buffoon. If his passion for hurtling towards disaster suggests an untapped gift for political leadership, his repeated cry of Poop! Poop!' risks being the stuff of a puckish theatre critic's punchline. But Hound's gusto is impressive."

"Rachel Kavanaugh's production, though picturesque and deftly choreographed, is slow to exert any grip. It's bland and more than a little twee."

Tim Bano, The Stage



"It's impressive, in a way, to see a version of The Wind in the Willows so utterly devoid of nature... here, all signs of natural life are missing. It's all clean lines, block colours, gaudy costumes."

"Only one of the characters, Toad, feels in any way like an actual character, with the rest coming across as pretty flat; the dialogue is entirely functional."

"George Stiles and Anthony Drewe's songs are pleasant and hummable enough... But they tend to interrupt rather than enrich the story. Jaunty and plentiful they may be, but they're also perfunctory, and the lyrics become quickly tedious. Lines twist themselves into knots in order to find a rhyme that's visible a mile off."

"Peter McKintosh's set has flashes of inspiration... But, overall, it's too crisp, too clinical... Ikea does the great outdoors."

"..the whole production feels a world away from anything remotely pastoral and, as a consequence, it's all rather bland."

The Wind in the Willows runs at the London Palladium until 9 September.
The man you see afore ye is Josh Robinson and wed love to tell you who he plays for but frankly we havent got a clue.

The 24-year-old defender spent last season in the National League with York City but has now sealed a move back to his native Northern Ireland  although with whom is anybodys guess.

Both Linfield and Crusaders have announced Robinsons arrival, the former claiming the player has agreed a four-year contract with them; the latter claiming a three-year deal has been signed.

According to BBC Sport, the Irish FA have asked for clarification on the matter, though Robinson is understood to have trained with the Crusaders squad on Tuesday night.

All we really know for certain is that Robinson has left York

DEPARTURES | Defenders Jack Higgins and Joshua Robinson have left the Club by mutual consent. We wish both of them the best in the future   York City FC (@YorkCityFC) June 29, 2017

Dont feel too sorry for him. Weve heard that limbo is actually really nice this time of year.
The Assam Rifles post was situated under the Shangshak police station.

By Indrajit Kundu: One Assam Rifles jawan was killed and two others injured in a blast in Manipur today. The incident took place around 7:30 am in the Ukhrul district. The jawans are from the 27th Assam Rifles.

According to police, an improvised explosive device (IED) blast was triggered at a security checking post in Ramva, south Ukhrul.

The Assam Rifles post was situated under the Shangshak police station. The area has been cordoned-off by security forces and civilian access has been restricted.

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The injured jawans have been airlifted and rushed to the military hospital in Leimakhong for treatment.

(With inputs from Jit Nigomba in Manipur)

ALSO READ

IED blast in Manipur, three Assam Rifles personnel injured

--- ENDS ---
Manish Tewari has said that the six months after rolling out of the GST would be testing time for the Modi government.

By India Today Web Desk: Congress leader Manish Tewari today said that the six months after rolling out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) would be testing time for the Modi government.

Tewari also slammed the Modi government for "pre-mature" celebration of GST launch at the Central Hall of Parliament. Former Union Minister Tewari questioned the logic of using the Central Hall of Parliament for GST launch. He termed it the "misuse of the Central Hall".

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"Central Hall was first time used when India got Independence. Second time, it was used for celebrating 25 years of Independence and third time it was used when 50 years of Independence was celebrated. This (GST launch) is not an event of that rank to be hosted in the Central Hall," Manish Tewari said.

"Central hall should not have been misused for this purpose," Tewari said.

WHAT ARE WE CELEBRATING FOR?

Manish Tewari further said that GST launch is not an occasion for celebration. "Are we celebrating freedom from taxes?" asked Tewari.

"You said One Nation, One Tax. But we have three taxes, four rates and 40 compliances. Entire nation is concerned. No one is sure about how GST would impact them and their business. Large number of people has come out to protest GST," Manish Tewari said, adding, "The reason is that aam aadmi does not understand how GST will impact them."

Manish Tewari, however, said that GST is a good move. "We support the GST. We supported it. Congress supported it in the State Assemblies. All those states which ratified the Constitution amendment were not BJP ruled. But, if they think we can support them even in their flawed implement, they are mistaken," Tewari said.

NEXT ELECTIONS WILL BE DIFFERENT

Manish Tewari said, the GST is going the demonetisation way. Demonetisation caused immense damage to Indian economy.

Manish Tewari said, demonetisation has impacted the GDP growth rate, pushed banks towards crisis and hurt the common man's business. He said that the flawed implementation of the GST will meet the same fate as demonetisation.

"Next election will be fought on different issues. What (BJP leader) Yashwant Sinha said is worth mentioning. (At a function in Goa, Sinha predicted that Modi government will be voted out in 2019) If GST and demonetisation bring people out in protest, the Congress will play its role in exposing the government," Tewari said.

COMPLETE GST MIDNIGHT CONCLAVE STORIES

ALSO READ

Foreign media on GST: Ready or not, Indian businesses brace for biggest-ever tax reform

How GST travelled on the long road from Rajiv Gandhi to Narendra Modi

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Security forces battling Maoist rebels in Chhattisgarh will not observe the unofficial ceasefire during the rains that both have so far adhered to.

This will be a bloody monsoon in Chhattisgarh. Security forces battling Maoist rebels in the state will not observe the unofficial ceasefire during the rains that both have so far adhered to.

Evidently provoked by the killing of 25 CRPF personnel in Sukma in April, the forces had begun mobilising units and equipment in the South Bastar region, which is the heart of Maoist, held territory, and were gearing up for a major offensive, named Operation Prahar.

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But the Maoists drew first blood. Three jawans from the District Reserve Guard were gunned down in an ambush in Doorma, in the Bhejji police station area, on June 24. Five Special Task Force personnel were also injured in a gunfight and had to be airlifted to the capital, Raipur, for treatment. Special director-general in charge of anti-Naxal operations, D.M. Awasthi, says a large number of rebels, including a Maoist section commander, were killed in the encounter. Security sources say that Maoist commander Hidma, on the most wanted list, was also injured in the operation. Operation Prahar was called off the next day.

Besides the south, anti-Naxal operations have also been intensified in the west, in Rajnandgaon and Kabir-dham districts across the state line from Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra's Gondia district. This follows intelligence reports that the Maoists are trying to establish a new Maharashtra-MP-Chhattisgarh zone.

Awasthi says the new Maoist zone reflects a certain slackening of the rebel hold. "Pressure mounted in south Bastar has forced them to move west," says the officer. But it's after nearly a decade that the Naxals are moving back into territories where they once held sway. Something for Raipur and Delhi to worry about?

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A government middle-school teacher in Avinashi town of Tamil Nadu's Tirupur district was arrested on Thursday after parents of students enrolled here complained that their wards were being molested.

School teacher Krishnamoorthy, who has been accused of molesting girl students, was arrested by the police.

By Pramod Madhav: A government middle-school teacher in Avinashi town of Tamil Nadu's Tirupur district was arrested on Thursday after parents of students enrolled here complained that their wards were being molested.

As many as 97 students study from 1st standard to 8th standard in a government middle-school at A. Kurumbapalayam village in Avinashi. There are three teachers in the school and a principal.

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The accused teacher Krishnamoorthy joined the school last August and began to teach third and fourth standard students.

PARENTS COMPLAIN AGAINST KRISHNAMOORTHY

Recently, parents claimed that girl students from the school had started complaining about Krishnamoorthy's behaviour and his attempts to molest some of them.

Outraged parents laid siege to the school and protested against Krishnamoorthy. School authorities called the police as the situation began to get out of control. Cops reached the spot soon afterwards and arrested Krishnamoorthy, who was heckled by locals as he was being taken to the police van.

The crowd dispersed after police promised that a through investigation would be conducted into the matter.

Also read | Rampur molestation: 4 accused arrested, hunt on for remaining

Also read | Bengaluru molestation cases rise 417 per cent over decade, conviction rate abysmally low at 0.37 per cent

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/06/2017 (1961 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The union representing close to 5,000 City of Winnipeg employees voted Thursday in favour of accepting a tentative agreement reached nearly two weeks ago.

CUPE Local 500 members have been without a collective agreement since the end of 2016, and in negotiations with the city since February. They voted strongly in favour of a strike mandate last month.

Last week, members overwhelmingly rejected a four-year contract offer that included a variety of concessions, a wage freeze in the first year, one per cent increases for years 2 and 3, and a 1.25 per cent increase in the fourth year.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

On Thursday, 66 per cent of members voted in favour of the new agreement.

Union president Gord Delbridge said hes of mixed feelings about the deal, although ultimately pleased to have avoided a strike.

We felt it would be irresponsible to put our members on strike even though we werent overly satisfied with the wage, Delbridge told the Free Press after the vote. With numerous warm-weather events looming, including the 2017 Canada Summer Games, he said, Our members want to continue to provide the quality services to the citizens of Winnipeg.

In comparison to the CUPE Local 500 deal, city hall and the firefighters union recently settled on a four-year contract with a 1.8 per cent wage increase at the end of 2017, followed by increases of two per cent in each of the three following years.

Although Delbridge said CUPE was able to push back against more than 200 concessions the city had asked for, it didnt get what it wanted with respect to wages, even though the other bargaining groups always seem to get more.

I think this is only going to continue to lower the already lowered morale in the workplace, he said. Were going to have to do some work to improve on that Our members think were being treated like third-rate citizens.

The agreement still needs to be ratified by city council.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/06/2017 (1960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A St. Boniface man is in custody following a seven-month police investigation into weapons and child pornography offences.

Winnipeg police said it was an anonymous tip in December that prompted the investigation, which expanded to include police in Edmonton and the RCMP detachment in Langley, B.C.

We received an anonymous tip that first brought this individual onto our radar, said Const. Jay Murray. We had an idea through our investigation that he would be in possession of child pornography. That was part of the initial tip.

Murray said the investigation led Winnipeg police to work with police in Edmonton and the RCMP on two fronts: weapons possessions and child pornography.

The suspect was first arrested on March 19, near Tache Avenue and Provencher Boulevard, and a search warrant executed at a residence in the 400 block of Edgewood Street.

Murray said as a result of the search warrant, officers seized 12 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition. The suspects computer was also seized.

A forensic analysis was conducted of the data on the seized computer, Murray said, which led to the discovery of evidence of child pornography.

The child pornography charges go back to 2010 and involve a 15-year-old female, Murray said, which led to the re-arrest of the suspect at the residence in the 400 block of Edgewood.

Murray said the young girl is not a resident of Winnipeg.

Conor Errols Woods, 35, has been charged with: four counts of careless use of a firearm; eight counts of careless storage of a firearm; five counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited device; possession of child pornography; making, printing, publishing or possession for the purpose of publication child pornography; possession of body armour without a permit; and, two charges of assault.

Woods remains in custody.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/06/2017 (1961 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

He fought for and got electric power for Hecla Island in 1951.

He fought for and got the ferry up and running to the island in 1953, beginning as a four-car ferry and later expanding to eight. He fought for and got the causeway connecting Hecla to the mainland in 1970.

Now his name will stand for generations over his beloved Hecla with the Helgi Jones Parkway, which was dedicated last weekend. Helgi Jones Parkway is now the official name of the section of Highway 8 leading through Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park to Gull Harbour Point. (Hecla and Grindstone parks were combined in 1997.)

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Helgi Jones in 1970.

Its overwhelming, gratifying and heartwarming, said Marjorie Henry, one of Joness daughters, who attended the dedication.

Jones, who died 17 years ago at the age of 83, was also part of the first tourist operations on the island when he and wife Frances opened Gull Harbour Lodge.

He believed very strongly in Hecla Island as a tourist paradise, said Henry.

But Jones was not without controversy either. As the unofficial Mr. Hecla, Jones also fought for and helped Hecla become a provincial park  and for that his reputation has come under some criticism. The expropriations left some people unhappy, and the project did not come off without controversies and even some legal battles, although none involving Jones.

Henry said it was only because a park was already in the planning stage  it opened in 1975  that the causeway was built. And without the causeway, there wouldnt be anyone left on Hecla.

I believe if it hadnt been made into a park, right now it would be an overgrown island with no one living on it, as long as it wasnt connected to mainland, she said.

My dad was a great visionary and he could see its potential. A lot of people patted him on the back and gave him full credit for the park.

Misinformation persists today Jones somehow managed to keep his land on Hecla while others were forced to sell. In fact, Jones sold the first piece of land, the family home, to the province as a show of good faith. Five other properties he held would be expropriated by Manitoba for the creation of the park. However, Joness mother was one of a half-dozen residents who refused to give up their homes and the expropriation was lifted for them, Henry said. That privately-held property came into Joness possession two years later when his mother died, which is why some people think he never sold his property at all, she said.

Jones was born on Hecla Island in 1916 and joined his father as a commercial fish harvester at a young age. He kept his commercial fishing licence for 60 years.

In 1992, as recognition for community service, Jones received the 125th Anniversary of the Canadian Confederation Medal.

The Helgi Jones Parkway is also a testament to the familys efforts to have him recognized. They started two years ago, seeking what Henry called significant recognition for their father for his advocacy of Hecla.

They contacted premiers and former premiers, as well as past and present MPs, MLAs and senators for testimonial endorsements. The endorsements used words such as legend, pioneer, leader, achiever and passionate advocate, the family said.

Many features within our parks proudly bear the name of prominent Manitobans who dedicated their lives to improving the province, Sustainability Minister Cathy Cox said at the dedication ceremony. It is a pleasure to share this honour with the relatives and descendants of Helgi Jones as he is now recognized for his dedication to the Hecla area.

bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/06/2017 (1960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The mayor of Churchill says hes received an outside opinion that the rail washouts that have thrown his community into turmoil could be repaired within 45 days for less than $2 million.

Michael Spence said Friday Keewatin Rail Co., based in The Pas, provided him with the estimate after viewing aerial photographs along with evidence provided by adventurist Steve Green, who rode a dirtbike along the rail line from Thompson to Churchill in mid-June.

Spence said instead of focusing on subsidizing air shipments of food and converting the towns homes from propane heat to electric, politicians should get their priorities straight and work to repair the rail line.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Mayor of Churchill Michael Spence wants provincial politicians to get their priorities straight and work to repair the rail line that provides food and other necessities to the northern community.

By focusing on the rail line, that fixes everything else, he said, referring to an ever-mounting list of costs to his community of 900 resulting from the month-long closure of a section of the line extending north from Gillam.

The province is working with Manitoba Hydro on a plan to convert homes in Churchill to electrical heat, Premier Brian Pallister said Friday. There are 337 provincially owned housing units in the town, almost all of which rely on propane heat. A further 100 privately owned homes are heated by propane, which is normally shipped to the community by rail.

Pallister said he didnt have a cost estimate or a precise timeline for the conversions, but hoped a significant number could be carried out by winter.

Clearly the more homes we can equip with hydro capacity the better, he told a news conference while two of his cabinet ministers were up north meeting with Spence and other community leaders.

The province is also monitoring food prices in the northern community, which has relied on air shipments since the northern rail line was closed due to washouts May 23. Denver-based Omnitrax, which owns the line and the port facilities in Churchill, has said rail service will be out indefinitely.

The premier said he was happy Ottawa had extended a northern food subsidy program to the community. Manitoba is also looking at offering food subsidies to make sure we are assisting the community as much as possible.

But Pallister said it was premature to discuss possible government subsidies to repair the rail line until Ottawa has made a commitment to the port itself. He wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week seeking some clarification on the matter, he said.

There are ineffective ways to deal with this issue. The most ineffective would be for me to jump the gun and start talking about subsidies when I dont even know if the federal government has the slightest interest in maintaining the Port of Churchill, he said, adding: We need to know where that port fits into the federal governments plans so we can determine what needs to be done.

But Spence said everyones focus should be on fixing the rail line as quickly as possible.

The mayor flew in a helicopter over 130 kilometres of track Tuesday, during which he viewed six washed out areas, he said.

All it requires is ballast, he said of the required repairs.

Spence is also pushing for a meeting as early as next week with federal and provincial representatives and Omnitrax to discuss the needed repairs.

Pallister told reporters his officials were in touch with Omnitrax this week seeking to expedite an assessment of the damage to the line.

Theres been no word on when that assessment will be completed.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/06/2017 (1960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Given his penchant to portray Canadian history as a glorious fusion of brazen courage, underdog determination, generosity of spirit and the march of progress, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau definitely would have been in his element had he been in Toronto 150 years ago.

The new province of Ontario had the most to gain from Confederation. By virtue of its large population, Ontarios politicians were to dominate the new federal or central government and the provinces economic potential was seemingly unlimited. (It is not by accident that the western boundary of Ontario set in the early 1880s extends as far as Kenora, 1,900 kilometres from Toronto.)

Thus, on July 1, 1867, there was great optimism among Torontos 50,000 citizens. The ringing of the bells at St. James Cathedral at midnight on June 30 had signified that the Dominion of Canada was now a reality.

National Archives of Canada / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Several of the Fathers of Confederation at the Charlottetown Conference in September 1864. Sir John A. Macdonald and Georges-Etienne Cartier are in the foreground.

The publisher of the Toronto Globe, George Brown, a key player who, along with John A. Macdonald and George-Etienne Cartier, had made Confederation a reality, had stayed up most of the night composing a 9,000-word article about the meaning of Confederation that took up the entire front page of the Globe on July 1. We hail the birthday of a new nationality, he wrote. A United British America, with its four millions of people, takes its place this day among the nations of the world.

Thats one feel-good version of what transpired a century and half ago. The truth was somewhat more complicated.

Outside of Ontario and parts of Quebec, Confederation was, in fact, unpopular. For one thing, this wholesale geographic and political change had been imposed on Canadians and Maritimers without their consent. As 19th-century statesmen, the Fathers of Confederation believed that the people (white male property owners) chose them to make decisions and felt no obligation to ask their constituents for permission to proceed. Brown, for example, declared that the idea of having a referendum on Confederation was one of those dreadful American heresies.

Even merchants and financiers in Ontario and Quebec were not all that enthusiastic about Confederation. As the late historian Michael Bliss explained, these businessmen felt that the plan to make a new nation out of squabbling, debt-ridden colonies injected major new notes of instability into British North Americas economic climate. Confederation, it was predicted, would bring more government, more debt, more taxes, more friction with the United States and more wildly visionary schemes by impractical politicians.

Only the owners and shareholders of the Grand Trunk Railway (GTR), drowning in debt, anticipated that the expansion of British North America east and west offered them commercial salvation. So desperate were the railwaymen that Charles Brydges of the GTR funnelled large amounts of needful cash to New Brunswick political leader Samuel Tilley to ensure that the pro-Confederation side was victorious in the 1866 provincial election. A.A. Dorion, the nationalist Quebec leader of the Parti Rouge, who was also no fan of Confederation, denounced it as another haul at the public purse for the Grand Trunk.

Brydges and Tilley were right to be concerned. From the moment Confederation was proposed in Charlottetown in 1864, opposition among a large segment of the populations of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland to a union with the Province of Canada (Ontario and Quebec) was loud and impassioned. The anti-Confederationists feared, with good reason, that they would be subjugated to the political and economic control of Ontario and Quebec. They took little comfort in arguments that their local needs would be protected by their representatives in a federal Senate and by their provincial governments.

In the end, P.E.I. refused to join Confederation in 1867 and held out until 1873  which explains why such a tiny territory was given provincial status. Newfoundland also turned its back on Confederation and would not become part of Canada until 1949.

In New Brunswick in 1865, the anti-Confederation faction defeated Tilley and his followers by a small margin in the first of two elections in which Confederation was the main issue. But it was a short-lived victory. In April 1866, members of the Fenian Brotherhood  anti-British Irish republicans who were based in the United States  began a series of attacks on New Brunswick and Canada. Months later, in another election, New Brunswick voters, who were now persuaded about the advantages Confederation would have for military defence, put Tilley back in power. The British government, which supported Confederation, was delighted with the result and Confederation was approved by the New Brunswick legislature.

Charles Tupper, the leading Nova Scotia politician, Father of Confederation (and future prime minister) had kept the anti-Confederationists at bay. Yet in the first federal and provincial elections held in the summer and early fall of 1867, anti-Confederationists led by the veteran journalist Joseph Howe crushed Tupper and the pro-Confederation group. In the federal contest, anti-Confederationists won 18 of Nova Scotias 19 seats in the inaugural House of Commons.

John A. Macdonald was forced to negotiate with Howe for better terms which included an additional $80,000 annual subsidy for the province and a cabinet appointment for Howe.

Many years were to pass before Confederation was not perceived to be a forced creation primarily to benefit the interests of central Canada.

Now & Then is a column in which historian Allan Levine puts the events of today in a historical context.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/06/2017 (1960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sometimes its not the biggest story that has the greatest impact.

Many things happened to me in 1995  as a budding journalist, and, more importantly, as a human being.

In the spring of that year, I covered the story of an election scandal in Interlake riding. It was a strange and misguided affair that almost  almost  made its way to the premiers office. It was a story rich in politics and intrigue. But it was not, for me, professionally and personally, the biggest story of the year.

Rather, the tragic drowning deaths of two 15-year-old boys at Winnipeg Beach galvanized me and the province as we witnessed the start of the worst year of drowning deaths on Lake Winnipeg. Those first two deaths are seared in my memory. Those young men died the day after my 40th birthday, so, in that sense, will they remain etched. But more, it was the gravity of what was an entirely preventable tragedy.

Tragedies are like that. They happen. We think about what we might have done. We feel guilt at not having done more.

As a relatively new reporter, having only been hired two years earlier, I became the reporter of record for each, save one, of the ensuing five drownings that occurred at swimming beaches on Lake Winnipeg over the next few months. It was a personal and professional catharsis for which I was unprepared.

Among those who died: a Holocaust survivor who floated out on an air mattress, once again at Winnipeg Beach. A teenaged girl who swam with her friends from Ralph Beach to an island, only to be caught in an undertow. A lifeguard who played a game of hold-your-breath, also at a Matlock beach. A man who had an epileptic seizure at Gimli Beach. And then there was a man who succumbed at Grand Beach, whose body was recovered south of Dunnottar.

As a newbie reporter, I spoke with witnesses, people familiar with treacherous Lake Winnipeg, the police and experts in matters of swimming and drowning. I wrote editorials and analyses. I devoted weeks and months to the task. In all, seven people drowned in Lake Winnipeg in 1995. There was a boy who drowned at Fairford Dam in west Interlake that year, as well.

I think about 1995 often. What stands out is that every drowning death was preventable. No one intentionally drowns. But each of the people who did drown, dare I say it, did not have water smarts. Last year I dove into a friends pool  and actually made it to the shallow end although I cannot swim It was exhilarating, and it was the scariest few seconds of my life.

Some of us are simply not good in or around water. Not by ourselves, anyway. We need help and guidance  supervision by family and friends who better understand water and its strange danger.

The Manitoba branch of the Lifesaving Society of Canada offers training to recent immigrants, students and others who, like me, cannot even tread water.

Last year, the society reached 2,000 new immigrants, and many more other folks whose familiarity with the culture and dangers of water may be lost or minimized.

We must all do our part to learn about the majesty of water and its challenges, particularly mindful of the safety of our children and the elderly.

You dont want my memories. Be safe in and near the water. Teach your family, particularly the young ones, about being water safe. Please.
The Land Stewardship Project is moving forward with efforts to become involved in two lawsuits pending against Winona County over its frac sand ban.

The Land Stewardship Project submitted papers earlier this spring to intervene in the first lawsuit, filed in mid-March by Minneapolis-based law firm Larkin Hoffman. That suit seeks to nullify the amendment to the countys zoning ordinance preventing the mining and processing of industrial silica sand.

In mid-June, the plaintiffs objected to LSPs attempts to intervene in the case, which means they will need to apply through a formal process and receive permission from a judge.

Johanna Rupprecht, policy organizer for LSP, said the group is still moving forward with the process but does not have a clear timeline, and the objection was not completely unexpected.

Rupprecht reiterated that the Land Stewardship Project was seeking to be involved to represent their members and others who supported the frac sand ban and were involved in the year-long efforts to ban the industry in Winona County.

We think we have a position we have a right to defend, Rupprecht said.

The case was further complicated by the combination of the two suits into one.

LSP hadnt immediately filed to intervene in the second case, but now intends to.

In a second suit filed in April, Minnesota Sands, LLC announced it was challenging the Winona County ban under the grounds it was unconstitutional, and takes away rights of land owners.

In the first suit, two parties are suing the county  a nonprofit formed in January called Southeastern Minnesota Property Owners, and Roger Dablestein, a Saratoga County resident who owns property in Winona County.

The complaint alleges that Dablsteins Winona County land holds significant industrial silica deposits which are estimated to be in the range of 12 million tons located on approximately 38 acres.

The complaint said the ruling was unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious and violates the United States and Minnesota constitutions, including, specifically, the equal protection, due process and takings clauses of these constitutions and the interstate commerce clause of the United States Constitution.

The complaint seeks a ruling that upholds that contention, as well as prohibiting the enforcement of the ban on industrial sand mining.

The second suit, in addition to challenging the constitutionality, also maintains that the state has already implemented enough controls on the industry.

Minnesota Sands claimed when announcing the suit that its owner-investors have leases to more than 3,000 acres of land for sand mining at undisclosed locations  one of North Americas largest deposits of high-quality silica sand that is in great demand by energy companies across the country.

Ken Fritz, Winona County administrator, said they dont have an actual schedule for the litigation and are in the preliminary discussions.

The lawyers for the county are hired by the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust, which is the countys insurance provider. Theyre working with the County Board and the Winona County Attorneys office.

Fritz said the early predictions had been sometime in the fall for motions for summary judgment, but the timeline could have been complicated by the consolidation of suits and LSPs attempts to intervene.

Beyond that, the county doesnt comment on ongoing litigation.

The Land Stewardship Project also condemned the anonymous nature of the first suit against the county.

Rupprecht said the group of Southeastern Minnesota Property Owners, who has not revealed their members or have a history beyond this suit, doesnt represent a local resistance to the ban.

The one big question we have is who is behind these lawsuits  and where the money is coming from, Rupprecht said.

Mining companies are predicting that a rise in oil prices could cause a resurgence in the demand for high-quality sand found in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which had dropped off in 2015 from cheap oil prices in favor of cheaper sand closer to the oil fields where it is used.

The one big question we have

is who is behind these lawsuits  and where the money is coming from. Johanna Rupprecht, policy organizer for LSP
By PTI: By Yoshita Singh

New York, Jun 30 (PTI) A shooting at a hospital here today left several people injured, including three doctors, law enforcement authorities said who declared the shooter dead.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said its personnel are on the scene at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital where there are reports of several people shot.

NYPD Assistant Commissioner for Communication & Public Information J Peter Donald said in a tweet that "one shooter is deceased at the hospital".

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The condition of the doctors was not known, according to the Fire Department official. It was unclear if there were more victims.

In a radio transmission, police had described the gunman as a tall, thin man wearing a blue shirt and white lab coat. A police official said he had a long gun, New York TImes reported.

Preliminary reports indicate that 5 to 6 people are wounded, though their conditions were not immediately known, according to another police official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing event.

"It looks like an employee of the hospital, thats what we are hearing, unconfirmed, right now," the official said.

The victims were on the 16th and 17th floors of the hospital. By 3:30 the section of the hospital where the injured doctors were contained had been secured and the police were leading a heavily armored group of emergency service workers into the building.

As the situation continued to unfold, at least one doctor was being treated by people inside the hospital who had tied an emergency fire hose as a tourniquet, the fire department official said.

The shooting occurred in the afternoon of June 30.

Multiple police and emergency vehicles have been stationed outside the area, which has been cordoned off. PTI YAS UZM

--- ENDS ---
The attorney for a Baraboo homicide defendant said Thursday his client had reached a deal with prosecutors.

Matthew T. Harvey, 32, was slated to go to trial next month on homicide and battery charges in connection with a fatal fight that occurred near a Baraboo intersection in 2015. On Wednesday, the case was scheduled for a plea hearing.

Mauston attorney Daniel Berkos said in an email that Harvey will plead to a felony charge. In exchange, he said, prosecutors will recommend a capped sentence. Berkos said he could not provide more specifics.

We have a basic agreement with a few issues to be determined, Berkos said.

Prosecutors in the Sauk County District Attorneys Office did not return a phone call or email before deadline Thursday.

Harvey is one of four defendants charged as a party to the homicide of Anthony Inman, 36, of North Freedom, and the battery of his friend, Anthony J. Peterson, 33, of Mauston.

On Oct. 4, 2015, a fight occurred after bar time near the intersection of Walnut and Lynn streets in Baraboo, down the street from a bar where two of Harveys co- defendants and the two victims had been drinking.

Prosecutors have alleged Harvey was called to the scene just before the fight began, and participated using a hammer. Berkos has said there is no hard evidence connecting his client to the fight, and no reason to believe he knew it would occur before he arrived on the scene.

The person who inflicted the fatal stab wounds to Inman went to trial in January. Jae M. Robinson, 29, of North Freedom, was convicted of homicide and battery, and sentenced to life in the correctional system. He will be eligible to apply for parole in 2045.

Harvey would have been the second person to go to trial. His plea hearing is scheduled for Monday.

Cases against Christopher L. Nash, 38, of Baraboo, and Harveys girlfriend, Amanda N. Rotar, 25, of Baraboo, the alleged getaway driver, still are pending. Nash is slated to go to trial in October. No court dates are scheduled in Rotars case.
Circus World celebrated its grand opening with famous Hollywood actors more than 50 years ago.

The opening of the Baraboo museum coincided with the world premiere of The Big Circus, a film that made its debut screening at the Al. Ringling Theatre on July 1, 1959. The premiere brought stars such as Rhonda Fleming, Vincent Price, Red Buttons, Peter Lorre and Kathyrn Grant to Baraboo, generating a wave of excitement around the new circus museum.

Five dollars got Baraboo residents a ticket to the screening, a day at Circus World and membership to the museum. The town even held a parade that featured its first circus queen.

They held a fairest of the fair-type competition, and Pat Bender was selected, Circus World marketing director Dave SaLoutos said. They brought in people who taught them how to walk, how to talk, how to do makeup and all kinds of stuff.

Circus World leaders say much has changed at the Baraboo museum since it opened with less than an acre of land and six circus wagons. For starters, museum directors used to let elephants roam freely around the grounds.

Theyd just be cruising around the grounds all day, Circus World Executive Director Scott ODonnell said. One of them was named Myrtle, and she walked up into town one day.

You hear from some older people in town every once in a while, She was on my front lawn, SaLoutos added.

Circus World has since grown to a 64-acre complex with 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings that once belonged to the Ringling brothers on Water Street, a train shed and more than 200 historic circus wagons. ODonnell said the museum will celebrate the journey this weekend during its 58th anniversary celebration.

Weve come a long way in those 58 years, and we have a long way to go as well, he said. Its exciting to celebrate that heritage and tradition.

Guests can take part in the celebration for a special $5 admission price July 1-4. The anniversary will coincide with the return of one of Circus Worlds most popular performers, as Ryan Holder and his ShowMe Tigers act return to the Baraboo museum Saturday.

Guests will be able to see Holders seven female Siberian Bengal tigers that perform at circuses across the country. Contrary to typical circus acts, Holders performance is a 20-minute presentation that demonstrates how he trains and cares for his tigers. He also fields questions from his audience.

It sort of peels back the curtain on what it takes to put together a circus act and work with apex predators like tigers, ODonnell said. He introduces all the cats, you get to know them, who they are, how old they are, how much they weigh, how much they eat and what goes into caring for these animals 24 hours a day.

Holder also sells painted paw prints from his tigers, and a portion of the proceeds go toward tiger habitat conservation efforts in Indonesia. Holder and his tigers will perform at Circus World through August.
JUNEAU  A 44-year-old Beaver Dam woman entered a not guilty plea Thursday to charges of her sixth offense of intoxicated driving after allegedly admitting to an officer that she had been using heroin.

Sue Tiedt is charged with a felony count of operating while intoxicated  sixth offense and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. She could face up to 10 years and 30 days in jail and $25,500 in fines if convicted of both charges.

Tiedt appeared before Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Steven Bauer, who rejected Tiedts request for a reduction in her bail. She is in jail on a $5,000 cash bond.

According to the criminal complaint, a Beaver Dam police officer was informed May 30 that another man was getting a ride from Tiedt to purchase heroin. Tiedt has a suspended license and her vehicle was located on Kellom Road entering North Hills Mobile Home Park.

Officers conducted a traffic stop on Tiedts vehicle at 12:40 a.m. May 30. K-9 Yeti was called in and conducted an open air sniff and had a positive indication that drugs were in the vehicle. A syringe and crack pipe were found on a person in the vehicle and Tiedt admitted to using heroin while she was in the trailer park. Tiedt said she and her passenger both shot up while the vehicle was parked in the lot.

According to the criminal complaint, Tiedt said she did not know her passenger was going to buy heroin. She told officers that marijuana is her drug of choice, but she also smokes crack and did so two days earlier.

Tiedt was convicted of OWI in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2008.
JUNEAU  A 29-year-old Beaver Dam man is facing charges in connection to burglarizing a rural town of Beaver Dam home in March.

Travis J. Cotten is charged with party to a crime of burglary of a building or dwelling and possession of a firearm by a felon. If found guilty of the charges, he could face up to 22 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Cotten appeared before Dodge County Circuit Court Commissioner Steven Seim, who set a $1,000 cash bond. He may not have any direct or indirect contact or communications with his alleged cohort or the victims or their residence.

According to the criminal complaint, a woman residing on Highway G in the town of Beaver Dam reported the evening of March 13 that several alarms were going on in her home that notified her that there was a burglary in the home. When deputies arrived, they found jewelry scattered throughout the front door entrance, hallway, master bedroom and outside the front door in the snow. They did not find anyone in the home and attempted to lift fingerprints in the home. Other evidence was also taken from the scene.

Several jewelry items were taken from the home, including an 18-karat gold womans wedding ring that had been passed down by the victims grandmother. Other items taken ranged in value from $110 to $1,635. In addition, there was damage throughout the house from the person entering the home.

A woman contacted the sheriffs department June 15 and said Cotten and a man who has not yet been charged had committed the burglary. The woman said that her boyfriend was supposed to sell drugs on the night of March 13, but he had been arrested. One of the men asked to use her vehicle and when they returned they had some jewelry boxes. According to the complaint, Cotten told the woman that he ran back into the vehicle after the alarm at the house sounded and the other man entered the residence.

Cotten also allegedly had a shotgun that he attempted to take to Pawn America in Madison. Cotton had previously been convicted of burglary in 2009 and was not permitted to have a firearm as a felon.

According to the complaint, Cotten admitted to being at the home on Highway G and helping his cohort steal items from the home.

The cohort, who was housed at Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, talked to police June 28 and said he had supplied Cotten and it was Cottens idea to break into the home.

Cotton has a preliminary hearing scheduled July 6.
HORICON  Marshland Pharmacy, Horicon, has been sold by pharmacist owners John and Sue Sutter to Eric and Jenna Gresens and Dan McGlynn.

The Gresenses currently own Edgerton Pharmacy and McGlynn owns McGlynn Pharmacy in Stoughton. They also jointly own a long-term care pharmacy, RockMed in Edgerton.

The Sutters sold their Beaver Dam pharmacy to Beaver Dam Community Hospital in 2015 and in 2014 they sold their Mayville pharmacy to ShopKo.

We look forward to continuing to provide excellent pharmacy services to the greater Horicon community as well as expanding on what the Sutters have built, McGlynn said.

The pharmacy will continue to operate as Marshland Pharmacy at 700 Horicon St., and will retain the current employees.

Eric, Jenna and Dan, all pharmacists, share our focus of serving the Horicon community with quality pharmacy services, and we know our patients will be well served. With their experience as independent pharmacy owners in their communities, we are confident they will continue our commitment to Horicon, Sue Sutter said.

John and Sue Sutter have owned and operated Marshland Pharmacies in Dodge County for 34 years, in the communities of Horicon, Mayville, and Beaver Dam during that time span and are looking forward to retirement.

There will be an open house for John and Sue Sutter July 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Marshland Pharmacy.
Republican strategist and CNN commentator Ana Navarro has slammed President Donald Trump over his tweets attacking "Morning Joe" co-host Mika Brezezinski.

"When I first saw the tweet I was frankly disgusted" Navarro told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Thursday.

Trump's tweets said that "Morning Joe" is "poorly rated" and that the hosts "speak badly of me."

Trump claimed that Brzezinski and co-host Joe Scarborough courted him for an interview at Mar-a-Lago around the New Year's Eve holiday.

"She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!" the President tweeted.

"I thought, this dude has such a fixation with women and blood, what is wrong with him?, Navarro said.

Republicans 'enabling' Trump

"Then you remember that this dude, this disgusting dude is the President of the United States and you realize just how much he is diminishing the presidency of the United States ... he is embarrassing. He is shameful. He is disgusting."

Navarro also criticized her fellow Republicans for tolerating the President's behavior. "I'm really tired of hearing words like disappointed, disturbed, like I'm bothered, like I wish he wouldn't do it," she said.

The White House said Thursday that Trump was responding to liberal bullying when he tweeted about the MSNBC host.

Navarrro said Republicans, Trump's staff and even his family are "enabling him" by not calling him out on his behavior.

She urged them to "confront this and confront this hard or it will never stop and it will embarrass all of us. It will take the presidency low, low, low."
Police Chief Ken Mantheys four decades of service to his hometown is noteworthy for more than the length of his career.

Colleagues present and past who turned out Thursday to pay tribute talked about his sincerity, his deep knowledge of Portage and its people and Mantheys visibility and approachability in the community.

You dont have the 40-year career youve had without the support system, said Administrative Lt. Keith Klafke, as Manthey, 60, stood before about 50 applauding visitors in the basement of the Portage Municipal Building.

Professionally, personally, your wife, and ultimately your relationship with God  I think is what got you through 40 years of awesome service, Klafke said. You look around the room and look at the people here to support you, it just speaks volumes the people who are here.

Klafke described Manthey as someone who not only knows everybody, but everybodys everybody, among other things, a mental feat he could hardly imagine.

Following a strategically prolonged meeting, City Administrator Shawn Murphy guided Manthey to his surprise party.

Murphy gave a concise review of Mantheys career, starting as a dispatcher for the Police Department in 1977 after growing up in Portage, then becoming a patrol officer in 1979, promoted to detective in 1983, then detective lieutenant in 1989, detective captain in 1995 and then chief, where he has remained since 2002.

He worked midnight shift and then I believe he was going to MATC at the time, because that was when we were doing our own dispatch, said retired Lt. Tom Moore, explaining that stations original setup before Columbia County took over dispatch, when calls to police were handled in a now-converted office at the front of the police station.

Officer of the Year in 1980

Early in his career Manthey found himself responding to a situation that was rare for a community the size of Portage. In July 1979, an Illinois man with a gun had shot and wounded a Portage officer before the arrival of Manthey, who shot and disarmed the suspect who later died.

The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association awarded Manthey the Officer of the Year Award in May 1980 in recognition of his actions responding to help that wounded officer.

It has changed since the 70s and from the time I started, said Moore. They were mostly rough, tough guys that mostly didnt have a lot of education  there werent a lot of us that had a college degree or anything. And as education improved for all the officers we turned into, probably, a more sensitive group than we had in the past. We changed over the years and (Manthey) was a big part of that.

As Manthey took the departments top position with the retirement of Chief Tom Maloney, he made visibility and accessibility a trademark of his work.

He does what I think is part of the chiefs position, which is to be visible to the public and approachable to the public and he has always been that way, said Moore. Of all the chiefs that Ive worked for, he was probably the most visible and the most community-oriented.

As chief these skills became applicable to an extreme as the department at times faced cases disproportionate to a small city, the most famous case being the 2007 investigation into the Oneida Street torture house.

Retired detective Mark Hahn, who joined the Portage Police Department in 1991, investigated the case, working with Moore, Manthey and then-Assistant Chief Kevin ONeill.

Obviously his experience in investigations prior to my getting involved definitely helped, said Hahn. And it helps when you can talk  and all of the detectives there became a close-knit group because sometimes you see a lot more or you have to probe into things a lot more than what other officers do, even though they do see the same things.

Moore, like many others, refers to Mantheys willingness to help, pointing to the Oneida Street investigation as one of those clearest moments working with one suspect.

I said to Ken, Can you take a crack at this, talking to her? Were not getting anywhere with her, Moore explained, You and Mark are the trained investigators. And so, he was supposed to be going home, but they stayed and they pretty much took it over.

In sorting out the lingering questions and trauma of the situations police can encounter, Manthey had become a passionate advocate for mental health care and suicide prevention, with one turning point in 2013.

Significant contribution

The Central Wisconsin Community Action Councils Sara Jesse gave a presentation on the results of the Columbia County Community Health Assessment in January 2013, which sparked the creation of Prevent Suicide Columbia County.

One really significant contribution to our community is that Ken has provided training for his officers  five of his officers are trained as Crisis Intervention Team members, said Jesse. And this is really significant because it is a weeklong, 40-hour training that helps officers to work with those with mental health challenges, de-escalation techniques, how to recognize symptoms of mental illness, like how to tell when someone is hallucinating, so police can deal with these individuals that results in positive outcomes.

On the law enforcement side, Manthey and Columbia County Sheriffs Chief Deputy Mike Babcock organized critical incident debriefing sessions, which continue today, most notably in the wake of the Didion Mill explosion, in which the group has helped firefighters and EMTs get through the scars of a situation that goes beyond even once-in-a-career traumatic memories.

Manthey continues to be a regular attendee of the monthly meetings of Prevent Suicide Columbia County where, according to Jesse, he gives a ground level analysis of the subject and allows group members to have a tangible sense of their impact on the community. He is also ready on the fly to get people connected.

At almost every coalition meeting someone says, Sara, you should talk to so-and-so, said Jesse, and then he says, Do you want their phone number? First and last name, spelling? It really is great that he helps us with information and bringing people together. It is remarkable.

Knows everybody in town

A patrol officer might drive down the street and think, This is the house where I had this call at, said Klafke, but he goes down the street and is thinking, This is where so-and-so lived and before them it was He is a wealth of information being from Portage and being in law enforcement.

It was not uncommon to go riding with him, and he knew everybody by their first name, waving, said ONeill, who came to Portage in 1991 from Chicago. He knew them, he respected them, and it was very clear that he loves this community.

ONeill retired in January 2015, followed a few months later by Hahn. Meanwhile Manthey, who was briefly inconvenienced by knee surgery at the end of last year, has shown no indication of retiring, with officers reporting him in fine health as evidenced by his recently getting out on Highway 33 to direct traffic following a car crash.

He, hands down, has put more energy and time into this calling than Ive every seen, said Klafke. He will work his hours here and then turn around and do debriefings, and he has never turned around and said, I cant do it. Hell make sure that people get the services that they need. And if its not directly through him, its, Ill find a resource for you.

Rounding out the few speakers on Thursday, Portage Police and Fire Commissioner Tom Drury stood up to congratulate Manthey and relay one story. On his way to the luncheon he mentioned to someone where he was going, and a woman said, good, he deserves a party, explaining, When we had our house fire he picked up my husband and took him to Trienda to get his tool box, and gave me a ride up to the hospital, then he went out to the veterinary clinic to check on our two cats.

I tell you that story because it is a random story, said Drury, that I heard two minutes before I walked out of the hospital.

As I look at all of you, you are all my support system. This is not a one-person job, said Manthey, an arm around his wife, Beth. With the exception of God, this is my best support person and I could not do it without her. But to be successful, you need all these connections to make it work. And I truly believe God puts us down here for a purpose and to work together and thats what we do to make a better community.
Mumbai's famous CST has got a new name, again!

By India Today Web Desk: Mumbai's iconic railway station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus has been rechristened. Now, 'Maharaj' has been added after 'Shivaji' in its old name.

The British-era landmark initially got its name, Victoria Terminus, after Queen Victoria to commemorate her golden jubilee. In the year 1996 it was named after the Maratha warrior king, now it will be known as "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai."

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The Central Railway (CR) issued a notification to this effect on June 27.

The CR, however, made it clear that the code initials of the station will remain as they were in the past -- CSTM.

"The Central Railway issued a notification to this effect on June 27 and necessary changes have been made, including in the announcement system at the railway stations," a senior CR official said.

The notification, issued by the chief commercial manager (passenger marketing), said Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station of the Central Railway has been renamed as Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, but the code initials of the station will remain same.

When was the name change initiated?

In December last year, Maharashtra's BJP-led government had sought insertion of the word 'Maharaj' in both the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

To start with, it was Shiv Sena which had made this demand that received the support of all the major parties of the state. The Maharashtra Assembly later had unanimously passed a resolution to this effect

In May this year, the Centre had given its nod to the recommendations of the state government

More about the iconic station:

The station was built in 1887 in Bori Bunder area of Bombay (now Mumbai) to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria

Known for over a century as Victoria Terminus, the facility was renamed after Shivaji by the Union government in 1996, months after Bombay was renamed as Mumbai

It is one of the busiest stations in India serving as a terminus for scores of long-distance and commuter services trains

Code initials to remain the same:

"The new name shall be mentioned on trains, websites and other places. However, the code initials will remain CSTM," the CR official said.

Elaborating on the code remaining unchanged, the CR's chief PRO Sunil Udasi said the code does not always match with the phonetics of the station name.

"For example, Ballarshah railway station's code is BPQ.

It is not for public usage, but for railway's data coding, processing and PRS records. Bangalore city is SBC. There is no S in the name, but it is there in the code. So a code does not necessarily be the same as phonetic name," Udasi said adding codes rarely change.

Another example of this is Bombay Central station, which was renamed as Mumbai Central, though its code was not changed from BCT to MCT, he said.

"Necessary corrections should be made in the alphabetical list of railway stations in India," it further reads.

(With inputs from PTI)

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To get more updates on Current Affairs, send in your query by mail to education.intoday@gmail.com

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Montello Schools found its next leader.

Margaret Banker was hired this month to replace outgoing District Administrator Lynn Brown, who is leaving Montello for the Fort Atkinson School District on Saturday.

Banker most recently served as executive director of Madison Metropolitan School Districts Professional Learning and Leadership Development Department. Shed been there since 2011.

I am thrilled to serve Montello School District as their next superintendent, Banker stated in an email. I am eager to build on the momentum of student success taking hold in the district. I am developing an entry plan, which includes meeting with students, teachers, staff, families and community members to learn from their reflections and hopes for the future.

Banker will begin working in Montello in July, according to Montellos district office. Montello is planning a meet and greet with Banker and the community to be held later this summer.

Shes very knowledgeable, said Montello School Board member Jon Sheller. Her best strengths, he added, are her understanding of policy governance, charter schools, finance, state laws and her excellent sense of humor.

Montello interviewed five candidates prior to selecting Banker, Sheller said.

I am joining a stellar team of administrators and School Board members, Banker wrote. It is incredibly clear from my interview process, Montello schools are well poised to take student learning to higher levels of achievement.

The decision

The board was particularly impressed with Bankers knowledge of the Carver model, Sheller said, a model that defines and guides relationships in governmental bodies. Most governmental bodies dont follow (the model) very closely. But it puts responsibilities for decisions where they belong: financial decisions are the boards, administrative decisions are for administrators.

And thats important.

Banker is the fifth district administrator the district has hired over Shellers tenure on the board, which covers 22 years, non-consecutively. Brown was hired as Montellos superintendent in 2013.

Brown is now set to lead Fort Atkinson Schools, which serve about 2,900 students compared with Montellos 730. Brown and the Montello School Board agreed, earlier this year, that a bigger district would afford Brown with more opportunities in her career than smaller districts typically can.

(But) the other thing is  were looking for somebody who will stay here, Sheller said. Weve had a series of administrators stay here for only three or four years. Wed like to find somebody who will be here long-term, and (Banker) seems like shell be interested in moving to the area.

Banker has children, Sheller said, one of them a senior in high school, which will keep Banker living near Madison, though likely for only for a year.

Bankers sense of humor, Sheller emphasized, was more important to Montello than you might expect.

If you cant laugh at yourself, you cant do anything.

The job can be very political, Shellder said, and if you dont have some method of getting along with the public, youre (at a disadvantage). I find (humor) important, maybe other people dont as much.

But she seems like a great person. You really dont know how things will work out for a year or two, but I think we did a good job.

I think shes going to do very well.
The village of Prairie du Sac took a step forward in planning for improvements to Eagle Overlook Park.

During the village board meeting June 27, board members approved a proposal for visioning, concept planning and preliminary budget for the park at a cost of $12,100.

The cost includes three stakeholder meetings, a base map study, vision and concept plan map, preliminary feasibility assessment and project cost estimate as well as project coordination. The village is working with MDRoffers Consulting on the project.

Thats to come up with a conceptual plan for the whole area, getting input from stakeholders and using that to come up with a plan for what to do with the area in the future, said Alan Wildman, village administrator.

Once the concepts are narrowed down, then they will come up with an estimate on how much it will cost to implement the conceptual plan.

The village began looking into park improvements after it was approached by members of the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council in the Spring about proposed upgrades it wanted to see in the park. These include replacing or painting benches, replacing fencing, fixing concrete trip hazards and implementing educational panels, among other ideas.

There are several challenges to the project, because the park sits adjacent to the Ruth Culver Community Library in the villages municipal parking lot, which still has the right to expand into that lot. If a library expansion occurs, it could require moving an access driveway down to the rail bed to where the current Eagle Overlook lies. The question is whether the village should invest in upgrades to the park if the library were to expand.

In addition, the Great Sauk State Trail will run directly below the overlook. Access to several downtown businesses and the trail are from that municipal lot.

However, the overlook itself, parking lot and portions of the retaining wall system need repair or replacement.

The proposed schedule would have the project begin this September and go through February of 2018. This would allow for time to prepare for a possible DNR stewardship grant application and give the village the option of spreading the project cost over two budget years.

Were looking at making a conceptual plan with the idea that this is what wed work from, Wildman said.
The suspect in the armed robbery of a credit union in Sauk City a week ago was arrested without incident Thursday morning at the headquarters of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Kevin Breon, 52, was taken into custody at about 11:30 a.m. outside the Hill Farms State Transportation Building, 4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Madison police said.

The Madison department was called by Capitol Police to act as backup when it was discovered that Breon was in the building.

"He was taken into custody without incident as he left the building," said Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain.

Sauk Prairie Police had asked other jurisdictions to be on the lookout for Breon following the June 22 armed robbery of Heritage Credit Union in Sauk City.
By PTI: Mumbai, Jun 30 (PTI) Mumbais iconic railway station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus has been rechristened with addition of an honorific Maharaj after Shivaji in its old name.

The British-era landmark, which was Victoria Terminus before it was named after the Maratha warrior king a couple of decades back, will now be known as "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai."

advertisement

The Central Railway (CR) issued a notification to this effect on June 27.

The CR, however, made it clear that the code initials of the station will remain as they were in the past - CSTM.

"The Central Railway issued a notification to this effect on June 27 and necessary changes have been made, including in the announcement system at the railway stations," a senior CR official said.

The notification, issued by the chief commercial manager (passenger marketing), said Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station of the Central Railway has been renamed as Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, but its code initials of the station will remain same.

In December last year, Maharashtras BJP-led government had sought insertion of the word "Maharaj" in both the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

To start with, it was Shiv Sena which had made this demand, that received the support of all the major parties of the state. The Maharashtra Assembly later had unanimously passed a resolution to this effect.

In May this year, the Centre had given its nod to the recommendations of the state government.

The station was built in 1887 in Bori Bunder area of Bombay (now Mumbai) to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Known for over a century as Victoria Terminus, the facility was renamed after Shivaji by the Union government in 1996, months after Bombay was renamed as Mumbai.

It is one of the busiest stations in India serving as a terminus for scores of long-distance and commuter services trains.

"The new name shall be mentioned on trains, websites and other places. However, the code initials will remain CSTM," the CR official said.

Elaborating on the code remaining unchanged, the CRs chief PRO Sunil Udasi said the code does not always match with the phonetics of the station name.

"For example, Ballarshah railway stations code is BPQ. It is not for public usage, but for railways data coding, processing and PRS records. Bangalore city is SBC. There is no S in the name, but it is there in the code. So a code does not necessarily be the same as phonetic name," Udasi said adding codes rarely change.

advertisement

Another example of this is Bombay Central station, which was renamed as Mumbai Central, though its code was not changed from BCT to MCT, he said.

"Necessary corrections should be made in the alphabetical list of railway stations in India," it further reads. PTI APM NP NM RAX

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After the woman fell asleep in the morning flight, the co-passenger took advantage of the situation.

By India Today Web Desk: In the second such incident in this month, a man was arrested for masturbating and inappropriately touching a woman passenger onboard a flight. This time, in Mumbai. The 31-year-old man was arrested on arrival on Tuesday morning and has been sent to judicial custody.

The accused and his victim were travelling from Bengaluru to Mumbai on the early morning flight. The flight took off around 6.20 in the morning and the woman soon fell asleep. The man, Sabeen Hamza, meanwhile, began taking advantage of the situation and moved his hand on her. At some point, she woke up to discover Hamza was masturbating.

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She raised an alarm and the airline crew rushed to check. The crew found Hamza denying any wrongdoing even while he was fixing the zip of his trousers. The crew informed the airport officials in Mumbai.

Hamza found CISF men waiting for his arrival at 7.45 am. An FIR was registered and he was taken away.

Ten days ago, on June 18, a 56-year-old man was arrested in a similar incident after the Indigo flight from Hyderabad landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

The man from Delhi's Rohini was caught by his co-passenger masturbating mid-air. The 44-year-old woman had woken up to the horror of the middle-aged man masturbating while looking at her. He did not stop even when she told him she would complain to the crew, which she did. The man was arrested and is now out on bail.

Also read:

Delhi man arrested for masturbating mid-air on IndiGo flight from HyderabadRampur molestation: Police arrest main accused, investigation underway to nab others

Also Watch:

Rampur molestation case: Police arrests 4

--- ENDS ---
Nhlanhla Nene appointed as interim Director of the Wits Business School

The former Finance Minister will lead the prestigious business school until a new Head of School is appointed next year.

This was agreed by Wits University and Thebe Investment Corporation. The appointment is effective from 3 July 2017. Once a new Head of School is appointed, Nene will continue to serve as an Honorary Professor and a Scholar in Residence at the WBS.

We are honoured to welcome Mr Nene to lead the WBS  his political credence, business acumen and remarkable intellect places him in good stead to lead the WBS as the search for a permanent head commences, says Professor Adam Habib, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Witwatersrand. However, his leadership, advice and insight at this pivotal time in our countrys economic trajectory, will add value to the quality of courses, public lectures, debates and research that we offer.

According to the Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Professor Imraan Valodia, the WBS has made significant progress in the last five years. Enrolments are high, research is on the rise, the quality of our programmes has significantly improved and we are at the forefront of confronting the key issues facing our economy through our public debates and social leadership programmes.

Nenes appointment follows the resignation of the former head of School earlier this year. Aside from stewarding the School, it is envisaged that Nene will actively work with the Wits team to recruit a new leader for the School, potentially to start in the next academic year.

It gives me great pleasure to join the WBS that will enable me to share my knowledge, experience and networks in order to empower and work with young, talented individuals, academics and business leaders, says Nene. However, this appointment would not have been made possible without the support of the Thebe Investment Corporation who have allowed me the necessary time and space to undertake this important task.

Thebes strategic focus in community development is supporting transformative education initiatives, and partnering community based entrepreneurs to build and develop their businesses. Partnering with the WBS gives us the opportunity to contribute to the development and empowerment of business leaders and managers of the future, says Vusi Khanyile, Chairman of Thebe Investment Corporation. We wish Mr Nene well in this new endeavour and assure him, and Wits, of our support through this process. We are indeed proud of this partnership that paves the way for future collaboration with the WBS and Wits University.

About the WBS

The Wits Business School is a leading business school based in the economic and commercial hub of Africa, and is one of 33 Schools at the University of the Witwatersrand. It is renowned for the strength of its academic courses, for its research excellence and for producing leaders that can fundamentally transform commerce, industry and society. The WBS plays a key role in providing thought leadership through providing a platform for diverse voices from all sectors to be heard whilst at the same time providing expertise in specialist areas.

About the Thebe Investment Corporation

The Thebe Investment Corporation an African company that came into being shortly before South Africas formal political transition to democracy, setting new norms and changing the face of business by establishing a socially embedded company that uses its business success to transform lives, and make a difference in our communities.

About Nhlanhla Nene

Download to read a condensed version of Curriculum Vitae of Nhlanhla Musa Nene.
By PTI: New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) The Delhi Development Authoritys new housing scheme, offering 12,000 flats across four income categories, was today launched by Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, who said the people of the city should fully utilise the scheme.

The draw of the lots is slated to be conducted in the first week of November which would be streamed online. The last date for submitting applications is August 11, senior DDA officials said.

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Addressing a gathering at the launch event at the Nirman Bhavan, the minister said, "The flats are being offered on a freehold basis. Also, the scheme has been linked with the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana."

"The vision of our government is to provide affordable housing to all by 2022. This is a step in that direction," he said.

The flats are spread across Rohini, Dwarka, Narela, Vasant Kunj, Jasola, Pitampura, Paschim Vihar and Siraspur.

Of the 12,000 flats, around 10,000 unoccupied flats are from the 2014 housing scheme, while 2,000 flats have been lying vacant.

"Most of the flats are constructed using green technology to reduce carbon footprint. Also, eligible people can avail subsidy under the PM Awas Yojana. I appeal to people in Delhi to fully utilise this scheme," the minister said.

The price of flats range from close to Rs 7 lakh to over Rs 1.26 crore.

The four categories of houses are -- HIG with 87 flats ranging from Rs 53.52 lakh to Rs 126.81 lakh; MIG with 404 flats ranging from Rs 31.32 lakh to Rs 93.95 lakh; LIG/one-bed room flats numbering 11,197 and ranging from Rs 14.50 lakh to Rs 30.30 lakh; and 384 Janta flats ranging from Rs 7.07 lakh to Rs 12.76 lakh, the housing authority said.

Even before the official launch of the scheme late afternoon, queue had begun to build up at the sale counter of the DDAa headquarters at Vikas Sadan.

"I live in south Delhi and I came here early after knowing about the scheme launch today. This is the first time I would be applying for a DDA scheme. The staff are saying the sale would begin after the formal launch of the scheme by the minister," said Kapil, who stood in a queue in the Sadans lobby.

The urban body has tied up with 10 banks for the sale of application forms and scheme-related transactions.

The banks are Axis Bank, Yes Bank, IDBI, Bank of Baroda, Central Bank, SBI, Kotak Mahindra, HDFC, ICICI and Canara Bank.

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The housing authority had set mid-June as the target date for the launch of the scheme, which was earlier slated to be announced by February.

But ancillary infrastructure work, such as construction of connecting roads and installation of street lights, had stretched the deadline.

DDA vice-chairman Udai Pratap Singh said this was the 46th scheme being launched by the housing authority.

"Till 2022, we plan to build 20,000 flats per year to meet the requirements of people in the national capital," he said.

Naidu said that providing affordable housing was the vision of the government and "one lakh new houses would be built by 2022".

"Provision for reservation has also been made in different categories -- SC (15 per cent), ST (7.5), war widows (1), persons with disability (3) and ex-servicemen (1 per cent)," he said.

Seeking to deter "unserious buyers" and check market speculation, the DDA this time has proposed multi-tiered penal measures.

"If a prospective buyer surrenders his application before the date of draws, no money will be deducted from his or her registration fee. If a buyer does so after the draw but before the issue of a demand letter, 25 per cent of the registration fee will be forfeited," another official had earlier said.

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If the flat is surrendered within 90 days of the issue of the demand letter, 50 per cent of the fee would be cut.

"Beyond that time period, the entire registration fee will be forfeited," he said.

For the LIG (Lower Income Group) category, the registration fee will be Rs 1 lakh while for Middle Income Group and High Income Group flats, Rs 2 lakh will be charged.

"People are free to visit the areas where the flats are being offered. We have also removed the lock-in period clause, as we realised this was also a factor in buyers surrendering flats. This is also to keep a check on those elements who do market speculation," he said.

Under the rules, a husband and a wife can apply for the scheme but if both get an allotment, one of them will have to give it up.

The application form costing Rs 200 can be purchased from various partnering banks or Vikas Sadan.

"Refund to unsuccessful applicants will be made within 30 days from the date of draw and in case it is not paid in that period, 8 per cent interest per annum would be paid on the application money. The refund would be made through online transaction only," the DDA said.

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"Applicants would be allowed to submit a maximum of seven choices for preference of localities in the form. The application can be submitted both online and off-line," an official said.

The 2014 scheme offered 25,040 flats across categories, with prices ranging between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 1.2 crore. The online response was so massive that the DDAs official website crashed soon after the launch.

The one-bedroom flats were offered in Dwarka, Rohini, Narela and Siraspur areas. PTI KND SMN

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Shenkman Jewish Center to be constructed for W&M students

The Shenkmans: The facility will be named after generous benefactors, Mark R. Shenkman and Rosalind Shenkman, who bestowed a seven-figure gift to the university for this project. Courtesy photo

Architectural rendering: The new facility will house a large meeting room, a study lounge, a kosher kitchen and a Sukkah among other amenities. Photo - of - Hide Caption

The William & Mary Real Estate Foundation and Hillel at William & Mary are pleased to announce the planned construction of a new facility that will serve as a gathering place for Jewish students to participate in a variety of cultural, spiritual, social and educational activities and programming. The facility will be named after generous benefactors, Mark R. Shenkman and Rosalind Shenkman, who bestowed a seven-figure gift to the university for this project. Groundbreaking for the new Shenkman Jewish Center will begin in January 2018, and it is expected to be completed in the fall of 2018.

The Shenkman family, who reside in Greenwich, Conn., are longtime history buffs. As a result, they have a strong desire to see William & Mary students in the nations colonial capital thrive by immersing themselves in a diverse and culturally enriching environment.

Mark Shenkmans passion for history started as a young boy when his parents would take him to visit Williamsburg, and they would walk around William & Marys storied campus. He said this passion was strengthened when he was in the Army in the late 1960s and while stationed at Fort Lee, Va.  when he would often take short drives to visit the William & Mary campus  and only grew when his son, Gregory Shenkman, attended the College and graduated in the Class of 2003.

In many ways, the Shenkmans said, this passion is fueling the family's commitment to give back to a 324-year-old university such as William & Mary and serves as a foundation for them to drive positive change.

For many years, the Shenkmans wanted to make a meaningful contribution to William & Mary, which led the family, including their sons Greg 03, Andrew and Justin, to put their heads together and come up with a way to provide enriching opportunities for students. This goal led to their vision to create the Shenkman Jewish Center.

For students practicing the Jewish faith, there has never been a dedicated space to gather for discussions or public debate, study with friends, celebrate holidays or eat weekly Shabbat dinners together. Now, with the addition of the Shenkman Jewish Center, this will all take place under one roof. The new facility will house a large meeting room, a study lounge, a kosher kitchen and a Sukkah among other amenities.

There are numerous factors behind our decision to make a transformational gift to William & Mary. In addition to our love of American history  including William & Marys impressively long history  President Reveley has shown tremendous support and enthusiasm for this project, said Mark Shenkman. "We also believe in Rabbi Gershon Litts vision for the Center and know that his leadership will pave the way toward a very successful future for Jewish students benefiting from all of the activities the Center will offer.

The building will be owned and managed by the William & Mary Real Estate Foundation, which will work with the City of Williamsburg on granting a special use permit for the property. Founded in 2006, the W&M Real Estate Foundation is an independent non-profit corporation with the mission to acquire, manage, lease and develop properties in support of the education mission of the university. The Center will be operated by Hillel at William & Mary, under the leadership of Rabbi Gershon Litt, director of Hillel.

Shenkman added, In my view, the Center will help attract talented Jewish students who might not have ever considered applying to William & Mary, which could lead to a larger pool of applicants for the school. In so many wonderful ways, this facility will strengthen the Jewish identity on campus.

The new Shenkman Jewish Center will be approximately 3,000 square feet and will be located across the street from campus on the corner of Jamestown Road and Cary Street. Currently, the site is an undeveloped lot down the street from the Confucius Institute, the Christian Science Reading Room, Temple Beth El and the Wesley Foundation. The architectural design of the two-story facility will fit closely with the scope and character of the area and will feature a brick facade.

William & Mary cares enormously that our students be part of a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment, and physical space plays an important role. Mark and Rosalind are helping us take a major step forward in this realm through the marvelous center they are making possible, said President Taylor Reveley. This splendid gift provides the means for so many of our students to thrive in ways they have never been able to before and for that we are truly grateful."

The Shenkman Jewish Center will serve more than a gathering place for students; it will also serve a much larger purpose of strengthening and growing the local Jewish community and inspiring them to feel a greater sense of purpose both during and after their time at the university, according to Rabbi Litt.

Mark and Rosalind are investing in the future of many young Jewish adults, empowering them to become future leaders wherever their paths may lead them, said Litt. The Shenkman Jewish Center will allow Jewish students at William & Mary to embrace who they are and have a place to call home when theyre on campus.

A home away from home is just what the Shenkmans envision for the new Center, and they are eager for construction to begin so that students can take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities that will be provided.

"Just as our nations history has been shaped by William & Mary and its people, the universitys legacy continues to be shaped by the generosity of donors like the Shenkmans, said Matthew T. Lambert 99, vice president for university advancement. Transformational gifts like this enable students to pursue their passions, deepen relationships and better connect with the community, their peers and the university. We are truly grateful."

Mark is the founder and CEO of Shenkman Capital Management, Inc., a high-yield asset management firm founded in 1985. Mark earned a BA degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut in 1965 and graduated with an MBA from George Washington University in 1967. He has been a longtime supporter of William & Marys Raymond A. Mason School of Business, previously serving on the Business Foundation Board, of which he is now an emeritus member. For years, Mark has provided internship and career opportunities for William & Mary students at Shenkman Capital and meets with faculty at the business school frequently. He was inducted as an honorary alumnus of William & Mary in 2015. Rosalind received her undergraduate degree from New York University and earned her masters in social work from Fordham University.
Modi's visit might appear largely symbolic as it comes soon after a spate of high-profile visits between New Delhi and Tel Aviv.

On a road trip across Israel in late 2014, a young Israeli diplomat accompanying Indian journalists pointed to a portmanteau of highway signs for two cities, 'Modi'in' and 'Jerusalem'. "Very soon," he said. His optimism will be vindicated on July 4 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi becomes the first Indian PM to visit the Jewish nation.

"Unlike past prime ministers, Modi has no inhibitions in openly expressing his admiration for Israel's achievements," says G. Parthasarathy, former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan. "Others have fought shy because of domestic vote bank considerations."

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The visit comes even as the PM carries out a balancing act in West Asia by simultaneously improving ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Iran and Israel, making India one of a handful of major nations with excellent ties with all countries.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hailed 'my friend' Modi's upcoming visit as 'historic': "In the 70 years of this country's existence, no Indian prime minister has visited, and this is a further expression of the State of Israel's military, economic and diplomatic strength."

Modi's visit might appear largely symbolic as it comes soon after a spate of high-profile visits between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. President Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian head of state to visit Israel last year, and it saw a reciprocal visit by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in January this year. Neither has there been a radical shift in India's policy towards Palestine. New Delhi hosted Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas in May, evidently to signal this.

"The visit is important because today, we must be clear who our friends are," says Hardeep Puri, formerly India's representative to the UN. "Given the orientation of our policy, we need to have better and stronger relations with Israel."

Defence and agriculture are the keystones of this relationship. Bilateral trade grew from $200 million in 1992 to $4.5 billion in 2016, primarily on the sales of military hardware, agriculture and water technology.

India-Israel friendship had long stayed in the closet. India's move to establish bilateral ties in 1992 came only after several Arab countries recognised Israel. Military and intelligence ties, however, stretched back to even earlier and were facilitated by Mossad and R&AW. From Israel's transfer of arms to Mukti Bahini fighters in 1971 to training a covert R&AW special forces unit in 1982. During the Kargil war in 1999, Israel shipped 155 mm artillery shells for India's Bofors guns from its own stocks, leased a military spy satellite and sold two all-weather spy planes for R&AW's air wing.

Despite the US emerging as a major Indian defence equipment supplier, Israel has held steady course as India's third largest hardware supplier, even though it does not make capital-intensive weapon platforms like the fighter jets, major warships or submarines that India imports. In February, the Cabinet Committee on Security cleared a Rs 17,000 crore deal for buying 40 Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles (MR-SAM) systems from Israel for the Indian army's strike corps. Deals worth an estimated $5 billion are in the pipeline for missiles and drones.

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In another indication of the close trust between the two countries, the IAF is reportedly considering an offer from an Israeli firm to outfit a globe-trotting Prime Minister Modi's official transport aircraft with defensive measures. Two new Boeing 777-300 Extended Range 'Dreamliners' with the callsign 'Air India One' will be equipped with all-weather radars, flight refuelling probes and anti-missile counter-measures in Israel.

Moves are afoot to expand this relationship beyond security. On June 25, Netanyahu approved decisions to deepen ties, beginning with agriculture and water. His cabinet approved measures to increase, by 25 per cent, Israel's non-diamond-related exports to India, now $1.38 billion, over the next four years as well as set up a joint innovation, research and development fund.

No major defence deals are expected to be signed during Modi's visit. The Jerusalem Post says the trip will focus on furthering cooperation in three areas critical to India: water management, agriculture and technology. Clearly, Modi in Jerusalem will leave a lasting impact.

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"We can have lunch in Gangtok and dinner in Yadong," mused Le Yucheng, the then Chinese envoy in Delhi, speaking in June 2015 at the small, muddy Tibetan mountain town of Yadong, which sits on the Chinese side of Nathu La. That summer morning, Indian and Chinese officials, with great fanfare, welcomed 40 Indian pilgrims, the first to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar yatra through a newly opened road through Nathu La, one that is two days shorter and less arduous than the older route through Lipulekh, Uttarakhand. The opening was seen as a hugely symbolic goodwill gesture and confidence-building measure, underlining that both countries could put aside their difficult boundary dispute, at least for the sake of Kailash pilgrims. But two years on, lunch in Gangtok and dinner in Yadong seems as distant a prospect as ever.

An ongoing standoff between India and China in Sikkim has halted the yatra through Nathu La this year. In mid-June, China denied entry to two batches of pilgrims, around the time a standoff began at the border at Doka La, with India objecting to the construction of a road by China and Chinese troops entering Indian territory and destroying two Indian bunkers. This standoff has to be seen in the context of the dynamic in the northeast. The Chumbi Valley, held by China, leads into a so-called 'trijunction' between the borders of India, China and Bhutan (see map) and points towards the Chicken's Neck, as the 27 km-wide (at its narrowest point) Siliguri corridor, linking northeastern India to the mainland, is called. China could, the Indian army fears, move troops down this valley in a future conflict, thereby severing India's link with its northeast. The Indian army has been wary in recent years about a Class 40 (a military classification) road China is building through the Chumbi valley, which could be used to transport heavy weapons and bring the Chicken's Neck within artillery range.

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The defence and external affairs ministries declined comment, anxious not to let it cast a shadow over the Trump-Modi meet in Washington. China, however, in a statement released before the meet, accused India of crossing the border and obstructing 'normal' activities and said it had to suspend the yatra 'out of security concerns'. One possible reason for China's response is their view that the construction is on their side of the border, and if anything, Bhutan, not India, should object. "Donglong (or Doklam) is a major issue between China and Bhutan, not China and India, who have agreed to the 1890 [Sino-British] treaty on Sikkim," says Hu Shisheng of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. "Maybe Bhutan is asking India to take responsibility for patrolling." China's road could perhaps have been testing Bhutan, and India's willingness to intervene.

What makes this standoff different is China's move to up the ante by closing the yatra route. This year, seven batches of 50 pilgrims had been given permission to undertake the yatra through Nathu La, while 18 batches of 60 would travel through Lipulekh. (As of June 27, the first batch at Lipulekh was allowed to enter Tibet.) In the past, officials say, India-China border disputes have been localised affairs, insulated from other aspects of engagement. It therefore came as a surprise when China responded by stopping the pilgrims. As Lu Kang, a Chinese foreign ministry official, said bluntly when asked if the pending six batches would be allowed, "It all depends on what India does, and whether India takes action to improve the security situation."

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Construction officially begins on Kudankulam 3 and 4

30 June 2017

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The first pouring of structural concrete for two Russian-built VVER reactors at Kudankulam units 3 and 4 was marked yesterday at the site in Tamil Nadu, India. The milestone followed approval last week by India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The units represent the second phase of the Kudankulam project.

Pouring of the first structural concrete marks the formal start of construction of a nuclear unit, although site preparation works have been underway for several years.

Valery Limarenko, president of Rosatom engineering subsidiary ASE Group, noted in a statement the Russia-Indian "strategic vision" on cooperation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy that foresees construction of at least 12 new Russian-designed power units in India by 2020.

"We intend to continue sharing our best practices with India in this important industry, facilitating the energy security of this friendly country," Limarenko said.

"Construction of Kudankulam nuclear power plant with our assistance is a flagship project. At the end of 2016 and start of 2017, our company performed the final hand-over of the first power unit and the provisional hand-over of the second power unit to the customer; those events were commemorated by a ceremony dedicating the units to the people of India. Today we commence the construction of the third and the fourth power units," he said.

Andrey Lebedev, vice-president for the group's South Asia projects, added: "Pouring of first concrete marks the start of the construction period as defined in the contractual obligations. This event represents the commencement of full-scale construction, thermal and electrical erection works at the site and the installation of Russian equipment at the plant."

Kudankulam is home to two operating VVER reactors which entered commercial operation in December 2014 and April 2017. The new units are being built as part of an inter-governmental agreement signed between Moscow and New Delhi in 1998, with a second phase to follow.

Units 3 and 4 will be a "repeat design" of units 1 and 2, with "improvements" based on feedback from commissioning and operational experience from the first units, the AERB said. The general contractor is Atomstroyexport, and the general designer is Atomenergoproekt. Both companies are part of ASE Group.

Russia and India earlier this month signed a framework agreement enabling construction of the so-called third stage of the plant, covering the construction of Kudankulam units 5 and 6.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News





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Trump heralds golden era for US energy

30 June 2017

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President Donald Trump yesterday announced a "complete review" of US nuclear policy as the first of six new initiatives to secure domestic energy independence and create a "new era of American energy dominance."

Energy Secretary Rick Perry applauds President Trump at the Unleashing American Energy event (Image: Simon Edelman/DOE)



The president's remarks were made in speech on American energy dominance at a Department of Energy (DOE)-hosted event on Unleashing American Energy. The event was also attended by Vice President Mike Pence, US Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Scott Pruitt, head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, who took part in a panel discussion on the policy framework for US energy dominance.

AP1000s in India



The USA and India reconfirmed their commitment to commercial civil nuclear cooperation during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House on 26 June. A fact sheet issued by the White House referenced a contract for six Westinghouse AP1000 reactors to be built in Andhra Pradesh. "Once completed, the project will provide reliable electricity for millions of Indian citizens," the statement said.

With the USA's "extraordinary energy abundance" - unknown of "even five years ago" - Trump promised his administration would seek not only "the American energy independence that weve been looking for so long, but American energy dominance". He spoke of plans to export energy "all over the world, all around the globe". This potential could only be realised with governmental promotion of energy development, he said, going on to announce "six brand-new initiatives to propel this new era of American energy dominance."

The first of those initiatives, he said, would be to "revive and expand" the country's nuclear energy sector. "A complete review of US nuclear energy policy will help us find new ways to revitalise this crucial energy resource," Trump said.

The other five initiatives announced by the president addressed issues connected with the export of US coal plants, natural gas and petroleum, and opening offshore areas to fossil fuel development.

"The golden era of American energy is now underway," Trump said.

Nuclear Energy Institute president and CEO Maria Korsnick said the US nuclear industry welcomed a comprehensive study of the issues it faces. "If the president wishes for our nation to achieve nuclear energy dominance both at home and abroad, he'll do it by preserving the existing nuclear fleet, paving the way for the deployment of advanced nuclear designs and stimulating exports abroad. We look forward to working with the administration on these incredible opportunities," she said after attending the event.

Making nuclear cool



The president's speech gave no further details of the planned review of the nuclear industry, but earlier in the week Energy Secretary Perry reaffirmed the administration's support for nuclear energy, particularly advanced reactors and small modular reactors.

"I believe no clean energy portfolio is truly complete without nuclear power, and so does the President. If you want to see the environment and the climate that we live in affected in a positive way, you must include nuclear energy with zero emissions to your portfolio," he said at a White House press briefing. "Do it safe, do it thoughtfully, do it economically. Under the leadership of the United States, the world can benefit from that."

"This administration believes that nuclear energy development can be a game-changer and an important player in the development of our clean-energy portfolio globally. I believe we can achieve this by focusing on the development of technology, for instance, advanced nuclear reactors, small modular reactors," he said.

In answer to questions about the USA's two nuclear plant construction sites, VC Summer and Vogtle, Perry said it was important to keep America engaged in the development of nuclear energy. "One of the things we want to do at DOE is to make nuclear energy cool again  we need as a country, I think, to again bring us to that place where the nuclear energy is a part of a portfolio and to be able to sell it in great truthfulness and honesty about what it can add to America both from an environmental standpoint and from a security standpoint," he said.



Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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By Press Trust of India: polls

By Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Jun 29 (PTI) Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today thanked his countrymen for the successful completion of the first local-level polls in two decades as the counting of votes began across the Himalayan nation.

The second round of elections were conducted in all the 35 districts in Provinces 1, 5 and 7 yesterday and the turnout was recorded at 73.69 per cent by the Election Commission.

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The local polls were earlier scheduled for two phases.

The first phase was held on May 14 in Provinces 3, 4 and 6, but the second round had to be postponed twice. A third phase has been declared on September 18 in Province 2 in a bid to placate dissenting parties, including Madhesis, by then.

Deuba said the election - held for the first time in 20 years - has given an "opportunity to consolidate and institutionalise the achievements of decades-long democratic struggles", he said.

"The successful implementation of the Constitution will help ensure good governance, social justice, economic prosperity and institutionalise democratic norms and culture in the society," Deuba, also the president of Nepali Congress, said in a statement.

The counting of votes begun today at 168 centres out of the 334 units where polling was held yesterday, according to Election Commission officials.

The Commission said the voter turnout in the second phase was 73.69 per cent. PTI SBP ABH AKJ ABH

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Just days before the G20 summit in Hamburg, the European Union (EU) Commission imposed a record fine on US internet giant Google, thereby significantly intensifying tensions with the United States.

The firm has been ordered to pay 2.42 billion because it has consistently breached EU competition rules. The EU penalty is more than twice as high as the previous record fine for matters related to competition law.

In 13 countries in the European economic area, Google used its dominant position in the search engine market to favour its own price comparison service, the EU Commission stated. Googles price comparisons were placed at the top of the search results, resulting in the price comparison services of its competitors being demoted, the Commission added.

Investigations against Google have been ongoing for several years. The EU Commission has opened three probes since 2010, and in all of them Google faces heavy fines. EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has now announced the outcome of the first of these, imposing the harshest fine by far.

The EU Commission charged that Google had obtained an unlawful advantage by using its dominant position in the search engine market to direct customers to its own price comparison service, Google Shopping. In the Google search results, Google Shoppings results were shown at or near the top, even if they did not offer the greatest selection or lowest prices. The best placed competitors were on average shown only on the fourth search page, the Commission alleged.

However, approximately 95 percent of user clicks were made on ads on the first page. This was even more pronounced when mobile devices were used because the displays are smaller, the Suddeutsche Zeitung noted in a background report. Google made use of this procedure in 13 European countries, including Germany, France, Britain, Spain and Italy, thereby violating EU law.

The US firm had denied other companies the opportunity to win customers in the competition process, Vestager said. But above all it has prevented European consumers from having a genuine choice between different services and taking full advantage of the benefits of innovation.

The EU Commission is demanding that Google pay the fine within 90 days. Otherwise, it will be threatened with fines of up to 5 percent of the global turnover of its parent company, Alphabet.

In an initial reaction, Google said it took a different view in the case and was considering an appeal. When shopping online, you want to find the products you are looking for quickly and easily, it added. If Google files an appeal against the Commissions decision, which is expected, the case could drag on for several years.

Another EU Commission investigation is dealing with Googles use of the smartphone operating system Android. The Commission is charging that producers of Android devices with the firms integrated systems had to pre-install Google Search and the browser Google Chrome.

The fine for Google is the latest in a chain of escalating economic and trade conflicts. At the same time, geopolitical tensions between the Transatlantic powers are deepening.

While the Trump administration is threatening Europe, and Germany in particular, with punitive measures because of its high trade surplus, the EU is turning against the market dominance of US corporations. The EU Commission imposed a 110 million fine on Facebook in May because it provided false information about data protection when it took over the messenger service WhatsApp.

A day prior to the announcement of the EU fine, US Trade Secretary Wilbur Ross surprisingly cancelled a long-planned meeting with German Economics Minister Brigitte Zypries (SPD). Growing tensions over steel imports played a role in this. The US has threatened to impose fines against European and German producers.

The US raised accusations of dumping in March. Ross still plans this month to present a report on whether steel imports from the EU could be classified as a national security threat. If the conclusion is that they pose such a threat, Trump could impose high tariffs.

The German government sharply rejected the claims. A spokeswoman for the Economy Ministry in Berlin stated Wednesday, US tariffs would of course pose major problems for our steel companies. They could therefore not remain without consequences, she added.

In a letter to Ross, Zypries objected to the US plans two weeks ago. She stated that there were no indications that European or German steel imports could threaten or restrict US national security. The problem of overcapacity in the steel sector was not caused by Germany or the EU, but more by China, and affects European and American corporations to the same extent, she wrote.

The Financial Times reported that high-ranking military personnel from Germany and the Netherlands, in a highly unusual step, had spoken to US Defence Secretary James Mattis to secure his support in influencing President Trump. Mattis is seen as being comparatively willing to cooperate. At the same time, EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom has threatened the US with countermeasures should the US impose punitive tariffs. Of course we will practice retaliation, she told the Financial Times.

The transatlantic conflict has assumed an increasingly explosive form since the coming to power of Trump. At the beginning of March, economics professor and former finance minister of the German state of Saxony Anhalt, Karl-Heinz Paque, referred in a guest comment for the Suddeutsche Zeitung to the enormous destructive potential of the Trumpian America first policy. Europe had to be ready to wage a trade war on Trumps America if necessary.

These developments threaten to culminate in a catastrophe, since trade wars are merely the prelude to war. But Washington, Berlin and Brussels are proceeding equally aggressively. German Chancellor Angela Merkel proclaimed just a few weeks ago in a government statement that Europe had to firmly defend its interests, whenever and wherever it is necessary.

Because the character of transatlantic relations is changing, Europe had decided to assume more responsibility in the future as it has done in the past, in our own neighbourhood as well as beyond, Merkel continued. Germany was dependent not only on having access to the single market, but also to global markets.

To enforce its economic and geostrategic interests against the United States, by military means if required, and to maintain control of the mounting conflicts within the EU, Berlin is striving to establish a core Europe under German leadership. In response to the sharpening transatlantic tensions, Germany and Europe have launched a major military buildup.
The gunfire broke out at 2:50 p.m inside the Bronx Lebanon Hospital, killing one person and wounding six others before apparently taking his own life.

By AP: A doctor forced from a New York hospital because of sexual harassment accusations returned Friday with an assault rifle hidden under a lab coat and shot seven people, killing one woman and leaving several doctors fighting for their lives, authorities said.

The gunman, Dr. Henry Bello, fatally shot himself after trying to set himself on fire at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, they said. He staggered, bleeding, into a hallway where he collapsed and died with the rifle at his side, officials said.

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Witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted, spreading terror throughout the medical facility as employees locked themselves inside rooms and patients feared for their lives.

"I thought I was going to die," said Renaldo Del Villar, a patient who was in the third-floor emergency room getting treatment for a lower back injury.

SHOOTER IDENTIFIED

Law enforcement officials identified the shooter as the 45-year-old Bello, who was described on the hospital website as a family medicine physician. Officials said Bello used an AR-15 in the attack on the 16th and 17th floors.

Bello was allowed to resign from the hospital in 2015 amid sexual harassment allegations, according to two law enforcement officials. The officials didn't know the details of the allegations.

The officials were not authorized to discuss the still-unfolding investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

In unrelated cases, the doctor pleaded guilty to unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor, in 2004 after a 23-year-old woman told police Bello grabbed her, lifted her up and carried her off, saying, "You're coming with me." He was arrested again in 2009 on a charge of unlawful surveillance, after two different women reported he was trying to look up their skirts with a mirror.

WHAT HAPPENED

On Friday, one female doctor was killed and six other people were wounded, five of them seriously, according to Police Commissioner James O'Neill. The patients were treated in the emergency room at Bronx Lebanon.

A surgeon at the hospital told the AP that all six victims were in critical condition, but they were expected to survive. The victims largely suffered gunshot wounds to the head, chest and abdomen, he said. The most seriously wounded was shot in the liver, said the surgeon, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak publicly.

"This was a horrible situation unfolding in a place that people associated with care and comfort, a situation that came out of nowhere," Mayor Bill de Blasio said, adding that terrorism was not involved in the attack.

Shortly after receiving a 911 call about an active shooter, police officers went floor by floor, their guns drawn, looking for the gunman. They later learned he was dead inside the building. De Blasio confirmed that Bello killed himself.

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Bello may have doused himself with an accelerant like gasoline and tried to set himself on fire before shooting himself, officials said. Sprinklers extinguished the fire.

According to New York State Education Department records, Bello had a limited permit to practice as an international medical graduate to gain experience in order to be licensed. The permit was issued on July 1, 2014, and expired last year on the same day.

A former colleague described Bello as a problematic employee.

Bello "was very aggressive, talking loudly, threatening people. All the time he was a problem," said Dr. David Lazala, a family medicine doctor who said he trained Bello at Bronx Lebanon.

He said Bello, who worked at night as a doctor, sent him a threatening email after Bello was fired.

Employees and their loved ones described the horrifying moments immediately after the shooting as they scrambled for information.

Garry Trimble said his fiancee, hospital employee Denise Brown, called from inside to tell him about the gunman.

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"She woke me up and told me there was a situation, somebody's out there shooting people," Trimble said as he waited for Brown to leave the hospital. "I could hear in her voice she was shaking and about to cry."

Gonzalo Carazo told WCBS-TV that he saw a doctor with a gunshot wound on his hand.

"All I heard was a doctor saying, "Help, help!" Carazo locked himself in a room for about 15 minutes until police came and led him out of the hospital.

The 120-year-old hospital has nearly 1,000 beds and one of the busiest emergency rooms in New York City. It is about a mile and a half north of Yankee Stadium.

In 2011, two people were shot at Bronx Lebanon in what police said was a gang-related attack.

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Hone Harawira, leader of the Maori nationalist Mana Party, declared in a TV3 interview on June 24 that any Chinese that brings meth [methamphetamine, also known as P] or precursors into this country should be jailed for life, deported, or executed. He said this would not apply to other ethnicities, only Chinese people.

This blatantly racist call to bring back the death penalty was Harawiras first major announcement ahead of the New Zealand election in September. It is an early sign of the thoroughly reactionary basis on which the campaign will be fought by all the pro-capitalist parties. Capital punishment for murder was abolished in New Zealand in 1961 and for treason in 1989.

Harawira expressed his admiration for Singapore, where hundreds of people have been executed for drug-related offences in recent decades. Singapore is a deeply authoritarian and anti-working class city-state which presides over grotesque levels of social inequality.

Mana Party president Lisa McNab, apparently taken by surprise by Harawiras outburst, issued a statement on June 28 saying the party executive does not support capital punishment. However, she did not oppose Harawiras anti-Chinese racism but instead praised his energy and commitment and said we understand the rationale behind his call for executions of Chinese drug smugglers.

Harawira has not retracted his proposal, which has been condemned by the Human Rights Commission and the New Zealand Drug Foundation.

The government and a few Labour Party MPs have made token criticisms of the Mana leader. Minister Paula Bennett compared Harawira with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whose war on drugs has led to thousands of people being killed by police and vigilantes. Labours Chris Hipkins tweeted: Even Donald Trump at the height of his anti-China narrative didnt suggest an ethnically targeted death penalty.

In fact, Harawiras call for capital punishment is part of a long-running anti-Chinese campaign by New Zealands opposition parties. Over the past five years Labour, New Zealand First, the Greens and Mana have scapegoated Chinese immigrants and investors for the countrys housing crisis, pressure on social services and unemployment. Labour recently announced a policy to slash immigrant numbers by 30,000 a year, a reduction of almost half.

The opposition parties have sought to align New Zealand more openly with the US military encirclement and threats against China. Last year the Greens supported the National Party governments decision to spend $20 billion on the military to enhance its ability to operate alongside the US. Labour and NZ First called for even greater military spending (New Zealand Defence White Paper prepares for war).

In Australia, a similar campaign is being waged by the Labor Party, the media and the intelligence agencies, to demonise supposed Chinese influence in domestic politics. Australia would be a major base for US operations in the event of war with China.

Mana has now taken the anti-Chinese campaign a step further, demonstrating that it is a right-wing nationalist party that supports the US-led imperialist build-up against China.

Harawira intends to contest the northern Maori electorate of Te Tai Tokerau, which he held until 2014 when he lost it to Labour. New Zealand is divided into overlapping general electorates and Maori electorates and voters can choose which to enrol in. Te Tai Tokerau overlaps with NZ First leader Winston Peters electorate of Northland.

In a press statement, Harawira appealed for support from NZ First, a party founded in the 1990s on a platform opposed to Asian immigration, for his law to execute Chinese convicted of importing methamphetamine.

Harawira denied that his policy was racist, but rejected suggestions that it could be broadened to apply to New Zealanders convicted of drug dealing. He left the door open for such an extension, however, saying executing Chinese offenders would be a start. He added: Maori are in the bottom of New Zealand society in terms of housing, employment, education, health and justice. Now thats what I call racist.

In fact, the social disaster is a class, not a racial issue. The Northland region is the poorest in the country with high unemployment and high rates of suicide and drug abuse. Far from offering any progressive solution, Mana and NZ First are seeking to channel social anger in the most reactionary direction.

Harawira does not represent working people or the poor, Maori or non-Maori. Before founding Mana, he was a member of the openly pro-business Maori Party, a coalition partner in the right-wing National-led government. Mana has agreed to work with the Maori Party in this years election.

Both Maori nationalist parties represent indigenous capitalists who have become rich through multi-million dollar payments from successive governments to Maori tribes, under the Treaty of Waitangi settlements process. Ostensibly redress for the crimes of British imperialism, these payments have done nothing for the majority of Maori, who are one of the poorest layers of the working class. The Maori elite, however, now controls around $40 billion in business assetsup from $16.5 billion a decade agoand according to the government the Maori economy is growing faster than the economy as a whole. At the centre of Manas policy platform is a demand for increased Treaty settlements and other measures to support Maori business.

Manas racist law-and-order demagogy underscores the politically criminal role played by New Zealands pseudo-left groupsthe International Socialist Organisation (ISO), Fightback and Socialist Aotearoa. These middle class outfits joined Mana when it was founded in 2011, as did former Green Party MP Sue Bradford and leading officials from the Unite trade union.

None of these groups has commented on Harawiras reactionary anti-Chinese statements. The trade union funded Daily Blog, which supports Labour, Mana and NZ First, has also remained silent. Its editor Martyn Bradbury has attacked Chinese immigrants, investors and tourists (see: Anti-immigrant campaign intensifies in New Zealand).

The pseudo-lefts campaigned for Mana in the 2011 and 2014 elections, hailing it as anti-racist, pro-poor and anti-capitalist. Harawira was a major speaker at the Unite unions 2013 national conference and Fightbacks 2014 conference. An article by the ISO on August 29, 2013, glorified Harawira as the only principled MP in parliament.

These claims were always a fraud. Manas cheer-leaders never mentioned its blatant xenophobia: the party has repeatedly joined Labours anti-Chinese campaigns and declared in 2015 that people of Asian descent are buying too many homes (see: Mana Party supports Labours anti-Chinese campaign).

The ISO and Fightback left the Mana Party after it failed to win any seats in the 2014 election, which it contested in an alliance with the Internet Party. The ISO said it would still be proud to work alongside Mana. According to Socialist Aotearoas web site, the group is still part of Mana.

These organisations share Manas nationalist and pro-capitalist politics. They joined hoping to advance their own position within the political establishment. Like Mana, they are steeped in identity politics, which elevates race and gender above class divisions and is one of the main mechanisms used by sections of the middle class to advance their careers in politics, academia, the trade unions and business.

The pseudo-lefts bitterly oppose the fight waged by the Socialist Equality Group (NZ) to build an independent revolutionary party of the working class, based on socialism and internationalism and opposed to every form of racial and nationalist politics, including Maori nationalism.

The pseudo-lefts do not object to New Zealands integration into US war preparations. They speak for sections of the upper middle class whose wealth and status depends on the strength of New Zealand imperialism and its alliance with the US. In 2011, Socialist Aotearoa declared that China could invade New Zealand and called on the working class to join the US preparations for war.

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Working class residents of Nashville, Tennessee, are increasingly burdened by housing costs, one expression of widening social inequality in the city and the US as a whole.

The office of Nashvilles Democratic mayor, Megan Berry, released a report in late May titled Housing in Nashville, bringing to light what many locals already know: there is a lack of affordable housing in the city and its greater metropolitan area.

According to the findings, the population of Nashville increased by nearly 24 percent between 2005 and 2015, and is expected to grow another 12 percent between 2016 and 2026. However, over the last five years, there has only been 5 percent increase in housing units, leaving a deficit of housing for Nashvillians.

Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and largest city in the state, has lost more than 20 percent of its affordable housing stock since 2000. In the year 2000, Nashville had an estimated 2,000-unit surplus of affordable rental housing; by 2015 the surplus had become a deficit of 18,000 affordable units.

Along with a population boom, Nashville is experiencing a construction boom. However, in the process of building new high-priced housing, it is estimated that enough existing housing stock is being torn down each week to populate a city block.

New construction has been primarily concentrated near the citys urban core, dominated by the country music tourism industry. In 2000, the urban core housed a population consisting generally lower-income families, with those with larger incomes residing in areas away from the citys center.

Since 2000, the income levels of those areas have practically reversed. This has increased the burden on working class families who once resided close to the majority of jobs located in downtown Nashville.

The housing market in Nashville is not unique. Working class families across the country are finding an increase in home prices is driving up housing costs and property taxes to the point of being an overwhelming burden on incomes that have remained stagnant. Millions of working families have been driven into poverty while wealth has been concentrated into fewer and fewer hands.

As Nashvilles speculators and investors have prospered, it has become the sixth most unequal city in the country, according to a 2015 Brookings Institution analysis of Census Bureau data. The city has a long history of handouts to corporate interests, leaving necessities like low-income housing and public transportation to starve.

The Tennessean reported in January that longtime property owners have been selling their homes in neighborhoods such as Edgehill, East Nashville, Germantown, 12South and Bordeaux as more and trendier restaurants move in. Working class and lower-income residents have relocated to the suburbs, concentrating poverty at the citys edges.

Workers who relied on public transportation now find their commute dramatically increased, by hours in some cases. Many families have to plan their lives around their long commute, complicating child care arrangements and virtually eliminating the possibility of working a second job to make ends meet.

According to federal Housing and Urban Development criteria, a family is considered cost-burdened if 30 percent or more of its income is devoted to housing. Nearly one in four Nashville homeowners is cost-burdened, and almost half of Nashville renters are cost burdened. Low-income families fare far worse, with three out of five considered cost-burdened.

The median price for a home in Nashville is $245,000. A family would have to earn a gross income of $76,000 a year to be able to afford a house in Nashville without being cost-burdened. The median household income in Nashville is $52,000.

Some new homes in areas originally developed for affordable housing in the 1970s are selling for far higher than the median prices. The Tennessean report highlighted one such home along South Street in the Edgehill neighborhood, listed for $744,900.

Sallie Dowell, an 80-year-old Edgehill resident, has rejected numerous offers by real estate developers for her home. They dont want the homes anyway, she told the Tennessean, they just want the property.

Where am I going? she asked. Im too old to be trying to move. I worked too hard for this house.

Renters are in a similar situation as gross monthly rent rates have skyrocketed. In 2011, monthly rent averaged $872 in Nashville, according to Census data analyzed by the Tennessean in February. The average rent rate had risen to $1,401 by 2015 according to real estate site RentJunglean increase of 60 percent.

Vanderbilt University associate professor and affordable housing researcher Jim Fraser told the paper, Basically people cant find a place  One of the problems is that all the rentals that are being built are for market rate. Effectively, apartments with luxury amenities that are marketed to high-income renters push up the cost of all rentals across the metropolitan area.

A separate report from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) found that affordable housing across the state is deteriorating and will eventually disappear.

Nearly 70 percent of low-income residents live in properties built before 1980. Subsidies used for upkeep and maintenance that housing properties receivesuch as Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and USDA fundinghave seen a decrease in federal support, and funding for the construction of new affordable housing has virtually been eliminated.

Instead of federal funding to support affordable housing, the responsibility of preserving affordable housing has shifted to states, relying on housing trust funds and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit.

In a lucrative housing market like Nashville, affordable housing is slowly being demolished. The THDA survey found that 2,117 affordable units have disappeared since 2001, and an estimated 11,000 more could go the same route in the next five years.

In an effort to fuel the speculative development bonanza, state lawmakers passed a law in 2016 which prohibits Nashville and other cities from mandating the construction of a limited number of affordable housing units through inclusionary zoning requirements.

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[28 February 2017]
At 8:00 pm Eastern Time Thursday, the Trump administrations travel ban went into effect, barring entry to thousands of refugees from six countriesLibya, Somalia, Sudan, Iran, Syria and Yemen. The new ban is a death sentence for many refugees seeking to escape the wars launched or fueled by US imperialism that are ravaging the region.

On Monday, the Supreme Court unanimously allowed the ban to take effect pending the courts decision on the merits this fall. Since most of the bans provisions apply for just 90 or 120 days, the decision means the bans initial phase will fully run its course.

The decision is a shameful milestone, opposed by nearly 6 in 10 Americans who agreed with the lower courts decision blocking the ban. It is a major political victory for Trump and has been greeted with gloating articles in Breitbart News and the far-right press.

The court ruled that the ban applies to those without a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States. The court callously ruled that those without close family in the US or connections with a business or university can be denied entry.

The Supreme Courts decision gave the Trump administration the power to define which relationships are bona fide and which are not. On Wednesday night, the State Department issued guidelines defining close family to exclude grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, fiances, and any other extended family members.

The State Department rules, which were cabled to all US embassies, include siblings, parents and children as close family. The administration was forced to include parents-in-law because the Supreme Court specifically said the ban could not apply to people similarly situated to Dr. Ismail Elshikh, one of the plaintiffs in the case who petitioned to bring his mother-in-law from Syria.

Implementation of the State Department directive will be left to the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Immigration attorneys and non-profits anticipate that the implementation of the ban will lead to further confusion at airports across the US, with travelers from the six countries likely being turned away due to lack of clarity on what constitutes a bona fide relationship.

The Supreme Court ruling will disproportionately impact the poorest refugees whose close family members did not previously immigrate to the US and who do not have advanced degrees often required to establish a bona fide relationship based on an employment contract. Even those poorer refugees who do have a bona fide relationship will be unable to pay an attorney several thousand dollars to litigate the matter if US officials delay or block their entry.

The decision gives the Trump administration a green light to intensify its efforts to scapegoat immigrants and create a hostile if not violent anti-immigrant climate.

On Wednesday, Trump provocatively invited family members of people killed by undocumented workers to the White House. Despite the fact that studies regularly show migrants are significantly less likely to commit crimes than US citizens, Trump used the event to peddle two bills: one aimed at requiring incarceration for previously-deported immigrants who attempt to re-enter the US, and another that would cut federal funds for sanctuary cities whose officials do not report undocumented people to federal immigration officials. Both bills passed the House yesterday.

For all the Democrats hollow statements about defending immigrants, the fact that Democratic appointees Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer voted to allow the ban to take effect reveals the essentially xenophobic and reactionary character of the Democratic Party.

Long before Mondays unanimous decision, the Democratic Party helped establish the political and legal framework for Trumps travel ban. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the Democratic Party provided the votes to pass key anti-immigrant legislation used to deport millions, including many of the 2.7 million deported by Barack Obama.

Trump has escalated the attack on immigrants, deporting tens of thousands in the first months of his administration, ripping immigrants from their families, schools, and workplaces, and sending them back to violent regions destroyed by US imperialism. New Trump regulations facilitate immediate deportation for immigrants captured crossing the border, meaning thousands of refugees are being turned away at the border.

Though the Democrats managed to force nationally televised hearings on Trumps alleged ties to Russia, they have not demanded hearings on the travel ban or Trumps immigrant round-ups. Since Trumps inauguration, the Democratic Partys opposition has been centered entirely on questions of foreign policy, specifically aimed at pressuring the administration to pursue a more aggressive policy against Russia, including in Syria. The byproduct of this nationalist campaign aimed at whipping-up fear of foreign influence will be to provide fertile soil in the political establishment for even deeper attacks against foreign workers and refugees.

The Supreme Courts unanimous decision has a historical precedent.

In 1939, Secretary of State Cordell Hull advised President Franklin Roosevelt to turn away the MS St. Louis, a German ship with nearly 900 European Jewish refugees on board attempting to escape Nazi Germany. When the Cuban government barred the refugees from disembarking in Havana, Hull said the US could not allow the refugees to land on the nearby US Virgin Islands on the technical grounds that the government could not issue visas unless the refugees had a permanent address to which they could return.

Only 29 of the passengersthose with valid entry documentswere allowed to disembark in Cuba. When the ship approached the United States, the Roosevelt administration again turned it away. The ship and the refugees returned to Europe, and 254 of the passengers died in the Holocaust, most in Auschwitz and Sobibor.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi Thursday hailed the retaking by government security forces of the site of Mosuls demolished al-Nuri mosque as a decisive victory in the battle to wrest control of Iraqs second-largest city from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), which swept across one-third of the countrys territory three years ago.

It was a pyrrhic victory at best for Baghdad and the US forces that have supported the nine-month siege of Mosul with devastating air strikes and barrages of artillery fire.

The bulk of the al-Nuri mosque, where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi first proclaimed his caliphate in 2014, was demolished a week before, with its iconic leaning Al-Hadba (hunchback) minaret toppled. ISIS claimed that the destruction was the work of US bombs, but it appears the Islamist militia itself blew up the structure to deny the government a symbolic triumph.

While the regime in Baghdad celebrated the retaking of the demolished mosque, Iraqi commanders on the ground in Mosul admitted that many weeks of fighting remain before they can claim control of all of Mosul. And, even as they advance on the last strongholds of ISIS in western Mosul, there have been repeated attacks by the Islamist fighters on positions supposedly secured by the army and the police months ago. In one, ISIS members disguised as police were reported to have wiped out an entire Federal Police unit, up to 90 men.

Iraqi security forces were reportedly only 150 feet away from the mosque when it was blown up on June 21. It has taken them a full week to advance that short distance in fighting that has left many civilians as well as many government troops and ISIS fighters dead.

There are hundreds of bodies under the rubble, an Iraqi special forces major, Dhia Thamir, deployed inside the Old City of western Mosul told the Guardian. Of course there is collateral damage, it is always this way in war, he said. The houses are very old, so any bombardment causes them to collapse completely.

The number of civilian victims since the siege of the northern Iraqi city began is no doubt in the tens of thousands of dead and wounded. Up to 860,000 people have been driven from their homes by the fighting, many of them forced into crowded refugee tent camps. Those who have returned have found their homes and neighborhoods either demolished or badly damaged.

Somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 civilians remain trapped in the last area still controlled by ISIS.

A similar slaughter has been inflicted upon the population of Raqqa, the so-called ISIS capital in Syria. US air strikes, artillery bombardment and close-air support from Apache attack helicopters have been used to further the advance of the Kurdish YPG militia, which serves as the Pentagons main proxy force in northern Syria.

The UN human rights chief issued a statement confirming the deaths of at least 173 civilians in Raqqa so far this month, while acknowledging that the figure was a very conservative estimate.

Civilians must not be sacrificed for the sake of rapid military advances, Zeid al-Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in the statement, which came out as activists in Syria reported another 15 civilians killed by US cluster bombs dropped on the village of Dablan in eastern Syria. The attack came only two days after a US air strike killed up to 70 people when bombs demolished an ISIS-run prison holding many civilians near the town of Mayadin.

The activist group Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently, formed originally to denounce ISIS abuses in the city, but focused now more directly on the mass killing inflicted by the US air war, reports that Raqqa is now facing some 200 air strikes a day. Both water and electricity supplies have been cut off by the bombing, and the group reported that many of the recent dead are being referred to as water martyrs, because their cars have been attacked from the air as they have tried to reach the Euphrates river to get drinking water for their families.

It is certainly fair to say that we are seeing numbers of civilians reported killed and numbers of incidents comparable to the worst period of the Aleppo siege last year, when east Aleppo was under bombardment by both Russian and Syrian forces, Chris Wood, the director of the monitoring group Airwars, told ABC News in Australia.

But, unlike Aleppo, when the US media churned out continuous reports denouncing alleged human rights abuses, the mass killing in Mosul and Iraq has been passed over in near total silence. The supposed moral outrage of the press and the television networks is highly selective, determined entirely by the propaganda needs of the Pentagon and the CIA.

Even once the US-backed forces complete their conquest of Mosul and Raqqa, the American intervention in both Iraq and Syria will only continue and escalate. Given the sectarian divisions stoked by more than 14 years of US wars in the regionand intensified by Washingtons reliance on sectarian militias in both countriesit is by no means clear how either city will be governed once ISIS is suppressed.

Speaking to CBS News Wednesday, Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, the commander of the so-called anti-ISIS coalition, said that after the conquest of Mosul and Raqqa, US forces would be engaged in the suppression of a continuing insurgency in both countries. We call that ISIS 2.0an insurgency, rural, he said. So I think well still be here dealing with that problem set for a while.

Washington has no intention of abandoning either country. It intends to establish permanent bases in both Iraq and Syria and to engage in continuous warfare aimed at asserting US hegemony over the Middle East and confronting its principal rivals for control of the region, Iran and Russia.
The prospect of the United States launching a war against North Korea will dominate the meeting between recently elected South Korean President Moon Jae-in and President Donald Trump in Washington. The two will sit down tonight for dinner and hold formal talks tomorrow.

From the day it took office, the Trump administration has dramatically ratcheted up longstanding US hostility toward the North Korean regime, ostensibly over its efforts to develop nuclear weapons and inter-continental ballistic missiles. It has declared North Korea must unilaterally announce an end to its weapons programs and submit to external verification by US-vetted United Nations inspectors.

The US administration has also demanded that China, the Norths only significant trading partner, cut the country off economically or face a raft of US sanctions. The White House is continuously threatening to launch a pre-emptive military strike with its assertions that all options are on the table.

To back up such threats, the Pentagon has deployed an array of additional air and naval power to north-east Asia, reinforcing the substantial military forces the US has permanently based in South Korea and Japan. At present, three aircraft carrier battle groups are within striking range of North Korea. The naval armada includes at least a dozen destroyers and Ohio-class submarines that could unleash hundreds of cruise missiles within minutes of receiving the order. It can be taken as given that facilities across the North are being targeted by American nuclear weapons both on land and on submarines operating in the Pacific Ocean.

The North has responded to the heightened tensions with its own militarist rhetoric and a series of missile tests. These have played into the hands of the Trump administration, which has exploited them to conduct a propaganda campaign that Hawaii and even the continental US will, if the North Korean regime is not disarmed, face the threat of attack by nuclear weapons.

National security advisor General H.R. McMaster set an ominous tone for the talks between Moon and Trump yesterday. He declared: What we have to do is prepare all options because the President has made clear to us that he will not accept a nuclear power in North Korea and a threat that can target the United States and target the American population.

He continued: The threat is much more immediate now. We cant repeat the same failed approach of the past  The President has directed us to not do that and to prepare a range of options, including a military option, which nobody wants to take.

Any reckless act or miscalculation by either the US, South Korean or North Korean military could trigger a war that results in a catastrophe. Numerous analysts have noted that North Korean retaliation to any US strike would fall first and foremost on the South Korean capital, Seoul, which, including its outer reaches, has a population of some 25 million. Even if such retaliation only involved conventional weapons, some analysts have predicted civilian casualties in greater Seoul as high as one million dead and wounded in just the first few days of a war.

As Moon arrived today, the US treasury announced that a major Chinese company, Dalian Global Unity, the regional Chinese Bank of Dandong and two prominent business figures would be subjected to sanctions for allegedly trading with the North in defiance of UN-imposed sanctions.

The actions are being taken by the US despite Beijing desperately seeking to appease Washingtons demands by slashing purchases of North Korean coal, the countrys major export, and over recent days, revealing that it has limited oil sales. Reports indicate that fuel shortages are already developing in the North, on top of existing shortages for a range of consumer goods. Regardless, the Trump administration has declared that China has failed to rein in Pyongyang and its leader Kim Jong-un.

Far from lessening the danger of conflict, the systematic economic starvation of North Korea only heightens it.

Moon Jae-in was elected in May after presenting himself and his nominally left Democratic Party of Korea as prepared to act to lessen the risk of war. He asserted that he would unilaterally offer to revive economic link-ups with the North providing that its leader, Kim Jong-un, agreed to negotiations over suspending its weapons programs and lessening tensions. He made mild criticisms of the deployment by the US of its anti-missile THAAD system to South Korea.

Since his election, however, Moon, far from seeking to curb Washingtons threats, has fallen into line with the steady build-up toward confrontation with the North. The South Korean military is engaged in almost continuous rehearsals for war alongside American forces. These have included highly provocative actions such as flying US bombers, escorted by South Korean fighters, along the border.

Moon and his administration epitomise the impotence and venality of the bourgeois left within the South Korean ruling class.

It is approaching 30 years since US-backed military rule ended in South Korea and democracy was nominally introduced. Over the decades since, the country has emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse and the worlds 11th largest economy. Nevertheless, it remains firmly under the grip of American finance capital, completely subordinated strategically to the US and dominated by the same dozen ultra-wealthy bourgeois families who control the countrys major chaebol corporations and exert enormous influence over its political and military establishment.

The pro-capitalist democrats in South Korea have never seriously challenged the alliance with the US, the presence of American troops in the country or its ongoing domination by the chaebols. Along with the trade unions, their role has been to promote illusions within the countrys powerful working class that their aspirations for social and political change, and enduring peace on the peninsula, can be achieved though the facade of parliamentary democracy.

Even after it was revealed the US had expanded the THAAD deployment beyond what had been authorised by the South Korean government, Moon did no more than order a temporary suspension of the expansion while allowing it to remain operational. While justified with references to the threat posed by the North, it is an open secret in strategic circles that the missile defence network the US is erecting in Asia is primarily intended to facilitate an American nuclear first strike on China. Its purpose is to try to shoot down any Chinese inter-continental missiles that survived and were fired in retaliation.

Ultimately, the entire US stance against North Korea is aimed at undermining and weakening the strategic position of China. Since the Korean War of 195153, Beijing has politically, militarily and economically propped up the Pyongyang regime as it constitutes a geographic buffer between China and the US-aligned South. Beijing has always had deep concerns that any reunification of the Korean peninsula under the auspices of the South could result in American military forces being deployed to its very borders.

If the US does attack North Korea, it would pose the prospect of a direct intervention by China and escalation into an open conflict between major nuclear-armed powers. By collaborating with the Trump war preparations against the North, Moons administration, along with other US allies in Asia such as the governments of Japan and Australia, are directly facilitating such a potential disaster for humanity.
PART ONE | PART TWO

As part of a series of Op Ed essays marking the centenary of the Russian Revolution, the New York Times published in its edition of June 19 a piece by Professor Sean McMeekin of Bard College. There is not one essay in this series, which oscillates between denunciations of the Revolution and timid apologies on its behalf, that contributes to an understanding of the events of 1917. But McMeekins piece, which bears the title Was Lenin a German Agent?, is undoubtedly the most vicious, and certainly the stupidest, of the lot.

The article is based on McMeekins recently published book, The Russian Revolution: A New History. It can best be described as the type of book Spains Franco, Chiles Pinochet or Americas own J. Edgar Hoover might have produced about the Russian Revolution had they dabbled in history writing in their spare time. The book cannot be described as a work of history because McMeekin lacks the necessary level of knowledge, professional competence and respect for facts. McMeekins book is simply an exercise in anti-communist propaganda from which no one will learn anything.

Lenin addressing a crowd during the Russian Revolution of 1917

Why did he write the book? Aside from the lure of easy money (anti-communist works are usually launched with substantial publicity and guaranteed positive reviews in the New York Times and many other publications), McMeekin has a political motive. At the start of this year, the World Socialist Web Site wrote: A specter is haunting world capitalism: the specter of the Russian Revolution. McMeekin is among the haunted. He writes in the books epilogue, titled The Specter of Communism, that capitalism is threatened by growing popular discontent, and the appeal of Bolshevism is again on the rise. Like the nuclear weapons born of the ideological age inaugurated in 1917, the sad fact about Leninism is that, once invented, it cannot be uninvented. Social inequality will always be with us, along with the well-intentioned impulse of socialists to eradicate it. Therefore, the Leninist inclination is always lurking among the ambitious and ruthless, especially in desperate times of depression or war that seem to call for more radical solutions. McMeekin continues: If the last hundred years teaches us anything, it is that we should stiffen our defenses and resist armed prophets promising social perfection. [1]

What McMeekin means with his call to stiffen our defenses and resist armed prophets is elaborated in his book. The necessary response to the threat of revolution is to murder the revolutionaries. The great political mistake of 1917, McMeekin argues, was Kerenskys failure to physically exterminate the Bolsheviks when an opportunity to do so presented itself in July 1917. The opportunity was provided when information was discovered, supposedly proving that the Bolshevik Party had received funds from Germany, and that Lenin was, therefore, acting as an agent of the Imperial High Command.

In reviving this century-old slander, McMeekin mimics the style of the right-wing liberal, monarchist or Black Hundred (Russian fascist) journalists who were writing for the anti-communist yellow press of 1917.

Before proceeding to an examination of McMeekins revival of this lie, something must be said about the authors professional competence. As is typical of many widely publicized contemporary authorities on Russian revolutionary history, McMeekin lacks any serious knowledge or understanding of the field. An example of his ignorance is provided in McMeekins account of the 1903 split at the Second Congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party (RSDLP), which gave rise to the Bolshevik and Menshevik factions. This is, arguably, the single most important event in the pre-1917 history of the Russian revolutionary movement, which, one must add, had far-reaching international political consequences. McMeekin provides the following account:

Contrary to the common belief, expounded in most history books, that the famous Bolshevik-Menshevik split of July 1903 occurred because Lenins advocacy of a professional cadre of elites (sometimes called vanguardism), outlined in his 1902 pamphlet What Is To Be Done?, was opposed by Mensheviks who wanted mass worker participation in the party, the real fireworks at the Brussels Congress surrounded the Jewish question. Party organization was not even discussed until the fourteenth plenary session. Lenins main goal in Brussels was to defeat the Bundthat is, Jewishautonomy inside the party. His winning argument was that Jews were not really a nation, as they shared neither a common language nor a common national territory. Martov, the founder of the Bund, took great umbrage at this, and walked out to form the new Menshevik (minority) faction. He was followed by nearly all Jewish socialists, including, notably, Lev Bronstein (Trotsky), a young intellectual from Kherson, in southern Ukraine, who had studied at a German school in cosmopolitan Odessa, which helped prime him for the appeal of European Marxism. With Lenin all but mirroring the arguments of Russian anti-Semites, it is not hard to see why Martov, Trotsky, and other Jews joined the opposition. [2]

The problem with this account is that it is completely false, both in terms of facts and political interpretation. Putting aside his incorrect dating of the split (it occurred in August, not July), McMeekin concocts, with the intention of slandering Lenin as an anti-Semite, an account of the break between Mensheviks and Bolsheviks that has nothing to do with historical and political reality. The RSDLP did not split over the issue of the Jewish Bund. Far from being the founder of the Bund, let alone walking out of the Congress to protest Lenins opposition to the Bunds autonomy within the party, Martov wrote the RSDLP resolution that provoked the Bunds walkout. Martovs opposition to Jewish autonomy within the revolutionary workers party was far more strident than Lenins. As the late Leopold Haimson, the leading authority on the history of Menshevism, wrote in his important scholarly work The Russian Marxists and the Origins of Bolshevism, Martov clashed violently with the Bund representatives when this issue arose at the Second Party Congress. There was greater acerbity in his polemical tone during these discussions than that of any other members of his camp. [3] As for McMeekins claim that Trotsky also walked out of the 1903 Congress in support of the Bunds demand for autonomy, this is another incredible display of ignorance. Trotsky was an intransigent opponent of the Bund, and the transcript of the debates (which are available in English) show that Trotsky intervened repeatedly in support of Martovs resolution.

This is not a minor error. Bragging that he is refuting common belief about the origins of the 1903 split, McMeekin demonstrates that he lacks even an elementary knowledge of the history of the Russian revolutionary movement. One can safely assume that McMeekin has not read Haimsons vital work (it is not listed in the books bibliography), or Lenins own detailed account of the Second Congress in One Step Forward, Two Steps Back. Unable to properly identify and explain the issues that provoked the Bolshevik-Menshevik split, McMeekin disqualifies himself from being taken seriously as a specialist in Russian socialist history.

McMeekins treatment of the slanders hurled against Lenin and the Bolsheviks during the counter-revolutionary wave of JulyAugust 1917 is in keeping with his own debased intellectual level. There is nothing new in McMeekins account of German gold. The eminent historian of the Russian Revolution, Alexander Rabinowitch, explained the political background of the attacks on Lenin in Prelude to Revolution, published in 1968.

The German government may have attempted to divert money toward the Bolsheviks in 1917. But it did so for reasons of its own, calculating that socialist opposition to Russian participation in the imperialist war would weaken one of its enemies. These effortsin no way different from similar efforts made by the British and French governments to influence the direction of Russian eventswere taken without Lenins participation in the German governments schemes.

But nowhere in the vast literature on the subject, writes Rabinowitch in Prelude to Revolution, does there appear to be any evidence to support the thesis that Lenins policies or tactics were in any way directed or even influenced by the Germans. [4]

It is hardly surprising that McMeekin does not list Rabinowitchs book, among the most important studies of the events of July 1917, in his bibliography. But Rabinowitchs judgment represents the consensus among scholars. There is not a single serious historian who has treated the allegations against Lenin as anything other than a slander.

From the moment of Lenins return to Russia via Germany, aboard the sealed train, the anti-revolutionary right attempted to portray the Bolshevik leader as an agent of the Kaiser. In the initial months of the revolution, this libel gained no support outside liberal and fascistic circles. It was well understood that the possibility of a speedy return by a man who was widely recognized by the Russian workers as one of their most courageous and brilliant leaders required that he find the fastest route to revolutionary Petrograd. One month later, Martov, after much dithering, also made use of the German route. Moreover, Trotskys experience in MarchApril 1917 provided further validation for Lenins decision. Trotsky, traveling across the Atlantic from New York City, was forcibly removed from his ship off the coast of Halifax by British authorities. Attempting to prevent the return of the much-feared revolutionary to Russia, who many believed to be worse than Lenin, the British interned Trotsky in a prisoner of war camp for one month. In the face of protests by the Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Governments reluctant demand that he be released, Trotsky was finally allowed to continue his journey back to Russia. He arrived one month later than Lenin.

The allegation that Lenin was a German agent was revived at the height of the July Days (July 34) as a terrified response by Alexander Kerensky, the Provisional Government and the fascist right to the threat of a working class insurrection. Even though the Bolshevik Party, which believed that an insurrection was premature, sought to restrain the working class, the Provisional Government and its allies counter-attacked savagely against Lenin. The right-wing gutter press used the allegation to create a pogrom-like atmosphere in Petrograd. The filthy character of the slander against Lenin was recognized. As Nikolai Sukhanov recalled in his memoirs:

It goes without saying that not one of the people really connected with the revolution doubted for a moment the absurdities of these rumours [against Lenin]. Butmy God!what talk began amongst the minority, the hangers-on, and the average ignoramuses from town and country. [5]

Sukhanov poignantly described the environment of lies and violence within which the slander against Lenin acquired astonishing force. He wrote with disgust of the level of baseness of our liberal press, which spared no effort to discredit Lenin. He recalled that no one bothered to study with any particular care the documents that supposedly incriminated Lenin.

No further material at all was published during the days that followed. But for the period [of political reaction] that was beginning, even this proved sufficient. No quotations are needed for one to imagine the war-dance that began in the bourgeois press, based on the proof of Lenins corruption. The Tsarist Secret Police and real agents of the German General Staff were undoubtedly trying to play on the July disorders. All sorts of riff-raff in the capital were trying to exploit the confusion, muddle, brawls, and shifts in mood of the day before. But of course it was the Bolsheviks who were unanimously declared to be the culprits for all crimes. And on July 5th, the first day of the reaction, the big press was filled with the campaign of Bolshevik-baiting. [6]

In his recently published, well-researched and lively account of the revolution, titled October, China Mieville sums up the case against Lenin:

The Byzantine details of the calumny were based on the say-so of one Lieutenant Yermolenko and a merchant, Z. Burstein. The latter alleged that a German spy network in Stockholm, headed by the Marxist theoretician-turned German patriot Parvus, maintained Bolshevik connections. Yermolenko, for his part, claimed to have been told of Lenins role by the German General Staff, while he, Yermolenko, was a prisoner of war whom those Germans (according, possibly, to a convoluted chain of mistaken identity) had attempted to recruitwhich, said he, he ultimately gave them the impression they had successfully done. These claims were a tangle of mendacity, invention and tendentiousness. Yermolenko was a strange character, at best a fantasist, while even his own government handlers described Burstein as wholly untrustworthy. The dossier had been prepared by an embittered ex-Bolshevik, Alexinsky, with a reputation for shit-stirring and malice so great he had been denied entry to the Soviet. Few serious people, even on the right, believed any of this stuff for a moment, which explains why some of the less dishonorable or more cautious right were furious with Zhivoe slovo [Living Word, the right-wing gutter paper that launched the slander campaign] for publishing. [7]

McMeekins book and the New York Times essay are nothing other than an up-dated exercise in, to use Mievilles pungent expression, shit-stirring. His essay includes in this smelly brew a mass of fraudulent claims.

After a second attempted putsch, known as the July Days, Lenin and 10 other Bolsheviks were charged with treason and organized armed rebellion. Scores of witnesses came forward to testify about wire transfers from Stockholm, money-laundering via a German import business, the German financing of the Bolshevik newspaper Pravda (including editions aimed at front-line troops), the going rates for holding up Bolshevik placards in street protests (10 rubles) or for fighting in the Red Guards (40 rubles per day). While Lenin fled to Finland, most of his comrades were arrested. The stage was set for a spectacular show trial.

In fact, the Provisional Government was not preparing for a spectacular show trial. It was using the slander campaign to manufacture an environment in which Lenin, if he fell into the hands of the military and fascist thugs who were hunting him, would be murdered before he even made it to a police station. In the orgy of reaction that followed the July Days, the entire political left was under attack.

Nor was it only Bolsheviks who had reason to be afraid, writes Mieville. The sadistic vigilantes of the fascist Black Hundreds roamed the streets, smashing their way into houses on the hunt for traitors and troublemakers. [8] Jews were in particular danger. Most ominous across the country was a certain rise of ultra-right, antisemitic pogromists. A group called Holy Russia put out GrozaThunderstormwith repeated calls to violence. Street-corner agitators fulminated against the Jews. [9]

In his book, McMeekin offers this approving summation of the political situation in the aftermath of the July Days: A far-left uprising had just been crushed owing to a rallying of patriotic sentiment against Bolshevik treason. [10]

The basic fraud at the heart of McMeekins book and essay is his identification of Lenins principled socialist opposition to the imperialist warwhich was based on the pre-1914 political positions of the Second Internationalwith anti-Russian treason carried out by the work of a German agent.

Writing like a Russian fascist nationalist, he declares: What singled Lenin out from fellow Russian socialists was his fanatical opposition to the war and his support for Ukrainian independence, a key aim of the Central Powers. So here we have it: Lenins adherence to the anti-war resolutions passed by the Second International at Stuttgart in 1907, Copenhagen in 1910 and Basel in 1912 makes him an accomplice of the Central Powers! Similarly, Lenins defense of the right of nations to self-determination, which was a key element of the Bolsheviks' pre-war program, implicates him as a German agent!

McMeekin cites Lenins 1915 statement Socialism and War, which advanced the program of revolutionary defeatism, as another example of his treachery. McMeekin fails to note that this pamphlet, as many other major documents written by Lenin between 1914 and 1917, condemned above all the treachery of the German Social Democratic Party for supporting their government in the war. Lenins position was that all socialists should oppose the war aims of their imperialist government and work for its defeatbut not through sabotage, as implied by McMeekin, but through the development of anti-war propaganda among soldiers and the working class.

In yet another alleged example of Lenins role as a German agent, McMeekin writes: Nor did Lenin conceal his antiwar views after returning to Russia. No, he certainly did not. Lenin, upon returning to Russia, fought for the internationalist anti-war program that he had advanced at the Zimmerwald conference of September 1915.

Following the line of his book, McMeekins essay presents the July Days as a missed opportunity. During the Month of the Great Slander, as Trotsky appropriately described July 1917, Kerensky ordered the arrest of the Bolsheviks. But he failed to finish them off. When the tsarist General Kornilov launched his fascist coup in August, Kerensky turned to the left for support. In a shortsighted move, Kerensky allowed the Bolshevik military organization to rearm, thus acquiring the weapons they would use to oust him two months later.

Thus, due to Kerenskys shortsighted move, Kornilov was not given the chance to occupy Petrograd and slaughter tens of thousands of workers. In his book, McMeekin does not conceal his disappointment with Kerenskys error. What on earth was Kerensky thinking?, he declaims. [11]

The conclusion of McMeekins essay betrays a certain political nervousness. He writes:

Unlike Russia in 1917, the great power governments of today, whether in Washington, Paris, Berlin or Moscow, are too strongly entrenched to fall prey to a Lenin. Or so we must hope.

The lesson of the Russian Revolution, as far as McMeekin is concerned, is clear: the revolutionaries must be eliminated. The mistake of July 1917 must not be repeated. But long before McMeekin, the bourgeoisie learned the lesson of 1917. In January 1919, fascist paramilitary forces, acting with the support of the Social Democratic government, murdered the two outstanding leaders of the German revolution, Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht.

Despite the slanders of July 1917 and the ensuing counter-revolutionary violence, the Bolsheviks quickly recovered. During the months of August and September, the Bolshevik Party experienced an explosive growth. The allegations against Lenin were repudiated by the masses as lies. This is, as well, the verdict of history, and this will not be changed by Professor McMeekins effort to stir the shit.

***

[1] Sean McMeekin, The Russian Revolution: A New History (New York: Basic Books, 2017), pp. 35152

[2] Ibid, pp. 2223, Emphasis added

[3] Boston: Beacon Press, 1955, p. 64

[4] Indiana University Press, 1968, p. 286

[5] The Russian Revolution 1917, by N. N. Sukhanov, edited by Joel Carmichael (New York: Harper Torchbook, 1962), pp. 45354

[6] Ibid, p. 459

[7] October: The Story of the Russian Revolution, by China Mieville (Verso, 2017), pp. 18586

[8] Ibid, p. 186

[9] Ibid, p. 192

[10] The Russian Revolution, p. 179

[11] Ibid, p. 198
The meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels on Thursday took place in the midst of a massive military build-up.

This will be the third consecutive year of accelerating defence investment across European Allies and Canada, declared NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg at a press conference. In total, spending has risen by close to $46 billion since 2015.

The figures were proof, according to Stoltenberg, that the NATO members were making good progress towards the commitment they made in 2014 of increasing defence spending to 2 percent of GDP in real terms within a decade. In 2017, twenty-five Allies will increase defence spending in real terms. This year, we expect Romania to spend 2% of GDP on defence, joining the five countries already meeting this benchmark, and next year, Latvia and Lithuania will join them, spending 2% or more on defence, said Stoltenberg.

German Defence Minister Ursula Von der Leyen (Christian Democrats, CDU) committed Germany to the 2 percent target the previous day in a meeting in Gartisch-Partenkirchen with her US counterpart James Mad Dog Mattis. Germany was willing to strengthen its forces to demonstrate its reliability, stated the Defence Minister.

This is not merely empty rhetoric. The German government presented a financial plan the same day that proposes a 1.6 billion increase in the military budget in 2018 to approximately 38.5 billion. Defence spending will increase to 42.4 billion by 2021. The full increase in the new financial plan amounts to around 9 billion. This would continue to reverse the trend in personnel and procurement in the army.

The major hikes in military spending are enabling the NATO states to expand their aggressive war policies. Stoltenberg announced that the alliance would increase its troop presence in Afghanistan, meeting the demands of its military planners. Fifteen states had already announced increased contributions and more would follow, he added. The goal, he said, is to enable the Afghan security forces to end the stalemate and make progress on the battlefield. There is a close connection between developments on the battlefield and the possibility of reaching a political solution.

In addition, Stoltenberg praised the NATO build-up in Eastern Europe, which increases the danger of a military clash with nuclear-armed Russia. The NATO soldiers in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland were fully operational and the multinational headquarters in Poland and Romania had been activated. This sent a clear message to any possible aggressor.

Russias ambassador to NATO, Alexander Grushko, condemned the NATO build-up and warned of a new arms race. He stated in an interview with Die Welt, The Europeans defence spending alone is four times higher than Russias budget. There is a very dangerous trend towards the militarisation of international relations. This could lead to a new arms race.

Grushko sharply criticised the stationing of NATO troops in Eastern Europe and announced countermeasures. With these military steps and build-ups on its Eastern flank, NATO is creating a new security environment which we cannot ignore and will respond to with our own military forces.

Grushkos remarks underscore that the government of President Vladimir Putin has no progressive answer to the NATO offensive. It defends the interests of a capitalist oligarchy that enriched itself through the theft of state property following the dissolution of the Soviet Union by the Stalinist bureaucracy. The Russian government responds to imperialist aggression with its own military countermeasures, thereby increasing the war danger.

The regime in Moscow opposes any step to unite the working class in Europe and around the world against the imperialist warmongers. Instead, it begs for a deal with the imperialist powers. We have clearly said that we are willing to cooperate with anyone wanting to contribute to our joint struggle against terrorism, Grushko noted. There was ultimately a joint goal of eliminating ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

The real goal of the imperialist powers is not to defeat ISIS, but to topple the regime of Bashar al-Assad and establish a puppet regime in Damascus. Their military intervention in Syria and Iraq is moreover part of a much broader struggle for the redivision of the energy-rich Middle East and the entire world, which is also intensifying the conflicts between the imperialist powers.

Stoltenberg indicated that the European powers were not rearming in response to US demands, but were increasingly pursuing their own economic and geostrategic interests. I welcome the strong focus from President Trump on defence spending and burden sharing, said Stoltenberg. But it could not simply be about doing the US a favour. Instead, these efforts are bound up with the interests of the alliance partners, Stoltenberg continued.

In the lead-up to the G-20 summit, Germany in particular is working to pursue these interests increasingly in opposition to the United States. Yesterdays government statement by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) in parliament was a barely concealed attack on the US and was presented by the media as a challenge to Donald Trump.

Whoever believes the worlds problems can be resolved with isolationism and protectionism is committing a grave error, stated Merkel. Since the decision by the United States to leave the Paris Agreement on climate change, we are more determined than ever to work for its success. The Paris Agreement was irreversible and non-negotiable, and one had to expect tough talks in Hamburg. The distance is obvious, and it would be disingenuous to conceal this.

Merkel called into question the alliance with the US, which formed the basis for Germanys post-war foreign policy, in a speech delivered in a Munich beer tent following the G-7 summit. The times in which we could fully depend on others are to some extent over, she said, and drew from this the conclusion, We Europeans must really take our fate into our own hands and fight for our future ourselves.

In the government statement, she welcomed the European military build-up agreed to at last weeks EU summit and insisted that Europe [would] assume more responsibility in the fight against terrorism and in common security and defence policy, and cooperate more closely. Germany in particular had a natural interest in Europe staying together in the future.

Berlins goal is the development of the EU into a great power under German leadership that is capable of advancing its interests against the United States. We have to make Europe stronger again, Social Democrat parliamentary group leader Thomas Oppermann told the deputies in his speech. A result of the unpredictability of Donald Trump was that Europe has to take more care of its security.

A well-placed European defence union naturally requires a well-equipped German army, stated Oppermann, before condemning the CDU-led Defence Ministry from the right. The defence ministers of the past twelve years have allowed the army to be used as a means to consolidate the budget. They rushed through the army reform and the suspension of military service without any plan. Our armed forces continue to combat a lack of personnel and poor equipment. His party would ensure that this changes in the next parliamentary session.

Together with the Left Party and Greens, the SPD is playing a critical role in transforming the widespread opposition to Trump into support for German imperialism with propaganda about peace and climate protection. The US president is dividing the West on an existential issue, stated Oppermann to applause from the Left Party and Greens. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly position ourselves against Donald Trump  We have the clear expectation, Mrs. Merkel, that you will bring about a 19-1 alliance on climate protection in Hamburg.
Last week, the Michigan state legislature approved the elimination of pensions for newly hired public school teachers, to be replaced by a 401(k)-style plan that directly ties teacher retirement moneys to the vicissitudes of the stock market. The so-called reform of the pension system by the Republican-dominated legislature is an attack on one of the last vestiges of the gains won by the working class in struggles going back more than 80 years.

It is expected that Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican and charter school advocate, will sign the legislation.

Teacher pensions are under attack throughout the United States, as big business politicians from both parties seek to place the burden of a secure retirement on the backs of educators. From the right-wing Republican Governor Scott Walker, a rabid opponent of public education in Wisconsin, to the liberal Democrat, Governor Andrew Cuomo in New York, teachers are being vilified for the failure of public education, in fact, a product of decades of destructive policiesbudget cutting, profiteering and corruption encouraged by a succession of Republican and Democratic administrations in Washington.

The Michigan legislation passed by a fairly narrow margin in both chambers21-17 in the state Senate and 55-52 in the Houseas several Republicans opposing the bill sided with the tepid opposition provided by the Democrats, evidently uneasy over the repercussions of as yet another attack on public school teachers under conditions in which many districts are already suffering endemic teacher shortages.

However, for those supporting the initiative, footing the bill for such legacy costsa euphemism for any social right won by the working classis out of the question, or as one legislator declared: These long-term liabilities in Michigan and across the countrythey hang like a sword of Damocles over our heads. He is referring to the reported $29.1 billion in unfunded liabilities that have accumulated up until 2010, when the traditional pension system was closed to new hires.

For those teachers hired after 2010, a hybrid system was put into place in which teachers had to make contributions to their own retirement, the greater the contribution the higher the percent multipliermoney added by the state for future years of service. Before 2010, school employees did not have to contribute a percentage of salary to their pensions.

For new teachers, whose starting salaries barely break the $40,000-per-year barrier, a 3 to 5 percent contribution to a distant pension pay out, provided the individual remains in the profession, would be tantamount to a pay cut. New hires can still opt for the hybrid plan under the new legislation, but it would be prohibitively expensive.

No wonder education departments at universities throughout the country are experiencing plummeting enrollment, as young people reject teaching as a possible career.

However, those who voted for this legislation, a motley aggregate of libertarians and right-wing free market ideologues, are after bigger game. Emboldened by the appointment of arch- reactionary Betsy deVos as secretary of education by the Trump administration, and not content with imposing their pension reform initiative solely on new hires, they will now turn their attention to the more than 250,000 retired teachers in the state. A warning must be issued: Every retired or still-working teachers pension rights are in jeopardy.

The moves by the state legislature have an inexorable logic. By cutting off new teachers entering the system, they will starve the defined benefit pension plan of funds, creating the conditions for a budgetary crisis that could then serve as an impetus to shut down the pension system altogether.

The attack on teacher pensions is part of a broader attack on public worker pensions nationwide. Everywhere, the Democrats and Republicans insist cuts are needed to save pension plans as they squander hundreds of billions on war and gargantuan tax cuts for the rich.

The legitimate anger and outrage felt by teachers over this attack is being channeled by the teachers unions into toothless demonstrations and appeals to write letters to state legislators. The latter is a particular specialty of the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT), a union that has long abandoned even the pretense of defending teachers interests.

All the unions could organize was a token demonstration at the state capitol as the legislature voted on the bill. The Michigan Education Associations (MEAs) web site carried an Urgent Call to Action in which it explained that the demonstration was not a protest, but rather an exercise to persuade undecided voters in the legislature, and it carried this proviso: If school is not out in your district, please DO NOT [their emphasis] attendyour missing school to be here would be counterproductive with lawmakers. Truly, such cowardice takes your breath away.

Indeed, the teachers unions have indicated that they are open to pension reforms, just not hasty action. Their main goal is to preserve teachers pension funds, which serve as a lucrative source of income for the union apparatus. The MEA in fact supported reform legislation in 2012 shifting pensions into the hybrid scheme, which served as a step to eliminating defined benefit pensions.

Teachers cannot take a step forward, let alone defend a single gain won over the years while shackled to these rotten organizations. The National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers are essentially enforcers for the financial and corporate elite. They completely accept the vast accumulation of wealth among a handful of individuals that even the Wall Street Journal, in a recent comment, defines as oligarchs.

Teachers must develop their own independent political struggle, independent and against the MEA and DFT and the entire political establishment based on a socialist and internationalist perspective.
London, England, a city of 8.7 million residents and home of the largest concentration of billionaires in the world, may at first glance contrast sharply with the impoverished city of Flint, Michigan, a symbol of Americas Rust Belt, where the residents have been fighting lead poisoning for more than three years.

However, in both London and Flintand cities throughout the globemodern-day capitalism is condemning the working class to impossible conditions and an early grave.

More than two weeks since the June 14 Grenfell Tower inferno, authorities continue to conceal the real number of victims and full scope of this social crime. The police, who raised the official death toll to 80 on Wednesday, now say that they will not have an accurate count until sometime next year. This callous treatment underscores the contempt of the ruling class, which views the Grenfell residents as little more than collateral damage in a class war against the working class and poor.

On Wednesday, local councilors, alleging that they could face the risk of disruption, barred Grenfell survivors from the Kensington and Chelsea council cabinet meeting, which was to hear a report on the blaze. Meanwhile, the government of Theresa May is preparing an inquiry that will be nothing but a cover-up for the complicity of both the Tory and Labour politicians who have overseen the decades of deregulation and austerity that produced this disaster.

While London has become a global capital for financial and real estate speculation, and the home of 86 billionaires, the citys working-class and low-income residents have been piled into death traps like the Grenfell Tower, which lacked the most elementary safety protections, including smoke alarms, sprinkler systems and multiple escape routes.

The safety complaints of Grenfell residents were ignored while local councilors installed cladding on the outside of the building to assuage the concerns of the affluent who considered the low-income apartment building an eyesore that could drive down the value of their multimillion-pound homes and investment properties.

Like London, the residents of Flint are the victims of a social crime motivated by the mad pursuit of profit by wealthy investors and their politically connected cronies. In this case, officials from the administration of Rick Snyder, a multimillionaire Republican governor, and his Democratic state treasurer, former investment banker Andy Dillon, engineered a scheme to enrich private contractors and wealthy bondholders by building a new water pipeline from Lake Huron, bypassing the Detroit-based system upon which Flint had relied for decades. This entailed switching the citys water supply to untreated water from the polluted Flint River.

As in London, state and local officials in Michigan ignored the protests of Flint residents who complained that the discolored and foul-smelling water was making their children sick. The poisoned water resulted in the deaths of at least 12 residents from Legionnaires disease, ill health for adults and lifelong learning disabilities for the citys children.

After more than three years of bogus promises from officials all the way to President Obama, residents have seen no relief. Instead, state and local officials have ended water subsidies, resumed mass shutoffs for nonpayment, and are wrapping up the distribution of free bottled water.

Earlier this week, an unelected financial review board, acting on behalf of the banks and big investors, unanimously voted to overturn a one-year moratorium on imposing tax liens on the homes of residents who fail or refuse to pay for water that is still tainted with lead and other toxins. If residents do not pay up, the county or city will seize the homes to pay off nearly $85 million owed to bondholders cashing in on the pipeline construction project.

Grenfell and Flint are not natural disasters. They are man-made crimes that are products of decades of deregulation, austerity and other free-market policies that have led to a massive transfer of wealth and an oligarchic concentration of political power not seen since the Gilded Age.

Such events are becoming commonplace around the globe. In Pakistan last Sunday, more than 150 impoverished villagers perished after they rushed to collect leaking fuel from a crashed tanker truck, which suddenly exploded. In New York City, scores of public transit passengers barely escaped deadly injuries after their subway train derailed. The antiquated signal system dates back to 1904, in a city that is home to the worlds second-largest number of billionaires, although it lost one last year when he moved to the White House.

Writing in his 1845 work, The Condition of the Working Class in England, Friedrich Engels condemned the British ruling class for social murder due to the fetid water supplies, cramped housing and disease that afflicted working-class districts in Manchester and other cities:

When society places hundreds of proletarians in such a position that they inevitably meet a too early and an unnatural death, one which is quite as much a death by violence as that by the sword or bullet; when it deprives thousands of the necessaries of life, places them under conditions in which they cannot liveforces them, through the strong arm of the law, to remain in such conditions until that death ensues which is the inevitable consequenceknows that these thousands of victims must perish, and yet permits these conditions to remain, its deed is murder just as surely as the deed of the single individual

Under the modern capitalist system of the 21st century, every aspect of life, including water, has been monetized and made the vehicle for financial speculation. It has become a matter of urgent public health and safety to expropriate the ill-gotten gains of these social murderers and stop the squandering of societys resources on their mansions, private jets and tropical islands.

A massive economic and social commitment is required to replace the flammable cladding on thousands of residential buildings in the United Kingdom and other countries where it has been used, and the lead pipes not only in Flint but around the country. The immense resources that are required for this life-and-death work will not be attained by appealing to the conscience of the ruling elitesas the Jeremy Corbyns and Bernie Sanders of the world claimbut only through the revolutionary mobilization of the working class to end the economic and political stranglehold of the financial parasites and abolish the capitalist profit system upon which their wealth and power is based.
Paperwork was filed on Monday by a group led by Stanford University law Professor Michele Dauber to seek the recall of California Judge Aaron Persky, who is accused of awarding sentences in sexual assault cases that are too lenient.

The right-wing, law-and-order campaign is aimed at pressuring judges to hand down harsher sentences. It was triggered last year by the case of 20-year-old Stanford freshman Brock Turner, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a 22-year-old woman after a fraternity party they had both attended.

Judge Persky gave Turner a sentence of six months in jail and three years of probation. Turner eventually served three months in jail. In determining Turners sentence, Persky followed the recommendation of the Santa Clara County Probation Department, as he had done in 20 prior cases.

Turner was expelled from the university and required to register as a sex offender, which will severely limit where he can live and the jobs he may be able to hold for the rest of his life.

The plan to try to recall Persky was announced last year. Now that they have filed the paperwork, the group led by Dauber, calling themselves Recall Aaron Persky, have 160 days to gather the signatures of 58,634 registered qualified voters of Santa Clara County, California, 20 percent of potential voters, to trigger a countywide recall election in June 2018.

The demand for victims rights and harsher sentencing requirements have been hallmarks of reactionary legal campaigns for decades. The petitioners will be appealing in their effort to gather signatures to right-wing forces supporting an increase in the power of the state and the expansion of the prison system.

According the Mercury News, Dauber has hired a professional firm that will work to collect the necessary signatures to trigger the recall election.

A recall election is seen as almost guaranteed as the campaign has the support of the Democratic Party at both the local and national level. The 50 signatories of the notice of intent to recall Persky include elected officials, professional Democratic Party activists and other Stanford professors.

The push to recall Persky was opposed by dozens of law professors from universities throughout California, including 11 from Stanford, in an open letter last year. The professors noted that the sentence Persky gave Turner was legal and that the effort, if successful, would sway judges to make sentencing decisions based on popular opinion.

The campaign for harsher sentencing will have much broader consequences beyond the potential recall of Persky. It is a mechanism for intimidating other judges into giving the harshest sentence possible and making procedural decisions in cases that are detrimental to defendantsunder threat that they could also be recalled if they are too lenient. It will add further to an environment in which judges hand out the most severe sentences in all sorts of cases, not just those relating to sexual violence.

Another effect will be to place even more pressure on accused individuals, particularly poor and working-class defendants, to plead guilty to lesser offenses out of fear that they could face decades in prison if convicted, even if they are in fact innocent.

All the more remarkable is the role of the law Professor Dauber, who is no doubt aware of the implications of the campaign she is waging. This can only be understood in a political context.

The law-and-order campaign over Turners sentence was developed last year as part of former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons election campaign, which Dauber actively supported. Vice President Joe Biden openly solidarized the Obama administration and the national Democratic Party with the campaign.

The strategy of the Clinton campaign was to develop a coalition of different middle-class layers based on identity politics, while entirely ignoring the social concerns of the working class, of all races and genders. The Turner case played a critical role in developing this strategy, and in shifting focus away from the issues of social inequality that had motivated widespread support for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders during the primaries.

The political exploitation of the Turner sentence is comparable to the decision by George H. W. Bush, during the 1988 presidential election campaign, to seize on the case of Willie Horton, a convicted felon serving a life sentence. During a temporary release as part of a weekend furlough program, Horton raped and assaulted a woman. Bush attacked his opponent, Democrat Michael Dukakis, who was the governor of Massachusetts at the time of Hortons furlough, for being soft on crime.

The use of the Horton case was understood, even by liberals, to be inflammatory and reactionaryan opportunity for Bush and the Republicans to demand more severe prison terms and otherwise increase the power of the state and the police. With the Turner case, layers around the Democratic Party have seized the opportunity to adopt their own right-wing, law-and-order agenda.
The #NotInMyName protest held in various cities across India, and abroad, promised to be free of any kind of political or religious agenda. But then...

By Dev Goswami: The amazing-not-so-amazing Constitution of India gives citizens the right to freedom, and under it, the freedom to assemble peacefully and without arms. The protest against lynchings in different parts of India, titled Not In My Name, became a global movement of sorts when filmmaker Saba Dewan's Facebook post went viral and with people from 11 different cities in India, and from different countries like UK, UK, Canada and Pakistan.

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For a few days before the protest, Twitter had been abuzz with a clarion call to come out and protest lynching, or, as I saw it, to rally and demand what should not be a demand in the first place - you know, don't go out and murder people. Please?

India was branded as 'Lynchistan', and a debate raged on Twitter with opinions from both sides pouring in. Maps, infographs and data was being shared to enforce the fact that public beatings and mob killings aren't a new phenomenon in India and that the recent spate of lynchings, which seem to be happening with alarming alacrity, was not to be linked to a particular dispensation in New Delhi or a particular religion or a particular community.

Others decried the #NotInMyName protests as yet another event organised by the so-called Left-liberals or an affair arranged by the media to cover the media and pat itself on its back.

However, those who stood behind #NotInMyName promised it was not about Hindus or Muslims, not about political leanings and not even about a particular act of lynching. It was, the good-meaning folks on Twitter said, against the inhumanity of beating a person to death.

We went to Jantar Mantar looking for a story but at the same time hoping that it would be an evening not tarnished by politics or religion. Alas, we were wrong.

The scene at Jantar Mantar was largely what was promised - there was no sloganeering, there were no marches, and there were no agenda-driven speeches. It was a 'shoksabha' as a prominent student leader present there described it.

Of course, there were people holding aloft banners and signs calling for humans to behave humanely.

Two of those posters, however, made us question whether #NotInMyName was truly an agenda-free or a bias-less outpouring of solidarity.

One poster was a map of India with red splotches marking significant incidents of lynching that had occurred since 2015. The other was also an Indian map, this one with entire states coloured in a blood red, to highlight parts of India where lynching incidents have been reported since 2015.

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Both had serious problems. Where was the red splotch near Srinagar to mark the fatal beating of DSP Mohammad Ayub Pandith, a policeman in Mufti brutally stoned to death allegedly by devotees leaving the Jamia Masjid?

Why was Kerala, where just this May a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh member was hacked to death in Kannur, not coloured in blood red? Why did the lynchings in Jharkhand, where three Hindu men and four Muslim men were beaten to death in separate episodes, not find a place on this 'lynch map' of India?

The two maps were plastered right behind the dais from where performers recited couplets, sang verses and urged the gathering not to stand for the violence being perpetrated. The speakers or performers did not focus on a particular community nor did they betray a preference for a certain ideology. But, the maps behind them posed a stark contrast.

If this really was about the supposed rise in senseless violence then why not include all instances of senseless violence? For a lack of space? No, there was plenty. Because you wanted to highlight the most outrageous ones? A mob stoning a man to death and seven men being killed over a WhatsApp rumour is outrageous enough, one would think.You are what you do, not what you intend to do.

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Dear #NotInMyName, it doesn't matter what you said you were going to be. It matters what you actually turned out to be, and what you turned to be, intentionally or not, is cannon fodder for those already criticising you for having an agenda, for highlighting only those dastardly acts that suited your message.

#NotInMyName, you failed yourself, and you failed the people of India.

--- ENDS ---
Less than a week after frantically cobbling together just enough votes to push a regressive school-funding bill through the Senate before a six-week winter recess, the Turnbull governments self-proclaimed victory has turned to dust.

The government claimed that last weeks passage of the pro-private school Gonski bill proved it could push ahead with its agenda despite having only a one-seat majority in the House of Representatives and holding just 29 seats in the 76-member Senate. The events of the past week, however, underscore the instability of the government and the entire political establishment.

No sooner was the bill passed than renewed factional warfare broke out in the ruling Liberal Party between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls supposed moderate wing and the more stridently right-wing conservative camp of Turnbulls ousted predecessor Tony Abbott.

The infighting was triggered by the leaking of a speech by Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne boasting to members of Turnbulls left faction that it was now the dominant force in the government. This was seized upon by conservatives, who demanded, and obtained, an apology from Pyne. Leading the pack was Abbott, who spent this week giving speeches and radio interviews making thinly-veiled criticisms of the government and issuing his own six-point manifesto to Make Australia Work Again.

These are symptoms of a deeper political crisis, which has seen governments, both Liberal-National and Labor, fall in rapid succession since 2007, beset by mounting domestic and global pressures.

No government has been able to suppress the seething opposition in the working class to the austerity offensive demanded by the corporate elite to slash wages and working conditions and social spending, particularly on education, health and welfare. These social tensions will escalate from July 1, when electricity and gas prices will soar, adding hundreds of dollars to annual household bills under conditions of falling wages.

At the same time, there have been intensifying demands from Washington for an unconditional involvement in US military operations, especially those directed against China, Australian capitalisms largest export market.

Abbott himself was removed by his Liberal Party in September 2015 after it became clear that key measures in the governments 2014 budget would remain blocked in the Senate, whose Labor, Greens and crossbench members feared electoral suicide if they voted for them. Last July, Turnbull tried to break the deadlock by calling a double-dissolution election of both houses of parliament, but the result was disastrous, making the governments survival even more precarious.

Now the financial elite and its media mouthpieces are drawing the conclusion that Turnbull, who promised them he would produce an economic narrative to overcome the social and political disaffection, is no more capable than Abbott of delivering on his pledges.

These concerns were only aggravated by the deals that Turnbull struck with the right-wing populists in the Senate, including Pauline Hansons anti-immigrant One Nation, to scrape together the numbers for the school-funding bill. These deals included promising to spend $5 billion more than originally intended over the next six years.

Yesterdays Australian Financial Review editorial provided a taste of the frustration in ruling circles. It fumed against the Gonski outcome and declared: Turnbulls economic leadership was as hollow from the start as Mr Abbotts. The day he snatched office he said the government needed a new economic narrative. He didnt have one.

Equally damning was a column by the Australians foreign editor Greg Sheridan, entitled Modern Liberals are rotten to their core beliefs. Ominously, he concluded: Now, the Liberals basic policy is to do whatever Labor was going to do, but a billion or two less, thereby claiming a faux fiscal responsibility. Politically, this tactic will ultimately be disastrous.

On top of that, the advent of the Trump presidency, combined with the increasing assertiveness of the US military and intelligence apparatus, has made it ever-more difficult for Turnbull to stall on escalating Australias frontline engagement in the Pentagons war drive against China.

After taking office, Turnbull was at pains to champion the US alliance, dropping his previous calls for Washington to make some accommodations to Chinas economic rise. But he has not yet committed Australian forces to any confrontation with China, such as in the South China Sea, which would imperil the super-profits being made by Australian mining and other companies in China.

This position is becoming untenable. Two visiting US generals this week added their voices to the demands made by a parade of American political and deep state figures in recent weeks, including Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain and ex-CIA chief and general, David Petraeus.

Delivering a speech on Wednesday in Brisbane, US Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris insisted that Australia had to play a leading role, with other partners in the Asia Pacific region, in military operations ostensibly directed against Islamic State. These interventions, such as that underway in the southern Philippine province of Mindanao, are actually focused on undermining anyone, like Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who seeks support from China for economic reasons.

Harris, a fervent advocate of dispatching warships and planes to challenge Chinas territorial claims in the South China Sea via so-called freedom of navigation exercises, also reiterated his calls for action to stop China establishing de facto sovereignty over the strategic waterway.

US Marine General David Berger, in Australia for this years Talisman Sabre US-Australian military war games, went further, advocating the deployment of Australian expeditionary forces to Mindanao, where the Turnbull government last week sent surveillance planes to support operations by US Special Forces and the Philippine military.

Conducted in northern Australia, the Talisman Sabre exercises feature some 33,000 troops rehearsing aggressive military operations, including Special Forces activities and amphibious landings. These are themselves preparations for confrontations with China.

It was in this context that Abbott this week ramped-up his agitation against the Turnbull government. Evidently, he believes he could be called back into office when the government crumbles. According to the Sydney Daily Telegraph, he told colleagues he would be there to pick up the pieces when things go badly under Malcolm.

Abbotts hopes may appear delusional, given his current lack of support in the Liberal Party. But his six Make Australia Work Again slogans, seemingly channeling Trumps Make America Great Again rhetoric, set out a right-wing authoritarian blueprint. Abbotts program features abolishing the powers of the Senate to block legislation, slashing public spending, cutting immigration, using the military for domestic repression and using the shoot to kill powers of the police to maintain order.

With an eye to Washingtons agenda, Abbott this week added military policy to his campaign against the government. He suggested acquiring US nuclear-power submarines that would offer even closer interoperability and integration with American forces, as well as meet the Trump administrations calls for military burden sharing.

Abbott also conveyed his support for sending Australian forces into the 12-mile territorial zones around Chinese-controlled islets in the South China Sea. He noted that the Labor Party had been stronger than the government on the assertion of freedom of navigation rights.

These machinations indicate that political turmoil lies ahead, as well as great dangers of war and repression. Thus far, however, the immense discontent in the working class has not translated into a conscious movement against the entire economic and political order.

That requires the development of a new revolutionary socialist leadership in the working class, against all the efforts of Labor, the Greens and the trade unions to corrall the disaffection back behind the return of yet another pro-business and militarist Labor government.

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Factional conflict wracks Australian Greens

[29 June 2017]
Europe

Greek refuse workers continue strike

Municipal garbage workers in Greece are continuing their strike, resulting in piles of rubbish on the streets. On Wednesday, workers held a protest in central Athens.

They want an end to the use of temporary contracts and demand to be offered permanent posts. The majority are members of the POE-OTA union, which met with Syriza-led government representatives on Tuesday in an attempt to end the strike.

Syriza Interior Minister, Panos Skourletis, proposed that a quarter of the current workforce of 10,000 be offered permanent jobs but with an age cut-off of 45 years. Workers rejected this and on Tuesday a revised offer was made increasing the age cut-off to 50. The union did not feel they could sell this to its membership and rejected the offer.

A smaller union has accepted the proposals. The mayor of Greeces second largest city, Thessaloniki, said he would outsource rubbish collection to a private company in an attempt to break the strike.

UK atomic weapons workers in new series of strikes

Workers at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), which is responsible for the UKs nuclear weapons system, held a further strike on Thursday.

The members of the Unite union have held 29 days of strikes over AWEs plans to transfer the workforce to an inferior pension scheme. AWE sites at Aldermaston and Burghfield were affected by the strike.

Thursday was the first day of a new set of strikes that the workforce voted for in a ballot by a majority of over 90 percent. Further 24-hour strikes are due to take place on July 3, 13, 17 and 27, August 10, 14 and 24, and September 7, 11 and 21. They also began a continuous overtime ban from Thursday.

Housing maintenance staff in Manchester hold further strike

Around 170 housing maintenance workers employed by Mears and a joint venture company Manchester Working (operated by Mears) held a one-day strike Thursday.

The strike is the 16th day of action over pay differentials between the two companies, which means some workers being paid up to 3,500 less for doing the same work.

The Unite members also held a demonstration outside a Chartered Institute of Housing conference at which Mears representatives were due to speak.

A lot of the maintenance work is carried out for Northwards Housing, an arms-length management organisation set up by Manchester City Council to maintain its properties in north Manchester. Unite is critical of Northwards refusal to intervene in the dispute.

Hospital staff in Barts Health Trust, London to strike

Ninety-nine percent of the 1,000 staff working at the Barts Health Trust in London for the private contractor Serco voted for strike action.

The members of the Unite union are employed as cleaners, porters and security staff. Barts Trust comprises the Whipps Cross University, ST Bartholomews, the Royal London, Newham University and Mile End hospitals.

The action to demand an extra 30p an hour above the minimum wage is set to start with a three-day stoppage on July 4. This will be followed by a 7-day strike due to begin July 11 and one of 14 days to begin July 25. Further strikes in August and September are planned.

In April, around 100 cleaners at the Royal London hospital site held an unofficial strike after Serco abolished their morning tea break. Serco was forced to reinstate the breaks the next day.

UK rail staff announce strike

Rail staff employed by Arriva Rail North are set to hold further strikes in the ongoing dispute over the companys plans to extend the use of Driver Only Operated (DOO) trains. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union announced a 3-day strike to be held July 8 to July 10.

RMT says it failed to reach a compromise over the companys plans to bring in a 50 percent minimum of DOOs when it launches new rolling stock.

Train drivers in southern England due to strike

Train drivers working for Southern Rail, the company serving southeast England were due to begin an overtime ban Thursday. They are protesting staff shortages and accuse the company of failing to recruit drivers in a cost cutting measure.

The strike was called by ASLEF, the train drivers union that represents 95 percent of drivers working for the company.

Drivers and conductors are also involved in an ongoing dispute with Southern in opposition to their plans to impose Driver Only Operated trains.

Irish crane drivers set to strike

Crane drivers on construction sites in Ireland were due to strike Thursday. Members of the Unite union voted by a 93 percent majority to strike, on a turnout of 77 percent. They are seeking a pay rise that would raise their hourly rate to 24 an hour from January 1 this year, 27 an hour from January 1 in 2018 and 30 an hour from January 1 in 2019.

Unite represents 170 crane drivers on construction sites, around 90 percent of the total. Crane drivers were previously represented by the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU). SIPTU has accused Unite of poaching its members.

The strike is due to be followed today by a general members meeting to discuss the way forward.

Irish council staff strike

On Tuesday, 350 Cork County maintenance staff held a four-hour strike. The Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union members are protesting staff shortages. They work in the Roads and Drivers section based at around 12 depots across the county.

According to SIPTU, management are failing to replace staff who retire, leading to staff shortages. In addition to the four-hour stoppage, workers are mounting a work-to-rule, refusing to transport private contractors, insisting recognised manning levels are kept and imposing a strict demarcation of roles.

Strike by Belgium steel producers

Workers at the Segal steel galvanisation factory in Flemalle in east Belgium struck on June 23.

They are pushing for a pay increase. According to a report on Monday in the Brussels Times , the trade unions were meeting with Segal management in an attempt to resolve the dispute.

Segal is part of the Tata Steel conglomerate. Following investment and a recent reorganisation of the factory, annual production is expected to increase by 30,000 tonnes.

Strike by Portuguese airport security staff

Portuguese airport security staff held a nation-wide 48-hour strike over the weekend of June 24 and 25.

In addition, the members of the airport workers union, SITAVA, held demonstrations at Lisbon and Porto airports. They are employed by Securitas and Prosecur and are seeking a collective bargaining agreement, improved working conditions and career prospects.

Slovakian auto workers end strike

After six days on strike Slovakian Volkswagen (VW) employers at the factory in Bratislava returned to work at the beginning of the week.

They were striking in pursuit of a 16 percent pay rise. After rejecting previous offers, the unions settled the dispute by accepting a 14.1 percent pay rise in three instalmentsthe final one being paid in November 2018. In addition, they will also get a 500 one-off bonus plus an extra days leave.

VW is Slovakias biggest private employer, with more than 12,000 employed at the plant of which 10,000 struck. It was the first strike at the plant, which was set up in 1992. When in production the factory turns out 1,000 vehicles each day.

Strike threat by Hungarian dentists

Hungarian dentists are threatening to strike on September 4-6 in an attempt to force the government to increase funding for dentistry. They would continue to provide emergency cover.

Dentists only receive half the state funding of that given to general practitioners and say they are being driven to take on more and more private work, which could result in no free provision within two years.

Middle East

Iranian sugar workers locked out

Around 30 workers at the Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane factory in Iran were prevented from entering the factory last week by security guards.

Management claims that the 30 are the leaders of protests, including work stoppages, which have been occurring since March. The workers are protesting against unpaid wages and insurance benefits.

Planned strike by Israeli social workers on hold

A planned strike by Israeli social work staff working with the elderly has been put on hold. They were due to walkout over government plans to make 165 of them redundant. The strike was put on hold after the government said it had temporarily frozen its plans.

Africa

South African electric supply workers strike over unpaid wages

Electric supply workers are taking part in an unofficial strike in the industrial region of Msunduzi in South Africa, demanding unpaid wages. The indefinite strike was called a fortnight ago.

City authorities are importing contractors, shadowed by security guards, to scab on the strike.

Strikers are being accused of sabotaging electricity infrastructure. The South Africa Municipal Workers Union claims the city mayor is scapegoating its members for the dilapidated conditions of its facilities.

Some residents in the area have not had electricity and water for up to four days while others are experiencing continuing outages because of the strike. While negotiations are at a standstill, the affected residents complain the local authorities are treating the loss of vital amenities as of no consequence.

South African student nurses protest over cancellation of exams

Nurses from across South Africa angrily demonstrated outside the offices of the South African Nurses Council (SANC) in Pretoria on June 23 to protest having to rewrite their exam papers.

Police and security guards attacked protesters. The secretary general of the Young Nurses Independent Union was detained and beaten up.

SANC cancelled the exam, claiming some exam papers had been leaked, undermining the authority of the test. Besides the impact of the cancelled exam on students qualifications and pay rates, many student nursessome of whom are mothershave to go through family life pressures again when they thought it was all over.

Hundreds of students from the 5,000 first- and second-year bridging students across the country have already sat the exams. If they pass, they qualify as general nurses or psychiatric nurses.

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa, the other nurses union in the dispute, is threatening SANC with legal action.

South African union accuses municipality of becoming a police state

Manguang municipality workers returned to work last week after a month-long strike. South African Municipal Workers Union members, who struck over pay alleging victimisation and nepotism, returned to work without any signed agreement.

The workers are now being accused of arson because the Bloemfontein city hall was set alight during the strike. A union spokesman denies its members were involved, pointing the finger at the police, saying they were responsible for security of the city hall.

A union spokesman said the municipality is being turned into a police state, with police shooting at workers indiscriminately.

South African sugar workers prepare to strike

Illovo Sugar Company South Africa workers are preparing to strike after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) assisted negotiations broke down.

Although the eight Illovo plants across South Africa rejected the Food and Allied Workers Union demands, a spokesman for the union hoped further negotiations over their claim for 10 percent wage increase, establishing a provident fund, and protective clothing, would be successful.

The way has been cleared for a strike to take place, with a permit from the CCMA, providing the union gives 48 hours notice. The sugar company is offering a five percent wage increase

Nigerian union federations prepare for further betrayals

Nigerias National Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are considering calling off the broad based strike in Rivers State.

Now in its second week, the strike is a resumption of action called off at the end of May, and is over the non-implementation of a 13-point agreement between the state government, the NLC and the TUC.

Irrespective of the state imposing an illegal no-work, no-pay policy on workers who did not turn up for work during the strike, many in the public sector have continued to strike.

The unions main demands for calling off the strike is the payment of owed gratuities to pensioners and the sacking of consultants, who withheld remittances from workers wages to union funds.

The unions are complaining that a bailout fund of several billion Naira, from the Paris Club (a financier of debtor countries), which is passed on from the government, has not materialised.

Public sector workers in the Nigerian state of Nasarawa are also being confronted by what the NLCs state chapter recognises as an illegal instructionthe deprivation of workers wages during a legal strike.

Ghanaian port workers strike for direct employment

Ghanaian port workers have been barred from striking by the National Labour Commission (NLC). The Labour Court ruled against the attempts of the port workers to be directly employed by the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

CHEC is the main contractor at the $1.5 billion Port Harbour Expansion Project. Workers were prevented from lobbying CHEC for direct employment by the NLC and banned from striking to achieve those aims.

Laine Services, the project subcontractor retained by CHEC, employed the workforce on a casual basis. Workers were prepared to strike illegally to end their casual status and gain direct employment.

Although CHEC officials were involved with port workers over their employment position, they said they could not legally employ them.
GEORGIA (WTOC) - Important news for parents preparing for back-to-school shopping, there will be no tax-free weekend this year in Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Revenue confirmed to WTOC that legislation was not passed this year by the Georgia Legislature to allow a tax-free shopping weekend.

A tax-free weekend will still be held in South Carolina this year. The dates are Friday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 6.

The tax-free savings apply to the following items:

Clothing

Accessories (such as bedspreads and linens.)

Footwear

School supplies (such as bookbags.)

Computers

Computer equipment (such as printers.)

The tax-free savings do not apply to:

Jewelry

Cosmetics

Eyewear

Furniture

Items placed on layaway.

To find tax-free weekend dates for other states, click here.

Copyright 2017 WTOC. All rights reserved.
By PTI: Srinagar,June 30 (PTI) Pakistan today violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Uri sector of Kashmir, injuring a woman.

The Indian Army retaliated to the Pakistani firing.

"Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Gwalta area of Uri Sector around 9.30 am," a police official said.

He said 45-year-old Shakeela Bano sustained splinter injuries in the action of Pakistani troops.

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The injured woman has been taken to a hospital where her condition is stated to be stable.PTI MIJ DV

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India's Ministry of External Affairs said the Royal Bhutan Army tried to stop the PLA's activity. It said that "in coordination" with the Bhutan government, Indian personnel asked the Chinese construction party to "to desist from changing the status quo".

By Ananth Krishnan: As India on Friday put out its first statement on the on-going border stand-off and said the People's Liberation Army had unilaterally sought to alter the status quo through its construction activity, the Chinese government defended its projects and demanded India "withdraw its troops".

"We stressed many times that Doklam belongs to China and it is indisputable," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said. "The area where the Chinese side undertakes road construction totally belongs to Chinese territory."

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The Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi on Friday shed some clarity in its first statement on what triggered the stand-off, saying the PLA had unilaterally begun construction work in the Doklam area on June 16. China considers this as its territory, but it is disputed by Bhutan and is near the India-China-Bhutan trijunction.

The MEA said the Royal Bhutan Army had tried to stop the PLA activity and that "in coordination" with the Bhutan government Indian personnel who were present at "the general area of Doka La" had approached the Chinese construction party and "urged them to desist from changing the status quo". The MEA also pointed out that India and China have a 2012 agreement that the boundary points of the trijunction - which China sees as lying farther south than where India and Bhutan mark it - would be finalised in consultation with all concerned parties.

CHINA REITERATES CLAIMS

China, however, reiterated its claims that India, by approaching the Chinese troops in the Doklam area, had "trespassed" the agreed India-China border. Beijing had on Thursday released photographs showing Indian troops.

"The photographs released on our website were taken at the Doka La mountain pass at Sikkim section after the Indian border troops trespassed into Chinese territory on June 18," said Lu, the spokesperson.

"From historical evidence, we can see Doklam has been traditional pasture for Tibetan residents and we have exercised good administration over this area. Before 1960s, if Bhutan residents on the border wanted to herd their cattle in this area they had to get the approval of China. The Qing Dynasty also set a clear boundary along the border. In addition from jurisprudential evidence the historical convention in 1890 has clearly defined Gipmochi snow mountain as the crossing point of China Bhutan India boundary."

"From the ground situation," he added, "we are now exercising complete administration over the Doklam region and border troops and residents on border are herding cattle along this."

Lu said while the diplomatic channel was open with India, "the most pressing thing is the withdrawal of the Indian troops from the Chinese side."

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"The Indian troops trespassed the recognised and delineated boundary between China and India. So the most pressing issue is the withdrawal of troops into the Indian territory. That is the precondition for any meaningful dialogue," he said.

ALSO READ

China trying to alter territories, India different from 1962: Defence Minister Arun Jaitley

The last Sikkim stand-off: When India gave China a bloody nose in 1967

Chinese media on border stand-off: 1962 defeat has left lingering effect on India

ALSO WATCH

Indo-China border stand-off: Security officials hold meet with Home Ministry in Delhi

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You are the owner of this article.
A teenage girl shot her boyfriend in the chest after a YouTube stunt backfired on them. The 22-year-old boyfriend died at the scene.

By India Today Web Desk: A teenager has been charged with second-degree manslaughter. The 19-year-old woman shot her 22-year-old boyfriend in a YouTube stunt which clearly backfired on them.

Monalisa Perez from Minnesota was charged with killing of Pedro Ruiz III on Wednesday. She was charged with the second-degree manslaughter after she shot Pedro in the chest at close range outside their home in northwest Minnesota.

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Monalisa is pregnant with the couple's second child. They together have a three-year-old daughter.

She was released from jail on Wednesday afternoon after she submitted a $7,000 (Rs 4.5 lakh approximately), according to the Star Tribune.

The police relieved a call from Monalisa saying that she had accidentally shot her boyfriend in the chest with a pistol while they were making a YouTube video, according to Norman County court documents.

"Perez reported that Pedro Ruiz III wanted to make a YouTube video of her shooting a book and he believed that the book would stop the bullet. Monalisa Perez pointed out cameras and stated that the entire incident was recorded," read the police statement on RT.

Monalisa told the police officers that Pedro urged her to take part in a video. He even showed her a book that he had shot in which the bullet had not gone all the way through the book to convince her.

On Monday, hours before the incident, Monalisa tweeted about the upcoming video. She tweeted, "probably going to shoot one of the most dangerous videos ever... HIS idea not MINE."

Me and Pedro are probably going to shoot one of the most dangerous videos ever???? HIS idea not MINE???- Monalisa Perez (@MonalisaPerez5) June 26, 2017

THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

Pedro held a hardcover encyclopedia to his chest when Monalisa shot him with the pistol, according to County Attorney James Brue.

Pedro was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel. There were two cameras recording the video. The cameras have been taken in to custody as evidence. The footage will be released publicly.

The felony charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

FYI || 106-year-old grandma becomes a cooking sensation on YouTube ||

FYI || Blood clot image goes viral, a life lesson too ||

--- ENDS ---
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We werent taught to deal with 15-year-old Jewish rioters, reserve soldiers said Wednesday after Jewish pyromania set Palestinian fields on fire near Yitzhar and they found themselves caught between the two sides helplessly a stationary target being cursed, pelted with stones, shoved and hit by Hilltop Youth members.

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I have a few things to say about it: First of all, Im tired of seeing social media, as well as some media outlets, going out of their way to demand that the Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett and his likes condemn the incident. As if there is even a shred of benefit in such a condemnation.

To the same extent, Ive had enough of hearing that its just a handful of errant weeds, a tiny minority which doesnt reflect the general public in any way. In both cases, the condemnationwhether it arrives or notand the denial of the magnitude of this phenomenon have been irrelevant for a long time now. What happened in Yitzhar this week was not an individual incident or an unusual event. It has been a daily matter for at least a decade now.

A civilized, law-abiding state cannot settle for conversations and agreements with a leadership that is unable to deal with the problem or has no desire to do so

The required question, therefore, is how is it possible that IDF soldiers, who have been serving in the territories for the past 50 years, complain, almost in tears: We didnt know what the hell we should do in that situation, and we just prayed that we would be released from this crappy reserve service already.

There seem to be only two answers to this question. The first is that perhaps there really is no reason for the soldiers to know what to do. The complaints and the whining are indeed justified, and so is the helplessness they demonstrated there. Soldiers shouldnt have to know how to deal with 15-year-old Jewish rioters or, to be more accurate, 15- or 18- or 22-year-old Jewish psychos. Thats what the state is for. And the state has been delegated comprehensive powers, under the law. It paves roads, it is responsible for our health, it provides our children with an education, and it should also guarantee that our childrenexcuse me, our soldierswont have to know what to do with these people. Thats what the police are for, thats what the courts are for. And if neededand it is neededthere is also a general security service with a Jewish division, and everyone in it should be enlisted to accomplish this mission.

The Shin Bet will target them, the police will arrest them and the courtin an unusual mannerwont stall and drag the issue, but will properly deal with those psychos. Just like law-abiding states deal with hooligans, just like the State of Israel deals with Palestinians who throw stones, riot and set fields on fire.

A second option is a state decision that the soldiers will be the ones to do the dirty work. And in that case, after 50 years of sitting in the territories, after hundreds and maybe even thousands of such incidents and similar ones, the soldiers will be taught what to do too. They should get rid of the phrase an impossible reality every time such an encounter happens, replace it with a very possible reality, and handle this reality the way the army handles the challenges it faces.

And the IDF spokesman should stop telling us that as part of the regiments preparations, the soldiers and officers exercised a variety of scenarios and dealt with them well and professionallyas if the soldiers didnt tell us a completely different story a moment ago. Instead, the problem should be defined and characterized, a combat doctrine should be formulated and training programs should be derived from it, focusing on situations and responses.

Why? Because the problem exists, because its mishandled, because todays working method isnt proving itself, because this farce must stop, because a civilized state which respects its book of laws cannot settle for conversations and agreements with a leadership that is unable to deal with the problem or has no desire to do so.

Look at the conversations between Shin Bet officials and Rabbi Yitzhak Ginzburg. That same rabbi, shortly afterwards, explained to his cheering students, in a lesson he delivered in Kfar Chabad, that it would be a shame for them to waste their precious time in jail. It would be better, of course, to burn a Palestinian olive grove or a brigade commanders jeep, or boththey just have to act wisely, or as the rabbi put it, For by wise guidance you wage your war.

If the rabbi understands that, the State of Israel should definitely understand that.
The Central District Court decided on Tuesday to give more rights to lesbian couples who want to expand their families, ruling that the wife of the biological mother will also be considered the child's parent from the moment of birth.

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This followed a legal struggle by eight lesbian couples who had to endure difficulties steming from lack of their recognition as their children's parents.

Some of the eight couples who won the legal case (Photo: Smadar Benayoun)

To date, the biological mother's wife has been forced to apply to the court to recognize them as the child's parent after the birth.

The court checked each request on its merits and examined, among other things, the mother's ability to serve as a parent. The court usually approved these requests, but the ruling was made months after the baby was born.

Due to the non-immediate recognition of the spouse as a parent, damage to the normal life of the family was sometimes unavoidable.

For example, if the non-biological mother brought her child to the doctor, she was required to obtain a notarized certificate beforehand, a step that required both time and money. The court found that the non-biological mother's social rights were violated because she was considered to have no child.

In the case of separation between the spouses, the biological mother had no option to receive support from her partner, such as alimony; and, if the biological mother died, the surviving mother had no right to their child.

Two of the spouses who participated in the legal battle were Sarah Efrati Peltz and Dr. Lilach Efrati Peltz from Tel Aviv, mothers of two-year-old twin boys. "There is a clear, sharp and joyous ruling here. This is another step towards full equality," said Sarah. "The judges practically told the state, 'Why are you making it so unnecessarily difficult?'"

The couple's attorney said, "This is a precedent-setting ruling that is extremely important. The court, unlike the state, took into consideration the best interest of the child and his family unit."

The ruling does not include gay men raising children, as it ruled on spouses of biological mothers, but it is presumed that it paves the way for making similar rulings in such cases.
From Thursday, June 29, to Saturday, July 8, a "week of appreciation" is being observed for IDF soldiers throughout the country, including performances and visits to army bases with gifts. A joint project of the Israeli military and a welfare organization, this week is the first such observance.

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Two major shows for soldiers will take place. The Yoter festival, to be held on July 5, is to be the larger, providing performances to 20,000 . Performers will include Statik and Ben-El Tavori, Hadag Na'chash, Cafe Shachor Chazak, Natan Goshen and the military bands. Yoter is a recurring festival.

Yoter Festival last year (Photo: Tzalamim Beclick)

The following day, another musical event including Infected Mushroom, Hatikva 6, Eliad, Itai Levy and Adir Getz will take place at Tel Aviv's Ganei Yehoshua, Yarkon Park. Some 15,000 soldiers are expected.

The chairman of United for Israels Soldiers, the organization behind the week, is Maj. Gen. (res.) Yoram Yair. He commented: "In addition to the ongoing activities that we hold for the benefit of IDF soldiers throughout the year, we are launching a new project that will enable tens of thousands of individuals, businesses and authorities to express their appreciation to IDF soldiers. The IDF is an essential element of our country, reflecting the character and identity of Israeli society. This week is an act of gratitude for their vital role in the future of the country".

Throughout the week, businesses across Israel will offer soldiers significant benefits. Special mobile volunteer units will visit the bases throughout the country and will offer treats to the soldiers. Battalions that are adopted by "Adopt a Fighter" will receive special gift sets. Volunteers will set up special stations to distribute refreshments at IDF bases, funded by various organizations, including the International Fellowship of Christians & Jews, UK friends of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers, and the Friends of the IDF in the United States and Panama.

Additionally, volunteers will visit hospitalized soldiers, prepare parcels and write letters to soldiers together with schoolchildren. Kaveret, a chain of convenience stores for soldiers, will distribute snacks through its mobile volunteer units, which will reach the most remote outposts. They will also sell a variety of products at a subsidized price of only one shekel.
Young Palestinian Faris Abu-Mayyaleh will soon find out how he did in his final high school exams, in which he answered questions about Israel's founding fathers and the history of Zionism.

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Faris, 18, chose to study the Israeli curriculum instead of the Palestinian equivalent in the hope that it will open more doors at colleges in Israel and help him get work there.

Palestinian children attend a class in a school in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel Mukhaber. (Photo: Reuters)

"I know it's the 'Occupation'. But Palestine, IsraelI don't care. I just want to go to university," said Abu-Mayyaleh, who lives and studies in east Jerusalem, annexed by Israel after the 1967 Six-Day War.Israel hopes many other Palestinians will share his attitude after offering additional funding to Palestinian schools in east Jerusalem if they agree to teach the Israeli curriculum.

The aim, it says, is to help young Palestinians gain the qualifications they need to find work in Israel more easily. It also offers Israel a chance to steer some Palestinians away from a curriculum it says is rife with anti-Semitism and incitement.

It is a loaded issue for principals, parents and pupils. Many Palestinian schools badly need funding, but embracing the Israeli education programincluding subjects such as Israeli civics and historyis seen by many Palestinians as tantamount to adopting the historical narrative of the enemy.

Only 10 of the city's public Palestinian schools have so far agreed to the change on offer since last year, and only about 5,000 of the 110,000 Palestinian pupils of east Jerusalem's 185 public and private establishments study the Israeli program.

"It's not easy," said a Palestinian member of staff who teaches Israeli civics at a Palestinian school. "The children want to learn about their own people. I teach a lot of things I don't believe in, but I have no choice."

Not every school uses the same textbooks, but the Palestinian and Israeli programs differ widely on some historical events.

Under the Israeli curriculum, pupils are taught that the Arab-Israeli war of 1948, the year Israel was created, was a battle for independence for a state that would be a haven for Jews after centuries of persecution.

The Palestinian curriculum teaches it as the Nakba, or Catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes during the fighting.

Gaps

Staff at the east Jerusalem schools who spoke to Reuters asked not to be identified because they did not have permission to be interviewed and feared for their jobs.

The head of one east Jerusalem school who rejected the Israeli curriculum said authorities had offered to triple the annual budget for each pupil, from about 500 shekels to 1,500.

Another Palestinian headmaster said: "They offered me more money, but I said no. The parents here don't want it. It's not our story; we want to teach the Palestinian story."

Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, head of the religious-nationalist Bayit Yehudi party, said the program was meant to close gaps in education, poverty and unemployment that have afflicted Jerusalem's 320,000 Palestinians for decades.

"A young man from east Jerusalem who has an Israeli diploma has a much higher chance of getting a job. Our aim is to spur economic progressthat's why we're using a carrot, not a stick," Bennett told Reuters.

The Education Ministry did not provide full details of the extra budget and incentives these schools have received, beyond funding for extra teachers and teaching hours.

Asked whether funding could be tripled per pupil at schools that adopted the Israeli curriculum, an Education Ministry source said it was "certainly possible" but the offers of extra funding varied from school to school.

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and other rights groups say the program is discriminatory. They say Palestinian schools in east Jerusalem are underfunded and the Israeli authorities should fund all the city's schools equally.

"Israeli authorities have for years neglected the education system in east Jerusalem," said Nisreen Alyan, head of the Jerusalem Program at ACRI. "While it is the first time the government and municipality see a need to close the gaps in east Jerusalem, the program is designed according to a political agenda."

Bennett rejected the criticism.

"I'm not forcing anything on anyone. I'm saying, 'Make it available,'" he said. "I believe market forces will do the job. Ultimately, parents will tell their children, 'I want you to get the Israeli diploma so you get a job in programming, not cleaning.'"

A Palestinian girl walks home after school in east Jerusalem. (Photo: Reuters)

Classroom shortage

Israeli authorities recognize that gaps in education deepen a chasm between Jerusalem's eastwhich Palestinians want to be the capital of their future stateand predominantly Jewish west, making it harder for Palestinians to get ahead in life.

More than a third of Jerusalem's Palestinian children drop out of high school. Among Israelis, only about 2 percent do so. Almost 80 percent of the city's Palestinians live below the poverty line and just 40 percent are employed, mostly at the lower rungs of the labor market ladder, according to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).

Palestinian Mahmoud Awissat, who drives a school bus for Israeli children, holds his daughter during an interview with Reuters. (Photo: Reuters)

The Israeli national employment rate stands at 64 percent, and in Jerusalem 58 percent of Israelis are employed, according to the CBS.

Supreme Court petitions and reports by rights groups including ACRI show consistent gaps between Jerusalem's Palestinian and Israeli schools, including allocation of staff and funding for educational programs.

There is a shortage of 3,800 classrooms, disproportionately affecting the poorer Palestinian and ultra-Orthodox Jewish sectors. The municipality has rented apartments in some areas to create space, or supplied mobile shacks to serve as classrooms.

In the Jabel Mukhaber neighborhood of east Jerusalem, the Al-Sawahereh primary school for boys is housed in a converted two-storey apartment building. Pupils are crammed, mostly in groups of 25-30, into six classrooms of about 12 square meters, and facilities are poor.

When the bell sounds at the end of the day, 150 boys in bright blue uniforms run through a sparse, narrow yard and pour out of a driveway gate into a bumpy, broken road lined with overflowing rubbish containers.

Residents see a stark contrast with the well-kept streets of Armon Hanatziv, the Israeli neighborhood across the street.

"I see normal schools there," said Mahmoud Awissat, a father of six from Jabel Mukhaber who drives a school bus in west Jerusalem. "It's worlds apart."

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat acknowledges gaps in the quality of schools. "But we're catching up. We just took a loan of a billion shekels to build 1,000 classrooms, and half of that will be in east Jerusalem," he told Reuters.
Rabbi Gilad Kariv, the head of the Reform Movement, responded to the break down in the meeting on the Conversion bill by saying that "the ultra-Orthodox parties prove once again that the unity of the Jewish people is the last thing that interests them.

"We call on the Prime Minister and his coalition partners to put a stop to the destructive campaign of Israeli-Diaspora relations led by Deri, Gafni and Litzman with the prime minister's acquiescence."

Attorney Yizhar Hess, the director of the Masorti movement, said that "attempts to reach a reasonable compromise with the ultra-Orthodox are limited to nonexistent."
PARISFrench politician Simone Veil, who survived the Holocaust and led campaigns for the legalization of abortion in France in the 1970s, died at her home in Paris on Friday, her family said. She was 89 years old.

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A Jewish survivor of the Nazi death camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau and Bergen-Belsen with the prisoner number 78651 tattooed on her arm, she was a fervent European and fighter for civil liberties, becoming the first elected president of the European Parliament in 1979.

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Although out of the national limelight since 2007 when she quit her seat at France's top constitutional court, she commanded wide respect across the political spectrum and remained among the most popular politicians in opinion polls.

Veil marking the 60th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation in 2005 with then-President Chirac (Photo: AFP)

Tributes honoring her courage and determination to advance women's rights were paid from within France and beyond.

"May her example inspire our fellow countrymen, who will find in her the best of France," French President Emmanuel Macron said in a message to the family.

Veil's concentration camp experience turned her into a passionate advocate of European unification but she was best known in France for legalizing abortion when she was health minister in 1974 under then President Valery Giscard d'Estaing.

Virtually unknown when she joined the cabinet, she fought doggedly against a hostile parliament and divided public opinion to push through a bill that became known as "the Veil Law", making France the first mainly Roman Catholic country to legalize abortion.

"Great debates that have for a time divided the French people appear with the passing of time as a necessary step to forming a new social consensus that is part of the tradition of tolerance in our country," Veil said in a speech defending the abortion law in 1974.

Veil was born Simone Jacob in Nice, on the French Riviera, on July 13, 1927, and from a young age experienced the spread of anti-Semitism in Europe.

"Your mother is a Jew, you will burn in hell," a classmate once told her.

In spring 1944, aged 16 and living under a false identity, she was arrested together with her family by the Germans. Her father, mother and brother died in concentration camps, though a sister who was active in the French Resistance survived imprisonment in the Ravensbruck camp.

After the war, she studied law at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris and became a magistrate, winning honorary degrees from the US Princeton University and Israel's Weizman Institute.

She was married to Antoine Veil, a prominent businessman who led several leading companies and died in 2013. They had three sons.

"She embodied for an entire generation the struggle of women for the freedom to decide on motherhood," said Jean Louis Debre, former president of the Constitutional Court.

"More profoundly, she represented for men and women seeking a new future a European desire for peace and prosperity."
By PTI: Ramgarh (Jharkhand), Jun 30 (PTI) Prohibitory orders preventing assembly of more than four persons was today imposed here, a day after a man was beaten to death by a mob on suspicion that he was carrying beef in his vehicle which triggered panic, officials said.

On the basis of detailed reports received from sub- divisional officer, Anant Kumar, the administration imposed prohibitory orders under CrPC section 144 in all the six blocks of Ramgarh, Deputy Commissioner Rajeshwari B said.

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The situation is tense but under control and additional security forces were deployed in identified points of the district, Inspector General of Police M L Meena said.

Dependents of the deceased family would be given Rs two lakh as compensation by the state government, she said.

Meena, who visited Ramgarh and held meetings with senior police and administrative officials said that two FIRs were registered with the Ramgarh police station.

One person has been arrested by the police and the police were conducting raids to nab the other accused named in the FIR.

Kishore Kaushal, Superintendent of Police, Ramgarh, said the report from forensic laboratory has not been received so far.

Around 30 people yesterday surrounded the van bearing a West Bengal number plate in the Bazaar Tand area of Ramgarh police station.

They dragged out the driver of the vehicle, Mohd Allimuddin, a resident of neighbouring Hazaribagh district, and thrashed him, injuring him seriously.

The police on getting information rushed to the spot and took Allimuddin to a hospital, where he was declared "brought dead" by doctors, a police officer said.

The mob also set the vehicle on fire. PTI COR PVR RG KIS

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that "the government of Israel and the petitioners decided to appeal to the court to postpone the decision on the conversion issue in order to provide a half-year period for a team to be appointed by the prime minister to formulate recommendations for a settlement on this issue."

In addition, it was written that "the Prime Minister instructed that legislative proceedings on the matter should not be advanced until such recommendations are received. As long as the High Court rejects the request, the government is obligated to act according to the coalition agreements."
An aircraft attacked the launcher from which a mortar shell landed earlier in the Golan.

Following the spillover of fire from Syria, orchards near the border were evacuated from workers and travelers.
Friday afternoon, the Israeli Air Force retaliated to a Syrian projectile that had landed earlier in the day in the Golan Heights without causing any injuries or damage. According to the IDF, the military fired at the source of the missile fire, which was believed to accidentally have landed in Israel as spillover from the raging Syrian civil war.

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A mortar shell was identified near the security fence in the northern Golan Heights, which is believed to be the projectile launched from the war-torn country.

Israel responds by hitting Syrian target, earlier in the week (Photo: AFP)

In response, the Golan Regional Council announced the evacuation of hikers and workers from the orchards and area near the border to the Quneitra crossing area. "With the exception of this specific area, there are no special guidelines, and the routine of life in the entire Golan Heights and the rest of the tourist sites continues," the council said in a statement.

In the past week, 16 shells and mortar shells landed in Israeli territory as a result of the battles between the rebels and the Assad army, most of which fell near the fence between the settlement of Kuneitra and the Valley of the Bekaa. "A senior IDF official noted that the IDF is acting proportionately to prevent deterioration, And that global jihad forces have been operating in the region this past week against the Assad army.

A few days before the start of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech in Katzrin, a mortar shell exploded in an open area in the northern Golan Heights. An hour later, the IDF attacked a mortar belonging to the Syrian regime, from which the mortar shell was fired.

Photo: Avifu Shapira

"We are in control of a high level and we know what is happening here across the border," Netanyahu said in his speech, adding: "Our line is clearwe do not interfere in what is happening in Syria, but we are determined to respond firmly and forcefully to any violation of our sovereignty. or anything else".

The unusual shooting in the Golan began last Saturday, when thousands of visitors took part in the Golan, among them the self-harvesting of cherries and berries. Following the shooting, the IDF instructed the farmers and civilians not to stay in the open areas in the Emek Habcha area and the opening of Quneitra.

Shortly after the shooting on Saturday, the IDF reported that 10 mortar shells and shells had been identified in Israeli territory, in response to the destruction of tanks by the Syrian army.
Germany's national security council has approved a deal to sell three further nuclear-capable submarines to Israel, magazine Der Spiegel reported on Friday, the latest act in a defence deal that has been overshadowed by corruption allegations.

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The $1.5 billion transaction came to public attention when it emerged that shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems' Israeli intermediary had retained Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's personal lawyer David Shimron to act on his behalf.





Netanyahu looking out of an IDF submarine (Photo: Reuters)

The deal is now being scrutinised by authorities in both countries. The paper said Germany had inserted a clause into the contract giving it the right to tear it up if corruption allegations were proven.

Der Spiegel gave no source for its information. Ministry officials were unable to comment immediately.

Israel already has five submarines of the Dolphin Class, which can be equipped with nuclear warheads. A sixth is being built. Germany has agreed to finance a third of the costs of the contract.

Navy submarine (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Last February, it was reported that Israel Police would be turning "Case 3000," which deals in corruption allegations regarding the purchase of IDF submarines from German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp into a full, criminal investigation.

Once the case becomes a full-fledged criminal investigation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's personal lawyer, David Shimron, businessman Miki Ganor (another client of Shimron's) and former commander of the Israeli Navy Vice Admiral Eliezer "Chiney" Marom (who headed the Navy between 2007  2011) are all also due to be questioned by the police. .

Photo: Kobi Gideon, GPO)

Israel's Justice Ministry, while not naming any suspects in the investigation, said there was no evidence that Netanyahu was involved. This comes in direct opposition to reports that former defense minister Moshe Ya'alon had told police of Netanyahu's direct involvement in the purchasing of the submarines and the tender bias in favor of German conglomerate. Ya'alon reportedly provided investigators with detailed information on the talks Netanyahu had with German government officials both for the purchase of three new submarines and for the purchase of anti-submarine warships for the Israeli Navywithout consulting the defense establishment.

Israel's submarine deal with Germany includes two main parts: The acquisition of three submarines and the signing of a contract for long-term maintenance work with the German shipyard that is represented by Israeli businessman Miki Ganor. It is the latter contract that would be more profitable to Ganor, according to defense officials.
Narendra Modi is making a first visit to Israel by an Indian prime minister next week, in a public embrace of a country that he has long admired for its military and technical expertise but which his predecessors kept at arm's length.

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India has traditionally trodden a careful diplomatic line in the region, analysts say, wary of upsetting Arab states and Iranupon whom it relies for its vast imports of oil - and its large Muslim minority. It has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, even as it quietly pursued ties with Israel, which has also taken steps toward India.

Netanyahu and Modi (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO)

In recent months, mutual efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries have resulted in a rare visit by President Reuven Rivlin in India and a $360 million missile deal.

But now Modi is lifting the curtain on a thriving military relationship. He will hold three days of talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to advance sales and production of missiles, drones and radar systems under his signature "Make in India" drive, officials in Delhi and Tel Aviv said.

The Indian leader will not travel to Ramallah, the seat of the Palestine Authority and a customary stop for visiting leaders trying to maintain a balance in political ties.

At home, the apparent shift in what has long been a bedrock of India's foreign policy risks sharpening criticism that the country's 180 million Muslims are increasingly being marginalized under Modi's Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which swept to power in 2014.

"Narendra Modi's visit to Israel will only strengthen its occupation of Palestine," said Asaduddin Owaisi, a member of India's federal parliament from a regional group that promotes Muslim rights.

A burgeoning relationship

In previous decades, under the left-leaning Congress Party, former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was a regular visitor to New Delhi, pictured hugging then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi when the two were championing the Non-Alignment Movement.

Rivlin and Modi (Photo: AFP)

In May, Modi hosted Arafat's successor, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and offered help in health and information technology, but the trip was low-key.

The scale of the ongoing collaboration with Israel dwarfs anything India is attempting with the Palestinians, officials say.

"We have a wide ranging partnership with Israel that ranges from agriculture cooperation to homeland security," said Bala Bhaskar, head of the foreign ministry's West Asia division.

He said India's ties with Israel and Palestine were important in their own right and neither should viewed through the prism of the other. But an Israeli diplomat said Modi's standalone trip to Tel Aviv was an important signal.

The two sides are expected to announce strategic partnerships in areas including water, agriculture and space technology during Modi's visit.

But it is the defence relationship that is most advancedIndia is now Israel's biggest arms market, buying weapons at an average of $1 billion each year.

Eli Alfassi, executive vice president of marketing at state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the country's biggest defence firm, said it was supplying India with drones, radar, communication systems and cybersecurity.

Missiles and food security

The centrepiece of the collaboration is the Barack 8 air defence system, built jointly by the two countries in a boost for Modi's campaign to develop a domestic defence industry.

"We are adjusting to the 'Make in India' policy, which says only local companies will win tenders, so we are setting up three joint projects in India with local companies," Alfassi said.

IAI has signed a memorandum of understanding to build missiles with India's state-run Bharat Electronics Limited, launched a joint project with Dynamatic Technologies to make drones and is scouting for a partner for a joint venture for its subsidiary Elta, which specialises in electronic warfare and communication systems, he said.

India is in the midst of a military modernization programme worth more than $100 billion to help counter rivals Pakistan and China.

Israel, the United States and Russia are India's top military suppliers, and Modi's government has said it will favour countries that are ready to share technology.

Avi Mizrachi, executive vice president of business development for Israel and Southeast Asia at Elbit Systems , which supplies electro-optic systems and upgrades of helicopters and combat vehicles, said it would be bidding for a tender to supply drones in partnership with India's Adani group.

The two countries stress, though, that there is more to the relationship than arms deals.

Modi will be discussing a plan for Israeli help in boosting India's food security, officials said.

The plan is to expand 26 agriculture expertise centres that Israel has set up in 15 Indian states to help increase output of everything from vegetables to mangoes and pomegranates.

Modi wants Indian companies involved in turning these small centres into commercial entities that would help tens of thousands of farmers to boost productivity.
Acidic water flowed for several hours into the Asalim Stream in the Judean Desert reserve. The source of the pollution is leakage from high-acid gypsum from a pool at the Rotem Amfert plant in Rotem Plateau in the south of Israel. Highway 90 was blocked for traffic between Dead Sea and Moshav Ein Tamar following the breach of the acidic water reservoir. After initially being blocked, the nearby Road 90 was reopened for traffic.

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The Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Nature and Parks Authority have arrived in the area and are preventing people from entering the stream, looking into minimizing damage and stopping the flow of acidic water. The Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority is asking the public not to reach the Asalim Stream or nearby routes until further notice.

The Asalim Stream (Photo: Ministry of Environmental Prtection)

A crack in the wall of the reservoir's wall, caused from the water's high acidity level, caused the huge erosion and the pool collapsed and emptied. The water was washed for about 10 kilometers of Asalim Stream, with thousands of cubic meters of acid plaster pouring down the stream.

Photo: Oded Netzer, Ministry of Environmental Protection

Gilad Gabbay, director of the Southern District of the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority, explained that "this is very acidic water that leaked from the plant, damaging the flora and fauna." He added that "animals in the area are liable to drink from (the polluted streamed). It also permeated the soil, which may affect other areas. "

Photo: Boaz Freifeld, Nature and Parks Authority

Gabbay continued to say that "at this point, we are working in the field in cooperation with the other parties involved to minimize the damage to nature, and most importantly, to prevent harm to travelers, because any contact with the water is dangerous for them. At this stage, we estimate that the area that was damaged in the stream is more than ten kilometers long. "

Photo: Ministry of Environmental Protection

Israel Chemicals responded bay saying, "At 11:45 we found a hole in the eastern embankment of the plaster pool at the Rotem Amfert Negev plant, which caused plaster to spill into the area of pool 4 and part of Nahal Asalim. No one was injured. At this stage, the company is unable to estimate the environmental impact. "
Explosions, including five suicide bombings, shook a Lebanese border town early on Friday, killing a Syrian girl and wounding seven Lebanese soldiers as the army raided several refugee settlements, the military said.

The Lebanese army has been battling militants who have thrived in the border area with Syria during its war, now in its seventh year. Tiny Lebanon of 4.5 million people has been grappling with an influx of over a million Syrian refugees who escaped violence at home to find refuge in the neighboring country.

The raids and a subsequent security sweep earned the Lebanese military much praise. But they also stirred up a storm among Syrian activists after pictures surfaced of rows of detainees with their faces to the ground, many bare-chested and their hands cuffed. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights called for their immediate release.
The Oval Office was a rough-and-tumble place when President Donald Trump sat alongside South Korean President Moon Jae-in for their White House meeting.

A large contingent of US and South Korean media members were jostling to get video and photos of the two leaders. US Secret Service members asked Korean media to stop running as they entered the room.

During the exchange, a lamp on a table was nearly knocked over. But White House aide Keith Schiller caught it before it fell. Trump said, "You guys are getting worse," and said a table had been knocked over. He later joked that "it's actually a very friendly press."
The Syrian Kurdish YPG militia aims to "liberate" the area between Azaz and Jarablus held by Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, a YPG commander said in a statement. Commander Sipan Hemo did not give a timeline or details of plans to take the area, which was seized by the Turkey-backed rebels last autumn from Islamic State, but said he regarded Turkey as an occupying force there.

His comments, in a statement to a Kurdish newspaper, were distributed on a social networking feed by Naser Haj Mansour, a senior official in the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), of which the YPG is a leading component. Increasing tensions between Turkey and Syrian Kurdish groups led to an exchange of fire between Turkish artillery and YPG targets near Azaz on Tuesday.

Ankara had sent new military reinforcements, including troops, vehicles and equipment into the zone between Azaz and Jarablus held by rebels it supports, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, and rebel and Kurdish sources said on Wednesday.
A North Carolina man faces charges that he lied to the FBI when he denied telling someone he planned to fly to Syria and wanted to help others fly there to support the Islamic State.

An indictment unsealed Thursday in US District Court in Charlotte charges 29-year-old Alexander Samuel Smith of Waxhaw with two counts of making a false statement to an agency of the United States.

The indictment says Smith began communicating in July 2014 with an FBI confidential source who identified himself as an Islamic State representative. It says Smith offered to get a "buddy pass" for the source through his girlfriend, who worked for a U.S. airline. It also says Smith wanted to travel to Syria.
R Madhavan took to Facebook to share a selfie, and he looks too hot for words.

By India Today Web Desk: R Madhavan has aged like a fine wine. In 2001, he made us go weak in the knees with his charming lover boy act in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. Sixteen years later, the actor still continues to make our hearts beat faster. Madhavan took to Facebook to share a post-shower selfie, sending his fans into a frenzy.

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The photo features the actor sporting a salt-and-pepper beard, and he captioned it, "Morning light post a shower.. feeling fresh after a good long nights sleep.. after the long travel.. (sic)"

In less than 24 hours, the photo has gone viral, with close to 70,000 likes. The comments section is flooded with compliments from fans, who cannot get over how hot the actor looks.

Madhavan, who will be seen next in the Tamil film Vikram Vedha with Vijay Sethupathi, recently told the media that he is done with "chocolate boy roles." The film, helmed by director duo Pushkar-Gayathri, is set to release on July 7.

ALSO READ: Madhavan says Vikram Vedha co-star Vijay Sethupathi is brilliant

ALSO WATCH: R Madhavan and Bipasha Basu's flash mob act

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Zabka, Warszawa, 166 m2

Lokal znajduje sie w budynku apartamentowym Unimax Development w inwestycji Viva Vitolin, przy ul. Grochowskiej 87 w Warszawie. Bedzie dostepny w 4Q 2023 roku (podpisanie umow przeniesienia wasnosci).
By Rakesh Ranjan: India could have a vast network of all-weather rail corridors along the China and Pakistan borders if the defence ministry gets its way. To start off, it has begun surveying four corridors - three in Arunachal Pradesh, and one in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir - along the China border.

However, sources in the railway ministry said the financial viability of the projects is doubtful. A senior official said it is unlikely that the train corridors would attract enough passenger and freight traffic to sustain operations.

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Also, the projects being in the most treacherous terrains would involve steep construction costs.

A senior railway board official said the idea behind the strategic corridors is to construct broad-gauge connectivity for swift movement of troops and ammunition during contingency. The defence ministry also wants strategic lines along Nepal and Pakistan borders. But in the first phase the Missamari-Tenga- Tawang (378 km), Pasighat -Tezu-Rupai (227 km) and North Lakhimpur-Bame-Silapathar (249 km) corridors in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (498 km) corridor in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir region are being studied.

Experts say, at a time when China is flexing its muscles, India is must expedite its strategic infrastructure projects to counter any potential threat.

HIGHEST RAIL TRACK IN THE WORLD

If sanctioned, the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh corridor will be the highest rail track in the world, surpassing China's Qinghai-Tibet railway.

The projects are important from a strategic point of view given the tension along international border. Leh, for instance, is the second largest district in the country with elaborate Army establishments and is the headquarters of the 14 corps. The region being a cold desert, the temperature during the winter months (October-March) plummets to well below freezing point. The road connectivity to this area gets cut off from other parts of the country due to heavy snowfall, thus necessitating all-weather rail connectivity both for strategic as well as socio-economic needs.

"The government has decided to construct strategic rail lines along the borders with neighbouring countries, including China and Pakistan. However, we don't see great potential in terms of passenger or freight traffic. Hence the project could be financially unviable," an official in railway board said.

The actual cost of the venture would be ascertained on completion of the detailed project report, though sources said each of these corridors would cost over Rs50,000 crore.

A total of 14 strategic lines have been identified, with four to be taken up in the first phase. Since all these projects pass through very difficult terrain of the Himalayas, stability, geology, construction, maintenance and safety issues are to be examined, he said.

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Accordingly, the final location survey (FLS) has been done at a cost of Rs345 crore. For 2016-17, the Defence ministry has provided Rs87.18 crore. On Tuesday, Railway minister Suresh Prabhu laid the foundation stone for the FLS of the Bilaspur - Manali - Leh corridor at the cost of Rs157 crores. The project is being financed by the Defence ministry - which means that the line will be of immense strategic value, Railway officials said.

Also Read

A train from Beijing to Bihar? China wants to extend its Nepal rail link to India

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Washington: The United States imposed sanctions on two Chinese citizens and a shipping company on Thursday for helping North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and accused a Chinese bank of laundering money for Pyongyang.

US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the actions were designed to cut off funds that North Korea uses to build its weapons programs in defiance of UN Security Council and unilateral sanctions.

"We will follow the money and cut off the money," he told a news conference.

A Treasury statement identified the bank as the Bank of Dandong and the firm as Dalian Global Unity Shipping Co Ltd. It identified the two individuals as Sun Wei and Li Hong Ri.

The sanctions imposed on the two Chinese citizens and the shipping company blacklists them from doing business with US-tied companies and people.

Bank of Dandong did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

A staff member at Dalian Global Unity would not comment on the sanctions and subsequent calls to the firm`s office in Dalian went unanswered.

Mnuchin said US officials were continuing to look at other companies that may be helping North Korea and may roll out additional sanctions.

US foreign policy experts say Chinese companies have long had a key role in financing Pyongyang.

However, Mnuchin said the action was not being taken to send China a message. "This wasn't aimed at China. We continue to work with them," he said.

Asked about the US sanctions on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said that China consistently opposes unilateral sanctions imposed outside the UN framework.

"We strongly urge the United States to immediately correct its relevant wrong moves to avoid affecting bilateral cooperation on the relevant issue," he said, without elaborating.

China's ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, said China opposed the United States using domestic laws to impose "long-arm jurisdiction" on Chinese companies or individuals, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Friday.

"If a Chinese company or individual has acted in a way that violates United Nations Security Council resolutions, then China will investigate and handle the issue in accordance with Chinese law," he told an event in Washington on Thursday evening.

GROWING FRUSTRATION

US officials told Reuters this week that President Donald Trump was growing increasingly frustrated with China over its inaction on North Korea and bilateral trade issues, and was now considering possible trade actions against Beijing.

A senior White House official told reporters on Wednesday China was "falling far short of what it could bring to bear on North Korea in terms of pressure."

The US move came as Trump was due to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House on Thursday to discuss steps to push North Korea to abandon its weapons programs, which have become an increasing threat to the United States.

It also came after the United States sanctioned a Chinese industrial machinery wholesaler, Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co, in September for its ties to North Korea's nuclear program, the first time Washington had taken such a step against a Chinese firm.

China's Foreign Ministry said in the same month Hongxiang was under investigation for "illegal behavior" and "economic crimes" following the provisions of UN resolution 2270, which imposed tighter sanctions on North Korea in March.

Mnuchin said the United States would discuss efforts to choke off funding for North Korea's nuclear and missile programs with China and other countries at next week's Group of 20 summit in Germany.

The US Treasury Department said in an online notice published on Thursday the Bank of Dandong had served as a gateway for North Korea to access the US financial system.

Authorities said 17 percent of Dandong's customer transactions in the bank`s US accounts had ties to North Korea.



Anthony Ruggiero, a former senior Treasury official in the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, said the action against Bank of Dandong was the first time US authorities had sought to punish a Chinese bank accused of helping North Korea.

It would immediately cause Western firms to cut off any transactions with Bank of Dandong, he said.

It may also cause financial institutions in Western Europe and the United States to further scrutinize whether their Chinese business could have links to North Korea.

"The designation will make reputable Western banks ask questions about larger financial institutions in China," said Ruggiero, who is now a senior fellow at the non-profit Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
District of Columbia: Donald Trump's administration has approved $1.3 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan, a US government official said on Thursday, in a move likely to provoke the ire of Beijing which considers the island a rebel province.

The US official emphasized that there is "no change to our longstanding 'One China' policy" -- stating that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of it -- which Beijing says is a prerequisite for maintaining relations.

Announcement of the sale comes at a sensitive moment for the US and China, as President Trump is working to establish a partnership over trade differences and efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy but China sees it as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if necessary.

The US is the island's most powerful ally and arms supplier despite having no official relations with Taipei after switching recognition to Beijing in 1979.

The latest plans are consistent with terms of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the US official said, under which Washington keeps trade ties and sells Taipei weapons to "maintain a sufficient self-defense capability".

Taiwan thanked the US for its continued commitment under the legislation and said the deal "increases Taiwan's confidence and ability to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait".

"We will continue to seek constructive dialogue with Beijing, and promote positive developments in cross-strait relations," said a statement from Taiwan's Presidential Office.

"At the same time, we will continue to increase our defense investments, including in indigenous defense industries and defense-related research, in order to demonstrate our commitment to Taiwan's self-defense," it added.

The defense ministry said the sales will boost the island's air and sea combat capabilities.

The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of the defense sales comprised of seven parts, the US official said, which are "based on an assessment of Taiwan's defense needs" and include upgrading defense systems from analog to digital.

The last US arms sale to Taiwan was in December 2015.

Concerns that Taiwan would become a bargaining chip were raised soon after Trump's election, when he suggested he may abandon the "One China" policy that underpins US-China relations, unless he could strike better deals with Beijing.

Just after winning election, Trump infuriated China by accepting a congratulatory call from Taiwan's Beijing-sceptic president Tsai Ing-wen, smashing decades of diplomatic precedent.

But once in office the president unequivocally endorsed the "One China" policy during a visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Relations between Taipei and Beijing have rapidly deteriorated since Tsai took the reins, ending an eight-year cross-strait rapprochement.

Beijing has cut all official communication with Taipei.
Islamabad: Fearing drone strikes from United States, Pakistan has on Friday banned the Hafiz Saeed-led Tehreek-e-Azaadi-Jammu and Kashmir.

The outfit is believed to be a proxy of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa backed by Hafiz, chief of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the mastermind of 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

Pakistan has put the outfit on the list of proscribed organisations, as of June 8, according to the web site of Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority. There are 64 other outfits in the list which includes Jaish-e-Mohammad, Al Qaeda, Tehreek e-Taliban and Balochistan Liberation Army among others.

However, Hafiz' Jamaat ud Dawa, though, still remains only under watch in Pakistan.

A TOI report claim that Saeed had begun moving some of JuD's India-targeted operations to the Tehreek-e-Azaad-e-Kashmir as early as January 14 after he learnt about the movement of Pakistan government.

Reuters reported 10 days ago that Trump's administration is contemplating amplified drone strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. This came before Trump and India jointly gave Islamabad the joint Indo-US statement in which they firmly asked the Islamabad to make sure that their soil is not used for any terror-related activities against neighbouring countries.

Earlier in January, Pakistan had placed Saeed under 'house arrest' and the JuD on the 'under watch' list under pressure from the United States; however India had termed the move as an 'eye wash'.

India has been urging Pakistan to instead try and bring Saeed to justice in connection with the Mumbai 26/11 attacks.

For now, Pakistan banning JuD's proxy outfit could well be seen as a response to the Donald Trump administration hinting a harder line against Islamabad.
Islamabad: A Pakistani journalist was arrested in the city of Quetta earlier this week for allegedly writing against "national security institutions" on social media, the media reported.

Zafarullah Achakzai, who works for Qudrat, a Quetta-based daily, was taken into custody under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and presented in a court of the judicial magistrate, according to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials.

The court remanded Achakzai in custody of the FIA for six days, reports Dawn news.

"Our entire neighbourhood was besieged by the security agency before arresting him," Niamatullah Achakzai, the detained journalist`s father, said.

Niamatullah is the editor-in-chief of daily Qudrat.

The FIA informed him on Thursday that Zafarullah Achakzai had been taken into custody under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.

The journalist`s relatives told a joint meeting of the Balochistan Union of Journalists and other organisations that "personnel of a security agency" took Zafarullah Achakzai into custody in the early hours of Sunday morning after cordoning off his residence, Dawn news reported.

They said if there was any complaint against the journalist, the authorities should have raised the matter at a "proper forum".
Guwahati: Assam Government is all set to roll out the month-long 'Operation Muskan-III' from Saturday to rescue and recover missing children.

A meeting chaired by T Y Das, Additional Chief Secretary, home and political department, was held here today to chalk out the programme, which was a follow-up of earlier campaigns like Operation Smile-II and Operation Muskaan-II, successful in the recovery of 40,000 children, an official release said.

All Deputy Commissioners have been directed to take all-out efforts for successful implementation of the campaign in their respective jurisdiction.

They were directed to activate and sensitise district level child welfare committees (CWCs) and take personal interest in ensuring the success for 'Operation Muskaan- III'.

The meeting was attended by senior police officials, senior officials from social welfare, health, education, labour and welfare departments.

The Centre has advised all states and union territories to extend cooperation during inter-state rescue operations; to ensure proper provision of availability of food, clothes, medical aid, professional translators, psychiatrists and shelter homes for rehabilitation/ reintegration well before the rescue operations and to ensure that such operations are conducted in strict compliance of the existing legal provisions, the release added.
India is finally on the verge of having a simplified taxation system. But before the Goods & Service Tax (GST) comes into effect on July 1, 2017 (proposed), and replaces multiple state and central taxes with a single levy, let's try to figure out how it will impact car prices in India.

As of May 19, 2017, it's certain that cars will fall under the 'luxury' bracket and will attract a 28 per cent flat GST. Over and above, an extra cess of 1, 3 or 15 per cent is proposed depending on the classification of cars.

Since the implementation of GST is round the corner, the chances are high that the proposed extra cess will be a reality. If the current classification of cars is carried over (high probability), there will be four broad categories of cars:

1. Small cars  Cars under four-metre length powered by a petrol engine not greater than 1.2-litre or a diesel engine not greater than 1.5-litre by displacement

2. Mid-size cars  Cars over four-metre length powered by either a petrol or a diesel engine not greater than 1.5-litre displacement

3. Luxury cars  Cars over four-metre length powered by either a petrol or a diesel engine that is greater than 1.5-litre displacement

4. SUVs  Cars over four-metre length and 170mm ground clearance powered by either a petrol or a diesel engine that is greater than 1.5-litre displacement

Here's a comparison of the current tax levied on these cars and proposed GST in comparison:

Table A

Break-up of existing taxes mentioned in Table - A is as under in Table - B:

Table - B

Readers note  Ex-showroom price of a car is inclusive of all these taxes. VAT is applied over and above every other tax. As a result, the total tax will actually be higher than what we are assuming. Also, Green Cess and Octroi is charged in select states. The lower tax percentage is the minimum of all possibilities while the higher tax percentage is the maximum. Registration charges and insurance are not included in the ex-showroom price. VAT is charged at different rates in different states.

Before we take an example of a car; going by Table A, it is clear that in the case of small cars (both petrol and diesel) GST will end up increasing prices. However, that may not hold true for all those states that charge Octroi, for example, Maharashtra.

1. Small car petrol category  Renault Kwid RXL 0.8

Ex-showroom, New Delhi price  Rs 3,32,312

Since Octroi is not levied in Delhi, the ex-showroom price of Kwid RXL 0.8 includes excise, VAT and infra cess, which roughly adds up to 26 per cent.

So, the ex-factory price of the Kwid = Rs 2,63,739

Now instead of 26 per cent that is charged presently, the Kwid will attract 29 per cent GST.

Ex-showroom price of the Kwid RXL 0.8 post proposed GST rates = Rs 3,40,223

Increase in price = Rs 7,911

2. Small car diesel category  Maruti Suzuki Dzire Vdi AGS

Ex-showroom New Delhi price  Rs 7,76,000

Since Octroi is not levied in Delhi, the ex-showroom price of Maruti Suzuki Dzire Vdi AMT includes excise, VAT and infra cess, which roughly adds up to 27.50 per cent.

So, the ex-factory price of the Dzire = Rs 6,08,627

Now instead of 27.5 per cent that is charged presently, the Dzire will attract 31 per cent GST.

Ex-showroom price of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire Vdi AGS post proposed GST rates = Rs 7,97,301

Increase in price = Rs 21,301

3. Mid-size cars category  Honda City VMT Petrol

Ex-showroom New Delhi price  Rs 10,12,797

Since Octroi is not levied in Delhi, the ex-showroom price of Honda City VMT Petrol includes excise, VAT and infra cess, which roughly adds up to 41.50 per cent.

So, the ex-factory price of the City = Rs 7,15,757

Now instead of 41.5 percent that is charged presently, the City will attract 43 per cent GST.

Ex-showroom price of the Honda City VMT Petrol post proposed GST rates = Rs 10,23,532

Increase in price = Rs 10,735

4. Luxury cars category  BMW 320d Luxury Line

Ex-showroom New Delhi price  Rs 42,70,000

Since Octroi is not levied in Delhi, the ex-showroom price of BMW 320d Luxury Line includes excise, VAT and infra cess, which roughly adds up to 44.50 per cent.

So, the ex-factory price of the 320d = Rs 29,55,017

Now instead of 44.5 per cent that is charged presently, the 320d will attract 43 per cent GST.

Ex-showroom price of the BMW 320d Luxury Line post proposed GST rates = Rs 42,25,674

Decrease in price = Rs 44,326

5. SUVs category  Toyota Fortuner 4x4 AT diesel

Ex-showroom New Delhi price  Rs 31,86,000

Since Octroi is not levied in Delhi, the ex-showroom price of Toyota Fortuner 4x4 Automatic diesel includes excise, VAT and infra cess, which roughly adds up to 48.50 per cent.

So, the ex-factory price of the Fortuner = Rs 21,45,454

Now instead of 48.5 per cent that is charged presently, the Fortuner will attract 43 per cent GST.

Ex-showroom price of the Toyota Fortuner 4x4 AT diesel post proposed GST rates = Rs 30,68,000

Decrease in price = Rs 1,18,000

The five examples above clarify that the most affected segment post GST in India could be the 'small car diesel' category. The mid-size sedan and small car petrol categories will also be negatively affected. On the flipside, luxury cars and high-end SUVs may end up being priced lower than what they currently are.

So, if you were planning a diesel hatchback or a sub-4m sedan, it's probably the right time to go ahead and make a purchase before GST rolls out. We've also heard that some dealers want to liquidate their existing stock quicker than usual to keep their balance sheets clean and not risk their input tax credit. If that's true and you're lucky, you may even get a good bargain.

For those who had set their eyes on a luxury car or a big SUV, just hang on for some more time to get more clarity on GST. Going by the anti-diesel sentiment, the government may find a reason to at least match the current prices of the SUVs and luxury cars. However, if that doesn't happen and prices drop, you may end up regretting an early purchase.

Also, worth noting is the fact that hybrids haven't been talked about as yet. While lower tax rates for electric cars are in place, hybrid cars like Maruti Ciaz SHVS, Toyota Prius and Camry hybrid that presently enjoy 12.5 percent excise duty instead of 24 percent or 27 percent may end up getting more expensive. So, it's the best time to get home these fuel-efficient hybrid cars because they may not remain as lucrative a buy afterwards.

Source: CarDekho.com
New Delhi: It is a common scenario when people watch 'tamasha' (drama) at a crime spot and do not help the police in its investigation, a Delhi court has observed.

Dealing with a case of stalking of a 10-year-old girl, the court relied on the testimony of the victim as the people in the neighbourhood where the incidents had occured and the passers-by kept themselves away from the probe.

The girl had complained about four acts of stalking by a man on different dates when he tried to lure her by showing currency notes and trying to induce her by giving some snacks. The man is presently on bail after being jailed for 18 months.

"It is a judicially noticeable fact that public persons try to avoid police proceedings and generally do not participate in criminal cases by going to the police station and courts.

"They are ready to see 'tamasha' (drama) at the spot but do not cooperate with the police authorities. In such a situation, the statement of the investigating officer that he asked some passers-by or neighbours to join the investigation and they refused, cannot be disbelieved," Additional Sessions Judge Ashwani Kumar Sarpal said.

The court made the observation while holding the man, named Suraj, guilty of repeatedly stalking the minor girl, a student of class five, whenever she used to go to school or market in an East Delhi locality.

The court is likely to pronounce next week its order on the quantum of sentence for the offence of stalking which entails a maximum of three-year jail term in a case of first conviction and five years for a repeat of the offence.

The child's mother had lodged a complaint with the police in Geeta Colony in July 2015 that Suraj used to follow her daughter regularly. She had once raised an alarm after spotting him stalking her daughter and called the police.

The court said the child has mentioned four specific instances which clearly showed that the man was stalking her and had said it could be presumed that he was doing this act with sexual intent.

"The testimony of this victim cannot be disbelieved merely on the ground that no specific date, time or place is mentioned where accused stopped her and offered to provide eatable thing. It cannot be expected from a little child of 10 years to remember all these details minutely," the court said.

It said that non-examination of any other eye witness, the child's friends who were with her at the time of the incidents, was not sufficient to discard the victim's statement.

"The non-examination of the complainant, being the mother of the victim or any other eye witness in the present situation, becomes immaterial when the testimony of the child is reliable and convincing. I find no ground to reject the testimony of the victim," the judge said.

During the trial, the man denied the allegations against him but chose not to examine himself or any other witness in his defence.
New Delhi: Traders across the country are "putting up a brave face" to adopt the GST, hoping that it will put an end to their miseries faced during VAT regime despite having a few concerns over the new indirect tax regime, the Confederation of All India Traders said on Friday.

The nation-wide Goods and Services Tax (GST), which comes into effect from midnight, will overhaul India's convoluted indirect taxation system and unify the USD 2 trillion economy with 1.3 billion people into a single market.

"Somehow traders have put up a brave face to adopt GST and hope that it will put an end to their miseries faced during Value Added Tax (VAT) regime. They also hope that transparency of GST will restore their dignity," Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal told PTI.

Elaborating upon the preparedness of traders to comply with the GST, Khandelwal said those having computers have been fully geared up to adopt GST and will be generating invoices from Saturday onwards.

He said a large number of traders have upgraded their existing systems whereas others are purchasing GST compatible software to meet the compliance obligations.

Post the GST launch, CAIT intends to submit an exhaustive memorandum to Union and state governments containing issues and concerns of traders pertaining to simplification and rationalisation of procedures, removal of anomalies and contradictions in tax rates and reducing the compliance cost.

The traders body said it has convened a meeting of its national core committee on July 7 here to draw out a roadmap for the implementation of GST by businesses and will undertake a massive outreach plan to galvanise traders for smooth and hurdle free transition to the new indirect tax regime.

"We were not happy with the VAT tax regime since having much human inter-face coupled with anomalies and disparities, it became a complicated taxation system which promoted migration of businesses of one state to another due to varied tax rates and often proved a tool of harassment and corruption.

"GST will take us out from the clutches of multiple tax and authorities and lessen the compliance burden resulting into more efficient and structured business in the country henceforth," CAIT National President B C Bhartia said.
New Delhi: The widespread use of neonicotinoids  a common insecticide often used to coat crops has led to the decline of pollinators such as honey bees which are needed for increase in yields and quality of the crops grown for human consumption, as per a large-scale field study.

This helps set to rest some of the controversy over the use of the chemicals. As part of the study, researchers grew rapeseed in 33 sites across Germany, the United Kingdom, and Hungary. They coated the crop with neonicotinoids, introduced various bee species to the area, and monitored the health of the colonies compared to control groups.

The study found that the bees who lived near the plants treated with neonicotinoids had more trouble surviving the winter.

Bees play vital role in maintaining both biodiversity and food production and are threatened by habitat loss, pesticides/insecticides, climate change and disease.

The knowledge about the magnitude of harm that the bees were being subjected to due to these particular insecticides was still vague.

In 2013, the European Union banned the chemicals due to concerns that they were killing bees, which are crucial for agriculture.

At present, unfortunately, things haven't been looking up for global bee population. The ban has been surrounded with controversy, with critics slamming earlier studies, saying that the simulations in them were unrealistic.

Since the study, published in the journal Science, was conducted on a large-scale level, it found that oneybees in the United Kingdom had difficulty surviving to begin with, but survival was lowest near crops treated with neonicotinoids the year before. Similarly, in Hungary, colony numbers fell by 24 percent by following spring. However, there was no effect in Germany, as per a report in The Verge.

Furthermore, the authors suggest that the different results may be because of the different climates naturally found in the three countries. Hives in Germany are usually larger to begin with and closer to a wider range of flowers than those in the UK and Hungary.

Overall, though, because this was a field study that mimics real-world conditions, the study goes a long way toward settling the debate on these chemicals, even if the news isnt good, the report concluded.
By PTI: Cuttack, Jun 30 (PTI) The Orissa High Court today allowed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to re-evaluate and supply photocopies of answer sheets of students by July 7 and communicate about it to the court by that date.

Justice K R Mohapatra allowed only seven days to the CBSE to complete the process of re-evaluation and supply of photocopies of answer sheets.

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Some class XII students, whose results were published in May, had alleged discrepancies in the marks awarded to them and were seeking fresh evaluation of their answer papers.

The high court initially had allowed 22 students to apply for re-evaluation, of which only 18 students applied for reevaluation of 51 papers.

Earlier this month, the high court had again asked the CBSE to re-evaluate the answer papers of at least 158 more students, who had approached the court and to complete the process by June 30 by engaging experts. All these 158 students had sought re-evaluation of at least 450 papers.

While the CBSE had failed to meet the deadline fixed by the high court, it had preferred a time petition seeking at least 15 more days to complete the process.

A single-judge bench of Justice K R Mohapatra, however, allowed only seven days to the CBSE to complete the process.

In another development, the high court also allowed another 30 students to apply for the re-evaluation of their papers. PTI COR AAM RG ZMN

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi: After the former President of the United States, Barack Obama, established the country's contribution and staunch support in the Paris climate deal, current POTUS Donald Trump chose the opposing path and pulled out of the pact.

Climate change seems to be a red rag for the current American administration.

Calling climate change a hoax created by China, Trump had recently said that, "the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive".

Moreover, Trump turned the tables on India claiming that India signed the Paris climate agreement to get billions and billions and billions of dollars in foreign aid, which earned him criticisms.

Trump's reasoning for backing out of the climate deal was that it undermined the country's economy, cost US jobs, and put it at a disadvantage to other nations.

After receiving immense criticism for his views, the US President in a new statement has strongly defended his decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord, declaring himself "proud" of the move.

"In order to protect American jobs, companies and workers, we've withdrawn the United States from the one-sided Paris Climate Accord," Trump said to applause, during a speech on the future of the US energy sector.

"I will tell you we're proud of it," he said. "And when I go around, there are so many people that say thank you. You saved the sovereignty of our country."

"And maybe we'll be back into it someday, but it will be on better terms," he vowed. "It will be on fair terms."

Climate change has become a major bone of contention between the United States and its Western allies, and the issue is set to loom large when Trump meets Group of 20 leaders in Hamburg, Germany next week.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared headed for a collision course with Trump, vowing Thursday to seek a clear commitment to fight global warming from at the July 7-summit, and calling the 2015 Paris deal "not negotiable."

The Paris Agreement commits signatories to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, which is blamed for melting ice caps and glaciers, rising sea levels and more violent weather events.

Trump  who on the campaign trail labeled climate change a Chinese hoax  on June 1 announced America's shock withdrawal from the accord, which he dubbed a "bad" deal.

The United States is the world's second largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China.

(With PTI inputs)
Lisbon: A former CIA agent who was found guilty of kidnapping an Egyptian imam by an Italian court more than a decade ago said on Thursday she intended to return to Italy to face her sentence, but hopes to avoid prison.

Sabrina de Sousa, who holds dual American and Portuguese nationality, said she would leave Portugal to face the Italian courts over the abduction of radical preacher Abu Omar from a Milan street in 2003 in an operation allegedly led jointly by the CIA and the Italian intelligence services.

She has already gone on trial in absentia along with 22 others in what were the first legal convictions in the world against people involved in the CIA's extraordinary renditions programme that followed the September 11, 2001 attacks.

"I`m going back to Italy next week to serve a sentence that will be determined by the Italian courts," 60-year-old de Sousa told AFP, saying she hoped to be released on parole and carry out community service.

At the end of February, Italian President Sergio Mattarella granted her "a partial pardon of one year's imprisonment", reducing her jail time to three years of a lenient form of sentence that does not necessarily need to be served behind bars and allows the convict to work.

Italy then withdrew the European arrest warrant issued after her arrest in October 2015 at Lisbon airport.

In an email sent from the US where she was preparing to have surgery, de Sousa said she would like to do her community service in Portugal but added that "even if I could I would have reason to be very concerned about what would happen to me".

"Portugal after all threw me in prison for 10 days with no plausible reason for doing so".

Omar was kidnapped on February 17, 2003, before being transferred to Egypt where his lawyers say he was tortured, in a case that highlighted the controversial secret renditions of suspected radicals by the United States and its allies.

"This operation was approved by the highest levels of the US government," said de Sousa.

"What US officials in Washington and some in the Italian Government were told was that Abu Omar was a dangerous terrorist; and with that justification the CIA chief in Rome obtained the necessary approvals," she added.

"This obviously turned out not to be the case and Abu Omar was released from an Egyptian prison. As with most cover-ups lower level officers like myself end up paying the price for decisions for which we had no input."
Berlin: Germany legalised same-sex marriage on Friday in a change nonetheless opposed by Chancellor Angela Merkel, joining many other western democracies in granting gay and lesbian couples full rights, including adoption.

The election-year bill was pushed by Merkel's leftist rivals, who pounced on comments she made early this week suggesting a policy U-turn -- a manoeuvre that left her conservative lawmakers fuming.



Merkel allowed her Christian Democratic Party (CDU) lawmakers to vote their conscience on the bill rather than follow the party line, and it passed by a vote of 393 to 226 on parliament's last day before the summer recess.

But Merkel said on Friday that she voted against the legalisation because she believes marriage is the preserve of a man and a woman.

"To me, marriage as defined in the German constitution means the marriage between husband and wife, and that is why I voted against the law today," she said.

But she did say that her thinking had changed on the question of child adoption by same-sex couples, which she long opposed.

"I have thought a lot about the matter of child welfare and have now come to the conviction that same-sex couples should be able to jointly adopt children," she said.

After the law passed, which prompted jubilant proponents to throw confetti in the Bundestag, the German legal code will change to say "marriage is entered into for life by two people of different or the same sex".

The upper house has already approved the measure, which is expected to enter into force before the end of the year.

Renate Kuenast of the Greens party, which has pushed for decades for LGBT rights, quipped cheerfully: "I would advise all registry offices in the country to boost staff numbers."

Gay and lesbian groups cheered the push for marriage equality in Germany, where so-called civil unions for same-sex couples were legalised in 2001.

"It`s a real recognition, so it warms the heart," said French engineer Christophe Tetu, 46, who lives in Berlin with his partner Timo Strobel, 51.

"We're thinking about having a party, getting married and using our new rights to protect our relationship," he told AFP.

Strobel said he too was "overjoyed" that the couple would be able to show family and friends "that we are committed to each other, that we will stay together and we will spend our lives together".

The rapid series of events kicked off with an on-stage interview Merkel gave Monday to women's magazine Brigitte, in which an audience member asked her: "When can I call my boyfriend my husband if I want to marry him?"

Merkel, who had long opposed gay marriage with adoption rights, replied that her thinking had shifted since she met a lesbian couple who cared for eight foster children.

She said she favoured an eventual vote when all lawmakers could follow their conscience rather than a party line.Many read the surprising comments as a move to rob opposition parties of a strong campaign issue before September 24 elections.

Merkel's current coalition partners, the Social Democrats (SPD), had declared a gay marriage law a red-line demand and precondition for any future alliance -- as had the Greens, the far-left Linke and the pro-business Free Democrats.

On Tuesday, after much buzz on social media, the SPD leader and candidate for the chancellory Martin Schulz took Merkel at her word and broke coalition ranks to call for an immediate vote.

The CDU slammed the tactic as a "breach of trust" after four years of joint rule.

But during friday`s emotional parliamentary debate, one SPD lawmaker angrily criticised Merkel, accusing her of "pathetic and embarrassing" meandering on the issue.

"Mrs Merkel, thanks for nothing!" said Johannes Kahrs, a gay rights activist, charging that she had blocked progress on gay and lesbian rights for years.

He characterised her Monday-night comments as a "Schabowski moment" -- a reference to the communist East German official Guenter Schabowski, whose fumbling comments at a 1989 press conference sparked the mass rush to border crossings that brought down the Berlin Wall.
Kiev: Ukraine`s state security service (SBU) seized equipment it said belonged to Russian agents in May and June to launch cyber attacks against Ukraine and other countries, the SBU said in a statement on Friday.

"Law enforcement officers seized server equipment that was involved in the cyber attack system by Russian secret services," the SBU said, adding that investigations were ongoing.

A cyber attack that began in Ukraine spread around the world on Tuesday, knocking out thousands of machines, shutting down ports, factories and offices as it hit around 60 countries.

Ukrainian politicians were quick to blame Russia, but a Kremlin spokesman dismissed "unfounded blanket accusations".
Hamburg: A ten minute walk from Germany's heavily-guarded G20 summit venue in the port city of Hamburg lies the graffiti-covered centre of the leftwing protest movement vowing to disrupt it.

"Capitalism will end anyway -- you decide when!" reads a banner atop the Rote Flora, a former vacant theatre that was occupied by squatters in 1989 in the midst of demonstrations and street battles.

It has since become an alternative cultural centre and spiritual home for protesters against war, nuclear power, climate change, racism, big business and the gentrification of the now hip Sternschanze district around it.

In most years since, especially on May 1 Labour Days, black-clad youths with hoodies and balaclavas have hurled rocks and fireworks at armoured riot police who have responded with batons, pepper spray and water cannon.

The rowdy annual ritual tends to end with several burning cars and smashed shop windows, which the stiff-lipped citizens of the wealthy northern port have more or less learnt to live with.

But this year promises to be far hotter than most, with the world leaders of the Group of 20 big industrialised and emerging economies coming to town on July 7-8.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has invited the leaders to the city of her birth, among them US President Donald Trump, Russia's Vladimir Putin and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Posters and stickers covering the Rote Flora and walls in cities across Germany have for months rallied demonstrators to "Shut down" or "Smash the G20", with 30 demonstrations announced in the summit week starting from Sunday.

"Welcome to hell" is the eye-catching motto of one of the rallies seen as likely to escalate, organised for July 6 by veteran Rote Flora activist Andreas Blechschmidt.

"It's a combative message ... but it's also meant to symbolise that G20 policies worldwide are responsible for hellish conditions like hunger, war and the climate disaster," he told AFP.

Blechschmidt said activists would seek to blockade access to the summit venue and, as usual, "reserve for themselves the option of militant resistance" against police.

Organisers expect a peak of over 100,000 demonstrators, while police estimate a hard core of 8,000 left-wing extremists considered likely to use violence.

"It will be the biggest operation in the history of Hamburg's police," said police spokesman Timo Zell.

About 20,000 officers will secure Germany's second city and the summit venues, a conference centre and the harbourside concert hall, the Elbphilharmonie.

A holding centre for detainees has been set up with space for 400 people and detention judges on hand.

Police will need to secure road convoys from the airport to the city centre, including the US motorcade with its scores of vehicles.

Police have warned protesters who may be thinking of a sit-in in front of Trump's armoured presidential limousine known as "The Beast" that it may not stop.

Border controls have been reimposed since mid-June at crossings to nearby Denmark and other neighbours after protest organisers mobilised across Europe and beyond.

Many Hamburg residents are fleeing town to evade traffic jams, ID checks and the noise of police helicopters above, and some shops near the summit are boarding up their windows.

Protesters have voiced anger about the city turning into a police "fortress", and at a July 7-8 ban on demonstrations across most of the city which will force rallies into harbourside areas.

Georg Ismael, 25, of leftist group ArbeiterInnenMacht, said that given how police "are trying to put pressure on the organisations mobilising against the G20, you can expect them to be violent".

"We are prepared and we`ll try to defend our democratic rights to assemble."

Many fear a rerun of the kind of major urban clashes seen at the 2001 G8 summit in Genoa, or the Frankfurt opening of the new European Central Bank building in 2015.

So why has Germany chosen the centre of a large city after most recent world summits were held in secluded spots, such as the G7 at the Bavarian Alpine retreat of Elmau?

Germany says it wants to signal transparency at a time when politicians are accused of hiding away, and host the meeting in a port city that prides itself as the country's "gateway to the world".

Another reason is logistics: with over 10,000 delegates and almost 5,000 journalists expected, no German town, castle, resort or cruise ship could host the mega-event.

The government hopes the summit will be a success, but it fully expects police lights and water cannon or, as one official put it, a summit that will be "blue and wet".
New Delhi: Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday condemned the killing of a man on the suspicion of carrying beef in Jharkahnd and said the matter must not be viewed from a religious angle.

"It has been condemned by and one all. The Prime Minister also, for the second, time spoke about it. It is happening in different parts of the country and it`s a really shame, barbaric and atrocious. Don`t bring religious angle into this," Naidu said.

He asked the law enforcing agencies, including the police, at the district and the state level, to take effective action so that there is no recurrence of such incident in the future.

Just hours after Prime Minster Narendra Modi condemned the killings in the name of cow protection, a Jharkhand man was attacked by a mob on the suspicion carrying beef in his car on Thursday.

He was stopped by a group of people near Bajartand village before being brutally killed.

The van was later set on fire.

A case has been registered on the basis of a video footage of the lynching.

Superintendent of Police Kishore Kaushal said a thorough investigation will be made into the whole incident.
New Delhi: Addressing a special session of parliament for the launch of GST, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the new system will not just help spread the tax burden horizontally, take the country forward vertically.

The new sytem will eliminate confusion from our tax system and end the long wait at toll plazas with GST integrating 31 states and UTs as one, he said.

PM Modi said GST will make the system more simple and provide equal opportunities for all states to prosper.

The prime minister said that GST might be officially called the Goods and Services Tax but in reality it stands for Good and Simple Tax.

"GST is a catalyst to end the inequality among people and states as it is transparent and fair that prevents black money and corruption and promotes new governance culture, PM Modi said.

GST is not only ease of doing business, but a way of doing business, he added.
New Delhi: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) will hold the online examination for the next Common Recruitment Process for Regional Rural Banks (CRP RRBs VI) for recruitment of Group "A"-Officers (Scale-I, II & III) and Group "B"-Office Assistant (Multipurpose) between September and November 2017.

Candidates are requested not to pay heed to a viral message on social media which says that the IBPS has released exam dates for more than 1,000 posts.

As per the information in their annual calendar released in January, the IBPS will release the RRB exam notification for over 1000 posts in July.

IBPS RRB 2017: Here's the schedule of RRBs  CWE RRB-VI (Officers) and CWE RRB-VI (Office Assistants) exam

Preliminary Examination (Officer Scale I and Office Assistants): 09.09.2017, 10.09.2017, 16.09.2017, 17.09.2017, 23.09.2017 and 24.09.2017

Single Examination Officers Scale II & III: 05.11.2017

Main Examination Officer Scale I: 05.11.2017 Main Examination Office Assistants: 12.11.2017

The registration process will be through online mode only and there will be a single registration for both Preliminary and Main examination, wherever applicable.

The IBPS conducts recruitment exams of various PSU Banks, RBI, NABARD, SBI, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) & General Insurance Companies (GICs).
New Delhi: India on Friday expressed "deep concern" over China's plans to construct a road in the Doklam area in Sikkim sector, saying that such a move "represent a significant change of status quo with security implications for India".

On 16 June, the Chinese soldiers had entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. Doklam is located close to the tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan.

However, the Indian security personnel, who were present in the area, in consultation with the Bhutanese government urged the Chinese construction party to desist from changing the status quo, the MEA said in a statement.

The matter has since been under discussion between India and China at the diplomatic level. It was also the subject of a border personnel meeting at Nathu La on 20th June.

The MEA further said, It is essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.

It is also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides.

Bhutan has also lodged a strong protest with the Chinese government through its embassy in New Delhi on the same day. Both India and Bhutan have been in constant touch over the issue.

On Thursday, the Bhutan's Foreign Ministry has also issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the agreements between Bhutan and China.

It said that the construction activity affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries.

New Delhi and Beijing in 2012 reached an agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalized in consultation with the concerned countries. And any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding.
New Delhi: The government on Friday expressed deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim, and said it had conveyed to Beijing that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with "serious" security implications for India.

India's reaction follows a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the area, prompting Beijing to take a tough stance and demand withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to resolve the situation.

Beijing had also accused India of being a "third-party" to the China-Bhutan dispute.

Reacting to China's contention, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.

It was also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process was scrupulously respected by both sides, the ministry added.

"India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India," MEA asserted in a press release.

The ministry also narrated the sequence of events since June 16 when a People's Liberation Army (PLA) construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.

"In coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue," the ministry said.

In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments, it said.

As far as the boundary in the Sikkim sector was concerned, India and China had reached an understanding in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment", the ministry said.

Further discussions regarding finalisation of the boundary had been taking place under the Special Representatives framework, it added.

While India referred to the June 26 statement by the Chinese foreign ministry -- that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China- India boundary and entered Chinese territory -- it did not react to the allegations directly.

On June 16, the ministry said, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.

"It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity," it said, adding that Bhutan's ambassador had publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese government through their embassy in New Delhi on June 20.

The MEA also noted that the Bhutan foreign ministry had yesterday issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory was a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affected the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries.

Bhutan has also urged China to return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017, MEA said.

India underlined that the two governments had in 2012 reached an agreement that tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries would be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries.

"Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri- junction points is in violation of this understanding," it said.
By PTI: (Eds: Updating with details)

New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) The government today expressed deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim, and said it had conveyed to Beijing that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with "serious" security implications for India.

Indias reaction follows a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the area, prompting Beijing to take a tough stance and demand withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to resolve the situation.

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Beijing had also accused India of being a "third-party" to the China-Bhutan dispute.

Reacting to Chinas contention, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.

It was also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process was scrupulously respected by both sides, the ministry added.

"India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India," MEA asserted in a press release.

The ministry also narrated the sequence of events since June 16 when a Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.

"In coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue," the ministry said.

In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments, it said.

As far as the boundary in the Sikkim sector was concerned, India and China had reached an understanding in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment", the ministry said.

Further discussions regarding finalisation of the boundary had been taking place under the Special Representatives framework, it added.

While India referred to the June 26 statement by the Chinese foreign ministry -- that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China- India boundary and entered Chinese territory -- it did not react to the allegations directly.

On June 16, the ministry said, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road.

"It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity," it said, adding that Bhutans ambassador had publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese government through their embassy in New Delhi on June 20.

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The MEA also noted that the Bhutan foreign ministry had yesterday issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory was a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affected the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries.

Bhutan has also urged China to return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017, MEA said.

India underlined that the two governments had in 2012 reached an agreement that tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries would be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries.

"Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri- junction points is in violation of this understanding," it said. PTI PYK MIN

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New Delhi: India and the US have signed a deal for the supply of 22 Apache helicopters, considered one of world's most lethal combat machines, to the Indian security forces, making it one of the few nations to have such a high-tech aircraft in its stable.

Here are the 10 facts about this menacing war machine:

1/ The Apache helicopters are considered world's most lethal attack choppers.





2/ These attack helicopters have been in service since 1984.





3/ The US has reportedly produced more than 2,100 such choppers so far.

4/ The Apaches are four-blade, twin-turboshaft attack helicopters with a tailwheel-type landing gear and a tandem cockpit for two crew members.

5/ It is equipped with a nose-mounted sensor suite to select targets, night vision, Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods, among other things.

6/ India will purchase 22 of its latest version with latest Block III configuration at a cost of about $ 1.4 billion.

7/ The helicopter is designed for all kinds of missions, and hence it is stealthy and versatile.

8/ It also has laser and infrared systems for all weather operationability.

9/ This will perhaps be India's first pure attack helicopter in its possession.

10/ The Apache can accommodate two pilots and experts believe it will be a 'game changer' in tactical battle scenarios.
Beijing: Talking tough, China on Friday demanded withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a pre-condition for a "meaningful dialogue" to resolve the current stand-off there and asked the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons", an oblique reference to the 1962 war.

Launching a media blitzkrieg on the Sikkim stand-off, both Chinese Foreign and Defence ministries directed their attacks on India and maintained that the Indian Army had "illegally trespassed" into the Chinese territory.

"We urge the Indian side to immediately pull back the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary. That is the precondition for any meaningful talks between the two sides aiming at resolving the issue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

People's Liberation Army spokesman, Col Wu Qian also rejected as "extremely irresponsible" Army chief General Bipin Rawat's remarks that India is ready for a "two-and-a-half front war", asking him to "stop clamouring for war".

Rawat had said that India is prepared for security threats posed by China, Pakistan as well as by internal threats.

When asked to respond to Rawat's remarks, Col Wu said: "Such rhetoric is extremely irresponsible".

"We hope that the particular person in the Indian Army could learn from the historical lessons and stop such clamouring for war," he told the media here.

The genesis of the flashpoint was China's attempts to build a road at a strategically key area of Donglong, the linking of which to the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction could give China a major military advantage over India.

Beijing's political nod to PLA's new aggression on India-Bhutan border

The Indian Army had blocked construction of the road by China in Donglong, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan.

Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

Official sources said China had removed an old bunker of the Indian Army in Donglong by using a bulldozer after the Indian side refused to accede to its request, which triggered the face-off.

Meanwhile, in an unprecedented move, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu displayed two photographs of the alleged Indian "incursion" into Donglong area in the Sikkim region during a media briefing.

He said the Sikkim stand-off between the troops of the two countries can only be settled by the withdrawal of Indian soldiers from the area.

"Since the illegal trespass happened we have lodged solemn representations with the Indian side in both New Delhi and Beijing," Lu said, showing the photographs from the podium.

Later, the ministry uploaded two photographs on its website along with the Chinese transcript of Lu's press briefing.

One photo showed two bulldozers stated to be that of the Indian military while another showed one bulldozer. A redline in the photos was shown as "Chinese side of the border".

In the briefing, Lu said the diplomatic channel for communications between the two countries remains "unimpeded".

Replying to pointed questions by the Chinese official media about Indian Army chief Gen Rawat's remarks that there was no incursion, Lu said, "We have said clearly here that the reality is that the Indian border troops illegally trespassed into the Chinese territory across the Sikkim section."

"Gen Rawat's remarks also prove that the previous report by the Indian media was not true. The truth cannot be covered up. We again urge the Indian side to abide by the historical boundary convention," he said, referring to China's assertion in the past few days that Sikkim section of the India-China boundary was settled under the Sino-British Treaty of 1890 which Beijing also claims was accepted by India later.

Lu said India should respect China's territorial sovereignty and withdraw the troops back to the Indian side of the boundary to avoid any escalations.

To another question whether the "overstepping" by the Indian troops violated international law and the basic principles of international relations, Lu said the Sikkim sector of the China-Indian border has a very clear legal basis.

"According to the Convention between China and Great Britain relating to Sikkim and Tibet, in 1890, the boundary of Sikkim and Tibet shall be the crest of the mountain range separating the waters flowing into Sikkim, Teesta and its effluents from the waters flowing into the Tibetan Mochu, then northwards into other rivers of Tibet," he said.

"The line commences at the mount Gipmochi on the Bhutan frontier. According to this convention, the Doklong region belongs to China's territory," he said, alleging that India troops trespassed the area.

"This is an undeniable fact that the Indian troops have trespassed the boundary and it is violating our historical boundary convention as well as the promises made by the previous Indian governments," he said.

About the demarche by Bhutan asking China to stop road construction in the Donglang area, Lu said Donglang has been China's territory since "ancient times".

"This is an indisputable reality and we have very adequate legal basis concerning this. This is just a sovereign action by China to conduct road constructions in our territory. This is totally justifiable and lawful," he said.

The Chinese media also carried stories on the Sikkim stand-off, saying India's defeat in the 1962 war is having a "lingering effect".

"Being defeated by China in 1962 has left a lingering effect on India," an article in China.Com, a Chinese portal said, alleging that India is trying to seek political and diplomatic power as well as military superiority.

About the Sikkim stand-off, it said India is making "unfounded charges" through the Indian media.

An article in the Global Times' Chinese edition said while the Sikkim part of the India-China border is settled most of the disputes occurred in the western part.
Islamabad: The US decision to ally with India vis-a-vis Jammu and Kashmir is a sign that "Pakistan has been unable to adapt its approach to India" led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Pakistani newspaper said on Friday.

"Historically, the US has encouraged Pakistan and India to engage in dialogue on all disputes and issues between the two countries. But that encouragement is now meaningless if the US aligns itself with India on the Kashmir dispute," the Dawn said in an editorial.

This, the influential daily said, posed certain challenges to Pakistan, including how to mobilize world opinion against India over Jammu and Kashmir.

"Whether it is the dysfunction in civil-military relations, the intransigence of the security establishment or the reluctance of the PML-N government, Pakistan has been unable to adapt its approach to India in the Modi era," it said.

The Dawn felt that perhaps Pakistan`s own fraught history with militancy had made the outside world more sceptical of Islamabad`s claims when it came to Kashmir.

It said that 30 years after the separatist struggle began in the state, "India has re-embraced the idea that Kashmir can be crushed.

"But the only thing that may have changed is that the consequences of Indian oppression may be tragically worse."

The Dawn was particularly harsh over the US State Department`s listing of Syed Salahuddin, a Pakistan-based Kashmiri separatist leader, as a specially designated global terrorist.

This happened hours before US President Donald Trump and Modi met in Washington for their first face-to-face talks and issued a joint statement urging Pakistan not to let its territory be used for cross-border terror attacks.
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will chair a close-door high level meeting in the Foreign Office on Friday to review major foreign policy contours.

The high level meeting comes in wake of recently surfaced new elements of proximity in ties between the United States and India and other developments in the region as well intentional level concern to Pakistan`s interest.

Sharif would be given an extensive briefing on this subject and new outlines would be deliberated by the participants, The News reported.The News quoted sources as saying that that Pakistan has been closely watching India`s increasing leaning towards the United States as the two already had very close military, political and economic relationship.

According to the report, the high level meeting that will be attended by Adviser to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and all additional secretaries of the Foreign Office.

The reports submitted by various important envoys of Pakistan would be discussed by the participants of the meeting.Pakistan`s relation with Afghanistan and India is also expected to be discussed on priority basis due to prevailing tension between the two countries.

Pakistan had earlier expressed its concerns over the recent US-India Joint Statement during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to the United States and said that it could aggravate an already tense situation between Islamabad and New Delhi.

"The joint statement is singularly unhelpful in achieving the objective of strategic stability and durable peace in the South Asian region. By failing to address key sources of tension and instability in the region, the statement aggravates an already tense situation," Pakistan`s Foreign Office said in response to the Indo-US joint statement that was issued on Tuesday after President Donald Trump`s meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the White House.

"The meeting in Washington D.C. between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi was a missed opportunity to induce India to alter its policies inimical to peace in the region," the statement added.

"The leaders called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries," said the joint statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump.

The statement added that they further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups".

The Foreign Office said that Pakistan stands ready and committed to resolve all outstanding disputes, especially Jammu & Kashmir with India through peaceful means and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutionsIt further said that Pakistan has been the primary victim of terrorism in the region and its contributions and sacrifices in fighting terrorism are un-matched.

"No country has sacrificed as much as Pakistan, not only in material resources but in lives," it added.Pakistan also expressed its concerns on the sale of advanced military technologies to India.

"Such sales accentuate military imbalances in the region and undermine strategic stability in South Asia."President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have pledged to deepen defense and security cooperation, building on the United States` recognition of India as a Major Defense Partner.

"The United States and India look forward to working together on advanced defense equipment and technology at a level commensurate with that of the closest allies and partners of the United States.

Reflecting the partnership, the United States has offered for India`s consideration the sale of Sea Guardian Unmanned Aerial Systems, which would enhance India`s capabilities and promote shared security interests," said the Indo-U.S. joint statement.

Earlier, in a major vindication for India and embarrassment for Pakistan, the U.S. Department of State on Monday designated Hizbul Chief Mohammad Yusuf Shah, also known as Syed Salahuddin, as a `Specially Designated Global Terrorist`.

With the Donald Trump Administration blacklisting Salahuddin as a `Specially Designated Global Terrorist` for his atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan accused the United States of singing to India`s tune.

Asserting that there would never be any compromise on rights of Kashmiris and Pakistan would continue to support their cause `till realisation of right of self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions`, Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan said they will continue their `Kashmir freedom` campaign.

Khan further stated that the US administration has started speaking the language of India, reports Radio Pakistan.
Lucknow: While several Opposition parties have reportedly decided to boycott the Goods and Services Tax (GST) launch event, the Samajwadi Party on Friday finally announced to participate in the function, scheduled at Friday midnight at Parliament's Central Hall.

Speaking to ANI, Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agrawal asserted, "We oppose the Good Service Tax. It's a black law but since President Pranab Mukherjee will attend the launch, we will go as we do not want to create controversy."

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), who has backed the GST, today questioned the political parties for "creating a fuss over the launch event and when they unanimously passed the uniform tax regime in the Parliament".

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also believed to skip the event. However, senior leader and Bihar Energy Minister Bijender Prasad Yadav will represent the Janata Dal (United) on his behalf. It is to be noted that after Telangana, Bihar was the second state to adopt bills that were required for the passing of GST.

The Congress Party yesterday said that it would boycott the midnight meeting, convened by the government, on the implementation of the GST. Senior party leader and former Cabinet Minister Anand Sharma that Congress' skip is an "ideological boycott" for many reasons.

Besides Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have also decided to boycott the event.

Ahead of the historic rollout of the GST that is scheduled to take effect from midnight, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu earlier in the day urged the Congress Party to 'realise and rethink' their stand and join the government for the midnight Parliament session.

The GST, which is slated to roll out today midnight, will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket.
Beijing: China on Friday called for a "meaningful dialogue" with the Indian government in connection with a border row in the Sikkim sector and asked it to withdraw its troops from Doklam, insisting that Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area.

"Diplomatic channels are unimpeded between India and China for talks on the standoff in Sikkim," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

"The pressing issue is to have a meaningful dialogue for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Doklam area in Sikkim sector," Kand added.

The reaction from the Chinese Foreign Ministry comes in the wake of a stand-off between the two militaries after the Indian Army blocked construction of the road by China in Doklam, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan also known as Donglong.

Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

Lu also refuted Bhutan's allegation that China violated agreements by constructing a road inside its territory

.

In a strongly worded statement, Bhutan had also asked China to stop constructing the motorable road from Dokola in the Doklam area towards the Bhutan Army camp at Zompelri which it says affects the process of demarcating the boundary between the two countries.

But Lu said China had "indisputable sovereignty over the Donklam area."

With PTI inputs
New Delhi: A day after China asked the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons", Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday said that the India of 2017 is different from the India of 1962.

In an oblique reference to the 1962 war, China had on Thursday demanded a withdrawal of the Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a pre-condition for a "meaningful dialogue" to resolve the current stand-off there and asked the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons".

Mincing no words, Jaitley, meanwhile, said at an event: "If they (China) are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different, the India of today is different."

The minister added that the Bhutan government had made it clear that China was trying to claim Bhutanese land and said this was "absolutely wrong".

"After the statement of the government of Bhutan, I think the situation is absolutely clear. It is Bhutan`s land, close to the Indian border, and Bhutan and India have the arrangement to provide security.



"Bhutan itself clarified ... China is trying to alter the present status quo. After this, I think the issue is absolutely clear. To say we will come there and grab the land of some other country is what China is doing and it is absolutely wrong," the minister said.



Jaitley`s comment came amid a stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Dokala area close to the Siliguri corridor that connects the rest of India to its north-east.

The genesis of the flashpoint was China's attempts to build a road at a strategically key area of Donglong, the linking of which to the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction could give China a major military advantage over India.

The Indian Army had blocked construction of the road by China in Donglong, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan.

Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

Official sources said China had removed an old bunker of the Indian Army in Donglong by using a bulldozer after the Indian side refused to accede to its request, which triggered the face-off.

(With Agency inputs)
Jammu: A woman was injured as Pakistan today violated the ceasefire, targeting Indian posts and civilian areas with mortar bombs and automatic weapons along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Indian troops effectively retaliated.

"The Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing from small arms, automatic weapons and mortars from 0415 hours on Indian Army posts along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali (BG) sector," a Defence spokesman said.

A 35-year-old woman identified as Naseem Akhtar suffered splinter injured when a shell exploded near her house in Basooni hamlet of Balakote sub-sector, police officials said.

A water tank was also damaged in a shell fired by the Pakistan Army.

Panic has gripped locals due to heavy shelling by the Pakistan Army.

Yesterday, two Indian Army jawans were injured when Pakistani troops fired from small arms and shelled mortars on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch district.

On June 27, Pakistani had violated the ceasefire by shelling areas along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali sector.

There have been 23 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in June besides a cross-LoC attack.
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday sought help to identify the culprits involved in the brutal lynching of Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohammad Ayub Pandith.

Pandith, a resident of Nowpora Khanyar, Srinagar, who was on access control duty at Jamia Masjid in the Nowhatta area of Jammu and Kashmir, was lynched to death by an unlawful assembly of people.

In this regard, a case under section 302 RPC was registered and investigation was taken up. To speed up the investigation process, a special investigating team was also constituted.

The police also arrested five persons in connection with the lynching of Pandith.

To nab all the criminals involved in the incident, the head of special investigating team has requested that if anyone having any knowledge or clue regarding the incident may please attend the office of SP, City North Srinagar or call on 0194-2453214, 9419140715 and 9596770664.

The name and particulars of the said person shall remain confidential.
By Mayuresh Ganapatye: Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam and MoneyLife Foundation Trustee Sucheta Dalal put out a video on social media calling out to all affected by unfair fees being levied on bank customers. In a one-of-its-kind protest, which they are calling the Tweet Morcha, they have asked people to tag PM in their tweet. The tweet Morcha is scheduled for 4th July starting 3 pm with people being asked across the country to tweet with #TweetMorcha #BankSeBachao.

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Tweet Morcha aims at unifying the voices of angry and helpless bank customers who are being subjected to exploitation and unfair practices by banks. Different charges that banks have been levying on their customers amount to unfair practices. Banks are charging their customers for innumerable services that ought to be free, feel Nirupam and Dalal. That's why they have come up with this unique style of protest on Twitter and have asked all to join them.

"Post demonetization, banks have amended the existing laws and brought in new laws. Some of them are limiting the use of ATM card to thrice a month, penalising the customers for having a balance less than Rs. 5000 in their bank accounts, restricting the customers from depositing money in their bank accounts more than a given number of times. These are means of recovering the losses the banks have incurred due to bad debts. But this shouldn't happen at our expenses. Since the Prime Minister is extremely active on Twitter, we hope that our plea reaches him and he acts on it", says Sanjay Nirupam.

Small amounts charged per person multiplied by millions of customers is the strategy that these banks are resorting to in order to make up for the losses which they have incurred due to bad debts.

"We have taken this issue to the Reserve Bank of India and Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister as well. But they haven't paid heed to the request we made on behalf of the people of India who are being exploited by banks. Now, we need to take this fight to the hon. Prime Minister. Unless all of us protest in large numbers, nothing can change", said Sucheta Dalal.

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Bengaluru: A person has been arrested for creating a fake twitter account under the name of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and tweet contents as if it was tweeted by the office of the chief minister.

Siddaramaiah had earlier lodged a complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), stating that a fake twitter account of the Chief Minister was created (@cmofkarnatka) by some unknown person.

A case in IT Act 2000 and 469 IPC was registered and taken up for investigation.

During the course of investigation, a person by name Madhusudan-a software engineer, resident of Mandya was traced and arrested on June 30 evening.

During the questioning, the person revealed that he had created the above said twitter account and had tweeted.

He later renamed it as @nanegadappa and also removed identifiable from the said account to cover up the tracks.

A team comprised of Deputy Superintendent of Police M.D.Sharath, Krishnoji Rao-CHC, S.K.Shivakumar-CPC, G. Munirathnam-CPC, V.Srinath Reddy - CPC and Vinod Kumar - CPC of Cyber Crime Division of CID arrested the accused.
Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MLA KS Sabarinathan on Friday tied the knot with IAS officer Divya S Iyer at a temple in Thuckalay in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu Friday morning.

The low-key ceremony was attended by close relatives and friends of the bride and groom.

The marriage between Sabarinathan, an engineering graduate and Sub-Collector Divya, a medical doctor, has hit headlines since its announcement as a politician-bureaucrat wedding is considered a first in the state.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, former chief minister Oommen Chandy and MLAs K C Joseph and V D Satheesan also arrived at Kumarakovil, the famed Lord Muruga Temple, to extend their blessings to the young couple.

The 33-year-old MLA, who represents Aruvikkara constituency, had announced the marriage through his facebook page last month.

Son of late Congress leader and Assembly speaker G Karthikeyan, Sabarinathan, who was with Tata Sons in Mumbai for seven years, took the political plunge following the demise of his father in 2015.

He had won the Aruvikkara bypoll and became the youngest MLA in the state Assembly in 2015.

He later retained the seat in the May 2016 assembly polls with an impressive margin.

Thirty two-year-old Divya, who did her MBBS from Vellore Medical College, worked as Assistant Collector at Kottayam before moving to her home district here.
New Delhi: A new bundle of joy has arrived in the life of famous television personality Krushna Abhishek and Kashmera Shah. According to BollywoodLife.com, the duo has become proud parents to twin babies via surrogacy.

BollywoodLife.com originally attributes the report to Mumbai Mirror where it is stated that Krushna and Kash were hitched in 2013 and recently welcomed their twins. At present, the babies are under special care in the hospital and will be home soon.

The couple has ushered in the new phase of their life. Many Bollywood biggies such as Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar too opted for surrogacy in the past.

Congratulations to the new parents!
New Delhi: Mobile phone bills are expected to go up while recharges would yeild less talktime for prepaid customers from Saturday onwards under the new GST tax regime.

Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), telecom services would be taxed at 18 percent compared to 15 percent currently.

This means that a user would get a talktime of about Rs 80 on a recharge of Rs 100, compared to about Rs 83 earlier.

Similarly, costs for postpaid users would also go up to the extent of three percentage points. So, for a monthly usage of Rs 1,000, users will have to pay Rs 1,180 instead of Rs 1,150 currently.

However, it remains to be seen whether telecom operators choose to absorb some impact of the increased tax levy (as they can claim input credit) or pass it on entirely to their customers.

Emails to telecom operators remained unanswered.

A number of retailers in the city remain clueless about the impact of the new tax regime on telecom services.

"It is only tomorrow once we start recharging for customers that we will get to know how much talktime the customer is getting. But going by simple calculation, it (talktime) is expected to be lesser," said one of the shopkeepers in the bustling Connaught Place area.

He added that it will take a few days for the situation to normalise.

Many customers who walked in for recharges, too, seemed unaware of what the GST roll out would mean for prepaid services.

Telecom operators are already under intense pressure, inflicted by newcomer Reliance Jio's competitive pricing. The industry had expected some relief from the GST Council in the form of a lower tax slab for telecom services.

However, the same was increased following which industry lobbyists made multiple representations stating that telecommunications is an essential service and should attract a lower tax rate of 5 percent.

"Today it (industry) is saddled with an unprecedented debt of more than Rs 4.5 lakh crore, with revenues of less than Rs 2 lakh crore ... We are hopeful that the government will ... Revise the current rate of 18 percent, which is fairly high to the requested rate of 5 per cent," Cellular Operators' Association of India Director General, Rajan S Mathews told PTI.

This rate of five percent is better aligned to telecom as it is an essential service and critical infrastructure, he opined.
New Delhi: Consumers will have to shell out more for banking services, insurance premium payments and credit card bills with the GST rollout from Saturday onwards.

Under the Goods and Services Tax, effective Friday midnight, most of the financial services would attract a higher tax of 18 per cent as against 15 per cent as of now.

Banks and insurance companies have been already sending messages and mails to their customers about the new tax rates which would be charged.

"Dear policyholder, revision of service tax on account of GST will come to effect from July 1, 2017," said a Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) message.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) informed its customers that "with effect from July 1, 2017, the existing service tax of 15 per cent levied on all the banking services will be replaced by a GST of 18 per cent."

Common banking services that would attract higher service tax include debit card, fund transfer, ATM withdrawal beyond the number of free services, home loan processing fee, locker rentals, issuance of cheque books/drafts/duplicate passbooks, collection of bills, collection of outstation cheques, cash handling charges and SMS alerts.

Besides, life and non-life premiums would see an increase from 15 per cent to 18 per cent.

Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Chief Financial Officer Gaurav Seth said the premium amount on a term insurance policy will be 18 per cent from 15 per cent currently.

"In case of endowment policy, the first year premium is liable to be taxed at 4.50 per cent with effect from the mid- night today from existing 3.75 per cent and on subsequent year premium, it will rise by 0.38 per cent to 2.25 per cent," Seth said.

Bank of Maharashtra CEO and MD Ravindra P Marathe said with GST will result in increased cost of almost all services offered to customers.

The nation will witness the official rollout of GST in a live telecast tonight from the Parliament's Central Hall.

The rollout is to be graced by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister Modi's Cabinet colleagues including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and others as well as eminent dignitaries from the industry and acclaimed fields will also be present.
New Delhi: Almost eight months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 (now old) notes, a financial daily has reported that RBI has started printing notes of Rs 200 denomination.



If the report is true then it will be the first time that the RBI would be printing bills of 200 rupees.

The notes of Rs 200 denomination are being printed in one of the government-owned facilities after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) placed an order a few weeks ago for the bills, the Economic Times reporting sources said.

Furthermore, Soumya Kanti Ghosh, group chief economist at the SBI Group told the ET, "For day-to-day transaction purposes, the introduction of 200 rupee notes will add to the ease of operations."

Meanwhile, a picture of the speculated new Rs 200 has gone viral. It could well be a photoshopped image.

Check it out.

Though it is very difficult to ascertain the veracity of the note, the picture does look very convincing.

The new currency note makes some details look very real for example the necessary security features, RBI seal and watermarks mentioning Rs 200.

There is also Rs 200 written in Hindi while it is different in colour from Rs 500 and Rs 2000 notes released recently after government's demonetisation drive.
Jaipur: A bandh call given by various trade unions against certain provisions in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) evoked mixed response in Rajasthan on Friday

Most of the traders participated in the strike.

Trader association spokesperson Arun Agrawal said the traders were against the "excessive tax slabs" and "complex processes" under the GST regime.

He said the response to the strike was good, and that traders in Jaipur, Udaipur, Alwar, Sikar, Jodhpur, Kota and other districts participated in it.
Chennai: Actor Allu Arjun's latest Telugu action-drama "Duvvada Jagannadham" aka "DJ" has joined the Rs 100-crore club in just a week since its release, the makers announced on Friday.

In an official poster, the makers confirmed the film has grossed over Rs 100 crore in just a week. Directed by Harish Shankar, the film features Arjun in the role of a Brahmin cook-turned-vigilante. Also starring Pooja Hegde, Rao Ramesh, Subbaraj and Murali Sharma, the film has music by Devi Sri Prasad.



This is the third film for Arjun, post "Race Gurram" and "Sarrainodu", to have joined the Rs 100-crore club. The film is also the third hit in a row for producer Dil Raju and Arjun, who had previously worked in films such as "Arya" and "Parugu".


New Delhi: Japan's space achievements have been enough to put the country on the list of pioneers where space discoveries are concerned.

However, the race to become the best in what one does is perpetually on the go and Japan doesn't seem like one to give up.

The Asian space race is about to get more intense as Japan has decided to up its game by announcing its plans to plant a man on the moon by 2030.

As per a new proposal by the government's Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), it is the first time Japan has decided to send Japanese astronauts beyond the International Space Station (ISS) to become a part of an international mission.

In 2016, China disclosed its intentions to send a man to the moon by 2036 as well as plans to land a rover on Mars by 2020.

Meanwhile, India planted the tricolour on the moon in 2008, making it the fourth country to do so and has plans to land a second unmanned probe on the lunar surface by mid-2018.

According to the Daily Mail, JAXA's moon mission was proposed to a panel at Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology this week, which is responsible for directing the country's space exploration.

A JAXA spokesperson told CNN the plan wasn't to send an exclusively Japanese rocket to the Moon, which would be extremely costly.

They said the proposal was for JAXA to contribute to a multinational manned lunar probe by contributing technology, which would grant Japan a spot on the mission.

The spokesperson told CNN a plan for Japan's future space exploration would be released by the panel in time for Japan's International Space Exploration Forum in March 2018.
New Delhi: Today, the 30th of June, is observed as International Asteroid Day  an annual global event that aims to raise awareness about asteroids and what can be done to protect the Earth.

NASA is marking the event with a special television program featuring the agencys Planetary Defense Coordination Office and other projects working to find and study near-Earth objects (NEOs) at noon EDT Friday, June 30, beginning at 9 a.m. PDT.

The special program will be aired on NASA Television and the agencys website.

NASA says the broadcast is a part of a 24-hour Asteroid Day program from Broadcasting Center Europe, beginning at 9 p.m. June 29 (1 a.m. June 30 GMT) and streaming online at:

https://asteroidday.org/live

"At NASA, every day is an asteroid day, but we value the international collaboration for a designated day to call attention to the importance of detecting and tracking hazardous asteroids," said Planetary Defense Officer Lindley Johnson at NASA Headquarters.

NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office is responsible for finding, tracking and characterising potentially hazardous asteroids and comets coming near Earth. It issues warnings about possible impacts, while also assisting coordination of US government response planning, should there be an actual impact threat.

Asteroid Day is held on the anniversary of the June 30, 1908 Siberian Tunguska event, the most harmful known asteroid-related event on Earth in recent history.
Restrictions have been imposed in five police stations in downtown (old city) areas of Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

By Press Trust of India: Authorities today imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar as a precautionary measure against protests by separatist groups over the US' decision to declare Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a "global terrorist".

Restrictions have been imposed in five police stations in downtown (old city) areas of Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

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They said the curbs were in force in areas under the jurisdictions of police stations Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal.

The order to impose restrictions on the assembly of people under section 144 of the CrpC was issued by district magistrate (deputy commissioner) Srinagar as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident, the officials said.

Separatists in Kashmir and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir- based United Jihad Council (UJC) have called for protests after Friday prayers today against the US' decision to declare Salahuddin as a global terrorist.

In a statement issued here yesterday, the separatists said, "This unjustified move by the US government to appease Government of India and their (US) silence regarding the oppression and human rights situation in Kashmir, is not acceptable to the people of Kashmir who will strongly protest against it across the valley post Friday prayers".

The statement issued jointly by chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and JKLF chief Mohammad Yasin Malik said protests will also be held against the "illegal and arbitrary" arrests and detention of the separatist leaders, activists and youth and raid on homes across the Valley.

The UJC, a conglomerate of over a dozen militant groups active in the valley, also called for protests after Friday prayers against the US government's decision.

Also Read:

US designates Hizbul Mujahideen Chief Syed Salahuddin as global terrorist

Traders funding separatists to fuel violence in Jammu and Kashmir under NIA scanner

Jammu and Kashmir separatists warn of dire consequences after NIA raids

--- ENDS ---
Madurai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Friday formally inaugurated the birth centenary celebrations of AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran.

Speaking on the occasion here, he said MGR, even after his death, was living among the people and for the people.

"It was MGR who cultivated revolutionary thoughts among the people and now we will celebrate his birth centenary in the same way that late chief minister and Puratchi Thalaivi (revolutionary leader) Jayalalithaa wanted to celebrate," he said.

The chief minister said the integrated Mattuthavani bus- stand at Madurai will be named after MGR.

Besides drinking water would be brought from Periyar dam and it will quench the thirst of the Madurai people for the next sixty years, he said.

Palaniswami also inaugurated a photo exhibition organised in connection with the centenary celebrations.

He said the centenary of the former chief minister would be celebrated in all the districts in the state.

State Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal presided over the function where welfare assistance was also distributed to beneficiaries.

The chief minister also distributed prizes for those who participated in competitions held here in connection with the celebrations.

The state government has announced a six month-long celebration of the birth centenary of the AIADMK founder with Palaniswami presiding over it.

The events will culminate in a "grand celebration" scheduled in Chennai in January next year, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) had said.

A series of events had been scheduled starting June 30 to December 30, before the "grand" valedictory slated in January.

Palaniswami had earlier invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the valedictory of the birth centenary celebrations of Ramachandran, popularly known as

MGR, a former chief minister and a Bharat Ratna recipient.

Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, leading the AIADMK's rival Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction, has also invited Modi for the birth centenary celebrations of Ramachandran, tentatively scheduled in October.
New Delhi: Telephone bills and mobile handset prices will go up from July 1 when the new Goods and Services Tax regime kicks in, raising incidence of taxation on the telecom sector.

The GST Council today finalised 18 per cent tax on services rendered by telecom operators against 15 per cent at present.

This translates into a Rs 3 increase on a Rs 100 recharge or a monthly rental but revenue secretary Hasmukh Adhia insisted that consumers will not burdened if telecom companies were to take into account the benefit of input tax credit they will get under GST.

However the industry said tax as a matter of principle is a pass through to consumers, and any increase in incidence of taxation will reflect in the monthly bills.

Mobile industry body COAI Director General Rajan S Mathews expressed disappointment with the GST rate announced for telecom.

"We had submitted to the government that consideration must be given to the present financial condition of the sector and any rate beyond the existing rate of 15 per cent makes the telecom services more expensive for the consumer," he said.

The debt-ridden telecom sector, which is looking for a bailout package, said the telecom services will become expensive for consumers and have impact on governments project like digital India, digital payments etc.

At present, telecom consumers are charged 15 per cent in form of tax and cess over their phone bills.

Consumer will not get upfront relief from the refund rules, the industry insisted.

"You have to differentiate between impact of GST on companies and consumers. Companies may or may not structure their tariff as per provision of refund but customers will have to pay 18 per cent tax everytime bill is generated so consumers will be hit under GST," Mathews said.

The double whammy for consumers also includes an extra outgo of 4-5 per cent on mobile phones in majority of the states.

As per mobile phone industry body, Indian Cellular Association (ICA), there are 36 jurisdiction in the country which includes 29 states and seven union territories. In 30 of these territories, the tax on mobile phones will nearly double to 12 per cent leading to an increase in the prices.

Three states- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh - which account for 25 per cent of pan India sales, have tax in the range of 12.5-16 per cent.

In these locations discounts are already offered to counter grey market products and hence any change in prices is unlikely, an industry source said.

"While we are partially relieved that we are at 12 per cent rate, it would be more appropriate to put mobile phones at the 5 per cent rate so that the benefits of digital revolution could be savoured by our 1.2 billion citizens," ICA, National President, Pankaj Mohindroo said.

The handset prices will rise in places where tax incidence is up to 6 per cent. Such locations account for 66 per cent of the total sales.

The rest comes from states or UTs where current tax slab is in the range of 8-9 per cent. These areas could possibly see rise in the mobile phone prices.
Lucknow: After several reports on the lack of facilities at government-run hospitals in Uttar Pradesh, here comes the news of a doctor coming in a drunken state on the duty and creating a ruckus at a hospital.

Several attendants of patients, who were present at the hospital, captured on camera the antics of a doctor who had come drunk on duty at a government hospital in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh and shared it on the social media.

In the video, the inebriated doctor is seen creating a ruckus at the emergency ward of the hospital while a host of patients and their companions were waiting for their turn to get medical help. At one point in time, the doctor is also seen giving a lecture to those waiting there on Hindu-Muslim status.

The doctor is seen blabbering words in Hindi in the video which are difficult to decipher.

As soon as the officials present there saw people filming the incident on their camera, they tried to take him out of the emergency ward. However, in spite of repeated attempts by his colleagues, the doctor refused to budge an inch and continued with his lecture.

The video of the doctor has now gone viral on the social media.

When contacted, a management official of the hospital told Zee News that in the past, the doctor has been reprimanded several times about his 'getting drunk on the duty' habit. The management is planning to take an action against the doctor over dereliction of duty.

Watch the video here:
Shahjahanpur: Little did this groom know that shaking a leg at his own wedding would upset his bride so much that she would call off the marriage.

The Times of India quoted witnesses as saying that Anubhav Mishra, in an inebriated state, started dancing on `Nagin` beats. Priyanka Tripathi, 23, found Mishra's attempt so embarrassing that she called off the wedding just before rituals were to start.

The efforts of the Mishra's family to convince Tripathi went in vain.

Tripathi was all set to tie the knot with Mishra in Shahjahanpur city. On the big day, Mishra was about to formally welcomed by the bride's family when he started grooving on a `Nagin song' being played by the DJ. As he began dancing, his friends showered currency notes on him. Mishra's moves, meanwhile, left the bride's family in utter shock.

Finally, the marriage was cancelled.
Varanasi: A watchman has been arrested for allegedly raping a 65-year-old French woman who had been living for a year in a rented accommodation here, police said on Friday.

Om Prakash was arrested yesterday from his brother's house in Mirzapur district.

The watchman, who worked in the survivor's rented place in Shooltankeshwar area, is believed to have quietly entered her room on Wednesday night. When she resisted, he beat her up and snatched her mobile phone, said senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nitin Tiwari.

He fled from the scene after that.

The French national, a regular visitor to Varanasi for a decade, is undergoing treatment at a hospital where her health condition is stable.

She was associated with a city-based NGO that worked for differently-abled persons and those from the marginalised sections.

Based on her complaint yesterday, an FIR was registered against the accused under IPC sections 376(rape) and 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), said Tiwari. Prakash has been arrested and sent to jail.

The French activist, who had been staying in Varanasi for a year, was sent for a medical examination. The report is awaited, police said.
Kolkata: Arrested former Calcutta High Court judge CS Karnan has been released from the state-run SSKM hospital and sent back to Presidency jail hospital after his health condition improved.

"His health condition improved and we have decided to release him from the hospital. However, he requires medical supervision," a senior official of the SSKM hospital said.

Karnan was released from the SSKM hospital yesterday night. He was admitted there since June 22 after he had complained of chest pain and uneasiness.

"He is currently at the Presidency correctional home (jail) hospital. Doctors there are keeping an eye on him," a senior official at the correctional home said.

Karnan was sentenced to six months imprisonment on May 9 by the Supreme Court. He had remained untraceable till his arrest.

The SC's seven-judge bench had held him guilty of contempt of court for his comments against the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the higher judiciary.

Karnan had retired earlier this month.
Kabul: At least 15 Taliban militants were killed in airstrikes that struck their hideout in Uruzgan province in Afghanistan, the Defence Ministry said on Friday.



The Afghan Army`s MD-530 helicopters pounded the hideout in Mir Abad locality in Tirin Kot, the provincial capital, on Thursday, the ministry said.



Soldiers also found and safely detonated a car bomb in Kotwali area of the city on the same day, Xinhua news agency reported.
Damascus: At least 20 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in a bombing near the Koniko gas field, the largest one in Syria, a UK-based war monitor said on Friday.

Planes targeted a convoy of extremists around Koniko, in Deir al-Zour province bordering Iraq, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said.

Similar bombings were also reported against the cities of al-Mayadin and Deir al-Zour, reports Efe news.
By PTI: joint statement

(Eds: Updating with fresh inputs)

By Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Jun 30 (PTI) Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today expressed his disappointment over the "complete silence" in the Indo-US joint statement on the "atrocities" in Kashmir and asked the Foreign Ministry to "proactively highlight" the human rights violations in the Valley.

Sharif visited the Foreign Ministry and undertook a comprehensive review of the foreign policy priorities in the wake of the recent developments in and around Pakistan and the emerging global and regional scenario.

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He "underscored the importance of securing peace and stability in the region through sustained dialogue," the prime ministers office said in a statement.

Sharif also "reiterated his priority for a peaceful neighbourhood and resolution of disputes through dialogue".

On the Kashmir issue, Sharif asked the ministry "to proactively highlight the serious human right violations being committed in Kashmir and the denial of the right of self- determination to Kashmiris".

"He expressed his disappointment over the complete silence in the US-India joint statement on the atrocities being committed by the Indian Security Forces against innocent Kashmiris," the statement said.

Sharif also underscored the high importance that Pakistan attached to its continued partnership with the US.

He asked the ministry to prepare initiatives on Afghanistan and building economic and trade linkages to promote Pakistans development.

He recalled his meeting with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and their agreement to evolve a bilateral and quadrilateral mechanism for controlling cross- border terrorism.

Sharif also appreciated Pakistans all-weather ally Chinas role for improving Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

He emphasised the importance of highlighting the unmatched contributions and sacrifices made by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and of projecting Pakistans soft image.

Pakistan should progressively end its reliance on foreign assistance and funding by developing and generating its own resources, Sharif said.

He said that the trade, investment and scientific collaboration should be the strategic pillars of Pakistans foreign policy.

Taking a note of the virtual suspension of medical visas by India, especially for those needing urgent transplants, Sharif directed that urgent steps be taken to provide such medical facilities across Pakistan at reasonable prices.

In this regard, he also directed that a volunteer roster of medical professionals from amongst overseas Pakistani doctors be developed to complement the existing human resource in Pakistan.

Earlier, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, in his welcome remarks recounted the important achievements made in the Foreign Policy realm under the Prime Minister?s stewardship.

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Sharif expressed satisfaction over the status of strategic partnership with China and the launch of USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, reviving the strategic dialogue with the US, strong relations with Russia, major improvement in relations with Central Asia culminating in Pakistans membership of SCO.

Sharif said that these achievements were facilitated by "significant gains" made in fighting terrorism and in achieving economic turnaround.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in her presentation talked about the challenges Pakistan was facing in key areas including Afghanistan, India and the US.

She also briefed Sharif on the recent developments in the Middle East.

The meeting was held days after the US designated Syed Salahuddin, chief of Hizbul Mujahideen, as a "terrorist" on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Washington earlier this week.

During Modis visit to the US, India and the US vowed to strengthen cooperation against terror outfits like Jaish-e- Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba and D-Company, while asking Pakistan to ensure that its soil is not used for terror strikes against other nations.

In a joint statement released after talks between Modi and President Donald Trump, the two nations called on Islamabad to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups."

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The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and senior officials of the foreign office among others. PTI SH NSA CPS AKJ CPS

--- ENDS ---
Thimphu: The recent jostling near the China-India-Bhutan border marks an uptick in tensions.

The pertinent question is to ask whether there is any specific reason as to why China is taking this course of action at this particular juncture.

It is, of course, difficult to pry into the inner thinking of the Chinese leadership and of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), but it is undeniable that the military and border defence troops are under the close control of the Chinese authorities and the Communist Party.

Considering that few plaudits are given to officers who show remarkable initiative - for the PLA adores conformity and the ability to follow party orders - this is presumably a confrontation that has been sanctioned by a higher military command, instead of just being something started by overenthusiastic troops on the ground and which got out of hand.

Looking at it from the broadest angle, tensions in the East China Sea and even the South China Sea, have been relatively quiet in recent months, so China likely feels confident about pushing the envelope elsewhere for a season.

Maritime territorial areas plus the perennial "problem" of Taiwan have long been the focus for China, but it has not completely forgotten other spheres either.

Indeed, it is some time since there was a serious confrontation along the Sino-Indian border, so this serves as a timely warning to keep Delhi on its toes and in its place.

This is not an isolated incident either, as there has been a pattern of increased PLA activity in the area.

China has been constructing a new road in the Sikkim sector, and satellite imagery seems to confirm that part of it intrudes across Bhutan's border.

M Taylor Fravel, an associate professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a member of its Security Studies Program, tweeted, "After border face-off, China justifies construction of road in Sikkim sector, says area not under border disputes.

"As is usual with China, the country is skillful at turning around its own misdemeanors to instead accuse others of wrongdoing. This explains Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang's comments, "As per this treaty, the area over which the Indian Army has raised objection is undoubtedly located on the Chinese side of the border."

He continued, "The liability lies totally with the Indian side. The Indian troops crossed the Sikkim section into China's territory against our mutual recognition."Lu continued, "Donglong is part of China's territory. This is indisputable. The Donglong area has belonged to China since ancient times and does not belong to Bhutan. If India wants to raise an issue with this part, I should say that it does not belong to Bhutan nor does it belong to India. So we have complete legal basis for this. China's construction of road projects is just a legitimate and normal action on its territory. No other country has the right to interfere."

Of course, China is keen on driving a wedge between India and Bhutan, so it has been quick to blame India for the tensions, and has told it to stop interfering.However, Lu did not seem to see the irony in his comment: "We hope countries can respect the sovereignty of Bhutan. Though the boundary between China and Bhutan has not been delimited, no third party should interfere in this matter and make any irresponsible remarks or action."

Does this advice not also apply to China, whose road-building activities have obviously been irresponsible as they created tensions?

In typical fever-pitched Global Times style, the Chinese newspaper said, "Indian troops' provocation brings disgrace to themselves". It continued, "It remains unclear whether this flare-up is the fault of low-level Indian troops or a tentative strategic move made by the Indian government."

Again, this is typical smear tactics from Chinese media, where all publications must toe the party line.

Naturally this op-ed was full of rhetoric such as this: "Whatever the motive is, China must stick to its bottom line. It must force the Indian troops to retreat to the Indian side by all means necessary and China's road construction mustn't be stopped."

It can be useful reading such opinions as it reveals the typical arguments and narratives that the Chinese love to use in many different contexts.

Unfortunately, the irony of accusing India of public propaganda is completely lost on China with statements like this: "However, almost all frictions are fed to the Indian media by the Indian military which they hype time and again."

They just shot themselves in the foot.The op-ed also referenced India's growing "sense of strategic superiority" and that it is being used as a pawn by American, Japanese and Western powers to counterbalance China's peaceful rise.

China has long exhibited a chip on its shoulder about its historical treatment by the West, so it is no surprise to see this brought into the equation.

Yet Chinese arrogance and its own "sense of strategic superiority" was immediately exposed in a subsequent paragraph when the Global Times said, "India cannot afford a showdown with China on border issues. It lags far behind China in terms of national strength and the so-called strategic support for it from the US is superficial.India's GDP is only one-quarter of China's and its annual defense budget is just one-third."

Then, of course, the olive branch - grasped in an iron fist - "China has no desire to confront India. Maintaining friendly ties with New Delhi is Beijing's basic policy. But this must be based on mutual respect."

And this, "It's not time for India to display arrogance toward China. Having a friendly relationship and cautiously handling border issues with China is its best choice.

"China is annoyed that India is building up infrastructure - slowly, it must be pointed out - along its side of the Line of Actual Control, including in Sikkim.

The irony of China being far ahead in terms of infrastructure such as roads and military fortifications seems lost on the Chinese.

This is another typical case of "Do as I say and not as I do".

These arguments are all so typical of China, and the first thing the Indian Government needs to do is to understand how China thinks and operates.

China is also adept at playing the poor victim, so its protest to India about Indian troops "crossing the boundary" are unsurprising.

Holding future visits of Indian pilgrims to Kailash Mansarovar to ransom is another typical Chinese ploy.

This dispute at the tri-border juncture does seem yet another Chinese land grab.

Indeed, this is part of its favoured strategy of "salami slicing," and it follows precisely what Beijing did in the South China Sea.

There the country grabbed reefs, reclaimed them and built military installations on them, all the while continuing to broadcast its message that this was all legitimate, it was for peaceful purposes and that no other country had a right to interfere because it was China's "indisputable sovereign territory".

This is the numbing refrain that China uses over and over again.

China also uses its citizens - farmers and grazers in the case of the Indian border, or fishermen in the South China Sea - as its vanguard. Once these civilians have established a presence, this paves the way for more permanent fixtures and eventually a military presence to "protect" its citizens in their now "historic territories".

All the while, China continues to slice off more pieces of territory for itself and gain a permanent presence, something about which weaker and smaller competitors cannot do anything.

It is using exactly the same modus operandi along its disputed border with India.

This is why the Indian government needs to show determined resolve, and to also make sure that it publicly highlights the strategy that China is utilising.

China has absolutely no sense of shame in what it is doing, and it will take every advantage if allowed to do so.

This deliberate strategy by China to bite by bite eat away at Indian territory is proving successful.

One recent report indicated that India has lost nearly 2,000km of territory to PLA encroachments over the past decade alone.

Sure, China is not gaining land through the use of bullets and guns, but it is achieving the same level of success.

Even in the South China Sea, the decrees of international law and the might of the USA have done little to thwart or even slow down Chinese expansionism.

A lack of border fighting should not be construed as victory for India for this plays straight into China's chosen strategy.

Accommodation to China's incremental advances has to stop, and India must stand up for itself or it risks accelerated land grabs from Chinese troops.

China has behaved similarly with Vietnam in recent days.

General Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, made a two-day visit to Hanoi on June 18-19 and was then supposed to accompany Vietnam Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich for joint military patrols along the Sino-Vietnam land border from June 20-22.

However, Fan abruptly cancelled the latter, citing "reasons related to working arrangements".

However, the real reason is more likely to be disagreements over renewed oil and gas exploration, with Vietnam refusing to accede to Chinese demands that it halt all exploration within China's so-called "nine-dash line".

Two areas, Blocks 118 and 136, are at the center of the dispute as Vietnam explores for undersea hydrocarbon deposits.

Ironically, though, China continues to explore for oil and gas around the Gulf of Tonkin and the Paracel Islands, the possession of which is bitterly disputed by Vietnam.

China is also annoyed at Vietnam's rapprochement with the USA.

The latter handed over an ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter to Hanoi last month.

Plus the two sides have promised greater intelligence sharing, which no doubt encompasses activities in the South China Sea.

Tokyo has also been supporting Vietnam with maritime security equipment and boats too.

There are other things that have irked China in recent times that may have combined to encourage China to act now along the Indian border.

One was the meeting between Modi and Trump earlier this week, and China would have been keen to divert Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention from this summit.

Speculatively, China may have felt the need to gain revenge for the Dalai Lama's April visit to Arunachal Pradesh too.

Another factor that could be at play is the White House's approval of the sale of 22 non-weaponised MQ-9B Guardian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to India on 21 June.

Although the proposed sale is yet to receive congressional approval, a green light seems assured.

Although the Guardian is unarmed, Washington's willingness to sell the platform confirms that India is viewed as a strategic partner of the USA.

What is notable, ANI has learned, is China's objections to the sale.

Before Washington gave approval, Pakistan had to express that it had no objections to such a sale to India.

An industry source confirmed that Pakistan was okay with it, but that the greatest opposition has been coming from China.

In fact, the source said Beijing was 'upset' about it.

There are probably a couple of reasons for this. One is that the PLA Navy has been making more regular forays into the Indian Ocean, and obviously it opposes any upgrade in Indian maritime surveillance capabilities. Guardian UAVs based at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, for example, would be able to monitor Chinese naval vessels transiting the Malacca Strait.

Another reason is that China, which has been achieving notable sales successes for medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs such as the Wing Loong, will now face more serious competition for future sales around the world.

Indeed, China has created something of a global chokehold because of tight export controls in the USA, but a sale to India could mark the beginning of a relaxation in American export restrictions.

Another thing upsetting to China is India's willingness to sell the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to Vietnam.

Just as it has vociferously opposed the US Army deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in South Korea, so Beijing will obstinately oppose any prospective Indian missile sale to Hanoi.

Perhaps this current border dispute is a confluence of many factors, and it cannot be pinned directly to a single one.

Certain, though, is the fact that it is part of China's broader desire to build military and dual-use infrastructure along its mountainous border, which reflects Beijing's overarching strategy of taking over additional slices of disputed territory wherever and whenever it can.
Brussels: A chemical weapons watchdog confirmed on Friday that sarin gas had been used in the April attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun that left over 100 people dead.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) published a report based on evidence collected during a fact-finding mission that confirmed the use of the deadly gas in the April 4 attack, the Guardian reported.

The attack on the town in the country`s Idlib province was the most deadly in Syria`s civil war in more than three years. It prompted a US missile strike on a Syrian airbase which, Washington said, was used to launch the gas attack.

The report also found that hexamine -- a known component of the Syrian regime`s stockpiles -- was contained in samples taken from the scene and from the blood and urine of victims.

The OPCW said its mandate was solely to determine whether chemical weapons were used in the attack which killed more than 100 people.

Russia`s Foreign Ministry called the OPCW report "biased" and based on "doubtful evidence".

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he had "absolutely no doubt the finger points at the Assad regime", the daily reported.

"The exact responsibility for dropping the sarin will now go to a joint investigative mechanism to be confirmed," he said.

Ahmet Uzumcu, the Director General of the OPCW, said the atrocity wholly contradicted the norms enshrined in the chemical weapons convention.

"The perpetrators of this horrific attack must be held accountable for their crimes," he said.

An OPCW investigating team was deployed within 24 hours of the attack on April 4, though for security reasons they could not visit its site in Khan Sheikhoun, in the northern Idlib region.

"A rigorous methodology was employed for conducting an investigation of alleged use of chemical weapons that took into account corroboration between interviewee testimonies, open-source research, documents, and other records," an OPCW statement said.

The watchdog`s executive council must now analyse the report, which has been sent to the United Nations Security Council.

The joint UN and OPCW investigating mechanism was established after a Security Council resolution was passed in August 2015 to identify the individuals, entities, groups and governments that use, organise or promote the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
Washington: China is not doing enough on North Korea which continues to violate international norms by conducting nuclear and missile tests, the White House has said.

"I don't think China is doing enough now because the problem is not resolved. So the question is, how much more must we do together to address this, short of a military solution," US National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster said at a news conference.

"So that's the kind of discussions that we will continue to have with the Chinese leadership as we work together with them -- not pressuring them -- but working with them," McMaster said.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Germany next week.

He said it should not really be about pressuring China but about working with China in common interests.

During their talks in Florida Trump and XI agreed on a joint objective of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

"That's a solid basis to work together on. There's a lot more to be done, however. The President has said that he will not tolerate a North Korean regime that can target the US, that can reach the US with a nuclear weapon. He just won't tolerate it," he said.

"So what we have is a commitment to deliver to him a broad range of options and to do our best to work with everyone, including China, on this. So it's not a question of pressuring China. It's a question of working with China to do more about this problem so it doesn't get to everybody wants to avoid," the top White House official said.

There was speculation earlier this year that North Korea was set to provoke Trump with its sixth nuclear test since 2006. However, the reclusive state has instead carried out a series of missile launches

North Korea has in 2016 carried out two nuclear tests and 20 ballistic missile tests, all in violation of international law, according to US authorities.
Bamako: French President Emmanuel Macron is due in Mali on Sunday to consolidate Western backing for a regional anti-jihadist force, as France beefs up its counter-terror operations in the area.

The so-called "G5 Sahel" countries just south of the Sahara -- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger -- have pledged to fight jihadists on their own soil with instability and Islamist attacks on the rise.

Based in Mali, the 5,000-strong G5 Sahel force is designed to bolster the 12,000 UN peacekeepers and France`s own 4,000-strong military operation known as Barkhane operating in the region.

Macron will attend a summit on July 2 with the leaders of the African nations involved, "marking a new step" as the force is formally launched, a source in the French presidency told AFP Thursday.

Operations across Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, all hit with frequent jihadist attacks, would be co-ordinated with French troops, the source said, while help would be given to set up command centres.

The new force will support national armies trying to catch jihadists across porous frontiers.

Macron visited Gao in northern Mali in May, his first foreign visit as president outside Europe, and said French troops would remain "until the day there is no more Islamic terrorism in the region".

France launched an intervention to chase out jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda who had overtaken key northern cities in Mali in 2013.

That mission evolved into the current Barkhane deployment launched in 2014 with an expanded mandate for counter-terror operations across the Sahel.Macron is hoping that the 50 million euros ($57.2 million) the European Union has pledged to the Sahel force will be supplemented by extra support from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States, which already has a drone base in Niger.

The French president will specify the final details of his nation`s support on Sunday, but the focus is expected to be on help with equipment.

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution that welcomes the G5 Sahel deployment but does not grant it UN authorisation, and France was forced to drop a request for a special UN report on financing for the force.

Sources in the French presidency told AFP it wants the Sahel force to be active on the ground by autumn, before looking for wider sources of funding by the end of the year or in early 2018.

The question of funding is sensitive as Chad`s leader Idriss Deby has said that for budgetary reasons his troops cannot serve simultaneously at such high numbers in the UN peacekeeping mission and also in the new force.

Deby and Macron are due to meet on the margins of the Bamako summit to discuss the issue, according the French presidency, as Chad`s military is widely viewed as the strongest of the five Sahel nations.

African Union President Alpha Conde underlined Wednesday that the continent must "take responsibility for the fight against terrorism," echoing the views of Macron`s foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.However, co-operation will remain the by-word as the regional force deploys, just as it has been in recent years.

Macron was keen on his last visit to Mali to promote economic development rather than military might, with hopes that improving the situation of young people would dim the allure of joining jihadist groups.

Conflict in the area is also driven by land disputes, the lack of a functioning state in some areas and poor governance where it is operative, experts say.

In a letter to the Security Council in April, International Crisis Group researchers warned that the benefit of the G5 Sahel force was "unclear" in the context of so many military troops already present in the region.

They said the new deployment "risks aggravating what amounts to a security traffic jam."
Beirut: Islamic State group jihadists recaptured an eastern district of their Syrian bastion Raqa on Friday, a monitor said, rolling back the advance of US-backed fighters.

"IS fully retook Al-Senaa, which was the most important neighbourhood taken by the Syrian Democratic Forces," said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"IS fighters attacked the SDF with suicide bombers and (weaponised) drones, and also used tunnels," he told AFP.

The densely built-up neighbourhood was the closest that the SDF and allied Arab fighters known as the Elite Forces had come to the city centre.

On Thursday, dozens of jihadists disguised in SDF uniforms launched an attack on Al-Senaa from the city centre, carrying out three suicide car bomb attacks and overrunning six SDF positions.

By Friday, the SDF and its allies withdrew from Al-Senaa to the adjacent neighbourhood of Al-Meshleb.

"They are now reinforcing their defensive positions in Al-Meshleb," Abdel Rahman said.

An IS statement published on social media early Friday said its fighters had been locked in "hours-long" clashes with the SDF in Al-Senaa and Al-Meshleb.

The SDF broke into Raqa on June 6 after spending months chipping away at jihadist territory around the city.

With the loss of Al-Senaa, the SDF is left in control of Al-Meshleb and two districts in the west of the city.

On Thursday, the SDF cut off the last escape route for IS from Raqa, trapping the besieged jihadists inside their de facto Syrian capital.

Around 2,500 jihadists are fighting inside Raqa, according to British Major General Rupert Jones, a deputy commander of the US-led coalition backing the SDF.

The United Nations estimates some 100,000 civilians remain in the city, with the jihadists accused of using them as human shields.

Raqa became infamous as the scene of some of the worst IS atrocities, including public beheadings, and is thought to have been a hub for planning attacks overseas.
Mosul: Iraq will declare victory in the eight-month battle to retake second city Mosul from jihadists in the "next few days," a senior commander said on Friday.

"In the next few days, we will announce the final victory over Daesh," Staff Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi told AFP in Mosul, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group.
Mosul: Iraq will declare victory in the eight-month battle to retake second city Mosul from jihadists in the "next few days," a senior commander said on Friday.

"In the next few days, we will announce the final victory over Daesh," Staff Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi told AFP in Mosul, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group.

Iraqi forces launched the gruelling battle for Mosul on October 17, advancing to the city and retaking its eastern side before setting their sights on the smaller but more densely populated west.

IS is now confined to a small area of Mosul's Old City, but its narrow streets and the presence of civilians has made the operation to retake it perilous.

Assadi estimated that there are between 200 and 300 IS fighters left in the city, most of them foreigners.

The battle has taken a heavy toll on civilians, leaving hundreds dead or wounded and displacing hundreds of thousands more.

IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes and other support have since regained much of the territory they lost.
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a high-level meeting of top foreign policy officials to discuss ties with India amid tension with over ceasefire violations in Kashmir.

Radio Pakistan reported that during the meeting Sharif would be briefed about important foreign affairs issues, including ties with India and Afghanistan.

The meeting is being attended amongst others by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and senior officials of the Foreign Office.

The meeting was held amid tensions between India and Pakistan after a number of ceasefire violations in Kashmir for which both sides blame each other.

It comes days after the US declared Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist.
Geneva: Nearly half a million Syrians have returned to their homes so far this year, including 440,000 internally displaced people and more than 31,000 returning from neighbouring countries, the United Nations refugee agency said on Friday.

Most returned to Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Damascus, it said, on the view that security had improved in parts of the country.

"This is a significant trend and a significant number," UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic told a Geneva news briefing

.

"Most of these people are returning to check on properties, to find out about family members... They have their own perceptions about the security situation, real or perceived improvements in areas they returning to."
Kathmandu: The counting of votes for the second round of Nepal local elections began on Friday. Voting took place in three of Nepal's seven provinces on Thursday. More than 62,000 candidates are in the fray.

LIVE updates:

- NC's Bista elected chairman of Baitadi's Surnaya

- CPN (Maoist Centre) wins Rukums Duikhola Rural Municipality

- NC candidate Krishna Bd Chand elected Chairman in Baddikedar Rural Municipality of Doti

- In Dadeldhura: NC wins 3 Rural Municipalities, CPN-UML 1, MC 1; UML and MC leading in one each

- CPN-UML candidates elected chair and vice chair in Tinau Rural Municipality of Palpa

- CPN (Maoist Centre) candidates elected in Rolpa's Thawang

- UML canidate Gopal Bd Thapa leading (1275 votes) in Bijaynagar Rural Municipality, Kapilvastu

- UML canidate Abdul Mojib Khan leading with 424 votes in Sudhodhan Rural Municipality, Kapilvastu

- NC leading in Yasodhara Rural Municipality, Kapilvastu

- SSFN leading in MayaDevi Rural Municipality, Kapilvastu

- NC's Dron Bd Khatri, UML's Radhika Aryal elected chief and deputy chief of Gulmi's Chandrakot RM

- NC canidate Mangal Prasad Tharu leading with 2599 votes in Banaganga Municipality, Kapilvastu

- RPP canidate Shyam Kumar Mishra leading with 948 votes in Krishna Nagar Municipality, Kapilvastu

- Independent canidate Dirgha Narayan Pandey leading with 1082 votes in Maharajgunj Municipality, Kapilvastu

- CPN-UML leading in Sivraj Municipality, Kapilvastu

- NC leading in Buddhabhumi Municipality, Kapilvastu

- Independent candidate Ram Das Gupta leading with 1696 votes in Kapilvastu municipality,Kapilvastu

- NC leading in Lamahi Municipality, Dang

- NC leading in Babai Rural Municipality, Dang

- CPN (MC) leading in Rajapur Municipality, Bardiya

- CPN (MC) leading in Madhuban Municipality, Bardiya

- UML's Dhanalaxmi Khatri (2057 votes) defeated Jayakumari Yedi (2037 votes) in Vice Chairperson post

- UML's Lal Bahadur Bista (2064 votes) defeated Nepali Congress' Rajendra Bahadur Singh (2000 votes) to become chairperson of Talkot

- UML has bagged both Chairperson and Vice Chairperson in Talkot Rural Municipality of Bajhang

- NC leading in Chatradev Rural Municipality, Arghakhanchi

- CPN-UML leading in Sandhikharka municipality, Arghakhanchi

- Nepali Congress is leading in Panini Rural Municipality, Arghakhanchi

- EC proposes holding 3 elections by November 23

- CPN-UML leading in Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan city of Dang district

- NC candidates elected chairperson, vice chairperson of Pratappur Rural Municipality, Nawalparasi

- CPN (MC) sweeps chair,vice chair posts in all rural municipalities of Rukum (Province 5) district

- NC candidates elected chairperson, vice chairperson of Gulmi Durbar Rural Municipality, Gulmi

- NC is leading in three local units - Rapti, Rajpur, Lamahi and MC has won in Banglachuli Rural Municipality of Dang

- In Dang, UML is leading in four local units - Gadawa, Ghorahi, Tulsipur, Dangisharan

- UML is leading in three local units - Gulariya, Badhaiyatal, Basgadi

- In Bardiya, Maoist Centre is leading in four local units -Geruwa, Thakurbaba, Barbardiya, Madhuban

- NC is leading in Kohalpur,Rapti Sonari; UML in Khajura,Janaki,Baijnath; SSFN in Duduwa,Narayanpur & RPP in Nepalgunj Sub-metropolis

- In Banke,UML leading in three local units, NC in two , SSFN in two, RPP in one

- And, NC is leading in Deumai, Phakphokthum,Mangsebung,Suryodaya

- UML is leading in Ilam, Chulachuli, Mai, Maijogmai, Rong, Sandakpur

- In Ilam, UML is leading in six local units, Nepali Congress in four

- Phase II local polls: Parties in metropolis and sub-metropolises

- CPN (MC) leader Bhakta Bahadur Oli elected mayor of Bangalachuli Municipality in Dang.

- CPN (MC) leader Ram Sur Bud Magar elected chairperson of Bhume Rural Municipality, Rukum.

- Rastriya Janarmorcha registers win in Mallarani rural municipality, Pyuthan.

- UMLs panel wins in Kankai-1, Jhapa.

- CPN (MC) wins chairperson post in Solukhumbu's Mahakulung.

- CPN (MC) leader OM Prasad Gharti elected chairperson of Putha Uttar Ganga Rural Municipality, Rukum

- According to The Kathmandu Post NC has won chairperson and vice chairperson post at Gulmi Durbar village council in Gulmi.

PROVINCE 7 - Nepali Congress wins two, leads in 29 seats. CPN-UML grabs two and ahead in 21. Maoist Kendra and Rashtriya Prajatantra lead in 16 and two seats respectively.

PROVINCE 5 - CPN-UML ahead in 42, Nepali Congress and Maoist Kendr are in 32 and 16 respectively. While Others are leading in two, Rashtriya Prajatantra lags far behind.

PROVINCE 1 - CPN-UML wins one seat and leading in 56. Maoist Kendra wins one, leads in 11. Nepali Congress is yet to open account, leading in 54. Others are leading in 4. Rashtriya Prajatantra is performing poorly.

- Nepali Congress is leading in 54, but is yet to grab a seat.

- Malist Kendra Paty is leading in one seat.

- CPN (Maoist Centre) ward chairperson candidate of Sisne Village Council-6 of Rukum Sudhan Regmi has won by defeating Nepali Congress-CPN-UML alliance candidate

Nepal local elections: Second round

Nepal on Wednesday voted in the second round of local elections with 70.5 percent turnout.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba thanked his countrymen for the successful completion of the first local-level polls in two decades.

The local elections -- the first in Nepal since 1997 -- mark an attempt by the government to restore democracy in the country hit by a decade-long civil war that ended in 2006 and years of instability after the monarchy was abolished in 2008.

71 percent voter turnout was recorded in the first phase of local level elections on May 14.
Five people were injured in clashes with the security forces in Kashmir's Shopian district on Saturday afternoon following inputs about the presence of militants in the area.

By Ashraf Wani: Five people were injured in clashes with the security forces in Kashmir's Shopian district on Saturday afternoon following inputs about the presence of militants in the area.

As the area was being cordoned off, some youths assembled there and started pelting the security forces with stones that led to clashes.

Cops had to resort to teargas and pellets to disperse the protesters, causing injuries to five people.

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The security forces concluded their search operations without any success as the militants believed to be hiding in the area managed to flee.

Later in the day, protests broke out in Shermal village of Pulwama district also hampering search and cordon operations of the Army and the police.

Also read | Protests, clashes with forces follow Eid prayers in Kashmir, 10 civilians injured

Also read | Kashmir: Terrorists likely to target Amarnath Yatra, say intel reports

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
Raqqa: Sheen Ibrahim`s track record fighting ultra-hardline militants explains U.S. President Donald Trump`s policy of arming Syrian Kurds like her as he seeks to eradicate Islamic State. It also highlights the risks.

Taught by her brother to fire an AK-47 at 15 and encouraged by her mother to fight for Syrian Kurdish autonomy, she says she has killed 50 people since she took up arms in Syria`s six-year-old civil war, fighting first al Qaeda, then crossing into Iraq to help Kurds there against Islamic State.

Now 26, she leads a 15-woman unit hunting down the hardline group in its global headquarters Raqqa, speeding through streets once controlled by the militants in a pick-up truck as fellow fighters comb through ruined buildings for booby traps.

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), spearheaded by the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, have taken several parts of the northern Syrian town since their assault began this month.

This week U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis said Washington may arm the SDF for future battles against Islamic State while taking back weapons it no longer needs.

The plan is the "headline" of a still-unfinished stabilisation plan for Syria by the Trump administration, said a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The risk is that it causes new instability in a war in which outside powers are playing ever larger roles.

The U.S.-YPG relationship has infuriated Syria`s northern neighbour Turkey, a NATO ally which says the YPG is an extension of the Kurdish Workers Party, or PKK, designated terrorist by both Ankara and Washington for its insurgency against the Turkish state.

Turkey has sent troops into Syria, partly to attack Islamic State, but also to keep the YPG, which controls Kurdish-populated areas of northern Syria, from moving into an Arab and Turkmen area that would give it control of the whole frontier.

On Wednesday Ankara said its artillery had destroyed YPG targets after local Turkish-backed forces came under attack.

Turkey has recently sent reinforcements into Syria, according to the rebel groups it backs, prompting SDF concern it plans to attack Kurdish YPG forces. The SDF warned on Thursday of a "big possibility of open, fierce confrontation".

"WE`LL DO WHAT WE CAN"

Syrian Kurdish leaders say they want autonomy in Syria, like that enjoyed by Kurds in Iraq, rather than independence or to interfere in neighbouring states. They say Turkish warnings that YPG weapons could end up in PKK hands are unjustified.

We were the victims of the nation state model and we have no desire to reproduce this model," said Khaled Eissa, European representative of the PYD, the YPG`s political affiliate.

Ibrahim and other fighters interviewed by Reuters said they were not terrorists but would stand up to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey is fighting us," Ibrahim said. "Anyone who fights us, we will fight."

Washington is working to calm tensions over its relationship with the YPG, which is also backed by Russia. "There is absolute transparency between Turkey and the United States on that subject," said Major General Rupert Jones, the British deputy commander of the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State.

But disarmament will not be easy, judging by the comments of YPG fighters on the ground. "We will not give up our weapons," said a sniper aiming at Islamic State positions, who only gave her first name, Barkaneurin. "We need them to defend ourselves."

Fellow fighter Maryam Mohamed agreed. "Erdogan is our biggest enemy, we cannot hand over our weapons," she said.

One of the U.S. officials said Washington did not know exactly how many weapons the YPG has because some Arabs had joined its ranks, taking U.S.-supplied weapons with them, when their groups suffered setbacks on the battlefield.

Loyalties are as variable as the battle lines and sometimes follow them," the official said.

Asked about weapons recovery, Mattis, in his first public remarks on the issue, said: "We`ll do what we can," while YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud emphasised the target was Islamic State. "We are fighting a global terrorist group," he said.

Battlefield victory is tantalisingly close. U.S.-backed forces in neighbouring Iraq announced on Thursday they had retaken Mosul, Islamic State`s largest stronghold and the twin capital, with Raqqa, of the "caliphate" it declared in 2014.

But the U.S. official and two others who also declined to be named, noted other huge obstacles to stabilising Syria they said the administration was papering over.

Rebuilding Raqqa will need billions of dollars and an unprecedented level of compromise among groups long hostile to each other, all three officials said. One said Iranian forces backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were poised to exploit any setbacks.

Kurds are spearheading the attack on Raqqa, but a mainly Arab force is planned to maintain security in the overwhelmingly Arab town thereafter.

While Kurds and Arabs fight side by side against Islamic State, with the militants` self-proclaimed caliphate shrinking, competition for territory will intensify.

We are getting ourselves into the middle of another potential mess we dont understand, one of the U.S. officials said.
Quetta: A Balochistan journalist has been arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for allegedly criticising national institutions on social media.

The Express Tribune quoted FIA officials as saying, Zafarullah Achakzai, who reports for the Qudrat daily newspaper, was taken under custody under Prevention of Cyber Act 2016.

According to the report, he was produced in the court of judicial Magistrate after the arrest.

The court has remanded Zafarullah for six days judicidial custody to FIA.

Zafarullah's father Naimatullah Achakzai, who is Qudrat's editor-in-chief, said the security forces personnel had blocked the entire area before arresting his son.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) and other newspapers bodies expressed serious concern over Zafarullah''s arrest.

They said the proper journalists bodies should have been contacted by the concerned authorities if there was any complaint against Zafarullah.
Manila: Rodrigo Duterte ends his first year as Philippine president on Friday as a hugely popular leader, after taking Filipinos on a promised "rough ride" of drug war killings and foreign policy U-turns.

Duterte has been heavily criticised for his unprecedented crackdown on drugs, which has claimed thousands of lives, and he marks 12 months in office enduring the biggest crisis of his rule as Islamist militants occupy parts of a southern city.

The 72 year-old has also upended decades of foreign policy stability, launching verbal bombs against traditional ally the United States while steering the Philippines closer to authoritarian regimes in China and Russia.

Yet an overwhelming majority of Filipinos support him, according to a series of surveys by pollsters over the past 12 months, with the most recent one showing 75 percent were satisfied with his administration`s performance.

"People like the man," Ricardo Abad, head of sociology and anthropology at Ateneo University in Manila, told AFP, referring to Duterte`s decisive leadership style.

"People may disagree with his policies, or are maybe ambivalent towards them, but because they like him, people will tend to give him the benefit of the doubt."

Many people overseas know Duterte for his apparent joy in prosecuting his drug war -- he said he was "happy to slaughter" millions of addicts -- as well as gutter language in which critics are frequently called "sons of whores".

But many Filipinos look past the crass talk and see a down-to-earth, anti-establishment figure who empathises with their struggles and is willing to take extreme actions to make dramatic change across all sectors of society.

"He brought an entirely new style of leadership, which people probably thought we needed," Edmund Tayao, a political science professor at the University of Santo Tomas, told AFP.In his inauguration speech, Duterte typically sought not to sugarcoat his plans for the Philippines.

"The ride will be rough. But come join me just the same," Duterte said.

The roughest part of the ride had for most of the past year been his crackdown on drugs.

Police killed 3,116 drug suspects, according to official figures.

Unknown assailants killed another 2,098 people in drug-related crimes, while there were 8,200 more murders with no known motive, according to the police.

Rights groups and other critics warned Duterte may be orchestrating a crime against humanity, alleging he had unleashed corrupt police and vigilante death squads on a campaign of mass murder.

Duterte had made the drug war the top focus of his presidency until May 23, when gunmen rampaged through the southern city of Marawi flying black flags of the Islamic State group.

He immediately imposed martial law across the southern third of the Philippines, home to roughly 20 million people, to quell what he said was an IS bid to establish a local caliphate.

But despite a relentless bombing campaign backed by the United States, Duterte`s military has been unable to dislodge the militants. The fighting has claimed more than 400 lives, according to the government, and it shows no signs of ending.Another example of Duterte`s popularity is his "super majority" in the lower house of congress, where there are just seven opposition members in the 296-member chamber.

Even one of the opposition lawmakers, Edcel Lagman, offered grudging praise this week.

"Despite his unpresidential demeanour, profane language, abusive rhetoric and flawed policy statements, President Rodrigo Duterte, in his own inscrutable way, has held the nation together," he said.

But Lagman said, with Duterte`s promises of "change" yet to become reality, his popularity had started to slide.

If that is happening, Duterte`s "super majority" could fall apart.

In the Philippines, lawmakers from parties across the political spectrum typically flock to a popular president in the early stages of his or her term.

But the politicians, driven by self-interest rather than ideology, have also in the past quickly jumped off the bandwagon when approval ratings dropped.
Russia: Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov on Friday hits back at the British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon, saying, UK`s new warship HMS Queen Elizabeth is nothing but a "convenient sea target".

This comes after Fallon, while praising the Queen Elizabeth, tried making fun of the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and said, Moscow will look with "envy" on Britain`s new aircraft carrier.

As per the Sputnik, Konashenkov, in response, described the British aircraft carrier as "just a convenient oversized target at sea."

"In contrast, the Admiral Kuznetsov is armed with air defense and anti-submarine weapons, as well as with anti-ship Granit missiles," he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Russian military expert Oleg Ponomarenko, urged the British Defense Secretary to focus on warships` combat capabilities, rather than the beauty of their exteriors.

"It is a very serious weapon. The Queen Elizabeth is also equipped with similar systems but its stock of missiles is insignificant. This British ship is only designed for local conflicts," Ponomarenko said.

Usually, the Russian Defence Ministry relies on submarine warfare rather than carrier groups to project naval power.

The Britain new aircraft, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is a 280-meter (919-foot), 65,000-ton aircraft carrier.

The aircraft, which was built in eight years, left the Scottish port of Rosyth in the early hours of Tuesday to conduct sea trials for a week in the North Sea.

Named after Queen Elizabeth I, the UK`s warship, which is worth 3.0 billion pounds (3.8 billion dollars), is said to be the largest ship in the history of the British naval forces.

Fears have also been raised that this warship of Britain could be vulnerable to cyberattacks. In spite of that Queen Elizabeth has been set out for sea trials with outdated Microsoft Windows XP operating system.
Valais: United Nations chief Antonio Guterres arrived in Switzerland on Friday to give a boost to pivotal talks aimed at reuniting the Mediterranean island of Cyprus after more than four decades of bitter division.

Guterres joins the negotiations in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana as rival Cypriot leaders are under intense international pressure to strike a deal.

A source close to the talks said Guterres would ask Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to take "big and bold" decisions at the summit, which has been billed as the best chance for lasting peace on the island.

"We hope the secretary-general can play a catalytic role in encouraging the sides to finally resolve one of Europe`s last frozen conflicts," the source told AFP.

Cyprus, an EU member, has been divided since 1974 after Turkish troops invaded the island following an Athens-inspired coup attempt seeking a union with Greece.

The northern third later declared itself a separate territory, a move that has been recognised only by Ankara.

Turkey maintains more than 35,000 troops there, and any prospects of reunifying Cyprus rest largely on a drastic reduction of Turkey`s military presence.

A diplomatic source told AFP that Ankara was prepared to slash its troop numbers by as much as 80 percent, but Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu went on national television Thursday to deny a planned pullout. President Nicos Anastasiades, the Greek Cypriot leader who heads the island`s internationally recognised government, and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Mustafa Akinci are representing their respective communities.

They are joined by delegations from Cyprus`s so-called guarantor powers Greece, Turkey and Britain.

UN envoy Espen Barth Eide had met Friday morning with Anastasiades and Akinci to push them to reach a broad-brush agreement ahead of Guterres` arrival.

He has his work cut out for him: Successive UN-backed efforts to solve the 40-year-old standoff have failed to reunite the island.

But officials were optimistic that the Crans-Montana talks may be different.

"We know that the issues that the leaders and the guarantor powers are discussing are quite difficult and security is a concern to both communities on Cyprus," UN foreign affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman told AFP.

"There is a lot that was discussed at the political level that has not been discussed before at these talks."

The Turkish invasion of Cyprus was one of postwar Europe`s bloodiest episodes and its effects are still felt today.

More than 2,000 people are thought to have died in the offensive and massacres carried out by Greek and Turkish Cypriot militias. At least 1,200 are still missing.

Eide has called the Crans-Montana talks the "best chance" for a settlement.

Any negotiated deal will need to be voted through in twin referendums, which is far from a given: In 2004, the last UN-brokered accord was accepted by Turkish-Cypriots but roundly rejected by the island`s Greek speakers.
Beirut: US-backed forces cut off the last escape route for the Islamic State group from Raqa, trapping the besieged jihadists inside their de facto Syrian capital.

But IS fighters hit back with a counterattack that included several suicide bombings against the Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters trying to seize control of the city.

The SDF captured two villages on the southern bank of the Euphrates River that the jihadists had been passing through to withdraw from the city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"The SDF has been able to completely encircle Raqa," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based monitoring group, which relies on a network of sources on the ground.

It was the latest setback for IS, also known as ISIS, which declared its "caliphate" straddling Syria and Iraq three years ago but has since lost most of the territory it once controlled.

It came too as Iraqi forces announced the recapture of an iconic mosque in IS's last major Iraqi bastion Mosul, prompting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to declare "the end" of the "fake" jihadist state.

The SDF, backed by the US-led anti-IS coalition, broke into Raqa on June 6 after spending months chipping away at jihadist territory around the city.

Its fighters have since captured two eastern and two western districts of the city and are pushing towards its centre, where IS fighters are holding tens of thousands of civilians.

Around 2,500 jihadists are fighting in the city, according to British Major General Rupert Jones, a deputy commander for the US-led coalition.

The SDF had surrounded the jihadists from the north, east and west but they were still able to escape across the Euphrates, which forms the southern border of the city.

Yesterday's advance saw SDF fighters capture the villages of Kasrat Afnan and Kasab on the southern bank of the Euphrates, cutting off the route the jihadists were using to withdraw to territory IS controls in the Syrian desert and in Deir Ezzor province.

The SDF has "continued to advance eastward south of the Euphrates River, moving to completely encircle ISIS in Raqa," said Colonel Ryan Dillon, spokesman for the US-led coalition.

"The SDF now control all high-speed avenues of approach into Raqa from the south," he added.

But the jihadists appear determined to make a bloody last stand.

Several dozen jihadists disguised in SDF uniforms launched an attack from the city centre, which they still control, on two districts in the southeast of the city.

They carried out three suicide car bomb attacks, deployed drones armed with explosives, seized six SDF positions and killed several fighters, Abdel Rahman said.

"Even totally besieged, jihadists are able to carry out operations," he added.

The war in Syria, which has seen jihadists, moderate rebels and forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad pitted against each other, has killed more than 320,000 people since the spring of 2011.

A recent fact-finding mission by the UN's chemical watchdog found that sarin was used as a chemical weapon in an April 4 attack in the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun, which killed at least 87 people including many children.

The findings by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), documented in a report partially seen by AFP Thursday, will now be taken up by a joint UN-OPCW panel to determine whether Syrian government forces were behind the attack.

IS overran Raqa in mid-2014 as part of the offensive that saw it seize control of large parts of Syria and Iraq.

The city became infamous as the scene of some of the group's worst atrocities, including public beheadings, and is thought to have been a hub for planning attacks overseas.

The United Nations estimates some 100,000 civilians remain in the city, with the jihadists accused of using them as human shields.

Marking the third anniversary of IS's declaration of a state on June 29, 2014, a leading analysis firm said the jihadists had since lost more than 60 percent of their territory and 80 per cent of their revenue.
Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday that the new US ban on travellers from six Muslim countries was "truly shameful".

"US now bans Iranian grandmothers from seeing their grandchildren, in a truly shameful exhibition of blind hostility to all Iranians," Zarif tweeted.

The temporary ban, which came into force late on Thursday, prevents people from six Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States unless they have a "bone fide" connection to the country.

That includes parents and siblings, but excludes grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles and others.

With more than one million people of Iranian origin living in the US, the legal battle over President Donald Trump`s proposed ban has created months of anxiety for families.



Trump says the 90-day ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen -- and a 120-day ban for refugees -- is necessary to block terrorists from entering the country.

Many Iranian-Americans tweeted with the hashtag #GrandparentsNotTerrorists to voice their opposition.

"This is my lovely grandma... does she look like a terrorist to you?" wrote Elham Khatami, of the Washington-based National Iranian American Council -- one of many who tweeted pictures of their grandparents.
Moscow: President Vladimir Putin has extended Russian counter-sanctions on the European Union until the end of 2018, according to a presidential decree published on Friday.

On Wednesday the EU formally extended its economic sanctions on Russia, imposed in July 2014 in response to Moscow`s annexation of Ukraine`s Crimea region and Moscow`s support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
YEREVAN, JUNE 29, ARMENPRESS. During the Government session on June 29 President Serzh Sargsyan said that the most important criteria of the governments activity will be ensuring transparency, reports Armenpress.

Serzh Sargsyan said he has presented in-detail his vision on the countrys development, short-term, medium-term and long-term problems during his May 18 message addressed to the Parliament and the people.

We together have set up a number of important targets which are reflected in the governments action plan. We must be demanding and not satisfied with what has been achieved, otherwise, we will not move forward. Moreover, at the moment we are in a transition period for reforming the Constitution, and this means that we need to make numerous legislative changes by the end of mid-April 2018. In order to carry out this work we must act purposefully and closely combine the steps of the Government and the Parliament, the President said.

Thereafter, he briefly presented on how the governments action plan must be implemented and added that transparency will be one of the most important criteria of the activity. Each of you must personally set criteria and serve as an example for others. The progress of the field trusted on you, as well as our entire progress depend on you. You should define the dynamism and pace of that progress. In this sense we can draw certain conclusions from the past experience, he added.

According to the President, achievements were recorded in case of those reforms which were consistently explained to the public in-detail, no matter how they were painful, the public understood its importance and accepted them thanks to such work. Perhaps reluctantly from the very start, but they have been accepted. The government members must never be embarrassed to present their activity to the public and explain it to them. At the moment we have to carry out such an important work, the implementation of community consolidation program. We need to consistently explain the necessity of this reform, the need to correctly distribute and effectively manage our scarce resources, Sargsyan said, adding that transparency is not an end in itself.

He said the major goal of it is the elimination of corruption and sponsorship: the state procurement system must be completely under control for the Parliament and the public. Serzh Sargsyan added that now new and quite influential anti-corruption measures are being installed, and they should be combined with the purposeful work.
YEREVAN, JUNE 29, ARMENPRESS. President Serzh Sargsyan attended the Cabinet meeting on June 29. Given the fact that the meeting with the members of the Cabinet was being held in the wake of the National Assemblys approval of the Government program for 2017-2022, the President of the Republic first congratulated the Cabinet members on appointment, then turned to the tasks set before the Executive in the period after the approval of the Government Program for further and consistent implementation. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, Serzh Sargsyan particularly said,

Dear Colleagues,

First of all, of course, I would like to congratulate you all on being appointed to your posts, or to be more precise, on your reappointment as is the case with most of you. Thus, continuity in the proceedings of the Executive has been secured, and there are all necessary prerequisites for successful implementation of the ongoing programs.

In my speech delivered on the occasion of Yerevan Mayors inauguration I underlined that with the election of the Yerevan City Council we wrapped up the electoral campaign in 2017. With the approval of the Government Program, we can usher in the outset of a new round for the executive branch. Our task is to complete this round successfully no turbulences as far as possible.



In the latest elections, the Republican Party of Armenia received the necessary vote of confidence in order to proceed with its work. The mandate that we got was sufficient to form a government consisting solely of Republican ministers. Yet we decided to continue cooperating in the format established previously. With our colleagues from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, we formed a government that I believe to be able to solve the problems set before it.

We will continue to consistently implement the standing programs with a united and solid team. The team will act in unity both in the executive and the legislative, as well as at the local self-governance level. The current composition of the government, led by Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, has my full confidence, as well as the full confidence of our political team.

Meanwhile, I have to stress that neither you nor I, in my capacity of President of Armenia and the leader of the Republican Party of Armenia, have any preconceived stand: we are ready to work with all constructive forces involved in the executive and legislative, the local self-government bodies and even the ones outside these structures.

The only precondition set for cooperation is the respect of the norms of courtesy and integrity. By the way, I should stress that we do not consider criticism as a breach of these norms, especially if it is constructive and is aimed at improving the situation.

Dear Colleagues,

Much has been talked about the things we need to do in the coming years and, therefore, there is no need to get into details again. On May 18, addressing the Parliament and the people of Armenia, I presented in detail my vision for the development of the country, including the short-term, mid-term and long-term problems.

Together, we have set forth a range of important targets that are reflected in the Government Program. We need to be more exacting: we should not be satisfied with what we have already achieved. Otherwise, we will not be able to move ahead.

Besides, we are now in the period of constitutional transformations, which means that until next mid-April we will have to make many legislative changes. In order to successfully push ahead with that task, we need to act in a purposeful manner mediating closely coordinated steps between the Government and the National Assembly.

Now, I consider it necessary to touch on the following issue: which way are we going to implement the Government Program?

Transparency is to be one of the most important criteria of our activities. Not only should it be our work style, but also our combined effort to meet the transformed requirements of the Constitution of Armenia and shape a new political culture.

Each of you should personally set criteria and be a role model for the others. You must ensure progress not only in your respective areas, but also provide for our overall progress. You are going to set the dynamism and the pace of that progress.

In this regard, we can draw a few conclusions from our past experience. Firstly, we were able to record some success in the field of reforms that we have consistently explained to society in all detail. However painful, these programs were perceived as highly important and were accepted by society - perhaps at first with some reluctance - yet accepted. The members of the government should never be reluctant to present and make clear their work to the public.

Another important task for us is to implement the program of community consolidation. We have to explain consistently the necessity of this reform, the need to use correctly and manage effectively our scarce resources.

Secondly, transparency is not an end in itself; and indeed, it is not a means for self-expression. The main goal of transparency is to eradicate corruption and protectionism. Public spending, the procurement system should come under the full control of the National Assembly and society. We are currently setting new and sufficiently influential mechanisms to fight against corruption that need to be harmonized with our purposeful work.

Thirdly, we will consistently work to improve our foreign political environment without having any illusion. We should work proceeding from the presumption that as of yet there is no change in relations with our unfriendly neighbors.

Dear Colleagues,

A reportedly Chinese proverb has been often cited over the past few years, which says that it is a curse to wish someone could live in time of changes. I think that living in such times is really difficult and exciting, at the same time.

I expect that you will cope with the problems faced at this important moment with a sense of responsibility and honor. Indeed, we should start to do this job. I do believe that as led by Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, the government can live up to the task. We need creative approaches that break stereotypes. Our people has entrusted you with the honorific task of finding and implementing solutions. Thus, let us continue to work with passion. Thank you and I wish every success to all of you.

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan thanked the President of the Republic and assured that the Executive will implement the program elaborated by the team. The Prime Minister underscored that the Government fully understands the expectations of society and is also well aware that this road will not be an easy one. Nevertheless, Prime Minister assured that the Government is firmly determined to implement all the proposed programs.
Sonakshi Sinha and Sidharth Malhotra will come together on screen for the first time in the remake of the 1969 film Ittefaq.

By India Today Web Desk: Sidharth Malhotra and Sonakshi Sinha will share screen space for the first time in the 2017 remake of the Rajesh Khanna and Nanda film, Ittefaq. Co-produced by Red Chillies, Dharma Productions and BR films, the Ittefaq remake has got a new title - It Happened One Night.

Shah Rukh Khan shared the first look and new title of the film on Twitter yesterday. He built up the suspense with the caption, "What exactly happened that night?"

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The poster looks intriguing, with Sidharth Malhorta in handcuffs and head hung low. Sonakshi Sinha's look has not yet been revealed.

It Happened One Night is a contemporary adaptation of the 1969 thriller film Ittefaq, originally based on the British film Signpost to Murder (1965).

Directed by Abhay Chopra, It Happened One Night is set to hit theatres on November 3 this year.

ALSO READ | Ittefaq remake: Shah Rukh gives a thumbs-up to Sonakshi-Sidharth's thriller

ALSO READ | Sidharth-Sonakshi in Ittefaq remake: Is remaking classics a good idea?

ALSO WATCH | Sidharth Malhotra opens up on his relationship with Alia Bhatt

--- ENDS ---
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan on June 30 sent a congratulatory letter to Armenias President Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of his birthday, press service of the Artsakh Presidents Office told Armenpress.

The letter says:

Your excellency, Mr. President,

On behalf of the people and leadership of the Artsakh Republic and myself personally I extend my cordial congratulations to you on your birthday anniversary.

Throughout our lifetime you have been devotedly serving to a sacred mission of founding and developing the independent Armenian statehood, strengthening the defense capabilities of the two Armenian republics and their prosperity, realizing the cherished aspirations of the native people.

I once again congratulate you on your birthday, wish you peace, health and good luck to all your relatives and friends.
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is at least a year ahead of Azerbaijan in the relations with the European Union, Armen Ashotyan  Chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, RPA faction MP, told reporters in Parliament, reports Armenpress.

Today when we have an initialed comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement with the European Union, it is obvious that we are at least a year ahead of Azerbaijan which still holds talks for new cooperation at legal format, Ashotyan said.

He said from political perspective Armenia has advantage in the relations with the EU. Ashotyan called on to refrain from statements that at the last moment the agreement again will not be signed. Making parallels with the previous one are inappropriate since even from legal perspective the previous one was not initialed, he said.

He also highlighted the importance of effective work of parliamentary diplomacy, stating that the Armenian delegates in international parliamentary structures should not only raise the issues of concern of the Armenian side, but also they need to express opinions over other issues existing in international political agenda.
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenias defense minister Vigen Sargsyans delegation participated in the defense ministerial session of NATOs Resolute Support (Afghanistan) operation participating states on June 29 in Brussels.

Minister Sargsyan delivered a speech at the session, presenting Armenias approach and vision for ensuring security and stability in Afghanistan and overall in the region, and proposed defense solutions for existing issues.

The sessions results were presented to the media by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

After the session, the Armenian delegation discussed the process and future programs of Armenia-NATO cooperation with Rose Gottemoeller  deputy Secretary General of NATO.

Global and regional security issues were also touched upon, and the ongoing defense reforms in Armenia were presented and ideas were exchanged regarding the opportunities and formats of NATO assistance in the implementation of the reforms.

On the sidelines of the Brussels visit, the Armenian defense minister also had a meeting with General Michail Kostarakos  Chairman of the European Union Military Committee.

The meeting focused on the possibility and prospects of establishing cooperation between the Armenian and European Union militaries.

Within the frameworks of cooperation with the civil society, the Armenian defense minister held a meeting with the expert staff of several international research centers in Carnegie Foundations European branch. Regional security issues were discussed.
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. Famous Israeli political scientist, public figure Avigdor Eskin calles on his friends and relatives to visit Artsakh.

During a press conference in Armenpress, Avigdor Eskin summarized his visit to Artsakh, adding that he is very impressed.

It was my first visit to Artsakh, it was more in study nature for me, I came to see, hear and get acquainted. I came to learn rather than to teach someone. I can say my impressions from Artsakh are positive, a very good reception has been organized, the atmosphere was very warm. I had meetings with my old friends, high-ranking officials. I also talked to the citizens, there was a unity among them, as well as smile on their faces, he said.

Avigdor Eskin said he is going to tell about what he has seen in Artsakh. He expressed his surprise over the attitude of Azerbaijanis, as well as their recent reactions.

I dont understand why I should not visit Artsakh. Its monstrous for me that I became an undesirable person in Azerbaijan for visiting Artsakh. After visiting Artsakh I appear in Azerbaijans so-called black list, but why? The fact that a person visits Artsakh with a good will speaks about the high level of culture, education and good reception there. That person is recognized in Azerbaijan as persona non grata, the Israeli public figure said, adding that he cannot accept these restrictions.

In response to Armenpress view that years before Avigdor Eskin had a pro-Azerbaijani stance, but today, it is different, the Israeli figure said it is very important for Azerbaijan to change the mindset towards Armenia.

I wish peace to Azerbaijan. I know that the partnership with Armenia will contribute to Azerbaijans development, he said, adding that however, there are also unacceptable phenomena when persons are appeared in the black list.

As for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, Avigdor Eskin said before settling the major issue, first of all its necessary to form an atmosphere of peace.

Commenting on the April war, he said he has no complete information about the events, however, he thinks that it is necessary to thank Armenians for being able to stop it.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Arman Navasardyan, who organized Eskins visit to Artsakh, attached importance to this visit. Now the situation is such that Armenia and Israel should develop relations with each other. I think this is the imperative of the time. During this period there had been mutual visits. Avigdor Eskins visit is the continuation of this logic. Today, the democratic diplomacy is undergoing a great development, and we are using the soft power that can contribute to the development of the two countries, Arman Navasardyan said.

Anna Gziryan
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul officially notified the Istanbul Governorate on June 29 on the latest decision of the Clerical Assembly, whereby Archbishop Aram Ateshyan was stripped of his power as patriarchal vicar, Istanbuls Zhamanak daily reports.

Bishop Sahak Mashalyan, the chairman of Clerical Assembly personally delivered the letter to the Governorate. He said the decision will be attached to the previously submitted letter, making the notification on the patriarchal election process more complete.

Now we must wait for the Governorate or other authorities to contact Archbishop Garegin Bekchyan, or invite him to the Governorate for a meeting, Mashalyan said.

On July 4, Bekchyan will chair a community consultation in the Patriarchate, were in addition to community institution leaders, members of the Clerical Assembly will be present.

During this meeting, a steering group comprising 17 members will be established for organizing the patriarchal election process.

12 of the 17 members will be nominated and elected by representatives of community structures, and the remaining 5 members will be joined from the patriarchate.

After this, district electoral commissions will be gradually formed, which will operate in different neighborhoods of Istanbul.
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. Russian-Israeli blogger Alexander Lapshin, who was detained in Belarus and extradited to Azerbaijan, refused to testify during his ongoing trial in Baku, Azerbaijani media reported.

Lapshin pleaded not guilty to the charges.

I dont accept the charges. I carried out tourist visits. I shared only tourist impressions in my blog, those werent political publications. I have been in Karabakh twice and I havent had any interactions with the local officials, Lapshin said.

The blogger is being prosecuted solely for visiting Artsakh and criticizing the Azerbaijani policies.

The court adjourned till July 3.
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. Tigran Mkrtchyan, Armenias Ambassador to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia had an extensive interview to the Lithuanian news portal Bernardinai.lt dedicated to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Armenpress presents the full interview:

-Mr. Ambassador, political information about Armenia is on our Media very fragmented and mostly is about Karabakh conflict. There was even the scandal when somebody published the discussions of two Lithuanian diplomats in internet. When and how could the situation be changed?

Answer: The Lithuanian media often represents Armenian culture and history as well as the Armenian-Lithuanian community life. So I would not say that conflict between Azerbaijan and Artsakh is the main subject being talked about in Lithuania.The negotiations on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement are being conducted within the internationally mandated format of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship presented by the USA, France and Russia. The Co-Chairs have on numerous occasions presented settlement proposals. Since 2009 lAquila summit of the G8 at least 5 times the heads of the states of the Co-Chairs countries made statements on concrete steps of the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. After every statement the Armenian side expressed willingness to move forward the settlement of the conflict on the proposed basis. Azerbaijan did not welcome those proposals. Moreover, for a long time now the Azerbaijani diversion attacks, provocations on the Line of Contacts between Azerbaijan and Artsakh have become a routine. Last year Azerbaijanis even organized a large scale aggression against Artsakh. The pre-planned massive blitzkrieg attempt failed with hundreds of lives lost from all sides.

-Two weeks ago the OSCE announced the closure of its office in Yerevan. We know it is because of Karabakh. But why now?

-As you may have noticed from several international organizations reports and statements authoritarianism in Azerbaijan is getting firmly established. Here the Lithuanian press is often writing about it as well. The OSCE works to strengthen peace, stability and democracy in its area. Apparently Azerbaijani authorities did not feel happy about the OSCE activities in their country and did not prolong its mandate beyond 2015. Moreover, under the pretext of reservations concerning one humanitarian project implemented by the office, Azerbaijan used the consensus principle in the OSCE decision making processes, and against all the other members wish to prolong the activities of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, it applied its right to veto against the will of the other OSCE participating states. Some members of the international community while noting the constructive stance of Armenia in this issue, expressed their strong disapproval regarding the destructive attitude of Baku that resulted in the closure of the last OSCE full-fledged mission in the South Caucasus. It has nothing to do with Nagorno-Karabakh, since the OSCE Office in Yerevan has not been engaged in the conflict-related matters, something that was confirmed included by the OSCE German and Austrian Chairmanships.

Simply, Azerbaijani leaders are thinking about something impossible-isolating Armenia, in reality finding themselves in isolation. How can you isolate a nation, which is truly global?

-If we would remember how the conflict began, could we estimate that it was initially provoked or strengthened buy the Kremlin? Both sides received weapons, as usual, not necessary for the police. These were the tools of the Soviet army.

-The massacres of Armenians in Azerbaijan were organised by Soviet Azerbaijani elites. It is documented and proved. The late entry of Soviet Army in Baku 1990 January to stop the bloodshed unleashed against the Armenians is nowadays resented by Azerbaijan as if it was fighting for independence and the Soviet Army entered to crush it. This is an absolute misrepresentation of what happened. Suffice to say that several international papers, such as the New York Times, have detailed coverage of those barbaric killings of Armenians.

As I noted, the conflict started as soon as Azerbaijan appeared on the political map of the world in 1918 and started to present territorial claims to historically Armenian territories. In 1988 the conflict sparkled again as this time peaceful appeals to correct the historical mistake committed by a dictator, was met by Bakus brutal and in many ways genocidal response. We could not and will not undergo not more genocide. Everyone understands this very well. On dictator ordered annexation of Artsakh to Azerbaijan, and now another dictator dreams about conquer it by force.

It is true that in the early stage f the conflict, in 1991 April-August, so called Operation Ring was carried out in north-eastern parts of Karabakh, during which the Soviet army together with the Azerbaijani forces carried out the deportation of 24 Armenian villages. This indeed had an immensely negative impact on the further deterioration of the conflict.

Next month marks the 25th anniversary of occupation of Shahumian district and part of Martakert district that were accompanied by atrocities and massive ethnic cleansing. The armed forced of Azerbaijan approached Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh threatening the existence of the Nagorno-Karabakh. This period is in the past now, however, the part of the occupied land is still under Azerbaijans control. The gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws by Azerbaijan during its aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh in April 2016 vividly demonstrated that nothing has changes in the Azerbaijani approaches. It simply proves that Karabakhi Armenians aspirations on self-determination is still relevant and fair.

-The situation today reminds of First World War: many people are sitting in trenches. Azerbaijans diplomatic positions are marked by four resolutions of the UN Security Council of 1994. Armenia must deploy its forces, and the problems will be solved. What is your answer?

-The violator of all those four resolutions was Azerbaijan. The core requirement of the UN SC resolutions is the immediate cessation of all hostilities and hostile acts and the establishment of a durable cease-fire as well. This requirement was consistantly violated by Azerbaijan. The Security Council stopped adopting any further resolutions on Nagorno-Karabakh, since their violation was devolving its decisions, undermining its authority and making those resolutions inefficient.

By the way, I cannot agree that the UNSC Resolutions mark Azerbaijans position. There are a number of provisions in the resolutions that Baku ignores, disregards. The resolutions recognise the local Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh as party to the conflict. Azerbaijan refuses to negotiate with them. The resolutions refer to Armenia, only to call it to exert its influence on Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to continue negotiations. The resolutions call to open all kinds of communications. Azerbaijan keeps transport networks with or through Armenia closed.

The UN recognises only one way of solving the conflict - peaceful negotiations. Most provisions of the UN SC Resolutions are about the support for OSCE Minsk Process. Azerbaijan does everything to derail the peace process.

While in this process the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs note that the final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh will be determined through a legally binding expression of will of the population of Nagorno Karabakh. As soon as Azerbaijan understands and embraces this stance supported by the international community, then the conflict will be resolved.

-We are talking not only about Karabakh, but about 20 percent (every Azerbaijani would say) about the occupied residence of sovereign countries. Why not return it? Can this help solve the problem?

-I believe there is a confusion with figures. Karabakhi Armenians have liberated areas beyond the confines of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast as part of providing their security. But there are other territories of NKAO, currently under Azerbaijani occupation. And I would like to remind that the proposals of the CO-Chairs, which Azerbaijan rejects, anticipate withdrawal of forces.

The illegal annexation and total ethnic cleansing of Armenians carried out in another historically Armenian territory - Nakhijevan, throughout the Soviet period, is not and can not be forgotten either.

-How and what would you do with the problem of hundreds of thousands of refugees?

-There were four hundred thousand Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan. There are refugees also from the territories currently under Azerbaijani occupation. Above all there are also internally displaced people in Nagorno-Karabakh from the settlements located in close vicinity to the line of contact. I believe the basic principles of the conflict resolution include the right of all refugees to return to their previous places of residence.

-Both sides accuse each other of many war crimes. Would you agree with an independent investigation and an international tribunal?

-If we start from the early stage of the conflict Sumgayit, Baku, Kirovabad massacres of 1988-1990 need to be thoroughly investigated. If we start form the latest cases it is the 2016 April war crimes. For a few days continuously and in front of the entire world war crimes were committed by the Azerbaijani army during the Four Day war in April 2016. Artsakhs Ombudsman has prepared a detailed report showing how beheadings and maiming of dead Armenian soldiers, brutalising of elderly peoples bodies and other crimes were committed. Those who committed those crimes were laughing. They were lauded by the leader of Azerbaijan as heroes, decorated by Azerbaijani President. Before that the axe killer Ramil Safarov, who has beheaded an Armenian soldier in his sleep in Bucharest, was later on extradited from Hungary to Azerbaijan and upon landing in Baku, declared as a national hero of that country. When murderers are applauded as heroes in Azerbaijan, we need to think seriously if the Azerbaijani society is ready for a peaceful solution of the Karabakh conflict and make conclusions based on that.

Besides, the massacre of Maragha, a village entirely bulldozed and more than 100 civilians brutally murdered in 1992, has not been internationally addressed properly.

Armenians did not treat the Azerbaijanis in such a manner. There is no such case.

-Armenian and Azerbaijani delegations have scuffled in Moscow during a commemoration of World War II veterans after an argument erupted over the breakaway Karabakh region. How could you comment this incident?

-The incident happened because the Azeris saw the flag of Artsakh and started a conflict. This is the result of decades-long Armenophobia in Azerbaijan. If people are not ready to tolerate the flag of Artsakh, you can well conclude that they can not tolerate the people of Artsakh as well, their right to determine their political and social life in their historical fatherland. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in their appeals urge the sides to prepare societies for peace and not for war. In Azerbaijan I have not noticed the least trace of preparation for peace.

-What you think about Lithuanian diplomatic positions concerning the Karabakh conflict?

-Lithuania, as much as I can say that, supports the exclusively peaceful settlement of the issue within the frames of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs format. This is also the stance of the European Union, all those who support the peace efforts of the Co-Chairs.

-Do you personally think that some serious progress will be made in resolving the Karabakh conflict and other frozen conflicts in the post-Soviet space?

-I personally do not think that those conflicts will have a quick solution.
YEREVAN, 30 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 30 June, USD exchange rate is down by 0.22 drams to 480.47 drams. EUR exchange rate is down by 0.54 drams to 548.12 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate is down by 0.04 drams to 8.10 drams. GBP exchange rate is up by 0.78 drams to 624.23 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price is down by 78.34 drams to 19208.93 drams. Silver price is up by 0.65 drams to 259.98 drams. Platinum price is down by 176.43 drams to 14057.2 drams.
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. OSCEs Annual Security Review Conference 2017 took place in Vienna on June 27-29. Armenian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ashot Hovakimyan participated in the conference, Armenpress was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia.

In the opening remarks the Armenian Deputy FM referred to the factors shaping the current environment of the European security, indicating the contradictions over the issue of the security regime between the main players in the OSCE area, the disability in the neighborhood of the OSCE area and the use of force in the settlement of conflicts. Deputy Minister Hovakimyan underlined that OSCEs field capacity reduction was another negative factor.

Ashot Hovakimyan noted that use of force can in no way be justified, moreover, it thwarts the settlement processes that are underway in the sidelines of the already agreed formats. The Deputy Minister specially noted that the use of force against Nagorno Karabakh by Azerbaijan is manifested by daily violations of the cease-fire agreement. Azerbaijan also denies implementing the agreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg. The Deputy Minister also highlighted that Azerbaijan was not interested in ensuring the field presence of the OSCE and for that reason it pursued the goal of suspending the field missions of the OSCE in Baku and Yerevan.

Ashot Hovakimyan also gave a speech at the session on conflict and crisis situations in the OSCE area, security and confidence building. He mentioned in his speech that the use of force by Azerbaijan is a serious threat for the regional security.

Highlighting the unconditional implementation of the Vienna and St. Petersburg agreements by Azerbaijan, Ashot Hovakimyan emphasized that even the absence of the investigative mechanisms on the front line is not an obstacle for detecting the initiator of the violations. In this context the statement issued by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs addressed to Azerbaijan about the ceasefire violation and shelling of the military equipment of Armenia deployed along the contact line was highlighted.

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia underlined that the top level support of Turkey to Azerbaijan in regard to the cease fire violations, as well as the closed borders in the region are additional provoking factors. It was mentioned that Armenia has always made use of the OSCE platform to engage in a dialogue with the OSCE participant states, including Turkey, but the Turkish side has left the remarks raised by Armenia unanswered.

The Deputy Minister stressed that OSCEs involvement in the region should be enhanced aimed at building confidence and ensuring security during conflict and crisis situations.
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. The delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic), headed by Minister Karen Mirzoyan, has paid a visit to Pridnestrovie to participate in the events dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Foreign Ministry of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the MFA Artsakh, on June 30, Karen Mirzoyan delivered a speech at a solemn meeting convened on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Congratulating the Pridnestrovian counterparts, he highly appreciated the traditionally friendly relations established between the Foreign Ministries of Pridnestrovie and Artsakh and expressed confidence that the cooperation between the two Ministries would continue to develop.

Noting that the efforts of the two countries are aimed at fair settlement of the conflicts, Karen Mirzoyan stressed, Like in Pridnestrovie, in Artsakh we exclude the resolution of conflicts by force and make every effort for their peaceful settlement".

In his speech, Karen Mirzoyan emphasized that the international recognition of Artsakh and Pridnestrovie and their integration into the international community as full-fledged members would not only allow the citizens of both countries to fully realize their rights and freedoms, but would also make a serious contribution to the maintenance of stability and security in our regions.

On the same day, the delegation of the Artsakh MFA had a meeting with Foreign Minister of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic Vitaly Ignatyev. Issues related to the prospects of further expansion of the cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries were discussed at the meeting.

In the frameworks of the visit, the delegation of Artsakh was also received by Pridnestrovian President Vadim Krasnoselsky. Karen Mirzoyan conveyed to him Artsakh President Bako Sahakyans warm greetings and best wishes. A range of issues related to the agenda of cooperation between Artsakh and Pridnestrovie were touched upon at the meeting.
By PTI: (Eds: incorporating version of Indigo)

Patna, Jun 30 (PTI) Senior BJP leader and former head of ministerial committee on GST, Sushil Modi would be able to attend the GST launch function in New Delhi after Air India made arrangements to fly him after the tyre of his Indigo flight burst here.

Sushil Modi told PTI that the tyre of the Indigo flight to Delhi by which he and others were going burst while taking off at Jay Prakash Narayan Airport in the evening.

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Following the mishap,the passengers were deboarded.

Besides, me Union minister of State Ramkripal Yadav and Jehanabad MP from Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, a BJP ally, Arun Kumar were on board the plane to take part in the historic launch of GST.

Sushil Modi told PTI that Air India has made special arrangements to adjust him in their flight to New Delhi tonight.

As former chairman of Empowered committee of state Finance ministers on GST, Sushil Modi had received special invitation for attending GST launch during midnight tonight.

As Finance minister of Bihar during NDA regime headed by Nitish Kumar, Sushil Kumar Modi, had become Chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers looking into the implementation of the proposed new indirect tax regime -- Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2011.

Sushil Modi had replaced Asim Dasgupta, who had resigned following defeat of Left-front government in West Bengal.

Sushil Modi resigned from the post after JD(U)-BJP split in June 2013.

Meanwhile, Indigo airlines later said that there was no tyre burst or engine fire in the Delhi bound flight from Patna but smoke was observed in the cabin.

"Smoke was observed in cabin by the cabin crew. The captain decided to evacuate due to precautionary reasons," a statement from Indigo said.

The matter was reported to DGCA, the statement said adding that an internal enquiry has also been initiated into the trouble reported in Indigo 6E-508 Patna-Delhi flight.

There were 174 passengers in the flight and all of them are safe, it added. PTI SNS RG NN

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YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. Member of the so-called Armenia-Azerbaijan peace platform Vahan Martirosyan who appeared in Azerbaijan in September, 2015 has released a footage revealing details of how he appeared in that country. Its time to reveal same details of how I, together with my family, appeared in the territory of Azerbaijan in 2015. I have heard and read numerous versions about it during the last 2 years. Mainly, they have nothing in common with the reality, including those versions presented by the Azerbaijani propaganda-machine. The reality will be very interesting not only for my compatriots, the Armenians, but also for a number of international organizations manipulated by Azerbaijan over my issue for achieving its own goals, Armenpress reports Martirosyan saying.

He mentioned that as a result of some circumstances he went to Tbilisi in September, 2015, where he accidently contacted with the journalists of the Azerbaijani media and talked about one interview or press conference that had to take place in the Georgian capital. During this period some people from Baku contacted with me, identifying themselves as employees of the press service of the Azerbaijani president, and they linked me with the Azerbaijani Embassy. I was met by allegedly Embassy staff members, in the territory of the Embassy, but later it turned out that they are employees of the ministry of the national security of Azerbaijan. For some days we discussed a number of issues related to the press conference, therefore a man named Arif, from the press service of the Azerbaijani president, offered that the press conference should be held in Baku. They gave me full guarantees over my safety and freedom of speech and said that I have full freedom except criticizing the Azerbaijani government, Martirosyan told.

According to him, he took a taxi on his own and went to the Georgian-Azerbaijani border. He said that after crossing the border he and his family were met by the assistants of Arif. They took us to a resort center allegedly designed for the government members, but later it turned out that we were in a resort center for the employees of the special forces. The first 2-3 days I had no suspicions, those people played their roles as employees of the press service very well. A few days before the conference those same people took our passports and set up a tough ultimatum, according to which I had to refer to 3 topics  persecutions in Nagorno Karabakh, drug trafficking flourishing in Nagorno Karabakh, and also add that I have reliable information that combatants from Lebanon and Syria fight in Nagorno Karabakh. Understanding where I am and taking into account that my family was with me, I had nothing else to do but play with their rules, Martirosyan said.

According to him, following the interviews and meetings with the international organizations he was arrested enhanced security and deprived of any communication means. In these conditions he remained for 6 months.

There are facts, footages that I could hardly take out of Azerbaijan and I will present them in the near future, Vahan Martirosyan said, adding that after he came out of Baku miraculously and became the special correspondent of haqqin.az, he went to Baku again on his own accord. In Baku I learned that the man named Arif in reality is Anar Zeynalov, employee of the special forces.

Vahan Martirosyan told that during his second stay in Azerbaijan Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Ahmadov met him and said that he could go to Ukraine of Turkey under the condition that he had to visit the tombs of the shehids and the alleged victims of the Khojaly genocide, lay flowers there under cameras. I agreed and on the following day I left for Odessa accompanied by the employees of the security service, Martirosyan said.
CHICAGOChuck Renslow, a longtime pillar of the LGBTQ community in Chicago and around the world, has died after multiple long-term health issues, according to the Windy City Times, which released an obituary on the pioneering figure. He was 87.

Renslow reigned over a seven-decade empire, starting more than two dozen businessesbars, discos, photo studios, health clubs, bathhouses, gay magazines and newspapers, hotels, restaurants and bookstores. He fostered organizations and dealt with Mafia and police payoffs, the Chicago Machine, anti-gay government policies, and controversy within the gay community.

The founder of International Mr. Leather, owner of Mans Country and the Gold Coast bar, publisher of the GayLife newspaper in the 80s, political activist, and much more was an out business owner since the 50s. He was a critical contributor to a wide range of political, social, business, health and other causes.

In the early 50s, Renslow founded Kris Studios, one of the earliest and most durable of the physique photography houses. He was an accomplished photographer, including of the ballet. His dance photography is in the Newberry Library dance collection in the Chuck Renslow Dance Photographs collection.

He was the publisher of Triumph, Mars and Rawhide Male magazines, publications mailed and shared across the country as the earliest ways gay men found each other. In 1965, he was a founder of Second City Motorcycle Club.

He opened Gold Coast, believed to be the first leather bar in the U.S., in Chicago in 1958. He was the founder of many bars and sex clubs since the 60s including Mans Country, which is still open in Andersonville.

Renslow had many partners over the years, among them Dom 'Etienne Orejudos, who he was with more than 40 years and, and helped encourage Doms work as the artist Etienne. He was also involved with Cliff Raven, Chuck Arnett Sam 'Phil Andros' Steward, David Grooms of Wisconsin and Ron Ehemann, and encouraged them in their work too.

In 1979, he founded International Mr. Leather, which grew out of his Mr. Gold Coast contest and the experience he had managing A.A.U. physique competitions. When Dom 'Etienne' died, Renslow combined his collection of Eteinnes art with his own archives from his business and his life; Renslow and Tony DeBlase co-founded the Leather Archives & Museum in 1991. Renslow served as president for many years.

Renslow was inducted into the the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 1991 and received dozens of awards from the gay and leather communities. He received The Leather Journals lifetime achievement award and a Centurion Award as Leatherman of the Century.

He served on the board of directors of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and was a U.S. representative to what was known then as the International Lesbian and Gay Association.

Renslow also was involved in newspapers, purchasing GayLife newspaper from its founder, Grant Ford, and publishing it for several years, until it folded in 1986.



Renslow was especially active in politics in the 70s and 80s, as the gay community gained clout. He was the founder of Prairie State Democratic Club in 1980, and they hosted events with top politicians from Chicago and Cook County, and even presidential candidates coming through the area. He pushed for the gay and lesbian civil-rights ordinance when it was first introduced in the City Council in the early 70s, and the initial executive order banning discrimination in Chicago city government, as issued by Mayor Jane Byrne.



He served as a Democratic Party 43rd Ward precinct captain for eight years, as a candidate for delegate to the 1980 Democratic National Convention (for U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy), and within the 46th and 48th Ward Democratic Organizations.



His other bars and businesses have included the Chicago Eagle, Triumph Health Studios, Sparrows Lounge, Bistro Too, Zolar, The Club Baths, Center Stage and Pyramid.

Renslow was born in 1929, raised in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, and graduated from Lane Technical High School.



The Leather Archives & Museum staff and board issued this statement, in part:



"As LA&Ms co-founder, Chuck gave deeply and worked with great passion for over 26 years to save the names and faces of Leather, kink, BDSM and fetish people, communities, and history, and he fought to ensure that Leatherfolk were the ones who would tell' their own stories so that they might better understand and bring enhanced visibility to 'Leather history.' As co-founder, longtime President and, most recently, Chairman of the Board, Chuck has left his mark throughout our institution and touched each of us very deeply. He will be missed."



Renslow is survived by many friends and family. His life is chronicled in Leatherman: The Legend of Chuck Renslow, by Tracy Baim and Owen Keehnen.



Also see a video interview here.
NEW YORKCockyBoys recently hosted a Show Your Pride pool party at owner/director Jake Jaxsons upstate New York campground to celebrate Pride, the companys 10-year anniversary and their six wins at the first-ever Str8UpGayPorn Awards.

CockyBoys walked away with six trophies for the studio and its exclusives. The studio was recognized by the panel of 12 judges as Best Studio, Best Director (Jake Jaxson, The Stillest Hour); Best Three-Way (Levi Karter, Colby Chambers and Mickey Knox); Best Performer and Best Ass went to Carter Dane; and Best Cock went to CockyBoy superstar Boomer Banks. CockyBoy exclusive performer Sean Ford, Boomer Banks, Levi Karter, Liam Riley, Ricky Roman, Carter Dane, Josh Moore, Calvin Banks, Beau Banks and Taylor Reign were all in attendance.

The past week has been a blur, we were thrilled and honored to take home six Str8UpGayPorn Awards for our studios and exclusives, Jaxson said. I'm so incredibly proud our all of our performers work, but it's nice to see them honored for their hard work and effort. I must say the show was fantastic and even with high expectations it was better than I expected, it was respectful and supportive and beautifully done. It was a fun and entertaining night with industry, fans and colleagues.

Two days later CockyBoys celebrated with the pool party at Camp CockyBoys. The event doubled as a fundraiser, the cost of admission being that attendees show proof of their donation to one of a selected number of charities. Camp CockyBoys saw fans, performers and industry coming together to celebrate CockyBoys' 10 years in business with more than 20 current and past CockyBoys at the celebration along with friends, affiliates and fans from their ever supportive community. It was a unique event that was both playful, sexy, including one of the first ever porn star pie-eating contests.

Year after year we hold a variety of fundraisers and we truly have some of the most giving friends and fans, photographer, videographer and co-owner of the site RJ Sebastian said. So this year we figured we would let folks direct their giving to where they felt the need, and we agreed to match the donations. I was truly touched by how attentive people were to this approach.

All total, more than $4500 was raised and directed to the following charities: Urgent Death Row Dogs, Ali Forney Center, Middle Atlantic Rescue, GLSEN, Trevor Project, ACPCA and Planned Parenthood.

For more, visit CockyBoys.com.
The following press release was sent out by Free Speech Coalition last evening shortly before FSC's participation in a Telemundo television interview which aired at 11 p.m.:

LOS ANGELESThe Free Speech Coalition, the trade association for the adult industry, has submitted a letter of complaint to the City of Orange over the refusal of its police department to investigate what is believed to be a criminal network defrauding and assaulting would-be adult performers.

The scam, detailed in an industry alert on June 22, lures women into fake auditions for a high-profile magazine layout. Instead of a photoshoot, the women are pressured to have sex with the photographer, who then films the event, and tells them payment will arrive via direct deposit. The payment never arrives, and the victim only realizes the scam upon contacting the magazine.

The FSC letter details one such incident, reported to police on June 21, in which a single mother from Florida was convinced to pay for a one-way ticket to Southern California, and to rent a hotel room, where the alleged photographer convinced her to have sex while he filmed it as part of an audition. California Penal Code section 261(a)(4)(D) defines it as rape when a perpetrator fraudulently represents that the sexual penetration served a professional purpose when it served no professional purpose.

In this most recent incident, the woman reported the crime to the City of Orange Police Department. She was accompanied by attorney Jeffrey Douglas. The police refused to allow the victim to have the attorney present when she spoke with them, refused to provide a rape kit for the victim, and demanded that she allow them to duplicate the contents of her phone in order to proceed with the case. Denied access to her attorney, she declined.

The City of Orange Police told the victim that she was not the first to report victimization; a nearly identical report had been filed several weeks earlier. They did not pursue that case, either.

Eric Paul Leue, FSC Executive Director, says he hopes the letter to the City of Orange raises the profile and puts heat on the department to take action.

It is outrageous that the City of Orange is aware of an ongoing scam that involves fraud, sexual assault, and possibly human trafficking, but refuses to investigate it. We now know of at least half a dozen women targeted as victims, in four different states. We suspect there are many more who have not reported it. By allowing this to continue, the City of Orange is essentially granting permission for this network to continue to defraud and assault women.

The Free Speech Coalition put the victim in touch with the Wayne Foundation, a survivor led counter-trafficking organization in Orlando. Penthouse Media, whose name was fraudulently used to lure the victim, paid for her ticket home.

In addition to the City of Orange City Council, Board of Supervisors and Chief of Police, the FSC letter was also sent to Sen. Kamala Harris, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Orange County District Attorney and the FBIs Counter Trafficking Unit, among others. The letter can be found here.

**

Free Speech Coalition, the trade association of the adult content production and pleasure products industry, can be contacted through its website.
Danish bakery business Lagkagehuset  owner of the Ole & Steen bakery brand  has been acquired by private equity firm Nordic Capital.

Lagkagehuset made its UK debut six months ago with the Ole & Steen site in St James Market, London, and has since opened a second store, in Richmond. It has two more sites planned for London, in Canary Wharf and Victoria.

The company, which is currently owned by FSN Capital, operates a premium concept focusing on high-quality artisanal breads, cakes and pastries as well as other food, teas and coffee.

Lagkagehuset describes the chain as being a flexible concept that can range from large traditional bakeries to smaller urban food-to-go outlets. The company has 1,800 employees, reported revenues of DKK 665m (79m) and growth of 20% in 2016. The business, which also operates in the foodservice channel, started trading eight years ago with two stores and now has 67 sites in Denmark.

The UK stores are the first phase of an international rollout of the business, and Nordic Capital says it sees great potential in accelerating Lagkagehusets growth in Denmark and beyond.

Nordic Capital has acquired FSN Capitals entire majority shareholding in Lagkagehuset, as well as the stakes held by founders Ole Kristoffersen and Steen Skallebk.

Nordic Capital has a track record of investments in the food industry and sees great potential in supporting Lagkagehuset in its further expansion. Lagkagehuset has a great customer-oriented concept that delivers high-quality products every day and is a preferred brand for consumers in Denmark, said Michael Haaning, partner at Nordic Capital advisor NC Advisory.

Nordic Capital has the experience, industry knowledge and capital to help bring Lagkagehuset to the rest of the world, said Lagkagehuset CEO Jesper Friis.

We are looking forward to the new ownership, he added. We have amazing employees and products and expect continued high growth in the coming years.
Authorities in St. Petersburg, Florida, are battling an onslaught of graffiti depicting a three-buttocked arse. NBC affiliate WFLA reports that the design has appeared at least twenty times across the city. It is thought to be the calling card of a single anonymous artist, who police stress is breaking the law.

St. Pete is a city known for its beautiful art and stunning murals. Many people are upset by this new graffiti involving a tush trend. They don't like the fact that the bold buttocks are suddenly everywhere.

"This is not art. At all," said one woman. "It's vandalism."

"There should be consequences. You can't just take it upon yourself to do whatever you want to do," another man said.
DOHA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Qatar said on Thursday it was working with the United States and Kuwait to respond to a list of demands presented by Arab states who have accused Doha of supporting terrorism, an allegation that ignited a regional crisis between the U.S. allies. The feud erupted on June 5 when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and travel links with Qatar, accusing it also of courting regional foe Iran. Qatar denies the allegations.(For a graphic of Qatar's relations with its neighbors click http://tmsnrt.rs/2sinDGg) The four countries have sent Doha a list of 13 demands, including closing the state-funded Al Jazeera television station and reducing ties to Iran, an official of one of the four countries said. They gave Doha 10 days to comply. The deadline is expected to expire on Sunday. Kuwait, which retained ties with Qatar, is trying to mediate in the dispute with the support of the United States. In Washington on Thursday, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told reporters that Qatar, together with the Americans and Kuwaitis, was preparing responses. "We have to set the conditions first in order to pursue these negotiations," Sheikh Mohammed said. At a later event, Sheikh Mohammed said the future of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council could be at risk. The security group comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. "We believe this is a big question mark for the future of the GCC," the foreign minister said in response to a question. The group was formed to guard against external threats, he said, adding: "When the threat is coming from inside the GCC, there is a suspicion about the sustainability of the organization." Sheikh Mohammed has called the demands by the four Arab countries "unreasonable" and said setting a deadline impinged on Qatar's sovereignty. Doha was ready to discuss "legitimate issues" with Arab states to end the crisis but some demands were impossible to meet because the underlying accusation was untrue, the foreign minister said in a statement earlier on Thursday. "We cannot 'sever links with so-called Islamic State, al-Qaeda and Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah' because no such links exist," the statement said. "And we cannot 'expel any members of Irans Revolutionary Guard' because there are none in Qatar." The director of Qatar's World Trade Organization office, Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, said Qatar was considering a complaint at the WTO against a "blockade" by the Arab states. The UAE ambassador to Russia has said Qatar could face fresh sanctions if it does not comply with the demands. The Gulf states could ask their trading partners to choose between working with them or Doha, he said in a newspaper interview. NATO ally Turkey has backed Doha in the rift. Qatar's defense minister is due to visit Ankara on Friday and will hold talks with his Turkish counterpart, sources at Turkey's defense ministry said. A new contingent of Turkish forces had arrived in Doha, Al Jazeera reported. (Reporting by Tom Finn in Doha and Yara Bayoumy and Warren Strobel in Washington; Additional reporting by Tulay Karadeniz,; Writing by Sylvia Westall and Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Ralph Boulton and Grant McCool)
FRIDAY, June 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Teaching coping skills may help reduce the risk that patients with chronic pain will become addicted to opioid painkillers, a new study suggests.

"If we lower how many opioids patients are taking, but leave them disabled and not able to live their lives, that is not helpful," said study co-author Dr. Aliza Weinrib, a clinical psychologist in Ontario, Canada.

"Patients can learn to respond to their pain in a different way, making it less overwhelming. They don't have to be so tied to their medications," added Weinrib, who works with surgical patients at Toronto General Hospital.

Many addiction specialists believe widespread use of powerful prescription painkillers led to the current heroin and opioid epidemic ravaging much of North America.

The study included more than 300 patients who developed chronic pain after major surgery -- pain that lasted more than three months and interfered with everyday activities. Many also had major depression and were taking high doses of prescription painkillers, such as OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone) and morphine.

The patients enrolled in a long-term pain management program at Toronto General Hospital. Those who were willing to taper off their painkillers were referred to a clinical psychologist.

Instead of giving in to their pain, they were encouraged to pursue meaningful life activities, become aware of the thoughts and feelings that accompany pain, and to accept difficult experiences such as pain.

These skills can be taught in three or four sessions. Over two years, they led to significant reductions in opioid use, depression and pain-related disruptions of daily living, according to the study.

"There's the pain in your body, and there's the pain in your heart about not being able to do the things that you love," Weinrib said in a university news release. "We can help people move towards what is important to them, even through their pain. We can help people reduce their pain of not living."

Recent American and Canadian guidelines for managing non-cancer pain suggest trying alternative treatments before considering narcotic painkillers, said study senior author Dr. Hance Clarke.

However, there is little research on how mental health support can help patients manage pain, he said.

This study suggests "there is a powerful role for interventions other than the prescription pad in helping patients manage their pain and suffering, taper their opioids and lead rewarding lives," said Clarke, director of the Transitional Pain Service.

The results were published June 28 in the Canadian Journal of Pain.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more on chronic pain.
By PTI: force

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 30 (PTI) Senior IPS officer T P Senkumar, who won a historic legal battle with the CPI(M)-led Kerala government over his removal as state DGP, retired from service today.

Loknath Behra, director of Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau, assumed charge as the new DGP. He will although continue to hold the post of Vigilance director. Speaking at the farewell parade, Senkumar said there is an unfortunate trend of rising criminal elements in the police force. "Criminal elements are less in constable-level and the number goes up in accordance with rank and it is more in IPS-level," Senkumar, a 1983 batch IPS officer said, adding he has taken all possible steps to control such elements.

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He said the main challenge faced by the society was from "religious fundamentalists and Left extremists". "These outfits make use of IT technology for their activities, so the police force should equip itself with most modern changes in these fields," he said.

The LDF government headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had removed Senkumar from the post of DGP soon after it came to power in May 2016.

Senkumar had moved the Supreme Court against the orders of the Kerala High Court and the Central Administrative Tribunal, which had upheld the governments decision to transfer him.

The apex court, however, directed the state government to reinstate Senkumar as DGP on April 29, stating the officer was transferred by the government "unfairly" and "arbitrarily". PTI JRK APR SRY

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New York, June 30, 2017Guatemalan authorities should thoroughly investigate the threats against journalist Marielos Monzon, an investigative reporter and contributor to the newspaper Prensa Libre, and should ensure her safety, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

On June 26, Monzon submitted a formal complaint to the Special Prosecutors Office for Crimes against Journalists in response to her inclusion on a list of people alleged to have been involved in terrorist crimes during Guatemalas 36-year internal conflict that recently circulated widely on social media, according to news reports. The document was also shared with people alleged to be members of organized crime groups, according to the press freedom organization CERIGUA.

We are alarmed by this attempt to intimidate journalists into censoring themselves, said CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney. The Guatemalan government should conduct a thorough investigation into the dangerous threats against Marielos Monzon and should redouble its efforts to ensure journalists can do their work safely.

On June 11, the daily newspaper elPeriodico reported that a lawyer affiliated with the Foundation Against Terrorism, a right-wing group linked to retired military generals, had told her clients, including alleged drug traffickers and others alleged to have ties to organized crime, that the people on the list were responsible for criminal proceedings and extradition cases brought against them. In her June 13 column in the Prensa Libre newspaper, Monzon called these actions an incitement to violence that puts those of us who appear on the list in serious danger.

I feel like Im in a situation of imminent risk right now, Monzon told CPJ. Not only in terms of my life, but it is also a violation of freedom of expression. Its a campaign of slander and defamation to remove my credibility and get me to be quiet.

Julio Paredes, an official with the Special Prosecutors Office for Crimes against Journalists, told CPJ the office had requested police protection for Monzon and had opened an investigation.

Monzon told CPJ she first learned about the list in December 2011, when businessman Theodore Plocharski filed a complaint seeking to indict 52 individuals for a series of terrorist actions during the Guatemalan civil war, which ended in 1996. The document accuses the 52 people named of participating in serious crimes, including kidnapping, torture, and murder.

Monzons name appeared next to her alleged guerrilla pseudonym, Tania. The list includes two other columnists, as well as human rights activists and political figures, according to reports.

Monzon denied the allegations. She told CPJ that many of the events cited in the document occurred in the late 1970s or early 1980s, when she was just a few years old or before she was even born.

Monzon has worked as a journalist for more than two decades, covering human rights issues including war crimes, corruption, and impunity.

Political polarization and increasingly powerful organized crime groups have left many Guatemalan journalists fearful for their safety and afraid to report on sensitive issues, according to CPJ research.
The U.S. State Department has released its latest Trafficking in Persons Report, an annual assessment of how governments around the world are combating modern slavery.

A country that does nothing to prevent human trafficking is North Korea. Indeed, according to the 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report, or TIP Report, the government of North Korea sponsored human trafficking through its use of forced labor in prison camps and labor training centers, facilitation of forced labor of students and its provision of forced labor to foreign companies through bilateral contracts.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pointed out how the North Korea regime exploits its own people through forced labor to generate illicit sources of revenue in industries including construction, mining, and food processing. North Korea holds an estimated 80,000 to 120,000 prisoners in political prison camps in remote areas of the country. Political prisoners are subjected to beatings, torture, rape, a lack of medical care, and insufficient food. Many prisoners do not survive. Furnaces and mass graves are used to dispose the bodies of those who die in these prison camps.

Secretary Tillerson also noted that an estimated fifty to eighty thousand North Korean citizens are working overseas as forced laborers, primarily in Russia and China, many of them working 20 hours a day. Their pay largely confiscated by the North Korean regime.

The North Korean regime reaps hundreds of millions of dollars per year from the fruits of forced labor.

Responsible nations, said Secretary Tillerson, simply cannot allow this to go on.

According to the TIP Report, many of the estimated 10,000 North Korean women and girls who have migrated illegally to China to flee abuse and human rights violations at home are forced into prostitution, domestic service, or agricultural work through forced marriages. If found by Chinese authorities, victims are often forcibly repatriated to North Korea where they are subject to harsh punishment, including forced labor in labor camps or death.

Modern slavery, Secretary Tillerson noted in his introduction to the TIP Report robs human beings of their freedom and their dignity. That's why we must pursue an end to the scourge of human trafficking, including in North Korea.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley told the Security Council, Rather than govern, Hamas chooses to devote its resources to building a terrorist arsenalWe should name Hamas as a terrorist organization in a resolution, with consequences for anyone who continues to support it.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Baku will host the next meeting of the Azerbaijan-Tajikistan intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation on July 13-14, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Azerbaijan Zohir Saidov told Trend June 30.

The commissions previous meeting was held in Dushanbe in October 2014.

Tajikistans delegation will be headed by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Nematullo Hikmatullozoda, who is also the commissions co-chairman from the Tajik side.

Hikmatullozoda aims to meet with Azerbaijani officials and businessmen during the visit and discuss the expansion of economic cooperation.

Meanwhile, it is planned to present Tajikistans investment opportunities during the meeting of intergovernmental commission.

According to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, the countrys trade turnover with Tajikistan amounted to $12.32 million in 2016 as compared to $6.44 million in 2015. Azerbaijans export to Tajikistan totaled $12.08 million in 2016, while import amounted to $238,500.
Details added (first version posted at 13:10)

Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Seba Agahyeva  Trend:

Azerbaijan is ready for substantive negotiations for the early settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the change of the inadmissible and unsustainable status quo, Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend June 30.

The need for holding substantive talks to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was stated in a joint statement after the meeting of the [Azerbaijani, Armenian] presidents in Saint Petersburg, he said.

In this context, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs during their recent visit to the [South Caucasus] region offered holding a meeting of foreign ministers. Azerbaijan expressed its consent and willingness regarding this proposal.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated its readiness for substantive talks to settle the conflict, according to Hajiyev.

Earlier, Armenian media outlets reported that the countrys Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian didnt rule out a meeting with Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in July.

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.
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.

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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

Trend:

Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Burundi Pierre Nkurunziza.

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Burundi  Independence Day, Ilham Aliyev said in his letter.

On this remarkable day, I wish you robust health, success in your activities, and the friendly people of Burundi peace and prosperity.
A delegation headed by the President of the University of Valenciennes in France, Professor Abdelhakim Artiban visited UNEC.

Providing the guests with the information about UNEC, Rector, Professor Adalat Muradov said the higher education institution that possesses about 20 thousand of students is the biggest economy- oriented university of the Southern Caucasus. UNEC, which is the 4th economy- oriented university in the QS ranking list of Developing European and Central Asian Universities, is rated among the 200 best universities of the region. Speaking about the international affairs of the University, Rector highlighted that the Undergraduate Degree Program of the University of London/ London School of Economics, as well as dual diploma programs with the University of Montpellier, Mycolas Romeris University of Lithuania are implemented here.

President of the University of Valenciennes, Professor A.Artiba, in turn, delivered the information about the curricula of the higher institution he leads. He brought to attention that the student training in the university is essentially carried out in technological area. The guest expressed satisfaction of his visit to UNEC. Saying, UNEC is a very good university, A.Artiba emphasized his confidence about the joint cooperation to be beneficial in terms of improving the level of science and education for both of the universities.

The issues of cooperation between the two universities were debated in the meeting. Then the Memorandum of Cooperation was signed. According to the document, the universities will conduct joint scientific research, organize scientific events and prepare scientific publications. At the same time, cadres exchange, especially the teaching staffs exchange will be realized. The teaching staff will get a chance of conducting investigations under the university within the exchange. The document, in addition, intends the exchange of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students exchange.

UNEC is the brand of Azerbaijan State University of Economics. The brand of UNEC has been registered and patented by the State Committee on Standardization, Metrology and Patent on January 21, 2016.
A business meeting to ensure the implementation of the Strategic Plan (for 2017- 2020) of the Ministry of Education on the execution of the events planned in the Strategic Roadmap on the National Economy and the main sectors of the economy approved by the Minister of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan has been held at UNEC.

UNEC Rector, Professor Adalat Muradov said that the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev approved the strategic roadmap on the National Economy and main sectors of economy. Accordingly, the Ministry of Education approved the Strategic Plan by defining the tasks set forth before the higher education institutions. According to the decree, to make timely and quality performance of the events planned in the strategic roadmap on the National Economy and the major sectors of the economy and the Strategic Plan of UNEC has also been developed.

Rector said the serious activity is observed at the university after the approval of the strategic roadmaps. An expert group of 48 UNEC Professors and scholars demonstrate operative attitude to the economic processes happened in the country. A.Muradov brought to attention that the directions of education, research and innovation covered by the strategic roadmap are made the priority fields at UNEC and the strategic plan intends the application of novelties in this direction.

To increase the stimulation in the field of scientific research the Differential Salary System will be improved. However, the teachers scientific research will be the major factor in defining their ranking. At the same time, one more commission will be created so that, the commission will consider complaints on assessment. To ensure the transparency, the decisions made by the commission will be placed in the official site of UNEC and the meetings will be lively broadcast via Facebook.

Commenting on the creation of the Innovative Business Incubator for the first time in the country, Rector especially stressed the significance of the Project Made in Azerbaijan. He said that the Start-up Day will be held at UNEC from the new academic year. Regular meetings, trainings, round- tables and workshops will be held to improve the financial literacy of entrepreneurs.

Rector A.Muradov instructed the relevant structural units on the execution of the measures come from the strategic plan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

Trend:

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva has paid another visit to Thalassemia Center. Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva chatted with children being treated at the Center.

Leyla Aliyeva had a conversation with children and with their parents.

Head of the Department at the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Soltan Mammadov spoke about care and attention of the Foundation to the Thalassemia Center.

Director of the Center Valeh Huseynov said the children being treated at the Center were provided with the necessary medicine. On behalf of the staff of the center and on parents` behalf Valeh Huseynov thanked Leyla Aliyeva for the attention and care.

On behalf of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, children were given medicines.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation constructed Thalassemia Center in Baku to create a qualified center and blood bank in Azerbaijan, prepare high-qualified personnel in the country, develop a voluntary donor service to provide safe and high quality blood to thalassemia-affected children, promote awareness-raising to prevent the expansion of thalassemia and enhance cooperation with foreign countries in fighting thalassemia.
By India Today Web Desk: Taimur Ali Khan may be all of six months old, but the toddler is already the favourite of the paparazzi. It is no surprise, for when you're the son of two of the top actors in this country, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, all eyes are bound to be on you. Taimur has been melting hearts with his adorable looks, and netizens can't get enough of the little munchkin.

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Kareena often takes Taimur along with her on outings, but last night, he was clicked without her. Oblivious to the shutterbugs, Taimur lay nestled in the arms of his nanny. He looked cute as hell in a white shirt and matching white shorts. Taimur is almost a spitting image of his mom Kareena.

Photo: Yogen Shah

Photo: Yogen Shah

Photo: Yogen Shah

On the work front, Kareena is set to start shooting for Veere Di Wedding, which marks her comeback post pregnancy. The film, which also stars Sonam Kapoor and Swara Bhaskar, will go on floors in August.

ALSO SEE: Saif and Kareena's li'l cutie Taimur is making our hearts melt

ALSO SEE: This photo of Kareena with her bundle of joy Taimur is breaking the internet

ALSO WATCH: Saif-Kareena become proud parents to a baby boy, Taimur Ali Khan Pataudi

--- ENDS ---
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Digital Trade Hub will soon start operating in Azerbaijan, Vusal Gasimli, executive director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, told reporters in Baku June 30.

Presentation of the Digital Trade Hub was held in Baku with the support of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication and National Confederation of Entrepreneurs Organizations of Azerbaijan.

It is necessary to make certain amendments to the existing legislation for the full operation of the Digital Trade Hub, said Gasimli. He expressed hope that this will be done soon.

He noted that the Digital Trade Hub will function in several areas, including in issuing electronic signatures and ASAN Imza (mobile ID) to non-residents of Azerbaijan.

After receiving electronic signatures and ASAN Imza, the non-residents in Azerbaijan will be able to carry out operations to open LLCs, bank accounts, hire employees, carry out export and import operations, said Gasimli.

The creation of the Digital Trade Hub will make Azerbaijans economy more open, he added. According to him, the Digital Trade Hub will play a big role in attracting foreign investments and expanding trade relations of Azerbaijan.

The Digital Trade Hub will also provide an opportunity to create electronic wallets, which will allow foreign partners to avoid difficulties in making settlements, noted Gasimli.

Another important detail is that the Digital Trade Hub will act as an electronic single window for export, he added. In other words, any Azerbaijani exporter, without leaving the office, can go through all the necessary procedures related to documentation and registration of product export via a computer or a mobile device.

According to Gasimli, the best practices of the UK, Estonia, Malaysia and other countries, as well as leading technologies were used while creating the Digital Trade Hub.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

Trend:

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and DEG - Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, a subsidiary of KfW Bankengruppe, are joining forces to increase the share capital of Unibank, one of the leading private commercial banks in Azerbaijan, by 49 million manats (US dollar equivalent) in aggregate, read a message from EBRD.

The EBRD is contributing to the share capital increase by converting up to $9 million of its existing debt in the bank into new ordinary voting shares, thereby increasing its stake to 22.0 per cent.

DEG is converting up to $15 million of its debt into new ordinary voting shares, with its stake increasing to 27.6 percent.

Eldar Garibov, the majority shareholder of Unibank, is subscribing new ordinary voting shares for 10 million manats, thereby retaining a controlling stake in the bank alongside other local shareholders.

The EBRD supports Unibank, its long-standing partner in Azerbaijan, by participating in the strengthening of its capital base. This will facilitate the banks recovery from the negative impact of the devaluation of the local currency manat and enable it to restart lending to the local economy, said Ivana Duarte, head of the EBRD office in Baku.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Azerbaijan. Since the start of its operations in the country the Bank has invested over $2.8 billion in 161 projects in the financial, corporate, infrastructure and energy sectors, with 68 per cent of those investments in the private sector.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Turkmenistan plans to invest in textile production in Moldovas Autonomous Unit of Gagauzia, the website of Autonomous region said in a message.

This issue was discussed within the meeting of Governor of Autonomous Unit of Gagauzia Irina Vlach with Turkmen Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov within the meeting in Ashgabat.

Vlach and Meredov also discussed possibility of wine and pharmaceutical products supplies from Gagauzia to Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan is one of the biggest cotton producers in the world. More than one million tons of cotton is grown annually in Turkmenistan, which is the raw material base for the development of textile industry. Up to 70 percent of the raw materials are processed in the country.

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

It is great to see progress at Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) site, said the US Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt.

It will bring energy diversification to Greece and all the European Union (EU), the envoy wrote on Twitter.

Remarkable progress has been achieved in the implementation of TAP project in all three countries through which it passes.

Earlier, the country manager of TAP AG consortium for Greece Rikard Scoufias said that work on 160km of TAPs Greek section is almost complete.

We have already started the work at around 320km of approximately 550 kilometers, which we plan to build in Greece, he added.

He pointed out that the project is progressing on schedule and the pipeline will be ready to deliver Azerbaijani gas to Europe in 2020.

As much as 75 percent of pipes needed to construct the Greek section of the Trans Adriatic TAP has been received.

Moreover, recently, German EMS-Fehn-Group has successfully completed the delivery of pipes for TAP in Albania.

During a 15-months-period 135,000 tons of pipes and bends were discharged and transported without a single incident.

TAP project, worth 4.5 billion euros, is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union. The project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries.

The pipeline will connect to the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italys south.

TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 kilometers, Albania 215 kilometers, Adriatic Sea 105 kilometers, and Italy 8 kilometers).

TAPs shareholding is comprised of BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

US President Donald Trump's ambitions to achieve energy revolution will destabilize energy markets, Cyril Widdershoven, a Middle East geopolitical specialist and energy analyst, a partner at Dutch risk consultancy VEROCY and SVP MEA-Risk, told Trend June 30.

He was commenting on the statement made by Trump that the US is on the cusp of a new energy revolution.

First of all, we need to understand it is not an energy revolution, at the same time it is almost no change to former president Obama's plan and strategy. Until now, the differences are minimal in reality, only the tone is more aggressive, noted Widdershoven.

He pointed out that an energy revolution as presented at present is nothing else than all other presidents have been trying to reach, an energy independent US, with now also with emphasis on energy exports.

The costs and constraints of this policy are already showing, as US will need to compete with others, and is going to put pressure on allies and other producers, resulting in a further destabilization of energy markets and geopolitics, the expert believes.

First of all, if put in place, additional volumes will be pushed on the global markets, at a time that there is a fight ongoing between demand and supply, with low oil and gas prices, said Widdershoven. At the same time, the real question is how is the US going to do this, as taking a real commercial business point of view, production costs of the US oil and gas, shale and offshore, are higher than most other regions in the world. It will mean that the US is pushing for additional volumes, which in reality are not commercially attractive at current price levels. Investments will be low, as the internal rate of return (IRR) is also low.

This policy of Trump will further destabilize the market, which not only will hit price levels for OPEC and Russian producers but at the same time put US producers under extreme pressure, the expert believes.

Most shale oil/gas will not be feasible under $40-45 per barrel. Nice strategy, but reality is different, he said. The targets set by Trump are unrealistic. Oil exports to Mexico is plain irrelevant, as it is cheaper to produce in Mexico (if investments are there) than to export US oil-gas to one of the world's oil countries with a high potential. Exporting gas (LNG) to others also will have a negative effect, not only for traditional LNG exporters but also for the commercials of US companies, prices will be lower, and so investment returns also.

The expert noted that to keep production in US also higher, new technologies and large scale investments are needed, something Trump currently had cut budgets for.

Trumps ambitions will be hitting a brick wall, as price/investments and demand will not be sufficient to take US volumes also. With lower prices or geopolitical issues, Washington will see that it is working against itself, said Widdershoven.

Earlier, Trump hailed an energy revolution marked by surging US exports of oil and natural gas.

Trump cited a series of steps the administration has taken to boost energy production and remove government regulations that he argues prevent the United States from achieving energy dominance in the global market.

Together, we are going to start a new energy revolution  one that celebrates American production on American soil, Trump said in a statement, adding that the US is on the brink of becoming a net exporter of oil, gas and other energy resources.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijan supplied over 2.17 billion cubic meters of gas to Turkey in January-April 2017, as compared to 2.26 billion cubic meters in January-April 2016, said a report posted on the website of Turkeys Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) June 30.

In 2016, Azerbaijan supplied 6.48 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey, as compared to 6.17 billion cubic meters in 2015.

According to the report, Turkey imported 20.45 billion cubic meters of gas in January-April 2017, some 15.77 billion cubic meters of which were imported via pipelines, and 4.67 billion cubic meters accounted for the LNG (liquefied natural gas) import.

Azerbaijans share in total volume of gas imported by Turkey stood at 10.63 percent in January-April 2017.

Turkey imports gas from Azerbaijan via the South Caucasus Pipeline (Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum).

Turkey has a contract for the annual purchase of 6.6 billion cubic meters of gas from Azerbaijans offshore Shah Deniz gas and condensate field.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 30

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Ashgabat will host an exhibition of Chinese goods on July 4-6, 2017, the Turkmen government said in a message.

Companies specializing in the production of electrical equipment, construction materials, agricultural and construction equipment will be represented at the exhibition.

Chinese manufacturers will demonstrate metal and plastic, textile and carpet, as well as food products.

Moreover, Chinese companies operating in the oil and gas, chemical industry, transportation, logistics, communications, healthcare, pharmaceutics and trade will be represented at the exhibition.

China has been Turkmenistan's biggest trade partner over the past five years.

As of 2016, about 40 enterprises operated in Turkmenistan with the participation of Chinese capital and nearly 70 investment projects worth more than $4 billion and 2.3 billion Chinese yuans were registered.

Companies from China are represented in the oil and gas, telecommunications spheres, transportation, agriculture, textile, chemical and food industries, healthcare and construction.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 30

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Ashgabat hosted a discussion on development of cooperation in the field of mutual supplies of products of enterprises of Turkmenistans Ministry of Textile Industry to Belarus and products of the Bellegprom concern to Turkmenistan, the Belarusian embassy in Ashgabat said in a message.

A delegation of Bellegproms enterprises arrived in the Turkmen capital, which included managers and specialists of OJSC Baranovichi Cotton Production Association and OJSC Kamvol.

As part of the visit of representatives of Belarusian enterprises engaged in light industry, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Belarus to Turkmenistan Oleg Tabanyukhov held a meeting with Turkmenistans Deputy Minister of Textile Industry Atamyrat Atayev.

Noting the strategic nature of the bilateral relations, the two sides agreed on practical issues of cooperation and determined the prospects for further expansion of cooperation in several mutually beneficial areas, said the message.

More than one million tons of cotton is grown annually in Turkmenistan, which is the raw material base for the development of textile industry. Up to 70 percent of the raw materials are processed in the country.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 30

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Presidents of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Nursultan Nazarbayev have in a phone conversation mulled the prospects of bilateral cooperation, the Turkmen government said in a message.

The Turkmen head of state noted that the relations between the two countries are becoming more dynamic and progressive.

Another message form Turkmenistans government says that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin in Ashgabat.

The Turkmen president pointed out that Kazakhstan is an important, true partner of Turkmenistan and the relations with the country are being built on a long-term and mutually beneficial basis.

Askar Mamin expressed the interest of Kazakhstan in the intensification of productive cooperation with Turkmenistan.

Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan were established in October 1992.

Ashgabat and Astana are discussing the prospects of trade and economic partnership, development of a legal framework, cooperation in the gas sector, agriculture, transportation, environment, as well as in the development of cross-border mineral deposits.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 30

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited the business community of Uzbekistan to participate in the TurkmenistanAfghanistanPakistanIndia (TAPI) gas pipeline project, said the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary state news service.

The suggestion was made at a meeting of the Turkmen president with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov in Ashgabat.

Uzbekistan was also offered to proceed with the development of oil and gas fields on the Caspian shelf.

The [Turkmen] head of state noted with satisfaction the ever friendly and good-neighborly nature of the Turkmen-Uzbek relations, reads the message.

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which possess considerable reserves of hydrocarbon resources, stand for diversification of energy flows.

The total length of the TAPI pipeline will be 1,814 kilometers. A 214-kilometer section of the pipeline will run through Turkmenistan, a 774-kilometer section will run through Afghanistan and an 826-kilometer section will run through Pakistan.

Construction of the Turkmen section of TAPI started in 2015 and is scheduled to finish in late 2018.

The pipelines annual capacity will be 33 billion cubic meters of gas.
As many as 800 cinema halls in Tamil Nadu won't screen films starting Monday, in protest of the addition of a municipal tax to GST, which was rolled out in Parliament at midnight on July 30.

By India Today Web Desk: The Tamil Nadu Cinema Theatre Owners Federation on Friday announced that cinema halls wouldn't screen films starting Monday, in protest of the addition of a 30 per cent municipal tax to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a Puthiya Thalaimurai report said.

The announcement came just hours before the official midnight launch of GST, a new tax regime that unites India's states and Union Territories into a single market, and is expected to improve ease of doing business, increase revenue collection and attract foreign investment.

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The regime puts movie tickets under the highest tax slab - 28 per cent - a move that recently caused actor Kamal Haasan to to lash out at the government.

As many as 800 theatres will take part in the protest in Tamil Nadu, the News Minute reported.

Critic Sreedhar Pillai called the double tax "shocking."

Shocking- The only state in India with double taxation after #GST comes into effect on cinema tickets will be Tamil Nadu!- Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) June 30, 2017

Actor Siddharth expressed hope that only GST would be levied.

People are confused whether we have #GST + ENT tax added to net amount in ticket pricing. Hope it's just #GST @ 18% or 28% otherwise #STRIKE- Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) June 30, 2017

The #TamilFilmIndustry must stand united. We are being played by this center-state confusion. #GST is one nation one tax! No exceptions!- Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) June 30, 2017

On Saturday and Sunday, theatres in Tamil Nadu will sell tickets at the current prices, Puthiya Thalaimurai reported.

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India enters GST era, PM Narendra Modi says Good and Simple Tax will help poor

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Midnight tryst with GST: Full coverage of India's biggest tax reform in Central Hall

--- ENDS ---
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 30

By Demir Azizov Trend:

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during the telephone conversation stressed gratification with the intensification of contacts at all levels, the Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA) reported June 30.

The presidents are also pleased with joint projects which are being actively implemented in trade, economic, transport, communication, energy, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres.

Mirziyoyev congratulated Berdimuhamedov on his 60th birthday anniversary, wished him robust health, prosperity, new achievements in state activity, and peace and prosperity to fraternal people of Turkmenistan.

Mirziyoyev stressed that the achievements of modern Turkmenistan are connected with President Berdimuhamedovs thought-out policy, great efforts and hard work.

Turkmenistan is implementing a number of big projects and programs aimed at ensuring sustainable social and economic development, outstripping the development of infrastructure and raising the standard of living of the population.

During the telephone conversation, the presidents discussed the practical aspects of implementing the reached agreements and the decisions made during the high level meetings in Turkmenistan in March and May 2017.

The presidents stressed that the experience of close and fruitful cooperation is a solid basis for realizing the enormous potential of bilateral cooperation.

Mirziyoyev and Berdimuhamedov also exchanged views on the most topical issues of regional and international policy having mutual interest.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

The maritime fleet of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) became a member of Frances Bureau Veritas certification agency during a conference in Paris, the countrys Maritime News Agency reported June 30.

According to the report, alongside Mohammd Saedi the CEO of IRISL, Kian Ersi the head of the National Iranian Tanker Company also participated in conference.

Established in Iran since 1976, Bureau Veritas is providing services aiming at reducing risks and improving performance.

Bureau Veritas services are concentrated around testing, inspection and certification.
Tehran, Iran, June 30

By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:

We have no problem regarding exporting petrochemical products to China, the problem exists only in [China] paying for the exported products, said Irans petrochemical chief in a self-contradictory statement while trying not to admit that for months now the country is exporting petrochemicals to China without receiving any money in return.

Things have gone to the point where top officials of the two countries are now engaged in talking the issue over, Marzieh Shahdaei, head of the National Petrochemical Company told IRNA news agency June 30.

She did not suggest any improvement in the high-level talks, but went on to say that maybe it is necessary for China to change some of its regulations.

Mehdi Sharifi Niknafas, the head of Iran Petrochemical Commercial Company, in May said that China has adopted strict anti-money laundering policies that cause difficulties in transferring the money generated through Irans export of petrochemicals there.

According to the official, about 40 percent of Irans petrochemical exports go to China. The Middle Eastern nations total exports of petrochemicals over the last Iranian calendar year (ended March 20, 2017) amounted to 20.4 million tons.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

Iran increased gas delivery to Turkey by 14.1 percent to 3.228 billion cubic meters (bcm) in four months of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.

Irans gas deliveries to Turkey in April reached about 811 million cubic meters (mcm), 24.5 percent more than in April 2016, the statistics of Turkeys Energy Market Regulatory Authority indicate.

Since January 2017, Iran delivers gas to Turkey free of charge to pay off its $1.9 billion debt to Turkey, based on the International Court of Arbitrations verdict. Turkey had sued Iran for overcharging on gas price during the second term of former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Iran exported 7.7 bcm of gas to Turkey in 2016. Iran had 17.46 percent share in Turkeys total gas imports (including LNG) in March 2017.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with Frances new-elected president Emmanuel Macron in Elisee presidential palace on June 30, state TV IRIB reported.

According to the report, Zarif and Macron would discuss regional issues, including Syrian crisis.

Irans Foreign Ministry reported on its official website that Zarif has started European tour to visit Italian, German and then French officials.

Before visiting Macron, Zarif met with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, and President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher.

Press TV reported June 30 that on the third leg of his European tour, Zarif visited the French capital for discussions on ways of promoting Tehran-Paris cooperation on issues of bilateral and regional importance.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival, Zarif described France as one of Irans close economic partners, saying the two sides have significantly increased their cooperation in this field, especially after the conclusion of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers.

The landmark accord put limits on Irans nuclear program in exchange for the removal of economic sanctions against the country, paving the way for a more active Iranian role in global trade.

During his talks with Zarif, Le Drian voiced support for the 2015 nuclear deal, officially named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and said a variety of measures have been taken for the historic agreement to bear fruit.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Irans Deputy Chief of the Judiciary Qolamhossein Mohseni Ejei, a representative of the conservative political wing, has said sings of sedition are seen on the horizon.

The right-wing in Iran started the particular use of the word sedition to denote reformist moves in the aftermath of the 2009 presidential election when public riots demanded a redoing of the election, claiming election rigging.

Experience has shown that any act of sabotage against the IRGC and some revolutionary entities has been followed by some dangerous move, Ejei said, IRIB news agency reported June 30.

The IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps) has been put under pressure recently both in Iran and from outside the country. President Hassan Rouhani recently said the IRGC should recognize its place as a non-partisan entity serving the nation, bidding it away from political and economic activities.

But the revolution forces also met harsh treatment from the United States last week when the Senate voted for a legislation that would impose new sanctions on it for its missile program.

Ejei made more references to Rouhani by likening him to the Islamic Republics first President Abolhassan Banisadr (in office February 5, 1980  June 20, 1981), warning that the former president relied too much on his public support.

Banisadr was selfish and proud of the majority vote he had garnered, Ejei said, a tacit reference to Rouhanis groundbreaking vote of near 24 million this May that kept him for another four years in office.

Experts believe that the recent clash between Rouhani and the IRGC is in fact a campaign he has launched to garner the position of leadership after the 77-year-old Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei passes away.

Khamenei has been the single staunchest supporter of the IRGC and paved the way for it to capture the core of various sectors in Iran, ranging from culture to economy and homeland security. The IRGC appeared as the sole power to save Khamenei from the post-2009 election riots, which many used to deem as a real game changer.
Tehran, Iran, June 30

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has described his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron as very successful.

Ending his European tour, he said during the meeting in Paris, the two sides exchanged views on how to follow the expansion of bilateral economic ties effectively, IRIB news agency reported June 30.

According to Zarif, security concerns in the Middle East, the Syrian crisis in particular, were another area of discussion.

Zarif held talks with Macron in Elysee Palace on Friday and submitted Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's written message to him.

Zarif, who was on a five-day trip to Europe, met Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni before meeting Macron.

On Thursday, Zarif also held a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. During the meeting, Zarif called for expanding the banking relations between the two countries.

Iran is seeking closer ties with France in various areas, especially economy, Zarif stated.

For his part, Le Drian expressed support for implementation of the nuclear agreement, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which went into force in January 2016.

After his meeting with Zarif, Le Drian tweeted that he will follow the path of dialogue with Iran.

Zarif also held a separate meeting with Gerard Larcher, the president of the French Senate.

Larcher said France attaches great importance to ties with Iran and is willing to have continuous political consultations with it.

Zarif, who started his tour of Europe on Monday, first visited Germany, where he addressed the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) and held talks with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Federal Minister of Finance Wolfgang Schauble.

After concluding his visit to Germany, Zarif headed to Rome, Italy, holding talks on bilateral relations with Prime Minister Gentiloni on Wednesday.

In a separate meeting with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy Laura Boldrini, Irans chief diplomat called for ways to expand relations.

Zarif invited Boldrini to visit Iran. He also met separately with Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

A 43-year old Armenian has been arrested after trying to ram a car into a crowd outside a mosque in a suburb of Paris, the Independent reports.

No one was injured in the incident on Thursday evening in the Creteil neighborhood, in the south-east of the French capital.

The vehicle struck barriers put in place to protect worshippers and pedestrians.

A police statement said the suspect repeatedly struck the blocks and barriers placed to protect the mosque.

Frances Le Parisien newspaper said the suspect showed no signs of being drunk or on drugs.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

Trend:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump today, the White House said.

The presidents spoke about numerous subjects, including ways to resolve the ongoing dispute between Qatar and its Gulf and Arab neighbors while ensuring that all countries work to stop terrorist funding and to combat extremist ideology.

President Trump emphasized the importance of all our allies and partners increasing their efforts to fight terrorism and extremism in all its forms.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel promised to fight for free trade and press on with multilateral efforts to combat climate change at the G20 summit next week, challenging the "America First" policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, Reuters reported.

In a defiant speech to parliament a week before she will host a summit of the world's top economic powers in Hamburg, the northern port city where she was born, Merkel did not mention Trump by name but said global problems could not be solved with protectionism and isolation.

Her remarks raised the prospect of an open clash with Trump at the summit. She later met with European G20 leaders who promised to present a united front in Hamburg, while making clear they preferred compromise to conflict.

"These will not be easy talks," Merkel said. "The differences are obvious and it would be wrong to pretend they aren't there. I simply won't do this."

The G20 summit will be held a little over a month after a G7 summit in Sicily exposed deep divisions between other western countries and Trump on climate change, trade and migration.

A short while later, Trump announced he was pulling the United States out of a landmark agreement to combat climate change reached in 2015 in Paris.

Ahead of the G20 summit, Trump's administration has threatened to take punitive trade measures against China, including introducing tariffs on steel imports.

This has made for an unusually tense atmosphere before the summit and German officials acknowledge they have little idea what the final communique will look like.

Asked about Merkel's comments, Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, said the U.S. relationship with Germany was "as strong as ever" and played down the discord.

"Of course there are going to be differences in relations with any country, and we'll talk frankly about those differences. The president enjoys those conversations," McMaster told reporters.

The German hosts face a difficult challenge. Along with Trump, Russia's Vladimir Putin and Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan will be attending. All have strained relations with Merkel and other European leaders.

The summit, in a convention center in the heart of Hamburg, could also be disrupted by tens of thousands of protesters expected to descend on the city of 1.7 million.
The much-hyped Chinese breakfast at Tiretti Bazaar is poor excuse for a cockcrow expedition to the city's old China Town. Nowadays, it merely survives on conjecture. But later in the day, make that trip to the area anyway for a sumptuous meal at nearby Tung Nam-a no-frills, family-run Chinese eating house on Chatawallah Gully, behind Poddar Court.

Comfort Food: The setting is decidedly shabby but don't let that deter you, for the place serves up some of the best Cantonese-style food in the city. "What we serve here are treasured family recipes. It's the kind of food you could expect to eat in a Chinese home in Kolkata," says Susan Hsieh, 54, who now runs the place along with husband Michael, 58. In the kitchen to the right you are likely to spot members of the Hsieh family supervising bubbling pots of meaty broth or working the wok.

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Known for its nostalgia-inducing flavours, the establishment is, in fact, relatively new having opened its doors only in 2001. Ever since, Tung Nam has quietly built a strong reputation and a bloc of staunch loyalists on the strength of unpretentious food, generous portions and reasonable prices.

Photo: Indrajit Lahiri

Plate Full: Popular staples like the mei-foons and the Manchurians in place, the menu packs in a few unique numbers like shreds of chicken or pork simmered with salt-pickled mustard greens in a flavourful broth, or cooked with button mushrooms and chunks of tofu in subtly flavoured gravy. Tung Nam's signature Hamei sauce (you could take your pick from chicken, pork, fish or shrimp balls in this tear-jerking sauce) is a closely guarded recipe, which allegedly gets its unique flavour from a generous dose of fermented shrimp paste-a definite crowd-puller. The wantons here- silken parcels of supple dough, generously stuffed with subtly seasoned mince are easily among the best picks. They also come nestled with mustard greens in steaming bowls of clear soup.

All-time Favourite: The place is especially popular with porkenthusiasts who drop in for platefuls of chilli pork (often dubbed the best in town) or the fiery pork in hamei sauce, a bestseller. Besides, this is one of the few places in town that has kaptai (pig offal) on the menu. Those in the know, however, call days in advance to request specialties like the Char Siu Pork. Or ask one of the Hseihs for suggestions and they might just toss up an off-the-menu gem for you.

At 24, Chatawallah Gully, Tiretti, Kolkata; Meal For Two Rs 500; Time 12 noon to 3 p.m. (lunch) and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (dinner)

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The United States plans to sell Taiwan $1.42 billion in arms, the first such sale under the administration of Donald Trump and a move sure to anger China, whose help the president has been seeking to rein in North Korea, Reuters reported.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters the administration had told Congress of the seven proposed sales on Thursday.

"It's now valued about $1.42 billion," she said.

The State Department said the package included technical support for early warning radar, high speed anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and missile components.

Nauert said the sales showed U.S. "support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability," but there was no change to the United States' long-standing "one China" policy, which recognizes Beijing and not Taipei.

The United States is the sole arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Beijing has given Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen the cold shoulder since she took power last year because she leads an independence-leaning ruling party and refuses to recognize the "one China" policy.

On Friday, Tsai's office said that her government will continue "to seek constructive dialogue with Beijing, and promote positive developments in cross-strait relations."

"(The arms sale) increases Taiwan's confidence and ability to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," Tsai's office tweeted.

The sale, which requires congressional approval, would be the first to Taiwan under Trump and the first since a $1.83 billion sale that former President Barack Obama announced in December 2015, to China's dismay.

The previous package included two navy frigates in addition to anti-tank missiles and amphibious attack vehicles.

A State Department official said the latest package primarily represented "upgrades to existing defense capabilities aimed at converting current legacy systems from analog to digital."

Taiwan's defense ministry said the items would enhance air and sea combat capability and early warning defenses. It said Taiwan and the United States would continue to consolidate their security partnership to contribute to long-term stability in the region.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan does not consider cancelling his visit to Hamburg in response to Germanys decision to ban his speech before representatives of the Turkish community in the city, a source in the Turkish presidential administration told Trend.

The Turkish media outlets had previously cited a diplomatic source in the German Foreign Ministry that said Germany stands against Erdogans speech to be delivered to representatives of the Turkish community at the G20 summit, to be held in Hamburg July 7-8.

Erdogan was expected to address the representatives of the Turkish community on the second day of the summit, the source noted.

Later, it was reported that in response to the Germanys decision, the Turkish president may cancel his visit to Germany to attend the G20 summit.

Germany should not sacrifice relations with such an important country of the region as Turkey, said the presidential administration.

A number of European countries pursue the policy of double standards towards Turkey, which is fundamentally contrary to democratic principles.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
KYODO NEWS - Jun 29, 2017 - 18:12 | World, All

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived Thursday in Hong Kong amid tight security to attend ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the handover, and the inauguration of a new leader.

Xi arrived at around noon at Chek Lap Kok Airport aboard a presidential plane, on his first visit to Hong Kong since becoming president in March 2013. Xi last visited Hong Kong nine years ago as vice president.

For the three-day visit, police raised security measures to antiterrorist level, and a mobile security zone will follow Xi's entourage wherever he travels.

Hundreds of 2-meter-high water-filled plastic barriers also line the streets in the vicinity of the Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre, where the inauguration ceremony will be held, and the streets surrounding hotels where the Chinese president and his delegation are staying.

In his first remarks upon arriving, Xi seemed at pains to downplay the significance of the moment, projecting a business-as-usual tone in the only part of China where Beijing's authority is attenuated.

When the former British colony was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, Hong Kong was promised a semiautonomous status under a framework allowing it to run its own affairs except for defense and diplomacy.

Fear that Beijing was reneging on that promise by pushing a restrictive electoral reform plan prompted tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents to take to the streets in late 2014, shutting to traffic the key areas of Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok for 79 days in what became known as the Umbrella Revolution.

In his arrival remarks, Xi said China will persevere in supporting Hong Kong's development and ensure the sustainability of the "one country, two systems" framework.

Talking to the press at the airport, Xi said his visit would serve three purposes, including conveying greetings to the special administrative region, showing support for Hong Kong and planning for the future.

"I will join all parties in reviewing the achievements of Hong Kong over the past 20 years, envision the future on the back of past experience, and ensure the stable and sustained implementation of the 'one country, two systems' framework," Xi said, before leaving the airport without taking questions.

Xi later met with and complimented Hong Kong's outgoing Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, a widely unpopular leader who is facing a corruption probe by a legislative house committee over undeclared financial dealings with a private firm.

"It was not an easy five years for you, Chief Executive Leung," Xi said before the meeting was closed to the press. "You have done a great job, endorsing the spirit of the Basic Law, especially in maintaining national sovereignty, safety and development interests (in Hong Kong)."

During his visit, Xi will preside over the inauguration of the new chief executive, Carrie Lam, and of her Cabinet.

Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, will also attend an official dinner hosted by Leung and a cultural performance, as well as visit a cultural development project, a People's Liberation Army barrack, a youth cadet school and a kindergarten, local media reported.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 30, 2017 - 09:28 | All

Japan's job availability improved to its best level in over four decades in May, government data showed Friday, highlighting evidence that labor is in short supply.

The country's jobless rate rose to 3.1 percent in May from 2.8 percent in April, partly because people quit their jobs in search of better employment conditions, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said.

Strong exports to Asia have driven Japan's economy, which has been in its third-longest expansion phase in the postwar era. Companies, gradually stepping up output, are in an increasingly intense hunt for workers.

The ratio of job seekers to job offers improved to 1.49 in May from 1.48 in April, the best level since February 1974, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. It means that 149 positions were available for every 100 job seekers.

On the back of the export-led recovery, domestic demand has also shown signs of picking up, even though economists say private consumption lacks strength as wage growth is tepid.

Household spending fell 0.1 percent from a year ago to 283,056 yen ($2,530), marking the 15th straight monthly decline.

The average income of salaried households with two or more people fell 1.7 percent from a year ago to 421,497 yen, down for the third consecutive month.

The unemployment rate for men rose 0.3 point to 3.2 percent, while that for women increased 0.3 point to 2.9 percent, the internal affairs ministry said.

The number of unemployed people jumped a seasonally adjusted 10.2 percent, or 190,000, to 2.05 million. Japan had 65.19 million workers.
On Friday, June 30, Nollywood actresses joined Ooni of Ifes wife to campaign against domestic violence in a bid to give voice to the voiceless.

Olori Wuraola Zynab Ogunwusi seized the opportunity to launch her advocacy campaign for women tagged #1in3Africa. It was reported that the advocacy campaign was formally launched by the Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Nollywood actresses Mercy Aigbe and Tonto Dikeh.

Legit.ng gathered that the campaign which was scheduled to take place at Awolowo Road by Falomo Roundabout, Ikoyi Lagos was well attended by other Nollywood actresses, music stars among others.

Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi campaigning against domestic violence in Lagos

READ ALSO: Phyno comes for Hushpuppi, attacks his lavish lifestyle

Other celebrities who supported the campaign include Ini Edo, Kate Henshaw, Adunni Ade, Seyi Shay, Funke Akindele, Uche Jombo, Sola Sobowale, Monalisa Chinda-Coker, Ifeoma Williams, Ndidi Obioha, Chika Acholonu, Foluke Daramola-Salako to mention a few.

Mercy Aigbe with the Lagos state police PRO Dolapo Badmus

Speaking about this campaign Olori Wuraola said that: It is our God given right, not just to show empathy towards victims but to set forth action to help them find their voice. Silencing the abused is also a form of abuse. Men also have a crucial role to play in speaking out against violence. This awareness also includes demanding a change of the cultural and social stigmas that perpetuate the problem. Together, we can help those who need us.

Tonto Dikeh, Mercy Aigbe and Annie Idibia campaigning against domestic violence in Lagos

PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App

Actress Mercy Aigbe has taken to her Instagram handle to thank Olori Wuraola for allowing take part in this campaign. She said:

Big thank you to her Royal Majesty @oloriwuraolaogunwusi for the #1in3Africa campaign! It is a great initiative and may the lord give you the strength to see it tru. You are giving voice to the voiceless, empowering women and trying to build a peaceful society for us all. You are indeed a Mother! Long live her royal majesty!

See her post below:

Watch Legit.ng video below:

Source: Legit.ng
A quarter of countries in sub-Saharan Africa receive very little funding for research into malaria despite having high malaria-related death rates.

In a new study, led by the University of Southampton and published in The Lancet Global Health, countries have been ranked according to how much research and non-research funding they receive from major public and philanthropic global health funders to combat the disease.

The study examined the portfolios of several of the major global health research funders and compared funding levels to national malaria-related burden of disease. They could not find any investment for malaria research in countries such as Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Chad, Congo and Central African Republic. Chad, Congo and Central African Republic are among the countries with the highest malaria death rates in the world at 71.9, 64.84 and 128.34 per 100,000 of the population respectively.

All countries received non-research funding, otherwise known as funding for malaria control, which includes investment for bednets, public health schemes and anti-malarial drugs.

Dr Michael Head, who led the study from the University of Southampton, said: "We have been able to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape of funding for malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, a massive area where around 90 per cent of worldwide malaria cases occur. We've shown that there are countries that are being neglected and the global health community should reconsider strategies around resource allocation to reduce inequities and improve equality."

The review analysed funding data from 1997 to 2013 from 13 major public and philanthropic global health funders. It is the first study to systematically describe the geography of public and philanthropic research funding for malaria.

Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi ranked highest when research investment and funding for malaria control were combined.

Tanzania ($107.8m), Kenya ($92.9m), Uganda ($97.9m), Malawi ($71.7m) and Ghana ($62.7m) received the most research funding while Nigeria ($786.2m), Tanzania ($750m), Kenya ($621.9m), Ethiopia ($578m) and Malawi ($424.6m) all received the most non-research funding.

Two funders, the US National Institutes of Health and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provided almost 60 per cent of the research funding.

The research team suggests the reason for the disparity in funding allocation could be in part due to the presence of established high-quality research infrastructure in countries such as Tanzania and Kenya, and political instability and poor healthcare infrastructures in lower-ranked nations such as Chad, Central African Republic or Sierra Leone.

"However, new investment in malaria research and development in these areas can encourage the development of improved health systems," Dr Head said. "Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa simply do not have an established research infrastructure and it is difficult for research funders to make investments in these settings. Ultimately, however, there are neglected populations in these countries who suffer greatly from malaria and other diseases. Investments in health improve the wealth of a nation and we need to be smarter with allocating limited resources to best help to reduce clear health inequalities."

Co-author Professor Andy Tatem, of the University of Southampton, said: "Our understanding of the geography of malaria transmission and populations at risk has improved substantially in recent years through research conducted in Southampton. Great variations and inequalities in malaria risks exist across Africa, and this study adds a new dimension in highlighting surprising and significant inequalities in malaria research funding too."

The study was funded by the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH).

RSTMH chief executive Tamar Ghosh said: "RSTMH is delighted to have been able to fund this important and interesting study through our small grants programme. We look forward to hearing more from Dr Head on this."

###

Notes to Editors

1. The paper entitled: Global funding trends for malaria research in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic analysis, is available upon request. DOI: 10.1016/ S2214-109X(17)30245-0

2. The University of Southampton drives original thinking, turns knowledge into action and impact, and creates solutions to the world's challenges. We are among the top one per cent of institutions globally. Our academics are leaders in their fields, forging links with high-profile international businesses and organisations, and inspiring a 24,000-strong community of exceptional students, from over 135 countries worldwide. Through our high-quality education, the University helps students on a journey of discovery to realise their potential and join our global network of over 200,000 alumni. http://www.southampton.ac.uk
Venkaiah Naidu said that the Opposition parties should attend the GST session tonight at the Parliament.

By India Today Web Desk:

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu, while speaking at the India Today Tryst With Tax Conclave, said that the government is open to the suggestion for a speech by Opposition leaders like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the Special Session of Parliament to launch the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from midnight.

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Venkaiah Naidu said that the Opposition parties should attend the GST session of Parliament. "Please join. This is a combined effort. It is not an effort of a single party," Naidu said.

WATCH THE LIVE EVENT HERE.

Naidu, however, slammed the Opposition parties for boycotting the Parliament Session. He said, "This is the political decision taken by the Congress and their friends as they are not able to digest the fact that Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of the country."

"The question is, are they opposing GST? Answer is no. Were they not consulted over GST? Answer is no. So, why are they boycotting it," asked Venkaiah Naidu.

Terming GST as a revolutionary step, Naidu said it will build New India as it is based on "One Nation, One Tax" principle.

WHY MIDNIGHT SESSION

On the question of midnight GST session, Naidu said, in 1947 people gave mandate to Nehru and in 2014 people gave mandate to Narendra Modi. "No one can change it. They (Congress) are not able to digest the fact," he said.

President and Vice-President are coming. The Prime Minister will launch the GST.

Responding to another question, Naidu said, "Prime Minister is Prime Minister and ex-prime minister is ex-prime minister. But, if they have a suggestion that former prime minister should give a speech, we will consider it."

Watch Venkaiah Naidu speak at the India Today Tryst With Tax Conclave

Bill with political will & administrative skill that is required, they are all available with this govt: @MVenkaiahNaidu#TrystWithTax pic.twitter.com/Z1hTKu6pcZ- India Today (@IndiaToday) June 30, 2017

WHAT ELSE VENKAIAH NAIDU SAID

Atal Bihari Vajpayee government first proposed GST. Vijay Kelkar committee was formed and recommended for GST. A committee of state finance ministers was set up. Asim Dasgupta of West Benal headed the committee and worked for GST.

P Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee as finance ministers worked for GST. They introduced the Bill in Parliament. It was then referred to the Standing Committee of Parliament. The committee had wide ranging discussion and drafted the Bill.

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Arun Jaitley as Finance Minister has done a great job. He met leaders of every political party to build consensus over GST. He visited every state. At the end, the GST Bills were unanimously passed by Parliament.

There will be some issues as GST is implemented. I am not denying that. But, those problems will be addressed.

On a question about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's opposition to GST calling it a hasty move, Naidu said, "Mamata Banerjee is saying you propose, I oppose. I am saying, I propose, you oppose and let the House dispose."

Let us not try to find excuses. When new rules are implemented, There will some problems. Problems are not insurmountable. They can be addressed."

COMPLETE GST MIDNIGHT CONCLAVE STORIES

ALSO READ

Foreign media on GST: Ready or not, Indian businesses brace for biggest-ever tax reform

How GST travelled on the long road from Rajiv Gandhi to Narendra Modi

Watch the video here: GST will build new India, says Venkaiah Naidu at Tryst With Tax Conclave

--- ENDS ---




death valley

On balance, electric cars have been a miserable market failure, despite the massive amounts of hype directed at them. Consumers have been able to purchase a wide range of EVs for a decade, and yet the vehicles make up only about 1% of global sales.

Even that number could erode as federal tax breaks for new EV purchases expire. Buyers can currently claim up to $7,500 per vehicle, but once a carmaker crosses a certain sales threshold (200,000 cars), the incentive goes away. Tesla, for example, might lose this perk as it enters mass production of its high-volume Model 3.

Some have dubbed this the "valley of death" for EVs  because without the incentive, sales would dry up and die.

Tesla's home state, California  where EVs have gained considerable traction  wants to do something about the issue.

Here's Bloomberg's Dana Hull and Ryan Beene:

The state, long a champion of electric cars, is considering a bill to provide rebates to EV buyers at the time of purchase, reducing the sale price right as customers drive off the lot by as much as $10,000. The bill, which proposes giving the most cash to low-income buyers, looks to set aside as much as $3 billion for the incentives. If passed, the program could help bridge the valley of death looming on the horizon for EV demand.

The program  which would translate into a $10,000 discount per car at the point of purchase  isn't without controversy.



As Hull and Beene note: "Some automakers arent so sure about the bill. While everyone would like to sell more vehicles, theres a worry fewer cars could be eligible under the new proposal."

The difficulty would probably stem from regulations requiring that eligible vehicles meet a minimum standard of electrification, preventing carmakers from using what is sometimes derisively referred to as "compliance car" that they manufacture more to meet requirements than to sell to consumers. If the tax breaks are taken away, then the automakers will have almost no power to market these unpopular cars.

Story continues

With EVs so unpopular, it's clear that governments will continue to need to support them, with the end goal being sufficient market penetration to enable the cars to stand on their own. That could be a decade or more away, but the payoff would be significant in terms of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, lessening dependence on oil, and providing consumers with more choice.

NOW WATCH: We drove a brand-new Tesla Model X from San Francisco to New York  here's what happened

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As the F-35 marches closer to full combat readiness, pilots test the jet in ever more challenging environments, most recently by firing a AIM 9x air-to-air missile while flying upside-down.

"This unique missile launch is a situation we dont expect a pilot to be in very often," read the release. Firing a missile upside-down is nothing new. Fighters have had this capability for decades, and the stealth F-35 shouldn't often find itself in a turning fight with adversaries.

But now they know that if they need to fire a missile while experiencing negative G forces and inverted, they can.

We want to provide the maximum capability of the F-35 to the fleet to get them where they need to be for training and operational use, said James Shepherd, the test pilot who fired the missile at Patuxent River Navy Base. This will ensure we meet our promises to deliver the most advanced fifth generation fighter in the world.

Check out the missile in the pictures below:

f-35 Neg G Missile Launch

f-35 Neg G Missile Launch

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U.S. West Texas Intermediate and internationally favored Brent crude oil futures gave back most of their earlier gains but still managed to close higher for the sixth straight session. Early Friday, both futures contracts are trading inside yesterdays range, suggesting investor indecision and impending volatility.

AT 0600 GMT, August WTI crude oil is trading $45.21, up $0.28 or +0.62% and September Brent crude oil is at $47.89, up $0.26 or +0.55%.

Daily September Brent Crude

A combination of profit-taking and short-covering has been behind the lengthy rally. The market received a boost on Wednesday after the U.S. government reported a decline in weekly U.S. production. The news carried over into Thursdays session. This helped alleviate a few of the lingering concerns over the global supply glut.

A weaker U.S. Dollar also helped boost dollar-denominated crude because of increased foreign demand, however, the primary driver of the bullish price action was the Energy Information Administrations report from Wednesday that showed domestic crude production dropped by 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 9.3 million bpd the week-ending June 23, the steepest weekly fall since July 2016.

Daily August West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil

Forecast

Crude oil futures are in a position to post their biggest weekly gain since mid-May, ending five weeks of losses with prices underpinned by a decline in U.S. output.

U.S. crude futures are currently up about 4.6 percent for the week, while benchmark Brent has gained 4.2 percent. That marks the biggest rise for both markets since the week-ending May 19.

Investors know that crude oil hit a 10-month low last week in the face of a mounting supply glut. They also know that a firm North Sea crude oil market is starting to show signs of long-lost strength.

Both moves suggest that some of the pessimism that has driven down oil futures this month and created record short positions against a prolonged rally may be unjustified. This being said, bearish short sellers have been reluctant to refresh positions at current price levels.

Story continues

Bullish traders may not be too excited about taking aggressive long positions yet, but this weeks price action suggests that weaker shorts are a little uncomfortable and are willing to book profits.

Todays early price action suggests the direction of the market today will be determined by the weekly rig count. Bullish traders are hoping that the reported decline in U.S. output means producers reduced the number of oil rigs this week.

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

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Donald Trump Keith Schiller

The House Intelligence Committee wants to interview White House aide Keith Schiller as it investigates Russian interference in the 2016 US election, ABC News reports.

Schiller is a close confidant of President Donald Trump and formerly served as his bodyguard and de facto gatekeeper. His title is now White House director of Oval Office operations.

The House investigation's interest in Schiller is the "latest indication that the investigations are touching Trump's inner circle," according to ABC News.

Notably, Schiller delivered the letter to the FBI informing James Comey of his termination as FBI director.

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To the question, "Would you like anything else with that?" no one answers "fecal bacteria."

Unfortunately, it may be accompanying orders of iced coffee drinks at three coffee chains in the UK anyways, according to a recent BBC investigation.



The BBC reports that it found "varying levels" of the bacteria in samples of iced drinks from Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and Caffe Nero.

Penny Mairoudhiou, a spokesperson for Costa Coffee, told Business Insider, "We were disappointed with the findings, especially as these stores are all rated 'Very Good' with the top hygiene rating of 5."

The presence of fecal bacteria  which can cause diarrhea if ingested  could be a sign that there are nastier germs also present, said Philip Tierno, a microbiologist at New York University.

"Where there are fecal bacteria present it is an indicator that there could be other germs that are pathogenic [or illness-causing] like Norovirus or hepatitis A or Salmonella that can make you sick," Tierno told Business Insider.

It also suggests that workers at the chains are not keeping themselves clean and that they "have dirty bare hands," he said.

iced coffee

In addition to sampling the ice at 30 of the chains, British researchers also studied their tables, trays, and high chairs. London chain Costa Coffee ranked worst out of the three cafes, with seven out of 10 samples "found to be contaminated with bacteria found in feces."

"It is extremely important to us that all our stores operate to high standards of hygiene at all times and we take it very seriously when any store fails to meet these standards," said Mairoudhiou. "Following these results we have taken immediate action to update our ice handling procedures."

Starbucks and Caffe Nero, on the other hand, tested positive for the bacteria in three out of 10 samples.

Starbucks told Business Insider they had begun their own investigation into the findings, and Caffe Nero told the BBC it had also "taken action."

Story continues

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Sen. Chuck Schumer has been very outspoken against robocalls and ringless voicemails. Source: AP

If theres anything good about ringless voicemails, its the fact that they bring people together. These voicemails that simply appear on your phone seem to invite universal hatred.

Indeed, the FCC has gotten almost 2,800 complaints about ringless voicemails in June alone. Among the complaints: lost business due to spam clogging the mailbox, added data costs from checking messages, mailboxes flooded to capacity unable to receive messages from family.

My phone  bought and paid for by me  exists for my convenience, and not to provide a portal into my life for unsolicited contacts of any nature, said one Georgian to the FCC.

The robocall war has been hard enough to fight with the support of the FCC. (Recently, the FCC scored a win in this war, slapping a $120 million fine on a robocaller after TripAdvisor tracked down the culprit.) And now ringless voicemails have become the latest battleground for telephone annoyance since the FCC was asked in late March to consider exempting ringless voicemails from its do-not-call rules by a marketing company called All About the Message, LLC. (The Do Not Call Registry provides telemarketers with a list of numbers its illegal to dial.)

Perhaps unexpectedly, however, the ringless voicemail debate suddenly became a partisan issue.

Ringless voicemails go viral

On May 18, the Republican National Committee got involved, filing comments with the FCC in support of All About the Message saying the delivery of a voice message directly to a voicemail box does not constitute a call, and is not subject to telephone consumer protection rules. RNC chief counsel John R. Phillippe, Jr. wrote that a contrary ruling would have serious consequences for the First Amendment rights of those engaged in political communication via telephone.

The RNCs comments seemed suggested its support was to solidify its own strategies with ringless voicemail, but the issue snowballed as corporate interests also submitted similar letters of support. The US Chamber of Commerce and the American Financial Services Association joined in writing letters in support of the FCC not regulating ringless voicemails.

Story continues

The RNCs letter sparked a small-scale political firestorm, escalating the issue and inflaming the public. My guess is [the RNC] had no idea their comments would generate the reaction that they had, said Margot Freeman Saunders, senior counsel at National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), who wrote a letter against efforts to deregulate ringless voicemails. It was their comments that triggered the first big news stories, they really made it go viral.

After the RNCs missive, Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey wrote a letter to the FCC opposing the petition to exempt ringless voicemails from consumer protection. The letter was signed by eight other senators. A similar letter from the House led by Rep. Daniel Lipinski of Illinois had 14 signatories. Neither letter was signed by a Republican. The attorneys general of New York, Massachusetts, and Kentucky also sent a letter. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, a robocall critic, called on the FCC to reject All About the Messages request.

Democrats hate them. Republicans like them?

At a glance, its hard to see how something universally reviled by anyone with a phone could fall along the same political lines as healthcare or taxes.

When you see the number of [FCC] comments people have made against the use of this technology, you can see that there is broad public opposition, Susan Grant, director of consumer protection and privacy at the Consumer Federation of America. Although we dont know the parties who have commented, its a technology thats deeply unpopular so I would think that no business or political party or other entity would want to be using this technology.

Some people actually have looked into some of the FCCs comments. In a letter to the FCC, the NCLCs Saunders highlighted the breadth of the complaints. Consumers of various backgrounds and income levels seem to be in agreement. The comments, Saunders said, are very compelling. I think it shows that this isnt a partisan issue, its a consumer vs. business issue.

Despite near universal agreement that ringless voicemails are a nuisance, support for them has fallen along partisan lines for politicians. Curiously, no one Yahoo Finance spoke with could quite explain how such an issue turned political.

The closest thing to an answer was a finger to the almost-literal elephant in the room.

I dont think anyone would be surprised that the RNC is more favorable towards business and Dems are more favorable to consumers, Saunders said.

For now, however, the matter is somewhat shelved. On June 20, All About the Message withdrew its petition to the FCC. Still, its possible this issue could re-awaken if the FCC decided to visit the issue on its own, without a petition, or that another firm could file a petition. Its very likely that theyll consider it in the future, said Saunders.

Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumer issues, tech, and personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann. Got a tip? Send it to tips@yahoo-inc.com.

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By PTI: Varanasi, Jun 30 (PTI) A watchman has been arrested for allegedly raping a 65-year-old French woman who had been living for a year in a rented accommodation here, police said today.

Om Prakash was arrested yesterday from his brothers house in Mirzapur district.

The watchman, who worked in the survivors rented place in Shooltankeshwar area, is believed to have quietly entered her room on Wednesday night. When she resisted, he beat her up and snatched her mobile phone, said senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nitin Tiwari.

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He fled from the scene after that.

The French national, a regular visitor to Varanasi for a decade, is undergoing treatment at a hospital where her health condition is stable.

She was associated with a city-based NGO that worked for differently-abled persons and those from the marginalised sections.

Based on her complaint yesterday, an FIR was registered against the accused under IPC sections 376(rape) and 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), said Tiwari. Prakash has been arrested and sent to jail.

The French activist, who had been staying in Varanasi for a year, was sent for a medical examination. The report is awaited, police said. PTI CORR MIN

--- ENDS ---
Sanders made the comments while addressing a question about Trump's vicious Thursday-morning tweet aimed at MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski, who he said was "bleeding badly from a face-lift" during a trip to the president's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

The tweet was met with widespread condemnation on both the left and right, with a number of Republican members of Congress pointing to the recent shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise as a reason why such harsh rhetoric in American politics needs to be toned down.

"Some have suggested in their tweet, response, or public response that the president misconstrued one of the messages that should've been gathered from the shooting that involved Steve Scalise and others, that the hostility of the verbal environment can create an atmosphere of violence," CBS White House correspondent Major Garrett said in prefacing his question, acknowledging that the shooting "affected" the White House. "Do you have any reaction to that sentiment?"

Sanders responded by saying Trump "in no way, form or fashion has ever encouraged violence, quite the contrary."

"He was simply pushing back in terms of defending himself," she added, having pointed to comments made by Brzezinski and co-host Joe Scarborough on the duo's "Morning Joe" program.

But many were quick to note that Sanders' comment was not exactly true.

Along the campaign trail, Trump seemed to encourage violence on a number of occassions when discussing protesters at his boisterous rallies.

In February of last year, Trump said he wished he could "punch" a protester "in the face" at a Las Vegas rally. The then-Republican presidential candidate also expressed a desire for a return to "the old days" when "they'd be carried out on a stretcher."

"Oh, I love the old days, you know?" Trump said. "You know what I hate? There's a guy, totally disruptive, throwing punches, we're not allowed to punch back anymore. I love the old days. You know what they used to do to guys like that when they were in a place like this? They'd be carried out on a stretcher, folks."

Story continues

The crowd loudly cheered.

"You know, I love our police, and I really respect our police, and they're not getting enough," he continued. "They're not. Honestly, I hate to see that. Here's a guy, throwing punches, nasty as hell, screaming at everything else when we're talking, and he's walking out, and we're not allowed  you know, the guards are very gentle with him, he's walking out, like, big high fives, smiling, laughing  I'd like to punch him in the face, I'll tell you."

After a protester was roughhoused by attendees at an Alabama rally in November 2015, Trump said the protester "maybe" should've "been roughed up" because "it was an absolutely disgusting what he was doing."

At a February 2016 rally in Iowa, Trump told supporters that "if you see someone getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them, would you?"

"Seriously," he continued. "Okay, just knock the hell ... I promise you, I will pay for the legal fees. I promise. I promise."

At a March 2016 rally in Michigan, Trump said those escorting a protester out of the rally should "try not to hurt him" although, if they did, "I'll defend you in court."

"Don't worry about it," he said.

And at a St. Louis rally last March, Trump explained that "part of the problem" and "part of the reason" it takes authorities so long to remove protesters from his rallies is because "nobody wants to hurt each other anymore, right?"

When asked about a number of violent episodes that took place at his rallies, Trump said he "certainly" did not "incite violence" and said that he doesn't "condone violence."

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Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., a key opponent of the Republican health care bill, in a television news interview on Wednesday. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., thinks progress on the GOP Senate health care bill has come to a standstill.

In a Thursday morning appearance on Fox & Friends, the libertarian-leaning Republican acknowledged that his party is having trouble settling on a plan to implement campaign promises to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

I still sense that were at impasse, and I said that yesterday at lunch with our Republican caucus and everybody kind of laughed because, yeah, theres still quite a bit of disagreement, Paul said.

Republicans narrowly pushed the American Health Care Act through the House of Representatives in May. Now conservatives are having trouble garnering enough votes to get the Senate bill, the Better Care Reconciliation Act, approved.

According to Paul, his Republican colleagues are divided between conservatives and moderates.

Theres basically two factions. There are conservatives like myself who dont want new federal programs, we want to repeal Obamacare. And then theres the moderates who kind of want to keep some of Obamacare, and theyre not too opposed to new federal government programs.

Paul suggested dividing the Better Care Reconciliation Act into two parts. The first would repeal everything about Obamacare that Republicans dislike  taxes, regulations and certain aspects of Medicaid.

No Democrats will vote for anything good like that, but Democrats will always vote for spending, he said. So the big-government Republicans who want more spending take the spending and put it in a bill that the Democrats will vote for.

Paul, who said President Trump was open to this idea when he ran it by him, is considered one of the most adamant opponents of the Republican health care bill in its current state. He has argued that it doesnt do enough to cut down on government spending.

Because of this in-party rebellion, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was forced to delay a scheduled vote on the health care bill until after the Fourth of July recess.

Read more from Yahoo News:
man hiker mountains lake outdoors

Isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean at 11,135 feet above sea level, two silent machines perched on the upper north face of Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano print out a number every hour.

That figure  a measure of carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere  has become the global standard for tracking how human activity is affecting the planet. It's been rising ferociously for decades  even as we've begun to pollute the planet less.

This worrisome phenomenon suggests that humans have essentially maxed out our planet's best protection against climate change. This protection comes in the form of so-called "carbon sinks"  patches of land and ocean that absorb large chunks of the carbon dioxide we pump into the atmosphere. For the past several decades, they've been helping to keep the planet from warming as quickly as it otherwise would. But now they may be at capacity, prompting the Earth to continue cooking even as we curb our emissions from oil and gas.

mauno_loa_observatory

A recent New York Times article likened the phenomenon to "garbage workers going on strike, but on a grand scale."

If these sinks are full and they can no longer suck up a hefty portion of the emissions we're putting out, the future scenario is grim. Carbon dioxide levels would keep rising, and climate change would worsen.

Back in 1958, a scientist named Charles David Keeling was the first person to measure the CO2 in the air. His project at the Mauna Loa volcano, which was initially slated to run for only one year, turned into a 24/7 measurement of global CO2 levels. You've probably seen the rising line known by scientists as the "Keeling Curve" in a presentation or two about climate change.

keeling curve

Keeling's son Ralph now leads the carbon dioxide program at the Scripps Institute for Oceanography. In a recent post for Scripps, he explained that he reason CO2 levels didn't begin leveling off once humans started polluting less was "pretty simple."

Story continues

Basically, Keeling explained, the sinks we have now can only suck up about half of the carbon dioxide we emit. The other half is still building up in the atmosphere. In order to start making that red line on the Keeling Curve level off, we'd have to slash our pollution levels by a whopping 50%.

That has not happened. Even in Europe, where greenhouse gas emissions have been decreasing pretty significantly, they only dropped 22% in the 25 years between 1990 and 2015.

Even if we begin to curb our emissions severely, we won't be out of the danger zone, Keeling wrote.

"Eventually, additional emissions cuts would be required because the sinks will slowly lose their efficiency as the land and ocean start to saturate."

Think of a dry sponge as an example. At first, that sponge is great at sucking up water. But as it gets more and more full, it can absorb less and less. And that, essentially, is what's happening to our carbon sinks.

That means that if we plan on stopping climate change, we're going to have to do a lot more than we're doing now.

"A permanent stabilization at current levels ... requires both an immediate 50% cut as well as a slow tapering thereafter," wrote Keeling, "eventually approaching zero emissions."

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The Foreign Press Centers (FPC) issue its own press credential that is recognized by various organizations in the area and allows access to FPC facilities and services in Washington, DC and New York, NY. The FPC credential is typically valid for three years and renewable at the end of that period for members of the media on continuing assignment in the United States.

Credentialing
Defense ministers from NATO member states vowed to provide more forces to help train Afghanistan's embattled military, although they did not set out exact numbers ahead of any U.S. announcement on its planned increase in troops.

Following a NATO meeting in Brussels on June 29, U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis told a news conference that, "looking back on it, it's pretty much a consensus that we may have...reduced the numbers [of troops] a little too rapidly."

Since drawing down from a peak of more than 130,000 NATO troops in 2011, current troop levels are at about 13,500 in what is known as the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, of which half are from the United States.

Officials said Mattis pressed NATO allies and nonmember coalition partners in closed-door meetings to provide more personnel to help train the Afghan armed forces.

"I can confirm we will increase our presence in Afghanistan," he said. "We will look into how we together can...have enough troops to help the government and break the stalemate and so lay the ground for a political solution."

NATO currently has about 13,500 troops in what is known as the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, of which half are from the United States.

Stoltenberg did not give precise figures but said that 15 NATO members "have already pledged additional contributions to Resolute Support Mission, and I look forward to further announcements from other nations."

British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon told reporters ahead of the meeting that London would provide just under 100 troops, on top of 500 already in Afghanistan.

U.S. media reported that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is weighing sending another 3,000 to 5,000 troops to Afghanistan in order to break what Mattis has called a "stalemate" between Afghan government forces and the Taliban.

After the NATO meeting, Mattis would not predict when military operations in the war-torn country might end, saying that wars were fundamentally an "unpredictable phenomenon."

Mohammad Radmanish, a spokesman for Afghanistans Defense Ministry, welcomed NATO's decision to increase troop numbers in the country and told the Associated Press that Afghan forces were in need of "expert" training, heavy artillery, and a quality air force.

But lawmaker Mohammad Zekria Sawda expressed skepticism, saying NATO and the United States were unable to bring peace to Afghanistan when they had more than 120,000 soldiers deployed against Taliban militants.

"Every day we are feeling more worry," Sawda said.

Allies are also expected to announce individual figures for defense expenditures, after approval by NATO ambassadors, with the overall spending for 2017 at some $280 billion.

Stoltenberg on June 28 announced that NATO allies -- with the exception of the United States -- will increase defense spending by 4.3 percent this year, marking a cumulative $46 billion increase since 2014.

"After years of decline, in 2015 we saw a real increase in defense spending across European allies and Canada," Stoltenberg said.

NATO sets a goal of spending 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense for each member, but only the United States, Britain, Estonia, Greece, and Poland now meet that guideline, leaving the United States shouldering about 70 percent of the alliance's expenditures.

During a meeting with EU leaders in Brussels on May 26, Trump sharply criticized many NATO members for failing to meet military spending targets.

Stoltenberg said that the alliance expects three other member states -- Romania, Lithuania, and Latvia -- to reach the 2 percent threshold this year and in 2018.

Following Russia's illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in March 2014 and its backing of separatists in the country's east, NATO has embarked on its largest military buildup since the end of the Cold War to counter a more assertive Moscow.

Defense ministers are discussing progress just as four battalions totaling some 4,000 troops complete their deployment in the three Baltic states and Poland.

Stoltenberg on June 28 called the deployment "a historic achievement," and a "clear demonstration" of NATO's unity.

Ministers are also tackling the global threat of terrorism as well as cyberdefense, after computers across the world were struck by major cyberattacks this week and last month.

NATO agreed in 2016 that a cyberattack could warrant invoking Article 5 -- the alliance's mutual-security guarantee.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP, and Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels
A 12-year-old Pakistani girl was killed by her family after she eloped with a boy, according to accounts by villagers and officials in the northwestern tribal district of Khyber.

Local official Niaz Muhammad told RFE/RL on June 30 that the girl, named Naghma, left her house in Kadey village on June 23 before being stopped by security officials.

Muhammad said Naghma was handed over to her family, who promised she wouldnt be harmed.

But the official said the girl was then killed, most likely on June 27, in what he described as an "honor killing" over perceived damage to the family's honor.

Muhammad said authorities have detained some of the alleged killers and others involved in the gruesome murder.

They did not respect the guarantees theyd made, and they killed the girl," he told Radio Mashaal. "Weve arrested the uncle and his son, and we also arrested the brothers of the boy [that Naghma had eloped with].

A local resident said Naghma was shot dead.

Hundreds of so-called honor killings are reported across Pakistan every year. A lack of rule of law and a monopoly of powerful figures such as feudal lords, tribal leaders, and clerics often help perpetrators cloak such killings in the name of honor.

In the absence of government protection, women are particularly vulnerable. They make up a majority of victims and are mostly murdered following accusations of sexual misconduct or other behavior perceived as inappropriate.

Earlier this year, campaigners in Pakistans northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which abuts the tribal areas, reported an increase in honor killings.

Campaigners say most cases involve close relatives, who often claim they committed the crime to protect their family's honor.

Zar Ali Afridi, a human rights activist in Khyber, told Radio Mashaal that a 12-year-old girl should have been protected under the juvenile law. The 16-year-old legislation guarantees the rights of children involved in criminal litigation.

"[Khyber and the rest of] the Federally Administered Tribal Areas are still being run by a British-era legislative regime called the Frontier Crimes Regulations, which prevents officials from paying attention to the rights of children," he told Radio Mashaal.

The murder is now expected to spark a seemingly unending family feud. A local source told Radio Mashaal that Naghma's uncle has demanded the family of the boy to hand him over. The sources said they, too, are likely to meet the same fate as Naghma if their families comply.

Coverage of the murder in the Pakistani media has, however, prompted senior officials to take notice.

On June 30, the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, who also serves as the chief executive of the tribal areas, ordered Khyber's administration to send him the results of an in-depth investigation.

Daud Khattak is the senior editor of Radio Mashaal.

as/fg
AIM: MARL

TSX-V: MARL







30 June 2017



Granite House, La Grande Rue,

St. Martin, Guernsey, GY1 3RS

Channel Islands





Issue of Equity- Issue of Vested Shares and Warrant Exercise

Mariana Resources Ltd ("Mariana" or the "Company"), the AIM ("MARL") and TSXV ("MARL") listed exploration and development company with projects in Turkey, Cote d'Ivoire and South America, announces that the following warrants have been exercised into ordinary shares with funds received and the ordinary shares in respect of the Share award per the announcement dated 1 February 2017 have now fully vested.

382,500 Warrants exercised at GBP0.25

Share Award (announcement dated 1 February 2017)

Glen Parsons 495,000 ordinary shares issued

Eric Roth 405,000 ordinary shares issued

The Company will issue and allot 1,282,500 new ordinary shares and these shares will be deemed to be Scheme Shares in terms of the Court Sanction announcement, dated 26 June 2017.

There will be a total of 136,585,425 ordinary shares on issue.

Mariana Resources Limited

Glen Parsons, CEO

**ENDS**

Glen Parsons (CEO) Mariana Resources Ltd +61 2 9437 4588 Eric Roth (COO) Mariana Resources Ltd +56 9 8818 1243 Karen Davies (IR) Mariana Resources Ltd (Canada) +1 604 314 6270 Rob Adamson RFC Ambrian Limited (Nomad) +61 2 9250 0041 Will Souter RFC Ambrian Limited (Nomad) +61 2 9250 0050 In U.K. Oliver Stansfield Brandon Hill Capital (UK Broker) +44 20 3463 5061 Jonathan Evans Brandon Hill Capital (UK Broker) +44 20 3463 5016 Camilla Horsfall Blytheweigh (Financial PR) +44 20 7138 3224 Megan Ray Blytheweigh (Financial PR) +44 20 7138 3203

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.

About Mariana Resources

Mariana Resources Ltd is a TSX.V and AIM (MARL) quoted exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of gold, silver, and copper projects in South America, Turkey, and Ivory Coast.

Mariana's most advanced asset is the Hot Maden gold-copper project in northeast Turkey, which is a joint venture with Turkish partner Lidya Madencilik (30% Mariana and 70% Lidya) and which is rapidly advancing to development. On January 17, 2017, Mariana released the results of a Preliminary Economic Study ("PEA") which demonstrated exceptional potential economics for the Hot Maden Project (after-tax NPV and IRR of USD 1.37B and 153%, respectively) based on a development scenario incorporating a 1Mtpa underground mining / processing operation and the production of two saleable concentrates (a copper-gold concentrate and a gold-pyrite concentrate). This PEA was based on the updated (July 25, 2016) mineral resource estimate of 3.43 Moz gold equivalent (Indicated Category) and 0.09 Moz gold equivalent (Inferred Category) (100% basis) in the Main Zone, as well as a maiden 351,000 Moz gold equivalent (Inferred Category) (100% basis) resource in the New Southern Discovery. Elsewhere in Turkey, Mariana holds a 100% interest in the Ergama gold-copper project.

On October 7, 2016, Mariana announced the signing of a binding Term Sheet to acquire an indirect 80% interest in Ivory Coast-focused private exploration company Awale Resources SARL ("Awale"). Through the transaction Mariana will gain an immediate foothold in an established exploration portfolio with known gold mineralisation and artisanal gold workings, and which comprises i) 3 granted contiguous licenses (1,191 km2) in the Bondoukou area, and ii) 4 licenses under application (1,593 km2) in both the Bondoukou and Abengourou areas. The Boundoukou concessions lie along the southwestern extension of the Birimian Bole-Nangodi greenstone belt in adjacent Ghana, host to a number of high grade orogenic gold deposits.

In southern Argentina, the Company's core gold-silver projects are Las Calandrias (100%), Sierra Blanca (100%), Los Cisnes (100%), and Bozal (100%). These projects are part of a 100,000+ Ha land package in the Deseado Massif epithermal gold-silver district in mining-friendly Santa Cruz Province.

In Suriname, Mariana has a direct holding of 10.2% of the Nassau Gold project. The Nassau Gold Project is a 28,000 Ha exploration concession located approximately 125 km south east of the capital Paramaribo and immediately adjacent to Newmont Mining's 4.2Moz gold Merian project.

In Peru and Chile, Mariana is focusing on acquiring new opportunities which complement its current portfolio.

Hot Maden Mineral Resource Estimate - Main Gold-Copper Zone (2 g/t AuEq Cut-off) Indicated Mineral Resource Domain Tonnes Au Cu Zn AuEq Au Cu AuEq t g/t % % g/t* Ounces Tonnes Ounces** Main Zone LG 463,000 1.1 1.1 0.3 2.4 17,000 5,000 36,000 Main Zone HG 4,501,000 3.9 1.9 0.2 6.3 570,000 87,000 908,000 Main Zone UHG 2,086,000 32.7 3.5 0.1 36.9 2,195,000 73,000 2,476,000 Mixed Gold-Zinc 17,000 7.5 3.1 3.6 11.2 4,000 1,000 6,000 Peripheral Lodes 60,000 2.1 0.4 0.4 2.5 4,000 5,000 Total 7,127,000 12.2 2.3 0.2 15.0 2,790,000 166,000 3,431,000 Inferred Mineral Resource Domain Tonnes Au Cu Zn AuEq Au Cu AuEq t g/t % % g/t* Ounces Tonnes Ounces** Main Zone LG 395,000 1.7 0.9 0.03 2.8 21,000 4,000 35,000 Main Zone HG 31,000 3.9 1.6 0.1 5.8 4,000 6,000 Main Zone UHG 6,000 39.1 2.1 0.01 41.6 7,000 8,000 Mixed Gold-Zinc 4,000 1.7 0.4 2.4 2.2 Peripheral Lodes 282,000 3.2 0.9 0.1 4.3 29,000 2,000 38,000 Total 718,000 2.7 0.9 0.1 3.8 62,000 7,000 88,000



Hot Maden - Southern Gold-Copper Zone (2 g/t AuEq Cut-off) Inferred Mineral Resource Domain Tonnes Au Cu Zn AuEq Au Cu AuEq t g/t % % g/t* Ounces Tonnes Ounces** South Zone LG 396,000 2.8 0.7 0.0 3.6 35,000 3,000 46,000 South Zone HG 583,000 5.3 0.7 0.0 6.1 98,000 4,000 114,000 Main Zone UHG 224,000 22.2 1.0 0.0 23.4 160,000 2,000 169,000 Mixed Gold-Zinc 44,000 9.0 1.0 3.2 10.2 13,000 15,000 Peripheral Lodes 104,000 1.9 0.3 0.0 2.2 6,000 7,000 Total 1,352,000 7.2 0.7 0.1 8.1 313,000 10,000 351,000

*Au Equivalence (AuEq) calculated using a 100 day moving average of $US1,215/ounce for Au and $US2.13/pound for Cu as of May 29, 2016. No adjustment has been made for metallurgical recovery or net smelter return as these remain uncertain at this time. Based on grades and contained metal for Au and Cu, it is assumed that both commodities have reasonable potential to be economically extractable.

*-The formula used for Au equivalent grade is: AuEq g/t = Au + [(Cu % x 22.0462 x 2.13)/(1215/31.1035)] and assumes 100 % metallurgical recovery. **-Au equivalent ounces are calculated by mulitplying Mineral Resource tonnage by Au equivalent grade and converting for ounces. The formula used for Au equivalent ounces is: AuEq Oz = [Tonnage x AuEq grade (g/t)]/31.1035

Safe Harbour

This press release contains certain statements which may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as at the date of this press release and include, without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, the realization, cost, timing and extent of mineral resource estimates, estimated future exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, and requirements for additional capital. The words "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimate", "forecasts", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "may", "will", or similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the effects of general economic conditions; the price of gold, silver and copper; misjudgements in the course of preparing forward-looking statements; risks associated with international operations; the need for additional financing; risks inherent in exploration results; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters; currency and commodity price fluctuations; title matters; environmental liability claims; unanticipated operational risks; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities; political risk; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's annual financial statements for the most recently completed financial year which is available on the Company's website at www.marianaresources.com . Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
snipertrader wrote:

Mayor: In each of the past five years, the city has cut school funding and each time school officials complained that the cuts would force them to reduce expenditures for essential services. But each time, only expenditures for nonessential services were actually reduced. So school officials can implement further cuts without reducing any expenditures for essential services.

school officials can implement further cuts without reducing any expenditures for essential services.

Five years ago, the city cut school funding.

School officials complained that this cut would force them to reduce expenditures for essential services. But when the cut was made, only expenditures for nonessential services were reduced.

This process (city cut funding, school officials complained, school officials reduced expenditures only for nonessential services) repeated for four more years.

Therefore, today, school officials can cut further without reducing any expenditures for essential services.

Quote:

Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the mayors conclusion?

How much money the schools have now for essential services and nonessential services.

for essential services and nonessential services. How much it will cost to provide essential services and nonessential services when the next cut takes place .

Quote:

(A) The citys schools have always provided essential services as efficiently as they have provided nonessential services.

Quote:

(B) Sufficient funds are currently available to allow the citys schools to provide some nonessential services.

further

Quote:

(C) Price estimates quoted to the citys schools for the provision of nonessential services have not increased substantially since the most recent school funding cut.

Quote:

(D) Few influential city administrators support the funding of costly nonessential services in the citys schools.

Quote:

(E) The citys school officials rarely exaggerate the potential impact of threatened funding cuts.

The conclusion of the Mayor's argument is thatLet's break down how the Mayor reaches this conclusion:This logic literally isn't adding up. Just because something happened previously doesn't mean that it will happen again in the future! What we really care about is what's going to happen next, and we need the following information to accept the mayor's conclusion:So let's look for the answer choice that most fills in these blanks, making us more likely to believe that the next cut can be implemented without any reduction in essential expenditures.The schools' efficiency in providing essential services has nothing to do with whether they have enough money in the bank to avoid cutting expenditures on those services. Choice (A) doesn't provide any information that would fill our logical gap, so let's eliminate it.This helps out quite a bit! If we know that the schools have money in the bank to provide nonessential services, the we know that some (potentially all) of the next cut can be taken out of these particular funds, instead of being taken out of the funds for essential services.It would be great to know how big the cut will be, but the conclusion is that school officials can implementcuts, not some specific size of cut. If there are $X in the bank for nonessential services, at least $X can be further cut from overall funding without any reduction in spending on essential services.Choice (B) doesn't prove the conclusion, but it definitely makes the conclusion easier to believe. Let's keep it around and see if any of the remaining choices are better.Hm, so choice (C) tells us that the cost of nonessential services isn't much more than it was last year. But how much was it last year? How much is it today? And how does this cost relate to how much funding schools will have after the cut? We still don't have the information we need to assess how the next cut will impact the amount needed for essential services.As a result, choice (C) doesn't support the mayor's conclusion nearly as much as choice (B), so let's eliminate it and keep going.The stance of city administrators on these services has nothing to do with how much money the schools have and how much schools need in order to avoid reducing expenditures on those services. Eliminate (D).The conclusion itself doesn't question the accuracy or honesty of the school officials. The conclusion states that after the next cut, there will be no cuts to expenditures on essential services. Choice (E), like choice (D) and choice (A), doesn't do anything to fill in the gaps that we need to support this conclusion, so we'll eliminate it.(B) remains the best choice, because it does more than any other choice to make the mayor's conclusion believable.But between you and me, even if (B) were true, I would never vote for a mayor who is this bad at critical reasoning. Please take these lessons to heart, find success with your MBA, and become a better mayor for your town._________________
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) The NPCIL today put the first pour of concrete for unit three of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), marking the commencement of construction work with a deadline.

The project, being built with Russian collaboration, is expected to be completed in 73 months.

The total cost of units three and four -- each with a capacity of 1000 MW -- is more than Rs 39,894 crore.

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A Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) official said the first pour of concrete means the project will now have a deadline.

"This moment - the pouring of first concrete - marks the starting point of the NPP power units construction period that is defined in the contractual obligations.

"This event marks the commencement of full-scale construction, thermal and electrical erection works at the NPP site and the installation of Russian equipment there," said ASE Engineering Company JSC, vice-president for nuclear projects in South Asia, Andrey Lebedev.

ASE Engineering Company JSC is a part of Rostam, the Russian counterpart of Indias Department of Atomic Energy.

On June 19, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), the nuclear watchdog in the country, granted a permit to the NPCIL for pouring of first concrete for units three and four.

On June 1 in Saint Petersburg, Russias ASE Group of Companies and Nuclear Power Corporation of India signed General Framework Agreement for the construction of Kudankulam nuclear power plant units fifth and sixth. PTI PR DIP

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A family in Uganda has been engulfed in grief after a 12-year-old boy identified as, Derrick Mukisa, took his own life.

Legit.ng gathered the teenager who was a primary two student at Kiwafu Modern Primary School was found by his uncle hanging on a rope.

The deceaseds uncle, Taban Stephen, explained that he found him on Wednesday, June 28, after he came back from work around 8:30pm and notified the Land Lord who called the police.

According to reports, the young boy took his life after his grandmother complained about her stolen money.

Little boy takes his own life after grandmother complained about missing money

READ ALSO: 12-year-old puts 'acid' inside water bottle of female classmate, expelled from school (photos)

Doreen Namusisi, the deceaseds grandmother had complained about losing her money Shs70,000 (N6, 160) before the boy killed himself.

Namusisi revealed to the police that she had gone to the boys school to find out if he was the one who took the money.

She explained that he revealed to her that he kept the money under the pillow where she later found it.

PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App

The reason for the deceaseds decision to take his own life has not yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, neighbours told the police that the boys father also took his own life while his wife was two months pregnant.

Watch the Legit.ng TV video below to catch up on the latest on Evans, the notorious billionaire kidnapper arrested by the police:

Source: Legit.ng
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
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actress Hina Khan is currently shooting for reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi in Spain.

By India Today Web Desk: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actress Hina Khan is having a blast in Spain. The actress, who is busy shooting for the reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi, was recently paid a visit by rumoured boyfriend Rocky just ahead of Eid. And obviously, the actress was overwhelmed by the sweet gesture. Especially since Hina had been missing Rocky badly in Spain, according to her social media accounts.

Fun times with @rockyj1 A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on Jun 29, 2017 at 5:08am PDT

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And now the lovebirds are having the best time in Spain.

Inspired by the very famous bullfight in Spain??? #Barcelona here we come.. A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on Jun 27, 2017 at 4:50am PDT

Hina has been posting pictures on social media site Instagram of the two of them together.

Masters at work #flamenco #Barcelona #dinneranddance ??? what a lovely experience.. breathtaking A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on Jun 29, 2017 at 5:10am PDT

#Barcelona #loveloevlove Outfit by @materialgirlbyprishakritika @stylist_hemu A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on Jun 28, 2017 at 1:10pm PDT

Thanks for setting these ridiculous life goals, Hina.

Also see: Khatron Ke Khiladi: Hina Khan's pictures from Spain are glorious

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3 A wedding cake in rainbow colors and decorated with figurines of two women and two men is pictured in Berlin. The German parliament legalized same-sex marriage, days after Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would allow her conservative lawmakers to follow their conscience in the vote.
Physicist Stephen Hawking said people should return to the Moon and go to Mars because leaving Earth may be the only way to save humanity.

Hawking said that as Earth faces climate change and pressure on natural resources, human beings need to reach beyond our planet.

"We are running out of space and the only places to go to are other worlds, he said. It is time to explore other solar systems. Spreading out may be the only thing that saves us from ourselves. I am convinced that humans need to leave Earth," he added. "If humanity is to continue for another million years, our future lies in boldly going where no one else has gone before.

The University of Cambridge professor spoke during a visit (in June) to the Starmus Festival in Trondheim, Norway.

Hawking said human beings should return to the moon by the year 2020 and Mars by 2025. This, he said, will unite humans in the shared purpose of exploring the universe.

"Spreading out into space will completely change the future of humanity," he said. "I hope it would unite competitive nations in a single goal, to face the common challenge for us all.

Hawking added that reaching the Moon, Mars and other plants would get young people interested in space-related sciences.

He said making the first moves into space would elevate humanity because it would have to involve many countries.

"Whenever we make a great new leap, such as the Moon landings, we bring people and nations together, usher in new discoveries, and new technologies," Hawking said. "To leave Earth demands a concerted global approach, everyone should join in. We need to rekindle the excitement of the early days of space travel in the (19)60s."

The European Space Agency has announced a plan to create a Moon Village after the International Space Station is taken out of service in 2024. China is also reportedly interested in sending an astronaut to the Moon.



The United States is working on sending astronauts to Mars. The U.S. space agency, NASA, hopes to do this by the 2030s.

Im Anne Ball.

VOANews.com reported this story. Anne Ball adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

resource - n. something that a country has and can use to increase its wealth

beyond - adv. on or to the farther part or side

convince - v. to cause (someone) to believe that something is true

boldly - adv. not afraid of danger

challenge - v. to question the action or authority of someone or something

elevate - v. to lift up

leap - v. to move forward quickly or by a lot-

rekindle - v. to cause something, like a feeling, to be strong or active again
Credit: Susanna Hamilton, Broad Communications, from material provided by Leslie Gaffney and Lauren Solomon

Following up on findings from a an earlier genome-wide association study (GWAS) of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Latinos, researchers from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) traced an association detected in that study to variants in a specific gene, SLC16A11, and uncovered two distinct mechanisms by which those variants disrupt the gene's function in liver cells, possibly contributing to the pathogenesis of T2D. The findings, which appear this week in Cell, offer insights into the biology underlying T2D and suggest new leads in the search for therapeutics.

T2D is a chronic metabolic disease that affects how the body handles glucose, a type of sugar that serves as cells' basic unit of fuel. While environmental factors play a role in developing T2D, it is also highly heritableand the genetics involved are complex, with many genes contributing to disease risk. Though progress has been made in defining the genetic architecture of T2D, much remains unknown about how different types of genetic variation may lead to the disorder.

T2D afflicts over 400 million people worldwide, but has a disproportionate impact on certain populations, including those of Latin American descent (who are twice as likely as those of European ancestry to develop the disease). Suspecting that this disparity might help shed light on the condition's genetic underpinnings, researchers at the Broad's Diabetes Research Group, as part of the Slim Initiative in Genomic Medicine for the Americas (SIGMA) T2D Consortium, teamed with partnering institutions for the earlier GWAS study to discover genetic determinants of T2D from DNA samples from over 9,000 Hispanic individuals from Mexico and the United States. Previous studies had focused on populations of European descent.

Among the team's findings was variation in a specific part of the genome that was associated with a roughly 30 percent increase in diabetes risk. That variant is absent in Africa and rare in Europe but common in the Americas and it explains as much as 20 percent of the increased prevalence of T2D among Latinos. But discovering an association is only a first step in understanding the role genetics plays in the development of the disease.

"Drilling down to the pathogenesis of disease is a very laborious road to travel. It's relatively straightforward to discover genetic associations, but it's another matter to then go from association to function," explains the study's co-senior author Jose Florez, co-director of Broad's Metabolism Program, associate professor at Harvard Medical School, and chief of the Diabetes Unit at MGH.

Even focusing on a specific gene posed a challenge. Each locus found in GWAS spans a number of genes. The 2013 study, which was led by David Altshuler (now chief scientific officer at Vertex Pharmaceuticals), had shown that one gene in that region, SLC16A11, harbored several suspicious mutations, and more detailed genetic mapping of the region strengthened the case for focusing on it. Yet the role that gene might be playing in T2D remained a mystery.

Credit: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

"One of the challenges with this study was that the genetic hits pointed to a gene that had not been characterized, so we were really starting from scratch in terms of grasping the biology," says Suzanne Jacobs, the associate scientific director of the Broad's Diabetes Research Group and a co-senior author of the paper.

The team had yet to figure out what SLC16A11 did, and where. SLC16A11 belongs to a family of genes known to transport molecules across cell membranes, but the proteins that genes produce can perform many different roles in the body, and they can be active in some tissue types but not others. The researchers not only had to figure out how SLC16A11 performed in normal circumstances, but also then determine how mutations in the gene disrupted that function. Specifically, they needed to determine the "direction of effect": Did gene activity go up or down? Understanding that function would provide vital clues about the gene's potential role in T2D.

"When we set about answering all these questions, there wasn't a single go-to experiment that we could do. We needed to use an array of tools at our disposalmolecular, biochemical, cellular, and physiologicalto figure out how the gene might contribute to type 2 diabetes risk," explains Eitan Hoch, a postdoctoral associate at the Broad and co-first author of the paper.

Through a series of tests, the team found that mutations were altering gene activity through two distinct mechanismsboth in the same "direction," by disrupting the gene. Some genetic variations in SLC16A11 simply decrease its expression in the liver (an organ that helps regulate blood sugar levels, and is therefore implicated in T2D). Other variants disrupt an interaction with another protein. The disruption changes the location of SLC16A11 within the cell and prevents the protein from doing its job as a transporter, influencing how fats are handled by the liver.

"To then determine how disrupting the gene might play out in the context of disease, we chemically knocked out the activity of SLC16A11 in human liver cells," explains co-first author Victor Rusu, a former Harvard graduate student at Broad now at Jnana Therapeutics. "We found that knocking this gene down resulted in changes in fatty acid and lipid metabolism that are reminiscent of what we see in insulin resistance and T2D."

The findings suggest that reviving SLC16A11 function may be beneficial for treating T2D, opening new avenues in the search for therapeutics. Such treatments, if discovered, could counter not only the effects of mutations in SLC16A11, but also potentially any T2D-associated variants that may trigger the disease through similar mechanisms.

"There is a lot more that needs to be done to determine where these findings fit within the T2D picture, but this study opens up a new direction in T2D research, identifying a potential new pathway that we don't yet fully understand," says Eric Lander, president and founding director of the Broad and a co-senior author of the study. "It's a great example of how genetic discoveries lead to biological insights and ultimately inform the search for much-needed treatments."

More information: Victor Rusu et al. Type 2 Diabetes Variants Disrupt Function of SLC16A11 through Two Distinct Mechanisms, Cell (2017). Journal information: Cell Victor Rusu et al. Type 2 Diabetes Variants Disrupt Function of SLC16A11 through Two Distinct Mechanisms,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.06.011
Credit: Medical Research Council

Today, a new drug will become available for patients with bowel cancer as part of a national clinical trial; based on a scientific discovery made only two years ago at the CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology.

An Achilles' heel of certain cancer cells  mutations in a gene called SETD2  was discovered by a yeast genetics research group led by Professor Tim Humphrey at the Institute. Professor Humphrey and his team showed that cancer cells with a mutated SETD2 gene were killed by an experimental drug being developed by Astra Zeneca called AZD1775, which inhibits a protein called WEE1.

The new research is exploiting the concept of 'synthetic lethality', in which a combination of two factors specifically kills cancer cells. This has the potential to be less toxic and more effective than existing treatments.

Collaborating with Dr Andy Ryan's group in Oxford, the two labs developed a test which would work in human cells to identify the presence or absence of SETD2. They found that about 1 in 10 bowel cancers and up to 50 percent of kidney cancers lose this marker and so have this susceptibility to being targeted with the drug. The mechanism of activity and the marker which identified the susceptible cells was published in Cancer Cell in November 2015.

The translational potential of this research was quickly developed by the CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, where clinical and basic scientists worked together with scientists at AstraZeneca to rapidly move the discovery towards a clinical trial.

The clinical trial will commence today, as part of the existing national FOCUS4 trialopens in new window for patients with bowel cancer, which is open in 100 hospitals across the UK and coordinated by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinical Trials Unit at University College London.

Patients whose tumours lack a special histone marker will be eligible to enter a new part of the study testing the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775. Patients who have bowel cancer which has spread to other organs and are inoperable can also be registered for the FOCUS4 trial during the initial 12 weeks of their first line treatment and have their tumour tested. The drug is not available except through ethically approved clinical trials.

Professor Tim Maughan, Chief Investigator of FOCUS4, from the CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, said: "We are very excited that we are able to test this very new approach to treatment for our bowel cancer patients. It is remarkable to be able to take a discovery in yeast cells through to opening a clinical trial on that evidence in less than 2 years. FOCUS4 was designed with this ability to move forward rapidly with new discoveries and test them in patients whose tumours express the characteristics which are predicted to make them sensitive to the new treatment. I am very hopeful this will bring benefit to our patients with bowel cancer."

Professor Matt Seymour, one of the FOCUS4 clinical investigators and lead for cancer in the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network, said: "What we are seeing here is seamless cooperation between highest-level university science, a major UK-based company, charity, the NHS and our world-leading government-supported clinical research infrastructure. This is UK medical science at its best and most efficient, and a great example of how our joined-up approach can drive exciting inventions rapidly though to clinical research with the potential to benefit NHS patients."

Professor Tim Humphrey, Senior Group Leader in the CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, said: "We are excited to have discovered a new way to specifically kill bowel cancer cells with this mutation. To see our work in yeast potentially make a difference to patients in the clinic is very encouraging and shows the value of working together in a larger team of scientists within an Institute."

Dr Anderson Ryan, Senior Group Leader in the CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, said: "We're now in the era of precision medicine and patients hope that new treatments will be targeted to their particular disease. This biomarker-driven trial aims to do just that  by using the molecular characteristics of tumours to decide which treatment to offer."Malcolm Pope, a former bowel cancer patient, commented: "As a patient, who was fortunate enough to be enrolled on a trial and given new treatment which worked for me, I feel that the progress being made in the Focus4 Trial regarding personalised cancer medicine is both exciting and greatly beneficial for today's patients."
(HealthDay)America's exit from the Paris climate change agreement will lead to more punishing summer heat waves and thousands of additional heat-related deaths each year in major U.S. cities, a new report claims.

Conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the report projected that all 51 of the country's urban areas with more than 1 million people will experience more dangerously hot summer days both in the middle and late parts of this century.

In 45 of the largest cities, excess deaths on dangerously hot days could increase 10-fold, from an average of about 1,360 each summer between 1975 and 2010 to 13,860 by the mid-2040s, the report concluded.

"That's the equivalent of 150 American deaths every summer day," said report author Juanita Constible, special projects director of the NRDC Climate Center.

In the report, Constible and her colleagues looked at deaths that have historically occurred during dangerously hot summer days between 1975 and 2010, and then projected how many more deaths could occur as climate change increases the frequency of heat waves.

Historically, only a handful of U.S. urban areas have more than 25 percent dangerous days during summer, and those are all located in the westSalt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Riverside, Calif., the report said.

Unless action is taken to curb climate change, the NRDC projected that more than 75 percent of summer days could be dangerously hot in 43 out of the 51 urban areas by the end of the century.

Constible pointed to Pittsburgh as an example, since President Donald Trump cited that city when he pulled out of the Paris Agreement earlier this month. "I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris," the president said at the time.

"In less than 30 years, Pittsburgh could see 10 times more dangerous summer days than it did late last century, and 24 times more summertime deaths," Constible said.

Projections for other cities show that:

New York City will have 47 more dangerously hot days every summer by mid-century, and more than 4,200 excess heat-related deaths.

Philadelphia will have 45 more dangerous days and nearly 650 additional deaths.

Chicago will have 29 additional hot days and nearly 650 excess deaths.

Boston will have 37 more hot days and nearly 550 additional deaths.

Baltimore will have 38 more dangerous heat days and nearly 500 excess deaths.

Northern cities will be more vulnerable to the effects of heat waves because their citizens are less accustomed to protecting themselves from dangerous heat, said Laurence Kalkstein, a professor of public health at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.

"They have variable summer climates," Kalkstein said. "I like to tell students that more people die from heat in Toronto than they do in Phoenix, because Toronto has that type of highly variable weather situation. In Phoenix, people are much more aware of how to deal with heat."

City dwellers also are particularly at risk due to the "urban heat island" effect, explained Cecil Corbin-Mark, deputy director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, an advocacy group in New York City.

Urban areas are mostly covered in dry, heat-absorbing building materials, the report said, so daytime temperatures can be 18 to 27 degrees hotter in urban areas. The materials also tend to hold heat longer, extending the period of punishing heat on the street.

"We are also concerned that built environments like people's apartments in New York City actually retain and have a more stable elevated high temperature over the period of a day," Corbin-Mark said. "People like the elderly, especially those who don't get out of their homes, are often experiencing elevated temperatures over longer periods of time."

The report argues that sticking with the Paris agreement would save lives3,110 per year in New York City by the end of the century, 1,660 in Philadelphia, 1,630 in Chicago and 710 in Boston.

But Constible warned that even if the United States chooses to go well beyond the terms of the Paris agreement, there will remain a short-term period of deadly warming with which health officials will have to contend.

"Climate change is affecting us right now," Constible said. "Even if we make really rapid strides to cut carbon pollution, we're still locked in to at least some near-term warming. Health professionals across the country are going to be facing this threat."

More information: To read the report, visit the To read the report, visit the National Resources Defense Council

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
By Siraj Qureshi: The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world and is often known as the symbol of India. Every year millions of tourists visit this monument from all over the world in order to become a part of this monument's magic that has been pulling tourists to India since the pre-independence era.

However, the UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath now seeks to deny the Taj Mahal its place on the global map by claiming that the monument could not be India's icon. Yogi's recent statement on the Taj Mahal has irked the local population eliciting angry remarks from the tourism industry as well.

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Talking to India Today, Sami Aghai, chairman Bhartiya Muslim Vikas Parishad said, "Yogi should be more concerned about the breakdown of law and order in the state instead of meddling with affairs that are beyond his ambit. " He also said that Yogi Adityanath is a novice in politics and he had no right to divide India and its icons into Hindu and Muslim, which is what he intends to do by denying Taj Mahal's importance for India.

He said that by this statement, Yogi Adityanath has made his anti-Muslim sentiments very clear as he is opposing Taj Mahal's importance only on the grounds that the Taj Mahal was constructed by a Mughal emperor. He said that Taj Mahal is a part of India's heritage and so are the Mughals. People like Yogi Adityanath could not just wipe away this heritage with their words.

Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber Secretary Vishal Sharma said, "The way this statement of UP Chief Minister has been presented, clearly signifies that when he says that Taj Mahal cannot be the icon of India, the Chief Minister is thinking past the Mughal era and into the ancient Vedic history of India. In a sense, Yogi Adityanath is correct in presuming that India is not just the Taj Mahal and there is a lot more to this country's heritage and culture than the Mughal monuments. However, that does not mean that the Taj Mahal can be denied its place on the global tourism map."

Sharma further said, "Every VIP coming to India from abroad makes it a point to visit the Taj Mahal. Former US President had even divided the world into two kinds of people - those who have seen the Taj Mahal and those who haven't. This is only a sample of the global popularity of the Taj Mahal, which extends beyond cultural barriers. " He also added that when a tourist views the Taj Mahal, he views it as an example of the vast Indian cultural heritage and not merely as a tomb constructed by a Muslim emperor.

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Sharma claimed that India has been a secular country even before the Mughals arrived in India and respect of all religions is embedded in the fabric of this country. Unnecessarily raising debates over established rules of the Indian society will only create friction in the two most prominent communities of this country and should be avoided, especially by people who are on constitutional posts. The Taj Mahal is a wonder of the world and is a part of India's heritage. It has its own place on the world map and does not require any separate ranking by anyone.

Social activist Ziauddin said that UP Chief Minister Adityanath should be proud that he is the Chief Minister of the state where the Taj Mahal is located. Instead, the CM seems to be weighing this monument in Hindu-Muslim terms, which is quite surprising considering that he holds a constitutional position as the state's head of government and his views reflect the will and intent of his government. By refusing to recognize the Taj Mahal's importance, Yogi Adityanath has merely proved once again that the BJP has a communal agenda that always runs in the back channels, even if it shows a secular face in front.

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Micrograph showing prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma (the most common form of prostate cancer) Credit: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

A form of genetic variation, called differential RNA splicing, may have a role in tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance in African American men with prostate cancer. Researchers at the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center published their findings in Nature Communications.

"We wanted to understand the genetic basis of prostate cancer disparities. Why is it that the African American population has a higher incidence of prostate cancer and a worse prognosis compared to those of European American decent?" asked Norman Lee, PhD, principle investigator and professor of pharmacology and physiology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. "In trying to understand the genetic basis, we found that part of it may have to do with differential RNA splicing."

Lee and his team uncovered a form of genetic variation in African American tumors, when compared to European American tumors, that may contribute to differences in prostate cancer behavior and treatment. Genes are comprised of exons. As a consequence of differential RNA splicing, mRNAs containing different combinations of exons can be produced from the same gene. The mRNAs with varying exon combinations are referred to as mRNA variants. These varying combinations lead to the generation of slightly different proteins known as isoforms, which can end up functioning differently from each other. The African American mRNA variants encode protein isoforms that make a tumor more aggressive, whereas the protein isoforms generated in European Americans appear to make the tumor less aggressive.

After finding incidences of differential RNA splicing, Lee and his research team looked at whether the proteins expressed in the tumors were inhibited by today's leading cancer treatments. They found they were not only ineffective, but caused drug resistance.

"We found that the protein isoforms expressed in African Americans with prostate cancer do not always respond to targeted therapies, whereas these drugs were found to be effective in European Americans with prostate cancer and do end up killing off the cancer," said Lee. "This is a mechanism for drug resistance."

Future research will apply this finding to other cancers, specifically looking at patients with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma to see if patients who are not responding to drugs like idelalisib have this particular mRNA variation.

"Alternative splicing promotes tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance in African American prostate cancer" was published in Nature Communications.
Credit: University of South Australia

Knowing just how to speak to farmers to gain their trust and engagement could be a key factor in protecting the mental health of one of Australia's highest risk groups for suicide.

New research from the University of South Australia, PhD candidate Melissa Hull and a team of researchers including Associate Research Professor and Project Director, Department of Rural Health, Dr Martin Jones have assessed the differences between farming and non-farming rural adults to discover what stops them from using mental health services.

The report entitled A comparison of barriers to mental health support-seeking among farming and non-farming adults in rural South Australia was published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health recently and Hull wants policy-makers at all levels to "explore how best to develop proactive health decision-making in this vulnerable population".

The study captured responses from 203 people from three rural regions in South Australia, offering insights into the values and attitudes that make farmers and non-farmers reluctant to access mental health services.

"What we really wanted to pin down with the study was, do farmers have a really different set of values and circumstances that might put up barriers to getting help when they need it," Hull said.

"We used a broad scale that considered a number of different groups of barriers and identified differences between the farmers and non-farmers.

"And the evidence suggests rural Australians prefer to seek non-professional support to manage health concerns, and they have a real desire to be independent and maintain pride, all of which may delay or even stop them from seeking mental healthcare or support."

The study found that traditional rural stereotypes like self-reliance and stoicism (endurance of pain without complaint) were somewhat supported.

"The largest difference we found between farmers and others was around communication with health professionals, where farmers were more likely to agree that communication was a barrier," Hull says.

"This implies that there may be a disconnect between how some health professionals communicate with farmers and what farmers find comfortable, and that may add to the challenge of accessing services for mental health concerns.

"Mental health services and professionals in rural Australia might need to adapt their practices to successfully engage this population."

Associate Professor Martin Jones explains how the study will impact on UniSA's Department of Rural Health (DRH).

"The findings will inform the development of UniSA's DRH workforce development programs to provide a stronger focus on the recognition of mental health conditions rural South Australians may be experiencing," Prof Jones says.

"The DRH will reflect as to how we can deliver workforce and community engagement activities to build the social capital of rural communities.

"This is vital to attracting the future workforce to 'go bush' and support rural communities to provide a holistic training experience for the future workforce in rural South Australia not available in Adelaide."

"A comparison of barriers to mental health support-seeking among farming and non-farming adults in rural South Australia" was published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health.

More information: Perceived barriers to health support seeking among rural men. Australian Journal of Rural Health, Perceived barriers to health support seeking among rural men. www.ruralhealth.org.au/13nrhc/images/paper_Hull %2C%20Melissa.pdf
It is not a good time to be a pain patient, says Mark Bailey, D.O., Ph.D., a pain specialist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It's not a good time to be a pain doctor, or a pharmacist either, he says. The nation is dealing with an opioid epidemic, and the field of pain management has gotten very complicated.

Bailey, a clinical professor in the Department of Neurology, sat on the panel of the Federation of State Medical Boards that recently updated opioid use guidelines for state medical associations.

"These are guidelines for the use of opioid medications in treating chronic pain, defined as pain lasting one month or more," said Bailey, who served on the panel as a representative of the American Osteopathic Association.

Bailey was one of 15 experts in pain management and addiction, along with governmental officials, on the panel. The guidelines will help physicians and physician assistants navigate the increasingly difficult landscape of legitimate opioid use for pain management. Bailey says the guidelines produced by professional organizations are often used to drive state laws regarding drug abuse or establish policy by insurance companies.

"We are certainly in the throes of an epidemic, driven in large part by the abuse of non-prescribed opioids such as heroin and synthetic fentanyl and to a lesser degree by the misuse of legitimate opioid medications for pain control," Bailey said.

The CDC reports that opioid overdoses have gone up by 33 percent over the past five years. Bailey says deaths from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl are up by 73 percent and heroin deaths are up 50 percent. Deaths from overdoses of oxycodone and hydrocodone are also up, but at a much smaller percentage, around four percent.

Bailey says the guidelines urge physicians to use best practices when prescribing opioids. These include a risk assessment for every patient, regular drug testing, increased observation for aberrant behavior such as running out of a prescription too early and an emphasis on low dose, short acting medications.

"The recommendation is for the lowest dose possible, beginning with short acting drugs and avoiding the extended-release, long acting drugs that can lend themselves to possible misuse," Bailey said. "These really aren't new recommendations. Many pain practitioners have been following these protocols for years. There is little scientific evidence that opioids are effective in the long term for pain. We also don't have evidence that higher doses provide a better quality of life, or better long term pain control."

The guidelines also call for medical professionals to have patients sign a written consent for opioid therapy and craft a treatment agreement which outlines the joint responsibilities of the clinician and patient.

However, the increased scrutiny of pain management, coupled with a mandate from the Food and Drug Administration requiring pharmaceutical companies to reduce production of opioid medications by 25 percent or more in 2017, has made it more difficult for patients who truly need strong pain control.

"Pain management is hard now and will get harder," Bailey said. "Some pharmacies don't stock the more potent opioids, and some insurers are denying claims for medications above an established threshold. Non-opioid treatment is going to have to assume a much more prominent role in chronic pain management  and patients are going to have to buy into this."

Bailey says patients and physicians are going to re-think the "pill for every symptom" mentality and patients will have to assume a more active role in their own health care. He also says the guidelines suggest that clinicians should consider prescribing naloxone, or Narcan, for home use for all patients with opioid prescriptions in case of accidental or intentional overdose by the patient or household contacts.

The revised FSMB guidelines are not intended for the treatment of acute paintypically lasting less than one weekor for pain management surrounding surgery or emergency care. Cancer-related pain, palliative care and end-of-life care are also exempt from the guidelines.

More information: Guidelines for the Chronic Use of Opioid Analgesics: Guidelines for the Chronic Use of Opioid Analgesics: www.fsmb.org/Media/Default/PDF  dopted_April2017.pdf
PET scan of a human brain with Alzheimer's disease. Credit: public domain

For the first time, researchers from the University of Zurich demonstrate a surprising effect of microglia, the scavenger cells of the brain: If these cells lack the TDP-43 protein, they not only remove Alzheimer's plaques, but also synapses. This removal of synapses by these cells presumably leads to neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Similar to other neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's is a disease in which the cognitive abilities of afflicted persons continuously worsen. The reason is the increasing loss of synapses, the contact points of the neurons, in the brain. In the case of Alzheimer's, certain protein fragments, the -amyloid peptides, are suspected of causing the death of neurons. These protein fragments clump together and form the disease's characteristic plaques.

Voracious microglia cells destroy brain synapses

Together with researchers from Great Britain and the United States, the group of Lawrence Rajendran from the Institute for Regenerative Medicine of the University of Zurich now shows that dysfunctional microglia cells contribute to the loss of synapses in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. These scavenger cells usually monitor the function of neurons in the brain by removing excess synapses during development or toxic protein aggregates. Until now, their role in neurodegenerative disorders remains controversial.

In an initial step, the researchers looked at the effect that certain risk genes for Alzheimer's have on the production of the -amyloid peptide. They found no effect in neurons. This led the researchers then to examine the function of these risk genes in microglia cells - and made a discovery: If they turned off the gene for the TDP-43 protein in these scavenger cells, these cells remove -amyloid very efficiently. This is due to the fact that the lack of TDP-43 protein in microglia led to an increased scavenging activity, called phagocytosis.

The TDP-43 protein regulates the activity of scavenger cells

In the next step, researchers used mice, which acted as a disease model for Alzheimer's. In this case, as well, they switched off TDP-43 in microglia and observed once more that the cells efficiently eliminated the -amyloid. Surprisingly, the increased scavenging activity of microglia in mice led also to a significant loss of synapses at the same time. This synapse loss occurred even in mice that do not produce human amyloid. This finding that increased phagocytosis of microglia can induce synapse loss led researchers to hypothesize that perhaps, during aging, dysfunctional microglia could display aberrant phagocytic activity. "Nutrient deprivation or starvation-like mechanism during aging could enhance phagocytic mechanism in microglia and this could lead to synaptic loss" Lawrence Rajendran assumes.

Direct role in neurodegeneration

The results show that the role of microglia cells in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's has been underestimated. It is not limited to influencing the course of the disease through inflammatory reactions and the release of neurotoxic molecules as previously assumed. Instead, this study shows that they can actively induce neurodegeneration. "Dysfunction of the microglia cells may be an important reason why many Alzheimer's medications reduce the amyloid plaques in clinical testing, but the cognitive functions in patients do not lead to improvement," Rajendran says.

More information: Rosa C. Paolicelli et al, TDP-43 Depletion in Microglia Promotes Amyloid Clearance but Also Induces Synapse Loss, Neuron (2017). Journal information: Neuron Rosa C. Paolicelli et al, TDP-43 Depletion in Microglia Promotes Amyloid Clearance but Also Induces Synapse Loss,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.05.037
Figure: Schematic diagram illustrating how hepatocytes or liver cells clear excess bile from blocked ducts. (A) Bile ducts are blocked in diseases such as biliary atresia. (B) Bile builds up behind the blockage, putting pressure on the surrounding cells that make up the walls of the duct. (C) If the pressure increases, the actin cortex, which lies inside the cell, may rupture. Once the actin filament network is fragmented, the bile will push the cell membrane into the cell, through the disrupted actin network. (D) If the actin network cannot be repaired, then the membrane will continue to be pushed inside until it breaks off into bubble-like vesicles. These vesicles carry the bile through the cell and away from the blockage. Credit: National University of Singapore

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers from the Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore (MBI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR, and BioSyM, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology have described the mechanical principles adopted by liver cells as they remove excess bile during obstructive cholestasis. This study was published online in the Journal of Hepatology earlier this year.

The research team comprises team leader Professor Hanry Yu, who is a Principal Investigator at MBI and IBN; Mr Kapish Gupta, who is a graduate student at MBI and first author of the paper; as well as their fellow MBI researchers - Associate Professor Virgile Viasnoff, Associate Professor Low Boon Chuan, and Assistant Professor Pakorn (Tony) Kanchanawong.

New mechanism discovered in the liver's response to blocked bile ducts

Biliary atresia is a rare, life-threatening liver disease that affects infants, and in particular, babies of Asian and African American descent. Although the cause of the disease remains unclear, the first symptoms are usually detected within weeks of birth.

Dubbed the 'chemical factory' of our body, the liver performs over 500 biological functions. Foremost among them is the synthesis and storage of essential biochemical substances, as well as the elimination or neutralisation of harmful toxins from the blood.

One of the most important functions of the liver is the production of bile, which is responsible for the organ's detoxifying effects. Bile flows through a network of tubes known as the biliary tract, into the small intestine. During its passage the bile digests fats, and absorbs essential fatty acids. It also facilitates the elimination of waste products via the faeces.

In babies suffering from biliary atresia, bile accumulates in the biliary ducts. This means that liver function is ultimately impeded and without surgical intervention, long-term liver damage or cirrhosis will occur.

To date there are no drugs available to treat biliary atresia. However, there is renewed hope that this may one day change, with recent findings from research conducted at MBI revealing how liver cells already possess the ability to eliminate excess bile from tubes located inside the liver, which feed bile into the biliary ducts.

How liver cells eliminate bile from blocked ducts

The key to the liver's ability to eliminate excess bile is the fact that the 'tubes' through which bile enters the biliary tract are not merely a set of inactive pipes, but are actually hollow spaces between living cells. The walls of the tubes are essentially the outside surfaces of the cells.

To investigate how the liver responds to bile accumulation, the research team used an artificial culture system, which allowed the easy manipulation of cultured liver cells. They then used high-end imaging techniques to visualise the dynamics of the tubes that develop within this culture system.

The team sought to investigate the response of the cells that line a blocked bile duct by obstructing the bile tract artificially and observing what happened. What they found was that as the bile accumulated behind the blockage, the tube began to swell or bulge, and this put pressure on the cells that make up the wall of the tube.

The key to the removal of excess bile lies in the internal structure of the cell itself. Immediately adjacent to the cell membrane is a network of protein cables or filaments known as the actin cortex. This structure serves to strengthen the cell, and help it retain its shape and integrity even when external forces are applied to the cell surface - external forces like the increased pressure from a build-up of fluid. Normally the actin cortex is able to counter the forces applied to it, and even when some damage to the network is incurred, it is quickly fixed by proteins that can reassemble the actin filaments.

However, when the pressure becomes too great, the actin cortex will rupture, and it will not be repaired. Although the bile cannot simply pass through the membrane, it can, as the researchers discovered, push the membrane into the cell, through the gap in the ruptured actin cortex. As this occurs a bubble-like vesicle forms inside the cell, and it is inside this vesicle that the bile enters and passes through the cell. The bile is essentially packaged inside these vesicles for its transport through the cell, and away from the site where it had accumulated.

Although the liver does not stop producing bile even when the biliary ducts are blocked, it is now evident that the liver does have a process in place to look after itself when a potentially damaging amount of bile builds up inside a blocked duct.

It is hoped that this mechanism may one day be therapeutically targeted to improve the prognosis for infants with biliary atresia. As the researchers showed, the rate of vesicle formation, and hence the uptake of excess bile into liver cells, can indeed be adjusted using drugs, at least in the cell culture setting. Improving the effectiveness of this naturally occurring mechanism, by increasing, for example, the rate of vesicle formation, may indeed encourage bile elimination from the blocked duct so as to avoid long-term liver damage and increase the effectiveness of surgical intervention.

More information: Kapish Gupta et al. Actomyosin contractility drives bile regurgitation as an early response during obstructive cholestasis, Journal of Hepatology (2017). Kapish Gupta et al. Actomyosin contractility drives bile regurgitation as an early response during obstructive cholestasis,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.01.026
Based on a new molecular study of tissues biopsied from various parts of the upper digestive tract, researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified significant, if subtle, differences in gene mutations and other factors that could help in developing more tailored treatment options for cancer patients. This finding is notable because as the digestive tract winds its way down from the mouth to the rectum, a continuum of cancers can arise, each of which may be amenable to precision treatment.

In this study, the researchers focused primarily on small bowel adenocarcinomas (SBAs) and compared them with parts of the upper digestive tract that precede it and follow it - the gastroesophageal area and right-sided colon cancers, respectively. Each section of the gastrointestinal, or GI, tract plays a role in digestion of food and hence has distinct structural as well as molecular differences. The finding will be presented June 30, 2017, at the European Society for Medical Oncology gastrointestinal meeting in Barcelona, Spain.

"Our study was undertaken primarily because SBAs are greatly understudied, as well as increasing in incidence nationwide, and we wanted to determine what may make them unique," says Mohamed E. Salem, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Georgetown Lombardi, and principal investigator for the study. "We really didn't have good data on SBAs so we've been treating the tumors as if they were colon cancers and we really need to start treating them based on their unique properties."

The investigators looked at 4,278 tumor samples from a tissue repository of patients with GI tract cancers. The researchers were able to clearly identify 531 SBAs; 2,674 gastroesophageal cancers; and 1,073 ride-sided colon cancers. Using a variety of genetic sequencing techniques, they ascertained how well the genes were expressed, or "turned on" to make proteins. They also calculated what is called the tumor mutational load, or TML, which can be a marker for how responsive a tumor is to immunotherapy - which, paradoxically, could indicate that immunotherapy more effective when a higher TML is found.

The researchers found a set of frequently mutated genes in SBAs that could be helpful to clinicians when they are looking to use targeted therapies that work best in cancers with specifics mutations. In this case, KRAS, BRAF, BRCA2 and a few other genes were identified in SBAs. Mutations to these genes can affect the choice of therapy as well as how to better target the mutations.

Next, the investigators compared the SBA mutations with mutations in the two other parts of the GI tract and found higher and lower mutation frequencies across a wide array of genes. They were able to discern that SBAs were more like colon than gastric cancers.

More importantly, though, they found about a two-fold higher PD-L1 expression level for gastroesophageal cancers compared to right-side colon cancers but did not find such a marked difference between those tumors and SBAs. PD-L1 is often used as a marker to indicate if a cancer might be responsive to immunotherapy, and usually the higher the PD-L1 level, the more responsive a cancer would be to certain immunotherapies.

"With this study we now have what I think is one of the biggest datasets on SBAs," says Salem. "Previously, investigators studying the colon found very unique differences between the left and ride sides, and our study therefore took advantage of those findings by exploring the differences between ride-sided colon cancers and SBAs. We now see a continuum of molecular changes that occur as these regions of the digestive tract transition from one area to the other."

The next step, says Salem, will be to try to correlate these findings with patient treatment outcomes, initially as a retrospective, or backward looking study, and then hopefully design a forward looking clinical trial to determine which treatments may be best for patients with SBAs.
Senior author Shannon LaDeau samples pools of water collected in discarded trash for mosquito breeding activity. Credit: BES Photo Archive

A new study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology reports that in Baltimore, Maryland, neighborhoods with high levels of residential abandonment are hotspots for tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus). This environmental injustice may leave low-income urban residents more vulnerable to mosquito-borne disease.

Shannon LaDeau, a disease ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and senior author on the paper, explains, "We are interested in how land cover, microclimate, and socioeconomics influence the distribution of tiger mosquitoes. In Baltimore and other temperate cities, the interplay of these factors determines when and where mosquitoes emerge and the extent to which they pose a risk to people."

Native to Asia, tiger mosquitoes arrived in the US in the 1980s, likely as stowaways on imported tires. They have quickly spread throughout the South and Northeast, where they thrive in cities. Unlike native mosquitoes, they feed during daylight hours and are known for living in close association with people.

Lead author Eliza Little, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University, explains, "Tiger mosquitoes are highly tolerant and can reproduce in very small pools of water; a cap of water will suffice. They are known to transmit diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, with documented cases in Asia and Europe. They also have the potential to spread Zika."

A map of study area in Baltimore, Md.: street segments surveyed for neighborhood attributes, parcels sampled for juvenile mosquitoes, and location of BG-Sentinel traps for adult surveillance. Credit: E. Little, D. Biehler, P. T. Leisnham, R. Jordan, S. Wilson, S. L. LaDeau; Socio-Ecological Mechanisms Supporting High Densities of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Baltimore, MD. J Med Entomol 2017

The research team, which included scientists from the University of Maryland and Rutgers University, spent three years monitoring mosquito activity in five west Baltimore neighborhoods. Study sites spanned a gradient of low, medium, and high socioeconomic status neighborhoods. At each site, 33 blocks were identified as predominantly residential, excluding businesses, schools, and large apartment complexes.

Block-scale surveillance of mosquito breeding habitat was conducted three times during each season (in June, July, and September). Every three weeks, from May to September, adult mosquitoes were also sampled. Climate data from a NOAA station at the Maryland Science Center was used to track how rainfall influenced the development of larval mosquitoes.

To reveal how landscape features and vegetation influence mosquito prevalence, target neighborhoods were mapped using block-by-block surveys and Landsat satellite imagery. During ground surveys, researchers counted trees, abandoned buildings (officially condemned or with 148 boarded-up entry), parks, vacant lots, grassy areas, and trash with the potential to serve as breeding habitat.

High vegetation cover was found in both low and high income neighborhoods, but its impact on mosquito abundance differed. More mosquitoes were found in lower socioeconomic areas because vacant lots and abandoned buildings provide more breeding sites. Infrequent garbage removal is another issue, giving rise to semi-permanent dumping sites that attract mosquitoes.

Abandoned properties are susceptible to unintentional rewilding, when infrastructure decays and plants take over. Mosquitoes thrive in the hospitable microclimate created by vegetation, which also provides a food source for males and safe resting area. Credit: BES Photo Archive

The correlation between a neighborhood's socioeconomic status and mosquito abundance wasn't static. In low-income areas, rain-filled trash, abandoned and decaying properties, and overgrown lots create mosquito breeding habitat. In higher socioeconomic areas, mosquitoes are supported by residents who water their plants and lawns during the summer.

LaDeau explains, "In a city like Baltimore, hot, dry conditions should cause mosquito populations to decline. Instead, in higher income neighborhoods, residents water their yards and enable mosquito populations to survive. That said, overall, our surveys found much larger mosquito populations in lower income neighborhoods."

"This study highlights the dual needs for personalized mosquito control on a lot-by-lot basis and public education across different socioeconomic neighborhoods to implement effective control strategies," Little notes. Adding, "Our work can also inform urban greening strategies. There can be unintended consequences when green spaces are added to cities without first removing mosquito-sustaining containers."

By understanding the environmental conditions that give rise to mosquito populations, researchers can better predict and manage mosquitoes in urban areas, reducing environmental injustices and protecting public health.

LaDeau concludes, "This summer, if you want to reduce mosquito numbers, one the best things you can do is reduce water-holding containers in your community. After a rainfall, do a quick survey of your yard or neighborhood and address sites where water pools. Planters, clogged gutters, neglected pet dishes and bird baths, and trash all provide great tiger mosquito breeding grounds."
(HealthDay)Wireless peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is beneficial for chronic intractable pain secondary to post-herpetic neuralgia, according to a case report published online June 20 in PAIN Practice.

Bart Billet, M.D., from AZ Delta Hospital in Roeselare, Belgium, and colleagues examined the analgesic effects of a minimally invasive wireless neuromodulation in the treatment of chronic intractable pain secondary to post-herpetic neuralgia in a 78-year-old male. He had compromised immune status and was deemed a suitable candidate for treatment. Two subcutaneous electrodes were placed at the level of T7-T8 under fluoroscopic guidance along the T7 intercostal nerve. The external transmitter, which was used to power the stimulator, was worn with a belt over a single layer of clothing. The procedure required only a small incision for electrode placement.

The researchers observed a reduction in pain score from 8 to 3, with a concomitant reduction in pain medication following an uneventful procedure. Before the trial, and at one and three months, the EuroQoL five dimensions questionnaire score was 0.102, and 0.630 and 0.576, respectively.

"Subcutaneous placement of electrodes with our minimally invasive technique and wireless neuromodulation technology was safe and effective," the authors write.

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Political figures like Pedro Agramunt encourage the Azerbaijani government to implement an anti-democratic policy.

Deputy Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly (NA) Mikayel Melkumyan told the aforementioned at the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Monday.

Political figures like Pedro Agramunt encourage the Azerbaijani government to implement an anti-democratic policy, as a result of which Azerbaijan continues to undermine all the agreements related to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. How can it happen that we can have a phenomenon like Pedro Agramunt in PACE? Apparently, Agramunt is incapable of ensuring the balance between the members of our organization through his private activity, which serves only the interests of the Azerbaijani government. Thus, Agramunt privately serves the interests of Azerbaijan, the NA deputy speaker noted.

In his statement Melkumyan also referred to the attack of Azerbaijan on the Karabakh-Azerbaijani contact line, which resulted in casualties on the Armenian side.

As a result of the inhuman armed attack of Azerbaijan ten days ago, the Armenian side suffered 4 losses who were 20-year-old youthson the border of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan. Who should be held liable for the victims? And how? At the same time, I would like to warn that the defense of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic will always give an adequate response to such base and aggressive actions. Aliyev has perhaps not learnt lessons from the previous experience. Of course, we think that this phenomenon should be given political and legal assessments and be followed by specific actions. Unfortunately, directly or indirectly, Pedro Agramunt participates in this process but I dont understand whether he is a large missioner for the Azerbaijani government or the head of the Parliamentary Assembly. I leave it to your judgment. My conclusion is the following: Agramunt should resign from the post of the president of the parliamentary assembly and leave, Melkumyan said.
YEREVAN.  A delegation from Armenia, and led by Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan, on Thursday attended the Brussels meeting of the defense ministers of the countries that are participating in the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

Also, the minister addressed the event, presented Armenias outlook on and vision for ensuring security and stability, and offered some respective solutions, the Ministry of Defense informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

After the meeting, Sargsyan met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller. They discussed Armenia-NATO relations and respective future projects.

Within the framework of his visit to Brussels, the Armenian defense minister met also with the European Union Military Committee Chairman, General Mikhail Kostarakos. The interlocutors conferred on the avenues for the establishment of cooperation between the military of Armenia and the EU.

In addition, Vigen Sargsyan got together with the analysts from several international research centers, and discussed regional security issues.
Blogger Alexander Lapshin pleaded not guilty on charges of public statements directed against the state and illegal crossing of Azerbaijani border.

I do not plead guilty. I made tourist trips. I received more detailed information about the Karabakh conflict from the materials of the indictment. In my blog, I shared only tourist impressions, and these were not political publications. I was in Karabakh twice and had no contacts with local officials, the blogger said during the trial.

The trial will continue on July 3.

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.
Armenian Ambassador to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia Tigran Mkrtchyan has given an extensive interview to Bernardinai.lt regraidng the Karabakh issue.Below is the full text of the interview:

Mr. Ambassador, political information about Armenia is on our Media very fragmented and mostly is about Karabakh conflict, There was even the scandal when somebody published the discussions of two Lithuanian diplomats in internet. When and how could the situation be changed?

The Lithuanian media often represents Armenian culture and history as well as the Armenian-Lithuanian community life. So I would not say that conflict between Azerbaijan and Artsakh is the main subject being talked about in Lithuania.

The negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement are being conducted within the internationally mandated format of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship presented by the USA, France and Russia. The Co-Chairs have on numerous occasions presented settlement proposals. Since 2009 lAquila summit of the G8 at least 5 times the heads of the states of the Co-Chairs countries made statements on concrete steps of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. After every statement the Armenian side expressed willingness to move forward the settlement of the conflict on the proposed basis. Azerbaijan did not welcome those proposals. Moreover, for a long time now the Azerbaijani diversion attacks, provocations on the Line of Contacts between Azerbaijan and Artsakh have become a routine. Last year Azerbaijanis even organised a large scale aggression against Artsakh. The pre-planned massive blitzkrieg attempt failed with hundreds of lives lost from all sides.

Two weeks ago the OSCE announced the closure of its office in Yerevan. We know it is because of Karabakh. But why now?

As you may have noticed from several international organisations reports and statements authoritarianism in Azerbaijan is getting firmly established. Here the Lithuanian press is often writing about it as well. The OSCE works to strengthen peace, stability and democracy in its area. Apparently Azerbaijani authorities did not feel happy about the OSCE activities in their country and did not prolong its mandate beyond 2015. Moreover, under the pretext of reservations concerning one humanitarian project implemented by the office, Azerbaijan used the consensus principle in the OSCE decision making processes, and against all the other members wish to prolong the activities of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, it applied its right to veto against the will of the other OSCE participating states. Some members of the international community while noting the constructive stance of Armenia in this issue, expressed their strong disapproval regarding the destructive attitude of Baku that resulted in the closure of the last OSCE full-fledged mission in the South Caucasus. It has nothing to do with Nagorno-Karabakh, since the OSCE Office in Yerevan has not been engaged in the conflict-related matters, something that was confirmed included by the OSCE German and Austrian Chairmanships.

Simply, Azerbaijani leaders are thinking about something impossible-isolating Armenia, in reality finding themselves in isolation. How can you isolate a nation, which is truly global?

If we would remember how the conflict began, could we estimate that it was initially provoked or strengthened buy the Kremlin? Both sides received weapons, as usual, not necessary for the police. These were the tools of the Soviet army.

The massacres of Armenians in Azerbaijan were organised by Soviet Azerbaijani elites. It is documented and proved. The late entry of Soviet Army in Baku 1990 January to stop the bloodshed unleashed against the Armenians is nowadays resented by Azerbaijan as if it was fighting for independence and the Soviet Army entered to crush it. This is an absolute misrepresentation of what happened. Suffice to say that several international papers, such as the New York Times, have detailed coverage of those barbaric killings of Armenians.

As I noted, the conflict started as soon as Azerbaijan appeared on the political map of the world in 1918 and started to present territorial claims to historically Armenian territories. In 1988 the conflict sparkled again as this time peaceful appeals to correct the historical mistake committed by a dictator, was met by Bakus brutal and in many ways genocidal response. We could not and will not undergo not more genocide. Everyone understands this very well. On dictator ordered annexation of Artsakh to Azerbaijan, and now another dictator dreams about conquer it by force.

It is true that in the early stage f the conflict, in 1991 April-August, so called Operation Ring was carried out in north-eastern parts of Karabakh, during which the Soviet army together with the Azerbaijani forces carried out the deportation of 24 Armenian villages. This indeed had an immensely negative impact on the further deterioration of the conflict.

Next month marks the 25th anniversary of occupation of Shahumian district and part of Martakert district that were accompanied by atrocities and massive ethnic cleansing. The armed forced of Azerbaijan approached Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh threatening the existence of the Nagorno-Karabakh. This period is in the past now, however, the part of the occupied land is still under Azerbaijans control. The gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws by Azerbaijan during its aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh in April 2016 vividly demonstrated that nothing has changes in the Azerbaijani approaches. It simply proves that Karabakhi Armenians aspirations on self-determination is still relevant and fair.

The situation today reminds of First World War: many people are sitting in trenches. Azerbaijans diplomatic positions are marked by four resolutions of the UN Security Council of 1994. Armenia must deploy its forces, and the problems will be solved. What is your answer?

The violator of all those four resolutions was Azerbaijan. The core requirement of the UN SC resolutions is the immediate cessation of all hostilities and hostile acts and the establishment of a durable cease-fire as well. This requirement was consistantly violated by Azerbaijan. The Security Council stopped adopting any further resolutions on Nagorno-Karabakh, since their violation was devolving its decisions, undermining its authority and making those resolutions inefficient.

By the way, I cannot agree that the UNSC Resolutions mark Azerbaijans position. There are a number of provisions in the resolutions that Baku ignores, disregards. The resolutions recognise the local Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh as party to the conflict. Azerbaijan refuses to negotiate with them. The resolutions refer to Armenia, only to call it to exert its influence on Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to continue negotiations. The resolutions call to open all kinds of communications. Azerbaijan keeps transport networks with or through Armenia closed.

The UN recognises only one way of solving the conflict - peaceful negotiations. Most provisions of the UN SC Resolutions are about the support for OSCE Minsk Process. Azerbaijan does everything to derail the peace process.

While in this process the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs note that the final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh will be determined through a legally binding expression of will of the population of Nagorno Karabakh. As soon as Azerbaijan understands and embraces this stance supported by the international community, then the conflict will be resolved.

We are talking not only about Karabakh, but about 20 percent (every Azerbaijani would say) about the occupied residence of sovereign countries. Why not return it? Can this help solve the problem?

I believe there is a confusion with figures. Karabakhi Armenians have liberated areas beyond the confines of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast as part of providing their security. But there are other territories of NKAO, currently under Azerbaijani occupation. And I would like to remind that the proposals of the CO-Chairs, which Azerbaijan rejects, anticipate withdrawal of forces.

The illegal annexation and total ethnic cleansing of Armenians carried out in another historically Armenian territory - Nakhijevan, throughout the Soviet period, is not and can not be forgotten either.

How and what would you do with the problem of hundreds of thousands of refugees?

There were four hundred thousand Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan. There are refugees also from the territories currently under Azerbaijani occupation. Above all there are also internally displaced people in Nagorno-Karabakh from the settlements located in close vicinity to the line of contact. I believe the basic principles of the conflict resolution include the right of all refugees to return to their previous places of residence.

Both sides accuse each other of many war crimes. Would you agree with an independent investigation and an international tribunal?

If we start from the early stage of the conflict Sumgayit, Baku, Kirovabad massacres of 1988-1990 need to be thoroughly investigated. If we start form the latest cases it is the 2016 April war crimes. For a few days continuously and in front of the entire world war crimes were committed by the Azerbaijani army during the Four Day war in April 2016. Artsakhs Ombudsman has prepared a detailed report showing how beheadings and maiming of dead Armenian soldiers, brutalising of elderly peoples bodies and other crimes were committed. Those who committed those crimes were laughing. They were lauded by the leader of Azerbaijan as heroes, decorated by Azerbaijani President. Before that the axe killer Ramil Safarov, who has beheaded an Armenian soldier in his sleep in Bucharest, was later on extradited from Hungary to Azerbaijan and upon landing in Baku, declared as a national hero of that country. When murderers are applauded as heroes in Azerbaijan, we need to think seriously if the Azerbaijani society is ready for a peaceful solution of the Karabakh conflict and make conclusions based on that.

Besides, the massacre of Maragha, a village entirely bulldozed and more that 100 civilians brutally murdered in 1992, has not been internationally addressed properly.

Armenians did not treat the Azerbaijanis in such a manner. There is no such case.

Armenian and Azerbaijani delegations have scuffled in Moscow during a commemoration of World War II veterans after an argument erupted over the breakaway Karabakh region. How could you comment this incident?

The incident happened because the Azeris saw the flag of Artsakh and started a conflict. This is the result of decades-long Armenophobia in Azerbaijan. If people are not ready to tolerate the flag of Artsakh, you can well conclude that they can not tolerate the people of Artsakh as well, their right to determine their political and social life in their historical fatherland. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in their appeals urge the sides to prepare societies for peace and not for war. In Azerbaijan I have not noticed the least trace of preparation for peace.

What you think about Lithuanian diplomatic positions concerning the Karabakh conflict?

Lithuania, as much as I can say that, supports the exclusively peaceful settlement of the issue within the frames of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs format. This is also the stance of the European Union, all those who support the peace efforts of the Co-Chairs.

Do you personally think that some serious progress will be made in resolving the Karabakh conflict and other frozen conflicts in the post-Soviet space?

I personally do not think that those conflicts will have a quick solution.
DOE Completes Evaluation of Hanford's Tunnel 2, Finds 'High' Risk of Collapse

The two PUREX storage tunnels hold mixed radioactive and chemical waste. A section of Tunnel 1 collapsed May 9, and state authorities then ordered DOE and CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company to immediately assess the integrity of both.

The U.S. Department of Energy is submitting reports June 30 to state authorities on the structural integrity of two tunnels at the Hanford Site in Richland, Wash., and the reports conclude that both do not meet current structural codes and standards. Doug Shoop, manager of the DOE Richland Operations Office, and Alexandra Smith, program manager for the Washington state Department of Ecology's Nuclear Waste Program, spoke about the findings at a news conference.

A section of one tunnel  PUREX (Plutonium Uranium Extraction) Tunnel 1  filled with mixed radioactive and chemical waste collapsed May 9, 2017, at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, and the following day, the department issued an order requiring DOE and CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company to immediately assess the integrity of the two PUREX Storage Tunnels and to take corrective actions. "This alarming emergency compels us to take immediate action  to hold the federal government accountable to its obligation to clean up the largest nuclear waste site in the country," Washington Department of Ecology Director Maia Bellon said May 10.

The tunnels are classified as "miscellaneous units" under Washington's Dangerous Waste Regulations, according to the order. The order says the company and DOE had not properly operated and maintained Tunnel 1 and "failed to keep it totally enclosed with a protective covering from the elements and from run-on." Completed in 1956, the tunnel was sealed after being filled between June 1960 and January 1965 with eight railcars filled with mixed waste, it states.

Tunnel 2 is much larger than Tunnel 1. Constructed in 1964, Tunnel 2 is 1,700 feet long and contains 28 railcars loaded with large waste containers. Shoop said the evaluation determined that Tunnel 2 is at "high" risk of localized collapse and should be stabilized as soon as possible. DOE and the contractor are studying how much backfilling was done when Tunnel 2 was built and the amount of compaction that was done; it has not been possible for personnel to enter either tunnel for decades because of the radiological hazards inside them, which makes monitoring their condition more difficult, he said.
New Study Examines Injured Workers' Opioid Use By States

Comparing opioid use for workers injured in 2010 and 2013 over an average two-year period following the injury, the study found reductions in the average amount of opioids dispensed to injured workers in several states, with larger reductions seen in Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, and New York.

A study released this week by the Workers Compensation Research Institute found decreases in the frequency and amount of opioids dispensed to injured workers in most of the study states, although higher use of opioids and other high-risk utilization patterns were seen in some states in the most recent study period. The study data are from October 2009 through March 2015.

"This report serves as a tool to monitor ongoing policy changes on opioid utilization in 26 state workers' compensation systems. By comparing variations in the use of opioids across the states, this study can help policymakers and stakeholders be better informed about the level of opioid use in their states and better target future efforts to address issues related to prescription opioids in their states," said Ramona Tanabe, WCRI's executive vice president and in-house counsel.

The study, "Interstate Variations in Use of Opioids, 4th Edition," examines interstate variations and trends in the use of opioids and prescribing patterns of pain medications across 26 state comp systems. It found:

Comparing opioid use for workers injured in 2010 and 2013 over an average two-year period following the injury, the study found reductions in the average amount of opioids dispensed to injured workers in several states, with larger reductions seen in Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, and New York.

Despite the reductions, however, opioid use was prevalent among nonsurgical claims with more than seven days of lost time. In 2013/2015, about 65 to 75 percent of these injured workers with pain medications received at least one opioid prescription in most of the study states. The proportion was higher in Arkansas (85 percent), Louisiana (80 percent), and South Carolina (80 percent).

The average amounts of opioids received in Louisiana, New York, and Pennsylvania continued to be the highest among the 26 study states for claims with opioids. "Although New York is among the states with a higher-than-typical amount, it is important to note the substantial decrease in both the frequency and amount of opioids in New York over the study period," WCRI noted.

The study noted a sizable percentage of claims with opioids that were receiving chronic opioids (at least 60 days of opioids supply over any 90-day period) and at higher doses (average daily dose of opioids exceeding 50 and 90 morphine equivalent milligrams).

Among claims with opioids, simultaneous use of opioids with at least one other sedating drug was seen in one-third to half of injured workers across the 26 states. Muscle relaxants and opioids were dispensed together in 28-48 percent of claims with opioids,while use of both opioids and benzodiazepines at the same time was seen in 0-9 percent of claims.

The study used data comprising more than 430,000 nonsurgical workers' compensation claims and nearly 2.3 million prescriptions associated with those claims from 26 states; data included in this study represented 36-69 percent of workers' compensation claims in each state; the 26 states included in this study were Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, which combined represent more than two-thirds of the workers' compensation benefits paid in the United States.
Belly up to these bar stories, brought to you by Miller Brewing Co., that explore well-loved-but-lesser-known taps and taverns from all corners of the city and beyond.

When Steve Silber bought his West Side bar in 1991 a series of coincidences determined what he named the bar.

His father, who helped him buy the tavern, gave him a book during the purchasing process written by Mortimer J. Adler. Silber really liked the book and when he was finished reading it, put it on his shelf. A short time later, he randomly grabbed the same book to serve as a hard surface to put underneath a crossword puzzle. One of the clues in the puzzle was "philosopher" and the answer was "Mortimer."

Then, within a few days, Silber was watching "Arsenic and Old Lace" and Cary Grants characters name was Mortimer. And in the film it was said over and over, "Mortimer! Mortimer!"

Suddenly it became vodka clear to Silber what to name his new bar.

"There were two other reasons why the name seemed right: my bar was on Adler Street and there was already a bar named Steves (on Bluemound)," says Silber.

Mortimers, 7023 W. Adler St., is a clean and comfortable space with a large centralized bar with friendly regulars, including Joe Stankowski who occasionally stands up and says, "Smoke break!" Usually a couple of others get up and walk onto the patio (which is more like someones backyard) for a cig or two.

The bar features pool tables, gambling machines and the rare and addictive "coin pusher" quarter game.

Silber is a good bartender and hes as comfortable mixing a cocktail as he is pouring a shot. (But dont get too fancy at Mortimers otherwise Silber will tell you the blender broke.)

"I was serving Moscow mules long before they were popular," he says. "Ive had copper cups for 20 years."

Silber doesnt work behind the bar as much as he used to, but still pulls two or three shifts a week.

"At some point I learned that young people werent coming in to see me and I needed people who would attract a wider range of customers," he says. "Im kind of stuck in my ways, but at least I realize it."

Silbers parents owned many bars over the years. In 1962  the year Silber was born  they opened The Harp and Shamrock, 2106 W. Wells St. They also bought Leprechaun Lounge, 2725 W. Wisconsin Ave., The Melody Bar (a huge polka bar) on Highway 100 and Layton Avenue; The Fin N Feather, 4060 W. Loomis Rd., and the Network Bar, 9541 W. Cleveland Ave.

Today, Silbers brothers run The Harp and Shamrock and Leprechaun Lounge and his nephew owns The Network.

"My entire family is behind bars," jokes Silber.

Silber was born into a family of successful bar owners, but he also has his own philosophy on what it takes to stay in business.

"Its nothing revolutionary. I just always wanted to have a neighborhood bar where everyone was comfortable  male or female, alone or with a group," says Silber. "Ive run an honest business where everyones welcome and bartenders who want to be behind the bar and I guess thats worked out. Ive been here 26 years."

Mortimers is open at 2 p.m. during the week and 11 a.m. on weekends.

"And we never close early," says Silber.
GoGeddit president and founder Richie Burke sat down with Milwaukee rapper Ray Nitti, who will be opening for Ludacris on July 2 at the Miller Lite Oasis at 8 p.m.

Nitti tells Burke about his upbringing and his journey from the Virgin Islands, where he was born and raised, to Milwaukee.

It was here where Nitti got his start in the music industry after learning to express himself through poetry at the Milwaukee youth organization Urban Underground.

After many years of working toward becoming a well-known hip hop artist, Nitti got his national breakthrough with his single, "Bow."

He's now very involved with Milwaukee's youth and the local community, saying he sees great potential in the city and is striving to do what he can to help.

Watch Nitti's interview in the OnMilwaukee Facebook video below. And check out our 2005 article, in which we talk with the then-young, up-and-coming star.
On 28 June 2017, Ariane 5 flight VA238 lifted off from Europes Spaceport in French Guiana and delivered two telecom satellites, Hellas Sat 3Inmarsat S European Aviation Network and GSAT-17, into their planned orbits. A new four-panel fairing was also validated on this flight. Credit: ESA

An Ariane 5 carrying two telecom satellites inside a new lighter fairing lifted off on the fourth mission from Europe's Spaceport in two months.

Liftoff came at 21:15 GMT (18:15 local time, 23:15 CEST) last night from Kourou, French Guiana on a mission lasting about 39 minutes to deliver Hellas Sat 3Inmarsat S EAN and GSAT-17 into their planned orbits.

Hellas Sat 3Inmarsat S European Aviation Network, with a mass of 5792 kg, was the first to be released after about 28 minutes. The 3477 kg GSAT-17 was released 13 minutes later.

Hellas Sat 3Inmarsat S EAN, will provide direct-to-home and telecom services to Europe, the Near East and sub-Saharan African countries, and inflight broadband within Europe. The Indian Space Research Organization's GSAT-17 will provide communications services, data relay, and search and rescue services.

Both satellites have a design life of more than 15 years.

The payload mass for this launch was 10 177 kg. The satellites totalled about 9269 kg, with payload adapters and carrying structures making up the rest.

The protective payload fairing proved by this launch was built from only four instead of the usual 14 panels. Fewer metallic junctions reduced the mass by 107 kg, giving a performance gain of about 10 kg in geostationary transfer orbit.

our-panel fairing for Ariane 5. Credit: ESA

Different composite material and optimised manufacturing processes also lowered costs. From August, Vega will use fairings built in the same way.

"Switzerland's Ruag Space with Airbus Safran Launchers as prime contractor, developed this fairing under ESA's Launchers Exploitation Accompaniment Programme which nurtures innovation within European industry to guarantee independent access to space for Europe.

"This new fairing for Ariane 5 qualifies the manufacturing technology that will be used for Ariane 6, which will comprise only two panels," commented ESA's Daniel de Chambure, Ariane 5 Future Mission Manager.

Four launches in two months is a peak achievement. In May and June there was one Soyuz, and three Ariane 5 launches.

During this two month period, teams worked tirelessly to prepare launch vehicles and payloads for launch.

"Maintaining the launch schedule and continuing planned maintenance at this exceptional pace was possible thanks to the dedication of all stakeholders," commented Didier Faivre, Director of the Guiana Space Centre.

Flight VA238 was the 94th Ariane 5 mission.
Credit: University of Central Florida

Scientists pursue research through observation, experimentation and modeling. They strive for all of these pieces to fit together, but sometimes finding the unexpected is even more exciting.

That's what happened to University of Central Florida's astrophysicist Gal Sarid, who studies comets, asteroids and planetary formation and earlier this year was part of a team that published a study focused on the comet 174P/Echeclus. It didn't behave the way the team was expecting.

"This is another clue that Echeclus is a bizarre solar system object," said University of South Florida physics research Professor Maria Womack, who leads the team.

Comets streak across the sky and as they get closer to the sun look like bright fuzz balls with extended luminous trails in their wake. However, comets are actually bulky spheres of mixed ice and rock, many of them also rich in other frozen volatile compounds, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide and methanol.

Comets heat up as they get closer to the sun, losing their icy layers by sublimation and producing emission jets of water vapor, other gases and dust expelled from the comet nucleus, Sarid said. Once they move away from the sun, they cool off again. But some comets start showing emission activity while still very far from the sun, where heating is low.

That's what Sarid and Womack research as they study these kinds of distantly active comets. Womack and graduate student Kacper Wierzchos used the Arizona Radio Observatory Submillimeter telescope to observe Echeclus last year as it approached the sun. This work will be part of Wierzchos' doctoral dissertation in applied physics at USF. Sarid provided theoretical expertise for interpreting the observational results.

Echeclus is part of the population of objects called centaurs, which have orbits around the sun at distances between that of Jupiter and Neptune. It is also part of a special group within the centaurs, which sometimes exhibit comet-like activity. Previous research indicated that Echeclus might have been spewing carbon monoxide as its icy material changed phases.

The team found that the levels of carbon monoxide were nearly 40 times lower than typically expected from other comets at similar distances from the sun. This suggests that Echeclus and similar active Centaurs may be more fragile than other comets. Echeclus may have gone through a different physical process from most comets that caused it to lose a lot of its original carbon monoxide, or it may have had less of that substance to begin with.

Understanding the composition of comets and how they work will help researchers understand how our solar system was formed. It will also aid space explorers plan for their travels  things to avoid and perhaps hidden resources found within the nucleus of comets that may be useful on deep space missions.

"These are minor bodies that we are studying, but they can provide major insights," Sarid said. "We believe they are rich in organics and could provide important hints of how life originated."

Sarid is determined to solve the puzzle. This week he hosts a group of comet experts at UCF to discuss the mysterious activity of Echeclus and other similar bodies. The idea for the workshop is to capitalize on the local expertise in observation, laboratory and theoretical work that is required to fully understand the mysteries of active comets at great distances from the sun. The inaugural Florida Distant Comets workshop was held a year ago at USF.

"I guess I've always liked challenges," Sarid said from his office at the Florida Space Institute at UCF, where he spends his days trying to decipher the models and mathematical equations related to his work.

Sarid has a Ph.D. in geophysics and planetary Sciences from Tel Aviv University in Israel and completed postdoctoral work at the Institute for Astronomy and the NASA Astrobiology Institute in Hawaii, followed by a second postdoctoral research appointment at Harvard University. He was a part of a team that used the telescopes in Hawaii for several years chasing comets and asteroids for NASA observing campaigns and space missions before joining UCF in 2014.

He teamed up with Womack in 2016 and on this most recent study provided theoretical expertise for interpreting the observational results. The National Science Foundation funds the project, under a grant awarded to USF, with Womack as the principal investigator and Sarid as a co-investigator.

They will continue to look at centaur-type comets and measure the level of their carbon monoxide emission and related activity.

More information: K. Wierzchos et al. Carbon Monoxide in the Distantly Active Centaur (60558) 174P/Echeclus at 6 au, The Astronomical Journal (2017). DOI: 10.3847/1538-3881/aa689c , arxiv.org/abs/1703.07660 M. Womack et al. CO and Other Volatiles in Distantly Active Comets, Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (2017). DOI: 10.1088/1538-3873/129/973/031001 , arxiv.org/abs/1611.00051 Journal information: Astronomical Journal
Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder

A new University of Colorado Boulder study comparing dissolved black carbon deposition on ice and snow in ecosystems around the world (including Antarctica, the Arctic, and alpine regions of the Himalayas, Rockies, Andes, and Alps) shows that while concentrations vary widely, significant amounts can persist in both pristine and non-pristine areas of snow.

Black carbon is the soot-like byproduct of wildfires and fossil fuel consumption, able to be carried long distances via atmospheric transport. Because these black particles absorb more heat than white snow, the study of black carbon concentrations in glaciers is important for predicting future melt rates.

Scientists have previously studied black carbon in areas with obvious nearby sources (such as a coal mine in Svalbard, Norway), but less is known about its complex interactions in snow-covered areas further removed from human impact.

While the exact sources of black carbon are often difficult to pinpoint in remote areas, the researchers used molecular analysis of the black carbon along with analysis of wind patterns to show that Greenland's ice sheet had recently seen clear effects of wildfires burning thousands of miles away in the Canadian Arctic.

"We could tell that the carbon was fresh from these fires," said Alia Khan, a post-doctoral researcher in CU Boulder's National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) and former graduate student at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR). "The molecular signature from these samples was distinctly different from the rest of our dataset."

Wildfires are anticipated to increase in future years, a trend that could compound the effects of longer summer melt seasons and allow for more black carbon deposition.

"More black carbon exposure on the ice could continue to drive a feedback loop of further melt," said Khan.

The global scope of the study could help researchers set upper and lower limits for black carbon deposition and better account for the effects of photodegradation, a process by which sunlight alters the molecular composition over time.

"Photodegradation muddles the dissolved black carbon signature," said Khan. "Right now, for samples that have been exposed to sunlight over long durations, it is hard to pinpoint the source. However, fresh samples like those we collected on the Greenland Ice Sheet can show a clear wildfire signature."

The relatively high amount of black carbon measured in one glacial stream in Greenland may also suggest that the particles can be transported locally across ice surfaces through melt processes.

"The influence of distant forest fires on melt events on the Greenland ice sheet is inherently challenging to demonstrate and these clear chemical results provide another line of evidence for this connection," said Diane McKnight, a CU Boulder professor and a co-author of the study.

The research was also co-authored by Richard Armstrong and Mark Williams of CU Boulder, INSTAAR and NSIDC; Sasha Wagner and Rudolf Jaffe of Florida International University; and Peng Xian of the Naval Research Laboratory in Monterey, California.

The National Science Foundation, the United States Agency for International Development, the Dark Snow Project and Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research Program provided funding for this work.

The findings were recently published online in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, a publication of the American Geophysical Union.

More information: Alia L. Khan et al, Dissolved black carbon in the global cryosphere: Concentrations and chemical signatures, Geophysical Research Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1002/2017GL073485 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters
Like many areas in Central Europe, large parts of the Black Forest are covered by spruce forests. These are particularly susceptible to climate change. Credit: Photo: Jurgen Bauhus

As the climate change progresses, droughts are expected to become more and more common and more intense in Europe, as in many parts of the globe. However, many plants are not able to handle this kind of climate. This includes the Norway spruce, which is Germany's most important commercial tree species and accounts for the majority of trees in the Black Forest. Valentia Vitali and Prof. Dr. Jurgen Bauhus from the Chair of Silviculture at the University of Freiburg are thus studying other types of needle-leaved conifers to find alternatives. Conifers play a far greater role in commercial forestry and climate protection than broad-leaved trees.

In their article "Silver Fir and Douglas Fir Are More Tolerant to Extreme Droughts than Norway Spruce in South-Western Germany" published in the journal Global Change Biology, the scientists concluded that the native silver fir and the Douglas fir, which was imported from the Americas, are suitable tree replacements for the Norway spruce in the long run.

Extreme droughts are believed to be one of the greatest challenges of climate change facing commercial forestry in the medium term, the researchers said. In their study of how forests in Central Europe might adjust to climate change, Vitali and Bauhus studied the past growth of more than 800 trees at different altitudes in the Black Forest.

They looked at annual tree rings before, during, and after the extreme summer droughts of 1976 and 2003 to determine which conifers best withstand droughts and which recover the quickest and fullest after dry spells. They discovered that silver and Douglas firs are far less affected by drought than spruces. That the silver fir, which suffered severely from acid rain falls in the 1970s and 1980s and was considered endangered, is now an alternative native tree species for the future is both a positive and surprising finding, the scientists said.

While the Douglas fir is the more productive replacement species for the Norway spruce, silver firs have a greater positive effect on biodiversity. The scientists therefore recommend that spruce forests, which are at high risk of drought stress, be replaced with mixed-species forests silver and Douglas firs, with silver firs being the more suitable tree for higher altitudes in the Black Forest.

More information: Valentina Vitali et al, Silver fir and Douglas fir are more tolerant to extreme droughts than Norway spruce in south-western Germany, Global Change Biology (2017). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13774 Journal information: Global Change Biology
Credit: University of California - Santa Barbara

The first rule of advocating for climate change-related legislation is: You do not talk about "climate change." The term has become so polarizing that its mere mention can cause reasonable people to draw seemingly immutable lines in the political sand.

"In some ways, it functions as what we would call a 'dog-whistle'," said UC Santa Barbara political science professor Leah Stokes, referring to a term or statement that while innocent-sounding enough to most people, encodes deeper and more specific meanings to certain audiences. And it's true: For many conservatives, the idea of enacting climate change-related renewable energy policies is fraught with fears of economic loss and major lifestyle changes. For many liberals, on the other hand, not enacting such policies is fraught with fears of economic loss and major lifestyle changes. It's a tug-of-war that began at the start of the century and continues today.

"Trump is president right now and therefore we're really unlikely to see new federal laws trying to support climate change legislation or renewable energy policy, or dealing with environmental problems," Stokes said. States will likely become the leaders in pursuing renewable energy policy to maintain progress and deal with potentially damaging environmental effects, such as sea level rise and air quality problems, she said. But levels of support for action vary across the nation, and the challenge will be to avoid triggering knee-jerk reactions that are less about the issue and more about partisanship.

"We try to understand what kinds of messages would work with the public and how that would translate into more states actually doing something about these issues," said Stokes, who with Christopher Warshaw of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted research into how people connect (or not) with the hot-button issues related to climate change, such as renewable energy legislation. Their study, "Renewable Energy Policy Design and Framing Influence Public Support in the United States," is published in the journal Nature Energy.

The good news from the results of their repeated survey experiment: Public support for renewable energy in the U.S. is very strong. According to their baseline figures, the vast majority of people in the country support renewable energy portfolios in their states, in which a certain amount of the states' electricity comes from a renewable source . The results are what you might expect: States with an abundance of renewable resourcesCalifornia, Hawaii, New Mexico and Iowa, for instancetop the list and have actual renewable energy policies in play, while the southern and mountain states tend to have little support, and no renewable energy policies.

"Overall, these findings suggest that state legislators are broadly responsive to public opinion on this issue," Warshaw said.

But public opinion does not always cement state legislation. Florida, for example, has not only the wind and solar resources to support renewable energy, but also more public support for it than Oregon, which currently has a policy requiring that at least a quarter of its energy come from renewables. Florida has no renewable energy policy.

Meanwhile, in states where majority support decreases toward the 50 percent mark, legislatures tend to be less resolute or aggressive in pursuing renewable energy policies, and even contemplate decreasing their participation in renewable energy policies or opposing them. This population could easily sway the progress of renewable energy policy in the U.S. one way or another, depending on how they view it.

Levels of support for renewable energy policy, by state. Credit: University of California - Santa Barbara

Stokes and Warshaw found that the context in which renewable energy policy is framed, particularly in terms of jobs, electricity costs and pollution, has a tremendous impact on a person's opinion of it. As Americans favor cheap electricity, the greatest factor would be cost. Even a $2 increase in monthly electric bills would likely cause support for renewable energy to drop by 13 percent, shifting 13 states away from renewable energy policy. A $10 increase would likely result in the majority of states taking an opposing view, the researchers found.

Meanwhile, substantial job creation would be enough to flip opponents of renewable energy into supportersand the more jobs, the better. However, states with no net job increases would probably see corresponding decreases in renewable energy support. This is particularly important for the coal states, such as Virginia, Montana and Kentucky, which are major opponents of renewable energy policies.

A decrease in fossil fuel-borne pollution is another huge factor that could sway even the staunchest opponentstypically Republicansof renewable energy policies.

"People tend to forget that when we talk about renewable energy it has benefits for air pollution, and so when you remind people of that it's likely to increase their support because reducing air pollution is a local benefit," said Stokes. And the key, according to the researchers, is the local benefit, because people don't connect to broad concepts such as climate change on a personal level, often viewing it as a global and future phenomenon.

"We've found that climate change is not an effective frame to gauge people's opinion about renewable energy," she said, "so whether it's Democrat or Republican talking about climate change, no matter how we frame it, if we talk about climate change it doesn't move people." The term has become synonymous with partisanship, Stokes said, and less about the actual issue at hand.

"I think it's because they already have a pretty strong view on the connection between renewable energy policies and climate change," Warshaw said. "Their view is already baked in, so you can't frame the question in a way that triggers a change."

On the other hand, political support, particularly from the political elites, often triggers public support for renewable energy.

"There's a general finding in political science that the public tends to look to politicians to understand policy because they're often very technical things that are not easy to understand," Stokes said. Democratsboth politicians and voting publicare supportive of renewable energy in general. Republican voters are more likely to support renewables if their Republican legislators show support. Support from legislators of one party does not drive down support from voters of the other.

"So the idea is that by ensuring that these policies actually reduce air pollution, increase jobs and get Republican support, and communicating all that to the public, we would find majority supporteven from some of the most coal-dominated statesfor these policies," Stokes said. "That's pretty impressive."

More information: Renewable energy policy design and framing influence public support in the United States, Nature Energy (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nenergy.2017.107 Journal information: Nature Energy
A diagnostic system developed at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology enables rapid and accurate customization of the antibiotic to the patient. The system makes for faster diagnostics, earlier and more effective treatment of infectious bacteria, and improved patient recovery times. The findings were published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Antibiotics are one of the most effective ways to treat bacterial infections. However, the widespread use of antibiotics accelerates the development of bacterial strains that are resistant to specific antibiotics. In 2014, infections with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) claimed the lives of more than 700,000 people worldwide, in addition to a cumulative expenditure of $35 billion a year in the US alone.

For patients with threatening infections, urgent treatment is required for their health. According to established estimates, for every hour that effective antibiotic treatment is delayed, survival rates drop by ~7.6 percent for patients with septic shock. Therefore, in order not to leave the patient without adequate protection while awaiting the results, many doctors will prescribe an antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity in large doses. This phenomenon facilitates the emergence of AMR and also affects the microbiotathe population of "good bacteria" found in the human body that protects it.

In this context, the importance of technologies that can predetermine the resistance of a specific bacteria to specific antibiotics is obvious. The innovative system developed at the Technion, called the SNDA-AST, quickly analyzes bacteria isolated from patients with infections and assesses their level of resistance to specific antibiotics. This enables the healthcare team to choose the most effective antibiotic a day earlier compared to when using traditional methods. In addition, the researchers demonstrated the ability to test bacteria directly from raw patient urine samples, thereby skipping the isolation step, and potentially saving two days for patients with urinary tract infections.

SNDA loading. The SNDAAST device is loaded using a single step injection of a two-plug solution using a conventional 10 L laboratory pipette. The first, or bottommost, plug is a 1.6-L bacterial suspension of 5105 cfu/mL supplemented with 10% resazurin. The second, or topmost, plug contains 3 L of FC-40 oil. The two-plug solution is achieved simply by aspirating the respective liquids sequentially. When injected, the bacterial suspension in the first plug fills the wells of the SNDAAST device in a passive manner because the air is able to escape easily through gap restrictions in the device. Next, the introduction of the second oil phase into the main channel effectively seals the chambers by separating well volumes from one another via removing connecting fluid from the main channel. The fluorinated structure of the oil allows for high oxygen solubility and aids in delivering oxygen to the bacterial cell culture in the wells. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1703736114

The study was led by Prof. Shulamit Levenberg, Dean of the Technion Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, and was carried out by three researchers in her lab: doctoral student Jonathan Avesar, postdoctoral student Dekel Rosenfeld and doctoral student Tom Ben-Arye. The study was carried out in cooperation with Assistant Professor Moran Bercovici of the Technion Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and doctoral student Marianna Truman-Rosentsvit, in cooperation with Dr. Yuval Geffen, head of the Microbiology Laboratory at Rambam Health Care Campus. It was funded by a KAMIN grant from the Innovation Authority and the Israeli Centers of Research Excellence (I-CORE).

According to Avesar, who hails from the United States, "Every day, tens to hundreds of tests are carried out at every hospital in Israel to map the resistance levels of infectious bacteria from samples taken from patients. The problem is that this is a very long test, since it is based on sending the sample to the lab, growing a bacterial culture in a petri dish and analyzing the culture. This process requires relatively large sampling and usually takes a few days, in part because the workday at labs is limited to around eight hours. Our method, on the other hand, provides accurate results in a short time based on a much smaller sample. It is obvious that a faster response allows us to start treatment earlier and improve the speed of recovery."

The device developed by the Technion researchers is a chip with hundreds of nanoliter wells inside it, each containing a few bacteria and a specific antibiotic. Detection of the bacterial response is done using a fluorescent marker, image processing tools and statistical analysis of the colors obtained from the bacteria in all the nanoliter wells.

In a study in which 12 bacteria-antibiotic combinations were tested in the system, the results, which were obtained in a short time, as stated, were accurate and allow for early and effective treatment of the infectious bacteria. Avesar said, "The use of the technology that we developed reduces the size of the required sample by several orders of magnitude, reduces the scanning time by around 50 percent, significantly reduces the lab space required for testing and reduces the cost per test."

More information: Jonathan Avesar et al. Rapid phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing using nanoliter arrays, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1703736114 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
M82, a nearby galaxy showing strong galactic winds. The early universe must have contained many more galaxies like this, or with even stronger activity. X-ray data (Chandra) appears in blue; infrared light (Spitzer) appears in red; visual data (Hubble telescope) appears in orange and yellow-green. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/STScI/CXC/UofA/ESA/AURA/JHU

An international team of researchers has shown that the hot diffuse gas that fills the space between the galaxies has the same concentration of iron in all galaxy clusters that were studied in sufficient detail by the Japanese Suzaku satellite. It seems that most of the iron inside the intergalactic gas arose long before the first clusters of galaxies were formed. The results will be presented this Friday at the annual meeting of the European Astronomical Society, EWASS2017, in Prague, Czech Republic by Norbert Werner, leader of the MTA-Eotvos University Lendulet "Hot universe" research group in Budapest, Hungary and associate professor at the Masaryk University in the Czech Republic and Hiroshima University in Japan.

The team studied the hot gas permeating ten nearby clusters of galaxies and showed that the concentration of chemical elements is about the same in all of them  a third of that observed in our Sun.

These results confirm earlier indications, which suggested that most of the iron in the universe was produced and spread throughout intergalactic space before galaxy clusters formed, more than 10 billion years ago. The iron, and many other elements, was blown out of galaxies by the combined energy of billions of supernovae, as well as outbursts from growing supermassive black holes.

Only hydrogen, helium, and trace amounts of lithium were produced during the big bang. Most of the elements that we are made of were forged inside stars and released by stellar explosions called supernovae. How well are the elements spread through the intergalactic space has long been an open question.

"If these elements were produced relatively recently, astronomically speaking, then we would expect a different concentration of iron from cluster to cluster. The fact that the distribution of iron appears so homogeneous, indicates that it has been produced by some of the first stars and galaxies that formed after the big bang," says Ondrej Urban, the first author of the study who has been a PhD student at Stanford University when he performed the extensive data analysis presented in the study.

"The remarkably uniform distribution of iron also means that the combined energy of many supernovae and the jets and winds of accreting supermassive black holes were able to mix the elements thoroughly across the universe," says the corresponding author of the study, Norbert Werner.

The results are accepted for publication in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Provided by EWASS
Immigrant rights organizations on June 23 gathered for an event near the White House to ask for the continuation of Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Haiti and other countries. Cecilia Menjivar, KU Foundation Distinguished Professor of Sociology, and others with the KU Center for Migration Research presented were in Washington to brief congressional staff members and present research on how immigrants in the United States on Temporary Protected Status have achieved higher levels of educational attainment and become civically engaged in their communities, despite not being eligible for full residency. Credit: University of Kansas

U.S. immigrants from El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras on Temporary Protected Status, despite its in-between and temporary nature, generally do better than undocumented immigrants in educational attainment and civic engagement in their communities, according to a new report led by the University of Kansas Center for Migration Research.

Cecilia Menjivar, Foundation Distinguished Professor of Sociology and co-leader of the center, recently briefed congressional staff members about the report's findings on Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, as U.S. Homeland Security officials consider its future with U.S. immigration policy and whether to renew the program as many agreements with countries are set to expire in 2017 and 2018.

"As such, TPS represents a step in the right direction. It positions its beneficiaries in a favorable starting point in the process of integration, but this process is truncated as these immigrants quickly encounter a legal ceiling that precludes them from advancing further," according to the report.

The report is based on survey data from over 2,000 TPS recipients nationwide that show the demographic profile, labor force participation and economic contributions, and community engagement among the TPS population. Based on these data, the report argues for the benefit of an avenue to move immigrants with temporary status to permanent legal residence to benefit themselves, their families and U.S. communities, Menjivar said.

The researchers conducted the telephone and in-person survey from April to August 2016 in the six U.S. cities with the largest population of Central Americans: Los Angeles; Houston; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco, and the New York metropolitan area in New York and New Jersey.

The U.S. government designates immigrants with TPS when conditions in their home country temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely or under circumstances where the country of origin is unable to adequately handle the return of its nationals. It is estimated that more than 300,000 immigrants are here on TPS from 13 countries, including El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

During the designated period, immigrants cannot be deported, can obtain employment authorization and, unlike undocumented immigrants, cannot be detained on the basis of their legal status. However, their status is not permanent, and they must renew their status and pay a fee of $495 every 18 months. Plus, they are not eligible for permanent residence and then pursue full citizenship, though many have stayed in the United States for 15 years or longer.

This also can create difficulty for TPS immigrants' ability to increase their socioeconomic status, even when they have improved their educational attainment, Menjivar said. This means that TPS recipients concentrate in occupations that typically offer lower earnings, such as construction, service-oriented or manufacturing, even when they have the educational skills to move beyond those occupations.

But the immigrants do participate more in civic organizations and contribute in other meaningful ways to their communities, the researchers found.

"On the one hand, the temporary status is good because it allows people to work here legally and to not be deported because they have authorization," Menjivar said. "On the other hand, because it is only a legal presence and not formal legal status, it is temporary and must be renewed every 18 months. That affects the kinds of jobs they can get because they don't know if that permit is going to be renewed."

The report's key findings include:

TPS holders have significantly high levels of labor force participation: 94 percent of men and 82.1 percent of women are working, with 83.3 percent of men and 54.9 percent of women working more than 40 hours per week, and 7.6 percent of men and 10 percent of women working more than one job.

About one-tenth of survey respondents were self-employed (men 13.4 percent, women 7.8 percent).

Men work in construction/painting (23 percent), driving (13.7 percent), cleaning (7.1 percent), cooking (3.9 percent), gardening (5.4 percent), while women concentrate in cleaning buildings (16.7 percent) or houses (11.2 percent), child care (6.6 percent), cooking (5.2 percent) or in clothing manufacturing (4 percent).

The average monthly income of the survey respondents is $2,910 (men, $3,598; women, $2,054).

33.6 percent of men and 29.9 percent of women survey respondents live in owner-occupied homes.

The average educational level of survey respondents at the time they arrived in the United States was 7.6 years; however, 49.2 percent of them have furthered their education in the United States, enrolling in at least one educational program, such as English language courses (36.4 percent), high school diploma or GED (9.6 percent), vocational certificate (4.9 percent), college courses (1.6 percent) and university (1 percent)

29.7 percent of the survey respondents volunteered in civic organizations, committees or community groups in the 12 months prior to the survey, showing high levels of social integration. Also, 20.2 percent engaged in activities to benefit to their community, including donating blood, cleaning streets, etc.

80.3 percent of survey respondents pay income taxes, including 79.3 percent of those who are self-employed. They have contributed to social security for an average of 15.4 years, and 90 percent file taxes every year.

Menjivar said the research shows the benefits of TPS as part of U.S. immigration policy and strengthens the argument for allowing TPS holders to seek permanent residence or full citizenship.

"They are integrated socially in their communities, and they also have to renew their work permits, keep clean criminal records and are well-behaved," she said. "So, for practical purposes, they are members of society, except for that one very important piece."

The research team included KU sociology graduate students Byeongdon Oh, the project manager; Daniel Alvord; Andrea Gomez Cervantes; and Natalie Jansen; and Ana Garcia, the survey field coordinator of CARECEN-Los Angeles, the Central American immigrant rights organization.
Japan has unveiled ambitious plans to put an astronaut on the moon around 2030 under new proposals from the country's space agency.

Japan has revealed ambitious plans to put an astronaut on the Moon around 2030 in new proposals from the country's space agency.

This is the first time the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has said it aims to send an astronaut beyond the International Space Station, an agency spokeswoman told AFP on Friday.

The idea is to first join a NASA-led mission in 2025 to build a space station in the moon's orbit, as part of a longer-term effort by NASA to reach Mars.

Tokyo hopes that contributing to the multinational mission and sharing Japanese technology will land it a coveted spot at the station, from which it could eventually send an astronaut to the Moon, the spokeswoman said.

The plan was presented at an education ministry panel this week, with a more formal blueprint expected next year, according to public broadcaster NHK.

The announcement comes as China and India develop their space programmes.

In November, China's Shenzhou-11 spacecraft returned to Earth, bringing home two astronauts from the rising power's longest-ever orbital mission.

Beijing has also unveiled illustrations of a Mars probe and rover it aims to send to the Red Planet at the end of the decade.

NASA and other global space agencies are working hard on sending astronauts to Mars by the 2030s.

In March, the US Congress passed a billsigned by President Donald Trumpdirecting NASA to send a manned mission to Mars in 2033.

 2017 AFP
Metropolitan areas in the United States continue to expand outward into suburbs. Credit: University of Washington

In the middle of the 20th century, cities began to change. The popularity of the automobile and the construction of interstate highways fueled the growth of suburbs, while discriminatory housing policies segregated neighborhoods and helped create the phenomenon of "white flight" away from downtowns.

Decades later, the average white person still lives farther from the city center than the average person of color, a University of Washington researcher says, even with the resurgence of downtown living in many communities and the increasing diversity of suburbs. In an era when the growth in the population of blacks, Latinos and Asians outpaces that of whites nationwide, a new study of who lives where provides insight into the geography of race.

Even in the booming Seattle metro area, a census designation that spans from Everett to Olympia, where people of all races and ethnicities have contributed to the growth, more whites have left central areas than people of color.

"While the U.S. has become more diverse, and there are fewer hypersegregated neighborhoods, there is still a racial dynamic to sprawlone in which the new suburbs on the periphery of cities tend to be generally white," said Lee Fiorio, a graduate student fellow at UW's Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology. Fiorio will present his research on urban sprawl and neighborhood change at the Ninth International Conference on Population Geographies this week at the UW.

"Urban sprawl" is the term for the way a city grows outward as land is developed for houses and businesses. Population gains in these peripheral suburbs, and population loss in the cities, are occurring mostly among whites, Fiorio argues, based on a new examination of data from 52 metropolitan areas.

The United States population is concentrated in urban and suburban areas; in 2010, 81 percent of people lived in urban and suburban areas, reflecting a century-long migration out of rural areas. Looking at racial and ethnic trends, the white population grew 5.7 percent between 2000 and 2010, compared to 12 percent for blacks, 18 percent for Native Americans, and 43 percent for both Asians and Latinos. By 2044, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates, people of color will make up the majority of the population.

The simultaneous growth of urban areas and the populations of people of color gave Fiorio an idea: As cities expand outward, where are people of various races and ethnicities living? And does the historic trend of white flight hold up today?

Using U.S. Census data from 1990 to 2010, Fiorio examined the racial and ethnic makeup of 52 metropolitan areas by census tract and geographic distance from the city center. Although the census identifies several racial and ethnic categories, Fiorio focused on the populations of the largest: Asians, blacks, Latinos and whites.

While many of his findings mirrored past trends, some were perhaps less expected:

In all but three metropolitan areas (Charlotte and Greensboro, both in North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina) the average personof any race or ethnicitylived farther from the city center in 2010 than in 1990

Despite a rejuvenation of many downtowns, census tracts that lost population over the 20-year period were more centrally located than tracts that gained population

Over the years, each of the four racial and ethnic groups moved, to some degree, away from the city center, but blacks remained closest, and whites moved farthest

More people of color have settled in inner-ring suburbs, while whites have driven the growth of sprawling suburbs

The concept of diversity can be a tricky thing, Fiorio said, and that prompted his choice to use absolute numbers of people, rather than percentages. A neighborhood can change in racial and ethnic composition only through residential mobility; while it is not possible to track individuals in publicly available census data, the racial and ethnic breakdown of who moves in and out of a neighborhood is evident from changes in the absolute numbers of people over time.

"How can I think about changing diversity if we know that it involves some groups leaving and some groups coming in?" he said. "If a neighborhood becomes more diverse, but the whites moved out to a place that is all-white, then what is that about?"

Such possibilities helped frame the research, Fiorio said, even if studying the "what" doesn't answer the "why." He notes that his analysis does not delve into the reasons behind the changes, such as the cost of housing or any possible prejudices or other racial issues that motivated some of the white flight of decades ago.

Instead, he said, it raises questions for further study. In the once mostly white inner-ring suburbs, what is causing the demographic shift? Say an elderly man lives in a house in a community adjacent to the city center, but when he passes away, does a white family move in, or a family of color? Did the white family who could have moved in choose to live in a suburb farther away, and if so, why? What socioeconomic factors affect housing construction outside of cities, continuing the pattern of urban sprawl?

Fiorio found the overall population shifted away from the center in all but three metropolitan areas, driven mostly by population growth on the periphery but in some cases population loss in central areas. But each metro area showed nuanced differences that could be attributed to its own racial and ethnic makeup, as well as its geography and economic trends.

The Seattle metro area, for instance, is growing among all racial and ethnic groups, but population gains and losses can vary by specific neighborhood: An increase in the number of whites in the outer suburbs has occurred alongside a decrease in their population in inner-ring suburbs. Cleveland, on the other hand, has experienced little growth among Latinos and Asians, and significant population loss among blacks and whites in the city center. The urban cores of Atlanta, Houston and Chicago lost population, but their suburbs grew among two or more racial and ethnic groups.

The changes in Fiorio's native Chicago inspired the study, he said. While the city remains noticeably segregated, its suburbs have grown in varying ways.

Fiorio will present his research June 29 as part of a conference session on "Sociospatial Structures and Relationships." The session also will feature research papers from other universities that examine workforce changes in India, the link between individuals' geographic and occupational moves, and the relationship between geography and social categories such as employment and homeownership.
Image of Jupiter taken on May 18, 2017, one day before the Juno spacecraft's sixth close approach to Jupiter, taken with a filter centered at 8.8 microns that is sensitive to Jupiter's tropospheric temperatures and the thickness of a cloud near the condensation level of ammonia gas. The Great Red Spot appears distinctively at the lower center of the planet as a cold region with a thick cloud layer. It is surrounded by a warm and relatively clear periphery. To its northwest is a turbulent and chaotic region of gas with bands of alternative warm, dry and cold, moist gas. Many other features are also present. This image shows the detailed atmospheric structure of the Great Red Spot and its surroundings that the Juno mission will encounter on its seventh closest approach to Jupiter on July 11, 2017. The instrument used to take these images is Subaru Telescope's facility instrument COoled Mid-Infrared Camera / Spectrometer (COMICS). Credit: NAOJ and JPL

Subaru Telescope images reveal weather in Jupiter's atmosphere in the mid-infrared. Those images, taken multiple times over several months, support Juno spacecraft mission of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This article is part of a joint press release with ones from Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at California Institute of Technology and Gemini Observatory.

High-resolution thermal imaging of Jupiter by the COoled Mid-Infrared Camera and Spectrometer (COMICS) mounted on the Subaru Telescope on Maunakea is providing information that extends and enhances the information that the Juno mission is gathering in its unprecedented mission to probe that planet's interior and deep atmospheric structure together with details of the magnetosphere and its auroral interactions with the planet. "The Subaru observations of Jupiter so far this year have been timed to coordinate with the greatest benefit to Juno mission", said Glenn Orton, PI for the portion of the Keck Telescope exchange time with the Subaru Telescope and coordinator for Earth-based observations supporting the Juno project at JPL.

"During our May 2017 observations that provided real-time support for Juno's sixth perijove, we obtained images and spectra of the Great Red Spot and its surroundings. Our observations showed that the Great Red Spot, the largest known vortex in the solar system, had a cold and cloudy interior increasing toward its center, with a periphery that was warmer and clearer. This implied that winds were upwelling more vigorously toward its center and subsiding on the periphery. A region to its northwest was unusually turbulent and chaotic, with bands that were cold and cloudy, alternating with bands that were warm and clear bands (Figure 1). This region is where air heading east toward the Great Red Spot flows around it to the north, where it encounters a stream of air flowing over it from the east", adds Orton. "This information will allow us to determine the three-dimensional structure of winds that are otherwise only tracked in two dimensions using cloud features in reflected sunlight." "A wide variety of filters installed in COMICS is advantageous in sensing Jupiter's temperatures in its upper troposphere and in its stratosphere," noted co-investigator and Subaru Telescope staff astronomer Takuya Fujiyoshi.

Juno has now made five close-up passes of Jupiter's atmosphere, the first of which was on August 27, 2016 and the latest (the sixth) on May 19 of 2017. Each of these close passes has provided Juno's science team with unexpected surprises, and the Juno science return has benefitted from a coordinated campaign of Earth-based support. This campaign includes observations from spacecraft near or orbiting the Earth, covering X-ray through visible wavelengths and ground-based observatories covering near-infrared through radio wavelengths.

A video created from a series of observations with same settings in Jan. 14, 2017 shows variation of features on Jupiter. The instrument used to take these images is Subaru Telescope's facility instrument COoled Mid-Infrared Camera / Spectrometer (COMICS). Credit: NAOJ and JPL

Another set of supporting observations that were simultaneous with the Subaru observations were made by the Gemini North telescope's NIRI instrument, which imaged Jupiter in the near-infrared, measuring reflected sunlight from cloud and haze particle in Jupiter's upper troposphere and lower stratosphere - levels generally higher in Jupiter's atmosphere than most of the Subaru measurements, providing complementary information. "Wide coverage of wavelength available from the telescopes on Maunakea is thus advantageous for the study," Fujiyoshi says.

The NASA Juno spacecraft was launched in August 2011 and began orbiting Jupiter in early July 2016. A primary goal of the mission is to improve our understanding of Jupiter - from its atmospheric properties, to our understanding of how Jupiter and other planets in the outer Solar System formed. Subaru's mid-infrared imaging and spectroscopy with COMICS are particularly useful to Juno's instrument, by providing information about the temperature field and the distribution of ammonia, a condensate in Jupiter similar to water in the Earth's atmosphere. These serve as boundary conditions for the distribution of ammonia at this level and much deeper in Jupiter's atmosphere.

In the full campaign of Earth-based support, the Subaru observations provide the highest spatial resolution of Jupiter's thermal output due to the 8-meter size of its primary mirror. For the images of Jupiter's Great Red Spot in May 2017, COMICS could resolve features close to the 1,000-km resolution of Juno's MWR experiment.

"The Subaru Telescope provided the highest spatial resolution of heating in Jupiter's stratosphere from auroral-related processes, notes co-PI Yasumasa Kasaba of Tohoku University, Japan, who was the PI of collaborative telescope time granted directly by Subaru Telescope. He also notes, "This heating will be studied and compared with auroral phenomena in the ultraviolet and near-infrared observed by Juno and other ground-based facilities, as well as the Hubble Space Telescope and JAXA Hisaki UV/EUV space telescope with Tohoku University's Haleakala telescope and many others." A full list observatories active in the Juno support observations and details of their observations is given in this page.

Provided by National Institutes of Natural Sciences
Left - the male flowers of the Kadsura japonica (Photo by MORI Sayoko) Right- the male flowers of the Kadsura matsudae (Photo by TOMA Tsugutaka). The stamen cluster in Kadsura japonica is always red, while the Kadsura matsudae is usually yellow (in rare cases it is red) Credit: MORI Sayoko, TOMA Tsugutaka

New light has been shed on a misclassified vine species in the Ryukyu Islands of East Asia. This plant was first discovered in 1917 in Taiwan, when it was provisionally identified as Kadsura japonica. The plant was recently spotted again after 100 years, and further investigation proved that it was in fact a different species: Kadsura matsudae. The findings were published on June 30th in the online edition of Phytotaxa.

The discovery was made by Project Associate Professor SUETSUGU Kenji (Graduate School of Science, Kobe University), Mr. HSU Tian-Chuan (Taiwan Forestry Research Institute), independent botanical researcher Mr. TOMA Tsugutaka, Associate Professor MIYAKE Takashi (Faculty of Education, Gifu University) and Professor Richard Saunders (School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong).

The Kadsura genus is an evergreen climbing plant of the Schisandraceae family. There are 16 known species of this genus, and until now K. japonica was the only species reported in Japan. K. japonica is also known as the kadsura vine or kadsura, and in the past its resin has been used for hair styling.

Independent botanical researcher Mr. Toma Tsugutaka realized that the Ryukyu Islands variety may be a different species after noticing that the kadsura vines in Okinawa often have yellow stamens, as opposed to the red stamens of kadsura in the rest of Japan (see figure 1). Mr. Toma notified Project Associate Professor Suetsugu, who then collaborated with Mr. Hsu, Associate Professor Miyake and Professor Saunders to examine specimens from the region. They discovered that the plants known as K. japonica included specimens with male flowers that were clearly different from the standard. In K. japonica, the anthers of adjacent stamens are connected, but in samples collected on Okinawa, Taiwan and other parts of the Ryukyu Islands, they discovered individuals without connections between the anthers of adjacent stamens.

Stamen clusters in the male flowersLeft - Kadsura japonica (Photo by TAKAHASHI Hiroshi, Professor Emeritus at Gifu University)Right - Kadsura matsudae (Photo by SUETSUGU Kenji). The neighboring anthers are connected in Kadsura japonica, but separate in Kadsura matsudae Credit: TAKAHASHI Hiroshi, SUETSUGU Kenji

After further investigation, they found that a plant with free-standing anthers had been reported in 1917 in Taiwan as K. matsudae. However, the original description of K. matsudae was brief and inaccurate, and since it did not mention the features of the stamen, it was provisionally classified as K. japonica. In this study, researchers used the specimen collected in Taiwan 100 years ago and newly-discovered specimens to carry out detailed analysis on a molecular level, including DNA barcoding. The results showed that this was a completely different plant from K. japonica.

Botanical surveys and research are advanced in Japan, and only a few new species are discovered each year. The discovery of a new woody vine species is particularly unusual.

The Ryukyu island chain stretches from Kyushu in southern Japan to Taiwan, and its subtropical and tropical ecosystems provide habitats for many species. Last year the Yanbaru forest of Okinawa was designated as part of the Yanbaru National Park, and the reclassification of Kadsura matsudae follows recent discoveries of two new orchid species in the area: Gastrodia nipponicoides and Gastrodia okinawensis. These findings further illustrate the importance of the Yanbaru forest's diverse ecosystem.

More information: KENJI SUETSUGU et al, Emended description and resurrection of Kadsura matsudae (Schisandraceae), Phytotaxa (2017). DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.311.3.5
When an asteroid struck the Russian city of Chelyabinsk in 2013, the blast from the asteroid's shock wave broke windows and damaged buildings as far away as 58 miles (93 kilometers), injuring more than 1,200 people.

In support of NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office, researchers are creating 3-D models and using one of NASA's most powerful supercomputers to produce simulations of hypothetical asteroid impact scenarios. Their results help first responders and other agencies to identify and make better informed decisions for how best to defend against life-threatening asteroid events.

High-fidelity simulations of potential asteroids covering a wide range of sizes were run on the Pleiades supercomputer using NASA's Cart3D and Lawrence Livermore National Lab's ALE3D modeling software by experts on the Asteroid Threat Assessment Project at the NASA Advanced Supercomputing facility at Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley.

The animation above from an ALE3D simulation shows a Chelyabinsk-like asteroid breaking up during atmospheric entry at about 45,000 miles per hour, with a high-pressure shock wave that forms around the asteroid causing it to fracture and flatten like a pancake. Credit: NASA Ames/Darrel Robertson

The NASA team was able to run large-scale simulations of the Chelyabinsk asteroid event on Pleiades to produce many impact scenarios quickly, because Cart3D is dozens of times faster than typical 3-D numerical modeling used for aerodynamic analysis. The detailed simulations allowed the team to model the fluid flow that occurs when asteroids melt and vaporize as they break up in the atmosphere.

NASA's asteroid research is shared with scientists at universities, national labs, and government agencies who develop assessment and response plans to look at damage to infrastructure, warning times, evacuations, and other options for protecting lives and property.

More information: For more information on NASA's Asteroid Threat Assessment Project work, visit www.nas.nasa.gov/publications/  oid_simulations.html

Provided by NASA
In measuring Planck's constant with the NIST Kibble balance, researchers carefully measured the effects of the magnetic field that is generated to counteract the weight of masses. In their experiments, they varied the mass from half a kilogram to two kilograms. In this image, NIST kilogram K85 lays on top of NIST K104 for the two kilogram measurement. Credit: NIST

Using a state-of-the-art device for measuring mass, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have made their most precise determination yet of Planck's constant, an important value in science that will help to redefine the kilogram, the official unit of mass in the SI, or international system of units. Accepted for publication in the journal Metrologia, these new results come ahead of a July 1 international deadline for measurements that aim to redefine the entire SI in terms of fundamental constants of nature.

The new NIST measurement of Planck's constant is 6.626069934 x 10-34 kg-m2/s, with an uncertainty of only 13 parts per billion. NIST's previous measurement, published in 2016, had an uncertainty of 34 parts per billion.

The kilogram is currently defined in terms of the mass of a platinum-iridium artifact stored in France. Scientists want to replace this physical artifact with a more reproducible definition for the kilogram that is based on fundamental constants of nature.

Planck's constant enables researchers to relate mass to electromagnetic energy. To measure Planck's constant, NIST uses an instrument known as the Kibble balance, originally called the watt balance. Physicists widely adopted the new name last year to honor the late British physicist Bryan Kibble, who invented the technique more than 40 years ago.

NIST's Kibble balance uses electromagnetic forces to balance a kilogram mass. The electromagnetic forces are provided by a coil of wire sandwiched between two permanent magnets. The Kibble balance has two modes of operation. In one mode, an electrical current goes through the coil, generating a magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnetic field and creates an upward force to balance the kilogram mass. In the other mode, the coil is lifted at a constant velocity. This upward motion induces a voltage in the coil that is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. By measuring the current, the voltage and the coil's velocity, researchers can calculate the Planck constant, which is proportional to the amount of electromagnetic energy needed to balance a mass.

In this 'NIST in 90' video, NIST physicist Darine Haddad uses a cup of coffee and sugar cubes to explain the significance of Planck's constant. Credit: NIST

There are three major reasons for the improvement in the new measurements, said physicist Stephan Schlamminger, leader of the NIST effort.

First, the researchers have much more data. The new result uses 16 months' worth of measurements, from December 2015 to April 2017. The increase in experimental statistics greatly reduced the uncertainty in their Planck value.

Secondly, the researchers tested for variations in the magnetic field during both modes of operation and discovered they had been overestimating the impact the coil's magnetic field was having on the permanent magnetic field. Their subsequent adjustment in their new measurements both increased their value of Planck's constant and reduced the uncertainty in their measurement.

Finally, the researchers studied in great detail how the velocity of the moving coil affected the voltage. "We varied the speed that we moved the coil through the magnetic field, from 0.5 to 2 millimeters per second," explained Darine Haddad, lead author of the NIST results. In a magnetic field, the coil acts like an electric circuit consisting of a capacitor (a circuit element that stores electric charge), a resistor (an element that dissipates electrical energy) and an inductor (an element that stores electrical energy). In a moving coil, these circuit-like elements generate an electrical voltage that changes over time, said Schlamminger. The researchers measured this time-dependent voltage change to account for this effect and reduced the uncertainty in their value.

This new NIST measurement joins a group of other new Planck's constant measurements from around the world. Another Kibble balance measurement, from the National Research Council of Canada, has an uncertainty of just 9.1 parts per billion. Two other new measurements use the alternative Avogadro technique, which involves counting the number of atoms in a pure silicon sphere.

In December 2013, before NIST began its experiments on its newest Kibble balance, group members wrote their predictions on the value of Plancks constant they would measure. Shisong Li, a guest researcher from Tsinghua University in China, came closest. His prediction differed by only about 5 parts per billion from the measured result. Credit: NIST

The new measurements have such low uncertainty that they exceed the international requirements for redefining the kilogram in terms of Planck's constant.

"There needed to be three experiments with uncertainties below 50 parts per billion, and one below 20 parts per billion," Schlamminger said. "But we have three below 20 parts per billion."

All of these new values of the Planck's constant do not overlap, "but overall they're in amazingly good agreement," Schlamminger said, "especially considering that researchers are measuring it with two completely different methods." These values will be submitted to a group known as CODATA ahead of a July 1 deadline. CODATA will consider all of these measurements in setting a new value for Planck's constant. The kilogram is slated for redefinition in November 2018, along with other units in the SI.

Before they started these experiments, Schlamminger and his group went to lunch in December 2013. On a lunch napkin, each group member wrote his or her prediction of the value of Planck's constant that the group would determine through their measurements. They tucked away this napkin under their Kibble balance nearly four years ago, and they have now compared the predictions. Shisong Li, a guest researcher from Tsinghua University in China, came closest. His prediction differed by only about 5 parts per billion from the measured result. There is no word yet on how the team plans to celebrate the winner's guess.

More information: Darine Haddad et al. Measurement of the Planck constant at the National Institute of Standards and Technology from 2015 to 2017, Metrologia (2017). DOI: 10.1088/1681-7575/aa7bf2 B M Wood et al. A summary of the Planck constant determinations using the NRC Kibble balance, Metrologia (2017). DOI: 10.1088/1681-7575/aa70bf Journal information: Metrologia
Trained Border Collies run through a forest devastated by massive fire, sowing tree seeds that fall to the ground from their special backpacks in Talca, Chile

Forest fires in Chile ravaged vast swathes of land this year, leaving patches once thick with sturdy old trees reduced to burnt landscapes. Now, three plucky dogs are helping replant it all.

The blazes blackened the El Maule region of central Chile as part of a series of fires that claimed 11 lives and charred a total of 457,000 hectares.

But since March three Border Collies have been scampering through the charred remains with special satchels that spread seeds as they run to sow seedlings, grass and flowers.

A major goal is for animals that fled the fires to come back.

"The main thing is for the fauna to be able to live," said Francisca Torres, the owner of the three dogs tasked with this big mission.

The female dogs are named Das, Olivia, and Summer.

They jump out of Torres' truck and run into the forest they are charged with bringing back to life by spreading seeds from the satchels, happily oblivious to the benefit they are providing.

When the job is finished they get treats from Torres, 32, who also trains dogs to work with people with disabilities. Then she fills their satchels up with more seeds and sends them out again.

Torres, who runs an environmental NGO, says these dogsbred to herd sheepare smart, vibrant and fast and therefore just right for the job.

In any case, they are better than humans, she said.

The dogs can cover a range of 30 kilometers in a day and sow up to 10 kilos of seeds, whereas a person could only do three kilometers in a day.

This work has been under way for three months now in 15 forests of the El Maule region. In some of them, grass is back and seedlings, vines and mushrooms have pushed through the blackened earth, thanks to the moisture that comes with the winter of the southern hemisphere.

"We have seen some fields that are now totally green thanks to the work of Summer, Olivia and Das," said Torres. She pays for this work largely out of her own pocket, and with some donations.

Torres expressed hope that this summer the seeds will have germinated and some animals like foxes, hares and lizards will have returned to the forest.

 2017 AFP
In this recent photo, researchers examine a dead North Atlantic right whale along the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canada. Scientists say six endangered North Atlantic right whales have died in Canadian waters during the past three weeks. North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered large mammals on the planet, with only about 500 of them still alive. (Marine Animal Response Society/The Canadian Press via AP)

Marine scientists are alarmed by the deaths of six endangered North Atlantic right whales in Canadian waters during the past three weeks and say humans must help protect them.

North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered large mammals on Earth, with only about 500 still alive. Mark Baumgartner, an associate scientist with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute on Cape Cod, said Friday the deaths are a "mortality disaster."

The loss of so many right whales so quickly was probably last seen when whaling decimated their population in the 19th century, Baumgartner said. He said the deaths should be a call for humans to do more to protect the animals when possible.

"With such a small and declining population, right whales have little capacity to deal with both natural and human-caused mortality simultaneously," he said.

The six carcasses were first sighted north of Prince Edward Island and southeast of Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula. One was entangled in snow crab fishing gear, and the causes of the other five deaths are unknown, scientists said.

Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans has said it is working to retrieve carcasses to find out more about what contributed to the die off. Right whales are susceptible to risks such as entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes. They're also affected by disease and changes in food availability in the ocean.

In this Thursday June 29, 2017 photo, marine mammal experts examining a dead North Atlantic right whale after it was pulled ashore in Prince Edward Island, Canada, in a bid to determine what killed it and several other whales in recent weeks. North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered large mammals on the planet, with only about 500 of them still alive. (Marine Animal Response Society/The Canadian Press via AP)

Scientists with Woods Hole and the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium in Boston stressed that such a high number of deaths in such a short time period can jeopardize the population of an animal that is so rare.

"For a small population like right whales, the difference between population growth and a path toward extinction can be the matter of a handful of animals," said Scott Kraus, vice president and senior science adviser at the Anderson Cabot Center.

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Researchers have found a way to tweak cells' movement patterns to resemble those of other cell types. Credit: Tim Phelps/Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins researchers report they have uncovered a mechanism in amoebae that rapidly changes the way cells migrate by resetting their sensitivity to the naturally occurring internal signaling events that drive such movement. The finding, described in a report published online March 28 in Nature Cell Biology, demonstrates that the migratory behavior of cells may be less "hard-wired" than previously thought, the researchers say, and advances the future possibility of finding ways to manipulate and control some deadly forms of cell migration, including cancer metastasis.

"In different tissues inside the body, cells adopt different ways to migrate, based on their genetic profile and environment," says Yuchuan Miao, a graduate student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and lead author of the study. "This gives them better efficiency to perform specific tasks." For example, white blood cells rhythmically extend small protrusions that allow them to squeeze through blood vessels, whereas skin cells glide, like moving "fans," to close wounds.

On the other hand, Miao notes, uncontrolled cell migration contributes to diseases, including cancer and atherosclerosis, the two leading causes of death in the United States. The migration of tumor cells to distant sites in the body, or metastasis, is what kills most cancer patients, and defective white blood cell migration causes atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, which affects 54 million Americans and costs more than $125 billion annually in medical expenditures and lost earnings.

Because cells migrate in different ways, many drugs already designed to prevent migration work only narrowly and are rarely more than mildly effective, fueling the search for new strategies to control migratory switches and treat migration-related diseases, according to senior author Peter Devreotes, Ph.D., a professor and director of the Department of Cell Biology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine's Institute for Basic Biomedical Research.

"People have thought that cells are typed by the way they look and migrate; our work shows that we can change the cell's migrating mode within minutes," adds Devreotes.

For the new study, Devreotes and his team focused on how chemical signaling molecules activate the motility machinery to generate protrusions, cellular "feet" that are a first step in migration. To do this, they engineered a strain of Dictyostelium discoideum, an amoeba that can move itself around in a manner similar to white blood cells. The engineered amoebae responded to the chemical rapamycin by rapidly moving the enzyme Inp54p to the cell surface, where it disrupted the signaling network. The cells also contained fluorescent proteins, or "markers," that lit up and showed researchers when and where signaling molecules were at work.

Experiments showed that the engineered cells changed their migration behavior within minutes of Inp54p recruitment. Some cells, which the researchers termed "oscillators," first extended protrusions all around the cell margins and then suddenly pulled them back again, moving in short spurts before repeating the cycle. Fluorescent markers showed that these cycles corresponded to alternating periods of total activation and inactivation, in contrast to the small bursts of activity seen in normal cells.

Credit: Johns Hopkins University

Other cells began to glide as "fans," with a broad zone of protrusions marked by persistent signaling activity.

Devreotes describes the signaling behavior at the cell surface as a series of waves of activated signaling molecules that switch on the cellular motility machinery as they spread. In their normal state, cells spontaneously initiated signaling events to form short-lived waves that made small protrusions.

In contrast, oscillators had faster signaling waves that reached the entire cell boundary to generate protrusions before dying out. Fans also showed expanded waves that continually activated the cell front without ever reaching the cell rear, resulting in wide, persistent protrusions.

The scientists say their experiments show that the cell movement changes they saw resulted from lowering the threshold level of signaling activity required to form a wave. That is, cells with a lower threshold are more likely to generate waves and, once initiated, the activation signals spread farther with each step.

Devreotes says the team's experimental results offer what appears to be the first direct evidence that waves of signaling molecules drive migratory behavior. Previously, his laboratory showed a link between signaling and migration, but had not specifically examined waves.

In further experiments, Devreotes and his team found that they could recruit different proteins to shift cell motility, suggesting, he says, that altering threshold is a general cell property that can change behaviorno matter how cells migrate. His team was also able to restore normal motility to fans and oscillators by blocking various signaling activities, suggesting new targets for drugs that could be designed to control migration.

Devreotes cautions that what happens in an amoeba may not have an exact counterpart in a human cell, but studies in his lab suggest that something like the wave-signaling mechanism they uncovered operates in human cells as well.

The bottom line, says Miao, is that "we now know we can change signaling wave behavior to control the types of protrusions cells make. When cells have different protrusions, they have different migratory modes. When we come to understand the essential differences between cells' migratory modes, we should have better ways to control them during disease conditions."

More information: Yuchuan Miao et al. Altering the threshold of an excitable signal transduction network changes cell migratory modes, Nature Cell Biology (2017). DOI: 10.1038/ncb3495 Journal information: Nature Cell Biology
Computer model of findings at Avebury. Credit: University of Southampton

Archaeologists from the universities of Leicester and Southampton have found a striking and apparently unique square monument beneath the world-famous Avebury stone circle in Wiltshire.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, cared for by the National Trust, was built over several hundred years in the third millennium BC and contains three stone circles  including the largest stone circle in Europe which is 330m across and originally comprised around 100 huge standing stones.

A research team used a combination of soil resistance survey and Ground-Penetrating Radar to investigate the stone circle. Their work was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and supported by the National Trust, as well as archaeologists from the University of Cambridge and Allen Environmental Archaeology.

Dr Mark Gillings, Academic Director and Reader in Archaeology at the University of Leicester, said: "Our research has revealed previously unknown megaliths inside the world-famous Avebury stone circle. We have detected and mapped a series of prehistoric standing stones that were subsequently hidden and buried, along with the positions of others likely destroyed during the 17th and 18th centuries. Together, these reveal a striking and apparently unique square megalithic monument within the Avebury circles that has the potential to be one of the very earliest structures on this remarkable site."

Avebury has been the subject of considerable archaeological interest since the 17th century. The discovery of new megaliths inside the monument was therefore a great surprise, pointing to the need for further archaeological investigations of this kind at the site.

Soil resistance survey conducted at Avebury. Credit: University of Southampton

The survey took place inside the Southern Inner Circle, contained within the bank and ditch, and colossal Outer Stone Circle of the Avebury henge. Excavations here by the archaeologist and marmalade magnate Alexander Keiller in 1939 demonstrated the existence of a curious angular setting of small standing stones set close to a single huge upright known since the 18th century as the Obelisk. Unfortunately, the outbreak of war left this feature only partially investigated.

Dr Joshua Pollard, from the University of Southampton, said: "Our careful programme of geophysical survey has finally completed the work begun by Keiller. It has shown the line of stones he identified was one side of a square of megaliths about 30m across and enclosing the Obelisk. Also visible are short lines of former standing stones radiating from this square and connecting with the Southern Inner Circle. Megalithic circles are well known from the time when Avebury was built during the late Neolithic (3rd millennium BC), but square megalithic settings of this kind are highly unusual."

Dr Nick Snashall, National Trust archaeologist at Avebury, said: "This discovery has been almost 80 years in the making but it's been well worth waiting for. The completion of the work first started by Keiller in the 1930s has revealed an entirely new type of monument at the heart of the world's largest prehistoric stone circle, using techniques he never dreamt of. And goes to show how much more is still to be revealed at Avebury if we ask the right questions."

The archaeologists who undertook the work think the construction of the square megalithic setting might have commemorated and monumentalised the location of an early Neolithic house  perhaps part of a founding settlement  subsequently used as the centre point of the Southern Inner Circle. At the time of excavation in 1939 the house was erroneously considered by Keiller to be a medieval cart shed.

If proved correct, it may help understand the beginnings of the remarkable Avebury monument complex, and help explain why it was built where it was.
In this sequence of four images taken during one night of observation by the Catalina Sky Survey near Tucson, Arizona, the speck of light that moves relative to the background stars is a small asteroid that was, at the time, about as far away as the moon. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/CSS-Univ. of Arizona

On the first day of the year 1801, Italian astronomer Gioacchino Giuseppe Maria Ubaldo Nicolo Piazzi found a previously uncharted "tiny star" near the constellation of Taurus. The following night Piazzi again observed this newfound celestial object, discovering that the speck had changed its position relative to the nearby stars. Piazzi knew that real stars were so far away that they never wanderedthat they always appeared in the sky as fixed in location relative to each other. Due to the movement of this new object, the astronomer to the king of the two Sicilies suspected he had discovered something much closersomething within our solar system. Piazzi made history's first asteroid discovery. He named it after the Roman goddess for agriculture: Ceres.

While astronomers of Piazzi's era eventually understood there were many more small rocky bodies to be found, for decades after the Ceres discovery, asteroid detections were few and far between. Even a half-century after Ceres' detection, there were only 15 known asteroids. But as time marched on, so did astronomers' equipment, techniques and interest in hunting asteroids. By 1868 the number of known asteroids had reached 100. By 1923 it was 1,000. Today, it is more than half a million.

As a nod to the importance of these objects, the United Nations has declared June 30 International Asteroid Day.

Most asteroids are farther from the sun than Mars ismore than 1.5 times farther from the sun than Earth's orbit is. Asteroids that come closer to the sun than about 1.3 times Earth's distance from the sun are called near-Earth asteroids. The term "near" in near-Earth asteroid is actually a bit of a misnomer, since most of these bodies do not come close to Earth at all. As of this month, more than 16,000 of them are known. Near-Earth asteroids and comets that come within the neighborhood of Earth's orbit are, together, classified as near-Earth objects, or NEOs.

Thanks to new technology, better search techniques and a team of professional and dedicated amateur astronomers hunting for them, the number of known NEOs expands by about five every night of the year.

Ever wonder how these small celestial objects are discovered?

"Just as in Piazzi's day, it usually starts with just a speck of light in an astronomer's telescope," said Paul Chodas, manager of the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. "Even with some of the most powerful optical telescopes on the planet tasked with hunting asteroids, they appear as mere specks of light in the sky because they are so small. When an astronomer finds a speck that is moving, that's when the fun begins."

The Planetary Defense Coordination Office at NASA Headquarters in Washington is responsible for finding, tracking and characterizing potentially hazardous asteroids, issuing warnings about possible impacts, and coordinating U.S. government planning for response to an actual impact threat. Almost always, a new asteroid detection is courtesy of telescopes that are sponsored by NASA.

The planetary defense office oversees the Near-Earth Object Observation Program, which in turn funds the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona and the Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) in Hawaii. Both projects upgraded their telescopes in 2015, significantly improving their asteroid and near-Earth object discovery rates.

"Telescopes funded by outside institutions and even some amateurs are also involved with NEO discovery and do other important asteroid-related work," said Chodas. "But, at present, Catalina and Pan-STARRS are our most powerful asteroid detection instruments. Between these two surveys, four telesopes in all, about 90 percent of all new NEO discoveries are made."

At the heart of each one of these survey telescopes is a hyper-upgraded version of the same kind of camera chip (called a CCD, or charge-coupled device) that is inside our cellphones. With the exception of nights that have too much rain or snow, or several nights surrounding a full moon (when moonlight can drown out the faint light of an asteroid), the dedicated observers of Catalina and Pan-STARRS open up their telescopes every night they can find a hole in the cloud cover and take 30-second exposure after 30-second exposure of the heavens above.

Survey astronomers are on the lookout for points of light that move relative to the more distant and fixed background stars. To find them, they take three or more images of the same region of the sky (called a field), separated by several minutes. On a good night a survey will take several hundred photos of the sky.

When survey astronomers find a point of light that appears to move across the same field in a series of images of the same region of the sky, they check it against the predicted positions of all the known objects in the catalog maintained by the NASA-sponsored Minor Planet Center (MPC) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. If the newfound, moving point of light does not match up with the predicted position and motion of an object in the MPC's database of known asteroids and comets, there is a good chance it's a new discoverybut there is more work to be done.

Computers do much of this detection work, but a prudent astronomer also double checks the work, making sure the points of light are not some kind of reflection of a nearby star, or perhaps a faulty pixel on the CCD. If confident about the potential space-rock discovery, the astronomer ships the discovery's coordinates (known as the "astrometry") to the MPC's NEO Confirmation Page, where it is given a temporary identifierlike YL9E0A0. The MPC also computes an initial (approximate) orbit for the still-to-be-confirmed NEO.

CNEOS has a system called Scout, which actively monitors the MPC confirmation page, getting the data from each potential new asteroid discovery and automatically computing the possible range of future motions even before these objects have been confirmed as discoveries.

"If our calculations indicate a new discovery could be coming close by Earth, we call in the reinforcements," said Chodas. "NASA has a worldwide network of astronomers who perform follow-up observations. They take the latest astrometry and try to find the new speck of light, too. If they do find it, they measure its coordinates and send their follow-up astrometry back to the MPC, where it is added to a table of information about the object. This follow-up is extremely important. It really helps expand our understanding of a new discovery's orbit."

Usually it takes two to three nights of observations for enough information to be collected on a new discovery for the MPC to verify that a speck of light is indeed a near-Earth object. When that transformation occurs, the MPC removes it from its confirmation page and replaces its temporary tag with a more permanent name, which always starts out with the year it was discovered and then an alphanumeric code indicating the half-month of discovery and the sequence within that half-month. The MPC then generates a Minor Planet Electronic Circular which contains all known astrometry and the preliminary orbit of the object. The MPC announces the new asteroid discovery in an email to those who are interested in that sort of thing.

"We are interested all right," said Chodas. "And we stay interested even after a discovery is announced, because we are in the asteroid- and comet-hunting game for the long run. The more information we get on a celestial objectnew discovery or oldthe more we refine our knowledge of its orbit."

All the new orbits are automatically picked up by a computer system at JPL called Sentry, where all asteroid and comet orbits, including those with future close-Earth approaches, are calculated and impact probabilities are assessed daily.

"While NASA is leading the way in near-Earth object survey, we are not resting on our laurels," said Lindley Johnson, NASA's planetary defense officer. "New optical systems are coming on line, new computer programs are being created, and we are exploring new technologies both ground- and space-based that will further accelerate our discovery, characterization and orbital analysis of these potential threats."
Neural networks learn to perform computational tasks by analyzing large sets of training data. But once theyve been trained, even their designers rarely have any idea what data elements theyre processing. Credit: Christine Daniloff/MIT

Neural networks, which learn to perform computational tasks by analyzing large sets of training data, are responsible for today's best-performing artificial intelligence systems, from speech recognition systems, to automatic translators, to self-driving cars.

But neural nets are black boxes. Once they've been trained, even their designers rarely have any idea what they're doingwhat data elements they're processing and how.

Two years ago, a team of computer-vision researchers from MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) described a method for peering into the black box of a neural net trained to identify visual scenes. The method provided some interesting insights, but it required data to be sent to human reviewers recruited through Amazon's Mechanical Turk crowdsourcing service.

At this year's Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition conference, CSAIL researchers will present a fully automated version of the same system. Where the previous paper reported the analysis of one type of neural network trained to perform one task, the new paper reports the analysis of four types of neural networks trained to perform more than 20 tasks, including recognizing scenes and objects, colorizing grey images, and solving puzzles. Some of the new networks are so large that analyzing any one of them would have been cost-prohibitive under the old method.

The researchers also conducted several sets of experiments on their networks that not only shed light on the nature of several computer-vision and computational-photography algorithms, but could also provide some evidence about the organization of the human brain.

Neural networks are so called because they loosely resemble the human nervous system, with large numbers of fairly simple but densely connected information-processing "nodes." Like neurons, a neural net's nodes receive information signals from their neighbors and then either "fire"emitting their own signalsor don't. And as with neurons, the strength of a node's firing response can vary.

In both the new paper and the earlier one, the MIT researchers doctored neural networks trained to perform computer vision tasks so that they disclosed the strength with which individual nodes fired in response to different input images. Then they selected the 10 input images that provoked the strongest response from each node.

In the earlier paper, the researchers sent the images to workers recruited through Mechanical Turk, who were asked to identify what the images had in common. In the new paper, they use a computer system instead.

"We catalogued 1,100 visual conceptsthings like the color green, or a swirly texture, or wood material, or a human face, or a bicycle wheel, or a snowy mountaintop," says David Bau, an MIT graduate student in electrical engineering and computer science and one of the paper's two first authors. "We drew on several data sets that other people had developed, and merged them into a broadly and densely labeled data set of visual concepts. It's got many, many labels, and for each label we know which pixels in which image correspond to that label."

The paper's other authors are Bolei Zhou, co-first author and fellow graduate student; Antonio Torralba, MIT professor of electrical engineering and computer science; Aude Oliva, CSAIL principal research scientist; and Aditya Khosla, who earned his PhD as a member of Torralba's group and is now the chief technology officer of the medical-computing company PathAI.

The researchers also knew which pixels of which images corresponded to a given network node's strongest responses. Today's neural nets are organized into layers. Data are fed into the lowest layer, which processes them and passes them to the next layer, and so on. With visual data, the input images are broken into small chunks, and each chunk is fed to a separate input node.

For every strong response from a high-level node in one of their networks, the researchers could trace back the firing patterns that led to it, and thus identify the specific image pixels it was responding to. Because their system could frequently identify labels that corresponded to the precise pixel clusters that provoked a strong response from a given node, it could characterize the node's behavior with great specificity.

The researchers organized the visual concepts in their database into a hierarchy. Each level of the hierarchy incorporates concepts from the level below, beginning with colors and working upward through textures, materials, parts, objects, and scenes. Typically, lower layers of a neural network would fire in response to simpler visual propertiessuch as colors and texturesand higher layers would fire in response to more complex properties.

But the hierarchy also allowed the researchers to quantify the emphasis that networks trained to perform different tasks placed on different visual properties. For instance, a network trained to colorize black-and-white images devoted a large majority of its nodes to recognizing textures. Another network, when trained to track objects across several frames of video, devoted a higher percentage of its nodes to scene recognition than it did when trained to recognize scenes; in that case, many of its nodes were in fact dedicated to object detection.

One of the researchers' experiments could conceivably shed light on a vexed question in neuroscience. Research involving human subjects with electrodes implanted in their brains to control severe neurological disorders has seemed to suggest that individual neurons in the brain fire in response to specific visual stimuli. This hypothesis, originally called the grandmother-neuron hypothesis, is more familiar to a recent generation of neuroscientists as the Jennifer-Aniston-neuron hypothesis, after the discovery that several neurological patients had neurons that appeared to respond only to depictions of particular Hollywood celebrities.

Many neuroscientists dispute this interpretation. They argue that shifting constellations of neurons, rather than individual neurons, anchor sensory discriminations in the brain. Thus, the so-called Jennifer Aniston neuron is merely one of many neurons that collectively fire in response to images of Jennifer Aniston. And it's probably part of many other constellations that fire in response to stimuli that haven't been tested yet.

Because their new analytic technique is fully automated, the MIT researchers were able to test whether something similar takes place in a neural network trained to recognize visual scenes. In addition to identifying individual network nodes that were tuned to particular visual concepts, they also considered randomly selected combinations of nodes. Combinations of nodes, however, picked out far fewer visual concepts than individual nodes didroughly 80 percent fewer.

"To my eye, this is suggesting that neural networks are actually trying to approximate getting a grandmother neuron," Bau says. "They're not trying to just smear the idea of grandmother all over the place. They're trying to assign it to a neuron. It's this interesting hint of this structure that most people don't believe is that simple."

More information: Network Dissection: Quantifying Interpretability of Deep Visual Representations. netdissect.csail.mit.edu/final  twork-dissection.pdf

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
Drumbabot forest in Iceland. Credit: Ulf Buntgen

An international group of researchers has dated a large volcanic eruption in Iceland to within a few months. The eruption, which is the oldest volcanic eruption to be precisely dated at high northern latitudes, occurred shortly before the first permanent human settlements were established, when parts of the now mostly treeless island were still covered with forest.

The team, which included volcanologists, climatologists, geographers and historians among others, used a combination of scientific and historical evidence to pinpoint the eruption date of the Katla volcano between late 822 CE and early 823 CE, decades before the earliest settlers arrived. Their results are reported in the journal Geology.

In a similar way to how fossils can be used to understand the development and evolution of life on Earth, different types of environmental evidence can be used to understand what the Earth's climate was like in the past and why. The 'fingerprints' contained in tree rings and ice cores help scientists to estimate past climatic conditions and extend our understanding of the interaction between humans and the environment hundreds and thousands of years back in time.

"In our work, we're trying to reconstruct past natural temperature and precipitation variability from tree rings  trying to reveal when it was cold and wet or warm and dry for instance," said Professor Ulf Buntgen of Cambridge's Department of Geography, the paper's lead author. "We're also interested in detecting and understanding key drivers of the Earth's climate dynamics and their possible linkages with changes in human history."

Credit: University of Cambridge

Currently, Iceland is for the most part treeless. However, before the first permanent settlers arrived in the late 9th century, it was most likely covered by extensive woodland. Early settlers harvested most of the trees they found on the island to establish an agricultural-based society, and the trees never recovered.

In 2003, a spring flood of the Thvera River exposed hundreds of birch trees which had been buried for centuries beneath layers of volcanic sediment. The so-called Drumbabot forest is the best-preserved prehistoric forest in Iceland, and had been buried by an eruption of the nearby Katla volcano, Iceland's most active volcanic system.

Volcanic eruptions are often responsible for an abrupt period of cooling, but only with a precise date of eruption can researchers definitively account for the variability in climate. Buntgen, who uses the information locked within tree rings to reconstruct past climate conditions, used the trees exposed by the 2003 flood to pinpoint when this particular eruption took place.

The team behind the current work have previously confirmed that in 775 CE, a large solar flare caused a spike in radiocarbon levels in the Earth's atmosphere, which would be stored in the wood of trees that were alive at the time. By measuring the radiocarbon levels in one of the Drumbabot trees, Buntgen and his colleagues were able to pinpoint the year 775 in the tree rings, and measure outward to the bark to count the number of years to the Katla eruption, when the tree died. The outermost tree ring had completely formed and a new one had not yet started, meaning that the eruption occurred after autumn 822 and before spring 823, before the next year's growth had begun. Iceland was not settled until around 870, so this particular forest was destroyed almost half a century before humans arrived.

Credit: University of Cambridge

The unique tree ring results were then linked with those of co-authors Professors Christine Lane and Clive Oppenheimer, also from Cambridge's Department of Geography. Lane and Oppenheimer used independent lines of ash (tephra) and ice core evidence to detect fingerprints of the Katla eruption.

In addition to the scientific results, the team also involved historians who analysed written documentary evidence from Europe and Asia, and found that there was a severe cold spell consistent with the timing of the reconstructed Katla eruption.

"It was a happy coincidence that we were able to use all these different archives and techniques to date this eruption," said Buntgen. "Data and methods we are using are constantly getting better, and by building more links with the humanities, we can see the real effects volcanoes have on human society."

More information: Buntgen et al. 'Multi-proxy dating of Iceland's major pre-settlement Katla eruption to 822-823 CE.' Geology (2017). DOI: 10.1130/G39269.1 Journal information: Geology
Voters who supported Donald Trump are more likely than other Americanseven other conservativesto oppose social justice efforts, a new University of Michigan study shows.

Specifically, this segment thinks the nation spends too much money promoting equality for the poor, women and minorities; agrees that disadvantaged groups have received more than they deserve economically; and believes that disadvantaged individuals' claims of discrimination are invalid.

Erin Cech, U-M assistant professor of sociology, described Trump supporters as "rugged meritocratists" because they believe society is already meritocraticalready fair and just.

It is this beliefnot Trump supporters' greater likelihood of expressing social biasthat helps explain their resistance to social justice issues, she says.

Cech conducted an online survey of 1,151 people three weeks after the 2016 presidential election. The sample is proportionally representative of U.S. adults. They answered questions about bias and beliefs about inequality, and were asked about the candidates they voted for.

Trump supporters, the study indicates, do express more bias: they have more negative assessments of the competence (e.g., intelligence, motivation) and warmth (e.g., humble, happy) of the poor, African Americans, Hispanics and women compared with the views of nonsupporters.

Trump supporters are also more likely to agree that too much money has been spent on welfare, homeless shelters and improving conditions for disadvantaged groups. About 60 percent of Trump supporters believe the poor, racial/ethnic minorities and women have been too demanding in their push for equal rights, Cech says.

"Resistance to social justice efforts appears to be based less in overt social bias than in a particular framing of the social world, one that denies structural inequality and blames victims of that inequality for their own circumstances," she said.

This has consequences for social justice advocates: rugged meritocratists, regardless of their political affiliation, will likely resist social justice efforts because such efforts do not match how they see society, she says. If equality advocates are to foster support for social justice efforts, they must first convince rugged meritocratists that inequality exists in the first place.

The study appears in the current issue of Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World.

More information: Erin A. Cech. Rugged Meritocratists: The Role of Overt Bias and the Meritocratic Ideology in Trump Supporters' Opposition to Social Justice Efforts. Socius. DOI: 10.1177/2378023117712395
This camera is used to create virtual reality scenarios for the student teacher training program. Credit: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

Two University at Buffalo education researchers have teamed up to create an interactive classroom environment in which state-of-the-art virtual reality simulates difficult student behavior, a training method its designers compare to a "flight simulator for teachers."

The new program, already earning endorsements from teachers and administrators in an inner-city Buffalo school, ties into State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher's call for innovative teaching experiences and "immersive" clinical experiences and teacher preparation.

Zimpher recently told The Buffalo News that SUNY teaching programs should be offering on-campus laboratories where students can simulate being in a classroom. The UB virtual reality classroom project directly aligns with this initiative.

A collaboration of the Neurocognition Science Laboratory and the Teacher Education Institute in the UB Graduate School of Education, the virtual reality classroom is meant to supplement existing clinical opportunities, according to Richard Lamb, GSE associate professor and director of the Neurocognition Science Laboratory.

"This is meant as a training simulator for pre-service and in-service teachers to garner experience in dealing with situations such as difficult student behaviors, teaching methods, classroom management in general and other activities as needed," Lamb says. "So when the teaching student steps into the classroom, they have some idea of what to do."

The training simulator Lamb compared to a teacher flight simulator uses an emerging computer technology known as virtual reality. Becoming more popular and accessible commercially, virtual reality immerses the subject in what Lamb calls "three-dimensional environments in such a way where that environment is continuous around them." An important characteristic of the best virtual reality environments is a convincing and powerful representation of the imaginary setting.

"It's not meant to fully replace clinical opportunities for teaching students," says Lamb, who is co-principal investigator of the project with Elisabeth Etopio, director of UB's Teacher Education Institute and interim assistant dean for teacher education. "The virtual reality-based simulated classroom is a tool that provides students repeated practice in an environmentwithout consequence to actual studentswhere they can target skills needed for successful teaching in the classroom."

The virtual reality teaching environment created by Lamb and Etopio differs from other teaching simulation platforms in that actual footage of student behaviors occurring within real classrooms will be used, enhancing the authenticity, fluidity and "immersiveness" of the experience. The program is partially funded by a $20,000 grant from the SUNY Innovative Instruction Technology Grant program, a SUNY-wide grant competition that funds campus innovations and initiatives in instructional technology and supports academic excellence and student success.

The team partnered with Crosswater Digital Media to film seventh- and eighth-grade students at Enterprise Charter School using 360-degree cameras to create scenarios for pre-service teachers in handling classroom management. Armin St. George, vice chairman of Crosswater Digital Media, calls this teaching strategy the "next best way to teach." St. George has used similar techniques for medical students when teaching anatomy. A virtual reality cadaver gives the medical students the experience of working on the human body without a real body.

Like medical students, future teachers can use virtual reality exercises "to actually put themselves in an environment to experience what they are going to see in a school before they actually get to a school," St. George says.

Although still only a few months old, the simulated classroom environment created by Lamb and Etopio has earned high praise from teachers and administrators in Buffalo's Enterprise Charter School, which has used it to train in-service teachers in classroom management and to assist teachers with dealing with behavior management in the classroom.

Rebekah Lamb, a seventh- and eighth-grade social studies teacher at Enterprise, says having this virtual reality tool to supplement her pre-service training while she was in school would have been a valuable way to give education students a more authentic experience of what they will encounter in a real-life classroom.

"When you do student teaching, you have the student teacher and the classroom teacher," she says. "Normally, the classroom teacher will take control of the classroom and won't give it fully to the student teacher.

"So this helps it so the student teacher has the full role of classroom management without the classroom teacher interfering," she says. "Students who want to be teachers get a look inside the classroom without actually having to step inside the classroom."

Lamb's supervising administrators at Enterprise Charter couldn't agree more.

"Young teachers need to step back and understand that children's behaviors are a socioemotional response, not to be taken personally," says Julie Schwab, superintendent of Enterprise Charter. "The behavior could be related to an event that happened the prior night, or on the school bus.

eventh- and eighth-grade students at Enterprise Charter School played the roles of disruptive students in the video that is being used in the virtual reality training program. Credit: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

"Virtual reality is a tool that can expose new teachers to some of these behaviors and give them practice responding in real time and honing the explicit language needed to gain understanding of what caused this child to be where they are at this time."

Michael Radosta, director of learning technology at Enterprise Charter School, notes that in a real classroom, teachers have to get their students to value what they are saying.

"This is a skill often lacking in new teachers," Radosta says. "So direct practice using responsive language within virtual reality environments has enormous potential."

The fact that the seventh- and eighth-grade students at Enterprise Charter School had so much fun playing the part of unruly students while filming the pre-service video was a bonus, according to the school's teachers and administrators. The four students who simulated disruptive students for filming the virtual reality program were chosen by Rebekah Lamb the same morning Crosswater Digital recorded their role-playing behavior on camera. And for these students, the bad behavior went against their nature, Lamb says.

"These are students who generally do what they are supposed to," she says.

The potential and promise of this method of simulating classroom situations for prospective teachers are profound, the educators say.

"Early virtual exposure with targeted practice of management skills could help young teachers pause, avoid potentially harmful responses with real children, and provide confidence in responding to students in sensitive and beneficial ways," Schwab says.
* 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.
American immigrants Albert Vanderwyst and Jacob Kitzinger never knew each other, but its a good bet they would have had a lot to talk about had they met.

Both men launched barrel and drum businesses in the Midwest more than a century ago with little more than basic work skills and a drive to succeed.

Vanderwyst, from the Netherlands, had a cooperage in Cleveland, Ohio, that evolved into Greif Inc.

Kitzinger, from Hungary, founded Kitzinger Cooperage in St. Francis. Years later, it was bought by Mid-America Steel Drum Co., which is part of Greifs EarthMinded network.

Kitzinger came to America in 1913 aboard a ship on which he was apprenticed to a cooper, or barrel maker. Skipping the return voyage home, he stayed in Wisconsin and ended up making barrels in Madison.

By 1930, Kitzinger was living in Cudahy where he worked for Cudahy Brothers making pork barrels. He also started a barrel business in his garage  the beginning of Kitzinger Cooperage.

When he moved to whats now St. Francis, he was making wine and beer barrels. His family had two cows, chickens and no running water, according to the St. Francis Historical Society.

Kitzinger Cooperage closed during World War II. Barrel-making materials were scarce during the war and Jacob Kitzinger opened a tavern in South Milwaukee. After the war, however, Kitzingers sons, Carl and Jacob Jr., resurrected the barrel business.

In 2011, they sold it to competitor Mid-America Steel Drum.

Greifs origins are similar.

In the late 1800s, Vanderwyst partnered with William Greif of Cleveland.

U.S. Census records from 1860 describe Vanderwyst as a laborer who owned personal property worth $60, but no land. By 1870, he was listed as a cooper who owned $3,000 worth of real estate and had $1,000 in additional personal property.

Vanderwyst died in 1882 from a wasting away disease called marasmus, now thought to be cancer.

After Vanderwysts death, William Greifs brothers  Charles, Louis and Thomas  joined the business, which was renamed Greif Brothers Company.

The cooperage made barrels strong enough to ship heavy spikes to railroads in the booming American West.

As business flourished, Greif Brothers purchased nearly 300,000 acres of timberland to provide raw materials for its manufacturing plants. The company still owns and manages forests in the U.S. and Canada.

Greif Inc., the successor to Greif Brothers, was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2002.

Eight years later, it established the Container Life Cycle Management joint venture, which now includes the Mid-America Steel Drum operations in Milwaukee, St. Francis and Oak Creek, as well as drum reconditioning facilities in Indiana, Arkansas and Tennessee.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Syrian government said a U.S. warning this week to Damascus not to carry out a new chemical weapons strike were baseless and a ploy to justify a new attack on the country, state television said. State television quoted a foreign ministry source as saying Washington's allegations about an intended attack were not only misleading but also "devoid of any truth and not based on any facts." The White House warned Syrian President Bashar al Assad on Monday that he and his military would "pay a heavy price" if it conducted a chemical weapons attack and said the United States had reason to believe such preparations were underway. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Donald Trump's administration has approved $1.3 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan, a US government official said Thursday, in a move likely to provoke the ire of Beijing which considers the island a rebel province. The US official emphasized that there is "no change to our longstanding 'One China' policy" -- stating that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of it -- which Beijing says is a prerequisite for maintaining relations. Announcement of the sale comes at a sensitive moment for the US and China, as President Trump is working to establish a partnership over trade differences and efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy but China sees it as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if necessary. The US is the island's most powerful ally and arms supplier despite having no official relations with Taipei after switching recognition to Beijing in 1979. The latest plans are consistent with terms of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the US official said, under which Washington keeps trade ties and sells Taipei weapons to "maintain a sufficient self-defense capability". Taiwan thanked the US for its continued commitment under the legislation and said the deal "increases Taiwans confidence and ability to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait". "We will continue to seek constructive dialogue with Beijing, and promote positive developments in cross-strait relations," said a statement from Taiwan's Presidential Office. "At the same time, we will continue to increase our defense investments, including in indigenous defense industries and defense-related research, in order to demonstrate our commitment to Taiwans self-defense," it added. The defense ministry said the sales will boost the island's air and sea combat capabilities. The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of the defense sales comprised of seven parts, the US official said, which are "based on an assessment of Taiwan's defense needs" and include upgrading defense systems from analog to digital. The last US arms sale to Taiwan was in December 2015. Concerns that Taiwan would become a bargaining chip were raised soon after Trump's election, when he suggested he may abandon the "One China" policy that underpins US-China relations, unless he could strike better deals with Beijing. Just after winning election, Trump infuriated China by accepting a congratulatory call from Taiwan's Beijing-sceptic president Tsai Ing-wen, smashing decades of diplomatic precedent. But once in office the president unequivocally endorsed the "One China" policy during a visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Relations between Taipei and Beijing have rapidly deteriorated since Tsai took the reins, ending an eight-year cross-strait rapprochement. Beijing has cut all official communication with Taipei.
Still, Rouhani demonstrated during his first term that he had no intention of challenging the violence and extremism of the clerical regime.

The presidential election was boycotted by many Iranians, in an effort to draw international attention to the lack of choice where candidates are vetted by unelected clerics and judiciary officials based on their loyalty to the supreme leader and the ruling theocracy.

Rouhani is a veteran regime insider, who served as a senior security official during the systematic execution of 30,000 political prisoners in the summer of 1988. Many of those executed were supporters of the main opposition Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK).

Tom Ridge, former US Secretary of Homeland Security and governor of Pennsylvania writes in an article for Arab News that, In 2015, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany brokered a deal with the Iranian regime, imposing restrictions on the Iranian regimes nuclear program in exchange for tens of billions of dollars in sanctions relief. The agreement has rightly been criticized for offering too many concessions to Irans ruling theocracy, while effectively abandoning the original goal of definitively halting permanently the mullahs march to nuclear weapons.

This approach was based on the expectation that Iranian behavior and US-Iran relations would improve under Rouhanis presidency.

Instead, Tehran upped its anti-Western rhetoric, fired illicit ballistic missile tests, and officers of the Iranian military and Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have made declarations of readiness for war.

Time and again, the US and its allies have bought into the Tehran moderate versus hard-liner narrative, despite proof to the contrary, writes Ridge.

During Rouhanis first term, dual nationals were put behind bars to use as bargaining chips. Thousands of Iranians have been incarcerated on political charges, and executions take place en masse, while other prisoners are denied basic medical care and sanitation. The Rouhani administration saw a spike in death sentences, and during his first term, more than 3,000 people were executed, including political prisoners, women and juveniles.

According to Ridge, Less than a week before the election, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a statement practically begging Iranians to vote regardless of their political views. But by phrasing his call in terms of maintaining the regimes authority, he effectively added to the incentive for a boycott by all those rejecting that authority.

Iranians stayed away. By doing this, they expressed their frustration with a political system in which both factions act against the interests of the people, and exhibited support for the alternatives to those factions, as well.

Seen to be on the rise, is support for opposition organizations like the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the MEK. Ridge says, For example, I and many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are planning to attend an international convention in Paris, which is expected to draw upward of 100,000 Iranian expatriates from around the world, and will be broadcast live to millions of Iranians. Even though support for the MEK can be punished with a death sentence inside Iran (as was the case in the brutal massacre of 1988), the willingness to take such a risk should tell us something about how limited the options are for regime-sanctioned political expression.

Ridge calls the regime fragile, and says that the international community can effectively encourage the democratic transformation of Iran by supporting the democratic alternatives to the current regime. He urges that rather than buying into the moderate versus hard-liner narrative, the US and its allies get it right this time.
The web is hungry for instant gratification  at least thats what research has led us to believe.

Statistics like GrowthHackers 10-second rule for webpages feed the idea that we must develop content thats short, quick and to the point, or we risk losing consumer interest and becoming irrelevant. However, new research suggests the exact opposite. In fact, Google rewards brands that post comprehensive, authoritative, and in-depth long-form content.

The Benefits of Long Form Content

Higher Google Search Rankings

Recently, Backlinko analyzed one million Google search results to learn more about the best SEO practices today. To many marketers surprise, long form content consistently ranks higher in Googles search results  significantly!

The average word count of a Google result on the first page is 1,890. This is a far cry from the smaller chunks of content weve been trying to pack with keywords for optimization. Longer content performed better on Google every time. This is likely due to the fact that it generates more social shares than short form content and boosts your brands relevancy. Google ranks websites based on their levels of authority; long form content helps establish your sphere of influence.

More Brand Authority

Writing a comprehensive piece of content that tackles a topic in detail marks your brand as a thought leader in the industry. It produces more site traffic and attracts people looking to learn more about a topic, and it will remain an important source of information far into the future. Evergreen content, as this type of material is called, showcases your grasp on a subject and presents your brand in its best light. Instead of appearing shallow and overly interested in turning a profit, evergreen content enables you to give real, long-lasting value to consumers. In turn, your customers will reward your efforts with enduring brand loyalty.

Greater Credibility

Contrary to what many content marketers believe, long form content is a powerful tool brands can use to boost credibility, earn consumers respect, and get more from content marketing campaigns. In a content-saturated online market, website managers rack their brains for ways to stand out from the crowd. The best way to make a positive impact on your consumers is to prove that your brand is a trustworthy source of relevant information. Credible brands earn consumers confidence.

More Social Media Success

Quartz editor Kevin Delaney proposes that brands should publish either short, snappy articles that are no more than 500 words or long analysis pieces that are at least 1,200 words for the greatest social media performance. He states that everyone publishes articles within the 500-800 range, and articles that standout avoid this cliche. In-depth feature articles generate more social media shares, more hits, and more traffic than shorter articles  a recipe for creating the viral effect.

Lower Costs for Inbound Marketing

Long-form content may feel like a big time and money investment, but the returns are well worth it. Optimizing your inbound marketing efforts with long-form content saves your brand money in the long run. According to a HubSpot report, companies save an average $20,000 per year by investing in inbound marketing. Long-form evergreen content separates your brand from the competition and generates business leads for a longer period of time  maximizing the potential returns on the investment.

More Backlinks and Organic Traffic

Backlinking is one of the best ways to increase your Google search ranking and generate organic site traffic. When a high-authority website backlinks to a piece of your content, you immediately reap the benefits of reaching new consumers within your industry. As Googles algorithms continue to undergo major updates, brands are facing penalties for including low-authority backlinks on their sites. Companies are hard-pressed to find authoritative sources of information to include in their content for better SEO. You can be this authoritative source for brands in your industry by producing killer long form copy.

More Sustainable Content

You may argue that long-form content is a more costly investment than short term content, and you wouldnt be wrong. However, long form content achieves a sustainability that its shorter companion cant. For example, consider Search Engine Lands piece, What Is SEO/Search Engine Optimization? When you type What is SEO? into Google, this is the first result that pops up  not because its the most recent source, but because it has the most authority on the subject.

Greater Value

The main takeaway here is to provide value to consumers with long form content. Dont simply put more words onto a page to reach a higher count and expect to see returns. Long form content works because it gives value to your audience again and again. Your major content goal should always be to provide value, no matter how long or short your pieces are.

Short form content will always have a place in brand development. However, businesses that rule out long form content are losing the myriad returns of publishing longer pieces. From greater SEO rankings to better business, long form content is too great a resource to ignore in todays competitive marketing industry.
Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship.
* Foreign investors bought pipelines from oil firms

* Norway's government cut pipeline tariffs shortly afterwards

* Court rejected claim that lowering of tariffs was unlawful (Adds reaction)

OSLO, June 30 (Reuters) - A Norwegian appeals court ruled in favour of the government in a lawsuit brought by investors who argued Norway's cut in gas pipeline tariffs was unlawful and would cost them 15 billion Norwegian crowns ($1.8 billion) in lost earnings through 2028.

The decision upheld the 2015 verdict of a lower court, which said the government acted within its rights when it lowered tariffs on offshore gas pipelines.

"The state has won the case and has the right to have its costs covered (by the plaintiffs)," the Borgarting Court of Appeal said in its verdict.

In the first round, the state won the case but did not win the right to have its costs paid. The latest verdict overturned that decision, awarding the government 42.2 million crowns from the plaintiffs.

The verdict, delivered by three judges, was unanimous.

The lawsuit was brought by Solveig Gas, Silex Gas, Njord Gas Infrastructure and Infragas, which hold a combined 44 percent stake in pipeline joint-venture Gassled.

The firms are owned by Allianz (Swiss: ALV-EUR.SW - news) , UBS (LSE: 0QNR.L - news) , the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, among other investors.

"We have been acquitted in two instances," the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy said in a statement.

Silex Gas told Reuters ahead of the verdict it would consider an appeal to the Supreme Court if it lost this round, but would also be open to discussing a settlement with the state.

After the verdict, Silex Gas CEO Kurt Georgsen declined to say whether the company would appeal or whether it would sell its stake in Gassled.

"The court has emphasised that the ministry did not establish transparent systems. But the court has also said that there was a legal basis for the tariff reductions and that we have no basis for claims and damages," he said.

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Another plaintiff, Solveig Gas, said it would consider "carefully" whether to appeal.

"We will obviously continue as owners in Gassled. We will keep Gassled running. This case never impacted in our role in Gassled," said Solveig Gas CEO Tryve Pedersen.

Another plaintiff, Infragas, declined to comment.

If the plaintiffs do appeal to the Supreme Court, they must do so by September 16.

TARIFF ROW

The government owns 45.8 percent of Gassled via state-owned Petoro, while majority state-owned Statoil (LSE: 0M2Z.L - news) has 5 percent.

Some of the companies involved have said the unexpected decision to lower gas transportation tariffs had hurt the image of Norway as a country to invest in.

The government cut tariffs shortly after the four firms bought their stakes in Gassled in 2011 and 2012 from ExxonMobil , Total (LSE: 524773.L - news) , Statoil and Royal Dutch Shell (LSE: 0LN9.L - news) for a total of 32 billion Norwegian crowns.

The lowered tariffs took effect on gas transport agreements on October 1, 2016.

The oil ministry said last September the move was in line with its longstanding policy of keeping a pretax return on capital investment in transportation infrastructure at around 7 percent.

"The new tariffs will continue to generate a reasonable profit for Gassled," the ministry said at the time. ($1 = 8.3758 Norwegian crowns) (Reporting by Lefteris Karagiannopoulos; writing by Nerijus Adomaitis and Gwladys Fouche; editing by Jason Neely and David Evans)
US President Donal Trump hosts two Chibok girls at White House

With his signature thumbs up, US president Donald Trump welcomed two Chibok schoolgirls to the White House this week.

Lydia Pogu and Joy Bishara are survivors of the militant group Boko Harams mass kidnapping of 276 young women and schoolgirls at a boarding school in northern Nigeria in April of 2014. Bishara and Pogu leaped from Boko Harams truck on the night the kidnapping, according a profile by People magazine.

They were among a few who managed to escape on the night of the kidnapping. In the years since, more than 100 of the hostages have been released in negotiations or escaped. The rest remain in captivity, many forced to marry to the groups fighters. The kidnapping prompted international outrage and the hashtag #bringbackourgirls, which First Lady Michelle Obama helped popularize.

In an image released on the White House Facebook page as photo of the day on June 28, Trump and his daughter Ivanka pose with the young women in the Oval Office. The White House seems to have released no other statement on the visit yet.

With the help of the Jubilee campaign, Bishara and Pogu were brought to the US in August of 2014 to attend a Christian boarding school in the Oregon countryside, according to People. The Christian non-profit has characterized the Boko Haram insurgency as a targeted attack on Christians.

Having just graduated high school, Pogu and Bisharas fate has been very different from that of their classmates in Nigeria. Even among those who escaped captivity, many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and stigma in their communities because of their experiences.

USAID is one of the international aid organizations providing psycho-social support to the rescued girls. The visit comes weeks after Trumps inaugural budget proposal, which cuts funding to international aid programs. Trumps 2018 budget requires greater efficiencies through organization and consolidation of USAIDs programs, which may result in the elimination of programs vital to Pogu and Bisharas former schoolmates.

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cigarette cigarettes smoking GettyImages 476551310

Its hard to think back to what English pubs and clubs were like before the law about smoke-free public places came into force ten years ago.

Do you remember the dense fog, the smell of tobacco smoke on your clothes and hair after a night out, and the ashtrays loaded with cigarette butts?

The change in law has been described as:

The most important piece of public health legislation for a generation.

Of course, bringing it in had its challenges. Various options were proposed, including a plan to exempt private clubs and pubs that didnt serve food  so-called "wet pubs"  but in some parts of England this would have excluded over half of all licensed premises.

Eventually, this proposal was quashed, mainly because of public health concerns. People with jobs forcing them to remain in smoke environments often had no choice but to do so  and why should they be subject to the health risks of secondhand smoke?

But apart from making public places more pleasant and healthier to be in, the new law also had some unexpected results.

1. More people have given up smoking

There was a spike in people deciding to stop smoking as a result of the ban. Everyone knew the health risks of smoking  the ban simply cut out many of the places where people might have wanted to light up.

Ever since the law came into force, smoking rates have gone down year-on-year. And increasingly young people in particular seem to be going off the idea. The number of children under 16 who regularly smoke has halved to 3% since 2007  the lowest figure on record.

Doctors operate on Ismael Moustafa, 28, who was wounded in Syria, inside a hospital in Tripoli, Lebanon May 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

Thomson Reuters

2. Fewer people hospitalised

Figures also soon showed a significant decline in hospital admissions for heart attacks, asthma and lung infections. In the year following the law, there were 2.4% fewer heart attack cases recorded in Accident and Emergency departments than the year before. This might not sound very much, but that is 1,200 fewer cases in the country as a whole.

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These figures are even more dramatic if you bear in mind that many workplaces had already gone smoke free before the law came into effect. This makes the fact we can see a distinct drop before and after the ban came into place even more remarkable.

3. Goodbye branded packets

The success of the ban also gave people the courage to tackle other smoking-related issues that might once have seemed impossible to address  such as plain packaging and other forms of advertising at the point of sale.

Figures from Australia  which imposed plain packaging three years before the UK  found that restricting the colour, size and font on cigarette packets led to a noticeable drop in the number of people smoking.

Similar projections were made for the UK, with scientists claiming plain packets could encourage more than 300,000 Britons to quit smoking for good.

airplane no smoking sign

Wikimedia Commons

4. Increased awareness of passive smoking

The smoke-free law also made people more aware of the dangers of secondhand smoke everywhere, including in their own homes. This is a step in the right direction for people with long-term lung conditions  as the Life of Breath project at Durham and Bristol universities shows how sensitive to air quality these people are. For them a smoke-filled environment is a nightmare.

5. No more smoking at stations

Some companies went further than required by the new law. The Association of Train Operator Companies and Network Rail, decided to make all station premises smoke free. Perhaps they were remembering the fire at Kings Cross underground station in 1987. It killed 31 and was blamed on a lit match thrown away by a smoker exiting the station.

6. Drop in teen smokers

Vending machines, where young people could often obtain their cigs out of the watchful eye of adults, are also a thing of the past. And it is now illegal to buy cigarettes if you are under 18. This was previously set at the age of 16 before 2007.

Taxes on tobacco products have also continued to rise, making it even more difficult for young people with less money in their pocket.

ecig3

REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

7. Smoking banned in cars with kids

Smoking in private cars where children are present is now banned. This is important because children suffer more from secondhand smoke than adults, as their airways are smaller and they breathe faster.

And yet smoking in pregnancy  with the risks this carries for mother and baby  are still high in some parts of Britain. And surprisingly, given the ease with which tobacco addiction can be managed these days, smoking is still allowed in some NHS grounds.

8. E-cigs have arrived

E-cigarettes have muddied the waters of tobacco control, because although they are without doubt safer than cigarettes, some people firmly believe they too should be part of the smoke-free laws.

Whatever your view on that score, support for smoke free places is higher now than it was when the law first came in. In other words, there are very few people  both smokers and nonsmokers  who would like to return to those foggy days of smoke-filled clubs and bars.

NOW WATCH: What happens when a tarantula meets its worst predator

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BOSASSO, Somalia (Reuters) - Authorities in Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region on Friday executed seven people it said were Islamist militants who plotted to carry out attacks, including bombings. Awil Ahmed Farah, chairperson of the region's military court, said the accused were members of the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant group fighting to overthrow the government in Mogadishu. "The court executed seven fighters. They were shot dead today," he told reporters in the port city of Bosasso. "Five of the militants were caught as they transported explosives into Bosasso. The other two militants killed people in Galkayo," Farah said, referring to another city in the region. Al Shabaab's insurgency aims to topple Somalia's Western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islam on the Horn of Africa country. The group has become more active in Puntland after being pushed out of strongholds further south by an African Union peacekeeping force and the Somali army. Earlier this month, its fighters overran a military base in Af Urur, a town about 100 km (60 miles) south of Bosasso, killing at least 59 people. (Reporting by Abdiqani Hassan; Writing by Aaron Maasho; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Heshmat Alavi, the Iranian activist and journalist, recently interviewed former political prisoner Shabnam Madadzadeh, who was able to exit Iran not long ago. She has discussed her imprisonment and has written articles that described the terrible conditions she endured.

Excerpts from the Alavi interview follow.

Shabnam Madadzadeh was a college student in Iran. She and her brother both spent five years as political prisoners in the regimes jails as political prisoners. She was subjected to long interrogations and solitary confinement, death threats and mock executions. She was also deprived of contact with her family, and was forced to witness the beating of her brother.

She said, These methods are used by the Iranian regime to obtain so-called confessions and forge a case against you in court, while depriving you of legal representation. I was sentenced to prison and exiled in the notorious Gohardasht Prison in the city of Karaj, west of Tehran.

During her sentence she was deprived of any furlough, and says that she witnessed many crimes by the regime authorities, including executions and tortures, not only inflicted on political prisoners, but also on ordinary inmates.

She stayed in a ward with hundreds of other women and witnessed their suffering. Being deprived of family visits and phone calls, she was unable to tell anyone about those women went through, or the circumstances inside the prison walls. She was also deprived medical care.

A letter written by Gohardasht Prison political prisoners has leaked from inside Iran. In it, they describe those taking part in Saturdays Free Iran rally as the voice of all the Iranian people in the larger prison called Iran, who all yearn for a Free Iran, a democratic Iran.

Like others, Shabnam Madadzadeh believes that Hassan Rouhani was wrongly depicted a moderate by the international community. She said, This is nothing but a fantasy and mirage for those not familiar with the reality of Irans regime.

Iran has been called out as the leading state sponsor of terrorism, who exports Islamic fundamentalism to the Middle East.

I was a young college student and spent one year of my time in prison during Rouhanis tenure. After being released I witnessed how the highly boasted nuclear deal signed by the P5+1 with Iran failed to render any positive change in peoples lives. In fact, their living conditions have become far more difficult. The Iran nuclear deal has only loosened sanctions in favor of the ruling elite in Tehran, and yet human rights violations and state-backed violence have ramped up, she said.

At least 3,000 executions have occurred under the moderate Rouhani. Meanwhile, there have been an increasing number of popular protests over the past four years, especially during the run-up to the May 19th presidential election. Even now, teachers, workers and many others are protesting as the failing economy makes life nearly unbearable for the ordinary Iranian people.

The regime responds viciously to acts of dissent. Life has become so impossible that because of unemployment and financial problems, many workers, teachers, college students, and teenagers have resorted to suicide.

The billions of dollars Iran received after the nuclear deal has not been seen by Irans population, as it has instead been used by Tehran for military purposes.

According to Shabnam Madadzadeh, The Iranian people are demanding the mullahs regime bring an end to warmongering and exporting terrorism to neighboring countries that they see as their friends. This money belongs to the Iranian people and must be allocated to advance their needs and welfare.

She adds, Any negotiation by the West with Iran will only add more gallows in Irans squares, escalate the Iranian peoples misery and fuel further meddling by the Revolutionary Guards in the Middle East and even beyond. For the first time this year I will be taking part in the NCRIs annual convention in Paris scheduled for July 1st.

The message at the massive FreeIran rally will highlight the necessity to establish a united front against Iranian sponsored international extremism under the banner of Islam. The political figures in attendance will add their support for the Iranian peoples demand of regime change in Iran, and will demand a firm international approach in the face of Irans aggressive behavior.

Shabnam Madadzadeh concludes, I am certain that that the presence and solidarity of various Western and Arabic governments and nations will be very inspirational for all. I hope that I, as an Iranian who has decided to be the voice of my people, can be successful in sending their message: the Iranian people are determined, at any price, to topple the mullahs regime once and for all.
By Marton Dunai BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban long proclaimed zero tolerance of anti-Semitism but has more recently risked angering Israel and Jewish people with remarks apparently courting radical right-wing voters ahead of 2018 elections. Orban's language, embracing notions of "ethnic homogeneity", appears fashioned to occupy territory on the far right abandoned by the radical nationalist opposition party Jobbik, which has moderated its message, analysts and critics said. Orban has locked horns with European Union partners over respect for liberal democratic conventions and reluctance to take in refugees. In a speech last week Orban recalled the rule of interwar Governor Miklos Horthy, a divisive figure who led the country for 24 years until 1944, signing several landmark laws against Jews and eventually surrendering more than 500,000 to the Nazi Holocaust. "That history did not bury us (after World War One) is down to a few exceptional statesmen (like) Governor Miklos Horthy," he said. "That fact cannot be negated by Hungary's mournful role in World War Two." The Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary and the World Jewish Congress said in a joint statement they were "concerned" about the tone of such electioneering. Israel's ambassador to Budapest requested a clarification of Orban's words, which Jerusalem found "troubling". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to pay a visit to Budapest in mid-July, the first by a sitting Israeli prime minister. Some analysts said Orban's new hardened tone signalled a change in his politics and could define his upcoming election campaign as he seeks reelection for a third consecutive term. Orban's Fidesz is a runaway favourite to win the 2018 elections, commanding about a third of the electorate with Jobbik and the Socialists at about 10 percent each. Jobbik received about a million votes in 2014, but risks big chunks of that electorate with its new, more moderate line. "Jobbik's move towards the centre has upended the power base in the centre and created a vacuum on the far right," Zoltan Novak, analyst at the Centre for Fair Political Analysis said. HARDER LINE FINDS FOLLOWERS One indicator of that move is Orban's harder line on immigration. Hundreds of thousands of migrants have entered Hungary via its southern frontier since 2015, though most have moved on westward to more prosperous parts of the EU. Budapest has erected a border fence along its southern frontier. "It is very important to preserve our ethnic homogeneity," Orban told a business forum on February 28, repeating the phrase several times. Political Capital analyst Peter Kreko sees Fidesz and Jobbik actually trading places, with Orban now on the far right. "For Orban to speak about 'ethnic homogeneity' in eastern Europe, less than 75 years after the Holocaust or 25 years after the Balkan wars, is a complete disregard of civilised norms," Kreko told Reuters. This week he used a national tour rallying against European Union plans for migrant resettlement quotas to criticise Muslim migrants. "They don't respect our culture," he said. "They seek space for their own (culture), then suppress ours, then replace it. This is a matter of identity." Orban's "ethnic homogeneity" idea has struck a nerve with a new militant right-wing political alliance, which will launch at a rally next week and may also enter the 2018 election race. "Within decades the continent can implode demographically," alliance leader Balazs Laszlo told the pro-Orban daily Magyar Idok. "Our ethnic homogeneity can come wholly undone... We recognise differences and defend our own race." A leader of the movement, Mihaly Orosz denied any cooperation with Fidesz. "If they sense they can use our movement politically they might try but there is no intentional collusion on our part," he said, adding their goal was to pass the 5 percent vote threshold to get into Parliament in 2018. Kreko, the analyst, says the parallels clearly indicate a strategic squeeze: harvesting voters left behind by Jobbik from both the centre of the political spectrum and the extreme right. Fidesz also denied any cooperation. "Fidesz rejects all kinds of anti-Semitism, and does not cooperate with these politicians," the party said in an emailed statement.
By Feisal Omar MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Somalia's insurgency suffered a significant split after government officials confirmed on Friday that they had sent troops to repel Islamist fighters seeking to capture one of their own commanders. The U.S. had offered a $5 million reward for the capture of Mukhtar Robow Abu Mansur, known universally as "Robow", once the spokesman and deputy leader of al Shabaab, an Islamist insurgency that wants to overthrow Somalia's weak U.N.-backed government. Robow fell out of favour with the insurgency in 2013 yet remained outwardly loyal. Earlier this month, the U.S. quietly removed him from their list of sponsors of terror after five years. "There was and is, negotiation going on between Mukhtar Robow and the Somali federal government but still there is no guarantee that he will defect," Colonel Aden Ahmed, an officer in the national military, told Reuters on Friday from southwestern Hudur town, near Robow's stronghold. A split would further weaken al Shabaab following years where the insurgency has steadily lost ground. It withdrew from the capital in 2011 and has lost control of most of the major towns in south-central Somalia since. It still maintains a significant presence in the countryside and the Juba region near the border with Kenya and is mounting increasingly large and deadly bombings in the capital. If Robow defects, it would give pro-government forces more freedom to operate in the regions of Bay and Bakool, slicing al Shabaab's operational territory in two. Robow is from the large Rahanweyn clan, which dominates many of Somalia's most fertile areas. "We understand al Shabaab fighters plan to attack and capture Robow but this will not be easy for he has well-trained and well-armed...fighters who will die for him. Yesterday, we prepared about 300 military soldiers with military cars to defend Robow," Ahmed said. "Those troops are now in the outskirts of the town. We cannot send them directly for many reasons. Al Shabaab may ambush us, Robow himself may ambush our forces. We shall give reinforcement to Robow only after we confirm that fighting between al Shabaab and Robow breaks out." Residents said Robow was holed up in a village with about 400 fighters about 18 km (11 miles) from Hudur, the capital of Bakool region in southern Somalia. Two residents said they saw two helicopters and a drone but it was unclear to them if the aircraft were connected to Robow. "We understand al Shabaab decided to disarm Robow after they heard he was removed from U.S. wanted list," local elder Mohamed Nur said. Al Shabaab and Robow could not be reached for comment. Mohamed Abdi, governor of Bakool, told Reuters that al Shabaab fighters were advancing towards Robow. "We have prepared many troops to reinforce Robow in case they begin fighting him. Your enemys enemy is your friend," he said. (Additional reporting by Abdi Sheikh; editing by Ralph Boulton)
ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Bombers killed two people and wounded 11 others at a U.N.-managed camp in Niger housing thousands of people who have fled Boko Haram violence in the first suicide attack in the region in a year, the U.N. refugee agency said on Friday. Two women entered the camp in Kabelawa, around 50 km (30 miles) north of the border with Nigeria, and joined a group of young people before detonating suicide belts just before midnight on Wednesday. "The explosion killed two young inhabitants of the camp, a male and a female, as well as the two women. 11 others were injured, two seriously," the UNHCR said in a statement. Boko Haram launches frequent cross-border raids from its strongholds in northeastern Nigeria in its bid to carve out an Islamic caliphate, though most recent suicide attacks have targeted towns in northern Cameroon. The group's eight-year insurgency has killed more than 20,000 people in the Lake Chad region and displaced 2.7 million. There are over 166,000 refugees living in Niger, as well as 127,000 internally displaced Nigeriens. (Reporting by Joe Bavier; Editing by Alison Williams)
Sleep disturbance in young adults who are at risk of suicide are a warning sign of worsening suicidal thoughts, according to new research from Stanford University. These findings held true regardless of the study participants current levels of depression.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people in the US and the leading cause in the UK. Having a better understanding of the signs of suicidal thought is important as it could help prevent suicide. Previous research has shown a link between suicidal thoughts and poor sleep, but the Stanford researchers went beyond this research by closely examining which aspects of disrupted sleep predicted suicidal thought.

The researchers examined sleep objectively, using sleep tracking devices, and subjectively, using sleep diaries and records of suicidal thoughts. A group of 50 undergraduate students was selected for the study on the basis that they had recent suicidal thoughts or a history of suicide attempts. The students sleep was monitored for seven days continuously. They were also asked to complete a questionnaire  at the beginning, middle (day seven) and end of the study (day 21)  that asked them about the severity of suicidal thoughts, depression, insomnia, nightmares and alcohol use. The researchers found that changes in when the students went to sleep and when they woke up predicted suicidal thought, as did increased symptoms of insomnia and nightmares.

It has long been known that poor sleep, in general, and insomnia, in particular, are associated with a wide variety of mental health conditions. As research in the area advanced it became clear that this relationship was not just an association but rather that insomnia posed a significant risk for the development of many mental health problems, most notably depression.

A strong association

Over the past ten to 15 years, researchers have widened the scope of sleep and mental health research to investigate the relationship between poor sleep  including insomnia  and an increased risk of suicide. Within this framework various research groups around the world began to examine whether poor sleep was related to increased suicidal thoughts but also whether a person who sleeps poorly is more likely to attempt, or complete, a suicide or not.

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It soon became clear that a strong association between poor sleep and suicide existed and that the severity and duration of insomnia symptoms and nightmares were associated with increased suicidal thoughts. Especially interesting is that in almost all these studies the relationship between poor sleep and suicide existed independently of a diagnosis of depression or the number of depressive symptoms experienced, as in the current study. But, as most of this previous research was based on self-reported symptoms (of both sleep problems and suicidal thoughts), it was unclear whether the relationship between poor sleep and suicide was based on how the person actually slept or how they felt they had slept  two surprisingly different concepts. The fact that the Stanford researchers objectively measured sleep is a particular strength of their study.

Three theories

But the reasons for the relationship between poor sleep and suicide have yet to be determined. However, there are three avenues of research which, although still in their infancy, may shed light on why poor sleep is so strongly related to suicide. One, there are significant overlaps between brain circuits that are involved in both emotion regulation and sleep. As such, if sleep is disrupted the likelihood is that mood will also be disrupted, and vice versa. Two, there may be changes in the structure of sleep itself, as a result of poor sleep and insomnia, which makes us more vulnerable to a variety of mood disturbances, including suicidal thought. And, three, the daytime fatigue, caused by poor sleep, affects our ability to think and act rationally.

As yet, we simply dont know what underscores the relationship between poor sleep and insomnia but, with these avenues in mind, a preventative strategy for suicide is definitely getting closer. And the likelihood is that it will involve the management of sleep.

The Samaritans can be contacted in the UK on 116 123. Papyrus is contactable on 0800 068 41 41 or by texting 07786 209 697 or emailing pat@papyrus-uk.org. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Jason Ellis is Director of Sleep Research and Consulting Ltd. He has consulted for The Sleep Council, UCB Pharma and NHS Wales and is the author of The One Week Insomnia Cure - published by Vermillion.
(This June 28 story has been refiled to correct typo in 10th paragraph) By Jessica Damiana JAKARTA (Reuters) - From white water rafting in Bali to visiting temples on Java, former U.S. President Barack Obama's private family holiday is being closely tracked in Indonesia where he spent four years as a child. Obama was six when he moved to Jakarta after his American mother, Ann Dunham, married an Indonesian man following the end of her marriage to Obama's Kenyan father. "I feel proud that my friend became a president," said Sonni Gondokusumo, 56, a former classmate of Obama at the Menteng 01 state elementary school in Jakarta. Gondokusumo showed a class photograph of himself standing behind a young Obama, who was wearing a school beret. "He was a clever boy. Whenever a teacher asked him to solve a problem in front of the class, he could do it," Gondokusomo told Reuters, adding he hoped to meet the former president again. Obama remains popular in the world's most populous Muslim nation and his trip has been splashed across the media during an extended public holiday to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The Rakyat Merdeka newspaper carried a headline "Obama loves Indonesia". Obama returned for an official visit as president in 2010 with his wife, Michelle, but this time has brought daughters Malia and Sasha as well. Indonesians are avid social media users and snaps of the former U.S. president walking with his family in rice fields and rafting on Bali's Ayung River have gone viral. Obama kicked off the holiday on the island of Bali, where he stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Bali near the cultural centre of Ubud. On Wednesday, Obama and his family arrived in the city of Yogyakarta on Java island, and visited the ancient temple of Borobudur. According to CNN Indonesia, Central Java police deployed 700 officers to secure his visit to Borobudur, a Buddhist temple dating from the 8th and 9th centuries. Obama is due to meet President Joko Widodo on Friday at the palace in Bogor, south of Jakarta, and visit the capital on Saturday. (Additional reporting by Fransiska Nangoy; Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Nick Macfie)
One man is in custody and another in critical condition after a stabbing Tuesday evening in northeast Albuquerque, according to a criminal complain filed in Metropolitan Court.

Police say Edward Tenorio, 45 is charged with aggravated assault in the stabbing of Steve Bitanny at an apartment complex near Montgomery and Carlisle.

Bitannys fiance Lorna Tsosie told police it started when, after a few days of drinking, Tenorio attacked her and Bitanny tried to defend Tsosie.

Police say Tenorio pulled out a knife and began to swing it at Bitanny when Bitanny fell to the ground.

Edward got on top of Steve and began stabbing Steve in the facial area and torso, an officer wrote in the complaint.

Tenorio fled the scene and was found by police at a nearby hospital being treated for a finger wound.

According to the complaint, Bitanny suffered a possibly fatal head injury.

If the wound was not fatal, it would permanently debilitate Steven for normal brain function, an officer wrote in the complaint.
Wax paintings of rising shorelines, forest fires, melting icebergs and species die-offs were all chosen for the Museum of Encaustic Arts new juried exhibition titled Global Warming is Real.

The exhibition, which debuts with a reception Saturday, features nearly 40 pieces from artists across the U.S., and one from Quebec, who made pieces in the ancient encaustic style, fusing and overlaying hot wax with colors.

The shows criteria called for art related to the topic of global warming through a more specific topic, such as effects on the ocean or wildlife. The exhibits selections were chosen from more than 100 submissions.

Though the Encaustic Art Institute has done juried shows previously, this is the first since the institute added its museum in March.

Did the museum choose global warming because its currently a hot-button political issue?

Douglas Mehrens, the museums owner and Encaustic Art Institute founder, said he didnt create the show to be political and it wont have references to President Donald Trump, who recently pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord.

He said he chose global warming because he feels artists should be discussing it. It keeps getting more and more evident that its true, but so many people dont accept it, Mehrens.

As a museum, we wanted to do a show and were going to keep doing shows [that are] not political, but on topics that artists should be involved in.

Louise Casselman, a Santa Fe-based artist, created an abstract piece depicting endangered species, with a small, bright figure in the middle surrounded by black, grey and other neutral pigments. She said its difficult for artists to comment on issues when the effects arent as easily noticeable in everyday life.

Global warming is an amazing topic that concerns the world only in a fleeting way, Casselman said. It concerns a lot of people, but its not like its something they really understand.

Alongside the paintings, Mehrens said the museum will display articles from science journals and reports related to the images.

Although Mehrens is downplaying politics, California-based artist Heidi Rufeh said she was inspired to create her piece, Levels Rising, about growing sea levels, because the government isnt taking the issue seriously and shes concerned about ignorance. She hopes people who come and see the show leave ready to deal with this matter rather than putting it under the rug.

There are so many deniers; that is churning inside of me, said Rufeh. We cant ignore the problem.

For at least one artist, the issue is beyond politics. Carol Mell of Rio Rancho, who used wax and horse hair to depict electrical poles on a landscape, said global warming is a spiritual topic to draw from because of the way it connects people and nature. The poles in her piece are meant to symbolize that connection, the way electricity goes from one place to another.

Something like global warming maybe is the first big wake-up call [for humans] that we all live on a little island that we share, said Mell. Our actions reverberate in ways we cant see or imagine.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: Global Warming is Real opening reception

WHERE: Museum of Encaustic Art, 632 Agua Fria St.

WHEN: Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

PRICE: Same as admission, between $5-$9. Veterans and children 16 and under are free
The Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), if honest, would keep the acronym and call itself Better Care for Rich Americans.

The bill developed by Senate Republicans weaves upper income tax breaks throughout a series of sections outlining large cuts to Medicaid, the elimination of guaranteed essential services, massive unfunded mandates to the states, repeal of assistance to small employers that provide employee health insurance and the repeal of the Prevention and Public Health Fund.

Each of these take-backs is bad for many states, but the combination is deadly for the health care system of our state. New Mexico remains dead last in job growth. We are among the handful of states most dependent on federal dollars because of the large percentage of federal lands, national laboratories, tribal lands and military operations. New Mexicans also receive direct payments through federal employment, cash assistance, federal pensions, Social Security and disability.

The health care system in New Mexico has always been fragile. Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made the first across-the-board improvement to the health system in the 40 years I have been working in the state. Without partisanship, Governor Martinezs administration dramatically increased access through enrolling most uninsured New Mexicans into Medicaid.

Medicaid expansion strengthened hospital bottom lines, replacing uncompensated indigent care with insurance revenues. The Commonwealth Fund estimates that repealing the expansion in New Mexico will more than double uncompensated hospital care (a 107 percent increase) with an overall decrease of 25 percent in Medicaid payments to hospitals.

Special provisions in the ACA provided funds to modernize and expand the network of Community Health Centers (CHCs) throughout the state. New Mexico CHCs operate 160 sites  primary care, dental, school-based and behavioral health clinics; 80 percent are located in rural areas. New Mexico CHCs provide more than 1.5 million patient visits every year. Forty percent of CHC revenues are from Medicaid.

The ACA expanded the National Health Service Corps, which recruits providers to health professional shortage areas, helping to staff hospitals and clinics. Despite this federal assistance, New Mexico meets only 39 percent of the need for health professionals. It will take more than 800 new medical professionals to fill the gaps in New Mexicos 190 state and federally designated primary care health profession shortage areas.

Two other BCRA changes would be especially negative in New Mexico, one affecting small employers and the other impacting public health. After the passage of the Affordable Care Act, businesses with fewer than 25 employees became eligible for the Small Business Tax Credit. This helped small employers, many who had always wanted to provide health care for their employees, but were not able to afford the insurance. Small businesses are a keystone of the private sector in New Mexico. It is beyond comprehension that the Senates BCRA specifically repeals the Small Business Tax Credit. It is hard to understand a law that gives numerous tax cuts to upper income people, while including a tax increase for small businesses providing insurance for their employees.

Also included in the BCRA, whose consideration has been postponed at least until after the Fourth of July holiday, is a repeal of the Prevention and Public Health Fund. This will hit New Mexico very hard with the immediate loss of nearly $45 million over five years. These cuts will increase health spending, because prevention programs lower costs. At a time when obesity and diabetes are at all-time highs in New Mexico, the state will lose $573,000 in chronic disease prevention funds every year, $2.8 million over five years. Half of all vaccines for children and adults are funded through the Prevention and Public Health Fund. In New Mexico, repealing the fund will eliminate $700,000 a year to purchase and distribute vaccines, $3.5 million over five years.

Health care costs will not go down just because the federal government and upper income people make smaller contributions. The federal law requires states to take on many of the administrative roles and costs being dumped by the feds. This transfer of responsibility constitutes one of the largest unfunded mandates ever pushed onto New Mexico state government.

We must not go back to pre-ACA levels of uninsurance and delayed care. New Mexico is better than this. We have to protect public health, the health infrastructure of the state and health care jobs. Federal tax breaks and cuts in health care funding will require state and local tax increases. And unlike the feds, in our state, those with the most must be asked to contribute the most.

Carol Miller lives in Ojo Sarco. She is a longtime public health professional and activist.
When five inmates at the Penitentiary of New Mexico volunteered to write poetry for the Institute of American Indian Arts, they knew they wouldnt be able to see their work as it went up display for its intended audience  walkers on a south Santa Fe trail.

Instead, prison librarian Roseanna Andrade brought the poems outdoor setting to them, recreating within prison walls the scene where the poems now can be seen and read by passers-by.

With about 25 color photos of IAIAs Health and Wellness Trail, Andrade set up her own trail throughout the prison library on the same weekend in April that the inmates work went up for public viewing on the campus walking path.

Inmates from the minimum security unit walked through the library like an art gallery, looking at the scenery and reading the poetic works that, outdoors at IAIA, have been placed in display cases atop five wooden posts along the trail.

One inmates poem personifies the environment as a person to fall in love with; another tells a detailed story of snow melting off a flower; another describes nature as an escape from the worlds harsh realities.

The five poems will be on display on the IAIA trail until August.

Andrade said her recreation of the trail caught the eye of the inmates friends and prison staff, who also organized a contest where participants voted for the poem they liked best.

People were reading them and congratulating each other, said Andrade, a 2016 IAIA alumnus who began working at the prison in November. It was a way to see (the inmates) are doing things, and everyone was interested.

Andrade requested poems from the inmates in March after James Thomas Stevens, her former teacher and an IAIA associate professor of creative writing, had learned of her position at the penitentiary and wanted to provide opportunities for new groups to submit work to show on the Health and Wellness Trail.

She then received approval from the prisons former Deputy Warden Clarence Olivas. She told him it wouldnt cost anything and she knew there would be interest. Her prison clients had previously expressed interest in more programming and involvement with the library.

I was really surprised, she said. We got really thoughtful, full of emotion and feelings, reflections. To me, that just shows they wanted to express this; they took this opportunity to capture those feelings.

She received submissions from minimum security inmates John Lujan, Larry Walters, Christopher Paige, Felix Moriel and Jose Gamez. They had two weeks to write a nature-themed poem to match the trail setting.

Heres a population that doesnt have the opportunity to hike trails and be out in nature, heres a chance to reflect on that and what does that mean for them, she said.

The posts along the trail have been used to display poems, collected by Stevens, since the trails creation about four years ago.

In the past, the work has been from IAIA students and local high schoolers.

Stevens said asking for inmate poems was a spur of the moment decision, but the idea matches the colleges mission of community outreach. He plans to continue asking local groups to submit work.

I do think it will open peoples minds, said Stevens. People dont immediately think of the penitentiary as somewhere poetry is coming out of, when really it comes out of every community.

Stevens, a lifelong poet, said it was interesting to see how naturally the inmates picked up poetry structure, without any kind of poetry class before they were asked to turn in their work. Some had never written poetry before, but Andrade said they looked at the librarys poetry books and were eager to learn.

They knew where the line should break and should pause  it was interesting to see writers who are untrained doing the exact thing, said Stevens.

Andrade said the inmates also are getting support from their families. She said Gamezs relatives had planned a trip to see the poetry trail, while Lujan sent his piece to his family. It was the first time hed showed them his writing.

Andrede hopes shell have another opportunity to offer inmates poetry programming again.

It allows people to channel their energy in positive ways, constructive ways, she said.
Water running through the subsurface of Mars lasted longer than previous estimates, according to observations made using the Los Alamos National Laboratorys ChemCam on the Red Planet.

The ChemCam  for chemistry and camera  was developed at Los Alamos in cooperation with the French space agency and is located on NASAs Curiosity rover. Its laser shoots rocks and analyzes the vaporized materials to discover what elements lie within.

Last year, the rovers equipment found boron within rock veins in the planets huge Gale Crater, evidence of a history of habitable groundwater on Mars.

Now, scientists say bedrock around the same crater displays high concentrations of silica, a chemical compound of oxygen and silicon that shows up as pale halos around fractures in the rock. The finding expands the window of time that liquid water was apparently present on the planet  and for when life might have existed on Mars.

The Gale Crater is known for once being home to a lake that was around for potentially millions of years before it evaporated as Mars surface dried up.

This is really good evidence we had some sort of water moving through the bedrock long after the lake was there, Jens Frydenvang told the Journal.

Frydenvang, a LANL scientist who also works for the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, is the lead author of a May 30 paper published in the American Geophysical Unions Geophysical Research Letters.

What were seeing is that silica appears to have migrated between very old sedimentary bedrock and into younger overlying rocks, he said, over a distance of about 20 meters to 30 meters in elevation, carried by water flowing through rock fractures.

The research indicates that groundwater carried the silica until the water temperature lowered from reaching the surface. The compound latched onto the rock at that time.

The silicas source, according to Frydenvang, is volcanic material that created a layer of silica in the Gale Craters former lake area.

We have this full story of the source and then how its transported into these fractures, he said. Thats why we only see it along these 20-30 meters.

Some of the rocks containing the halos were deposited by wind, likely as dunes, which would exist only after the lake dried up, according to the research. The presence of halos in rocks formed long after the lake was gone indicates that groundwater was still flowing within the rocks more recently than previously known.

Answering more questions about how long the groundwater was there and if it that water alone could have supported life will take further research. Frydenvang said the picture of how long the period with water lasted and how the environment transitioned should become clearer as Curiosity continues to climb Mount Sharp, the mountain that rises more than three miles at the center of the Gale Crater.

Its really (now) finding out what kind of environment we had in that middle time  when we started to not have the lake anymore and it was dryer for longer periods of time, he said.

Looking for elements and minerals, or chemical ingredients, that could have made the water sustain living organisms is another next step.

This can be done by looking through past data of the rock veins around the area or through additional probing, said Joel Hurowitz, assistant professor in Stony Brook Universitys Department of Geosciences and another of the recent papers authors.

Hurowitz, who said the research adds to the plate of evidence that groundwater played a vital role in the planets environment, said the groups first sightings of the halos were in May 2015 and subsequent research followed until the papers release two years later.

(Gale Crater) really points to a really Earth-life environment, said Hurowitz. Its pointing out just how familiar Mars can be. The crater is 96 miles across.

Frydenvang said it is still unknown how the boron and silica discoveries relate to each other, other than theyre both proof of the groundwaters transporting different materials. But boron is necessary for life.

Forty-two international scientists are listed authors of the new paper. Curiosity, with the ChemCam on board, landed on Mars in 2012.
TAOS  Petroglyphs and pictographs, a peregrine falcon swooping down on a stray bat, and baby blue herons popping their heads out from a nest atop a dead ponderosa pine were among the highlights of a day-long raft float down the Wild Rivers section of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

A media tour of the middle box portion of the Rio Grande  northwest of Taos, along the Rio Grande Gorge  on Wednesday was organized by Trout Unlimited, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Back Country Hunters and Anglers, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

The idea was to raise awareness about whats at stake for local communities and businesses while the fates of the northern New Mexico monument and more than two dozen others are under review, as per an executive order by President Donald Trump.

Also on display Wednesday were big horn sheep lounging on the banks of the river, stunning views of ragged rock canyon walls and trout jumping from the end of an anglers line.

President Barack Obamas designation of the Rio Grande del Norte in 2013 has been great for Taos and great for us, Steve Harris, owner and operator of Far Flung Adventures, told a group of about 15 participants  about half of them journalists  as they took a break along the banks of the river for lunch and a couple of hours of fishing.

This section of the river (the put-in was at La Junta, just below where the Rio Grande and the Red River meet, and the take-out was at the John Dunn Bridge, west of Arroyo Hondo) is one of the least used sections of the river, access achieved after a more than a mile hike down into the canyon and with a mule team used to haul supplies.

Because of the difficulty getting there, its a part of the river sport fishermen rarely fish. Harris is trying to make it more accessible. Were trying to turn the paradigm from roadside river tours in favor of focusing more attention on spending time in wild places like this, Harris said.

Toner Mitchell is New Mexico public lands coordinator for Trout Unlimited. Though he has wet his lines in Argentina, New Zealand, Alaska, and up and down the Rocky Mountains, the northern New Mexico native says this part of the river in his own backyard is one of his five favorite in the world.

And not necessarily because of the fishing, he said. Its the whole experience.

He mentions the scenery, the ruggedness, the wildlife, and the fishing is good. And theres always the chance that itll be amazing.

Recreating on the river like we just did, in my opinion is the best use of resources, Mitchell said at the end of the day.

Economic advantage

The creation of Rio Grande del Norte National Monument was pushed by a broad coalition of local communities and stakeholders, including chambers of commerce, dozens of local businesses, Taos Pueblo, hunting and angler organizations, and environmental advocates.

The village of Questa, which a few years ago saw the closing of the Chevron molybdenum mine  the economic driver for decades in the town of fewer than 2,000  is now focusing economic development efforts based around tourism, including making Questa a destination for fishing.

Supporters of the monument point to a study by Headwaters Economics, a Montana-based nonprofit that focuses on community development and land management in the West. The group did a before-after economic analysis of communities in the area of 17 national monuments.

Because of their recent designation, the two new New Mexico monuments  Rio Grande del Norte and the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks monument in southern New Mexico  were not included. But the study found local economies expanded in all 17 areas studied following the creation of new monuments, and per capita income increased.

The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association has no specific criticism of the Rio Grande del Norte designation and neither does a statewide ranchers group, the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association.

Perhaps the lone voice crying in the wilderness  or the national monument  in opposition comes from the Northern New Mexico Stockmans Association, although grazing is allowed to continue under Obamas designation.

Association leader Dave Sanchez argues that will change. Once a designation happens, a monument or wilderness, it changes the standards (for allowable use), he said. The agency people, they find ways to get rid of them by playing with the standards.

Presidential order

Trumps order to review monuments says the original objectives of the federal Antiquities Act, under which presidents can designate national monuments, was to reserve land not to exceed the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of protected areas. He called for a review to determine whether the designations are appropriately classified, and the effects the designations have on federal land policy and management.

The Antiquities Act does not give the federal government unlimited power to lock up millions of acres of land and water, and its time we end this abusive practice, Trump said at the signing ceremony for his order.

Obamas creation of Bear Ears National Monument in Utah, which faced strong opposition from the start, has drawn much of the focus. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has already proposed revisiting the size of Bear Ears.

While Rio Grande del Norte has had minimal opposition, theres still concern that review by Zinkes Department of Interior could result in a reduction of its size, currently 242,500 acres mostly in Taos County.

I think well get a clue when they decide about Bears Ears, Harris said. Itll tell us a lot about where were headed.

Harris noted that in addition to stating that grazing permits and leases shall continue to apply in Rio Grande del Norte, which he said satisfied many ranchers, the monument designation also allows the traditional collection of firewood and pinon nuts within the boundaries.

The designation does bar the sale or lease of land within the boundaries for geothermal and mineral exploration. It also restricts the use of motorized vehicles to existing roads, and non-motorized vehicles to designated roads and trails. It permits utility line rights-of-way under certain conditions.

An expedited remedy

The Antiquities Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, gives the president authority to create national monuments from federal lands by proclamation in order to protect historic, cultural and scientific interests. Sometimes, the monuments are buildings; sometimes, they are vast swaths of land totalling more than a million acres.

There are now 129 national monuments, 14 in New Mexico. Obama created 26 of them and expanded eight more, the most of any president and more than were designated by presidents from Hoover to Lyndon Johnson over a span of 40 years. His predecessor, George W. Bush, designated six. Trumps order calls for a review of the 23 monuments designated since 1996.

In response to questioning from New Mexico Democratic Sen. Tom Udall during a hearing on the Interior Department budget last week, Zinke said he was open to the idea of keeping the two new monuments in New Mexico at their current configurations if he found community leaders were in support. But he made no promises.

I do not want to rip a Band-Aid off of a monument that is settled, he said, adding hell confer with the governor, the congressional delegation and local government representatives. And if it is settled and people are happy with it, I find no reason to recommend any changes.

Zinke agreed to visit at least one of New Mexicos monuments soon and accepted an invitation from Sen. Martin Heinrich to do so on horseback.

Heinrich and the rest of the states other Democratic representatives in Washington  Udall, and Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Ben Ray Lujan  staunchly support the monument designations. They issued a joint news release June 20 saying the designations protect precious resources, enjoy overwhelming public support (and) boost local economies.

But the day after Udall questioned Zinke, the House had its turn. Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce called on Zinke to reduce the size of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks  now 496,000 acres  in his south New Mexico district, while lifting a stack of papers that contained signatures from 800 businesses and individuals who wanted to reduce the size of the federally protected area by 88 percent, to 60,000 acres.

Gov. Susana Martinezs office did not respond to questions from the Journal asking where she stands on the issue.

On Monday, State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn weighed in with a letter to the Department of the Interior, calling for the monument review process to be expedited so that the state can trade out state land inside the monument boundaries or for a reduction in the size of the monuments to allow the State to use its trust land to achieve the purposes for which the federal government granted the trust lands to New Mexico. State trust lands are leased out for many purposes, including grazing and gas or oil drilling.

The need for an expedited remedy is particularly acute in light of fiscal difficulties the State of New Mexico is experiencing, Dunn wrote.

Dunn said there are 41,155 acres of trust land landlocked with Rio Grande del Norte and 67,547 acres within Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks. He wants to trade for 78,000 acres of federal land.

Hugely concerned

Caren Cowan, executive director of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, says she hasnt heard much from her members about the Rio Grande del Norte, but ranchers in the south are hugely concerned and want the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks boundaries to be reduced.

The group still doesnt know whether access for grazing cattle will be impacted by the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks designation. Were three or four years into this designation and theres not a management plan out yet, so we dont know what it will restrict, Cowan said.

She questions whether Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks even meets the definition of a national monument and said the government hasnt yet spelled what resources the designation protects.

Cowan lamented different types of land designations that impact ranchers. We have federal monument designations, (Areas of Critical Environmental Concern) designations, wilderness designations, wilderness study designations. Designation after designation is aimed at restricting use, she said.

The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association supports review of the two New Mexico monuments to assure they are of appropriate size, but hasnt taken a stance in support of reducing the boundaries. We have no issues with current monument designations in New Mexico, said Robert McIntyre, spokesman for the association. Our primary concern is access to federal land for production purposes.

He said there currently arent any applications for permits within the boundaries of the two monuments and that he doesnt see any future production opportunities.

Up north, the Stockmans Association has opposed the Rio Grande del Norte designation from the beginning, despite the wording permitting grazing. Its the same argument the association has against wilderness designations, says spokesman Sanchez.

We find ourselves in this geographic dilemma where, in towns in Rio Arriba and Taos counties, we have little property left, he said. Were struggling economically and culturally. We have no tax base to support our people. Agriculture, ranching, timber, mining  all these grassroots industries are all fading away.

Sanchez is a land grant advocate and says much of the land that Spanish settlers have been utilizing to raise cattle since 1598 is gone. Those traditions run very deep and theyve taken out millions of acres. It has had a devastating impact, he said.

Sanchez says hes a living example. He owns property that straddles the New Mexico-Colorado border. He says his family has had grazing permits for years in both the San Juan and Santa Fe national forests. When the government granted a wilderness designation in the San Juan National Forest in Colorado, he said, Sure enough, shortly after that when they started revising the forest plan and range plan, they started changing the standards of use.

As a result, Sanchez lost a grazing permit. He said it had a $2 million impact on his ranching operation. Without room to graze, he had to sell his cows, and his children went to work at Wal-Mart.

Sanchez predicts the same thing will happen to those with grazing allotments within the Rio Grande del Norte. We know for sure that in the long run those people will be taken out of there, he said.

One battle at a time

Back at the boathouse of Far Flung Adventures along the Rio Grande, Harris, whose own business relies on the river, says that for him, the Rio Grande del Norte is about protecting water.

Less and less water is coming downstream from Colorado, he says, so while the designation of Rio Grande del Norte was a victory for conservation, keeping it as it is will be another battle.

Conservation is done on an incremental basis, he said. You fight one battle at a time, and sometimes you have to fight them all over again.




Two people were rescued and another two remained trapped late Thursday in a gravel pit near Placitas.

Sandoval County Fire Department Chief James Maxon said he was the first on scene at West Materials Co.s Lafarge Gravel Mine, where four workers became trapped around 5 p.m.

He said two workers were buried up to their necks, a third up to the shoulders and the fourth up to the waist.

My biggest priority was making sure the two buried up to their shoulders were breathing, Maxon said.

The incident began when two workers got covered up to their necks in a collapse at the site, he said. Two workers tried to rescue them and got caught in a collapse as well.

We are almost four hours into this incident, we have two patients that have been extricated and have been taken to the hospital, one by air, one by ground, Maxon said late Thursday. We are slowly, methodically, digging out the other two.

There were about 50 rescue personnel at the scene from the Sandoval County, Rio Rancho, Corrales and Albuquerque fire departments.

This is probably a once-in-a-career type rescue for the firefighters here on this scene, Maxon said. This is a very complex scene, and its very dangerous for, not only the patients, but us.

Despite that, he said everybody was in good spirits and the two workers who remained trapped were conscious and speaking with rescue personnel.

First responders at the scene where four worked were trapped in a gravel pit on Thursday. (Source: Sandoval County Fire Department)

Rescue personnel from multiple fire departments responded to the scene at West Materials Companys Lafarge Gravel Mine, where four workers became trapped around 5 p.m. (Source: Sandoval County Fire Department)
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

The dogs name was Onion, and he rose to national prominence in 2012 after mauling a Nevada child to death on the boys first birthday.

Onion, a 120-pound mastiff and Rhodesian mixed breed, was slated to be put down, but an animal rights group intervened and secured the dogs freedom after nearly two years of legal wrangling with the city of Henderson, Nev. Deb Brinkley, who was hired last year as associate director of the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department, told her employees here that she helped save Onion by taking him in at a sanctuary she used to run in Colorado.

Albuquerque Animal Welfare employees told investigators with the citys Office of Inspector General that it was just another example of the mindset of their departments leaders and how they prioritize live exits for animals over public safety, according to an investigative report released Thursday by the OIG. The report states that Brinkley confirmed that she did provide sanctuary to Onion and he lived out his days at her sanctuary in Colorado.

The situation with Onion was cause for concern for many employees, according to the report.

The OIG investigation was launched in response to complaints from multiple Animal Welfare employees about what they believed to be a disregard for public safety, how dogs with serious behavioral issues were being handled, a lack of communication from leadership and other concerns.

The report cites several instances in which Animal Welfare Director Paul Caster prioritized saving animals lives over public safety, at times in violation of city rules and even a state statute as it relates to dogs that injure or kill livestock.

The publics safety must be paramount and take precedence over the desire to save an animals life, the report states. The failure to do this not only places the city of Albuquerque at increased risk of costly lawsuits, but jeopardizes the health and safety of the citizens.

Desiree Cawley, the marketing manager and spokeswoman for Animal Welfare, said Caster was out of town on Thursday, and she referred requests for comment on the report to the Mayors Office.

Michael Riordan, the citys chief operating officer, downplayed the findings. He told the Journal in an emailed statement that he had just received a copy of the OIG report.

From our brief review, the report is based on the same allegations and same dog cases that the TIGER team completed their investigation on nearly four months ago, he said. Based on the latest TIGER Team report, the Animal Welfare Department has already addressed needed revisions to their policies and procedures and distributed these to all (Animal Welfare Department) staff.

He said the city remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and effective Animal Welfare Department that handles more than 17,000 animals annually and has steadily increased all performance measures for reducing intake, increasing adoptions, and total spay/neuter procedures.

According to the OIG report, investigators were told that animals were no longer being removed from the euthanasia list, a problem identified in the past. But employees reported that they often felt uncomfortable or afraid to list dogs for euthanasia, noting that the director would often use words like execute, destroy and kill, causing employees to feel guilty about listing dogs to be euthanized.

Some employees felt managements leadership style was intimidating and even caused employees to change positions on issues, the report states.

According to the OIG, staff members also reported instances in which the director minimized or downplayed incidents involving dog bites.

Employees felt that the director would also frequently shift the blame to the other dog or to the person involved, whether it was an adult or child, and stated the (Animal Welfare Department) dog that bit or attacked the other animal or person must have been provoked, the report states.

The OIG also found apparent dysfunction, low morale and ineffective leadership in the department.

This marks the fifth investigation of Animal Welfare practices and leadership involving potentially dangerous dogs since 2015, the second involving Caster, who took the top job at the agency in mid-2016.

Earlier this year, an internal Tiger Team of top city managers and an attorney investigated complaints about Caster, finding he disregarded new reforms and overruled staff to keep unadoptable shelter dogs from being euthanized. Riordan responded last March that Caster was working to improve the situation.

Three city investigations in 2015 concluded that Animal Welfare had been adopting out dogs that had bitten or injured humans or killed other animals and potentially endangered public safety. Then-Director Barbara Bruin stepped down as director that year and left the agency in July 2016. Caster had been a volunteer coordinator for the organization before he was employed by the city.

The OIG recommended that the Animal Welfare Department stay abreast of changes to city and state law, as well as best practices promulgated by the professional associations to ensure maximum safety to the public and AWD employees as well as minimal risk of lawsuits.

The OIG spoke with various individuals throughout AWD.

All felt that the goal and number one priority should be public safety, the report states. They felt it was part of AWDs duty and responsibility to protect the citizens of Albuquerque. Staff felt optimistic when new leadership came on board in late 2015. However, it soon became clear that the new Director was most interested in further decreasing euthanasia numbers.
We have known for some time that New Mexico has a serious problem with methane pollution. In 2014, NASA scientists discovered a Delaware-sized hot spot of pollution hovering above northwest New Mexicos San Juan Basin  the highest concentration of this powerful climate pollutant found anywhere in the United States.

Unfortunately, some in the oil and gas industry have tried to delay action that would clean up this pollution problem by attempting to point the methane finger elsewhere. Their attempts to blame the hot spot on natural causes are not borne out by the science.

A new study is again underlining the cause of this methane pollution: problems at the tens of thousands of oil and gas wells that dot the basin. According to NOAA, which used specialized aircraft to measure atmospheric methane levels, the lack of any large increasing trend in ground-based sampling, geologic seepage cannot explain the persistent [methane] emissions in the basin over time.

In other words, atmospheric methane levels are high, yet measurements taken at the ground from naturally occurring sources are low. The methane cloud culprit: its the oil and gas industry.

And the problem is poised to get worse.

Just weeks after the study was released, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to impose a two-year delay on regulations that would have reduced methane emissions from newly developed oil and gas facilities. And last week, the head of the Department of the Interior told the Senate Energy Committee the Department plans to rewrite a similar rule that would reduce methane emissions from new and existing wells on New Mexicos federal and tribal lands.

These protections are vital to cleaning the air and reducing energy waste  since methane is the primary component of natural gas. The administrations reversal on these protections will do unjust harm to New Mexico communities. For instance, if EPAs rules are put on hold, it will allow 1,500 wells across the state of New Mexico to emit up to 870 tons of climate-forcing methane, 230 tons of smog-forming volatile organic compounds and nine tons of hazardous air pollutants into our air.

Regrettably, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has refused to defend national efforts to protect New Mexico communities from this waste and pollution  and at the same time has failed to implement any protections at the state level.

Fortunately, New Mexicos congressional leaders, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Reps. Ben Ray Lujan and Michelle Lujan Grisham, have been strong champions for standards that prevent methane waste, and state Attorney General Hector Balderas is among those fighting these federal rollbacks in court. With the Trump administration reversing course on this pressing issue, New Mexico leaders must continue to step up.

Heres why  every day these common-sense standards are not in place, the publics health is put at risk, the climate is threatened and New Mexicos energy resources are wasted.

Thats unacceptable, especially when policies that reduce wasteful methane emissions will create needed New Mexico jobs. Research shows that companies in the pollution-reduction business have grown up to 30 percent in states that have methane protections. And returning more gas to the sales line also means returning more money to New Mexico taxpayers. Without BLMs methane policies, New Mexico will not be able to recoup royalties from $100 million of gas that companies are wasting every year on the states public and tribal lands.

New Mexico leaders have the tools to solve this waste and pollution problem. Unlike other oil- and gas-producing states, New Mexico does not currently require controls for the release of this harmful pollution from oil and gas development. In fact, unlike neighboring states, New Mexico does not even require oil and gas companies to get basic air quality permits before drilling. It is time for New Mexico to take up these tools and cut this waste and pollution.
Kill the bill! Dont kill me! protesters chanted in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, opposing passage of the controversial Senate health care reform bill. President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress are intent on repealing the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, even if their repeal bill is massively unpopular nationally, with only 17 percent approval based on a recent poll, and will reportedly leave tens of millions of Americans without health insurance. A new study predicts that stripping health insurance away from that many people will lead to 29,000 more Americans dying per year. So, when many of these protesters are begging their senators not to kill them, they are serious.

Dr. Steffie Woolhandler is a primary care physician and co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program. Woolhandler, who also has been a fierce critic of the Affordable Care Act, co-authored the new study The Relationship of Health Insurance and Mortality: Is Lack of Insurance Deadly? published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. We reviewed the worlds scientific literature on the relationship between health insurance and mortality. There is really now a scientific consensus that being uninsured raises the death rates, she told us on Democracy Now!

As with climate change, Republican politicians tell us to ignore the science. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, was questioned at a town hall meeting last month about why he supports Medicaid cuts, which will lead to loss of insurance and, in some cases, death. He replied: No one wants anybody to die  that line is so indefensible. Nobody dies because they dont have access to health care. Woolhandler responded: Sen. Ted Cruz has said that. Marco Rubio has said that. Secretary Tom Price, the secretary of Health and Human Services, has implied that, that you can be uninsured and nothing happens. Thats simply not true. The science is showing us that if you lack health insurance  people die earlier as a result.

Dr. Steffie Woolhandler is a supporter of single-payer health care, also called Medicare for All, after the immensely popular taxpayer-funded program that covers all seniors age 65 or over and chronically disabled people. She explained how such a system would work:

You would get a Medicare card the day youre born and have it your entire life. All medically necessary care would be covered by a tax-funded Medicare for All program.  All that billing and insurance enrollment is extremely expensive in the United States, consuming 31 percent of total U.S. health spending, according to our research. By going to a simple single-payer system, you could save about half of it, about $500 billion a year, which you could use to get to universal health care and to remove co-payments and deductibles from people who now have them.

Similar systems work well around the world. Much of Western Europe has single-payer systems. They cover everyone. They live two years longer. They pay less for health care than we do, Dr. Woolhandler said. Being uninsured is bad for your health, it can cause deaths. Being fully covered for all medically necessary care, as would happen under Medicare for All, makes people healthier, and it prolongs their life.

John Conyers, D-Mich., introduced H.R. 676, The Expanded & Improved Medicare for All Act. It has received an unprecedented number of co-sponsors, with 113 of his colleagues  all Democrats  signing on. Sen. Bernie Sanders is preparing a similar bill, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren just told The Wall Street Journal, Now its time for the next step  single payer.

While protesters sitting-in at the Capitol, or in offices of Sens. Mitch McConnell, Cory Gardner and others, get mentioned on the news and dramatic footage of their sit-ins and arrests gets some airtime, where are the protesters voices?

A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll found that just 17 percent of people support the current Senate bill. Compare that with single-payer, which gets almost no attention in the media. The Pew Research Center released a report this week, stating that 33 percent of those polled now favor single-payer, up 12 percentage points from 2014.

We in the media should not be a party to the parties and only present what they are presenting. We need a media that is the fourth estate, not for the state. We need to open the airwaves to include a diversity of voices, including those who are advocating for single-payer health care. It is, as Dr. Steffie Woolhandler and her colleagues have shown, a matter of life and death.
The Supreme Courts decision to allow portions of President Trumps travel ban to proceed is a much-needed victory for the administration. The high court ruled that those who lack any bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States could be denied entry into the U.S. The ban targets those from six majority-Muslim countries, halting entry until extreme vetting can be conducted.

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.

The court also handed down a second victory, striking a blow against the decades-long discrimination against religious institutions, which the courts have treated as separate and unequal. More about that in a moment.

At the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, James Madison spoke to the heart of the immigration issue when he said the goal was to invite foreigners of merit and republican principles among us. America was indebted to emigration for her settlement and prosperity. Do potential immigrants from the six nations meet this standard? Thats what the vetting hopes to discover.

Some key phrases in the courts ruling will need further definition in the next court term. The court said that immigrants from these six countries will need a job offer, proof of admission to an educational program, or a close family connection in order to be exempt from the 90-day travel ban, or the overall 120-day immigration pause.

What constitutes a close family connection? Would first or second cousins qualify? Suppose a family member is already in the country, but on a terrorist watch list and his brother wants in? Would that be OK? What if the job offer is from a group with ties to terrorism? Would that undermine the purpose of the temporary ban?

Perhaps these questions will be sorted out when the court hears the full case. This decision is significant because it overturned lower court rulings, which had found even the presidents modified executive order unconstitutional based largely on his campaign rhetoric and not the Constitution. It offers hope that the delays will be upheld as a proper exercise of presidential authority.

The other case involved Trinity Lutheran Church in Missouri, which applied for a grant from a state-run program to resurface its playground. Missouri denied the application saying that as a religious institution the church wasnt entitled to state funds. The court ruled, however, that the states policy violated the churchs right to free exercise of its religion. Many believe the ruling could widen the legal understanding of the First Amendments free exercise clause, which has taken a beating since the 60s, beginning with the outlawing of prayer in public schools.

While especially conservative Christians will find much to celebrate in this ruling, there are reasons to be cautious. Couldnt radical Muslims use this case to appeal for taxpayer dollars to help build Islamic schools, even mosques?

Another caution should come from history. When taxpayer money is involved, the government frequently seeks to assert itself by regulation, and the limitation of speech and activities that go against a secular worldview. In the end, the Lutheran school might have protected itself against such intrusions by raising the money privately.

Still, even with these caveats, the courts two rulings mark a welcome setback to the open borders crowd and those secular progressives who view the expression of any religious view in the public square the way a vampire views a cross. It has been a curiosity of mine that some people believe using Gods name as a curse word is speech protected by the Constitution, while claiming the opposite when it comes to speaking well of the Deity at a commencement ceremony.

Perhaps the justices will try to split that legal atom in a future ruling.

Email: tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Copyright, Tribune Content Agency LLC.
Many have questioned the tactics the Martinez administration employed in June 2013 to withhold funding from 15 behavioral health providers throughout the state  some of which were forced to close their doors.

Those questions resurfaced last week when the state accepted a $484.71 settlement from a provider the state originally said owed it $2.8 million.

In hindsight, did Martinez use a chainsaw  when a scalpel would have sufficed  to address claims of overbilling, mismanagement and possible fraud by the contractors paid to deliver mental health services to needful New Mexicans?

In June 2013, the state Human Services Department abruptly halted Medicaid and other funding to the 15 behavioral health providers statewide, saying an in-depth audit by a Boston firm showed $36 million in overpayments over three years, widespread mismanagement and possible fraud. (The state had asked for the audit after OptumHealth, the states former overseer of behavioral health services, flagged irregularities and questionable billings.)

When the dust settled, the state collected only about $4.4 million from the providers and, by April 2016, all 15 of those had been cleared of fraud charges by the state Attorney Generals Office.

The audit cost $3 million, meaning the state netted roughly $1.4 million for this four-year upheaval. Meanwhile, the states tactics put some providers out of business, including Southwest Counseling Center in Las Cruces, which provided services to mentally ill clients and addicts. When the provider failed to produce billing documentation sought by the state, it was hit with a $2.8 million demand. Once the paperwork was provided, the state dropped its demand to $484.71  an amount the center agreed to pay rather than continue fighting.

Granted, there was plenty of smoke to give skeptics reason to believe there was a Medicaid-fraud fire in need of dousing  the audit cited golden parachutes for nonprofit CEOs, $1.5 million annual salaries to CEOs and their family members, even Southwest Counselings former head reportedly purchasing an airplane with a $200,000 loan from his nonprofit. (He says no Medicaid money was used for the plane.)

But four years  and multiple lawsuits from the targeted providers  later, average clients, their family members and other taxpayers have to be wondering if anyone really got to the bottom of the allegations, and if there was a better way to handle the subsequent investigation.

For its part, the state has said it had to take such drastic action to comply with the Affordable Care Act, which requires funding be halted when there are credible allegations of fraud. OK, except the language also gives the state the option of not doing so if officials believe there is good cause for several reasons, including jeopardizing access to services.

The state says it is now providing more mental health services than ever before  though some lawmakers question that claim. It bears noting that of the five Arizona behavioral health companies the Martinez administration contracted with to take over mental health services for the state, four have since left the state or announced plans to do so.

Regardless, the flap caused disruption not only of the 15 businesses accused of wrongdoing, but also the lives of those living with mental illness and/or addiction, as well as those caring for them.

If the state has learned anything from this saga, it should be that using the least amount of force necessary to effect change  especially when dealing with vulnerable populations  is preferable to using the largest weapons in the arsenal.

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.
SANTA FE  The New Mexico state agency that administers safety-net programs for nearly half of the states residents is under fire again, as plaintiffs in a long-running civil lawsuit say the Human Services Department has made shockingly little progress in complying with court orders aimed at improving the administration of federally funded food aid and health care programs.

However, the agencys Cabinet secretary disputed that assertion during a Thursday court hearing in Las Cruces, saying the department has made improvements in recent months to more quickly process food stamp and Medicaid benefit applications.

Its sad to see groups try and play politics with our states most vulnerable, Human Services Department spokesman Joseph Cueto said after the hearing. The department will continue to improve because were committed to providing New Mexicans with only the best services.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Gonzales made no immediate ruling on the plaintiffs request to levy a $100-a-day fine on Human Services Secretary Brent Earnest, but said he planned to visit HSD field offices in the coming weeks to observe their operations.

He also urged both sides to adopt a less combative tone, according to an attorney in the case.

The dispute marks the latest chapter in a legal saga that began in 1988 and flared up last year, when a judge appointed a special master to oversee the agencys compliance efforts and found Earnest in contempt for failing to comply with court orders.

In a memo filed earlier this week, plaintiffs attorneys accused the Human Services Department of dragging its feet on a court decree aimed at eliminating a backlog of welfare applications and failing to turn over required information.

In addition, the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty and other plaintiffs said the agencys processing of expedited food stamp benefit applications has worsened in recent months  with 10.4 percent of such cases not being handled in a timely manner in May, compared with 6.9 percent in April.

Eligible New Mexicans are without food and medical assistance because defendant has a backlog of tens of thousands of unprocessed cases, the vast majority of clients cannot get through by phone and systemic changes required by multiple court orders have not been enacted, the memo says.

However, Earnest testified Thursday that the agency has improved in some key areas in recent months, such as decreasing its average response time in approving Medicaid benefit applications from nine days to seven days.

New Mexico has one of the nations highest poverty rates, and there were more than 455,000 New Mexicans receiving food assistance benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, as of May, according to the Human Services Department.

In addition, there were 902,860 New Mexicans  both children and adults  receiving benefits under Medicaid, a joint federal-state health care program, as of May, according to agency data. That figure represents nearly half the states population.
Theres a growing field of Democrats itching to run for the seat held by U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce in New Mexicos 2nd Congressional District.

David Baake, a Las Cruces attorney, announced his campaign Thursday, joining two other Democrats who have already signaled their intent to run for the seat next year.

In announcing his candidacy, Baake, 28, cited both Pearces recent vote in favor of a House-approved health care overhaul bill and the incumbents opposition to the size of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

Pearce, who has represented the district for all but one term since 2003, would likely be the odds-on favorite in the race. But the Hobbs Republican is also weighing a run for governor in 2018 and has not yet decided whether to seek re-election.

The 2nd Congressional District encompasses all of southern New Mexico and stretches north into parts of Bernalillo County. A Republican has occupied the seat for 35 of the past 37 years.

The other two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat are Mad Hildebrandt of Socorro and Ronald Fitzherbert of Las Cruces.

PAY HIKE: The director of the New Mexico Legislatures administrative arm is getting a hefty pay raise.

Raul Burciaga, the director of the Legislative Council Service, will see his salary increase to more than $153,000 annually  up from roughly $130,000 per year  after top-ranking lawmakers approved the pay bump earlier this week.

The increase will bring Burciagas salary in line with that of another top year-round legislative employee, longtime Legislative Finance Committee Director David Abbey.

Other legislative staffers could also get pay increases in the coming months, according to the LCS.

The Legislative Council Service has a staff of 45 full-time employees, according a state database. The agency helps lawmakers draft bills and provides legal advice, among other duties.

Meanwhile, the salary hikes come after several years of state budget cuts and revenue decreases. Most rank-and-file state workers have received just one pay raise in the past five years.

Dan Boyd: dboyd@abqjournal.com
The chief executive of the largest American Indian public housing authority in the U.S. will step down as the Navajo Nation looks to rebuild its reputation after concerns were raised about the lack of housing on the vast reservation.

Newly appointed members of the board that oversees the Navajo Housing Authority made the announcement Wednesday. Aneva Yazzies last day will be today.

The board said it was a mutual decision and that Yazzies departure will mark the first step in rebuilding the organization.

Moving forward, NHA must first restore trust with the people we serve by promoting transparency, communication, efficiency and accountability, the board said in a statement.

The move follows about four weeks of the board reviewing the housing authoritys financial records and talking with Yazzie, other staff and a number of the tribes elected officials.

Navajo housing officials in recent weeks have defended themselves against accusations that they overspent millions of dollars in federal grant funds. The allegations spurred a congressional investigation, but federal regulators have found no evidence of fraud or other criminal conduct.

According to the findings of an investigation by U.S. Sen. John McCains office and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, the housing authority over 10 years received more than $803 million in federal block grant funding and built only 1,110 homes.

The inquiry was triggered by an investigative series published by The Arizona Republic, beginning in December. The newspaper reported that the tribal agency at one point built up an unspent reserve of nearly $500 million and while few homes were built, key projects that did get built were never occupied or had severe problems.

The new board members and other officials with the housing authority have disputed some of the allegations, noting that the federal funding was not solely for the completion of new homes as the calculations suggested. They said the money also covered ongoing projects and the modernization of nearly 880 older homes over a four-year period, along with infrastructure projects, land acquisitions, maintenance of existing homes and rentals and the construction of group homes and other community resource centers.

The Navajo Nation spans more than 27,000 acres in parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, and the challenges have been well documented in recent years by federal housing officials and investigators with the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

The tribe is also plagued by high unemployment and poverty rates, as well as a lack of infrastructure, from roads to internet connectivity.

Yazzie said the tribe has never exceeded the spending limits imposed each year by HUD on new construction and modernization projects. She said the housing authority averages about $213,000 per new home.

Navajo officials acknowledge that major changes need to be made to meet the tribes housing demands. Yazzie pegged that need at about 50,000 units, much higher than was estimated just five years ago.

Were here to own the problems that we do have. We do need to build more houses. We know that and were excited to take that challenge on, board member Kris Beecher said in an interview. It is a big process to take on.

Tribe looks to rebuild troubled public housing authority
State prison officials have failed to convince a Santa Fe judge there are overriding security concerns in allowing an Albuquerque woman housed at the Grants womens prison to breast-feed her infant daughter during regular visiting hours.

First Judicial District Judge David Thomson in Santa Fe ruled Friday at that the prisons worries over breast-feeding werent enough to outweigh inmate Monique Hidalgos right to feed her baby. Prison officials testified they are concerned that Hidalgo might smuggle in contraband if she nurses her infant under a cover or might offend visitors or guards  possibly triggering an official complaint  if nursing uncovered.

That basically results in a ban that disadvantages Hidalgo and could likely be found to be unconstitutional, Thomson said in his oral ruling granting Hidalgos demands while the case proceeds to trial. He said that because the case is an issue of great public importance, if the Department of Corrections decides to appeal, it can do so immediately and not wait until trial.

DOC attorneys would not say if they plan to appeal the ruling, and they would not allow Adult Prison Division Director German Franco, who testified about the security concerns, to answer questions following the ruling.

Franco had testified that Hidalgo, who is in prison until possibly early next year after a handful of failures to comply with probation on charges of drug possession and trafficking, testified positive for opioid treatment drugs, which are sometimes used illicitly, in the days after she returned to Grants on June 8 from the hospital after giving birth.

DOC attorney Deborah Wells said DOC officials believe the positive test was due to contraband and thus justified the departments denial of breast-feeding for security reasons, in addition to concerns about the safety of the child who would be ingesting narcotics through its mothers milk.

Physicians, however, testified that the positive drug test was more than likely residual medication administered to Hidalgo before she was released to the hospital and that her milk was safe for the child. Hidalgos medical team had instructed her breast-feed to help her child ween off opioid treatment drugs to which the baby had become addicted during Hidalgos medically prescribed treatment during pregnancy at the prison.

Hidalgo, supported by the New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force, sued the Department of Corrections on June 16 after prison officials prevented her from breast-feeding her infant during regular visiting hours  during which inmates are allowed to hold and hug their children and visitors. Hidalgo was also prevented from using an electronic breast pump, though she was allowed a less efficient manual pump, so she can store milk.

Hidalgo, whose fiance is caring for their now 5-week-old baby girl at his home in Los Lunas, was granted a temporary restraining order against the ban, and on Friday, after nearly two days of testimony, Thomson ruled to extend that order overriding the ban as the case continues to trial. A trial date has not been set.

Thomson said DOC should be commended for attempting to launch a pilot lactation project in which Hidalgo was participating. It allows women to manually pump and store milk, but it does not allow in-person breast-feeding. Franco testified that DOC does not plan to implement in-person breast-feeding as part of any lactation program.

Prison spokesman and policy director S.U. Mahesh said that at least six pregnant women are incarcerated in New Mexico prisons.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. House approved one bill Thursday that would strip some federal grants from sanctuary cities that dont cooperate with federal agents on deportations, and another bill that would stiffen punishment for deported criminals who re-enter the U.S. illegally.

The legislation dealing with sanctuary cities  called the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act  mirrors a Justice Department initiative that has been tied up in federal court since April. The House bill would allow the Justice and Homeland Security departments to withhold some federal payments to state and local jurisdictions that dont comply with federal immigration agents requests to hold arrested suspects deemed to be in the country illegally.

A Department of Homeland Security report released in March noted that no county in New Mexico  among some other states and counties nationwide  complies with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement requests to detain those arrested for crimes if they are eligible for deportation. The Justice Department is expected to issue more than $4 billion in grants to cities, counties and states this year. In 2016, the Justice Department awarded money for 50 projects totaling more than $31 million in New Mexico.

The other bill approved Thursday, known as Kates Law, is named in honor of Kate Steinle, a 32-year-old woman who was shot and killed in San Francisco two years ago by a man in the country illegally who had been deported five times. The legislation would boost penalties for convicted criminals who are deported but return to the U.S. illegally. Both bills were approved largely on party line votes, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats voting against.

Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Ben Ray Lujan, both New Mexico Democrats, each voted against the bills. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., voted in support of both bills. Neither bill has yet been considered by the Senate.

Local law enforcement officials should have the resources they need to protect and serve all the residents in their care, Lujan said, referencing the sanctuary cities bill. Withholding funds from first responders and the communities they serve will not improve conditions, but it will make undocumented residents who are victims of heinous crimes like rape or abuse less likely to report those incidents  and it will needlessly punish communities that are doing their best to address local problems at the local level.

Lujan Grisham, co-chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said the Kates Law bill would criminalize immigrants who are guilty of nothing more than trying to keep their families intact. Lujan Grisham also said, Using tragedy as a political tool to justify mass deportation of all immigrants is shameful. Nobody should face up to a decade in prison only because of their immigration status, and not any sort of criminal act.

Pearce said the changes are needed.

We in New Mexico know firsthand the challenges that come with a broken and outdated immigration system, Pearce said. However, failures and flaws intertwined in our system are no excuse for cities to willfully ignore the laws of this nation.
CHARLOTTE, Mich.  A former doctor at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics has been ordered to stand trial in Michigan in another sexual assault case.

An Eaton County judge made the ruling Friday after three alleged victims testified against Dr. Larry Nassar.

The 53-year-old Nassar is charged with multiple counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Last week, an Ingham County judge ordered Nassar to stand trial on charges of sexually assaulting six young gymnasts who said they were molested while seeking treatment for injuries.

He separately faces child pornography charges in federal court.

Nassar and Michigan State also are being sued by dozens of women and girls. A motion filed Friday in federal court seeks to add 23 more plaintiffs.

Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics is a defendant in some of the lawsuits.
PHOENIX  A former Marine convicted in Phoenix of filming himself having sex with minors and women who didnt know they were being recorded has been sentenced to more than 121 years in prison.

Maricopa County Superior Court officials say 25-year-old Donald Linville was sentenced Friday.

In April, a jury found Linville guilty of two counts of unlawful videotaping, one count of sexual conduct with a minor and 11 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Linville was arrested in 2012 and again in 2013.

Phoenix police say Linville hid a video camera on his neighbors balcony.

Detectives who analyzed the seized computers found several videos of Linville having sex with various females.

Three of the victims say they didnt know they were being recorded and one victim was 15 years old.
New Mexico State Police investigate after a man and a woman were found dead in a truck on the shoulder of Interstate 40, west of Albuquerque Thursday morning. (Roberto E. Rosales/ Albuquerque Journal) New Mexico State Police investigate after a man and a woman were found dead in a truck on the shoulder of Interstate 40, west of Albuquerque Thursday morning. (Roberto E. Rosales/ Albuquerque Journal) New Mexico State Police investigate after a man and a woman were found dead in a truck on the shoulder of Interstate 40, west of Albuquerque Thursday morning. (Roberto E. Rosales/ Albuquerque Journal) Heavy traffic on Interstate 40 eastbound at NM 6 as New Mexico State Police investigated a crash that led to a hazmat incident Thursday morning. (NMDOT) Prev 1 of 4 Next

A man and woman found dead in a truck on the side on Interstate 40 about 30 miles west of Albuquerque on Thursday morning had both been shot in the head, according to a spokeswoman for the New Mexico State Police.

Lt. Elizabeth Armijo said the man had a 9mm handgun between his legs and was sitting in the drivers seat of a blue Dodge pickup with a camper shell that was stopped on the side of the road. She said the woman was sitting in the passenger seat.

She couldnt say whether it was a murder-suicide.

State Police are still investigating the motive behind these deaths and details of this scene, Armijo said. This investigation remains open and ongoing.

She said the bodies were taken to the Office of the Medical Investigator for autopsies and to confirm their identities. She said their names will be released after next of kin has been notified.

The two were found dead in the truck around 9 a.m. Thursday by a State Police officer providing traffic control after a tractor-trailer carrying radioactive material crashed in the eastbound lanes of the interstate near Laguna Pueblo.

No hazardous materials contaminated the area, but State Police were on the scene for hours directing traffic and investigating the crash. The officer saw the truck stopped on the shoulder near N.M. 6 about six miles from the crash, and then found the man and woman inside.

The New Mexico State Police Crime Scene Team processed the scene and area for forensic evidence, Armijo said. The vehicle was towed from the scene for further forensic processing.
DENVER  Denver has finalized rules for the nations first licensed pot clubs.

To open, clubs first need neighborhood approval. They cant allow indoor smoking or on-site pot sales.

Denver voters approved recreational marijuana clubs in November. But a state board banned the sale of alcohol at places allowing pot use.

Interested businesses so far have included yoga studios and coffee shops.

The Denver Post reports the final rules dont require patrons to sign waivers stating they are responsible for their own actions and abiding by state law.

Denvers law creates a four-year pilot program in which businesses can seek annual permits to create areas where customers can consume their own cannabis. The law also allows other businesses to seek permits for one-time pot consumption events.

___

Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com
SANTA FE  New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said Friday that she does not plan to share state voter information  including birth dates and partial Social Security numbers  with a federal election panel set up by President Donald Trump.

The first-term Democratic secretary of state said she had not received a formal request for such voter information, but indicated she would refuse outright, per state law, to release any information that could be used to identify New Mexico voters.

I will not release any  voter information like names, addresses and voting history unless and until I am convinced the information will not be used for nefarious or unlawful purposes, and only if I am provided a clear plan for how it will be secured, Toulouse Oliver said in a Friday statement.

Like some other state election officials, Toulouse Oliver has expressed suspicion about the creation of Trumps Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, which is chaired by Vice President Mike Pence.

At least 23 secretaries of state had reportedly refused to provide at least some types of voter data to the election panel as of Friday afternoon, with Mississippis Republican secretary of state saying he would tell the commission to go jump in the Gulf of Mexico.

The vice chairman of the federal commission, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, reportedly sent letters to all 50 secretaries of state this week asking for names, birth dates and other information on voter registration rolls dating back to 2006.

Kobach told the Kansas City Star the information would be used to cross-check state voter data with information in a federal database to determine how many ineligible voters might be registered in each state  including noncitizens and dead individuals still on voter rolls.

Both Toulouse Oliver and her predecessor, former Secretary of State Brad Winter, a Republican, have pushed back against Trumps claim that millions around the country voted illegally in Novembers general election.

Toulouse Oliver previously urged Trump to stop making false claims about rampant voter fraud and said she feared the federal commission could be used to justify efforts to make it harder to vote.

The Democratic Party of New Mexico on Friday lauded Toulouse Olivers efforts to protect state voters personal information from Republican voter suppression efforts, while the state GOP chairman accused Democrats of leaving the door open to voter fraud.

Democrats should take a break from political posturing and join us in a bipartisan substantive conversation on how to ensure we have fair and transparent elections based on accurate voter rolls, Republican Party Chairman Ryan Cangiolosi said.

Per state and federal law, New Mexico conducts purges in odd-numbered years to remove voters no longer eligible to cast ballots  such as voters who have died and those who have moved  from the states rolls.
The city of Albuquerque has been put on notice that it may be hit with a federal lawsuit for seeking a restraining order against members of Stella Padillas campaign organization.

Attorneys for the city allege in a motion that Padillas daughter Vanessa Benavidez has engaged in aggressive and harassing behavior against City Clerk Natalie Howard. The motion for protective order against harassment was filed last month on Howards behalf.

But Albuquerque attorney A. Blair Dunn, who is representing Padilla and Benavidez, calls the citys motion a violation of his clients First Amendment rights to free speech and to petition their government.

He notified the city in an email last week that Padilla and Benavidez may sue Howard, City Attorney Jessica Hernandez and Assistant City Attorney William Zarr for violation of those rights.

The First Amendment does include the right to petition your government, Dunn told the Journal. What theyre doing is essentially saying to Vanessa and to Stella, You cant petition your government. 

Not so, says the citys legal department.

The citys motion for protective order does not ask the court to limit anyones ability to meet with public officials to discuss public business; we welcome those interactions, the citys legal department said in a statement.

Ms. Padilla and her campaign have full access to petition the government and exercise free speech. However, it crosses a line when someone begins to physically intimidate a public employee. The motion was necessary to alert the court that this type of harassment and intimidation were occurring.

Padilla, a retired Old Town resident, was one of 16 candidates who filed to run for mayor. She submitted a nominating petition with more than the required 3,000 signatures, but the City Clerks Office rejected many of them, leaving her 171 signatures short.

Padilla filed a lawsuit against Howard, contending that many of the signatures she collected were thrown out erroneously and that she has enough valid signatures to qualify to have her name on the ballot.

The case is still pending.

The city filed its motion for the restraining order as part of that case. In an accompanying affidavit, Howard states that Padillas daughter has engaged in conduct which I perceive to be meant to harass and intimidate me. The citys motion and Howards affidavit misidentify Padillas daughter, referring to her as Vanessa Padilla when her name is actually Vanessa Benavidez.

Howard said she is concerned for her safety.

The citys motion seeks a protective order against harassment by anyone associated with Padillas campaign.

Dunn states in a response filed last week that the citys motion was filed in bad faith and that the court has no jurisdiction over Benavidez or any other members of the Stella for Mayor campaign because they arent a party to the suit.

He also argues that the city is asking the court for the extraordinary relief of depriving non-party persons of their 1st Amendment rights to petition the government and to free speech.
Farming is one of the oldest profession of the country with over 2/3rds of the Indian population involved in it. As a country too, India is reputed as one of the largest agrarian countries of the world. Unlike other large agrarian countries that have adopted technology and farming is a progressive business, India still has a lot of ground to cover and usage of technology is unaffordable to most, awareness about farm inputs is low, there is over dependency on climate and skewed policies. Over the years, the profession has lost its sheen and with the rapid urbanization, more and more farmers and their families are moving towards cities and eager to detach from their generation old profession. There has been a spate of negative reporting around issues related to farming and farmers, leading to further grief in the profession.

Smartchem Technologies Ltd (STL), leading fertiliser manufacturers in India and wholly owned subsidiary of Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL), launched its TV commercial which focuses on highlighting the contribution of the farmers towards the growth in the Indian economy. Unlike focusing on product promotion and branding, the TVC wants to bring back the lost sheen and pride in the profession. This TVC is targeted at the farmer community and celebrates the occupation of farming - one of the oldest occupations in human history. Through this TVC, Mahadhan aims to bring a change in the belief that farming is not a respected profession. Just as being a doctor or engineer evokes the sense of pride, this TVC hopes to arouse the same sensation in the hearts of the farmer community.

Recently with the growing popularity of new-age farming, there are visible green shoots of the youth desiring to experiment with farming and take it up as a part-time, if not full-time profession. There are many examples where a working professional has adopted farming as a part-time profession too.

On the TVC Launch, Pranav Thakkar, Head  Corporate Communications, Smartchem Technologies Ltd (STL), says India has been known as a land of kisans. It is an irony that as per The Centre for Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), 76% of the farmers would prefer to do some work other than farming. Mahadhan has been working closely with the farming community since the past 25 years and our mission to make Indian farmers globally competitive. We are working closely with this community to help them improve the quality and yield of their produce and help in bringing back pride in farming. As a Company, we are committed to contribute to PM Modis vision for Indias agriculture, and we hope that through this TVC, we can project this commitment and create awareness of the invaluable contribution made by Indias farmer community in the growth of the nation.

The TVC has witnessed a very good response and encouraging comments on social media with over 420,000 views, 13,000 likes and 4,500 shares.

Creative Execution:

The TVC opens with a nervous father who also happens to be a farmer, attending his young sons annual function at school wherein all children share aspirations for their future. While a few kids want to become pilot, doctors, engineers etc his son - Kushal, expresses his wish to become a farmer and making India proud. He goes on to explaining the importance of the farmer in ensuring 1.25 crore people in India are being well fed with quality produce. The TVC tries to strike an emotional and patriotic cord with its viewers thereby projecting Mahadhans commitment to the agricultural sector by providing high quality crop solutions. It closes with a cheerful brand song on Mahadhan showcasing vast product portfolio.

Team on TVC

Production House: Spectrum Showtech Limited

Chief Creative Director: Dr. Sridhar Moorthy

Creative Agency: Xebec India

Founder & Director: Kiran Bhatt
With just a few hours left for the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Indias biggest ever tax overhaul, all eyes are on the special midnight joint session of Parliament on June 30, 2017.

In what is being touted as modern Indias Tryst with Destiny moment, several in media are drawing parallels with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru declaring Indias Independence at a midnight session of Parliament. Since then, there have been two occasions when Parliament had conducted midnight sessions  to mark the 50th anniversary of the Quit India movement in 1992, and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Indias Independence in 1998.

News channels are all geared to cover this historic occasion and have been airing numerous programmes, interviews and discussions on GST in the run-up to its implementation.

Commenting on her channels strategy to cover all aspects of the GST rollout, Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, said, CNBC-TV18 has been at the forefront of covering the GST implementation. We start our special programming at 8 am on June 30 and will continue post midnight. Indias best tax experts will answer queries on the GST Helpline, Industry Interacts with key policy makers on GST Townhall, while global leaders like JP Morgans Jamie Dimon will weigh in on the reform. Besides, State Finance Ministers will join in to share the transition plan. From 8 pm onwards, CNBC-TV18 will join hands with CNN News18 to bring you the best political and economic analysis as the Government gets ready for the rollout in Parliament.

India TVs Editor-in-Chief, Rajat Sharma, will be doing an exclusive show with the man in-charge of GST implementation, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, with an invited audience including chartered accountants, traders, housewives and financial experts.

The channel has also planned interviews with Minister Piyush Goel and Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adiya, who are involved directly with the developments.

Ritu Dhawan, MD and CEO, India TV, commented, As a leading news channel, India TV has planned a series of specials to mark the countrys landmark transition to the much anticipated GST regime. The special programming has been planned with a focus on the channels commitment to provide best of the content to its discerning audiences.

She further said that the special shows have been positioned as GST - Doosari Aazadi. The same also includes the continuous super-coverage of the entire implementation process, nuances, expert opinions and what the business community and the general public has to say.

The day is here when India will take a historic leap to GST, said Megha Tata, COO, BTVi, who added, BTVis continuous, exhaustive coverage will reach its crescendo on Friday (June 30), when we bring to our viewers non-stop shows on GST starting 6 pm till well after midnight. Unmatched analysis, big faces and opinions that count are on the menu once again. The icing on the cake is our daily GST helpline, for which we will have a special edition on June 30.

ET Now has been championing this landmark reform, bringing exclusive interviews, news breaks and ground reports along with interactive shows. The English business news channel has lined up round-the-clock programming on Friday, June 30, featuring big voices from the Government, the Opposition and industry as well as market and tax experts, who will analyse every aspect of this game-changing reform.

The special programming at ET Now includes the top architects of the GST, ministers like Piyush Goyal and Jayant Sinha. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram will share the Oppositions perspective and the politics of GST.

Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia and CBEC Chairperson Vanaja Sarna will give the nuts and bolts perspective and clarify all queries regarding the GST. GSTN Chairman Navin Kumar shares his views on preparedness and logistics for rolling out this ambitious reform.

Indias top industrialists, including Kumar Mangalam Birla, NR Narayana Murthy, Sajjan Jindal, Kishore Biyani and Harsh Mariwala, will be a part of the special programming. The market panel will be led by Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Vallabh Bhansali and Nilesh Shah.

To get a perspective on the impact of GST on the Indian economy ET Now is interacting with the best economic minds in India, including former RBI governors Bimal Jalan and YV Reddy, besides Gita Gopinath, Rajiv Kumar and Arvind Virmani.

Sandeep Gurumurthi, Managing Editor, ET Now, commented, GST is the dawn of a new era for the Indian economy, it is the single biggest event that will change the course of not just the economy, but also how business is done our country. We at ET Now are calling it Indias Tryst With GST and leaving no stone unturned to herald this game changing reform that will set the stage for One India One Tax. He added that the special programming is aimed at demystifying the GST, besides spreading awareness and addressing concerns.

Along with the coverage on the news channel, Aaj Tak has also organised a day-long Conclave today in New Delhi on June 30 from 11 am onwards. The conference will see Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Urban Development, I&B, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviatio,n speaking on GST & Realty. Arun Jaitley, Minister for Corporate Affairs, Finance and Defence, will address the audience on Get Set GST: Indias Tryst with Tax; and many more eminent industry leaders, including Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways;, Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister, Delhi; Arvind Panagariya, Vice-Chairman, Niti Aayog; and Jayant Sinha; Minister of State for Civil Aviation, who will throw the spotlight on various aspects of GST implementation in the country.

To make the concept of GST simpler and easy to understand, ABP News had organised an event, named GST Sammelan - One Country One Tax, on June 27 in New Delhi. This key event has eminent political personalities like Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya. ABP News brought together these political heavyweights on one platform so that they could address questions of viewers and give their views on GST implementation.

This event was telecast live from ITC Maurya in New Delhi. Questions were taken live from social media and the audience present at the event. The event was sponsored by Signature Mobile accessories, partnered by Suzuki Access125, and account partnered by Zoho Books.

Meanwhile, News18 India has planned a special 3-day programming line-up under GST: Ek Desh, Ek Tax which is as follows:

Programming on 30th June

Live reporting from the main markets of different cities of India, throughout the day

Bhaiyaji Kahin  a popular travelogue-cum-chaupal format show which encourages an open dialogue, provides people with a platform to voice their points-of -view and gives them an opportunity to directly interact with political leaders. Special episode of Bhaiyaji Kahin at 6 PM

Live coverage of the parliament session related to GST

Programming on 1st July

Live reporting from different parts of India, through the day

Programming on 29th, 30th June & 1st July

Kitna Tax Badaa Kitna Kam Hua?- a graphic based segment which will highlight how the expenses will change after GST (includes everything groceries, bills, entertainment, etc.).

Speaking on the programming planned by CNN-News18, Managing Editor Radhakrishnan Nair said, CNN-News18 is doing special 4 hours simulcast with CNBC-TV18 on 30th June starting 8pm. This will have anchors Shereen Bhan and Bhupendra Chaubey discuss the details of GST along with coverage of GST session from the Parliament. Apart from the simulcast, CNN-News18 is also bringing other shows to simplify GST for its viewers. A special one-hour show GST & You will take a look at how GST will affect the common people and their wallets. Next week, we will have a daily call-in show that will give viewers a chance to get their GST related queries answered by our experts. It is CNN-News18s constant endeavor to help the common man understand new policies and decisions better that have a direct impact on them, thus carrying forward its philosophy of being On Your Side.
The Customer is the most important visitor of our premises quoted by M.K. Gandhi and practiced by Council For Fair Business Practices (CFBP), the prestigious organization which was founded in 1966 by stalwarts of business & industry like Mr. J. R. D. Tata, Mr. Ramkrishna Bajaj, Mr. Arvind Mafatlal, Mr. F.T. Khorakiwala, Mr. Naval Tata, Mr. S.P. Godrej, Mr. J.N. Guzder and Keshab Mahindra and others who recognized the imperative need of business & industry to regulate itself.

Celebrating its 51st year of existence, CFBP has planned to organize an incredible event in the form of CFBP Consumer Film Festival, an initiative by President Mrs. Kalpana Munshi which will comprise of the Short Film Competition, Script Writing Contest, Short Story Writing Contest, Street Plays Competition, Poster Competition and Slogan Writing Contest on the following topics:

CFBP now gives a chance to the budding movie makers and invites them to send their entries to Consumer Film Festival on any of the following topics mentioned below as this could be a platform for them not only to get recognition but also opportunities. Its a cause for the benefit of the consumers which could be any one of us any gender any age any city of India.

The Prestigious Jury for CFF comprises of Justice BN Srikrishna, Piyush Pandey, Abhinay Deo (Film Director), Honey Irani, Makarand Deshpande, Sanjay F Gupta (Ace Cinematographer) Sunil Buch (CEO, Zee Live and Zee Talent) and Dolly Thakore .

Topics: Jago Grahak Jago, Mera Haq, My Right, Right to Voice, Right to know, Right to Act, Fair Business Practices

The contest, which is open to Professionals, Film makers, Companies, Corporates, Organizations, Students, Individuals, young upcoming stars and NGOs will be headed by a jury of 8 members.

The winner in all the 6 competitions will be awarded with the Cash prize, a trophy and a certificate from the Chief Guest on the day of the Award function.

Further details on the registration process as well as the terms and conditions for each section will be available on the Consumer Film Festival website, consumerfilmfestival.org.
Twitter has announced the launch of #TweeSurfing, a public education initiative in collaboration with Centre for Social Research, to address online safety issues and spread knowledge on how people can express themselves and engage positively on the platform. In the pilot phase of the project, Twitter undertook various online safety workshops with Center for Social Research in universities across geographies like Coimbatore, Noida, Chitkara and Leh.

At the event, Twitter introduced the #TweeSurfing website (http://tweesurfing.in/), a web resource for people to learn more about safety on Twitter. Comedians Kaneez, Sorabh Pant, and Rohan Joshi were also announced as #TweeSurfing Ambassadors, sharing their personal experiences of being high-profile Twitter users and presenting the latest tools and policies aimed to improve Twitter for everyone.

Going forward, some of Indias biggest and most influential stars from all walks of life added to the campaign as ambassadors to help spread the word.

Over the coming months, Twitter will roll out an ongoing series of educational workshops, with a particular focus on rural India and government universities. Outside of Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, Twitter will be taking #TweeSurfing to colleges in Chennai, Kanyakumari and Coimbatore, before heading to the North East. #TweeSurfing will also be introducing a new 14-day virtual internship program, called TweeShip. The program, delivered through Twitter DMs, and the @Tweesurfing handle, will train users who sign up on how to create Twitter campaigns for social change, and then let them practice what they have learnt in a real campaign. The modules will be available in English and Hindi.

Commenting on the launch of #TweeSurfing, Mahima Kaul, Head of Public Policy, Twitter India, said, Ensuring people in India understand how they can express themselves and engage positively on Twitter is a priority for us. We work with a range of partners to educate users on safety, and Center of Social Research has been a key part of this, so were proud to collaborate with them to launch #TweeSurfing.

Dr Ranjana Kumari, Director, Centre for Social Research and President, WomenPowerConnect - Centre for Social Research, added here, Through our active engagement with Twitter for the past one year, we have managed to reach out extensively to the youth as well as digital influencers. Our experiences have been collated in this website resource which addresses online safety and effective communications on Twitter. I am happy to see that Twitter India is engaging in important issues and we're glad to be on their safety advisory board.

The #TweeSurfing website hosts a lot of exciting content, and includes the voices of popular Twitter users in India.

Recently, Twitter introduced updates that leverage the platforms technology to reduce abusive content by stopping the creation of new abusive accounts, bringing forward safer search results, and collapsing potentially abusive or low-quality Tweets. Features that provide users with more control to personalise their Twitter experience for example, the ability to mute notifications for keywords and conversations as well as filtering options have been given to users to allow more control over what they see from certain types of accounts, like those without a profile photo, unverified email addresses or phone numbers.

Twitter has also been working with a number of local partners and organisations in India to help more people express themselves on Twitter and to feel safer doing so, including educating the community on how to stay safe on Twitter, and supporting the vital work of its safety partners.
Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation and worlds leading home appliance company, has signed on Chef Patron Kunal Kapur for endorsing their built-in appliances. Kunal Kapur will be creating exciting new recipes with the top of the line Whirlpool range making your kitchen cooking ready. The range will include microwaves, ovens, hoods, hobs, refrigerators, wine coolers and coffee machines.

In todays times where food is considered a celebration, home kitchens are getting a makeover. It is very important to have a kitchen with extremely functional equipment making it easy to cook with the least of fatigue, said Kunal.

Known for experimenting with ingredients and cooking styles, Kunal will create new recipes, which will show consumers the ease of cooking with Whirlpools new next level appliances.

Looking forward to this association with Whirlpool, Chef Kunal Kapur said, I am thrilled to partner with Whirlpool for its range of built-in appliances. Whirlpool products have always been my first choice when it comes to home appliances and I am pleased to be associated with the brand.

Speaking about the association, Mr. Natarajan A., Head- New Business Unit, Whirlpool of India said; We are pleased to get Chef Kunal Kapur on board for our built-in appliances. We look forward to nurture this relationship now and believe this association will be exciting for consumers as they will get the best out of this partnership

Check the official page:

 https://www.whirlpoolindia.com /blog/my-food/food-hacks-and- tips/spicing-things-up-with- chef-kunal-kapur/

 https://www.facebook.com/Whirl poolIndiaOfficial/
Its rightly said that A day without laughter is a day wasted. At the end of a strenuous week, there is nothing more comforting than a hearty dose of laughter. &pictures, Naye India Ka Blockbuster Movie Channel, presents a mad cap comedy with the World Television Premiere of Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 on Sunday, 2nd July at 8 PM.

Directed by Umesh Ghadge, Kya Kool Hai Hum 3 is the third installment of the Kyaa Kool Hain Hum franchise that released in 2005. This comedy stars the crazy duo, Tusshar Kapoor and Aftab Shivdasani along with Mandana Karimi in the lead. Krushna Abhishek, Shakti Kapoor, Darshan Jariwala also play pivotal roles amongst many others that take the audience on a supremely entertaining laughter riot amidst mistaken identities and complete chaos.

Kanhaiya (Tusshar Kapoor) along with his friend Rocky (Aftab Shivdasani) head to Thailand and end up becoming questionable film stars with the help of another friend Mickey (Krushna Abhishek). With both of them minting money, all goes well until one day Kanhaiya falls for Shalu (Mandana Karimi), an Indian girl completely oblivious of the formers profession. In a desperate attempt to impress her orthodox father, Kanhaiya puts together a fake family and there on begins the ultimate chaos.

~Catch the comic caper Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 on Sunday, 2nd July at 8 PM only on &pictures
PHOENIX, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is offering assistance to its members who have been affected by the Goodwin Fire in northern Arizona.

As part of BCBSAZ's emergency response plan, members living in the Prescott area and impacted by the fire restrictions will be allowed to seek early refills on their retail and mail-order prescriptions, which may be shipped to an alternative address.

For members who need help with their coverage during this emergency, they should call the number on the back of their member ID cards or (800) 232-2345. If their current provider is inaccessible and an alternative BCBSAZ network healthcare provider is needed, they can also visit the online directory at azblue.com/providers.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a focus on connecting people with the care they need, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to nearly 1.5 million customers. BCBSAZ, a not-for-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company employs nearly 1,500 people in its Phoenix, Chandler, Flagstaff and Tucson offices. Through advanced clinical programs and community outreach, BCBSAZ is moving health forward. To learn more, visit azblue.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-arizona-offers-assistance-to-its-members-in-the-goodwin-fire-area-300482811.html

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Atlanta hosts numerous cybersecurity experts such as Avi Dichter, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee for the State of Israel

Several high-profile speakers are slated to present at the inaugural CyberHub Summit on Nov. 8 - 9, 2017, in Atlanta. Hosted by BHNV Capital, a worldwide investment and management firm, the event kicks-off with a welcome from Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. The Summit, occurring at a time when there are ever-present cyber threats to personal, corporate and government data, provides an opportunity to learn from thought leaders visiting from across the globe.

I believe that protecting our citizens against cybercrime is of the utmost importance, said Governor Deal. In January, I announced $50 million in funding to establish the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center in Augusta. Its through conferences such as CyberHub Summit that thought leaders join together to help solve this crisis. I am honored that Georgia was selected to host the first of many global CyberHub conferences.

The two-day conference is expected to draw CEOs, CIOs and CTOs, as well as other high-ranking officials, who focus on securing personal data.

We are honored that so many leaders of government and industry have chosen to share their experiences and expertise at the CyberHub Summit, said James Azar, BHNV Capital Co-Founder & CEO. The conference will offer a unique opportunity for the industry to create dramatic and sustainable improvements through a shared and coordinated effort.

In addition to Governor Deal, some of the speakers secured include:

Avi Dichter , Chairman of the Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee of the State of Israel  Speaking on Governments Role in Cybersecurity and its Threat to the Homeland.

, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee of the State of Israel  Speaking on Governments Role in Cybersecurity and its Threat to the Homeland. Retired Air Force Brigadier Gen. Gregory Touhill  Under President Obama, The White House named Touhill as the first ever federal chief information security officer, a role that focused on bolstering the U.S. government's digital defenses.

Under President Obama, The White House named Touhill as the first ever federal chief information security officer, a role that focused on bolstering the U.S. government's digital defenses. Joseph Steinberg , CyberSecurity Thought Leader and Author  Moderating two panel discussions: Cybercrime: Why It Almost Always Pays / How Can It Be Stopped Smartguns: The technology, the law, and the controversy

, CyberSecurity Thought Leader and Author  Moderating two panel discussions: Jeff Snyder  SVP of CyberSecurity at Raytheon, a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, Cyber and homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. He also sits on numerous boards and counsels on the topic.

 SVP of CyberSecurity at Raytheon, a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, Cyber and homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. He also sits on numerous boards and counsels on the topic. Aleks Nowak , CIO at Blockex  Founding member of the UKDCA, he has been involved in the crypto-currency space since 2011, having worked on numerous alternative currency and blockchain projects ranging from payment solutions through mining to the exchange space.

, CIO at Blockex  Founding member of the UKDCA, he has been involved in the crypto-currency space since 2011, having worked on numerous alternative currency and blockchain projects ranging from payment solutions through mining to the exchange space. Shai Braitner , Founder and CEO at Business and Cyber Intelligence  Spearheads intelligent solutions for litigation and arbitration clients at pre-complaint filing, discovery and trial, settlement negotiations, and the appeals process. He locates evidence and uncovers data.

, Founder and CEO at Business and Cyber Intelligence  Spearheads intelligent solutions for litigation and arbitration clients at pre-complaint filing, discovery and trial, settlement negotiations, and the appeals process. He locates evidence and uncovers data. Shira Rubinoff, President at SecureMySocial  She helps businesses address the risks of social media by providing their employees real-time warnings if they post problematic material to ensure immediate removal.

President at SecureMySocial  She helps businesses address the risks of social media by providing their employees real-time warnings if they post problematic material to ensure immediate removal. Kai Kloepfer, 20-year-old undergraduate at MIT and founder of Biofire Technologies  His startup is developing and selling smarter firearms. Named by Forbes in its 30 Under 30.

The CyberHub Summit will provide innovative, proven strategies from around the globe to prepare industry talent with the skills and knowledge needed to protect their businesses in the 21st-century workplace, said Karin Zalcberg, CyberHub CEO.

BHNV Capital works with new, existing and struggling businesses globally. As hands-on investors, the firm seeks to invest in the business and utilize all available tools to help corporations and founders achieve success. They typically supply businesses with capital ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.

Please visit www.cyberhubsummit.com for more information regarding the conference and updated event programming.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005098/en/

For BHNV Capital

Rob Kremer, CO&P, 404-218-3077
Technavios latest report on the global blotting systems market provides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005633/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global blotting systems market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The growth of the global blotting systems market is due to the rise in HIV cases across the world. Patients who have HIV require a quick diagnosis to prevent mortality, and blotting is preferred because of its high accuracy of results. In 2015, number of individual suffering from HIV/AIDS were more than 30 million among which approximately 4% were children. Countries like the US, China, and India are profit-making markets for blotting systems. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Uganda have high HIV rates, which makes them high-potential markets for blotting solutions.

This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing

Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free.

The top three emerging trends driving the global blotting systems market according to Technavio research analysts are:

Technological advances

Rise in popularity of digital blotting imaging

Migration of manufacturing and sales facilities to APAC

Technological advances

Many companies across the world have invented technologies that ensure high accuracy in the products they offer. For instance, GenScript, a biology contract research company, launched western blot kits, based on its proprietary western detection technology ONE-HOUR western. These kits offer rapid results and are popular in the market, says Krishna Venkataramani, a lead analyst at Technavio for research on lab equipment.

Researchers are looking for advanced blotting systems to produce effective results because of the large number of applications of blotting systems in areas such as agriculture, food and beverage, disease diagnosis, and biomedical and biochemical research. In the coming years, new technologies will emerge as a result of high vendor investment to improve the sensitivity, quantifiability, reproducibility, and overall speed of blotting experiments.

Rise in popularity of digital blotting imaging

Laboratories, diagnostic research institutions, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are increasingly adopting instruments and reagents with advanced features such as imaging fluorescent western blots that can provide imaging and can perform quantitative analysis at the same time, adds Krishna.

The benefits of digital blotting imaging include eco-friendliness as no hazardous wastage is created during the procedure, unlike film-based blot imaging, which releases high amounts of hazardous waste. It has the capability of imaging fluorescent blots.

Migration of manufacturing and sales facilities to APAC

Countries in the Americas such as the US and Canada are spending on awareness campaigns related to HIV/AIDS for controlling the spread of the disease. These efforts have reduced the number of HIV cases in this region. This has lowered the growth potential of the market and therefore the number of vendors in the region compared with APAC.

Many vendors have either established or expanded their networks in APAC. The region is more economical in terms of land, labor, and raw materials and also provide access to vendors for domestic markets, especially in countries like India, China, and Indonesia. With over five million people living with HIV in the region, APAC will significantly contribute to the growth of the market in the future.

Browse Related Reports:

Global Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Purification Market 2017-2021

Global Chemiluminescence Analyzer (CLA) Market 2017-2021

Global Gel Documentation Systems Market 2017-2021

Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as theyre published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like category spend intelligence and health and wellness. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavios constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently.

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavios report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavios comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170630005633/en/

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

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UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
Google Japan has today announced the launch of the Android One Sharp X1. Aspects worth focusing on include the Sharp X1 coming equipped with a battery that is capable of lasting up to four days before needing to be recharged again. While the announcement post details that this is the first Android One smartphone in Japan to come equipped with FeliCa. Which is essentially a contactless payment method used in multiple countries, including Japan. One which works with a number of partner companies to offer the ability to directly pay for goods in store, as well as for transit options. In addition, the Sharp X1 is also listed as being both dust and waterproof.

In terms of the specs, the Sharp X1 comes loaded with a 5.3-inch display along with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. Inside, the Sharp X1 is packed with 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 octa-core SoC. Cameras come in the form of a 16.4-megapixel rear camera, which is coupled with an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. This is a smartphone that also includes a fingerprint sensor, offers expandable storage via microSD (up to 256GB), comes powered by a 3,900 mAh battery, and comes running on Android 7.1  by way of Android One. Which does means that buyers can also expect a number of Google-related features to be included, Such as support for Android Pay, the Google Assistant, as well as regular and routine security updates.

Generally Speaking, Android One is fairly new to Japan, as the service only went live around this time last year. However, in spite of being about a year old, the arrival of the Sharp X1 marks the fourth Android One-related device to be announced in Japan. With the majority of those phones coming from Sharp  the Sharp 507SH being the first. In terms of this latest Android One offering though, the Sharp X1 is now available to buy from the likes of Y! Mobile (a subsidiary of SoftBank) and the price does vary depending on which plan it is purchased with. It is however, available in three different colors, Dark Purple, Mint Green, and White. Those interested can check out the video below for a closer look at the Sharp X1, as well as a number of its main features.
It seems Lenovo is now warning owners of its Vibe series of smartphones, that a vulnerability has been found which could be affecting their smartphone. To be clear, while this seems to be a Vibe-specific issue at the moment, it is one which is more related to the Android version running on the device, than the device itself. As Lenovo has confirmed that Vibe smartphones that are running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or newer already contain a fix for the issue. Therefore, only Vibe phones that are running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or older are susceptible to the vulnerability.

The issue itself is that the vulnerability has the potential to allow the awarding of root privileges to a device. As has been commonly noted with such privilege escalation, when root access is achieved, the device can then become somewhat compromised and can fall foul to a number of different attacks, or issues. However, even those affected devices are only likely to be at risk if the owner does not make use of a secure locking system, like for example  a PIN or password. For those who do fall into this category, then Lenovo advises that owners should either enable a lock screen authentication measure, or ensure that ADB is not enabled when not being directly used by the owner. While of course, providing a general warning that users should avoid rooting their device to begin with, due to the increased chance of security and stability issues arising.

This issue seemed to have first come to light through FireEyes Mandiant Red Team back in May, 2016. Then, the security team identified the issue as present on the Lenovo Vibe P1. A similar recent announcement from FireEye further explains the nature of the issue, as well as noting how Lenovo was informed of the issue at the time (May, 2016). Lenovo has provided a list of devices that are known to be immune to the issue, as well as a list of those that might be susceptible. Both lists, as well as a more detailed description of the issue and how to mitigate against it, are available through the link below.
Earlier this week at Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Qualcomm Technologies along with Chinese smart device manufacturer, Xiaotiancai, announced a new smartwatch for kids, called the Xiaotiancai Z3. The aforementioned company announced that its products will transition to 4G network technologies, and the Xiaotiancai Z3 smartwatch for kids is the companys latest product to adopt 4G capabilities, thanks to the inclusion of Qualcomms Snapdragon Wear 2100 SoC.

According to Qualcomm, the Xiaotiancai Z3 is one of the first kids smartwatches in the industry to adopt the Snapdragon Wear 2100 platform. The Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset was manufactured on a 28nm process and features a quad-core CPU comprised of four 32-bit ARM Cortex-A7 cores clocked at up to 1.2 GHz. The chipset supports NFC, Bluetooth 4.1 Low Energy (LE), and conceals a Qualcomm Snapdragon X5 LTE modem. Having said that, the smartwatch takes advantage of 4G multi-mode and bi-directional calling and promises reliable indoor positioning through Wi-Fi, GPS, and 4G location triangulation methods. The official press release also states that the Xiaotiancai Z3 is the worlds first kids smartwatch to offer a swimming-level waterproof design. The internal components are wrapped in a metallic case featuring rubberized wristbands, and the product will be available in two color options including green and pink with black accents.

The Xiaotiancai Z3 is powered by Android OS, however, at the moment its unclear if the watch runs pure Android Wear 2.0 or a forked version of Googles mobile operating system. It also remains to be seen what type of display its carrying and how many pixels the panel accommodates. Either way, the watch has been designed to seamlessly communicate with the parents connected smartphones and takes advantage of quick charging technologies, which should bode well with the wearables 4G capabilities. As far as availability is concerned, the Xiaotiancai Z3 is expected to launch in China in July 2017, however, at the moment there are no details regarding pricing or the smartwatchs possible release beyond Chinas borders. In China, Xiaotiancai is one of the first companies to popularize the kids watch segment which seems to experience phenomenal growth while transitioning to 4G technologies. It also worth noting that Xiaotiancai is a subsidiary of BBK Electronics, which is the same parent company that owns brands including Vivo, OPPO, and OnePlus.
Verizon customers using the carriers TravelPass service have been reporting unexpected or unexpectedly high bills for a variety of reasons. Many customers seem to have gone to a country that is covered under the plan, then gone too close to the countrys border and accidentally hopped onto a tower in a neighboring, uncovered country. This happened, for example, with some customers who went to Israel, then got bills well into the four figures from Verizon, which included roaming charges in neighboring Jordan, which is not covered under TravelPass and is billed at the normal rate. Another customer claims that they activated the TravelPass feature on their account, but never used the phone in question while in Mexico, and still came home to a bill that included use of the TravelPass feature.

According to the aforementioned user vacationing in Mexico, conversations with Verizon representatives revealed that the feature is only supposed to activate when data is used, when a call is placed or answered, or when a text is sent, though receiving a text message should not trip it. This customer did eventually get their charges reversed, but other customers werent so lucky. One of the Israel-visiting customers mentioned above fought with Verizon over the charges for Jordan for six months, only to end up having the charges reduced, but not eliminated. It is worth noting that Verizon implemented a fix for this sort of problem in March, where hopping onto an uncovered tower will prompt a user to accept charges before use begins. Rejecting the charges will drop service if there are no covered towers available, or put the device on the nearest covered tower. Another user headed to Asia reported that they knew somebody who had gone to Brazil and used TravelPass, only to come home to a $2,000 phone bill.

Verizons TravelPass feature offers completely normal use of your device while abroad, as if you were using it in your home country. In Canada and Mexico, the service costs an extra $2 per day of use. Around the rest of the globe, users can expect to pay an extra $10 per day of use, as long as the feature is working as intended. Users taking advantage of TravelPass have full access to their unlimited data plans, if they are signed up for such, and will use their tiered data plans as normal. All four major carriers offer similar plan add-ons for international travelers. Sprints option includes 2G data and charges in a similar manner to Verizon for other features, while AT&Ts roaming plan either lets customers pay for a daily pass to use their normal plan abroad or charges a flat rate for a certain amount of data, texts, and calling minutes abroad, and T-Mobiles option gives 2G or 3G speeds abroad with different plan options, though LTE data can be added a la carte.
EV

"Meeting great people in SF with the Fisker EMotion," the Danish designer wrote while also inviting people to check out Fisker Inc's new website. We didn't spot it at the time, but somebody with better knowledge of the area noted the picture was taken near Apple's headquarters in San Francisco.The pieces are starting to fall into place, and if you believe in coincidences, this certainly isn't the time for it. Even if not as actively as Faraday Future, Henrik Fisker is also looking for investors, and if his company could gain financial support from Apple, it's safe to assume his worries would be over.Nobody knows for sure what Fisker did there, but with Apple giving up on its never confirmeddevelopment plan to focus on self-driving technology , it would definitely make sense to work together with an electric car manufacturer. The Detroit Bureau claims that some Apple technicians wanted to take a closer look at the EMotion's powertrain, which is said to be quite revolutionary. It allegedly uses a mixture of conventional battery cells and graphene ultracapacitors that enable a maximum range of 400 miles and also very fast charging rates (100 miles worth of range in nine minutes).Whether Apple is interested in backing up the commercial debut of the Fisker EMotion or it simply would like to add a few of them to its fleet of autonomous vehicles remains to be seen, but what is obvious at this point is that the two companies have had some sort of contact at the highest level.With a planned price of $130,000, a high maximum range value, bold design, and decent performances, the Fisker EMotion would be a threat to Tesla even on its own. If Apple decided to join as well, it would instantly make Fisker Inc. one of the most promising companies in the EV market. At the moment, though, all we have is 'ifs.'
Known as the AL20, the fourth generation of the RX has been around since 2015 for the 2016 model year. Underpinned by the tried-and-tested K platform, the luxurious crossover will grow in length to accommodate an extra pair of seats. Be that as it may, Mag X reports that wheelbase will remain the same as the two-row RX (2,790 millimeters or 109.8 inches).The Japanese publication reports that only the rear overhang will be extended to make room for additional passenger space. Whatever Lexus plans on doing with and to the RX, the long-anticipated seven-seat RX is a must for the automaker in the United States of America, a country where this particular type of vehicle is slowly eating into the minivan segment.Not all is fine with the RX L, though, for Mag X suggest that living space will remain at its minimum. In other words, the two additional seats will not be comfortable enough for adults, especially on longer journeys. For more room, buyers should consider the likes of the full-sized Lexus LX Scheduled to launch in Japan in January 2018, the new model in U.S. -spec form should be offered in two flavors. The first is expected to bear the RX 350L name, and will make use of a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 268 pound-feet (363 Nm). The range-topping RX 450hL, on the other hand, will pride itself on a combined output of 308 hp.For 2017, the RX starts in the U.S. from $43,120 for the front-wheel-drive model. All-wheel-drive is a $1,300 optional extra, whereas the hybrid kicks off from $53,035 and tops at $56,495 for the RX 450h F Sport.
Specifically speaking, Mazda North American Operations informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that a lot of cars equipped with a hand-operated parking brake lever are to be fixed over a manufacturing issue. The problem, as it happens, boils down to inappropriate sealing performance of the rear brake caliper protective boot. And it can get worse, particularly under low-temperature conditions.Ignoring this condition may lead to a few issues. Brakes dragging when driving or slipping when parked on a slope are two of them, and both increase the chance of a crash and of people getting hurt. Happily, however, Mazda hasnt identified any events connected to this problem.Owners of record are to be notified by Mazdas North American division by snail mail, only to be instructed to bring their cars in for repairs. Dealers have been told to check the parking brakes actuator shafts inside the left and right rear calipers. If corrosion is present, the brake caliper is to be replaced with an improved design. If it isnt, the original caliper will have its protective boot replaced with improved components.The vehicles included in the safety recall are the 2014 and 2015 model year Mazda3 (manufactured from January 6, 2014 to September 2, 2016), along with the 2014 and 2015 model year Mazda6 (October 25, 2012 to December 1, 2014). The mid-sized sedan is built at the automakers Hofu factory in Japan, whereas the U.S-spec Mazda3 is assembled in Mexico.Even though theyre getting on a bit, both models are still relevant in their respective segments because they look good, drive sporty, and offer plenty of standard kit for a fair amount of money. The Mazda3 four-door kicks off from $17,845 in Sport flavor, whereas the Mazda6 sedan retails from $21,945.
With the political world distracted by President Trump's media wars, one of the most consequential and contentious internal debates of his presidency unfolded during a tense meeting Monday in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, administration sources tell Axios.

The outcome, with a potentially profound effect on U.S. economic and foreign policy, will be decided in coming days.

on U.S. economic and foreign policy, will be decided in coming days. With more than 20 top officials present, including Trump and Vice President Pence, the president and a small band of America First advisers made it clear they're hell-bent on imposing tariffs  potentially in the 20% range  on steel, and likely other imports.

including Trump and Vice President Pence, the president and a small band of America First advisers made it clear they're hell-bent on imposing tariffs  potentially in the 20% range  on steel, and likely other imports. The penalties could eventually extend to other imports. Among those that may be considered: aluminum, semiconductors, paper, and appliances like washing machines.

One official estimated the sentiment in the room as 22 against and 3 in favor  but since one of the three is named Donald Trump, it was case closed.

No decision has been made, but the President is leaning towards imposing tariffs, despite opposition from nearly all his Cabinet.

In a plan pushed by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and backed by chief strategist Steve Bannon (not present at the meeting), trade policy director Peter Navarro and senior policy adviser Stephen Miller, the United States would impose tariffs on China and other big exporters of steel. Neither Mike Pence nor Jared Kushner weighed in either way.

Everyone else in the room, more than 75% of those present, were adamantly opposed, arguing it was bad economics and bad global politics. At one point, Trump was told his almost entire cabinet thought this was a bad idea. But everyone left the room believing the country is headed toward a major trade confrontation.

The reason, we're told: Trump's base  which drives more and more decisions, as his popularity sinks  likes the idea, and will love the fight.

The problem, according to top officials who argued strenuously that the move is ill-advised: The trade war wouldn't just affect China. The collateral damage would include a slew of allies, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Watch for: Trump was warned  and White House officials anticipate  that an affected industry like automakers is likely to seek a court injunction within hours of any tariffs on steel.
Hawaii is asking a federal judge to rule that President Trump's move to re-introduce parts of his travel ban is at odds with a Supreme Court ruling earlier this week. From the court filing:

"The Government does not have discretion to ignore the Court's injunction as it sees fit. The State of Hawaii is entitled to the enforcement of the injunction that it has successfully defended."

The issue: The ruling stated that citizens of the countries subject to the ban who have "bonafide" relationships with people in the U.S. could not be barred. The Trump administration's interpretation of that ruling excludes grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other extended family members.

The travel ban protocol went into effect at 8pm ET. More on who Trump's protocols would affect, here.

Update: The State Department website says fiances now counts as close relationships, per Reuters, and the challenge to the ban enforcement is likely to be heard next week, based on the court's docket entry.
On MSNBC's Morning Joe, Joe Scarborough told a story about a call he received from a "senior member" of Congress "that everybody knows" regarding a "vicious" President Trump telling members of Congress at the White House during health care debates that Mika Brzezinski had "blood coming out of her ears, out of her eyes."

Scarborough's story begins around 1:45:

"I never told the story, but a very well-known congressman who went over to the White House with 20 other members, when the president was pitching House members  said that he went on this rant about Morning Joe, in front of 20 members of Congress while he was trying to pitch the health care bill. And he went on and on and on and sort of just brushed me aside: 'He's a joke. He's a joke.' But then this senior member, that everybody knows, when we were on the phone, he said, 'I've never made a call like this. I've been in politics my whole life.  He scared me. Because he was vicious when he turned  from you to Mika. His face was red. He started talking about blood coming out of her ears, out of her eyes.' And this congressman said, 'I've been in politics for decades. I've never seen anything like this.  I don't even know why I'm calling you. But I was just scared. I was scared for you guys, and I wanted you to know.'"
Though best known for helping companies and individuals set up simple online surveys, SurveyMonkey has quietly gotten into the serious political polling game. And it has gotten quite good at it.

In the recent 2017 UK election, delivering the single-most accurate prediction with Conservatives at +3.6% (the final tally was +2.4% ahead of Labour). More importantly, the data told the most accurate storyline: Theresa May's declining ratings, the emergence (and insignificance) of terrorism issues, the Tory strength in Scotland, and perhaps most importantly, the huge role that voters' age particularly millennials  was to play in the outcome. And while the 2016 election had its hits and misses for SurveyMonkey, the company did quite well in the Rust Belt in states where other polls were way off.

Why it matters: Accurate online tools are badly needed as telephone polling has become both more costly and less accurate. Luckily, they are getting better. "The best of online polling is as good as the best phone polling has ever been," said Jon Cohen, the veteran pollster who joined SurveyMonkey in 2014 as head of research.

How it works: SurveyMonkey asks a random selection of the over 3 million people who take surveys on its platform each day if they are willing to take an additional survey. The company then tries to adjust for demographic factors like age, race, gender and education level.

What about 2016: Survey Monkey had its highs and lows, like other polls that tried to predict the last U.S. presidential race. SurveyMonkey did better than most phone polls at predicting the Rust Belt, but like others didn't see Trump winning.

It also published a rather unique look at the 2016 presidential race, showing how the election would have shaped up if only Mac people voted, or only PC, or only iPhone or only Android. Check out Axios' maps of that data here.
Opposition leader Raffi Hovannisian on Friday again called on Armenias opposition forces to jointly prevent President Serzh Sarkisian from extending his decade-long rule next year.

[Sarkisian] must step down, he must not be Armenias next prime minister or [ruling] party chief for the sake of Armenia, said the leader of the Zharangutyun (Heritage) party.

If he tries [to become prime minister] I and Zharangutyun will stand with those people who want to do everything to stave off Serzhocracy, he told a news conference.

Sarkisian will complete his second and final presidential term in April 2018, which will be followed by Armenias switch to the parliamentary system of government. He has not publicly ruled out the possibility of becoming prime minister and thus remaining the countrys most powerful man.

Leaders of the opposition Yelk alliance, which finished third in the recent parliamentary elections, have warned this month that they could stage anti-government street protests if Sarkisian chooses to hold on to power. But they have been cool towards the idea of joining forces with Hovannisian and his party.

Zharangutyun ran in the April 2 elections in an alliance with former Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian and another opposition party headed by former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian. The ORO alliance failed to win any parliament seats as it got only 2 percent of the vote, according to official election results which it rejected as fraudulent. By contrast, Yelk is represented in the 105-member National Assembly by nine deputies.

Hovannisian stated late last week that Sarkisians possible decision to become prime minister should trigger an anti-government velvet revolution in Armenia. He said Zharangutyun stands ready to join forces with other opposition groups to lead such a protest movement.
Zhoghovurd reacts to President Serzh Sarkisians assurances that Prime Minister Karapetian enjoys his full trust. The paper says they should no way be seen as a sign that Karapetian and his team will retain their posts after April 2018. Even if he wanted to, Serzh Sarkisian could not have made a different statement, it says. If Karen Karapetians government had not enjoyed his and [the ruling] HHKs trust it should not have been in office in the first place. Besides, Serzh Sarkisian had dedicated similar statements to other prime ministers, whom he fired  one by one.

Haykakan Zhamanak sees internal political reasons for the alleged beating of five of the 14 arrested members of an armed opposition group standing trial one year after their deadly attack on a police station in Yerevan. The paper says that Sarkisian perceives threats to his power despite his HHKs landslide victory in the recent parliamentary elections. Those threats, it claims, emanate not only from Karen Karapetian but also from public discontent with a lack of positive change in the country. The violence against the jailed oppositionists was aimed at measuring the extent of that discontent, speculates the paper.

Hraparak reports that the Armenian police admitted but defended the use of force against the five defendants inside a court building in Yerevan. The paper laughs off police claims that they insulted and resisted law-enforcement officers.

Aravot looks at renewed opposition talk of a velvet revolution in Armenia. The paper says that opposition politicians could accomplish such a peaceful revolution only if they resolutely dissociate themselves from radical elements seeking violent regime change. Why did velvet revolutions occur in Georgia and Ukraine? it says in an editorial. Because in those countries most people agreed to pay a very high price for that: spoil relations with Russia and lose territory as a result. Are we ready to pay such a price?

(Tigran Avetisian)
30 June 2017 13:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The advertising market is, perhaps, one of the most dynamically developing markets in the world, which brings huge profits to advertising corporations.

Advertising is regarded as the engine of trade, and a companys advertising policy depends on the sales volume, interest of consumers in goods or services provided by them.

As for Azerbaijan, the advertising market is not as developed as in western countries however, there has been some progress in recent years.



Head of the Union of Advertisers of Azerbaijan Hajiami Atakishiyev claims that in two or three years, Azerbaijan's annual income from the advertising market can reach 1 billion manats ($591 million).

He told Trend that this forecast is based on the calculations of public organizations. To increase revenue, it is necessary to expand the market and increase volume of the advertising, he said.

Atakishiyev reminded that recently President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the establishment of State Advertising Agency of Azerbaijan and this agency will be able to expand it, controlling the entire advertising market of the country.

Until now, Azerbaijan did not have a structure controlling the advertising market. The State Agency will be engaged in placing advertising media in the open space on the territory of the country, applying unified regulation in the sphere of production and distribution of advertising intended for placement in the open space. "The agency will not engage in advertising on television and in the press," he said.

For today the main problem of the advertising sphere is connected with prices and advertising standards, he said.

Earlier, the Parliaments Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship Vahid Ahmadov said that the state budget annually receives about 55 million manats [$32.3 million] from the advertising.



However, he added that this figure can be 10 times higher, further adding that transfers to the budget from advertising can be equal to 450-500 million manats [$264.4-$293.7 million].

Azerbaijan has the law on Advertising, adopted in 1997, with several amendments and additions made afterwards.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
30 June 2017 16:24 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Digital Trading Hub will start its activity in Azerbaijan in the near future, Head of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communications Vusal Gasimli told reporters on June 30.

The presentation of Digital Trade Hub was held in Baku with the support of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communications and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan.



It is necessary to make certain amendments to the existing legislation so that the Hub operates in full capacity. We hope that this will be done as soon as possible, he said.

He noted that the Hub will function in several directions and the procedure for issuing electronic signatures and ASAN signature to non-residents of Azerbaijan is also considered.

"This will enable non-residents in Azerbaijan, after receiving the electronic signature and ASAN signature, to carry out operations to open LLC, bank accounts, hire employees, and perform export-import operations, he stressing that the Hub will make the economy of Azerbaijan more open

The Center will play a big role in attracting foreign investments and expanding trade relations of Azerbaijan, according to Gasimli.

The Hub will also provide an opportunity to create an electronic wallet, which will allow foreign partners not to experience difficulties in making settlements. Another important detail is that it will act as an electronic single window for export. That is, any Azerbaijani exporter, without leaving the office, will be able, through a computer or mobile device, to undergo all the necessary procedures related to documentation and registration for export of products, he said.

When creating the Hub the best practices of Great Britain, Estonia, Malaysia and other countries, as well as leading technologies were used.

Azerbaijan is set to strengthen its position as a Digital Trade Hub and expand its foreign trade operations. A relevant decree was issued by President Ilham Aliyev on February 23.

Under the decree, the Center for Analyses of Economic Reforms and Communications has been tasked with creation of a new section Digital Trade Hub of Azerbaijan at its export promotion portal azexport.az, which has already made Azerbaijani production available to potential buyers from anywhere in the world.

Besides, the Centre will also introduce new systems of e-registration of export contracts, export support and customs escort online for domestically produced non-oil products. The portal will also comprise an e-purse for cashless payment.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
30 June 2017 10:52 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

The Japanese Va-Liqa music band has performed in Baku.

Addressing the event, Japanese Ambassador to Baku Teruyuki Katori and Head of Khatai Executive Authority Razim Mammadov highlighted the importance of the concert, Azertac reported.

The officials stressed developing friendly relations and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Japan in recent years.

The speakers noted that both countries are interested in expanding relations, adding such cultural events contribute to further fostering cultural ties.

The group "Va-Liqa", headed by producer Takata Terutoshi promotes Japanese culture in the world. To date, the group has given more than 300 concerts around the world.

"Va-Liga" is also a guest of the Silk Way Festival that takes place annually in Sheki.

Azerbaijan and Japan have very strong political relations and successfully cooperate in scientific, cultural and industrial areas.

Japan was one of the first countries to support Azerbaijan's forward-looking oil strategy. A number of important projects are being implemented in Azerbaijan through the financial support of Japan, while very important infrastructure projects had already been commissioned in the country through Japanese government`s loans.

Last the year Baku hosted Japanese Culture Day, while an exhibition of Azerbaijani and Japanese artists entitled "Azerbaijan meets with Japan took place in Berlin.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
30 June 2017 11:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Days of Azerbaijani Culture will be held in Iran on July 3-9.

As part of the celebration, various concerts, performances photo exhibition, will be arranged in various cities of Iran, Azertac reported.

The Culture Days aim to develop bilateral cultural cooperation between the two countries, as well as to promote Azerbaijan's culture, art, tourism potential in Iran.

Earlier in May, Baku hosted the Iranian Culture Days within the framework of the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games.

The events aroused big interest among Bakus residents and its guests. Representatives of the country performed at a series of concerts, featuring country's national songs and dance numbers.

Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.

The two countries enjoy developed political, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations, have signed some 50 documents on cooperation.

The trade turnover between the countries hit some $15.77 million in January 2017, while the index of last January stands at $9.56 million. Azerbaijans trade turnover with Iran amounted to $210.76 million in 2016, which is 70 percent more than in 2015.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
30 June 2017 17:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Baku Boulevard Hotel will host Kids Fashion Show on July 9.

The fashion show entitled "Summer fun" will bring together 68 young models and 24 designers, Trend Life reported.

Some 41 girls and 27 boys will take part in the fashion show.

Kids Fashion Show is organized by head of Star Kids Group MMC Aygun Aliyeva.

Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
30 June 2017 11:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Booking.com, the Netherlands-based travel fare aggregator website, has stopped hotel reservations in the occupied Azerbaijani territories after the country's appeal, Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend on June 29.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as Azerbaijans Embassy in the Netherlands sent an appeal to the Booking.com in connection with its reservation of hotel rooms in the Armenia-occupied Azerbaijani territories.

The appeal said that if the company continues this activity, Azerbaijan will take appropriate measures.

Azerbaijan regarded such activity of the company as contradicting the norms of international law, the charter and the relevant decisions of the World Tourism Organization and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, Hajiyev said.

When booking hotel rooms in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, the company carries out activity that completely contradicts the position of the Netherlands, where the company is officially registered, as well as the position of the EU, which supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, Hajiyev added.

He also noted that such activity of Booking.com contradicts business ethics and is a factor that negatively affects the prestige of the company.

Taking into account the above-mentioned, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry urged the company to completely cancel hotel bookings in the occupied Azerbaijani territories and not to engage in such activity in the future, Hajiyev said.

Azerbaijan takes necessary measures against those, who are engaged in illegal business or economic activity in the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia. Moreover, unauthorized visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other occupied regions of Azerbaijan are considered illegal and individuals who pay such visits are included in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys black list.

Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war.

Large-scale hostilities ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal. Peace talks mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. within the OSCE Minsk Group have produced no results so far.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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30 June 2017 12:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

A meeting over settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be held in Athens on September 25, Chairman of the PACE Subcommittee on conflicts, co-rapporteur of the PACE Monitoring Committee on Azerbaijan Stefan Schennach told Report on June 30.

He reminded that the next meeting on the conflict resolution was planned to be held in Vienna. However, due to the difficult international situation, it is impossible to gather the partners together, so the meeting was postponed, said Schennach.

He noted that participation of all partners involved in the peacekeeping process, as well as members of the OSCE Minsk Group, is envisaged for the meeting in Athens.

Settlement of four conflicts in the space of the Council of Europe will be discussed during the meeting, but the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is considered a priority, he added.

Schennach also noted that a break in the negotiations for a peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is due to the changes in the Armenian Parliament.

The Nagorno-Karabakh 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.

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30 June 2017 13:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijan is ready for substantive negotiations for the early settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the change of the inadmissible and unsustainable status quo, said Hikmat Hajiyev , the Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

Hajiyev, commenting on the possible meeting of the foreign ministers in July, told Trend that the joint statement issued after the meeting of the presidents in Saint-Petersburg notes the need for substantive negotiations to resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"In this context, during their last visit to the region, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs made a proposal to hold a meeting of the foreign ministers. Azerbaijan expressed its consent and willingness regarding the proposal, he said.

Armenias Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian earlier didnt rule out a meeting with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov in July.

Armenian media outlets report that Nalbandian announced about this while talking to reporters at the parliament on June 30.

Last time, Mammadyarov and Nalbandian met in Moscow on April 28 within a trilateral meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister. The ministers continued discussions on prospects for the progress of the negotiation process on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement and stressed the need to implement the agreements reached at the summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg in 2016.

Following the tripartite talks, the foreign ministers met with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs and exchanged views on the state of affairs regarding the settlement of the conflict.

Baku has repeatedly expressed its consent to come to the negotiating table with Armenia to solve the conflict by peaceful means, but Armenia continues to play for time and avoids substantive negotiations in order to preserve the inadmissible status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh.

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.

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30 June 2017 17:19 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

NATO encourages both Azerbaijan and Armenia to engage in substantial negotiations and to work toward a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, James Appathurai, NATO Secretary Generals Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, told APA on June 30.

Last years surge of violence, along with regular cease-fire violations along the line of contact, shows how important it is for all sides to withdraw the heavy weapons, exercise restraint, adhere strictly to the ceasefire, and reduce tensions, he said, stressing that this is the only way toward a peaceful settlement as there is no military solution to this conflict.

Appathurai added that NATO is not directly involved in the negotiations to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict  they are conducted in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.

Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims to Azerbaijan. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions.

The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal from the occupied lands of Azerbaijan, but they have not been enforced to this day.

During the interview, Appathurai also touched upon the relations between NATO and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a valued and committed NATO partner, and cooperation between us is in our mutual interest, he said.

Appathurai noted that Azerbaijan participates in NATO exercises, like NATOs annual disaster response exercise, which will take place in Bosnia-Herzegovina later this year.

Appathurai further reminded that Azerbaijan contributes to NATO mission in Afghanistan.

We highly value the participation of Azerbaijani troops in NATO-led Resolute Support Mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, he said. Azerbaijan is an active and steady contributor to NATO-led operations.

Appathurai noted that Azerbaijans current contribution to Afghanistan includes 94 personnel and comprises political, military, logistical support, transit and non-military engagements such as training, humanitarian demining, and a financial contribution to the Afghan National Trust Fund with more than $1,6 million.

The peacekeeping contingent of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces has been serving under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since November 20, 2002.

Azerbaijan also allowed the NATO planes carrying non-combat loads for a mission in Afghanistan to fly through Azerbaijan's airspace and to use the country's airports. About 40 percent of all cargo destined for the NATO mission in Afghanistan pass through Baku.

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30 June 2017 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan's access to international transport corridors continues to expand.

The country's transportation network is diversified both in the air, in the land and in the water transport. Azerbaijan is strengthening its position as a transit country in transport corridors due to strategic geographical position.

With starting of tourism season the number of companies interested in flying to Azerbaijan is increasing.

The passenger transportation hit 607,500 people in January-April of 2017, which is by 27.9 more than last year.

The dynamic of transport sector can be traced by the chronic of the recent days.

Russias IrAero carried out the first international flight from Krasnoyarsk to Baku on June 21. Flights will be carried out until the end of the summer schedule twice a week  on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Moreover, Azerbaijan Airlines, AZAL starts operating regular passenger flights from Baku to the capital of Thailand - Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International Airport) starting October 29. Its worth to note that this is the first regular direct passenger flight from the capital of Azerbaijan to Southeast Asia.

Flights from Baku to Bangkok will be operated on Tuesdays and Sundays with comfortable Boeing-767 airplanes with economy class and VIP Club cabins. Return flights from Bangkok to Baku will depart on Wednesdays and Mondays.

Meanwhile, AZAL announced its intention to purchase four Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircrafts, which are estimated at approximately $918 million.

The decision on ordering of the New 787-Dreamliner opens big opportunities for Azerbaijani Airlines," said AZALs president Jahangir Asgarov. As one of the leading CIS carriers, we look forward to expanding our network with proven performance capabilities that the 787 provides.

Marty Bentrott, Vice President  Sales, Middle East, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said that this agreement will open new page in our cooperation with Azerbaijan Airlines.

We are sure that efficiency and convenience of B787-Dreamliner, which is the leader in the market, will successfully help in the modernization of AZALs aviation fleet, he said.

Meanwhile, there is good news for tourists. A national low-cost carrier Buta Airways announced its fare. Final minimum airfare for all destinations of Azerbaijans first low-cost airline will be only 29 euros one way.



At the first stage, the Airline will operate flights from Baku to Moscow (Vnukovo Airport), Antalya, Kazan, Mineralnye Vody, Kiev, Tbilisi and Tehran. Starting from the winter season (from October 29 this year), cities such as Istanbul and St. Petersburg will be added to the route network of Buta Airways.

The first flight of Buta Airways from Baku to Tbilisi will be operated on September 1.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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30 June 2017 10:11 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

US President Donald Trump has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

On behalf of the American people, Melania and I send our warm greetings to you and the people of Azerbaijan as you celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Muslims in the United States joined those around the world during the holy month of Ramadan to focus on acts of faith and charity. Here in the United States, Muslims commemorate Eid with families and friends, continuing the tradition of helping neighbors and breaking bread with those from all walks of life, Trump said in his letter.

As we celebrate this holiday together, we are reminded of the importance of mercy, compassion, and goodwill. On this occasion, the United States renews our shared commitment with Azerbaijan to honor these values.

Once again, I wish you and the people of Azerbaijan a blessed holiday. Eid Mubarak, Trump added.

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30 June 2017 15:48 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The final plenary meeting of Azerbaijani Parliaments extraordinary session was held on June 30.

The agenda included 19 issues, including amendments to the law "On state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2017", Water Code, Migration Code, laws "On execution", "On prevention of domestic violence", "On advertising", "On state duty", "On establishment of orders and medals of the Republic of Azerbaijan".

Finance Minister Samir Sharifov, addressing the discussions on the state budget, said that the increase in the expenditure part of the state budget is related to allocation of additional funds to the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (540 million manats) and the state oil company SOCAR.

Moreover, the Azerbaijani state will allocate four billion manats for restructuring the IBAs foreign liabilities. The allocation of funds for restructuring the IBAs foreign liabilities will significantly enhance the banks stability, strengthen its solvency and positively affect its further privatization, noted the minister.

The increase in state expenditures, according to Sharifov, is also related to regulation of costs of maintenance of state-owned kindergartens, as well as the creation of financial support for new kindergartens in the cities and regions of the country. It is planned to allocate 58 million manats for these purposes.

Following the discussions, the parliamentarians approved the amendments to the Law on State Budget of 2017.

Revenues in the revised state budget are forecast at 16.766 billion manats, which is 511 million manats or 3.1 percent more than the initially approved forecast. Expenditures are expected to stand at 17.941 billion manats, 1.041 billion manats or 6.2 percent more than the initial forecast. Deficit of the state budget is forecast to stand at 1.175 billion manats (an increase by 530 million manats), which accounts for 1.8 percent of the expected GDP of Azerbaijan in 2017.

Meanwhile, the uppermost limit on external loan has been elevated by 4 billion manats  up to 4.5 billion manats  in connection with the issue of Eurobonds by the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA).

The International Bank of Azerbaijan has been operating since 1992 and is one of the countrys two state-owned banks.

The IBA had previously commenced a process of voluntary debt restructuring as part of its rehabilitation. The banks total debt to foreign creditors is $3.3 billion.

The Parliament further considered the issues of appointing judges to different courts.

The First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Ziyafat Asgarov, who is also a member of the Judicial-Legal Council, spoke about the reforms carried out in countrys judicial system.

The parliamentarians further considered and approved the law "On Compulsory Insurance against Unemployment".

The main principles of unemployment insurance will be compulsory, legal equality of unemployment insurance subjects, differentiation of insurance payments depending on the length of insurance and duration of unemployment.

The Parliament also approved establishment of a jubilee medal dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, which will be celebrated next year.

The session also approved the law On ethical behavior of members of the Parliament.



The bill stipulates possibility of depriving the mandate of an MP, who grossly violated the rules of ethical behavior. The document also prohibits the use of offensive phrases and interruption of colleagues' speeches, etc.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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30 June 2017 17:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijans State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations handed certificates to seven religious communities that passed the state registration.

The event was attended by the first deputy chairman of the State Committee, Sayyad Salahli, department heads and chairmen of the newly registered religious communities.

Noting that there is an atmosphere of religious tolerance in the country, Salahli spoke about the state care shown to religion, as well as conditions created for the activity of religious communities.

Salahli stressed that religious communities play a special role and occupy an inherent place in the Azerbaijani society.

He noted that religious communities are responsible for organizing religious education activities and fighting religious radicalism. He urged registered religious communities to be active in the right message to the public.

After the renewal of the state registration of religious structures, 767 religious communities were registered -- 739 of them are Islamic, 28 - non-Islamic (17 - Christian, eight - Jewish, one - Krishna and two - Baha'is).

About 2,200 mosques, seven synagogues, 14 churches both Catholics and Orthodox are operating in the country. Today more than 3,000 NGOs, hundreds of media outlets, 55 political parties, and communities belonging to different religions operate freely in Azerbaijan.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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30 June 2017 18:07 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijans Parliament approved establishing a special medial in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Policy and State Building Ali Huseynli, addressing the parliamentary session on June 30, highlighted the importance of the medal. He noted that the medal will display the attributes of the Azerbaijani statehood and national attributes.

Under the approved document, the title The 100th jubilee (1918-2018) medal of the Azerbaijani Army will be added to Article 2 of the Law on establishment of orders and medals.



Military servicemen, both in active and demobilized, can be granted the medal at the nomination of a relevant executive body.

Azerbaijani Armed Forces will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. The history of the modern Azerbaijani army dates back to June 26, 1918. On this day, the national army of the first Democratic Republic in the Muslim East  Azerbaijan Democratic Republic  was established.

Today, the Azerbaijani Army is one of the strongest, highly-disciplined armies in the world and the leading one in the region. The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan consist of Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the Navy, and the Land Forces.

Azerbaijani Army stands at the 59th place in the world ranking on military strength compiled by a U.S.-based Global Firepower survey center. The national army is equipped with new high-quality weapons.

The army building process is of particular importance for Azerbaijan, as twenty percent of the country's territory is under Armenian occupation and the country is in a state of war with Armenia.

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30 June 2017 17:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

Azerbaijan supplied over 2.17 billion cubic meters of gas to Turkey in January-April 2017, as compared to 2.26 billion cubic meters in January-April 2016, according to a report of Turkeys Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK).

In 2016, Azerbaijan supplied 6.48 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey, as compared to 6.17 billion cubic meters in 2015.

The report released on June 30 reads that Turkey imported 20.45 billion cubic meters of gas in January-April 2017, some 15.77 billion cubic meters of which were imported via pipelines, and 4.67 billion cubic meters accounted for the LNG (liquefied natural gas) import.

Azerbaijans share in total volume of gas imported by Turkey stood at 10.63 percent in January-April 2017.

Turkey imports gas from Azerbaijan via the South Caucasus Pipeline (Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum).

Turkey has a contract for the annual purchase of 6.6 billion cubic meters of gas from Azerbaijans offshore Shah Deniz gas and condensate field.

The contract for development of the Shah Deniz gas field was signed in Baku on June 4, 1996 and ratified by the Milli Majlis [Parliamnet] on October 17 of the same year.

The Shah Deniz field is operated by BP, which has a share of 28.8 percent. Other partners include TPAO (19 percent), SOCAR (16.7 percent), Petronas(15.5 percent), LUKoil (10 percent) and NIOC (10 percent).

The 692 kilometres South Caucasus Pipeline, which began operation at the end of 2006, transports gas from the Shah Deniz field in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea to Turkey, through Georgia.

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Starbucks has confirmed plans for two new standalone locations in Lincoln.

The nation's largest coffee chain is planning 2,200-square-foot stores at 7020 O St. and on the northwest corner of 27th and Superior streets.

Both locations will have drive-through lanes and outdoor seating.

The 70th and O street Starbucks will be built on the site of the vacant Egg Roll King restaurant, which will be torn down. A Starbucks spokeswoman said it should open sometime next year.

The Spokeswoman said the opening date and exact address of the 27th and Superior location have not yet been finalized.

Starbucks also plans to open a location at the Nebraska Union that will open before classes start in August.

That combined with the two new stores will double the number of standalone Starbucks locations in Lincoln from three to six.

The chain has several other Lincoln locations inside grocery stores, bookstores and hotels.
30 June 2017 10:07 (UTC+04:00)

At least 12 people died and two were injured when a cable car doli installed by local villagers broke away from the wires and fell at Charra Pani in the Galiyat region of northern Pakistan on Thursday, Geo News reports citing rescue officials.

The injured were taken to Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi, rescue sources said, adding that the 12 deceased had died on the spot. The bodies of the victims have been handed over to their families.

According to reports, the cable car was installed by locals without approval from the concerned departments. It was being used to travel from Tret to Dannah village.

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30 June 2017 11:53 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

After eight months of grinding urban warfare, the Iraqi government troops captured the ruined mosque at the heart of Islamic State's de facto capital Mosul, and the prime minister declared the group's self-styled caliphate at an end.

The return of control over the An-Nuri mosque in Mosul, where the leader of ISIS terrorist group announced the creation of the "caliphate", means the end of the pseudo-state of terrorists, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi said on June 29, TASS reported.

"The return of al-Nuri Mosque and al-Hadba minaret to the fold of the nation marks the end of the Daesh state of falsehood," Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a statement

The prime minister noted that the Iraqi authorities will continue to destroy ISIS militants until there is not a single terrorist left in Iraq.

The PM is expected to speak in the near future with a "victorious speech" in Western Mosul after the operation against the ISIS militants is completed.

The campaign to expel the IS militants from Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq and the main bulwark of terrorists, began in October last year. It involves the army special forces, the Federal Police, the rapid reaction force and the Iraqi Armed Forces. Air support is provided by the aviation of the international counter-terrorism coalition led by the United States and the government air forces of the republic.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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30 June 2017 11:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

US President Donald Trump's ambitions to achieve energy revolution will destabilize energy markets, Cyril Widdershoven, a Middle East geopolitical specialist and energy analyst, a partner at Dutch risk consultancy VEROCY and SVP MEA-Risk, told Trend June 30.

He was commenting on the statement made by Trump that the US is on the cusp of a new energy revolution.

First of all, we need to understand it is not an energy revolution, at the same time it is almost no change to former president Obama's plan and strategy. Until now, the differences are minimal in reality, only the tone is more aggressive, noted Widdershoven.

He pointed out that an energy revolution as presented at present is nothing else than all other presidents have been trying to reach, an energy independent US, with now also with emphasis on energy exports.

The costs and constraints of this policy are already showing, as US will need to compete with others, and is going to put pressure on allies and other producers, resulting in a further destabilization of energy markets and geopolitics, the expert believes.

First of all, if put in place, additional volumes will be pushed on the global markets, at a time that there is a fight ongoing between demand and supply, with low oil and gas prices, said Widdershoven. At the same time, the real question is how is the US going to do this, as taking a real commercial business point of view, production costs of the US oil and gas, shale and offshore, are higher than most other regions in the world. It will mean that the US is pushing for additional volumes, which in reality are not commercially attractive at current price levels. Investments will be low, as the internal rate of return (IRR) is also low.

This policy of Trump will further destabilize the market, which not only will hit price levels for OPEC and Russian producers but at the same time put US producers under extreme pressure, the expert believes.

Most shale oil/gas will not be feasible under $40-45 per barrel. Nice strategy, but reality is different, he said. The targets set by Trump are unrealistic. Oil exports to Mexico is plain irrelevant, as it is cheaper to produce in Mexico (if investments are there) than to export US oil-gas to one of the world's oil countries with a high potential. Exporting gas (LNG) to others also will have a negative effect, not only for traditional LNG exporters but also for the commercials of US companies, prices will be lower, and so investment returns also.

The expert noted that to keep production in US also higher, new technologies and large scale investments are needed, something Trump currently had cut budgets for.

Trumps ambitions will be hitting a brick wall, as price/investments and demand will not be sufficient to take US volumes also. With lower prices or geopolitical issues, Washington will see that it is working against itself, said Widdershoven.

Earlier, Trump hailed an energy revolution marked by surging US exports of oil and natural gas.

Trump cited a series of steps the administration has taken to boost energy production and remove government regulations that he argues prevent the United States from achieving energy dominance in the global market.

Together, we are going to start a new energy revolution  one that celebrates American production on American soil, Trump said in a statement, adding that the US is on the brink of becoming a net exporter of oil, gas and other energy resources.

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30 June 2017 13:05 (UTC+04:00)

Kamila Aliyeva

Documents on development of the regional cooperation between Belarus and Russia were signed in Moscow on June 30 at an innovation exhibition organized in the course of the fourth Forum of Regions, BelTA reported.

A partnership agreement between the Brest Regional Executive Committee and the administration of the Penza region, an agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation between the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee and the administration of the Saratov region, as well as an agreement on cooperation between the Vitebsk Oblast and the Stavropol Territory were concluded.

In addition, a plan of measures to enhance cooperation between Belarus and the Bryansk region for 2017-2018 and an action plan for the development of cooperation between the Brest region and the Bryansk region for 2017-2019 were undersigned.

Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia Valentina Matvienko told reporters that the acceleration of the Belarusian-Russian cooperation will make it possible to successfully compete in the world markets.

The creation of high-tech industries is a priority, she added.

"The leaders of the regions of Belarus and Russia show great interest in the exhibition, which means that everyone understands today that it is necessary to not only increase the volumes of mutual trade, but also to start creating joint ventures, implement new large joint projects and cooperate in the field of high technologies," she said.

In turn, Myasnikovich Mikhail. Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus added that Belarus and Russia have good prospects for cooperation in industry and innovation.

"We are competitive and can confidently feel ourselves in the world markets. It is noteworthy that companies of our countries are increasingly investing in joint ventures. These investments are estimated in billions of dollars a year. It is not just trade cooperation, this is innovative technologies that are used in our common Belarus-Russian market," he said.

Moscow hosts the fourth Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia on June 29-30. The main theme of the plenary session of the forum is the partnership of the regions of Belarus and Russia in the sphere of high technologies, innovation and the information society.

The annual forum has gathered over 600 participants. An expo of products and solutions of some 60 Belarusian companies and organizations opened in Moscow on June 29. The forum also features a fair of Belarusian light industry and food products.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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30 June 2017 12:18 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

A 43-year old Armenian has been arrested after trying to ram a car into a crowd outside a mosque in a suburb of Paris, the Independent reports.

No one was injured in the incident on Thursday evening in the Creteil neighborhood, in the south-east of the French capital.

The vehicle struck barriers put in place to protect worshippers and pedestrians.

A police statement said the suspect repeatedly struck the blocks and barriers placed to protect the mosque.

Frances Le Parisien newspaper said the suspect showed no signs of being drunk or on drugs.

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30 June 2017 15:14 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

A new dispute between Ankara and Berlin has arisen as Germany refused to allow Turkish president to hold a rally for Turkish community in the country.

This decision caused great concerns and discontent among Turkish authorities and opposition.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit the country to attend the G20 summit to be held in Hamburg on July 7-8. Erdogan was expected to address the representatives of the Turkish community on the second day of the summit.

Turkish media outlets reported that Germany stands against Erdogans speech to be delivered to representatives of the Turkish community.

Later, it was reported that in response to Germanys decision, the Turkish president may cancel his visit.

However, a source in the Turkish presidential administration told Trend that Erdogan does not consider cancelling his visit to Hamburg.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Turkish opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli criticized the position of Germany about the expected speech of Erdogan.

Erdogan represents Turkey, and any negative decision in his respect can be assessed as an attack against Turkey. Germany should know that the decision to ban President Erdogan's speech will not remain unanswered," he said.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also criticized the position of Germany over the speech of Erdogan. The Ministry said in a statement that "it is regrettable that German politicians make unacceptable remarks motivated it seems by political calculations".

The spokesman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by Erdogan said there was "nothing more natural" than the president meeting Turks in Germany.

Currently 3.5 million Turks live in Germany, according to official data.

The ties between two NATO allies have been strained since the failed coup in Turkey last July, and tensions have worsened over multiple issues including a referendum campaign to expand Turkish President's powers. German authorities banned some Turkish ministers from campaigning for ethnic Turk votes in Germany during the April referendum.

The relations deteriorated further after Ankara blocked a group of German lawmakers from visiting the servicemen at the Incirlik Air Base.

This month Germany decided to withdraw its troops from NATO partner Turkey's Incirlik base and move them to Jordan.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
30 June 2017 16:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The Presidents of Turkmenistan and Tatarstan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Rustam Minnikhanov discussed new opportunities for diversification of cooperation within the meeting in Ashgabat on June 29.

Within the negotiations special attention was paid to supplies of the products of Tatarstans industrial enterprises to Turkmenistan and the expansion of supplies of Turkmen products to Tatarstan, the press-service of Tatarstans president reported.

The presidents exchanged views and identified the priority areas of cooperation: the fuel and energy complex, trade and economic sphere, agriculture and tourism.

Moreover, Berdimuhamedov and Minnikhanov discussed possible interaction in the cultural and humanitarian spheres.

Tatarstan is a federal subject (a republic) of Russia.

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30 June 2017 17:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The blockade of Qatar and subsequent demands of Saudi Arabia and its major allies have only aggravated the already difficult situation in the Persian Gulf while hindering the peaceful settlement of regional crisis through negotiations.

Qatar's Defense Minister Khalid al-Attiyah is expected to hold talks with his Turkish counterpart Fikri Isik in Ankara on June 30 as the Gulf nation's dispute with four other Arab states deepens amid a list of harsh demands to Doha, including the closure of a Turkish military base there.

The isolation of Qatar by a number of Arab countries means the declaration of war without blood, Khalid al-Attiyah before the visit, Turkish el-Arabi el-Cedid newspaper reported on June 30.

The Arab nations, which severed political relations with Doha, deliberately conduct anti-Qatar propaganda, accusing it of supporting terrorism, according to the minister.

Meanwhile, Qatar's Defense Ministry has announced the arrival of a new group of Turkish armed forces to the military base, where Turkey began its training mission last week.

The forces will take part in joint exercises within the framework of a defense agreement signed between Doha and Ankara aimed at raising Qatar's defense capabilities, supporting counter-terror efforts, as well as maintaining security and stability in the region.

Ankara is set to keep its military base, the first one for Turkey in the Arab World, in the small Gulf state and has sided with Qatar in the dispute from its very beginning.

Previously, Isik stated that Turkeys military base in Qatar is exclusively an internal issue of Ankara and Doha, saying that no country has the right to interfere in the affairs of other countries.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, along with Egypt, cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar in early June, accusing the country of supporting "extremism" and their regional ally, Iran - charges that Qatar has repeatedly denied.

Arab countries demanded from Qatar to comply with 13 points in return for an end to a three-week-old diplomatic and trade boycott of the country.

They required Qatar to cut diplomatic relations with Iran, close the Turkish military base, eliminate Al-Jazeera TV channel, extradite all persons wanted in four countries on charges of terrorism and pay compensation.

However, Qatar has dismissed these demands calling them humiliating and unacceptable.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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Transgender inmates in Nebraska's jails shouldn't be relegated to segregated housing or denied hormone treatment during their detention, an ACLU of Nebraska official said in a letter Thursday.

The letter sent to Lancaster County Corrections and all of Nebraska's county jails by the civil liberties organization's legal director, Amy Miller, didn't point to any issues at the jails.

The ACLU's office has fielded questions from several transgender inmates and their families about their legal rights, Miller wrote.

Still, the ACLU encouraged the jail to be proactive in its care for transgender inmates and comply with federal regulations and case law.

"Those in your facility have their life and well-being in your hands," Miller wrote in the letter.

Jailers violate the federal jail standards when they place transgender inmates in solitary confinement by default and also when they assign them to housing based solely on their exterior genital anatomy, she wrote.

Lawful housing decisions for these inmates should occur on a case-by-case basis and consider the inmate's health and safety and whether placement would pose management or security problems, the letter said.

Each jail should have a policy stating that transgender inmates will be individually examined during booking to determine whether to house them with the same gender they identify with, Miller said.

The letter also reminds jail officials that transgender inmates may require uncommon medical treatment and are constitutionally entitled to such care, she said.

Most commonly, a transgender person may need hormone treatment or prescriptions that support their gender identity, the letter said.

The state agreed in 2016 to treat a Nebraska prisoner who filed a federal lawsuit, alleging she was denied her feminine hormonal therapy and demanded a gender-reassignment surgery. The specifics of the treatment plan, reached in a settlement, weren't publicly disclosed.

Miller pointed to the policies in federal prisons that require individualized care and state that once an inmate has been assessed and diagnosed with gender dysphoria, where a person feels their gender doesn't align with their birth sex, they must be allowed access to the appropriate hormone or medical treatment.

Jail officials should ensure their medical providers are familiar with such treatment.

Read the full letter below.
Three former directors of the collapsed Custom House Capital (CHC) investment firm are jointly and severally liable to pay 214,457 to a liquidator for the cost of his investigation, collection of evidence and for the legal fees involved, the High Court has ruled.

It means liquidator Kieran Wallace can pursue either Harry Cassidy, John Whyte or John Mulholland for the total amount and they would have to afterwards sort out between themselves what their "share" of those costs would be.

Last December, the trio received disqualifications from involvement in companies of 14, 10 and 12 years respectively - 14 years being the longest period ever handed down under company law - over the misappropriation of some 66.5m in client funds.

Mr Cassidy, the CEO, said he he could not afford legal representation and had written saying he was not contesting the liquidators evidence.

Mr Mulholland, a non-executive director, accepted he had failed in his corporate responsiblity but asked for a restriction on involvement in a company rather than a disqualification.

Mr Whyte, CHC investment director, opposed the application.

Mr Justice David Keane found the conduct of all three was "deeply dishonest" , done over a protracted period of time and had a "devastating" impact on innocent investors.

The liquidator asked the court to make all three personally liable for the costs of the investigation and said the 2,000 investors involved should not have to put their hands into their pockets for those costs.

Mr Cassidy was again not represented during the costs application and Mr Whyte was no longer represented.

Mr Mulhollands counsel asked the court to take into account, in considering who should pay the costs, that his client had co-operated with the investigation. This was disputed by the liquidator.

In finding they should be jointly and severally liable for the costs and should be paid forthwith, Mr Justice Keane said Mr Cassidy could have represented himself but had not done so while Mr Whytes previous representatives said they had no instructions from him.

In relation to arguments made on behalf of Mr Mulholland, the judge said he (Mulholland) argued it would be unfair to fix him with joint and several liability.

Among the reasons he could not accept submissions, the judge said the first was that they "entirely overlook the grave findings of fraud that have been made against Mr Mulholland" and the specific finding that he personally benefitted from the payment to him of wrongful "commissions", in most cases directly from client accounts.

While Mr Mulholland expressed embarassment and distress at the position clients now found themselves, he had made no attempt to address the deficit in client funds, he said.

The judge said Mr Mulhollands view that his co-operation with the investigation merited some credit to him was "entirely misconceived". The judge also found no merit in his claim it was unfair to fix him with joint and several liability.

Tony McGillicuddy BL, for Mr Mulholland, asked that the 12 year disqualification be backdated to February 2015 when his client had resigned from directorships. He also asked for a stay on the disqualification and costs order pending appeal.

Bernard Dunleavy SC, for the liquidator, said there was no provision in law for backdating disqualifications.

Mr Justice Keane agreed there was no power to backdate and also refused a stay.

Reporting- Ann OLoughlin
Published On Jun 30, 2017 09:33 AM By Khan Mohd. for Honda City 4th Generation

The 4th generation City recorded 1 million global sales, out of which 25 per cent came from the Indian market

Japanese carmaker Honda has sold more than 2.5 lakh units of its 4th generation City in the country. Globally, the numbers of this generation model read 1 million units. Contributing to 25 per cent of its overall sales, the Indian Honda City registered close to 61 per cent of its sales for petrol and the rest, 39 per cent for diesel. Since its global debut in 1981, over 3.5 million Citys have been sold worldwide.

Surprisingly, about 30 per cent of the aspirants of the petrol City opted for the automatic (CVT) option, while the remaining 70 per cent went for its manual counterpart. With respect to sales of manual sedans, the diesel- and petrol-powered Citys are almost neck and neck with a ratio of 1:1.

India is an important market for Honda, which was evident when it debuted a diesel version of the City for the very first time as the demand for the same was soaring back in India in 2014. Before the introduction of the diesel trim, the City lost the top spot to the Hyundai Verna and the gap was increasing with each passing month. As soon as the i-DTEC engine-powered City was launched in January 2014, the pride and the sales were restored, as the car yet again reached the pinnacle in the mid-size sedan segment.

The current Honda City is available in both the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol and the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine options. The introduction of the advanced CVT transmission technology also helped trigger Citys sales (30 percent automatic Citys is a huge chunk considering a developing country like India). The manual petrol trim returns decent fuel economy of 17.4kmpl, whereas its CVT version offers excellent mileage of 18kmpl. However, the most fuel efficient variants are the diesel ones  25.6kmpl.

The Honda City is the bread and butter model for the carmaker in India. With the BR-V and the Brio completely falling out, it relies on the Amaze, the City and the lately launched WRV to power its India operations. The launch of the new Honda CR-V, possibly with a 1.6-litre diesel option, in 2018 is definitely something we are looking forward to.

Lets see how things spin in the future for Honda.

Also read: Honda To Export 1.6-litre Locally Produced Diesel Engine To Thailand

Read More on : Honda City on road price
Dril-Quip, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services engineered drilling and production equipment for use in deepwater, harsh environment, and severe service applications worldwide. The company's principal products include subsea and surface wellheads, subsea and surface production trees, mudline hanger systems, specialty connectors and associated pipes, drilling and production riser systems, liner hangers, wellhead connectors, diverters, and safety valves, as well as downhole tools. It also provides technical advisory services, and rework and reconditioning services, as well as rental and purchase of running tools for use in the installation and retrieval of its products; and downhole tools comprise of liner hangers, production packers, safety valves, and specialty downhole tools that are used to hang-off and seal casing into a previously installed casing string in the well bore. The company's products are used to explore for oil and gas from offshore drilling rigs, such as floating rigs and jack-up rigs; and for drilling and production of oil and gas wells on offshore platforms, tension leg platforms, and Spars, as well as moored vessels, such as floating production, storage, and offloading monohull moored vessels. It sells its products directly through its sales personnel, independent sales agents, and representatives to integrated, independent, and foreign national oil and gas companies, as well as drilling contractors, and engineering and construction companies. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Can the Methodist Church pull out of its nose dive? 'We need God to do something,' Conference told

This week's Methodist Conference was faced with figures showing a staggering decline in the numerical strength of the denomination. One of the Church's senior officials, connexional secretary Doug Swanney, described them to the Conference as 'heartbreaking'  not an expression that found its way into the official press release, which insisted that 'membership figures don't tell the whole story'.

To be fair, such publications do need to avoid becoming self-fulfilling prophecies. A press release full of doom and gloom would reinforce a sense of crisis without encouraging a sense that something can be done about it  and the Methodist Church is still a fairly large denomination with considerable resources.

But the truth is bad enough. Methodist membership now stands at 188,000, having declined by an average of 3.5 per cent a year for the last 10 years. Actual attendance is slightly higher at around 202,000, but that's fallen by about the same amount. Worse, teenage attendance is less than half what it was in 2006 and pre-school attendance is down by three-quarters  an indication of the lack of young families. Of more than 4,500 churches, half  2,203  have fewer than one in 20 of the Sunday congregation aged under 20, including 1,463 which reported not a single young person coming to a Sunday service in October 2016, when the counts are made.

This year's figures didn't provide a detailed breakdown by age, but in 2013, 18 per cent of Methodists were over 81 and 51 per cent were between 66 and 80. In the nature of things, it's going to get exponentially worse.

So, said Swanney, the report 'tells us quite starkly we are failing to mitigate our top risk of failing to create enough new disciples'.

The report was exhaustively discussed over two days, and it was clear members of the Conference were extremely worried. Some spoke of a 'loss of confidence' and expressed a consciousness of the crushing weight of Methodist official structures. It was all very well the strong supporting the weak, but the weak mustn't be allowed to bleed the strong dry, one person said. Others pointed out that similar figures had been presented before, and nothing had been done.

There were others who were enthusiastic. Some spoke of it as a challenge  'It makes it obvious what we have to focus on,' said one. Another  Rev Ashley Cooper from the 400-plus membership Swan Bank church in Stoke-on-Trent  said his church 'wouldn't understand' the tone of the report, because it was growing. 'We can, as Meth people, do it,' he said. 'But only if we take dificult decisions and invest in the right places.' He is going to be the next principal of Cliff College, the evangelical Methodist training college, where he will be able to help form a new generation of leaders.

Three concrete measures did come out of the Conference. Methodist procedures offer the opportunity for 'Notices of Motion' to be presented. These are taken very seriously and can help set Methodist Church policy. One called on Methodists to be enthusiastic in prayer and evangelism, and to consider planting new churches. Introducing it, Rev Dr Andrew Stobart said: 'We do not need more reflection on the causes of decline. We need a good old Methodist enthusiasm to do something.'

Another called for every Methodist church to prepare either a growth plan or an 'end-of-life' plan  plan to grow or plan to close, in other words. It was proposed by Rev Elaine Lindridge, a District evangelism enabler, who said: 'I've seen real fruit happening when churches take note of what they are called to do.' That was more controversial, with speakers worrying about it being too much of a burden or too threatening, but a version of it was passed.

Potentially the most helpful suggestion of all was a proposal calling for a Day of Prayer and Fasting in September, at the beginning of the Methodist year. It referred to 'the challenges and changes facing every community in these islands and the urgent call of God on the Methodist people to share the love of God in Jesus Christ in word and action'.

As one speaker, Rev Paul Smith, commented: 'All the programmes in the world are not going to get us out of this mess. We need God to do something.'

The Methodist Church has enormous problems. It has far too many buildings, many of them in the wrong place, which can't be sold because of local resistance. It's not just that the money would be useful  it is not a poor denomination  but that the need to service so many tiny congregations stretches already over-burdened ministers and volunteers past the point at which they can be effective missionaries. It has a massive superstructure of circuits, Districts and committees. It is aging very rapidly, and given its cumbersome procedures it may be that it has left it too late to do what needs to be done. (The outside observer is reminded of a sort of church supertanker, which needs years rather than miles to change course.) But many at this week's Conference did seem to feel the time had come to do something; and to pray that God would do something.
I wish Andy Lines well, though I have a few questions about GAFCON

I once had Canon Andy Lines to speak at a men's breakfast I was organising for a church.

The event was taking place in a rather disappointing pub where a recent refurbishment had pulled off the remarkable feat of making the building look even worse than it had before. And it hadn't been great to start with.

But Andy was terrific. A former tank commander, he spoke with passion, clarity and thoughtfulness about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. And today Andy is becoming a bishop. He will be consecrated by GAFCON (the Global Anglican Futures Conference), which is led by a council of Primates who claim to represent the numerical majority of the world's practising Anglicans.

GAFCON's raison d'etre? According to its website, the aim is to 'to guard the unchanging, transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ and to proclaim Him to the world'. You can read more about it here. The group's UK website describes the reasoning behind Andy's consecration as 'an immediate and courageous response to the most recent developments in the Scottish Episcopal Church's decision to change its Canons on marriage. However, the necessity for alternative Episcopal oversight in Scotland also applies to all corners of Britain, because the issues which underlie the SEC's move are common to Anglicanism throughout the country.'

Here are three thoughts.

1. We should pray for Andy Lines. Whether you are a GAFCON supporter or not, there is no doubt he is a thoughtful, wise and holy man of God, and exactly the sort of person anyone should rightly want as a bishop. The New Testament says an overseer should be 'above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money' (1 Timothy 3). He's certainly all of those things. And in many ways it is something of a tragedy for the Church of England that they hadn't made him a bishop already.

2. We should read GAFCON's Jerusalem Statement. Much media reporting about what is happening in global Anglicanism tends to reduce things to caricatures and sound-bites. But the statement on which Andy Lines stands  GAFCON's Jerusalem Statement  is surely one to which the vast majority of Anglicans past and present could readily subscribe. I had no problem signing it myself. Whatever your own view, it is good to be informed from the original sources, rather than second-hand reporting.

3. We should exercise prayerful discernment. I would be dishonest, however, if I did not confess that I do have some reservations about GAFCON. It sometimes seems an uneasy alliance of all sorts of unlikely partners  from highly conservative evangelicals at one end, to Anglo-Catholics at the other extreme who recommend praying to Mary and going off on pilgrimages to her various shrines.

Whatever one's precise outlook on these and other matters, it is quite hard to see how these disparate strands cohere into one unified, coherent and consistent theological whole  because in and of themselves these two wings represent quite different, clashing visions of the Christian faith. It's easy when both sides are reacting against what they see as a common enemy (theological liberalism) to be on the same side and sing from the same hymn sheet. But I do wonder how things can hold together long-term.

Moreover, many evangelical Anglicans remain committed to working in the Church of England, as Christian Today reported recently. Other Anglican alternatives are also appearing on the scene, including one recent link-up with the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of South Africa. All this comes against a backdrop of a Church of England and global Anglicanism which is, frankly, a theological car crash  even to a sympathetic supporter and third-generation Anglican clergyman such as myself who would love it to do well.

So pray for Andy Lines. He will be a fantastic bishop. Pray  whether your 'tribal' allegiance is to the Church of England, GAFCON, both of them at the same time, or indeed something else altogether  that above all else the name of Jesus Christ is honoured and that the gospel goes forward. Most of all, I'm just grateful that it is precisely because of the mess we humans make of things that Christ came. If we keep him at the centre, trust his word, and die to self then  however denominational groupings may unfold in the future  we shall not go far wrong.

David Baker is a former daily newspaper journalist now working as an Anglican minister in Sussex, England. Follow him on Twitter @Baker_David_A
Justin Welby's evangelism challenge to Christians: 'Do something'

The Archbishop of Canterbury is challenging Christians around the world to follow up 10 days of prayer with action.

Hundreds of thousands of people across 85 countries took part in Justin Welby's 'Thy Kingdom Come' drive  the biggest prayer and evangelism push in a generation.

'I can hardly believe it,' he says in a new video.

'It's an extraordinary joining together of Christians all around the world to pray two prayers  "Thy Kingdom Come" and "Come Holy Spirit". Two prayers that are literally world changing.'

But he goes on: 'We have to say when we have prayed  what do we do now?

'How do we respond to the fact that when we pray God changes the world and God changes us? Our wills are aligned with God.

'What we want is brought more in tune with what he wants.'

Describing the 10 days of prayer between the Christian festivals of Ascension and Pentecost as an 'amazing' thing to have been involved in, he says: 'We have prayed "Thy Kingdom Come".

'So what are we going to do for us to be part of the answer to that prayer, in our families in our communities, in our homes, in our nations?

'What are we going to do, not so that people look at us and say "That's very special" but so they say "There is Christ's kingdom being seen"?

'It could be anything but it will be about meeting need and aligning our actions with the will of God.'

A month ago we were in the middle of #ThyKingdomCome. Watch @justinwelby's reflection here. pic.twitter.com/awAmUCYvE9  Thy Kingdom Come (@thykingdom_come) June 30, 2017

He goes on: 'What are you going to do in the most sensitive, generous loving way, in the way you would like to be treated, that enables them to have an opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ'?

He adds: 'Be sensitive, be loving, be full of the grace that God is showing to you and to me.

'But do something.'

He finishes: 'May God bless you as you change the world and in changing it you are changed by the Holy Spirit.'
More beer, less booty: The perilous pressures of Bible translation

Translating the Bible isn't easy. Just ask the team of scholars behind the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, the most widely read contemporary English translation of Scripture.

The team behind the NIV are known as the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT)  and a selection of that team gathered in Cambridge this week to discuss the challenge of translating the word of God, in an event co-hosted by Biblica, the International Bible Society, and the British NIV publishers Hodder & Stoughton.

Contemporary Christians can be so familiar with an English Bible that they forget its complex roots in ancient Hebrew and Greek. The CBT not only have to master those tricky tongues, but also understand the history, sociology and theology of biblical times  and then forge all that understanding into an English text that is accurate and readable: 'true to God's word and true to the reader'.

The art of translation

When you're trying to decipher the word of God, the pressure is on. But translation is an art. For example, should Scripture should be translated 'word for word', in such a way as to give the simplest, most literal English version of the Hebrew/Greek used in the text? Such an approach is typical of the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible.

Another way is that of 'dynamic equivalence'  conveying the essential meaning of what was meant in the original text, if not using the exact same syntax or phrases. The NIV leans toward the latter approach, though its translators certainly want to stay faithful to both the word and the reader.

But the tension between the past and the present is a pervasive one: 'slavery' doesn't mean now what it did then, nor 'adoption', and 'alien' took on new meaning after sci-fi movies in the 1980s  now rendered as 'foreigner'. As committee chair Douglas Moo explained, the Bible often assumes a very different culture to ours: 'Do you try to bring readers back into that culture, or try to bring culture to the readers?'

The committee pores over the thousands of verses within Scripture, determining whether its latest translations need updating according to new research, shifts in English language or concerns for clarity. An update or change to the text is no small thing, and requires 70 per cent of the committee members to vote in favour of the change.

Some might be surprised that the words they read in their English Bibles ultimately come down to a committee vote. Rev Dr David Instone-Brewer praised the collaborative nature of the panel: 'When I joined this committee, I was converted to committees, I'd never seen one work like this one.

'Everyone is wanting to get to the text and what it says and how to express it in English, and sometimes you'll see everyone's come with their own idea of how to solve this particular problem, and no one's got it right and everyone knows no one's got it right. As we work together...there's suddenly an "aha" moment and you say "Yes, that's what God would say if he was speaking English!'"

The NIV's first edition was published in 1984, but that had been worked on since 1965. The next major update came in 2005, when the separate Today's New International Version (TNIV) was released. The latest revision of the NIV came in 2011, building on both its predecessors. Changes continue to be made, but they won't be effected until the next edition, and no one know when that will be. So what has changed?

A living language

In one potentially seismic shift, 'there's going to be a lot more beer' in the Bible. Many of the occasions of 'strong drink' will now be rendered as 'beer', since historical study shows that the ancient Middle East did in fact have its own kind of beer. It was probably an acquired taste: old bread was soaked in the River Nile, left to go mouldy, some grapes were added, and the thick result was drunk through a straw.

While beer is on the up, there will be no more 'booty'. The word once meant stolen treasure, but conventionally refers to someone's bottom.

'I remember that afternoon when we had to take "booty" out of the Bible, and no one would tell me why,' said Instone-Brewer. Another panellist chimed in amidst the laughter: 'The verse said the group were going to go somewhere because there was "much booty".'

Other changes carry more theological weight. Paul says in Philippians 2 that Christ did not consider equality with God 'something to be grasped', but does that mean Jesus had it already, or didn't have it but could 'reach' for it? The CBT settled this after research on the Greek idiom used showed it to mean 'take advantage of'. Their 2011 edition switched 'to be grasped' for 'something to be used for his advantage'  meaning Christ already had equality with God.

Another major change is the use of gender-inclusive pronouns. While the English uses of 'man' and 'he' were once used to described generic humanity, it is no longer the case. Where Scripture writes 'man' or 'he', but the translators deem it to refer to all humankind, they've translated it so with 'person' or 'someone' instead. The Greek adelphoi ('brothers') is now taken as 'brothers and sisters', and 'person' or 'human being' is often used instead of an exclusive male pronoun.

Dr Jeannine Brown quoted the Italian phrase 'traduttore, traditore': 'the translator is a traitor.' When you interpret and transfer the language of a text, something is always lost. And with Scripture, the pressures are fiercer. 'You can't win', she says, especially with warring theological factions to satisfy. Nonetheless, she says, knowing they can't get it 'right', they press on 'because it's so important'.

Are these translators inspired? Do they see God's Spirit working through them as they work to make clear his words?

They're all keen to avoid putting themselves alongside Scripture's divinely inspired writers. Moo jokes that his teacher once told him that while the biblical authors were inspired, 'we are perspired'. Dr Simon Gathercole makes the distinction between inspiration and 'illumination': the ancient authors did the former, they do the latter.

Instone-Brewer says he sees God at work not through them as individuals, but as a collective committee, despite their 'prejudices and stupidities'. Hence, they always begin with prayer, 'because we need God's help'.

Seeing the weighty work the CBT do helps one understand why we have the phrase: 'It's all Greek to me.' But of course thanks to their work, for the millions reading Scripture across the world  it isn't.

You can follow @JosephHartropp on Twitter
Capt. Michon Morrow said two residents heard five to six shots fired around 10:45 p.m. in the 3700 block of Paxton Drive.

When they went outside, the residents discovered gunshot damage to the driver's-side window of a pickup and the wheel well of another vehicle, said Morrow. There were no people in the vehicles at the time of the shooting.
Nearly half of Americans prefer religious freedom over sexual freedom, new study shows

Under half of Americans believe religious freedom is most important in a clash over issues of faith and sexuality, according to a new study.

While just 48 per cent say religious freedom is more important when faith and sexuality clash, Nashville-based LifeWay Research finds one in four say sexual freedom is more important and more than one in four are unsure.

However, Christians and people of other faiths were more likely to choose religious freedom than those of no faith. And Catholics are more likely to choose sexual freedom over religious freedom than evangelicals. Just two per cent of evangelicals chose sexual freedom over religion.

Those in the South of the US were also more likely to adopt a conservative position.

'It's clear Americans value religious liberty,' said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. 'But when it comes to sex, they aren't sure religion should have the final word. That's especially true for younger Americans and those who aren't religious.'

LifeWay surveyed 1,000 Americans to get a big-picture look at how Americans view conflicts between religious views and sexuality, McConnell told Bob Smietana for Lifeway.

Overall, just one in 10 Americans say sexual freedom always matters most. Fourteen per cent say sexual freedom usually matters most. Thirty-one per cent say religious freedom always matters most, and 17 per cent say religious freedom usually matters most.
No, he isn't the Messiah: Why you need to stop worshipping your political idol

GK Chesterton is said to have remarked: 'When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing, they then become capable of believing in anything.'

To all intents and purposes, the vast majority of British people have stopped believing in the Christian God, and probably all gods. America clings on to belief rather more, but still seems to be on the same trajectory.

In this environment, Chesterton's words seem less pithy aphorism and more accurate prediction.

Humans seem to need to replicate many of the facets of religion, even in a society which has broadly got rid of traditional theism. Witness the feverish devotion to the cult of Apple which prompts pilgrimages to shrines of consumption and hysteria in more evangelical adherents.

Just last week one church leader tweeted to point out the similarity between the crowd's response at Glastonbury music festival and the worshipping environment of a charismatic church. Hands are raised to acclaim a greater force.

Why would anyone think raising hands in church is strange? Just watch #Glastonbury2017 Humans were made to worship. We have to. Who do you?  Matthew Hosier (@matthewhosier) June 23, 2017

Another area in which we seem to be unable to get away from faith is in our messianic devotion to public figures. For some it's pop stars and actors. Others reserve their adulation for their favourite sporting icon.

Recently, the phenomenon of the celebrity politician has taken centre stage. We are now in the grip of messianic fervour for politicians of different stripes.

Witness the Donald Trump phenomenon. Speaking to the Republican Convention last year, Trump boasted, absurdly: 'Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it.... I am your voice.'

White evangelical voters have rallied to his cause. Despite his calamitous moral flaws, Trump received 81 per cent of the evangelical vote  more than even George W Bush. Just this week, Trump's latest vile outburst on Twitter drew little criticism from his fans.

It isn't just Trump, of course. Bernie Sanders, a politician far less convinced of his own divinity than Trump, still attracted hordes of millenarian fans.

In the UK, we have seen a similar phenomenon with Jeremy Corbyn. The devotion that the Labour Leader attracts was demonstrated at the giant Glastonbury music festival last weekend. 'Oh, Jeremy Corbyn' chanted the crowd, repeatedly. He then appeared before the masses to speak and to receive their adulation.

Corbyn's appeal is partly about his policies. Getting rid of tuition fees and taking the railways into public ownership are popular and pragmatic. But how does Corbyn get away with his support for Brexit, among young voters who are mostly Remain supporters? Through the sheer weight of support he personally has garnered. We're repeatedly told by his supporters that Corbyn has always 'been on the right side of history', for example.

Supporting a political leader even when his views are out of kilter with your own may just be a special type of 21st century cognitive dissonance. Or are we witnessing a contemporary replaying of the Euthyphro dilemma? In its most basic form, this question asks whether something is good because God says it is, or whether God says it's good because it already is.

Replace 'God' in this question with your chosen political leader. Is Trumpcare good because the President says it is, even though it will adversely affect many of his supporters? Is Brexit OK, because Jeremy Corbyn is a life-long EU-sceptic?

We may pity the hapless inhabitants of North Korea, forced to worship long-dead dictators, but we have a watered-down version of it in the West. On the right, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher have gone long past canonisation  they are demi-gods, whose presence broods over their parties to this day. Invoking the blessed Margaret or Ronald is a trick so hackneyed, it's amazing a new generation of politicians still try it, but try it they do.

The left isn't immune. Bill Clinton and Tony Blair are revered for their rhetorical abilities and election-winning prowess. Both leaders seemed possessed of something of the messianic zeal themselves, so maybe it's little surprise their devoted followers maintain the mirage, long after both fell from grace.

In the book of Daniel, one of the most startling images is of the dream he interprets for the King of Babylon. In it, a vast metal figure has feet of clay. This is a reproach to all who see their political leaders as saviours. Even the most talented politician will let us down in some ways. Salvation is not the business that politicians are in.

When we fall into the trap of treating political leaders as demi-gods, we are at risk of doing more harm than good. When the reality eventually kicks in, the disappointment can be crushing. It also risks a dangerous Manichean approach to enemies. Anyone who does not share the devotion to the chosen political leader can very quickly be categorised as an enemy. At its more extreme end, this is a recipe for civil unrest.

None of this is to argue that politicians can't do great things  of course they can. Much of the devotion to the current crop of politicians comes from a good place  the desire for a better deal for the downtrodden, more fairness and justice and a politics in the common interest. But politicians always have feet of clay. In fact some of them are made almost entirely of it.

Follow Andy Walton on Twitter @waltonandy
Norman Tebbit: It's 'doubtful' you can be a Christian and support gay sex

Conservative politician Norman Tebbit says he thinks gay sex is a sin because the Bible says so. Speaking to The Conversation, Lord Tebbit, a former Chairman of the Party, said that it was 'doubtful' one could be a Christian and believe homosexual sex not to be a sin.

'I share the same view as [Liberal Democrat Leader] Tim Farron, which is that to be a homosexual cannot be a sin because that is what God has created,' he said.

'But it is perfectly sensible to argue that a homosexual act is a sin' he insisted, 'because that is what the Bible has said from the time of the Old Testament through the New Testament. So therefore, as a Christian, should you dump all that and still call yourself a Christian? It's a bit doubtful.'

Tebbit is seen as part of an 'old guard' of Conservatives, who remain committed to a socially conservative world view. Under successive Tory leaders the party has become more liberal, culminating in the introduction of same sex marriage under David Cameron.

'I opposed gay marriage,' said Lord Tebbit, 'because it is fundamentally not what marriage was set out to be. And I don't like this way of proceeding by simply changing the meaning of a word. We're doing too much of that.'

The interview was published in the same week as reports suggested more than half of Christians now say there is nothing wrong with gay relationships, according to the British Social Attitudes Survey.

The former MP for Epping and Chingford opined on other matters during his interview. He suggested the recent Conservative deal with the Democratic Unionist Party from Northern Ireland was not needed. 'I don't think it was necessary to pay anything,' said Tebbit. 'The idea that the DUP would precipitate another general election in which they might have the friends of the IRA like Jeremy Corbyn in charge? No, they wouldn't have done it.'

Tebbit, whose wife was badly injured in an IRA bomb in Brighton, is also critical of the Northern Ireland peace process, which has led to almost 20 years without violence. 'I think we do take it for granted a bit, because given the chance the IRA would be back again for more. They learnt that violence paid. And, of course, [Tony] Blair surrendered to them.'

In an exchange on Brexit, meanwhile, Tebbit casts it as a significant moment in British history. 'My view is quite simple and goes back a long time,' he says. 'Henry VIII rescued the Church in England from Rome. Elizabeth I rescued Europe from Philip of Spain. The Duke of Wellington rescued Europe from Bonaparte. Lloyd George and co. rescued us and Europe from the Kaiser. Churchill and Attlee rescued us from Hitler. When did they [the EU] ever rescue us?'
Rebel 'missionary bishop' Andy Lines to be consecrated

A controversial 'missionary bishop' will today be consecrated at an Anglican conference in Wheaton College, Illinois.

Andy Lines is being appointed a bishop to oversee parishes in Europe disaffected with what some see as the liberal drift of the Anglican Communion.

He is being consecrated by the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), a splinter body from the official Anglican church in the US  The Episcopal Church.

More than 20 conservative Anglican primates and bishops will attend the conference alongside 1,400 ACNA delegates to lay on hands and officially make Lines a bishop.

The senior church leaders come from Australia, Africa and America including the Archbishop of Sydney, Glenn Davies, and the Bishop of Tasmania, Richard Condie.

The announcement was made in response to the Scottish Episcopal Church's move to permit gay marriage with supporters saying conservative parishes were being given 'alternative oversight'.

'Faithful Anglicans in Scotland will need appropriate pastoral care,' Gafcon leaders said.

'In addition, within England there are churches that have, for reasons of conscience, been planted outside of the Church of England by the Anglican Mission in England (AMiE).

'These churches are growing, and are in need of episcopal leadership.'

So Lines will offer oversight not just for Anglican parishes in Scotland but for those that want it in England and the rest of Europe.

A GAFCON spokesman told Christian Today: 'The missionary bishop will only carry out episcopal functions in congregations that are outside the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church if invited. There may be bishops who invite the GAFCON missionary bishop to perform episcopal acts to biblically faithful clergy and congregations within their structures.

'Across the provinces in the UK and Europe there are thousands of congregations, and scores of dioceses. The way each congregation practically relates to their diocese and bishop is not uniform. What would and would not be an appropriate pastoral response from the missionary bishop to an enquiry from a congregation in an existing province can only be evaluated on a case by case basis.'

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby warned before the missionary bishop was announced that any such appointment would 'carry no weight in the Church of England' and cited canons from Christianity's formative Council of Nicea in AD 325 to warn of the 'great disturbances and discords' it would cause.

The move is likely to stir further tensions within the deeply divided global Anglican communion and will be discussed by the leaders of the different provinces at a meeting in Canterbury this October.
The Christian pastor who was raped on her wedding day  and has forgiven her attackers

Christian pastor Terry Gobanga, from Kenya, didn't show up for her own wedding  because she had been gang raped on that same day and left for dead by the roadside. Then her husband, Harry, died just 29 days after their marriage.

The suffering was compounded because she was shunned by her community who thought she was 'cursed'.

Now she has told her remarkable story to the BBC, describing how her faith helped her turn her life around again.

It was a big wedding in All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, and her entire church and large family was there.

'But the night before the wedding I realised that I had some of Harry's clothes, including his cravat. He couldn't show up without a tie, so a friend who had stayed the night offered to take it to him first thing in the morning. We got up at dawn and I walked her to the bus station.

'As I was making my way back home, I walked past a guy sitting on the bonnet of a car  suddenly he grabbed me from behind and dumped me in the back seat. There were two more men inside, and they drove off. It all happened in a fraction of a second.

'A piece of cloth was stuffed in my mouth. I was kicking and hitting out and trying to scream. When I managed to push the gag out, I screamed: "It's my wedding day!" That was when I got the first blow. One of the men told me to "co-operate or you will die".'

She told BBC Magazine: 'The men took turns to rape me. I felt sure I was going to die, but I was still fighting for my life, so when one of the men took the gag out of my mouth I bit his manhood. He screamed in pain and one of them stabbed me in the stomach. Then they opened the door and threw me out of the moving car.'

She was now miles away, outside Nairobi and it was more than six hours since her abduction.

She was finally rescued after a child saw her thrown from the and car called her grandmother, who called the police. They picked her up and, thinking she was dead, drove for the mortuary, but on the way there she coughed so they took her to hospital instead.

'I was half-naked and covered in blood, and my face was swollen from being punched. But something must have alerted the matron, because she guessed I was a bride. "Let's go around the churches to see if they're missing a bride," she told the nurses.'

When they heard where she was, her parents and fiance went to the hospital with all the guests.

As she was stitched up, she was told she could not have children as she had been stabbed in the womb.

She kept saying sorry to Harry as she felt she had let him down. 'Some people said it was my own fault for leaving the house in the morning. It was really hurtful, but my family and Harry supported me.'

The police never caught the rapists. She found out she was HIV-negative and they began to plan another wedding which took place in July 2005.

Then 29 days later, he died of carbon monoxide fumes after an accident with a charcoal burner which she only narrowly survived herself.

'Going back to church for the funeral was terrible. Just a month earlier I had been there in my white dress, with Harry standing at the front looking handsome in his suit. Now, I was in black and he was being wheeled in, in a casket.'

She then suffered a breakdown.

'I felt let down by God, I felt let down by everybody. I couldn't believe that people could be laughing, going out and just going about life. I crashed.

'One day I was sitting on the balcony looking at the birds chirping away and I said: "God, how can you take care of the birds and not me?" In that instant I remembered there are 24 hours a day  sitting in depression with your curtains closed, no-one's going to give you back those 24 hours. Before you know, it's a week, a month, a year wasted away. That was a tough reality.'

She thought she could never marry again after enduring such pain, but a friend, Tonny Gobanga, kept visiting and talking and finally she realised she had fallen for him.

They decided to get married, even though some of his family opposed it because of what had happened to her.

'It was three years after my first wedding, and I was very scared. When we were exchanging vows, I thought: "Here I am again Father, please don't let him die." As the congregation prayed for us I cried uncontrollably.'

Then a year later, when she was feeling unwell, she was astonished to be told she was pregnant and they now have two daughters, Tehille and Towdah.

She published her story in a book, Crawling out of Darkness, and set up an organisation, Kara Olmurani, offering counselling and support to rape survivors.

She told the BBC: 'I have forgiven my attackers. It wasn't easy but I realised I was getting a raw deal by being upset with people who probably don't care. My faith also encourages me to forgive and not repay evil with evil but with good.'

LISTEN to Pastor Terry's story.
Why are more than 1 million Russians queuing to see a saint's rib?

More than 1 million Russians have queued for hours in the last month for a glimpse of a relic from St Nicholas.

In a symbol of the close ties between Russian identity and the Orthodox Church, President Vladimir Putin was one of the first to visit the shrine, brought to Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral from its home in Italy on May 21, according to the Washington Post.

The gilded ark, allegedly containing the rib of St Nicholas, has become the focus of a mass corporate devotion for the 70 per cent of Russia's population who are Orthodox Christians.

That figure has more than doubled since the Soviet collapse in 1991 and Putin has closely aligned his socially conservative with that of the Church.

Known as the 'miracle worker', Saint Nicholas inspired the legend of Santa Claus and has become a site of special adoration for Russians.

'It's important to be close to the grace of Saint Nicholas,' said Denis Knyazyev, 32, according to the Washington Post.

'All saints are special, but this is the one most dear to us.'

Researcher for Russian's independent pollster Levada Center, Natalya Zorkaya, said many Russians consider themselves only 'partially religious' but visiting relics makes people feel part of something bigger.

'The interest in the relics represents a desire to become part of the process, to participate in an event organised not just by the Orthodox Church but also by the state,' she told the Washington Post.

'This is a manifestation of a certain state identity with religious colouring.'

Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, now southern Turkey, and died in AD 343. Italian sailors brought his bones to Bari, Italy, in 1087, where they have been kept ever since.

The decision to remove a rib and bring it to Russia was made last year at a historic meeting between Pope Francis and the Russian Orthodox Patriach Kirill. It was the first time the leaders of the two Churches had met since the Great Schism in the 11th century that divided Eastern and Western Christianity.

The rib will be taken to St Petersburg on July 12 and returned to Italy at the end of July.
The Friedrichs lawsuit should have done the trick. The casefull name: Friedrichs v. California Teachers Associationwhich would have made belonging to a public-employee union optional as a condition of employment nationwide, was set to pass muster with the Supreme Court last year. But when Justice Antonin Scalia died in February 2016, the almost certain fifth and deciding vote went with him, thus keeping half the countrys government workers forcibly yoked to unions.

But now a case similar to Friedrichs is upon us. On June 6, the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation asked the Supreme Court to hear Janus v. AFSCME, a case involving plaintiff Mark Janus, a child-support specialist who works for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and is compelled to send part of his paycheck to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, even though he says that the union does not represent his interests. Right-to-work proponents are optimistic that the Court will hear the case and that Neil Gorsuch, Scalias replacement, will come down as the fifth vote on the side of employee freedom and overturn the 40-year-old precedent established in Abood v. Detroit Board of Education, in which the Supreme Court held that states may force public-sector workers to pay union dues, while carving out an exception for the funds that unions spend on political activity. Not surprisingly, the squawking from the union crowd has already begun. At Education Week, Mark Walsh refers to the litigants as anti-union.

The Janus case concerns only compulsory dues, or what the unions euphemistically refer to as fair-share payments. The Economic Policy Institute, an organization with strong ties to organized labor, claims that prohibiting fair-share payments could profoundly affect the ability of millions of public-sector workers to improve their wages and working conditions and further the wage stagnation dragging down the economy. But EPI is on thin ice here. First, the case will not affect unions ability to collectively bargain for their members. Second, between 1995 and 2015, the seven states with the highest private-sector job growth were all right-to-work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. Additionally, Mackinac Center director of labor policy F. Vincent Vernuccio and reporter Jason Hart point out that from 2012, the year Michigan passed right-to-work, until mid-2015, incomes in Michigan rose over nine percent, faster than the national average. Former research fellow in labor economics at the Heritage Foundation James Sherk explains that studies that control for differences in costs of living find workers in states with voluntary dues have no lowerand possibly slightly higherreal wages than workers in states with compulsory dues.

Benjamin Sachs, a Harvard Law School professor specializing in labor law, calls Janus part of an aggressive litigation campaign aimed at undermining unions ability to operate by forcing them to represent people for free. In fact, the only laws that compel a union to represent all workers are on the books at the behest of the unions. As teacher union watchdog Mike Antonucci writes, The very first thing any new union wants is exclusivity. No other unions are allowed to negotiate on behalf of people in the bargaining unit. Unit members cannot hire their own agent, nor can they represent themselves.

Even if the Court decides to hear the case, a decision in Janus is most likely a year off. But the unions are planning for the worst-case scenario. California Teachers Association Executive Director Joe Nunez wrote in January that the CTA should be prepared for a 30 percent to 40 percent membership drop, but then hedged, saying that he doesnt believe that the decline would be that dramatic. (Actually, CTA has been anticipating a post-Abood world for several years. In 2014, the union cooked up a PowerPoint presentation called Not if, but when: Living in a world without Fair Share.) New York City teachers union leader Michael Mulgrew says that a national right-to-work outcome is inevitable. We are going to become a right-to-work country. We are preparing for what we will do when that happens on the state and city levels. It depends on the provision in the laws and what states can do within that lawsome states sign up members every year, others sign once.

But whatever the membership drop might be, it will be damaging to the unions and could have widespread ramifications. And perhaps no group will be more affected than the Democratic Party. Naomi Walker, an assistant to AFSCME president Lee Saunders and a former Obama administration appointee, said that Janus could undermine political operations that assist the Democratic Party. She added, The progressive infrastructure in this country, from think tanks to advocacy organizationswhich depends on the resources and engagement of workers and their unionswill crumble. We need the entire labor and progressive movements to stand with us and fight for us. We may not survive without itand nor, we fear, will they.

Its worth noting that in Wisconsin and Michigan, two recent entries in the right-to-work column, teachers union participation is down considerably. Wisconsins NEA affiliate has lost almost 60 percent of its members and Michigan about 20 percent thus far. The loss of these unions political clout certainly was a factor in giving Donald Trump narrow victories in both states. Should the Court decide for Janus in Janus, neither the apocalypse nor utopia will be upon us, but much will change. Most notably, many government workers will have much freedom than they have now, and the Democratic Party wont have the same bundles of cash flowing from union piggy banks.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
At the end of June, the Supreme Court issued the final decisions of the term that began in October 2016. By Supreme Court standards, it was a relatively quiet termno cases on the order of recent years epic struggles over Obamacare, gay marriage, and voting rights. But nonetheless, we can draw some lessons from the justices recent work.

First, the Court can function quite well with only eight members, as it did for most of the term. The Senates failure in 2016 to act on the nomination of Merrick Garland to fill the seat vacated by Justice Antonin Scalias death had led President Obama to warn that the existence of a functioning judiciary was at stake. Other pundits predicted that the Court would be prone to ideological deadlocks. But instead of 4-4 ties, the Court produced a raft of unanimous opinionsin fact, the highest percentage of unanimous opinions (59 percent) since the 20132014 term.

Among the Courts unanimous opinions was the unsigned (per curiam) order partially lifting two lower-court injunctions against President Trumps travel ban directed at migrants from six designated countries (Trump v. Hawaii; Trump v. International Refugee Assistance Project). The Court permitted the travel ban to go into effect except with respect to travelers with a family or business connection to the United States. Though widely seen as a win for the president, the Courts decision was not based on the underlying merits of the case and, therefore, does not necessarily mean that the administration will ultimately prevail. Rather, the Court sought to weigh the governments interest in enforcing the ban against the burdens that the ban places on Americans. The Court reasoned that, to the extent that the ban affected travelers with no family or business connection with the United States, it did not burden any American party. The decision emphasizes that the Garland-less Court did not descend into partisan acrimony, but rather managed to unite in an impressive smackdown of the excessively broad and overly politicized injunctions issued by lower courts. (Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch wrote separately to say that they would have preferred to lift the injunctions entirely.)

Religious liberty is alive and well on the Court. In Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, the Court decided by a 72 margin that states cannot exclude religious institutions from participating in government programs simply because they are religious. The case involved a Missouri state program that provides funding to schools to resurface playgrounds. Trinity Lutheran Church applied for funding under the program but was turned down on the basis of a state constitutional provision prohibiting any state funds from going to churches. Such provisionsknown as Blaine Amendmentsappear in 37 state constitutions and are a legacy of late nineteenth-century anti-Catholic political movements. Justice Sonia Sotomayor accused the majority of holding that the Constitution requires the government to provide public funds directly to a church, a formulation reproduced by several commentators. But thats a distortion. Nowhere does the majority say that the government must fund churches; rather, it says that if a church is otherwise entitled to a government grant, it cannot be excluded merely because of its religious identity.

Highlighting the potential impact of Trinity Lutheran, the Court also vacated a decision of the Colorado Supreme Court that invalidated a school voucher program because it allowed students the option of attending religious schools. The Colorado courts decision had been based on that states Blaine amendment. The Supreme Court remanded the case back to state court for reconsideration in light of Trinity Lutheran.

Optimism about the future of religious liberty, however, needs to be tempered with caution given the continued fallout from the Supreme Courts 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which mandated that states recognize same-sex marriages. The far-reaching consequences of Obergefell are illustrated by the Courts recent decision to hear an appeal next term in a case involving a baker ordered by a state civil rights agency to create a wedding cake celebrating a same-sex weddingdespite his religious objections. The baker was ordered to re-educate his staff regarding marriage and file quarterly compliance reports (Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission). Thus, while Trinity Lutheran makes vouchers and other public programs available to churches, it may well turn out that in order to participate in such programs, churches will be forced to accept state mandates to teach lessons about marriage at odds with the churches core beliefs. Cases like Masterpiece Cakeshop will clarify this tension between religious freedom and Obergefells emerging constellation of same-sex marriage rights.

Property rights continue to suffer from second-class status at the court. In Murr v. Wisconsin, the Court upheld a state decision that makes it easier for regulators to invade private-property rights without triggering the Fifth Amendments requirement of paying just compensation for taking such property. In Murr, the plaintiffs sued the state over land-use regulations that had rendered one parcel of their land largely useless. The justices held that the state was correct in concluding that the impact on the plaintiffs didnt rise to the level of a taking because the plaintiffs also owned a contiguous parcel of land that wasnt similarly affected. The Court also refused to hear an appeal in another case involving state legislation that narrows the application of the takings clause.

Gun rights remain in limbo. At the end of the term, the Court declined to hear an appeal in Peruta v. California, a case involving Californias restrictions on carrying firearms outside the home. In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010), the Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individuals right to keep and bear arms. In the years since that decision, though, that right has generally been interpreted narrowly in lower courts as a right that applies only to keeping arms at homethe part about bearing arms has been given short shrift. The Courts refusal to hear the Peruta appeal provoked a stinging dissent by Justice Thomas (joined by Justice Gorsuch), who accused his colleagues of stand[ing] by idly while citizens are denied their rights, particularly when their very lives may depend on it.

The final lesson we have learned is that Anthony Kennedy remains the Courts decisive swing vote. In the just-concluded term, Kennedy was in the majority 97 percent of the time. Speculation that Kennedy was about to announce his retirement turned out to be baseless. At a sprightly 80, Kennedy will continue on. His older colleague, 84-year-old Ruth Bader Ginsburg, also appears determined to keep going.

And why not? The Courts docket for the next term promises considerably more drama than the one just ended, with the final showdown on the Trump administrations travel ban, as well as Masterpiece Cakeshop and cases on gerrymandering, searches and seizures, immigration, and states rights. The judiciary may be, as Alexander Hamilton opined, the least dangerous branch of the federal governmentbut these days, it appears to be the most active, too.

Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
Priti Patel, secretary of state for international development, has announced a new fund for small UK-based charities, expected to be worth 4m.

Patel was speaking at the What the world needs from Global Britain parliamentary reception on Wednesday when she outlined the new fund specifically for small, UK-registered charities with an annual income of less than 250,000. These charities will now be able to bid for grants up to 50,000, with Civil Society News understanding it to be 4m available over two years.

The Small Charities Challenge Fund will go live early next week.

Patel said: This is the first time that we have ever done anything like this  setting up a fund dedicated purely to small, UK based charities across the country. Not only am I looking forward to welcoming their bids but I am looking forward to partnering with them, to support them in the development objectives that they want to see make happen.

I know that many parliamentarians are very engaged with fantastic small charities, and I take the view that this is their chance to give a stronger voice to their charities in their constituencies but also to give those charities a stronger voice when it comes to delivering international development and bringing that badge of hope  that UK aid badge of hope  to their communities and their constituencies across the UK.

Giving smaller charities the chance to work with DFID

She outlined how the UKs aid budget is used to lift people out of poverty, but also went on to talk about British development.

She said: Britain boasts what is surely the most vibrant and diverse civil society in the world, with charities who are respected around the word - for both their courage and commitment, for standing up, really, in some of the most difficult and fragile countries in the world.

But, she continue its not just about the big organisations. She said that the small organisations that are represented in the grassroots in our countries do amazing and very humbling work. She said they are highly trusted and highly valued by their local communities, in particular those who draw on an army of dedicated volunteers, thousands of people up and down the country who are passionate about doing good in the world.

These, often, are organisations that make direct connections with those who we are trying to help. But I know that, for the most part, smaller charities have not had the opportunity to work with DFID, have not had the opportunity to have access to UK aid, and they have not had the opportunity to share in that funding stream that others have benefited from.

Civil Society Media is hosting its NGO Insight 2017 conference on 28 November 2017. For more information, and to book, click here.
Credit: Judith Ricketts

Benefacto, which gets professionals involved in meaningful volunteering, is expanding into the North West.

The social enterprise, which currently works with over 50 charities and 50 corporate partners in London, will be providing its volunteering service in Greater Manchester.

Aiming to encourage more professional people to engage in meaningful volunteering work, Benefactos approach helps individuals to find volunteering to suit their interests and their schedules; companies to build a strong culture of volunteering; and charities to recruit a regular supply of enthusiastic help.

Benefacto, which says it places an emphasis on the donation of an individuals time, rather than financial contributions, works on the basis the basis that an accessible and personalised approach to volunteering leads to a more meaningful experience for all.

It has currently confirmed to work with five key businesses from the area, which have all pledged employee hours for the volunteering scheme. These are MACE Group, Kelloggs, MediaCom, Autotrader and Amicus.

Ben Darlington, head of member services at Benefacto, said: Manchester is a unique city with an extraordinary tradition of charity and philanthropic work. We are thrilled to be able to announce our expansion plans to support the wider community and our partnerships with five influential organisations from the city, Kelloggs, MACE Group, MediaCom, Autotrader and Amicus.

For the past six months we have been working closely with businesses and charities within the area and are excited to unlock the potential of the thriving Manchester workforce to support the incredible charities who serve communities across Greater Manchester.

Diane Quinn, community engagement and event manager at Autotrader, said: Benefacto offers a fantastic solution that is not only simple to use but supplies us with lots of data and different volunteering opportunities which allows everyone to really make a difference, something we feel will be really useful and beneficial to all our employees.

Civil Society Media is hosting its Charity People & Culture Conference on 20 September 2017. For more information, and to book, click here
Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Friday that Doug Weinberg is stepping down as the head of Nebraska's Children and Family Services division on Aug. 4.

Matt Wallen will serve as the division's new director. Wallen is chief of staff to Courtney Phillips, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Wallen previously served as director of constituent services for U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse and chief of staff to the late U.S. Rep. Steven LaTourette of Ohio. He also worked as director of market and resource planning for Union Pacific in Omaha.

Weinberg is stepping down to return to his home state of Indiana.
In 20 years of fighting for press freedom, Ive come across some pretty awful media laws. My all-time favorite might be Article 72 of the Cuban Criminal Code, often called the law of social dangerousness. Under its provisions, Cuban authorities can detain someone for up for four years based on a belief that he or she is likely to commit a crime in the future. The law has been used repeatedly to jail critical reporters. Police can even issue a warning, alerting a suspect that he or she is in danger of becoming dangerous.

Another doozie comes courtesy of Iran and is called moharebeh, generally translated as waging war with god. This law has been used to jail journalists, writers, and poets who question the principles underlying the Islamic revolution. Shiva Nazar Ahari, founder of the Committee for Human Rights Reporters in Iran, was convicted of moharebeh in 2010. The offense carries the death penalty, but Ahari was sentenced to 76 lashes, which was later converted to a fine.

With laws like these on the books, competition for the worlds worst media law is pretty stiff. But during a recent visit to Myanmar, I discovered a new contender for this dubious honor. Its Article 66(d) of the countrys Telecommunications Law. The single most appalling feature of the law is that anyone can file charges against anyone else for publishing something they dont like online. Since in all media is now online, journalists are prime targets. Ever made a nasty comment on Facebook? You could be charged in Myanmar.

In practice, what the law means is powerful people and institutions in Myanmar can easily silence their critics. Scores have been charged in recent years, including at least 17 journalists, one of whom remains behind bars. The law allows imprisonment for up to three years. Its considered a non-bailable offense, meaning that those accused can immediately be hauled off to jail.

What makes Article 66(d) so terrible is not just its sweeping and arbitrary application, but what it represents for Myanmar, a country that is making an uneasy transition from military rule. Under the generals who ran the country for more than four decades, Myanmaror Burmawas one of the most censored countries on earth. The Telecommunication Law was put in place in 2013, two years before the Parliamentary election that brought to power the National League for Democracy led by Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

This government is different, but there is still an invisible line. Sometimes you try to test it and feel it, because you cant see it. But if you cross the line, you are finished.

Suu Kyi, who assumed the title of State Counsellor last year, promised to inaugurate a new era of press freedom. But the fact that Article 66(d) remains on the books seriously undermines her efforts. I saw this plainly when I visited Myanmar earlier this month as part of a CPJ delegation. A week before our arrival, two journalists from The Voice, a Burmese language newspaper and website, were jailed under 66(d) based on a complaint lodged by the military. Angry journalists organized an impromptu Protection Committee for Myanmar Journalists, risking arrest by marching on the courthouse and wearing armbands featuring newsprint-covered hands in handcuffs.

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Government representatives in NaypyidawMyanmars military-designed designed capital city, which looks like an abandoned theme parkacknowledge the law should be amended, but say its full repeal is not on the table. Myo Myint Maung, the permanent secretary in Myanmars Information Ministry, said that a bill to remove criminal charges and permit bail was being drafted and that it wont take too long. Our delegation argued that the law should be scrapped, along with the many other statutes that undermine independent journalism.

In Yangon, we visited The Irrawaddy, a critical newspaper and website that operated from exile during the military dictatorship. Today, it occupies a ramshackle office downtown. Kyaw Zwa Moe, editor of The Irrawaddys English-language edition, told us the paper maintains an office across the border in Thailand and operates under a policy of one foot in, one foot out.

The previous government was an enemy of the press, Moe explains. This government is different, but there is still an invisible line. Sometimes you try to test it and feel it, because you cant see it. But if you cross the line, you are finished.

Three provincial journalists made this unfortunate discovery recently. Tin Shwe, Zar Zar San, and Phyupwint Nayche posted on Facebook that villagers in Myanmars Magwe region were angered by the bulldozing of trees in connection with the construction of new road. While they have so far avoided jail, they face charges under Article 66(d) for posting incorrect information. The three are the latest victims of a terrible law that is stifling Myanmars domestic media and undermining its international reputation.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Joel Simon is a fellow at Tow Center for Digital Journalism. His next book is The Infodemic: How Censorship Made the World Sicker and Less Free co-authored with Robert Mahoney.
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. owns and leases freight railroads. It operates through three segments: North American Operations, Australian Operations, and U.K./European Operations. The company transports various commodities, including agricultural products, autos and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, coal and coke, food and kindred products, lumber and forest products, metallic ores, metals, minerals and stone, petroleum products, pulp and paper, waste, and other commodities. It owns or leases 122 freight railroads, including 105 short line railroads and 2 regional freight railroads located in the United States, 8 short line railroads located in Canada, 3 railroads located in Australia, 1 railroad located in the United Kingdom, 1 railroad in Poland and Germany, and 2 railroads in the Netherlands with a total of approximately 16,200 miles of track. The company also operates 6,200 additional miles of track that is owned or leased by others. In addition, it operates deep sea maritime containers and provides bulk haulage, including coal, aggregates, cement, and infrastructure services. Further, the company provides rail service at approximately 40 ports; rail-ferry service in North America, Australia, and Europe; and contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Darien, Connecticut.
Carnival Cruise Line hosted a sail away party at Port Tampa Bay today to mark the lines inaugural cruise to Havana, Cuba, aboard the Carnival Paradise.

The event was a celebration of Cuban culture, music, cuisine and libations, featuring the Worlds Largest Cuban Sandwich at Sea and a $25,000 charity donation to Tampas Ybor City Museum Society, according to Carnival.

Attendees included Carnival Cruise Line Executive Vice President of Guest Shipboard Operations Gus Antorcha, representatives of Port Tampa Bay, Ybor City Museum Society and invited guests.

The voyage marks the first of 12 four- and five-day cruises, each with a daytime and overnight call at Havana to provide vacationers a rare and exciting opportunity to explore the fascinating and historic destination. Additional cruises in the series depart July 13, Aug. 14, 24 and 28, Sept. 7, 21 and 25, Oct. 5, 9 and 19, 2017; as well as May 3, 2018. Five-day voyages add a stop in either Cozumel, Mexico; or Key West, Florida.

Carnival is the only cruise line with a year-round ship in Tampaand we have a long-standing partnership with the local community, so it is exciting that we are inaugurating our cruises featuring Havana from this city with its very large Cuban population and strong affinity for Cuban culture, said Antorcha. Cruising is a fantastic and convenient way to visit Cuba and we are seeing tremendous demand for these cruises from consumers as well as our travel agent partners who are sharing this exciting new vacation option with their clients.

Added Paul Anderson, president & CEO, Port Tampa Bay, We are extremely honored that Carnival has selected Port Tampa Bay to offer cruises to Havana, Cuba and excited for the travel community that this fantastic new destination is now available. Carnivals commitment to serving our market for nearly a quarter of a century is a testament to the strong support they receive from our community. And, in return, the economic impact of their Tampa operation is substantial considering a single call from an average size cruise ship generates more than $350,000 in direct economic contribution to our community.
The legal lunacy surrounding a state chartered Colorado credit union formed to provide banking services to marijuana businesses took another bizarre turn Tuesday, which is great news for lawyers and bloggers, but lousy news for credit unions looking for definitive guidance in states where it is legal.

When I last wrote about The Fourth Corner Credit Union in Colorado, it had sued both the NCUA, which had denied it share insurance, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, which had denied it a master account needed to access the federal reserve system. A federal district court ruled that these actions were entirely appropriate. The district court explained that forcing the Federal Reserve bank to provide the CU services would be forcing the bank to facilitate criminal activity. The CU appealed.

On Tuesday a three judge panel of the Court of Appeals for the 10thcircuit ruled on the credit unions appeal, THE FOURTH CORNER CREDIT UNION, a Colorado state-chartered credit union, Plaintiff  Appellant, v. FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY, Defendant  Appellee.. , No. 16-1016, 2017 WL 2766364, at *1 (10th Cir. June 27, 2017).
The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a decision last week that is good news for credit unions regarding the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The court held that the TCPA does not allow consumers to revoke consent to receive automatic or pre-recorded cell phone calls if consent was previously given as part of a binding contract.

The Federal Communications Commission issued a TCPA order in July 2015, which CUNA believes has made it difficult to be in communication with members, and has exposed credit union to potential frivolous class action litigation.

CUNA has raised questions, particularly in an amici brief, of what is a reasonable method to revoke consent. This ruling creates helpful precedent in the case, CUNA believes. CUNAs brief was filed in a TCPA lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
Ivan Seselj, CEO of Promapp Solutions in Auckland, New Zealand, (with U.S. headquarters in San Francisco) offers the following pointers to help organizations get the most from their millennial employees. Credit unions should:

realize millennials want to constantly grow, tackling new responsibilities, challenges and opportunities. They also want to be part of the solution and, as such, want a say in what occurs on the job, he says. In turn, credit unions should demonstrate a willingness to listen and act on their input when appropriate.

understand that brand and culture are important to millennials. Appeal to members of this generation by using current technology and using it well.

provide millennials a way to become involved in the community; they want to make a difference in the world.
How A Nation Became Russia's Cyberwar Experiment

In Ukraine, the quintessential cyberwar scenario has come to life. Twice. On separate occasions, invisible saboteurs have turned off the electricity to hundreds of thousands of people.

Each blackout lasted a matter of hours, only as long as it took for scrambling engineers to manually switch the power on again. But as proofs of concept, the attacks set a new precedent: In Russias shadow, the decades-old nightmare of hackers stopping the gears of modern society has become a reality.

The blackouts werent just isolated attacks. They were part of a digital blitzkrieg that has pummeled Ukraine for the past three years, a sustained cyber-assault unlike any the world has ever seen.

A hacker army has systematically undermined practically every sector of Ukraine: media, finance, transportation, military, politics, energy. Wave after wave of intrusions have deleted data, destroyed computers, and in some cases paralysed organisations most basic functions. You cant really find a space in Ukraine where there hasnt been an attack, says Kenneth Geers, a NATO ambassador who focuses on cyber-security.

In a public statement in December, Ukraines president, Petro Poroshenko, reported that there had been 6,500 cyber-attacks on 36 Ukrainian targets in just the previous two months. International cyber-security analysts have stopped just short of conclusively attributing these attacks to the Kremlin, but Poroshenko didnt hesitate: Ukraines investigations, he said, point to the direct or indirect involvement of secret services of Russia, which have unleashed a cyber-war against our country.

To grasp the significance of these assaults, and, for that matter, to digest much of whats going on in todays larger geopolitical disorder, it helps to understand Russias uniquely abusive relationship with its largest neighbor to the west.

Moscow has long regarded Ukraine as both a rightful part of Russias empire and an important territorial asset, a strategic buffer between Russia and the powers of NATO, a lucrative pipeline route to Europe, and home to one of Russias few accessible warm-water ports. For all those reasons, Moscow has worked for generations to keep Ukraine in the position of a submissive smaller sibling.

But over the past decade and a half, Moscows leash on Ukraine has frayed, as popular support in the country has pulled toward NATO and the European Union. In 2004, Ukrainian crowds in orange scarves flooded the streets to protest Moscows rigging of the countrys elections; that year, Russian agents allegedly went so far as to poison the surging pro-Western presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko.

A decade later, the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution finally overthrew the countrys Kremlin-backed president, Viktor Yanukovych (a leader whose longtime political adviser, Paul Manafort, would go on to run the US presidential campaign of Donald Trump). Russian troops promptly annexed the Crimean Peninsula in the south and invaded the Russian, speaking eastern region known as Donbass. Ukraine has since then been locked in an un-declared war with Russia, one that has displaced nearly 2 million internal refugees and killed close to 10,000 Ukrainians.

Russia will never accept a sovereign, independent Ukraine. Twenty-five years since the Soviet collapse, Russia is still sick with this imperialistic syndrome.

From the beginning, one of this wars major fronts has been digital. Ahead of Ukraines post-revolution 2014 elections, a pro-Russian group calling itself CyberBerkut, an entity with links to the Kremlin hackers who later breached Democratic targets in Americas 2016 presidential election, rigged the website of the countrys Central Election Commission to announce ultra-right presidential candidate Dmytro Yarosh as the winner.

Administrators detected the tampering less than an hour before the election results were set to be declared. And that attack was just a prelude to Russias most ambitious experiment in digital war, the barrage of cyberattacks that began to accelerate in the fall of 2015 and hasnt ceased since.

Yushchenko, who ended up serving as Ukraines president from 2005 to 2010, believes that Russias tactics, online and off, have one single aim: to destabilize the situation in Ukraine, to make its government look incompetent and vulnerable.

He lumps the blackouts and other cyber-attacks together with the Russian disinformation flooding Ukraines media, the terroristic campaigns in the east of the country, and his own poisoning years ago, all under-handed moves aimed at painting Ukraine as a broken nation. Russia will never accept Ukraine being a sovereign and independent country, says Yushchenko, whose face still bears traces of the scars caused by dioxin toxicity. Twenty-five years since the Soviet collapse, Russia is still sick with this imperialistic syndrome.

But many global cybersecurity analysts have a much larger theory about the endgame of Ukraines hacking epidemic: They believe Russia is using the country as a cyberwar testing ground, a laboratory for perfecting new forms of global online combat.

Wired: Henry Jackson School of Intl. Studies: CBS:

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Russian Hackers Sow Disinformation Via Leaks:

Russian General Brags About Cyberwar Successes:

How A Cyber Attack Transformed Estonia:

Power Companies Cyber Nightmare:
Brookfield Asset Management is an alternative asset manager and REIT/Real Estate Investment Manager firm focuses on real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and venture capital and private equity assets. It manages a range of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. It typically makes investments in sizeable, premier assets across geographies and asset classes. It invests both its own capital as well as capital from other investors. Within private equity and venture capital, it focuses on acquisition, early ventures, control buyouts and financially distressed, buyouts and corporate carve-outs, recapitalizations, convertible, senior and mezzanine financings, operational and capital structure restructuring, strategic re-direction, turnaround, and under-performing midmarket companies. It invests in both public debt and equity markets. It invests in private equity sectors with focus on Business Services include infrastructure, healthcare, road fuel distribution and marketing, construction and real estate; Industrials include manufacturers of automotive batteries, graphite electrodes, returnable plastic packaging, and sanitation management and development; and Residential/ infrastructure services. It targets companies which likely possess underlying real assets, primarily in sectors such as industrial products, building materials, metals, mining, homebuilding, oil and gas, paper and packaging, manufacturing and forest product sectors. It invests globally with focus on North America including Brazil, the United States, Canada; Europe; and Australia; and Asia-Pacific. The firm considers equity investments in the range of $2 million to $500 million. It has a four-year investment period and a 10-year term with two one-year extensions. The firm prefers to take minority stake and majority stake. Brookfield Asset Management Inc. was founded in 1997 and based in Toronto, Canada with additional offices across Northern America; South America; Europe; Middle East and Asia.
Sen. Ben Sasse on Friday urged President Donald Trump to propose that Congress cancel its scheduled August recess to work on a health care bill to replace Obamacare if Republican senators have not reached agreement by July 10.

But GOP senators should first repeal the Affordable Care Act with a year's extension for those enrolled in Obamacare, Nebraska's Republican senator suggested in a letter to the president.

"You campaigned and won on the repeal of Obamacare," Sasse wrote Trump.

"So did every Republican senator. We should keep our word."

Sasse made his pitch public with an early-morning appearance on "Fox and Friends."

Trump must have been watching, because the president quickly tweeted: "If Republican senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL and then REPLACE at a later date."

Sasse promptly responded with his own Tweet: "Sounds great, President @RealDonaldTrump. We are agreed. We need to break the logjam."

As Congress enters its Fourth of July holiday recess, Senate Republicans remained deadlocked on health care reform.

"On the current path," Sasse said, "it looks like Republicans will either fail to pass any meaningful bill at all or will instead pass a bill that attempts to prop up much of the crumbling Obamacare structures.

"We can and must do better than either of these  both because the American people deserve better and because we promised better," he said.

His proposal would buy time to reach agreement, Sasse said, suggesting that the target date for passage of a bill could be Labor Day.

"While we strongly disagree with Democrats that health coverage and premiums would be improved by more federal intrusion into health finance and delivery markets  and the nation's tragic experience with Obamacare's broken promises supports our view  true reform was nonetheless needed then and is still needed now," Sasse said.

Sasse said members of Congress "should not go back to our states during August" without acting on a bill while "the American people struggle under fewer choices and skyrocketing costs."

In his letter to the president, Sasse made a closing reference to the term Trump once used to describe Sasse when the Nebraska senator was opposing Trump's bid for the Republican presidential nomination last year.

The plan he is proposing, Sasse said, "seems like a no-brainer to this gym rat."
Transparency. Inclusivity. Safety. Accountability. Responsibility. Truth.

Today, these are the words youll find written on the walls of the Dentistry Buildings student lounge. Theyre part of a mural painted by community artist Tonya Paris, based on community consultations at the Faculty of Dentistrys outreach clinics. They speak to aspirations, principles, values.

Two years ago, the student lounge was a noted point of discussion during the Facebook incident that deeply affected both the Faculty of Dentistry and the university more broadly. Comments written on the lounges walls were referenced in two reports that followed (the Report from the Restorative Justice Process in the Faculty of Dentistry, and the Report of the Task Force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia in the Faculty of Dentistry.)



Those joined several other reports in 2015 that provided shape and structure to a conversation that had been growing louder at Dalhousie and universities across North America and beyond: how do we confront systemic issues in our communities, and ensure diversity, inclusion and belonging become defining tenets of our institutions?

In the case of the Faculty of Dentistry and its students, much has changed in the two years since those reports. And while the repainted walls of the student lounge may seem a symbolic change, its one that speaks to a great deal of work, thought and reflection, indicative of the shifting attitudes needed to make cultural change.

We thought a lot about what was reflected on the walls of Facebook and our student bar room in 2015 and about how it came to be written, said Abby Barton, who graduated in May with her DDS degree, when she spoke at the re-opening of the lounge earlier this year. Changing the writing on the walls was a way of reflecting our commitments as a community. It also acknowledges our continued journey and ongoing learning, because we know that this work will never be done.

A renewed focus



For Dalhousie University as a whole, that continued journey has been an impactful one in recent years.

Its a journey that didnt simply begin with Dals 2014 Strategic Direction, which committed the university (under priority 5.2) to foster a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. After all, the foundation of that commitment is built on the work countless faculty, staff and students over the years  individuals like Social Work Professor Wanda Thomas Bernard, appointed to the Senate of Canada last year, or Distinguished Public Service Fellow Mayann Francis, who prior to becoming the first African Nova Scotian Lieutenant Governor was the universitys first employment equity officer.

But what Dals Strategic Direction did was give that journey a new emphasis and, in December 2014, the Dentistry Facebook incident gave it new focus and urgency.

In responding to the Dentistry situation, we talked a lot about how important it was to move forward in addressing systemic issues like sexism, racism and homophobia guided by our values as a university, as an institution of higher learning, says Dalhousie President Richard Florizone. And those values arent something that can just sit on paper. They have to drive our plans, our programs, our actions.

For the past two years, the university has been publishing a biannual update on efforts across the university to respond to the recommendations of four different reports published in 2015. They include: the March 2015 Belong report, commissioned by the Strategic Priority on Diversity and Inclusiveness; the May 2015 Report of the Restorative Justice Process in the Faculty of Dentistry; the June 2015 Report of the Task force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia in the Faculty of Dentistry, chaired by Constance Backhouse; and the June 2015 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, several of which focus on higher education.

The updates on these reports  the most recent of which was published this June  present a line-by-line look at the impressive scope of work thats ongoing. These efforts span the universitys 13 Faculties and many administrative units and speak to broad enthusiasm and energy for improving Dalhousie as a place to work and study.

But updates alone dont tell the whole story.

I think the most significant change is a cultural one, says Jasmine Walsh, assistant vice-president of Human Resources and co-lead for the strategic initiative on diversity and inclusiveness. Weve started to embed this work as part of our collective responsibility as an institution. Leaders are really stepping up. People whose job descriptions wouldnt normally include diversity and inclusiveness are engaging actively in this work.

Its not a topic people are shying away from, says Norma Williams, Dals first executive director of diversity and inclusiveness. I see more readiness to lend an active and supportive voice to addressing matters of racism, sexism, islamophobia, homophobia and other forms of discrimination that are present at the university and in our community. And I see the care with which policy, programs and initiatives are being put in place to support diversity and inclusiveness.

Leading institutional change



Williams hiring as executive director in late 2015 is one of the more prominent such initiatives on a university-wide scale over the past couple of years.

Another was the launch of the Dalhousie Census, an effort to better understand the diversity of the Dal community. The university now has self-identification information for close to 90 per cent of full- and permanent part-time employees and has moved the needle in closing employment equity gaps in three key areas: Indigenous faculty, racially visible faculty and women in managerial roles.

Then there are the changes in Human Rights & Equity Services (HRES), formerly known as the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Harassment Prevention. The new name reflects a revitalized mission for the important Dal office, with a new strategic plan and an increase in the units staff complement from two advisors to a team of seven.

Arig al Shaibah, vice-provost student affairs, who has been serving as acting executive director of HRES, says the changes allow the office to better support both sides of its dual mission: proactive community education and strategic equity and inclusion planning, as well as responsive human rights and conflict case management.

Its addressing individual cases and issues while at the same time addressing systemic issues, says al Shaibah. And the better we can do those two, together, the more we shift our culture.

As for the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity to the Student Affairs mission, Al Shaibah says advancing equitable access to education, diversifying the student body, and providing safe and inclusive student experiences are essential components of the universitys vision for student affairs and student success. (This work has linkages to another 2015 report: the Report from the Committee on Aboriginal and Black/African Canadian Student Access and Retention, co-chaired by Kevin Hewitt and Amy Bombay).

I was drawn to Dal in part because I was impressed with the commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity that was articulated, and it was exciting to think about doing this work in an environment that was striving for inclusive excellence, says al Shaibah, who arrived at Dalhousie in April 2016. And the infrastructure and foundation Dal is establishing around these issues helps me in my work.



Raisings of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council Flag (left) and the Pan-African Flag.



The university also welcomed its new full-time ombudsperson last year (hiring Diane Hawco for the role); launched the first university-wide mental-health initiative (Thrive); hired a permanent advisor position for the now-renamed Indigenous Student Centre; and has put renewed emphasis on symbols of celebration and reflection: permanently installing the Mikmaq Grand Council Flag in recognition of Dalhousies placement on traditional Mikmaq territory, and hoisting the Pan-African Flag as part of African Heritage Month festivities.

Local leadership



Alongside all this, Faculties and units have been leading their own efforts. The majority now have their own committees focused on diversity and inclusion, like in Computer Science where the Faculty is aiming to double the number of new female students for Dals 200th anniversary year to help close the gender gap in its profession (with a target of having women as 40 per cent of the student body by 2020).

In Dentistry, the Faculty that was the primary focus of two of the four 2015 reports, those efforts take on extra significance. The Faculty has been providing regular updates to Senate on its progress, alongside ongoing responses to the recommendations of the External Task Force. Across four main themes  communication, curriculum renewal, community outreach and reducing isolation  the Faculty has been working to lead lasting change, the sort that it hopes will leave a legacy much longer than that of the Facebook issue itself.

The Faculty of Dentistry continues to work toward its goal of establishing and maintaining a working and learning environment in which everyone  faculty, staff, students, and patients  feels safe, included, and valued, says Tom Boran, dean of the Faculty of Dentistry. By addressing the recommendations of the Task Force and Restorative Justice reports, many new, rewarding and sustainable initiatives have been created.



Tom Boran, Dentistry dean, speaking at the student lounge re-opening event.



Among the changes are increased training and lectures on professionalism and ethics in the curriculum; enhanced integration among dentistry and dental hygiene students; the launch of a Women in Dentistry circle to bring together female oral health professionals and students to talk about issues in their field; a revised Orientation week; new workshops and training for faculty/staff; a continued emphasis on outreach to underserved communities both locally and across the region; and various efforts to improve communication and collegiality within the Faculty.

While there is much still to do, the early signs are promising. The Faculty completed three major reviews this Spring, by the Dalhousie Senate, the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. All three cited positive change and highlighted the importance of the Facultys ongoing efforts.

I am so proud of the many ways in which our students and the greater oral health community have worked together to learn and grow from this experience, says Dr. Boran, who completes his time as dean this June. Professionalism, ethics, diversity and inclusion are issues that our community will continue to take very seriously, both inside and outside of the classroom.

The journey ahead



This survey of the past two years is not to suggest that anyone feels their work on these issues is over and done with.

With all thats going on, its not over, says Williams. There is much more work to be done to maintain and sustain the good things that are happening here. Weve certainly come a long way, but we need to be vigilant.

The next steps of the journey will be shaped by the universitys new Diversity & Inclusiveness Strategy. Launched in April, it provides structure and focus to the universitys efforts in these areas, placing the work into researched framework around four pillars: climate and intergroup relations; student access and success; education and research; and institutional viability and vitality.

Its a framework that outlines key goals to becoming the kind of supportive, inclusive and diverse institution that we aspire to be, says Walsh. The strategy outlines a critical path for us to build the culture we want on our campuses.

The university will also be adding a new senior leadership position connected with this work: university advisor & assistant vice-president, equity and inclusion. The position, which will be posted shortly, will report to the provost and be responsible for leading Dalhousies strategic planning, implementation and progress reporting to advance institutional diversity, inclusion and equity goals. The individual will also lead the Human Rights & Equity Services Office.

Then theres the development of a comprehensive Indigenous Strategy for Dalhousie, a process currently underway under the leadership of a committee co-chaired by Keith Taylor (past dean of science and associate vice-president academic) and Patti Doyle-Bedwell (a faculty member and past director of Dals Transition Year Program, as well as past director of the Schulich School of Laws Indigenous Black and Mi'kmaq Initiative.) The committees work has already led to both Board and Senate adopting the Universities Canada Principles for Indigenous Education, and a full institution-wide strategy  addressing the TRCs Call to Action, among other efforts  is expected to follow in the next 18 months or so.

And just like with the Dentistry student lounge, its important that all of this work is understood as more than just a fresh coat of paint. Progress toward a more respectful community  one where diversity and inclusion are not just words, but core values that strengthen the university and its mission  can only be made if individuals across Dalhousie continue to listen, to learn, and to lead the change they want to see made.

If a university is to be a place of ideas, not only do we have to be open to all, but we have to support, celebrate and include all, says President Florizone. Because our diverse perspectives make us a stronger institution.

* An earlier version of this story noted the reference to the Dentistry student lounge in the Backhouse Report, but it was also discussed in the Restorative Justice report. This has now been corrected.


Azerbaijan-focussed gold, silver and copper producer Anglo Asian Mining was holding its annual general meeting in London on Friday, with CEO Reza Vaziri explaining to investors that he was very pleased with the return of the company to profitability in 2016.

It was a significant achievement for the AIM-traded company, Vaziri explained, adding that it was evidence of its success over the last several years to transform its performance.

The firms full year 2016 results showed an increase in total revenue to $79m, with an all-in sustaining cost of production of gold reduced significantly to $616 per ounce from $858 per ounce year-on-year.

As a result, the company recorded a profit before tax of $6.8m.

This return to profitability went in hand-in-hand with excellent cash generation, with an 82% increase in operating cash flow before movements in working capital to $34m, and net debt reduced by $14m to $35m at the end of 2016, Vaziri explained.

Operationally, we are seeing the mineral composition of our ore evolve over time with an increasing copper content and this has been reflected in both our processing strategy and production.

Looking firstly at our production in 2016 - the major theme was a large upswing in copper production, off-setting reduced gold production, and we expect this trend to continue moving forwards.

The company reported full year copper production for 2016 of 1,941 tonnes, a 100% increase on the previous year.

Silver production also increased 477% to 165,131 ounces.

Production of both copper and silver was significantly increased by our flotation plant, which had its first full year of production in 2016, Vaziri claimed.

It produced 6,339 dry metric tonnes of concentrate containing 1,121 tonnes of copper, 4,430 ounces of gold and 122,965 ounces of silver during 2016.

Gold production totalled 65,394 ounces at an average all-in sustaining cost of $616 per ounce and was sold at an average sales price of $1,253 per ounce, which clearly demonstrated the firms now very healthy production margin, according to Vaziri.

"These excellent financial and production results reflect the ongoing success of our long-term plan of sustainability and cost reduction.

Key components of this strategy for the current year are the extensive exploration and production optimisation of the main open pit and the Gadir underground mines and the start of production of the newly discovered Ugur gold ore body.

The firm was also testing a new configuration of the flotation and agitation leaching plants to give it added flexibility in processing.

We have extensive stockpiles of ore which can now be processed whilst mining is temporarily paused during exploration and production optimisation.

With this in mind, we have declared a production target for FY 2017 of between 64,000 gold equivalent ounces (GEOs) and 72,000 GEOs, which is a modest reduction on last year's production of 72,304 GEOs during this important phase of exploration and optimisation.
AIM-listed IronRidge Resources has announced plans for a subscription and placing of 23.6m shares at 35p each to raise approximately 8.25m, which will be used for working capital and the ongoing development of the company's pipeline of projects in emerging frontier provinces.

Binding commitments to subscribe for a total of 20.7m new ordinary shares at the issue price have been received from the group's three largest shareholders, Assore Limited, Sumitomo Corporation, DGR Global Limited, the company's executive chairman, Nicholas Mather, the chief executive Vincent Mascolo and other subscribers.

IronRidge has also placed 2.9m shares with a number of shareholders.

Chief executive officer Vincent Mascolo said: "We have made considerable progress over the last year, most notably with the expansion of the company's portfolio of gold exploration licences and discovering exceptionally high-grade and broad lithium pegmatite at the Cape Coast Project in Ghana. This proposed fundraise underpins the directors' plans to further develop IronRidge's assets and drive value for all shareholders.

"The exceptional response to our capital raise is a resounding endorsement of the company's achievements over the past 12 months, value built to date and expectations for the future. The capital raised will allow us to accelerate our plans to grow the business rapidly across Africa and Australia."

At 1130 BST, the shares were up 8.8% to 37p.
Petro Matad , a company focused on oil exploration and the first Mongolian-owned firm to be listed on AIM, reported an improved cash position and that it had secured future financing.

Since financial year-end on 31 December 2016, the outfit clinched a deal with Bergen group by which it provide up to $43.2m through staged private placements over 15 months, together with a $2.0m convertible loan note.

The proceeds would enable Petro Matad to continue with planned work programs including exploration drilling, the company said in an update on its current situation alongside its full-year 2016 numbers.

Also since year-end, it was the sole owner of Blocks IV and V in Mongolia, following the exit of a Shell affiliate.

A deal was also inked in May 2017 with Chinese oil major Sinopec for a rig for the 2017 drilling campaign.

Furthermore, in June 2017 the company received a 2-year product sharing contract extensions from MRPAM for Blocks IV and V.

Net profit for 2016 rose to $10.9m versus a loss of $0.19m the year before, the company said.

The AIM company possessed the largest fully licensed accumulative acreage in Mongolia, as compared to other operators and its stated aim included pursuing "new opportunities2 in the oil sector of Mongolia and to participate in the exploration and development of those areas

In the past, the group had received investment from major investors, such as, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 2009 and later again in 2010, which invested a total of $13m in Petro Matad.

Its largest shareholder was Petrovis, the largest importer and distributor of petroleum products in Mongolia, however, no dividends were paid or proposed in respect of the year 2016 and neither was provided in the year before.

At year-end, the group's cash position was $6.48m but it had since improved to $11.18m following the first tranches of funds from Bergen and the deal with the Shell Afilliate.
Citing a need to protect the reputation of the Nebraska State Patrol, Gov. Pete Ricketts on Friday removed Col. Brad Rice as its superintendent.

The initial findings of an internal review of State Patrol policies, procedures and leadership conduct suggested "interference in internal investigations at the highest level," the governor said.

"It is imperative that (the patrol's) reputation be beyond reproach," Ricketts said. "Col. Rice did not live up to my expectations."

Ricketts said he met with Rice early Friday morning and "relieved him of his duties."

Six State Patrol officers were placed on administrative leave pending an ongoing investigation by State Human Resources Director Jason Jackson.

"Protecting the public safety is the paramount duty of the state," Ricketts said, and Nebraskans need to have confidence in the integrity of the State Patrol.

Ricketts appointed Maj. Russ Stanczyk as the patrol's interim superintendent. He said he will begin an immediate search for a new leader of the patrol.

In the wake of the governor's announcement, Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln called for "an immediate oversight hearing and independent investigation" of State Patrol issues by the Legislature's Judiciary Committee.

"The Judiciary Committee must exercise its independent investigatory powers to determine if any laws were broken, whether or not there was a cover-up, and if additional statutes are needed to ensure accountability in the State Patrol and executive branch," Morfeld said.

Jackson has "looked into specific investigative files" at the patrol, the governor said, and "he's not done."

The emphasis, Ricketts said, has been on "how State Patrol personnel have behaved internally."

Jackson said his review "has focused on how recent use-of-force investigations have been conducted."

Ricketts instituted the agency-wide review earlier in June.

Initial findings of the continuing investigation have been turned over to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for further investigation, the governor said.

During a news conference a week ago, the governor said a number of concerns had been raised, including how a Sheridan County fatal crash in October involving the patrol was handled internally.

Another concern was a grievance filed by the State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council recently over the safety of some patrol members' protective vests and body armor.

Other anecdotal concerns have been raised throughout all levels of the organization, Ricketts said last week.

State Sen. Ernie Chambers last week called for the firing of Rice. He told the Omaha World-Herald that it appeared some patrol officers lied about the cause of a fatal crash in Sheridan County in October and that Rice supported them.

In October, a trooper saw a 2001 Mercury Sable, with no license plate, run a stop sign on a county road north of Gordon in Sheridan County, the patrol reported. The trooper attempted to stop the car, and it slowed, but then turned and accelerated rapidly down another county road.

Two miles north of Gordon, the patrol car intercepted the vehicle, which crashed into a ditch and rolled.

The driver, Antoine L. Ladeaux, 32, of Pine Ridge, S.D., was ejected and died at the scene of the crash. Three passengers in the vehicle were taken to the Gordon hospital where they were treated and released.

The case went before a Sheridan County grand jury in December, and the trooper involved was cleared of any wrongdoing, but questions have been raised about whether there was internal interference in how the State Patrol report of the accident was framed.
AIM-listed Randall & Quilter has sold the entire share capital of its Norwegian service company R&Q Triton to Gabler.

The company said the sale of Triton was part of its disposal programme of non-core operations.

Chairman and chief executive officer Ken Randall said: "It is further evidence of our continued focus on the core activities of legacy acquisition and fee generation from the use of our licensed carriers as conduits for profitable niche insurance business to highly rated reinsurers.

"Triton has a strong position in the Norwegian insurance services market and we wish the team under Gabler, a local specialist better placed to grow the business, continued success."

At 1100 BST, the shares were down 9% to 136p.
AIM-listed Shanta Gold announced recognition of the publication of draft legislation tabled in the Tanzanian parliament on 29th June 2017.

The East Africa-focused gold producer, developer and explorer with a market capitalisation of 37.33m noted recommended legislation changes to the legal framework governing the natural resources sector in Tanzania, which will be debated by the parliament in an extended parliamentary session.

Shanta, stated it would seek advice on the proposed changes and provide further updates as appropriate.

Shanta also noted approval of the finance act by that country's parliament, which would impose a 1% clearing fee on the value of all minerals exported from the country as of 1st July 2017.

The company has defined ore resources on the New Luika, Nkuluwisi and Singida projects in Tanzania and holds exploration licences over a number of additional properties in the country. Shanta's flagship New Luika Gold Mine commenced production in 2012 and produced 87,713 ounces in 2016.

The groups shares were down -9.30% to 4.88p at 16:15 BST
The results of a Chinese government survey pointed to a sharp pick-up in manufacturing sector activity and robust economic growth in June, but some economists were sceptical.

China's official manufacturing sector purchasing managers' index rose from a reading of 51.2 for May to 51.7 in June.

Economists on the other hand had been expecting a dip to 51.0.

Stronger foreign demand appeared to be the key driver behind the improvement in the data but there were also hints in the report that the domestic economy was improving, said Julian Evans Pritchard at Capital Economics.

However, Evans-Pritchard recommended clients take the figures with a pinch of salt given the recent divergence between the official survey and other more reliable indicators which had pointed to less economic momentum.

In fact, even if Friday's readings were confirmed by other data any improvement in China's growth was likely to prove temporary, he said.

The results of the official services sector PMI, which were also released on Friday, also improved, printing at 54.9 versus 54.5 in the month before.

"With tight monetary conditions weighing on credit growth, it will be difficult to avoid a renewed slowdown in growth later this year."
Beijing has said it is 'outraged' by the decision of the US government to sign a $1.42bn arms deal with Taiwan.

The proposed deal between the US and Taiwan includes the delivery of early warning radars and high-speed missiles, and represents the latest trough in relations between Washington and Beijing.

According to Reuters, the Chinese embassy in Washington said on Friday that the decision to sign an arms deal was the wrong one.

"The Chinese government and Chinese people have every right to be outraged," the embassy said.

Diplomatic relations between the US and China have proved tense following the election of Donald Trump, but appeared to cool somewhat following Chinese premier Xi Jinpings visit in April.

"The wrong move of the U.S. side runs counter to the consensus reached by the two presidents in and the positive development momentum of the China-U.S. relationship," the embassy added.

China and Taiwan have been on a collision course since the election of an independence-leaning president in the region last year, with Beijings one China policy coming under pressure.
The UK will begin trade talks with the US over a new post-Brexit agreement on the 24 July, according to Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox .

EU rules currently state that member states are not allowed to negotiate individual trade deals while remaining part of the bloc.

Fox appeared to disregard that on Thursday however, as he told BBCs Question Time that Britain would be discussing trade deals with very, very big markets in the coming months.

The trade secretary was asked about the possibility that US negotiators may not speak with their UK counterparts until the government agrees to implement looser food safety standards.

Fox said: And as for the US will not talk to us, Ive got news for you, we are beginning our actual discussions on the 24 July.

There are some very, very big markets out there that we will be able to take advantage of.

Fox traveled to Washington at the beginning of the month to meet with US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, but his comments on Question time were the first indication of a date for formal discussions to begin.

The UK is currently in the midst of complex exit negotiations from the EU, and is almost certain to leave the single access market the bloc represents.
Commercial passenger aircraft leasing company Avation announced on Friday that, further to its announcement on 24 April, the sale of six aircraft pursuant to sale and purchase agreements with Chorus Aviation Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries had now been satisfactorily completed.

The London-listed firm said the sale of the aircraft released approximately $31m in net proceeds to the company after costs and associated debt repayments.

It said it would consider the redeployment of the proceeds through the acquisition of additional aircraft in order to further diversify Avation's portfolio.

The sale consisted of six ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, with three currently on lease to UK airline Flybe and three on lease to Virgin Australia Airlines.

The addition of ATRs to our leased fleet adds a further element of diversification to our business, said Chorus president and CEO Joe Randell.

Through Chorus Aviation Capital, we are not only diversifying our customer base and geographic footprint, but also the aircraft types we can offer the market as we pursue our vision of delivering regional aviation to the world.
International originator, active investor and manager of infrastructure projects John Laing Group issued a pre-close update for the half-year to 30 June on Friday, reporting it had made investment commitments in two of its three geographical regions during the period - Asia Pacific and Europe.

The FTSE 250 company said its total investment commitments in 2017 to date were 111m, with 79m going to the Australian public-private partnership at Grafton Prison, and 32m going towards two renewable energy commitments in France and Australia.

Total investment commitments for 2017 were still expected to be in line with the boards 200m guidance.

The board said total 2017 realisations to date were 151m, with aggregate prices achieved in line with the companys portfolio valuation.

Sales of the companys investments included the A1 motorway project in Poland for 120.4m, the M6 road in Hungary for 22.7m, and the Croydon and Lewisham street lighting scheme in London for 8.2m.

Further realisations were planned for the second half, the board said, with full year guidance of approximately 200m maintained.

The company's investment portfolio as a whole was said to be performing in line with expectations.

In South Australia, the New Royal Adelaide Hospital project successfully reached commercial acceptance on 13 June 2017.

The board now expected the investment to be included in its secondary investment portfolio as of 30 June.

At the Manchester waste project, the board confirmed the discussions announced in May were currently ongoing with the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority.

It has been an active year so far and we are in line with our full year guidance for investment commitments and disposals, said chief executive Olivier Brousse.

The New Royal Adelaide Hospital reached a key milestone with its commercial acceptance by the Government of South Australia on 13 June, and our team was instrumental in reaching a solution for this project.

Six other projects were expected to be completed and move from the primary to the secondary investment portfolio during the first half of 2017, including the Llynfi, Glencarbury and Hornsdale 2 wind farms, Lambeth housing, Speyside biomass and New Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Five further investments - Denver Eagle P3, Cramlington biomass and the Sterling, Kiata and Nordegrunde wind farms - were expected to be completed and move into the secondary investment portfolio during the second half of 2017.

The company also made progress with its pension fund, reporting that as at 31 May, John Laings IAS 19 net pension deficit was estimated at 30m based on an IAS 19 discount rate of 2.60% and long term RPI of 3.10%.

It said the deficit had decreased since 31 December, primarily as a result of a scheduled cash contribution of 24.5m to the John Laing Pension Fund in March.

Looking ahead, John Laings board said its pipeline of new investment opportunities remained attractive in both PPP and renewable energy, particularly across its Asia Pacific and North America regions.

The company said it was currently part of 11 shortlisted PPP bids due to reach financial close in the next two years, including six in North America, and it continued to assess opportunities in infrastructure sectors closely linked to its existing PPP and renewable energy sectors.

It said the market for secondary infrastructure investment remained active.

Looking to the second half and beyond, our teams continue to bring forward a steady stream of new investments, while the asset management teams are actively managing the projects through the construction phase, Brousse explained.

John Laing is well established as an international greenfield investment expert and we plan to continue to scale up our model based on our expertise as an originator, investor and manager of greenfield infrastructure projects.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has demoted three members of his shadow cabinet after 50 MPs rebelled in a vote on whether to stay in the single market post-Brexit.

Prominent Labour backbencher Chuka Umunna proposed an amendment to the Queens Speech which backed calls for the UK to remain part of the single market despite its departure from the bloc.

Shadow housing ministers Andy Slaughter and Ruth Cadbury were joined by Foreign Office shadow minister Catherine West in getting the sack from Corbyn just weeks after a strong performance in the general election.

Shadow transport minister Daniel Zeichner resigned before the vote as he said he had to back the amendment.

Corbyn took the hard line with his frontbenchers as leaving the single market has been Labours policy since the election campaign.

Cadbury said she was aware voting for the amendment would lead to the loss of her position.

"The amendment ruled out withdrawing from the EU without a deal, sought a parliamentary vote on the final negotiations, and proposed remaining in the customs union and single market, she told the BBC.

"Only then can we protect jobs, trade and certainty for business, as well as protecting the rights of EU citizens, with reciprocal rights for UK citizens."

Corbyn has faced a series of rebellions within his ranks since he took over as Labour leader in 2015, including facing a leadership challenge last year.
Uduma Mali, a subsidiary of pump supplier Vergnet-Hydro France, has been granted 3 million euro by the Dutch government for a project to replace and repair 1,400 manual water pumps in the Sikasso region in Southern Mali.

Uduma takes responsibility for the operation and maintenance of these pumps for 15 years.

Once a pump is placed, repaired or replaced, it has to remain in service for at least 15 years.

Large scale servicing project

Two million euro of the Dutch grant accounts for 50 percent of the investment to get the project started, and matched with a 2 million investment from Vergnet Hydro.

An additional one million is granted to develop the business opportunities, to create the foreseen public-private-partnership with the Mali government and to invest in an additional monitoring as this project considered a catalyst for other countries and donors.

Dutch matchmaking organisation, Aqua for All, played a central role in the architecture of this large scale servicing project.



Other Dutch partners

ICT-organisation Akvo supports the project with a web-based mapping service as the pumps will be installed with data loggers and sms alert facilities.

SNV-Mali is the local supporting NGO who is intermediary between all stakeholders.

Uduma Mali has committed itself to increase both efficiency and performance, signing a performance contract that promises to repair a pump within 72 hours, instead of the usual average of 250 days.

Competent authority DNH will monitor the centralized database on the use of the boreholes and the actual water consumption.

Pre-paid tags

Each village water point will be provided with pre-paid tags for community members they can use to pay for water when they collect it. Local communities will sign the 15 year operation & maintenance contract with Uduma Mali.

In Vergnet Hydros Uduma model, water service management is delegated to a private operator based on the provision to sell the water service at an average price of 0,75 euro per cubic meter,

Furthermore, the operator is committed to the operation for at least 15 years and to guaranteed continuity of service (with the mentioned maximum breakdown period of 72 hours).

Sharp decrease of water price

It is expected that the water price for a jerry can will go down from 25 to 10 FFCFA franc per jerry can. The sales-tariff is with 0,75 euro/m3 below the rural national tariff ceiling of 1 euro/m3.

This PPP concept, driven by a private technology supplier, is replicable for any donor driven Hand pump program as it reduces the need for grants while it increases the effectiveness of the grant in functionality of an affordable and accessible service from 3 years lifetime to 15 years lifetime.

This news item was originally published on the website of Aqua for All.

Read also on this website

 Patrick Moriarty gives TED talk on building water systems that deliver 24/7, 13 March 2017

 Stockholm World Water Week 2016: Taking sanitation to the next level, 31 August 2016

 Country: Mali

More information

Aqua for All

The Hague, the Netherlands

+31 70 351 97 25

www.aquaforall.nl

Akvo

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

+31 20 820 01 75

www.akvo.org

SNV

The Hague, the Netherlands

+31 70 344 02 44

www.snv.org/sector/water-sanitation-hygiene

Uduma

Ingre, France

www.uduma.net/en
Nebraska's Republican governor says he's had plenty of access to the nation's first-year Republican president and his cabinet.

President Donald Trump has been "forward-thinking" in engaging governors on policy issues, Gov. Pete Ricketts told reporters Thursday. "That never happened in the last administration."

Trump hosted Ricketts and three other governors Wednesday at the White House for a roundtable discussion on energy issues. The same day, Ricketts joined the Chicago Cubs, which his family owns, on their second White House visit since winning the 2016 World Series.

During the energy meeting, Ricketts touted Nebraska's ethanol industry, which he said is responsible for 1.5 percent of the U.S. energy supply.

"At a per-capita basis, we are punching way above our weight," he said Thursday.

The Trump administration is "very committed" to ethanol, Ricketts said, adding that he also met with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and discussed updating federal emissions data to "show how much more carbon-friendly ethanol is," along with ways to increase usage of E15 ethanol-blend gas.

Nebraska is also requesting a waiver from the federal government to test E30 ethanol blends in state vehicles.

"The EPA and Administrator Pruitt has been very open to working with us on all of those issues," Ricketts said.

In his meeting with Trump, Ricketts also noted that the carbon black manufacturing plant being built by Monolith Materials near Hallam will make Nebraska a "clear innovator" in clean energy, the governor said.

Carbon black is a fine, flour-like powder used in tires, plastic, inks and smartphones, and Monolith says it has developed a first-of-its kind technology to manufacture carbon black from natural gas instead of oil. Byproducts of the process are hydrogen and water, and Monolith will sell the hydrogen to Nebraska Public Power District to use as fuel in one of its burners at nearby Sheldon Station.

"We are going to use that to create the first utility-scale hydrogen burning plant in this country  maybe in the world," Ricketts said Thursday. "When you burn hydrogen, the emission is water vapor. It's completely clean burning, and we are a leader here in Nebraska in implementing that technology."

Ricketts said his meeting with Pruitt was the third time the two have spoken since Trump took office. He has also spoken three times each with Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price and Seema Verma, administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

"At the end of the day, the policy that is passed in Washington, D.C., does not get implemented in a generic place called the United States," Ricketts said. "It gets implemented specifically in our states."
Researchers in Louisiana have found carbon from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the feathers and digestive tracts of seaside sparrows, proving for the first time that oil from the disastrous 2010 spill has entered the food chain.

Seaside sparrows show signs of BP Deepwater Horizon oil.

The study, published today in Environmental Research Letters, was conducted by scientists from Louisiana State University and Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. They found oil carbon signatures consistent with the Deepwater Horizon event in each of 10 birds tested.

These marsh-dwelling sparrows inhabit an area known to have been contaminated by the spill. Sediments from the site also tested positive for oil with the same fingerprints as that found in the tested birds.

The Deepwater Horizon accident followed the blowout of the wellhead at the Macondo oil rig and lasted for 87 days. Eleven workers died and 4.9 million barrels of oil flowed into the Gulf of Mexico. It became the largest oil spill in U.S. history and was called the worst environmental disaster the U.S. has faced by White House Energy Adviser Carol Browner.

Oil sheens continued to be seen as much as three years after the event. The source of many were never discovered, but the containment dome failed and had to be plugged in 2012.

The immediate effects of such major spills are readily apparent. Oiled birds, dead fish and beaches covered in crude-oil sludge are often the first, horrific results. Disasters like Exxon Valdez, Deepwater Horizon and the Santa Barbara oil spill damage critical wildlife habitat and destroy fisheries.

Longer-term, the pernicious oil enters the food chain.

The first signs of Deepwater Horizon oil were found in blue crab larvae in 2010. Oil likely entered the food chain through zooplankton. A 2012 study found traces of oil in zooplankton impacted by the BP oil spill.

BP oil spill led to baby dolphin deaths and diseases along the Gulf Coast. Truth Wire

By November 2010, nearly 7,000 dead animals had been collected. They included more than 6,100 birds along with 69 sea turtles, 100 dolphins and other mammals. A 2016 Oceana report concluded that 600,000 to 800,000 birds had died from the spill in the six years since.

In 2014, Dr. Paul Montagna of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi examined the deep-sea effects of the BP accident. He found severe impacts to life over nine square miles.

The things that live on the bottom are very important for different reasons, Montagna explained. They serve as food for higher trophic (food chain) levels, particularly for fish and other organisms that come and feed on the bottom sediments.

Fish can consume phytoplankton poisoned by oil, fish eat fish and carry on the absorption of toxins, marine mammals and birds eat fish and could potentially carry on toxic properties to other predators, wrote wildlife biologist Jenna Bardroff in One Green Planet.

Seaside sparrows mostly eat insects, but also consume small crabs and the seeds of cordgrass and saltbush. The small birds can be prey to larger shore birds, snakes or mammals. In previous research, this same population of seaside sparrows was shown to have suffered reproduction problems in the years immediately following the oil spill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s41JXq-Lj8o

There have been 11,700 reported oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico since Deepwater Horizon. Gulf oil producers lose one gallon of oil for every 20,000 they produceand they produce 20 billion gallons of crude in the Gulf each year.

A drilling platform owned by Taylor Energy was damaged in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan and has been leaking oil ever since.

In May, Shell leaked 90,000 gallons of oil into the Gulf. The spill was reported by a helicopter pilot who was flying in the area. Monitoring the leak, SkyTruth called the concept of oil spill cleanup nothing more than a convenient fantasy. They found that oil spill response vessels often arrive late and fail to fully recover the lost oil.

Our government is indulging in a troubling fantasy that is eagerly abetted by the oil industry and pro-drilling politicians, dressing up deepwater offshore drilling as a safe operation so they can continue to rubber-stamp permit applications that contain laughable oil-spill response plans, SkyTruth concluded.
By Sharon Kelly

In a major blow to proponents of clean coal technology, Southern Co., parent company of Mississippi Power, announced in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Wednesday that its throwing in the towel on efforts to generate electricity from coal and will instead use only natural gas at its flagship Kemper County, Mississippi power plant.

The project, which relied on a gasifier to turn a cheap and common grade of coal into fuel, is over, at least for now, Southern said.

On June 28, 2017, Mississippi Power notified the Mississippi PSC that it is beginning a process to suspend operations and start-up activities on the gasifier portion of the Kemper IGCC.

Further, Southern warned that it may record a $3.4 billion loss for the project in the second quarter of 2017, depending on how negotiations with state utility regulators unfold.

If Mississippi Power does not ultimately obtain rate recovery of the $3.4 billion  , Southern Company and Mississippi Power would be required to recognize a charge to income in the second quarter of 2017 for those unrecovered costs, in addition to any other costs required to be incurred, the SEC filing says.

The filing comes on the heels of a historic vote by Mississippis state regulators that rejected asking the 187,000 customers who may get electricity from Kemper to pay for the long-delayed and far over-budget clean coal experiment. The 582-megawatt plant, initially projected to cost $1.8 billion, has so far run up a bill of more than $7.5 billion in construction and engineering expenses. In comparison, a typical 700-megawatt natural gas plant would have cost roughly $700 million to build, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Earlier this month, Southern told investors that vital machinery for the coal-powered section of the plant had started leaking, and would take 18 to 24 months to repair.

Mississippi Power Co. still plans to try to recover some or all of the $3.4 billion from power customers, Southern Co. said in its SEC filing. The company will pursue that through settlement negotiations and any available settlement alternatives and other options to recover its costs.

The state regulators have been gearing up for the potential legal battle, expanding their legal budget from $200,000 to up to $2.5 million and hiring two large law firms with experience in utilities law, as the Climate Investigations Center recently reported.

The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time, Southern Co. said in its 8-K filed Wednesday.

Over a Decade of Delays

Kemper was supposed to be the nations first clean coal power plant, capable of taking the worlds dirtiest but most abundant kind of coal, lignite coal, and turning it into a dirt-cheap fuel providing electricity while churning out roughly the same carbon emissions as a power plant burning natural gasa plus for the power bill as well as the planet.

Plans for the Kemper project were first announced by Southern Co. in December, 2006. Over a decade later, the power plant is still not fully up and running and its price tag has spiked from $1.8 billion then to $7.5 billion nowmaking it one of the most expensive power plants per megawatt ever built in the U.S.

Earlier this month, Mississippi officials sent a clear message to the plants builders: when it comes to clean coal, were not buying what youre selling any more.

Mississippians dont want to pay for a ticket on a plane that isnt going to fly, Paul Patterson, a utilities investment analyst, told the Wall Street Journal.

Instead, the Kemper power plant should operate using only natural gas, the Mississippi Public Service Commission announced, adding that it was commencing negotiations with Mississippi Power Co. to figure out how to protect the states electricity customers from having to pay for a plant that seems to have been better at burning through capital than coal.

In its SEC filing Wednesday, Southern Co. said that while the clean coal portion of the plant is suspended, Kemper will indeed keep running on natural gas, but added that it planned to dispute some of the $3.4 billion in costsmeaning that legal battles may be only just beginning.

We are committed to ensuring the ongoing focus and safety of employees while we consider the future of the project, including any possible actions that may be taken by the [Mississippi Public Service] Commission, Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning said in a statement. We believe this decision is in the best interests of our employees, customers, investors and all other stakeholders.

The Kemper project has suffered from a long string of delays and cost-over runs. The most recent setback, which was made public by Southern on June 5, will require builders to rip through a dense labyrinth of steel pipes to replace crucial equipment thats already started leaking, adding up to two years of additional work at a cost of $164 million.

Company records, recorded phone calls and other testimony provided to the New York Times last year by a whistleblower showed Southern Co. officials may have deceived investors and the public by knowingly concealing problems along the way. Last May, the Securities and Exchange Commission launched an investigation into those concerns.

Reposted with permission from our media associate DeSmogBlog.
By Elliott Negin

ExxonMobil executives repeatedly claim their company supports a federal carbon tax and the Paris climate agreement. The companys checkbook ledger, however, tells a far different story.

Thursday, the company released its annual list of its public information and policy research grantees, which shows that it spent $1.65 million in 2016 on a dozen think tanks, advocacy groups and associations that contest climate science and oppose both the Paris accord and a carbon taxthe very policies the company professes to endorse. Last years outlay boosted the total of the companys expenditures on climate disinformation over the last two decades to $34.6 million.

Chamber of Horrors

Most of ExxonMobils spending on denier groups last year87 percentwent to four organizations: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Enterprise Institute, Manhattan Institute and American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

ExxonMobil gave more than half of last years kittya cool $1 millionto the chamber, which provided President Trump with a key, but fraudulent, rationale for pulling out of the Paris agreement. Parroting a recent report funded by the chamber and the American Council for Capital Formationwhich received $1.78 million from ExxonMobil between 2000 and 2015Trump claimed that over the next several decades the accord would cost the U.S. economy nearly $3 trillion and, by 2040, eliminate 6.5 million industrial sector jobs.

The Associated Press (AP), Politifact and The Washington Post fact checked the speech and arrived at similar conclusions: The chamber and American Council for Capital Formation cooked the books.

The study makes worst-case assumptions that may inflate the cost of meeting U.S. targets under the Paris accord while largely ignoring the economic benefits to U.S. businesses from building and operating renewable energy projects, AP reporters Michael Biescker and Paul Wiseman pointed out. Academic studies have found that increased environmental regulation doesnt actually have much impact on employment. Jobs lost at polluting companies tend to be offset by new jobs in green technology.

The chamber, which has a long history of denying climate science, made similar dire warnings about job losses in a 2014 report analyzing the Obama administrations Clean Power Plan. That report used flawed assumptions to magnify the carbon rules cost and exaggerate job losses and, like its recent report on the Paris agreement, didnt factor in the carbon rules considerable benefits.

The Market Will Take Care of It

The next biggest ExxonMobil grant last year$235,000went to the American Enterprise Institute, which had already received $4.1 million from the company between 1998 and 2015. American Enterprise Institute economist Benjamin Zycher addresses climate issues more than anyone else these days at the free-market think tank, and his views are diametrically opposed to ExxonMobils professed positions. He disputes the conclusions of mainstream climate science, insists that a carbon tax would be ineffective, and calls the Paris agreement an absurdity.

Zychers colleague Mark Thiessen, a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, is also no fan of the international accord. In a June 2 essay, he cited numbers from the Chambers discredited report and maintained that our emissions will arguably decline faster because of Trumps withdrawalbecause our free market economy will be stronger and more innovative without it.

Wind Energy Blows

The Manhattan Institute, which received $705,000 from ExxonMobil between 2006 and 2015, pulled in another $135,000 from the company last year. Staffers there arent too keen on the carbon tax or the Paris agreement, either. Senior Fellow Oren Cass, who previously worked at Mitt Romneys old firm Bain & Company, calls the accord a fraud and argues that a carbon tax would be bad for the country and bad for the economy.

Another senior fellow at the libertarian think tank, Robert Bryce, previously worked as a newspaper reporter and for the Institute for Energy Research, a former ExxonMobil grantee that is largely underwritten by the Koch brothers. A self-styled agnostic about climate change, Bryce regularly attacks renewable energy. He especially loves to bash wind, carping about the industrys temporary federal tax breaks over the last 20 years and its threat to birds. Never mind that the oil and gas industry received an average of $4.86 billion a year (in 2010 dollars) in permanent federal subsidies between 1918 and 2009 (that continue to today), or that oil and gas industry fluid waste pits kill roughly three times more birds a year than wind turbines. Bryce never mentions either of those salient facts.

Not-So-Smart ALEC

Between 2006 and 2015, ExxonMobil gave $600,000 to the American Legislative Council, a secretive lobby group that drafts sample corporate-friendly legislation for state lawmakers. Last year, the oil company gave ALEC another $76,500.

Does ALEC also oppose a carbon tax and the Paris accord? You bet.

In 2013, ALEC drafted a sample resolution for state legislators to reject all federal and state efforts to establish a carbon tax on fuels for electricity and transportation. More recently, the director of ALECs Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force slammed the Paris agreement as a bad deal for America. The Paris agreement is little more than an effort by the previous president to lend some international legitimacy to his destructive regulatory campaign against affordable domestic energy, Kenneth Stein, a former legislative aide to Sen. Ted Cruz, wrote in May 25 essay on ALECs website. As has been seen in any number of U.S. industries, regulation and rule making stifle progress and innovationmuch more so when the regulations become part of an international treaty regime.

Why bother with a carbon tax or an international carbon-reduction agreement if, as ALEC erroneously maintains, scientists havent determined the role human activity plays in global warming? Climate change is a historical phenomenon, its website states, and the debate will continue on the significance of natural and anthropogenic contributions.

More than 100 corporations have quit ALEC for a number of reasons, notably its scientifically indefensible position on climate change. Those companies include a number of energy sector heavyweights, including American Electric Power, BP, ConocoPhillips and Shell. But not ExxonMobil.

Meet the New Boss 

The fact that ExxonMobils grantees contradict the companys avowed positions on climate science and policy should come as no surprise. Its funding pattern in Congress is analogous. Over the years, the company has consistently rewarded legislators who reject mainstream climate science and vote against carbon tax resolutions by funding their reelection campaigns. Half of the nearly $1.45 million it spent on candidates in the 2016 election cycle, for example, went to 81 climate science deniers in the House and 24 in the Senate. And 18 of the 22 senators who sent a letter to President Trump urging him to abandon the Paris agreement collectively received $371,000 in campaign contributions from ExxonMobil between 2011 and 2016.

Rex Tillerson began playing this game soon after he became the companys CEO in 2006. In January 2007, the Union of Concerned Scientists published a report documenting that between 1998 and 2005, ExxonMobil had spent at least $16 million on a network of more than 40 anti-regulation groups to manufacture doubt about climate science. A week after its release, Tillerson acknowledged that his company had a PR problem. We recognize that we need to soften our public image, he said, according to a January 10 story in Greenwire, a trade publication. It is something we are working on.

Ten years later, ExxonMobils PR offensive continues. Publicly, company officials repeatedly assure the news media and the general public they have seen the light. Climate change is indeed real and we need to address it. At the same time, however, ExxonMobil is still bankrolling climate disinformation groups and deniers in Congress to stymie government action.

In January, Darren Woods, who has been working for ExxonMobil since 1992, replaced Tillerson as CEO. So far, hes the same as the old boss. His inaugural blog post, which champions natural gas as powerful tool to reduce carbon emissions and stresses the challenge of managing the risks of climate change while meeting growing worldwide energy demand, could have easily been written by Tillerson. And, like his predecessor, Woods dutifully reiterated ExxonMobils nominal support for a revenue-neutral carbon tax and the Paris agreement. But until the company stops funding climate science denier groups and the members of Congress standing in the way, it will remain a major obstacle to saving the planet from the worst consequences of climate change.
By Katherine Ripley

Louie the giant lobster, who is probably 132 years old, spent 20 years in a tank in a restaurant in Long Island, New York.

It seemed like Louie would meet the same fate as all the other lobsters in the restaurant. But the owner, Butch Yamali, realized that he just couldnt put Louie in the pot.

When Yamali purchased Peters Clam Bar in Hempstead, Long Island, four years ago, Louie the giant lobster was already there. No one knows for sure how old Louie is, but past reports indicate that he is probably 132 years old this year.

The world s oldest lobster in captivity was probably 140.

Two weeks ago, a customer offered Yamali $1,000 to buy Louie the giant lobster, who weighs 22 pounds, and eat him at a Fathers Day feast.

But Yamali just couldnt let anyone eat the tenacious crustacean. He decided to free him instead.

Yamali organized an official ceremony to return Louie to the wild. The town supervisor of Hempstead, Anthony Santino, attended the ceremony to grant Louie an official pardon. After Santino said a few words, Louie was released into the water near Atlantic Beach reef.

So, will Louie live happily in the wild for many more years?

Bob Bayer, executive director of the Lobster Institute in Maine, thinks so. Bayer said, Hell be just fine. There arent many predators who want to eat a big old lobster like that.

How long can lobsters live?

Scientists dont actually know how long lobsters are capable of living, but they do know that very large lobsters show no signs of aging. Theoretically, if a lobster never ran out of food and never got eaten by a predator, it might be able to live forever.

The largest lobster ever caught was 44 pounds. If Louie was only 22 pounds and 132, who knows how long he might live? Lobsters also retain their fertility well into old age.

So Louie may be able to find a mate and live happily ever after.

Reposted with permission from our media associate Azula.
President Donald Trump has approved the construction of a new U.S.-Mexico pipeline that will go right under the controversial border wall.

According to The Hill, the New Burgos Pipeline will carry up to 108,000 barrels per day of refined petroleum products per day and cross the border between McAllen, Texas and Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The project is a joint venture between NuStar Energy LP and PMI, an affiliate of Mexicos state-owned oil and gas company Petroleos Mexicanos.

Trump made the remarks during his speech at the Department of Energys Unleashing American Energy event on Thursday. Vice President Mike Pence, Interior Sec. Ryan Zinke, Energy Sec. Rick Perry and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt also stood on stage with the president.

[The pipeline] will further boost American energy exports, and that will go right under the wall, right? Trump said, as he glanced over to his cabinet members and made a swooping motion underneath the imaginary structure with his arm. Some in the audience clapped and laughed at the gesture.

We have to dig down a little deeper under that section, he added.

Trumps 17-minute speech centered around the theme of Americas energy dominance. But as Newsweek reported, he did not once mention the rapidly growing renewable energy sector, not even his now-infamous solar border wall proposal. Rather, he touted clean, beautiful coal, reducing restrictions on natural gas, and expanding offshore oil and gas development. He dismissed concerns about fossil fuels as a big beautiful myth and fake.

Additionally, POTUS touted his executive order to push the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines forward while falsely claiming that there was no opposition to his decision. He underscored his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the one-sided Paris climate agreement.

Environmental groups have spoken out against Trumps speech this week as well as his administrations intention to unleash more fossil fuels.

The energy dominance tagline should be called out for what it is: another manifestation of the presidents misogynistic, hyper-masculine, abusive outlook on the world, David Turnbull, campaigns director at Oil Change International said. It reveals an attitude toward our environment and energy policy that would destroy communities and our climate in order to feed his own desire to feel powerful over others.

Want to know what Trumps idea of energy dominance looks like? Look no further than his crony cabinet, Turnbull continued. Thanks to this administration, Washington is more dominated by Big Oil, Gas and Coal executives and their shills than everand theyre having their way with American democracy. Someone should put the leash back on Donald Trump, while the rest of us keep working to make America the leader it needs to be in renewable energy innovation and job creation.

The Center for Biological Diversity criticized Trumps plans to expand offshore drilling, which replaces the Obama administrations plans to protect the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans.

Trump just planted a big for sale sign in Americas oceans. But oil executives who think theyll have a free pass to drill at will need to know that coastal communities are fighting back, said Kristen Monsell, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. Selling off our seas for short-term profits is a bad deal for Americans, wildlife and our changing climate.

Lena Moffitt, senior director of the Sierra Clubs Our Wild America Campaign, had similar sentiments.

Expanding drilling off our shores would put our coastal communities health, economic well-being, and environment at risk, and continue to ignore the impacts of climate change across the nation, Moffitt said. Opposition to this administrations polluter-friendly agenda will only grow as they take yet another step to prioritize oil and gas industry profits over the health and safety of the American people.

Greenpeace USAs senior research specialist Tim Donaghy said, Trump is kidding himself if he thinks opening up the Arctic and Atlantic to offshore drilling is going to be easy.

People in this country demanded that President Obama protect public lands and waters from offshore oil and gas development, and communities from Alaska to South Carolina will do it again, Donaghy continued. Research shows that expanding offshore oil drilling will lead to increased global greenhouse gas emissions and higher costs that will be borne by Americans for decades to come.

Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch, called on local governments to spur clean energy development.

A better vision for American energy exists, but it isnt coming from the White House, she said. Climate leadership and the transition to renewable energy will come from the local and state level, and we must continue to pressure elected officials around the country to commit to a transition to a clean energy future, starting now.
Bioenergy deal 2017: MGT Teesside

Danish pension fund PKA and Australian banking group Macquarie joined forces in 2016 to acquire what is believed to be the largest dedicated biomass power plant in the world.

The two organisations are 50:50 joint equity partners in the project owner MGT Teeside. The project, Tees Renewable Energy Plant (Tees REP), was developed by UK company MGT Power.

Macquarie was also financial advisor to the project, which received funding of 900 million ($1.1 billion), of which more than 650 million was senior debt raised by Macquarie. Total construction costs were 650 million with an additional 250 million raised for working capital and operational costs. PKA invested DKK1.3 billion ($195 million) for its 50% stake.

"The investment in the biomass power plant is in line with PKA's strategy of making a positive difference for the climate," says Peter Damgaard Jensen, CEO of PKA when the acquisition was agreed.

The fund aims to have 10% of its total investments in climate-related projects by 2020. It currently has approximately 33.6 billion ($37.4 billion) in assets under management.

The Tees REP combined heat and power plant is located in the Tees Valley in North East England, and is expected to have a generating capacity of 299MW, enough to power approximately 600,000 homes, when it becomes operational in 2020.

The plant will be fuelled by wood pellets and chips from certified sustainable forestry projects in North and South America as well as the Baltic region. It is expected to use more than 2.4 million tonnes of wood pellets and chips a year. As the plant will help the UK reach its renewable energy targets, it will receive Contracts for Difference (CFD) payments from the UK government. Under this mechanism a low-carbon electricity generator is paid the difference between a 'strike' price (the price of electricity reflecting the cost of investing in low-carbon technology) and the reference price  the average market price of electricity in the country. The payments are designed to protect the low-carbon energy provider from volatile energy prices.

"The Tees REP project had to overcome many hurdles and Macquarie's involvement was critical to this successful outcome which is not only low carbon but which will meaningfully add to the UK's energy security at an important time," says Ben Elsworth, CEO of MGT Teesside.

Macquarie had provided financial support to MGT Power for 18 months prior to seeing it through to financial close. The bank had provided a development loan in 2015 to get the project through the final stages of its development.

Linklaters provided legal advice to the lenders, with partner Richard Coar praising its structure, saying: "Successfully reaching financial close demonstrates that, even in the current climate, complex transactions like this can still be structured in innovative ways to attract sufficient domestic and foreign investment."

The deal is the first UK contract for Spanish engineering firm Tecnicas Reunidas which, in a consortium with Samsung Construction & Trading, was selected for the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the power plant. Tecnicas Reunidas have 70% of the contract that was valued at nearly 700 million.

Meanwhile, Finnish clean energy company Fortum will operate and maintain the plant having signed a ten year contract for an undisclosed amount. PD Ports, the operator of the Teesside port, will provide biomass discharge services from the plant, as well as a dedicated berth in the port for fuel delivery.
Preventing deforestation can yield numerous social as well as environmental benefits. Many governments have therefore taken action to protect their forests, but it is widely acknowledged that their efforts are inadequate and that substantial private finance will be required.

A major step forward in this effort came in October 2016 when the International Finance Corporation (IFC) issued an innovative bond to support a project in the Kasigau Corridor of east Kenya.

This Wildlife Works project is one of the largest to have been approved under the UN's REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) programme. It enables thousands of rural farmers to benefit from a voluntary agreement to protect an important migration corridor for endangered elephants.

The five-year bond pays a coupon of 1.546%. It was originally sized between $75 million and $150 million but was increased to $152 million in response to strong demand. Buyers included US teachers' pension fund giants CalSTRS and TIAA-CREF, QBE Insurance and emerging markets investor Treehouse Investments.

A key feature of the bond is that investors can choose to have the coupon paid in cash, or in carbon credits, or a combination of the two. Investors who opt to receive the REDD+ credits can either retire them to offset their carbon footprint or sell them in the voluntary offset market.

All the credits have been approved by the Verified Carbon Standard and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance.

Another innovative feature is a $12 million 'price support mechanism' from mining giant BHP Billiton which ensures that the project can sell a minimum quantity of carbon credits every year until the bond matures. "If investors choose cash, then BHP takes the credits, thereby ensuring that the project gets an assured minimum revenue every year for the next five years," explained Vikram Widge, head of IFC climate finance and policy.

"Our support for the bond is part of our commitment to scale-up private sector investment in REDD+, stimulate demand for REDD+ credits and demonstrate the value of reducing deforestation as one of the most cost-effective climate change solutions," said Fiona Wild, BHP vice president for sustainability and climate change.

Deforestation and forest degradation account for about 20% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the issuers estimate that the bond will facilitate the sequestration of 11.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its life. In addition, the sale of the REDD+ credits will provide revenues for wildlife conservation, jobs for women and other benefits for local communities.

The bond originated from a June 2014 request for proposals from BHP for projects to support its REDD strategy. This led to the IFC contacting the company to discuss the possibility of a carbon-linked bond, which the IFC had been exploring for some time. The idea was then developed over several months with the support of NGO Conservation International and law firm Baker & McKenzie.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch, BNP Paribas and JP Morgan also helped fine-tune the bond structure by road-testing the design with potential investors.

"This is only the beginning," said Widge. "We are confident that this innovative instrument will serve as a viable model  allowing others to replicate similar investments."

The World Bank estimates that between $75 billion and $300 billion will have to be invested over the next decade to reduce deforestation by 50%.
(Millbrook, NY) A new study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology reports that in Baltimore, Maryland, neighborhoods with high levels of residential abandonment are hotspots for tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus). This environmental injustice may leave low-income urban residents more vulnerable to mosquito-borne disease.

Shannon LaDeau, a disease ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and senior author on the paper, explains, "We are interested in how land cover, microclimate, and socioeconomics influence the distribution of tiger mosquitoes. In Baltimore and other temperate cities, the interplay of these factors determines when and where mosquitoes emerge and the extent to which they pose a risk to people."

Native to Asia, tiger mosquitoes arrived in the US in the 1980s, likely as stowaways on imported tires. They have quickly spread throughout the South and Northeast, where they thrive in cities. Unlike native mosquitoes, they feed during daylight hours and are known for living in close association with people.

Lead author Eliza Little, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University, explains, "Tiger mosquitoes are highly tolerant and can reproduce in very small pools of water; a cap of water will suffice. They are known to transmit diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, with documented cases in Asia and Europe. They also have the potential to spread Zika."

The research team, which included scientists from the University of Maryland and Rutgers University, spent three years monitoring mosquito activity in five west Baltimore neighborhoods. Study sites spanned a gradient of low, medium, and high socioeconomic status neighborhoods. At each site, 33 blocks were identified as predominantly residential, excluding businesses, schools, and large apartment complexes.

Block-scale surveillance of mosquito breeding habitat was conducted three times during each season (in June, July, and September). Every three weeks, from May to September, adult mosquitoes were also sampled. Climate data from a NOAA station at the Maryland Science Center was used to track how rainfall influenced the development of larval mosquitoes.

To reveal how landscape features and vegetation influence mosquito prevalence, target neighborhoods were mapped using block-by-block surveys and Landsat satellite imagery. During ground surveys, researchers counted trees, abandoned buildings (officially condemned or with 148 boarded-up entry), parks, vacant lots, grassy areas, and trash with the potential to serve as breeding habitat.

High vegetation cover was found in both low and high income neighborhoods, but its impact on mosquito abundance differed. More mosquitoes were found in lower socioeconomic areas because vacant lots and abandoned buildings provide more breeding sites. Infrequent garbage removal is another issue, giving rise to semi-permanent dumping sites that attract mosquitoes.

The correlation between a neighborhood's socioeconomic status and mosquito abundance wasn't static. In low-income areas, rain-filled trash, abandoned and decaying properties, and overgrown lots create mosquito breeding habitat. In higher socioeconomic areas, mosquitoes are supported by residents who water their plants and lawns during the summer.

LaDeau explains, "In a city like Baltimore, hot, dry conditions should cause mosquito populations to decline. Instead, in higher income neighborhoods, residents water their yards and enable mosquito populations to survive. That said, overall, our surveys found much larger mosquito populations in lower income neighborhoods."

"This study highlights the dual needs for personalized mosquito control on a lot-by-lot basis and public education across different socioeconomic neighborhoods to implement effective control strategies," Little notes. Adding, "Our work can also inform urban greening strategies. There can be unintended consequences when green spaces are added to cities without first removing mosquito-sustaining containers."

By understanding the environmental conditions that give rise to mosquito populations, researchers can better predict and manage mosquitoes in urban areas, reducing environmental injustices and protecting public health.

LaDeau concludes, "This summer, if you want to reduce mosquito numbers, one the best things you can do is reduce water-holding containers in your community. After a rainfall, do a quick survey of your yard or neighborhood and address sites where water pools. Planters, clogged gutters, neglected pet dishes and bird baths, and trash all provide great tiger mosquito breeding grounds."

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This study was made possible, in part, by support from the National Science Foundation, the Parks & People Foundation, the US Department of Agriculture, and the National Institutes of Health. It is a contribution to the Baltimore Ecosystem Study Long Term Ecological Research (BES LTER) Program.

Citation

E. Little, D. Biehler, P. T. Leisnham, R. Jordan, S. Wilson, S. L. LaDeau; Socio-Ecological Mechanisms Supporting High Densities of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Baltimore, MD. J Med Entomol 2017 tjx103. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjx103

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is one of the world's leading independent environmental research organizations. Areas of expertise include disease ecology, forest and freshwater health, climate change, urban ecology, and invasive species. Since 1983, Cary Institute scientists have produced the unbiased research needed to inform effective management and policy decisions.
Barcelona, Spain, 30 June 2017 - A new study, to be presented at the ESMO 19th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, shows that so-called "liquid biopsies", blood tests that detect circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), may not only sound an early alert that a treatment's effect is diminishing, but may also help explain why -sometimes offering clues about what to do next.

Why a cancer treatment is losing its effectiveness, is a question that preoccupies every patient and their doctor. But checking in on a drug's tumor-fighting progress is not easy - usually involving invasive biopsies and expensive scans.

"We have shown that integrating regular liquid biopsies into our patients' routine care is feasible and easily incorportated into clinical practice," said study investigator Aparna Parikh, MD, from Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, in Boston, Massachusetts.

"This technology can precisely help us understand each patient's indvididual disease course and allows us to tailor care based on an understanding of their specific disease biology," she said.

In fact, compared to standard tissue biopsies, which can be painful and difficult to obtain, her study showed that liquid biopsies actually provided more information less invasively.

The study involved nearly 40 patients with various forms of gastro-intestinal (GI) cancers, who had initially responded to therapy but then stopped.

Liquid biopsies were done when their disease began to progress and ctDNA in the blood was analysed for genetic mutations that might be making them resistant to treatment.

A total of 31 patients had at least one such mutation, and among them,14 had more than one.

Notably in about two thirds of patients who had traditional tissue biospies taken at the same time, the liquid biopsy picked up extra mutations that could not be seen in the tissue.

"Identifying what specific mutations are responsible for treatment resistance is very important in helping clinicians choosing what treatment path a patient should try next, whether it be another drug or perhaps radiation," explained Parikh.

While liquid biopsies are not yet widely used outside of the research setting, Parikh believes they are set to transform cancer treatment. "We have shown this approach is feasible across many different GI cancers," she noted. "The next step is to study how best to use this new technology in daily practice. It's important for clinicians to understand its utility as well as its limitations."

Commenting on the study, ESMO spokesperson Frederica Di Nicolantonio, MD, from the Candiolo Cancer Institute and University of Torino in Italy said, "this work elegantly reports that the use of clinical liquid biopsy panels can effectively identify multiple heterogeneous and co-occuring mechanisms of acquired drug resistance, all in a non-invasive manner. Clinicians should be able to better individualise patient care based on results from this technology."

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Notes to Editors

References

1. Abstract O-001 - 'Systematic liquid biopsy identifies novel and heterogeneous mechanisms of acquired resistance in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients' will be presented by Dr Aparna Parikh during 'Session X: Presentation of Selected Abstracts - Colorectal Cancer' on Friday, 30 June, 08:40 to 09:45 (CEST) in Auditorium B.

Disclaimer

This press release contains information provided by the authors of the highlighted abstracts and reflects the content of those abstracts. It does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ESMO who cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the data. Commentators quoted in the press release are required to comply with the ESMO Declaration of Interests policy and the ESMO Code of Conduct.

About the ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer

The ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer is the premier global event in the field, encompassing malignancies affecting every component of the gastrointestinal tract and aspects related to the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer, including screening, diagnosis and the latest management options for common and uncommon tumours.

About the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)

ESMO is the leading professional organisation for medical oncology. With more than 15,000 members representing oncology professionals from over 130 countries worldwide, ESMO is the society of reference for oncology education and information. We are committed to supporting our members to develop and advance in a fast-evolving professional environment.

About Imedex

Imedex is an industry leader in providing accredited, independent continuing medical education to health care professionals. We develop high quality scientific programming that translates the latest research into clinically relevant information. The activities have exceptional organization and outstanding educational value, with a proven sustained impact on disease management. Our programs focus on improving patient care around the world. With over 50,000 e-learning experiences annually and more than 100,000 live meeting attendees, since 2001, Imedex truly educates the global healthcare community. At Imedex, education is the best medicine.
Research published in Nature Communications found many targeted therapies for prostate cancer may not be effective against tumors in African-American men

WASHINGTON (June 30, 2017)  A form of genetic variation, called differential RNA splicing, may have a role in tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance in African American men with prostate cancer. Researchers at the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center published their findings in Nature Communications.

We wanted to understand the genetic basis of prostate cancer disparities. Why is it that the African American population has a higher incidence of prostate cancer and a worse prognosis compared to those of European American decent? asked Norman Lee, PhD, principle investigator and professor of pharmacology and physiology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. In trying to understand the genetic basis, we found that part of it may have to do with differential RNA splicing.

Lee and his team uncovered a form of genetic variation in African American tumors, when compared to European American tumors, that may contribute to differences in prostate cancer behavior and treatment. Genes are comprised of exons. As a consequence of differential RNA splicing, mRNAs containing different combinations of exons can be produced from the same gene. The mRNAs with varying exon combinations are referred to as mRNA variants. These varying combinations lead to the generation of slightly different proteins known as isoforms, which can end up functioning differently from each other. The African American mRNA variants encode protein isoforms that make a tumor more aggressive, whereas the protein isoforms generated in European Americans appear to make the tumor less aggressive.

After finding incidences of differential RNA splicing, Lee and his research team looked at whether the proteins expressed in the tumors were inhibited by todays leading cancer treatments. They found they were not only ineffective, but caused drug resistance.

We found that the protein isoforms expressed in African Americans with prostate cancer do not always respond to targeted therapies, whereas these drugs were found to be effective in European Americans with prostate cancer and do end up killing off the cancer, said Lee. This is a mechanism for drug resistance.

Future research will apply this finding to other cancers, specifically looking at patients with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma to see if patients who are not responding to drugs like idelalisib have this particular mRNA variation.

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Lees GW Cancer Center research team included Bi-Dar Wang, PhD, now an assistant professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy, Anelia Horvath, PhD, associate research professor of pharmacology and physiology, Kristin Ceniccola, PhD, research assistant, and Jacqueline Olender, PhD candidate.

Alternative splicing promotes tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance in African American prostate cancer was published in Nature Communications.

Media: To interview Dr. Lee, please contact Lisa Anderson at lisama2@gwu.edu or 202-270-4841.

About the GW Cancer Center The George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center is a collaboration between the GW Hospital, the GW Medical Faculty Associates, the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the Milken Institute School of Public Health at GW to expand GWs efforts in the fight against cancer. The GW Cancer Center also incorporates all existing cancer-related activities at GW, serving as a platform for future cancer services and research development. Learn more about the GW Cancer Center at gwcancercenter.org.
A Colorado marijuana trafficking ring illegally shipped the drug to a half-dozen other states, including Nebraska, authorities announced this week.

A Denver grand jury indicted 62 people and 12 businesses this month in a case that targets the largest illegal marijuana operation discovered since Colorado legalized recreational pot in 2012, Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman said.

The ring operated under the guise of medical marijuana patient caregivers, property managers servicing growers and small business owners while producing more than 100 pounds of illegal pot each month for shipment to Nebraska, Kansas, Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma and other states.

"The black market for marijuana has not gone away since recreational marijuana was legalized in our state, and in fact continues to flourish," Coffman said in a statement.

The ring raked in an estimated $200,000 a month between 2012 and 2016, Coffman said.

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson thanked Coffman on Thursday for "exposing the influx of Colorado marijuana entering Nebraska." His office had sued the state over legalization's cross-border effects.

"The marijuana industry and its proponents have long purported legalization would regulate this potent and dangerous drug," Peterson said in a statement. "However, this announcement proves what we have known, our challenge in Nebraska is that the marijuana market is flourishing as the industry continues exporting high-potency marijuana across the country."

Nebraska's tie to the ring is seen in the roles of two men named in the indictment: Christian Jones of Ogallala and Joel Vlasin of Denver.

Authorities allege in the indictment that Jones was a transporter and Vlasin a cultivator of marijuana.

Both had 36 pounds of marijuana from the ring during a Nebraska traffic stop, according to the indictment.

On Dec. 9, 2015, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper pulled Vlasin over on Interstate 80 near Ogallala, according to Nebraska court records.

The trooper first stopped Vlasin at 11:30 a.m. and suspected he was involved in criminal activity because his travel plans seemed illogical, the trooper said.

He had planned to meet up with Jones in Roscoe later and go to Lincoln, Vlasin told the trooper.

The trooper asked to search his vehicle, but Vlasin denied him access to his pickup.

After letting him go, the trooper had a State Patrol airplane follow the truck, which parked outside Jones home, the trooper said.

A car then backed up to Vlasins truck and two large black suitcases were unloaded into it. Then the car left.

The trooper who stopped Vlasin earlier spotted the car traveling 5 mph faster than the speed limit on the edge of Paxton and pulled it over as it headed to the interstate.

After noticing the scent of marijuana, the trooper searched the car and found the marijuana in the two suitcases.

Vlasin and Jones were arrested and ultimately sentenced to probation on attempted marijuana possession charges.

Each faces at least 10 charges in the Colorado indictments. Overall, the defendants in the case were charged with 31 felony counts of money-laundering, tax evasion and other financial crimes. Most are now under arrest awaiting trial dates in Denver District Court.

In addition to growing black-market pot in private homes, the indictment says, some defendants ran phony marijuana consulting businesses or leasing agencies.

Some held partial ownership in a suburban Denver store that sells marijuana growing supplies, which the indictment says allowed them to have ready access to nutrients, pesticides and other supplies.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and some state law enforcement outside Colorado, including the Nebraska State Patrol, assisted in the investigation.

Barbra Roach, who heads the DEA's Denver Division, said her office has seen an influx of organized crime popping up in Colorado on the heels of pot's legalization solely to produce marijuana to sell outside the state.

"The marijuana black market has increased exponentially since (then)," Roach said.
Gland, Switzerland, 30 June 2017 (IUCN) - Illegal fishing, logging and poaching, are impacting two-thirds of the 57 natural World Heritage sites monitored by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) this year, putting some of the world's most precious and unique ecosystems and species at risk.

Ahead of the 41st session of the World Heritage Committee, starting this Sunday in Krakow, Poland, IUCN recommends listing Mexico's Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to illegal gillnet fishing, which threatens the vaquita with imminent extinction. IUCN also raises concerns over continued impacts of illegal activities, including logging and poaching, on the unique biodiversity of Madagascar's Rainforests of the Atsinanana and on Bia?owie?a Forest - one of Europe's last remaining primeval forests located in Poland and Belarus.

"It is alarming that even our planet's greatest natural treasures are under pressure from illegal activities," says IUCN Director General Inger Andersen. "World Heritage sites are recognised as the planet's most unique and valuable places, for nature and for people. If destroyed, they are lost forever.

"World Heritage status is designed to grant these places the highest level of protection, and we as the international community are responsible for the effectiveness of this protection. Only through strong international cooperation can we eliminate the illegal and unsustainable practices that are having such a devastating impact on these extraordinary places."

Illegal wildlife trade is threatening the vaquita - the world's smallest porpoise - with extinction. The Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California became a World Heritage site in 2005 due to its unique marine biodiversity. It hosts a third of the world's cetacean species. The vaquita is a victim of by-catch from illegal fishing of a Critically Endangered fish the totoaba, whose swim bladder fetches high prices in Asian markets.

Despite Mexico's extensive efforts to combat the illegal gillnet fishing, the vaquita's survival remains at severe risk, with a crash in the population leaving only about 30 individuals in the wild. IUCN recommends placing the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger to mobilise urgent action to protect the site. It calls for a permanent ban on gillnets, as well as strengthened international cooperation to address threats to the site.

Madagascar's Rainforests of the Atsinanana acquired 'in danger' status in 2010 - only three years after being listed as a World Heritage site - due to illegal logging of ebony and rosewood. The site is a key habitat for endangered lemurs, which are also the target of poaching. Despite Madagascar's ongoing efforts to address the threats, in 2016 there was a marked increase in illegal logging. IUCN recommends that the site should remain on the List of World Heritage in Danger and calls for stronger efforts to address the threats, including increased cooperation between countries along trading routes.

If Poland continues to undertake wood extraction and logging in old-growth areas of Bia?owie?a Forest, intact habitats will be lost. The European Commission recently expressed concern over the removal of ancient trees from the forest, which is also a Natura 2000 site. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979 as one of the first World Heritage sites, and extended in 1992 and 2014, the site is shared between Poland and Belarus and covers a total area of 141,885 hectares. Bia?owie?a is one of the few remaining primeval forests on the European continent. It is home to the iconic European Bison and hosts more than 250 bird and over 12,000 invertebrate species.

IUCN recommends a monitoring mission to the site so that the situation can be fully assessed, and actions agreed. Should danger to the site's Outstanding Universal Value be confirmed, Bia?owie?a will be considered for inscription on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2018.

International cooperation is starting to demonstrate results in addressing illegal activities in Thailand's Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. IUCN's mission to the site noted that that cooperation between Thailand, Cambodia, China, Lao People's Democratic Republic and Viet Nam, in addition to strengthened coordination of efforts within Thailand, resulted in a decrease in illegal logging of Siamese rosewood, which had been on the rise in recent years. More resources are now invested into the site, with an action plan aiming to intensify patrol efforts using space technology. The forest complex is internationally important for the survival and conservation of globally threatened mammals, birds and reptiles. It also serves as one of Thailand's most important watersheds.

IUCN is the official advisory body on nature to the World Heritage Committee, recommending new sites to be included on the World Heritage list, and proposing actions to protect World Heritage sites facing threats.

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For more information or to set up interviews please contact:

Celia Zwahlen, IUCN World Heritage Programme, celia.zwahlen@iucn.org, +41 22 999 07 16

Ewa Magiera, IUCN Media Relations, ewa.magiera@iucn.org, +41 76 505 33 78

Notes to editors

At this year's World Heritage Committee meeting, IUCN also recommends lifting 'in danger' status from Comoe National Park in Cote d'Ivoire. After nearly 15 years on the Danger List, the park is seeing an increase in wildlife, now that the country's political situation has stabilised. Chimps and elephants, which were thought to have disappeared from the area, have been spotted again in the park.

IUCN has also evaluated 13 proposals to inscribe new areas, or extend and modify natural areas already on the World Heritage List. IUCN recommends inscribing four natural areas, which represent key habitats for species conservation. These include Argentina's Los Alerces National Park, which protects some of the last portions of undisturbed Patagonian Forest; China's Qinghai Hoh Xil, covering a huge area in the world's largest, highest and youngest plateau; Mongolia's and Russia's Landscapes of Dauria, a steppe ecosystem providing key habitats for threatened species, such as the Endangered tarbagan marmot; and W-Arly-Pendjari Complex in Benin and Burkina Faso as a 1.5-million-hectare extension to Niger's currently listed W National Park. The area provides refuge to species that have mostly disappeared elsewhere in West Africa, such as cheetahs and lions.
New light has been shed on a misclassified vine species in the Ryukyu Islands of East Asia. This plant was first discovered in 1917 in Taiwan, when it was provisionally identified as Kadsura japonica. The plant was recently spotted again after 100 years, and further investigation proved that it was in fact a different species: Kadsura matsudae. The findings were published on June 30th in the online edition of Phytotaxa.

The discovery was made by Project Associate Professor SUETSUGU Kenji (Graduate School of Science, Kobe University), Mr. HSU Tian-Chuan (Taiwan Forestry Research Institute), independent botanical researcher Mr. TOMA Tsugutaka, Associate Professor MIYAKE Takashi (Faculty of Education, Gifu University) and Professor Richard Saunders (School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong).

The Kadsura genus is an evergreen climbing plant of the Schisandraceae family. There are 16 known species of this genus, and until now K. japonica was the only species reported in Japan. K. japonica is also known as the kadsura vine or kadsura, and in the past its resin has been used for hair styling.

Independent botanical researcher Mr. Toma Tsugutaka realized that the Ryukyu Islands variety may be a different species after noticing that the kadsura vines in Okinawa often have yellow stamens, as opposed to the red stamens of kadsura in the rest of Japan (see figure 1). Mr. Toma notified Project Associate Professor Suetsugu, who then collaborated with Mr. Hsu, Associate Professor Miyake and Professor Saunders to examine specimens from the region. They discovered that the plants known as K. japonica included specimens with male flowers that were clearly different from the standard. In K. japonica, the anthers of adjacent stamens are connected, but in samples collected on Okinawa, Taiwan and other parts of the Ryukyu Islands, they discovered individuals without connections between the anthers of adjacent stamens.

After further investigation, they found that a plant with free-standing anthers had been reported in 1917 in Taiwan as K. matsudae. However, the original description of K. matsudae was brief and inaccurate, and since it did not mention the features of the stamen, it was provisionally classified as K. japonica. In this study, researchers used the specimen collected in Taiwan 100 years ago and newly-discovered specimens to carry out detailed analysis on a molecular level, including DNA barcoding. The results showed that this was a completely different plant from K. japonica.

Botanical surveys and research are advanced in Japan, and only a few new species are discovered each year. The discovery of a new woody vine species is particularly unusual.

The Ryukyu island chain stretches from Kyushu in southern Japan to Taiwan, and its subtropical and tropical ecosystems provide habitats for many species. Last year the Yanbaru forest of Okinawa was designated as part of the Yanbaru National Park, and the reclassification of Kadsura matsudae follows recent discoveries of two new orchid species in the area: Gastrodia nipponicoides and Gastrodia okinawensis. These findings further illustrate the importance of the Yanbaru forest's diverse ecosystem.

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A discovery of how to control and transfer spinning electrons paves the way for novel hybrid devices that could outperform existing semiconductor electronics. In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers at Linkoping University in Sweden demonstrate how to combine a commonly used semiconductor with a topological insulator, a recently discovered state of matter with unique electrical properties.

Just as the Earth spins around its own axis, so does an electron, in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. "Spintronics" is the name used to describe technologies that exploit both the spin and the charge of the electron. Current applications are limited, and the technology is mainly used in computer hard drives. Spintronics promises great advantages over conventional electronics, including lower power consumption and higher speed.

In terms of electrical conduction, natural materials are classified into three categories: conductors, semiconductors and insulators. Researchers have recently discovered an exotic phase of matter known as "topological insulators", which is an insulator inside, but a conductor on the surface. One of the most striking properties of topological insulators is that an electron must travel in a specific direction along the surface of the material, determined by its spin direction. This property is known as "spin-momentum locking".

"The surface of a topological insulator is like a well-organised divided highway for electrons, where electrons having one spin direction travel in one direction, while electrons with the opposite spin direction travel in the opposite direction. They can travel fast in their designated directions without colliding and without losing energy," says Yuqing Huang, Ph D student at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) at Linkoping University.

These properties make topological insulators promising for spintronic applications. However, one key question is how to generate and manipulate the surface spin current in topological insulators.

The research team behind the current study has now taken the first step towards transferring spin-oriented electrons between a topological insulator and a conventional semiconductor. They generated electrons with the same spin in gallium arsenide, GaAs, a semiconductor commonly used in electronics. To achieve this, they used circularly polarised light, in which the electric field rotates either clockwise or counter-clockwise when seen in the direction of travel of the light. The spin-polarised electrons could then be transferred from GaAs to a topological insulator, to generate a directional electric current on the surface. The researchers could control the orientation of spin of the electrons, and the direction and the strength of the electric current in the topological insulator bismuth telluride, Bi 2 Te 3 . This flexibility has according to the researchers not been available before. All of this was accomplished without applying an external electric voltage, demonstrating the potential of efficient conversion from light energy to electricity. The findings are significant for the design of novel spintronic devices that exploit the interaction of matter with light, a technology known as "opto-spintronics".

"We combine the superior optical properties of GaAs with the unique electrical properties of a topological insulator. This has given us new ideas for designing opto-spintronic devices that can be used for efficient and robust information storage, exchange, processing and read-out in future information technology," says Professor Weimin Chen, who has led the study.

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The research was performed in collaboration with scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai. It was financed with support from, among others, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Government Strategic Research Area in Materials Science on Functional Materials at Linkoping University, the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research, the Key Program of Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of China.

Article: Spin injection and helicity control of surface spin photocurrent in a three dimensional topological insulator, Y.Q. Huang, Y.X. Song, S.M. Wang, I.A. Buyanova, W.M. Chen, Nature Communications, 8, published online 22 May 2017, doi: 10.1038/ncomms15401

For further questions, please contact:

Weimin Chen, professor, weimin.chen@liu.se, + 46 13-281795 or +46 70 512 1388

Karin Soderlund Leifler, press officer, karin.soderlund.leifler@liu.se, +46 13 281395
Bromine species, and hydrogen bromide (HBr) in particular, could play an important part in the photochemistry of the lower atmosphere of Venus. This conclusion was made by researchers from MIPT and the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences after comparing the data of Earth-based observations of Venus with the predictions of a photochemical model. The paper detailing their study was published in the journal Icarus.

Since the 1960s, numerous space probes have been sent to Venus. Because 17 out of 24 successful missions were launched by the Soviet Union, scientists dubbed it "the Russian planet." Back in the middle of the 20th century, sci-fi writers imagined Venus as a habitable planet covered entirely by ocean, expecting that it would welcome future generations of earthlings. But the "morning star" had many surprises in store for its would-be colonists. The first Soviet probes that attempted to land on Venus were crushed by immense pressures in the lower atmosphere before they could reach the surface of the planet. Eventually, it became clear that Venus has a unique atmosphere, which is very dense near the surface and harbors terrific winds at higher altitudes. They blow at many times the speed of the planet's rotation. Venus generates a great deal of scientific interest by virtue of its being so unusual and largely unexplored. Recent studies like this one further our understanding of the inner workings of this highly complex world.

The temperature of the surface of Venus and its lower atmosphere is extremely high: 460 degrees Celsius at the surface, and atmospheric pressure on Venus is 93 times that on Earth. Under these extreme conditions, rather peculiar compounds are formed and released into Venusian atmosphere, such as hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride. The discovery of these species on Venus half a century ago was unexpected and surprising. That said, it would be reasonable to suppose then that hydrogen bromide -- the next hydrogen halide -- could also be found in Venusian atmosphere.

Vladimir Krasnopolsky and Denis Belyaev conducted their observations of Venus from one of the Mauna Kea observatories, which are leading astronomical research facilities based on the Big Island, Hawaii, at an elevation of 4.2 kilometers. The researchers used the 3-meter telescope of NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF), coupled with CSHELL, a high-resolution spectrograph with a spectral resolving power of about 40,000. To search for hydrogen bromide on Venus, the researchers observed the strongest spectral lines of this molecular species, whose associated wave numbers are 2605.8 and 2606.2 units per centimeter, which corresponds to a wavelength of roughly 3.8 micrometers. By analyzing 101 spectra of Venus and searching for hydrogen bromide lines in them, the astrophysicists came to a conclusion that the abundance of this species relative to other molecules in the cloud tops, at an altitude of 70 kilometers above the planet's surface, does not exceed one part per billion.

"Retrieval of atmospheric parameters from spectroscopic data is far from trivial," says Vladimir Krasnopolsky, the head of the Laboratory of Applied Infrared Spectroscopy at MIPT. "It is possible to infer the temperature of the atmosphere at a given altitude from spectral line profiles and widths. As for the abundance of a given molecule relative to other atmospheric species, it can be determined by comparing the intensity of its spectral line to the intensities of lines of other molecules whose concentrations are known."

In 2012, Krasnopolsky created a photochemical model incorporating numerous components of the atmosphere of Venus. His model has now been updated to include the main photochemical processes involving bromine. According to the updated model, hydrogen bromide is roughly 300 times less abundant at 70-80 kilometers above the surface than at 60 kilometers due to its depletion by photolysis and reactions with atomic hydrogen and oxygen. Reanalysis of the observational data yielded an upper limit of between 20 and 70 parts per billion of hydrogen bromide below 60 kilometers. The relative abundances of various bromine species at different altitudes are shown in the figure below.

"Despite the estimated bromine abundance being so low, it could still be an important component of the atmosphere of Venus," says Denis Belyaev, a senior researcher at the Space Research Institute, RAS. "Thermodynamic calculations based on the chemical kinetic model of Vladimir Krasnopolsky indicate that hydrogen bromide is the dominant bromine species in the lower atmosphere."

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Results from the new National Poll on Healthy Aging reveals opportunities for patients to speak up, professionals to aid more

ANN ARBOR, MI - The majority of Americans over age 50 take two or more prescription medicines to prevent or treat health problems, and many of them say the cost weighs on their budget, a new poll finds.

But many older adults aren't getting - or asking for - as much help as they could from their doctors and pharmacists to find lower-cost options, the new data reveal.

This suggests an opportunity for health professionals and patients to talk more about drug costs, both in everyday interactions and in formal medication reviews that insurance may cover.

The data come from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, a new initiative based at the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation and sponsored by AARP and Michigan Medicine, U-M's academic medical center.

"We already know that cost can keep patients from taking the drugs they need to maintain health or prevent complications, but these new data suggest that many older adults aren't talking to their doctors or pharmacists about cost and less-expensive alternatives as often as they could," says Preeti Malani, M.D., director of the poll and a professor of internal medicine at the U-M Medical School. "This represents an opportunity for patients, clinicians - as well as health systems, insurers and policymakers."

Alison Bryant, AARP senior vice president of research, adds that out-of-pocket costs can vary greatly for midlife and older adults depending on their insurance coverage for prescription drugs, and based on the price of the drug set by the manufacturer. High and rising drug costs can result in higher out of pocket costs and more cost burden.

Cost burdens and communication - or lack of it

The poll asked a range of prescription drug-related questions of adults between the ages of 50 and 80 to try to understand how prescription-related issues affect those in the pre-Medicare and Medicare age range.

In all, 27 percent of them said their prescription drug costs posed a financial burden.

One in six respondents reported what the researchers call a "high complexity" of prescription management --- taking six or more prescriptions and seeing more than one doctor. They were more likely to say their drug costs were a problem.

Among those who said their drug costs posed a burden, 49 percent hadn't talked to their doctors about the cost of their drugs. But taking time to talk did pay off for many: 67 percent of those who reported talking to their doctor about cost received a recommendation for a less expensive drug, and 37 percent got similar recommendations from pharmacists.

"Based on these findings, and other evidence, we encourage patients to speak up during their clinic visits, and when they're at the pharmacy, and ask about ways to reduce the cost of their prescriptions," says Malani. "But equally, we see a need for health professionals to find ways to more routinely engage with patients about cost - especially through formal medication reviews such as the one that Medicare will cover."

More about drug costs and health

Doctors, clinic staff and pharmacists, Malani says, can help patients identify options from drug companies that might reduce costs by reducing copayments or overall price, and recommend generic equivalents when available.

She notes that during patient visits, physicians usually don't have access to information about what an individual patient's drugs will cost them, based on what insurance they have. So it can be up to the patient to bring this information to their appointments, or to contact their clinic about alternatives if the cost at the pharmacy is higher than they expected. Patients can also talk with pharmacists who may better understand insurance plans and cost.

Patients with high and moderate complexity of drug management take multiple medications and have more than one doctor involved in their care. This can create additional challenges including one doctor not wanting to address a medication prescribed by another doctor.

Health conditions that start in middle age can make a major difference in the health of older adults, and the long-term cost of care. Multiple studies have found that long-term adherence, or faithful taking of medications as prescribed, affect a person's health outcomes in positive ways.

But other research shows that cost often gets in the way of adherence, leading a person to cut back on doses without a doctor's guidance, to not refill a prescription or to skip doses altogether.

Although addressing the broader concern of drug costs will require shifts in policy, patients can take some immediate steps, by asking their doctors and pharmacists for help, Malani says. Future programs should encourage health professionals and patients to routinely have these discussions.

The need to talk cost may start earlier than one might think, Malani notes. The poll finds that more than half of adults in the 50-64 age range were taking two or more medications - and that 14 percent of them were taking six medications or more.

In the older age group, from 65 to 80 years, 20 percent of those polled said they took six or more medications. Nearly 90 percent of those in the older group were taking at least one prescription drug -- consistent with previous studies. One in four of the older adults reported seeing four or more doctors in the past year.

The nationally representative sample included 2,131 people, split almost equally between those aged 50 to 64, and those aged 65 to 80. Respondents answered a wide range of questions online; laptops and Internet access were provided to those who did not already have it.

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A full report of the findings and methodology is available at http://www.healthyagingpoll.org. The poll will issue its next findings in late summer; sign up for email notifications on the website.
Subaru Telescope images reveal weather in Jupiter's atmosphere in the mid-infrared. Those images, taken multiple times over several months, support Juno spacecraft mission of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This article is part of a joint press release with ones from Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at California Institute of Technology and Gemini Observatory.

High-resolution thermal imaging of Jupiter by the COoled Mid-Infrared Camera and Spectrometer (COMICS) mounted on the Subaru Telescope on Maunakea is providing information that extends and enhances the information that the Juno mission is gathering in its unprecedented mission to probe that planet's interior and deep atmospheric structure together with details of the magnetosphere and its auroral interactions with the planet. "The Subaru observations of Jupiter so far this year have been timed to coordinate with the greatest benefit to Juno mission", said Glenn Orton, PI for the portion of the Keck Telescope exchange time with the Subaru Telescope and coordinator for Earth-based observations supporting the Juno project at JPL.

"During our May 2017 observations that provided real-time support for Juno's sixth perijove, we obtained images and spectra of the Great Red Spot and its surroundings. Our observations showed that the Great Red Spot, the largest known vortex in the solar system, had a cold and cloudy interior increasing toward its center, with a periphery that was warmer and clearer. This implied that winds were upwelling more vigorously toward its center and subsiding on the periphery. A region to its northwest was unusually turbulent and chaotic, with bands that were cold and cloudy, alternating with bands that were warm and clear bands (Figure 1). This region is where air heading east toward the Great Red Spot flows around it to the north, where it encounters a stream of air flowing over it from the east", adds Orton. "This information will allow us to determine the three-dimensional structure of winds that are otherwise only tracked in two dimensions using cloud features in reflected sunlight." "A wide variety of filters installed in COMICS is advantageous in sensing Jupiter's temperatures in its upper troposphere and in its stratosphere," noted co-investigator and Subaru Telescope staff astronomer Takuya Fujiyoshi.

Juno has now made five close-up passes of Jupiter's atmosphere, the first of which was on August 27, 2016 and the latest (the sixth) on May 19 of 2017. Each of these close passes has provided Juno's science team with unexpected surprises, and the Juno science return has benefitted from a coordinated campaign of Earth-based support. This campaign includes observations from spacecraft near or orbiting the Earth, covering X-ray through visible wavelengths and ground-based observatories covering near-infrared through radio wavelengths.

Another set of supporting observations that were simultaneous with the Subaru observations were made by the Gemini North telescope's NIRI instrument, which imaged Jupiter in the near-infrared, measuring reflected sunlight from cloud and haze particle in Jupiter's upper troposphere and lower stratosphere - levels generally higher in Jupiter's atmosphere than most of the Subaru measurements, providing complementary information. "Wide coverage of wavelength available from the telescopes on Maunakea is thus advantageous for the study," Fujiyoshi says.

The NASA Juno spacecraft was launched in August 2011 and began orbiting Jupiter in early July 2016. A primary goal of the mission is to improve our understanding of Jupiter - from its atmospheric properties, to our understanding of how Jupiter and other planets in the outer Solar System formed. Subaru's mid-infrared imaging and spectroscopy with COMICS are particularly useful to Juno's instrument, by providing information about the temperature field and the distribution of ammonia, a condensate in Jupiter similar to water in the Earth's atmosphere. These serve as boundary conditions for the distribution of ammonia at this level and much deeper in Jupiter's atmosphere.

In the full campaign of Earth-based support, the Subaru observations provide the highest spatial resolution of Jupiter's thermal output due to the 8-meter size of its primary mirror. For the images of Jupiter's Great Red Spot in May 2017, COMICS could resolve features close to the 1,000-km resolution of Juno's MWR experiment.

"The Subaru Telescope provided the highest spatial resolution of heating in Jupiter's stratosphere from auroral-related processes, notes co-PI Yasumasa Kasaba of Tohoku University, Japan, who was the PI of collaborative telescope time granted directly by Subaru Telescope. He also notes, "This heating will be studied and compared with auroral phenomena in the ultraviolet and near-infrared observed by Juno and other ground-based facilities, as well as the Hubble Space Telescope and JAXA Hisaki UV/EUV space telescope with Tohoku University's Haleakala telescope and many others." A full list observatories active in the Juno support observations and details of their observations is given in this page.

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Besides Orton, Kasaba, and Fujiyoshi, the collaborative observing team included James Sinclair, Anna Payne (JPL); Joshua Fernandes (California State University, Long Beach); Leigh Fletcher (University of Leicester), Patrick Irwin (University of Oxford); Padma Yanamandra-Fisher (Space Science Institute); Takao Sato (JAXA); Davide Grassi (IAPS/INAF); Shohei Aoki (IASB, Belgium); Tomoki Kimura (RIKEN); Chihiro Tao, Takeshi Kuroda (NICT); Takeshi Sakanoi, Hajime Kita, Hiromu Nakagawa (Tohoku University); Hideo Sagawa (Kyoto Sangyo University), and Joana Bulger (Subaru Telescope).

Note:

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, manages the Juno mission for the principal investigator, Scott Bolton, of Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. The Juno mission is part of the New Frontiers Program managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the Science Mission Directorate. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, built the spacecraft. JPL is a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California.

More uinformation on the Juno mission is available at:

* http://www.nasa.gov/juno

* http://missionjuno.org
A multi-disciplinary team of researchers from the Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore (MBI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR, and BioSyM, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology have described the mechanical principles adopted by liver cells as they remove excess bile during obstructive cholestasis. This study was published online in the Journal of Hepatology earlier this year.

The research team comprises team leader Professor Hanry Yu, who is a Principal Investigator at MBI and IBN; Mr Kapish Gupta, who is a graduate student at MBI and first author of the paper; as well as their fellow MBI researchers - Associate Professor Virgile Viasnoff, Associate Professor Low Boon Chuan, and Assistant Professor Pakorn (Tony) Kanchanawong.

New mechanism discovered in the liver's response to blocked bile ducts

Biliary atresia is a rare, life-threatening liver disease that affects infants, and in particular, babies of Asian and African American descent. Although the cause of the disease remains unclear, the first symptoms are usually detected within weeks of birth.

Dubbed the 'chemical factory' of our body, the liver performs over 500 biological functions. Foremost among them is the synthesis and storage of essential biochemical substances, as well as the elimination or neutralisation of harmful toxins from the blood.

One of the most important functions of the liver is the production of bile, which is responsible for the organ's detoxifying effects. Bile flows through a network of tubes known as the biliary tract, into the small intestine. During its passage the bile digests fats, and absorbs essential fatty acids. It also facilitates the elimination of waste products via the faeces.

In babies suffering from biliary atresia, bile accumulates in the biliary ducts. This means that liver function is ultimately impeded and without surgical intervention, long-term liver damage or cirrhosis will occur.

To date there are no drugs available to treat biliary atresia. However, there is renewed hope that this may one day change, with recent findings from research conducted at MBI revealing how liver cells already possess the ability to eliminate excess bile from tubes located inside the liver, which feed bile into the biliary ducts.

How liver cells eliminate bile from blocked ducts

The key to the liver's ability to eliminate excess bile is the fact that the 'tubes' through which bile enters the biliary tract are not merely a set of inactive pipes, but are actually hollow spaces between living cells. The walls of the tubes are essentially the outside surfaces of the cells.

To investigate how the liver responds to bile accumulation, the research team used an artificial culture system, which allowed the easy manipulation of cultured liver cells. They then used high-end imaging techniques to visualise the dynamics of the tubes that develop within this culture system.

The team sought to investigate the response of the cells that line a blocked bile duct by obstructing the bile tract artificially and observing what happened. What they found was that as the bile accumulated behind the blockage, the tube began to swell or bulge, and this put pressure on the cells that make up the wall of the tube.

The key to the removal of excess bile lies in the internal structure of the cell itself. Immediately adjacent to the cell membrane is a network of protein cables or filaments known as the actin cortex. This structure serves to strengthen the cell, and help it retain its shape and integrity even when external forces are applied to the cell surface - external forces like the increased pressure from a build-up of fluid. Normally the actin cortex is able to counter the forces applied to it, and even when some damage to the network is incurred, it is quickly fixed by proteins that can reassemble the actin filaments.

However, when the pressure becomes too great, the actin cortex will rupture, and it will not be repaired. Although the bile cannot simply pass through the membrane, it can, as the researchers discovered, push the membrane into the cell, through the gap in the ruptured actin cortex. As this occurs a bubble-like vesicle forms inside the cell, and it is inside this vesicle that the bile enters and passes through the cell. The bile is essentially packaged inside these vesicles for its transport through the cell, and away from the site where it had accumulated.

Although the liver does not stop producing bile even when the biliary ducts are blocked, it is now evident that the liver does have a process in place to look after itself when a potentially damaging amount of bile builds up inside a blocked duct.

It is hoped that this mechanism may one day be therapeutically targeted to improve the prognosis for infants with biliary atresia. As the researchers showed, the rate of vesicle formation, and hence the uptake of excess bile into liver cells, can indeed be adjusted using drugs, at least in the cell culture setting. Improving the effectiveness of this naturally occurring mechanism, by increasing, for example, the rate of vesicle formation, may indeed encourage bile elimination from the blocked duct so as to avoid long-term liver damage and increase the effectiveness of surgical intervention.

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Smart windows equipped with controllable glazing can augment lighting, cooling and heating systems by varying their tint, saving up to 40 percent in an average building's energy costs.

These smart windows require power for operation, so they are relatively complicated to install in existing buildings. But by applying a new solar cell technology, researchers at Princeton University have developed a different type of smart window: a self-powered version that promises to be inexpensive and easy to apply to existing windows. This system features solar cells that selectively absorb near-ultraviolet (near-UV) light, so the new windows are completely self-powered.

"Sunlight is a mixture of electromagnetic radiation made up of near-UV rays, visible light, and infrared energy, or heat," said Yueh-Lin (Lynn) Loo, director of the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, and the Theodora D. '78 and William H. Walton III '74 Professor in Engineering. "We wanted the smart window to dynamically control the amount of natural light and heat that can come inside, saving on energy cost and making the space more comfortable."

The smart window controls the transmission of visible light and infrared heat into the building, while the new type of solar cell uses near-UV light to power the system.

"This new technology is actually smart management of the entire spectrum of sunlight," said Loo, who is a professor of chemical and biological engineering. Loo is one of the authors of a paper, published June 30, that describes this technology, which was developed in her lab.

Because near-UV light is invisible to the human eye, the researchers set out to harness it for the electrical energy needed to activate the tinting technology.

"Using near-UV light to power these windows means that the solar cells can be transparent and occupy the same footprint of the window without competing for the same spectral range or imposing aesthetic and design constraints," Loo added. "Typical solar cells made of silicon are black because they absorb all visible light and some infrared heat - so those would be unsuitable for this application."

In the paper published in Nature Energy, the researchers described how they used organic semiconductors -- contorted hexabenzocoronene (cHBC) derivatives -- for constructing the solar cells. The researchers chose the material because its chemical structure could be modified to absorb a narrow range of wavelengths -- in this case, near-UV light. To construct the solar cell, the semiconductor molecules are deposited as thin films on glass with the same production methods used by organic light-emitting diode manufacturers. When the solar cell is operational, sunlight excites the cHBC semiconductors to produce electricity.

At the same time, the researchers constructed a smart window consisting of electrochromic polymers, which control the tint, and can be operated solely using power produced by the solar cell. When near-UV light from the sun generates an electrical charge in the solar cell, the charge triggers a reaction in the electrochromic window, causing it to change from clear to dark blue. When darkened, the window can block more than 80 percent of light.

Nicholas Davy, a doctoral student in the chemical and biological engineering department and the paper's lead author, said other researchers have already developed transparent solar cells, but those target infrared energy. However, infrared energy carries heat, so using it to generate electricity can conflict with a smart window's function of controlling the flow of heat in or out of a building. Transparent near-UV solar cells, on the other hand, don't generate as much power as the infrared version, but don't impede the transmission of infrared radiation, so they complement the smart window's task.

Davy said that the Princeton team's aim is to create a flexible version of the solar-powered smart window system that can be applied to existing windows via lamination.

"Someone in their house or apartment could take these wireless smart window laminates - which could have a sticky backing that is peeled off - and install them on the interior of their windows," said Davy. "Then you could control the sunlight passing into your home using an app on your phone, thereby instantly improving energy efficiency, comfort, and privacy."

Joseph Berry, senior research scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, who studies solar cells but was not involved in the research, said the research project is interesting because the device scales well and targets a specific part of the solar spectrum.

"Integrating the solar cells into the smart windows makes them more attractive for retrofits and you don't have to deal with wiring power," said Berry. "And the voltage performance is quite good. The voltage they have been able to produce can drive electronic devices directly, which is technologically quite interesting."

Davy and Loo have started a new company, called Andluca Technologies, based on the technology described in the paper, and are already exploring other applications for the transparent solar cells. They explained that the near-UV solar cell technology can also power internet-of-things sensors and other low-power consumer products.

"It does not generate enough power for a car, but it can provide auxiliary power for smaller devices, for example, a fan to cool the car while it's parked in the hot sun," Loo said.

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Besides Loo and Davy, Melda Sezen-Edmonds, a graduate student in chemical and biological engineering, is the co-author responsible for the electrochromic portion of the paper. Other authors are Jia Gao, a postdoctoral researcher in Loo's group then, now with Enablence Technologies in California; Xin Lin, a graduate student in electrical engineering; Amy Liu, an undergraduate in computer science; Nan Yao, director of Princeton's Imaging and Analysis Center; and Antoine Kahn, the Stephen C. Macaleer '63 Professor in Engineering and Applied Science and vice dean of Princeton's School of Engineering and Applied Science. Support for the project was provided in part by the National Science Foundation, and the Wilke Family Fund administered by the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton.
TORONTO, June 30, 2017--People with Alzheimer's disease who experience psychosis--including delusions and hallucinations--are five times more likely to be misdiagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies compared to patients who do not, new research suggests.

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia characterized by protein deposits in the brain including twisted fibers found inside brain cells. Dementia with Lewy bodies is believed to be caused by the buildup of a different abnormal protein aggregate found in nerve cells in the brain. Effective treatments for these conditions are still under development, but will almost certainly be different, according to the authors.

Researchers also found that Alzheimer's disease was misdiagnosed in 24 per cent of all cases, with false positive and false negative rates both being 12 per cent. Previous research suggested that the rate of misdiagnosis in Alzheimer's disease ranged from 12-23 per cent.

The findings, published online today in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, raise concern that there may be an under appreciation of how common psychotic symptoms are in Alzheimer's disease, said Dr. Corinne Fischer, director of the Memory Disorders Clinic at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto and lead author of the study.

"Psychosis can be a symptom of Alzheimer's disease, but it is a defining clinical feature in other types of dementia, including Parkinson's disease related dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies," she said. "Consequently, clinicians are more reluctant to diagnose a patient with Alzheimer's disease when they present with delusions or hallucinations."

About 36 per cent of people with Alzheimer's are thought to have delusions and 18 per cent have hallucinations. Psychotic symptoms are significant in Alzheimer's patients because they have been shown to be associated with increased burden on caregivers, increased functional decline and more rapid progression of the disease.

Researchers examined 961 people using data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Centre database, collected from 29 Alzheimer's disease centres in the United States between 2005 and 2012. They included participants who had been clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's while they were alive, as well as those whose autopsies showed they the signature physical signs of Alzheimer's in their brains.

Patients who experienced psychosis had a higher rate of false negative diagnosis and a lower rate of false positive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease compared to those who did not. Whether patients experienced delusions, hallucinations, or a combination of both did not affect the rate of misdiagnosis, according to the authors.

The Alzheimer's Society of Canada estimates there are 564,000 people living with dementia in Canada, and that number is expected to almost double over the next 15 years, thus reinforcing the relevance of the study's findings according to Winnie Qian, a Master's student in the Neuroscience Research Program at St. Michael's and an author on the study.

"An advantage of our study is that we used the final clinical diagnosis after years of follow-up, so the rate of misdiagnosis we described is the rate under ideal conditions," she said.

"This means that it should be considered a minimum. If you extrapolate that and apply it to the general population, the magnitude of the problem could be much greater."

Dr. Fischer said when patients do not present with psychosis, clinicians should be more careful when considering alternative diagnoses to Alzheimer's disease.

"Many dementia patients never receive a definitive clinical diagnosis while they're alive, so the hope is that by understanding what factors can lead to a misdiagnosis, we can be more accurate and provide patients with the best possible care," she said.

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About St. Michael's Hospital

St. Michael's Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in 29 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the hospital's recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael's Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

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Communications Advisor - Media

416-864-5047

obrienkel@smh.ca

St. Michael's Hospital

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Stem cell research holds huge potential for medicine and human health. In particular, human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), with their ability to turn into any cell in the human body, are essential to the future prevention and treatment of disease.

One set or two? Diploid versus haploid cells

Most of the cells in our body are diploid, which means they carry two sets of chromosomes -- one from each parent. Until now, scientists have only succeeded in creating haploid embryonic stem cells -- which contain a single set of chromosomes -- in non-human mammals such as mice, rats and monkeys. However, scientists have long sought to isolate and replicate these haploid ESCs in humans, which would allow them to work with one set of human chromosomes as opposed to a mixture from both parents.

This milestone was finally reached when Ido Sagi, working as a PhD student at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, led research that yielded the first successful isolation and maintenance of haploid embryonic stem cells in humans. Unlike in mice, these haploid stem cells were able to differentiate into many other cell types, such as brain, heart and pancreas, while retaining a single set of chromosomes.

With Prof. Nissim Benvenisty, Director of the Azrieli Center, Sagi showed that this new human stem cell type will play an important role in human genetic and medical research. It will aid our understanding of human development - for example, why we reproduce sexually instead of from a single parent. It will make genetic screening easier and more precise, by allowing the examination of single sets of chromosomes. And it is already enabling the study of resistance to chemotherapy drugs, with implications for cancer therapy.

Diagnostic kits for personalized medicine

Based on this research, Yissum, the Technology Transfer arm of the Hebrew University, launched the company New Stem, which is developing a diagnostic kit for predicting resistance to chemotherapy treatments. By amassing a broad library of human pluripotent stem cells with different mutations and genetic makeups, NewStem plans to develop diagnostic kits for personalized medication and future therapeutic and reproductive products.

2017 Kaye innovation Award

In recognition of his work, Ido Sagi 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.

Ido Sagi received BSc summa cum laude in Life Sciences from the Hebrew University, and currently pursues a PhD at the laboratory of Prof. Nissim Benvenisty at the university's Department of Genetics in the Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences. He is a fellow of the Adams Fellowship of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and has recently received the Rappaport Prize for Excellence in Biomedical Research. Sagi's research focuses on studying genetic and epigenetic phenomena in human pluripotent stem cells, and his work has been published in leading scientific journals, including Nature, Nature Genetics and Cell Stem Cell.

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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.
The first rule of advocating for climate change-related legislation is: You do not talk about "climate change." The term has become so polarizing that its mere mention can cause reasonable people to draw seemingly immutable lines in the political sand.

"In some ways, it functions as what we would call a 'dog-whistle'," said UC Santa Barbara political science professor Leah Stokes, referring to a term or statement that while innocent-sounding enough to most people, encodes deeper and more specific meanings to certain audiences. And it's true: For many conservatives, the idea of enacting climate change-related renewable energy policies is fraught with fears of economic loss and major lifestyle changes. For many liberals, on the other hand, not enacting such policies is fraught with fears of economic loss and major lifestyle changes. It's a tug-of-war that began at the start of the century and continues today.

"Trump is president right now and therefore we're really unlikely to see new federal laws trying to support climate change legislation or renewable energy policy, or dealing with environmental problems," Stokes said. States will likely become the leaders in pursuing renewable energy policy to maintain progress and deal with potentially damaging environmental effects, such as sea level rise and air quality problems, she said. But levels of support for action vary across the nation, and the challenge will be to avoid triggering knee-jerk reactions that are less about the issue and more about partisanship.

"We try to understand what kinds of messages would work with the public and how that would translate into more states actually doing something about these issues," said Stokes, who with Christopher Warshaw of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted research into how people connect (or not) with the hot-button issues related to climate change, such as renewable energy legislation. Their study, "Renewable Energy Policy Design and Framing Influence Public Support in the United States," is published in the journal Nature Energy.

The good news from the results of their repeated survey experiment: Public support for renewable energy in the U.S. is very strong. According to their baseline figures, the vast majority of people in the country support renewable energy portfolios in their states, in which a certain amount of the states' electricity comes from a renewable source . The results are what you might expect: States with an abundance of renewable resources -- California, Hawaii, New Mexico and Iowa, for instance -- top the list and have actual renewable energy policies in play, while the southern and mountain states tend to have little support, and no renewable energy policies.

"Overall, these findings suggest that state legislators are broadly responsive to public opinion on this issue," Warshaw said.

But public opinion does not always cement state legislation. Florida, for example, has not only the wind and solar resources to support renewable energy, but also more public support for it than Oregon, which currently has a policy requiring that at least a quarter of its energy come from renewables. Florida has no renewable energy policy.

Meanwhile, in states where majority support decreases toward the 50 percent mark, legislatures tend to be less resolute or aggressive in pursuing renewable energy policies, and even contemplate decreasing their participation in renewable energy policies or opposing them. This population could easily sway the progress of renewable energy policy in the U.S. one way or another, depending on how they view it.

Stokes and Warshaw found that the context in which renewable energy policy is framed, particularly in terms of jobs, electricity costs and pollution, has a tremendous impact on a person's opinion of it. As Americans favor cheap electricity, the greatest factor would be cost. Even a $2 increase in monthly electric bills would likely cause support for renewable energy to drop by 13 percent, shifting 13 states away from renewable energy policy. A $10 increase would likely result in the majority of states taking an opposing view, the researchers found.

Meanwhile, substantial job creation would be enough to flip opponents of renewable energy into supporters -- and the more jobs, the better. However, states with no net job increases would probably see corresponding decreases in renewable energy support. This is particularly important for the coal states, such as Virginia, Montana and Kentucky, which are major opponents of renewable energy policies.

A decrease in fossil fuel-borne pollution is another huge factor that could sway even the staunchest opponents -- typically Republicans -- of renewable energy policies.

"People tend to forget that when we talk about renewable energy it has benefits for air pollution, and so when you remind people of that it's likely to increase their support because reducing air pollution is a local benefit," said Stokes. And the key, according to the researchers, is the local benefit, because people don't connect to broad concepts such as climate change on a personal level, often viewing it as a global and future phenomenon.

"We've found that climate change is not an effective frame to gauge people's opinion about renewable energy," she said, "so whether it's Democrat or Republican talking about climate change, no matter how we frame it, if we talk about climate change it doesn't move people." The term has become synonymous with partisanship, Stokes said, and less about the actual issue at hand.

"I think it's because they already have a pretty strong view on the connection between renewable energy policies and climate change," Warshaw said. "Their view is already baked in, so you can't frame the question in a way that triggers a change."

On the other hand, political support, particularly from the political elites, often triggers public support for renewable energy.

"There's a general finding in political science that the public tends to look to politicians to understand policy because they're often very technical things that are not easy to understand," Stokes said. Democrats -- both politicians and voting public -- are supportive of renewable energy in general. Republican voters are more likely to support renewables if their Republican legislators show support. Support from legislators of one party does not drive down support from voters of the other.

"So the idea is that by ensuring that these policies actually reduce air pollution, increase jobs and get Republican support, and communicating all that to the public, we would find majority support -- even from some of the most coal-dominated states -- for these policies," Stokes said. "That's pretty impressive."

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A new University of Colorado Boulder study comparing dissolved black carbon deposition on ice and snow in ecosystems around the world (including Antarctica, the Arctic, and alpine regions of the Himalayas, Rockies, Andes, and Alps) shows that while concentrations vary widely, significant amounts can persist in both pristine and non-pristine areas of snow.

Black carbon is the soot-like byproduct of wildfires and fossil fuel consumption, able to be carried long distances via atmospheric transport. Because these black particles absorb more heat than white snow, the study of black carbon concentrations in glaciers is important for predicting future melt rates.

Scientists have previously studied black carbon in areas with obvious nearby sources (such as a coal mine in Svalbard, Norway), but less is known about its complex interactions in snow-covered areas further removed from human impact.

While the exact sources of black carbon are often difficult to pinpoint in remote areas, the researchers used molecular analysis of the black carbon along with analysis of wind patterns to show that Greenland's ice sheet had recently seen clear effects of wildfires burning thousands of miles away in the Canadian Arctic.

"We could tell that the carbon was fresh from these fires," said Alia Khan, a post-doctoral researcher in CU Boulder's National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) and former graduate student at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR). "The molecular signature from these samples was distinctly different from the rest of our dataset."

Wildfires are anticipated to increase in future years, a trend that could compound the effects of longer summer melt seasons and allow for more black carbon deposition.

"More black carbon exposure on the ice could continue to drive a feedback loop of further melt," said Khan.

The global scope of the study could help researchers set upper and lower limits for black carbon deposition and better account for the effects of photodegradation, a process by which sunlight alters the molecular composition over time.

"Photodegradation muddles the dissolved black carbon signature," said Khan. "Right now, for samples that have been exposed to sunlight over long durations, it is hard to pinpoint the source. However, fresh samples like those we collected on the Greenland Ice Sheet can show a clear wildfire signature."

The relatively high amount of black carbon measured in one glacial stream in Greenland may also suggest that the particles can be transported locally across ice surfaces through melt processes.

"The influence of distant forest fires on melt events on the Greenland ice sheet is inherently challenging to demonstrate and these clear chemical results provide another line of evidence for this connection," said Diane McKnight, a CU Boulder professor and a co-author of the study.

The research was also co-authored by Richard Armstrong and Mark Williams of CU Boulder, INSTAAR and NSIDC; Sasha Wagner and Rudolf Jaffe of Florida International University; and Peng Xian of the Naval Research Laboratory in Monterey, California.

The National Science Foundation, the United States Agency for International Development, the Dark Snow Project and Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research Program provided funding for this work.

The findings were recently published online in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, a publication of the American Geophysical Union.

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Scientists pursue research through observation, experimentation and modeling. They strive for all of these pieces to fit together, but sometimes finding the unexpected is even more exciting. That's what happened to University of Central Florida's astrophysicist Gal Sarid, who studies comets, asteroids and planetary formation and earlier this year was part of a team that published a study focused on the comet 174P/Echeclus. It didn't behave the way the team was expecting.

"This is another clue that Echeclus is a bizarre solar system object," said University of South Florida physics research Professor Maria Womack, who leads the team.

Comets streak across the sky and as they get closer to the sun look like bright fuzz balls with extended luminous trails in their wake. However, comets are actually bulky spheres of mixed ice and rock, many of them also rich in other frozen volatile compounds, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide and methanol.

Comets heat up as they get closer to the sun, losing their icy layers by sublimation and producing emission jets of water vapor, other gases and dust expelled from the comet nucleus, Sarid said. Once they move away from the sun, they cool off again. But some comets start showing emission activity while still very far from the sun, where heating is low.

That's what Sarid and Womack research as they study these kinds of distantly active comets. Womack and graduate student Kacper Wierzchos used the Arizona Radio Observatory Submillimeter telescope to observe Echeclus last year as it approached the sun. This work will be part of Wierzchos' doctoral dissertation in applied physics at USF. Sarid provided theoretical expertise for interpreting the observational results.

Echeclus is part of the population of objects called centaurs, which have orbits around the sun at distances between that of Jupiter and Neptune. It is also part of a special group within the centaurs, which sometimes exhibit comet-like activity. Previous research indicated that Echeclus might have been spewing carbon monoxide as its icy material changed phases.

The team found that the levels of carbon monoxide were nearly 40 times lower than typically expected from other comets at similar distances from the sun. This suggests that Echeclus and similar active Centaurs may be more fragile than other comets. Echeclus may have gone through a different physical process from most comets that caused it to lose a lot of its original carbon monoxide, or it may have had less of that substance to begin with.

Understanding the composition of comets and how they work will help researchers understand how our solar system was formed. It will also aid space explorers plan for their travels - things to avoid and perhaps hidden resources found within the nucleus of comets that may be useful on deep space missions.

"These are minor bodies that we are studying, but they can provide major insights," Sarid said. "We believe they are rich in organics and could provide important hints of how life originated."

Sarid is determined to solve the puzzle. This week he hosts a group of comet experts at UCF to discuss the mysterious activity of Echeclus and other similar bodies. The idea for the workshop is to capitalize on the local expertise in observation, laboratory and theoretical work that is required to fully understand the mysteries of active comets at great distances from the sun. The inaugural Florida Distant Comets workshop was held a year ago at USF.

"I guess I've always liked challenges," Sarid said from his office at the Florida Space Institute at UCF, where he spends his days trying to decipher the models and mathematical equations related to his work.

Sarid has a Ph.D. in geophysics and planetary Sciences from Tel Aviv University in Israel and completed postdoctoral work at the Institute for Astronomy and the NASA Astrobiology Institute in Hawaii, followed by a second postdoctoral research appointment at Harvard University. He was a part of a team that used the telescopes in Hawaii for several years chasing comets and asteroids for NASA observing campaigns and space missions before joining UCF in 2014.

He teamed up with Womack in 2016 and on this most recent study provided theoretical expertise for interpreting the observational results. The National Science Foundation funds the project, under a grant awarded to USF, with Womack as the principal investigator and Sarid as a co-investigator.

They will continue to look at centaur-type comets and measure the level of their carbon monoxide emission and related activity.

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The University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities in the nation with more than 64,000 students, uses the power of scale and the pursuit of excellence to make a better future for our students and society. Described by The Washington Post as demolishing "the popular belief that exclusivity is a virtue in higher education" and credited by Politico with creating a "seamless pipeline of social mobility," UCF is recognized as one of the best values in higher education. UCF aligns its teaching, research and service with the needs of the community and beyond, offering more than 200 degree programs at more than a dozen locations, including its main campus in Orlando. Faculty and students are creating innovations in areas as diverse as simulation and training, optics and lasers, hospitality management, video game design, business, education and health care to solve local and global problems. For more information, visit http://www.ucf.edu.
As the climate change progresses, droughts are expected to become more and more common and more intense in Europe, as in many parts of the globe. However, many plants are not able to handle this kind of climate. This includes the Norway spruce, which is Germany's most important commercial tree species and accounts for the majority of trees in the Black Forest. Valentia Vitali and Prof. Dr. Jurgen Bauhus from the Chair of Silviculture at the University of Freiburg are thus studying other types of needle-leaved conifers to find alternatives. Conifers play a far greater role in commercial forestry and climate protection than broad-leaved trees. In their article "Silver Fir and Douglas Fir Are More Tolerant to Extreme Droughts than Norway Spruce in South-Western Germany" published in the journal Global Change Biology, the scientists concluded that the native silver fir and the Douglas fir, which was imported from the Americas, are suitable tree replacements for the Norway spruce in the long run.

Extreme droughts are believed to be one of the greatest challenges of climate change facing commercial forestry in the medium term, the researchers said. In their study of how forests in Central Europe might adjust to climate change, Vitali and Bauhus studied the past growth of more than 800 trees at different altitudes in the Black Forest. They looked at annual tree rings before, during, and after the extreme summer droughts of 1976 and 2003 to determine which conifers best withstand droughts and which recover the quickest and fullest after dry spells. They discovered that silver and Douglas firs are far less affected by drought than spruces. That the silver fir, which suffered severely from acid rain falls in the 1970s and 1980s and was considered endangered, is now an alternative native tree species for the future is both a positive and surprising finding, the scientists said. While the Douglas fir is the more productive replacement species for the Norway spruce, silver firs have a greater positive effect on biodiversity. The scientists therefore recommend that spruce forests, which are at high risk of drought stress, be replaced with mixed-species forests silver and Douglas firs, with silver firs being the more suitable tree for higher altitudes in the Black Forest.

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Original Publication:

Vitali V., Buntgen U., Bauhus J. ( 2017): Silver fir and Douglas fir are more tolerant to extreme droughts than Norway spruce in south-western Germany. Global Change Biology. doi: 10.1111/gcb.13774

Contact:

Professur for Waldbau / Chair of Silviculture
The University of Oklahoma has been awarded an eight-year, $161 million NASA contract for a first-of-its-kind Earth science mission that will extend our nation's lead in measuring key carbon-based greenhouse gases and vegetation health from space to advance understanding of Earth's natural exchanges of carbon between land, atmosphere and ocean. NASA first announced OU as the recipient in December 2016. Serving as the single largest in the University's history, the contract begins July 1, 2017.

"The awarding of this contract by NASA marks one of the most exceptional accomplishments in OU history," said OU President David L. Boren. "I applaud Dr. Berrien Moore and our research team for their outstanding efforts in achieving this milestone."

Berrien Moore, OU Vice President for Weather and Climate Programs, will lead the development of the Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory (GeoCarb), which will monitor plant health and vegetation stress throughout the Americas, and probe the natural resources, sinks and exchange processes that control carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane in the atmosphere.

"We have worked extremely hard to get to this point and now we can start to see the results. We'll move into dedicated GeoCarb office space this summer and hire staff in the coming months. Every day we wake up and think it was just a dream, but we are here and moving forward. What an exciting time to be at the University of Oklahoma," Moore said.

The GeoCarb payload will be launched on a commercial communications satellite to make daily observations over the Americas from an orbit of approximately 22,500 miles above the equator. OU was competitively selected from 15 proposals submitted to NASA's second Earth Venture Mission announcement of opportunity for small orbital investigations of the Earth system.

Mission collaborators include the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto, California; SES Government Solutions Company in Reston, Virginia; Colorado State University in Fort Collins; NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California; Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; and Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Other contributors to the project are from Australia, France and Mexico.

The Earth Venture missions are part of NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder program. NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, manages the ESSP program for the agency's Science Mission Directorate.

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Grisons, 241 million years ago - Instead of amidst high mountains, a small reptile suns itself on an island beach in a warm shallow sea, where many fish and marine reptiles frolic. This is the story told by an excellently preserved new discovery of the reptile Eusaurosphargis dalsassoi studied by paleontologists from the University of Zurich.

About 20 centimeters in length, the Swiss reptile was small and juvenile, but its skin was already strongly armored with variously formed smooth, jagged or even thorny osteoderms. Its skeleton indicates a life on land, even though the animal was found together with fish and marine reptiles in the 241 million year old calcareous deposits of the Prosanto Formation near Ducanfurgga at an altitude of 2,740 meters south of Davos in the canton Grisons, Switzerland. The Swiss-British team of researchers led by Torsten Scheyer, paleontologist at the University of Zurich, and James Neenan from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History therefore assumes that it was washed off a nearby island into the sea basin and became embedded in the finely layered marine sediments after death.

Skeleton and appearance reconstructed

14 years ago, the species Eusaurosphargis dalsassoi was described using a partially preserved, completely disarticulated sample from the vicinity of the Swiss-Italian UNESCO World Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio. The new find from the Grisons Mountains, on the other hand, is very well-preserved, allowing researchers to reconstruct the skeleton and outward appearance of the animal for the first time.

In the process, they discovered something astonishing: Externally, Eusaurosphargis dalsassoi looks very similar to girdled lizards (Cordylidae), a group of small, scaled reptiles (Lepidosauria) that usually live in the dry regions of southern Africa. Some of the more strongly armored girdled lizard species could have served as the basis of mythical dragon legends due to their appearance. "This is a case of convergent development as the extinct species is not closely related to today's African lizards" , Scheyer explains.

Related to Helveticosaurus

An exact examination of the phylogenetic relationships rather confirms that its closest relatives are marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs (Ichthyosauria or "fish lizards"), sauropterygians (Sauropterygia "lizard flippers") or even Helveticosaurus, a marine reptile that is unique to Switzerland, all of which have been found at Monte San Giorgio. The skeleton of Eusaurosphargis, however, shows neither a streamlined body structure, nor arms and legs that have transformed into flippers, as well as no tail fin, which would indicate a life at sea.

Discovery initially identified as fish remains

The astonishing fossil was originally discovered 15 years ago by amateur paleontologist and fossil preparator Christian Obrist during systematic fossil excavations of the University of Zurich under the leadership of Heinz Furrer, which were sponsored by the Natural History Museum of the Grisons in Chur and by the Grisons canton. It took more than a decade for the scientific value of the exceptional discovery to gradually be recognized as a result of elaborate preparation. The fossil was namely initially identified as simple fish remains. "The excavations at Ducanfurgga are still in progress today and will hopefully reveal other spectacular discoveries in the future," Furrer says.

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Similar to other neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's is a disease in which the cognitive abilities of afflicted persons continuously worsen. The reason is the increasing loss of synapses, the contact points of the neurons, in the brain. In the case of Alzheimer's, certain protein fragments, the -amyloid peptides, are suspected of causing the death of neurons. These protein fragments clump together and form the disease's characteristic plaques.

Voracious microglia cells destroy brain synapses

Together with researchers from Great Britain and the United States, the group of Lawrence Rajendran from the Institute for Regenerative Medicine of the University of Zurich now shows that dysfunctional microglia cells contribute to the loss of synapses in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. These scavenger cells usually monitor the function of neurons in the brain by removing excess synapses during development or toxic protein aggregates. Until now, their role in neurodegenerative disorders remains controversial.

In an initial step, the researchers looked at the effect that certain risk genes for Alzheimer's have on the production of the -amyloid peptide. They found no effect in neurons. This led the researchers then to examine the function of these risk genes in microglia cells - and made a discovery: If they turned off the gene for the TDP-43 protein in these scavenger cells, these cells remove -amyloid very efficiently. This is due to the fact that the lack of TDP-43 protein in microglia led to an increased scavenging activity, called phagocytosis.

The TDP-43 protein regulates the activity of scavenger cells

In the next step, researchers used mice, which acted as a disease model for Alzheimer's. In this case, as well, they switched off TDP-43 in microglia and observed once more that the cells efficiently eliminated the -amyloid. Surprisingly, the increased scavenging activity of microglia in mice led also to a significant loss of synapses at the same time. This synapse loss occurred even in mice that do not produce human amyloid. This finding that increased phagocytosis of microglia can induce synapse loss led researchers to hypothesize that perhaps, during aging, dysfunctional microglia could display aberrant phagocytic activity. "Nutrient deprivation or starvation-like mechanism during aging could enhance phagocytic mechanism in microglia and this could lead to synaptic loss" Lawrence Rajendran assumes.

Direct role in neurodegeneration

The results show that the role of microglia cells in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's has been underestimated. It is not limited to influencing the course of the disease through inflammatory reactions and the release of neurotoxic molecules as previously assumed. Instead, this study shows that they can actively induce neurodegeneration. "Dysfunction of the microglia cells may be an important reason why many Alzheimer's medications reduce the amyloid plaques in clinical testing, but the cognitive functions in patients do not lead to improvement," Rajendran says.

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This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, Velux Foundation, Synapsis Foundation, Cure Alzheimer Fund and the Forschungskredit of the University of Zurich.
From: American Evaluation Association (AEA) For Immediate Release: Dateline: Washington , DC Friday, June 30, 2017



We are currently building capacity for evaluation with the

Lesson Learned: From the start, the Collaboratives executive director, who does have evaluation experience, emphasized the community expertise among staff  we took this as our cue to design the first capacity building workshop in a way to maximize that knowledge. We provided basic evaluation training that included hands-on activities, followed by co-creation of data collection methods, which maximized participation and was inclusive of a diversity of perspectives. Through thoughtful facilitation, staff were able to provide rich and relevant ideas, like including photo-stories as a data collection method, and adding the evaluation question of how a community defines health for itself. The cultural and experiential expertise that LPCFC staff and volunteers brought to the table was synergistic with the technical expertise that I brought.

Together, we created interactive surveys for youth with methods like

Lesson Learned: The LPCFC project also reminded me how people who arent evaluators can be just as passionate about evaluation. To create that culture of collaboration  especially in evaluating culturally specific programs  it is crucial to approach projects as equals, understanding that clients bring information that is as valuable  or more  as the tools we bring as professional evaluators. Along the way, we as evaluators can learn very applicable skills from our clients  a humbling reminder.

LPCFC is becoming infused with an evaluative culture, as highly engaged staff members realize another way they can use their community expertise. When communities build their own evaluation and research skills, they can more easily design and implement evaluations and research projects that answer key questions emerging from their own communities.

The American Evaluation Association is highlighting the work of The Improve Group. The contributions all this week to aea365 come from staff of The Improve Group. Do you have questions, concerns, kudos, or content to extend this aea365 contribution? Please add them in the comments section for this post on the

Hi, Im Claire Stoscheck , a Research Analyst with The Improve Group , an evaluation consulting firm based in Minnesota. I wanted to share with you an important part of this work, and one I am constantly reminded of  how creating space for clients to contribute their specialized knowledge leads to innovation and great ideas in evaluation projects.We are currently building capacity for evaluation with the Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative (LPCFC) to evaluate the healthy spaces it is developing in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Duluth, Minnesota. The Collaborative is integrating Commercial Tobacco Free Zones with spaces that inspire and facilitate healthy eating and physical activity for a wraparound healthy experience for community members.From the start, the Collaboratives executive director, who does have evaluation experience, emphasized the community expertise among staff  we took this as our cue to design the first capacity building workshop in a way to maximize that knowledge. We provided basic evaluation training that included hands-on activities, followed by co-creation of data collection methods, which maximized participation and was inclusive of a diversity of perspectives. Through thoughtful facilitation, staff were able to provide rich and relevant ideas, like including photo-stories as a data collection method, and adding the evaluation question of how a community defines health for itself. The cultural and experiential expertise that LPCFC staff and volunteers brought to the table was synergistic with the technical expertise that I brought.Together, we created interactive surveys for youth with methods like dot voting , and identified well-attended weekly dinners as a possible strategy for data collection  again, tapping into the knowledge of local program staff. In this way, we all benefited with a better evaluation based on shared knowledge. In the fall, we will do another capacity-building workshop together, this time focused on participatory data analysis.The LPCFC project also reminded me how people who arent evaluators can be just as passionate about evaluation. To create that culture of collaboration  especially in evaluating culturally specific programs  it is crucial to approach projects as equals, understanding that clients bring information that is as valuable  or more  as the tools we bring as professional evaluators. Along the way, we as evaluators can learn very applicable skills from our clients  a humbling reminder.LPCFC is becoming infused with an evaluative culture, as highly engaged staff members realize another way they can use their community expertise. When communities build their own evaluation and research skills, they can more easily design and implement evaluations and research projects that answer key questions emerging from their own communities.The American Evaluation Association is highlighting the work of The Improve Group. The contributions all this week to aea365 come from staff of The Improve Group. Do you have questions, concerns, kudos, or content to extend this aea365 contribution? Please add them in the comments section for this post on the aea365 webpage so that we may enrich our community of practice. Would you like to submit an aea365 Tip? Please send a note of interest to aea365@eval.org . aea365 is sponsored by the American Evaluation Association and provides a Tip-a-Day by and for evaluators.


The European Parliament has reached an agreement to update the rules for organic production, with hopes to 'accommodating the needs' of a sector which is 'growing'.

Following the decisive meeting, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan said a 'successful conclusion' was reached on the Organics Regulation.

Improvements include; increased development and access to seeds and animals; uniform standards for import controls on organic products; measures to reduce pesticide contamination and fraud, and; steps to improve soil health.

"We believe that the new legislative framework will match the dynamism and expectations of this fast-growing sector, support its development and its capacity to innovate and help it reach its full potential," Mr Hogan said.

After more than three years of negotiation, the agreement will remove obstacles to the sustainable development of organic production in the EU.

Mr Hogan said this will guarantee fair competition for farmers and operators, while also improving controls and consumer confidence.

'Excellent result'

Greens have today welcomed the agreement to improve EU agriculture regulations in support of organic farming.

Oliver Dowding, the Green Party's Agriculture spokesperson, said: "In times of great uncertainty, not least for organic farmers, this excellent result in the EU provides much-sought clarity for producers and will increase confidence for consumers.

"I completely agree with the rapporteur, Martin Hausling, that organic agriculture needs to be seen as the future for all of agriculture.

"With creative policies for agriculture, and throughout the food chain, we can dispel myths and fears that organic farming cannot feed the population sufficiently and healthily at all times."
COP27: Energy and food security must be addressed, farm leaders say
LaVonne Hanlon, librarian, research and technology specialist for grades K-5 at Sheridan Elementary School, received Teacher of the Month recognition at a recent luncheon hosted by Lincoln East Rotary Club and U.S. Bank.

Sheridan School Principal Dr. De Ann Currin said in her nomination letter that Hanlon inspires reading, research, technology and creativity every day for every child at Sheridan.

The 13-year educator works with the Sheridan School PTO to plan events and this year worked to help plan Sheridan Schools 90th birthday with stories of the past and present.

She is also the Outdoor Classroom chair at Sheridan and this year started the Sheridan Green Team, which supports learning to take care of the Earth.

Her activities outside of school include serving as a Sunday school teacher, Cub Scout leader, and South Branch Library volunteer.

She received two checks for $100 each, for her personal use and to buy classroom materials, from the awards sponsors, East Rotary and U.S. Bank.
Most investors know Phillips 66 (PSX 4.87%) as one of America's largest oil refiners. The company currently operates 11 facilities in the country, making it an essential supplier of refined products. However, what many investors might not realize is that refining is just one part of Phillips 66's story.

No. 1: Its history dates back to 1875, not 2012

The current version of Phillips 66 started in 2012 when oil giant ConocoPhillips (COP 2.31%) spun it off. Its predecessor, though, dates back to 1875, when Isaac Blake started the Continental Oil and Transportation Co. to sell kerosene in San Francisco. Meanwhile, Phillips Petroleum Company got its start in 1917 when Frank and L.E. Phillips started the company in Oklahoma. Conoco eventually merged with Phillips in 2002 in a deal that created the sixth-largest publicly traded oil company in the world. However, it spun off its refining and marketing business a decade later so it could concentrate on growing its exploration and production business.

No. 2: It's much more than just a refining company

Phillips 66 currently has the capacity to refine 2.2 million barrels of oil per day in both the U.S. and Europe, making it the second-largest independent refiner behind Valero Energy (NYSE: VLO), which controls 3.1 million barrels per day of capacity. That said, while refining is its biggest moneymaker, Phillips 66 operates three other important segments: chemicals, midstream, and marketing and specialties.

The chemicals segment consists of its CPChem joint venture that it co-owns with oil giant Chevron (NYSE: CVX). It's currently the world's largest producer of high-density polyethylene, which is used to make plastic bottles among other things. Meanwhile, the company's midstream business gathers, processes, transports, fractionates, and markets natural gas and NGLs, and carries crude to its refineries. Phillips 66 owns some of these assets on its balance sheet, with the rest owned by its MLPs, DCP Midstream Partners (NYSE: DCP) and Phillips 66 Partners (NYSE: PSXP). Finally, the marketing and specialties business, among other things, operates the largest branded aviation fuel business in the U.S.

No. 3: Warren Buffett is its biggest investor

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A 1.51%) (BRK.B 1.45%) owns large chunks of several well-known companies, including Phillips 66. Overall, Berkshire Hathaway owns more than 80 million shares, currently valued at more than $6 billion, which is its seventh largest stock holding. That's good for a 15.6% stake in the Phillips 66, making Buffett's company the top shareholder.

No. 4: It set the world record in organic solar cell efficiency

While its core business focuses on turning fossil fuels into higher-valued products, Phillips 66 is working on products and projects in the renewable energy sector. One of those products is a polymer-based single junction organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell for the solar industry. Last year, its OPV set a new record for efficiency at 11.84%. The solar cells use propriety state-of-the-art polymers developed by Phillips 66. While not commercialized just yet, this technology has the potential to decrease the cost of producing solar power dramatically and could put it on par with conventional technologies.

No. 5: It has returned more than $14 billion in cash to investors since 2012

Phillips 66's current portfolio of energy manufacturing and logistics assets generate gobs of cash flow each year. While the company invests a significant portion of that money back into its business to maintain its operations and grow its asset base, it still has plenty of cash left over each year, which it uses to repurchase shares and pay a growing dividend. Overall, it has increased the dividend seven times since gaining its independence from ConocoPhillips, growing the payout by a remarkable 30% compound annual growth rate. On top of that, it has repurchased more than 100 million shares of stock, which has reduced its outstanding share count by almost 18%. Add it up and the company has returned more than $14 billion in cash to investors over the past five years.

Investor takeaway

It's important that investors know that Phillips 66 is so much more than just an oil refiner. In fact, its diversified business model is a key reason why superinvestor Warren Buffett owns such a significant stake in the company and why it has returned billions in cash to investors over the years. That diversification should enable the company to continue to thrive in future years even as the world begins its slow transition away from fossil fuels.




Haiti - Brazil : Donation of 15,000 doses of vaccines against human rabies





Following the visit on June 22 in Port-au-Prince of Brazilian Health Minister Ricardo Barros https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21288-haiti-politics-two-brazilian-ministers-expected-in-haiti.html the government of Brazil has donated 15,000 doses of human rabies vaccine to Haiti, with the support of the Pan American Foot-and-Mouth Disease Center of the Pan American Health Organization (Panaftosa/PAHO).



The vaccines arrived this week in the Haitian capital and Brazilian Minister of Health Ricardo Barros handed the donation in person to his counterpart of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Director of Panaftosa, Ottorino Cosivi.



The region of the Americas is very close to eliminating human rabies transmitted by dogs and Haiti is one of the few countries where this disease occurs. For this reason it is a priority country, where PAHO/WHO, through Panaftosa, its specialized center in Veterinary Public Health, supports national actions to eliminate this disease.



In addition to facilitating the human rabies vaccine donation process, PAHO/WHO has also been supporting, since 2016, the training of 283 Haitian health professionals working in 110 health centers. The training covers medical care of people who have been exposed to the rabies virus, in seven of the 10 departments that are in the country.



PAHO/WHO has been working with the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population to ensure that the 110 health centers have the vaccine available and that professionals are trained to apply it in all of them. These actions aim to improve access to treatment for the most vulnerable people. They have worked together to distribute information materials in the local language on rabies and on how to act in case of aggression by dogs that may have rabies.



nother key action for the elimination of human rabies transmitted by dogs is the canine vaccination campaigns implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development of Haiti. These actions benefit from technical collaboration by Panaftosa and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies, as well as other national and international actors.



Let's recall that rabies is a disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals (mainly dogs and wild animals such as bats). There are safe and effective vaccines to prevent rabies in animals, as well as vaccines for human use to be administered before and after suspicious exposures. The immediate cleaning of the wound and vaccination as soon as possible after contact with an allegedly rabid animal, in most cases, prevents the onset of illness and death.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





State of emergency in the Great South

President Jovenel Moise published in the official newspaper "Le Moniteur" the resolution adopted by the Senate with a view to establishing a state of emergency in the region of the South (Nippes, South-East, South and Grand'Anse) and environmental emergency at the national level.



Caravan assessment in Artibonite

According to Avenide Joseph, spokesman for the presidency, 43 kilometers of drainage channels and 185 kilometers of irrigation canals were cured, 113 kilometers of agricultural tracks rehabilitated uring the first phase of the caravan of change that will end on Friday June 30 in the Artibonite before heading to the Great South. Of the 197 million gourdes planned for this phase, 140 million have been spent so far.



Initial forecast :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20811-haiti-politics-caravan-of-change-d-day.html



11 million euros for vocational training

Thursday morning will be held at the local of the Pilot Center for Vocational Training on Airport Road, the signing ceremony of the 11 million euro Financing Agreement for the Rural Vocational Training Improvement Project (PAFMIR). The ceremony is organized by the National Institute of Vocational Training (INFP), the European Union and the French Development Agency (AFD); And will also take place in the framework of the visit to Haiti of the Deputy Director General of AFD, Philippe Bauduin.



Reflections on the development of Haiti

On Wednesday, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) organized a day of reflection in the auditorium of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) in partnership with the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) in order to see how to initiate a sustainable development trajectory in a fragile context in Haiti.



New DG to the Minister of Public Works

By presidential decree dated Wednesday, June 28, 2017, Citizen Vilma Max Andre was appointed Director General of the Ministry of Public Works Transport and Communications.



2 schools rehabilitated in the South

Plan International Haiti and the Departmental Directorate of Education of the South East, inaugurated last week the rehabilitation works of the National School Sable Cabaret, to Jacmel and the National School of Fond Jean Noel, in the commune of Marigot "We now have an attractive environment, secure and improved" rejoiced the students.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Moise Jean Charles calls on the Head of State to resign

Wednesday, on the initiative of the Bloc of the Democratic Opposition (BOD), several hundred people demonstrated against the cost of living in the streets of Port-au-Prince. The former candidate defeated the presidency, Jean Charles Moise who took part in this demonstration denounced among others the increase in the price of fuels at the pump and the poor management of the Moise/Lafontant administration. Jean Charles Moise called on the Head of State to recover or to resign.



Reginald Delva for the army

According to former Minister of Interior Reginald Delva, the departure of the Minustah next October, will leave a security vacuum in Haiti. He called for the establishment of an army, notably deploring the lack of a coherent security force on the border that prevents the State from collecting more financial resources.



Funeral of the student killed in DR

Funeral of Miguelita Marie Shilove Thomasseront, the 24-year-old Haitian student murdered last week in the Dominican Republic https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21350-haiti-flash-arrest-of-the-murderer-of-the-haitian-student-in-dr.html will be sung Monday, July 3 in the Church Baptiste of Cote plage, Carrefour.



Vote of a bill on morality

The Senators voted a bill introduced by West Senator Jean-Renel Senatus on the conditions for obtaining a certificate of good morals.



HUEH works completed at 75%

On Thursday, Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant accompanied by Marie Greta Roy Clement, the Minister of Public Health, the French Ambassador, Elisabeth Beton-Delegue and Philippe Baudin, Deputy Director General of the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD), visited the construction sites of the Hospital of the State University of Haiti (HUEH). This new infrastructure, which extends over 25,000 m2, will be a real tertiary hospital equipped with sophisticated sanitary equipment of last generation. The construction of the HUEH is completed at 75% and the inauguration of this Hospital Center is planned between July and December 2018.



Haiti-DR : Cooperation Program

On Thursday, the National Authorizing Officer of the European Development Fund (EDF) in Haiti was visited by a delegation from the Dominican Republic's Bureau of the National Authorizing Officer (Alberto Navarro). This visit is part of a bi-national workshop to validate proposals for the formulation of the "Political Dialogue" component of the Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational Cooperation Program, which will take place this Friday, June 30, 2017.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















More than 80 years ago, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued an executive order called the Rural Electrification and Telephone Service Act of 1936. It provided federal loans to bring utilities to expensive-to-serve and hard-to-reach rural areas.

One of the acts chief proponents was a senator from Nebraska named George Norris, who recognized the importance of electricity and phone service to the economic and social well-being of rural communities. Without service, rural America couldnt compete in a changing world.

Well, the ensuing eight decades have brought more changes. Broadband internet and cell service are todays equivalent to electricity and phone. The hurdles to bringing faster internet to rural America are almost identical to the ones in the 1930  expense and logistics. The solutions will require equal creativity and, most likely, a little federal oomph. And Nebraskans stand to benefit if this gets figured out sooner rather than later.

President Trumps recent pledge to ford the digital divide as part of an infrastructure plan is heartening, but its certainly not a straight line from a presidents lips to a Logan County farmers laptop. Ultimately it will require action on lots of governmental levels and partnerships with providers.

The need, however, is unquestionable. And its a need that should be felt by all Nebraskans, not just those who want to stream a two hour movie in something close to two hours. All Nebraskans have a vested interest in a thriving rural lifestyle. Some want a place to go home to. Some want a place of peace. Some simply want affordable food, made possible by farmers and ranchers having access to better technology. And all will benefit by creating more places in the state where innovation and new business ideas can take root.

The Journal Stars Nick Bergin talked with rural residents who need access to faster internet for work. And what parent hasnt wanted to simply download a movie and plop the kids in front of it for a couple hour break. Slow internet seeps into so many aspects of life that many of us take our relatively reliable and speedier service for granted. Solutions in rural areas, Bergin found, are expensive or nonexistent.

Right now it may not seem that access to faster internet is a matter of life and death like electricity is. But electricity may have seemed more luxury than necessity in the 1930s. If we want a thriving rural lifestyle in Nebraska, we need to take steps now, creative ones, to fix this digital divide.
AJ Capital Partners announced today that it has acquired the Sheraton Iowa City in Iowa City, Iowa from leading investment firm, Rockbridge. The hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation to convert to a Graduate hotel by summer 2018. The nine-story, 234-room hotel is located on South Dubuque Street on downtown Iowa City"s Ped Mall near the University of Iowa.

Located just a block from the University of Iowa campus, the hotel benefits from an indoor public walkway connecting the hotel with direct access to the city"s Pedestrian Mall home to many restaurants, bars and retail shops. With over 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space, a fitness center, indoor pool and restaurant, hotel is an established destination for University visitors, business and leisure travelers, and locals alike.

Created for travelers who seek memory-making journeys, Graduate Hotels are part of a well-curated, thoughtfully crafted collection of hotels that reside in the most dynamic, university-anchored cities across the country. Every property celebrates and commemorates the optimistic energy of its community, while offering an extended retreat to places that often played host to the best days of our lives. Locations include Ann Arbor, Mi.; Athens, Ga.; Berkeley, Ca.; Charlottesville, Va.; Lincoln, Ne.; Madison, Wi.; Oxford, Ms.; Richmond, Va.; and Tempe, Az. Bloomington, In.; Minneapolis, Mn.; Seattle, Wa.; and New York City"s Roosevelt Island as part of the Cornell Tech campus are slated to open in 2018 and 2019.

The hotel will undergo a renovation, which will touch all guestrooms, restaurant, pool, meeting and event spaces and the hotel lobby. In addition, Graduate Hotels will introduce an innovative, locally-centric food and beverage program designed to foster interaction between hotel guests and locals.

Hotel website
Disruptive Restaurant Group, a subsidiary of sbe, the leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hospitality venues globally, has announced that Scott Kleckner has joined as Senior Vice President of Restaurant Operations. In his role, Mr Kleckner will oversee the operations and expansion of all Disruptive Restaurant Groups stand-alone restaurants globally  including the award-winning Cleo, Katsuya, and Filia brands.
In a series of pieces on luxury hospitality based on interviews with leading hoteliers in Paris, Suzanne Godfrey examines the key pillars that define the luxury hotel, or more specially, the Palace. Here she explores the need for service that goes over and beyond  to create an emotional connection.

Around three-quarters of the 526 standards that the influential Forbes Travel Guide uses to evaluate hotels around the world are based on service, according to Chris Fradin, its VP for Europe. This gives an indication of how important they believe service is.

What do we mean by service?

The definition is broad and in luxury goes deep. Franka Holtmann, General Manager of Le Meurice, Paris, which is part of the Dorchester Collection, describes it as "the combination of product and service that gives the first impression. Service should be sincere, bespoke and genuine so that each client feels unique. Tact is also a very important component to make guests feel at ease under any circumstances. A Palace can be very intimidating and it is our role to allow them to be themselves. There should be no dictate."

"Not only should we try to anticipate our clients' needs, but also be flexible to meet any special requests and make sure that if we can't satisfy their expectations we find alternatives. Sometimes we have to push the boundaries to make it happen."

If we look at what contributes to the service offering, it starts with the product. In a material sense, this is less important today than it used to be. Today people have fantastic homes with all the latest designs and gadgets. The latest in technology. The butler, the chauffeur, the chef. It's no longer about going to a hotel and being wowed by all these things because it's novel. This represents everyday life for most of the clientele.

Technology is expected and hotels need to deliver this as a basic functional requirement, but it may not be appreciated by all guests. In some hotels they even ask for iPads and smart screens to be removed, preferring the "old fashioned" way of turning things on and off, or using a more personal approach to access information.

Key Pillars of Luxury Hospitality: Service and the Emotional Connection | By Suzanne Godfrey Photo by EHL

The Peninsula goes one step further by positioning itself as "high tech". In anticipation of the IT revolution and its impact, the hotel brought all of its IT development in-house. That way it can react more quickly and create a better user experience than if it had to rely on outside contractors. It proudly highlights its technology and nothing is manually operated nor, it appears, is there an option to do so for those not technologically competent. The Peninsula Paris, which opened in August 2014, boasts some two kilometers of cabling per room, regardless of room size, to support the technology and fully connect it  that seems an awful lot of cabling. Everything in the hotel room is remotely operated: the temperature, lighting, curtains, TV and music. In addition, external information is available in terms of the weather, activities, hotel messaging and reservations. There's even an electric nail dryer in the bathroom's vanity unit  ideal for hands, if not for toes.

The Ritz Paris took the whole interior apart, including the walls, to replace all the wiring and install cabling for new technology. The Mandarin Oriental, Paris, with the advantage of being a totally new building behind the facade, is also "well connected". It includes sensors in the room, which enable lights to be turned off automatically when no one is there. They also alert housekeeping to make up a room, check facilities, or provide the turndown service.

Service extends to the "standard" facilities that are pretty much expected in large luxury or Palace hotels today. This includes a choice of restaurants and dining options, 24/7 room service and laundry, a spa offering a holistic experience that goes beyond simply a massage with high-quality branded spa and beauty products, plus well-equipped fitness center; garage and/or valet parking and chauffeured pick-up service. At The Peninsula, pick-up is by Rolls-Royce, which is the hotel's signature limousine worldwide. Additionally, they may offer butler or chef service on request if the guests don't bring their own for suites that accommodate a kitchen or appropriate facilities.

Service today is also about speed. Even if you are a leisure traveler, no one wants to wait or say things twice. But that doesn't mean quality doesn't count.

The product is obviously the basis of everything: what you have and how you deliver it, all of which constitutes service. One senior hotel executive, who asked not to be identified, said service is "a balance between what is convenient for the guest and what is convenient for the owner. The latter is often the driver of profitability, which of course is important, but when you cut corners and start to look at ways to cut costs, it generally impacts the guest experience  and comes across as gimmicky."

He goes on: "It's important to hit the basics and then layer up. The basics are standard and form the foundation. You need to deliver and meet these; four- and five-star hotels need to deliver these as they are expected today. Remember what you are in the business for  and deliver it 100 per cent."

Another leading hotelier, Jean-Pierre Trevisan, Director of Operations at the Ritz Paris, spoke about how the hotel redefined its service philosophy. It used the opportunity during the closure to re-evaluate its standards, which are more exacting and individual than the industry standards employed by Leading Quality Assurance(LQA), a UK-based organization that audits luxury hotels and others.

"The standards for LQA or Forbes Travel Guide are good standards but they are not the Ritz Paris standards, which are fastidious," Trevisan says. "We really wanted to have our own standards and the emotional aspects, so we worked with our consultant on this and learnt from studies and exchanges with our clients. We learnt that their real and true expectations are based 80 per cent on emotional exchanges and relationships, and the history as you see in the suites."

"We can teach our managers how to behave, how to read a client when he arrives  so when a client arrives and he's in a hurry, you don't (have an) exchange with him as if he was here to enjoy the location and has an hour to get to the bedroom. It's a completely different way to welcome people. So we have to learn and see how we can do it and understand them, to accommodate them in the best way we can. So people are trained here for such things, but trained also to understand who they are (as people) and the best way to behave, and the best way for them to understand others ..."

The emotional connection

Luxury is about creating emotion. But what is this exactly and how does luxury deliver it in hospitality? Again and again, the phrase "emotional connection" came up in conversations with hoteliers in the context of service.

Katje Henke, General Manager of The Peninsula Paris, says "the real luxury element is actually the service, which is not what you can touch but what you can feel. What is it that creates the emotional connection with our guest? It is not about the building or its beauty, because you can have the most gorgeous building but if you don't feel the connection to the experience and the team, then it's just a pretty building. I strongly believe that it comes down to the service, absolutely, because you could be in a four-star and love it more than any beautiful five-star if the experience is better."

The emotional connection starts even before the guest walks through the door or is picked up at the airport. It begins when the guest first contacts the hotel  how the hotel manages this process and creates an engagement are key. The objective is for guests to really look forward to their stay. That involves listening carefully to their needs so the hotel can prepare in advance for their visit. This creates a sense of anticipation, of excitement and hence emotions, which ultimately builds loyalty. It's about authenticity, engaging, and creating magic.

Aaron Kaupp, General Manager of Le Royal Monceau Raffles, believes that "selling emotion" is what distinguishes you from other hotels. "What defines luxury, what makes it special is by bringing that human touch, that human element into the equation. To make that guest feel that he is in your hotel and, yes, that he is 'at home'."

He adds that you should look to create an emotional or sentimental relationship with the client, which will make all the difference when the guest compares one luxury hotel with another. Citing an example of a family going to the beach on holiday, he believes they are not going to tell their friends about the resort or the white sand beach when they return home. They may, however, mention the staff who made their stay memorable. "Of course it's about the people  You're not going to come back and say the resort was amazing, the room was great, etc., because if you have money, any room is great."

It goes far beyond standard personalization. It's about creating a genuine emotional connection with guests  as well as with their spouses and children  which is thoughtful and customized. It may include embroidered pillow-cases or cushion covers with the guests' initials; putting framed photos of their family or pets in the rooms; providing a wine cabinet, magazines, or books by their favorite authors; or refurbishing rooms  from a personal fitness area to an extended dressing room or wardrobe, even storing their personal furniture between visits.

"(It's) about creating an emotional contact with your client," says Kaupp, "and making them feel at home, providing a 'home-away-from-home' experience. Our clients today are obviously rich and famous, well-traveled. They have beautiful homes all around the world. So when they travel they want to have a replica of where they feel most comfortable, which is at home . So it's important to give them something to make them feel at home even though they are miles away."

The product, in its entirety, provides constant opportunities to create that emotional connection. For example, you can have a drinks bar with nice glassware, but hoteliers will look at what more can be done to create a connection with guests. Le Royal Monceau Raffles and Plaza Athenee in Paris do just that, with the barmen taking center stage  people not bottles and brands  demonstrating their craft and mixing drinks providing an opportunity for engagement.

"Agreed-upon service standards ensure the basics and expected services happen without hassle or fuss," said Pierre Barthes, previously General Manager at the Mandarin Oriental Pudong in Shanghai but recently appointed General Manger in Hong Kong. "However nowadays guests want more surprising and engaging experiences in all (sorts of) imaginable ways. This is especially true in the luxury segment and, in particular, in sophisticated markets like Paris, New York and Shanghai, with such a broad and compelling offering. Engaging your guests to co-create memorable experiences is critical: surprising and touching the hearts and emotions of the guest can be achieved if you truly customize their experience."

Hoteliers speak of a 60:40 ratio. Sixty per cent is about efficiency, doing the basics right, whether it's freshly-brewed coffee or fresh orange juice. But 40 per cent is about emotion that keeps people coming back again and again. This is not just true in luxury but for all brands  however it's not easy to achieve.

Creating that 'home-from-home' feeling

The feeling of being 'at home' is considered 'luxury' when it comes to hospitality today. Being comfortable and at ease where you are. Staying somewhere that is apartment-like and 'homely', whether the rooms are modern, art deco, or Louis XIV, XV or XVI. It's the small, personal touches that guest service relations or the hotel manager makes sure are in place for regular visitors on their arrival.

And not only are there the personal touches, but the rooms  certainly among the grand dames in Paris  are likely to include antiques and precious works of art that the hotel owner has acquired. The Impressionists  originals, of course  adorn walls above beds and fireplaces, with antique clocks on the mantelpieces. A Steinway piano in evidence here and there, in honor of previous clients or people associated with the location  such as Chopin in the case of the Ritz Paris  adding to the heritage of the place.

Creating a feeling of home doesn't just come from artifacts. It also comes through the staff: familiarity and recognition, employees remembering small personal details; the environment: the design of the room, furnishings, the individuality, and uniqueness; and the service: the little details and how it is delivered.

"Recognition and generosity are two aspects that seem to be essential to get loyalty from our clients. The quality of our relationship with them can make their stay with us a true experience and a general feeling of being part of the culture," says Holtmann of Le Meurice.

Kaupp of Le Royal Monceau Raffles explains that guests should feel as though they're at home. "I'm not going to sit on the couch and keep my jacket and tie on. I'm going to take my tie off and roll up my sleeves because I'm going to sink into my couch and feel comfortable. And that is the same concept you get here. You give it a 'home-away-from-home' feeling as a Parisian living room." And he's right. The atmosphere is more relaxed and casual. The Mandarin Oriental Paris aims for the same: casual, no suit or tie, particularly at the weekend.

For Marie-Jose Pommereau, who was responsible for the interior design and renovation of the rooms and suites at the Plaza Athenee, Paris, during their recent renovation (and who is quoted in the book, Hotel Plaza Athenee: The Couture Address in Paris), it was all about creating "a Palace that would fulfil the dreams and expectations of our guests; in other words, rooms and suites that are both intimate and private, that the guest will enjoy returning to each time they come to Paris, as if they were coming home."

The importance of listening

With social media  and as everyone's lives today are more or less 'online'  finding out about people, whether future or current clients, is relatively easy. The difference is what you do with the information. How do you deliver that 'emotional connection' in a genuine and authentic way that surprises and engages? It's not just about giving things; it's also about doing things that are meaningful and personal. And there are cultural differences in how you engage and deliver emotional connections, so these are also important considerations.

It's the importance of listening, looking for signs, hearing what guests say, seeing what they do and keeping a profile of each and every client. It requires collaboration between the teams at the front and back of house. The collecting of small details that the reception, the concierge, guest service relations, the barman, the maid, or housekeeping 'hear' or discover in the course of their work. Then, as part of a team to deliver service  creating an emotional connection  based on that information. This is what makes the difference.

With people's habits changing so fast, new trends and lifestyles are emerging. Consequently, you need to find new, unique and innovative ways to create that connection based on changing needs, circumstances and desires. Employees are key here. Delivering service through the relationship they  and the brand  have with the client.

Kaupp of the Le Royal Monceau Raffles believes that when staff go "the extra mile in finding out who your actual client is" and you come up with innovational ideas in terms of unique experiences for individual clients, that's what "creates a winning atmosphere." The team will be constantly motivated by doing something different, being inspirational and thinking 'out the box'. For hotel guests it means truly personalized services.

The emotional connection  and creating that 'home-from-home' feeling  is linked to the product, the service, and the people. Together they create a guest experience that is unique to the brand and the property. When done right, when genuine, authentic and meaningful  however big or small that emotional connection might be  this is what luxury hospitality is today.

In the next article in this EHL Hospitality Insights series on luxury in hospitality, we examine the final key pillar that contributes to a hotel being luxury or, in particular, a Palace.
Heading into the second half of the year, North American hoteliers are continuing to experience stable average daily rates (ADR) alongside declines in bookings during the second quarter of 2017, according to new data from TravelClick's June 2017 North American Hospitality Review (NAHR). This marks an ongoing trend for hoteliers this year.

Despite strong transient leisure travel, with positive gains in both ADR and bookings, all other travel segments are experiencing inconsistencies across the board. For example, ADR for transient business travel in the second quarter is up 1.5 percent, but bookings are down -1.5 percent. ADR for the group segment is also up 1.5 percent, but occupancy is down -1.6 percent.

"Our latest data predicts a prolonged decline across many North American markets, indicating that this bleak outlook may not ease up anytime soon," said John Hach, TravelClick's senior industry analyst. "Transient leisure travel is the exception, however, up 1.0 percent and 2.2 percent for ADR and bookings, respectively, during the second quarter."

Twelve-Month Outlook (June 2017  May 2018)

For the next 12 months (June 2017  May 2018), transient bookings are slightly down -0.6 percent year-over-year, but ADR for this segment is up 1.0 percent. When broken down further, the transient leisure (discount, qualified and wholesale) segment is up 0.7 percent, and ADR is up 0.6 percent. The transient business (negotiated and retail) segment is down -1.8 percent; however, ADR is up 1.5 percent. Lastly, group bookings are slightly up 0.4 percent in committed* room nights over the same time last year, and ADR is up 2.7 percent.

"As we move deeper into the summer season and start the second half of the year, hoteliers should remain cautious of unpredictable booking trends and take advantage of business intelligence tools to endure this period of uncertainty," added Hach. "Forward-looking data is a powerful asset to ensure that hoteliers stay ahead of the competition, both locally and overall, to prepare for unforeseeable events that may affect the industry."

About TravelClick, an Amadeus Company

TravelClick offers innovative, cloud-based and data-driven solutions for hotels around the globe to maximize revenue. TravelClick enables over 38,000 hoteliers to drive better business decisions and know, acquire, convert and retain guests. The Company's interconnected suite of solutions includes Business Intelligence, Reservations & Booking Engine, Media, Web & Video and Guest Management. As a trusted hotel partner with more than 30 years of industry experience, TravelClick operates in 176 countries, with local experts in 39 countries and 14 offices in New York, Atlanta, Bucharest, Chicago, Barcelona, Dubai, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Ottawa, Paris, Shanghai and Singapore. Additionally, the Company fosters more than 600 travel-focused partnerships for hotels to leverage. Follow TravelClick on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
5 Key Financial Wellness Takeaways from SHRM 2017

Posted by Babitha Balakrishnan on Friday, 06-30-2017 8:31 am

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During the recent Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conference, HR professionals from around the world engaged in discussions around hot topics including improving employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity, as well as establishing positive company culture. In order to increase workplace satisfaction, considerable focus was placed on strategies to ensure employees feel supported, happy, and healthyboth in the office and at home. With finances now a leading stressor for most employees, financial wellness has become a significant component to improving productivity and retention rates.  Missed SHRM? Here are five key financial wellness takeaways from this years conference:  #1 Employee wellness should be approached holistically  Emerging within the last decade, employer wellness programs have risen to a point where now more than 70 percent of organizations offer some type of employee wellness program. Despite the new technology and insights that have led to impr...

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Staying on top of the latest health & safety regulations, training requirements, CSA Standards and industry best practices can be overwhelming and very confusing. And then there are the costs, in time and money, of doing the "right thing!"



Compounding that issue is the simple fact that many companies are relying on HR professionals and/or administrators to wear yet another hat - and assume the mantle of the Health & Safety "expert" in their place of business. It's a complex field that requires education, training and a deep knowledge of how things must be done.



Seriously...why bother?



In this tongue-in-cheek presentation, HASCO Vice-President Derek Bumstead, navigates you through the wrong ways to approach health & safety in your workplace - from the attitudes of the people at the top of the corporate food chain, to the culture of health & safety in each workplace, to the training ALL Ontario companies and organizations are required to provide.



Be careful though! Because along the way, you might discover that the "right way" is actually the best way for your company...and you could save your organization significant money in the process, not to mention avoiding the spectre of personal fines and incarceration.



The added benefit of having safer, more loyal workers is just the icing on the cake.



Topics to be covered include: The right and wrongs ways to train your team, the new legal training requirements for supervisors and workers in Ontario, upcoming changes to WHMIS and Joint Health & Safety training, Workplace Violence & Harassment training, cost-saving benefits, different methods of training available...and more.





By registering for this webcast you will receive email communications and notifications from the sponsor(s).
New Delhi, June 30 (IBNS): With few hours left for the GST implementation and with key Opposition parties determined to boycott the midnight celebration, NCP leader Praful Patel on Friday expressed his disgust at the opposition parties' 'fuss' over the launch of the one taxation system.

The biggest tax reform since Independence, Goods and Services Tax (GST), will roll out on July 1 and a celebration has been organised by the central government at the parliamentary house on June 30 midnight.

However, several political parties such as the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the Left have decided not to attend the midnight celebrations, though the GST bill earlier received a consensus of all parties.

Attacking a section of the Opposition, Patel said on Twitter: "All parties unanimously passed #GST in parliament. State Governments of different parties approved the rates. Now why so much fuss over the launch function."

Union minister Venkaiah Naidu, too attacked the Opposition for boycotting GST celebration at midnight.

"Both the President and Prime Minister will be present at the parliamentary house on June 30. They [Opposition parties who boycotted GST celebrations] can't even show respect to them by being present," Naidu said on Thursday.



Image: Official Twitter handle of Praful Patel.
New Delhi, June 30 (IBNS): Attacking the Modi government for lack of foresight in the GST implementation, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi called the biggest tax reform a 'tamasha' (drama).

In a series of tweets just few hours before the GST launch, Rahul hurled attacks on the central government for hurried implementation of the one taxation system.

In an early tweet, Rahul said: "A reform that holds great potential is being rushed through in a half-baked way with a self-promotional spectacle #GSTTamasha."

A reform that holds great potential is being rushed through in a half-baked way with a self-promotional spectacle #GSTTamasha  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 30, 2017

Voicing the concern of various small businessman and traders, the Congress vice-president said: "India deserves a #GST rollout that does not put crores of its ordinary citizens, small businesses & traders through tremendous pain &anxiety."

India deserves a #GST rollout that does not put crores of its ordinary citizens, small businesses & traders through tremendous pain &anxiety  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 30, 2017

Congress already announced their decision to boycott the GST celebration at midnight. Several other parties like TMC, RJD, Left have also cleared that they won't be present at the celebration.

Opposition has cited the unprepared small and medium scale industry as the reason for their boycott. They called it an implementation in hurry.

Stating his party's stand on GST move, Rahul said: "Unlike demonetisation, GST is a reform that @INCIndia has championed & backed from the beginning."

Unlike demonetisation, GST is a reform that @INCIndia has championed & backed from the beginning  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 30, 2017

GST, which was earlier brought forward during UPA II regime, failed to get implemented.

The Congress VP accused the present central government for implementing GST in hurry with lack of foresightedness, very much similar to the demonetisation which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, last year.

"But like demonetisation,GST is being executed by an incompetent&insensitive Govt w/o planning foresight &institutional readiness #GSTTamasha" the 47 years old Congress MP said on Friday.

But like demonetisation,GST is being executed by an incompetent&insensitive Govt w/o planning foresight &institutional readiness #GSTTamasha  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 30, 2017



The biggest tax reform since Independence, Goods and Services Tax (GST) will roll out on July 1.

A GST celebration has been organised by the central government at the parliamentary house on June 30 midnight.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at the celebration.

Image: Official Twitter handle of Rahul Gandhi.
Berlin, Jun 30 (IBNS): The LGBTQ community in Germany took to the streets to celebrate a landmark ruling in their favour as the country legalised same-sex marriages and also bestowed them with the right to adopt children, reports said.

In a snap vote on Friday, 393 German MPs voted for the motion, while 226, including Chancellor Angela Merkel, voted against it.

AFP news agency reported that the German legal code will now read: "Marriage is entered into for life by two people of different or the same sex."

Though she voted against the motion, Merkel hoped that the new law will mean 'more peace for Germany'.

image: Ludovic Bertron/Wikipedia
Chandigarh/New Delhi, June 30 (IBNS): Haryana finance minister Captain Abhimanyu said there is no reason to delay the implementation of Goods and Services Tax, at a time when several opposition parties are criticising the central government for hurried launch of the single taxation system, according to NDTV.

Capt. Abhimanyu was quoted as saying, "We are prepared for initial hiccups".

Haryana is a Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state.

The biggest tax reform since Independence, Goods and Services Tax (GST) will roll out on July 1.

Several opposition parties like Congress, Trinamool Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Left boycotted the GST celebration on June 30 midnight, to be organised by the government.

Opposition has cited the unprepared small and medium scale industry as the reason for their boycott. They called it an implementation in hurry.

Attacking the Modi government for lack of foresight in the GST implementation, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi called the biggest tax reform a 'tamasha' (drama).

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at the celebration.

Image: Official Twitter handle of Captain Abhimanyu.
Patna, June 30 (TheBiharPost/IBNS): On the sidelines of the ongoing nine-day Saurath Sabha which commenced last week, the Mithilalok Foundation, an NGO, organized Shashtrartha (discourse) on Thursday.

The place falls under Madhubani district of Bihar.

The idea is to restore the age-old legacy of intellectual discourse and to remind the people of Mithilas cultural past.



People still reminisce about the historic intellectual discourse that took place between Mandan Mishra and Shankaracharya in the 8th century during the latters sojourn in Mithila to prove that he was invincible.



A close look at the past socio-religious and cultural phenomena, organizers say, will lead the masses to explore how pervasively the intensive debate had impacted the social milieu and made an indelible mark on Indian society by strengthening existing argumentative traditions (like Shashtratha) on numerous discourses.

The discourses had also enabled to imparting a tolerant and pacifist character, they added.



The issue which came up for debate on Thursday was Saurath Sabha and its Relevance in Marriage Today.



The function was chaired by Prof Ram Chandra Jha, former Vice-Chancellor, Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University (KSDSU), Darbhanga. Several scholars like Pt Ram Sevak Jha, Dr Gopal Thakur, Pt Rupesh Kumar Jha, Pt Rakesh Roushan Choudhary, Pt Akhilesh Mishra, Pt Deepak Vatsya and Pt Dheeraj Kumar Shastri participated in the debate.



Saurath Sabha will always remain relevant to safeguard and strengthen the institution of marriage which is imperishable, particularly in Mithila belt, said Dr Birbal Jha, chairman of the foundation who is the brainchild of the concept.



When asked to explain the reason behind conceptualizing the idea of Shashtrartha in modern era, Dr Jha explained, The young generation needs to be acquainted with how Shashtrathas were held centuries ago. Learning from the past lays the foundation of ones personality. After all, Mithila has lots to offer to people across the world.

According to him, Mithila has an intellectual legacy which needs to be told the masses. Sadly the tradition of Shashtrartha has been on the wane, he rued.

(thebiharpost.com)




Kolkata, Jun 30 (IBNS): President of India Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated an exhibition of art works at Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata, on Friday.

He also received the first copies of two Coffee Table books Images and Impressions  Profile and Persona of Pranab Mukherjee and Pranab Mukherjee 100 Frames from the Governor of West Bengal, Keshari Nath Tripathi, who formally released these books.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that during his long career in public life - as a Minister, Member of Parliament and as President of the country, he has received immense love from political colleagues, Parliamentarians and the people of the country.

Earlier in the day, President Pranab Mukherjee addressed a gathering at the bicentenary celebrations of Bengali Newspaper, organised by the Press Club of Kolkata, in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Image: PIB


New York, June 30(Just Earth News): Citing attacks against aid workers in Syria, the removal of live-saving supplies from convoys and bureaucratic impediments restricting access, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator has called for ensuring immediate and safe humanitarian access to save lives that are dependent on assistance.

Briefing the Security Council on Thursday, Stephen OBrien, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, also underlined the need for a sustained reduction in fighting to ease the burden on civilians and create an environment conducive for assistance.



Now is the time. Any delay will mean further death. The clock is ticking, he warned.



The Syrian conflict, now into its seventh year, has taken a terrible toll on the countrys population: hundreds of thousands have been killed, more than 13.5 million left in need of humanitarian assistance, about 6.3 million displaced within the country, and some 5.1 million forced to flee as refugees outside its borders.



The situation is particularly dire in Raqqa, where the Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by coalition forces, launched an offensive to take the city from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh), and in the last days fully encircled it.



According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), at least 173 people have been reportedly killed in air and ground strikes. Although about 25,000 have reportedly fled the city since the latest phase of operations, as many as 100,000 civilians could still be trapped there, said OBrien.



Multitude of challenges for aid workers



On relief operations in Syria, OBrien said that the work of humanitarians remains extremely difficult and bureaucratic restrictions on top of attacks and removal of relief supplies has made their operating space incredibly complex and complicated.



Bureaucratic restrictions, he said, delay convoys and often force them to abort their missions or turn around, leaving relief workers vulnerable to attacks.



In one such incident, a driver of a truck was hit by sniper fire from unknown gunmen after his convoy had to turn back to avoid travelling at night. The convoy had been stopped for several hours at a Government checkpoint. A bullet also grazed a second driver.



The injured driver survived and is in stable condition, said OBrien.



I condemn such acts in the strongest terms, and call for accountability for those responsible, he stressed. Those who deliberately direct attacks against humanitarian workers are committing war crimes.



Over half a million trapped in besieged locations across Syria



Turning to the besieged locations across the country, the Emergency Relief Coordinator informed the Council that the town of Madaya (in rural Damascus) and the Al-Waer district in Homs are being removed from the besieged list following improvement in access, reducing the number of besieged places to 11.



However, over half a million people still remain at these locations, trapped and desperate for assistance, said OBrien. Collectively, about 4.5 million Syrians are estimated to remain in the besieged and hard-to-reach areas across the country. He also updated the Council of recent deployments of trucks from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) from Aleppo, through Menbij and to Qamishly in Hassakeh governorate, allowing delivery of aid at scale to north-east Syria, where people had been short of supplies since the closure of a cross-border access point with Turkey in December 2015.



This is particularly important with growing needs in the north- Syria due to anti-ISIL operations in the area, said OBrien.



This route is also much cheaper than relief air drops from Damascus, resulting in savings that are equivalent to providing food aid for 100,000 people for one year.



OBrien said that he looked forward to next weeks meeting in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on de-escalation and hope that it would bring a sustained reduction of fighting, and along with that improved and unhindered humanitarian access.



I repeat my call for this Council to act now to protect civilians, he urged, while also calling on the parties to the conflict and those with influence over them to prioritize protection of civilians. These are legal obligations under the laws of war, and they cannot be bent, broken or avoided.



Humanitarians have persisted at great costs  UN regional relief official



Also on Syria, Kevin Kennedy, the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, told journalists in New York of the scale of the suffering in the war-torn country.



Perhaps the most egregious feature of the conflict, he said, was the persistent bombing of hospitals and medical facilities.



In the first six months of this year, at least 96 such bombings have been reported, of which 60 have been confirmed by the UN. Fifteen doctors and nurses have lost their lives and dozens more have been injured.



If you are a doctor or nurse  working particularly in opposition-held area  and go to work in a hospital or clinic, then you work in a building with a big bullseye [target mark] on its roof, said Kennedy, who is finishing up his assignment.



Praising the efforts of UN, international and national non-governmental humanitarian workers, he said that they have stood their ground.



[They] have stayed there despite being bombed, shot at, mortars landing around them on a weekly basis [] and despite suffering casualties [] and carried on at a great sacrifice, he stated.



Photo: UNICEF/Ebo







Source: www.justearthnews.com




New York, June 30(Just Earth News): Top United Nations officials on Thursday declared that ending the occupation is the only way to lay the foundations for enduring peace that meets Israeli security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty.

It is the only way to achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a message to a forum held at UN Headquarters to mark 50 years since the start of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, which resulted in Israels occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza and the Syrian Golan.

In the message, read out by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Guterres said that it is time to return to direct negotiations to resolve all final status issues on the basis of relevant UN resolutions, agreements and international law. It is also time to end the conflict by establishing an independent Palestinian State, side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel, he added.

The occupation, he noted, has imposed a heavy humanitarian and development burden on the Palestinian people. Generations of Palestinians have grown up in crowded refugee camps, many in abject poverty, and with little or no prospect of a better life for their children.

Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will remove a driver of violent extremism and terrorism in the Middle East, the Secretary-General added, and open the doors to cooperation, security, prosperity and human rights for all.

Mohammed, in her own remarks, said on Thursday is an occasion not only to reflect on the costs and consequences of 50 years of occupation, but also to look ahead at what must be done to end this situation.

I understand the deep sense of despair of the Palestinian people. For far too long, the international community has failed to find a just and lasting solution to their displacement, she told the forum, which is convened by the General Assemblys Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

The lives of generations of Palestinians and Israelis have been confined by a conflict that has shaped the physical and human landscape with concrete walls, checkpoints, and watch towers, all under a heavy atmosphere of fear, mutual distrust and despair, she continued.

Some think that the situation can be managed. They are all wrong. It must be resolved. Real peace, Mohammed stressed, cannot be achieved without a just and lasting resolution, adding that the two-State solution is the only path to ensure that Palestinians and Israelis can realize their national and historic aspirations and live in peace, security and dignity.

The two-day forum brings together international experts, including from the State of Palestine and Israel, representatives of the diplomatic community, civil society, as well as academics and students to discuss the ongoing occupation in a series of interactive panels.

UN Photo/Shareef Sarhan

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, June 30(Just Earth News): Briefing the Security Council on Thursday, the United Nations political chief called on the participants of the plan of action on Iranas nuclear programme as well as the wider international community to continue to support the full and effective implementation of the agreement.

The Secretary-General believes that the comprehensive and sustained implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will guarantee that Irans nuclear programme remains exclusively peaceful, while allowing for transparency, monitoring and verification, said Jeffery Feltman, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

It will also provide Iran with an opportunity for greater engagement with the international community and assist in increasing its trade and economic relations [as well as] bring forth to a satisfactory conclusion the consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue by the Council, he added in his briefing on resolution 2231, in which the Council endorsed the plan of action.

Feltman told the 15-member body that the Secretary-General had not received any report, nor is he aware of any open source information regarding the supply, sale or transfer to Iran of nuclear-related items undertaken contrary to the provisions of the resolution.

He also updated the Council on proposals under consideration of the procurement channels established by the resolution.

In relation to implementation of ballistic missile-related provisions, Feltman noted that on 29 January this year, Iran launched a medium-range ballistic missile following which letters were submitted to the Secretary-General by Iran and Israel, as well as jointly by France, Germany, the UK and the US concerning the launch.

As in the case of the ballistic missile launches by Iran in March 2016, there was no consensus in the Security Council on how this particular launch related to resolution 2231 (2015), said Feltman. Quoting from the third report of the Secretary-General on the resolution, he added that the Secretary-General called on Iran to avoid such ballistic missile launches that have the potential to increase tensions.

The Secretary-General also appealed to all UN Member States to redouble their efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, noted Feltman.

Additionally, in relation to arms-related transfers, the Under-Secretary-General told the Security Council that the current report of the Secretary-General included additional information on the seizure of an arms shipment by the French Navy in the northern Indian Ocean in March 2016.

After examination of the weapons and analysis of information provided, the [UN] Secretariat is confident that the weapons seized are of Iranian origin and were shipped from Iran, he said.

In January 2017, France had invited the UN Secretariat to examine the seized ar

Concluding his briefing, Feltman also highlighted that as the JCPOA implementation enters its third year, the Secretary-General has highlighted the particular responsibilities of the agreements participants towards its full and effective implementation.

The Secretary-General is hopeful that all participants will continue to make progress in the implementation of the agreement, and in the process secure its durability, he said.

Adopted unanimously in July 2015, resolution 2231 endorsed the JCPOA that was signed earlier that month by the five permanent members of the Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States), plus Germany, the European Union (EU) and Iran.

The agreement set out a rigorous monitoring mechanism and timetable for implementation, while paving the way for the lifting of UN sanctions against Iran.

Also briefing the Council were Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi of Italy, in his capacity as the Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231, and Joao Vale de Almeida, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the UN.

Photo: UN Photo/Kim Haughton

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, June 30(Just Earth News): The United Nations refugee agency has voiced concern over a flow of people fleeing renewed violence in some parts of the Central African Republic, a country that has already seen a half million people internally displaced and another half million taking refuge in neighbouring countries.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is extremely worried over the resurgence of violence being seen in parts of the Central African Republic, said UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic at on Friday's press briefing in Geneva.

He said renewed violence has erupted in the towns of Zemio, Bria and Kaga Bandaro in southern and northern CAR as clashes are reported between self-defence groups and other armed groups. Civilians and humanitarian workers are also being targeted.

Clashes between the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian, plunged the country of 4.5 million people into civil conflict in 2013. Violence in CAR has uprooted some 503,600 people inside the country, including more than 100,000 in 2017, and more than 484,000 have been registered as refugees in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Chad and the Republic of Congo.

Mahecic noted that in Zemio, close to the border with the DRC, UNHCR workers have reported intense heavy weapons fire since Tuesday. Some houses close to UNHCR's office were burnt down. Over 1,000 people have fled their homes. Many are seeking refuge in a Catholic church in the town, while some 66 people have sought safety in the UNHCR compound  among them terrified women and children in fear of their lives, he added.

In the town of Bria, several hundred kilometres northeast of the capital, Bangui, clashes were reported on June 20 that continued for three consecutive days, he said.

Reports suggest a camp hosting some 2,400 internally displaced people in the Ndourou IV district is now completely empty with its whole population having fled the recent attacks.

Indiscriminate attacks in Bria have left some 136 people dead and 36 wounded, with 600 houses burned and an additional 180 looted.

In a separate incident, unidentified armed men tried to break into UNHCR accommodation in Kaga Bandaro in the north of the country on Wednesday night with the intention of attacking staff and looting belongings. The attack was thwarted by the UN peacekeeping forces there.

UNHCR teams were able to distribute relief items including plastic sheets, blankets, mats, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, buckets and soap to more than 5000 households in accessible parts of Bria over the past three weeks - despite the fragile security situation.

UNHCR renews its call on all parties to the conflict in the area to immediately end attacks against civilians and aid workers. UNHCR is also seeking immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to assist those affected by the recent wave of violence, Mahecic said.

Photo: OCHA/Phil Moore

Source: www.justearthnews.com
DOVER  Following one of the largest search efforts in recent memory for the Racine County Sheriffs Office, authorities are preparing for a sixth day in the search for a missing Dover woman, Lynn Rickard.

We have reduced from the large-scale search and have directed our attention towards a smaller search in more centralized locations, Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said Thursday afternoon.

Schmaling said Wednesdays search with 130 fire and law enforcement personnel from 28 regional agencies within a 12-mile radius of her home at the Hickory Haven mobile home park, 5015 Schoen Road, is the largest search ever coordinated in his 23 years with the law enforcement agency.

Although we dont have 130 people searching today, there still is a flurry of activity thats happening, Schmaling said Wednesday.

Detectives are following up on possible leads and tips and supervisors are directing drones and canine units.

Some of the challenges we face is the vast area, rough terrain, including 6 to 7-foot high cattails and muddy and wet conditions (for searchers). Even with drones, visibility is challenging, Schmaling said.

Schmaling wants area residents to be vigilant with their own properties.

We still want our citizens, especially those that live in that area, to be mindful of their own backyards, sheds, storage areas and or places that she may have gone to seek shelter, Schmaling said.

Rickard, 59, who suffers from medical and mental issues, was last spotted walking west across a field barefoot and naked about 7 a.m. Sunday near Schroeder Road and Highway KR. No other sightings have been talked about publicly.

Family mobilizing effort

Rickard family spokesman Brian Bynsdorp said the family was disheartened with the news of a scaling back of search efforts. But he said, they completely understand the manpower needed for a search of this scale, and the need for that manpower to be utilized appropriately in the community.

Rickards husband offered a $10,000 reward for her safe return on Tuesday and is considering a private search effort to coincide with the one being done by authorities.

The family has requested information from the (Racine County Sheriffs Office) on the search efforts they have completed over the last few days, and pending that, there may be an effort coordinated that could include members of the community at some time.

Details on that will be released publicly when it is the right time.

Pending further information from the (Sheriffs Office), there is a possibility an effort could be organized by the community. If and when this occurs, it would likely be in conjunction with the family.

Lynn Rickard is white, about 5-feet, 4-inches tall about 150 pounds, with brown hair longer than shoulder length and brown eyes. Anyone who sees her is asked to call 911 or the county dispatch center at 262-886-2300.
Afghanistan: 3 anti-Taliban gunmen killed in blast India Blooms News Service | | #Afghanistan, #AfghanistanBlast, #AfghanistanRoadSideBlast

Kabul, June 30 (IBNS): In a roadside bombing in northern Jawzjan province of Afghanistan, at least three anti-Taliban militiamen were killed, media reports said on Friday.
Washington, June 30 (IBNS) A supposed "watered down" version of the travel ban on six Muslim countries and a section of refugees by the Donald Trump administration on security grounds finally took effect on Thursday (US time) after litigations in court even as experts said more court battles are in the offing following the implementation of this order.

The Executive Order 13780 is aimed at "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States," a policy in pursuance of the hardline approach by Donald Trump against Islamic terrorism.

A visitor from these countries - Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia- must prove a relationship with a parent, spouse, finacee, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling in the US in order to obtain a visa to enter the country.

Family members like grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and any other "extended" family members will not be considered "close family" under the executive order.

Briefing media, a US official said on Monday, the United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the vast majority of the Presidents March 6th Executive Order Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States could go into effect.

"This ruling was a significant win for our national security, and President Trump was particularly gratified by the unanimity of the decision. As recent events have shown, we are living in a very dangerous time, and the U.S. Government needs every available tool to prevent terrorists from entering the country and committing acts of bloodshed and violence. And as the President reiterated following Mondays ruling, his number one responsibility as Commander-in-Chief is to keep the American people safe," the official said.

"Today, the Trump administration will begin taking additional steps to do just that. Pursuant to the Presidents June 14th interagency memorandum and to the extent permitted by the Supreme Court, implementation of Executive Order 13780 will begin today at 8 oclock p.m. Eastern Standard Time."



The test for foreign nationals who can enter USA under the Supreme Court's ruling is whether one has a "credible claim of bona fide relationship" with either an entity (like a school or a job) or a person living in the US (such as a spouse).

The 90-day ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and the 120-day ban on refugees will have exceptions for those with "close family relationships" in the United States.

"....the guidance we have from the President is to put a pause on certain travel while we review our security posture. And we have guidance on what types of relationships would be exempted from the pause, and we are following our legal guidance in the Immigration and Nationality Act and what was in the court decision in determining what constitutes the bona fide relationship," said the US official.

"...our goal is to meet the intent of the presidential directive in line with the Supreme Court decision. Waivers still exist, and consular officers still have the ability to waive the inadmissibility for certain types of applicants. I cant predict how many applicants that will be, however," said the official.

"....we are looking at the courts decision as we implement this. And there were two different portions to the bona fide relationship. So we looked at the family relationships. And again, we used the INA definition of family as our basis for that, in addition to some other language from the ruling.

"And in terms of the entities with which one can have a relationship, yes, individuals who are students or who have lecturer positions and have an established connection would be able to continue traveling on their visas or likely qualify for visas, again, according to an individual consular officer decision," the official said.

The ban was however challenged in court by the state of Hawaii questioning the Trump administrations interpretation of a standard for granting visas as enumerated by the supreme court ruling Monday allowing the ban.



Reports said Hawaii filed an emergency motion asking the federal district court judge to "clarify as soon as possible that the Supreme Court meant what it said," and issue an order confirming that the court orders do not allow the Trump administration to exclude grandparents, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins of persons in the United States.


A federal appeals court has dealt a blow to the state of Kansas in its attempt to prevent the Quapaw Tribe from expanding a casino onto ancestral territory.

The tribe's Downstream Casino Resort is unique in that it sits on land in three states. The gaming portion is on trust land in Oklahoma while the parking lot and other facilities are located in Kansas and Missouri.

But when the tribe announced plans to expand the casino into the Kansas portion, the state responded with a lawsuit. At issue is a letter from the National Indian Gaming Commission which said the land could be used for gaming.

And while the letter indeed supports the tribe's right to engage in gaming on the 124-acre parcel in Kansas, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals said the state could not challenge it. It's merely "advisory" in nature, and it doesn't bind the federal government to any particular position, a three-judge panel ruled on Tuesday.

"In short, the letter merely expresses an advisory, non-binding opinion, without any legal effect on the status quo ante," Judge Carlos F. Lucero wrote in the 18-page decision

An aerial view of the Downstream Casino Resort. Gaming activities occur on trust land on the Oklahoma side of the border and a parking lot can be seen on the Kansas side. Another portion of the facility, not seen here, extends into Missouri. Image: Google Earth

Despite the legal victory, the tribe has yet to move forward with the $15 million expansion that was announced in December 2014 . The state has refused to negotiate a Class III gaming compact and dropped a lawsuit after the state asserted sovereign immunity. Class III games are already authorized on the Oklahoma portion.

Still, the NIGC's opinion remains noteworthy. It appears to be the first time in the history of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that a tribe has won the right to engage in gaming on land that was part of its "last recognized reservation."

For the Quapaws, the reservation in Kansas is known as the "Quapaw Strip." The tribe acquired 124 acres there in 2012.

Generally, IGRA bars gaming on lands acquired after 1988. But the NIGC's letter said the tribe qualified for an exception in Section 20 of the law that applies to a "last recognized reservation."

Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, Kansas v. Zinke [NIGC]

10th Circuit Court of Appeals Decision: Kansas v. Zinke (June 27, 2017)

Relevant Documents: NIGC Indian Land Opinion For 'Quapaw Strip' in Kansas (November 2014)

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Senator Jerry Hill, author of a statewide surveillance equipment transparency initiative said, the bill creates public disclosure and legislative oversight and changes a status quo where law enforcement agencies deploy multiple kinds of tracking equipment and technologies with no public review at all.

Sacramento  On June 27, the Assembly Public Safety Committee of the CA Legislature voted 4-2 to support SB 21, a statewide surveillance equipment transparency initiative. Having cleared the Senate side, this was the third of four policy committees to review the bill. If adopted, SB 21 would bring municipal privacy reforms enacted in the County of Santa Clara and in process in Oakland, Berkeley, the Bay Area Rapid Transit District and several other Norcal cities and counties, to all 482 cities and 57 counties across the state.At Tuesday's hearing in the State Capitol, bill author Senator Jerry Hill from San Mateo said the bill creates public disclosure and legislative oversight and changes a status quo where law enforcement agencies deploy multiple kinds of tracking equipment and technologies with no public review at all.Dave Maas, a researcher with the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, said law enforcement officials are acquiring advanced surveillance technologies without the info they need to make an educated decision. He suggested that a public process is necessary to determine whether surveillance technologies and their costs to our privacy and budget are proportionate to the public safety interest.Both Hill and Maas cited examples of boondoggles that have compromised both civil rights and municipal budgets, including the use of license plate readers in mosque parking lots on the East Coast and the city of Calexico's secret surveillance program, which was condemned in a Department of Justice anti-corruption investigation in 2016.Brian Hofer, the chair of Oakland's Municipal Privacy Advisory Commission, the first standing municipal privacy commission with oversight of surveillance equipment in the country, said there's nothing radical about SB-21 other than that it hasn't been done before regarding surveillance equipment. We spend more time discussing and imposing regulations on barber shops and taco trucks than on equipment capable of tracking my whereabouts in real time, locating me within my own home, place of worship or doctors office or tracking my face as I walk about town.Jonathan Feldman, speaking on behalf of the CA Police Chiefs Association in opposition to the bill, advocated for the continuation of secret law enforcement surveillance saying anytime we open things up for questions from the public, there's a concern that we may have to field some of those questions.Committee chair and head of the CA Legislative Black Caucus Reginald Jones-Sawyer Sr. indicated support for the bill and said he hoped the bill sponsors could assuage some, if not all, of law enforcement's concerns.A video of the 20 minute hearing can be viewed in its entirety here In June of 2015, Oakland became the first city in California to create a standing commission on privacy to advise municipal officials. In June of 2016, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the first surveillance equipment transparency ordinance in California.SB 21 will next be heard in its fourth and final policy committee hearing on July 11 at 1:30pm in the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.###Oakland Privacy is a citizens coalition that works regionally to defend the right to privacy and enhance public transparency and oversight regarding the use of surveillance techniques and equipment.
Brazil: Will Moro destroy the rule of law? emiliojoselemosdelima [at] gmail.com) by Emilio Jose Lemos de Lima

Will Moro destroy the rule of law in Brazil by condemning Lula with no evidences, apparently to put him out of the coming presidential race?



Will Moro destroy the rule of law in Brazil by condemning Lula with no evidences, apparently to put him out of the coming presidential race?



Will he dare to do it? Why? Who or what is with him? This is the desperate strategy of PSDB and PMDB? Of the banks?



Will he be allowed to do this? Higher authorities will let it happen?



What exactly is happening in Brazil? Where is democracy?



American people must help brazilian people getting democracy back!
In Person Fiancee Opens Up About Detained Irrawaddy Reporter

Lawi Weng, left, and Loa Htaw, right.

YANGON  The sudden arrest of her fiance by the Myanmar Army shattered Loa Htaws dreams. Before Mondaywhen the Tatmadaw arrested Irrawaddy senior reporter Lawi Weng, also known as U Thein Zaw, on his return from a reporting trip in northern Shan Statethe 33-year old Mon woman was thinking about the wedding ring that Lawi had promised to purchase for her ahead of their nuptials in November.

Loa Htaw had recently bought fabric for the traditional Mon clothing that they would both wear for the big day. They had agreed to spend their married life together in Yangon and Mon State. It would mark an end to five years of long-distance love, with Lawi based in Yangon since 2012 and Lao Htaw in Thailand studying for her masters degree in Global Communication Studies at a university in Bangkok.

I dreamt of building a very peaceful family with him after we were married. I want to have a son. We would go to monasteries and pagodas together, Lawis fiancee told The Irrawaddy five days after his arrest.

Currently, her partner is in prison, along with two other reporters form the Democratic Voice of Burma, in Hsipaw, a provincial town in northern Shan State. The reporters are charged with violating the Unlawful Associations Act, with the Myanmar Army accusing them of connections with the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), a group labeled as terrorists by the Shan State parliament.

The reporters had covered the TNLAs drug burning ceremony on Monday to mark the UNs International Day against Drug Abuse and were detained shortly after. In the wake of the arrest, The Irrawaddys Kyaw Phyo Tha had a conversation with Loa Htaw detailing her reaction to the arrest, her expectations and requests for her boyfriends freedom and about Lawi Weng as a person as well.

What are your reactions to Lawis arrest?

I have never thought he would go through something like this. We are unprepared to have that kind of situation, and when it happened I had no idea how to deal with it. But I really want to talk to him to ask what I can do for his release.

What do you mean by being unprepared?

He didnt seem to think that he would face restrictions on the media under the new [National League for Democracy] government or by the military as well. So he sticks to reporting the truth and what he witnesses, and doesnt seem to worry about his own safety or wellbeing. Sometimes I worried about him while reading his stories, as most of them are about fighting between government troops and ethnic armed groups and the situations in conflict areas. When I raised my concerns to him, he just replied, No worries. We are now under a democratic government.

Do you have any requests to make regarding his release?

I want to make a request here to anyone concerned: Please release him. He is an innocent man who did his job as a journalist. As he mostly writes about conflict, its natural that he needs to talk to his sources, whoever they are. If not, how can he write stories without verification? He needs to see what is happening out there as well. I believe 100 percent that he is innocent.

What are your worries at the moment?

I am worried he was forced by the army to confess before they handed him to the police. I dont want him spend time in jail. Based on my 17 years of experience knowing him, I swear he is not a guy who would do something bad. If he has to spend more time in jail, Im afraid it will have impacts on his healthboth physically and mentally. Plus, as he is an ethnic Mon, Im worried that he wouldnt be seen as speaking properly at the court hearing, because his Burmese is not that good in that kind of situation, despite his knowledge of the language.

When did you two last talk?

I received a message about his safe arrival in Lashio at around 10 p.m. on Saturday. We talked on Friday night before his trip. I complained to him about his frequent travels. He said, I want to go there. When I learned about his arrest on Monday afternoon, I called his phone but there was no answer, and then it was switched off.

How would you describe Lawi Wengs character?

As a very caring person. Whenever he got back from trips, he always brought something for me. He said he had bought a piece of amber from his recent trip in Kachin State, to make me a pendant for a necklace. I havent seen it yet as we didnt have a chance to meet. He is someone who knows me very well. As he is older than me, he is also like a brother who never fails to give me guidance or assistance when I am in need. I feel secure when I am with him.

What will you do now?

I will have to wait for his release. After my dad, he is the man who I respect, love and trust most in my life. I used to tease him, by asking which side he was on: journalism or me. But he never answered. I wont even mind, if he no longer needs me after his release.
Burma Five Inmates Escape from Mon State Labor Camp

The five escapees. / Hein Maung

MAWLAMYINE, Mon State  Police and government officials are searching for five male inmates who escaped from Inn Paung labor camp in Mon States Paung Township on Wednesday after attacking a police lance corporal, a township police officer confirmed.

[The inmates] threw stones and attacked the policeman with a hammer and ran away from the quarry at around 10 a.m., police officer Tun Zaw Oo of Paung Township Police Station told The Irrawaddy, adding that the lance corporal who was attacked did not sustain major injuries.

Three of the prisoners are serving terms of 13, nine and eight years while two are serving terms of ten years, according to police records.

Officials from the Correction Department and village administrative bodies joined police in combing the area to search for the escapees, said the police officer.

There are mountains at the back of the quarry and rubber plantations. We think they are hiding there, said the police officer.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Myanmar Says it Will Refuse Entry to UN Fact-Finding Mission

A Myanmar policeman at the entrance to a Rohingya refugee camp outside Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State. / Reuters

YANGON  Myanmar will refuse entry to members of a UN probe focusing on allegations of killings, rape and torture by security forces in Rakhine State, an official said on Friday.

The government led by Nobel laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had already said it would not cooperate with a mission set up after a Human Rights Council resolution was adopted in March.

If they are going to send someone with regards to the fact-finding mission, then theres no reason for us to let them come, said U Kyaw Zeya, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the capital, Naypyitaw.

Our missions worldwide are advised accordingly, he said, explaining that visas to enter Myanmar would not be issued to the missions appointees or staff.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who came to power last year amid a transition from military rule, leads Myanmar through the specially created position of State Counselor, but is also minister of foreign affairs.

Although she does not oversee the military, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been criticized for failing to stand up for the more than 1 million stateless Rohingya Muslims in the western state of Rakhine.

She said during a trip to Sweden this month the UN mission would have created greater hostility between the different communities.

The majority in Rakhine are ethnic Rakhine Buddhists who, like many in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, see the Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Some 75,000 Rohingya fled northwestern Rakhine state to Bangladesh late last year after the Myanmar army carried out a security operation in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents that killed nine border police.

A UN report in February, based on interviews with some of the Rohingya refugees, said the response involved mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingya, and very likely amounted to crimes against humanity and possibly ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar, along with neighbors China and India, dissociated itself from the March resolution brought by the European Union, which called for a mission to look into the allegations in Rakhine as well as reports of abuses in ethnic conflicts in the north of the country.

Indira Jaising, an advocate from the Supreme Court of India, was appointed to lead the mission in May. The other two members are Harvard-trained Sri Lankan lawyer Radhika Coomaraswamy and Australian consultant Christopher Dominic.

Myanmar insists that a domestic investigationheaded by former lieutenant general and Vice President U Myint Sweis sufficient to look into the allegations in Rakhine.

Why do they try to use unwarranted pressure when the domestic mechanisms have not been exhausted? said U Kyaw Zeya.

It will not contribute to our efforts to solve the issues in a holistic manner, he said.

An advisory panel headed by former UN chief Kofi Annan is set to propose solutions for the broader issues in Rakhine but has not been asked to investigate human rights abuses.
DOVER  Authorities conducting an exhaustive search for Lynn Rickard, 59, of Dover, who has been missing since Sunday, want the public to be diligent and now they believe she may be nearby.

We would like to remind the public to remain diligent and to carefully check their property. It is likely that Lynn Rickard is within a short distance of the Kansasville area, Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said.

The last sightings of her, naked and crossing a field, were within a half-mile of her home at Hickory Haven mobile home park, 5015 Schoen Road, at about 7 a.m. Sunday.

Her husband, John Rickard, reported her missing two hours later when he said he woke up and discovered his wife, who was being treated for an undiagnosed mental illness, had apprarently jumped out the living room window.

The Racine County Sheriffs Office continued to investigate Rickards disappearance Friday and was reviewing any information that is received by the public.

Although scaled back, we remain diligent with our search and continue to investigate, Schmaling said. My staff and I are hoping to find closure for the Rickard family over the holiday weekend.

A Rickard family spokesman, Brian Bynsdorp, said the family is staying positive.

The family is doing well and are grateful that the search is planned to continue, Bynsdorp said.

As area residents start to celebrate the extended 4th of July weekend, Schmaling said that will not affect how authorities conduct the search in the coming days.

The fact that there is a holiday upon us this weekend has absolutely no effect on our investigation and search for Lynn, Schmaling said.

Several large-scale searches have been conducted since Lynn Rickards disappearance, which included areas in nearby Kenosha County in addition to Racine County. The Racine Sheriffs Office has utilized multiple fire and EMS resources throughout the region. The search has also been supplemented by Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Civil Air Patrol, Wisconsin State Patrol and Flight for Life.

Lynn Rickard is white, about 5 feet, 4 inches tall and about 150 pounds, with brown hair longer than shoulder length and brown eyes. Anyone who sees her is asked to call 911 or the county dispatch center at 262-886-2300.
Burma Soldier Photographs Reporters at Article 66(d) Hearing

Police arrive at mediate between reporters and Private Soe Myint Aung on Friday. / Moe Myint / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  Journalists filed a complaint against a plain-clothed soldier on Friday who was photographing them outside the hearing of a newspaper editor being charged for publishing an article satirizing Myanmars peace process.

The Protecting Committee for Myanmar Journalists (PCMJ) filed the complaint against Corporal Soe Myint Aung of Yangon Military Command at Bahan Police Station under a bill enacted this year that was drafted to restrict state surveillance.

Dozens of reporters were outside the fifth court hearing of The Voice Daily chief editor Ko Kyaw Min Swe on Friday who has been prosecuted by Lt-Col Lin Tun of Yangon Military Command under Article 66(d) of the controversial Telecommunications Act.

Most journalists were not allowed inside to witness the trial, in which Ko Kyaw Min Swe was denied bail for the fourth time.

Corporal Soe Myint Aung approached journalists, including PCMJ committee members, and used his mobile phone to photograph their faces, as they interviewed the chief editors legal advisor U Khin Maung Myint under Shwe Gone Daing flyover after the hearing.

At first, the soldier refused to answer the journalists questions concerning his name and organization, but then he answered territorial security, according to the reporters. The Irrawaddy was also at the scene.

Soe Myint Aung then gave his service number and rank after calling an army officer for permission. The soldier was ordered by a high-ranking official to collect news of the hearing, he said. The plaintiff Lt-Col Lin Tun did not attend the hearing.

The journalists told Soe Myint Aung that by taking photos of individuals instead of a wider shot he was breaching the Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens law, which was enacted in March in order to curtail the states intrusion on peoples privacy with surveillance and the repressive security apparatus.

The journalists asked him to delete the photos, but said he only deleted some.

The PCMJ filed the complaint to police, saying its members were targeted. The police will reply to the complaint in 30 days, according to standard procedure.

Some reporters told The Irrawaddy they had been tracked since the beginning of the chief editors trial.

The army is closely watching how we gather news, said Ma Thuzar of 7 Day TV, who said she was photographed by Soe Myint Aung. This is threatening the work and private lives of reporters. As far as I know, that kind of surveillance was carried out by Special Branch officers previouslynow the army does the work itself.

Press Council member U Myint Kyaw said surveillance activities should be conducted within the legal framework, adding that a throwback to the activities of the military regime era would now be illegal.

People who are individually photographed without committing any crime are having their privacy breached. We cant accept such conduct, he said.
Burma Thousands of Myanmar Migrants Return from Thailand

Myanmar migrants arrived in the Myanmar border town of Myawaddy from Thailand on June 29. / Ye Min / Facebook

CHIANG MAI, Thailand  Thousands of illegal migrant workers from Myanmar have been returning to the country amid a crackdown by Thai authorities.

The migrants have flocked to the Myawaddy-Mae Sot border and other border checkpoints along the Thaungyin Riverknown as the Moei River in Thailandsince Thai authorities began arresting illegal migrants on June 22, said U Moe Gyo, chairman of Mae Sot-based Myanmar Citizens Affairs Committee.

Thai authorities should not make immediate arrests after imposing new labor laws. Myanmar authorities should also open counters at the border checkpoints to warmly welcome back our citizens. Most of those who have fled from Thailand are now disheartened, U Moe Gyo told The Irrawaddy.

Locals from the Myanmar border town of Myawaddy told The Irrawaddy they had joined immigration officials, police and local authorities in welcoming back those migrants who crossed the border on Thursday.

Thailands government has made a stream of arrests of illegal migrants since it introduced changes to its labors laws on June 20, pushing many to return to their native countries.

Under Thailands previous labor laws, illegal migrants were imprisoned for 48 days and then deported to their native countries. But the new amendments carry the possibility of a five-year jail sentence and a fine, according to the migrants.

The majority of illegal migrants in Thailand are Myanmar; others are Cambodian and Laotian among other nationalities, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Thai media reports state thousands of illegal migrants have been arrested in a move heavily criticized by Thai businessmen and politicians, who argue that it has affected Thailands productivity, said U Kyaw Thaung, chairman of the Myanmar Association in Thailand.

It has caused controversy in Thailand. Some politicians have warned that it could result in the collapse of the Thai economy. Thai businessmen have asked the government to reconsider its move as it threatens the countrys manufacturing industry, said the chairman.

U Kyaw Thaung said he hoped that a meeting between Thai and Myanmar labor officials on Friday in Naypyitaw would deliver good results for Myanmar illegal migrants in Thailand.

Rights groups in Thailand urged the Myanmar government to arrange for its citizens who are working in the country illegally to return through the border, stressing that many of them have already fled raids by Thai authorities and left their belongings behind.

The Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok also told Myanmar workers who are holding passports, pink cards or temporary passports to apply for work permits with their employers.

According to the embassy, there are about 4 million Myanmar migrants in Thailand and about 1.7 million of them have work permits.

The Thai government plans to deport all illegal migrants from the country by 2018.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Guest Column The Tripartite Power Struggle in the KIO

Kachin Independence Army soldiers at Phare camp for Internally Displaced Persons in Kachin State in 2016. / J Paing / The Irrawaddy

After major reshuffles in the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) in January 2016, the power struggle among the senior leadership of the KIO is gradually becoming more visible.

The KIO reshuffled seven positions: Vice Chairman of the KIO, the Deputy Chairs 1 and 2 of the Kachin Independence Council (KIC), Vice Chiefs of Staff 1 and 2, General Staff Officer, and Foreign Affairs Liaison. The shakeup was implemented to create a new political landscape in what some skeptics believe to have been a silent coup by the hardline leader Gen NBan La.

Regrettably, disagreements between three senior generalsGen NBan La, Lt-Gen Gam Shawng and Maj-Gen Gun Mawhave recently erupted. This raises a number of questions: What makes this power struggle more visible? What are the major controversies at hand? And, lastly, what will be the outcome for the organization?

Historical Savior: Gen NBan La

Gen NBan La holds two positions: the KIOs Vice Chair and the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). He is also a former chairperson in the ethnic coalition the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC).

Historically, Gen NBan La has been known for cracking down within the Kachin ranks. The first crackdown occurred in 2001 with the ouster of Lt-Gen Mali Zup Zau Mai, the then KIO chairman. Gen Lamung Tu Jai was then appointed to the chairmanship. Since that time, Gen NBan La has been hailed by the junior ranks as a savior and protector of the KIO/A.

A second suppression occurred on January 7, 2004 at Pajau, the old KIO/A headquarters by the Chinese border. Gen NBan La, then KIA Chief of Staff, cracked down on a handful of senior ranking officers who had attempted a military coup aimed at replacing him. The plan was to instate the KIO intelligence chief, Col Lasang Aung Wah, in his role.

The coup failed. It resulted in both a major split and in Lasang Aung Wah fleeing to National Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K) territory in Pangwah, taking about 100 KIA soldiers with him. Later he would form his own militia group, the Lasang Aung Wah, stationed in Gwi Htu, Waimaw Township. Since then, Gen NBan La deposed several senior ranking officers and has taken on many important roles in the KIO/A himself.

Notorious Drug-Eradicator: Lt-Gen Gam Shawng

Lt-Gen Gam Shawng also holds two powerful positions: Chief of Staff of the Kachin Independence Army and Deputy Chair of the Kachin Independence Council (KIC). His name was infamously recorded in history when he commanded that scores of drug users be shot in 1990, while serving as a Commanding Officer in the No. 6 Battalion in Hpakant.

He gradually garnered higher roles in the KIO/A, serving as Commander of the No. 1 Brigade, Chief of the KIO Representative Office (the Liaison Office in Myitkyina) and as General Secretary of the KIO central committee. He then took a position as Chief of Staff after La Sang Aung Wahs failed mutiny in 2004. During the decade of Lt-Gen Gam Shawngs leadership, the KIA has expanded three BrigadesNos. 6, 7 and 8and many battalions. The greatest success of the KIA thus far has been to found the military academy in which many potential young leaders, as well as cadets from different ethnic armed groups, are trained.

Popular Maj-Gen Gun Maw

Maj-Gen Gun Maw has arguably been the officer most quickly promoted within the KIO/A ranks. He is popular among the Kachin public, particularly with youth, and is a charismatic leader. He once led a KIO negotiating team and has earned trust both domestically and internationally for his diplomacy. The major success of his career was to initiate the program Education and Economic Development for Youth, in which the KIO provides young people with basic military training and courses on drug awareness, Kachin culture and ideology, democracy and federalism. Maj-Gen Gun Maw also initiated the founding of the Military Strategic Office, of which he was in charge as Colonel. After Vice Chief of Staff Brig-Gen Zau Nan died suddenly, Gun Maw was promoted from Colonel to Brig-Gen and took on the vacant position. In January 2016, he was reshuffled as Deputy Chair II of the KIC.

What Creates Power Struggles?

From external observation, there are three potential causes of the split between these generals.

First, it is likely that there is weak communication amongst the leadership. Gen NBan La, who served as a chairman in the UNFC, is known to not often reveal the detailed information or policies set by the ethnic bloc to the KIOs central committee. Due to his UNFC ties, he is known to reside largely in Thailand, contributing to a lower frequency of face-to-face meetings with other members of leadership in Kachin State. There have been reports of miscommunication regarding Gen NBan Las attendance at the second session of the 21st Century Panglong Conference in May. The KIO as an organization opted out of participating, but the Chinese special envoy Sun Guoxiang allegedly arranged for the Northern Alliance of ethnic armed groups to attend at the last minutea delegation which Gen NBan La joined.

Another potential source of contention involves the evolving role of Maj-Gen Gun Maw. He was previously involved in several peace talks under the UNFCs delegation for political negotiation (DPN). In this regard, he held a high profile, but his role has diminished since the Myanmar Army rejected the UNFCs nine-point peace proposal.

Following this turn of events, Maj-Gen Gun Maw returned to the KIAs Laiza headquarters. As Gen NBan La further invests in peace talks led by the Northern Alliance, Gun Maws opportunities to contribute to the peace process in turn become more limited.

It is possible that the three men each see one another as believing in different policy approaches and leadership styles, as well. To someone with the stance of Gen NBan La, Lt-Gen Gam Shawng could be perceived as being uncomfortably close with the Chinese. After Gam Shawng took a position as chief of the KIOs economic committee, he was approached by a number of Chinese businesspeople interested in extracting the Kachin regions natural resources. According to the economic department of the KIO, Ms. Ali Chyea prominent Chinese tycoonnegotiated special permits with Lt-Gen Gam Shawng, reportedly bonding over shared religious beliefs.

While Gen NBan La has been criticized for his rigidity, the younger Maj-Gen Gun Maws own popularity and embrace of more youthful tools of communication, like social mediaincluding the posting of KIO updates on his personal Facebook pagecould also be viewed as threatening to older, more traditional members within the organization.

These three generals each have their own patrons who back them in case of a power struggle. For Gen NBan La, this includes junior leaders who respect him for saving the KIO/A from attempted coups. Lt-Gen Gam Shawng enjoys the confidence of holding control of the full chain of command from the KIA military. Maj-Gen Gun Maw obtains support from both peers within the central committee and from the greater Kachin public.

Yet historically, internal power struggles lead to splits within organizations. This was witnessed when known druglord Zahkung Ting Ying formed the New Democratic Army-Kachin in 1989, and again in 1990 with Mahtu Naw, along with whom parts of the KIAs 4th Brigade broke away to form the Kachin Defense Army in northern Shan State, and finally, in 2004, when Lasang Aung Wah formed his 100-man militia at Gwi Htu. Observers, myself included, worry how the current fragmentation among the leadership will play out, and what its impact will be on the Kachin movement.

Healing the Fragmentation

It is believed that some Kachin religious leaders have intervened and have been advising the KIO on how to avoid a potential split. Internally, there appear to be two ways in which the KIO could act halt any fragmentation. In what could be described as a worst-case scenario, the organization could enact a statute limiting officers careers by restricting the maximum serving age to 60 years. Once the ruling is in effect, generals over sixty years old would be forced to resign from their respective positions and hand over power to junior generals. This could serve as a mechanism for a peaceful transfer of power.

The seemingly best option is a face-to-face meeting in which the central committee members confront and address existing contentions. Moreover, the junior officialsparticularly Brig-Gen Hkawng Lum (VCS-I), Brig-Gen Aung Seng La (VCS-II), Brig-Gen Zau Tawng (Gen Staff Officer), Col Brang Nan, Col Tawng La, Col Hkun Seng and Col Naw Hkanwould need to collectively step in and put forward solutions.

Absent such a timely intervention, the existing fragmentation among the senior generals could lead to unprecedented results, including the potential split of the KIO, which no Kachin wants.

Joe Kumbun is the pseudonym of a Kachin State-based contributor.

This article has been updated to remove a disputed statement in the original.
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Neil Thompson | (Informed Comment) |  

After several years in which refugees and migration have featured heavily in the Western media narrative, a disturbing correlation between human trafficking and conflict zones is well established. But new studies indicate that conflicts do not just cause human trafficking as refugees seek to flee warzones; wars also create demand for various forms of labour which human traffickers seek to satisfy, with child trafficking and trafficking within conflicts both emerging areas of international concern. Moreover, some smuggling networks take advantage of the collapse of law and order in warzones to deliberately transition economic migrants through them, while established criminal networks in places like Europe cooperate with these traffickers to bypass more secure borders elsewhere and get their migrants into developed states where they can be put to work for the criminal cells based there.

The North African state of Libya features all the types of trafficking mentioned above, though arguably it first became widely known due to Syrian refugees seeking to cross the Mediterranean and reach Europe. With Libyas various feuding governments unable to provide work or security for Libyans and foreign visitors, criminal enterprises have essentially filled the gap, and human traffickers providing some local people with employment while intimidating their critics into silence with violence. The smuggling syndicates also treat their fleeing customers appallingly, launching them from Libyas coast into international waters on flimsy vessels in the hopeful expectation that rescuers from Western navies or foreign NGOs will pick them up and take them to Italy.

However, escaping conflict by getting to Europe is not the only reason foreigners risk entering Libyan territory. The US State Department has also recorded explicit cases of sub-Saharan migrants being tricked into accepting false offers of work within Libya itself, then being pressed into sexual slavery or forced labour (often in agriculture) once they arrive. In 2016 it reported Eritreans, Sudanese, and Somalis as being particularly at risk of being subjected to forced labour in Libya, whilst Nigerian women experienced a heightened risk of being forced into prostitution (particularly in the south of the country). The report cites how official indifference, extremely limited law enforcement capabilities, legal loopholes and a non-functioning judicial system have all combined to allow the forced labour and sexual exploitation of trafficked individuals (who usually have no legal right to be in Libya) to continue. The Libyan franchise of Islamic State is also known to have lured or forced foreign women into sexual slavery when it held the city of Sirte.

The money made by trafficking migrants and refugees into and out of Libya is also supplemented by moving their victims around the war-torn country itself. Media reports have highlighted how some individuals are held hostage by smugglers while their families are extorted for money. Others report being sold at slave markets, and then being passed from owner to owner around the country. Some of the migrants themselves even begin to work for their Libyan captors as guards and enforcers, with Italian police recently arresting a Somali suspect on the island of Lampedusa on suspicion of murder, torture and extortion. Mohamed Ahmed Taher, 23, was accused by other migrants in Lampedusa of being employed by a transnational armed criminal organisation at a detention centre in Libyas south-eastern Kufra region according to the police who arrested him.

Child trafficking is a particularly worrying trend for international organisations and NGOs, who have recorded militias and terrorist networks using children as soldiers, sex slaves, labours, servants and even suicide bombers during recent years. In Libya, there have been past reports of children being used as fighters by the former Ghaddafi regime and its opponents, but the focus today is on child prostitution. Trafficking gangs are exploiting sub-Saharan girls in Libya itself, but are then sending most to Italy, where they quickly meet migrant gang members and leave Italy to head to other European countries further north. The free movement of people between European Union countries means that once the victims have landed in Italy they can be moved across the rest of the EU by their traffickers without undergoing further identity checks.

The Libyan trafficking groups are able to operate this way because they themselves make up only part of a much wider transnational criminal network working on a migrant trail stretching from Europe to deep into the Horn of Africa and elsewhere. To the south-east of Libya Somali pirate groups turned to human trafficking to keep themselves in work after an international crackdown on their maritime activities. At the other end of the journey Nigerian criminals have migrated from Libya to nearby Italy and are reportedly working in uneasy partnership with the Sicilian mafia in the sex and drug trades. Recently Italian police raids have targeted the Nigerian Vikings and Black Axe gangs to disrupt this malign trend.

The fact that Italian police have weakened traditional Italian organised crime syndicates like the Camorra in Naples in recent years may also have helped African organised crime groups involved in people trafficking to extend their overseas activities into new sectors. While the fight against Italian organised crime itself is far from finished, Italian police have far less information about the newer African organised crime groups springing up in their place. As a result, recently cells of criminalised migrants have begun to operate independently (and often under the radar) inside Italian cities and likely in other European countries, whilst keeping communications open with groups back home. In turn those smuggling networks now connect most major population centres in the northern half of Africa to Tripolis coast.

Such webs of criminal groups pull vulnerable African migrants from their countries towards Europe in the same manner as Libyan gangs lure refugees and migrants into Libya, promising them good jobs and support in the strange new country. The European border control agency Frontex estimates that some 60,000 migrants reached Italian territory in the first six months of 2017, causing ructions in Italian politics and leaving many desperate individuals open to recruitment into criminal gangs as a result of Europes inability (and unwillingness) to absorb them. Meanwhile the collapse of state authority in Libya creates a secure jumping off point near to Europes borders and a legal safe haven for trafficking kingpins. Until this situation is resolved by the end of its civil war and the creation of a strong and stable Libyan government, the North African country will tragically remain a global centre and exporter of people trafficking and modern slavery.

Neil Thompson is a freelance writer who has lived and travelled extensively through East Asia and the Middle East. He holds an MA in the International Relations of East Asia from Durham University, and is now based in London.



Related video added by Juan Cole:

Thomson Reuters Foundation: Frontline Insight: Photographing Libyas slaves
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by Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Yes, Trumps gratuitous Twitter insult to newswoman Mika Brzezinski was horrible. But US cable news and even a lot of print news are falling down on the job by focusing on these clashes of personality that Trump provokes.

In contrast, corporate news is not doing a good job of covering Trumps planned tax cuts for the rich at the expense of middle class Americans (Time Warner, Viacom, Comcast and the other media giants would benefit from the tax cuts). They wont say a word about climate change, even though we only have two or three years to swing into very substantial action in order to prevent climate chaos. They do talk about health care, but their he said-she said model muddies the waters on how all our oxen are about to be gored by Mitch McConnell for the sake of his billionaire buddies.

So heres what we ought to be talking about.

1. Trump and the GOP Congress are coming for Medicaid.

Medicaid is for low-income and disabled patients. Trump and the GOP are going to kick 15 million people off it and cut $772 billion out of it over 10 years. That is, he is going to leave 15 million people without the care they need to give a tax break to the super-rich. Some of them will suffer. Some of them will die. (Yes.)

Plus they are going to kick 22 million people who have coverage under the ACA off of health insurance by ensuring it is too expensive. They are going to raise your deductibles. Again, hundreds of billions will instead go to the super-rich (I mean mainly to the 600 billionaires in the US. Most of what the GOP does is for those 600 people, and a handful of them dont even want it). And, again, millions of people will be sicker than they need to be and some will die.

Trumpcare will kill 20,000 people a year by 2025.

Through summer of 2016, ISIL had killed 1200 people outside Syria and Iraq, i.e. in Europe and elsewhere in South Asia and the Middle East.

That is, Trumpcare is 20 times more dangerous in the West than the terror threat of ISIL.

2. Trump has literally taken away the right to clean water.. He is fine if it is full of mercury (a nerve poison released by burning coal) and lead (which causes permanent damage to IQ and attention span in children).

3. Not to mention that he is trying to roll back limitations on toxic carbon dioxide emissions, which because it is a greenhouse gas, are poisoning our planet. Climate change could reduce GDP by 3% a year and plunge the US into a permanent Great Recession. It will hit Texas and the southeast especially hard.

4. Trump would like to kill Americas scientific and technological advantages in the world by slashing funding for science and science research, reducing us to a fourth world country.

5. Trump has deeply endangered US national security by making us a laughingstock and reducing by orders of magnitude the likelihood that any other powers will partner with us in world affairs. The US needs allies and partners, but Trump has told them to jump in a lake, and anyway they can see how flaky he is. Imagine him calling up Emmanuel Macron in France and asking him to join in a military operation! Yet George H. W. Bush was able to call up the Socialist president of France, Francois Mitterand, and convince him to join in the Gulf War to rescue little Kuwait from the clutches of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. When a president now cannot do things on the world stage a president could do only 27 years ago, that is a sign of deep and worrisome decline.



Related video:

Al Franken: Trump tax cut for top 400 would fund Medicaid for 750,000
VANCOUVER, June 30, 2017 /CNW/ - NexGen Energy Ltd. ("NexGen" or the "Company") (TSX:NXE, NYSE MKT:NXE) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding term sheet with CEF Holdings Limited ("CEF") for a second financing package totalling US$110 million, comprising:

(a) US$50 million of common shares of NexGen (th e "Placement Shares"); and (b) US$60 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible debentures ( the "New Debentures").

The US$50 million placement will result in the issuance of approximately 24.1 million Placement Shares at a price of C$2.70 (US$2.07 at an exchange rate of 1.3060) per Placement Share representing the 20-day VWAP of the Company's common shares (the "Common Shares"). The New Debentures will be convertible at the holder's option into Common Shares at a conversion price (the "Conversion Price") of C$3.52 (US$2.69 at an exchange rate of 1.3060), equal to a 30% premium to the 20-day VWAP of the Common Shares. The "20-day VWAP" was calculated as the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") for the 20 trading days ending on the day prior to the date of execution of the binding term sheet, converted into US$ using the C$-US$ daily average rate of exchange published by the Bank of Canada for each relevant date.

In connection with the financing, the Company and CEF have also agreed to extend the maturity date of the existing US$60 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible debentures (the "Existing Debentures") to match the maturity date of the New Debentures as well as certain other non-financial amendments including the strategic alignment provisions described below.

Leigh Curyer, Chief Executive Officer of NexGen commented: "We are thrilled to build on the partnership between NexGen and CEF, which formally commenced just 12 months ago with the initial investment of US$60 million. This financing represents a very strong alignment between NexGen and CEF and funds the Company to expedite the optimal development of Arrow."

"Our investment today builds on the shared long-term vision and close strategic partnership with NexGen," said CEF's Chief Executive Officer, Warren Gilman. "NexGen continues to deliver on all its objectives as it develops Arrow. We are excited at the opportunity to support the Company in its goal of maximizing shareholder value by optimizing the development of Arrow which is proving to be one of the best mineral assets we've encountered."

The Existing Debentures, Placement Shares and New Debentures are expected to be held by CEF (Capital Markets) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEF (as to US$20 million principal amount of Existing Debentures, US$25 million of the Placement Shares and US$20 million principal amount of New Debentures); and holding companies (the "Li Investor") of which each of Messrs. Li Ka Shing and his son Victor Li are entitled to exercise, or control the exercise of, one-third or more of the voting power at general meetings (as to the balance of Existing Debentures, Placement Shares and New Debentures). CEF (Capital Markets) Limited and the Li Investor are collectively referred to below as the "Investors".

The Terms

The New Debentures will carry a 7.5% coupon (the "Interest") over a 5-year term. The New Debentures will be convertible at the holder's option into Common Shares at the Conversion Price of C$3.52 (US$2.69 at an exchange rate of 1.3060), equal to a 30% premium to the 20-day VWAP ending on the day prior to the date of execution of the binding term sheet.

The Company will be entitled, on or after the third anniversary of the date of the issuance of the New Debentures, at any time that the 20-day VWAP exceeds 130% of the Conversion Price, to redeem the New Debentures at par plus accrued and unpaid Interest.

Two-thirds of the Interest (equal to 5% per annum) is payable in cash. One-third of the Interest (equal to 2.5% per annum) is payable in Common Shares issuable at a price equal to the 20-day VWAP on either the TSX or NYSE MKT (whichever has the greatest trading volume of Common Shares) ending on the day prior to the date such Interest payment is due.

Strategic Alignment Provisions

In consideration for the increased investment in NexGen, the Company and the Investors will enter into an investor rights agreement (the "Investor Rights Agreement"). The Investor Rights Agreement will provide for the following:

(a) For so long as they hold at least 10% of the Common Shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors will agree (i) not to tender or agree to tender (or convert) the New Debentures or the Existing Debentures or any Common Shares they hold to an unsolicited takeover bid, (ii) to exercise the votes attached to all Common Shares they hold in respect of any change of control transaction, and deposit or tender such Common Shares, in accordance with the recommendation of the Company's Board of Directors (th e "Board"), (i ii) to withhold votes in respect of any Common Shares they hold in respect of the election of individuals to the Board who are not nominees of management, and (iv) in respect of non-change of control matters, not to exercise the votes attached to any Common Shares they hold contrary to the recommendation of the Board; (b) For so long as they hold at least 10% of the Common Shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors will agree to a standstill whereby they will, among other things, not acquire any securities of the Company or solicit proxies or otherwise attempt to influence the conduct of security holders of the Company; (c) For so long as they hold at least 10% of the Common Shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors will be subject to restrictions on disposition applicable to any Common Shares they hold, consisting of giving prior notice to the Company of any proposed disposition of more than 0.5% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding and either: (i) disposing of such Common Shares to specific willing investors identified by the Company within a 7-day period; or (ii) disposing of such Common Shares either through a broad distribution on the public markets or in a private transaction or block trade to anyone other than specific investors identified by the Comany within the 7-day period; and (d) For so long as they hold at least 15% of the Common Shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors will have the right to nominate one director to the Board.

Use of Proceeds

Including the proceeds from this financing, NexGen will have cash reserves of approximately C$200 million. Proceeds from the financing will be used to fund the continuing exploration and development of the Company's SW2 properties (which includes the Rook 1 project) and for general corporate purposes.

Approval

The financing is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, the completion of definitive documentation, there being no material adverse change in the business of the Company, or a major event of national or international consequence that disrupts the financial markets or the business, operations or affairs of the Company.

Advisors

TD Securities Inc. is acting as financial advisor and lead placement agent to NexGen and CIBC World Markets Inc. is acting as financial advisor to CEF.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referenced herein have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereunder.

Early Warning Disclosure

This portion of the news release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103  The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues ("NI 62-103") of the Canadian Securities Administrators, which also requires an early warning report to be filed with the applicable securities regulators containing additional information with respect to the foregoing matters. A copy of the early warning report of the Li Investor will be available on NexGen's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Following completion of this financing, the Li Investor will hold: (a) an aggregate of 13,903,461 Common Shares, representing approximately 4.2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares; (b) US$40 million aggregate principal amount of Existing Debentures; and (c) US$40 million aggregate principal amount of New Debentures. For the Placement Shares that partially gave rise to the early warning reporting requirements, the Li Investor paid C$2.70 per share and C$32.597 million in aggregate. Immediately before this financing, the Li Investor holds 1,250,735 Common Shares, representing approximately 0.4% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as well as US$40 million aggregate principal amount of the Existing Debenture. The Li Investor does not have any present intention to acquire ownership of, or control over, additional securities of NexGen, other than pursuant to the terms of the New Debentures and Existing Debentures and the placement fee owing in connection with this financing which will be paid in Common Shares at closing. It is the intention of the Li Investor to evaluate its investment in NexGen on a continuing basis and such holdings may be increased or decreased in the future, subject to the strategic alignment provisions. For the purposes of NI62-103 the head office address of the Li Investor is East Asia Chambers, P.O. Box 901, Road Town, Torotola, British Virgin Islands and the head office address of the Company is 3150  1021 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC Canada V6E 0C3.

About CEF Holdings Limited

CEF Holdings Limited is owned 50% by CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. and 50% by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ("CIBC"). CK Hutchison Holdings is the publicly-listed flagship company of the CK Hutchison Group of companies, the Hong Kong based multi-national conglomerate with the combined market cap of the Group in excess of US$100 billion. CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with operations around the world. CEF is an investor in significant resource assets on a global basis.

About NexGen

NexGen is a British Columbia corporation with a focus on the acquisition, exploration and development of Canadian uranium projects. NexGen has a highly experienced team of uranium industry professionals with a successful track record in the discovery of uranium deposits and in developing projects through discovery to production.

NexGen owns a portfolio of prospective uranium exploration assets in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada, including a 100% interest in Rook I, location of the Arrow Discovery in February 2014 and Bow Discovery in March 2015 and the Harpoon discovery in August 2016. The Arrow deposit's updated mineral resource estimate with an effective date of December 20, 2016 was released in March 2017, and comprised 179.5 M lbs U3O8 contained in 1.18 M tonnes grading 6.88% U3O8 in the indicated mineral resource category and an additional 122.1 M lbs U3O8 contained in 4.25 M tonnes grading 1.30% U3O8 in the inferred mineral resource category.

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by or reviewed and approved by Mr. Garrett Ainsworth, P.Geo., Vice President  Exploration & Development for NexGen. Mr. Ainsworth is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") of the Canadian Securities Administrators, and has verified the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained herein by reviewing original data certificates and monitoring all of the data collection protocols. For details of the Rook I Project including the quality assurance program and quality control measures applied and key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral resource set forth herein please refer to the technical report entitled "Technical Report on the Rook 1 Property, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated effective March 31, 2017 (the "Rook 1 Technical Report") prepared by Mark B. Mathisen and David A. Ross, each of whom is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101. The Rook I Technical Report is available on NexGen's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 30, 2017) - Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) ("Los Andes", or the "Company") is very pleased to announce the initial results of the 2017 diamond drill program. Assay results for the first 698 metres of V2017-01A have been released. These assay results confirm the presence of higher grade mineralization in the project's central core.

The key results from the drill hole V2017-01A are:

302.1 m @ 0.55% Cu, 115 ppm Mo and 1.4 g/t Ag from 71.9 m downhole Including: 28.0 m @ 0.61 % Cu, 42 ppm Mo and 1.6 g/t Ag from 134.0 m downhole. 134.0 m @ 0.60 % Cu, 150 ppm Mo and 1.5 g/t Ag from 226.0 m downhole.



These results demonstrate the continuity of the higher mineralization intersected during the successful 2015/2016 drilling campaign 150 metres to the north of drill holes V2015-03 (39.1 m @ 0.74 % Cu, 145 ppm Mo, 1.9 g/t Ag from 44.1 m downhole) and V2015-05 (120.0 m @ 0.54 % Cu, 169 ppm Mo, 1.4 g/t Ag from 72.0 m downhole). The drill hole is also 100 metres south of the 2015 drill hole V2015-08 (502.0 m @ 0.63 % Cu, 209 ppm Mo and 1.3 g/t Ag from 130 m downhole).

Cautionary Statement: All thicknesses from intersections from drill holes are down-hole drilled thicknesses. True widths cannot be determined from the information available.

Background

Historical drilling was carried out on the Vizcachitas project in three campaigns during 1993, 1996/1997 and 2007/2008. However, the higher grade central core had only been drilled in the 1990's campaigns and with generally shallower drill holes, therefore not properly reflecting the potential of this core area.

During 2014, a complete review of the historical information was performed to better understand the project, including the re-logging all of the 146 drill holes located within the property. The re-logging was led by Gonzalo Saldias, a Chilean geologist and one of the most recognized experts in Chilean porphyry systems. This detailed review showed that the historical logging and geological model had not properly identified the importance of the higher grade early diorite porphyry and hydrothermal breccias. The re-logging showed that these higher grade geological units extend over a distance of 1,400 metres north-south and 700 metres east-west. The mapping showed that these breccias have grades increasing with depth and demonstrates the potential for higher grades below the historical drilling.

In 2015, Los Andes began a drill program to confirm a new geological model and to demonstrate the extent of the central core mineralisation. A first stage of this campaign was completed in 2015/2016, with eight diamond drill holes totaling 3,661 metres. During 2017, Los Andes has carried out a second stage of this campaign with the purpose of demonstrating the northern and southern extension of the high grade core.

Location of Drill Holes:

Hole Easting Northing Elevation

(metres) Azimut

(degrees) Inclination

(degrees) Final depth

(metres) V2017-01 365,778 6,413,544 2,003 110 -60 (69.90) Abandoned V2017-01A 365,786 6,413,534 2,003 105 -60 851.25 V2017-02 366,278 6,413,255 2,090 290 -65 1,030.60 V2017-03 365,936 6,413,856 2,049 290 -80 (62.00) Abandoned V2017-04 366.200 6,413,056 1,978 110 -70 653.00 V2015-08 Ex 365.159 6,413,542 2,154 290 -75 1,001.00 V2017-05 365,996 6,413,879 2,080 270 -80 931.90 V2017-06 366,037 6,413,538 2,073 110 -65 857.00 V2017-07 366,099 6,413,337 2,046 110 -60 721.10 V2017-08 365,996 6,413,879 2,080 15 -70 400.25 V2017-09 365,785 6,413,377 1,993 120 -70 (85.50) Abandoned V2017-09B 365,785 6,413,382 1,993 120 -75 Active V2017-10 365,682 6,413,878 2,040 65 -75 Active V2017-11 365,745 6,413,745 2,024 85 -75 Active

All coordinates are in UTM WGS84

A drill hole location plan is available on our website: www.losandescopper.com

Summary of Drill Holes

Drill Hole V2017-01A

This hole was drilled on the southwestern part of the central core with a southeastern direction. The drill hole is 150 metres north the 2015 drill holes V2015-03 (39.1 m @ 0.74 % Cu, 145 ppm Mo, 1.9 g/t Ag from 44.1 m downhole) and V2015-05 (120.0 m @ 0.54 % Cu, 169 ppm Mo, 1.4 g/t Ag from 72.0 m downhole). The drill hole is also 100 metres south of the 2015 drill hole V2015-08 (502.0 m @ 0.63 % Cu, 209 ppm Mo and 1.3 g/t Ag from 130 m downhole).

The top of bedrock was intersected at 71.9 metres in diorite porphyry with disseminated chalcopyrite which continued to a depth of 238.0 metres. Within this sequence there was secondary enrichment from 134 to 162 metres where the average grade was 0.61 % Cu, 42 ppm Mo and 1.6 g/t Ag. At a depth of 238 metres the rock type changed to medium grained diorite and continued to a depth of 513.15 metres. Within this sequence there is a well mineralised sequence running from 226 metres to 360 with 0.60 % Cu, 150 ppm and 1.5 g/t Ag. From a depth of 513.15 to the end of the drill hole at depth of 851.25 metres the drill hole is primarily in igneous breccias and a hydrothermal breccias. The assay results are pending from 698 metres to the end the drill hole.

This drill hole has demonstrated the continuity of the mineralisation between the drill holes 2015/2016 drill holes to the north and south. This near surface mineralisation would be mined during the first few years of an operating mine. It also shows the high primary grades within the medium grained diorites. These early phase diorites consistently have grades above 0.5 % Cu and are the target of this drilling campaign.

Key intersections from drill hole V2017-01A:

Hole Number Depth From (m) Depth To (m) Length (m) Cu % Mo ppm Ag g/t CuEq % V2017-01A 71.9 374.0 302.1 0.55 115 1.4 0.59 including 134.0 162.0 28.0 0.61 42 1.6 0.63 including 226.0 360.0 134.0 0.60 150 1.5 0.65

* Copper equivalent grade has been calculated using the following expression: Cu Eq (%) = CuT (%) + 2.5 x Mo (%) + 110.55 x Ag (%), using the metal prices: $ 2.2 / lb. Cu, $5.5 / lb. Mo and $15.2 / Oz (same reference prices as in reporting of 2015/2016 results). All thicknesses from intersections from drill holes are down-hole drilled thicknesses. True widths cannot be determined from the information available.

QA/QC

Quality assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of duplicate and standard samples in to the sample stream. Drill core samples were sawn in half, labelled, placed in sealed bags and were shipped directly to the preparatory laboratory of ALS Minerals in Coquimbo, Chile. All geochemical analyses were performed by ALS Minerals in Lima Peru. All samples were assayed using the method ME-MS61, a four-acid digestion with an ICP-MS finish. Copper samples with grades above 0.6 % Cu were reanalysed using ALS method Cu-OG62, a four-acid digestion with an AAS finish.

Mr. Amberg is the Qualified Person responsible for the preparation of this news release.

Team Credentials

Mr. Amberg MSc CGeol FGS is a geologist who is a graduate of the Royal School of Mines, London, has an MSc. from University College and is also a Chartered Geologist with the Geological Society of London. He has close to 30 years of diverse experience having worked in Asia, Africa and South America for both multinational and junior companies. He began his career in 1986 working with Anglo American in South Africa before moving on to an exploration position with Severin-Southern Sphere. In 1990 Mr. Amberg moved to Chile where he first worked with Bema Gold on the Refugio project before taking up a position with Rio Tinto. At Rio Tinto he was involved in exploration programs in the Atacama and Magallanes Regions and managed the Barreal Seco (now part of Las Cenizas) exploration program. In 1996 he joined Kazakhstan Minerals Corporation in Kazakhstan, setting up and managing offices for the drilling and resource estimation for JORC compliant feasibility studies on three large projects that are now operating mines. He became General Director for two joint ventures in KazMinCo where he managed all technical and local issues. In 2001 he returned to Chile where he started a geological consulting firm specialising in project evaluation and NI 43-101 technical reports. Mr. Amberg's clients included Rio Tinto, Barrick, Codelco, Anglo American, Pan Pacific Copper and various junior mining companies. He joined Los Andes Copper in 2012 as Chief Geologist and is now also the President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Amberg MSc CGeol FGS is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.

Gonzalo Saldias is a geologist who is a graduate of Universidad Catolica del Norte, Chile. He has over 35 years of experience working within Chile and internationally; mainly on copper porphyry, epithermal gold silver and iron-oxide copper gold systems. For the last seven years, he worked for Antofagasta Minerals evaluating copper porphyry projects within Chile, assessing their geological and economical potential. Prior to that he had worked for ten years with Placer Dome Latin America, generating and evaluating exploration projects within the region. Prior to Placer Dome, he worked for Codelco as head of exploration geology for the El Salvador Division, developing the prospective areas near to the mine. He also worked for Northern Resources, Homestake, Utah, Anaconda and as an independent consultant.
By Kim Rahn



Leaders of South Korea, the United States and Japan will have a dinner on the sideline of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 6, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

President Moon Jae-in, U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will discuss North Korea's nuclear program and other issues surrounding the three nations.












This is the first in a two-part series about ROK-U.S. relations by Park Jin, former chairman of the National Assembly's foreign affairs, trade and unification committee.



By Park Jin





U.S. President Donald Trump said Korea is a "not just a good ally, but a great ally" in his first telephone conversation with newly elected President Moon Jae-in last month. The upcoming ROK-US summit will be an important testament to how the two new leaders will work together to make each other "great allies," and to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.

The success of the summit will depend on how the two presidents build a personal rapport first and collaborate on countering the escalating nuclear and missile threats from the North. President Moon, while supporting UN sanctions on Pyongyang, wishes to bring the Kim Jong-un regime to the negotiating table by the end of the year.

On the other hand, President Trump has put North Korea's nuclear and missile threats at the top of his diplomacy and national security agenda. His perception is no doubt shaped by an acute awareness that North Korea's ICBMs currently being developed are capable of attacking the mainland of the United States in the near future. Moreover, the tragic death of Otto Warmbier, a young American student, who was reluctantly released by North Korea from prolonged captivity in an unexplained coma, has sent shockwaves throughout the United States and many countries in the world. Amid such unfavorable circumstances, the two leaders must demonstrate a combined resolve to put a full stop to North Korea's brinksmanship tactics and further provocations, formulate a common strategy to achieve a substantive progress towards denuclearization, and reach an agreement as to how Korea and the United States can exert concerted efforts to accomplish those ends.

The thorny issue of the THAAD deployment should also be settled in a manner which honors the alliance's decision; any procedural uncertainties caused by an environmental impact assessment should be removed as soon as possible.

In the areas of economy and trade, Presidents Moon and Trump should discuss ways to capitalize on the merits of the KORUS FTA so that the agreement continues to generate mutual benefits. President Trump's "America First" policy does not necessarily contradict the KORUS FTA; to the contrary, the KORUS FTA, in the medium and long term, will certainly contribute to reducing the United States' trade deficits and create good jobs. Furthermore the burden-sharing for the cost of stationing US troops in Korea should not be approached as a zero-sum game; the profound strategic value of the ROK-US Alliance must guide any reasonable discussion on equitable and efficient arrangements.

The Washington summit offers a precious opportunity to set the alliance on course to reassure shared security and prosperity between the two nations and the Asia-Pacific region. To make the most of that opportunity, the two leaders would do well to bear in mind the following points.

Above all, Korea is a "miracle" story buttressed by the ROK-US Alliance. Korea's success, as one of the most dynamic economies and the most vigorous political democracy in Asia, is nothing short of a miracle, considering the fact that the country was devastated by the Korean War but rose from the ashes and created the 13th largest economy in the world. This miraculous achievement was made possible by the strong support of the ROK-US alliance as well as the tears and sweat of the Korean people. That blood alliance, forged through the Pacific War, Korean War, Vietnam War and Iraq War by standing shoulder to shoulder, now extends its influence to the rest of the world to promote global peace and prosperity in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The tremendous strategic value of this truly global partnership transcends merely monetary and business transactions.

North Korea's revolutionary strategy remains unchanged. As was graphically evidenced in the case of Otto Warmbier, the Kim dynasty in Pyongyang continues to keep North Korea as a totalitarian garrison-state in flagrant violation of even the most basic human rights. The greatest threat to the ROK-US Alliance is not just North Korea's nuclear arsenal; it is Pyongyang's longstanding revolutionary strategy which seeks to leverage nuclear blackmail to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington. Sixty-seven years ago, it was the same revolutionary strategy of the North coupled with the misconceived disengagement of the U.S. from the Korean peninsula that precipitated a bloody war of devastation which should never be repeated.





Park Jin is chairman Korean-American Association. He can be reached by koreaparkjin@gmail.com.
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The Great Lakes  Superior, Huron, Michigan, Ontario and Erie  make up the largest body of fresh water on Earth, accounting for one-fifth of the freshwater surface on the planet at 6 quadrillion gallons. The area of all the Great Lakes is 95,160 square miles (246,463 square kilometers) and span 750 miles (1,200 km) from west to east. The square mileage is larger than the state of Texas.

The lakes, called "the nation's fourth seacoast," are on the U.S. and Canadian border, touching Ontario in Canada and Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York in the United States. As of 2017, more than 30 million people live in the Great Lakes basin, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This equates to 10 percent U.S. residents and 30 percent Canadian residents. More than 3,500 species of plants and animals inhabit the Great Lakes basin, as well, including 170-plus species of fish.

Today, the Great Lakes are popular recreation spots for boating, fishing and other recreational activities, and they still serve as an important mode of transportation of goods, but they have not always been in their current form. About 14,000 years ago, the Great Lakes area was covered with a glacier that was more than a half-mile (1 km) thick. As the glacier melted, it slowly moved toward Canada and left behind a series of large depressions that filled with water. These formed the basic shape of the Great Lakes, and about 10,000 years ago the Great Lakes took the form that is familiar today.

While the area had been inhabited for a very long time before European explorers arrived, Etienne Brule (circa 1592-1632), an advance man for the French explorer Samuel de Champlain (circa 1567-1635), is generally credited as the first European to discover the Great Lakes. Brule is believed to have reached Lake Huron around 1615, and went on to explore Lake Ontario, according to the Canadian Museum of History.

The Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas at the straits between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. (opens in new tab) Shutterstock (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: lphoto

There are a number of rivers and tributaries connecting the Great Lakes. The Straits of Mackinac connect Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and there is such a steady flow of water between these two bodies that they could be considered one lake. Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are connected by the Niagara River, including Niagara Falls. The St. Lawrence River connects Lake Ontario to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which leads out to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Great Lakes are dotted with more than 35,000 islands. While many of the islands are small and uninhabitable, the largest is Lake Huron's Manitoulin Island (1,068 square miles or 2,766 square km), which is also the largest island in any inland body of water on the planet.

There have been a number of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, as storms and reefs can make navigation treacherous. The last and one of the most famous shipwrecks was that of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a freighter that sank in Lake Superior during a storm on Nov. 10, 1975, killing the crew of 29.

The lakes have been changes considerably from pollution and invasive species. Currently, there are more than 140 federal programs designated for environmental restoration and management of The Great Lakes, according to the EPA. Eight U.S. states, Canada and 40 Tribal Nations are part of the initiative to clean up and protect the lakes.

Quick facts about the five Great Lakes:

Lake Erie: The name was derived from erielhonan, the Iroquoian word for "long tail," which describes its shape. It is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes when measured in surface area (9,910 square miles / 25,700 square km.) and the smallest by water volume (116 cubic miles / 484 cubic km).

Lake Huron: Named for the Wyandot Indians, or Hurons, who lived there. Lake Huron is the second largest Great Lake by surface area (23,000 square miles / 59,600 square km) and has the longest shoreline (3,827 miles / 6,157 km), taking into account its many islands.

A view of Niagara Falls (Horseshoe Falls) from the Canadian side. (opens in new tab) Shutterstock (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: Natalia Pushchina

Lake Michigan: This is truly a great body of water, as the name is derived from the Ojibwa Indian word mishigami, meaning "large lake." However, it is only the third largest of the Great Lakes when measured by water surface (22,300 square miles / 57,800 square km). It has an unusual water flow that goes in almost a cul-de-sac formation, moving slowly in a circular pattern. It is also the only Great Lake located entirely in the United States. Michigan and Huron are actually two halves of one body of water, though, according to the University of Wisconsin.

Lake Ontario: Ontario is the Huron word for "lake of shining water." This lake is the smallest of the Great Lakes when measured in surface area (7,340 square miles / 18,960 square km). While it is similar in width and length to Lake Erie, it is much deeper and holds about four times the water volume (393 cubic miles/1,640 cubic km). Situated downstream from Lake Erie, Lake Ontario is at the base of Niagara Falls.

Lake Superior: At 31,699 square miles (82,100 square km), it is the largest in surface area and in water volume (2,903 cubic miles / 12,100 cubic km), thus earning it the name Lake Superior. The name comes from the French word lac superieur, meaning upper lake, as it is north of Lake Huron.

Additional reporting by Alina Bradford, Live Science Contributor.

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Lake Ontario is the smallest of all the Great Lakes, with a surface area of 7,340 square miles (18,960 square kilometers), but its waters run deep. It holds about four times the water volume, at 393 cubic miles (1,640 cubic km), as Lake Erie, although it is similar in width and length. In 2017, the water levels of Lake Ontario reached its highest in 100 years. This lead to massive flooding and ground erosion.

The easternmost of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario is positioned at the base of the Niagara Falls. It is bordered by Ontario, Canada, to the southwest and north and New York to the south. The St. Lawrence River provides the lake's outlet to the Atlantic Ocean. The lake has a number of lagoons and baymouth bars, which are formations made of sand, mud or other debris that close off bay areas.

There are a number of islands on the lake, including the Thousand Islands region, which is an archipelago of nearly 2,000 islands that line the U.S. and Canadian border. While many of the islands are small or even uninhabitable, the largest is Wolfe Island. It is 48 square miles (124 square km).

Lake Ontario may be the most polluted out of the five Great Lakes. All of the other lakes flow into it, giving it their pollution. It also receives runoff from farms and businesses around it, according to the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute.

Toronto sits on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario. (opens in new tab) Shutterstock (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: Lissandra Melo

Formation and history

Like all of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario as it is known today was the result of glacial shifting and melting at the end of the most recent Ice Age.

The lake's name comes from an Iroquois word for "a beautiful lake." The first European to see reach Lake Ontario was Etienne Brule, the French explorer and protege of Samuel de Champlain. Brule is believed to have reached Lake Huron and Lake Ontario around 1615, according to the Canadian Museum of History.

In the 17th and early 18th centuries, the French built forts along the edges of the lake. The lake has a rich history of commerce and trade, especially following the War of 1812, when canals were built and traveled by heavy steamships. The lake was a hub of commerce until the railroads were built and eclipsed the steamers as a way to move shipment.

Lake Ontario water temperature

Because of the lake's depth and the warm weather that comes in from the southwest, Lake Ontario rarely freezes over. Water temperatures reach a high of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) in August to a low of about 37 F (3 C) in February. The lake typically freezes just around the edges, closing its harbors from mid-December to mid-April, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

A red-necked grebe calls to its mate as it sits on its nest in Lake Ontario. (opens in new tab) Shutterstock (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: Brian Guest

While the entire region is affected by lake-effect snow, there is a prominent snow belt along the southeastern shore that can be deluged with 20 feet (600 centimeters) of snow annually. The impact of the lake-effect snow can be felt as far as Syracuse, N.Y., which is one of the snowiest cities in the United States.

Lake Ontario animals and plants

Walleye, Coho salmon and Chinook salmon and a number of trout varieties, including rainbow and steelhead, are some of the fish that swim the waters of Lake Ontario. Invasive mussels cover much of the bottom of the lake in the coastal areas.

Lake Ontario's climate is conducive to fruit trees, and the area has become a major growing area for apples, cherries, peaches, pears and plums.

Due to its location, Lake Ontario is host to a number of migratory birds. Swans, loons, ducks, geese, grebes and other water fowl are among the wildlife that inhabit Lake Ontario. Birds of prey such as hawks and eagles are also common in the area.

Additional reporting by Alina Bradford, Live Science Contributor

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Some of today's biggest science innovations are happening at the smallest scales.

Nanotech  "nano" is short for "nanometer," referring to length scales in billionths of a meter  describes technologies that are built to perform complex tasks, but at the scale of molecules or even atoms. To put that into perspective, a structure called a nanotube is 1 nanometer in diameter  about 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, according to the National Nanotechnology Initiative.

Thanks to nanotech, engineers can design microprocessors for your smartphone that are smaller and more efficient than ever. In addition, gadgets in the not-too-distant future could incorporate sophisticated security safeguards powered by nanotech. Scientists are also exploring how nanotech can deliver medical treatments that target genes themselves. Or build cables strong enough to support an elevator in space, according to a panel of experts at Future Con, a conference highlighting the intersection between sci-fi and cutting-edge science that was held June 16-18 in Washington, D.C. [5 Amazing Technologies That Are Revolutionizing Biotech]

Medical researchers who are looking to build machines that can operate at the nanoscale need to "follow the blueprints of biology," Lloyd Whitman, chief scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, told the audience at the panel titled "Indistinguishable from Magic: Nanotech in Sci-Fi" on June 17.

Any type of robot crafted at the nanoscale won't look like a typical robot  it'll look more like a virus, Whitman said. Evolution has already figured out how to construct functional, autonomous forms even at the microscopic level, and engineers can learn much from studying these minuscule success stories to inform their own work on particles that perform on the nanoscale, Whitman said.

Looking to viruses for inspiration can be particularly helpful for scientists investigating potential nanotech uses in medicine and human health, according to panelist Jordan Green, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, ophthalmology, oncology, neurosurgery, and materials science and engineering at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Maryland.

Direct-to-cell delivery

Viruses affect our genome by inserting their own genes into our cells in order to replicate themselves, Green said. Could researchers perhaps design a synthetic particle capable of delivering genetic information the same way? Particles made of non-toxic and water-soluble materials could be engineered to deliver DNA directly to cells, coding them into RNA molecules outside the nucleus, where they would be translated into proteins to convey a function, according to Green.

"This could change a cell's genetic makeup, or it could have a short-term therapeutic effect," he said.

For people with genetic diseases, such as hemophilia or cystic fibrosis, this approach could deliver healthy genes to target cells and repair the errors in their DNA that cause the disease, Green told the panel audience.

Nanotech could also inform more effective cancer treatments, Green said. A mutation in cancer cells deactivates the control switch that tells them to stop growing, but targeted gene therapy using nanoparticles could reactivate their self-destruct button, halting cancerous growths in their tracks, according to Green.

By directing nanoparticles to specific tissues and delivering precise instructions to just the right cells, "nanoengineering and nanotech in medicine can help medicines be more precise," he explained.

To the moon

Nanotech could also help to realize an idea that has fascinated and stymied engineers since at least the late 19th century  how to build an elevator that extends from Earth into space, Lourdes Salamanca-Riba, a professor in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, told the Future Con audience.

In a carbon nanotube, tube-shaped material made of carbon has a diameter that can be measured on the nanometer scale  one-billionth of a meter. (Image credit: NASA)

One type of space elevator could run up a long cable anchored at the equator and attached to a floating "base" outside Earth's atmosphere and in geosynchronous orbit, Salamanca-Riba said. The cable would need to cover approximately 10,000 miles (66,000 kilometers) in length, and it would have to be made from a substance that's exceptionally strong and light  or it would collapse under its own weight, she added.

Carbon nanotubes  cylindrical nanostructures made from carbon atoms  are extremely strong and only one atomic layer thick, and could be a suitable material for these cables, Salamanca-Riba said.

A floating space station that's accessible by elevator would make it significantly easier for astronauts to travel to the moon or other cosmic regions, Salamanca-Riba said. And while a space elevator would be expensive to build, once in place, it would significantly reduce the cost of transporting payloads into orbit  from thousands of dollars per kilogram to just a few hundred dollars per kilo, she added.

However, it may be some time before researchers can produce the thousands of miles of carbon nanotubes that would be required to tether a space elevator  currently, they exist only in lengths of a few centimeters, Salamanca-Riba said at the panel.

Original article on Live Science.
On Aug. 21, the sun will be completely blacked out for a period of 2 minutes and 4 seconds, and the moon will block at least part of the sun for roughly 3 hours.

But can people really go blind from looking at a solar eclipse?

Though it sounds like an old wives' tale, there are more than 100 documented cases of serious and permanent eye damage that was due to people staring too long at a solar eclipse, said B. Ralph Chou, a professor emeritus of optometry at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. However, this type of damage, called solar retinopathy, will not typically make a person completely blind, he said.

"You end up possibly getting enough damage that you can no longer see things that are really, really fine in detail," Chou told Live Science.

It's difficult to assess how common these injuries are, since only a few studies have attempted to systematically count solar eclipse blindness. However, there's a simple way to avoid going blind: Wear protective gear when looking at a solar eclipse, he added. (This summer's Great American Solar Eclipse will last about 3 hours, depending on where you're viewing it from.)

Eye geometry

Staring at the sun during a solar eclipse isn't much different from staring at the sun during a normal day. The difference is that most of us have a natural reflex to look away from the sun if we stare too long. Usually, people will glance at the sun and then look away quickly.

"Our brains are wired to avoid looking at very, very bright things like the sun," Chou said.

However, for once-in-a-blue-moon events like a total solar eclipse, "it's possible for you to override that aversion reflex," Chou said. During these rare events, people know they are watching something special and essentially force themselves to look, he said.

Whenever someone stares at the sun, light from the sun hits the eye and focuses at the machinery called the fovea, which is located at the back of the eye. The light-sensitive cells that provide detailed color daylight vision, such as the cone cells, absorb light via photoreceptors and then translate that signal into an electrical impulse that is sent to the brain and perceived as a visual signal, Chou said.

But during a solar eclipse, "there's so much light hitting those cells that it actually disrupts the parts of the light-sensitive cells that are responsible for that transduction into a nervous signal," Chou said.

Damaging effects

If the metabolic activity of those cones is disrupted significantly enough, the cells will stop functioning. Enough damage, and the cells will die. Those who have been staring particularly long at the sun through a telescope or other optical aid may even experience thermal damage, where they are literally overheating or cooking the eye cells, which causes those cells to die. Some people have even sustained crescent-shaped burns in their eyes, which mimics the shape of the solar eclipse.

People who sustain thermal damage have exposed their bodies to the same physical phenomenon that occurs when kids use a magnifying glass to focus light to burn grass or ants, Chou said. (One difference is that infrared light doesn't play a role in solar-eclipse injuries, as it does in heating via magnifying glass, he said.)

"Thermal burn is caused by looking at the sun through a telescope or through other optical aids, which can cause a temperature rise of [18 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit] 10 to 25 degrees Celsius in the retina," according to a 1999 study in the British Medical Journal. (Viewing the sun during a solar eclipse without eye protection, but not through a telescope, will result in a smaller retina temperature rise, the researchers noted.)

People who sustain eye damage from staring at the sun may have difficulty seeing details, though they may have no awareness of the injury until a day later. No pain receptors fire when the injury occurs, and vision may be normal for several hours afterward, as damaged cells slowly shut down, Chou said.

"The next morning  that's when you suddenly realize that part of your retina has been injured," Chou said.

He has heard of patients who first reported symptoms the next morning when they tried to read their morning paper and couldn't, or tried to shave and could not see their face in the mirror, he said.

For some people, this effect is temporary, while others will sustain permanent damage, and there are currently no established tests to predict who will fall into which group, he said. A study conducted after a 1976 solar eclipse in Turkey found that, long after the injury, about 10 percent of people with related eye damage still could not read letters on a license plate about 25 yards (23 meters) away.

While staring at the sun can clearly cause eye trauma, it's hard to know how many people actually experience this effect. In 1979, Chou asked ophthalmologists and optometrists to send in case reports from people whose eyesight had been damaged by a solar eclipse that year. He received very few reports.

Similarly, a survey done after the 1999 solar eclipse in Europe found just a handful of cases of reported solar trauma from British ophthalmologists.

Protect your eyes

Unless you're one of the few people who is in the path of totality of the solar eclipse  meaning the moon completely blocks out all light from the sun  you are at risk of sustaining damage from staring at the eclipse without eye protection.

Protective eye gear is a must when viewing the solar eclipse. (Image credit: supot phanna/Shutterstock)

And a regular pair of shades will not be sufficient. Solar eclipse visors or glasses, which typically reduce the amount of light reaching the eye by a factor of 250,000, are necessary to cut down the intensity of the light to safe levels, Chou said.

"It's important that you make sure you use these devices properly," Chou said. "You put them in front of your eyes, then you look at the sun. You never remove the filters while looking at the sun until the moon completely covers up the sun."

Those who don't want to shell out for their own pair can get a free pair at a public library; roughly 2 million pairs of these filtered glasses will be distributed free to 4,800 U.S. libraries, along with an informational booklet. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, along with Google, funded this initiative, according to a statement.

One last safety note: People should take the glasses off once they decide to drive or walk home.

"These filters are very dark, everything disappears when you look through them except for the sun," Chou said.

There have been anecdotal reports of people driving into bridges when trying to drive while wearing these glasses, he said.

REMEMBER: Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. NEVER look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Our sister site Space.com has a complete guide for how to view an eclipse safely.

Originally published on Live Science.
Genies (or jinn, as they are better known in the Arabic world) are supernatural beings with roots in ancient Mesopotamian legends. Jinn, however, are not the lamp-dwelling, wish-granting benevolent servants that Westerners know from popular culture.

The image that most Americans probably have of genies comes from the 1960s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie" or the animated big blue Robin Williams-voiced wiseacre in Disney's "Aladdin." More recently, in the television adaptation of Neil Gaiman's 2001 novel "American Gods," audiences have come to know a cab-driving jinn who switches identities with an Omani salesman named Salim. (Salim had recognized the jinn from a story told to him by his grandmother).

Gaiman's magical, shape-shifting jinn is fictional, but belief in genies is widespread. In "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar (opens in new tab)" (Counterpoint Books, 2011), researcher Robert Lebling noted that "Jinn are taken seriously and regarded as real, tangible beings by a large segment of the world's population.... They often appear humanoid or even human but possess amazing powers we lack. They can change their shapes, can fly through the air, and even can render themselves invisible." (Lebling is also the creator of a Facebook page titled The Jinn Group, where members share jinn stories and lore.)

Many ancient Mesopotamian demons and wind spirits were precursors to the jinn; Pazuzu is probably the most famous of them, thanks to its appearance in William Peter Blatty's novel "The Exorcist" and the classic film of the same name. Though belief in jinn predates the creation of Islam, the creatures are referenced in the Quran, the Muslim holy book  not as metaphors but instead as real entities whose existence is taken for granted. The Quran states that Allah created three types of beings from three substances: humans (made of earth); angels (made of light); and jinn (made of smokeless fire). There are said to be five categories of jinn; two of the best known are shaitan and ifrit, both of which are said to be evil.

Considered wind and fire spirits by Muslims, jinn are invisible to humans in their pure form but can take any form they please to suit their needs. Jinn, just like people, can be good or evil; they are born, grow up, marry, have jobs, raise families, live in their own communities and die, just like us.

Jinn mischief

In contrast to Western versions of jinn, in the Arab world they are not known for their "Aladdin"-like wish-granting  though they can be commanded to perform tasks by wizards, for example, or someone who wears the magical Ring of Solomon.

Jinn are sometimes blamed for unexplained minor health scares, accidents and misfortune. For example, in 2000, teachers at an all-girls school in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah began having mysterious fits and seizures. Though doctors attributed that incident to mass hysteria (a mild and harmless form of social contagion and psychological suggestion), many believed that jinn haunted the school and were to blame for the attack. In May 2015, nine elementary and middle school students at a girls' school in southern Madinah, Saudi Arabia, claimed that jinns had made them feel unwell, causing episodes of fainting and spasms. Nearly 200 of their classmates refused to attend the school for two days while medical authorities searched for an explanation.

Belief in the fire spirits is also common among elected officials in the Middle East. In 2011, nearly two dozen associates of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were accused of summoning jinn to attack political enemies. One man, Abbas Ghaffari, was reportedly accused of summoning a genie who caused a heart attack in one of Ghaffari's rivals.

Cross-cultural currents

Jinn share many traits with angels, fairies, ghosts and other supernatural creatures. Many Muslims believe in the literal existence of jinn, just as many Christians believe in the literal existence of angels. Just as Christian theologians have long debated the nature of angels, Muslim theologians have long debated the nature of jinn: whether they have physical bodies, where they live, how they interact with us and so on.

Like spirits and demons, jinn are said to be able to possess humans (with similar symptoms, including seizures, violence and speaking unknown tongues) and can be exorcised from the human body through rituals. Just as in Catholic exorcism rituals where Bible passages are read to the possessed person to drive the spirit from the human body, Islamic rituals often involve having sections of the Quran recited to the afflicted person to rid him or her of jinn.

Jinn are believed, like ghosts, to sometimes haunt buildings, homes and other locations, including sewers and drain pipes. Jinn are said to be repelled by salt and iron  a characteristic they share with vampires. As with many magical creatures around the world, stories of jinn are often told in the form of a boogeyman story. Children are warned to obey their parents and not to stray from the beaten path. Some jinn live in remote, wild places, and are said to lure children and unwary travelers to their doom  a trait shared with fairies of the British Isles, the Hispanic ghost-witch La Llorona and others.

In some places jinn are so feared that merely calling them by their name risks retribution, so euphemisms are used instead. This also has parallels to fairy folklore, in which the capricious creatures are often called "the fine folk" or "wee folk" to avoid offense. Whether jinn exist or not is less important than the fact that many people believe that they do. Legends of these fire spirits, like those of angels, fairies and ghosts, will always be with us.

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A new sandbar island has cropped up over the past few months just off the coast of North Carolina. Photographer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUxxwyWDyLk/">Chad Koczera</a> couldn't get to the island on foot, so he sent a drone into the skies to capture this stunning image of the newly-formed island.

A new island suddenly emerged from the sea just off the coast of North Carolina  but officials warn that the spit of land is too dangerous for humans to explore.

The new sandbar island seemingly sprang from the ocean in just a few weeks, the Virginian Pilot reported. The island, which is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) long and about 480 feet (146 meters) wide, lies off the coast of Buxton, North Carolina, which is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The new island grew from a mere nubbin in the ocean in April to its current size over Memorial Day weekend. One of the early explorers of the island, Janet Regan, took her 11-year-old son there to collect seashells. Because of its treasure trove of shells, the boy named it Shelly Island, the Pilot reported. [See Images of a Volcanic Island Birthed in Japan]

Close but dangerous

While the newborn island may be tantalizing for would-be explorers, it's also very dangerous, Bill Smith, president of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, told the Pilot. Officials with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore have warned people not to try to reach the island.

Because the island formed near a popular fishing spot, years' worth of fishing hooks could be lurking just below the sand. Sharks and stingrays prowl just beneath the water's surface in the area, and the narrow 50-foot (15 m) strip of water between the island and the mainland forms a little "river" that creates a strong rip current, he said.

"We're worried about shark bites, but we're more worried about drownings," Smith said.

The sandbar isn't accessible by foot, so photographer Chad Koczera sent a drone into the skies to capture a stunning aerial photo. More intrepid (or foolhardy) explorers also have tried to reach the island by boat or paddleboard, the Pilot reported.

The area of coastline near the island is always transforming, according to a statement from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The point, called Cape Point, sometimes changes orientation, and currents and storms are constantly shaping the land. It's likely that such forces formed the sandbar, meaning it could get even bigger or sink beneath the waves in the next year or two, Smith said.

If anyone does attempt a trip to the island, National Seashore Superintendent David Hallac said such a trip "is best accomplished by experienced kayakers or paddle boarders that are using appropriate flotation and mindful of the tides and strong currents in the area."

(opens in new tab) A photo posted by on

Originally published on Live Science
The imperial Roman necropolis of Portus is located in the archaeological area of Isola Sacra.

Forensic techniques that are used to solve modern homicide cases helped American anthropologists reveal family resemblances in 2,000-year-old skulls from the Roman Empire.

The study used a statistical technique known as geometric morphometrics to identify similarities in skulls from three Italian graveyards dating from between the first and third centuries A.D., when the Roman Empire was at its height.

Precise three-dimensional measurements of dozens of skulls from two of the graveyards showed distinct regional differences, which the researchers interpreted as a sign of a common ancestry among many people in those regions. [Photos: Gladiators of the Roman Empire]

Ann Ross, a forensic anthropologist at North Carolina State University (NC State), told Live Science that the techniques were often used in biology and zoology to examine the sizes and shapes of biological form, such as mosquito wings or the shapes of fish, to search for characteristic patterns that could be used to classify the samples.

For the new study, geometric morphometric techniques were applied to ancient human skulls. "You can differentiate populations of groups of humans, and look at the shapes of the skulls to see how they closely resemble each other, or not," she said.

Ross said the same techniques are also used forensically in her laboratory at NC State in many North Carolina homicide investigations, sometimes to try to identify the ethnic ancestry of unknown murder victims, or to determine the bone damage caused by the blow of a weapon, for example.

Skull shapes

One of the graveyards chosen for the study is located on Isola Sacra, a tiny island in what's now central Italy southwest of Rome, which was a burial place for mainly middle-class people during the Roman Empire.

Another was at Velia, on the southwestern Italian coast, where the researchers expected to see traces of ancestry from Greeks who colonized that region after the eighth century B.C., before Rome grew from a small city-state to take over the rest of the region Italy occupies today.

Skulls from ancient graveyards in three different cities in Roman Italy, dating from the 1st to the 3rd centuries A.D., were used in the study. (Image credit: Samantha Hens)

"I wondered if we would be able to pick that up, if we would see that the Roman-area population were different than the more southern population," study lead author Samantha Hens, a professor of biological anthropology at California State University, Sacramento, told Live Science.

As it turns out, the researchers were able to detect those differences.

"To a casual observer, it probably wouldn't be very noticeable, but when you really get down to looking at regional or population variation relationships, then you can see the difference," Hens said.

The third graveyard in the study was at Castel Malnome, on the outskirts of the city of Rome, which was mainly a burial ground for lower-class laborers who worked in salt mines in that area.

"So there you had this group near Rome of lower-class heavy laborers  freed slaves, war veterans and others  who could come from anywhere across the Roman Empire," Hens said. "And indeed, we could not differentiate them from either of the other two sites, which implies there's a lot of variation among the different people buried together there."

Local looks

So, would the people who were living in what's now southern Italy have looked distinctively "Greek" to the people who were living farther north at that time?

"I would suspect yes," Hens said. "The next stage would be to get a Greek sample to see how those 'southern Italians' compare to the Greeks, but I have not identified a Greek sample from the same time period that's available for study yet."

Hens stressed that the differences in skull shapes detected by the researchers did not represent "racial" differences. "That's definitely not what we're seeing," she said.

"If a group grows in an area for a long time, they're going to have slight regional distinctions, and then if another group comes to the area or some leave, then you can see these populations change a little bit," she added. "So this is a way to trace population movements."

Hens noted that although the Roman Empire had assimilated the Greek population on Italy's southern coast by the third century B.C., the local people still showed distinct local characteristics during the height of the Roman Empire many hundreds of years later.

"The 'Romanization' of Italy did not change the genetic relationship of the conquered population  [the Romans] took over the government and the economy, but they did not really take over the people in a biological fashion," Hens said.

As such, the people likely kept their local identities, she said.

The detailed findings of the study were published online June 1 in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology.

Original article on Live Science.
31 Maoist Centre members resign

Thirty-one members of the CPN (Maoist Centre) from Dhodchaur Village Council in Salyan have resigned, expressing displeasure towards the partys local leadership for not backing them in their attempt to retain Kalakhet as the administrative centre of the village council.
by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, June 29, 2017

The country's largest Internet service providers may have enthusiastically endorsed FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's plan to gut the net neutrality rules, but some smaller providers feel differently.



This week, dozens of small Internet service providers urged the agency to back away from Pai's proposal to classify broadband as an "information" service. In 2015, the agency voted 3-2 to classify broadband as a "telecommunications" service -- a move that enabled the agency to impose common carrier rules, including bans on blocking or degrading traffic, and on charging higher fees for prioritized delivery.

If the FCC follows through with Pai's plan, it will be unable to enforce net neutrality rules -- including prohibitions on blocking, throttling and paid prioritization. Pai has claimed that the decision to classify broadband as a common-carrier service spurred a decrease in broadband investment; others, including advocacy group Free Press, say that broadband investment has actually increased since the net neutrality rules were issued.

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For their part, the small providers say the net neutrality rules have not proved harmful. "We have encountered no new additional barriers to investment or deployment as a result of the 2015 decision to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service and have long supported network neutrality as a core principle for the deployment of networks for the American public to access the Internet," they write in a letter to the FCC.

The companies also suggest that without net neutrality rules, they would be vulnerable to anti-competitive acts by the large national players. "As direct competitors to the biggest cable and telephone companies, we have reservations about any plan at the FCC that seeks to enhance their market power without any meaningful restraints on their ability to monopolize large swaths of the Internet," the companies write.

The digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, which submitted the ISPs' letter to the agency, elaborates that interconnection disputes -- - like the ones that occurred several years ago between Netflix and various broadband providers, and resulted in choppy video streams -- are of particular concern for smaller providers.

"Under the current rules, the FCC can intervene to prevent a major ISP with a vast network from leveraging its massive network size in an anti-competitive way to harm other networks," the EFF writes. "That oversight vanishes if Chairman Pai reclassifies broadband as an 'information service,' which undoubtedly Comcast would appreciate."

Separately, the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga -- a publicly owned electric company that offers Internet service at speeds up to 10 Gbps -- also urged the FCC to maintain the net neutrality rules.

"We oppose any changes that would allow Internet Service Providers to prioritize, slow down, or otherwise discriminate among customers utilizing the internet based on differential pricing or any other criteria," the EPB writes in comments submitted this week.

The company adds: "Allowing Internet Service Providers to charge differential pricing to prioritize web traffic will prevent many new entrepreneurial ventures from being able to compete with deep-pocketed incumbents. This will weaken Americas ability to innovate, reduce the emergence of new competitive options, and cost our nation a rich reservoir for creating new jobs."
by Jess Nelson , June 29, 2017

Microsoft announced on Thursday it has acquired cloud business management solution Cloudyn for an undisclosed price.

The news confirms April speculation in the Israeli press that Microsoft was considering purchasing Cloudyn for between $50 and $70 million.

Founded in 2011 and based in Tel Aviv, Cloudyn helps businesses manage their cloud infrastructure and optimize their investment in cloud services. The company offers software that allows businesses to monitor their cloud computing resources from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Microsoft, as well as OpenStack technology.

The acquisition of Cloudyn will help Micorosft Azure customers see greater returns on their cloud investment, as Cloudyn can identify, measure, and analyze cloud consumption, as well as make predictions on future cloud spending.

As customers grow their cloud usage across many projects, it can be challenging to gain visibility and understand costs for existing projects, to optimize those investments and to project future usage, states Jeremy Winter, director of program management, Azure Security and Operations Management, in a blog post announcing the news. It is critical that customers have access to enterprise-grade management capabilities for detailed visibility into their Azure consumption, cost and performance in order to stay within budget and ensure business success.

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Prior to its acquisition, Cloudyn has raised over $20 million from investors like Carmel Ventures, Titanium Investments, and RDSeed.
Abducted Dang-based businessman found dead after 21 days

Dang-based businessman Raj Kumar Shrestha who had been missing for 21 days was found dead Friday.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, June 29, 2017

A federal judge has refused to authorize Google to immediately appeal his ruling in a battle over whether the company's facial recognition technology violates an Illinois privacy law.

The order, issued this week by U.S. District Court Judge Edmond Chang, means that Illinois residents Lindabeth Rivera and Joseph Weiss can continue with a class-action complaint accusing Google of running afoul of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act.

That law, passed in 2008, requires companies to obtain written releases from people before collecting certain biometric data, including fingerprints, voiceprints and scans of face geometry. But the law also specifically excludes "photos" from the definition of "biometric identifiers, and excludes information derived from photos from a separate definition of "biometric information."

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Google initially argued that Illinois lawmakers didn't intend to regulate faceprints that were created from photos. Instead, according to Google, the law only covers faceprints derived from in-person scans.

Chang rejected that position, ruling that the law covers "scans of facial geometry" regardless of how they are created.

Google then asked Chang to authorize an immediate appeal to the 7th Circuit. The company said that questions about whether the Illinois law covers faceprints created from photos should be decided by the appellate court.

Chang refused to do so, ruling that there was no "substantial ground" for a difference of opinion about whether the Illinois law applied to faceprints derived from photos.

"There is literally no precedent on Googles side when it argues that, in order to qualify as a 'biometric identifier,' scans of face geometry must be conducted in person rather than generated from a photograph," Chang wrote.

Chang left open the possibility of authorizing an appeal to the 7th Circuit in the future.
Dunelm Group plc retails homewares in the United Kingdom. The company offers furniture and beds products, which include bedroom, living room, dining room, and other furniture, as well as bed and mattresses, and sofas and chairs; bedding products comprising bed linen, dorma, baby and kid's bedding, and duvets, pillows and protectors; curtains and rugs; and venetian, roller, roman, vertical, and made to measure blinds. It also offers range of home decor products, such as mirrors, clocks, ornaments, pictures and frames, candle and home fragrance, flower and plants, vases, kid accessories, cushions, bean bags, and letterbox flowers, as well as housewarming, engagement, anniversary, and wedding gifts; lighting products, including ceiling and wall lights, table and desk lamps, floor lamps, and pendants and lamp shades; and paint, wallpaper, DIY and upcycling, and haberdashery products. In addition, the company provides kitchen and utility products comprising cooking, dining, electrical, utility, and pet products; towel and bathmats, and bathroom accessories, as well as furniture and decor products; storage products, such as travel and luggage, home, clothes, and kitchen storage; kids bedroom, nursery, and accessories products; outdoor products, which include garden furniture and decoration, and entreating and dining products; and trends christmas products and winter essentials. It operates through a network of 177 stores and 2 distribution centers, as well as sells its products through an online store at dunelm.com. Dunelm Group plc was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Syston, the United Kingdom.
Global Partners LP engages in the purchasing, selling, gathering, blending, storing, and logistics of transporting gasoline and gasoline blendstocks, distillates, residual oil, renewable fuels, crude oil, and propane to wholesalers, retailers, and commercial customers in the New England states, Mid-Atlantic region, and New York. The company is also involved in the transportation of petroleum products and renewable fuels through rail from the mid-continent region of the United States and Canada. Its Wholesale segment sells home heating oil, branded and unbranded gasoline and gasoline blendstocks, diesel, kerosene, residual oil, and propane to home heating oil retailers and wholesale distributors. It also aggregates crude oil through truck or pipeline in the mid-continent region of the United States and Canada, as well as transports it through rail and ships it through barge to refiners. The company's Gasoline Distribution and Station Operations segment sells branded and unbranded gasoline to gasoline station operators and sub-jobbers; operates gasoline stations and convenience stores; and provides car wash, lottery, and ATM services, as well as leases gasoline stations. Its Commercial segment sells and delivers unbranded gasoline, home heating oil, diesel, kerosene, residual oil, and bunker fuel to customers in the public sector, as well as to commercial and industrial end-users; and sells custom blended fuels. As of December 31, 2021, the company had a portfolio of 1,595 owned, leased, and supplied gasoline stations, which included 295 directly operated convenience stores; and owned, leased, or maintained storage facilities at 26 bulk terminals with a collective storage capacity of 11.9 million barrels. Global GP LLC serves as the general partner of the company. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Sangam Prasain is Business Editor at The Kathmandu Post, covering tourism, agriculture, mountaineering, aviation, infrastructure and other economic affairs. He joined The Kathmandu Post in October 2009.
Morgan Advanced Materials plc operates as a materials science and application engineering company primarily the United Kingdom. It offers high-temperature insulating fibers, microporous, firebrick and insulating firebrick, monolithic, heat shields, and fired refractory shape products; crucibles, foundry and ferrous products, and furnace industries furnace ranges; and seals and bearings, such as face seals, split and segmented seals, sliding bearings, shafts, rotary vane pump components, and sliding valve components. The company also provides carbon brushes and collectors, brush holders, power slip rings, terminal blocks, diagnostic equipment, carbon current collection strips, shaft grounding rings, and linear transfer systems. In addition, it offers components, ceramic cores, ceramic to metal brazed/metallized assemblies, mass spectrometry components, wax injection, ceramic injection molded, extruded, laser, machinable glass ceramic, semiconductor, and zirconia products, as well as tubes, laboratory porcelain products, and kiln furniture under the Haldenwanger name. The company serves customers in the industrial, transportation, petrochemical and chemical, energy, semiconductor and electronics, healthcare, and security and defense markets. It also operates in the United States, China, Germany, France, other Asian countries, Australasia, the Middle East and Africa, other European countries, other North American countries, and South America. The company was formerly known as The Morgan Crucible Company plc and changed its name to Morgan Advanced Materials plc in March 2013. Morgan Advanced Materials plc was founded in 1856 and is headquartered in Windsor, the United Kingdom.
How can Nigeria continue to dance on the graves of our children, Oby Ezekwesili debuts in first episode of Forbes Woman Africa, Against The Odds with Peace Hyde

The highly anticipated women empowerment show, Against The Odds with Peace Hyde is set to premier on Friday June 30th 2017 on Pan African Business Channel CNBC Africa Channel 410 on DSTV.

The show is the latest installment from Forbes Woman Africa depicting the journey of some of the most influential women in West and South Africa who have achieved remarkable feats whiles defying the odds.

In the first episode, Oby Ezekwesili, creator of the #Bringbackourgirls campaign talks about her harrowing experience in fighting corruption in Nigeria from her early days as the co founder of Transparency International to the shock and horror of finding out about the abduction of over 270 girls in Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria.

Watch the promo:


James Gardiner

30.06.2017 LISTEN

Budding Ghanaian actor and television presenter James Timothy Gardner has revealed that he requires more diversity in his roles to demonstrate his versatility.

James Gardiner, who is a familiar face when it comes to love scenes in Ghanaian and Nigerian movies complained about receiving almost the same role in all the movies he stars in.

In an interview on Tonight starring Andrew Tandoh Adote, the actor stated, "I'm always playing love scenes but the role i really want to play is a mad man or a pyscho.'

He also added that the last time he played the role of a mad man was when he was part of the drama group back in St. Augustines.

James Gardiner is one of Ghana's finest actors, and has featured in many movies including Happy Deathday, Royal Diadem and recently, John and John.

The full interview will be aired on Tonight starring Andrew Tandoh Adote on Joy Prime, Sunday at 8:30pm.

Email: [email protected]
Zylofon media, an Accra-based record company, has signed on to its record label two new artistes.

The record label which has in its stable artistes like Kumi Guitar, Becca and Stonebwoy has now signed gospel songstress Joyce Blessing and promising rapper, Obibini.

At a press briefing held at the company's premises at East Legon in Accra on Wednesday, June 28, Head of Communications for Zylofon Media, Samuel Atuobi Baah, said the label has signed a four-year contract with the two artistes.

We are signing a four-year deal with Joyce Blessing and Obibini. It's a complete record deal and when I say 'a complete record deal' it includes distribution, promotion, production and marketing as well. We've also given them goodwill money that they will need for their personal running, Mr Baah disclosed.

He added that the two artistes have been given a brand new Hyundai Sonata car each together with accommodation. He further stated that the company would require of the artistes to produce four albums within the four year period, barring any problems.
Atithi Devo Bhawa cleaning campaign launched at TIA

The Non-Residential Nepali Association (NRNA), in conjunction with the Nepal Tourism Board and other concerned authorities, launched a cleaning campaign Atithi Devo Bhawa at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Thursday.
Actor Kofi Agyiri of 'Efiewura' fame has passed away. He died Thursday morning June 29, 2017 at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, where he was hospitalised.

Fellow actor Seth Kwabena Kyere Karikari, otherwise called Koo Fori, confirmed his demise yesterday on Okay FM, saying it is unfortunate.

He was in his late 40s, and it is unclear what killed him but other reports said it was caused by a kidney-related ailment.

It is a sad moment for us as we mourn Kofi Agyiri who was always committed to the 'Efiewura' series. Sometimes when we are financially challenged, he uses his own resources to finance some parts of the project. I know he is married with kids but will not want to divulge further details. I will make funeral arrangements and others public when the time is due, Koo Fori told Okay FM.
Two TV presenters attacked on Twitter by President Donald Trump have accused him of lying and suggested the White House tried to blackmail them.

The hosts of MSNBC Morning Joe said they were warned a tabloid would run a negative story on them unless they said sorry for their coverage of Mr Trump.

Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough said Mr Trump's tweets were full of "lies" about them and he "fears women".

The president called them "low IQ crazy Mika" and "Psycho Joe" on Thursday.

He also referred to Ms Brzezinski as "bleeding badly from a facelift".

The couple, who are engaged to be married, wrote a joint response in Friday's Washington Post accusing the president of an "unhealthy obsession" with them.

They denied his claims they had spent three nights at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida last New Year's Eve, or that they had "insisted", as Mr Trump claimed, on spending time with him.

Instead they said they turned down his invitation to attend his New Year's Eve party.

They continued: "Putting aside Mr Trump's never-ending obsession with women's blood, Mika and her face were perfectly intact, as pictures from that night reveal.

"And though it is no-one's business, the president's petulant personal attack against yet another woman's looks compels us to report that Mika has never had a face-lift."

The TV presenters also said three White House officials had told them the National Enquirer would publish a negative article about them unless they apologised to Mr Trump for their scrutiny of him.

Mr Scarborough said: "They said, 'if you call the president up and you apologise for your coverage then he'll pick up the phone and basically spike the story.'"

"I had, I will just say, three people at the very top of the administration calling me."

Ms Brzezinski said reporters from the supermarket tabloid began harassing her family.

"They were calling my children," she said. "They were calling close friends.

"These calls persisted for quite some time and then Joe had the conversations that he had with the White House where they said 'oh, this could go away'."

David Pecker, chief executive of the Enquirer's parent company, is a staunch ally of Mr Trump, which is reflected in the tabloid's coverage of the president.

But in a Friday morning tweet, Mr Trump denied the couple's claims, saying Mr Scarborough "called me to stop a National Enquirer article. I said no!"

Mr Scarborough swiftly hit back: "Yet another lie. I have texts from your top aides and phone records. Also, those records show I haven't spoken with you in many months."

Mr Trump's original tweet about the MSNBC hosts provoked a storm of criticism, including even from some fellow Republicans.

Senator Lindsey Graham said Mr Trump's remarks on Thursday were "beneath the office" of president.

He said the tweet "represents what is wrong with American politics, not the greatness of America".

"Please just stop. This isn't normal," tweeted fellow Republican Senator Ben Sasse.

The Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, called Mr Trump's tweets "sexist, an assault on the freedom of the press & an insult to all women".

The White House sprang to Mr Trump's defence.

"I don't think that the president has ever been someone that gets attacked and doesn't push back," spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told Fox News.

In a previous spat with journalist Megyn Kelly, Mr Trump referred to "blood coming out of her wherever", implying her work was being affected by her menstrual cycle.

The Morning Joe co-presenters have increasingly attacked President Trump since he took office.

In recent weeks, Mr Scarborough has called him a "bumbling dope", while Ms Brzezinski has called him "phony", a "narcissist" and accused him of "destroying the country".

Ms Brzezinski is the daughter of the late Zbigniew Brzezinski, who was President Jimmy Carter's national security adviser, while Mr Scarborough is a former Republican congressman.
Over twenty buildings at Anwia Nkwanta near Bekwai in the Ashanti Region have been submerged leaving hundreds of people homeless, the Municipal Chief Executive Officer for Bekwai, Kyei Baffour has told The Chronicle.

On Monday dawn, residents along Oda River, which passes through the town were forced to abandon their homes when the river over flown its banks and flooded their home.

The ever-busy Kumasi-Obuasi highway which connects commuters in the Ashanti region to areas such as Obuasi, Cape-Coast, Dunkwaw, Takoradi and other areas was also submerged cutting off commuters from accessing the road.

Speaking to this paper through telephone, Mr. Kyei explained that Anwia Nkwanta and its environs have not witnessed any torrential rainfall, but persistent rainfall at the source of Oda River resulted in the flooding.

He said on Monday, around 05:00hrs GMT, he had a distress call from authorities in the area that the entire Anwia Nkwanta area has flooded, so he rushed to the place to access the extent of damage.

Responding to a question as to whether they have recorded casualties, the Bekwai MCE replied that there has not been any casualty only that a lot of animals died. He revealed that the flood had not diminished, continuing that a lot of people have lost their properties to the floods.

Much as he attributed the cause of the flood to torrential rainfall in the Ashanti Regional capital over the weekend, he also blamed the residents for occupying low lying family lands, which were given to them by their family heads.

Kyei Baffour urged the victims to always come to the assembly to seek advice and approval before putting up any structure.

The Ashanti Regional Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) confirmed to The Chronicle that indeed they have had a situation in Anwia Nkwanta and that they have been evacuating people who are living in low land areas.

From Richard Owusu-Akyaw, Kumasi
30.06.2017 LISTEN

The President Akufo-Addo has urged African leaders to hasten the coming into being of the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA).

According to President Akufo-Addo, if we remain resolute and see to its realisation, we will obtain a major boost to the development of our economies, and a considerable reduction on our dependence on foreign goods and services. It is the path to collective self-reliance and prosperity.

It will be recalled that Heads of State and Governments who attended the 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, in January this year, signed up to the implementation of the CFTA.

The purpose of the free-trade area is to ensure significant growth of Intra-Africa trade, as well as assisting countries on the continent use trade more effectively as an engine of growth and for sustainable development.

The CFTA will also reduce the vulnerability of the continent to external shocks, and will also enhance the participation of Africa in global trade as a respectable partner, thereby reducing the continent's dependence on foreign aid and external borrowing.

President Akufo-Addo was speaking at a State Banquet held in his honour by the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Edgar Lungu, on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, when he made this known.

He noted that for a continent that has made the choice of pursuing integration, Africa has not done much in liberalizing and promoting trade amongst member countries.

Research has shown that countries or groups of countries with the largest share of world trade are located within regions with the highest share of intra-regional trade. Trade between African nations remains low compared to other parts of the world, he lamented.

In 2000, intra-continental trade accounted for 10% of Africa's total trade, and increased marginally to 11% in 2015. Trading amongst members of the European Union, for example, amounted to 70% in 2015. Intra-African trade is still estimated at less than two per cent (2%) of global trade.

With these very low levels of trade and investment co-operation in Africa, we must put in place deliberate measures aimed at expanding trade and business collaborations to improve the prospects for prosperity of our peoples, he added.

The coming into effect of the CFTA, the President was confident, would bring progress and prosperity to the African peoples.

With Africa's population of 1.2 billion set to expand to 2 billion people in 20 years, the President stressed that this means that a genuine continental market in Africa should be in our economic interest, for it will present immense opportunities to bring prosperity to the peoples in our continent with hard work, creativity and enterprise.

It is for this reason that President Akufo-Addo noted that we should no longer delay the process of African integration. A functioning, common continental market has to be a very fundamental objective of all the peoples and governments on the continent, an objective that will consolidate the process of structural transformation of our national economies on which we must be engaged.

Intensify Ghana & Zambia links

President Akufo-Addo, in his remarks, also called for the intensification of the links between Ghanaian and Zambian enterprises.

With Zambia and Ghana recording similar GDP growth rates in 2016, i.e., 3.3% and 3.6% respectively, as a result of high fiscal deficits, low investor confidence, falling commodity prices and low agricultural productivity, President Akufo-Addo explained that the time has come for the two countries to move away from being mere producers and exporters of raw materials.

There can be no future prosperity for our peoples in the short, medium or long term, if we continue to maintain economic structures dependent on the production and export of raw materials. Unless we industrialise, with the goal of adding significant value to our primary products, we cannot create the necessary numbers of good-paying jobs that will enhance the living standards of the masses of our country, he said.

To this end, President Akufo-Addo outlined a number of policies he has initiated since assuming office in January 2017, which has shifted the focus of Ghana's economy from taxation to production.

He also applauded his Zambian counterpart for his recently approved National Development Plan, on the theme Accelerating development efforts towards vision 2030 without leaving anyone behind.

The Zambian programme is hinged on the pillars of economic diversification and job creation, reduced poverty and vulnerability, reduced developmental inequalities, enhancing human development, and conducive governance environment for economic diversification, to create a diversified economy for sustained growth and economic development is highly commendable.

The transformation of our two economies we seek through these measures should make our enterprises and businesses very competitive in Africa, and beyond, he added.
30.06.2017 LISTEN

SavannahNews24.com, the news website that published the false sexual scandal involving the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Solomon Boar, and one Rafia Baba Jawula, has unreservedly apologised for the wrongful and defamatory publication.

According to the website, all the two publications it carried on 20th and 21st June 2017, under the headlines: Minister in trouble over nude pictures; as sweetheart demands Camry, and Minister begs blackmailer not to release sex tape, lacked merit and was full of factual inaccuracies.

Miss Rafia Baba Jawula was accused of luring the Deputy Northern Regional Minister into an amorous relationship, had sex with him, took video recordings and photographs, and was now threatening to go public with them.

She allegedly demanded that the Deputy Minister pay a whopping GH50,000 plus a brand new Toyota Camry or she goes to the media. But, in a retraction and apology published on the website by the Publisher, Hamza Lansah Lolly, savannahnews24.com unconditionally apologised to Mr. Solomon Boar, Rafia Baba Jawula, and their families for damaging their hard won reputations.

We will like to render another unqualified apology to the families and friends of both the Deputy Regional Minister and Miss Rafia Baba Jawula for the pain and embarrassment our publications might have caused them.

SavannahNews24.com has also pulled down the said publications from its website for lack of evidence. The website, according to the Publisher, is still a credible news source and committed to providing accurate and balanced reportage.

Meanwhile, The Chronicle has gathered that the Northern Regional Police Command, which arrested Ms. Rafia Baba Jawula for alleged blackmail and internet fraud, has since abandoned the case for lack of evidence. Ms. Rafia Baba Jawula told The Chronicle that the police had handed over all the items they seized from her, including money, mobile phone and motorbike, to her.

She expressed anger over the defamation of her character and that of the Jawula family. Rafia Jawula said that the family would soon come out with their final decision on how to completely redeem their image and integrity.

From Edmond Gyebi, Tamale
30.06.2017 LISTEN

The Acting Executive Director of the National Service Secretariat (NSS), Mustapha Ussif, says the graduates' skill deployment agency has put in place measures to boost harvest on the schemes farm at Dahwenya in the Greater Accra Region.

Major plans adopted by the NSS to achieved a bumper harvest this year and in years to follow, by adopting the mechanical system of farming, and the application of insecticides and fertiliser on crops of the farm.

In a move to ensure crops on the farm are well taken care of, Mr. Ussif, together with some 100 staff of the NSS headquarters, on Thursday, applied insecticide and fertiliser to the crops.

His presence at the insecticide and fertiliser exercise, according to the Ag. Executive Director, was also to familiarise himself with staff of the Dahwenya farm.

Members of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) also assisted the Executive Director during the exercise.

Mr. Ussif, in the company of some directors at the NSS headquarters, such as the deputy Executive in charge of Finance and Administration, Ms. Gifty Oware-Aboagye, head of Human Resource, Mrs. Adwoa Van-Vicker, and Greater Accra Regional Coordinator, Madam Anas Zanoo, explained the rationale behind the secretariat's decision to revise the farm projects.

As a strategic institution, the Presidents campaign is a laudable call for us to mobilise our staff and machinery into cultivating cereals and rearing livestock, as part of our efforts to generate funds internally, while contributing to national food security, as well as empowering the young generation with an interest in modern agriculture methods under our mandate, he said.

Mr. Ussif also revealed that as part of measures to control army worm invasion and to protect the crops from damage, an out of budget expenditure of GH100,000 had been made available.

In the light of this, he appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and agro-based research institutions in the country to help the scheme to control pest outbreaks on its farms.
30.06.2017 LISTEN

The Minister for Inner City and Zongo Development, Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface, has charged all influential people, businesses, and other well-meaning Ghanaians living within and outside the various Zongo communities not to be mere spectators, but rather partner the government to bring the needed transformation and development to the people.

He said that the establishment of the Ministry, by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was not only to ensure a development, but to make the Zongo areas the most attractive, business-friendly and a peaceful place for all to live.

According to him, Ghana was the first country in the whole of Africa to establish such a Ministry, with the aim of coordinating, collaborating, and facilitating critical interventions, through affirmative action that progressively addresses social, economic and infrastructural deficits, and promote socio-economic development in the Zongo communities.

Speaking at a recent forum in Tamale to interact with and solicit views, suggestions, and opinions of all stakeholders in the Northern Region, Alhaji Boniface said that the support of the private sector, chiefs, and other key stakeholders was critical to improving the lives of the Zongo people, who had been sidelined for a long time by successive governments.

He said that the current state of the Zongo communities reflected a major developmental challenge, manifesting in poverty, illiteracy, poor environmental sanitation, poor housing conditions, high level of social and economic vulnerability, and limited prosperity.

The Minister indicated that the Zongos, which previously were regarded as migrant communities in urban areas, and were dominated by people of Islamic faith, have now evolved, and presently host non-muslims and several tribes of both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians. Alhaji Boniface was, particularly, elated by the continuous peaceful coexistence among Zongo dwellers, where there were people with different tribes and religious backgrounds.

He indicated that the establishment of the Zongo Development Fund, which was one of the key priorities and seven flagship programmes outlined in the economic policy of President Akufo-Addo, had received over GH218 million as seed money for its operations.

According to the Minister, the fund was going to ensure massive infrastructural development, such as roads, schools, modern markets, health and sanitation projects, as well as women and youth empowerment, and cultural and socio-economic development among others.

Alhaji Boniface, therefore, cautioned the people not to see the Zongo Development Fund as a charity fund for funerals, weddings, naming ceremonies and other social appendages.

From Edmond Gyebi, Tamale
The heavy downpour on Monday afternoon in parts of the country did not deter hundreds of Ghanaians from trooping to the West Hills Mall on the Accra-Kasoa road to participate in the maiden edition of the HOW WELL ARE YOU free health screening campaign by the Philipa Baafi Foundation.

The event begun by 12noon but by 10am, several people who were aged and young were seated awaiting the officials from the Ministry of Health and the Ga South Municipal Hospital to embark on the screening exercise.

By 12noon, doctors and nurses from the Health Ministry and the Ga South Municipal Hospital started the screening exercise with health talk on Malaria, Diabetes, Obesity, Personal hygiene among others with the aim to concientize the participants on the need to take good care of their health.

The ace sensational Ghanaian Musician and Occupational Therapist, Philipa Baafi also entertained the participants with several renditions of her hit songs and the participants had no option than to stand on their toes to dance to the tune while being screened.

The people were screened on Blood Pressure, Glucose or Sugar level, Malaria and Body Mass Index (BMI) which are noted to be common ailments among Ghanaians.

The Minister of State in charge of Procurement at the Presidency, Sarah Adwoa Safo who is also the Member of Parliament for Dome/Kwabenya and Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament launching the programme entreat us all to patronize these screening programmes at our markets and shopping malls. We should also take time of our busy schedules to go for regular check-ups because it is a known fact that Non-Communicable Diseases are rapidly taking over as major causes of ill-health and death in Ghana.

She said I believe that we all know the benefits of improved health for our people such as a more productive workforce, reduction in man-hours lost due to ill health and reduced burden on the finances of the country including the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Honourable Adwoa Safo said in order to achieve the desired health outcomes, substantial investment is needed in the health sector, including screening for pre-existing health conditions.

The Minister noted that Ghanaian women, who form 70% of the informal sector, have the penchant of only working either in markets or on the streets to put food on the tables for their family.

The Dome-Kwabenya MP noted that these women who contribute a lot to the economy can be found in open markets across the country but they eat every food and consume every medicine.

They do not exercise regularly and hardly visit the health facility for a checkup unless they fall sick and the situation is already chronic so such outreach free health screening and health talk programme will help the nation, she added.

The Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament also praised MTN Ghana, GOIL Ghana Limited and TOBINCO Pharmaceuticals for supporting such a noble cause and appealed to Corporate Ghana to partner the Foundation.

The Executive Director of Philipa Baafi Foundation, Kwame Karikari explained that Philipa Baafi is not shifting from music to health. She is combining Music with Occupational Therapy.

He said the average Ghanaian does not make time to go for health check up. We are busy running all over the place. We make time for everything and anything except what is very basic to life, our health. Our women are the worst offenders. They mostly wake up early, storm the markets and return home late, all with the aim of ensuring that their families are well fed. Even those of us who are in the formal sector finds little time to visit hospitals for regular check-up and let alone our mothers and sisters whose daily lives depend on what someone will buy from her in the market.

Mr. Karikari explained that it is in line with these and many that the Philipa Baafi Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health are bringing the health screening to the door steps of these vulnerable in our markets across the country and to also create the awareness on the need for the average Ghanaian to embark on regular check-ups to stay healthy.

He appealed to the government institutions, corporate bodies, individuals and institutions to come on board to ensure that we deliver health care in the country.

The maiden edition was sponsored by the MTN Foundation, GOIL Ghana Limited, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals.
Hope FM's News team can report that the Half Assini Police barracks (rented quarters) in the Jomoro District of the Western Region is on the verge of collapse.

Some parts of the building have totally been brought down forcing most of the officers to vacate the premise and have to rent their own apartment. Most of them are currently living with civilians in different areas in Half Assini.

To add more, some officers who are still living in that collapsed structure which would soon be down to ground zero can't even sleep in their rooms when it rains.

In an interview with a Junior Rank Officer whose name is withheld, emphatically told Hope Fm 107.1 News Team that even their source of water is no more active in the sense that the Ghana Water Company has cut off the pipe line for about three to four months and the Administration has so far done nothing about it. No explanation or reasons, have been given about it. We have to go far to fetch water before we can report to work, the Junior Officer added.

In a sharp response by the Jomoro District Police Commander DSP Tenge, he told Hope FM News Team that with the pipe issue he has discussed it with the Member of Parliament (MP) of the area, Hon Paul Essien and yet the problem has not been solved.

The DSP later told the media that even his own office leaks like drainage and he has appealed to the community to help fix the pipe line for them.

Despite the challenges the Commander and his men are at duties working hard for the District to maintain peace, law and order.

He told Hope FM News Team that he is hoping and praying that a DCE would be appointed quickly so that he can tender their challenges to him for intervention.

He also thanked the community for their cooperation and pleaded with government and philanthropists to come to their aid.
Pensions and life after retirement has been a major headache for most Governments around the world because without an elaborate plan to take care of every Nations aged, they will eventually become a burden on the State. That is why laws are enacted by Governments around the world to make pension contributions compulsory for all Workers in permanent employment within an economy.

However, retirement income from Government controlled or semi-controlled pension schemes over the years has proven to be woefully inadequate to sustain the livelihood of our Pensioners after retirement in terms of food, clothing, shelter, healthcare and other things that Pensioners should engage in to enjoy the restof their life after retirement.

In Ghana, this challenge compelled the Government of Ghana to come up with the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act, 766) to reform the Ghanaian Pension System& Administrationwhich was wholly controlled by the Social Security & National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) with the aim of giving Pensioners much enhanced benefits after retiring from active service for a better retirement income security.

As laudable as this was, the management of the Tier 2 Pension for the public sector workers was embroiled in controversy between Labour unions and Government which up till today has stilled not been resolved completely in terms of access to the funds for the needed investments.

This is denying public sector workers the enhanced benefits they are supposed to be looking forward to when they retirebecause of the loss in investment returns. The challenges with the Tier 2 Occupational Pension Scheme Management with the public sector especially coupled with the challenges being faced by SSNIT with the Tier 1 Management makes income security for today & tomorrows Pensioners highly unpredictable in Ghana.

With a huge Informal economy which employs majority of the Ghanaian working population, the issue of pension & retirement income security becomes direr because workers in this sector are not compelled by law to make compulsory contributions to any pension scheme. Most of these workers never retire from active service until they are incapacitated or dead.

At this stage if the social and family support system fails, then they become paupers and a burden unto the State. With majority of them earning more accumulated income in a month than even most Civil & Public Servants, their education & training in pensions has become quiet urgent and necessary in order to reduce the number of our senior Citizens that the Government of Ghana through the Women & Gender Ministry is forced to put on the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program which is costing the State millions of Ghana cedis a year and clearly unsustainable going forward.

For a better income security and for the Ghanaian worker in the public or civil service to stop using all sort of means to remain at post for another five or more years after age sixty (60) and to reduce the number of our aged on the LEAP programme who most often than not were informal sector workers, Ghanaians need to start thinking and implementing a Personal Pension Scheme/Plan (PPS) during their working life. This will help greatly in building enough funds for a sustainable livelihood as a Pensioner after retirement.

Government, Unions, Associations, Pension Consultants, NGOs and individual Ghanaians must all help in creating the necessary awareness for all workers to understand that having a PPS is the surest way to secure a for a better life for all Pensioners or maintain their standard of living after retirement.

Through training, advocacy and advisory services, we have to help in lifting the Ghanaian future Pensioners in the public and private sectors out of poverty after years of service to mother Ghana and stem the trend where some Public & Civil servants try to change their date of birth or use other means in order to stay on working for another five or more years.

For those in the Informal sector, Sole proprietorship businesses& SMEs, we have a responsibility as a State through various channels to make them understand and appreciate that you can be a Barber, Seamstress, Electrician, Mechanic, Coconut seller, etc and still retire decently at age sixty or earlier with an elaborate Personal Pension scheme/plan in place for you.

This will go a long way to reduce the pressure on family members to care for their aged relations and also the pressure on the Government of Ghana to expand the LEAP programme which should not be the case because with a well-planned & elaborate PPS in place for every worker especially for those in the informal sector, LEAP should be a thing of the past in Ghana.

Written By:

Badu-Boateng Ernest

(Managing Director/Consultant),

Incas Labour & Pension Consult,

Kumasi  Ashanti.

Ghana  West Africa.
Capital trails in open defecation free mission

Kathmandu district, the Capital city with one metropolis and 10 municipalities, has made slow progress when it comes to achieving the target of Open Defecation Free (ODF) zone.
The Assemblies of God Liberty Centre-Sunyani (AGL-Sunyani) together with the Professional Christian Womens Network have partnered the award winning NGO, The Sangy Foundation to give a face lift to the Autism Awareness Care and Training centre in Accra.

The activity which took place on Saturday 17th June, had Sangy Foundation special volunteers known as the Glam Squad involve in various renovation exercises which included painting of the whole campus which has given a new brand to the centre which caters for children living with Autism in Ghana.

As one among few autism centres in Ghana, the centre was founded by Mrs. SerwahQuaynor when she returned to Ghana but couldnt find a school to enroll his son, Nortey who also lives with Autism.

In a special interaction with Sara Nana Yeboah, vice president of the organisation, she expressed excitement of the turnout of the work at the centre and hope it would inspire more parents to enroll their children in the center to receive the treatment and care they deserve.

She also used the opportunity to admonish, Liberty Assemblies of God church in Sunyani, Professional Christian Womens Network and Sesil Consult Ltd who came on board to support the exercise through funding and kind.

The Sangy Foundation engages in various charity activities across the country and has impacted lives of more than 50,000 individuals since its inception in 2013 and has also been awarded severally across Africa.
30.06.2017 LISTEN

A quick quiz: Whats the most important element required in a personal or national development or growth? The answer is not the availability of money, electricity or infrastructure. Its having a well-defined VISION, backed by the burning desire to change your unwanted position or circumstance. You must be fed-up with your current situation in order to have a workable vision.

In military, its called a battle plan and business people sometimes call it mission statement or strategic planning .Without it no organization or an individual can succeed. Having a well-defined vision is not a luxury but necessity if you want to survive in this dog-eat-dog economic tsunami.

Every political party has its visions (manifesto) and almost every normal individual adult who wants a better life for his family has a well-defined vision .The question is: What are the visions of Ghana? What are the core values of Ghana? None, zilch! And, why doesnt it? Very sad, isnt it?

You notice that I didnt say we need to have a dream because to have a dream you need to close your eyes. But, to have a vision all your senses must be alert and active so that you can take a mental picture of what you want to achieve and how you will work towards it. So a vision is more practical than a dream. That s why Ghana needs it so badly.

Every reasonable person wants to work towards his/her vision or goal in life. But as a nation what are we aspiring to achieve? In other words, what is our vision as a nation? And, can we honestly make it as a nation without a vision? This is the question every concerned Ghanaian needs to ask. That explains why were in a bad shape despite all the resources we have at our disposal. We dont have any defined vision as a country that were working on every hour and every day. Were just going with the flow aimlessly and screwing -up along the way, and wonder why we cant see the Promised Land after sixty years.

Yes, it was through defined -vision backed by passionate beliefs, purpose, mission, core values and sense of togetherness and direction that made all developed countries get into the socio-economic Promised Land. So until we see that as a nation we will continually wobble and meander aimlessly through life till the Kingdom come.

Oh yes, the government has its visions and are probably well-intended but it cant achieve much if the country itself has no defined vision and sense of direction.

It may take our politicians, policymakers and those without a broad knowledge of history (or an in -depth understanding of the present and whats at stake) a bit longer to realize it. But, how long can we wait as people when the Ghanaian youths anger with their unlimited expectations, huge appetite for material things and unwillingness to compromise or negotiate  be contained?

It shouldnt surprise anyone that people are riding around in governments vehicles and some have embezzled governments funds which were meant for social projects are walking around freely. It shouldnt surprise anyone that DVLA has won the most corrupt governments establishment Award in the country and no one is doing a damn thing about it.

It shouldnt surprise anyone that the EPA is proposing more import duty tax on used vehicles just because they want to improve the air quality in the countryI beg your pardon! Do they really want to fight against air pollution in the country from their air-conditioned offices? They should take a trip to the palm oil industries and Tema industrial area. What about the polluted river bodies and our tons of e- wastes and piled- up trash in our neighborhoods and towns that we fail to manage as a nation?

It shouldnt surprise anyone that the EPA is so quiet about the 5million liters of contaminated petroleum product that has been pushed down the consumption stream by BOST without a problem. Now the integrity of Ghana petroleum products is tainted and deflated all because of money. No one cares how much its going to cause air pollution or damage our vehicles engines.

When did Ghana become an automobile manufacturing country? Oh well, since we cant bring in old cars anymore because of air pollution then lets get rid of all old vehicles on our roads.

It shouldnt surprise anyone that our pot holes infected roads are not going away anytime soon because we have integrity -deprived road contractors and greedy, corrupt quality control outfit but were much concerned of the towing taxes.

It shouldnt surprise anyone that the people who helped to discovery oil ten years ago in Ghana are now the enemies of the nation. Theyre like used tires---theyve outlived their usefulness.

Unfortunately, all these negativities are derailing the nations progress ,potentials and killing creativity .

My guess is things cant go on like that forever. Sooner than later the working poor, unemployed, underemployed and the instant gratification generation Lord knows there is no shortage of themwill use their collective voice(backed by a righteously enraged citizenry )to bring about positive ,life-altering changes to this great land that has been gang- raped for decades by her own offspring. If you dont believe me, throw open your windows wide, step outside where a new smell is in the air. Thats a very hot fume from the nostrils of people who have been lied to by politicians for decades and are fed- up with the system. Theyre ready to fight for their dignity because they have been in the pit for far too long and have been taken for a joy ride for too long.

Mark my word, a day will come when the peoples anger and wariness cant be contained anymore because of too much corruption in the system. The fact that people are abusing the system left and right and are getting away with it is secondary to the fact that things cant stay the same forever. Do you remember the Arab Spring? It came about when the people of Egypt hard it to their chins.

Ghanaians (especially the youth) want to be somebody, work, live and die in their own country. Theyre tired of being drowned in the middle of an ocean .And; theyre tired of being the globetrotters in search for green pastures.

Nevertheless, one has to accept the fact that there will always be poor and wealthy people in our society, and neither of the two reached that status by their own efforts or fortitude to some degree. This is not normal view but without that we would be forced to see all rich people as thieves or seeing the poor as lazy freeloaders.

Believe me, privileged up- bringing doesnt matter too much so is inheriting a huge sum of money. The determining factor is early opportunity for growth and a chance for one to live up to his/her potentials. That means a level playing field needs to be created by the government and society. To do that we need a well-defined vision for the nation.

I believe when our integrity challenged politicians , lousy policy makers and humility -deficit community leaderships roll up their sleeves and place the interests of our nation, kids and ordinary folks in our villages and towns at the top of their agendas we can then work towards a vision that is viable and sustainable .

Anything less than that is a prescription for a major disaster. And I hate to be the prophet of doom.

Am I loud enough? I hope you can hear now me!

Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi (Voice of reason)

*The author is a gung-ho social commentator and a die-hard concerned citizen of this great nation.
Over 200 people in Agona Nyakrom in the Agona West Municipality of the Central Region have been rendered homeless as over 50 houses have been flooded following a heavy rainfall in the vicinity on Thursday.

The flooding has also affected passengers commuting between Agona Swedru- Nyakrom-Breman Asikuma in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District and surrounding communities.

Others from Accra to Breman Asikuma have also been affected.

Vehicles plying the routes have to go through longer distances before reaching their destinations.

The Akora River flows from Birim Central Municipality in the Eastern Region thorough most communities in the Agona West before joining River Ayensu in the Gomoa East District.

Agona West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Justina Marigold Assan, Member of Parliament for Agona West constituency, Hon. Cynthia Morrison, the Agona West Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Mr. Ishmael Ogyefo, personnel from NADMO, Ghana National Fire Service, Assembly Members and Assembly staff visited the victims at Agona Nyakrom.

A Top Official from Nyakrom Rural Bank, Mr. Francis Laweh told newsmen that the residents did not anticipated that the flood would be severe as it has been noting that most of them have to sleep with friends, relatives and neighbours.

"It started raining yesterday night but was not so heavy to flood homes. The whole thing started around 14 hours.

Luckly for us, no life has been lost even though properties have been destroyed "

The Agona West Municipal Chief Executive and MP for Agona West, Hon. Justina Marigold Assan and Hon. Cynthia Morrison respectively assured the victims that the Assembly and NADMO would assist them.

The Agona West Municipal Coordinator of NADMO, Mr. Kwesi Dawood said the victims were being registered to know the actual people affected by the flood. He cautioned residents to be extra careful especially those living along river banks.
Three prominent anti-graft and governance institutions have called for an independent probe into the possible bribery scandal that has hit Parliament and the National Lotteries Authority (NLA).

The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) want the leadership of Parliament to sweep the allegations under the carpet.

It emerged this week that the NLA, the regulator of lotteries and all forms of gambling in the country, and the immediate past members of Parliament's Finance Committee carried out acts that bordered on bribery and subtle extortion.

In what appears to be a case of misappropriation of taxpayers money, the lotteries regulatory agency led by former Boss, Brigadier General Martin Ahiaglo (Retired), spent GHE150,000 to facilitate deliberations on the amendment of the National Lottery Act, 2006 (Act 722).

The Authority is reported to have used the money to pay allowances to members of the Select Committee on Finance after it organised a workshop for them on amendments to the new lottery law, Act 722.

Read: NLA in GH150,000 bribery scandal; Lawyer admits sharing money to MPs for more background

Some of the committee members have confirmed receiving the allowance, others claim they did not.

In a release Thursday, the three anti-graft institutions said the revelations cast a blight on the integrity of Parliament and feeds into widely held suspicions of a corrupt legislature.

This revelation, coming on the back of the unsatisfactory handling of Honourable Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Centrals bribery allegation presents a further challenge to the already dented image of Parliament and growing eroding trust in politics and the political class in the Fourth Republic, said the release jointly signed by the Executive Director of GII, Linda Ofori-Kwafo , the Head of Research and Programmes and Deputy Director of CDD-Ghana , Dr. Franklin Oduro, and Executive Secretary of GACC, Beauty Emefa Narteh.

Mahama Ayariga had claimed that himself and other MPs on the Appointments Committee of Parliament were bribed to push through the approval of Boakye Agyarko to head the Energy Ministry.

An internal investigative body, chaired by another Parliamentarian, Joe Ghartey, found that Mr Ayariga was unable to back his allegations with evidence.

Mr Ayariga retracted the allegations and apologised.

Related: NLA, MPs 'bribery' scandal: We are opposed to pipers calling tunes- Parliament

Photo: Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Ocquaye

The anti-graft institutions say when Mr Ayarigas matter broke, they called for an independent probe into the matter but the call was not heeded.

This new allegation presents a new opportunity for Parliament through the Speaker, to set up an independent body outside of Parliament possibly chaired by someone of the reputation of Mr. Emile Short, former Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) or someone of similar standing, to look at the alleged bribery case, review the payment practices in Parliament and to make clear recommendations for regulating these processes, the anti-corruption crusaders suggest.

They also called on Parliament to see the recent revelations as an opportunity to holistically address the general publics perception of parliamentary corruption and incessant allegations of corruption.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected]
Makwatsha (DR Congo) (AFP) - There's no electricity and only 500 residents in the Congolese village of Makwatsha, but a longstanding tradition by its womenfolk has turned it almost by accident into a star attraction for Chinese tourists.

The outside walls of the huts are decorated with paintings of local life, flowers and butterflies, making "the village of the women painters" a draw also for tourists from France and Belgium.

"For the colour, we use only the earth," says Prosperine Mwelma, 60, dressed in a bright blue and yellow wrap and holding a paint brush.

"We dig to find the pink colour," she says, her hands covered with the village's ochre clay soil.

The murals of daily village life, painted by the women during the dry season and using only natural pigments, caught the eye of the director of the local French cultural institute when he passed through on holiday -- and he decided to let the world know.

Villager Josephine Muloba picks up soil for the preparation of colour powders for her paintings all created using only natural pigments

Not only did he contact a local travel agency to try to put the village on the tourism map but he also organised for some of the women to be invited to Paris in 2014 to exhibit their paintings.

For the Paris trip the villagers painted their works onto canvas and sold eight of them for a total of $60,000 (52,600 euros).

"On our own, we couldn't have done it," says Jean-Pierre Kabaso, chief of the village some 40 kilometres ( 25 miles) south of Lubumbashi, the capital of Haut-Katanga province in the southeast of Democratic Republic of Congo.

Now on tourist itineraries, the village's painting tradition could become an important source of income in the future, the 52-year-old chief says.

When tourists come to the village on a day trip, they walk around, see the huts, discover how the villagers collect clay nearby to make the colours and are able to talk to them.

"There are other projects in the works, including plans for an exhibition in Washington," Kabaso says.

Lone tour agency

In Lubumbashi, the only tour operator in the region sits in the dark in his office -- there's electricity here but many power cuts.

Isaac Sumba Maly, who runs the Palma Okapi Tours travel agency, says he is preparing for a visit by Chinese tourists.

The Chinese have been coming to DR Congo in increasing numbers for business, especially to Katanga province where Lubumbashi is located, because of its mining activities.

Most want to fit in a tour or buy souvenirs during their free time, boosting tourism and sales.

China, together with Belgium and France, are the main sources for the trickle of tourists -- about 100 each year -- who venture to this remote corner of DR Congo.

Village children in front of a hand-painted hut in Makwatsha, where tourism could help alleviate the poverty in this remote southeast corner of DR Congo

To attract more travellers, the tour operator has launched a festival of painting at Makwatsha, teaming up with tourism and hotel schools and local media to showcase the women's work once a year.

He's also planning a trip to China this year to negotiate a tourism contract with a private company looking to send its employees on holiday to Lubumbashi.

But it's a tough job selling tours to DR Congo.

"The Congo has a bad image overseas due to insecurity, war," says Maly, dressed impeccably in a suit despite the heat.

For the past several years, DR Congo has been mired in a political crisis, which has worsened since President Joseph Kabila refused to step aside when his mandate expired in December. Elections are supposed to take place by the end of this year.

And in several regions, armed militias battle against government troops, creating a plague of violence that makes foreign visitors fearful of venturing into the huge central African nation -- around two-thirds the size of western Europe.

"The Congo is vast," says Maly, arguing that size is an advantage.

"If there is war in the north, that's thousands of kilometres from here! In Israel, there are attacks, bombs, but nevertheless thousands go there for tourism," he says.

Green stone crocodiles

Workers handle malachite at an atelier in Lubumbashi, where the green stone is turned into statues of animals coveted by Chinese tourists

In Lubumbashi's old town, another artistic venture can be found in ateliers where, to the deafening sound of electric saws, workers sculpt statues out of malachite -- the green mineral found throughout the region.

Green stone statues of rhinos, lions or even larger animals are coveted by the Chinese tourists.

"They come with their orders for big pieces like crocodiles several metres long that they take back to China," proudly says Stanis Chansa, who has been a sculptor for 45 years.

The intrepid travellers who do manage the journey to Haut-Katanga leave an impression on local residents.

"The international tourists often make the Congolese realise the beauty of their homeland," says Eric Monga, a local official of the Federation of Congolese Business.
The Greater Accra National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Director, Mr Archibold Cobbina has launched a clean up exercise , dubbed "Operation Prevent Disaster" in Greater Accra at Kantamanto.

According to him, the clean up exercise includes desilting of our major and minor gutters, cleaning and clearing of anything that can cause disaster in Greater Accra.

"As we all know, the rains are here and as a matter of urgency, we cannot sit idle for what happened last 2 years to repeat itself" he stated.

"I will plead with corporate and private entities to support OPD with logistics and other preventive materials to prevent any future disaster", Mr. Archibold Stated.

The Greater Accra Deputy Minister, Hon.Elizabeth Sackey stressed that, Greater Accra suffers flooding every year and it has affected businesses which has forced some businesses to relocate.

Also, she emphasized that every year, businesses in Greater Accra losses billions of Ghana Cedis due to the flood that they experience when it rains and due to that many of them have fold up and others have relocated to different places.

Hon. Elizabeth Sackey urged Ghanaians to support Greater Accra NADMO to succeed in their Operation Prevent Disaster Project.

She used the occasion to unveiled the appointment Greater Accra NADMO Ambassadors, Miss Afia Adutwumwaa of UTV and Philipa Baafi, Musician.

OPD is categorized into 5 zones, they follows;.

Zone 1. Accra Metropolitan Assembly

Zone 2. Madina, Adenta, Ga East, Shai Osudoku.

Zone 3. Ga Central , Ga South, Ga West

Zone 4. Lemma, Tema, Kpone Katamanso, Ashaiman.

Zone 5. Ningo Prampram, Ada East, Ada West.

Fb Img 1498772507412
A top delegation from Suzuki Motor Corporation and their partners from Sumitomo Corporation have paid a working visit to Silver Star Auto Limited (SSAL)

Silver Star Auto Limited marked one year anniversary of Suzuki dealership this year with the opening of a new showroom on the Graphic road. The delegation from Suzuki was present to endorse the investment and acquaint themselves with operations of the company.

Koichi Suzuki, General Manager, Middle East/Africa Automobile Department, Suzuki Motor Corporation who led the delegation was upbeat about Silver Star Auto spearheading the Suzuki dealership in Ghana in an interview with the media as he described the partnership as a combination of quality and affordability.

In searching for an automobile dealer to officially handle sales of the Suzuki brand in the country we had no option than to turn to Silver Star Auto who were leaders in the auto market as dealers of the quality Mercedes Benz range of vehicles and as Suzuki comes with affordability and fuel efficiency joining SSAL was the best solution he touted

Koichi Suzuki was also impressed about SSALs new branch with the State of the Art showroom and Service Centre. He described it as a massive investment to bring quality and affordable vehicles unto the Ghanaian market, observing Africa as a continent of opportunities and with the potentials and peaceful nature of countries like Ghana we are optimistic the Suzuki market will grow he said.

Welcomed the visiting delegation, Mr. Nouhad Kalmoni, Chief Executive Officer of SSAL emphasized that getting regular visit from a supplier was good news for the market as it reinforces the companys quest to keep up the image and standards of the brand in terms of service quality. We are particularly happy our suppliers today will see the investments we have made in our facility in terms of sales and after sales and developments in terms of showrooms across the country notably in Accra, Tema and Kumasi.

He disclosed the partnership with Suzuki was to give customers who patronized second hand cars the opportunity to own a brand new vehicle as Suzuki provides quality and affordability with the same 3 years warranty he added.

Mr. Kalmoni assured the delegation of the companys commitment to Suzukis growth and development in Ghana and also entreated vehicle lovers to visit SSALs showrooms for their transportation needs spanning from micro to mini to large cars and SUVs

The Suzuki delegation were later ushered on a tour round SSALs new ultra modern showroom and service facility by Mr. Francis Amegayibor, General Manager-Sales, Passenger Cars, Mr. Kwaku Sintim Boamah, Sales Manager for Suzuki and Mr. Isaac Korsah, Branch manager-Accra, After sales service.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Accra, June 29, GNA - The residents of Akwasa Electoral Area in the Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfro has appealed to the Ghana Police Service to provide them with Police Post to save them from criminal activities in the area.

Mr Maxwell Yaw Atampuri, the Assembly Member for the area in the Ga South Municipality, who made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency and said some hardened criminals had made the area their abode.

He mentioned some of the places as New Bortianor, Adansiman, Cassava Farm and Red Top at Akwasa Electoral Area.

Mr Atampuri said they had made numerous calls for the Police Post in the past, but all had proved futile hence their appeal to the current government to come to their aid to save them.

GNA
30.06.2017 LISTEN

While the aim of many governments is to promote development in their respective countries, there is enough evidence to suggest that development is unbalanced or polarized. Development is an omnipresent term whose meaning has evolved over time by contributions of many fields saw the 1950s and 1960s definition by Arthur Lewis an economist from Indian origin and W.W Rostow who equated development to economic growth thus the sustained increased in a countries GDP, Per capita income and industrialization, this definition is more relevant today in the light of the one district one factory project proposed by the president of the republic of Ghana Nana Addo and the NPP.

The Chronic unemployment and extreme poverty, a feature of our economy in recent time will appreciate the dynamic effort of regional planning and industrialization in making life comfortable for many Ghanaians (Krachians) and this is why I see the idea of the one district one factory as very laudable if for nothing at all, it is believed to reduce inequality and polarization and ensure greater national progress through effective utilization of regional(District ) resources and the collective use of the resources of all areas in the country.

However, no meaningful developmental activity can be undertaken without taking into account the peoples socio economic characteristics (Export base theory) and characteristics of the population for whom the activity is being targeted, the size of the population, its spatial distribution, growth and change over time (GSS, PHC 2010).

Kete-Krachi one of the 25 Districts in the Volta region located north western corner of the Volta region is a remnant of the original krachi district which was among the original set of Districts created in the 1988 when the decentralization program was introduced by the then Peoples National Defence council (PNDC) Government.

The original Krachi District was established by legislative instrument (L.I) 1501 on the 10th of march 1989 but in 2004 the District was divided in to Krachi west and Krachi East following the creation of the new district by the NPP and that of krachi Nchumuru from the existing Krachi west in 2012 by the NDC and its capital Kete Krachi maintained with a population of 49,417 as at 2010 representing 2.3%of the regions population (PHC 2010) 49.0% females and 51.0% males. As high as 66.8% of households in the district are engaged in agriculture, 8 out of 10 (89.1%) households are agricultural households and most households in the district (87.5%) are involved in crop farming. Poultry (chicken) is the dominant animal reared in the District. (GSS, PHC 2010 report).

I have not used the Lorenz curve, neither the Gini nor the composite index number method or the factor analysis, quintiles and deciles, meanwhile overall poverty rate is believed to have declined substantially from 51.7%in 1991/92 to 28.5% in 2005/2006 against the 2015 target of 26%. However, poverty still remains rampant In SSA including Ghana where 50.9% are living below $1 a day (MDGs 2011) what the world recognizes as the most extreme poverty.

The rising stock of Ghanas debt is one major problem militating against her modest gain mostly attributed to the wrong targeting of transfers but in this context I choose to call it the wrong targeting(misappropriation) of productive resources. A good friend of mine Sarafina once said the ability to put resources in to perspective is one of the greatest virtues that every man should posses at first it made no sense to me but now it does. The first face of the project one District, one factory saw krachi west to be given a teak processing mill, with a total employment of 250. The rate of unemployment in Krachi would decline more less than 250 if the project to be sent there should have certain level of affinity with the economic activity that engages the people.

Regional planning is concerned with the technical basis for making decision about where and what to allocate resources. Every planning has an ultimate goal, development. Am drawing my inspiration from the Export base, theory of unbalanced development and the paramount of it all the growth pole concept propounded by the British economist William petty, who was fascinated by the high growth in London during the 17th century and conjectured that strong urban economies are the backbone of the wealth of nations.

The thesis of the concept was based on the assumption that, growth does not manifest itself everywhere at the same time but then it shows up at a point or poles in the short run but eventually affects the economy (District) as a whole in the long run what Albert Hirschman (1958) described as the trickledown effect. Because he was an economist his work centered on economic growth as measured by the growth of industries. For growth to take place there should be what we call propulsive units (one dominant economic activity) which in this dispensation, the one district, one factory is not different from. So that when this dominant economic activity grows or innovates, it will induce the establishment of other plants or activities to have a multiplier effect and extend tentacles to the whole region over time. (Albert Hirschman 1958).

The concept became popular and many governments adopted it in the 1960s when everyone was engrossed with optimism about its benefits for economic growth and social progress (Angotti 1998). In Ghana, Nkrumahs development plan of the 1960s has some elements of the growth pole concept. Industries were set up at certain strategic locations to help promote development. Ironically by the 1970s the interest in the concept had dwindled after its application failed to yield the anticipated outcome (Gilbert, 1974).

This fact not withstanding there is still some belief in the growth pole concept. Today, the one district one factory is a true reflection of the theory. More importantly, the neglect of the nature of economic activities in the district may lead to what Gunnar Myrdal (1957) calls the backwash effect thus the negative effect the rest of the regions in the district observe as a result of the neglect of the peoples economic activities may be labor force migration to take advantage of opportunities elsewhere resulting in food insecurity since aged left behind cannot work, poor social infrastructure, the moving away of the raw materials of the lagging region(District) and many more. In fact the failure of such projects in the past was due to inadequate attention to the dominant activity of the targeted area. Adequate employment ought to exist at the poles for it to be called a success.

However in most cases as can be seen in the case of kete-krachi the dominant economic human activity isnt teak plantation but root tuber crops induced activities. Cetaris paribus, cost and benefit analysis and a comparative advantage should inform and guide a decision of this nature else I beg to declare that out of the context of the theories at work in this piece of writing, an optimum output will hardly be achieved.

Most people hold to the view that, the existence of adequate infrastructure facilities coupled with financial inducement will generate the required level of outcome (employment) in a project region, However it lies flat in the face of truth. In reality, mere specification of economic activity even backed by investment is inadequate, unless supported by analysis of the specified activity within the problem region (District).

We call on national authorities and the ministry of trade and industry to give a sober reflection to Krachis share of the proposed project the one district, one factory ideology by considering the socio economic activities that engages the people in the district rather than a specification of teak mill processing with a total employment of 250.

OWUSU AGYEMANG FEDELIX

[email protected]
The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) together with the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) are demanding for a full scale independent investigation into the GHc150,000 bribery allegation involving the National Lotteries Authorities (NLA) and of members of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance during the last Session of the Sixth Parliament.

It was recently alleged that the lotteries regulatory agency led by former Boss, Brigadier General Martin Ahiaglo (Retired), spent 150,000 to facilitate deliberations on the amendment of the National Lottery Act, 2006 (Act 722).

The Authority is reported to have used the money to pay allowances to members of the Select Committee on Finance after it organised a workshop for them on amendments to the new lottery law, Act 722.

A statement signed by Linda Ofori-Kwafo, the Executive Director of GII, noted that this revelation, coming on the back of the unsatisfactory handling of Honourable Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Centrals bribery allegation presents a further challenge to the already dented image of Parliament and growing eroding trust in politics and the political class in the Fourth Republic.

The statement said Ghanaians would recall that when the Honourable Ayariga allegations surfaced, our three organisations called for an independent body or committee outside of Parliament to investigate the matter to ensure that the findings of fact will lead to necessary broader reform of some of the wrong practices in Parliament.

According to her, unfortunately, that opportunity was missed when the Committee set up by Parliament was given a narrow remit to work with.

The statement further indicated that this new allegation present a new opportunity for Parliament through the Speaker, to set up an independent body outside of Parliament possibly chaired by someone of the reputation of Mr. Emile Short, former Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) or someone of similar standing, to look at the alleged bribery case, review the payment practices in Parliament and to make clear recommendations for regulating these processes.

GII, CDD-Ghana and GACC wish to encourage the leadership of Parliament not to sweep this allegation under the carpet and like the proverbial ostrich, bury their heads in the sand and pretend there are no problems with the image and integrity of our Parliament, it intimated.

The statement which was jointly signed by Dr. Franklin Oduro, Head of Research & Programmes and Deputy Director CDD-Ghana added that it is in the utmost interest of Parliament and Ghanas young democracy that the integrity and image of Parliament is protected at all cost- as any integrity deficit goes to undermine the fundamental tenets of checks and balances in a democracy.

The statement posited that GII, CDD-Ghana and GACC once again call on Parliament to use this as an opportunity to holistically address the general publics perception of parliamentary corruption and incessant allegations made by individuals including Hon. Martin Amidu, former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Hon. Alban Bagbin, current 2nd Deputy Speaker, Hon. P.C Appiah Ofori, former MP, Professor Stephen Adei, Former rector of GIMPA and recently by Hon. Mahama Ayariga.
CoAS Chhetri leaving for US to attend UNTCC

Chief of Army Staff Rajendra Chhetri is leaving for the United States on Friday to attend the United Nations Chief of Defence Conference of Troops Contributing Countries-TCC, scheduled for July 7.
Khartoum (AFP) - The United States remains "very concerned" about Sudan's human rights record given the restrictions on religious and media freedoms in the country, the US embassy in Khartoum said.

The statement posted on the embassy's Facebook page on Thursday comes ahead of a decision by President Donald Trump on July 12 on whether to permanently lift Washington's 20-year-old trade embargo on Khartoum.

"The United States remains very concerned about Sudan's human rights record, including the continued closing of political space, and restrictions on religious freedom, freedom of expression, including press freedom," the embassy said.

The protection of human rights is "deeply intertwined with peace and security," it said, adding that the embassy continues to monitor Khartoum on these issues.

"We have raised at all levels our concerns regarding jailed activists, newspaper confiscations, church demolitions, constricted political space and restrictions on personal and religious freedom," the embassy said.

"Moving forward we want to see stronger progress in these areas by the Sudanese government."

Some think tanks have urged the Trump administration to maintain the sanctions given the human rights concerns.

US charge d'affaires Steven Koutsis told AFP in an interview earlier this month that Washington was not blind to these concerns, but the sanctions had been imposed on Khartoum for completely different reasons.

"The purpose of the sanctions that we have were two-fold -- to stop their support of terrorism and to bring peace to Darfur," Koutsis said.

"None of these other issues were the point of sanctions and none of these issues therefore should be linked to the lifting of sanctions."

He said human rights concerns needed to be addressed by having "a broader engagement with the Sudanese government".

Washington imposed sanctions on Khartoum in 1997 for its alleged support for Islamist militant groups. Now slain Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was based in Khartoum from 1992 to 1996.

Although Washington believes Khartoum's terror ties have ebbed, it has kept sanctions in place because of the scorched-earth tactics it has used against ethnic minority rebels in Darfur.

The United Nations says at least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced in the western region since the conflict erupted in 2003.
30.06.2017 LISTEN

Dalex Finance and Leasing Company Limited has rolled-out agricultural financing boosting package to empower over 10,000 Rice farmers in Northern Ghana.

The DALEX Agricultural Financing Boosting funds will be used to provide farming inputs - fertilizer, improved seeds, and combined harvesters to ensure prompt and efficient harvesting of the rice.

Mr Kenneth Kwamina Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of DALEX who unveiled the package explained that DALEX will continue to explore profitable and sustainable model for funding small-holder farmers who are the bedrock of Ghanas agricultural sector.

He further called on other financial institutions to follow the lead of DALEX and fund the Agric sector.

He said DALEX is working in partnership with Shinkaafa Buni Rice Farmers Association (SHINKAAFA BUNI) We are mining the value chain by also engaging Avnash Rice Mill, who guarantee to purchase the rice from the farmers.

Mr Ken Thompson also called on the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite action to avert the looming disaster posed by the Army Worm.

He indicated that the Army Worm has been found in the Eastern, Brong- Ahafo, Ashanti and Western Regions, and since 2016, have destroyed more than 5,870 hectares of maize, cowpea and cocoa. The effect of these pests could be worse than the biblical plague of locusts if unchecked.

Mr Nbanty Dagbanja, a rice farmer from Dagbanjado and beneficiary of the DALEX Agricultural Financing Boosting package commended SHINKAAFA and DALEX for providing the seeds that had improved their yields, for the chemicals and fertilizers, and for the harvesting services which has improved the prosperity of his fellow farmers.

Mr Akshay Sharma, Chairperson of SHINKAAFA BUNI and Head, Northern Region, Avnash Industries outlined some of the challenges of Milling Rice in Ghana.

He noted: The local paddy (raw material) prices are too expensive, as the yields per acre achieved by the farmers generally in Ghana is as low as 800 Kg/ acre compared to minimum of 2.4 MT / acre internationally in Thailand, Vietnam, India, USA, and Pakistan.

The local rice price is as a result uncompetitive in comparison with imported rice.

Mr Sharma supported the One village - One Dam proposal because of the potential of irrigation in raising even higher the yields of the local rice farmer.

Mr Samuel Sarpong, Executive Director of SHINKAAFA explained that the company has strengthened the rice sector by engagement at community level.

He said the partnership with DALEX was part of their mission to develop sustainable models for finance to assist the small-holder farmer.

The DALEX Agricultural Finance Boosting package offers credit facilities to farmers over the innovative Dalex SWIFT mobile platform (*721#).

The SWIFT platform gives subscribers access to investment/ savings services. Farmers receive their payments through mobile money and then can make deposits into their investment accounts. They have real-time access to their account balances whiles SWIFT provides call center support in Dagbani.

Dalex Finance and Leasing Company (DALEX) is the leading Non-Bank Financial Institution in Ghana.
Soweto (South Africa) (AFP) - South African President Jacob Zuma admitted Friday the ruling ANC party is beset by corruption and divisions that could threaten its uninterrupted hold on power since the end of apartheid rule.

Zuma, who has himself been at the centre of several major corruption scandals, called on the African National Congress (ANC) to reform and turn around its fortunes ahead of elections in 2019.

Zuma may stay on as national president until the election, but he is due to step down as ANC chief in December and the party faces a bitter internal leadership battle.

He said that the ANC needed to "cleanse itself" of "corruption, social distance, factionalism (and) abuse of power".

"Factionalism is a cancer that must be rooted out of the ANC," he said, opening a six-day policy meeting in Soweto, south of Johannesburg.

Critics accuse Zuma, 75, of allowing corruption to flourish since he came to power in 2009, and of being in the sway of the Gupta business family, allegedly granting them lucrative government contracts.

The president has been admonished by the country's highest court, and is fighting a judicial order that could reinstate almost 800 corruption charges against him over an arms deal in the 1990s.

"Access to state power and resources has led to perceptions and allegations that the ANC is a corrupt organisation," Zuma said, vowing to fight against graft.

Leadership clash looms

Zuma is seen as favouring his ex-wife, former African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to succeed him -- rather than his deputy Cyril Ramaphosa

His speech was greeted with only weak applause, though before the event his supporters at the venue sang songs praising him.

Zuma is seen as favouring his ex-wife, former African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to succeed him -- rather than deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa.

Dlamini-Zuma sat directly behind the president, in full view of the television cameras, while Ramaphosa was loudly cheered when he arrived on the stage.

The clash between the two camps could provoke further political instability in South Africa, which this month slipped into recession and also is suffering record unemployment.

Ramaphosa, a wealthy former businessman and trade union leader, has remained largely loyal to Zuma but sharply criticised him after the sacking of the respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan in March.

Zuma took a swipe at his critics, saying that "some members and leaders of the ANC have become primary conveyors of negative information about their own movement".

Zuma -- seen with the former wife of late President Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela and deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa -- slammed party factionalism as a "cancer" -- amid fears clashes between differing camps could provoke further political instability

The president admitted that economic growth was lower than expected and that local elections last year had been a "serious setback" for the ANC, when it lost about eight percent of its previous national support.

He blamed the fall in support on perceptions that "we are soft on corruption, we are self-serving and that the ANC is arrogant".

Some veterans of the struggle against apartheid rule, which ended in 1994, boycotted the conference, which ends on Wednesday.

The opposition Democratic Alliance party made gains in the local elections and hope to benefit from the ANC's woes in the 2019 vote.
Denis Boakye Innoce, alias Asu, who was said to have killed the scrap dealer and the three allege killers of the lotto agent.

Three out of six suspected armed robbers, who allegedly robbed and killed a 31-year-old lotto agent at Atadeka, a suburb of Zenu in the Kpone-Katamanso District of the Greater Accra Region, have been nabbed by the Police in Tema.

The names of the culprits were given as Zakari Abdulai, aka Zak, a 35-year-old trader, who happens to be the leader of the robbery gang, Dramani Seidu, 23, aka Great Khali, a labourer, and Kwesi Joshua Saed, 20, aka Joe, commercial motor rider, commonly called okada.

The suspects were said to have admitted taking part in the robbery.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Joseph Benefo Dankwah, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Tema Police Command, narrated that the deceased was killed on May 27, 2017 at about 8:00pm when he and his colleague agents were about to close for the day.

According to him, the armed robbers, who were six in number and on motorbikes, parked at about 200 metres away from the crime scene, while the three pillion riders armed with two double barreled guns, one pistol and Taser attacked the agency, killing the victim before speeding off on their motorbikes.

ASP Joseph Benefo Darkwah further stated that the armed robbers took GH14,000 and five mobile phones.

He said the police consequently launched an investigation into the incident, adding that on June 22, 2017, intelligence led to the discovery of hideout of the three suspects implicated in the robbery at Tema and Ashaiman.

Items found on them, according to the police, were one taser, three 39mm bullets, one 8mm bullets, three BB cartridges, three SIM cards, four wrappers of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and cash of GH2,768.00.

According to him, the suspects were arraigned before court on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, but pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to commit crime to wit robbery and robbery which were leveled against them.

He added that the suspects have since been remanded into prison custody to reappear on later date to permit further investigations into the matter.

In a related development, police intelligence has led to the arrest of one Dennis Boakye Innocence alias Asu, aged 19, purported to be implicated in the murder of one Wahab Mohammed, 49, a scrap dealer at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) traffic light.

He allegedly killed another person at a Forex Bureau at Community 4, Tema.

According to the police, the suspect was apprehended on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at a popular club at Ashaiman.

He is currently in police custody assisting in investigations.

From Vincent Kubi, Tema
Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia

30.06.2017 LISTEN

The Akufo-Addo administration intends to award 30 percent out of the 70 percent government contracts for local companies to persons with disability and women.

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who made the announcement yesterday, said when it comes to issues of persons with disability, a certain amount of positive discrimination is allowed.

If we want to build the inclusive society that we should be building as a country, then we should let the laws support the positive discrimination, he said at a career fair for persons with disability organized by the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations in Accra yesterday.

What we are saying is that in Ghana when we have a contract that is going to be taxpayer funded, within that 70%, at least 30% of that should be sourced from entities owned by women and persons with disability and those established under the Youth Enterprise Fund, he said.

He said that would make a major impact in the employment of persons with disability.

The Vice President also disclosed that government is in the process of implementing policies to ensure that persons with disabilities get equal opportunities to being appointed into public offices.

The NPP government, he said, has increased the District Assemblies Common Fund that is being allocated to persons with disabilities from 2% to 3%.

But more importantly, as we discussed at the Economic Management Team a few weeks ago, we understood that when the money gets to the districts, there is a problem of actually moving the money from the Assemblies to the persons with disabilities, he noted.

Apart from increasing the amount that was going to the districts, he emphasized the need to operate a system like the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) to directly target persons with disabilities in the district.

Resolve

So rather than wait on the district assemblies to make those transfers  which we are hearing is not happening in many cases  if we register everybody as in LEAP, we can directly transfer those monies directly to persons with disabilities. So we have directed the Ministries to start putting in place the registration of persons with disabilities so that we can follow the same sort of system that is working with the LEAP, he revealed.

To ensure this, he stressed the need to modernize, improve and resource special training schools for persons with disabilities to be trained for technical and skilled programmes.

The Vice President encouraged the private sector to support government to reduce unemployment.

Appeal

He also entreated employers to consider persons with disabilities in job listing, as we work towards Section 46 of the Labour Act 2003, which seeks to offer special incentives employers to people with disabilities.

Going forward, he said people with disabilities who engage in business or enterprise will also receive incentives in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

Dr Bawumia reiterated government's commitment to amending the existing Disability Act 2006, Act 715 to meet the UN Convention on disability.

Article 27 of the UN Convention on persons with disability focuses on decent employment for people with disability, recognizing the right to work in the labour market that is open, inclusive and assessable.

According to him, It is a big shame that we've had a Disability Act since 2006, the Mental Health Act since 2012 and the LIs that are necessary to actually activate these Acts and get the benefits to the people for whose benefit these Acts were passed have not been promulgated.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent


The Nii Adama Pataku Family of Abamma in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region has advised police officers, who gratuitously acquired their lands from one Henry Ashilley, a suspected land guard, to stop developing them.

They have vowed to expose the said policemen if they do not desist from that practice.

Head of the Nii Adama Pataku Family of Mireku and Akanmajen, Alhaji Abdulai Showumi Williams, in a statement, said the police personnel have no proper documents covering the land since they did not acquire them genuinely from the family.

He said the police personnel, who are in league with the land guards in the area, support the land guards to conduct their activities in the area after which lands are parted to them in appreciation.

Alhaji Williams said the family met and gave James Laryea the power to safeguard the family's land situated at Abamman.

He was given oversight responsibility to prevent all those who acquired the land illegally from Henry from developing them.

However, the police officers and Henry Ashilley connived and arrested James Laryea and linked him to the murder of the development chief of Ardeyman, he alleged.

We have recently discovered that after maliciously arresting our relative James Laryea and linking him to the murder of Nii Tettey Sarbah, the development chief of Ardeyman, the said police officers have taken advantage of the situation to develop their lands.

The said police officers, according to the family, are allegedly stationed at the Amasaman, Accra regional CID and headquarters.

He said, Family property is not state property and no matter what they do, the family members will not allow them take the land free of charge.

He revealed that James Laryea was arrested by the police for refusing to allow the said police officers of the Amasaman police station, and CID Headquarters, who gratuitously acquired their family lands through Henry from developing them at Abamman.

Henry Ashilley is a notorious land guard, who was arraigned before court and fined for selling their family lands at Abamman.

Henry Ashilley's father, Alfred Anum Ashilley, was a senior member of the family even though he was never the head of the family with the authority to sell lands yet Henry has been selling the family lands in the name of the father even after his death.

He said Henry was dragged to court by the family to stop him from further selling of lands.

Some of the said police officers came to the family to allow them continue with their project, but the family declined and it was these same police officers, together with Henry, who came to apprehend Mr. Laryea and further accused him of the murder of the Ardeyman chief.

By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey

([email protected])


Airtel Ghana in partnership with MicroEnsure and Enterprise Life have launched an enhanced micro insurance policy to enrich the lives of customers. The improved Insurance policy introduces an industry first Maternity Cover to ease the burden on mothers and contribute to reducing maternal mortality across the country.

Airtel Insurance was launched in 2013 to provide Life, Accidental Permanent Disability and Hospital Cash cover for subscribers. The product currently covers close to 300,000 customers and has paid close to GHC 500,000 in claims to over 1,000 subscribers across the country.

The enhanced policy provides cover for Life Accidental permanent disability, Hospital Cash and Maternity with increased benefits and improved claims payments for subscribers. Customers can now claim up to GHC 7,500 in Life and Accidental Permanent Disability and GHC 1,000 in Hospital Cash and the Maternity cover.

Explaining the different policy options at a media launch at the Ridge Head office of Airtel Ghana, Ms. Adjoa Kusiwaa Boateng, Country Manager, MicroEnsure said As the managers of the scheme, we are happy to collaborate with Airtel Ghana and Enterprise Life, our underwriters, to offer our services to Airtel customers. The enhanced policy offers Life cover in the unfortunate death of the customer, Accidental permanent disability cover in the event that the customers loses the use of any part of their body as a result of an accident, the Hospital Cash cover pays cash benefits to customers who spend 3 or more consecutive nights on admission for any reason whatsoever whereas the Maternity cover, which is the new addition and the first of its kind in Ghana, pays out to pregnant clients who get admitted in the hospital for 5 or more nights during childbirth.

She concluded Airtel Insurance has two benefit options for subscribers to choose from  the Max cover caters for one customer for a monthly premium of GHC 2 and the Family cover provides cover for the customer and a member of their family for a monthly premium of GHC 4.

Photo Caption: The team from Airtel Ghana, MicroEnsure and Enterprise Life Assurance

Vanessa Harding, Acting General Manager of Enterprise life (Group Operations) said "Enterprise Life is proud of this partnership with Airtel and MicroEnsure. We will work to ensure that the value proposition to the customer is upheld especially when it comes to claims payment''

On her part, Airtel Ghanas Marketing Director, Rosy Fynn said Health Insurance is essential for all Ghanaians yet majority of our population are uninsured because of cost and availability. Without a health insurance cover, many Ghanaians are excluded from accessing basic health care and are saddled with financial and psychological burdens. Through our partnership with MicroEnsure and Enterprise Life, we are changing this picture for our customers  from the comfort of their homes, they can sign up for Airtel Insurance and stand to benefit from our Life, Accidental Permanent Disability, Hospital Cash and Maternity covers for as little as GHC 2 a month.

She continued At Airtel, we are passionate about enriching the lives of our customers with products and offers that make real impact in the lives. We are excited to launch the Maternity Cover as part of our enhanced Airtel Insurance policy. Through this we are contributing to reducing maternal mortality in the country. We are delighted to partner MicroEnsure and Enterprise Life to deliver real value to our customers.

How it works

To sign up for the product, customers should dial *580# or call 580 and they will be assisted by agents to complete the process. Depending on the package selected, a monthly premium of GHC 2 or GHC 4 is payable via airtime.

How to make claim

To make a claim, customers should call 580 and a call center agent will take them through the claims process. Claims are paid within 72 hours of receipt of valid documentation via Airtel Money.

About Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 17 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed home broadband, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 375 million customers across its operations at the end of April 2017. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com

About Airtel in Africa

Airtel is driven by the vision of providing affordable and innovative mobile services to all. Airtel has 17 operations in Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Airtel International is a Bharti Airtel company. For more information, please visit www.airtel.com, or like the Airtel Ghana Facebook page via www.facebook.com/airtelgh or follow us on Twitter via the handle @airtelghana.
30.06.2017 LISTEN

The Majority in Parliament has called for a forensic, 'high-profile' investigations into the operations of BOST as the 5million litres of contaminated fuel saga spirals into partisan proportions.

At a press conference Friday, the MP for Odotobri, Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, justified the NPP's demand for an investigations by reading out a list of 'scandalous' transactions at BOST under the tenure of the former CEO.

The MP, flanked by the Majority leader Osei-Kyei Bonsu, accused Kwame Awuah Darko of transferring "unexplained colossal amount" to the seat of government last year.

Kwame Awuah Darko

The amount range between 2.5million and 3.5million and was twice every month between October 2015 to June 2016.

He also said Kwame Awuah Darko engaged a financial consultant on a $50,000 salary for 36 months. The NDC appointee also rented a $310,000 property at the Airport residential area at the expense of BOST, but the house was kept under lock and key and never used, he claimed.

"If BOST were a private enterprise will the owners subject it to such abuse?" he queried.

Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi ended the list of sins of the former administration, concluding that "there has been a lot of wrong at BOST"

The call for investigations should get the nod from the Minority who made similar calls three days ago. But the partisan gridlock could be expected when a discussion of which body should carry out the investigations begins.

Take out this bi-partisan consensus on the need for investigations and the partisanship returns. The Majority and Minority disagree on several points in this contaminated fuel saga.

The Minority fired salvos at the NPP government and called for the immediate interdiction of the BOST CEO Mr. Alfred Obeng Boateng.

Led by former Energy minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah who is the Minority's the spokesperson on Energy, the NDC also faulted the CEO for cutting shady deals.

The Minority said 5million litres of contaminated fuel should have been processed to restore it to good use instead of selling it off.

The Minority also accused the CEO of doing business with unlicensed companies and causing financial loss to the state which they estimated at GHS 14.25 million.

More soon

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|[email protected]
The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) yesterday launched a special initiative aimed at preventing disasters in Accra.

The 'Woke Oshinan Ntswa' campaign would help find lasting solutions to prevent disasters in the metropolis which continue to claim lives.

The Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, Elizabeth Sackey, in a speech to launch the campaign, commended NADMO for helping to manage disasters, particularly floods.

She said that human activities and negligence, lack of environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene cause disasters in the city.

As a region, we have very little regard for our drains. All manner of liquid waste find their way into our drainage system, especially the water bodies, she noted.

Ms Sackey therefore called on Ghanaians, particularly residents of Accra, to have a new sense of direction and commitment to preventing disasters and ensure cleanliness in all places to ensure a filth-free environment.

Let's cultivate the habit of cleaning our homes, shops, markets stalls or wherever we find ourselves and most importantly ensure that waste are properly disposed off, she said.

We all have to gird our loins to support this noble initiative by NADMO on the journey to tackle disaster under the 'Woke Oshinan Ntswa campaign, she averred.

Ms Sackey urged corporate bodies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), religions bodies and chiefs to take issues on disasters seriously.

The Greater Accra Regional NADMO Director, Archibold Cobbina noted that his outfit would focus on the vision of the President of Ghana with respect to making Ghana the cleanest city in Africa.

He said the felling of trees, construction of buildings in waterways and dumping of waste in drainage systems cause flooding in Accra.

He therefore cautioned Ghanaians to desist from such practices, noting that very soon a demolition exercise would take place to prevent future disasters.
30.06.2017 LISTEN

The Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo has dismissed concerns Ghana could lose out greatly in a new deal with China that could lead to a 10 billion dollar investment in the countrys bauxite industry.

If anything, the former Finance Minister said the deal would rather create more jobs and will be to the benefit of Ghanaians.

The over $10 billion agreement yet to be signed, but agreed upon in principle between the two countries, has raised a huge controversy in Ghana.

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia announced the deal on his return from China after leading a delegation to the Asian giants last week.

The deal, in part is to leverage a portion of Ghanas yet to be exploited bauxite reserves for cash.

As expected, the deal has been clothed in political colours with members of the opposition bastardizing the it and those in government supporting it.

With the sour experience the erstwhile NDC government had with the $3 billion Chinese loan, the NDC now in opposition has been quick to criticize the deal.

They do not understand how the NPP government can get over $10 billion loan from a Chinese government that gave only $1 billion to the NDC government when it promised to give $3 billion.

They have also questioned why the countrys bauxite reserve must be used as the collateral for the loan.

But speaking to the BBC, the Senior Minister who was part of the delegation that went to China has defended the deal.

We are more than satisfied that this will benefit the ordinary Ghanaian because this will create employment for the ordinary Ghanaian. The creation of employment out of the exploitation of natural resources can only be beneficial to our people.

If you have $460 billion worth of item and you need $10 billion to access it and create employment in the region of about 100,000 then what you must be mindful of is the price at which you barter this product for the 10 billion," Osafo Maafo said.

The political and economic arguments notwithstanding, environmentalists have also raised issues about the potential of polluting the Birim river if the Atiwa Bauxite is explored by the Chinese.

The Birim river is a major source of water supply for most people in the Eastern Region.

But in a response, Osafo Maafo said the Chinese deal will be looking more at the Nyinahin Bauxite reserve in the Ashanti Region and not the Atiwa reserve in the Eastern Region.

He said in the unlikely event that the Atiwa reservoir will be explored for Bauxite, it can be done in a way that will not affect the Birim River.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
Damaged section of BP Highway repaired

Repair works of the damaged surface of the BP Highway in Trivenighat, Ramechhap, completed on Thursday.
30.06.2017 LISTEN

There shall be a President of the Republic of Ghana who shall be the Head of State and Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.The President shall take precedence over all other persons in Ghana, and in descending order, the Vice-President, the Speaker of Parliament and the Chief Justice, shall take precedence over all other persons in Ghana.The President shall not, while in office as President, be personally liable to any civil or criminal proceedings in court.  1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana



Ghana was the first place in sub-Saharan Africa where Europeans arrived to trade  first in gold, later in slaves. It was also the first black African nation in the region to achieve independence from a colonial power, in this instance Britain. Despite being rich in mineral resources, and endowed with good education system and efficient civil service, Ghana fell victim to corruption and mismanagement soon after independence in 1957 __BBC Report

The good books tell us God created man in his own image. Despite this statement, examination of the human physical form suggests that God created different human beings with black skin colour and white skin colour among other colours. God also created the whiteman's head like that of an elephant and that of the blackman's head like that of a lion. While the whiteman has large prominent protruding nose and very large flabby ears, the blackman has flat broad nose and tiny ears. Again while the whitewoman has flat buttocks, the blackwoman has large protruding buttocks. God must have created all these differences for a purpose. While the large protruding buttocks of the blackwoman allows her to comfortably carry her small baby at the back, the whitewoman is forced to put her small baby in a hammock and hang the baby in front of her. So when you see a blackwoman carrying her baby in front of her in a hammock like the whitewoman, what image comes to your mind?

However on the psychological plain, the differences are far deeper. The whiteman dresses to conquer the weather in his country which is cold and windy. Our educated black elite apes the way the whiteman dresses in this hot humid climate. While the whiteman pays particular attention to little things, the blackman fails woefully here. Notice the respect the whiteman has for time. Every function in this country of ours is started with an apology for starting late. Then part of the limited time left is used to mock God with lengthy meaningless opening prayers which almost invariably will include asking for God's mercies for our leaders, many of whom are evil and corrupt. When the blackman says: please wait for me, I am coming, then it means he is leaving you behind and moving in the opposite direction.

Notice how the whiteman deals with a disaster and the meticulous investigation which the whiteman conducts into every disaster in order to ensure that it does not occur again. As Peter Drucker, the renowned management consultant is quoted to have said: a crisis that reoccurs a second time is a crisis that must not occur again. A well-managed plant, I soon learned is a quiet place. A well-managed factory is boring. Nothing exciting happens in it because the crises have been anticipated and have been converted into routine.

Those uninitiated who have followed the recent fire disaster which razed down the council tower flat in London will be amazed at the way the problem is being resolved. Immediately after the fire disaster, all the institutions involved came together to hold a press conference to inform the public what their investigations have so far have revealed, the actions they are taking and what they intend to do in future to prevent in the future such occurrence. They then commiserated with the bereaved families and the general public. Thereafter, they opened themselves to questions from the press. True to their words, they are not resting on their oars. Their investigations have revealed a lot of rot in the system which hitherto were hidden.

Our country has witnessed so many disasters involving new buildings either recently completed or under construction collapsing and killing innocent people. We always adopt a nonchalant attitude until another disaster occurs. Notice the Melcom disaster at Achimota where a newly completed building collapsed with massive loss of innocent lives. An order was given for the twin tower to be demolished. That twin tower is still standing despite the instruction to bring it down years back. In this country, when a disaster occurs, a fat cow is first slaughtered to appease the gods and the flesh distributed with the testicles of the cow attracting royal favour. This ceremony is followed by a commission or committee of inquiry depending upon the authority establishing the inquiry. Cast you mind back to the numerous boat disasters which have occurred on the Volta Lake and how they were solved. The Volta Lake, up till now, does not have another tourist boat following the gutting by fire of the only one years back.

When a young army officer was brutally killed at Denkyra Obuasi, government officials went to meet the military high command. The impression created to the public was an attempt by the government to quell a possible backlash from the military. So some officers at the meeting had the audacity to tell the government officials that investigations into the tragedy should be taken from the police and handed over to the military intelligence since the military did not trust in the police to do a good job. We are in a civilian era with the military subservient to the state and not the opposite. Those officers who made the request should have been sanctioned immediately.

Again as soon as the young military officer was killed, all the institutions involved should have called a joint press conference as was done in London. As at now, the original story of the young officer betrayed by a snail seller is still going round when other more credible versions point to some hidden rot within the entire system. Who is hiding what? If we continue to behave like the ostrich, how can we solve our problems and make progress? How can we achieve growth, how can we make progress when we know very well that that people we are going to give power to lead us and manage our affairs are criminals who will only loot and share the nation's resources among themselves and yet we cloth them with immunity from prosecution?

At any time I listen to the lamentations of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, I become more convinced that we as a nation do no not have the brains to make it. Who can we trust? At any time the Asantehene sits in state with about three hundred chiefs surrounding him, I can feel his loneliness. The question I always ask myself is how many of them have good intentions towards him. Is he aware of all the negative things people including Ashantis say about him in their dark alleys but who sing his praise in public? Notice the way the seat of government becomes pilgrimage ground at any time there is a change of government. How many of the pilgrims have any good intention towards the country? What mechanism do we have in place to weed the criminal charlatans out of the system?

Today we have become so corrupt physically, spiritually and mentally to such an extent that departing diplomats can openly chastise us because we as a nation failed to account for monies their governments donated to us to buy drugs for our health delivery system and also squandered money meant for school feeding programme. Today, a foreign embassy can look straight into our eyes and tell us former heads of state should line up like recruits on military training drill when they turn up for visas because some of our lawmakers have abused the trust imposed in them. We certainly do not have the brains to make it.

E-mail: [email protected]

By Kwame Gyasi




Bamako (AFP) - President Emmanuel Macron is due in Mali on Sunday to consolidate Western backing for a regional anti-jihadist force, as France beefs up its counter-terror operations in the area.

The so-called "G5 Sahel" countries just south of the Sahara -- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger -- have pledged to fight jihadists on their own soil, as instability and Islamist attacks rise.

With its base in Sevare, central Mali, the 5,000-strong G5 Sahel force aims to bolster the 12,000 UN peacekeepers and France's own 4,000-strong military operation known as Barkhane operating in the region.

Macron will attend a summit on July 2 with leaders of the African nations involved, "marking a new step" as the force is formally launched, a source in the French presidency told AFP.

Operations across Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, all hit frequently by attacks, would be coordinated with French troops, the source said, while help would be given to set up command centres.

The new force will support national armies trying to catch jihadists across porous frontiers.

Macron visited Gao in northern Mali in May, his first foreign visit as president outside Europe, and said French troops would remain "until the day there is no more Islamic terrorism in the region".

France launched an intervention to chase out jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda who had overtaken key northern cities in Mali in 2013.

That mission evolved into the current Barkhane deployment launched in 2014 with an expanded mandate for counter-terror operations across the Sahel.

International support?

Macron is hoping that the 50 million euros ($57.2 million) the European Union has pledged to the Sahel force will be supplemented by extra support from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States, which already has a drone base in Niger.

The French president will specify the final details of his nation's support on Sunday, but the focus is expected to be on equipment.

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution that welcomes the G5 Sahel deployment but does not grant it UN authorisation, and France was forced to drop a request for a special UN report on financing for the force.

The UN peacekeeping mission is due to deploy its own rapid intervention force composed of Senegalese troops in Mopti, the same region the G5 Sahel force will be based.

Sources in the French presidency told AFP it wants the Sahel force to be active on the ground by autumn, before looking for wider sources of funding by the end of the year or in early 2018.

The question of funding is sensitive as Chad's leader Idriss Deby has said that for budgetary reasons his troops cannot serve simultaneously at such high numbers in the UN peacekeeping mission and also in the new force.

Deby and Macron are due to meet on the margins of the Bamako summit, according the French presidency, as Chad's military is widely viewed as the strongest of the five Sahel nations.

'Security traffic jam'

African Union President Alpha Conde underlined Wednesday that the continent must "take responsibility for the fight against terrorism," echoing the views of Macron's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

However, cooperation remains key.

The G5 Sahel force's top commander, Malian general Didier Dacko, said that at first each country's contingent would operate on its own soil, gradually becoming more focused on mutual borders.

There would be "close collaboration with Barkhane forces and the UN mission," Dacko told AFP.

Macron was keen on his last visit to Mali to promote economic development rather than military might, with hopes that improving the situation of young people would dim the allure of joining jihadist groups.

Conflict in the area is also driven by land disputes, the lack of a functioning state in some areas and poor governance where it is operative, experts say.

In a letter to the Security Council in April, International Crisis Group researchers warned the benefit of the G5 Sahel force was "unclear" in the context of so many military troops already present in the region.

They said the new deployment "risks aggravating what amounts to a security traffic jam."
Corruption is a complex and creates multifaceted problems for nations,families and organisations.Transparency international, the United Nations and other researchers,define corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private benefits.The basic fact is that, corruption involves the delegation of power and a conflict between the private and public interest. Corruption for decades,has been the most potent allegations political parties use when in opposition to oust incumbent government and has become the opium used to daze voters during elections by politicians. The phenomenon starts during our political campaigns when people and powerful organizations with their own agendas and resources,skew voting.

They secretly or openly give big donations and other supports to the political parties with the expectation that, their political cronies will offer them juicy contracts etc when they win political power.With this support,our parties buy votes instead of winning them. The effect of this phenomenon is that we elect elect into office, politicians who steer away good governance. All the decisions they take in office benefit those who funded their campaign and the public interest always cones second. Our economy has suffered decades of bruises because of this phenomenon,our scarce resources are diverted from poor and disadvantaged people.We've are going through this crisis because of our weak democratic institutions,illiteracy and certain provisions in our constitution.

The media which was ( is) expected to keep our governments and other institutions on their toes has failed and failing to execute this important role leaving the politicians to operate freely and confidently within the corruption environment. The current President Nana Akufo-Addo in opposition,promised corruption free government when elected into office. What are we seeing few months after reiterating his philosophy during his inauguration? The bond issue, the ongoing BOST oil issue and other revelations suggest that we are either moving beyond what he condemned,or greasing the status quo. When he made that strong anti corruption statement, I wept quietly for him knowing the kind of problems he was going to face.

And I know he himself knew very well that his statement was just one of the usual platitudes meant to either incite voters against the incumbent,or, to attract the sympathy he needed to crash his opponent. I held that position because of the kind of sponsorship the parties receive during electioneering campaigns and the huge impact the business class have on our political parties. Former President Rawlings recently mentioned how some Nigerian Businessmen and organisations supported the NDC'S 2008 campaign.

The media did not question him about that revelation to know the interest of those Nigerians in our internal elections. President Kufour prior to the 2000 elections,received support from some foreign entities and businessmen including a Japanese who was known in the political circles as "Sacho" this support influenced his appointment as Ghana's special rep in the gulf region.

That arrangement was made possible by some young businessmen one of them was Osei the man who deliberately drove into President Kufour's convoy at Opeibea. Did the media find out why Osei was left to walk away freely after the police had detected that he was under the influence of drugs at the time he drove into the convoy. We heard about the Sahara oil deal and the many strings detected. Our politicians travel day and,night to Nigeria during their campaigns and we see top Nigerian businessmen in the country during election season yet,we either deliberately refuse delving into this trend,our do not have the slightest of knowledge about this international deals our politicians engage themselves.

About 79% of persons appointed to various positions by our Presidents are people they have no knowledge about their competence,incompetence and general attitude,they are fixed there through manipulations by the various lobbyist groups in our parties,friends, cronies, family members,party executives etc to serve their parochial interests and these are the people who spearhead corruption in our public institutions. The current BOST boss for instance is a professional printer and we know of his role in the Macmillan case and other issues under the previous administration. He was however appointed to head this sensitive agency as his reward for sponsoring the party's 2016 campaign.This is not the only case all the parties and we can even trace it to the first republic are guilty of this phenomenon.

Governments have suffered dearly from these reckless appointments usually pushed on their leaders by powerful hands in our parties. We must not only effect profound changes in our fight against corruption,but must also overcome the more or less open resistance from individuals or organised interests who make gains from this evil status quo. We need strong leadership to superintendent over strong institution as happened in Singapore if we really want to bury this canker. Most of the so called undemocratic regimes easily make corruption unattractive because of the space to take fast decisions on corruption cases without going through rigorous and well webbed processes of democratic dialogue and accountability with their cumbersome dilutions. Corruption reduced considerably after the June 4th revolution because of the hell situation corrupt officials and businessesmen went through. It however resurfaced when the PNP took over and we started seeing economic setbacks.

The introduction of NIC, the tribunals etc ensured speedy trials and sentences under the PNDC administration and we heard mind boggling corruption in our schools and other public institutions and many of our bursars left Ghana to escape prosecution. We should have gone through this hell under the current dispensation because the essential idea of democracy is that we have the right to determine who governs us and the constitution gives us the right to hold them accountable. But can we confidently same this is the prevailing situation? Our laws if allowed to operate according to its spirit and letter, would have imposed legal limits on government's authority by guarantee us certain rights and freedom when fighting against these evil practices in our institutions but unfortunately for us, certain provisions and attitude of party apparatchiks make our leaders automatic dictators who act without limitations.

The other danger is the kind of support party supporters and other actors offer these corrupt officials when caught by the system. Npp supporters will always defend their own and vice versa when it comes to NDC. This instill confidence in corrupt officials to steal confidently when in office with the hope that there are already standby party supporters ready to fight on his behalf whenever power changes from one party to another. Well organised jackals in our parties are released on people who dare condemn these practices and the power of social media in our contemporary politics is worsening the situation. Some countries in Africa such as Rwanda, Botswana and Namibia are making significant progress because of the active press in these countries. The press enjoys reasonable freedom making them vibrant and effective. In Ghana,most media houses and journalists have been rendered docile and toothless by our politicians and in some cases, by owners of the media houses. Serious corruption issues are either suppressed, or fanned aggressively depending on which party is involved.

The other problem is the situation where governments in their effort to curb the canker through sincere handling of corruption cases in their administration, fall victims. President Kufour said he will not expose corruption in his,government to dent the image of his administration. How we mischievously play the masses against leaders who expose corruption in their governments, justifies President Kufour's assertion.I say so because of how the Npp made political gains from from President Mahama's decision to prosecute his officials found to have involved themselves in corrupt practice.

PART 1
30.06.2017 LISTEN

Koforidua, June 30, GNA - Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) promoting the girl child education in various forms have formed a network with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to streamline and promote their education.

The network known as Girls Education Network (GEN) is to operate under the auspices of the GES and among its objectives to improve collaboration between all agencies and organizations working on girls education within the region and to share best practices, research and evidence to support activities of the agencies and organizations.

To ensure a quick implementation of its agenda and objectives in the interest of the girl child, a six-member executive with Mr Stephen Abarika as the President were nominated from the various NGOs and the GES.

They have subsequently been inaugurated Mrs Deborah Babatunde by the Eastern Regional Deputy Director of Education.

The NGOs that formed the GEN include; Plan International Ghana, Hunger Project, CRESSCENT, African Women Advocacy Project, College for Ama (COFA), International Child Development programme, Herald Foundation, Flower, Youth Advocates Ghana, AG-Care, World Vision and World Joy that operates in various districts with specific objectives in the districts across the region.

According to statistics from the GES, in 2016, a total of 331 teenage pregnancies were recorded while the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has a whooping average record of over 10,000 teenage pregnancies being recorded.

Mrs Cynthia Anim, Regional Coordinator of the Girl child education unit of the GES, said when a girl was empowered to complete a full cycle of education, it was a step for economic growth for the country and therefore there was the need to pay attention to them.

However, she said for a rural girl to be empowered there was the need for a lot of motivation ranging from homecare, logistics support and institutional support to motivate her to climb up the ladder and that was the agenda of the GEN to advocate and fill the gap for the rural communities especially.

To ensure fair distribution of organizations and institutions supporting girl's education in the region, the formation of the GEN under one umbrella would ensure effective coordination and supervision.

Mr Stephen Abarika, President for GEN, , said the girl child education should not be left in the hands of only women as the inclusion of men was vital for their growth and development.

GNA

By Bertha Badu-Agyei, GNA
The National President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), Mr. Yaw Ofori Debra is appealing to all persons with disabilities in the Ashanti region to call off the intended demonstration on the toll booth recruitment tomorrow.

Persons with Disabilities in the Ashanti region were to go on demonstration tomorrow as a way of expressing their displeasure with the ministry of roads and highways who carried out the exercise of recruiting persons with disabilities to work at various toll booths across the country; they alleged that criteria used to disqualify a number of them was not tenable.

However, according to the GFD president, the federation engaged the ministry of roads and highways last Wednesday to resolve the issue; the minister said that the processing of those persons with disabilities who passed through the interview successfully has been completed and they would start working from Saturday, July, 1st 2017.

The ministry also said that those who couldnt pass through the interview successfully should submit fresh applications for reconsideration so that they can start work by 1st August.

Against this backdrop, the president entreats all persons with disabilities in the Ashanti region to exercise restrain whilst they wait for the second badge, hence calling off of tomorrows demonstration.

Signed

Mr. Yaw Ofori Debra
Rome (AFP) - Some 60 people are missing and believed drowned after the dinghy they were on sank off Libya, the International Organization for Migration said Friday, citing survivor testimony.

The inflatable had been carrying 140-150 people including women when it began taking on water five hours after setting off from North Africa on Monday, according to 80 survivors who were brought to safety in Italy.

"They don't know how long it was before help arrived. They clung to bits of the dinghy until it fell dark, then a boat arrived and they were rescued," IOM spokesman Flavio Di Giacomo told AFP.

The survivors were later transferred to the British military ship HMS Echo, which is currently operating in the Mediterranean as part of the EU's anti-trafficking Operation Sophia.

They were among 550 people the HMS Echo disembarked in the Italian port of Brindisi on Friday, following an intense week of rescues at sea.

With smugglers taking advantage of a spell of good weather and calm seas, more than 10,000 people were rescued from rickety boats off Libya since Sunday alone.

Nearly 77,000 migrants have landed in Italy since January, up 15 percent on the same period in 2016.

The latest deaths increase the toll of people dying attempting the crossing or missing, feared drowned, to nearly 2,100 since the beginning of 2017.
GCB Bank has presented a cheque for GHC21.5 million as dividend payment to government for the year ending 2016.

The total dividend amount is GHC100 million with a net profit of GHC440 million and a 25 percent dividend yield.

Receiving the cheque, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta expressed his gratitude to GCB Bank for the gesture and commended the Bank for the role it is playing in the Ghanaian economy.

The Honourable Minister noted that governments One-District-One Factory policy and the banks One City One-Branch concept would help curtail rural and urban migration as well as increase productivity in rural areas for effective utilisation of available resources.

The Minister stated that GCB Bank will be supported with a means of getting lines of credit and urged management of the bank to be innovative to harness remittances, which could make a significant impact on the economy.

He hinted of a Diaspora bond and requested for further discussions with the bank on the issue.

The Managing Director (MD) for the GCB Bank, Anslem Ray Sowah presenting the cheque, thanked government for the creation of an enabling environment for banks to operate in the country.

He also indicated that Management of GCB Bank, would have wished to present a higher amount but expressed optimism that the Bank would either replicate or exceed the amount for 2017.

Present at the ceremony were Kwabena Adjei Mensah (Technical Advisor) and Anthony Dzadzra (Director for Revenue Policy Division) at Ministry of Finance.

The GCB team included Jessie Jacincho (Head of Legal), Samuel Amankwah (Chief Internal Auditor), Francis Ganyi (Head of Human Resource), Head of Corporate Banking, Helen Addo (Board Secretary), Anthony Asare (Treasurer), and Thyra Obuobi (Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations).

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Ghanaians could be heading to the polls before 2019 to decide if District Assembly elections are to be partisan or non-partisan.

Deputy Local Government minister Osei Bonsu Amoah told Multi TV's AM Show Friday, a committee has been tasked to start a nationwide tour on which of the two options to choose.

The decision to make the position of District Chief Executive elective is part of the NPP government's campaign promises.

The government has set September 2019 deadline for the realization of the campaign promise.

Osei Bonsu Amoah stressed the question for government remains whether the elections should be partisan or otherwise.

If the people of Ghana want the Chief Executives to be elected in a partisan way then it means we should draw a programme for a referendum because the provision on the assemblies being nonpartisan is entrenched.

According to section 7, subsection 1 of Act 462, a candidate seeking election to a District Assembly or to a lower local government unit shall personally appear before the electorate as an individual, and shall not use a symbol associated with a political party.

Section 7, subsection 2 of Act 462 unequivocally cautions, inter alia: a political party shall not endorse, sponsor, offer a platform to or in any other way campaign for or against a candidate seeking election to a District Assembly or to a lower local government unit.

In the case of a referendum, a voter turn-out of t least 40% of the electorates is needed with at least 70% of the votes endorsing a partisan local government system.

Alternatively, he says, if the option is non-partisan then a straight forward parliamentary process is needed to effect changes in the system of local government.

The Akuapim South MP explained that the ballot paper for local government elections will have unit committee members, assembly members and the latest addition, the DCE.

It will mean Ghanaians now vote for five public office holders - unit committee members, an assemblyman, a DCE, an MP and a president.

While Ghana's laws forbid partisanship in local government elections, the flouting of the law is an open secret.

Political parties mainly the NPP and NDC provide covert support for their candidates in District Assembly elections in order to maintain a hold in an area's grassroot politics.

Proponents of a partisan local government system argue that it extremely impossible to adhere to the neutrality principles because man is a political animal.

Defenders of the status quo say the non-partisan method of electing officers to local governments fosters communal unity and cohesion.

Meanwhile, about 200 Chief Executives across the country are set to take part in a 5-day induction programme beginning next Monday.

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development expects to take the chief executives through the new local government act passed last year.

Deputy Local Government Minister Osei Bonsu Amoah also expects the chief executives to share challenges they have experienced barely two months on the job.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United Nations on Friday approved a nearly $600 million cut to its peacekeeping budget following pressure from the United States to reduce funding to the world body.

The General Assembly approved by consensus the annual budget expected to total $7.3 billion, down from the current $7.87 billion spent on peace missions worldwide.

UN member-states agreed to $6.8 billion to finance 14 missions, but an additional $500 million earmarked for peacekeeping in Haiti and in Sudan's Darfur region will get final approval in December.

The United States, the biggest financial contributor to peacekeeping, had sought a nearly $1 billion cut to the bill and the European Union had also pushed for savings to bring costs down to $7.3 billion.

The budget, however, fell short of what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had sought from member-states.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the financing is "meaningfully smaller than what we had last year" but that the world body will "make every effort to ensure that the mandates are implemented."

"We cannot overstate the value of peacekeeping," said Dujarric. "It remains the most cost-effective instrument at the disposal of the international community to prevent conflicts and foster conditions for lasting peace."

UN officials have repeatedly argued that the cost of peacekeeping is a fraction of military expenditures worldwide.

Most of the budget cuts will come from the closure of the mission in Haiti, a sharp drawdown of peacekeepers in Darfur along with some downsizing to the large peace operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Only getting started

After the budget deal was reached in a General Assembly committee on Wednesday, US Ambassador Nikki Haley claimed victory and vowed there would be deeper cuts in the future.

"Just five months into our time here, we've already been able to cut over half a billion dollars from the UN peacekeeping budget and we're only getting started," Haley said.

Washington pays 28.5 percent of the peacekeeping budget and 22 percent of the UN's core budget of $5.4 billion.

While the United States pushed for the biggest cut, European countries and Japan also wanted to rein in the budget while Russia and China did not put up opposition to moves to streamline missions, diplomats said.

China, Japan, Germany, France along with the United States are the five top financial contributors to peacekeeping.

Italian Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, whose country is among the top 10 peacekeeping financiers, said that while the cuts were "substantial," the "operational activities in all locations have been protected and preserved."

Ambassador Elbio Rosselli of Uruguay, whose troops serve in Haiti and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said better management of the missions could help cushion the blow from the budget cuts.

"It's going to hurt," Rosselli told reporters, but "there are problems in peacekeeping that are not exclusively related to funding."

The Security Council on Thursday approved a major drawdown of peacekeepers from the UNAMID mission in Darfur but kept the force levels for the MINUSMA operation in Mali unchanged.

On Friday, the United Nations officially closed its mission in Ivory Coast, ending its 13-year presence in the West African country.

The United Nations has about 95,000 peacekeepers serving in its missions worldwide.
The defense put up by the Majority in the raging controversy over the sale of contaminated fuel by the Bulk Oil and Storage Transportation Company (BOST) Friday has come under biting criticisms.

Former Power Minister, Dr Kwabena Donkor has described as unfortunate a press conference held by the NPP MPs in which they held brief for BOST MD Alfred Obeng for selling five million liters of contaminated fuel to two unlicensed oil companies.

Since when in the annals of Ghanas democratic dispensation has the majority address a press conference to respond to issues about a particular entity? the Pru East MP asked.

Majority leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu

The Majority alleged the contaminated fuel was detected on January 18, 2017, 11 days after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had been sworn in.

Alfred Obeng Boateng had not at that time assumed office to take over, and Mr Awuah Darko was still, effectively, the CEO, Odotobri MP, Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi told the media.

The NPP MPs also said BOST bank rolled the financial demands of former President John Mahama during the tenure of Mr Darko.

Former BOST boss, Awuah Darko and former President John Mahama

According to the majority, BOST in 2015 transferred unexplained colossal amounts bi-monthly between GHS2.5 to GHS3.5 million to the then Office of President.

Although they shared the Minority call for investigation into the contaminated fuel saga, the Majority wants a forensic probe into activities of the former BOST boss.

Spokesperson for the former BOST MD, Edmond Kombat told Evans Mensah on Joy FMs Top Story the Majority claim against his boss is  a palpable lie.

BOST boss, Alfred Obeng Boateng

The Aide said Mr Darko did not use BOST to finance activities of then governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He is ready to be investigated, he did a clean job but if there is a case let us deal with it as a separate matter, he said.

In discussing the matter, the former Power Minister said it has never been the responsibility of the majority to defend state institutions that come under criticism because it forms part of the government.

There is a ministryand the Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko has responded by setting up a Committee, he said, adding the Minority has done its work by putting government on its toes.

Dr Kwabena Donkor said the sale of the contaminated fuel to two unlicensed companies  Movenpiina and ZuppOil - breaches the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Act.

He said the past NDC government did not witness any contaminated fuel as the Majority has claimed.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] | Instagram: @realbrakopowers
Drug-related crimes growing at an alarming rate: Police

Drug-related crimes in the country are increasing at an alarming rate, raising a serious question whether efforts being made by the stakeholders are enough.
Gideon Ahenkorah, GNA

Accra, June 30, GNA - Mr Richard Oppong Mensah, Director of the Akosombo Hydro Generating Station, has assured that robust measures are in place to bar illegal miners (Galamseyers) from destroying the Akosombo Dam.

He indicated that there was adequate surveillance on the river body, which guarded it against the activities of Galamseyers 'so the public should not worry at all.'

The Director was speaking to the media on Thursday, when the Volta River Authority (VRA) organised a media facility visit at the Kpone Thermal Power Station and the Akosombo Hydro Generating Station.

The event was aimed at updating the media and the general public on the current plans, projects and activities the VRA was undertaking to ensure sustainable and reliable power supply in the country.

Mr Mensah said: 'We monitor all the banks of the river up to the North and periodically, we go round to inspect the banks. When we find that any activity is drawing closer to our banks, we immediately stop the perpetrator.'

He said the VRA had also warned all chiefs to stay off the banks by 50 metres distance cautioning that, anyone who would flout the directive would certainly be dealt with.

He explained that the 50-metre land space had been bought by the Authority saying, 'therefore any attempt to sell it is a gross violation of the law and we will drag you to court to face the necessary sanctions.'

Mr Mensah said periodically, the Authorities of the Station met with the chiefs to discuss all security issues regarding the river and presented a report on their operations to them 'and if they have issues, we address them.'

The Akosombo Hydro Generating Station, Mr Mensah said, had undergone significant maintenance including retooling and replacement of weak equipment with modern ones to boost its capacity.

In 1989, the Akosombo Generation Station Retrofit Project was implemented and completed in 2006 which resulted in a significant increment in its capacity by 108MW, from 912MW to 1020MW.

He called on the public to maintain confidence in the VRA as the Authority was working assiduously to ensure that the country had sustainable and reliable power supply.

The GNA found out that work was in progress to increase capacity at the two stations.

GNA
Accra, June 30, GNA -Inmates of the Ho Central Prisons, have appealed to parents to take extra care of their younger brothers and sisters back at home and to protect them so that they would not find themselves at the wrong side of the law.

Sampson Tay, an inmate, who made the appeal on behalf of his 484 colleagues serving various terms for different offences said, most of them ended up at the prisons due to lack of parental care, guidance and control.

He, therefore, called on parents, especially mothers as well as churches to provide the needed support for the young ones in the society so they would grow to become useful adults.

He said: 'Most of us have regretted our actions, which led us here but it is too late for us.'

These came to light when the Pastors and Spouses Association of the Global Evangelical Church donated assorted items worth about GH 5,000.00 to the Prisons as part of activities to mark their retreat in Ho.

The items included bags of rice, maize, beans, gari, salt, tinned tomatoes, tinned fish, and cooking oil, cartons of soap, sanitary pads and drinks.

Mrs Enyonam Ganyo-Tefe, the Second Vice President of the Association, who led the delegation in an exhortation to the inmates, told the inmates never to give up on themselves as God did not give up on them.

She said Apostle Paul in the Bible was in prison when he wrote several of his epistles to some churches, which have now become part of the New Testament in the Bible which we use today.

She urged the inmates to leverage on all the opportunities that the prisons offered in order to unleash the numerous potentials that God had deposited in them.

Mrs Ganyo Tefe said just as Joseph in the Bible came out from prison to become a prime minister, there was hope for them if they gave their lives to Jesus Christ and repented from their sins.

Chief Superintendent Wilson Sallah, second in command of the facility, who received the items on behalf of the Service, registered their appreciation to the Association for the depth of love exhibited.

GNA
Accra, June 30, GNA - Ogilvy and Mather Worldwide has announced changes in its leadership team at Ogilvy Africa and in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA.)

A statement from Ogilvy said Nadja Bellan-White, until recently head of Ogilvy Africa, had been appointed Executive Vice President, for the EMEA region.

She has been a force of nature in terms of clients, leadership and professionalising the operation in Africa.

She created a strong leadership group across Ogilvy's Africa businesses, particularly re-focusing teams on the principles of marketing, branding, and integrated communications.

'The incredible productive partnership between her and her team has resulted in a tremendous improvement in the quality of the region's strategic and creative output over the period she was at the helms of affairs,' the statement said.

In a related development, Mathieu Plassard, currently the Ogilvy Africa Managing Director, has been confirmed as the new CEO, Ogilvy Africa, to lead the business across Sub-Saharan Africa.

An Ogilvy veteran having been in Paris with Ogilvy & Mather and formerly Ogilvy Action for 13 years, he also worked in Ogilvy Africa previously in the DRC for six months.

Leading clients he has managed in Ogilvy Africa include Coca-Cola, Bharti Airtel, and Nestle.

Commenting upon the appointments, Paul O'Donnel, Chairman & CEO, Europe, Middle-East, and Africa, said: 'I'm very pleased to have these talented executives in these key roles, bringing us both continuity and a fresh perspective to vital parts of our business in the region. '

GNA
30.06.2017 LISTEN

Accra, June 30, GNA - The Majority Caucus in Parliament has called for full scale investigation and forensic audit into the activities of the Bulk Oil Storage Transportation (BOST) from 2009.

It said the press conference by the Minority was to throw dust into the eyes of the public and to cover-up the massive rot at BOST which occurred under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Administration and Mr Kwame Awuah Darko, the former Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, the Chairman of the Energy Committee, said this at a press conference organised by the Majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in reaction to the Minority's conference on the recent five million litres of contaminated fuel at BOST.

The Minority NDC on Tuesday organised a press conference and accused Mr Alfred Obeng Boateng, the Chief Executive of BOST, to have, among other things, done business with two unlicensed companies of MOVENIINA and ZUPP Oil.

The Minority said the five million litres of contaminated fuel should have been processed to restore it to good use instead of selling it off.

They also accused him of causing financial loss to the state which they estimated at GH 14.2 million.

Mr Gyamfi also refuted the Minority's allegation that MOVENIINA bought the product at GH 1.00 and sold at GH 1.30 to ZUPP Oil adding; 'MOVENIINA indeed bought the contaminated product at GH 1.30 and then sold at GH 1.32 and made a marginal profit of GH 100,000'.

He said between 2014 and 2016 when the contamination of fuel products escalated, the average price that the product was sold was 70 pesewas per litre as the price ranged from 50 pesewas to 90 pesewas.

Mr Gyamfi said the sales price of the recent contaminated product at GH 1.30 was 86 per cent higher than what was obtained in the past and the highest value the nation had ever earned. BOST sells its good-spec at a price of GH 1.75 per litre.

Mr Gyamfi also debunked the Minority's claim that under no circumstance should BOST experience such levels of contamination as being witnessed.

He said under the NDC similar contaminations occurred in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and the quantities involved were 4.6 million litres, 9.9 million litres and 12 million litres respectively.

He said the Minority's allegation that the contamination had to do with the inefficiencies and negligence of Mr Boateng was not true because the five million litre was detected on January 18, 2017 when Mr Awuah Darko was still the Chief Executive of BOST.

Mr Gyamfi said on July 22, 2014 BOST, under Mr Awuah Darko, engaged Messrs Merson Capital Limited as financial consultant on its projects with the responsibility for financial evaluation and assisting in negotiating with financiers.

He said for this assistance Merson Capital was to be paid $50,000 per month for 36 months and if through its instrumentality any financier came on board Merson Capital was entitled to one percent of the total capital raised.

Mr Gyamfi said under Mr Awuah Darko, BOST rented a property at Airport Residential Area and for more than two years after BOST had vacated the premises they kept the key and kept paying rent amounting to $310,000 in June 2016.

He said BOST engaged Messrs ROLIDER Limited for a turnkey design, build and finance for their headquarters building at a cost of $39 million exclusive of VAT.

According to experts the headquarters could have been built at a cost of $19 million saving the nation $20 million of the taxpayer's money.

He said since 2015 BOST, under guise of Security Transfer, had transferred unexplained amounts of between GH 2.5 million to GH 3.5 million on bi-monthly basis to the Office of the then President and the then Chief of Staff, the last amount being GHC three million which was transferred on January 3, 2017.

GNA

By Christopher Arko, GNA
Art and culture is one of many things valued by indigenes of various ethnic groups especially Africans and these have been passed from generations to next and still counting.

The culture of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria differs and more of it has to do with dressing, dance steps, food, traditions and others.

Nollywood actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima, has come to appreciate her culture more than that of the Western that each time she looks at her recent picture during the Rivers state celebration, she is filled with joy that she is a true daughter of the state.

The actress was seen dressed in the Rivers state cultural attire while she gave some nice dance steps to prove that she is a true daughter of the soil.

My Culture, My Pride, My Language. #ProudlyNigerian, #proudlyOkrika #proudlyRivers #proudlyIjaw. I represent persistence, I am open-minded, and I pay attention. These are my skills, and the good news is that they are available to you... and everyone else, too, she shared.
The hardest thing when writing about finance and money is figuring out what to write. Its not that were short on a lack of things to write about. Its hard trying to decide which things to write about.

After all, we only send out Money Morning to you once a day. With so much going on we could write to you 10 times a day. But of course wed need an army of a thousandmaybe one day.

Today, while trying to decide what to write about, we had about a half dozen ideas bouncing through our head.

The first thing that came to mind was that the state of Nevada in the US has a big day coming up. On Saturday 1 July Nevada will allow the legal sale of recreational marijuana.

Nevada became one of the most recent US states to legalise recreational marijuana last year. But its only just now they are actually allowing the sale of it. Projections from Marijuana Business Daily estimate marijuana sales in Nevada alone could easily top US$550 million annually.

Lets not forget one of the biggest tourist attractions in the US is Las Vegas. Which is smack bang in the heart of Nevada. Of course, there will still be the huge casino tourism. But now we foresee Vegas being a hot spot for weed tourism as well.

The opening of legal weed in the US and in Canada is a huge area of opportunity for investment. We think that its only a matter of time until other countries (like Australia) take the progressive leap forward and follow suit.

If they do then Aussie investors holding a select few ASX listed pot stocks could be set for a huge windfall. We think its an opportunity ripe for the taking.

Now, while the marijuana market is incredibly fascinating to write about, it wasnt the main thing that caught our attention. That was the revolution in US energy.

A US energy renaissance

A massive story breaking as we write is the US push towards energy dominance. President Trump says the US is on the verge of an energy revolution.

Theyre about to turn net exporter of energy. And when I say energy I mean oil and gas. The US has more natural gas than they know what to do with. And theyre getting set to offload it, and make a truckload from it.

Fair play to them. Natural gas, while still a dirty fuel, is at least the cleanest burning fossil fuel there is. Therefore it pleases the traditional energy folk. And it pleases the greenies. Everyone wins.

With the US turning net exporter, maybe Trumps right. Maybe the US is going through an energy renaissance. If they are (and it looks that way) then thats great news for the companies that are tapping into those resources over in the US.

However, back home things arent as promising. Australia is getting set to suffer major power issues for the foreseeable future. The Australian Financial Review today says an Energy Tsunami is coming. But not in terms of available power  in terms of prices.

With the closure of the Hazelwood coal power station, energy prices are set to skyrocket. Add to the mix the energy problems facing South Australia, and the situation is only getting worse.

This comes off the back of the government putting blocks on LNG exports to try and ensure theres enough supply domestically. These restrictions kick into action on Saturday. While the idea to ensure domestic supply might sound right on the surface, its actually counterproductive.

Australia too has oodles of natural gas. So much that we could become the worlds biggest supplier. The problem is these restrictions on exports slow funding and development to increase supply. While the country starts to shut down power supply like Hazelwood, theres nothing in place to replace it.

And theres no visible effort for a power strategy to increase availability of power as the Australian population continues to grow.

This doesnt bode well as the country heads into the winter months. If you want to know what happens in winter when energy prices are too expensive, have a look at the issues in the UK.

One person dies every seven minutes

Energy comparison website, comparethemarket.com estimates that 60% of elderly people ration their heating in winter because of high energy prices. That means they simply dont use the heating in the middle of winter. Simply because they cant afford it.

Age UK is a charity that works with the elderly. Their charity director, Caroline Abrahams said to The Telegraph,

The UK has an appalling record on cold-related deaths, with one older person dying every seven minutes from the winter cold. Even normal cold temperatures of around six degrees significantly raise the risk of life-changing health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

While on average Aussie winter temperatures arent as cold as the UK, theyre not far off. And in some places they are equally as cold, or colder.

If energy prices in Australia continue to rise, make no mistake, it will cost lives. People who cant afford high energy prices will ration their usage in the times they need it most. Thats not just an energy problem. Its a social problem.

The governments flipping back and forth on this issue has helped no one. While shutting down dirty energy creation is necessary, it should be a gradual process. And it really should only occur when there are greener energies ready to replace those lost.

Whether thats gas, wind, solar or tidalwhatever, it doesnt matter. When there are real lives at stake from rising energy prices, something must be done. The only question then is whos going to do something about it?

And to be honest with you, we dont know the answer to that question. The likely outcome is that nothing will be done. And that is exactly whats wrong with the current government. Wrong with their energy policies, and their failure to address the biggest energy crisis the country has ever seen.

Regards,

Sam
Eden Innovations [ASX:EDE] share price has risen 25.64% today, following a new contract

What caused the price rise?

Eden manufactures a special type of concrete that repairs roads, called EdenCrete. The company has been trying to penetrate the US market with this product for a while now. In January, it secured approval from the Georgia Department of Transport (GDOT).

Today, the lengthy process has paid dividends, as the company secured a 12-month contract from the state. Starting on 1 July, Eden will be involved in up to 16 separate projects across the state. Five or six of these projects are expected to involve major repairs; a big win for the Aussie company.

Shares climbed higher on the back of the announcement, flagged a big win for investors as well.

What next for Eden?

Todays agreement could be the start of a much larger deal. GDOT is currently conducting a field trial of EdenCrete on a major highway. Eden expects that the section will be monitored for the next 12 months and, if successful, could secure more business.

Eden believes a positive result could lead to contracts for new road and resurfacing projects in the state.

Its another step in the right direction for the company. EdenCrete has also been approved by six other US state transport departments. A strong start to the new financial year could signal a long line of future projects for Eden.

Regards,

Ryan Clarkson-Ledward,

Junior Analyst, Money Morning

PS: If you want to learn more about small-cap stocks, weve got the information to get you started. Sam Volkering, our resident small-cap guru, has found three small-cap players that he thinks are set to take off.

You can find a detailed breakdown in his Top Three Aussie Small-cap Stocks report. Sam helps readers through his Australian Small-Cap Investigator service, with gains like 463%, 575% and recently a colossal 1,349% profit!

Get smart, get investing, and get your free copy here.
Today being a well-educated person is very important. There are thousands of different universities around the world. Delta State University and Niger Delta University are two of such institutions. It provides a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum for students. If you want to learn more, read this article. You will find out what courses are offered in Niger Delta University and Delta State University!

Niger Delta University

Niger Delta University is situated in Wilberforce Island in Nigeria. It was built in 2000 by the administrator of Bayelsa State. This university has two major campuses. One of them is in the state capital, Yenagoa. It includes the law faculty. The other campus is located in Amassoma.

Niger Delta University is among the TOP-50 universities in Nigeria. It offers a wonderful chance for students to get a qualitative education at Bachelor, Masters, and Ph.D. levels. The university is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Niger Delta University has nine faculties.

Courses offered in Niger Delta University

Niger Delta University Courses Offered

There is the official list of courses and departments which can be found in Niger Delta University in Nigeria:

1. Accountancy / Finance / Accounting.

2. Adult Education.

3. Agricultural and Environmental Engineering.

4. Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology.

5. Banking and Finance.

6. Biochemistry.

7. Biological Science(s).

8. Business Administration / Marketing.

9. Business Education.

10. Chemical / Petrochemical Engineering.

11. Chemistry.

12. Civil Engineering.

13. Crop Production Technology.

14. Curriculum and Instruction.

15. Economics.

16. Education and Political Science.

17. Education and Science.

18. Education and Social Science.

19. Education Arts.

20. Educational Management.

21. Electrical / Electronic Engineering.

22. Electrical Engineering.

23. English and Literary Studies.

24. English Language.

25. Fine Art / Fine and Applied Arts.

26. Fisheries Technology.

27. Geography.

28. Geology.

29. History and Diplomacy.

30. Hospitality And Tourism Management.

31. Industrial Education Technology.

32. Insurance.

33. Insurance and Actuarial Science.

34. Law.

35. Livestock Production Technology.

36. Marine Engineering.

37. Mathematics / Computer Science.

38. Mechanical Engineering.

39. Medicine and Surgery.

40. Nursing / Nursing Science.

41. Office And Information Management.

42. Personnel Management.

43. Petroleum Engineering.

44. Philosophy.

45. Physics.

46. Physics with Electronics.

47. Political Science.

48. Pure / Applied Chemistry.

49. Religious Studies.

50. Sociology and Anthropology.

51. Theatre Arts.

52. Vocational Industrial Education.

With such a large variety of courses, students can learn absolutely anything, depending on their preference.

Niger Delta University also offers a list of student services. It includes tutoring, day care, health aid and placement service. There are vehicle patrols and night transport service. It is aimed at keeping students safe every second of every day.

Courses offered in Delta State University, Abraka

This institution is a State-owned university in Nigeria. It manages a multi-campus structure. The institution of higher education has a main campus, which is situated in Abraka. It also has a campus at Anwai, Asaba.

Delta State University in Abraka offers the full-time certificate, part-time diploma, adult education and weekend degree programs.

READ ALSO: Best Medical Schools in Nigeria 2017

You can see the list of courses offered by Delta State University, Abraka:

1. Administration:

- Accountancy;

- Banking And Finance;

- Business Administration;

- Marketing.

Delta State University courses offered

2. Agriculture:

- Agricultural Economics;

- Agriculture;

- Animal Science;

- Fisheries;

- Forestry And Wildlife;

- Soil Science.

3. Arts And Humanities:

- Drama/Dramatic/Performing Arts;

- English And Literary Studies;

- Fine Art/Fine And Applied Arts;

- French;

- History And International Studies;

- Linguistic And Urhobo;

- Linguistics;

- Music;

- Philosophy;

- Religious Studies.

4. Education:

- Agricultural Science And Education;

- Business Education;

- Education & Computer Science;

- Education & Economics;

- Education & Mathematics;

- Education & Music;

- Education & Physics;

- Education & Religious Studies;

- Education And Biology;

- Education And Chemistry;

- Education And English Language;

- Education And French;

- Education And Geography;

- Education And History;

- Education And Integrated Science;

- Education And Political Science;

- Education And Social Studies;

- Education Fine & Applied Arts;

- Educational Management;

- Guidance & Counselling;

- Health Education;

- Home Economics And Education;

- Library Science;

- Nursery And Primary Education;

- Physical And Health Education;

- Technical Education.

5. Engineering/Tech/Env:

- Civil Engineering;

- Electrical /Electronic Engineering;

- Geography And Regional Planning;

- Mechanical Engineering.

6. Law/Legal Studies:

- Civil Law.

7. Med/Pharm/Health Sciences:

- Anatomy;

- Medical Biochemistry;

- Medicine And Surgery;

- Nursing/Nursing Science;

- Pharmacology And Therapeutics;

- Physiology.

8. Sciences:

- Biochemistry;

- Botany;

- Chemistry;

- Computer Science;

- Geology;

- Industrial Chemistry;

- Industrial Mathematics;

- Library And Information Science;

- Mathematics;

- Microbiology;

- Physics;

- Zoology.

9. Social Sciences:

- Economics;

- Mass Communication;

- Political Science;

- Psychology;

- Sociology.

Courses offered at Delta State University, Abraka would help students to form their identity. They are designed to improve their skills and knowledge. Nigerian students might love a chance to take their first steps into their future here.

Courses offered by these universities have such possibility. They help students to cultivate their uniqueness. If students have a positive academic record, they can receive a scholarship. After successful graduation from the university, a student might get a chance to work in an industry he/she has prepared for for years.

READ ALSO: List of art courses in Nigerian universities

Source: Legit.ng
Electricity Generation Co in line to get survey licences

The Department of Electricity Development (DoED) has recommended to the Energy Ministry to award the survey licences for four hydropower projects to newly established Electricity Generation Company.
- Some Nigerian states have been named as engaging in spying without proper authorization

- Some of the governors reportedly involved in the spying both past and present have denied knowledge of any such operations

- Rivers state under Rotimi Amaechi was reportedly the first state to deploy surveillance equipment

During a 2015 investigation it was revealed that governors in four states, located in the Niger Delta, procured cutting-edge spying devices to spy on residents of their respective states, especially politically active opponents.

1. Rivers state

According to Premium Times, former Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who is now Nigerias transport minister, was the first Nigerian politician to demand a Circle 3Gs telephone tracking technology as far back as 2010.

In a June 30, 2010 offer letter, signed by the then Secretary to the State Government, Sovens Okari, the Amaechi administration invited V&V Limited to supply the gadgets for N2.3 billion.

But the deal failed after the relationship between Mr. Amaechi and V&V Limited became strained.

When contacted at the time, Mr. Amaechi said he was unaware of the project. He argued that there was no record of fund releases for the project.

Two years earlier, Mr. Amaechi, now Minister of Transport, had picked up a similar gadget, the C4i (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) technology deployed by an Israeli military security firm, MPD Systems.

Mr. Amaechi had described the C4i as a tool to aid federal security in combating militancy and kidnappings within the state. But it was more than that. C4i was considered the perfect federal cover under which Amaechis political spying was carried out.

But Ibim Semenitari, Amaechis commissioner for information, told Premium Times in the previous report that the administration did not on its own deploy the tools to spy on anyone.

She cited Amaechis political fallout with former President Goodluck Jonathan as a clear hindrance for the governor.

Given the well-publicised infractions between the Rivers State Government and the GEJ (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan)-led federal Government the state would not have been able to embark on the issues raised without the security agencies clamping down on its officials, Ms. Semenitari said.

She admitted that the state government was running the programme, but said it secured the authorisation of the NSA under former President Umar YarAdua.

She also said the program was being run by a joint-team of police and the State Security Service in the state.

READ ALSO: 23 states currently owing workers' salaries, number of months being owed

2. Bayelsa state

Bayelsa governor, Seriake Dickson, was allegedly exposed by Premium Times as having a Hacking Team, notorious for equipping governments with tools to hack computers and phones.

Mr Dicksons programme was not known even to the NSA until after the publication of the leaked documents.

Only the federal government has the power to intercept communications or act to suspend rights in the face of national security.

3. Delta state

Former governor of Delta state, Mr Uduaghan, doled out N1.5 billion state funds to sign up for Circles 3G tools in February 2012. He also paid a yearly service fee of N31.9 million, earlier investigation showed.

According to Premium Times, upon expiration of his two-term tenure in May 2015, he handed over the tools to his successor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who immediately signed a two-year contract to extend the maintenance of the service.

Although the police in Abuja own a Circles 3G communication interception service which they pay N63 million annually to maintain, Delta state government argued its gadgets were bought for the police, at the time.

My boss has no need to monitor any politician, Ehiedu Aniagu, chief press secretary to Mr. Okowa said.

READ ALSO: Fayose says Buhari is on life-support, audio message on Sallah day is fake (Video)

4. Akwa Ibom state

Godswill Akpabio, former governor of Akwa Ibom, is now a senator. According to Premium Times, he allegedly purchased cyber warfare equipment when he was governor.

Even though the National Security Adviser, in 2012, declined to issue Akpabio an End User Certificate to buy Hacking Teams cyber warfare tools, the former governor went ahead, anyway.

Top politicians in Akwa Ibom then accused Akpabio of procuring the equipment to target them.

We knew that he (Godswill Akpabio) acquired a device to monitor peoples telephone calls but there was absolutely nothing we could do, Umana Okon, an estranged ally of Akpabio who was secretary to the state government when the device was installed, said.

The device was acquired at the time kidnapping was quite high in the state. But after kidnapping abated, it was used to monitor telephone calls of private citizens and government officials.

The governor said he wont ignore the security benefits of the operation, the source said.

PAY ATTENTION: Watch more videos on Legit.ng TV

Our source further stated that the spy operation aided the police work for the time they were allowed to use it.

The police cannot deny the significant contribution that the surveillance tools made towards their activities, the source said.

Watch this Legit.ng video on the functions of Nigerian policemen:

Source: Legit.ng
Experts visit site of Integrated Check Post

A team of experts visited the construction site of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Birgunj which is being developed under the assistance of Indian government.
- One of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria is the need to curb corruption especially among politicians and public office holders

- Wilson Badejo, a former general overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, thinks death penalty is the part of the solutions

A top man of God in Nigeria and former general overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Wilson Badejo, says the best way to fight corruption in the country is to establish death penalty for those found guilty.

According to him, this should involve not only politicians, but every public office holder.

The Punch reports that the well-respected and outspoken Badejo, who chairs the Wilson Badejo Foundation, said this while speaking about the 10th anniversary of the foundation in Lagos.

Wislon Badejo thinks death penalty can help reduce corruption

He reportedly called corruption a terrible plague that needs a drastic measure.

Where every other measure fails, he thinks the introduction of death penalty would help solve the problem as it relates to Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Oyedepo warns FG against forcing Islamic Studies on Christian students

As a preacher, I am for the sanctity of life. I am pro-life.

But in spite of that, and our democracy notwithstanding, I strongly advise that we copy China which, only last year, decided that those found guilty of high-sum embezzlement or bribe-taking should be executed.

Maybe if we try the death penalty for corruption and implement the policy steadfastly without minding whose ox is gored, people will stop this madness called looting.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app

Maybe it would stop people from stealing our commonwealth blindly and flaunting their blood money in our faces, spraying and dancing on mint-fresh dollars at social parties, making millions of honest and hard-working Nigerians to look like fools, he reportedly said.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that a Rivers-based lawyer, Abdulkareem Dauda, has said that convicted corrupt government officials and others deserve death penalty.

Dauda expressed his point of views in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, October 27, in Abuja.

According to the lawyer, death sentence for those found guilty of corruption is justifiable and desirable, considering the fact that corruption destroys every sector of the society.

If an armed robber who kills one or two persons or robbed at gunpoint gets a death sentence, what of a corrupt government official whose action destroys many lives? he wondered.

Watch this video of an angry Nigerian and what he wants for corrupt politicians:

Source: Legit.ng
Fuelling the flame?

Just before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his US visit this week, his foreign ministry brought out on social media some infographics on the global strategic partnership between the two countries. Topping the list was defence, followed by energy and climate change.
- The insurgency in the north-east has claimed the lives of 680 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF)

- 680 members of the group have sacrificed their lives to see to the end of the insurgency

- The group however said they are not deterred by the losses they have suffered

- For more reports on Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria, please visit: https://www.legit.ng/tag/boko-haram.html

A total of 680 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) have died trying to repel Boko Haram terrorists attacks in Borno from 2012 to date, the groups legal officer, Mr Junril Gunda, has said.

Gunda said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Friday, June 30, that in spite of the high casualty figure, the JTF remain undaunted in its resolve to protect communities in the state from the terrorists.

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The group which is non profitable started in 2012 when our youths picked up sticks and said no more Boko Haram and they successfully push the terrorist group out of Maiduguri.

We dont have any other home than Borno, we are therefore working tirelessly to provide civic protections against any form of threat represented by Boko Haram.

Sadly a lot of our youths have paid the supreme price, there is hardly any day you will hear of an attack without one of our civilian JTF killed and that does not mean we will stop defending our land of terrorism.

As you can see I am a lawyer by profession, this is my Chamber and I am happy to also be one of the Civilian JTF. I was also trained for eight months on light arms use by the military.

If I see a Boko Haram now, I can take him down with my gun.

It was necessary to train our civilian JTF on the use of arms because they always move along with the military in the front line during operations.

Our civilian JTF had taken part in almost all the operations going on in Sambisa forest.

It was also necessary because they are always the first to sight Boko Haram suspects during checks in the state capital.

Boko Haram members are not afraid of the military, they are afraid of the civilian JTF; they believe if a civilian JTF kill any of them, they will go to hell. Many of them have said this during their testimonies, said Gunda.

According to him, no fewer than 23,000 youth vigilantes have been registered under the body to provide civic protection in every nooks and crannies of the state.

He said that the job of the Civilian JTF was purely to stop Boko Haram insurgents from causing havoc in the society.

Gunda said there were numerous challenges confronting the group because the members were not been paid for the job.

Like I said earlier, it was a voluntary thing, so no one was paid any penny for the job and because of some difficulties and poor living conditions of the youths, some engage in begging to fend for themselves.

It was as the result of this that Borno state government decided to empower 1,400 of them as vanguards with the acronym BOYES and were being paid N15, 000 monthly.

Government and other nongovernmental organizations must also give support to the other 20,000 youths who were not empowered.

They should also give priority attention to widows of our deceased youths because we are left to carter for their welfare.

Government should sponsor their children and give them a better life in recognition of the selfless sacrifices made by their parents, said Gunda.

READ ALSO: Attack on TB Joshuas Synagogue, Adefarasins House on the Rock meant to destroy Christianity in Nigeria - CAN youths allege

Meanwhile, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state on Sunday, June 25, appealed to the Nigerian military to intensify efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

Shettima made the appeal while speaking at this years Eid-el-Fitr reception for members of the State Executive Council and other dignitaries at the Government House Maiduguri.

He said although the military had recorded tremendous successes against the insurgents, the recent spate of attacks in different parts of the state was worrisome.

Watch a video report of the recently released Chibok girls by Boko Haram on Legit.ng TV below:

Source: Legit.ng
Nepal-Ireland friendship group formed

The Irish parliament formed the Ireland-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group on Thursday.
- The national chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, says President Buhari will return to the country after his doctors abroad certify him fit to do so

- Oyegun says the president is recovering in a very robust manner

- The party's chairman states that the partys leadership has confidence in President Buhari

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says President Muhammadu Buhari is fast recovering from his illness contrary to allegations that he is on life support.

READ ALSO: Oyedepo warns FG against forcing Islamic Studies on Christian students

The national chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday, June 30, while speaking with newsmen at the end of a meeting between the party`s national working committee (NWC) and state governors elected on the partys platform.

Oyegun, however noted that Buhari will only return to the country after his doctors abroad certify him fit to do so, The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

We are glad to inform you that President Muhammadu Buhari is recovering in a very robust manner.

We hope he takes it easy and when he comes back, I have no doubt at all that we will have a new and active period of activities.

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state had recently alleged that President Buhari was on life-support in a London Hospital where he is receiving medical attention.

The national chairman, however, refused to respond to the governors comment, saying he would do that at an appropriate time.

If I respond, I will be dignifying him.

At the appropriate time, people will answer him; at the appropriate level; at the appropriate time.

He is in a different world altogether.

According to him, the partys leadership has confidence in President Buhari.

He added that the meeting x-rayed the nation, ongoing agitation for its restructuring and inciting statements emanating from different parts of the country.

Odigie-Oyegun stressed that such inciting statements are not good for the nation`s health and have to be stopped.

According to him, the party maintains its earlier position on the restructuring of the country as clearly stated in its manifesto.

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He further said the partys leadership would do all it could at all times to ensure that the unity of the country was preserved.

He added that the APC leadership was ready to listen to whatever grievances any group in the country might have.

Legit.ng recalls that Ayodele Fayose had alleged that President Buhari had been on life-support since June 6, at a West-End, London Hospital.

The governor in a statement by Lere Olayinka, his the special assistant, claimed that facts available to him shows that the president who not only has voice impairment, could not have spoken in Hausa to Nigerians on Ramadan day as claimed by the presidency.

Fayose added that the president is currently incapable of ruling the nation in his present health status and called for the president to resign.

In the video below, Legit.ng TV asked some Nigerians who is a better president between Professor Osinbajo and President Buhari. Watch responses:

Source: Legit.ng
- The meeting was had in attendance top police officers, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and other vigilante groups

- The focus of the meeting was to fashion ways to curb incessant kidnappings and cult activities in parts of Lagos

Seemingly overwhelmed by the activities of the Badoo cult group that has taken over the Ikorodu area of Lagos, top officers of the Nigeria Police Force have met with the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC).

The meeting, Legit.ng learnt, ws to fashion out the best ways to curb the attacks by these cult members with a trademark of killing their victims with grinding stones or pestles.

READ ALSO: Oyedepo warns FG against forcing Islamic Studies on Christian students

The OPC members were led to the meeting by its national leader, Otunba Gani Adams.

The meeting was convened because of incessant killings and kidnappings in Ikorodu

The meetingwhich had other vigilantes in attendance, further addressed the issues of kidnapping in parts of the state.

Chief Gani Adams with another security official at the meeting

Legit.ng recently reported that angry residents of Ikorodu in Lagos state tried to stop officers of the Nigerian Police Force from arresting a suspected member of Badoo, a deadly cult group killing people in the area.

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In another development, Legit.ng reported that an alleged member of the notorious Badoo cult terrorising Ikorodu area of Lagos state was reportedly caught by residents of Escobar, Ogijo on Wednesday.

Watch this video and see how the Nigerian AIr Force recently bombarded a Boko Haram base:

Source: Legit.ng
- Anambra state indigenes under the umbrella of Anambra Peoples Assembly blasted Nnamdi Kanu

- The group warned the IPOB leader to stay clear of Anambra election

- They argued that Nnamdi Kanu chas no right to other people to boycott the November 2017 election in Anambra state

Anambra state indigenes under the umbrella of Anambra Peoples Assembly have warned Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to stay away from Anambra election in November 2017.

Recall that Legit.ng earlier reported that IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, had urged Anambra people to boycott the governorship election slated for November.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, Mazi Nnamdi Okorafor, the group noted that the people of Anambra State were law-abiding and will not be dragged along by any individual or group of persons.

He said: I will assume that there are no men in Igbo land, if we allow a small boy to drag all of us into war against Nigeria through hate speech.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram kills four Nigerian soldiers in Borno state

Nnamdi Kanu is making a fool of himself, very soon his paymasters will distance themselves from him. He and his illiterate minions will be dancing alone in the market square Unclad. Being Igbo does not mean you are an IPOB member, neither does being an IPOB leader makes you the leader of the Igbos.

Let truth be told. But with due respect to the right thinking and illustrious sons and daughters of Abia State. Let me ask these questions, When did an Abia man become wiser than the Anambra man to warrant a confusionist like Nnamdi Kanu to order Anambra people not to vote while his Abia governor is still on seat?

Why would the good, wise and hard-working Anambra sons and daughters listen to a guy man who kept his wife and kids in London come here to suggest what is capable of destroying the lives of young Anambra youths. Anambra people should not allow anybody to toy with their future and destiny.

We agree that self-determination is the right of every person or group in Nigeria, that being said. We hereby declare that Anambra state has distanced self from Biafra struggle.

"All Biafra activists and agitators are warned to leave Anambra and return to their various states of origin.

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We are too big to be dragged along by any person or group of persons. Anambra state indigenes and lawful residents will register and participate fully in the forthcoming governorship elections of November 2017 in the state."

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to stop arrogating to itself the supreme leadership of Igbo land.

President-general of the organisation, John Nwodo, issued the warning in Awka on Thursday, June 29 while addressing members of the Anambra House of Assembly.

Watch Legit.ng video of Nnamdi Kanu addressing followers in Isiama Afara, Abia State

Source: Legit.ng
- The Nigerian army continues to achieve a lot in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and other national threats

- Nigerian army says through internal security operations it has contributed to the country's democratic process

- The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai reminded the soldiers of the sacrifices paid by its gallant troops

The Nigerian Army says it has contributed immensely to the democratic process in the country through robust participation in peace support and internal security operations.

It said that it contributed by consolidating, especially in the last one year on the gains so far achieved in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and other domestic threats.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai made the remarks on Friday at a news conference to begin the 2017 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), which holds on every July 6.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram kills four Nigerian soldiers in Borno state

The army which came into being in 1863 is now 154 years old.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Christopher Jemitola, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Buratai said that the 2017 event was organised to sustain the rich history, traditions and values of the army.

The theme of the celebration is; Sustaining the Successes of the Nigerian Army in Tackling Contemporary and Emerging Security Challenges.

This theme was deliberately chosen to reflect on the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army in the fight against insurgency in the North East and other forms of criminalities across the nation.

The liberation of all parts of the country hitherto claimed by the Boko Haram terrorists and the eventual collapse of the once dreaded Sambisa forest are clear testimonies to this fact, Buratai said.

He said the annual event was an opportunity for the army to take stock, assess its performances, inter-face with members of the public and set goals for the succeeding year.

He recalled that onJuly 6, 1967, the first shot was fired at Garkem in the present day Cross River, which commenced the unfortunate 30-month long Nigerian Civil War.

The army chief said that NADCEL constantly reminded the army of the supreme sacrifices paid by its gallant troops, as well as to showcase its contributions in keeping Nigeria united and indivisible country.

The celebration is also aimed at protecting the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development as well as highlighting the achievements, capabilities and positive image of the Nigerian Army.

At a Jumaat service to begin the event, Brig.-Gen. Shehu Mustapha, the Director of Army Islamic Affairs called on religious leaders to contribute their quota in ensuring peace in the country.

Mustapha urged them to prevail on their followers to exercise restraint in the practices of their belief and avoid extremism to reduce the incident of religious crisis.

They must assist the army by preventing conflicts, he said, noting that religious extremism causes crisis.

He also urged Nigerians of different faith to be tolerant of one another, while praying for the quick recovery of the president.

At the service, the chief of army staff, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Alkali Ahmadu, the Chief of Administration, commended officers and men of the army for their resilience in the fight against insurgency.

While urging them to be disciplined and subjective to constituted authorities, Buratai charged them to ensure that terrorists were totally defeated.

Other activities lined up for the week-long celebration include sanitation, medical outreach and photo/arts exhibition.

In a previous report by Legit.ng, Buratai on Thursday, June 29, insisted that Boko Haram insurgents have been totally decimated.

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The COAS said the attacks being witnessed now was like the case of dying men trying to survive.

He stated that the Nigerian Army was leaving nothing to chance in the war against terrorism in the country.

Watch a video report of the recently released Chibok girls by Boko Haram on Legit.ng TV below:

Source: Legit.ng
Ratna Park collects Rs10m in entry fees

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has collected more than Rs10 million from entry fees to Ratna Park in a year.
The United States announced six goals to achieve global energy dominance.

1. Revive and expand nuclear energy sector

2. Address barriers to financing of overseas coal energy plants

3. Build an oil pipeline to Mexico

4. Sell more American natural gas to South Korea

5. Approve two long-term applications to export additional natural gas from the Lake Charles LNG terminal in Louisiana

6. Release new offshore oil and gas leasing program.

The US will perform a complete review of US nuclear energy policy to help find new ways to revitalize nuclear energy.

Nuclear Energy Institute president and CEO Maria Korsnick said the US nuclear industry welcomed a comprehensive study of the issues it faces. If the president wishes for our nation to achieve nuclear energy dominance both at home and abroad, hell do it by preserving the existing nuclear fleet, paving the way for the deployment of advanced nuclear designs and stimulating exports abroad. We look forward to working with the administration on these incredible opportunities, she said after attending the event.

Earlier in the week Energy Secretary Perry reaffirmed the administrations support for nuclear energy, particularly advanced reactors and small modular reactors.

The United States has been a net energy importer since 1953, but thanks to innovation and technological advancement, we are on the brink of changing this. By 2018 the United States is expected to be a net exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The US export LNG to international trading partners in Europe and Asia. This includes China, where bilateral energy trade was an important element of President Trump and President Xi Jinpings 100-Day Action Plan. We hope to build on that dialogue with other allies around the world who are seeking to buy American LNG.
Stock brokers halt trading in protest of VAT

Stockbrokers halted transactions in the secondary market on Thursday, protesting against the governments move to bring stockbrokers into the value added tax (VAT) regime.
Stop the rot

Studying to become a doctor requires a huge investment of time and money. It is expected that the responsible authorities accord this study the gravity it deserves.
US hails local level vote II

The United States has said it appreciates the efforts of everyone who participated in conducting what appears to have been generally orderly, peaceful and broadly supported local elections in Provinces 1, 5, and 7.